Greek and Assyrian Organisations Highlight Threats to Middle East Christians

The Antiochian Greek Organization and Bethnahrin National Council issued a public call for unity to address pressing challenges threatening the survival and heritage of Christians in the Levant, Syriac Press reported.

Representing a legacy that spans ancient Hellenistic, Seleucid, Roman, and Syriac civilisations, this community includes Greek Orthodox, Greek Melkite Catholics, Syriac Orthodox, Syriac Catholics, Maronites, and Evangelicals, whose shared heritage underscores their cultural and religious richness.

In the statement, the organisations highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections of the Greek Antiochians with Greeks across the Mediterranean and the Syriacs with communities in Turkey, Iraq, and Anatolia.

They emphasised the ecumenical significance of Levantine Christianity, which has profoundly influenced global Christianity through its teachings and artistic contributions.

Amid ongoing crises, including violence, instability in Syria, and an alarming emigration trend, Levantine Christians are calling for greater political recognition and representation in their ancestral homelands. The statement urged collaboration among political, cultural, and religious leaders to protect their communities while respecting internal diversity.

During the 2024 Christmas period, the organisations extended wishes of peace, love, and unity, emphasising the need for solidarity to secure a brighter future. The message concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving their rich legacy and building resilience against the challenges they face.

"The current challenges and threats faced by the Greek Antiochians, Syriacs, and all Levantine Christians call for a united effort to preserve our presence in the homeland of our great ancestors, who shaped the most profound and enduring expressions of Christianity," the statement said.

"In response to these challenges, Levantine Christians political, cultural, and religious leaders must collaborate across social, cultural, and political spheres. It is equally important that these efforts respect the historical, cultural, and religious differences within our communities. These differences should not divide us but rather serve as a source of enrichment and pride in our rich history," the statement continued.

"As political activists for the Greek Antiochians and Syriacs, both within and beyond the Levant, must intensify our efforts to achieve recognition for indigenous Christian peoples and secure their rightful representation in the constitutions of Levantine countries. This is essential to maintaining our presence in our ancestral homelands and addressing the alarming emigration crisis, which has reached an unsustainable level and can no longer be ignored," it concluded.
1+1>2 is the right path for US-China technological interaction: Global Times editorial

Global Times) 09:08, January 03, 2025

The year of 2025 has been declared the "International Year of Quantum Science and Technology" by the United Nations. A series of events is expected throughout the year to commemorate and recognize the significant impact of quantum theory on technology and society, while also charting a path for humanity to better benefit from advances in quantum technologies. However, a dark cloud looms over the horizon of scientific progress. On Thursday, a new rule meant to prevent US-based people and companies from investing in the development of a range of advanced technologies in China officially took effect. Concerns over the so-called "tech cold war" have cast a shadow over the optimism inspired by quantum technology.

Quantum science, a "disruptive innovation" likely to change the landscape of global influence, has received considerable attention from the world's leading technological powers, with the achievements of China and the US being particularly prominent. At the end of 2024, Google announced its latest quantum computer, based on a chip called Willow, which performed a mathematical calculation in five minutes that would take one of the world's most powerful supercomputers 10 septillion years to complete. A few days later, Chinese scientists unveiled the Zuchongzhi 3.0 quantum processor, demonstrating "the strongest current advantage in superconducting quantum computing."

It is widely believed that in the three major fields of quantum technology, the US and China each have their advantages and are roughly on par with each other.

While it is normal for two innovative nations to be compared by the outside world, viewing the technological development of these countries solely through the lens of competition and rivalry is overly narrow. In certain specific areas, while competition exists between China and the US, this healthy rivalry actually drives breakthroughs for humanity as a whole in the field of quantum technology. It also helps foster mutual advancement and collective improvement between the two nations. Instead of competition, China and the US should focus more on cooperation. The world has long anticipated the arrival of the "Fourth Technological Revolution," fueled by disruptive innovations such as quantum technology and artificial intelligence, to propel the global economy into its next phase of prosperity. As two leading technological powers, China and the US bear the responsibility of working together to realize this global vision as soon as possible.

However, some people in the US regard some of the US' advantages in the field of quantum technology as so-called "quantum hegemony" and use the "quantum race" to add a Cold War filter to the interaction between China and the US in this domain. Under this mind-set, rather than pursuing fair, reasonable, healthy, and rules-based competition, Washington engages in so-called "obstruction strategies." Ignoring market economy principles and fundamental norms of international relations, it employs the state apparatus in a full-government, all-dimensional, and across-the-board approach to suppress, encircle, and contain China under the guise of competition.

China and the US are not rivals, let alone enemies. The notion of China as a "rival" is a construct created by certain individuals in the US. This extends to fields such as quantum technology and others.

To limit China's technological progress, the US has established barriers in the areas of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, with particularly strict restrictions on quantum computing. However, as in other fields, these efforts to contain China have not successfully hindered the country's advancements in quantum technology. In January 2024, China's third-generation independent superconducting quantum computer "Benyuan Wukong" was put into operation and was temporarily opened for free to global users. In late October, Chinese scientists successfully completed the world's largest-scale quantum computational fluid dynamics simulation on "Benyuan Wukong."

China's progress is not a "threat." It has no intention of engaging in a "tech cold war" with any country, nor does it seek so-called technological hegemony. The purpose of China's pursuit of technological innovation is to benefit its people, allowing technology to change lives and continuously fulfill the people's aspirations for a better life. Currently, the escalating risks of the China-US tech war have raised significant concerns among other countries. Both China and the US have a greater responsibility to take concrete actions to mitigate confrontation risks and stabilize international expectations.

Former US president Jimmy Carter recently passed away at the age of 100. Among his legacies on the US' China policy, the recently renewed US-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement stands out. Over the decades since the agreement was signed, scientific cooperation between the two countries has benefited both sides. Statistics show that the number of co-authored papers between American researchers and researchers of any other nationality is not as high as that of Chinese-American collaborations.

Both the US and China have their own advantages in the field of technology, and if they cooperate, they can leverage the advantage of 1+1>2, accelerating the realization of the new industrial revolution, from which the whole world including the two countries would benefit. However, the current actions of the US have largely hindered this progress, and it is hoped that the US will soon return to the correct path of 1+1>2.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Blog Archive: Mar 2025 (70) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55)
by Nirmala Carvalho

40 years after the disaster that still continues to impact the health of the local population, the Indian government has implemented a local court order, transferring the toxic waste to the industrial city of Pithampur, where it should be disposed of in the coming months. But the authorities are meeting resistance from the local population.

Bhopal (AsiaNews) - The Indian authorities have announced that they have removed the 337 tons of toxic waste still lying in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the scene of the worst industrial disaster in history. But the disposal of the substances, which could take up to nine months, risks causing further damage to health and the environment.

Yesterday, a convoy finished transferring the toxic substances to a waste disposal plant in the industrial town of Pithampur, 230 km from Bhopal. The local population called for a demonstration because they fear the consequences that people still face in Bhopal, where hundreds of thousands of inhabitants suffer from health problems due to soil and groundwater contamination.

Swatantra Kumar Singh, director of the Bhopal Care and Rehabilitation Department, told the Reuters news agency that the waste will be disposed of in a way that is safe for the local ecosystem. In a statement, the Indian government also said that a disposal trial in 2015 with 10 tonnes of toxic substances had shown emission levels in line with national standards. Claims with which local residents do not agree: according to Rachna Dhingra, an activist for the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, the relocation of the waste would create a slow-motion Bhopal even at the disposal site.

Our hearts tremble when we remember the horrible Bhopal gas tragedy. The toxic waste from the Union Carbide plant must be disposed of. However, it should be done after thorough discussions with scientists, experts and local residents as it is a matter of people's health, commented former Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party, the party from which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hails.

'The disposal of this waste is not a political issue at all. The discussion should be about whether there will be any negative effects on the environment, land and water sources after the destruction of waste in Pithampur. The people of Bhopal have been suffering from the negative effects of the gas tragedy for generations. So this waste should be disposed of with utmost care, Mahajan added.

On the night of 2 to 3 December 1984, a toxic cloud of methyl isocyanate, a chemical compound used in the production of pesticides, leaked from the plant of the US company Union Carbide, killing thousands of people immediately.

According to various estimates, at least another 560,000 have since suffered irreversible health damage. Despite numerous investigations, the company never faced a proper trial.

For some of the victims, the only compensation was 0 paid by Union Carbide in 1989, out of a total of 0 million paid by the company to the Indian government under an out-of-court settlement.

Among the materials that have been removed from the contaminated site in recent days are pesticide residues and eternal chemicals, so called because they retain toxic properties indefinitely.

Jitu Patwar, Congress MP, the party representing the opposition, pointed out that the incineration of toxic waste at Pithampur could generate new health problems, as well as serious damage to the environment. He also pointed out that although the Madhya Pradesh High Court had issued directives and set a deadline of four weeks for the transfer of the waste, the court order did not stipulate that it should all be disposed of in Pithampur alone.

Over the years, the authorities had already tried several times to transfer the waste from the Bhopal factory, but always met resistance from activists and local residents.

INDIAN MANDALA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO INDIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY FRIDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
Today's news: Former US Vice President Mike Pence to visit Hong Kong in mid-January; Laos asks China to close a mine over environmental damage; European diplomats in Syria; Kyrgyzstan wants to raise the minimum age for marriage to 18.

SOUTH KOREA

South Korean police suspended an attempt to arrest former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was impeached for declaring martial law a month ago. After a six-hour standoff between police and presidential guards, investigators deemed it virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant. In one hour, the number of officers rose from 20 to 80. Yoon considers the arrest warrant against him illegal and refuses to appear before the investigators.

CHINA - USA

Former Vice President Mike Pence will visit Hong Kong in mid-January to participate in an economic forum, the UBS Wealth Insights 2025, where he will offer an insider's view on the US election and its global implications, according to sources in the South China Morning Post. Pence, who had distanced himself from Trump, is also expected to meet with industry representatives in Hong Kong.

LAOS

Laos has ordered a Chinese-owned mine to shut down because it is held responsible for creating two sinkholes that opened up between rice fields in Pak Peng village in Thakhaek district. Residents believe the hollows (the largest 20 metres wide and 10 metres deep) are the result of excavations in the Nong Bok district where a company owned by the Chinese government operates, and fear that at some point the ground will cave in completely.

SYRIA - EU

The German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, and the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, will be the first European representatives to travel to Syria and meet with Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group to the reconquest of the country. My trip today, together with my French counterpart and on behalf of the EU, is a clear signal to the Syrians: a new political beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible, Baerbock said, according to a ministry statement issued before his departure for Damascus.

KRGHIZISTAN

Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has proposed changes to the Family Code, circulating the text for public discussion, raising the minimum age allowed for marriage to 18, whereas currently the rule is in force that for locally respectable reasons marriage can be permitted even at the age of a minor.

RUSSIA

President Vladimir Putin has given the task of creating a single Russian language manual for the next school year, which is balanced and well connected to everything, and takes into account the mentality of today's Russian youth, and for exercises add texts of patriotic literature, along with other manuals for the state languages of the federal republics.
In his New Years Eve address to the nation, Pashinian said that his country is entering 2025 in a significantly more peaceful, significantly more stable, significantly more secure environment, and significantly more independent, significantly more sovereign, significantly more confident than before.

The year 2024 has been the most peaceful and calm year for our country in the last twenty years, and this fact really needs to be analyzed deeply and seriously, he said, adding that his policies will keep Armenia on that trajectory.

In that context Pashinian touted unilateral territorial concessions to Azerbaijan which he made last spring, sparking massive anti-government protests in Yerevan. He described them as a success story.

Pashinians domestic detractors maintain that the handover of four disputed border areas and Pashinians broader appeasement policy will not bring real peace and will only encourage Baku to seek more Armenian concessions.

Following the handover, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev renewed his demands for a change of Armenias constitution which he says contains territorial claims to his country. He went on to set other preconditions for an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. Those include the return of Azerbaijanis who lived in Soviet Armenia until the late 1980s and an end to Yerevans arms acquisitions.

Aliyev again demanded an end to those acquisitions in his New Year address to the nation, saying that they pose a security threat to Azerbaijan, the defense budget of which is almost three times higher than Armenias.

I consider it my duty to once again warn the Armenian leadership to avoid this dangerous path, he said, adding that Armenia is unable to compete with us either militarily or in any other field.

Armenian officials said earlier that Baku may be planning to launch another military aggression against Armenia after hosting the COP29 climate summit in November. Pashinians administration is anxious to prevent such invasion by negotiating the peace treaty.
3 January 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Kazakhstan has ensured an objective and impartial investigation into the cause of the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane near Aktau.

Azernews reports that Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed this in an interview with local media.

"The sending of the 'black boxes' from the Azerbaijani AZAL airliner that crashed near Aktau to Brazil will allow for a more objective investigation of the incident," he stated.

According to Tokayev, a government commission has been formed for the investigation, and 17 international experts have been invited, including representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Interstate Aviation Committee.

"The government commission has decided to send the flight recorders to Brazil, where the plane was manufactured. I am confident that this is the only right decision to ensure the objectivity and impartiality of the investigation," Tokayev emphasized.

Earlier, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport had announced that the "black boxes" of the AZAL passenger plane had been sent to Brazil.

Tokayev also acknowledged the high professionalism and civic responsibility demonstrated by Kazakh rescuers, medics, and police, who responded quickly to the accident.

"Employees of the Mangistau Regional Electric Grid Company, near the scene of the tragedy, immediately assisted the victims. Local residents also showed compassion. Thanks to their selflessness, we were able to save as many lives as possible. I express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue operations," Tokayev said.

At the time of the crash, the AZAL "Embraer 190" passenger plane, flying flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, had 62 passengers and 5 crew members on board. The incident resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 injuries of varying severity.
3 January 2025 12:39 (UTC+04:00)

A meeting was held between representatives of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora and diaspora activists in Austria at the Azerbaijan House in Salzburg, the cultural capital of Austria.

Azernews reports according to the Austrian Azerbaijani Society, the purpose of the meeting was to enhance diaspora-building efforts in Austria and outline future activities.

The head of the Austrian Azerbaijani Society and the Salzburg Azerbaijani House spoke at the event, highlighting the role of the Azerbaijan House.

Several diaspora members and activists who made significant contributions to the Azerbaijani diaspora were honored with certificates of appreciation for their work in 2024.
3 January 2025 10:36 (UTC+04:00)

Two police officers were injured in an explosion near a police station in Berlin, Azernews reports citing Spiegel.

According to the publication Spiegel, the explosion occurred near the wall of the station in the Wittenau neighborhood at night.

The victims, a female and a male officer, were injured by an unknown object. One of them is in serious condition. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
3 January 2025 16:50 (UTC+04:00)

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot have visited Syria to initiate negotiations on behalf of the European Union, marking the first visit by EU foreign ministers to the current Syrian government.

Azernews reports, citing the German Foreign Ministry, the ministers will meet with Syrian government leader Ahmed al-Shara and representatives of civil society during their visit.

Baerbock highlighted that key issues on the agenda include revitalizing Syria's political environment, forming a peaceful government, supporting the countrys social transformation, and ensuring equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion. She emphasized that for Germany and the EU, Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity are crucial to establishing a comprehensive political order, with a focus on preventing external influence in the countrys internal affairs.
3 January 2025 20:23 (UTC+04:00)

Kazakhstan may begin the construction of two more nuclear power plants following the completion of its first high-power nuclear power plant (NPP), Azernews reports citing the local media.

In an interview with the republican newspaper Ana Tili, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that Kazakhstan needs a high-power NPP and hinted at the possibility of starting the construction of a second and even a third plant in the near future.

Tokayev believes that the nuclear energy sector will significantly boost Kazakhstans economy, which is currently facing an energy shortage. He emphasized that Kazakhstan should become a leader in developed nuclear energy, calling it a sector with a promising future.

He also mentioned that Kazakhstan would be the primary operator in the consortium for the NPP's construction. The matter was discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Astana, with an agreement that Kazakhstan would serve as the main operator of the project. Tokayev noted that competitive procedures for the project would be held this year, leading to a final government decision.
We were asked to share something we were grateful for in my yoga class. I struggled. I thought of all the typical things: my best friend, who also happens to be my wife, my family, my health, another day on earth. I remained silent, instead, thinking of things I was grateful for that are under attack, threatened by extremists. Maybe half the class spoke up, sharing personal gratitudes, some fighting back tears. Half of us remained silent; ironically, I felt grateful that I wasnt the only one. As I did my best to stay focused on the yoga positions and my breathing.  I remembered!

Since integrity, logic, critical thinking and human rights are systematically being replaced with a fabricated hate, encouraged, condoned and enabled by one of the most despicable human beings to walk the earth, I struggle to find something to be thankful for (I fear the poor souls who bought into the lies will have the same struggle very, very soon). It is deeply sad that anyone thought their life would somehow be better with a convicted felon as president? The adoration of a narcissistic criminal is mind-boggling, a disturbing cult driven by fear, hate and lies. What reasonable explanation? Take your time, but while youre thinking, I think I have found some joy, some gratitude, a silver lining.

I live in Oregon. My gratitude is knowing that no matter how many Oregonians voted for a convicted felon sexual abuser, hoping to validate, protect and advance their embrace of racism, homophobia, religious dogma, misogyny.  they all live in my beautiful, liberal state of Oregon! Maybe that silly Idaho pipe dream border fantasy will come true, but while your waiting for miracles, (one of which would be that your life will somehow be improved by a con artist) always remember  in Oregon, womens rights, access to abortion, gay marriage, LBGTQ protections, gun controls and all those radical left policies have been and will be perennially protected by a Democratic governor, Senate, House and a majority of likeminded liberal citizens. Something to be extremely grateful for! Happy New Year!

Mike Meyer

Baker City
Old, Familiar Oregon Coast Landmark Tree Falls Off Garibaldi's Three Graces

Published 01/02/25 at 5:55 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Garibaldi, Oregon)  Sometimes the winds of change blow a lot harder  like knock-something-down hard. (Photos Romy Carver: before and after)

A favorite scenic silhouette on the north Oregon coast was toppled during the Christmas windstorm of 2024, a day that also brought down many power lines. Yet it's the landmark that really hit the heartstrings of locals and regular visitors alike, with many bemoaning the loss of a familiar sight.

The Three Graces are an ancient presence on the Tillamook Bay, right about the northern end of Garibaldi. Atop the middle of the Three Graces was a towering tree, one that had been there for a good 100 years and managed to thrive atop an inhospitable spot for trees.

Yet how did it get there? How did it take root up there? Maybe it wasn't really thriving. It's a curious story.



Romy Carver

Romy Carver from Bay City provided some photographs of the recent change in scenery to Oregon Coast Beach Connection. It has made locals a little sad.

It's a popular attraction and a favorite thing to photograph, Carver told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. People are pretty sentimental about the tree, and are sad about the cormorants losing their favorite roosting spot.



Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Local residents say the tree died a few years ago, while one expert said it may have been less than that. So it's not surprising the famed tree  which apparently had no real name or nickname  came down during a heavy windstorm.

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad chugs past it on every trip. The way the bend in the highway is situated, you can focus on little else as you come around the curves of Tillamook Bay.



Three Graces at night / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

There's a business here called The Salty Heron that makes mugs and tshirts and things like that, and they have a design of the tree on the rock which is popular, Carver said. It's just one of those recognizable coastal things, I guess.

It was also home to critters.

I'm not sure how long the tree has been dead, but it's looked pretty dead for awhile, Carver said. However, its branches were often full of cormorants, so it provided them a home.

When you look at older photographs  like this one from around 2009  you can see the tilt-angled tree still with greenery. It goes back well over 100 years, as Carver provided a historic photo of the place way back in 1910.

Erick Finnell, Stewardship Forester with Oregon Department of Forestry, said he's driven past it quite a bit and always noticed it was kind of a scraggly one.

Finnell said it was quite likely it died within the last two, three years.

Living at that rather precarious state and angle, it would not have lasted long once it died.

How do trees get up onto sea stacks like that? And how does soil even get there?

Finnell said first there are concave areas in those rocks where soil can collect. He thinks it's entirely possible the rocks were closer to land before they built the jetties, which channeled the river's direction slightly, flooding this area.

It could've been from a seed that was dropped by a bird, or maybe blown off the hill, Finnell said. And by a miracle it sprouted on top of the rock.

It had a lucky environment, to some degree. There was probably just enough soil for a root to take hold.

This is a cool, wet place with soil and a lot of moisture, Finnell said.

You can see plenty of other trees on those Three Graces. Yet this one was particularly good at beating the odds with its angle and surroundings.

It was probably quite a stressed-out tree growing on a rock like that, he said. The older the tree and the bigger it gets, the more resources it needs. Until it just hit the rock below and just died.

Finnell said it was likely a sitka spruce.

Hotels in Tillamook Bay - Where to eat - Tillamook Maps and Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Quadrantids Meteor Shower Peak Coming Up for Oregon, Washington, Coast Beaches

Published 01/01/25 at 5:35 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Depoe Bay, Oregon)  Friday morning may see something special in the skies as the Quadrantids meteor showers reach their peak during the mid day, perhaps offering as much as 100 meteors per hour. However, experts are saying hit the outdoors just before dawn that morning and you could see some of the best activity of the year, even if it is just shy of the actual peak hours. (Above: Catching the pre-dawn skies at Depoe Bay's Cape Foulweather can be astounding, even if there are no meteors. Oregon Coast Beach Connection photo)

Right now, the weather does not look like it will cooperate wherever you are in Oregon or Washington, but if any clear conditions suddenly break out (as they have lately), you could get a few magnificent streaks  especially in areas like the Washington coast or Oregon coast where there's little light pollution.

See Oregon Coast Weather (including tides) - Inland Oregon Weather

While weather wasn't forecast to cooperate in the early hours of December 31, it did eventually. Significant clearing happened from Portland down through at least Pacific City as a hint of aurora borealis was set to pop up. One reader in Pacific City caught this photo of faint northern lights in the north Oregon coast town.

The Quadrantids are a different kind of meteor peak, however. The absolute highest activity happens only within a few hours, although they are viewable about a week on either side of the peak day  January 3.



Manzanita - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Stargazers in the Pacific Northwest and its beaches will be lucky this year, however, as the Quadrantids coincide near a new moon, which brings mostly dark skies.

Jim Todd, planetarium manager with Portland's OMSI, told Oregon Coast Beach Connection the Quadrantids were named for the former constellation Quadrans Muralis (Murals Quadrant), which once occupied the area of northern Bootes.

It is thought that this shower is related to the recently discovered asteroid 2003 EH1, Todd said. This object is most likely an extinct comet nucleus that appears to be the remnant of a larger object that broke up about 500 years ago.



Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Todd suggests to dress warmly and get as wide a view of the sky as possible.

You may not see any meteors for some time, but be patient as they often move very fast and are gone before you can turn your eyes on them, Todd said.

The reason the peak is such a small set of hours is because the debris field is so narrow. When the Earth passes through the thickest part it doesn't take very long.

The meteor showers actually begin in December and go to about January 16, so you could still get lucky and see a few those bright, cosmic morsels in and around areas like Oregon City, Medford, Brookings, Tacoma, Seaview or Newport.

There's another very unusual aspect to the Quadrantrids: some frequencies of radio signals on Earth can briefly bounce off them and create interesting radio bursts.



Bandon, photo Manuela Durson - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts



According to the American Meteorological Society (AMS), while meteors do not emit radio waves, they can act as mirrors and reflect them  signals coming from transmitters too far away to normally hear.

If you have a radio you can fine tune, this could be a trippy activity. This is especially true if you're out on either of the coastlines in your car, playing with the radio as you watch the surf.



Above Cannon Beach - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

This is called forward scatter, opposed to backscatter where the transmitter and receiver are at the same place (radar), the AMS said. For practical reasons the frequency range 50  150 MHz (wavelength 6 m  2 m) is used. This includes amongst others the FM band and TV transmitters which havent switched yet to digital. Most reflections are short (less than a second), but brighter meteors can cause reflections lasting minutes.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours







MORE PHOTOS BELOW













More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Remarkable Historic Photos from Oregon Coast With Even Wilder Tales

Published 12/29/24 at 6:35 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon)  History in any locale has its unique revelations, its marvels. And while they say pictures can say a thousand words  well, sometimes they can't as much as the actual tales. (Above: the second lighthouse and bridge)

Here's a handful of remarkable historic photographs from the Oregon coast with even more amazing stories.

Cape Arago Lighthouse near Coos Bay is one of the more elusive landmarks of the south Oregon coast: for over two decades it's been closed to visitors of any kind. In fact, the little island it's on  once again known as Chief's Island  is a no-go for humans. It is seriously falling apart.

So maybe it is no surprise that there were three lighthouses named Cape Arago Lighthouse.

The first was built in 1866, but a new one was constructed 30 years later. The first was 25 feet high. In 1896, that one opened and the old one was moved  partially because the island was eroding so bad and parts were crumbling underneath.



The original lighthouse in the 1880s (courtesy Friends of Cape Arago Lighthouse)

Those were made of wood.

In the early century, another member of the Albee family (by now a lineage of lighthouse keepers) took over and recommended some changes. So in 1934, a new one was completed  this time of concrete - and the second one actually moved once more.

That one was active until 2006, but even before that access to the place was cut off to humans. The bridge over to the place was dismantled in 2012 and the crumbling island officially turned back over to native tribes of the Coos Bay area. Tales of the End of a South Oregon Coast Lighthouse: Chief's Island and Arago Light

See full story Surprise History: There Were Three Cape Arago Lighthouses on S. Oregon Coast

On July 22, 1926, nearly 30 years after batting around the idea, some 8,000 people packed the top of a major high point in Astoria for the dedication ceremony of the Astoria Column. It was a wild time had by all  a huge shot in the arm for north Oregon coast tourism and civic pride for the town.

The historic photo above shows the beginnings of the Astoria Column. You can see the fresco details had not been painted yet. It turns out, however, three sections of it were done by this time. They just weren't quite finished: famed artist Attilio Pusterla and his crew had only started that work on July 1.





It all started back in 1898, with the oldest town west of the Mississippi thinking about its centennial in 1911. They originally had something as grand as the Eiffel Tower in mind, but nothing that ambitious was in the cards. A major fire and other issues set back plans, and Coxcomb Hill had not even been acquired until 1914.

Still, construction of the Astoria Column started on March 8 of 1926 and managed to finish up in June. In the '40s it was taken over by the military for use in World War II, and over the decades it's been refurbished numerous times. Beginnings, Inspirations of the Astoria Column - N. Oregon Coast History

In the early hours of October 25, 1906, a British ship called the Peter Iredale was trying to ease its way into Astoria, but in the dark it had not yet lumbered up to the Columbia River bar. The four-masted, mostly steel barque was already caught in stormy seas and chaotic conditions by 2 a.m. when Captain H. Lawrence saw the lights of Astoria.

By 7 a.m., the Iredale had lost her bearings and crashed onshore.

So began the reign of one of the most photographed shipwrecks in the world, captivating people for over 100 years and nearly getting smacked by a shell shot from a Japanese sub in WWII. See When a Japanese Submarine Fire Upon Fort Stevens



In 1951

Over the decades, less and less has been visible, especially since 2000. Much of this is because it is slowly sinking into the sands further and further  ironically sands that weren't even there several years before it crashed (thanks to the building of jetties the land built up sand). Wilder and wilder seas take out more of it as well, chipping away at the hull.

In late 2023, more of it showed than in a long time. Sand levels got so low it almost looked like it had 20 years before. See Wrecking the Peter Iredale: How Oregon Coast History Played Out in 1906

The famed Alsea Bay Bridge in Waldport you now know so well is not the original that was there. In fact, in the early '90s a major endeavor took place to blow up the original Conde McCullough bridge that had been there since 1936.

Remarkably, its replacement took about two decades, starting in 1972 when they first decided to replace the famed one that was getting rundown. Construction commenced in the '80s as the new one was slowly put together right next to the original.





Retained from that icon were the yellow crystal lights and the stone pillars, along with other design elements.

In 1991 it was completed and a massive celebration held in August. However, it was the slow dismantling of the old bridge and the dynamite which really made an impression. See the photos now and then historical article for more.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours









MORE PHOTOS BELOW













More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....



Coastal Spotlight



Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection

All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright  Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted
Steps taken by Italy's populist conservative government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have blocked 200,000 illegal aliens from arriving on Italy's shores, drastically reducing illegal alien arrivals from prior years. The key to this success has been tying Italy's foreign aid to the countries from which the illegal aliens depart to reach Italy to those countries taking major concrete steps to prevent those departures. With that incentive in place, those governments have been busy doing the things that keep the migrants from setting out for Italy.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/01/01/meloni-italy-stops-migrants-crossing/

This contrasts to places like France, departure point for migrants going to the UK, where there have been pictures published of police standing watching migrant boats set off from French shores for the UK. French government boats have even escorted them halfway across. While the UK does not give foreign aid to France, obviously, there should be other incentives the British could give to stop that.

The US does give foreign aid to the countries migrants pass through, as well as their origin counties. Foreign aid can be used as a tool to make them crack down and to take their migrants back.
The process of jihadist radicalization turned New Orleans terrorist Jabbar from a moderate Muslim that he had been throughout his earlier life into a bloodthirsy killer intend on slaughtering "non-believers". That happened in his hometown of Houston, apparently at his local mosque which was run by the radical Muslim Brotherhood. That mosque is now telling its members not to cooperate with law enforcement.

But this is not the only radicalization of Muslims going on in Houston. Muslim children are being radicalized in an organized effort. They even posted a video, now removed, on YouTube bragging about it. In that video, young Muslim children in Houston, Texas, were shown chanting "Don't look at my young age - I will be your soldier - one day when you need me, I will be your martyr"

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/01/02/resurfaced-video-shows-houston-based-muslim-children-pledging-to-be-islamic-soldiers-martyrs/

This is happening right here in the United States and it needs to be stopped. This radicalization process leads to terrorism.

https://nypost.com/2025/01/02/opinion/douglas-murray-from-college-campuses-to-afghanistan-we-let-islamic-terrorism-rise-again/
A man was fatally shot on New Years Eve in Vallejo, authorities said. Paul Kuroda/Special to the Chronicle 2020

A man was fatally shot on New Years Eve in Vallejo, authorities said.

Officers were alerted by medical personnel of a man who arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound just before 6 p.m., the Vallejo Police Department said. The man was pronounced dead there. His identity was not released pending notification of next of kin.

According to witness statements and evidence at the scene, the shooting happened on the 100 block of Kemper Street around 5:45 p.m., investigators said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

No further details were released about the shooting, which police said was the 25th homicide being investigated in Vallejo in 2024.
From left, visitors Abi Subramanian, Hari Sundar, Sriru Srivatsav and Suryaa Raman take a guided handcar tour on historic train tracks in Marina (Monterey County). The company Handcar Tours is fighting for survival after its lease was not renewed, which the company said was in retaliation for opposing a bus line that would have resulted in tearing up the rails. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Sriru Srivatsav, left, and Abi Subramanian pose on the train tracks as Hari Sundar, far left, and Suryaa Raman take their photographs during a handcar tour in Marina. The company Handcar Tours won permission from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 2021 to run rail handcars on a section of the Monterey Branch Line. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle A placard with some history on handcars at the Museum of Handcar technology, which gives guided tours in Marina. The Monterey Branch Line was built in the 1870s but is now in danger of being torn up. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle People on a Handcar Tours outing in Marina lift their hands to signal that they are slowing down. Handcar Tours lease was not renewed to use the railway, which the company said was in retaliation for opposing a bus line that would have resulted in tearing up the rails. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Mason Clark, left, who owns and operates Handcar Tours with his family, speaks to a group of visitors ahead of giving a handcar tour in Marina. Since 2021, more than 30,000 visitors have ridden the rails. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Three years ago, handcars started running on train tracks that had lain dormant for decades. Rides at the Museum of Handcar Technology took passengers on a scenic 3-mile track along the coast of Monterey Bay as their railcars clacked on the line beneath them.

Since 2021, Mason and Todd Clarks small and flourishing business has served tens of thousands of visitors with a unique, human-powered ride in custom-made handcars along the Monterey Branch Line.

Sriru Srivatsav, left, and Suryaa Raman go on a guided handcar tour in Marina with Handcar Tours. The companys lease to use the railway was not renewed, which the company says was in retaliation for opposing a bus line that would have resulted in tearing up the rails. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

But the rides may end soon. Monterey County officials are planning to rip out portions of the rails and pave the area for a bus rapid transit line running from Marina to Sand City with a final stop in Seaside, funded in part by a proposition passed by voters more than three decades ago for rail transit projects. The father-and-son duo have tried to block the plan at the state level and now in the courts. Their lawsuit in federal court in San Jose says the city of Marina and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County are acting illegally.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The Clarks say a light-rail line would allow both uses on the historic railway.

Were fighting for the line, Todd Clark said. Thats what were doing. Once its gone, its gone. It needs a train on it, and its an asset.

Monterey-Salinas Transit CEO Carl Sedoryk said in an emailed statement that the California Coastal Commission recently required the tracks be removed as a condition of approval of a coastal development permit for the rapid bus project.

Officials with the TAMC, which is heading up the project, declined to comment. Officials from the city of Marina did not respond to requests for comment.

During a Dec. 5 meeting of the California Transportation Commission, TAMC Executive Director Todd Muck said his agency has worked for many years to bring rail along the Branch Corridor, but its just not a practical option right now, and the rapid bus transit project is more feasible and could bring service to the community right away.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

According to the Monterey-Salinas Transit website, the busway would help connect communities across the region, spark economic development and provide riders a seamless one-seat ride with connections throughout the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas, and beyond, while helping commuters avoid getting stuck in traffic on Highway 1.

Mason Clark, owner and operator of Handcar Tours, rides on the edge of a handcar as he makes his way back from a tour in Marina. Handcar Tours is fighting for its survival after its lease was not renewed, which the company says was in retaliation for opposing a bus line that would have resulted in tearing up the rails. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

For the Clarks, the love of trains  known as railfanning  runs deep, and is part of a family legacy.

Mason Clark built his first handcar when he was a teen, after seeing one outside a gift shop in Alaska while on vacation. On subsequent vacations, he and his family rode thousands of miles on Masons handcars in Nevada on the Nevada Northern Railway. He wasnt satisfied with his first handcar, and tried again  and again  and again. Eventually, he started selling his creations on eBay, and then used his senior project at California State Polytechnic University Pomona to further improve his design and construction of the vehicles.

Every trip on the rails on one of his handcars left him enthralled.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

A lot of people who come out dont realize how great it is. It makes that clickety-clack sound that a train makes  but theres something cool being a foot above the rail, he said. You really get to take in nature and the rail track, and do that from the comfort of one of these cars.

After graduating from college in 2019, Mason and his father decided to take a shot at a handcar tour company, in addition to his day job as an aerospace engineer.

Handcars sit on a track ahead of a tour in Marina. Handcar Tours says that Monterey County is trying to illegally use state funds meant for rail projects on a busway instead. The funding resulted from the voter-approved Proposition 116, which designated nearly $2 billion for passenger rail capital projects. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

They started producing handcars in a factory space near their home in Santa Clarita, building about 30 handcars and rail bikes, spending an average of 400 hours per vehicle.

While COVID stalled their plans initially, they won permission from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 2021 to run railcars on a section of the Monterey Branch Line, which was built in the mid-1870s and carried passengers from San Francisco to Monterey. After Southern Pacific bought the line, the company used it to transport sand and other industrial commodities across the American West.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

After receiving the necessary approvals, the Clarks set about clearing and rehabilitating the moribund tracks and started offering tours that summer.

More than 30,000 visitors have ridden the rails, and this year the company is set to serve about 18,000 visitors.

Its an oddball business, Todd said, but weve been able to make it work.

But the Clarks relationship with their landlords soured after Mason and his father learned in December 2023 that the TAMC was planning to rip up portions of the line as part of an infrastructure project that would run the rapid transit bus lane parallel to Highway 1.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The Clarks argue that Monterey is trying to illegally use state funds meant for rail projects, which come from the voter-approved Clean Air and Transportation Improvement Act of 1990, or Proposition 116, which designated nearly $2 billion for passenger rail capital projects, on the busway.

The city of Marina opted not to renew the Clarks lease after a TAMC official urged City Council members in June not to because of the Clarks opposition to the proposed busway.

In response, the Clarks filed suit, asking a federal judge to intervene on their behalf and prohibit TAMC from blocking their lease, or from using Prop 116 funds for busway construction.

The Winsor family rides aboard a guided handcar tour in Marina. The company Handcar Tours is set to serve about 18,000 visitors this year. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Visitors such as Nadin Adam felt chagrined by the prospect of ripping up the rails for a bus-only lane.
Traffic worsened in Belfast in December due to the impact of roadworks and the dismantling of the Boyne Bridge

Shoppers at the entrance to Victoria Square in Belfast on Black Friday, November 29 2024

Shoppers in Belfast on Black Friday, November 29 2024. But a disappointing performance was to follow in December for the city's shops, a report has said

Shoppers in Belfast on Black Friday, November 29 2024. But a disappointing performance was to follow in December for the city's shops, a report has said

Belfast retailers hopes for a bumper Christmas appear to have been dashed by confirmation of a 7.2% decline in shop footfall in December.

According to the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, footfall in high streets and shopping centres across NI declined by 5.8% in December, the final month of the so-called golden quarter.

But in Belfast, where shoppers and revellers were contending with heavy traffic congestion in the run-up to Christmas, there was a steeper drop of 7.2%. That was a deterioration on Novembers 2.3% decline.

It left the city second from the bottom in a table of 11 UK cities, with only Bristol putting in a poorer performance with a 7.5% drop.

Shoppers in Belfast on Black Friday, November 29 2024. But a disappointing performance was to follow in December for the city's shops, a report has said

Decembers drop across NI of 5.8% was the worst decrease of the four UK nations and much lower than the UK average drop of 2.2%. In addition, it marked a deterioration of Novembers decline of 2.8%.

The figures from the NIRC and analysts at Sensormatic Solutions cover five weeks from November 24 to December 28  so include performance on Black Friday, which fell on November 29. The NIRC said that brought a fillip to the figures for December.

Across 2024, footfall in NI shops was down 2.2% on 2023, the figures said, while over the golden quarter  the last three months of the year as Christmas approaches  it had dropped 3%.

Traffic worsened in Belfast in December due to the impact of roadworks and the dismantling of the Boyne Bridge

Shopping centre footfall in Northern Ireland declined by 5.7% in December, which was an improvement on a decline of 7.3% in November.

Neil Johnston, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, said the further slip in footfall in December rounded off a pretty drab golden quarter and a disappointing 2024 as a whole.

"Black Friday promotions gave a fillip to foot-traffic early on, however across the month as a whole footfall was feeble and fell across all destinations.

Theres little denying these are disappointing figures for retailers with bricks and mortar premises, many of whom were hoping for a final flourish to the year and a good Christmas to help weather increasing costs and tide them over the leaner months early in the new year.

Shoppers at the entrance to Victoria Square in Belfast on Black Friday, November 29 2024

But he said that with a third of non-food retail sales now made online, consumers may increasingly be turning to technology  though overall, he said times were uncertain.

This remains a period of significant flux for retail. Weak footfall, sluggish demand, rising government-mandated cost pressures, and an uncertain outlook are all weighing on stores.

"The structural, economic, and regulatory changes affecting retail show few signs of abating.

Retailers are bracing themselves for an upcoming increase in the national living wage, and a rise in employer national insurance contributions, both in April.

Shoppers in Victoria Arcade in Belfast on Black Friday, November 29 2024

Traffic built up dramatically in Belfast in the run-up to Christmas, partly down to the closure of Durham Street to dismantle Boyne Bridge and roadworks at the A2 Sydenham Bypass. In an attempt to ease the problems, taxis were allowed to use bus lanes.

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant EMEA at Sensormatic Solutions, said: While December saw some flurries of festive footfall around a few key trading days, overall, the picture was filled with much less sparkle as shopper traffic remained subdued in what should have been the highlight of the golden quarter.

"While store visits did build ahead of Christmas, it was never quite enough to reverse the shopper count deficit against last year.

As footfall limped towards the festive finish line, December's lacklustre performance compounds a disappointing end to 2024, marking the second consecutive year of declining store traffic.

"Retailers will now need to look afresh to 2025 and chart a course to adopt innovative strategies to reverse this trend or maximise the sales potential of fewer visitors, finding new ways to make each store visit count.
Shoppers take to Belfast in search of New Year deals: Im spending all my Christmas vouchers

Shoppers from far and wide headed into the city

Shoppers bargain hunting for New Year deals. Pic: Peter Morrison

Abdullah Sabri Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 07:20

As the Christmas lights come down and people settle into the new year, shoppers flocked from far and wide to the streets of Belfast yesterday in order to snag a January bargain.
Restaurant review: Afternoon tea can be a needless meal  but this NI castle has ideal sweet and savoury treats
Keith Conlons family express their hurt over murder acquittal

Senior barrister and farmer Diarmuid Phelan has walked free from court after being found not guilty of murdering an intruder he fatally shot during a confrontation on his land.

Mr Phelan (56), a law professor, was today acquitted of murdering Keith Conlon in a shooting on his farm in Dublin. The jury delivered its verdict at the Central Criminal Court this afternoon, after just under seven hours of deliberation and following a ten-week trial.
Father on tragedy of internet personality Chazzy Shankill

The father of Northern Ireland internet personality Chantelle Louise Mullan  better known online as Chazzy Shankill  has spoken out about his daughters battle with drugs and her vulnerability following her death aged just 33.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Ricky Bradford, from Ballysillan, said his daughters public addiction battles were taken advantage of on social media prior to her death, as he opened up about his heartbreak and admitted he hopes his happy-go-lucky girl is now at peace.
Three people were fortunate to escape unharmed following a reported arson attack in Belfast, police have said.

Detectives are appealing for information following the incident in the north of the city on Friday.

Just before 12.25pm, police received a report that petrol had been poured through the letterbox of a residential property in the Ashfield Court area before it was set alight, causing damage to the door.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: "Three people were inside the home at the time, and it's only thanks to their quick actions that they were able to extinguish the fire before it spread further.

"It's reported that this followed an altercation nearby a short time previously, and we want to appeal to anyone who may have seen these events occur to contact police.

A 33-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including arson with intent to endanger life.

Today the PSNI said she had been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Police investigating arson attack. Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph.

News Catch Up - Friday 3 January
Elon Musk (R) has launched another social media smackdown against Sir Keir Starmer, calling on the King to step in (Hannah McKay, Kirsty Wigglesworth, PA)

Elon Musk has continued his criticism of the Government, calling on the King to step in and dissolve Parliament.

The worlds richest man, who purchased the social media site Twitter and renamed it X in 2022, has shared and reacted to tweets critical of the Government and the Prime Minister after Labour rejected a call for an inquiry into child grooming.

In his latest attacks on Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Musk shared a post asking whether Charles should dissolve parliament and order a General Election for the sake and security of Britain.

Mr Musk retweeted the X thread with a one-word comment: Yes.

The 53-year-old Starlink boss continued to wade into the debate overnight, hours after he posted that safeguarding minister Jess Phillips deserves to be in prison after she denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham on Thursday.

He also suggested the Prime Minister had failed to bring rape gangs to justice when he was director of public prosecutions.

Mr Musk reposted an article in The Daily Telegraph by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick in which he says the grooming gangs should be renamed torture rape gangs.

He wrote that Mr Musks comments had shamed the establishment by taking more interest in bringing these rape gangs to justice in one evening than most of the British establishment has for decades.

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

Mr Musk continued his criticism in a post alongside footage of The Times chief investigative reporter Andrew Norfolk as he detailed the scope of the case and police mishandling, calling it State-sponsored evil.

Mr Norfolk exposed the Rotherham child sexual exploitation ring in the UK press in 2011.

In another comment on the same post, Mr Musk branded the scandal and the child rapists involved as utterly shameful.

The Tesla owner also called a post asking why people were angrier at his comments than they were about mass rape of children as the perfect question.

Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is long overdue.

Ms Phillips said she recognised the strength of feeling for a Home Office-led inquiry into Oldham, but she told the local council the Government will not intervene.

Minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, Jess Phillips (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

I believe it is for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene, she said.

In response, Mr Musk, a key member of US President-elect Donald Trumps inner circle, said: She deserves to be in prison.

He also appeared to place blame at the Prime Ministers door.

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

Mr Musk said: In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Services approval for the police to charge suspects.

Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.

In a series of posts on his social media site, Mr Musk described the Prime Minister as two-tier Keir, claiming there was no justice for severe, violent crimes but prison for social media posts.

Mr Musk also expressed his support for activist Tommy Robinson  real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  who was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court in October.

Senior Tories also sought to put pressure on the Government over grooming gangs.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said that 2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice (Lucy North/PA)

Mrs Badenoch said: The time is long overdue for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal.

Trials have taken place all over the country in recent years but no one in authority has joined the dots.

2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns pressed for a statutory inquiry in Oldham.

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

They said that only a public inquiry can adequately encompass the national nature of these crimes and issues and consider whether reports were ignored by the police, CPS and local council or even covered up.

In 2022, the then-Conservative government also refused a request for a public inquiry into events in Oldham.

An Oldham Council spokesman said: Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation.

Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount, and we will not renege on that pledge.

Responding to Mrs Badenochs post, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: Talk is cheap. The Conservatives had 14 years in government to launch an inquiry.

The establishment has failed the victims of grooming gangs on every level.

Mr Musk, who is rumoured to be considering a major donation to Mr Farages party, responded: Exactly. Time for Reform.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, which published its final report in 2022, described the sexual abuse of children as an epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake.

Led by Professor Alexis Jay, the inquiry looked into abuse by organised groups following multiple convictions of sexual offences against children across the UK between 2010-2014, including in Rotherham, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Rochdale and Bristol.

In November last year, Professor Jay said she felt frustrated that none of the probes 20 recommendations had been implemented more than two years after its conclusion.

A Labour spokesman said the Government is working at pace to implement the recommendations in Professor Jays report.

The spokesman added: We have supported both the national overarching inquiry into child abuse which reported in 2022, and local independent inquiries and reviews including in Telford, Rotherham and Greater Manchester.

This Government is working urgently to strengthen the law so that these crimes are properly reported and investigated.

In Oldham the crimes committed by grooming gangs were horrific. Young girls were abused in the most cruel and sadistic way.

Victims and the community need to know that all steps are taken to deliver justice and protect children properly in the future.

We will welcome and support an independent investigation commissioned by Oldham Council which puts victims voices at its heart, following the examples of Telford and Rotherham.

We also continue to support wider work commissioned by mayor Andy Burnham into child protection issues across Greater Manchester, following the review into historic safeguarding issues in Oldham which was published in 2022.
Authorities arrested a 30-year-old Chico resident on suspicion of felony arson related to the fire that severely damaged Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park last month. California State University, Chico.

Authorities arrested a 30-year-old Chico resident on suspicion of felony arson related to the fire that severely damaged Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park last month.

The fire, which broke out on Dec. 11, destroyed much of the historic Victorian-era mansion, a Northern California landmark built in 1868 by Gold Rush pioneer John Bidwell.

Kevin Alexander Carlson was taken into custody on Thursday following an extensive investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including Cal Fire, the Chico Police Department and the Cal State Chico Police Department.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Carlson was booked on charges including arson and is being held at Butte County Jail.

The fire, deemed suspicious from the outset, caused significant damage to the mansion, which was in the final stages of an extensive renovation intended to prepare it for reopening in 2025.

Cal Fire investigators confirmed by Dec. 17 that the blaze had been intentionally set, ruling out accidental causes.

The fire continued to smolder for hours after it was contained. Officials have not yet determined whether the structure can be fully restored. The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and any decisions regarding its future will involve extensive community input and adherence to national preservation standards.

It was more than a historic building. It was a gathering place, a teaching tool, a source of pride in our community, Chico Mayor Kasey Reynolds said at a vigil last month. It told stories of the past that informed the present and inspired the future.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

While the mansion remains closed to the public, officials are actively seeking any photos or videos from the public that may assist in the continuing investigation.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen addresses a media conference at the end of an EU summit in Brussels in December (Omar Havana/AP)

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is ill with severe pneumonia and has cancelled her appointments for the next two weeks, her office announced.

Spokesman Stefan De Keersmaeker said Ms Von der Leyens agenda had to be cleared of meetings in Lisbon and in Poland, which has just taken over the EUs rotating presidency of the 27-nation European Union.

She is dealing with severe pneumonia, Mr De Keersmaeker said in a statement, giving no further details about her condition or how she fell ill.

Ms Von der Leyen, 66, only recently started her second five-year stint at the top of the EUs powerful executive office.
A woman who was in the company of missing Belfast man John George prior to his disappearance has posted a video online denying involvement and saying she has passed any information she knows about the case to police.
Edgar Graham was murdered in broad daylight at Queens University on 7 December 1983. A law lecturer and unionist politician, Sam McBride examines his life and legacy, and the claims that a fellow law lecturer set him up for the gunmen

Edgar Graham didnt stand a chance. A gunman approached him from behind, shooting him dead just yards from the law faculty at Queens University where he worked.

At just 29, he was one of the most outstanding politicians the Ulster Unionist Party had ever produced and overwhelmingly likely to be a future party leader.

How would he have changed Northern Ireland if he had gone on to lead unionism?

The IRA immediately admitted responsibility for his murder, but why was he singled out?

And Sam McBride tracks down a fellow law lecturer accused of helping the IRA to target Edgar. He hears his first direct comments on the accusations in the 40 years since the killing.

This episode was originally published in December 2023.
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.
BENNINGTON  The upcoming trial next week of a Bennington man charged with the intentional murder of his girlfriend in 2019 is temporarily in limbo after the state revealed at a motion hearing that they did not have positive confirmation that the remains found in a Searsburg gravel pit were actually those of the murder victim.

Deven Moffitt, now 33, is due to stand trial next week in Bennington for the murder of his then-girlfriend, Jessica Hildenbrandt, 47, whose partial remains were discovered in September 2019 by a passerby walking through a Searsburg gravel pit. Those remains are now at the center of a serious issue with the states case after it was recently discovered by prosecutors preparing their case for trial that the remains, which were initially identified through dental records, were never officially certified to be those of Hildenbrandt.

Prosecutor Jared Bianchi, upon discovering the error, immediately filed for a months delay to have the time to send a detective down to Florida to obtain DNA samples from Hildenbrandts parents in order to positively identify the remains as Hildenbrandts. That motion was vigorously opposed by defense attorney Robert Sussman, who told Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady that the delay would be prejudicial to his client by not allowing the defense proper testing time and preparing challenges this late in the process.

It is believed that if Judge McDonald-Cady does not delay the trial, which has been scheduled for several weeks, it would become a significant issue for prosecutors, who would not have positive proof that the remains found at the gravel pit were Hildenbrandts or if there was a murder at all.

If theres no body, theres no murder case, said defense attorney Robert Sussman after the hearing concluded.

Judge McDonald-Cady took the motion under advisement, promising to have a decision soon. Moffitt is scheduled to go on trial next week. The case is currently on the docket for a Jury pick mid-week and a 10-day jury trial immediately following.

Moffitt is facing a single count of murder in the second degree. He faces a possible life sentence if found guilty.

It was reported last week that Moffitt had reached an agreement on a possible plea deal with prosecutors in the case. As of Thursday, that proposed deal is no longer available. In that case, there is a possibility that the judge could dismiss the case, or there could be intense pressure on prosecutors to make Moffitt a more favorable deal to avoid a trial.

On a sunny day in mid-September 2019, a man walking through a gravel pit in Searsburg discovered what appeared to be a human jawbone on the ground. Vermont State Police soon arrived and started searching the area. What they found launched a long homicide investigation that ended in Moffits arrest after a joint operation made up of Bennington Police, FBI, Homeland Security, and Vermont State Police, and ended with Moffitt being chased and then tackled on Jefferson Avenue in Bennington.

After searching the area in and around the gravel pit for several days after the 2019 discovery, police found a shallow grave nearby on Somerset Road. The grave was covered with dirt, rocks, and tree branches. It was apparent to investigators that the grave had been disturbed by animals.

There, they found large amounts of human hair still attached to the scalp, fingernails, teeth, and jewelry. Additional bones were discovered nearby. Later, dental records revealed a match to Hildenbrandt. Deputy Chief Pathologist Elizabeth Bundock of the Office of The Chief Medical Examiner completed a death certificate, listing the manner of death as a homicide.

According to police affidavits, Hildenbrandt was in a tenuous and abusive relationship with Moffitt while he was serving time in Vermont for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage and escaping custody.

Moffitt allegedly demanded Hildenbrandt begin sneaking contraband drugs into the prison for him by sewing Suboxone strips into her court clothes and bringing them into the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield. The affidavit names several other females that Moffitt also used as drug mules at the prison for illegal drugs.

Hildenbrandt, feeling threatened, eventually emailed the Windsor County States Attorneys Office to indicate that she was in fear for her life.

Please Help Me  Jessica, she wrote at the end of the email to authorities.

In subsequent emails to Vermont State Police Detective Sgt. Jesse Robson, she said, His behavior was calling me out by my name, calling me [expletives]. She then told Robson in an email that Moffitt told her, If I was to leave him that he would kill me. 'You know I am coming home, and I will kill you.

At one point, Moffitt allegedly intimidated Hildenbrandt into putting her house up as collateral so he could get out of jail. That was July 8, 2019, six days before police believed Hildenbrandt might have been killed. She is believed to have been slain sometime between July 14 and 15 of that year.

During the three-hour hearing, prosecutors also played audio recordings of interviews Hildenbrandt gave to investigator Robson months before she was killed to determine admissibility during the trial. In those interviews, Hildenbrandt, emotional and, at times, crying hysterically, seemed to be terrified as she told the detective of Moffitts Bloods gang affiliation, his threats, his jealousy, and his violent outbursts. She repeated over and over that Moffitt had said he would kill her when he got out of jail if she didnt do what he wanted, including bringing drugs to the detention center.

He told me if I ever leave him, he would kill me, a tearful Hildenbrandt told the detective. Do you realize what hes going to do to me?"

Im scared, she pleaded with the detective.

Moffitt is currently being held at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland as he awaits trial.

Moffit was recently convicted in a federal court on drug and gun charges. He has yet to be sentenced in that case.

The Banner will update this story as more information becomes available.
San Francisco prosecutors filed charges against a man accused of attacking two of his neighbors in the Chinatown SRO where all three individuals lived. Mark Winema/Getty Images

A San Francisco man was charged with attempted murder after authorities accused him of attacking two of his neighbors in the Chinatown SRO they lived in on the 600 block of Broadway, officials for the San Francisco District Attorneys Office said Friday.

Officials said that on Dec. 26, Jing Zhuang Li, 39, allegedly attacked an 87-year-old woman with a 17-inch long metal wrench at their SRO. According to court records, Li allegedly struck another tenant  a 69-year-old woman  who tried to intervene.

Both victims suffered severe injuries, officials said. The 87-year-old victim had major bleeding and a fractured skull and the second victim had three rib fractures, a skull fracture, a concussion, a torn ear, a left wrist fracture and three scalp lacerations that required extensive suturing, officials said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Li will be arraigned at 9 a.m. Monday at the Hall of Justice. He was charged with two counts of attempted murder with allegations that he personally and intentionally inflicted great bodily injury on the victims and did so with a deadly weapon.

Li has also been charged with two counts of elder abuse, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of battery causing great bodily injury, one count of first-degree burglary and one count of mayhem, officials said.

There is no place for violence in our city, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a statement. I wish the victims a speedy recovery. My office will now do everything in our power to fight for justice in the courtroom for the victims and all of those impacted by this attack.

The district attorneys office moved to have Li detained pending trial, alleging he poses a risk to public safety.
In her new memoir, "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old," the actress and advocate challenges outdated views on aging, menopause and women's worth while reclaiming her own power.
PITTSFIELD  In the about 150-year history of Berkshire Superior Court, just 10 people have held the role of clerk of courts, according to an associate justice.

The clerk's wide-ranging role and responsibilities help ensures criminal and civil litigation unfolds smoothy. And on Thursday, the county's newest clerk, Lisa A. Denault-Viale, was sworn in during a ceremony before her family, friends and members of the legal community.

"This is truly a unique event," said Judge John Agostini, opening the ceremony in the main courtroom at Berkshire Superior Court Thursday. "Judges come and go, but clerks remain the backbone of the court."

Denault-Viale, of Windsor, is taking the role that Deborah Capeless held for more than 40 years before her recent retirement. Agostini contextualized how comparatively few people have had the clerk's job since its conception; he said eight different judges have overseen Berkshire Superior Court during Capeless' tenure alone.

Denault-Viale was elected to her first six-year term in office last November, having run unopposed for the position on the Democratic ticket. She has served as assistant clerk under Capeless for about six years, and previous to that worked in probation offices in three county courthouses.

After graduating from Berkshire Community College and then the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Denault-Viale earned a juris doctor degree from Western New England University School of Law in Springfield and was admitted to the state bar.

"She knows the job inside and out," said retired Judge Daniel Ford.

Clerks of superior courts in Massachusetts, with the support of their staff, are tasked with running trials, tracking and accurately cataloguing exhibits for the official court record, maintaining dockets, accepting legal filings and setting the court calendar. They are the point-person between lawyers and judges, and their staff interfaces with members of the public as they navigate the sometimes esoteric legal system.

Ford, who said he presided over cases in every county in the state, also praised Capeless, with whom he worked for years, calling her the "best clerk in Massachusetts," while saying Denault-Viale was "every bit as competent and dedicated to the job" as she.

Agostini echoed Ford's sentiment about Capeless, then administered the oath of office to Denault-Viale, who received a standing ovation before pledging to support the Constitution and the administration of justice.

The new clerk addressed the crowd, thanking her family and colleagues, then read an excerpt from a 2019 address by former Chief Justice of the state Supreme Judicial Court Ralph D. Gants that credited court and probation officers, attorneys and courthouse staff for keeping the justice system moving forward.

"These words ring true for our commitment to justice here in Berkshire Superior Court," she said. "We have and we will continue to work together as a team."

The ceremony was attended by local elected law enforcement officials Timothy Shugrue, the Berkshire district attorney, and Sheriff Thomas Bowler, as well as prosecutors, defense lawyers and court officials.

After it wrapped up and attendees milled about mingling, Capeless said her last days in office have been bittersweet.

She'll miss the people, she said, Denault-Viale among them.

"I'm so proud of Lisa," Capeless said. "The people of Berkshire County are very, very lucky to have her fill the position."
Senate President Karen Spilka won another term leading the chamber with no speedbumps Wednesday and quickly set her sights on a combination of new and old priorities.

During her inaugural speech, a newly reelected Spilka previewed some of her legislative priorities for the 2025-2026 session: reexamining the state's education funding formula, pressing for primary health care delivery reform, and pushing again to expand juvenile court jurisdiction to include young adults aged 18.

Also on her agenda, after a session that she called "historically productive" but was criticized in the press and public for missing deadlines and leaving important work until the last minute, Spilka proposed a number of rules changes to make the flow of legislative work more efficient and "transparent."

Following the swearing-in of members  including three new senators  Spilka gave a speech that backed rules changes to allow lawmakers to continue work on unfinished, controversial bills during election season. Existing legislative rules for decades have called for formal sessions to end July 31 in election years.

After receiving criticism for leaving nine major bills related to health care, climate change, substance use, economic development and more on the table after July 31, lawmakers swore to continue working  and circumvented their own rules to do so  into the fall and winter. Spilka proposed Wednesday to make the change permanent to allow votes on conference committee reports to continue through the full two-year session, including during and after election season.

Spilka said that practice last year "allowed us to complete vital work."

"The bills that emerge from conference committees contain provisions that have been vetted by one or both branches and have been reported upon  sometimes extensively," Spilka said during her inaugural speech from the Senate podium on New Year's Day, after senators were sworn in for the 194th legislative session.

She suggested other rules changes as well, including bringing forward the date on which legislative committees have to give their final recommendations on bills.

The biennial legislative deadline known around Beacon Hill as Joint Rule 10 Day currently comes around on the first Wednesday in February of the second year of the legislative session. That means lobbyists and activists have 13 months to make their cases to committees as to why certain bills should advance to the floors of the House and Senate.

Spilka on Wednesday proposed bringing the deadline into the first year of the legislative session.

"The reasoning behind some of the rules changes is to move things along faster, such as changing the day of reporting bills out of committee," Spilka said in an interview with the News Service. "What can we do to move bills along faster? Get them out of committee... If we can move that along a little bit faster to report them out sooner in the first [year], say, the fall of the first year of the session, then the second year can be held for sooner deliberation, debate and vetting if needed."

Asked why she felt now was the right time to make these rules changes, Spilka said she wants to "get the word out" about the work happening in the Senate.

"Trying to get people the information of what we're accomplishing as a Senate, as a Legislature  that is not getting out as well as we all want it to in the Senate. So we're trying to think of ways to get things done a little bit sooner, to get the word out," Spilka told the News Service.

Referencing to the large omnibus bills the Legislature has taken to passing in recent years when standalone policy bills have become increasingly rare, Spilka said, "If we have the bills let out a little bit earlier, there could be more work on them and get them done, so they're not lumped in as much together."

During her speech from the rostrum, the Senate president criticized the "fractured and distorted" media landscape, saying that the Legislature's "accomplishments are consistently overshadowed by a persistent negative media narrative."

She pledged a number of "transparency"-minded reforms, including posting all summaries of bills that come out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee online, and saying she'd "ask negotiators" on conference committees "to work towards more openness in committee meetings, starting with working to ensure the first meeting is open."

The Legislature is not subject to the public records law and the top Democrats in the House and Senate have not been able to agree on transparency-minded rules changes since 2019, with conference committees failing to produce accords in each of the last two sessions.

The first meetings of conference committees are typically open to the press and public for a few short minutes, but Spilka told the News Service that practice is up to the discretion of the committee. Negotiators usually hold the meeting open for fewer than five minutes, sometimes making introductory remarks, before voting to close the meeting to the public and asking the press to leave.

"It would be good to have at least the first meeting, to work towards being more open to the public and start  we'll work towards being more [transparent], and letting the conference committee decide for itself  but at least the first need[s] to be fully open to the public," Spilka said.

As for policy, Spilka highlighted a few topics she plans to bring before the Senate over the next two years.

She plans to reboot attempts to "Raise the Age," which would gradually expand juvenile jurisdiction to include young adults ages up to age 18, meaning people ages 19 and older would be subject to the adult criminal justice system. The Senate has pushed for this reform in the past but met resistance in the House.

Spilka also the Senate would again try to shift the burden of broker's fees from renters onto the party who contracted with the real estate broker, typically a building's landlord.

"It's an important consumer protection and making housing more affordable for our residents here," Spilka told the News Service about the policy.

Asked if she would pursue that as a standalone policy bill or part of a larger omnibus housing package  after the Legislature passed a large housing bill last year  Spilka said, "It could be, or it could be a bill onto itself."

She would not commit to whether Senate Democrats would again support transfer fees on high-dollar property transactions to raise money for affordable housing  a controversial policy that got support in that chamber last year, but never made it to conference committee.

"It will probably come up in one form or another," she said, when asked about it. Pressed on whether Senate Democrats would support the policy, Spilka said, "I don't know, we'll have to see what the session brings.

Spilka said the Senate would look at primary health care delivery reform; investing $100 million into career and technical education; and closely examining K-12 funding and policy, as the so-called Student Opportunity Act enters its final year of scheduled aid increases.

The hospital oversight bill (H 5159) currently on Gov. Maura Healey's desk would create a 23-member task force focused on improving primary care access, delivery and financial stability. The group is charged with recommending ways to develop standardized data reporting requirements, establish primary care spending targets, propose payment models to increase primary care reimbursement, and create workforce development plans, among other objectives.

Spilka said there is more to do, however.

"I do feel that we are at a really important inflection point in health care in the commonwealth," Spilka told the News Service. "I think that providers are having trouble and concerns insurance companies, formerly known as the carriers, are having trouble. Patients, clearly, are having concerns and trouble getting the care that they need."

As for education funding, Spilka said she's heard from a lot of senators that their districts are having issues with education funding, even as the Student Opportunity Act has ramped up investments.

"So I think every 10 years or so, it should be re-evaluated and looked at... Things are changing so rapidly in schools and in education, so it's time to take a look at at the formula," she said.

Spilka was re-elected to lead the Senate on a 34-5-1 vote during Wednesday's inaugural session of the 194th General Court. All five Republicans voted for Sen. Bruce Tarr, and Sen. John Keenan voted present.

The Senate president turns 72 on Jan. 11 and has served in the chamber's leadership role since July 26, 2018.
BillOReilly.com is not available in this country.



We apologize for any inconvenience.
The security guard who San Francisco police officers shot and killed recently near Union Square, Peter Francis Hodge Jr., had worked as a police dispatcher in Connecticut, earned a law degree and was certified as an emergency medical technician in California, the Chronicle has learned. San Francisco Police Department

The security guard who San Francisco police officers shot and killed recently near Union Square had worked as a police dispatcher in Connecticut, earned a law degree and was certified as an emergency medical technician in California, the Chronicle has learned.

Peter Francis Hodge Jr., 50, believed to have been a guard working for the Dior store, was killed Dec. 20 in a barrage of gunfire as he raised a gun at police. Hours earlier he had allegedly chased a bicyclist onto a downtown sidewalk, driving an SUV with emergency lights blaring, and struck two pedestrians before knocking the cyclist off their bike in an incident that was captured on video.

Hodge had worked as a dispatcher at the East Hartford Police Department in the late 1990s before leaving in 2000 after he was found to have lied on his job application. He was a dispatcher for a short time, said officer Marc Caruso, an East Hartford spokesperson. Caruso added that he did not believe Hodge ever worked as a sworn police officer with the department.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The falsehood on Hodges job application was not the only issue to mar his record at the department. According to a March 13, 2000, article in the Hartford Courant, Hodges co-workers had complained about some of his behaviors, including taking a gun to work, making inappropriate comments to fellow dispatchers, and at one point, stopping his car to help a police officer making a traffic stop, creating a potentially dangerous situation if the officer did not recognize him.

Hodge represented himself as a police officer, U.S. Army veteran, and wrote on LinkedIn and other social media pages that hed served as a police officer in Connecticut for six years, as well as working as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, public defender, 911 dispatcher, and served in the U.S. Army over the course of his career.

The Chronicle was not able to confirm all of his claims. His social media posts revealed someone who enthusiastically supported law enforcement and criticized San Francisco and liberal ideals. Several people who knew him described him as helpful and a good guy.

Army officials had not responded as of Friday afternoon to comment about anytime Hodge may have served there. Officials from Connecticuts Police Officer Standards and Training Council had not responded to requests for information.

California state records show Hodge had been a certified EMT since 2010. He did not have any disciplinary actions on his record. Officials at Mountain Counties EMS, the agency from which he received his certification, did not respond to requests for comment. The Chronicle was not able to verify Hodges claims about working as a firefighter.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

On Facebook, Hodge shared a photo of a law degree he received from the Drivon School of Law, which is affiliated with Humphreys University in Stockton. Officials there confirmed he received his law degree and a masters in legal studies from the school, but did not provide additional details. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, but not the American Bar Association.

According to his LinkedIn page, Hodge spent a year working at the San Joaquin County Public Defenders Office, representing defendants at arraignments, preliminary hearings and other court appearances. At the time of his death, however, Hodge was not listed on the State Bar of California.

Officials with the San Joaquin public defenders office referred questions about Hodge to its legal department.

Hodges relatives declined to comment to the Chronicle. His brother, Thomas Hodge, spoke with KGO-TV on the day of the shooting, describing his brother as a good guy who helped out his children, despite living 3,000 miles away.

Kenneth Dousa, a former colleague, recalled Hodge as a friendly co-worker who occasionally asked him to help with protection assignments after starting his own business.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

He was good at identifying situations and places that would find him helpful, Dousa said.

Dousa met Hodge in 2018 when the two worked alongside each other on a security detail in Atherton.

He did little things for people that would keep people wanting to work for him, he said, recalling Hodge bringing coffee to co-workers on long shifts or sending gift cards to everyone who hed worked with over the past year.

Hodges most lengthy work experience appears to have been as a security guard and protection agent.

In 2003, Hodge obtained a license as a security guard in California, according to records from Californias Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. He subsequently obtained permits to carry a baton and firearm, and worked at several security companies.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In 2020, Hodge obtained a license for his own security company, Covert Guardian Solutions. He advertised the business as a concierge service providing protection to Fortune 500 executives and high-net-worth clients, as well as armed and unarmed security, secure transportation, and patrol services.

Hodge frequently posted photos honoring police officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty, often depicting the thin blue line  a pro-police symbol used by law enforcement and their supporters  or phrases like police lives matter.

Some of the photos showed support for Stockton police, the U.S. Marshals Service and the San Joaquin Sheriffs Office. Other photos on Hodges Facebook page show a Covert Guardian Solutions car parked outside Dior and Louis Vuitton stores.

His posts celebrated law enforcement and first responders, and expressed admiration for Donald Trump and conservative causes.

He posted one photo with the words, I dont care if youd had your vaccine, and in another, from 2018, Hodge posted a selfie of himself in what appears to be a security guard uniform in one of his vehicles with the caption, This guy runs towards gunfire, not cowers!

Advertisement Article continues below this ad


Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute.

Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno.

Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi.
San Francisco police said officers arrested a man who allegedly trafficked drugs at Sixth and Market streets and seized more than 9 kilograms of suspected narcotics as well as loaded firearms from his residence. San Francisco Police Department

San Francisco police have arrested a prolific narcotics trafficker who allegedly sold narcotics in the citys Sixth and Market streets area, authorities said Thursday.

Bryan Burgos, 35, was booked into county jail Thursday morning on multiple narcotics and firearm charges, according to sheriffs office records. Police detained Burgos on Dec. 26, at Mission and 24th streets, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

3 million photos a day: Inside SFPDs huge surveillance tech expansion this year

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Burgos had cash and suspected narcotics on him when officers he was detained, police said. After searching his vehicle and San Francisco home, police said, they found and seized more than 9 kilograms of suspected narcotics, as well as digital scales, a money counter, loaded firearms, ammunition and U.S. currency.

Burgos faces a slate of felony charges including possession for sale of controlled substances, maintenance of a place for selling a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to sheriffs office records. His next court date was set for Jan. 15.

Police continue to investigate the case and ask anyone with information to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411.
Funeral arrangements have been announced for Rosaleen Rosie McKinney, an 86-year-old mother and baby home campaigner who died in the Mater Hospital in Dublin on New Years Day following a short illness.

A survivor of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, Ms McKinney of Cabra told the Irish Examiner in 2021 that women in her position were treated like animals.

Advertisement

She said that she lost the hearing in her right ear from a beating she got from a nun.

Ms McKinney added that the revelation that some 796 children are missing in Tuam, some buried in a disused sewerage system, was a source of horror to her.

How could the nuns be so cruel? Theyre supposed to work for God, and look what they did to mothers and their babies," she said.

A native of Dunmore in Co Galway where she was the youngest in a family of nine, Rosie had two babies as a teenager in the St Marys Home in Tuam.

Advertisement

Five years of her life were spent there and in the Galway Magdalene laundry.

Both of her children were adopted. Ms McKinney was just 13 years old when she first was sent to a mother and baby home.

Ireland Four hospitalised following two-car collision in D... Read More

Her death notice reads that Ms McKinney will be very sadly missed and remembered with love by her daughter Margaret, step son Tony, grandchildren Paul and Tegan, relatives, neighbours and friends.

She will lie in repose at the family home on Sunday (January 5th) between 5pm and 8pm.

Her removal will take place on Monday to Christ the King Church, Cabra arriving for 10am mass, followed by cremation in Glasnevin Crematorium.

Mourners have been asked to donate to the Christ the King Day Centre in lieu of flowers.
Sgt. David Wentworth demonstrates how to use the BolaWrap restraint tool at the El Cerrito police station in 2023. San Francisco police have had mixed results with the device. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle An employees legs are lassoed in a demonstration of the BolaWrap at the El Cerrito police station in 2023. For the second time in four months for the San Francisco Police Department, the restraint device has failed to work. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Sgt. David Wentworth shows off the prong on a BolaWrap at the El Cerrito police station in 2023. The tool emits an 8-foot Kevlar lasso with grappling hooks meant to restrain a person from up to 25 feet away. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle A BolaWrap kit sits on top of an El Cerrito police car in 2023. The San Francisco Police Department rolled out use of the device in June in the hopes that it would allow officers to de-escalate situations by restraining subjects. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle El Cerrito police Sgt. David Wentworth, left, unties senior records specialist Veronica Ceja during a demonstration of the BolaWrap restraining device in 2023. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

San Francisco police shot an armed suspect in late December after trying to restrain him with a lasso-like tool touted as a way to subdue suspects without force. But for the second time in four months, the device, known as the BolaWrap, failed to work.

The deadly police shooting of 50-year-old Peter Francis Hodge Jr. on Dec. 20 raised questions about the San Francisco Police Departments use of BolaWrap restraint devices and their effectiveness.

3 million photos a day: Inside SFPDs huge surveillance tech expansion this year

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The lackluster performance of the devices comes as police in other jurisdictions such as Seattle and Los Angeles have abandoned them because they havent performed as hoped.

The tool, designed to emit an 8-foot Kevlar lasso with grappling hooks that restrain a persons torso or limbs, is advertised as a way for officers to capture suspects from up to 25 feet away. Its manufacturer calls it a de-escalation solution that can be used by police to immobilize people in crisis safely and effectively  without pain or injury.

Police Chief Bill Scott rolled out the devices in June in the hopes it would allow his officers to de-escalate situations from afar by restraining subjects who refused to obey police commands.

Though the BolaWrap, which retails for more than $1,000, often does not function as promised, SFPD plans to continue using the device.

We have had positive results using this restraint device in other applications that have not resulted in deadly force, SFPD spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky said Thursday. We are still in a pilot phase with the BolaWrap and we will evaluate the overall effectiveness of the device when we have collected more data.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

SFPD policy allows officers to use the devices in cases in which suspects are armed and either actively harming someone or threatening to; when suspects are aggressive or combative or appearing to assault an officer or another person, or actively resisting arrest.

The department warns against using the device in certain cases, such as when a suspect is near water and could drown, and prohibits its use when the suspect is cooperating with police, pregnant or in an elevated position in which a fall could lead to significant injury or to death. It also warns against using the BolaWrap on children or seniors, or shooting the device at a suspects head or upper torso.

Wrap, the maker of BolaWrap, did not respond to requests for comment.

The Union Square incident was not the first time San Francisco police officers had unsuccessfully deployed a BolaWrap. The first incident took place on Sept. 13, when officers tried to arrest a man sleeping next to a revolver in a stolen BMW.

After police ordered the man out of the vehicle, he fled, gun in hand, first to a liquor store and then toward the Powell Street BART Station. During the incident, police hit him with three BolaWraps but each time the devices failed to stop him. The officers ended up shooting and injuring him.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

After that September shooting, San Francisco Police Officers Association President Tracy McCray posted a video on the social platform X in which she said there is a misperception about the effectiveness of devices such as BolaWrap.

Quite often, less lethal tools fail, she said, in the video. Sometimes, this exposes the public and officers to greater danger.

Four months later, early on Dec. 20, police shot Hodge, a security guard from Lodi, as they were trying to arrest him in Union Square for a suspected aggravated assault.

Video of the incident showed officers telling the man to put his hands up, with one officer commanding him, We are going to use force against you  just put your hands up, to which the guard replied, For what? What are you worried about?

As the guard ignored warnings to raise his hands and turn around, an officer announced he was going to wrap him  meaning he was about to fire a BolaWrap. In body-worn camera video footage released by the department, the officers hand appears on screen holding a small yellow-and-black handheld device.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The device emitted a loud gunshot-like crack and a puff of smoke  but it did nothing to restrain Hodge, who could be seen in the footage walking away from the officers then turning and pointing a gun. Moments later, police released a barrage of gunfire that killed the man.

The police department initially bought 55 BolaWraps, which cost $1,000-$1,200, as part of a pilot program during the summer. The devices are shaped more like a TV remote than a gun and shoot a tether that can wrap around a suspects body up to three times, and are meant to limit suspects movement and prevent them from running away.

Its unclear how many of the devices the department has purchased since the initial amount.

Several police departments have reported low success rates or mixed results. The Los Angeles Police Department discontinued use of BolaWraps in June after a lengthy pilot program. A report on the devices found that officers deployed the restraint devices at least 14 times, but they failed to work to properly restrain suspects multiple times.

On one occasion, the LAPD said, the device did not secure a man who was wearing a puffy jacket, and he was able to free himself with his arms. Another time, the device did not work, but the loud sound it emitted startled the suspect and he was taken into custody. Other times, the report said, the lasso did not completely wrap around the persons legs or the officer missed their target.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The Seattle Police Department stopped using BolaWraps last year after equipping its officers with them in 2021. In one case last July, Seattle police reportedly fired a BolaWrap at a man holding a knife, but the device did not successfully restrain him and an officer then shot the man. In a report, an officer recalled that the cord did not fully wrap around and his arm came free, and then he started to move around  and started to lunge and charge at us.

In El Cerrito, where police have had two of the devices since at least last November, officers have only used the tool once, and it did not work because the officer was too close, according to the department.

Kevin Benedicto, a lawyer who serves on the San Francisco Police Commission, said it was too early to determine whether the devices were working as advertised, noting they were only rolled out in San Francisco earlier this summer.

Benedicto also noted that the devices are more typically meant to subdue mentally ill individuals who might be ignoring police commands, not gun-wielding suspects  and said video of the recent shootings showed that officers were attempting to find ways to incapacitate suspects without using their service weapons.

I take this as evidence officers were being creative, being tactical, he said. I tend to be in favor of giving officers safe options to potentially avoid the use of firearms  just because these two incidents didnt avoid the use of firearms isnt conclusive evidence whether they are useful tools or not.

Art Acevedo, a past president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association who led police departments in Austin, Houston and Miami, said his officers had limited success with BolaWraps.

In San Francisco and other cities that have a lot of people in mental crises or on drugs, Im glad theyve got them, he said. It is a better alternative than the use of force.
A Tipperary man shot dead in Kansas City last year is to be laid to rest in his native Nenagh on Saturday.

Shaun Brady (44) was killed in an altercation outside his restaurant Brady and Fox in Kansas City, Missouri on August 28th 2024.

Advertisement

Mr Brady was a co-owner and chef of the Irish restaurant.

The father-of-two was reportedly shot as he intervened in a suspected robbery.

Mr Brady, who was bringing rubbish bags out from his restaurant, sustained multiple gunshot wounds close to his restaurant after he confronted several people who were attempting to steal a car.

Two male juveniles were charged with second degree murder but the charge against one has been dropped by prosecutors.

Advertisement

Last month, the Jackson County Family Court dropped all charges against one of two teens arrested in August last in connection with the fatal shooting.

The teen, who spent three months in juvenile custody, was released without charge

Mr Bradys wife Kate, and their two children Seamus (13) and Mary (10) arrived in Ireland a week ago with his ashes for internment in Lisboney New Lawn Cemetery following a memorial service by chief celebrant, Parish Priest, Fr Pat Gilbert.

His death notice on RIP.ie reads: "Shaun Paul Brady, Lenexa, Kansas, USA and late of Summerhill, Nenagh, Tipperary was taken tragically on August 28, 2024.

Advertisement

"Beloved husband of Katie, doting father to Seamus and Mary. Loving son of Mary and brother to Vivian, Sandra and Damien. Sadly missed by his heartbroken family, mother, sisters and brother, nieces and nephews, extended family relatives and friends.

Mr Bradys mass will be held at midday at Saint Marys of the Rosary Church in Nenagh followed by burial of ashes at Lisbunny.

A mourner on RIP.ie wrote: "Mary, sincere sympathy to you and all your family and Shaun Paul's wife and children on the awful loss of Shaun Paul. May his gentle soul rest in peace, while another wrote: My sincere sympathy to you, Vivian, Sandra, Damien, Katie, Seamus, Mary and the extended families on the devastating and tragic loss of your beloved son. May Shaun Paul rest in eternal peace.

Mr Brady studied to become a chef in Dublin Institute of Technology, when he met his US-born wife Kate while she was visiting Ireland.

Advertisement

The couple originally lived in Chicago, before they moved to Kansas City in 2013 where he started the restaurant with friend Graham Ferris.

A memorial fund set-up in his memory raised 185,000. The shooting took place just days before the annual IrishFest, an annual music and food festival held over the last weekend in August, which has become a large touristic event in the city.

Police in Kansas City are treating the death as a homicide and their investigations are ongoing.
Elon Musks attacks on the UK Governments handling of child grooming gangs are misjudged and certainly misinformed, the UK Health Secretary has said.

Wes Streeting however offered an olive branch to tech billionaire Mr Musk, urging him to work with the UK Government to tackle online child abuse.

Advertisement

The Tesla owner has claimed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had failed to bring rape gangs to justice when he was director of public prosecutions.

Mr Musk heavily criticised Jess Phillips (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Mr Musk, a key member of incoming US President Donald Trumps inner circle, also suggested safeguarding minister Jess Phillips deserves to be in prison after she denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham on Thursday.

Oldham must follow in the footsteps other towns like Rotherham and Telford and commission its own inquiry into historical abuse of children, Ms Philips said in a letter to the local council.

A national inquiry by Professor Alexis Jay concluded in 2022, and probes into Greater Manchester Polices handling of historical child sex abuse cases in Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale have been carried out.

Advertisement

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Mr Musks comments were ill-informed (James Manning/PA)

Pressed if Mr Musks comments were unhelpful to the UK Government, Health Secretary Mr Streeting told ITV News that ministers took child sexual exploitation incredibly seriously.

He added: Some of the criticisms that Elon Musk has made, I think are misjudged and certainly misinformed, but were willing to work with Elon Musk, who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform to help us and other countries to tackle this serious issue.

So if he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, wed welcome that.

Andrew Gwynne, a minister working in Mr Streetings health team, had earlier taken a stronger stance, suggesting Mr Musk should to stick to US politics, where he is set to act as an unelected adviser to the Trump presidency on cutting federal spending.

Advertisement

Mr Gwynne told LBC: Elon Musk is an American citizen and perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic.

He added that child grooming was a very serious issue, and listed the host of investigations which had taken place into sexual abuse scandals.

The minister continued: There comes a point where we dont need more inquiries, and had Elon Musk really paid attention to whats been going on in this country, he might have recognised that there have already been inquiries.

The time is long overdue for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal.



Trials have taken place all over the country in recent years but no one in authority has joined the dots.



2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice.  Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) January 2, 2025

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, which published its final report in 2022, described the sexual abuse of children as an epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake.

Advertisement

Led by Professor Jay, the inquiry looked into abuse by organised groups following multiple convictions of sexual offences against children across the UK between 2010-2014, including in Rotherham, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Rochdale and Bristol.

In November last year, Professor Jay said she felt frustrated that none of the probes 20 recommendations had been implemented more than two years after its conclusion.

Mr Streeting said the Government was committed to implementing the recommendations of Professor Jays report in full.

Sir Keir and his top team have so far sought to not get drawn into a war of words with Mr Musk.

Advertisement

But Mr Gwynnes response to the latest attacks from the Tesla billionaire represents a rare example of a robust response from a minister.

Nigel Farage and Party treasurer Nick Candy have met Mr Musk in the US (Stuart Mitchell/Reform UK)

The 53-year-old businessman is also reportedly considering a major donation to Nigel Farages Reform UK Party, after they were pictured together in the US in December.

World Elon Musk calls on King to dissolve Parliament ove... Read More

Lord Peter Mandelson, the new UK ambassador to Washington, suggested before he was appointed to the role that Mr Farage could be used as a go-between, to quell the row between Mr Musk and the Government.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has meanwhile said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is long overdue.

Her shadow ministers have pressured Labour into backing an Oldham-specific investigation, despite the Conservatives having snubbed such an idea in Government.
South Korean investigators attempted to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law decree last month, as hundreds of his supporters gathered near his residence in Seoul, vowing to protect him.

Nearly three hours after dozens of investigators and police officers were seen entering the gate of the residence in Seoul to execute a warrant for Mr Yoons detention, the scene appeared to have developed into a standoff.

Advertisement

South Koreas Yonhap news, citing police sources, reported that the presidential security service has informed investigators it will not allow them to enter the residence.

In a defiant new years message to conservative supporters rallying outside his residence, the president said he would fight to the end against anti-state forces.

His lawyers have described the warrant to detain him as invalid and illegal.



Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally to oppose a court warrant to detain him (Lee Jin-man/AP)

The anti-corruption agency did not immediately confirm whether investigators successfully entered Yoons residential building. South Koreas YTN television reported that there were scuffles as investigators and police confronted the presidential security forces.

Advertisement

South Koreas Defence Ministry confirmed that the investigators and police officers got past a military unit guarding the residences grounds.

The presidential security service, which controls the residence itself, refused to comment on whether its members were confronting investigators and whether they planned to block the detention attempt.

Seok Dong-hyeon, one of several lawyers on Yoons legal team, confirmed that the investigators arrived at the building but said it was unlikely that they would be able to detain the president on Friday.

He said the agencys efforts to detain Mr Yoon were reckless and showed an outrageous discard for law.

Advertisement

The hours-long standoff prompted the liberal opposition Democratic Party to call on the countrys acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, to order the presidential security service to stand down.

We warn presidential security service chief Park Jong-joon not to further participate in a rebellion. Do not drag the upright staff of the presidential security service and other public officials into the depths of crime, said Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker.

Mr Choi must remember that swiftly addressing the rebellion and preventing further chaos is your responsibility, Jo said.

Investigators from the anti-corruption agency were earlier seen loading boxes into several vehicles before leaving their building in the city of Gwacheon early in the morning. Television footage later showed some of those vehicles weaving between police buses that tightly packed and barricaded the streets near Mr Yoons residence.

Advertisement

A Seoul court issued a warrant for Mr Yoons detention on Tuesday after he evaded multiple requests to appear for questioning and blocked searches of his office in Seoul, hindering an investigation into whether his ill-conceived power grab on December 3 amounted to rebellion.

The warrant is valid for one week and investigators may make another attempt to detain Yoon if they are unable to do so on Friday.



South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol (South Korean Presidential Office/AP)

Thousands of police officers were gathered at Mr Yoons residence and were forming a perimeter around a growing number of pro-Yoon protesters, who waved South Korean flags and shouted slogans in his support. There were no immediate reports of clashes.

If Mr Yoon is detained, the anti-corruption agency will have 48 hours to investigate him and either request a warrant for his formal arrest or release him.

Advertisement

Mr Yoons defence minister, police chief and several top military commanders have already been arrested over their roles in the martial law enactment.

The presidents lawyers have argued the courts detainment warrant is invalid, claiming that the anti-corruption agency lacks the legal authority to investigate rebellion charges.

They also accuse the court of bypassing a law that says locations potentially linked to military secrets cannot be seized or searched without the consent of the person in charge.

Yoon Kap-keun, one of Mr Yoons lawyers, described the investigators efforts to detain the president as illegal and said they would plan to pursue unspecified legal steps against the anti-corruption agency.

Oh Dong-woon, the anti-corruption agencys chief prosecutor, has indicated that police forces might be deployed if the presidential security service resists detention.

But Mr Yoons legal team issued a statement on Thursday warning that any attempt by the anti-corruption agency to use police units for his detention would exceed their legal authority. The lawyers said police officers could face arrest by either the presidential security service or any citizens if they try to detain Mr Yoon.

South Korean law permits anyone to make an arrest to stop an active crime and critics accused Mr Yoon of inciting his supporters to obstruct attempts to detain him.



Vehicles, right, carrying investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials arrive at the gate of the presidential residence (Lee Jin-man/AP)

Yoon Kap-keun, the presidents lawyer, filed a challenge with the Seoul Western District Court on Thursday to block both the detention warrant and a related search warrant for his residence. The lawyer argued that both warrants violate criminal laws and the constitution.

The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which drove the legislative vote that impeached Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14 over his imposition of martial law, accused the president of trying to mobilise his supporters to block his detention and called for law enforcement authorities to execute the warrant immediately.

Braving subfreezing temperatures, thousands of supporters rallied for hours near his residence on Thursday amid a heavy police presence, waving South Korean and American flags while chanting, Nullify the impeachment! and We will protect President Yoon Suk Yeol! Officers removed some protesters who laid down on a road leading to the entrance of Yoons residence, but there were no immediate reports of major clashes.

Yoons presidential powers were suspended following a National Assembly vote to impeach him on December 14 over his imposition of martial law, which lasted only hours but has triggered weeks of political turmoil, halted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets.

Mr Yoons fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberations on whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.

To formally end Yoons presidency, at least six justices on the nine-member Constitutional Court must vote in favour.
Several of Brazilian air force investigators are working with colleagues from three other nations to analyse data from the Azerbaijani aircraft that crashed in Kazakhstan on December 25, killing 38 people.

Azerbaijan claims the jet was unintentionally shot down by Russia.

Advertisement

The Embraer 190 aircraft, made in Brazil, was en-route from the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, to Grozny in the North Caucasus when it was diverted.

It crashed while trying to land near the city of Aktau after flying hundreds of kilometres (miles) east across the Caspian Sea.

Brazils air force said in a statement late on Thursday that nine foreign investigators have gathered with its own experts at its centre for investigation and prevention of air accidents in capital Brasilia to work on data extracted from the airplanes black box and other tools.

Kazakhstan has three investigators in that group, while six others come from Azerbaijan and Russia.

Advertisement

Investigators in Brasilia are working on recordings, cockpit voice and flight data recorders of the aircraft, the Brazilian air force added.

There is no deadline for investigators to publicise their conclusions, which will ultimately come from Kazakh authorities.

The extraction, obtention and validation of the data of the flight recorders will take place in the shortest possible time, Brazils air force said.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has said that that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare.

Advertisement

He accused Russia of trying to hush up the issue for several days.

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to his counterpart for what he called a tragic incident, but stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible.

Mr Putins apology to President Ilham Aliyev came as allegations mounted that the plane had been shot down by Russian air defence systems attempting to fend off a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, where the plane was heading.
Israeli strikes have killed at least 42 people in Gaza, including children, overnight Thursday and into Friday, hospital and emergency response workers said.

The deaths came as health workers and Israels military traded claims over reported evacuation orders for two hospitals in the territorys largely isolated north.

Advertisement

The assertions over the Al-Awda and Indonesian hospitals occurred as stalled ceasefire talks to end nearly 15 months of war were set to resume in Qatar.

Staff at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said that more than a dozen women and children were killed in strikes in central Gaza, including in Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al-Balah. Dozens of people were killed across the enclave the previous day.



Israeli armoured vehicles near the Gaza Strip (Matias Delacroix/AP)

We woke up to the missile strike. We found the whole house disintegrated, Abdul Rahman Al-Nabrisi said in the Maghazi refugee camp.

Later Friday, officials at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said that an air strike killed three people in a car in Zawaida in central Gaza.

Advertisement

And the Civil Defence, first responders affiliated with the Hamas-run government, said that an air strike killed seven people, including four children and a woman, in the Shijaiyah neighbourhood outside Gaza City, and another strike killed two people at Al-Samer junction in Gaza City.

The Israeli army said in a statement that during the past day it had struck dozens of Hamas gathering points and command centres throughout Gaza.

And it warned people to leave an area of central Gaza, saying that it would attack following launches towards Israel. The military said that a few projectiles entered from central and northern Gaza, with no injuries reported.

Freelance journalist Omar al-Derawi was among those killed on Friday. A press vest was placed on his shroud. The Committee to Protect Journalists said last month that more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed in the war.

Advertisement

Israelis also woke up to attacks. Israel said that missiles were fired from Yemen, setting off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and central Israel and sending people scrambling to shelters. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen often claim responsibility.



Tents for displaced Palestinians are set up next to buildings damaged by Israeli army strikes in Khan Younis (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

While the UN Security Council met on Friday to discuss the wars effects on hospitals in Gaza, a hospital in the north, Al-Awda, said in a statement that Israels military had told staff and patients to immediately evacuate.

And a nurse at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza told the Associated Press they had received orders to evacuate. The nurse said that they were still there with 19 people, including eight patients, and staff had asked for ambulances.

Israels military said that it was not operating to evacuate the Al-Awda or Indonesian hospitals.

Advertisement

Messages were sent to reiterate to officials in the health authorities that there is no need to evacuate the hospital, it said of Indonesian hospital.

Neither sides statements could be immediately verified. The Israeli military heavily restricts the movements of Palestinians in Gaza and has barred foreign journalists from entering the territory throughout the war, making it difficult to verify information.

The wars effect on hospitals has been a contentious issue as the health system has been largely devastated.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of operating out of hospitals and said that the military tries to protect the facilities. The military has carried out raids on several hospitals, including Al-Awda and Indonesian, during the war.

Advertisement



Destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

UN human rights chief Volker Turk told the Security Council on Friday that a recent report by his office documented at least 136 strikes on at least 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities in Gaza, which caused significant death and injury among doctors, nurses, medical staff and other civilians and damaged or destroyed many of the buildings targeted. He said both sides must protect the facilities.

Hamas said in a statement that indirect ceasefire negotiations would resume on Friday, a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said that he authorised a delegation from the Mossad intelligence agency, the Shin Bet internal security agency and the military to continue the talks in Qatar.

The US-led talks have repeatedly stalled. Mr Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed. But the militants, while greatly weakened, have repeatedly regrouped, often after Israeli forces withdraw from areas.

The war was sparked by a attack by Hamas-led militants in Israel on October 7 2023. They killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third are believed to be dead.

Israels offensive in retaliation has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territorys Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the dead. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its tally.

Israels 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 about 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times. Winter has now arrived, and hundreds of thousands are sheltering in tents near the sea.
Advertisement

Eating outRestaurant news The best place for a Sydney bar crawl this summer is the Inner West Distillery Trail Your guide to the growing hub of Inner West craft distilleries. Plus, a sneak peek at the new Poor Toms bar and restaurant. Bianca Hrovat January 3, 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

1 / 5 A sneak peek at the new Poor Toms bar and restaurant at Brompton Street, ahead of its official opening later this month. Wolter Peeters 2 / 5 A broader cocktail menu will be available, including a series of negronis and martinis using Poor Toms spirits. Wolter Peeters 3 / 5 Pizzas, from the team behind Pizza Oltra, wont be the only thing on the menu. Wolter Peeters 4 / 5 The bar will be stocked with Poor Toms, as well as other locally crafted beer, wine and spirits. Wolter Peeters 5 / 5 Pizza wont be available by-the-slice, as it is at Pizza Oltra in Haymarket. Wolter Peeters Previous Slide Next Slide When craft distillery Poor Toms launched its crowd-funded cellar door in a small, industrial warehouse 10 years ago, it was the first of its kind in Marrickville. A decade on, and Sydneys inner west has become a hub of independent distilleries, with eight producers of gin, vodka, whisky and rum attracting visitors from across the country. Over the past two years, the industry has welcomed newcomers such as Unexpected Guest (Marrickville), Red Mill Rum (Rozelle) and Ester (Marrickville) and begun plans to launch the Inner West Distillery Trail  a spin-off from the popular Inner West Ale Trail, a self-guided walking tour connecting 18 craft breweries, which relaunched in October. Meanwhile, Poor Toms owners Jesse Kennedy and Griffin Blumer have prepared to realise a long-held dream: to reopen their pioneering micro-distillery in a bigger, better space, with an extensive cocktail menu, sit-down meals, and a stacked line-up of events. Pizza Oltra has partnered with Poor Toms for the food offering at their new venue. Wolter Peeters

Advertisement

Poor Toms plans to launch its 100-seat bar and restaurant in a former steel foundry on Marrickvilles Brompton Street in late January, in partnership with Ben Fester and Drew Huston of acclaimed Haymarket pizzeria City Oltra. Its a game-changer for the brand. Where their previous outpost was small, enclosed and limited to serving toasted sandwiches, the new Poor Toms features a fully equipped kitchen for both pizzas and pub-style mains, a dog-friendly outdoor courtyard, and a long bar showcasing both Poor Toms spirits (across a variety of negronis, martinis and fruit-based cocktails) and local independent beer and winemakers. When we first started the gin distillery, our ultimate goal was to create a sanctuary for people to come, have a good time, and feel like they could express themselves, Blumer says. This is the realisation of that 10-year urge. The outdoor courtyard at the new Poor Toms on Brompton Street. Wolter Peeters

Advertisement

For Blumer, that means more opportunities to host makers markets, one-off dance parties and food events, making this into a bit of a town square for all of the things the community wants to do. Poor Toms community-led approach may be one secret to the success of Inner West distilleries, which present an affordable and approachable entry point to the world of artisan spirits. Unlike traditional cocktail bars, distillery cellar doors offer a casual, (mostly) dog-and-child-friendly environment, with unfussy cocktails and events geared towards locals. At Unexpected Guest, trivia nights with themed cocktails and pop-up wedding ceremonies have become sell-out hits. The character-filled barrel hall of Red Mill Rum recently welcomed the community to two packed open days, ahead of its official to-be-confirmed launch. And at Ester, 2025 means pop-up events with women-led hospitality businesses such as Aplenty and Babs, and further demystifying the craft of cocktail-making. The long marble table is a focal point of Esters tasting room. We really want our bartenders to simplify the process and make it accessible to people that are drinking with us, says Corinna Kovner, who operates Ester with co-founder Felix Clark.

Advertisement

Its the casualisation of cocktails. The Inner West Distillery Trail is still in the early development stage, being created with the Inner West Council. Kovner says it may launch towards the end of 2025. Meanwhile, plan your own craft crawl to these eight distilleries. Poor Toms new venue in Marrickville has opened for a few limited pop-ups ahead of its official launch. Wolter Peeters Poor Toms

Advertisement

The first phase of the new Poor Toms bar and restaurant is warm, earthy and welcoming, filled with the familiar greenery of its predecessor. Keep an eye on socials for pop-ups ahead of the official opening in late January. Must try: The pina colada gin is a standout, described as if a young George Clooney spent his gap year in Ibiza. Building 3/10 Brompton St, Marrickville, poortoms.com Red Mill Rum is preparing to open to the public in Rozelle. Red Mill Rum

Advertisement

Rum is in the Fesq family blood. David Fesq opened Red Mill Rum in White Bay in 2024, reviving the brand his great-grandfather George Bunny Fesq established in 1933. The distillery has been approved to open a cellar door later this year, and does private tours by appointment. Keep an eye on socials for open days. Must try: The spiced rum is a blend of classic and coconut rum, with hints of cinnamon, hibiscus and pineapple. 176 Mullens St, Rozelle, redmillrum.com.au Felix Clark at the Ester Spirits distillery in Marrickville. Ester

Advertisement

A hidden bar in Marrickville, with serve-yourself deli snacks and some pretty special spirits (their Spiced Cane Spirit was recently crowned world-best at the World Rum Awards). Each seasonal cocktail menu showcases one product, made three ways, from lychee-spiked martinis to gelato-filled sgroppinos. Must try: The limited release pre-mixed cocktail Lychee Pavlova Smash combines their signature gin with a triple sec made using recovered oranges, and its been a big hit. 31 Chalder Street, Marrickville, esterspirits.com.au Unexpected Guest

Advertisement

A colourful cellar door, walking distance from the Sydenham metro station, where you can sink into a mid-century modern sofa, martini in hand, and listen to a vinyl record. Book in advance for their Unexpected Trivia nights, which feature themed cocktails. Must try: Clementines American Gin is an example of new wave gin, going light on the juniper in favour of bright lavender and citrus notes. 12 Cadogan Street, Marrickville, unexpectedguest.com.au Bar 26, by Otter Craft Distilling, in Lilyfield. Otter Craft Distilling (Bar 26)

Advertisement

Venture off the beaten track, to an industrial street in Lilyfield, to find this small neighbourhood bar showcasing spirits made by brother-and-sister team Eduard and Julie Otter. Settle in for the night with a range of cocktails (including a tiramisu martini) and pizzas. Must try: Their range of limited-release whisky is available to try from $12.50, allowing visitors to experience how flavours can vary depending on maturation and across different casks. 26-30 Halloran Street, Lilyfield, bar26.com.au Blackwattle Distilling Co. A small gin and vodka distillery behind a line-up of pot plants in the White Bay Steelworks courtyard, where you can drop in for a weekend tasting or book in advance for a tour.

Advertisement

Must try: The blend of botanicals in their O.P Sydney Gin aims to capture the essence of the Inner West, and recently started pouring at three-hatted Stanmore restaurantSixpenny. Steelworks Courtyard, 26f Mansfield Street, Rozelle, blackwattledistillery.com.au Moonshiner King Street Double Barreled Negroni. Moonshiner A friendly, fun stop near The Grifter brewery, serving a range of bold gins flavoured with cherry, native spices or pomegranate. Score a seat outside for prime people watching, as punters traverse the surrounding Ale Trail.

Advertisement

Must try: The Lennox Street Nocino Walnut Gin is toasty, bitter and delicious with a splash of soda. 407B Enmore Rd, Marrickville, moonshiner.com.au Eureka Distilling Formerly known as Mobius, the small Marrickville shed where Eureka Distilling operates is only open to the public for the occasional art exhibition or community event. But youll find their products stocked in a wide variety of bottle shops, including Dan Murphys.

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 You know how white man got that cow jumped over the moon? Well, Aborigine here got curlew and moon Dreaming. What happened is, the curlew had two babies, a boy and a girl, but he used to walk out at night, Frank Shadforth says, standing at the headwaters of Seven Emu Creek in the Northern Territorys Gulf Country. Hes sharing the creation story of this sacred site with two Aboriginal girls in their early teens. Moon was watching curlew, see. First night, curlew wouldnt go far. So, second night the moon come down closer. Curlew went out a bit further. Third night then, curlew went too far, and moon snuck down and grabbed those two babies. Babies screamed! And curlew raced back. Moon and curlew have big fight then. Curlew managed to grab the baby boy and then threw him in the thick grass. But the moon managed to grab the girl. Away he went! But he was so angry with curlew that he threw a big rock back at him. And thats what happened here. Shadforth gestures towards a rocky terrace, where a gentle stream of spring water flows. Below the spring, a wide, glassy pool is filled with native fish. The old man points out the archerfish, sooty grunter and bony bream to the girls. He mentions theres a freshwater crocodile lurking somewhere among the reeds and water lilies near the opposite bank. Red earth and pandanus pines line the waters edge. The girls listen closely. Frank Shadforth has been helping troubled youth for decades. Credit: Justin McManus They are taking part in Shadforths Jarrdimba Bayamuku (Strengthening the Children) diversionary program. Bella*, 14, is staying at Seven Emu instead of spending time in one of the NTs residential youth justice facilities, while an educator referred Alice*, 13, to the program. It is one of several initiatives designed to support Aboriginal young people at risk of repeat encounters with NT police and the youth justice system. Bella starts to retell the story in her own words, but before she can finish, Alice jumps in, excitedly launching into another tale about three birds on her mobs Country near the NT-Western Australia border. Shadforth chuckles, his eyes twinkling beneath the battered, curled brim of his dusty black ringers hat. The girls reactions are the liveliest theyve been since they arrived at the station a few days ago.

Advertisement

The excursion into the back paddocks of the 4300-square-kilometre Seven Emu Station has also involved lessons in bush foods and bush medicine. So far, Bella and Alice have heard about the antidotal properties of kerosene grass for goannas bitten by snakes, the topical healing qualities of sandalwood, and how emu berry treats dysentery and dries a runny nose. Shadforth has pointed out bloodwood trees, and waved at skeletal stands of native firs and fruitless pandanus palms. The blood gums have stopped bleeding and the stinking turtle, which he says used to burrow on the flat beneath the pine canopy, are fewer each year. The native bee and the flying fox have gone missing from the area, too. The girls have soaked it all in, but the afternoon has been long, and their burst of energy and enthusiasm evaporates quickly. When the small group returns to the Toyota, they eschew the cabin and climb directly into the utilitys tray. Hunkering down around a spare tyre, they pull their oversized hoodies into tight apertures and retreat into their phones again. As the Toyota crawls past earth plinths of termite mounds and scraggly clusters of screw palm, Bella flicks through her photos app, worrying after friends and family members back in TC (Tennant Creek), while Alice listens to her favourite hip-hop artist, Lisi. Shadforths daughter Marissa steers the Toyota around powdery banks of bulldust along the remote track while her father points out otherwise indiscernible things among the vast scrubland. She stepped into the role of co-ordinating the Jarrdimba Bayamuku program at her fathers request after working for the Borroloola town council for 12 years and part-time at the local school. It probably takes four or five days before theyll start opening up, she says. You struggle getting them out of the rooms for the first week. The problem is, by the time they really start opening up, they gotta go back again. But everything on the station happens in its own time. Things are ready when they are ready and happen when they happen. Its been that way on this Country since long before it was known as Seven Emu, Shadforth says.

Advertisement

Marissa explains that its only the second time the program has hosted girls, but the station has accommodated boys for close to 30 years, providing them with mentoring, connection to culture and hands-on experience in fencing, mechanical repairs and working with livestock. Initially, the troubled kids came to Seven Emu from extended family groups in Burketown, Doomadgee, Borroloola and other smaller remote Aboriginal communities around the gulf and the territorys Tablelands region. Then in 2018, after repeated approaches from Territory Families, Housing and Communities  the government department responsible for young people detained in youth justice centres  Shadforth agreed to enter a five-year partnership to provide the program to at-risk Aboriginal youth from across the NT. Its changing me into a man About 75 young people have attended short-term and long-term camps under the Jarrdimba Bayamuku program since three kids were placed on the station for five months during a pilot run in 2019. The pilot revealed logistical issues around having the kids stay at the station during the difficult wet season, so a decision was made to permanently reduce the length of the program, and develop a 10-day program for kids aged 10 to 17. Maxton first came to Seven Emu two years ago. Now hes a hired station hand and mentor to others. Credit: Justin McManus Kids whove been through the 10-day program can come back and do the longer one, too, Marissa says. Those considered to be at risk of future or ongoing contact with the territorys youth justice system are referred into the program by child protection workers, educators, parents and relatives, before a panel assesses the eligibility of the nominated young person. The option of a diversionary program isnt available to any young offenders who have committed serious crimes such as rape, arson or causing serious harm, and is only available to offenders twice before they are considered unsuitable.

Advertisement

Theyre pretty good when they get out here, Marissa says. You show them respect and love, and theyll give it back to you. You make them feel at home, like theyre part of the family, then they got manners, and they respect you. I think its that they have an adult listening to them because they dont often get that where they come in from. The kids take on daily responsibilities, which include doing their laundry, cleaning up after themselves, and eating meals together in a common room. Small chores may be assigned around the stations homestead, such as helping prepare meals. And at the right time of year, theres also the potential to help with the cattle muster. So popular is this experience at the station that some participants return to Seven Emu voluntarily after their diversionary program concludes. We sort of said to Territory Families, Why knock them back? They want to come back. So, give them all the support you can, says Marissa. Cause if they dont come back, where do they go? Maxton was 15 when he first came to Seven Emu, but has returned twice to work under Shadforths son, Clarry, who manages the stations livestock business. Dressed immaculately in a western-style vivid green work shirt and pressed denims, Maxton props against a steelyard rail, watching two other young station hands and Clarrys sons breaking in horses before the big muster in coming days. I didnt know anything at all until I come here. Mechanic, fencing, piping, fixing them water pipes that flow around here, mustering  I learn that here, Maxton says. But I still need to learn. I want to have a car one day. Sit in my own house, in my own chair. Have a family to take care of. After Maxtons first visit to Seven Emu, Marissa found him a job at a shop in Borroloola, where Maxton soon found a girlfriend, before returning to school. Now 17, Maxton is a hired station hand and a program mentor at Seven Emu.

Advertisement

I didnt want to come here. When I was on the street, I felt like I was part of the street. I thought I wasnt going to get used to this sort of life. Its good, though. Other troubled kids like Patrick, 15, still arrive at Seven Emu through old family networks. Originally from the Timber Creek region in the Top End, Paddy grew up in Charters Towers, Queensland, until his grandmother asked Shadforth to take him on at Seven Emu because he was running amok at school. After hard riding an alarmed mare in the breaking yard, Paddy wanders over to the steel rails and reveals that he is descended from a line of working cattlemen. His long-term plan is to follow his grandfathers path, he says, and eventually work station to station across western Queensland, the gulf, the Top End, all the way through the top of Western Australia, and maybe right down the west coast too. But first hell stay at Seven Emu, he says, until he becomes a horse whisperer and a bullock whisperer. I want to see myself like my grandfather  a man with all trades, having a smile on my face when Im walking around. Just doing my job, just working, he says. My grandfather was a hardworking man. Seven Emu, its changing me into a man. Racial control The former NT Labor governments multimillion-dollar investment in culturally appropriate diversionary programs came after the shocking 2017 report of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory, which found that young people encountering the territorys youth justice system were subjected to excessive use of force, inappropriate restraints and solitary confinement. At the time, 100 per cent of the children in juvenile detention in the NT were Aboriginal. The commission recommended sweeping reforms.

Advertisement
Melbournes west is Australias fastest-growing region. In a series, The Age examines what makes the west the place to be and whats holding it back.

Just before the 2018 state election, the then Andrews government announced its plan for the Suburban Rail Loop, connecting Cheltenham and Clayton in the citys south-east to Sunshine and Werribee in the west. The estimated cost of the project was $50 billion, with completion envisioned in 2050.

In August 2021, an investment case for the SRL was finally released, and for residents of Melbournes western suburbs it told a familiar story. The $50 billion price tag and the cost-benefit analysis was now only for the eastern and north-eastern sections of the line, as far as Melbourne Airport, which together would be completed by 2053. While the Allan government insists it is committed to building the whole loop, the west once again finds itself at the back of the queue, clutching at promises of better days.

This weeks series of Age reports on life in the west shows that again and again, those living in the fastest-growing region of the city have been offered a vision that then recedes into the distance.

Sunshines hopes for investment associated with a Melbourne Airport rail link now have to contend with a delay of at least four years from 2029, the opening date initially proposed. After years of wrangling, the super-city East Werribee Employment Precinct is still little more than a document. Electrification of the train services to Melton and Wyndham was another 2018 election promise that is no closer to being realised.
Decommissioning any plants built under the Coalitions nuclear energy plan could cost more than $80 billion, and taxpayers would have to foot the bill.

Opposition Leader Peter Duttons planned seven nuclear plants, with a likely 14 large-scale reactors, would be publicly owned, so taxpayers would be liable for clean-up costs from the radioactive sites and any accidents during operation.

The Hinkley Point C nuclear plant, under construction in Britain, is that countrys first in two decades. Credit: Getty

Last month, Britains National Audit Office found that the bill to clean up its old nuclear sites, which date back to the 1940s, would be $260 billion.

About $200 billion of this is to decommission Britains original Sellafield site for weapons and energy generation, with contaminated buildings and radioactive waste.
Naval ship and air force helicopter in joint search and rescue training

China Military Online) 09:35, January 03, 2025

The Type 922 rescue and salvage Ship Kanaslake (Hull 849) attached to a navy unit under the Chinese PLA Northern Theater Command conducts joint maritime search and rescue training with an air force helicopter on November 30, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Cao Hongyang)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A San Francisco Police Department DJI Matrice 30T drone is seen against the skyline as it is flown at Pier 96 last month in San Francisco. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

The suspects were fleeing from car break-ins, store robberies and other crime scenes, slipping into the perceived anonymity of San Franciscos streets.

So far theyve been apparently oblivious when a police drone begins tailing them from the sky. Some cruised stolen cars past the citys new army of license plate cameras. A few shoplifters unwittingly swiped a GPS tracker.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In terms of technological capabilities, 2024 marked a decisive upgrade for San Francisco police, who embedded a bevy of new tools into day-to-day crime-fighting efforts.

This included nearly 400 automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, that alert police of wanted vehicles, towering mobile security cameras for crime hot spots, and  the officer favorite  a fleet of drones that can keep eyes on a suspect while police work out a plan from a safe distance.

Officer Warren Ng is seen on the screen of a remote controller used by San Francisco Police Department Sgt. Eric Batchelder as he flies a DJI Matrice 30T drone last month at Pier 96 in San Francisco. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Thomas Maguire, lieutenant of SFPDs strategic investigations, said the new high-tech tools allow police to do their jobs a lot more precisely than we used to.

When crimes used to happen, and the description was, you know, a white SUV, wed be looking at that car there, and every other white SUV behind it, Maguire said. Maybe people were getting pulled over who had nothing to do with it.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The citys reception so far has been mixed. While officials including outgoing Mayor London Breed have credited the advancements for helping to drive down crime, privacy and police accountability advocates fear that police are indiscriminately collecting granular, often sensitive information that could be vulnerable to abuse.

Its become significantly more difficult to move through San Francisco without leaving a digital footprint. ALPRs in December captured about 3 million shots on an average weekday; several hundred thousand of which were unique. Since May, theyve clocked 42,000 hits, meaning that the cameras spotted a vehicle that police were searching for, according to police.

From the beginning of their launch in March to the end of November, ALPRs assisted in the arrests of 140 people found in stolen cars, and drones have been flown on 240 missions.

Sgt. Eric Batchelder, an unmanned aircraft system manager with SFPD, said the drones have changed the way that we do police work.

If you had a suspect in a stolen car, and he goes around the corner, now the police officer isnt forced to drive his car  or peek around the corner, he said, giving a common example. He can stay in a position where hes safe, and (police) can come up with a big plan.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The citys latest wave of tech acquisitions came after this springs voter-approved passage of Prop. E  a grab bag of measures placed on the ballot by Breed that increased police powers and loosened the amount of oversight surrounding their surveillance technology.

It explicitly authorized SFPD to use drones, opening the citys airspace to police for the first time since the departments helicopter unit disbanded more than two decades ago. Prop E additionally allowed police to install public security cameras without approval from the Police Commission, and to test other surveillance technologies for a year before submitting a policy to the Board of Supervisors.

Prop E won over 54% of San Francisco voters, many of whom have come to see the city as increasingly unsafe. But the polices new surveillance tools remain deeply unpopular with privacy advocates, who fear theyre a step toward a surveillance state and could be ripe for abuse.

Saira Hussain, a senior staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the dense saturation of ALPR cameras was particularly concerning because of their ability to capture the movements of all vehicles, not just those suspected in a crime.

When youre talking about 400 concentrated in a very dense location  it really starts to look like people are going to be able to be identified as theyre moving about the city, Hussain said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

This could include movements that many would consider highly private, like seeking an abortion or gender-affirming care, Hussain said. If the information was shared with the federal government, it could be used as a tool for deportation.

State laws and local policies strictly limit when police can access ALPR data and who they can share it with. For instance, they cant share it with agencies out of state, and officers must identify a specific, authorized case to view the information, meaning they cant use it to, say, track an ex-partner.

But there is always a potential for policy violations or data breaches, Hussain said.

We have perfect examples of ways in which San Francisco wouldnt want that information to be sent to the wrong hands, she said.

San Francisco Police Department Sgt. Eric Batchelder prepares to fly a DJI Matrice 30T drone last month at Pier 96 in San Francisco. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

Matthew Lotocki, a San Francisco software engineer whos not affiliated with any organized privacy or civil rights groups, has begun a one-man crusade to force the police to release more information about how theyre using ALPRs  namely, a map of their locations and the reasons for placing them there.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

While the cameras arent exactly hidden, police said the locations should remain guarded so as not to give criminals a road map to where they can remain undetected.

This explanation didnt sit well with Lotocki, who described himself as vigilant about his own privacy. In March, he attempted to shake the location information loose through a public records request, which was swiftly denied. He then filed a complaint with the citys Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, which sided with Lotocki and directed police to release a map of the locations.

The directive was met with a two-page letter by SFPD Chief Bill Scott, who said, in short, the department would still not comply.

If the compiled map is disclosed, criminals would be able to structure their movements to avoid the cameras, and even choose targets based on routes that avoid cameras, Scott said in the Oct. 24 letter, noting that the camera network covers about 100 of the citys 6,399 intersections.

Lotocki said hes considering litigation, but has also been mapping them out on his own, just by driving around the city.

I basically cant leave my house without passing by cameras, Lotocki said, nothing that he thinks the general public would be interested in seeing this information as well. I think its one thing for people to say, Oh, the police sort of know that Im driving over a bridge, but its another thing to know very clearly where you are in the city.

Maguire, the police lieutenant, said the department is constantly weighing the balance between privacy and public safety, and that he understands peoples privacy concerns.

But, you know, we have technology and tools that wed be almost irresponsible if we didnt use them, Maguire said.

In 2025, Maguire said, SFPD will focus on expanding their access to surveillance cameras owned by businesses, and building out a hub where the departments multiple tech programs can interact.

Maguire stressed that none of the tech enhancements can replace traditional, boots-on-the-ground police work.
How was it that an entire body part was missing from anatomy books right up to the 20th century? Graham asks. The answer is simple.

It would be another 500-odd years before the clitoris was fully mapped by Australian Dr Helen OConnell in 1998. The urologist made medical history in her downtime. An unfunded, after-hours hustle (more on this later).

Now, who can tell me what this is? Graham says, and a giant plush pink clitoris appears on the screen behind her.

As far back as the year 1500, Leonardo Da Vinci was drawing startlingly accurate anatomical sketches of the male penis, says Graham, the director of the Centre for Sex and Gender Equity in Health and Medicine at The George Institute.

Who knows what this is? she asks to ripples of laughter from the crowd in the Sydney auditorium for the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.

Bronwyn Graham is dwarfed by three colossal sketches of a naked male body from hip to heels. She points to a penis as long as her forearm.

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.

At every stage in its long history, medicine has absorbed and enforced socially constructed gender divisions, says feminist cultural historian Dr Elinor Cleghorn in her book Unwell Women.

But where did this phenomenon first take root? How has it thrived?

Countless accounts from women who had been dismissed, belittled, misdiagnosed and gas-lit led The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age to launch an investigation into medical misogyny.

The myths about the way women express and tolerate pain have been ingrained in medicine for centuries.

In the fourth century BC, Aristotle described the female body as the inverse of the male body, with its genitalia turnd outside in  a mutilated male.

Systemic gender bias is as old as medicine itself. The discrimination women experience as a result of their sex (biology) and gender (social norms) has been ingrained in medical research, training and practice that treats male bodies as the ideal and female bodies as aberrations: faulty, defective and deficient.

It is rather difficult to find the clitoris ... on a male body, Graham says. For centuries, scientists have viewed the male body as the status quo as the truest representation of what it is to be human.

Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, is credited with coining the term hysteria in the fifth century BC from one of the Greek words for the womb  the organ responsible for a womans principal function: to bear children.

This wandering womb could rob moisture from the liver, constrict the heart, get stuck under the ribcage and squash the diaphragm, suffocating a woman to death.

This was the view of the ancient Greeks, who believed a uterus not otherwise preoccupied with procreating would prowl around a womans body, wreaking havoc on her, causing pain, violent fits, fainting and hallucinations.

Imagine your uterus as a wild animal constantly hungering for sex, and you are the unwitting vessel at the mercy of its insatiable appetite. The only surefire way to tame this beast is to weigh it down with a baby.

Medical misogyny is a phenomenon that has evolved with every shift in cultural norms and, like so much of medicine, all roads lead back to Hippocrates.

Hysteria described every conceivable mental and physical symptom afflicting women that was even slightly difficult to explain. It was applied to difficult women, women deemed to be too sexual or who grated against societys expectations of their domestic, childbearing roles.

Hysteria was the most commonly diagnosed female malady in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the link between madness and the uterus was a scientific fact, says Jane Ussher, professor of womens health psychology at Western Sydney University.

The ancient Greeks forbade autopsies but, despite physicians eventually realising the uterus was fastened in place by ligaments and tissue, the idea women were possessed by an organ that hungered for sex and children persisted for thousands of years.

Plato, in the fourth century BC, described the womb as a voracious animal which longs to generate children that became vexed and aggrieved if its sexual impulses to conceive went unheeded.

For this reason, Hippocratic physicians were fixated on the womb as the source of all diseases in women.

By 1883, French physician Auguste Fabre had declared: All women are hysterical and ... every woman carries with her the seeds of hysteria.

Elizabeth Comen, in her book All in Her Head, tells the story of 19th-century Boston physician Horatio Storer, who treated a woman who was married to an older man and had a higher libido than her husband. Storer diagnosed the woman with nymphomania and recommended she be committed to an asylum. He also condemned his wife to an asylum for catamenial mania (menstruation-induced insanity).

To the physicians of the 18th and 19th centuries, the brain and reproductive organs were closely linked. Sickness in one affected the other.

Women diagnosed with hysteria could exhibit symptoms of depression, rage, nervousness, crying, chronic tiredness, eating disorders, speech disturbances, paralysis, palsies and disabling pain. Many women also exhibited a hysterical fit, which could either come on gradually or could occur suddenly, mimicking an epileptic seizure, Ussher says.

So many women were imprisoned, and I use the word imprisoned literally, in lunatic asylums in the 19th century because they wanted an independent life, Ussher says.

The womb and the woman were pathologised and seen as mad, bad or dangerous, Ussher says. Menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and breastfeeding were all aberrations to be distrusted.

It was a diagnosis almost exclusively applied to middle- and upper-class women who could afford to follow hysteria treatments, most notably the rest cure, famously portrayed in Charlotte Perkins Gilmans gothic horror book The Yellow Wallpaper in which a woman was confined to a nursery by her physician husband after she suffered a nervous depression following the birth of their baby.

Jane Ussher, senior lecturer and researcher at Western Sydney University. Credit: James Brickwood

You can see echoes of hysteria in modern medicine. Studies investigating medical bias have shown women are more likely to be offered antidepressants or sedatives before pain medication when their pain cannot immediately be attributed to a physical cause and is assumed to be psychological or emotional rather than caused by an underlying disease.

We have them at our mercy

One of the true villains in the history of medical misogyny was a 19th-century London gynaecologist and obstetrician, Isaac Baker Brown, who forged a career mutilating women in his puritanical crusade to cure hysteria.

Brown pioneered ovariotomy (amputation of the ovaries) and attempted to popularise clitoridectomy (surgical removal of the clitoris glans). Many of his patients died on his operating table.

Brown was expelled from the Obstetrical Society in 1867, not so much for his barbarism but his fame-hungry publicity at a time when obstetricians were trying to establish themselves as an elite profession, Gabrielle Jackson wrote in Pain and Prejudice.

At the meeting of the all-male Obstetrical Society confirming Browns ousting, the societys vice president, Sir Francis Seymour, delivered the most poignant example of medicines paternalism: We are, in fact, the stronger, and they, the weaker  they are not in a position to dispute anything we say to them, and we, therefore, may be said to have them at our mercy.

One of Jean-Martin Charcots public exhibitions at Paris Salpetriere Hospital Asylum, 1887. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Hysteric queens

Another infamous chapter in hysterias history is French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcots public exhibitions at Paris Salpetriere Hospital Asylum.

Physicians, socialites and celebrities would watch as he hypnotised his infamous hysteric queens who would faint, shriek, contort, crawl on all fours and rock nonexistent babies in their arms as Charcot attempted to unearth past emotions that he believed caused their hysteria.

If you look at photos of hysterics from the 19th century, it is all very objectifying and fetishising, Ussher says.

A hysterical patient of Jean-Martin Charcot in 1850, photographed as part of the collection Hystero-Epilepsie Contracture. Credit: Getty Museum Collection

Hysteria may have predominantly been an affliction of white European women, but black, Indigenous and other ethnically diverse women were and are among the most vulnerable to medical misogyny.

In the 1840s, Scottish physician James Young Simpson championed anaesthesia during childbirth for the civilised female, believing upper-class women were particularly sensitive to pain, Cleghorn writes. There was no need to offer working-class women anaesthesia, given their higher pain tolerance, and black women were almost impervious to pain  a belief that helped justify slave labour.

One of the most egregious historical cases is the medical research conducted by James Marion Sims, considered by some to be the father of modern gynaecology in the late 19th century. Sims used enslaved black women as unconsenting test subjects for experimental invasive surgeries without anaesthesia.

Henrietta Lacks cervical cancer cells were taken without her consent. Credit: Original unknown

Then theres the case of Henrietta Lacks, a 31-year-old African American woman whose cervical cancer cells were taken without her consent in the 1940s and would become the first, and for many years, the only, immortal human cell line, known as HeLa.

The HeLa cell line has been used in laboratories worldwide and has contributed to myriad scientific breakthroughs from cancer (including cervical cancer), microbiology and infectious disease to space travel and COVID vaccines. Researchers spun HeLa into lucrative and lauded careers while Lacks died poor and in pain.

Diagnosing depressed housewives

In the post-World War II period, drug companies landed on a promising target for antidepressant pills: middle- and upper-class women. Unsatisfied with life as a housewife, overwhelmed by the crippling expectations of raising children and oppressed by the weight of traditional gender roles? Heres a quick fix.

In the 1950s, tranquillisers like Miltown (meprobamate) were marketed as the miracle cure for anxiety, depression, nerves, fatigue and low libido.

White, middle-class women who had discovered new, relative economic and political freedoms during World War II had more educational and employment opportunities but were buckling under the pressure of maintaining motherhood and homemaking, Cleghorn says. Pharmaceutical companies seized on this paradox of femininity and pathologised it.

The new cultural stereotype of the anxiously unwell housewife fuelled the production of benzodiazepines like Valium, Librium and Serax in the 1960s, Cleghorn says.

A 1967 advertisement for Serax (oxazepam), a highly prescribed anti-depressant in the postwar period. Credit: Journal of the American Medical Association

Advertisements for psychotropic drugs were heavily aimed at women and ensuring control over the housewifes subservience, Ussher says.

One 1967 ad for Serax featured a woman imprisoned behind mop and broom handles with the tagline, You cant set her free. But you can help her feel less anxious.

Womens asthma, gastrointestinal disorders and any unexplained chronic pain or neurological symptoms were chalked up to psychosomatic symptoms to be treated with anti-anxiety medication.

Drug companies and clinicians have been accused of retrofitting psychiatric diagnoses to push prescriptions for decades, and echoes of hysteria ring through modern psychiatry today.

Hysterical neurosis was only deleted from the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (the DSM  known as the US psychiatrists bible) in 1980 and, Ussher argues, was replaced by other amorphous diagnoses, most notably borderline personality disorder (BPD), a highly contentious mental illness overwhelmingly diagnosed in women.

It is described as the dustbin disorder used to dismiss and pathologise women who dont fit the norm of femininity of how women are supposed to be, Ussher says.

Many women diagnosed with BPD have traumatic histories, with high rates of child sexual abuse, Ussher says. Rather than seeing them as mad [their symptoms are] an understandable response to what has happened to them.

The missing clitoris

Medical diagrams in the 16th to 18th centuries often depicted the female reproductive system as the inverse of male genitalia, just jammed inside the body. Then theres the great disappearing clitoris.

In the 1840s, German anatomist Georg Kobelt published detailed drawings of the female genitals. By 1948, all mention of the clitoris had been scrubbed from the 25th edition of the seminal Grays Anatomy textbook, only to re-emerge in later editions as nothing more than its small, externally visible glans.

It wasnt until 1998 that Dr Helen OConnell rewrote modern medical books by mapping the entire clitoris, proving it was not just a pea-sized button (glans) but an expansive organ with a wishbone-shaped body and eggplant-shaped bulbs with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.

Helen OConnells work built on the groundbreaking 1840s anatomy and really beautiful drawings of Georg Kobelt. Credit: Georg Ludwig Kobelt

There is an assumption that misogyny is wilful, OConnell says, but medical misogyny seems to be due to a lack of awareness rather than conscious maltreatment.

For Graham, what is striking about OConnells work is that she did it unfunded in her spare time  a common theme in womens health research.

Take the female brain. Only in the past decade have we discovered the brain fundamentally changes its structure following pregnancy.

That work was done by a neuroscientist in Spain  Dr Elseline Hoekzema  over a decade just drip-feeding women through the MRI scanner, unfunded, Graham says.

Youve got the clitoris, a fundamental part of the body not mapped until 1998, and you have the brain following pregnancy, an almost ubiquitous female experience not known until 2017, she says.

Clinical trials

It wasnt until 1993 that the US Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) mandated the inclusion of women in clinical trials. In the years prior, health and drug regulators banished from clinical trials any female of childbearing potential (any woman who had not gone through menopause) for fear of harming their fertility.

Australia and Britain are among many countries that do not mandate the inclusion of females in medical research.

Professor Bronwyn Graham at the 2024 Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney.

This only came about because a small body of people were pointing out that Hey, there are no females here, Graham says. The fallout is that womens healthcare is based on a mans body.

As a result, women are 50 per cent more likely to experience adverse reactions to drugs and vaccines compared with men. Pain medication and anaesthetics are not as effective in women.

The increased rates of female participation [in recent years] are often driven by breast cancer research and gynaecological cancers. When you look at conditions that affect everybody, women still have lower participation rates, Graham says.

Aside from the fact that the medical research field has been male-dominated, the historical exclusion of women from clinical trials is based on two flawed and mutually exclusive beliefs.

The first is that no sex or gender differences exist in health beyond conditions that affect the reproductive organs, so trial results from an all-male cohort are generalisable to female patients. The second is that females will produce more variable data because of fluctuating hormones.

They completely undermine each other, but nobody has made that connection, Graham says.

Researchers didnt want their data contaminated by menstrual cycles or menopause, Ussher says.

It is a die-hard myth that women are more variable than men.

There have been a lot of studies that have compared variability in data between males and females that consistently shows, from rats through to humans that there are no sex differences in the variability of data, Graham says.

One thing people forget is that men also have hormones that fluctuate daily. But hormones are only one factor contributing to variance in data for women and men.

Medical research doesnt begin with clinical trials. Pre-clinical studies almost exclusively use male animals and male cell samples. It wasnt until 2016 that the NIH mandated that any pre-clinical trials awarded research funding must include female animals.

I was doing research on all-male rats throughout my PhD on anxiety disorders at the same time that I was training to be a clinical psychologist seeing 90 per cent of women, and I didnt make the connection, she says.

Medicines gender-neutral problem

If you open a medical textbook, chances are youll find anatomical illustrations of human body parts. Male body parts. Unless its a part that men dont have, specifically female reproductive organs.

The default is male, Graham says. The default heart, the default lung are depicted in a male body.

Medical students are taught medicine in a predominantly gender-neutral way, but the evidence base is predominantly male, Graham says.

They are being taught implicitly that the way that you treat people and the way that disease manifests and their trajectory is the same for males and females because they are not being told otherwise, Graham says.

If we cant get the fundamentals of sex studied, how do we begin to consider gender, innate variations in sex characteristics [and] sexual orientation?

This is bad for men too because it means we are not giving tailored treatments to men either, and we are not recognising when symptoms are typically male versus typically female.

This sex blindness has slowed advancements in medicine with disastrous consequences.

A reckoning

The past few years have marked a mainstream awakening to medicines gender bias. Its critics are out in force, from Jacksons Pain and Prejudice, to Cleghorns Unwell Women and Comens All in Her Head.

In 2015, when Jackson and her colleagues at The Guardian asked endometriosis sufferers to share their experiences, she received more than 600 responses within 24 hours.

Loading

Women wait longer for pain medication than men, are more likely to have their physical symptoms ascribed to mental health issues, and are more likely to have their heart disease misdiagnosed, become disabled after stroke, suffer from illnesses ignored or denied by the medical profession, and wait longer to be diagnosed with cancer, Jackson wrote in Pain and Prejudice.

After her own endometriosis diagnosis, Jackson was angry at the doctors who misdiagnosed or dismissed her for years.

[But] I soon realised that the situation were in isnt because of a few doctors being sexist. Like many examples of shocking sexism the problem is structural and not easy to solve, she wrote.

Jackson quoted US endometriosis campaigner and advocate Mary Lou Ballweg: Until the group that is affected stands up and says, Enough already! it will not stop.

The full-throated advocacy of women who have been failed by medicine is a powerful force.

What is being done in Australia?

In Australia, passionate and sustained pressure from endometriosis sufferers and their families  spearheaded by advocacy organisation EndoActive  got the attention of the then health minister Greg Hunt in 2019, which led to the first instalment of unprecedented funding towards prevention, early detection and treatments as part of a National Womens Health Strategy.

In 2024, the Labor federal government introduced longer Medicare-funded specialist consultations for endometriosis, which affects about one in nine Australian women.

Women who spent years in debilitating pain dismissed by doctors are responsible for the Victorian governments decision to launch the Inquiry into Womens Pain in 2024, including Premier Jacinta Allan, whose endometriosis went undiagnosed until her early 30s when she was struggling to conceive. The final report and recommendations are expected to be published early this year.

Loading

In NSW, women who experienced birth trauma and their midwives led the charge to establish the Birth Trauma Inquiry, which heard harrowing testimonies from thousands of women. As a result, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park issued an apology and promised to speed up the delivery of five initiatives, including providing trauma-informed training for healthcare workers, improving the provision of information to enable women to be involved in decision-making and giving informed consent for birth interventions, and to better support women who experienced pregnancy complications.

The federal Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, did not shy away from calling womens experiences in healthcare medical misogyny when she announced in 2023 that she would chair a national Womens Health Advisory Council.

The bias against women in the health system is deeply entrenched, Kearney says. We are now bringing together experts to begin to peel back the layers so we can chart a different course.

The council is due to release its End Gender Bias report early this year and will undertake an audit of the Medicare rebate system to investigate why rebates are higher for procedures for men, such as scrotal ultrasounds, than they are for procedures for women, such as internal ultrasounds.

Its a global problem

Several countries have either implemented or plan to mandate gender equality in healthcare. For instance, in the European Union, the Gender Equality Strategy (2022-25) aims to ensure that healthcare systems are free of gender discrimination, in particular the scarcity of women in clinical trials.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations are increasingly focused on addressing sex and gender discrimination in healthcare that disproportionately affects minority groups across race, class and disability.

There is also a growing movement towards greater efforts to produce gender-disaggregated data to track healthcare outcomes for women, and the #MeToo in Medicine campaign has helped expose medical misogyny on a global scale.

Now, more than ever, we need medicine to face up to its history, Cleghorn wrote in Unwell Women. We are the most reliable narrators of what is happening in our own bodies. The lives of unwell women depend on medicine learning to listen.

Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Victorians looking for a coastal home can buy properties for less than $1 million in a string of more affordable towns along the Bellarine, the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.

While a typical property in the prestigious beachside suburb of Sorrento will set buyers back upwards of $2 million, homes in nearby Tootgarook and Rosebud cost far less, with median house prices of $910,000 and $755,000, respectively, Domain data shows.

On the other side of the bay on the Bellarine Peninsula, a handful of beachside suburbs offer homes for less than $1 million, including St Leonards ($745,000), Portarlington ($880,500) and Ocean Grove ($970,000), offering more affordable alternatives to the Surf Coast towns of Anglesea ($1,467,5000) and Torquay ($1,207,500).

Domain head of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell said buyers looking for a coastal home could find larger properties and lower prices if they looked away from typical tourist hot spots to lesser-known beach locations.
Unless youre Oscar the Grouch, living in a bin isnt something that is likely to appeal.

But it hasnt fazed London-based artist Harrison Marshall, 30, who has lived in a converted skip bin for the past two years.

London-based Harrison Marshall, 30, has lived in a converted skip bin for the past two years. Credit: Instagram / Danny Cozens & The Skip House

In 2023, Marshall found himself in a rental rut. A yellow skip bin had been donated to him, and he decided to move into it temporarily while he searched for somewhere to rent.

He parked the skip on land owned by an arts organisation, which lets Marshall stay there free of charge.
Seoul: South Korean investigators left the presidents official residence after a nearly six-hour standoff during which he defied their attempt detain him, in the latest confrontation of a political crisis that has paralysed South Korean politics and seen two heads of state impeached in under a month.

The countrys anti-corruption agency said it withdrew its investigators after the presidential security service blocked them from entering President Yoon Suk Yeols residence for hours due to concerns about their safety. The agency expressed serious regret about the attitude of the suspect, who did not respond to a process by law.

Yoon, a former prosecutor, has defied attempts to question him for weeks. The last time he is known to have left the residence was on December 12, when he went to the nearby presidential office to make a defiant televised statement to the nation, declaring he would fight efforts to oust him.

Members of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials arrive in front of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols official residence in Seoul. Credit: Getty Images

Investigators from the countrys anti-corruption agency are weighing charges of rebellion after Yoon, apparently frustrated that his policies were blocked by an opposition-dominated parliament, declared martial law on December 3 and dispatched troops to surround the National Assembly.
Shiyar Khaleal, another activist and journalist, also warned that education based on extremist ideologies may shape individuals whose ideas threaten regional and international security. The changes were published on the Syrian education ministrys Facebook page on Wednesday, along with a declaration that the countrys nationalist education would be replaced by Islamic or Christian religious teachings. Members of the new security forces take part in an operation to detain militiamen affiliated with ousted president Bashar al-Assad in Homs (according to the state media) on Thursday. Credit: AP Also included in the new curriculum is a claim that Jews and Nasara, a derogatory term for Christians, are the subject of a verse from the Koran about people who had angered God. Philosophy units on topics such as Chinese thought are also to be deleted, with any remaining content rephrased, as are texts referring to rule by the Ottoman Empire, which was previously described as the brutal Ottoman authority.

The amendments further include the removal of content about Assad, something which has been well received, as well as dozens of other changes to the study of science, religion and history. Loading The national anthem has also been cut from textbooks, with the ministry describing it as the [Assad] regimes anthem. Hussam Hammoud, a Syrian journalist, wrote on social media: After reviewing the amendments, its clear that, aside from removing signs of the criminal Assad regime, the rest [of the] changes have a distinct religious tone. He added that some citizens had called for protests against the changes.

Syrias education ministry published a statement on Thursday that said the curriculum would remain in place until it was reviewed by a specialist committee. A spokesman added that officials had directed the removal only of content that glorified the defunct Assad regime and that schoolbooks would be updated to include the Syrian revolution flag. He also said other modifications related to incorrect information that had been adopted by the former regime. Syrias de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (foreground), formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. Credit: AP The ministry previously announced it would not restrict girls rights to education and that primary schools would remain mixed.

Joshua Landis, director of Oklahoma Universitys Centre for Middle East Studies, said the proposed curriculum suggested a shift from a nationalist to Islamist interpretation of Syrian history. He wrote on social media: Nothing is surprising about these changes to Syrias school textbooks. They are in line with traditional Islamic education. The problem is that they will shock secular Syrians and many Christians, not to mention Alawis, Druze and Ismailis, who are considered to be worse than Christians and Jews and who are not protected within Islamic law. A couple watches the sunset atop Mount Qassioun, which was opened to the public after the fall of the Assad regime. Credit: AP He added: Just as importantly, Western powers and Israel will worry that [Ahmed] Sharaas government is educating a new generation to attack Israel. This may delay the lifting of sanctions, which will be so important to the success of the new Syria.

De facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has sought to assuage the concerns of Syrian minorities, meeting community leaders and pledging to respect Syrias ethnic and religious diversity. Loading Following the toppling of the Assad regime almost a month ago, the country is now coming to terms with the widespread destruction left by 13 years of civil war. The new education ministry faces a mammoth task, with half the countrys schools destroyed or damaged during the war. More than half of Syrias children  about 3.7 million  are out of school, said Save the Children. Meanwhile on Wednesday, Syrias new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, travelled to Saudi Arabia, marking the transitional governments first official overseas visit.
A judge has ordered Donald Trump to be sentenced 10 days before he is sworn in as Americas 47th president over his so-called hush money conviction  but he will not serve any jail time.

Months after Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal, the judge overseeing his case has set January 10 as the sentencing date, but has indicated he will likely give the president-elect an unconditional discharge.

Donald Trump and Emil Bove (right), one of his attorneys, in court in New York in May. Credit: Bloomberg

This means that Trump will still be the first convicted felon to occupy the White House when he is sworn in on January 20, but would avoid prison, home probation, fines or other sanctions.

Trump had initially sought to quash the case altogether, arguing that his election victory should nullify his conviction.
A person was arrested on suspicion of shooting two people on Thursday morning in San Franciscos South of Market neighborhood, police officials said. Rafe Swan/Getty Image

A person was arrested on suspicion of shooting two people on Thursday morning in San Franciscos South of Market neighborhood, police officials said.

Officers responded to the 800 block of Bryant Street around 10 a.m. and found two people suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, according to the San Francisco Police Department. The victims were an adult male and an adult female, officials said, and the two were taken to a hospital for their injuries.

The suspect had initially fled the scene, officials said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Around noon, police officers on patrol found the suspect and tried to detain the individual. After a brief police pursuit, the suspect was arrested at Hyde and Ellis streets.

Police officials said they would not be releasing the identity of the suspect due to the open and active investigation. The arrest charges are dependent on the investigation, officials said.

Police declined to release additional details about the case.

The 800 block of Bryant Street includes the Hall of Justice and the Mercy supportive housing complex. Multiple media outlets reported that the shooting took place at the Mercy Housing building. Officials there did not respond to requests for information.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
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
Ronn Owens talks with callers after announcing he is leaving KGO on March 31, 2016, in San Francisco. The beloved Bay Area radio personality, who shaped the airwaves for nearly five decades, says he is facing significant financial hardship after enduring a series of health challenges. Leah Millis/The Chronicle

Ronn Owens, the beloved Bay Area radio personality who shaped the airwaves for nearly five decades, says he is facing significant financial hardship after enduring a series of health challenges.

The 79-year-old former KGO host, whose voice became synonymous with San Francisco talk radio, revealed in a Facebook post on New Years Eve that his ongoing battle with Parkinsons disease, along with multiple bouts of cancer, heart issues and recent hospitalizations, has left him struggling to keep up with medical costs.

Life has thrown a few more punches my way, Owens wrote on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Its been a rough road, and honestly, its hard to admit that the financial strain has become overwhelming on top of everything else.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Owens, who was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2001, retired from KGO in 2021  shortly before the stations longtime news-talk format was discontinued.

A fixture in the Bay Area media landscape, KGO had been the regions top-rated radio station for decades, with Owens hosting influential guests like President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his tenure.

Before launching his presidential bid, Sen. Barack Obama appeared as a guest on Ronn Owens morning radio program at KGO in San Francisco in October 2006. Michael Macor/SFC

For much of his career, KGO was the station where the Bay Areas daily news agenda was set, and Owens was its trusted voice.

For 48 years, I poured my heart into KGO, sharing stories, sparking conversations, and connecting with you all, Owens said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Despite his long-standing success, Owens acknowledged that he never imagined a time when he would need financial assistance.

But here I am, asking for a little help from the community that has meant so much to me, the former host of The Ronn Owens Program said.

A member of both the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, Owens has seen his health decline over the years, with Parkinson's disease complicating his recovery from other illnesses, including COVID-19 and pneumonia.

Ronn Owens speaks on the air in his studio on August 21, 2014 in San Francisco. Craig Hudson/The Chronicle

Though his symptoms have progressed moderately, the strain of multiple health setbacks has proved financially and emotionally taxing  even with Medicare, medical insurance and long-term care coverage.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page to help Owens cover his mounting medical expenses, including a recent extended hospital stay. The goal is set for $60,000.

Owens, now living in Arizona with his wife, Jan Black, expressed his gratitude for the support, thanking the community that has been integral to his career. Among the notable contributors are former KGO colleague Leo Laporte, Santa Clara attorney Todd Rothbard and former state Sen. Jerry Hill of San Mateo.

Ronn Owens, left, joined KGO in 1975. Chronicle file photos

If Ronns voice has ever brought you comfort, sparked a meaningful conversation, or simply made you smile, now is the time to show your love and gratitude, the statement on his GoFundMe page reads. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Ronn and his family navigate this difficult time.

Update: This story has been updated to remove details related to legal proceedings involving Ronn Owens' daughter that are still pending.
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
Tintin  pictured here in a 1988 sculpture with his dog, Snowy  entered the public domain on Wednesday, Jan. 1, opening up creative possibilities for fans looking to use the character in future projects. Michel Euler/Associated Press

Fans of Popeye and Tintin may be seeing a lot more of the nostalgic cartoon characters this year  though likely in a new and more mature light.

The fictional sailor and the young Belgian reporter are among the works that lost their copyright protections on Wednesday, Jan. 1, making them fair game to be included in new creative works without restriction or permission from the original creator. Under U.S. copyright law, protections expire 95 years after publication.

Tintin was created by Belgian cartoonist Herge, and has been chronicled adventuring around the world with canine sidekick Snowy in comic books and movies, while Popeye the Sailor was introduced by American cartoonist E.C. Segar and is known for his spinach-fueled super strength.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

While the Marin County novelty shop Sausalito Ferry Co. is currently home to the countrys largest selection of Tintin merchandise, that may change now that fans are free to replicate the character however they please and even make their own products and artwork.

New books, films and music enter the U.S. public domain at the beginning of each year. This year, works debuted in 1929 have joined previously added characters such as Steamboat Willie versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, which sparked a string of horror-tinged media projects last year, and Winnie-the-Pooh, who was transformed into a bloodthirsty killer in the 2023 slasher film Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey.

Popeye the Sailor  seen here as a giant balloon in the 1959 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade  is already the subject of three slasher films after entering the public domain on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Associated Press

Popeye appears to be joining the pipeline from childrens cartoon protagonist to menacing villain. Jennifer Jenkins, the director of Duke Law Schools Center for the Study of the Public Domain, told NPR last week that there are already three slashers centering the fictional sailor in the works. One, Popeye the Slayer Man, has already released a bloody trailer about a group of friends who are terrorized by the character as they film a documentary about the abandoned spinach factory he is said to haunt.

Other works that are now in the public domain as of this week include Ernest Hemingways A Farewell to Arms, William Faulkners The Sound and the Fury and Virginia Woolfs A Room of Ones Own.
National economic uncertainty should leave Idaho budget setters cautious even as the state keeps growing, a regional economist told a legislative panel.

The broad theme is, weve had unprecedented uncertainty and we will continue to have high levels of uncertainty in our national economy, Zions Bank senior economist Robert Spendlove told the legislatures Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee Jan. 2. And so I would be cautious in any kind of forecasts.

The panel meets ahead of the regular legislative session, slated to start Jan. 6.

Idaho is leading the nation in a number of different areas of economic strength, and it is continuing, this growth we are seeing, the Utah-based Spendlove said.

While he is more optimistic about Idahos economy than that of the whole country, its imperative to also build in a lot of caution because we arent sure, he said.

A question over the past few years centers on how the U.S. economy can return to normal  and how normal should be defined, Spendlove said. For example, older workers who left the workforce amid the coronavirus pandemic arent likely to return or be fully replaced any time soon.

Normal means we go through business cycles, Spendlove said. The economy was heading into recession in 2019 before the Federal Reserve Board during the pandemic essentially gave an adrenaline shot to the economy and forced it to grow, helped by near-zero short-term interest rates.

The idea that a return to normal connotes a return to the cusp of a recession set to materialize sometime in the next couple of years is why you keep hearing economists saying, Maybe this year, he said. It has to happen. We just dont know when, and we dont know exactly what it will look like.

The Federal Reserve is expected to continue to cut short-term interest rates, but at a slower pace, Spendlove said. Inflation will continue to slow, but some price categories will remain sticky, or slower to see inflation rate decreases.

Also in 2025, he expects labor market growth to slow and the unemployment rate to increase. Consumers likely will remain resilient overall, but lower-income groups will be stressed. Trade, taxes, debt and deregulation could have more impact on the U.S. economy.

A spike in egg prices in recent months reflects not only bird flu outbreaks, but also increased sensitivity of the economy to shocks, Spendlove said in an interview.

We consumers are very sensitive to price shock, he said.

The question is whether what we are seeing with egg prices is temporary or whether inflation is returning and is too strong, Spendlove said.

Food prices increased at a slightly higher rate in November than in October and the previous three months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Increasing food prices would be an early indication that inflation is accelerating, and could be an early warning sign, Spendlove said.

Food inflation is lower than overall inflation, though food prices remain above pre-pandemic levels, he said. Food prices likely will remain high unless something bad happens in the larger economy.

Current U.S. inflation of about 2.5% and wage growth of 4% compare to policymakers goals to have inflation of 2% and wage growth at 3%, Spendlove said.
A farmworker union has asked U.S. District Judge John Chun in Seattle to cancel visas for thousands of foreign workers recruited for 2025 fruit harvests in Eastern Washington.

Familias Unidas por La Justicia alleges the U.S. Department of Labor violated an order Chun issued in July that made committing to pay piece-rates a condition for farmers to hire workers through the H-2A visa program.

The Labor Department denies the allegation. A federal judge in Kentucky ruled in November the department cant require farmers to guarantee piece-rates, the department contends.

Familias attorney Andrea Schmitt of Columbia Legal Services said Jan. 2 that jobs guaranteeing only an hourly wage are less attractive, discouraging U.S. farmworkers from applying and manufacturing a labor shortage.

Weve said this is urgent, absolutely. We want to get a ruling as quickly as possible, she said.

The Labor Department has accepted dozens of applications for workers from Washington farms guaranteeing $19.82 an hour, the minimum H-2A wage, according to department records. Many applications say piece-rates are possible, but make no commitments.

Many farmers pay piece-rates, but making them pay piece-rates would have far-reaching ramifications, Worker and Farm Labor Association CEO Enrique Gastelum said.

Some varieties need to be sorted and picked carefully to preserve quality, he said. They cant have bad fruit in the bin, he said.

Conflicting rulings

The department argues the applications conform with a decision by U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves in Lexington, Ky. Reeves ruled farmers can pay hourly wages or piece-rates, whichever suits their interests.

The ruling apparently conflicts with Chuns order last summer. Chun ruled withholding piece-rates harms farmworkers.

The Labor Department told Chun that Washingtons prevailing piece-rates had expired. Chun ordered the department to use the old piece-rates until the department came up with new ones.

Schmitt complained in early December the Labor Department wasnt following Chuns order and was approving applications for foreign farmworkers from orchards only guaranteeing an hourly wage.

U.S. attorneys Tessa Gorman and Brian Kipnis told Schmitt in a letter in mid-December that Reeves ruling means the department cant reject an application because the farmer only commits to an hourly wage.

The departments hands are tied in this matter, the attorneys wrote.

Current prevailing piece-rates in Washington are $28.26 for a bin of apples and 21 cents for a pound of cherries. Piece-rates pay better than the hourly wage, according to farmworker statements submitted by Familias.

Judge Reeves said farmers had many good reasons for paying hourly wages, instead of piece-rates. Reeves struck down several other H-2A regulations adopted by the Biden administration.

The Labor Department sets H-2A wages to prevent foreign farmworkers from lowering pay for U.S. workers. The department certified more than 35,000 openings for foreign farmworkers in Washington in 2024, the fourth-most among all states.
Sarah Slater

A Tipperary man shot dead in Kansas City last year is to be laid to rest in his native Nenagh on Saturday.

Shaun Brady (44) was killed in an altercation outside his restaurant Brady and Fox in Kansas City, Missouri on August 28th 2024.

Mr Brady was a co-owner and chef of the Irish restaurant.

The father-of-two was reportedly shot as he intervened in a suspected robbery.

Mr Brady, who was bringing rubbish bags out from his restaurant, sustained multiple gunshot wounds close to his restaurant after he confronted several people who were attempting to steal a car.

Two male juveniles were charged with second degree murder but the charge against one has been dropped by prosecutors.

Last month, the Jackson County Family Court dropped all charges against one of two teens arrested in August last in connection with the fatal shooting.

The teen, who spent three months in juvenile custody, was released without charge

Mr Bradys wife Kate, and their two children Seamus (13) and Mary (10) arrived in Ireland a week ago with his ashes for internment in Lisboney New Lawn Cemetery following a memorial service by chief celebrant, Parish Priest, Fr Pat Gilbert.

His death notice on RIP.ie reads: "Shaun Paul Brady, Lenexa, Kansas, USA and late of Summerhill, Nenagh, Tipperary was taken tragically on August 28, 2024.

"Beloved husband of Katie, doting father to Seamus and Mary. Loving son of Mary and brother to Vivian, Sandra and Damien. Sadly missed by his heartbroken family, mother, sisters and brother, nieces and nephews, extended family relatives and friends.

Mr Bradys mass will be held at midday at Saint Marys of the Rosary Church in Nenagh followed by burial of ashes at Lisbunny.

A mourner on RIP.ie wrote: "Mary, sincere sympathy to you and all your family and Shaun Paul's wife and children on the awful loss of Shaun Paul. May his gentle soul rest in peace, while another wrote: My sincere sympathy to you, Vivian, Sandra, Damien, Katie, Seamus, Mary and the extended families on the devastating and tragic loss of your beloved son. May Shaun Paul rest in eternal peace.

Mr Brady studied to become a chef in Dublin Institute of Technology, when he met his US-born wife Kate while she was visiting Ireland.

The couple originally lived in Chicago, before they moved to Kansas City in 2013 where he started the restaurant with friend Graham Ferris.

A memorial fund set-up in his memory raised 185,000. The shooting took place just days before the annual IrishFest, an annual music and food festival held over the last weekend in August, which has become a large touristic event in the city.

Police in Kansas City are treating the death as a homicide and their investigations are ongoing.
Saffron-marinated roast chicken with charred Persian cucumbers at Amara in Belmont. Courtesy Kristen Loken

From Korean doughnuts to fresh noodles, with the new year comes a flurry of exciting new places to eat on the Peninsula and in the South Bay.

The region gained several new sweets options, including two popular Korean chains and a new outpost from a beloved 102-year-old Bay Area candy company. Meanwhile, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant and modern Indian spot debuted.

Read on for more on eight Peninsula and South Bay restaurant openings.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Team with Michelin cred debuts new restaurant

Couple Reena Miglani and Ajay Walia are known for their Bay Area Indian restaurants  the once Michelin-starred Rasa in Burlingame and more casual Saffron in San Carlos  but their newest project heads to the Mediterranean. Amara, newly open in Belmont, serves dishes from white hummus whipped with lemon creme fraiche to saffron-marinated chicken and smoked lamb tajine. Cocktails incorporate ingredients like tarragon, pepper bitters and paprika-ginger syrup. For dessert, theres a molten chocolate cake punched up with harissa, labneh cheesecake or a baklava sundae with honeycomb ice cream. Chef Bret Tullis, who worked at San Franciscos Campton Place and Michael Minas eponymous restaurant in Las Vegas, leads the kitchen.

1015 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont. amararestaurants.com

Famed Korean chain brings doughnuts

Simbongsa, a popular Korean chain known for its fried treats, opened a new outpost in Santa Clara. Head there for sugar-dusted doughnuts and korokke, or croquettes, filled with savory combinations like spicy pork, crab or sweet potato and cream cheese. Sweet doughnuts come in either a twisted (quasegi) or mochi form (chapssal) in flavors like black sesame or churro. This is Simbongsas second U.S. location; another opened in Pleasanton last May.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

2670 El Camino Real, Santa Clara. instagram.com/simbongsaofficial

French bakery expands

The pastry case at Croissante in Los Gatos is stocked with a wide array of treats: caneles, danishes and yuzu madeleines, plus croissants in flavors like mango, triple chocolate and white sesame-honey, or even in a viral cube shape.. This marks the second location for the popular French bakery, which started in Santa Clara.

276 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. croissantebakery.com

More hand-pulled noodles

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

A chef pulls fresh noodles OX9 Lanzhou Handpulled Noodle in San Mateo in 2022. Paul Kuroda/Special to The Chronicle

Hand-pulled noodles stretched into existence by deft hands are the specialty at Ox9, a Chinese restaurant that continues to grow throughout the South and East Bay. Ox9 is now serving Lanzhou noodles in downtown Mountain View, following locations in San Mateo, Fremont, Milpitas, Cupertino and Santa Clara. While some Bay Area Chinese restaurants serve Lanzhou-style noodles, Ox9 is one of the few devoted to the specialty. Diners can customize noodle dishes from various shapes and widths, and order them in beef soup or in versions without broth.

216 Castro St., Mountain View. 39miles.com/z/09688759

Vietnamese coffee sensation grows

7 Leaves, a popular Southern California-based cafe the Los Angeles Times once called the Vietnamese American Starbucks, keeps adding more Bay Area locations. The latest has arrived in Sunnyvale, joining others in San Francisco and throughout the South Bay  coinciding with a new wave of Vietnamese coffee shops here. 7 Leaves, which got its start in 2012 in Orange County, serves Vietnamese-style iced coffee, boba and macarons.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

540 Lawrence Expy., Sunnyvale. 7leavescafe.com

Modern Indian restaurant debuts

The Bay Area has gained yet another modern Indian restaurant: Arth in Cupertino. The kitchens contemporary take on Indian fare means dishes like okra fries, steamed bao filled with chicken tikka masala and tandoori soft shell crab.

10310 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino. arthrestaurant.com

A new home for Korean sweets

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

More Korean dessert culture is here thanks to Sulbing, which specializes in bingsu, or shaved ice laden with sweet toppings. Sulbings latest outpost in downtown Mountain View is serving bingsu in flavors like strawberry, matcha and tiramisu. The menu also includes honey-butter toast, coffee and tea.

975 W. Dana St., Mountain View. instagram.com/sulbing_california

Bay Area candy icon adds new store

Chocolates on the assembly line at the Sees Candies factory in South San Francisco on Feb. 22, 2024. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Sees Candies is more than a century old and is still growing. The California-born company, which started in 1921 and operates out of a South San Francisco factory, is now selling boxes of its beloved chocolates, from butterscotch and Bordeaux to truffles, at Daly City shopping center Gellert Marketplace.
Advertisement

Votorantim Cimentos SA signed an agreement with Brazil's Economic Defense Council, CADE, to terminate all administrative and judicial proceedings involving the company and CADE. It will also adhere to an extraordinary transaction with the Federal Attorney Generals Office (PGF) to pay amounts related to those proceedings, in accordance with the terms of the settlement programme Desenrola Agencias Reguladoras enacted by article 22 of Law 14.973/24 and Norm 150/24 of the Brazilian Attorney General (AGU).

As a result of the extraordinary transaction and the agreement, which are currently under judicial homologation, the company resolved all controversies with CADE and finalised all the pending litigation with the authority, with a discount of 65 pecrn ent of the amounts originally charged, which resulted in a payment of BRL1,092,779,895.17 (US$172,252,554.52). The company did not admit any illegal action nor the engagement in any anticompetitive conduct.

Votorantim Cimentos reiterates its commitment to financial discipline and transparency to the market.
Advertisement

The start of 2025 has not begun well for Nepal's cement industry. A total of 13 cement plants in Koshi state have been forced to shut down temporarily as they are unable to meet the high cost of imported clinker, while domestic sources are under the control of the larger players.



Despite these developments, the government has decided not to step in as 21 cement factories in the country are able to produce clinker and are deemed capable of meeting current cement demand needs. The Global Cement Report  15th Edition estimates that domestic cement consumption in Nepal reached ~8Mta in 2024 and oversupply is now putting pressure on the smaller cement producers.



In geographical terms, the domestic market is concentrated in large cities along the east and west highways between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Cement types produced in the market include 50 per cent pozzolan cement, 40 per cent OPC and 10 per cent slag cement. Prior to 2017-18, Nepal imported half of its annual requirements of finished cement and clinker from India. But this is changing with the larger integrated plants controlling more of the domestic market. Coal, gypsum and iron ore also need to be imported for cement manufacture, which means grinding plants have tended to be more sustainable than integrated plants for the local industry to run. Now the lnkes of Hongshi-Shivam Cement and CG Cement Industries have the capacity to supply half of the domestic annual cement requirements.



However, plants are under continued threat of closure and shutdowns are beginning to mount up. There are four plants on the point of shutting down production in Morang, eight in Jhapa, one in Sunsari, one in Udayapur and one in Dhankuta in Kushi province, according to local sources. In addition, the remaining plants in Jhapa are operating at about 25 per cent of capacity utilisation, claims The Rising Nepal Daily.

The high price of imported clinker and the governments inability to spend capital, the non-payment of loans and the stoppage of exports have combined to put many plants on the brink of closure. According to the Nepal Manufacturing Association (NMA), the industry consisted of 65 cement plants, comprising 42 grinding units and 23 integrated plants in 2023. The largest plant is the Chinese-owned Hongshi-Shivam Cement plant which has a capacity of 2.44Mta.



India BIS implementation

Adding further woe to the situation is a challenging Indian export market. Trade with India was made more difficult by restrictive measures being imposed on Nepali goods, which were not permitted to include any Chinese components. Nepals exporters have had difficulty in obtaining Bureau of India Standards (BIS) certificates as Indian officials have been slow to visit factories in Nepal despite paperwork having been completed by exporters. The new certificates are designed to prevent Chinese goods from entering India with restrictions imposed on 370 Chinese products, across many industries. Arghakhanchi Cement, Sarbottam Cement, Palpa Cement and Balaji Cement have all stopped exporting cement to India since November 2024, reports the Kathmandu Post.



Even as the domestic consumption of cement declined, production was not impacted due to the huge demand from India. But now cement plants in Rupandehi are on the verge of shutting down or running under-capacity, said Thakur Kumar Shrestha, president of the Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Calls to ease the BIS restrictions for Nepalese goods have gone unheeded. According to the NMA, a dozen Nepali cement plants applied for BIS certification in 2022 to make their products eligible for export, particularly to India. However, none of these plants have been able to complete the registration process. This is despite paying fees for BIS certification and completing laboratory tests on their products.



In addition, Indias Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, insists that the quality control orders (QCOs) have been extended to 732 products to align with international standards and boost exports. QCOs are a key mechanism through which India is not only raising quality standards to enter the global value chain but also restricting imports from China, Goyal stated. Imports from China have already crossed US$60bn during the first seven months of 2024, which is 10 per cent higher than the US$55bn recorded in the same period last year [2023].



Summary

Nepal's cement producers have seen increasing plant closures due to a lack of domestic clinker, while the cost of imported clinker has become unaffordable. In addition, export opportunities of recent years have melted away as Nepali producers have been caught in the trade restrictions imposed by India on Chinese goods. Therefore, plant closures look likely to continue as the grinding operators are forced out of the market in favour of those with domestic clinker supply.
Co-owners David Soffa, from left, Rose Soffa Clarke and Teresa Clarke at their Berkeley restaurant, Roses on Adeline, whose liquor license they are trying to change. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

When Rose Soffa Clarke opened Roses on Adeline last spring, she hoped it would become a neighborhood restaurant for South Berkeley, where she lives. She and her family installed colorful pendant lights, put together a menu with items like a double smashburger and a fried chicken sandwich, and hired a pedigreed bartender to create the cocktail list.

But Soffa Clarke soon found herself unwittingly angering a certain set of the community: parents with children.

The bar and dining area at Roses on Adeline. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Due to its liquor license, Roses on Adeline cannot admit anyone under 21. And no matter how prominently Soffa Clarke advertised that on the website, she found that many would-be patrons were not getting the message. It started to hurt business.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Staff had to turn away one woman whod shown up with a baby in a stroller, and then she left scathing reviews online. Another customer made a reservation for a large party, checking a box acknowledging the over-21 policy  then showed up with their underage daughter, a student at nearby UC Berkeley, and had to abandon the whole reservation.

People were getting angry with us, said Soffa Clarke, who cooked at San Franciscos Flour + Water and Good Good Culture Club before opening Roses on Adeline at 3218 Adeline St. with her parents, Teresa Clarke and David Soffa. Shed try to patiently explain to the disappointed parents that they legally couldnt allow children. We were sending business out the door.

The Money cocktail, made with cacao nib-infused reposado Tequila, lime, passion fruit, Thai chile and a chocolate-chile rim. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

But thats about to change: Soon, Roses on Adeline will begin serving customers of all ages. The family has applied for a liquor license exchange, an unusual move that might strike some restaurateurs as counterintuitive. But they believe it makes sense for their situation.

Roses current liquor license, inherited from previous tenant Nicks Lounge, is a type 48. Held by most bars, its widely considered the most coveted type of liquor license. A 48 establishment can serve food  which tends to have higher labor costs and lower profit margins than alcohol  but is not required to. Crucially, it prevents the licensee from admitting anyone under 21.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The marinated beets salad at Roses on Adeline. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The license that Roses wants is a type 47, which typically covers restaurants with full bars. It requires the licensee to make about half of its revenue from food sales and allows customers of all ages. Because of the food requirement, its not as in demand as a type 48.

Louie Cano, owner of Cano Liquor License Consulting in Los Angeles, described the exchange of a 48 for a 47 as rare, because most owners would rather not bother with food and just serve alcohol, which is simpler and has much better margins.

The restaurant serves a double smashburger with fries. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Food is so much more labor, so much more work, needs so many more permits and its not really profitable, said Roses on Adelines bar director Jennifer Colliau.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Its a widely held misconception that any establishment serving food is kid-friendly. But several types of liquor licenses, including 48s, permit food service while prohibiting minors. It sucks because its not our decision, said Colliau. We cant break the law.

The ecosystem of California liquor licenses is complex. A finite number of them is available in every county. There are two main ways to obtain a license in Alameda County, Cano explained: You can either buy one from an existing business and transfer it to your own name; or you can enter the countys annual lottery, which offers new licenses if the county deems there to have been been enough population growth to support new alcohol businesses. (This year, Alameda County offered zero licenses in its lottery.)

The exterior of Roses on Adeline in Berkeley, which is in the process of changing its liquor license. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Type 48s dont tend to cost more than 47s outright: Both sell for about $40,000-$50,000 in Alameda County, Cano said, much lower than the going rate of $150,000 in San Francisco. But because most counties want to limit the number of bars, especially in zones with highly concentrated populations, counties rarely allow new 48s.

In Roses case, it took over six months to get the Nicks Lounge 48 license transferred to the new owners, which held up the purchase of the building. All three of the owners had to get fingerprinted and disclose their full financial records.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

From left: the preserved lemon dirty martini, Rose Fizz and Money cocktails. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

After other permitting holdups and construction, it took about four years for them to get Roses on Adeline open. The prospect of changing their liquor license now, after theyd been operating for just seven months, was daunting, but they decided to go for it.

I was struggling with that, said Teresa Clarke. The 48 is supposed to be more valuable. But what are we worried about? The type 47 was clearly the right move for their business, Clarke said: They want Roses on Adeline to be a neighborhood restaurant, not a nightclub. And the negative online reviews from disgruntled parents were starting to pile up.

Bar director Jennifer Colliau mixes drinks behind the bar at Roses on Adeline. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The license exchange doesnt require them to pay for another liquor license altogether; Teresa Clarke said it just requires an application fee of $1,500. They are hoping that theyll be open for all ages in February.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Soffa Clarke isnt planning to change much about the restaurant once it gets its 47, except maybe introduce lunch hours. With fries, sandwiches and meatballs, her menu is already kid-friendly. There will be no crayons or coloring books, Colliau said.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan has announced his resignation, effective Jan. 19, as the chief law enforcement officer for the Northern District of Georgia. After he was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, U.S. Attorney Buchanan was sworn in as the Districts 26th Presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed United States Attorney on May 2, 2022.

During his tenure, U.S. Attorney Buchanan led an office of approximately 250 prosecutors, civil litigators, and administrative and support personnel in its mission to enforce federal civil and criminal laws, advocate for crime victims, and represent the United States interests in federal court. In his role, he oversaw prosecutions involving violent crimes, firearm offenses, drug trafficking organizations, child exploitation, cybercrimes, health care fraud, public corruption, organized crime rings and gang activities, hate crimes, and civil rights violations, while also achieving significant judgments and penalties in multiple civil matters.

Beyond the Northern District, U.S. Attorney Buchanan contributed to the Department of Justices national legal policy as a member of Attorney General Merrick Garlands Advisory Committee, a select group of United States Attorneys who advise the Attorney General on policy matters. He served as vice-chair of the AGACs Terrorism and National Security Subcommittee, leader of the Malign Foreign Influence Working Group, and a member of the Office of Management and Budget Subcommittee. In addition to Department of Justice leadership, U.S. Attorney Buchanan was a member of the interagency Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee.

In a message to the members of his office, U.S. Attorney Buchanan said:

Earlier today, I tendered my resignation as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia to President Biden and Attorney General Garland. It is nearly impossible for me to reduce to writing my admiration and gratitude for you. You embody the high ideals of the Department of Justice, and you live out our mission daily. The Northern District, the State of Georgia, and the United States are safer because of your efforts. During my tenure as United States Attorney, the work of this office has reached six continents. At the same time, the office has remained a steadfast and engaged leader in communities from southwest Atlanta to the Appalachian foothills. That global legal work and local community impact are hallmarks of this office. Daily, we have worked collaboratively and forged lasting partnerships with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders, leading to innovative, thoughtful, and effective approaches to advancing safety, upholding the rule of law, and protecting civil rights for nearly eight million people in the Northern District. The talent, excellence, and integrity of this office are unparalleled. It has been the privilege of my life to serve with you as colleagues, and I am forever grateful and honored to call you my friends.

Under Mr. Buchanans leadership, the Northern District of Georgia achieved noteworthy successes outlined below in criminal and civil cases, said officials. U.S. Attorney Buchanan created a new dedicated section, the Public Integrity & Civil Rights Section, to formalize and expand the offices civil and criminal civil rights work. And as described further below, Mr. Buchanan initiated and spearheaded many innovative collaborations with law enforcement and community stakeholders.

Notable Violent Crime and National Security Achievements

A five-member minor sex trafficking group was prosecuted and sentenced, following a report that a minor victim had gone missing in Miami, Fla. The victims parents realized she failed to board a flight to Honduras. The minor was transported by two defendants to Georgia and forced to commit commercial sex acts and participate in sex parties hosted by other members of the group. The court imposed sentences ranging from seven to 30 years in prison.

A jury convicted Jalal Hajavi for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, smuggling goods from the U.S., unlawfully exporting and reexporting goods from the U.S. to Iran without a license, and unlawfully engaging in transactions and dealings based on his participation in a scheme to unlawfully export heavy equipment from the U.S. to Iran by routing the shipments through the United Arab Emirates. He was convicted by a jury, and subsequently sentenced to two years in prison.

Kenny Wells made headlines when he recklessly discharged a firearm at HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport on the busy weekend before Thanksgiving in 2021. His unlawful actions created enormous panic throughout the airport and forced a lockdown of the facility and surrounding area for hours after he discharged a firearm detected inside a bag he had carried into an airport security screening area. Wells was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses.

A jury convicted Mezemr Abebe Belayneh for fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship by concealing his involvement in the Red Terror, a campaign of oppression and mass killings committed in Ethiopia that began in 1976. The Red Terror was a campaign of brutal violence in which Ethiopias ruling military council and its supporters detained, interrogated, tortured, and executed thousands of perceived opponents, many of whom were teenagers, based on their political opinions. Belayneh was convicted of fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship by lying about his role in the Red Terror persecutions and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Fraud Convictions

Operation Five Fingers, a Priority Transnational Organized Crime case, resulted in the convictions of 40 defendants. Thirty-one of the defendants were convicted of conspiring to launder the proceeds of romance fraud schemes, bank account takeover schemes, and business email compromise schemes, which caused more than $30 million in losses to hundreds of individuals, banks, and other companies. Nine of the defendants committed bank fraud and aggravated identity theft offenses when they posed as bank customers and fraudulently withdrew funds directly from victims bank accounts. Two of the defendants were bank employees who facilitated laundering of fraud proceeds.

Accomplishments in Civil Cases

A federal jury found that Charles Adams M.D. and his medical practice violated the False Claims Act The jury concluded that the defendants violated the FCA by submitting false claims to Medicare for reimbursements of chelation therapy, which involves the use of drugs to remove heavy metals from the body. The jury found that Medicare reimbursed the defendants more than $1.1 million for these unnecessary treatments. In a post-trial ruling, the federal district judge added penalties to the jurys verdict, bringing defendants total liability to more than $27 million.

UBS AG and several of its U.S.-based affiliates agreed to pay $1.435 billion in penalties to settle a civil action alleging misconduct related to UBS underwriting and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities in 2006 and 2007.

Narcotics Convictions

Gilberto Lopez-Giraldo, Raul Lopez-Giraldo, Guillermo Escobar, and Alexander Duque-Casanova were convicted for engaging in a more than $1.4 million drug money laundering conspiracy involving major cities from across the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, and New York to Cali, Colombia. The defendants received sentences of incarceration ranging from three to six years.

Money Laundering & Asset Recovery

The Districts Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Section secured more than $90 million in collections for victims of crimes and to satisfy debts owed to the United States; shared in the collection of an additional $1 billion related to financial wrongdoing; and forfeited over $55 million in property seized from criminal defendants and in civil forfeiture matters.

Public Integrity and Civil Rights Work

Former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill was convicted of intentionally violating the civil rights of six pre-trial detainees by ordering them strapped into restraint chairs at the Clayton County Jail for hours without legal justification. Hill was sentenced to one year, six months in prison, which he later appealed. The Court of Appeals affirmed his convictions with an opinion that opened with U.S. President Theodore Roosevelts declaration: No man is above the law and no man is below it.

A multi-year investigation of corruption throughout the upper echelon of the city of Atlantas government led to the prosecutions of 11 high-ranking city officials and contractors resulting in two convictions at trial and nine by guilty pleas. The charged conduct included bribery, theft, tax fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering offenses, but also machine gun possession, obstruction of justice, and the delivery of envelopes of cash to one of the defendants in a mens room at a local restaurant. This investigation ultimately included convictions of the citys Chief Financial Officer, Chief Procurement Officer, Watershed Commissioner, Director of Human Services, and Director of Contract Compliance, as well as the former Mayors Deputy Chief of Staff and multiple primary contractors.

A settlement agreement was reached with Smarter Kids Child Care in Smyrna, Ga., to resolve allegations that Smarter Kids violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by denying a child an opportunity to participate in its daycare program on the basis of his autism. Under the agreement, Smarter Kids agreed to adopt a non-discrimination policy to ensure ADA compliance and to provide mandatory training for all employees who consider requests for reasonable accommodations or make enrollment decisions. Additionally, Smarter Kids will pay $7,000 in compensation to the complainant and $1,000 to the United States as a civil penalty.

A Civil Rights investigation into Fulton County, Ga. and the Fulton County Sheriffs Office uncovered multiple violations of the constitutional and statutory rights of persons incarcerated at the Fulton County Jail on a routine basis and failures to adequately protect incarcerated persons from substantial risk of serious harm.

A multi-year investigation of the Georgia Department of Corrections concluded that the incarcerated persons constitutional rights are being violated by failing to protect them from widespread physical violence and harm, including exposing incarcerated persons to unreasonable risk of harm from sexual abuse.

Law Enforcement and Community Outreach

U.S. Attorney Buchanans tenure reflects a steadfast and robust commitment to building relationships and partnerships with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders within the District.

Mr. Buchanan partnered with the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District to host a community gathering designed to increase awareness of and connect residents to local resources available to help prevent opioid use, overdoses, and deaths. This collaboration resulted from a data-driven District initiative to address concerns related to Bartow Countys opioid deaths and the countys age-adjusted opioid death rate. Local public health officials who participated in the initiative also noted the alarming nationwide increases in illicit fentanyl exposures in children younger than six years old as cause for critical concern.

Mr. Buchanan served as a member of the Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion and Education Commission which was created to combat human trafficking in the State of Georgia.

He partnered with the Department of Justice to host the inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities Regional Forum at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta.

He led the training effort with the Georgia Alliance for School Resource Officers and Educators, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and the Georgia Gang Investigators Association to provide an intensive law enforcement training, G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training), for more than 40 police officers from school systems in the District. These officers, specifically chosen by their respective agencies, serve at over 70 local schools that enroll more than 26,000 students.

Mr. Buchanan continued to partner with the Fulton County District Attorneys Office as part of an annual Project Safe Neighborhoods Credible Messenger Youth Summer Violence Program, which provides intensive and positive youth and young adult mentorship, with a goal to reduce recidivism, promote public safety, and improve family and community engagement.

He hosted a safety briefing for houses of worship, gathering faith leaders and those involved with security at houses of worship, to provide training, education, and discussion in the areas of safety, security, security planning, hate crimes, and the growth and management of threats.

Mr. Buchanan led the creation of the Northern Georgia Fentanyl Prosecution Working Group, an innovative data-driven effort aimed at the counties in the Northern District that have been hit hardest by the opioid epidemic. The effort included a coordinated multi-agency, parcel interdiction operation that resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs and firearms being shipped through the district.

He oversaw a safety briefing for school administrators and safety officials to provide education and resources for planning, assessment, and mitigation of safety threats.

And he also organized a housing summit that focused on health and safety in HUD-assisted housing with Housing and Urban Development leadership.

I thank President Biden for nominating me, Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff for their recommendation and support, and Attorney General Garland for his leadership during my tenure, said U.S. Attorney Buchanan. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the American people and the Northern District of Georgia.

Pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. will succeed Mr. Buchanan as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia until a successor is nominated by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate.
William Carter Lackey, 83, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

William was born on Nov. 8, 1941, in Chattanooga, to the late Joseph and Cora Lackey. William attended Howard High School and enlisted in the Navy. After his tour with the Navy, William returned to Chattanooga and worked at Lockheed.

William eventually completed his work career with U.S. Pipe in Chattanooga as a welder. Throughout his life, William could be found riding around in one of his hot rod sport cars listening to music; both he thoroughly enjoyed.

In addition to his parents, William is preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Lackey and James Lackey.

Survivors to cherish his memory include his brother, John R. Lackey, Chattanooga; nephew, Michael Smith; aunt, Mae Emma Lackey of Lyerly, Ga.; long-time companion and friend of 56 years, Janet Moore.

Public viewing will be from 9-11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, followed immediately by the funeral service in the chapel of John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.

Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors. Gate time is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
Laura Elizabeth Ward was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on October 9, 1981. She went into the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ on December 29, 2024.

Laura spent her early years in Michigan, and moved to St. Louis, Mo., when her family began to prepare for ministry. When Laura was 11 years old, her family moved to Africa to serve with Mission to the World, and she grew up in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Nairobi, Kenya, and Cape Town, South Africa.

Laura graduated from Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Georgia, with her B.A. in English, and from Richmont Graduate University, Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she received her M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy.

Laura served as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist at Henegar Counseling Center, 1815 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. She also served part-time as a consultant with the Member Care Team of Mission to the World (Presbyterian Church in America), providing counseling services to serving missionaries and their families.

She also taught a course for many years at Covenant College with her colleague Paul Laskowske, to third culture kids to help them process their global nomad identity. With co-author Brenda Keck, she wrote a curriculum entitled Tarmac, a 10 week guide to making sense of your multicultural story that has been used to help many third culture kids process the way in which the Lord has used their intercultural journeys to shape their lives.

She loved walking with others through the deep valleys of life, and providing wise counsel to encourage their hearts. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and member of North Shore Fellowship (PCA) in Chattanooga. Her only hope, in life and in death, was that she belonged, to her faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

In her off hours, Laura loved deep conversations with family and friends over a cup of tea, reading good books, learning about other cultures, going for long walks, and most of all, playing with her niece and three nephews.

She is survived by her mother and father, and her brother David and his wife Katie, and her niece Isla, and nephews Samuel, Benji and Charlie, together with her beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate her life and hope in the Gospel on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at 4 p.m. at North Shore Fellowship, 118 Woodland Ave., Chattanooga, Tn..

Memorial contributions may be made to the Laura Ward Scholarship Fund at Richmont Graduate University, 1815 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga.

Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Southern Adventist University welcomes guest percussionist Michael Yeung to perform on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Mabel Wood Halls Ackerman Auditorium on the university campus as part of this years Performing Arts Series.

Review for Michael Yeung:

With a career spanning the United States, Europe, and Asia, Mr. Yeung is an exceptional percussion artist. Winner of the Young Concert Artists 2023 Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, his solo recitals include a wide repertoire of music from the Baroque to the 21st century. As a chamber musician, Mr. Yeung appeared with the internationally acclaimed Percussion Collective of reinventive young artists in the world premiere of composer Alejandro Vinaos Poems and Prayers. His orchestral experience includes playing timpani with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, in the 33rd Castell de Peralada Festival in Barcelona, Spain.

Mr. Yeung is completing his studies with world-renowned percussion pedagogue Robert van Sice in Yale School of Music in Connecticut, only the second percussionist ever to be admitted to the schools prestigious Artist Diploma program. Mr. Yeung returns to his native Hong Kong each summer to teach young students and curate multimedia percussion productions. Most recently, he initiated a series of concerts sponsored by TEDx in Shenzhen, China, including the highlight of Emmy Award-winning composer Garth Neustadters percussion sextet Seaborne honoring endangered oceans.

The cost for community guests is $10 per person, paid at the door. For more information, visit southern.edu/southernevents.
A business where violent crimes have occurred in the past has been given a new permit to sell beer. The original owner of Franks Grocery, 601 Tunnel Blvd., is retiring and has sold the business to relatives from Thailand. For the past year, he told the board, he has been training his nephew Kittisak Shatchavan and Natcharee Coats how to run and manage the store.

If all of the citys requirements and inspections have been met, the regulatory bureau cannot deny a beer license to the applicant. But if something is questionable, the application can be given to the Beer Board to decide.

At the Dec. 19 meeting of the board, there were enough questions that the approval for a beer license was postponed until the Jan. 3 meeting when the new owners were asked to be present. On Thursday, they were informed about the past violent incidents that took place at the store and in the parking lot, including a shoot-out and a homicide.

You really have to be on your toes and know what is going on, because of the history at the location, said Chairman of the Board Dan Mayfield. The previous owner said he could not have stopped the crimes and that it could happen anywhere. His permit to sell beer had not been revoked after the incidents.

He will retain ownership of the property and will still be involved in running the store when he is needed, he told the board. The new owners were warned not to allow loitering and Vice Chairman J.W. Cole questioned them about their process of checking IDs for the legal age to purchase alcohol.

Ms. Coates replied that IDs are checked if a customer does not appear to be 21 or if an older person comes in with someone younger and is suspected of making the purchase for an underage person. Then she added that IDs are checked randomly so customers will not know if they will be asked. After hearing her response, Mr. Cole recommended that the applicants be professionally trained by Calandra Smith from the Hamilton County Coalition, the official trainer for the beer board.

Oh, I answered wrong," exclaimed the applicant, Ms. Coats. Im supposed to say that I ID everyone. That response drew chuckles from the board, but only Zack Atchley commented. He said It is alarming that the question was answered truthfully the first time and not the second, because the answers were contradictory. He emphasized the need for the new owners to be trained professionally so that they will know the proper procedures for alcohol sales. Assistant City Attorney Kathryn McDonald reminded the board that professional training is required by the Chattanooga beer ordinance.

A unanimous vote in favor approved giving a new beer license to Mr. Shatchavan and Ms. Coats.
San Francisco firefighter Matt Vann suffered a severe brain injury on the job in 2020, and his rehabilitation has taken years. A new UCSF-led trial hopes to identify drugs that could help people with traumatic brain injuries recover better and faster. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle San Francisco firefighter Matt Vann, who suffered a major brain injury on the job in 2020, chats with a colleague at San Francisco Fire Department headquarters on Dec. 5. He no longer works fighting fires. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Matt Vann cant recall much about the moment, four years ago, that changed the trajectory of his life.

Vann, a San Francisco firefighter, was outside a building on Spear Street near the Embarcadero, responding to a high-rise fire. He was walking near a firehose when a Muni bus ran over the hose and kept driving, with the line still stuck around its tires. The hose knocked Vann off his feet and he hit the back of his head on the street  hard.

It happened in like a split-second, said Vann, 39, of the November 2020 accident.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Next thing he remembers it was two weeks later and he was getting released from Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where he had undergone multiple surgeries to remove part of his skull to relieve the pressure from internal bleeding. He has no memory of that time after being in an induced coma. He then entered a live-in rehabilitation program at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, where he did a month of speech, occupational and physical therapy.

Vann has since made strides in his recovery, but he still struggles with daily headaches, frequent brain fatigue, dizziness, short-term memory problems and pain in his shoulders, back and neck. He still works for the fire department but in a less physically demanding role, handling building inspection and fire code compliance, mostly from behind a desk.

San Francisco firefighter Matt Vann has made strides in his recovery from a brain injury but still struggles with daily headaches, frequent brain fatigue, dizziness, short-term memory problems and pain in his shoulders, back and neck. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

The overall function of my brain is definitely diminished, said Vann, who lives in Santa Rosa. Things are just harder. Life is harder. There are a lot of challenges with adjusting to this kind of new life.

Like many people whove suffered a serious head injury, Vann hasnt found medications that help manage his litany of chronic aftereffects. This highlights a longstanding problem when it comes to caring for patients with traumatic brain injury, said Dr. Geoff Manley, Vanns neurosurgeon.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Treatment is essentially limited to supportive care, such as maintaining blood pressure and oxygen levels, and surgery in severe cases. There are no approved drugs to treat traumatic brain injury, or TBI, which can range from mild  including concussions  to severe.

Manley, chief of neurosurgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and vice chairman of neurological surgery at UCSF, is hoping to change that. He is leading a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of three existing drugs in the treatment of mild and moderate TBI.

There are no approved drugs to treat brain traumas, which can range from concussions to severe injuries. Treatment largely consists of supportive care, such as maintaining blood pressure and oxygen levels, and sometimes surgery. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

The three drugs are already approved to treat high cholesterol (atorvastatin calcium), high blood pressure (candesartan cilexetil) and infection (minocycline hydrochloride). The antibiotic minocycline may be useful because it has anti-inflammatory properties at high doses, Manley said.

The drugs hold promise because they pass the blood-brain barrier and have been shown in animal studies to reduce inflammation and promote repair in the injured brain, Manley said. Specifically, they may help reduce loss of neurons in damaged tissue, boost development of new neurons and formation of new blood vessels, and promote cognitive protection.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

An estimated 4.8 million Americans seek emergency care for suspected TBI each year, with some of the most common causes being falls and car accidents, according to federal health data. And roughly 3 million to 5 million Americans grapple with the long-term cognitive, physical and behavioral effects of TBI.

Its more common than people think, said Manley, who himself has had several concussions. Unfortunately, were still left today with the same tools we basically had 100 years ago. People are often surprised that we dont actually have a drug to treat TBI.

Manley said there have been more than 30 failed drug trials for TBI, in part because doctors and researchers didnt previously have the tools to identify the right patients for trials.

A drugs trial for patients with mild or moderate traumatic brain injuries is under way, but San Francisco firefighter Matt Vann isnt included because his injuries were suffered too long ago. Still, his case illustrates the broader need for patients with TBI to have better treatment options. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

For instance, it wasnt until the past 15 years or so that doctors had a test that could quickly detect the presence of a protein associated with TBI  glial fibrillary acidic protein, or GFAP, which is released into the bloodstream after a brain injury  to help ascertain how injured the brain is. This tool, along with imaging like CT scans, helps Manley and his colleagues in the new trial figure out whether a patient is right for the study.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Because the trial is enrolling patients on the day of their injury with mild or moderate TBI, Vann is not included because his injuries were too severe and too long ago. But his case illustrates the broader need for patients with TBI to have better treatment options, Manley said.

While Matt has been able to return to his family and job, he wasnt able to return to duty in the way he was doing his job, Manley said. If I had a drug to give Matt to put him back on the fire trucks, Id love to do that.

The trial has enrolled eight patients, with the goal of enrolling 672 over the next four years.
Previous Next

Residents at a Brainerd home are safe after a Friday afternoon fire.

Red Shift companies responded at 2:31 p.m. to a home in the 100 block of South Moore Road after 911 received reports of smoke in the structure coming from the dryer. The occupants evacuated after calling 911.

Squad 13 made an aggressive attack on the fire in the laundry area, getting it under control. Other companies assisted in firefighting operations.

There were no injuries. South Moore Road was temporarily shut down at Brainerd Road to the 200 block for fire hose supplying water to crews working on the scene.

Squad 13, Ladder 13, Engine 15, Ladder 5, Engine 5, Squad 1, Battalion 1 and Battalion 2 responded.

The Red Cross will be assisting the impacted residents.
Humans are by no means alone in the search for more sustainable materials. Nature, too, has been working on the problem of sustainability, and its been at it for a great deal longer. In a new study, researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science show how design tricks employed by ancient creatures such as scorpions and sponges can help optimize the resilience of human-made materials, ultimately advancing sustainable design.

In the natural world, materials have evolved over millions of years, in environments that are often defined by limited resources and harsh conditions, says Prof. Daniel Wagner of Weizmanns Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science Department, who has been studying the mechanical aspects of natural materials for several decades. Our point of departure was an intuition that biological structures around us  trees, plants, bones, skeletons of various organisms  developed in a way that is, by definition, sustainable.

In this respect, durability is key, says study coauthor Dr. Israel Greenfeld. Living organisms, for example, display a variety of specialized strategies to deal with outside forces while expending the least amount of energy  which is why there is so much to be learned from nature, as we try to develop stronger and longer-lasting materials of our own.

"Increasing a materials strength often leads to a trade-off in flexibility. But nature has developed structures that achieve both without compromise" Improved, efficient materials offer an important avenue toward a more sustainable future because they can lead to less waste and a reduced need for fuel. But any attempt to enhance an advantageous property of a material tends to come at the expense of another of its attributes. Increasing strength, for instance, will typically lead to increased weight or decreased flexibility.

Nature, it turns out, finds amazing ways to optimize the balance, Greenfeld says. One optimization feature found in a variety of tough organic substances is laminate construction: materials composed of different substances layered or interlaced together. This type of composite material often exhibits strength and resilience, while maintaining other beneficial properties, such as being lightweight and flexible.

In the new study, Wagner and Greenfeld examined two natural laminates that show an exceptional degree of toughness: the outer shell, or cuticle, of a scorpion and the inner skeleton, or spicule, of a sea sponge. The researchers found that the secret of their resilience lies in grading, a specialized strategy that is rarely found in human-made materials: a gradual change in properties from one layer to another.

In both creatures, the different layers vary in thickness, and in the scorpions shell, they also decrease in stiffness from exterior to interior, so that the surface facing the harsh world the scorpion inhabits has greater resilience than its shells interior. In fact, the researchers study of the scorpion  which built on the work commenced at Weizmann by Dr. Israel Kellersztein, a former student on Wagners team  showed that the organisms complex shell is a composite constructed from eight different structural levels.

In both the scorpion and the sponge, a subtle yet powerful reshuffling or rearranging of laminate layers was found to serve as a biological tradeoff between conflicting properties, helping them withstand the types of stress they are typically up against.

Cracking the code Thanks to grading, the scorpions shell and the sponges skeleton, while being tough and strong, are particularly good at resisting cracks. Even though they differ in terms of chemical composition and structure, both optimize this resistance using the same principle: fracture deflection. This means that in both organisms, cracks are mitigated by diverting their path. As soon as a crack starts emerging in the material, it is encouraged by the materials graded structure to change course and run parallel to the surface, rather than go deeper, where it would likely cause more massive structural damage, potentially leading to catastrophic collapse.

To better understand how grading works in both organisms, the researchers adapted a model from classical fracture mechanics, the field that deals with how things break. The model showed that without grading, obtaining the same resilience in both the scorpion and the sponge would have required more wasteful measures, such as thicker components. It also showed that resilience is improved by shifting more material to structural regions that are more critical in terms of durability.

The researchers didnt stop there. They showed how, in bioinspired materials, grading could be used in ways that nature hadnt yet come up with. Using this model, we were able to shift around the grading levels in ways that the scorpion and the sponge hadnt quite thought of, says Greenfeld.

Greenfeld and Wagner point out that importing concepts such as grading into human-made designs is highly challenging. For humans, such design is innovative, says Greenfeld. Biological structures are created bottom-up  from tiny, nano-metric building blocks, to microscopic structures, and onward to larger and larger structures  whereas in engineering, one usually doesnt start at the molecular level.

Still, while the scorpions structure is especially complex, other natural microstructures, such as that of the sea sponge, can be more readily applied in engineering. In the sponges skeleton, for example, apart from grading, cracks are slowed down or stopped by the fact that brittle layers are interspersed with minute amounts of softer layers. Its a ceramic, its basically made of silica, not the type of material you usually expect to display strong fracture resistance, Wagner says.

A better understanding of the strategies found in natural composite materials, explain the researchers, could help engineers optimize our own human-made composites, a wide family of materials that ranges from the ubiquitous cement to specialized fiber-reinforced laminates used in aerospace industries.

Science Numbers The scorpion cuticle is hair-thin  about 0.1mm thick, comprising some 20 layers made of many nested Bouligands. A Bouligand is a twisted helical structure consisting of about 100 nanolayers that are each 50 nanometers thick. A single nanolayer is built of 5 nanometer-thick chitin-protein fibrils, collected into fibers.

Not copying, exactly Wagner and Greenfeld, who have been working together for over a decade, come from different professional backgrounds. Wagner has long conducted basic research into the micromechanics of biological composite materials and of human-made nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene. Greenfeld, meanwhile, has enjoyed a career in aviation engineering, a field where efficiency is key. He also draws from different fields of material use, from structural design to systems engineering and invention. Coming from the world of hands-on creation, Dr. Greenfeld brings a different perspective to our lab  and we both benefit from the collaboration, Wagner says.

Our work is not about copying, exactly, he adds. Its about being inspired by natures designs.

How to use this inspiration depends, of course, on ones engineering goals, but its also about expanding the horizons of what one can do with engineering, says Greenfeld.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
The Satanic Temple's demon Baphomet display outside the New Hampshire State House in Concord was destroyed last month. | Photo Credit: X/ OneOutof4

An Orthodox Christian man claims to have destroyed the demonic statue erected by Satanists outside the New Hampshire State House in Concord last month.

In a Facebook post on Christmas Day, Concord resident Joshua Cummings stated, I live in Concord, New Hampshire. It was I who destroyed the Satan statue in front of the State House.

On December 7, The Satanic Temple installed satanic displays, including a statue of the demon Baphomet, near Nativity scenes at the New Hampshire State House.

The statue depicted a black-clad Baphomet, holding a bouquet of purple lilacs symbolizing New Hampshire's state flower, and was adorned with a purple stole featuring an inverted pentagram, the goat's head of the TST logo, and two inverted crosses.

Cummings readily admitted that he participated in the vandalism of the statue. Other people have destroyed it on several occasions. It has basically become open season on the stupid thing at this point, but I (have lost count) did at least five times bash it on the head with my medieval mace in the middle of the night, and I was finally apprehended by police for it a few nights ago, he wrote.

He explained that police questioned him and read him his Miranda rights without arresting him, and he defended his actions by appealing to a higher authority.

What I said to the cops is the same thing I'd say before the press: that the presence of the statue hurts everyone in the city and even the whole statethat the spiritual principality is a higher order reality than the legal municipality. The cops were surprised by my answers and didn't really know how to respond, he added.

When an officer asked if he destroyed the statue because he hates The Satanic Temple, Cummings replied, I don't hate anyone. The Satanic Temple are a bunch of idiots, but I pray they repent. I hate Satan.

He pushed back against Christians defending the satanic statues on First Amendment grounds, advocating for anti-blasphemy laws and asserting, It is unChristian not to destroy idolatrous statues, a fact witnessed to by the countless saints who did not hesitate to topple monuments to falsehood. He also questioned, What does it say about us as a people if we allow such a filthy and hideous image to appear before God in our most basic societal representation?

Cummings concluded by expressing that if he does face legal repercussions for his actions, he hopes it will serve as a confession for Orthodoxy, which has the fullness of theology to explain why it is perfectly Christian to destroy an idol in front of the very State House. He regarded his actions as one of the greatest things I've ever done, dust as it is.

Cummings actions mirror those of U.S. Navy veteran Michael Cassidy, who traveled from Mississippi to Des Moines last year to topple a Baphomet statue placed by The Satanic Temple near a Nativity scene in the Iowa Capitol.

Cassidy was set to stand trial on June 3 for a hate crime but pleaded guilty in May to a third-degree criminal mischief charge in exchange for having the felony charge dropped.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, is suspected of intentionally driving a pick-up truck into a crowd in the French Quarter of New Orleans during New Year's celebrations. | Screenshot: FOX 32 Chicago via YouTube

Federal investigators announced on Thursday that the suspect acted alone in the New Year's Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans while being influenced by the Islamic State terror organization.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. Army veteran, is suspected of deliberately driving a pick-up truck into a crowd celebrating the new year, resulting in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to more than 30 others.

In a media briefing, Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI's counter-terrorism division, unequivocally stated that the attack was an act of terrorism. He described it as premeditated and an evil act, and mentioned that investigators had obtained surveillance video of Jabbar placing explosive devices near the crash site.

Raia noted, Jabbar specifically picked out Bourbon Street, though they are not sure why. He acknowledged that Jabbar was 100 percent inspired by ISIS, sharing allegiance to the group through social media posts.

Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found near the crash site, but authorities confirmed they were safely recovered without detonating. Raia indicated that there was no indication of a broader, stating that Jabbar acted independently, inspired by extremist propaganda.

The attack occurred early Wednesday morning, just hours before an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, involving a Tesla Cybertruck filled with fireworks and camp fuel canisters, which resulted in the death of a suspect inside the vehicle.

The individual who died in the explosion was identified as Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier previously stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Jabbar and Livelsberger both spent time at Fort Bragg, a significant Army base now known as Fort Liberty. However, an official familiar with the investigation stated that there is no apparent overlap in their assignments there. The FBI is continuing its investigation into both incidents, but officials assert no evidence suggests a connection between them.

Investigators found that the car-sharing app Turo was used to book both vehicles involved in the incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas. A Turo spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal that there is no indication the renter in either case had a criminal background that would have flagged them as a security threat.
Home News Australian MP slams charity watchdog's handling of Hillsong's compliance failures

Andrew Wilkie, an independent member of the Australian Parliament, has dismissed the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission as a "toothless tiger" for accepting a remedial plan from Hillsong College to do better after an investigation found it failed to meet several compliance standards.

"The commission is effectively saying it will forget about the extraordinary alleged wrongdoing in Hillsong so long as the church promises to be good from now on," Wilkie told The Daily Telegraph.

"The ACNC's inaction, and that is exactly what this response has the effect of demonstrating, just goes to show that in Australia (the church) can apparently spend a congregation's donations like a Kardashian and the regulator is powerless to do anything to stop them."

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

Last month, the ACNC accepted an 18-month enforceable undertaking of the college run by the Hillsong Church network in an effort to maintain its charity registration, according to a legal document.

The proposal came after the ACNC found issues with Hillsong College related to reporting obligations, financial and operational record keeping, governance standards and compliance with ACNC's External Conduct Standard, which regulates how charities manage their finances and activities overseas.

If the charity is found to be in breach of the enforcement undertaking, the ACNC could get a court to enforce the terms of the agreement. If the charity still fails to meet the terms of the agreement, criminal charges could be levied.

In March 2023, armed with reams of financial records and genuine Hillsong Church board documents he received from a whistleblower, Wilkie accused Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston and other church leaders of money laundering, tax evasion and shopping sprees that would "embarrass a Kardashian."

He pointed to a document in 2021, for example, showing that four members of the Houston family flew to Cancun, Mexico, for a luxury retreat lasting three days and billed the church $150,000 for it.

Other records showed how church officials spent lavishly on a $6,500 Cartier watch for Houston's wife, Bobbie, $2,500 in Louis Vuitton luggage, a $2,500 watch for Phil Dooley, two watches worth $15,000 for Joel and Julia A'Bell, shopping sprees for designer clothes at Saks Fifth Avenue and $16,000 for custom skateboards.

Hillsong College agreed to use church credit cards "only for charity" following the release of those documents, according to The Daily Telegraph. The wider Hillsong Church network also committed to "compliance agreements" with ACNC, saying it would "look for other ways to improve our practices," according to the report.

Wilkie said, "The response from the ACNC was pathetic," considering the significant allegations of financial misconduct and other abuses leveled against the Hillsong Church network.

He called the ACNC a "toothless tiger" a while insisting that "other authorities must now intervene" like the Australian Taxation Office.

"Where is the ATO? Where is AUSTRAC? Because serious allegations have been levelled against Hillsong, and damning material tabled in the Australian Parliament, and all of it apparently remains unscrutinized," he argued.

Despite Wilkie's criticism, Hillsong maintained in a statement last month that it will do a better job of complying with the ACNC's standards going forward.

"As part of those inquiries, and to demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement in governance, Hillsong Church and its ministries have agreed to resolve the inquiries of the ACNC by entering into compliance agreements, and for Hillsong College by providing an undertaking," the church said.

"We recognize that this is an important step to follow the governance improvements which we have set out in our regular church updates. We will continue to work with the ACNC and look for other ways to improve our practices."
Home News Bear Grylls faces criticism for calling Mary, mother of Jesus, 'Palestinian refugee'

British adventurer Bear Grylls is facing criticism after referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a "Palestinian refugee" in a Christmas message shared on social media.

The 50-year-old outdoorsman posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, delivering a Christmas reading in which he described Mary as a "young, poor, and no doubt terrified Palestinian girl."

"In these next few days billions of us around the world celebrate the birth of a Middle Eastern refugee who, 2,000 years ago, changed the course of the world forever," he said in the original post.

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

"Let me tell you some of his story. This is just a short extract from near the beginning of the adventure. When Maryam, a young, poor, and no doubt terrified Palestinian girl, gives birth in a run-down animal pen, to a baby who was foretold for hundreds of years. Yet she was not alone. And she never would be. Because this was the moment that God Almighty broke into our fallen world in person.  To many of us, it is undoubtedly: The Greatest Story Ever Told."

The message drew swift backlash from critics, including the Campaign Against Antisemitism, which responded by saying Mary "was a Jewish woman from Judea, under Roman rule."

"The region wasn't called 'Palestine' until 100 years later when the Judeans (Jews) were exiled and Emperor Hadrian renamed it Syria Palaestina after the Bar Kokhba Revolt to try to sever the Jewish connection to the land," the group tweeted.

"A lot of people over the millennia since have believed his propaganda. While Mary's family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's persecution, calling her a 'Palestinian refugee' not only imposes modern terminology on ancient history but completely eradicates her Jewish identity. It's historical nonsense, with an agenda. If you want to honour her story, tell it properly."

In an op-ed for The Telegraph, writer George Chesterton said that calling Jesus Palestinian ignores historical realities, as "Palestine" was a Roman term used after Jewish rebellions, and Jesus was born in Judea during a Roman census, not as a refugee.

Such claims, Chesterton warned, are "dangerous" and part of a trend to politicize Jesus and undermine Jewish historical ties to Israel.

"If you leave aside the theological and historical absurdity  equating a Jewish man from 2000 years ago with a political identity that didn't exist  this is the nub of the problem. It promotes the idea that Jews are systematic baby killers. This is the sort of thing that is screamed at elderly people on the streets of London, Glasgow and Brighton. That's not something Jesus would have approved of. He was Jewish, after all," he wrote.

Mark Wallace, chief executive of Total Politics, asked: "In what sense  historical, archaeological, political, religious, geographic, ethnic, literally any sense at all  would Mary have regarded herself as a Palestinian?"

A community note on X was added beneath the post, debunking Grylls' claim.

"They were not refugees. Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken. Joseph and Mary traveled to Judea, to the town of Bethlehem (the town of David) because Joseph belonged to the house and line of David."

Following the initial backlash, Grylls took down the post and reuploaded it, removing the word "Palestinian."

"Just as way of a response to all the argument going on here about the area of the world Mary lived in. I referred to this area as Palestine as per the maps you will find in most Bibles," he wrote. "Scholars will always go and back forward debating the technicality of exact dates that various regions became known by their names, but in this case I am simply setting the scene for the Greatest Story Ever Told. I refer to Palestine as the general area that Mary lived in. I am not referring to her nationality or ethnicity. She was clearly Jewish."

"In response to whether Jesus was a refugee, yes he was. Mary, Joseph and Jesus were forced to flee their homeland to live as refugees in the Egyptian desert. They were escaping Herod's decree to kill all the young male babies in Bethlehem. They returned finally four or so years later to their homeland and to Nazareth."

He later added, "And if you think Mary's country of origin is controversial, wait until you read the bulk of what is in The Greatest Story Ever Told! When you read the words of Jesus, you'll discover that is where it gets truly disruptive."

This isn't the first time Grylls has sparked controversy with his views.

In a 2023 interview with The Christian Post, the bestselling author, who is slated to host "The Chosen in the Wild with Bear Grylls," made waves after suggesting Christians stop going to a physical church if it betters their spiritual life.

"I think Jesus would really struggle with 99% of churches nowadays," he said at the time. "Our job in life is to stay close to Christ and drop the religious, drop the fluff, drop the church if you need to because that means so many different things to different people anyway. Keep the bit of church which is about community and friends and honesty and faith and love. All the masks, performances, music and worship bands and all of that sort of stuff  I don't think Christ would recognize a lot of that."

In a later interview with CP, he described faith as a "journey," adding: "Faith and doubt are two sides of the same coin. I have many doubts, many struggles, and many days, I think it's all crazy. But through it all, I feel Christ has been a light to a dark path and strength to a failing body. Through many valleys and summits, jungles and deserts, He's always there. We need that in life. For me, it's not a Sunday thing. I really need Him every day. That's how I kind of approach life."
Home News 'Upending civilian life': Christians impacted by displacement amid rise of terrorism, conflict

Christians were significantly impacted amid widespread displacement in 2024 and, in some countries, were targeted or killed by warring parties and Islamic terror groups, according to an extensive report from a religious freedom watchdog organization.

The United States-based International Christian Concern released its "2025 Global Persecution Index" Thursday, highlighting "the most egregious violators of religious freedom in 2024" and "cataloging the countries, terrorist organizations, and government leaders whose actions have systematically targeted Christians."

Among global trends that emerged or intensified in 2024 was mass displacement in conflict-ridden regions like Sudan and Myanmar, as well as countries in the Sahel region of Africa impacted by the rise of Islamic extremism.

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 Sudan, more than 8 million people have been displaced since war broke out in 2023, in which both warring sides have "attacked religious sites, killed religious leaders and disrupted religious practices across the country."

The report cites statistics from the United Nations, finding that about 3.3 million people residing in the Sahel countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger were displaced at the beginning of 2024 as the region has been gripped by the rise of Islamic terror groups taking the place of failed governments.

"While this displacement has affected followers of every religion, terrorist groups often select Christians and disfavored religious groups for targeted violence and are particularly vulnerable to displacement," the report stated.

"Across the Sahel, terrorism and militant unrest is upending civilian life and rendering regular religious practice dangerous or impossible," an ICC staffer commented.

The Sahel region of Africa includes the aforementioned countries as well as Chad, Eritrea, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan.

Throughout northern Nigeria, Christian communities are often attacked by Islamic extremists such as the Islamic State West Africa Province and radicalized Fulani militants, leading to the killing of thousands in recent years.

The report outlined how the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that 358,000 people residing in the violence-plagued Democratic Republic of the Congo were displaced in January 2024 alone. The ICC attributes the unrest in the African nation in part to the Allied Democratic Forces, a militant group with "jihadist ideology."

"While the DRC's Christian-majority population means that some attacks on Christians may be unmotivated by religion, the ADF is known to target churches and church leaders," the report noted.

The DRC and the Sahel were countries or regions placed into the "red zone" by the religious freedom advocacy group, a category reserved for jurisdictions "where Christians are regularly tortured or killed for their faith."

Other countries that made it into the "red zone" are Nigeria, Somalia, Eritrea, Afghanistan, North Korea and Pakistan.

Four countries were classified as part of the "orange zone," meaning that their governments "severely oppress the rights of Christians." Countries in the "orange zone" are China, India, Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Russia and Vietnam were placed into the "yellow zone," reserved for jurisdictions where "Christians endure attacks, arrest, and oppression."

While much of the report painted a bleak picture of the state of religious freedom worldwide, the document pointed to "popular discontent with repression" as a positive development in 2024.

The report mentions the Spring 2024 elections in India, where the ruling Bharatiya Junta Party "found itself with a significantly reduced electoral mandate" that forced it to "form a coalition with several other parties to assemble a government in Parliament."

The ICC lists the BJP as one of the "groups/entities" that is "causing the most harm" in India, stressing how it "is known for championing a narrow view of Indian identity based on the idea that to be truly Indian is to be Hindu  a view that necessarily reduces Christians and religious minorities to second-class status."

While acknowledging that "the long-term implications of this change have yet to be fully understood," the advocacy group anticipated that following the 2024 elections, "the BJP's nationalist agenda will be hampered by its coalition partners, which are significantly more secular."

Another example of "popular discontent with repression" materialized in Myanmar, where a military junta led by extremist Buddhists known as the Tatmadaw continued to rule the country after overthrowing its democratically elected government in 2021.

ICC observes that the "junta's violence has coalesced the country's many ethnoreligious minorities, who chalked up many impressive military victories against the junta in 2024."

"Research from the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar suggests that anti-junta militia gains have reduced the area under solid Tatmadaw control to 17% or less," the report added.

In Iran, the ICC cited the election of "relatively moderate politicians, such as Masoud Pezeshikian in 2024," as a "popular uprising" that may suggest that "the [theocratic] regime's control is not absolute."
Home News Driver of Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in front of Trump Hotel in Las Vegas identified

Law enforcement officials have identified the man they believe to be behind the wheel of a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas Wednesday as a motive for the incident remains unclear.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill held a press conference Thursday providing updates on the investigation into the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.

He said the driver of the truck, 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger of Colorado Springs, Colorado, remained in the vehicle during the fire and was "burnt beyond recognition." Authorities found identification left behind in the vehicle.

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

Although final confirmation of his identity was contingent upon DNA evidence or medical records, the investigation has uncovered images of Livelsberger traveling across the country in the same vehicle.

Livelsberger "sustained a gunshot wound to the head prior to the detonation of the vehicle," McMahill said, later telling a reporter he believes it was self-inflicted immediately before the explosion.

He commented on possible connections between what unfolded in Las Vegas Wednesday and the attack that killed more than a dozen people in New Orleans, Louisiana, just hours earlier.

"He is a current member of the military," McMahill said of Livelsberger. "Both of the subjects served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina."

At the same time, McMahill stressed that no record exists that the perpetrator behind the New Orleans attack, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and Livelsberger "served in the same unit or even [in] the same years."

"I also know that they both served in Afghanistan in 2009," he said. "We don't have any evidence that they were in the same province in Afghanistan, the same location or the same unit."

Jabbar and Livelsberger had spent time at Fort Bragg, a massive Army base home to Army special forces command now known as Fort Liberty. An official familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press there wasn't any "overlap in their assignments."

Both men's use of the car-rental app Turo to rent their vehicles is another similarity between them.

McMahill detailed the route Livelsberger took before arriving in Las Vegas, which began when he rented the truck in Denver, Colorado, on Saturday.

Based on data obtained from his stops at Tesla charging stations, Livelsberger stopped in Monument, Colorado, on Monday and made several stops on Tuesday in Trinidad, Colorado; Las Vegas, New Mexico; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Gallup, New Mexico. Livelsberger's journey continued Wednesday morning with stops in Holbrook, Flagstaff, and Kingman, Arizona, before arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The motive behind the explosion remains unknown as of Thursday afternoon. The investigation determined that Livelsberger lawfully purchased two firearms recovered at the scene on Monday, two days before the attack. Law enforcement officials previously revealed that seven people were injured as a result of the blast.
Home News New Jersey man arrested for sexually assaulting 6-year-old girl at home prayer meeting

Editor's note: This article includes details of child sexual abuse that some readers might find disturbing.

A New Jersey man has been arrested for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl at an at-home prayer meeting.

A statement posted to the Instagram account of the Trenton, New Jersey Emergency Public Information Office on Tuesday details how Jose Agustin-Hernandez, 51, had been arrested Sunday in connection with the sexual assault of a 6-year-old girl that took place the previous week. The incident occurred during a prayer service at an in-home chapel on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton.

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 complaint, a man entered a room where a 6-year-old girl was sleeping and sexually assaulted her, the statement noted. The victim ran out of the room crying and told a family member.

While others gathered in the house tried to chase after Hernandez, the perpetrator ended up escaping and getting away. Local law enforcement zeroed in on Hernandez as the suspect who entered the residence and committed the assault after interviewing numerous witnesses and collecting and reviewing video surveillance footage from various locations in the area.

Hernandez now faces charges of first-degree aggravated assault, second-degree criminal sexual contact and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors are seeking to keep him in detention while he awaits trial. Hernandezs arrest follows a collaborative investigation conducted by the Mercer County Prosecutors Office Special Victims Unit and the Trenton Police Department.
Home News Mike Johnson secures votes to become speaker of 119th Congress: 'Purge the policies of America Last' 'We will defend our borders; that is the No. 1 priority'

Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana has been reelected speaker of the United States House of Representatives, receiving enough votes to clench the position on the first ballot.

During the opening session of the 119th Congress on Friday afternoon, Johnson received 218 votes, the minimum number needed to secure the leadership position. Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York received 215 votes.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who had previously stated that he wouldn't vote for Johnson, voted for Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota.

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

Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.D., and Keith Self, R-Texas, who had initially voted for individuals other than Johnson or Jeffries, changed their votes at the last minute to support Johnson.

It is the great honor of my life, Johnson told the House after being voted in as speaker. This is a momentous time in the history of our history.

Johnson said that members of Congress are "stewards" of the freedom won during the American Revolution and described the U.S. as "the world's leader in liberty, the economy and culture."

"A strong America is good for the entire world," said Johnson. "The core principles that made America what we are must still be preserved today."

Johnson said he believes that last year's elections, in which Republicans took back the White House and Senate, showed that "the people want an 'America first' agenda."

The speaker promised to work to secure the southern border as the "number one priority" and to "purge" the federal policies that he said placed "America last."

Jeffries also gave remarks, in which he quoted from Ecclesiastes 3, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

"In a democracy, there is a time to campaign and a time to govern," he said. "The election is over. This is a new Congress. The American people need us as their elected representatives in this season to put down our partisan swords and pick up bipartisan plowshares."

Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., announced the nomination of Johnson, saying in a speech on the floor of the House that Johnson would help put America first again.

No speaker is perfect, and no one will ever be, McClain added. The fundamental collective goal of this body is to make progress for the American people in which we represent and we have done just that under Mikes leadership.

Mike has remained the same kind and caring person as he was before he assumed this role. Hes an honest broker; he shows you his true beliefs at face value. He is steadfast in his values of faith, family and love of this country. He knows our brightest days are still ahead of us.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., nominated Jeffries, calling him someone committed to bipartisanship and governing well in spite of any chaos that might come.

Because of Hakeems leadership, we will never abandon our values or sacrifice our bedrock principles of freedom and democracy, said Aguilar. There is only one true candidate today for speaker.

Earlier this week, President-elect Donald Trump expressed his support for Johnson, saying in a statement posted on Truth Social that he considers Johnson a "good, hard-working, religious man" who will "do the right thing."

Despite Trump's endorsement, not all Republican House members were on board for Johnson, with Massie expressing his opposition in advance of the speaker vote.

"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," Massie stated in a post on X.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who had previously tried and failed to remove Johnson as speaker last year, declared her support for him being elected speaker of the 119th Congress.

"Let's put aside our pride, let's put aside our egos, and let's put aside the infighting," she stated in a video on X, adding that she believed it was time for the GOP to "do whatever it takes to make sure that we deliver the mandate that the American people told us to do."

In January 2023, it took 15 ballots for Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California to become speaker, marking the first time since 1923 that a speakership election took more than one ballot to finish.

About nine months later, however, McCarthy was ousted from his position by a vote of 216-210 that was instigated by then-Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., a critic of the House speaker.

In late October 2023, Johnson was elected House speaker in a vote of 220-209 in which all Republicans present supported Johnson while all Democrats present supported Jeffries.

During his acceptance speech last year, Johnson said he didn't "believe there are any coincidences in a matter like this and that "the Bible is very clear that God is the One that raises up those in authority."

"He raised up each of you, all of us," Johnson said to his Republican and Democrat colleagues last October. "I believe that God has ordained and allowed each one of us to be brought here for this specific moment and this time."
Home News New Orleans terrorist acted alone, was '100% inspired by ISIS,' FBI says

Federal investigators said Thursday they "do not believe" any other suspects acted with gunman Shamsud-Din Jabbar to carry out the deadly attack on New Orleans' Bourbon Street on New Year's Day, though he was inspired by the Islamic State terror organization.

Jabbar, 42, a U.S. Army veteran, is suspected of deliberately driving a pick-up truck into a crowd gathered in the French Quarter of New Orleans to celebrate the new year. The attack killed 14 people and left more than 30 others injured.

In a media briefing, Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI's counter-terrorism division, stated unequivocally the attack was an "act of terrorism."

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

"It was premeditated and an evil act," said Raia, who added that investigators obtained surveillance video of Jabbar placing the explosive devices near the site of the crash.

Jabbar "specifically picked out Bourbon Street," Raia said, though they're "not sure why." The officer acknowledged Jabbar "was 100 percent inspired by ISIS," an acronym for the Islamic State. Jabbar shared his allegiance to the Islamic State in posts on social media.

Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found near the crash site, although they were safely recovered and did not detonate. There is no indication that the IEDs were part of a broader, coordinated effort, nor is there any evidence suggesting any other individuals played a role in planning or executing the assault, Raia said.

Jabbar, said Raia, acted independently, inspired by extremist propaganda. FBI investigators "do not believe" anyone else was involved in the attack, said Raia.

The early Wednesday morning attack came just hours before an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, involving a Tesla Cybertruck containing fireworks and camp fuel canisters. The explosion resulted in the death of a suspect inside the vehicle.

According to three U.S. officials, the person who died in the explosion was identified as Matthew Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier who had previously been stationed at the base formerly known as Fort Bragg in North Carolina. The officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, were not authorized to reveal specific details about his service.

Jabbar and Livelsberger had spent time at Fort Bragg, a massive Army base home to Army special forces command now known as Fort Liberty. However, an official familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that there is "no apparent overlap in their assignments there."

The FBI's investigation into both incidents continues, but officials say there is no evidence to suggest the events are related.

The AP also cited two unidentified law enforcement officials, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, who emphasized that there is no indication the men knew each other.

Investigators determined the car-sharing app Turo was used to book both vehicles used in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Described as an Airbnb-style app for cars, Turo allows customers to search for and select vehicles similar to a car rental company.

A Turo spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal there is no indication that the renter in either case had a "criminal background that would have flagged them as a security threat."

Earlier Thursday, New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell said officials expected to reopen Bourbon Street ahead of the Sugar Bowl, which was postponed following the attack.

"The confidence is there to reopen Bourbon Street to the public before game time today," said Cantrell.
Home News Remaining Hamas forces estimated at 20,000 fighters, exceeding initial projections: report

Despite more than a year of military operations against the Hamas terrorist organization, Hamas has recruited between 12,000 and 23,000 new fighters, Israels Channel 12 news reported, and confirmed by The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday night.

According to the new report, Hamas currently commands a surprisingly high number of between 20,000 and 23,000 terrorist fighters if combined with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) forces present in the Gaza Strip. Until recently, The Jerusalem Post reported, terrorist forces were estimated to be reduced to about 12,000 fighters.

In February, then-Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel had effectively neutralized 20,000 terrorists in Gaza  approximately two-thirds  of Hamas entire fighting force, estimated to be around 30,000. In addition, Since the start of the war in October 2023, more than 6,000 Gazans have been detained by the Israel Defense Forces. Of these, approximately 4,300 remain in custody, while 2,200 have been returned to Gaza after being considered less dangerous.

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

They have 10,000 dead terrorists and another 10,000 wounded who are not functioning, Gallant said at the time. Its a blow that is eroding their ability [to fight], but you have to reach all the places, he added.

Before it launched this war against Israel on October 7, Hamas had an estimated 30,000 terrorists, observed Mark Dubowitz, the CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a think tank based in Washington, D.C., in February.

That fighting force has now been two-thirds depleted, with 10,000 terrorists eliminated and another 10,000 terrorists who are wounded and not returning to the battlefield. Hamas is fast running out of hiding places.

On Wednesday night, however, sources told The Jerusalem Post that the October 2023 IDF estimate had been too low, and that Hamas forces at that time were probably closer to around 40,000 fighters.

This means that the current Hamas force is most likely a mix of seasoned surviving terrorists from the original force and thousands of new recruits with little to no fighting experience. The unnamed sources have pointed out that many of the new terrorist fighters are of far inferior quality, as many of them are untrained minors.

If the new numbers are correct, Israeli media estimates that around 9,000 Hamas terrorists are split between northern and southern Gaza, while the PIJ has an additional 4,000 terrorists divided between the two areas, and another 7,000-10,000 disorganized terrorist fighters spread out throughout the Gaza Strip.

However, these numbers  based on the Channel 12 news report  would seem to contradict the facts presented to reporters in recent military briefings, indicating that most of northern Gaza is now cleared of terrorist fighters. This was underlined by the IDFs recent statements on its operations in Jabaliya in northern Gaza.

After two and a half months of fighting in just this one urban area, there are so many terrorists left. What does this tell us about how hard it is to clear other areas? wrote Seth Frantzman, an FDD adjunct fellow.

When this began it was already the third raid into Jabalia. Ive actually been to this area twice with the IDF over the last year. The assessment was already that the battalions in this area were dismantled a year ago, Frantzman noted.

When the IDF returned in October 2024 around 70,000 civilians had to be evacuated and several thousand terrorists were found there, many eliminated or detained. And yet it goes on and on, in just this one area, he added.

The total number of terrorists in Gaza remains unclear, according to unnamed sources who spoke to The Jerusalem Post.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home News Vineyard Church facing 9 civil lawsuits after Jackson Gatlin plea deal for abusing minors

The Vineyard Church in Duluth, Minnesota, and its parent organization, Vineyard USA, have been named in nine civil lawsuits alongside Jackson Gatlin, a former young adult and online community pastor at The Vineyard Church who accepted a plea deal in November for criminal sexual conduct with a child.

Gatlin, 36, was charged in 2023 with sexually abusing five teenage girls but pleaded guilty to only one count of sexual assault. On four other counts, he entered an Alford plea where he admitted there is sufficient evidence to find him guilty during a trial but maintained his innocence. He will likely spend at least 13 years in prison and have to register as a sex offender when his sentence is complete.

Also named in the civil lawsuits are Gatlins parents, Fox 21 reports. His father, Michael Gatlin, was a senior pastor at The Vineyard Church, where his son met most of his victims. His mother, Brenda Gatlin, also served in leadership at the church as well as at Vineyard USA. They both resigned from their roles at the church and Vineyard USA without cooperating with an investigation into their sons abuse.

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 civil lawsuits allege that the defendants knew, or should have known, about Gatlins abuse but failed to act.

In a statement responding to Gatlins acceptance of the plea deal on Nov. 6, The Vineyard Church leaders said they expected the civil lawsuits to be filed. Officials said they welcomed the lawsuit as a measure of justice for the victims, who court records show were between 11 and 16 when Gatlin abused them while in his 20s.

As we previously shared, we have also recently learned that some of Jacksons victims are seeking justice in civil court. In addition to naming Jackson, Michael and Brenda Gatlin, the defendants also include the Duluth Vineyard and Vineyard USA. No one ever wants to be sued in civil court. Yet, we welcome this case and pray that it can bring healing and justice for the victims, the church said.

Further, a case like this can help determine the relative responsibility of various parties. Although what we can do financially is limited by the size of our resources, insurance coverage and outstanding debt, as a church we want to follow the way of Jesus and take responsibility for the harm we are judged to have caused.

Gatlin allegedly groomed the victims, who are now adults, with flirtations. He is accused of sending sexual text messages and eventually taking them to his bedroom at his parents home, where he touched the victims or had them touch him.

He also allegedly bound them and raped them. He is accused of laughing at one of the victims when she asked him to stop the abuse.

Civil litigation is a slow and imperfect process, and it may be a long time before any final judgment is reached. Lets all pray for the victims, for patience and for God to use this litigation to advance his will here on earth like it is in heaven, the church said in their statement.

This continues to be a very painful situation, yet that is where we so often find Jesus. Our hope and prayer is that the Holy Spirit will give us the gift of unity and strength to do Gods will. And, as we together respond like Jesus to this difficult situation, our response will bring both healing to victims and glory to God.
Home News Appeals court revives challenge to New York law restricting religious groups' hiring practices

A federal appellate court has revived a challenge brought by pro-life organizations and a church against a New York law they say prevents faith-based employers from taking action against employees who undergo abortions.

A three-judge panel on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals released the opinion Thursday siding with the pro-life pregnancy care center network CompassCare, the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates and First Bible Baptist Church in their lawsuit against state officials.

The relevant portion of New York Labor Law Section 203-e prohibits employers from engaging in "discrimination based on an employee's or a dependent's reproductive health decision making."

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

Judge Thomas McAvoy of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York dismissed the claim from the plaintiffs that the law violated the faith-based employers' rights to expressive-association under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, the 2nd Circuit ruled that the claim had merit and the lawsuit could continue.

The district court ruling was issued in 2020, before the 2nd Circuit sided with Evergreen Association, a pro-life pregnancy center, in the 2023 decision Slattery v. Hochul.

In Slattery, the 2nd Circuit reversed a lower court's dismissal of the organization's assertion that the law violated its freedom of expressive association and remanded it to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York for further proceedings.

"The District Court did not have the benefit of the Slattery opinion  which is now binding precedent  when it issued the orders challenged in this matter," Judge Sarah Merriam wrote in Thursday's opinion. "In light of Slattery, we vacate the dismissal of Plaintiffs' expressive-association claim."

The law in question prohibits employers from "accessing an employee's personal information regarding the employee's ... reproductive health decision making, including but not limited to, the decision to use or access a particular drug, device or medical service," the opinion said. All three plaintiff organizations require employees to abide by statements of faith denouncing abortion, viewing employees' adherence to their core beliefs as central to their mission.

In Slattery, the 2nd Circuit determined that the plaintiff may have a valid claim against the law if it can prove that "[t]he statute forces Evergreen to employ individuals who act or have acted against the very mission of its organization," setting a bar that successful challenges to the law will have to clear.

In Thursday's opinion, Merriam stressed that "each Plaintiff will have to demonstrate that it meets the relevant standard separately and independently of the others  the outcome may therefore vary for different Plaintiffs."

Alliance Defending Freedom, the legal organization representing the plaintiffs, maintains that the law requires "employers  including churches, religious schools, faith-based pregnancy care centers, and religious nonprofits  to undermine their own beliefs about abortion, contraception, and sexual morality by forcing them to employ those who cannot effectively convey the groups' message because they refuse to abide by the organizations' statements of faith and core principles about such issues."

ADF Senior Counsel Kevin Theriot issued a statement Thursday praising the development.

"Our nation has long respected the rights of religious organizations to associate with like-minded believers, and the court's decision rightly reinstates our clients' claim seeking to affirm that this right protects employment practices affecting the groups' mission," he said.

"Religious employers are free to hire individuals who share their core beliefs, and no government can force faith-based organizations to contradict those convictions," Theriot added. "The 2nd Circuit was right to revive this challenge, allowing our clients to defend their constitutionally protected freedom to join with others and express what they believe without fear of government punishment or coercion."
Home News Bid to remove charitable status from religious groups draws ire of Evangelicals in Canada

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has raised concerns about recommendations presented to the Canadian government calling for the removal of charitable status to religious charities and anti-abortion organizations.

The potential negative impact not only on the religious sector but the many people it serves would be immense, the group warns.

Details are buried within hundreds of recommendations made in a Finance Committee report tabled in the House of Commons on Dec. 13, 2024, which is part of a consultation process before the next federal budget.

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

Recommendation 429 calls for the government to no longer provide charitable status to anti-abortion organizations and Recommendation 430 wants to amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of a charity which would remove the privileged status of advancement of religion as a charitable purpose, stated the EFC.

Both recommendations are found in the report under Chapter Five, A Competitive Fiscal Policy, Sustainable Finances and Efficient Government Operations.

Federal taxation plays a pivotal role in funding public expenditures and directing economic activity to sustain and enrich the Canadian economy, states the chapters short preamble.

Personal income tax is the largest source of government revenues in Canada, followed by corporate income tax. Tax policy is also a major mechanism to motivate taxpayers to engage in activities that are deemed beneficial to society or, on the contrary, dissuade taxpayers from engaging in activities that are thought to be harmful to society.

The EFC believed the wording of the recommendations echoed the British Columbia Humanist Associations written submission to the committee. (The consultation heard from many businesses, schools and non-profit organizations offering written submissions with differing interests.)

The finance minister is not obliged to adopt the recommendations for the spring budget, but the EFC remains concerned about the issue, calling the fact that a parliamentary committee involving all major political parties had called for such changes significant and indicative that the parties supported the ideas.

The Conservative Party has a dissenting opinion in the report, and the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois have supplementary opinions, but none mention or oppose these charitable status recommendations in the main report, stated the EFC. These recommendations may have been overlooked among the 462 recommendations made, but none of the parties expressed opposition to them.

This change, if adopted, would have a far-reaching and devastating impact  on religious charities, the people they serve, and Canadian society. Just over 40% of Canadas registered charities advance religion. This proposal would destabilize the charitable sector in Canada.

Furthermore, the EFC opined that committee recommendations can serve as a trial balloon.

If a recommendation seems widely supported, or at least not opposed, it may encourage the government to move ahead with it, the Evangelical body noted.

This is an important time to ensure MPs hear the concerns of Canadians about this proposal, now that the Finance Committee has put it on the table. Its more effective to prevent these recommendations from being introduced in a bill than to ask for them to be removed once the bill has been introduced.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily International.
Home News Most violent year for Christians in India: Persecution watchdog

For Indias Christians, 2021 was the most violent year in the countrys history, according to a report, which says at least 486 violent incidents of Christian persecution were reported in the year.

In almost all incidents reported across India, vigilante mobs composed of religious extremists have been seen to either barge into a prayer gathering or round up individuals that they believe are involved in forcible religious conversions, says the report by the United Christian Forum, which recorded 486 violent incidents of Christian persecution, topping the previous record of 328 incidents in 2019.

The UCF attributes the high incidence of Christian persecution to impunity, due to which such mobs criminally threaten, physically assault people in prayer, before handing them over to the police on allegations of forcible conversions.

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

Police registered formal complaints in only 34 of the 486 cases, according to the UCF, which added: Often communal sloganeering is witnessed outside police stations, where the police stand as mute spectators.

While Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%, the countrys radical Hindu nationalists have been carrying out attacks on Christians under the pretext of punishing the minority for allegedly using monetary rewards to convert Hindus to Christianity.

Open Doors USAs 2021 World Watch List had warned that since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party took power in India in 2014, persecution against Christians and other religious minorities had increased.

In 2021, the UCF recorded 274 incidents of violence against Christians in four states in north India alone: Uttar Pradesh (102), Chhattisgarh (90), Jharkhand (44) and Madhya Pradesh (38).

There is also one Southern State which is also witnessing a high number of incidents of violence against Christians that is Karnataka with 59 incidents, the report says.

Days before Christmas, Karnataka became the 10th state in India to pass an anti-conversion law, which presumes that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity.

While some of these laws have been in place for decades in some states, no Christian has been convicted of forcibly converting anyone to Christianity. These laws, however, allow Hindu nationalist groups to make false charges against Christians and launch attacks on them under the pretext of the alleged forced conversion.

The law states that no one is allowed to use the threat of divine displeasure, meaning Christians cannot talk about Heaven or Hell, as that would be seen as forcing someone to convert. And if snacks or meals are served to Hindus after an evangelistic meeting, that could be seen as an inducement.

India ranks as the 10th worst country globally when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USAs 2021 World Watch List. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged the U.S. State Department to label India as a country of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating severe religious freedom violations.

Open Doors USA has also reported earlier that Hindu radicals often attack Christians with little to no consequences.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.

The U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern warns that the pace of Christian persecution only seems to be accelerating with the arrival of 2022, and adds, Whether 2022 will be as violent of a year as 2021 is yet to be seen.
Home News Priest who wanted to work from home, failed to fulfill duties was unfairly dismissed: tribunal

An Orthodox priest from the United Kingdom was unfairly dismissed after a series of conflicts over his duties, a tribunal has ruled.

Father Stavros Bozos, a priest from the Three Hierarchs Orthodox Church in Leeds, was dismissed in May 2022.

The case, first reported by The Telegraph, centered on Bozos' refusal to meet specific job expectations, particularly following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

After serving 18 years as a priest, Bozos faced mounting pressure from the diocese to fulfill his responsibilities, including conducting church services on feast days outside of Sundays and providing regular catechism classes for the Greek school. His refusal to carry out these duties ultimately led to his dismissal.

Bozos, who had moved to the U.K. from Greece in 2018, defended his actions by arguing that commuting to the church was unnecessary and would disrupt his work-life balance. He claimed that the church's computer was located in his home, which allowed him to complete his administrative tasks without the need to travel.

He argued that the additional commuting time would be burdensome on his family and take away valuable time for work. However, the diocese raised concerns over his unavailability to parishioners, noting that the priest was becoming increasingly difficult to reach and had tried to limit his face-to-face interactions with his community.

Court documents show that when the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted, Bozos had not resumed his usual duties, particularly those involving church services and religious education. He was also accused of being "controlling and uncooperative" during meetings with his superiors.

The situation worsened when Bozos declined to conduct services on certain feast days and refused to provide divine liturgy classes from January to March 2022, despite this issue being raised multiple times by the diocese, according to documents.

By March 2022, the diocese concluded that the relationship between Bozos and the church had deteriorated significantly. They believed the priest could no longer effectively serve his parish, and discussions surrounding his dismissal began.

Diocese officials reportedly viewed the situation as an inevitable "divorce" and sought a resolution, preferring a consensual departure but prepared for a contentious dismissal. The situation escalated, leading to Bozos being officially informed of his termination in May 2022.

Despite the serious concerns about his conduct, the tribunal ultimately ruled that Bozos had been unfairly dismissed due to procedural errors.

Employment Judge Hannah Bright stated that while the diocese had valid reasons for wanting to end the priest's tenure  primarily his evasiveness and unwillingness to make himself available to parishioners  it failed to follow proper dismissal procedures.

As a result, Bozos was awarded compensation of 2,232 ($2,765) for the unfair dismissal, which stemmed from the fact that no clear dismissal procedure was followed in his case.

The death of Bozos' wife in Nov. 2020, reported in The Yorkshire Evening Post, may have played a factor in Bozos' standoff with the church.

According to the report, 50-year-old Kalli Mantala-Bozos died after testing positive for COVID-19. The tribunal report makes only a single mention of her death.

A Nov. 2020 Facebook post announcing her death read in part: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of our priest's wife, our beloved presvytera Kalli, who succumbed to Covid-19 related illness today, 26/11. Fr Stavros and the children express their warmest thanks to all of you for joining your prayers with theirs in this difficult time."

"Jesus said, 'I am the Life and Resurrection. He who believes in me, even if he dies he shall live. And he who lives and believes in me will never die.' Amen!"
Now that 2025 is here, drivers will receive fines from the state for parking within 20 feet of an intersection. Fines will begin at $40 for each infraction. SFMTA

Regarding Outgoing Muni chief Jeffrey Tumlin on the real reason robotaxis are bad for S.F., (SFChronicle.com, Bay Area/San Francisco, Dec. 31), Tumlin discusses his emphasis on bike lane construction and intersection redesign.

He states a big focus is on San Franciscos need to improve basic walkability, bikeability, street safety. SFMTAs website estimates that only 16% of San Franciscans are bicyclists, yet transit reforms protect them at a cost to small businesses in neighborhoods that need to provide parking for senior and disabled customers who cannot use public transit. Additionally, the new state law that prohibits parking within 20 feet of an intersection will further impact the viability of small businesses in crowded neighborhoods.

The city seems to have abandoned this struggling section of the economy. What good are speedy roadways if there are increasingly limited destinations?

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Karen Cliffe, San Francisco

Keep eye on traffic

Regarding More people died in S.F. from traffic crashes than homicides in 2024, (Bay Area/San Francisco, Dec. 30), I have to wonder what empirical evidence or incident investigations, if any, the MTA used over the past five years to decide how to spend millions of dollars attempting to make streets safer for pedestrians. Their results make it seem more likely they were only guessing and guessing wrong.

Lets hope for more pragmatic and successful leadership at the MTA now that the director has stepped down. In the interim, I urge pedestrians and drivers to stop looking at their phones when in the street and to pay more attention to their surroundings. A crosswalk is not a forcefield, and right-of-way needs to yield to common sense.

Dan Bockmier, San Francisco

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Change the system

Regarding San Francisco pushes back launch date for first-in-the-state speed cameras, (Bay Area/San Francisco, Dec. 26), improving street safety by using cameras to identify speeders will reduce pedestrian injuries and deaths.

Speed limits are enforced under the criminal justice system. Constitutional rights require the prosecution prove guilt, call witnesses and protect a defendant from being forced to testify. This complex adversarial approach is unnecessary to determine whether a car was speeding.

Change the system to focus on the car as the culprit, as opposed to the driver, and take the issue outside the criminal law.

Digital cameras can identify a vehicle and its speed. DMV records can identify the owner. Graduated civil fines could be charged to the vehicles owner, unless the car was reported stolen. Baltimore, the UK, Singapore, Japan and South Korea use automated speed enforcement and imposed penalties directly on vehicle owners, taking the driver out of the equation.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Unpaid fines could accumulate interest and would have to be paid before the registration could be renewed. Second fines could double, and third violations could re-double. After a specific number of offenses, the car could be booted or confiscated as a danger to public health.

Richard Alexander, San Francisco

Brilliant idea

Michael Hrasts letter was brilliant (Timely suggestion to honor former President Jimmy Carter, Letters to the Editor, Jan. 1). His encouragement to support Habitat for Humanity on Jan. 20 is a great idea I intend to do.

And like Michael, I encourage others to do the same.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Marcie Brown, Mountain View

Naive? So what?

Michael Hrasts suggestion to donate to Habitat to Humanity on Jan. 20 is excellent. I have forwarded the idea to as many of my friends as possible, asking them to forward, hoping a real statement (perhaps from thousands) could made on Inauguration Day.

It may be naive, but why not try?

Mary Lynn Gibbons, Portola Valley

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Qualities lacking

About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies

As House Speaker Emerata Nancy Pelosi said in regard to Jimmy Carters passing, Our nation and our world has lost a leader who embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness.

More sadly is how many in our nation that support a man as president who has none of those qualities.
Home News 'Satan is at work': Progressive female clergy bless abortion facility

Pro-life advocates have responded in disgust to the actions of three progressive female clergy who held a blessing over equipment and tools used to kill pre-born babies.

A Presbyterian pastor, a Jewish cantor and a Baptist minister recently blessed the staff and objects at a Maryland abortion facility, burning incense as they walked through the white-walled clinic.

The Rev. Katey Zeh, an ordained Baptist minister and graduate of Yale Divinity School, operates the multifaith organization called the Religious Community for Reproductive Choice, which is known for conducting blessings like the one held in Maryland.

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 group has held 10 blessings at abortion facilities since 2017, The New York Times reported. During the ritual at the Womens Health Center of Maryland, Zeh and the two other religious leaders blessed various objects, including the exam tables, disposable gowns and the chairs in the recovery room.

You all are blessings to those who come to you for care during some of their most vulnerable and sometimes painful moments, Zeh told the abortion facility staff gathered in the waiting room.

Contrary to the ministers celebratory remarks, several women who underwent abortions at the facility appeared to express uncertainty about their decision.

Lying on a table in the recovery room was a notebook that contained messages from women recuperating after their abortions, the Times reported. The women reflected on their experiences and their relationship with God, with one woman writing, God will forgive me for my decision.

Pro-life advocates, such as CatholicVote Vice President Josh Mercer, noted that those on the political Left typically oppose religious expression, and found it ironic that leftists would use a religious ritual to justify abortion.

Suddenly incense, ritual, prayer, and reverence all have merit. How wicked that religious practice is being hijacked to promote the killing of children, he told The Daily Caller last week.

Pro-life advocate and speaker Obianuju Ekeocha, founder of Culture of Life Africa, a group that advocates against the promotion of abortion in African countries, also condemned the blessing of abortion facilities.

This is the one blessing that [The New York Times] is eager to publish, the pro-life speaker wrote in a post on X. Satan is really at work!

The Religious Community for Reproductive Choice did not respond to The Christian Posts request for comment. This article will be updated if a response is received.

Some of those who attended the blessing were employees at the Womens Health Center of West Virginia, an affiliate clinic located more than three hours away from the facility in Cumberland, Maryland, according to the Times. The West Virginia facility stopped performing abortions in 2022 after the state passed restrictions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Katie Quinonez, the executive director of the West Virginia facility, opened the Maryland abortion clinic last year. The Religious Community for Reproductive Choice conducted the blessing at the Maryland facility in response to opposition from local pro-lifers, many of whom belong to churches and other religiously affiliated groups.

As the Religious Community for Reproductive Choice states on its website, its purpose is to reject the shame and stigma that religious conservatives purportedly attach to sex, sexuality and reproduction.

We challenge these views which have polarized the debate on reproductive issues, and offer spiritual support and solace as families and individuals make their reproductive choices, the websites mission statement reads.

Pro-choice activists who consider themselves people of faith have argued that abortion is a form of religious freedom and should, therefore, remain legal.

Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, activists filed lawsuits in response to their states abortion bans, claiming that laws against abortion prevent them from exercising their right to religious freedom.

Commenting on the lawsuits, Monica Snyder, an atheist and the executive director of Secular Pro-Life, told CP at the time that one doesn't have to be religious to oppose abortion. In response to pro-choice people who claim that outlawing or restricting abortion violates their religious freedom, the pro-life atheist presented a hypothetical.

Snyder questioned whether society would have to allow elective third-trimester abortions in the name of religious freedom if someone's faith claimed that life doesn't begin until the first breath.

"Historically, some societies believed neonates aren't 'children' until they're named or fed or baptized. Would we have to allow infanticide prior to those rituals in the name of religious freedom?" she asked. "No, of course not."

"Freedom of religion is important, but it doesn't justify human rights violations. Abortion violates human rights by killing human beings," Snyder asserted. "Freedom of religion doesn't justify it."
Home News What Does the Bible Say About Drinking?

Alcoholic drinks have been around humanity for millennia, with a constant debate existing over whether it is acceptable to imbibe any fermented substances.

Within Christianity, there is no consensus on whether it is OK to drink alcohol. While some enjoy the practice, others make a habit of abstaining.

When it comes to the sacrament of communion, some churches have opted to replace actual wine with grape juice, in large part to appeal to those who may be harmed by consuming even the slightest amount of alcohol.

Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe

But what does the Bible have to say about drinking alcohol? Both the Old and New Testament speak of the practice, giving it mixed reviews.

Here are some of the verses about alcohol in the Old Testament:

"You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come."-Leviticus 10:9

"Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." -Proverbs 20:1

"Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine." -Isaiah 5:11

Here are some of the verses about alcohol in the New Testament:

"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap." -Luke 21:34

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." -Ephesians 5:18

"Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." -1 Timothy 5:23

Patrick Nelson, president of Dordt Theological Seminary, told The Christian Post that while "the Bible does not expressly forbid the drinking of alcohol," nevertheless it "does forbid us from getting drunk from the drinking of alcohol."



"Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11) so it's safe to assume he probably consumed wine himself which was a custom in his day. However, he was also very adamant about Christians not giving in to drunkenness," explained Nelson.

"Drunkenness and addiction are sins in the eyes of Lord and its effects can be devastating not only to the person but those around them as well."

A spokesperson for the Christian Reformed Church in North America directed CP to a webpage listing their official position on alcoholic consumption.

"Scripture teaches that beverages containing alcohol can be a blessing or a source of evil. Those who drink alcohol must consider its effects on themselves and on others," explained the Church.

"Abstinence from alcohol may be an appropriate moral response in particular situations, but it is not demanded by Scripture and therefore should not be demanded by the church."
Home Opinion Antisemitism in 2025: Jews need strong Evangelical allies

The Jewish community faces an increasing tide of antisemitism globally, from violent attacks on synagogues to rising hatred fueled by misinformation.



In this precarious climate, one thing has become clear: Jews cannot combat this pervasive threat alone. While Jewish organizations and individuals have long worked to protect and strengthen Jewish identity, culture, and security, the support of other communities, especially Evangelical Christians and other strong Zionists, is crucial. These groups share the belief that Israel is not just a haven for Jews but a strategic ally for the United States and a strong beacon of Western and Judeo-Christian values. Embracing and forming strong partnerships with these Christian communities offers a unique opportunity to amplify the Jewish fight against antisemitism and protect the future of the Jewish people.

The growing threat of antisemitism

In recent years, antisemitism has resurfaced in various forms, from virulent hatred in the streets to subtle discrimination in academic and social settings. As we know, there has been a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in the United States alone, many of them connected to online hate speech, conspiracy theories, and distorted depictions of Jews. This has fueled a dangerous environment where Jews are increasingly targeted, often without provocation, simply because of their identity.

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 Jews have always been resilient in the face of adversity, standing alone against the forces of hatred and discrimination is increasingly untenable. The idea that Jews can protect themselves and their future without external support is not only unrealistic but also deeply dangerous. Antisemitism affects not only Jewish communities but also the broader societies in which Jews live. It undermines social cohesion, erodes tolerance, and creates an environment ripe for division and hatred.

Evangelical Christians: allies in the Zionist cause

One of the strongest, most dedicated allies the Jewish community has today is the Evangelical Christian community, particularly those who believe in the biblical importance of Israel. For many Evangelicals, the connection to Israel is not just theological  it is political, moral, and humanitarian.

The Evangelical Christian community in the United States is a political force, with millions of voters who are staunch supporters of Israel. This community has consistently advocated for pro-Israel policies, including supporting U.S. military aid to Israel, opposing efforts to delegitimize Israel at the United Nations, and countering the rise of antisemitism. Evangelicals have also been at the forefront of combating anti-Israel boycotts and ensuring that Israels right to defend itself is recognized globally.

The relationship between Israel and Evangelical Christians is more than just political; it is grounded in shared values. Both communities value religious freedom, the importance of family, and the preservation of cultural and religious heritage. In a time when Israel faces existential threats from hostile neighbors and the broader international community, this partnership is not only advantageous for Israel but essential for the Jewish peoples survival.

Mike Huckabee: A key leader in pro-Israel advocacy

A powerful example of the Evangelical community's commitment to Israel and the Jewish people is Mike Huckabee, the new United States Ambassador to Israel. Huckabee has long been a staunch supporter of Israel and a vocal advocate for pro-Israel legislation. His leadership will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to the ongoing fight for the Jewish state. As a former Governor of Arkansas and a two-time presidential candidate, Huckabee has established himself as a key figure in American politics, particularly within the Evangelical community.

Huckabee's advocacy for Israel has been unwavering throughout his career. He has consistently spoken out against the delegitimization of Israel and has worked to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. His pro-Israel stance is deeply rooted in both his religious convictions and his understanding of Israel's strategic importance to the U.S. and the broader world. As Ambassador to Israel, Huckabee will be in a unique position to build on this legacy and forge deeper connections between the U.S., Israel, and the Evangelical community.

His appointment is particularly significant given the rise in global antisemitism and the increasing pressure on Israel from various international bodies and organizations. Huckabees strong voice and leadership will be crucial in pushing back against these forces. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Israels security and legitimacy. By embracing leaders like Huckabee, the Jewish community can build stronger, more effective alliances in the fight against antisemitism and in support of Israel.

Strength in numbers

While many Jewish organizations and individuals have worked tirelessly to combat antisemitism, they have often faced significant challenges in fighting this deeply ingrained hatred. The rise of far-left ideologies that promote antisemitism, combined with the far-rights ongoing commitment to bigotry, creates a two-front battle that is difficult to navigate. Jewish communities, regardless of location, are often fighting this battle alone, without the support of broader, non-Jewish allies.

In contrast, the Evangelical Christian community has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to standing with the Jewish people. These Christians see the survival of the Jewish state and the Jewish people as not only a matter of political strategy but a moral imperative. This shared commitment can provide Jews with a powerful ally, one that is not only dedicated to the cause of Zionism but also to the fight against the global rise of antisemitism.

Furthermore, the Evangelical support for Israel can act as a counterbalance to the growing anti-Israel sentiment that is beginning to take root in many parts of the world. As Israels critics become louder and more organized, the Jewish community must recognize that it needs to stand united with like-minded allies. The Evangelical Christian community is a natural partner in this effort.

The need for strategic alliances

Given the rise in global antisemitism, the strategic importance of alliances cannot be overstated. Jews must move beyond seeing Evangelical Christians solely through the lens of religious differences. Instead, they must recognize that both communities share common goals: the protection of religious freedom, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the defense of Israel. In light of these shared values, the partnership between Jews and Evangelicals becomes not just beneficial but imperative.

One of the primary benefits of these alliances is that they provide Jews with a network of advocates who can amplify their voices on the international stage. Whether lobbying in Washington or organizing grassroots movements, Evangelicals have the political clout and organizational infrastructure to make a significant impact. This support is invaluable, particularly when confronting institutions that seek to delegitimize Israel or promote antisemitic ideologies.

Moreover, these alliances can help counteract the damaging narratives that are increasingly pervasive in academia, the media, and social platforms. By aligning with Evangelicals, Jews can engage in joint efforts to educate the public on the importance of Israels survival and the dangers of rising antisemitism. In a world where misinformation spreads rapidly, a united front is crucial.

Conclusion

The fight against antisemitism is a global struggle, one that transcends borders and requires the cooperation of all those who share in the values of liberty, justice, and peace. For Jews, the importance of forming strong alliances with Evangelical Christians and other Christian Zionists cannot be understated. These communities are powerful allies who not only share a deep love for Israel but are also committed to ensuring the survival of the Jewish people. With leaders like Mike Huckabee leading the charge, the Jewish community has a powerful advocate in the fight against antisemitism and for Israels security.



In the face of rising antisemitism, it is more important than ever for Jews to embrace these partnerships and work together to build a future where both Israel and the Jewish people can thrive.
Home Opinion An inspiring New Year's admonition from John Wesley

Once again, a new calendar year has commenced. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, regret, and resolution.

Just this past week in my daily devotion I came across the following statement widely attributed to John Wesley (1703-1791), the founder of Methodism:

Do all the good you can,

by all the means you can,

in all the ways you can,

in all the places you can,

at all the times you can,

to all the people you can,

as long as ever you can. 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

It is hard to think of a more appropriate or admirable statement of life goals going into a new year. It certainly helps to explain Methodisms admirable centuries-long tradition of social activism and charitable work.

I plan on keeping this statement by John Wesley on my desk this year to remind me that as a Christian, I must be about my Heavenly Fathers business. This will serve as a reminder for semi-Reformed Baptists like myself (On the TULIP scale I am about a 3 pointer: About  of Total Depravity; About  of Unconditional Election; None of Limited Atonement;  of Irresistible Grace and 100% of Perseverance of the Saints).

As a Baptist, I do believe in once saved, always saved, or as the great Victorian British Baptist preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon called it, the Perseverance of the Saviorthat Jesus has promised to never let us go once He has become our Savior.

I fear too often that leads too many of us to rest on our Blessed Assurance and become lax in being the salt and light (Matt. 5) Jesus commanded each of us, as His disciples, to be.

Also, while I have always found Wesleys Methodist theology to be light on anthropology (understanding the full impact of mans fallen state, thus overestimating mans capacity for spiritual understanding apart from Gods prevenient, initiatory, spiritual quickening), ironically, however, my favorite hymn was written by Charles Wesley, Johns younger brother. The hymn And Can It Be? is a powerful and moving anthem:

And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Saviors blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be

That Thou, my God, should die for me? Tis mystery all! th Immortal dies!

Who can explore His strange design?

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

To sound the depths of love divine!

Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,

Let angel minds inquire no more He left His Fathers throne above,

So free, so infinite His grace;

Emptied Himself of all but love,

And bled for Adams helpless race;

Tis mercy all; immense and free;

For, O my God, it found out me. Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and natures night;

Thine age diffused a quickning ray,

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. No condemnation now I dread,

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach th eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ

my own. Refrain:

Amazing love! how can it be

That thou, my God, should die for me.

I keep the words of this great hymn in the Bible I use for my daily devotions. It never fails to inspire me and fill me with overwhelming gratitude to my Heavenly Father and Jesus my Savior.

We would all do well to heed John Wesleys admonition to do all the good we can, not because we are trying to earn favor with God, but because we want to please Him with our obedience and we want to draw others to Him as Savior as a result of our exemplifying His redeeming love.

Let us all go forth into the New Year determined to follow John Wesleys admonition, knowing that in the end, Christ is Victor and every knee shall bow to Jesus as Lord!
(Photo: Getty/iStock)

Hope Rising 365 is a new yearlong devotional book for girls and young women offering advice and inspiration for each day. Author Meg Cannon, a spoken word artist and presenter, enlists female voices in the fields of youth and student ministries to share their experiences and wisdom as well as contributing her own. Christian Today spoke with Meg to find out more about the inspiration behind the book and what being rooted in hope looks like.

Why did you decide on the title Hope Rising 365?

I work in secondary schools every week with girls and young women doing workshops and assemblies, and I see a distinct lack of hope. The reason for the title of the book is that I want to see hope rise in the lives of girls and young women around the UK and further afield. It's great to hear that the book has also been translated into German and Dutch too. It has felt like such an amazing opportunity to share the hope that God offers with a generation who need encouragement and to understand how much they are loved.

The book talks a lot about well-being. What does well-being look like for you as a Christian?

The Children's Society recently released its Good Childhood report, and year on year they are finding that UK children's well-being is in decline. When we compare it to other countries in Europe, the UK has the lowest average overall life satisfaction among 15 year olds, which is really sad.

Well-being, essentially, is how people feel and how they function on a personal and social level - how they feel about their lives as a whole. I would say evaluating our lives from a Christian perspective is looking at how God defines us and who God says we are. Often young people are evaluating their lives in light of social media. I think wellbeing from a Christian perspective is knowing that we are known and loved by God, and that we do not have to be afraid. He has given us a spirit of love, power and sound mind.

The book is full of great life advice for young people. What is the best piece of life advice you've been given?

On my first day in year 7, my mum told me to look out for the person who looks alone and go and speak to that person. I carry that with me wherever I go, even though it can be daunting talking to people you don't know. I try to look out for the person who is alone and I think Jesus would also do that. We explore friendship and kindness in our assemblies and workshops because broken friendships are time and time again a really painful reality for many girls.

The book emphasises each girl's uniqueness. What work needs to be done to encourage women and young girls to stop aspiring to reach a beauty standard that is unattainable?

I think it starts at a grassroots level, one-on-one mother and daughter or a youth worker with a girl or in a group setting. I think there is so much power in giving girls space to talk and share what is going on in youth culture and to open up. I recently did a workshop on self-esteem in a secondary school and one girl in particular was incredibly emotional about the way she sees herself. She recognised that she was comparing herself to what she sees online and she doesn't feel good enough.

It's heart-breaking but it's so important to facilitate conversations and then help girls to challenge negative thought patterns as well as unpicking some of society's pressures and beauty standards. If I can help girls and young women to grasp their worth and potential then I'm happy at the end of the day. I also think we need to pray for them daily because it is tough. The more I learn about what girls and young women are facing, the more I feel the need to pray for them and stand alongside them.

I would love every girl to have Hope Rising 365 on their bedside table. I wrote the book that I really needed when I was a teenager, and I think the book would have made a big difference to me.

There is a segment called 'Turning worry into prayer' in which you speak about your own experience of turning your worry list into your prayer list. Do you still continue to practice this? If so, what impact has it had?

I can be quite a worrier, I get pretty anxious about things. When I feel myself getting overwhelmed by work and motherhood I realise now that I have to write it down because it gets too much in my head. It just overwhelms me, so now when I get to the state of feeling like I'm struggling, I will write the things that are on my mind and then pray through the list and give it to God. It's been a great practice for me because all those things are no longer rushing around my head but down in front of me where I can see them, that's when I can say 'God it's more than I feel like I can cope with, I give all these things over to you'.

What advice would you give to young girls who want to start their journey in the faith?

I would say three things. Firstly, get a Bible and start with the Gospels - learning about Jesus and his life so that we can be more like him is a great place to start. Secondly, try prayer. It can be as simple as 'God I'm here, what do you want to say to me today?' or 'God I'm struggling, would you meet with me?'. I'd also really encourage a new Christian to find a church, because being in community with people who are like-minded is important.

What reception has the book had since it's been released?

It's so lovely to regularly be contacted by people who have found the book helpful and inspiring. In fact, I heard a story recently about a girl who was hospitalised for an eating disorder. She spent quite a while in the priory and when she left home they said she could take very little with her. Someone gave her a copy of Hope Rising 365 and she contacted me to say how helpful it was during her time there and how much it encouraged her. For me, that makes it all worth it.

Scripture runs through the book. How has it been received among non- believers?

I gave a book to my neighbour and I don't think she has any faith background, but she wrote a card to say how she reads it every day and it gives her hope which is great. Wherever I go I have a couple of copies with me and I give them to the schools that I work in. I heard from a teacher recently who saw one of the students had taken it out of the library and was reading it. That's really exciting to me! I hope this is making a difference and is helping people who have no faith background to know that they are created and loved and there is hope for the future in a society that often feels hopeless. I am so enthusiastic about the impact that knowing and following Jesus can have on your life. I have been in a valley over the past few years due to trauma, but what I cling onto is the hope that Jesus brings. Nothing else can satisfy and I really believe that.

Hope Rising 365 is out now from SPCK priced 14.99.
The Archbishop of Canterbury leaves office on 6 January 2025. (Photo: Lambeth Palace)

The media coverage of the row over the Children's Society's refusal to accept a Christmas donation from Justin Welby has overlooked a crucial fact: the Archbishop of Canterbury is president of the charity.

A letter to the Church Times on January 3 by Dr Andrew Purkis OBE, a trustee and former chair of ActionAid and a former board member of the Charity Commission, points this out and the fact the charity's full name is the Church of England Children's Society.

The charity's announcement on December 20 that it had refused to accept a Christmas donation from Welby was widely reported in the national media.

Welby steps down as Archbishop of Canterbury on January 6 after being criticised in the Church of England's Makin Review over his handling of the John Smyth abuse scandal.

Children's Society chief executive Mark Russell explained the charity's decision to reject the donation but did not mention the fact that the Archbishop of Canterbury is its president.

"After careful consideration, we have respectfully decided not to accept the donation offered by the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury," he said.

"The Children's Society is deeply committed to supporting the survivors of abuse, our teams support victims of child sexual abuse, and this means that accepting this donation would not be consistent with the principles and values that underpin our work."

Russell went on: "We were profoundly shocked by the findings of the Makin report, and our thoughts are with all survivors of abuse. We believe that there is an urgent need for the Church of England to reset its approach to safeguarding and continue to create a safer Church and safer spaces for young people, protected by real accountability and a culture of care."

Andrew Purkis responded in his Church Times letter that it was "no quiet decision conveyed privately, but a noisy public declaration of solidarity with child victims of abuse (regardless of any distress caused to its president or the wider Church)".

"This prompts reflection about what sort of charity the Children's Society now is," he wrote.

"The latest annual report and accounts contains no mention whatsoever of Christianity, Jesus Christ, or the Church in its charitable objects, in its vision and values, in the movement that the charity is trying to build for the future, or the description of its partners or volunteers."

But whatever the omissions in its annual report and accounts, the Children's Society has a key role in promoting the Christingle services that many churches hold from the end of November through to January (Advent to Candlemas in the traditional Christian calendar). Christmas Eve is a popular time for local churches to hold Christingle events, which result in considerable donations for the Children's Society.

According to its website: "Christingle is a joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to share the light of Jesus and spread a message of hope.

"Christingle celebrations are named after the Christingles that are lit during the ceremony. Christingles are oranges wrapped in red tape, decorated with dried fruit or sweets, with a candle on the top."

The website reveals that "over 2,000 Christingle celebrations lit up the country in 2023 raising more than 700,000".

Mark Russell is a former chief executive of the Church of England mission agency, Church Army. In this role in 2016, he wrote a foreword to a book of essays arguing that the Church should ditch its traditional sexual ethic. The final chapter of Amazing Love: Theology for understanding discipleship, sexuality and mission, edited by Canon Andrew Davison, Starbridge Lecturer in Theology and Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, stated: "Unless there is a really good reason for opposing same-sex relationships - and we don't believe that there is - we are shooting ourselves in the foot in the worst possible way."

The Welby row, however, could result in the charity Russell now leads losing support. Another correspondent to the Church Times, Mrs Sheila Round, declared: "So the Children's Society has issued its judgement: what an exalted position it has! Forgiveness and love apparently do not exist in this 'Christian' charity. Their next step must surely be to drop the 'Church of England' from their official title.

"While I pray for the well-being of Archbishop Welby, I must resign my membership of the Children's Society after well over 50 years of fund-raising and support, and transfer to another charity caring for young people in distress."

If other volunteers and donors follow Mrs Round out of the door, cancelling Justin Welby may well prove a costly decision for the Church of England Children's Society.

Julian Mann is a former Church of England vicar, now an evangelical journalist based in Lancashire.
The Non-Governmental Organization "Union of Young Roma from the Republic of Moldova" TARNA ROM is excited to invite your company to participate in our Open Tender(OT) for the provision of Air Conditioners with installation OT No. TARNA/MOL/2025/RFQ/SUPP0003

Romanian:

Asociatia Obsteasca Uniunea Tinerilor Romi din Republica Moldova TARNA ROM are placerea de a invita compania dumneavoastra sa participe la Licitatia Deschisa (LD) pentru furnizarea si instalarea aparatelor de aer conditionat , LD nr. TARNA/MOL/2025/RFQ/SUPP0003.

Request for Quotation Details RFQ #: TARNA/MOL/2025/RFQ/SUPP0003 Currency of Bid (3-letter code): MDL RFQ Issuing Date: 03.01.2025 Bid Validity Period (days): 45 RFQ Closing Date: 10.01.2025 Required Delivery Date: January 2025 RFQ Closing Time: 17:00 p.m Required Delivery Destination: Chisinau, Moldova Questions to the RFQ tarna.rom.pr@gmail.com Required Delivery Terms: 10 days after placing the order

For DRC to Complete For Supplier to Complete Item # Description Unit/ Measure Quantity Required Quantity Offered Unit Price Without VAT Total Price Without VAT 1 Air Conditioner 12 000BTU Cooling Capacity: min 2.6 kW Heating Capacity: min 2.8 kW Colour: white or grey Inverter Technology - (mandatory) Wi-Fi Technology  (mandatory) Warranty: minimum 1 Year Warranty Installation: the installation length does not exceed 5 m pcs 2





RFQ INSTRUCTIONS

Submission of Bid

You must submit one original of the RFQ Bid Form in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with the RFQ number and the Bidders name. The bid can be delivered directly to the tender box, mailed, or delivered by courier services, or alternatively send by email to the following dedicated, secure & controlled email address: tarna.rom.pr@gmail.com

Phone number

+373 79 730876

All mandatory documents you can find using this link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ysihypTiGqBpa6YKcYdyVVZc0SNdqtF3?usp=sharing

The following mandatory documents with the compulsory Open Tender Bid Form are to be submitted:

RFQ Form - must be saved in PDF format, signed and stamp by authorized company representative

Majority Owners ID copy (Optional)

Companys Registration Certificate issued by the relevant state authority (Extras)

Tarna Rom Code of Conduct (signed and stamped)

Tarna Rom Annex to Contract (signed and stamped)

Data Sheet for the offered Items

Evaluation of Bids

All Bids received and accepted will be evaluated on a line item basis as follows:

Administrative Evaluation: Evaluated to ensure compliance with all the RFQ requirements and to ensure that all Bids and calculations are readable and acceptable.

Technical Evaluation: All Bids received will undergo a Technical Evaluation based on best value for money. Bids that comply with the requested items, specifications, and delivery conditions will be classed as responsive (acceptable). Only Bids classed as responsive (acceptable) will progress onto the Financial Evaluation. Non-responsive bids (not-acceptable Bids) will no longer be under consideration at this stage.

Financial Evaluation: All Responsive Bids will undergo a Financial Evaluation

Contract Award

Under the best value for money principle, Tarna Rom will award the contract to the lowest responsive bid except where other considerations are warranted. These other considerations can be  total cost of ownership; cost of on-going consumables; price vs warranty; quality vs price.

RFQ Enquires

All enquires and questions should be addressed to the email given in the RFQ Details section! All Q&As will be shared with all invited suppliers.

Alexandr Pruglo

Supply Chain Officer 03.01.2025
A homeowner has filed a proposed class-action suit accusing Liberty Mutual Insurance of canceling her policy and others for nonexistent defects based on unreliable aerial photography. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

As home insurance becomes increasingly unaffordable or unavailable for millions of Californians, a homeowner has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing Liberty Mutual Insurance of canceling her policy and others for nonexistent defects based on unreliable aerial photography.

Driven by a desire to maximize profits, property casualty insurance companies, including (Liberty Mutual), have engaged in a troubling trend of dropping California homeowners insurance policies like flies, lawyers for Maria Badin, a 31-year homeowner in the San Diego County community of Poway, said in the lawsuit, filed in the countys Superior Court.

California homeowners, who have dutifully paid their premiums for years, have been, and are, being blindsided by (Libertys) nonrenewal notices informing them their policy will not continue  for stated reasons that are demonstratively false.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The suit seeks unspecified damages for Badin and other policyholders and a court order requiring Liberty Mutual to change its practices.

Attorney Michelle Meyers said Thursday the proposed class-action suit would include at least the 17,000 policyholders who lost their fire insurance coverage when a Liberty subsidiary refused to renew them late last year. The company did not cite aerial photographs for the cancellations and said instead that its technology could no longer oversee the policies, but Meyers said the lawsuit challenges all such unjustified nonrenewals.

Theyve insured these homes for years with the same risks they had at the time, Meyers said. It seems pretty clear that (the nonrenewal decision) was done for money, the higher premiums that can be charged for new policies, she said.

State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has ordered insurers to match at least 85% of their California market share in areas that are at a high risk of wildfires, a change that will likely lead to higher costs for consumers.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Liberty Mutual spokesperson Gregory Kessler said the company does not comment on lawsuits.

In the past few years, major insurers in California have refused to renew many homeowners policies, citing dangers or defects the companies had not previously reported.

Often, as in Badins case, insurers say they have conducted aerial inspections and found conditions that make the home more vulnerable to damage. Some homeowners have discovered that the photographs, taken from air levels of 4,000 to 10,000 feet, may have mistaken neighbors homes for theirs.

Badin said Liberty Mutual notified her last August that her policy, in effect since 1993, was being canceled in November because an aerial inspection had revealed algae/mildew/mold/moss on the roof of her home.

The company sent her a long-distance aerial photo of the roof, which showed no signs of algae, mildew or any other contaminant, Badins lawyers said in their lawsuit, which included the photo. She contacted an independent roofing company that took a close-up photo, also attached to the suit, and told her the roof was in incredible shape, her lawyers said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Moldova pentru Educatie: Liceul Teoretic O. Ghibu din Orhei va avea unul dintre cele mai moderne blocuri alimentare din tara
America House invites you to an inspiring presentation on the topography of the United States, its National Park System, and the joys of outdoor recreational activities.

During the session, Ella Nebeker, a Peace Corps volunteer from Utah, will share insights on the natural beauty that attracts millions of visitors to the U.S. each year, and discuss popular outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, and campingstaples of American culture.

Join us for a discussion comparing these activities to those popular in Moldova, and lets explore how we can all engage with nature in a responsible way to protect the Earth for future generations.

Register here: https://forms.gle/hprJzuN97XqyDVJw9

Alte articole de la acest autor:
The Charity Commission has opened a consultation asking the voluntary sector and the wider civil society to better identify potential vulnerabilities, trends and threats on the risk of terrorist financing abuse.

The regulator is working in accordance with global anti-money laundering body the Financial Action Task Forces (FATF) recommendation to help the UK government assess its vulnerability to terrorist financing.

FATF revised its guidance in November 2023 to require countries to protect non-profit organisations (NPOs)  those that carry out charitable, religious, cultural, educational, social or fraternal work  from terrorist financing abuse through the risk-based implementation of strengthened measures.

Announcing its consultation launch, the commission stated: Non-profit organisations (NPOs), which make up the sector, are an integral part of our society. They do vital and important work, and we want to help them do this safely.

As there is no single regulator in the UK for the entire NPO sector, the Commission is leading this work, as it did in 2016-2017, with support from other UK regulators.

We are keen to receive responses from all NPOs regardless of whether or not they are charities, and wherever they operate in the UK.

This questionnaire will help us to identify and understand potential vulnerabilities, trends and threats.

All responses are voluntary and anonymous. The questionnaire will stay open until 23:59 on 31 January.

The commission is leading the consultation with support from associated regulators in other sectors.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
Shortly before Christmas, the Childrens Society, whose official name is the Church of England Childrens Society, issued a public statement declining to accept a donation from its own president, the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

This is an interesting case study for the Charity Commissions guidance on when it is permissible to decline a donation. It also throws up questions about whether the charity should continue to include the Church of England in its name.

I write as a continuing admirer and erstwhile unpaid adviser to the Childrens Society, a former staffer of a previous Archbishop of Canterbury and a former board member of the Charity Commission.

Association with the church

The charity said in its public statement : The Childrens Society is deeply committed to supporting the survivors of abuse, and this means that accepting the donation would not be consistent with the principles and values that underpin our work.

The statement added how shocked the charity had been by the findings of the Makin Review into the abuse committed by John Smyth, which led to the resignation of Archbishop Welby.

There is no mention in this statement of any support, encouragement and kindness towards the charity that the archbishop may have shown during the last 11 years as its president. This is consistent with the charitys latest annual report , where there is not one word of acknowledgement of the support of archbishops, bishops, churches and their congregations, or church schools, which continue faithfully to support the charity through special collections and Christingle services.

A close association with the Church of England and the Christian faith was part of the DNA of the charity for many decades and the bedrock of its support, and many church people continue to regard it as especially beloved. But the secularisation of society has eroded the relationship for some years, and safeguarding scandals affecting the Church of England pose acute dilemmas for a charity with the denomination in its name.

The charity has become a bold, campaigning organisation, standing alongside the most multiply disadvantaged and abused children when others have given up on them, so solidarity with survivors of abuse is a crucial, even overriding, value.

Legal considerations

Against that background, let us consider the Charity Commission guidance. The starting point is that a donation should be accepted. It should be declined only if the risks to the charity and its mission of accepting it are serious enough to outweigh the presumption in favour of accepting the donation and cannot be managed. The risks of declining the donation need to be taken into account, too.

The key risk in this case of accepting a donation, if it came to widespread public attention, might be perceptions of colluding with someone associated in the public mind with failure to prioritise the prevention of child abuse.

Perceived willingness to pocket the donation rather than show solidarity with survivors of abuse could be a blow to the reputation and integrity of the charity, especially in the eyes of its abused beneficiaries.

On the other hand, major risks of publicly declining the donation include: upset and anger in the church; possible effects on the support currently offered by church individuals, congregations, schools and hierarchy; questions raised about the true character and identity of the charity; and possible concerns amongst a wider public of what might be perceived as a brutal insult or gratuitous virtue-signalling.

Why refuse publicly?

One question the case raises is whether accepting a donation from your own longstanding president as a sign of his esteem for the charity  if it became public  would be seen as an act of collusion with his alleged failures and a slap in the face for grieving survivors.

If this question could reasonably be answered yes, why couldnt this risk be managed? In particular, why should acceptance of this donation come to widespread public attention? And if it were, would it really be an unmanageable source of scandal to receive a donation from your own president?

Now looking at the risks of declining the donation, could not the risks of declining the donation have been better managed? The obvious way would be to explain privately to the archbishop that although the intended donation was appreciated, along with all the other support given by him over the years, the risks to the charity of accepting the donation at the present time were real and the donation could not be accepted. That way, all the downside risks of proactively and publicly refusing the donation would be avoided.

So why did refusing the donation have to be made public by issuing a statement, with all the risks that entails? I do not know what a reasonable answer is. Is it that the charity could not trust its own trustees or staff not to leak the decision? Or did it think that declining the donation was bound to become widespread public knowledge however it was handled? Or is it that the charity felt so compromised by its association with the archbishop that it wanted to take the opportunity to decline the donation in order to issue the statement as a proactive demonstration of solidarity with survivors?

Its an interesting challenge to the commissions guidance as to what happens if the charity could have declined it quietly without significant risk, but deliberately incurred the risks of going public in order to signal solidarity with its beneficiaries.

What conclusions may follow?

The Charity Commission will surely be asking these questions, because of complaints or because I assume they will have received a serious incident report from the charity (as specified in the guidance).

I hope that the commission will make public what they make of the charitys answers, and what lessons for the wider sector are to be learned.

Meanwhile, the Childrens Societys trustees have once again made it brutally clear that they are not prepared to give as much weight to the association with the church and its spiritual leaders as in the past. Its annual report contains no mention whatsoever of the church, churches, Christianity or explicitly Christian values in its vision, mission, charitable objectives, or the entire text thanking its supporters. It is totally secularised.

In that case, there is a danger of misleading the public and particularly church people who may still think that the historic association with the church remains something that is valued by the charity and is part of its distinctiveness. Not so.

Surely the time has come to remove Church of England from the charitys official name and to remove the archbishops and bishops from their current status as presidents and vice presidents respectively, so that the Childrens Society can make its tremendously important contribution as a secular charity like any other, without any lingering misconceptions from the past.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter.

Last May, the Israeli governmentinvoking new emergency powers allowing it to act against foreign broadcasters that it perceives as endangering national securitytemporarily banned Al Jazeera, the influential network that broadcasts in both Arabic and English, from operating inside Israeli territory and dispatched agents to raid its offices in a hotel in Jerusalem, where they confiscated equipment. Israeli officials accused Al Jazeera of being a mouthpiece for Hamasthe militant group that controls Gaza and attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing well over a thousand peopleand of inciting further violence. The Israeli ban may have come to many as a disappointment, Ayodeji Rotinwa wrote for CJR at the time, but it should not have been a surprise; as the academic Amit Schejter noted to Rotinwa, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, has no respect for freedom of the press. A few months later, Israeli soldiers also raided Al Jazeeras offices in Ramallah, in the West Bank, again issuing a temporary shutdown order and confiscating equipment. A witness told CNN at the time that the soldiers breached the buildings entrance using explosives.

This week, Al Jazeera broadcast a video showing law enforcement officials entering a hotel room in Ramallah and handing one of its journalists a letter ordering a ban on its operations. This time, though, the officials werent from the Israeli government but from the Palestinian Authority, or PAthe body, dominated by the political party Fatah, that administers parts of the West Bank (but not Gaza, where Hamas defeated Fatah in the 2000s, then forced it out). As the New York Times notes, there has long been bad blood between Fatah and Al Jazeera, with the former seeing the latter as pro-Hamas; noraccording to Noga Tarnopolsky, the Jerusalem correspondent for France 24is there any love lost between Fatah and Qatar, the country that funds Al Jazeera. (Tarnopolsky even suggested that the Fatah-controlled PA might have moved against Al Jazeera to put itself on the right side of the incoming Trump administration in the US.) The PA characterized its decision to ban Al Jazeera from operating under its jurisdiction as temporary, suggesting that it would be reversed when the broadcaster comes into compliance with regulations that it is supposedly breaching. But officials also accused it of trying to provoke strife and interfere in Palestinian internal affairs, by disseminating misleading reports and inciting materials.

Beyond the complicated web of factional and geopolitical considerations that formed the backdrop to the decision, the more immediate context was Al Jazeeras coverage of recent operations that the PAs security forces have conducted against Palestinian fighters, some of whom reportedly have ties to Hamas and other militant groups, in Jenin and other parts of the West Bank. Last week, Fatah moved to block Al Jazeera from reporting from Jenin and other locations, while urging residents to shun the broadcaster; then came this weeks formal suspension order. While the order did not outline specific examples of coverage that constituted misinformation or incitement, a Fatah official pointed the Times to a satirical skit accusing the PA of cooperating with Israel to crush the Palestinian resistance. Officials had also criticized Al Jazeera for its coverage of the killing of Shatha al-Sabbagh, a young Palestinian journalist who was shot in the head in Jenin last weekend. Al Jazeera invited a PA spokesperson on air to discuss the incident, apparently without telling him that he would be appearing with Sabbaghs mother, who accused PA forces of killing her daughter. The spokesperson denied this and accused Al Jazeera of taking advantage of the mothers pain.

Palestinian officials havent been the only ones to criticize Al Jazeeras coverage of the recent operations: on New Years Eve, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said in a statement that it had received complaints from some of its journalist members, and that an ethics panel had since concluded that Al Jazeera had published materials that constitute hate speech and contain deliberate misinformation, posing a threat to Palestinian social cohesion and demonstrating a preference for incitement over objective reporting. Yesterday, however, the syndicate came out against the PAs decision to ban Al Jazeera, reiterating a call for the broadcaster to comply with journalistic ethics and to cease its policy of incitement but also stressing the importance of media freedom. And many other observersfrom Palestinian lawyers and politicians to international governments and press-freedom groupswere more harshly critical. Al Jazeera itself reacted with fury, attacking the ban as being in line with the occupations actions against its staff (a reference to Israels actions) and a blatant attempt to censor coverage of events in the West Bank.

The PAs laws theoretically guarantee press freedom, but Reporters Without Borders notes that in practice, this has been threatened under the organizations watch, including by a cybercrimes law pushed through in 2017; since then, Palestinian security forces have been accused of assaulting or arresting journalists on several occasions. According to CNN, this is the first time that Palestinian officials have taken such severe legal action against Al Jazeera, specifically. But the ban is not without precedent in the Arab world: as Rotinwa reported last year, the broadcaster has been banished from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, and accused by various governments of platforming extremists. Rotinwa also noted that while Israel may have used wartime powers to ban Al Jazeera last year, its desire to do so wasnt newNetanyahu called for similar action to be taken as far back as 2017.

Again, the recent bans of Al Jazeeraby both Israel and, now, the PAcome in the context of a long and knotted history of regional contestation and attempts by a range of actors to suppress press freedom. (A case in point, perhaps, is that Hamas has been among the critics of the PA ban, characterizing it, apparently without irony, as a shameful repression of dissent.) And yet the bans clearly cannot be separated from the recent context of the war in Gaza, which Israel has continued to bombard since the Hamas attack of October 7. The blitz has taken a devastating toll on media workers, not least from Al Jazeera, which, as Rotinwa noted, is one of the few international outlets with reporters on the ground in Gaza. (Israeli officials have refused to let outside reporters enter without a military escort.) When Rotinwa wrote last June, at least three Al Jazeera staffers in Gaza had already been killed in Israeli strikes, with the broadcaster accusing the Israeli military of targeting them; Israel has denied that it targets journalists, though it suggested that it had indeed targeted two of the Al Jazeera staffers because they had ties to militants, an assertion that has been strongly challenged by Al Jazeera and third-party reporting. Since Rotinwa wrote, at least two other media workers affiliated with Al Jazeera have been killed in Gaza, and others have been injured. One, Fadi Al Wahidi, was shot in the neck by Israeli forces in October. According to a colleague, yesterday was his twenty-fifth birthday. Despite the severity of his injuries, he has not yet been able to leave Gaza to receive treatment.

Also yesterday, Al Jazeera spoke with journalists at a Gaza hospital where they have set up camp due to the relative availability of internet there. One media worker described the PAs decision to ban Al Jazeera as a crime against journalism. Another accused the PA of bolstering an Israeli narrative that justifies the targeting of Palestinian journalists. You can read more reaction here, and Rotinwas article on Israel banning Al Jazeera here.

Sign up for CJRs daily email

Other notable stories:

On New Years Day, an assailant apparently inspired by the terror group ISIS drove a rented truck into a crowd in New Orleans, killing fourteen people. Fox News initially reported that the truck in question had been driven across the US border with Mexico two days earlier; the network walked this back after establishing that the truck was at the border two months ago, and that someone else had been driving it, but as CNNs Brian Stelter reported yesterday, senior Republicansincluding Donald Trumphad already started to spread false claims of immigrant culpability. (The assailant has now been identified as a US citizen and military veterannot that this has fully curbed the GOP narrative.) Media Matters for Americas Matt Gertz made the case that the episode marked the resumption of the Trump-Fox feedback loop.

Yesterday, a federal appeals court overturned so-called net neutrality rules imposed by the Federal Communications Commission, arguing that the agency had stepped beyond its legal authority and citing a recent Supreme Court decision that overturned a long-standing precedent that afforded regulatory deference to government agencies. The net neutrality rulesfirst implemented under the Obama administration, then reinstated under President Biden after they were repealed under Trumpwere aimed at regulating internet providers like utilities and blocking them from making it harder to access certain content online. Brendan Carr, Trumps pick to lead the FCC, had criticized the rules. (Kyle Paoletta recently profiled Carr for CJR.)

Also yesterday, Gannett, Americas largest chain of local news publishers by circulation, announced a new partnership with the news agency Reuters that will see the two organizations bundle their content, a move that opens up a new content syndication revenue stream for Gannett, as Sara Fischer reports for Axios, while allowing Reuters to expand the reach of its content across Americas local news outlets. Writing on Substack, Matt Pearce, a former reporter at the LA Times, criticized the tie-up, arguing that it constitutes financial interests seeking to outcompete the Associated Press, a news agency run as a cooperative nonprofit.

And Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, announced a big personnel change on the eve of the new Trump administration: Joel Kaplan, a leading staffer with ties to prominent Republicans, is being promoted to oversee global policy and regulatory issues at the company, succeeding Nick Clegg, who will depart. Clegg, a liberal former deputy prime minister of the UK (who I profiled when he joined Meta in 2018), called Kaplan quite clearly the right person for the right job at the right time.
Verisk said on Thursday it will be the first modeler to request a review of its wildfire catastrophe model under a reform pushed by California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.

The reform allows catastrophe models to be used by insurance carriers in ratemaking. Its part of a series of reforms, which also include allowing reinsurance as a ratemaking factor and requires insurers to increase coverage in high-risk areas.

The latest step, which the California Department of Insurance said will create more insurance coverage options for Californians while limiting the costs passed on to consumers, is designed to work with other reforms underway.

The new regulations come as the state has seen broad insurance carrier pullback from the wildfire prone state. They also began requesting steep rate increases. State Farm applied for large rate increases in California, a year after the carrier got rate approvals of 7% and 20%. The insurer, the largest in California, insures nearly one-in-five homes in the state. It recently requested a 30% rate increase for its homeowners line, a 52% rate increase for renters and 36% rate increase for condo coverage.

Allstate, which stopped issuing new California homeowners insurance policies in 2022, is seeking an increase in its California homeowners insurance premiums by an average of 34%. It would be the largest rate increase this year and would impact more than 350,000 policyholders.

Verisk said it is the first to submit a model after the regulation went into effect on Jan. 2.

The newly established pre-application required information determination (PRID) process allows the CDI to examine model integrity and ensure public review and compliance with Proposition 103.

Were proud to be the first catastrophe modeler to work with the California Department of Insurance to offer a modeled assessment of wildfire risk and to help bring stability to the insurance market, stated Rob Newbold, president of Extreme Event Solutions at Verisk. This is a pivotal moment for Californias insurance market, one that promises improved resilience and stability for providers and potential insureds.
Fast-fashion online retailer Shein, which is hoping to list in London, faces a U.K. hearing on Jan. 7 where a British parliamentary committee plans to question the firm, founded in China in 2008, about the rights of workers in its supply chain.

The cross-party Business and Trade Committee will also question Temu, the global online marketplace owned by Chinese e-commerce firm PDD Holdings, as part of an inquiry into employment rights opened in October.

The committee, chaired by former Labour minister Liam Byrne, is examining the governments flagship employment rights bill in the context of protections for British workers. But it is also looking at how to ensure adequate protection against importing poor labor standards, including concerns over forced labor.

Sheins general counsel for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Yinan Zhu, has been called to be a witness, an update on the committee website showed.

Stephen Heary, senior legal counsel at Temu, and Leonard Klenner, senior compliance manager at Temu, have also been asked to give evidence.

Shein declined to comment on the hearing. Temu was not immediately available for comment.

Both platforms, which sell clothes, shoes, gadgets and accessories at rock-bottom prices, have faced allegations of poor working practices at factories in China that make the products, and of forced labor in their supply chains.

Shein has previously said it is committed to respecting human rights and has a zero-tolerance policy on forced labor. Temu has also said it strictly prohibits forced labor.

Shein was founded in China but is now headquartered in Singapore.

Having grown rapidly in the U.S., Europe and the U.K., it is awaiting regulatory approval from British and Chinese authorities for a London initial public offering after filing papers with Britains market regulator in early June.

Margaret Beels, director of labor market enforcement at the Department for Business and Trade, was also asked to speak at the hearing, along with Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons, who last year raised concerns about Sheins London IPO.

McDonalds UK and Ireland CEO Alistair Macrow, and Claire Lorains, quality technical and sustainability director at supermarket group Tesco, were also called to give oral evidence.

(Reporting by Reid and Davey; editing by Jason Neely)
Some workers on car-rental startup Turo Inc.s trust and safety team have interrupted vacations to monitor and respond to the aftermath of deadly attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans, according to a person familiar with the matter.

In both incidents, which the FBI has said appear to be unrelated, the drivers used cars they procured on the platform to inflict violence. The attacks, both of which happened Wednesday, highlight how the rental marketplace can be used cheaply and easily to procure large vehicles that can be used as weapons. The incidents are also creating a public relations setback for San Francisco-based Turo, which has had aspirations to sell shares in an initial public offering, and prompted the company to defend its procedures for vetting customers.

Turo, which launched as RelayRides in 2010, uses a proprietary algorithm to screen drivers for risks and calculate appropriate fees. The Turo Risk Score, which has been in use since 2020, evaluates 50 data points from each driver to determine fees and will be continuously refined with further trips, the company said in a September regulatory filing. Most renters on Turo are approved immediately after entering their drivers license and other information, the companys website says.

The San Francisco startup offers 3.5 million users access to 350,000 vehicles. Turos business is similar to other marketplaces like Airbnb and eBay, which dont build hotels or buy merchandise themselves but build tech platforms to connect buyers and sellers. Turo aims to apply the same asset-light business model to the car rental industry in which legacy players own the vehicles the rent to customers.

If someone wanted to rent a Tesla Inc. Cybertruck  the vehicle used in the Las Vegas attack  there are 31 options available in that city next week, from as low as $120 per day. Two Ford F-150 Lightning Trucks  the vehicle used in the New Orleans attack  are listed in the Houston area where the attacker rented the vehicle. Both cost under $100 per day on Turo.

Turo did not respond to Bloomberg News queries about the Turo Risk Scores of each driver involved in the attacks, which killed 15 and injured dozens in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Years Day.

We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents, a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Wednesday. 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.

While Turo has planned to go public, its been waiting years for a more favorable market. The startup raised money from investors at a valuation of more than $1 billion in 2019, making it a sharing economy unicorn. It has raised $528 million from a broad group of investors, according to PitchBook data, including Silicon Valley venture capital firms as well as IAC Inc., American Express Co. and Liberty Mutual Group. Turo had revenue of $722 million in the nine months ending in September, up 8% form the same period in 2023, according to the September regulatory filing.

But amid rocky conditions, Turos plans havent yet come to fruition. Last year, its competitor Getaround Inc., which offers a similar service, cut 30% of staff, citing tremendous challenges to its business.

Among risks to Turos success as a public company are the activities of its hosts or guests, Turo said in its paperwork to go public. Theft, vehicle damage or other safety and security issues could harm our reputation, increase our operating costs, and materially and adversely affect our business, Turo wrote.

Top photo: The logo for Turo Inc. is displayed on a smartphone in an arranged photograph taken in the Brooklyn borough of New York, U.S., on Thursday, June 11, 2020. Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
TikTok has long known that its popular video livestreams encourage sexual content, including streams exploiting and grooming minors, according to a lawsuit from the state of Utah that was unredacted on Friday.

TikTok also discovered through an internal investigation that the feature, called TikTok Live, facilitated money laundering and allowed users to sell drugs and fund terrorism, the lawsuit alleges.

Bipartisan attorneys general from more than a dozen states sued TikTok last fall, accusing the app of financially and sexually exploiting minors. Utah also sued TikTok on similar grounds in June. Several of those lawsuits  including those from Utah, Vermont, New Hampshire, Kentucky and the District of Columbia  focused on TikTok Live. The suits cited investigative reporting from Forbes that found adult men regularly use the livestreams to coax teen girls to perform racy, sometimes sexual acts in exchange for digital gifts that can be redeemed for money.

The newly unredacted lawsuit also details Project Jupiter, a separate internal investigation into the prevalence of money laundering on the platform. That investigation, which has not been previously reported, found that TikTok Live and its gifting feature were being used to illegally launder money used to sell drugs and commit other crimes. That investigation was launched in 2021. TikTok employees have also discussed ways Live has been used to fund terrorist organizations overseas, including the Islamic State, the lawsuit claims.

Utah and other states built their complaints on a trove of internal TikTok documents obtained via subpoena, but many of the specific allegations were redacted in public filings. Despite TikToks efforts to keep the records confidential, a Utah district court judge ruled on Dec. 19 to unseal much of the material in the lawsuit.

A TikTok spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a prior statement about the Utah lawsuit, a TikTok spokesperson said the company has industry-leading policies and measures to help protect the safety and well-being of teens and that it removes livestreams found in violation of its policies.

The unredacted complaint comes just over two weeks before TikTok could be banned in the US under a new national security law signed in April by President Joe Biden. The measure aims to address longstanding fears that the TikTok app, owned by China-based parent ByteDance Ltd., could be used to gather sensitive intelligence on Americans, or manipulate the content people see related to key political and social issues. TikToks popularity with minors, and the well-documented dangers it can pose to them, has only exacerbated those concerns.

Utahs lawsuit quotes chat logs from TikTok employees, slides from internal presentations and other communications showing the company conducted a sweeping internal investigation into TikTok Live following the Forbes reporting. The investigation, codenamed Project Meramec, confirmed the app facilitated potentially illegal financial transactions and problematic livestreams in which underage users would perform sexualized acts in exchange for virtual gifts from viewers.

In many cases, those users were too young to be allowed on the livestreams. At the time, TikToks policies forbade people under 16 from streaming live, and those under 18 from sending or receiving virtual gifts. Still, the investigation found that 112,000 underage users hosted livestreams in a single month in 2022, the lawsuit alleges.

TikTok also found that its algorithm boosted these types of sexualized videos so that they were more widely distributed. TikTok takes a financial cut when virtual gifts are shared on the app.

Margaret Busse, executive director of Utahs Department of Commerce, who sits on the cabinet of Utah Governor Spencer Cox, said that while the risks social media can pose to minors are well known, the revelations about TikTok Live  and the ways the dangers are multiplied when money is changing hands  add a new layer of complexity to the problem.

When they understood what was happening, they also understood the amount of money it was making, and they did not want to do anything about it, she said in an interview with Bloomberg. Thats just what is so incredibly damning in my mind.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
China, United States should inject more certainty, positive energy into world

10:05, January 03, 2025 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

"Either way, China and America are compelled to work together if there is going to be a stable 21st century. If competition and collaboration give way entirely to confrontation, a disorderly 21st century awaits us both."

This was written by American opinion columnist Thomas L. Friedman in an article after wrapping up a recent trip to China. He believes that America and China are the only two powers that together can offer any hope, as the world today faces runaway artificial intelligence and climate change.

Friedman's opinion represents insightful Americans' clear understanding and rational thinking on how major countries like China and the U.S. should fulfill their responsibilities.

Humanity is faced with unprecedented challenges in this turbulent world suffering from frequent conflicts. Against this backdrop, major-country competition should not be the underlying logic of the times; only solidarity and cooperation can help humanity overcome current difficulties.

Both China and the U.S. must recognize that under the current circumstances, common interests between the two countries are expanding rather than shrinking. Their cooperation is crucial not only for the economy, trade, agriculture, counternarcotics, law enforcement and public health, but also for handling global challenges of climate change and artificial intelligence as well as addressing international hotspot issues.

Many in the U.S. believe that "with great power comes great responsibility." China also holds that the international status of a country is measured by its openness of mind, breadth of vision, and sense of responsibility.

As the world's two largest economies and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and the U.S. should always keep in mind humanity's future and their responsibilities for world peace, provide public good for the world, and play an active role in addressing global challenges.

In today's world, humanity is a closely entwined community with a shared future. Countries are not riding separately in some 190 small boats, but are rather all in a giant ship on which their shared destiny hinges. As such, they should see each other's development as opportunities rather than challenges, and treat each other as partners rather than rivals. Global solidarity, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win should become the defining theme of the times. This is how China views the world and its relationship with the U.S.

As China believes that humanity is a community with a shared future, it has always handled China-U.S. relations with a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world and based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. China always holds that the two countries should be partners, not rivals. The Thucydides's Trap is not a historical inevitability, and a new Cold War should not be fought and cannot be won.

China is committed to promoting stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other. This in itself reflects China's responsible attitude that puts the future of humanity front and center.

Major-country competition does not represent the trend of the times, still less can it solve America's own problems or the challenges facing the world. China and the U.S. should jointly shoulder responsibilities as major countries and set an example in addressing global challenges.

In the past, China and the U.S. pulled the world economy out of the quagmire of the international financial crisis together with other G20 members, and jointly pushed to reach the Paris Agreement on climate change, bringing new hope for fighting global warming.

As the world economic recovery remains sluggish and global challenges keep emerging, it is even more imperative for China and the U.S. to take the lead in shouldering responsibilities as major countries, refrain from mutual attrition that drags down the world, and avoid coercing other countries into taking sides.

Tariff war, trade war and tech war are against the trend of history and laws of economics, and they produce no winners. For economic and trade disputes, neither decoupling nor supply-chain disruption is the solution; common development can only be achieved through mutually beneficial cooperation. In the face of the burgeoning sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation, "small yard, high fences" is not what a major country should do; only openness and sharing can advance the well-being of humanity.

China and the U.S. should work together to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, let the light of peace reach all corners of the world, and ensure that more development gains will be shared more fairly by people across the world.

"There are few certainties in world affairs. What we do know is that without much greater cooperation between the U.S. and China, the world will be in dire straits," said an American scholar when analyzing the future development of China-U.S. relations.

China-U.S. cooperation may not solve all problems, but few problems can be solved without China-U.S. cooperation. The U.S. should fulfill its responsibilities as a major country, stand on the right side of history, and work together with China to strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to inject more certainty and positive energy into the world.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming)
Gov. Gavin Newsom directed state agencies to limit the harms from ultra-processed foods and steer people in the states low-income food assistance program toward healthier options in an executive order Friday. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Gov. Gavin Newsom took aim at ultra-processed foods in a Friday executive order directing his administration to find ways to limit the harms from those foods and steer people in the states low-income nutrition assistance program toward healthier options.

The food we eat shouldnt make us sick, Newsom wrote in a statement. Were going to work with the industry, consumers and experts to crack down on ultra-processed foods, and create a healthier future for every Californian.

Ultra-processed foods typically contain chemical additives, including preservatives and sweeteners. In his executive order, Newsom specifically calls out chips, crackers, cookies, candy, soda, hot dogs and lunch meat. In recent years, ultra-processed foods have become the target of politicians from across the political spectrum, from President-elect Donald Trumps Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont. Both Kennedy and Sanders have called for federal restrictions on the products.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Newsoms order wont directly affect the availability of ultra-processed foods. It simply directs state agencies to recommend policies that would reduce their consumption, particularly by recipients of CalFresh, the states version of food stamps. They will have an April 1 deadline to make the recommendations.

In his order, Newsom pointed to research that links ultra-processed foods to cancer, diabetes and other health problems. He also noted that nearly three-fourths of American adults are overweight and nearly 40% of teens are prediabetic.

The order also directs agencies to recommend areas where California can adopt higher school nutrition standards to promote healthier school lunches. Those recommendations will be due Oct. 1.

Promoting healthy food has been a particular focus for first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who runs an initiative to promote fresh food in school meals.

Through todays executive order, were making a decisive and transformative commitment to further Californias work to prioritize health and nutrition, she wrote in a statement. This is a powerful move towards health, equity, and a California for ALL Kids.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
PARMA, Ohio -- The recent Ohio General Assembly ended with another lame duck session.

That could be changing if State Reps. Sean Brennan (D-Parma) and Bill Dean (R-Xenia) find support for their recently announced bipartisan proposal aiming to eliminate the practice.

I received a legislative request from Rep. Dean, who is actually on his way out of the legislature, said Brennan, who serves residents in Parma, Parma Heights and half of Clevelands West Park neighborhood.
LANCASTER, Ohio -- Donald Trumps mass deportation plan fails to recognize American complicity in creating the conditions leading to our migration crisis. As political columnist Walter Lippmann observed almost a hundred years ago, We continue to think of ourselves as a kind of great peaceful Switzerland. when in fact our imperialism is more or less unconscious.

While journalist George Blacks 1988 book, The Good Neighbor, argues that the entire modern history of the Caribbean and Central America has been held hostage to the demands of the American imagination, he goes on to say that benign neglect and extreme forms of crisis management have always co-existed in the U.S.-Central American relationship.

An October 2023 report by Juan Gonzalez of the Great Cities Institute finds that, although the immigration crisis has become a central U.S. political issue, few media accounts have examined the way U.S. foreign policy toward specific Latin American countries has directly fueled the current crisis. Nor have those narratives acknowledged the long history of U.S. intervention and wealth extraction in the region, which, together with decades of neglect of Latin Americas social needs by both Democratic and Republican administrations in Washington, has led to more than six decades of massive human migration from that region to the U.S.

The report also points to evidence that U.S. economic warfare against three specific countries  Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua  is a significant cause of the latest migration surge, and maintains that all three nations have been targeted by Washington for regime change through economic sanctions, a form of financial warfare that has only made life worse for their citizens.

The result, according to the report, has been that the number of Venezuelans apprehended at the U.S. border skyrocketed from 4,500 in fiscal year 2020 to more than 265,000 in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2023. In the same period, Nicaraguan apprehensions increased from 3,164 to 131,831, while apprehended Cubans shot up from 14,000 in 2020 to more than 184,000 in 2023.

Of some 412,000 asylum applications filed with Department of Homeland Security during the first 11 months of FY 2023, more than half came from just four countries: Venezuela was #1, Cuba #2, Colombia #3, and Nicaragua #4, the report noted.

Now, victims of decades of failed U.S. foreign policy are about to be victimized by Donald Trumps domestic policy -- while lost in the debate is the fact that the American Immigration Council (AIC) estimates that the expulsion of undocumented workers via mass deportations would reduce the U.S. gross domestic product by between 4.2% and 6.8% and also result in a significant reduction in federal tax revenue.

In 2022 alone, according to AIC, undocumented immigrant households paid $46.8 billion in federal taxes and $29.3 billion in state and local taxes. Undocumented immigrants also contributed $22.6 billion to Social Security and $5.7 billion to Medicare.

Chuck Ardo is a retired political consultant.

Although immigrant advocates predict that mass deportations would be costly, divisive and inhumane, leading to family separations and devastating communities, Donald Trump has stated it will begin on day one.

The fact that the crisis can in large part be traced to American interventionism will be forgotten. That it wont make America great again is assured.

Chuck Ardo is a retired political consultant in Lancaster, Ohio. He previously served as press secretary to former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell.

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
On Dec. 17, President Joe Biden signed S.1478 into law, formally naming the entire 3,363-mile stretch of U.S. Route 20, spanning the country from Boston to Newport, Oregon, on the Pacific shore, the National Medal of Honor Highway. Two hundred sixty miles of U.S. 20 pass through northern Ohio, cutting across Ashtabula, Lake, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Huron, Lucas, Fulton and Wood counties before it enters Indiana. Thats nearly 8% of U.S. 20s length. Part of U.S. 20 goes right through Clevelands Public Square.

The legislative effort to name U.S. 20 the National Medal of Honor Highway was bipartisan and unanimous, following efforts by all the individual states along U.S. 20 -- Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts -- to designate their parts of U.S. 20 as their state Medal of Honor Highway.

A number of the 331 Ohioans recognized with Medals of Honor -- the nations highest military award for valor -- came from towns near U.S. 20s Ohio route, one reason U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo was one of four prime sponsors of the federal legislation in the House and Senate. The others were Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the lead sponsor, and Mike Crapo of Idaho and, in the House, U.S. Reps. Kaptur and Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania. U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio was one of the co-sponsors in the Senate.

In 2022, the Ohio legislature passed and Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law Ohio House Bill 291, sponsored in the House by state Reps. Jamie Callender and Daniel Troy of Lake County and championed in the Senate by then-state Sen. Frank Hoagland of Mingo Junction and state Sen. Theresa Gavarone of Bowling Green. Among other things, the bill designated U.S. 20 in Ohio as the Ohio National Medal of Honor Highway. Enactment of that law was followed by three separate military rededication ceremonies along U.S. 20s Ohio route later that year.

As Kaptur said in a Dec. 9, 2024, press release celebrating the U.S. House passage that sent the legislation designating the entire route of U.S. 20 as the National Medal of Honor Highway to the presidents desk for signature, the nations first Medal of Honor recipient was Jacob Parrott of Kenton, Ohio, honored for his role as a Union soldier in the Civil War operation known as Andrews Raid.

Ultimately, including two honored last year thanks to efforts of Ron Shadrach of Independence, a cousin of one of the two, who researched the matter and ultimately got it to the presidents desk, 21 soldiers out of 24 who volunteered for the Andrews Raid of April 1862 were honored. Kaptur noted that that included William J. Knight who was captured in the Raid and later escaped. Knight was awarded the Medal of Honor in September 1863 and lived the rest of his life in Williams County in Northwest Ohio, not far from U.S. 20s route.

According to Wikipedia, U.S. 20s numbering, with a zero, denotes it as a major East-West coast-to-coast route, even though it originally didnt reach as far as it does now, and parts of it meander a bit without clear numbering, as when it traverses Yellowstone National Park.

At its easternmost point, it begins in Bostons Kenmore Square at the intersection with Massachusetts Route 2, and ends in Newport, Oregon, a city on the Pacific Ocean southwest of Portland, with U.S. 20s westernmost terminus at the intersection with US 101, within a mile of the ocean.

Kaptur and all those who helped make the designation of U.S. Route 20 as the National Medal of Honor Highway should take a bow. And the rest of us might take a moment to remember and celebrate our nations military heroes, especially should you find yourself on U.S. 20 in Ohio or any of the other 11 states it traverses.

About our editorials: Editorials express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization.

Editors note: This editorial was updated at 10:44 a.m. to correct to 21 the number of 1862s Andrews Raiders recognized for their valor with the Medal of Honor and to add a reference to the efforts of Ron Shadrach of Independence, whose research and lobbying helped result in last years decision by President Biden to award the Medal of Honor to two more of the Raiders.

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this editorial to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.

.
WASHINGTON  Travelers to two more Central American nations have been warned by the U.S. State Department that crime is a significant problem.

The State Department closed 2024 with warnings about travel to Guatemala and Belize. The two warnings are the sixth and seventh cautionary alerts to U.S. citizens about visiting Central American nations since September.

On Dec. 30, the government issued a Level Three alert, warning travelers that they should reconsider any plans to visit Guatemala because of crime problems.

Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking and violence, the State Department said. 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.

That same day, the State Department issued a Level Two alert, urging travelers to exercise and increased level of caution if they visit Belize.

Violent crime  such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder  are common even during the day and in tourist areas, the State Department said. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related. Due to high crime, travelers are advised to exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious crimes. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.

Earlier in December Level Three warnings were issued for Nicaragua and Honduras. A Level Two alert was issued for visiting Costa Rica.

Level Two alerts also were issued in November for El Salvador and in September for Panama.

The alerts affect the entire Central American region, covering every nation between Mexico and South America.

In all cases the State Department has urged travelers to review its information pages about individual countries for detailed advice about their destinations before making their trips.

Those pages provide lists of U.S. embassies and consulates, information by travel type, a checklist to help travelers prepare for a safe trip, information on what the Department of State can and do in a crisis, advice for health options abroad, driving and road safety data, and tips for lodging safety.
January 2, 2025: The Ukrainian Police Security Services, or SBU, have become more important since Russia invaded in 2022. This unit was created in 1991 after Ukraine emerged from the demise of the Soviet Union. During its first thirteen years the SBU was regarded as corrupt and largely ineffectual. Reforms in 2014 cleared up the corruption and since then the SBU has been kept busy fighting crime and corruption. By 2023 SBU was even busier chasing down Russian agents and saboteurs.

Five months after the 2022 invasion began, president Volodymyr Zelensky fired the head of the SBU and the chief prosecutor along with over sixty other officials and brought treason and collaboration charges against 651 SBU members and local officials. Most of those charged worked for the SBU.

The large number of people charged is the result of more Ukrainians reporting information leaks and collaboration with the Russians in Ukraine as well as the occupied territories, especially the ones that were seized in the first week of the Russian February invasion. There were also credible complaints from more recent members of the SBU that there were still a lot of SBU veterans who openly criticized government policy and condoned corruption, especially within the SBU.

The SBU is the successor to the Ukrainian branch of the KGB. After Ukrainian became independent in 1991, obvious KGB loyalists were fired but many vets remained and they perpetuated a culture of corruption along with the formidable deception and operational skills the KGB excelled in. The SBU is a large organization, with 35,000 employees. That is the same size as the American FBI, for a country with seven times more people. Equivalent European agencies, like DST in France and MI5 in Britain, are equally small, relative to population, as the FBI. On a per-capita basis Western internal agencies have about 109 agency personnel per million population. For the Russian FSB it is 591 and for the SBU it is about 850. For the pre 1991 Soviet era KGB it was 1,600.

The SBU, like its predecessor the KGB, demanded high performance and discipline. In return, KGB personnel were free to make a little extra on the side, The KGB was literally above the law as the only ones who could arrest KGB personnel were other KGB personnel. The post-Soviet FSB and SBU have similar immunities.

A growing number of the post-199os SBU hires were personnel who, like those who voted Zelensky into office in 2019, saw corruption as a major obstacle to Ukrainian prosperity and independence from Russian influence. Then came the 2022 invasion and NATO military aid and assistance, especially in intelligence collection. This monitored and decrypted (when needed) Russian communications relevant to Ukraine and shared much of that data with the Ukrainians. That data revealed many things, including evidence that turned suspicions of SBU treason into indictments. With leaky SBU members identified it was possible to identify many of their Ukrainian sources. It also sent a message to the SBU that the long sought culture shift in the organization was happening.

Life in wartime is one of extremes in courage and craven behavior. The courageous tend to be the majority, at least on the winning side and thats where Ukrainians want to be. For Russians the war in Ukraine is all about gaining real estate and population. For Ukrainians the war is all about the survival of the Ukrainian state and its separate identity. Russia has been trying to erase that separate identity for centuries and this is something people in all nations can understand. Ukrainians have openly complained about Russian efforts to regain control of Ukraine after 1991. Thats what numerous independence movements in Ukrainian history are all about. The 2014 uprising of Ukrainians against a president who sold out to the Russians after promising closer ties to Europe and NATO did not end with the resignation of that president. The Russians kept trying and the Ukrainian kept resisting until 2022 when a desperate Russian leader risked another major defeat to force all of Ukraine back into Russia. Its another example of the irresistible force going against the immovable object and, like the Germans in 1941, irresistible is often not enough.

Once the Russians invaded SBU became patriotic and very effective. SBU was responsible for developing Ukrainian naval drones, which were a key factor in the destruction of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in 2023 . SBU has also been successful at finding and arresting Ukrainian officials guilty of corruption during wartime. Most of those caught had engaged in corruption before the Russians invaded in 2022.

Even before the 2014 reforms there were occasions when the SBU was effective. In 2009 SBU operatives arrested three men trying to sell 3.6 kg of plutonium for $10 million. It turned out that they did not have plutonium, but the less radioactive and not suitable for nuclear weapons Americium which could be used for a dirty bomb. Those arrested included a politician and two businessmen from Western Ukraine. These men had obtained the radioactive material, which was originally produced inside Russia, from someone outside Ukraine.

This incident is typical of dozens that have gone down since the end of the Cold War in 1991. Most of the nuclear material being peddled is not weapons grade. But since 1993, there have been over two dozen instances of smugglers caught with weapons grade uranium or plutonium.

Thefts of non-weapons grade material have been reported in many countries around the world since the end of the Cold War. What's amazing is that Islamic terrorists have not yet obtained any of this stuff and used it to set off a dirty bomb which consists of explosives surrounded by radioactive material. When detonated this makes radioactive, and uninhabitable, the blast area.

Since the end of the Cold War, and the dismantling of over 20,000 nuclear weapons, there has been over three tons of additional nuclear fuel sitting around. Nuclear material cannot be destroyed and remains radioactive for thousands of years. Several terrorist organizations and nations are known to be in the market for this weapons grade nuclear material, and don't care what the source is. Criminal organizations are active in trying to develop the trade. Only an enormous amount of police and intelligence work prevents a more active illegal trade in nuclear material.

But there is a hundred times more, less radioactive, material around. These less potent substances are used in hospitals and for manufacturing or food processing work. This is what can be used for dirty bombs. There is a black market for this material as well, but no terrorists have, so far, gotten some and used it.
January 2, 2025: In 2018 Norway openly complained about Russia deliberately jamming GPS signals in Norway. The jamming was done from a Russian military base in the Kola Peninsula on the Barents Sea, where Norway and Russia share a small border. The jamming took place in late 2018 as NATO held its largest training exercise since the Cold War ended in 1991. Russia denied any responsibility even though they are known to possess long-range jammers, for GPS and other signals. Norway said they had tracked the jammer to a specific location but when Russia refused to admit any involvement, Norway refused to explain how they tracked the signal because that would provide Russia with information on Norwegian electronic warfare or EW equipment that might be useful to them. The jamming incident encouraged Norway to add more electronic warfare spending to its defense budget.

Norway is working towards nearly doubling their defense spending through 2036, when annual defense spending will almost double its military budget and reach 3 percent of GDP by 2036. This is about $55 billion a year. As recently as 2015 the annual defense budget was only $5.8 billion.

This money will make possible the purchase of more warships and reconnaissance drones as well as the formation of more infantry brigades to protect areas threatened by Russian forces. Over the next decade the navy will receive five new 4,300-ton frigates, each carrying an ASW/Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopter. There will be ten smaller warships using a new standardized design and the ability to add or remove modular weapons and support systems. With these smaller ships the emphasis is on ASW warfare. The navy will also be receiving five new submarines and over a dozen auxiliary vessels for mine clearing and offshore patrol. The navy is replacing its force of elderly P-3 maritime patrol aircraft with a larger number of maritime patrol drones that can patrol more frequently the northern waters near the Russian Kola base area.

Norway has a new ally in the north because Finland joined NATO recently. Finland already has forces deployed along its long border with Russia. In the north, the Finnish border reaches an area where Norwegian, Finnish, and Russian forces are facing each other.

The Norwegian Army is forming two new infantry brigades, one of them based near the short land border with Russia in northern Finland near Norway and the Russian border. All three countries have military, naval and air forces in this area. Norway was one of the original NATO members when NATO was formed shortly after World War II ended. Finland is one of the newest NATO members, joining in 2023. Neighboring Sweden, which had been neutral for two hundred years, abandoned its neutral status and joined NATO in 2024. There is a long border between the two countries in northwestern Sweden and northeastern Finland.

With Sweden now a NATO member, the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad between Poland and Lithuania, and the Russian city and port of St Petersburg at the eastern end of the Baltic Sea, are Russias only presence in the Baltic Sea. Otherwise, the Baltic Sea is surrounded by NATO members. This annoys Russian leader Vladimir Putin who ominously warns of possible Russian action in the future to expand the Russian presence in the Baltic Sea. Putin is also unhappy with the situation in northern Norway where Norway, Finland, and Russia border the Barents Sea. NATO regularly holds training exercises in this area to practice quickly bringing more, usually American, soldiers and marines into the area to reinforce Norwegian and Finnish forces. These exercises also involved American aircraft carrier task forces and warships from local NATO allies. The Russian Northern Fleet is based on the Kola Peninsula that is adjacent to Norway and Finland. This region, where the borders of Russia, Finland and Norway meet, are above the Arctic Circle and relatively warm only because the warmer Gulf Stream current runs through this area. This makes coastal areas very habitable. The farther inland you go, the more Arctic the climate becomes.

For thousands of years the local population lived mainly on the coast. Thats why the relatively large area of Norway has a population of only 5.5 million. This is expected to grow to six million by 2040. Currently the Norwegian GDP is about half a trillion dollars and per capita GDP is over $100,000, which is one of the highest in the world with petroleum and natural gas accounting for a quarter of that GDP. The oil and natural gas are exported and nearly all the electricity generated in Norway comes from hydropower, dammed water released to operate electric generation turbines. Norway began developing this hydropower a century ago, after World War I.

Norway did not participate in either of the World Wars although during World War II Nazi Germany occupied Norway to prevent the allies from using Norwegian resources, including those needed to create an atomic bomb. Norwegian resistance fighters and allied commandos carried out several operations to sabotage German efforts to use Norwegian resources for nuclear weapons research. Nazi Germany never came close to developing nuclear weapons. Meanwhile the Americans spent $5 billion to develop nuclear weapons and the B-29 bomber needed to carry it to targets. Only two targets were hit with nuclear weapons near the end of World War II, Nagasaki, and Hiroshima in Japan. This forced Japan to surrender, four months after the Germans did.

The American nuclear weapons and B-29 bombers were originally meant for use against Germany, then Japan because it was known that the Japanese were willing to fight to the death while opposing an allied, mainly American, invasion. The nuclear weapons used against Japan shocked the stalwart Japanese government into surrendering. This was something Japan had never done before and some military officers tried, at the last minute, to disrupt the surrender plans. That effort failed, in part because the Americans indicated that they had more nuclear weapons and would keep bombing Japanese cities until Japan surrendered. The Americans did have more nuclear bombs, but they were still being assembled back in the United States after the first two were used against two Japanese cities.

After World War II, Russia, Britain, and France developed nuclear weapons and the threat of those weapons being used again has made possible the longest period of peace between the major powers in history. The nuclear peace still holds, despite threats by some nuclear armed nations to use nukes. These are largely empty threats because a nuclear war would kill many millions and devastate the world economy. Its always possible that some mad national leader, like North Koreas Kim Jong Un, would use nukes but even that is doubtful. The North Korean people are more concerned with food shortages than nuclear war. At the other end of the economic spectrum, Norway is also opposed to any nuclear war or serious threats of starting one. Such threats by Russian leader Vladimir Putin make him look weak and somewhat deranged.
CNBC's Jim Cramer on Thursday warned investors about speculating too heavily in sectors such as nuclear power and quantum computing, saying it may be a long time before either field yields substantial returns.

"This year, I see two themes that I want to caution people about: nuclear power and quantum computing," he said. "Both have promise, someday, but that day is not, just not near enough to justify the current valuations for these stocks."

The beginning of the year is usually filled with optimism, he added, but sometimes it can be excessive. And while investors can speculate, Cramer advised against falling prey to overenthusiasm and getting "trampled by wayward bulls."

Cramer said he thinks it won't be easy to build nuclear power plants, as they take a long time to construct, even for dominant players such as Vistra and Constellation Energy . He also suggested there is too much enthusiasm about certain smaller companies that offer alternatives to current plants, such as Oklo and Nuscale Power , saying the technology is exciting, but they are years away from meaningful developments. Cramer also noted that GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik suggested it would take about a decade for nuclear projects to start making money.

While quantum computing is legitimate, Cramer said it will also take a long time to scale, and it's "just a long-term project," pointing to ventures in the field from Alphabet . He said he is concerned about quantum-focused stocks that have run up substantially but are losing money, such as Rigetti Computing , D-Wave Quantum and Quantum Computing .

"Look, I believe in nuclear power, but when GE Vernova, the company that arguably has the most to gain from it, says discouraging things about an uptick in commercial nuclear power coming any time soon, when quantum computing seems very much in its infancy, well," he said. "I fear people will get hurt speculating on even the biggest companies, let alone the smaller ones."
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on the last day of trading for the year on Dec. 31, 2024.

Stocks closed higher Friday as Wall Street recovered following a shaky start to the new year.

The S&P 500 closed up 73.92 points, or 1.26%, at 5,942.47, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 339.86 points, or 0.8%, to end the day at 42,732.13. The Nasdaq Composite gained 340.88 points, or 1.77%, to close at 19,621.68.

Tech stocks were a bright spot for the market on Friday. Chip giant Nvidia climbed 4.7%, while server maker Super Micro Computer jumped 10.9%.

Those stocks could benefit from continued spending on artificial intelligence, as will Constellation Energy and Vistra, with shares up 4% and 8.5%, respectively. Microsoft announced Friday that it would spend $80 billion on AI-enabled data centers in fiscal 2025, and power producers have been boosted by the trend.

The rally on Friday was broad, though some of the best performers were also big winners during last year's rally.

"The secular growth drivers that have been driving earnings growth and market gains over the last two years, I think they're still on strong footing and will continue to drive those earnings gains," Jeremiah Buckley, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson Investors, said on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street."

Friday's rally snapped a five-day losing streak for the Nasdaq and the S&P 500, but it was not enough to make the major averages winners on the week. The S&P 500 finished the week down 0.48%, while the Dow lost 0.60%. The Nasdaq Composite lost 0.51%.

That weakness for stocks also means the "Santa Claus" rally, in which stocks gain in the final five trading days of one year and the first two of the next, failed to materialize. The market cooled in the final weeks of 2024, but the averages are still not too far from record highs after a strong year for Wall Street.

"Generally, these are the days that you kind of have people just moving to the sidelines after what's been a pretty tough last four weeks. And the fact that today you're not seeing that means that perhaps this is an orderly type of consolidation, not a beginning of some sort of incredibly painful period," Mark Hackett, chief market strategist at Nationwide Financial, told CNBC.

News out of Washington, D.C., was spurring some individual stock moves on Friday. Shares of U.S. Steel fell 6.5% after President Joe Biden said he would block the proposed acquisition by Nippon Steel. Booze and beer stocks declined after the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory on cancer risk related to alcohol consumption, with Molson Coors falling 3.4%.
The U.S. surgeon general issued a new advisory warning Friday about the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk, and pushed for policy changes to help reduce the number of alcohol-related cancers.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said there is a "well-established" link between drinking alcohol and at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectum, esophagus and liver. For cancers including breast, mouth and throat cancers, increased risk may start around one or fewer drinks per day, according to his office.

As part of the advisory, the surgeon general called for policy changes that could help reduce alcohol-related cancer. He pushed for alcohol labels to be more visible and include a warning about the increased risk of cancer, to reassess recommended limits for alcohol consumption based on the latest research and expand education to increase general awareness that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk.

The efforts outlined in the advisory are similar to those already implemented to lessen tobacco use, including a slew of mandated warnings on packaging and in stores.

The surgeon general advised people to consider the link between alcohol consumption and greater cancer risk when deciding whether to drink or how much to have.

Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., behind only tobacco and obesity, according to the advisory.

"Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States  greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S.  yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk," Murthy said in a press release.

Shares of alcohol manufacturers including Molson-Coors and Anheuser-Busch initially dipped more than 1% following the advisory.

According to the advisory, 72% of U.S. adults said they had one or more drinks per week between 2019 and 2020, but less than half of all adults are aware of the link between drinking and cancer risk.

Worldwide, 741,300 cases of cancer were attributed to alcohol consumption in 2020, according to the surgeon general.

On average, alcohol-related cancer deaths shorten the lives of those who die by 15 years.

Younger Americans are already increasingly stepping away from alcohol, and many are leaning into nonalcoholic alternatives. About two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 34 say alcohol consumption negatively affects health, versus less than 40% of people ages 35 to 54, and 55 and over, according to a Gallup survey released in August.
President Joe Biden on Friday officially blocked the takeover of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel , making good on his promise to keep an industrial name that is more than a century old under domestic ownership.

Biden said the proposed $14.9 billion acquisition by Nippon would place one of the largest steel producers in the U.S. under foreign control, creating a risk for the nation's critical supply chains.

"Today's action reflects my unflinching commitment to utilize all authorities available to me as President to defend U.S. national security, including by ensuring that American companies continue to play a central role in sectors that are critical for our national security," Biden said in a statement.

U.S. Steel's stock fell more than 6% after the president's announcement. Biden's action comes after a monthslong review of the deal by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

U.S. Steel and Nippon slammed Biden's decision as "unlawful" in a joint statement Friday. They accused the White House of manipulating the review process to advance the president's political agenda. The companies vowed to take "all appropriate action" to protect their rights.

The United Steelworkers union fiercely opposed the takeover by Nippon from the day it was announced in December 2023. Biden had signaled as early as March 2024 that he intended to block the sale, backing the United Steelworkers' opposition to the deal.

United Steelworkers International President David McCall praised Biden's decision in a statement Friday. The union boss attacked Nippon as a "serial trade cheater that for decades worked to undermine our domestic industry by dumping its products into our market."

"Allowing it to purchase U.S. Steel would have offered it the opportunity to further destabilize our trade system from within and in the process, compromise our ability to meet our own national security and critical infrastructure needs," McCall said.

Biden's decision to torpedo the deal underscores a bipartisan swing toward protectionism in the U.S., as Democrats and Republicans alike seek to maintain domestic control over key industries as geopolitical tensions escalate around the world.

President-elect Donald Trump also opposed the deal.

Biden's decision to block the sale shows that even staunch allies like Japan are not immune to the swelling protectionist tide. Tokyo is central to Washington's efforts to keep China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region in check.

U.S. Steel and Nippon have said the deal is the best way to keep the company competitive, revitalize communities in the American rust belt and strengthen national security. U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt had previously warned that the company will likely close plants if the deal falls apart.
Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch  an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. Market movers: The S & P 500 was on pace to break its five-session losing streak. But even with Friday's strong gain, the index was still tracking to be slightly down for the week. Friday's rally was broad-based with every sector in positive territory. Consumer discretionary topped the leaderboard thanks to Tesla rebounding from Thursday's selloff. Information technology was having a strong day with gains in semiconductors and software. The utilities sector was continuing its strong start to 2025. Laggards on Friday included materials, consumer staples, and financials. Power stock: Eaton was one of the standouts in the industrial sector  jumping nearly 3% in Friday trading. RBC Capital raised its price target on the electrical equipment maker to $392 per share from $374, implying 18% upside from Thursday's closing price of $331.96. However, there is another reason for the rally in Eaton. Digging through December's manufacturing ISM report, it again showed the electrical equipment, appliances and components industry is one of the best growth stories in the group. In addition to electrical equipment, appliances and components, the ISM report surveys all different industries, including chemical products, transportation equipment, computer and electronic products, along with food, beverage and tobacco products. One response from a member of the electrical equipment, appliances and components industry  which includes Eaton  said, "The increase in new orders has our plant at full capacity." This industry was also one of six reporting growth in new orders, and that's obviously a very good demand signal. Eaton's rally Friday also jibes with the strength in the utilities, which is one of the company's largest end markets (estimated to be 11% of total 2025 sales; data center and distributed IT is the second largest at 17%). If utilities are investing more to support the country's growing power needs, they are going to need Eaton's utility and grid solutions. Next week: On Monday night, we'll be listening to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's keynote address at the Consumer Electronic Show conference in Las Vegas. The December FOMC meeting minutes are out Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET. We usually don't like to put too much weight on this release because it is backward-looking and there's been a lot of new data since the December 17-18. However, we expect the market will still scrutinize the information because one of the big questions for 2025 is how many times the Federal Reserve will cut rates. After the closing bell Wednesday Jefferies Financial Group reports its fourth-quarter earnings and those results are always a good indicator of what lies ahead for the major banks later this month. The stock market is closed Thursday in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100. Friday is a big day: Constellation Brands , Walgreens Boots Alliance and Delta Air Lines all report earnings and the December jobs report comes out. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

Power management company Eaton in Pleasanton, California. Smith Collection | Archive Photos | Getty Images
Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Friday's key moments. 1. Wall Street is rallying Friday after a subdued start to 2025 in the prior session. All 11 sectors in the S & P 500 are in positive territory. Nvidia is the top-performing Club holding Friday, up around 4%, likely in anticipation of CEO Jensen Huang's keynote at next week's annual CES conference, which showcases the latest consumer technology. We made our first sale of the year Thursday, locking in a nearly 1,000% gain in Nvidia stock out of discipline. "We don't want to look back and say, 'We were the greediest people on earth,'" Jim Cramer said. There's been no change to our "own it, don't trade it" designation for Nvidia. Meanwhile, Apple  the only other Club stock with that designation  is weaker Friday on concerns over iPhone sales in China, where the company is reportedly offering steep discounts to compete with local brands like Huawei. We also sold some Apple stock on Dec. 26 to right-size our position. 2. Alcohol stocks are under pressure Friday after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a new advisory warning about the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk, including a call to update the health warning label on alcoholic beverages. Shares of Corona and Modelo brewer Constellation Brands fell roughly 1% Friday in response. Jim wasn't phased by the decline, making the case that its portfolio of imported Mexican beers remains well-positioned for expansion, especially compared to liquors. "We have the one growth area in alcohol, which is Constellation Brands, but it trades down with the rest" of the group, he explained. We added to our Constellation position Tuesday after a disappointing 2024, arguing the stock's low valuation accounts for multiple headwinds facing the company. Jim reiterated his belief that Constellation could get an exemption from potentially higher tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump, as well as his expectation for the company's free cash flow to significantly improve in the coming quarters as investment into expanded manufacturing capacity in Mexico wanes. Constellation is set to report earnings on Friday of next week before the market opens. 3. Deutsche Bank analysts named Wells Fargo their top pick among the biggest banks, citing a likely lift of its Federal Reserve-imposed asset cap in 2025. Analysts see that potential development as a game-changer, allowing the bank to grow higher returning businesses like investment banking, trading, and credit cards. Jim also expects the cap, which was imposed in 2018, to be lifted this year, noting that Wells Fargo has dramatically revamped its leadership team in the wake of the scandals that led to the unprecedented penalty. Separately, Jim liked a call by Oppenheimer that highlighted Goldman Sachs , another Club holding, as one of its favorite banks. 4. Stocks covered in Friday's rapid fire at the end of the video were: JPMorgan , PulteGroup , Las Vegas Sands , Boeing , and Block . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long NVDA, AAPL, STZ, WFC, GS. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Passengers stand in front of the display board in Terminal 1 at Frankfurt Airport.

German federal police are experiencing a countrywide IT systems outage at airports, a spokesperson said on Friday, forcing officers to manually process passengers arriving from outside Europe's free-travel Schengen area.

"There is currently a nationwide IT disruption," the Frankfurt-based spokesperson said, adding that the cause was unknown.

He said entry into Germany is delayed but possible and there is currently no bigger congestion at Frankfurt airport, the country's busiest.
Las Vegas Sands stands to benefit from the Chinese government's new efforts to boost the nation's economy, according to Jefferies. The investment firm upgraded shares of the casino operator to buy from hold and raised its price target to $69 from $60. The new forecast implies 38% upside from Thursday's close. Analyst David Katz pointed to the improving gaming backdrop in Macao. The Chinese government's recently announced monetary policy initiatives designed to improve the health of consumers will ultimately prove positive for Macao. The government announced in November a $1.4 trillion stimulus package spread over five years. Meanwhile, room renovations in the Londoner hotel should be completed by the first half of the year, which will grow Las Vegas Sands' revenue 12% next year in Macao, per Jefferies. "The improving macro conditions in Macau will increase the strength of the mass segment consumer, which LVS has significant exposure to, ultimately allowing for incremental growth to its estimates in the near-term," the analyst wrote. "Furthermore, the company is focused on upgrading properties within its portfolio while utilizing its sector-leading balance sheet to repurchase shares. The setup in Macau is ideal for LVS to gain market share in a market expected to recover to 2019 levels by 2026." Shares of Las Vegas Sands have started the new year off with a 3% decline. They ended 2024 with a slight 4% gain, lagging the S & P 500's 23.3% advance. LVS 1Y mountain LVS 1Y chart Analysts are generally bullish on the casino stock. LSEG data shows that 15 of 20 analysts covering Las Vegas Sands have a buy or strong buy rating, while the remaining five rate it as a hold. The average price target also implies upside of more than 18%. Shares popped more than 2% following Jefferies' upgrade.
Vistra Corp. has entered the new year with a running start after closing out 2024 as one of the best-performing stocks in the market. The independent power producer's shares have jumped 18% since Tuesday, after more than tripling in value last year. Vistra ended 2024 as the second-best performing stock in the S & P 500 behind Palantir , an unusually strong run for a relatively obscure power company. Vistra is viewed by investors as a nimble power company that is well positioned to quickly serve surging electricity demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. Investors are anticipating that Vistra will soon strike lucrative nuclear and gas deals with data center developers. Wall Street analysts still see upside of nearly 8% for Vistra from current levels with an average price target of $171 per share, according to FactSet data. VST 1Y mountain Vistra shares over the past year. Vistra is one of a trio of power stocks that surged in 2024 because investors believe they are uniquely exposed to the data center demand trend. Constellation Energy nearly doubled last year while Talen Energy more than tripled. Vistra has had the strongest run of the three, despite the fact that the company is the only one that has not struck a deal yet. Talen Energy blazed the trail with an agreement to power an Amazon data center with the Susquehanna nuclear plant. Constellation inked a landmark power agreement with Microsoft to support the restart of Three Mile Island. The three stocks frequently move in sympathy with one another. Vistra shares surged this week after Constellation announced $1 billion in combined contracts to supply the federal government with nuclear power . "You're going to see deals announced in the near term, but who will announce it is less of a factor to me, because they will all move the sector higher whoever announces it," Shahriar Pourreza, head of power and utilities at Guggenheim Securities, told CNBC last month . "I like Vistra because I don't have to bet whether the next deal is going to be a nuclear plant or it's going to be a gas plant," Pourreza said.
Santa Claus did not come to town this year. At least, as far as Wall Street is concerned. Through Thursday's close, the S & P 500 is down 1.8% during the so-called Santa Claus rally period  which runs across the last five trading days of one year and the first two of the following year. It was the late Yale Hirsch, founder of the Stock Trader's Almanac in 1968, who originally put some of these jitters in traders' minds, famously saying: "If Santa Claus should fail to call, bears may come to Broad and Wall." This latest bout of market weakness contrasts with what was a strong 2024 performance. The S & P 500 rose more than 23% last year, putting its two-year advance at more than 53%. Growth stocks notched their biggest-ever two-year outperformance over value stocks, according to Bank of America, with the Russell 1000 Growth Index rising 90% over that time. The Russell 1000 Value Index, meanwhile, gained a little more than 27% over the two-year stretch. The lack of a Santa Claus rally, though, could mean a lackluster performance lies ahead for stocks. "The Santa Claus rally indicator is a 'no-go' for this year," Piper Sandler technical strategist Craig Johnson wrote. "In the 21 occurrences since 1928 when the Santa rally did not happen, the forward returns for the SPX [S & P 500] were still mostly positive over the next ... 52 weeks, but they were just not as robust as in years when the rally occurred." Johnson noted the average S & P 500 return one year after a Santa rally didn't occur was just over 6.5%. In years following a Santa Claus rally, the benchmark index averages a 7.5% return. Investors now will try to regain their footing Friday after a weak first session of the year. The S & P 500 ended Thursday down 0.2%, putting its loss for the week thus far at 1.7%. Elsewhere on Wall Street on Friday , Jefferies upgraded Las Vegas Sands to buy from hold, calling for 38% upside ahead. "The improving macro conditions in Macau will increase the strength of the mass segment consumer, which LVS has significant exposure to, ultimately allowing for incremental growth to its estimates in the near-term," Jefferies wrote. "Furthermore, the company is focused on upgrading properties within its portfolio while utilizing its sector-leading balance sheet to repurchase shares," the firm wrote. "The setup in Macau is ideal for LVS to gain market share in a market expected to recover to 2019 levels by 2026."
January 3, 2025: Many countries and international organizations have urged Israel and their Palestinian neighbors to make peace and establish an independent Palestinian state. None of these proposals address the Palestinian demands that Israel must be destroyed before there can be peace. This violence has been going on even before Israel was founded in 1948.

As of 2025, the fighting continues with no end in sight. Lebanon and Syria were hostile towards Israel until 2024 when Syria had an unexpected change of government with HST, a former Islamic terrorist group, and its charismatic leader conquering Syria in a week. The Assads, which had been ruling Syria for over fifty years, fled to Russia, along with the remaining Russian troops in Syria. Iranian forces were also expelled.

Iran helped found and long supported Lebanese Shia militia Hezbollah. This group dominated southern Lebanon and parts of Syria for decades. In 2024 an Israeli effort to destroy Hezbollah succeeded. This victory took nearly a decade to plan but succeeded. It will take years, if not longer for Hezbollah to be reconstituted. That may not happen because the new HTS government in Syria wants peace with Israel and peace in Lebanon. Israeli is still in southern Lebanon rooting out all the elements who want to attack Israeli and keep the Lebanese government out of the way, Israel will ask for an official or unofficial peace deal with Lebanon over the last sixty years groups of local and imported Islamic terrorists or opportunistic political groups have kept southern Lebanon in chaos. The Israelis recently eliminated the causes of that chaos and are waiting for the Lebanese government and the Hezbollah remnants to cooperate in a new peace deal with Israel. Hezbollah, for ideological reasons, will not deal directly with Israel.

If Lebanon made a deal, as they have done in the past, they can force Hezbollah to go along or be expelled. Theres no nearby refuge for Hezbollah, which has also lost access to its longtime patron Iran. Often forgotten is the fact that Israel has made peace with some of its neighbors. Egypt and Jordan were the first in 1978 and 1994. Now there are negotiations for peace with Lebanon and Syria.

Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza are still the two Palestinian governments and disagree on many issues, but both agree that Israel must be destroyed and Jews expelled from the region before there can be peace. In the meantime, Hamas and Fatah both encourage violence against Israelis and Palestinian civilians comply. Outsiders like the Saudis, EU and World Bank dismiss or trivialize the realities that Israel faces from Palestinian violence. They also assume that Hamas and Fatah can prevent their radical factions from violently disrupting any outside peace efforts. Some foreign donor nations, especially Moslem nations, are aware of the reality of the situation but keep silent. Contradicting the Saudis, EU and World Bank by pointing out the reality of the situation is ignored. What cannot be ignored by Israel is the growing Palestinian violence.

In 2023 there was more violence in the West Bank that required Israel forces to deal with. At first it was armed Palestinian groups fighting each other for dominance while organizing attacks on Israelis or in Israel itself. This led to a degree of fighting in the West Bank not seen since 2021, and might become the start of a new Palestinian offensive or intifada. This would be the third one. The first lasted from 1987 to 1993 while the second one was from 2000 to 2005.

Israel defeated the 2000 Intifada terror campaign by 2005. But as long as Palestinians had free access to Israel, the Fatah Palestinian government urged and encouraged Palestinians to attempt attacks inside Israel. The Israelis responded with tighter border controls which kept the terrorist threat low in Israel. Fatah insisted they had a right to keep trying to kill Israelis and, for over a decade, Arab and Western nations kept providing aid to the West Bank and Gaza despite the fact that more and more of it was used to support and encourage more terrorism against Israel. Some Palestinian leaders tried to describe the violence as an effort to defend Islam. The Palestinians were not very religious and their violence against Israelis was justified by their belief that Israel must be destroyed and Israelis driven from the region.

There were other problems, mainly involving corruption. This has led more donor states, Moslem and non-Moslem, to openly complain of Fatah misuse of aid money. Fatah denied it and continued their corrupt ways. The donors cut their aid, often to nothing. It was not just the Fatah support of terrorism but the growing Fatah corruption which meant a lot of the aid was stolen to enrich Fatah leaders. Palestinians also opposed the Fatah policy and Fatah was forced to tolerate more and more Palestinians renouncing terror to pass the background check and work in Israel. West Bank Palestinian jobs in Israel have become a crucial part of the West Bank economy, even more so than they were back in 2000. Palestinians were barred from those jobs for nearly a year after the Hamas October 2023 attacks against Israelis. Over 100,000 Palestinians depend on those jobs because the 20,000 0r so working in Israel have dependents who are destitute without that income.

The post-2000 ban on Palestinian workers was unpopular with many Israeli employers, but the threat was so great that Israeli employers had to pay more to import and hire non-Moslem foreigners for as long as there was a threat that Palestinian workers were likely to try and kill Israelis. Both Israel and the former or potential Palestinian workers knew that a growing number of those Palestinian workers could be trusted to work in Israel. Those who violated that trust faced prison or worse if they played any part in an attack. Anyone associated with these untrustworthy Palestinians had a more difficult time getting permits to work in Israel. The growth in the number of trustworthy Palestinian workers was something neither Israel nor Fatah wanted to publicize lest the Islamic radicals declare war on Palestinians working or seeking to work in Israel. This might trigger a civil war in the West Bank, something Fatah did not want but the radicals were less opposed to. There are Palestinian factions that believe chaos in the West Bank would spread to Israel and weaken Israeli power. This is a minority belief that ignores the Israeli ability to organize effective responses to Palestinian violence. Life inside Israel is peaceful. Most Palestinians wish they had a similar situation, and they would be correct if not for the endless supply of radical factions insisting violence is the solution.

For example, Hamas does not care about any form of collateral damage from forcing Palestinians working in Israel to cooperate with terrorists. Most Palestinians recognize that Hamas is hard-core about attacking Israel, which is why Hamas has had a hard time gaining political traction in the West Bank. Palestinians know that Hamas policies produce more poverty and casualties for Palestinians. The only thing that got Hamas control of Gaza during the last Palestinian elections in 2007 was the belief that Hamas would be less corrupt than Fatah. That was true in 2007 but became less so ever since. Hamas forbids working in Israel and punished anyone who protested about Hamas corruption.

West Bank violence between Palestinians and Israelis living in the many Jewish settlements has been on the increase for over a decade. The upsurge in violence is the result of the Palestinian leadership calling for another intifada uprising in 2013. This was a side-effect of the rebellion in Syria and the 2011 Arab Spring revolutions in general. While some Palestinian leaders call for another intifada uprising, most Palestinians, especially those over 30, fear the economic consequences of that and warn the pro-intifada radicals that there is not a lot of popular support for another round of violence. Israel has shown they know how to handle this at little cost to themselves and great cost to the Palestinians.

All this is complicated by persistent American efforts to achieve a negotiated peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The Palestinian peace talks never made much progress. The talks were held at the insistence of the U.S., which threatened to cut aid if the talks did not happen. American leaders are aware of Palestinian attitudes on peace with Israel but the U.S. still assumes that a peace deal is possible if you keep trying. Thats one definition of insanity, continuing to make the same policies work and failing. For years Palestinian leaders have agreed to give peace talks a chance approach when speaking to Western leaders and reporters but they then turn around and tell their followers that, of course, Israel must be destroyed and that there is no other solution.

For most Western leaders the disunity, corruption and general chaos within the Palestinian community is seen as a larger problem than a peace deal. That may be true, but without a positive attitude towards a peace deal, there wont be any peace. Despite all this, for over a decade many Palestinians have been talking about a Third Intifada as if more civil disorder will change anything. Peace is not on the agenda. Most Israelis and Americans agree. Even without a new intifada, casual violence in the West Bank kept increasing. This usually takes the form of young men throwing stones at Israeli soldiers or civilians. Israeli women and children are the preferred targets because they are the least likely to shoot back if the rocks begin to inflict injuries. Palestinian propaganda praises those who kill children just as much as those who killed soldiers or police. All are heroes of the Palestinian struggle to destroy Israel. This is becoming embarrassing for some Western nations when it was pointed out that their aid money was being used directly for some of this propaganda.

The recent West Bank violence was the result of Israeli security forces shutting down a major Palestinian effort to recruit, train and arm hundreds of Palestinians to carry out attacks against Israelis living in the West Bank as well as in Jerusalem and Israel in general. The Palestinian terrorism operation was real as Israeli troops encountered armed resistance as they approached locations where weapons and munitions were stored, and newly recruited Palestinians were trained and armed. These operations were shut down, but only after fighting between Israeli troops and armed Palestinians. Once the fighting is over the weapons and munitions are disposed of and the Israeli troops withdraw, taking Palestinian suspects with them. Israeli troops are wounded and at least one has been killed in these operations. This sort of thing had not been seen in the West Bank since 2002. Until recently Palestinian security forces kept the peace in the West Bank. The current growth of terrorist activity in the West Bank can be attributed to Gaza-based and Iran-supported terror group Hamas. There have been increasing Hamas efforts to establish operations in the West Bank. Most West Bank Palestinians want no part of this because similar activity in Gaza has brought nothing but poverty and trouble to the Palestinians living there.

The disruptive impact of small groups of radicals is a long tradition in the Middle East, especially after Islam was introduced over a thousand years ago. Islam is the only major religion whose scripture mandates continuous violence against non-believers, who are called infidels. The Islamic scriptures make it clear that the mere existence of infidels is a threat to Islam and these infidels must be attacked, no matter what the cost. Most Moslems ignore this aspect of their religion, at the risk of being declared a heretic if conservative Moslems near them decide to get violent and go jihad and make war on any Infidels within reach.

Many Moslems, including Gulf oil state Arab governments are openly seeking a way to reform Islam and eliminate this flaw which has been crippling Islam and killing Moslems for over a thousand years. This is a serious effort and one reason for making peace with Israel. The Islamic militants in Gaza and the West Bank oppose efforts to give peace a chance.
A screens shows footage of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering an address to the nation at Seoul station on Dec. 7, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea.

Authorities sought on Friday to execute an arrest warrant for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as a crowd of protesters faced off with police outside his residence and vowed to block any attempt.

Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection over his short-lived martial law attempt on Dec. 3. An arrest would be unprecedented for an incumbent South Korean president.

Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is leading a joint team of investigators that include the police and prosecutors, had arrived gates of Yoon's compound shortly after 7 a.m. (2200 GMT Thursday), according to Reuters witnesses.

Yonhap News Agency reported that about 3,000 police had been mobilized in preparation.

It was unclear whether the Presidential Security Service, which has blocked access by investigators with a search warrant to Yoon's office and official residence, would try to stop the arrest.

Media reports said the CIO vehicles did not immediately enter the compound.

Protesters gathered in the pre-dawn hours near his residence, with the numbers swelling into the hundreds amid media reports that investigating authorities would soon try to execute the arrest warrant that was approved on Tuesday after Yoon refused summons to appear.

"We have to block them with our lives," one was heard saying to others. About a dozen protesters tried to block a group of police officers at the entrance to a pedestrian overpass.

Some chanted "President Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people," and called for the head of the CIO to be arrested.

Pyeong In-su, 74, said that the police had to be stopped by "patriotic citizens", a term Yoon used to describe those standing guard near his residence.

Holding a flag of the United States and South Korea with the words "Let's go together" in English and Korean, Pyeong said he hoped incoming U.S. President Donald Trump would come to Yoon's aid.

"I hope after Trump's inauguration he can use his influence to help our country get back on the right track," he said.

Yoon sent shockwaves through the country with a late-night announcement on Dec. 3 that he was imposing martial law to overcome political deadlock and root out "anti-state forces".

Within hours, however, 190 lawmakers had defied the cordons of troops and police to vote against Yoon's order. About six hours after his initial decree, Yoon rescinded it.

He later issued a defiant defense of his decision, saying domestic political opponents are sympathetic to North Korea and citing uncorroborated claims of election tampering.

Insurrection is one of the few criminal charges from which a South Korean president does not have immunity.

Yoon's lawyers have said the arrest warrant was illegal and invalid because the CIO did not have the authority under South Korean law to request a warrant.

Yoon has been isolated since he was impeached and suspended from power on Dec. 14.

Separate from the criminal investigation, his impeachment case is currently before the Constitutional Court to decide whether to reinstate or permanently remove him. A second hearing in that case is scheduled for later on Friday.


Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: Rivian Automotive  Shares popped 24.5% after the electric vehicle maker's vehicle production and deliveries for 2024 met the company's previously announced guidance. This comes after the company had lowered its production target for the full year in October. U.S. Steel  Shares fell 6.5% following President Joe Biden's decision to block Japan's Nippon Steel from acquiring U.S. Steel . Biden said the proposed $14.9 billion takeover would create a risk for the nation's supply chains. Block  The fintech stock added 6.2% following an upgrade to outperform from market perform at Raymond James. Analyst John Davis believes the stock's valuation still looks attractive despite a recent run higher, and has renewed conviction in Block's 2025 acceleration story. Chewy  Shares popped 6.2% after Wolfe Research upgraded the pet retailer to outperform from peer perform and named it a top internet stock idea. Wolfe listed expectations for earnings upside, an improved macro backdrop and product-related catalysts as reasons for optimism. Alcohol stocks  Shares of alcoholic beverage companies fell after U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a new advisory warning on the link between alcohol consumption and at least seven types of cancer. Shares of Diageo dropped nearly 4%, while Anheuser-Busch InBev and Molson Coors declined 2.2% and 3.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, Constellation Brands shares fell 0.3%. Constellation Energy  Shares jumped 4%, extending their gains from Thursday when the company announced it received more than $1 billion in contracts to supply the U.S. government with nuclear power over the next decade. Carvana  Shares dropped 11.2% after short seller Hindenburg Research alleged Carvana's recent turnaround is a "mirage" based on unstable loans and accounting manipulation . The online used-car seller stock surged 284% in 2024. It is down more than 5% so far this year. Ford , General Motors  Shares of Ford and General Motors increased after both automakers posted their best annual U.S. sales since 2019 . Ford gained 2.4%, while General Motors rose almost 1%. Vistra  The stock jumped 8.5%, extending the gains seen in the previous session. On Thursday, the stock rose more than 8%, making it the best performer in the S & P 500 in the first trading day of the new year. The gains follow a massive year for the stock, as it soared about 258% in 2024. That made it the second-biggest gainer in the broad market index last year. JetBlue Airways  Shares reversed losses earlier in the session to rise 0.4% following the Department of Transportation fining the airline $2 million for "chronically delayed flights." The DOT said JetBlue operated four routes that were delayed at least 145 times between June 2022 and November 2023.  CNBC's Alex Harring, Sarah Min, Lisa Kailai Han, Pia Singh and Michelle Fox contributed reporting.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump leaves the courthouse after a jury found him guilty of all 34 felony counts in his criminal trial at New York State Supreme Court in New York on May 30, 2024.

A judge on Friday rejected a request that he dismiss the New York criminal hush money case against President-elect Donald Trump and set Trump's sentencing for Jan. 10  less than two weeks before he is due to be sworn in for a second term in the White House.

Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, in a written order, also said he is not inclined to sentence Trump to prison in the case, and that he might impose a sentence of unconditional discharge. That would mean no probation or fine for the president-elect.

Merchan also said that Trump had the option of appearing in person or virtually for the sentencing next week.

The judge in his ruling rejected arguments by Trump's lawyers that the case should be dismissed due to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last summer that said presidents had presumptive immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts while serving in the White House, and because of the Constitution's Supremacy Clause.

Trump's attorneys also argued that the Manhattan District Attorney's office targeted him because of political motivations, and unlawfully leaked information about its investigation.

Trump was convicted at trial in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 hush money payment his then-personal lawyer Michael Cohen made to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.

"This Court finds that Presidential immunity from criminal process for a sitting president does not extend to a President-elect," Merchan wrote in his ruling Friday.

The judge also wrote, "While this Court as a matter of law must not make any determination on sentencing prior to giving the parties and Defendants, opportunity to be heard, it seems proper at this juncture to make known the Court's inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration, a sentence authorized by the conviction but one the People concede they no longer view as a practicable recommendation," Merchan wrote Friday.

The judge also wrote that "a sentence of an unconditional discharge appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow Defendant to pursue his appellate options."

Trump's spokesman Steven Cheung in a statement said, "Today's order by the deeply conflicted, Acting Justice Merchan in the Manhattan DA Witch Hunt is a direct violation of the Supreme Court's Immunity decision and other longstanding jurisprudence."

"This lawless case should have never been brought and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed," Cheung said. "President Trump must be allowed to continue the Presidential Transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the Witch Hunts. There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead."

This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.
A photograph taken on October 29, 2024 shows a general view of Trump International Golf Links and its sand dunes, in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland as construction works are underway for a second golf course on the estate built on sand dunes.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday called on Britain to "open up" the North Sea, accusing the country's Labour government of "making a very big mistake" with its energy tax policy.

His comments came in response to a report about U.S. oil and gas producer APA Corp. unit Apache's plans to end its operations in the North Sea by the end of 2029.

The Texas-based company said in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing last year that continued production in the U.K.'s North Sea had become uneconomical due to the impact of Britain's windfall tax, a policy officially known as the Energy Profits Levy, or EPL.

"The U.K. is making a very big mistake. Open up the North Sea. Get rid of Windmills!" Trump said on social media platform Truth Social.

Britain's ruling Labour Party said in October last year that it would increase a windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas producers to 38%, up from 35%, and extend the end date of the policy through to March 2030.

The money raised from the windfall tax will be directed to support Britain's transition away from fossil fuels, which the government says will bolster the country's energy security and energy independence.
Aeromexico was the most punctual global airline in 2024, according to a report published by aviation analytics company Cirium.

Some 86.7% of its tracked flights arrived "on-time," defined as arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled arrival times.

This result was "absolutely" a surprise, Cirium CEO Jeremy Bowen told "Squawk Box Asia" Friday.

"They've had a remarkable year," he said. "They've increased their on-time performance ... by a whopping 9%. To go from from outside the top 10 to No. 1 is quite unprecedented."

Bowen attributed Aeromexico's ascent to the company culture, investment in new equipment, and relationship with its hub at Mexico City International Airport, which ranked fourth for on-time flights among global airports in Cirium's report. When both an airline and its hub score well, "that's because they are working effectively as a team," he said.

Saudia (formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines) ranked second among global airlines  up from 9th place in Cirium's 2023 rankings  with 86.35% of flights arriving on time, according to the report published Thursday.

Delta Air Lines (83.46%) placed third, followed by Latam Airlines (82.89%) and Qatar Airways (82.83%), according to Cirium's "2024 On-Time Performance Review." For the fourth year in a row, Cirium named Delta the "best global airline for operational excellence," in recognition of its punctuality and size. It's one of the largest airlines in the world.
Bangladesh presses for Sheikh Hasinas extradition, India remains non-committal

Bangladesh has requested Sheikh Hasinas extradition, but India remains non-committal. Media sources suggest procedural gaps in Dhakas request and cite treaty provisions allowing rejection of politically motivated demands.
As you may be aware, working with Chevy Chase isnt always the most pleasant experience. He famously brawled with Bill Murray during an episode of Saturday Night Live, prompted director Chris Columbus to quit National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and alienated the entire cast and crew of Community so badly that the writers decided that he was fired from the show and his character killed off (we later find out that Pierce Hawthorne literally jizzed himself to death).

But what about on the set of the beloved 80s comedy Three Amigos? Although he feuded with director John Landis, Chase seemed to get along with stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, at least enough to occasionally reunite over the years. Then again, Short and Martin did essentially replace him with Selena Gomez.

While Chase seemingly didnt drop any racist slurs, or try to wrestle anybody while filming the classic Western spoof, according to Short, Chase did leave a smelly welcome gift for him on the first day of filming.

Don't Miss

As Short recounted in his memoir I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend he was a novice to the world of movie making at the time. Originally, the plan was to pair Steve Martin with two other established comedy stars; some of the names being floated for Three Amigos included John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Robin Williams. Even after Chase was cast, John Candy was originally going to play Shorts role of Ned Nederlander, but dropped out because he was too busy.

When Short finally landed the part he was so insecure about appearing on screen that he suggested playing Ned as a bizarre character in the same vein as SCTV creations like Ed Grimley and Jackie Rogers Jr. (Short eventually abandoned this idea after being chewed out by Landis.)

Short recalled that he was such an innocent back then that, on his first day of filming, he poured himself a glass of water in his trailer and immediately retched. Nobody had told me that you dont drink the trailer water, because trailer water is just for washing your hands, Short wrote. But the worst discovery was yet to come.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Then I opened the toilet, Short continued, and there was a giant turd in it. I was never certain if it belonged to Chevy or some teamster who was trying to break me in  I didnt have it sent to the lab.

While he didnt launch a full investigation into the identity of the rogue pooper, a la Season Two of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Short now seems to be pretty confident that he knows who dropped the mystery deuce. Knowing how his mind works, though, my moneys still on Chevy, Short concluded.

While Shorts allegations have never been confirmed, Chase would later attempt to prank him yet again, telling Short to wear his Amigos outfit to the black tie premiere to match him and Martin  although he later felt bad and confessed that he and Martin would really be wearing tuxes. That near-prank seemingly became the inspiration for a bit during Saturday Night Lives 25th anniversary show.

Advertisement

Thankfully no one at SNL decided to dramatize the giant turd story.
Were less than a week away from seeing the Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia gang make their network TV debut in the midseason premiere of Abbott Elementary. It will be more than a little disconcerting to see cable TV sociopaths, who are guilty of some truly horrendous acts, appear on the Disney-owned ABC. Although, to be fair, it wont be the first time that a Disney project has featured someone who took an unsettling interest in cannibalism.

While fans still have a lot of questions about how exactly this crossover will work, Quinta Brusnon and Rob McElhenney recently spoke to the Los Angeles Times to clear up some of the confusion around their joint endeavor. According to McElhenney, the basic premise that he and Brunson came up with was to tell the same story through two different tones, as seen through the lens of Abbott, and then as seen through the lens of Sunny. So we will get two very different tellings of these events in one episode of each series.

And some jokes that arent network-friendly will be introduced on Abbott Elementary, but later paid off on Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. For example, according to the L.A. Times, Dennis is somewhat elusive in the Abbott episode, but Brunson and McElenney promised that his storyline would make more sense in the second installment. Dennis is the key, Brunson cryptically suggested.

Don't Miss

When you see the Sunny episode, youll realize why we did that with Dennis, McElhenney teased.

Advertisement

As weve previously mentioned, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia fans have theorized that the characters sanitized behavior on Abbott Elementary will make sense because the show is a mockumentary, and theyll be projecting their best selves for the cameras.

Advertisement

McElhenney confirmed that this is indeed the case, revealing that the mockumentary format is what allowed for us to still be authentic and step into the world of Abbott because these characters are going into a school and theyre constantly monitored by cameras, so they would put on an act. If were not acting the way that our Sunny characters would, its because we know were being filmed and were putting it on the show.

Advertisement

This also means that the Sunny episode will showcase a version of the Abbott Elementary characters that weve never actually seen before. Conversely, when they came over to us, we thought it would be fun to see what their characters would be like when the bell rings and the cameras are not on them, McElhenney explained.

Our documentary is being filmed because theyre seeking funds for their school. So youre going to put, probably, a better version of yourself, Brunson agreed.

Hopefully this doesnt mean that off-camera Janine will beat up children and/or lock anyone inside a burning apartment.

Advertisement

Play

Just because the Paddys Pub gang will be dialing down their behavior for the cameras doesnt mean that the Abbott Elementary episode wont test the boundaries of what can be shown on primetime network television.

When asked about dealing with ABCs Standards and Practices Department, McElhenney confessed that he was shocked that one gag had slipped past the censors. Theres a joke in your episode that I cannot believe is going to make the final cut. Did I see the final cut? McElenney asked Brunson. After she confirmed that he had in fact watched the episode thats set to air next week, McElhenney added, I cannot believe that that joke was made on your show.

I guess well have to wait and see which joke exactly might corrupt the entire Abbott Elementary brand.


We hope for brighter days in 2025 as the nation adopts new resolutions, anticipates new directives from the throne and wonders if the now-released government programme of action will get to be realised and what opportunities it presents.

We must, however, take stock of what could derail these good intentions, especially at the government and political levels, since we have stepped into 2025 with baggage that should have been left behind. Several questions remain unanswered yet require immediate action. Fixing the health crisis: Last year saw government shut the door on new intakes under the Phalala Fund as resources ran dry, which was a difficult pill for needy patients to swallow. This further exacerbated the trauma experienced by patients amid the ongoing challenges plaguing our health system.



Healing



However, with new tenders issued, old suppliers leaving and the minister refusing to be bullied by suppliers, 2025 should be declared a year of emotional and physical healing for this nation in the health sector. And Cabinet can start this process by implementing the resolutions of parliament on the drug shortage crisis. Anything to the contrary would be as good as signing death certificates for the populace. Is bread now a staple food? Food insecurity remains a huge challenge for the current government and I am not sure if it has realised that bread is becoming the staple food for most families. The sad part is seeing some shops cashing in on this by selling bread at 80 cents and 70 cents above the gazetted prices for brown and white bread, respectively. We need to inform the public about the number of fraudulent shops that have received penalties and the timeline for our refunds.



Creating unemployment: Job creation remains one of the major goals for this country and this requires a collective effort to ensure that we make use of every available opportunity. However, we were disappointed to learn that government allows extension of employment if you can amend your date of birth as you wish.



Blunders



At least 426 civil servants were allowed to extend their employment by changing their birth dates, reportedly due to earlier blunders as if they did not know their age when submitting their birth certificates and identity documents (IDs) upon employment. How do they explain this to all the unemployed youth of this country? This is a joke. They must go home and give others a chance to serve! Resolve LAB impasse: Added to the jobs issue is that we need collaboration between employers, workers and government for a conducive environment to prevail. Currently, employers and government are not seeing eye to eye at the Labour Advisory Board (LAB). This requires urgent intervention as the two seem to have taken extreme positions. A lot is at stake here, especially with an Employment Bill on its way, that is coming with significant changes to the business environment.



Crime rate increase scary: When the National Commissioner of Police reports a 15 per cent surge in crime and a 59 per cent increase in drug trafficking, every citizen, parent, or guardian had better wake up and do something about it. Police are simply not coping and the situation may not get better anytime soon as long as we have grumpy junior officers who are being owed their Phase II salary increase promised to them a decade ago. We have a choice; to either smoke out these drug and crime lords together, or get smoked out of our homes and hard-earned belongings by our own children!



Judicial crisis extended: There seems to be no urgency to resolving the myriad of challenges facing our judiciary. Families embroiled in conflict and needing urgent respite over unresolved estate matters have to wait a while longer, as the time period for concluding the probe into the operations of the Masters Office has been extended for another six months, as with many things in our courts that take forever. The crisis in the judiciary must end before we experience another one that may be beyond anyones control. Fix our education system: The education sector will forever remain our gateway to the future prosperity of this country and it deserves 110 per cent commitment from government to ensure it functions efficiently and effectively. The government programme of action highlights this point and seeks to create centres of excellence, which is all well and good.



Fixing



The success of these centres, however, will be determined by how good we are at fixing our university and other institutions of higher learning, sorting out the curriculum transformation mess, and allocating proper funding and human resources to schools. If we cannot get the basics right, how do we hope to build better schools, let alone a better tomorrow? Accountability and transparency are non-negotiable: If this country is to seriously address the challenges it faces, it needs accountable leadership. It goes without saying, therefore, how disappointing it is when after a year in office, we learn that the prime minister (PM), some Cabinet members and lawmakers failed to declare their assets as required by the Constitution. It is unacceptable and reflects badly on our leadership. We must follow the law at all times, not when it suits us. Attached to this, is the need to account to the public, such as when the prime minister fields questions from the editors forum. His final meeting with the editors was the years quintessential political duel, where emotions got in the way of accountability. We are yet to see if we will have another breakfast meeting with the PM, because without it, accountability and transparency are as good dead and buried.

With that said, here is to wishing you all a prosperous 2025!






As the New Year begins, culture warriors on the Right are in buoyant mood. After years of being stuck on the defensive while progressive ideologues advanced their agenda, they now sense that wokery is in retreat.

The creed has lost its ugly potency. Its supporters no longer appear so dangerous when they try to bully and blackmail. Cherished Left-wing theories about race and transgenderism, which had become a form of groupthink in so many institutions, are now openly challenged or held up to ridicule.

The cancel culture, which has been such a menace to free speech, is itself facing cancellation.

At times, it feels as if we are beginning to wake up from a nightmare akin to the fear that gripped America in the early 1950s, when a deranged senator called Joe McCarthy held Washington in his thrall as he undertook his paranoid quest to root out Communist subversion.

Just as the McCarthyites had their blacklists, censors and committees on UnAmerican activities, so today we have catalogues of so-called non-crime hate incidents, as well as diversity commissars to uphold the new orthodoxy and awareness programmes for those who are deemed to have deviated from correct thinking.

But an era in which wild accusations, personal smears, character assassinations, guilt by association and the dogmatic intolerance of alternative ideas had become the norm now seems to be coming to an end.

The victory of Donald Trump in the recent U.S. presidential election was a vital turning point, for the spirit of his Make America Great Again was the antithesis of the woke mentality, writes Leo McKinstry

The victory of Donald Trump in the recent U.S. presidential election was a vital turning point, for the spirit of his Make America Great Again was the antithesis of the woke mentality, with its hostility to traditional U.S. national pride, its obsession with identity politics, its guilt-tripping about the Wests heritage and its embrace of green puritanism.

Kamala Harriss defeat was more than just an individual loss for the Democrat candidate. It was also a rejection of an entire philosophy.

The same process has been happening elsewhere in the world. In Canada, the ultra-liberal Justin Trudeau looks likely to be ousted soon by his Conservative opponent, the anti-woke Pierre Poilievre.

Further south, in Argentina, the new maverick President Javier Milei is enjoying phenomenal approval ratings as he takes an axe to woke shibboleths and civic bureaucracy.

In Europe the Italian leader Giorgia Meloni has grown in authority as she successfully implements a hard-line policy on immigration. Meanwhile, the woke elites in France and Germany are quaking as voters move to the Right.

Here in Britian, the dramatic rise of Nigel Farages Reform Party, which is now level-pegging in the polls with the two main parties and claims to have more members than the Tories, is an indicator of the widespread disillusion with wokery.

The trend can be seen in a host of other developments, like the anger that greeted the latest advertising campaign by Jaguar, which featured, not a car, but a group of largely androgynous models with solemn faces and brightly coloured outfits.

A couple of years ago this commercial might have been hailed as ground-breaking. In 2024 it was met with derision.

The loosening grip of the woke brigade is also illustrated by the decline of two of Britains foremost progressive institutions: the Stonewall charity and the Tavistock Clinics Gender Identity Development Service for children and young people.

Originally founded to campaign for gay equality, Stonewall became obsessed with implementing a radical brand of transgenderism.

The key instrument in this mission is its Diversity Champions scheme, whereby employers pay substantial fees for courses and certification that permit them to parade their inclusive credentials: the more woke they are, the higher they move up the table that ranks them against other companies.

And those who fell out of favour with Stonewall risked accusations of homophobia and transphobia. One gay rights campaigner, angry at the organisations methods, commented that the whole thing has become akin to some sort of protection racket.

Even so, the scheme was initially a huge success, with more than 900 organisations joining. But the more the money rolled in, the more extreme Stonewall became in its trans activism. Former backers grew alienated and major names  including local authorities, government departments and the BBC  dropped out of the scheme, which is now hopelessly discredited.

Even more broken is the Tavistock Clinics Gender Identity Development Service, which in 2021 had almost 2,500 cases on its books but in 2024 was forced to close after a damning report showed how it put transgender ideology before the clinical and psychological needs of young people.

In Europe the Italian leader Giorgia Meloni has grown in authority as she successfully implements a hard-line policy on immigration

The tide may have turned but the woke zealots will not give up without an enormous fight.

After all, they have on their side a Labour government with a majority of more than 200 in the House of Commons. The progressive agenda is part of Labours soul, its very reason for existence.

Thats why most Labour MPs and activists would have cheered last week when the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced a review of the school curriculum to make it more diverse.

The review, to be conducted by feminist professor Becky Francis, who once criticised Tony Blairs government for its obsession with academic achievement, will have input from the trade unions.

That is certain to lead to more wokery, as can be gauged from some of the recent statements of Daniel Kebede, the General Secretary of the National Education Union, who said of the last teachers strike: Its about taking back control from a brutally racist state.

Language like that shows that the wokerati are not about to surrender. Many of them have a professional vested interest in maintaining the apparatus of ideological oppression, such as the 10,000 diversity officers employed across the public sector, backed up by an army of consultants, trainers and managers.

Human resources departments have become agencies of woke enforcement, just as the top ranks of the police and Army subscribe to all the fashionable nostrums of political correctness.

Earlier this week, in another indicator of the strength of wokerys roots in our public life, it was reported that the Ministry of Defence is planning to remove the Christian cross from the cap badge of military chaplains in an effort to make the service more multicultural.

The bureaucrats do not care about public opinion, only the triumph of their doctrine. And the soaring waves of immigration, now running at the incredible net figure of over 900,000 a year, give them a spurious justification to maintain a kind of Maoist permanent revolution.

One of their key themes is that the workforce in every organisation must reflect the make-up of wider society.

But because of unending demographic upheaval, the work of change will never be done.

The fight will be all the tougher because the woke advocates, like all cultists, tend to be imbued with self-righteousness.

They see theirs as a moral cause, to rid Britain of prejudice.

So the Welsh government, in its latest anti-racism strategy, openly declares that its aim is to change the beliefs and behaviour of the white majority, a task which will require museums, libraries and galleries to set the right historical narrative and provide a decolonised account of the past.

In the same vein, HM Inspectorate of Probation promises to create, promote and embed cultural humility as part of its equality strategy.

The truth is we have had quite enough cultural humility which is nothing more than code for self-loathing  in our public realm.

A battle royal awaits between dogma and common sense.

For the sake of our national survival, the woke wreckers must be defeated  and reassuring events around the world show that they can be.
There are many reasons for despising Keir Starmer s botched attempt to sell out our sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, and thereby to prejudice the future of a vital US airbase.

The deal he has tried to do with Mauritius is stupid, defeatist, irresponsible and in no way justified by the historical and legal facts of the case. In all the history of post-imperial Britain, we have never abandoned a possession with such craven moral cowardice. This surrender would never be right, under any circumstances.

But what fills me with uncontainable fury and disbelief is that it is happening now, at the very moment when the UK needs to be doing all it can to show our allies  the Americans  that we are ready and willing to stand up the defence of the West.

In just a few weeks time the Ukrainians will have been fighting for three years. They have shown incomparable bravery, but of course they are tired. They need our help, and the help of the United States, now more than ever.

Within days, a new administration will take over the White House  the Trump administration. All the evidence I have seen suggests that Trump will have the courage and decisiveness to bring this Russian invasion to an end. I dont believe he will cave in to Putin. I believe he has the guts and clarity to back Ukraine  as he has in the past.

But we must be honest with ourselves, therefore, about the burden we are once again placing on America.

Once again, we Europeans are asking the US to use all its power and might to end a war in our own backyard. We are once again asking the Americans to show their commitment to the euro-Atlantic security area.

And we are making that demand of an incoming Trump administration that is notoriously  and reasonably  offended by the chronic refusal of all the Europeans to spend enough money on our own defence.

Keir Starmer's deal is stupid, defeatist, irresponsible, writes Boris Johnson

The Chagos islands are crucial to the defence of the West, writes Boris Johnson

The runways were used extensively in the First and Second Gulf Wars, as well as in the campaign to get the Taliban out of Afghanistan

No country in Europe comes close to US levels of defence spending, and the US spends a far bigger proportion of its GDP on defence than any major Nato economy. The US has given the lions share of Western military support to Ukraine  since Trump first authorised the shipments of Javelin missiles; and without that support I dont believe Ukraine would still be an independent country.

But we cannot just take this American generosity for granted. We know how serious the Americans are about burden-sharing in Nato. We know the strength of feeling in the Republican party. We know how vital it is to fight those American tendencies towards isolationism.

We Brits know this more clearly than any other European country, because it has been our historic function  for more than a century  to keep America engaged in the peace of Europe and the world.

So, this is the moment, therefore, when we  the Brits  should be doing everything in our power to show that we are committed to the partnership with America. With a new administration only days away, with the fate of the Ukrainians in the balance, we should be doing everything we can to show we are a stable, loyal and dependable ally.

Instead of which we are pathetically, effetely, limp-wristedly throwing away a vital Anglo-American asset  and all because of a pre-election promise made by Starmer to his ghastly coterie of Lefty-lawyer chums from Matrix Chambers.

Let me just remind you of the essential facts of geography. The Chagos islands are crucial to the defence of the West. The runways were used extensively in the First and Second Gulf Wars, as well as in the campaign to get the Taliban out of Afghanistan. The islands are more or less uninhabitable and uninhabited, except for the huge US base at Diego Garcia, which contains all sorts of crucial American kit.

Members of the Chagossian community protest against the Government's decision at Parliament Square

In the delicate balance of the Anglo-American relationship, we receive a huge amount  from nuclear technology to intelligence. The Chagos islands are one of the few very high cards in the UK's hand. We are able to give the US the use of that base with complete confidence, because the islands are ours, and have been since 1814. The Mauritian claim to sovereignty is baseless and without merit, not least since the archipelago is 1,300 miles from Mauritius.

You might as well say that they belong to Maldives  who also claim sovereignty  since the Maldives are only 645 miles away.

Nor is this Starmer deal in any sense about rectifying any post-colonial injustice. It is simply not true that there is a large group of Chagossian exiles yearning to return to their ancestral life of fishing and growing coconuts.

There are about 10,000 Chagossians scattered over the world, many of them in Crawley in Sussex. In my experience, they mainly want to be sure that their relatives also have the right to immigrate to the UK. But get this: even if the Chagossians did want to go back to Chagos, this Starmer deal does nothing for them.

Under the terms of the Starmer sell-out, they are completely ignored. They have no right of return. After decades in which the Left bleated about the rights of the Chagossians, it turns out that they are totally dispensable.

That is because the Lefty lawyers  I am thinking particularly of a fellow called Philippe Sands  are actuated not by an desire to vindicate the rights of the Chagossians, or of Mauritius, but simply a good old-fashioned Lefty hatred of the American imperium, and the vestiges of the British empire  both of which are neatly united in the Chagos archipelago.

The whole reason Lefty lawyers  Starmer included  have campaigned against UK sovereignty over Chagos is that they dislike American hegemony, and they dislike the UKs role as Americas most important European lieutenant. That is why they want to give them up to Mauritius, in the knowledge that the whole lot are now likely to fall eventually under Chinese influence.

It is frankly an absolute tragedy that they should have succeeded in their campaign now  at the dawn of 2025  when we need to show the Trump administration that we stand shoulder to shoulder with America, not just in Europe but around the world.

We must chuck the Chagos deal  and by a miracle, it looks as though fate is giving Starmer a way out. With sublime absurdity the new government in Mauritius has now rejected the deal. They are demanding a preposterous 800million a year to take this UK possession off our hands. In other words, they are completely taking the p**s.

So this is the moment to drop the deal and do something, at last, to restore UK standing in the eyes of the world.

Off your knees, Starmer. For the sake of the UKs standing in Washington, for the sake of our joint ability to fight for democracy in the Indian Ocean and around the world, it is time to end this disastrous folly. Tell the Mauritians that you have heard their demands, that they are insane, and that the deal is dead.

For the sake of the West, for the sake of the Anglo-American alliance, and above all for the sake of Ukraine, it is time to chuck the Chagos sell-out, and protect the British interest.
Chocoholics have shared their delight after realising that a popular treat, which was discontinued in 2018, has finally returned to the UK.

Posting to the Snack Reviews group on Facebook, one user triumphantly shared a picture of the sweet treat he 'spotted' at Home Bargains.

White Chocolate Crunch bars, which were axed by Nestle, are on sale at the discount retailer for 1.39 for 100g.

The much-loved snack is made from white chocolate and crisped rice. It made a brief reappearance in Londis stores in April 2024 but Nestle later confirmed that there were 'no current plans to bring them back'.

So now that the beloved treat is back in stock at Home Bargains, fans have raced to to get their hands on it.

'Take my money,' one desperate user wrote on Facebook. While a second fan described it as the 'best chocolate ever'.

Others said they 'needed to try' the chocolate bar, with some hoping that the dark chocolate version would be returning as well.

The classic milk chocolate crunch is still widely available across British supermarkets - with a 100g bar retailing for around 1.40.

Chocoholics have shared their delight after realising that a popular treat, which was discontinued in 2018, has returned to the UK. Posting to the Snack Reviews group on Facebook, one user shared a picture of the sweet treat he 'spotted' at Home Bargains

For those who are not lucky enough to have a Home Bargains nearby, one user said that she had seen the White Chocolate Crunch bar in Farmfoods.

'A bit cheaper at 1,' she said. 'They had the milk chocolate and white chocolate ones.'

The White Chocolate Crunch bar is not the only chocolate that has caused a frenzy online in recent months.

In mid-December, Lindt released a 'Dubai style' chocolate bar inspired by the viral treat people travelled across the world to get their hands on.

Featuring a crunchy pistachio mixture topped with crunchy Kadayif pastry, the Dubai chocolate has been described by online users as a 'holy grail' treat and crowned by Deliveroo as the most trending dish globally last month.

A mouthwatering 145g bar was priced at 10 in-store - although it was quickly listed online for hundreds of pounds.

Reaction: Others said they 'needed to try' the chocolate bar, with some hoping that the dark chocolate version would be returning as well

The much-loved snack is made from white chocolate and crisped rice. It made a brief reappearance in Londis stores in April 2024 but Nestle later confirmed that there were 'no current plans to bring them back' (stock photo)

Stefan Bruderer, Master Chocolatier at Lindt & Sprungli said: 'We're always tapped into consumer trends.

'After we saw how well the Dubai chocolate craze went down on social media, we knew we had to get involved and put our very own twist on it.'

Lindt's Dubai Style Chocolate is now available in select stores across the UK including Bicester Village, Leeds Trinity, McArthurGlen (Cheshire Oaks) and Bluewater, Dartford.

But the UK is not the first to be blessed with Lindt's Dubai-style chocolate bar.

The highly sought-after treat has already hit the chocolate giant's stores in the United States, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

In November, hundreds of shoppers queued up in the rain for hours in the western German city of Aachen to get their hands on the bar - with only 100 on offer.

The most dedicated chocoholics said they travelled over 4,000 miles to get their hands on the sweet treat.

With their camping chairs and waterproof jackets in hand, customers entering the store were greeted with staff members in white chef outfits and offered a sample of the Dubai style chocolate.

The Swiss chocolatier's new product has been hailed as a 'dream' by online users

Hundreds of customers line up to get their hands on Lindt's Dubai style chocolate bar in Stuttgart, southern Germany on November 15

They were then ushered over to buy a single bar bearing a unique number to add an element of exclusivity.

Speaking to the Independent after leaving the Lindt store in Aachen with the bar in hand, Zi Cheng Lai, 23, from Malaysia, said: 'Its a hype, a trend on social media, with people waiting in long lines. We want to try it out here and be part of it.'

Elsewhere in Stuttgart, Leon Faehnle told AFP: 'I waited 10 hours. I've been here since midnight just to taste this chocolate.'

But Lindt cannot take all the credit as the Dubai style chocolate was created in 2021 by British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda.

The Dubai-based businesswoman founded Fix Dessert Chocolate as a response to her pregnancy cravings and love of dessert, with 'Fix' standing for 'freaking incredible experience'.

'To be honest, not at any point did I think this was going to become global,' Sarah told CNN. 'It's insane what's been happening,' she added in response to the demand for the 'Can't Get Knafeh of it' bar from people all over the world.
Even when she died, in a Parisian palace on New Year's Eve at the age of 84, the jokes on social media kept on coming, like so much sewage in the Seine.

'How do we know she's dead? Her face hasn't moved in years.' And, 'I could have saved her a bunch of money by sticking her head in a bucket of bees'. And, 'Oh no, don't tell me Mickey Rourke has died?!'.

But to me and many others who suffer from crippling self-doubt and have committed terrible self-harm, her life and death feel profoundly sad.

Jocelyn Wildenstein, whose $2.5billion divorce settlement from French-American art dealer Alec N Wildenstein in 1999 made her one of the world's richest women, was also known as The Bride of Wildenstein or Cat Woman, thanks to her addiction to plastic surgery.

She died in her sleep, while taking a nap with her 57-year-old fashion designer partner, Lloyd Klein, apparently from a blood clot caused by the condition phlebitis. The couple had been together for 21 years. He commendably says in a statement following her death that he found her 'extremely beautiful'.

Indeed, looking back at photos of Jocelyn as a young woman, she was exquisite. That, of course, was before she was sliced open by a scalpel. As a young woman, she reminds me of Brigitte Bardot or Lana Turner: a heart-shaped face, high cheekbones, huge eyes.

And so the question everyone is asking is: What on earth possessed her? Why do even genetically blessed people believe they are hideous? As a young man, Michael Jackson was perfect. How could he not see that?

But if you believe you are flawed, nothing and no one can convince you otherwise. And surgery becomes a compulsion: you fiddle, fix, fiddle some more.

Jocelyn Wildenstein, who died in Paris on New Year's Eve at the age of 57, after her billion-dollar divorce battle

Jocelyn aged 15 with her heart-shaped face, high cheekbones, and huge eyes, getting ready for ballet

Pictured in her late thirties with her high cheekbones. Jocelyn started undergoing cosmetic surgery after she married billionaire Wildenstein in 1978, becoming one of the jet set's most flamboyant characters

These people who end up looking odd and alien-like are not remotely vain. Far from it. They cannot even bear to look at themselves in the mirror.

Jocelyn started undergoing cosmetic surgery after she married billionaire Wildenstein in 1978, becoming one of the jet set's most flamboyant characters.

For years she lived an extraordinary life of eye-popping luxury. In the couple's townhouse in Manhattan, there was said to have been an aquarium containing a small shark.

They owned artworks by Botticelli, Rubens, Rembrandt  it was a life surrounded by beauty, perhaps adding to the intolerable pressure Jocelyn felt to be 'perfect' herself.

There was an elegant Renaissance mansion on the outskirts of Paris, a private compound on the British Virgin Islands, and a 66,000-acre luxury reserve in Kenya. Jocelyn once told a story about Alec shooting a lion and then eating a piece of its heart.

He was said to have loved big cats and especially the lynx  hence Jocelyn's Cat Woman look  but it is hard to tell what is myth and what is not.

During the divorce proceedings, she stated she continued to have cosmetic surgery over the course of the 20-year marriage because her husband 'hated to be with old people'.

That is telling and tragic, isn't it? Women should feel more secure once in a relationship, but it seems too often it's precisely when the doubts creep in.

Even today, addicted as I am to Botox and filler, I still avoid mirrors, writes Liz Jones

Jocelyn aged 50 with her changing face. On her divorce, as well as the $2.5 billion, Jocelyn was given $100 million annually for the next 13 years

Aged 59, posing in New York. Jocelyn was so deluded, she even denied having had much done to her face and body

And, of course, the endless renovations never work, never mean we are loved. Instead of being resprayed like a car, we can simply be replaced. What prompted her divorce was Jocelyn finding her husband, then in his late 50s, in bed with a 21-year-old Russian model. So far, so predictable.

Looking at photographs of myself between the ages of 13 and 21, I was, if not beautiful, then certainly not hideous. I'm looking at a photo of me at a student party in 1978. I had young hair! I was slim, long-limbed, with huge eyes.

But I felt so ugly that, from the age of five, I developed techniques to avoid looking at myself. I would slide along a wall into the girls' loo at school to avoid the mirror, and would never, ever look up while washing my hands because that way, madness lies.

I remember the relief of being given No7 foundation for Christmas as a teenager  a layer of thickly spread make-up was a lifeline, a mask behind which I could tentatively face the world.

As I grew up, I moved on to elaborate skincare routines  procedures such as electrolysis, facials, waxing, lasers. Eventually, at the age of 29, so desperate was I for a model's silhouette, I had a breast reduction.

The invariably male plastic surgeons are so seductive, so outwardly caring, they seem like miracle workers, our friends and saviours! Twenty-five years later, I sat in my surgeon's office and watched in a mirror as he placed his hands either side of my face and lifted. As Keira Knightley remarked in Love Actually, 'Oh. I look quite pretty.'

Then the surgeon took away his hands, and my face dropped, like an over-whisked sponge. I was sold. I had a face lift and blepharoplasty (eye bag removal) aged 52. (God, I wasn't even old!)

Even today, addicted as I am to Botox and filler, I still avoid mirrors. If ever my iPhone camera is facing the wrong way as if to take a selfie, I have a heart attack. Just now, I caught my reflection on my laptop and fell into a pit of despair.

After my latest Botox, even my phone failed to recognise me, so I couldn't log into my bank. Just as well, really, given the cost of all the cosmetic work.

In Jocelyn, I recognise a kindred spirit, albeit one with much more money to undertake much more radical transformations. She wasn't vain, I can tell that much. So why did she do this to herself?

Self-hatred, is my guess. Self-loathing can be genetic. It can be caused by an anomaly in your brain similar to an addiction, a mental illness. Or it can be societal: you are told you are not good enough, often by those who are supposed to shore you up, so you believe you aren't.

And so I feel huge sympathy for her. How she must have despised herself. The pain she will have endured: anyone who has had a face lift or liposuction will tell you the pain is off the scale, the recovery time long and humiliating.

Aged 77 - The so-called Cat Woman claimed she'd only had Botox twice

Too many young women today are all little Jocelyn Wildensteins, wobbling through the world on difficult shoes, not striding powerfully towards fulfilment. This is the real pandemic that is felling a generation, writes Liz jones

Jocelyn with her 57-year-old fashion designer partner, Lloyd Klein

I had to wear a sling on my face for four weeks post-surgery; it made my dogs bark in alarm. The flesh around my ears is still numb, over a decade later. I can no longer whistle. And, of course, gravity still cannot be denied, and so you need the procedure done again, and again, and again.

Women could rule the world, and would certainly be happier, if we were not preoccupied with our looks. The time, the expense, the energy Jocelyn would have expended! If only she had had a passion outside her own skin that meant she cared not a hoot what she looked like.

I think the most beautiful women in every sense are those who shrug off their beauty like an old cardigan and get stuck into stuff that really matters.

Take 1960s Vogue cover girl Celia Hammond, who has devoted her life to saving animals. Now 81, she never buys new clothes or wears make-up and runs an animal charity. She literally shines from every pore.

For years as a glossy magazine editor, I'd sit front row at fashion shows in Paris, surrounded by social X-rays who seemed terrified of the passage of time, misery seeping from their tiny, over-procedured pores.

You cannot entirely blame men, or even the fashion and beauty industries for our self-harm (though you can perhaps blame the surgeons who inflict too many procedures upon patients in the name of greed). From dyeing our hair every fortnight to going under the knife, pursuit of perfection is a slippery slope and we should be able to see that for ourselves.

Lack of self-esteem, not being brought up in a protective bubble where we are told we are beautiful every day  that we deserve our space in the world  with love and happiness (only on his death bed did my dad tell me I was lovely), leaves us turning the knife inwards, twisting it in our guts.

On her divorce, as well as the $2.5 billion, Jocelyn was given $100 million annually for the next 13 years. She didn't do a great deal of good with it, but spent millions in her lifetime on re-sculpting her face  from eye and brow lifts to lip enhancement to goodness knows what else.

Sadder still, she lost contact with both of her children, Alec Jr and Diane, who are now in their 50s.

Astonishingly, she filed for bankruptcy in 2018; goodness, we have so much in common!

Jocelyn was so deluded, she even denied having had much done to her face and body. She credited her background  she was born in Switzerland, nee Jocelynnys Dayannys da Silva Bezerra Perisset  for her cheekbones as high as the Alps and her feline eyes, just like her favourite animal, the leopard. 'I don't like Botox  I've only had it twice. I think I am allergic, so my face swelled up,' she said.

Yeah, right. As Sir Walter Scott wrote: 'Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.'

Literally. I see so many young women with cheap, matted weaves, extensions that will ruin their natural hair. I want to rip them from their empty heads. The addiction to an idea of 'beauty' that doesn't exist in nature; the misguided pursuit of 'perfection', it all seems more prevalent now than it ever was.

The lashes, the tattooed brows, the over-extended lips that enter a room minutes before their owner does  too many young women today are all little Jocelyn Wildensteins, wobbling through the world on difficult shoes, not striding powerfully towards fulfilment. This is the real pandemic that is felling a generation.

And so, we really shouldn't laugh at the so-called Bride of Wildenstein. Her actions should be a grave, cautionary tale. In my opinion, she wasted her life. Don't let other girls grow up to do the same.
A naturopathic doctor has revealed a bizarre secret that she says can help you live longer - and it's quite surprising.

The information was shared in a new video posted to TikTok this week by Dr. Janine Bowring, a Canada-based expert who has over 25 years of experience and clinical research under her belt.

She revealed that taking fewer breaths may actually be the secret to a longer life.

'The average adult takes about 15 to 20 breaths per minute, which is actually far too much,' Dr. Bowring claimed.

'If you can slow your breathing down to about five point five breaths per minute, that is related now to longevity,' she continued.

The doctor then started to compare human beings to other animals, like dolphins and whales, who take fewer breaths and live 'much longer' than humans.

She said that these mammals only take three to five breaths per minute.

'Whereas, a mouse takes 90 to 250 breaths per minute, and they only live two to seven years,' she explained.

The information was shared in a new video posted to TikTok this week by Dr. Janine Bowring , a Canada-based expert who has over 25 years of experience and clinical research under her belt

'Stress, as we know, when we're stressed out, we breathe more quickly, and we know that stress is definitely correlated with a shorter life, so my tip here is to consciously breathe, slowing down the breath,' the doctor continued.

'This is one of the reasons why meditation and yoga can be really powerful and helping you to live longer,' she concluded.

And, it looks like Bowring could be on to something here.

According to Earth.com, a study performed on mice by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital last year showed that those kept in areas with lower oxygen levels lived longer.

They reported that the mice who were exposed to 11 percent oxygen levels lived '50 percent longer' as compared to their counterparts who were kept with oxygen levels of 21 percent.

'The theory is that less oxygen reduces cellular damage and stimulates cells to clear out and recycle damaged components more efficiently, thereby slowing down the aging process,' the outlet wrote.

However, the study has not been recreated in humans, so it's unclear how it would effect us.

'It is premature to speculate on the implication of these findings for human aging,' Pulmonologist Dr. Roger Roberts, the lead researcher of the study, told the outlet.

The doctor then started to compare human beings to other animals, like dolphins and whales, who take fewer breaths and live 'much longer' than humans (stock image)

'But there are several interesting clues from epidemiological research that living at high altitude where there is a lower oxygen concentration might increase median lifespan and reduce the burden of age-related diseases,' Dr. Roberts continued.

Taking fewer breaths is not the only naturopathic tip that Dr. Bowring has shared with viewers in recent months.

In December, she shared three tips that will help you to go to the bathroom every morning.

The first piece of advice that she offered to stimulate a bowel movement was to drink something hot when you first wake up in the morning.

'This is going to help to stimulate your colon to release its contents,' Dr. Bowring explained.

Her last two tips had to do with circadian rhythm.
An American expat living in Australia has detailed her confusion after realising she may have been wrong about a common slang all these years.

Tara, who relocated from Texas to the Central Coast in NSW in 2020 to live with her Aussie husband, said she had always thought women used the term 'doll' as a sweet endearment.

It wasn't until the 34-year-old Googled 'terms of endearment in Australia' that she discovered women were actually referring to each other as 'darl', not 'doll'.

'I was making a post about how much I loved Australian women using the word "doll". So I randomly googled terms of endearment... The top term one was 'darl' and I was like... Wait a minute,' she said.

'The accents are confusing sometimes.'

The scientist, who works in a medical laboratory, shared an amusing video on social media after making the discovery.

'I just found something out about Australia and I feel so stupid,' she said.

'So I've been living in Australia for the past four years now and the entire time that I've been living here, I thought all the women were calling each other "doll".

American expat Tara has detailed her confusion after realising she may have been wrong about a common Aussie slang all these years

'Come to find out it's "darl" but it sounds like "doll". They've been calling each other "darl" like short for "darling".

'It's so cute like I swear I loved it when women would call me this but the entire time I have thought they've been calling me "doll".'

Despite her confusion, thousands of people weighed in, with many Aussies saying they often switch between using the terms 'doll' and 'darl' so she's not wrong.

'Aussie here and it's probably a mixture of both depending on the age of the person saying it. I use both but most often "darl". My grandma uses "doll",' one said.

'If its a tiny human Ill call her "doll" but the big humans get "darl" mostly in the sense of, "oh youre a darl". Aussies love to shorten everything,' another shared.

'Some say "doll", some say "darl". especially in northern states you'll hear "darl" as "dahl" - those vowels get flattened,' one added.

While one woman explained that 'darl' was now an outdated term in Australia.

'Australian here, no one says "darl" except the very occasional old lady. It might actually be "doll", way more common,' one said.

The 34-year-old has been living in Australia for more than four years after moving from Texas

Tara replied to the Aussies' responses about switching between both terms, joking: 'Omg, I feel like I wouldnt be able to hear the difference.'

She added: 'So hard for my American ears to distinguish but Ill be listening more closely the next time.

'I learn something new everyday.'

Many US expats living in Australia agreed with Tara.

'It took me two years to realise, so you're not alone,' one said.

'OMG! I am a Texan living in Australia two years now and I thought the same thing,' another added.

Meanwhile, some Aussies pointed out that they avoid using the term 'darl', as it could come off on the wrong foot depending on the context and the tone in which it's said.

'A lot of Aussie women hate being called "darl" because it can be patronising... Like when Im going through McDonald's and they mess up my order and the female manager goes, "Darl, it's the right order"... The way my eye TWITCHES,' one said, laughing.

Another shared: 'I dont like it when strange men say it to me. It's a term of affection from a woman but definitely feels patronising when it's coming from a man.'

Using her own experience from the US, Tara replied: 'We feel that way about being called "sweetheart" in the States.'
Meghan Markle showed off her impressive calligraphy skills in the trailer for her new Netflix cookery show.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, can be seen writing labels for homemade candles, - which could possibly be for her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard - in a teaser clip for her eight-episode series 'With Love, Meghan'.

In the trailer, which was shared on Meghan's new Instagram account yesterday, the royal can be seen teaching her friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin how to write calligraphy labels.

We see him carefully place the label on a candle and Meghan says: 'This is about connecting with friends, I love how we are doing together for the first time.'

Daniel is believed to have known Meghan for over a decade, having met her while the former actress worked on Suits.

However it's not the first time Meghan shared her calligraphy skills, as she taught calligraphy, gift-wrapping and book-binding at the Paper Source store in Beverly Hills from 2004 to 2005 when she was a jobbing actress trying to make ends meet.

In addition to her job at Paper Source, she also worked as a freelance calligrapher, famously writing the invitations for celebrities Robin Thicke and Paula Patton's wedding in 2005.

And she appears to have prompted a surge in sales of calligraphy craft kits with a 2018 trends report from Hobbycraft detailing an increase in interest in calligraphy kits, up 40 per cent from 2017.

Meghan Markle showed off her impressive calligraphy skills, alongside her friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin in the trailer for her new Netflix cookery show

The Duchess of Sussex , 43, can be seen writing labels for homemade candles, which could possibly be for her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard which she launched in 2024, in a teaser clip for her eight-episode series 'With Love, Meghan'

Hobbycraft noted that sales peaked over the summer period, in line with the Royal Wedding on the 19 May 2018.

Customer director Katherine Paterson said: 'Putting pen to paper is becoming more popular and there's no doubt that the Duchess of Sussex has helped to raise the profile of calligraphy writing. Our calligraphy range continues to sell well and we only expect this to continue.'

Winnie Park, CEO of Paper Source in the US has previously spoken about Meghan's calligraphy sessions.

She told PEOPLE: 'She taught calligraphy and hosted a group of customers and instructed them during a two-hour class on how to do calligraphy.

'She would have advised customers on projects  from wedding invitations to creating personalised stationary to gift-wrapping,' she adds. 'She has talked about being a big fan of custom stationary and thinks it's the best gift to give a friend.'

Meghan wrote about her love of handwritten notes on her former lifestyle blog, The Tig saying: 'I think handwritten notes are a lost art form.

'When I booked my first [TV] pilot, my dad wrote me a letter that I still have. The idea of someone taking the time to put pen to paper is really special.'

Daniel is a New York-based makeup artist who began his career as an independent makeup artist in 2004.

Fans got a glimpse of Meghan's penmanship in 2019, when Author Matt Haig shared a thank you note he received from her after she featured his poem in her guest-edited Vogue issue

Their relationship began when Meghan didn't have a publicist, therefore she personally reached out to Daniel's agent at The Wall Group - and he described how they both had an 'instant connection.'

'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.

Daniel showed his support of Meghan's return to social media earlier this week, declaring 'my sis is back'.

On Wednesday Meghan 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, which has now quickly jumped to one million, 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.

Daniel, 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 pair, pictured together, are believed to have last worked together in May 2022, when Meghan and Harry visited the Netherlands for the Invictus Games

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...'

Fans got a glimpse of Meghan's penmanship in 2019, when author Matt Haig shared a thank you note he received from her after she featured his poem in her guest-edited Vogue issue.

The duchess revealed her flawless handwriting in a thank you letter sent to an author, praising his book 'A note from the beach' as a 'household favourite'.

Posting a picture of the letter from the Duchess, written in calligraphy on a monogrammed 'M' card, Matt admitted that he 'wishes he could tell my young hopeless suicidal self about all of this magic to stay alive for.'

In the September of 2019 issue of British Vogue, Meghan hailed his poem, which is an ode from a beach telling swimmers not to be body-conscious.

In the note, written on headed paper, The Duchess said: 'Dear Matt, since reading 'Notes on a Nervous Planet' last fall, it instantly became a household favourite.

'When I knew I would be guest editing the September issue of British Vogue I knew you had to be a part of it.

'Thank you for being a force for change. The world needs more of you!'

He shared his glee in receiving the note and said that he can now 'die happy'.

Matt said: 'Got home to some unusual mail, amid all the bills and magazines.

'An envelope from Kensington Palace.

'HRH Duchess Meghan called me a 'force for change' and now I can die happy.

'This year is beyond anything I imagined, years ago, getting rejection after rejection from publishers.

'I would love to go back in time and tell my young hopeless suicidal self about all of this magic to stay alive for.'

He quipped on Meghan's perfect writing and added: 'Persist. (I have now enrolled for handwriting classes.)''
Zara and Delfina even stepped out both wearing similar floral gowns

The Duchess of Sussex's pals Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier cozied up to Zara and Mike Tindall hours after appearing in the trailer for With Love, Meghan.

Princess Anne's daughter and her husband cut chic figures as they attended the Magic Millions event on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Zara, 43, and Mike, 46, are longtime supporters of the event, for which the royal is an ambassador.

Magic Millions is a thoroughbred racehorse auction house that often holds events throughout the year.

Zara is a known keen horsewoman and has even competed in the Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in 2012 as part of the Great Britain Eventing Team.

The couple came across Harry and Meghan's close friends, Nacho and Delfina, who also attended the occasion on Friday.

Nacho, 47, is an Argentine polo player with a keen interest in horses and was recently seen in Prince Harry's Netflix series, Polo.

Whereas Delfina recently starred in Meghan's trailer for her new Netflix series, where she was seen giggling with what appeared to be a cocktail in her hand.

Pictured L-R: Nicole Slater, Nacho Figueras, Mike Tindall, Zara Tindall, Billy Slater and Delfina Blaquier

When Meghan posted the trailer on Thursday, Delfina added it to her Instagram story and wrote: 'Congrats for the love and hard work you put into this project of yours!

'So grateful to be a part of it - I can't wait to see all you have to share.'

But Delfina and Nacho seemed to be all smiles with Zara and Mike as they posed alongside each other at the event.

Nacho was seen wrapping his arms around Mike as they beamed for the camera, with Zara on the other side of her husband.

They were also joined by Billy and Nicole Slater, who were posing for the image in-between the two couples.

Zara opted for a stunning black gown constructed of semi-sheer lace with cutouts that showed a hint of skin.

The dress featured an eye catching floral embroidery down the centre in white, yellow and green tones.

She completed the look with pointed black heels and a designer clutch in a metallic leather.

Delfina recently starred in Meghan's trailer for her new Netflix series, where she was seen giggling with what appeared to be a cocktail in her hand

Zara and Mike Tindall are back in Australia for their latest visit Down Under

Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier, some of Harry and Meghan's closest friends, are snapped at the event

Zara opted for a glowing makeup look with hints of blush while pulling her blonde hair off her face.

Mike meanwhile chose a muted brown suede jacket paired with black trousers and a matching tie.

He completed the look with black leather boots and a white dress shirt, grinning as he cuddled up close to his stunning wife.

Delfina seemingly matched with Zara, donning a strapless baby blue satin dress which also had a giant flower embroidered on the front.

The frock had a big slit in the middle, showing off her strappy nude heels. She accessorised the look with a clutch bag and wore her blonde tresses down in a curly blow-dry.

Nacho looked smart in a matching grey suit which he paired with a crisp white shirt and cream suede loafers.

Delfina and Meghan have formed such a strong friendship through their husband's passion for the sport that they have even referred to each other as 'sister' and 'fellow polo wife'.

The Duchess of Sussex launched her new Instagram account - which now boasts over one million followers - on New Year's Day.

She posted a reel, which was filmed by Prince Harry, of herself running barefoot on a sandy beach before writing '2025'.

Meghan promises to share 'tips and tricks' on how to bring a little sparkle to every day life with the series

The Duchess tells viewers she loves 'taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it' as she discusses hosting

Delfina posted the reel to her Instagram story and congratulated the Duchess of Sussex

The Duchess, 43, bills the series as creating 'wonder in every moment' as she shares her tips and tricks on living well

Delfina added Meghan's video to her own story, writing that she was 'so proud' of her.

'Hola M. Can't wait to see more. Love you friend and so proud of you,' she captioned the reposted video.

Meghan and Delfina became fast friends after being introduced by their husbands, who are thought to have had a friendship from as far back as 2007.

It has long been rumoured the profile belonged to Meghan after the account was set up back in June, 2022, but remained empty. She then teased fans again in 2023 when she declared she was 'getting back on Instagram'.

Now the mother-of-two has confirmed the profile is hers, by posting a clip walking towards the shoreline at the beach in California, where she lives with Prince Harry, and children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

The move is a huge u-turn for the Duchess, and is understood to be part of a new chapter for the couple and their lives in America, with her and Harry having previously ditched social media after quitting their royal duties.

As well as her first post, the @meghan account also updated its profile picture to a black-and-white shot of Meghan smiling and wearing and elegant white dress.

Zara and Mike's outing with Harry and Meghan's friends comes as the former rugby star revealed he found joining the Royal family 'easy' and insisted it was all down to him 'being nice to them'.

In a new interview with The Telegraph to promote his book, The Good, the Bad & the Rugby - Unleashed, with James Haskell and Alex Payne, the former rugby player said joining royal life was 'simple really'.

He wrote: wrote 'Believe it or not, marrying into the Royal family was pretty easy for me. They were always nice to me, and I was always nice to them. Simple really.'

One of the Duchess's first guests is long time friend (and recipient of American Riviera Orchard jam) Mindy Kaling

The Duchess invites several guests into her Montecito kitchen, including chef Roy Choi, who jokes he and Meghan are 'family'

Meghan insists the series is not about achieving 'perfection', rather finding 'joy' in the little things in life

The 'easy' marriage is in stark contrast with others, namely Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle who formerly stepped down from all royal duties, alongside her husband in 2020 - less than two years after she joined the family.

Meanwhile, Meghan's transition into royal life was marred by tense relations with the family, including her eventually resulting in the couple's split from their roles as senior royals.

The American actress was reported to have a 'tense' and troubled relationship to her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, following alleged disagreements surrounding Meghan's choice of flower girls' dresses at her wedding in 2018.

In comparison, Mike is seen to have nurtured his relationships with his in-laws, including with Prince William and his eldest son, George.

During the interview, Mike also revealed the close bond he shares with Prince George, 11, the first born son of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The rugby fanatic is known to have a close relationship with the young royal - and was snapped affectionately ruffling his hair during December's Christmas day service.
Marc Cherry, the creator of Desperate Housewives, has revealed how he really feels about The Real Housewives franchises after they were inspired by his own series.

Cherry's series, which premiered in 2004, was a fictional show that depicted a group of housewives living in suburbia and their everyday lives, the first episode beginning with a mysterious suicide of their close friend.

However, just two years later, in 2006, Bravo created a 'real life' version of Desperate Housewives, called The Real Housewives, beginning the first franchise in Orange County, California.

While Desperate Housewives ended in 2012 after eight seasons, the Bravo reality series has taken on extreme popularity, expanding to over five cities in America.

Now, in a new interview with People, Cherry has lifted the lid on his true thoughts about the reality show.

'They didn't crib my name, to be fair to them,' Cherry said of The Real Housewives.

'They just used the word,' he continued. 'Our show came out, and they capitalized on that. And you know what? That's the capitalistic system.'

The writer also shared that he doesn't have any ill-will towards the reality show or all the success it's found in recent years.

Marc Cherry, the creator of Desperate Housewives, has revealed how he really feels about The Real Housewives franchises after they were inspired by his own series

However, just two years later, in 2006, Bravo created a 'real life' version of Desperate Housewives, called The Real Housewives, beginning the first franchise in Orange County, California

'They just used the word,' he continued. 'Our show came out, and they capitalized on that. And you know what? That's the capitalistic system'

However, he did admit that sometimes, people got would get confused between the two shows, like actor Tommy Tune.

'Tommy got confused and said, "Oh, so do you produce all the various cities?" And I looked at him  I had no idea what he was talking about,' Chery recalled.

'And then I realized, "Oh, you think I created the real-life Housewives franchise?"'

The producer told the outlet that he 'doesn't regret' ending the show in 2012, but admitted that The Real Housewives may have overshadowed Desperate Housewives because 'it continues to be out there' and creating new episodes and franchises.

'I envy the fact that they've kept that franchise going,' he told the outlet.

'I certainly envy the good folks who produce that show because it's a train that keeps on chugging. So good for them.'

The first franchise of The Real Housewives, which was set in Orange County, recently celebrated 18 seasons on Bravo.

And, it looks like the network has no plans of slowing down its various Real Housewives franchises anytime soon.

However, he did admit that sometimes, people got would get confused between the two shows, like actor Tommy Tune

The first franchise of The Real Housewives, which was set in Orange County, recently celebrated 18 seasons on Bravo

And, it looks like the network has no plans of slowing down its various Real Housewives franchises anytime soon

During a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bravo exec Andy Cohen opened up about whether or not they worry about 'oversaturation' within the franchise.

'We worried about it way more in the past,' he admitted to the outlet at the time.

'When we decided to put two on a week, we were all like, "Oh my God, is this too much?" Any potential tipping point wouldve already happened,' he explained.

'I still wake up every morning to people demanding the next trailer for whatever Housewives show is next on deck.'
It was estimated that 20 royal women spent over 1.65 million on 1,488 new items

New research has revealed which British royal spent the most on clothes in 2024 - with a surprising member of The Firm coming out on top.

Style blog UFO No More recently analysed the wardrobes of 20 royal women across Europe before ranking them from most to least expensive.

The royals on their list included Princess Charlene of Monaco, the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Spain's Queen Letizia, the Duchess of Sussex and Princess Beatrice among others.

Only taking into account new items of clothing, the royal watchers broke these down into three categories - unidentified pieces, identified items with known costs, and those where the designer is known but the price is not.

It was estimated that these 20 royal women spent over 1.65 million (around 2 million) on 1,488 new items in 2024, with Princess Charlene ranking first on UFO's list.

The 46-year-old reportedly shelled out nearly 300,000 (354,588) on a new wardrobe last year, making her collection the priciest among her European counterparts.

However, one member of the British Royal Family wasn't far behind the Monegasque princess and ranked higher than both Meghan and Zara Tindall, both 43, on the style blog's list.

Sophie came in at fourth place after it emerged she 'spent' 135,863 (163,664) on the 105 new articles of clothing that she wore last year.

New research has revealed which British royal spent the most on clothes in 2024 - with the Duchess of Edinburgh coming out on top

Right behind her was Princess Anne's stylish daughter Zara, 43, who is thought to have invested in 109 pieces of new clothing for a total cost of 106,168 (127,984)

MailOnline recently calculated that Meghan spent over 100,000 on new clothes and jewellery in 2024

Right behind her was Princess Anne's stylish daughter Zara, 43, who is thought to have invested in 109 pieces of new clothing for a total cost of 106,168 (127,984).

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan was ranked sixth on the list after MailOnline revealed she spent over 100,000 on never-seen-before clothes and pieces of jewellery over the course of 56 public appearances last year.

Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice, who spent just over 44,000 (53.297) on 57 new items of clothing, was placed 15th - three places ahead of her sister Princess Eugenie.

The total cost of Eugenie's new clothes in 2024 totalled 27,427 (33,069) while the Princess of Wales - who stepped back from public life to receive chemotherapy treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer - spent just over 10,000 (12,977).

Since taking on the title of Duchess of Edinburgh in March 2023, Sophie's style has been dramatically transformed - with the mother-of-two turning to Kate for fashion inspiration.

Over the years, Sophie has developed a fondness for muted hues, floral prints, and matching millinery sought-after designers that has translated into a slew of sartorial wins for the royal.

She was the epitome of elegance at the Royal Ascot in 2023, when Sophie wore Suzannah London's 'Allison' dress, featuring a 1940s-inspired fit-and-flare silhouette and a beautiful bow-effect neckline.

She embraced utilitarian chic for a visit to the Charfleet Book Bindery in Canvey Island in June 2023, with Sophie opting to wear an army-green trench dress from Kate's go-to designer Alexander McQueen.

Sophie demonstrated her ability to combine colour at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May, when she donned her Aspiga 'Victoria' corduroy dress and Paige 'Tawni' jacket for the third time

Known as the royal family's 'secret weapon', Sophie delivered a series of standout outfits in 2024 - including her chic ensemble for the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May when she expertly combined her Aspiga 'Victoria' corduroy dress with her Paige 'Tawni' jacket.

Meanwhile, celebrity stylist Alex Longmore declared Princess Anne's daughter Zara the best-dressed British royal in 2024.

She told MailOnline: 'Zara's style has taken off stratospherically in the last year. She always looks amazing.

'She has a style formula and sticks to it. For royal occasions, she chooses belted tea dresses, in bright colours, often with dramatic sleeves.

'She looks stunning, a far cry from jodhpurs and mucking out gear!'

One of the equestrian's standout looks from 2024 was the burgundy trouser-suit that she picked for Kate's comeback Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey last month.

Among the European royal ladies, Princess Sofia of Sweden also splurged on a new wardrobe comprising 97 new pieces that reportedly cost 101,562 (122,452) in total.

Her sister-in-law and the wife of Prince Carl Philip, Crown Princess Victoria acquired new clothes worth nearly 68,000 (81,717).

Ranked 12th on the list was Queen Maxima of the Netherlands after the value of her clothes was estimated at around 50,000 (59,726), followed by Queen Letizia of Spain and Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Watch out, Melania Trump - there might be a new style icon entering the family.

On New Year's Eve, Donald Trump's son, Don Jr., made his entrance to the glamorous Florida bash alongside new girlfriend, socialite Bettina Anderson.

The 47-year-old was previously engaged to TV news personality Kimberly Guilfoyle, 55, but the couple parted ways late last year.

While Don Jr. may have looked dapper himself in a black tuxedo and matching bowtie, Anderson stole the show at Mar-a-Lago, looking chic in a glittering, strapless, sequined gown by Elie Saab.

She looked sensational in the tan-colored dress, which was complete with intricate silver and gold floral sequins emblazoned all over the top and skirt.

The blonde beauty, 38, wore her hair long and tucked behind her ears, pairing the look with a simple clutch bag, diamond necklace, and large diamond stud earrings.

Her makeup was quite natural-looking, as the newcomer wore a neutral lip and brown smoky-eye.

While her exact dress seems to be sold-out, it was once listed at $7,150, according to Google.

On New Year's Eve, Trump's son, Don Jr, made his entrance to the glamorous Florida bash alongside new girlfriend, socialite Bettina Anderson

But it seems that the dress was well worth the price as many have been effusively fawning over the look, leaving fashion fans excited to see how Anderson will style her upcoming looks as her boyfriend's father takes office in just a few weeks.

In a Friday issue of her Substack newsletter, controversial influencer and writer Jessica Reed Kraus, also known as @houseinhabit online, praised Anderson for her chic New Year's Eve look.

Krais wrote that, 'amid this dreary doomsday cycle,' fashion is the 'decided distraction' that everyone seems desperate for right now.

'Enter Bettina Anderson and the quiet revival of high glamour in the political scene,' Kraus declared.

'Alongside Melania's impeccably tailored Ralph Lauren suits commanding attention, Don Jr.'s new flame is earning a spotlight of her own,' she continued.

'Bettina made a dazzling debut at Mar-a-Lago's New Year's Eve celebration wearing a strapless nude ballgown edged in silver,' she gushed.

The blogger also noted how much Anderson stood out in her dress, calling her a 'budding style icon.'

'Up front, everyone looked flawless: Don Sr. in a classic tux, Elon Musk and his suited brood awkwardly folding into the scene, and Melania in a chic black gown caught laughing, dancing, even sharing a kiss (on the mouth!) with Donald at the stroke of midnight,' Kraus wrote.

The dress was well worth the price, with many have been effusively fawning over the gown

Anderson looked sensational in the tan-colored dress, which was complete with intricate silver and gold floral sequins emblazoned all over the top and skirt

While Don Jr. may have looked dapper himself in a black tuxedo and matching bowtie, Anderson stole the show, looking chic in a glittering, strapless, sequined gown by Elie Saab

Anderson stunned in a fierce red dress at the Trump family Christmas at Mar-a-Lago

''I need to know everything about that woman,' a follower messaged about Bettina. My group chats lit up with similar intrigue and admiration, cementing her place as a budding style icon for the conservative sector (who could really use it),' she concluded.

Kraus and her followers weren't the only ones captivated by Anderson's style.

Style expert Alisa Frederico told DailyMail.com that Anderson's New Year's Eve dress was a 'standout choice,' both 'elegant' and 'fashion-forward.'

'The design balanced sophistication and boldness beautifully, making it a memorable moment,' Frederico, who is the style director at Dressing Jane, told DailyMail.com.

'Her attention to detail in both styling and fit showcased her understanding of timeless glamour with a modern twist,' she continued.

Frederico also praised Anderson's choice to wear Elie Saab for the evening, explaining that Saab's designs 'exude elegance, with shimmering fabrics and couture-level craftmanship being hallmarks of his work.'

'Bettina has the potential to emerge as a fashion icon,' Frederico explained.

'Her choices so far demonstrate a willingness to take risks while maintaining a refined and polished aesthetic,' the expert continued.

'If she continues on this path, she could become a major influence in fashion, offering inspiration for others to embrace classic elegance with a contemporary edge. I am very much in favor in of her elegant take on bold femininity.'

New York-based fashion blogger Emily Hertz, agreed, telling the DailyMail.com that Bettina has 'always' been iconic.

'Adore her style,' she said passionately. 'She's as lovely a person as she is beautiful.'

The outing comes after a source told People that President-elect Trump's eldest son complained about ex-Kimberly's style - as some of her more questionable fashion choices resurfaced on social media.

The insider revealed that 'Don Jr. has been telling people for months that Kim is so uptight and always dresses so professionally in these kinds of dresses and high heels, and never looks relaxed or casual.'

Kimberly, 55, is most often photographed wearing plunging patriotic red and blue dresses from unknown designers, while Bettina has a penchant for showing off her high fashion purchases in professional Instagram photoshoots.
British cuisine can be a controversial topic abroad, with many foreigners sceptical of food coming out of the fish and chippy-loving nation.

But one part of UK produce most can agree on is cheeses, with Cheddar and Stilton huge favourites in Italy, France and the US.

And while these have dominated foreign fromage counters abroad, one tangy blue from the UK, Shropshire Blue, is making waves globally, having been spotted in bars as far away as Brazil.

Shropshire Blue has been seen in shops in Paris, Malaga and Porto - and has been spotted at a wine bar in Sao Paulo.

The owner of one British Cheese Deli in Zurich, Rui Trindade Farinha told the Telegraph that the cheese is giving Stilton a run for its money.

While Stilton is still a popular choice, the Shropshire Blue has quickly been gaining traction, with cheese lovers going wild for it's rich yolk coloured interior and flaky beige crust.

It's popularity has been marked by a surge in sales, with Waitrose noting a 26 per cent rise in 2023.

Dairy makers, Fine Cheese Co, which export British cheeses, including the Shropshire Blue, have noted how the option makes up 10 per cent of total blue cheese exports, making it the second most popular after Stilton.

One tangy blue cheese from the UK, Shropshire Blue, is making waves globally, having been spotted in bars as far away as Brazil (stock photo)

Shropshire Blue has made waves both locally and further out in Australia and Brazil, with the former being the top country to export it, with the US, Spain and France not far behind.

Meanwhile, the technical director at Neals Yard Dairy, Bronwen Percival, said it was it was the second most exported cheese 'by a country mile'.

It is also increasingly being stocked internationally with a number of cheesemongers selling it in Paris, one of the cheese capitals of the world.

Fromagerie Laurent Dubois, a popular fromage outlet with five stores across the city, are among those shelving the blue cheese.

They told the publication: 'We French cheesemongers often sell both Stilton and Shropshire Blue.

'In the universe of all the blue cheeses which exist in France and in our range, Shropshire Blue stands out visually. It attracts the eye with its colour and contrasts with its blue veins.'

British cheese expert Emma Young also told the publication that Americans visiting UK based whole foods stores were also being drawn to the orange cheese.

Despite its name, the Shropshire Blue did not originate in Shropshire, but instead was invented in the 1970s at the Castle Stuart dairy in Inverness, Scotland, by Andy Williamson - who had been trained in blue cheese making in Nottinghamshire.

According to The Telegraph, Shropshire Blue has been seen in shops in Paris, Malaga and Porto - and has been spotted at a wine bar in Sao Paulo (stock photo)

Originally called 'Inverness-shire Blue' or 'Blue Stuart', the popular veiny cheese was reinvented as Shropshire Blue to increase its popularity - despite lacking any real link to its name.

Shropshire Blue is made from cow's milk and can be differentiated from its popular predecessor, Stilton, by it's sharp orange colouring, creamier texture and sharper taste.

Meanwhile, the market for blue cheese in general has been regaining momentum, with British loved Stilton having seen a resurgence in the last year.

Stilton has been climbing the ranks abroad thanks to a popular TikTok trend that has had social media users infusing it into gin and shaking it into cocktails.

According to The Grocer, the trend, which became popular towards the end of last year, has resulted in a six per cent surge in sales, with younger people in particular seeking out the British classic.

The trend has given Stilton - dubbed 'the king of British cheeses' - a new lease of life, following a huge dip in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last summer, the downturn in sales even resulted in the dairy company Arla closing their Melton Mowbray stilton creamery because of 'continuing decline' in the UK specialty cheese market.

Since the spring, cheesemaker Long Clawson Dairy, cited Kantar data which showed a remarkable uptake in the tangy classic.

While Stilton is still a popular choice, the Shropshire Blue has quickly been gaining traction, with cheese lovers going wild for it's rich yolk coloured interior and flaky beige crust (stock photo)

As well as cocktails, young people have been sandwiching tangy blue cheeses into burgers, topping onto salads and smearing onto crackers.

It comes after it was revealed who in the country consumes the most cheese, with Newcastle locals taking first place.

Geordies eat more cheese than residents of any other part of the UK, with almost half eating more than 11 kilograms (nearly two stones) every year, a study has found.

A poll of 2,000 Britons found that 47 per cent of folk from the North East - where the roll call of famous names includes Ant & Dec, Cheryl, Alan Shearer, Robson Green and Jimmy Nail - eat more than the UK average of just under 1kg per month.

Over the UK as a whole, 43 per cent of us get through 11.5kg-a-year - almost two stones - with cheddar, brie, stilton and Wensleydale among the favourites.

According to the study by snack brand, Cheez-It, other areas with a high proportion of people exceeding the average intake include Wales (46 per cent) and the East of England (also 46 per cent).

But rates were lowest in the East Midlands (38 per cent) and the South West (37 per cent).
An Australian cleaning and organising guru has shared her number one hack of 2024 using a $4.50 Kmart product and common cupboard staple.

Anita Birges, who heads Mise en Place Professional Organising, revealed the simple idea anyone can use in their home to store belongings.

In a video, she used a paper towel stand from Kmart and an adhesive hook to create a wall hanger.

With the stand attached to the hook horizontally, it can be used to hang multiple hats, headbands, hair clips, scrunchies, bags and spare coat hangers.

'Listen up because you are going to love this DIY organising hack! There's so many uses for this one, check it out,' Anita declared in the video.

First she gently bent the paper towel stand on a slight angle to ensure the items don't slip off. She then placed different items on the hanger.

The short video quickly exceeded more than 69,000 views and many thanked Anita for sharing the 'fantastic' idea.

Anita Birges (pictured) used a paper towel stand from Kmart and an adhesive hook to create a wall hanger

With the stand attached to the hook horizontally, it can be used to hang multiple hats, headbands, hair clips, scrunchies, bags and spare coat hangers

'Perfect idea, thank you so much,' one wrote.

'Because of this, you no longer hear me asking where we keep spare hangers,' another said.

A third added: 'I have one of these hanging in the toilet room used by males in my house to hold spare toilet rolls. I dont like items on the floor.'

The handy tip is also a great alternative to installing shelves or permanent wall hooks.

Last year Anita also shared her simple hack for preventing mould and deterring pests in your wardrobe.

Anita recommended using jumbo pieces of chalk along with clove, lavender, and peppermint essential oils to solve all your problems.

The expert simply adds a few drops of clove oil onto a jumbo chalk stick and puts it in her drawer to absorb moisture and kill mould spores.

You can find the chalk at various Aussie retailers including Kmart - where you can buy a pack of 20 for just $3.25.

Anita recommends placing the DIY deterrents down the side of your drawers and on the very top shelf of your wardrobe without a container.

The professional also revealed that it was best to stick to white-coloured chalk so that pigment doesn't bleed onto your clothes.

You'll need some drops of lavender oil on another piece of chalk to get rid of moths and silver fish.

Lastly, peppermint oil does wonders to leave your drawers smelling fresh and discourages spiders, mice, and other creepy crawlies.

Anita recommends putting two to three drops of essential oil per jumbo piece of chalk.

She purchases all her oils at her local chemist.
A Hampshire mother has told of the subtle telltale sign that her son's 'Christmas bug' was not a normal cold  but something far more sinister.

The family of six-year-old Jimmy Cragg were repeatedly told by doctors that his sore throat and a cough were either 'a swollen gland', 'tonsillitis', or 'the usual Christmas bug going around schools'.

But subsequent blood tests last month revealed it was leukaemia  a type of blood cancer.

His mother Wendy Cragg, 43, who works for a medical concierge clinic, said it would have been easy not to question the doctor's diagnosis had it not been for the swollen glands around his neck and on his groin.

She warned other parents to watch out for swollen lymph glands on their child's body, as it can distinguish regular bugs from cancer.

She said: 'You should look out for glands in the groin [and neck] area.

'We're lucky that we caught it early  but that's because we took him to A&E even though we were told not to.

'Who knows what would have happened if we didn't? I'd tell parents they have to trust their guts and to keep pushing.'

Jimmy Cragg (centre), from Yateley in Hampshire first started feeling unwell in November when he developed a cough, a sore throat, and a small lump on his neck. His parents Wendy, 43, (right) and Will, 46, (left) took him to the GP multiple times and made several calls to 111

Doctors thought Jimmy either had 'a swollen gland', 'tonsillitis', or 'the usual Christmas bug going around schools'. Jimmy started vomiting and his parents rushed him to A&E, despite doctors telling them to keep him at home. It was then when they were told he had leukemia

Ms Cragg, from Yateley in Hampshire, added that another sign Jimmy's condition was more serious was bruising that appeared on his back.

'But that's difficult, as six-year-olds bump into everything,' she said.

Recalling the beginning of the illness in November last year, she described 'the usual flu-like symptoms'.

'He had a cold and a cough, and a dry mouth and sore throat.

'When we noticed the small lump on his neck, though, we called 111 but they said "not to worry, it's just a swollen gland from his bug".

Ms Cragg recalled that her husband Will, 46, an engineer surveyor, grew even more concerned when Jimmy 'started speaking funny' before his school's Nativity.

'We took him back to the GP and they said it was probably tonsillitis.

'We then had to really push to get him antibiotics  and they weren't very forthcoming with it but finally prescribed some for him.

Jimmy is spending so much time at Southampton General Hospital (pictured), he decided to set up a GoFundMe to raise some money to improve the facilities, including buy new games

'But after five days, he was still showing no improvement and we called 111 again on December 15. They told us to finish the course.'

However, that evening Jimmy started vomiting prompting his parents to call 111 again.

'A doctor told us it was just due to tonsillitis and we needed to wait it out,' Ms Cragg said.

'I asked whether we should take him to A&E and they said he needed to finish his course of antibiotics.

'But we were done by then. We got in the car and took him to hospital.'

The family spent hours waiting in Southampton General Hospital and when they were seen, were told Jimmy probably had glandular fever rather than tonsillitis.

But the family pushed for more blood tests and asked to be seen by a consultant, who raised alarm bells about the bruising on his back.

It was then that the family received the news that Jimmy had leukaemia.

Jimmy's parents warn that the symptoms can be easily missed and can be mistaken for a cold or a cough

'It's every parent's worst nightmare. It was just the worst thing to hear. We were just massively shocked. We still are,' Ms Cragg said.

There are more than 9,900 new cases of leukaemia each year in the UK and more than 62,700 in the US.

It happens when blood cells begin to grow and divide abnormally, making it hard for healthy cells to do their job.

Swelling of your lymph nodes in the groin, armpit and neck, feeling tired, bruising easily and not being able to shake off infections easily are all warning signs of the disease according to Cancer Research UK.

Jimmy is currently having chemotherapy once a week and undergoing lumbar punctures.

Since Jimmy is spending so much time at Southampton General Hospital, the family set up a GoFundMe to raise some money to improve the facilities.

Jimmy is aiming to walk 1,000 steps every day with his new companion  an IV stand nicknamed ROBO  and hopes to raise 25,000.

Ms Cragg said: 'The staff on our ward who look after the kids and their families are amazing. But there are parts of the ward that are run-down.

'For example, there's a microwave, but when you're trying to quickly sort your evening ready meal, it takes ten minutes instead of three. That kind of thing.

Jimmy is aiming to walk 1,000 steps every day with his new companion  an IV stand nicknamed ROBO  and hopes to raise 25,000

Jimmy spends Christmas day in hospital and staff make sure the day is as fun as possible

'There's a small family room with some games but one day Jimmy just said, "Maybe we could help get some more games. I've played them all now."

'His treatment also makes him sensitive to light  and there are blinds which you can't easily pull down. You have to attach them to something heavy.

'He said: "Maybe we could get some new blinds." It just kind of snowballed from there.'

Jimmy's parents are hoping they may be able to put a ping-pong table in the family room as well as some other sociable games.

They would also like to update the ward's microwave, washing machine, and furniture.

Ms Cragg said: 'The days can be extremely long. Every minute feels like an hour. So anything to put a smile on people's faces.'

She added: 'I must admit I was extremely down on Christmas Day.

'Its just sad. It's not the same spending Christmas in hospital.

'We tried to make it fun for Jimmy  and the staff were so kind too  but as a family we had plans to be in South Africa with my family.

'It would have been the first time in 12 years.

'I think it's just traumatising each day. You get that blissful moment when you first wake up when you don't remember  and then it hits you.

'But we're staying strong. We're just trying to make Jimmy as happy as we can.

'And we are in a position where we've caught this early. So we're grateful for that  and grateful that we trusted our instincts.'

So far, Jimmy has raised 14,000 of his 25,000 goal.
The number of obese patients receiving hospital treatment has quadrupled in a decade, new figures show.

Official data reveals almost 1.9 million obese people had hospital treatment in 2023-24, up from 442,083 a decade ago.

This includes 14,010 children and teenagers under the age of 18 - nearly a threefold increase from 4,655 in 2013-14.

The figures, from NHS England, cover all patients with a diagnosis of obesity, meaning their excess weight was deemed to have fuelled their health issue.

And they include 11,221 cases where obesity was the primary reason for hospital treatment.

Obesity can cause many health issues including heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and osteoarthritis.

Experts said the numbers, published in the Telegraph, were a 'tragic' reflection of the failure of successive governments to tackle Britain's obesity epidemic.

Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said the hospital figures were 'a stark reminder of the growing impact of unhealthy weight on our nation's health'.

Official data reveals almost 1.9 million obese people had hospital treatment in 2023-24, up from 442,083 a decade ago (Stock image)

The number of obese patients receiving hospital treatment has quadrupled in a decade, new figures show (Stock image)

'Behind these figures are preventable cases of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and joint problems, which are holding back many of us from enjoying living longer, healthier lives,' she said.

Earlier this month it emerged that millions of people in the UK will be denied the 'King Kong' of weight loss jabs and instead directed to a free NHS app.

Fewer than one in 10 patients who meet the criteria for Mounjaro will be prescribed it on the NHS in the next three years, the drugs regulator confirmed.

In a blow to Labour's health plans, NICE said just 220,000 of the 3.4 million eligible patients will be given the drug as part of the initial rollout.

The jab earned its reputation as the most effective in clinical trials, which showed patients typically lost more than 20 per cent of their body weight.

It works by reducing food cravings and causes the stomach to empty more slowly.

Health officials admit 'many will have to wait' or seek alternative ways to lose weight to stop the NHS being overwhelmed by the huge demand.

The unprecedented move of staggering Mounjaro's rollout was necessary 'to protect other vital NHS services', they added.

14,010 obese children and teenagers under the age of 18 - nearly a threefold increase from 4,655 in 2013-14, received hospital treatment last year

Katharine Jenner (pictured), director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said the hospital figures were 'a stark reminder of the growing impact of unhealthy weight on our nation's health'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'Obesity can be debilitating, costs the NHS billions and robs children of the best possible start in life, setting them up for a lifetime of health problems.

'This Government is committed to tackling the obesity crisis head on, shifting our focus from treatment to prevention as part of our 10-Year Health Plan.

'We've already announced plans to ban junk food adverts on TV and online.

'We have also given local authorities stronger powers to block applications for unhealthy takeaways near schools and stop fast food giants targeting pupils.'
Britain is being battered by a 'skyrocketing' tidal wave of flu, health chiefs warned today.

Surveillance programmes that monitor England's outbreak suggest flu hospital admissions are quadruple that of a month ago.

Figures show more than 4,500 beds alone were taken up by flu patients every day last week, up 3.5 times on the same week last year.

Of these, 211 were in critical care  up 69 per cent on the previous week.

More than 4,100 Brits also spent Christmas Day in hospital with the flu. By December 29, this had risen to over 5,000.

Rates of the winter vomiting bug norovirus, meanwhile, are also 40 per cent higher than expected for this time of year.

Health chiefs fear the 'extreme' and 'dangerous' cold spell set to hit the UK this weekend will continue to pile pressure on already stretched hospitals.

According to the latest forecast, the UK will see temperatures plummet to as low as -10C with weather warnings in place across much of England and Scotland for snow.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Experts also said they expect 'things to get worse before they get better' given more people have socialised indoors over the Christmas and the New Year period.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: 'These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the New Year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.

'On top of flu there is also continual pressure from Covid, while RSV and norovirus hospital cases are also higher than last year, with hospitals putting in place an extra 1,300 beds last week than the same time last year in expectation of this continued pressure from viruses and other demand.

'With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions.

'So, if you are at risk, do try and keep warm and make sure you are stocked up on any regular medication.

'Please continue to use NHS 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only use 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.'

Health secretary Wes Streeting also said: 'The tidal wave of flu this winter has seen more than three times as many patients in hospital compared with last year, putting huge pressures on the NHS.

'This government has ended the strikes so staff are on the frontline this winter rather than the picket line, introduced the new RSV vaccine, and put immediate extra investment into the NHS.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Norovirus can appear similar the symptoms of Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches

'But we have been honest from day one that the status quo isn't good enough.

'We are investing in and reforming our NHS, and grasping the nettle of social care reform, to finally break out of the cycle of annual winter crises, because there is no solution to the crisis in the NHS that doesn't involve a solution to the social care crisis.'

Adam Brimelow, director, of NHS Providers, added: 'These figures show services coming under relentless pressure and it looks like things will get worse before they get better.

'This week's cold snap is likely to add to already huge demand for NHS services.

'It feels like the worst Christmas and New Year the NHS has seen for many years, according to some trust leaders.'

According to the latest weekly NHS figures, there were an average of 4,469 flu patients in hospital in England every day last week.

By comparison, the figure stood at 1,312 over the same period last year.

It is slightly lower, however, than this point two years ago which recorded an average of 5,441.

The UK Health Security Agency imposed an amber cold health alert until January 8 which warns the weather will likely cause 'significant impacts across health and social care services'

Snow in Allenheads, Northumberland, photographed on Thursday morning

Some 528 hospital beds in England were also filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms.

This is down from 723 in the previous week but almost double the same point last year and (377) and in 2022 (338).

RSV  which is most common in infants and young children  was up almost half on the same period in 2023.

More than 1,100 beds were also occupied by patients with Covid.

Some hospitals have begun to limit visiting hours and have imposed mask mandates over fears of rising 'quad-demic' cases.

Earlier this week, NHS trusts including Cambridge, Northern Lincolnshire, Essex and Bedfordshire introduced new restrictions to limit the risk of infection to patients, staff and the public.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and the Welsh Ambulance Service declared critical incidents due to the huge increase in demand for care.

More NHS trusts are expected to declare critical incidents in the coming days, health bodies have warned, with primary care already seeing demand increase significantly after the holiday period.

The above five Met Office maps show snow in London between Sunday 10pm and Monday 2am

Yesterday, the health service warned people not to go outside early in the morning or late at night during the upcoming snowy weather.

The joint advice, from the NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), also urged people to check their medicine cabinets for essentials and to keep active by not sitting still for more than an hour and wearing several layers of thinner clothing.

A separate UKHSA Cold-Health Alert issued for all regions of England is expected to last until January 8.

It warned the weather would likely cause 'significant impacts across health and social care services', including a 'rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions'.

Despite the rising pressures, latest official data shows just under one in four frontline healthcare workers in England have had the flu vaccine this year.

The Government report found overall just 24.3 per cent of staff responsible for direct patient care have been vaccinated for influenza.

Analysis of data showed vaccination rates are lower in every staff group, including NHS hospital staff, paramedics and GPs this year than in the 2023 season.

Public health specialists say those with even mild cold symptoms should consider self-isolating as they may unknowingly have the virus which can be fatal to older people.

Snow on the ground in the west end of Aberdeen on Thursday after a Met Office warning for the area

Along with avoiding family gatherings, they have recommended mask-wearing and social distancing in a bid to avoid passing on the bug.

Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases from the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline: 'If you are ill with flu, you should stay away from other people for the first three days and preferably for the first week.

'This is especially important if they are elderly or suffer from medical conditions that make them more at risk.'

Flu symptoms include a fever, sore throat, muscle aches and a cough, however Prof Hunter warned many people simply suffer something similar to a common cold.

About a fifth of those infected with flu have no symptoms but can still pass the bug on to others, he added.

Professor Lawrence Young, virologist from the University of Warwick, also urged people with potential flu symptoms to consider lockdown-style measures.

'If you have flu-like symptoms, it's really important to think about limiting your contact with other people particularly those who are clinically vulnerable to chest infections,' he said.

He added this was important to consider even if vulnerable people had received a flu jab as, like any vaccine, it cannot offer 100 per cent protection from serious illness.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is responsible for about 40,000 hospitalisations and more than 10,000 deaths in the UK every year, though this can be higher in bad years.
A young woman has urged patients not to take no for an answer if they're unhappy with a diagnosis  after her leg pain that was dismissed as a 'sprain' turned out to be a rare type of tumour.

Ashley Christine, based in Los Angeles, said she'd been left unable to walk for over month due to pain in her leg doctors initially dismissed as a physical injury.

But the science communicator, artist and author said she knew this wasn't the case in a TikTok clip that has so far been viewed nearly 2million times.

When she first went to the doctor, she was told she'd probably 'torn a ligament', which is otherwise known as a sprain.

'I know pain, and I know injuries and I was like, no it's not a torn ligament or a broken bone, something is really wrong,' she said.

Ms Christine accused medics of underplaying her concerns because she is 'young and healthy looking'.

Eventually, after several weeks and repeated trips to the doctor, she persuaded one medic to book her in for detailed MRI scan of her leg.

The shocking image is revealed in the clip  showing a large mass in the limb, which Ms Christine says is a giant cell tumour.

A young woman has urged people to always advocate for themselves with medics after leg pain that left unable to walk turned out to be a rare type of tumour

@modernday_eratosthenes Why are things the way they are update Dont worry Im still on schedule to release the first of my sci-fi book series The Iron Dreamers this summer!  original sound - ashley

Giant cell tumours are rare, and typically develop in the long bones like the arms and legs, with only an estimated 30 cases diagnosed in Britain each year.

The vast majority of these tumours are benign growths, meaning they don't spread to other parts of the body like a cancer, but they can still cause problems as they grow rapidly, damaging bone and other tissue as they do.

Ms Christine went on to explain she faced a further battle in getting an appointment with an oncologist, a specialist in cancer care.

'Then I'm told that I can't see a doctor about his until January 30th. Which is unacceptable,' she said.

Having what she described as a 'full blown mental breakdown' on the telephone to the medical assistant, she was eventually booked in to see the doctor on Christmas Eve.

'I'm crying because holy s***,' she said pointing again to white mass on the scan image.

'He took one look at this and was like "we need to get this out ASAP".'

Ms Christine said she has a biopsy scheduled in the coming days to find out if the tumour is cancerous and needs further treatment, or if a planned operation to remove it is enough.

'Friendly reminder to always push them because they think you're faking it,' she urged her followers.

Giant cell tumours are most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 45, according to the charity Sarcoma UK.

The most common symptoms include pain, swelling and fractures in the bone that are caused by it becoming structurally weaker.

Surgery is usually the preferred treatment though powerful drugs can also be used to shrink the tumour.

This is typically only used as a last resort on otherwise inoperable cases due to concerns about long term side effects.

Patients giant cell tumours removed are typically given regular follow-up appointments and scans over the following few years to monitor signs it has returned.
China solicits public opinion on adjustment of tech export ban catalog

Xinhua) 10:18, January 03, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Thursday issued a notice soliciting public opinion on the adjustment of a catalog of technologies that are subject to export bans or restrictions, as part of efforts to strengthen the management of technology imports and exports.

The adjustment, initiated by the MOC and other authorities such as the Ministry of Science and Technology, would add one item, revise one item and remove three items from the catalog to create favorable conditions to strengthen international technological exchange and cooperation.

The soliciting of public opinion will last until Feb. 1, 2025, and the specific content of the adjustment can be found on MOC's official website.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
UN secretary-general arrives in Bangladesh 14 Mar 2025 | 10:04 AM Dhaka, Mar 14 (UNI) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is visiting Bangladesh to inspect the situation of more than 1 million Rohingya refugees in the country, officials said. see more..

New Russian ambassador to US Darchiev has not left for Washington yet - Ushakov 14 Mar 2025 | 8:56 AM Moscow, Mar 14 (UNI) The new Russian ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has not yet left for Washington, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov told Sputnik. see more..

Trump against nuclear weapons extending further east into Europe - Vance on Duda's Words 14 Mar 2025 | 8:48 AM Washington, Mar 14 (UNI) US President Donald Trump is against nuclear weapons extending further east into Europe, Vice President JD Vance said in an interview. see more..

Ukraine attacked oil refinery in Southern Russia, gasoline tank burning - Governor 14 Mar 2025 | 8:41 AM Moscow, Mar 14 (UNI) The Ukrainian armed forces attacked an oil refinery in Tuapse, the Krasnodar Territory in Russia's south, one of the gasoline tanks caught fire, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said. see more..
China is reportedly being ravaged by a mysterious viral outbreak that is overwhelming some hospitals.

Videos on social media appear to show hospital units overrun with patients in face masks, and parents holding sick children in long lines in pediatric units.

There have also been unverified reports that crematoriums and funeral homes are being overwhelmed.

The alarming scenes and lack of official commentary have led some to draw similarities to the early days of the Covid outbreak in China.

Local news reports have blamed a little-known virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV)  which normally causes a mild cold-like illness  for the latest outbreak, though officials have yet to confirm this.

The situation is similar to winter 2022/23 when China was hit with a wave of mycoplasma pneumonia cases, a condition dubbed 'white lung', which is also normally mild.

That outbreak was blamed on children having low natural immunity due to the effects of China's harsh lockdowns and school closure measures aimed at containing Covid.

But official reports from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that regular flu is leading the latest outbreak, with 30 percent of tests coming back positive for influenza and one in seven people hospitalized with a severe respiratory illness testing positive for it.

The above is a grab from a video posted online claiming to show an overwhelmed hospital unit in China

The Chinese government and World Health Organization are yet to address the videos publicly, which are being widely circulated on social media.

But the Chinese CDC warned that rates of multiple flu-like illnesses are on the rise.

In its latest report, for the week to December 29, data suggested that 7.2 per cent of outpatient visits to local hospitals in northern provinces were due to a flu-like illness.

This was up 12 per cent on the previous week, and above the levels for the same week every flu season since 2021.

Data for the southern part of the country suggested that 5.7 per cent of outpatient visits were due to flu-like illness.

This was up 21 per cent on the previous week, and also above the level's for the same week in 2021 when 4.1 per cent of visits were due to flu-like illness. It was, however, below the levels in 2022 and 2023.

NORTHERN PROVINCES: The above graph shows the proportion of visits to hospital for flu-like illness in northern provinces by week. The red line is for 2024 - 2025 flu season, and shows levels are at their highest since 2021

SOUTHERN PROVINCES: The above shows the proportion of outpatient visits due to flu-like illness in southern provinces over previous years. The red line is for the 2024 to 2025 flu season

Videos claiming to show overwhelmed hospital units in China started to appear online around New Year's Eve.

They claim to show hospitals in Hunan  a province in the center of the country  as well as other areas.

Aboluowang News, a US-based news provider covering China, published quotes from a farmer in Hunan province, known as Mr Peng, who said he was caught up in the surge to hospitals.

'A lot of people have caught colds, and most of them have [illness],' he said in quotes translated to English.

'About seven or eight people died this week in this area. Some were in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 40s.'

The website also published quotes it said were from a funeral director, called Ms Wang, who was claimed to have told them there were long lines at her crematorium.

'There are long lines for cremation now,' she said in translated quotes. 'Today, three VIP furnaces were opened.

'They were all burning and emitting a lot of smoke. It was terrible. If you don't know about the crematorium, you would think it is selling New Year goods, just like holding a trade fair during the Chinese New Year.'

The above are clips from videos claiming to show overwhelmed hospitals in China

A hospital ward in China packed with young patients on drips, sitting with their parents. Picture taken from social media

Dozens of patients appear to queue up for treatment. Picture taken from social media

In another case, a Chinese video blogger called 'Please Fei Ge', said he and his wife had fallen ill with a disease after traveling to Guangzhou for an event.

After returning to their home province, which was not named, both had a fever, body aches and headaches  and isolated from their children for three days to avoid transmitting the infection.

He was quoted saying: 'This feeling is exactly the same as when I got "yang" back then. It's very uncomfortable. If you still remember that feeling, wear a mask when you go out in crowded places.'

The alarm was also raised in China last year over a surge in mystery pneumonia cases among children, with videos being posted online of mask-wearing crowds surging into Beijing's hospitals.

Chinese officials said at the time the outbreak was not caused by a new virus, but was due to a rebound in diseases after the end of lockdowns.
Hundreds of dead birds have reportedly been falling from the sky in dystopian scenes in Pennsylvania.

The culprit is thought to be the H5N1 bird flu strain that has been devastating poultry and dairy farms across the US and sporadically infecting people.

A wildlife nonprofit in the Poconos confirmed dozens of snow geese had tested positive for the virus.

Janine Tancredi, the co-executive director of The Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife, told local news: 'People were reporting like birds falling from the sky.

'It seems far-fetched, but because they become so neurologically disabled, they don't know their whereabouts. They're flying into trees. They're flying into houses.'

She said over the past few days, all 35 snow geese her team tested for H5N1 came back positive, but she suspects the true number of birds affected is 'probably more like thousands.'

Locals are being urged to avoid dead birds or contact with live ones, and keep pets away from waterways and carcasses.

There have not been any human cases of H5N1 in Pennsylvania but residents in 10 states have been infected.

Hundreds of snow geese have died in Pennsylvania due to bird flu. Wildlife officials say they've 'never seen it this bad'

H5N1 has been ravaging poultry and cattle herds since 2022, and has reached farms in all 50 states.

It wasn't until April 2024 that the virus infected a person who had come in direct contact with a sick cow.

Sixty-five more human cases tied to the current outbreak have been reported since then, including a severe infection that required hospitalization in Louisiana.

Most exposures (40 cases) were linked to dairy herds, mostly in California with 36 cases, followed by Michigan and Texas, each reporting one or two cases.

Poultry farms and culling operations accounted for 23 exposures, with the highest concentration in Washington (11 cases) and Colorado (9 cases).

Only one case involved other animal exposure, reported in Louisiana, and two cases had unknown exposure sources in California and Missouri.

The severe case in Louisiana has so far been an outlier. Most infections have been mild, causing pink-eye, mild fever, sore throat, and fatigue. But Louisiana officials said this more serious case of the disease was 'not unexpected'.

The CDC maintains that the general risk to the public is low, given that the people who have gotten sick had contact with infected farm animals.

USDA workers are shown disinfecting a turkey farm in Minnesota. The bird flu has felled poultry herds across all 50 states since the outbreak began in 2022

In Pennsylvania, wildlife officials believe the number of geese dead from bird flu could number in the thousands

But states are becoming increasingly concerned.

California, where 37 human infections have been reported, has declared a state of emergency amid fears that it could spread to people.

This isn't so farfetched, as emerging evidence suggests that the virus could mutate in such a way that it can more readily infect humans.

After the CDC sequenced the virus in the severely ill Louisiana patient who had contact with backyard poultry and compared it with samples of other H5N1 viruses from dairy cows, wild birds, poultry, and previous human patients.

The mutations found in the virus from the Louisiana patient were not seen in the poultry living on the patients property, suggesting that the virus did not already have these mutations when the patient was infected.

Instead, these changes likely developed as the virus multiplied inside the patients body.

But more positively, the changes did not fundamentally alter the virus's overall 'avian' characteristics. The virus still primarily retained the genetic traits suited for infecting birds, not humans.

Disease among livestock takes a massive toll on farmers' incomes.

And as farmers cull their herds of poultry and dairy cows, the food their farms produce diminishes, leading to constrained supply, translating to higher prices for consumers.

Bird flu affects more than just farm birds, though, as shown in Pennsylvania, where the state's Game Commission said it is suspected to have caused the deaths of about 200 snow geese in the greater Allentown area.

Like all flus, the virus is spread primarily through droplets in the air which are breathed in or get into a person's mouth, eyes or nose

Your browser does not support iframes.

About 50 miles north, the Pocono Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center has taken in dozens of birds showing symptoms of the bird flu since mid-December.

Sampson Metzgar, the center's avian specialist, said: 'Tremors, a lot of head shaking, very uncoordinated. They are struggling to balance, they will walk a few feet then sit down for a while. The birds almost seem disoriented and confused.'

Ms Tancredi at the Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife, meanwhile, said her team is 'euthanizing on arrival.'

'We don't really have a choice.'

When she and her team arrived at a quarry in the Nazareth area on Thursday, they discovered hundreds of birds that had already died, she said.

She added that the total number of birds affected is 'probably more like thousands.'
The debut of Matt Gaetz's new show has caught people's attention  but not for his political analyses or controversial takes.

Instead, viewers lined up on social media to comment on his new facial transformation, pointing to his orange hue and 'Cruella de Vil eyebrows'.

Three plastic surgeons who spoke to DailyMail.com said they thought Gaetz, 42, showed signs of heavy Botox use, as well as filler to accentuate his features.

Dr Christopher Costa, a plastic surgeon in Las Vegas, said: 'What it does look like to me is that he has been almost over-treated with neurotoxins, things like Botox.

'With your standard neurotoxin treatment, your goal is to soften the lines but still have facial expression and still be able to move the face.

'But in his case, it looks almost like he has been double-dosed, like these patients that come in and say, 'I want you to freeze my face'.'

Dr Costa suggested Gaetz had received the injections into his forehead, area around his eyes and even his upper lip  called a 'lip flip' and done to make the lip appear more full.

The surgeons also speculated that Gaetz had likely had skin treatments such as lasers and peels to achieve his smooth and wrinkle-free appearance.

Matt Gaetz is pictured above in his official image for Congress (left) and during his appearance for his new show last night

Dr Michael Persky, a plastic surgeon in California, said: 'Matt Gaetz's aesthetic providers have violated my four-word philosophy of beauty, 'no one should know!'.

'Rep. Gaetz has received too much Botox in his forehead which has resulted in nearly no movement, a flat and unnatural forehead, and the dreaded... arched eyebrows.

'This is commonly referred to as the 'El Diablo brow', the 'Cruella De Vil brow'.'

Dr Paul Rosenberg, a plastic surgeon in New Jersey, added: 'He has had Botox... and, quite honestly, injected not in the most professional way, because he manifests what we call the 'Spock appearance'.

'So when he raises his eyebrows to look animated... everything is frozen except the center of the brow, which causes his brows to go up artificially.'

Spock is a fictional character in Star Trek, who has distinct eyebrows that are over-elevated with a 'pulled' appearance.

Gaetz has not previously responded to allegations that he may have received Botox or other cosmetic treatments. DailyMail.com reached out to his representatives for comment.

Gaetz is pictured above at the Republican National Convention in July last year. Surgeons at the time speculated he may have had Botox or a PDO threadlift

Gaetz appeared on TV screens yesterday for the first installment of his new show, which was aired on the conservative One America News Network (OANN).

It was his first appearance in the public domain after he withdrew from the attorney general position and quit Congress in late November amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Gaetz is one of several Republicans in Trump's circle who plastic surgeons say has likely had cosmetic work done.

But the Democrats are also not immune to plastic surgery rumors, with Joe Biden heavily speculated to have had a facelift.

Commenting on his appearance, one viewer said: 'Matt Gaetz shows off the new Botox on his show on OANN. Gross.'

A second said, 'Matt Gaetz is on television now with some fresh Botox it seems,' and a third said, 'Matt Gaetz looks EXTRA cringey with this new look'.

Gaetz also sparked speculation over his appearance at the Republican National Convention in July last year.

Many surgeons suggested at the time that his raised eyebrows were likely the result of 'overdone Botox' causing the muscles to lift unusually.

Dr Costa suggested that it may be the result of a PDO thread lift, or Polydioxanone thread lift.

The procedure uses absorbable threads to tighten and lift the skin in areas of the face, including around the eyebrows, to create a younger appearance.
A nurse has been arrested after multiple babies suffered horrific fractures at a Virginia hospital that was forced to close its NICU over the mysterious injuries.

Erin Elizabeth Strotman, 26, has been charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse at Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, police said Friday.

'The Henrico County Police Division is utilizing all available resources to ensure a thorough investigation into this matter,' police said in a statement.

'This involves reviewing dozens of videos from inside the NICU. As previously mentioned, detectives are re-examining the 2023 and 2024 cases as part of this broader investigation.'

Social media images of Strotman, a Virginia native, show that she graduated as a registered nurse in 2019.

Her arrest comes after a couple spoke out after Virginia Child Services informed them that their newborn baby had been abused by an employee at the NICU when he suffered a fractured leg following his premature birth.

Authorities opened a probe into the inexplicable fractures after four babies were injured in the summer of 2023 and three more were hurt in November and December of this year.

The case echoes that of British serial killer nurse Lucy Letby, although there have been no deaths reported.

Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, has been arrested in connection to a string of accidents involving babies at a Virginia hospital

Noah Hackey was one of seven babies who suffered inexplicable injuries at Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, Virginia

Social media images of Strotman show that she graduated as a registered nurse in 2019

Strotman has so far only been charged in one case of abuse, but police are still probing whether she is tied to the other injured babies.

'We are both shocked and saddened by this development in the investigation and are focused on continuing to care for our patients and providing support to our colleagues who have been deeply and personally impacted by this investigation,' HCA Virginia told People in a statement.

'We are grateful to those colleagues, who have dedicated their professional lives to the care and safety of our patients, as well as to law enforcement and the other agencies who have worked aggressively and tirelessly with us on this investigation.'

Henrico Doctors' Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which takes care of critically ill newborns, has 40 treatment areas and the hospital delivers around 4,500 babies every year.

While hospital officials acknowledge 'fractures occasionally happen,' these fractures appeared to be cause for concern.

Investigators went about reviewing video footage from inside the NICU to determine if there had been any staff misconduct or unreported accidents.

A statement on the hospital's website said: 'Out of an abundance of caution, we are not admitting any additional babies into our NICU at this time.

Dominique and Tori Hackey were one of the parents affected after they welcomed their twin boys, Noah and Micah, at the hospital in August 2023.

Noah was doing well until Dominique noticed his left leg was not moving.

'It was kind of discolored, I told the doctor on staff, got some x-rays, and we determined he had a fracture to his leg, so we are going to splint it for the next two weeks, and then she was like do you want to hold him?' Dominique told WTVR.

Social services determined an unknown employee at the hospital caused Noah's fracture

Noah's father Dominique Hackey contacted child services, who found Noah had suffered level 1 physical abuse

The accused abuser nurse is pictured with a relative on a Facebook picture

The couple said they did not want to hold Noah for fears the hospital would blame them for the injury.

'In my mind Im like, I dont want them to turn it around on us and say we broke his leg or anything like that so I was like no, we dont want to hold him, we are just going to process this,' Dominique added.

An X-ray showed that Noah's tibia had been fractured, and, according to Dominique, the hospital suggested the injury was accidental.

'Thats what they told us, that it could have been done because an injection was given and maybe they did it too hard and it caused the fracture,' Dominique said.

Dominique said it concerned him so he contacted child services. In September he received a review of their investigation, which found there was level 1 physical abuse of Noah - the worst level in Virginia.

The letter from child services stated that 'following a through CPS investigation this agency has determined the disposition of this report to be founded level 1 for physical abuse of Noah by an employee by the Henrico Doctors Hospital NICU.'

In October, police informed the Hackeys that other babies had also been mysteriously injured at the Richmond hospital. However, authorities have not been able to figure out who is causing the injuries.

The hospital told the Hickeys they implemented preventative measures like cameras in the NICU and more training.

But then the hospital shut down its NICU unit in October after the measures failed to prevent three more babies being injured in November and December.

Noah has fully recovered. He is pictured with his mom Tori

Henrico hospital closed its neonatal intensive care unit after seven premature babies suffered mysterious injuries by an abuser on the loose

Maria Reppas, who serves as the communications director for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), told DailyMail.com the institution is working with the hospital on the investigation.

She said: 'The health and safety of those receiving care in this NICU has and will continue to be our top priority.

'VDH's Office of Licensure and Certification, in partnership with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has taken immediate action to identify potential concerns and are monitoring specific corrective actions.

'We are working closely with other state and local partners, including the Henrico Police Department and Virginia State Police.'
Delays to social care reform are 'costing lives' and battering the economy, the President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has warned.

Ministers announced the launch of an independent commission this week, chaired by Baroness Casey, which will begin work in April but is not due to publish its final report for three years.

Charities, MPs and social care campaigners suggested the government had 'kicked the can down the road' and now fear that the timescale of reforms could be even later than 2028.

The Royal College's Dr Adrian Boyle blasted the delays as 'very frustrating' and warned patients were 'stuck in hospital' due to inadequate social care arrangements.

He told Times Radio: 'The question is how much is it going to cost and where are we going to find the money?

'And that seems like an awfully long time to try and wait for an answer, which is a fairly simple but big question.

'We've had lots of reports before and we haven't implemented them. What I'm seeing is that patients are being harmed because of delays.

'The lack of good social care means that some people are coming to hospital when they don't need to, but also at the other end, people are getting stuck in hospital, which is not good for them after their acute illness has been treated.

Delays to social care reform are 'costing lives' and battering the economy, the President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has warned. Pictured: Wes Streeting speaking to staff and residents during a visit to Burnrigg Court Residential Care Home in Carlisle

Ministers announced the launch of an independent commission this week, chaired by Baroness Casey, which will begin work in April but is not due to publish its final report for three years. Pictured: Mr Streeting speaking to staff and residents as part of a social care announcement

'It's not just costing lives, it's also costing our economy a lot. Looking after an older person who's ready for discharge in hospital is a really inefficient way to look after them.

'Hospitals are designed to look after acute problems, not chronic problems.

'Patients get more and more dependent the longer they spend in hospital. It's a very expensive way to deliver not great care.

Last year, a report into the NHS from Lord Darzi, commissioned by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, described the state of social care in the UK as 'dire'.

Both Labour and Conservative governments have previously pledged to get a grip on social care funding to best serve the nation's ageing population, but have rejected or deferred major proposals due to financial pressures.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said last night: 'We can't afford to wait three more years for a new plan.

'We're really worried that what's been announced looks like an excuse to kick the can down the road for another decade.

'I'd like to see this review done and dusted within a year at the most. Then we can finally move on with implementing much-needed reforms.'

Charities, MPs and social care campaigners suggested the government had 'kicked the can down the road' and now fear that the timescale of reforms could be even later than 2028

Scrapped, plans to cap NHS pay-offs at 100,000 Ministers have abandoned plans to slash pay-offs for failing NHS managers  despite warnings the health service needs to save money. The Department for Health has quietly dropped a review that aimed to cap NHS pay-offs to just under 100,000. The move was proposed by the last Conservative government but bitterly opposed by the trade unions. In evidence to the pay review bodies, the Department of Health said the plan had been referred to the NHS Staff Council  made up largely of union representatives and hospital managers. It added: The group did not reach a consensus on any proposal to change the current redundancy cap arrangements. The most recent NHS England figures reveal more than 500 staff received pay-offs worth more than 100,000 in the last two years. Advertisement

The commission's first phase, which will report by 2026, will identify critical issues and recommend medium-term improvements.

It is only the second phase of the report which will make recommendations about how to organise care services  but that will not be available until 2028.

Labour have been accused of failing to act quickly enough, with this announcement coming six months after they were elected.

One of their first acts in government was to scrap plans for a lifetime cap of 86,000 on care costs from October  a move Sir Andrew Dilnot, the architect of the reforms, branded a 'tragedy'.

But ministers rejected claims they were delaying reforms. Care Minister Andrew Gwynne told LBC: 'That cynicism would be fair if we hadn't already hit the ground running in terms of transforming our health and social care systems from day one.'

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who was at Burnrigg Court residential home in Carlisle where he was speaking about the government's social care plans, said the government is 'already acting' and had 'done a lot in the first six months' on social care.
Atonement by Ian McEwan (2001)

In 1935, 13-year-old Briony catches her sister with a lover and tells a lie that will haunt her for ever. This metafictional masterpiece has become a classic  as has the green dress from the film (anyone found one yet?). CD

Keira Knightley stars in the 2007 film adaption of Atonement

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (2003)

Dont be afraid of the snobs, this is a thrilling mystery that attempts to uncover the buried truth at the heart of the Holy Grail. You wont be able to turn the pages fast enough. KS

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire by JK Rowling (2003)

Harry, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts in Rowlings fourth book. It should be a quiet year, but when Harry is forced to compete in the Triwizard Tournament, Voldemorts return seems inevitable. Even more magical than the last. KS

The Golden Trio: Harry Ron and Hermione in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire

The Line Of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst (2004)

After Nick moves in with his charming university friends family, the fragility of family ties, homosexuality and classism is laid bare. Hollinghursts book is a nuanced portrayal of life as a gay man in the elitist world of Thatchers Britain. KS

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005)

Sacrifice, love and what it means to be normal are among the themes in a dystopian novel in which clones turn out to have very human emotions, hopes and desires. SP

Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan star in the 2010 film adaptation of Never Let Me Go

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (2007)

Hosseinis second novel is even more gripping than his first, The Kite Runner. Mariam and Leila are married to the same cruel man and form an unbreakable bond in a searing story of sacrifice and sisterhood. CD

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (2008)

Strouts understanding of small-town America is unparalleled, subtly exposing the vulnerabilities of those who live there. Seemingly disparate stories are all linked by the omnipresence of our titular character. KS

One Day by David Nicholls (2009)

On the same date every year for 20 years we are privy to the will they, wont they romance of Emma and Dexter. Nicholls somehow breathes new life into the age old trope. Youll laugh and youll cry. KS

Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod star in the 2024 Netflix adaptation of One Day

Drive your Plow Over The Bones Of The Dead by Olga Tokarczuk (2009)

An eccentric old woman, astrology and eco-crime are just some of the bizarre elements that Tokarczuk stitches together to create one of the most enjoyable books of the 21st century. JC

Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel (2012)

Mantels skill reaches its zenith in the fall of Anne Boleyn and the rise of Cromwell  told so vividly it almost seems the author was herself a witness. JC

Divorced, Beheaded, DIed: Mark Rylance and Damien Lewis as Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (2015)

This book will rip out hearts and make blood run cold, but will also make you smile when you least expect it. It is a masterpiece. Through the lives of four friends, Yanagihara unfurls a harrowing story of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. KS

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016)

Originally a metaphor for a network which helped American slaves escape to the North, Whitehead reimagines the Underground Railroad as tracks and tunnels as Cora flees her plantation. Beautiful prose meets heart-in-your mouth action. CD

A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles (2016)

Imprisoned by the Soviets in the Hotel Metropole Moscow, Count Rostov watches the USSR change the face of Russia through the windows of his luxurious cell. His refusal to compromise his lifestyle allows him to hold on to optimism throughout. A joyous read. JC

Ewan McGregor is the Gentleman in Moscow

The Overstory by Richard Powers (2018)

What will survive of us is love, wrote Larkin. But what will survive even longer are trees, which communicate, look after each other and are the ultimate heroes of the nine interlinking human stories in this monumental novel. SP

Ducks Newburyport by Lucy Ellmann (2019)

The unbroken (literally  no full stops) stream of consciousness of an American housewife as she bakes, looks after her kids and ponders everything from climate change to films to marriage. Its hefty, so save it for a holiday. A tour de force  and easier to read than it sounds. SP

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo (2019)

The stories of 12 characters, mostly black women, are powerfully woven in a patchwork portrait of modern Britain. CD

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (2020)

Since this 2020 debut, TV presenter Osman has smashed more records than Usain Bolt with his eccentric cast of crime-solving geriatrics and their uproarious musings on everything from Strictly to serial killers. CD

Daddy by Emma Cline (2020)

Clines beautifully written vignette-like short stories regularly take us into the ageing fathers mind. A fascinating look at how far-reaching and long-lasting the impact of a patriarch can be. KS

Fascinating: Emma Cline's collection of short stories

Hamnet by Maggie OFarrell (2020)

A moving imagining of how the untimely death of Shakespeares son, Hamnet, inspired one of his greatest plays. Tissues at the ready. CD

China Room by Sunjeev Sahota (2021)

A 15-year-old girl enters an arranged marriage but falls in love with another man, with devastating consequences. Half a century later, a teenage boy recovering from drug addiction finds his story is intertwined with hers. SP

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022)

Kingsolver lifts Dickens beloved David Copperfield out of 1850s London and drops him in the trailer parks and tobacco plantations of modern-day Virginia. A fabulous and timely book showing that, for many, little has changed since the 1800s. JC

Demon Copperhead is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Orbital by Samantha Harvey (2023)

This years Booker winner is a work of stunning originality. Six astronauts on an orbiting space station come to a profound appreciation of Earth and everyone on it  as does the reader. SP

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella (2023)

The meaning of life, served up in a delicious rom-com with a surfing theme and an unforgettable message: the ride is it. SP

Clear by Carys Davies (2024)

Set during the Highland Clearances, this tale chronicles the unlikely bond between two men in Shetland. In 160 pages, Davies delivers a poignant story of friendship across the divide of language and culture. JC

Clear is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (2024)

The wealthy Fletchers live a seemingly charmed life until father Carl is mysteriously kidnapped. Thats no spoiler  it happens in the first chapter  but the plot doesnt let up as the trauma defines the family for decades. CD
Den of Spies by Craig Unger (Mudlark 25, 304pp)

Den of Spies is available now from the Mail Bookshop

In the autumn of 1980, Jimmy Carter's presidency was entering its dying days. The previous year, 50 Americans had been taken hostage in Tehran by Iranian revolutionary forces and, so far, Carter had failed to get them back.

One attempt - Operation Eagle Claw - had been disastrously bungled, leaving eight servicemen dead and the President humiliated. So no one was surprised when, a few months' later, the Republican Ronald Reagan stormed into the White House.

To add insult to Carter's ignominy, within minutes of President Reagan taking his oath of office the hostages were released. The whole thing resembled the closing moments of a hokey Hollywood film, complete with tickertape and patriotic cheering.

Conspiracy theorists certainly found the timings suspicious, although cooler heads argued that this was nothing more than one of those strange coincidences that history occasionally throws up.

The alternative explanation - that the Republicans had pulled strings to ensure that the hostages weren't released until Jimmy Carter could no longer profit from an electoral boost - was so preposterous that it didn't bear thinking about.

More to the point, it would implicate Reagan and his Vice President George Bush in endangering the lives of American citizens to win a colossal political boost. If true, then the resulting scandal would blow Watergate out of the water.

Inauguration: President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan waving from a limousine during the Inaugural Parade in 1981

In this gripping book, as twisty as a thriller by John Grisham, journalist Craig Unger explains how he first learned that the hostage release might qualify as an 'October Surprise', the term pundits give to a political bombshell detonated in the final weeks of a presidential campaign.

The tip-off about the hostages came in a 1991 New York Times article by Gary Sick, former Iran specialist on the National Security Council under President Carter. Sick claimed that the Republicans had secretly supplied weapons to Iran in return for them hanging on to the hostages until Carter and the Democrats were safely out of office.

The mastermind was supposedly Bill Casey, Reagan's campaign manager and a brilliant spy-master. Casey was made director of the CIA the following year.

The story blew up into a media storm. Congress set up an investigation, comprising both Republicans and Democrats, to look at the explosive claims and concluded 'there is no credible evidence supporting any attempt by the Reagan presidential campaign to delay the release of the American hostages in Iran'.

Craig Unger, though, was doubtful at the time - and he remains doubtful to this day. In 1991, as an up-and-coming journalist on Newsweek, he spent months trying to stand up the claim that Casey had met with Iranian operatives in Madrid in the Summer of 1980 to broker a deal.

To add extra intrigue, it now looked as though Israel had played the part of go-between. But instead of being hailed as a brilliant investigative reporter and truth-seeker, Unger found himself mocked as a 'tinfoil hat conspiracy theorist' whose presence in the Washington press corps was frankly 'toxic'.

Newsweek sacked him and, most terrifying of all, he was sued for $10 million by Robert McFarlane, President Reagan's security adviser whom he had heavily hinted was an Israeli spy.

In the circumstances, you can hardly blame Unger for backing off: he had a young family to support. That didn't stop him, though, from continuing to sniff around the story in his own time, researching in the evenings and the weekends.

Returned: The South Lawn of the White House is set up for a full honors ceremony to welcome home the hostages

In 2022, he got a huge boost when he was given access to the vast archives of another veteran investigative journalist, Pulitzer-finalist Bob Parry, who had died in 2018. Parry's widow handed over a thumb drive with 23 gigabytes of research on the October Surprise going back 30 years.

Den Of Spies is the result. In truth, there are no new huge revelations, more a series of nudges and tiny details which add to Unger's certainty that he was on the right track back in 1991.

For instance, it transpired that in 2011, Parry unearthed a White House memo that proved that Casey did attend a meeting with the Iranians in Madrid in the summer of 1980 to finalise the delaying of the release of the hostages.

This supported what Unger had thought 30 years earlier, when he was able to show that, although Casey claimed to have been in London attending a conference at the time, he could easily have absented himself for long enough to fly to Madrid for a few hours.

Failure?: Jimmy Carter failed to secure the release of American hostages

Likewise, Parry's trawl through the White House documents lays clear just how much evidence the bipartisan inquiry had overlooked in 1993 in order to say that the October Surprise didn't occur.

This chimes exactly with Unger's own 2016 interview with the exiled Iranian president, Abolhassan Bani-Sadr, who was living in exile outside Paris. The political moderate, who died in 2021, told Unger that he had known there had indeed been meetings between hardline mullahs and senior Republicans in Madrid in 1980.

This is chastening to hear, but whether it is quite enough to reignite a scandal that has its roots in events of over 40 years ago is unlikely.

Unger clearly intends his book to be less a white-knuckle thriller and more a trenchant reminder of what happens when politicians feel that they can act with impunity because journalists are not allowed to ask hard questions. The fact the book was published in the US on Jimmy Carter's 100th and final birthday adds a bitter-sweet note of remembrance.
I didnt think about my accent before I went to Cambridge in 2018. More specifically, I didnt think about my accent before I went on the Cambridge University ski trip in December of my first term there. I was sharing a room with one of my best friends and my then boyfriend, who both went to southern private schools that send dozens of kids to Oxbridge.

Id never thought, until then, that their background was any different to mine: I went to private school in Nottingham, boarded during sixth form and had parents who were retired and lived comfortably.

We were, like typical freshers, playing a drinking game when I said something in my Nottingham-esque way. My friend turned to me and said: If you asked me to put us in order of poshness  of the type of person youd expect to go to Cambridge  Id say me, then Dan, then you. Nobody said anything and the conversation carried on. I was so embarrassed.

Students at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on graduation day

Looking back, I feel angry, not at my friend but at the environment that enabled her to say it. Cambridge loves to think its impressive and inclusive, throwing figures around (courtesy of its newly minted Equality, Diversity & Inclusion unit) about 72 per cent of students coming from state schools and 30 per cent identifying as Black, Asian and minority ethnic.

What nobody talks about is how unified the 28 per cent of students admitted from private schools are. Data from the Sutton Trust shows Oxbridge accepts more students from eight top private schools than from 3,000 other private schools put together. Its no coincidence that of those top eight private schools in question, the northernmost is in Cambridge.

This bias towards posh southerners quickly became glaringly obvious. By my second term, my friend was dating a boy who went to a 10,000 per term private school in the Home Counties. He was one of 64 boys from his year who got a place at Oxbridge (Im 99 per cent sure the school I went to hasnt had 64 people go to Oxbridge, combined, in its 156-year history). He would joke constantly about my accent, making me say bath and glass like it was hilarious. One day, sitting in my friends room, I snapped and told him to shut up. Its a joke, he said. You cant expect me not to when you sound so funny.

Scarlett with her degree certificate, July 2021

I remember calling my friend Liv, the one other person from Nottingham I knew at Cambridge, to vent. Its pathetic, she told me. At my college, poshos do gun-fingers at me because Im apparently from Shottingham. She told me that at a formal dinner a few weeks earlier, while chatting with her table, a lecturer had interrupted her mid-sentence with: Please, try to speak in a way thats intelligible to the rest of us, when shed said, My friend and me rather than My friend and I.

I found it difficult to make friends because so many people at Cambridge already had friendship groups from school that had been implanted into university life. Id go for brunch with girls from college, and theyd sit and talk about how people they knew from home were getting on. Maybe a part of it came from me, too, because I couldnt be bothered to put myself in situations where my accent and background would be derided. That, topped with a hellish workload, created a lonely existence. I spent most of my time working, in my room, to the pleasure of my tutors but to the detriment of my mental health. By the end of my third year I was having treatment for anxiety  no surprise, given that one in three students at Cambridge will take antidepressants during their time there. I was lucky that my parents were happy to have me home most weekends, and reminded me that the only thing worse than feeling miserable at Cambridge would be dropping out and having nothing to show for it.

If this sounds grisly, bear in mind that I am very privileged. I went to a private boarding school in the Midlands. Then imagine how ostracised youd feel if you were from a working-class, Northern background. There was a boy called Josh who I studied with in my first year. In the first week, I remember a girl coming over and telling me with glee: Do you know his mum lives in a caravan in Carlisle? Hed resat his A-levels multiple times to secure his place, and it was immediately obvious he stuck out like a sore thumb. There were the financial things, like him not having 1,000 to attend the ski trip nearly every other fresher went on in the first Christmas break. Then there was the quieter snobbery, with people saying, I just dont know what I have to talk to him about, when hed pop into a party. He deferred after a term, came back a year later, and eventually dropped out altogether.

There are issues with student behaviour, and then there are issues with the university talking hot air about inclusivity while encouraging practices that highlight the financial disparity between students. A ticket for a May Ball  the celebratory parties that happen at the end of the academic year  costs between 180 and 400. Most students attend at least three. If your parents or maintenance loan wont pay for your ticket (youre not allowed a job while you study because its too much of a distraction) you can opt to work for half the evening and get a half-price ticket. Put bluntly, that means poorer students spend half the night serving their richer counterparts drinks or cleaning away their rubbish. Its the clearest statement of who has money and who doesnt, Liv says. Its making the students that cant afford to splash 1,000 a week on parties wait on the students who can.

I remember leaving one May Ball in my first year in the early hours and on the way home passing students who were going to tidy up our mess. Their payment? A half-price ticket to next years ball.

None of this is to take away from the great things Cambridge offers. I learned with world-leading teachers and graduated with a double first, which opened doors for me career-wise after leaving. Im undeniably more resilient than when I arrived  even if some of that is down to being disparaged by my peers. But even with the perks, if I ever have a child, Id never want them to go to Oxbridge. I dont know which is worse: the idea that theyd be ostracised and derided for not fitting the mould of a typical student, or the idea that Id raise someone in such a sheltered way that theyd fit in and thrive in that environment.

University bosses have a responsibility to do better. Inclusivity isnt as binary as figures on state school admissions, and the public should get insights into the percentage of students that come from the top ten private schools alone. Financial support cant end with the essentials for studying and accommodation, particularly if the university is going to ban people from getting a job.

If 400 balls are advertised as the highlight of the year, bosses need to make sure the working-class students they showcase in their adverts can actually afford to go.

Luring students from diverse backgrounds to a university only for them to spend three years feeling belittled and miserable is, mental wellbeing considered, arguably worse than not admitting them at all.

Im in touch with a whole two people I went to uni with, compared to dozens of friends from school and home. Next year, I can go back to Cambridge to get my honorary masters, but I dont plan on doing so. Im grateful for the things I learned, not just academically, but regarding the type of person I want to be. With that in mind, would I go back and do it all again, knowing what I know now? Absolutely not.

Names have been changed.
Skirts have long been a staple in most wardrobes. They're easy to style, figure flattering and look dressy with minimal effort. However, skirts are often seen as more of a summer piece, and sent to the back of our wardrobes as soon as the weather cools down. But it looks like that could be changing this winter.

Don't believe us? Supermarket label Tu has reported a huge surge in popularity in recent weeks, with a 258% increase in skirt sales compared to this time last year.

With the new year upon us, it's a great opportunity to update your wardrobe and try some new styles. Below, we've rounded up the must-try skirt trends, as spotted on the SS25 catwalks, alongside the styling choices to avoid in order to keep your look feeling modern and fashion forward.

Kilts

Rikako Yagi at Paris Fashion Week

Highland fashion has been big news for the fashion set since Dior championed Scottish craftsmanship, with its Cruise 2025 show full of tartan kilts, argyle prints and Tam OShanter hats held in Drummond Castle, Perthshire, last year.

Since then, the classic kilt - in various lengths and different tartan checks - has been spotted all over the high street and on stylish celebrities such as Dua Lipa, Madonna and model Amelia Hamlin.

Chopova Lowena's carabiner-detailed minis will give you max style points with fashion insiders, but if you're looking for something a little more traditional, Le Kilt's designs are top of our wish list.

We'd recommend championing the trend with a soft grey maxi design, which you can pair with a thin-knit cardi and chunky boots.

Avoid: While we love this trend, there are a few things to consider before you buy a new kilt. Firstly, stay away from anything too preppy as this can quickly look dated. Think Caitriona Balfe in Outlander, rather than Alicia Silverstone in Clueless if you need inspiration. Similarly, the trend feels chic and modern when worn in neutral shades of grey, navys and dark greens. Bright yellows and reds can feel a little kitsch and aren't easy to style.

Column skirts

Tamara Kalinic at Milan Fashion Week

From baguette bags to mom jeans, the 90s have served as inspiration for some of the biggest fashion trends in recent seasons. We thought we'd tried them all - but we were wrong. The newest 90s-inspired trend that's having a resurgence is the office-appropriate column skirt.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's minimalist wardrobe is the inspiration behind this trend. With its column silhouette and slit back hem, it's a flattering style that looks just as great for a day at the office as it would for date night.

The style was all over the SS25 runways, but out favourites were spotted at Moschino and Max Mara. Take inspiration from these Italian brands and opt for styles in chic navy or black, then pair with sleek knitwear or a boxy white shirt.

Avoid: Length is key to perfecting this trend and maxi is the goal! Stay away from styles that fall any higher than the ankle/low calf or you'll look like you've been inspired by the office looks from an episode of Rivals.

Additionally, while pinstripes are back this season, they can make a column skirt feel too formal and outdated, so play it safe by sticking to designs in block colours.

Slip skirts

Bella Emar in Berlin

Satin slip skirts are another trend we've stolen from the 90s. They've been on our radar for a while now but they've recently been given a grown-up twist thanks to the quiet luxury trend, meaning we'll be reaching for them again this season.

The key to nailing the quiet luxury look is keeping colourways pared back - so nothing too bright or flashy. Again, like column skirts, the slip skirt looks best when it hits around the ankle. With winter sticking around for a while yet, we'll be wearing this trend with long boots (just make sure there're no gaps between the top of your boots and the hem of your skirt!)

Avoid: A satin slip skirt can quickly look dated so needs careful styling. While pairing them with white trainers may feel like a safe option, it doesn't look very modern so stick to chunky boots, or even Mary Janes if you prefer something more delicate. Avoid floral or printed designs at all costs if you want your outfit to feel expensive. An easy go-to to complete your look is a chunky knit worn with a loose French tuck.

Bubble skirt

Hollie Mercedes Peters at Copenhagen Fashion Week

From Kylie Jenner to Hailey Bieber, some of the biggest fashion icons have been spotted out in a bubble hem recently. Similarly, styles were sent down SS25 runways at the likes of Molly Goddard, Conner Ives and Tory Burch. It's clear they have the fashion set's seal of approval, so we anticipate the style will be all over the high street in the coming months.

While sporting a bubble skirt might feel a little intimidating at first, they're actually really easy to wear - as long as you pay attention to styling the right silhouettes elsewhere in your look. Keep any top or jacket cropped or boxy (make sure nothing stops lower than your skirt waistband. Similarly, keep your footwear delicate with a pump or kitten heel so nothing looks too bulky around your ankles!

Avoid: The bubble hem skirt is a lot more grown up this time round. Keep to chic, neutral colourways and either opt for mini or maxi silhouettes instead of midi styles. Scandi fashion influencers do it best, so take inspiration from them and pair with ballet pumps and a pillow clutch bag. Keep well away from satin or silk designs as you don't want to look like you are going to an 80s prom. Instead opt for light cotton.

Now shop our favourites...

Cos skirt

Skirt, 110, Cos

We love the subtle pleating on this Cos skirt.

Zara skirt

Skirt, 25.99, Zara

The deep aubergine shade makes this Zara skirt look very expensive.

Anthropologie skirt

Skirt, 88, NIA at Anthropologie

A pop of red is a chic way to add some colour to your look this season.

Plumo skirt

Skirt, 239, Plumo

This Plumo kilt ticks all the right boxes. It's also available in black for anyone who prefers something more pared-back.

Tu skirt

Skirt, 18, Tu

At 18, this slip skirt is a steal!

Next skirt

Skirt, 42, Next

The extra-wide waistband on this Next skirt makes for a very flattering silhouette.

Mango skirt

Skirt, 45.99, Mango

This chic column skirt from Mango would look great with a boxy tee and kitten heel for the office.
Europe has done a terrific job in unhinging itself from Russian gas supplies since the start of the Ukraine war.

The Kremlins share of the gas market has plummeted from 35 per cent to 8 per cent as users have switched suppliers to Norway and liquified natural gas (LNG) producers in Qatar and the US.

There has been one major leakage, which is the transit of gas via Ukraine mainly to Slovakia and Austria.

That deal came to an end on January 1 when Ukraines Naftogaz declined to renew its latest five-year transit deal with Russias Gazprom.

The mystery is why, given the comprehensive Western sanctions against Russia, this contract remained in place.

The policy was seen as an economic benefit to Kyiv, which loses some 800million in transit fees because of the cut-off. Less discussed are the other beneficiaries.

Russia links: Royal Mail bidder Daniel Kretinsky has a 49% stake in the Eustream pipeline that pumps gas to Slovakia through the company EPH

They include SPP Infrastructure, the group which controls the Eustream pipeline that pumps gas to Slovakia.

The minority 49 per cent owner in the pipeline is EPH, part of Czech sphinx Daniel Kretinskys sprawling empire, which includes stakes in West Ham FC and Sainsburys.

Putins gas has enriched Kretinsky and his partners, and is among the reasons Kretinsky has been able to accumulate sufficient wealth to allow him to make a 3.6billion bid for Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services.

The Slovakia/Austria pipeline has been able to operate under a waiver by the EU.

It doesnt alter the fact that Russias ghastly war on Ukraine has intensified using drones and advanced rockets to attack civilian and power generation targets.

The assault has cost lives in the war-afflicted country.

Kretinsky and his fellow infrastructure investors have continued to receive dividends from the pipeline, so quite how the proposed deal for the Royal Mail passed muster under the National Security & Investment Act under such circumstances is extraordinary.

The UK was at the heart of the effort to stymie Russias economy, driving UK-based oligarchs out of the country, seizing billions of pounds of financial assets, ending the listings of Russian stocks in London and much more.

Even if Kyiv was the intended beneficiary of keeping the trans-Ukraine line open, it would be hard to justify profits being made from the Russian connection.

The Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Royal Mail unions may consider Kretinsky a legitimate business person.But families of the dead, injured and dispossessed in Ukraine may take a different view. So should the British Government.

Export pain

Economic prospects are not getting better for Rachel Reeves.

Growth could get a lift in 2025 from cash going into the public sector after her Budget.

But wealth creation through the private sector is neglected. And with the Government soaking up much of the nations borrowing capacity, there is a risk private sector investment will be crowded out.

The purchasing managers index for manufacturing tells a continuing dismal story, with activity shrinking at the fastest pace for 11 months.

The UK tends to scoff at weakness in eurozone economies but that ignores the fact Europe is the Britains biggest trading partner.

This has contributed to the biggest fall in exports and new orders for ten months.

Normally, Britain can count on its dominant services sector and the City to bail us out. There is no better time for the Chancellor to boost confidence by helping to forge a new equivalence deal for Londons derivatives market.

As critical, lifting stamp duty on share trading could be totemic for reviving spirits in battered UK stock markets.

Rocket science

Britain punches well above its weight in science as the UKs record on Nobel prizes and tech start-ups shows.

It is deeply worrying that analysis by the FT reveals a reduction in core science subjects in the last five years. Undergraduate courses in chemistry have plummeted 25 per cent and those in biosciences by 15 per cent.

A rise in education spending of 2.3billion over two years is proposed, with cash from the VAT levy on independent education. It would be best deployed reinvigorating the appetite for laboratory and tech training.

Ministers need to close the science gap if the research edge is not to be blunted.
New Delhi, Jan 2 (UNI) On Sunday Bangladesh will hand over 95 Indian fishermen to the Indian Coast Guard, while India will hand over 90 Bangladeshi fishermen in a mutual release and repatriation operation, a statement said.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said:

In recent months, several Indian fishermen have been arrested by Bangladesh authorities when they happened to inadvertently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line and entered Bangladesh waters. Several Bangladesh fishermen have also been apprehended by Indian authorities in similar circumstances.

The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. To this end, it has worked assiduously to secure the release of our fishermen from Bangladesh custody.

Earlier today, 95 Indian fishermen were handed over by Bangladesh authorities to the Bangladesh Coast Guard for handing over to the Indian Coast Guard on January 5, 2025. On the same day, 90 Bangladesh fishermen will also be released in a mutual release and repatriation operation that will be concluded at sea between the respective Coast Guard authorities.

The MEA statement added that the mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessels has been worked out keeping in mind the primarily humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides.

This comes in the backdrop of demands by Bangladeshs army-backed Interim Government that India repatriate ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina who has been residing in India since August 5, 2024, when she fled Dhaka in the face of a student-led uprising. India has refused to comment on this demand by Bangladesh.

UNI RN
The bombshell Budget inheritance tax announcement is a potential disaster for pensions.

It will mean less money going in, more early withdrawals, lower pension fund investment in long-term higher-return assets and more pensioners reliant on state benefits.

This is horribly reminiscent of Gordon Browns 1997 dividend tax credit removal from UK pension funds which, as with this Budget, saw little industry opposition at the time.

It took several years to recognise this fatal blow for traditional final-salary-type defined benefit (DB) pensions.

Scrapping inheritance tax (IHT) exemption for unspent pensions could be equally damaging to defined contribution (DC) schemes that replaced once-thriving private sector DB arrangements, undoing the brilliant incentives of George Osbornes 2015 freedoms.

Tax grab: Chancellor Rachel Reeves said in the Budget that from April 2027, pensions would no longer be exempt from inheritance tax

These removed requirements for DC pensions to buy annuities (where insurers can pocket pension funds of those dying, leaving nothing for heirs) or buy expensive drawdown funds with a 55 per cent death tax.

After 2015, people could take control of their pensions, feeling safe contributing more to invest long-term, and only withdrawing money when they chose.

The tax system encouraged people to spend any other savings first, keeping pension funds for their 80s and 90s  the original purpose.

Removing IHT-exemption takes us back to the bad old days. There may be little sympathy for millionaires, but it is those near the middle who are worst-affected.

Most people underestimate their life expectancy, worry about dying relatively young, dont want annuities and would rather not lose most of their pension investments to the taxman.

This is not just 40 per cent tax on unused funds. It is far worse.

If the Chancellors proposals proceed in 2027 as planned (and I hope they dont, so please reply to the consultation) those inheriting pensions from anyone dying over age 75 face income tax on withdrawals.

So HMRC takes 52 per cent, 64 per cent or 67 per cent of an inherited fund, depending on tax brackets. This is more like confiscation than taxation.

Consider someone with a 500,000 pension fund (which could buy about 20,000 annual index-linked pension annuity income).

After taking tax-free cash, the remaining 375,000 could be withdrawn at 20 per cent tax, by keeping annual income below 50,271, which is the 40 per cent threshold.

If they have a full 12,000 state pension, that leaves around 38,000 a year available at basic rate tax. The fund could be gone within ten years.

A 400,000 fund could go in under eight years. People on average incomes starting withdrawals at 55 would empty funds much sooner.

Anyone already over state pension age may now consider withdrawing as much as possible straight away, to avoid the massive tax loss on death.

Commentators have not yet recognised how damaging this IHT change is. The Government plans further pension reviews, creating yet more uncertainty for long-term planning, again damaging pension confidence.

Millions are at risk of later-life poverty. The UK economy and markets will suffer as less is invested for the long-term. Its time to wake up.

Dont destroy DC pensions, harness them to boost growth instead.
Labours bombshell plan to levy inheritance tax on retirement pots will hit Middle England and leave millions in poverty, according to a former pensions minister.

Ros Altmann argues the Chancellors raid on prudent savers is horribly reminiscent of the fatal blow

Gordon Brown inflicted when he removed dividend tax credits from UK pension funds in 1997.

Writing in the Mail, she warns Rachel Reeves that the new death duty is more like confiscation than taxation and could destroy the pensions system.

And the boss of City wealth manager Quilter has warned that the move risks undermining savers confidence.

In her first Budget, Chancellor Reeves said that from April 2027 pension pots will no longer be exempt from inheritance tax (IHT). Currently, money left in a pension, on death, can usually be passed on tax-free if the deceased is under the age of 75.

Tax grab: The current Chancellor's raid has been compared to the 'fatal blow' Gordon Brown (pictured) inflicted when he removed dividend tax credits from UK pension funds in 1997

But tens of thousands of grieving families now face a new death duty on pensions that will rake in 1.5billion a year by the end of the decade.

The bombshell Budget inheritance tax announcement is a potential disaster for pensions, says Altmann in the Mail today.

It will mean less money going in, more early withdrawals, lower pension fund investment in long-term higher-return assets and more pensioners reliant on state benefits.

Millions are at risk of later-life poverty. The UK economy and markets will suffer too as less pension money stays invested for the long-term. Its time to wake up.

Families can pass on up to 325,000 after death, free of inheritance tax. Couples who are married or in civil partnerships can combine their allowances to pass on 650,000.

There is also a further chunky allowance of 170,000 per person if you leave your home to your direct descendants - see the box below for more on the rules.

Anything above is taxed at a rate of 40 per cent.

Altmann warns the pension changes proposed by Reeves mean many face a form of double taxation because the retirement pots of those dying over the age of 75 will be hit by both inheritance tax and income tax.

This would leave basic-rate taxpayers facing a levy of 52 per cent on an inherited pension fund while those on higher rates would pay 64 per cent, or 67 per cent.

This is more like confiscation than taxation, says Altmann.

Steven Levin, chief executive of Quilter, said: This feels like retrospective taxation on those who planned based on current rules.

The combined impact of 40 per cent IHT and income tax could lead to marginal rates of 64 per cent or 67 per cent. This is unconscionable.

Changing the rules soon after introducing pension freedoms risks undermining savers confidence.

'The proposed changes will introduce significant complexity into an already overburdened system. Grieving families will face significant stress and delays in accessing assets until probate is granted.

There are alternative ways to determine how pensions are taxed that would avoid excessive tax rates and allow beneficiaries prompt access to funds.

The Government has faced a backlash over the proposals. In a letter to the Chancellor, AJ Bell chief executive Michael Summersgill said: If the Government presses ahead with the proposals as written, it will risk fundamentally undermining the UK pensions system.
Brompton boss Will Butler-Adams blamed a really sad state of affairs in the global bicycle market as the wheels came off sales.

Profits for the year to the end of last March were just 4,602 compared to 10.7million a year earlier.

Demand surged in the pandemic, but producers overestimated how long the boom would last, and now have unwanted goods on their hands.

Sales at Brompton, which makes folding bicycles popular with many commuters, fell 5 per cent to 122.6million, according to accounts.

Excess stock: Brompton's profits for the year to the end of last March were just 4,602 compared to 10.7m a year earlier

Costs surged 15 per cent to 62.7million amid increased staff and marketing spending to meet expected growth, which failed to appear.

It was also hurt by higher raw materials and logistics costs. As a result, Brompton axed dividend payments.

Butler-Adams told The Guardian: The industry is still in turmoil and will not get better this year. It will not be as bad as 2024 but there is still excess stock.

UK sales dropped nearly 2million to 31.7million. In Europe they fell 21 per cent to 24.6million.
Germanys beleaguered industrial sector rounded off a lost year with a further decline in December  helping to drag eurozone manufacturing into reverse.

French factories also suffered a grim end to 2024 with the worst month since the height of the pandemic, as political chaos rages.

The declines for Europes two biggest economies, together with number-three player Italy, resulted in the sector shrinking across the eurozone.

Closely-watched purchasing managers index (PMI) figures gave a reading of 45.1 on a scale where 50 separates growth from contraction.

Germany posted 42.5 as it saw sharp and accelerated declines in both output and new orders and further cutbacks to employment.

Its once-mighty industrial base has been in turmoil after losing access to cheap energy from Russia as a result of the Ukraine war, and a slump in demand from China.

Strike: Germany's industrial base has been in turmoil after losing access to cheap energy from Russia prompting industrial unrest, such as protests from Volkswagen workers (pictured)

Its giant car industry has been battling cut-price Chinese imports.

That has prompted cost-cutting and industrial unrest, such as protests from Volkswagen workers.

And it is in political limbo ahead of elections next month after its coalition government collapsed.

Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, which compiled the latest figures, said: The situation is still pretty grim. The industry wont be coming out of recession any time soon.

The shrinking order backlog suggests the new year wont start much better. Its been a lost year.
Tullow Oil shares soared on Friday after the London-listed firm revealed it would no longer have to pay a tax bill worth $320million (258million).

West Africa-focused Tullow, which was founded in Ireland and is headquartered in London, told investors after market close on Thursday that its Ghana subsidiary had been cleared of liability by a tribunal of the International Chamber of Commerce.

The tribunal had been exploring the applicability of Ghana's Branch Profit Remittance tax to Tullow's Deepwater Tano and West Cape Three Points Petroleum Agreements, which include the group's offshore Jubilee and TEN fields.

Ultimately it was decided that the tax is not applicable to Tullow Ghana 'since it falls outside of the tax regime provided for in the Petroleum Agreements', according to the group.

Tullow said: 'As a result of the Tribunal's award, Tullow Ghana is not liable to pay the $320million BPRT assessment issued by the Ghana Revenue Authority and will have no future exposure to BPRT in respect of its operations under the Petroleum Agreements.

'Tullow continues to engage with the Government of Ghana on two further disputed tax claims, which were referred to the ICC in February 2023, with the aim of resolving these disputes on a mutually acceptable basis.'

Tullow shares were up 12 per cent to 24.5 per cent by midmorning.

A Tullow Oil drill on the Jubilee field, offshore Ghana

However, they remain roughly 40 per cent lower than 12 months ago and have lost almost 60 per cent over the last five years.

Tullow shares were handed another blow last month after takeover suitor Kosmos Energy abandoned its pursuit of its London-listed rival.

It had been hoped the deal would offer compelling operational synergies as the pair share the same core assets  the Jubilee and TEN fields in offshore Ghana  and help repair Tullow's balance sheet.

Tullow has been fighting to overcome an enormous debt pile, which it hopes to have reduced to $1.4billion by the end of the year.

It has seen its valuation plunge from some 15billion at its 2012 peak to a market capitalisation of just 319million today, according to LSEG data.

The group was on a winning streak of major oil field discoveries in Ghana and Uganda during the noughties, but this abruptly came to an end. Debts skyrocketed after a number of unsuccessful exploration attempt.

The global race to net zero has also increasingly been damaging, with Tullow in recent years gradually calling an end to its exploration efforts to focus on effectively managing existing assets.

Tullow's existing strategy aims to have less than $1billion in net debt by 2025 and cash gearing below 1x in the near term.

Chief executive Rahul Dhir said the tribunal's decision on Tullow's tax liabilities 'removes a material overhang from our business'.

He added: 'I look forward to constructive discussions with the Government of Ghana to resolve the remaining claims so that our collective focus remains on maximising value from the Jubilee and TEN fields.'
Hedge fund Marshall Wace has reported plunging profits again following a massive drop in performance fees.

The investment firm, co-founded by GB News backer Sir Paul Marshall, revealed its pre-tax profits plummeted by 64 per cent to 192million in the year ending February 2024.

Revenue fell by 38 per cent to 768.9million, mainly due to performance fees, which investment managers gain for generating returns, slumping by about 435million to just 163million.

Its Eureka and TOPS funds returned 4.6 per cent and 7.7 per cent, respectively, which is significantly below the double-digit levels hedge funds usually achieve.

This is the second year in a row Marshall Wace's earnings have dropped significantly after pre-tax profits slid by over a quarter to 539million in the 2023 financial year.

The group's latest profits will be divided between its 24 partners, including Marshall and co-founder Ian Wace, with one unnamed member receiving a 74million payout.

Results: Hedge fund Marshall Wace has reported plunging profits again following a massive drop in performance fees

Marshall and Wace started their eponymous company in 1997, partly with backing from prominent Hungarian-born financier George Soros.

It has now grown into one of the UK's largest hedge funds with over $69billion in assets, more than 700 employees and offices in major cities like London, New York and Abu Dhabi.

Expansion has been spearheaded by developing a computer-driven trading strategy that analyses stock recommendations from analysts and private equity giant KKR building a 35 per cent stake in the business.

Sir Paul, 65, whose son is former Mumford & Sons banjo player Winston, is chairman and chief investment officer of Marshall & Wace.

He has used his financial success from the company to become one of Britain's most generous philanthropists.

The tycoon founded school academy provider ARK and has donated tens of millions to the London School of Economics, which houses the Marshall Institute for Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship.

Marshall is also building a media empire, backing news and opinion website UnHerd and television channel GB News.

He acquired The Spectator Magazine last year for 100million after an Abu Dhabi-backed bid to snap up the right-leaning publication along with the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph failed.

Previously a Liberal Democrat supporter, Marshall later switched his affiliation to the Conservative Party and supported Brexit in the 2016 European Union membership referendum.
Santander is still in the process of recovering 130million it accidentally paid to customers over three years ago.

A payment error on Christmas Day 2021 meant that some 75,000 payment transactions, at an average of 1,733 each, were wrongly put through twice.

The money had been sent by around from 2,000 people and businesses.

It meant some customers got paid their salary for that month twice, with some of the money coming directly from Santander's own reserves.

The bank struggled to get its money back because much of it was sent to customers of other banks.

And Santander's efforts to recover the money it wrongly sent to customers are still ongoing more than three years on, The Sun has reported.

It means some customers still need to pay back the funds they received in error.

Blunder: Santander accidentally paid around 75,000 customers twice by mistake. While they may have been delighted, can they keep the cash?

A spokesman from Santander said: 'We worked collaboratively with recipient banks immediately after the issue occurred in order to recover a majority of the funds, but some recovery activities remain in progress.'

This is Money spoke to two consumer champions to find out whether you'll have to pay money back if you receive money you aren't owed from a bank, or if your job overpays you, and what your rights are.

Do you have to return overpaid wages?

Martyn James, a consumer champion, says: 'Sorry to disappoint you all, but there really is no thing as free money. In fact, legally, you're obliged to pay it back.

'Of all the finance urban myths, this is the one people cling on to the hardest. If the bank or a business overpays in to your account you have to return the cash  even if months have passed since the error.

'It is illegal for customers to keep the wrongly accredited money and if they spend it they face being charged with retaining wrongful credit under the Theft Act 1968.'

Scott Dixon, who runs The Complaints Resolver website, added: 'Employers are entitled to recover overpaid earnings as you legally have no right to keep money paid to you in error, although they should assist with a monthly repayment plan if necessary.

Martyn James added: 'If you have spent some or all of the cash 'accidentally' then you can expect your bank or card provider to come up with an affordable repayment plan, ideally without interest.

'This shouldn't damage your credit file either. On occasion, you might be able to demonstrate that you were expecting a lump sum payment like an inheritance and assumed the deposit made in error was that sum.

'This might  might  result in some of the cash you've spent being waived, but this is very, very rare.

'In cases where a long time has elapsed, the bank will have to justify why it's taken so long. In these cases, complain to the Financial Ombudsman.

'The bank may be forced to accept a smaller payment, or in rare cases told they've waited too long.'

Were you overpaid by Santander? Get in touch: editor@thisismoney.co.uk
Almost a fifth of all care homes in England have been rated as substandard, including some areas where every facility fails to come up to scratch.

Ministers are being urged to hold cross-party talks on care provisions after new research revealed a 'post code lottery' in terms of standards.

One in five (19.6 per cent) of care homes have been rated as 'requires improvement' or 'inadequate', the two lowest ratings in the system.

But in some parliamentary constituencies all the homes have one of those ratings, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's seat of Holborn and St Pancras in north London.

Last year the number of homes rated as requires improvement or inadequate rose nine per cent compared to 2023, from 2,646 to 2,895, according to analysis by the House of Commons Library for the Liberal Democrats.

It came as Health Secretary Wes Streeting unveiled plans for a National Care Service, with an independent commission expected to begin in the spring.

However, proposals for the long-term funding and major reform of social care in England may not be delivered until 2028, the year before the next election is due.

Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokeswoman, Helen Morgan said: 'This stark postcode lottery illustrates once more that our social care sector is in crisis, pushed to the brink by years of the previous Conservative government's neglect.

Your browser does not support iframes.

One in five (19.6 per cent) of care homes have been rated as 'requires improvement' or 'inadequate', the two lowest ratings in the system.

Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokeswoman, Helen Morgan said: 'This stark postcode lottery illustrates once more that our social care sector is in crisis, pushed to the brink by years of the previous Conservative government's neglect.

'The result is people and their loved ones suffering and not getting the quality of care they deserve.

'The new government's deafening silence on social care has been bitterly disappointing. They must surely realise that you cannot fix the NHS without fixing social care.

'As they bury their heads in the sand, people are stuck in hospitals because the care services simply do not exist. Too many families are being left with few options and are struggling to find the care for their loved ones.

'Ministers cannot delay any longer. They must urgently enter cross-party talks on social care to put the sector on a sustainable long-term footing and to ensure everyone gets the care they deserve.'

In 227 constituencies in England, at least one in five care homes were rated as 'requires improvement' and in 61 at least 5 per cent of the care homes were rated as 'inadequate'.

The area with the highest number of care homes rated as 'requires improvement' was Bognor Regis and Littlehampton in Sussex, where 18 care homes fell into that category.

This was followed by North Norfolk, Weston-Super-Mare, Leicester West, Coventry North West and Torbay, which all had at least 15 care homes as requiring improvement.

The Liberal Democrats have called for this 'stark postcode lottery' to be brought to an end and called for the new government to urgently start cross-party talks on social care to put the sector on a long-term sustainable footing and to ensure that everyone gets the care they deserve.

Before Christmas, councils warned that the increase in funding announced by the Government for 2025 will not relieve acute pressures on local services.

Changes to the draft local government finance settlement included a 700 million uplift in funding for social care and the costs of changes to national insurance.

But the County Councils Network (CCN) said the extra funding would not come close to covering forecast costs facing its members, while the District Councils Network (DCN) said the changes mean 'little or no increase' in funding in many areas with worrying consequences for services.

Additionally, a stark analysis sent to the Government by leading voices in the sector warned high employment costs, too-low fee rates, and councils struggling to balance their books are all threatening its overall sustainability.

Collapses in social care provision could leave those in need without care, add to the responsibility on family carers, and increase pressure on NHS services, Care England and the Homecare Association said.

The former is one of the largest representative bodies for independent adult social care providers in England, while the latter has 2,200 members across the UK.

People should be 'protected from the catastrophic costs of upfront care' that see them forced to sell their homes, Mr Streeting suggested this morning.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that, for him, a national care service is 'about national standards  consistent access to higher quality care for older and disabled people everywhere in the country'.

Asked whether it meant that people will not have to sell their homes to pay for their care, he said: 'I would certainly like to see people protected from the catastrophic costs of upfront care that sees people forced to sell their homes and move out.'

The Government came under fire last summer after Chancellor Rachel Reeves scrapped proposals from Sir Andrew Dilnot, whose findings had been accepted by the previous government.

That plan would have introduced an 86,000 cap on the amount an older or disabled person would have to pay towards their support at home or in care homes.

After spending 86,000 on their care, people with a high level of need would also have had their care costs paid for by local councils.

The threshold for getting council support to pay for costs, before exceeding the cap, would also have meant people were allowed to keep more of their savings.

Mr Streeting said on Friday that Labour had been prepared to go ahead with the social care proposals set out by the Dilnot Commission but 'we found the money wasn't there'.

He added: 'Even if the money had been there, councils hadn't been prepared to implement it from October 2025.'

Questioned on whether reforming social care was now being kicked into the long grass due to a lack of money, Mr Streeting insisted this was not the case.

He said it was thanks to the decisions of the Chancellor that 'we are stabilising the social care sector, we're investing in our NHS'.

The new independent commission looking into social care reform, led by Baroness Louise Casey, will begin in April.

Mr Streeting said the Commission will work to build a cross-party national consensus around what is a new National Care Service.

The Commission will be split over two phases with the first, reporting to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in mid-2026, looking at the issues facing social care and recommending medium-term reforms.

The second phase is expected by 2028 and will make recommendations for the longer term.
Residents have hit out at a property company, claiming they are living in 'squalor', in a block of flats where they are surrounded by sewage, bikes are stolen and parents don't feel safe to let their children outside.

Five years ago plans were announced to convert the former home of Britain's mapmakers Ordnance Survey into modern accommodation.

Compass Point, in Southampton - where two-bedroom flats cost more than 200,000 - has now left residents furious with their living conditions.

Water gushed out of pipes in a recent flood, and 'raw sewage' leaked into the car park entrance for four days last month, forcing vehicles entering and exiting to drive under the leak.

One resident says she doesn't let her two-year-old son go outside at the property, and has to carry him to and from her car because of the sewage issues and 'broken glass' on the ground.

Mould and loose wires can be seen across Compass Point, and residents have reported car tyres being burst by stray bits of metal, and bikes being stolen.

The situation at the former Ordnance Survey headquarters has been branded 'wholly unacceptable' by an MP in the House of Commons.

Satvir Kaur spoke on behalf of residents in her constituency of Southampton Test, Hampshire, when she told parliament that the site is 'unsafe'.

Dan Harker with his children outside his flat in the building, he lived in a wheelchair and felt 'trapped' in his flat

Rubbish said to have been dumped by contractors in the bike shed of the building

Mould and loose wires can be seen across rooms and hallways at Compass Point

Water gushed out of pipes in a recent flood, and 'raw sewage' leaked into the car park entrance

The outside of Compass Point in Southampton, which was formerly the home of Ordnance Survey

BMR Compass Ltd, which owns the property, said it was 'deeply disappointing to learn of these issues'.

Sydney Hendrickx, who can't let her toddler outside at Compass Point, said that 'nobody cares'.

The 30-year-old paid 210,000 for a two-bedroom flat on the ground floor in February 2022.

Mrs Hendrickx said: 'Nobody cares about us, we send emails and now we get no reply.

'It's no secret how much we paid and it's upsetting that we get no support at all.'

This flat, which she shares with her husband and son, is the first property Mrs Hendrickx has ever purchased.

She said: 'This is our first purchase and it's been worse than renting.

Sewage leaked into the car park after a van knocked a waste pipe last month - the second sewage leakage incident which the property has experienced.

Resident Sydney Hendrickx in the bike shed at Compass Point in Southampton

The entrance to Compass Point in Southampton where residents have complained about the conditions

The gloomy looking Compass point in Southampton, where residents say they are living in 'squalor'

After the second incident, Mrs Hendrickx said: 'The sewage was literally pouring into the street, literally at the main entrance.'

Plumbers sent by BMR Compass repaired the pipe on the fourth day of the leak, and a cleaning firm addressed the waste to ensure the area was fully cleared on the same day.

Mrs Hendrickx continued: 'There's broken glass, rusty street signs anywhere.

'There's no lights and it gets so dark so early now. You add raw sewage to the mix and we're just constantly carrying [my son] to and from the car.'

Mrs Hendrickx said that a fire inspection has recently been carried out on the building, and while the findings have not yet been shared, she believes that the inspector is not happy with the property.

She added: 'Nobody has accountability.'

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said it has sent firefighters to investigate the property and it is taking concerns - including about a fire panel not working - 'very seriously'.

Resident Amanda Bertham called the building a 's*** tip'.

She said: 'Quite a lot of people have had tyres popped because of lots of metal screws and stuff.'

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, was able to fill a Burger King soft drink cup with pieces of metal they found in the car park.

Mrs Bertham, a personnel and logistics manager, added: 'We've had bikes nicked.

'I want to bring my bike, I've got expensive kit, I don't believe in buying crap.

'But I can't use it because I've got to keep it stored somewhere else.'

The 43-year-old thinks that people who came in to repair the building have caused more problems.

She said: 'They came to fix something, and the next day the pipe burst.

'The pipes make a noise, at night it's awful when you're trying to sleep.'

The bike shed at Compass point, which currently does not have a door or a lock

Amanda Bertham said she cannot bring her bike home because it is at risk of being stolen

Rubbish said to have been dumped by contractors in the bike shed at Compass Point

Rod McDonald moved into Compass Point in October 2023 because the building advertised lifts, and his partner has a disability.

He is happy with the internal state of his flat, but is kept up most nights by loud noises in the water pipes whenever anyone in his block runs their taps.

He said BMR Compass did try to repair the pipework, but a major flood occurred on the ground floor, creating puddles across the carpets.

Since this flood, which happened in August of this year, the building's basement has been covered in mould.

A lift has also been out of order since the flooding.

Mr McDonald calls the condition of the building 'ridiculous'.

Dan Harker, who was in a wheelchair for the first year he lived at Compass Point, said that he feels 'trapped'.

A 'bump' in the accessible entrances at the block caused problems for Mr Harker when getting in and out of the property.

Resident Rod McDonald said he is kept up most nights by loud noises in the water pipes whenever anyone in his block runs their taps

The rooftop of the building which does not drain water causing leaks and flooding

Mould in the basement that flooded in August, which residents said caused them to be surrounded by sewage

He said: 'Nobody in a wheelchair would be able to pull themselves over that.'

Mr Harker paid 210,000 for a two-bedroom flat in the building in February 2023.

He continued: 'It's not what we paid for - I absolutely feel trapped.'

Ms Kaur raised the resident's issues in parliament, speaking after the first 'raw sewage' leak which occurred in the bike storage area, which should have been a play area.

She said: 'Residents of Compass Point in my constituency are living in squalor.

'Water from the roof is being directed to the basement, causing regular flooding; loose pipework and wires are making the site unsafe; and raw sewage is seeping into the children's play area.

'Does the Leader of the House agree that that is wholly unacceptable and that more needs to be done to hold to account freeholders such as BMR, their subcontractors, and lettings agents such as Leaders?

'Will she join me in requesting that they act swiftly and without delay to resolve the many, many issues that have been raised but not responded to?'

Mould on the walls next to an empty bucket of paint in the basement after it flooded in August

An outdoor area that residents at Compass Point have created using items dumped

Items said to have been left by contractors in a boiler room at Compass Point

Property management company KMP Solutions, which used to manage the block, said it valiantly tried to carry out its duties.

Primanage Ltd has been appointed as management, though they were not in charge of the building at the time of the second sewage leak.

On the first sewage leakage problem, BMR Compass said that this was addressed immediately.

The company claims it was unaware of a commitment to provide secure bike sheds, but it is looking into providing this as a gesture of good faith.

On the flooding, it said that carpets were fully replaced in flats 'where necessary', but did not comment on carpets in communal areas.

BMR Compass added that the broken lift will be repaired as soon as the required part arrives.

It said that the bump Mr Harker complained about prevents water 'ingress into the building', but is exploring options to improve access.

BMR Compass said that they have been making progress since November, including securing loose lamps on the side of the building and addressing other concerns raised by residents.

Bernard Margulies from BMR Compass said: 'We remain committed to ensuring that the property is maintained to the highest standards, and we are confident that with the new management in place and my team focused on this project, we will meet the expectations of both leaseholders and tenants.'

Southampton City Council has been contacted for comment.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: 'We have visited the property to investigate, and we will continue to work with the responsible person to ensure any fire safety issues are addressed.'
A small business owner has been slammed after she urged Aussies to abandon the 'no buy trend' and shop at the 'little guys' instead of Coles or Woolworths.

Bonnie, the co-owner of Sunshine Coast business Bubbles and Brew, claimed the 'no buy' trend - which encourages shoppers to cut any non-essential spending - was 'stressful' for small businesses already under the pump.

The 38-year-old and her twin sister own a coffee shop in Kunda Park, in the city's west, and have run Bubbles and Brew out of a vintage caravan since March 2024.

'This no buy trend is really freaking me out because people are trying to save money - which I 100 per cent agree with - but it's scaring me because it's going to hurt small businesses. That's me,' she said in a TikTok video this week.

'Are you not buying coffees to save money? Are you not going to the gym to save money? These are small businesses. What else are you not spending money on?

'How about we start a new trend to buy from small businesses, instead of the big guys like Coles and Woolies?'

But Aussies were quick to point out that millions of households were already struggling to afford the essentials during a cost-of-living crisis.

'People are struggling to make rent and put food on the table. A business is an investment and if it goes under because it's a non-essential, so be it, that's the risk you took when you started it,' one woman commented.

Sunshine Coast woman Bonnie (pictured) said she was scared the 'no buy' trend would impact her small business and urged Aussies to boycott Coles and Woolies instead

Bonnie and her twin sister (pictured) own a coffee shop in Kunda Park, in the city's west, and have run a catering coffee and cocktail business out of a vintage caravan since March

'$15 dollars for two coffees add that up a couple of times a week the gym cost a week! Gyms aren't small businesses. I don't know what land you're from but people can't put food on the table,' a second wrote.

'Love how you turn comments off on videos where people disagree with you. We are all out here with two and three jobs just trying to survive. If your business is struggling maybe join us,' a third wrote.

Bonnie told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday her comments had been misunderstood.

'I didn't say that with any malice - and it's not just my business I'm worried about, all small businesses will be affected,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'I know everyone's struggling at the moment, and I'm one of them. Viewers don't know I also deliver flyers on weekends and run a finance business, because I don't put it online.

'The point I wanted to get across in that video is save your money where you can but don't forget about the little guys.'

Rather than cutting all 'excess' spending, Bonnie urged Aussies to instead consider how they can save while still supporting local businesses.

'We're family who are working to support our kids and hustling every day to make every dollar we can,' she said.

Bonnie co-owns a coffee shop in Kunda Park and a catering coffee and cocktail business out of a vintage caravan (pictured)

'There are big businesses that already have million-dollar bank accounts, they're already got the clientele. Everyone has to go to Coles and Woolies at some point, but there's other ways to save.

'I'll be finding better ways to manage my money but I won't be forgetting about buying a coffee at the local coffee shop, I won't be forgetting about going to the market for my fruit and vegetable shop.'

Bonnie encouraged Aussies to look for cheaper insurance to save money instead of stopping their support for small businesses.

'I totally understand everyone can do what they want. I know everyone's struggling at the moment,' she said.

'It was just my idea to say, don't forget about us.'

Bonnie said some people over the festive period had already began cutting back their spending at her cafe.

However, some dedicated customers 'wouldn't give up their daily coffee for anything'.

'I wish everyone the best with their savings goals this year,' Bonnie said.

'I'm in the same position, everything is so expensive. I'm trying to cut back on costs as well. I just won't cut back on supporting the smaller guys over the bigger guys.'
Israeli warplanes strike areas deep in southern Lebanon

Beirut, Jan 3 (UNI) Israeli warplanes raided on Thursday afternoon several areas deep in southern Lebanon, according to official and military sources in Lebanon.

Israeli warplanes raided the Al-Bureij area on the northern outskirts of Iqlim al-Tuffah and Jabal al-Rayhan with two air-to-surface missiles, Lebanon's official National News Agency reported.

This is the first time that Israel has targeted the Iqlim al-Tuffah area since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect last November, according to the report.
This video is no longer available

This video is no longer available

An Aussie who lost his lower left leg and had his left hand ripped apart while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war has issued a desperate plea for help from the Australian government.

Casey Gadaleta, 38, was a volunteer soldier fighting for Ukraine in Kursk, Russia, when his unit got close to an area manned by Russians and North Koreans. The Queenslander was serving with the 80th Brigade and using the call sign 'Dundee', after the classic 1986 Australian film Crocodile Dundee.

On December 8, four months after he was deployed, his six-man unit was in Kursk, deep into Russian territory, when he stood on a landmine and the explosion ripped through his left foot and left hand.

Gadaleta, who in 2021 was jailed for assaulting a man at a party, told Seven News on Thursday that delays and poor medical treatment in Ukraine led to his lower left leg being amputated due to necrosis.

He fears he will lose the use of his left hand and wants the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to organise a medevac flight back to Australia for him.

But the former steelworker, who has a degree in science, said his plea to DFAT has not been answered.

'I need bone grafts, tendon grafts, multiple surgeries. Then there's the rehab,' he said from his hospital bed in Kyiv.

Casey Gadaleta (pictured) lost his lower left leg and had his left hand ripped apart while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war

'I haven't heard from DFAT, they haven't given any assistance. The Australian Embassy in Poland said they'd call back in a couple of days, but never did.'

The longer he has to wait, the more critical Gadaleta's need to urgent medical care becomes.

He recalled the horror of stepping on the landmine less than four weeks ago.

'Literally like one step and there's this bright light and I thought our guys accidentally dropped a grenade on me. I thought these guys just hit me by accident,' he said.

Due to the shock his body went into, at first he didn't feel anything, but the realisation of what happened soon kicked in.

'Someone yelled out are you alright? and I said "Bro my leg's gone". He said 'What?' I said "Bro it's gone".'

The Russians started firing their weapons and advanced on his position. Then when he reached for his gun, he realised his left hand was in pieces.

His colleagues were not able to help him and he was told he had to use his medical training and using tourniquets to try to stop the bleeding.

'I'm begging them, I'm breaking down. I shouted, "I'm gonna die, I'm gonna freeze to death. I'm bleeding so much."'

Gadaleta said he went 20 hours without first aid or pain relief while he sat, soaked in blood in -4 degrees.

'I honestly thought, yeah, I'm gonna die.'

Casey Gadaleta (pictured) was a volunteer soldier fighting for Ukraine in Kursk, Russia, when he stepped on a landmine

Gadaleta (pictured) wants the Australian Government to fly him home for hospital treatment

Eventually, he was taken back to Ukraine, to a hospital in the capital Kyiv.

But the three-week wait for surgery led to him losing his lower leg, he said.

'My leg died, it basically turned to a black colour. They had to amputate,' he said.

He also has shrapnel in his arm and his face and is desperate to get back to Australia to be treated for his injuries.

Gadaleta said he volunteered for the Ukraine Armed Forces because of Russia's war crimes in since it invaded its neighbour in February 2022.

'I was disgusted with it and I thought, how can a human being do that to another human being? And I just thought, "I want to give my life to this cause,"' he said.

'I wasn't naive about it. I knew that with all the casualties it wasn't a matter of if, but when I was injured.'

He also saw fighting in Ukraine as a way to atone for his past - as well as the assault conviction, he was also previously charged but cleared of attempted murder.

'I sacrificed my body, and I was willing to sacrifice my life,' he said. 'I paid my own way here. I paid for my rent and food. I sold my investment property to cover it all.'

The Sunshine Coast man said the Australian Government should medevac him home as that would cost a fraction of the $1.3billion dollars it has spent on providing tanks, Bushmasters and aid for Ukraine.

Astonishingly, he said he wants to return to the battle after his injuries are treated and healed.

'It hasn't changed my attitude,' he said.

'I'm coming back as soon as my prosthetic is on.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
The headteacher of an independent school which has cut classes to four days a week, moved lessons to outdoor tents outside and allows pupils to address teachers by their first names has insisted her methods are not woke or 'wishy washy'.

Liberty Woodland School in Morden, south London, which has children aged four to 16, is taking a new approach to the traditional timetable, claiming the move is to respond to concerns about mental health.

Instead of a five-day school week starting at 8.30am and finishing at 3pm, the school days are longer, starting at 8.30am and finishing at 4.40pm. Pupils have a day off on Friday but teachers are expected to work on lesson plans, marking and supporting any students with outstanding work.

Liberty Woodland opened as a primary school in 2019 and five years later began taking in secondary students.

Fees are set to rise to around 7,000 per term from January after Labour ended the VAT exemption for private schools.

Lessons take place outside in yurt-style tents around the three-acre site - even when it is cold or raining - and teachers and students are on first-name terms with each other.

Founder Leanna Barrett told MailOnline she doesn't mind if students play video games instead of being at school on a Friday and revealed that rather than detentions, children are asked to 'regulate their own behavior'.

The head told MailOnline: 'It is not all wishy-washy, so much of what we do is routed in scientific research and in science, we know it works.'

Pupils at Liberty Woodland School have their lessons taught outdoors come rain or shine

The 17,000-a-year school does not teach its' primary or secondary pupils in the conventional way

Wherever possible, all lessons are taught either outside or in yule-style tents they call 'dens'

Leanna Barrett, founder and headteacher of Liberty Woodland School in Morden

Children at the school also eat mostly vegetarian lunches and the headteacher said some of the eight to 10-year-olds have already started studying GCSE level geography.

Liberty Woodland is not assessed by Ofsted, but instead inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), a government approved inspectorate.

A recent report by the ISI gave glowing praise to the school, including how teachers prioritise mental and physical health.

However the report did question the lack of extra-curricular activities available to pupils on Fridays, when they are usually at home.

The report said: 'Pupils develop the skills and attitudes to help them become inquiring, independent and kind global citizens who are emotionally intelligent, socially responsible and innovative problem solvers.'

Pupils at the school do not study the national curriculum and instead follow the International Baccalaureate, which is taught in 108 countries around the world and is accredited by Ofqual as having the same status as GCSEs.

The school's website has criticised traditional exams, saying GCSEs 'develop a hollow understanding of any subject and comes at the expense of a rich, highly engaging and deep learning experience'.

The primary curriculum is split into three 'key areas of competence' which they believe are important for all students to develop. They liken them to the structure of a tree, naming them the Roots, Trunk and Crown.

Root attributes, the school says are 'fundamental to all other learning' and prioritises personal, social, emotional and physical health.

The Trunk attributes are the area the schools believes are 'essential skills' for the primary pupils, giving Environmentalism same level of importance as maths.

Other essential skills listed in Trunk include Communication and Language, Critical thinking and Digital Communication.

Then the Crown attributes are designed to give pupils the 'capacity to become the adults that will shape the future,' enabling students to 'not just participate, but flourish in society'.

The Crown attributes lists Philosophical Reflection and Social Responsibility alongside Creative Arts (Music, Art, Drama and Technology), Understanding the World (Geography, History and Science).

A 14-year-old pupil who was previously at a mainstream secondary school said studying at Liberty Woodland has improved his mental health.

He said he enjoys having Fridays at home and loves the four-day working week.

An example of some of the tents where lessons are often taught at Liberty Woodland School

Another student, 11, told The Guardian: 'Most people do their work in the morning (Friday). You can do it on Saturday or Sunday, sometimes I play video games with friends.'

Liberty Woodland claims to be the first fully outdoor school in the UK and says its three-acre campus provides 'perfect backdrop for immersive outdoor learning experiences'.

Founder Leanna Barrett previously ran a chain of forest nurseries before starting Liberty Woodland.

She says that while the school is only operating in a four-day working week, the longer days mean pupils are still studying the same amount as regular schools.

She told MailOnline: 'We are giving kids the time in school to really get into the flow and they have a better work-life balance, so they can spend time focusing on their hobbies and passions as well as family time.

'Our teachers are able to come in on a Friday and develop high quality excellent lessons and then they finish at lunchtime and they too have a better work-life balance.

Mrs Barrett said that while primary students are allowed the day off on Friday, secondary students are set work to do at home ahead of the next week.

A class of children sit on a collection of logs in the three-acre outdoor grounds of the school

A country mansion is used by the school during high winds or storms for safety reasons

Primary age children are encouraged to do 'whatever makes them happy' instead of coming into school on Fridays

Mrs Barrett said she did not mind if some of her students were playing video games instead of being at school on a Friday.

'Secondary students need to learn to manage their own learning, if they choose to do their work on a different day that is fine, it will give them the resilience to do well at University,' she said.

'On Fridays our primary students should be doing what makes them happy, if that is playing video games then so be it.'

Mrs Barrett said the school was designed to allow all lessons to be outside and each class has a tent-like 'den' which is equipped with infrared heating and lighting.

A manor house on the site is used in case of high winds and in two cases of extreme weather last year the primary school closed for safety reasons.

The headteacher said: 'Being outdoors is not an endurance test for the children and the point is not to make them suffer through it. We do it because of the benefits to wellbeing and mental health.

'Children do not feel the cold as much as adults do, I think because they are moving around so much. I am always telling them to put their coats back on.'

Mrs Barrett is referred to by all her pupils in the school as Leanna, with all staff and students communicating on a first-name basis.

Despite all of the changes, she rejects the idea that her school is 'woke'.

Teachers work a half-day on Friday, when they are encouraged to plan lessons and complete marking

Rather than detentions, children at Liberty Woodland are encouraged to 'regulate their own behaviour'

She added: 'I see a fear of change from a lot of people, something new is often difficult.

'It can be daunting to do something different, but there is an enormous amount of research about how beneficial learning outside is. It is difficult to be the first at anything and I think that fear of getting it wrong can be a barrier.

'I believe all school could benefit with more of a focus on wellbeing and all schools could spend more time outdoors.

'It is not all wishy-washy, so much of what we do is routed in scientific research and in science, we know it works.'

The school has also taken a new approach to punishing children for bad behaviour.

Speaking to the Wimbledon Times, Mrs Barrett said rather than detentions, children are asked to 'regulate their own behavior'.

Teachers, students and even the headteacher Leanna Barrett are referred to by their first names

The school believes that more time outside for students has significant benefits to pupils' mental health

Liberty Woodland School claims to be the first fully outdoor school in the UK

It is not the first school to implement the four-day working week.

St Peter's Catholic School in the Solihull last year started giving teachers a day off each fortnight  and says the policy has instantly heralded a drop in sick days and attracted new recruits.

It comes as Labour aims to boost recruitment and retainment in the profession by allowing teachers to do more work from home.

Teachers in England could be offered incentives such as two free periods a week to give them a lie-in and more planning time at home to help with work-life balance. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has said increased flexibility will prevent women from leaving the profession when they have children.

Department for Education figures show 39,971 (8.8 per cent) teachers in England left in 2022-23, not including those who died or retired.

The Department for Education announced in July that teachers and school leaders will get a 5.5 per cent pay rise for 2024-25.

While limited to the same holiday periods as their pupils, teachers are generally off for six weeks in the summer, a fortnight each at Christmas and Easter and a week at each of the three half-term breaks, although some of those periods will also include teacher training days. Teachers also use holiday periods to plan lessons and catch up with marking.

A recent survey of 16-24-year-olds found the stress associated with teaching, as well as the pay, is putting off potential entrants.

The survey, in a report last month by the education charity Teach First, found that although 73 per cent of the 3,000 respondents considered teaching as a job with purpose, almost half (42 per cent) also perceived it as stressful. More than a third (36 per cent) considered it poorly paid.

The report called for every teacher to be given a 'flexibility' entitlement, including short-term secondments away from school to work in other sectors and career breaks offering unpaid leave.

Labour has pledged to end the recruitment crisis in schools by supplying 6,500 extra teachers and introducing a 2,400 early career retention bonus.
It's one of Britain's most visited tourist attractions, despite hardly being a household name.

So, as it marks its 30th anniversary this year, just what is so irresistible about Bicester Village?

The outdoor designer outlet shopping centre in Oxfordshire pulls in 7.3million shoppers every year, many of them big spenders from China lured in by bargain deals on big luxury brands, Mandarin-speaking staff and easy rail access from London.

In fact, Bicester Village is now so loved by Chinese tourists that they flock there in larger numbers than any destination in the UK bar Buckingham Palace - with ads and posts on social media site Weibo only serving to boost its popularity even further.

The site has now inspired a string of similar 'village-style' shopping centres across Europe, the Middle East and China itself, including the seemingly incongruous 'Bicester Village Shanghai'.

When MailOnline the Oxfordshire retail park earlier this week, busloads of visitors were preparing to take their pick of the site's 160 designer outlets, including Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino and Lacoste.

One of them, Eva Wang, said she was interested in 'cheaper deals' on Burberry goods, which she said were more expensive in her native Taiwan.

'I came especially today because it is right before the New Year so there are not many people', the 35-year-old said. 'Usually you have to queue up for the designer brands'.

Bicester Village has become one of the UK's biggest tourist attractions - despite hardly being a household name

The outdoor designer outlet shopping centre in Oxfordshire pulls in 7.3million shoppers every year, many of them big spenders from China and the Middle East

Bicester Village is heavily promoted on Chinese social media sites like Weibo (pictured)

On a cold Tuesday, shoppers wandered around munching posh macaroons, washed down with 3.50 coffees as they perused wintery displays showcasing luxury watches and bags.

Many were smartly turned out in black tailored jackets and smart suit shoes, while women braved the icy weather wearing skirts and knee-high boots.

Annette Nevue, 55, an oil seller from America, said she was visiting her daughter Tiffany Weed, 26, who lived nearby - and shopping for 'everything and anything', but mainly baby clothes.

Mrs Weed, whose husband is in the military and stationed at an Oxfordshire barracks, said: 'Bicester is like, not very posh, you know and this mall is very high-end and it is just odd that they put it here in Bicester out of all the local towns or bigger towns.

'I just find it odd. Why? I don't get it. I am grateful because I love living right next to it, but it is just weird.'

Mrs Weed, who held a Kate Spade bag, said there were a lot more people at the stores around this time of year.

'There are loads of people who get off on the train at once from all over the world. You don't really see a whole lot of Brits here. It's so weird.'

Bicester Village was started 25 years ago by American real estate mogul Scott Malkin, who wanted to introduce to Europe the idea of discount designer retailing in a 'premium' environment.

Annette Nevue, 55, an oil seller from America, said she was visiting her daughter Tiffany Weed, 26, who lived nearby - and shopping for 'everything and anything', but mainly baby clothes

Bicester Village now generates the highest known sales per square foot of any shopping centre in the world, according to its owners

When MailOnline visited there were large queues outside outlets for major luxury brands like Fendi

A group of smartly dressed shoppers chat on the main shopping street in Bicester Village

It now generates the highest known sales per square foot of any shopping centre in the world, according to its owners.

In 2010, this was 1,400 per square foot, which was nearly three times higher than Selfridges in London at 500-600 per square foot.

The formula is simple, with discounts of up to 70 per cent on popular luxury brands pulling in foreign shoppers who can afford to splash out - but also love a bargain.

This has proved particularly tempting to savvy shoppers from China, where Bicester Village has become wildly popular.

While its owners specifically target Chinese consumers with targeted advertising, they also benefit from shoppers using social media channels like Weibo and WeChat to boast of the bargains they've been able to bag.

This serves as handy promotional material for Britain as a whole, with more than half of Chinese visitors to the UK believed to visit Bicester.

Those who are unable to speak English are helped by signs at the site in Mandarin, alongside Mandarin-speaking sales staff.

Meanwhile, a wide variety of food and refreshment options add to the 'experience' factor for visitors who are looking for more than just an ordinary out-of-town retail park.

While its owners specifically target Chinese consumers with targeted advertising, they also benefit from shoppers using social media channels like Weibo and WeChat to boast of their bargains

The ease of travel from London is a major part of its appeal, with a regular direct train service from London Marylebone to its very own dedicated railway station taking just 46 minutes.

Oxford is just 10 minutes away, allowing visitors to enjoy a spot of retail therapy after a day spent exploring the historic university city.

One shopper, 16-year-old Hannah Kakinume, said she visits Bicester Village once a year to take advantage of the sales.

'A lot of people know it, I am a student so people in my school know it as well', Ms Kakinume said.

'I just think there is a lot of stuff. My parents come here so I just tag along.'

The fact Ms Kakinume lives in London should come as little surprise, with around a third of visitors to Bicester Village now believed to hail from the capital.

This is followed by another third mainly from the Home Counties, with the final third coming from abroad.

The shopping centre's success comes at a difficult time for the luxury sector as a whole, with global luxury sales falling by 3.3 per cent in November compared with an increase of 2.6 per cent at the same time in 2023.

A shopper at Bicester Village in Oxfordshire earlier this week. The site is just outside the market town of Bicester

Shoppers carry bags stuffed with items from The White Company

A major attraction of Bicester Village is its dedicated railway station, which makes it easy to travel from London

The site is intended to create a 'premium' shopping experience

The biggest losers are Gucci (where sales are down 18 per cent), Saint Laurent (down nine per cent) and Balenciaga (down six per cent), with parent company Kering announcing a revenue drop of 11 per cent and an eight per cent share slump.

Some brands have been forced to slash prices to boost sales, with Burberry lopping 22 percent off the cost of its medium-sized Knight handbag last year, and YSL reducing the price of its Loulou bag by 10 percent.

Business leaders warn sales in the UK are being held back due to its status as the only large European country not to offer overseas visitors tax-free shopping  an allowance dropped by the previous government in January 2021.

According to the British Fashion Council, income generated in London's West End is still 15 per cent less than pre-Covid levels despite a recovery in footfall.

Yet at Bicester Village, the tills are continuing to ring with the proceeds of post-Christmas sales - providing a welcome boon to a British retail sector as traditional outlets struggle to navigate the shift to online retail.

And if the crowds keep on coming, this unlikely success story looks set to continue for some time yet.
He has nearly 50 film credits to his name, but Max Schreck is only remembered for one thing.

In 1922, he appeared as the hook-nosed, claw-handed Count Orlok in Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror.

The unofficial (and unauthorised) German adaptation of the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker would prove to be one of the most influential films ever made.

But Schreck's performance and appearance proved so convincing that people at the time - and one mischievous critic three decades afterwards - suggested that he might be a real vampire, or that that the actor may be an invention.

Schreck's insistence on staying in full make-up during breaks in filming and for interviews may have fueled myths that the star was not acting.

It did not help that his name meant 'fright' or 'scare' in German, and that he had been plucked from relative obscurity to take on the role after the first choice for the part rejected it.

Regardless, Nosferatu would spark dozens of further Dracula adaptations. The latest is a re-make of F.W. Murnau's original and stars Bill Skarsgard as Nosferatu.

In his 2012 book Constellation of Genius, author Kevin Jackson said Schreck must be the 'strangest and most hideous leading man in all cinema'.

Nosferatu, which was released in 1922, remains an enduring classic. Max Schreck's turn was an unofficial and unauthorised Dracula adaptation, prompting Bram Stoker's widow to get a court to order its destruction

In what was a loose adapation of Stoker's novel, lead character Count Orlock - played by Max Schreck - was seen in Nosferatu preying on the wife of his estate agent

He went on: 'Revoltingly thin, bald, hook-nosed, claw-nailed, with rodentlike fangs and mad staring eyes, Schreck/Orlok can still cause shudders by his mere appearance.'

In the 1950s, Greek filmmaker Ado Kyrou fuelled the mystery surrounding the film, writing: 'The opening credits name Max Schreck in the part of the vampire but it is well known that this is a deception.

'Who is hiding behind the Nosferatu character? Maybe a vampire in person?'

It was also suggested that the man disguised by heavy make-up was a more respectable actor who was trying to avoid being linked to the film.

Schreck's depiction also established the convention that sunlight is lethal to vampires. Stoker's original creation had no trouble walking around in the day.

Born in Berlin in June 1879, Schreck started his professional life under the tutelage of famous German theatre director Max Reinhardt.

His potential was spotted by Nosferatu's director, F.W. Murnau.

He was selected for the role when first choice Conrad Veidt turned it down.

Rolf Giesen, the author of the book The Nosferatu Story, tells how Schreck was a master of make-up.

In 1922, Max Schreck appeared as the hook-nosed, claw-handed Count Orlok in Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. He died of a heart attack in 1936 with nearly 50 film credits to his name

He created Orlok's hook nose, heavy eyebrows, and rat-like teeth that were held in place by his upper lip.

The star wore a bald cap that 'cut down near the actor's eyes and left little tufts covering the seam of the join between his pointed ear extensions.'

He also had talon-like fingernails and shoulder pads.

Early reviews for the film were poor and because Nosferatu was an unofficial re-telling of the story that had been made without permission, Stoker's widow sued and a court ruled that all copies should be destroyed.

Thankfully, several survived.

In the decades that followed, the film's popularity was kept alive by references in popular culture - not least Werner Herzog's 1979 remake, Nosferatu the Vampyre, which starred Klaus Kinski as Orlok.

Shadow of the Vampire, released in 2000, picked up on the myths surrounding Nosferatu, by depicting Max Schreck as an actual vampire.

Willem Dafoe - who is now appearing in the new Nosferatu film as the vampire's enemy - stars as Schreck, who really is Count Orlok.

The story of the villainous blood-sucking Count who comes to Britain from Transylvania was written by Bram Stoker and published in 1897, Above: Stoker in 1900; the cover of the first edition

Max Schreck as Count Orlok in Nosferatu, the silent film released in 1922

The character provided the inspiration for several other on-screen creations, including the blood-suckers in Guillermo del Toro's Blade 2, as well as the Pale Man in the director's 2006 film Pan's Labrynth.

Although he is best remembered for his role as Count Orlok, Schreck starred in 47 films during his career. He died of a heart attack on November 26, 1936.

His gravesite became overgrown and was eventually lost, in stark contrast to the appeal of his on-screen creation.

Murnau's career was cut short in March 1931, when he was killed aged just 42 in a car crash along with his 14-year-old servant.

In 2015, his skull was stolen from his grave in Berlin and has not been found since.

It was Bram Stoker's 1897 novel that brought the vampire myth as we know it to life.

Stoker wrote of the imperious Count Dracula, who comes to England from his home in Transylvania so that he can find new victims.

He plagues the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby before he is hunted down by a group led by Abraham Van Helsing.

Lily-Rose Deep as Ellen Hunter in Nosferatu, which is directed by Robert Eggers

Bill Skarsgard as Nosferatu in the poster for the chilling new film

The novel also stars English solicitor Jonathan Harker, who falls prey to Dracula when he stays at his home.

Stoker's work caused an immediate sensation, and its impact on other fiction and cinema continues to resound.

In June 1897, an early review in the Daily Mail prophetically said: 'The recollection of this weird and ghostly tale will doubtless haunt us for some time to come.'

Nosferatu was followed by Bela Lugosi's turn as the officially sanctioned Dracula in 1931.

Christopher Lee then portrayed the vampire in ten separate productions.

Also a hit was Gary Oldman's Count in Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 film Bram Stoker's Dracula, as was Klaus Kinski's inhabiting of the role in 1979 production Nosferatu the Vampyre.
The man who drove a truck into a crowd of New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans was part of a Muslim community in Houston with a scary history of hard-line Islamism, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, a Texas-born US citizen and Army veteran, rammed the crowd in the French Quarter, killing 14 and injuring dozens more, after declaring his support for ISIS. He was killed in a shootout with police.

The FBI has probed Jabbar's ties to ISIS and hunted for potential accomplices. One focus is his Muslim immigrant community in northern Houston, and nearby mosque Masjid Bilal, which is now swarming with police, agents and armored vehicles.

The mosque belongs to The Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH), which runs 20 centers across Texas' biggest city. It officially promotes tolerance, but the group also has a troubling track record of extremist preaching.

This includes its former cleric Zoubir Bouchikhi, who has been deported from the US, and who has called non-Muslims 'worse than animals.' Also, anti-Christian Saudi propaganda was discovered at its Houston mosques.

Since Jabbar's attack, the mosque and ISGH have gone quiet. They did not answer DailyMail.com's requests for comment, and have reportedly urged members to brush off requests for information from investigators and journalists.

That's according to an ISGH memo shared on social media, calling on congregants to refer queries to the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), an advocacy group with ties to the ultra-conservative Muslim Brotherhood.

'If anyone is contacted by the media, it is very important that you do not respond. If approached by the FBI and a response is necessary, please refer to CAIR and ISGH,' says the note.

The Islamic Society of Greater Houston once hired the Algerian cleric Zoubir Bouchikhi, who says non-Muslims are 'worse than animals'

Jabbar lived around the corner from the Masjid Bilal mosque and religious center, part of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston

'It is crucial that we stay united at this time as we condemn these terrible acts.'

Horror unfolded in Bourbon Street, in New Orleans, around 3.15am local time on Wednesday, when Jabbar drove a powerful white Ford F-150 Lightning EV into crowds ringing in 2025.

He 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.

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

An ISIS flag and weapons were found inside the vehicle. The FBI is assessing Jabbar's ties to the violent armed Sunni group that was once a major force in Syria, Iraq, and elsewhere, but has since faded.

Agents are investigating the massacre 'as an act of terrorism' and New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell described it as a 'terrorist attack'.

Detectives are now focusing on Jabbar's home in a trailer park in the Rushwood neighborhood of northern Houston  a run-down bungalow with geese, chickens, and sheep roaming the yard.

It remains unclear exactly what motivated Jabbar, but reports suggest his life had gone off the rails after he quit the Army in July 2020. The cash-strapped father and double divorcee's real estate business was floundering.

Court records show Jabbar faced a deteriorating financial situation in 2022 while separating from his then-wife. Jabbar said he was behind on house payments and had accumulated credit card debt and wanted to quickly finalize the divorce.

It's also unclear how heavily involved he was with Masjid Bilal mosque, a sprawling double-story brick complex that also includes a school, which is just a few minutes' walk from his house.

The nearby religious center and ISGH have worked hard in recent years to distance themselves from the hardline Islamist views that gave rise to such violent jihadist groups as ISIS and al-Qaeda.

Its mosques, which were founded by Pakistani immigrants from the 1960s onward, are used as polling stations; leaders publicly proclaim a moderate form of Islam compatible with modern-day US lifestyles.

Police and FBI have descended in force on Jabbar's home in a trailer park in the Rushwood neighborhood of northern Houston

Harris County Sheriff's officers clear the media from the neighborhood where 42-year-old suspect Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar is believed to have lived

ISGH has hosted dozens of interfaith gatherings and worked with local Christian churches on charity food drives, according to CAIR.

But they also have a sketchy track record when it comes to hard line Islamist views, which were exposed after the 9/11 terror attacks on the US and tougher efforts to root out home-grown religious extremists.

Notably, ISGH in 2001 hired the Algerian cleric Bouchikhi, who served as the spiritual leader at a southeast Houston mosque, and who was arrested and then deported in 2011, reportedly for immigration violations.

Bouchikhi has a record of making extreme statements about non-Muslims and women that are at odds with ISGH's professed values.

In a video of a sermon from Bouchikhi's new home in Malaysia in 2020, he called non-Muslims: 'The worst of Allah's creations, even lower than animals are those who disbelieve and refuse to [believe].'

'When I see a sheep, I think the sheep is better than them,' added the firebrand, in a video publicized by the Middle East Media Research Institute.

In the same diatribe, Bouchikhi slams such 'sinners' as young women who 'parade in a miniskirt,' and says that tolerating homosexuality showcased the West's moral decline.

As Bouchikhi was preaching in Houston, ISGH also came under the scrutiny of Washington, DC-based Freedom House, which was probing the presence of hard line Saudi religious propaganda at US mosques.

The campaign group in 2005 named Masjid Bilal as one of two Houston mosques that offered congregants anti-American and anti-Jewish propaganda from Saudi Arabia's ultraconservative clerics.

Researchers found a copy of a book, Islamic Guidelines to Reform the Individual and Society, which forbids faithful Muslims from imitating others, or any form of 'supporting Jews, Christians, and communists against Muslims.'

The FBI did not answer DailyMail.com's queries about whether investigators were probing ISGH or its history with Islamist extremism in connection to the bloodbath in New Orleans.

Researchers in the 2000s found ultraconservative Saudi-funded Islamist 'propaganda' at Jabbar's local mosque

An ISIS flag and weapons were found inside the vehicle, as the FBI continues to assess Jabbar's connection to the terror group

The FBI on Thursday said Jabbar had acted alone, reversing its position from a day earlier that he likely worked with others in carrying out the deadly attack, which officials say was an act of terrorism inspired by ISIS.

The agency also revealed that the US citizen from Texas posted five videos on his Facebook account in the hours before the attack, in which he aligned himself with IS and said he had joined the group before last summer.

'This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act,' said Christopher Raia, the deputy assistant director of the FBI's counterterrorism division.

The attack killed 14 people, including an 18-year-old woman who had ambitions of becoming a nurse. Authorities initially put the death toll at 15, which included Jabbar, who was fatally shot in a firefight with police.

Officials had said Wednesday that they were seeking additional potential suspects in the attack, which occurred when Jabbar steered around a police blockade and plowed into a crowd.

In a statement, CAIR denounced Jabbar's 'senseless and infuriating' attack, and said it had nothing to do with the kind of Islam practiced by most Muslims in the US and beyond.

'His crime is the latest example of why cruel, merciless, bottom-feeding extremist groups have been rejected by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim world,' said the statement.
Terrorism is alive and thriving on American soil.

The Biden administration, and the radical left, have the blood of American citizens on their hands.

Make no mistake: The dual, horrific New Year's attacks  in New Orleans and Las Vegas  are the direct result of anti-Americanism espoused by progressives, embraced on Ivy League campuses, and enshrined as proof of a virtuous mind.

These attacks also bear all the hallmarks of Islamic extremism  not that you'll hear our leaders say it. In Joe Biden's America, feelings come first. Can't risk offending anyone, even a cohort that seeks death to the West.

Ever on-brand, our utterly incompetent, disgraceful president hasn't treated these two heinous attacks with proper urgency or gravity.

Instead of heading right back to the White House for a briefing in the Situation Room, dotard Biden stayed at Camp David. God forbid his latest holiday should be ruined.

He waited until Wednesday night to address the nation, and it seems he didn't get his afternoon nap in. Biden slurred, lost his way while speaking, and seemed barely able to keep his eyes open.

He spoke not of vengeance or American military might but of platitudinous 'grieving' and 'healing'  the usual preoccupations of our grief-obsessed and narcissistic president. It's his kink, really.

These attacks bear all the hallmarks of Islamic extremism - not that you'll hear our leaders say it. In Joe Biden's America, feelings come first. (Pictured: Biden addresses attacks from White House on January 2).

Make no mistake: The dual, horrific New Year's attacks - in New Orleans (pictured) and Las Vegas - are the direct result of anti-Americanism espoused by progressives, embraced on Ivy League campuses, and enshrined as proof of a virtuous mind.

We are all white-knuckling through the last two weeks of this.

As to motive: The FBI is still investigating whether the carnage in New Orleans  a truck-driving attacker mowing down crowds in the early hours of New Year's Day  is in any way connected to the Las Vegas car bombing outside the Trump hotel and casino just hours later.

Both assailants served in the US Army, on the same base, and used the same car-rental platform to carry out their attacks.

Even if no link is discovered, the similarities are striking. New Orleans and Las Vegas are two American cities known for one thing: hedonism. These are places of celebration, sex, booze, abandon  everything that anti-Western fundamentalism hates and seeks to punish, destroy, obliterate.

Both attackers struck on New Year's Day, a time of optimism, forward momentum and modernity.

The New Orleans attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, has been identified by a family member as a 'radicalized Muslim'. Islamic fundamentalists, we know, yearn for the simpler times of, say, 900 B.C.

That Jabbar was born and raised in Texas should be even more alarming  proof that this murderous ideology can seduce free, first-world minds.

An ISIS flag was found in Jabbar's truck, and potential improvised explosive devices  a favorite weapon of jihadis  were reportedly found planted in locations around the city's French Quarter. Jabbar also reportedly posted videos online in which he credited ISIS as his inspiration.

The New Orleans attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar (pictured), has been identified by a family member as a 'radicalized Muslim'. Islamic fundamentalists, we know, yearn for the simpler times of, say, 900 B.C.

Survivor Jimmy Cothran spoke to NBC News.

'One man, deceased, had tire tracks across his back, and when someone turned him over, he had tire tracks across his stomach and was clearly crushed,' Cothran said. 'A little girl that we had seen dancing as we were walking up the street was as flat as a pillow'.

At least fourteen people were killed and dozens more injured.

Notably, Jabbar's attack mirrors the one in Germany, two weeks ago, in which at least five were killed  including a 9-year-old  and hundreds injured when a car, driven by a Saudi-born doctor, plowed into shoppers at a Christmas market.

Christmas. Middle-Eastern male. A common jihadi terror tactic deployed. Yet even German officials are shying away from this potential motive.

Western democracies can no longer afford such politesse.

We should have been on high alert after the attack in Germany. But in Biden's America, laxity prevails. Just look at our wide-open borders.

Vegas bomber Alan Livelsberger left unmistakable anti-American clues: The Elon Musk-made Cybertruck he used, the Trump hotel  none too subtle.

Livelsberger shot himself in the head before the Cybertruck exploded. It seems meant to evoke a suicide bombing, a tactic adopted by Hezbollah in Beirut in 1983 and one that has come to signify Islamic terrorism.

Vegas bomber Alan Livelsberger (pictured) left unmistakable anti-American clues: The Elon Musk-made Cybertruck he used, the Trump hotel.

Livelsberger shot himself in the head before the Cybertruck exploded (pictured). It seems meant to evoke a suicide bombing - a tactic that has come to signify Islamic terrorism.

President-elect Trump gets it.

'Pure evil,' he said.

Republican leaders echoed his muscular language. House Speaker Mike Johnson used the same phrase, while Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy out-and-out called both attackers 'terrorists'  that key word so many Democrats won't use  and said, 'we've got to find out their supporting network'.

Yes, yes and yes.

How a middle-aged, unemployed man like Jabbar was able to buy or obtain bomb-making materials  and not be flagged by Homeland Security or the FBI or any other agency  is a major failure of this administration.

As is the left's stubborn insistence on equating the good guys with the bad, of constantly apologizing for America, for shaming this great nation as the worst example of racism and colonialism.

Once again, to anyone still wondering why Trump won: This is why.

A warped, deeply distorted worldview advanced by President Biden, his shadow government, and lunatics such as Rep. Ilhan Omar  who once equated the United States and Israel to the Taliban  has been roundly rejected by the American electorate.

Hours after this week's wholly preventable acts, hundreds of protesters gathered in Times Square, chanting, 'Intifada revolution' and 'Gaza you make us proud'.

A warped, deeply distorted worldview advanced by President Biden has been roundly rejected by the American electorate. (Pictured: Livelsberger's military ID recovered from wreckage)

The left's stubborn insistence on equating the good guys with the bad, of constantly apologizing for America and shaming this great nation, is a failure of this administration (Pictured: Aftermath of Las Vegas attack on New Year's Day)

Biden, the progressive left, the liberal media and the Ivy leagues are responsible for incubating, fertilizing and fomenting these anti-democratic, anti-Western ideals in modern-day America. For making such moral obscenities feel, to a younger generation especially, chic.

This is a malignant, fast-growing cancer in the American body politic, and Trump's top priority must be cutting it out and killing it.

As former defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld famously said, 'weakness is provocative'. And weakness, thanks to our enfeebled president, is the only thing America currently projects to the world.

Russia invades Ukraine. Hamas attacks Israel and still holds hostages  while Biden says that anti-Israel agitators 'have a point' while tying Netanyahu's hands behind his back.

Iran is well-funded, thanks to us. China is an immediate threat. Syria is on the verge of becoming an Islamic caliphate. The Taliban in Afghanistan has banned women from speaking in public.

The world is a much more dangerous place, and America is still far too vulnerable thanks to Joe Biden and his legion of enablers.

Compare Biden's sad, weak speech after these horrific attacks  'Our nation grieves with you. We are going to stand with you as you mourn and you heal'  to his rhetoric about Trump and his supporters in 2023:

'Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic MAGA forces are determined to take this country backwards.'

Wrong enemy, Joe.

He's also said the Number One terrorist threat to America isn't Islamic terrorism but 'white supremacy'.

It would be laughable if it weren't so predictable, so reflexively dumb, so existentially dangerous.

No: The greatest threat to our homeland is a cognitively impaired president who, literally and metaphorically, falls down on the job.

In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Biden had the callousness to make multiple jokes while addressing these attacks again.

'I'm sure you're clapping because I finally showed up,' he said, as an adoring White House press pool laughed along.

That's our media, still enamored with Joe Biden.

Inauguration Day can't come soon enough.
The terrorist who unleashed chaos in New Orleans on New Year's Day had three failed marriages and 'paramours' before he joined ISIS and murdered 15 people.

Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, rammed the vehicle, flying an ISIS flag, into a crowd of New Year's Eve revelers in New Orleans about 3.15am on Wednesday.

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.

Until a few years before his rampage, Jabbar seemed like a normal American - serving 13 years in the US Army, starting a real estate firm, and working at Deloitte.

The future terrorist appeared dashing and successful in uniform while making $120,000 a year as an IT consultant. He ultimately convinced three glamorous women to marry him.

But the romance was not long-lived. None of his wives stuck around as all three unions spectacularly collapsed with at least one of them claiming she was abused.

Jabbar's most recent wife claimed in divorce papers that he destroyed the family finances with lavish 'gifts to paramours'.

Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, rammed the vehicle, flying an ISIS flag, into a crowd of New Year's Eve revelers in New Orleans about 3.15am on Wednesday

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

Jabbar's first love was Nakedra 'Nikki' Charrlle Ball, now 41, whom he started dating before he enlisted, and was until recently still in contact with.

They married on June 25, 2008, and had two daughters, now aged 15 and 20, and he bought a newly built house in Cypress, on the outskirts of Houston, in June 2010.

But it didn't take long after the wedding for the relationship to unravel while he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

By 2012 they were divorced and Jabbar was ordered to pay child support, which by 2022 was $2,200 a month, along with providing medical insurance, according to documents from another of his divorces.

The house, which cost $124,000 when he bought it, was finally sold to another couple in July 2014, with his ex-wife appearing get part of the proceeds.

Nakedra remarried to Dwayne Marsh and lives in Houston, working as a quality engineer for cloud computing firm Alight Solutions - ironically the same field as her ex-husband.

Before Jabbar was even divorced from his first wife, he was already dating Tiera Symone Whitfield, now 34, across the country in Georgia.

The pair likely met when he was at the NCO Academy at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, just outside the city where Tiera grew up and still lives.

Jabbar's first love was Nakedra 'Nikki' Charrlle Ball, now 41, whom he started dating before he enlisted, and was until recently still in contact with

By 2012 they were divorced and Jabbar was ordered to pay Nakendra child support, which by 2022 was $2,200 a month, along with providing medical insurance

The couple married on September 15, 2013, in Augusta, with at least some of Jabbar's family making the trip from Texas.

'We will be going to Shamsud-Din Jabbar's wedding in Georgia. Contact me if you want to share in the ride. Leaving Sept 13th and returning the night of the 15th,' his mother Herma wrote on Facebook three weeks earlier.

During their marriage, Jabbar left active duty at the rank of staff sergeant in January 2015 and joined the army reserve as an information technology operations manager.

They moved to the Atlanta suburbs and he began his bachelor's degree in business administration for computer information systems at Georgia State University.

Tiera was the only one of Jabbar's three wives who didn't bear him children. Instead, their attempt to start a family ended in tragedy when Tiera suffered a miscarriage at six months pregnant and lost their unborn son.

Just months after his studies began, Jabbar filed for divorce in February 2016, on the grounds that 'our marriage is irretrievably broken'.

His handwritten form declared the couple 'can no longer live together and there is no hope that we will get back together'.

Tiera was glad to be done with him, claiming to TMZ that their marriage was unhappy and Jabbar abused her, though she wouldn't elaborate.

Before he was even divorced from his first wife, he was already dating Tiera Symone Whitfield, now 34, across the country in Georgia

The pair likely met when he was at the NCO Academy at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, just outside the city where Tiera grew up and still lives

Tiera claimed their marriage was unhappy and Jabbar abused her, though she wouldn't elaborate

Four years later, Tiera was remarried and gave birth to a daughter during Covid lockdown in April 2020, which she detailed on Facebook.

Jabbar finished his degree in 2017 and moved back to Texas, founding Blue Meadow Properties, which he marketed as a veteran-owned business.

He decided third time was a charm and married Shaneen Chanti McDaniel, now 40, who grew up in his home town of Beaumont, Texas.

They were wed on November 15, 2017, in Fresno, Texas, where he had bought a four-bedroom family home for $177,000 that February.

A son, now 6, followed the next year but by the pandemic they were at each other's throats in a bitter, and expensive, divorce.

Jabbar fired the first salvo on July 17, 2020, when he filed for divorce, calling the marriage 'insupportable due to discord or conflict of personalities'.

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'.

Neither could also withdraw the child from school, hide them, or move them out of the jurisdiction.

Jabbar's third wife was Shaneen Chanti McDaniel, now 40, who grew up in his home town of Beaumont, Texas

Shaneen blamed his financial situation on 'excessive cash withdrawals, gifts to paramours' and 'unreasonable and unnecessary spending' in her court filings

They reconciled just a month later, telling the court they 'both no longer desire to prosecute his/her respective suits against the other party'.

The couple's detente only lasted about a year before Jabbar again filed for divorce, and this time Shaneen wasn't playing nice.

Jabbar was 'entrusted with the management, control, and disposition of substantially all community estate funds', her lawyer wrote - but squandered them.

One document claimed he violated their 'fiduciary relationship' and 'intentionally and in flagrant disregard of the duties as manager and trustee of the community funds mismanaged the community estate, all in fraud of' her financial interest.

Jabbar claimed he was broke at the time, telling the court he had a net monthly income of about $7,500 but monthly expenses of about $8,960.

He was in a financial hole because his real estate company was bleeding money, losing $28,000 the previous year.

Shaneen blamed his financial situation on 'excessive cash withdrawals, gifts to paramours' and 'unreasonable and unnecessary spending' in her court filings.

The court statement was the only public allegation of infidelity during any of his three marriages.

However, the end of his first and beginning of his second were close together and he started dating Tiera the year before his divorce from Nakendra was finalized.

Whichever way he got into financial trouble, he told the court he had $16,000 in credit card debt to pay his legal fees and living costs.

Shaneen (pictured with her niece in 2010) was awarded full custody of their son, Jabbar only getting visitation rights, and he was ordered to pay $1,353 a month in child support

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

Nakendra remarried to Dwayne Marsh (pictured together) and lives in Houston, working as a quality engineer for cloud computing firm Alight Solutions

This was despite Deloitte paying him almost $125,000 a year as a data engineering and business development senior consultant.

'Time is of the essence. I can not afford the house payment,' he wrote in an email to Shaneen'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.

'The home was not in default at the time we agreed to the temporary orders. l misunderstood the terms of the loan modification I had applied for at the time.'

Jabbar suggested he and Shaneen sell the house and divide the profits evenly, but instead sold the house to her to cover his debts.

Shaneen was awarded full custody of their son, Jabbar only getting visitation rights, and he was ordered to pay $1,353 a month in child support.

Being taken to the cleaners in the divorce was partly the fault of Jabbar's fed-up lawyer Robert Tsai dumping him in September 2021.

Tsai, who handled his divorce from Nakendra, told the court he couldn't 'effectively communicate' with Jabbar 'in a manner consistent with good attorney-client relations'.

Jabbar, too broke to pay for another attorney, was forced to represent himself.

Jabbar's mother Herma (pictured) wrote on Facebook that she was attending his marriage to Tiera, and driving to Georgia for the wedding

Jabbar was also caught driving while intoxicated twice - in North Carolina in November 2014 and Fresno, Texas, in November 2020 - despite Muslims not being allowed to drink alcohol at all

Jabbar's father Rahim (pictured with one of his sons) frequently praises God and quotes the Christian Bible on his social media

Out of money and single, Jabbar moved into a mobile home on a squalid block surrounded by farm animals in Houston he found in a Facebook marketplace listing.

His landlord, Asia Maryam, told the New Orleans Advocate that he paid cash on time every month, worked from home, and never caused problems.

Jabbar, in five videos recorded just hours before his terrorist attack, said he joined ISIS before the summer of 2024, but his faith before that is debated.

His youngest brother Abdur Jabbar, 24, said they were raised Muslims and went to mosque every Friday, but his father Rahim's social media posts frequently praise God and quote the Christian Bible.

His father suffered a stroke in 2023 and he was helping arrange for his care.

Tiera said during the time they were together he wasn't religious.

Jabbar was also caught driving while intoxicated twice - in North Carolina in November 2014 and Fresno, Texas, in November 2020 - despite Muslims not being allowed to drink alcohol at all.

Out of money and single, Jabbar moved into a mobile home on a squalid block surrounded by farm animals in Houston he found in a Facebook marketplace listing

Inside the trailer after the FBI raided it on Wednesday

Jabbar's landlord said he paid cash on time every month, worked from home, and never caused problems

Each time he was suspended from driving, fined, put on probation, and ordered to complete substance abuse classes.

But at some point in the past several years, friends said he became 'enthralled in his faith' and began to frequently post about Islam on his social media.

'Pretty much every conversation we had or post that he was making at that time, in some way, shape or form, it all, you know, resorted back to his Muslim faith,' his old classmate Chris Pousson told CNN.

But they insisted none of it was extremist or promoted violence, and couldn't believe it when he was named as a ISIS-supporting terror suspect.

'He really was smart, almost nerdish. Like, he was a really good dude back then,' one friend recalled of when they knew him before he enlisted.

Abdur Jabbar told Reuters his brother recently renewed his Muslim faith after abandoning it in his 20s and 30s.

'He was maybe looking for some types of answers,' he said.

By the time he joined Deloitte in 2021, he was devout enough to list prayer among his interests, alongside hunting, on his staff bio - along with a Quran passage about how Muslims will be rewarded by Allah after death.

'Indeed, the righteous will drink from a cup whose mixture is of Kafur, A spring of which the servants of Allah will drink,' it read.

'They will make it gush forth in force. They fulfill vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread.'

Jabbar seen in a still image from surveillance video walking along Dauphine Street near Governor Nicholls Street, in New Orleans just before the attack

How Jabbar looked just minutes before his terrorist attack

Abdur Rahim Jabbar, half-brother of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, sits in the garage of their house in Beaumont, Texas

Abdur Jabbar wheels their dad in front of their house in Beaumont, Texas

By last year, Jabbar was behaving so erratically that Nakendra refused to let him see his daughters.

Dwayne Marsh, her new husband, told the New York Times that Jabbar was 'being all crazy, cutting his hair'.

Nakendra posted photos of their daughters dressed up as The Joker and a knight, and her young son with Marsh as Spiderman, on Halloween two months ago.

Their eldest, Al-Eyah Jabbar, 20, is a university student, and refused to comment to DailyMail.com when contacted.

Tiera also told TMZ that Jabbar contacted her two months ago, for the first time in years, because he was thinking about the son they lost to miscarriage.

She is now an author and hair care entrepreneur, remarried to the father of her daughter and still living in Augusta.

Tiera was so in the dark about Jabbar being radicalized that she posted an upbeat New Year message on Facebook at 8.45am - five-and-a-half hours after the attack.

'As we step into this new year, may you find healing in your heart, strength & peace in your mind, restoration of your soul, and most importantly, courage to embrace all the blessings God has in store for you,' she wrote.

Jabbar's eldest, Al-Eyah Jabbar, 20, is a university student, and refused to comment to DailyMail.com when contacted

Four years after the divorce, Tiera was remarried and gave birth to a daughter during Covid lockdown in April 2020, which she detailed on Facebook

Nakendra posted photos of herself and Dwayne, along with her daughters with Jabbar, in Halloween costumes two months ago

'Trust that His purpose for your life is unfolding perfectly, even when the path is uncertain. May you walk with grace, knowing that His love will guide you every step of the way.

'This year is your time for renewal, growth, and divine breakthroughs. Keep believing - God's purpose for your life is greater than any challenge you face. Welcome 2025.'

Jabbar, in his videos recorded between 1.29am and 3.02am, referenced his divorces and said he planned to gather his family and friends for a 'celebration', then murder them all.

But he changed his mind because he wanted news headlines to focus on 'war between the believers and the disbelievers' rather than personal grievances.

'He was smart, funny, charismatic, loving, compassionate, humble, and literally wouldn't hurt a fly. That's why it's so devastating,' Abdur said.

'This degree of maliciousness is not like him. We are trying to understand what changed, too.'
Disturbing drone footage from a popular Australian beach has captured the moment a prowling shark comes within metres of unsuspecting swimmers.

The close calls were filmed with a drone at Whitfords Beach in northern Perth, Western Australia, a spot known for tiger shark sightings.

The shark swam close to a father and his two children in the waves, before it was spooked by a paddle boarder and headed into deeper water.

In another incident, the shark came within four metres of an unsuspecting swimmer before suddenly veering away.

The footage was captured by a photographer and drone operator known on Instagram as wanderlust_flyer.

'Sharks unfortunately have such a bad name for them, due to rare attacks,' the account captioned the post on Thursday.

'When in reality we most likely swim with them every day without knowing. We love our sharks.'

The photographer added that if they saw a shark they notified lifesavers and ran down to the beach themselves to get everyone out of the water.

The shark came close to a father and his two children in the shallows, before being spooked by a paddle boarder and heading into deeper water (pictured)

The shark also came within about four metres of an unsuspecting swimmer in north Perth

It comes after a three-metre tiger shark was spotted at Brighton Beach near Perth causing hundreds of swimmers to flee.

The West Australian government has funded new shark nets and urged beachgoers to stay aware of sharks. A new beach enclosure at Bathers Beach in Fremantle is expected to be in place by February.
QUESTION: Can fish have hair?

True hair is a defining characteristic of mammals and not found in fish. It is made from a filamentous protein, keratin, which occurs in all vertebrates, making tissues such as scales and feathers. In mammals, it also makes hooves and horns.

Hair evolved in mammals because they are warm-blooded. It traps air, which is a good insulator.

Fish are the same temperature as the water they live in, and true hair would be of no benefit.

Hair-like structures such as threads and bristles occur among all living things. Fish often adopt camouflage to try to blend in with seaweeds and corals.

These fish will sometimes have filaments, giving a hair-like look. The hairy frogfish is an example.

If hairy threads are seen coming from captive fish, it may indicate a fungal infection, which looks like cotton wool.

Invertebrates such as worms have chaetae, which are bristles, and arthropods such as tarantulas, some caterpillars and bumblebees can be hairy.

The bumblebee uses the fur as insulation, like mammals, as it has to raise its temperature above that of its surroundings to fly.

Phil Alexander, Farnborough, Hants

Fish are the same temperature as the water they live in, and true hair would be of no benefit

QUESTION: How did Abbottabad in Pakistan get its name?

Abbottabad is located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, north of the capital Islamabad.

It is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas, making it a gateway to popular hill stations and tourist destinations such as Nathiagali, Ayubia and Thandiani, which surround the Ayubia National Park.

Abbottabad was named by and after Major James Abbott (1807-1896), a British colonial officer who served as the first deputy commissioner of the Hazara district, which included the Abbottabad area, from 1849 until 1853.

Abbotts original seat of government in the Hazara was at Haripur, but he eventually decided to shift it up to the new town in the hills.

He fell in love with the place. He was upset to be reassigned and his last public act as deputy commissioner was to invite every person in the district to a party lasting three days and nights.

He spent all his savings on the event and left a splendidly awful poem about his sentiments on leaving Abbottabad: I remember the day when I first came here/ And smelt the sweet Abbottabad air/ The trees and ground covered with snow/ Gave us indeed a brilliant show/ To me the place seemed like a dream/ And far ran a lonesome stream/ The wind hissed as if welcoming us/ The pine swayed creating a lot of fuss/ And the tiny cuckoo sang it away/ A song very melodious and gay/ I adored the place from the first sight/ And was happy that my coming here was right/ And eight good years here passed very soon/ And we leave you perhaps on a sunny noon/ Oh Abbottabad we are leaving you now/ To your natural beauty do I bow/ Perhaps your winds sound will never reach my ear/ My gift for you is a few sad tears/ I bid you farewell with a heavy heart/ Never from my mind will your memories thwart.

J. B. Allen, Penrith, Cumbria

Abbottabad was named by and after Major James Abbott, but is most well-known for being the hiding place of former Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden

QUESTION: What incomplete novels have been finished by other authors? Were any of these successful?

Sanditon, Jane Austens final, unfinished novel, was left incomplete after only 11 chapters due to her illness and death in 1817, aged 41.

The Australian journalist Marie Dobbs, writing under her pen name Anne Telscombe, completed the story, which was published as Sanditon by Jane Austen and Another Lady in 1975.

It was praised for its Austen-like prose and imaginative continuation of the story. Juliette Shapiro made an attempt in 2009 which some felt strayed too far from Austens style.

Upon the death of Charles Dickens, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood was unfinished. The story was a murder mystery in which Drood is supposedly murdered and suspicion is cast on his uncle, John Jasper. Many attempts have been made to solve the mystery.

In an 1873 attempt, T. P. James, a publisher in Vermont, produced a version he claimed had been literally ghost-written by him channelling Dickenss spirit.

In 1914, the Dickens Fellowship attempted to solve the mystery by bringing John Jasper to trial, with G. K. Chesterton acting as judge and George Bernard Shaw as foreman of the jury. The jury returned a verdict of manslaughter.

A version finished by author Leon Garfield is perhaps the most celebrated attempt.

Victoria Stevenson, Ewelme, Oxon

Sanditon, Jane Austens final, unfinished novel, was left incomplete after only 11 chapters due to her illness and death in 1817, aged 41
An exhaustive list of rules set by the owner of an Airbnb property has sparked outrage after they were posted online by one shocked holidaymaker.

The visitor shared a photo of the lengthy laminated 'Terms and Conditions of Booking' from the unnamed Airbnb home in Queensland.

The long and detailed list covered everything from monitoring the number of guests with a tracking device, extra charges for washing towels, a $30 charge for invoicing guests, charges for carpet stains, firewood, picking fruit and water usage.

'So this was the list of rules at my Queensland AirBnb....' the visitor captioned the photo on Reddit.

The single A4-page of tightly-spaced and small typeface instructions, threats and warnings runs to 18 separate clauses, plus a tightly detailed footnote.

The list of rules triggered a vitriolic backlash online after they were posted, with many of the bizarre rules called out by Reddit users.

One commented on point two, which goes into great detail about the landlord's cleaning rules and regulations.

'A $120 fee for not emptying the dishwasher, holy s***,' wrote one shocked poster.

The long and detailed list of 18 rules at a Queensland Airbnb including the use of a tracking device to monitor guests sparked outrage

'We don't believe in cleaning fees, but separately, we will charge you cleaning fees,' posted another.

In another clause, the owners warned tenants that any 'additional towels taken from cupboards will be charged at an additional laundry rate of $60 per load.'

One comment expressed outrage: '$60 for an extra load of towels? Imagine calling to hotel reception asking for more towels and they say it'll be $60 for a few more.'

Any carpet stains would incur a fee of $75, the owners also warned.

'$75 per carpet stain? I'm sure that will never be abused, no sir,' one comment read.

'Just have one reeeeeeeealy big carpet stain,' someone replied.

A limit on the number of guests allowed also alarmed many Reddit users, with visitors warned the home was bugged to ensure there was no breach of the rules.

'We actually have a tracking device on the property, which alerts us to excess numbers,' the note to tenants said.

'$60 for an extra load of towels? Imagine calling to hotel reception asking for more towels and they say it'll be $60 for a few more,' one comment read

'Tracking device so they know if there are excess guests? Wtf? How does that even work?' a user wrote.

Reddit users also highlighted that points 13 and 14 about firewood were virtually identical - but questioned who would ever need firewood in Queensland.

'Firewood...in Queensland? Did they just copy/paste this from their Tasmanian Airbnb?' asked one.

The debate also revealed many have not abandoned Airbnb bookings in recent years over the high cost of bookings and additional cleaning charges.

Others said it had played a part in the current housing crisis gripping Australia.

'Hotels are the way. Daily maid, call if you need new towels. No exit cleaning,' one wrote.

'I stopped using Airbnb a few years ago, and have missed it zero times since,' a second wrote.

'So they have a scam going where they make money renting a property but literally don't expect to have to do ANYTHING to make that money,' added another.

'The guests prepare the property for the next guest. Ridiculous but as long as people continue to pay this won't change.'

Another added: 'This is why we stopped using them a few years back, the same price as a hotel, but you have to do all the cleaning or it's more expensive.'

Many commented on the impact of Airbnb on the current housing crisis.

'I will never use an Airbnb. They are contributing to the housing crisis in Australia. Greedy f***ers don't care about the long-term after effects, just their $$,' one wrote.

Another added: 'Airbnb is a cancer that keeps f***ing up not only the housing market but the lives of those who have the misfortune of living in an area with temporary rentals that should be illegal.'

A spokesperson for AirBnb said there was no evidence it was a property listed on their platform other than the original poster claiming it was.

'Guests can now view checkout instructions on the listing page before booking, and theyll receive a reminder before they leave the home' the spokesperson added.

'During the review process, guests can tell us about any excessive requests.

'And listings with repeated low ratings from unreasonable chores will be removed from Airbnb.'
Astana, Jan 3 (UNI) Kazakhstan has sent black boxes recovered from the wreckage of the Azerbaijan Airlines' (AZAL) Embraer plane that crashed near the city of Aktau to Brazil in order to ensure the investigation is unbiased, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Friday.

On December 30, the Kazakh Transport Ministry said that Kazakhstan sent the black boxes to the Brazilian Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA).

"A government commission has been established for the investigation. More than that, 17 international experts have been invited, including those from the ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organization] and the IAC [Interstate Aviation Committee].

The government commission has decided to send the black boxes to Brazil, where the aircraft was made. I am sure that that was the only right decision to ensure that the investigation is objective and unbiased," Tokayev told Kazakh newspaper Ana Tili.

UNI SPUTNIK ARN
Joe Biden was pictured at the White House with a mysterious bruise on the top of his hand - sparking theories about whether an ailment might be to blame.

The outgoing president, 82, hosted a celebration in the State Dining Room at the White House on Thursday, commemorating the record number of federal judges appointed during his term.

But eagle-eyed viewers noticed the president was sporting a nasty-looking mark on his left hand.

The coin-sized spot was dark purple in color and looked like a bruise, which had been partially covered by makeup.

The bruise has sparked a wave of conspiracy theories online, including that he had intravenous medication recently.

'Veins in the back of the hand are the easiest to find,' one person theorized.

The president was celebrating confirmation of 235 of his judicial nominees.

'I know they'll continue to uphold our nation's founding principles of liberty, justice, equality  and do it for decades to come,' Biden said.

Joe Biden was pictured at the White House with a mysterious bruise on the top of his hand

The coin-sized spot was dark purple in colour and looked like a bruise, which had been partially covered by makeup

'These judges will be independent, they'll be fair, and they'll be impartial and respect the rule of law,' Biden said.

'And most importantly  I never thought I'd be saying this  they'll uphold the Constitution.'

The 82-year-old president's health has been back in the news since The Wall Street Journal published a story on December 19 on how aides dealt with a 'diminished' president throughout his entire term.

The report revealed that aides would have to repeat obvious instructions to Biden  such as where to exit a stage.

Concern about the bruised hand comes just hours after another appearance sparked fears for the President, after he appeared to sport a mark on his lip.

Biden took to Camp David on Wednesday evening where he addressed the country on the ISIS-inspired attack that slaughtered at least 14 victims in the early hours of New Year's Day on New Orleans' famed Bourbon Street.

But some of those watching were quick to spot a slight difference to his face - leading to discussions on X regarding his overall health.

Biden took to Camp David on Wednesday evening where he finally addressed the country on the ISIS-inspired attack that slaughtered at least 15 victims in the early hours of New Year's Day in New Orleans

Some eagle-eyed viewers were quick to spot a slight difference to his face - leading to discussions on X regarding his overall health and if he fell and busted his lip before the address

'Biden looked awful,' one viewer shared to X. 'He looked like he may have fallen from his lower lip looking swollen and bruised.'

Another viewer tagged Fox News and agreed, questioning: 'When President Biden came on and gave an update today, what's wrong with the left side of his jaw and lip?'

'Did he have dental work, fall, or did he have a small stroke?' they added. 'How about finding out? Something is not right.'

A third viewer chimed in and tagged the White House account, adding: 'Biden looked like he had fallen and couldn't get up prior to his address.'

'Look at his lip.... he also has a scar above his lip on the left side of his face,' they added. 'I couldn't be the only one to notice this!!'
In a YouTube video he posted in 2020 to advertise his services as an estate agent, Shamsud-Din Jabbar boasted of how his time in the US Army had taught him 'the meaning of great service and what it means to be responsive and take everything seriously, dotting i's and crossing t's to make sure that things go off without a hitch'.

His faith in his military efficiency appears unbearably grim now that he has killed at least 14 people in an early morning car rampage through a crowd in New Orleans  an outrage President Biden said was 'inspired' by the Islamic State (IS).

The driver's armed forces training certainly seemed in evidence as he deftly drove around police barricades protecting packed Bourbon Street in the historic French Quarter on New Year's Eve, tore down the street and mounted the pavement before emerging from his vehicle brandishing an assault rifle.

He opened fire on police officers who shot back, killing him.

He'd been flying a black and white IS flag from his rented Ford pickup truck, having allegedly pledged himself to the terror group.

He had intended to cause further bloodshed by leaving two bombs inside cooler boxes in nearby streets.

In a U-turn on its initial suspicion that Jabbar was not acting alone in New Orleans  the FBI said yesterday it now believes the 42-year-old US-born American was.

However, investigators continued to search yesterday for accomplices or associates and attention inevitably fell on another US veteran who died just hours later in another deadly vehicle incident that may also yet prove to have been terror-related.

Shamsud Din Jabbar (pictured), 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

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

A suspected bomber who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck, with himself inside it by the front entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, was identified as Matthew Livelsberger.

The vehicle, packed with gas tanks, camping fuel and fireworks, also injured seven others, although experts say the rugged stainless steel chassis of the Cybertruck contained much of the blast.

Livelsberger's body was found to have a bullet to the head he inflicted before the blast.

Intriguingly, he and Jabbar both once served at the same base  Fort Bragg, albeit at different times  and both hired the vehicles used in their attacks from the same online car rental and sharing company.

The FBI said yesterday it had found no 'definitive link' between the New Orleans and Las Vegas incidents although it stressed its investigations were still 'very early'.

Jabbar had also worked in tech  first in the army and later in civilian life.

On paper, Jabbar hardly seemed like the most obvious recruit to IS, a savagely murderous jihadist group that tends to attract disgruntled ex-criminals and other social misfits with a grudge against the world.

After the army  where he had been a human resources and IT specialist  he'd had jobs at the

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, was identified as the bomber in the attack that left seven wounded. He is pictured in Afghanistan in a profile by a local newspaper in the Ohio town where he grew up

The Tesla cybertruck exploded about 15 seconds after the driver pulled up in front of Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel

The Tesla Cybertruck is seen after it exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas

IT conglomerate Accenture, UK accounting company Ernst & Young and at another British corporate giant, the accounting giant Deloitte which he'd joined in 2021 as a 100,000-a-year 'senior solutions specialist'.

However, his life had started to come off the rails in recent years as he'd faced an acrimonious divorce and financial problems.

In a despondent email to his wife's lawyer in 2022, he discussed racking up tens of thousands of dollars in credit card and other debts while trying to save a floundering estate agent business he'd set up.

'Time is of the essence. I cannot afford the house payment,' he said. 'It is past due in excess of $27,000 and in danger of foreclosure if we delay settling the divorce.'

After converting to Islam years earlier, he had recently shown renewed interest in religion and become fiercely devout.

On his internal profile page at Deloitte he said he was interested in hunting and prayer, and quoted an English translation of what  with hindsight  might seem an alarming passage from the Koran.

It read: 'Indeed, the righteous will drink from a cup whose mixture is of Kafur, A spring of which the servants of Allah will drink. They will make it gush forth in force. They fulfil vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread.'

He was far more explicit in a series of now-deleted Facebook videos he filmed while he was driving  possibly, police believe, from his home in Houston, Texas, to New Orleans  in which he claimed he was inspired by dreams to join IS and pledged to kill in their name.

Jabbar (pictured) had also worked in tech  first in the army and later in civilian life

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

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

He said he'd originally intended to murder his family after luring them to him by throwing a 'celebration' party but realised that wouldn't reflect the 'war between the believers and disbelievers'.

While friends and neighbours described Jabbar as mild-mannered and polite, if socially withdrawn, Dwayne Marsh, who is married to Jabbar's first wife, said he had started acting erratically in recent months, 'being all crazy, cutting his hair'.

He said he and his wife stopped allowing the two daughters she shared with Jabbar, now aged 15 and 20, to spend time with him. Jabbar had reportedly described the daughters as a 'mess'.

Jabbar's brother, Abdur, 24, told The New York Times they last spoke two weeks ago and his brother hadn't mentioned plans to go to New Orleans, let alone embark on a killing spree.

He claimed his brother, while brought up Christian, had been Muslim for 'most of his life' and that he'd joined the military because he wanted to 'get some sort of discipline'.

Chris Pousson, a retired Air Force veteran who went to school with Jabbar  known as 'Sham' in those days  remembered him as 'quiet, reserved and really smart'.

After Jabbar left the army in 2015, they reconnected online where Mr Pousson said his old friend was posting endlessly about Islam.

'It was never Muslim extremist stuff and he was never threatening any violence, but you could see that he had got really passionate,' he said.

Officials confirmed Jabbar had attached an ISIS flag to the truck (pictured) he used to plow through the crowd

Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal

But Jabbar also had an interest in guns, once posting online: 'It's a shoot-the-guns type of Saturday morning.' It appears he tried to sell a pistol, shotgun and ammunition on a gun trading website in November and December. He'd also had brushes with the criminal justice system.

Jabbar, who grew up in Beaumont, a city east of Houston, was sentenced to nine months probation after admitting a 2002 charge of petty theft.

In 2005, he was arrested for driving with a suspended licence. He was given six months probation after pleading no contest.

He married Nakedra Ball and they had two daughters. He then joined the US Navy but left after two months only to join the

army two years later in 2006, serving at bases in North Carolina, Louisiana and Alaska.

His military career was solid if unspectacular. In early 2009, he was deployed to Afghanistan where he served for 11 months. Ironically, given what has transpired, he was awarded the Global War On Terrorism medal, which was created to recognise service members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan after the 9/11 terror attacks.

Jabbar never served in combat but was promoted in 2013 to the rank of staff sergeant.

He was twice disciplined for driving under the influence, leaving the service in 2015. He then joined the army reserves where he served about five years before being honourably discharged.

Police cordon off the area around the site of the overnight attack in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 1

Louisiana state police personnel stand near the site where people were killed in the terror attack during New Year's celebrations, in New Orleans

Jabbar won a place at Georgia State University in 2015 where he studied computer information systems while working in computing at Accenture. That same year, he gave an interview making clear that he'd struggled to adapt to civilian life.

From 2018 to 2021, he worked again in IT  as a cloud computing manager at Ernst & Young while trying to get his own estate agency business off the ground.

He joined Deloitte at a 'senior consultant' level on an annual 100,000 salary. His clients there included the state of Oregon, pharmaceuticals giant Johnson & Johnson and the federal National Institutes of Health.

Deloitte said in a statement: 'We are shocked to learn of reports today that the individual identified as a suspect had any association with our firm 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.'

But as his career progressed his domestic life fell apart.

He separated from his wife in 2012 and she won custody of their two children, while he was ordered to pay child support. Jabbar married second wife Shaneen in 2017 and had a child with her, only to file for divorce three years later, claiming their union was 'insupportable due to discord or conflict of personalities'.

And just days later, Shaneen was granted a restraining order, forbidding him from sending threatening or obscene messages to her or causing 'bodily injury' to her or their child.

The order specifically stated that neither of them could make late-night prank calls, cancel each other's credit cards or abuse each other in other ways.

Although they later dropped their divorce petition, he applied for one again in 2021 and the marriage was dissolved the following year. In a court statement, Jabbar claimed he was bankrupt.

The marital home was passed to Shaneen and Jabbar moved into a mobile home surrounded by goats and sheep in a run-down trailer park in a Muslim area of Houston. He reportedly visited Egypt for 10 days in the summer of 2023.

Other Westerners who became IS recruits have been radicalised on trips to the Middle East.

Perhaps what happened on that visit to Egypt may help explain why a man who'd prospered in the US in so many ways should choose to turn so violently against the country of his birth.
Terrifying footage captured the moment two Jewish mothers and a baby were struck by a car while walking through an intersection in New York City.

Two women, aged 62 and 56, along with a 1-year-old boy, were injured on Tuesday afternoon after being hit by a reckless driver as they crossed Nostrand Avenue at Kings Highway in Brooklyn, StreetsBlog NYC reported.

At around 2.45pm Tuesday afternoon, two women pushing strollers, one of them holding a child's hand, were captured on video as they began to cross the road - the signal ahead of them clearly showing that it should have been safe to walk.

But in a matter of seconds, a 2014 black Toyota minivan refused to slow down at the red light - making a right turn directly into them.

Horrifying footage captured the moment the women attempted to scramble away as they realized the SUV was coming, but unfortunately couldn't get out of the way in time.

The 69-year-old driver of the car rammed into the group - sending the two mothers along with one of the strollers to the ground and underneath the car.

The second stroller was seen rolling across the remainder of the intersection as a young girl appeared to run back into the frame and back to the safety of the sidewalk.

Emergency responders took the injured to Maimonides Medical Center where they were said to be in stable condition, The Times Of Israel reported.

Horrifying video footage captured the moment a reckless driver failed to yield at an intersection in Brooklyn and rammed into two Jewish mothers and a one-year-old boy in a stroller as they crossed the road

The driver stayed at the scene and the three injured were taken to the hospital in stable condition

Although it seemed unclear why the car turned from eastbound Kings Highway directly into the women without yielding, the driver remained on the scene following the collision.

The area where the incident took place has a large Jewish population with the intersection itself lying next to the Kingsway Jewish Center - an Orthodox synagogue.

The footage was originally shared by the website Betar - a worldwide Zionist organization - which claimed that the driver was committing a hate crime against Jews.

But the NYPD noted there was no 'criminal or malicious intent' and that the driver 'was apologetic'.

Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, the NYPD's highest-ranking Orthodox Jewish officer, told The Times of Israel that the collision was a result of 'extreme inattention'.

'We don't see anything about criminality,' Taylor added.

The 69-year-old driver was not arrested.

Just hours later, another crash in the same neighborhood - this one fatal - killed a 64-year-old man who was allegedly panhandling at the intersection of Nostrand Avenue and Linden Boulevard.

The area where the incident took place has a large Jewish population with the intersection itself lying next to the Kingsway Jewish Center - but the NYPD determined that there was no 'criminal or malicious intent' and that the driver 'was apologetic'

Just hours later, a 64-year-old man was killed in the same area after being hit by a speeding white Audi sedan and dragged for half a mile before the driver ultimately fled

At around 7.30pm that same night, Michael Foster, 64, was hit by a speeding white Audi sedan and dragged for half a mile, Hoodline reported.

The driver then fled the scene - leaving Foster to die on the street.

Paramedics arrived shortly after the incident, but pronounced Foster dead at the scene.

The search for the driver is still ongoing as the police are urging the public to come forward with any information that may lead to an arrest.

A record-breaking number of New Yorkers were killed or seriously injured in the first nine months of 2024 - making the year a deadly one for pedestrians.

In the first nine months, 645 pedestrians were seriously injured - a 13 percent increase from the same period in 2023 and a significant increase in four out of the five boroughs of New York, Transportation Alternatives reported.

More than 9,000 pedestrians were injured between the first day of 2024 to this past December 29 - roughly 25 people each day.
Baroness Louise Casey, whose damning report into the Met Police after the killing of Sarah Everard branded it a misogynistic 'boys' club', has been appointed to help create a new National Care Service.

The Crossbench peer, who also led an inquiry into the Rotherham child sex exploitation scandal, will chair a long-awaited commission in a bid to modernise the sector.

Baroness Casey has been tasked with developing plans which will keep disabled and elderly people out of hospital and at home for longer with the use of technology and home adaptations.

She will make her recommendations for the medium-term to the government by 2026, and long-term reforms by 2028.

But the government was warned that they must act 'decisively' on any reforms, which are already 'long overdue' amid a crisis in the sector.

Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary, Edward Argar MP said: 'After Rachel Reeves abandoned their election promise to deliver our cap on social care costs, Labour have piled pressure on social care providers with their employer NICs jobs tax on social care workers, making their job even harder.

'After 14 years in opposition it is deeply disappointing that Labour don't have a plan for social care.'

The Mail yesterday revealed draft plans to improve adult social care will include the training of care workers to carry out routine health interventions such as blood pressure checks as part of wider reforms to treat people at home if possible, rather than at their GP practice or hospital.

Baroness Louise Casey, whose damning report into the Met Police after the killing of Sarah Everard branded it a misogynistic 'boys' club', has been appointed to help create a new National Care Service

Baroness Casey's report into the Met Police's handling of the Sarah Everard case was heavily critical of the force (Stock image)

Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary, Edward Argar MP (pictured) said Labour have 'piled pressure on social care providers' with its 'employer NICs jobs tax on social care workers'

Ministers yesterday also committed more investment to the Disabled Facilities Grant, which allows people to apply for funding to carry out work like widening doors, improving access, installing ramps or stairlifts, or building an extension.

The 86 million boost for this financial year - bringing the annual total to 711 million - could benefit around 7,800 more elderly and disabled people.

But last night charities warned that Britain's most vulnerable people may not be able to wait three years for social care to improve.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said: 'This could potentially break the logjam that has stood in the way for many years. While we've no doubt Baroness Casey will do an excellent job, the real question is whether the Government will act decisively on her conclusions.

'The most sensitive issue of how to fund the social care needs of our rapidly ageing population is not set to be addressed until the second phase of the commission and this is a major concern.

'Today's older people do not have time on their side The more long drawn out the commission is, the greater the risk will be.

'Even if all goes well, the reality is that it will be the early 2030s before older people and their families get substantial benefit from a transformed approach to social care - fully thirty years after Japan and Germany modernised their social care systems.

'That's a source of profound regret and it leaves today's older people and their families to make the best of a system that is widely agreed to be letting many down.'

The Mail yesterday revealed draft plans to improve adult social care will include the training of care workers to carry out routine health interventions

Last night charities warned that Britain's most vulnerable people may not be able to wait three years for social care to improve

Director of Policy at The Health Foundation, Hugh Alderwick, said: 'The adult social care system in England desperately needs reform after decades of political neglect and underfunding.

'But we have been here before. The past three decades have seen a long line of reports and reviews making recommendations for social care reform, including from government commissions like the one announced today.

'The result has been delays and broken promises. This new commission must move quickly and build on previous policy proposals.'

Announcing the new commission yesterday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said it would build a 'national consensus' around a new National Care Service able to meet the needs of older and disabled people.

He added: 'Our ageing society, with costs of care set to double in the next 20 years, demands longer term action.

'I have written to opposition parties to invite them to take part in the commission' work, and asked Baroness Louise Casey to build a cross-party consensus, to ensure the national care service survives governments of different shades, just as our NHS has for the past 76 years.

'We are appointing one of our country's leading public service reformers, and Whitehall's greatest do-er, to finally grasp the nettle on social care reform.'

Baroness Casey added: 'Millions of older people, disabled people, their families and carers rely upon an effective adult social care system to live their lives to the full, with independence and dignity.

'An independent commission is an opportunity to start a national conversation, find the solutions and build consensus on a long-term plan to fix the system.'
American exports like McDonald's, Hollywood movies and sitcoms have come to symbolise a cultural invasion of Australia.

While Big Macs, Brad Pitt and canned laughter are often harmless in moderation, not all mass-produced fashions imported from the U.S. are worth keeping.

'Diversity, equity and inclusion' policies in workplaces, for example, have proven to be divisive both here and in America, where they originated from.

This woke silliness is already being quietly dropped in the States, with big companies tacitly admitting it was a failed experiment. But some Australian workplaces have missed the memo, with staff still being subjected to mind-numbing cultural awareness sessions on 'unconscious bias' and 'microaggressions'.

Major corporations need to cease with those vacuous, Orwellian declarations about 'inclusion' and concentrate on customer service instead of exploiting staff with minority characteristics for marketing purposes.

Instead of focusing on merit, the DEI agenda is really about having an unhealthy fetish for certain fashionable minority groups without really addressing genuine cases of bigotry like age discrimination.

The idea that members of a minority group - whether that be based on race or sexuality - need a so-called 'ally' is also downright patronising.

It's simply demeaning to suggest individuals, because of their demographic status, are somehow too weak for speak for themselves and therefore need to be treated like children who need to be singled out.

Not all mass produced fashions adopted from the United States, that saturate many aspects of Australian life, are worth keeping including 'diversity, equity and inclusion' (pictured are revellers at Sydney's 2023 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras)

DEI also divides up members of minority groups between those who want to use their minority status to get promoted at work and be visible, and those who are more concerned about their privacy and believe such characteristics to be irrelevant.

The idea of highlighting immutable characteristics like race, ethnicity and sexuality is anathema to the concept of merit where the best man or woman is hired or promoted.

It would be considered to be politically far-right for white, heterosexual employees in an Australian workplace to establish a specialist network, and that would surely alienate colleagues who don't fit those descriptions. Hardly inclusive.

Yet, apparently in the interests of 'equality', staff are forming groups based on race and sexuality.

Emphasising the fact someone is gay or from an ethnic minority also creates the impression, among other colleagues, that they are only being promoted for public relations reasons or to help a chief executive have something to add to their resume as a so-called champion of inclusion.

And it also discriminates against minority employees who simply don't want to talk about their personal characteristics, and would prefer to just get on with their job.

It's also illegal to ask someone in a job interview about their race or sexuality yet Australia's biggest corporations are actively promoting DEI policies because it's trendy.

The Commonwealth Bank, Australia's biggest home lender, declared it has a 'commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion'.

The Commonwealth Bank, Australia's biggest home lender, declared it has a 'commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion' (pictured is a Brisbane bank branch)

The public is cynical about the banks so in a bid to have a feelgood agenda, CBA has an 'LGBTIQ+ and ally network' known as Unity that is apparently designed to 'advocate a culture of inclusion and respect regardless of sex, sexuality, gender and expression'.

Airline Virgin has Pride Flights for marketing purposes while rival Qantas has an Illuminate staff network 'to facilitate communication between our LGBTQI+ employees and their allies'.

Mining giant BHP has a Jasper program to 'drive a safe, inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone by providing advice on ways to reduce bias and make sure LGBT+ people are respected and valued irrespective or their sexual or gender identity'.

Surely, who someone gets intimate with in the bedroom is a private matter that doesn't need to be mentioned in a workplace.

CommBank, which supported the failed Voice referendum in 2023, also has a Yana Budjari network that 'supports First Nations people'.

'This network empowers our people to connect meaningfully with Indigenous peoples, programs and communities,' it says.

'It's also a safe space for our First Nations people to come together, support each other, discuss community affairs and develop their understanding of the people power across the company.'

CBA also has a 'Mosaic' group described as 'our cultural inclusion employee-led network'.

'Diversity, equity and inclusion' policies in workplaces, for example, have proven to be divisive both here and in America, where they originated from (pictured are Aboriginal and Palestinian flags at Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras)

Colleagues with things in common can always connect outside of work hours without this being an officially sanctioned workplace policy, based on nothing more than sexual orientation or ethnicity.

But the DEI groups at big corporations have demonstrated the failure of identity politics where some minority groups are considered more worthy than others.

The Commonwealth Bank's 'connecting through inclusion' website says little about older workers despite having an Advantage network to cater for staff 'no matter what age or life stage our people are going through'.

But it has no pictures on its website to illustrate older staff and make them feel 'included' and visible, even though an Australian Human Rights Commission survey found 58 per cent of older workers searching for work experienced age discrimination.

More than a quarter of respondents over 50 in this survey reported experiencing age discrimination, and gay and ethnic minority employees would be affected too as they aged.

The human resources industry is focused on other matters, apparently.

The Australian HR Institute last year held a DEI 'belonging, inclusiveness, impact' seminar where 10 out of 14 speakers listed their gender pronouns on their biography to show their support for transgender ideology.

The United States, the birthplace of the DEI movement, is having second thoughts about the DEI agenda.

Motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson in August last year announced it no longer had minority-owned supplier goals and would cease with social training for staff.

Retailer Walmart, beer maker Molson Coors, car giant Ford, tractor manufacturer John Deere, home improvement chain Lowe's and whiskey distiller Brown-Forman are also scaling back their involvements in diversity programs.

It's time for DEI, nothing more than a cynical public relations exercise, to be ditched for good.

Employers can ensure staff aren't discriminated against, on the basis of birth characteristics, without having to seek public validation via DEI policies.

Australia has more serious labour market issues to deal with like a productivity crisis, so big corporations should be focusing on that and getting more value for shareholders instead of succumbing to the latest activist trend.

Diversity, equity and inclusion needs to be scrapped for good.

That way, a true meritocracy can flourish, making characteristics like race, ethnicity and sexuality irrelevant so the best man or woman gets ahead in their chosen career.

Let's get toxic and divisive politics out of the workplace.
The attack in New Orleans represents a wake-up call to Britain about the possibility of further domestic terror attacks from ISIS, experts warned last night.

The Islamic State flag in the pickup truck driven by Shamsud-Din Jabbar was likely a message that the terrorist group were 'back in business,' a security expert said.

And the Prime Minister must increase vigilance about plots in the UK and secure our borders to prevent potential attackers from infiltrating Britain, former military leaders insisted.

The UK terrorist threat level remains at substantial, meaning an attack is likely.

ISIS, short for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, gained global prominence a decade ago when its militants began conquering large swathes of land in the region.

At its peak, it enforced its extremist interpretation of Islamic law over a population of about 12million, had about 30,000 fighters and managed a budget of nearly 1billion.

ISIS has perpetrated dozens devastating terror attacks outside of Iraq and Syria, including the 2015 Paris massacre, has published beheadings of journalists and aid workers and desecrated several cultural sites.

A US-led coalition destroyed the group's infrastructure between 2015 and 2019 and as many as 60,000 supporters are thought to have been killed.

Shamsud Din Jabbar (pictured), 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

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 thousands of ISIS supporters remain in West Asia and its influence has spread through East Africa from Mauritania to Somalia, experts said.

And the group has maintained an online presence, regularly publishing propaganda and extremist messaging.

The threat from ISIS never went away entirely, and if the authorities discover direct links between the group and the perpetrators behind the US attacks then there will be 'more to come,' Professor Emeritus of Peace Studies at Bradford University, Paul Rogers warned.

'There is an assumption that ISIS is all gone but that is simply not the case. They never went away,' the author of The Insecurity Trap said.

The US had wiped out about 60,000 ISIS supporters in the past decade but this will have further radicalised any survivors, he warned.

'Many of the dead had brothers, sons, fathers and friends who were further then inspired by their deaths to take action,' Prof Rogers added.

'And even if Jabbar was not being directed by ISIS then it remains incredibly serious, because then we have someone who spent a decade in the US military who was sufficiently disillusioned and radicalised to have carried out such a horrific attack.

'If there is no direct link then there could still be many others inspired by Jabbar's actions - and we have seen many examples of this before, like the Madrid attacks [which were Al Qaeda-inspired but not directed by the group].

Jabbar (pictured) had also worked in tech  first in the army and later in civilian life

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

Officials confirmed Jabbar had attached an ISIS flag to the truck (pictured) he used to plow through the crowd

A masked Islamic State soldier poses with the IS banner, the same kind that was reportedly attached to Jabbar's car

'If the New Orleans attack wasn't just inspired by ISIS but actually directed by the group then this is even worse, as it would mean there is an active organisation - probably in Syria or Iraq - capable of directing lethal attacks around the world.'

Anthony Glees, director at the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham, said the attacks showed Britain must regain control of its borders or risk dangerous extremists sneaking into the country.

'There may be people already in this country who have been ISIS fanatics but who will have felt that when the caliphate was destroyed in Syria and Iraq there was no hope for the cause,' he said.

'These people will now feel inspired, emboldened, and could take more action.

'This is another reason why we need to stop the small boats crisis. We are admitting people into the country who might be ideologically driven to cause us harm.

'This is a major security threat.'

Terror expert Philip Ingram said there was 'very real potential' for copycat attacks following those in the US and the car attack in Magdeburg in Germany on December 20.

And former UK army commander Colonel Hamish De Bretton-Gordon described the terrifying incidents as a 'wake-up call for this country.'

Anthony Glees (pictured), director at the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham, said the attacks showed Britain must regain control of its borders or risk dangerous extremists sneaking into the country

Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal

'Islamic State and the jihadist threat generally has not gone away, despite the focus of the world being on saving Ukraine from the tyrant in the Kremlin,' he added.

'We must not drop our guard to the terror threats to this country, whatever is happening in Eastern Europe and in the Middle East.

'The jihadists will strike if they see any chinks in our armour. The Prime Minister needs to be reminded that defence and security of this nation should be his primary responsibility.'

The increase in threat level has also seen questions raised over what areas could prove to be targets in the event of copycat terror attacks.

Speaking to the Mirror, Chris Phillips, the former head of the National Counter Terrorism Office, said that famous landmarks across London where there are concentrated gatherings of tourists could be singled out by terrorists.

In the event that a similar vehicular attack like that endured by New Orleans was to occur at one of these landmarks, the terror expert said that many are already well protected by hostile vehicle measures.

However, Mr Phillips added that in trying to balance the British public's freedoms, it becomes impossible to protect everywhere.

'It's impossible to protect them all from someone who can just jump into a car and drive at the public. Intelligence is the only real way to stop an attack like this, before they get into the vehicle', he said.

A spokesman from Counter Terror Policing said it was continually assessing international events to understand if there are any implications for the UK's national security.

'Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the horrific events in New Orleans including our US law enforcement colleagues.

'The terrorist threat level in the UK remains at substantial, meaning an attack is likely. Public vigilance is critical to our efforts to keep our communities safe and we continue to ask people to report anything that doesnt feel right to police. Always call 999 in an emergency', the spokesman said.
A holiday escape to the paradise of the Turks and Caicos turned into a tortuous ordeal for dozens of JetBlue passengers after their flight home to Boston was cancelled leaving them stranded on the island with no place to go.

Those who were supposed to be traveling on the flight back to the U.S. on December 28 have described their experience as a 'nightmare' after staff at Providenciales International Airport said passengers had to leave the premises in order for it to close.

The troubles began when their inbound JetBlue aircraft faced an unexpected diversion to Fort Lauderdale due to air traffic control congestion leaving it unable to reach the archipelago.

It meant there was no aircraft arriving on the island to operate JetBlue Flight 754 back to Boston for a further 24 hours.

Passengers already frustrated by hours of delays were then told to leave the Turks and Caicos airport late at night without any assistance or offer of accommodation from the airline.

Most hotels were fully booked for the holiday period meaning most had no place to go.

'To put people out on the streets like animals was definitely something I will never forget for the rest of my life,' said Marty, a father of three, recounting the harrowing night to Boston25News.

Stranded with his exhausted children and distressed wife, Marty faced a heart-wrenching reality.

It was a scene of chaos after a flight to Boston from the Turks and Caicos was cancelled

Some children were forced to sleep on the floor with neither the airport or airline providing help

Stretchers were ultimately provided by the airport for stranded customers - but not until the following morning

'For the first time as a husband and as a father and as a man, I had no idea how I was going to shelter my family for a night.'

Another passenger, Brett, described the chaos that ensued.

With no hotel rooms available on the island, Brett said he and others were left begging for answers.

'We just kept saying, 'Where do you want us to go? What are we supposed to do? How are you kicking us to the street like dogs in a foreign country?' he explained.

Brett eventually secured an Airbnb for his group and managed to cram ten people into a rental in what he described as a 'horrible, sketchy area.'

He painted a chilling picture of their journey, with wild dogs chasing their cab through dimly lit streets.

Although crime on the island is low, muggings and armed assaults do occur, mostly in areas popular with tourists.

'It was like something out of a horror movie. The kids were freaking out, asking, "What are we going to do?" Brett said.

'We just kept saying, 'Where do you want us to go? What are we supposed to do? How are you kicking us to the street like dogs in a foreign country?' he explained

'To put people out on the streets like animals was definitely something I will never forget for the rest of my life,' said Marty, a father of three, recounting the harrowing night

JetBlue acknowledged the delay in a statement, citing circumstances 'beyond our control'

Most hotels were fully booked for the holiday period meaning most customers had no place to go after their flight home was cancelled and delayed for 24 hours

Others were not as fortunate, with some forced to wander the streets in search of safety.

By morning, cots had been brought into the airport for passengers unable to find shelter, yet even this measure came too late for many, who had endured an uncomfortable, sleepless, night.

JetBlue acknowledged the delay in a statement, citing circumstances 'beyond our control.'

The airline explained the flight's diversion and promised reimbursements for eligible expenses, along with $200 in travel credits as a goodwill gesture.

'We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this delay caused and understand this was a frustrating situation,' the statement read.

The airline also pointed how how Flight 754 was one of at least three flights on December 28, operated by different airlines, that were either canceled or significantly delayed.

The airport ultimately decided to remain open and provided cots only after another airline canceled an additional flight later that night.

For passengers like Marty, however, the airline's apology fell far short of addressing the trauma they experienced.

'This was far beyond a delay; this was sending people to the streets in the wee hours of the night and asking them to fend for themselves with no solutions,' he said.

'Airlines need to do better,' added Brett. 'No one should have to go through this.'
Dutch police have arrested a suspected gunman after three 'random' shootings in the same Rotterdam district that left two people dead.

The police arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the three apparently random shootings on December 21, December 28 and January 2.

The suspect was arrested around 11.15pm in a house on the Emelissedijk in Rotterdam.

It comes shortly after Rotterdam police released a photo of a man they urgently want to interview about the incidents in the IJsselmonde district of the city.

The 'killing spree' began on December 21, when a 63-year-old man was gunned down on Reyerdijk.

He was shot at 9.40pm and was found by a passer-by who called emergency services and he was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away.

A week later, a 58-year-old man was found on a cycle path on Roelantpad. He also died from his injuries, later on in hospital. He had been shot at least once at about 10pm.

The 81-year-old man was found seriously injured with a likely gunshot wound this morning - less than five days later.

Dutch police have launched a hunt for a gunman after three 'random' shootings in the same Rotterdam district that left two people dead

Rotterdam police released a photo of the man they urgently want to interview about three apparently random shootings in the IJsselmonde district of the city

The spot in the IJsselmonde neighborhood where a shooting incident took place

Police investigate the spot where a man was shot in the IJsselmonde neighborhood in Rotterdam, Netherlands, today

Police suspect there is a connection between the incidents and that the same perpetrator is involved in all three shootings

Police investigate the spot where a man was shot in the IJsselmonde neighborhood

Police say they are assuming all three shootings are connected, but a motive has not yet been established.

None of the incidents seemed to be gang-related as none of the victims had criminal links, police said.

A 20-year-old man from Amsterdam was arrested on Monday in connection with the shootings but is not thought to be the gunman.

The latest CCTV comes from Thursday's attack.

A police statement said: 'It is of the utmost importance that this man is identified quickly and arrested to prevent further incidents taking place.'

Cops are not ruling out that the perpetrator is choosing his victims at random.

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) put up a 30,000 euro reward for the tip that leads to the gunman's arrest.
President Joe Biden got a grip at an event honoring Liz Cheney  and wouldn't let go of her hand.

Biden was presenting an award to the former Wyoming Republican, who helped helm the House January 6 Committee and then threw her political support to Vice President Kamala Harris. Cheney's actions infuriated Donald Trump, who in December said she 'should go to jail' after she served on the Democratic-run panel that denounced Trump.

Cheney was one of 20 Americans honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal at the White House Thursday, alongside longtime Biden pals like former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Ted Kaufman (D-Del).

When a military aide announced her name at an event in the East Room of the White House, attendees let out a huge round of applause. They eventually gave her a standing ovation and a welcome that exceeded any of the other recipients.

Biden, 81, smiled and held Cheney's hand after presenting her with a medal. Cheney herself gave Biden a quick pat on the back. At one point about seven seconds in as they mugged for the cameras, Cheney moved forward as if to return to her seat.

Biden pulled her back in, and the photo-op continued, as the crowd continued to roar its approval for the conservative daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney who called Trump's claims of election fraud 'a lie.'

The entire encounter lasted nearly 30 seconds.

Also getting an award was Cheney's former Democratic co-chair, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.).

President Joe Biden held the hand of former Rep. Liz Cheney as she got a standing ovation during an awards ceremony

Cheney's citation said she was honored 'for putting the American people over party,' while Thompson was acknowledged for his 'lifelong dedication to safeguarding our Constitution.'

Seated in the audience were Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa and son Beau Biden, Jr. So was former senator, climate envoy, and presidential candidate John Kerry. Biden called him 'a guy who should have been standing here.'

In his own remarks about the citizens award, Biden acknowledged those who 'see each other not as enemies but as fellow citizens' and said past awards had gone to those who 'defended the free election of 2020.'

Trump senior advisor Jason Miller mocked the selection as 'pathetic' as the nation was dealing with the fallout from the New Orleans terror attack.

'With attacks happening in the United States and around the world, THIS is how Biden is spending his time today?' he posted.

Others Biden awarded included Americans who fought for marriage equality, a pioneer in treating wounded soldiers, and two of the president's longtime friends, former Sens. Ted Kaufman, D-Del., and Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

'Together, you embody the central truth: Were a great nation because were a good people,' he said. 'Our democracy begins and ends with the duties of citizenship. Thats our work for the ages and its what all of you embody.'

At one point Cheney tried to walk away but the crowd kept applauding and Biden pulled her back in

The Wyoming Republican endorsed Kamala Harris and appeared on the trail with the vice president, calling Donald Trump a threat to democracy

Biden last year honored people who were involved in defending the Capitol from a mob of angry Trump supporters on Jan. 6, 2021, or who helped safeguard the will of American voters during the 2020 presidential election, when Trump tried and failed to overturn the results.

The committee's final report asserted that Trump criminally engaged in a 'multi-part conspiracy' to overturn the lawful results of the election he lost to Biden and failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol. Thompson wrote that Trump 'lit that fire.'

Biden has been considering whether to offer preemptive pardons to Cheney and others Trump has targeted. Thompson also got a standing ovation.

During an interview with NBC's 'Meet the Press,' the president-elect said that 'Cheney did something thats inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps,' claiming without evidence they 'deleted and destroyed' testimony they collected.

Biden also awarded the medal to attorney Mary Bonauto, who fought to legalize same-sex marriage, and Evan Wolfson, a leader of the marriage equality movement.

Other honorees included Frank Butler, who set new standards for using tourniquets on war injuries; Diane Carlson Evans, an Army nurse during the Vietnam War who founded the Vietnam Womens Memorial Foundation; and Eleanor Smeal, an activist who led women's rights protests in the 1970s and fought for equal pay.

He bestowed the honor to photographer Bobby Sager, academics Thomas Vallely and Paula Wallace, and Frances Visco, the president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

Other former lawmakers honored included former Sen. Bill Bradley, D-N.J.; former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum, the first woman to represent Kansas; and former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., who championed gun safety measures after her son and husband were shot to death.

After he presented the awards, he went back to the lectern to ask lawmakers in the room to stand, as well as John Kerry.

'Let's remember, our work continues,' he said to the room after he thanked the families in attendance for the support they gave to the nominees. We've got a lot more work to do to keep this going.'

Biden honored four people posthumously: Joseph Galloway, a former war correspondent who wrote about the first major battle in Vietnam in the book 'We Were Soldiers Once ... and Young'; civil rights advocate and attorney Louis Lorenzo Redding; former Delaware judge Collins Seitz; and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who was held with other Japanese Americans during World War II and challenged the detention.

The Presidential Citizens Medal was created by President Richard Nixon in 1969 and is the countrys second highest civilian honor after the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It recognizes people who 'performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.'

___
An Aussie tourist has captured the gruelling reality of accessing one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali.

Aaron Boundy was among dozens of travellers who recently ventured to Kelingking Beach, nestled in the Indonesian island of Nusa Penida.

But what many weren't prepared for was the treacherous 30-minute descent down a rickety set of stairs to the crystal clear turquoise waters.

Mr Boundy uploaded a video to TikTok this week that showed several visitors struggling to navigate the tricky terrain, clinging to the wooden railings as they desperately tried to walk down the sandstone steps.

The climb back up to the top of the towering walking trail is just as difficult, with some beachgoers seen toppling over.

'You work so hard to get down here, it is beautiful,' Mr Boundy said.

'On the way down, there were people breaking down and almost crying and then people on the way up were doing the exact same.'

Mr Boundy admitted he underestimated the gruelling trek.

'I was like 'It's not that f*****g hard', but I think I'm going to break down crying because this doesn't look easy,' he said.

A shirtless Mr Boundy filmed himself climbing back up to the top of the hill and at one point had to hold onto the railing for support.

'That was f****d,' he said at the end of the climb.

Many viewers said the picturesque beach wasn't worth the climb.

'I would have turned around and returned from where I came,' one person wrote.

'I'd be building [a] little hut after that because I'm not going back up,' another person wrote.

'What the heck! No way I'm climbing that after a day at the beach,' a third added.

Others praised Mr Boundy for showing the reality of Kelingking Beach.

Mr Boundy uploaded a video to TikTok on Tuesday that showed several visitors struggling to navigate the 30-minute descent down the walking track (pictured)

'I'm so glad you did this for us. Now I don't have to,' one person wrote.

'We'll live through you, thanks,' another person wrote.

'Something you enjoy form a distance,' a third chimed in.

It comes as Kelingking Beach is set to be be transformed with the construction of a 182-metre glass elevator and viewing platform built down the sheer cliff face.

The project, which is being spearheaded by the local government with the help of a Chinese company, will make accessing the beach much easier.

The project, however hasn't gone down well among some locals, who have slammed the proposed development of the elevator and said the beach is better off without the infrastructure.
Rhodes College in Tennessee has come forward with news that racist messages found on campus were actually fabricated by a student. The incident happened over Thanksgiving break and led to an investigation into what initially seemed to be a hate crime.

However, after consultation with Memphis police, it was concluded that the messages were intentionally created to misrepresent supporters of former President Donald Trump.

In a statement shared by FOX News, Rhodes College confirmed that the responsible student admitted to his act. The school went on to state that the incident caused enormous pain within its community, while adding that the college explores legal actions to hold accountable the individual involved.

Read more: House Republicans Threaten to Defund Truman Scholarship Over Alleged Liberal Bias

Community Outrage Over Offensive Flyers at Rhodes College

Flyers discovered near the National Pan-Hellenic Council Plazaa space dedicated to honoring historically Black Greek organizations contained phrases like "Trump Rules" and racial slurs against Black people, per Campus Reform. Students described the content as vulgar and hurtful but mostly expressed anger and disappointment at the situation. This caused massive conversations about the effect of such messages, even if they were proven false.

The school responded promptly by warning the students and actively investigating the case.

Rhodes College reemphasized its dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive community, which they believe all hate speech goes against. They mentioned that such false messages damage these values and cause unnecessary harm.

Although the whole thing was a hoax, the college promised to continue to address the underlying racism issue responsibly while working to heal the divisions caused by the incident.
The FBI has released new photographs of the New Orleans terrorist taken just one hour before he rammed his car into New Years crowds and slaughtered 14 people.

Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar wreaked havoc on celebrations in the early hours of Wednesday morning when he drove through the busy Bourboun Street targeting pedestrians.

Now, police have shared two new images of him in a brown overcoat at 2:03 AM CST as he walked on Dauphine Street.

Underneath the coat, he has a dark-colored button shirt, blue jeans and dress shoes.

Detectives hope the new photos will jig the memories of people who were in the area, and they're asking anyone with information to come forward.

Jabbar looks far older and more weathered in the new pictures, with receding salt and pepper hair and a matching beard.

He is wearing glasses and clutching what appears to be a phone in his hand as he walks through the streets.

The FBI also released images of a cooler filled with IEDs that they say was placed by Jabbar near the intersection of Bourbon and Orleans Street.

Now, police have shared two new images of him in a brown overcoat at 2:03 AM CST as he walked on Dauphine Street

Underneath the coat, he has a dark-colored button shirt, blue jeans and dress shoes

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

Jabbar died in a shootout with police after the rampage.

He had an ISIS flag flying from the rented truck he used, and had separately planted 'remote detonator' explosives in coolers which he had strategically placed in the French Quarter.

President Joe Biden held a news conference on Thursday revealing Jabbar had acted alone in the New Orleans terror attack.

But federal agents are still working to explore any potential links between Jabbar and Matthew Livelsberger, who detonated his own explosives out the front of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas hours later.

The 37-year-old man reportedly has a military background and served at the same base as Shamsud Din Jabbar (pictured), who fatally ran down 15 people in a rented car in New Orleans in the early hours of New Years Day

The pair served at the same military base and also served in Afghanistan in 2009 - however officials say they have seen no evidence they were in the same providence or unit.

Jabbar reportedly made a series of videos ahead of his death revealing he had plotted to kill his family and describing how he had become radicalized by ISIS.

His brother told The New York Times that his brother was a caring man. Abdur Jabbar, 24, of Beaumont, Texas, told the outlet: '[He was] a sweetheart really, a nice guy, a friend, really smart, caring.'

He said that his brother had converted to Islam at a young age, and that 'what he did does not represent Islam. This is more some type of radicalization, not religion.'
Elon Musk has ramped up attacks on Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government as pressure continues to build around calls for an inquiry into the Prime Minister's handling of grooming gang cases during his time serving as the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The series of social media posts by the X owner lambasting the PM came as Tory leader Kemi Badenoch demanded a public inquiry into Britain's 'rape gangs scandal' after Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips was accused of blocking a probe.

Ms Badenoch said an inquiry into organised grooming gangs was 'long overdue'.

Musk, owner of X, formerly Twitter, had singled out Ms Phillips over the issue - and shared more anti-Labour government posts on Thursday night, including describing as 'good' the resignation from the party of 20 Labour councillors in Hertfordshire.

Musk hit out at the minister's refusal of Oldham Council's request to launch a Home Office-led public inquiry into child sex exploitation there - launched a tirade of tweets, including sharing mocking memes of the PM and saying: 'Britain needs Reform now'.

It came hours after he shared his backing for far-right agitator Tommy Robinson who is currently locked up, sentenced to 18 months in prison in October after admitting 10 beaches of a High Court injunction barring him from repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee.

Musk wrote that Ms Phillips 'deserves to be in prison', after she denied requests from Oldham Council to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in the town.

The Minister said it was for the council to hold an inquiry, rather than for government to intervene. Telford and Rotherham councils commissioned and funded their own inquiries into grooming gangs in their areas.

The X owner used the platform to allege that the Prime Minister allowed rape gangs to 'exploit young girls without facing justice' when he was England and Wales' top prosecutor.

He also alleged that Ms Phillips was refusing to investigate the gangs because it would lead back to the PM's time as director of public prosecutions between 2008 and 2013.

Kemi Badenoch and the billionaire Trump advisor jumped on a decision by Labour not to back a new probe into allegations of abuse in Oldham.

The X owner used the platform to allege that the Prime Minister allowed rape gangs to ' exploit young girls without facing justice' when he was England and Wales' top prosecutor

It followed Elon Musk's online attack on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's record of targeting the gangs when he was Director of Public Prosecutions. Starmer is pictured in 2009 when he was DPP

Musk wrote on X: 'In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Service's approval for the police to charge suspects.

'Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.'

He has faced criticism from many X users for allegedly 'interfering' in British politic s and justice but last night posted the words 'The perfect question' while sharing someone else's message asking: 'Why are some people more outraged by @elonmusk commenting on the state of the UK than they are by the mass rape of a quarter of a million British children?'

Mrs Badenoch had earlier tweeted: 'Trials have taken place all over the country in recent years but no one in authority has joined the dots. 2025 must be the year the victims start to get justice.'

The scandal was one of several across the country in which dozens of girls were abused by British Pakistani gangs, and police forces and prosecutors often did not take action for fear of being called racist or Islamophobic.

This was a failing Sir Keir addressed in 2012 when he was running the CPS as the director of public prosecutions.

A former MP for Rochdale claimed that an ex-chairman of Labour's parliamentary party warned him off drawing attention to the ethnicity of grooming gangs because it could harm the party's electoral chances.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp also called for a national inquiry, saying: 'We do need to make sure this is fully looked at and anyone responsible for not following it up is held to account.'

He told BBC Radio 4's World at One: 'The issues don't just apply in Oldham, they apply, I'm afraid, in many other towns and cities as well, and it's I think right, now, that we look at that.

'I'm very disappointed the Labour government have been so silent on this topic.'

Shadow Safeguarding Minister Alicia Kearns also urged Ms Phillips to release 'ethnicity data' the Tories began collecting about those arrested for and charged over grooming.

An Oldham Council spokesman said: 'Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation. Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount, and we will not renege on that pledge.'

Musk hit out after Minister Ms Phillips refused Oldham Council's request to launch a Home Office-led public inquiry into child sex exploitation there

Sir Keir was director of public prosecutions between 2008 and 2013

Ms Badenoch joined Musk and Reform UK figures including Nigel Farage by leaned into the row on social media, tweeting: 'The time is long overdue for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal

However, Mr Farage, whose party has been linked to a $100million donated from Musk, replied: 'Talk is cheap. The Conservatives had 14 years in government to launch an inquiry. The establishment has failed the victims of grooming gangs on every level'

He also alleged that Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips was refusing to investigate the gangs because it would lead back to the PM's time as director of public prosecutions between 2008 and 2013

A Labour spokeswoman said the Home Office 'supports' police investigations and independent inquiries 'to get truth and justice for victims'.

She added: 'We have supported both the national overarching inquiry into child abuse which reported in 2022, and local independent inquiries and reviews including in Telford, Rotherham and Greater Manchester. This Government is working urgently to strengthen the law so that these crimes are properly reported and investigated.

'In Oldham the crimes committed by grooming gangs were horrific. Young girls were abused in the most cruel and sadistic way.

'Victims and the community need to know that all steps are taken to deliver justice and protect children properly in the future.

'We will welcome and support an independent investigation commissioned by Oldham Council which puts victims' voices at its heart, following the examples of Telford and Rotherham. We also continue to support wider work commissioned by Mayor Andy Burnham into child protection issues across Greater Manchester, following the review into historic safeguarding issues in Oldham which was published in 2022.

'Labour in opposition called for and supported the national inquiry into child sexual abuse under Professor Alexis Jay which concluded in 2022. The Labour Government is now working at pace to implement the recommendations, including introducing the duty to report.'

Last January a report found young girls were 'left at the mercy' of paedophile grooming gangs for years in Rochdale because of failings by senior police and council bosses.

The damning 173-page review covers 2004 to 2013 and sets out multiple failed investigations by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and apparent local authority indifference to the plight of hundreds of youngsters, mainly white girls from poor backgrounds, all identified as potential victims of abuse in Rochdale by Asian men.

Successive police operations were launched, but these were insufficiently resourced to match the scale of the widespread organised exploitation within the area.

The report follows reports by the same authors on grooming in Manchester and Oldham, which found authorities had again failed children, leaving them in the clutches of paedophiles.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, which published its final report in 2022, described the sexual abuse of children as an 'epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake'.

Led by Professor Alexis Jay, the inquiry looked into abuse by organised groups following multiple convictions of sexual offences against children across the UK between 2010-2014, including in Rotherham, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Rochdale and Bristol.

In November last year, Professor Jay said she felt 'frustrated' that none of the probe's 20 recommendations had been implemented more than two years after its conclusion.

In a letter to the council, Ms Phillips said she believes it is 'for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene'.

Robinson was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October after admitting 10 beaches of a High Court injunction barring him from repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee

Musk's attack came as he lined up to support Robinson, the diminutive far-right agitator whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

The English Defence league co-founder was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October after admitting 10 beaches of a High Court injunction barring him from repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee.

During the unrest over the summer, billionaire Musk engaged with posts by Robinson, suggesting that civil war in the UK was 'inevitable'.

He also retweeted a fake Daily Telegraph headline suggesting rioters would be sent to detention camps in the Falkland Islands.

Writing on X last night Musk said: 'In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Service's approval for the police to charge suspects.

'Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008 -2013.'

He added: 'Who is the boss of Jess Phillips right now? Keir Stamer (sic). The real reason she's refusing to investigate the rape gangs is that it would obviously lead to the blaming of Keir Stamer (sic) (head of the CPS at the time).'

However, Sir Keir started the original investigation into gangs in Rochdale in 2012, the year before he left office as DPP.

He also tweeted 'free Tommy Robinson' and retweeted a follower who claimed Robinson was a 'political prisoner', a viewpoint held by many of the incarcerated Englishman's supporters.

His support for Robinson could cause some unhappiness in the Reform Party.

Reports have suggested that he is preparing to hand it a war chest of up to $100million (79million).

But party leader Nigel Farage has previously distanced himself from Mr Robinson, who was once a political adviser to Gerard Batten, Mr Farage's successor as leader of Ukip.

It comes weeks after Musk, a close advisor to incoming US president Donald Trump, voiced his support for the German far-right party Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD).

A Home Office study published in 2020 that found child sexual abuse gangs are most commonly made up of white men.

Musk has spent considerable time attacking Sir Keir since Labour came to power.

Last week he attacked the party over its economic plans for the UK.

Responding to a story about Scottish politicians urging him to invest in a Tesla gigafactory, the billionaire posted on X: 'Very few companies will be willing to invest in the UK with the current administration.'

Musk has also recently been amplifying calls for a new general election in the UK, with his global presence helping see a petition in favour of a 2025 election surpass 3 million signatures online.

Keir Starmer took up his post as head of CPS and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in November 2008

Downing Street insisted Sir Keir was running an 'unashamedly' pro-growth government, but refused to criticise Musk directly.

Asked about Musk's view about the government being anti-business, the PM's spokesman said: 'We look forward to working with President-elect Trump and indeed his team to progress the UK-US special relationship, and particularly the UK-US trade and investment relationship, which supports hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of jobs both sides of the Atlantic, and tens of billion pounds of investment and trade.'

He added: 'I'm not going to kind of get into commentary on individual comments, but if you look at what's happened since the election, you've seen the 63 billion of additional investment from the Investment Summit.

'You've seen the Government respond to some of the businesses' key concerns in the UK, which is lack of stability, and the Government's brought back that stability, both politically and economically.'
Bosses of the country's top universities now earn 400,000 a year on average despite the financial crisis engulfing the sector.

Analysis of Russell Group institutions reveals that overall vice-chancellor pay has risen amid a warning that they face 'significant financial challenges' and a plea for more funding from the Government.

Tuition fees for students will also rise from 9,250 to 9,535 this autumn to keep universities afloat.

The 2023-24 accounts of 19 universities were examined by the Times Higher Education magazine.

It found the median pay package of vice-chancellors, which typically includes benefits such as housing and pensions, was 400,000. In 2022-23, it was 396,000 and 381,000 in the previous year.

John O'Connell, from the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers will be baffled by the eye-watering scale of these pay packets.

'While students sink into debt, university fat cats are raking in bloated salaries and plush perks.'

Leeds University spent most on executive pay  with 694,000 divided between an outgoing vice-chancellor and an interim one. Simone Buitendijk left with a pay packet worth 434,000.

Bosses of the country's top universities now earn 400,000 a year on average despite the financial crisis engulfing the sector. Pictured is Irene Tracey, who received a salary of 410,000, and an accommodation payment worth 100,000, for her first full year at Oxfor

The largest individual total remuneration went to Deborah Prentice (pictured) at Cambridge, who received 577,000 including relocation expenses for her first full year as vice-chancellor

Michael Spence (pictured), from University College London, got 398,000

The largest individual total remuneration went to Deborah Prentice at Cambridge, who received 577,000 for her first full year as vice-chancellor.

This included a base salary of 409,000, along with 42,486 in relation to relocation expenses, 29,177 in accommodation, utilities and property taxes, and personal travel costs of 22,564.

This was followed by 573,000 for Irene Tracey, who received a salary of 410,000, and an accommodation payment worth 100,000, for her first full year at Oxford.

The Oxford and Cambridge vice-chancellors also received the largest base salaries, while Michael Spence, from University College London, got 398,000.

UCL recently made some job cuts, including announcing a voluntary resignation scheme in 2022-23.

It comes after Dr Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, said in November there was a 'significant financial challenge facing the higher education sector'.

He praised Labour's decision to raise tuition fees, adding: 'Now serious consideration must be given to securing a long-term funding and policy landscape that supports institutions to be financially sustainable.'

Yesterday, a Russell Group spokesman said: 'Vice-chancellors lead large, global institutions each with thousands of staff members, delivering high-quality education, breakthrough research and invaluable contributions to cities and regions across the UK.

'The process for setting senior pay is done in as rigorous and transparent a way as possible.'

A Cambridge spokesman said: The vice chancellors base salary is 409,000 and it is determined by the University Council and informed by careful analysis of pay in a highly competitive sector.

As one of the top universities in the world, we need to attract and retain high-performing leaders.

A Leeds spokesman said: Professor Buitendijk stepped down as vice chancellor and president of the University of Leeds on 31 December 2023 and received contractual salary and post-employment payments for 2023/24 which are reflected in the universitys annual accounts.
Furious locals have put up a snarky hand-written warning sign at the crash site where a Ferrari 458 Italia smashed into a $11million mansion in Sydneys eastern suburbs.

The luxury supercar, worth up to $500,000, smashed into a brick wall at Robertson Place in Watsons Bay, an elite suburb in Sydney's east, at 1.15pm on Thursday.

A 55-year-old woman sustained chest injuries and was trapped in the wreckage before she was cut free by emergency rescue workers.

The 56-year-old male driver suffered minor head injuries in the smash.

Less than 24 hours after the crash, a sign has been erected at the roundabout where the car ploughed through a pedestrian railing and into athe home's boundary wall.

Speed + Coke Kills, the sign read. Slow down, jerk.

It's not suggested the driver was actually speeding or on coke, simply that he drives a Ferrari.

A NSW Ambulance spokesman said the driver and his passenger have been taken to St Vincent's Hospital where they remain in a stable condition.

The supercar had a private rego plate and had just 14,000 km on the clock in total since it came off the production line in 2014

A warning sign has been erected at the site of the crash in Watsons Bay

A female occupant of the home the car crashed into - once owned by Sydney businessman Mark Bouris - said more needed to be done to protect the community.

The council really need to do something.. It's just not good enough. The fence barrier isnt stong enough,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Friday.

Were just relieved that nobody got hurt.

Pictures from the scene showed several police vehicles and fire trucks at the scene.

The rear of the black Ferrari could be seen partially blocking the footpath as a crowd of pedestrians gathered around the crash site.

The $500,000 supercar ploughed into a harbourside mansion's wall that sits on a round-a-bout in Watsons Bay

The front exterior including the bonnet of the vehicle (pictured) was badly damaged

The luxury vehicle (picture) crashed through a brick fence before it collided into a wall at Robertson Place in Watsons Bay, in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Thursday afternoon

Locals were seen milling around the crash site on Thursday afternoon

Images from the scene show a heavy emergency services presence and the Ferraris rear visible above the curb. Crowds gathered to watch as authorities worked to clear the site.

Several parts of the front exterior of the luxury vehicle were badly damaged by the impact from the collision and the bonnet was forced open by the crash.

The vehicle was a Ferrari 458 Italia which can cost up to $500,000 in pristine condition. According to available data on Service NSW, it had only been driven 150km in the last year.

The supercar had a private rego plate and had just 14,000 km on the clock since it came off the production line in 2014 .

Mr Bouris is understood to have sold the Watsons Bay property in 2013 for $7million according to real estate records.

NSW Police said officers were investigating the circumstances of the crash.
The former partner of Queensland woman Meaghan Louise Rose has been arrested almost 30 years after her body was found at the foot of a cliff.

Keith Lees, 72, was arrested at a home on Kenthurst Road, in Dural in Sydney's northwest, at 8am on Thursday.

He was taken into custody on a warrant for an alleged murder in Queensland in 1997, NSW Police said.

Lees has been on the run from police since the warrant was issued in July 2023.

Police took him to Hornsby Police Station on Thursday where he was charged with the outstanding warrant.

NSW Police also laid fresh charges against him as they allege he tried to bite an officer while in custody.

Lees was charged with assault police officer in execution of duty without aggravated bodily harm, deal with identity information to commit etc indictable offence, and possess identity information to commit etc indictable offence.

He was refused bail and was due to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Friday.

Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, was found at the foot of a Point Cartwright cliff at Mooloolaba in southern Queensland in July, 1997

Meaghan's former partner Keith Lees, 72, was arrested at a home in Dural in Sydney's northwest, at 8am on Thursday

Lees cannot be charged with the murder of Ms Rose in NSW however Queensland Police are expected to apply for his extradition to charge him with the offence there.

The arrest comes 27 years after the body of Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, was found at the foot of a Point Cartwright cliff at Mooloolaba in southern Queensland in July, 1997.

Her death was initially deemed non-suspicious and no inquest was held.

But the case was reopened in 2009 amid revelations that Lees had taken out a life insurance policy in Ms Rose's name before she died.

Homicide detectives visited a home in Victoria in June 2023 to speak with Lees, then aged 70, in relation to their investigation.

A day later he had disappeared, with his car found abandoned at Portland.

In July 2023, police issued an arrest warrant for Lees and continued to search for him. He was spotted on CCTV around Victoria in the ensuing days.

Authorities said at the time Lees may have been seeking casual work in the farming and fruit picking industries. The public was warned not to approach him.

In July 2023, police issued an arrest warrant for Lees and continued to search for him. He was spotted on CCTV around Victoria in the ensuing days

Mr Lees is pictured boarding a bus in an image shared by Queensland Police

Lees previously served 18 years in jail for the 2001 murder of Barry Waters, whose headless body he dumped in bushland in Reefton, Victoria.

He had been a friend of Mr Waters and started a romantic affair with the man's wife.
A glamourous Florida woman wore a smirk in her mugshot after she was caught for drunk driving.

Tiffany Neves, 35, of Sarasota, was arrested for allegedly driving drunk on St. Pete Beach at Sunset Way and 27th Avenue in Pinellas County on Tuesday evening shortly after 8pm, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Neves' mugshot shows her dressed in an orange jumpsuit with her hair down - seemingly unfazed as she flashes a slight smirk for the camera.

Investigators said that multiple witnesses watched Neves as she drove on a footpath onto the sand of the beach.

St. Pete Beach, which is known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, allows its residents to drive on the beach with a permit that must remain on the vehicle at all times.

When officers arrived at the scene, Neves refused a routine breath test to check for alcohol.

Nevertheless, deputies said that she still showed signs of intoxication and impairment and was therefore booked into Pinellas County Jail on a charge for driving under the influence.

Her glitzy mugshot led to some online discussions surrounding her looks - but the sunshine state resident isn't the first person whose good looks have overshadowed their alleged crime.

Tiffany Neves, 35, of Sarasota, Florida, was caught smirking in her mugshot after she was arrested for allegedly driving drunk on St. Pete Beach on Tuesday evening - leading to online discussions about her good looks

St. Pete Beach, which is known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, allows its residents to drive on the beach with a permit that must remain on the vehicle at all times

Investigators said that witnesses watches as Neves drove on a footpath onto the sand of the beach

Neves joins a long list of suspects who went viral after their mugshots were posted online, despite their nefarious acts.

Infamous terror suspect Luigi Mangione - who allegedly killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson - transformed into an unexpected online star after his arrest in a Pennsylvania McDonald's on December 9.

Once the Ivy League graduate's mugshot was released, he went from an alleged killer to the newest killer heartthrob.

With each photo that was released of the alleged killer, who has since plead not guilty, social media users begged for more, and Luigi was eventually branded as the 'sexy slayer.'

Since his arrest, the 26-year-old has become a sex symbol in certain corners of the internet.

But over the years, celebrities like Chase Crawford, Taylor Kinney, Kathryn Dennis and Lorena Taverna have all sent heart rates soaring with their own mugshots - proving that cell-block orange may indeed be their color.

Other lesser-known people have also caught the attention of the world after having their picture snapped by the police following a crime.

Abbie Newman, a 29-year-old mother living in Georgia, spent four days behind bars after she was arrested for drunken shoplifting at a Walmart in Atlanta in 2024.

Neves isn't the first person to have their mugshot overlook their crime - Luigi Mangione, the prime suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was transformed into an unexpected online star after his arrest in December

Other celebrities mugshots, such as Gossip Girl Star Chace Crawford, have sent heart rates soaring as they posed in their cell-block orange jumpsuit

Abbie Newman, a 29-year-old mother living in Georgia, was arrested in 2024 for shoplifting but started raking in tens of thousands of dollars on her OnlyFans account after her mugshot went viral on Instagram

But after her release, she discovered that her mugshot had been shared on @mugshotshawtys - an Instagram account dedicated to sharing mugshots of the 'good-looking' lawbreakers.

Her mugshot went viral - prompting lusting followers to look her up online where they then discovered she had an OnlyFans account.

That's when she realized that sometimes, crime pays well.

'I didn't even know until I got out of jail and saw that all of my social media had gained followers and I was being tagged everywhere with my mugshot up,' Abbie told DailyMail.com in February of 2024.

Thanks to her viral fame, the mom-of-one was able to sell X-rated photos and videos of herself to her new followers on platforms like OnlyFans and Snapchat - earning her $24,000 in a single week.

She believes that her arrest and subsequent fame are a blessing in disguise.

'I'm very blessed it happened. Most people don't get second chances, and I'm probably on my 10th chance by now, so it's really a blessing how it all worked out,' she added.
A friend of Tesla Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger claims he was a 'bizarre and unhealthy' man who would 'prey' on his first wife. Meanwhile, new video showed the pair squabbling while departing for vacation in 2016.

The 37-year-old shot himself in the head as the makeshift explosives he planted blew up around him outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Years Day.

His body was charred beyond recognition and seven innocent victims were injured in the attack. Police chiefs credit Elon Musk's Cybertruck for preventing further casualties.

As more is revealed about Livelsburger - a decorated soldier, active Army member and Trump supporter - a friend of his ex-wife Sara claims she had concerns about the pair's relationship.

Stacie Wilssens, who lived near the couple in Colorado, described Livelsburger as 'bizarre and unhealthy.' She said he and ex-wife Sara were 'polar opposites,' as the wife supported Bernie Sanders while Livelsburger stood with Donald Trump.

'Nothing ever felt stable or steady between the two of them. She was trying to get healthy, and he would mock her. He preyed on her,' said Wilssens, who hadn't spoken to Matthew in years.

The Denver Gazette reported that she began divorce proceedings in 2017 and that became final a year later. Wilssens says that Sara left Colorado and remarried, as the Denver Post reported Matthew did in 2022.

A video posted to Sara's Facebook at the airport ahead of a vacation shows a small window into their married life, as Matthew goes on an odd rant.

A friend of Tesla Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger's first wife claims that he used to 'prey' on her, as new video shows the pair about to take a vacation in 2016. The pair are pictured ahead of a vacation in 2015

Stacie Wilssens, who lived near the couple in Colorado, referred to Livelsburger as 'bizarre and unhealthy' and said he and Sara were 'polar opposites,' as she and Wilssens supported Bernie Sanders while he stood with Donald Trump

He talks about how they're headed on their dream vacation and refers to his wife as 'Sara Beans.'

She chides him that she's 'not allowed to be weird' at the airport or she'll 'embarrass him.'

He then jokes that they're 'judging people' on the moving walkway at the airport and Sara calls them a sign that 'we're so lazy as a society.'

Matthew then says that he's a 'power traveler' with a mobile charger on his phone before confusing Puerto Rico with Costa Rica.

'It's the same thing, same place, same food, same island,' before Sara points out that those are two 'very different' places.

It comes as more details are revealed about Livelsberger, a long-serving Green Beret who was on leave from active duty when he carried out the attack outside Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel.

His uncle Dean Livelsberger told The Independent that his nephew was '100 percent a patriot', and described him as a 'Rambo-type.'

'He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100 percent loving the country,' he continued.

A video posted to Sara's Facebook at the airport ahead of a vacation shows a small window into their married life, as Matthew goes on an odd rant

'He loved Trump, and he was always a very, very patriotic soldier, a patriotic American. Its one of the reasons he was in Special Forces for so many years. It wasnt just one tour of duty.'

He added that the amateurish construction of the explosive device in the Cybertruck was curious to him, as he knew Matthew to be a 'very skilled warrior' who 'would've been able to make a more sophisticated explosive.'

'He was what you might call a supersoldier. If you ever read about the things he was awarded, and the experience he had, some of it doesnt make sense, when he had the skills and ability to make something more, lets say, efficient,'' Dean said.

'His skills were enormous from what he had been taught in the military.'

Livelsberger, 37, was identified by law enforcement sources as the bomber in Wednesday's attack, which left seven wounded. The electric vehicle exploded about 15 seconds after the driver pulled up in front of the hotel's entrance.

The blast was caused by 'a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck' or 'very large fireworks', according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Livelsberger died in the bombing. He lived in Colorado Springs and was an active member of the Army. He previously received a Meritorious Honor Award for work benefiting the US Embassy in Tajikistan.

He was profiled by a local newspaper in Ohio for his work with the military in Afghanistan.

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, was identified as the bomber in the attack that left seven wounded. He is pictured in Afghanistan in a profile by a local newspaper in the Ohio town where he grew up

The suspected bomber's family say the Army veteran was a 'big Trump supporter' who loved his time in the military

He grew up in Ohio and was married to social worker Sara Livelsberger, who in the lead up to the 2016 election shared a slew of Facebook posts spouting anti-Trump rhetoric.

According to CBS News, Liveslberger was on break from duty in Germany when he carried out the attack. His wife hadn't heard from him from several days.

Property records reveal the couple purchased a home in Colorado Springs together in 2015.

However, police have linked Livelsberger to several addresses throughout the city -including a different townhouse that was raided by the FBI overnight.

Livelsberger is suspected of renting the Cybertruck in Colorado Springs and driving it across the border to Nevada on Wednesday morning to carry out his attack.

Law enforcement sources have also revealed that Livelsberger previously served at the same military base as New Orleans terrorist Shamsud Din Jabbar, who on Wednesday drove a rented Tesla truck into a crowd of New Year revelers, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens. Police have not confirmed if the pair were known to each other.

Jabbar served at Fort Liberty in North Carolina, previously known as Fort Bragg. Livelsberger previously lived at an address close to the base, but investigators have yet to confirm the location of the base the pair have in common.

Livelsberger has served in the Army for 19 years, the majority of which was spent in the Special Forces unit.

Livelsburger is pictured with first wife Sara Livelsberger, who in the lead up to the 2016 election shared a slew of Facebook posts spouting anti-Trump rhetoric

The suspected terrorist seemingly climbed the ranks throughout his time with the unit, having started off working as a SF Communications Specialist in 2006.

While holding that position, Livelsberger said on his Linkedin that he also worked on a nearly one-year contract with General Dynamics Corp, a firm specializing in aerospace and defense.

He alleges he 'engineered and fielded the first mobile standoff hyperspectral imaging "Lightguard Minotaur" system' during his time at General Dynamics Corp.

General Dynamics told DailyMail.com they have no record of employing Livelsberger.

Livelsberger in 2015 moved into an intelligence and operations role within the SF and in 2016 received the Department of State Meritorious Honor Award.

He was recognized by the US Ambassador for 'interagency contributions that resulted in increased interoperability and efficiency while serving as the Operations Sergeant at Special Operations Command Forward- Central Asian States (SOCFWD-CAS) within US Embassy Dushanbe', Livelsberger wrote on LinkedIn.

He became a SF operations manager and team sergeant in February 2023 and moved into his remote and autonomous systems role in November last year.

His LinkedIn profile also touts proficiency in French and certifications in unmanned aircraft systems, as well as a Project Director qualification.

Livelsberg is seen in another picture from his deployment

The Tesla cybertruck exploded about 15 seconds after the driver pulled up in front of the hotel's entrance. The blast was caused by 'a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck' or 'very large fireworks'

Livelsberger (pictured) - who died in the bombing - grew up in Colorado Springs and was an active member of the Army. He previously received a Meritorious Honor Award for work benefiting the US Embassy in Tajikistan

Livelsberger has limited social media presence, but his 'registered Democrat' wife Sara was very active on Facebook in 2015 and 2016

She also shared a screenshot of a tweet posted by Trump in 2015, writing that he 'needs to spend less time on Twitter posting and deleting tweets, and more time focusing on maybe...a god d**m platform of some sort?'

Another post showed her wearing a t-shirt that said 'Girls just want to have FUN-damental Rights', suggesting she takes a pro-choice stance on abortion

Livelsberger has limited social media presence, but his wife Sara was very active on Facebook in 2015 and 2016.

As Wilssens suggested, she is an anti-Trumper with very different politics to her late husband.

Sara, who according to her profile studied political science and social work, revealed that she was a 'registered Democrat' in a post shared in May 2016.

Sharing a photo of a sign featuring a cartoon image of Trump that read 'stop bigotry', Sara wrote that she 'can't wait to slap this baby on my truck'.

She also shared a screenshot of a tweet posted by Trump in 2015, writing that he 'needs to spend less time on Twitter posting and deleting tweets, and more time focusing on maybe...a god d**m platform of some sort?'

Another post showed her wearing a t-shirt that said 'Girls just want to have FUN-damental Rights', suggesting she takes a pro-choice stance on abortion.

Sara, whose hometown is listed as Playa del Carmen, Mexico, has not posted on Facebook since May 2016.

She also has not been tied to the Las Vegas bombing.

The Tesla cybertruck arrived in Las Vegas at 7.30am Wednesday, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill said in a press conference.

Livelsberger is suspected of renting the Tesla Cybertruck in Colorado Springs, via the Turo app, and driving it across the border to Nevada on Wednesday morning - where he carried out the attack (pictured)

Surveillance footage showed the truck sitting outside the front entrance, appearing to have nothing wrong with it. Seconds later, the entire car explodes, its roof blowing up first before the truck goes flying

The explosion took place at 8.40am in the hotel's valet area. Surveillance footage showed the truck sitting outside the front entrance. Seconds later, the entire $80,000 car blew up in a fiery blaze - with its roof going up in flames first.

Debris smoked as it pinged off the pavement and sparks which looked like fireworks could be seen lighting up the black cloud of smoke emitting from the vehicle.

A tumble of charred fireworks mortars, cannisters and other explosive devices were found crowded into the back of the pickup.

Officials are still exploring how the explosives were detonated, but sources with knowledge of the investigation have expressed that it was likely controlled by the driver.

Livelsberger was the sole fatality in the attack, and authorities largely credit Musk's hulking stainless steel truck with preventing further damage because it was able to contain much of the explosion.

None of the nearby windows of the hotel were damaged despite the violence of the blast.

According to the KOAA, law enforcement officers wearing tactical gear and travelling in armored vehicles arrived at one of Livelsberger's Colorado Springs properties Wednesday night.

Neighbors were 'escorted away' from the townhome complex in the Stetson Hills neighborhood as investigators carried out their search. Police have assured the public they do not suspect there is any ongoing threat to the community.

Hours before the attack in Las Vegas, Shamsud Din Jabbar drove an electric vehicle into crowds in New Orleans, killing 15 pedestrians and injuring dozens more.

Soldier Matthew Livelsberger is the man who filled the truck with explosives and fuel before driving it to the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas and setting them off on Wednesday morning

Police have released a series of photographs from inside the Cybertruck which blew up outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, revealing an arsenal of explosives

Fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel were in the bed of the car, and were likely connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver

Law enforcement sources have since revealed the cars used in both attacks were rented through Turo, and they were both EVs, prompting concerns they are linked.

Turo is akin to Airbnb for cars and lets people hire strangers' vehicles for a daily rate.

Police revealed on Wednesday afternoon that they are currently investigating potential links and have not ruled anything out yet.

'Do I think it's a coincidence? I don't know,' Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. 'We're absolutely looking into any connections to New Orleans.'

A spokesperson for Turo later issued a statement describing the company's heartbreak '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.'

Turo added: '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.'

Fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel were in the bed of the car, and were likely connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver

A Cybertruck - made by Trump ally Elon Musk's company Tesla - was seen in a fiery blaze outside the front revolving doors of the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday

Officers have also considered that Livelsberger may have purposefully chosen to use a car owned by Elon Musk to send a message - given the Tesla billionaire's newfound friendship with President-elect Donald Trump.

'It's a Tesla truck, we know Elon Musk is working with President-elect Trump and it's the Trump hotel, so there's obviously something to look at,' McMahill said.

By Wednesday afternoon, Musk revealed the explosion was caused by 'a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck' or 'very large fireworks.'

He said the explosion was not caused by or related to the vehicle itself, and it's understood the unnamed driver had rented the truck using Turo.

'Law enforcement currently believes it was most likely intentional,' he added.

'Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way.'

Musk said 'Tesla vehicles transmit their state of health continuously,' meaning his team were able to check whether anything was wrong with the car's mechanics prior to the explosion.

McMahill thanked Musk for his efforts in assisting the investigation, turning over data to authorities along with access to CCTV from Tesla charging stations across the nation.

The 37-year-old man reportedly has a military background and served at the same base as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, (pictured), who fatally ran down 15 people in a rented car in New Orleans in the early hours of New Years Day

Your browser does not support iframes.

Trump has also broken his silence on the explosion outside his Las Vegas hotel, vowing to rid America of 'violent scum.' The president-elect took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to excoriate the security and justice establishment.

He wrote in a post: 'Our Country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World! This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership.

'The DOJ, FBI, and Democrat state and local prosecutors have not done their job. They are incompetent and corrupt, having spent all of their waking hours unlawfully attacking their political opponent, ME, rather than focusing on protecting Americans from the outside and inside violent SCUM that has infiltrated all aspects of our government, and our Nation itself.

'Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen to our Country. The CIA must get involved, NOW, before it is too late. The USA is breaking down - A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation.

'Only strength and powerful leadership will stop it. See you on January 20th. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'

The FBI has said officials 'do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible' for the New Orleans attack.

'We're aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates,' Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent with the FBI's New Orleans field office, said in at a news conference Wednesday.'

Law enforcement officials in Texas searched a residence in Houston on Wednesday that they believe could be connected to Jabbar.

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

Suspect Jabbar is said to have made a series of videos that is being reviewed by law enforcement.

'FBI Houston and the Harris County Sheriffs Office are continuing a court-authorized search of a location near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive,' the agency said in a statement.

As of Wednesday night, no arrests had been made at the residence.

Authorities previously revealed that the rented truck was listed on Turo by a 42-year-old man who lives in Houston, who has been contacted by investigators. It is unclear if the Houston property that was searched Wednesday night was linked to this man.

The FBI's New Orleans field office is also 'conducting a number of court authorized search warrants in New Orleans and other states'.

Jabbar was killed by police after he slammed a truck into pedestrians celebrating the New Year, exited the vehicle, and started firing.

Investigators recovered a handgun and an AR-style rifle after the shootout, law enforcement officials said.

Investigators are probing a theory Jabbar rented a nearby property on Airbnb in St. Roch for his base before carrying out the attack.

Exclusive DailyMail.com photographs show the moment the FBI removed bomb making materials from the two-bedroom and two-bathroom property close to the French Quarter.

Jabbar is also said to have made a series of videos that are being reviewed by law enforcement. Authorities believe that the videos were made as he drove from Texas to Louisiana, although the timing is unclear.

Multiple officials told CNN that the recordings appear to have been made while driving at night and the suspect is not visible in them.

CNN reported that the recordings make reference to his divorce and that he planned on gathering his family together for a fake celebration so he could kill them.

The suspect is also said to have talked about how he joined ISIS, and spoke of dreams that he had about joining the terrorist group.

There were no overt links to ISIS in the Las Vegas attack as there were in New Orleans, but detectives have not ruled out any motive.
Millions of elderly people who lost winter fuel payments risk being left to freeze as the first big snowfalls and icy temperatures sweep the country, MPs and campaigners have warned.

Pensioners worried about energy bills were urged not to turn off their heating as temperatures plummet below zero overnight, with a cold snap expected to last several days.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned extra deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, are likely as people struggle to keep indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C (64F).

It issued a six-day amber cold weather alert for all of England until Wednesday, meaning the weather is likely to impact the NHS and increase demand for services from the most vulnerable.

As many as ten million pensioners are already facing a winter with less support after Labour scrapped winter fuel payments worth up to 300.

Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK, said the first sustained period of cold weather this winter would bring the government's policy 'into sharp relief'.

She said the charity had already been contacted by people 'worrying about what to do' but urged them to 'do everything they can to stay warm,' adding energy companies had 'an obligation to help' those struggling financially.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell, a critic of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's winter fuel policy, said 300 was 'a lot of money not to have' and old people would be scared to turn on their heating.

Millions of elderly people who lost winter fuel payments risk being left to freeze as the first big snowfalls and icy temperatures sweep the country, MPs and campaigners have warned (Stock image)

As many as ten million pensioners are already facing a winter with less support after Labour scrapped winter fuel payments worth up to 300. Pictured: Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned extra deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, are likely as people struggle to keep indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C (Stock image)

'I'm very worried,' she said. 'The Government has put a lot of support into the energy companies and they have obligations to address people struggling with paying bills, but my concern is a lot of old people won't put their heating on in the first place.

'For that generation 300 is a lot of money not to have. They are scared about how they are going to pay. We haven't had a full impact assessment (of the cut in winter fuel payment) and this prolonged period of cold weather will be the first real test.'

She said there was a direct correlation between pensioners being cold and a rise in heart attack and strokes which has a knock-on effect on an NHS 'already running hot and under extreme pressure due to flu and winter bugs.'

The rift within Labour over the cut was highlighted yesterday when 20 councillors quit the party with a swipe at Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.

The members on Broxtowe Borough Council, including leader Milan Radulovic, claimed Sir Keir had 'abandoned traditional Labour values'.

The councillors highlighted issues including the means-testing of winter fuel payments, along with the 'betrayal' of Waspi women affected by changes to the state pension age and the response to Israel's actions in Gaza.

The constituency was won by Labour's Juliet Campbell in the July 2024 landslide.

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice for much of England and Wales from noon tomorrow (Sat) until midnight on Sunday.

The Met Office has issued a snow warning between 12pm on Saturday and 9am on Monday

FRIDAY: Snow and ice warnings for Scotland, England and Northern Ireland

SATURDAY: A snow and ice alert for most of England and all of Wales begins at 12pm Saturday

SUNDAY: A snow warning begins for Scotland on Sunday, on top of the alert for England

MONDAY: The snow warning will still in place for Scotland until noon on Monday

The UK Health Security Agency imposed an amber cold health alert until January 8 which warns the weather will likely cause 'significant impacts across health and social care services'

Colder arctic air is expected to blow in and turn rain into heavy snowfalls across England and Wales tomorrow with parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England expected to see around two inches. Even London, which rarely gets any snow, could be hit.

However, wind blizzards on higher ground could dump up to 1ft 3ins in more mountainous parts of Wales and the Pennines.

Heavy snow will also potentially cause travel disruption, power cuts and some rural communities risk being cut off, forecasters say.

Today temperatures will average between 3C (37f) and 6C (43f) in England and Wales, but will drop below freezing overnight, falling to as low as -10C (14f) in snow-covered parts of Scotland.

On the Scotland situation, a Met Office spokesman said: 'Following a cold night, temperatures will struggle to climb above freezing today, although in some western areas we could see 4C or 5C.

'A low pressure system is moving in from south-west bringing some unsettled conditions over the weekend with warnings for snow and ice for much of Scotland. Keeping in mind a lot of people are expected to travel and return to work on Monday, the conditions could have an impact on the roads and our warning is in place until noon.

'Temperatures could go down to -5C. Snow-wise 2cm to 3cm [1in to 2in] is expected, and even up to 10cm to 20cm [4in to 8in] on the higher ground.

'Drivers should really take care, prepare for their journey and leave in plenty time.'

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he had activated the capital's severe weather emergency protocol in a bid to protect rough sleepers as temperatures fall to -2C (28f) overnight in London and -4C (25f) near Southampton on the south coast.

The cold weather is a sharp change from December which was the fifth warmest on record, according to Met Office figures.

Temperature are forecast to drop as low as -3 in some parts of the UK on Friday

Snow blankets houses in Allenheads, Northumberland, on Thursday

An overturned car is on its roof in the snow near Gartly on the A97 in Scotland this morning

Snow on the ground in the west end of Aberdeen today after a Met Office warning for the area

Snow on the railway line between Mallaig and Fort William in the Scottish Highlands today

It also comes on the back of serious flooding in the north of England, where the risk of icy conditions is threatening to disrupt a major clean-up operation in parts of Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Yorkshire.

More than a month's rainfall was dumped on the region in the space of 48 hours.

A major incident was declared in Greater Manchester on New Year's Day with emergency services evacuating more than 1,300 people from their homes over 36 hours.

Around 16,000 people were left without power, major roads flooded and cars left submerged, causing millions of pounds worth of damage.

In Cheshire, the banks of the Bridgewater Canal collapsed with water pouring into surrounding fields at Little Bollington, prompting more road closures and property evacuations.

Major of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said 'once a century' weather events were now happening more frequently and questions needed to be asked about why residents received little or no warning of the rising flood waters.

Rail travel has already been disrupted following wet weather. The Far North Line between Inverness and Wick is out of action with operator ScotRail saying: 'We're dealing with three landslips: between Lairg-Rogart; at Bunchrew, near Inverness; and at Beauly.

'Flooding at Beauly has also closed the line. We'll share more information on the progress of repairs later.'

The Highland Main Line also remained closed yesterday due to flooding caused by heavy rain in the Kingussie area.

Network Rail Scotland said engineers were waiting for water levels in the Balavil Burn to fall to allow them to inspect a bridge.

A Government spokesman said: 'We will do everything possible to support vulnerable families this winter, including through the 150 Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments, while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.

'Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, while millions are set to see their state pension rise by up to 1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock.'
South Korean police have swarmed the home of impeached ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol in an unprecedented attempt to arrest him.

Hundreds of his supporters had gathered near his residence in Seoul, vowing to protect him after his short-lived martial law decree on December 3.

Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection following the power grab that stunned South Korea last month - one of the Asia's most vibrant democracies.

About 20 investigators from the county's anti-corruption agency and police officers were seen entering the gate of Yoon's residence in Seoul to execute a warrant for his detention on Friday.

It wasn't clear whether the president would cooperate with authorities trying to detain him.

Yoon in a defiant New Year's message to conservative supporters rallying outside his residence said he will 'fight to the end' against 'anti-state forces.' His lawyers have described the warrant to detain him as 'invalid' and 'illegal.'

The anti-corruption agency didn't immediately confirm whether investigators successfully entered Yoon's residential building.

South Korea's YTN television reported that there were scuffles as investigators and police confronted the presidential security forces.

Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials vehicles arrive in front of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers a speech to declare martial law in Seoul on December 3

Police and investigators arrive at the residence of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on January 3

Investigators from the anti-corruption agency were earlier seen loading boxes into several vehicles before leaving their building in the city of Gwacheon early in the morning.

Television footage later showed some of those vehicles weaving between police buses that tightly packed and barricaded the streets near Yoon's residence.

A Seoul court issued a warrant for Yoon's detention on Tuesday after he evaded multiple requests to appear for questioning.

He also blocked searches of his office in Seoul, hindering an investigation into whether his ill-conceived power grab on December 3 amounted to rebellion.

The warrant is valid for one week, and investigators may make another attempt to detain Yoon if they are unable to do so on Friday.

Thousands of police officers were gathered at Yoon's residence and were forming a perimeter around a growing number of pro-Yoon protesters, who waved South Korean flags and shouted slogans in his support.

There were no immediate reports of clashes.

If Yoon is detained, the anti-corruption agency will have 48 hours to investigate him and either request a warrant for his formal arrest or release him.

Yoon's defense minister, police chief and several top military commanders have already been arrested over their roles in the martial law enactment.

The residence of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is seen in Seoul on January 3

Police keep watch as supporters of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol gather near his residence in Seoul on January 3

Members of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials gather in front of the official residence of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on January 3

Yoon's lawyers have argued the court's detainment warrant is invalid, claiming that the anti-corruption agency lacks the legal authority to investigate rebellion charges.

They also accuse the court of bypassing a law that says locations potentially linked to military secrets cannot be seized or searched without the consent of the person in charge.

Yoon Kap-keun, one of Yoon's lawyers, described the investigators' efforts to detain the president as illegal and said they would plan to pursue unspecified legal steps against the anti-corruption agency.

Oh Dong-woon, the anti-corruption agency's chief prosecutor, has indicated that police forces might be deployed if the presidential security service resists detention.

But Yoon's legal team issued a statement on Thursday warning that any attempt by the anti-corruption agency to use police units for his detention would exceed their legal authority.

The lawyers said police officers could face arrest by either the 'presidential security service or any citizens' if they try to detain Yoon. They didn't elaborate further on the claim.

South Korean law permits anyone to make an arrest to stop an active crime, and critics accused Yoon of inciting his supporters to obstruct attempts to detain him.

Yoon Kap-keun, the president's lawyer, filed a challenge with the Seoul Western District Court on Thursday to block both the detention warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol and a related search warrant for his residence. The lawyer argued that both warrants violate criminal laws and the constitution.

Police officers stand in front of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence on January 3

Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking officials arrive in front of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence on January 3

Police and anti-corruption investigators arrive at the residence of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on January 3

The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which drove the legislative vote that impeached Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14 over his imposition of martial law, accused the president of trying to mobilize his supporters to block his detention and called for law enforcement authorities to execute the warrant immediately.

Braving subfreezing temperatures, thousands of Yoon's supporters rallied for hours near his residence on Thursday amid a heavy police presence, waving South Korean and American flags while chanting, 'Nullify the impeachment!' and 'We will protect President Yoon Suk Yeol!'

Officers removed some protesters who laid down on a road leading to the entrance of Yoon's residence, but there were no immediate reports of major clashes.

Some experts believe the anti-corruption agency, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities, would not risk clashing with the presidential security service, which has said it will provide security to Yoon in accordance with the law.

The office may instead issue another summons for Yoon to appear for questioning if they are not able to execute the detainment warrant by the Jan. 6 deadline.

Yoon's presidential powers were suspended following a National Assembly vote to impeach him on December 14 over his imposition of martial law, which lasted only hours but has triggered weeks of political turmoil, halted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets.

Soldiers advance to the main building of the National Assembly after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in Seoul, South Korea, December 3, 2024

A police car drives past barricades set up by police at a road leading to the South Korean Presidential Office and the Defence Ministry in Seoul on December 4

Soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul on December 4 2024, after South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law

Yoon's fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberations on whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.

To formally end Yoon's presidency, at least six justices on the nine-member Constitutional Court must vote in favor.

The National Assembly voted last week to also impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who became acting president after Yoon's powers were suspended, over his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies ahead of the court's review of Yoon's case.

Facing growing pressure, the new acting president, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, appointed two new justices on Tuesday, which possibly increased the chances of the court upholding Yoon's impeachment.

Yoon's imposition of martial law ended after only six hours when the National Assembly voted 190-0 to lift it despite attempts by heavily armed soldiers to prevent them from voting.

Yoon has defended his martial law decree as a necessary act of governance, portraying it as a temporary warning against the Democratic Party, which he has described as an 'anti-state' force obstructing his agenda with its legislative majority.
A dozen Royal Caribbean passengers are suing the cruise line after a former crew member filmed guests in their cabins while they were naked - including children.

The new lawsuit comes just five months after 34-year-old Arvin Joseph Mirasol, the former employee on the ship, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing child pornography.

He is once again named in the recent 30-page suit that was filed on behalf of all 12 plaintiffs - each one a US resident - in the Southern District of Florida in Miami on Thursday, USA Today reported.

'The Plaintiffs in this case have suffered physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental and nervous disorders,' Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, the firm representing the plaintiffs, wrote.

'These injuries are permanent and continuing in nature,' it added. 'We demand a judgement for all damages recoverable under the law, including punitive damages and a trial by jury.'

The plaintiffs, who are identified as John, Jane or Junior Doe, had sail dates in both December of 2023 and January of 2024.

They became victims of a disturbing crime while staying in cabins serviced by Mirasol when he worked on the company's Symphony of the Seas ship prior to his arrest in March of 2024.

The lawsuit stated that Mirasol was responsible for uploading and/or transmitting images and videos of the victims while they were undressed and engaging in private activities.

A dozen Royal Caribbean passengers filed a new lawsuit on Thursday against the cruise line in regards to a former crew member who was arrested in March 2024 for filming guests - including children - in their cabins while they were naked

The new suit comes just five months after 34-year-old Arvin Joseph Mirasol, the former employee, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing child pornography

Additionally, the suit claimed that he shared the sickening images to the internet - including to the dark web - all without the guest's knowledge or consent.

'The fact that many of the victims we represent still do not know if and how their images have been used or circulated is incredibly disturbing,' Spencer Aronfeld, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said in a news release on Tuesday.

'Some of the plaintiffs are children - and once an image is on the internet, it is there forever.'

Mirasol, who is a Philippines citizen, additionally faces up to 15 counts of video voyeurism in Broward Circuit Court, CBS News reported.

The 34-year-old man worked for Royal Caribbean from December 1, 2023 until February 26, 2024 as a stateroom attendant - regularly cleaning passenger rooms, restocking towels and changing sheets.

Stateroom attendants on the ship are assigned to a section of 16 to 20 passenger cabins - each room sleeping two to four passengers.

On one of the voyages, a girl found a small camera pointed to the shower when she reached under the sink for toilet paper while on a cruise with her older sister and her mother to Aruba and Curacao, according to the Miami Herald.

The family proceeded to call guest services, which alerted ship security about the incident.

The suit claims that the plaintiffs suffer from permanent issues - such as physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental and nervous disorders - from when Mirasol committed his crimes while working on the Symphony of the Seas ship

Mirasol allegedly admitted to going into passenger's rooms and hiding under the bed to record people naked before retrieving the footage and 'pleasuring himself'

Mirasol was then detained until the ship docked back at Port Everglades in Florida a week later, where he was then arrested on March 3, 2024, CBS News reported.

Law enforcement then seized his electronics - including a USB stick - and found several videos of females undressing in their bathrooms.

One video 'clearly depicts the defendant installing the camera' in the bathroom, prosecutors said. 'The camera is aimed towards the shower.'

Another video appeared to show a 10-year-old girl as she entered the shower, the New York Times reported.

'The focus of the video was on the children's genital areas,' charging documents stated.

There were numerous other videos of children between the ages of two to 17, according to prosecutors.

Mirasol later pleaded guilty to producing child pornography, and admitted to going into passenger's rooms and hiding under the bed to record people naked.

'If I like who is in that room, I place it,' he allegedly told investigators in regards to his hidden cameras.

The 34-year-old man worked for Royal Caribbean from December 1, 2023 until February 26, 2024 as an attendant for the stateroom cabins - regularly cleaning passenger rooms, restocking towels and changing sheets

Following Mirasol's arrest, law enforcement seized his electronics - including a USB stick - and found several videos of females undressing in their bathrooms

He then said that after filming, he would retrieve the cameras and watch the videos while 'pleasuring himself', federal prosecutors stated.

Mirasol also acknowledged that he knew videotaping underage girls was illegal, and that he tried to choose females 16 years old and older.

But in a forensic analysis of his devices, Homeland Security Investigations found at least 11 children in his videos, according to the Miami Herald.

'I want to control it, but I can't,' Mirasol allegedly claimed.

He was finally sentenced on August 28 to 30 years behind bars - the maximum possible sentence he could receive after pleading guilty.

In the immediate aftermath of his arrest, at least 23 people were notified by law enforcement that they were caught in Mirasol's photographs and videos.

One of the victims proceeded to file a separate class action lawsuit in October of 2024 - seeking damages for passengers on board the ship who were unknowingly photographed and filmed whilst on the February cruise.

The unidentified passenger who filed the October lawsuit said she suffered severe emotional distress - including insomnia, physical pain and dizziness - when she discovered she was photographed.

A separate class action lawsuit was filed in October of 2024 after at least 23 people were notified by law enforcement that they were caught in Mirasol's photographs and videos while in the privacy of their own cabin

Both suits argued that Royal Caribbean 'knew or should have known sexual assaults were reasonably foreseeable considering the prevalence of sexual assaults aboard RCCL's cruise ships'

The suit argued that Royal Caribbean 'knew or should have known sexual assaults were reasonably foreseeable considering the prevalence of sexual assaults aboard RCCL's cruise ships,' pointing to a prior hidden camera incident on another ship in the fleet, the Harmony of the Seas, in 2023.

The suit also claimed that the company failed to provide sufficient security, training or supervision to prevent sexual assaults, and did not notify passengers who stayed in the cabins Mirasol attended to - noting his victims may include up to 960 passengers.

It was determined that throughout his time working on the ship - approximately 12 cruises - he taped a video camera with a memory card in the cabin bathrooms.

The passengers are seeking damages - including both punitive damages and a jury trial - in the new filing.

There were a shocking 131 sex crimes on cruise ships embarking and disembarking guests in the US that were reported to the FBI in 2023, USA Today reported.

Disturbingly, that number rose from the 87 alleged sexual assaults in 2022 along with the 101 in 2019 before the industry shut down during the pandemic.
A TikToker has revealed a frightening encounter on the New York City subway, sharing the chilling details of a violent altercation involving a knife that left him and fellow passengers scrambling for their lives.

In a gripping TikTok video posted on New Years Day, Chris Olsen, who has 13 million followers recounted what he believed to be the life-threatening ordeal that unfolded as he and his friend, Caroline Haroldson, rode the train through the city.

'We just basically witnessed a stabbing and almost died on the subway ourselves,' Olsen began, his voice trembling as he relived the traumatic experience.

The terrifying episode began like any other subway ride for Olsen, a seasoned New Yorker.

Unfazed by the loud exchange of shouts between two passengers, Olsen initially brushed it off as another typical subway squabble.

However, Haroldson, visiting from out of town, quickly realized the situation was far more sinister when she spotted one of the passengers brandishing a knife.

'Most people have their headphones in, so they aren't really listening to what's going on, but Cara and I are listening to the whole thing,' Olsen said.

'I was still making jokes, not realizing how serious it was until one of them charged at the other.'

TikToker Chris Olsen has revealed a frightening encounter on the New York City subway, sharing the chilling details of a violent altercation involving a knife that left him and fellow passengers scrambling for their lives

In New York, personal safety in the subway 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

As chaos erupted, the train car descended into panic. Passengers bolted toward the side door of the car, where Olsen and Haroldson were seated.

Thinking fast, Olsen sprang into action, 'ripping open' the door between the cars to allow terrified passengers to escape.

But their relief was short-lived when the adjoining car's door was found to be locked.

'We get pushed all the way to the front of that next car, but the door in front of that is completely locked,' Olsen recalled.

'All we can hear behind us is people screaming. We don't know if someone has brought out a gun. We don't know who else has been stabbed.'

The uncertainty added to the chaos as passengers desperately clawed at the door, in an attempt to escape.

Someone eventually pulled the emergency brake, halting the train, while passengers could be heard screaming in terror.

Amidst the pandemonium, one brave passenger tried to calm the crowd, urging them to stop screaming to reduce the panic among fellow travelers.

Olsen, right, and his friend Caroline Haroldson, overwhelmed by the ordeal, broke down in tears upon reaching the safety of the station platform

The unnerving event comes amidst a wave of violent incidents on the New York City subway system

Finally, the conductor arrived with a key to unlock the door, allowing the passengers to flee the train.

Olsen and Haroldson, overwhelmed by the ordeal, broke down in tears upon reaching the safety of the station platform.

'The subway  please stay safe,' Olsen pleaded with his followers in his TikTok video. 'There's been too much that's been happening on there.'

The unnerving event comes amidst a wave of violent incidents on the New York City subway system.

Just weeks earlier, a woman was tragically burned to death while riding a train, and a man narrowly survived being pushed in front of an oncoming train by a stranger on New Year's Eve.

On the same day as Olsen's encounter, two separate stabbings were reported in Manhattan, though neither seemed to align with Olsen's timing.

In New York, personal safety in the subway 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, which carried more than 1 billion riders in 2024.

Police figures show major crimes on subways were down through November compared with the same period last year, but killings rose from five to nine.

The NYPD told DailyMail.com that they recorded 24 incidents of people being pushed onto subway tracks in 2024 - a 41 percent increase on last year's total of 17.

On Christmas Eve, two people were injured in Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal 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 on Tuesday by the NYPD as Debrina Kawam, a 61-year-old homeless woman from New Jersey.
Victorian police union has blasted premier Jacinta Allan and her state government after a spate of break-ins forced residents to hire private security guards.

Police Association Victoria released a blistering statement on Friday after an 'explosion of home invasions' across Melbourne's suburbs.

The union said residents had been 'compelled to engage their own private security' to patrol their neighbourhoods and ward off potential offenders.

'This is an indictment on the government's failure to properly resource our police force,' the statement reads.

They added the crime rate is so high because police force has '1,000 vacancies, more than 900 police off-work due to injury and illness and 43 police stations closures'.

With a lack of officers in the field, the union claims to not have enough resources to prevent crimes and only to apprehend offenders.

'The consequence we're now seeing is neighbourhoods banding together to fund their own private security, and not for the first time,' the union said.

'This is simply unacceptable.'

The police union took aim at the state's top brass and government, who they claim have been 'sitting on their hands' instead of finding a solution.

Victoria's police union has taken aim at state premier Jacinta Allan (pictured) and the police force for not attracting new recruits and leaving officers overstretched

It comes as residents in Melbourne's suburbs were forced to hire private security guards in an attempt to prevent a spate of home invasions (file image)

The union called on state government to 'come to the table and negotiate a fair pay deal' to attract new recruits and stop the 'exodus of experienced police officers'.

'Such action will help reverse this concerning trend and properly resource our police force, rather than leaving communities to their own devices for themselves,' the statement reads.

The year-long dispute led to officers alerting motorists to the location of speed cameras as part of industrial action in September.

An in-principle agreement was reached that would give officers a nine-day working fortnight and a 16 per cent pay rise over four years in May.

However, the deal was rejected by members and parties returned to the negotiating table.

The union's claims were later rejected by the Victorian government and the previous proposed agreement was withdrawn, sending negotiations back to square one, the police union said on Thursday.

'Our members don't want to take industrial action, but since having served a revised lot of claims on Victoria Police, they've been unable to engage in any meaningful negotiations,' secretary Wayne Gatt said.

Among the claims, police want a 24 per cent pay rise over four years and for time spent at the start and end of shifts putting on and taking off their equipment to be considered part of their shift rather than being an unpaid addition to it.
Police chiefs have been accused of letting criminals off 'scot free' after failing to catch car thieves in four out of five cases.

The 78.5 per cent failure rate meant 24,837 cases of car theft from a total of 31,654 in the three months leading up to June 2024 went unsolved.

Overall, just 883 of reported cases ended up with a suspect being charged - equivalent to 2.8 per cent.

The Metropolitan Police reported the worst figures, with over 90 per cent of 8,861 vehicle thefts in the capital going unsolved during the time period.

South Yorkshire followed closely behind with 85 per cent of incidents unsolved, while more than four in five motor thefts went unpunished in Essex, Wiltshire, Sussex and Hertfordshire.

Last year it emerged that police failed to attend car theft incidents in more than 70 per cent of cases.

The Liberal Democrats, which commissioned the research, have called on ministers to restore proper community policing, where officers have the time and resources to respond to neighbourhood crimes properly.

The party's Home Affairs Spokesperson Lisa Smart said: 'Tens of thousands of victims across England and Wales are being left without the justice they deserve, with a staggeringly high number of car thefts going unsolved, and thieves getting away scot free.

The 78.5 per cent failure rate meant 24,837 car theft cases out of 31,654 in three months to June 2024 went unsolved (file image)

The Metropolitan Police fared worst, with over 90 per cent of 8,861 thefts unsolved. It was 85 per cent in South Yorkshire (file image)

'This cannot continue. Every victim of a crime deserves to feel safe and protected by the police, but unfortunately after brutal cuts to community police officers that is far from the truth.

'We urge the new government to change the course by getting tough on crime, investing properly in local neighbourhood policing and keeping communities safe.'

Last year vehicle theft remained at a 15-year high in the UK, with 129,159 vehicles stolen between April 2023 and March 2024.

Car hacking technology bought online by organised crime gangs has been blamed for fuelling the rise.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) says criminals are increasingly turning to devices which enable them to hack into and drive off with high-end cars - without having to steal the keys.

Car security firms have also claimed they are seeing increasing numbers of thieves towing cars from driveways or the side of the road in broad daylight.

The Metropolitan Police said: 'The Met recognises the impact motor vehicle crime can have on victims, especially those who rely on vehicles for employment or the routine of daily life.

Your browser does not support iframes.

'We have prioritised vehicle crime under our New Met for London plan, and are driving a number of initiatives to tackle the increase and reduce offending.'

A Home Office source said: 'The tories hollowed out neighbourhood policing and left too many feeling like nothing would happen if they reported a crime. On their watch, public confidence in policing plummeted with 90% of crimes going unsolved.

'We are working with the police to rebuild public confidence, with 13,000 additional neighbourhood police and PCSOs out on our streets and a new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee with guaranteed town centre patrols and a named officer for every community as part of our Plan for Change.'
Fiji police have released a key suspect who was brought in for questioning over the alleged rape and robbery of Virgin Australia airline staff.

Two members of the Australian airline's flight staff - a man and a woman - were allegedly attacked in the tourist town of Nadi, on the resort island's scenic west coast, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Fijian assistant police commissioner Mesake Waqa said the female crew member was sexually assaulted while her male colleague was robbed by an assailant and had to be taken to hospital and treated for facial injuries as a result of the ordeal.

On Thursday, Fijian authorities revealed they had brought in a suspect 'known to police' over the alleged sexual assault.

However, he was released without charge on Friday evening.

Daily Mail Australia understands that no further arrests have been made.

The two Virgin cabin crew members who were targeted have since flown home to Australia, according to Newscorp.

This publication can further reveal authorities were already aware of the sinister underbelly on Pacific island nation, which has left unsuspecting travellers sitting ducks for criminals in the tourist town of Nadi.

A female member of a Virgin Australia flight crew was allegedly sexually assaulted outside the Bar One nightspot in Nadi, on Fiji's west coast, in the early hours of Wednesday morning while a male colleague was robbed and needed to go to hospital to be treated for a facial injury

The alleged incidents came after a late night of partying at the popular nightclub (pictured) to celebrate New Year's Eve

The Fijian government enforced an earlier closing time of 1am from 6am for the holidays to try to tackle the crimewave.

The city's Martintar suburb is a renowned drug haven littered with used syringes and the area has been at the centre of a string of recent assault and robbery allegations.

Many taxis are refusing to work in the area after 10pm following a spate of brutal robberies on cab drivers, leaving revellers stranded.

'They're like sitting ducks with often no way home or back to hotels before sunrise,' a Fiji local told Daily Mail Australia.

'A taxi driver was murdered last year and many others robbed so they've refused to work late until the government do more to protect them.

'It's not only caused problems for people getting back to their hotels, but it has left groups of heavily intoxicated men loitering around the streets.

'There were safety concerns months ago so the government changed the club operating hours to close at 1am on New Year's Eve instead of 6am as usual.

'Attacks on tourists are not new, but have been covered up wherever possible.'

In May 2023, a Japanese tourist alleged she was raped on her second night in the country.

A Japanese tourist alleges she was raped on her second night in Fiji but no arrests have been made

The victims has been left frustrated by the investigation

Fiji deputy prime minister Viliame Gavoka is concerned about the impact the incident will have on the resort island's reputation as an international holiday hotspot

The 26-year-old occupational therapist had been staying at a homestay in Nadi when she was attacked in her dormitory.

The young woman had visible injury marks on her neck and leg which she provided to the police as evidence, who took her her to hospital for examination.

An Australian friend of the victim, Janinemaree Atkinson, has since spoke of her disappointment with the Fiji police investigation.

'We've been fighting for many weeks to get justice, but no help has been given,' retired teacher Ms Atkinson said.

'It is a total disappointment of action by the Fiji police at this point. We had all the DNA and pregnancy tests done.

'There was so much trauma for this young Japanese girl. She is an innocent tourist who had a traumatic experience in Fiji.'

Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said: 'We confirm that a report was made to the police, and the case is currently under investigation.'

In August 2023 Fiji stepped up security in the capital city Suva's nightclub area after New Zealand, United States and Canadian governments issued safety warnings.

All three governments warned of an increase in assaults, robberies and sexual assaults in the popular bar areas.

However Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka insists: 'Fiji is safe.

'It was specific to certain areas in Suva. Otherwise, the whole country is safe,' Mr Gavoka said.

'Our prime minister had gone public to say Fiji is one of the safest countries in the world.

'We respect what they [embassies] have to do what they have to do, but they highlighted the fact that we should not worry because Fiji is firmly in level one - the lowest advisory for any country.'

Yesterday Mr Gavoka extended his sympathies to the Virgin Australia cabin crew victims and said that a suspect, who was 'known to police', had been questioned in relation to both encounters.

The victims had just celebrated the New Year 's arrival before one male crew member was robbed and his female companion was sexually assaulted.

'There were two separate alleged incidents, one being alleged theft and the other being alleged sexual assault which affected two different crew members,' said Mr Gavoka.

'A suspect known to police for the alleged sexual assault has been questioned. Investigation continues.'

Mr Gavoka also confirmed Virgin Australia's crew members had not been detained during the investigation, although they had been asked to ensure they were contactable and able to assist police with their ongoing enquiries.

'We refer to reports by various international media claiming that the crew are being 'detained'  this is incorrect and false,' he said.

'The crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated at a local hotel which is the nominated crew accommodation for layovers.

'The three crew members were also advised by their headquarters to remain within the hotel vicinity to ensure contactability and assist with police investigations.

'They should return home before the end of this week.'
EXCLUSIVE

A family member of Keith Lees say they are 'stunned and relieved' by his shock arrest over the alleged murder of his former partner almost 30 years ago.

Lees, 72, was arrested in Sydney on Thursday on a warrant for the alleged murder of Queensland woman Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, in July 1997.

Lees' arrest comes a year-and-a-half after he was questioned by homicide detectives during an investigation into the the unsolved death 27 years ago.

One of his adult children Wren Dawnsong, who had been living with Lees when Ms Rose was allegedly killed, told Daily Mail Australia his arrest was a huge relief.

'I'm stunned and relieved that he's been found finally and I'm very grateful to the public who came forward with the right information at the right time,' they said.

'It's been really stressful.'

Wren wasn't surprised to learn their father had wound up in Sydney.

Wren Dawnsong (pictured) was living with Lees when Ms Rose was allegedly murdered in 1997

Meaghan's former partner Keith Lees, 72, was arrested at a home in Dural in Sydney's northwest on Thursday after Queensland police obtained an arrest warrant in July 2023

'He could have literally been anywhere in the country. My only real surprise is that he was on the run for a year and a half. I didn't think he had it in him!' they said.

'But he's a tough bastard and I'm just glad he's been found.'

Wren has spoken out about the disappearance of Lees in the past, telling reporters in 2023 he should 'man up' and turn himself in.

They believe an episode of the Australian True Crime Podcast released last week prompted a member of the public to share new information with police.

The podcast featured interviews with both Wren and Ms Rose's sister Christine.

'To have a result almost immediately is breathtakingly amazing,' Wren said.

Wren was just 11-years-old and living with Lees when Ms Rose died.

Her body was found at the foot of a Point Cartwright cliff at Mooloolaba in southern Queensland in July 1997.

Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, was found at the foot of a Point Cartwright cliff at Mooloolaba in southern Queensland in July, 1997

In July 2023, police issued an arrest warrant for Lees and continued to search for him. He was spotted on CCTV around Victoria in the ensuing days

The death was initially deemed non-suspicious and no inquest was held.

But the case was reopened in 2009 amid revelations that Lees had taken out a life insurance policy in Ms Rose's name before she died.

Homicide detectives visited a home in Victoria in June 2023 to speak with Lees, then aged 70, in relation to their investigation.

A day later he had disappeared, with his car found abandoned at Portland.

In July 2023, police issued an arrest warrant for Lees and continued to search for him. He was spotted on CCTV around Victoria in the ensuing days.

Authorities said at the time Lees may have been seeking casual work in the farming and fruit picking industries. The public was warned not to approach him.

Police took him to Hornsby Police Station on Thursday where he was charged with the outstanding warrant.

NSW Police also laid fresh charges against him as they allege he tried to bite an officer while in custody.

Mr Lees is pictured boarding a bus in an image shared by Queensland Police

Lees was charged with assault police officer in execution of duty without aggravated bodily harm, deal with identity information to commit etc indictable offence, and possess identity information to commit etc indictable offence.

He was refused bail and was due to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Friday.

Lees previously served 18 years in jail for the 2001 murder of Barry Waters, whose headless body he dumped in bushland in Reefton, Victoria.

He had been a friend of Mr Waters and started a romantic affair with the man's wife.
Arrest warrants have been issued for two brothers believed to be hiding in NSW after they were questioned and released over the fatal shooting of a woman in a city street last month.

Chloe Jade Mason, 23, known as CeeJay, was chased and shot by two men outside a home at Caboolture in the Brisbane's north just after midnight on December 22.

Queensland detectives had previously released images of the two males they believe can help solve the allegedly targeted attack on Railway Parade.

Now police have revealed arrest warrants have been issued for brothers Codye Thomson, 29, and Kaine Thomson-Gleeson, 32, over the alleged murder.

The two men were interviewed as witnesses and released without charge by police on the day of the shooting.

At that early stage of the investigation there was simply insufficient evidence available to indicate their involvement with this homicide, Detective Inspector David Harbison said at a press conference on Friday.

The pair are thought to have fled the state in the days after, and are now believed to be in northern NSW.

Obviously, these men have travelled some distance from Caboolture to across the border and wouldve interacted with members of the public along their journey, said Det Insp Harbison.

Chloe Jade Mason, known to those close to her as CeeJay, was chased and shot by two men in Caboolture, southeast Queensland

Officers are urging these two men to contact them as detectives say they could help solve the crime (pictured)

They know they're wanted for the [alleged] murder of Chloe, so we fear they'll go to lengths to avoid apprehension.

The men were last seen in Chinderah, northern NSW, on December 30 and had visited relatives in Kempsey, NSW.

Police say they may be travelling in a white Holden Commodore wagon with Queensland registration 953 HO4.

Investigators are appealing for the two men to come forward.

First responders found Ms Mason unconscious at the scene and she was unable to be revived.

Detectives believe Ms Mason was shot while being 'assaulted by two male persons'.

Queensland police also released CCTV footage of the scene at the time of the shooting which includes audio in a public appeal for more information.

They may be travelling in a white Holden Commodore wagon, pictured, with Queensland registration 953 HO4

Detective Inspector David Harbison said she had been shot at by two men, and investigators were treating her death as a homicide

'Early investigations indicate the deceased was assaulted by two male persons who may have chased her down Railway Parade,' Det Insp Harbison said previously.

'Police are investigating reports of up to three to four shots fired in that street.'

During the assault the woman is believed to have received a gunshot wound.

Det Insp Harbison said police did not believe the incident was a random attack, with the parties involved known to each other.

Anyone who travelled along Railway Parade between 11.40pm on December 21 to 12.15am on December 22 is urged to contact police.

Daily Mail Australia previously revealed that Ms Mason was involved in a stabbing that almost claimed her life years before she was shot.

'I'm in the [hospital] ward now,' she shared on social media in 2016.

'Still have 24/7 nurses hanging around me, checking up [and] making sure everything is correct and that nothing is out of place.

'I have two drains in my heart to drain all the blood that's leaking from the valve that's been sliced when the knife penetrated my heart 3 cm deep.

'I am fighting through this with the love and support from my family and friends.'

The shocking revelation comes after it was revealed her former on-again, off-again boyfriend Kane Alexanderson, 18, was himself stabbed to death in 2020 during a knife fight.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that in 2016 Ms Mason was involved in a stabbing that almost claimed her life

Ms Mason's devastated sisters shared their tributes on social media and launched a fundraiser to pay for her funeral hours after her death on December 22

Hours after her death, Ms Mason's devastated sister launched a fundraiser to share a heartbreaking message.

'Chloe was chased down by two men and fatally shot on December 22 2024 in Brisbane,' Hannah McKone posted on GoFundMe.

'Chloe was only 23 years old.'

'Being so close to Christmas her family has no savings or financial means to give her a funeral.

'We are graciously asking for help and support in this. All funds donated will be directly utilised for Chloe's funeral service.'

Another sister, Danni Mason, remembered Chloe as a 'daughter, a sister, an aunt and a friend ... who was loved by many'.

'This loss has devastated our family and we struggle to come to terms with this so close to the holidays,' she wrote.

'As sisters we grieve for the things she won't experience, all the things we aren't able to share and the memories we won't make. She was an incredible woman.'

Neighbours told the ABC that they heard hearing several gunshots shortly before the woman's body was found.

'I heard about three or four gunshots and then a little bit of whimpering, and then I heard a man yelling out f***ing c***,' one recalled.

'(It was) very scary.'
The second wife of Tesla Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger left him just days before the incident over belief that he was cheating on her shortly after they gave birth to a daughter.

The 37-year-old shot himself in the head as the makeshift explosives he planted blew up around him outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Years Day.

His body was charred beyond recognition and seven innocent victims were injured in the attack. Police chiefs credit Elon Musk's Cybertruck for preventing further casualties.

As more is revealed about Livelsburger - a decorated soldier, active Army member and Trump supporter - it's been claimed that he had a rocky relationship with his ex-wife, Sara, who has since remarried.

Now, it has been revealed that his second wife, Jennifer Davis, had left him just prior to the shocking incident after arguments over infidelity.

Davis, who lived with Livelsburger in Colorado Springs, told him that she knew he was cheating just six days before he self-immolated and shot himself in Las Vegas, the New York Post reports.

Facebook photos show Livelsburger posing with an infant. This has caused investigators to wonder if perhaps his actions were driven by personal problems after speculation that it was a political act.

The reports come as more details are revealed about Livelsberger, a long-serving Green Beret who was on leave from active duty when he carried out the attack outside Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel.

Jennifer Davis, the second wife of Tesla Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger, reportedly left him just days before the incident over belief that he was cheating on her shortly after they gave birth to a daughter

Davis, who lived with Livelsburger in Colorado Springs, told him that she knew he was cheating just six days before he self-immolated and shot himself in Las Vegas and shortly after they'd had a baby together

Earlier today, a friend of Livelsburger's ex-wife Sara claims she had concerns about the pair's relationship.

Stacie Wilssens, who lived near the couple in Colorado, described Livelsburger as 'bizarre and unhealthy.' She said he and Sara were 'polar opposites,' as the wife supported Bernie Sanders while Livelsburger stood with Donald Trump.

'Nothing ever felt stable or steady between the two of them. She was trying to get healthy, and he would mock her. He preyed on her,' said Wilssens, who hadn't spoken to Matthew in years.

The Denver Gazette reported that she began divorce proceedings in 2017 and that became final a year later.

Wilssens says that Sara left Colorado and remarried, as the Denver Post reported Matthew did to Davis in 2022.

His uncle Dean Livelsberger told The Independent that his nephew was '100 percent a patriot', and described him as a 'Rambo-type.'

'He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100 percent loving the country,' he continued.

'He loved Trump, and he was always a very, very patriotic soldier, a patriotic American. Its one of the reasons he was in Special Forces for so many years. It wasnt just one tour of duty.'

The 37-year-old shot himself in the head as the makeshift explosives he planted blew up around him outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Years Day

Earlier today, a friend of Livelsburger's ex-wife Sara claims she had concerns about the pair's relationship

He added that the amateurish construction of the explosive device in the Cybertruck was curious to him, as he knew Matthew to be a 'very skilled warrior' who 'would've been able to make a more sophisticated explosive.'

'He was what you might call a supersoldier. If you ever read about the things he was awarded, and the experience he had, some of it doesnt make sense, when he had the skills and ability to make something more, lets say, efficient,'' Dean said.

'His skills were enormous from what he had been taught in the military.'

Livelsberger, 37, was identified by law enforcement sources as the bomber in Wednesday's attack, which left seven wounded. The electric vehicle exploded about 15 seconds after the driver pulled up in front of the hotel's entrance.

The blast was caused by 'a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck' or 'very large fireworks', according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Livelsberger died in the bombing. He lived in Colorado Springs and was an active member of the Army. He previously received a Meritorious Honor Award for work benefiting the US Embassy in Tajikistan.

He was profiled by a local newspaper in Ohio for his work with the military in Afghanistan.

He grew up in Ohio and was married to social worker Sara Livelsberger, who in the lead up to the 2016 election shared a slew of Facebook posts spouting anti-Trump rhetoric.

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, was identified as the bomber in the attack that left seven wounded. He is pictured in Afghanistan in a profile by a local newspaper in the Ohio town where he grew up

The suspected bomber's family say the Army veteran was a 'big Trump supporter' who loved his time in the military

According to CBS News, Liveslberger was on break from duty in Germany when he carried out the attack. His wife hadn't heard from him from several days.

Property records reveal the couple purchased a home in Colorado Springs together in 2015.

However, police have linked Livelsberger to several addresses throughout the city -including a different townhouse that was raided by the FBI overnight.

Livelsberger is suspected of renting the Cybertruck in Colorado Springs and driving it across the border to Nevada on Wednesday morning to carry out his attack.

Law enforcement sources have also revealed that Livelsberger previously served at the same military base as New Orleans terrorist Shamsud Din Jabbar, who on Wednesday drove a rented Tesla truck into a crowd of New Year revelers, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens. Police have not confirmed if the pair were known to each other.

Jabbar served at Fort Liberty in North Carolina, previously known as Fort Bragg. Livelsberger previously lived at an address close to the base, but investigators have yet to confirm the location of the base the pair have in common.

Livelsberger has served in the Army for 19 years, the majority of which was spent in the Special Forces unit.

The suspected terrorist seemingly climbed the ranks throughout his time with the unit, having started off working as a SF Communications Specialist in 2006.

Livelsburger is pictured with first wife Sara Livelsberger, who in the lead up to the 2016 election shared a slew of Facebook posts spouting anti-Trump rhetoric

While holding that position, Livelsberger said on his Linkedin that he also worked on a nearly one-year contract with General Dynamics Corp, a firm specializing in aerospace and defense.

He alleges he 'engineered and fielded the first mobile standoff hyperspectral imaging "Lightguard Minotaur" system' during his time at General Dynamics Corp.

General Dynamics told DailyMail.com they have no record of employing Livelsberger.

Livelsberger in 2015 moved into an intelligence and operations role within the SF and in 2016 received the Department of State Meritorious Honor Award.

He was recognized by the US Ambassador for 'interagency contributions that resulted in increased interoperability and efficiency while serving as the Operations Sergeant at Special Operations Command Forward- Central Asian States (SOCFWD-CAS) within US Embassy Dushanbe', Livelsberger wrote on LinkedIn.

He became a SF operations manager and team sergeant in February 2023 and moved into his remote and autonomous systems role in November last year.

His LinkedIn profile also touts proficiency in French and certifications in unmanned aircraft systems, as well as a Project Director qualification.

Livelsberger has limited social media presence, but his wife Sara was very active on Facebook in 2015 and 2016.

Livelsberg is seen in another picture from his deployment

The Tesla cybertruck exploded about 15 seconds after the driver pulled up in front of the hotel's entrance. The blast was caused by 'a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck' or 'very large fireworks'

Livelsberger (pictured) - who died in the bombing - grew up in Colorado Springs and was an active member of the Army. He previously received a Meritorious Honor Award for work benefiting the US Embassy in Tajikistan

Livelsberger has limited social media presence, but his 'registered Democrat' wife Sara was very active on Facebook in 2015 and 2016

She also shared a screenshot of a tweet posted by Trump in 2015, writing that he 'needs to spend less time on Twitter posting and deleting tweets, and more time focusing on maybe...a god d**m platform of some sort?'

Another post showed her wearing a t-shirt that said 'Girls just want to have FUN-damental Rights', suggesting she takes a pro-choice stance on abortion

As Wilssens suggested, she is an anti-Trumper with very different politics to her late husband.

Sara, who according to her profile studied political science and social work, revealed that she was a 'registered Democrat' in a post shared in May 2016.

Sharing a photo of a sign featuring a cartoon image of Trump that read 'stop bigotry', Sara wrote that she 'can't wait to slap this baby on my truck'.

She also shared a screenshot of a tweet posted by Trump in 2015, writing that he 'needs to spend less time on Twitter posting and deleting tweets, and more time focusing on maybe...a god d**m platform of some sort?'

Another post showed her wearing a t-shirt that said 'Girls just want to have FUN-damental Rights', suggesting she takes a pro-choice stance on abortion.

Sara, whose hometown is listed as Playa del Carmen, Mexico, has not posted on Facebook since May 2016.

She also has not been tied to the Las Vegas bombing.

The Tesla cybertruck arrived in Las Vegas at 7.30am Wednesday, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill said in a press conference.

Livelsberger is suspected of renting the Tesla Cybertruck in Colorado Springs, via the Turo app, and driving it across the border to Nevada on Wednesday morning - where he carried out the attack (pictured)

Surveillance footage showed the truck sitting outside the front entrance, appearing to have nothing wrong with it. Seconds later, the entire car explodes, its roof blowing up first before the truck goes flying

The explosion took place at 8.40am in the hotel's valet area. Surveillance footage showed the truck sitting outside the front entrance. Seconds later, the entire $80,000 car blew up in a fiery blaze - with its roof going up in flames first.

Debris smoked as it pinged off the pavement and sparks which looked like fireworks could be seen lighting up the black cloud of smoke emitting from the vehicle.

A tumble of charred fireworks mortars, cannisters and other explosive devices were found crowded into the back of the pickup.

Officials are still exploring how the explosives were detonated, but sources with knowledge of the investigation have expressed that it was likely controlled by the driver.

Livelsberger was the sole fatality in the attack, and authorities largely credit Musk's hulking stainless steel truck with preventing further damage because it was able to contain much of the explosion.

None of the nearby windows of the hotel were damaged despite the violence of the blast.

According to the KOAA, law enforcement officers wearing tactical gear and travelling in armored vehicles arrived at one of Livelsberger's Colorado Springs properties Wednesday night.

Neighbors were 'escorted away' from the townhome complex in the Stetson Hills neighborhood as investigators carried out their search. Police have assured the public they do not suspect there is any ongoing threat to the community.

Hours before the attack in Las Vegas, Shamsud Din Jabbar drove an electric vehicle into crowds in New Orleans, killing 15 pedestrians and injuring dozens more.

Soldier Matthew Livelsberger is the man who filled the truck with explosives and fuel before driving it to the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas and setting them off on Wednesday morning

Police have released a series of photographs from inside the Cybertruck which blew up outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, revealing an arsenal of explosives

Fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel were in the bed of the car, and were likely connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver

Law enforcement sources have since revealed the cars used in both attacks were rented through Turo, and they were both EVs, prompting concerns they are linked.

Turo is akin to Airbnb for cars and lets people hire strangers' vehicles for a daily rate.

Police revealed on Wednesday afternoon that they are currently investigating potential links and have not ruled anything out yet.

'Do I think it's a coincidence? I don't know,' Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. 'We're absolutely looking into any connections to New Orleans.'

A spokesperson for Turo later issued a statement describing the company's heartbreak '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.'

Turo added: '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.'

Fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel were in the bed of the car, and were likely connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver

A Cybertruck - made by Trump ally Elon Musk's company Tesla - was seen in a fiery blaze outside the front revolving doors of the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday

Officers have also considered that Livelsberger may have purposefully chosen to use a car owned by Elon Musk to send a message - given the Tesla billionaire's newfound friendship with President-elect Donald Trump.

'It's a Tesla truck, we know Elon Musk is working with President-elect Trump and it's the Trump hotel, so there's obviously something to look at,' McMahill said.

By Wednesday afternoon, Musk revealed the explosion was caused by 'a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck' or 'very large fireworks.'

He said the explosion was not caused by or related to the vehicle itself, and it's understood the unnamed driver had rented the truck using Turo.

'Law enforcement currently believes it was most likely intentional,' he added.

'Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way.'

Musk said 'Tesla vehicles transmit their state of health continuously,' meaning his team were able to check whether anything was wrong with the car's mechanics prior to the explosion.

McMahill thanked Musk for his efforts in assisting the investigation, turning over data to authorities along with access to CCTV from Tesla charging stations across the nation.

The 37-year-old man reportedly has a military background and served at the same base as Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, (pictured), who fatally ran down 15 people in a rented car in New Orleans in the early hours of New Years Day

Your browser does not support iframes.

Trump has also broken his silence on the explosion outside his Las Vegas hotel, vowing to rid America of 'violent scum.' The president-elect took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to excoriate the security and justice establishment.

He wrote in a post: 'Our Country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World! This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership.

'The DOJ, FBI, and Democrat state and local prosecutors have not done their job. They are incompetent and corrupt, having spent all of their waking hours unlawfully attacking their political opponent, ME, rather than focusing on protecting Americans from the outside and inside violent SCUM that has infiltrated all aspects of our government, and our Nation itself.

'Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen to our Country. The CIA must get involved, NOW, before it is too late. The USA is breaking down - A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation.

'Only strength and powerful leadership will stop it. See you on January 20th. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'

The FBI has said officials 'do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible' for the New Orleans attack.

'We're aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates,' Alethea Duncan, an assistant special agent with the FBI's New Orleans field office, said in at a news conference Wednesday.'

Law enforcement officials in Texas searched a residence in Houston on Wednesday that they believe could be connected to Jabbar.

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

Suspect Jabbar is said to have made a series of videos that is being reviewed by law enforcement.

'FBI Houston and the Harris County Sheriffs Office are continuing a court-authorized search of a location near the intersection of Hugh Road and Crescent Peak Drive,' the agency said in a statement.

As of Wednesday night, no arrests had been made at the residence.

Authorities previously revealed that the rented truck was listed on Turo by a 42-year-old man who lives in Houston, who has been contacted by investigators. It is unclear if the Houston property that was searched Wednesday night was linked to this man.

The FBI's New Orleans field office is also 'conducting a number of court authorized search warrants in New Orleans and other states'.

Jabbar was killed by police after he slammed a truck into pedestrians celebrating the New Year, exited the vehicle, and started firing.

Investigators recovered a handgun and an AR-style rifle after the shootout, law enforcement officials said.

Investigators are probing a theory Jabbar rented a nearby property on Airbnb in St. Roch for his base before carrying out the attack.

Exclusive DailyMail.com photographs show the moment the FBI removed bomb making materials from the two-bedroom and two-bathroom property close to the French Quarter.

Jabbar is also said to have made a series of videos that are being reviewed by law enforcement. Authorities believe that the videos were made as he drove from Texas to Louisiana, although the timing is unclear.

Multiple officials told CNN that the recordings appear to have been made while driving at night and the suspect is not visible in them.

CNN reported that the recordings make reference to his divorce and that he planned on gathering his family together for a fake celebration so he could kill them.

The suspect is also said to have talked about how he joined ISIS, and spoke of dreams that he had about joining the terrorist group.

There were no overt links to ISIS in the Las Vegas attack as there were in New Orleans, but detectives have not ruled out any motive.
Millions of Australians will be hit by a blistering heatwave that is sweeping across southeastern parts of the country as firefighters battle to contain large blazes.

A burst of hot air caused by northerly winds that will develop into a low pressure trough will force temperatures to soar in Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory over the weekend.

Parts of South Australia will hit a sweltering 40C with the extreme heat forecast to last until Monday, according to Weatherzone.

Temperatures will hit 43C in Coober Pedy while while residents in Roxby Downs and Port Augusta will also swelter through temperatures of 41C and 42C on Saturday.

The mercury will reach 36C in Adelaide on Saturday while temperatures of 33C have been forecast for Sunday.

Northern and southern parts of Victoria are also likely to see temperatures get close to 40C due to the hot air mass that will hit the state over the weekend.

Mildura in the state's far north-west will soar to 41C on Saturday while residents in Bendigo will experience temperatures of 38C.

Melbourne will also be hit with temperatures of 38C on Saturday before the temperature dips slightly to a top of 37C on Sunday ahead of a cool change next week.

A burst of hot air caused by northerly winds that will develop into a low pressure trough will force temperatures to soar across southeastern parts of the country (pictured weather map)

The heatwave will also affect areas close to the Grampian's region in the state's west.

Exasperated firefighters continue to battle the huge blaze that has ripped through around a massive 76,000 hectares of land at the Grampians National Park.

The blaze, which has been burning for several weeks, has affected 40 per cent of the national park or about the size of Singapore.

'This is the fifth fire in 20 years, and the third major fire in that park, so the constant impact on some of the species is starting to show now,' Victorian Sate Control spokeswoman Reegan Key said.

'So we've had aircraft and crews back burning towards the fire  we have also had some (food) drops for rock wallabies.'

Locals have been urged to monitor the conditions and authorities have urged visitors to stay clear of the Grampians National Park that remains closed until further notice.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for several areas including the North East, East Gippsland and the North and Central Districts until Monday.

Exasperated firefighters continue to battle the huge blaze that has ripped through around a massive 76,000 hectares of land at the Grampians National Park (pictured)

More than 10 fires are also burning across Western Australia, but all had been downgraded to advice levels by Friday afternoon.

The heatwave will also affect NSW and the Northern Territory.

Temperatures in Tibbooburra in far north-west NSW and the outback town of Broken Hill in western NSW will hit 40C on Saturday.

Sydney will reach top temperatures of 29C on Saturday before the mercury warms up to 31C on Sunday.

Temperatures will remain in the low to mid 30s in Darwin next week with tops of 33C forecast for the weekend.

Meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology Johnathan How said the weather conditions are not expected to ease until Monday.

Sydney will reach top temperatures of 29C on Saturday before the mercury warms up to 31C on Sunday

'Low intensity heatwaves are common at this time of year, but once we get into the severe category especially with the run of hot days and warm nights, some people can find it quite challenging,' Mr How said.

Brisbane

Saturday: Possible shower. Min 21. Max 29.

Sunday: Mostly sunny. Min 20. Max 30.

Monday: Partly cloudy. Min 20. Max 30.

Sydney

Saturday: Sunny. Min 19. Max 29.

Sunday: Sunny. Min 20. Max 31.

Monday: Mostly sunny. Min 21. Max 33.

Temperatures will remain in the low to mid 30s in Darwin next week with tops of 33C forecast for the weekend

Melbourne

Saturday: Sunny. Min 17. Max 37.

Sunday: Partly cloud. Min 22. Max 38.

Monday: Showers. Min 18. Max 23.

Canberra

Saturday: Possible storm. Min 12. Max 33.

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 15. Max 35.

Monday: Shower or two. Min 17. Max 35.

Melbourne will also be hit with temperatures of 38C on Saturday before the temperature dips slightly to a top of 37C on Sunday

Hobart

Saturday: Mostly sunny. Min 13. Max 28.

Sunday: Shower or two. Min 15. Max 22.

Monday: Shower or two clearing. Min 16. Max 20.

Adelaide

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Min 21. Max 36.

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 25. Max 35.

Monday: Shower or two. Min 17. Max 35.

Parts of South Australia will hit a sweltering 40C with the extreme heat forecast to last until Monday according to weatherzone (pictured weather map)

Perth

Saturday: Sunny. Min 17. Max 30.

Sunday: Sunny. Min 16. Max 32.

Monday: Sunny. Min 19. Max 35.

Darwin

Saturday: Shower or two. Possible storm. Min 25. Max 33.

Sunday: Shower or two. Possible storm. Min 25. Max 34.

Monday: Shower or two. Possible storm. Min 24. Max 33.
A Pierce County Corrections Deputy has been jailed after he allegedly ran over his ex-girlfriends head with his truck outside a bar, leaving her with horrific injuries.

Cameron Boucher, a 22-year-old deputy, who had been on the job for less than six months, now finds himself behind bars in the same jail where he works with his freedom and employment hanging in the balance.

The horrifying incident occurred around 1:50am on New Years Day in Tacoma, Washington State, in a parking lot next to the Steel Creek Bar.

According to probable cause documents obtained by Fox 13 Seattle, Boucher had been drinking heavily before the altercation with his ex.

Witnesses say he had consumed several shots of liquor before staggering out of the bar and heading to his truck to drive home.

Moments later, the night took a chilling turn when Bouchers ex-girlfriend approached him in the parking lot but fell to the ground near his truck.

Authorities allege that Boucher, impaired by alcohol, backed up his vehicle, running directly over his ex-girlfriend's head.

The victims injuries were severe leading to multiple facial fractures.

Cameron Boucher, a 22-year-old deputy, who had been on the job for less than six months, now finds himself facing serious charges after allegedly 'driving over his exes head'

The horrifying incident occurred around 1:50am on New Years Day in Tacoma, Washington, in a parking lot adjacent to the Steel Creek Bar

The chaos didnt end there. As the victim lay injured, her friend rushed to her aid, only to find themselves involved in a physical altercation with Boucher.

Witnesses described a frenzied scene as bystanders tried desperately to stop the deputy from leaving.

According to the report, Boucher smelled strongly of alcohol and during a subsequent breath test blew twice the legal limit.

He then failed a field sobriety test administered by officers at the scene.

The victim was rushed to a hospital for emergency surgery.

Boucher was still on probation with the Pierce County Sheriffs Department and had not yet graduated the law enforcement academy after joining in August.

He was arrested and charged with vehicular assault.

In court on Thursday, Boucher stood before a judge as his co-workers looked on, with his future hanging in the balance

Boucher had bail set at $75,000. He has since posted bond

Witnesses described a frenzied scene as bystanders tried desperately to stop the deputy from leaving the area in the early hours of New Years Day

His colleagues, tasked with holding one of their own accountable, escorted him through the very same jail where he works.

On Thursday, Boucher stood before a judge in court as some of his co-workers looked on, with his own future hanging in the balance.

A bail of $75,000 was set, and he has since posted bond.

Despite the serious allegations, Boucher still remains employed by Pierce County, though his position is under intense scrutiny with questions raised about his training and judgment.
The body of the man was pulled from the water

Emergency services were called to the scene

A man has died after he plunged 20 metres from a popular cliff.

Emergency services were called to a picnic area in Duckholes Trail, at the Ku-ring-gai Chase national park, in Terrey Hills, 30km north of Sydney, about 12.30pm on Friday.

The body of the man, believed to be aged in his 40s, was pulled from the water by police. He is yet to be identified.

A crime scene has been set up and investigations into the incident have begun.

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia it was a tragic misadventure incident.

Several ambulance crews including intensive care paramedics attended the scene

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Emergency services were called to a picnic area at Duckholes Trail (pictured), in Terrey Hills, around 30km north of Sydney, about 12.30pm on Friday following reports of the incident
by Eric Feigenbaum

My great-grandparents were among the 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island and equally a part of the wave of 20 million immigrants who entered the United States between 1880 and 1920. Americas fast-growing economy needed more manpower than its existing population had available, and the poorer classes of Europe were the beneficiaries including four million Italians (largely southern) and two million Jews.

In many ways America was a pioneer in pioneering. In the 19th Century the United States ambitious sought to expand across a continent while developing a robust industrial economy. As the country entered the Industrial Age, its 1870 population of roughly 40 million just wouldnt suffice. Therefore, America became the first Western country to undertake not just a loose immigration policy, but one at large scale  with the sheer audacity to believe it would grow its economy at unprecedented rates.

Not only did the gamble work for America, but it fundamentally changed American culture. Sure, by nature of being colonized and then in many parts staffed with abducted Africans forced into slavery, the United States began as a land of immigrants. But the 1880-1920 wave pushed the country into the Melting Pot we know today. Somehow, America decided anyone could become American if they were willing to assimilate and in turn, the countrys culture became deft at integrating arrivals.

This was not lost on the founders of Singapore. In 1921, a Republican Congress and President slammed the doors on forty years of open immigration. More than sixty years later, on the other side of the world, the government of a new, small post-colonial country grappled with how to power their economy as they moved from third world to first.

Lee Kuan Yew, the founding and longtime Prime Minister of Singapore described America as a society that attracts talent from around the world and assimilates them comfortably as Americans.

Only when Singapore began identifying its need for labor in the 1980s, it was already pushing through its industrial phase toward a post-industrial economy. It didnt need unskilled labor to build railroads and work in factories and farms. The Singaporean economy was growing into sectors like finance, biotech and software.

By 1997, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong presented a comprehensive Foreign Talent Policy based on the countrys needs and objectives. It involved three types of foreign talent:

At The Top: CEOs, scientists, academics and artists Professionals such as engineers, accountants, IT professionals, teachers and administrators Skilled Workers such as bus drivers, technicians etc

Naturally, telling the citizens of a country which only 30 years prior had been in political and economic crisis that their government planned to bring in high-level foreign talent created concern, for which the government was prepared.

In 1989, Lee Kuan Yew assured Singaporeans the practice of immigrating foreign talent was, for the sake of Singapores economy, society and politics, and would not disadvantage any Singaporean climbing the social ladder.

A big statement.

Today, most large corporations have Talent Acquisition departments that understand a strong hire isnt just about skills and experience, but also fit. Singapore took precisely the same attitude in its immigration policies  focusing on not just skilled people, but those who have greater odds of cultural assimilation. Thats why Singapore draws talent from China and India more than any other two countries, also favoring applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan. In fact, today a little more than 500,000 Chinese nationals and 650,000 Indian nationals reside in Singapore making up 8.3 and 10.8 percent of the total population respectively.

Over time, Singapore experienced what all developed countries have  falling birth rates. Only Singapore made an unfortunate miscalculation. When it gained independence in 1965, the birth rate was 4.93 children per woman. In a struggling country, this was seen as problematic and over the next two decades, Singapore encouraged families to have no more than two children. By 1995 the Singaporean birth rate dropped dramatically to 1.57 children per woman  well below the 2.1 rate needed for Singaporeans to simply replace themselves.

While Singapore has since incentivized families to have a third child, the trend has continued reaching 1.04 births per woman in 2022. This has put more pressure on the government to carefully expand its immigration policies.

Unsurprisingly, in an upwardly mobile country with a higher per capita GDP than the United States, Singaporeans have become notably less interested in manual labor jobs. Therefore, Singapore has also had to recruit a blue-collar workforce. In some ways this took more thought to construct. While plenty of neighboring countries have no shortage of people happy to go to Singapore for blue collar jobs, Singapore is decidedly against having most of those people remain long-term and integrate with their population.

Thats why Thai, Bangladeshi and Burmese construction workers with limited visas and restricted work permits and are required to sleep in dormitories provided by the building firms for which they work. Despite however many years a Filipino, Indonesian or Sri Lankan housemaid or nanny might work for a family, they are rarely, if ever eligible for residency outside their domestic employment.

Unlike Turn-of-the-Twentieth-Century America, Singapore is clear it does not want anyones tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Only skilled labor can immigrate and even then, they have a better chance if they can smoothly assimilate.

Westerners  particularly Americans  may take issue with Singapores restrictive, ethnically biased and classist approach to immigration. It doesnt give a hard-working Ghanaian or Syrian refugee opportunity to start a new life in an economically successful and stable country. Singapore embraces multiculturalism only within the box of its Chinese, Malay and Indian populace.

At the same time, Singapores approach to immigration is focused, transparent and clearly in the public interest. Unlike their North Americana and European friends, Singaporeans generally dont complain about immigration at all and if they do, theyre at least clear on the cohesive strategy around it. Everyone understands the scope, purpose and methodology.

Most importantly, Singaporeans most common immigration anxiety tends to be about the public safety impact of having a restricted blue-collar underclass rather than whether immigration threatens citizens financial well-being.

For the most part, critical Westerners tend to have the hardest time with how unapologetic Singapore is for its immigration policy. But that seems to be the very point. Rather than dress up their policy with higher ideals, Singaporean leaders and citizens are clear-eyed about their choice  a sort of immigration Realpolitik.

In a time when both Americans and many of their European friends are in heated debates and domestic turmoil over immigration, the honesty and clarity Singapore brings to immigration may be something to examine. While Westerners may not necessarily find the level of consensus as Singaporeans, a coherent conversation that includes clear goals and facts would at least improve the debate and potential outcomes.

***

Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now.
The Colorado man who blew himself up outside the Trump International Hotel bragged to an ex-girlfriend that his 'ungodly' fast Cybertruck made him feel 'like Batman.'

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, texted multiple past lovers in the days before he shot himself in the head inside a hulking Tesla Cybertruck - which then burst into flames right outside the Las Vegas hotel on New Years Day.

As detectives investigate potential motives, it has been revealed that Livelsberger had broken up with his wife and reached out to an ex-girlfriend before he self-immolated.

Livelsberger's second wife, Jennifer Davis, had left him just six days before the incident because she suspected he was cheating on her.

Now, his ex-girlfriend Alicia Arritt has shared screenshots of a conversation they had at 9am on Sunday.

She said he was 'like a kid with a new toy' in a series of texts before the blast.

'I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. It's the s**t,' read a text to Arritt, obtained by the Denver Gazette.

'I feel like Batman or halo,' he added, seven minutes later, referring to the science fiction video game franchise.

His ex-girlfriend has shared screenshots of their conversation, revealing he was 'like a kid with a new toy' after picking up the Cybertruck used in the explosion

'I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. It's the s**t,' he text Alicia Arritt at 9am on Sunday. 'I feel like Batman or halo'

Arritt and Livelsberger dated from 2018 to 2021, in between the soldier's first and second marriage.

The ex-gal pal found it strange that Livelsberg had reached out given the years-old split. Still, she responded to his message like she would an old friend.

'How fast is it?' she wrote.

'Ungodly,' he responded.

Livelsberger also bragged the his ex about 'building drones' in his new role. 'You would love it,' he added.

Arritt said she is struggling to comprehend the days that followed their exchange, describing her ex as a conservative patriot who loved his country.

'I just want everyone to know that Matt was the kindest man I ever knew,' Arritt told the publication.

FBI agents tracked Arritt down after reading the text messages between the pair, and informed her that he had reached out to other ex girlfriends in the days before his death.

Livelsberger went on to tell Arritt that he is now 'building drones' in his new role, adding 'you would love it'

His decision to contact past flames coincided with his separation from his second wife, Davis.

Livelsberger and Davis share a young child.

Davis, who lived with Livelsburger in Colorado Springs, told him that she knew he was cheating just six days before he self-immolated and shot himself in Las Vegas, according to the New York Post.

Livelsberger's relationship woes date back as early as his first marriage, to Sara Liveslberger.

A friend of Sara's, Stacie Wilssens, said the special forces soldier was 'bizarre and unhealthy.'

She said he and Sara were 'polar opposites,' as the wife supported Bernie Sanders while Livelsburger stood with Donald Trump.

'Nothing ever felt stable or steady between the two of them. She was trying to get healthy, and he would mock her. He preyed on her,' said Wilssens, who hadn't spoken to Livelsberger in years.

The Denver Gazette reported that she began divorce proceedings in 2017 and that became final a year later. Sara reportedly left Colorado and remarried.

Livelsberger had access to high-level intelligence and was part of a special forces military unit which oversaw the operations and maintenance of drones

Fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel were in the bed of the car, and were likely connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver

Police were initially probing whether Livelsberger's death was a politically motivated stunt, given his choice of an Elon Musk-built truck and the Trump hotel location.

But as more information about his deteriorating personal life come to light, it muddies the waters about any potential motivating factor.

MAGA supporters are now questioning whether Livelsberger has been 'framed', given his apparent devotion to Trump and his country.

Trump ally, former congressman Matt Gaetz, went so far as to describe Livelsberger as a 'Chad' - a colloquial social media term for an alpha male.

'The Vegas dude seems like a real CHAD??,' Gaetz wrote. 'So bizarre.'

Livelsberger had access to high-level intelligence and was part of a special forces military unit which oversaw the operations and maintenance of drones.

Over his 19 year military career, Livelsberger worked in several critical roles which granted him access to sensitive intelligence and data.

In November 2024, he accepted a role as a remote and autonomous systems manager while stationed at Camp Panzer Kaserne just southwest of Stuttgart, Germany.

Livelsberg is seen in another picture from his deployment

Police found credit cards, his passport and military ID on him, but they are still referring to him as a person of interest as they await DNA confirmation

Livelsberger is suspected of renting the Tesla Cybertruck in Colorado Springs, via the Turo app, and driving it across the border to Nevada on Wednesday morning - where he carried out the attack (pictured)

Davis, who lived with Livelsburger in Colorado Springs, told him that she knew he was cheating just six days before he self-immolated and shot himself in Las Vegas and shortly after they'd had a baby together

In that job, he helped to integrate drones into the Army and ensured they were operated and maintained to a sufficient standard.

But prior to that, he was involved in intelligence and operations for the special forces for seven years.

As part of this role, he conducted vulnerability assessments, cultural studies and technical data analysis.

Livelsberger was on a break from duty which allowed him to return to the US to carry out the plot.

He rented the Cybertruck in Colorado Springs and drove it across the border to Nevada on Wednesday morning to carry out his attack.

In a press conference, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said the car arrived in Las Vegas at 7.30am. The explosion took place at 8.40am in the valet area outside the hotel.

At the scene of the explosion, charred fireworks, gas cannisters and camping fuel were found in the bed of the truck when authorities were finally able to put out the fire.

Police found credit cards, his passport and military ID on him. The weapons found in the truck were purchased legally on December 30, 2024.

Livelsberger (pictured) - who died in the bombing - grew up in Colorado Springs and was an active member of the Army. He previously received a Meritorious Honor Award for work benefiting the US Embassy in Tajikistan

Livelsberger was first marrried to Sara Livelsberger (both pictured) but they split in 2017

Jennifer Davis, the second wife of Tesla Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger, reportedly left him just days before the incident over belief that he was cheating on her shortly after they gave birth to a daughter

Livelsberger was the sole fatality in the attack, and authorities largely credit Musk's hulking stainless steel truck with preventing further damage because it was able to contain much of the explosion.

None of the nearby windows of the hotel were damaged despite the violence of the blast.

Law enforcement sources have also revealed that Livelsberger previously served at the same military base as New Orleans terrorist Shamsud Din Jabbar, who on Wednesday drove a rented truck into a crowd of New Year revelers, killing at least 14 people and wounding dozens.

Moreover, both also served in Afghanistan in 2009 - however officials say they have seen no evidence they were in the same providence or unit. That remains under investigation.

Hours before Livelsberger's explosion, Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, drove an electric vehicle into crowds in New Orleans.

The timing immediately sparked fears of a coordinated terror attack as the United States was still reeling from the violence on the streets of New Orleans.

The Texan-born terrorist had an ISIS flag draped on the back of the vehicle when he drove into the crowds.
EXCLUSIVE

Former game show host Andrew O'Keefe has been arrested again on a drug driving charge, three months after being warned he was one false step away from jail.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal O'Keefe is set to face Waverley Local Court in Sydney's eastern suburbs later this month after being accused of driving with an illicit drug in his system for the third time.

The former Deal or No Deal host pleaded guilty in October to trespassing, breaching an an apprehended violence order and possessing crystal methamphetamine.

At the same time, he was fined $2,000 for driving with an illicit drug in his system at Darlinghurst in April and disqualified from getting behind the wheel for three months.

In July, O'Keefe confronted a man at a Point Piper property he was banned from attending and was later arrested after a traffic stop.

He was released on bail but arrested again at Rose Bay police station in September when police found crystal methamphetamine in his car during a search.

Two days earlier O'Keefe had overdosed on heroin at a party and needed to be revived by paramedics.

During his sentencing at Waverley Local Court in October, magistrate Jacqueline Milledge assured the TV star he was looking at time behind bars he reoffended.

'You have been given lots of opportunities to do something about your use of drugs,' Ms Milledge told O'Keefe.

Off-the-rails game show host Andrew O'Keefe has been arrested again on a drug driving charge, three months after being warned he was one false step away from jail

'I can assure you the next step is jail. I'm not just saying that, I absolutely mean it.

'It's got to the state where the court would believe you just can't be rehabilitated.'

Ms Milledge told 53-year-old O'Keefe that his life had 'just completely gone off the rails' and it was his responsibility to fix it.

'I know domestic violence is a factor in your offending and that is awful, truly awful,' she said.

'You got into the grip of something awful and the wheels fell off.'

The magistrate said she remembered telling O'Keefe 'God help you' during a previous court appearance.

'I am personally disappointed that you're where you are and you haven't managed to get yourself back on your feet,' she said.

'I just wish you'd get yourself back to a position where you can do something for the community again.'

O'Keefe is set to face Waverley Local Court in Sydney 's eastern suburbs later this month after being accused of driving with an illicit drug in his system for the third time. Above, O'Keefe is seen during a previous arrest

Ms Milledge sentenced O'Keefe to a 30-month community corrections order in relation to the breach of the AVO, which required him to attend rehab.

He was also fined $1,000 for possessing a prohibited drug and $500 for trespassing, as well as being made the subject of a two-year AVO to protect a person who cannot be identified.

At the time, O'Keefe's lawyer told Ms Milledge: 'This, Your Honour, is what we say is the final crossroads.'

O'Keefe has waged a public battle against drug addiction and been in and out of rehabilitation centres for the past few years.

He was found guilty in January last year of domestic violence and drug offences after a 'degrading' attack on a woman who cannot be named.

The drug conviction was later quashed but O'Keefe lost an appeal against the assault convictions in August.

In December 2023 he escaped conviction after pleading guilty in Downing Centre Local Court to driving through Point Piper with drugs in his system earlier that year.

O'Keefe had been pulled over while in charge of a Mercedes C200 sedan in January and returned a positive test to methamphetamine.

A second oral fluid sample provided at Waverley police station tested negative but was later deemed positive after further analysis.

During sentencing, magistrate Miranda Moody said O'Keefe had since returned negative screenings for drugs and was being treated by a psychiatrist and psychologist.

'To his credit, he's clearly had some issues with illicit drug use and I've been provided material to his use of drugs or lack thereof,' Ms Moody said.

'There have been none detected for some time. I've also been provided a report by a psychologist and a psychiatrist. He's engaged in treatment.

'Given the enormous amount of work Mr O'Keefe is doing in relation to his drug and health issues I'm prepared to not record a conviction.'

Ms Moody sentenced O'Keefe to a 12-month community release order.

O'Keefe will face court for the first time on his latest drug-driving charge on January 20.
The teen questioned the accuracy of a study shared by Dr Karl

A nuclear-loving teenager has been blocked by one of the ABC's most prominent scientist after he suggested the doctor had his facts wrong.

Founder of Nuclear for Australia Will Shackel, 18, revealed he had been blocked by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki on X after the two rowed about nuclear energy on Thursday.

Will said all he had done to upset Dr Karl was point out that California's energy supply was not 100 per cent renewable as the professor had claimed.

The teen shared a screenshot of the blocked message which appeared when he searched Dr Karl's profile on the social media site to prove his claims.

'So Ive just been blocked by Dr Karl,' he wrote on Friday.

'All I did was point out that California isnt 100 per cent renewables.

'It has a nuclear plant called Diablo Canyon Power Plant which provides ~10 per cent of their power.

'I find it concerning that raising a simple fact would justify blocking an 18-year-old.'

Founder of Nuclear for Australia Will Shackel, 18, was blocked by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki on X on Thursday (pictured, Will pointing from a distance at Diablo Canyon Power Plant)

Dr Karl shared a nuclear study out of California which claimed the state had run off 100 per cent renewable energy sources for 98 days

Will shared a photo proving that he was blocked on Friday

Dr Karl blocked Will after he replied to a tweet sent out by the doctor which quoted an article praising California's energy policy.

Dr Karl had shared a new study published in the journal Renewable Energy claiming California was 100 per cent renewable over a period of 98 days in late-2024.

'"No blackouts occurred when wind-water-solar electricity supply exceeded 100 per cent of demand on the states main grid for a record 98 of 116 days from late winter to early summer 2024 for an average (maximum) of 4.84 (10.1) hours per day",' he quoted.

Will replied by asking 'what happened' to energy created by the Diablo Canyon Power Plant during that time but instead of getting a reply the teen found himself blocked.

The power plant sits roughly 336km south of Los Angeles and is currently fighting to have it's licenses renewed.

Will said he was 'frankly quite shocked' by Dr Karl's decision to immediately cut communication.

'I just bought up the fact that the nuclear plant exists, and that it was, to my understanding, definitely supplying energy to California,' Will told Daily Mail Australia.

'I didn't think that Dr Carl would care about me, and originally the comment didn't get much traction.

'And then I discovered he had blocked me and I obviously shared that on Twitter because I thought it was pretty shocking that this really well respected scientist would block an 18 year old teenager like that.'

Will asked Dr Karl if any energy created by Diablo Canyon Power Plant had been used in California during the 98-day period but found himself blocked almost instantly (pictured, Will in Diablo Canyon Power Plant)

Will told Daily Mail Australia he was 'shocked' to find himself on Dr Karl's blocked list

Will said he was 'really disappointed' that a scientist he had once respected would choose to block him instead of responding to his question.

'You know, Dr Karl tries to speak to my generation about science and other things, and I've obviously respected his previous work,' he told the publication.

'So I was really, really disappointed in him for that.'

While it is unclear exactly how much of California's energy supply had come from Diablo Canyon Power Plant during the study period Will said he had seen the plant in operation during a visit to the site in July 2024.

'I've seen it with my own eyes. I went there and witnessed it as it was operating,' he continued.

Will's tweet showing that Dr Karl had blocked him spurred many of his followers to share their own screenshots proving that he was not the only one.

'I only asked if he was paid by the government to spread a narrative,' one user replied with a screenshot of their own showing they had been blocked by Dr Karl.

'Me too. Within seconds of my first comment on one of his posts' a second said with another screenshot showing the blocked page.

When asked what he would say to Dr Karl if given the chance Will revealed that he would implore him to 'open his mind to all forms of energy'.

'If he were standing in front of me I would tell him to open his mind to nuclear energy and support our work to lift a ban on nuclear energy,' Will said.

'We need all clean energy options on the table to power our society to decarbonise.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Dr Karl for comment.
A man has died and a woman is in hospital after their jet ski collided with mangroves on a river in Far North Queensland.

The 56-year-old man died at the scene while the 60-year-old woman was rushed to Cairns Hospital around 10.30am on Friday.

Their jet ski collided with mangroves north of the Stratford Boat Ramp on the Barron River near Cairns and both were launched from the vehicle.

The man suffered fatal injuries to his chest and head while the woman was transported to hospital in a stable condition.

Far North District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Duane Amos said members of the public tried performing CPR on the man before he died.

Both parties are from Brinsmead, also in Cairns.

Queensland Police have launched an investigation into the incident and officers were seen towing the blue jet ski away from the area shortly after the crash.

Police are now preparing a report for the Coroner.

A 56-year-old man has died and a 60-year-old woman rushed to Cairns Hospital after their jet ski collided with mangroves in Cairns around 10.30am on Friday

Senior Sergeant Amos said there was 'floating debris' where the incident occurred.

'They are small waterways, it doesn't take too much there for accidents to occur,' he said.

'There's also other areas there that you can mistake your area of interest for shallow or deep water.'

He added that 'dangerous and unexpected circumstances' can arise in the waterways and that anyone frequenting the river must be prepared for it.

'This is not the result at this time of year that we want this time of year when we should be with family,' Senior Sergeant Amos said.
This is the incredible moment a wounded Ukrainian soldier and his Russian foe emotionally paid their respects to each other as the fighter took his final breaths after being slashed by Putin's serviceman in a knife fight.

Bodycam footage filmed by a Ukrainian fighter shows the two men opening fire at each other near the ruins of a blitzed building.

The Ukrainian manages to reach his opponent and grabs the Russian's automatic rifle, leading to a struggle which results in the Putin fighter pulling his knife and viciously slashing his rival in the thigh.

The two fighters can be heard hurling insults at each other, with the Ukrainian warrior angrily telling his enemy: 'You came to [invade] my homeland'.

The Russian soldier wins the bloody blade combat and the Ukrainian fighter falls to the ground after being slashed.

The unidentified defeated fighter, losing blood, sends a message to his mother as he takes his final breaths.

'That's it, Mum. Goodbye'.

The Russian soldier then comes to the wounded fighter and kneels beside him.

The astonishing moment a wounded Ukrainian soldier and his Russian foe emotionally paid their respects to each other as the fighter took his final breaths after being slashed by Putin 's serviceman in a knife fight was captured on camera

The emotional moment occurred after a rare hand-to-hand combat fight that led to a knife battle between a Ukrainian soldier and a Russian soldier

The Russian soldier can be seen briefly placing a hand on his Ukrainian rival

'You cut my whole body open', the Ukrainian fighter cries out.

As he lies wounded, the Ukrainian pleads for the Russian to let him die alone and salutes his foe, saying: 'I want to die myself. Thank you. You were the best fighter in the world.

'Goodbye, you were better.'

The Russian fighter - also wounded in the fight - backs off and tells him: 'Goodbye.'

The Russian's knife is clearly visible as he backs off, with blood seen on his face.

The defeated Ukrainian then pulls the pin on his grenade in an attempt to take his own life.

Russian accounts of the incident claim the grenade explosion left the Ukrainian even more wounded, with his hand blown off, but still alive.

But as he lies wounded the Ukrainian pleads to let him die alone and salutes his Russian foe, saying: 'I want to die myself. Thank you. You were the best fighter in the world'

The footage is reported to be from Trudove, in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, believed to have been filmed in autumn but only released now

He then told the Russian to 'finish me off'.

The footage is reported to be from Trudove, in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, believed to have been filmed in autumn but only released now on Russian outlets.

There have been calls from Russian war channels for the soldier - named Tuta - to be decorated for his bravery.

The sequence, which started with close range shooting and rapidly turned into a fierce knife fight, is a stark contrast from many scenes of a hi-tech war which has featured deadly hypersonic and precision missiles.
Elon Musk opened a new front in his war with Labour overnight as he backed a madcap call for King Charles to dissolve parliament and order a new General Election.

The billionaire X owner and Donald Trump adviser shared a post demanding the monarch step in, as he clashed with the Government over grooming gangs.

He has jumped in on a row over the Government's refusal to back a probe into gangs of British Asian men targeting teenage girls in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Mr Musk, who last week praised the far right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany, is lining up alongside senior Reform UK and Conservative politicians demanding a fresh inquiry.

In his latest attacks on Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Musk shared a post asking whether Charles 'should dissolve parliament and order a General Election for the sake and security' of Britain.

Mr Musk retweeted the X thread with a one-word comment: 'Yes.'

But his continued interest in UK politics was criticised by a Labour minister this morning.

Asked about the Tesla owner's criticisms, Health Minister Andrew Gwynne told LBC: 'Elon Musk is an American citizen and perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic.

The billionaire X owner and Donald Trump adviser shared a post demanding the monarch step in, as he clashed with the Government over grooming gangs

Mr Musk shared a post asking whether Charles 'should dissolve parliament and order a General Election for the sake and security' of Britain

The King undemocratically dissolving Parliament of his own volition six months after voters went to the polls would trigger an immediate constitutional crisis in the UK

He added: 'But look, the grooming issue is a very serious issue. We've already had inquiries into Telford, into Rotherham, we've had a local inquiry commissioned by Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, into the situation here in Greater Manchester, which includes Oldham.

'We've had the national child sexual exploitation inquiry in 2022 which the Government is seriously considering, there is a long list of recommendations that was made.

'There comes a point where we don't need more inquiries, and had Elon Musk really paid attention to what's been going on in this country, he might have recognised that there have already been inquiries.

'What we need is justice for the victims, and we need to make sure that the criminal justice system follows up and make sure that these atrocious things are never able to happen again.'

The King undemocratically dissolving Parliament of his own volition six months after voters went to the polls would trigger an immediate constitutional crisis in the UK.

In his Christmas address to the nation, the monarch praised 'diversity of culture, ethnicity and faith' for providing 'strength, not weakness'.

Asked about the Tesla owner's criticisms, Health Minister Andrew Gwynne told LBC: 'Elon Musk is an American citizen and perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is 'long overdue'

Mr Musk continued to wade into the gangs debate overnight, hours after he posted that Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips 'deserves to be in prison' after she denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham on Thursday.

He also suggested the Prime Minister had failed to bring 'rape gangs' to justice when he was director of public prosecutions.

Mr Musk reposted an article in The Daily Telegraph by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick in which he says the 'grooming gangs' should be renamed 'torture rape gangs'.

He wrote that Mr Musk's comments had shamed 'the establishment by taking more interest in bringing these rape gangs to justice in one evening than most of the British establishment has for decades'.

Mr Musk continued his criticism in a post alongside footage of The Times' chief investigative reporter Andrew Norfolk as he detailed the scope of the case and police mishandling, calling it 'State-sponsored evil'. Mr Norfolk reported on the Rotherham child sexual exploitation ring in the UK press in 2011.

The scandal was first exposed by the Mail in 2010.

In another comment on the same post, Mr Musk branded the scandal and the child rapists involved as 'utterly shameful'.

The Tesla owner also called a post asking why people were angrier at his comments than they were about 'mass rape' of children as the 'perfect question'.

Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is 'long overdue'.

Ms Phillips said she recognised the 'strength of feeling' for a Home Office-led inquiry into Oldham, but she told the local council the Government will not 'intervene'.

'I believe it is for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene,' she said.

In response, Mr Musk, a key member of US President-elect Donald Trump's inner circle, said: 'She deserves to be in prison.'

He also appeared to place blame at the Prime Minister's door.

Mr Musk said: 'In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Service's approval for the police to charge suspects.

'Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.'

In a series of posts on his social media site, Mr Musk described the Prime Minister as 'two-tier Keir', claiming there was 'no justice for severe, violent crimes but prison for social media posts'.

Mr Musk also expressed his support for activist Tommy Robinson  real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  who was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court in October.

Senior Tories also sought to put pressure on the Government over grooming gangs.

Mrs Badenoch said: 'The time is long overdue for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal.

'Trials have taken place all over the country in recent years but no one in authority has joined the dots.

'2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice.'

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns pressed for a statutory inquiry in Oldham.

They said that only a public inquiry 'can adequately encompass the national nature of these crimes and issues' and consider whether reports were ignored by the police, CPS and local council 'or even covered up'.

In 2022, the then-Conservative government also refused a request for a public inquiry into events in Oldham.

An Oldham Council spokesman said: 'Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation.

'Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount, and we will not renege on that pledge.'

Responding to Mrs Badenoch's post, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: 'Talk is cheap. The Conservatives had 14 years in government to launch an inquiry.

'The establishment has failed the victims of grooming gangs on every level.'

Mr Musk, who is rumoured to be considering a major donation to Mr Farage's party, responded: 'Exactly. Time for Reform.'

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, which published its final report in 2022, described the sexual abuse of children as an 'epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake'.

Led by Professor Alexis Jay, the inquiry looked into abuse by organised groups following multiple convictions of sexual offences against children across the UK between 2010-2014, including in Rotherham, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Rochdale and Bristol.

In November last year, Professor Jay said she felt 'frustrated' that none of the probe's 20 recommendations had been implemented more than two years after its conclusion.
A 13-year-old boy downloaded nearly 3,000 thousand of depraved images of children being sexually abused on the controversial messaging app Telegram, with the NSPCC hitting out at the app and calling for more action from the firm.

The schoolboy launched the app on his mobile phone 639 times in seven months to access the material, downloading 2,595 vile images of which 1,788 were of the most serious category, a court heard.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was made the subject of an interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) by magistrates.

A SHPO is aimed at protecting the public from sex offenders and does not normally apply to children.

The boy, who is now 14, will need to register at a police station and comply with various conditions such as having his internet use restricted.

It comes as the NSPCC accused Telegram of 'blinding themselves to harm' taking place on the encrypted parts of the app - which allows messages only to be stored on devices and for them to self-destruct after a set period of time.

A spokesperson for the Home Office said it was 'extremely concerning' that a 13-year-old was able to download such material.

They said social media platforms such as Telegram 'must do more' to stop criminal activity on their sites.

The schoolboy launched the app on his mobile phone 639 times in seven months to access the material, downloading 2,595 vile images (Pictured: Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov)

Critics say Telegram has a far weaker system of moderating extremist and illegal content than other platforms and messenger apps

Telegram in particular has come under fire as being a haven and a hotbed for child sexual predators.

Critics say Telegram has a far weaker system of moderating extremist and illegal content than other platforms and messenger apps.

The app's CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France in August and charged with complicity in spreading child abuse images and drug trafficking and failing to comply with law enforcement.

Recently, Telegram bosses agreed to work with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a UK charity which is working to make the internet safer and protect child victims, to proactively prevent child sexual abuse imagery from being spread in public parts of its platform, but this does not cover encrypted parts of their app.

The new Online Safety Act, passed by the last government and set to be enforced from March, is designed to stop social media users accessing terrorist material and abuse images.

It will introduce strict age checking requirements to ensure users under 13 are not able to access the services.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'This government will not accept child sexual abuse on any online platform and UK law is clear - the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material is illegal.

'The fact that a 14-year-old was able to download this content is extremely concerning and platforms must do more to ensure criminal activity cannot proliferate on their sites.

'This government is committed to ensuring children are safe online and supports the robust implementation of the Online Safety Act. But we are prepared to use every lever to improve children's safety online and we will not hesitate to go further if we need to.'

The app's CEO, Pavel Durov (pictured), was arrested in France in August and charged with complicity in spreading child abuse images and drug trafficking and failing to comply with law enforcement

Richard Collard, associate head of policy for child safety online at the NSPCC, said: 'We must remember that child sexual abuse material is a result of children being groomed, coerced, and exploited by their abusers.

'It can be incredibly traumatising for victims to know that their images are being shared on social media by networks of offenders, without consequence.

'Telegram cannot continue to blind themselves to harm taking place on the encrypted parts of their app. If they want to show they are committed to protecting children, they must be proactive in identifying and removing all illegal content from their platform.'

Magistrates in Poole, Dorset, heard the boy's crimes only came to light when he was arrested on a separate unrelated offence and police seized and examined his mobile phone.

The offending started when he was just 13 and went on for seven months.

Jason Spelman, prosecuting, told the court the teen initially lied to police and said he had been sent a link by someone he didn't know, clicked on it and all the images had downloaded at once.

But a forensic examiner found this was not true and the boy had launched the Telegram app 639 separate times and timings coincided with time stamps on the illegal photos and videos.

Mr Spelman said: 'Category A is the most serious images and as you can see from the charges, it's a huge number of Category A images. Some of them are the most serious in terms of what they depict - depravity I would say.

'[The teenager] was arrested for a separate offence. During that investigation, his mobile was seized and examined and found to contain a large number of indecent images of children.

'He initially stated someone he didn't know sent him a link he clicked and it downloaded all the images. That account was established to be untrue since.'

Niall Theobald, defending, said there were 'a lot of factors at play' and the defendant had ADHD, language difficulties and a 'lack of understanding' about what he was getting involved with.

He said: 'The lesson is learnt, you won't see him before the courts again. It's something he's terribly ashamed of.'

The boy's mother told the court he was 'in a dark place' and his parents could not cope with him at the time of offending.

She added: 'He has faced it, it's been hard.'

The magistrates made an 18-month youth rehabilitation order with a supervision requirement, ten reparation days and prohibitive activities - making any device capable of storing images available to the Youth Justice Service or police for inspection on request and he must not delete the history on any such device.

They also decided to make the teenager subject to a SHPO.

Lead magistrate Caroline Foster said: 'We believe this is serious enough for a community order considering what we have heard today.

'We thought long and hard about imposing a SHPO. We took into consideration the nature of the offences, the number and level of images and the period of time, which in a young person's life is a long time.

'In the interests of justice we are going to impose an interim SHPO. In some ways it links to the prohibitive activities but this has got more teeth.

'I cannot stress enough, if he was to break any of this it is really, really serious.'

The SHPO will be reviewed by a district judge later this month.

The family were also ordered to pay 111 costs.
Workers under 27 years old are looking for 'employers for life', with Gen Z twice as likely to stay at the same firm than previous age-groups, research shows.

There has been a significant generational shift in attitudes among the cohort, with three quarters of 18 to 27-year-olds on the look out for longer term employment.

New research from Admiral shows youngsters are defying the norm of previous generations, with Gen Z wanting an 'employer for life' who supports their goals to grow within a firm.

Nearly nine out of ten of the younger generation also prioritises the stability of finding a long-term employer when job-hunting.

Millennials are less likely to stay at a company, often switching firms to negotiate pay rises and to progress.

But unlike their predecessors, seven in ten of Gen Z prioritise developing a career within one firm over seeking more money.

The average youngster hopes to stay in a job for up to seven years, twice the average tenure.

Workers under 27 years old are looking for 'employers for life', with Gen Z twice as likely to stay at the same firm than previous age-groups, research shows (stock image)

Careers expert Shoshanna Davis (pictured) said workers want to 'be valued' and discover opportunities 'within the same company'

Shoshanna Davis, a careers expert, said: 'Employees want to be valued and have access to opportunities within the same company. For previous generations, working for one employer meant one role for life.

'What we're seeing now is people wanting to stay with the business but to have the chance to upskill, move within the business, and experience different roles.

'If young people are given the right support and clear paths for progression, they're far more likely to stay with an employer for the long term.

'In today's economic climate, the stability of a supportive workplace can make a huge difference, offering not just financial security but also a sense of purpose and belonging.'

Matt Wintle, the head of talent and acquisition at Admiral, said: 'A trend we are seeing when recruiting for Admiral is that people, especially our younger colleagues, don't want to learn and leave, they want to invest in their workplace, gain equity in the company, and are prioritising personal development and work-life balance.'

When compared to Millennials, Gen Z are less likely to place mental health support at a workplace over professional development opportunities.

'If young people are given the right support and clear paths for progression, they're far more likely to stay with an employer for the long term,' Ms Davis said

Baby Boomers and Millennials have worked for the same amount of companies on average.

Kate McHugh, 37, Admiral project manager explained that she had joined the insurance firm in 2010 and is thrilled Gen Z aren't job hopping.

'I joined Admiral in 2010, when I was 23, and I would have never had the life I've had if I had chosen to leave and job-hop instead,' she said.

'At first it was simply a stop gap, but I quickly realised that Admiral could offer everything I wanted from my career and life plans.'

She said staying in the same company has allowed her to develop her career to the managerial level and has lead to entirely different career path in project management.

I don't think I would have had those opportunities if I had chosen to work in a series of short-term jobs instead,' she said.

'It's so great to see young people seeing the value in the same opportunity.'
The families of those brutally slaughtered by the Sicilian mafia fear that more than 20 mob bosses released over the last three months may now unleash a new wave of violence in their neighbourhoods.

Nine bosses linked to the infamous Sicilian mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro were released in October on furlough or for good behaviour by the Palermo court of appeals.

Among those released are Raffaele Galatolo, 74, a mafia boss from the Acquasanta neighbourhood of Palermo, after a court called him a 'model detainee' and let him go for good behaviour.

Galatolo and his late brother Vincenzo were the masters behind the so-called 'death chamber', a room where mafia victims would be strangled under the orders of the then-boss of the Sicilian mafia Salvatore 'Toto' Riina.

Giuseppe Corona, who had been in custody awaiting trial since 2018, was also released in October after he served the maximum period allowed before his trial.

Salvatore Borsellino, whose brother Paolo - an anti-mafia judge - was killed by the Cosa Nostra gang in 1992, told The Guardian: 'the release from prison of mobsters who have always refused to collaborate with justice is always extremely dangerous.

'It's a fatal blow to the fight against the mafia.'

Borsellino's comments come as chief prosecutor of Palermo, Maurizio de Lucia, recently issued an appeal in order to keep focus on the clamp down against the mafia.

Raffaele Galatolo, 74, a mafia boss from the Acquasanta neighbourhood of Palermo, was released in October for good behaviour

Giuseppe Corona, who had been in custody awaiting trial since 2018, was also released in October after he served the maximum period allowed before his trial

Nino Morana Agostino, whose police officer uncle Nino Agostino was shot dead in 1989 alongside his pregnant wife Ida, told Italian newspaper la Repubblica: 'We cannot afford to lower our guard in the fight against the mafia or to underestimate it.

'The mafiosi who had been sentenced to life imprisonment and who are now returning to freedom with parole still hold heavy secrets on unsolved mafia murders that they have refused to confess.

'That's why their release sends a bad signal.'

The concerns from prosecutors and family members come from the fact that several mob bosses who have been recently released have refused to cooperate with authorities in the past.

Meanwhile police fear that the Cosa Nostra mafia, which has been in decline for several years, could make a comeback.

Cosa Nostra, the real-life Sicilian crime syndicate depicted in the Godfather movies, is made up of a coalition of criminal organisations - called 'families' or 'clans'.

They engage in extortion, smuggling, gambling, and the mediation of disagreements between other criminals.

One of their most infamous and ruthless mafia bosses, Matteo Messina Denaro, died of colon cancer last year, aged 61 just eight month after he was captured by police after having spent 30 years on the run.

Judge Paolo Borsellino was killed by a car bomb in Via D'Amelio, Palermo, Italy by the Sicilian mafia in 1992. His brother Salvatore has raised his concerns over the release of 20 mafia bosses

Matteo Messina Denaro of the Cosa Nostra mafia was one of the most ruthless and infamous mafia bosses. Several of those mafia members released had ties to Denaro, who died of colon cancer last year

Anti-mafia protesters gather in Palermo in 2023 after Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro was arrested after being on the run for 30 years

Denaro, who was dubbed the 'last godfather' of the Cosa Nostra, spent 30 years on the run for murdering 50, including a boy dissolved in acid.

He once boasted that he could fill a cemetery with the people he had killed.

The mafioso had been forced into hiding after he ordered a series of deadly attacks, including the murders of anti-mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Borsellino, as well as a series of car bombs in Florence, Milan and Rome that left 10 people dead and 93 injured in 1993.

And children were not off limits for Messina Denaro.

In the same year, 'The Devil' helped organise the kidnapping of a 12-year-old boy, Giuseppe Di Matteo, in an attempt to dissuade his father from giving evidence against the mafia, prosecutors say.

The boy was held in captivity for two years before he was brutally strangled to death and his body dissolved in acid.
A century ago, one man was boldly making predictions for what life would be like in 2025.

Although there were some duds, such as that we would be wearing one-piece suits made from felt - Professor Archibald Montgomery Low was largely eerily accurate.

Many of the scientist's ideas were laid out in his 1925 book The Future and also reported by newspapers at the time.

Now, genealogy website Findmypast has unearthed reports of Low's predictions from its digital archive.

Professor Low predicted in 1925 that a home 'loud speaker' would tell its user the news, and that a 'television machine will replace the picture paper'.

He also said that 'automatic telephones' would 'get the right number every time', instead of the fiddly rotary dials of the 1920s.

The expert also foresaw the widespread use of escalators and airport travelators, writing that 'moving sidewalks' would save us from exertion.

Remarkably, Professor Low foresaw the shift to renewable energy, by predicting that 'wind and tide are also to be harnessed to the service of man.'

A century ago, one man was boldly making predictions for what life would be like in 2025. Dr Archibald Low predicted in 1925 that a home 'loud speaker' would tell its user the news. Above: An Apple smart speaker

Born in 1888, Professor Low was an engineer, physicist, inventor and author

He also suggested that manual labour would continue to be replace by machines, writing: 'Life is to be made far easier by the use of machinery that will do all the heavy and disagreeable work.'

Another newspaper report told of Professor Low's prediction that alarm clocks would become popular.

The average man would be 'called punctually by a radio alarm clock set to pick up the particular signal at the time he wishes to rise.'

Although Professor Low did say that the getting up time would be 'probably nine-thirty'.

Before alarm clocks were used en masse, many workers chose to be woken by a 'knocker upper', who would use a long stick or pea shooter to alert clients in the early morning.

The practice continued in some areas into the 1940s and 1950s.

Born in 1888, Professor Low was an engineer, physicist, inventor and author.

He invented the first powered drone and worked on the development of television.

The expert also foresaw the widespread use of escalators and airport travelators, writing that 'moving sidewalks' would save us from exertion

Remarkably, Professor Low foresaw the shift to renewable energy, by predicting that 'wind and tide are also to be harnessed to the service of man'

The Daily Mail was among outlets that reported in 1914 how Professor Low had developed 'apparatus for seeing simple objects by wire'.

He called the technology 'TeleVista'.

Writing on the subject a decade later, Professor Low prophetically said: 'Certainly within half a century we shall be able to see a race or see our friends crossing the Atlantic while we converse with them.

'It is a wonderful thought that the crew of a submarine, the miner, and even of the cabin of an aeroplane dashing to destruction, may be broadcast to us in pictures in our own room.'

The following year, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird made the first public display of the first television.

Professor Low was also known as the 'father of radio guidance systems' after working on planes, torpedo boats and guided rockets.

His sensitive work are said to have made him a target for the Germans, who reportedly made two attempts on his life in 1914.

London outlet the Daily News reported in October that year that shots had been fired through the window of his laboratory, and a German visitor had offered him a cigarette laced with the poison strychnine chloride.

Dr Low also had a hand in the development of television. Above: A family watching a TV in 1955

Writing about television and what we would know as video calling, Professor Low said in 1924: 'Certainly within half a century we shall be able to see a race or see our friends crossing the Atlantic while we converse with them'

Another newspaper report told of Professor Low's prediction that alarm clocks would become popular. Before alarm clocks were used en masse, many workers chose to be woken by a 'knocker upper', who would use a long stick or pea shooter to alert clients in the early morning. Above: Knocker upper Molly Moore at work in Stepney, 1953

The expert also prophetically predicted in 1925 that secret cameras and listening devices would be used to catch criminals.

However, Professor Low did have some more outlandish imaginings, such as that streets might one day be lit up by herbs, and that mind-to-mind electrical communication would be possible.

He also said that the average cinema-goer would 'find half a dozen films being shown simultaneously on the screen at one time'.

The expert went on: 'He will glance at the programme, and, by setting his observation apparatus to the key number of the film he wishes to see, he will cut out all save that one.'

Although cinemas do not offer such a service, Professor Low's prediction does align with the layout of the average smart TV that millions of Britons now have in their homes.

Professor Low's wife, Amy, divorced him on the grounds of adultery with two other women in 1936.

However, the following year, the decree for their divorce was rescinded.

Amy died in 1953 after being hit by a motorbike. Professor Low died aged 68 three years later.

Jen Baldwin, research specialist at Findmypast, said: 'This is a fascinating and unique story, pieced together thanks to the rich details to be found in Findmypast's newspaper collection.

'It's amazing that a century ago, one visionary scientist could predict how emerging technology  in its infancy at the time  could have changed the world by 2025.

'It makes you stop to wonder how the advancements we see around us today will be experienced by our own descendants.'
by Rafael Newman

An empire, threatened on its flank, vents spleen

Upon the would-be sovereign state between

Its borders and a surly host beyond

Which wavers not with weapons to respond;

The frays then joined by nations treaty bound

To emperors (one more, one less self-crowned):

And thus the world comes closer to a war

That will destroy both empires, and much more!

Now, do you think I mean our present plane,

Where Russia, versus NATO in Ukraine,

Once freed of its remaining moral shackle,

May trigger yet our terminal debacle?

Mistaken. I recall instead a time

Long past: which does, however, with ours rhyme.

Its 1859 and Lombardy,

To Habsburg lately sworn in fealty,

Raring Risorgiment-ally to rise

Italian and autonomous, allies

Itself with Piedmont and Cavour, il Conte

And with Napoleon the Third (less jaunty

Than the First, though uncle and his nephew both

To none but to themselves will pledge their troth).

These grandees fling their gauntlets at the feet

Of Francis Joseph, on whose balance sheet

The loss of Lombardy were scarce redressed

By assets in Galizien, or Budapest;

And who is thus obliged to quit his court

For Solferino, where the kingly sport

Of war awaits him, and his regents rival,

To prove which prince is worthy of survival.

But heres the place where parallels part ways

And leave us to our later, lesser days.

For though the Kremlin calques the Kaiser and

The Pentagons as potent, if no wiser than

L. Bonaparte, while Brussels is the farce

To V.E.R.D.I.s tragedy: yet try to parse

The restthe battle proper, where each chief

Championed in person his own proper fief;

The last engagement on this bloody ball

Whose each host heeded its own monarchs call

To arms; a skirmish where the issue was decided

In combat riskily by mounted royals guided

And youll agree our progress technological

Comes at the cost of glory demagogical.

For wheres the majesty in leading men

By proxy into war, and out again?

What is a Situation Room compared

With Solferino, where Franz Joseph dared

To meet head on Victor Emmanuel

And Bonapartealthough it sound the knell,

If distant, for his coupling Kaisers clan

And for their Holy Roman Bantustans?

Where are such doughty captains in our day,

Who blanch not at the fracas and the fray

But swing their booted form upon a steed

And with a battle-cry their soldiers lead?

Or better yetfor valor in a crowd

Nor shines as bright, nor halloos half as loud

As on its ownlets send our current masters

In single combat off to their disasters:

Let Vladimir Vladimirovich meet

Mark Rutte in a dead and final heat

The latter, if he likes, with von der Leyen

For balance, and for bank, and local buy-in;

As for the former, should he need a boon

Companion, he can cozen Kim Jong Un.

Let Netanyahu call out Khamenei

(With Assad seconding, by Zoom relay);

Let Trump lead Xi and Trudeau, Musk and Vance

A merry MAGA trade-war Totentanz

But give them, like Montcalm and Wolfe, the grace

To expunge each other from the human race

(Or Polynices and Eteocles:

Plus we would grant a grave to both of these)

And leave their peoples, quondam cannon fodder,

To enjoy the melee as intact applauders.

Or simply: to ignore the spectacle,

And sport themselves instead in dialectical

Disputes, in theater and thaumaturgy:

Nor any sort that calls for cross and clergy,

But rather wonders of the worldly kind,

Which calm the body and excite the mind;

Avoid all mongering, of hate or war

Just maybe fish, to please the carnivore.

Leave them, whove borne their admirals abuses,

To guidance rather by nine gracious Muses;

Let them be spared the dreadful death-bound draft,

And turn their hand instead to vital craft.

And thus my prayer: deliver us, dear readers,

Out of the hands of all these bloody leaders!

_______________________________

In memory of journalists and media workers killed in Gaza
New Orleans terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar was a 'smart student' and 'very likeable guy' during his school years, his former classmate has revealed.

Jabbar, 42, killed 14 people and injured dozens by ramming a truck into a crowd of New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans in a terror attack inspired by ISIS. He was fatally shot in a firefight with police after the rampage.

Jabbar's alignment with the terrorist group has come as a shock to those who used to know him, with one former classmate now telling DailyMail.com that 'wasn't the kind of guy who looked for trouble'.

Kendrick Watson Smith Sr., who went to middle and high school in Texas with Jabbar and his twin sister, said 'Sham' - as his classmates used to call him - was smart, 'very mild-mannered', and seemingly well-liked because of his 'cool personality'.

'As far as I can remember, I don't recall him being a troublemaker or anything like that,' Smith, 42, said. 'That just wasn't in his character. He was bookish and quiet, but he had a group of friends.'

He also recalled how he was surprised when Jabbar went into the military, claiming it seemed he had been on track to go off to college and become a lawyer or doctor.

Jabbar served in the Army from March 2007 to July 2020, deploying to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. He transferred to the army reserve in 2015 and left in 2020 with the rank of staff sergeant.

Jabbar earned nearly two dozens awards while serving in the military, including a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Task & Purpose reported.

New Orleans terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar, pictured ahead of Wednesday's fatal attack, was a 'smart student' and 'very likeable guy' during his school years, his former classmate revealed

Jabbar (pictured) served in the Army from March 2007 to July 2020, deploying to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010. He earned nearly two dozens awards while in the military, including a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Smith attended Central High School in Beaumont, Texas with Jabbar and his sister. They were all graduates of the Class of 2001, he told DailyMail.com.

Although Smith wasn't a close friend with Jabbar, he said they were friendly.

'He was a very likable guy, and people gravitated to him because he had a cool personality. He wasn't in the popular crowd, but he wasn't a loner,' Smith recalled.

'He was very smart and was in all the honors classes, so he was no dummy. He also was very mild-mannered in the way he carried himself.

Smith said it's 'unbelievable' that his former classmate was connected to ISIS.

'It does shock me because I went to school with this guy, walked the halls with him, yet never saw him ever become violent. I mean, you never know what triggers people and what makes people do things.'

Smith also claimed that he heard that his former classmate had a hard time after leaving the military.

'He probably saw things while he was in the military,' he said of Jabbar. 'Sometimes it gets really hard and when you are also dealing with financial situations and debt. It shouldn't make anyone go into violent extremes, but life is hard.

Jabbar, 42, killed 14 people and injured dozens by ramming a truck into a crowd of New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans in a terror attack inspired by ISIS. He was fatally shot in a firefight with police after the rampage

Emergency services attend the scene after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025

The horrific Bourbon Street attack was the deadliest ISIS-inspired assault on US soil in years. Pictured are victims laying on the street

'I have friends that went into the military and sometimes they don't come back the same way when they left, and they look at life and death differently than I do.'

Smith said he couldn't remember Jabbar's fraternal twin sister's name, but said the the pair also had an older brother and were close to the mother.

'They were a tight-knit family. Every family has problems, but you wouldn't want to see their sister, brother or mother see something about their loved one like this.'

He added: 'My heart also goes out to all the victims who lost their lives and their families. I don't know why he did this and what he was into to make him do this. Never in a million years would I think he would be a guy who could do something like this.'

Jabbar joined the Army in March 2007, serving on active duty in human resources and information technology until January 2015. He also deployed to Afghanistan February 2009 to January 2010.

He transferred to the Army reserve in 2015 and left in 2020, ending his service with the rank of staff sergeant.

Jabbar joined the Army in March 2007, serving on active duty in human resources and information technology until January 2015. He also deployed to Afghanistan February 2009 to January 2010. He transferred to the Army reserve in 2015 and left in 2020, ending his service with the rank of staff sergeant

Jabbar was a seemingly dedicated soldier, receiving 23 accolades over the course of his military career, according to Task & Purpose.

His awards included three Army Commendation Medals - which are awarded to soldiers who distinguish themselves through heroism or meritorious service - four Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

He was also awarded: the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star; two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons; the Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon; a NATO Medal; two Meritorious Unit Commendations; the Parachutist Badge; and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.

Before serving in the Army, Jabbar enlisted in the Navy. He joined the service's delayed entry program in August 2004, but was discharged one month later. He did not attend boot camp.
Grooming gang victims spoke out today to demand a public inquiry and tougher sentences for abusers amid a social media war waged against Sir Keir Starmer by Elon Musk.

The row began yesterday after Jess Phillips rejected a request by Oldham Council for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation, suggesting it would be best for the local council to investigate the issue instead.

Mr Musk, 53, has said Ms Phillips 'deserves to be in prison', while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is 'long overdue'.

Sarah Wilson was groomed and raped by paedophiles in Rotherham for five years from the age of 11 - with one attack taking place in a school playground.

She wrote on X: 'Jess Phillips needs to hang her head in shame!!! Anyone who denies an independent investigation has a lot to hide.'

Sammy Woodhouse was just 14 when she met her rapist, Arshid Hussain, who was jailed for 35 years in 2016. Hussain, known in Rotherham as Mad Ash, was reportedly contacted by the council about care proceedings.

She told LBC: 'We have report, after report, after report telling us the same thing. We know what's happening in this country because people like myself have been giving thousands of interviews to the mainstream media telling you about it.

'What's not happening is action - there's not enough paedophiles being taken through the courts and when they are, they're walking free. There's no professionals being held to account.'

While the proposed public inquiry would have focused on Oldham, grooming gangs have been exposed in numerous other parts of the country ranging from Newcastle to Oxford and Bristol. The abusers were predominantly Asian men.

Sammy Woodhouse, another victim of grooming gangs in the South Yorkshire town, called for 'action' against professionals, including police and social workers, who failed to stop the abuse

Sammy Woodhouse was just 14 when she met her rapist, Arshid Hussain, who was jailed for 35 years in 2016

Sarah Wilson, a survivor of sex abuse in Rotherham, has spoken out in favour of an 'independent investigation' into grooming gangs

Your browser does not support iframes.

It comes as Elon Musk launched another salvo against Labour and Sir Keir by accusing the PM of being 'complicit' in crimes carried out by sex abuse gangs.

The billionaire, a senior adviser to incoming US president Donald Trump, spent a large chunk of the US east coast night on his platform bombarding followers with his thoughts on UK politics.

He criticised Sir Keir and safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips before backing a madcap call for King Charles to unilaterally dissolve the government and call an election.

And later he accused Sir Kier, who was director of public prosecutions (DPP) between 2008 and 2013, of having allowed criminals to get away with abuse.

'Starmer must go and he must face charges for his complicity in the worst mass crime in the history of Britain (sic),' he said.

However, Labour ministers finally emerged to hit back at Mr Musk.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting this morning said his slew of tweets were 'misjudged and certainly misinformed'.

And asked about the Tesla owner's criticisms, Health Minister Andrew Gwynne told LBC: 'Elon Musk is an American citizen and perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic.'

Ms Woodhouse with the baby she gave birth to at the age of 15

Mr Musk jumped in on a row over the government's refusal to back a probe into gangs of British Asian men targeting teenage girls in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

He used his social media site to post or repost about child grooming in the UK more than 40 times over the last 24 hours, lining up alongside senior Reform UK and Conservative politicians demanding a fresh inquiry.

Several are from UK MPs like Reform's Rupert Lowe and the Tories' Robert Jenrick, while others include a video featuring right wing activist Tommy Robinson  who was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court in October.

In a sign of some concern among rightwing politicians in the UK, Bloomberg today reported efforts by those with links to Trump to get him to tone down his praise for Robinson, a far right agitator.

The world's richest man, Mr Musk last week praised the far right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany.

Overnight he shared a post asking whether Charles III 'should dissolve parliament and order a General Election for the sake and security' of Britain.

Mr Musk retweeted the X thread with a one-word comment: 'Yes.'

The King undemocratically dissolving Parliament of his own volition six months after voters went to the polls would trigger an immediate constitutional crisis in the UK.

In his latest attacks on Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Musk shared a post asking whether Charles 'should dissolve parliament and order a General Election for the sake and security' of Britain.

Mr Musk later he accused Sir Kier, who was director of public prosecutions (DPP) between 2008 and 2013, of having allowed criminals to get away with abuse

Pressed if Mr Musk's comments were unhelpful to the Government, Health Secretary Mr Streeting told ITV News that ministers took child sexual exploitation 'incredibly seriously'.

He added: 'Some of the criticisms that Elon Musk has made, I think are misjudged and certainly misinformed, but we're willing to work with Elon Musk, who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform to help us and other countries to tackle this serious issue.

'So if he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, we'd welcome that.'

The Health Secretary also said that ministers were supportive of an inquiry into the Oldham scandal, but signalled it had to be led locally.

Mr Musk continued to wade into the gangs debate overnight, hours after he posted that safeguarding minister Jess Phillips 'deserves to be in prison' after she denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham on Thursday.

He also suggested the Prime Minister had failed to bring 'rape gangs' to justice when he was director of public prosecutions.

Mr Musk reposted an article in The Daily Telegraph by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick in which he says the 'grooming gangs' should be renamed 'torture rape gangs'.

He wrote that Mr Musk's comments had shamed 'the establishment by taking more interest in bringing these rape gangs to justice in one evening than most of the British establishment has for decades'.

Elon Musk has repeatedly attacked Sir Keir Starmer on social media in recent days

Mr Musk continued his criticism in a post alongside footage of The Times' chief investigative reporter Andrew Norfolk as he detailed the scope of the case and police mishandling, calling it 'State-sponsored evil.'

Mr Norfolk reported on the Rotherham child sexual exploitation ring in the UK press in 2011. The scandal was first exposed by the Mail in 2010.

In another comment on the same post, Mr Musk branded the scandal and the child rapists involved as 'utterly shameful'.

The Tesla owner also called a post asking why people were angrier at his comments than they were about 'mass rape' of children as the 'perfect question'.

Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is 'long overdue'.

Ms Phillips said she recognised the 'strength of feeling' for a Home Office-led inquiry into Oldham, but she told the local council the Government will not 'intervene'.

'I believe it is for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene,' she said.

In response, Mr Musk, a key member of US President-elect Donald Trump's inner circle, said: 'She deserves to be in prison.'

He also appeared to place blame at the Prime Minister's door.

Mr Musk said: 'In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Service's approval for the police to charge suspects.

'Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.'

In a series of posts on his social media site, Mr Musk described the Prime Minister as 'two-tier Keir', claiming there was 'no justice for severe, violent crimes but prison for social media posts'.

Mr Musk also expressed his support for activist Tommy Robinson  real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  who was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court in October.

Senior Tories also sought to put pressure on the Government over grooming gangs.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is 'long overdue'

Mrs Badenoch said: 'The time is long overdue for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal.

'Trials have taken place all over the country in recent years but no one in authority has joined the dots.

'2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice.'

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns pressed for a statutory inquiry in Oldham.

They said that only a public inquiry 'can adequately encompass the national nature of these crimes and issues' and consider whether reports were ignored by the police, CPS and local council 'or even covered up'.

In 2022, the then-Conservative government also refused a request for a public inquiry into events in Oldham.

An Oldham Council spokesman said: 'Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation.

'Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount, and we will not renege on that pledge.'

Responding to Mrs Badenoch's post, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: 'Talk is cheap. The Conservatives had 14 years in government to launch an inquiry.

'The establishment has failed the victims of grooming gangs on every level.'

Mr Musk, who is rumoured to be considering a major donation to Mr Farage's party, responded: 'Exactly. Time for Reform.'

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, which published its final report in 2022, described the sexual abuse of children as an 'epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake'.

Led by Professor Alexis Jay, the inquiry looked into abuse by organised groups following multiple convictions of sexual offences against children across the UK between 2010-2014, including in Rotherham, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Rochdale and Bristol.

In November last year, Professor Jay said she felt 'frustrated' that none of the probe's 20 recommendations had been implemented more than two years after its conclusion.
Around 1,700 Ukrainian troops equipped by the West have disappeared after being trained in France, leaving the remainder of their brigade to face Putin's wrath alone.

The 155th Mechanised Brigade, one of Ukraine's few units equipped with advanced Leopard 2 battle tanks, was supposed to bolster the country's defences.

Instead, at least 50 soldiers disappeared while the unit trained in France, and by the time it entered its first battle, 1,700 troops had gone absent without leave.

Even as late as November, 500 soldiers remained unaccounted for, sparking a crisis for the brigade, also known as Anne of Kyiv in honour of its historical ties with France.

This mass exodus occurred before the unit was deployed to Pokrovsk, a critical logistics hub in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.

When the depleted brigade finally entered combat in recent days, it suffered heavy losses, including some of its prized Leopard tanks and other armoured vehicles.

The debacle has prompted an investigation by Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigations into what critics are calling the 'shambolic' formation of the unit.

The brigade was intended to feature over 5,800 troops and state-of-the-art Western weaponry, including French Caesar 155mm howitzers.

The Anne of Kyiv brigade had spent nine months training in western Ukraine, Poland and France

Ukrainian soldiers fire targets on the front line in the direction of the city of Ugledar, Donetsk

Apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ternopil, Ukraine December 2, 2024

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 3, 2025

The remainder of the Ukrainian brigade has now been forced to face Putin 's wrath alone

It was the centrepiece of a high-profile 747 billion project jointly announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron last year.

Instead, the brigade's collapse has exposed glaring flaws in Ukraine's strategy to build new military units from scratch, with analysts questioning why resources weren't used to bolster battle-hardened brigades already engaged on the front lines.

The 155th Mechanised Brigade spent nine months training in Ukraine, Poland, and France, as part of an ambitious plan to form 14 new brigades equipped with advanced Western weapons.

But critics say the project has descended into chaos, leaving soldiers ill-prepared for the battlefield and Ukraine's war effort exposed.

Prominent war correspondent Yuriy Butusov delivered a scathing assessment of the brigade's collapse, calling it 'a crime' not of the soldiers but of Ukraine's military leadership.

The brigade's problems reportedly began from the outset.

Recruitment launched in June last year, but many of the 2,500 initial recruits were siphoned off to replenish other battle-worn units.

This left just 1,924 volunteers to undergo training in France, of whom only 51 had more than a year's military experience.

Shockingly, over 1,400 had joined the Ukrainian army just two months before being sent for overseas drills.

The brigade was intended to feature over 5,800 troops and state-of-the-art Western weaponry, including French Caesar 155mm howitzers

It was the centrepiece of a high-profile 747 billion project jointly announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron last year

Ukrainian servicemen of the mobile air defence unit fire a machine gun at Russian drones during night patrol on December 2, 2024 in Chernihiv Oblast

Ukrainian servicemen of the 43 Artillery Brigade fire a 2S7 Pion self-propelled cannon towards Russian positions at a front line in the Donetsk region

A member of Ukraine's 72nd Brigade Anti-air unit fires at a Russian Zala reconnaissance drone over head on February 23, 2024 near Marinka, Ukraine

The unit also suffered an exodus during training, with over 700 troops deserting on Ukrainian soil between October and November.

By the time the brigade was finally deployed to Pokrovsk, it was already understrength and under-resourced.

Despite being equipped with some of the most advanced Western tanks and artillery, it was sent into battle without drones - the essential tool for modern reconnaissance- or electronic warfare jammers.

Analysts observing the conflict have questioned Kyiv's decision to invest in untested new brigades instead of reinforcing existing units battered by months of combat.

Critics warn that the fiasco not only risks undermining morale but could squander the vital Western support Ukraine depends on to repel Russian aggression.

Serhii Sternenko, a prominent Ukrainian social media influencer and military fundraiser, revealed he had been forced to send essential kit to the 155th Mechanised Brigade due to a concerning lack of government-provided supplies.

The brigade, deployed to Pokrovsk, reportedly received cash for reconnaissance drones only 10 days after entering the fight. By then, the damage was done.

The British Army's new Archer Mobile Howitzer gun fires, as British Army soldiers take part in training near Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle, Finland

This handout photograph taken and released by the National Police of Ukraine on November 29, 2024 shows burning house following a drone attack at an undisclosed location in Odesa region

Brand-new Leopard 2A4 tanks and French VAB armoured vehicles, supplied by Western allies, were lost during their initial use, targeted by Russian drones.

Butusov blamed the failures on Kyiv's inadequate preparation, calling it a disastrous waste of Western aid.

The chaos prompted the swift dismissal of Colonel Dmytro Ryumshin, the brigade's commander, just days after his troops entered combat.

Even Ukraine's military elite have voiced scathing criticism.

Bohdan Krotevych, chief of staff for the renowned Azov Brigade, questioned the logic behind creating new, poorly equipped units while veteran brigades remain under-strength.

Butusov was even more damning, describing the 155th as a 'PR project' for President Zelensky that collapsed due to incompetence.

'The brigades servicemen became hostages of Zelenskys PR project, which the authorities made no effort to actually implement competently,' he said.

Now, the once-celebrated brigade has been effectively disbanded.

Its surviving troops and equipment have been scattered across seasoned units already defending Pokrovsk, marking another grim chapter in Ukraine's battle against Putin's forces.
The pilot who survived a fatal helicopter crash while filming Netflix's Outback Wrangler has been pictured for the first time since the incident left him paralysed.

Sebastian Robinson shared a birthday tribute for his girlfriend on social media with a photo showing the young helicopter pilot for the first time since the death of his co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson on February 28, 2022.

Mr Robinson was seriously injured in the crash and is now a paraplegic after the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found the helicopter operated by Wright's company Helibrook had likely plunged out of the sky due to fuel exhaustion.

Mr Willow fell to his death while dangling from the helicopter collecting crocodile eggs.

Since the incident Mr Robinson has remained elusive until he shared the tribute to his girlfriend on Friday.

'You've been to hell and back with me,' he wrote in the accompanying caption.

'Couldn't ask for a better women.'

Mr Robinson's miraculous survival has been followed by a string of lawsuits and investigations against Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright who was banned from flying helicopters in December 2024.

Sebastian Robinson has been pictured for the first time since he survived a fatal helicopter crash that killed his co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson on February 28, 2022

Mr Robinson suffered serious spinal injuries in the crash and has been left a paraplegic

Mr Robinson had previously shared a throwback photo of himself and his late co-star Mr Wilson on the anniversary of the crash in 2023.

'Not a day goes by. The hardest 12 months of my life,' Mr Robinson wrote.

'One of a kind best mate I could turn to for advice.

'Miss you Wilson. This life isn't fair.'

The pair's Robinson R44 chopper, which was owned and operated by Wright's company Helibrook, went down on the King River in West Arnhem Land in remote Northern Territory.

Mr Robinson, who was 29 at the time, was critically injured in the crash and suffered serious spinal injuries and numerous broken bones.

Mr Wilson's widow, Danielle, similarly shared a tribute on the one-year anniversary where she described 2022 as the 'worst, toughest and most traumatising year'.

'A year ago today we lost you to the heavens in the most tragic of circumstances,' she wrote.

Mr Robinson had previously shared a throwback photo of himself and his late co-star Mr Wilson (pictured together) on the anniversary of the crash in 2023

Mr Robinson's chopper, which was owned and operated by Matt Wright's company Helibrook, went down in remote Northern Territory (pictured, Mr Wilson and Mr Robinson)

Ms Wilson has been left since the crash raising the pair's two children, Ted and Austin, alone.

'The past year has been the longest and shortest of our lives. Time has stood still, yet we have blinked and a year has gone by without our greatest love,' she continued.

'Life without you is not the same and the world is a lesser place without you in it.

'I have grieved for you and the life that you never got to live, as well as what should have been.'

The pair had almost been married for a decade before the fatal crash.

Since the crash Wright has appeared in court numerous times to defend himself against allegations of malpractice

In the years since, Wright has appeared in court numerous times to defend himself against allegations of malpractice.

Recently the Civil Aviation Safety Authority cancelled his commercial pilot's licence and the air operator's certificate of his company.

CASA launched enforcement action against at least six pilots following the NT chopper crash that killed Mr Wilson.

Wright's spokesperson said he had already lodged an appeal from the decision on his licence.

He added that that Helibrook 'had advised the regulator some time ago' that it would not be maintaining an air operator's certificate moving forward.

If his appeal fails, Wright will have to reapply for his licence, which can take up to three years.

Wright was also investigated by the NT Police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and NT WorkSafe following the crash.

The ATSB found the helicopter operated by Wright's company Helibrook had likely crashed due to fuel exhaustion.

Wright will face a trial on charges related to the helicopter crash, from July 7, which is expected to last eight weeks.

The Netflix celebrity pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice following the crash.

The single charge relates to alleged behaviour in the aftermath of the crash where Mr Wright was allegedly one of the first on the scene.
A British woman has issued an emotional warning to travellers after being arrested and detained at a Delhi airport for carrying a common GPS device, which is banned in India.

Heather, a qualified mountain leader based in West Yorkshire, was heading to the northern city of Rishikesh when security at the Indira Gandhi International Airport handed her over to the police for carrying a Garmin inReach device.

The experienced hiker shared her story on Instagram, warning other travellers who may be planning a trip to India not to bring equipment such as a GPS or satellite communicator into the country.

'Do not try to travel to India with a Garmin inReach or any other satellite communicator,' she said in her post, adding: 'They are illegal here.'

In the clip, Heather said that she even contacted the embassy but was told there was little they could do since she was now in the hands of the law in India.

Heather also claimed that during her detention, the police denied her access to water.

In a detailed caption, Heather wrote: 'At around 10.30am, I was passing through security at Delhi Airport with the intention of taking an internal flight to Rishikesh.

'I innocently placed my Garmin inReach in the tray to go through the scanner, and at that moment I was promptly pulled aside by security and told to wait.'

Heather took to Instagram to issue a warning to travellers after she was arrested and detained for carrying a GPS device in India

The experienced hiker claimed that during her detention, the police denied her access to water

According to the Indian wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, possession of wireless telegraphy equipment without a proper license is prohibited.

The ban encompasses satellite technology, included in the Garmin inReach Mini device, described on the companys site as a go-to connection for maintaining off-the-grid contact'.

Heather claimed that after being made to wait for a long time, she was told that the Garmin was illegal in India 'and that they were handing me over to the police'.

'I was eventually taken to the police station where I was questioned, in a fairly friendly manner, and made to sign document after document.

'I didn't take the 'no comment' stance, foolishly or not, it is my nature to be honest, and after all, there was absolutely no intent on my behalf,' she added.

After spending several hours in police custody, Heather said she was released at around 9pm but was told she would have to return for a court appearance.

She added, 'I am not the only person who has fallen victim to this law. Hence, I felt compelled to write this post.'

Heather also referenced a recent case involving a Canadian runner arrested in India in December for carrying a similar device.

Though she claimed the detention overwhelmed her, she hoped sharing her story would help others avoid a similar fate.

Heather was heading to the northern city of Rishikesh when security at the Indira Gandhi International Airport handed her over to the police for carrying a Garmin inReach device (pictured)

'I don't know what the outcome will be,' she said, adding, 'I guess I will just have to wait.'

It comes after a Canadian trail runner enjoying a months-long trip to India found herself in trouble with airport authorities in Goa after they detected an illegal item in her bag  a mini GPS device, forbidden under Indian law by legislation thats nearly a century old.

Tina Lewis, who now lives in Colorado, had already been through multiple other Indian airports without problem when she caught the attention of security in Goa.

I brought my Garmin inReach device as I do for many of my international trips for camping, possible mountain adventures, and to use when there is no cell reception for safety as a solo female traveller, Lewis wrote on Instagram two weeks ago. To check in with family/friends.

'I was detained at airport security (CISF) in Goa and escorted to the Goan police outpost to be investigated. I was not aware a GPS device was illegal. It is a 1933 (!!!) law.

The description of the device online is followed by a prominent message: NOTICE: Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communications devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.

Lewis wrote that, after hours of investigation', she was bailed out by a friends lawyer connection at midnight.

After days of court', her case was finally cleared.
Iconic British brand Laura Ashley has been sold to a new US owner after first falling into administration at the beginning of the pandemic.

The firm has been a staple on UK high streets since its foundation in 1953 and counted Princess Diana and Holly Willoughby among its fans.

Laura Ashley has now been snapped up by Marquee Brands, the US owner of Ben Sherman.

The US group, which runs 17 brands, said it has bought the fashion and furnishings business from investment firm Gordon Brothers for an undisclosed amount.

Marquee Brands said it plans to 'unlock the future potential' of the well-known British business with plans for new products and collaborations.

Laura Ashley, which was founded in 1953, will retain its UK-based team as part of the deal.

The deal comes almost five years after Laura Ashley tumbled into administration at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The retailer shut its 70 stores for good as result and axed hundreds of jobs.

Laura Ashley, a brand favoured by Princess Diana, has been sold to a new US owner

Among those to wear the brand's signature flowy, floral dresses was Holly Willoughby

Kate Garraway also wore the brand's signature looks before it fell into administration at the beginning of the pandemic

A year later, it relaunched on UK high streets through a partnership with Next to sell its homeware and furnishings.

Prior to its collapse, its clothes were regularly worn by the likes of Holly Willoughby and Kate Garraway.

The acquisition will mark a key part in Marquee Brand's expansion strategy, giving the group a European headquarters in London for the first time.

Welsh designer Laura Ashley started out by sewing headscarves and napkins on her kitchen table in Pimlico, London in 1953.

Having gained quilting experience with her local Women's Institute, she would make garments while her husband Bernard printed them and they would take mail orders and sell to High Street retailers such as John Lewis.

The business moved to Kent and then her native Wales in the late 1950s and early 1960s, as the brand established itself and gained momentum.

Its signature flowing, floral dress became a staple of the late 1970s all around the world.

Diana was often seen in her dresses and unwittingly shut down production once after she wore a 50 granddad collar gown to a photo call, with staff unable to cope with demand.

Welsh designer Laura Ashley started out by sewing headscarves and napkins on her kitchen table in Pimlico, London in 1953 (Pictured: Then-Lady Diana Spencer poses in Laura Ashley as she worked at a Kindergarten in London in 1980)

Diana was often seen in her dresses and unwittingly shut down production once after she wore a 50 granddad collar gown to a photo call, with staff unable to cope with demand

After the Diana effect died down Laura Ashley had to rely on its homewear to make money

On its administration, all 70 UK Laura Ashley stores were forced to close down

The acquisition will mark a key part in Marquee Brand's expansion strategy, giving the group a European headquarters in London for the first time

Laura Ashley's signature flowing, floral dress became a staple of the late 1970s all around the world

Pictured: Princess Diana wears a blue and green floral Laura Ashley gown as she watches Prince Charles play polo at Tidworth in 1981

Actresses Pamela Harlow and Heidi Banks were sighted at a Laura Ashley clothing store in Beverly Hills, California in 1984 (left, right: Jane Sturdy and Billy Livingston model for the brand)

But after the 'Diana effect' died down, the brand had to rely increasingly on its homeware to make money.

Heath Golden, chief executive officer of Marquee Brands, said: 'Laura Ashley's licensed business model and robust group of high-quality partners makes the brand a seamless addition to Marquee Brands.

'We are excited to harness the strong affinity for this iconic brand and drive expansion across new platforms and partnerships.

'With the existing UK team in place, we are primed and ready to leverage Laura Ashley's seven-decade legacy to unlock its future potential as a full lifestyle brand innovating new products and categories, offering unique collaborations and engaging multi-generational audiences in key markets worldwide.'

Tobias Nanda, head of brands at Gordon Brothers, said: 'As a firm that actively invests in and revitalises iconic brands like Laura Ashley, we acquired the British heritage brand out of insolvency in 2020 and built a flexible, scalable licensing business and a global e-commerce presence over the last four years.

'We could not be prouder of Laura Ashley's growth under Carolyn D'Angelo's leadership, the former president of Laura Ashley, and know the brand is in the right hands for continued global growth under Marquee Brands' leadership.'
A video shows a giant endangered 11ft long shark lying dead on a British beach - sparking fury after speculation it was killed by anglers.

The thresher shark was found washed-up on Par Sands Beach, near St Austell, by a woman walking her dog on New Year's Day.

It is the second thresher to be found dead on a southwestern beach in recent weeks. Another thresher rescued from an abandoned fishing net in Clovelly, Devon, was found dead there just days later.

The thresher shark is also known as the long-tailed shark due to its distinctive caudal fin, which can be as long as the body of the shark itself.

Experts believe the shark died after being injured by fishing line. Members of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Marine Strandings Network attended the scene on Par Sands Beach following the grisly discovery.

Their initial assessments suggest the shark experienced significant trauma likely caused by angling.

A spokesperson said: 'Initial assessments suggest that the shark had experienced significant trauma, likely caused by line-caught sport fishing.

'Bycatch remains a major threat to ocean wildlife. Cornwall Wildlife Trust urges water users to follow safe handling and release practices to protect our marine animals.

The giant 11ft thresher shark was found dead on Par Beach in Cornwall by a dog walker on New Year's Day

The thresher shark is also known as the long-tailed shark due to its distinctive caudal fin, which can be as long as the body of the shark itself

The woman had to pull her dog away from the shark's body several times, as the video shows

'Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers and community members who helped move the animal safely and kept people at a safe distance.

'Post-mortem results are pending, full results will be published in due course. Learn more about responsible fishing on our website.'

Wildlife lovers were furious about the fate of the thresher shark, which have been listed as vulnerable by the World Conservation Union since 2007.

The sharks are found in all the world's temperate oceans, including the coastal waters of the UK in summer.

Pip Evans said: 'There's no excuse for animal abuse. No animals should ever be abused for a human to get an adrenaline kick, or whatever they get out of it. It's always the animals who are the victims.'

Cherry Berry said: 'They ban straws to save the fish - but don't ban fishing to save the fish.' Sylvia Morley added: 'How very sad.'

But Kaye Brennan defended the fishing industry saying: 'Fishers are just supplying. Good ones do their best - in the toughest of circumstances.

'Industrial fishing is incredibly damaging and should be stopped. But the consumer must surely take some responsibility here.'
A Mercury Prize-winning rapper has been ordered to pay Arts Council England 10,000 after suing them for race discrimination - because they asked her to repay them for takeaways she bought on her work card.

Corynne Elliot, known as Speech Debelle, claimed the organisation was 'bugging' her for asking for four months' worth of food and taxi journeys she had paid for with a procurement card.

As part of her case, the 41-year-old also told an employment tribunal that being asked to talk about her knowledge of hip-hop culture was harassment.

After her case was dismissed, the charity sought to recover their legal costs from Miss Elliot and her solicitors, saying it could have been up to 40,000.

In June this year, she setup a fundraiser to 'raise awareness and case costs' which only saw 60 people donate 1,273 out of the 5,000 goal.

However, she has now been ordered to pay 9,870 with an employment judge declaring that bringing these discrimination allegations was 'dreadful and unacceptable' behaviour.

EJ Garry Smart said: 'Discrimination allegations are damaging to people emotionally, physically and reputationally, after all, any serious allegations are unpleasant and can result, even if the allegations have been disproven beyond any doubt, in the accused becoming stigmatised just as much as the accuser might be.'

Miss Elliot won the Mercury Prize in 2009 for her debut album, Speech Therapy, and a remix of the lead single 'Spinnin' was an official anthem for the London 2012 Olympics.

Corynne Elliot, known as Speech Debelle, won the Mercury Prize in 2009 for her debut album, Speech Therapy

Since her victory, the 41-year-old released two more critically acclaimed albums, Freedom of Speech and Tantil Before I Breathe as well as appearing on Celebrity Masterchef, pictured, with Les Dennis, to her left, Joe Calzaghe, to the very left and Matthew Hoggard, right

A remix of the her single 'Spinnin' was an official anthem for the London 2012 Olympics

Since then she has released two more critically acclaimed albums, Freedom of Speech and Tantil Before I Breathe as well as appearing on Celebrity Masterchef.

The tribunal, held in central London, heard that Miss Elliot started working for Arts Council England as a relationship manager in August 2017.

It was there that she started the Black Influencers Masterclass and Programme which helped artists of colour to access funding.

In December 2020 the charity began trying to recover money from Miss Elliot for unauthorised use of her procurement card.

This was due to the fact that over a period of four months she had used the work card to pay for takeaways, taxi journeys and a driving license renewal, the tribunal heard - but she claimed she had been using the wrong card in her Apple Pay wallet.

She tried to claim the discrimination began in late 2019, after her performance at work had been questioned, but an internal grievance process did not uphold her claims.

In November 2019 when a senior manager, Claire Toogood, asked to meet with Miss Elliot about some time critical work she had not done.

At the time, the rapper was speaking to another relationship manager when Ms Toogood 'politely interrupted' their conversation to tell the rapper she was ready to meet - and Miss Elliot asked for 10 minutes.

The tribunal, held in central London, heard that Miss Elliot, pictured, started working for Arts Council England as a relationship manager in August 2017

In December 2020 the charity began trying to recover money from Miss Elliot for unauthorised use of her procurement card

Then, during the meeting Miss Elliot tried to get another colleague to write the letters and when Ms Toogood said this was not possible she laughed at her before 'abruptly' leaving the meeting.

Miss Elliot told the tribunal that Ms Toogood's behaviour was an example of 'violence against diverse people' and that she had been 'hostile and angry' during the meeting.

However, EJ Smart concluded that the interaction had nothing to do with race and that Miss Elliot 'did not genuinely believe' this was discrimination.

The rapper also claimed that her line manager, Huey Walker, knew about wider racism concerns at the arts organisation and did nothing about them.

This was based on text messages in 2019 between Mr Walker, who is mixed race, and Natalie Pryce who told him that she had heard there was a 'division' in the music team between black and white employees and that people thought she was 'doing no work'.

Mr Walker said they would discuss it tomorrow and Ms Pryce responded that it was 'sad' they had to work harder to 'appease the white members of the team'.

EJ Smart found that Miss Elliot did not know if any action had or had not been taken after these messages and that they were not direct discrimination against the rapper.

Two years later, in 2021, Miss Elliot alleges that during a one to one meeting Mr Walker told her she needed to 'prove her worth' to employees who believed 'black staff don't work'.

She argued that this was Mr Walker conducting racism 'on behalf of' Arts Council England.

The rapper has now been ordered to pay 9,870 with an employment judge declaring that bringing false discrimination allegations was 'dreadful and unacceptable' behaviour

However, he said there was a discussion about Miss Elliot proving herself but that it had nothing to do with race.

EJ Smart said he was 'not persuaded' that Mr Walker had said 'black staff don't work' and that this conversation could not be linked to the 2019 comments.

Miss Elliot also claimed that she had been harassed when her co-worker, Chole Brooks, said at a 2018 away day that she was 'disappointed' Miss Elliot wasn't there because she wanted to learn more about hip-hop music and culture.

The rapper told the tribunal that she viewed this as being asked to do more work because of her race.

The tribunal found this was not a 'reasonable' view because it was not a requirement to do more work just an 'expression of desire' to talk to Miss Elliot about her specialism.

Lastly, she also complained about an 'insulting and unsolicited' email sent while she was on sick leave, the way her occupational health assessments were handled and a lack of support from her manager.

These were all dismissed by the tribunal.

In August 2021 Miss Elliot resigned from Arts Council England and her employment ended the following month.

An Arts Council England spokesperson said: 'The unanimous judgment of the tribunal was that the claims against Arts Council England should be dismissed, and that Arts Council England staff acted professionally and appropriately.

'We take our responsibility as custodians of taxpayers' money seriously and therefore, based on the exceptional comments of the judge on the merits of Arts Council England's case as the claimant, we sought to recover a proportion of legal costs.'
A HMRC worker who branded her female boss 'sexist' when she said in a meeting that she wanted a granddaughter so she could buy 'pink dresses' has lost a discrimination claim, an employment tribunal heard.

Rachel Gladstone demanded that team leader Sandra Edwards apologise, asking that she 'keep the overt spoilt pink baby girl princess sexism for your private and family life'.

Ms Gladstone added that it was a 'triggering' subject for her as she had spent time while raising her own daughter to counteract the 'pink is for girls' culture, which she described as 'mildly damaging when taken to extremes'.

The comments - made in a series of emails - led bosses to launch disciplinary proceedings against admin worker Ms Gladstone, then 52, over her behaviour at work for which she received a written warning.

This prompted her to resign and to sue HMRC for unfair constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.

However, her claims were all dismissed by the tribunal which concluded that she had been treated fairly.

The hearing in Cardiff was told that Ms Gladstone - a 'clearly intelligent' mathematics graduate - had joined HMRC's Debt Management department based in the city in 2016.

She had previously specialised in statistics - working for Unilever and the Department of Health - before suffering from a number of physical and mental health conditions.

Rachel Gladstone branded her female boss 'sexist' when she said in a meeting that she wanted a granddaughter so she could buy 'pink dresses'

A street view of the the building of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs

The tribunal was told that HMRC bosses found her behaviour at work 'challenging' and that she had raised a number of issues about the organisation's policies, procedures and computer software with management.

In June 2022 an incident occurred during one of her team's regular Daily Work Group Meetings (DWGMs).

'Ms Edwards shared with the group that she was going to attend a scan with her daughter, at which they were going to find out whether her daughter was expecting a girl or boy,' the tribunal heard.

'A member of the team asked what her daughter would like, and Ms Edwards replied that, as she already had two boys, it would be nice to have a girl, commenting that it would be nice to be able to buy pink dresses for her.

'[Ms Gladstone] then said, "Sexist", which she contended had been said under her breath and left the meeting.

'Soon after, [Ms Gladstone] sent Ms Edwards a message on Teams, noting that a colleague sitting behind her in the office was wearing a very smart pink shirt.

'She noted that she hoped that Ms Edwards had a nice time with her daughter and that the baby would be healthy whatever sex, but noted that 'not everyone is entirely happy with the pink means baby girl culture.'

Three days later at the next DWGM Ms Edwards was asked how the scan had gone and she confirmed that her daughter was having another boy.

'Soon after, [Ms Gladstone] sent Ms Edwards an email with the subject heading "Complaint about DWGM topic - please apologise",' the tribunal heard.

'She said: "I don't think DWGM is the appropriate place for informal sexism, please apologise. Please keep the overt spoilt-pink-baby-girl-princess sexism for your private and family life. Please be aware we don't all share your beliefs and culture".

'[She] then concluded her email by saying, 'Please respect the fact we don't all belong to the same culture within the UK.

'I spent a lot of time when [my daughter] was little trying hard to counteract the "pink is for girls" culture, which I personally regard as mildly damaging when taken to extremes.'

The hearing in Cardiff was told that Ms Gladstone had joined HMRC's (pictured) Debt Management department based in the city in 2016

The tribunal heard Ms Gladstone went on to say that she did not think she could be expected to attend DWGM if the matter was not 'sorted out'.

After Ms Edwards reported the various messages it was agreed that the admin officer would write a conciliatory email to try to resolve the issue.

However, the tribunal heard her message concluded: 'In some places, China particularly, there's been a very strong tendency to prefer boy babies to girl babies.

'I take it we would both be dismayed to be in a 20th C Chinese workplace discussion, with colleagues expressing disgust at the birth of a "useless" girl baby.

'But our opinions on how to stop that happening differ, I guess. If you ever want to discuss this triggering topic further, I'm happy to do so, but we must take great care not to antagonise each other.'

Employment Judge Stephen Jenkins said: 'In our view, the way [Ms Gladstone] concluded the email would have left Ms Edwards in no doubt that [she] continued to feel that she, Ms Edwards, had been in the wrong in relation to the comments she had made... and had been, in [her] view, sexist.'

The hearing was told that this email led Ms Gladstone's bosses in September to launch disciplinary action against her following her refusal to attend DWGMs.

There were a number of other issues included in the disciplinary process and the hearing was told that due to some confusion in the process, Ms Gladstone was not formally investigated over the 'pink dress' row.

However, in November 2022 she was given a first written warning for 12 months regarding several of the other matters. She appealed unsuccessfully and then resigned in April 2023.

She sued for unfair constructive dismissal, disability discrimination and whistleblowing detriments. However, none of her claims were successful.
It began with a knock at the door in the dead of night, then a stranger's voice pleading for help.

And in the remote Arizona community where father-of-two Paul Clifford,53, lived, such late night callers were so unusual his family was immediately frightened.

But Clifford was a kind man, so when the man at the door said he'd broken down and needed a jump-start, the Good Samaritan didn't hesitate to act.

'I said, "no don't go we can call somebody", he said, "no nobody is coming to help them I need to help them" and went out the door,' his wife of 30 years Christina recalled in an interview with KVOA.

It was the last time she would ever see her husband alive. Just hours later, Clifford's lifeless body was discovered next to a burnt out truck in the desert.

Police say the culprit includes the person that Clifford set out to help, in a horrific twist akin to the 2008 horror movie The Strangers, where a band of killers targeted helpless victims simply because 'they were home'.

Terrifyingly, no motive has been given.

'I feel so empty. We planned to grow old together, live into our 90s, and die of old age,' Christina said.

The couple were getting ready for bed on December 23, when a flashlight shone through their window.

Paul Clifford, 53, was killed by a stranger who appeared at the Clifford's home claiming his car had broken down. Pictured: Clifford alongside his wife, Christine, daughters Sabrina and Samantha together with his young grandson

Next, they heard a call at the door and Clifford went to investigate. Christina couldn't see who was there, but could hear a man talking.

'He sounded nothing but sincere, "Please I broke down, I cant get any help. I just need a jump will you please help me",' she said.

Clifford immediately set out in his daughter Sabrina Vining's truck, but as the hours ticked by his family became concerned.

It was only after checking the vehicle's GPS tracker that the alarm bells truly began sounding. The location showed the truck was in an unknown location where Clifford would never normally travel to.

Christina called 911, but it took Pima County officers more than two hours to respond.

By the time they arrived on Christmas Eve, Clifford was dead. His body was found next to a different burning vehicle just a mile from his Benson home.

Sabrina's car was eventually traced to an apartment complex in Tucson.

Within days, law enforcement had identified three suspects who were eventually apprehended following a tense SWAT standoff.

The doting grandfather was at home with his wife when they received a caller at the door on December 23

True to his generous nature, Clifford took one of his daughter's truck and left around 11:30pm - but as the hours passed by with no word from him, his family grew increasingly concerned

Paul Clifford is pictured in a photo from his younger years

Jack Daryl Upchurch, 40, Elmer Glenn Smith, 19, and 16-year-old Wendy Scott were taken into custody on Monday.

The suspects barricaded themselves into the residence, resulting in the standoff but eventually called 911 to negotiate a surrender. Police say they were arrested without incident.

'That was the first happiness any of us have felt,' Sabrina said.

'The first breath,' Christina added.

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 $1 million bond, while Scott's bond was set at $500,000.

'I need these people prosecuted to the full extent of the law, I dont care what their ages are they were all adults and made this decision to do this to my husband,' Christina said.

His lifeless body was found next to a different burnt out truck in a remote area just a mile from his home

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

Authorities tracked Clifford's truck to a desolate stretch of road northeast of Tucson, some 14 miles away from the family home

Sabrina meanwhile wants to see more done to tackle response times in the area.

'We would like to be contacted by Sheriff Nanos and come up with some sort of a plan,' she said.

As the family struggle to come to terms with their nightmare, they have been left with the heartbreaking task of explaining to Clifford's grandson William, 3, where his 'Popsy' has gone.

'Every night when hes going to sleep she [Christina] gives him two kisses, one from her and one from "Popsy",' Sabrina said.

'And then we tell him that "popsy's" in our heart, and then he looks at us and goes "popsy's" in your heart, "popsy's" in my heart.'

The senseless brutality has been hard for almost everyone to understand, except Upchurch's sister and Smith's aunty Amanda Williams.

'I am so sorry to this mans family,' she said. 'I could never imagine my own brother doing this but its not surprising either. Words can not even begin to apologize to this family.'

The suspects are due to appear in court again on January 10.
A student at a prestigious international school in Cambridge took her own life after she told her therapist she was worried about getting good grades and getting into a good university.

Poonyawi Hongpaisan died as she was about to start her second year at Abbey College, Cambridge, which charges international tuition fees of 37,600 a year for its two-year A-level programme.

The 20-year-old was found hanged at her accommodation in Tripos Court.

The Thai national had been receiving support from the college mental health occupational therapist after being referred in January last year, an inquest in writing reveals.

Elizabeth Gray, the Area Coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, wrote Ms Hongpaisan had been referred because she hadn't achieved the results or progression she expected at the college.

Ms Gray said the student was calling her parents and agent wanting to make curriculum changes and threatening to kill herself if these did not happen.

Ms Gray added: 'She had also cancelled her therapy session with one of the school counsellors.

'The concerns discussed with the OT centered around her sense of a need to achieve good grades and access a good university.'

Poonyawi Hongpaisan was finishing her second year at Abbey College, Cambridge, pictured

The 20-year-old was found hanged at her accomodation in Tripos Court, pictured

Ms Hongpaisan had overdosed on paracetamol on April 24 last year and had been assessed by a psychiatry team at hospital.

The coroner wrote: 'Ms Hongpaisan confirmed that the main trigger for taking the pills was an argument with her boyfriend and everything else overwhelmed her.

'It was her boyfriend who got her help. She was remorseful over what she has done and stated she did not wish to end her life, this was a cry for help.'

Ms Hongpaisan had returned to her home in Bangkok in the summer of last year, where she sought treatment for her mental health.

She returned to Abbey College in August with a start date for her second year of studies on September 2, the inquest in writing determined.

However, a member of the College staff found her deceased at her Homerton Street accommodation, which charges 24,0000 annually for fully catered housing, in the town after a concern for her welfare arose when she did not attend a welcome back assembly at 7pm that evening, the coroner found.

However, a member of the College staff found her deceased at her Homerton Street accommodation, , which charges 24,0000 annually in the town after a concern for her welfare arose when she did not attend a welcome back assembly at 7pm that evening, the coroner found.

Police discovered a medical certificate from the 'Relax Mind Clinic' in Bangkok among Ms Hongpaisan's belongings in her accommodation, which showed she had been taking medication for depression.

The police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances and no third-party involvement, Ms Gray confirmed.

Returning a conclusion of 'suicide', the coroner added Ms Hongpaisan had communicated over text with her friend in the hours before her death.

For confidential support contact The Samaritans on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.
The decorated special forces soldier who blew up a rented Tesla Cybertruck outside Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel stopped eight times to recharge the vehicle as he made his journey across America, it has emerged.

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, a member of the Army's elite Green Berets, injured seven people when the electric vehicle packed with fireworks and fuel canisters exploded outside the hotel.

The soldier rented the vehicle in Denver, Colorado on Saturday through the Turo app, which allows owners to rent out their cars. The vehicle was charged again on Monday in the Colorado town of Monument, roughly 20 miles from Colorado Springs.

On New Year's Eve, as he began his journey to Nevada, Livelsberger stopped to charge the vehicle in Trinidad, Colorado, and three towns in New Mexico along the Interstate 40 corridor.

Then on Wednesday - the day of the explosion - the truck was charged in three Arizona towns before video showed it on the Las Vegas Strip at about 7.30 am.

Investigators have obtained charging station photos that show Livelsberger 'was the individual that was driving this vehicle' and that he was travelling alone, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed.

Livelsberger, of Colorado Springs, shot himself in the head just before detonation, which left his body burned beyond recognition. His cause of death was suicide by gunshot, according to the coroner.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Matthew Livelsberger, the decorated special forces soldier who blew up a rented Tesla Cybertruck outside Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel, stopped eight times to recharge the vehicle as he made his journey across America, it has emerged

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, a member of the Army's elite Green Berets, injured seven people when the rented Tesla Cybertruck packed with fireworks and fuel canisters exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday

The explosion caused minor injuries to seven people but virtually no damage to Trump International Hotel.

Officials suspect Livelsberger likely planned a more damaging attack, but the steel-sided vehicle absorbed much of the force from the crudely built explosive.

Damage from the blast was mostly limited to the interior of the truck because the explosion 'vented out and up' and didn't hit the Trump hotel doors just a few feet away, the sheriff said during a Thursday press conference.

'The level of sophistication is not what we would expect from an individual with this type of military experience,' added Kenny Cooper, a special agent in charge for the the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Authorities are still working to determine a motive for the attack.

'It's not lost on us that it's in front of the Trump building, that it's a Tesla vehicle, but we don't have information at this point that definitively tells us or suggests it was because of this particular ideology,' said Spencer Evans, the Las Vegas FBI's special agent in charge.

Livelsberger had recently returned from an overseas assignment in Germany and was on approved leave when he died, according to a US official.

A law enforcement official said investigators learned through interviews that he may have gotten into a fight with his wife about relationship issues shortly before he rented the Tesla and bought the guns.

The contents of the Tesla Cybertruck after the explosion outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on January 1, 2025

Among the charred items found inside the truck were a handgun at Livelsberger's feet, another firearm, a number of fireworks, a passport, credit cards, an iPhone, a smartwatch and his military ID

Pictured are items found in the back of the Tesla Cybertruck which exploded in front of Trump International Hotel in las Vegas

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.

Among the charred items found inside the truck were a handgun at Livelsberger's feet, another firearm, a number of fireworks, a passport, a military ID, credit cards, an iPhone and a smartwatch, McMahill said.

Authorities said both guns were purchased legally.

Livelsberger served in the Green Berets, highly trained special forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners.

He had served in the Army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, the Army said.

He was awarded a total of five Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor.

The Cybertruck explosion came hours after Army veteran Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar rammed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans' famed French Quarter early on New Year's Day, killing at least 14 people before being shot to death by police.

That crash was being investigated as a terrorist attack. The FBI said Thursday that they believe Jabbar, 42, acted alone - reversing its position from a day earlier that he likely worked with others.

Matthew Livelsberger, pictured during his military career, served in the Green Berets, highly trained special forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners. He had served in the Army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo

The Cybertruck explosion came hours after Army veteran Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar rammed a rented truck (pictured) into a crowd in New Orleans' famed French Quarter early on New Year's Day, killing at least 14 people before being shot to death by police

Both Livelsberger and Jabbar (pictured during his time in the Army) spent time at the Army's Fort Bragg base, which is now called Fort Liberty. However, officials have said there was no overlap in their assignments at the base

Both Livelsberger and Jabbar spent time at Fort Bragg, which is now called Fort Liberty. The massive base in North Carolina that is home to multiple Army special operations units.

However, officials have said there was no overlap in their assignments at the base.

Chris Raia, FBI deputy assistant director, said Thursday that officials have found 'no definitive link' between the New Orleans attack and the truck explosion in Las Vegas.

Tesla CEO Elon 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.'
A haunting video shows a mystery stalker leaving unwanted parcels on the dootstep of his target while wearing a Spider-Man mask.

Sussex Police have released the footage in an attempt to track down the creep, who began the the chilling months-long campaign back in February 2024.

The incidents have all happened at a property in Hailsham, East Sussex, beginning on February 13, 2004.

The second incident saw doorbell camera footage capture a man arrive at the property at 5.30am on August 26, 2024, wearing a Spider-Man mask.

The veiled male leaves what looks like two presents on the doorstep, even stopping to wave at the camera before departing down the path of their front yard.

The latest incident on December 29 shows the same man returning in the evening and again leaving a parcel, this time with his face obscured with a white face mask or snood and his headphones - again doing a thumbs-up to camera as he leaves.

Police have not specified what was in the parcels, but the homeowner was spooked into calling the authorities after the three incidents and the motives for the man's mystery visits remained unknown.

The CCTV has been released in a bid to track down the suspect, in what Sussex Police are dubbing Operation Cursor.

Sussex Police are hunting a man responsible for leaving unwanted parcels on the dootstep of a home in Hailsham, East Sussex

The suspect can be seen on doorbell camera footage approaching the home with several packages in his hand

The mystery stalker was wearing these distinctive trainers in some of the CCTV footage

The man's latest visit to the house was in December 2024, and once again his face was covered

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: 'We are investigating reports of stalking in Hailsham after a series of concerning incidents.

'On December 29 at around 7.10pm, a parcel was left outside of a property near Western Road. The victim had also received items under similar circumstances on February 13, and August 26 last year.

'On August 26, doorbell footage captured the suspect approaching the address wearing a Spiderman mask. Further footage captured the person approaching again with their face covered on December 29.

'Inquiries into these incidents are ongoing and we are asking anyone with information to report it to police.

'If you have CCTV, photos or witnessed anything suspicious in the area, you can contact police by filling an online reporting form, or by calling 101 quoting Operation Cursor.'
Matthew Livelsberger's uncle has claimed the Green Beret's shocking Las Vegas hotel Cybertruck blast was actually a peaceful act not intended to hurt anyone but himself.

Livelsberger 'could have fashioned a bomb that would have obliterated half of that hotel if he seriously wanted to hurt others,' his uncle Dean Livelsberger told The Independent.

'Think of Oklahoma City... [ex-Army soldier Timothy] McVeigh was just a normal soldier. Not a Tier 1 operator like Matt,' Dean Livelsberger added, referencing the 1995 homegrown terror attack that killed 168 people.

Livelsberger, 37, was identified as the man who drove a rented Tesla to the Trump International Hotel in Vegas before shooting himself dead as he detonated explosives, injuring seven people on New Year's Day.

He had served in the Army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, the Army said.

Livelsberger was awarded two Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor. Livelsberger was on approved leave when he died, according to the statement.

Livelsberger 'could have fashioned a bomb that would have obliterated half of that hotel if he seriously wanted to hurt others,' according to his uncle

Your browser does not support iframes.

Livelsberger, seen on one of his deployments, was a highly-decorated Green Beret

The Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building left a68 people dead

Timothy McVeigh was a former Army soldier

He was burned beyond recognition in the explosion and was identified through his tattoos, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said on Thursday.

As detectives investigate potential motives, it has been revealed that Livelsberger had broken up with his wife. The two had a child over the summer.

His uncle Dean Livelsberger told The Independent that his nephew was '100 percent a patriot', and described him as a 'Rambo-type.'

'He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100 percent loving the country,' he continued. 'He loved Trump, and he was always a very, very patriotic soldier, a patriotic American. Its one of the reasons he was in Special Forces for so many years. It wasnt just one tour of duty.'

The electric vehicle, which was rented on the app Turo, exploded about 15 seconds after the driver pulled up in front of the hotel's entrance. Police are still looking for a motive for the attack.

Sheriff McMahill addressed similarities between the terror act in Vegas and the one in New Orleans by Texas native Shamsud-din Jabbar, 42, who flew an ISIS flag as he slaughtered 14 and injured dozens with a rented truck.

The body of Matthew Livelsberger, 37, was burned beyond recognition after he apparently blew up a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas

Police found credit cards, his passport and military ID on him, but they are still referring to him as a person of interest as they await DNA confirmation

Both served at the same military base in North Carolina, but officials do not know if they ever crossed paths. Moreover, both also served in Afghanistan in 2009 - however officials say they have seen no evidence they were in the same providence or unit. That remains under investigation.

The FBI said Thursday that they believe Jabbar acted alone, reversing its position from a day earlier that he likely worked with others.

Chris Raia, FBI deputy assistant director, said Thursday that officials have found no definitive link between the New Orleans attack and the truck explosion in Las Vegas.

Livelsberger served in the Green Berets, highly trained special forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners, the Army said in a statement.

Seven people nearby suffered minor injuries when the Tesla truck exploded on Wednesday.

Video showed a tumble of charred fireworks mortars, canisters 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.

Livelsberger served in the Green Berets, highly trained special forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners, the Army said in a statement

Tesla CEO Elon 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,' Musk wrote.
A brave Ukrainian mother has told how Russian militants stripped her naked and had 15 men rape her before making a chilling threat on her little daughter's life.

Natalia Vlasova, born in 1981, was savagely tortured and sexually assaulted by the Russians after being seized in Donbas back in 2018, before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In a harrowing description of the ordeal she endured while jailed, Vlasova told Human Rights in Ukraine how her teeth were filed down by Vasyl Yevdokimov - a key figure in Russia's Izolyatsia secret torture prison.

She claimed Yevdokimov, also known as Lenin, electrocuted her by sending currents through her body and that the cruel militants would not end their abuse until she screamed 'loud enough' to satisfy them.

The mother described her assailants as maniacs, saying that not every person would 'be capable of taking pleasure from causing pain to a naked and bound woman, and of committing all kinds of other perversions.

'Yevdokimov himself filed down my teeth with a nail file, twisted my nipples and tried to push a bottle into my vagina. I would remind you that this is the person who is your victim,' she added in her distressing statement.

But the abuse did not stop there, with imprisoned Vlasova recalling her torturers bounding her limbs with scotch tape and pouring water over her.

'If I didn't scream enough, they increased the current and the shocks became even more intense,' she said.

Natalia Vlasova, pictured centre, was subjected to horrific physical and sexual abuse at the hands of Russian militants after she was arrested in 2018

Vlasova told Human Rights in Ukraine how her teeth were filed down by Vasyl Yevdokimov - a key figure in Russia's Izolyatsia secret torture prison (pictured)

'They needed a reaction. I didn't understand that straight away, then when I screamed loud enough, I heard their satisfied voices.'

After the horror torture session was over, the prisoner was tied again, this time with her hands raised and forced into a tiny enclosed space where she had to stand all night.

Or, she would be sent to a small room in the basement which was so cramped, an individual could only stand or sit in there.

According to Vlasova, the nights were desperately cold and she was only left with a small amount of water.

The Ukrainian was also systematically raped and recounted incidents where up to 15 men had abused her in this way at one time.

And as if their torture of her were not enough, they then began threatening the life of her young daughter.

The Russian-controlled militants claimed to know where her five-year-old daughter, Yulia, went to kindergarten and threatened to send her a toy containing a bomb to kill her.

Izolyatsia.ui claims that up until 2017 there were no toilets in the Izolyatsia's basement cells, and the prisoners were only allowed to use the toilet once a day for a few minutes.

Izolyatsia.ui claims that up until 2017 there were no toilets in the Izolyatsia's basement cells, and the prisoners were only allowed to use the toilet once a day for a few minutes

The website on the prison also says that in the early years of Izolyatsia, 'the Russia-backed illegal armed formations tortured the prisoners and broadcasted images on a screen with the audio set to full volume to intimidate the other detainees.

'Later they began to torture prisoners directly on the floor with the main cells. Furthermore, almost all prisoners undergo torture, even those who have earlier confessed to "crimes" already'.

Vlasova, along with Ukrainian Serhiy Hruzynov and Victor Shydlovsky, were all handed 18 to 22 year prison sentences in 2018 by Russia's Southern District Military Court.

The trio were tried under Russia's 'terrorism' allegation after they came into possession of a videoed 'confession' that the Ukrainians had planned to kill Vasyl Yevdokimov.

But the confessions were all retracted as they had been extracted through methods of torture.

Hruzynov had been imprisoned since December 2018, Vlasova and Shydlovsky since March 2019 and all parties denied any involvement in plans to kill anybody.

Shydlovsky and Vlasova admitted only to the charge of using fake documents.

On 24 December 2024, Judge Oleg Aleksandrovich Cherepov of the Southern District Military Court sentenced Hruzynov to 20 years and Victor Shydlovsky to 22 years, with both in a maximum-security prison colony.

Vlasova was sentenced to 18 years in a medium-security prison colony.
A one-year-old girl who was injured after a driver crashed into a daycare fence in Texas has tragically died.

Mkaya Amrani, who was just 14 months old, was one of several children hospitalized after a mother backed into another car and then into a fence at Excelled Montessori Plus Daycare Preschool in Scenic Oaks outside San Antonio on December 19.

Four other children were taken to the hospital but were quickly released. Mkaya stayed in the hospital, where she was unconscious in critical condition on life support until her death on Thursday, according to News 4 San Antonio.

'We had the darkest days of our life,' her father, Pibo Amrani, told KENS 5.

He said that when her arrived at the school to pick up his daughter, he watched paramedics carry Mkaya to the ambulance. He recalled his little girl looking lifeless.

In the ambulance ride to the hospital, he watched as medics frantically worked to restore oxygen to her brain and find a pulse for several minutes, according to KENS 5.

But the little girl's condition only worsened and the family tried to hold onto hope she would recover.

'We don't want to give up on her,' her father said. '[Her death] could have been prevented.'

Mkaya Amrani, 14 months old, was one of several children hospitalized after a mother backed into another car and into a fence at Excelled Montessori Plus Daycare Preschool in Scenic Oaks, Texas , on December 19

She died on Thursday after spending weeks in critical condition on life support after the crash

Mkaya's teacher, Alexia Rosales, 22, also died after being pinned under the vehicle with a child in her arms. It is unclear if Mkaya was the child Rosales was holding.

'[She was] protecting the baby,' Rosales' mother, Berenice, exclusively told DailyMail.com a day after the incident. 'You can tell she was a teacher from the heart. [The students] love her so much, they always wanted to be around her.'

The Amrani family is hoping to raise awareness after their daughter's death to prevent other children from facing the same fate.

'We're going to dedicate to spread awareness and if that means we got to drive by every daycare and make sure we raise the concerns of it being too close to high-traffic areas, well do that,' her father told KENS 5.

The family does not believe playgrounds should be located near parking lots or other high-traffic areas.

Rosales and another teacher Alicia, 23, who asked to go only by her first name, had taken five or six students outside to play after a holiday performance around 4pm when a mother suffered a medical episode while picking up her kids.

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said at a press conference that a parent was loading her kids into the vehicle when 'for whatever reason, she accelerated into another car.'

'She, in turn, pushed that other car, and then both cars ended up hitting a fence,' he said.

Mkaya's teacher, Alexia Rosales, 22, also died after being pinned under the vehicle with a child in her arms. It is unclear if Mkaya was the child Rosales was holding

'[She was] protecting the baby,' Rosales' mother, Berenice, told DailyMail.com a day after the incident. 'You can tell she was a teacher from the heart. '[The students] love her so much, they always wanted to be around her'

Rosales and at least one of the students were pinned under the car for 'some time,' the sheriff and Alicia said. The fire department had to use a hydraulic lift to remove the vehicle.

Alicia was pinned under the gate and was able to hand some of the children to others. The teacher received 12 stitches on her forehead, where she had a gash so deep it went 'all the way to the skull,' she told DailyMail.com at the time.

'We were outside playing with the kids, and next thing I know, I was looking up at the sky,' she recalled to DailyMail.com. The 'babies were okay,' she added.

Police do not believe the driver was under the influence and she does have past medical conditions that 'may have contributed to this,' according to Salazar.

'At this point we don't believe it has anything to do with intoxication or any sort of criminality,' he said at the time. Charges have not been filed against the mother.

Rosales' family remembered their daughter as bright and someone who loved her job and her students.

'She was an angel, she never gave me any problems,' her mother said. 'All she did was study and work... She was born to be a teacher.'

Despite her family's worries she wouldn't get paid enough working in education, Rosales continued forward with her students.

Rosales and another teacher Alicia, 23, who asked to go by her first name, had taken five or six students outside to play after a holiday performance around 4pm when a mother suffered a medical episode while picking up her kids, backing into a car and into a fence

Mkaya's family is hoping to raise awareness after their daughter's death. 'We're going to dedicate to spread awareness and if that means we got to drive by every daycare and make sure we raise the concerns of it being too close to high-traffic areas, we'll do that,' her father said

'She loved [it] since she was little,' her father, Carlos, said.

Rosales would come home to her parents and tell stories about the kids, and although she was tired, her mother said she was 'happy.'

Rosales was also finishing up her degree and was stressing about finals while working part-time at the daycare. She was nearly done with the semester - finishing with all As and Bs, her parents said.

She was due to graduate next year.

Her parents also remembered their daughter's kindness and said she was a 'simple' person who always cared about everyone and was family-oriented.

The last thing Berenice recalled her daughter saying to her was 'I love you, mom' as she left for the day.
Schoolgirl Isabella Davis is smiling again after discovering the Christmas spirit is not just something you read about in stories.

The six-year-old was left sobbing and heartbroken when someone stole her purse with all her 85 in savings inside from a shopping centre public toilet.

She had gone with her family to look for toys in the sales with cash from Christmas, the tooth fairy and savings from chores when the thief struck.

But after her mother Samantha Davis, 40, posted details of what happened on Facebook to 'guilt shame' the 'horrible' thief, something wonderful happened.

Their local pub the Ship Inn at Keyingham, near Hull, began a collection for Isabella and people in the community donated cash for her. Even total strangers messaged Mrs Davis on social media asking for bank details to send money to the schoolgirl.

Not only was the 85 replaced in just a few days but in total 450 was donated to Isabella  a wonderful response the family regard as a 'Christmas miracle'.

The family say they are 'overwhelmed' with the public's generosity and Isabella's father Joe Davis, 28, said his daughter has learnt that 'people are still very kind'.

Six-year-old Isabella Davis (pictured) was left devastated when 85 of savings was stolen from her purse from a public toilet in a shopping centre

After mother Samantha took to social media to shame the 'horrible' thief, their local pub The Ship Inn made a collection for the youngster raising 450 for the little girl (pictured: Isabella's open letter)

Isabella was so grateful that she has written an open thank you letter to everyone who donated cash.

The money will be put in a bank account for the future, but Isabella wants to give some cash to buy homeless people she sees in town something to eat and drink.

Mrs Davis, who works for a law firm, said: 'I just want people to be recognised for what they have done and to say a huge thank you.

'And I want Bella to grow up with all that heart she has now. This has reaffirmed to her how there are so many more good people out there compared to the bad.'

The theft happened when Isabella went to the toilet in Hull's Princes Quay shopping centre a couple of days after Christmas and left her bag hanging on a hook in the cubicle.

When she realised what she had done half an hour later her mother discovered the bag was gone.

She contacted security and discovered it had been handed in, but the purse with the money inside was missing.

Mrs Davis said: 'It was so obviously a child's  the bag is a little pink cat bag and the Lilo and Stitch purse had a letter B on it, for Bella.

The money will be placed in a savings account for the future, but the kind schoolgirl also wants to donate part of the cash to the homeless (pictured: A Lilo and Stitch themed purse)

'There was no way you could think any other and, so close to Christmas, you'd know it was a child's Christmas money.'

The theft was reported to police, but the mother was told nothing could be done as there was no CCTV.

Isabella was distraught and that night struggled to sleep, fearing 'robbers would come'.

Mr Davis, who works for a caravan building firm, said: 'She has never experienced anybody being unkind like that before. It was her first taste of the bad things in life.'

However, a few days later and with hundreds of pounds to replace the stolen money, Isabella saw a different side to human nature.

Mr Davis said: 'We are all overwhelmed. It is not what you expect. My wife put the message on Facebook because she wanted to trigger a bit of guilt in the person responsible.

'We didn't realise how people would react. The spirit of Christmas is still there.'

Ms Davis added: 'It's our own Christmas miracle. Some of the people that have rallied round are complete strangers, so I just want to say thank you to them all - and so does my daughter - and I want the world to see that Hull is a place filled with some truly kind people. We feel like we're in a Christmas movie.'
A grief-stricken mother Orca, who is known for having carried her dead calf for nearly 1,000 miles over 17 days back in 2018, was hit by another devastating loss, scientists confirmed.

The killer whale, named Tahlequah or J35 to researchers, was spotted swimming with a new calf in the Puget Sound waterway off Washington State on December 26.

However, researchers have since confirmed the newborn calf, J61, has died.

'New Years Eve 2024 was a day of extreme highs and lows,' the Center for Whale Research said in a Facebook post.

'We have confirmation of another new calf in J pod, but sadly, this was combined with the devastating news that J61 has not survived.'

Now, the - once again - grieving mother has been spotted tirelessly carrying her lifeless calf just as she did in 2018.

'The Center for Whale Research has received additional information that as of 1/1/25, J35 has been seen carrying the body of the deceased calf [J61] with her. This behavior was seen previously by J35 in 2018 when she carried the body of her deceased calf for 17 days,' the Tuesday post continued.

In video recorded by scientists on Wednesday, Tahlequah can be seen diving deeply under the water, over and over, as the tiny fin of her departed calf barely breaches the surface.

The killer whale, named Tahlequah or J35 to researchers, was spotted swimming with a new calf in the Puget Sound waterway off Washington State on December 26, however researchers have since confirmed the newborn calf, J61, has died. Pictured: Tahlequah [J35 to researchers] seen carrying her dead calf, J61, in Washington's Puget Sound

Like humans, killer whales are social animals and often participate, as a group, in the grieving process. Pictured: J pod Orcas seen carrying the dead newborn, J61, in tandem

The once again grieving mother has been spotted carrying her dead calf just as she did in 2018. Pictured: Tahlequah seen carrying her dead calf in 2018, a feat she battled for 17 days

Researchers note that the killer orca birthed J61 unusually soon after her last one and may not have had time to physically recover.

'It is a concern that she was expending a lot of energy to try to take care of this calf that she has lost,' a biologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Brad Hanson, told the Seattle Times.

'And this is a time of year when fish availability is typically less than what it is other times a year. So we are concerned.'

Tahlequah endures the tremendous grief while already thin - due to the low food supply - and taking care of two sons.

'Its fair to say she is grieving, or mourning,' Science Director of the SeaDoc Society, Joe Gaydos, said.

'And I think over the last few years, we realized that we have the same neurotransmitters that they have. We have the same hormones that they have. Why shouldnt we also have the same emotions that they have?'

Gaydos added that, like humans, killer whales are social animals and often participate, as a group, in the grieving process.

'Killer whales, like chimpanzees, like us, are social animals. Why wouldnt the whole group participate in the grieving process? We dont have the market cornered on helping others grieve,' he said.

However, Talequah's unimaginable loss, though devastating, hardly comes as a surprise to researchers who say the survival rate of newborn calves is 'always marginal'.

'The survival of newborn calves is always marginal, maybe around 50 percent,' Michael Weiss, research director for the Center of Whale Research said.

Researchers note that the killer orca birthed J61 unusually soon after her last one and may not have had time to physically recover. Pictured: J pod calf, J61, swims in the Puget Sound

'It is a concern that she was expending a lot of energy to try to take care of this calf that she has lost,' a biologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Brad Hanson (pictured), told the Seattle Times

'Its fair to say she is grieving, or mourning,' Science Director of the SeaDoc Society, Joe Gaydos (pictured), said

However, Talequah's unimaginable loss, though devastating, hardly comes as a surprise to researchers who say the survival rate of newborn calves is 'always marginal.' Pictured: Washington state's Puget Sound

'The death of any calf in the SRKW population is a tremendous loss, but the death of J61 is particularly devastating, not just because she was a female, who could have one day potentially led her own matriline but also given the history of her mother J35 who has now lost two out of four documented calves  both of which were female,' the CWR said.

'The entire team at the Center for Whale Research is deeply saddened by this news and we will continue to provide updates when we can.'

Killer whales have been known to be sentient beings, experiencing grief and loss just as humans do.

In 2016, scientists found evidence that whales and dolphins hold 'vigils' for their dead.

They analyzed several cases where mammals clung to the bodies of dead compatriots, and kept vigil over a dead companion. At the time, they said the most likely explanation was mourning.

Earlier this year, a two-year-old orca was seen circling a Canadian lagoon for days, refusing to leave the area where its mother died on the shore.

The young whale's mother, named Spong, passed away after she became trapped in the shallow waters off the west coast of Vancouver.

Wildlife officials and scientists then scrambled to move the young orca out of the lagoon and back out to sea before it would succumb to starvation.

These mammals usually stay with their mom for their entire lives, so it is unknown if the two-year-old will ever leave its mother's resting place

Wildlife officials and scientists then scrambled to move the young orca out of the lagoon and back out to sea before it would succumb to starvation.

But, these mammals usually stay with their moms their entire lives, so it is unknown if the two-year-old will ever leave its mother's resting place.

'Whales are connected for a lifetime with their family,' Janie Wray, CEO and lead researcher for BC Whales told The Guardian.

'And I just can't stop thinking about what that calf is going through because the calf doesn't understand why its mother is not any longer there for her.

'If that happened to one of us, you can just imagine what we would be going through. I really do believe that little calf is going through something very, very similar right now.'
The Democrat party may have shot its re-election chances in the foot by driving prospective voters from blue states to red ones.

Migration by residents into Republican areas has the power to reshuffle the electoral college, since votes are portioned out based on state population.

A state gets one electoral vote for each House representative and senator and since the House is set at 435 seats, a loss from one state translates into a gain for another.

As the sky-high cost of living in many Dem-strongholds such as California and New York forces people out, populations swell in red states resulting in greater representation. More draconian COVID lockdowns in blue states also sent many fleeing to more relaxed Republican alternatives.

Texas, Florida and North Carolina were among the states who welcomed the most new residents.

Of the 899,481 Americans who moved state in 2023, 53 percent went to these three Republican states.

Meanwhile more than 555,000 people left California and New York. The cost of living in these states is 1.3 and 1.5 times more the US average respectively, according to LivingCost.com.

If the trend continues, Republican states could stand to gain 12 Electoral College votes.

The Democrat Party could be at risk of losing control of Congress forever due to an exodus of voters from blue states such as California

This is significant as it would eliminate the need for Republican presidential hopefuls to secure swing states such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania or Michigan.

California is on track to lose four House seats, while New York could lost three, the Boston Herald reports.

'California, New York, and other slow-growing coastal Democratic strongholds have taken an explicitly anti-population-growth tack for decades,' The Atlantic wrote.

'They took for granted their natural advantages and assumed that prosperity was a given. People willingly giving up their residencies in these coastal areas is a sign of how dismal the cost of living is.'

In addition to a crippling cost of living, many of those who turned their back on blue states have cited harsh lockdown laws.

Between 2010 and 2020, southern states were among the fastest growing in the US, a trend which was boosted during the pandemic.

Others point to failed progressive policies in blue states as a reason to leave.

The Democrat states of New Mexico, Colorado and Washington recorded the most incidents of crime per 100,000 people, according to data compiled by Statista.

Migration by residents into Republican areas has the power to reshuffle the electoral college, since votes are portioned out based on state population. Pictured: San Francisco's homelessness epidemic

Many Democrat voters are fleeing blue states to take advantage of lower taxation in Republican stronghold like Florida

A state gets one electoral vote for each House representative and senator and since the House is set at 435 seats, a loss from one state translates into a gain for another

California is only now starting to reckon with the problems caused by its soft-touch approach to justice.

In November, all of the state's counties overwhelmingly voted to accept Proposition 36, which contains provision to clamp down on serial shoplifters and drug users.

The legislation rolled back previous statutes which meant that shoplifters who stole less than $950 could only be prosecuted with a misdemeanor offence regardless of how many times they got caught.

While many Democrat voters might be looking to take advantage of the freedoms and lower cost of living in red states, they have been warned 'not to bring their politics with them'.

'Red-state residents don't care for people coming from blue states,' bicoastal realtor Cara Ameer told Realtor.com. 'I have seen resentment in Florida with slogans like 'Don't Fauci My Florida.''

'Some appreciate the influx of new residents as it can boost the local economy and bring in new perspectives,' Mike Rhoads, owner of Wild North Home Offers in North Carolina added. 'Others, however, are concerned about the potential impact on their communities and the possible changes in political dynamics.'
The birthplace of Winston Churchill is undergoing its annual deep clean - and there are dozens of busts to buff up.

The maintenance at the magnificent Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is set to take up to two months.

It is being carried out ahead of a 10.4million restoration of the roof of the home, which has been the family seat of the dukes of Marlborough since construction was completed in 1722.

Sir Winston, whose uncle was 8th Duke, was born at the property on November 30, 1874.

The deep clean process includes everything from the 19 chandeliers, 18 clocks, 11,000 books, more than 1,000 pieces of silverware, Boulle furniture, 38 pieces of armour, 40 busts and sculptures, and several priceless tapestries.

This month, the cleaning of the plaster and gilded work on all ceilings is being prioritised.

The birthplace of Winston Churchill is undergoing its annual deep clean - and there are 40 busts to buff up. The maintenance at the magnificent Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is set to take up to two months

The work at Blenheim is being carried out ahead of a 10.4million restoration of the roof of the home, which has been the family seat of the dukes of Marlborough since construction was completed in 1722

The expert team will also be monitoring and recording any existing damage.

They are using natural cleaning products, distilled water and natural bristle brushes during the work.

Each room will have to first be carefully stripped of all its furniture and artefacts.

Kate Ballenger, keeper of palace and collections at Blenheim, said: 'Every year this is an enormous undertaking that, once complete, is the most satisfying feeling for the whole team of specialists that come together.

'Whilst it's always a mammoth task, this year, we have a smaller window of time to complete our vital deep clean, ahead of the start of the roof restoration project.'

Blenheim, which is still the home of the current 12th Duke of Marlborough, first opened its doors to the public 75 years ago, to raise funds for essential roof repairs.

The latest project is the most significant in the building's history.

Later this year, visitors to Blenheim will be able to get a stunning view of the building and surrounding countryside from a platform on the structure's roof.

Sir Winston, whose uncle was 8th Duke, was born at Blenheim on November 30, 1874. Above: Outside Downing Street in 1943, as a school boy at Harrow, 1888

The deep clean process includes everything from the 19 chandeliers, 18 clocks, 11,000 books, more than 1,000 pieces of silverware, Boulle furniture, 38 pieces of armour, 40 busts and sculptures, and several priceless tapestries

A member of staff tends to a decorative plate at Blenheim. The deep clean could take up to two months

The team are using natural cleaning products, distilled water and natural bristle brushes during the work

Set in more than 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland, Blenheim has 187 rooms, making it one of the largest country houses in Britain.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne, as a token of gratitude for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704.

The roof project comes after workers completed a multi-million-pound scheme in November 2023 to dredge 500,000 tonnes of silt and restore the man-made lake at Blenheim.

The dredging project was launched in order to save the 'finest view in England' which was at risk of disappearing within five years.

The Queen Pool lake at Blenheim Palace has enchanted countless people since it was built by Capability Brown in 1763.
A burning piece of space debris weighing 500kg plunged into Earth and landed in a rural Kenyan village.

The scorching piece of metal was later identified to be the separation ring from a launch rocket that descended rapidly and unexpectedly onto the village of Mukuku in Makueni county on Monday.

Kenya Space Agency officials rushed to the scene and retrieved the debris, which is now under the agency's custody.

There have been no reports of injuries.

Major Aloyce Were of the Kenya Space Agency told local media the metallic object weighs around 500 kg.

Major Were added that locals 'should not be scared', explaining that 'it is a part of a space object which is in the form of a ring, a metallic ring, possibly from a rocket separation stage.'

Authorities were still investigating the extent of the damage to the village as well as the ring's origin.

A burning piece of space debris weighing 500kg plunged into Earth and landed in a rural Kenyan village

The metallic ring is believed to have belonged to a space object, possibly a rocket, the Kenya Space Agency said

Kenya Space Agency officials rushed to the scene and retrieved the debris, which is now under the agency's custody

Were added: 'We are to assess the impact to the area, identify whose space object it is so that we can use the existing legal mechanisms under international law as far as the outer space treaty is concerned.'

In a separate press release, the space agency said that 'such objects are usually designed to burn up as they re-enter the Earth's atmosphere or to fall over unoccupied areas, such as the oceans.

'This is an isolated case, which the Agency will investigate and address', it added.

Footage shows the giant metal ring cordoned off by police tape as authorities investigate and villagers crowded around it and curiously watched on.

One unnamed villager praised the Kenya Space Agency for its 'very quick response', adding that officials 'have showed us as a community that there is no cause of alarm, we are safe'.

It comes after mystery black objects falling from the sky during a lightning storm in Thailand left locals bewildered, with one couple believing the items were from outer space.
Elon Musk launched another salvo against Labour and Sir Keir Starmer today, accusing the PM of being 'complicit' in crimes carried out by sex abuse gangs.

The multi-billionaire X owner launched a tirade against the PM and the UK government on Friday centered on historic crimes where groups of British Asian men targeted teenage girls.

Mr Musk, a senior adviser to incoming US president Donald Trump, spent a large chunk of the US east coast night on his platform bombarding followers with his thoughts on UK politics.

He criticised Sir Keir and safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips before backing a madcap call for King Charles to unilaterally dissolve the government and call an election.

And later he accused Sir Kier, who was director of public prosecutions (DPP) between 2008 and 2013, of having allowed criminals to get away with abuse.

'Starmer must go and he must face charges for his complicity in the worst mass crime in the history of Britain (sic),' he said.

However, Labour ministers finally emerged to hit back at Mr Musk.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting this morning said his slew of tweets were 'misjudged and certainly misinformed'.

And asked about the Tesla owner's criticisms, Health Minister Andrew Gwynne told LBC: 'Elon Musk is an American citizen and perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic.'

The multi-billionaire X owner launched a tirade against the PM and the UK government on Friday centered on historic crimes where groups of British Asian men targeted teenage girls.

He criticised Sir Keir and safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips before backing a madcap call for King Charles to unilaterally dissolve the government and call an election.

And later he accused Sir Kier, who was director of public prosecutions (DPP) between 2008 and 2013, of having allowed criminals to get away with abuse.

Mr Musk jumped in on a row over the government's refusal to back a probe into gangs of British Asian men targeting teenage girls in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

He used his social media site to post or repost about child grooming in the UK more than 40 times over the last 24 hours, lining up alongside senior Reform UK and Conservative politicians demanding a fresh inquiry.

Several are from UK MPs like Reform's Rupert Lowe and the Tories' Robert Jenrick, while others include a video featuring right wing activist Tommy Robinson  who was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court in October.

In a sign of some concern among rightwing politicians in the UK, Bloomberg today reported efforts by those with links to Trump to get him to tone down his praise for Robinson, a far right agitator.

The world's richest man, Mr Musk last week praised the far right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany.

Overnight he shared a post asking whether Charles III 'should dissolve parliament and order a General Election for the sake and security' of Britain.

Mr Musk retweeted the X thread with a one-word comment: 'Yes.'

The King undemocratically dissolving Parliament of his own volition six months after voters went to the polls would trigger an immediate constitutional crisis in the UK.

In his Christmas address to the nation, the monarch praised 'diversity of culture, ethnicity and faith' for providing 'strength, not weakness'.

Pressed if Mr Musk's comments were unhelpful to the Government, Health Secretary Mr Streeting told ITV News that ministers took child sexual exploitation 'incredibly seriously'.

He added: 'Some of the criticisms that Elon Musk has made, I think are misjudged and certainly misinformed, but we're willing to work with Elon Musk, who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform to help us and other countries to tackle this serious issue.

'So if he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, we'd welcome that.'

The Health Secretary also told the PA news agency that ministers were supportive of an inquiry into the Oldham scandal, but signalled it had to be led locally.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting this morning said his slew of tweets were 'misjudged and certainly misinformed'.

Asked about the Tesla owner's criticisms, Health Minister Andrew Gwynne told LBC: 'Elon Musk is an American citizen and perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic.

In his latest attacks on Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Musk shared a post asking whether Charles 'should dissolve parliament and order a General Election for the sake and security' of Britain.

The King undemocratically dissolving Parliament of his own volition six months after voters went to the polls would trigger an immediate constitutional crisis in the UK.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is 'long overdue'.

Mr Musk continued to wade into the gangs debate overnight, hours after he posted that safeguarding minister Jess Phillips 'deserves to be in prison' after she denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham on Thursday.

He also suggested the Prime Minister had failed to bring 'rape gangs' to justice when he was director of public prosecutions.

Mr Musk reposted an article in The Daily Telegraph by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick in which he says the 'grooming gangs' should be renamed 'torture rape gangs'.

He wrote that Mr Musk's comments had shamed 'the establishment by taking more interest in bringing these rape gangs to justice in one evening than most of the British establishment has for decades'.

Mr Musk continued his criticism in a post alongside footage of The Times' chief investigative reporter Andrew Norfolk as he detailed the scope of the case and police mishandling, calling it 'State-sponsored evil.' Mr Norfolk reported on the Rotherham child sexual exploitation ring in the UK press in 2011.

The scandal was first exposed by the Mail in 2010.

In another comment on the same post, Mr Musk branded the scandal and the child rapists involved as 'utterly shameful'.

The Tesla owner also called a post asking why people were angrier at his comments than they were about 'mass rape' of children as the 'perfect question'.

Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is 'long overdue'.

Ms Phillips said she recognised the 'strength of feeling' for a Home Office-led inquiry into Oldham, but she told the local council the Government will not 'intervene'.

'I believe it is for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene,' she said.

In response, Mr Musk, a key member of US President-elect Donald Trump's inner circle, said: 'She deserves to be in prison.'

He also appeared to place blame at the Prime Minister's door.

Mr Musk said: 'In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Service's approval for the police to charge suspects.

'Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.'

In a series of posts on his social media site, Mr Musk described the Prime Minister as 'two-tier Keir', claiming there was 'no justice for severe, violent crimes but prison for social media posts'.

Mr Musk also expressed his support for activist Tommy Robinson  real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  who was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court in October.

Senior Tories also sought to put pressure on the Government over grooming gangs.

Mrs Badenoch said: 'The time is long overdue for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal.

'Trials have taken place all over the country in recent years but no one in authority has joined the dots.

'2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice.'

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns pressed for a statutory inquiry in Oldham.

They said that only a public inquiry 'can adequately encompass the national nature of these crimes and issues' and consider whether reports were ignored by the police, CPS and local council 'or even covered up'.

In 2022, the then-Conservative government also refused a request for a public inquiry into events in Oldham.

An Oldham Council spokesman said: 'Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation.

'Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount, and we will not renege on that pledge.'

Responding to Mrs Badenoch's post, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: 'Talk is cheap. The Conservatives had 14 years in government to launch an inquiry.

'The establishment has failed the victims of grooming gangs on every level.'

Mr Musk, who is rumoured to be considering a major donation to Mr Farage's party, responded: 'Exactly. Time for Reform.'

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, which published its final report in 2022, described the sexual abuse of children as an 'epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake'.

Led by Professor Alexis Jay, the inquiry looked into abuse by organised groups following multiple convictions of sexual offences against children across the UK between 2010-2014, including in Rotherham, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Rochdale and Bristol.

In November last year, Professor Jay said she felt 'frustrated' that none of the probe's 20 recommendations had been implemented more than two years after its conclusion.
A mother charged with murdering her son and attempting to murder her father has appeared in court.

Karolina Zurawska, 41, appeared before Swansea Crown court on Friday morning and is accused of murdering Alexander Zurawski, six, who was found dead at a property in Gendros on August 29.

The 41-year-old from Gendros, Swansea is also accused of attempting to murder her father, Krzysztof Siwi, 67, earlier the same day.

Zurawska appeared via video link from custody for the short administrative hearing before Judge Paul Thomas.

She was not asked to enter pleas to the two charges against her.

The judge vacated the trial date of February 17 to allow for further reports to take place.

A mention hearing for the case will take place instead on February 17 at Swansea Crown Court.

Judge Thomas told the court: 'I hope on that date there will be progress in one way or another, if only in terms of fixing a new trial date.'

Alexander Zurawski, aged six, was found dead at a bungalow in Swansea on August 29

Karolina Zurawska, 41, appeared before Swansea Crown court on Friday morning and is accused of murdering Alexander Zurawski, six

An inquest held in September heard how emergency services rushed to the bungalow on August 29 to find little Alexander lying in a pool of blood

Mike Jones KC appeared for the prosecution during the hearing, while John Hipkin KC represented Zurawska.

An inquest held in September heard how emergency services rushed to the bungalow on August 29 to find little Alexander lying in a pool of blood.

Despite their best efforts he died at the scene.

The hearing held at Swansea Coroner's Court was told that after a post-mortem Alexander's cause of death has been given as 'complex sharp force injury to the neck area'.

In a statement issued by South Wales Police following his death, Alexander's family described him as a 'very kind child'.

'Alexander was always well-behaved and never naughty,' they said.

'He was very clever and very mature for his age. He had great understanding of facts.

'Alexander was always helpful, always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning.

'Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong.

'He was amazing.'

The family also thanked the emergency services who responded to the incident.

Bethan Peterson, headteacher of Whitestone Primary School, said they were 'devastated' to hear of Alexander's death.

'Alexander was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook,' she said.

'He was an extremely loved and popular boy amongst his peers, staff and with all who knew him. He will be sadly missed.'
A Brazilian influencer underwent reconstructive nose surgery after she was bitten by a dog on New Year's Eve.

Juliana Isen, a 39-year-old former Playboy model, revealed that she was at a party in Mexico City on Tuesday and went to pet an Akita Inu.

The pooch reacted by biting her hand and the tip of her nose.

Isen was rushed to Angeles Hospital and underwent through a two-hour procedure to rebuild her nose.

'Look what a dog bite resulted in,' she told her 2.5 million followers on Instagram.

'I had surgery to remove the bacteria and had my entire nose reconstructed. Thank God, the plastic surgeon said I won't have any scars.'

Isen even found that her new nose appeared to look better than it did prior to the dog bite.

'I'm happier because the doctor said I don't need to do anything in Brazil, he reconstructed my entire nose,' she said.

Brazilian influencer and former Playboy model Juliana Isen underwent emergency reconstructive surgery in Mexico City after a part of her nose was bitten by an Akita Inu

Isen (left) said she was happy after the two-hour surgery she had to reconstruct her nose due to the dog bite she suffered on New Year's Eve in Mexico City. 'It's perfect. I think he even refined my nose a little more, it's thinner,' she said

Ju Isen went viral in 2015 when she appeared topless to protest the administration of then-president Dilma Rousseff

'I don't need to do anything aesthetically, I don't need anything. It's perfect. I think he even refined my nose a little more, it's thinner.'

Isen was discharged from the hospital on Thursday.

'I did all the tests, it wasn't rabies, but I was infected by a dangerous bacteria,' she added.

'I'm taking antibiotics and being monitored in the hospital to avoid complications.'

Isen made headlines in 2015 when she appeared topless to protest the administration of then-president Dilma Rousseff.
A four-year-old boy was tragically struck and killed by a school bus in Wisconsin on the first day back after holiday break.

The unidentified boy was hit around 8:30am on Thursday in the parking lot of the Silver Spring Intermediate School in Lisbon, roughly 25 miles outside of Milwaukee.

The pre-kindergartner was transferring to a shuttle bus to be taken to Willow Springs Learning Center when the accident occurred.

The bus, operated by Dairyland, was carrying students at the time and the driver is said to be cooperating with authorities, according to WISN.

Willow Springs parent Waleed Edoud said his five-year-old son was right in front of the victim at the time and was nearly hit.

'I don't know what happened but during the transfer, my son said the kid that's behind him got hit by the bus and it just missed him,' Edoud told the outlet.

'He's horrified. He's a little five-year-old... My kid was steps away from being the one.'

Edoud said he hates the morning transfer and that his young son is escorted by a chaperone from the middle school to the shuttle bus.

The unidentified boy was hit around 8:30am on Thursday in the parking lot of the Silver Spring Intermediate School in Lisbon, roughly 25 miles outside of Milwaukee

The pre-kindergartner was transferring to a shuttle bus to be taken to Willow Springs Learning Center when the accident occurred

'My kids, every day, come home complaining about these bus drivers,' the father said.

Edoud said he is going to stop putting his kids on the bus, according to Fox 6.

'They just have to stop doing this transfer stuff. That's it,' he told the outlet.

Another parent said they've been 'calling and complaining, but we keep getting brushed off.'

The bus company said: 'We offer our deepest condolences to the student's family, friends, and the Hamilton School community.

'Dairyland-Hamilton is fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate this tragic accident, and we are in ongoing communication with our District partners.'

The school district shut down classes on Friday.

A Willow Springs parent said his five-year-old son was right in front of the victim at the time and was nearly hit: 'He's horrified. He's a little five-year-old... My kid was steps away from being the one'

Willow Springs was supposed to be the child's final destination. 'They just have to stop doing this transfer stuff. Thats it,' the parent said

'Our student services team immediately began working with students and staff at several buildings this morning and will continue to provide support during this difficult time,' a letter from the district read, according to Fox 6.

Police are still investigating the accident.

A prayer vigil will be held at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church at 7pm on Friday for the victim.
Three police officers will be tried in Paris for the manslaughter of a delivery driver who repeatedly said 'I'm suffocating' during his arrest in January 2020.

At least two of the cops have already lodged appeals to that decision.

The death of 42-year-old Cedric Chouviat after being tackled to the ground by a policeman has drawn comparisons to the May 2020 death in the US of George Floyd, who was suffocated while being knelt on by a white police officer during his arrest.

Investigating magistrates found the officers had shown 'inappropriate, negligent and imprudent behaviour' during Chouviat's arrest, in a document first revealed by investigative website Mediapart.

A fourth, female police officer present at the scene will not face trial.

Chouviat, who was of North African descent, was tackled to the ground while wearing his motorbike helmet during the arrest near the Eiffel Tower in Paris on January 3, 2020.

He was brought to hospital in critical condition after losing consciousness but died on January 5 of asphyxiation caused by a fractured larynx.

Six months later, details from an investigation showed that the father-of-five had said 'I'm suffocating' nine times in the space of 13 seconds before losing consciousness.

Three police officers will be tried in Paris for the manslaughter of a delivery driver who repeatedly said 'I'm suffocating' during his arrest in January 2020

The death of 42-year-old Cedric Chouviat after being tackled to the ground by a policeman has drawn comparisons to the May 2020 death in the US of George Floyd , who was suffocated while being knelt on by a white police officer during his arrest

Chouvait shouted 'I'm suffocating' seven times before passing out. He died of asphyxiation caused by a broken larynx

The revelations turned the case into a symbol of police violence in France, increasingly under the spotlight in recent years due to a number of high-profile shootings during traffic stops and injuries during demonstrations.

The Chouviat case going to trial is 'an important step for the family' of the delivery driver, their lawyer Arie Alimi said.

'It's also an important step for addressing of police violence by the judiciary,' he added.

'The hearings will be the time and place for important debates about how the police and judiciary work as institutions.'

Lawyers William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, also representing the family, nevertheless expressed regret that the involuntary homicide charge 'distorts and conceals' what they called 'voluntary' violence against Chouviat.

Pauline Ragot, representing two of the police officers, said she had appealed the December 17 order to send her clients to trial.

Chouviat was initially stopped by officers for looking at his phone while riding his scooter and having a dirty licence plate, Le Monde reported.

He began filming the incident along with a female police officer who was involved in the stop, before getting into a confrontation with the officers.

Footage taken by the female officer and shown on French TV reveals the officers began pushing him, before they ended up on the floor.

The struggle was then caught on camera by passing motorists, with video showing Chouviat being pinned to the ground.

The arrest lasted around 20 seconds before he went limp, and an ambulance was called to take him to hospital.

Lawyers for the accused officers say they did not hear Chouviat shouting because he had a motorcycle helmet on.

Chouviat's family said at the time of his death that a charge of manslaughter was too lenient 'for the violence and aggressiveness of the police officers' as seen in video footage captured by witnesses.

'Voluntary blows led to the death of Cedric Chouviat,' the family said in a statement.

A charge of 'voluntary violence' could carry a higher penalty than manslaughter under French law.

The family asked at the time that the restraint techniques used on Chouviat - a chokehold and a position where a person is forced face down on the ground while pressure is applied on their torso - be banned.

Former Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced a ban on chokeholds in June 2020 but backtracked after a backlash by police who demonstrated across France.
A 'twisted' English teacher who admitted receiving a sex act from a 16-year-old student in a cupboard at school after class was spared jail today.

David Howard, 47, wooed the teenager with a Valentine's Day card and a love letter declaring he was 'besotted' with his victim, who branded him a 'predator' today.

Howard joked that they could get caught by the cleaner when they secretly met in the cupboard at the end of the school day, Woolwich Crown Court was told.

He sent her cards, letters, mini-discs and books, including a paperback by notorious sexual libertine and sex criminal Marquis de Sade. They also met out of school and spent long periods speaking on the phone.

'I fear I have become besotted by you', he told her.

The court heard that he was single, then aged 24, and in his first teaching job at Crown Woods School, Eltham - since renamed Leigh Stationers Academy.

Howard, of Lewes, now married with a child, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in sexual activity, while in a position of trust, in 2002.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months, plus thirty days of a Probation Service-ordered rehabilitation activity requirement and must sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

David Howard, 47, was in his twenties when he pursued the 16-year-old student when he was teaching English in Eltham, south-east London

He was seen in the company of the girl, then 16 and still wearing her uniform, in the Blackheath area of south-east London.

She told the court she later reported him to the deputy headmaster and another teacher at the time, but nothing happened.

Prosecutor Matthew Dalton said the now 38-year-old victim first reported Howard - who quit teaching for the legal profession - in 2021 and gave a video-recorded statement to police on August 27 that year.

'I received a Valentine's Day card when I was sixteen years-old,' she told officers.

The card was posted to her family home and was followed by a hand-written A4 letter in which Howard wrote: 'I fear I have become besotted by you.'

'The author was her teacher, who also got on the same train as her when she travelled to school,' said Mr Dalton.

'They also spent time together outside school.'

The victim told police she performed a sex act on him in a cupboard 'at the end of the corridor, on the top floor.'

She spent so long on the house phone with Howard her mother asked: 'Who are all these calls to,' and said: 'That's the big phone bill.'

She also once visited Howard's flat, but there is no suggestion any sexual activity took place there.

Over ten years later, in 2013 she sent him a letter saying she was now aware he 'groomed and abused' her, but Howard did not reply.

Howard, of Lewes, now married with a child, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in sexual activity, while in a position of trust, in 2002. He received a suspended sentence today

Judge Charlotte Welsh told Howard: 'You chose to use that girl to make you feel better, which was an extremely cruel thing to do. She was not equipped to deal with your sexual advances.

'It was highly selfish behaviour, a twisted immoral attempt at courtship that was criminal.

'I accept your remorse is genuine, but that is cold comfort to the victim. There is a genuine prospect of rehabilitation and I accept your understanding that what you did was so wrong.'

The victim attended the hearing and read aloud her impact statement, a few metres from Howard.

'Predators like him are able to identify vulnerable children like me,' she said.

'The grooming was so powerful that for a decade I was convinced it was a consenting relationship.

'What happened was a badly kept secret. The Deputy Head saw us together, I told another teacher and they did nothing, allowing him to continue to sexually abuse me.'

'I was anxious, agoraphobic, isolated and afraid and fearful in public,' she told the packed courtroom.

'I have nightmares of David Howard chasing and attacking me.

'I have been driven to pour boiling water on my wrists to reduce stress and moved to a home near a railway level crossing, with the intention of ending my life.

'I hope all the teachers feel one tenth of my guilt and shame for not reporting. He told me he was in a relationship with another pupil and I believe he abused others.'

Mr Dalton added: 'Howard was flirty with her in the classroom and she describes him as popular and as the "cool teacher" and he would have been twenty-four years-old at the time.

'She says that she had a crush on him and would lie to her parents about where she was when she was with Howard.'

The victim recalled the light-hearted way Howard dealt with the stock cupboard act. 'There was a joke about getting caught by the cleaner as it was the end of the school day.'

Howard's lawyer James Martin told the court his client is now seeing a counsellor, but Judge Welsh noted this only began when he was arrested.

'This was many, many years ago and you are passing sentence on someone who is a different human being,' said the lawyer.

'He is now married with a child and this was his first job and he was immature and teaching children not much younger than himself.

Woolwich Crown Court heard how he joked about being caught in the cupboard at school with the girl by the cleaners

'He accepts it was morally unacceptable and was not aware it was criminal and does not accept that he groomed her.

'What took place in the cupboard was slightly before her exams and it was never a full sexual relationship, just that one off incident in the cupboard as distressing as that may be.

'There were very personal circumstances at the time that I would rather not get into in open court,' said Mr Martin. 'He has dealt with a substantial amount of residual guilt for what he has done.

'Some time ago he wrote a letter of remorse and apology to the victim and that letter is in the hands of the Crown Prosecution Service and available if she wants to read it.

'He will have to find a new career now and at his age that in itself is a significant punishment. He moved away from the teaching profession to engage in the world of law.'

Judge Welsh told first-time offender Howard: 'By its nature it was abusive at all times. You sent her a Valentine's Day card and told her you were besotted.

'You spent time together outside of the school, not even surreptitiously and others knew what was going on.

'It took her many years to understand that what you did to her was abuse and I cannot give justice as to how it has impacted her life.

'The people who should have stepped in to stop what was going on did nothing and she is still plainly suffering anxiety and clearly not managing it.

'You tell me you saw your involvement as a genuine relationship, but it was a warped view given that she was a schoolgirl and you were a schoolteacher.

'I am told you acknowledge this now and are disgusted by what you did then.'

The Judge ruled Howard's behaviour did not amount to grooming, adding: 'It must have been a stressful environment in a large London comprehensive and you had a crisis of confidence and mental health difficulties.

'You quit teaching as you were unable to cope'.
Mama & Tata blogger Candice Miller, 42, is selling off literally everything in her family mansion in a fire sale auction after her husband's suicide.

Real estate tycoon Brandon Miller, 43, took his own life in their $15.5 million home in the Hamptons over the July 4 weekend while secretly $33.6 million in debt.

Candice got $15 million in a life insurance payout - despite his manner of death - and sold the mansion in Water Mill for about the same amount last month.

Still facing huge debts as Miller left her with only about $8,000 in the bank, she is selling everything from furniture to kitchenware at auction.

With little over four days to go, many of the 225 pieces are going for rock-bottom prices and some have no bids yet at all.

A Dmitry & Co white linen sofa is at $750 after 27 bids and a beautiful antique French hand painted corner cabinet is a bargain at $51.

An entire vintage metal queen-size four-poster bed is at $42, a set of Restoration Hardware outdoor couches and coffee table is going for $625, and a bizarre faux teak outdoor table has a top bid of $130.

Mama & Tata blogger Candice Miller, 42, is selling off literally everything in her family mansion in a fire sale auction after her real estate tycoon husband Brandon's suicide.

Candice sold her Water Mill mansion in the Hamptons - Miller's main asset. It had been listed for $15.5 million in August but it's unclear how much it sold for

An entire vintage metal queen-size four-poster bed has a top bid of $42 with little over four days to go

So far fetching a decent price are two contemporary uni mohair armchairs by Merve Kahraman, with heart-shaped backrests, one at $410 and the other at $310.

Three TVs are on sale, one 55in has a top bid of $50 but the other two, a 33in and a 32in, are only at $10 apiece.

A 36in by 60in Oakworks Nova massage table with a stool is at $50.

The couple collected dozens of bizarre ornaments and sculptures that need new homes, including several mounted animal skull like a stag's with antlers for $39.

An African wood face mask on a metal stand is at $20, a deer antler candle holder is $90, a stone Chinese axe head is just $13, and a decorated Asian floral planter is $2.

Candice's agreed to pay about $4 million to settle a lawsuit over an unpaid loan in August, but still has a ways to go to settle the debts.

She is living in a rented $10 million apartment in Miami with her two children, and was sued for $194,881.89 in unpaid rent on another $47,000-a-month home on Park Avenue.

Candice is fighting the lawsuit, arguing she did not personally signed the lease.

So far fetching a decent price are two contemporary uni mohair armchairs by Merve Kahraman, with heart-shaped backrests, one at $410 and the other at $310

A beautiful antique French hand painted corner cabinet is a bargain at $51

This deer antler candle holder is $90

A bizarre faux teak outdoor table has a top bid of $130.

An African wood face mask on a metal stand is at $20

Miller died by inhaling carbon monoxide inside the garage of his mansion while his wife and their daughters were away in Europe.

Insurance companies do not typically pay out policies in the case of suicide, bur that exclusion generally only lasts two years after the policy is bought, per industry experts.

The mansion had five mortgages totaling nearly $12 million when Miller died.

Miller's mother Barbara died at the age of 81 last month, his family saying she died from a 'broken heart.'

'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,' her daughter Maurley Miller said.

A 36in by 60in Oakworks Nova massage table with a stool is at $50

A set of Restoration Hardware outdoor couches and coffee table is going for $625

A decorated Asian floral planter is $2

A stone Chinese axe head is just $13

'The tragedy that my family has endured over the past few months has been absolutely devastating. The pain is indescribable.'

Candice, who was known for flaunting her life as part of New York's wealthiest circles, has filed a bond petition detailing four outstanding loans on the property, including a $2 million mortgage from Titan Capital, which has also recently sued her over missed payments.

Beyond the property debt, Brandon had a substantial unsecured loan of $11.3 million from BMO Bank.

Additionally, he owed over $6 million to Donald Jaffe, a lender who had previously funded Miller and his father on various projects.

Jaffe is still pursuing legal action to recover the unpaid balance.

The couple collected dozens of bizarre ornaments and sculptures that need new homes, including several mounted animal skull like a stag's with antlers for $39

After her husband ended his own life on July 3 Miller sought a fresh start with her two daughters in Miami Beach

Miller was able to leave his influencer widow Candice $15 million in insurance money despite his death by suicide in July

Other creditors include American Express and Funding Club, a Brooklyn-based cash advance lender, to whom Brandon owed over $300,000 and $266,000, respectively.

In a suicide note, the father explained that a last-minute make-or-break business deal had fallen through, leaving him feeling he had no way out.

Candice moved to Miami Beach shortly after her husband's suicide and is now living in a multimillion dollar condo owned by a member of the von Furstenberg family.

Her now-defunct Mama & Tata account frequently featured lavish displays of wealth including extravagant parties, designer clothing and luxury getaways.
The devastated mother of a 25-year-old man fatally struck by a car after it mounted the pavement and ploughed into a crowd in central London has shared her pain at receiving 'the worst call ever'.

Yasemin Akcajoca, 61, has spoken for the first time since the Christmas Day tragedy, which claimed the life of her son Aidan Chapman.

The 'loving' and 'kind' father-of-one died from his injuries on New Year's Eve, six days after a Mercedes-Benz E-Class struck pedestrians on Shaftesbury Avenue, at around 12.45am on Christmas Day.

Account manager Ms Akcajoca, who lives in West London, said the family had all been together on Christmas Eve with friends who had flown in from Turkey and she had not wanted Aidan to leave.

Revealing how events could have been 'so different', she told Metro: 'I did my best as a mother, I just wish I could have protected him. I didnt want him to go out that night.

'I said "stay in with us"- he was only supposed to be gone two hours, but he has gone forever.

In the early hours of the morning, at around 4am, she recalled receiving a call from the hospital informing her that her son was in critical condition.

She was then taken by police escort to the hospital, but the young man never regained consciousness.

Devastated mother Yasemin Akcajoca, 61, has shared her pain at receiving 'the worst call ever' after Aidan Chapman, 25, was fatally struck by a car in central London

'I didnt want him to go out that night': Ms Akcajoca said she wished Mr Chapman had stayed at home to see in Christmas Day with his family

His heartbroken mother detailed how she held his hand and spoke to him in those last days before he succumbed to his injuries.

Describing him as her 'best friend', Ms Akcajoca said his younger sister, 16, has been left equally bereft by the tragedy.

Mr Chapman also leaves behind a five-year-old son, Connor.

In the aftermath of the incident, his parents issued a statement speaking of their 'utter devastation'.

They said: 'The loss of our beautiful son is a parent's worst nightmare. We are utterly devastated with the loss of Aidan.

'He enriched everyone's lives. He was a loving, kind, funny soul and the world is a darker place without him. We, his parents, have lost the best part of ourselves.'

Anthony Gilheaney, 30, of Harlow in Essex, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 27 charged with four counts of attempted murder.

He was also charged with causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified and possessing a knife in a public place, according to court documents.

In the aftermath of his death, Mr Chapman's family said he was 'a loving, kind, funny soul'

Gilheaney was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on January 24.

He is accused of causing serious injury to four pedestrians while driving a Mercedes-Benz E-Class on Shaftesbury Avenue whilst disqualified.

Gilheaney is also accused of having a small knife in Lincoln's Inn Fields on the same day.

The Metropolitan Police said the existing charges will be reviewed by the court following the death of Mr Chapman.

The victim's next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

The Met's Specialist Crime Command is now leading the investigation and Mr Chapman's death is being treated as a homicide.

Previously, the force said officers were called at 12.45am after reports of a collision and a car driving on the wrong side of the road on Shaftesbury Avenue in the capital's theatre district.

The police cordon stretched between the Gielgud Theatre, where the musical Oliver is performed, and Sondheim Theatre, home to Les Miserables.

Aidan Chapman, 25, was seriously injured in the incident and died on New Year's Eve

A car is seen speeding along Shaftesbury Avenue at the time of the incident on Christmas Day

Forensic investigators collect evidence at the scene on Shaftesbury Avenue on Christmas Day

A further police cordon was on Archer Street and Great Windmill Street, covering the Windmill Soho nightclub and other venues in the Soho area.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said today: 'Our thoughts are with the victim's friends and family at this difficult time.

'My team are continuing to conduct enquiries to establish all the facts surrounding the circumstances, however it has been confirmed as an isolated incident which is not terror-related.

'We would appeal to anyone who holds any CCTV or dash cam or mobile phone footage of the incident to come forward as well as anyone else who might have had contact with the suspect that evening.'

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC quoting CAD 233/25DEC. Information, photos and footage can also be uploaded to Public Portal. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

Police officers at the scene on Christmas Day on Shaftesbury Avenue in London's West End

Forensic investigators collect evidence at the scene on Shaftesbury Avenue on Christmas Day
The Iranian landscape is a blur of colours and textures. Deserts morph into mountains, rivers into plains.

The B-2 stealth plane's top speed is classified, but today it's flying at almost 700 mph. So far, its radar-absorbent materials and angled surfaces  which give it the appearance of an angry metal mosquito  have done their job. The flight remains undetected. Iran's air defences have been rendered useless.

The Kuh-e Kolang mountain looms into view. Its surface of undulating brown and grey has a calmness that belies the reality. Buried scores of metres within is the target: a half-built uranium-enrichment plant. Once operational, it will produce enough material for several nuclear bombs.

It's time. The payload, two 6-metre, 14,000 kg GBU-57 bombs that penetrate deep below the surface before detonating, is released. It's a double tap: first one, then another. The roar of the explosion is colossal. The mountain seems to tremble before a part of it implodes, sinking in on itself.

'Mission accomplished,' says a calm voice with a Midwestern American accent, 'back to Missouri.'

A little to the north two Israeli pilots are smiling. Earlier, they passed over Syria on their way to Iran and surveyed with satisfaction the shattered Syrian aircraft they had destroyed at the end of 2024. Now they are closing in on another target: Iran's Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant in Natanz.

A US Airforce B-2 stealth bomber. This type of weapon could be used to wipe out Iran's nuclear facilities

The Iranian regime murdered Mahsa Amini, pictured on poster, in September 2022 for incorrectly wearing her hijab

Their tools are US-made BLU-109 bunker-buster bombs. Jerusalem used these to kill Hezbollah terror leader Hassan Nasrallah back in September; today they are bringing the same vengeance to his Iranian paymasters.

The bombs are released. An inferno of flame and smoke erupts below. Smiles turn to grins. 'Balagan,' (chaos) says a voice in Hebrew. The planes turn sharply and begin the journey home.

The January 2025 strike on Iran's nuclear facilities marked both a beginning and an end. Donald Trump had started his second administration in spectacular style. For Iran, decades of work and billions of dollars of equipment and research were no more.

This dramatic description of the obliteration of Iran's nuclear ambitions is, of course, fictional. But the fact is that, for Israel, a nuclear armed Iran is unacceptable. And as far as it is concerned, the Iranians are intent on 'the bomb'. Many years ago, I sat in a cafe with an Israeli intelligence officer and asked him how sure he was of this: 'If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck  and it's not a pregnant woman,' he replied. 'It's a duck.'

Iran has consistently denied it seeks nuclear weapons, pointing to the fact that it signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and only wants peaceful nuclear power, as is its legal right. Either way, what is clear is that while it may not yet have a nuclear weapon, it is close to gaining the capability to produce one.

Jerusalem and Washington DC have repeatedly 'war-gamed' how to successfully strike Iran's nuclear facilities. But it is not easy. As I discovered while writing my first book Nuclear Iran: The Birth Of An Atomic State, the Islamic Republic has been smart about the programme's security.

In 1981 the Israelis struck Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's nuclear reactor at Osirak. Operation Opera, as it was called, was a total success.

But Osirak was a single, above-ground facility built around one reactor  and the Iranians learned from it. Iran's programme is very different: it has dispersed its faculties around its country and buried them deep underground.

Iran has two paths to any bomb: plutonium production and uranium enrichment, the latter of which it favours. It is now enriching uranium at up to 60 per cent fissile purity, close to the 90 per cent weapons grade it needs to manufacture nuclear bombs.

Its two key enrichment facilities are in Natanz, south of Tehran, which goes several floors underground, and Fordow, which is dug into a mountain, making it theoretically even better protected.

Then there is the nuclear technology centre on the outskirts of Iran's second biggest city Isfahan, while Iran is also reportedly building another facility in Natanz. Satellite photos taken in April 2023 show that Iran is burrowing into the Kuh-e Kolang mountain just south of the existing complex  some experts have speculated that this facility is up to 100 metres below ground.

Rafel Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the watchdog that monitors nuclear proliferation, assessed in January 2023 that Iran had enough uranium to build 'several'nuclear weapons. If enriched to the right levels and if it has sufficient technology to weaponise them with the appropriate delivery systems.

Iran also relies primarily on centrifuges to enrich uranium, which are small, 20-30cm in diameter and 1-2 metres tall, and can be constructed in a variety of locations. So if Israel launches strikes Iran would theoretically be able to rebuild and place them even deeper underground.

Israel does have bunker-busting capabilities. It reportedly used a BLU-109 bomb (which can go 35 metres deep) to assassinate Nasrallah. But whacking a podgy terrorist in a Beirut suburb is very different to destroying an Iranian nuclear site buried in a mountain.

For that it needs the US with its GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs, which penetrate at least 60 metres underground before detonating. Pentagon officials have discussed using two bombs in succession to ensure any nuclear site would be destroyed, but even then, success is not assured.

The GBU-57 is likely to be carried on the B-2 Stealth Bomber plane as it is so huge (about 6 metres long). The US used the B-2 to strike five Houthi facilities in October 2024, a clear warning to Iran. As US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said afterwards: 'This was a unique demonstration of the United States' ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened or fortified.'

This speaks to an inescapable truth: set aside all the rhetoric, the Israelis cannot do this without Washington. For years, Israeli officials have tried to make the case that this is America's problem. Avi Dichter, former head of Israel's internal security service Shin Bet, once spent an hour telling me that the nuclear crisis was a superpower problem that required a superpower solution.

The Americans, though, are not having it. George W Bush reportedly rejected Israeli requests to give them the necessary bombs and the planes. Obama's desire to make a deal with Iran meant he was never going to countenance Israeli strikes. Trump talked up a strike on Iran's bomb-making facilities after the country attacked Israel with 200 missiles last October, saying he had advised Netanyahu to 'hit the nuclear first and worry about the rest later'. But then he says a lot of things.

There is no doubt that Trump loathes the mullahs and fears an Iranian nuclear capability. A tough new strategy on Iran, which includes possible military action, sending more US forces to the region and selling Israel more advanced weapons, is a key foreign policy objective. But he is also reluctant to unleash a new war dragging in the US military.

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), assessed in 2023 that Iran had enough uranium to build 'several' nuclear weapons

Airmen work on a GBU-57, or Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri, US

All of which means that if the Israelis are immovable in their desire to take out Iran's nuclear programme, they will probably need to do it themselves.

And if they cannot do that, can they target the regime directly?

The time has probably never been more propitious. Just over one year on from the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and Iran is reeling. Its Syrian vassal Bashar al-Assad has finally fallen and duly scuttled off to Moscow to enjoy a future of exile-cum-imprisonment as Putin's guest there.

Make no mistake, Assad's fall is a disaster for Tehran. Not only has it lost face for its failure to protect him, but without Assad it no longer has a land bridge to supply Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, its Palestinian proxy Hamas is ravaged: thousands of its fighters are dead, as are its Gaza leaders, while the Qataris have asked its 'political' cadre to leave Doha. (The billions they have stolen from their own people will no doubt ease that blow.)

The jewel in Iran's proxy crown, Hezbollah, lost its charismatic leader Hassan Nasrallah to those Israeli bunker-busting bombs in September, while its officer class remain largely alive but also largely bereft of limbs following Israel's pagers operation against them, when the country's intelligence services turned the terrorist group's communication devices into bombs.

The October 7, 2023, massacres did indeed change everything  just not in the way the axis of resistance planned.

Only the Houthis, a medieval-like Shia Yemeni terror group that brought child slavery back to their country, remain fully functioning, with the capacity to bomb Israeli  and indeed international  shipping at Iran's behest. How long before Jerusalem turns its attention to them? And does international commerce a favour in the process?

Only last week, Israel's ambassador to the UN warned that the Houthis risked the same 'miserable fate' as Hezbollah if they continued their missile attacks on his country.

With so many arms of the octopus now either amputated or crippled, I know that many Israelis are saying it's now time to take out the head, the source of so much regional instability  the Iranians themselves.

To reiterate: the fall of Assad, the failed direct strikes on Israel and the smashing of Hezbollah and Hamas mean that the Islamic Republic's entire policy toward Israel  which the mullahs use to garner support for their regime among the surrounding Arab population  is in ruins.

Indeed, this is unquestionably the most precarious period in the Islamic Republic's history, more so than even the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War, when the country was at least united in the face of an external enemy.

Now, though, Iran's people are furious with their leaders.

The huge sums the mullahs have spent on foreign adventurism when the country has chronic financial problems  brought about by decades of the regime's economic mismanagement  are a long-standing source of anger for Iranians.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an overnight strike on Beirut in September

Now that it has seemingly all been for nothing, that anger has turned to rage. Former Iranian MP Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh articulated the thoughts of millions of Iranians when he posted that 'no one will be able to waste Iran's dollars for maintaining a spider web anymore'.

And it has been a lot of dollars. Iranian government documents, cited by The Times, indicate that Assad accrued a 39 billion debt to Iran for oil and military supplies during the Syrian civil war.

Between September and October this year, US based research firm Stasis Consulting conducted a poll of 1,189 Iranian citizens living across all 31 provinces, which found, among other things, that 64 per cent of Iranians think 'Iran's foreign policy is a cause of Iran's economic problems'.

Critically, 60 per cent agreed with the statement that 'Iranian officials do not care about solving the issues that matter to the Iranian youth'.

They are not wrong. Across Iran the people are revolted by the regime's barbarity. According to a March 2024 UN fact-finding mission, after Iranian police 'murdered' Mahsa Amini in September 2022 following her arrest for incorrectly wearing her hijab, its security services went on to slaughter at least 550 people in the subsequent protests, the highest number killed since the Islamic Republic's founding.

Security services fired assault rifles and shotguns loaded with metal pellets at protestors, as well as beating them with batons. This 'unlawful killing of hundreds of protestors and bystanders' included 'scores of children'.

Amnesty International, meanwhile, has claimed that authorities 'committed widespread torture' as well as 'the use of rape, including gang rape, and other forms of sexual violence'.

Add to this that Iran's 85-year-old supreme leader Ali Khamenei is finally dying and is doing everything he can to ensure that his son Mojtaba succeeds him. This means implementing a dynastic succession model fundamentally opposed to the guiding principles of the Islamic Republic. When Khamanei does die, the transition period is likely to be one of acute vulnerability for the regime.

The Israelis know this. At the end of September Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu filmed a three-minute video posted on social media, in which he directly addressed the Iranian people. 'When Iran is finally free  and that moment will come a lot sooner than people think  everything will be different,' Netanyahu said. 'Our two countries, Israel and Iran, will be at peace.'

In the video's key phrase he declared that 'the people of Iran should know  Israel stands with you'. It was smart politics, expressing support but stopping short of any specific promise of action. But the message was clear: rise up and overthrow your oppressors.

Again, there has probably never been a more opportune moment. According to Holly Dagres, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, and a recent guest on the Mail's weekly global news podcast, 90 Seconds To Midnight, 'the Iranian people are fed up with the status quo and want the Islamic Republic gone. This was most evident by the 2022 Women, Life, Freedom uprising that has since evolved into a movement.

'Just because mass protests aren't in the streets doesn't mean their demand for the downfall of the clerical establishment has changed'.

Yet what can the Israelis do? Even if Iranians want the regime gone, allying with Israel to do this would be a treason too far for many. Also, Israel's foreign operations are generally in response to Iranian aggression, and they revolve around the business of sabotage and assassinations; political warfare is, ironically, far more of an Iranian speciality.

In truth, if the Israelis want to help bring about regime change the best thing they can do is carry on as they are: humiliating the regime at every turn, showing it for the weak and corrupt and falling entity that it is. Show the Iranians that those who oppress them are not only vile but incompetent. Show them that if they do overthrow the mullahs, they will have a friend in the region, should they so wish.

Until then, Tehran remains committed to Israel's destruction, as do its proxies and millions of people across the world. The odds are long for the Israelis, but then they usually are and it's probably wisest not to bet against them.

The Middle East is littered with the corpses of those who thought they could torture and kill Jews with impunity, and who have paid the ultimate price for this hubris.
U.S. federal agents search home of former top NYPD official

Xinhua) 10:32, January 03, 2025

NEW YORK, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. federal agents on Thursday morning searched the home of Jeffrey Maddrey, the former chief of the New York Police Department (NYPD), NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

Maddrey, who resigned on Dec. 20 after a lieutenant accused him of coercing her into sex, is also being investigated by the department's Internal Affairs Bureau, which is working with law enforcement authorities in its inquiry, Tisch said in a statement posted on X.

Maddrey was suspended without pay Thursday morning as the search warrant was executed, the commissioner said. "Under the state's retirement system, there is a lag between the day a resignation is submitted and the date it becomes effective," noted The New York Times about the move.

The resignation of Maddrey, once a close ally of Mayor Eric Adams, spawned federal and local investigations into the former chief's conduct. Maddrey had demanded sex from a subordinate in exchange for overtime, according to a blog post by the officer's lawyer, Eric Sanders.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Senator Tim Scott will make history on Friday as the longest-serving black senator ever after he is sworn into the new 119th Congress.

The South Carolina Republican lawmaker and close ally of President-elect Donald Trump first assumed office as a U.S. senator in January 2013.

His milestone comes 60 years after black Americans were guaranteed the right to vote with the the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The longest-serving black senator prior to Scott was Republican Senator Edward Brooke of Massachusetts who served two full terms from 1967 to 1979.

'My goal is simple: make America work for Americans,' Scott said in a statement to DailyMail.com.

'As we get to work cleaning up the mess from the previous administration, I look forward to working with President Trump on his priorities, including paving a path for all Americans to have the necessary tools and resources to achieve their version of the American Dream,' he added.

Scott vowed to 'unlock opportunity, strengthen our nation, and make America the shining city on the Hill again.'

Scott, 59, was first appointed to fill the South Carolina Senate seat by then-Governor Nikki Haley in December 2012 to replace retiring Senator Jim DeMint.

He then was elected in 2014 to fill the rest of DeMint's term and won reelection to his first full term in 2016.

Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) became the longest-serving black senator in U.S. history with the start of the new Congress

As well as being the longest-serving black senator in U.S. history, Scott will also be the first black chairman of a Senate standing committee.

He previously served as ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee in the last Congress, but with Republicans retaking the majority, he will assume the role of chairman.

Scott will also play a crucial role in helping the GOP retain control in the Senate in the 2026 midterms after being elected to lead the Republican Senate campaign arm in November.

'As we begin the 119th Congress, Senate Republicans have high enthusiasm and are focused on delivering for the American people! This Congress, I am thrilled to serve as the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee,' Scott said.

Republicans hold a three-seat majority in the Senate in the new Congress after flipping four seats in November, but the Senate map is less friendly two years from now.

He's also a newlywed as he married interior designer Mindy Noce, 47, in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, in August.

Their wedding comes months after critics said they only got engaged before the New Hampshire primary because he was gunning for Donald Trump's vice president slot at the time.

But their love is withstanding the test of time and Noce will likely be a more frequent visitor to D.C. in the coming months.

Scott's fellow South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham weighed in on the historic achievement on Friday, writing on X he is 'incredibly proud' of him for the 'very special milestone.'

'This achievement was made possible because the voters of South Carolina believe in Tim Scott and his positive, upbeat, conservative message,' Graham wrote. 'As we celebrate Tim achieving this major milestone in American politics, I am certain that when it comes to Senator Tim Scott, the best is yet to come!'

Scott married interior designer Mindy Noce in Mount Pleasant, SC in August

Scott speaking at the South Carolina Statehouse after being introduced by then-Governor Nikki Haley (center) who appointed him to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Jim DeMint

Scott being sworn into office as a U.S. senator with his mother Frances

Scott gained national attention in 2023 with a bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

He ended up dropping out of the race that November and became a fierce defender of President-elect Trump as he barreled toward clinching the nomination.

Scott at one point was also among the frontrunners floated to serve as Trump's running mate before he selected Ohio Senator J.D. Vance for the number-two spot.

Before being appointed to serve in the Senate, Scott served in the House representing South Carolina's 1st Congressional District from 2011 to 2013 and in the South Carolina House.

Scott taking the stage for a Republican presidential primary debate in September 2023

Scott endorsed Trump for president in January 2024 after ending his own presidential bid in November 2023

Scott is the only black Republican in the Senate.

Across the aisle, Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey is the only other black senator besides Scott and Brooke to have hit the eleven-year mark.

He was sworn into office nine months after Scott in October 2013 after winning the special election in his state.

But the new Congress will also be gaining two more black senators this year.

For the first time in history, there will be two black women serving as U.S. senators at the same time with Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware both being sworn into office.
Two sisters tragically killed by the Hawaii New Year's Eve fireworks explosion have been identified by their heartbroken family.

Nelie Turalba Ibarra and Lita were killed in the illegal fireworks display on Tuesday night during the New Year's Eve celebration that also left several other family members critically injured.

Some of the injuries were so gruesome that 'brain matter' was left on the street.

Nelie was described as having an 'infectious laughter and boundless generosity' that 'touched everyone she met', in a GoFundMe set up by her stepdaughter Ritchelyn Peterson.

In a separate GoFundMe for Lita's family, they revealed that her son Junior 'also sustained extensive fire-related injuries,' and that her '3-year-old grandson has suffered the most extensive injuries with most of his body burned.'

In addition, Lita's daughter Charmaine 'Char' Benigno, a mother-of-two, suffered 'burns beyond recognition'.

The blast that detonated at 12:01 am on Wednesday left three dead and more than two dozen severely wounded at a home on Keaka Drive in the neighborhood of Aliamanu.

Nelie and Lita's neice Sheena Turalva wrote in a GoFundMe that the death of her two aunts is an 'unimaginable tragedy and 'heartbreaking loss'.

Sisters Nelie and Lita were killed in the illegal fireworks display on Tuesday night during the New Year's Eve celebration

Nelie was described as having an 'infectious laughter and boundless generosity' that 'touched everyone she met'

Authorities believe the deadly fireworks were set off by an amateur pyrotechnic. The person has not yet been identified and a criminal investigation is underway.

'The emotional, physical, and financial toll on our family is overwhelming as we navigate this difficult and painful time,' she wrote.

Among those still 'fighting for their lives' are new parents Melissa and Kevin from the Salt Lake area.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green described the mass casualty incident as 'extraordinarily grotesque' scene that looked like a 'war zone' in its wake.

Authorities believe the deadly fireworks were set off by an amateur pyrotechnic. The person has not yet been identified, and a criminal investigation is underway.

Benigno suffered 'severe injuries that will require extensive medical care. She has a long recovery ahead,' according to her GoFundMe.

The young mother, who has two sons, ages two and four, remains in the ICU. Her longtime boyfriend survived the night unscathed.

Benigno's family wrote that her boys and Jacob 'really need her home!'

Two other victims critically wounded in the heinous New Year's Eve explosion are new parents, only identified by their first names Melissa and Kevin.

Pictured: Charmaine Benigno with her longtime partner Jacob. While Jacob was not injured, Benigno is fighting for her life in the ICU

Hawaii governor Josh Green described the 'extraordinarily grotesque' scene and said 'brain material' was found on the sidewalk

Some of the injuries were so gruesome that 'brain matter' was left on the street

'Kevin is currently in the hospital fighting for his life,' the description reads in their GoFundMe organized to help the family.

'He has sustained grave injuries, will require extensive medical care, and has a very long road to recovery,' their family added.

Melissa was flown to another hospital to be placed in their burn unit since there were no beds available in the hospital she was originally sent too.

As the couple recovers, their their three-month-old Kaesyn is currently being taken care of by both Melissa's and Kevin's families.

Minutes after midnight emergency crews rushed to the grisly and chaotic scene.

While it is still not clear the extent of other injuries of the wounded, the youngest is a three-year-old child.

Authorities described the illegal fireworks that detonated as a 'cake' - a cluster of tubes of up to 50 illegal aerial rockets.

The blast was Hawaii's deadliest fireworks incident in 14 years.

New parents Melissa and Kevin with their three-month-old son suffered catastrophic injuries

Charmaine 'Char' Benigno, a mother-of-two, was critically injured in the blast

Aerial view of the New Year's Eve explosion where emergency crews set up a triage

Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and a 23-year-old female later also succumbed to her injuries

Many in the Aliamanu community are heartbroken and grieving.

On Thursday, friends gathered to place flowers at a makeshift memorial near where their bodies were found.

Before the tragedy, dozens of partygoers were seen by the home's carport, and upstairs of the house, but after the fireworks explosion, a haunting clip captured on video shows only one one or two people exiting the home, as per KHON 2News.

Neighbor Angelina Bagaforo, who lives across the street, said she was inside when the fireworks went off and that a friend who was outside tended to some of the injured.

'My friend carried our friend into the house, she had lacerations on her fingers, she was bleeding, we couldn't tell where it was coming from but when we realized it wasn't a major artery or vein and we kept her stabilized,' Bagaforo said.

She said her friend saw helpless people who she described 'were dazed, just trying to figure out where the triage center is, asking for help, laying in the street'.

'It was a lot,' she added.

Aleighya Corpuz told the news outlet about her 12-year-old friend she is worried sick about.

'She kept saying Aleighya, I cant feel my legs, like it was hurt but numb, and I looked at her leg when she was leaving and it was bleeding,' she said.

Another woman who lives across the street where the tragedy took place was shattered by the incident.

She told the news outlet, 'They just wanted to have a good time and ring in the New Year with people they loved and cared about.'
Cybertruck suicide bomber Matthew Livelsberger was 'unstable, misogynistic' and emotionally 'abusive' to his first wife, says a pal of the active-duty Green Beret's ex.

I never considered him stable or solid, Stacie Wilssens, a close friend of the active-duty Green Beret's now ex-wife, Sara, told DailyMail.com.

I always felt like he was intimidated by Saras strength and beauty and whatnot. He was kind of insecure, and she was not in a great place in life, and he was not supportive of her  getting happy and healthy.

Wilssens became close friends with Livelsbergers first wife, when Sara and Matthew Livelsberger lived in Colorado Springs. She told DailyMail.com she first encountered her friend's then-husband around 2014.

He and Sara had known each other during high school in Ohio and reconnected later in life, ultimately marrying, Wilssens said  but shed never approved of the way Livelsberger treated his wife.

Wilssens, a retired psychiatric treatment center nurse, said Livelsberger didnt like Sara being close to anybody, and he didnt support her in anything.

They were also on opposite sides of the political spectrum.

Both Wilssens and Sara Livelsberger nee Wilson held more liberal political views; Sara campaigned for Bernie [Sanders] and then she worked for the Hillary [Clinton] campaign.

Livelsberger, meanwhile, was an avid Trump supporter  so we were both on opposite sides on all that, she said.

Matthew Livelsberger was a vile misogynist and bully to his first wife Sara (left) a friend of his ex-wife has claimed

Davis' second wife Jennifer is pictured. She is said to have left him recently, days after giving birth to the couple's child, over fears he was cheating on her

Doing it in front of a Trump hotel is a wrench that I dont really understand, because I know hes a Trump supporter, Wilssens said.

Wilssens told DailyMail.com shed blocked Livelsberger years ago and that the couple had divorced in 2018. His first wife remarried and now lives out of state with her new family and child.

Sara divorcing him and leaving was the best thing that she could have done, Wilssens said.

Given her personal experience of Livelsberger, Wilssens said she was more likely to believe personal issues, rather than a political ideology, had brought Livelsberger to Vegas.

I never considered him a stable, solid person  I never thought something like this, but clearly I would imagine that there are issues in his new relationship, and he just decompensated.

All indications point to Livelsberger undeniably having personal problems. Following the demise of his first marriage, he dated Alicia Arritt.

Following the relationship with Arritt, Livelsberger married Jennifer Davis.

She is said to have left him shortly before the recent birth of their child over fears he was cheating on her.

Livelsberger also got back in touch with Arritt just before his death, surprising her.

The Tesla Cybertruck that Livelsberger blew up outside the Trump Vegas hotel on Wednesday, with the Green Beret still inside

Livelsberger with ex-girlfriend Alicia Arritt, who he texted out of the blue days before killing himself

Police found credit cards, his passport and military ID on him, but they are still referring to him as a person of interest as they await DNA confirmation

He texted his ex Sunday after renting the Cybertruck he'd later kill himself inside, writing: 'I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. It's the s***.'

'I feel like Batman or halo,' he later texted, while sharing photos and videos of the futuristic vehicle.

Daviss Facebook profile lists her address as Germany, but police and agents raided this week raided another Colorado Springs address where the couple were listed together.

On Thursday, Colorado police revealed that Livelsberger had shot himself in the head shortly before blowing up the Cybertruck.

He'd hired the vehicle from Turo, an app which lets users rent strangers' cars in a similar manner to Airbnb and filled it with explosives.

The sturdy construction of the $80,000 SUV meant that the Trump hotel escaped undamaged despite the force of the blast, although seven people were injured.

No motive for the atrocity has been given. Livelsberger has been described as a 'Rambo type' soldier awarded five Bronze Stars for his service.

His fellow Green Berets are said to be mystified by the killing. His uncle Dean Livelsberger said Livelsberger was a Trump supporter.

Dean insisted that the bomber had not intended t hurt anyone with the blast, because he'd have had the skills to pull off a far worse atrocity if he'd wanted to.

The Ford F-150 Lighting used by Shamsud Din Jabbar to murder 14 people in New Orleans on New Year's Day. Cops have insisted there are no links between that attack and the Vegas bombing despite multiple eerie similarities between them and their perpetrators

Jabbar was a thrice-divorced former soldier and realtor who was shot dead by police after Wednesday's atrocity.

Wednesday's explosion happened just hours after Shamsud Din Jabbar mowed down and killed 14 with an ultra-fast Ford F-150 Lighting EV in New Orleans.

Din Jabbar's victims were celebrating New Year's in the Big Easy's famous French Quarter.

After crashing his rented truck, he opened fire with a rifle and injured two police officers, before being shot dead.

Din Jabbar was also a military vet. The EV he'd rented - also off Turo - had been fitted with an ISIS flag ahead of the atrocity.

Both he and Livelsberger had served at Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg, in North Carolina.

Their time there overlapped slightly.

Investigators say there are still no signs the two attacks were linked.

That is despite both perpetrators serving at the same base during the same time and using the same ride-share app to hire an EV for their respective outrages.
The remains of 28-year-old Kevin Graves have been found six years after he disappeared while attending the Electric Forest music festival.

Forensic anthropologists from the Western Michigan University confirmed the identification by using dental records.

Despite the positive ID, Graves' cause of death is still undetermined with no signs of foul play reported, according to police.

The festival-goer was last seen on July 1, 2018, at the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury, a rural village in Oceana County about five miles from Lake Michigan.

His remains were found in a wooded area close to the festival grounds on Monday by hunters on private property near the 2,000-acre Double JJ Resort, which hosts the annual event.

Graves' wallet, festival wristband and ID were also found with his remains, police confirmed.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement, 'Now that we have positive identification of the remains, at least the family has some closure on where he is.

Bouchard added that 'the next steps' of the case will hopefully 'determine what happened.'

Gary Graves, Kevin's father, said police notified him on January 1 that investigators were '99 percent sure' the remains belonged to his son.

The remains of 28-year-old Kevin Graves have been found six years after he disappeared while attending the Electric Forest music festival

His remains were found in a wooded area near the festival grounds on Monday by hunters on private property near the 2,000-acre Double JJ Resort, which hosts the annual event

Gary recalled witnessing an interview with a couple who observed an emotional altercation between Kevin and his girlfriend during the event.

Kevin was reportedly seen crying and walking away from the argument.

Following this incident, Kevin disappeared without a trace.

He never returned home, did not access his bank accounts and his phone remained inactive.

Concerned, his girlfriend filed a missing person report with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on July 3, 2018.

Despite a comprehensive search effort involving state and local authorities, cadaver dogs, divers, and volunteers, Kevin's remains stayed hidden.

In 2023, a billboard featuring Kevin's photo near the festival site asked attendees to report any information about his disappearance.

The Electric Forest festival, renowned for its unique blend of electronic music and jam bands, has consistently attracted tens of thousands of music enthusiasts to Rothbury each year since its inception in 2011.

The event, which includes camping and outdoor concerts, takes place at the sprawling Double JJ Resort.

Despite a comprehensive search effort involving state and local authorities, cadaver dogs, divers, and volunteers, Kevin had not been found

Despite the somber update, Gary expressed hope that the ongoing investigation will uncover details about what happened to his son.

'I'm hoping they're going to find something that's going to help figure out what happened to him,' he said.
Fort Liberty has passed the buck when it comes to their connection to the New Orleans and Las Vegas terror suspects, who both spent time at the notorious North Carolina base.

Army vet Shamsud-Din Jabbar and Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger, who sparked terror with their January 1 attacks, received training at the nation's largest base, formerly known as Fort Bragg.

DailyMail.com sent a list of detailed questions to Fort Liberty, including whether they have opened a probe into the men's time there, but was directed to the Pentagon.

The Pentagon also did not answer DailyMail.com's specific questions about the two men's time at Fort Liberty. Instead, they provided a previous statement about the suspects' military records.

'Due to the ongoing investigations, we will not be providing any additional information at this time,' the Pentagon said.

While officials have remained silent on the details of Jabbar and Livelsberger's stays at the base, an official told the Associated Press that there is no overlap in their assignments at the base, which has a a population of roughly 47,000 active-duty soldiers and is home to multiple Army special operations units.

The base has a controversial history that has involved various scandals throughout the decades. Its former name was changed in 2023 because it honored confederate general Braxton Bragg, a North Carolinian who was known for owning slaves and losing key Civil War battles that contributed to the Confederacys downfall.

New Orleans attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar (pictured) and Las Vegas bomber Matthew Livelsberger both spent time at the nation's largest base, Fort Liberty, previously Fort Bragg

An official told the Associated Press that there is no overlap in their assignments at the base. Livelsberger is pictured in military gear

Officials have remained silent on the details of Jabbar and Livelsberger's stays at the base

At they time, many slammed the renaming of the base, including Florida governor Ron DeSantis.

'Its an iconic name and iconic base, and were not gonna let political correctness run amok in North Carolina,' DeSantis said.

The renaming of the base was part of a broader effort by the military to confront racial injustice in the aftermath of the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

A naming commission created by Congress visited the bases and met with members of the surrounding communities for input. While other bases were renamed for black soldiers, US presidents and trailblazing women, the North Carolina military installation is the only one not renamed after a person.

But the base's name change has not covered its dark history of murders, drugs and mysterious deaths.

The base has had a history of problems with domestic violence - In just one year, 2010, four women were killed by their husbands at the installation.

Commanding officers approach the color guard during a ceremony to rename Fort Bragg

In 2018, special-forces soldier Billy Lavigne shot and killed Green Beret Mark Leshikar in a drug-fueled fight. Lavigne, who was never charged in the killing, was found shot dead in the back of his own truck two years later.

A Rolling Stone investigation found that murders, suicides and overdoses at the base resulted in more than 100 deaths in the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

There were 44 soldier deaths in just 2020 caused by homicides and suicides.

'I have repeatedly asked the military: can you show me another base where there's been a death toll this high in two years?' RS reporter Seth Harp told The Daily Beast.

'But they have never been able to actually point to a situation or a past occurrence like thisso I'm going to stick with my assumption that it really is unprecedented.'

The base is back in the public's attention following the terror attacks in Last Vegas and New Orleans on January 1.

Initially reports pointed to a possible connection between the two, as both attackers were military men who rented cars on the Turo app before unleashing the carnage.

However the FBI has said veteran Jabbar likely acted alone when, inspired by ISIS, he drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Years revelers in New Orleans's French Quarter, killing 14 people.

An ISIS flag and weapons were found inside the vehicle, as the FBI continues to assess Jabbar's connection to the terror group

Livelsberger is suspected of renting the Tesla Cybertruck, via the Turo app, and driving it to Nevada on Wednesday morning

Christopher Raia, the deputy assistant director of the FBIs counterterrorism division, stressed that there was no indication of a connection between the New Orleans attack and the explosion Wednesday of a Tesla Cybertruck filled with explosives outside Trumps Las Vegas hotel.

Officials are working to determine a possible motive for Livelsberger's actions in Vegas.
A California woman is suing Liberty Mutual for cancelling her home insurance after it claimed to have spotted mold on her roof using 'unreliable' aerial photography.

Maria Badin, 69, accused the provider of trying to 'maximize profits' with the decision to revoke coverage on her $1.8 million Poway home.

She filed a class action lawsuit in which she included the photo taken by Liberty, which it claimed showed evidence of 'algae/mildew/mold/moss'.

However, she also included a close up image she obtained herself following an independent inspection, which stated that her roof was in perfect condition, the filings state.

'Driven by a desire to maximize profits, property casualty insurance companies, including Defendants, have engaged in a troubling trend of dropping California homeowners' insurance policies like flies,' Badin's lawyers wrote.

'California homeowners, who have dutifully paid their premiums for years, have been, and are, being blindsided by Defendants' nonrenewal notices informing them their policy will not continuefor stated reasons that are demonstratively false.

Badin is seeking unspecified damages and demanding a change to the way Liberty conducts such assessments.

The proposed class-action would also encompass around 17,000 homeowners who lost their insurance after Liberty subsidiary Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company refused to renew in the wake of the devastating wildfires.

A California woman is suing Liberty Mutual for cancelling her home insurance after it claimed to have spotted mold on her roof using this 'unreliable' aerial photography

The notices did not cite aerial photos as part of the decision, but just said the provider's technology could no longer oversee the policies.

'They've insured these homes for years with the same risks they had at the time,' Attorney Michelle Meyers told the San Francisco Chronicle.

'It seems pretty clear that (the non-renewal decision) was done for money,' the higher premiums that can be charged for new policies, she said.

Badin said she was notified last August that her more than 30-year policy would be coming to an end.

She received the long distance photograph and set about obtaining her own inspection, which revealed the roof was 'in incredible shape', according to her lawyers.

However, Liberty stuck by its initial decision and refused to renew her policy.

The use of aerial photographs, sometimes taken from up to 10,000 feet away, is not uncommon in the insurance world.

Maria Badin accused the provider of trying to 'maximize profits' with the decision to revoke coverage on her $1.8 million Poway home

She got her own inspection done which she says came back totally clear and is now pursuing a class action lawsuit against Liberty Mutual

Badin is seeking unspecified damages and demanding a change to the way Liberty conducts such assessments. Pictured: Liberty Mutual CEO Timothy Sweeney

But many people have reported issues with the method, including occasions where their neighbor's homes have been mistaken for theirs.

Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has already proposed a slate of reforms to help deal with an insurance crisis in California, which has seen several major providers refuse to renew policies over previously undetected defects.

A growing list of companies have limited or even stopped doing business entirely in the Golden State - many citing the intensifying risk of climate disasters.

As a result, over half of Californians say they have been affected by rising premiums for property coverage or have been dropped by their insurer in the last year, according to stark data from Redfin last year.

Anyone left without insurance faces being left on the hook for rebuilding their entire home should it be damaged by floods, fires or earthquakes.

Liberty Mutual refused to comment when contacted by DailyMail.com.
Advertisement

ISIS-inspired terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar turned his luxury New Orleans Airbnb into a bomb-making factory before lighting a fire one of the bedrooms, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

The US Army veteran, 42, left the two-bedroom, two-bathroom, property on Mandeville Street littered in white powder and wires, exclusive photos show.

It comes after federal bomb disposal units and investigators wearing hazmat suits descended on the quiet street and cordoned off the rental, urging residents to stay away.

After two days of examining the property investigators have turned it back to its owner, who declined to comment when approached by DailyMail.com, explaining the FBI had asked him not to speak.

Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the property in complete disarray, with the front and parts of the insides showing scorch marks and empty buckets.

Investigators suspect that the terrorist used the property to build his IEDs which he loaded into the back of his EV-truck on New Year's Eve.

A cooler was recovered by officers on Bourbon Street, with authorities confirming Jabbar had planned to detonate the device remotely.

The terrorist appeared to use one of the two bedrooms as his bomb-making station, with the bed covered in an unidentified white powder, black wires and plastic.

The Airbnb property Shamsud-Din Jabbar rented in New Orleans was cordoned off after federal bomb disposal units and investigators wearing hazmat suits descended on the quiet street

Exclusive DailyMail.com photos show the two-bedroom, two-bathroom property in complete disarray

Jabbar is believed to have set a fire in one of the bedrooms where the bed and floor was found covered in soot, ash, and litter

He is thought to have set fire to the property before leaving, with local authorities rushing to the scene in the early hours before calling in the FBI.

One of the windows of the property was smashed, offering a glimpse inside a scorched room covered in black soot and ash.

A bedroom at the front of the Airbnb appeared to be where the fire had started, with the hallway filled with burned buckets.

A queen-sized bed with no pillows was founded littered with a white powdery substance, a pair of scissors, paper, and a plastic Kroger grocery store bag.

Other various items, including a blue box cutter, work gloves, several pairs of latex gloves, and bags of trash, were also found strewn throughout the property.

One trash bag containing discarded work gloves and a takeout box suggested Jabbar had tucked into a pizza before he carried out the deadly massacre.

Strong chemicals for cleaning were left outside the property, along with blue gloves, with one window also appearing to have been smashed.

The hallways were covered in soot, with white powder also covering the floor.

A smashed window offered a peek inside a room that appeared to have been set ablaze

The wooden floors appeared charred and were covered in soot and ash

Corrosive cleaning chemicals were left outside the property and a pair of blue latex gloves were found discarded on the porch

Cops believe Jabbar, a US citizen born and raised in Texas drove an electric vehicle from Houston to Louisiana to carry out the deadly attack which killed 15 and left at least 35 injured.

Investigators are probing the theory he rented a nearby property on Airbnb in the New Orleans neighborhood of St. Roch for his base before carrying out the attack.

Earlier this week exclusive DailyMail.com photographs show the moment the FBI removed bomb-making materials from the two-bedroom and two-bathroom property close to the French Quarter.

A total containment vessel was seen being taken away from the property at around 8pm on New Years Day, hours after authorities had evacuated residents from the area.

The area is mostly rentals available to tourists travelling to the area for the holiday period, who have now been left without a place to stay.

Authorities told one couple 'not to count' on being allowed back into the properties, blocking off a three-street radius.

The FBI were joined by special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security.

A spokeswoman for the ATF confirmed that they were involved in assisting the investigation, but were unable to comment further when contacted by DailyMail.com.

Various items, including a blue box cutter and several pairs of latex gloves were found strewn throughout the property

One trash bag containing discarded work gloves and a takeout box suggested Jabbar had tucked into a pizza before he carried out the deadly massacre

Investigators suspect that the terrorist used the property to build his IEDs which he loaded into the back of his EV-truck on New Year's Eve

Officials were called to the property after firefighters put out a fire at the rental in the early hours, with sources claiming 'bomb making materials' were found.

State Attorney General Liz Murrill told NBC News: 'We know that these individuals had rented the house were using it for that purpose.'

The two-bed two-bathroom property was revamped by real estate developer Oliver Doxater at Wysteria Properties.

Jabbar had been living in a dilapidated trailer in the outskirts of Houston before traveling to New Orleans to carry out the deadly rampage.

On Thursday, DailyMail.com photos gave a glimpse inside the shabby abode, revealing Jabbar left the home in disarray and left behind dozens of religious items.

Along with the cheap furniture he abandoned in the trailer was a Koran, prayer mats and a book on Islamic banking and finance.

That book, The Art of RF (Riba-Free) Islamic Banking and Finance purports to 'take a modern American approach to incorporating Islamic financial principles into banking and investment techniques'.

Riba  charging interest on loans  is prohibited in Islamic finance as it is considered an unjust gain.

US Army Veteran and suspected terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, plowed his pickup truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Year Day, killing 15 and injuring at least 35 others. He was shot dead in a gun battle with police

DailyMail.com revealed he had been living in a dilapidated trailer on the outskirts of Houston, Texas, before traveling to Louisiana

DailyMail.com photos offer a closer look inside Jabbar's disheveled yet clean home which he abandoned to carry out his bloody rampage

When DailyMail.com visited the home on the eastern edge of the Heritage Village section of the city early on Thursday, the front door was closed. But when we returned later in the day it had been kicked off its hinges allowing the world to see in.

Jabbar was shot dead in a gun battle with police moments after plowing his vehicle into a crowd of revelers.

He had been an open admirer of the Islamic terror group ISIS and had the group's flag flying from his vehicle.

And his home in a largely Muslim neighborhood of North Houston shows his devotion to Islam. A copy of the Koran was left open on an easel next to a vase of faux flowers.

Other books inside the home included a seven-volume set known as the Islamic library, including a book titled 'The Sealed Nectar'- a comprehensive biography of the Prophet Muhammad and several pamphlets on comparative religions.

Although the home was disheveled it was clean.

The home gives the impression that Jabbar left in a hurry. A suitcase and two prayer mats were thrown over a blue couch in the living area, along with a black belt.

Incongruously among the religious items in his living room, a dart board hung on the wall next to a fake fireplace.

By the front door, Jabbar left behind a mobile credit card machine, duct tape and bubble wrap and several pairs of shoes.

In the kitchen, there were pantry items on the countertop alongside a white fire extinguisher. Below the countertop area in the kitchen, a military green backpack sat on the floor near a black garbage can.

Near the kitchen area Jabbar had a desk with several papers and other items left on top, there is an area where the hard drive of his computer was taken by police hours earlier.

He kept a bookshelf filled with various religious books, including a large Koran left open on an easel next to a vase with faux flowers

In the kitchen area, there were pantry items on the countertop and a white fire extinguisher. Below the countertop area in the kitchen, a military green backpack sat on the floor near a black garbage can

According to a neighbor Jabbar left his house just hours before he went on his New Year's Day rampage, saying he was moving to New Orleans for a better job.

Muntaz Bashir told the New York Post that Jabbar had left just hours before the 3:15am attack.

Bashir said the neighbor appeared normal when he spoke to him. 'Unfortunately, you can't read someone's mind. I was shocked.'
Airports across Germany have been hit by a IT outage that has sparked huge delays for arrivals outside of the Schengen zone.

The outage has affected federal police systems used to check incoming passengers, Bild newspaper reported on Friday, citing the police.

'Our colleagues have to do a lot of things manually that the system used to do.

'We're still managing to get it done at the moment,' said a police spokesperson responsible for Frankfurt airport, Germany's busiest.

Federal police were not immediately available for comment and the cause of disruption is not yet known.

The report claimed police are carrying out security checks manually, increasing waiting times at the Frankfurt and Dusseldorf airports.

The German WDR broadcaster said Dusseldorf Airport passengers have been forced to wait for at least two hours at immigration while others were being kept on the plane.

'At present, entry and exit are only possible with long delays for non-Schengen region,' said a Dusseldorf Airport spokesperson.

The outage has affected federal police systems used to check incoming passengers, Bild newspaper reported on Friday, citing the police. Pictured: Germany's national flag carrier, Lufthansa

Travellers wait, following a global outage impacting computer systems, at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, July 19, 2024. File photo

According to the airport, both the main system and the backup systems have been affected and it is not known how long it will take to fix.

It is currently not possible to enter Germany from outside the Schengen area, the airport told the broadcaster.

EU destinations and destinations in the Schengen area are not affected.

The police are having to carry out all of the checks manually, local reports have stated.

There are 'increasing waiting times and backlogs' and all major airports nationwide are affected, according to the German Press Agency.

A Berlin Airport spokesperson added: Longer waiting times when entering the county from outside the Schengen area, but there is no halt on arrivals'.

At Munich Airport, however, there are currently no long queues, a Federal Police spokesperson told BILD.

Hamburg Airport also said: 'We have no queues here and the outage currently has no impact on air traffic.'

Heiko Teggatz, chairman of the Federal Police Union, told the German newspaper: 'It was only a matter of time before something like today happened.

'It is now a threat to the entire European Schengen system.'

He also told how for three years, the authority has lacked the money to modernise its IT infrastructure.

'We have already warned the Federal Ministry of the Interior about this many times, but Ms. Faeser has always consistently ignored it,' he stated.

'This is an absolutely home-made problem of the Federal Minister of the Interior and chaos waiting to happen!'
Is that a polar vortex in the White House or the icy chill of the Grudge-Holder-In-Chief freezing out her nemesis?

This week, the Wall Street Journal dropped a breaking bulletin from the most obvious news in the world bureau: Jill hates Kamala.

'The postelection rapport among the Bidens and Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, in private settings has at times been frosty, people familiar with their relationship said,' the paper reported.

Yeah, we know! Nurse Ratched (I mean Dr. Jill) has never really hidden her righteous contempt for her husband's right-hand gal.

It all started when Kamala, a close friend of Beau Biden, prison-shivved Joe during a 2020 Democratic primary debate. Harris accused him of voting against efforts to desegregate schools in the 1970s. And Jill went ballistic.

Afterward, the naughty doctor reportedly told a packed conference call of Biden supporters that Harris should 'go f*** herself!' Ever since, the bad blood has been boiling.

So Jill must have been bursting out of the seams of her Ralph Lauren pantsuit when the Mad Cackler conspired with Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi to defenestrate Joe and install herself as the Democratic candidate for president.

But now that Harris is the biggest wastrel in the White House, Jill is apparently feeling emboldened to enact her revenge.

Even before the votes were in, Jill broke the internet by wearing Republican red on Election Day. Then after Kamala was officially trounced, the shade fell like Joe down the stairs of Air Force One.

Jill went full Frosty the Snow Witch at a Veteran's Day event at Arlington National Cemetery in November, staring straight ahead and blatantly ignoring the Veep and her Creep.

It all started when Kamala, a close friend of Beau Biden, prison-shivved Joe during a 2020 Democratic primary debate. She accused him of voting against efforts to desegregate schools in the 1970s. And Jill went ballistic.

Jill went full Frosty the Snow Witch at a Veteran's Day event at Arlington National Cemetery in November, staring straight ahead in dark glasses and blatantly ignoring the Veep and her Creep.

Then the Bidens refused to acknowledge Kamala and Dumpy Doug, who were seated directly beside them during a Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in December. And 'The Nanny Shagger' was only given a bit part in the White House lighting of the Hanukkah candles this year!

The tension is so thick that even aides can't dismiss it, describing the mood in the White House as 'draining' and 'depressing.'

I've got to think that Kamala and Doug can't wait for Inauguration Day.

But if I were her, I'd hire a food taster with whatever campaign cash she hasn't burned through. The Bad Doctor may be thinking to herself  only one woman leaves Washington alive.

America mourns

I and every good-hearted American are mourning the loss of 14 innocent people killed in that cowardly terror attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day. And we're praying for the dozens injured.

Among the victims of this barbaric ISIS-inspired madness are: Nikyra Cheyenne Dedeaux, 18, an aspiring nurse; Reggie Hunter, 37, a store manager and dad; Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, a recent high school graduate; Kareem Badawi, 18, a college student.

In this New Year, offer your neighbor a smile and a word of encouragement. We're all in this together.

The Talented Senora Ripley

Alec Baldwin's fake Spanish wife Hilaria (born 'Hillary Hayward-Thomas' in Massachusetts, not Majorica) is at it again.

In a holiday Instagram post, this snow-white Boston gal apparently forgot the word for 'onion' while cooking with friends. 'My husband hates cebollas,' Hillary squeaked in Spanglish, offering a quizzical shrug to complete the look.

This Mass-hole has some real huevos.

Revenge baby bod

Massively pregnant Gisele Bundchen (is she growing a child or a Buick?) was looking muy caliente, while frolicking in the Costa Rican waves with her hunky paramour Joaquim Valente last week.

Reportedly, ex-Tom Brady was 'stunned' when she announced this new Brazilian bundle of joy.

He likely would have preferred to break up with her while she was pregnant.

Massively pregnant Gisele Bundchen (is she growing a child or a Buick?) was looking muy caliente, while frolicking in the Costa Rican waves with her hunky paramour Joaquim Valente last week.

Kiss and tell the world!

Reality star Kristin Cavallari, 37, once again affirms the idiot's adage: When you have nothing to say, talk about sex.

The mom of three thirstily bragged on Bunnie XO's Dumb Blonde podcast that country star Morgan Wallen is a 'great f--k buddy.' But she couldn't figure out why he wasn't obsessed with her.

'Well, it's probably because he has 20 other girlfriends,' said Bunnie.

Ewwwww! This pair of Petri dishes should ditch the rubbers for hazmat suits.

The smoking gun

Photos surfaced this week showing then-Vice President (and arguably still sentient) Joe Biden and Hunter meeting with Hunter's slimy Chinese business partners during a December 2013 trip to Beijing.

These pictures directly contradict Lyin' Biden's insistence that he never interacted with Hunter's business associates. At this point, being an 'elderly man with a poor memory' is Joe's best defense. But being a shameless grifter is likely closer to the truth.

Photos surfaced this week showing then-Vice President (and arguably still sentient) Joe Biden and Hunter meeting with Hunter's slimy Chinese business partners during a December 2013 trip to Beijing.

So long Jimmy

Speaking of legacies, pundits are sending off President Jimmy Carter with heaps of praise after decades of berating him as the worst chief executive of the modern era.

Sure, this humble Peanut farmer (and the country) had a rough go during Jimmy's time in office. But everyone deserves a bit of grace. I bet Joe can't wait.

What's cookin'?

The Duchess of Desperation revealed the trailer for her new Netflix show 'With love, Meghan'.

Critics quickly uncovered the origins of some of her prized recipes and domestic tips: other people's cookbooks.

For one, her playful 'Ladybug Caprese Bruschette' has appeared in about a dozen other food blogs.

Perhaps she should rename the special, 'With love, (not) Meghan.'

For the record, I'd rather spoon my eyes out with a rusty ladle than watch this stale garbage.

Trump's Empire

Lame-stream media bedwetters are soaking the sheets over President-elect Donald Trump's designs on acquiring Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal and absorbing Canada (as America's 51st and most boring state).

My idea: Cleave off San Francisco and sink Martha's Vineyard while we're at it. I'll take a Canuck over a liberal schmuck, any day.
House Republicans coalesced around Mike Johnson Friday to reelect him as House speaker after a tumultuous vote.

The speedy reelection of Johnson, 52, to the speakership means that Republicans avoided the embarrassing pitfall of taking days to elect a leader - as was the case two years ago when they burned through 15 ballots over five days before finally settling on former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Republicans ultimately sided with Johnson despite some GOP discontents dramatically voting against the speaker at the outset.

With an ultra-slim majority, just two GOP 'No' votes would be enough to stop Johnson from victory, which is what happened for a moment.

Three Republicans preliminarily bucked Johnson. The vote was 216 for Johnson, 215 for Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, and three votes for other candidates.

But the vote was never gaveled out, so lawmakers still had the opportunity to change their ballots.

Those three Republicans who voted for other candidates were Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Keith Self of Texas. But after Johnson huddled with Self and Norman, the two lawmakers changed their votes and backed the incumbent.

The final total was 218 for Johnson and 215 for Jeffries, giving Johnson a reelection victory on the first ballot.

Celebrating the victory, Trump posted on Truth Social: 'Congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson for receiving an unprecedented vote of confidence in Congress.'

U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks to reporters outside his office at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 3, 2025. He was reelected as speaker of the House on Friday

Ahead of the vote reporters swarm Johnson to inquire if he has enough support to get reelected

'Mike will be a Great Speaker, and our Country will be the beneficiary. The People of America have waited four years for Common Sense, Strength, and Leadership. Theyll get it now, and America will be greater than ever before!'

Self and Norman spoke to Donald Trump by phone before changing their votes, CNN reported.

'It is the great honor of my life to serve this body with all of you,' Johnson told members in the House chamber after winning reelection. He also thanked his wife and children who were in attendance.

Johnson was always expected to lose some Republican support, though.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., declared for weeks ahead of the vote that he was against reelecting the speaker, meaning only one more GOP 'No' vote would be enough to tank Johnson's chances.

Massie on Friday voted for Johnson's deputy, Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., instead.

Then, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., shockingly voted for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

His vote caused the chamber to pause as members came to realize the implications.

After Norman, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, voted for Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., further exacerbating Johnson's potential first ballot loss.

Representatives Chip Roy, Republican from Texas, Ralph Norman, Republican from South Carolina, and Tim Burchett, Republican from Tennessee, speak with each other as Thomas Massie, Republican from Kentucky, looks on during the vote for Speaker of the House during the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 3, 2025. Massie and Norman voted against Johnson

Rep. Chip Roy (L) talks to Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) as they arrive for the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 03, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Further stunning members in the chamber, a number of GOP members initially withheld their vote.

House Freedom Caucus (HFC) chair Andy Harris and some other members of the group did not answer when called upon to cast their vote, stirring drama in the chamber as members sat on edge awaiting the results.

Reps. Andy Biggs, Andrew Clyde, Michael Cloud, Paul Gosar, Chip Ropy, all members of the HFC in addition to Harris, did not vote initially. But later they were called again, and all cast their votes for Johnson.

Firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., was even spotted on the phone with Trump's incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles while pacing the House floor following Johnson's initial defeat.

After Johnson's support seemed to falter, he scurried out of the chamber to huddle with Self and Norman.

The trio were seen talking, presumably trying to find common ground on getting Johnson elected.

But the speaker has repeatedly said he will not strike quid pro quo deals with members to secure their voting for him.

Johnson's chat with the lawmakers - in addition to Trump's - must've convinced them to change their votes.

Soon after the conversation the two lawmakers walked to the center of the House chamber and changed their votes, giving Johnson the speaker's gavel for the next two years.

U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) speaks on the phone with incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, as representatives gather to vote for the new Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 3, 2025

Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly Johnson with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in September

Trump had been voicing his support for Johnson's reelection for weeks.

Just ahead of the vote Friday President-elect Trump made clear to all House Republicans where he stood in a Truth post: 'Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support.'

'A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgment of our 129 year most consequential Presidential Election!! - A big affirmation, indeed. MAGA!'

If the speaker elections dragged on, the engine of Congress may have stalled and disrupted Donald Trump's election certification planned for Monday, January 6.

Since the House cannot function without a speaker, should the vote had gone on to multiple ballots over multiple days the chamber may have not be in order to certify the 2024 election results on time.

Knowing this, Johnson warned the GOP they could not 'afford a palace drama.'

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) is working to retain the Speakership in the face of opposition within his own party as the 119th Congress holds its first session to vote for a new Speaker of the House.

Thomas Massie voted against Johnson for speaker on Friday

He also posted on X just ahead of the speaker vote a list of promises that he would keep to placate GOP members concerned with the federal budget deficit.

One of those promises was to create a group of outside experts to work alongside Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut spending.

After the election's results were finalized, the HFC released a statement from many members upset with Johnson's leadership.

The memo outlined demands the conservative group want from the speaker, including longer work weeks in Congress' first 100 days along with power to amend certain legislation.

The group also requested that upcoming legislation meaningfully addresses the growing deficit.

'Now, Speaker Mike Johnson must prove he will not fail to enact President Trump's bold agenda,' the group wrote.

Norman, an HFC member, told reporters after the vote that Johnson made 'assurances' to him for swapping his vote, though he did not reveal exactly what those details were.

'He gave us the assurance and we trust him,' the South Carolinian said.
MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell claimed US military personnel are more dangerous than illegal immigrants when it comes to domestic terrorism.

O'Donnell, 73, insisted on air Thursday that the US 'has suffered more deadly terrorism at the hands of American-born citizens who are veterans of the United States military than people who have crossed into this country at the southern border.'

'It is very clear from the evidence that if you want to worry about terrorism in this country, the United States Army is a much bigger problem than the southern border,' he said.

His remarks follow the deadly attack by ISIS-inspired US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar in New Orleans and the Cybertruck suicide bombing by active-duty Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger in Las Vegas.

Both Livelsberger and Jabbar served at the same military base, Fort Bragg, and in Afghanistan, according to authorities.

O'Donnell also pointed to Army veteran Timothy McVeigh, who bombed a federal building in Oklahoma City in April 1995, killing 167 people.

'Timothy McVeigh parked a truck outside that building loaded with explosives in an act of homegrown American terrorism,' the host said.

'Timothy McVeigh's hatred of the American government was not tamed in any way by his service in the American military.'

Lawrence O'Donnell, 73, insisted that the US 'has suffered more deadly terrorism at the hands of American-born citizens who are veterans of the United States military than people who have crossed into this country at the southern border'

'It is very clear from the evidence that if you want to worry about terrorism in this country, the United States Army is a much bigger problem than the Southern border,' O'Donnell said

O'Donnell pointed to Army veteran Timothy McVeigh, who bombed a federal building in Oklahoma City in April 1995, killing 167 people 'Timothy McVeigh's hatred of the American government was not tamed in any way by his service in the American military,' the host said

'But when Donald Trump sees the type of terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans, he doesnt remember Timothy McVeigh and, instead, he blames the criminals that he imagines are crossing the southern border,' O'Donnell continued.

'No one who has ever crossed the southern border, in the history of the existence of the southern border, has killed more people in this country than Timothy McVeigh,' he said.

'The New Orleans terrorist, like Timothy McVeigh, reached the rank of sergeant in the United States Army.'

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) found in a January 2024 report that 11.5 percent of domestic extremists who have committed violent and nonviolent crimes in the US since 1990 are individuals with military backgrounds.

'Although this percentage seems small, there has been a growing trend of (former) military members engaging in extremist offenses in recent years,' the report read.

An average of seven US citizens with military backgrounds committed extremist crimes per year between 1990 and 2010, increasing to 29 people per year over the last decade, according to NIJ.

More than half of those extremists committed violent crimes, according to the government organization.

It also found that veterans 'may be susceptible to recruitment by domestic violent extremist groups due to their unique skills' that would help lead to a successful terrorist attack.

O'Donnell's remarks follow the deadly attack by ISIS-inspired US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar in New Orleans and the Cybertruck suicide bombing by active-duty Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger in Las Vegas. Both served in the US military at Fort Bragg

'But when Donald Trump sees the type of terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans, he doesnt remember Timothy McVeigh and, instead, he blames the criminals that he imagines are crossing the southern border,' O'Donnelladded

'Also, transitioning from military to civilian life appears to be a pull factor for engaging in violent extremism,' the report read.

Cato Institute, a liberal research organization, found 219 foreign-born terrorists who have carried out attacks on US soil between 1975 and 2022.

Nine of them were illegal immigrants, 13 were asylum seekers, 28 were refugees, 22 were students, and 44 were tourists on various visas, among others.
A renowned Argentine guitarist is being investigated over the death of his girlfriend after what he claimed was an extreme sexual act.

Julio Moura, 68, who co-founded the legendary rock band Virus, told police that he and girlfriend Andrea Rojas, 53, were involved in a 'sexual game by means of hanging' at a home outside Buenos Aires in the early hours of Friday morning when he noticed she was dead.

Instead of requesting emergency assistance from authorities, Moura reached out his former wife and mother of his two daughters, Lucia Castelli, to inform her of what had occurred.

Castelli alerted the police and paramedics as she rushed to the residence.

Law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation told Argentine television news channel TN that Rojas' body showed signs of hanging.

Responding officer found Rojas 'in a living room, lying on the floor, in a supine position, showing signs of hanging on the neck,' the sources said

They also noticed 'injuries to the legs and a rope tied to a ceiling beam, as well as the existence of a ladder.'

Officers found drugs, alcohol, sexual objects and whips at the residence, TN reported.

Julio Moura, 68, who co-founded the legendary rock band Virus, told police that he and girlfriend Andrea Rojas, 53, were involved in a 'sexual game by means of hanging' at a home outside Buenos Aires in the early hours of Friday morning when he noticed she was dead

Law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation told Argentine television news channel TN that Rojas' body showed signs of hanging

Moura suffered a cut on his arm while trying to untie Rojas.

He was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for the injury.

La Plata prosecutor Gonzalo Petit filed the case as an investigation into the cause of death and did not order Moura's arrest.

Authorities are waiting for the results of an autopsy report and toxicology tests that were performed on Moura to proceed with the investigation.

Moura and his brothers, Federico Moura and Marcelo Moura, founded Virus in 1981.

In 1987, Federico tested positive for HIV.

He decided to retire from the stage following a concert on May 21, 1988, because he wanted to stay out of the media spotlight.

Federico died on December 21. 1988.

Virus guitarist Julio Moura (right) with his brother Marcelo Moura

Responding officer found Rojas 'in a living room, lying on the floor, in a supine position, showing signs of hanging on the neck,' the sources said

Julio and Marcelo kept their brother's legacy alive by keeping Virus intact and touring over the last four decades.

Julio released his first solo album in 2018.

At the time, he told La Nacion that 'all the memories I have, despite having gone through very difficult things, are of happiness and great privilege.'


A Scots mountain guide has described her overwhelming ordeal after she was arrested in India for carrying a GPS tracking device.

Heather Mackins was stopped as she passed through security in Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport after staff noticed the Garmin inReach Mini among her belongings.

The pocket-sized satellite messaging devices, which are widely used by backpackers and hikers to stay connected in remote areas, are banned under Indian telecommunications laws which date back to the 1930s.

The 38-year-old adventurer claims she was eventually handed over to the police, who held her for hours before releasing her and telling her she will have to attend a court hearing.

Ms Mackins, who was on her way to a remote yoga and meditation retreat in the mountainous region of Rishikesh after celebrating Hogmanay in Delhi, has been ordered to remain in the Indian capital to await the outcome of her case.

In an emotional video posted to her 26,000 Instagram followers, she said she was totally overwhelmed by the experience and warned others not to fall victim after only just learning that the devices are illegal in India.

'I am not the only person who has fallen victim to this law, hence I felt compelled to write this post, in hope that it will save even one of you from suffering the same fate. It honestly hadn't even occurred to me to check I was able to carry it.'

In a message added to her page on Thursday, she wrote: At around 10.30 this morning, I was passing through security at Delhi Airport with the intention of taking an internal flight to Rishikesh.

Heather Mackins took to Instagram to issue a warning to travellers after she was arrested and detained for carrying a GPS device in India

'I innocently placed my Garmin inReach in the tray to go through the scanner and at that moment I was promptly pulled aside by security and told to wait.

'I waited and waited, wondering what on earth was going on.

I was eventually told that the Garmin was illegal here and that they were handing me over to the police.

I called the embassy whilst waiting for the police and I await their further guidance, however, they are not able to intervene with legal proceedings, she added. I was eventually taken to the police station where I was questioned, in a fairly friendly manner and made to sign document after document.

'I didnt take the no comment stance, foolishly or not, it is my nature to be honest and after all, there was absolutely no intent on my behalf.

At 9pm, I was finally released from the police station on the condition that I am required to return to attend court.

Heather Mackins was heading to the northern city of Rishikesh when security at the Indira Gandhi International Airport handed her over to the police for carrying a Garmin inReach device (pictured)

Ms Mackins, who is originally from Scotland but now lives in West Yorkshire, runs guiding tours in the Highlands and Yorkshire and has completed numerous long-distance trails both in the UK and abroad, including the Cape Wrath Trail, West Highland Way, and Great Glen Way in her native Scotland, and the Tour Du Mont Blanc in the Alps and Icelands Laugavegur Trail.

She is not the first experienced traveller to fall foul of the same obscure law in India. Last month, Canadian national Tina Lewis was arrested for similar reasons at Dabolim International Airport in Goa after flying with the same device which she uses for running.

GPS systems like the Garmin have built-in satellite transmitters which reportedly violate the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, which prohibits the possession of wireless telegraphy equipment without a valid licence.

While many travellers are unaware of the restriction, the UK governments foreign travel advice for India warns that it is illegal to possess and operate satellite phones in India without a licence.

British nationals have been arrested or detained for bringing satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices into the country without prior permission.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: We are aware of a British national who was stopped at Delhi airport and are in contact with the local authorities.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi received a warm welcome as she returned to the floor of the House on Friday for the first time since hip replacement surgery.

The 84-year-old California Democrat was spotted walking into the House chamber with the help of two aides who held her arms.

She received applause from Democratic lawmakers as she made her entrance with some representatives stepping up to greet their former leader.

Her return to the halls of Congress comes just weeks after having surgery following a tumble during a bipartisan congressional trip to Europe.

Pelosi opted to wear a pair of flats rather than stilettos - a change from the heels she often sported before the surgery.

As Pelosi slowly made her way through the chamber she smiled, shook hands and posed for photos, but she winced and was visibly limping as she progressed through the room while saying hello to lawmakers and their families.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) returns to the floor of the House with some help after undergoing hip replacement surgery last month in Europe

The former speaker took the nasty fall on a marble staircase in Luxembourg and was rushed to hospital on Friday, December 13.

Her spokesperson revealed in a statement that weekend that she was then taken to Germany and underwent successful hip replacement surgery.

It was not clear at the time when she would be able to make the trip home to the U.S. from Europe.

She was still recovering as lawmakers wrapped up their final activities before heading home for the holidays.

But on Friday, she made her way through the nation's Capitol for the start of the new 119th Congress where lawmakers were voting for the next speaker.

Republicans have one of the slimmest majorities in the House in U.S. history, so Democrats could wield influence as long as they all show up and stick together.

It was unclear heading into Friday whether Johnson would have enough GOP support to return as speaker as every Democrat, including Pelosi, is expected to vote for Hakeem Jeffries as their next leader.

Johnson could only afford to lose one Republican vote and still be reelected speaker.

Pelosi was all smiles on Friday but was assisted by aides as she arrived in the House chamber

Pelosi greeting lawmakers upon arriving in the House on Friday for the new 119th Congress

Pelosi previewed her return to Washington following surgery with a post on X on Thursday as she traveled back east from California.

'Hi it's Nancy. I'm on my way to Washington to proudly represent the people of San Francisco in Congress,' Pelosi said to the camera while sitting in an airplane.

She said in the video that she's honored to return to 'share our San Francisco values. Thank you for giving me that honor.'

Before Congress returned, the California Democrat remained largely out of the public eye as she recovered.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi posted a video sharing that she was on her way back to Washington, DC for the new Congress which begins Friday after she underwent hip replacement surgery following a fall last month in Europe

On one occasion, Pelosi phoned in for a television interview to remember late President Jimmy Carter after he passed away over the holidays.

At Christmas she also released a video message on social media thanking people for their prayers and good wishes.

'Now more than ever I am determined that health care is available to all Americans,' she said speaking directly to the camera.

After her fall in Europe, an image of Pelosi went viral online which showed her standing minutes after taking the tumble.

In it, she can be seen smiling as she stood in a pair of stilettos in the front row of the group of lawmakers, but she appeared to have a death-grip on her colleague's hand.

Pelosi pictured December 13 before she was rushed to the hospital. She is seen here gripping the hand of Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) after falling in Luxembourg

Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) noted former Speaker Pelosi was wearing 'very high' heels when she took a tumble in Europe last month. He said despite surgery she was 'doing well'

That colleague, Congressman Mike McCaul (R-Texas) told reporters in Washington days later that he believed her sky-high heals were to blame.

He recalled her being on the last step of a marble staircase without a railing when she lost her footing and went down. He said he helped her up and that's when they took the photo before she was taken to the hospital.

The former speaker swapped out the stilettos she's been known to wear as she wheels and deals in Washington for more reliable footwear in the new year.
A 13-year-old boy has died after a quad bike crash in Co Armagh.

The collision took place on Low Road, Killeavy, on January 2.

Inspector Cherith Adair said: 'We received a report of a boy being injured following an incident involving a quad bike on the Low Road, Killeavy.

'He was taken to hospital where he tragically passed away.

'The road which was closed has since reopened.

'An investigation to establish the circumstances is under way and anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage that could help with inquiries, is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference CW 785- 02/01/25.'

The collision took place on Low Road (pictured), Killeavy, on January 2

This comes after two British tourists died after suffering a horror quad bike crash in Turkey last year.

Matthew Steward from Harwich, Essex, was travelling as a passenger on a quad bike driven by friend Cory Dove when the pair, both 26, collided with a 'hotel bus' in Fethiye in the early hours of May 14, 2024.

The impact left them both with 'multiple traumatic injuries', a post-mortem said, and they were killed almost instantly.

Matthew had travelled to Turkey on May 12 for a family holiday with his 24-year-old partner Dannielle Rose, a carer, along with her daughter from a previous relationship, Ruby, six, and their son Roman, three.

On the night of May 13, Dannielle said Matthew and Cory left the hotel to go to a shop on the quad bike.

Just hours later, she was told the 'distressing' news that they had died and she and Cory's partner needed to identify the bodies.
An asylum seeker who 'threatened to rape' a woman police officer has been jailed for domestically abusing his vulnerable partner.

Nasaruddin Biror, 20, battered a woman with whom he was in a relationship, Natasha Hainsworth, on multiple occassions and threatened her with a knife within one year of his arrival from Algeria.

After being arrested by Surrey police he made 'highly inappropriate sexual gestures' at Pc Ingham and said 'I will f*** her', which was taken as a threat of rape, Guildford Crown Court heard.

The judge hearing the case, who jailed Biror, commented that he was 'troubled by the shameful, sexist and offensive language' the defendant had used 'and what that reveals about your attitude towards women generally'.

Prosecutors told how Biror and Ms Hainsworth had been in a relationship together when he pushed her from behind on March 3 last year, causing her to land on all fours, before stomping on her lower back.

Biror, who was listening to the sentencing hearing from HMP Wandsworth, began loudly objecting to the prosecution's summary of his offences and court staff had to mute the video link so his interruptions were no longer audible.

On April 2, Biror became 'aggressive and jealous', telling the victim she was hanging out with the wrong people, the court heard. He demanded her phone to read messages and threatened to break her phone, before slapping her face and telling her to delete numbers, a judge was told.

Nasaruddin Biror, 20, battered a woman with whom he was in a relationship, Natasha Hainsworth, on multiple occassions and threatened her with a knife within one year of his arrival from Algeria

Biror made 'highly inappropriate sexual gestures' at Pc Ingham and said 'I will f*** her', which was taken as a threat of rape, Guildford Crown Court heard (pictured)

On May 3, after the victim received a phone call from a person saved in her phone as 'Jordan', Biror became aggressive. Ms Hainsworth stood up and attempted to leave her home but he ran at her 'punched her to the head and then began to repeatedly kick her', the court heard.

Biror grabbed a large, red kitchen knife and began insulting the victim, calling her a liar and other names in Arabic.

'Fearing she would in-fact be killed, she attempted to run off, however the defendant caught up with her and pulled her back inside', xxx xxx, prosecuting, said.

'Having physically dragged her into the house, thrown her to the floor and once inside the assaults continued.' The defendant then demanded the victim drive him to Guildford - even though she had been drinking - and threatened to stab her if she did not.

Separately, Biror had stolen four bank cards from a vehicle and used them to buy 57.75 worth of goods, including cigarettes.

After being arrested in relation to this, Biror was abusive while in custody, shouting 'f*** the police, f*** your mother'. He spat at Pc Ingham and said 'I will f*** her' while making 'highly inappropriate sexual gestures directed towards her', the prosecutor explained. Biror kicked Pc Ingham in the shin and spat at her.

On a different occasion, police responded to reports of the defendant exposing himself and on arrival found him intoxicated. When officers asked for his name, he gave it as 'wanker, cock', told them to 'shut the f*** up' and was loud and abusive throughout the process of being arrested.

Biror, who was listening to the sentencing hearing from HMP Wandsworth, began loudly objecting to the prosecution's summary of his offences

Sophie Evans, defending, said: 'As an asylum seeker, Mr Biror is not permitted to work in this country, however he has undertaken courses in English and maths at Guildford college.' The lawyer said the defendant was being supported by a charity called Big Leaf and that a report described him as 'a vulnerable young person who can find it difficult to regulate his emotions'.

'There is perhaps some emotional immaturity at play here underlying these offences', Ms Evans submitted, adding the defendant was of previous good character.

Mr Recorder Hammond, at a hearing on Thursday, said Biror had been convicted of 13 offences: three counts of assault on an emergency worker, common assault, two offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, four counts of fraud, one count of being drunk and disorderly in public, possessing of a bladed article in public and one count of threatening with a bladed article.

'You are now 20 years old, having arrived in this country aged 18 seeking asylum from Algeria', the judge said. 'You committed all of these offences in the spring of 2024, aged 19.' Mr Recorder Hammond said Ms Hainsworth had been forced to leave her home due to the fear and distress she suffered following the assaults.

'Her vulnerability arose from the fact you have previously assaulted her in her home. The history of assaults rendered her vulnerable to you', the judge commented.

He added the assaults on Pc Ingham had also had 'a very real and significant impact' on that officer, who provided a victim impact statement to the court.

'I am also troubled by the shameful, sexist and offensive language you directed towards Pc Ingham and what that reveals about your attitude towards women generally', Mr Recorder Hammond added.

The judge jailed Biror for 27 months and said he could expect to serve 40 per cent of that sentence before being released on licence in the community. He was made subject to a restraining order preventing him from making any contact with Ms Hainsworth for two years.

A spokesperson for Surrey Police praised the bravery of the domestic violence victim for coming forward and said Biror also 'made threats of sexual violence towards a female officer'.

'This is abhorrent behaviour that will not be tolerated by Surrey Police. Being assaulted is not just part of the job and officers and staff have the right to come to work without fear of abuse', the spokesperson said.

'We will always do everything we can to support colleagues who face this behaviour. Beyond any physical injuries, we know abuse, whether physical or verbal, can have a significant mental impact on victims. We have an extensive plan in place to ensure colleagues receive compassionate support and offenders are held to account through thorough investigations.'
Britain is bracing for an arctic blast this weekend with temperatures of -10 and more than a foot of snow expected to sweep across the country.

The Met Office has warned that up to 1ft 4in (40cm) of snow could blanket parts of the UK, with fears of rural communities being cut off amid widespread travel chaos.

The forecaster has put in place a yellow snow warning for most of England and the whole of Wales from 12pm today until 11.59pm on Sunday, while rural Scotland is bracing for temperatures as low as -10C (14F) tonight.

A yellow ice warning has been activated for Scotland, Northern Ireland, North East England and North Wales and remains in place until 10am today.

Weather maps showed the storm touching down on the south west coast from as early as 12am on Saturday before spreading northwards.

Two new amber weather warnings will come into effect from 6pm tonight, with warnings that snow and freezing rain across Wales and the Midlands could lead to travel delays, road closures and power cuts.

The arctic conditions will then sweep into northern England and Scotland from around 6am on Sunday before the weather warms up to 13C (55F) in parts of the south.

It comes after a seven-month-old boy was killed in a crash when a car collided with a tree on the A1 near Grantham on Thursday night with Lincolnshire Police investigating whether it was linked to icy conditions.

The Met Office has put in place a yellow snow warning for most of England and the whole of Wales from 12pm today until 11.59pm on Sunday

Two new amber weather warnings will come into effect from 6pm tonight, with warnings of snow and freezing rain across Wales and the Midlands

The arctic conditions will then sweep into northern England and Scotland from around 6am on Sunday

A hard frost turns Stonehenge white at dawn in Wiltshire on Friday morning amid sub-zero weather

A car is driven through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday as the wintry weather continues

The NHS Black Country integrated care board has warned the public to 'avoid going out early when the frost is thick or late at night when it's dark', adding people should keep hands free and wear shoes with a good grip.

In Herefordshire, the Wye Valley NHS Trust told people to 'have sufficient food and medicine and take measures to reduce draughts in your home'.

The first amber snow and ice warning for Wales and the Midlands states that 'snow and freezing rain will likely lead to disruption to transport and some other services'.

It adds that there is a 'good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage'.

The warning also says that 'travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers' and 'some road closures and longer journey times possible'.

In addition, the Met Office warns 'some delays and cancellations to bus, rail and air travel are likely'; 'there is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off'; and 'untreated pavements and cycle paths likely to be impassable'.

Forecasters expect the snow to become persistent and heavy as it pushes south to north across the warning area, with freezing rain also expected to bring 'hazardous travel conditions', before milder air follows by Sunday morning.

TODAY: An ice warning is in place for northern areas until 10am today

TODAY: The first amber warning for snow and ice covering Wales and the Midlands is in place from 6pm tonight until midday on Sunday. The second, an amber snow warning for the North of England, was issued from 9pm tonight until 11.59pm on Sunday. The amber alerts come on top of the existing yellow snow warning from 12pm today until 11.59pm on Sunday

SUNDAY: The warnings are then joined on Sunday by a yellow snow alert for most of Scotland

MONDAY: The final alert, a yellow snow warning for Scotland, runs until 12pm on Monday

Heavy snow falls across Aberdeenshire on Friday as vehicles are driven through Alford

A car is driven through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh, on Friday as the wintry weather continues

A swimmer takes a dip at a frosty Beckenham Place Park Lake in South East Londonon Friday

Between 3cm (1.2in) and 7cm (2.8in) of snow is likely for much of the warning area, with 15cm (6in) to 30cm (1ft) for the higher ground of Wales and the southern Pennines.

Freezing rain is also expected to lead to ice in parts of Wales, before the milder air leads to a rapid thaw in the south of the warning area on Sunday.

Similar details are contained in the second amber warning for northern England.

Met Office weather warnings in place Yellow - Ice - Today 4pm until Tomorrow 10am - Scotland, Northern Ireland, North East England and North Wales

Yellow - Snow - Tomorrow 12pm until Sunday 11.59pm - England and Wales

Amber - Snow and ice - Tomorrow 6pm until Sunday 12pm - Wales and the Midlands

Amber - Snow - Tomorrow 9pm until Sunday 11.59pm - Northern England

Yellow - Snow - Sunday 0am until Monday 12pm - Scotland Advertisement

This alert also states: 'Snow will be persistent and heavy at times, and will likely drift in brisk easterly winds, especially over higher ground.'

Much of this warning area can also expect 3cm (1.2in) to 7cm (2.8in) of snow, while areas above about 150m (500ft) will likely see 15cm (6in) to 30cm (1ft), with 40cm (1ft 4in) for ground above 300m (1,000ft).

The alert adds: 'For some lower-lying areas, such as the Vale of York, snow may mix with rain at times making estimations of snow depths here more difficult. Regardless, travel will likely be difficult, with power line icing an additional impact.'

Speaking about snow in eastern areas of England including London, Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill told a YouTube live Q&A session today: 'There is the risk of some snow further east, it won't perhaps be quite as disruptive, but parts of Norfolk are within that warning area.

'London, a little bit less likely to see something, but nonetheless it's not out of the question. We are likely to see some snow coming through but I think that'll be more so Saturday night into Sunday.

'And the thing to bear in mind with places like London and to the South, even if you do see any sleet or snow, then it's going to quite quickly be followed by some rain, so it's likely to get washed away and so less likely to be impactful.'

National Rail Enquiries said the line between Inverness and Dingwall in northern Scotland would be closed until at least 11am today because of 'multiple landslips and areas flooded', meaning no ScotRail services between Inverness and Wick/Thurso and between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh.

A snow plough clears the roads around Alford in Aberdeenshire on Friday amid severe weather

A frosty scene at South Yeo Farm East in Devon on Friday as the UK wakes up to very cold weather

A person braves the cold walking through Green Park on a very chilly day in London on Friday

Donkeys at a frosty paddock in Dunsden, Oxfordshire, on Friday morning after a bitterly cold night

People brave the cold as they walk through St James's Park in London on Friday morning

St Thomas Becket church is surrounded by frosty fields on Romney Marsh in Kentyesterday

Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: 'This weekend will bring a range of weather hazards to the UK, notable snow accumulations, freezing rain, ice and heavy rain as well as some gusty conditions.

'We have issued a number of severe weather warnings, including Amber warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales.

'Some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where 5cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20 to 30cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30 to 40cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.'

He added that as the milder air moves northwards, snow may turn to a spell of freezing rain for a time.

Mr Kelly said: 'There is a risk of freezing rain across parts of the Midlands and northern England, but especially Wales, adding to the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places.

'As the supercooled rain droplets hit the surface they instantly freeze, covering everything in a layer of ice, making it extremely dangerous.'

The amber alerts from the UKHSA mean a rise in deaths is likely, the agency said.

People brave the cold as they walk through St James's Park in London on Friday morning

Fields during a frosty morning at Southam in Warwickshire on Friday morning

Frost covers houses and the ground at Martham in Norfolk yesterday amid the sub-zero weather

A freezing start as a cyclist makes their way through Blackheath in South East London

People walk through snow in Balerno, Edinburgh,yesterday as the wintry weather continues

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: 'The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.

'These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.'

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said today that it was 'a weekend to layer up and put the heating on' due to the cold conditions.

He told BBC Breakfast: 'We are heading into a cold snap this weekend and I know there are lots of concerns, not just amongst charity leaders, but also among NHS and social care leaders as well, about the particular risks and vulnerabilities this weekend as temperatures drop, both in terms of risk of accident and injury, but also risk from the cold itself.

'This is a weekend to wrap up and keep warm, to take sensible precautions about going out and about.'

Councils across London and southern England have activated emergency measures including additional accommodation to help rough sleepers stay safe during the cold snap.

James Lally, services director of homelessness charity St Mungo's, said: 'Access to a safe and warm place to live is vital for those experiencing homelessness all year round - and during freezing cold weather, emergency accommodation saves lives.

'St Mungo's frontline teams are prepared to respond to this critical situation, and continue to work tirelessly around the clock to make sure that as many people as possible can be brought out of the cold and into safety.'

Dan Stroud, meteorologist at the Met Office, said conditions should become warmer by the end of the weekend before cold weather strikes again early next week.

He said: 'The second half of the weekend should be in the high singles or low doubles (for temperature figures).

'But temperatures will dive again next week, particularly on Monday and Tuesday.

'They should start to improve towards the latter end of the week. But there's a lot of water to go under the bridge until then.'

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has cut odds that this month will be the coldest January on record, down from 3/1 to 4/5.

The coldest temperature recorded in January 2024 was -14C (7F) at Dalwhinnie in the Scottish Highlands.

 Amber weather warning issued 



Snow and ice across parts of central England and Wales



Saturday 1800 - Sunday 1200



Latest info  https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs



Stay #WeatherAware  pic.twitter.com/TLvSrtSC1Z  Met Office (@metoffice) January 3, 2025

 Amber weather warning issued 



Snow across northern England



Saturday 2100 - Sunday 2359



Latest info  https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs



Stay #WeatherAware  pic.twitter.com/v2MKvd2nvJ  Met Office (@metoffice) January 3, 2025

After a brief respite of milder air for some areas on Sunday, colder conditions are set to develop widely across the UK into next week.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley said: 'The system bringing this weekend's snow will move away to the east by Monday, allowing a cold a northerly flow to become established again for much of next week.

'This will bring further snow showers to northern Scotland in particular, but possibly to some other areas, especially near western coasts, with a fair amount of dry and bright weather elsewhere.

'Temperatures will remain below average, with widespread frost and the risk of ice at times.

'Some areas, especially in the north, may struggle to get above freezing for several days. It is possible further weather warnings will be issued for the start of next week, so it's advisable to stay up to date with the forecast.'

National Highways Severe Weather Resilience Manager, Darren Clark, said: 'If you are travelling this weekend, keep your distance and reduce your speed.

'Gritters will be out treating our roads around the clock when ice or snow is forecast, but it is still important to drive to the conditions.

'Even in conditions that seem normal and where the snow is not settling you could always experience slippery conditions.

'Drivers should plan their journeys, check their vehicles, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.'
Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger claims China is stalking the US with advanced drones launched from submarines in an unhinged suicide email.

Two other notes recorded on his phone and recovered by police made clear his motive was not terrorism or violence, just to draw attention to his manifesto.

The former Green Beret and still active soldier shot himself in the head seconds before an improvised explosive detonated in the back of his rented truck.

Explosive blast injured seven bystanders when it went off outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Livelsberger sent the suicide email or 'manifesto' to retired US Army intelligence officer Sam Shoemate shortly before the bombing.

The email claimed the mysterious drones seen flying over New Jersey and sometimes other parts of the east coast were Chinese weapons.

Livelsberger warned they could be well armed, attack anywhere, and were 'most dangerous threat to national security that has ever existed'.

Investigators probed if the bombing was connected to the terrorist attack in New Orleans, or if it was motivated by Livelsberger's personal issues.

Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger claims China is stalking the US with advanced drones in an unhinged suicide note

Explosive blast killed one person and injured half a dozen more when it went off outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday

The FBI said in a press conference on Friday afternoon that he acted alone and his behavior was fueled by PTSD and various personal grievances.

'Although this incident is more public and more sensational than usual, it ultimately appears to be a tragic case of suicide, involving a heavily decorated combat veteran who is struggling with PTSD and other issues,' Spencer Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI's Las Vegas division, said.

Las Vegas police also shared excerpts from two other writings, recorded in the notes app on his phone, that indicated the bombing was to get attention for his concerns.

'We (the US) are terminally ill and headed towards collapse. This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wakeup call,' the letter read.

'Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence - what better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives.

'Why did I personally do it now? I need to cleanse my mind, the brothers I've lost, and relieve myself of the burden of the lives that I took.'

Las Vegas Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren said another letter listed 'a variety of other grievances and issues, some political, some personal, a variety of other things which we will do our best to release very quickly'.

Part of it told veterans and Americans it was 'time to wake up, we are are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves'.

Livelsberger, a former Green Beret and active US Army Ranger, shot himself in the head seconds before an improvised explosive detonated in the back of his rented truck

Photos shared of Livelsberger from his days in the military

A photo of Livelsberger in camouflage gear and a drone, which was the area he was working in when he died

The email sent to Shoemate, which the FBI said it believed to be from Livelsberger, made even more fanciful claims and portents of doom.

'What we have been seeing with 'drones' is the operational use of gravatic (sic) propulsion systems powered aircraft by most recently China in the east coast, but throughout history, the US. Only we and China have this capacity,' the email read.

'China has been launching them from the Atlantic from submarines for years, but this activity recently has picked up.

'As of now, it is just a show of force and they are using it similar to how they used the balloon for sigint (signals intelligence) and isr (Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), which are also part of the integrated comms system.

'There are dozens of those balloons in the air at any given time.

'The so what is because of the speed and stealth of these unmanned AC, they are the most dangerous threat to national security that has ever existed.

'They basically have unlimited payload capacity and can park it over the [White House] if they wanted. It's checkmate.

'USG needs to give the history of this, how we are employing it and weaponizing it, how China is employing them and what the way forward is.

'China is poised to attack anywhere in the east coast.'

The email claimed the mysterious drones seen flying over New Jersey and sometimes other parts of the east coast were Chinese weapons

Livelsberger also claimed he was being 'followed' by authorities because he helped cover up 'war crimes' in Afghanistan.

'I've been followed for over a week now from likely homeland or FBI, and they are looking to move on me and are unlikely going to let me cross into Mexico, but won't because they know I am armed and I have a massive VBIED,' it claimed.

VBIED stands for vehicle-borne improvised explosive device - which is what detonated at the front of the hotel.

'I've been trying to maintain a very visible profile and have kept my phone and they are definitely digitally tracking me,' the email continued.

'I have knowledge of this program and also war crimes that were covered up during airstrikes in Nimruz province Afghanistan in 2019 by the admin, DoD, DEA and CIA.

'I conducted targeting for these strikes of over 125 buildings (65 were struck because of CIVCAS [civilian casualty]) that killed hundreds of civilians in a single day.

'USFORA (the command that conducted airstrike in Afghanistan) continued strikes after spotting civilians on initial ISR, it was supposed to take 6 minutes and scramble all aircraft in CENTCOM.

'The UN basically called these war crimes, but the administration made them disappear. I was part of that cover-up with USFORA and Agent [Redacted] of the DEA. So I don't know if my abduction attempt is related to either.

Livelsberger with his squad during what appeared to be military training

'I worked with GEN Millers 10 staff on this as well as the response to Bala Murghab. AOB-S Commander at the time. [Redacted] can validate this.'

Livelsberger's account of the mission correlates with a 2019 UN report criticizing the airstrikes as unlawful.

The report said a UN investigation verified 39 civilian casualties including 14 children and one woman at more than 60 sites that the US claimed were drug production facilities.

The UN was also working to verify another 32 civilian casualties in the May 5, 2019, strikes, the majority of which were women and children.

Livelsberger's email concluded: 'You need to elevate this to the media so we avoid a world war because this is a mutually assured destruction situation.'

Shoemate said he received the email on December 31 and turned it over to the FBI, but later chose to release it on his friend Shawn Ryan's podcast on Friday.

Ryan, a former US Navy Seal in 1994 to 2016 and CIA contractor, is now an author and runs a podcast similar in style to Joe Rogan.

'I knew taking this public would insert me into the 'glowy boi' conspiracy cycle, especially since I'm an intelligence officer,' Shoemate wrote on Twitter.

'I had no choice. Dude dumped it in my inbox. When I saw his name in the news, I had little choice but to hand it over to the feds.

'I knew the FBI wouldn't release it, or at least without an agenda attached, so I took it to Shawn Ryan because he has the platform to handle the magnitude of this information and will do so as objectively as possible.'

Shoemate said he received the email on December 31 and turned it over to the FBI, but later chose to release it on his friend Shawn Ryan's (pictured) podcast on Friday

The contents of the Cybertruck's tray, where the bomb was stored and detonated

Surveillance footage of Livelsberger driving the Cybertruck in Las Vegas

The email tried to verify that it came from Livelsberger himself by including details about his life only he would know.

They included his first car being a 2006 Black Ford Mustang V6 and 'I have an active TSSCI with UAP USAP access'. Shoemate was not sure what that meant.

Evans said the FBI believed the email to have been written and sent by Livelsberger, but had not yet conclusively proven that to be the case.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill said police were aware of the email for some time, but had not yet verified its authenticity.

'We still have not completely gone all the way through that and verified that entirely,' he said.

'While I understand all of that is out there, I believe it is our responsibility to give you what we know to be a fact, and that is what I will continue to do.'

McMahill said Livelsberger was a highly decorated soldier who served five tours of combat and was suffering from PTSD.

'They're exposed to things, they see things, they hear things, they feel things, and they smell things that most normal people don't have to do,' he said.

'And the heroes that are serving in the military and on the front lines of America's policing are challenged that way.'

Livelsberger with his ex-wife Sara. The couple divorced in 2018

A damaged US Government identification of Matthew Livelsberger found in the wreckage

Livelsberger was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Valor and three Army Commendation Medals

Livelsberger was a master sergeant attached to Special Operations Command and on leave from the military at the time of his death.

He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Valor and three Army Commendation Medals.

Livelsberger left his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on December 30 and arrived in Las Vegas about an hour before the bomb exploded.

He rented the Cybertruck from its owner in Denver through the Turo car-sharing platform - the same website used by the New Orleans terrorist.

The FBI said he acted alone and there was no link to the attack on Bourbon Street that killed 14 people celebrating New Year's Eve at 3.15am on Wednesday.

'We know we have a bombing, absolutely, and it's a bombing that certainly has factors that raise concern,' Evans said.

'It's not lost on us that it's in front of the Trump building, that it's a Tesla vehicle. But we don't have information at this point that definitively tells us or suggests it was because of this particular ideology or any of the reasoning behind it.'

The route Livelsberger took from where he rented the Cybertruck in Denver, and stops along the way to Las Vegas

Local police also showed video of Livelsberger at charging stations and other stops on his route from Denver to Las Vegas.

They said one of the phone notes was called 'surveillance logs' and was 'more of a journal' that covered his activities in the 10 days before before the bombing.

Police said the 'journal' matched with CCTV and reports of his activities on the route to Las Vegas, including buying guns and camping equipment.

They also revealed the exact way Livelsberger took his own life seconds before the blast, as determined by the medical examiner.

They said he put a pistol in his mouth and fired, with the bullet exiting out the left side of his head, killing him instantly.

Special Agent Evans reiterated that there was no connection between Livelsberger's bombing and the New Orleans terrorist attack.

He said there was no communication of any kind between Livelsberger and the ISIS terrorist Shamsud Din Jabbar, and any similarities were coincidental.

A gun damaged by the blast and resulting fire that Livelsberger bought on the way

Investigators comb through the Cybertruck wreck and debris surrounding it

Pieces of the Cybertruck and its contents extracted from the wreck

They included Jabbar and Livelsberger both being military veterans, and renting their cars through Turo and using Airbnb.

'We've identified no telephonic or email communication between the subjects. No information that suggests that they knew each other,' he said.

'That they ever served in the same unit, that they were ever assigned at the same place at the same time and had interaction, and no witness interviews have cooborated or provided any information that the two events are connected in any way.

'We have not identified any connection between this subject, and any terrorist organization.'

Evans said Livelsberger, whose family and friends repeatedly said he was a huge fan of Donald Trump, held 'no animosity towards the president-elect'.

'He likely suffered from PTSD and we are aware that there were potential other family issues or personal grievances in his own life that may have been contributing factors,' he said.
The Las Vegas Cybertruck bomber was a highly-trained military expert who certainly was skilled enough to have blown up Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel.

'He could have taken that whole building down if he wanted to,' a close family source told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview.

'He was working on drone programs in recent months, the ones that dropped bombs on people.'

Matthew Livelsberger's family are reeling from the decorated soldier's decision to end his life by shooting himself in the head seconds before his Tesla Cybertruck exploded.

Seven people were injured in the blast outside the Trump International Hotel on New Year's Day.

The insider described the soldier as a 'great American', painting a picture of a honorable serviceman, father, and patriot who was devoted to his job as an expert operator in the Army's Special Forces.

'He loved the military. He joined straight out of high school,' the source told DailyMail.com on Friday.

He took on critical roles in intelligence and security throughout his career, at one point even working protection for the US Ambassador to Congo, according to relatives.

Matthew Livelsberger's family are reeling from his decision to end his life outside the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday

The family source described the Green Beret (right on active duty) as a 'great American' and honorable serviceman, father, and husband, who was devoted to his job as an expert operator in the Army's Special Forces

Livelsberger, 37, a decorated Green Beret who oversaw the operations and maintenance of drones within his Special Forces unit, had spent nearly two decades in the military.

He joined the Army straight out of Bucyrus High School in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, and rose through the ranks quickly.

The family had last spoken to Livelsberger on Christmas Day and described him as being in 'great spirits.'

'He was with his wife and kids, he had plans for the future,' the source said.

'I know he had his demons, but we are all shocked.'

Livelsberger, an Afghanistan veteran had recently accepted a role as a remote and autonomous systems manager while stationed at Camp Panzer Kaserne just southwest of Stuttgart, Germany, in November.

The family source said he had been working on military drone programs in recent months.

'He had been working on drones, the ones that drop bombs all around the world' the insider said.

Livelsberger rented the Tesla Cybertruck in Colorado Springs, via the Turo app, and drove it more than 800 miles through three states on Wednesday morning - where he carried out the attack (pictured)

Police found credit cards, his passport and military ID on him, but they are still referring to him as a person of interest as they await DNA confirmation

The body of Matthew Livelsberger, 37, was burned beyond recognition after he apparently blew up a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas

He had been on a break from duty which allowed him to return to the US.

Livelsberger's body was burned beyond recognition in the explosion and was identified through his tattoos, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said on Thursday.

Police found credit cards, his passport and military ID on him.

The weapons found in the truck were purchased legally on December 30, 2024.

The electric vehicle, which was rented on the app Turo, exploded about 15 seconds after the driver pulled up in front of the hotel's entrance.

He had picked it up in Colorado Springs, Colorado and driven more than 800 miles through three states to get to Vegas.

Sheriff McMahill addressed similarities between the terror act in Vegas and the one in New Orleans by Texas native Shamsud-din Jabbar, 42, who flew an ISIS flag as he slaughtered 14 and injured dozens with a rented truck.

Both served at the Fort Bragg now renamed Fort Liberty  in North Carolina, but officials do not know if they ever crossed paths.

Both also served in Afghanistan in 2009 however officials say they have seen no evidence they were in the same providence or unit. That remains under investigation.

Livelsberger served in the Green Berets, highly trained special forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners, the Army said in a statement.

He had been in the Army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo, the Army said.

Livelsberger was awarded two Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor.

The family says Livelsberger 'always loved the military and had joined the Army straight out of Bucyrus High School in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, before quickly rising up the ranks

He had served in the Army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo, the Army said

The weapons found in the truck were purchased legally on December 30, 2024, police said

The passport found by authorities inside the Tesla vehicle is pictured above

Livelsberger was on approved leave when he died, according to the statement.

He was married to social worker Sara Livelsberger, who has said she had not heard from him for days before his apparent suicide.

His uncle Dean Livelsberger told The Independent that his nephew was '100 percent a patriot', and described him as a 'Rambo-type.'

'He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100 percent loving the country,' he continued.

'He loved Trump, and he was always a very, very patriotic soldier, a patriotic American. It's one of the reasons he was in Special Forces for so many years. It wasn't just one tour of duty.'

Video showed a tumble of charred fireworks mortars, canisters 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.
Rep. Mike Johnson was humiliated on Friday after three Republicans bucked him during the first ballot with the Republican party in chaos.

In scenes similar to the circus that led to Kevin McCarthy being ousted in 2023, members of the GOP staged a protest by voting against their leader.

With an ultra-slim majority, just two GOP 'no' votes would have been enough to stop Johnson from victory.

Ultimately, three Republicans bucked Johnson in the first round, a slap in the face to President-elect Donald Trump who has for weeks touted his support for the speaker's reelection.

The vote was 216 for Johnson, 215 for Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, and three votes for other candidates. Though the vote was wasn't gaveled out after it was closed, so lawmakers still had the opportunity to change their votes.

Those three Republicans who voted for other candidates were Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and freshman Keith Self of Texas.

After the ballot closed, Johnson scurried out of the chamber to huddle with Self and Norman to try and change their minds.

The trio were seen talking, presumably trying to find common ground on getting Johnson elected.

Minutes after they emerged from their private chat, the two holdouts changed their vote to Johnson - putting him over the edge to win the speakership on the first vote 218 to 215, with holdout GOP Thomas Massie, R-Ky., voting for Whip Tom Emmer.

Firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., was even spotted on the phone with Trump's incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles while pacing the House floor following what looked to be Johnson's initial defeat.

U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks to reporters outside his office at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 3, 2025. He was re-elected as speaker of the House on Friday

Ahead of the vote reporters swarm Johnson to inquire if he has enough support to get reelected

U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) speaks on the phone with incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, as representatives gather to vote for the new Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 3, 2025

Johnson was always expected to lose some Republican support, though.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., declared for weeks ahead of the vote that he was against reelecting the speaker, meaning only one more GOP 'No' vote would be enough to tank Johnson's chances.

Massie on Friday voted for Johnson's deputy, Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., instead.

Then, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., shockingly voted for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, causing Johnson to lose the vote on the first ballot.

His vote caused the chamber to pause as members came to realize that they would be forced to begin the whole voting process again.

After Norman, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, voted for Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., further exacerbating Johnson's first ballot loss.

Shockingly, even more GOP members initially withheld their vote.

House Freedom Caucus (HFC) chair Andy Harris and some other members of the group did not answer when called upon to cast their vote, stirring drama in the chamber as members sat on edge waiting to see if they had to go through the lengthy voting process again.

Reps. Andy Biggs, Andrew Clyde, Michael Cloud, Paul Gosar, Chip Ropy, all members of the HFC in addition to Harris, did not vote initially.

But later they were called again, and all cast their votes for Johnson. Had they not voted for Johnson, Democrat Jeffries could have won the speakership.

Representatives Chip Roy, Republican from Texas, Ralph Norman, Republican from South Carolina, and Tim Burchett, Republican from Tennessee, speak with each other as Thomas Massie, Republican from Kentucky, looks on during the vote for Speaker of the House during the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 3, 2025. Massie and Norman voted against Johnson

Rep. Chip Roy (L) talks to Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) as they arrive for the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 03, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The speaker had repeatedly said he will not strike quid pro quo deals with members to secure their voting for him, meaning he does not have much to offer Self, Norman or Massie.

Minutes before the vote, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., posted on X that the vote for speaker will not be finished after one ballot: 'This will go to multiple rounds.'

Though Burchett ultimately voted for Johnson, his post ended up being prophetic.

Just ahead of the vote Friday President-elect Trump made clear to all House Republicans where he stood in a Truth Social post: 'Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support.'

'A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgment of our 129 year most consequential Presidential Election!! - A big affirmation, indeed. MAGA!'

If the speaker elections drag on, the engine of Congress may have stall and disrupt Donald Trump's election certification planned for Monday, January 6.

Since the House cannot function without a speaker, should the vote go to multiple ballots over multiple days the chamber may have not be in order to certify the 2024 election results on time.

Knowing this, Johnson warned the GOP they could not 'afford a palace drama.'

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) is working to retain the Speakership in the face of opposition within his own party as the 119th Congress holds its first session to vote for a new Speaker of the House.

Thomas Massie voted against Johnson for speaker on Friday

He also posted on X just ahead of the speaker vote a list of promises that he would keep to placate GOP members concerned with the federal budget deficit.

One of those promises was to create a group of outside experts to work alongside Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut spending.

So Johnson took meeting after meeting on Thursday with conservative members of his conference to hear their concerns, and to convince them to vote for him.

Republican Reps. Chip Roy, Victoria Spartz, Harris, Biggs, Ralph Norman, Crane, and more lawmakers on the fence about voting met with the speaker on Thursday.

Roy, R-Texas, said Johnson was a good friend, but remained undecided until the vote. He's been critical of the speaker for his handling of the spending deal to avoid a government shutdown last month.

Spartz, meanwhile, told reporters just head of the vote that she had decided to support Johnson. Though Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., indicated before the vote that the speakership will go to multiple ballots.

Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., nominated Johnson to again become speaker with a glowing speech.

'Over 14 months ago Mike Johnson took on a daunting task. No speaker is perfect, and no one will ever be. However, achieving perfection requires incremental gains and hard decisions along the way, none of us will get exactly what we want.'

'Mike has remained the same kind and caring person he was before he assumed this role ... It is my honor to represent our conference's nominee for the speaker of the people's house, the Honorable Mike Johnson from the state of Louisiana.'

Though her rousing address was not enough to get all Republicans on board, and now the party will force further votes on Johnson's reelection until a speaker is chosen.
A bloodied Russian soldier who killed a Ukrainian fighter in a savage knife fight has been pictured for the first time since the horrific clash.

The man, believed to be called Tuta, was seen slashing the Ukrainian near the ruins of a blitzed building.

But in an incredible moment captured on bodycam footage the pair emotionally paid their respects to each other as the wounded Ukrainian fighter took his final breaths.

The Russian soldier knelt beside the dying Ukrainian as he sent a final message to his mother.

Now pictures and videos of the Russian fighter, believed to be from the Republic of Sakha in North Siberia, have begun circulating on social media.

There have been calls from Russian war channels for the soldier to be decorated for his bravery.

In the dramatic bodycam footage filmed by the Ukrainian, the two men can first be seen opening fire at each other.

The Ukrainian then manages to reach his opponent and grabs the Russian's automatic rifle, leading to a struggle which results in the Putin fighter pulling his knife and viciously slashing his rival in the thigh.

A bloodied Russian soldier who killed a Ukrainian fighter in a savage knife fight has been pictured for the first time since the horrific clash

A screengrab from the dramatic bodycam footage that showed a bloody knife fight between the two soldiers

Pictures and videos of the Russian fighter, believed to be from the Republic of Sakha in North Siberia, have begun circulating on social media

The two fighters can be heard hurling insults at each other, with the Ukrainian warrior angrily telling his enemy: 'You came to [invade] my homeland'.

The Russian soldier wins the knife battle and the Ukrainian fighter falls to the ground after being slashed.

The unidentified defeated fighter, now losing blood, then sends a message to his mother as he takes his final breaths.

'That's it, Mum. Goodbye'.

The Russian soldier then comes to the wounded fighter and kneels beside him.

'You cut my whole body open', the Ukrainian fighter cries out.

As he lies wounded, the Ukrainian pleads for the Russian to let him die alone.

But he salutes his foe, saying: 'I want to die myself. Thank you. You were the best fighter in the world.

The emotional moment occurred after a rare hand-to-hand combat fight that led to a knife battle between a Ukrainian soldier and a Russian soldier

The Russian soldier can be seen briefly placing a hand on his Ukrainian rival

The footage is reported to be from Trudove, in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine and is believed to have been filmed in autumn but only released now

'Goodbye, you were better.'

The Russian fighter - also wounded in the fight - backs off and tells him: 'Goodbye.'

The Russian's knife is clearly visible as he backs off, with blood seen on his face.

The defeated Ukrainian then pulls the pin on his grenade in an attempt to take his own life.

Russian accounts of the incident claim the grenade explosion left the Ukrainian even more wounded, with his hand blown off, but still alive.

He then told the Russian to 'finish me off'.

The footage is reported to be from Trudove, in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, and is believed to have been filmed in autumn but only released now.
One of Vice President Kamala Harris' final duties before the Trump administration takes over is swearing in the members of the Senate, but it didn't quite go according to plan.

Harris was on Capitol Hill for the opening of the 119th Congress as she serves as president of the Senate and swears in all of the senators.

But the vice president jumbled the Pledge of Allegiance in the Senate chamber at the start of the ceremony.

Harris could be heard asking senators to join her in the pledge as she turns to the American flag and begins.

But the vice president then messed up the first line, saying 'I pledge allegiance to the United - ' instead of 'I pledge allegiance to the flag.'

After jumbling the start, Harris was able to quickly pick up where she left off and successfully finish the pledge, but her fumble did not go unnoticed.

The vice president then proceeded to administer the oath of office for the newly elected and reelected senators where the awkward situation continued as she came face-to-face with the man who will replace her as vice president.

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance was there to support newly elected Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno just weeks before he replaces Harris after President-elect Trump defeated her in the November presidential election.

The Ohio senator was all smiles as he stood just feet away from her as she administered the oath for Moreno and other senators.

Neither Harris or Vance appeared to engage each other, but both continued to smile and shake hands with the newly sworn-in senators before another group was ushered in to take the oath.

Vance was not the only Republican Harris came face-to-face with on Friday who spent the past few years criticizing her in Congress or on the campaign trail including some who refused to pronounce her first name correctly.

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance grins as he stands behind Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno as he is sworn into office on January 3

Vance was just feet away from Vice President Harris as she administered the oath of office for newly elected and reelected senators on January 3

Despite the nasty politics of the recent election, the GOP senators and vice president put their differences aside for the occasion and warmly greeted each other with smiles and hand-shakes.

However, there was one person who did appear to make a dig on the floor of the Senate at Republicans.

Former Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland joined newly elected Senator Angela Alsobrooks for her swearing-in.

As the former lawmaker greeted the vice president, she could be heard emphasizing 'Kamala.'

'I just wanted to say your name properly in the Senate,' Mikulski clearly stating from the Senate floor.

Harris participating in a ceremonial swearing-in with GOP Senator Josh Hawley and his family on January 3

Harris administering the oath for Republican Senator Ted Cruz as his family looks on in a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony

Newly sworn-in Republican Pennsylvania Senator David McCormick with wife Dina Powell (center) introduces the vice president to five of his six daughters in attendance for his swearing-in

Newly elected Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey shares a moment with his kids and the vice president on January 3

Senator Tim Sheehy's son looks on in a cowboy hat as the vice president administers the oath of office for Montana's junior senator

In another cringe moment, Harris was left looking awkward when the husband of GOP Senator Deb Fischer snubbed shaking her hand.

The interaction came during the one-on-one ceremonial swearing-in of senators with their families on Friday.

Harris was greeting Democratic and Republican senators as they introduced spouses and children, but Fischer's husband Bruce stayed far away from the vice president when it was their turn.

Harris even joked 'I won't bite' as he stepped up to hold the bible for his wife.

After administering the oath, Harris and the Nebraska senator shook hands and smiled.

But when the vice president held out her to the senator's husband Bruce, he left her hanging as he was holding the bible in one hand and had a cane in the other.

Instead, he curtly said 'thank you' before putting his free hand in his pocket.
The BBC has reportedly issued an apology to a Rabbi over the 'grotesquely unfair' line of questioning adopted by anchor Ben Brown during a BBC News interview.

Rabbi Gideon Sylvester, of the British United Synagogue in Jerusalem, appeared on the network on December 23 for a discussion which he claims was pitched to him as focusing on the Jewish holiday of Chanukah.

BBC News had interviewed multiple other faith leaders from Jerusalem and Bethlehem in the lead up to Rabbi Sylvester's segment, including a Christian reverend and a leader of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The network stated when introducing Rabbi Sylvester that they had been interviewing these various religious figures to see how the 'shadow of war' had impacted their local communities.

BBC anchor Ben Brown began the interview by asking Rabbi Sylvester about the prospect of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine to help put an end to the current war in Gaza and the West Bank.

Speaking to the Jewish Chronicle after-the-fact, Rabbi Sylvester blasted the question as 'outrageous' and accused Brown of implying that Israel had started the war.

In his response on air, Rabbi Sylvester stated that 'most Israeli's are very nervous' about a potential two-state solution and added that the prospect could only be considered if Palestinian's adopted a leadership 'willing to have a liberal democracy'.

This answer prompted a follow-up question from Brown who interjected that the responsibility over reaching a peace deal must also be borne by the Israeli government, and not solely Palestinian leadership.

Rabbi Gideon Sylvester appeared on BBC News on December 23 for an interview he described as being 'grotesquely unfair'

Accusations of anti-Jewish bias were also levelled at the BBC by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA)

In his remarks to the Jewish Chronicle, Rabbi Sylvester also accused the BBC of promoting anti-Jewish attitudes and spreading misinformation about the Middle East.

'Their words carry weight and provoke evermore antisemitism, sometimes leading to physical attacks on the street. So I was happy to talk about the current situation and to correct the misinformation which is spread about Israel,' he said.

Ben Brown went on to quote former Israeli political advisor and Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy who has been outspoken in his criticism of the Israeli military's actions in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Balking at the mention of Levy's name, Rabbi Sylvester accused Levy of being on the extreme left in Israeli politics and said that he didn't speak for the majority of Israelis.

With time running out in the interview, Brown cut Rabbi Sylvester's final answer short.

The Jewish Chronicle also reports to having seen an email from a senior BBC news editor which offered an apology to Rabbi Sylvester for 'focusing a little too much on politics'.

The BBC has since confirmed to the MailOnline that it has been in contact with Rabbi Sylvester in the wake of the interview.

Accusations of anti-Jewish bias were also levelled at the BBC by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), who labelled the interview 'absolutely despicable'.

'Not a single question about Chanukah or Jewish suffering in the region right now. Absolutely despicable. The only silver lining is that Rabbi Sylvester acquitted himself very well in the circumstances,' a CAA spokesperson said.

The BBC has been in contact with Rabbi Sylvester directly since the airing of his interview on the network last month

A BBC spokesperson, reacting to these allegations, told the MailOnline: 'The BBC News channel interviewed leaders of different faiths seeking to reflect how the ongoing conflict is having an impact on their communities, as well as looking ahead to their hopes for 2025.

'We interviewed the leaders live from the Middle East and challenged their views where necessary.

'While the interviews intended to cover recent news events as well as matters related to faith, we acknowledge that we should have allowed more time to speak with Rabbi Gideon Sylvester about his religion and the impact of the conflict on Hanukkah.

'We deplore antisemitism, and we are committed to reporting the conflict with accuracy, impartiality and transparency'.
The family of a nurse accused of abuse of newborns at a Virginia hospital has reacted to her shock arrest.

Erin Elizabeth Strotman, 26, has been charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse at Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, police said Friday.

DailyMail.com reached Strotman's sister Rachel and mother Kimberly on Friday shortly after news of the nurse's arrest emerged.

Rachel Strotman simply replied, 'no,' when asked for comment about her sister's arrest. Meanwhile the nurse's mom Kimberly said she had no comment. Both women sounded calm on the phone.

Kimberly Strotman had already been receiving negative comments on her Facebook account, which like Rachel's has now been deactivated.

The accused nurse appears to have deleted her Facebook and LinkedIn accounts prior to her arrest.

Social media images of Strotman, a Virginia native, show that she graduated as a nurse in 2019.

Her arrest comes after a couple spoke out after Virginia Child Services informed them that their newborn baby had been abused by an employee at the NICU when he suffered a fractured leg following his premature birth.

Erin Strotman, a Virginia nurse accused of abusing as many as seven newborns under her care, is seen with her family after her 2019 graduation from nursing school

Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, has been arrested in connection to a string of accidents involving babies at a Virginia hospital

Noah Hackey was one of seven babies who suffered inexplicable injuries at Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, Virginia

Authorities opened a probe into the inexplicable fractures after four babies were injured in the summer of 2023 and three more were hurt in November and December of this year.

The case echoes that of British serial killer nurse Lucy Letby, although there have been no deaths reported.

Strotman has so far only been charged in one case of abuse, but police are still probing whether she is tied to the other injured babies.

'We are both shocked and saddened by this development in the investigation and are focused on continuing to care for our patients and providing support to our colleagues who have been deeply and personally impacted by this investigation,' HCA Virginia told People in a statement.

'We are grateful to those colleagues, who have dedicated their professional lives to the care and safety of our patients, as well as to law enforcement and the other agencies who have worked aggressively and tirelessly with us on this investigation.'

Henrico Doctors' Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which takes care of critically ill newborns, has 40 treatment areas and the hospital delivers around 4,500 babies every year.

While hospital officials acknowledge 'fractures occasionally happen,' these fractures appeared to be cause for concern.

Investigators went about reviewing video footage from inside the NICU to determine if there had been any staff misconduct or unreported accidents.

A statement on the hospital's website last month said: 'Out of an abundance of caution, we are not admitting any additional babies into our NICU at this time.

Strotman, pictured second from the left, is charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse

Social services determined an unknown employee at the hospital caused Noah's fracture

Dominique and Tori Hackey were one of the parents affected after they welcomed their twin boys, Noah and Micah, at the hospital in August 2023.

Noah was doing well until Dominique noticed his left leg was not moving.

'It was kind of discolored, I told the doctor on staff, got some x-rays, and we determined he had a fracture to his leg, so we are going to splint it for the next two weeks, and then she was like do you want to hold him?' Dominique told WTVR.

The couple said they did not want to hold Noah for fears the hospital would blame them for the injury.

'In my mind Im like, I dont want them to turn it around on us and say we broke his leg or anything like that so I was like no, we dont want to hold him, we are just going to process this,' Dominique added.

An X-ray showed that Noah's tibia had been fractured, and, according to Dominique, the hospital suggested the injury was accidental.

'Thats what they told us, that it could have been done because an injection was given and maybe they did it too hard and it caused the fracture,' Dominique said.

Dominique said it concerned him so he contacted child services. In September he received a review of their investigation, which found there was level 1 physical abuse of Noah - the worst level in Virginia.

Noah's father Dominique Hackey contacted child services, who found Noah had suffered level 1 physical abuse

Noah has fully recovered. He is pictured with his mom Tori

The letter from child services stated that 'following a through CPS investigation this agency has determined the disposition of this report to be founded level 1 for physical abuse of Noah by an employee by the Henrico Doctors Hospital NICU.'

In October, police informed the Hackeys that other babies had also been mysteriously injured at the Richmond hospital. However, authorities have not been able to figure out who is causing the injuries.

The hospital told the Hickeys they implemented preventative measures like cameras in the NICU and more training.

But then the hospital shut down its NICU unit in October after the measures failed to prevent three more babies being injured in November and December.

Maria Reppas, who serves as the communications director for the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), told DailyMail.com the institution is working with the hospital on the investigation.

She said: 'The health and safety of those receiving care in this NICU has and will continue to be our top priority.

Henrico hospital closed its neonatal intensive care unit after seven premature babies suffered mysterious injuries by an abuser on the loose

'VDH's Office of Licensure and Certification, in partnership with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has taken immediate action to identify potential concerns and are monitoring specific corrective actions.

'We are working closely with other state and local partners, including the Henrico Police Department and Virginia State Police.'
A serial murderer has admitted to bashing and choking two of his girlfriends to death in as many years, then chopping up their bodies.

Joseph Steven Jorgenson, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in Ramsey County District Court in St Paul, Minnesota, on Thursday.

He explained in graphic detail how he beat Fanta Xayavong to death in Shoreview in September 2021, and strangled Manijeh 'Mani' Starren in St Paul in April 2023.

Jorgensen admitted to attacking Xayavong during a drunken argument, including hitting her in the head with his knee. He kept beating her until she died.

'I was very drunk at the time, and yes - in the heat of the moment - I was... yes [attempting to kill her],' he told the court during his confession.

'I did feel bad about it immediately afterwards, but my intent at that time was to kill her.'

Both women were dismembered and their body parts stashed in storage lockers until they were discovered by police in 2023.

Jorgenson will be jailed for 40 years for each murder, the maximum allowed, to be served concurrently, by Judge Leonardo Castro on February 28 after a plea bargain.

Joseph Jorgenson, 41, pleaded guilty to killing and dismembering Manjieh 'Mani' Starren, 34, and Fanta Xayavong, 33, at their homes in St Paul

He was arrested in June 2023 after a standoff at his home in Maplewood, St Paul, with police who followed a trail of evidence that included a Google search for 'jugular' the day Starren, 34, disappeared.

Days later, he became a suspect in the disappearance, and presumed murder, of Xayavong, who had been missing for almost two years.

Jorgenson was only charged with Xayavong's murder on Thursday when he faced court, after admitting his guilt as part of the plea deal.

'These heinous acts of cruelty took the lives of two young women and forever altered the future of their friends and family,' Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said.

'We commend the diligent work of those in law enforcement as well as our staff who worked tirelessly to bring about charges leading to convictions supported by the available evidence and, ultimately, a measure of closure for each victim.

'We extend our heartfelt sympathies to their surviving family and friends.'

Xayavong went missing in July 2021, though a missing person report was not filed until May 2023.

When police began investigating, they discovered Jorgenson also dated her around the time of her disappearance and found incriminating texts on his phone telling a friend he broke his hand hitting her.

The remains of Manjieh 'Mani' Starren, 33, were found coolers at a storage facility where a unit had been rented under the name of Jorgenson's roommate

Witnesses said Xayavong's home smelled awful and a cleaning crew also reported a 'horrible smell' and stains. Police cadaver dogs found human remains.

Xayavong's dismembered body, still with her hands tied behind her back, was found in July 2023 in a storage facility in Coon Rapids, stashed in styrofoam coolers and large plastic totes.

Knives used to cut up her body was found hidden in the same unit.

Starren's remains were similarly found wrapped in plastic bags and stuffed in coolers at a storage facility in Woodbury, where a unit had been rented under the name of Jorgenson's roommate.

The investigation began when Starren's father reported her missing in on May 1, 2023, saying she struggled with mental health and addiction, and he hadn't heard from her in 10 days.

He said Starren may have been afraid of her boyfriend, which police identified as Jorgenson and found he was the last person to see her alive.

Police soon learned Starren was the victim of domestic violence and her son's father told them Jorgenson once wrapped a rope around her neck.

A neighbor also told detectives they saw her with a black eye and red marks on her neck.

Xayavong's dismembered body, still with her hands tied behind her back, was found in July 2023 in a storage facility in Coon Rapids, stashed in styrofoam coolers and large plastic totes

Security video showed Starren running from her apartment on April 21 and Jorgenson pulling her back in, police said.

He was later caught on camera going in and out of the home 28 times in the following week - once with suitcase and duffle bags into his roommate's pickup truck. Starren, however, was not seen again.

A SWAT team raided his apartment, where Jorgenson barricaded himself inside, started a fire and resisted officers. He also tried to grab a SWAT officer's AR-15 before he was arrested.

A search of his apartment found broken furniture and appliances, blood on the couch, in the living room, and in the kitchen. It would later be revealed to belong to Starren.

Further investigation revealed the manager of the building where Jorgenson lived told police residents had complained in mid-May about a stench from his apartment that smelled like something had died.

'Shortly afterwards, the manager and maintenance employee saw Jorgenson carrying and dragging large black duffle bags out of the apartment,' court documents read.

They commented to each other that it looked like Jorgenson was 'carrying a dead body.'

Two days after the raid, police located Starren's chopped up remains, along with two padlock keys that matched the storage unit, where cell phone records showed Jorgenson had been on May 18.

Jorgensen admitted to attacking Xayavong during a drunken argument, including hitting her in the head with his knee. He kept beating her until she died

'The torso was extensively wrapped in saran wrap and placed in multiple layers of bags,' according to the charging affidavit.

'The next set of remains removed was the head which was also wrapped in multiple layers of saran wrap and bags.

'The third set of remains was then removed from the duffel bag. The remains consisting of two arms, two thighs, and the remaining parts of the legs and feet that were also wrapped in a large amount of saran wrap.

'Great care had been taken to wrap the remains. It took an extended amount of time for the medical examiner to just remove the remains from their wrappings.'

Online records also revealed a slew of evidence, police said led them to Jorgenson including text messages, and activity showing he had used Starren's food-stamps card, purchased a large amount of cleaning supplies, and had made some disturbing Google searches.

There were two threatening messages Jorgenson sent to Starren two weeks before she vanished, police said.

'N u owe me 2 bc u called the cops on me 2 times. Very clear I was of that being punishable by hanging. I'm giving u this plea bargain opportunity. So yw,' one read.

The other said: 'Hope u die of a kidney infection u bitch c**t terrible f**king mother.'

The details of the case first came to light on May 1 when Starren's father reported her missing to the Saint Paul Police Department after not hearing from her since April 21

Google searches revealed he had searched for the word 'Jugular' on April 21. On May 1, he searched: 'What do police do with a missing person's report.'

On May 3, he Googled, 'How to clear cookies from android phone,' and on May 27, he looked up: 'How to remove gps lime scooter.'

On June 4, Jorgenson Googled, 'Lime for soil.' The complaint noted that 'lime can be used to speed up the decomposition process of a body and to reduce the smell of decomposition.'

'Thank you to the officers for following every lead,' Starren's brother wrote on Facebook after her body was found.

'My beautiful sister you will be missed greatly! Heaven has gotten a new Angel and we haven't stopped looking and found you to bring you home!...

'Hope you are sitting with Grandpa fishing and watching dolphins up there fly high! I LOVE YOU!!'
The UK's first drugs 'consumption room' where addicts can safely use narcotics including heroin is set to open within days.

Known as The Thistle, Britain's first facility of its kind will open in Glasgow on Monday January 13 and will allow drug users to take banned substances under medical supervision.

Officials at the NHS and Glasgow City Council approved the new 2.3million centre in September 2023.

Consumption rooms were proposed in the city as far back as 2016, following an outbreak of HIV among drug users.

The new facility at Hunter Street Health Centre will operate from 9am to 9pm 365 days a year, and will provide a space for addicts to use narcotics including heroin.

It was due to open last year, but faced delays pending an inspection of the water and ventilation, Glasgow Live reported.

Designs featured eight injecting booths and a large aftercare area, including a cafe, seating and possibly a TV.

Drug users will also have access to showers, clean clothes and phone calls at the centre, which aims to provide them with dignity.

The UK's first safe drug consumption room is to open in Glasgow this month. Pictured: Injecting booths at the centre

Drug users will be able to use the facility to take banned narcotics under medical supervision

A bird's eye view of the new facility at the Hunter Street Health Centre in Glasgow

The first of its kind, state-of-the-art facility will provide a safe and dignified space for drug users

Councillor Allan Casey, Glasgow's City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addiction Services, said: 'We are obviously delighted that the required tests have now concluded, and the facility can open on Monday, 13 January.

'We have been pushing for a safer drug consumption facility for some time. Its a welcome relief to know we can finally have people in to access the service and support available within the Thistle.'

He added that similar facilities in operation around the world were evidence that 'they do make a difference'.

It came as a report by Glasgow's Integration Joint Board (IJB) estimated that as many as 400 to 500 people regularly take drugs in public places around the city.

However some politicians said that officials should prioritise treatment, with Conservatives suggesting the plan was a step 'in the wrong direction'.

Tory MSP Sue Webber said: While a variety of solutions must be looked at to tackle Scotlands drug deaths crisis, SNP ministers cannot keep acting like drug consumption rooms are a silver bullet.

'Scotland has the worst drugs deaths rate in Europe by far, and once again on the SNPs watch they are heading in the wrong direction. Ministers must prioritise getting those suffering with addiction access to treatment wherever they need it.
A Florida man is grieving the unexpected loss of his boyfriend who was apparently killed by a stray bullet fired in celebration of the New Year.

Angel Nunes, 50, was seemingly struck by the stray bullet moments after midnight on New Year's Eve.

Nunes immediately collapsed in his boyfriend's arms and was later declared dead from his wounds.

Before the fatal countdown, he made a last minute decision to visit his boyfriend, 68-year-old Chris Dillion, at his home in Fort Lauderdale after celebrating out on the town with friends.

The 50-year-old arrived at Dillion's home on the 700 block of Northeast 17th Court moments before midnight with hopes to ring in the New Year with his lover.

'At 11:58, he surprises me,' Dillon recalled. 'He goes, "You home?" He comes around the corner and has this big grin on his face. "Hey," he goes, "I didnt want you to spend New Years alone so I raced over here."'

The pair then left Dillion's home and headed outside to the pool deck area behind the house.

'I grabbed the back of his head and he grabbed the back of my head and forcefully had the most beautiful kiss, it was so beautiful, backed off, I said, "I love you," he said "I love you," and then he fell,' Dillon said.

Angel Nunes (left), 50, is believed to be the victim of a stray bullet after he collapsed into his boyfriend, Chris Dillion's (right) arms just moments after midnight on New Year's Eve

Nunes (pictured) made a last minute decision to visit his boyfriend, 68-year-old Chris Dillion, at his home in Fort Lauderdale just before the midnight on New Year's Eve, after celebrating out on the town with friends

'I did not think he was dead.'

Dillon frantically tried to get Nunez up, but he was unresponsive.

Using his 40 years of experience as an airline flight attendant and his medical training, Dillon said he tried to tend to Nunes wound with the help of an emergency dispatcher over the telephone.

Lifting up his T-shirt, the distressed boyfriend then uncovered a 'less than an inch' slit on Nunezs stomach.

Police and paramedics showed up and hours later, declared his beloved boyfriend dead.

'I cried, I started sobbing on the floor,' Dillon said. 'Its heartbreaking.'

Dillon says he thought he saw a 'spark' as a projectile entered his boyfriends lower left side.

'It came from through those trees,' Dillon told the South Florida Sun Sentinel, while pointing to an area between his house and the Middle River containing palm trees.

The pair then exited the home and headed outside to the pool deck area behind the house (pictured). 'I grabbed the back of his head and he grabbed the back of my head and forcefully had the most beautiful kiss, it was so beautiful, backed off, I said, "I love you," he said, "I love you," and then he fell,' Dillon said

Police and paramedics showed up and hours later, declared his beloved boyfriend dead. 'I cried, I started sobbing on the floor,' Dillon said. 'Its heartbreaking'

Nunes had been standing with his back to the waterway, Dillon recalled.

'It just bee-lined through there. Thats where the police said it looked like it came from.'

Fort Lauderdale police are now investigating whether or not 50-year-old Nunez was struck by a stray bullet as assumed.

Nunez's death was not the only casualty caused by a stray bullet, as on the very same night, another South Floridian's death was attributed to a 'celebratory' round.

Only four minutes into 2025, an adorable 10-year-old girl was killed outside her home in Allapattah, after she was struck in the head by a stray bullet also believed to have been fired in celebration of the New Year.

Yanelis Munuguia, who had just celebrated her 10th birthday on December 26, was ringing in the New Year with family when she was struck in the head by the stray round around 12:04 am on Wednesday.

The innocent child immediately collapsed to the ground outside of her family's home on the 2100 block of Northwest 27th Avenue in Allapattah, sending the family into a panic.

Her parents noticed a gunshot wound on the back of little Yanelis' head.

Now frantic, amid a lively New Year's Eve celebration outside their home, the family put the girl into a car with the intent of driving her to the hospital and called 911.

Yanelis Munuguia, 10, was ringing in the New Year with her family when she was struck in the head by a stray bullet around 12:04 am on Wednesday

The innocent child immediately collapsed to the ground outside of her family's home on the 2100 block of Northwest 27th Avenue in Allapattah

'Every time I came over, she was always happy to see me and now I can't bear to enter their home and not be able to see her again,' Yanelis' grandfather, Ramon Valdizon, said. 'It hurts my soul. I cannot stand to go in that house and not see her again'

Hialeah Fire Rescue eventually intercepted the family and took Yanelis to Jackson Ryder Trauma Center, where she was pronounced dead.

'Shooting a gun into the sky has consequences. Who paid? A little girl,' Yanelis' family member, Carlos Gutierrez, said through tears.

'What did the girl do? Nothing. What fault did she have? But that's the way things are.'

Miami-Dade Police believe the unidentified person who fired the shot could have been shooting wildly into the air to celebrate the start of 2025.

'We speak time and time again every new year about the fact that what goes up must come down,' Detective Andre Martin told CBS News.

'This is a prime example of the dangers of shooting a firearm indiscriminately into the air. We have a 10-year-old girl who lost her life at the beginning of the year.'
The White House is flat-out rejecting Donald Trump's protestations about flags flying at half staff during his historic inauguration to honor the death of Jimmy Carter at age 100.

The answer came in a one-word response from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, when a reporter noted Trump's concerns and asked if it was a decision the White House would consider reversing or reevaluating.

'No,' Jean-Pierre responded curtly and moved on.

It came after Trump raged at President Joe Biden for ordering all the government's flags to fly at half staff for a 30-day period that includes his inauguration.

Trump, who said the nation owed Carter a 'debt of gratitude' after the former president died in his home of Plains, Georgia on December 29, on Friday accused Democrats of failing to love the country while fuming over the flag issue.

'The Democrats are all giddy about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at half mast during my Inauguration,' Trump posted on his Truth Social web site.

'They think its so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they dont love our Country, they only think about themselves. Look at what theyve done to our once GREAT America over the past four years - Its a total mess! In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it.'

'Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' Trump said.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president was not reconsidering a decision to order flags at half staff to honor Jimmy Carter, who died last month at 100

His last comment appeared to tease the prospect that the flag might fly at full staff when he takes the oath having vowed to 'Make America Great Again.'

But Biden's proclamation issued 'by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States,' calls for the flag to fly at half staff for 30 days in tribute to Carter.

His proclamation calls it an 'expression of public sorrow,' and applies to all public buildings, military posts, naval stations, and naval stations of the federal government in D.C. and around the world.

It also applies to embassies, consular offices, and military facilities overseas.

President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation designating the times when flags would fly at half-staff: 30 days for the death of a president or former president, ten for the vice president, a chief justice of the Supreme Court, or the Speaker of the House.

It established government facilities that would follow the proclamation. Trump presumably could reverse Biden's order as soon as he becomes president after noon on January 20.

Biden ordered flags at half staff for a period of 30 days

By the book: Jean-Pierre was asked about the flag after Donald Trump raged that flags would be at half staff for his inauguration.

'In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it,' said Trump

President Biden ordered flags be lowered for 30 days. He appeared to take jabs at Trump when he issued remarks on Carter's death

President Jimmy Carter is dead at the age of 100. President Joe Biden made brief comments about his friend Sunday night from St. Croix telling reporters: 'I've been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years'

The Capitol, as the seat of a separate legislative branch established by Article 1 of the Constitution, sets its own procedures and even has its own power plant, but tends to take cues from the executive when flags are ordered lowered to honor officials such as deceased lawmakers or Supreme Court Justices.

It was not immediately known whether Trump was seeking to intervene to have officials in the Capitol intervene on his behalf. The House on Monday reelected Mike Johnson as speaker by a narrow margin after a final push by Trump Friday morning.

Biden appeared to take jabs at Trump when he issued his first public comments on Carter's death, hailing Carter for his 'decency.'

'Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needs something and just keeps walking?' Biden asked. 'Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk?'

'I can't, I can't,' Biden said.

'In today's world some look at Jimmy Carter and see a man of a bygone era, with honesty and character, faith and humility... But I don't think it's bygone era. I see a man not only of our time but for all times,' Biden argued.
More than 30 wild geese were horrifically mowed down by an ATV driver in Florida on Saturday in a 'cruel and disturbing' attack.

Brian Schafler, of Cooper City, heard a loud commotion around 7:45 pm on Saturday, but as he and his wife went to investigate they were met with horror.

More than two dozen ailing, bloodied or dead geese were sprawled across an open grassy area near their home.

'We heard a big rukus from an ATV type of vehicle, we heard a lot of commotion with birds and ducks,' he told NBC6 earlier this week.

Shafler told detectives that dozens of Egyptian geese appeared to have been run over by an off-road-style vehicle that was occupied by four or five young adults.

'You see this ATV vehicle, mauling, purposely mauling down all these Egyptian geese,' Schafler said. 'They went back-and-forth, back-and-forth, savagely running over these birds in the evening.'

His wife, Serena, courageously stepped in to help, raising a flashlight toward the scene in hopes to deter the heinous killers.

'I took my flashlight, I started scaring everybody screaming loudly "Please! Leave them! What are you guys doing?"'

More than 30 wild geese were horrifically mowed down by a packed ATV in Florida on Saturday in a 'cruel and disturbing' attack. Pictured: Surveillance footage of a crowded ATV vehicle driving through the streets of Cooper City, Florida's Flamingo Townhomes subdivision

Brian Schafler, of Cooper City, heard a loud commotion around 7:45 pm on Saturday, but as he and his wife went to investigate they were met with horror as over 30 ailing, bloodied or dead geese were sprawled across a grassy area near their home

Dozens of Egyptian geese appeared to have been run over by an off-road-style vehicle that was occupied by four or five young adults

Serena remembers the several passengers laughing and yelling profanities at her.

'They need help! My kids would never do anything like that,' Serena told the outlet.

Schafler said his south Florida neighborhood is usually very peaceful and home to a lot of different wildlife.

'It's like a social gathering. They live, they sleep peacefully back here in the evening,' he said pointing to the grassy, lake easement area neighboring their home.

The Cooper City resident later investigated the 'massacre' recording first-hand footage of the distressing carnage.

'Another one ... another one,' he could be heard saying as he counted the several maimed birds. 'Not just one, not five, not 10, not 20 ... but over 30 injured geese laying there, necks broken, guts all over the place.'

'There is no excuse to take anything's life in vain,' he said.

Home surveillance footage showed the ATV crowded with passengers as it was last seen driving through the Flamingo Townhomes subdivision.

The Cooper City resident later investigated the 'massacre' recording first-hand footage of the distressing carnage

'It's like a social gathering. They live, they sleep peacefully back here in the evening,' he said pointing to the grassy, lake easement area neighboring his home

His wife, Serena, stepped in to help, raising a flashlight to the scene in hopes to deter the heinous killers. 'I took my flashlight, I started scaring everybody screaming loudly "Please! Leave them! What are you guys doing?"'

Broward Police are now offering a cash reward for information that can help lead to an arrest in what they are calling a 'vicious attack'.

However, this isn't the only time innocent animals were the target of a senseless crime.

In July, a vacationing Jeep driver was accused of deliberately mowing down 25 seagulls on a beach and was later charged with animal cruelty.

James Shephard Travis, 64, was sent a court summons at his home in Hawaii shortly after the disturbing incident by the Pacific County Prosecutor's Office in Washington.

The seagull slaughter unfolded at about 8 pm on July 27 on Klipsan Beach near Ocean Park, Washington, in front of shocked beachgoers.

Witnesses said the rented silver Jeep Wrangler was 'drifting sideways past stuck vehicles and people' at 50 to 60mph.

A mother and nine-year-old son said they were almost run over while walking their dogs as the SUV sped up and down the beach.

Travis was identified by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police after one witness snapped photos of him behind the wheel of the bloodstained car.

Kim Ledyard McGee said she, her wife Bob and friend Dorothy Howard witnessed the man speed along the beach and swerve into the birds.

'We watched him plow through the flock without slowing down at all, and did not swerve to avoid any birds,' Howard told police.

Soon after, they saw the Jeep coming back and Bob blocked it with his car, which was when they confronted Travis and took the photos.

Travis was 'in a daze' 'kept saying sorry in a quiet, monotone voice... appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol', the police report read.

James Shephard Travis, 64, is accused of deliberately mowing down the birds while on vacation in Ocean Park, Washington, and almost hitting a woman and her nine-year-old son

Travis was identified by police after one witness snapped photos of him behind the wheel of the bloodstained car, with one of the birds still lodged in the grill

'A few minutes later, he passed us again at a high rate of speed. After the third time, Bob flung our beater truck sideways right in front of [him] forcing him to either hit us or stop,' McGee explained in a Facebook post.

'We jumped out screaming at him... He even still had a dead bird in his grill! After we reamed him out, he still took off at a high speed.'

Travis was charged with first-degree animal cruelty [a class-C felony] and reckless driving, and faces up to five years' jail and a $10,000 fine - if convicted as charged.

'Travis drove in a reckless manner, and at a high rate of speed, nearly striking pedestrians and several dogs,' police alleged.

Prosecutor Craig Newman said Travis would be issued a summons to return to Pacific County and appear in court, or a warrant would be issued for his arrest and possible extradition.
IN a small, rural primary school a class of traumatised children wait outside in the rain while staff attempt to coax a violent bully into the calm room.

It is hazardous work for the handful of middle-aged women. A few weeks ago, a senior teacher was kicked so brutally she had to be treated in hospital.

It can take up to an hour to calm the 11-year-old girl, and while these efforts go on, the Scottish school is not a safe place for its pupils. Better for them to be outside  missing lessons  than witnessing her lashing out at adults who, of course, are not allowed to lay a finger on her.

Even if she is safely escorted to the calm room, there is no guarantee she will stay there. Previously she has rampaged through the corridors ripping her classmates artwork from the walls.

Daily, verbal and physical abuse is meted out to pupils and teachers alike, the grandmother of a youngster in her class tells the Mail  and he is showing signs of anxiety.

Little wonder. A month ago, the girl hurled a huge block of ice at a female pupil, missed and hit this nine-year-old boy instead.

He was left with a large injury to his face which, thankfully, is healing. The mental scars may take much longer to go.

The bully orders younger children to play with her, says the grandmother, and they are too frightened to refuse. Sadly, she says, a whole generation of children here are left traumatised and lacking their full education because no one seems to be able to stop this child wreaking violence and havoc in this primary school.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has been inundated by reports of school bullying incidents

The shocking moment children filmed a girl being beaten up on her way home from school

As for the teachers: What other daily job do workers walk into, wondering who will be punched today, who will be kicked in the stomach or hit from behind with a stick over the head? The public would be appalled.

The grandmother adds: In schools, parents actually dont realise they are sending their primary child into a war zone, and the very teachers they trust to educate and support their children are themselves covered in bruises and traumatised.

The bleak portrait of life in the primary school, which the Mail is not naming, comes after Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth confirmed there was room for improvement in dealing with bullying in Scotlands schools.

The admission was made in Novembers Anti-Bullying Week 2024, during which new guidance was published. Unhelpfully, in the eyes of many, it advised teachers to avoid using the word bullies to describe pupils who deliberately intimidate classmates. It can be disempowering for the bully.

Nowhere in the documents 57 pages is the term exclusion even mentioned.

The rural school is just one example among many of the pernicious rise in bullying in Scottish education. In some local authority areas, it has more than tripled between 2018 and 2023. Indeed, experts say it is now a culture  often abetted by social media and set against the backdrop of a post-pandemic slump in childrens mental health.

And, in response, it seems another culture is steadily developing  that of keeping bullied children out of schools because too soft a line is taken on their persecutors.

In November, a Ross-shire father revealed he had removed all his children from Alness Academy after his 12-year-old was hospitalised with concussion following an alleged attack by a group of bullies.

The father told the Press and Journal: I had to phone an ambulance for him. He had concussion after having his head kicked.

The bullies also recorded it on their phones, which has now gone all around the school.

He said the alleged attackers all remained in school and had turned to threatening his sons friends in his stead. How is this fair on victims? My son feels very down and depressed after all this  I feel extremely angry about it.

Several other parents are understood to have withdrawn their children from the school.

Highland Council said its schools take bullying complaints very seriously and follow national policy in dealing with incidents.

In Aberdeen, meanwhile, a mother is home schooling her 13-year-old daughter for her safety after she was beaten by a bully as classmates encircled them, filming the attack on their phones.

It was the culmination of months of verbal and physical abuse, during which the girl strove to find a hiding place in the school or locked herself in the toilets.

The mother said: When my daughter was too scared to return to school, crying every day and even self-harming, I was under so much pressure for her to go back  it made us feel like we were the problem, not the bullies.

The final straw came on November 12 when she brought a note home saying she was fat. I removed her there and then.

Aberdeen City Council said it does not excuse bullying or violence in any schools.

In Elgin, Moray, a primary school pupil with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was bullied over an 18-month period  on one occasion being punched 23 times in full view of the schools CCTV cameras.

Police were informed after the youngster was hospitalised with severe concussion. When he returned to school, the bullying continued.

Appalled by the schools apparent reluctance to take firm action, his parents decided earlier this year to relocate to England.

Moray Council said at the time: There is an expectation from the Scottish Government that we do not exclude children.

In June, a freedom of information inquiry revealed Ms Gilruth was deluged with complaints about bullying during her first 12 months in post.

One group of parents told the SNP minister they were considering removing their children as part of an organised strike until the bullies were properly dealt with.

Others told of pupils fearing for their lives and so traumatised they were wetting their beds.

The 70-page dossier of complaints  seen by the Mail  has one parent telling her: I am genuinely in fear for my daughters life whilst she [an attacker] is allowed to remain at the school.

The parent added that the message her daughters school was sending was that assailants would be protected, not victims.

We are unable to convince our daughter otherwise because this is indeed what is happening.

Another reported her daughter was scared to leave the house. Her education is basically zero.

When will this stop? asked a third. I even inquired about home schooling [my son] due to safety and wellbeing reasons and that will cost me 300 per month for the rest of his schooling years.

I cant fathom my son, the victim, having to be pulled from his place of education due to a group of adolescents who want nothing more than to disrupt and hurt others.

Teachers are increasingly falling victim, too. The latest figures show 44,600 incidents of physical or verbal abuse were reported by teachers and other school workers last year  an average of 210 a day.

One pupil support worker was left with a broken nose  another with bald patches after her hair was pulled out.

And the GMB union claims these reports do not tell anything like the full story. For every one reported, another one or possibly two is not, says a spokesman.

Ms Gilruth acknowledged the bullying of schoolchildren was often under-reported  and said it was likely the more rigorous recording of incidents that she wanted to see would lead to higher numbers of incidents in official data.

What has gone wrong, then, and can the new Respect for All guidance  complete with its entreaties not to call a bully a bully  possibly turn the tide?

Chris McGovern of the Campaign for Real Education  himself a former head teacher  believes the reluctance to impose meaningful disciplinary measures on bullies lies at the heart of the problem.

He says: When I was a head teacher I had very little bullying at all to deal with and that wasnt because we were a strict school, especially  in many ways we were very liberal  but children knew there was a red line, and you didnt cross it. And if they did cross it, I would come down very heavily.

Exclusion, he believes, should certainly be among a range of options, particularly for repeat offenders.

He adds: Essentially, there is a lack of confidence to do what is right and what is common sense. There is a culture of fear in schools that you mustnt upset anybody  and upsetting the victim is seen as less risky than upsetting the perpetrator or the bully.

Most schools, he says, are exceedingly reluctant to report their own bullying, particularly to the police, because they are admitting to failure.

As for avoiding using the label bullies, Mr McGovern says it is a disastrous policy.

Children want clarity and they want support and they want justice and fairness and theyre not getting it. These people who are coming out with this stuff are supporting the wrong side.

Christine Pratt, founder of the National Bullying Helpline, reports that, daily, the charitys website receives 4,000 to 6,000 visits from across the UK  and 15 per cent are researching suicide support.

She is clear that bullying incidents are rising steadily  and yet the response of too many schools, she says, is woefully inadequate, with emails or conversations not minuted or recorded.

She said: The parent might go into a meeting with the head of year or even the head of school, and those meetings are rarely minuted.

There is rarely any written audit trail with regard to a concern that a parent has raised. Why? Because the school doesnt want an audit trail.

They want to bury it. They want to delete those emails. They want to say, well, we had a discussion but, no, that wasnt said, this was said.

While opposed to exclusions in all but the most extreme cases, she says schools must adopt a complaints model similar to those used in workplace environments.

Think how powerful and good it would be for the school to say, yes, we lead on this initiative. We have now got a code of practice which means we can prove that we take all incidents seriously, whether theyre real or imagined. We document them, we look into them and we respond.

Scottish Conservative education spokesman Miles Briggs says all mainstream parties now support the principles of inclusion which underpin the current reluctance to expel pupils. But schools should have hubs away from the classroom for bullies and disruptive pupils.

He says: We need to make sure that poor behaviour is just not tolerated, so bullies need to not be in the classroom.

He warns that a really poisonous environment has developed in schools and we need to detox that.

We need to get common sense back into classrooms. Teachers dont feel they have the power to actually take these decisions and thats not just teachers in the classroom. Its head teachers as well.

He adds: Some of the work Im trying to take forward is about why the government has allowed this balance to shift too far, really, on the side of the bully.

A Scottish Government spokesman told the Mail: Violence and abusive behaviour towards pupils or staff is completely unacceptable.

All local authorities should be ensuring that their schools have policies in place which determine clearly what action should be taken to address challenging behaviour and bullying.

A Scots child is battered by another pupil in a sickening attack

The spokesman said there was now a three-year action plan to respond to concerns about relationships and behaviour in schools, including violence.

Additionally, we also published updated guidance on preventing bullying in schools. This includes clear advice on how to implement anti-bullying measures and highlights the importance of recording and monitoring incidents.

And yet, it seems, increasing numbers no longer regard their childrens schools as safe places.

Children in general are not necessarily safer in school and that is one of the reasons for taking them out, because they are safer at home, says Mr McGovern.

This is an issue of safeguarding their children and the schools are not acting because its too much trouble. Its harder to deal with the bully than to deal with the bullied.

If he is right, then our schools are in the grip not of a bullying crisis but an emergency.
Nigel Farage has insisted Tommy Robinson is not what Reform needs, as he rejected the idea of the far-right activist becoming a part of his party.

It comes after tech billionaire Elon Musk expressed his support for Robinson who is serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court which began in October.

In a post on social media platform 'X', Musk wrote: 'Free Tommy Robinson', while he later recommended his followers watch Robinson's banned documentary, centred on an incident in 2018 involving Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi, 17.

The Reform UK leader described Musk as a 'hero figure, especially for the youth', ahead of his party's East Midlands Conference in Leicester on Friday evening.

But Farage has distanced his party from Robinson, along with MP Lee Anderson, who have said the far-right figure is not welcome in Reform UK.

Farage told GB News: 'We're a political party aiming to win the next general election. He's not what we need.'

Fellow Reform UK MP Lee Anderson also told GB News: 'I would not welcome Tommy Robinson into Reform UK. I think we made our position quite clear on that.'

Nigel Farage has insisted Tommy Robinson is not what Reform needs, as he rejected the idea of the far-right activist becoming a part of his party - Farage pictured at the Reform UK East Midlands Conference

Tommy Robinson is serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court which began in October. Pictured: Tommy Robinson outside Folkestone Police Station

Tech billionaire Elon Musk expressed his support for Robinson on his social media platform X

At Reform UK's conference tonight in Leicester, Anderson was forced to tell several pro-Robinson supporters to 'shut up or get out' as he was heckled during his speech.

Meanwhile, demonstrators waved placards which read 'fascists out' and 'refugees welcome', outside the Athena events venue where the conference was taking place.

Responding to Mr Musk's posts in support of Robinson, Farage told GB News: 'He's attacking the leadership of Britain.'

Turning to the UK Government's handling of child grooming gangs, amid calls for a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham, the party leader continued: 'I mean, (Mr Musk is) saying Britain has been terribly badly led and that the grooming scandal, the mass rape scandal which has resurfaced and transcripts of what was said in court have been online - and I recommend you at home don't read them, you won't sleep at night.

'And so, yes, he is attacking the leadership of Britain. He's very supportive of me. He's very supportive of the party.

'He sees Robinson as one of these people that fought against the grooming gangs.

Farage pictured shaking hands with Reform UK supporters at the East Midlands conference in Leicester

Pictured: Tommy Robinson appears on a screen at an anti-immigration protest held in London

Nigel Farage MP, Leader of Reform UK, speaks at Reform UK's East Midlands Conference

Fellow Reform UK MP Lee Anderson also told GB News: 'I would not welcome Tommy Robinson into Reform UK. I think we made our position quite clear on that.'

'But of course the truth is Tommy Robinson's in prison not for that, but for contempt of court.'

The MP for Clacton in Essex added that Musk, who backed Donald Trump's winning campaign in last year's US presidential election, 'is helping us all right'.

Farage said: 'It's a mixture of things as to how he fought that ground campaign for the Republicans in the key states, seven key states, and that was the task that he picked up, so we've learned a lot from that.

'He will help us enormously because he's a hero figure, especially for the youth who really do admire this man and if it comes to him helping us financially, that's fantastic.'

On calls for a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham, Farage said he wanted a 'full public inquiry with the glare of publicity'.

Home Office minister Jess Phillips previously denied requests from Oldham Council to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in the borough.

In a letter to the authority in Greater Manchester, Phillips said she believes it is 'for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene'.

An Oldham Council spokesman previously said: 'Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation.

'Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount, and we will not renege on that pledge.'
Donald Trump will be sentenced in the Stormy Daniels hush money case just 10 days before his inauguration, a judge has ruled.

Justice Juan Merchan said the Republican president-elect may appear for sentencing in New York on January 10 either in person or virtually.

In a dramatic filing on Friday afternoon the judge denied Trump's motion to dismiss the case and throw out the guilty verdict against him.

Merchan also revealed he is unlikely to jail Trump, 78, and could give him an 'unconditional discharge.'

That means Trump would not have to pay any fines or serve any probation. He had been potentially facing up to four years behind bars.

Merchan wrote that it was the 'most viable solution to ensure finality' while also allowing Trump to continue his appeal.

In May, a jury found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payment to a porn star - Stormy Daniels - to keep her quiet ahead of the 2016 presidential election about their alleged affair 18 years earlier.

In dramatic court testimony, Daniels went into salacious and lurid detail about the night she claimed to have spent with Trump during a charity golf tournament in Nevada. He has denied the encounter took place.

Donald Trump must be sentenced in the criminal case in which he was convicted on criminal charges involving hush money paid to a porn star on Jan. 10

Lawyers for Trump argue the case should now be thrown out so it does not get in the way of his ability to govern once he takes the oath of office on January 20, 2025.

They also claim the case should be thrown out due to the Supreme Court's July ruling that the President of the United States has immunity from prosecution for official acts in office.

The case centered on Special Counsel Jack Smith's prosecution of Trump for allegedly masterminding efforts to overthrow the 2020 election while in office, including on January 6 in the Capitol riot.

In Trump's second motion to dismiss the case filed since his May conviction, his defense lawyers argued that having the case hang over him during his presidency would impede his ability to govern.

Trump's first motion - which argued the case ran afoul of the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity - was unsuccessful.

Merchan determined last month that the evidence presented at the trial earlier this year was related 'entirely to unofficial conduct' and therefore did not amount to official actions as president.

'This Court concludes that if error occurred regarding the introduction of the challenged evidence, such error was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence of guilt,' Merchan wrote.

A jury in May found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide a $130,000 payment to pornstar Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet

Justice Juan Merchan denied the incoming president's motion to dismiss the case and the guilty verdict due to his election victory in a dramatic filing on Friday afternoon

Daniels' testimony in the trial last year went on for two days and included salacious details of her alleged affair with the president-elect

Lawyers for Trump argue the case involving porn star Stormy Daniels should now be thrown out

'Even if this Court did find that the disputed evidence constitutes official acts under the auspices of the Trump decision, which it does not, Defendant's motion is still denied as introduction of the disputed evidence constitutes harmless error and no mode of proceedings error has taken place.'

Trump lashed out in a post on Truth Social in December calling it a 'completely illegal, psychotic order' by the 'corrupt and biased' judge.

Prosecutors asked a New York judge last week to spare Trump prison time for his hush-money conviction in an effort to prevent the case from being thrown out altogether.
Keir Starmer is as 'guilty as anyone' over failures to tackle grooming gangs, a former detective claimed last night.

As pressure mounted on the Government to deliver a public inquiry into the scandal, whistleblower Maggie Oliver said she had no faith in the Prime Minister's desire to get to the truth.

Ms Oliver, who helped expose the failure to tackle paedophile gangs in Rochdale, intervened after Labour blocked calls for a public inquiry into rape and sexual abuse by gangs in neighbouring Oldham.

It came as Sir Keir was drawn into an extraordinary public spat with Elon Musk over his handling of the scandal during his five years as Director of Public Prosecutions.

The world's richest man said the Prime Minister was 'complicit' in 'the worst mass crime in the history of Britain'.

Tesla founder Mr Musk, who has emerged as Donald Trump's right-hand man, also launched a vitriolic attack on safeguarding minister Jess Phillips over her decision to refuse a public inquiry, which triggered the latest row.

Mr Musk also shared a post asking whether King Charles 'should dissolve Parliament and order a general election for the sake and security' of Britain.

In a further sign of diplomatic trouble to come, Mr Trump himself savaged Labour's controversial Net Zero plans.

A former detective has claimed that Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) is as 'guilty as anyone' over failures to tackle grooming gangs

Whistleblower Maggie Oliver (pictured) said she had no confidence in the Prime Minister's desire to get to the truth

Elon Musk (pictured) said Sir Keir was 'complicit' in 'the worst mass crime in the history of Britain'

The President-elect, who takes office in less than three weeks, said Labour was making a 'very big mistake' in running down the North Sea oil and gas industry.

In a swipe at Ed Miliband's drive for wind power, he added: 'Get rid of windmills.'

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Mr Musk's outspoken attacks on Sir Keir's handling of the child-grooming scandal were 'misjudged and certainly misinformed'.

But Ms Oliver, who runs a foundation supporting abuse victims, said it was time for a 'totally independent' investigation into the grooming of girls by gangs of paedophiles in towns and cities across the country.

The former Greater Manchester Police detective said Labour and the Conservatives were 'equally to blame' for failing to get to grips with the scandal  and suggested that the PM was among those who had questions to answer about their past decisions.

'Keir Starmer, as the former DPP, is perhaps as guilty as anyone I know in where we find ourselves today,' she said. 'We `all know what's going on, but I don't trust a single one of those who to date have been entrusted with keeping our children safe and prosecuting serial rapists. They've failed. Repeatedly. Knowingly. Criminally.'

Mr Musk, who posted dozens of highly critical messages about child grooming in the UK on his social media site X yesterday, said Ms Phillips 'deserves to be in prison' for refusing a request for a Home Office-backed inquiry into the failure to deal with grooming gangs in Oldham.

The multi-billionaire also renewed his six-month war of words with the PM, which Downing Street has been trying to calm down. 'Who was the head of the Crown Prosecution Service when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013,' he said.

In his latest attacks on Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Musk shared a post asking whether Charles 'should dissolve parliament and order a General Election for the sake and security' of Britain.

Mr Musk later accused Sir Kier, who was director of public prosecutions (DPP) between 2008 and 2013, of having allowed criminals to get away with abuse

Ms Oliver, who runs a foundation supporting abuse victims, said it was time for a 'totally independent' investigation into the grooming of girls by gangs of paedophiles

'Who is the boss of Jess Phillips right now? Keir Starmer. The real reason she's refusing to investigate the rape gangs is that it would obviously lead to the blaming of Keir Starmer (head of the CPS at the time).'

Mr Streeting defended the Government's record and told ITV News that ministers took child sexual exploitation 'incredibly seriously'.

He urged Mr Musk to work with the Government on tackling online abuse of children.

He added: 'Some of the criticisms that Elon Musk has made, I think are misjudged and certainly misinformed, but we're willing to work with Elon Musk, who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform to help us and other countries to tackle this serious issue.

'So if he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, we'd welcome that.'

The Health Secretary insisted ministers supported an inquiry into the Oldham scandal, but said it had to be led locally.

'We would absolutely encourage and work with Oldham in establishing their own inquiries,' he added.

Care minister Andrew Gwynne urged Mr Musk to stick to US politics  and suggested there had already been enough inquiries into the handling of the grooming scandal.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting defended the Government's record and said that ministers took child sexual exploitation 'incredibly seriously'

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called on the Government to launch a public inquiry into grooming gangs

Mr Gwynne told LBC: 'There comes a point where we don't need more inquiries, and had Elon Musk really paid attention to what's been going on in this country, he might have recognised that there have already been inquiries.'

Survivors of sex abuse in Rotherham publicly called for action to deliver justice for those who suffered abuse at the hands of paedophile gangs grooming young girls for sex.

Sarah Wilson, who suffered years of abuse in Rotherham from the age of 11, said Ms Phillips should 'hang her head in shame', adding: 'Anyone who denies an independent investigation has a lot to hide.'

Sammy Woodhouse, another Rotherham victim, said it was time for 'action' against professionals, including police and social workers, who failed to stop the abuse.

She said: 'We have report, after report, after report telling us the same thing. We know what's happening in this country because people like myself have been giving thousands of interviews to the mainstream media telling you about it.

'What's not happening is action  there's not enough paedophiles being taken through the courts and when they are they're walking free. There's no professionals being held to account.'

Kemi Badenoch also stepped up calls for a public inquiry after Mr Gwynne accused her of 'playing politics' with the issue.

The Tory leader responded: 'Labour claimed I was 'playing politics' when I fought to stop rapists being put in women's prisons. It's exactly this sort of language that protected the rape gangs in the first place.

Sarah Wilson, a survivor of sex abuse in Rotherham, has spoken out in favour of an 'independent investigation' into grooming gangs

Sammy Woodhouse, another victim of grooming gangs in the South Yorkshire town, called for 'action' against professionals, including police and social workers, who failed to stop the abuse

'Instead of wasting time attacking me, Labour ministers should get on and launch an inquiry.'

As DPP, Sir Keir gave the green light to the first grooming prosecution in Rochdale in 2013. But the previous year he conceded that the perpetrators had escaped justice for years.

He suggested that 'an issue of ethnicity' coupled with a 'lack of understanding' of the victims had contributed to a failure to prosecute previous cases, which included dropping a major case in the town in 2009, during his tenure as DPP.

A Labour spokesman said: 'We will welcome and support an independent investigation commissioned by Oldham council which puts victims' voices at its heart, following the examples of Telford and Rotherham.'
Parents of children who are not potty-trained must come into their school to change nappies themselves, a council has warned.

The rule, which will be implemented when pupils go back to school for the new term on Monday, has been brought in because of the amount of time teachers are spending changing soiled nappies.

Luisa Munro-Morris, director of education at Blaenau Gwent council, South Wales, said the problem was 'adversely impacting teaching and learning'.

The only exception to the policy will be for children who are in nappies or pull-ups for medical reasons.

Teaching unions back the move, but one father, whose three-year-old boy is a pupil, said it was 'discriminatory' and 'unfair'.

'It is obviously a parent's responsibility to potty train but my view, if you look at the literature, is that children hit their milestones at different ages,' he added.

The father also questioned the health and safety implications of leaving a child in a dirty nappy while waiting for a parent to arrive at school to change them.

Laura Doel, leader of the National Association of Headteachers Cymru, said: 'We have had some school leaders reporting that an increasing number of children in school are not always hitting those key milestones before they arrive, including their self-care needs.

Parents of children who are not potty-trained must come into their school to change nappies themselves, a council has warned (stock image)

The rule has been brought in because of the amount of time teachers are spending changing soiled nappies (Stock image)

'School leaders therefore welcomed Blaenau Gwent's decision to intervene on this issue.'

Research has shown that up to a quarter of British children start school without being toilet-trained.

But a recent poll of 1,500 parents by early years charity Kindred found almost 90 per cent felt children should not be allowed to begin lessons until they had learned such a basic skill.

Former children's commissioner Anne Longfield warned in October that the coronavirus pandemic had stunted this year's intake of reception pupils' 'school readiness', with them arriving for school still wearing nappies and using buggies.

She added that parents' lack of access to early intervention services and isolation after their child's birth had impacted their ability to hit key milestones.

A report produced by Mrs Longfield's think-tank Centre for Young Lives alongside Child of the North found a third of children were not considered to be 'school ready' or capable of carrying out basic tasks, such as going to the toilet, dressing, listening, holding a pencil or using a knife and fork in 2022-23.

The research  which looked at Early Years Foundation Stage data on five-year-olds' development in England  also highlighted the postcode lottery of school readiness, with just 59 per cent of children in Manchester being 'school ready' compared with 84 per cent in London.
Hospitals across the country have 'locked down' as they restrict visitors amid a tidal wave of patients being admitted with flu.

Four NHS trusts have all made changes to their visitor policies to protect patients with some also asking people to wear masks inside hospitals.

It comes health chiefs warned on Friday that Britain is being battered by 'flu-nami explosion' with the worst possibly still to come.

Figures show more than 4,500 beds alone were taken up by flu patients every day last week, up 3.5 times on the same week last year. Of these, 211 were in critical care  up 69 per cent on the previous week.

Moreover, health chiefs fear the 'extreme' and 'dangerous' cold spell set to hit the UK this weekend will continue to pile pressure on already stretched hospitals.

According to the latest forecast, the UK will see temperatures plummet to as low as -10C with weather warnings in place across much of England and Scotland for snow.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, which runs the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in Shrewsbury, is one of the four trusts that have reduced visiting in its hospitals due to flu fears.

The trust is also asking all patients, visitors and staff to wear masks.

Figures show more than 4,500 beds alone were taken up by flu patients every day last week, up 3.5 times on the same week last year (stock photo)

Your browser does not support iframes.

Pictured: Broomfield Hospital - one of the hospitals that has introduced restrictions to control flu infections

There are a number of exceptions where visiting is permitted including when a patient is receiving end of life care. Specific guidance for maternity services has been issued separately.

The hospital trust said it expects it will review its visiting guidelines next week.

Paula Gardner, interim chief nursing officer from the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: 'Due to the rising numbers of flu, Covid-19 and other winter illnesses, we have made the difficult decision to reduce visiting to essential visitors only, including for critical patients, birthing partners and other select groups.

'This will protect our most vulnerable patients and reduce the rising spread of infections. We are also asking all patients, visitors and staff to wear masks and practise good hand hygiene.

'We are grateful for everyone's support in following these necessary measures, which are essential for keeping everyone safe.

'We know how important visitors are to a patient's care and if anyone needs support to speak to a patient, please contact the ward, who will do everything they can to support and keep you informed.

'We will continue to keep these measures under regular review and will fully reintroduce visiting as soon as we can.

'We also urge everyone who is eligible to get their winter vaccinations, as it is not too late and this is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.'

Snow in Allenheads, Northumberland, photographed on Thursday morning

Snow on the ground in the west end of Aberdeen on Thursday after a Met Office warning for the area

Meanwhile, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust has also closed visitor access to some of its wards and departments.

The trust said to check with a ward or department staff before visiting a patient.

At Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford no visiting is permitted in the emergency department, acute medical unit, except for patients receiving end-of-life care, the trust added.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has put additional visiting restrictions in place due to the rising number of cases of norovirus, flu, RSV and Covid in hospitals.

For all adult inpatient areas, visiting hours have been reduced to 3pm to 6pm with a maximum of one visitor allowed at a time.

Additional visiting may be allowed on compassionate grounds, and the trust added this should be discussed and arranged with the ward.

All visitors will be required to wear a mask in clinical areas.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said it will only permit patients to be accompanied by one person in all areas of the emergency department to prevent further spread of the flu.

It added that it may restrict visiting to wards due to outbreaks of flu, Covid and RSV, and advised people to check with the ward before visiting.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Signage for the Urgent Treatment Centre is seen outside The Royal London Hospital on December 27

Experts have warned that they expect things to get worse before they get better given more people have socialised indoors over the Christmas and the New Year period.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: 'These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the New Year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.

'On top of flu there is also continual pressure from Covid, while RSV and norovirus hospital cases are also higher than last year, with hospitals putting in place an extra 1,300 beds last week than the same time last year in expectation of this continued pressure from viruses and other demand.

'With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions.

'So, if you are at risk, do try and keep warm and make sure you are stocked up on any regular medication.

'Please continue to use NHS 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only use 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.'

Health secretary Wes Streeting also said: 'The tidal wave of flu this winter has seen more than three times as many patients in hospital compared with last year, putting huge pressures on the NHS.

'This government has ended the strikes so staff are on the frontline this winter rather than the picket line, introduced the new RSV vaccine, and put immediate extra investment into the NHS.

'But we have been honest from day one that the status quo isn't good enough.

'We are investing in and reforming our NHS, and grasping the nettle of social care reform, to finally break out of the cycle of annual winter crises, because there is no solution to the crisis in the NHS that doesn't involve a solution to the social care crisis.'
An 81-year-old Republican lawmaker took a bloody tumble down some marble stairs just outside of the House chamber Friday afternoon.

Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., accidentally fell down some stairs between the Capitol's second and third floor following the House of Representative's first meeting this year.

Multiple accounts revealed that Foxx's tumble caused her to begin bleeding.

She was seen bleeding from her nose and her leg as staffers pressed tissues to her wounds to stop the flow of blood.

Soon after her fall, medical personnel rushed to her aid and began assisting her.

A statement released from her office following the incident reveals that the octogenarian lawmaker seems to be fine.

'Rep. Foxx slipped while walking down the marble staircase outside the House chamber after walking up to talk to her family in the gallery,' a statement from her office shared with DailyMail.com began.

'After being helped to her feet, and looked over by medical personnel, she proceeded on her own to the Attending Physicians office to get treated for a few individual cuts. Everything seems to be okay.'

Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., walks to the House floor for a vote in the Capitol on September 29, 2023. The 81-year-old slipped and injured herself in the Capitol Friday

Rep. Virginia Foxx slipped and fell as she was walking down a marble staircase outside the House chamber this afternoon. Spox for the 81-yo says she suffered several cuts but was looked over by medical personnel and the attending physician and that "everything seems to be okay." pic.twitter.com/Jebe6AIDES  Kenny Beck (@kennybeckWXII) January 3, 2025

The hard marble steps outside of the House floor near where Foxx was before falling

Foxx also joked about the incident on her X account: 'Im a mountain woman, and were tougher than a $2 steak.'

'Thank you to everyone for your prayers  just a few small cuts and Im doing just fine,' the statement said.

Though she joked about the incident, elderly lawmakers getting injured is no laughing matter as Foxx's health scare is just the latest to rock Washington.

Last month two other high-ranking 80-somethings were also involved in scary tumbles.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and ex-Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell - two of the most powerful people in Congress - both fell and injured themselves in December.

Pelosi, like Foxx, also recently slipped and fell on marble stairs.

The 84-year-old California Democrat took a nasty tumble during a European trip to Luxembourg with several other lawmakers just before Christmas. One lawmaker later blamed her iconic high-heels for playing a part in the incident.

Pelosi's fall down the stairs was so severe that she broke her hip.

Foxx, a former educator, has served in Congress for two decades

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky wears a bandage on his face as he walks to cast a vote on the Senate floor after falling during a luncheon on Capitol Hill weeks ago

The Republican received a bandage to treat a cut on his face under his left eye

Her spokesperson later released a statement that she had a successful hip replacement surgery and thanked the medical professionals in both Germany and Luxembourg.

She had just returned from Europe following her hip replacement to make it to Washington in time to vote Friday in the tenuous speaker election.

McConnell, meanwhile, fell over during a Senate lunch on December 11, the latest tumble in a string of health issues over the last few years including multiple falls.

Medical staff with a wheelchair were called in to assist after the senator fell during the lunch and sprained his wrist. He also cut his face and later wore a bandaid.

Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) noted former Speaker Pelosi was wearing 'very high' heels when she took a tumble last Friday in Europe. He said despite surgery, the 84-year-old is 'doing well'

The group of lawmakers met with the Grand Duke on Friday before Pelosi was rushed to the hospital. She is seen here gripping the hand of Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas

An aide was tasked with helping the 82-year-old Kentucky Republican to and from the Senate floor so the lawmaker could do his job.

McConnell has been involved in multiple falls and some bizarre freezing incidents in recent years.

After serving as the longest Republican Senate leader in history, the 82-year-old shockingly announced he would not seek reelection to a leadership position.

He had been the leader of the Republican Senate conference since 2007.
Labour will ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images this year, a Home Office minister said yesterday.

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips promised action on the issue, despite the Government failing to back a Tory bid to outlaw the vile practice last month.

Ms Phillips said she had been a victim of the trend, in which fake explicit images of victims are created and shared.

'The Government fully intends to legislate in this session on the use of deepfakes,' she said.

'My feeling comes from the fact that I am a victim of this crime. And so I understand the violation on a personal level.'

Tory peer Baroness Owen brought a private members' bill on the issue to the Lords last month.

But ministers did not back it, leaving it with no chance of becoming law.

An open letter signed by 400 AI experts, celebrities and politicians, earlier this year demanded lawmakers back a blanket ban against deepfake technology.

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips pledged to ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images this year, adding that she herself had been targeted by the technology

A private members' bill was tabled in the Lords on the issue by Tory peer Baroness Owen, but it failed to gain support of government ministers (file photo)

The letter argued that AI-generated videos are a threat to society due to the involvement of sexual images, child pornography, fraud, and political disinformation.

Last year, sexually explicit deepfake images of Taylor Swift went viral on social media, fuelling calls for stricter regulation of the technology.

Another target of the deepfake technology was Harry Potter star Emma Watson, who was featured in a fake ad on social media where she appeared to engage in a sexual act.

In 2023, deepfaked videos received a reported 34 million views in 2023, with women accounting for 99 percent of the people targeted.
He was the tall, handsome and fearless RAF war hero who won three medals for shooting down 11 enemy aircraft during the Second World War.

She was the young, glamorous and by all accounts hilarious princess adored all over the world.

But despite being madly in love with each other, Group Captain Peter Townsend and Princess Margaret's romance ended in tragedy.

The pair wanted to marry but Margaret heart-wrenchingly pulled out because his position as a divorcee meant she would have had to give up her status as a royal - a move which was seen as choosing duty before love.

But over the years, there have been questions about the age gap between the pair, who met when Townsend was a 29-year-old married father and Margaret was just 14.

It is not known when their relationship began exactly, but one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting recently claimed the dashing war hero took advantage of his proximity to the young princess to encourage the romance when she was just 15.

And just after she turned 17, a request was made for the captain and Margaret to have adjoining bedrooms during a visit to Belfast.

Here MailOnline looks back at the scandalous and heart-breaking love story - and reveals how it still continues to divide royal fans decades later.

Group Captain Peter Townsend was made equerry to King George VI - and later sparked a romance with Princess Margaret

Margaret and Townsend on the Royal South Africa Tour in 1947. It was his job to chaperone the young princess, who was then 16

Group Captain Peter Townsend pictured at the Farnborough Air Show in 1955

The Princess met Townsend, who was the new equerry to her father King George VI, on his first day at Buckingham Palace in 1944.

Although Margaret was young at the time, the pair seemed to be instantly drawn to each other.

Townsend later wrote about the moment the pair met in his autobiography Time and Chance, which was published years after their relationship had ended, in 1978.

'After my introduction, down the corridor came two adorable-looking girls; Princess Elizabeth, then 17, and her sister Margaret, 14, all smiles.

He later wrote: 'Princess Elizabeth  our future Queen  was the King's pride. Princess Margaret was his joy.

'She was a girl of unusual, intense beauty, centred about large purple-blue eyes, generous lips and a complexion as smooth as a peach.

'She could change in an instant from saintly composure to hilarious, uncontrollable joy. She was a comedienne at heart, playing the piano and singing in her rich voice the latest hits, imitating the stars.

'But what ultimately made Princess Margaret so attractive was that behind the dazzling facade, you could find, if you looked for it, a rare softness and sincerity.'

Princess Margaret, aged 20, attending the premiere of the film Captain Horatio Hornblower at the Warner Theatre, Leicester Square in 1951

Peter Townsend and Princess Margaret at the RAF Air Display at Farnborough, Hampshire, in 1950

Margaret posing ahead of the premier for Hamlet at the Leicester Square Odeon in December 1953

Princess Margaret, 25, returns to Clarence House on October 17, 1955, after a weekend in the country where Townsend was also a guest. The decision not to marry him was announced on October 31

The Royal Box at Ascot showing Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret (White Fur Coat) and Group Captain Peter Townsend (hatless on left ) in June, 1952

Queen Elizabeth II holding a camera at the Olympic Horse Trials at Badminton, while Princess Margaret sits behind her, smoking a cigarette and watching the action. Captain Peter Townsend is standing behind them

Tall, slim, with piercing grey-blue eyes and an unwavering gaze, Townsend's appearance was described as 'similar to a matinee idol'.

He was a war hero due to his status as one of 'The Few'  a courageous Battle of Britain pilot who had helped save the nation from Nazi invasion. His RAF uniform decorated with medals attested to his gallantry.

The flying ace shot down 11 enemy aircraft in more than 300 operational sorties during the Second World War and bailed out of his Hurricane twice - once when he was forced to ditch the stricken aircraft in the English Channel, then after he was hit in the foot by cannon fire.

After their first meeting, palace lore claims Princess Elizabeth said to her sister: 'Bad luck, he's married.'

It is unknown when the pair's romance formally began, but the late Queen's lady-in-waiting Lady Anne Glenconner's verdict on Townsend was not flattering.

Lady Anne, then 91, said in 2023: 'I once asked her about it, actually. He was a war hero, very attractive.

'She was very, very young. She was only 15 [sic] when he first arrived and he was a married man. I think he encouraged her, which he shouldn't have done.'

Asked on the Rosebud podcast if she thinks Townsend, 15 years Margaret's senior, was taking advantage of his proximity to her, Lady Anne says she did.

Princess Elizabeth arrives at the Palace Theatre in London in 1946. Group Captain Peter Townsend, in uniform, looks on as Princess Margaret emerges from the car

Peter Townsend riding a horse on a dirt path in Merano, Italy in 1955

'That isn't something that has been brought out very much, but I couldn't agree more,' she adds.

More clues to when their relationship began were revealed by Daily Mail columnist Craig Brown in 2017 when he wrote that when Townsend accompanied the princess on a trip to Belfast a request was made for them to have adjoining bedrooms.

They were staying at Hillsborough Castle, the then governor's official residence in Belfast.

The princess was launching the Union-Castle liner on October 16, 1947, with Townsend, who was then 32 and the father of two young sons, accompanying her.

Although there is no proof they were intimate at that stage, official papers of the visit recorded that the Group Captain had asked for a different bedroom to the one he had been allocated. He asked to be moved next door to Margaret.

And although standards were different back then, more than 70 years ago, even today the idea of a married man in his 30s asking to be in such close proximity to a girl of 17 would raise eyebrows.

Anyone who knew the diffident Townsend and the headstrong Margaret would assume the move was because she wanted it. As Brown's biography on the Princess makes clear, what Margaret wanted, she usually got.

Addressing the revelation, an old friend of Margaret told the Daily Mail in 2017: 'This was playing with fire, a terrible risk for her reputation and that of the Royal Family.

A Daily Mail story from 1953 informing readers that Townsend has been posted to Brussels

'It's a miracle it hasn't come out before. I have to say, though, that having met Peter Townsend, I would be surprised if he was sleeping with the Princess when she was so young.'

Townsend later wrote in his autobiography: 'I cannot help the feeling the sex-urge is a rather unfair device employed by God. He needs children and counts on us to beget them.

'But while he has incorporated in our make-up an insatiable capacity for pleasures which flow from love, he seems to have forgotten to build in a monitoring device, to warn us of the unseen snags which may be lurking further on. Unless it be intelligence.

'But sex is an enemy of the head, an ally of the heart. Boys and girls, madly in love, generally do not act intelligently.

'The sex-trap is baited and set and the boys and girls go rushing headlong into it. They live on love and kisses, until there are no more left.'

Earlier in 1947, Margaret and her sister, Elizabeth, had accompanied the King and Queen on a three-month State tour of Southern Africa.

Townsend's role was to chaperone the younger princess. Reports of the tour judged the 5ft 1in Margaret to be 'livelier, prettier, more sexually charged' than her elder sister. Yet she was then still only 16.

Princess Margaret leaves after a dinner party in Kensington in 1955. Both she and Townsend were guests

You would expect a teenage princess to be bored being toted from country to country with all the pomp and ceremony involved in State visits. But in future years Margaret would speak of remembering 'every minute' of the tour.

The two were in each other's company every day, riding out and taking in the sights. As Princess Margaret herself later told a confidante: 'We rode together every morning in that wonderful country, in marvellous weather. That's when I really fell in love with him.'

In fact, as is known, she was only 14 when Townsend arrived as Equerry and Deputy Master of the King's Household, and immediately had a crush on him.

With his quick wit and boyish charm, Townsend rapidly became a popular member of the King's staff. He rode with the princesses, flew planes in air races for them, played canasta with the Queen and enlivened gatherings at the royal residences.

He was, moreover, a married man who lived with his wife and children in a grace-and-favour cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The then Queen and her daughters were frequent visitors to the Townsend family home.

Margaret had increasingly relied on Townsend as she tried to cope with the darkness that had overwhelmed her since her father's death in 1952.

Whisky, pills, tranquillisers and cigarettes did little to help with the pain. Only Townsend  soothing, calm and gentle  could lighten her moods, according to royal expert Andrew Morton.

But as their relationship grew more serious, the complications of royal life became more apparent.

Pictured: Group Captain Townsend's pilot's log book, which was sold at auction in 2021

Group Captain Townsend was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Bar for his wartime service, during which he shot down 11 enemy aircraft in more than 300 operational sorties

Queen Elizabeth, Margaret and Townsend in the Royal Box at Ascot in 1955

Princess Margaret and Townsend photographed at Harrismith during the royal tour of South Africa in April 1947

Group Captain Peter Townsend arriving at a film premiere with his first wife, Rosemary in 1952

Townsend eventually divorced his wife Rosemary Pawle in 1952, admitting later the pair were never really suited and they married because he 'stepped out of the cockpit and married the first pretty girl I met'.

In April 1953, Townsend proposed to Margaret and they entered into a secret engagement, but his status as a divorced man left the couple in a precarious situation.

Due to her sister Elizabeth's position as head of The Church of England as sovereign, there was a dim view at the time of divorce and remarriage.

Divorce itself was an explosive subject for the Windsors, who had been badly shaken when the Queen's uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson in 1936.

As Princess Margaret was under the age of 25, the Queen had to consent to her marriage to a divorced man under the Royal Marriages Act of 1772.

Although Elizabeth was later blamed for Margaret's decision to not marry Townsend, in more recent times, it has been accepted that the decision to break off the relationship with Townsend was principally Margaret's.

On June 2, 1953, the affair became public thanks to a famous moment during the Queen's Coronation when Margaret was seen tenderly removing a bit of fluff from his lapel while waiting outside Westminster Abbey.

It was subsequently decided that Townsend would be sent away to work as an air attache for the British Embassy in Brussels for a year, after which, the couple was asked to wait another year.

The government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Eden, stated that if she married her love then she would be stripped of her royal privileges as well as her income.

The Princess told Eden in a letter: 'It is only by seeing him in this way that I feel I can properly decide whether I can marry him or not'.

Margaret and Townsend remained apart for two years until the couple were reunited for the first time on October 12, 1955.

However, three weeks later, a statement drafted in Princess Margaret's name announced the tragic news that the pair would go their separate ways.

Margaret announced that, 'mindful of the Church's teaching that Christian marriage is indissoluble, and conscious of my duty to the Commonwealth, I have resolved to put these considerations before any others,' she would not marry the divorcee.

What remained unsaid was that marrying Townsend would have meant Margaret sacrificing her royal status, its privileges and perks. And Townsend could scarcely keep her in the manner to which she had been accustomed.

Townsend later wrote: 'She could have married me only if she had been prepared to give up everythingher position, her prestige, her privy purse.

'I simply hadn't the weight, I knew it, to counterbalance all she would have lost.'

The heart-breaking love story was later depicted in hit Netflix show The Crown.

How the Daily Mail reported Princess Margaret's announcement that she would not be marrying Group Captain Peter Townsend

The Queen and Princess Margaret attending a Concert at The Royal College of Music

Having returned to Belgium heartbroken after Margaret's decision, he later married a 20-year-old heiress named Marie-Luce Jamagne in 1959 and the couple went on to have two daughters and one son.

A great deal of people noticed the striking resemblance Marie-Luce had to Margaret.

A year later in May 1960, Margaret married a magazine photographer, Antony Armstrong-Jones, at Westminster Abbey.

Armstrong-Jones was the first commoner to marry into the royal family in more than 400 years. He was created Earl of Snowdon. The pair eventually divorced in 1978.

Townsend's wife Rosemary, a brigadier's daughter, took an old-fashioned view and protected the Royal Family from scandal by declining to divorce Townsend and name the Princess as the other woman.

Instead, she allowed herself to be the 'guilty party', admitting adultery with the man who became her second husband. For the next 50 years, she doggedly refused to speak up for herself.

When Margaret and Townsend met again 37 years after their split, he was happily married to Marie-Luce (with whom he lived in France) and they could talk with the same intimacy as they had before.

Group Captain Peter Townsend with his second wife Marie-Luce Jamagne and their daughter

Townsend's autobiography, Time and Chance, was first published in 1978. The most recent edition was released in 2022

Captain Peter Townsend with his sons, Giles, then 16, and Hugo, then 12, crossing the road from the Carlton Hotel in Cannes in 1958

Last year a documentary published claims by the former Archbishop of Canterbury that Princess Margaret (pictured in 2001) had 'a deep sadness' on her deathbed in 2002 because the 'love of her life' Townsend was 'forbidden from her'

It was 1992 and he was in London to attend a reunion of those who had travelled with the Royal Family in 1947. To avoid Press attention, Margaret declined an invitation to the reunion, but invited Townsend to tea.

Three years later he was dead from stomach cancer, but Margaret still had his letters, which she decreed could not be read until 100 years from her birth  in 2030.

The letters could reveal the truth about how the greatest crisis for the royals since the Abdication actually began.

Although we may have to wait another six years for that deadline to expire to learn the unvarnished truth.

But despite the unclear timeline of when the romance started, for Margaret it seems to have lasted a lifetime.

Last year a documentary published claims by the former Archbishop of Canterbury that the Princess had 'a deep sadness' on her deathbed in 2002 because the 'love of her life' Townsend was 'forbidden from her'.

He said: 'Here is a woman who longed for love and commitment, and the love of her love was forbidden from her, and there was a deep human sadness in that.'
Nothing, and I mean nothing, could turn me off watching handsome, tanned men playing polo in tight white pants.

But less than 10 minutes into Polo, the new Netflix docuseries produced by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's company Archewell Productions, I began to disassociate.

I was expecting tears, tantrums, drama, sex  a modern-day Jilly Cooper novel brought to life. It turns out my imagination had got a little carried away - but you can hardly blame me. Netflix hadn't exactly gone above and beyond to promote the show.

Now I know why.

I wont ruin the plot for you - there isn't one - but you don't even see Meghan and Prince Harry until the fifth and final episode, and that's for less than 15 minutes.

The rest is a tedious plod through the niche world of polo, told through a group of players so unaware of their own privilege that the whole thing feels like a parody.

Netflix doesn't typically release its streaming figures, but the less-than-stellar reviews coupled with reports Polo failed to make it into the British, American or global top 10 suggests it wasn't exactly a hit.

Coming off the back of the Sussexes' similarly underperforming (but critically better-received) 2023 release of Heart of Invictus, Netflix top brass may well be wondering if their rumoured $100million partnership with Archewell was money well spent.

The Sussexes' next Netflix project is a lifestyle show hosted by Meghan and features a Who's Who of their Hollywood friends

Harry and Meghan arrive for the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge in style - if only their Netflix documentary on the sport was this stylish

In fact, the only blockbuster Harry and Meghan delivered for Netflix was, er, Harry & Meghan, a fawning documentary about their exit from the Royal Family that was tastefully released three months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Still, it's not all doom and gloom for Montecito's most famous family... theyve always got The Duchess of Sussex's new lifestyle show to fall back on.

With Love, Meghan was announced just as I was writing this column, and at first glance it seems to be a companion piece to the 'American Riviera Orchard' jam-making business she's had bubbling on the stove since March last year.

Now, I'll withhold judgement until it's released, but fawning celebrity interviews combined with cooking and crafting tips don't seem like a recipe for success on a streaming platform whose biggest hits are Love is Blind, Dahmer and Squid Game.

There were the usual famous friends (Mindy Kaling makes a return after she was previously interviewed by Meghan for her Spotify podcast) and Meghan's promises to reveal her domestic 'tips and tricks'. Still, it all felt a bit style over substance.

I mean, what really is on offer that you don't get from any daytime TV cooking show? Apart from the far-fetched hope she might drop some veiled dig at the royals.

Look, I don't want to be snarky, but it's really not looking great for the Sussexes.

LA-based royal expert Kinsey Schofield really put it best when she said in a recent interview with the London Standard: 'A year ago, we were debating whether or not Meghan would run for office and now were debating when she might sell her first jar of jam. It's such a fall from grace that it's hard to even process.'

Mail+ columnist Amanda Goff predicts 2025 will be even worse for the Sussexes than 2024

When they fled the royal fold in 2020 with lofty promises of becoming financially independent and making the world a better place, you would have been a fool to doubt them. They had millions of supporters - especially in the States, where they planned to make their new home - plus all the free publicity in the world for Archewell, their business-slash-charity with interests in film, TV and podcasts.

And yet here we are, having wrapped up 2024 on a whimper with only Meghan's arts-and-crafts celebrity interview show to look forward to. It all feels very 'last roll of the dice', doesn't it?

And if that isnt bad enough, I was alarmed last week to discover the Sussexes' most die-hard fans (the so-called 'Sussex squad') were sharing creepy Al images of the couple's children, Lilibet and Archie. I didn't understand it at first, then it occurred to me they had most likely resorted to AI because they weren't satisfied by the family's increasingly rare personal updates. By scorning the Royal Rota that for decades had provided the press with a steady stream of family photos, the private-when-it-suits-them Sussexes have inadvertently encouraged the most unsettling kind of fandom.

So, in summary, by giving the public what they don't want (dull Polo documentaries) and refusing to share enough of what they do want (nice family photos, like the ones Kate takes), the Californians made a right royal mess of 2024.

And I hate to break it to them, but I don't think 2025 is going to be much better.

It's no secret that Hollywood is fickle and the applause only lasts as long as the audience is entertained. And for Meghan and Harry, the crowd stopped clapping a long time ago. The Sussexes were once embraced as exciting new stars, fresh talent, but their story is getting stale now. And that's before we talk about their lack of talent.

The $100million Netflix deal was once their crown jewel, signalling Hollywoods commitment to their story of how they fled the mean British royals for the warm embrace of the U.S. But now, with poorly received projects like Polo, Heart of Invictus and Live to Lead (remember that?), the cracks in their star power are showing.

In Hollywood, youre only as big as your last hit, and they haven't had one in a while. As I watched the trailer for With Love, Meghan, I couldn't help but imagine that she must have been thinking: if this doesn't work, we're screwed.

Could it be the American public has worked out that apart from slagging off their family, they don't have much left to say? Perhaps they thought keeping their titles would be enough to keep them relevant - but that's the thing about Americans, they rejected the British royals once before, and they'll happily do it again.

The irony, of course, is the Sussexes turned their backs on the monarchy, an institution based around tradition, to become celebrities in Hollywood, where all that matters is what's new and shiny.

If you can't keep up in Hollywood, you are disposed of. The Royal Family, on the other hand, looks after its own, so long as they play by the rules.

But no, Harry and Meghan insisted they had to leave the royal fold (while keeping their titles, naturally) so they could launch their own brand, one that bridges the gap between Buckingham Palace and La La Land. But what is that brand today, more than four years after Megxit? Honestly, I don't think even they know.

If 2025 doesn't go their way, we could even see them return to the UK with their tails between their legs, writes Amanda

Unlike Meghan, Harry doesnt have a profession to fall back on. His entire upbringing was about duty and service, and his post-royal career hinges on his personal brand. As Hollywood begins to tire of him, his options shrink and without new angles to sell, his ability to generate income or keep the public interested, is in peril.

And with President-elect Donald Trump making no secret of the fact he is 'not a fan' of Meghan and found the Sussexes to be 'very disrespectful to the Queen', their time as American residents could well be running out.

Let's not forget Harry admitted in his memoir Spare to past drug use, including cocaine, marijuana and magic mushrooms, and Trump warned 'appropriate action' would be taken if he were found to have lied on his visa forms.

When Harry and Megs first set foot in Montecito, I predicted the American fairytale wouldn't last. Now, with the Hollywood spell wearing off and a potentially hostile White House, I foresee 2025 could be even bleaker than the year they just had.

If the leader of the free world has his way, it could even see them return to the UK with their tails between their legs.

What a sight that would be.
Despite a meticulously thought out suicide bomb plan, the route taken by the Cybertruck bomber from Colorado to Nevada hints at an embarrassing mistake.

Law enforcement officials identified Matthew Livelsberger, 37, as the person who rented a Cybertruck, filled it with explosives and detonated it outside Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel on January 1.

Now, a map of the route he took from Denver to Las Vegas revealed that he not only drove four hours out of the way, but made a stop in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

The strangely long and meandering journey has sparked speculations that he put the wrong destination into the GPS.

The fastest route from Denver to Las Vegas, Nevada is via I-70 W and I-15 S, which would have taken a total driving time of 11 hours and eight minutes.

Instead, the highly-decorated Army Special Forces Master Sergeant traveled I-25 S to I-40 W, which was 15 hours and 28 minutes.

The map, created by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department of Nevada, also shows that he stopped to charge the Cybertruck eight times.

According to Tesla, Cybertrucks can travel up to 325 miles on a single charge. But the furthest distance Livelsberger drove between charges was only 148 miles, less than half that maximum distance.

Authorities have mapped the route that 'Cybertruck bomber' Matthew Livelsberger took from Denver, CO to Las Vegas, NV in the days leading up to his attack on a Trump International Hotel

If Livelsberger had taken the faster route, 1-70 W to 1-15 S, he would have encountered at least 14 Tesla charging stations along the way, suggesting that access to charging stations appears unlikely to be the reason Livelsberger chose the longer route.

Interestingly, 1-25 S is almost a straight shot to Las Vegas, New Mexico, one of the locations where he stopped to charge.

When comparing his chosen route to the more direct one, it appears as though Livelsberger mistakenly mapped himself to the wrong Las Vegas, many have speculated on social media.

'I wonder if he went to Las Vegas, NM then realized he was in the wrong place,' one X user posted.

'Imagine his embarrassment when he ended up in the wrong Las Vegas first,' wrote another.

To add another layer of weirdness to Livelsberger's movements, it would appear that he stopped to charge more often than he needed to during his trip.

The furthest distance he drove between charges was only 148 miles, less than half the distance a Cybertruck can travel on a single charge.

Law enforcement officials have identified Matthew Livelsberger, 37, as the person who rented a Cybertruck, filled it with explosives and detonated it outside the Las Vegas hotel on January 1

Photos from traffic cameras were used to piece together the Cybertruck's movements throughout Las Vegas on January 1

The Cybertruck pulled into the valet area of the Trump hotel for the second time at 8:39am. Within 17 seconds, the truck exploded. The driver shot themselves just moments before

On December 28, Livelsberger rented the Cybertruck in Denver, Colorado using the peer-to-peer car rental platform Turo.

Heading southeast, the truck made a stop in Monument, Colorado on December 30, where it was charged.

That same day, Livelsberger legally purchased two semi-automatic handguns, according to Kenny Cooper, assistant special agent in charge of ATF's San Francisco field division.

On December 31, the Cybertruck made several charging stops in the following locations: Trinidad, Colorado; Las Vegas, New Mexico; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Gallup, New Mexico.

The contents of the Tesla Cybertruck after the explosion outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on January 1, 2025

Among the charred items found inside the truck were a handgun at Livelsberger's feet, another firearm, a number of fireworks, a passport, credit cards, an iPhone, a smartwatch and his military ID

On January 1, the day of the explosion, the truck was charged in Holbrook, Flagstaff and Kingman, Arizona. That final charge was made at 5:33am about 100 miles away from Las Vegas, Nevada.

The truck was first spotted in Las Vegas, Nevada around 7:30am on January 1.

At 7:34am, the truck was seen turning onto Fashion Show Drive, where the Trump International Hotel is located.

The Cybertruck pulled through the valet at the hotel, then spent the next hour  from 7:34 to 8:35am  driving at several different locations along Las Vegas Boulevard.

The truck spent nearly 45 minutes in a commercial parking lot near Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road.

At 8:35am, the Cybertruck pulled onto Las Vegas Boulevard from Sands Avenue.

The Cybertruck once again pulled into the valet area of the Trump hotel at 8:39am. Within 17 seconds, the truck exploded.

At some point during those 17 seconds, the driver shot themselves in the head, according to Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill.

Pictured are items found in the back of the Tesla Cybertruck which exploded in front of Trump International Hotel in las Vegas

The driver was killed and burned beyond recognition. But Clark County Sherrif Kevin McMahill. aid investigators obtained charging station photos showing Livelsberger was the driver

The driver was killed and burned beyond recognition. But McMahill said investigators obtained charging station photos showing Livelsberger 'was the individual that was driving this vehicle' and was alone.

According to the coroner's report, his cause of death was suicide by gunshot.

The explosion caused injuries to seven people, but virtually no damage to the hotel. Livelsberger was the only fatality.

It is likely that Livelsberger planned a more damaging attack, but the steel-sided vehicle absorbed much of the force from the crudely-built explosive, McMahill said.

Upon inspecting the wreckage, authorities found firework mortars and camp fuel canisters stuffed into the back of the Cybertruck, indicating that this was a planned, intentional attack.

At this time, authorities are still working to determine Livelsberger's motive.
Even for expert psychologists, spotting a psychopath isn't always easy.

But now scientists have found one key sign which could show whether someone has psychopathic tendencies.

In bad news for bachelors, researchers from the University of Turin found that being single was associated with higher levels of psychopathic traits.

In experiments, singletons scored higher for psychopathic and 'Machiavellian' traits, meaning they're sneaky or cunning.

On the other hand, people who were married or cohabiting with their partners scored lower for these negative traits.

Lead researcher Dr Sara Veggi says: 'This suggests that certain personality characteristics and love attitudes might predispose individuals towards relationship stability or singlehood.'

However, the researchers also found that people who scored highly for narcissism, another 'Dark Triad' trait, were more likely to get into relationships.

Dark Triad is a name given to three personality traits  narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism, all embodied by Patrick Bateman in American Psycho.

Scientists say they have now found one trait which could tell you if someone is a psychopath like Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (pictured)

For the study, Dr Veggi and her colleagues surveyed 1,101 adults with an average age of 41 between July and October 2023.

Each participant was asked about their current relationship status and underwent a range of psychological tests.

In the first analysis, the participants were tested for each of the three 'Dark Triad' traits  psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism.

People with higher levels of psychopathy exhibit impulsivity, emotional detachment, and a general disregard for the well-being of others.

Those with high levels of narcissism tend to show a sense of superiority, the need for admiration, and grandiosity.

Machiavellianism, meanwhile, is marked by manipulation, cynicism, and the achievement of personal goals at the expense of others.

When the researchers analysed the data, they found that people in relationships scored lower for psychopathic and Machiavellian traits.

Dr Veggi told PsyPost: 'The findings reveal that personality traits and attitudes toward love significantly differ between individuals in relationships and those who are single.'

Researchers from the University of Turin found that people who are single scored higher for the 'Dark Triad' personality traits of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism (stock image)

In their paper, published in the journal Heliyon, they argue this could be because these traits make it more difficult to start and maintain relationships.

Previous studies have shown that individuals with Dark Triad traits tend to seek out 'opportunistic' or sex-focused relationships rather than stable cohabitation.

The only exception was narcissism, the third Dark Triad trait, which was actually a strong predictor of being in a relationship.

Dr Veggi and her co-authors write: 'People with narcissistic traits may find success in the early stages of a relationship, easily established due to their charm and overt confidence.

'However, characteristics of grandiosity, superiority, dominance, and reduced empathy and commitment contribute to the difficulties in forming long-term relationships.'

Additionally, as previous research has suggested, men scored higher for Dark Triad traits than women.

In addition to looking at Dark Triad personality traits, each of the participants was also tested for their 'love attitudes'.

Psychologists have identified six distinct attitudes towards love  Ludus, Storge, Eros, Pragma, Agape, and Mania.

Participants who were married or cohabitating with their partners were found to score lower for Dark Triad traits. However, people who scored highly for narcissism were more likely to get into relationships because of their increased charm and confidence (stock image)

What are the six 'love attitudes'? Ludus: The typical attitude of those who experience love as a game, with low commitment. Storge: Amicable love based on sharing similar experiences. Pragma: Characterised by a pragmatic and rational approach to love. Eros: Passionate, intense and emotional love and physical attraction Mania: Love marked by possessive and obsessive behaviour Agape: An approach to love that is altruistic, unconditional and selfless. Source: Agata Benfante, et al. (2024) Advertisement

Ludus treats love as a game and emphasises a playful attitude while Storge reflects a friendship-based love based on mutual respect.

Eros is marked by an intense and passionate physical attraction and is contrasted with Pragma in which partners are chosen according to practical considerations like social status.

Finally, while Mania is marked by a possessive and obsessive desire with an intense need for affirmation, Agape represents a selfless love which puts the needs of the partner above one's own.

Participants in long-term relationships showed higher levels of Eros and Agape.

Single participants, on the other hand, scored higher for Ludus, Mania, Pragma, and Storge.

This suggests that an intense attraction and selfless altruism might be key ingredients for a long-term relationship.

And, in a finding which will confirm many people's suspicions, men scored much higher for Ludus than women on average.

This suggests that men were more likely to prefer less committed relationships than women.

The researchers found that singletons had love attitudes which favoured a playful or friendship-based form of love. Previous studies have shown that love for friends activates different regions of the brain to the romantic love for a partner (pictured)

The study also found that men were more likely to favour a style of love which emphasised a playful attitude towards relationships. As previous studies have suggested, this could mean that women are more interested in committed relationships than men

However, men also scored higher for Agape which could suggest an increased willingness to sacrifice for their partners.

Dr Veggi says: 'We were particularly struck by the predictive strength of narcissism, Eros, and Agape in determining relationship status, as well as the gender-specific differences in these traits.

'The finding that men reported higher scores in ludic and agapic love styles than women adds nuance to gendered perceptions of love and relational commitment.'

Going forward, Dr Veggi says this research could be applied to help address negative personality traits in a clinical context.

The researchers plan to investigate how relationship habits relate to personality traits in specific populations like the perpetrators of violent or sexual crimes.

Dr Veggi says: 'By understanding these dynamics, we can better support individuals in building healthy relationships and mitigating harmful patterns.'
More than a dozen states lie within the path of powerful winter storm Blair, which will sweep across the Great Plains and the Northeast this weekend into early next week.

'This will be an all-hazard storm,' Dan DePodwin, Director of forecast operations at AccuWeather, reported Friday morning.

The storm will bring an Arctic outbreak that could see temperatures plummet as heavy snow and ice create slippery travel conditions, down tree limbs and trigger power outages.

At this time, the storm is spreading rain and high-elevation snow throughout the Pacific Midwest and the Rocky Mountains.

But by late Saturday, it will have emerged from the Rockies and tracked East, delivering a wintery mix to a wide swath of the central US while rain, thunderstorms and several tornadoes spread across southern states.

Snow could fall as far south as northern Oklahoma, and plowable accumulation will extend across 1,000 miles from central Nebraska to Ohio through early Monday.

Places like Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Cincinnati could receive more than half a foot of snow, with up to a foot possible in Kansas City and its surrounding area.

According to AccuWeather's Local StormMax feature, 30 inches is likely to accumulate somewhere from northeastern Kansas through northern Missouri to west-central Illinois.

Thirteen states lie within the path of powerful winter storm Blair, which will sweep across the Great Plains and the Northeast this weekend into early next week

The storm will bring an Arctic outbreak that could see temperatures plummet as heavy snow and ice create slippery travel conditions, down tree limbs and trigger power outages

The ice risk with this storm will also be significant, impacting a wide area from Wichita, Kansas to Roanoke, Virginia.

Heavy icing could impact communities from Springfield, Missouri to Lexington, Kentucky, with the most severe icing in cities such as Paducah and Joplin.

Much of Eastern Kentucky will likely see up to a half inch of ice.

'Ice storms like this have been known to cause power outages across a pretty large area,' DePodwin said.

'Certainly now is the time to stock up on supplies. If you do have a generator, make sure you know how to operate it, make sure it's not in a place that it is venting into your home.'

The ice and snow will not be going anywhere anytime soon. A mass of dangerously cold air will move into the region in the wake of this storm, and communities could be left without electricity for several days.

This could spark a great need for shelters to be set up to account for the affected population, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Courtney Travis reported.

As for the Northeast, the storm will mostly remain south of New York City. But plowable snow is expected to accumulate in Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia, with some sleet mixed in.

Snow could fall as far south as northern Oklahoma, and plowable accumulation will extend across 1,000 miles from central Nebraska to Ohio through early Monday

The ice risk with this storm will also be significant, impacting a wide area from Wichita, Kansas to Roanoke, Virginia

The cold temperatures expected to linger after this storm could lead to more winter storms in the eastern US into mid-January

'The western suburbs of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., could have snowfall totals nearing half a foot by the end of the storm,' said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham.

Higher elevations in West Virginia and western Maryland could see accumulation up to 15 inches.

Travel conditions could become treacherous in the affected area Sunday night through Monday.

Sleet and freezing rain will also have an extensive impact, particularly near the Appalachians.

Late Sunday night into Monday, ice could extend to the coast of Virginia before the storm moves offshore.

Meanwhile, southern states should brace for rain, thunderstorms and the risk of several tornadoes this weekend as cold air in the Plains clashes with warm, wet air from the Gulf of Mexico.

'A line of thunderstorms is expected to develop across eastern Texas Sunday afternoon, strengthening as they move into Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama through Sunday night,' said AccuWeather Meteorologist Gwen Fieweger.

Six to 12 tornadoes are also possible for this region during the day Sunday into Sunday night, DePodwin warned.

Along the Interstate 10 and 20 corridors, powerful wind gusts, hail and flooding downpours may occur.

The cold temperatures expected to linger after this storm could lead to more winter storms in the eastern US into mid-January.
A Cybertruck parked in an outside lot in Georgia burst into flames just hours before Matthew Livelsberger intentionally blew up a truck of the same model outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas.

Firefighters rushed to a Tesla store in North Decatur, outside of Atlanta, in the early hours of December 31, finding the futuristic truck burning in a lot outside.

While they were quickly extinguished the flames, the vehicle's interior and truck bed were completely scorched and the back tires melted.

Local authorities suspected a battery fire caused the incident in Georgia.

Livelsberger, 37, rented a Cybertruck, filled it with explosives and detonated it outside of Donald Trump's hotel in Nevada.

However, both incidents come as Tesla has been quietly recalling Cybertruck batteries since September due to defects that could lead to them exploding.

Owners of the futuristic EV have reported Tesla staff contacting them about potentially faulty battery packs in their vehicles, asking them to bringing them to the closest dealer.

Firefighters were called to a Tesla store in Georgia this week when a Cybetruck burst into flames while parked in the outside lot

The explosion outside of Donald Trump 's Las Vegas hotel on January 1 was intentional

Matt Albers claimed to receive a text message in September about the recall, leaving him without his Cybertruck for more than two weeks while engineers waited for a new battery pack.

He posted the notice on Facebook to ask if other owners had a similar experience.

Another owner had a similar experience in December when they took their vehicle to the garage to have the side mirror replaced.

'I submitted a service request to have [the mirror] replaced. Within two minutes, Tesla approved the request, but the estimate included that they were also replacing the high-voltage battery,' the owner wrote on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum.

Tesla's Cybertruck has been plagued by recalls since launching in November 2023.

The largest was last April when the accelerator pedal became trapped in the interior trim, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably.

The recall included every Cybertruck manufactured from November 13, 2023, through April 4, 2024.

Some EV experts have speculated that Tesla is conducting the current recall without making a public announcement to avoid public scrutiny.

Sources familiar with the battery recall told Electrek that trucks found to have dents in battery packs are being shipped back to the Gigafactory in Texas to have the packs replaced.

The back tire melted during the fire that officials suspected was caused by the battery

Law enforcement officials have identified Matthew Livelsberger, 37, as the person who rented a Cybertruck, filled it with explosives and detonated it outside the Las Vegas hotel on January 1

Matt Albers claimed to receive a text message in September about the recall , leaving him without his Cybertruck for more than two weeks while engineers waited for a new battery pack

The issue has only been found in inventory vehicles, suggesting no customers have issued a formal complaint about battery issues.

During the Las Vegas explosion, the Cybertruck exploded 15 seconds after the driver pulled up in front of the hotel's entrance.

But Livelsberger shot himself in the head before the bomb went off.

The explosion caused injuries to seven people, but virtually no damage to the hotel. Livelsberger was the only fatality.

The blast was caused by 'a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck' or 'very large fireworks', according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Trump also reacted to the incident, writing on his social media platform, Truth Social: 'Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this to happen to our Country. The CIA must get involved, NOW, before it is too late. The USA is breaking down - A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation.

'Only strength and powerful leadership will stop it. See you on January 20th. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'

It is likely that Livelsberger planned a more damaging attack, but the steel-sided vehicle absorbed much of the force from the crudely-built explosive, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said.

Upon inspecting the wreckage, authorities found firework mortars and camp fuel canisters stuffed into the back of the Cybertruck, indicating that this was a planned, intentional attack.
A thick, 'mysterious' fog has descended upon a wide swath of the US, sparking fears of another 'Operation Sea Spray.'

For one week in September of 1950, the US Navy sprayed massive amounts of bacteria into the air two miles off the coast of San Francisco, California.

The aim of this secret biological warfare experiment was to learn how vulnerable large US cities like San Francisco would be to a biowarfare attack by terrorists.

The bacteria used were Serratia marcescens, which can cause respiratory issues and meningitis, and Bacillus atrophaeus that can be lethal immunocompromised individuals. At the time, the Navy believed these bacteria were harmless to humans.

But when Bay Area residents began rushing to the hospital, it became clear that was not the case.

After inhaling thousands of bacterial spores, 11 people checked into Stanford Hospital near San Francisco with very rare, serious urinary tract infections that doctors ultimately determined were caused by the experiment.

One patient, a man named Edward Nevin who was recovering from prostate surgery at the time, died.

Now, 75 years later, some Americans fear this may be happening again as they claim an 'unnatural' fog with a 'burning chemical-like smell' has plagued their communities in recent weeks.

A thick, 'mysterious' fog has descended upon a wide swath of the US, sparking fears of another 'Operation Sea Spray'

David Bamber from St Petersburg, Florida said the 'weirdest part' is the taste and smell of the fog. It smells like the aftermath of the fireworks show and it tastes 'toxic'

Concerned citizens have flooded social media with videos of what looks like white particles raining down and swirling in the air.

Some witnesses have also claimed the fog has triggered health symptoms similar to a respiratory illness.

A Florida resident told DailyMail.com that they stopped at a gas station for about 10 minutes and began feeling ill.

'Within about and hour, I kept sneezing over and over for about three hours, and my eyes were really puffy,' she said.

'I got very warm and I felt like I had a fever, and my stomach was cramping.'

A woman in Kansas also shared that there were 'massive amounts of chemtrails' over the area in a week, followed by a dense fog.

And a California resident shared on X Monday: 'Here in SoCal, unusual fog the last few days. Strange smells, but I've been noticing the smell for months now, burns my nose. Seems like an all-out assault from the skies the last few days.'

Parts of Texas, Wisconsin, Iowa, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Florida, and Minnesota were under fog alerts when the bizarre reports surfaced this week.

For one week in September of 1950, the US Navy sprayed massive amounts of bacteria into the air two miles off the coast of San Francisco, California. One type was Serratia marcescens

A Florida resident told DailyMail.com that they stopped at a gas station (pictured) for about 10 minutes and began feeling ill. She then went into a coughing fit and had a fever

Conspiracy theories are running rampant with people suggesting the fog could be a kind of chemical weapon or is related to the drones that mysteriously plagued the nation in December

Similar experiences have also emerged from parts of Canada and the UK, sparking widespread concern.

Conspiracy theories are running rampant with people suggesting the fog could be a kind of chemical weapon or is related to the drones that mysteriously plagued the nation in December.

The latest theory is that the US Government is behind the fog, potentially testing out a new type of biological weapon similarly to Operation Sea Spray.

'Guys, they dumped a bunch of microbes on the country this week, in the form of fog,' one X user posted Tuesday.

'I know it sounds tin-foil, but my Spidey senses are telling me they are seeding the skies with pathogens that make us sick. Operation Sea-Spray 4.0 (December 24-31, 2024).'

Another asked: 'Did we just suffer another Operation Sea Spray event - The Fog?'

However, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a dense fog advisory for multiple states at the time these reports arose, suggesting there is a scientific explanation for the fog.

While the fog's 'white particle' appearance may seem unusual, fog is a visible aerosol consisting of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air at or near the Earth's surface.

While fog typically looks like a soupy gray mist, shining a light directly through it causes the light to scatter off of each individual water droplet that makes up the fog

As for the 'chemical' smell people have been describing, fog can absorb and trap polluted air near Earth's surface, making their scents more potent

Shining a light in the fog makes these particles visible.

As for the 'chemical' smell people have described, the fog can absorb and trap polluted air near the Earth's surface, acting as a carrier for car exhaust, industrial emissions and other airborne chemicals.

'When fog forms, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and other polluting gases are taken up or 'scavenged' by fog water droplets,' explained Rudolf Husar, a Washington University atmospheric scientist, in an article for NASA Earth Observatory.

What's more, smells become more potent in humid air because the water droplets trap the odor-causing molecules and allow them to linger for longer and remain concentrated.

This is not unusual for this time of year.

Fog forms when the temperature cools to the dew point, or the temperature at which air can become completely saturated with water.

Much of the fog currently hanging over the US is likely advection fog, which typically forms in winter when warm, moist air flows over colder land.

This is commonly seen over the southern or central US, where many affected states are located.

Some states, such as Minnesota, are also experiencing radiation fog that occurs in air with a high dew point.

It forms when the sky is clear, temperatures reach the dew point and winds are low enough to cause minimal atmospheric mixing.

While fog typically looks like a soupy gray mist, shining a light directly through it causes the light to scatter off of each individual water droplet that makes up the fog, reflecting that light back towards your eyes.

This makes each droplet appear as a small 'particle' within the beam of light, as is shown in many of the photos and videos recently shared online.

The 'chemical' smell associated with this recent fog is likely not coming from the fog itself, but rather from pollutants that were already present in the air when the fog formed.

The respiratory-illness-like symptoms people have been reporting can also be explained by natural fog.

Multiple studies have shown that fog can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, congestion and wheezing, especially in people with asthma.

That's because our lungs are are designed to inhale oxygen, not water. When we inhale the increased moisture content of the air, it can irritate the respiratory system and trigger uncomfortable symptoms.

Fog can be especially irritating when it is mixed with airborne pollutants, allergens or other particles.

Thus, this 'mystery' fog isn't so mysterious after all. People across the US are most likely experiencing a perfectly normal winter weather event, as there is no evidence to suggest otherwise at this time.
British Airways is set to launch major changes to its loyalty programme  and there has been a dramatic reaction.

Flyers have called it a 'kick in the teeth', 'totally stupid' and a 'betrayal'. But one travel expert, Gilbert Ott, the Founder of godsavethepoints.com, has described the reaction of some flyers as 'adult babies throwing toys'.

So, what's the fuss about?

In a nutshell, BA is changing its loyalty programme to a purely revenue-based system called The British Airways Club, which will launch on April 1st and is 'based on members' feedback'. So, the more you spend on a flight, the more loyalty tier points you earn. The previous system  the British Airways Executive Club  rewarded travellers proportionately for distance flown and the cabin type booked.

What's at stake? BA has three loyalty tiers  Bronze, Silver and Gold.

The benefits for Bronze include business-class check-in and priority boarding whenever you fly, free seat selection from seven days before time of departure on BA flights, priority at baggage arrival services desks, and members can save their seating and meal preferences on the BA system.

Silver members have use of over 170 lounges worldwide, business-class check-in whatever cabin they're in, two pieces of checked baggage in economy for everyone on the booking, a weight allowance of 32kg per checked bag in any travel class, and an almost-guaranteed economy seat (even if the flight is full).

Gold members, meanwhile, have access to first-class lounges, access to arrivals lounges, and access to first-class check-in (no matter the cabin).

THE 'BETRAYAL'

British Airways is set to launch major changes to its loyalty programme  and there has been a dramatic reaction. Flyers have called it a 'kick in the teeth', 'totally stupid' and a 'betrayal'

Gilbert explains that the new spend requirements per year are 3,500 for Bronze, 7,500 for Silver and 20,000 for Gold, with 1 spent earning one tier point.

Before, he reveals, flyers could 'game the system' by 'adding in lots of [cheap] connections on long-haul journeys to artificially inflate points value'.

He continues: 'For example, instead of flying Heathrow to LA, people would fly London to Madrid, Madrid to Philly, Philly to Phoenix and then Phoenix to LA, to earn more points.'

In the new system, Rob Burgess, editor of www.headforpoints.com, notes that 'realistically, it will now be impossible to earn Gold for small business travellers, economy travellers or self-funded leisure travellers', adding: 'Even Silver will be a major stretch. Business travellers have their flights paid for by their employers. Many of these are tied to BA or Oneworld via a route deal. Many get huge end-of-year rebates, which means their headline spend is not what they actually pay. BA is rewarding "loyalty" from people whose loyalty is contractually enforced on them.

'Remove status from those people who do have a choice of airline - leisure travellers, small business owners - and their reasons for flying British Airways shrink dramatically.'

He also notes that BA has capped credit card tier points at a 'pathetic' 2,500, asking: 'If someone wants to put 200,000 through their BA Amex to earn Gold status, why not let them?'

Michele Robson, former air traffic controller and Founder of travel site www.turningleftforless.com, has issued even more forthright criticism of the changes.

In an open letter to BA CEO Sean Doyle, she says: 'So why are people so angry? You may think it is because you moved to a spend-based system, but this would be completely wrong. The majority of us knew there would be a day when this would come and accepted that, but we never thought that in one swift blow, you would make the new tier levels so unachievable for most of your loyal members that it would be pointless even trying.

'People are also extremely upset about how the change was framed. Firstly, suggesting that members had requested this, then implying it was a cause for celebration. Your members are not stupid, treating them as such is a risky move. Nobody said, "Please make the loyalty scheme completely unachievable for most of your members." What many of us have said is that the lounges are too busy.

Lounge access is one of the perks of Silver and Gold membership. Above - the BA Galleries lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3

'No longer will I plan my year of travel solely with BA and Oneworld to keep my status. Normally, at this time of year, I'd be looking at the sales and planning some trips. Not anymore. You have set me free to explore the world of other loyalty schemes. I have already flown many other airlines due to my job, and I'm sorry to say the vast majority have been as good as or much better than British Airways. I'd estimate my flying with BA will drop by around 80 per cent once I lose my status.'

In her post, she quotes a frequent flyer who describes the change as a 'betrayal', adding: 'Others summed it up as a loss of a community, and for me personally, this is also a big part of the betrayal. More than many other airline frequent flyer programs, there was a real sense of community among BA Executive Club members.

'There are several large Facebook groups (one with nearly 50,000 members). I also run one for Gold cardholders and above. Many of us made lifelong friends with a shared passion for travel and BA through these groups. From April 2025, those communities will be decimated.'

Frequent flyer 'Leo', writing on godsavethepoints.com, described the loyalty programme change as 'totally stupid', reasoning that 'a frequent flyer program is for frequent flyers they are now just selling memberships'.

Another user, Mavis, wrote: 'I've been Gold for many years and managed to retain it through a mix of business but mostly leisure travel and have never done elaborate "tier point runs", apart from maybe a quick short haul biz to get over the line if it was looking like I'd fall short a few tier points. I've enjoyed the perks such as priority boarding, seats, and lounge access. But under the new model, I will just not be able to retain Gold, or perhaps not even Silver. It does feel like a real kick in the teeth by BA, that all those years of loyalty mean nothing.'

'GROWN ADULTS ACTING LIKE CHILDREN'

Gilbert Ott, by contrast, believes that the new system has 'winners and losers' and has declared that many BA members are overreacting.

He wrote in a counter-point piece: 'I watched grown adults act like children after a sugar crash or babies throwing toys, all because an airline made a data-driven commercial decision to ensure that people are extracting program value in more logical proportion.

'Many are finding out they simply aren't as "elite" as their fantasies would like. For those who felt genuinely loyal to the airline, weren't actively gaming the system and now feel dumped - I have empathy. For everyone else

Gilbert Ott wrote: 'I watched grown adults act like children after a sugar crash or babies throwing toys, all because an airline made a data-driven commercial decision to ensure that people are extracting program value in more logical proportion'

'Many people who drank enough of their own Kool-Aide to believe they were truly VIP for life, just by engaging in shenanigans to beat a system for the lowest cost, while maximising every bit of reward at the greatest cost to the airline won't be able to [from April].

'Was that loyalty? Please, cry me a river. Despite this, they're still likely very important and deserving of perks, but not quite top-tier VIP. That's the whole point of stratification. It's a data exercise to figure out how many people giving how much, deserve how much in return. I mean, geez, it's not like BA would have years of historical spending and behavioural data to analyse oh wait.

'Taking this out of the air for a moment, imagine you're the general manager of a restaurant.

'How would you feel if a customer comes in, buys just a water but then demands to drink all your booze for free, running up $100's in tabs, taking up all your tables for paying customers and then demanding to invite a friend in to do the same. All because they showed a minimum modicum of loyalty a year ago?

'At the very least emotional level, that's going to create tension.

'For many, on small hobbyist forums masquerading as broad gospel - which they're not - this game has never been about loyalty, but about rinsing a program for all that could be taken with the lowest economic input to that program.'

In an email to MailOnline Travel, Gilbert added: 'It's a net positive for many, but there will be winners and losers. A huge positive is that hotel spend booked through British Airways Holidays will count, not just flights, which will help people let more of their travel count towards perks.

'And a high-spending traveller will be able to earn more perks in one flight than they may have across an entire year before, but someone flying on the cheapest economy tickets will really need to fly a lot to achieve the higher tiers in the new system.

'For 90-plus per cent of travellers it's a non-starter because they weren't hitting elite status anyway. But, many who got used to the cushy lifestyle will now be stretched to still hit it, unless they show more loyalty to BA. I'd argue that's kinda the goal of BA. But people don't like that!'
Former Celebrity MasterChef winner and EastEnders star Lisa Faulkner made a surprise cameo in Harlan Coben's new thriller Missing You on New Year's Day.

The five-part series follows Missing Persons detective Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar) who is shocked to see her ex-fiance Josh (Ashley Walters) on a dating app 11 years after he disappeared from her life without a trace.

The six-part series already has a stellar cast joining lead actress Rosalind, with Ashley Walters as missing fiance Josh, as well as Steve Pemberton, Richard Armitage, James Nesbitt and Jessica Plummer.

However, the actress, 52, who is married to MasterChef host John Torode, 59, made an unexpected guest appearance on Wednesday as Dana Fells, the missing mother of Brendan Fells (Oscar Kennedy).

Brendan tells Kat that his mother Dana left for a trip to Costa Rica with her boyfriend, and he hasn't heard from her since.

He later reveals that the man his mother is on a trip with is her ex-fiance Josh, and says that the couple met on a dating app - the same app that Kat previously saw him on.

Former Celebrity MasterChef winner and EastEnders star Lisa Faulkner made a surprise cameo in Harlan Coben's new thriller Missing You on New Year's Day

The limited series follows Missing Persons detective Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar) who is shocked to see her ex-fiance Josh (Ashley Walters pictured) on a dating app 11 years after he disappeared from her life without a trace

The mystery series has already proven a huge hit with Netflix viewers as fans revealed they 'can't stop watching' the 'captivating' series with some staying in on New Year's Day to finish it all.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote: 'It been a while since I saw good content on @netflix. #MissingYou is captivating.'; 'Omg Missing You on Netflix, I cant stop watching.'; 'Binged watched Missing You on Netflix today, it was sooo good!'

Another viewer questioned some of the show's bad reviews, writing: 'I don't know why critics are slating Netflix's show Missing You. I thought it was good. The lead actress was brilliant.'

A Harlan Coben fan said: 'Trust Harlan Coben to give you a series with many mysteries and storylines that will make you think like a detective. I suspect everyone in this show at this point. Also might finish the entire season either today or tomorrow.'

One viewer dubbed Missing You as 'perfect New Years Day stuff', adding: 'Little over 3 & 1/2 hours, very 2nd screen friendly, plenty of recapping, twists a go go.'

Others praised the show online before they even finished it, with one writing: 'Started watching the crime drama called Missing You on Netflix. On episode 3 and its good so far!'.

Another pointed out one scene they found particularly clever: 'The scene with James Nesbitt mentioning Mr Hyde WITH the matching smile in Missing You is GENIUS.'

'Harlan Coben series always give me stress,' wrote another viewer after watching the mystery series.

The six-part series already has a stellar cast joining lead actress Rosalind Eleazar (pictured), with Ashley Walters as missing fiance Josh, as well as Steve Pemberton, Richard Armitage, James Nesbitt and Jessica Plummer

However, the actress, 52, who is married to MasterChef host John Torode, 59, made an unexpected guest appearance on Wednesday as Dana Fells, the missing mother of Brendan Fells (pictured) (L-R Rosalind Eleazar and Oscar Kennedy)

Brendan tells Kat that his mother Dana left for a trip to Costa Rica with her boyfriend, and he hasn't heard from her since. He later reveals that the man his mother is on a trip with is her ex-fiance Josh

Nimer Rashed, the director of Fool Me Once, 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 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.'

The show is hot off the heels of the huge success of Michelle Keegan's, 37, Fool Me Once.

Fool Me Once became the most-watched series for the first half of the year, racking up an impressive 108 million views.

The mystery series has already proven a huge hit with Netflix viewers as fans revealed they 'can't stop watching' the 'captivating' series with some staying in on New Year's day to finish it all

The show is hot off the heels of the huge success of Michelle Keegan's, 37, Fool Me Once. It became the most-watched series for the first half of the year, racking up an impressive 108 million views (L-R Adeel Akhtar and Michelle)

Michelle, who plays the main character Maya Burkett, was completely starstruck after the series hit number one worldwide.

In disbelief, she thanked fans with a slew of snaps of herself on set: '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.

Crime author Harlan has signed a five-year deal to bring more of his novels to the streaming service so fans will have plenty to look forward to.

All episodes of Missing You are available to stream now on Netflix.
Neighbours fan favourite Krista Vendy is set to make a bombshell return to Ramsay Street.

The actress, 50, rose to fame more than two decades ago playing school teacher Tess Bell before she left the long-running series in 2001.

She briefly returned for a cameo appearance last year and is now set to return once again, 24 years after she originally quit the soap opera.

The producers of Neighbours took to social media to announce the exciting news of Krista's return on Thursday.

They shared a photograph of Krista holding the Ramsay Street sign as she prepared to get back into character as fan favourite Tess.

The caption teased a fresh storyline for the actress's character, sending long-time fans of the program into a frenzy.

Neighbours fan favourite Krista Vendy (pictured) is set to make a bombshell return to Ramsay Street

The actress, 50, rose to fame more than two decades ago playing school teacher Tess Bell before she left the long-running series in 2001

'Another blast from the past!' it read.

'Krista Vendy is soon set to reprise her role as Tess Bell... but what's brought her back to Erinsborough this time?'

Excited fans quickly took to the comments section to applaud Krista's return, with one writing: 'Oh my gosh its Tess Bell.'

Another said: 'I loved her when she was on and it was only a short stint. I really hope that she is in it for the long term.'

'Great to see her back,' a third gushed while another commented: 'Cant wait to have Tess back!'

Krista famously made her debut on Neighbours back in 1999 and featured in a string of memorable storylines until her departure in September 2001.

Her dramatic final exit from the show involved a storyline in which her character left philandering husband-to-be Darcy (played by Mark Rafferty) standing at the alter.

The Fat Pizza actress then shocked fans in 2023 when she returned for a storyline involving a protest to save the local high school from closure.

She briefly returned for a cameo appearance last year and is now set to return once again, 24 years after she originally quit the soap opera

Since leaving Neighbours, Krista has also racked up a string of other acting credits in Australia and the United Stated.

She appeared in 2003 film Horseplay and 2010's Matching Jack, while she also starred in the movie version of Fat Pizza.

She also had a small role in the Hollywood feature The Incredible Hulk in 2008.

Krista has also appeared on US TV dramas Mental and Leverage and featured in the Aussie Chopper mini-series, which was part of the Underbelly crime drama series.

Neighbours currently airs on Channel 10 and 10Peach and is available to stream on Amazon Freevee and Prime, ever since it made a dramatic return to screens in 2023 after it was abruptly axed in 2022.
Grey's Anatomy's Kevin McKidd and Danielle Savre shared a number of loved-up snaps from their Christmas getaway to McKidd's native Scotland.

The 51-year-old McKidd, who plays Dr. Owen Hunt, and 36-year-old Savre, who plays Maya Bishop on both Grey's and the spin-off Station 19, were first romantically linked back in June 2023 when they were spotted in Lake Como, Italy.

The couple are clearly still going strong, with Savre posting several PDA-filled snaps and videos in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

'Had a holly jolly Christmas  hope you all did too!' she said in the caption of the post, sent out to her 690K followers.

The first snap featured Savre donning a festive red wool winter coat over an olive green sweater while holding a glass of wine.

The second featured the couple wearing Christmas tree sweaters while holding a baby and the third was a brief video of Savre posing in a short green dress.

Grey's Anatomy 's Kevin McKidd and Danielle Savre shared a number of loved-up snaps from their Christmas getaway to McKidd's native Scotland

The 51-year-old McKidd, who plays Dr. Owen Hunt, and 36-year-old Savre, who plays Maya Bishop on both Grey's and the spin-off Station 19, were first romantically linked back in June 2023 when they were spotted in Lake Como, Italy

The first snap featured Savre donning a festive red wool winter coat over an olive green sweater while holding a glass of wine

The second featured the couple wearing Christmas tree sweaters while holding a baby and the third was a brief video of Savre posing in a short green dress

Next the couple was seen posing in front of a massive outdoor Christmas tree while Savre offered a look at their bathroom during the stay.

They were also seen paying a visit to The Ship Tavern while another video showed Savre sipping on an espresso martini.

Savre also posted a pic of her with a few female friends, and a video of Savre kissing McKidd while taking a beachside video as they told each other they loved them.

Other snaps included Savre in a wood coat on another scenic overlook, a snap of McKidd seemingly with his family.

Savre was also seen posing next to an enormous wreath with a large bulldog at her feet while another showed the couple toasting with champagne.

The final slides showed McKidd posing under a lighted holiday sign, Savre kissing McKidd on the forehead, Savre enjoying a pint of beer, a video of the family playing a rousing game of Head's Up and a final shot of Savre in her red coat near the sea.

McKidd has been playing Dr. Owen Hunt since Grey's Anatomy first launched in 2005, with Savre starring in the Grey's spin-off Station 19 since it debuted in 2018.

Savre's character Maya Bishop has appeared in several crossover episodes of Grey's starting in 2020, though it's unclear when their romance actually started.

Next the couple was seen posing in front of a massive outdoor Christmas tree

Savre offered a look at their bathroom during the stay

They were also seen paying a visit to The Ship Tavern while another video showed Savre sipping on an espresso martini

Other snaps included Savre in a wood coat on another scenic overlook, a snap of McKidd seemingly with his family

Savre was also seen posing next to an enormous wreath with a large bulldog at her feet while another showed the couple toasting with champagne

The final slides showed McKidd posing under a lighted holiday sign, Savre kissing McKidd on the forehead, Savre enjoying a pint of beer, a video of the family playing a rousing game of Head's Up and a final shot of Savre in her red coat near the sea

McKidd was previously married to Jane Parker from 1999 to 2007, who he shares Joseph, 24, and Iona, 22, with.

He was also married to Arielle Goldrath from 2018 to 2022, who he shares six-year-old son Aiden and five-year-old daughter Nava with.

McKidd and Savre made their red carpet debut in November 2023, a few months after they were spotted in Lake Como.

They have since shared their travels to Zambia, the Dominican Republic and Greece since they were first linked.
SAS Rogue Heroes viewers have slated the show's 'absolutely stupid' new plot line - fuming 'the first series was great but it has just got silly now!'.

The war drama, from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, returned to BBC One on New Year's Day.

Adapted from Ben Macintyre's best-selling book, the series offers a dramatised account of how the SAS was formed during the Second World War, having been granted access to secret SAS archives.

The second season saw the return of cast members Jack O'Connell, 34, and Sofia Boutella, 42.

It follows rebellious Paddy Mayne (Jack) as he takes control of the SAS and attempts to prove that the regiment remains essential to the war after former leader David Stirling (Connor Swindells) is captured.

Alongside Paddy and David, a whole host of familiar faces returned to the drama including Dominic West, 55, as Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Wrangel Clarke and Theo Barklem-Biggs, 35, as Reg Seekings.

War drama SAS Rogue Heroes returned to BBC One on New Year's Day. However, not all viewers were happy as they all issued the same complaint (Jack O'Connell pictured)

The drama, from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, 65, follows rebellious Paddy Mayne (Jack) as he takes control of the SAS and attempts to prove that the regiment remains essential to the war after former leader David Stirling (Connor Swindells) is captured

Series two saw the return of cast members Jack O'Connell, 34,(left) and Sofia Boutella, 42, (right) but as one actor started talking, fans began complaining just minutes into the show

In the second episode, David, a prisoner of war, is visited by an Italian nun who turns out to be the British spy Eve Mansour.

The pair formed a romance in the first season before David was abducted and held captive.

However, fans were left unimpressed by the storyline and took to social media to complain.

On X, one wrote: 'Oh look. An undercover nun. Does SAS mean Story Absolutely Stupid? #SASRogueHeroes.'

A second said: 'The first series was great. Its just got silly now.'

While a third chimed in: 'Artistic license is one thing but this is farfetched.'

Others complained about Paddy's Irish accent, with one writing: 'Its a shame that @jackoconnell N Irish accent is so terrible in #SASRogueHeroes as its a great show.'

Another moaned: '#SASRogueHeroes That droning Irish monotone accent is getting on my wick. I've almost given up watching the story as that voice is a terrible irritating distraction.'

However some viewers loved the show, as one said: '#SASRogueHeroes Loving Season 2 even better than Season 1.'

However, as Jack began to read his lines, viewers at home spotted something 'wrong' with his Northern Irish accent (L-R Gwilym Lee and Jack)

'#SASRogueHeroes delivering again. Absolutely love what Steven Knight has done with this,' another posted.

Alongside Paddy and David, a whole host of familiar faces returned to the drama including Dominic West, 55, as Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Wrangel Clarke and Theo Barklem-Biggs, 35, as Reg Seekings.

The new series also features new characters, including Bohemian Rhapsody actor Gwilym Lee, 41, starring as diplomat Bill Stirling, who comes on board to save the regiment while his younger brother David is a prisoner of war.

Creator Steve Knight said: 'The fact is that the true story of the SAS is a piece of drama better than anyone in fiction could invent.'

'The characters are beyond belief but, in the majority of cases in the series, they're real.'

SAS Rogue Heroes airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
This Morning viewers were left open-mouthed as the 'ITV camera crew' stripped down to their birthday suits on Friday.

During the latest instalment of the ITV programme, hosts Craig Doyle, 54, and Sian Welby, 38, greeted viewers and introduced several 'new recruits' on the show.

Craig kicked off the show with: 'Now, some of the crew are still out as it's the Christmas period, new year, you know, it's like things are a bit chaotic.'

He added: 'So we've had to get some extra help in from unusual quarters.'

The camera then panned to two naked cameramen as Craig said: 'I won't lie to you, these guys are good, trust me.'

He added: 'They struggle with the whole getting dressed thing in the morning, but trust me, look at the way he's holding his boom, absolute magic, this guy.'

This Morning viewers were left open-mouthed as ITV camera crew stripped naked for an eye-popping stripper segment

During Friday's instalment of the ITV programme, hosts Craig Doyle, 54, and Sian Welby, 38, greeted viewers and introduced several 'new recruits' on the show

Sian then chimed in with: 'Very professional these guys, and you know they do their own thing in their own way and we trust it, I mean we found the company, it was online, wasn't it?'

Craig jokingly quipped: 'Yeah naked telly,' as Sian added: 'Yeah, we weren't one hundred percent sure what was gonna happen.'

'But we've got a new director, which is always a great thing when you get someone this professional in charge.'

The camera panned to another naked man sitting at a desk in the back of the studio, before showing a man shirtless in the kitchen, seating area, and bathroom.

Craig and Sian proceeded to explain to viewers at home their reasons for having the 'new recruits' on the show.

Sian said: 'There is a reason we didn't just book a dodgy company for the show, no.'

'These are actually some of the Denton Dream Boys, we will explain more about these incredible guys later.'

Viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their shock at the naked 'new recruits' on the show.

Craig kicked off the show with: 'Now, some of the crew are still out it's the Christmas period, new year, you know how it is like things are a bit chaotic. So we've had to get some extra help in from unusual quarters'

The camera then panned to two naked cameramen as Craig said: 'I won't lie to you, these guys are good trust me.'

Craig and Sian joked that they also had a new director in the studio and the camera panned to another naked man sitting at a desk in the back of the studio

Before showing a shirtless man cleaning the show's kitchen

The camera also panned to a man organising the seating area

One viewer wrote: '#ThisMorning will continue after the sofa has been cleaned up yet again and the same with some of those hard drives!';

While another joked: 'Hope they clean that sofa afterwards? #ThisMorning.;

'#thismorning If I need to see elderly men wearing Speedos, Im sure if I went to the local swimming baths (I dont feel the need to) I could see them every day of the week.';

'Gawd, glad Ive finished my breakfast. #thismorning.'; 'If you need to introduce a daily dose of discomfort in your life, watch #Lorraine and #ThisMorning.

Later in the show, the Denton Dream Boys sat down with the hosts to explain why they posed for an X-rated calendar.

Before switching to another completely naked man dusting the bathroom

Viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their shock at the naked 'new recruits' on the show

Later in the show, the Denton Dream Boys sat down with the hosts and Paul Wilby explained why they posed for an X-rated calendar: 'We want to raise some money for a good cause, which is Addenbrookes and Papworth Hospital Trust, basically because my son had a life-threatening condition'

One Denton Dream Boy, Paul Wilby said: 'We want to raise some money for a good cause, which is Addenbrookes and Papworth Hospital Trust, basically because my son had a life-threatening condition.'

'He could die tomorrow, or go to a maximum of two years, and they did a new procedure at Papworth and that managed to cure his blood clots in his lungs.'

'And now because of that we have a little granddaughter as well, so they saved two lives really and brought another one into the world.'

According to Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, Paul Wilby, from Denton in Norfolk, launched his fundraising appeal in January to raise money for Addenbrookes Hospital, via Addenbrookes Charitable Trust (ACT), as well as Papworth Hospital, after his son became ill with an undiagnosed condition.

Ben, 34, had been suffering with severe breathlessness for roughly three years, and had to stop a couple of times to catch his breath every time he climbed a flight of stairs.

However, after being encouraged by a paramedic, who had been called out to his home to keep investigating his condition, Ben was found to have something called Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension caused by blood clots in his lungs.

He underwent a lifesaving procedure known as a Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty at Papworth Hospital where a balloon was used to push scar tissue to one side, allowing the blood to flow properly again, which returned Bens breathing to normal.

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1 from 10am and is available to stream on ITVX.
Kate Garraway has opened up about the 'excessive, unpayable debt' from her late husband Derek Draper's care on the anniversary of his death on Friday's show.

Former political lobbyist Derek passed away, aged 56, on January 3, 2024, after a long battle with Covid.

During a segment on Good Morning Britain, presenter and co-host Adil Ray, 50, spoke to Health Secretary Wes Streeting about the plans for a new National Care Service - which might not be available in England until 2028.

When Derek wasn't in hospital throughout his four-year battle with the virus, he was looked after 24/7 at home by his wife and carers.

With the subject being very close to her heart, Kate told the politician: 'I'm thinking about the situation with Derek.

'It actually happens to be the one-year anniversary of his death today.

Kate Garraway opened up about her 'excessive, unpayable debt' from late Derek Draper's care during Friday's Good Morning Britain

The GMB presenter became one of her late husband's carers after he contracted Covid

Kate and Derek pictured back in 2019 together

'A day that is only relevant to me.

'But over the last few weeks, the family and I have been talking about the challenges we faced this time last year, one of the overriding ones, he went back into intensive care before he passed away was dealing with the funding of care.

'At the time of his death, there were two appeals that hadn't been heard for funding.

'It kept being pushed back and pushed back.

'In the meantime I'm lucky I have an incredible job which is well paid. I was having to fund the situation.

'Now I've got excessive unpayable debt because of it.

'If I'm in that position what else are people going to be?

'People can't afford four more years of this!'

Kate has previously revealed her debts of between 500,000 to 800,000 after caring for Derek

Politician Wes Streeting replied: 'Firstly Kate, I know lots of viewers will feel the same, having followed your anniversary that you're going through, yourself and your family. All of us are with you.

He added: 'I think that's why your story connected with so many people.

'You're not just a familiar face on screens, your viewers feel they've got a relationship with you as a presenter.

'It's also because your experience with Derek, and your family's experience resonates with so many people across the country who are struggling with the same costs or the same unmet needs or similar experiences.'

Over the past year Kate has revealed that she's ended up in debts of between 500,000 and 800,000 after trying to care for her late husband.

Back in March 2024, the presenter revealed that she was spending 16,000 a month on care for her late husband.

The star told Good Morning Britain: 'I am ashamed of the fact Im in debt. I have an incredible job that I love, thats very well paid.

Kate cared for her late husband Derek until he passed away in January 2024

'Im not a carer travelling miles, paying their own transport to go and help somebody for minimum wage.

'Im somebody that is very well paid and so I just feel a shame that I couldnt make it work.'

It comes after Kate fought back the tears as co-star Ranvir Singh asked about her first Christmas without Derek.

In December it was Kate, daughter Darcey, 18, and 15-year-old son Billy's first festive season without him.

Kate said: 'It's our first Christmas without him.

'I've been talking to Andi Peters, who lost his mum, warned me that Christmas is the hardest time. I think this one will be particularly hard.

'We're lucky that I have family around me - my brother, distracting.

'You do feel grief, that's the point, you have memories of previous years.

'We're lucky enough to still have had him over the four or five years.'

Ranvir asked: 'Was he very ill this time last year?'

'Yes he was, he was in intensive care,' Kate replied.

'We were going into him in intensive care. Inside my head I did fear, this is a grim one.

'The children, they were hopeful and he had many times.

'It's a tough one this year.

'Anyone experiencing grief, it does hit you, when you feel something which is full of tradition, where you have memories, it comes back.

'I'm thinking about everybody else that's feeling it.'

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and is avaiable to stream on ITVX.
Axed Emmerdale star Dean Andrews has taken a swipe at ITV bosses as he broke his silence on his brutal final scenes and 'quashed the rumours' about his exit.

Dean, 61, played Will Taylor, who was killed off after a heat attack on Christmas Day.

Fans watched as Will died just as his estranged wife Kim confronted him over his plot to destroy her, having been tipped off by Joe Tate.

Before he collapsed with chest pains, he insisted that he truly did love her and had put a stop to his plan.

But in a tragic twist, Kim refused to believe him and thought he was faking his heart attack, leaving it too long to call an ambulance and ultimately watching him die.

Covering up for Kim, Joe lied and said she had called for help straight away, leaving her indebted to him as he continues to hide his involvement in Will's scheme.

Axed Emmerdale star Dean Andrews has taken a swipe at ITV bosses as he broke his silence on the shows brutal final scenes and 'quashes the rumours' about his exit

Dean, 61, played Will Taylor who was killed off after a heat attack on Christmas Day

Dean has since taken to social media to confirm to fans that his character is was definitely killed off

Viewers don't yet know what health issues Joe is suffering from but watched him in his hotel room as he clutched his arm in pain and took out a bag of tablets before desperately swallowing one.

He is now set to come under suspicion for Will's death as Billy and Dawn are convinced he returned to kill him.

Actor Dean has since taken to social media to confirm to fans that his character is was definitely killed off.

In a video posted to his Instagram page, Dean, who has been on the show for five and a half years, said he has loved working with his 'little family on Emmerdale' who are 'really lovely people' and praised the 'amazing crew'.

He explained that it is now time for him to 'move on' as he looks forward to what 2025 has to offer, sharing his hopes of working on the big screen, in adverts and voiceover work.

Taking a swipe at ITV bosses, Dean apologised for not doing a farewell video, before whispering: 'I wasn't asked!'.

The caption for the video said: 'Just a quick message from me to thank you all and to quash any rumours regarding my character.

In a tragic twist, Kim refused to believe him and thought he was faking his heart attack

She left it too long to call an ambulance and ultimately watched him die on the floor in pain

'Have a wonderful 2025 and hopefully see you on the other side.'

Fans expressed their heartbreak at Dean's departure from the show in the comment section.

One wrote: 'I have loved you forever and am so devastated you've left, please tell us you'll be back on our tellies soon.'

'You will be missed by many as I thought you were great on Emmerdale, good luck and all the best for the future,' another said.

A third comment reads: 'Omg noooo you and Kim had the best chemistry ever loved you too why did they have to do this.'

Whilst someone else said: 'I thought you were a great actor, so gutted you have gone, so want will and Kim to work things out and live happily!'

It comes after fellow Emmerdale star Susan Cookson, who played nurse Wendy Posner, said she has also been axed after seven years and has already filmed her final scenes

In December, Actress Daisy Campbell spoke about her devastation over her character Amelia Spencer being dropped by ITV after 13 years

It was also revealed that cafe owner Brenda Walker, played by Lesley Dunlop, is leaving the show after a 16 year run

It comes after fellow Emmerdale star Susan Cookson, who played nurse Wendy Posner, said she has also been axed after seven years and has already filmed her final scenes.

In December, Actress Daisy Campbell spoke about her devastation over her character Amelia Spencer being dropped by ITV after 13 years.

It was also revealed that cafe owner Brenda Walker, played by Lesley Dunlop, is leaving the show after a 16 year run.

Last week, a source told The Sun: 'ITV is going through a cash crisis with the soaps and the money just isnt there to pay for everyone any more.'

Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
Their bitter court battle over their French chateau and vineyard is still ongoing

The A-list stars, who met filming Mr. and Mrs. Smith, have finalized their divorce

Angelina Jolie is set to walk away $80 million richer after dragging Brad Pitt 'through the ringer' in their eight-year divorce battle.

The A-list stars, who met while filming Mr. and Mrs. Smith in 2004, finalized their divorce this week despite their bitter court battle over Chateau Miraval - the French chateau and vineyard they once jointly owned - still ongoing.

A source told DailyMail.com that Brad, 61, is 'relieved that this weight is finally lifted from him. He is no longer bound in any way to his marriage with Angelina. She has really put him through the ringer and he is just glad this portion is done.'

Brad - who makes $20 to $30 million per movie, has several multi-million business ventures and sponsorship deals, a vast real estate portfolio, and other lucrative investments - has a net worth of $400 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Angelina, 49, is still one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood, earning between $20 million and $35 million per film, Cosmopolitan reported.

She also launched her own arts and fashion collective, Atelier Jolie, last year, but little is known about the company's finances.

Angelina Jolie, 49, ended her eight-year divorce battle with Brad Pitt, 61, this week and is said to be 'relieved' (seen at a screening of her new film Maria in London on December 14)

The former spouses had a prenuptial agreement in place. However, the actress has raked in over $80 million which is directly tied to her divorce (seen together in 2007 at Venice Film Fest)

The former spouses signed a prenuptial agreement prior to their 2014 marriage that stated in the event of a divorce, they agreed to keep the individual assets that they each had prior to their marriage and split their joint capital.

However, it appears that the divorce itself has proved to be quite lucrative for the Maria actress.

Two years after their split, in 2018, Brad loaned Angelina $8 million to buy the Los Angeles mansion that she currently lives in.

At the time he had paid over $1.3 million in bills for her and their six kids - Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16.

A source has since told DailyMail.com: 'Jolie will be repaying the $8 million house loan by January 31.'

In 2021, Angelina sold a Winston Churchill painting for $11.5 million at an auction for Christie's. The painting, titled Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque, was a gift to Angelina by Brad and is believed to be Churchill's only World War II-era landscape.

The bulk of her post-divorce earnings came in 2021, when she sold 50 percent of the Chateau Miraval estate to Tenute del Mondo, the wine division the Stoli Group, for $64 million.

'They purchased Miraval with the intent of keeping it 100 percent in the family,' a source close to Brad said.

'They were going to hand this down for their children so that one day they could run the business, and it would provide all of them a lucrative and stable future.'

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 seen with all six kids in 2018 in Paris)

While the former power couple have finally settled their divorce, there is still the ongoing case regarding their battle over Chateau Miraval vineyard in France (pictured)

Brad loaned Angelina $8 million to buy the Cecil B Demille estate, in Loz Feliz, California (seen here) in 2017. The home was purchased for $25 million

Angelina sold a Winston Churchill painting titled Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque (pictured here), which was gifted to her by Brad, for $11.5 million at a Christie's auction in London in 2021

DailyMail.com reached out to reps for Brad and Angelina.

Angelina's attorney told DailyMail.com of the divorce: '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.'

Brad and Angelina did purchase a home together in the New Orleans French quarter in 2007 for $3.5 million, but according to velvetropers.com sold it after their divorce for $4.9 million.

The couple also reportedly shared a superyacht, which they purchased for $323 million in 2014, the Mirror reported at the time. The name of the vessel was not released publicly and it is unclear if the pair ever sold it.

Currently, PBrad does not have communication with any of the kids.

Their bitter custody battle over their six children ended with Angelina retaining primary physical custody of their brood. Brad was granted visitation rights.

The actor had originally sought a 50/50 arrangement relating to their six kids, but an insider told DailyMail.com in March this year that he was no longer contesting the matter.

Court documents filed in 2018 showed that Brad has paid Angelina at least $9 million in child support.

The children have reportedly not had any contact with Brad's wider family either, including his parents - William, 84, and Jane Pitt, 83.

'Brad Pitt's parents have not been able to see their beloved grandchildren for around eight years amid the ongoing divorce and legal battle between Brad and Angelina,' an insider previously told DailyMail.com.

Brad, who commands $30 million per film, has a net worth of $400 million according to Celebrity Net Worth (pictured on the set of the F1 film in December)

Angelina, who is one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood earns between $20million and $35million per film. She is pictured in the 2015 film By The Sea, which saw Brad as her co-star

The doting grandparents had been a very present fixture in the children's lives before Brad's marriage broke down, with the duo often pictured enjoying quality time with them.

'Prior to the separation, they were a part of the kids' lives and they all spent a lot of time together,' the source continued. 'It is just heartbreaking to see that this is no longer the case.'

Brad and Angelina's fairytale marriage came to an end in 2016. It was alleged that Brad - accompanied by all six kids - became physically abusive on a plane.

Angelina claimed in court filings that Brad's 'history of physical abuse' started 'well before' the plane incident. The Maleficent actress also said her ex tried to force her to sign a $8.5 million NDA to cover up his 'years of abuse.'

Brad has always denied the claims of abuse and was cleared by law enforcement following an investigation.

According to a source, 'Brad has come clean about what happened on the plane and he has worked hard on himself, getting sober and becoming a better man.'

Angelina launched her own arts and fashion collective, Atelier Jolie, last year, but little is known about the company's finances (her New York City venture pictured here)

Brad has since moved on with Ines De Ramon, 39, who he currently lives with. Angelina, on the other hand, is currently single and focused on her career (Pitt and Ramon seen in NYC in September)

Brad has since got into a serious relationship with Ines de Ramon who he has been romantically linked to since 2022.

Although they kept their relationship private, in recent months they have made several red carpet appearances together and Brad is said to be 'in love' with the 28-year-old beauty.

'Brad is so grateful that he gets to leave all of this in the past as he starts a new year,' the insider tells DailyMail.com.

'It is true that he wants to take his relationship with Ines to the next level but they are not in any rush to do so. She is thrilled for him and has been super supportive of him through all of this.'

Brad's high-profiled romantic life has always been the topic of fascination.

Brad ended his marriage to Aniston, 55, in 2005 after meeting Angelina on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Three months after Aniston and Brad's separated, he was spotted on Kenya's Diani Beach with Angelina and her son Maddox.

Aniston's only encounter with Angelina occurred in 2004 on the Warner Bros. Studios lot in Burbank, California, where she was filming her hit NBC sitcom Friends.

'I pulled over and introduced myself. I said, "Brad is so excited about working with you. I hope you guys have a really good time!"' Aniston recalled in an interview with Vanity Fair in 2005.

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 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.

'Angelina is not a talking point between them and that will remain the same forever,' the insider revealed.
Joan Collins regards Donald Trump as a close friend, according to sources who say the Hollywood icon has 'never been shy about her love' for the politician.

The Dynasty star, 91, raised eyebrows this week after she was named as a pro-MAGA patriot while attending a 'pre-inauguration celebration' with right-wing friends.

The iconic actress was seen having a 'lovely dinner with friends' in a picture shared by conservative actor James Woods to his X account.

Seeing the star alongside Woods and other outspoken MAGA fanatics led many fans to share their surprise that Collins is associated with the group.

However, a source exclusively explained to DailyMail.com that it should come as 'no surprise at all' as the president-elect is one of her pals.

'To Joan, Donald is not just a former president and soon-to-be MAGA president...' the insider began. 'She has run in his circle for 40 years and they have so much love for one another.'

Joan Collins has 'never been shy about her love' for the Republican politician Donald Trump, sources tell DailyMail.com

Collins raised eyebrows this week as she was pictured at a dinner with MAGA loving celebrities including James Woods and John Voight

The source noted that Collins has openly praised Trump for helping to inspire her beloved Dynasty character, Alexis Carrington Colby.

'It is no secret that Joan modeled her infamous Alexis character on Dynasty after Donald,' the insider continued. 'She has discussed her inspiration countless times over the years and said it was half Donald Trump and half another friend of hers.

'She took Donald's "ruthlessness" for Alexis. Joan has never been shy about her love for Donald.'

The source also highlighted Collins' close relationship to both Trump and his late ex-wife, Ivanna.

The insider added: 'But it was not only Donald that is a huge part of her life but Donald's ex-wife Ivanna, Ivanka's mom. Joan and Ivanna were so beyond close and remained friends until Ivanna's death.

'Joan was heartbroken when Ivanna passed because she was one of the only people who truly got her. She never let Donald and Ivanna's divorce change her love and respect for each of them.'

Opening up about the British icon's decision to support her friend amid his political campaigns, the insider continued: 'Joan has always been quiet about her political affiliations because she does not believe this needs to be broadcast.'

DailyMail.com has contacted reps for Collins for comment.

The source noted Trump is 'one of her closest friends who has supported her throughout her life'

Collins previously shared how Trump (pictured together in 1989) was an 'inspiration' for her iconic character Alexis Carrington from hit show Dynasty

The source also highlighted how Collins has been close to both Trump and his late ex-wife, Ivanna

Collins' fifth husband Percy Gibson, 60, was also at the gathering which had started out as a 'post-Christmas dinner.'

Woods explained in the picture caption: 'It evolved from a post-Christmas dinner to a pre-Inauguration celebration. Not often in Hollywood you can be surrounded by patriots. What a joyous night.'

Also in attendance was actor Jon Voight, who is Angelina Jolie's father.

The star has made no secret of his love for Trump and was recently seen enjoying the election result at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago estate.

In 2017, while appearing on the Jonathan Ross show, Collins opened up about Trump being the inspiration for her character Alexis.

'I actually wrote about it years and years ago, that one of the people mentioned was Donald Trump,' she stated at the time.

Collins said she was drawn to Trump 'because he was a very harsh, tough, clever, devious and manipulative.'

The acting icon added that she had seen Trump several years before when she was buying an apartment in New York, and said the businessman was 'very interested' in her moving into Trump Tower.

The source added: 'She took Donald's 'ruthlessness' for Alexis. Joan has never been shy about her love for Donald'

'Thank god we didn't!' she added. 'You know what it's like now, you have to go through security.'

She opened up once again about the inspiration Trump provided for her character during a 'flirty' interview with Louis Theroux in November.

'I said when I was asked about my character Alexis, who did I think of when preparing, I said 'well a mixture of Donald Trump', who was not president then, he was just a businessman', and a friend of mine who was a very glamorous woman about town who was very clever, so I wanted to have a mixture of them,' she recalled.

Louis then asked what specific qualities of Trump she incorporated into the character, with the actress pinpointing his 'ruthlessness.'

But the Dame refused to be drawn into a discussion on politics saying: 'I am trying not to get involved politically. I am an actress so I don't think we should spout our political opinions.

Only to quip: 'Well let's say that if you played him in a movie people would say 'no, that's too over the top''.

British-born Collins has previously hailed the achievements of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Beloved New Zealand composer Martin Lodge has died only days after reaching his 70th birthday.

Well-known internationally, the musician and Professor passed away on December 18 at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022.

Lodge won acclaim amongst music lovers for incorporating traditional Maori instruments, rock music and computers into his compositions.

The Centre for New Zealand Music (Sounz) took to social media last month to pay tribute to the innovative composer.

'We are saddened to report the passing of treasured New Zealand composer Martin Lodge, who passed away peacefully in hospital earlier this week, having just celebrated his 70th birthday,' Sounz posted on Instagram.

Lodge, who was also a musicologist, was much admired figure at the University of Waikato where he taught for 27 years.

Beloved New Zealand composer Martin Lodge has died only days after reaching his 70th birthday. Lodge won acclaim amongst music lovers for incorporating traditional Maori instruments, rock music and computers into his compositions. (Pictured)

He was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor by the institution in 2023.

'Professor Lodge made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand music and the development of music at the University of Waikato,' the university posted in an official tribute in December.

Their obituary also noted: 'He also conceived, commissioned, and fundraised for the Universitys collection of traditional instruments, Te Kohinga Taonga Puoro.'

Lodge was also the first professor of music at the Uni of Waikato and was crucial to the development of music as a subject for academic research.

Born in Tauranga in 1953, Lodge began his career as a freelance composer after studying music and languages in New Zealand and in Australia at Sydney's Conservatorium of Music.

He later went on to become musician in residence at the University of Otago and composer in residence for the Auckland Philharmonia.

Lodge began his decades-long association at the University of Waikato in 1995.

His compositions have been regularly performed in New Zealand, North America and Europe, reported Sounz in their official biography of the composer.

Well-known internationally the teacher and musician passed away on December 18 at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022

His works includes pieces composed for Ogen Trio in New Zealand, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Among his best known pieces are Hinterland, composed in 1998 and Toru (2003) which was written for traditional Maori instruments as well as cello and clarinet.

He also recorded a CD of his music in 2011.

Lodge is survived by his wife, daughter Alexandra and son Maximillian and grandchildren Theodore and Winnie.

The New Zealand Herald's obituary added, 'He will be greatly mourned by many friends in Aotearoa and overseas, but none more so than his cherished siblings and their families; Trish (Auckland), Barbara (Queensland), Katrina (Geraldine) and Graeme (Tasmania).'
Mark Wahlberg shaved off his hair in a shocking transformation for his forthcoming movie Flight Risk, proving his dedication to the craft.

On Thursday, the 53-year-old actor took to Instagram to debut his bold new look in a behind-the-scenes video that followed the star along the shaving process and had viewers on the edge of their seats.

The video sees the Ted actor sitting in a barber's chair stoically while wearing a cape around his body as his hair stylist chipped away at his signature brunette locks.

'I'm a little worried but it's gonna come back,' the star said to the person filming. 'Oh yeah. F*ck you lookin at? ...It'll come off.'

By the end of the nail-biting video, Wahlberg had the front section of his hair and the crown shaved off.

He cheekily penned in the caption, 'Check out @flightriskmovie Keeping it real no bald cap NO CAP.'

Surprisingly, fans praised the devout Catholic for his unrecognizable, revamped style in the now-viral video claiming 'it suits him' and that he appears '20 years younger.'

Mark Wahlberg shaved off his hair in a shocking transformation for his forthcoming movie Flight Risk, proving his dedication to the craft, on Thusrday

The 53-year-old actor took to Instagram to debut his bold new look in a behind-the-scenes video

According to the movie's website, the forthcoming action-thriller sees Wahlberg act as pilot tasked with transporting a U.S. Marshal [Michelle Dockery] as they navigate the Alaskan wilderness en-route to New York City.

'That look suits you. Happy New Year Dawg!,' one wrote. Another chimed in, 'Nothing can disfigure a handsome man.'

Another insisted his clean shaven look made his appear younger, writing, 'You look 20 years younger brutha!!'

'Should be your new profile pic,' another follower said, adding a laughing emoji.

One user by the name of @rsulli14 quipped, 'More like Mark Baldberg,' making a play on the actors name.

Flight Risk is slated to hit theaters on January 24, 2025. The film's official website teases a suspenseful journey where 'tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.'

He previously shaved his head for the role back in late June of 2024 and surprised his wife Rhea Durham with the look, eliciting a 'priceless' reaction. At the time, he told People Magazine: 'No bald cap for me; we go all in.'

Explaining the shaving process he said: 'There was no bald cap. I shaved the middle and left the horseshoe around the sides. We just shaved it. [Crew hairdressers] would shave the top as close to the scalp as possible every day, obviously, because we didn't have any stubble or anything. So I just hid it with a hat,' he added.

The video sees the Ted actor sitting in a barber's chair stoically while wearing a cape around his body as his hair stylist chipped away at his signature brunette locks

'I'm a little worried but it's gonna come back,' the star said to the person filming. 'Oh yeah. F*ck you lookin at? ...It'll come off'

By the end of the nail-biting video, Wahlberg had the front section of his hair and the crown shaved off

Surprisingly, fans praised the devout Catholic for his unrecognizable, revamped style in the now-viral video claiming 'it suits him' and that he appears '20 years younger'

According to the movie's website, the forthcoming action-thriller sees Wahlberg act as pilot tasked with transporting a U.S. Marshal [Michelle Dockery] as they navigate the Alaskan wilderness

Back in June 2024, Wahlberg revealed that filming Flight Risk was as intense as the storyline, wrapping up production in a swift 22 days

Flight Risk is slated to hit theaters on January 24, 2025

Back in June 2024, Wahlberg revealed that filming Flight Risk was as intense as the storyline, wrapping up production in a swift 22 days.

The praised celebrity director Mel Gibson's for his directorial skills, telling People 'he knew exactly what he wanted,' which fast-tracked the filming process.

But after the quick filming, Wahlberg said he ditched the scalp-bearing change after only sporting it for a few weeks.

Later in the interview the actor opened up about disliking the time spent in the makeup chair because of the constant 'poking' and 'prodding.'

Instead, he prefers to focus on preparation beforehand and staying immersed in his role once filming begins.

He told the magazine: 'I don't like the makeup chair. I mean, I don't like touchups and all that stuff.'

'I kind of like to do all that prep and everything leading up to it. Then by the time we're actually working, I don't like to be kind of picked and poked and prodded. I like to kind of just do my thing.'

'For me, yeah, it's not fun. You know, hopefully I can just kind of become the character,' he added. 'Wearing a fake  either a wig or mustache, I always feel like it feels ridiculous.'

'That look suits you. Happy New Year Dawg!,' one wrote

Another chimed in, 'Nothing can disfigure a handsome man'

Another insisted his clean shaven look made his appear younger, writing, 'You look 20 years younger brutha!!'

'Should be your new profile pic,' another follower said, adding a laughing emoji

One user by the name of @rsulli14 quipped, 'More like Mark Baldberg,' making a play on the actors name

Wahlberg's smooth-scalped reinvention comes days after the actor looked hunky while enjoying a shirtless getaway

Wahlberg's smooth-scalped reinvention comes days after the actor looked hunky while enjoying a shirtless getaway at the Barbados five-star hotel resort, Sandy Lane.

The Massachusetts native frequently starts his days in the gym at 4am in order to keep his arms sinewy, his chest chiseled and his six-pack abs etched.

He enjoyed the tropical vacation alongside his wife Rhea and they packed on the PDA with their arms around each other in the ocean.

The A-list couple were first linked at a press junket in New York City back in 2001 their first date was attending mass together at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Jay-Z appears to be making progress in his ongoing legal battle against an Alabama woman who accuses him of sexually assaulting her more than 24 years ago.

Judge Analisa Torres on Thursday granted a request made by the legal team of the 55-year-old rapper, whose name is Shawn Carter, to enter a dismissal motion in the case.

'Carter's request to file a motion to dismiss Plaintiff's amended complaint is GRANTED,' Torres wrote in court documents posted by law journalist Meghann Cuniff on X/Twitter Thursday.

Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing the rapper's accuser - who identifies herself as Jane Doe in court documents - issued a December 31 response objecting to the request, which is due to the court by February 6.

The court stated that Jay-Z's accuser has until February 28 to 'file her opposition papers,' leaving Jay-Z and his team until March 14 to 'file his reply, if any.'

Cuniff noted that 'judges deciding dismissal motions are to assume the facts alleged are true' and that 'the arguments are about legal issues such as statute of limitations etc.'

Jay-Z, 55, appears to be making progress in his legal battle against a woman who accuses him of sexually assaulting her more than 24 years ago. The rapper was pictured in LA December 9

Jay-Z's attorney Alex Spiro said that the sexual assault case filed against the rapper earlier this month should be dismissed due to a number of issues linked to a combo of technicalities, expired deadlines, and the locations involved. Pictured in July in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Torres requires lawyers to seek the permission of the court prior to entering a motion filing, Cuniff said.

In court documents filed on December 30 by Jay-Z's legal team, led by attorney Alex Spiro, attorneys said that Jay-Z sent the plaintiff a message on December 19 flagging a number of issues they felt spurred a dismissal of the case, citing a combo of technicalities, expired deadlines, and the locations involved.

Jay-Z's legal team said that his accuser was 'required - but failed' to address the issued specified in the letter within a period of five business days, a timeframe which concluded December 27.

Spiro said Buzbee - who is representing the woman who says she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 55, when she was 13 - glossed over critical details that nullify the case, TMZ reported Monday after reviewing legal documents.

Jay-Z's accuser said she was assaulted by the rapper and Combs at an MTV Music Awards afterparty in September of 2000.

Spiro previously informed the court of his intention to file a dismissal motion, citing the timing of the events in question, as the legal statute the woman is suing under - the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act - had not been implemented until three months later in December of 2000, the outlet reported.

'The GMV Law was not enacted until December 19, 2000, three months after [Jay-Z's accuser] claims the conduct occurred, and cannot apply retroactively to create a cause of action unavailable to Plaintiff at the time in question,' Jay-Z's lawyers said in the December 30 filing.

They added that 'a contrary conclusion would violate both state and federal due process protections.'

The alleged incident took place at an MTV VMAs afterparty in September of 2000, Jay-Z's accuser said. The rapper pictured months earlier during a July 4 bash in the Hamptons

Jane Doe said in her legal filing she was living in Rochester in 2000 when she made her way to New York City and befriended a limousine driver who drove her to the party in a trek that took about 20 minutes.

Spiro said in court documents that the accuser has to prove that the alleged crimes were 'committed within New York City,' citing case law precedents including the 1999 lawsuit filed by the late Nicole Bass against the WWE.

The woman said in her legal filing she was living in Rochester in 2000 when she made her way to New York City and befriended a limousine driver who drove her to the party in a trek that took about 20 minutes.

Spiro told the court that the 20-minute travel time essentially ensures that the alleged incident did not occur in New York City, again invalidating the lawsuit.

Spiro said in court documents that the lawsuit was filed outside the statute of limitations, as any legal claims about the alleged assault eclipsed an August 2021 deadline under New York's Child Victims Act.

Buzbee told TMZ in a statement Monday, 'These are technical arguments being made and the law is clearly on our side and the side of alleged victims. The law is well settled that we are correct.'

In a response letter dated December 31, Buzbee said that 'neither the Second Circuit nor the New York Court of Appeals has endorsed this reading of the' Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act.

The attorney added that Jay-Z's team's argument as to the [issue involving the act] is unpersuasive, as it is contrary to the law's primary intention: to make it easier for victims of gender-motivated violence to seek civil remedies in court - not, as Defendant would have it, make it harder.'

Jay-Z was supported by mother-in-law Tina Knowles, 70, wife Beyonce, 43, and daughter Blue Ivy, 12, at the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere, a day after the suit was filed

Buzbee cited as precedent a 2022 case against actor Cuba Gooding Jr. in which the same court found that 'local antidiscrimination laws are generally not preempted by state law in New York.'

Buzbee said that the court had also 'rejected the very same argument' in a separate case this past September.

In regard to the claim on location, Buzbee said that Jay-Z's team is reliant 'on evidence outside of the pleadings' as 'discovery [is] not yet underway.'

Buzbee said that claims in the motion from Jay-Z's lawyers 'are procedurally improper and should be denied.'

Buzbee subsequently told Dailymail.com Monday, 'Mr. Spiro likes to send a lot of letters. I dont think any of them merit comment.'

The latest attempt to have the case dropped comes less than a week after a judge ruled Thursday that Jay-Z's accuser can proceed anonymously, for now, in her lawsuit against the rap moguls.

In her written order, Torres also chastised the lawyer representing Jay-Z for what she described as his combative motions and 'inflammatory language' against the plaintiff's lawyer, calling them inappropriate.

The Manhattan jurist said the woman can proceed anonymously at this early stage of the litigation, but she may be required to reveal her identity at a later date, if the case proceeds. That would allow defense lawyers to collect facts necessary to prepare for trial. Torres also cited 'substantial interest' from the public.

Jay-Z's latest filing took aim at attorney Tony Buzbee, who was pictured in Van Nuys, California earlier this year

Combs remains jailed in New York awaiting a criminal trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

He also faces a wave of sexual assault lawsuits, many of which were filed by the plaintiff's lawyer Buzbee, the Texas attorney who says his firm represents over 150 people, both men and women, who allege sexual abuse and exploitation by Combs.

The lawsuits allege many individuals were abused at parties in New York, California and Florida after receiving drug-laced drinks.

Combs' lawyers have dismissed Buzbee's lawsuits as 'shameless publicity stunts, designed to extract payments from celebrities who fear having lies spread about them, just as lies have been spread about Mr. Combs.'

Jay-Z has said in a statement that Buzbee is trying to blackmail him to settle the Alabama woman's allegations.

Spiro asked the judge to dismiss the entertainer from the woman's lawsuit and he requested a hearing on the case for the day after he made his requests in writing on December 18.

Citing an interview the plaintiff did on NBC-TV, Spiro wrote that the broadcast revealed 'glaring inconsistencies and outright impossibilities' in the plaintiff's story.

For one thing, the woman said she traveled for five hours from Rochester to watch the music awards show on a jumbotron outside the VMA even though permits and pictures show there was no jumbotron at the event.

Jay-Z's lawyers have cited a recent television interview with NBC News in which his accuser acknowledged inconsistencies in her story as a reason to toss the case

Spiro also noted that the woman's father has said he does not recall driving from Rochester to pick his daughter up in New York City, as she says he did. The woman has admitted inconsistencies in her story.

Torres wrote in her order Thursday that Spiro, who has been on the case less than three weeks, has submitted a 'litany of letters and motions attempting to impugn the character of Plaintiff's lawyer, many of them expounding on the purported "urgency" of this case.'

Referring to Jay-Z by his legal last name, the judge added: 'Carter's lawyers relentless filing of combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks is inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client. The Court will not fast-track the judicial process merely because counsel demands it.'

Jay-Z and Combs gained fame in the 2000s, emerging as wide-ranging entrepreneurs and two of the world's wealthiest rappers. Earlier this year, Forbes estimated Jay-Z's net worth to be $2.5 billion.

The artists have collaborated over the years, with Jay-Z featured on Combs' debut album, No Way Out and Combs appearing on Jay-Zs sophomore album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1.
Nosferatu (15, 132 mins)

Verdict: Gothic horror with bite

Rating:

When a new year in the cinema begins with a film as steeped in horror  and saturated in dread  as Nosferatu, it feels worryingly like a harbinger of things to come. But maybe that's just me. It's only a film. And a very good one.

It is a meticulous remake of the silent German picture of the same title, made in 1922.

Again, it might just be me, but it seems like a landmark of sorts that cinematic inspiration can now reach back a whole century or even more.

Not only that, but the 1922 film was released just 25 years after the publication of Bram Stoker's celebrated novel Dracula, on which it was based.

So this version feels umbilically connected to the original story.

Yet there might be some unhappy ghostly rumblings. Stoker had died by the time the movie came out but his wife Florence was very much alive to sue the producers for intellectual property theft.

She won. They were ordered to hand over all prints and negatives of the film, to be destroyed.

Happily, however, some survived. So here we are, with writer-director Robert Eggers enriching a list of credits that already includes The Witch (2015), The Lighthouse (2019) and The Northman (2022). He is a master of the creeps.

Lily-Rose Depp as Ellen Hutter in Nosferatu. This meticulous remake feels umbilically connected to the 1922 original

Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter. The performances are uniformly terrific, writes Brian Viner

Nosferatu is set mainly in a German coastal town, Wisborg, in 1838. Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) is the beautiful but mentally fragile new wife of devoted, guileless Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult), an estate agent employed by Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), a shifty fellow with much to be shifty about.

When Herr Knock tells Thomas that he needs him to travel to a distant land carrying details of a Wisborg property, the instructions are more ominous for us than for him.

The buyer, 'from a very old line of nobility', is a Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard).

He lives, says Herr Knock, in a 'small country... east of Bohemia... isolated in the Carpathian Alps'. Oh yikes! That sounds alarmingly like Transylvania. Such a shame that they can't just refer Orlok to Rightmove.

In his spooky castle, Orlok, otherwise known as the demonic vampire Nosferatu, has developed some sort of psychic connection with Ellen that stretches back to her adolescence. It is powerful enough to bring him all the way to Wisborg, along with an army of plague-ridden rats.

Soon, Orlok's evil has accounted for the Hutters' friends, the Hardings (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin), and he is casting his malevolence over everyone and everything.

There is a compelling image, replicated from the 1922 film, in which his shadow actually seems to consume the benighted town.

But it is Ellen alone he has come for, and only the eccentric Professor Von Franz (Willem Dafoe), an expert in the occult, seems to know what's going on.

Lily-Rose Depp as Ellen in a scene from Robert Eggers' Nosferatu

Ellen, played by Lily-Rose Depp with her new husband Thomas Hutter played by Nicholas Hoult

In a modern context Orlok is an obsessive stalker, yet Ellen seems to encourage him.

There's a potent sexual charge to this story, although not many would own up to being titillated by it. Anyone who does is best avoided.

The performances are uniformly terrific. Depp, the 25-year-old daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis, is superb, while Dafoe, in his third Eggers film, puts in his standard scene-stealing shift.

But most plaudits belong to Eggers, what you might call a sunny-side down director, who, as in his previous films, only more so, has created an uncompromisingly nightmarish world with consummate vision and painstaking skill.

We Live In Time (15, 108 mins)

Verdict: Decent weepie

Rating:

There is some hefty talent, too, behind We Live In Time, a romantic weepie starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, and directed by John Crowley, whose 2015 film Brooklyn was such a pleasure.

Pugh plays Almut, a Michelin-starred chef, while Garfield is Tobias, a middle-ranking executive who appears to have spent all his career with Weetabix  he's a cereal monogamist.

They meet when she accidentally hits him with her car, then in a fit of conscience accompanies him to the hospital.

Soon they are an item, having sweaty sex wherever they can. Then she gets ill, then pregnant, then gives birth, then gets ill again, all while trying to stay relevant as a top chef.

Florence Pugh as Almut Bruhl. It seemed a bit manipulative to have made the character a top chef

Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield are top actors on top form

Classic film on TV

Walk The Line (2005) One of the very best of the many music biopics made in the past 20 years, with Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon excelling as Johnny Cash and June Carter. Sunday, 10pm, BBC2 Advertisement

None of this is presented in a linear way. If it was, the story would be too hackneyed for even the (very high) quality of the acting to redeem it. But instead, it hops back and forth in time, like random memories. It's slickly done if at times a little too confusing for its own good.

More problematically, at least from where I was sitting, it's all ineffably middle-class, featuring one of those dinner parties that only seem to exist in the imagination of screenwriters (Nick Payne, in this instance), at which none of the highly educated, eloquent people around the table can complete a sentence without effing and blinding.

It also seems a bit manipulative to have made Almut a top chef, straining to tap into the fascination we're all meant to have with mortar-and-pestle celebrities.

Still, Pugh and Garfield are top actors on top form, and as for the time-hopping narrative, if you're going to rehash elements of Love Story then why not make it Story Love?

All films reviewed here are in cinemas now.

An inmate's torment - seen through his own eyes

Nickel Boys (12A, 140 mins)

Verdict: Powerful and original

Rating:

The first week of the year is a good time for novelty, and a couple of this week's releases have it in spades.

We Live In Time hops about in the lives of its two lovers, while Nickel Boys really goes to town, telling its story largely from the point-of-view of its protagonist  that's point-of-view in literal, physical terms, like seeing what Dustin Hoffman's Benjamin sees through his scuba mask in The Graduate.

With that as its great cinematic flourish, Nickel Boys presents a heck of a tale, about a so-called 'correction school' in segregated 1960s Florida, where the inmates are almost exclusively African-American boys.

Nickel Boys really goes to town, telling its story largely from the point-of-view of its protagonist Elwood (Ethan Herisse)

Our hero is Elwood (Ethan Herisse), whose sentence is a blatant miscarriage of justice. Through not just his experiences, but his actual eyes, we see that the institution is rotten to the core.

The warders beat, abuse and even murder the boys with impunity. Horrifyingly, if unsurprisingly, the place is based on an actual reform school in the Florida panhandle, which didn't close until 2011.

This powerful drama is adapted from Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Nickel Boys by director and co-writer RaMell Ross.

He could have cut the length by 25 minutes or so but has nevertheless done a hugely impressive job.
Maya Jama has reportedly been secretly dating Manchester City star Ruben Dias for a month, after catching his eye when they first met at the European Music Awards.

The presenter, 30, made a huge splash at the awards show when she arrived in Elizabeth Hurley's iconic safety pin dress.

Now sources are claiming that Dias, who also attended the awards, was equally taken by Maya's racy look, and after swapping numbers, their romance has heated up in the weeks since.

A source told The Sun: 'Maya and Ruben swapped details at the EMAs and have chatted since, but things went up a gear in early December.

'When Ruben got injured and had to miss the congested new year fixtures, he jumped at the chance to see in 2025 with Maya in Spain. Spending New Year's Eve together was a real step forward in their relationship.

'They get on really well and obviously make a gorgeous couple, but it's early days.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Maya Jama and Ruben Dias for comment.

Maya Jama has reportedly been secretly dating Manchester City star Ruben Dias for a month, after she caught his eye by Liz Hurley's iconic safety pin dress at the MTV EMAs

Sources claim that Dias, who also attended the awards, was equally taken by Maya's racy look, and after swapping numbers, their romance has heated up in the weeks since

Maya and Ruben's romance was first revealed when a social media snap emerged that showed them celebrating the New Year together in Ibiza.

While Maya did share a racy snap on her Stories while celebrating the New Year, she didn't post any images with Dias.

Just last month, Maya shared a huge hint that she's serious about her romance with Manchester City star Ruben.

Discussing her hopes for 'marriage and kids' in a recent interview, the Love Island host admitted that she 'didn't need anyone' and would only date with intention.

The pair were pictured celebrating the New Year together in Ibiza this week after first been linked in November.

Speaking to the The Evening Standard last month, Maya explained: 'I am so happy right now but the next person I meet I want to marry and have kids with, so obviously Im feeling fussy.

'Ive created such a nice life for myself alone and I dont want anyone whos not going to add to that.

'Im in this lovely bubble and I dont want you unless you make me happy. If youre not, I kind of dont need you.'

Maya and Ruben's romance was first revealed when a social media snap emerged that showed them celebrating the New Year together in Ibiza

Maya announced her split from rapper Stormzy in July, after taking to Instagram with a joint statement stating: 'We fell madly in love in 2014, broke up in 2019, and the spent five years manoeuvring life apart.

They confirmed the breakup was 'final' after previously going their separate ways following a five year relationship in 2019 and reconnecting in August 2023.

While it was thought the couple split after disagreements over when to settle down, with Stormzy more of a homeboy and Maya more career driven, last month she confirmed this wasn't the case.

After photos emerged of the rapper, 31, his new girlfriend Victoria Monet, Maya took to Instagram to take the opportunity to say that the narrative 'that I don't want to settle down and have kids is a lieeeee.'

It had been reported that the former couple broke up because Maya was keen to focus on her career instead of settle down with the 'homebody' rapper.

Meanwhile Dias previously dated Love Island star Arabella Chi for three months, before he reportedly dumped her in the New Year of 2024. Arabella went onto appear on Love Island: All Stars just weeks later.

They met through mutual friends and tried to keep the romance under wraps, but were rumbled when they shared posts of the Eiffel Tower in November 2023.
Dina Broadhurst made sure to dress to the nines as she celebrated in style on New Year's Eve.

The 'nude' artist, 46, took to Instagram on Thursday to give an insight into her festivities as she rang in 2025 with her friends.

For the occasion, Dina pulled out all the stops as she showed off her incredible figure in a white satin mini dress with a daringly low neckline that gave a flash of side boob.

She put on a very leggy display in a pair of heeled mint green 60s-style gogo boots while she toted her essentials in a black Prada handbag.

Dina struck a series of sultry poses as she snapped photographs of herself in the mirror before posing with her pals at her home.

The group then all headed out for a fun-filled night out on a boat, where a DJ played as they rang in the New Year watching the fireworks.

Dina Broadhurst made sure to dress to the nines as she took to Instagram to give an insight into how she celebrated in style on New Year's Eve

For the occasion, Dina pulled out all the stops as she showed off her incredible figure in a white satin mini dress with a daringly low neckline that gave a flash of side boob

They proved to have the prime viewing spot to watch the Sydney Harbour Bridge fireworks as Dina shared a video of the spectacle.

Dina simply captioned her post: '2025 youre welcome,' as she marked the end of 2024.

Just before Christmas, Dina set tongues wagging when she was spotted on a friendly beach outing with her ex-boyfriend Max Shepherd.

The two had dated for four-and-a-half years until 2023 when they amicably parted ways.

Property developer Max, 31, moved on with US-based Vanderpump Rules star Vail Bloom, while Dina briefly dated Winning Appliances heir John Winning Jr.

Earlier this month, Dina joined Max and another female friend for a sunbathing session at Kutti Beach, a half hour's drive from the luxury apartment the exes own together.

It was so sweltering hot that afternoon that Dina whipped off her red bikini top, leaving almost nothing to the imagination in a pair of tie-side bottoms.

When approached about their unexpected reunion, Dina and Max both said they were good friends and were currently working together to sell their property.

She put on a very leggy display in a pair of heeled mint green 60s-style gogo boots while she toted her essentials in a black Prada handbag

Dina struck a series of sultry poses as she snapped photographs of herself in the mirror before enjoying a night out on a boat party

Dina appeared to be in jovial spirits as she was joined by her close friends for their New Year's Eve festivities

The exes have listed the lavish unit they used to share in Sydney's Darling Point, putting it on the market for a whopping $11.5million.

They bought the three-bedroom, two-bathroom harbourside pad in 2022 for $5.2million before overseeing an ambitious renovation.

Construction took two years to complete and involved a complete interior demolition, but it was not to become the couple's forever home.

Max and Dina, who share a 15-year age gap, called time on their relationship last year, having first got together in 2018.

A source confirmed the break-up to Daily Mail Australia at the time.

Afterwards, Max jetted off to Europe to nurse his broken heart on several luxury superyachts.

Max last appeared on Dina's social media accounts in February 2023. His last post of her came in December 2022.

After the break-up, Dina moved on with multimillionaire refrigerator heir John Winning Jr., after the pair had known each other for some time.

Just before Christmas, Dina set tongues wagging when she was spotted on a friendly beach outing with her ex-boyfriend Max Shepherd (both pictured)

But after eight months of dating, the art collector came to the realisation their lifestyles were not compatible.

They broke up just hours before Dina made a solo appearance at Bernadette Fahey's wedding.

Dina and John Jr. have since unfollowed each other on Instagram.

Dina made a name for herself in the Australian art world by leaving little to the imagination in her provocative Helmut-meets Kim-Kardashian-creations.
Offset has reportedly moved on with a new woman after he was spotted in Dubai with Atlanta-based model, Melanie Jayda, this week.

In video and photos obtained by TMZ, the rapper was seen enjoying a shopping excursion with Jayda on Wednesday and visited a Chanel store - where they left with a whopping $100k in purchases.

His latest outing comes shortly after his ex, Cardi B, urged him to sign their divorce papers during an online spat before Christmas.

The music artist, 33, traveled to Dubai to perform over the New Year's holiday - and invited the model to join him for the festivities.

Sources informed TMZ that the pair have only been dating for 'a couple of weeks' - and are not yet serious.

The Swing My Way hitmaker has been enjoying Melanie's 'company' and 'vibe' amid their new romance.

Offset, 33, has reportedly moved on with a new woman after he was spotted in Dubai with Atlanta-based model, Melanie Jayda, this week; seen in September 2024 in Atlanta

His latest outing comes shortly after his ex, Cardi B, urged him to sign their divorce papers during an online spat before Christmas; former couple seen in 2020 in Beverly Hills

In a clip obtained by the outlet, Jayda could be seen inside a shop alongside Offset as she looked at a patterned scarf.

She donned a gray, halter-styled top as well as a fitted, gray skirt that clung to her frame and fell down towards her ankles.

The Migos rapper was seen opting for a pair of black trousers and a dark gray shirt while also looking at items.

In a separate excursion as they explored the city together, the duo were seen taking a look inside a few other stores.

Melanie kept it casual wearing a sleeveless, black and white-striped maxi dress while her locks were swept up into a chic up do.

Offset's reported new relationship with the model comes amid his ongoing divorce from ex Cardi B - whom he tied the knot with during a private ceremony in September 2017.

The former couple share three children: daughter Kulture, six, son Wave, three, and a baby girl born in September 2024.

The Bodak Yellow rapper filed for divorce from Offset last year in July after nearly seven years of marriage amid cheating rumors - which he denied. In her filing, she requested 'primary custody' of their two children.

Sources informed TMZ that Offset and Jayda have only been dating for 'a couple of weeks' - and are not yet serious; rapper seen in November 2024 in L.A.

Offset's reported new relationship with the model comes amid his ongoing divorce from ex Cardi B - whom he tied the knot with during a private ceremony in September 2017; seen in 2023 in NYC

At the time, a source told Page Six, 'They've grown apart. That's what drove her to this decision more than anything else. This is something she wants to do.'

A representative for Cardi B also informed People that the divorce is, 'not based on cheating rumors, but rather has been a long time coming.'

A close pal of the beauty also told the outlet that the pair's divorce is, 'something that they had been discussing and talking about for a while...'

The same day it was revealed Cardi had filed for divorce, she announced she was pregnant with her third child.

However most recently, the exes got into yet another heated online spat which saw Cardi demanding Offset sign their divorce papers 'TODAY.'

The bitter argument, which erupted on X but has since been deleted, appeared to begin after Cardi seemingly brought him with her X Space followers, prompting him to take the conversation onto his own platform.

He urged her to cease the drama and focus on her music: 'Nobody wins when the fam fight stop capping to these ppl to make yourself look like the hoe it ain't the look u a fire women good music but u focus on d**k and tryna make me look bad focus bra this s**t is whack from us both honestly.'

Offset further tweeted, 'Drop the album and go up.'

However most recently, the exes got into yet another heated online spat which saw Cardi demanding Offset sign their divorce papers 'TODAY'; seen in 2019

Cardi hit back with a fiery response where she urged him to officially end their marriage. 'So dating because I'm single means I'm just worried about d**k??'

'You sound like a dummy.. trying to be fake nice after you did what you wanted from the beginning trying to push a narrative to these people. Congratulations!! F**k off and sign the papers TODAY,' she responded.

Offset then said he will move forward with signing their documents once she agrees to split custody of their children.

'When you split the custody I will u ain't worried bout music u worried about d**k everybody can see it all u talk about us d**k and in clubs burnt no music no nothing just drama,' he replied.

Offset followed up with: 'Single and miserable check to last 10 spaces u mention me (laughing crying emoji) u getting hit th at the flex tho (laughing crying emoji) get ya flex on ma ma.'

But Cardi assured Offset she wasn't 'single and miserable', taunting him for allegedly believing she'd have no options as a 30-something mother of three.

'I don't bother none of the hoes you f**k but every guy I talk to you dming and talkin s**t about me like let's not!' she added.

Offset then said he will move forward with signing their documents once she agrees to split custody of their children; seen in December 2024 in Georgia

Cardi B was seen twerking at the party which took place at a Miami strip club - and later clarified their status during a livestream on X Spaces

The star filed for divorce for a second time on July 31 of last year after doing so the first time in September 2020.

Last month in December, the pair seemed to be on good terms when she supported Offset at his 33rd birthday bash.

Cardi B was seen twerking at the party which took place at a Miami strip club - and later clarified their status during a livestream on X Spaces.

'We've been peaceful for over a week, so we like the energy,' she told her fans, according to The Jasmine Brand.

'We ain't beefin'. We ain't really speaking. So I think we're getting to a point that is - we're really healthy co-parenting.'

The mother-of-three performed the night club in Miami called E11EVEN on New Year's Eve (seen above)

While Offset whisked himself away to Dubai over the New Year's holiday amid his reported new romance, Cardi B also kept busy to ring in 2025.

The mother-of-three performed the night club in Miami called E11EVEN on New Year's Eve.

She dressed of the occasion wearing a figure-hugging gown that was made of a semi-sheer, black corset bodice and a green velvet skirt.

A thigh high slit could be seen on the front for a sultry flare while her long locks flowed down past her shoulders in elegant waves.
Georgia Harrison revealed her secret hunky boyfriend on Instagram on Thursday as she shared a gallery of loved-up snaps of the pair on holiday in Columbia.

The former Love Island star revealed in October that she had sparked up a relationship with someone who is not in the public eye.

Previously Georgia, who found love again eight months after dating Anton Danyluk on Love Island All Stars, had kept her new man's identity covered as she posed for photos hiding his face.

Now the Celebrity SAS winner looked happier than ever as she posed for cosy snaps with her new boyfriend Jack while on holiday as she gushed that she is happy her year ended with him.

She wrote: 'Feliz ano nuevo 2024 has been a roller coaster but none of that matters because it ended here with you. 

'Colombia is incredible couldnt recommend it more sending so much love to you all. Trust the process , its coming'.

Georgia Harrison revealed her secret hunky boyfriend on Instagram on Thursday as she shared a gallery of loved-up snaps of the pair on holiday in Columbia

The former Love Island star revealed in October that she had sparked up a relationship with someone who is not in the public eye and had kept her new man's identity covered

Georgia looked incredible in one snap wearing a plunging blue glittering dress which boasted fringe detailing as she sat next to Jack who donned a black T-shirt and beige trousers.

In another photo, the couple were seen at the airport as they jetted off in their matching grey tracksuits.

Jack was seen pushing Georgia on the luggage trolley along with their suitcases as she gleefully threw her arm in the air.

While exploring the country, the couple couldn't contain their smiles as they posed for a photo together in the street while hugging.

The reality star kept comfortable in a white maxi dress and trainers while her new man donned a T-shirt and black shorts.

Enjoying some down time from site seeing, Georgia soaked up the sun topless and drank tequila shots.

She showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a blue floral bikini as she worked on her bronzed tan while lying on a rooftop sun lounger.

Discussing her new man, she previously told The Sun that he is 'out of the public eye', explaining: 'It's really refreshing and he's very grounded.

'It's not something I've been shouting from the rooftops yet but it's going really, really well, and I'm really enjoying my time with him.'

Now the Celebrity SAS winner looked happier than ever as she posed for cosy snaps with her new boyfriend Jack while on holiday as she gushed that she is happy her year ended with him

Georgia looked incredible in a plunging blue glittering dress which boasted fringe detailing as she also posed for solo snaps during the trip

Enjoying some down time from site seeing, Georgia soaked up the sun topless and drank tequila shots

She showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a blue floral bikini as she worked on her bronzed tan

She wrote: 'Feliz ano nuevo 2024 has been a roller coaster but none of that matters because it ended here with you.  Trust the process , its coming'

Adding that she feels she can be 'completely and utterly myself' when she's around him, Georgia concluded: 'For the first time in a while, I've met someone that I do think is a really good person and I enjoy being around.'

Georgia's last known relationship was a brief fling with Anton Danyluk, whom she met on Love Island: All Stars in January. They split in April.

Prior to that, she admitted that she had also dated Jake McLean, who died in a car accident in 2022.

The reality star also famously dated Celebrity Big Brother winner Stephen Bear.

She was left devastated after Bear secretly filmed them during an intimate moment and shared the video online.

After being found guilty of voyeurism and two counts of disclosing private, sexual photos and films, Bear was sentenced to 21 months in prison in March 2023. He was released in January.

Georgia has since become a political campaigner to fight revenge porn incidents.

Georgia famously dated Celebrity Big Brother winner Stephen Bear who was sentenced to 21 months in prison in March 2023 after secretly filming them having sex and posting it online

Georgia's last known relationship was a brief fling with Anton Danyluk, whom she met on Love Island: All Stars in January. They split in April

She was recently crowned champion of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins alongside ro boxer Lani Daniels abd revealed the gruelling experience helped her overcome trauma.

Experts gushed the pair had 'outshone the men' as they were the last two standing following gruelling weeks of SAS winter warfare training.

Georgia told The Mirror: '[The experience] made me a lot stronger and it was almost like an actual turning point in my life to really overcome all the trauma and challenge I've been through the year before'.

'I'm like "Right this is my time to come back fighting, come back stringer and move into a whole new era of my life"'.
Brad Pitt and girlfriend Ines de Ramon enjoyed a 'private' winter getaway to Carmel, California for the holidays.

The actor, 61, spent the holidays with the jewelry designer, 32, in the charming coastal city on the Monterey Peninsula, after he wrapped filming of F1, his upcoming action movie about Formula 1 drivers.

'He loves it up there,' a source told People of Brad  who recently finalized his bitter eight-year divorce with Angelina Jolie, 49  adding, 'It's very private for them.'

Brad and Ines  who was previously married to Paul Wesley, 42  have been linked since late 2022.

It comes amid claims that Brad's girlfriend pushed him to finalize his divorce so they could 'have a life' and children together.

An insider close to the actor told Page Six that Ines 'influenced' him to 'settle' with Jolie in order to make 'progress in the right direction.'

Brad Pitt, 61, and girlfriend Ines de Ramon, 32, enjoyed a 'private' winter getaway to Carmel, California for the holidays; They are pictured in 2024 in Venice, Italy

It comes amid claims that Brad's girlfriend pushed him to finalize his bitter eight-year divorce with Angelina Jolie, 49; Jolie seen in 2024 in Italy

'He was influenced by Ines to finally settle,' the source said. 'Ines wants to have a life together  with possibly children in the future  without the albatross that was the eight-year War of the Roses.'

The insider added, 'She has made [it known that] her opinion is that life would be much more enjoyable with this settled.'

A 'relieved' Pitt is also looking to get married again in 2025 to his new love insiders told DailyMail.com.

Ms Jolie's lawyer has said that his client has been left 'exhausted' by the eight-year fight - but her former partner has been left equally weary because he believes she has been 'dragging her feet'.

The Hollywood stars officially signed off on their divorce paperwork on Monday in a wrangle that began in 2016.

Despite the grief of becoming estranged from at least three of their six children, Brad has found love with Ines, who may even be planning to have a family herself.

A Hollywood insider with links to Team Pitt told DailyMail.com: 'They are looking to get married in the next year and Brad has settled because he wants to keep his children on side for his new marriage to go ahead.'

'Apparently Ines is keen to have children too and pressured him to get it all sorted out as soon as possible'.

Brad and Ines began dating almost two years ago and later moved in together. He is said to have introduced her to his close circle, which includes best friend George Clooney.

The actor spent the holidays with the jewelry designer after he wrapped filming of F1, his upcoming action movie about Formula 1 drivers; seen in 2024 in NYC

'He loves it up there,' a source told People of Brad and his love for the charming coastal city on the Monterey Peninsula, adding, 'It's very private for them'; seen in 2024 in NYC

'Brad will be relieved that he can finally move on and marry again. He has wanted his divorce settled long before now but he believes Angelina has been dragging her feet', another LA insider told MailOnline.

'Angelina will argue she has been fighting for the best deal for their family, but whatever the truth, it ultimately clears the path for him walking down the aisle with Ines'.

The source added: 'He will hope that he can build bridges with his children now that the divorce is finalised, but that looks like a long hard road'.

Last month a source made it crystal clear that he is serious about her - and marrying again when the divorce from Angelina goes through.

'Brad is interested in getting married again, and it is all thanks to Ines', the insider declared to DailyMail.com.

'He is so comfortable with her that it just feels right with her, and he would be more than okay to make it official.'

The source noted that Ines has the seal of approval from Brad's close circle.

'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', the source went on.

'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 predicted that an engagement will likely take place in the New Year as they stated: 'It is time and 2025 is going to be the moment he will get engaged to her.'

Brad and Ines  who was previously married to Paul Wesley, 42  have been linked since late 2022; seen in 2024 in NYC

Ines reportedly 'influenced' Brad to finalize his divorce so they could 'have a life' and children together a source told Page Six; Brad seen with Angelina in 2009

They reached a settlement and signed divorce papers on Monday, December 30, but are still disputing over their $62million Chateau Miraval; Angelina and Brad seen in 2007

Meanwhile, after eight years, the 'Brangelina' divorce saga is done and dusted.

Ms Jolie's divorce lawyer James Simon told DailyMail.com that his client is 'relieved this one part is over.'

'Frankly, Angelina is exhausted,' he 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', Mr Simon added.

The former couple, best known as 'Brangelina', share three biological children - Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16 - as well as their adopted children Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, and Zahara, 19.

Since their parents' bitter split, Zahara, Shiloh and Vivienne have all dropped Pitt from their last name. It has been reported that Maddox and Pax do not talk to their father - while it is believed that Knox and Vivienne still speak 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, 61, 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.

Despite the divorce breakthrough, the Chateau Miraval dispute rages on. Both sides have said they would be willing to take the Miraval case to a jury trial or mediation, a source told DailyMail.com.

The former couple, best known as 'Brangelina', share three biological children - Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16 - as well as their adopted children Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, and Zahara, 19; Angelina seen with their kids in 2019

Jolie filed to end the marriage in September of 2016, just two years after tying the knot. They had dated 10 years before they decided to get married.

It has since been alleged that the couple and their six children had taken a private plane days prior to her filing in which Pitt had become physically abusive.

Jolie claimed in court filings that Pitt's 'history of physical abuse' started 'well before' the plane incident. The Maleficent actress also said her ex tried to force her to sign a $8.5 million NDA to cover up his 'years of abuse'.

Pitt has always denied the claims of abuse and was cleared by law enforcement following an investigation.
With Tom Holland confirmed to return in a fourth Spider-Man movie from Marvel Studios, rumors have started surfacing that Andrew Garfield may join him.

Garfield, 41, played Peter Parker in 2012's The Amazing Spider-Man and the 2014 sequel The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

He also joined his predecessor Tobey Maguire and Holland in 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home, which explained that both Maguire and Garfield's versions of Peter Parker exist in different planets of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's multiverse.

Now that the link between all of the Spider-Man franchise has been established, fans have been wondering if they may return in this upcoming sequel.

During an exetensive cover story interview with GQ, Garfield did his best to quell the rumors of his return.

However, he's well aware that most may not believe him... since he did in fact lie about returning for No Way Home for years before the film's release.

With Tom Holland confirmed to return in a fourth Spider-Man movie from Marvel Studios, rumors have started surfacing that Andrew Garfield may join him.

He also joined his predecessor Tobey Maguire and Holland in 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home, which explained that both Maguire and Garfield's versions of Peter Parker exist in different planets of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's multiverse

'Im gonna disappoint you. Yeah, no. But I know no ones gonna trust anything I say from now on,' he said.

Still, the actor would not be averse to returning to a big superhero or a similar studio franchise in the future.

'If it felt in line with my soul and was gonna be fun. Maybe I'm gonna have like five kids at some point, and I'm gonna need to start saving up for the school tuition or something,' Garfield joked.

He also denied a rumor that he was going to play Jesus in a Martin Scorsese film, adding, 'There was a rumour. Its not true to my knowledge.'

'I like working as well. You cant just keep waiting for Scorsese to call, cause he makes a movie every three years and a lot of the time Leo DiCaprio is in it,' he admitted.

Garfield admitted back in October that he was 'really scared' about all of the attention he got after lading the Peter Parker/Spider-Man role.

He decided to counter his fame by making some rather drastic changes in his life, including his appearance.

'With all the Spider-Man stuff, I kind of had this allergic response. I was like like, "I know Im not ready for this, in a way. I know Im not ready for this level of scrutiny,"' he admitted.

'Im gonna disappoint you. Yeah, no. But I know no ones gonna trust anything I say from now on,' he said

Still, the actor would not be averse to returning to a big superhero or a similar studio franchise in the future

He also denied a rumor that he was going to play Jesus in a Martin Scorsese film, adding, 'There was a rumour. Its not true to my knowledge'

'So Im gonna grow a really horrible beard, and Im gonna wear really f***ed up clothes, and Im gonna chase down paparazzi and try and talk to them,' he said.

He even admitted to asking some of the photographers, 'Why are you doing this?' during their encounters.

Garfield returned to the big screen after a three-year hiatus last year with his critically-acclaimed film We Live In Time with Florence Pugh.

He also has Luca Guadagnino's After The Hunt in post-production, starring alongside Julia Roberts and Ayo Edibiri.
Antonia Kidman made sure to turn heads as she hit the beach in Sydney with her daughter Sybella on Thursday.

The younger sister of Nicole Kidman, 54, put her incredible figure on display as she stripped down to a black bikini for a swim in the ocean.

She showed off her fresh-faced beauty and swept her brunette locks back into a high ponytail as she cooled off with a dip in the sea amid the balmy climes.

The lawyer later covered up with a white shirt and swept a pink towel over her shoulders as she carried her essentials in a large black bag.

She shielded her face from the bright sunshine with a white wide-brimmed sunhat and carried her white thongs in one hand while walking barefoot.

Antonia was seen chatting with her daughter Sybella, 17, who sported a pink and yellow bikini as she joined her mother for a swim.

Antonia Kidman made sure to turn heads as she hit the beach in Sydney with her daughter Sybella on Thursday

The younger sister of Nicole Kidman, 54, showed off her incredible figure as she stripped down to a black bikini for a swim in the ocean

They were also accompanied by Antonia's husband Craig Marran, who cut a casual figure in a long-sleeved navy T-shirt and cream board shorts.

He shielded his eyes with a pair of dark shades and sported a beige cowboy hat as he carried their beach essentials down on to the sand.

Antonia shares Sybella, another daughter Lucia, 26, and two sons Hamish, 23, and James, 21, with late businessman Angus Hawley, who died in 2015.

She also has two younger sons Nicholas, ten, and Alexander, eight, with her second husband Craig.

Antonia spent the Christmas period with her actress sister Nicole and her family in Sydney.

Nicole and her husband Keith Urban flew Down Under with their daughters Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith Margaret, 14, to reunite with the rest of the Kidman clan.

It was a bittersweet occasion as it was the first Christmas since Nicole and Antonia's beloved mother Janelle passed away in September.

Janelle died at the age of 84 - just hours before Nicole was awarded the Best Actress gong for her role in Babygirl at the Venice Film Festival.

She showed off her fresh-faced beauty and swept her brunette locks back into a high ponytail as she cooled off with a dip in the sea amid the balmy climes

The lawyer later covered up with a white shirt and swept a pink towel over her shoulders as she carried her essentials in a large black bag

She was also joined by her husband Craig Marran, who cut a casual figure in a long-sleeved navy T-shirt and cream board shorts

Antonia just spent the holidays with her actress sister Nicole, 56, in their first Christmas since their mother Janelle (pictured with Nicole in 2018) died in September aged 84

The Kidman family have all rallied around each other since Janelle's passing and enjoyed some low-key Christmas festivities together in Sydney.

Nicole, Keith and their daughters then flew back to the United States - where they live in Nashville - before New Year's Eve.

Keith performed at Nashville's Big Bash to ring in 2025 while Nicole surprised fans by joining him on stage during the concert.

It was a shake-up from their usual routine as they normally celebrate New Year's Eve in Sydney and watch the Harbour Bridge fireworks from their lavish apartment.

However, they are instead spending the first few days of 2025 in the States ahead of Nicole's hotly-anticipated appearance at the Golden Globes on January 5.

She is nominated in the Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture category for her acclaimed role in steamy age-gap romance Babygirl.

The veteran silver screen star already holds five Golden Globe awards and is hoping to add another to her collection.
Jersey Shore star Angelina Pivarnick is seemingly changing her story about a violent altercation that happened during a Christmas show.

The 38-year-old reality star was part of a group that attended Brandon Voss Secret Santa show in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City last week.

The group was reportedly so disruptive to the staff and performers - with the report claiming one person even punched a 3-foot-6-inch performer - that the cops were called.

Pivarnick's lawyer John J. Zidziunas told Page Six on Wednesday that she had 'a wonderful time' at the event and was not, 'involved in any misconduct.'

However, just a day later, Page Six has now obtained video of the aftermath of the altercation that shows Pivarnick complaining that the show's staffers, 'put their hands on me' while one of her friends admitted to 'standing on a chair.'

Zidziunas released another statement on Thursday that paints a slightly different picture of the night than his original statement.

Jersey Shore star Angelina Pivarnick is seemingly changing her story about a violent altercation that happened during a Christmas show

The 38-year-old reality star was part of a group that attended Brandon Voss Secret Santa show in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City last week

'What began as a fun night unfortunately turned into a debacle when employees from this pop-up venue allegedly began verbally harassing Angelina and members of her group, and even escalated the matter by putting their hands on Angelina,' Zidziunas said in a statement after being informed of the video, which was not made public.

'Once her boundary was crossed, Angelina voiced her concerns and sought assistance from security to call law enforcement to de-escalate the conflict created by the venues staff,' the attorney added.

'She was completely sober at all times and the video will show her thanking security for calling the police if audio is available,' he added.

The video allegedly shows PIvarnick telling cops she wanted to file a police report on the venue, though her friend who was standing on a chair was not pleased.

'Angelina, are you fking serious? What are you filing a report for? For me standing up on a chair?' the friend said, though Pivarnick responded, 'Its not about you!'

Part of the show involves performers interacting with the audience, with 3-foot-6-inch performer Katrina Kemp said a member of the group punched and squeezed her stomach, though Kemp couldn't identify the person since they were wearing a mask.

Another account reveals someone in the group tried to pull a blonde wig off another performer, with Voss claiming police were called when security couldn't get them to leave the building.

The video also apparently shows Pivarnick saying she wanted to fill out a police report, though she didn't want to do so at the station, or fill one out online.

'What began as a fun night unfortunately turned into a debacle when employees from this pop-up venue allegedly began verbally harassing Angelina and members of her group, and even escalated the matter by putting their hands on Angelina,' Zidziunas said in a statement after being informed of the video, which was not made public

'Once her boundary was crossed, Angelina voiced her concerns and sought assistance from security to call law enforcement to de-escalate the conflict created by the venues staff,' the attorney added

The video allegedly shows PIvarnick telling cops she wanted to file a police report on the venue, though her friend who was standing on a chair was not pleased.

Voss responded to Pivarnick's claims, stating, 'No one put their hands on her. They may have touched her shoulder They asked her to step out, and we had to call the police. She wasnt cooperating with security. Rather than physically touching her, we called the police'

Voss responded to Pivarnick's claims, stating, 'No one put their hands on her. They may have touched her shoulder They asked her to step out, and we had to call the police. She wasnt cooperating with security. Rather than physically touching her, we called the police.'

Still, Zidziunas is maintaining his client's innocence, adding, 'Angelina stands by her position that the video evidence will clearly demonstrate she acted appropriately and did nothing improper or illegal that night. The footage will also confirm that she never had physical contact with anyone what matters here is that Angelina never personally acted illegal or improper.'

'Throughout the incident, Angelina remained committed to protecting her own safety while handling the situation responsibly. Its sad when others feel they can mock and provoke someone for being a public figure and they can victimize themselves if the situation escalates. The police thankfully filed a report and Angelina reserves all rights to take legal action,' the lawyer said.

However, an NYPD spokesperson said, 'there are no complaint reports on file' for the evening in question.
Jennifer Aydin's viral meltdown at a Jersey Mike's Subs has sparked an equally fiery response from an alleged employee of the chain who claims to have witnessed the chaos firsthand.

The drama unfolded when the Real Housewives of New Jersey star, 47, filmed herself venting in line at the sandwich shop, loudly declaring, 'I'm a f*****g celebrity' and hurling insults at an employee she described as an '80-year-old.'

As Aydin's outburst made waves online, a TikTok user, @amxndaa.x, who appeared to be wearing a Jersey Mike's uniform, posted her own expletive-laden reaction.

In the video, she begins, 'I really hope this stupid b***h has TikTok. I really hope I come up on your 'For You' page, b***h. I hope you recognize me.'

The employee went on to allege that Aydin caused delays by holding up the line, struggling to decide what to order, and even placing orders for people who weren't in line.

'Like, girl, that's not how that works,' she said pointedly.

Jennifer Aydin 's viral meltdown at a Jersey Mike's Subs has sparked an equally fiery response from an alleged employee of the chain who claims to have witnessed the chaos firsthand

As Aydin's outburst made waves online, a TikTok user, @amxndaa.x, who appeared to be wearing a Jersey Mike's uniform, posted her own expletive-laden reaction

According to @amxndaa.x, tensions escalated when employees told Aydin she needed to rejoin the line to order additional items.

That's when the reality star allegedly 'started tweaking,' shouting about her 'celebrity' status, threatening lawsuits, and recording the staff.

'She starts recording all of us, and she posts it,' the employee said, adding a final piece of advice for Aydin: 'Learn how to order.'

The TikTok user captioned her emotional video, 'I'm so pissed because we literally can't say s*** to they [sic] face.'

In the original video obtained by a Bravo fan account, Aydin, said she was 'so mad' at waiting in line for 'what felt like forever' and said a customer who had ordered after her has already received their food.

She said: 'Everything was slow  we get it. It's early in the morning, you're in a bad mood, it's New Year's  you're working. I'd be pissed, too.'

She claimed the employee 'acted like she couldn't hear them' adding 'the 80-year-old that was working there, the amount of time she took to cut that bread was almost as much as we were waiting on that line.'

As she tried to add to her order, she claimed she was told to 'get back in line' or ask another customer if it was ok to do so.

The employee went on to allege that Aydin caused delays by holding up the line, struggling to decide what to order, and even placing orders for people who weren't in line

'She starts recording all of us, and she posts it,' the employee said, adding a final piece of advice for Aydin: 'Learn how to order'

The man told Aydin her request to do so was 'ridiculous' leading Aydin to brand him a 'freakin jerk' and started filming him.

Aydin claimed the man said he would 'sue her for her fake jewelry' if she shared the video.

She said: 'Fake diamonds, b***h? What you don't know  you better ask somebody, Please.'

She told another customer: 'I am a f***ing celebrity, you asshole!' and tagged Jersey Mikes in the post.

Fans quickly rounded on Aydin with one writing: 'DID YOU JUST MAKE FUN OF AN ELDERLY PERSON. Your disgusting

Others wrote: 'such a brat' and 'so rich she's at newark airport jersey mikes.'
A social media post featuring The Block's Scott Cam and his hunky son Charlie has left some users more than a little confused over a strange detail.

The photo, which was taken during a recent getaway and shared to Scott's Instagram on Thursday, shows the father and son posing in front of a BBQ and stone pizza oven.

In the image, Scott, 62, can be seen holding what appears to be a short-handled shovel with a wide spade, which followers mistook for a sea creature.

'For a second, I thought you were holding a stingray!' posted one fan.

They were not the only one following the TV hosts social media who mistook the standard tool for the species of fish which are known for their long thin tails and flat wide bodies.

'I'm so tired I thought you were holding a baby stingray,' added another.

Scott, who is notoriously private about his family shared some details in the caption which resolved the mystery around the tool seen in the picture.

'Pizza night down South with fam and friends,' he wrote.

A social media post featuring The Block's Scott Cam and his hunky son Charlie has left some users more than a little confused over a strange detail. The image shows the father and son posing in front of a BBQ and stone pizza oven. Both pictured

In the photo Scott, 62, can be seen holding what appears to be a short-handled shovel with a wide spade, which followers mistook for a stingray

It appears that the spade in Scott's hand seen in the picture was actually a 'pizza peel' which is also known as paddle or 'slider'.

Scott and wife of thirty years Ann share twins, Bill and Sarah, 25 and Charlie, 28.

It comes after Scott enjoyed his 62nd birthday in November.

He shared some pictures of celebrations to mark the occasion.

In a series of Instagram photos, the television personality rode quad bikes in the bush with loved ones.

Further images showed a classic Aussie BBQ loaded up with bacon for an al fresco breakfast.

Scott also kicked back with beers inside what looked like a caravan as he continued the very down to earth party.

He showed off the stunning setting, which included a small waterway and tree lined hills.

Stingrays are a species of fish known for their long thin tails and flat wide bodies (pictured)

It comes after Scott enjoyed his 62nd birthday in November. Scott is pictured with his son Bill

Sitting outside as he partook in a beer and a barbie, the TV star looked very relaxed indeed.

'Had a beautiful birthday weekend with all my family In the bush,' he explained in his caption.

It comes after reports recently surfaced that Scott is ready to hang up his tool belt and retire from The Block after 14 years as its host.

The media personality, who took over as host from Jamie Durie in 2010 during season three of the series, is said to be frustrated with contestants in recent years.

Woman's Day reports that Scott's had enough and 2025 will be his last year, but Nine says that's just not the case.

An insider alleges that Scott revealed his retirement plans while filming season 20, saying he was only doing 'this year and next' on the show.

'When Jesse [Maguire] and Paige [Beechey] quit the series mid-season, it really shocked him and made him even more determined to walk away in 2025,' they said.

'Scott holds The Block very dear to his heart and he couldn't understand why anyone would leave his hit series and the highly emotional decision they made.

Scott and wife of thirty years Ann share twins, Bill (L) and Sarah, 25 (R) and Charlie, 28

'It reinforced to him the idea of leaving on a high next year to spend more time with his family.'

The source went on to reference similar rumours which spread in 2023 about Scott retiring soon, but Nine 'squashed' those by signing him onto a new deal.

However, the deal is said to have only covered two years, keeping Scott on as host for the 2024 20th anniversary season and the 2025 Daylesford season.

According to the insider, it was all 'part of a grand plan for Scott to leave on a high with very two different and challenging seasons of the renovation show'.

The Block was originally set to film in Daylesford last year, but complications with receiving council permits pushed that renovation back to 2025.

Producers scrambled at the last second to secure a run down resort on Phillip Island, dropping a staggering $9.5 million on Island Cove Villas,

The insider said Scott was 'bitterly disappointed' when Daylesford was put on the backburner because he wanted to host that season 'then bow out graciously'.

However, Nine has once again put those rumours to rest, telling Daily Mail Australia on Monday: 'Scott Cam has no plans to step down from The Block.'

The Block host Scott addressed rumours of his impending retirement from Nine's hit renovation show to Daily Mail Australia two years ago.

The builder-turned-reality TV host attended a launch party for the 2023 season of his show and told the crowd he was planning on staying for a long time.

'Two months ago I signed a multiple year deal with the Nine Network. It was an easy decision as I love this show and couldn't think of going anywhere else,' he said.

Scott then said while he had no immediate retirement plans, when that day came in the distant future he had the perfect person in mind to take over as host.

'I reckon the only person who could do it is my current co-host Shelley Craft, that's right,' he said.

Shelley, 48, added there was no one better suited than her to take over the reins when the time finally came.

'That's my job, isn't it? Don't I step up and then I get a sidekick?' she joked.

In 2022, Scott addressed speculation about his future on the show yet again, telling Daily Mail Australia he would be on building sites for decades to come.

The veteran tradie has a 40 plus-year career behind him and has hosted The Block for the past 14 yearswith seemingly no desire to stop any time soon.

'I'm 60 this year and I'm physically fit, I'm doing a renovation of my home now because of the mould from all the rain,' he told Daily Mail Australia at the time.

'I've got at least another decade on the tools. I told my wife recently, we've got 20 years of good health left so from January 1, let's start a 20-year odyssey of living life.

'I'll keep going till I can't anymore because I love it. I reckon I can do 20 years on the tools, and I'll pull up when my body tells me to.'
Rapper Trae Tha Truth on Wednesday saw his daughter Truth, six, for the first time in more four months, after she was reported missing following a summer visit with her mother Heather Cuevas.

The Houston-born rap artist, 44, had previously reported Truth's disappearance to police, saying she had last been seen August 16 with her mother Cuevas, 36, during what was supposed to be a weekend visit, Fox 26 Houston reported last month.

The musical performer, whose full name is Frazier Othel Thompson III, took to Instagram Thursday with an emotional series of clips in which he was seen reconnecting with the child at an office at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trae, who last saw Truth following a custodial exchange with Cuevas, told TMZ Hip Hop Thursday that Cuevas was taken into custody in El Centro, California in connection with charges of child endangerment.

Trae, who has past collaborated with artists such as T.I., Snoop Dogg, Travis Scott and Lil Wayne, told the outlet he boarded a flight from San Diego from Texas, then drove more than 100 miles to pick up his daughter at the building where officials were holding her after the arrest of her mother.

Dailymail.com has reached out to Trae Tha Truth for further comment on this story.

Trae Tha Truth, 44, on Wednesday saw his daughter Truth, six, for the first time in more four months after she was reported missing following a visit with her mother Heather Cuevas, 36

Both father and daughter appeared emotional in reuniting with one another

Trae told TMZ that he is remaining in Texas, where authorities are planning to extradite Cuevas to, in short order.

Trae told the outlet that he was 'emotional and plans to take things one day at a time' in the wake of the reunion with his daughter.

Trae told TMZ that he last saw his daughter this past August for a visitation with Cuevas in Houston that was supposed to last two days, but she didn't return the child and cut off all contact with him.

Trae last month spoke with the Houston NBC affiliate KPRC 2 about the details surrounding his daughter's initial disappearance.

'The mother came to Houston and said she wanted to exercise her visiting, so I took her and dropped her off in Humble,' Texas, Trae told the outlet.

He said that he'd expected the visit to extend from Friday to Sunday.

Cuevas had her relatives assist her in moving the child around to different residences after the alleged abduction, Trae told TMZ Thursday.

Trae told the outlet that a private investigator he hired had located Cuevas in California, but could not pin her exact location prior to her arrest.

Trae, who has past collaborated with artists such as T.I., Snoop Dogg, Travis Scott and Lil Wayne, was seen with his daughter and another person in the heartwarming clip

The Houston-born rap artist had previously reported Truth's disappearance to police, saying she had last been seen August 14 with her mother Cuevas, 36, during a weekend visit. A notice he posted on Instagram last month listed an erroneous date of disappearance

Trae said Truth's mother cut off all contact with him and disconnected her phones.

'She just vanished, so luckily man, somebody told me that they were spotted in LA and that's how it started to where I left to go to LA looking for her,' Trae told the outlet.

Trae said in an Instagram post that he felt his faith in God was integral to his daughter being found, and his strength amid the tumultuous timeframe.

'Never let no one tell you God aint real!!!!' trae said. 'The first day of 2025 I received a call that I couldnt believe they said she was found.

'I know God is the only reason I held on when I wanted to give up. I had to let go and trust him, tho it was hard in these last past months I was completely broken and empty I learned to have faith.'

Trae said on the social media site that he instinctively had faith God was protecting his daughter when he could not locate her.

'God put the right people in place,' he said. 'God place the right eyes to see, God put it on peoples heart to assist and God aligned every person that prayed and heard they cry!! Thank you God!!

'To everyone goin thru similar situations with their children, use me as a example that God can make miracles and shake up tha world!! Don't give up, just believe, pray and keep faith!!!'
Craig Conover had frozen his sperm months before his split from Paige DeSorbo - which she called the 'craziest thing in the world' at the time.

The TV personality, 35, opened up about the topic of wanting to start a family in the future with his now-ex, 32, during the latest episode of Bravo's Southern Charm on Thursday.

Earlier this week on Monday, DeSorbo confirmed that both she and Conover had broken up after three years of dating - but did not disclose the reasoning behind the shock split.

While talking to pals Austen Kroll and Shep Rose, Craig expressed, 'I would be remiss to not say that becoming a dad is like, probably like, a, whatever it's called when it has to happen in my future,' per People.

The episode then cut to a flashback as he shared his plans to freeze his sperm to Paige, who responded with, 'What the f**k? That's like the craziest thing in the world.'

Conover then explained in a confessional, 'The version of life that I saw myself living isn't what I'm living, which is like this stable home that I grew up in.'

Craig Conover, 35, had frozen his sperm months before his split from Paige DeSorbo, 32 - which she had called the 'craziest thing in the world' at the time; seen in September 2024 in Nashville

'Every night at dinner, my mom and dad were there and my brother. And I just loved that.'

He continued, 'But I think if you find the right person and they happen to be a feisty Italian from New York, things aren't always going to go how you have them planned.'

Both he and DeSorbo had wanted to wait around three to four years to possibly start a family - and Austen questioned Craig who had come up with the specific timeline.

'She did, and then it made sense to me. Without any influence from Paige, yes, I'd be, like, alright, you date for a little while, then you get married, then you have kids.'

The TV personality added, 'We're going to do that one day, but why don't we just try and make as much money as possible now?'

Conover then emphasized that he wanted to start a family in the future, but Austen later told the cameras: 'I'm not entirely sold that Craig wants exactly what Paige wants.'

The revelation in the new episode comes not long after Paige announced that both she and Craig split during her Giggly Squad podcast on Monday.

'Craig and I have decided to no longer be together,' the Summer House star said, and emotionally added that it was 'weird' to discuss the breakup publicly.

Earlier this week on Monday, DeSorbo confirmed that both she and Conover had broken up after three years of dating - but did not disclose the reasoning behind the shock split; seen in 2022 in Santa Monica

He continued, 'But I think if you find the right person and they happen to be a feisty Italian from New York, things aren't always going to go how you have them planned'

However, the reality star expressed, 'I love him. I think he loves me. I think we will remain friends. No one did anything. It wasn't a bad thing.'

Of the separation, DeSorbo shared, 'I think we both were just being really mature and saying what we want and what we didn't want. And I think that's extremely powerful to be able to voice how you're feeling in real time and what you want for your future.'

Paige opted to not explain what had caused the pair to go their separate ways, but shared positive words about her ex.

'He's definitely the best boyfriend I've ever had. Like, I can truly say that. 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 one's done anything to be mad about, and that's hard.'

Late last month in December - weeks before Paige confirmed their breakup - Craig had revealed that both he and DeSorbo had plans to tie the knot.

During an interview with People, he stated that he had stopped drinking in order to 'become more of a husband and father material.'

'We're playing the long game. It would be easy to go for instant gratification, but the foundation that we're building is so that we die together one day, not just make it fun.'

Late last month in December - weeks before Paige confirmed their breakup - Craig had revealed that both he and DeSorbo had plans to tie the knot; seen in February 2024 in NYC

Conover then added at the time, 'We know we're going to get married one day, and when it happens, it'll be a lot of fun, but whenever that is, who knows?'

On Thursday, Paige broke her silence to shut down cheating allegations as the reason behind their split.

She responded to a TikTok video from podcaster Up and Adam, titled 'Paige DeSorbo allegedly caught cheating on Craig Conover!?'

In the video, Up and Adam repeated unfounded allegations that Paige had cheated on Craig with an unnamed 'internet personality.'

Responding to the video in the comments section, Paige simply wrote, 'See you in court.'

In other TikTok comments, which were captured by blogger Queens of Bravo, Paige wrote, 'I'm obsessed with all this fan fiction.'

She added in another comment, 'Why would I build a brand with a man? I'M THE GIGGLY SQUAD!'

On Thursday, Paige broke her silence to shut down cheating allegations as the reason behind their split; seen in February 2024 in Santa Monica

Amid the breakup, Craig celebrated New Year's Eve on Tuesday with Paulina Gretzky and Dustin Johnson in Aspen

Additionally, Deux Moi also shut down the cheating rumors, calling them 'absolutely false.'

The reality TV pair first met in the Hamptons while filming Bravo's Summer House and later forged a deeper bond on the spinoff series Winter House.

Their chemistry had fans buzzing for months before they finally confirmed their romance on Instagram in October 2021, putting an end to swirling speculation.

Amid the breakup, Craig celebrated New Year's Eve on Tuesday with Paulina Gretzky and Dustin Johnson during a bash in Aspen.
Ryan Reynolds 'never screamed' at Justin Baldoni during a showdown at his and wife Blake Lively's New York penthouse according to latest claims.

The Deadpool star, 48, and his wife, 37, have been accused of 'bullying' the It Ends With Us director and producer, 40, in a bombshell lawsuit, which says Reynolds 'berated' Baldoni during a heated meeting at the couple's home.

Reynolds is said to have 'aggressively' accused Baldoni of a string of offenses against his wife, including 'fat shaming' her, during a meeting with other producers and a representative of Sony.

Baldoni  who 'absolutely' plans to sue Lively back amid their spiraling legal battle, after she accused him of sexual harassment  called the encounter 'traumatic', stating he had 'never been spoken to like that in his life.'

However, a source who was at the meeting told TMZ Reynolds was 'angry and stern', but the accusation of him screaming is 'overblown.'

The insider described the actor's tone as 'impassioned', but insisted that it did not escalate to the level of screaming or berating.

Ryan Reynolds, 48, 'never screamed' at Justin Baldoni, 40, during a showdown at his and wife Blake Lively's, 37, penthouse, according to latest claims; Reynolds and Lively seen in 2024

The Deadpool star and his wife have been accused of 'bullying' the It Ends With Us director in a bombshell lawsuit, which says Reynolds 'berated' Baldoni during a heated meeting; Baldoni pictured in 2023

The source emphasized that everyone present was aware that Baldoni's alleged behavior would be discussed, therefore, nobody was blindsided.

The insider also disputed the lawsuit's characterization of the meeting, specifically the claim that other celebrities were casually present at couple's home. The insider stated that celebrities were not coming and going from the penthouse.

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 mischaracterized and demonstrably false, the lawsuit says.

It adds: 'When Baldoni resisted apologizing 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.

A source who was at the meeting told TMZ Reynolds was 'angry and stern', but the accusation of him screaming is 'overblown'; Reynolds pictured in 2024

Reynolds is said to have 'aggressively' accused Baldoni of a string of offenses against his wife, including 'fat shaming' her, during a meeting with other producers and a representative of Sony; the couple pictured in 2017

The meeting took place at Reynolds' and Lively's New York penthouse (she is pictured at their penthouse)

Baldoni called the encounter 'traumatic', stating he had 'never been spoken to like that in his life'; Baldoni pictured in 2024

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 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.'

Lively first sued on December 20, accusing Baldoni of sexually harassing her and fostering a toxic work environment on the set of their film It Ends With Us, in which he both directed her and acted with her. He has staunchly denied the allegations.

In the first complaint, she also 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 then launched more formal complaint on New Year's Eve, doubling down on her accusations. She filed her first complaint with the California Civil Rights Commission, but is now suing Baldoni in federal court in New York.

Her December 31 filing came on the same day Baldoni initiated a $250M libel action against the New York Times for its bombshell report on Lively's first complaint.

Now Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman has declared the actor intends to sue Lively herself, telling NBC: 'We plan to release every single text messages between the two of them [sic]. We want the truth to be out there. We want the documents to be out there. We want people to make their determination based on receipts.'

A source with knowledge of the case claimed that Baldoni's lawsuit against Lively will be launched 'soon', according to People.

Lively's lawsuits include screen-grabs of text messages by Baldoni, Abel and Nathan, supposedly showing a PR takedown of the actress being planned.

Baldoni 'absolutely' plans to sue Lively back amid their spiraling legal battle, his attorney announced this Thursday

Lively first sued on December 20, accusing Baldoni of sexually harassing her and fostering a toxic work environment on the set of their film It Ends With Us, in which he both directed her and acted with her. He has staunchly denied the allegations; he and Lively are pictured in a still

Her second lawsuit was filed on the same day Baldoni initiated a $250M libel action against the New York Times for its bombshell report on Lively's first complaint; Baldoni and Lively are pictured on the set in January

Freedman has previously slammed the 'leaked personal text exchanges' for lacking 'critical context,' and now he has said on television that he and his client mean to publish all texts between Lively and Baldoni.

One example is a purported screen-grab of a conversation between Lively and Baldoni, in which she apparently informs him she is pumping breast milk in her trailer and then invites him there to work with her.

Lively allegedly texts Baldoni: 'I'm just pumping in my trailer if you wanna work out our lines,' and he replies: 'copy,' adding: 'Eating with crew and will head that way.'

Freedman argues that those texts disprove Lively's claim that Baldoni would enter her trailer 'uninvited while she was undressed, including while she was breastfeeding.'

Lively's latest lawsuit, launched on New Year's Eve, targets Baldoni, Abel and Nathan as defendants as well as Baldoni's production company Wayfarer Studios.

In her second 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.

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.'

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.

Baldoni alleges that that Lively and Reynolds used their 'power and influence' against him, in an attempt at 'destroying Baldoni's career and personal life'

It is alleged that she 'threatened' producers Sony that she would walk out and eventually wrested full control from Baldoni.

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.
Tom Steinfort looked to be in great spirits on Friday as he soaked up the sun during a relaxing family outing at Palm Beach in Sydney with his wife Claudia Jukic and their two daughters.

The veteran journalist, 41, flaunted his toned physique in a pair of black swim trunks as he strolled barefoot along the sandy pathways.

The Nine News Melbourne co-host looked to be having the time of his life as he flaunted his muscular frame and bulging biceps while he happily embraced daddy duties.

Steinfort looked every inch the doting father as he carried his adorable baby daughter in one arm while walking alongside his stunning wife Claudia.

The couple looked as though they didn't have a care in the world as they enjoyed the warm weather and coastal breeze.

Claudia was a picture of beachside elegance and turned heads in a chic black swimsuit paired with a vibrant orange sarong.

Tom Steinfort looked to be in great spirits as he soaked up the sun during a relaxing family outing at Palm Beach in Sydney with his wife Claudia Jukic and their two daughters. All pictured

She accessorised with trendy sunglasses and a gold necklace, keeping her look effortless and stylish.

Her relaxed demeanor and radiant smile reflected the blissful family moment.

The family showcased the perfect balance of work and play as they enjoyed their fun day out.

Tom and Claudia are the proud parents of two daughters, Frederikke and Lotte.

In December 2023 they welcomed their younger daughter.

The former 60 Minutes star shared the happy news on Instagram, posing alongside the pair's older child.

'Welcome little Lotte,' the reporter wrote in a caption alongside sweet images of his family and the tot.

'Mama was amazing, sister is smitten, and dada is increasingly outnumbered by his gorgeous girl gang,' he added.

The veteran journalist, 41, flaunted his toned physique in a pair of black swim trunks as he strolled barefoot along the sandy pathways

The Nine News Melbourne co-host looked to be having the time of his life as he flaunted his muscular frame and bulging biceps while he embraced his daddy duties

The accompanying images showed the delighted couple cuddled up with the newborn, as well as little Lotte in her crib.

The pair welcomed their first child together in November 2021, a little girl called Frederikke.

In 2018, Tom announced his engagement to Claudia.

The pair became betrothed during a vacation in Dubrivnik, Croatia.

They married at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Hvar, Croatia in 2019.

Tom previously revealed that he popped the question on a boat they'd hired for the day.

However his big moment was almost ruined when they sailed past a nudist beach.

Recalling the proposal, he told 9Honey that he discreetly showed the boat's captain the engagement ring so he would give the couple some privacy.

Tom then asked his girlfriend, 'Will you marry me?' and she immediately burst into tears of joy before replying, 'Yes.'

The couple are believed to have met in 2017, when they were introduced through mutual friends.

Tom has previously said that 'Claudia was a hard nut to crack' and their relationship took 'a little while to progress'.

But after a few months, they both realised they had found the person 'we wanted to spend our lives with'.
Naomi Watts had the chance to ring in 2025 with her family while enjoying a 'perfect' vacation to Barbados in the Caribbean.

The King King actress, 56 - who recently showed off her incredible figure in red lingerie for a beauty ad - shared an assortment of snaps to her Instagram page on Thursday from the memorable trip.

She was joined by loved ones, including husband Billy Crudup, and her two children Sasha, 17, and Kai, 16 - whom she shares with ex Liev Schreiber.

In one image, Watts was pictured cozying up with The Morning Show actor as they sat outside at a restaurant.

Naomi held a small smile on her face as she rested her head on his shoulder and Crudup sweetly pulled her in closer.

She also snapped a selfie while soaking up the warm sunshine with Billy and her teenage son Sasha.

Naomi Watts, 56, had the chance to ring in 2025 with her family while enjoying the 'perfect' vacation to Barbados in the Caribbean

She was joined by loved ones, including husband Billy Crudup , and her two children Sasha, 17, and Kai, 16 - whom she shares with ex Liev Schreiber

During the trip, Watts and her family had the chance to indulge in a variety of tasty meals while spending time in Barbados.

In one photo, the actress took another selfie while some of the family members explored the tropical destination.

The star lounged on the sandy shore while her son had a blast surfing and he also caught a crab which he held towards the camera.

Naomi discovered a mini, heart-shaped rock and took a snap as she held it in her hand.

At one point during the getaway, the entire group was seen posing for a memorable snap while standing on the sandy shore next to the ocean.

She also included an image of the beach to show the surrounding palm trees and colorful sky at sunset.

At the end of the Instagram carousel, Watts shared a short video as fireworks filled the night sky on the island.

As she zoomed out, other onlookers could be seen gazing up at the display while also filming the moment.

The King King actress shared an assortment of snaps to her Instagram page on Thursday from the memorable trip

During the trip, Watts and her family had the chance to indulge in a variety of tasty meals while spending time in Barbados

In one photo, the actress took another selfie while some of the family members explored the tropical destination

The star lounged on the sandy shore while her son had a blast surfing and he also caught a crab which he held towards the camera

Naomi discovered a mini, heart-shaped rock and took a snap as she held it in her hand

At one point during the getaway, the entire group was seen posing for a memorable snap while standing on the sandy shore next to the ocean

She also included an image of the beach to show the surrounding palm trees and colorful sky at sunset

In the caption of the latest post, Naomi penned to her followers, 'A perfect vacation in the sun. Thank you Barbados!!'

Back in 2023, Naomi and Billy tied the knot at a New York City courthouse following six years of dating.

During an interview on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, the actress explained that the plan hadn't always been to say 'I do' at the courthouse.

'It just happened that way,' The Impossible star stated. 'We knew we wanted to do it, it was something we were very keen on doing and quickly.'

She further reflected, 'It was really lovely. It was a classic New York day. You ran into all kinds of people, some were dressed to the nines, some were walking quickly in and out. It was very special and very memorable.'

Last year in June 2024, the lovebirds held a second ceremony in Mexico with their loved ones also in attendance.

Watts was in a previous relationship with actor Liev Schreiber from 2005 until their split in 2016 after 11 years together.

Despite the separation, both she and Liev still remain in each other's lives as they co-parent their two children.

At the end of the Instagram carousel, Watts shared a short video as fireworks filled the night sky on the island

In the caption of the latest post, Naomi penned to her followers, 'A perfect vacation in the sun. Thank you Barbados!!'

Back in 2023, Naomi and Billy tied the knot at a New York City courthouse following six years of dating

Despite the separation, both she and Liev still remain in each other's lives as they co-parent their two children; seen in 2016 in Beverly Hills

In 2019, Naomi told Net-a-Porter, 'We're doing things very differently. I'm pretty proud of us, corny as that may sound.'

'We've made it our absolute priority to be good and kind to each other and we're absolutely committed to that.'

Crudup is also father to son William, 20, whom he shares with ex Mary-Louise Parker. The pair previously dated from 1996 through 2003.

In September of last year, Naomi gave rare insight to her relationship with Billy during an interview with E! News at the 2024 Emmy Awards.

'It's much easier to do this with someone,' Watts expressed, referencing to her husband walking the red carpet with her.

'Doing any of these award shows or public appearances - it helps to just having someone on your team and holding the hand and a little bit of eye contact to center yourself. Because even with practice over the years, it's not that natural.'

With both she and Crudup working in the industry, she revealed to the outlet, 'We talk about work quite a bit.'

In September of last year, Naomi gave rare insight to her relationship with Billy during an interview with E! News at the 2024 Emmy Awards

The star has garnered a Best Actress nomination for her performance in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans

'We'll run through ideas we have about scenes or characters. And I have to say there are no competitive vibes at all.'

For Naomi, 2025 is already off to a busy start - and following her trip to Barbados, will possibly make an appearance at the Golden Globe Awards on January 5.

The star has garnered a Best Actress nomination for her performance in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.

Watts - who portrayed Babe Paley in the FX miniseries - also received an Emmy and Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for her role.
Sienna Miller has recalled the 'traumatic' experience of being packed off to boarding school following her parents' divorce.

The actress, 42, was just eight when her American art dealer father Edwin and former model mother Josephine split and she was sent to boarding school.

Speaking on Ruthies Table 4 podcast, Sienna said: I was tiny, and it was too young, It was, on paper, a really idyllic-looking place. It was a manor house and there were only 52 girls.

But that first night youre in a room with ten girls youve never met, in metal beds with tweed blankets over the top, and its lights out at seven. Its traumatic, its completely traumatic'.

The mother-of-two also said it was far from the gilded life when it came to the schools meals: They used to feed us Spam on Tuesdays and youd have to finish your plate, youd have to eat everything.

Sienna Miller, 42, has recalled the 'traumatic' experience of being packed off to boarding school following her parents' divorce

The actress, 42, was just eight when her art dealer father Edwin and former model mother Jo Miller split and she was sent to boarding school

(Miller, pictured with mum Jo in 2019)

I remember sticking it in my pockets and finding dried bits of Spam in my pocket  which was lovely.

Edwin and Jo are also parents to Savannah, 45, while he is father to sons Stephen and Charles and as well as daughter Natasha from previous relationships.

In 2023 fashion designer Savannah revealed her beloved father was battling Alzheimer's disease.

Taking to Instagram alongside a picture of former art dealer Edwin, she shared a heartfelt Instagram post, stating that she 'missed him beyond description.'

She penned: 'here he is.. my papa, the man with the deepest heart, wisest words and the most incredible hug giver to ever live. I miss him beyond description.

'As his Alzheimers progresses and he slowly withdraws from the world, my heart aches for this man. His hugs are still as deep, thank God, but the life and spark, that was all pervading, has gone out.'

She concluded: 'It is such a cruel and complicated thing to navigate. Sending love to everyone for whom today is hard. #fathersday #alzheimers.'

The Miller children have been rallying around their father as he battles dementia.

Edwin and Jo are also parents to Savannah, 45(left) while he is father to sons Stephen and Charles and as well as daughter Natasha from previous relationships

In 2023 fashion designer Savannah revealed her beloved father (centre) was battling Alzheimer's disease (pictured alongside Sienna and her brothers)

Earlier the same year Sienna joined her sister joined bridal wear designer Savannah, 44, in New York, where they huddled round their father alongside their brothers.

'For the first time in six years, we're all together with our dad,' Savannah penned. 'A lot has changed in that time, with his declining health, but at the same time nothing at all.

'Love feels the same, as deep and true as it ever did. We may be oceans apart but our love for each other and our papa transcends it all.

'In these very real moments, I am reminded, gracefully, what it is all about. Love and human connection is all we ever truly have and I am deeply grateful for the love and connection I have with these four remarkable human beings, my family.

Following his divorce Edwin went on to marry British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who said she will also see Sienna as her step daughter, despite no longer being married to her father.

The couple split in 2003 and the 64-year-old said she hates being referred to as the former stepmother of Sienna and Savannah.

Earlier this year Kelly explained: 'I've never understood when people say Sienna's ex-stepmother because if you love a child and you are there for a majority of their childhood, you don't just switch that off.

'Ed and I parted on good terms and Savannah calls me Mama K and Sienna calls me Celtic Wizard  we have nicknames for each other.'

Following his divorce Edwin went on to marry British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who said she will also see Sienna as her step daughter, despite no longer being married to her father (pictured 2015)

Kelly explained: 'I've never understood when people say Sienna's ex-stepmother because if you love a child and you are there for a majority of their childhood, you don't just switch that off' (pictured with Savannah and Sienna)

Discussing how attitudes to 'blended families' were different in the nineties, Kelly added: 'You've got to remember I'm 64 and being stepmum to them was not normal back then  these kinds of extended families.

'When I used to stand at the school gates, I was frowned upon like I was the other woman, and it was tough for me.'

Kelly, who has one biological daughter, food writer Natasha Corrett says: 'If I didn't have Sienna or Savannah, I would have felt cheated that I didn't have another child.'

Speaking of her relationship with Savannah and Sienna in Mail on Sunday's YOU magazine in 2020, Kelly said: 'She [Savannah] and her (actress) sister Sienna are and will always remain two of the most precious people in my life  even though I have been divorced from their father Edwin for 17 years.

'She calls me Mama K and I call her Sasa. She and Sienna always send me cards and flowers on Mother's Day, which really touches my heart.'
Sammy Robinson made a statement as she rang in the New Year in style, attending The Island X Pelicano New Years Day party in Sydney.

The Aussie influencer, 28, was dressed to impress in a sultry black cut-out dress.

Her bold ensemble featured a halter neckline with gold embellishments and a daring central cut-out that highlighted her toned abs.

The asymmetric hemline added an edgy touch to the look, perfectly complementing the warm summer vibes of the waterfront celebration.

The fitted silhouette of the dress showcased her enviable curves, leaving little to the imagination.

Accessorising her party-ready outfit, Sammy kept it elegant and minimal, wearing gold hoop earrings and a delicate bracelet.

Sammy Robinson (pictured) made a statement as she rang in the New Year in style, attending Pelicano x The Island's New Years Day party in Sydney

The Aussie influencer, 28, was dressed to impress in a sultry black cut-out dress

Her makeup was fresh and glowing, with bronzed cheeks, a touch of mascara, and a glossy nude lip.

Her tousled, beachy waves flowed effortlessly in the breeze, giving her a radiant and carefree look.

Guests were treated to live performances from celebrated DJs, including Double Touch, WHO AM i, and Julian Tobias, along with surprise acts that kept the energy alive well into the evening.

Tickets to the lavish affair, which started at $450, offered attendees access to a menu by Pelicano and curated drinks by Patron Tequila.

The indulgent experience was further elevated by a tantalising canape selection, ensuring that revellers were fuelled for the days festivities.

With stunning views of Sydney Harbour providing the perfect backdrop, the party delivered an unmatched blend of music, style, and culinary excellence.

Despite her young age, Sammy has carved out a career as one of Australia's most successful beauty bloggers.

In an interview with Vogue Australia, she said there's no real secret to her success, saying she just tries to be herself.

Guests were treated to live performances from celebrated DJs, including Double Touch, WHO AM i, and Julian Tobias, (pictured left, with a friend) along with surprise acts that kept the energy alive well into the evening

'Just do you. Everyone else is already taken,' she told the publication.

'There is no point being someone that you're not, it sounds cliche but truly people will be able to tell if you're in it for the wrong reasons or if you're being fake for the fame.'

'Find your passion and just do whatever makes you happy... not just what is trending.'

But she did admit her job was every bit as fabulous as people might imagine it to be.

'Getting to travel the world with some iconic beautiful brands, working and creating content with my passions - beauty and fashion - and having flexibility,' she added, talking about the perks.

Sammy recently hared details about a unique tattoo she has on her genitals.

She confessed on the Happy Hour with Lucy and Nikki podcast she has a dragon tattoo on her vagina.

During the podcast, the beauty blogger recounted how she had a boozy lunch with friends before heading back to their hotel room.

The girls had organised for a tattoo artist to ink them, explaining that it was 'part of a party tradition'.

Sammy mentioned that she had always wanted to get a striking design, like a jaguar on her spine, but ultimately 'chickened out' at the last minute.

'I didn't want to put a cat [on my vagina] but I wanted something powerful so I got a dragon,' she explained.
Blake Lively's legal team have insisted 'nothing' in Justin Baldoni's own lawsuit changes her complaint against him.

The actress, 37, sued her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director, 40, last month alleging sexual harassment and the instigation of a smear campaign against her.

On 31 December, the 40-year-old actor launched his own legal action against the New York Times newspaper over their article detailing the complaints against him.

Justin, his business partners, PR team and production company Wayfarer Studios are suing the outlet for $250 million, with their 87-page complaint alleging libel, false light invasion of privacy, promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract, and Blake's own team have now responded to the move.

Her attorneys told People magazine in a statement: 'Nothing in this lawsuit changes anything about the claims advanced in Ms. Lively's California Civil Rights Department Complaint.

'While we will not litigate this matter in the press, we do encourage people to read Ms. Lively's complaint in its entirety. We look forward to addressing each and every one of Wayfarer's allegations in court.'

Blake Lively 's legal team have insisted 'nothing' in Justin Baldoni 's own lawsuit changes her complaint against him

The actress, 37, sued her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director, 40, last month alleging sexual harassment and the instigation of a smear campaign against her

Following her complaint on 21 December, the former Gossip Girl actress went on to officially file a federal complaint against Wayfarer Studios and others involved in producing 'It Ends with Us' in New York.

Her attorneys said: 'Wayfarer and its associates have violated federal and California state law by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns.

'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.'

Many of Blake's initial allegations concern administrative complaints she had made during shooting of the movie, and her legal team have accused Justin's new legal action of having an 'obviously false premise that Ms. Lively's 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.'

Justin and his lawyers claimed that Blake launched her lawsuit in an effort to 'reshape her public persona' with 'salacious, headline-grabbing allegations'.

His lawsuit reads: 'Lively's cynical abuse of sexual harassment allegations to assert unilateral control over every aspect of the production was both strategic and manipulative.

'Simultaneously, her public image suffered as a result of a series of high-profile blunders, which she tried to deflect by blaming Plaintiffs for the public's prying interest into the foibles of an A-list celebrity. This is nothing but an excuse. Fame is a double-edged sword, but Lively's tactics here are unconscionable.'

Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokesperson for the New York Times, has revealed that the publication plans to 'vigorously defend against the lawsuit'.

On 31 December, the 40-year-old actor launched his own legal action against the New York Times newspaper over their article detailing the complaints against him

Her attorneys said in a statement: 'Nothing in this lawsuit changes anything about the claims advanced in Ms. Lively's California Civil Rights Department Complaint'

Speaking to CNN, she explained: 'The role of an independent news organisation 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.'

It comes after claims that Lively's husband Ryan Reynolds 'never screamed' at Baldoni during a showdown at his and Lively's New York penthouse, according to new claims.

Reynolds is said to have 'aggressively' accused Baldoni of a string of offenses against his wife, including 'fat shaming' her, during a meeting with other producers and a representative of Sony.

Baldoni  who 'absolutely' plans to sue Lively back amid their spiraling legal battle, after she accused him of sexual harassment  called the encounter 'traumatic', stating he had 'never been spoken to like that in his life.'

However, a source who was at the meeting told TMZ Reynolds was 'angry and stern', but the accusation of him screaming is 'overblown.'

It comes after claims that Ryan Reynolds 'never screamed' at Baldoni during a showdown at his and Lively's New York penthouse according to latest claims

The meeting took place at Reynolds' and Lively's New York penthouse (she is pictured at their penthouse)

Baldoni called the encounter 'traumatic', stating he had 'never been spoken to like that in his life'; Baldoni pictured in 2024

The insider described the actor's tone as 'impassioned', but insisted that it did not escalate to the level of screaming or berating.

The source emphasized that everyone present was aware that Baldoni's alleged behavior would be discussed, therefore, nobody was blindsided.

The insider also disputed the lawsuit's characterization of the meeting, specifically the claim that other celebrities were casually present at the couple's home. The insider stated that celebrities were not coming and going from the penthouse.

On the evening of January 4 last year, the lawsuit said Baldoni plus other producers and a representative of Sony were invited to the home shared by the couple.

It said: '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 mischaracterized and demonstrably false, the lawsuit says.

It adds: 'When Baldoni resisted apologizing 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 alleges that that Lively and Reynolds used their 'power and influence' against him, in an attempt at 'destroying Baldoni's career and personal life' (pictured in 2018)

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.

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.'

Lively first sued on December 20, accusing Baldoni of sexually harassing her and fostering a toxic work environment on the set of their film It Ends With Us, in which he both directed her and acted with her. He has staunchly denied the allegations.

In the first complaint, she also 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 then launched more formal complaint on New Year's Eve, doubling down on her accusations. She filed her first complaint with the California Civil Rights Commission, but is now suing Baldoni in federal court in New York.

Her December 31 filing came on the same day Baldoni initiated a $250M libel action against the New York Times for its bombshell report on Lively's first complaint.

Now Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman has declared the actor intends to sue Lively herself, telling NBC: 'We plan to release every single text messages between the two of them [sic]. We want the truth to be out there. We want the documents to be out there. We want people to make their determination based on receipts.'
Bianca Censori appeared to take a leaf out of Kim Kardashian's book as she posed for a sultry snap showing off her bottom.

The star, 29, lashed her bust and nipples in a sheer black top as she posed with her husband Kanye West in a series of sizzling snaps.

She paired this with black fishnet leggings and heels. Her locks were worn slicked off her face and she sported smoky eye make-up.

In one photo, Bianca turned and looked back on the camera while flaunting her pert posterior.

The snap was noticeably reminiscent of Kanye's ex-wife Kim who's curves became an important part of her image when she first found fame.

The sizzling snaps comes after Kim posed with all four of their kids for holiday photos - while he has not been seen with his children in three months.

Bianca Censori appeared to take a leaf out of Kim Kardashian 's book as she posed for a sultry snap showing off her bottom

The similarities between the pair do not stop at their looks; the Australian, who worked for Yeezy from November 2020, is from an affluent family with a brood of sisters.

The 28-year-old and her model sisters Alyssia and Angelina were raised in Ivanhoe, one of Melbourne's more affluent and established areas, before moving to a $2.8 million Alphington home where their mother Alexandra still lives.

Bianca beamed with Kanye in another image as he took a mirror selfie of them together.

The family also have a Kardashian-esque penchant for the glamourous side of the high life judging from their Instagram posts with each other.

Similarly to when he was with Kim, Kanye appears to have a major influence on his current 'wife' when it comes to her outfits and fashion choices.

Bianca's tight-fitting outfits which have seen her in the headlines add to her resemblance to the the SKIMS founder.

Bianca is set to turn 30 years old on January 5th.

Yeezy Mafia also had a pictured of a tee that had writing all over it, a close up of a clown, and the Kanye in front of the crowd as he played music - choosing the Amy Winehouse song Tears Dry On Their Own.

Kim has long used her famous curves to enhance her career (pictured on the cover of Paper magazine)

Bianca, right, previously stepped out in a black bikini top and tights, another ensemble which bares a striking resemble to an outfit worn by Kim in 2022, left

Bianca looked incredible in a slinky black dress and a simple gold necklace

The star lashed her bust and nipples in a sheer black top as she posed with her husband Kanye West in a series of sizzling snaps

She also wore a barely there bikini in another image - paired with blonde locks - as she posed with a fully clothed Kanye

The caption for the slideshow said: 'Happy new year fam,' adding a stars and a black heart emoji.

Kanye has not seen his four children since September.

Kim shared her annual family Christmas photo to her Instagram page on Sunday.

Kim posed with her and Kanye's four children: daughters North, 11, and Chicago, six, and sons Saint, nine, and Psalm, five.

The star, 44, wowed in a fitted satin red dress that showcased her famous curves, paired with short tresses and smokey eye makeup.

The star is known for her long tresses - however her short looks gave the holiday snap a modern twist.

Her family holiday pictures comes six weeks after she said she was a 'single parent' during a podcast appearance.

In November, Kim appeared on Zoe Winkler's iHeartRadio podcast What In The Winkler, where she talked about her parenting the kids with ex-husband Kanye West.

'You and I have mostly connected on parenting and judgment, and you know, feeling like sometimes you're in this alone,' she said.

'Even though we have great support systems and we have people around us, but sometimes in the middle of the night when [the kids are] all sleeping in your bed, kicking you and crying and waking up, like, it is...' she added.

Kim continued: 'It's not something I talk about a lot because I feel like there is always a lot of judgement.'

Adding: 'Or people will always jump to the, "Oh, but you have the resources to have nannies and to have help.'

Kim noted that she is 'basically raising four kids by [herself] here,' to which Zoe called the situation 'insane.'

Kim and Kanye have four children: daughters North, 11, and Chicago, six, and sons Saint, nine, and Psalm, five

Kim filed for divorce in February 2021 just before what would have been the pair's seventh wedding anniversary; seen together December 14, 2019

In November, Kim appeared on Zoe Winkler's iHeartRadio podcast What In The Winkle r, where she talked about her parenting the kids with ex-husband Kanye

The Skims founder said: 'I mean, even carpool this morning, I had five kids that I had to take, two came over, and everyone leaves and wants to leave t like, different times and different stuff.'

Kim revealed that she drives her kids to school every morning.

'I feel like I'm at, like, pitstop of a race car driver when it's like "Brush your teeth, brush your teeth, brush your teeth, brush your teeth, Ok, get dressed, get dressed, do your hair.'

Weeks prior to her appearance on the podcast, a source told People magazine that Kim was 'pretty much a single mom,' as Kanye is 'sadly not around very much.'

Kim filed for divorce in February 2021 just before what would have been the pair's seventh wedding anniversary.

Kanye married Yeezy architect Bianca in January 2023 in what was thought a non-legal wedding as it appeared they did not file a marriage certificate; (West, Censori in February 2024)

Kardashian, who was represented by divorce attorney Laura Wasser, was declared legally single March 2022 while in the midst of a hot and heavy romance with now-ex boyfriend SNL alum Pete Davidson.

In November 2022, Kim and Kanye's divorce was finalized, with Kanye agreeing to pay $200,000 a month in child support and equal custody.

Kanye married Yeezy architect Bianca in January 2023 in what was thought a non-legal wedding as it appeared they did not file a marriage certificate.

However in mid-October 2023 - per Us Weekly - it was reported that they did in fact get legally married.

The wedding took place last year due to 'religious reasons.'
Abbie Chatfield has shared her boyfriend's bizarre choice of gift for her.

In a video shared to Instagram, Abbie revealed that her rock star partner Adam Hyde had surprised her with a present.

Adam looked absolutely chuffed with his choice - an old fashioned sleeping cap in baby blue and a pom pom at the end.

Abbie was quick to try it on and seemed absolutely charmed by it.

'I love it baby thank you, a little New Year's present' she said in the video while laying in bed wearing the cap.

She wrote in her caption: 'I heard "your gift came!" From the other room and it was . This'.

Abbie Chatfield (pictured) has shared her boyfriend's bizarre choice of gift for her. In a video shared to Instagram, Abbie revealed that her rock star partner Adam Hyde had surprised her with a present

Adam looked chuffed with his choice - an old fashioned sleeping cap in baby blue and a pom pom at the end. Abbie (pictured) was quick to try it on and seemed absolutely charmed by it

It comes after Abbie posted to social media to blast her boyfriend's female fans for continually groping him.

The reality TV star, 29, recently posted a photo to Instagram of her looking angry and frustrated and she captioned it with some furious words.

'Stop touching my boyfriend's p***s.'

Adam is the frontman of the popular Australian house music band Peking Duk, who are renowned for their electrifying live performances in which female fans often try to grope them on stage.

The Peking Duk frontman took to his Instagram Stories recently to post a video of a Costa Rican artist busting a move to his track Online Jesus.

The footage showed the LA-based woman, who goes by Luci, seductively dancing for the camera while showing off her midriff.

She threw her arms in the air and jumped up and down while his upbeat new song played loudly in the background.

Adam showed his support for her dance moves as he shared the footage to his own Instagram.

'I love it baby thank you, a little New Year's present' she said in the video while laying in bed wearing the cap

It comes after Abbie posted to social media to blast her boyfriend's female fans for continually groping him

The musician, who is set to appear at Changing Tides' 2024 music festival on Sunday as part of Peking Duk's tour, simply re-posted the video without any caption.

Adam, also known by his stage name Keli Holiday, created the song with Alex Cameron and his girlfriend Abbie Chatfield starred in the music video.

The Bachelor star Abbie got very raunchy with Adam in the music video for Online Jesus, which delves into the performative nature of social media.

In the video, Abbie and Adam star as exaggerated versions of themselves as influencers and it is a parody on modern-day social media stars.

As well as packing on the PDA with Adam, the video sees Abbie - who is an influencer herself - flogging various products in staged adverts.

When Abbie first shared teaser photographs from the music video to her Instagram, fans were convinced that she and Adam had gotten married.

With the pair both clad in all-white ensembles, fans thought she was revealing their union as she teased a mystery announcement.

Sparking the speculation, she wrote in a caption: 'We've made something truly biblical for you. Guess what it is for a lil treat.'

Abbie starred in the music video for Online Jesus and fans were convinced they had gotten married when she shared teaser photographs from the video of them both dressed in white

'Did Mum and Dad get married?' asked one fan in the comments, while another said: 'Omggggg thought this was a wedding announcement.'

'Eloped?' asked someone else with another guessing: 'Omfg is this your wedding photos?!???'

Abbie confirmed her romance with singer Adam earlier this year after weeks of speculation, and they have been going strong ever since.

She frequently shares loved-up pictures and tributes to him on social media, while he has also featured on her It's A Lot podcast to discuss their romance.

Abbie recently told Stellar Magazine that her relationship with Adam is the best she's ever had.

'It isn't like other people I've had flings with. And this is gonna sound a bit w**ky, but he's had a bigger career than me,' she said amid concerns from fans that Adam is 'using her' for fame.

'I don't think he's using me for anything. He's successful in his own right. I think I'm cool for being with him, not the other way around.'

Abbie was friends with Adam for two years before they started dating, which she said has added to the trust between them.

'I guess with Adam it's different, because I trust the strength of our relationship. But also, us hanging out isn't a big, new thing. We've been hanging out publicly for years,' she said.
Jocelyn Wildenstein's former fiance has revealed details about her cause of death in a recent interview.

The fashion designer Lloyd Klein, who was with her in her final moments, attributed her death at 84 on New Year's Eve to a chronic medical condition.

Klein, 57, claimed that Wildenstein's battle with phlebitis played a role in her death while speaking to People this week.

'Because of her phlebitis, the legs were very, very swollen, and the blood was blocked, and there was no oxygen in the brain,' Klein told the publication.

Phlebitis is a condition in which blood vessels become inflamed, according to WebMD.

The condition can sometimes lead to potentially deadly blood clots.

Jocelyn Wildenstein's former fiance has revealed details about her cause of death in a recent interview; pictured in September 2022

Fashion designer Lloyd Klein, 57, who was with her in her final moments , attributed her death at 84 on New Year's Eve to a chronic medical condition, phlebitis, according to People; pictured in 2019 in Miami, Florida

It was reported by AFP that Wildenstein had died of a pulmonary embolism, which is when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the lungs.

The deadly condition is often caused by blood clots in the legs that travel to the lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Klein added that Wildenstein's grandmother had also suffered from phlebitis, but the condition didn't negatively affect their holiday celebrations, and he said she was otherwise in 'impeccable health.'

Wildenstein, who was dubbed the 'Catwoman' due to her appearance-altering cosmetic surgeries over the years, died 'peacefully' in her sleep, her longtime partner added.

'We had a nice happy hour the same night and we were getting ready for the new year, and we took a little nap just to look good before getting dressed,' Klein recalled.

'We were having a nap and when I [woke] up, I said, "Jocelyn, we have to wake up, we have to get dressed," and she was cold and she was dead,' he added.

'Its very sad. Its extremely sad,' the French designer continued somberly. 'Its extremely sad to lay down with your other half that I know for 21 years and waiting to celebrate New Years Eve and to find her cold.'

He recalled that 'everything was good' in his final days with his fiancee, and he said that Wildenstein, who had been spending time with him in Paris, had been 'very happy' and 'at the top of her game' at the time.

'Because of her phlebitis, the legs were very, very swollen, and the blood was blocked, and there was no oxygen in the brain,' Klein told the publication; seen together in 2015 in NYC

The condition describes inflammation of blood vessels. It was reported by AFP that Wildenstein had died of a pulmonary embolism, which is when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the lungs; pictured in September 2022 in NYC

Wildenstein, dubbed the 'Catwoman' due to her appearance-altering cosmetic surgeries, died 'peacefully' in her sleep, her longtime partner added; pictured together in May 2023 in LA

Wildenstein was last seen looking healthy on December 18 in Paris with Klein.

The star smiled at onlookers while in a fur jacket, leggings and boots as she wore black sunglasses and styled her blonde hair in soft waves over her shoulders.

Following her divorce from Alec N. Wildenstein, Jocelyn began dating 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.

The Swiss-born socialite, who had over 1 million Instagram followers, described herself as an 'art dealer.'

Klein said the two took a nap before their New Year's Eve festivities, but when he awoke he found Wildenstein 'was cold and she was dead'; seen in May 2023 in LA

Here she is seen at a much younger age as she held onto a child

She 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.

Wildenstein was previously married to Alec N. Wildenstein. They met at his family's African ranch in 1977 before eloping in Las Vegas in 1978; pictured in 2000 in Paris

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

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.

'You must eat a part of the heart of your game,' she said. 'Its legend. Maybe to take the power of the lion.'

But by the '90s, Jocelyn was completely unrecognizable after her face was transformed reportedly from numerous cosmetic surgeries.

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 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

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.

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
Former Love Island winner Greg O'Shea has revealed he's engaged to girlfriend Jeanni Mulder.

The Irish star, 29, first found fame in 2019 after being crowned the winner of the dating show alongside then partner Amber Gill.

However, six years later, Greg has found love with his partner of two years and asked her to be his wife in a romantic New Year's countdown.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Greg shared the moment he popped the question to a stunned Jeanni as the clocks struck midnight.

Captioning the heartwarming video, which saw him burst into tears as Jeanni said 'yes', Greg penned: '3, 2, 1 special way to start the new year '

The Irish rugby union player also went on to share a series of photos in which his now-fiancee showed off her dazzling engagement ring.

Former Love Island winner Greg O'Shea has revealed he's engaged to girlfriend Jeanni Mulder

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Greg shared the moment he popped the question to a stunned Jeanni as the clocks struck midnight

The snaps saw Jeanni, who hails from South Africa, bursting with joy as she cuddled up to her husband-to-be in front of an idyllic backdrop.

She showcased her new ring as the couple posed in a number of loved-up images.

Captioning the post, Greg penned: 'Grew up worlds apart and now spending the rest of our lives together.'

While Jeanni added: 'wow, absolutely blown away by all the love we have received - currently in the happiest love bubble, but thank you so so much for all your kind messages, we see and appreciate them all & I wish you all the most amazing new year.'

The pair's post garnered plenty of congratulatory messages from fans and showbiz pals.

The couple's big moment comes just over two years since they first met back in 2022.

Jeanni was encouraged to slide into Greg's DMs after meeting a group of Irish girls while travelling in Bali.

Talking about how they got together, Greg previously explained to EVOKE: 'The Irish girls said that they heard me on a podcast and that Jeanni should message me because we're both quote-unquote cringy. So I'm cringy according to Irish women, and Jeanni's cringy as well. She slid into my DMs.'

The Irish star, 29, first found fame in 2019 after being crowned the winner of the dating show alongside then partner Amber Gill [pictured]

However, six years later, Greg has found love with his partner of two years and asked her to be his wife in a romantic New Year's countdown.

Captioning the heartwarming video, which saw him burst into tears as Jeanni said 'yes', Greg penned: '3, 2, 1 special way to start the new year '

The Irish rugby union player also went on to share a series of photos in which his now-fiancee showed off her dazzling engagement ring

The newly-engaged couple showed off the bling in stunning new snaps

The snaps saw Jeanni, who hails from South Africa, bursting with joy as she cuddled up to her husband-to-be in front of an idyllic backdrop

Jeanni was encouraged to slide into Greg's DMs after meeting a group of Irish girls while travelling in Bali

The sportsman went on to admit he initially thought he was being catfished by the blonde beauty before romance quickly blossomed for the duo.

He added: 'I obviously thought she was catfishing me at the start. She got me on WhatsApp then, and then FaceTimed me, and then she ended up flying to Dublin.'

Concluding his recount of their love story, Greg added: 'Two years later, she lives with me!'

While Greg is clearly thrilled about his choice to make Jeanni his wife, he previously spoke of the 'worst decision of my life' after turning down an opportunity to party with Margot Robbie.

Movie star Margot, 34, is famously a huge fan of the ITV2 show and even once threw a Love Island themed birthday party.

She previously invited several Islanders to celebrate with her after meeting at the London premiere of Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn last year.

After bumping into 2019 contestants Lucie Donlan, Michael Griffiths and Jordan Hames on the red carpet she brought them back to her apartment later in the evening.

While Greg is clearly thrilled about his choice to make Jeanni his wife, he previously spoke of the 'worst decision of my life' after turning down an opportunity to party with Margot Robbie

She previously invited several Islanders to celebrate with her after meeting at the London premiere of Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn

However, Greg was also invited to the impromptu party and opted not to go, admitting the decision 'breaks my heart'.

He appeared on The Six O'Clock Show alongside his fellow Islander Chris Taylor, who recently had a small cameo in the Barbie movie.

Chris revealed he got the role after ending up at the party and chatting to Margot, who later reached out to him about a part in the film.

Speaking on the radio, Chris recalled: 'It all started at the (Harley Quinn) Birds of Prey premiere, which actually I didn't even go to. And I know you were invited to it but you decided to not go.'

Greg admitted: 'The worst decision of my life.'
Angelina Jolie has talked about her worst pet peeve.

Turns out it's not something small like bad manners or poor tipping; it's actually a crippling problem.

'My pet peeve is somebody who is a liar,' said the Maria actress - who finalized her divorce from Brad Pitt last week- to the Great Performances issue of W magazine.

'Somebody who feels a need to not say the truth or what they want, what they feel,' added the mother to six.

'There's a big version of thatand I'm not trying to be heavy about itbut people who say one thing and mean another, who aren't completely who they are. I think a lot of people don't say what they mean.'

The comment might be a barb to Pitt whom she fought with for eight years over their split. The fight was nasty as it involved their six children and a bundle of money; they are still battling it out over Chateau Miraval.

Volume 1, Best Performances W magazine hits stands February 11, 2025.

Angelina Jolie has talked about her worst pet peeve. Turns out it's not something small like bad manners or poor tipping; it's actually a crippling problem

'My pet peeve is somebody who is a liar,' said the Maria actress who finalized her divorce from Brad Pitt last week. 'Somebody who feels a need to not say the truth or what they want, what they feel,' added the mother to six

Angelina also shared that it was not really her dream to become a Hollywood actress.

'I did it in the beginning because it was my mothers dream. My mom was my manager, and we were a team. I always wanted to buy her a house, and I started to pay the bills. When my mom passed, it was harder for me to be an actress because I realized how much of it was for her.'

Next she is making an action movie called Maude v Maude with Halle Berry.

Last week Jolie and Pitt reached a settlement in their divorce.

Eight years after Angelina filed for divorce citing 'irreconcilable differences', the former couple have finally come to an agreement on terms and both have signed off on it.

Angelina'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.'

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.'

Last week Jolie and Pitt reached a settlement in their divorce. Eight years after Angelina filed for divorce citing 'irreconcilable differences', the former couple have finally come to an agreement on terms and both have signed off on it. Seen in 2012

Angelina, 49, filed for divorce from Brad, 61, in September 2016 after just two years of marriage.

It 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.

Angelina and Brad 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.

On Thursday she posted a photo of a country in ruins with a poignant message for her 15M followers. The 49-year-old Maria actress was addressing the mass carnage in Syria as she moved the spotlight from her personal life to her humanitarian efforts

They were declared legally single in 2019 but have battled over custody and legal issues over their French estate and winery, Chateau Miraval, since the split.

On Thursday Jolie made a rare post to Instagram. She posted only twice in all of 2024.

The Oscar-winning actress posted a photo of a country in ruins with a poignant message for her 15M followers.

The actress was addressing the mass carnage in Syria as she moved the spotlight from her personal life to her humanitarian efforts.

'Syria: over 17 million people in need of aid. Syria has been decimated by almost 14 years of conflict, displacement and economic deterioration.

'While the recent change in government brings about a chance of a fresh start, millions still need help, and critical needs continue to be unmet.'

The information was from the The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), an organization that advocates for displaced people and their rights.

Jolie has worked before with the NRC in Jordan and Yemen.
Daniel Craig said 'social media is killing kids' as he shared his thoughts on his pet peeves in his latest magazine cover.

Posing in a floral shirt for W Magazine's Best Performers Issue 2025, the actor, 56, discussed his latest film Queer, which is set in the 1950s.

In the accompanying photoshoot, Daniel wore a brightly coloured shirt, which he left partially unbuttoned, with a pair of pinstriped trousers.

He then changed into a black suit, that was teamed with trainers, while laying on a hotel room bed.

Reflecting on his pet peeves in the interview, Daniel admitted: 'Social mediawhat its doing to our kids. Its smoking, as far as Im concerned. Its killing them.'

The James Bond alum is father to Ella, 32, who he shares with ex-wife Fiona Loudon - and daughter Grace, 6, from his marriage with actress Rachel Weisz.

Daniel Craig said 'social media is killing kids' as he shared his thoughts on his pet peeves in his latest magazine cover

Posing in a floral shirt for W Magazine 's Best Performers Issue 2025, the actor, 56, discussed his latest film Queer, which is set in the 1950s

Elsewhere, he revealed that despite his own fame, he still gets starstruck when meeting other celebrities.

'Anybody who's slightly famous, I get starstruck and lose the ability to speak, or go verbless,' he admitted.

'Meeting Steven Spielberg for the first time was quite something. I told him a really, really, really dirty joke. He had already cast me in Munich, so it was fine.'

The highly anticipated Best Performances portfolio is an annual feature curated by Ws editor-at-large Lynn Hirschberg and highlights stars at the forefront of cinema.

Celebrating 34 actors who were thrilling, mesmerizing, and, ultimately, unforgettable, this years Best Performance issue features Adrien Brody, Angelina Jolie, Ariana Grande, Colman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore.

Also featured are Kingsley Ben-Adir, Mia Goth, Nicole Kidman, Paul Mescal, Saoirse Ronan, Selena Gomez, Tilda Swinton, Zendaya, and Zoe Saldana across sixteen unique covers.

Daniel recently admitted he still envies other actors when they get jobs he wanted during an appearance on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter Podcast.

He said: 'I get jealous all the time, of every f***ing actor who gets a job I'd like, but I admit to it.

'Someone gave me great advice earlier on  don't get bitter, it'll eat you up.'

Daniel's most recent role is in the film Queer which follows American expat and war veteran William Lee (played by Craig), who has a romance with a younger man, Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey).

The actor recently revealed that he felt 'empty' and emotionally 'exhausted' after shooting each of his James Bond movies.

Reflecting on his pet peeves in the interview, Daniel admitted: 'Social mediawhat its doing to our kids. Its smoking, as far as Im concerned. Its killing them'

The highly anticipated Best Performances portfolio is an annual feature curated by Ws editor-at-large Lynn Hirschberg and highlights stars at the forefront of cinema

The James Bond alum is father to Ella, 32 (pictured together in 2022), who he shares with ex-wife Fiona Loudon - and daughter Grace, 6, from his marriage with actress Rachel Weisz

Daniel starred in five Bond films between 2006 and 2021, and Daniel has now admits that the money-spinning movies took a physical and emotional toll on him.

'Early on with Bond I thought I had to do other work, but I didn't. I was becoming a star, whatever that means, and people wanted me in their films. Incredible,' he added.

'Most actors are out of work for large chunks so you take your job offers - but they left me empty. Then, bottom line, I got paid.

'I was so exhausted at the end of a Bond it would take me six months to recover emotionally. I always had the attitude that life must come first and, when work came first for a while, it strung me out.'

Daniel remains very fond of the Bond franchise, and he's curious to see where producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson decide to take it next.
Victoria Beckham has given an insight into her daily skincare routine as she donned a 290 dressing gown from her own range.

The fashion designer, 50, often shares her skincare secrets and make-up tips, and has now revealed her skin goal for 2025.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, she told how her goal for this year is for her skin to look the best that is possibly can and showed the three products from her own range that she swears by.

Victoria told the camera: 'How I star my day is how I end my day, every single day. I created the cleansing duo with Melanie Grant a long time ago because I searched for that perfect cleanser.

'A cleanser that took off my make-up, a cleanser that took off unwanted oils, but a cleanser that didn't strip my skin of the oils that I want to keep on my skin.'

The designer then explained that she uses The Daily Cleansing Protocol from her skincare line which costs 100.

Victoria Beckham has given an insight into her daily skincare as she donned a 290 dressing gown from her own range

The fashion designer, often shares her skincare secrets and make-up tips, and has now revealed her skin goal for 2025

Discussing the product, she said: 'It's quite strong. sometimes I mix it with some water, wash my face, and then take it off.

'Sometimes I leave it on for a little while or two and it can act almost a little bit like a mask.

'But you have to be really, really, really, mindful of how long you keep it on for because it is super, super, strong.

'Just don't leave it on too long and there's nothing like it.'

Victoria said that she usually takes four-five pumps and mixes it with water before applying it to her face and rinsing.

For the next step of her luxurious routine, she used the Cell Rejuvenating Power Serum with TFC8, which costs a whooping 195.

Explaining the serum, she said: 'I use this twice a day, every single day. I use it over my whole face and neck.

'The other thing that I like is to pay attention to the eye area. Both underneath and on top because this is where I feel like I need to hydration.'

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, she told how her goal for this year is for her skin to look the best that is possibly can and showed the three products from her own range that she swears by

The designer then explained that she uses The Daily Cleansing Protocol from her skincare line which costs 100

The beauty then said she lets the product dry on her skin before applying her 140 Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer with TFC8.

She continued: 'Now, I love these products. I'm obsessed with the TFC8, which is in the products, so you will really notice the difference in the fine lines around your eyes. Your skin will feel tight and lifted. But also look at that glow.

'With any excess I always make sure that I apply it to my hands. My skin feels clean and fresh, hydrated, and nourished.'

It comes hours after Victoria began the New Year with some 'me time' as she relaxed on her bed and tucked into a new book.

The Spice Girl took to Instagram to share with fans how she was kicking off 2025.

Victoria was seen lounging on a plush super-king size bed as she donned her dressing gown from her own range, which was personalised with her initials VB.

It comes hours after Victoria began the New Year with some 'me time' as she relaxed on her bed and tucked into a new book

Sharing the snap, Victoria wrote: 'Happy New Year!! Starting off 2025 with a little me time!  So many exciting things to come I cant wait to share with you xx'

In the snap, the fashion designer was enjoying psychological thriller novel The Wife Upstairs by American author Freida McFadden - where the main character's name is Victoria.

Giving a glimpse into home life, Victoria's snap also showed that her and David have framed snaps of their iconic Juergen Teller pregnant photoshoot for Vogue in 1998 hung above their bed.

Sharing the snap, Victoria wrote: 'Happy New Year!! Starting off 2025 with a little me time!  So many exciting things to come I cant wait to share with you xx.'

The book Victoria was reading, The Wife Upstairs, tells the tale of a woman whose life is changed forever after a terrible accident leaves her needing constant care. But she is harbouring a secret and is desperate to tell her carer, if only she could speak.

Author Freida found Victoria's post and was delighted to see her reading it, as she commented: Eeeek!! I hope you like it!!!'
One of legendary filmmaker Clint Eastwood's daughters seems to be looking to ring in the new year on a new note.

Francesca Eastwood shared stunning photos of herself in a pink bikini on Thursday while posing with her six-year-old son Titan.

The 31-year-old beauty, who has had small roles in several of her father's films, wrote in her Instagram caption that she was heading into '2025' with 'love and light.'

The sizzling display comes just over a month after Francesca learned she would not face charges after she was arrested for alleged domestic violence after getting into a charged fight with her boyfriend.

In her latest sunny images, she showcased her svelte figure in the hot-pink floral-print string bikini, which had bright orange trim and strings.

She revealed a hint of her flat midriff and her matching bottoms, and she wore her blond hair wet and swept back, which put the spotlight on her modestly made-up face.

Clint Eastwood's daughter Francesca Eastwood, 31, showed off her stunning figure in a pink bikini while posing with her son Titan, six, in photos posted Thursday to Instagram

Francesca  whom her 94-year-old father shares with the actress Frances Fisher, 72  also donned a pair of chunky black sunglasses in one snap as she and Titan posed on a lounge chair by a pool.

The little boy looked playful as he took turns wearing his mother's sunglasses and pointing at the camera while wearing brown-and-white striped swim trunks.

It wasn't clear where Francesca and Titan were swimming, but another photo of him in the pool showed the LA skyline in the background, suggesting that it was on the roof of a hotel or apartment building.

The actress concluded her post with a snap of herself in a white button-up coverup as she and Titan rode in an elevator.

She shares her son with Alexander Wraith, whom she has been dating for several years.

When she was arrested for alleged domestic violence in October of last year, Francesca was said to have been in an argument with her boyfriend, but it's unclear if that was Wraith, as the man's name was not listed in the police report.

Francesca  whose boisterous night out at the Chateau Marmont last month concluded with her falling flat on her back  learned late last year that she will not be prosecuted in connection with her felony domestic violence arrest in Beverly Hills, California, in October.

Officials with the District Attorney's office in Los Angeles said that evidence in the case against Francesca was insufficient to move forward, police sources told TMZ.

Francesca  whom Eastwood, 94, shares with actress Frances Fisher, 72  rocked a hot pink floral top with orange strings and matching bottoms, along with chunk black sunglasses

Titan looked playful as he took turns wearing his mother's sunglasses and pointing at the camera while wearing brown-and-white striped swim trunks

She shares her son with Alexander Wraith, whom she has been dating for several years, though it's unclear if they are still together after her domestic violence arrest in October for a fight with a boyfriend whose name was not released

SHe concluded her post with a snap of herself in a white button-up coverup as she and Titan rode in an elevator. She said in her caption that she's heading into '2025' with 'love and light'

The 31-year-old actress-socialite was arrested October 12 in connection with felony domestic violence after getting into an argument with her boyfriend that escalated from verbal to physical, the outlet previously reported.

Her boyfriend then called the police, who advised him to drive to the Safety Zone at the Beverly Hills Police Department to meet with officers.

Eastwood's boyfriend, whose identity was not announced by authorities, had 'visible injuries' when the pair arrived to speak with police, with the star arrested and booked for felony domestic violence. She was subsequently released from custody on $50,000 bail.

Francesca's boyfriend didn't cooperate with authorities in the case and passed on receiving medical attention in the incident, sources told the outlet, factors which ultimately led to prosecutors tossing the case.

Eastwood is in a relationship with actor Alexander Wraith and the pair share a son, six. It is unclear if Wraith is the victim.

Francesca and Alexander had reportedly already been dating for some time when they went red carpet official in May 2018.

At that time they had recently announced she was pregnant with their firstborn child, a son who was eventually born that September and named Titan.

Alexander filed for divorce from his wife of eight years Lili Gaildraud in June 2018 while dating Francesca - although he told The Blast that he and Lili had by that point been separated for three years and that 'everyone is moving on and happy.'

Eastwood learned early in December that she will not be prosecuted in connection with her felony domestic violence arrest in Beverly Hills, California, last month. Pictured in November in Florida

Clint Eastwood's daughter Francesca was arrested for felony domestic violence after getting into an argument with her boyfriend in LA October 12; pictured with her father in 2017

Alex is also father to a son from a previous relationship.

Eastwood was previously married to Jordan Feldstein, the brother of Jonah Hill, and the manager of Maroon 5. They wed on November 17, 2013 and Eastwood filed for an annulment eight days later on November 25.

Feldstein died in December 2017 at age 40 from blood clots that originated in his legs, pneumonia and obesity.

Francesca has followed in her famous parents' footsteps with a career by pursuing an acting career in movies and TV. She is best known for her roles in films such as Jersey Boys, Final Girl, Outlaws and Angels, M.F.A., The Vault, and Old.

In August, Francesca revealed she found it 'bittersweet' to see her dad, 94, become a grandfather.

After becoming a mother herself she explained that her father was so 'strict' with her growing up so there is a contrast.

She told FoxNewsDigital: 'I mean, [he's] just the sweetest. You know, my dad was very strict and my mom  both my parents were very strict with me when I was a kid.

'And it's so lovely and sometimes bittersweet to just see how just doting and just classic grandpa and grandma to their grandson who can do no wrong,' she added.

Eastwood was in a relationship with actor Alexander Wraith and the pair share a son, six. It is unclear if Wraith is the victim; pictured 2022

The pair were pictured with their son Titan, now six, in 2019 in LA

Francesca, pictured October 19 in Newport Beach, California, is best known for her roles in films such as Jersey Boys, Final Girl, Outlaws and Angels, M.F.A., The Vault, and Old

The star was seen with mom Frances Fisher, now 72, in 2018 when she was pregnant with Titan

The Outlaws And Angels actress also explained that it is 'fantastic' that her parents are so involved in the life of their grandchild.

She wants to 'nurture' the relationship as much as she can.

The beauty said: 'But it's lovely. And they have their own relationship that I'm obviously involved in. They're fantastic, and they're so present.

'It's a connection unlike anything else. And it's definitely like the most important part of my life right now is nurturing those relationships.'

Meanwhile, the Jersey Boys star - who appeared alongside her family on the E! reality series Mrs. Eastwood and Company in 2012 - also noted that she might not have 'appreciated' just how much her parents included her in their professions as a child by taking her to movie sets.

But she can now look back and feel 'such a respect' for the work that goes into making a film.

She said: 'At the time, I don't know if I appreciated it that much, but looking back  they kind of dragged me around with them, and they really included me and had me visit. That was always of the only things that they always spoke to me like an adult about.

'Anything filmmaking, anything acting, whether it was watching movies or sitting behind the camera, watching them direct, sitting in hair and makeup, all this stuff. I have such a respect and an appreciation for all that goes into making a film.
Bill Cosby is reportedly facing the threat of foreclosure on two New York City townhouses worth millions of dollars each.

Cosby, 87, and his wife Camille, 80, are accused in a lawsuit of defaulting on $17.5 million in loans on a six-story townhouse located on East 71st Street in Manhattan, according to court documents.

Crain's previously reported in December that Cosby is also facing foreclosure on a townhouse on East 61st Street in Manhattan, after he allegedly failed to keep up payments on a $4.2 million loan.

Cosby doesn't appear to have any attorney listed for either property, and the foreclosure complaint is not against Cosby personally, but a limited liability company he and Camille set up for the properties.

The financial setback comes over three years after Cosby was released from prison after a successful appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

The actor  who has been accused by over 60 women of a variety of crimes, including rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and sexual harassment  was found guilty three counts of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand in 2018.

Bill Cosby is reportedly facing the threat of foreclosure on two New York City townhouses worth millions of dollars each; his East 61st St. townhouse in Manhattan is pictured

Cosby, 87, is accused of failing to keep up payments on a $4.2M loan on his E. 61st. St. townhouse and on $17.5M in combined loans on his E. 71st St. townhouse; seen in 2018 in Norristown, Pennsylvania

According to Our Town, the $17.5 million figure the disgraced comedian is accused of failing to keep up payments on is a combination of two loans Cosby took out on his East 71st Street property.

The couple reportedly took out a loan in 2010 for $12.25 million, and then took out a second, smaller loan for $5.25 million in 2014.

First Foundation Bank filed a lawsuit against Cosby's LLC on December 31, 2024, in which it seeks to compel the sale of the townhouse in order to recoup some of the money the Cosbys have allegedly failed to pay back on his loans.

The standup star reportedly bought the townhouse in 1987 for $6.2 million, and for years it was his primary residence.

According to Realtor.com, the townhouse may be worth up to $14 million on today's market.

The bank claims that the Cosby and his wife first missed a loan payment on June 1, 2024, before they received a notice of default on November 18.

It also accuses the Cosby Show star of failing to pay over $300,000 in property taxes, which the request sale would go toward covering.

The couple were allegedly given a deadline of December 12 to repay all of money they owed, But First Foundation claims no payments were made.

Cosby and his wife reportedly took out a loan on the six-story E. 71st St. home in 2010 for $12.25M, and then took out a second loan for $5.25M in 2014. They're accused of missing payments beginning in June

Cosby was given until December 12 to make missed loan payments and pay $300K in property taxes, but he and his wife allegedly did not make the payments by that date; seen in 2018

Cosby's other property is reportedly facing foreclosure due to a complaint by his lend CitiMortgage.

It accused Cosby and his wife of owing $3.7 million in principal from the $4.2 million loan, along with additional interest and fees.

The I Spy star purchased the four-story townhouse in 1980 for $1.2 million, and it is now believed to be worth around $6.8 million.

It's unclear if the townhouse was being used in recent years, as it had reportedly been used primarily by Cosby's son Ennis, who was murdered in 1997.

According to Realtor.com, Bill and Camille now currently reside at a home in the Philadelphia suburbs, which they bought for $225,000 in 1983, just prior to the start of The Cosby Show.
Danny Masterson's ex-wife Bijou Phillips is very much in love with her new boyfriend as the actor sits in prison for being a convicted rapist.

The 44-year-old blonde beauty - who was seen in films like Bully and Almost Famous - is spending more and more time with 43-year-old businessman Jamie Mazur, according to People.

The two looked happy as they were seen on a date as they left Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood on Thursday evening.

And the site shared the two are already very serious after they started dating in April 2024.

Mazur is the ex of Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio with whom he has two children: Anja, 16, and Noah, 12.

'They are so in love,' an insider says of Mazur.

They met 'through friends' after she 'had a hard time' following Masterson's guilty verdict, a source told People earlier.

Danny Masterson 's ex-wife Bijou Phillips is very much in love with her new boyfriend. The 44-year-old is spending more and more time with 43-year-old businessman Jamie Mazur, according to People

The two looked happy as they were seen on a date as they left Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood on Thursday evening

'He was initially just a confidant and someone safe that she could talk to,' the source said.

'They've been dating for a couple of months now. He's added a spark to her life. She seems much happier and more relaxed lately.

'It's nice to see that Bijou also takes care of herself too,' the source continued. 'It's great to see her smiling more.'

Phillips was married to the That '70s Show actor from 2011 until she filed for divorce in September 2023 after he was sentenced 30 years to life in prison upon being found guilty of raping two women between 2001 and 2003.

Bijou and Danny began dating in 2004 and five years later, became engaged. The two tied the knot during a romantic ceremony at a castle in Ireland in 2011 and welcomed their daughter, Fianna, 10, in 2014.

However, after 12 years of marriage, the Raising Hope actress filed for divorce from Masterson - the same month as his prison sentence.

She cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the separation while claiming they had been living apart for five years. Her ex-husband has since agreed for Bijou to have full custody of Fianna.

'They are so in love,' an insider says of Mazur. They met 'through friends' after she 'had a hard time' following Masterson's guilty verdict, a source told People earlier

Jamie seen with ex Alessandra Ambrosio in 2015 in Hollywood

'Ms. Phillips has decided to file for divorce from her husband during this unfortunate time,' her lawyer, Peter A. Lauzon, told TMZ at the time.

'Her priority remains with her daughter. This period has been unimaginably hard on the marriage and the family.

'Mr. Masterson was always present for Ms. Phillips during her most difficult times of her life. Ms. Phillips acknowledges that Mr. Masterson is a wonderful father to their daughter,' Lauzon continued.

Shortly before his guilty verdict, the mother-of-one penned a letter to the judge and labeled the actor as a 'life-saving partner' as well as 'an amazing father' to their daughter.

She also added that 'Danny has always been against drugs and helped so many friends and colleagues get sober...'

Phillips was married to the That '70s Show actor from 2011 until she filed for divorce in September 2023 after he was sentenced 30 years to life in prison upon being found guilty of raping two women between 2001 and 2003; seen in 2015 in L.A.

In conclusion, Phillips wrote, 'We need him more than you can imagine. I know he has been convicted of serious crimes. But the man I married has only been an extraordinary husband to me and a devoted father to our daughter.'

Danny is currently serving his prison sentence at the California Men's Colony located in central California.

He was moved to the medium security California Men's Colony earlier this year in February after initially serving time at the maximum-security Corcoran State Prison - where Charles Manson had also notably served his own sentence.

And in March, both Bijou and her daughter visited Masterson at the prison on his 48th birthday.

A source had previously told DailyMail.com that Phillips had found Danny serving time in a maximum-security prison that had also housed Charles Manson 'very triggering' and 'stirred up past emotions that she is still trying to deal with.'

'She has been able to go out and also vacation which has been a stress relief to get back to a somewhat normal life, but it still hurts her inside that her life is forever changed.'

'It is going to get better but also it will take forever to heal from it all. She has had a very stressful life dealing with this and what her father has been accused of,' the insider added.

'It has been an emotional toll that has taken her to places of extreme stress and heartache. That is going to continue for a long time.'

The two tied the knot during a romantic ceremony at a castle in Ireland in 2011 and welcomed their daughter, Fianna, 10, in 2014; Mazur seen with daughter above

She has also been keeping busy and enjoyed a luxurious girls trip last month in May to London and France with close friend, Nicky Hilton Rothschild and fashion designer Rebecca Vallance-Gasan

And while in France for the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Phillips glammed up while attending the Kilian Paris Sunkissed Goddess Party



Mazur was previously engaged to Ambrosio until their split in 2018.

Alessandra is now dating Buck Palmer.

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.

Also at the party were her two children whom she had with Mazur.

In November they kissed on the beach.

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.

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.

Alessandra Ambrosio is now dating designer Buck Palmer

Though they only went public with their relationship in December, 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.

u
JetBlue Airways has been slapped with $2 million penalty for operating 'chronically' delayed flights.

The Transportation Department said it was the first time it had fined an airline for delays, which it blamed on 'unrealistic scheduling' by JetBlue.

Officials were forced to act as the budget carrier repeatedly subjected passengers to delays, which wrecked vacations, family visits and work trips.

The agency defines a flight as chronically delayed if it runs at least 10 times a month and arrives more than 30 minutes late more than half the time.

Half of the money collected will go to affected passengers. The fine relate to flights on four routes on the East Coast in 2022 and 2023 and JetBlue says it has improved

But delays and cancellations are still common.

Only three in five JetBlue flights arrive on time, a report in October showed - the worst of any carrier in the US.

Delays and cancellations badly hit travelers. In late December, furious Jet Blue customers were cast out on street 'like animals' after a canceled flight.

Those who were supposed to be traveling on the flight back to Boston from the Caribbean on December 28 described their experience as a 'nightmare'.

It was a scene of chaos after a flight to Boston from the Turks and Caicos was cancelled

Some children were forced to sleep on the floor with neither the airport or airline providing help

'To put people out on the streets like animals was definitely something I will never forget for the rest of my life,' said Marty, a father of three, recounting the harrowing night to Boston25News.

On the fines issued Friday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said: 'Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers. Todays action puts the entire airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality.'

His department has led the Biden administration in criticizing airlines for poor service and an increase in fees on travelers.

JetBlue said the government, which operates the air traffic control system, shares the blame for late flights.

Airline spokesperson Derek Dombrowski said JetBlue has invested 'tens of millions of dollars to reduce flight delays, particularly related to ongoing air traffic control challenges in our largest markets in the Northeast and Florida,' resulting in better on-time performance in 2024, including during the peak summer travel season.

'While weve reached a settlement to resolve this matter regarding four (routes) in 2022 and 2023, we believe accountability for reliable air travel equally lies with the U.S. government, which operates our nations air traffic control system,' Dombrowski said.

He said the incoming Trump administration should prioritize modernizing 'outdated' air traffic control technology and understaffing of controllers, who are hired by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Transportation Department regulations prohibit airlines from publishing schedules that dont reflect real departure and arrival times.

The department cited JetBlue flights between June 2022 and November 2023.

It said it warned JetBlue about frequent delays on flights between New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina.

Frequent delays also occurred on flights between JFK and Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, and between Windsor Locks, Connecticut and Fort Lauderdale.

In December, Jet Blue said it was cutting scores of routes for 2025 - throwing travel plans into chaos.

And multiple reports point to JetBlue being the worst or among the worst for delays and cancellations.

JetBlue is the most likely to delay holiday flights, according to a study out in October from officials.

The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection said only 60.75 percent of JetBlue's flights arrive on time. The number was calculated based on reports submitted by 66 airports nationwide.

Incredibly, JetBlue is also among the worst ten airlines for canceling flights, according to another report in November.

Meanwhile in June, JetBlue was hit with anti-Semitism claims after 'calling the police' on a Jewish passenger and accusing him of 'causing a disturbance' for complaining about flight attendant's Palestine flag pin.

Paul Faust, 54, said he quietly made a complaint about the pin to a supervisor on the plane  but when he landed a uniformed official demanded to see his ID, claimed he caused a disturbance, called the police  and then then canceled his return flight.

Faust, who is Jewish, is accusing the airline of 'blatant antisemitism' over the incident.

A JetBlue spokesperson said they are investigating what happened.

JetBlue also came under fire last spring when it introduced dynamic pricing for checked baggage fees - the first major US carrier to do so.

A passenger traveling on a standard domestic ticket during an 'off peak' period who pays for one bag more than 24 hours before the flight will pay $35 under the new rules.

During a 'peak' period - for example when families are heading on summer vacations or Thanksgiving - they will have to pay $50 to check one bag at the airport.
British star Andrew Garfield has dismissed speculations that he will be making an appearance in Marvel Studios' upcoming movie "Spider-Man 4".

Garfield, however, acknowledged that fans won't believe him as he had earlier denied rumours of starring in the Tom Holland-led 2021 movie "Spider-Man: No Way Home", only to make an extended cameo alongside Tobey Maguire.

"Im gonna disappoint you. Yeah, no. But I know no ones gonna trust anything I say from now on," the 41-year-old actor told GQ UK in an interview.

At the same time, Garfield said he would not completely dismiss the idea of featuring in a big franchise.

"If it felt in line with my soul and was gonna be fun. Maybe Im gonna have like five kids at some point, and Im gonna need to start saving up for the school tuition or something," he said.

Garfield was first seen as Spider-Man in the 2012 movie "The Amazing Spider-Man" and reprised the role in 2014's "The Amazing Spider-Man 2". He returned to play the role of the web-slinging superhero in "Spider-Man: No Way Home", which also featured Maguire reprising his role of Spider-Man from his 2000s trilogy.

"Spider-Man 4" will see Holland once again playing the titular superhero alongside Zendaya as MJ. The shooting for the film is slated to begin in the summer of 2025 and it will be released in the US theatres on July 24, 2026.
President Joe Biden and his family were given tens of thousands of dollars in gifts from foreign leaders in 2023, with Jill Biden receiving the single most expensive present: a USD 20,000 diamond from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The 7.5-carat diamond from Modi was easily the most costly gift presented to any member of the first family in 2023, although she also received a brooch valued at USD 14,063 from the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States and a bracelet, brooch and photograph album worth USD 4,510 from the president and first lady of Egypt, according to an annual accounting published by the State Department on Thursday.

The USD 20,000 diamond was retained for official use in the White House East Wing, according to a State Department document, while the other gifts to the president and first lady were sent to the archives. The first ladys office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment about the diamonds use.

The US president himself received a number of expensive presents, including a commemorative photo album valued at USD 7,100 from South Koreas recently impeached President Suk Yeol Yoon, a USD 3,495 statue of Mongolian warriors from the Mongolian prime minister, a USD 3,300 silver bowl from the sultan of Brunei, a USD 3,160 sterling silver tray from the president of Israel, and a collage worth USD 2,400 from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In a major push to infrastructure ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday sounded the poll bugle for the BJP by inaugurating developmental projects worth of Rs 4500 crore including Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats at Ashok Vihar, Sarojini Nagar government quarters, World Trade centre and new DU campuses and college. With this, the PM Modi has launched his model against the Kejriwals modelm putting aside doubts about who would would lead it. Winning Delhi is crucial for the BJP, which has now been out of power in the Capital for more than 25 years.

Taking a jibe at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal without naming him, PM Modi said he could have built a Sheesh Mahal for himself but chose to prioritise the people. Mai bhi koi sheeshmahal bana sakta that. Lekin mere liye toh mere desh wasiyon ko pucca ghar mile, yahi ek sapna tha (I could have also built a sheeshmahal, but for me, it was a dream that my countrymen should get permanent houses). The country knows it well that Modi never built a home for himself but has built more than 4 crore houses for the poor, PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also coined a slogan AAPda ko hatana hai, BJP ko lana hai.

The Prime Minister said that by keeping Anna Hazare at the front, few kattar beimaan (bigoted dishonest) people have pushed the national capital towards the aapda (disaster).These people used to talk about Delhis development...Ye AAP, ye aapda, Delhi par aayi hai, and hence the people of Delhi has waged a war against aapda. Voters of Delhi have made up their minds to free Delhi from this aapda, the PM said while speaking at the event at Ashok Vihars Ramlila Ground. Giving a call for AAPs defeat, Modi raised the slogan, Aapda ko nahi sahenge, badal kar rahenge (we will not tolerate aapda, we will remove it).

Yeh kattar beimaan log Ek to chori upar se seena zori (These staunchly corrupt people They steal and then defend themselves brazenly) Dilli ke log keh rahe hain, aapda ki nahin sahenge, badal ke rahenge (The people of Delhi are saying they will not tolerate this disaster, but will usher in change), PM Modi said.

He accused the AAP of being involved in scams across sectors including education and health.

In a sharp response to Modis accusation that Aam Aadmi Party is an aapda (crisis) for Delhi Kejriwal said the BJP-led Centre has not done any development work in Delhi or else, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not have had to spend 39 minutes of his 43-minute speech cursing the people of the capital and the government they elected with the largest mandate. PM Modi gave a speech of 43 minutes today. For about 39 minutes he abused people of Delhi and the elected government. Had Modi government performed in ten years, he would not have needed to abuse people of Delhi, Kejriwal said. He pointed, It took BJP as much time to lay foundation stones for three colleges as it took AAP to build 22,000 classrooms, three new universities, six university campuses, and 11 new vocational colleges.

PM Modi for abusing people of Delhi and the majority government elected by them. AAP chief claimed that PM Modi would not need to abuse him, had his government performed in ten years of power at the Centre since 2014, he added.

In a veiled attack on AAP which used Anna Hazare as its face to come to power, PM Modi accused the party of having become a disaster for the people of Delhi, and urged voters to take steps to liberate themselves from the incumbent Aapda, or disastrous, government.

If highways are being built in the capital and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been able to make houses for the poor, it is because aapda does not have much role in these sectors, he added. He said 2025 would bring many new possibilities for India, asserting that the country had become a symbol of political and economic stability in the world.India will rise to become a big manufacturing hub in the new year in which new records in the agriculture sector and women-led development will be registered as well, he said.

The prime minister asserted Indias global standing and image would also be strengthened in 2025.

Earlier, taking to his X handle, PM Modi earlier said this was an important day for Delhis development. Today is an important day for Delhis development. At a programme in Ashok Vihar, will be inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a wide range of development works which will boost Ease of Living for the people of Delhi, he said. PM Modi handed over the keys to eligible beneficiaries of EWS flats at Swabhiman Apartments in the Ashok Vihar area.

The rally in Ashok Vihar is strategically planned to target the AAPs stronghold among slum dwellers in areas like Wazirpur, Model Town, and Shalimar Bagh. These neighbourhoods, part of the Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency, have previously seen AAP dominate despite being a BJP bastion in the past. According to estimates, roughly 20 lakh people live in Delhis slums. Though they were traditionally Congress supporters, especially during the tenure of ex-CM Sheila Dikshit, the AAP won them over during the 2013 and 2015 assembly elections

After Ashok Vihar, PM Modis second rally will be held on January 5 at Rohinis Japanese Park. The event will include the foundation stone laying of a metro project connecting Rithala to rural areas, addressing a longstanding demand of rural voters. The rally will focus on consolidating support in rural regions where AAP has performed strongly in past elections. The Prime Minister is expected to inaugurate Section 4 of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor on Sunday which connects Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar. Currently, the 42km functional portion of the RRTS is entirely located in Uttar Pradesh.

Sources in the party said the rally, planned for 29 December, was postponed after former PM Manmohan Singh died on 26 December. According to the BJPs internal surveys, Delhis ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) currently has a slight edge. However, the BJP believes the trend will start to reverse once Modi kickstarts the campaign for Delhi.Apart from that, the Delhi BJP unit has been organising pravas (night stay) involving BJP leaders and workers staying in slums and interacting with people to understand their problems.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that public welfare through good governance is the core objective of the government. He assured that the state government is fully committed to ensure that citizens reap the maximum benefits of its efforts. Highlighting the governments dedication, he stated that tireless efforts are being made for public welfare, and the government will remain steadfast in achieving its goals.

Yadav noted that the ultimate reward for the government is achieving cent percent public satisfaction. He urged public representatives to actively collaborate with the government and prioritize the completion of development projects in their respective areas. The Chief Minister shared these remarks while reviewing the ongoing development and construction projects in the Narmadapuram division on Thursday.

In the meeting held at the Chief Ministers residence, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Maya Narolia, senior MLA itasharan Sharma, MLA Chandrashekhar Deshmukh, MLA Vijay Pal Singh along with other regional MLAs and public representatives participated virtually in the meeting. Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary in Chief Ministers Office Rajesh Rajora, Additional Chief Secretary SN Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal, Additional Chief Secretary Anupam Rajan, Principal Secretary Deepali Rastogi, Principal Secretary Sanjay Shukla, Principal Secretary Rashmi Arun Shami and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed public representatives to take a proactive role in ensuring the timely completion of public works. He said that good governance is essential for maintaining the trust of the people in the government and achieving the overarching goal of public welfare. Dr. Yadav instructed all MLAs to submit written proposals of five major construction projects from their respective assembly constituencies, along with other development suggestions, to the Additional Chief Secretary in charge of their division. He assured that the government would ensure the timely completion of these projects and take appropriate action on the proposals submitted.

Chief Minister Yadav took feedback from the MLAs of the Narmadapuram division area regarding the Jankalyan Abhiyan running since 11 December 2024. He said that this is a campaign for the peoples welfare, which cannot be completed without the participation of public representatives. Public representatives should go among the public and personally take information from them about the objectives and goals of the campaign. It must be ensured that all eligible beneficiaries get the benefit of the campaign. If there is any hindrance in providing benefits to the beneficiaries, it should be resolved with guidance from the Collector, Commissioner, or at the Government level.

Chief Minister Yadav said that those MLAs who have not yet prepared the vision document (roadmap for development) of their assembly constituency, should prepare the document as soon as possible and send it to them (Chief Ministers Secretariat). The government is seriously working on the vision document of all the assembly constituencies of the state.

Public representatives who joined the meeting virtually, expressed happiness at the Regional Industry Conclave held in Narmadapuram on 7 December last month and thanked Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. The public representatives of Narmadapuram said that the Chief Minister will be felicitated by the citizens on his upcoming visit to Narmadapuram.

In the meeting, Chief Minister Yadav also had one-to-one discussions with MLAs. A request was received from MLA Sohagpur to upgrade the Makhan Nagar community health center to a health center and approve 50 beds here. The Chief Minister directed the Principal Secretary, Health to take immediate action. On the demand to open a government ITI center in Tehsil Bankhedi, Chief Minister Yadav instructed the officials of the Technical Education and Skill Development Department to take immediate action on it. The Sohagpur MLA demanded approval of Rs 10 crore for the construction of a new office building of SDM office Sohagpur and Makhan Nagar along with other departments. The Chief Minister directed the Principal Secretary of Revenue to take appropriate action. In the meeting, Commissioner Narmadapuram gave information about the implementation of proposals related to various departments in the division.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has instructed all the MLAs to prepare a vision document (roadmap) to develop their respective areas. He said that all the MLAs should hold Jan-Samvads with the regional officers regarding the redressal of public grievances. The results of the Jan-Kalyan Abhiyan must be assessed and ensure that no eligible person is deprived of the benefits of government schemes. For this, it is necessary to go among the people, communicate with them, know their problems and take immediate steps to solve them. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the review meeting of the ongoing development activities and major construction works in the Indore division on Thursday.

Tribal Affairs, Public Asset Management and Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah, Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat, Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Nagar Singh Chauhan, Indore MP Shankar Lalwani and other regional MLAs and public representatives participated virtually in the meeting from their respective areas. In the meeting held at the Chief Ministers residence, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Ministers Office . Rajesh Rajoura, Additional Chief Secretary SN Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal, Additional Chief Secretary Anupam Rajan, Principal Secretary Deepali Rastogi, Principal Secretary Sanjay Shukla, Principal Secretary Rashmi Arun Shami and other senior officers were present.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav instructed the ministers, MPs, MLAs and other public representatives present in the meeting that they should visit the field as much as possible to get feedback on the government schemes. Public representatives should spend the night in remote villages (especially tribal villages) along with regional officials. Talk to the villagers there and solve their problems. Given the increasing cold day by day, the Chief Minister directed the collector and district officials to conduct surprise inspections of night shelters. Provide blankets and warm clothes to the needy. No one should face any difficulty due to cold.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that if the MLAs want, they can also do some innovation for the development of the area. Implement innovative activities which will give maximum benefit to the public. He said that now the Additional Chief Secretary in charge of all the divisions will hold district-wise review meetings. This will provide all the MLAs ample opportunity to put forward the major demands and sensitive issues of their respective areas. He said that all the collectors should now hold assembly-wise review meetings. Discuss with all the MLAs of the district and also cooperate in making the vision document of their assembly constituency.

Yadav, while reviewing the construction of CM Rise Schools, said that whatever construction work is still pending in previously approved CM Rise Schools should be completed first on priority. Subsequently, a proposal should be taken for the construction of new CM Rise Schools.

Information was given about the Tapti-Chhillur mega irrigation project of Khandwa district in the review of the Water Resources Department. On this, MLA from Harsud of Khandwa district and Tribal Affairs Minister Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah urged the Chief Minister to approve this project as soon as possible. The Chief Minister assured him that work on this will be started as soon as possible. If necessary, he will also discuss with the Maharashtra government regarding the project.
TMC leader Derek O'Brien on Friday said the Narendra Modi government must be asked "hard questions" about the Christian community, including why the FCRA had been "weaponised" and the people of Manipur "ignored".

He also sought to corner the church on the issue, days after Prime Minister Modi attended a Christmas celebration hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in Delhi.

In a blogpost on Friday, O'Brien said voices were coming up from the Christian community that should be raised to the Union government.

"These are the hard questions that must be asked of the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi. Many Christmases have gone by, now answers have to be demanded," said the Trinamool Congress' (TMC) leader in the Rajya Sabha.

"Why did you attempt to turn Christmas Day into 'Good Governance Day'? Why are you weaponising the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to specifically target institutions run by the Christian community?" O'Brien asked.

"Why have you totally ignored the people of Manipur? Why are you encouraging and passing anti-conversion laws that violate fundamental rights under Article(s) 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution? Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan".

O'Brien also asked why the government was pushing the Waqf bill and "playing minority versus minority", especially in Kerala.

"Why don't you ever say a word condemning hate speeches and crude communal slurs?" he further questioned.

The TMC leader alleged that attacks on institutions run by minorities were on the rise and asked why incidents of violence against Christians were increasing.

"Why did India's National Human Rights Commission lose its United Nations accreditation twice since 2014? Do you remember Father Stan Swamy? Sipper? Straw? Death?" he added.

Swamy, an 84-year-old tribal rights activist and Jesuit priest, died in custody in July 2021 from cardiac arrest after contracting COVID-19.

He was arrested in October 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and spent eight months in a Mumbai prison. He was denied bail on medical grounds several times.

"In my two decades in public life, including three terms in Parliament, I have written columns on a range of subjects but never one on the church in India. This is a first. It needed to be written. More silence on the subject would make me complicit," O'Brien said.

Modi had attended a celebration hosted by the CBCI in the national capital ahead of Christmas. Earlier in December, several Christian MPs, in a meeting with the organisation, had raised concerns over the state of affairs concerning minorities.

O'Brien said several issues were raised by the Christian MPs at the meeting called by the CBCI, during which they urged the church body to "stop photo-ops".

"The Christian leadership should take a stand to call out those who are not protecting the Constitution," the TMC leader added.
Days after China announced its plan to build a mega dam on Brahmaputra river in Tibet, India on Friday said it will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect its interests.

In its first reaction to the proposed dam, New Delhi urged Beijing to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas.

"We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

There have been apprehensions that the dam will have adverse impact on Arunachal Pradesh as well as Assam.

"As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory," Jaiswal said.

"These have been reiterated, along with the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries, following the latest report," he said.

"The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas," he added.
India will provide Sri Lankan Rupees 290 million to develop the Karainagar Boatyard in the Northern Province of the island nation, the Indian High Commission said here on Thursday.

The project envisages rehabilitation of Karainagar Boatyard of the Cey-Nor Foundation Ltd, incorporated under the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and operating under the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.

An MoU was signed and exchanged by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and the then High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Kshenuka Dhireni Senewiratne on December 16, the High Commission said in a release.

The project will cover civil works and procurement, including installation of plant, machinery, equipment, material, services etc. Once fully operational, the rehabilitated boatyard will augment livelihood opportunities of local fishermen, create more job opportunities in the area, including through small establishments around the boatyard, and help enhance the supply of quality fisheries products, the release said.

With a development cooperation portfolio with Sri Lanka of over USD 5 billion, India has people-centric development assistance initiatives in virtually all major sectors in Sri Lanka, the High Commission said.

Notable past projects in the Northern Province include construction and renovation of over 41,000 houses; a state-of-the-art Cultural Centre at Jaffna as a reconciliation project; removal of wrecks and dredging at Kankensanthurai Port; and construction and repairs at numerous schools and hospitals across Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu and Vavuniya.

These projects also include restoration of Thiruketeeswaram Temple, and distribution of significant quantities of assistance to the agricultural community, as well as the fishing community including boats, nets, outboard motors, freezers, the release added.
China releases prototypes of world's fastest high-speed train

13:31, January 03, 2025 By Li Xinping ( People's Daily

Prototypes of the CR450 bullet train, the world's fastest high-speed train with a test speed of up to 450 kilometers per hour (km/h) and an operational speed of 400 km/h, were debuted in Beijing on Dec. 29, 2024.

The CR450 is significantly faster than the CR400 Fuxing high-speed trains currently in service, which operate at speeds of 350 km/h. Here are the secrets behind the higher speed.

Photo shows a prototype of the CR450 bullet train. (Photo from the WeChat official account of CRRC Corporation Limited)

Stronger Power

High-speed rail runs fast because it converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The CR450, utilizing permanent magnet traction motors, has increased energy conversion efficiency by over 3 percent compared to the CR400, which uses asynchronous traction motors. The stronger power output enables the train to run faster.

Lower Resistance

As high-speed trains accelerate, aerodynamic resistance escalates exponentially with the velocity. When the speed rises to 400 km/h, the resistance will increase by 30 percent. This means that most of the energy generated by traction motors is expended in combating air resistance. With an innovative design, the CR450 has managed to slash operational resistance by 22 percent.

Lighter Weight

A lighter weight is crucial for high-speed trains. The CR450 has cut its weight by over 10 percent compared to the CR400, thanks to the adoption of new materials such as carbon fiber composites and magnesium alloys, as well as the topology optimization technique.

Better Performance

Apart from high speed, it is more important for bullet trains to have efficient braking. The CR450 now takes only 6,500 meters to achieve a complete stop from 400 km/h, the same braking distance as the CR400.

This outstanding performance has allowed the CR450 to reach a higher speed without increasing energy consumption. When running at 400 km/h, the eight-carriage CR450 consumes only 22 to 23 kilowatt-hours of electricity per kilometer, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for commercial operations.

The CR450 high-speed train also boasts many eye-catching designs.

More Intelligent

The CR450 is equipped with intelligent monitoring and diagnostic systems, which allow the train to collect data such as axle temperature and pressure from over 4,000 monitoring stations in real time. This advanced technology has enabled the train to recognize, assess and determine its actions by itself.

Photo shows a prototype of the CR450 bullet train. (Photo from the WeChat official account of CRRC Corporation Limited)

Besides, the CR450 has innovatively adopted time-sensitive network transmission signals, leading to a ten-fold increase in the efficiency of real-time data transmission. This has facilitated the communication among different systems on the train and enhanced the control precision.

Quieter Operation

The passengers' level of comfort is greatly influenced by noise levels, which typically rise by two to three decibels for every 50 km/h increase in speed. The CR450 has managed to reduce its in-cabin noise by two decibels, making the overall noise level comparable to that of the high-speed trains currently in service, which operate at 350 km/h.

More Comfortable

The height of the CR450 has been trimmed from 4.05 meters to 3.85 meters to make the train more slender. Even with the reduction in the overall height, the height of the interior cabin remains unchanged. Thanks to this compact design, the CR450 offers 4 percent more room for passengers and has expanded the storage capacity for large luggage by 100 percent.

More functions

The CR450 is designed with adaptive lighting that can adjust brightness according to the outdoor environment, touchless restrooms with "airborne buttons," and additional options like family compartments and multi-functional spaces.

"We are committed to providing passengers with diverse, convenient, and personalized services to enhance their travel experience," said Ren Guangqiang, an executive with the Locomotive & Car Department of China Railway.

The CR450's development represents China's venture into new and unexplored aspects of the high-speed train industry.

Photo shows a driving cabin within a CR450 bullet train prototype. (Photo from the WeChat official account of CRRC Corporation Limited)

China Railway launched research on basic theories and key technologies for high-speed trains operating at 400 km/h in 2018, followed by the beginning of development efforts in 2021.

In 2022, the company released overall technical specifications and extensively carried out simulation calculations and ground-based tests, including technical parameter tests on the Zhengzhou-Wanzhou and Jinan-Zhengzhou high-speed railways, and new technology component replacement tests on the Mile-Mengzi and Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed railways. The production of prototype trains officially commenced in 2024.

According to Li Yongheng, an executive with the Department of Science, Technology and Information Technology of China Railway, the CR450's successful completion was made possible with the data collected from the extensive track tests of over 200,000 kilometers, as well as over 1,000 simulation calculations and more than 1,000 ground-based tests.

"For the first time in the world, the CR450 uses actual track tests to determine boundary conditions and confirm top-level indicators, thereby creating technical specifications based on actual requirements," said Zhang Bo, head of the Locomotive & Car Research Institute of China Academy of Railway Sciences Corporation Limited.

Sources say that the R&D team of the CR450 has performed more than 100 experiments to explore how different parameters of the train are affected by the rising train speeds. They have gathered data features in different speed contexts and operating environments such as bridges, tunnels, and curves, laying a robust groundwork for the development of the CR450 high-speed train.

Photo shows a second-class carriage within a CR450 bullet train prototype. (Photo from the WeChat official account of CRRC Corporation Limited)

With the debut of the CR450 high-speed train prototypes, China has set a global precedent by establishing a standard system for the commercial operation of high-speed trains traveling at 400 km/h.

"The CR450 has demonstrated China's overall capabilities in technological innovation and high-end equipment manufacturing," said Li.

According to an official with China Railway, the company plans to conduct a range of line tests and assessments for the prototypes to further examine performance indicators, so as to expedite its entry into commercial operation.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming)
Derry IPSC chairperson Catherine Hutton is set to address a meeting of Derry and Strabane Council in regard to the full implementation of the council's position of boycotting Israel.

Ms Hutton will speak to councillors at Tuesday's meeting of the council's Governance and Strategic Planning Committee.

Ms Hutton claims that there is 'growing frustration' at council inaction and perceived breaches of their Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) position.

"The Derry Branch of Ireland Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) was deeply concerned about recent meetings held by Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr and the Derry and Strabane District Council team with pro-Israel politicians during a trade mission to the United States," Ms Hutton said. "These meetings have sparked palpable anger among local Palestine supporters and have raised serious concerns about the council's commitment to Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions.

"A council working group to ensure the effective implementation of the council's BDS policy has barely met and brought forward nothing of substance to further the issue.

"Derry IPSC are concerned that the BDS policy of the council is being used as window dressing for political representatives who claim support for Palestine, instead of a practical and implementable position.

"The BDS policy was agreed by the council in October 2016, making Derry one of the first areas to make BDS a corporate policy.

"This presentation will highlight the importance of maintaining and strengthening the BDS policy, especially considering the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

"We want to establish Derry and Strabane as 'Apartheid Free Zones', Derry and Strabane District Council are a key partner in this ethical mission.

"Derry IPSC will strive to work with the council and its officers to make this region a beacon of human rights and solidarity. "
It is a possibility that schools in some counties may not re-open as scheduled on Monday, January 6, as Met Eireann have issued a Status Orange snow and ice warning for six counties.

The warning comes into effect for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary from 5pm tomorrow until 5pm on Sunday, with Met Eireann predicting that there may be significant volumes of snow in some areas.

Also placed under a Status Yellow warning was Cork and Kerry, due to the possibility of heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow. The warning will come into effect at 1pm tomorrow until 5pm on Sunday.

At present, the UK Met Office has placed Antrim, Down, Tyrone and Derry under a Status Yellow ice warning until 10am tomorrow morning.

Due to the severity of these warnings, questions have been raised by parents across the nation as to whether the schools are set to re-open after Christmas break as planned, this coming Monday.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said, "Met Eireann is providing detailed weather reports across the weekend. The Department of Education, along with other Government departments, is carefully monitoring developments with the weather and engaging with key stakeholders."

READ MORE: EuroDreams October draw remains unclaimed for prize of 2k per month for 5 years

" A decision on whether to remain closed or to delay school reopening times is a matter for individual school management authorities around the country in light of local weather conditions, taking into consideration the full guidance and direction available from the principal response agencies.

"Any decision to close is taken in the interest of child safety, having assessed the local risks and having consulted, as appropriate, relevant authorities," they concluded.

The department advised those concerned to check out the Be Winter Ready website, which includes advice for schools on dealing with issues related to weather conditions, including colour-coded warnings, health and safety, as well as direct links to relevant circulars.

Also commenting on the matter was the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

A spokesperson said, "Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions, and it is a matter for each individual institution to decide on the appropriate weather-related measures to take having regard to the safety and wellbeing of those on campus, the weather conditions in the area, the availability of public transport and any other criteria they see fit.

"It is also a matter for the institutions to clearly communicate this to students and staff. The Department advises that all third level institutions should keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins and in particular any change in the status warning for their area, as well as any national guidance that may issue from the Department or Government," they concluded.
Save my User ID and Password

Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site.

Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site.
Taiwan expands control list on core tech exports to China

Taiwan has implemented comprehensive regulations to prevent the transfer of sensitive technologies, including advanced chips, to mainland China, reinforcing national security and economic interests.

On December 31, 2024, the Executive Yuan officially announced an expanded list of national core and critical technologies prohibited from being transferred to China, effective immediately. Violators, including companies and individuals, will face severe criminal penalties. The newly expanded list includes advanced technologies such as high-bandwidth density small-chip interconnect circuit design and millimeter-wave gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifier monolithic microwave IC chips.

This announcement followed the statutory notice period for the broader list of national core and critical technologies proposed by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) based on the National Security Act and the Regulations on the Designation of National Core Critical Technologies.

In compliance with Article 10, Paragraph 1 of the Regulations on the Designation of National Core Critical Technologies, relevant authorities are required to review the list of critical technologies annually. As of 2024, all 32 technologies overseen by the NSTC, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, and the Council of Agriculture have been included in the newly promulgated list.

The government's decision to tighten controls stems from repeated incidents of unscrupulous manufacturers and former employees succumbing to lucrative offers from Chinese companies. These individuals have acted as economic spies, selling Taiwan's vital technological know-how to China at low prices.

Stricter oversight implementation

A notable example occurred in February 2021, when Hestia Power Inc., a silicon carbide (SiC) chip design company jointly invested in by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Hermes-Epitek Corp., was unexpectedly disbanded. Key technologies and personnel subsequently moved to Shanghai Hestia Power in China.

This incident prompted the Mainland Affairs Council, national security agencies, the MOEA, and the NSTC to strengthen regulations on critical technologies. In June 2022, amendments were made to the National Security Act and the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, imposing harsher penalties for the theft of trade secrets related to national core critical technologies.

In December 2023, the NSTC announced the first batch of 22 controlled technologies, followed by a second batch of 10 additional technologies in December 2024. This expanded list reflects Taiwan's competitive edge in specific areas and highlights the need for robust protective measures to prevent incidents like the Hestia Power case from recurring. Technologies and talent funded by more than 50% of government resources, such as those from ITRI or the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), now require prior government approval before engaging with China.

The second batch of controlled technologies identified by the NSTC's National Core Critical Technology Review Committee includes low-temperature semiconductor chip circuit design and manufacturing processes, silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing for high-voltage power components, quantum bit design and manufacturing technologies, and GaN semiconductor manufacturing for high-frequency power amplifiers.

Furthermore, Taiwan is advancing the development of cost-effective, reliable, and low-risk orbital rockets, offering a contrast to China's high-risk, large-scale rockets. Consequently, technologies such as propulsion system design and manufacturing for orbital launch vehicles capable of deploying small satellites and flight attitude determination, as well as control technologies for such vehicles have also been designated as national core and critical technologies.
US government seeks public opinion to ban Chinese-made drones, targeting DJI

The US government is seeking public input on proposed rules to secure the ICTS supply chain for drones, potentially limiting Chinese drones, which dominate US markets.

On January 2, 2025, the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to seek public input on developing a rule to protect the information and communication technology and services (ICTS) supply chain for unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.

If put into effect, the rule would limit or potentially prohibit drones originating from China, where the majority of commercial drones sold in the US are produced. The Trump administration, assuming office on January 20, 2025, will decide on potential new rules regarding Chinese drones.

According to BIS's press release, this initiative follows concerns about foreign adversaries, including China and Russia, potentially accessing and manipulating US technology and data through these supply chains. The public is asked to provide feedback on several issues, such as defining drones and their components, assessing risks posed by certain ICTS transactions, evaluating threats from foreign adversaries, and potential regulatory impacts and mitigation strategies.

BIS noted that the measure aligns with broader efforts by the Biden-Harris Administration to address national security risks associated with ICTS used in commercial drones. The ANPRM is part of BIS's mandate under Executive Order 13873, which allows the Department of Commerce to regulate ICTS transactions that threaten US national security or critical infrastructure. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and other officials emphasize the importance of this step in protecting US technologies and data from vulnerabilities presented by foreign influences.

Reuters reported that in September 2024, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo indicated that the department might impose restrictions similar to those that would effectively ban Chinese vehicles from the US, focusing on drones equipped with Chinese and Russian components. Previously, US President Joe Biden enacted legislation that could prohibit DJI and Autel Robotics, based in China, from selling new drone models in the country. A US agency has a year to assess if these companies' drones pose significant national security threats.

In October 2024, DJI initiated legal action against the Defense Department over its inclusion on a list of firms purportedly linked to China's military, arguing that this designation is inaccurate and financially damaging.
The Tanaiste has criticised Russias abhorrent bombings of Ukraines energy grid on Christmas Day, saying they are not the actions of a country seeking peace.

Micheal Martin said that, as temperatures plummet to freezing conditions, Russia is continuing cynically to target civilians and civilian infrastructure.

After Russia waged war in Ukraine in February 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainians fled the county and sought refuge in Ireland.

According to the Central Statistics Office, by September of 2024 there were 109,566 people from Ukraine with temporary protection orders living in Ireland.

In a statement, Mr Martin said it is imperative that Ireland and the EU stand firm in the face of Russia aggression.

As we begin 2025, the people of Ukraine are suffering through their third winter of Russias brutal invasion, Mr Martin added.

Millions have been forced to flee their homeland, and millions more are internally displaced.

As temperatures plummet, Russia continues to cynically target civilians and civilian infrastructure, including abhorrent bombings of Ukraines energy grid on Christmas Day. These are not the actions of a country seeking peace.

We have heard horrific reports of human rights abuses carried out by Russia, including the large-scale forced deportation and imprisonment of civilians, mistreatment of prisoners of war, and repression in the partially occupied territories of Ukraine.

It is imperative that we continue to stand firm in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, and support Ukraine in whatever way we can: bilaterally, at EU level and in international fora.

He said Ireland committed a further 36 million euro in bilateral support for Ukraine in 2024.

This funding will provide essential humanitarian assistance and support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, while contributing to Ukraines longer-term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations, the Fianna Fail leader added.

Ireland has continued to fund shelter, cash assistance and other winterisation activities, as well as wider humanitarian support.

As many have been displaced, Ireland has responded to this challenge by welcoming Ukrainians to our country. We have also continued to support Ukraine as it progresses along its European path.

In September, Ireland and Ukraine signed a comprehensive bilateral agreement on support and co-operation.

This new agreement is a political and practical declaration of Irelands support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It sends a clear signal that we will not waver in the face of the ongoing brutal aggression in Ukraine and signifies Irelands determination to defend the fundamental principles that are the foundation of a rules-based international order.

Although peace might seem a distant prospect today, we must continue to work with our EU and international partners to build global support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Facing into 2025, it is important that we recall that through the defence of their nation, Ukrainians also defend our fundamental European and universal freedoms: the rights of all people to live peacefully, within their own borders, without fear of being attacked.

If Russia is allowed to prevail, we will all bear the consequences. Russias actions represent a threat to our collective European security and the values which have always underpinned Irish and EU foreign policy.

That is why Ireland will continue to stand with Ukraine. Now, and in the future.
UPDATE: Side by side comparison of the 2010 Presidential Candidates

The official list of the candidates running for the 2010 Philippines Election was posted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on January 30, 2010. According to the list there are 10 Presidential aspirants, 8 Vice-Presidential hopefuls, and 61 Senator wanna bes.

Of course we can only vote 1 President, 1 Vice-President and 12 Senators so we have to trim down our choices very wisely.

Here are the 10 Presidential aspirants courting for your votes for the May 2010 elections and the link to their official site and hopefully you will find their platform and read on.

Official Presidential Candidates for the 2010 Elections (in alphabetical order and according to what will appear on the ballots)

(*Click on the link to view their official campaign site and read about their platform/ mission-vision)

Official Vice- Presidential Candidates for the 2010 Elections (in alphabetical order and according to what will appear on the ballots)

Binay, Jejomar Cabauatan  Jojo  PDP Laban Party Chipeco, Dominador Jr/ Fuentecilla   Jun  AKP Party Fernando, Bayani Flores   BF   B.Bayan- VNP Party Legarda, Loren Bautista  Loren  NPC Party Manzano, Eduardo Barrios  Edu  Lakas-Kampi Party Roxas, Manuel Araneta  Mar  LP Party Sonza, Jose Yuman  Jay Sonza  KBL Party Yasay, Perfecto Rivas  Kidlat  BP





You can download the complete list of the Official Presidential, Vice Presidential, 61 Senatorial Candidates and Partylist here.

God Bless the Philippines!

Now, lets all sit back and relax if you can while these candidates are trying to woe all of us and watch a dvd home cinema.
I wouldnt have planned to go to Singapore if not for Dani (a PR friend) who told me about a bus that can take me from Malaysia where I will be staying for 4 days and 4 nights at a Malaysian Hotel. Knowing this I did not book to stay in any Singapore Hotel . How to get around Singapore/ Transportation The bus trip took about 5 hours one-way with two stops to the Malaysian immigration for departing Malaysia and to the Singapore immigration for arriving at Singapore. This means even arriving buses from the border will have to be checked at the immigration before being allowed entry or exit. This immigration process doesnt only happen in airports.

I rode a double decker bus by Star Mart and I purchase a ticket online for SG$55 or about Php1,815 (@Php33 exchange rate).

I left Malaysia at 10AM and arrive at Singapore at 4PM . The trip took longer because of two European who was in the same bus as I am and were asked to pay customs tax for the two pckss of cigars they were carrying. Where to eat/dine in Singapore? At the bus terminal in Singapore at Golden Mile Center along Beach Road Singapore I met Dani where she took me to some hawker food stalls nearby. She had me try them food she havent tried before! This hawker area is very popular in Singapore if you are going there for a food trip this is one of their must-try places.

Anthony Bourdaine visited this place too for one of his food adventure!

I forgot what I ate ! But its somewhere around SG$4-5.00 and a cold milk tea for SG$2.-3.00, sorry I forgot it was Danis treat! We passed by her then parted at another bus stop . I went for a short tour in Singapore alone riding a public utility bus! I was suppose to meet Monique (a blogger friend who works there) but she was on duty the time so I had no choice but to roam alone . FUN! Where to go in Singapore? Sightseeing in Singapore/ Tourist Destinations For SG$5.00 I think I covered most of the popular tourist destination in Singapore and had my photo opps with one of the most photographed place there, the Marina Bay area where the famous Merlion can be found. This is the same area where you can watch Singapore F1 Grand Prix live . This year F1 Singapore Grand Prix will be held on September 23, 2011 to September 25, 2011! Im so excited to be there!

Bus ride to tour around Singapore

I was able to do some sightseeing while inside the city bus

Its also where you can get a nice view of the Singapore airport with the awesome floating boat-like structure on top of a building! Amazing.

The Merlion at Marina Bay Singapore I almost missed my bus! But Thank God for maps I was able to go back to the Golden Mile center to catch my bus back to Malaysia in time. Phew! Unlike Manila, buses in Singapore are number coded and they only go to certain routes, if you ride a wrong numbered bus you will be taken to a different place and that will get you lost! My bus left Singapore at 11PM and by 6AM I was in Malaysia again and freshened up in the hotel in Malaysia I was staying at before I went for another Malaysian city tour.

How about you, have you ever tried going on an out-of-the-country trip alone? Which airline do you take for your trip? Where do you usually book your hotel when travelling? Stay gorgeous everyone!
Im down to my ninth weekly Vlog where I compile into a shorter version all the videos I took at the events I attended. This Vlog 9 is about the events I attended during the week of May 11-15, 2016.

The #AboutThisWeek video above features the following events:

Great Taste Coffee event where John Lloyd Cruz was launched as the latest brand endorser #GTChoosetobeGreat Trying out a new pain therapy session that only uses low frequency sound the Medsonix The launch of Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza and the X-men:Apocalypse promo together with 20the Century Fox, the Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure Promo The social media day with the Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely @AusAmbPh for the Philippine Australia Friendship day #First70Years The Stella Artois send off Party for the Draft Masters who will be flying to Malaysia to complete for the title, event was held at Draft Gastropub.

I will post about them as soon as I shake my writers block off. Hopefully soon. I am so looking forward for this coming weekend!

How about you, how did your week went?
Every traveler wants to visit those picturesque places that we see all the time in postcards. Its such an incredible feeling to finally experience the setting in person after seeing their beauty in pictures. But unique places full of discoveries exist that are barely advertised for travelers to visit. Places that can spark excitement and curiosity to even the most knowledgable and traveled people out there.

These places are unique destinations like Iran and Pakistan, countries that are often stigmatized by the international press. A few weeks time to visit these countries and exploring their wonders may not be enough time. So we listed down the places that travelers should absolutely not miss. We even included a detour to India at the end for those wanting to travel to continue their travels through the three neighboring countries.

Tehran, Iran

Traveling to Iran may seem intimidating, but surprisingly the people are very hospital and welcoming to any foreigners they encounter, even Americans. As long as you dont instigate any political conversation and follow and respect their customs, then there wont be any trouble. So while youre in Iran, the first place to explore is, of course, Tehran.

The city is Irans capital and its the best place to familiarize with modern Iran. Its located in the slopes of the magnificent Alborz Mountains which can be viewed from any place in the city.

Kashan, Iran

Another destination that travelers shouldnt miss out visiting while in Iran is Kashan. Kashan is located in the province of Isfahan province near the center of Iran where its Persian roots are still very vivid and alive.

Historic Persian architecture is beautifully preserved in their traditional houses which people can visit. Get souvenirs like their stunning Persian carpets in their historic bazaar. Relax at their traditional bathhouses and dont forget to take pictures at the stunning Agha Bozorg Mosque.

Karachi, Pakistan

From Iran, head over to neighboring Pakistan with affordable flights. You may be surprised that just like in Iran, Pakistani people are incredibly hospitable to tourists they encounter. As long as youre respectful of local customs, exploring Pakistan wont be an issue. While in Pakistan, dont miss out on visiting Karachi, a city in the province of Sindh.

A coastal city in the south, Karachi is a great city to explore for travelers to see a mix of modern and historic Pakistan. The different architecture styles found in Karachi is insane.

Lahore, Pakistan

Next up the historic city of Lahore in the eastern province of Punjab. This stunning city has an expansive history which can be seen in its many well-preserved historic monuments that dotted in and around Lahore. The city also has an amazing bazaar and food market that heavily features Pakistani streetfood that travelers must try. The sights alone in Lahore make it a must-visit destination for first-time travelers in Pakistan.

Theres also the awesome experience of seeing the Wagah border ceremony at the Lahore Wagah Border thats shared with India. Check out the Air Blue flight price to travel in and outside of Pakistan.

Amritsar, India

Last on this list is Amritsar, India, just 28km from the border with Pakistan. Travelers can also witness the Wagah Border ceremony with Pakistan. Amritsar is another stunning city on this list that is home to a rich mixture of historic and modern sites. The city is probably most well-known as the home to the stunning Golden Temple. There are many more ancient historic sites to be found in Amritsar and visitors shouldnt miss out on their delicious cuisine and buzzing bazaar.
While the national figure for road deaths fell in 2024, when compared to the 2023 statistic, there was a 30% increase in the tally for fatalities as a result of traffic collisions in Cork during the year  rising from 15 in 2023 to 19 in the past 12 months.

The provisional figures were disclosed in an end of year report issued by the Road Safety Authority of Ireland (RSA).

In the report, it was confirmed that there had been 174 fatalities State-wide during 2024  a decrease of seven on the figure for 2023.

The figures were released by the RSA following an analysis of provisional fatal collision reports from An Garda Siochana.

These are the highest figures for road fatalities in Cork since 2020, when 24 road deaths were recorded across the city and county.

The 2024 figure for Cork was only exceeded by the number of road deaths in Dublin during the year, where 23 fatalities were recorded.

Mayo also recorded 19 fatalities during 2024, followed by Donegal on 17.

The RSA figures revealed a high proportion of male fatalities and a high level of fatalities as a result of incidents which took place in the hours of evening, between 4pm and 8pm.

There was also a continuation through to 2024 of the high level of fatalities among young people, those aged 25 or younger, from the previous year.

The Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, James Lawless, said every single one of the deaths which happened on our roads was a tragedy.

We extend deepest sympathies to the friends, families, and communities affected by these losses, he said, also adding his tribute to the emergency services, first responders, hospital workers, and others who do such incredible work.

In February, 2025, the default speed limit on rural local roads will be reduced, following the recommendation of the 2023 Speed Limit Review.

By-laws implementing the speed limit reduction from 80kmph to 60kmph on more than 30 local roads, those with the L-designation  were passed at a December meeting of Cork County Council.

The new limits take effect on February 7.

This will tackle one of the biggest contributory factors to road collisions  speed, said Minister Lawless.

This year, we will also be moving into Phase 2 of the Governments Road Safety Strategy, and it is incumbent on all of us to play our part in achieving our goal of halving deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

The chief executive of the Road Safety Authority of Ireland, Sam Waide, extended condolences to the relatives of all those who had lost their lives on Irish roads during 2024.

Despite this profound loss, the reduction in the number of fatalities on Irish roads this year is a very modest, but an important step in reversing the high number of road deaths weve seen over the past two years, he said.

This progress underscores the urgency to intensify our efforts.

Assistant Garda Commissioner with responsibility for roads policing and community engagement, Paula Hilman, said the slight reduction in the number of road deaths would provide no solace to the families and loved ones of each one of the people that were killed in fatal road traffic collisions during 2024.

Assistant Commissioner Hilman disclosed that gardai had carried out more than 100,000 road checkpoints during the year, half of which were for drivers under the influence of intoxicants such as drugs or alcohol.

We continue the roll-out of safety speed cameras in high-risk locations and are already seeing positive indications that drivers are slowing down in these areas, she said, adding that the force was also increasing its use of technology to support data-driven roadside policing including mobility devices and automated number plate recognition systems in Garda vehicles.
Macroom Music Festival is set to return this year with a new time slot on the June bank holiday weekend.

The festival, first held in June, 2023, is a two-day event run by the people of Macroom.

Headline acts who have played the festival include The Frank & Walters, Riptide Movement, and Mundy in 2023, with The Stunning, Hermitage Green, and The White Horse Guitar Club headlining last year.

Macroom has a strong history when it comes to music festivals. It was the first town in Ireland to organise an open air music festival in 1976, The Mountain Dew Festival, headlined by Horslips, Marianne Faithfull, and Julie Felix.

The Mountain Dew Festival continued until 1982, attracting crowds of up to 20,000 people from across Europe each year to see some of the biggest names on the contemporary Irish music scene, including Rory Gallagher, Van Morrison, and The Chieftains.

Four decades on, Macroom Music Festival has provided a much welcomed boost to the Mid-Cork town.

Festival organiser Killian Lynch spoke to The Echo about the impact of the event on the town of Macroom.

It is all about promoting Macroom as a very active town and a town that is moving forward, said Mr Lynch.

This year, the dates have been changed for the festival to the June bank holiday weekend, with music in local pubs and venues across the two days and the headline acts taking to the main stage in the towns main square on Sunday night.

That has been a brilliant night for the last two years. This will now be the festivals third year. We are so proud of the event and have been delighted to see so many faces back in the town.

It is great to see a real buzz around Macroom town again.

Details of the line-up for the 2025 Macroom Music Festival are yet to be officially announced, but it promises to be another action-packed weekend.
Latest:

Another weather warning has been issued for Cork this weekend, with conditions expected to deteriorate further from tomorrow evening.

The status yellow rain and snow warning for Cork, coming into effect at 1pm tomorrow, will upgrade to a status orange warning from 5pm tomorrow.

Please keep up to date with https://t.co/e0QpncNS7O and the Met Eireann app for all active snow/ice warning for your area.



Validity times will differ.



All active warnings  https://t.co/GYji548dA1 pic.twitter.com/UTfLQV8ArZ  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 3, 2025

Met Eireann has advised the public to expect heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow with significant accumulations expected.

Impacts could include very difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption and delays to public transport.

The orange warning will remain in effect until 5pm on Sunday.

2:40pm:

With a Met Eireann status yellow rain and snow warning for Cork in effect from 1pm on Saturday until 5pm on Sunday, Cork City Council has said its severe weather assessment team is closely monitoring the situation.

Weather conditions this weekend are expected to be very cold, windy, and wet, with the national forecaster predicting low temperatures and heavy rainfall.

Although most of precipitation over the weekend is likely to be predominantly rain, some sleet is expected at times on Sunday afternoon and evening, and there is a chance of snow, particularly on higher ground.

Cork City Council has said it has activated its Winter Maintenance Plan, which includes salting and gritting key roads in the city. Information on gritting and salting routes can be found on the councils website, corkcity.ie.

Wintry showers and icy surfaces are expected to create difficult travel conditions across the weekend, with heavy rain on Saturday and wintry showers on Sunday.

Driving conditions will be hazardous, even on gritted roads.

Drivers are urged to slow down, exercise caution, remain aware of other road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists, and to allow extra time for travel.

Footpaths are expected to be extremely hazardous and slippery due to ice.

While there is no widespread tidal flooding predicted, the council has warned that localised surface water and small rivers may burst their banks due to the heavy rain on Saturday.

1pm:

Just as the status yellow low temperature/ice warning was ending, another weather warning was issued for Cork this weekend.

A status yellow rain and snow warning is valid from 1pm on Saturday until 5pm on Sunday.

It is expected there will be heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow.

Met Eireann are warning of hazardous travelling conditions, poor visibility, travel disruption, and localised flooding.

The yellow alert also covers Co Kerry.

Meanwhile, a status orange snow/ice warning comes into place for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary at 5pm on Saturday and will remain in place until 5pm on Sunday.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Eireann and a range of other stakeholders met this morning to discuss the potentially disruptive wintry weather forecasted for the next few days.

Local authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) are monitoring conditions locally and local authorities have their emergency response teams in place, ready to respond where and when necessary.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has confirmed that adequate salt supplies are in place, and local authorities will continue to salt roads as well as footpaths in urban centres where possible.

The National Transport Authority has confirmed that public transport authorities are on alert in anticipation of potential disruption over the weekend.

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, emphasised: We are going to see difficult travel conditions for much of the country in the coming days. Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted  so I urge people to slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey. Its important that drivers travelling longer journeys are aware of conditions right along their route, as the weather may vary significantly across different parts of the country.

"Footpaths can also be extremely hazardous and slippery due to ice so please take extra care while walking.

Public transport may also be affected by this spell of wintry weather, so Id advise people to check with service operators for the latest updates in their area.

With regard to rough sleepers during this wintry spell, the Department is communicating with Regional Leads in relation to their Cold Weather Initiatives and has advised them of the expected conditions.

"Cold Weather Initiatives operate across all local authorities to provide additional emergency beds for rough sleepers where needed  ensuring that additional temporary beds can be brought into use across a range of existing services and facilities, for singles and couples who need them during periods of cold weather.

Finally, I would urge all members of the public to take extra care with all activities and to check out the Met Eireann and Be Winter Ready websites for further updates and advice.

8.15am

Motorists across Cork are being advised to travel with caution this morning, following a night of sub-zero temperatures.

A status yellow low temperature/ice warning will remain in place until 11am.

Motorists across Cork are being advised to travel with caution this morning, following a night of sub-zero temperatures.

Cork City Council's "Winter Maintenance Plan, which includes salting/gritting key roads in the city as required, has been activated".

Council crews are on stand by to respond to any emergency situations occurring as a result of the weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Cork County Council began treating all Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes on Wednesday in accordance with its Winter Service Plan and will be closely monitoring conditions locally throughout the cold spell.
Gardai expressed concerns about bail being granted to an 18-year-old accused of carrying out a burglary at a house in North Cork over the Christmas period and returning on New Years Day to the same property.

The allegations against Aaron Palmer, of Dromagh, Mallow, Co Cork, were outlined at a contested bail application at Cork District Court. However, in the course of the application, the prosecution indicated that they would agree to bail being granted on strict conditions.

Garda Sean Buckley said it was alleged that the defendant went to the house in North Cork and carried out a burglary on an unspecified date between December 26 and 30, 2024.

The charge sheet in respect of that offence alleges that he stole 345 cash and some personal property from a bedroom in the house.

Gda Buckley said the owner of the house put in a CCTV camera in the hallway of the house following the thefts.

It was then alleged by Gda Buckley that on January 1, Aaron Palmer is caught red-handed on CCTV going up the stairs.

It is alleged that he spots the camera on this occasion and he does not steal anything. On noticing this camera, it appears he turns the camera, said Gda Buckley.

Following agreement by the prosecution, Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail to the young man on condition that he would have no contact with the injured party, keep a curfew to be home from 11pm to 7am each night, surrender his passport, and be contactable by gardai by phone.

Solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said that the accused had no previous convictions.

The case was adjourned to Mallow District Court on January 14 where the defendant will be represented by solicitor David OMeara.
Corks economy is thriving. We have seen strong growth, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, ICT and professional services.

However, the year just gone has not been without challenges. Housing shortages, urban revitalisation, cost of doing business and sustainability goals, are pressing issues that require immediate and ongoing commitment.

Cork stands on the cusp of an even brighter future, one that requires a focus on strategic priorities and a collaborative effort to unlock its full potential. Central to this progress is the strength and diversity of the business community.

Our 1,200 members range from global multinationals to small, family-run enterprises and innovative start-ups, employing over 130,000 people across the city and county. This diversity shapes our work and advocacy, ensuring we reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire business community. Whether its fostering entrepreneurship, supporting SMEs, or advancing infrastructure projects, we work to champion policies that enable businesses of all sizes to thrive.

The balance between Cork city and county is fundamental to the regions success. Our strength lies in the dynamic relationship between a vibrant urban centre and a county rich in enterprise, talent, and innovation. Businesses across the region are interconnected, and as such, policy decisions must benefit both. Investment in transport systems, such as light rail and suburban rail, will seamlessly connect city and county, enhancing accessibility, supporting employers, and boosting growth opportunities.

As we look ahead, one of Corks most exciting opportunities lies in renewable energy. Cork has the potential to lead Ireland, and indeed the world, in green energy innovation. Our strategic location around Cork Harbour makes it an ideal hub for offshore wind energy and other renewable projects.

This is the opportunity of our generation, with the potential to transform our economy, secure energy independence, and contribute to global sustainability goals. We are working closely with the business community, local and national stakeholders to align ambitions and importantly to bring policy and infrastructure in line to facility the harnessing of this huge opportunity.

Our strategic location around Cork Harbour makes it an ideal hub for offshore wind energy and other renewable projects, says Mr Healy.

Collaboration is central to everything we do. Cork Chamber works closely with chambers across Ireland to address shared challenges and explore opportunities that benefit the entire country. Through Chambers Ireland, we advocate on national issues, and our new Tri-Region Partnership with Dublin Chamber and the Northern Ireland Chamber amplifies our collective voice for an all-island approach to economic development. Together, we address shared challenges, such as housing, sustainability, and skills development, while ensuring that the unique needs of each region are recognised and addressed.

Through this collaborative we can create outcomes that extend beyond our region, strengthening the island of Ireland.

At Cork Chamber, we are deeply committed to advocating for our region and driving sustainable growth. We advocate for policies that align with Corks long-term vision, whether thats investing in renewable energy, addressing housing shortages, or ensuring Cork remains an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. We have also been appointed an SDG Champion, which reflects our commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

We are very proud of the strong relationships we have with key stakeholders. We are looking forward to renewed energy with the new government, and we have continued to advance the agenda for Cork.

Feedback from our members is clear on priorities  and some of these are interconnected. Housing delivery, urban revitalisation, and investment in public transport are immediate priorities.

We are also calling for greater support for renewable energy, including the necessary infrastructure to make Cork a leader in this space. Planning reform affects much of the needed developments and needs to be addressed. Talent and skills continue to remain a priority and is a key enabler for economic growth. With the recent pressures on business and in particular SMEs, it is essential that the next government will be practical in addressing the pressure points.

Looking ahead, I remain confident in Corks future. The resilience, innovation, and ambition demonstrated across our business community are what make this region truly exceptional. Every business, no matter its size or sector, has a role to play in shaping the Cork of tomorrow. By focusing on sustainability, championing innovation, and fostering collaboration, we can enhance Corks reputation as a global leader and a model for success.

At Cork Chamber, we are dedicated to supporting this progress and driving initiatives that strengthen our city and county. Together, we can amplify Corks strengths, overcome challenges, and create a thriving, inclusive region that sets new standards in economic growth, quality of life, and environmental sustainability.
Award-winning Cork director John Crowleys latest film, We Live In Time, stars Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, and is about a couple navigating their relationship through a medical crisis.

Crowley explains that the script captivated him from the very start.

When I first read it, I laughed and cried at the birth scene. It struck me that there was an opportunity for us to make a film about epic moments in everyday life.

The birth of a baby might be enormously profound for the person involved in giving birth, but for the rest of us, its just the stuff of everyday life. It goes on every day.

It is the same with divorce, mortality, and falling in love. Its just the stuff of everyday life, but the script was trying to capture some of the awe and epic quality of what that feels like if youre inside it.

Crowley says he wanted the film to feel relevant to anyone viewing it.

I thought if we could capture the awe, it wouldnt necessarily feel like it was fitting into one genre, that its a rom-com or a sad film, or an illness film, it would be a film that would be relatable to people in Cork as much as in London, as much as in Iowa. Audiences would go in and feel that it would ring true to their experience of their lives, their families, or their friends lives.

Crowley, who grew up in Douglas, worked with Andrew Garfield on Boy A in 2007 and says he knew the actor would be perfect for the role of Tobias.

When I am working on early versions of scripts, Im often not thinking about actors. When we had a draft that we were ready to go to actors with, Andrew was very much in my mind. He is very comfortable emotionally as an actor and has spoken very eloquently about his relationship with grief after losing his mother. I thought this script would be in the sweet spot for him, and indeed it was.

As Crowley notes, Garfield takes on emotionally challenging roles, but in this film, he also showcases a humorous side- something audiences dont often see. The director was confident that Garfield would excel in this aspect.

Hes hysterically funny, and I thought that would be an extra element he could play alongside his emotional stuff, giving the role an interesting texture. Hes a great physical comedian. He has an instinct for doing a double take.

Pughs career is steadily skyrocketing, but Crowley didnt know her before making this film and was excited to work with her.

I had seen and adored her performances. Florence plays a lot of strong roles. I thought this would be a great chance for her to show the complication of vulnerability that was involved in that character, and that would be a great showcase for her emotional talents, but she and Andrew didnt know each other, so whether it would work was gut instinct. Its a shot in the dark; you go off the cliff and hope for a soft landing.

A scene from the film which had its Irish premiere at the Cork International Film Festival.

The shot in the dark worked, Pugh and Garfields chemistry is electric. They also feel like a very natural couple, which Crowley says is easy to find with two good actors.

With two actors as good as they are, your first job is to shut up and pay attention. You dont teach or instruct; you learn to pay close attention. They are two very different kinds of actors. They approach their work very differently. They needed to get onto the same page, and once they did, it got exciting very quickly.

Although we see Almut get weaker, the film avoids showing the ravages of cancer, which is something Crowley decided early on in the process.

The film is not trying to say, this is what this illness will do to you. Its trying to get at what this illness means to a pair of people in a very happy, loving relationship, and theyre trying to figure out their relationship in the amount of time they have left, and thats what the focus was. It is about the life force and figuring out priorities rather than declining.

Crowleys older brother, multi-award-winning set designer Bob, has shared how the familys visits to Cork Opera House inspired his decision to pursue a career in theatre. Was that the same source of inspiration for Johns desire to work in the arts? He acknowledges it was, though not in the same way as his older brother.

I was taken to a panto when I was about five or six in the Opera House. It was Jack And The Beanstalk, and, halfway through act one, I kicked off because the axe that was a prop for chopping down the beanstalk was covered in tin foil. I was clearly destined for film and the importance of realism rather than theatricality. I was taken out of the Opera House and marched home. So, yes, panto was massively important, just not in the same way as it was for my brother.

We Live In Time had its Irish premiere at the Cork International Film Festival in November, which Crowley says was magical.

It was really special. I had a lot of friends and family there. My kindergarten teacher was there; she is 94. She taught me how to read. The screening was magic. The room was electric. The humour played gangbusters, then the emotion kicked in mightily.

Crowley explains that the festival exposed him to a diverse range of genres as a student.

The Cork Film Festival was where I was first exposed to all sorts of extraordinary work when I was in school and university.

It was a massive education for me. This was the first time I could present a film at the festival, so it was a major thing for me.
Tom Tuite

A man accused of dangerous driving causing the deaths of a husband and wife in an alleged hit and run in Dublin on St Stephen's Day has been released on bail.

Anthony Hogg, 40, and Georgina Hogg Moore, 39, were struck while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre at around 5:45 pm.

Georgina Hogg Moore was pronounced dead at the scene while her husband Anthony was rushed to hospital but died that night.

John Halpin, 45, Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, D15, had been charged with two offences of dangerous driving, causing the deaths of Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg Moore, and two counts of hit and run and failing to offer assistance at the scene, at Blanchardstown Road South on December 26.

Mr Halpin made no application for bail at his first hearing on Monday.

The deceased couple, married with children, lived in the Whitestown area nearby, and their funeral will take place on Friday.

Meanwhile, the criminal proceedings resumed before Judge Alan Mitchell at Cloverhill District Court on Friday when it emerged that Mr Halpin was a neighbour of the couple.

The accused, who made no reply when charged, appeared via video link.

Defence solicitor Damien Coffey said his client intended to apply for bail.

Investigating Garda Alan Murphy confirmed that there had been an objection due to the seriousness of the case, but he consented to bail with a substantial cash lodgement.

He clarified that he was agreeing to bail but asked for several conditions to be imposed, adding that he had discussed them with the defence. The court also heard the accused had no warrant history.

Mr Coffey said there would not be any issue from the defence concerning the terms sought.

No evidence about the alleged offences was given during the hearing.

The bail was set in Mr Halpin's bond of 200, and he was required to lodge another 2000 cash. Judge Mitchell informed the accused that he would be released once he signed his bond in front of the Cloverhill Prison governor later that day.

Signing on

Mr Halpin declared, "No, no, no" when asked if he had an issue with signing on two days a week at his local garda station.

Judge Mitchell noted from the defence solicitor that Mr Halpin had already surrendered his passport and ordered him not to apply for a new one or other identity and travel documents.

He was also warned to have no contact with witnesses directly or indirectly or any contact with the deceased couple's family.

The judge added that this included using social media. Asked if he understood, Mr Halpin replied, "I did".

The judge told him he must provide a mobile phone number to gardai at Blanchardstown station within 24 hours of his release and he must be available on that phone.

Mr Coffey said his client would likely take up bail.

Judge Mitchell commented that he was dealing with very serious alleged offences, and he warned that there must be "strict compliance" with the bail terms outlined, or gardai could apply to have him remanded in prison again.

"You have experienced a few days in custody and don't want to go back in?" the judge put to Mr Halpin, who answered, "No".

The standard bail conditions apply to be of good behaviour, but the judge did not accede to a Garda request to order the man to remain sober because it was a condition "too difficult to enforce".

Judge Mitchell noted that gardai still needed to obtain directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions and ordered Mr Halpin to appear on January 30th at Blanchardstown District Court.

A woman also arrested during the Garda investigation was released without charge on Monday.

A large crowd gathered at the scene near Whitestown evening, 24 hours after the tragic incident, and a GoFundMe appeal has been set up to assist the deceased couple's children, which has raised close to 62,000 so far.

The family asked that mourners wear bright colours to "reflect both Anto and Georgina's personalities" at the couple's funeral.

In a funeral notice, they were described as the "cherished mother and father of Ryan and Becky-Joy, beloved children of Valerie, Jackie and the late George and Paul."

It resumed with expressions that the couple would be "sadly missed by their loving families, relatives, friends and Ben and Kai."
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Electricity in the United Kingdom was the cleanest ever in 2024, with solar and wind generating all-time highs, a new analysis by Carbon Brief said.

The report found that per unit carbon dioxide emissions have fallen by over two-thirds in a decade. The analysis attributed this to the phasing out of coal in the UK, which now generates less than half the amount of electricity from fossil fuels than it did a decade ago. Meanwhile, the generation of power from renewable sources has more than doubled.

Having risen to global dominance on the back of coal-fired industrial might, the UK has made significant progress in cleaning up its power supplies over the past 75 years, the Carbon Brief analysis said. In addition, electricity demand has been falling for nearly two decades, as appliances have become more efficient, and the economy has shifted away from heavy industry.

As the report pointed out, the UK shut down its last coal-fired power station in September, ending 142 years of coal burning and making the UK the first G7 country to totally phase out the dirty fuel.

The end of coal power, combined with the rise of renewables, means the UKs electricity was the cleanest ever in 2024, the report said.

Fossil fuels made up 29 percent of electricity generation in the UK last year  the lowest level ever recorded  with renewables accounting for a record 45 percent, nuclear and biomass each generating roughly 13 percent, imports 11 percent and solar producing four percent, according to Carbon Brief.

This resulted in each unit of electricity generating an average of 124 grams of carbon, compared with 419 grams of carbon intensity for each kilowatt hour in 2014.

The UKs cleaner electricity generation in 2024 makes electrified heat and transport far more beneficial in terms of reducing CO2 emissions, the analysis said. For example, an average petrol car in the UK generates 2.7 tonnes of CO2 (tCO2) per year. In 2014, an EV would have generated 830kg of CO2  but in 2024 this was just 245kg.

Gas was still the biggest single source of power in the UK last year, generating 28 percent, in comparison with 26 percent from wind energy, reported The Guardian.

When accounting for all plants burning gas for power in the UK, the fuel remained as the single-largest source of electricity in 2024, slightly ahead of wind, Carbon Brief said in its report. However, increasing wind power capacity as new projects are completed in the coming months  and below-average wind speeds in 2024  mean wind is likely to generate more electricity than gas in 2025.

The analysis said wind was expected to form the backbone of the nations electricity system by 2030.

The Labour government has pledged to decarbonize electricity in the UK by then, with ambitious plans to ramp up solar and wind, The Guardian reported.

Under the governments target for clean power by 2030, the carbon intensity of electricity generation should fall by another two-thirds by the end of the decade, according to NESO, the report said. In its advice on how to reach the target, NESO set out pathways to clean power by 2030 that would see carbon intensity falling to 50gCO2/kWh or lower, depending on how it is measured. This will be a very significant challenge. Nevertheless, the power sector has already been transformed over the past decade. It was the UKs largest source of CO2 until 2014 and is now only the fifth largest, after transport, buildings, industry and agriculture.

The target of creating an electricity grid that is 95 percent low-carbon by 2030 is possible, according to the UK Energy Research Centre, but there is very little room for error, reported The Guardian.
NVIDIA held its CES 2025 keynote last night with CEO Jensen Huang and it was surprisingly eventful. The company finally unveiled its much awaited GeForce RTX 5000 GPUs that promise a considerable performance uplift, to start with. The company didn't stop there, also announcing Project Digits, a personal AI supercomputer, along with DLSS 4 and more. Here's a wrap-up of what happened  and you can watch the whole event uncut, via the YouTube embed below. (Spoiler alert: It's more than 90 minutes long.)

NVIDIA RTX 5000-series GPUs

Huang strode out in a new snakeskin-like leather jacket and revealed the much-anticipated RTX 5090 GPU. With 32GB of GDDR7 RAM and an impressive 21,760 CUDA cores, the new flagship can deliver up to twice as much relative performance, particularly for ray-tracing (RT) intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077. In fact that particular title ran at 234 fps with full RT on in a video demo, compared to 109 fps on the RTX 4090. It's not cheap, though, priced at $1,999.

The company also revealed the $549 RTX 5070 with a far more modest 6,144 CUDA cores and 12GB of DDR7 RAM, along with the $749 RTX 5070 Ti and $999 RTX 5080.

DLSS 4

A key part of the RTX 5000-series launch was the introduction of DLSS 4, the latest version of the company's real-time image upscaling technology. It features a new technology called Multi Frame Generation that allows the new GPUs to generate up to three additional frames for every one frame the GPU produces via traditional rendering  helping multiply frame rates by up to eight times. It also represents what NVIDIA calls the "biggest upgrade to its AI models" since DLSS 2, improving things like temporal stability and detail, while reducing artifacts like ghosting.

Project Digits

Finally, NVIDIA launched Project Digits, a "personal AI supercomputer" designed for AI researchers, data scientists and students. It uses NVIDIA's new GB10 Grace Blackwell superchip, providing up to a petaflop of performance for testing and running AI models. The company says a single Project Digits unit can run models 200 billion parameters in size, or multiple machines can be linked together to run up to 405 billion parameter models. And for its intended audience, Project Digits is relatively cheap at $3,000.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On top of all that, the company introduced NVIDIA Cosmos world foundation models for robot and AV development, the NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion AV platform for autonomous vehicles and AI Foundation models for RTX PCs "that supercharge digital humans." It's all explained in the video above and NVIDIA's CES 2025 keynote blog.

NVDA stock price seesaw

CES  and Huang's keynote  are happening against the backdrop of continued volatility in the company's stock price. NVIDIA shares (ticker NVDA) spiked ahead of Huang's address, closing on Monday just shy of Apple's market cap pinnacle. But Tuesday saw a reversal, with the stock down more than 6 percent. Still, some are betting it's a toss up between the two tech giants as to which will hit the $4 trillion market valuation first.

Update, January 7 2025, 4:18PM ET: This story has been updated with new details on Nvidia's stock price.

Engadget spent the week of January 5 reporting live from CES 2025 in Las Vegas. See our picks for the Best of CES 2025.
Plus, what we already know is coming, keynotes from notable CEOs and our experts' predictions on trends at the show.

We're here! The Engadget CES 2025 team has mostly arrived in Las Vegas, where well be covering techs biggest annual conference. Our war room is open, the team has been seeing products and the coverage will ramp up in just a few short hours. Still, the show doesn't officially kick off for a couple of days, since the convention center is only truly open on January 7. But we'll have plenty of press conferences to cover tomorrow, and companies are already holding somewhat secretive briefings to preview their news.

Based on our experience, as well as observation of recent industry trends, its fairly easy to make educated predictions about what we might see here. Over the years, the focus of the conference has spanned areas like TVs, cars, smart home products and personal health, with a smattering of laptops and accessories thrown in. At CES 2025, we expect to see AI get even more pervasive in all areas of the show floor. But we are also likely to get the usual slew of new processors and subsequent laptops, as well as all manner of wearables, trackers, bathroom appliances and massage chairs. Oh, the massage chairs.

What we already know about

There's already a lot we know is coming, just by a cursory glance at the lineup published by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). In addition to numerous panels and talks, there will be keynotes by NVIDIA's founder and CEO Jensen Huang, Delta CEO Ed Bastian as well as C-suite executives from companies like Panasonic, SiriusXM, Waymo and Volvo group. We've also seen that Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of X (Twitter), will be interviewed by journalist Catherine Herridge at a keynote on January 7, while Snap CEO Evan Spiegel will be speaking about the "future goals of the platform" on January 8.

Press conferences of note at CES 2025

Engadget will be running a liveblog all through the show, starting on Monday January 6th. That's the day many press conferences by companies like NVIDIA, LG, Samsung and AMD will be taking place, and we'll be covering them live. We'll be paying particular attention to NVIDIA, LG, Samsung and Sony, but are keeping tabs on the dozens of other press conferences that will be happening, as well as the talks with Yaccarino and Spiegel. Here's how to watch those noteworthy press conferences if you want to tune in yourself:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

CES 2025 news that's already announced

Some companies didn't even wait till January to make their news known. LG, for example, continues its annual tradition of sharing its upcoming CES launches weeks ahead of the show by unveiling the 2025 refresh for its QNED evo line of LCD TVs. The company has continued to release more information, including announcing its 45-inch UltraGear bendable OLED gaming monitor alongside a line of curved OLED screens.

In fact, here's a little list of all the other CES 2025 things LG has already shared so far:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Hyundai Mobis, meanwhile, has said it will be giving us a look at its "Holographic Windshield Display," something it's claiming is a world's first. Hyundai Mobis even shared a picture of what its booth at CES 2025 will look like, in case pictures of convention center booths get you excited.

Hyundai Mobis

Plenty of other news has already been made public, including Roborock's vacuum with an arm to help it pick up small objects, Belkin's creator bundle of accessories including a tripod that makes taking hands-free video on your phone much easier. There's a whole lot more news already announced, and for now you can head over to our CES 2025 page to keep up!

In addition to what's already been announced, we still have our guesses on big news and trends that might make waves at CES 2025. Heres a taste of what our team expects to see at the show.

New video cards from AMD and NVIDIA

Theres no doubt 2025 is going to be a momentous year for PC gamers. NVIDIA is expected to debut its long-awaited RTX 5000 video cards at CES, while AMD CEO Lisa Su has confirmed well see next-generation RDNA 4 GPUs early next year. Of the two companies, AMD could use the upgrade more. Its last batch of Radeon 7000 cards were decent mid-range performers, but they lagged far behind NVIDIAs hardware when it came to ray tracing, and AMDs FSR 3 upscaling also couldnt compete with NVIDIAs AI-powered DLSS 3.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"In addition to a strong increase in gaming performance, RDNA 4 delivers significantly higher ray-tracing performance and adds new AI capabilities, AMD CEO Lisa Su said in an October earnings call.

As for NVIDIAs new hardware, a rumor from the leaker OneRaichu (via DigitalTrends) suggested that the RTX 5090 could be up to 70 percent faster than the RTX 4090. (Thats a GPU that I previously described as having unholy power.) They also note that other high level cards could see 30 to 40 percent performance bumps. Those gains might be enough to tempt wealthy RTX 4090 owners to upgrade, but RTX 4070 and 4080 owners might want to skip this generation. For NVIDIA holdouts with RTX 3000 and earlier GPUs, though, next year may be the perfect time to upgrade.  Devindra Hardawar, senior reporter

AI PCs round 2

Last year, I predicted that AI PCs would dominate CES, and that mostly turned out to be true. As 2024 rolled on, we saw even more powerful NPUs in chips from Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. Microsoft also doubled down on AI PCs with its Copilot+ initiative, which gave a big marketing push for artificial intelligence features and premium specifications (like having at least 16GB of RAM).

Expect more of the same going into CES 2025, alongside even more AI being stuffed into every category of product imaginable. This year, in particular, PC makers are likely to gear up to take advantage of Windows 10 support ending next year. Instead of just upgrading your old computer to Windows 11, the likes of Dell and HP would rather you buy a whole new AI PC with the new OS pre-installed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While 2024 was a year of endless AI PC hype, 2025 might end up being a year of reckoning. Microsofts long-delayed Recall feature is slowly trickling out to more users, but its already showing some glaring security holes, like failing to scrub social security and credit card numbers from screenshots. Weve also been mostly underwhelmed with Apple Intelligences image generation capabilities. PC makers have been eager to talk up the potential of AI-powered features until now, but in 2025 theyll have to actually prove they can live up to their fantastical claims.  D.H.

Earbuds that follow Apples lead on hearing health

Im fully aware not every audio company has the ability to build out a clinical-grade hearing test and hearing aid features in their apps. However, Apples recent update for the AirPods Pro 2 should inspire the competition to offer some form of hearing health tools on their flagship products. Jabra was probably the best equipped to do this since parent company GN has extensive hearing aid experience. Sadly, the company announced earlier this year that it wouldnt make earbuds anymore.

Samsung and Google could probably integrate something like what Apple made for the AirPods, given both companies existing health platforms. If they did, those announcements are unlikely to be made at CES, as both companies prefer to host their own standalone hardware events throughout the year.

That leaves Sennheiser as the biggest audio company that consistently launches earbuds and headphones at CES. Last year, it showcased multiple new models, including one with heart-rate tracking for workouts. Plus, it already offers hearing assistance with dedicated devices like the true wireless Conversation Clear Plus. Those earbuds are more hearing focused than for general content consumption, so it would be great to see Sennheiser bring some features from that product to its flagship Momentum line of earbuds. Perhaps a Momentum True Wireless 4 Pro or Plus is in the cards, but the current model is just nine months old.

Of course, theres plenty of room for other companies to innovate here, and there will be no shortage of new earbuds in Vegas next month. We also tend to see a ton of assistive devices and technology launch at CES, from major accessibility companies like OrCam and all manner of smaller brands. I just hope some of the new tech includes more general hearing tools on the models most people will want to use.  Billy Steele, senior editor

Vehicle electrification goes sky high

As the growth of electric cars nears 10 percent of new models sold in the US, its easy to forget that wheeled vehicles arent the only kind of transportation seeing the shift to battery-powered propulsion. Flying taxis have been a mainstay of CES for the past few years, with concept vehicles from brands as large as Hyundai dotting the show floor in Vegas.

Granted, these contraptions look more like giant drones with cockpits than anything the Jetsons ever dreamed up. But with companies like Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation pledging to actually launch eVTOL services (electric vertical take-off and landing) in 2025, the era of air taxis may have landed for real this time.  Sam Rutherford, senior reporter

Turning more phones into satellite phones

Since Apple introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14 in 2022, we've seen a serious uptick in development in satellite communications. Not only did Apple expand its feature to allow for non-emergency communications, component makers like Qualcomm, too, tried to bring similar capabilities to Android devices. Snapdragon Satellite was announced at CES 2023, as a project between Qualcomm and Iridium, but the initiative did not gain popularity with smartphone companies, and was ultimately ended in November that same year.

Since then, Google launched satellite calling in Pixel 9 phones, while SpaceX's Starlink satellite texting service has gone live in New Zealand via telco One NZ. In the US, T-Mobile opened up beta signups for its Starlink-powered satellite cell service this year. The skies are getting more crowded, too, with AT&T and partner AST SpaceMobile launching five satellites in September, as well as Amazon's Project Kuiper looking to boost its satellite internet network with space lasers.

This year, Garmin launched the inReach Messenger Plus, which it describes as an "SOS Satellite Communicator with Photo and Voice messaging." Though satellite hotspots like that have been around for years from companies like Iridium and GlobalSat, they've historically cost $800 to $1,000, and haven't had the ability to send much more than a few lines of text. Garmin's product may be an indicator of things to come  not only are we likely to see major phone makers embed satellite communication capability into future handsets, but in the interim we're probably going to get a bunch of hotspots so we'll never lose connectivity, not matter how far off the grid we get. And I wouldn't be surprised if CES 2025 is rife with devices that let us tap into satellites to get help and talk to others.  Cherlynn Low, deputy editor

Expanded dialog improvement features on soundbars

When it comes to the main aspects of soundbars, there really isnt a ton of innovation from year to year. Heck, Samsungs biggest update last year was the addition of HDMI 2.1 support to its flagship model, which shouldve been there already. Companies have also been focused on the transition to cable-free everything, whether thats wireless Dolby Atmos or wireless transmission boxes. Audio enhancement features are a place where companies can really rise above the fray, and tools like Sonos TV Audio Swap and Boses Personal Surround Sound are great examples of this. A key area nearly every company can improve is dialog boost, a feature that raises the volume or separates spoken word from background noise and music for better clarity.

Sonos made a huge leap in this regard on the Arc Ultra, offering two additional settings for its so-called Speech Enhancement. Previously, this was just an all-or-nothing toggle, which is how most companies handle their versions of this tool. Not only is the Sonos update customizable to a degree, its also just better, thanks in part to the redesigned architecture of its new premium soundbar. This is an obvious area where other companies can improve.

LG and Samsung typically announce new soundbars at CES, and there are plenty of smaller companies that will debut some too. Id love to see all of them take dialog enhancements a step further and at the very least give multiple options for how its applied. LG has been using AI Sound Pro from its TVs since 2021 and Samsung offers something called Adaptive Sound on its home theater speakers. I would expect them both to generally improve the quality of their features, but Im hoping theyll expand the capabilities too.  B.S.

Update, December 17 2024, 12:40PM ET: This story has been updated to include the companies and CEOs that will be making keynotes at the show.

Update, December 20 2024, 11:55AM ET: This story has been updated to include LG and Hyundai Mobis' announcements ahead of CES 2025.

Update, December 25 2024, 10:00AM ET: This story has been updated to include a prediction about satellite communication devices being everywhere at CES 2025.

Update, December 30 2024, 12:00PM ET: This story has been updated to include a section titled "What we already know is coming," that contains newer information about appearances by X CEO Linda Yaccarino and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, as well as updates on LG's UltraGear line. The intro was also updated to be more accurate about the time of year since we first published this piece.

Update, January 3 2025, 3:20PM ET: This story has been updated to include a list of announcements by LG, as well as to edit the intro so it is not outdated and reflects that we have, indeed, entered a new year.

Update, January 5 2025, 3:30PM ET: This story has been updated to include more news from LG, Belkin and Roborock. The intro was also edited as the Engadget team has now arrived in Las Vegas and begun working.

Update, January 5 2025, 7:53PM ET: This story has been updated to include a list of press conferences to watch, as well as some new details and links about Engadget's coverage.

Engadget spent the week of January 5 reporting live from CES 2025 in Las Vegas. See our picks for the Best of CES 2025.

If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
When Samsung unveiled the worlds first 27-inch 4K gaming OLED monitor on Thursday, Engadgets Igor Bonifacic predicted that other vendors would soon follow suit. (After all, Samsung is also the biggest supplier of OLED gaming monitor panels.) Sure enough, MSI followed suit the same day at CES 2025 with two monitors with familiar specs: a 27-inch 4K QD-OLED display and a 27-inch QD-OLED one with a crazy-smooth 500Hz refresh rate.

First up: the 27-inch 4K QD-OLED one, marketed to perfection as the MPG 272URX QD-OLED. (Sure, why not!) MSI is differentiating its monitor as the first one to combine that panel with DisplayPort 2.1a, which can provide a better combination of resolution and frame rates. Like Samsungs equivalent (the G81SF), it has a 240Hz refresh rate and should look nice and crisp at 166 PPI.

MSI says this panel significantly reduces color fringing, which should help with the poor text clarity too often customary of QD-OLED screens. As my colleague Igor points out, this could be an ideal do-it-all monitor for gaming, work or anything else you can throw at it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It supports NVIDIAs G-SYNC tech, so smooth gameplay wont likely be a concern. The MPG 272URX QD-OLED even took home a CES 2025 Innovation Award.

The 27-inch QHD QD-OLED model also has a catchy and memorable name: the MPG 272QR QD-OLED X50. (Yes!) MSI is marketing this monitor to all the mainstream gamers out there, likely due to its lower (2,560 x 1,440) resolution. It also uses DisplayPort 2.1a and (like Samsungs) can have a 0.03ms gray-to-gray pixel response time. It received VESA ClearMR 21000 certification, so motion blur shouldnt be an issue when enjoying its blistering 500Hz refresh rate.

MSI hasnt yet shared pricing or release date info for either model.
The Sixth Circuit US Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that the FCC does not have the "statutory authority" to implement net neutrality rules.

Since the rules were established in 2015, the FCC argued that classifying ISPs as "telecommunication services" gives it broad authority to regulate them. The decision to redefine ISPs as "information services" during the first Trump Administration led to the repeal of net neutrality in 2017.

The current FCC voted to restore net neutrality on April 25 last year. The difference between 2015 and now is the Supreme Court's recent, radical reinterpretation of an important legal doctrine. The Chevron doctrine said that if Congress doesn't weigh in on an issue, courts are supposed to defer to the interpretation of government agencies. Now, interpretation falls to the individual judge, and the Sixth Court doesn't agree with the FCC.

This is the end of the road for the FCCs attempts to wrench a little bit of the power from internet providers and carriers and level speeds and access regardless of service. Net neutrality rules will remain in California and other states, but anything at the federal level will require either an act of Congress or, for this case, be appealed to (and succeed in front of) the Supreme Court.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

 Mat Smith

Get this delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!

The biggest tech stories you missed

The information caused the stock price to slide.

Tesla

Tesla delivered around 1.78 million vehicles in 2024, but the company delivered 1.81 million total in 2023. Company shares fell by as much as seven percent at the news, but has since rallied a couple of points. This follows similar news from Q1 of 2024, but that was just for a single quarter. Tesla doesnt publish actual sales numbers in the US, but numbers are down in Europe, with a 14 percent decline in 2024 when compared to last year, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Continue reading.

Class members could get up to $20 per Siri-enabled device.

Apple will settle a five-year-old class action lawsuit over Siri privacy. Reuters reports that the company agreed to pay $95 million to class members, estimated to be tens of millions of Siri-enabled device owners. The lawsuit stemmed from a 2019 report that Apple quality control contractors could regularly hear sensitive info accidentally recorded by the voice assistants Hey Siri feature. The clips were said to include medical information, criminal activities and even sexual encounters. Reuters notes that $95 million in cash amounts to about nine hours of profit for the company. If you owned a Siri-enabled mobile product during that period (and Judge White approves the settlement), you might get a heady $20 per device.

Continue reading.

In 1972, Time named the computer Man of the Year

Well, machine of the year.

Time

42 years ago, long before Time was awarding it to you, groups of scientists or even women (gasp!) it awarded the personal computer its 'man of the year' award. Time publisher John A. Meyers wrote: "Several human candidates might have represented 1982, but none symbolized the past year more richly, or will be viewed by history as more significant, than a machine: the computer."
Damon Dash is at risk of losing his jewels to filmmaker Josh Webber, who is seemingly exhausting every option in order to satisfy outstanding debts.

Documents obtained by All Hip Hop state that the plaintiffs  director Josh Webber and Muddy Water Pictures LLC  have submitted a request to Judge Robert Lehrburger, and the music mogul's shiny gems are being targeted in the filing.

Per the media outlet, the Webber and Muddy Water Pictures LL submitted the request in the Southern District of New York.

The letter includes two outstanding judgments in the amount of a reported $823,284.71 against the Roc-a-Fella co-founder.

The plaintiff is reportedly requesting that Dash hand over documents pertaining to his businesses, including Lebanon Improvements LLC, Ocean East Improvements LLC, 1996 Songs LLC, and Blackroc LLC, to be sent to the United States Marshal, per All Hip Hop.

A court order was also requested for the rap boss' personal jewels which were featured in the rap star's November auction amid ongoing legal battles and financial struggles, per the music outlet. The jewelry would reportedly be used in order to satisfy judgements.

The jewelry in question reportedly includes one gold necklace, one gold "Dame" necklace, one gold "Dusko" necklace, one gold watch, three gold rings, two Roc-A-Fella chains, a set of diamond earrings and another set of gold earrings.

Dash was sued by Muddy Water Pictures and Webber after allegedly claiming to own the rights to the 2019 film, Dear Frank, per 'Lowelaw.' It was reported that Dash was dropped from the cast in 2018, but continued to falsely claim he was involved.

Dash, 53, has reportedly lost the case.

The letter also includes legal provisions which allow judgments against the debtor's personal property, including reported corporate shares and transferable assets, per AHH.
For the past few months, Trae Tha Truth has been searching nonstop for his daughter Truth.

However, on the first day of 2025, the rapper from Houston revealed that he was surprised when he got a call informing him that his six-year-old child had been found.

Trae, whose real name is Frazier Thompson III, started his lengthy, emotional post on Instagram, saying, "Never Let No One Tell You GOD Aint Real!!!!"

Several weeks have passed since the "Here I Go" hitmaker reached out to the community seeking help in finding his missing daughter. He claimed his only-daughter Truth was taken by her mother around five months ago.

The 44-year-old rapper told KPRC 2 in an interview last month, "The mother came to Houston and said she wanted to exercise her visiting, so I took her and dropped her off in Humble."

Two days had passed since Truth was expected to return, but she never made her way back.

"The phones was disconnected or, at this point. She just vanished, so luckily man, somebody told me that they were spotted in LA and that's how it started to where I left to go to LA looking for her."

Trae also disclosed that multiple arrest warrants have been issued for Truth's mother, Heather Cuevas, across California and Texas.

"I don't know where my baby laying her head. I don't know where her mental is, I don't know what she's eating."

The rapper continued by saying that he was unsure if she had clothing and has no idea who owns the house Truth may be staying in or if she was sleeping on a bed or the floor.

With Truth's mother challenging the court's decision to grant the "No Help" rapper full custody in early 2024, he publicly shared on social media in December the mental anguish he was experiencing after his daughter disappeared.

As of writing, it's unclear if Cuevas has been arrested.
Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of actor Johnny Depp, has spoken out about the impact her father's movie "Edward Scissorhands" had on her childhood.

The now 25-year-old actress-model opened up to Harper's Bazaar about how watching her dad play the misunderstood character had left her feeling "traumatized."

Lily-Rose, as quoted by Daily Mail, expressed her opinion about the movie, saying, "Movies are supposed to make you feel something. I was traumatized by it (Scissorhands). Not because I thought he was scary, but because everyone was being so mean to him, and I got really upset."

In the discussion, she emphasized empathy in storytelling and how her father has influenced her own career.

Lily-Rose opened up not only about her father's film but also shared her apprehension about the current political climate after the recent U.S. elections.

She said, "I feel we're going backwards, which is endlessly disheartening and heartbreaking. It's a horrific time, and I'm scared, and I'm sad."

Still, despite being said to have familial roots in Hollywood, the actress has said she wants nothing to do with Hollywood fame.

She explained that each job comes with its own unique circumstances, and fame is one of the drawbacks of acting.

She stressed there's a balance that needs to be struck between exposing yourself and being able to erase your own identity enough to be your character.

"The job of an actor is to go into a character, melt into it and make the audience believe you are this character," the 25-year-old said. "In order to do that, it's important to protect a sense of anonymity - they're not supposed to get to know 'you' that well, because you want them to believe you as other characters."

Lily-Rose is presently on a press tour for the remake of the 1922 silent horror movie "Nosferatu."

She has received early reviews praising her performance, with some calling it one of the best in her budding career.

It stars a cast that includes Bill Skarsgard and Willem Dafoe.
The legal representatives of Jay-Z successfully obtained approval from Judge Analisa Torres to file a motion for dismissal in the Jane Doe lawsuit.

In court documents shared by legal reporter Meghann Cuniff on X, Thursday, Torres approved Carter's motion to dismiss the Plaintiff's amended complaint.

"Carter's request to file a motion to dismiss Plaintiff's amended complaint is GRANTED."

Judge Torres has granted lawyer Alex Spiro's request to file a dismissal motion in the lawsuit that accuses Jay-Z of raping a 13-year-old girl in 2000. This is over the objection of the woman's lawyer Tony Buzbee.



The motion is due on February 6. pic.twitter.com/k7UqPXbZaW  Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 2, 2025

Attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing Jane Doe, submitted a response on December 31 in opposition to the request. Jay-Z's accuser is required to submit her opposition papers by the end of February.

This allows Beyonce's husband and his team a window until mid-March to file a reply if deemed necessary.

Spiro previewed his arguments in his request. Judges deciding dismissal motions are to assume the facts alleged are true; the arguments are about legal issues such as statute of limitations etc. pic.twitter.com/l7BVQ66rX2  Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 2, 2025

Cuniff explained that when judges are deliberating dismissal motions, they are to consider the alleged facts as true. The focus of the arguments revolves around legal matters such as the statute of limitations.

Torres also mandated that lawyers must obtain court approval before submitting a motion.

Buzbee opposed the filing of a dismissal motion in a New Year's Eve letter.



For context, not every federal judge requires attorneys to obtain the court's permission to file a motion. This is a rule specific to Judge Torres and her civil cases. pic.twitter.com/JUtWY2NBXj  Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 2, 2025

In legal papers submitted on December 30 by Jay-Z's lawyers, headed by attorney Alex Spiro, it was mentioned that Jay-Z communicated with the Plaintiff on December 19, mentioning several concerns that they believed warranted the case's dismissal.

These concerns included technicalities, expired deadlines, and the jurisdictions in question.

In response to the allegations against Jay-Z, his legal team emphasized that the accuser did not fulfill the requirements outlined in the letter within the designated five-day period, which ended on December 27.

According to TMZ's review of legal documents, Buzbee overlooked crucial details that undermine the case, as stated by Spiro.

At a post-MTV Music Awards party in September 2000, allegations arose against Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs for assaulting Doe.

Spiro indicated plans to submit a motion for dismissal based on the timeline discrepancy. The victim's case is under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, which was passed in December 2000, three months after the alleged occurrence.

Jay-Z's attorneys stated in a December 30 filing that "The GMV Law was not enacted until December 19, 2000, three months after Doe's claims the conduct occurred, and cannot apply retroactively to create a cause of action unavailable to Plaintiff at the time in question."

They added that "a contrary conclusion would violate both state and federal due process protections."

In her legal filing, Doe detailed how she had been living in Rochester, New York in the year 2000 before movie to New York City. It was during this time that she befriended a limousine driver who escorted her to the party, a journey spanning approximately 20 minutes.

During the court proceedings, Spiro declared that the 20-minute duration of travel time effectively proves that the alleged incident could not have taken place in New York City, further discrediting the lawsuit. He also pointed out that the lawsuit was submitted after the statute of limitations had expired, with any legal allegations related to the purported assault exceeding the August 2021 deadline set by New York's Child Victims Act.

Originally published in Music Times
In the days leading up to her death, the socialite known as "Catwoman" Jocelyn Wildenstein faced significant financial woes.

Just before her death at 84 years old on Dec. 31, she was on the verge of being arrested for defying court directives related to a substantial outstanding debt amounting to $344,000.

Following her absence at a contempt hearing in Miami on Oct. 23, Wildenstein found herself in hot water when Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorens issued a bodily attachment warrant.

This order instructed law enforcement officials throughout Florida to arrest the plastic surgery-loving celebrity and keep her in custody until she appeared in court.

In legal records obtained by the Daily Mail, Wildenstein allegedly had an outstanding debt of $268,000 to Regal Jewelry and Gift Shop for jewelry that was not returned, as well as $75,928 in accumulated interest.

This financial obligation originated from her bankruptcy filing in 2018.

For years, the debt was left unsettled, prompting the company to take further legal measures in Miami, where she has been living for the recent years.

Failing to meet the required deadlines for submitting documents and arranging a deposition, Wildenstein caused the law firm's attorneys to petition the court for her contempt.

In a statement dated November 4, Judge Sanchez-Llorens stated that Wildenstein could face confinement in the Miami-Dade County Jail until she appears before the Court. However, she could secure release by submitting a bond worth $1,000.00.

A court session for case management had been scheduled on January 14, although uncertainty looms over its progress following the recent withdrawal of Wildenstein's attorney, David Valero.

Wildenstein entered high society through marriage and become one of the wealthiest divorcees in the world.

Following her separation from art dealer ex-husband Alec Wildenstein in 1999, she obtained a staggering $2.5 billion settlement, which only solidified her financial status.

Rumors circulated over her lavish spending patterns, claiming that she may have spent up to $1 million.

After her divorce, she accumulated a substantial amount of money, which she then lavished on fine art, fashionable clothes, expensive accessories, cosmetic treatments, and even exorbitant phone bills.

However, Wildenstein's financial situation took a drastic turn when it was discovered that a painting linked to Diego Velazquez, a major asset in her divorce settlement fund, turned out to be a counterfeit, leading to a substantial loss of her riches.

Another startling bankruptcy filing revealed the truth: her checking account had been depleted, and she found herself relying on a mere $900 monthly from Social Security benefits to make ends meet.

Wildenstein also faced housing challenges both in New York and Florida.

After her lavish residence in Trump World Tower was sold to pay debts amounting to $6.38 million, she encountered further difficulties in Florida. Her partner Lloyd Klein, the fashion designer, claimed that the property they shared had mold and ceiling damage.

However, a judge ultimately decided that these issues were not sufficient grounds to withhold rent, resulting in the eviction of Wildenstein in April.

Reports indicate that Wildenstein had been residing in a luxurious Miami Beach condo valued at $800,000 under a legal agreement. Unfortunately, she neglected to fulfill her obligations to cover taxes, maintenance, and utilities.

Despite being served with a lawsuit, Wildenstein remained unresponsive. Her most recent sighting was on a romantic outing with Klein in Paris on December 18.

Wildenstein died in Paris, France, due to pulmonary embolism.
Justin Baldoni's attorney revealed the actor's intentions to take legal action against Blake Lively in response to their escalating legal dispute.

In an interview with NBC News, Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman confirmed that his client intends to take legal action against Lively by stating, "Absolutely ... yes."

"We plan to release every single text message between the two of them," he added.

"We want the truth to be out there. We want the documents to be out there," Freedman explained. We want people to make their determination based on receipts."

Information from an insider familiar with the situation also confirmed that Baldoni is gearing up to file a lawsuit against Lively "soon," as reported by PEOPLE magazine.

Freedman also reiterated his criticism of the "leaked personal text exchanges" between Baldoni and his publicists for their absence of "critical context" and announced plans to release all text messages exchanged between Lively and Baldoni.

Lively's Civil Rights Complaint and Lawsuit

The legal conflict began when the "Gossip Girl" star filed a civil rights complaint on December 20, alleging that Baldoni sexual harassed her and created a toxic work environment during the production of their movie "It Ends With Us," where he served as both director and co-star.

On New Year's Eve, she took legal action against Baldoni for the second time, as well as naming his publicists Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan as defendants, along with Baldoni's production company, Wayfarer Studios. Lively claims her co-star had orchestrated a smear campaign against her to ruin her image.

"As alleged in Ms. Lively's 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," the attorneys said. "Now, the defendants will answer for their conduct in federal court."

She is seeking "punitive" and "compensatory" damages, alongside requesting a jury trial.

Lively alleges that the defendants have inflicted upon her "mental pain and anguish," as well as "severe and serious emotional distress" and "lost wages."

What Baldoni Filed Against The New York Times

In response to the allegations, Baldoni launched a $250 million libel lawsuit against the New York Times, the publication that first reported on Lively's initial complaint just a few weeks ago with the article, "'We Can Bury Anyone': Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine."

The lawsuit accuses the Times of relying "almost entirely" on what it describes as "Lively's unverified and self-serving narrative," and "promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract."

According to the actor's lawyer, "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."

Claiming its commitment to journalistic integrity, The New York Times reaffirmed its stance in a recent declaration, refuting the accusations and expressing its determination to "vigorously defend against the lawsuit."

Lively is not named as a defendant in this suit.
Vanessa Williams shared the heartbreaking news of her mother Helen's passing at the age of 85.

Williams posted an emotional tribute on Instagram Thursday, January 2.

"On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo, and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame. Our mom, Helen Williams, aka Gaga to many, took her final bow in London 20 days after celebrating her 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends," she wrote.

"It's impossible to describe all she meant to everyone because each person saw a different facet of her. Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a chosen few," the Soul Food actress added. "We will miss it all."

Helen's final days were spent in London, where she had traveled to support Vanessa during the debut of The Devil Wears Prada musical. Vanessa portrays the iconic Miranda Priestly in the production. Unfortunately, Helen's health worsened during the visit, and reports indicate that complications from acute liver failure led to her death.

Read more: Vanessa Williams Accused Of Undergoing Plastic Surgery From Online Trolls

Helen Williams was a trailblazer and an inspiration to many. At just 16, she became the youngest Black student to attend SUNY Fredonia. She later pursued a lifelong passion for music, dedicating over 40 years to teaching. Helen also coauthored the memoir You Have No Idea with Vanessa, offering readers an intimate look into their family's journey and accomplishments.

She is survived by her children, Vanessa and Chris Williams, as well as four grandchildren. Helen's profound impact as an educator, author, and role model will continue to resonate with all who knew her.

Recently, Vanessa Williams also opened up about a deeply challenging chapter in her life  the release of unauthorized nude photos during her reign as Miss America in 1984.

The incident, which forced her to relinquish her title, brought global shame and immense pressure to the then 21-year-old trailblazer.

Reflecting on that time, Williams shared how she has learned to view her younger self with compassion, saying, "I look back at my 19-to 20-year-old self and think, 'Oh my God, you were so naive, so trusting, so vulnerable.' "
Angelina Jolie spoke candidly about her "pet peeve" of liars.

The Mr. & Mrs. Smith star sat with W Magazine in an interview published Friday, January 3, days after it was announced she finalized her divorce from Brad Pitt after eight grueling years.

After almost a decade of legal hardship, Jolie and Pitt finally reached a divorce settlement, signing the papers on December 30, 2024  ending a 12 year reign as one of Hollywood's most iconic couples.

Now opening up, the Oscar Award winner  who declared herself a Gemini  reveals she has many pet peeves, but one in particular is her least favorite.

"So many things. But my pet peeve is somebody who is a liar," Jolie, 49, told the media outlet without naming anyone specifically.

"Somebody who feels a need to not say the truth or what they want, what they feel. There's a big version of that  and I'm not trying to be heavy about it  but people who say one thing and mean another, who aren't completely who they are. I think a lot of people don't say what they mean," the Maria actress concluded.

It seems Jolie  currently gracing the cover of W Magazine's Best Performances issue  is reportedly "exhausted" but "relieved" following her tumultuous separation and is looking to put the past behind her.

"More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt," the actress' divorce lawyer James Simon of Hersh Mannis said on December 30, per PEOPLE.

"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," Simon concluded.

While Jolie and Pitt have come a long way through their divorce journey, the two are still at odds regarding the French winery Chateau Miraval  a wine estate purchased by the former love birds located in Correns in the Var  the first bio village in France.

"Until he [Pitt] ends the Miraval lawsuit, Angelina will continue to stand up to him," a source on behalf of Jolie stated, per PEOPLE.
Russell Simmons recently shared a video of his daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, practicing yoga in what looks like Bali, sparking speculation that the two have reconciled after a lengthy estrangement.

The Instagram reel, which features Aoki in advanced yoga poses, appears to mark a significant moment in their relationship.

The photos in the video, posted on Friday, January 3, are undated, but seem to have been taken recently. In his heartfelt caption, Russell expressed immense pride in his daughter, stating, "So proud of her, she's a much better version of me."

In the caption, Russell reflected on the spiritual and physical practices he had shared with his daughters, Aoki and Ming Lee, over the years.

"I can remember asking Aoki and Ming to read and review my books on yogic science. The girls and I would meditate every morning before I took them to school...I was so adamant about these devotional books and practices that I knew I ran the risk of pushing them away, but God has a way with his students," the entrepreneur, writer and record executive penned in the lengthy caption. "He picks his devotees. The great teachers will tell you that yogic science is also the science of physical and mental health or the science of happiness, so I always prayed that these practices/ideas would take shape. Well, for over six weeks we have practiced daily, sometimes 2x a day. We have meditated and gone to kirtan sessions where we sing to God and we have been in the company of devotional beings who exude happiness."

This potential reunion follows a public fallout in June 2023, when Aoki accused her father of verbal abuse, leading to a widely publicized family dispute.

The Harvard University grad wrote in an Instagram caption: "My father is not well, for years, he needs help and won't accept that he refuses to acknowledge he is not himself. He has threatened and bullied my sister, my grandma, he has harassed my grandma in the middle of the night in poor health, send a man to my sisters apartment at 2am to scare her. He lashes out at ANYONE who does not say 'oh Russell everything is fine.' Well it's not fine. If 'I never get a fashion job again' like he threatens, I'll be a lawyer I guess and work in criminal Justice."

She added: "Sure I love my job but if he takes it away from me I won't die. You don't threaten my sister and grandma and mother and say 'who's gonna believe you I'm Russell Simmons nobody thinks I'm crazy' well he is."

Back in October, Russell took to social media to reveal his secrets to living a healthy lifestyle, and based on fan feedback  they simply weren't buying it.

The Def Jam Recordings co-founder posted an encouraging spiritual word, however, fans seemed to be distracted by Simmons' physical features, as the 67-year-old was posted up shirtless.

In addition to fans' petty feedback on his figure, they didn't forget to call out his untimely relocation overseas, as it is suspected amongst fans that Simmons fled to Bali amid accusations of his sexual assault.

Russell was accused by a former Def Jam staff member of a 1995 rape.

In response, Russell denied any wrongdoing, stating that the claims were covered under a 1997 agreement in which Jane Doe had released him from liability. Additionally, he cited that he now lives in Bali and no longer owns property in New York, making the case irrelevant.
"Home Improvement" star Zachery Ty Bryan was arrested in South Carolina and booked into jail on a charge of second-degree domestic violence, according to online jail records.

Bryan, 43, was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County on Thursday, and as of Friday, records showed he was still incarcerated and being held on a $10,000 bond. In his booking photo, Bryan appears to have cuts and red marks that may be bruises on his face.

Records show Bryan was arrested by the Myrtle Beach Police Department. According to TMZ, police responded to a residence on the night of Jan. 1 for a report of domestic violence, and found that Bryan had gotten into a physical fight. It's unclear with whom Bryan fought.

Zachery Ty Bryan, who played the oldest brother Brad Taylor in the hit TV show Home Improvement," was arrested and charged with second-degree domestic violence on New Year's Day. https://t.co/a71MvW7uVm pic.twitter.com/i7UKYdVIMi  Action News 5 (@WMCActionNews5) January 3, 2025

This is Bryan's third arrest in less than two years, with a DUI arrest in February 2024 and previous domestic violence arrests stretching back to 2020.

In Eugene, Ore., in 2020, Bryan was arrested for assault and strangulation of his then-girlfriend, and later pleaded guilty to lesser misdemeanor charges of assault and menacing.

In July 2023, he was again arrested in Eugene for felony assault in violation of the Abuse Prevention Act, which typically means the alleged assault was carried out against someone who had a prior restraining order.

-- With reporting by TMX
Screen legend Jack Nicholson made a rare appearance in one of his daughter Lorraine's recent Instagram posts.

The 87-year-old actor, who has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years, was photographed sharing a hug with his 34-year-old daughter in front of a trophy-filled bookcase.

Read more: Zachery Ty Bryan Arrested For Domestic Violence In South Carolina

The image shows Nicholson sporting his signature grey facial hair and a striped button-down shirt, with Lorraine in a black sweater.

The photo was part of a larger collection of holiday snapshots shared on January 2, which included pictures of Lorraine with her brother Ray and friends. She simply captioned the post "the giving season."

The rare glimpse of the three-time Oscar winner prompted an outpouring of enthusiasm from fans, with many commenting on his appearance and expressing wishes for his return to acting.

Lorraine and Ray, 32, are Nicholson's children with former partner Rebecca Broussard, from their relationship between 1989 and 1994. The actor has four other children: Jennifer, 59; Caleb, 52; Honey, 42; and Tessa, 30.

This family snapshot emerges in contrast to recent revelations about Nicholson's complicated family dynamics. In early 2023, Tessa Gourin spoke publicly about her non-existent relationship with her father, though she expressed understanding rather than resentment about his absence from her life.

The social media post offers a rare window into the private life of one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors, who has maintained a low profile in recent years.
Fred Kerley, a prominent U.S. Olympic sprinter, was arrested in Miami Beach on Thursday, January 2, facing charges that include battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer without violence, and disorderly conduct.

According to authorities, the 29-year-old, who won a bronze medal in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a silver medal in the same event during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, was taken into custody early Friday morning.

Miami Beach Police stated that the incident occurred in the 100 block of 9th Street, where officers were responding to a separate investigation. Kerley reportedly approached the scene with concerns about his vehicle, which was parked nearby. Law enforcement officials claimed that Kerley's behavior "became increasingly aggressive" after officers instructed him to leave the area.

According to police, Kerley refused to comply and took a "fighting stance" during the interaction.

Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, but when Kerley continued to resist their commands, they deployed a stun gun to subdue him and make the arrest.

Kerley was booked into jail early Friday, and he is expected to appear in bond court later in the day. At the time of the report, attorney information for Kerley was unavailable.

Kerley's achievements on the track cemented his status as one of the world's fastest sprinters. His recent accomplishments include winning bronze at the Paris Olympics and silver at the Tokyo Games. However, this arrest marks a troubling moment for the celebrated athlete, as the charges he faces could have significant legal and personal consequences.

Further details on the incident and Kerley's bond court appearance are expected as the story develops.
Prince Harry is reportedly feeling regret over the fallout from the landmark publication of his tell-all memoir Spare, which sent shockwaves through the royal family two years ago.

Published in January 2023, the book was a global sensation and became the fastest-selling book in history. However, its personal revelations and criticisms may have left lasting damage for the royal.

According to a source, Harry has mixed feelings about the memoir's impact. "Although Harry is glad he got to share his side, he does have some regrets about how everything was handled," the source says, as reported by The Mirror.

The Duke of Sussex allegedly wrote the book while still feeling intense anger toward his family, and he is now said to be questioning whether airing grievances in such a public way was the right decision, the source claims.

The memoir details tense moments with Harry's father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William. Among the most explosive claims were Charles' reported concerns about finances to support Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, and one particularly heated argument between Meghan and Kate Middleton, William's spouse, over bridesmaid dresses.

These revelations reportedly strained already fragile family ties. But the distance between Harry, Meghan and the royal family has been compounded by geography and circumstance.

The Royal Family Children

While Prince William's children  George, Charlotte and Louis  enjoy close bonds with their extended family, Harry and Meghan's children, Archie and Lilibet, are growing up with limited contact with their royal relatives.

This disconnect is reportedly weighing on the Sussexes. "It hurts to see all the kids getting along while Archie and Lilibet barely know their cousins," the source in the British tabloid report from Friday (Jan. 3) continues.

However, despite the strained relationship, the couple may be open to reconciliation. "Harry has wanted a family reunion for years, and Meghan is starting to see the value in building bridges," the insider adds.

Meanwhile, Meghan has admired Kate Middleton's approach to family and public life. According to the source, she appreciates how Kate balances her royal duties with raising young children, which she finds inspiring.

As Harry and Meghan focus on their careers and family, the new year could bring change. Meghan recently relaunched her Instagram account, signaling a potential return to public life.

Whether 2025 includes a royal family reunion remains to be seen, but the Sussexes appear open to the possibility.
Rickey Smiley is seeing the sun again after experiencing a tragic loss.

The comedian and television host appeared as a guest on Smitty & Dee podcast, where he revealed how his life took a turn after receiving a life-altering revelation.

Smiley told listeners he fathered twins by an ex-girlfriend who had discovered the daughters didn't belong to her ex, confirmed by a paternity test.

The news came nearly one year after a grief-stricken Smiley lost his 32-year-old son Brandon to a reported accidental overdose.

"Right before the one year anniversary of my son's death, I found out I have 5-year-old identical twin  beautiful daughters," Smiley told the host, who appeared in shock.

"I got a phone call from an ex-girlfriend. She had went to court, found out that those identical twin daughters was [sic] not her ex-boyfriend's. Whole time, yet they are my biological daughters," the comedian explained.

That wasn't all. In a shocking turn of events, the Friday After Next actor detailed that he'd known the girls all their lives, as their visits at birthday parties and events were commonplace.

"They been coming over to Grayson's birthday parties and play dates, playing on the swing set, all that stuff," he said of his grandson's birthday celebrations. "Phone calls when they were sick," he added, regarding advice on helping the twins when sick.

When the host asked if he'd ever noticed any particular connections between him and his then-estranged daughters, the 56-year-old maintained that he hadn't thought much about it due to his older age.

"I had no idea because I haven't had no kids since Malik," the actor said of his 23-year-old son Malik, known for playing guard for the Alabama State Hornets. "When I tell you that was the first time I saw the sun again, during that dark hour. The sun came back out," he expressed.

Smiley told the host that on their fifth birthdays, he went into their house as their father for the first time.

The actor spoke candidly about his "triggering" year of grief in his book, Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith. Coming to grips with losing his son, Brandon, the actor expressed extreme difficulty, grappling with his anxiety which had shot "through the roof."

"It's your 32-year-old son that died, but man, you start thinking about your 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12-year-old son. You're thinking about the birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, you're thinking about the kid that slept in the bed with you, that you helped get dressed and brush his teeth," he added. "That's your child. I felt it from top to bottom, inside to outside," Smiley said of his grieving.

"I feel like I had died. It literally felt like a part of me died," he continues. "It was depressing, anxiety, sadness. Nothing I ever felt before, and sometimes it makes you feel like you wished you were dead also because the pain is unbearable," he said.

I really appreciate everyone who's bought a copy of my book #Sideshow, but did you know there's also an audio version that's read by me?? Here's a segment, and you can download the audiobook now at Audible!! #SideshowBook pic.twitter.com/Vu18pYX2O4  Rickey Smiley (@RickeySmiley) September 30, 2024

Ricky Smiley's book Sideshow is available now on Amazon.
10 Historical Events That Took Place on January 3rd

Here you got ten moments on January 3rd reflect pivotal cultural, political, and scientific milestones that have shaped human history.

1521  Martin Luther Is Excommunicated

Pope Leo X excommunicated Martin Luther, intensifying the Protestant Reformation.





1777  The Battle of Princeton

During the American Revolutionary War, General George Washingtons forces defeated the British at Princeton, boosting American morale.





1870  Construction Begins on the Brooklyn Bridge

One of the most iconic engineering feats of the 19th century, the Brooklyn Bridge began construction in New York City.





1924  King Tuts Sarcophagus Is Unveiled

Howard Carters team uncovered the sarcophagus of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, igniting global interest in ancient Egypt.





1946  Creation of the UN General Assembly

The first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly took place in London, laying the foundation for modern international diplomacy.





1957  Hamilton Watch Company Introduces the First Electric Watch

Hamilton introduced the first battery-powered electric watch, revolutionizing timekeeping technology.





1959  Alaska Becomes the 49th U.S. State

Alaska was officially admitted to the United States, expanding the nation's territory significantly.





1961  U.S. Breaks Diplomatic Ties with Cuba

The U.S. severed relations with Cuba after Fidel Castro's communist regime took hold, marking a turning point in Cold War tensions.





2004  Mars Rover Spirit Lands on Mars

NASAs rover Spirit successfully landed on Mars, beginning a fruitful exploration mission of the Red Planet.





2021  Georgia Senate Runoff Elections Reshape U.S. Politics

Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff won runoff elections in Georgia, giving their party control of the U.S. Senate.
Authorities say three people died and 20 others were injured in a New Years fireworks explosion in a Honolulu-area neighborhood. Officials said the accident happened around midnight when a lit bundle of mortar-style fireworks tipped over and fired into crates containing other fireworks that exploded.
Supporters of South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol rallied outside his official residence on Friday. It comes as South Korean investigators left Yoon's residence after an almost six-hour standoff, when he defied their attempt to detain him.
The decorated US special forces soldier who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas shot himself in the head before the blast, authorities said Thursday, adding that his motivation was still "unknown."

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, a member of the elite Green Berets, took his own life in the rented vehicle filled with fuel containers and fireworks, which then erupted into flames, officials said.

Livelsberger's body was burned beyond recognition but Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill said authorities had "a lot of confidence" that he was the sole occupant of the Cybertruck.

Las Vegas police said he had been identified as the "driver" of the vehicle, and that the coroner had ruled he had died by suicide.

Livelsberger, identified through his military ID, passport and credit cards, was found with a gun at his feet, McMahill told reporters at a press conference in Las Vegas.

"The motivation at this point is unknown," FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans said.

Evans said there is "no information that we're aware of right now that connects this individual to any terrorist organization around the world."

Kenny Cooper, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said Livelsberger had legally purchased two semi-automatic handguns on Monday which were found in the remains of the vehicle.

Video footage outside the Trump hotel shows the stainless steel truck parked at the building's glass entrance early Wednesday, then bursting into flames, followed by smaller explosions that appeared similar to fireworks.

Seven people were wounded in the blast.

- No link with New Orleans attack -

The Trump-branded building, which opened in 2008, is part-owned by the Republican president-elect's family business.

Evans said the link to the president-elect was "not lost" on investigators, nor was the fact that Tesla is owned by world's richest man -- and prominent Trump backer -- Elon Musk.

"But we don't have information at this point that definitively tells us" it was driven by any particular ideology, he said.

Livelsberger rented the vehicle in Colorado on December 28, from where authorities tracked him driving it alone through Arizona and New Mexico to Las Vegas, which he reached on January 1, McMahill said.

Livelsberger was a Green Beret who had been deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and was currently stationed in Germany.

An army spokesperson said Livelsberger was "on approved leave at the time of his death," and that he had been awarded multiple Bronze Star Medals, including one for valor.

Investigators said it was not yet clear how the blast detonated, but the components were mainly consumer products like fireworks and fuel.

They said some of the components had not exploded, and that the level of sophistication in the blast was not what they would expect from someone with Livelsberger's military background.

"I just don't think it was done as well as he was expecting it to be done," McMahill said.

The blast came just hours after a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of revelers in the French Quarter of New Orleans, killing 14 people and injuring dozens.

Initially investigators were probing potential links between the events, but authorities in New Orleans said Thursday they believe the Islamic State-inspired attacker there acted alone, while the FBI described the Vegas incident as "isolated."

bur/cl/st/acb
As a boy, Keith Jolliff grew up in the rural Arlington, Ohio, area when whitetail deer were a rarity. On his way to and from school, spotting a deer would have certainly caused some excited conversations among a lot of those farm kids. That was a few more than just a couple of years ago. Keith has since retired from Cooper Tire and now lives in Findlay with his backyard butting up against the Blanchard River.

Always an avid outdoorsman, he likes keeping an eye on everything wild. Enjoying hunting trips in the deeper Midwest or supporting local Pheasants Forever activities, that farm boys curiosity and eagerness to learn is still present.

One day, Keith gave me a call to report something he said hed never witnessed before: a doe with four fawns in tow.

Is that normal or even possible? he asked.

I have to confess in the 36 years I spent working with the Department of Natural Resources, Id never seen a doe with quadruplets.

Survey

Every 10 years or so, the Ohio Division of Wildlife does a survey to examine the overall health of the states deer herd. This has included a fetus study of road-killed doe deer during late winter through the spring months, involving recording the number of unborn fawns and taking critical measurements that indicated the stage of development and health.

There were also collected surveys and observation reports of doe deer with their fawns and taking measurements of antler diameters of hunter-harvested deer and other in-season data.

The last 30 years of research have provided solid evidence about the deer populations vigor. Antler and body size have long indicated that Ohio whitetails tend to be on the larger size. The abundance of natural forage and waste grain crops left during harvest ensures that plenty of food is available, especially in the agricultural northwest. Those abundant food sources result in a fawning rate that has also been among the highest in the Midwest.

First-year does are most likely to have a single fawn while 2-year-old deer will very often have twins. Approximately 8% of does will have triplets while only 0.50% will have four young ones. What Keith Jolliff spotted behind his home was very rare.

If youre wondering if one or more of the fawns could have been adopted, its not likely. In fact, adoption among does and fawns is actually much rarer than the deer birthing quadruplets.

Herd deterioration

Though its inarguable that Ohios deer numbers have grown substantially across the state, that doesnt indicate the direction of the herds overall well-being. According to recent research, there are certainly signs of the herds overall deterioration.

There are several indicators that signal that probability, and they can be found in the Division of Wildlifes Quality vs Quantity report: ohiodnr.gov/static/documents/wildlife/hunting-trapping/OhioDeerHerdUpdate_Web.pdf.

While pregnancy rates are the most direct measure of herd health and productivity, they are also costly and time-consuming to estimate. The number of fawns harvested per adult doe is a product of reproductive performance as well as fawn survival  If fewer fawns are born as a result of declining herd health, fewer fawns will be harvested, all-else being equal, the report tells us. From the early 1980s through 2011, the number of fawns harvested per adult doe has steadily declined. It is interesting to note that it has remained stable or has slightly increased since 2011.

The report then turns to examining yearlings antler trends.

Because body growth and maintenance take precedence over antler development, nutrients must first be allocated to meet the demands of increasing body size before they can be used for developing antlers. Numerous studies have shown that antler size, particularly among bucks growing their first set of antlers, is heavily influenced by habitat quality  as habitat quality declines, so too does yearling antler size.

With the exception of the western (Ohio) farmland region, yearling antler beam diameter has steadily declined statewide since the early 1970s. Given the growth of our deer population over the period of these declines, it is very likely that  similar to reproductive performance  antler development has also suffered due to declining habitat quality. However, in Hancock and Williams counties, and presumably in most of the farmland region, where deer feed on a much higher nutritional plane, it appears that deer populations have not grown large enough to affect yearling antler beam diameters, the report explains.

Older bucks are another concern. Even as they age, they are not showing the positive antler growth expected of a healthy herd.

It is well established that as a buck ages, its antlers get larger each year until approximately 5 to 6 years of age. If our herd was getting younger rather than older  average antler size would naturally be getting smaller, all else being equal. However, our herd was actually getting older, not younger. More bucks are reaching the older age classes than ever before, and if antler size was keeping pace, we would expect an increase in average antler size and, in turn, an increase in the number of BBBC (Buckeye Big Bucks Club) entries rather than a decrease.

Bias

Finally, there is the issue of hunter bias. Is this now playing a part in how bucks are being hunted and reported? There are indications that hunters who have registered a harvested trophy buck with BBBC may not enter a qualifying harvested buck if it is smaller than their larger entry already on record. The issue of hunter selectivity appears to be much more in play than ever before.

With the advent of game cameras  both static and real-time relay  many hunters have found themselves in the position of hunting a particular buck and ignoring other opportunities. Toss in amateur wildlife management efforts that follow quality deer management techniques designed to grow big deer, and the results should be larger BBBC entries.

However, if either or both of these factors were contributing to the decline in BBBC entries, only the cream of the crop would be entered into the Club, and, as a result, the average score of those going into the Club should increase over time, all else being equal. However, this has not happened, as the average score for typical and non-typical entries has remained stable since 1990, the report found.

Today, most people traveling our rural areas and urban park settings are seeing more deer. As the states herd has increased, they have naturally dispersed  leapfrogging into new areas. Many of these areas have limited or no hunting access, with many county and municipal parks forbidding hunting even when such activities would be wise for the protection of the biotic/fauna community. The reasoning runs from concerns about safety to the dreaded public reaction. The results are often over-browsing of native and ornamental plants and trees on the park and neighboring properties, increases in car-deer crashes, and other deer/human conflicts.

As the states deer herd has grown, the Division of Wildlife has expanded hunting methods and opportunities for hunters along with more liberal limits that have been put into place to help increase the harvest. Deer damage permits are also available for landowners demonstrating substantial crop damage. Even with these measures in place, the states deer population remains reliant upon the hunter as the most reliable way to control Ohios deer population. This is where the difficulty arises. Many hunters are looking to take a mature buck while showing much lower interest in killing a doe or yearling deer. This selective culling  the failure to remove antlerless deer  can result in an increase in the deer population.

It seems that most hunters are satisfied with harvesting just one or two deer per license year, with their primary focus remaining on large bucks.

To better control deer numbers, it would be wise for more hunters to consider either putting more deer in their own freezer or donating to a food bank (fhfh.org). This realignment of how Ohio sportsmen view deer hunting and harvests is taking time, but many are adjusting to the idea of taking more antlerless deer.

Whitetails elicit many different emotions and responses. Theyre seen as cute and cuddly, as a hunters trophy, an orchardists nuisance, photogenic, an unintended insert in a Hondas grill and as a welcome addition to a Weber grill. The truth is, they are all of these things. Managing the whitetail herd health remains an exceptionally important job of the Division of Wildlifes management team.

When some of my friends have asked me anxiously about their boys, whether they should let them hunt, I have answered yes  remembering that it was one of the best parts of my education  make them hunters.

 Henry David Thoreau
SALINEVILLE, Ohio  The Southern Local High School FFA chapter obtained grant funding for a program designed to support both students and the community. The organization received a $3,500 Ohio FFA Foundation Chapter Success Grant to build sustainable relationships and programs through a new hydroponics project.

FFA Advisor Shelley Pirogowicz said proposals were submitted from chapters across the state and a total of 19 recipients earned allocations, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. Students will grow a variety of lettuce, green beans, broccoli and green onions but also plan to add strawberries and cilantro into the mix. Pirogowicz said the project will teach students about alternative plant cultivation methods and food preservation techniques that could be applied both at school and at home.

The Ohio FFA Foundations Chapter Success Grants program is made possible by support from Heritage Cooperative, Ohio Department of Agriculture and Trillium Farms.



ASHVILLE, Ohio  The Teays Valley FFA Animal and Plant Science class has been busy exploring the fascinating world of animal digestion through a series of hands-on dissections. Over the past few weeks, students have been studying the digestive systems of ruminants, monogastric animals, avians and pseudo-ruminants, combining classroom learning with engaging labs and dissections to bring the material to life.

The class participated in a sensory lab designed to mimic the textures and smells of a ruminant stomach. Totes filled with everyday items like waffles, hair gel, hay, plastic wrap, and shower mats were hidden under trash bags. Students used only their sense of touch and smell to identify which stomach compartment the tote represented  reticulum, rumen, omasum or abomasum. This interactive activity helped set the stage for the dissections that followed.

The class began with cow eyes, a smaller dissection to familiarize students with tools like scalpels and scissors. Students had the chance to push out the eyes lens and observe how it magnifies text, offering a unique perspective on how the eye works. Next, they tackled fetal pigs  stillborn animals repurposed for educational purposes. As monogastric animals, the pigs provided an opportunity to study the entire digestive system and, for those with extra time, even explore the brain.

The final and most challenging dissection was the ruminant stomach, donated by local butcher shop Train Station Meats and Market. The stomach, which is divided into four compartments, was dissected by Ms. Bowens, Teays Valleys new agriculture teacher and a graduate of Ohio State University. Students observed the differences between the compartments and identified each one through sight and touch.

This unit not only provided valuable hands-on experience but also deepened students understanding of animal anatomy and digestion, tying together theoretical and practical learning in a memorable way.



NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio  The New Lexington FFA Novice Parliamentary Procedure Team competed at the state level Dec. 7 and won their room, giving them the opportunity to participate in the finals. They ended up placing second in the state. The team included Maddy Metzger, Lillian Wagner, Ali Brown, Londyn Heavener, Cece Gable, Leena Hennen, Reagan Schulthesis, Cord Shriner, Ethan Harmon and Dilan Graf.

The New Lexington Advanced Parliamentary Procedure Team competed at the state level Dec. 14. This team won their room and quickly prepared for the finals, winning first place. This team of veterans includes Mia Metzger, Ayelen Fink, Michael Steele, Kelsie Moore, Rosella Bateson and Arleigh Gibson. The team also had tremendous support from alternates Kira Sidwell, Wesley Friece and Alex Thorngate. This win secured them a spot at the National FFA Convention next fall.



MILLERSBURG, Ohio  The West Holmes FFA chapter traveled to Ashland High School to attend a leadership night Dec. 4. Sixteen members attended the leadership night hosted by State Treasurer Layna Gordon, State President Anna Moeller and State Vice President at-large Josie Jennings. Members in attendance included Ava Eberhard, Claire Drzazga, Shane Lorentz, Blake Patterson, Steven Grandstaff, Bri Poventud, Landrie Croskey, Hayden Smith, Logan Van Dalen, Mia Spencer, Emma Eberhard, Courtney Crider, Cadence Martie, Ellectra Beachy, Rayne Larimore and Makenzie Mast.

MILLERSBURG, Ohio The West Holmes FFA held its annual fruit sale and spent Dec. 13 at the Holmes County Fairgrounds creating buckets, bags and boxes of fruit. The members then delivered all their fruit to their buyers. The group sold 562.8 cases of fruit, 3,050 tins of nuts, blocks of cheese, rings of trail bologna and bottles of maple syrup for a total sale of $53,843 and a profit of almost $14,000. The top five salesmen were Andi Schuch, Jenna Sheldon, Ian Barr, Bri Poventud and Keith Hawkins.



CHILLICOTHE, Ohio  During the December chapter meeting, members of the Zane Trace FFA assembled clean-up buckets full of supplies such as trash bags, sponges, soap, clothespins, gloves and other items to help with natural disaster relief efforts. The buckets will be donated to CROP-CWS Charity, which distributes them in areas affected by floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters. The funds to assemble the five clean-up kits were raised during last springs strawberry sale.
The five candidates contesting both NFU Scotland's president and vice president roles are preparing to tour the country from next week.

Current vice presidents Andrew Connon and Alasdair Macnab will contest the position of president at the union's AGM in Glasgow on 7 February 2025.

This will be voted on by NFU Scotland's council, and the successful candidate will be elected to the post of president for a two-year term.

They will succeed Martin Kennedy who has held office for four years, the maximum term allowed under the union's constitution.

Three nominations for the two vice presidential posts have also been received - Michael Davis, Duncan Macalister and Robert Neill.

Vice presidents will also be elected by the council for an initial two-year period before being eligible for re-election on an annual basis thereafter.

NFU Scotland has also released a detailed biography of each candidate, which can be viewed online [PDF].

Hustings events, attended in person by all presidential candidates, are set to take place from 8 January until 22 January.

NFU Scotland CEO John Davidson has encouraged all members to actively participate in the hustings events.

Strong teamwork has always been central to NFU Scotlands lobbying efforts," he added.

We have excellent candidates for the president and vice presidential posts, and I encourage each and every member to take part in the forthcoming hustings events

When and where?

Farmers who are NFU Scotland members are being invited to attend a husting event to hear from and quiz each candidate.

Below is a list of dates and venues:

 Wednesday 8 January - East Central (St Johnstone FC, McDiarmid Park, Crieff Road, Perth PH1 2SJ.) 7pm

 Thursday 9 January - Ayrshire (Ayrshire Food Hub, Crossroads, Kilmarnock, KA1 5JQ.) 7.30pm

 Friday 10 January - Argyll and Islands (The Gather, Campbeltown Road, Tarbert, PA29 6SX.) 1.30pm

 Monday 13 January - Highland (Dingwall Market, Bailechaul road, Dingwall IV15 9TP.) 7pm

 Tuesday 14 January - Forth & Clyde (The Garfield Hotel, Cumbernauld Road, Stepps, G33 6HW.) 7.30pm

 Wednesday 15 January - North East (Lochter, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, AB51 0DZ) 7pm

 Thursday 16 January - Dumfries and Galloway (Market Inn Hotel, 7 Queen Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HX) 7.30pm

 Monday 20 January - Lothian and Borders (Carfraemill Hotel, Lauder, TD2 6RA) 7pm

 Tuesday 21 January  Shetland (Shetland Marts, Lerwick, ZE1 0NA) 7.30pm

 Wednesday 22 January  Orkney (Albert Hotel, Kirkwall, KW15 1JZ) 7.30pm
An IVF calf born in Scotland could help accelerate the dairy sector's journey to net zero due to her ability to produce less methane, researchers say.

The calf, called Hilda, may look very ordinary, but she represents a key milestone for the worlds longest-running livestock genetics project.

The animal is the first of the 16th generation of the famous Dumfries-based Langhill Herd, and significantly, she is the first of the herd to be born through IVF.

Hilda is part of the Cool Cows project, managed by Scotlands Rural College (SRUC), Cumbria vets Paragon and Semex, which aims to establish a nucleus of highly methane-efficient animals.

By taking eggs  non-surgically  from her mother at seven months old, fertilising them in a lab and then putting the resulting embryo into a surrogate, the next generation of the Langhill Herd has arrived 18 months earlier than previously possible.

With the process set to be repeated, it means that researchers are doubling the rate of genetic gain and thereby accelerating the accumulation of data to breed more efficient dairy cows.

SRUCs project lead Professor Richard Dewhurst said the birth of Hilda was potentially a hugely significant moment for the UK dairy industry.

He said: With global consumption of dairy produce continuing to grow, breeding livestock for sustainability is extremely important.

We will use a new genomic assessment alongside existing production and environmental efficiency indices to select elite, methane-efficient heifers for breeding.

"The Cool Cows project will produce a greater number of offspring from these donors, rapidly establishing a nucleus of highly methane-efficient calves.

Stuart Martin, programme director of Digital Dairy Chain added: "With the environmental impact of farming being a critical global issue, projects that look for innovative solutions to mitigate this impact are vital to the industry.

"The birth of the first Cool Cows calf marks a significant milestone, promising significant results for the future of sustainable farming.
Young Tibetan woman promotes ethnic craftsmanship

People's Daily Online) 13:47, January 03, 2025

Dawa Drolma (R) learns about the business situation and the development progress of new products from the owner of a black pottery workshop in Maisu township, Dege county, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan)

Maisu township in Dege county, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province is famous for traditional Tibetan craftsmanship such as Thangka painting, copper casting, and yak wool weaving. More than 2,000 craftsmen work across over 30 workshops in the township.

Dawa Drolma was born in Maisu township to a Tibetan family of craftsmen with a history of dedication to copper casting spanning generations. After studying business management abroad, she returned to her hometown and established a workshop with her brother.

In her early career, she worked as a tour guide and interpreter, introducing Maisu's workshops to visitors. She gradually began documenting ethnic craftsmanship through photography.

In 2013, she created a documentary about the craft of making traditional clay figurines in the township, winning multiple awards, including the first prize in an international craft photography competition.

To expand the market of her workshop's products, Dawa Drolma attended exhibitions nationwide and internationally, expanded e-commerce sales channels, and developed contemporary trendy cultural and creative products like necklaces and rings to attract younger consumers. She invited Tibetan painters to create illustrations to explain the ethnic culture behind each copper casting product.

Customers can scan the QR code on a copper casting product to learn about stories behind the product through text and images.

In 2019, Dege county invested 14 million yuan (about $1.92 million) to support 19 households of folk craft inheritors in Maisu township. Their workshops now employ more than 2,000 people, representing one-third of the township's population.

Dawa Drolma fully understands the significance of collaboration among craftsmen. Since 2023, she has been training workshop managers on utilizing multiple platforms to showcase traditional crafts.

Dawa Drolma's workshop now receives steady orders, exceeding her expectations. "Our sales have more than doubled annually, with exports accounting for 20-30 percent of total sales," she said, adding that the export capability of enterprises in Tibetan-inhabited areas and China's support facilitate the export of handicrafts.

Dawa Drolma's workshop currently employs 39 craftsmen, with plans to hire three or four more after the Tibetan New Year. While most craftsmen are middle-aged or older, some Gen-Z artisans have joined.

"In the past, statues accounted for nearly 90 percent of our total products while cultural and creative products made up about 10 percent. But now, we almost have an equal split between the two categories of products," she said.

Looking ahead to 2025, Dawa Drolma plans to launch handicraft courses and combine homestays, handicraft experiences, and educational tours themed on handicrafts, including those for international artists.

"I hope to introduce traditional crafts to more distant places while exploring a more sustainable development model that keeps a balance between preserving traditions and maintaining commercial viability," said Dawa Drolma.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Hongyu)
Blake Lively's legal team have insisted "nothing" in Justin Baldoni's own lawsuit changes her complaint against him.

Blake Lively has made a number of complaints against Justin Baldoni

The 37-year-old actress sued her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director last month alleging sexual harassment and the instigation of a smear campaign against her, and on 31 December, the 40-year-old actor launched his own legal action against the New York Times newspaper over their article detailing the complaints against him.

Justin, his business partners, PR team and production company Wayfarer Studios are suing the outlet for $250 million, with their 87-page complaint alleging libel, false light invasion of privacy, promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract, and Blake's own team have now responded to the move.

Her attorneys told People magazine in a statement: Nothing in this lawsuit changes anything about the claims advanced in Ms. Livelys California Civil Rights Department Complaint.

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.

Following her complaint on 21 December, the former 'Gossip Girl' actress went on to officially file a federal complaint against Wayfarer Studios and others involved in producing 'It Ends with Us' in New York.

Her attorneys said: Wayfarer and its associates have violated federal and California state law by retaliating against her for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns.

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.

Many of Blake's initial allegations concern administrative complaints she had made during shooting of the movie, and her legal team have accused Justin's new legal action of having an 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.

Justin and his lawyers claimed that Blake launched her lawsuit in an effort to "reshape her public persona" with "salacious, headline-grabbing allegations".

His lawsuit reads: "Livelys cynical abuse of sexual harassment allegations to assert unilateral control over every aspect of the production was both strategic and manipulative.

"Simultaneously, her public image suffered as a result of a series of high-profile blunders, which she tried to deflect by blaming Plaintiffs for the publics prying interest into the foibles of an A-list celebrity. This is nothing but an excuse. Fame is a double-edged sword, but Livelys tactics here are unconscionable."

Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokesperson for the New York Times, has revealed that the publication plans to "vigorously defend against the lawsuit".

Speaking to CNN, she explained: "The role of an independent news organisation 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."
Garment exports from Sri Lanka reached $4,244.3 million during the first eleven months of 2024, reflecting a 5.2 per cent increase compared to the $4,032.9 million exported during the same period the previous year, according to statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

From January to November 2024, textile exports from Sri Lanka saw a year-on-year decline of 13.6 per cent, totalling $271.5 million. During the same period, exports of other manufactured textile articles rose by 6.4 per cent, amounting to $97.6 million, as reported in the Central Bank's publication titled 'External Sector Performance  November 2024'.

In 2024, Sri Lanka saw a 5.2 per cent increase in garment exports, reaching $4,244.3 million in the first eleven months, despite a 13.6 per cent decline in textile exports. The overall industrial exports totalled $9,105.3 million, with textiles and garments comprising over half. Imports of textiles and clothing also rose significantly during this period.

The combined exports of textiles, garments, and other manufactured textile articles accounted for 50.66 per cent of all industrial exports from Sri Lanka during this period. Total textile product exports amounted to $4,613.4 million between January and November 2024, while Sri Lanka's overall industrial exports were valued at $9,105.3 million for the same period.

In November 2024, textile and garment exports rose by 0.5 per cent year-on-year, reaching $398.0 million. By category, garment exports saw a substantial increase of 0.9 per cent, totalling $367.8 million, while textile exports eased by 7.49 per cent to $22.8 million. Exports of other manufactured textile articles increased by 7.0 per cent, reaching $7.4 million.

As for the imports, textiles and textile articles saw an 18.6 per cent rise, totalling $2,594.5 million, while imports of clothing and accessories increased by 29.6 per cent, amounting to $200.8 million between January and November 2024. In November 2024 alone, imports of textiles and textile articles rose by 18.9 per cent to $241.6 million, while imports of clothing and accessories surged by 46.4 per cent year-on-year, reaching $23.1 million.

In 2023, Sri Lanka's garment exports were valued at $4,440.6 million, a 19 per cent decrease from the $5,483.1 million exported in 2022. Meanwhile, imports of textiles and textile articles dropped by 22.6 per cent to $2,371.2 million, and imports of clothing and accessories declined by 21.1 per cent, totalling $170 million in 2023.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
UKs GDP was reported to have grown by 0.2 per cent month-on-month in August 2024, following no growth in both June and July. Compared to GDP in August 2023, the growth was 1 per cent though. In the three months of June to August 2024, real GDP grew 0.2 per cent compared with the three months to May and 0.8 per cent year-on-year. The retail trade (excluding motor vehicles and motorcycles industry) was the largest contributor to the rise in consumer-facing services output in August as well as the three months to August. Production output grew 0.5 per cent m-o-m in August, following a revised fall of 0.7 per cent in July 2024. However, there was no growth in the three months to August. Three of the four main sectors in production output also saw growth in August, with the largest contribution to the growth being a 1.1-per cent m-o-m rise in manufacturing, following a fall of 1.2 per cent in July. Manufacturing output increased in nine of the 13 manufacturing sub-sectors in August.

Manufacturing Output

The UK's GDP grew 0.2 per cent in August 2024, with a 1 per cent year-on-year increase. Manufacturing output rose by 0.5 per cent, driven by a 1.1 per cent rise in manufacturing. Clothing imports fell by 4.5 per cent y-o-y, while textile imports rose. CPI increased by 2.2 per cent y-o-y, with clothing and footwear prices rising 2.1 per cent.

The results of third quarter Manufacturing Outlook Survey were released in September. Published by Make UK, the survey represented 307 UK manufacturers. Fifty-eight per cent of the surveyed companies believe that the change in government would lead to better economic growth overall in the next 12 months, and only 6 per cent expects GDP in 2024 to decline. This prompted Make UK to upgrade its forecast for 2025 from 0.8 per cent to 1.8 per cent. Make UK  a UK manufacturers organisation, projected manufacturing growth of 0.5 per cent in 2024 and 0.8 per cent in 2025, downgrading from 1.2 per cent forecast in the previous quarter due to revisions by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). GDP is forecast to grow by 1.1 per cent and 1.8 per cent in 2024 and 2025 respectively. In this, the manufacturing output of the UK textile sector is expected to drop 7.7 per cent and 2.9 per cent in 2024 and 2025.

Second Quarter Trade

The UKs imports of clothing amounted to 1.188 billion (~$1.56 billion) in July, reducing 4.5 per cent from 1.244 billion in July 2023 despite registering an increase over 1.099 billion in June 2024. During the same month, textile imports increased 1.69 per cent to 479 million (~$616 million) y-o-y, and also grew from Junes figure of 471 million. Meanwhile, fibre imports reached 35 million versus 34 million of last year, also surpassing 30 million in June 2024.

For the second quarter, clothing imports dropped 5.75 per cent to 3.485 billion (~$4.53 billion) from 3.698 billion in Q2, FY23. The imports in the first quarter of 2024 stood at 3.278 billion. In April to June quarter, fabric imports amounted to 1.382 billion and textile fibres stood at 107 million against previous years 1.439 billion and 108 million respectively.

The export performance in the month of July 2024 included clothing export of 259 million against 293 million in July 2023 and 297 million in June 2024; textile fabric export of 222 million versus 221 million last year and 243 million in June 2024; and fibre export of 68 million, up from 50 million. During the quarter, clothing exports totalled 837 million (897 million in 2023 and 832 million in Q1, FY24), while textile fabric and fibres amounted to 712 million and 172 million respectively.

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

The ONS released CPI data in mid-August, according to which UKs CPI rose 2.2 per cent in the 12 months ending in July 2024, up from 2 per cent in June. However, on a monthly basis, CPI fell 0.2 per cent in July compared with a fall of 0.4 per cent in July 2023. The data also revealed that core CPI, excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, increased 3.3 per cent in the same 12 month-period but was down from 3.5 per cent in June. The CPI goods annual rate improved from (-)1.4 per cent to (-)0.6 per cent. Meanwhile, the CPI for clothing and footwear rose 2.1 per cent in the 12 months to July 2024, staying up from 1.6 per cent in June. On a monthly basis, this index fell 1.7 per cent in July, compared with a fall of 2.2 per cent in July last year.

Employment Situation

UK employment and unemployment rate for the May-July period in 2024 were 74.8 per cent and 4.1 per cent respectively. Both were below estimates for the same period in 2023. The ONS release mentioned the countrys economic inactivity rate at 21.9 per cent, above estimates of the year-ago, for the same period. It decreased across all age groups between 16 and 64 years. Total actual weekly hours worked during the period increased to 1.06 billion hours, also above prior year levels, driven largely because of increase in womens working hours. The number of those unemployed for up to 12 months decreased, dropping below the previous years levels. This number also decreased in the quarter but remained above estimates for the year-ago period. Estimates for payrolled employees in the UK decreased by 6,000 between June and July but rose by 203,000 (0.7 per cent) between July 2023 and July 2024.

Employment Rights Bill

The Employment Rights Bill was introduced on October 10, 2024, within 100 days of the new government coming to the office after elections in July. The bill aims to help deliver economic security and growth to businesses, workers and communities across the UK. The bill removed the existing two-year qualifying period for protections from unfair dismissal, allowing all workers to have protections from the day one on the job. The government will also consult on a new statutory probation period for new hires in the companies, in order to allow for a proper assessment of an employees suitability to a role. The emphasis is on giving more people confidence to re-enter the job market or change careers, and eventually get the labour market moving again as jobs are essential to UKs economic growth. The data says that one in five UK businesses with more than 10 employees complain of staff shortages.

The bill encompasses 28 individual employment reforms, including the strengthening of the statutory sick pay by removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in. Wherever practical, the flexible working will be enforced to make workplace more compatible with peoples lives. Large companies will be required to address gender pay gaps, support employees through the menopause, and ensure protections against dismissal of pregnant women and new mothers.

A new Fair Work Agency, bringing together existing enforcement bodies, will also be established. The agency will enforce rights such as holiday pay and also support employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law. The intention is to keep people in work for longer tenure on the one hand, and reduce recruitment costs for employers by increasing staff retention on the other.

Transition To Net Zero

In its Autumn Budget Submission, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) urged the government to build confidence in the transition to net zero by utilising tax incentives which can drive investment into high-growth green technologies. It was further suggested by the trade body to bolster business certainty with a Business Tax Roadmap alongside long-term business rates reform. The CBI is of the view that the government can accelerate the transition to Net Zero by linking the UK and EU carbon pricing systems. This, while improving the attractiveness of the emissions trading market, will also accelerate decarbonisation as a linkage of these two systems would prevent carbon leakage and prevent costly implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. It stressed on the need for making green tax incentives part of a comprehensive strategy to promote high-growth green technologies. A new Green Innovation Credit, a 10-per cent corporation tax rate for green profits as well as an enhanced green super-deduction would help unlock private sector R&D and ensure the UK remains internationally competitive as it seizes the prize of green growth.

Natural Fibres Under Scrutiny

It is generally understood that the natural textile fibres used in fashion are more environment friendly than synthetic fibres due to their natural origins. As they still represent more than 70 per cent of all fibres found in the environment, they may be less biodegradable than expected hence may significantly affect health of ecosystems. In the same regard, a group of academics urged the environmental scholars to focus more on the environmental sustainability issues associated with natural textile fibres. They called for changes in the way research is conducted into fibre and textile pollution since very little is known about environmental impact of natural fibres and their toxicity. So far, the research in microfibers and textile pollution has been mainly focused on plastic or synthetic materials only, while modifications to natural fibres to textile applications can alter their chemical structure, resulting in a slower rate of biodegradation or run the risk of chemicals leeching into the environment. Thus, exclusion of natural fibres in fibre pollution research ends up promoting misinformed sustainability policies. The demand now is to explore the potential risks associated with the persistence, toxicity and chemical load of natural fibres. This will require interdisciplinary academics collaborations, such as from the field of forensic science and forensic fibre specialists, as well as integration of expertise from outside environmental science. This also calls for scientific community to work on standardising terminology as definitions are not consistent within research literature. The standardised definitions will make knowledge exchange easier and more transparent, the academics opined.

CPTPP membership

According to an early September reporting, the UK had secured the sixth and final ratification needed to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which is a major free trade area spanning five continents. The sixth ratification came from Peru, after ratifications from Japan, Singapore, Chile, New Zealand and Vietnam, recognising UKs accession and paved the way for the agreement to officially enter into force by December 15, 2024. The CPTPP membership will allow over 99 per cent of the current UK goods exports to CPTPP countries become tariff-free, potentially boosting UKs economy by around 2 billion (~$2.63 billion) annually by 2040. By acceding to this agreement, the UK will be well positioned to shape its future development, from influencing the development of the CPTPP rulebook to championing the groups expansion to new economies.

Fabric Digitisation Centre

In August, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) launched the UKs first Fabric Digitisation Centre, (FDC) housed within its Innovation Studio, which aims to cater to growing demand for advanced material digitisation and testing services within the fashion industry. The innovative facility will significantly enhance the quality of digital materials available for 3D design software programmes such as CLO and Browzwear. By providing high-quality digital fabrics, the centre aims to support the UKs advancement in cutting-edge 3D design technologies. In the same regard, the centre will utilise state-of-the-art technology to convert real-life fabrics into 3D digital fabrics by capturing surface texture and physical parameters. The FDC will make it easier and faster for UK fashion businesses to adopt sustainable practices by reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SB - WE)
2024 has been quite the year for female-led films. Women have driven the narratives of some of the finest films including those in the action genre. Among those that stood out are Alia Bhatts out-and-out turn to action in Jigra. Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone continues to prove that she looks better than ever when shes slaying in a combat scene. Elsewhere, on OTT, Samantha made strides in the genre.As the year comes to a close, here are some actresses who nailed action.Alia Bhatt went all out with action in Jigra. The Vasan Bala directorial which also features Vedang Raina is a prison break drama in which a young woman, Satya, goes to great lengths to break her younger brother out of a high-security jail in China. From firing guns to brutal hand-to-hand combat scenes, Alia has proved her mettle as an action star ahead of her highly anticipated role in the Yash Raj Films Spy Universes Alpha.Shraddha Kapoor led on one of the years biggest films, Stree 2. The film saw her embody the elusive Stree with a renewed conviction as she returned to Chanderi. While the actress isnt on screen as much as her fans would like her to be, she makes quite an impact in the films action sequences.After showing off her action skills in Pathaan in 2023, Deepika Padukone made a smashing return to form with Fighter and Singham Again. The former saw her star in an aerial action film alongside Hrithik Roshan and Anil Kapoor. Needless to say, she made the Air Force uniform look cooler than ever. The actress was pregnant during the filming of Singham Again which introduced her character, Shakti Shetty into Rohit Shettys cop universe. Deepika was joined by Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff and others. She remains a scene-stealer in both films.In Raj & DKs Indian instalment of the global spy thriller series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, Samantha gets to flex her action muscles. As Honey, the actress comes in all-guns-blazing and does some heavy lifting in the films action sequences. From executing slick fight scenes to the intense emotional beats, she aces all aspects of the character. It helps that the retro vibes and music leave viewers rooting for her character throughout the series.Like her Alpha co-star, Sharvari also teased her potential for the genre ahead of the spy thriller films release. The actress teamed up with John Abraham in the action-thriller film Vedaa. While the film opened to middling reviews, Sharvari impressed with a powerful performance. The actress plays a resilient young woman who goes up against casteism. And shes a terrific boxer. Its easy to see that Sharvari worked hard to get the physicality of the role right as she gives it all in the action scenes.Between Ghoomer and Agni, Sayami Kher seems to be establishing herself as a bankable action star. In the latter, she plays brave firefighter Avni Purohit. The film which sees her star alongside Pratik Gandhi, Divyendu and others, revolves around firefighters as they risk their lives to avert disaster in Mumbai. For the high-octane role, Saiyami took inspiration from Indias first female firefighter Harshini Kanhekar. Its safe to say that she did the role justice.




DiCaprios relationship with Ceretti differs from his usual trend of dating women under 25. Prior to her, he had a brief romance with Gigi Hadid and was in a five-year relationship with Camila Morrone. Throughout the years, his dating history has included notable names such as Blake Lively, Gisele Bundchen, and Bar Refaeli.



See Also: Kate Winslet urges Leonardo DiCaprio to settle down



Amidst the discussions about his romantic life, Leo remains dedicated to his career. Reflecting on his beginnings in Hollywood, he recounted to The Guardian how collaborating with Robert De Niro in This Boys Life influenced his perspective: I watched his work, realized the caliber of actor that he was and said to myself: I will never squander this opportunity.  DiCaprios relationship with Ceretti differs from his usual trend of dating women under 25. Prior to her, he had a brief romance with Gigi Hadid and was in a five-year relationship with Camila Morrone. Throughout the years, his dating history has included notable names such as Blake Lively, Gisele Bundchen, and Bar Refaeli.Amidst the discussions about his romantic life, Leo remains dedicated to his career. Reflecting on his beginnings in Hollywood, he recounted to The Guardian how collaborating with Robert De Niro in This Boys Life influenced his perspective: I watched his work, realized the caliber of actor that he was and said to myself: I will never squander this opportunity. 

Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly doesnt see himself ever getting married, despite his current relationship with Vittoria Ceretti. A source told Page Six that Leo doesnt feel marriage is necessary to make things official, explaining, Leo doesnt feel the need to tie the knot to make things official in his eyes. While he enjoys spending time with Ceretti, the insider added that he just doesnt envision himself as a husband.Rumours about engagement arose when Ceretti was spotted sporting a diamond ring, but it was clarified that the ring has been a part of her collection since 2022. Fans speculated online, humorously suggesting, He hit 50 and realized that it was finally time to settle down. lol.  Nevertheless, marriage and family dont seem to be in Leos future plans.
Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - January 2, 2025) - Las Vegas Sell House Fast Cash LFL has launched an innovative homeowner assistance program that offers fast and efficient property sale solutions. This initiative addresses the demand for rapid and flexible home-selling options, providing practical support and ensuring a stress-free experience.

Homeowners often encounter repair costs, staging expenses, real estate agent fees, or dynamic market-ready conditions when listing a property. However, the We Buy Houses in Las Vegas program removes these concerns by offering a straightforward, as-is buying model without the time-consuming paperwork, extensive negotiations, or uncertain buyers.

Las Vegas Sell House Fast Cash LFL Introduces Innovative Program to Assist Homeowners Facing Property Challenges

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/235904_37679936d4bc6823_001full.jpg

Eliminating reliance on third parties and expediting transactions enables Las Vegas Sell House Fast Cash LFL to prioritize speed and convenience for clients facing inherited property complications, foreclosure, relocation, or divorce. In addition, the newly launched program focuses on personalized service, tailoring solutions based on each client's needs, current/future goals, or other real estate transaction challenges.

Las Vegas Sell House Fast Cash LFL's homeowner assistance program highlights a commitment to supporting the Las Vegas community by solving time-sensitive and broader housing problems. It allows residents to access reliable, flexible, fair, and clear options when navigating the complexities of property sales, empowering homeowners to sell confidently and contribute to the stability of the local housing market.

The company reaffirms its unwavering dedication to delivering innovative, client-focused solutions that address the unique needs of homeowners in the Las Vegas community. Homeowners looking for how to Sell My House Fast Las Vegas are encouraged to explore the possibilities offered by this groundbreaking program. The knowledgeable and experienced team is passionate about guiding clients through a seamless, hassle-free home-selling journey.





Las Vegas Sell House Fast Cash LFL unveils streamlined solutions to relieve homeowners seeking quick property sales.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/235904_37679936d4bc6823_002full.jpg

Las Vegas Sell House Fast Cash LFL sells residential, apartments, commercial properties, and mobile homes. To begin, clients must fill out an online form to receive a call back within 24 hours with an offer; if the client accepts the offer, the team schedules a closing date and handles all the paperwork. Recognizing that selling a home is a daunting experience, the team takes extra care to ensure every step of the process runs smoothly from start to finish.

About Las Vegas Sell House Fast Cash LFL:

Las Vegas Sell House Fast Cash LFL is a family-owned real estate solutions company in Las Vegas that helps homeowners find a way out of difficult situations. The team provides a win-win solution that benefits the homeowner and the company. With years of experience in the Las Vegas real estate market, Las Vegas Sell House Fast Cash LFL has the knowledge and resources to make competitive offers. The team can close a property in as little as 7 days or work around clients' schedules if they need more time. The company serves Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, Pahrump, and Enterprise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235904

SOURCE: GetFeatured


EQS Newswire / 03/01/2025 / 14:28 UTC+8



Hong Kong - January 03, 2025 - ( SeaPRwire ) - SeaPRwire, a leading global provider of press release distribution services, has announced the launch of tailored public relations (PR) packages for businesses and media professionals in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. This initiative is designed to enhance the effectiveness of local media outreach and allow brands to achieve impactful visibility in these Southeast Asian markets.

The new offerings are part of SeaPRwire's continuous commitment to expanding its services across Southeast Asia, where the demand for localized media distribution has been growing rapidly. As part of its efforts to support businesses in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, SeaPRwire is providing custom PR solutions that include targeted media lists, real-time updates, and comprehensive support for multilingual press release distribution.

The newly launched packages, which are part of SeaPRwire's Branding-Insight Program, include localized media outreach across several leading media platforms in these countries. These include media outlets such as Khmer Online and Cambodia Press Release in Cambodia, Laos News Feed and Vientiane TV in Laos, as well as Myanmar Hit and Burmese Buzz in Myanmar. With a focus on delivering region-specific content to audiences, SeaPRwire's media network ensures that clients are able to target the right demographic with precision.

"Our goal is to empower businesses to navigate the complexities of local media landscapes in Southeast Asia," said James Scott, CMO of SeaPRwire. "In Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, companies face unique challenges when communicating with local audiences. Through these new local PR packages, we aim to provide businesses with the tools they need to increase their visibility and build meaningful relationships with their target markets."

The local PR packages are built to offer flexibility, with multiple language options available for press releases. SeaPRwire's platform supports the distribution of press releases in over ten languages, including Khmer, Lao, Burmese, Thai, Vietnamese, and English, ensuring that clients can tailor their communication to meet the diverse linguistic needs of each region.

In addition to language support, the Media-Empower-Pack, a key feature of SeaPRwire's Branding-Insight Program, also allows businesses to access more than 8,000 media outlets worldwide. This extensive network enables clients to distribute press releases globally, while also ensuring that the local distribution is optimized to cater to the unique characteristics of Southeast Asian markets.

The Media-Empower-Pack allows for real-time updates of media contacts, providing businesses with detailed contact information, such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses. By clicking individual media contacts, users can directly access contact cards, making it easier to manage and personalize outreach efforts. Clients can also create specific media lists for their companies and manage them through the Branding-Insight Program dashboard, where they can split, edit, or merge lists to suit their PR goals.

"We believe in the power of thought leadership content," said Scott. "Our team works to ensure that every press release is delivered to the right audience at the right time. Our goal is to provide measurable returns on every media dollar spent and help businesses achieve tangible results in their marketing communications."

The launch of SeaPRwire's local PR packages in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar comes at a time when businesses are increasingly seeking ways to engage with regional audiences. With the growing digital transformation in Southeast Asia, companies are recognizing the need to build strategic media relationships that not only enhance brand visibility but also foster trust and engagement with local communities.

"Now, more than ever, CEOs need to leverage the power of an informative and engaging press release to drive sales and business growth, especially in tough economic times," Scott added. "We are committed to helping our clients maximize their return on investment by offering comprehensive, data-driven solutions that enable them to achieve their business objectives."

With these new packages, SeaPRwire is further cementing its role as a leader in press release distribution and earned media communications in Southeast Asia. The company is confident that these localized solutions will provide businesses with the resources they need to succeed in increasingly competitive markets.

SeaPRwire's expanded services for Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar will help brands in these countries craft compelling stories that resonate with both local and global audiences. By offering integrated solutions that include media outreach, strategic media pitching, and effective distribution, SeaPRwire continues to support its clients in achieving their communications and marketing goals.

To learn more about how SeaPRwire's services can help your brand enhance visibility and drive growth in Southeast Asia, visit www.SeaPRwire.com .

About SeaPRwire

SeaPRwire ( https://www.SeaPRwire.com/ ) is a leading global provider of wire distribution services to media relations and marketing communications professionals. SeaPRwire's platform allows clients to identify key factors of their press releases and measure meaningful impact. It has a strong media network in Southeast Asia, indexing news from thousands of worldwide sources. SeaPRwire's media network support multi-lingual press release distribution , including English, Chinese, Burmese, Khmer, Laos, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay, Indonesian, Filipino and more. SeaPRwire provides real time press release distribution for companies and organizations to 6,500+ media outlets.

Media Contact

Tina Lee, PR manager

cs@SeaPRwire.com

https://www.seaprwire.com

SOURCE: SeaPRwire

03/01/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has started accepting expressions of interest (EOI) from developers to set up floating solar projects on a build-own-operate basis in India. From pv magazine India UPNEDA is seeking EOI from developers to set up floating PV projects on a build-own-operate basis at 35 dams and reservoirs identified in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. UPNEDA, in collaboration with the Irrigation and Water Resources Department, will lease dams and reservoirs to the developers to support the development of floating solar power plants in Uttar Pradesh. ...

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
JAKARTA (dpa-AFX) - Iceland's jobless rate declined for the second straight month in November, figures from Statistics Iceland showed on Friday.The jobless rate dropped to a seasonally adjusted 2.8 percent in November from 3.2 percent in October. In the same month last year, the unemployment rate was 3.3 percent.The number of unemployed persons decreased to 6,400 in November from 7,500 in the preceding month.Meanwhile, the number of employed persons dropped to 225,800 in November from 230,000 in the prior month. The employment rate was 77.2 percent versus 79.4 percent in October.On an unadjusted basis, the unemployment rate was 2.4 percent in November, down from 3.0 percent a month ago.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
NEW YORK, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AICryptoFund has announced a large-scale recruitment plan to add 100 top data scientists to its team, aiming to develop more advanced investment strategies. This announcement has garnered widespread attention and indicates that AICryptoFund is strengthening its technological advantage by attracting global talent. The addition of new team members will further advance the platform in the fields of artificial intelligence and fintech, providing users with more accurate market analysis and innovative investment tools.

Through this recruitment plan, AICryptoFund aims to build a diverse and highly skilled team focused on developing innovative predictive models and investment solutions. Data scientists will work in an open R&D environment, utilizing vast amounts of data and cutting-edge machine learning technology to conduct in-depth market trend analyses and optimize trading strategies. With enhanced technical support, the platform hopes to enable investors to seize market opportunities more quickly and accurately, reducing unnecessary investment risks.

The platform will provide new team members with top-notch resources, including world-leading data processing tools and robust computing infrastructure. Team members will have access to data from various financial markets, allowing them to build and test multiple algorithm models to improve the accuracy and reliability of market predictions. This approach not only aids in developing smarter investment strategies but also promotes the practical application of AI technology in the financial sector.

AICryptoFund plans to inspire the creativity and potential of new team members through multi-level projects and incentive mechanisms. All scientists involved in R&D will receive support from the platform, including technical training, resource sharing, and rewards for innovative achievements. The token economy system of the platform will provide additional incentives for team members, encouraging continuous optimization of predictive models to enhance the overall capabilities of the platform.

This recruitment plan is not only a significant step in the platform development but also a contribution to talent development in the global fintech industry. By offering data scientists an open R&D environment and innovative collaboration opportunities, AICryptoFund hopes to attract more top talent from the industry and drive rapid technological iteration. With the addition of new members, the platform is poised to make significant strides in optimizing investment strategies, enhancing user experience, and advancing market development.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Apex Resources Inc. (TSXV: APX) (OTC Pink: SLMLF) ("Apex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that William (Bill) Feyerabend, an accomplished geologist, joins the Company as Senior Advisor.

Mr. Feyerabend is a Certified Professional Geologist with extensive experience in generating, exploring and developing lithium brine projects in Nevada, California, Utah, and Argentina. He has authored over 45 technical reports for properties across six countries on four continents, including claim blocks in Nevada's Lithium development epicentre, the Clayton and Fish Lake Valleys. His expertise in lithium exploration began in 2015, with a specific focus on Esmeralda County, Nevada and especially Clayton Valley.

Mr. Feyerabend also serves as a Qualified Person for lithium projects, held positions with US Borax and Gold Fields Mining which gave him the discovery and development experience that has served through four significant mineral projects. Mr. Feyerabend has worked at every level, from property examination and regional planning to discovery and development, and continued exploration on producing properties.

Ron Lang, CEO of Apex, commented, "Bill's extensive experience with and knowledge of lithium brine projects, especially in Nevada, make him a great addition to the Apex team. We look forward to his contributions as we remain collectively focused on delivering value for our shareholders and other stakeholders while executing our strategy at our Lithium Creek Project."

Other Corporate Update:

The Company plans to complete a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 15,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit (the "Unit") for gross proceeds of up to $750,000 (the "Financing"). Each Unit is comprised of one Apex common share and one share purchase warrant (the "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Apex common share at an exercise price of $0.10. The Warrants will have an expiry date of two years from the date of issue (the "Expiry Date"). If at any time prior to the Expiry Date, the Company's common shares trade at or above a price of $0.20 per common share on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") for a period of 10 consecutive trading days commencing four months plus one day after the issue date, the Company may, at its option, accelerate the Expiry Date by issuing a press release announcing such acceleration (the "Acceleration Press Release"), and, in such case, the Expiry Date shall be deemed to be the 30th day following the date of issuance of the Acceleration Press Release.

Proceeds from the Financing will be used to fund the Company's projects and for general working capital purposes. The Company reserves the right to accept additional funds, subject to regulatory approval, should the Financing be oversubscribed.

Directors and officers of the Company may acquire securities under the Financing, which participation would be considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). Such participation is expected to be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101.

The Financing is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. All shares issued pursuant to this offering and any shares issued pursuant to the exercise of warrants will be subject to a four-month and one day hold period from the closing date.

About Apex Resources Inc.

Apex is a mineral exploration company engaged in the business of the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties. Apex's common shares trade under the symbol "APX" on the TSX-V & "SLMLF" on the OTC Pink.

Apex has an option to acquire the Lithium Creek Project (the "Project") 70 KM east of Reno, Nevada. The Project is a new, district scale exploration project that has never been systemically explored or drill tested for Lithium brines.

The Project covers approximately 8240 acres and adjacent lands within the aerially extensive Fernley and Carson Sinks. These sinks have large expansive playas and lay within large hydrographic basins with a combined area of approximately 1.4 million-acres.

The Project is located within 30 minutes of the Nevada lithium battery hub of the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center ("TRIC") via Interstate Highway I-80, and is ideally located and supported by extensive infrastructure to include existing roads, railroad access, fiber optics and geothermal power.

TRIC is a privately owned 107,000-acre (167 sq mi; 430 km2) industrial park, located in Storey County, east of Reno, Nevada. The center is the largest in the United States (third largest in the world) and is home to more than a hundred companies and their warehouse logistics centers and fulfillment centers such as PetSmart, Home Depot, Walmart and others. The Gigafactory Nevada was built there to serve Tesla, Inc. and Panasonic.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

Apex Resources Inc.

Ron Lang,

President & CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term in defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-Looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," 'projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to fluctuations in metal prices; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund exploration work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in planned work resulting from weather, logistical, technical or other factors; the possibility that results of work will not fulfill expectations and realize the perceived potential of the Project; risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in conducting work programs; the risk of environmental contamination or damage resulting from Apex's operations and other risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235929

SOURCE: Apex Resources Inc.
BH Macro Limited - Conversion of Securities

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, January 03

BH Macro Limited

(the "Company")

(a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability

under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235)

LEI: 549300ZOFF0Z2CM87C29

Completion of 30 November 2024 Share Conversion

3 January 2025

Classified Regulated Information, under DTR 6 Annex 1 section 2.5

Following the publication on 27 December 2024 of the final month-end net asset values for 30 November 2024, the following share conversion ratios have been determined in accordance with the articles of incorporation of the Company for the purposes of the 30 November 2024 share conversion date:

0.809354 Sterling shares for each US Dollar share 1.235553 US Dollar shares for each Sterling share

On the basis of aggregate applications received and using the conversion ratios listed above, the following shares will be issued:

- 47,902 Sterling Shares of no par value

and the following shares will be cancelled:

- 59,187 US Dollar Shares of no par value

all with effect from 3 January 2025.

Application will be made to the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") for the new shares to be admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities.

Admission is expected to occur on or about 10 January 2025. Shareholder CREST accounts for converting shareholders are expected to be updated by 5.00pm on or about 10 January 2025.

Following issue and cancellation of the relevant shares, the total number of shares in issue in each class will be as follows:

- 27,419,773 US Dollar Ordinary Shares (Excluding Treasury Shares)

- 0 US Dollar Treasury Shares

- 342,225,975 Sterling Ordinary Shares (Excluding Treasury Shares)

- 33,277,833 Sterling Treasury Shares

The number of votes each share in the Company is entitled to on a poll at any general meeting of the Company was published by the Company on 9 March 2007 and will not change as a result of the conversions. These are:

US Dollar Share 0.7606

Sterling Share 1.4710

From 3 January 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 524,269,889.

Website: www.bhmacro.com

Enquiries:

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

Tel: +44 (0)1481 745001
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has urged Americans to test their homes for radon.Radon is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when left unaddressed, can build up inside a home. Over time, exposure to radon can cause lung cancer. The only way to know if your home has high levels of radon is to test for it, EPA said in a press release.'Radon is a serious public health risk that can be reduced using simple, proven techniques,' said Acting Director of EPA's Indoor Environments Division, Sharon White. 'During this year's National Radon Action Month, we urge everyone to take the first but vital step of testing their home. This year's theme of 'Test Your Nest: Test, Fix, Save a Life,' emphasizes that identifying and reducing radon exposure can decrease lung cancer risk and save lives. Together we can protect our families and communities from this invisible threat.'The EPA recognizes January as National Radon Action Month.Millions of homes in the United States have elevated levels of radon. Radon is the main cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year, but many people don't know about radon or the risks it can pose to their health.The EPA recommended home owners to take action if radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter are discovered. 'If your home does have elevated levels of radon, a qualified professional can install a system to lower your indoor radon levels'. More guidance on how to address radon risks is available at EPA's radon website.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, announced that it has completed the acquisition of BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous HVAC controls and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) building technology. The acquisition was previously announced in a press release on December 18, 2024.

BrainBox AI uses advanced deep learning algorithms to predict building energy needs and automate HVAC systems, thus reducing energy consumption by up to 25% and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 40%. The acquisition builds on the companies' existing collaboration and combines BrainBox AI's leading Artificial Intelligence technology with Trane Technologies' advanced building management and digital capabilities to meet fast-growing demand for sustainable, autonomous building solutions.

"We are delighted to officially welcome BrainBox AI associates as we further expand upon our companies' complementary capabilities, technology and offerings," said Riaz Raihan, senior vice president and Chief Digital Officer of Trane Technologies. "We look forward to bringing our teams and technologies closer together as we help customers meet their business and sustainability goals through the power of AI and smart building technologies."

About Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our environmentally responsible portfolio of products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes, and transportation. Learn more at tranetechologies.com.

About BrainBox AI

Founded in 2017, BrainBox AI was created to address the dilemma currently facing the built environment: its energy consumption and significant contribution to climate change. As innovators of the global energy transition, BrainBox AI's game-changing HVAC technology leverages autonomous AI to make buildings smarter, greener, and more efficient. Working together with trusted global partners, BrainBox AI supports real estate clients in various sectors, including office buildings, hotels, commercial retail, grocery stores, airports, and more. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, a global AI hub, our workforce of over 190 employees, bring with them talent from all sectors with the common thread of being in business to heal our planet. For more information visit: brainboxai.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to the acquisition of BrainBox AI and the anticipated impact of the transaction on the Company's strategic initiatives and sustainability commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250103048680/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Travis Bullard

+1 919-802-2593

Media@tranetechnologies.com

Investors Contact:

Zachary Nagle

+1-704-990-3913

InvestorRelations@tranetechnologies.com
TAIPEI, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, announced two innovative QD-OLED monitors, marking a new era in display technology. The AORUS FO27Q5P sets a new benchmark with its remarkable 500Hz refresh rate, the fastest in the QD-OLED segment, alongside DP2.1 UHBR20 bandwidth support. Meanwhile, the GIGABYTE MO27U2 redefines clarity and precision as the unprecedented 27-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and ultra-detailed 166 PPI resolution. Both monitors are equipped with GIGABYTE's exclusive OLED Care technology and enhanced Tactical Features, ensuring gamers a superior experience in speed, clarity, and reliability.

The AORUS FO27Q5P revolutionizes competitive gaming with its industry-leading 500Hz refresh rate, providing unprecedented motion clarity and image sharpness. It surpasses the VESA ClearMR (CMR 13000) threshold and is poised to achieve the upcoming ClearMR 21000 standard, showcasing its forward-thinking design. This innovation has earned GIGABYTE an invitation from VESA to advocate for ClearMR 21000, further solidifying its leadership in display technology. Meanwhile, set to be certified with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500, it delivers precise shadow details and rich, deep blacks. With DP2.1 UHBR20 delivering a massive 80 Gbps bandwidth-2.5 times higher than DP 1.4-the FO27Q5P ensures seamless compatibility with next-gen GPUs, ready for 500Hz gaming. Tailored for esports professionals and FPS enthusiasts, this monitor is a game-changer in both performance and visual fidelity.

The GIGABYTE MO27U2, featuring 4K resolution and 240Hz in 27-inch, redefines the 27-inch form factor. Its high 166 PPI ensures clearer visuals, complemented by delta E=2 color accuracy and Pantone Validated certification, making it ideal for advanced hybrid gamers. Whether engaging in AAA gaming, streaming, working, or light creative tasks, this monitor meets every need with unparalleled performance.

Both models feature GIGABYTE OLED Care, an AI-based panel protection system designed to prevent burn-in and extend display longevity, ensuring a consistent, and vibrant viewing experience. The upgraded Tactical Features further enhance gameplay, with Tactical Switch 2.0 introducing the ability to switch resolutions and adjust to a 4:3 screen ratio for optimized display settings. Night Vision spans the entire screen, assisting FPS players to spot enemies in dimly lit areas more effectively. Meanwhile, Black Equalizer 2.0 continues to provide gamers with enhanced visibility and enriched gameplay precision. Stay tuned with more groundbreaking products updates on GIGABYTE's official website: https://bit.ly/GIGABYTE_CES_2025

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2590093/GIGABYTE_Unveils_Two_Groundbreaking_QD_OLED_Monitors_at_CES_2025_Setting_New_Standards_in_Speed_and.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gigabyte-unveils-two-groundbreaking-qd-oled-monitors-at-ces-2025-setting-new-standards-in-speed-and-clarity-302341806.html
The "Europe Power System Simulation Software Market: Focus on Application, Product, and Country Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Europe power system simulation software market is projected to reach $900.6 million by 2033 from $417.5 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.05% during the forecast period 2023-2033.

The growing demand for dependable and effective energy management across sectors like manufacturing, power, and renewable energy is driving the market for power system simulation software in Europe. Advanced simulation tools are crucial for improving grid reliability, optimizing power distribution, and increasing operational efficiency as smart grid technologies and renewable energy integration gain traction.

As businesses work to lower their carbon footprints and adhere to strict regulations, growing environmental consciousness and the drive for sustainable energy practices are further fueling demand. Growth is being accelerated by government policies and R&D expenditures, guaranteeing that the market stays at the forefront of sustainability objectives and technological advancements.

Market Overview

The market for power system simulation software in Europe is expanding rapidly due to the growing need for dependable and effective energy management solutions in a number of sectors, such as power generation, distribution, renewable energy, and industrial applications. The adoption of smart grid technologies and the incorporation of renewable energy into current grids have become essential due to the continuous shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The need for sophisticated simulation tools that can optimize power distribution, enhance grid stability, and guarantee operational efficiency is being driven by this change.

Energy operators can model and analyze power networks, anticipate possible faults, and improve grid performance with the help of power system simulation software. This is crucial as the energy landscape grows more complex due to the presence of intermittent and decentralized power sources. Additionally, growing environmental awareness and stringent regulatory frameworks across Europe are pushing organizations to adopt sustainable energy practices and reduce their carbon footprints, further fueling the demand for these solutions.

It is anticipated that the market will advance due to government initiatives, investments in smart grid infrastructure, and a rise in research and development activities. Through these initiatives, power system simulation software will continue to advance, assisting industries in achieving sustainability targets and adjusting to Europe's rapidly shifting energy landscape.

How can this report add value to an organization?

Product/Innovation Strategy: This report provides a comprehensive product/innovation strategy for the power system simulation software market, identifying opportunities for market entry, technology adoption, and sustainable growth. It offers actionable insights, helping organizations leverage power system simulation software to meet environmental standards, gain a competitive edge, and capitalize on the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions in various industries.

Growth/Marketing Strategy: This report offers a comprehensive growth and marketing strategy designed specifically for the Europe power system simulation software market. It presents a targeted approach to identifying specialized market segments, establishing a competitive advantage, and implementing creative marketing initiatives aimed at optimizing market share and financial performance. By harnessing these strategic recommendations, organizations can elevate their market presence, seize emerging prospects, and efficiently propel revenue expansion.

Competitive Strategy: This report crafts a strong competitive strategy tailored to the Europe power system simulation software market. It evaluates market rivals, suggests methods to stand out, and offers guidance for maintaining a competitive edge. By adhering to these strategic directives, companies can position themselves effectively in the face of market competition, ensuring sustained prosperity and profitability.

Companies Featured

Siemens

DIgSILENT

ABB

Schneider Electric

Plexim GmbH

DNV GL

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 72 Forecast Period 2023 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $417.5 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $900.6 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.0% Regions Covered Europe

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

Scope and Definition

1 Markets

1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment

1.1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment

1.1.1.1 Increasing Need for Grid Modernization

1.1.1.2 Accelerating Shift toward Renewable Energy Adoption

1.2 Supply Chain Overview

1.2.1 Value Chain Analysis

1.2.2 End-User Value Chain

1.2.3 Pricing Forecast

1.3 Research and Development Review

1.3.1 Patent Filing Trend (by Country and Company)

1.3.2 Research Initiatives and Product Development Announcements (by Company)

1.3.2.1 Research Initiatives

1.3.2.2 Product Development Announcements

1.4 Regulatory Landscape

1.5 Stakeholder Analysis

1.5.1 Use Case

1.5.1.1.1 Amprion GmbH

1.5.1.1.2 National HVDC Centre (U.K.)

1.5.1.1.3 Implementing Operational Standards for Battery Energy Storage Systems

1.5.1.1.4 Hardware-in-the-loop Testing of Generator and Transformer Protection

1.5.1.1.5 Johan Sverdrup Project Equinor

1.5.2 End User and Buying Criteria

1.6 Impact Analysis for Key Global Events-COVID-19, Russia/Ukraine Conflict, or Middle East Crisis

1.7 Market Dynamics: Overview

1.7.1 Market Drivers

1.7.1.1 Rising Demand for Electricity to Propel the Expansion of the Power system simulation software market

1.7.1.2 Favorable Policies and Regulatory Frameworks to Drive Growth in the Market

1.7.1.3 Enhanced Capabilities of Simulation Software to Reduce Project Time and Cost

1.7.2 Market Restraints

1.7.2.1 High Investment and Deployment Costs

1.7.2.2 Concerns Surrounding Data Security

1.7.3 Market Opportunities

1.7.3.1 Rise of Smart Energy Infrastructure Worldwide

1.7.3.2 Renewable Energy Integration Using Simulation Software

2 Regions

2.1 Regional Summary

2.2 Drivers and Restraints

2.3 Europe

2.3.1 Regional Overview

2.3.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth

2.3.3 Factors Challenging the Market

2.3.3.1 Application

2.3.3.2 Product

2.3.4 Germany

2.3.4.1 Application

2.3.4.2 Product

2.3.5 U.K.

2.3.5.1 Application

2.3.5.2 Product

2.3.6 Southern and Mediterranean Europe

2.3.6.1 Application

2.3.6.2 Product

2.3.7 Eastern Europe

2.3.7.1 Application

2.3.7.2 Product

2.3.8 Nordic Region

2.3.8.1 Application

2.3.8.2 Product

3 Markets Competitive Benchmarking Company Profiles

3.1 Next Frontiers

3.2 Geographic Assessment

3.2.1 Overview

3.2.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio

3.2.3 Top Competitors

3.2.4 Target Customers

3.2.5 Key Personnel

3.2.6 Analyst View

3.2.7 Market Share, 2022

4 Research Methodology

4.1 Data Sources

4.1.1 Primary Data Sources

4.1.2 Secondary Data Sources

4.1.3 Data Triangulation

4.2 Market Estimation and Forecast

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3e9ts0

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250103445378/en/

Contacts:

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
HANGZHOU, China, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 1st, Lynk & Co announced its annual sales achievement. With 285,441 units sold worldwide, the brand has achieved a year-on-year growth of approximately 30%. In 2024, Lynk & Co continued to optimize, enlarging its global outreach, and providing premium models and experiences for customers.

With dedication, Lynk & Co has further extended global branches in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Central and West Asia, and Latin America. To date, Lynk & Co operates in 23 countries and regions, serving global users with premium products and services.

Alongside launches in regional markets, several competitive products have garnered the attention of international consumers and markets. At the Qatar Car of the Year Awards, Lynk & Co 03+ was recognized as the Best Compact Sedan, while Lynk & Co 09 received the title of Best Mid-size Premium SUV, contributing to the Brand of the Year award. Lynk & Co 06 also received awards in Vietnam and Chile for edgy design and outstanding quality.

Following a wide range of driving needs, Lynk & Co continues to enrich its existing product lineup with new products. The highly anticipated pure-electric Lynk & Co Z10 and Lynk & Co 02 (Z20) have been successfully launched, with the stylish launch event of Lynk & Co 02 in Milan, generating significant buzz and positive feedback from media and customers. Praised as "sleek, attention-grabbing, and tech-focus", Lynk & Co 02 was positively mentioned by world-renowned media, such as Forbes and Top Gear. With new model launches, Lynk & Co has conducted a comprehensive product lineup with ICE, PHEV and BEV models in all sizes, providing excellent driving experience and outstanding performance.

With continuous development, Lynk & Co has accumulated more than 1.33 million global users, sharing universal passions. The brand has continued to serve global open urbanites, achieving breakthroughs, and creating a unique and distinctive user community. On December 22nd, international car owners attended the Co Fans Party for the first time. While fully emerged in the connections between the brand and owners, the owners actively participated in the runway show, speeches, and backstage interviews, which highlighted the outstanding style and urban charisma of Lynk & Co owners.

The past year of 2024 marks the strategic integration between Lynk & Co and Zeekr, which signifies an elevated stage of development, fostering a personal and connected image for the brand while preserving independence. Looking ahead to 2025, Lynk & Co will continue to advance its commitment to globalization, providing more advanced models, promoting user connectivity and changing mobility with global impact.

About Lynk & Co:

Launched in 2016, Lynk & Co is created for the new generation of open urbanites. Lynk & Co is not just a new car brand but a new brand in the car industry. Born global, open, and connected, the brand aims to build an open platform connecting people, cars, and the world.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2590119/image.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lynk--co-honors-exceptional-global-achievements-in-2024-302341816.html
Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. (OTC PINK:GRLF), a leading distributor of premium handmade cigars announces a bold new goal: to secure partnerships with 1,000 independent Retail Cigar Shops across America by the end of 2025. This initiative underscores Green Leaf's commitment to growth and expansion while providing a platform for its select portfolio of different taste profiles uniquely blended with USA, Nicaraguan, Honduran, Dominican, Ecuadorian and Mexican Tobacco to reach a wider consumer base.

Green Leaf Innovations' diverse portfolio of premium brands, including EL MAGO, MAL.CRI.AO, EL CUBANO, COCOA (MGE Antalya), CUBANACAN, MEDEROS, TABACALERA SERRANO already known for their quality craftsmanship and distinctive flavor profiles. This expansion strategy aims to place these high-quality cigars into the hands of consumers through independent retailers who value expertise and authenticity in their offerings.

"Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship extends to our retail partners," stated Roberto Mederos, CEO. "By partnering with 1,000 independent cigar shops, we are not just increasing our market reach, but also supporting the vibrant culture of cigar enthusiasts. These partnerships will enable us to connect directly with our target consumer and provide an enhanced experience."

The collaboration between Green Leaf Innovations and independent cigar shops is expected to provide mutual benefits. The shops will gain access to a premium selection of Nicaraguan manufactured handmade cigars and benefit from the brand recognition of Green Leaf's portfolio. In turn, Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. through it's Subsidiary SOFLO wholesale Group, Inc. dba/Green Leaf Heritage Group will expand its distribution network and reach a broader consumer base.

"This aggressive but achievable goal reflects our strategic vision for growth. We are confident that this initiative will be crucial in growing our company as a significant player in the premium cigar market in the coming years."

Green Leaf Innovations will continue to invest in its marketing and distribution channels to support this expansive partnership initiative, ensuring that its select portfolio of premium handmade cigars reaches the desired target audience through a significant network of independent cigar shops.

About Green Leaf Innovations, Inc.

Green Leaf Innovations, Inc., a Florida corporation, is an emerging growth company engaged in the Marketing and Distribution of handmade premium cigars. The company strategically imports and exclusively distributes some of the best known premium cigar brands in the Market created by the Mederos family a Third generation Cigar maker with Robert Mederos at the helm who has owned and operated handmade cigar operation in Nicaragua and the US for over 20 years with a rich family history in the craft dating back to the 1800s Cuba, brands such as CUBANACAN, MEDEROS and TABACALERA SERRANO. In addition to it the company also distributes packaged whole leaf Tobacco to cigar lounges, smoke shops, C-stores and vape shops across the United States and soon International Markets.

Additional information can be found on our websites http://www.greenleafinnovation.com or follow us on Twitter

Safe Harbor Statement:

The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
imec.xpand and SFPIM Relaunch co-lead funding round to advance Swave's technology solving challenges in today's augmented reality experiences

Swave Photonics, the true holographic display company, today announced the close of its 27M ($28.27M) Series A funding round. This significant investment in Swave will catalyze the advancement of its Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) platform, enabling a reality-first user experience for AI-powered augmented reality (AR) smartglasses and heads-up displays.

The funding round was co-led by investors imec.xpand and SFPIM Relaunch, with participation from new investors EIC Fund, IAG Capital Partners, and Murata Electronics North America, Inc., as well as existing investors Qbic Fund, PMV, imec, and Luminate. Swave previously raised a 10M ($10.47M) Seed round in 2023, which propelled the launch of Swave's HXR technology, as well as the expansion of Swave's team, which proudly leverages the top minds in photonics and semiconductors.

"This round will accelerate Swave's product introductions as we continue to solve the challenges of today's AR experiences through true holography," said Mike Noonen, Swave CEO. "We are thrilled with continued support from our existing investors and our new investors. They recognize that Swave uniquely brings together semiconductor, holographic and AI technologies in a way that will deliver cost-effective and truly useful solutions."

"AR glasses are set to become the primary interface for AI-powered spatial computing and other applications, and Swave is uniquely positioned to enable this future," said Theo Marescaux, Swave co-founder and Chief Product Officer. "We are co-designing every element-from our holographic SLMs with cutting-edge nano-pixels, to real-time compute chips, light engines, and AR combiners-delivering the most advanced and integrated solution yet."

"With Swave's seed funding, we successfully built our team, proved the capabilities of the technology, and completed prototype designs," said Dmitri Choutov, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer. "With Series A funding secured and silicon running at our partner fabs, we are on track to introduce product development kits and soon thereafter production devices."

Swave's HXR technology uses the world's smallest pixel to shape light and sculpt high-quality 3D holographic images that create a reality-first user experience, where digital information interacts and adapts to the user's surroundings. The images allow for the human vision system to process them naturally leveraging patented DynamicDepth technology.

AR devices currently being prototyped or on the market are all faced with challenges of high cost, uncomfortable size and weight, significant power usage, and visual phenomena like Vergence-Accommodation Conflict, which cause nausea or fatigue for users. Swave's unique HXR technology not only solves these issues, but also eliminates the need for the most costly components, such as waveguides or varifocal lenses, inherently required for existing AR devices.

Swave's technology has been developed for over a decade and the company currently holds 60 core technology patents. Swave announced its HXR platform in April 2024, followed by the achievement of the world's first true color holographic display, and recently announced that HXR will be recognized at CES 2025 with a CES Innovation Award.

The Swave team will be at CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, from Tuesday, January 7 to Friday, January 10, 2025. To request a meeting at CES with the Swave team, please email hey@swave.io.

About Swave:

Swave, the true holographic display company, develops chipsets to deliver reality-first spatial computing powered by AI. The company's Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) display technology is the first to achieve true holography by sculpting lightwaves into natural, high-resolution images. The proprietary technology will allow for compact form factors with a natural viewing experience. Founded in 2022, the company spun-out from imec and utilizes CMOS chip technology for manufacturing for a cost-effective, scalable, and swift path to commercialization. For more information, visit https://swave.io/

This operation benefits from support from the European Union under the InvestEU Fund.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250103454914/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Carol Boyko

104 West Partners for Swave Photonics

carol.boyko@104west.com
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperlink InfoSystem, a global provider of tech and IT solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation in the prestigious Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. The symposium is anticipated to take place from January 7 to 10, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), 3150 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, and will bring together 1600 worldwide tech businesses from across every sector. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a global conference that showcases new consumer technology goods and trends. It also brings together global tech experts to discuss the newest innovations and commercial prospects.

In 2025, Hyperlink InfoSystem will be showcasing its presence and incredible expertise in digital transformation, emphasizing how enterprises can utilize emerging technologies to solve unique business challenges. Since its inception in 2011, the company has continued to be a pioneering provider of feature-rich tech solutions. Their impressive portfolio of services includes custom software development, mobile and web app development, IoT, AI/ML, blockchain, and AR/VR solutions. Attendees of their booth can get first-hand access to Hyperlink InfoSystem's unique offerings curated to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.

Being a leading software and app development company, Hyperlink InfoSystem is poised to demonstrate its expertise in delivering tailored digital solutions designed to solve the unique problems faced by modern businesses. The firm will also emphasize its captivating products, services, and influential solutions capable of transforming the dynamics and operational efficiency of various industries. Hyperlink InfoSystem will be present in Booth No: 40423, South Hall 3, LVCC throughout the event, delivering continual advice and assistance to those curious about learning how emerging technologies and digital transformations can easily be integrated to generate profitable business growth.

"Hyperlink InfoSystem has always focused on providing solutions that solve unique business challenges, and this year at our comeback in CES 2025, we intend to do just that," said Harnil Oza, CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem. Commenting on their participation and future vision, he also stated, "We have been experimenting with technologies that facilitate digital transformation expeditiously, like AI/ML, AR/VR, blockchain, IoT, and more. Our goal is to connect with budding entrepreneurs, enterprises, and global leaders to inspire and empower them to embrace digital transformation for growth and success in 2025."

CES has been the most anticipated global gathering of the brightest minds and latest innovations, rendering Hyperlink InfoSystem with the perfect global arena to connect with industry leaders, discover potential collaborations, and showcase their latest offerings in tech that are disrupting the industry. Whether you're a new-age startup or an established enterprise, the company has something in store for anyone seeking out a trusted partner in their digital transformation journey. To inquire more about their digital transformation services or schedule a meeting with them at the convention, connect with their team at +1(309) 791-4105 or email info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com.

For more details, visit: https://www.hyperlinkinfosystem.com/ces-las-vegas.html

About Hyperlink InfoSystem

Hyperlink InfoSystem is a prominent international enterprise excelling in IT solutions in many domains. Since its humble beginnings in 2011, its specialization in technologies has expanded across web development, mobile app development, enterprise software solutions, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 1200+ employees and a global presence in the USA, UK, UAE, France, India, and Canada, Hyperlink InfoSystem is dedicated to assisting corporations to leverage the complete power of technology to accomplish their goals.

Contact Details:

Hyperlink InfoSystem

Harnil Oza

+1-309-791-4105

info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com

New York Address:

One World Trade Center

285 Fulton Street suite 8500,

New York, NY 10007,

United States

Ahmedabad Address:

C-308, Ganesh Meridian,

Opp Kargil Petrol Pump, S.G. Highway,

Sola, Ahmedabad, 380061

India

London Address:

Level 30, The Leadenhall Building,

122 Leadenhall Street,

London EC3V 4AB

Canada Address:

151 Yonge Street, 11th Floor,

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W7,

Canada

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429933/4743119/Hyperlink_InfoSystem_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyperlink-infosystem-to-showcase-cutting-edge-apps-and-tech-solutions-at-ces-2025-302341753.html
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Cardinal Energy Ltd. (TSX: CJ) ("Cardinal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced offering (the "Offering") of units (the "Units") of Cardinal with a syndicate of underwriters (the "Underwriters") led by CIBC Capital Markets and including ATB Securities Inc., RBC Capital Markets., BMO Capital Markets, Peters & Co. Limited, Canaccord Genuity Corp., iA Private Wealth Inc., Raymond James Ltd. and Haywood Securities Inc.

In connection with the Offering, Cardinal issued $50 million of Units, plus an additional $10 million of Units issued on the full exercise of the option granted to the Underwriters to increase the total size of the Offering to $60 million.

Each Unit is comprised of one senior subordinated unsecured debenture with a par value of $1,000 (the "Debentures") and 65 common share (each a "Common Share") purchase warrants (the "Warrants"). The Debentures bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on the last business day of March and September of each year commencing on March 31, 2025 and will mature on March 31, 2030. Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at a price of $7.00 per Common Share for a period of three years following the closing date. The Debentures will commence trading today on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "CJ.DB" and the Warrants will commence trading today on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "CJ.WT".

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to repay outstanding indebtedness on its senior credit facility, further the completion of its Reford thermal project, accelerate the development of future thermal projects and for general corporate purposes.

This new release is not an offer of securities of Cardinal for sale in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an applicable exemption from such registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to Cardinal's plans and other aspects of Cardinal's anticipated future operations, management focus, objectives, strategies, financial, operating and production results. Forward-looking information typically uses words such as "anticipate", "believe", "project", "expect", "goal", "plan", "intend", "may", "would", "could" or "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, events or performance. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date thereof and are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Specifically, this press release contains forward-looking statements relating to the anticipated use of proceeds of the Offering and the timing for the trading of the Debentures and Warrants on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Although Cardinal believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Cardinal can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The intended use of the net proceeds of the Offering may change if the board of directors of Cardinal determines that it would be in the best interests of Cardinal to deploy the proceeds for some other purpose and potential delays in trading of the Debentures and/or the Warrants on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Cardinal undertakes no obligations to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

About Cardinal Energy Ltd.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235875

SOURCE: Cardinal Energy Ltd.
By securing agreements tailored to industry trends and site-specific advantages, landowners can enjoy a reliable income stream for decades.

Landowners hosting cell towers handle inconsistent offers and complex negotiations. Under the guidance of industry expert David Espinosa, Tower Leases provides the insights and tools necessary to secure fair and profitable agreements.

Cell towers can provide a steady income stream, but many landowners may not realize the full earning potential of their property. While some agreements may offer just a few hundred dollars a month, others can yield tens of thousands, depending on factors like location, demand, and the negotiating skill of the property owner.

Understanding the Variables Behind Lease Rates

The value of a cell tower lease is influenced by a range of factors, including the property's location, nearby demand, and infrastructure challenges.

"Many landowners are unaware of the true value of their site," says David Espinosa, President of Tower Leases. "Without professional guidance, they may agree to terms that fail to reflect the potential income their property could generate. Proper negotiation is critical to ensure fair lease rates."

While some wireless companies may emphasize factors like square footage, Tower Leases advises landowners to look beyond these simplistic assessments. Demand density, proximity to high-traffic areas, and regional zoning laws are crucial in determining the right lease terms.

Professional Guidance Ensures Fair Agreements

A misstep in negotiations could cost landowners hundreds of thousands of dollars over the lifespan of a long-term lease. For instance, even a slight adjustment in annual rent escalation rates can significantly affect the total income generated from a lease.

By consulting with experts like Tower Leases, landowners can ensure they receive competitive cell phone tower lease rates that accurately reflect the market value of their property. Tailored strategies, such as leveraging the site's unique benefits and securing clauses that account for market growth, are crucial to maximizing earnings.

"Landowners need to advocate for themselves to get the best deal," Espinosa emphasizes. "This is where having the right expertise can make all the difference."

Maximizing the Long-Term Value of Your Lease

For landowners, the true potential of a cell tower lease goes beyond the immediate financial gains. Strategic planning, such as negotiating terms that include annual rent escalations or provisions for hosting multiple carriers, can significantly boost the overall value of the lease over time.

"The right lease terms can turn a simple agreement into a long-term financial asset," says Espinosa. "Landowners can secure agreements that provide lasting benefits by focusing on current market dynamics and future opportunities."

Tower Leases helps clients navigate the complexities of the current market and positions them to capitalize on future opportunities.

About Tower Leases

The team provides expert advice, comprehensive market insights, and negotiation strategies to ensure landowners receive the best possible terms for their properties.

Contact

To learn more about securing the most competitive cell phone tower lease rates, contact Tower Leases for a free consultation at www.towerleases.com or call 866-720-0019

Contact Information

David Espinosa

CEO

david@towerleases.com

866-720-4233





SOURCE: Tower Leases

View the original press release on accesswire.com
MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Government has named 17 countries that encourage child soldiering.Afghanistan, Myanmar, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Libya, Mali, Russia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela and Yemen are the countries that the U.S. Department of State has listed in its 2024 Trafficking In Persons Report.The U.S. Government recognizes child soldiering as a form of human trafficking. Child soldiering occurs when a governmental armed group, including police or other security forces, paramilitary organization, rebel group, or other non-state armed group unlawfully recruits or uses children as combatants or in support roles. Such support roles include children serving as cooks, porters, guards, messengers, medics, servants or spies.Each year, as required by the Child Soldiers Prevention Act, the U.S. Department of State compiles a list of foreign governments identified during the previous year as having government armed forces, police, or other security forces, or government-supported armed groups that recruit or use child soldiers.Governments identified on the list are subject to restrictions on some kinds of security assistance such as Foreign Military Financing, International Military Education and Training, and commercial licensing of military equipment. These restrictions commence in the fiscal year following the government being listed in the TIP Report. Effective throughout Fiscal Year 2025, these restrictions will apply to the listed countries.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RoboSense, a pioneering AI-driven robotics technology company, hosted the world's first AI Robotics Global Online Launch Event of 2025, "Hello Robot." The event marked a pivotal moment in the company's evolution, showcasing its strategic vision as a global robotics technology platform and unveiling groundbreaking achievements. Among the highlights were a series of cutting-edge products that will debut at the CES 2025, taking place from January 7-10 in Las Vegas.

Redefining RoboSense's Identity and Capabilities

Building on a decade of technological innovation, RoboSense has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in LiDAR development and intelligent robotics. The launch event introduced RoboSense's humanoid robotic prototype, a universal development platform that exemplifies the company's in-depth understanding of intelligent robotics. This comprehensive platform lays the foundation for future advancements in vision, tactile sensing, mobility, and manipulation solutions.

A Fully Digital Era for LiDAR

At the heart of RoboSense's unveiling were three high-performance digital LiDAR products designed for both automotive and robotics applications. These innovations mark the transition to a fully digitalized LiDAR era, achieving unprecedented breakthroughs in size, resolution, and precision:

1. EM4 - Revolutionizing the Automotive Market

The EM4 is the world's first "Thousand-Beam" ultra-long-range automotive-grade digital LiDAR. Featuring 1080 beams and a detection range of up to 600 meters, EM4 provides vehicles with 1080P high-definition 3D perception, pushing the boundaries of advanced intelligent driving and fully autonomous capabilities.

2. E1R - A Breakthrough in Robotics LiDAR

The E1R is the world's first fully solid-state digital LiDAR for robotics. Designed with automotive-grade reliability, it features RoboSense's proprietary SPAD-SoC and 2D VCSEL chips. With its compact aperture and 120  90 ultra-wide field of view, E1R excels in obstacle avoidance, mapping, and navigation, supporting industrial, commercial, and embodied intelligent robots across diverse operational environments.

3. Airy - Hemispherical Vision for Robotics

The Airy is the world's first 192-line hemispherical digital LiDAR, delivering a 360  90 ultra-wide field of view in a compact design comparable to a ping-pong ball. It boasts a detection range of 120 meters, 1.72 million points per second, and 1cm precision, making it ideal for robots requiring omnidirectional perception in complex scenarios.

Pioneering a New Era of Robotics Solutions

As part of its mission to become the "global leader in robotics technology platforms," RoboSense unveiled its humanoid robotic prototype to accelerate the development of robotics components and solutions. This platform integrates three core areas:

1. Vision Solutions:

RoboSense introduced the Active Camera, an intelligent ecosystem comprising sensor hardware, computational cores, and AI algorithms. By merging LiDAR signals and camera data, the Active Camera provides active environmental perception, overcoming challenges like lighting variability and visual illusions. Developers can use its SDK for seamless integration of mapping, localization, and obstacle avoidance, reducing development time and system complexity.

2. Manipulation Solutions:

RoboSense showcased its second-generation dexterous hand Papert 2.0 with 20 degrees of freedom, incorporating hand-eye coordination to create a closed-loop system. This innovation significantly enhances versatility and complexity across a wide range of tasks.

3. Mobility Solutions:

Building on its extensive automotive expertise, RoboSense has introduced an intelligent solution - Robo FSD to expanded into mobile robotics, enabling robots to achieve autonomous point-to-point mobility across various scenarios.

Incremental Components for Next-Generation Robots

In addition to its digital LiDAR lineup, RoboSense unveiled several new components tailored to diverse robotics needs:

FS-3D: A force sensor optimized for legged robots.

A force sensor optimized for legged robots. LA-8000: A high-power-density linear motor designed for robotic hip and knee joints.

A high-power-density linear motor designed for robotic hip and knee joints. DC-G1: A domain controller supporting real-time perception, multimodal large models, embodied intelligence operations, and advanced motion control algorithms.

Experience the Future of Robotics at CES 2025

RoboSense's newly launched products will be showcased at CES 2025 in Las Vegas from January 7-10 at Booth 6700, West Hall, LVCC.

For more information, visit www.robosense.ai.

About RoboSense

RoboSense (2498.HK), founded in 2014, is an AI-driven robotics technology company that supplies industry-leading incremental components and solutions for the robotics market. The company is committed to "Become the global leader in robotics technology platforms", and its mission is "Safer world, Smarter life".

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1syLJFkD-g8

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2590090/Mark_CEO__New_Product_Line.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/robosense-unveils-ai-robotics-strategy-and-cutting-edge-innovations-at-2025-global-launch-event-302341864.html
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - A top secret lab in the UK has developed an atomic clock using quantum technology, which will make military operations more secure.Developed at the top-secret Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, (Dstl) the quantum clock will be a leap forward in improving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance by decreasing the reliance on GPS technology, which can be disrupted and blocked by adversaries.The clock's precision is so refined that it will lose less than one second over billions of years, allowing scientists to measure time at an unprecedented scale. The first device of its kind to be built in the UK, it will be deployable on military operations in the next five years, according to the UK Ministry of Defense.The applications of quantum clocks extend beyond precision timekeeping. Further improvement to GPS accuracy could transform global navigation systems, aiding in everything from satellite communication to aircraft navigation.Improved quantum clocks can enable more precise and independent navigation systems, reducing reliance on GPS satellites, which are vulnerable to jamming or destruction in conflict scenarios; Secure communications systems, such as encrypted military networks, which depend on highly synchronized timekeeping; Enhance the accuracy of advanced weapon systems like guided missiles, which rely on accurate timing to calculate trajectories and coordinate attacks; and Allow UK Armed Forces to gain an edge over adversaries in time-critical operations, especially in areas like cyber warfare, where milliseconds can make a difference.The 'Demonstration of Advanced Timing Apparatus', or DATA, is part of a planned series of experiments designed to understand the performance and limitations of quantum clocks, with potential benefits for military and national infrastructure resilience.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Rhyolite Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RYE) ("Rhyolite" or the "Company") has terminated its option to earn an 80% interest in the Brothers property in Suriname.

The Company received US$62,000 for agreeing to the termination. The Exploitation License for the Brothers project was scheduled for renewal in December 2022 at which time Rhyolite ceased all expenditures on the property until Property title was secure. The property vendors have now informed Rhyolite that the Brothers Exploitation License has been renewed and under the terms of the option agreement Rhyolite had 18 months to complete US$3.5 million in exploration expenditures including 10,000 meters of drilling and pay US$400,000 cash to earn a conditional 60% interest or an unconditional 49% interest. Discussions with the property vendors on amending the original agreement to reflect the exploration results to date proved unsuccessful. The details of the joint venture and earn-in agreements were described in the Rhyolite press release dated October 13, 2020.

The Company currently has approximately $6.5 million (Canadian) in working capital and holds a 10% Gross Revenue Royalty payable by any party the uses the Muckahi Mining System up to proceeds to Rhyolite of C$10 million. Rather than the conventional approach of using rubber-tired equipment that operates on the floor of tunnels, the Muckahi Mining System uses equipment that operates on an overhead monorail to excavate tunnels and perform all transport functions.

Qualified Person

Richard Graham, P.Geo, the CEO of Rhyolite, is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has approved the technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Graham is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the ability to attract financing on these terms or at all; the price of commodities; and the results of current exploration. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

For further information, please contact:

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235907

SOURCE: Rhyolite Resources Ltd.
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. announced today the expansion of their premises liability and slip-and-fall accident legal services in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Slip and fall accidents and premises liability cases can result in severe injuries, leaving victims facing significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., a distinguished law firm based in Pennsylvania, offers comprehensive legal representation to ensure justice for individuals injured due to unsafe conditions and negligent actions. With a reputation for holding liable parties accountable, the firm remains committed to upholding the rights of injury victims across Pittsburgh and throughout the state.

Pittsburgh-based Lowenthal Abrams champions slip-and-fall victims, providing dedicated legal advocacy in premises liability cases to secure fair compensation

The expansion focuses on every aspect of these issues as premises liability cases encompass a broad range of accidents, including slippery floors, poor maintenance, and inadequate security on commercial or residential properties. Common injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries often require extensive medical care, resulting in mounting medical bills and long-term physical therapy. Victims seeking accountability for unsafe environments or violations of the duty of care can benefit from Lowenthal & Abrams' legal services to secure fair compensation. For more information on legal options, visit their website at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. or contact their office for an initial consultation.

Slip and fall incidents frequently arise due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven pavement, and poor lighting. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions to prevent injuries. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to claims for compensation against the responsible parties. Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. diligently investigates every case, gathering essential evidence such as witness statements, incident reports, and medical records to build a compelling premises liability lawsuit. This comprehensive approach ensures that victims can recover both economic damages, including medical costs and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and mental anguish.

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common types of premises liability claims, often resulting from hazardous conditions such as a slippery surface or the absence of proper warning signs. Injured persons may suffer catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, or head injuries, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Property owners are legally obligated to exercise reasonable care in maintaining a safe environment to minimize the risk of harm to visitors. When this duty is breached, accident victims have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Premises liability lawyers play a crucial role in advocating for accident victims by providing the legal expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims. These claims often involve gathering evidence to demonstrate the liable party's failure to address unsafe conditions, such as poor lighting or inadequate maintenance. A valid claim may also require documenting the extent of bodily injury and its impact on the injured person's daily life. Personal injury attorneys ensure that victims are equipped to seek the monetary damages they are entitled to under the law.

Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. on Google Maps

In addition to traditional slip and fall cases, premises liability claims may arise from work-related injuries or other accidental injuries that occur on unsafe properties. Injured parties may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Accident lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. meticulously evaluate each case, helping victims understand their rights and build a strong legal claim against negligent property owners.

Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or severe head trauma, often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Premises liability lawyers work closely with medical professionals to document the full scope of the injury and its future implications. This comprehensive approach ensures that accident victims receive the financial support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

Legal representation is essential when filing a personal injury lawsuit to hold negligent parties accountable. The legal process can involve negotiating with insurance companies, reviewing medical records, and presenting evidence in court. An experienced accident lawyer provides guidance at every stage, advocating for fair compensation for economic losses and non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

Accident victims often face challenges when proving liability in premises-related cases, as property owners and their insurance providers may dispute the validity of claims. Premises liability lawyers employ a detailed investigative process, including analyzing accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the presence of warning signs or lack thereof. By building a compelling case, personal injury attorneys ensure that injured persons have the best chance of recovering the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

The legal process surrounding premises liability claims requires a thorough understanding of Pennsylvania law, including the statute of limitations, comparative negligence, and the legal standards of care for property owners. Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. provides aggressive representation to hold at-fault parties accountable for inadequate maintenance, dangerous conditions, or negligence that results in fall-related injuries. From negotiating with insurance providers to litigating complex claims in court, the firm remains steadfast in pursuing maximum compensation for injured parties.

Listen to Lowenthal & Abrams discuss Medical Malpractice Personal Injury Law on the Local Leader TV Podcast.

Victims of slip and fall accidents often face a difficult recovery period, compounded by the financial burden of lost income and ongoing medical expenses. Legal representation by Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. offers injured individuals the opportunity to navigate these challenges with confidence. The firm's expertise in addressing the nuances of premises liability law enables clients to focus on healing while ensuring their rights are protected.

Lowenthal Abrams delivers aggressive representation for Pittsburgh slip-and-fall victims, fighting for justice in premises liability cases across Pennsylvania.

About Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.

Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys, has been a leading personal injury law firm in Philadelphia since 1975, securing over $100 million in results across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers' compensation cases, the firm is committed to achieving justice and obtaining the compensation clients deserve. With a dedicated team that includes a medical doctor and nurse on staff, and strong partnerships with medical professionals, Lowenthal & Abrams operates on a contingency basis, ensuring no upfront costs for clients.

Press Inquiries

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235865

SOURCE: Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - The Weitz Firm, LLC, a Philadelphia-based law firm, today announced the expansion of its legal services focused on Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) cases to address the growing number of telemarketing violations affecting consumers nationwide. The Philadelphia-based law firm is responding to increased reports of unsolicited calls, pre-recorded messages, and automated texts that violate federal consumer protection laws.

The Weitz Firm champions consumer rights, tackling telemarketing and robocall violations nationwide with expert TCPA legal representation from Philadelphia.

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act was enacted to shield consumers from aggressive telemarketing and spam communications. Violations of the act can include calls to numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, use of autodialing systems, and neglect of prior express consent requirements. The legal team at The Weitz Firm, LLC, applies focused strategies to hold companies accountable for abusive practices.

Individuals affected by these violations are encouraged to take legal action. More information is available at The Weitz Firm, LLC's website.

The firm's legal services now have even more extension to consumers facing damages from violations, including harassment, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress caused by excessive or unauthorized telemarketing. Victims of unlawful telemarketing can pursue compensation for financial losses, statutory penalties, and other related damages. By providing diligent legal representation, The Weitz Firm, LLC ensures that corporations engaging in illegal practices are held accountable in court.

Addressing TCPA Violations and Protecting Consumer Rights

Cases under the TCPA often involve violations such as robocalls to mobile phones, failure to obtain explicit consent, and disregard for consumer requests to stop communications. The firm's legal team works with individuals seeking redress for illegal telemarketing practices, employing strategies that emphasize statutory compliance and legal accountability. The aim is to ensure fair treatment and stop ongoing violations.

Unlawful practices addressed by TCPA attorneys include unsolicited messages from telemarketers, pre recorded calls promoting fraudulent schemes, and calls placed outside allowable time frames. The firm's legal advocacy covers a wide range of TCPA violations, ensuring that affected parties are equipped with the resources needed to navigate the complexities of these cases.

Cases involving unwanted calls and illegal robocalls have surged in recent years, as millions of telemarketing calls and unsolicited robocalls flood cell phones across the nation. Consumer complaints about unauthorized robocalls often cite violations of consumer protection laws, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The act prohibits marketing calls and pre-recorded messages to individuals who have not given prior consent, aiming to curb the widespread issue of illegal telemarketing calls and spam texts.





The Weitz Firm on Google Maps





The Weitz Firm, LLC has been at the forefront of legal battles involving telemarketing robocalls and illegal robocall campaigns, representing victims who endure the disruptive effects of millions of calls made through automatic dialers. These cases often involve unwanted telemarketing calls and debt collection calls, with victims seeking to recover actual damages and hold offending companies accountable for their actions.

Legal actions have resulted in millions of dollars in penalties and settlements, emphasizing the seriousness of violations like unlawful robocalls and scam calls targeting vulnerable consumers.

The firm's consumer protection attorneys are dedicated to fighting against the abuse of automatic dialers and telemarketing campaigns that result in unwanted phone calls and prerecorded voice messages. A thorough review of calls to cell phones, accident reports, and call logs is integral to building a strong case against illegal robocall campaigns. Many of these cases are heard in District Courts, where victims of annoying calls and unlawful robocalls can pursue justice.

By addressing the ongoing problem of illegal telemarketing calls, The Weitz Firm, LLC contributes to an ongoing effort to protect consumers from the pervasive issue of telemarketing robocalls. Advocacy for stricter enforcement of consumer protection laws ensures that those affected by unauthorized robocalls have access to legal remedies and a pathway to fair compensation.

Comprehensive Legal Representation for TCPA Cases

TCPA lawsuits often involve complex litigation against major corporations, telemarketing firms, and debt collectors. The Weitz Firm, LLC provides representation for claims involving class actions, individual disputes, and mass tort litigation. Key elements of TCPA lawsuits, such as gathering call logs, preserving evidence, and establishing the lack of consent, form the foundation of the firm's approach to each case.

Victims of telemarketing violations are encouraged to seek legal counsel to determine their rights and eligibility for compensation. Successful claims may result in monetary awards for each unlawful call, text, or message received, as well as penalties for systemic violations. The Weitz Firm, LLC supports clients through the legal process, ensuring accountability for companies engaged in predatory marketing tactics.

A Trusted Partner in Consumer Protection

As a leading law firm addressing TCPA violations, The Weitz Firm, LLC advocates for consumers who have faced the disruptive and invasive effects of unlawful telemarketing. From unsolicited sales pitches to fraudulent robocalls, the firm aims to protect the rights of consumers and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Cases involving violations of the TCPA provide an opportunity to hold negligent parties accountable and deter future misconduct.

Consumers affected by TCPA violations can benefit from legal advice, guidance, and support throughout the claims process. Legal representation may involve negotiations for fair settlements or, when necessary, pursuing litigation against offenders. By addressing a wide range of violations, The Weitz Firm, LLC ensures a thorough approach to justice for victims of telemarketing abuse.

Listen to Eric H. Weitz: Philadelphia Attorney Discusses Legal Challenges, Client Advocacy & The Weitz Firm's Impact on Medical Malpractice Insights on the Attorney Post Podcast.

About The Weitz Firm, LLC:

The Weitz Firm, LLC, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, represents clients across the United States in high-stakes TCPA cases and other forms of consumer protection litigation. The firm is dedicated to providing legal solutions for individuals impacted by unlawful telemarketing, ensuring fair treatment and accountability under federal law. With a commitment to excellence, The Weitz Firm, LLC pursues justice for victims of TCPA violations and other unfair practices in the telecommunications industry.





Philadelphia-based TCPA attorneys at The Weitz Firm fight nationally for justice in telemarketing and robocall cases, ensuring fair treatment for clients.





About The Weitz Firm, LLC

With over 30 years of trial experience across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and nationwide, Eric H. Weitz leads The Weitz Firm, LLC, as one of Philadelphia's premier boutique civil trial firms.

Known for a steadfast commitment to taking cases to trial, Eric H. Weitz advocates for fair compensation in personal injury and complex litigation matters, protecting clients from the impacts of dangerous products, unsafe hospitals, and unethical corporate practices.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235864

SOURCE: The Weitz Firm, LLC
BANGALORE, India, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AI in Trading Market is Segmented by Type (Software, Services), by Application (Automotive, IT & Telecommunication, Transportation & Logistics, Energy & Utilities, Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing).

The Global Artificial Intelligence in Trading Market was valued at USD 18 Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 35 Billion by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-30U5674/Global_Artificial_Intelligence_in_Trading_Market

Major Factors Driving the Growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Trading Market:

The Artificial Intelligence in Trading market is on a robust growth trajectory, driven by the increasing adoption of AI technologies to enhance trading performance and operational efficiency. The integration of machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics, and automated trading systems is transforming the landscape of financial trading, enabling more informed and strategic decision-making. The rising complexity and volatility of financial markets necessitate advanced AI-driven solutions that can analyze vast amounts of data, identify market trends, and execute trades with precision and speed. Additionally, the continuous advancements in AI and machine learning technologies are expanding the capabilities and applications of AI in trading, making these solutions more accessible and effective for a broader range of traders and financial institutions. The growing emphasis on data-driven trading strategies, coupled with the need for competitive advantage and risk management, propels the demand for AI-driven trading technologies. As financial markets continue to evolve and embrace digital transformation, the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market is poised to achieve significant growth, driven by innovation, investment, and the increasing reliance on technology-driven trading solutions.

Unlock Insights: View Full Report Now! https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-30U5674/global-artificial-intelligence-in-trading

TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE GLOBAL AI IN TRADING MARKET:

Software solutions are instrumental in driving the growth of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market by enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of trading operations. Advanced trading software incorporates machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics, and real-time data processing capabilities, enabling traders to make informed decisions based on comprehensive market insights. These software platforms facilitate automated trading strategies, allowing for the execution of trades at optimal times without human intervention, thereby reducing latency and increasing profitability. Additionally, sophisticated risk management tools integrated into trading software help in identifying and mitigating potential risks, ensuring more stable and secure trading environments. The continuous evolution of trading software, with the integration of AI-driven features such as sentiment analysis and anomaly detection, further propels market growth by offering traders innovative tools to navigate complex financial markets. The increasing reliance on technology-driven trading solutions underscores the critical role of software in expanding the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market.

Services play a pivotal role in driving the growth of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market by providing essential support and expertise required to implement and optimize AI-driven trading strategies. These services include consulting, system integration, data management, and ongoing technical support, which are crucial for financial institutions and traders looking to leverage AI technologies effectively. Professional services help organizations navigate the complexities of AI adoption, ensuring that AI models are accurately tailored to specific trading needs and market conditions. Additionally, managed services offer continuous monitoring and maintenance of AI systems, ensuring their optimal performance and adaptability to evolving market dynamics. Training and education services further enhance the capabilities of trading teams, equipping them with the necessary skills to utilize AI tools effectively. The comprehensive range of services provided by specialized firms enables seamless integration of AI technologies into trading operations, thereby accelerating the adoption and expansion of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market.

Financial services are a major catalyst in the growth of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market, as they are at the forefront of adopting AI technologies to gain a competitive edge in the financial markets. Investment banks, hedge funds, asset management firms, and proprietary trading firms increasingly utilize AI-driven trading systems to enhance their trading strategies, improve decision-making processes, and optimize portfolio management. The ability of AI to analyze vast amounts of financial data, identify market trends, and execute trades at high speeds enables financial services firms to achieve higher returns and manage risks more effectively. Additionally, the integration of AI in areas such as algorithmic trading, fraud detection, and customer service enhances operational efficiency and service quality within financial institutions. The growing recognition of AI's potential to transform trading practices and deliver superior financial performance drives the continuous investment and expansion of AI technologies in the financial services sector, thereby propelling the growth of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market.

The increasing demand for high-speed trading is a significant factor driving the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market. In today's fast-paced financial markets, the ability to execute trades within milliseconds can provide a substantial competitive advantage. AI-driven trading systems are designed to process large volumes of data and execute trades at speeds that far surpass human capabilities, enabling traders to capitalize on fleeting market opportunities. The rise of high-frequency trading (HFT) strategies, which rely on rapid data analysis and automated execution, underscores the need for advanced AI technologies that can deliver the required speed and precision. The growing complexity and volatility of financial markets further amplify the demand for high-speed trading solutions, as traders seek to navigate rapid price fluctuations and capitalize on minute market movements. The continuous advancement of AI technologies to enhance trading speed and efficiency drives the expansion of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market.

The availability and integration of vast amounts of financial data are crucial drivers of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market. The proliferation of data sources, including market feeds, news articles, social media, and economic indicators, provides a rich foundation for AI algorithms to analyze and derive actionable insights. Effective integration of diverse data sets allows AI systems to develop more accurate predictive models and trading strategies, enhancing their ability to anticipate market movements and make informed trading decisions. Additionally, the advancement of big data technologies and data processing frameworks facilitates the seamless ingestion, storage, and analysis of large-scale financial data, enabling AI-driven trading systems to operate more efficiently and effectively. The increasing emphasis on data-driven decision-making in trading practices underscores the importance of robust data integration capabilities, thereby fueling the growth of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market.

Effective risk management and mitigation are critical factors driving the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market. AI-driven trading systems offer advanced risk assessment and management capabilities that help traders and financial institutions identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential risks in real-time. Machine learning algorithms can analyze historical and real-time data to detect abnormal trading patterns, predict market downturns, and optimize portfolio allocations to minimize exposure to adverse market conditions. Additionally, AI technologies enable the development of sophisticated hedging strategies and automated stop-loss mechanisms, enhancing the ability to manage financial risks proactively. The ability to quickly adapt to changing market dynamics and implement risk mitigation measures is essential for maintaining financial stability and achieving sustainable trading performance. As the complexity and interconnectedness of financial markets increase, the demand for robust AI-driven risk management solutions intensifies, thereby fueling the growth of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market.

Achieving a competitive advantage is a significant driver in the growth of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market. Financial institutions and traders seek to leverage AI technologies to gain an edge over competitors by enhancing the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of their trading operations. AI-driven trading systems enable the development of proprietary trading strategies, optimize trade execution, and improve the ability to anticipate market movements, thereby increasing profitability and market share. The ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time allows traders to make informed decisions faster than competitors relying on traditional trading methods. Additionally, AI technologies facilitate the customization of trading strategies to align with specific investment goals and risk profiles, further differentiating traders in the competitive financial landscape. The pursuit of superior performance and the need to stay ahead in the highly competitive trading environment drive the adoption and investment in AI-driven trading solutions, thereby propelling the growth of the Artificial Intelligence in Trading market.

Claim Yours Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-30U5674&lic=single-user

AI IN TRADING MARKET SHARE

China and the United States are two leaders in the AI industry. On the AI 100 list (2022) released by CB Insights, the number of companies in the United States ranks first, with more than 70 companies, followed by the United Kingdom, with 8 companies on the list. China and Canada both hold 5 companies on the list. According to data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, the scale of China's core artificial intelligence industry reached 508 Billion in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 18%.

The Artificial Intelligence in Trading market exhibits significant regional variations, influenced by factors such as financial market maturity, technological infrastructure, and regulatory environments. North America leads the market, driven by the presence of major financial hubs like New York and Silicon Valley, advanced technological infrastructure, and a high concentration of fintech startups specializing in AI-driven trading solutions.

Key Companies:

IBM Corporation

Trading Technologies International, Inc

GreenKey Technologies, LLC

Trade Ideas, LLC

Imperative Execution Inc

Looking Glass Investments LLC

Aitrades

Kavout

Auquan

WOA

Techtrader

Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-30U5674/Global_Artificial_Intelligence_in_Trading_Market

SUBSCRIPTION

We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans.

DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS!

- AI Content Generation Market was estimated to be worth USD 1108 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 5958 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 27.3% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- AI Crypto Trading Bot Market was valued at USD 21.69 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 145.27 Million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 37.2% during the forecast period 2023-2029.

- Industrial Artificial Intelligence Market

- Artificial Intelligence for Retail Market was estimated to be worth USD 942.3 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 1249.7 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- The global AI In Telecommunication market was valued at USD 1723 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 19170 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 40.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Artificial Intelligence-based Security Market was estimated to be worth USD 6925 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 20200 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 16.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- The global AI Data Center market was valued at USD 22615.04 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 68317.57 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 17.11%during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Mining Market was estimated to be worth USD 814 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 1674 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 11.0% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- AI (Artificial Intelligence) Decision Making Market

- The AI Companion market was valued at USD 102 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 632 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 98%% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Algorithmic Trading Software Market

DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US!

Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs.

Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs.

To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources.

GET A FREE QUOTE

Valuates Reports

sales@valuates.com

For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225

WhatsApp: +91-9945648335

Website: https://reports.valuates.com

Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753

https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean

https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish

https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese

https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/

https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/

https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/

https://valuatesreportjapanese.blogspot.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-trading-market-to-reach-usd-35-billion-by-2030-growing-at-a-10-cagr--valuates-reports-302341827.html
BANGALORE, India, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO Market is Segmented by Type (Cell Therapy, Gene Therapy), by Application (Clinical Stage Projects, Commercialization Stage Projects).

The Global Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO Market was valued at USD 3120 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 11110 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 20.0% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-4J16455/Global_Cell_Therapy_and_Gene_Therapy_CDMO_Market

Major Factors Driving the Growth of Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO Market:

The Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market is poised for substantial growth, driven by the increasing demand for innovative and personalized medical treatments. The rising prevalence of chronic and genetic diseases, coupled with advancements in biotechnology, fuels the development and commercialization of cell and gene therapies. CDMOs play a critical role in this ecosystem by providing specialized manufacturing, regulatory, and logistical support to pharmaceutical companies, enabling the efficient production and delivery of advanced therapies.

The market is characterized by a dynamic landscape of specialized CDMOs offering a range of services from early-stage development to commercial-scale manufacturing. Additionally, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, strategic partnerships, and a focus on quality and compliance enhance the capabilities of CDMOs, making them indispensable partners in the biotechnology sector. As the healthcare industry continues to embrace personalized medicine and innovative therapeutic approaches, the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market is set to achieve significant growth, driven by the collaborative efforts of pharmaceutical companies and specialized manufacturing partners.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-4J16455/global-cell-therapy-and-gene-therapy-cdmo

TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE CELL THERAPY AND GENE THERAPY CDMO MARKET:

Cell therapy significantly drives the growth of the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market by offering innovative solutions for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancers, autoimmune disorders, and genetic conditions. This advanced therapeutic approach involves the manipulation and administration of living cells to repair or replace damaged tissues, providing personalized and highly effective treatments. The increasing prevalence of chronic and life-threatening diseases has heightened the demand for cell-based therapies, compelling pharmaceutical companies to partner with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) for specialized expertise and scalable manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, advancements in stem cell research and regenerative medicine have expanded the potential applications of cell therapy, further fueling market growth. The ability of CDMOs to deliver high-quality, compliant, and efficient manufacturing processes is crucial in meeting the stringent regulatory standards and accelerating the time-to-market for cell therapy products, thereby driving the expansion of the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market.

Gene therapy plays a pivotal role in propelling the growth of the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market by addressing genetic disorders at their molecular roots. This therapeutic strategy involves the insertion, alteration, or removal of genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease, offering the potential for long-term and even curative outcomes. The rising incidence of genetic diseases and the increasing investment in gene therapy research have expanded the pipeline of gene-based treatments, creating a robust demand for specialized CDMOs capable of handling complex gene manipulation and delivery processes. Additionally, breakthroughs in viral and non-viral vector technologies have enhanced the efficiency and safety of gene therapies, making them more viable for commercial use. CDMOs that offer comprehensive services, including gene vector production, process development, and regulatory support, are essential in facilitating the commercialization of gene therapies. This symbiotic relationship between gene therapy advancements and CDMO capabilities is a key driver of market growth in the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO sector.

Clinical stage projects are a crucial driver in the expansion of the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market, as they represent the transition of innovative therapies from research to commercialization. These projects encompass a range of activities, including clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and scaling up manufacturing processes to meet clinical demands. The increasing number of cell and gene therapy candidates entering clinical trials reflects the growing investment in these cutting-edge treatments and underscores the need for specialized CDMOs that can provide tailored services to support these projects. CDMOs play a vital role in ensuring that clinical stage therapies meet stringent quality and regulatory standards, facilitating successful trial outcomes and paving the way for market approval. Furthermore, the complexity and variability of cell and gene therapies require CDMOs to offer flexible and scalable manufacturing solutions, enabling seamless transitions from small-scale clinical trials to large-scale commercial production. The proliferation of clinical stage projects, driven by advancements in biotechnology and a favorable investment climate, continues to drive demand for CDMO services, thereby fueling the growth of the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market.

Regulatory compliance is a fundamental factor driving the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market. The highly regulated nature of cell and gene therapies necessitates strict adherence to guidelines set by authorities such as the FDA, EMA, and other global regulatory bodies. CDMOs must ensure that their manufacturing processes, facilities, and quality control systems meet these stringent standards to facilitate the approval and commercialization of therapeutic products.

Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other regulatory requirements ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of cell and gene therapies, thereby building trust with pharmaceutical companies and stakeholders. Additionally, the evolving regulatory landscape, with increasing emphasis on standardized protocols and transparent reporting, compels CDMOs to continuously update their practices and invest in compliance-oriented technologies. The ability to navigate complex regulatory pathways and maintain high compliance standards is crucial for CDMOs to support their clients effectively, driving the demand for compliant manufacturing partners and contributing to the overall growth of the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market.

The scalability of manufacturing processes is a critical factor driving the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market. As cell and gene therapies transition from clinical trials to commercial production, the need for scalable manufacturing solutions becomes paramount. CDMOs must possess the capability to scale up production without compromising the quality or efficacy of the therapeutic products. This involves implementing robust and flexible manufacturing platforms that can accommodate increasing volumes and diverse product specifications. The ability to efficiently scale operations enables pharmaceutical companies to meet market demand, reduce time-to-market, and achieve cost-effectiveness in production. Additionally, scalable manufacturing processes facilitate the customization of therapies to cater to personalized medicine approaches, further enhancing the appeal of cell and gene therapies. CDMOs that offer scalable and adaptable manufacturing solutions are better positioned to support the growth and commercialization of innovative therapies, thereby driving the expansion of the Cell

Effective cost management is a crucial factor influencing the growth of the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market. The high costs associated with developing and manufacturing cell and gene therapies necessitate efficient cost management strategies to ensure the economic viability of these treatments. CDMOs play a vital role in helping pharmaceutical companies manage production costs by optimizing manufacturing processes, reducing waste, and implementing cost-effective technologies. Economies of scale achieved through scalable manufacturing solutions also contribute to lowering per-unit costs, making therapies more affordable and accessible. Additionally, CDMOs that offer comprehensive services, including process development and regulatory support, can streamline operations and reduce the overall cost burden on pharmaceutical companies. By providing cost-efficient manufacturing solutions without compromising quality, CDMOs enhance the financial sustainability of cell and gene therapies, thereby driving market growth and facilitating the broader adoption of these innovative treatments.

Claim Yours Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-4J16455&lic=single-user

CELL THERAPY AND GENE THERAPY CDMO MARKET SHARE:

The Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market exhibits distinct regional dynamics influenced by factors such as technological infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and the presence of leading biotechnology hubs. North America dominates the market, driven by the presence of major pharmaceutical companies, advanced research institutions, and supportive government initiatives that promote biotechnology innovation. Europe follows closely, with significant investments in biotechnology research, robust regulatory support, and a growing number of CDMOs specializing in cell and gene therapies.

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, rising demand for advanced therapies, and the emergence of biotechnology clusters in countries like China, India, and Japan. Emerging markets in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa also show promising potential, supported by improving regulatory environments and growing investments in biotechnology. Regional differences in economic development, technological capabilities, and market maturity shape the growth prospects and competitive landscape of the Cell Therapy and Gene Therapy CDMO market across various geographies.

Key Companies:

Thermo Fisher

Catalent

Jubilant Lifesciences

Charles River

Genscript Biotech

Kanglong Chemical

Lonza Pharmaceuticals

He Yuan Biology

Porton shares

Sano Biologics

Yunzhou Biology

Oxford BioMedica

Boehringer Ingelheim

WuXi AppTec

Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-4J16455/Global_Cell_Therapy_and_Gene_Therapy_CDMO_Market

SUBSCRIPTION

We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans.

DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS!

- The Pharmaceutical CDMO Solution market was estimated to be worth USD 128270 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 215590 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Pharmaceutical CDMO market is projected to grow from USD 139350 Million in 2024 to USD 217220 Million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.7% during the forecast period.

- Gene Therapy Products Market

- Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Vector Production CDMO Market

- Chemical CDMO Market

- Cell and Gene Therapy Tools and Reagents Market

- Cell and Gene Therapy CDMO Services market was valued at USD 5598 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 42510 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 32.9% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

- Cellular and Gene Therapy CDMO Market

- Cell Therapy CDMO Services Market

DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US!

Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs.

Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs.

To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources.

GET A FREE QUOTE

Valuates Reports

sales@valuates.com

For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225

WhatsApp: +91-9945648335

Website: https://reports.valuates.com

Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753

https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean

https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish

https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese

https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/

https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/

https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/

https://valuatesreportjapanese.blogspot.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cell-therapy-and-gene-therapy-cdmo-market-to-reach-usd-11-11-billion-by-2030--discover-growth-trends-and-insights--valuates-reports-302341839.html
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Quantum eMotion (QeM) (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) extends its gratitude to Krown Technologies for publicly supporting the integrity of its technology following a recent defamatory post on the website of Terranova Defence Solutions. The brief but disparaging remarks about the performance and quality of QeM's quantum-based communication security platform have since been removed.

Francis Bellido, CEO of QeM, reaffirmed the company's unwavering confidence in its groundbreaking technology, stating:"I want to assure our shareholders of the unequivocal quality and performance of our QRNG2, a product originating from the ingenuity of world-renowned quantum physicist Professor Bertrand Reulet of the University of Sherbrooke and further developed at ETS in Montreal. Our technology has been rigorously designed to the highest standards and fully meets the stringent compliance criteria of the US-based National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)."

QeM's commitment to advancing cybersecurity is also evident in its collaboration with the Platform for Digital and Quantum Innovation (PINQ), which is rigorously testing the resilience of its security platform. This project, initiated in May 2024, is conducted in partnership with IBM Quantum's Qiskit platform, and aims to enhance QeM's QRNG2 technology and assess its resistance to simulated quantum computer attacks. With results expected in Q1 2025, this effort underscores QeM's dedication to staying ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats.

Krown Technologies' Public Endorsement: In a statement released earlier this morning, Krown Technologies unequivocally supported QeM's position, underscoring its confidence in the robustness of QeM's quantum technology. Krown highlighted the groundbreaking innovation and collaborative expertise behind QeM's solutions, aligning with the company's mission to set the benchmark for quantum-secure communication.

This endorsement strengthens the collaboration between the two organizations, reaffirming their mutual respect and shared vision. It sends a powerful message about the importance of unity in confronting unfounded allegations.

For further details, visit the official press release here: https://www.einpresswire.com/shareable-preview/eC0sQ_DSU81E-14bOyFOXg.

Quantum eMotion remains steadfast in its mission to deliver cutting-edge quantum security solutions, and it deeply values the continued support of its partners, stakeholders, and the scientific community.

About Quantum eMotion

The Company's mission is to address the growing demand for affordable hardware and software security for connected devices. Thanks to its patented Quantum Random Number Generator, QeM has become a pioneering force in classical and quantum cybersecurity solutions. This security solution exploits quantum mechanics' built-in unpredictability and promises to provide enhanced protection for high-value assets and critical systems.

The Company intends to target highly valued Financial Services, Healthcare, Blockchain Applications, Cloud-Based IT Security Infrastructure, Classified Government Krown Technologies and Communication Systems, Secure Device Keying (IOT, Automotive, Consumer Electronics) and Quantum Cryptography.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in the Corporation's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Quantum from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235937

SOURCE: Quantum eMotion Corp.
Well-equipped organization will offer clients enhanced solutions and powerful technologies, backed by a global roster of quality-driven professionals

Grant Thornton Advisors LLC in the US (Grant Thornton Advisors) and Grant Thornton Ireland have closed their previously announced transaction to create a global multidisciplinary platform providing audit, advisory and tax services to a growing international client base.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250103789826/en/

The transaction was backed by an investor group led by New Mountain Capital, a leading growth-oriented investment firm with approximately $55 billion in assets under management.

The new platform of roughly 12,000 professionals will include a united Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent audit practices. Its more than 50 global offices will span the US, Ireland and other territories. The new organization will continue to be part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to more than 150 markets globally.

This well-equipped organization will deliver a singular brand experience for current and prospective clients, immediately providing them with enhanced solutions and powerful technologies, backed by a global roster of quality-driven professionals. Likewise, the platform will become an employer-of-choice providing exceptional professional-growth opportunities for current and future team members, underpinned by a compelling cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton Advisors' CEO, Seth Siegel, will continue in his leadership role and Ireland's Steve Tennant will become a member of Grant Thornton Advisors' Executive Committee.

"Today marks a pivotal moment as we create a unique organization within the Grant Thornton network, and a compelling new platform within our industry," said Siegel. "We will be at the forefront of exceptional quality and differentiated solutions for a growing international client base offering seamless cross-border collaboration and cutting-edge technologies. This is a transformative step as we become the destination of choice for clients and talent alike."

Tennant remarked, "This new platform's unmatched talent, comprehensive solutions and international reach backed by a commitment to quality will deliver exceptional results for clients and foster sustainable success for years to come. At the same time, we'll become an employer of choice across global markets with a common client-centric culture."

Andre Moura, managing director at New Mountain Capital, said: "We are pleased to support Grant Thornton in the US and Ireland as they create a global platform. This represents a strong first step in bringing together two of the highest quality firms in the Grant Thornton network, under a unified structure. We believe the enhanced scale and capability-set of the new platform will bring significant benefits to Grant Thornton's clients, partners and staff, and we look forward to continuing to support the organization as it pursues additional M&A opportunities."

Adam Weinstein, CFO and COO at New Mountain Capital, added: "We believe with the new global platform, Grant Thornton can bring its top tier quality and client service to an even greater international audience."

The audit practice in Ireland will operate under an alternative practice structure similar to Grant Thornton in the US.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. served as sole financial adviser to Grant Thornton Ireland, while A&L Goodbody LLP acted as Grant Thornton Ireland's legal adviser in relation to the transaction. Jefferies LLC and William Blair Company, L.L.C. served as financial advisers to Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and New Mountain Capital, and Simpson Thacher Bartlett LLP and William Fry LLP with Arthur Cox LLP served as legal advisers.

About Grant Thornton US

"Grant Thornton" is the brand for two professional-services entities operating across the US: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. With revenues of $2.4 billion for the fiscal year that ended July 31, 2023, and dozens of offices nationwide, Grant Thornton represents a community of more than 9,000 problem solvers, relationship builders, and industry specialists who know that how we serve matters as much as what we do.

Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the US member firms of the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.

About Grant Thornton Ireland

Grant Thornton Ireland is a leading global professional services firm with approximately 2,700 people in offices across the island of Ireland, Bermuda, Isle of Man and Gibraltar. As a member of Grant Thornton International a global network of more than 73,000 passionate people across more than 149 countries we bring you the local knowledge, national expertise and global presence to help you and your business succeed, wherever you're located.

Our tax, audit and advisory teams have decades of experience working with organizations across our key industries technology, insurance, asset management, banking, life sciences, aviation, and e-money and payments as well as in the public sector, delivering solutions that help you realize your ambitions and go beyond the expected.

Innovation and continuous improvement lie at the heart of what we do, and we are recognized leaders in sustainability, prioritizing resilience and long-term value creation alongside ethical practices and positive social impact. Our people invest the time to truly understand your business, giving real insight and a fresh perspective to help achieve the best outcomes for your business.

For further information visit: www.grantthornton.ie

About New Mountain Capital

New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, credit and net lease investment strategies with approximately $55 billion in assets under management. New Mountain Capital seeks out what it believes to be the highest quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit https://www.newmountaincapital.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250103789826/en/

Contacts:

Grant Thornton

Jon Rucket (US contact)

T +1 404 984 6249

E jon.rucket@us.gt.com

Fiona MacCarthy (Ireland contact)

T +353870000107

E fiona.maccarthy@ie.gt.com

Kekst CNC

Daniel Yunger Nathan Riggs

E Kekst-GT@kekstcnc.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Lorne Park Capital Partners Inc. (TSXV: LPC) ("LPCP") is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.008 per common share, payable on January 31, 2025, to the shareholders of record as of January 17, 2025.

The dividend payments qualify as eligible dividends for Canadian income tax purposes. The declaration, amount and payment of future cash dividends are subject to the Board of Directors' continuing determination that the payment of dividends is in the best interests of the Company, its shareholders and is in compliance with all laws and agreements of the Company applicable to the declaration and payment of cash dividends. The ability of the Company to pay future dividends will be reviewed on a quarterly basis taking into consideration actual and forecasted cash flows and the macroeconomic outlook at that point in time.

About Lorne Park Capital Partners Inc.

LPCP was created to bring together boutique investment management and wealth advisory firms in order to deliver robust, cost-effective investment solutions to affluent investors, foundations, estates and trusts. LPCP's unique strategy creates better alignment between investment managers and wealth advisors while providing them with additional resources to accelerate their growth.

Cautionary Notes

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", "plan", and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, LPCP's objectives, goals and future plans. Forward-looking information addresses possible future events, conditions and financial performance based upon management's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. In particular, the forward-looking information contained in this news release reflects assumptions about the timing and results of the amalgamation and regulatory approvals. Management of LPCP considers the assumptions on which the forward-looking information contained herein are based to be reasonable. However, by its very nature, forward-looking information inherently involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such information. Such risks include, without limitation, changes in economic conditions, applicable laws or regulations. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. LPCP disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES, ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAW/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235939

SOURCE: Lorne Park Capital Partners Inc.
HBM Healthcare Investments AG / Key word(s): Monthly Figures

Key Figures 31.12.2024



03.01.2025 / 17:47 CET/CEST



in CHF Performance in % 31.12.2024 MTD FYTD CYTD NAV 251.17 0.2 4.3 15.0 Share Price 176.00 -3.4 -5.2 0.5 Total Net Assets (in million) 1'701 HBM Healthcare Investments AG Bundesplatz 1 CH-6300 Zug - Switzerland Tel. +41 41 710 75 77 hbm@hbmhealthcare.com hbmhealthcare.com Wenn Sie keine Mitteilungen von HBM Healthcare Investments mehr wunschen, konnen Sie diese hier a bbestellen . Should you wish to unsubscribe from all HBM Healthcare Investments news, please unsubscribe here. Disclaimer: This message may contain confidential or privileged Information and is intended only for the use of the addressee named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are hereby notified that you must not use, copy, disclose or take any action based on this message or information herein. If you have received this message by error, please advise the sender immediately and delete this message. This document constitutes marketing material and is intended to be for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or recommendation for transactions. The information does not take into account any personal circumstances and does not qualify as general or personal investment recommendation or advice. Statements regarding the past performance may not be understood as indication for the current or future performance. The value of investments and the income therefrom may fluctuate. A good past performance may possibly not be repeated in the future. It is possible that the investor will not be paid back the full amount invested. Performance data does not take into account any commissions and costs charged when units of the Fund are issued and redeemed. An investment entails risks, which are fully described in the individual offering documents. Some information quoted was obtained from external sources HBM considers to be reliable. HBM cannot guarantee the adequacy, accuracy, timeliness or completeness of or be held responsible or liable for errors of fact regarding such data and information obtained from third parties, and this data may change with market conditions. 10/2024

If the email looks unformatted, please use this alternative link .



End of Media Release


Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - AuMEGA Metals Ltd (ASX: AAM) (TSXV: AUM) (OTCQB: AUMMF) (formerly Matador Mining Ltd) ("AuMEGA" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that at the Company's Special Shareholder Meeting held on 4 December 2024, the shareholders adopted an amended and restated equity incentive plan (the "Plan") which has a 10% rolling stock option component and a fixed share unit (being Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units, Deferred Share Units or Stock Appreciation Rights) components reserving an aggregate of 65,732,263 shares for issuance (in both cases subject to the maximum capacity approved by shareholders referred to below). Shareholder approval of the Plan must be obtained annually at the Company's Annual General Meeting. In addition, the Plan must be submitted to the TSX Venture Exchange for review and acceptance on an annual basis.

The Company is subject to placement capacity limits under the ASX Listing Rules. The maximum number of securities that can be issued under the Plan without using placement capacity is set at 70,000,000, within a period of three years from the date of approval. Any issues under the Plan exceeding this number (up to the maximum limits referred to above) will either come out of the Company's available placement capacity under ASX Listing Rule 7.1 or be subject to shareholder approval under ASX Listing Rule 7.1 or 10.14, as applicable.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

- ENDS -

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Company's Board of Directors.

To learn more about the Company, please visit www.aumegametals.com, or contact:

About the Company

AuMEGA Metals Ltd (ASX: AAM) (TSXV: AUM) (OTCQB: AUMMF) is utilising best-in-class exploration methodologies to explore on its district scale land package that spans 110 kilometers along the Cape Ray Shear Zone, a significant under-explored geological feature recognised as Newfoundland, Canada's largest identified gold structure. This zone currently hosts Calibre Mining's Valentine Gold Project, which is the region's largest gold deposit (+5 million ounces), along with AuMEGA's expanding Mineral Resource.

The Company is supported by a diverse shareholder registry of prominent global institutional investors, and strategic investment from B2Gold Corp, a leading, multi-million-ounce a year gold producer.

Additionally, AuMEGA holds a 27-kilometer stretch of the highly prospective Hermitage Flexure and has also secured an Option Agreement for the Blue Cove Copper Project in southeastern Newfoundland, which exhibits strong potential for copper and other base metals.

AuMEGA's Cape Ray Shear Zone hosts several dozen high potential targets along with its existing defined gold Mineral Resource of 6.1 million tonnes of ore grading an average of 2.25 g/t, totaling 450,000 ounces of Indicated Resources, and 3.4 million tonnes of ore grading an average of 1.44 g/t, totaling 160,000 ounces in Inferred Resources[1].

AuMEGA acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Reference to Previous ASX Announcements

In relation to this news release, all data used to assess targets have been previously disclosed by the Company and referenced in previous JORC Table 1 releases. Please see announcements dated: Mineral Resource estimate announced on 30 May 2023, Bunker Hill ASX announcements dated 22 April 2022, 23 April 2024, 24 September 2024, 28 May 2024 and 15 October 2024, Malachite ASX announcements dated 20 April 2022, 8 June 2022, 25 January 2023 and 11 October 2023 and Targeting Workshop ASX announcement 3 July 2024.

In relation to the Mineral Resource estimate announced on 30 May 2023, the Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in that announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

[1] Refer to ASX announcement dated 30 May 2023

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235966

SOURCE: AuMEGA Metals Ltd.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - A consumer outreach campaign between Hannover House (OTC: HHSE) and social media platform "X" (formerly known as Twitter) has launched to a huge success, says Hannover House CEO Eric Parkinson. Originally planned as a campaign for the important new Trump campaign book, the promotions have been so successful in targeting consumers that Hannover House and "X" have added other titles from the current slate from HHSE.

"The campaign from X has been outstanding," said Parkinson. "They have delivered over 10-million impressions through ads and posts during the first week for our new Trump campaign book, which exceeded our reach goals by over fifty percent. Accordingly, we have just added in our upcoming horror feature film, 'Unholy Song' for a support campaign that is also delivering huge and quick results," he continued.

"American Manifesto: The Unstoppable Journey of President Donald J. Trump" is a new book from best-selling author Barr McClellan. The book reveals secret strategies of the Trump campaign that enabled them to successfully peel-away voters from key demographic groups that were presumed to be part of a Democratic stronghold. With policies and leadership that appealed to mainstream American voters, the Trump campaign delivered a victory that many in the mainstream media thought to be against impossible odds. The book was announced on Dec. 23, and promotions from "X" launched on Dec. 24. In the first week, over 10-million impressions have been generated onto consumers, from a combination of posts, boosted ads and press outreach.





Secret strategies of the Trump campaign are revealed in this important new book from Hannover House (OTC: HHSE).



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10239/235944_trump_book_cover.jpg

In response to the targeting power of "X" - Hannover House added a new title into the promotional mix. "UNHOLY SONG" is a horror-thriller based on a biblical tale of exorcism. A teaser trailer from the film was launched on New Year's Day, and has racked up over 1.4-million view, primarily from boosted posts and ads with X. The film opens in theatres on Feb. 28, and this initial response is an indication that more than 40-million views of the film's trailers will ultimately be delivered by the film's launch date, said Parkinson.





Audiences and Reviewers are praising UNHOLY SONG as the must-see horror hit of 2025. Coming to theatres Feb. 28., 2025 from Hannover House (OTC: HHSE).



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10239/235944_witch_in_flames_1_copy.jpg

"We couldn't be happier with the results from 'X'," said Parkinson. "We are launching a campaign this week with Truth Social for the Trump book, and are excited for their targeted reach capabilities as well. Not surprisingly, we have re-worked our marketing plans for the April release of the family film, 'Wildfire' and expect that X will be a major part of that campaign."

Hannover House stock shares are traded on the OTC Markets under symbol HHSE. The revenue success from these and other titles will support the company's current up-list activities, and should set a solid foundation for a major growth in the company's stock pricing and volume in the coming weeks.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235944

SOURCE: Hannover House, Inc.
Grandview, Ohio--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Behind the doors of the exclusive Aubergine Private Dining Club lies a hidden treasure trove of art, with a collection that rivals some of the world's top galleries. Located in the heart of Ohio, the club seamlessly blends culinary excellence with an art collection worth over $20 million, featuring works by Salvador Dali, Miro, Chihuly, and modern contemporary sensation KOVO.





Steven Koveleski (KOVO) and Colin Gregory, owner of the Aubergine Private Dining Club

With nine of KOVO's iconic paintings on display for the entirety of 2025-several available for purchase-the Aubergine cements itself as both a dining destination and an awe-inspiring art immersive experience that transcends traditional dining concepts. Among the early supporters of this unique vision is Colin Gregory, the club's owner and a passionate art collector. Gregory was one of the earliest enthusiasts of KOVO's work, showcasing his commitment to supporting modern art.

A Cultural and Culinary Masterpiece

Known for its exceptional cuisine and intimate setting, the Aubergine Private Dining Club has been rated as one of the Midwest's top dining establishments. But it's the art collection that truly sets it apart. Alongside historic masters like Miro and Dali, KOVO's modern masterpieces bring vibrant energy and profound meaning, exploring themes of resilience, unity, and human potential.

KOVO's Featured Works

This exclusive exhibition features nine of KOVO's paintings, totaling an impressive $12 million in value. Among these are stunning works available for purchase:

Paintings on Display

"Energy" (2021) - $1.7 million

A visual exploration of vibrational frequency and personal growth.

"The Void" (2022) - $1.7 million

A powerful metaphor for life's journey, crafted with oil paint and golden utensils.

"Blessings on Blessings" (2022) - $1.7 million

A tribute to the digital art and cryptocurrency communities.

"Happiness is Free" (2023) - $1.7 million

A poignant reminder that true happiness is found within.

"The Golden Fight" (2023) - $1.7 million

A celebration of life's struggles and the lessons they teach.

Paintings Already Sold

"The Circle of Life" (2021)

A symbolic masterpiece inspired by the human eye and themes of freedom and destiny.

"The Unbroken Spirit" (2023)

A vibrant piece celebrating hope and unity, donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"We the People" (2024)

A reimagining of Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam," exploring societal transformation.

"Columbus High Street Reality" (2019)

An abstract tribute to downtown Columbus, challenging perceptions of reality.

A Rare Opportunity

With paintings by KOVO displayed alongside some of the greatest names in art history, the Aubergine's collection is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For collectors, this is a rare chance to acquire one of KOVO's powerful pieces, which have garnered international acclaim for their spiritual and cultural significance.

While the Aubergine remains a private, members-only establishment, the owner-an ardent supporter of the arts-may allow special viewings by appointment. Guests fortunate enough to experience the space will find themselves immersed in a sensory feast, where world-class food and art converge.

Experience the Extraordinary

"Aubergine is more than a restaurant-it's an experience unlike anything you can imagine," says KOVO. "but most of all it is the energy of 528 Hz that everyone feels as soon as they walk till the moment you leave. Its all love."

This unique exhibition reinforces the Aubergine Private Dining Club's status as the Midwest's premier cultural and culinary destination.

About the Aubergine Private Dining Club

Nestled in Grandview, Ohio, the Aubergine Private Dining Club is a members-only restaurant celebrated for its exceptional cuisine and rare art collection. The club's owner, Colin Gregory, has been instrumental in curating this extraordinary collection, including his early acquisition of KOVO's works.

About KOVO

Steven Koveleski, known as KOVO, is an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist whose works explore energy, resilience, and self-discovery. His paintings have been featured at prestigious events and venues, including Art Basel, Super Bowl LVII, the Washington Elite Gala, Harvard University, and the iconic James Goldstein Mansion in Beverly Hills. With collectors from around the globe vying for his creations, KOVO has established himself as a visionary artist whose pieces are imbued with symbolism, spiritual undertones, and narratives that bridge personal growth and collective unity.

For inquiries about special viewings, or memberships, please contact aubergineprivatedining@gmail.com

For inquiries about purchasing KOVO's available works, please contact Mike@VLTRN.agency. Press Contact: Patricia Filipe pat@VLTRN.agency - info@VLTRN.agency





Steven Lee Koveleski (KOVO) engages in an intimate discussion with a collector, exploring the vibrant themes and hidden symbols within his latest masterpiece on display.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235936

SOURCE: Aubergine Private Dining Club
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - More than 115,000 people have reportedly returned to Syria from neighboring countries such as Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, according to the UN refugee agency.The information is based on public statements by host countries, contacts with immigration services from inside Syria, and border monitoring by the agency and partners.The UNHCR said the Turkish Minister of Interior reported that 35,113 Syrians have voluntarily returned home.For its part, Jordan noted that more than 22,000 people have entered Syria through its territory, 3,100 of whom were registered refugees.The UNHCR said its teams noticed a shift in demographics of returnees from Jordan this week, with more women and children returning rather than men travelling alone.'When interviewed, some families reported that the head of household would stay in Jordan for several more months in order to earn money that will support the family's re-integration inside Syria before joining them,' the agency said.Approximately 664,000 people remain newly displaced across Syria, mainly in Idlib and Aleppo governorates. The majority of them are women and children.Moreover, nearly 486,000 internally displaced persons have returned to their areas of origin, mainly in Hama and Aleppo governorates.'Prevailing insecurity - including armed clashes, increased criminal activity, and unexploded ordnance - continues to present challenges for civilians and will likely influence the potential decision to return home faced by Syrians living outside the country,' the UNHCR said.The number of Syrians departing Lebanon through official border crossings remains 'low but steady,' while the movement of Syrians through the Peshkabour border crossing with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has also continued, reaching approximately 300 to 400 daily.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Indianapolis, Indiana--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Raptor Restoration, a leading name in residential and commercial disaster restoration in central Indiana, is proud to announce its rebranding to Raptor Roofing. This strategic transformation reflects the evolving needs of their clients and underscores their commitment to delivering top-tier roofing and restoration services. The rebranding is accompanied by the launch of their new website, RaptorRoofing.com, designed to enhance customer experience and accessibility.

Raptor Roofing Serving Central Indiana Since 2016

Raptor Roofing has built a reputation for excellence in roofing repair and replacement, siding, windows, and gutter services. The rebranding marks a renewed focus on key service areas, including roof replacement with materials such as metal, standing seam, and shingles, as well as comprehensive roof repair solutions. The company also emphasizes gutter replacement and siding replacement, with a particular focus on vinyl and James Hardie products.

In addition to their renowned residential roofing services, Raptor Roofing has expanded its offerings to include a growing portfolio of commercial roofing solutions. With expertise in low slope, EPDM, TPO, and PVC roofing systems, they deliver reliable and durable options tailored to the specific needs of commercial properties. These advanced systems are designed to provide superior performance, energy efficiency, and longevity, ensuring businesses are well-protected against Indianapolis' varied climate conditions.

This strategic expansion underscores Raptor Roofing's dedication to serving a diverse client base by offering high-quality solutions for both residential and commercial needs. Whether it's a small business, a large warehouse, or an office complex, their team applies the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence that has earned them a trusted reputation in the community. By continuously enhancing their services, Raptor Roofing ensures that every property they work on receives the highest level of care, backed by skilled craftsmanship and premium materials.

"The rebranding to Raptor Roofing is a significant milestone for our company. It reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence in the roofing industry. Our new website will serve as a vital tool for growth in 2025," said Cameron Blakely, CEO of Raptor Roofing.

As Raptor Roofing embarks on this new chapter, the company remains dedicated to its core values of quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction. By aligning their brand with the needs of their clients, Raptor Roofing is poised to continue its legacy as one of central Indiana's most trusted contractors in disaster restoration and roofing solutions.

Raptor Roofing: The Trusted Roofing Company in Indianapolis

Indianapolis homeowners searching for a roofing company know they can count on Raptor Roofing for exceptional quality and reliable service. As a leading roofing contractor in the area, the Company specializes in roof repairs, replacements, and installations tailored to withstand Indianapolis' unique climate conditions.

Discover why Raptor Roofing is the go-to choice for residents looking for a roofing company in Indianapolis.

Roofing, Gutters, Siding, Insulation, Windows and More

About Raptor Roofing

Raptor Roofing is one of central Indiana's best residential and commercial disaster restoration, roofing repair and roof replacement, siding, windows, and gutter contractors. The Company is dedicated to helping restore homes and dreams.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235975

SOURCE: Raptor Roofing
Minneapolis, Minnesota--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Hangar 1 Publishers, creators of the TV series "Monster Quest," announces the release of "The Lost Tribes of Bigfoot" by Citrus County author Maxim W. Furek. The book provides an in- depth investigation into historical paranormal deceptions and the individuals behind them.

Lost Tribes of Bigfoot Book

Citrus County paranormal author Maxim W. Furek is a 21st-century witch hunter.

Furek's latest book, "The Lost Tribes of Bigfoot," takes on those individuals who have riddled the paranormal.

The former psychologist and rock journalist included three chapters exploring these charlatans in his book, published by Hangar 1 Publishers.

"The Lost Tribes of Bigfoot" investigates history's infamous hoaxes, including The Piltdown Man and The Minnesota Iceman. The author explains that nationalistic fervor and the search for the "missing link" allowed these deceptions to take hold.

Maxim Furek has been invited to the Central Ridge Library, 425 West Roosevelt Blvd, Beverly Hills, FL 34465. He will present "The Lost Tribes of Bigfoot" on January 28, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

About Hangar 1 Publishing.com

Hangar 1 Publishing specializes in immersive, paranormal nonfiction-ranging from Bigfoot and cryptids to unexplained phenomena. With cutting-edge multimedia integration, our enhanced books deliver an unparalleled reading experience. For press inquiries, interviews, or review copies, please contact us directly.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235938

SOURCE: Hangar 1 Publishing
Deutsche Lufthansa demonstrated resilient performance in the third quarter of 2024, achieving a 4.51 percent revenue increase to 10.74 billion compared to the previous year. However, this growth was accompanied by a slight decline in earnings per share, which settled at 0.92, down from 1.00 in the same quarter last year. The airline's stock has experienced downward pressure, currently trading at 6.10, marking a significant gap of approximately 31.76 percent from its 52-week high of 8.04. Market projections for the full year 2024 suggest earnings per share of 0.876, with an anticipated dividend distribution of 0.240, representing a modest decrease from the previous year's 0.300.

Investment Outlook

Despite current market challenges, analysts maintain an optimistic stance on Lufthansa's prospects, setting an average price target of 7.33, indicating substantial upside potential of over 21 percent from current levels. This positive outlook comes amid notable institutional movements, as major asset manager BlackRock has recently adjusted its direct stake in the airline to 2.999 percent, while maintaining a total exposure of 3.75 percent through various financial instruments.

Ad

Fresh Deutsche Lufthansa information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.

Read our updated Deutsche Lufthansa analysis...
Rheinmetall AG is strengthening its market position through strategic partnerships and acquisitions in the military vehicle sector. The company has established a significant joint venture with Italy's Leonardo S.p.A., forming Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles S.r.l. based in Rome. In a parallel development, the defense giant has expanded its software capabilities by increasing its stake to over 50% in a leading defense industry software company, securing majority control in this crucial technology sector. These strategic moves have contributed to impressive financial results, with the company reporting a remarkable 39.53% increase in quarterly revenue to 2.45 billion.

Market Performance and Outlook

The company's robust business development is reflected in its stock market performance, with shares trading at 613.00 on XETRA, marking a 1.49% increase. Earnings per share have shown significant improvement, rising from 2.35 to 3.11. Analysts maintain an optimistic outlook, setting an average price target of 698.25 per share, with expected dividends of 7.71 per share for the current year, indicating strong potential for continued growth.

Ad

Fresh Rheinmetall information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.

Read our updated Rheinmetall analysis...
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. (TSX: SOIL) (OTCQX: OILSF) (FSE: SMKA) ("Saturn" or the "Company"), a light oil-weighted producer focused on unlocking value through the development of assets in Saskatchewan and Alberta, today announces that, effective January 1, 2025, the Company completed a vertical short-form amalgamation with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Saturn Holdings SK Ltd. (the "Amalgamation"). Additionally, on January 3, 2025, the Company completed a continuance out of the jurisdiction of Saskatchewan under The Business Corporations Act, 2021 (Saskatchewan) and into the jurisdiction of Alberta under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) (the "Continuance").

At the Company's annual general and special meeting held on May 28, 2024, Saturn's shareholders approved the Continuance with 94.94% of votes in favour. As the Company's head office is located in Calgary, with management and several directors residing in Alberta, the Continuance facilitates corporate and administrative alignment while streamlining internal management functions. Through the Amalgamation, Saturn's asset base and development activities now function under a single corporate entity, reducing corporate and operational expenses.

Following the Amalgamation and Continuance, no action is required by existing shareholders, nor will any certificates representing Saturn's common shares be affected. The certificates of Amalgamation and Continuance are available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Saturn Oil & Gas Inc.

Saturn is a returns-driven Canadian energy company focused on the efficient and innovative development of high-quality, light oil weighted assets, supported by an acquisition strategy targeting accretive and complementary opportunities. The Company's portfolio of free-cash flowing, low-decline operated assets in Saskatchewan and Alberta provide a deep inventory of long-term economic drilling opportunities across multiple zones. With an unwavering commitment to building an entrepreneurial and ESG-focused culture, Saturn's goal is to increase per share reserves, production and cash flow at an attractive return on invested capital. The Company's shares are listed for trading on the TSX under ticker 'SOIL', on the OTCQX under the ticker 'OILSF' and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under symbol 'SMKA'. Further information and our corporate presentation are available on Saturn's website at www.saturnoil.com.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking information that is based on current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the industry and markets in which the Company operates. Forward-looking information does not guarantee future performance and involves risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict, and which may cause Saturn's actual results in future periods to differ materially from expected results. In particular, statements about the Company's plans, intentions or potential value drivers of the Continuance and Amalgamation constitute forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking information involves risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, those risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's public filings. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and Saturn does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to or updating any voluntary forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235942

SOURCE: Saturn Oil & Gas Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 3, 2025) - Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) ("Zodiac Gold" or the "Company"), a West-African gold exploration company, is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's news release dated November 20, 2024, it has closed its first tranche of its previously announced private placement (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of approximately C$123,000 (the "First Tranche"). The net proceeds of the First Tranche will be used for exploration of the Company's Todi gold project and for working capital purposes.

Pursuant to the First Tranche closing of the Offering, the Company issued 1,230,000 units of the Company (each a "Unit") at a price of C$0.10 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.15 per Warrant Share until the date which is 24 months following the closing date of the First Tranche of the Offering.

The Company paid finder's fees to certain finders, consisting of a cash fee of C$1,400 and 10,400 finder warrants (the "Finder Warrants") pursuant to the First Tranche. Each Finder Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at a price of C$0.15 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

All securities issued pursuant to the First Tranche closing of the Offering, including Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of Warrants, are and will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day after the date of closing of the First Tranche of the Offering.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

The Company also announces that it has received TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval to extend the closing of the Offering until January 30, 2025. The Company expects to close the balance of the Offering on or before January 30, 2025.

Insider Participation

An insider participated in the Offering and subscribed for an aggregate of 100,000 Units for a total of approximately C$10,000. Such participation is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under the policies of the TSXV and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and formal valuation requirements applicable to the related-party transactions under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101, as the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the Units acquired by the insider and the consideration paid by such insider does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. 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, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner.

Shares for Debt Settlement

In addition, the Company intends to settle an aggregate of C$166,425.30 owing to certain Director and service providers of the Company, including David Kol (Director and Chief Executive Officer), by issuing a total of 1,664,253 Common Shares to them at a price of C$0.10 per share. The amounts owing represent unpaid fees for services and expenses previously provided to the Company, as well as cash advances that have been previously provided to the Company to fund certain short-term working capital expenditures. The Company is proposing to complete these settlements to preserve cash to fund future operations. The disinterested members of the Company's board of directors believe that the debt settlements are in the best interests of the Company and have unanimously approved them. Completion of the debt settlements is subject to the receipt of all necessary TSXV approvals.

Because insiders will be participating in the debt settlement, it is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under the policies of the TSXV and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and formal valuation requirements applicable to the related-party transactions under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the Common Shares to be issued to the participating insiders nor the consideration received from them exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

About Zodiac Gold

Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) is a West-African gold exploration company focused on its flagship Todi Project situated in Liberia-an underexplored, politically stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction hosting several large-scale gold deposits. Strategically positioned along the fertile Todi Shear Zone, Zodiac Gold is developing a district-scale gold opportunity covering a vast 2,316 km2 land package. The project has undergone de-risking, showcasing proven gold occurrences at both surface and depth, with five drill-ready targets and high-grade gold intercepts.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation.

Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

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.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235988

SOURCE: Zodiac Gold Inc.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - US President Joe Biden on Friday said he is blocking the $14.3 billion acquisition of US Steel (X) by Japan's Nippon Steel, claiming that foreign ownership over one of America's largest steel producers posed national security threat.'As I have said many times, steel production - and the steel workers who produce it - are the backbone of our nation,' he said in a statement. 'A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains.''For too long, U.S. steel companies have faced unfair trade practices as foreign companies have dumped steel on global markets at artificially low prices, leading to job losses and factory closures in America. I have taken decisive action to level the playing field for American steelworkers and steel producers by tripling tariffs on steel imports from China. With record investments in manufacturing, more than 100 new steel and iron mills have opened since I took office, and U.S. companies are producing the cleanest steel in the world,' he added.Biden has opposed the deal, which was announced a year ago. President-elect Donald Trump also said he opposes the deal and that he also would block it once he takes office.In 2023, Nippon Steel agreed to acquire US Steel in an all-cash deal valued at $55.00 per share, totaling $14.9 billion. The deal had received regulatory approvals outside of the U.S.Last month, the Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States notified Biden that it had not reached a consensus about whether or not US Steel's sale to Nippon would pose a national security risk.Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
StruxHub, a San Francisco, Calif.  based construction tech startup, closed its $4M Seed funding round.

The round was led by Brick and Mortar Ventures with participation from FJ Labs, Holcim, and angel investors.

The company intends to use the capital to expand its reach, drive product innovation, and grow the team.

Co-founded by Jeff Chen, CEO, Chris Schmidt, CPO, and Chekota Newhart, Chief Customer Officer, StruxHub provides a purpose-built construction operations platform for general contractors, specialty trades, and suppliers to coordinate logistics and workflows around deliveries, safety, and quality.

In the short term, the company is working to expand its presence in North America and select international regions while serving new use cases and project types. In the longer term, StruxHub aims to transform the industry via the combination of geolocated maps, configurable workflows, and a unified data model around workflows and resources.

The company spun out of Holcim in 2023.

FinSMEs

03/01/2024
There are reports that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which causes flu-like symptoms, has left hospitals and emergency rooms overwhelmed. Authorities in China have not confirmed any of the reports. They have asked citizens to wear face masks and wash hands frequently read more

The videos on social media have not been verified. Image courtesy: X

There seems to be an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.

There are reports that virus, which causes flu-like symptoms, has left hospitals and emergency rooms overwhelmed.

But what do we know?

Lets take a closer look:

What is happening in China?

A number of posts on social media have gone viral showing hospitals in China being overcrowded.

HMPV, Influenza A, and Mycoplasma pneumonia are among the viruses said to be circulating.

Hospitals in China Overwhelmed as Severe "Flu" Outbreak, Including Influenza A and HMPV, Resembling 2020 COVID Surge. pic.twitter.com/GWw9u6JxsX  Boar News (@PhamDuyHien9) December 29, 2024

Advertisement

 BREAKING:



Hospitals in China  Overwhelmed as Severe "Flu" Outbreak, Including Influenza A and HMPV, Resembling 2020 COVID Surge.



Hospitals in China are overwhelmed as outbreaks of "influenza A" and "human metapneumovirus" resemble the COVID-19 surge from three years ago. pic.twitter.com/mPF6XGjQCY  SARSCoV2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) December 28, 2024

However, it is important to note that these videos have not been verified.

There is also no official confirmation from the authorities in China about hospitals being overwhelmed.

Authorities have asked citizens to wear face masks and wash hands frequently.

There are also no reports of any HMPV cases in India.

ANI quoted sources as saying that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies.

A top Indian official has said there is no need to panic.

NDTV quoted Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official Dr Atul Goyal as saying only general precautions against all respiratory infections were needed.

 Otherwise, there is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation, Dr Goyal said.

There has been news doing the rounds about a Metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on that count. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes common cold, and in the very old and the very young it could cause flu-like symptoms, Dr Goyal said.

Advertisement

We have analysed data of the respiratory outbreaks within the country. There is no substantial increase in December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions, he said.

One thing I would like to convey to the public is to take general precautions that we use against all respiratory infections, which means if somebody has a cough and cold, you should avoid coming in contact with a lot of people so that the infection does not spread," he added. Use a distinct handkerchief or towel for coughing and sneezing and take normal medicines that are required for cold or fever whenever it is there, otherwise there is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation.

Advertisement

We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate the information and update accordingly, the Hindustan Times quoted sources from the WHO as saying, The data from December 16-22, indicates a recent rise in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), however, the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year is lower than last year. A seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected in the northern hemisphere, particularly during the winter period.

What do we know about the virus?

According to Chinas CDC website, the human metapneumovirus is an RNA virus.

It belongs to the Pneumoviridae, Metapneumovirus genus.

It was first discovered by Dutch researchers in 2001.

They were examining samples of children with respiratory infections.

Advertisement

However, studies have indicated that the virus has existed for at least six decades.

It has spread all over the world as a common respiratory pathogen.

It is mainly spread in droplets  through coughing and sneezing.

The human metapneumovirus (HMPVI) mimics the symptom of the common cold. mage for Representation. Pixabay

Transmission may also occur due to close contact with the infected people and exposure to contaminated environments.

The virus has an incubation period of three to five days.

The immune response induced by HMPV is too weak to stop repeated infections.

Though it can be found throughout the year, it is most detected in winter and spring, as per the CDC website.

The HMPV is most likely to infect children, the immunocompromised and the elderly.

Advertisement

It can manifest as symptoms of the common cold  including cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing.

However, in severe cases it can also result in bronchitis and pneumonia.

As per Lung.org, doctors in severe cases can perform a bronchoscopy.

Here, small, flexible camera is inserted into the lung and a sample of fluid is removed to test for viruses.

HMPV can kill people who have underlying medical conditions.

A piece in Lancet Global Health in 2021 quoted data as showing that HMPV was responsible for the deaths of 1 per cent of children with acute lowest respiratory under age five.

There are no vaccines against HMPV.

Treatment is usually limited to easing symptoms.

According to Inkl.com, over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.

So can decongestants to relieve nasal congestion.

Those with COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis may get severe symptoms and might need medication to control wheezing and coughing.

In a recent interview with the state-backed National Business Daily, a respiratory expert at a Shanghai hospital warned the public against blindly using antiviral drugs to fight human metapneumovirus, for which there is no vaccine but whose symptoms resemble those of a cold.

What is China doing?

The Star reported that Chinas National Disease Control and Prevention Administration in has established protocols for laboratory reporting and case verification.

As per Financial Express, the CDC has issued a slew of recommendations including wearing masks in crowded places, keeping a social distance, frequently washing hands and avoiding crowded areas.

The department also advised maintaining good hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation of indoor spaces and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Chinas diseases control authority previously said that it was piloting a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin.

There is no vaccine for HMPV. Representational Image/Pixabay

The move to establish a dedicated system is aimed at helping authorities set up protocols to handle unknown pathogens, in contrast to the lower level of preparedness five years ago when the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 first emerged.

The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration will establish a procedure for laboratories to report and for disease control and prevention agencies to verify and handle cases, state broadcaster CCTV reported, quoting an administration official at a news conference.

China is likely to be affected by various respiratory infectious diseases in winter and spring, Kan Biao, another official, said at the news conference. He said without elaborating that the overall number of cases this year would be smaller than last year.

Recent cases detected include pathogens such as the rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus, with cases of the human metapneumovirus among people under the age of 14 showing an upward trend, especially in northern provinces.

Data from Dec 16-22 indicates a rise in acute respiratory infections, including hMPV, particularly in northern provinces. Recent cases have predominantly involved individuals under 14 years of age, Reuters reported.

With inputs from agencies
The man, who drove a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, has been identified as an active-duty US Green Beret soldier, Matthew Alan Livelsberger. The 37-year-old, was a patriot, who served two tenures in Afghanistan read more

Investigators search a townhouse in northeastern Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the investigation connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel continues. AP

The new year, 2025, began on a grim note in the United States  three separate incidents, killing over a dozen people. One of three incidents on New Years Day was a Tesla Cybertruck exploding outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one person.

Now, as Americans reel from the Vegas horror, new details are emerging, including the identity of the man behind the wheel of the exploding vehicle and the circumstances under which he died. Officials say the suspect has been identified as Matthew Alan Livelsberger of Colorado Springs, Colorado. They further stated that he shot himself in the head before the blast, adding that his motivation was still unknown.

Advertisement

But what do we know of Livelsberger? Heres what we found out.

A Rambo type

After a Cybertruck exploded outside Trump International Hotel, killing one person and injuring seven others, authorities identified the driver of the vehicle to be 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Officials said that Livelsberger was an active duty US Army servicemember with his military ID being found inside the Cybertruck. According to KTNV-TV in Las Vegas, Livelsberger had multiple addresses in Colorado Springs, and FBI agents were searching at least one townhome connected to him there.

Records show that Livelsberger served in the army since 2006, slowly climbing the ranks to become a US Army master sergeant, serving in the Green Berets. For those who dont know, the Green Berets is a highly trained special forces unit, that work to counter-terrorism abroad and train US partners.

In his long career, he has been through various deployments, including twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo. Moreover, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, including one with a valour device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with Valour. He had been serving with the 10th Special Forces Group but was on approved leave from Germany when he died.

An ID belonging to Matthew Livelsberger, found inside a Tesla Cybertruck involved in an explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. AP

Livelsbergers family members recount that the 37-year-old always wanted to serve in the military with his uncle telling The Independent that he was a 100 percent patriot. He was like a Rambo-type, for lack of a better word, said the uncle.

His military colleagues also described Livelsberger to be a bighearted guy. A CNN report quoting one of his military colleagues said that the 37-year-old used to procure toys for Afghan kids and helped build a doghouse for a stray dog adopted as a pet on the base. Even in a place like Afghanistan, where ones heart can be hardened by the nature of the mission, he never seemed to go down that path and always seemed to have his humanity very much in place, the fellow soldier said.

Advertisement

Livelsberger was patriotic and loved Trump

His loved ones also describe the 37-year-old to be a patriot and loved the Army. He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100 per cent loving the country, said his uncle, adding, Its one of the reasons he was in Special Forces for so many years. It wasnt just one tour of duty.

Another relative also said that Livelsberger was a supporter of US President-elect Donald Trump. When President Trump was in office (Livelsberger) would comment on his Facebook page about the things President Trump had said or done or how hes helping the military, a relative told CNN. Matt had a lot of respect for Trump  he just loved the guy.

Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill updates the media at Metropolitan Police Department headquarters in Las Vegas regarding the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded at the Trump International Hotel. AP

Livelsberger, however, was not affiliated with a political party, according to the Colorado Secretary of State voter registration database.

On his Facebook profile, Livelsberger criticised the withdrawal of the US Armed Forced from Afghanistan in 2021. He called it the biggest foreign-policy failure in the history of the United States.

Advertisement

Motive unknown, parallels with New Orleans attacker

FBI officials, who are interrogating the matter, are still to uncover a motive behind Livelsbergers actions. However, it has been confirmed that the 37-year-old shot himself dead before the blast.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill said the coroners office found that Livelsberger had sustained a gunshot wound to the head prior to the detonation of the vehicle. And while the investigation is still ongoing, he believed Livelsbergers actions indicated a suicide with a bombing that occurred immediately thereafter, rather than a suicide mission.

The Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside President-elect Donald Trumps Las Vegas hotel early Wednesday. AP

However, authorities have noted that there are parallels between the explosion of the Cybertruck and the New Orleans attack in which 15 people died. In fact, the blast came just hours after another US Army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pick-up truck into a crowd of revellers in the French Quarter of New Orleans, killing people.

Advertisement

Sheriff McMahill, reacting to speculation on whether there was a connection between the two, said, Both of the [suspects] served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. However, he clarified that there was no record they served in the same unit or during the same years.

The men also served in Afghanistan in 2009 but McMahill said they were not in the same province or in the same unit. If these turn out to be simply similarities, very strange similarities to have, and so were not prepared to rule in or rule out anything at this point, McMahill said. We havent even gotten into the phones or the computers which are usually very, very instructive and informative to us as we investigate.

Advertisement

Both also used the rental company Turo for the vehicles involved in the incidents.

The FBI is now continuing to investigate Livelsbergers background.

With inputs from agencies
Puneet Khurana, a businessman, died by allegedly hanging from a ceiling fan at his home in northwest Delhi. His case is strikingly similar to Bengaluru techie Atul Subhashs case, where the victim left behind a 24-page note and a 90-minute video, accusing his wife and her family of harassment and extortion read more

Relations between the couple, who married in 2016, had reportedly been strained for some time. Image courtesy: X/@Kings_Gambit__

Puneet Khurana, a businessman, died by allegedly hanging from a ceiling fan at his home in the Kalyan Vihar area of northwest Delhi.

The 40-year-old cafe owner, in a video recorded before his death, has accused his wife and in-laws of being responsible for his death.

Khuranas suicide is not an isolated incident.

His case is strikingly similar to Bengaluru techie Atul Subhashs case, where the victim left behind a 24-page note and a 90-minute video, accusing his wife and her family of harassment and extortion.

Advertisement

Subhashs wife and her family were subsequently arrested.

Heres all we know about it.

The suicide

Khurana was found unresponsive on his bed with a mark around his neck on December 31 at around 4.20 pm. The police later confirmed that he died by hanging.

The authorities also seized Khuranas video and the call recordings as evidence.

According to an NDTV report, before his demise, on December 30, Khurana allegedly had a heated conversation with his wife, Manika Pahwa over property and their co-owned bakery business, For Gods Cake.

In the 15-minute call, Pahwa uses derogatory language and accuses Khurana of ruining her life.

Beggar, tell what have you asked for. I do not want to see your face. If you come in front of me, I will slap you. If the divorce is going on, will you remove me from the business? Then you will say, if you threaten me, I will commit suicide, she said.

Khurana responded, All of this doesnt matter anymore. Just tell me what you want.

In Atul Subhashs case, the victim was also found hanging in his apartment in Bengaluru in early December. The incident came to attention after Subhash emailed an NGO to advocate for men who are victims of domestic abuse and related problems.

Upon arrival, the police found a Justice is Due A4 sheet placard on Subhashs chest.

Atul Subhash left behind a 24-page suicide note in which he accused his wife and her relatives of harassment. Image Courtesy: X

The video

Puneet Khurana said in the video that he was committing suicide due to mental torture and irrational demands from his wife Pahwa and in-laws. He explained how his current divorce proceedings with his wife and in-laws had turned into a sour battle despite having been started with mutual consent.

Khurana said he was subjected to demands that were too much for him, such as an extra Rs 10 lakh payment that he was unable to make.

He said, I am about to commit suicide because I am extremely tortured by my in-laws and my wife. We have already filed for mutual divorce on certain terms and conditions. Obviously, when it comes to mutual divorce we have signed some conditions in court. We have to fulfil those conditions within the period of 180 days.

Advertisement

But my in-laws and my wife are pressurizing me with a new set of conditions which are beyond my scope. They are asking for another Rs 10 lakh which I dont have the capacity to pay. I cannot ask my parents as they already have paid enough, he added.

In Subhash suicide case, the 34-year-old techie shared a 90-minute video alleging that his wifes family would repeatedly demand lakhs of rupees, and when he refused to give, his wife left Bengaluru home with their son in 2021.

Subhash revealed that his wife had not let him meet his son since they had separated. His brother also stated in the complaint that the deceaseds wife had demanded Rs 30 lakh from Subhash to let him meet their son.

Marital discord

After getting married in 2016, Khurana and Pahwa ran the popular Woodbox Cafe together.

Two years later, though, the couples relationship worsened, and they began living apart in 2022, which finally resulted in mutual divorce proceedings.

On the other hand, Subhash, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh, said he married Nikita Singhania after finding her on a matchmaking website. The couple had a son the following year.

Advertisement

Police said that the last person Khurana spoke to was his wife. Image courtesy: X/@PracticalSpy

Harassment allegations

Khuranas family claims that Pahwa threatened to intensify the dispute, including bringing false charges against them, if her demands were not fulfilled, even in spite of court-mandated terms for their separation.

Pahwa claimed to have been the victim of toxically and narcissistic abuse but to be free in a cryptic social media message she put out a few days prior to the death. calling her abusers insecure cowards.

Khuranas family, however, argues that the accusations of abuse were a calculated ruse to deflect criticism from her own behaviour. They claim that she preemptively framed herself as a victim and timed her public remarks to avoid attention.

According to Khuranas family, Pahwa made five demands to end their divorce, one of which was a monthly lawyers fee of Rs 70,000.

Similar to the latest incident, Subhashs wife had reportedly filed nine false cases against Atul Subhash, which included charges such as murder, dowry harassment, and unnatural sex, among others. However, his wife later withdrew the case.

Advertisement

Pahwa, along with her sister and parents, has been accused of repeated harassment by Khuranas family. His sister claims that the abuse included emotional manipulation in addition to monetary pressures. She also reportedly hacked Khuranas social media accounts and harassed him.

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 Puneets social media account, the sister said.

Advertisement

According to Khuranas mother, her son preferred to keep his problems to himself in order to spare his family more suffering.

She (Pahwa) used to keep torturing him I want justice for him, Khuranas mother said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest Delhi) Bhisham Singh said an investigation is underway and statements are being recorded.

Singh said, The father of Puneet Khurana, said that his son was going through marital discord and alleged that his daughter-in-law harassed him, which led to his suicide. We have seized the mans mobile phone, and the familys claims are being verified. An inquiry is underway with both families participating in the investigation. Manikas family has made counter-allegations, and a divorce case is also ongoing."

Khuranas mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination, police said.

With inputs from agencies

A collection of Suicide prevention helpline numbers are available here. Please reach out if you or anyone you know is in need of support. The All-India helpline number is: 022-27546669)
January 3 is a significant day in history. It was on this day in 1925 that Benito Mussolini declared himself Italys dictator. We take you back in time read more

Italy's fascist leader Benito Mussolini waves to his supporters. On January 3, 1925, he began his dictatorship when he asserted his right to supreme power in Italian parliament. File image/AFP

Its January 3 and an important day in history. From Pope Leo X ex-communicating Martin Luther from the Catholic Church to Benito Mussolini declaring himself as the dictator of Italy, all of it unfolded on this day in the past.

Firstpost Explainers has begun a series titled  History Today in which we shall time travel and bring you the most important events that occurred on this day in the years gone by.

Advertisement

So, if history is your jam, the read on to find out what all went down on January 3, making it a significant day in history.

Mussolini declares self as dictator of Italy

Today, everyone knows the name of Benito Mussolini; hes one of the most famous fascists of the 20th century. It was on January 3, 1925, that Mussolini began his dictatorship when he asserted his right to supreme power in Italian parliament, effectively becoming the dictator of Italy.

Similar to other dictatorial forces, Mussolinis rise to the top wasnt an overnight phenomenon. In 1921, he was elected to the lower chamber of Italys parliament. In the following year, tens of thousands of armed Fascists marched on Rome, demanding Mussolini be named prime minister.

What followed changed Italys history forever: King Victor Emmanuel III ignored Prime Minister Luigi Factas pleas that he declare martial law, leading to Factas resignation and Emmanuels invitation to Mussolini to form a new government.

In his two decades as dictator, Benito Mussolini ruled with an iron fist. File image/AFP

In the months to follow, he and his Fascists created more and more intrusive legislation, inching Italy towards a totalitarian state. And on January 3, he stood in parliament, declaring, I and I alone, assume the political, moral, and historical responsibility for all that has happened.

It was from here that he began to operate openly as a dictator, styling himself as Il Duce and what followed was 20 years of suppression and brutality followed. It was during his time that Italy aligned with Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler.

When Germany began losing, Mussolini attempted to flee to Switzerland with his mistress. However, his years of promoting his cult of personality led to his quick identification and he was executed along with his mistress by Italian Communist partisans on April 28, 1945.

Advertisement

Panama strongman Manuel Noriega surrenders to US

Thirty-five years ago, on January 3, Panamas General Manuel Antonio Noriega surrendered to the United States military to face charges of drug trafficking.

The military dictator finally gave up after hiding for 10 days at the Vatican embassy in Panama City where he fled after a US military invasion. Crowds lined the streets of the capital the next day when Noriega was flown to Miami. On July 10, 1992, the former dictator was convicted of drug trafficking, money laundering and racketeering and sentenced to 40 years in prison.

He emerged as general of Panamas military forces  and the de facto leader of the country  after the death of former leader General Omar Torrijos. His reign was marked by corruption and violence. He also became a double agent, selling American intelligence secrets to Cuba and Eastern European governments.

Advertisement

After hiding for 10 days at the Vatican embassy in Panama City, Panamas Manuel Noriega surrendered to the US after listening to US rock n roll. File image/AP

In 1987, when Panamanians organised protests against Noriega and demanded his ouster, he declared a national emergency, shut down radio stations and newspapers, and forced his political enemies into exile.

The same year, the US cut off aid to Panama and tried to get Noriega to resign; in 1988, Washington began considering the use of military action to put an end to his drug trafficking.

In December 1989, he declared a state of war with the United States. After an American marine was killed by Panamanian soldiers, then President George HW Bush authorised Operation Just Cause. When he sought refuge in the Papal Nunciatura (the Vaticans embassy in Panama), US General Mad Max Thurman ordered construction of a musical barrier around the embassy  constant barrages of sound played from the speakers of encircling US army Humvees.

Advertisement

On the first day, Christmas music was played. But later, Noriega was subjected to Billy Idols Flesh for Fantasy, Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N Roses, God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood, Were Not Going to Take It by Twisted Sister, several songs by the Doors. Faced with such music, the opera-loving Noriega surrendered on January 3, 1990.

This day, that year

>> On January 3, 1521, Pope Leo X issues the papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem, which excommunicates Martin Luther from the Catholic Church. Martin Luther, later, became the chief catalyst of Protestantism.

>> In 1961, the United States broke diplomatic relations with Cuba.

>> On this day, back in 1977, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs incorporate Apple Computer, Inc.

>> Back in 2012, Pakistans Malala Yousafzai was shot by terrorists.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday for the first time released footage of a commando raid destroying an Iranian missile facility in Syria in September. The facility, built to reportedly provide weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon as well as the Bashar al-Assad government, was nicknamed Deep Layer by the IDF. Carved into a mountain at the Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) in Syrias Masyaf, it was thought to be virtually indestructible via airstrike read more

The mission saw 120 special forces members of the Israel Defense Forces venture deep into Syria on September 8. Image courtesy: @IDF/X

Months before the ouster of Bashar-al Assad, Israel conducted a raid to bust an Iran missile factory in Syria.

The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday for the first time released footage of the commando raid destroying the underground site in September.

The site was a flagship project of Iran in an effort to arm its proxies on the northern border of the State of Israel. The complex included advanced production lines designed to produce precision missiles and long-range rockets, thereby significantly increasing the scope of missile supplies to the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and other Iranian proxies in the region, the IDF said.

Advertisement

The raid came when Assad was in power and months before rebels led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham began their lightning offensive.

But what do we know about the mission?

Lets take a closer look:

What do we know about the facility?

As per The Times of Israel, the IDF nicknamed the facility Deep Layer.

The plant was carved into a mountain at the Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) in Syrias Masyaf.

The facility was built to provide weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon as well as the Assad government.

This location, west of Hama, was over 200 kilometers north of the Israeli border and around 45 kilometers from Syrias western coast.

Iran began conceptualising Deep Layer in 2017.

This came after an Israeli airstrike on SSRC took out an aboveground rocket engine manufacturing facility.

Deep Layer, on which digging and construction was completed by 2021, was 230 to 430 feet underground.

It was considered virtually indestructible from airstrikes.

As per The War Zone, the IDF said Deep Layer was a horseshoe-shaped facility with a side entrance to bring in materials and an exit nearby from which completed missiles were removed.

A third entrance was also available for logistics and to get to offices inside the facility.

Advertisement

Iran began conceptualising Deep Layer in 2017 after an Israeli airstrike took out an aboveground rocket engine manufacturing facility. Image courtesy: @IDF/X

It had at least 16 rooms where missile and rocket motors were assembled.

The IDF called the location Irans flagship project in its endeavour to arm Hezbollah.

While the facility was not fully operational, it was in the final stages of being declared as such.

The IDF said at least two missiles had been successfully produced and rocket engines were already being manufactured en masse.

The defence forces said that the facility would likely produce between 100 and 300 missiles of various kinds annually.

What about the mission?

As per Times of Israel, the idea for the raid was being kicked about for years.

However, it gained new urgency after Israel was attacked by Hamas on October 8, 2023, and after it became involved with conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian-backed actors.

Advertisement

The mission saw 120 special forces members venture deep into Syria on September 8.

The team comprise members of the Israeli Air Forces elite Shaldag unit as well as the search and rescue Unit 669.

According to The War Zone, Shaldag is a covert unit that which carries out long-range penetration operations including commando-style raids.

Unit 669, on the other hand, does combat search and rescue (CSAR)  which is essential in missions which occur in or near enemy territory.

According to NDTV, both units were given two months of intensive training including simulations and backup scenarios.

The raid was internally known as Operation Many Ways.

Advertisement

According to The War Zone, the IDF conducted extensive intelligence gathering and monitoring prior the operation.

September 8 was chosen as the date due to the fair weather, as per NDTV.

The 100 members of Shaldag and the rest of the team from Unit 669, were transported into and out of Syria on four CH-53D helicopters.

They were accompanied by military working dogs.

Reconnaissance and fire support was provided by Israeli fighter jets and the Israeli Navy.

The six helicopters flew over the Mediterranean Sea far off the coast of Lebanon, before crossing into Syria above its own coastline, The Times of Israel reported. The choppers flew unusually low in order to evade Syrian radars and air defense systems.

Advertisement

As per NDTV, the convoy flew over the Mediterranean to avoid being spotted by radar.

Once the convoy crossed into Syria, the helicopters flew close to the ground to avoid air defences.

Meanwhile, the IAF aircraft launched strikes on other targets to divert the defenders attention.

The choppers landed near the entrances of Deep Layer.

The troops deployed while keeping a defensive perimeter.

The defence forces said that the facility would likely produce between 100 and 300 missiles of various kinds annually. Image courtesy: @IDF/X

Personnel of Unit 669 were on standby on the aircraft, while a surveillance drone kept an eye on the area.

Commandos then penetrated the heavily reinforced entrances using equipment that was around including forklifts.

Some soldiers had specifically been given forklift training.

The commandos then placed nearly 300 kilos of explosives particularly on critical machinery like planetary mixers.

The team then left the facility and detonated the explosives

Soldiers said the result was a mini earthquake and that the ground trembled.

Soldiers then departed on the helicopters. The entire mission had taken less than three hours.

The IDF said it killed around 30 Syrian guards and soldiers, while Syrian media claimed 14 were dead and 43 injured

No Israeli soldiers were injured during the mission, as per Times of Israel.

The Week quoted reports in Israeli media as saying that the US was aware of the operation.

The US earlier claimed the facility developed sarin gas for use in chemical attacks.

The Iran-backed government of Bashar Assad was overthrown in December.

The fall of Damascus prompted waves of Israeli airstrikes on Syrian and Iranian military assets to prevent them from falling into the hands of Islamist rebels.

Within hours, Israeli tanks rolled past a razor wire-reinforced fence into the Golans demilitarised buffer zone in Syria, created as part of a 1974 ceasefire between the countries.

Israel said it was a temporary move to secure its border.

Days later, the Israeli government approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus $11 million plan of financial incentives to double the population of Israeli settlers in the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war.

Israel will continue to hold onto it, make it flourish and settle it, Netanyahu said.

The international community, with one exception, considers the Golan to be occupied Syrian territory, while the United Nations lists Israeli settlements there as illegal.

In 2019, the United States became the only country to recognise Israels 1981 annexation.

With inputs from agencies
Amritpal Singh, an NSA accused and jailed Khalistani preacher, will likely float his new regional political party on January 14 during a rally at the Maghi Da Mela in Punjab. The 31-year-old Waris Punjab De chief last made headlines when he won Lok Sabha elections from Punjabs Khadoor Sahib seat by a whopping margin of 1.9 lakh votes read more

Amritpal Singh, an NSA-accused and jailed Khalistani preacher will likely announce a new political party on January 14. Image courtesy: Screengrab Youtube/KothaGuru

Punjabs political landscape is poised for a shake-up, as NSA-accused and jailed Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh will likely announce a new political party on January 14.

Amritpal, a Lok Sabha MP from Punjabs Khadoor Sahib seat, was arrested, along with his aides, under the National Security Act (NSA) on April 23, 2023, after over a month of manhunt by the Punjab police. Since then he has been lodged in the Dibrugarh jail of Assam.

Advertisement

But why is Amritpal Singh launching his own party? Who will be its members? Heres what we know so far.

First, who is Amritpal Singh? why is he so controversial?

Amritpal Singh is the follower of pro-Khalistan militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a leading figure of the separatist movement in the early 1980s, who was killed by the Indian Army in Operation Blue Star.

Now, Amritpal dubbed Bhindranwale 2.0 has become one of the most controversial figures in Punjab. The government describes him as a Khalistani-Pakistan agent.

The 32-year-old first grabbed attention in 2022 when he was appointed as the head of the Punjabi political group founded by late actor-activist Deep Sidhu named Waris Punjab De, meaning heirs of Punjab.

Following his appointment, Amritpal delivered a series of pro-Khalistani speeches and made headlines for leading an armed mob of 200-250 individuals that stormed the Ajnala police station near Amritsar in March 2023. The attack was aimed at securing the release of one of the groups members and left several police officers injured.

Waris De Punjab Chief Amritpal Singh. PTI file

What ensued was a month-long dramatic chase between Amritpal and the Punjab Police. Twice, he managed to evade arrest. However, he ultimately surrendered in Rode village after addressing a gathering at a gurdwara. Along with his aides, he was arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).

But Amritpals arrest is just the tip of the iceberg, he has been accused of committing several crimes.

According to sources in the home ministry, the preacher was allegedly planning to launch a statewide procession to baptise the youth in Punjab to carry out suicide attacks. He was using de-addiction centres to stockpile weapons illegally sourced from Pakistan through its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, reports NDTV.

Advertisement

He has also been accused of promoting gun culture and fuelling communal tensions in Punjab. His speeches, calling for Sikh youth to fight for freedom, have drawn widespread condemnation.

We all are still slaves We have to fight for freedom Our waters are being looted, and our Guru is being disrespected The youth of Punjab should be ready to give up their lives for panth, The Indian Express quoted him as saying.

Despite his contentious past, Amritpal made headlines yet again when he emerged victorious in the Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate from Khadoor Sahib seat. Winning by a massive margin of 1.93 lakh votes, he secured the highest victory margin in Punjab during this election.

Advertisement

On 5 July last year, Amritpal was airlifted from Dibrugarh to Delhi for his oath-taking ceremony as a Lok Sabha MP.

What we know of his political party

In September 2024, Tarsem Singh, the father of Amritpal Singh, advocated for the creation of a new political party to address Punjabs critical socio-economic and cultural challenges.

Speaking after offering prayers at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, he emphasised the need for a party that could strengthen Punjab during a sensitive phase. The party will be for the welfare of all and will follow the principle of equality of mankind (Manas ki jaat sabhay eke pechano), he said.

Tarsem Singh, the father of Amritpal Singh, advocated for the creation of a new political party to address Punjabs critical socio-economic and cultural challenges. File Image/ANI

According to The New Indian Express, Faridkot independent MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of one of the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, will also be part of this new political endeavour.

Advertisement

He had mentioned to the outlet that a panel would be established to draft the framework of the party. Following this, the name of the party and its members will be officially announced. Both Tarsem Singh and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa are expected to make the formal declaration on January 14.

The launch of this regional political outfit is anticipated during the Panth Bachao, Punjab Bachao rally at the Maghi Da Mela in Punjabs Sri Muktsar Sahib.

The formation of this new party will be a significant moment in shaping the future political landscape of Punjab.

With input from agencies
An orca has been spotted carrying the body of its deceased calf. The orca named Tahlequah, first gained global attention in 2018, when she did a similar gesture when her previous female newborn died. This loss, researchers describe as devastating for the already struggling population, which has dropped to an alarming number of 73 read more

A recent federal assessment confirmed by the Centre for Whale Research reveals the population of Southern Resident killer whales has now dropped to just 73. Alarmingly, only 23 of these are believed to be breeding females. Image for Representation. Reuters

A killer whale that captured global attention in 2018 by carrying the body of her deceased newborn calf for 17 days is now mourning again.

Tahlequah, as the orca is known, has tragically lost another calf. According to the Center for Whale Research, she has once again been seen carrying the body of her baby, a loss researchers describe as devastating for the already struggling whale population.

This time, Tahlequah was spotted off the coast of Seattle, in the United States, her grief once more serving as a poignant reminder of the deep emotional bonds these marine giants share.

Advertisement

Heres what we know about this grieving orca.

An expression of grief

Tahlequah, also known as J35, was initially spotted with her new calf, J61, bringing hope to researchers monitoring the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population.

However, optimism turned to concern when experts suspected the newborn was facing health issues as it appeared to be struggling and surfacing abnormally.

J35 is an experienced mother, and we hope that she is able to keep J61 alive through these difficult early days, the centre wrote.

The female killer whale J35 with her newborn calf J61, who died. Image courtesy: Center for Whale Research

However, on December 20, a team of researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) photographed Tahlequah off the coast of West Seattle, carrying the lifeless body of her calf on her head.

We were able to confirm J31 had lost the calf, and she was pushing it around on her head, said Brad Hanson, a research scientist with NOAA Fisheries Northwest Fisheries Science Center, during a news conference.

Hanson also noted, When the calf appears to sink, it looks like shell do a high arch dive to go down and recover the calf. Whether or not shes pushing it at that point or grabbing it, were not real sure.

Scientists believe this behaviour is likely an expression of grief.

On December 20, a team of researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) photographed Tahlequah off the coast of West Seattle, carrying the lifeless body of her calf on her head. Image courtesy:

Over the last few years, we realize that we have the same neurotransmitters that they have, said Joe Gaydos, science director of the SeaDoc Society at the University of California, Davis in The New York Times report.

Advertisement

We have the same hormones that they have. Why shouldnt we also have the emotions that they have? We dont have the market cornered on emotions. So I think its fair to say that she is grieving or mourning," he added.

Tahlequah made international headlines in 2018 when she carried the body of her deceased calf for over two weeks across the Salish Sea. With the loss of J61, she has now lost two of her documented calves, both female.

The death of any calf in the [endangered Southern Resident population] is a tremendous loss, but the death of J61 is particularly devastating, the Center for Whale Research wrote. Not just because she was a female, who could have one day potentially led her own matriline, but also given the history of her mother J35, who has now lost two out of four documented calves  both of which were female.

Advertisement

Tahlequahs first calf, a male, born 14 years ago is still alive, as is her third male calf, born in 2020.

Dwindling population

Southern Resident killer whales have been the focus of conservation efforts for decades, as their declining numbers have placed them in the critically endangered category.

As per NBC News, these killer whales typically spend several months each year along Washingtons coastline in Puget Sound, where they are closely observed by researchers, photographers and whale watchers.

These whales are divided into three pods  J, K, and L  and have evolved to rely heavily on fish, particularly Chinook salmon, as their primary food source.

Advertisement

The populations decline began in the 1960s when many Southern Residents were killed or captured, with some survivors sent to marine parks for display. By 1995, their numbers peaked at 95, but the population has steadily decreased since then.

A recent federal assessment confirmed by the Centre for Whale Research reveals the population has now dropped to just 73. Alarmingly, only 23 of these are believed to be breeding females.

A recent federal assessment confirmed by the Centre for Whale Research reveals the population has now dropped to just 73 individuals. Alarmingly, only 23 of these are believed to be breeding females



The orcas are struggling primarily as the quality and quantity of their prey have significantly declined. The toxic pollution from industrial chemicals contaminates their prey and accumulates in their bodies, which is extremely harmful. Additionally, noise from vessels disrupts their ability to communicate and navigate effectively.

Advertisement

Despite being protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and listed as critically endangered in 2005, research suggests the Southern Residents are on a path toward extinction unless more aggressive conservation measures are taken.

With input from agencies
After Germany, Elon Musk has now ruffled feathers in the United Kingdom with his most explicit endorsement of the far right. Taking to X, he has targeted the Keir Starmer-led Labour government and called for the release of far-right agitator Tommy Robinson read more

Elon Musk's explicit endorsement of far right in the UK has raised concerns. File Photo/Reuters

After upsetting the German government by endorsing the far-right Alternative to Germany (AfD) party, American tech billionaire Elon Musk is now angering British parliamentarians. A key ally of the US President-elect Donald Trump, the X owner has targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmers Labour government.

Musk has also called for the release of the UKs far-right agitator Tommy Robinson, who is in jail for contempt of court. Free Tommy Robinson!, he wrote on X Thursday (January 2).

Advertisement

Lets take a closer look.

Musk targets UK govt

Elon Musk has hit out at UK PM Keir Starmer, highlighting the emergence of a child abuse scandal when the Labour leader was the chief state prosecutor in England and Wales.

He slammed the Labour government led by Starmer over its response to rape gangs in Rochdale and Oldham.

In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Services approval for the police to charge suspects. Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013, Musk wrote in one of the posts.

He also criticised Jess Phillips, UK safeguarding minister since July, after she reportedly rejected calls for a public inquiry into historic child abuse in Oldham, northwest England.

Musk said Phillips deserved to be in prison for saying that Oldham council should call an inquiry rather than the national government.

The tech billionaire wrote in another post, The real reason shes refusing to investigate the rape gangs is that it would obviously lead to the blaming of Keir Stamer (head of the [Crown Prosecution Service] at the time).

In 2012, Starmer, who was the head of the CPS, had admitted the justice system was flawed in handling sexual exploitation cases. He appointed Nazir Afzal, who prosecuted the perpetrators of sexual abuse in Rochdale.

Starmer had also introduced extensive reforms to the Crown Prosecution Service in its responses to sexual exploitation cases.

The Tesla co-founder also endorsed holding fresh elections in the UK. Starmer-led Labours came to power last July, ending the 14-year rule of the Conservative Party.

Musks free Tommy Robinson tweet also stirred the political pot in the UK.

Advertisement

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is one of the most controversial far-right activists in the UK notorious for boosting racist and Islamophobic views.

He is the founder of the English Defense League which regularly organised anti-immigration rallies. As per Euronews, the British police suspected that the now-defunct group was behind violent anti-Muslim riots in response to the killing of three young children at a dance class in Southport last year.

Is UKs right cosying up to Musk?

Hours after Musk posted about the UKs child grooming gangs, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, called for a national inquiry into the UKs rape gangs scandal, saying that 2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice.

There are concerns about Musks plans to donate as much as $100m to the opposition fringe party Reform UK. The partys leader, Nigel Farage, met Musk last month at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Advertisement

The tech billionaires interest in UK politics has raised fears of him influencing future elections.

Musks recent posts are seen as explicit support of the UK far-right, coming on the heels of his public endorsement of Germanys far-right AfD party. The German government has accused him of trying to influence upcoming elections.

Labour MPs slam Elon Musk

Musk has been targeting the Labour government since last summers anti-immigration riots in parts of the country.

His recent comments have upset the Labour parliamentarians, but Downing Street has so far steered away from countering Musk.

Musks support not just for Tommy Robinson, but also the AfD in Germany, shows just how big a problem he is for democracy as well as the reputation of those who cosy up to him like Nigel Farage and Liz Truss, Labour MP Stella Creasy told Politico.

Advertisement

Truss, former UK PM, previously said that Musks Department for Government Efficiency or DOGE, which will feature in Trumps incoming administration, was needed in Britain.

Speaking to Politico, a second Labour MP described Musks language as dangerous, warning that at a time when communities need to come and work together, we have someone with a lot of influence sowing divisions and spreading hate.

Keir Starmers government has become a target of Elon Musk. File Photo/Reuters

In August, Downing Street had responded to Musks posts proclaiming civil war was inevitable in Britain as unacceptable.

A few days back, Downing Street had to defend the Starmer government as unashamedly pro-growth after Musk criticised the UK PMs policies.

After his recent remarks, one MP told The Guardian newspaper, (Musk) has pushed it too far this time. Twitter [now X] is really rapidly becoming a cesspit, even for disinterested non-partisan types.

Advertisement

Many ministers called for the government to leave Musks X, but others warned of triggering a diplomatic incident given the tech billionaires role in Trumps second presidency, reported the newspaper.

Downing Street has refrained from commenting.

With inputs from agencies
South Koreas political crisis reached a boiling point as Park Jong-joon, the chief of the Presidential Security Service, led a dramatic six-hour standoff to block investigators from arresting impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol read more

Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials arrive at the gate of the presidential residence as supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally to oppose a court having issued a warrant to detain Yoon, in Seoul, South Korea, January 3, 2025. File Image/AP

South Koreas political crisis has taken an unprecedented turn, with Park Jong-joon, the chief of the Presidential Security Service (PSS), emerging as a pivotal figure in the standoff over the arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Who is Park Jong-joon?

Born in 1964 in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, Park Jong-joons career is a reflection of his deep roots in law enforcement and public service. He graduated from Gongju National University High School and later excelled at the Korean National Police University, graduating with top honours in 1986.

His rapid ascent began when he passed the higher civil service examination in 1985 as its youngest candidate.

Over nearly three decades, Park held several key positions in South Koreas police force. These included leadership roles such as the deputy commissioner of the National Police Agency, the head of the Chungnam Provincial Police Agency, and chief of the National Police Agencys drug investigation and innovation planning departments.

Advertisement

His expertise in security matters became evident when he served as deputy chief of the PSS under then-President Park Geun-hye from 2013 to 2015. Following his retirement in 2011, Park ventured into politics, running unsuccessfully for the National Assembly in 2012 and 2016.

In September 2024, Park returned to the public eye as he was appointed chief of the PSS, succeeding Kim Yong-hyun, who had transitioned to the role of defence minister, reported Yonhap.

Upon his appointment, Park vowed to ensure the flawless security of the president, stating, The security of the president is an important task directly related to national security. I will do my utmost to perform my duty flawlessly to ensure there are no gaps in the protection of the president.

What was Parks role in blocking Yoons arrest?

On Friday (January 3, 2025), South Korea witnessed one of the most dramatic standoffs in its modern political history. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), along with police, attempted to execute an arrest warrant for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection.

The operation began at dawn, with investigators entering Yoons presidential residence in central Seoul. However, they were met with an unyielding wall of resistance led by Park Jong-joon and over 200 PSS agents, supported by military personnel under the PSSs command.

Police officers and investigators leave impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols official residence, as investigators were unable to execute an arrest warrant on Friday for Yoon according to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, in Seoul, South Korea, January 3, 2025. File Image/Reuters

The investigators managed to cross the initial security layers but were halted at the residences inner gates by human chains formed by PSS agents and soldiers. Despite altercations and the visible presence of firearms among the PSS personnel, no weapons were drawn during the six-hour standoff.

The CIO ultimately called off the operation at 1:30 pm (local time), citing concerns for the safety of their personnel and obstruction by the PSS. In a statement, the CIO expressed deep regret over the situation, accusing Yoon and his security team of non-compliance with legal procedures.

Advertisement

Also Reed | Was South Koreas First Lady behind Yoons decision to impose martial law?

The Presidential Security Service (PSS) is a South Korean government agency responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the president, the presidential residence, and other key personnel and facilities.

Operating under the Office of the President, the PSS is composed of highly trained agents and often works in coordination with the military and police to safeguard national security interests. The agencys mandate includes physical protection, risk assessment, and managing crises involving threats to the president or state security.

The PSS also oversees protocols during state events, diplomatic missions, and critical national operations.

Advertisement

What is behind Yoons arrest warrant?

The events leading to this standoff trace back to December 3, 2024, when President Yoon stunned the nation by declaring martial law in a bid to counter anti-state forces and political opposition. The move, seen as a power grab, led to widespread condemnation and immediate political fallout.

Within hours of the declaration, South Koreas National Assembly overturned Yoons martial law order in a near-unanimous vote.

Days later, on December 14, the Assembly impeached Yoon, suspending his presidential powers and initiating a process to determine his permanent removal from office.

Yoons actions are under criminal investigation for insurrection, a charge that carries severe penalties and no presidential immunity. The Constitutional Court is simultaneously deliberating on whether to uphold his impeachment.

How has this impacted South Korea?

While the standoff at Yoons residence was unfolding, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside, chanting slogans and vowing to protect the impeached president. Many waved South Korean and American flags, framing the investigation as politically motivated.

Anti-Yoon protesters march towards impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols official residence, after investigators were unable to execute an arrest warrant on Friday for Yoon according to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, in Seoul, South Korea, January 3, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Opposition lawmakers, however, criticised Park Jong-joon and the PSS for obstructing justice. Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic Party lawmaker, urged the acting president to intervene, stating, Do not drag the upright staff of the presidential security service and other public officials into the depths of crime.

Advertisement

The CIO has named Park Jong-joon and his deputy as suspects in a criminal case for obstruction of official duty. They have been summoned for questioning, adding to the legal quagmire surrounding Yoons presidency.

What now for Yoon?

The arrest warrant for Yoon is valid until January 6 but the CIO for now has called off the arrest. Weve determined that the arrest is practically impossible, said the CIO. Enforcing an arrest warrant poses significant challenges as long as he remains protected by the PSS.

Yoons legal team has also questioned the CIOs authority to investigate insurrection charges and warned law enforcement agencies against supporting the arrest effort.

Park Jong-joons role in this crisis has placed him at the center of a national debate about the balance between security and the rule of law. His actions during the standoff are seen by some as a dereliction of duty and by others as a necessary step to uphold presidential security.

Advertisement

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
As many as three people were killed while close to 20 others were injured in an illegal fireworks mishap in Hawaii. Fireworks have been used in the state for so long now that people believe it to be a part of the culture. But this is not the case read more

A woman stands in front of the home where a New Year's Eve fireworks explosion killed and injured people in Honolulu. AP

In recent years, Hawaii has seen a troubling trend - the use of illegal fireworks. These have become increasingly common with various occasions serving as triggers; from large-scale events like the Super Bowl and mixed-martial arts fights to more intimate gatherings such as parties and even Thanksgiving celebrations.

The act of setting off fireworks for any given occasion is so common that some believe it to be part of the states culture. These fireworks have disrupted entire neighbourhoods while causing significant disturbances. There is a terror of illegal fireworks among residents of Hawaii as it triggers fires, instills fear in pets, and even poses serious safety threats. It narrowly missed a child in an Associated Press reporters home when a light fixture was dislodged from the ceiling and shattered on the floor.

Advertisement

How many died this New Years Eve?

Honolulu officials released the data of people injured or killed in firework accidents on New Years Eve. These reports often detail a grim array of consequences, including severe burns, shrapnel wounds, and even amputations.

This year was no different but what shocked everyone was the damage caused during Tuesdays celebrations. Three people lost their lives while 20 others were injured when a lit bundle of mortar-style aerials tipped over. It shot into crates of unlit fireworks leading to a rapid series of blasts.

Also Read: Five killed in Germany from new years fireworks accidents

Authorities and residents alike are now wondering whether the toll will dissuade people from putting on such shows in the future, or whether it will prompt more effective efforts by police to crack down.

This incident is a painful reminder of the danger posed by illegal fireworks, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi told a news conference. They put lives at risk, they drain our first responders and they disrupt our neighbourhoods.

What have the authorities done?

Despite efforts to curb the use of illegal fireworks, the problem persists in Hawaii. In 2023, lawmakers established a task force to address this issue. However, the task forces early successes, including the seizure of three shipping containers filled with illegal fireworks within a few months of its formation, suggest that illegal fireworks are likely smuggled into Hawaii on a daily basis.

The task force has seized 227,000 pounds (about 103,000 kilogrammes) of fireworks in all, according to Governor Josh Green.

A view of the home where a New Years Eve fireworks explosion killed and injured people in Honolulu. AP

And yet, the Honolulu Fire Department reported Thursday that there were 30 fireworks-related blazes between Tuesday and Wednesday, a 30 per cent increase from last New Years celebrations.

Republican Gregg Takayama, who sponsored legislation passed last year to tighten fireworks controls, said he remembers setting them off when he was younger and agrees its a tradition for many. But the ones he played with, including Roman candles, pale in comparison to those on the black market today.

The kind of aerial fireworks that are being used now are really explosive bombs, he said. And so the danger is magnified.

Advertisement

Also Read: How much harm do fireworks cause to the body?

Charmaine Doran, the vice-chair of the neighbourhood board in Pearl City, northwest of Honolulu, called the notion that fireworks are part of Hawaii culture a misconception: They have been outlawed for all of my life  and Im pretty old.

In her neighbourhood, the fireworks ramp up after Halloween, exploding in the middle of the night until New Years. Doran said she can tell if there is a big mixed martial arts fight on TV because the booms begin earlier in the day.

Enforcement is complicated because people are reluctant to report their neighbours on a small island where were related to everybody, everybody knows everybody, Doran said.

Advertisement

People fear retribution, she added: If I dial 911, theyre going to egg my house.

That was the theme of some testimony to the Legislature last January. Beverly Takushi, a Pearl City resident, described once being threatened by a neighbour when she told his brother to stop launching illegal fireworks in a show that lasted from 5:30 pm on New Years Eve until after midnight.

It was the first time I was threatened not only by the danger of the aerial fireworks to my family and property but also for my safety from this neighbour who accused me of not respecting his culture, Takushi said. He has since apologised, but this is the reason why no one wants to get involved and report their neighbours setting off bombs and aerials.

Advertisement

What is the difference between todays and yesteryears fireworks?

Historians believe fireworks were invented in China over two millennia ago, where they symbolised joy, prosperity and the warding off of evil. In Hawaii, this tradition transcends cultural boundaries, celebrated not just by Chinese descendants but by the states diverse communities.

Takushi echoed Takayamas point about the big difference between todays large, professional-grade fireworks and the smaller ones of yesteryear. A string of firecrackers at midnight to ward off bad spirits is cultural, not loud explosives that sound like you are in the middle of a war," Takushi said.

Richard Oshiro, secretary of the neighbourhood board for Waipahu, known as one of Oahus hotspots for aerial displays, said he hopes this weeks deaths will spur a change of mentality about playing with explosives.

He said he tries to report them whenever he can, even though he knows there is not much police can do if they cant catch people in the act.

Advertisement

Possession of over 50 pounds (about 23 kilogrammes) of aerial or other illegal fireworks in Hawaii is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 ( Rs 8,57,600) fine. Takayama noted the law now allows photographs and videos of fireworks to be submitted as evidence in court, but said prosecutions still face hurdles.

We already have laws on the books. We need to find better ways to enforce them, he said. I mean we constantly hear about people who report on their neighbours using illegal aerials, but nothing is done about it.

The best way to control fireworks is to stop them at Hawaiis ports, Takayama said. Law enforcement has intelligence about which shipments contain illegal fireworks and US authorities have the power to open suspicious cargo. The task force has made seizures but needs to do more, he said.

We need to find ways to restrict the amount of fireworks that are coming in, because once they arrive and once theyre in the community, its very difficult to track them down, Takayama said.

With inputs from AP
Days after China announced two new counties in Xinjiang province that cover parts of Ladakhs Aksai Chin, India rejected the creation of these counties and said it has never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Aksai Chin read more

India on Friday (January 3) rejected Chinas creation of two new counties in the illegally occupied Aksai Chin region and registered its protest.

Last week, China announced two new counties in the Xinjiang province that borders India  the same province where China has forcibly detained millions of native Uighurs, a primarily Muslim ethnic minority in China, in internment camps where the United Nations (UN) has indicted China of crimes against humanity.

Advertisement

These two counties, Hean County and Hekang County in the Hotan prefecture, cover parts of Aksai China, the part of Ladakh union territory that has been illegally occupied by China since 1950s.

At a regular press conference, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected the creation of these two counties and said that as India has never accepted Chinas illegal occupation of Indian territories, it does not accept the creation of these two counties as well.

Jaiswal said, Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in Indias Union Territory of Ladakh. We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area. The creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on Indias long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to Chinas illegal and forcible occupation of the same.

Jaiswal further said that India has registered a solemn protest with China through diplomatic channels in the matter.

Last month, Chinas Xinjiang province, with the approval of Beijing, created two new counties, Hean and Hekang, within the Hotan prefecture with their seats at Hongliu Township and Xeyidula Township, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.

The creation of these two counties is the latest act of cartographic aggression by China. Notably, the move comes at a time when India and China are working to mend the ties worsened by Chinese incursions in 2020 that triggered a military stand-off in Ladakh that has not yet been fully resolved. The Chinese actions in 2020, including the clashes Chinese actions triggered in Galwan Valley that killed 20 Indian soldiers, plunged the bilateral relationship to its worst since 1962 when Chinas invaded India in an act of unprovoked war.

Advertisement
The PM said that 2025 will be the year of stengthening Indias position in the world and making it a premium manufacturing hub.Today, India has become a symbol of political and economic stability. read more

With Delhi assembly elections likely to be held in February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a veiled dig at the Aam Admi Party (AAP) national convenor and said, Mai bhi koi sheeshmahal bana sakta that

Addressing a public meeting in Ashok Vihars Ramlila Ground, PM Narendra Modi took a dig a former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. The Prime Minister targeted him for allegedly constructing an oppulent residence for himself as CM.

Advertisement

The country knows it well that Modi never built a home for himself but has built more than 4 crore houses for the poor Mai bhi koi sheeshmahal bana sakta.. (I could have also built a palace for myself). I urge all of you, whenever you interact and meet with slum dwellers, to ensure to tell them on my behalf that they will definitely get pucca houses, if not today, then tomorrow," the PM said.

The Prime Minister said that development of cities would play an important role in realising the goals of Viksit Bharat.Today the whole country is engaged in building a developed India. We are working with the resolve that every citizen of the country should have a permanent house in a developed India. Delhi has a very big role in this resolution, hence the BJP-led central government started a campaign to build permanent houses in place of slums, he said.

Our cities play a very important role in developing India. People from far-off places come here with their dreams and spend their lives honestly in fulfilling those dreams. Therefore, the BJP government at the Centre is engaged in providing quality of life to every family living in the cities, he added.

This role of India will strengthen even more in 2025. This year will be the year to strengthen Indias position in the world. It will be the year of making India one of the biggest manufacturing centres in the world," the PM said.

During his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also became emotional and said, When I am here today, its obvious to remember many old memories. When the country was fighting against Indira Gandhis dictatorship, for many people like me who were part of the underground movement, Ashok Vihar used to be a place for me to live, PM Modi said.

Advertisement

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 1,675 newly constructed flats for the dwellers of JJ clusters and also handed over keys to eligible beneficiaries at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar, Delhi.In his post on X, the Prime Minister said, A home is where dreams take root, and we are committed to ensuring proper housing for every Indian.

During todays programme, 1,675 newly constructed flats under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project will be inaugurated. This will ensure better and healthier living for several people. I look forward to handing over the keys of their homes to some of the beneficiaries as well.

Advertisement

PM Narendra Modi also virtually inaugurated two urban redevelopment projects - the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar and GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, CBSEs Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka and also laid the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh.
China flying two sixth-generation stealth jets in 24 hours is a wake-up call for India, and even more so for the US read more

Sixth-generation aircraft are meant to have broad-spectrum stealth, which refers to the ability to minimise radar detectability across a wide range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. Image: Chinese Social Media

China unveiled two sixth-generation fighter jets on December 26, 2024, in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, representing the next evolutionary leap, drawing on lessons from two decades of research and development. While it stunned the world, Chinas fighter aircraft have made a huge leap since the introduction of the J-10 in the 2000s. The J-20, unveiled in 2011, was its first fifth-generation aircraft, showcasing stealth, supercruise, and advanced avionics.

By actually flying the two ground-breaking sixth-generation fighter technology demonstrators, it has signalled its ambitions to be in the technology lead and redefine air dominance. The diamond-shaped wing and tailless designs indicate cutting-edge stealth technology. The size highlights capability for long-range and increased weapon load capabilities. The flights occurred in broad daylight, accompanied by a J-20S twin-seat fighter.

Advertisement

Main design features of Chengdu J-36

The aircraft nicknamed White Emperor is part of Project Nantianmens research initiative exploring future aviation technologies. The aircraft, believed to be designated Chengdu J-36 (AVIC Baidi Type-B), has a diamond-shaped, tailless design and features three air intakes, two positioned laterally and a third on top, suggesting a unique approach to engine integration. Does the aircraft have three engines? But it seems to have only two exhausts. If it is a third engine, then is it a scramjet? Or a third engine required to increase thrust?

The diamond wing shape is somewhat reminiscent of the Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23, the American single-seat, twin-engine, stealth fighter technology demonstrator prototype. The diamond shape gives great volume and therefore extra fuel and weapons. These are required for China to hit the US base at Guam in the Western Pacific.

The second aircraft, slightly smaller and with a more conventional appearance, also lacks vertical stabilisers, a key feature of next-generation stealth. Clearly the design is a departure from the earlier stealth aircraft, the J-20 or American F-22/J-35. Removal of the vertical tail reduces radar cross-section (RCS) and signature. It demands sophisticated flight control algorithms to maintain stability and agility. Also, aero-engines are likely to have thrust-vectoring to support stability and better manoeuvrability.

One of the most talked-about features of the White Emperor is its potential hypersonic capabilities. The aircraft is reportedly designed to operate at altitudes of up to 25,000 meters, well beyond the normal operations of traditional fighter jets. Hypersonic flight, if really true, would also enhance the jets ability to intercept ballistic missiles and conduct long-range strikes, positioning China as a leading power in the hypersonic arms race. They already have operational hypersonic weapons.

The larger aircraft, with an estimated wingspan of around 20 meters and a length of 20 meters, takes somewhere between a fighter and bomber size. The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider wingspan is approximately 40 meters, and the length from the nose tip to the rear is 16 meters. Larger size means more fuel, a longer range, and larger internal weapon bays. It is presumed that it will have advanced avionics for missions deep into contested airspace. Its sleek silhouette and powerful engines suggest a formidable combination of speed, agility, and firepower.

Advertisement

The weapons bay might almost be 6 meters long, big enough to carry Chinas latest long-range PL 17 missile. The double-wheel undercarriage bogies were perhaps required due to a higher max takeoff weight. The MiG-31 has a similar arrangement.

The type of engines powering the demonstrator remains a subject of speculation. Chinas most powerful WS15 engines may, in their future variants, approach higher thrust but currently may not be enough to power it, hence possibly the need for three engines. Third may also be required for greater electric power generation. Possibly it is WS-10C turbofan engines. The top-mounted air intake could enhance airflow and cooling for high-performance operations, critical for sustained stealth and speed. This also reduces IR signature. Supercruise, sustained supersonic flight without afterburners, would be inbuilt. The second, smaller aircraft, flown on the same day, could be more agile and also support carrier operations.

Advertisement

Effectively it will be a force multiplier that, with combat teaming, would project power across the heavily defended Western Pacific, where they will face American air powers might.

What are sixth-generation aircraft?

Sixth-generation aircraft will have all the features of a fifth-generation aircraft with enhanced capabilities. Sixth-generation aircraft are meant to have broad-spectrum stealth, which refers to the ability to minimise radar detectability across a wide range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. This is required for deep-penetration missions in heavily defended battle space. The US has already demonstrated this in its stealth bombers.

They will have advanced sensors that will extensively leverage artificial intelligence and data fusion, giving them the ability to operate as flying command posts. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a critical component of sixth-generation platforms. By integrating AI with advanced avionics, China seeks to outpace rivals in battlefield automation, further blurring the line between human and machine decision-making.

Advertisement

Some of the other features of sixth-generation aircraft include optional manning, sensor fusion, and advanced data handling capabilities, including 6G communications speed, advanced power plants, greater electric power generation, and Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). DEW can be used for anti-space operations and can disable enemy drones, incoming missiles, and even aircraft at a distance without firing traditional munitions.

Vast amounts of data will be processed in real time. They will support enhanced situational awareness and autonomous decision-making. Aircraft will communicate and control drones and Unscrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), including drone swarms that will give a decisive advantage in contested environments. They will have enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, simultaneously handling many threats. An aerial platform with stealth superiority and networked combat for future air dominance.

Advertisement

Timing of the demonstration

The test flights were made on Chairman Mao Zedongs birthday, a significant date in Chinese political symbolism. Mao Zedong was born on December 26, 1893. It is also timed to intimidate the world by showcasing Chinas military and technological might in the build-up to more aggressive future actions over Taiwan. This includes the naval and nuclear capabilities build-up.

Geopolitical signalling

As China grows its Comprehensive National Power (CNP), it is becoming more aggressive in both the East and South China Seas. Western sanctions against Russia has pushed it much closer to China. Effectively, the second and third superpowers are currently working in unison.

The Pentagon is still debating the future of the US Air Forces (USAF) Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme, slated for operational readiness by the 2030s. This has become more accentuated after Elon Musk made a statement that there was no role for crewed fighters. The timelines of the European Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), sixth-generation aircraft involving the UK, Japan, and Italy, are similar to the American. With Beijing having stolen a march over Washington, the debate will have fresh connotations.

China has also sent a signal to global audiences that they are fast closing the technological gap with the Western defence industry. It is also a strong signal to the major neighbours like Japan, South Korea, and India.

Need for cautious reactions

Undoubtedly, the so-called Chinese sixth-generation aircraft has taken off and landed. But it is not the first tailless aircraft flying. The US Air Force has been flying the Northrop B-2 Spirit bomber since 1989 and has done many operational missions. Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider has also done its first flight. Indias Ghatak demonstrator has also flown earlier. There are also Russian and Turkish flying-wing UCAVs. Information about Chinese systems remains extremely guarded. The world must wait and watch and not jump to early conclusions.

US still dominates

Chinas aviation industry has undergone a huge transformation beyond just fighter aircraft. China has made huge investments in defence R&D. China is already making its own large transport aircraft, the Y-20 (66-tonne payload), and is working on an aerial refueler and AEW&C variant. They have a very successful UAS program. China will soon have a stealth bomber (H-20). China has some of the best aerial missiles in the world.

Among the worlds top defence contractors, the US Lockheed Martin (maker of the F-22, F-16, and F-35) continues to lead with a huge margin. But the Aviation Industry Corporation of China is moving rapidly to second position in 2024. There are six US and three Chinese firms in the top ten. BAE Systems (UK) at seventh is the only other. In the top 25, 12 are from the US, 5 from China, 2 from the UK, 2 from France, and 1 each from Italy, Israel, South Korea, and Germany. But, in the top 100, there are 48 US companies and only six Chinese companies. So the US still dominates, but China is gradually coming up.

Implications for India

China flying two sixth-gen stealth jets in 24 hours is a wake-up call for India, and even more so for the US. The deployment of a sixth-generation fighter would give China a significant deterrent against potential adversaries. Chinas sixth-generation fighters are expected to enter into service by the late 2020s or early 2030s and may also play a crucial role in the countrys broader efforts to dominate space and cyber warfare. Combined with hypersonic weapons, long-range missiles, and DEW, it gives China an advantage in kinetic and non-kinetic warfare.

On September 14, 2020, the US had revealed that they had secretly designed, built, and flown at least one prototype of its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter. But details remain classified. China was 14 years behind the US in fifth-generation aircraft, but now the gap is only 4 years for sixth-generation fighters. The USA is still significantly ahead of China in deployable air power.

As Chinas air combat capabilities grow, regional powers such as Japan, South Korea, and India will have to invest more in their advanced fighter aircraft to maintain a credible deterrent against Chinese aggression.

China is not only pulling ahead in aviation technology and capability, but the gap with India is fast becoming unbridgeable in the near future. China will have greater capability to penetrate Indian airspace without being detected.

Indian indigenous fighters are still at 4+ generations. The LCA Mk2 will be 4.5 generation like the Rafale, but it has yet to fly and is 6-8 years away from induction. The under-development Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still over a decade away from induction. India has still to fix its falling fighter aircraft strength.

The J-20 fleet could increase its number beyond 800 aircraft by 2030 while the target is 1,500 aircraft by 2035. Pakistan has reportedly fast-tracked the acquisition of 40 J-35 stealth fighters from China and may induct them in 3-4 years and could outpace the IAF. Chinas sixth-generation fighter promises to redefine air warfare in the coming decades.

With potential deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), these advanced jets may provide China with enhanced reconnaissance and strike capabilities, pressuring Indias defensive postures. India must accelerate its development or acquisition of sixth-generation technologies to maintain a competitive edge. Also highlights the urgency for India to further its indigenous defence programs, such as the AMCA.

It is time for Indias recently constituted high-level committee under the Defence Secretary to reassess and suggest how to rejuvenate the IAF with this new development in mind. It is time to act. It has to be a whole-of-nation approach.

The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
This imminent rise of the HuT shows that it will continue its radicalisation process on a grand scale in the nooks and crannies of the Indian subcontinent. Image: REUTERS

The rise and resurgence of Hizb ut Tahrir (HuT) in and around India is evident in a sequence of events in the last half a dozen months. Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet a couple of days ago against Abdul Rehman and Mujibur Rehman, linked to the HuT, for planning and executing terrorist acts in the state of Tamil Nadu and other locations of the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs banned the HuT in October this year under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, while analysing six cases of terror modules linked to the HuT investigated by the NIA.

Advertisement

The NIA had earlier arrested a key member of the outfit, Faizul Rahman, who is believed to be the HuTs Emir (chief) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Just a few weeks later, at the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2024, there was a grave concern among the top security agencies of the country over the rise and activities of the HuT in India. Earlier, the US, China, Russia, and Pakistan had banned and declared the HuT a terror outfit threatening world peace and security. Similarly, the UK, Germany, Egypt, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and several Central Asian and Arabian nations had earlier declared the HuT as a proscribed terrorist organisation.

It is essential to note that the HuT was established in Bayt ul-Maqdis (Syria) nearly seven decades ago in 1953 by Sheikh Sheikh Taqi Al-Din Al-Nabhani, a Palestinian radical activist and Shariat judge in the Jerusalem appeals court. He was the main ideologist and the permanent leader of the HuT till 1979, besides being a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Among other founders of HuT were Haled Hasan, leader of the Palestinian organisation Fatah, and Asaad Tahmimi, the spiritual leader of Islamic Jihad.

The HuT holds an extremist position, protects Islamic terrorists, and makes a fervent appeal to all Muslims of the world to rise on a sacred jihad against faithless people. Every single leaflet, brochure, book, and literature distributed by the HuT and Internet sites maintained by this organisation contains an idea and necessity of jihad. Through jihad, the HuT intends to transform all states from Dar al-Kufr (the country of unbelief) into Dar al-Islam (the country of Islam).

In the early 1990s, the HuT aimed at establishing a theocratic single Islamic Caliphate incorporating all five Central Asian republics, along with the Muslim-dominated regions of Russia, China, and the northern Caucasus, which consequently spread to the Indian subcontinent in the later period. The HuT has projected its goals in three stages: The first stage is recruiting and indoctrinating new members. The second stage would be the interaction stage, wherein an Islamic perspective is provided for all social problems. It offers Islamic prescriptions for all the maladies of the current turbulent times, which attract the attention of the young, impressionable, and less educated population. The third stage is the final one, where HuT takes over power to establish an Islamic Caliphate based on Shariat law.

Advertisement

The HuT relies on underground meetings rather than public speeches. The HuT members send messages faster than the government can suppress or discredit them. The HuT also disseminates its ideas through leaflets, books, and magazines, which usually contain its religious ideology, passages and verses from the Quran, descriptions of current events in the world, and discussions of issues, such as the Palestinian conflict, as a veritable means to mobilise local support. For example, the voice of the HuT became prominent last year following Hamas attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israels ensuing onslaught in Gaza. The HuT followers organised a rally in the UK in support of Palestine, where a supporter even chanted Jihad against infidels.

Advertisement

A few months later, the real intent and radical and extremist face of the HuT was exposed in Bangladesh in July this year during the protest movement against the then Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Notably, Sheikh Hasina banned the HuT fifteen years ago in 2009. However, the HuT has continued its underground activities and has become a potent radical force that can destabilise the region. With one of its founders in Bangladesh, Nasimul Gani, becoming the home secretary of the country, and another prominent cadre, Mahfuz Alam, becoming a key adviser to Bangladeshs chief adviser, Mohammad Yunus, the HuT is going to gain enough ground in Indias immediate neighbourhood in coming times.

Advertisement

It has been evident that the HuT has been spewing venom against India for the last six years or so. The HuT allegedly orchestrated a protest outside the Indian High Commission in London against the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Further, a year later, in December 2020, the Madurai police registered a case against Mohammed Iqbal, who was allegedly in touch with the HuT operatives (along with ISIS) through digital media. The case originated from a Facebook post by Mohammed Iqbal that attempted to stoke communal tension in India. The operatives and cadres of the HuT are believed to be inspired by Zakir Naiks tele speeches, a fugitive and banned Islamist currently hiding in Malaysia.

Advertisement

This imminent rise of the HuT shows that it will continue its radicalisation process on a grand scale in the nooks and crannies of the Indian subcontinent. As found by the NIA from the arrested duo, Abdul and Mujibur, the HuT is accused of recruiting students into secret HuT classes, organising religious sessions, and preparing anti-India short films on social media, besides holding an exhibition that showcased the military strength of Islamic nations, with the intent of inciting a violent overthrow of the Indian government through jihad.

Since Bangladesh has become the breeding ground of religious extremism and terror activities in the last few years, with radical organisations, such as the HuT, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Tablighi Jamaat, holding the fort in this country, India could be the easiest and softest target of these inimical forces. It is high time that the Indian government assess the perilous security situation created by these radical anti-India forces and accordingly spruce up its intelligence and security mechanism to fend off any threat from them.

Mahesh Ranjan Debata teaches at the Center for Inner Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The MAGA narrative, cloaked in economic populism, reveals itself as less about protecting American workers and more about preserving a narrow, exclusionary vision of what America should be read more

The clash over H-1B visas in MAGA circles is a mirror reflecting Americas deepest anxieties and aspirations. At its heart, this fight is about who gets to belong, who deserves opportunity, and how America sees itself in an increasingly interconnected world. When Laura Loomer described skilled Indian immigrants as invaders, it was more than a xenophobic comment. It was a window into the fractures running through American society.

There are three key lenses through which this could be seen. First is the inherent racism within the MAGA circle. Lets not mince words: the backlash against H-1B visa holders has a racial undercurrent. The framing of immigrants as a threat to American jobs is not new. It is a rerun of the same playbook used against waves of Chinese labourers, Irish workers, and Jewish professionals. Racism thrives on the fear of the other, and in this case, its the highly skilled, tech-savvy immigrant who becomes the target.

Advertisement

But heres the ironythese immigrants represent the best of what America claims to value: hard work, ingenuity, and innovation. Theyve built Silicon Valley, developed life-saving drugs, and driven economic growth. Yet, in MAGA narratives, they are reduced to threats. The philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah speaks of rooted cosmopolitanism, the idea that people can embrace their identities while contributing to a global community. America, at its best, embodies this ideal. The current debate, however, shows how easily that vision can be overshadowed by fear and division.

The second lens is that of meritocracy. Vivek Ramaswamys critiquecelebrating prom queens over math Olympiad champscaptures the cultural tension at the heart of the MAGA critique of the H-1B visa program. The program, designed to attract global STEM talent, is framed as a cornerstone of a meritocratic economy. Yet critics argue it undermines American workers and traditional industries, revealing a deeper conflict between a global vision of meritocracy and a nationalist ethos of self-reliance. This is more than an economic argument. It reflects cultural anxieties about identity and the kind of excellence a society chooses to reward.

Ramaswamys point sharpens the question: what does merit mean, and who defines it? The H-1B program prioritizes technical skillsparticularly in STEM fieldsthat align with global economic demands, assuming that talent and expertise can be evaluated independent of national or cultural boundaries. This framing reflects a universalist vision of merit, one that values contributions based on their ability to drive innovation and economic growth. However, MAGA critics argue for a different standard, one where merit is not just about skills or economic utility but also about reinforcing national identity and cultural cohesion.

This divergence exposes a fundamental tension in the philosophy of meritocracy. A universal meritocracy seeks to create a borderless marketplace of talent, rewarding individuals based solely on their abilities. In contrast, a nationalist view of meritocracy prioritizes the integration of individual excellence into a shared cultural and societal framework. The H-1B debate thus becomes a battleground for these competing visions. It raises uncomfortable but essential questions: should meritocracy aim to attract the best talent from anywhere, or should it primarily elevate the capabilities and potential of those already within its borders?

Advertisement

The third and final lens is that of Inward-Looking Politics. The MAGA movements hostility to immigration reflects a broader inward turn in American politics. The promise of America First is seductivewho wouldnt want their country to prioritize its own citizens? But this vision is fundamentally flawed. The truth is, Americas greatness has always been built on openness.

From the transcontinental railroads constructed by immigrant labor to the tech revolution fueled by foreign-born entrepreneurs, Americas strength lies in its ability to harness global talent. Turning inward may feel like protection, but its actually self-sabotage. Economists consistently show that restricting skilled immigration drives innovation and jobs overseasto Canada, India, and even China. The philosopher Hannah Arendt warned of the dangers of isolationism, arguing that societies thrive not by building walls but by engaging with the world.

Advertisement

The philosopher Zygmunt Bauman described globalization as a force that creates winners and losers, often within the same society. For every tech billionaire who benefits from H-1B visas, theres a factory worker who feels left behind. This divide fuels resentment, which populist movements like MAGA exploit. But rejecting globalization is not a solution.

But does this mean the Indian government should intervene? Absolutely not. The government should resist the urge to lobby for more H-1B visas or seek changes in U.S. visa policies, as such efforts misallocate scarce negotiating capital and yield diminishing returns. The U.S. already issues a significant number of work visas to Indian professionals due to its own demographic gaps and market demands. Any direct intervention by the Indian governmentsuch as requesting special accommodationswould likely require a trade-off, forcing India to concede something more valuable in return.

Advertisement

Moreover, the global economy is moving toward digital service delivery, a trend significantly accelerated by the pandemic. Physical worker mobility is no longer as critical as it once was, with leading Indian IT firms already reducing their reliance on H-1B visas.

Prioritising visa issues with any country detracts from the opportunity to secure meaningful concessions in goods, services, and digital trade and risks subsidizing the flight of Indian human capital.

In the end, this isnt a policy argument. It is a cultural one, laying bare how the fear of the other continues to shape the MAGA worldview. Genuine economic concerns dont drive the opposition to H-1B visasdata consistently shows that skilled immigrants create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen industries. Instead, it stems from a deeper anxiety about identity and belonging, where highly skilled Indian professionals are portrayed as existential threats rather than contributors to a shared future.

Advertisement

The MAGA narrative, cloaked in economic populism, reveals itself as less about protecting American workers and more about preserving a narrow, exclusionary vision of what America should be. By clinging to these fears, it undermines the very openness and diversity that have always been Americas greatest strengths.

Aditya Sinha (X:@adityasinha004) is a public policy professional. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
While Ukraine and the West may want Russia to return all territories occupied, including Crimea, this maximalist position is unlikely to be acceptable to Russia, and neither will Russia accept Ukraine being part of NATO read more

This shift in the US approach to the war could revive negotiations that were last held in April 2022. File image: Reuters

The New Year has brought to the fore the possibility of an end to the war in Ukraine with President-elect Donald Trump set to take over the Oval Office from January 20. In direct contrast to President Joe Biden, whose policy was one of unwavering support for Ukraine, Trump has long made clear his intention to bring the two sides to the negotiating table soon after he takes office. Within weeks of his election victory, he named General Keith Kellogg (Retd) as the special envoy for Russia-Ukraine, underscoring the priority he will place on bringing the curtains down on the war.

Advertisement

This shift in the US approach to the war could revive negotiations that were last held in April 2022.The negotiations in Turkey produced the Istanbul Communique. A provisional agreement was reached then, whereby the Russian forces would withdraw to the pre-invasion line and Ukraine would commit not to seek to join NATO in exchange for security guarantees from a number of countries.

In the run-up to and since Trumps election, however, there have been signs that both Kyiv and Moscow might be ready to return to the table. The war has resulted in both countries paying a price in terms of loss of manpower, damage to infrastructure, loss of territory, and economic costs of war, though the price paid by Ukraine is much higher.

Defining a Credible End State

The challenge for any meaningful negotiation is not merely stopping the conflict but defining a credible end state. A cease-fire agreement that does not address the underlying drivers of the conflict is unlikely to work. Indeed, a deal that just ends the fighting would probably be unacceptable to both nations.

It is imperative to formulate a comprehensive endgame for the war that identifies core issues and crafts a strategy for addressing them. That means not only setting out a road map for a durable cease-fire but also identifying ways to assure Ukrainian security and laying out a strategy for normalising Russias relations with the West.

Advertisement

A defined state is the key. The Biden administration has made it a matter of policy not to define a US objective for the war in Ukraine but rather to support Ukraine for as long as it takes and to defer to Kyiv on the details of the desired outcome.

So far, China has dominated the international conversation about ending the war and has even penned a twelve-point peace plan. But the fact is that no peace plan is likely to work without the US being in the drivers seat, as they have the leverage over Ukraine to shape the outcome. No wonder US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that A peace in which the aggressor gets everything that it sought, and the victim does not have its rights upheld, is not a recipe for a lasting peace, and certainly not a just one.

Advertisement

Trumps Plans

Presently, while Trump has advocated ending the fighting, there is no map to get there. I cant give you those plans because if I give you those plans, Im not going to be able to use them. Theyll be unsuccessful. Part of its surprise, Trump said in a podcast interview with Lex Fridman in September.

However, what has been revealed in reports regarding Trumps plans for a truce in Ukraine involves delaying Kyivs NATO membership by 20 years. Further Vice President designate JD Vance, in an interview in September, said the current line of demarcation between Russia and Ukraine would become a demilitarised zone, fortified so Russia would not invade again. The Wall Street Journal also reported that this demilitarised zone would span nearly 1,290 km (800 miles). While it remains unclear who would monitor the zone. Vance also suggested that under the plan, Ukraine would have to cede some of its occupied territory to Russia, including parts of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

Advertisement

In response at his annual press interaction on December 26, President Vladimir Putin said while he does not know specifics of Trumps plan, current President Joe Biden made a similar suggestion back in 2021, to defer Ukraines admission by 10 to 15 years. In terms of historical distances and timeframes, this is a moment. What difference does it make to ustoday, tomorrow, or in 10 years? he asked rhetorically, in response to a journalists question, according to a Kremlin transcript of the interaction.

Then, on December 29, TASS quoted Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as stating, We are certainly not satisfied with the proposals made by representatives of the president-elects team to postpone Ukraines membership in NATO for 20 years and to deploy a peacekeeping contingent of UK and European forces in Ukraine.

Advertisement

In June 2024, Keith Kellogg had presented a plan he co-authored with the former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz that proposed halting the delivery of US weapons to Ukraine if Kyiv didnt enter into peace talks with Moscow but also warning Moscow that if it refused to negotiate with Kyiv, Washington would increase its support for Ukraine. In other words, its a question of leverage the US needs to get both sides to the negotiating table.

Key Features for a Peace Plan

At its most basic lie a few key features: a well-designed cease-fire agreement, a credible guarantee of Ukraines postwar security architecture, rebuilding of damaged infrastructure, return of displaced persons, and measures to normalise relations between Russia and the West.

Each of these has multiple subparts, the fine print of which is challenging. As regards control of territory, the line of contact, perhaps with some small adjustments, will probably remain where it is on the date of the ceasefire. While territorial control is extremely important to both sides, ultimately it is unlikely to be a core concern in light of the broader issue of security guarantees for Ukraine without it being part of NATO.

The reality is that while Ukraine and the West may want Russia to return all territories occupied, including Crimea, this maximalist position is unlikely to be acceptable to Russia, and neither will Russia accept Ukraine being part of NATO. In purely military terms, these can be defined as the terms of reference for progressing further.

To avoid renewed fighting, a peace initiative must include measures to deter Russia, assure Ukraine, and provide incentives to both sides to maintain the cease-fire. Security guarantees for Ukraine that are directly tied to the cessation of hostilities can advance all three of these objectives. If Kyiv is convinced that its security is guaranteed, it will be able to focus on its economic recovery.

While Ukraine may be seeking security guarantees in the form of accession to NATO. But preventing Ukraine from joining NATO has been a Russian policy objective for decades, and it was among Russian President Vladimir Putins core motives for attacking Ukraine in 2022.

Hence, membership in NATO cannot be a viable instrument for ending a war. Further, accession would require the approval of 32 parliaments and thus take months at best, and it would be contingent on Ukraine implementing many reforms that have nothing to do with conflict resolution.

Options for Security

In fact, there are other, potentially more effective ways to provide a security guarantee to Ukraine in the context of a negotiated end to the war. On multiple occasions since World War II, the US has made bilateral security commitments to allies and partners in comparable post-conflict situations. South Korea after the Korean War and Israel after 1973 stand out. These approaches, which helped produce enduring periods of relative stability and peace, could provide models, but the templates vary and cannot be applied across the board.

Another kind of security guarantee that is being written about by various analysts is Ukraines eventual EU membership. Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, known as the EUs mutual assistance clause, states that if a Member State is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, the other Member States shall have towards it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power. But the EU cannot defend its external borders without NATO. That dilemma has long been a theoretical one, but Ukraines march towards membership could make it real. Russia had earlier agreed not to stand in the way of Ukraines EU membership during the 2022 talks.

Whether or not Ukraine gets binding external commitments to its security, it will need deterrence in the form of strong-armed forces. The Biden administration and numerous NATO allies have already laid the groundwork for providing Ukraine the necessary training, arms transfers, and intelligence cooperation to create this deterrent. But Ukraines partners need to consider how best to arm Ukraine to ensure a sustainable peace.

The other option is the stationing of United Nations troops, but having seen the role that the UN has played during this conflict and the fact that Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council, this proposal is unlikely to be on the table.

The Challenges

The size of the front is extraordinary and presents challenges of its own. If you take into account the undisputed areas along Ukraines borders with Belarus and Russia, as well as the line of contact in Ukraine, the front extends nearly 1,200 miles (1,931 km). If it is only the border of Russian occupation in Ukraine and Ukraines incursion in Kursk, the requirement of troops decreases.

Monitoring such a line would require thousands of peacekeepers if Russia and Ukraine agree to allow such a force, which is highly unlikely. Nonetheless, unmanned systems and sensors could be leveraged to establish an effective monitoring system. Such a system would likely require third-party oversight to assess the information coming in and to arbitrate disputes. Accountability mechanisms also need to be built in to ensure there are no violations.

Another crucial issue is the feeling in the West that Russia should not come away with the impression that it has paid no cost for its aggression. The West can impose those costs by maintaining some sanctions or utilising the Russian state assets that are already frozen in Western countries for the reconstruction of Ukraine. But this cannot be done unilaterally and will need Russian consent. Moscow is likely to demand in return that Ukraine relinquish further monetary claims on Russia for damages done during the war.

Russia will also need some positive incentives to comply with a settlement. Assurances that Ukraine will remain non aligned, that foreign forces and infrastructure will not be deployed in Ukraine, and that mutual understandings can be reached on the limits of Western military aid are some of the aspects that may be deliberated upon.

Further, Russia is unlikely to agree to end the fighting without talks on NATO-Russian issues that go beyond Ukraine, such as the conventional force balance and long-range strike capabilities on the continent. Agreeing to a consultation process to address these issues in parallel to talks on the war itself could be part of the arrangements to end the war. Eventually any durable settlement will require managing broader Russian-Western tensions.

Finally, prior to the talks commencing, there needs to be an atmosphere of trust created in the form of some de-escalation measures. Two such efforts saw significant progress but no closure: a Turkish-brokered agreement to avoid strikes on civilian shipping in the Black Sea and a Qatari-negotiated deal to avoid strikes on energy infrastructure. Additional such measures could include prisoner-of-war exchanges and commitments to not strike beyond a certain distance from the line of contact. If some of these steps begin to bear fruit, consultations could begin on multiple tracks.

Although the coming to power of a US president who pledges to quickly end the war raises the possibility of a breakthrough, it also poses major challenges. High-stakes negotiations, mostly between two embittered belligerents in a war that has killed tens of thousands and maybe hundreds of thousands on both sides, are not easy.

Conclusion

The extent of the enmity between Russia and Ukraine and between Russia and the West and the dearth of communication among the parties over the past few years compound matters regarding arriving at an agreement quickly.

While NATO members have assured that Ukraine is on an irreversible path to joining the alliance, they are wary of admitting Ukraine while it is still at war with Russia due to the mutual defence clause. Hence Ukraines admission into NATO would imply that all NATO members are at war with Russia.

Therefore NATO membership cannot remain the core of what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing as his peace plan. But while he might be willing to compromise on NATO membership, President Zelenskyy would not compromise on the question of Ukraines security. Ukraine has to be assured that under any deal, Russia cannot just invade again. That means cast-iron assurances that will give Ukraine all the tools needed to defend itself.

For most countries in the world, it is imperative that the war be brought to a close, as its effect has transcended the countries directly engaged in conflict. There is a crying need to bring an end to this horror and the growing risks it poses to the broader world. A positive outcome, moreover, will now reverberate across the globe.

The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit claiming that Siri-equipped devices, including iPhones, recorded private conversations without user consent, sparking major privacy concerns over unauthorized data capture read more

While $95 million sounds substantial, its a drop in the ocean for Apple, whose profits since 2014 have soared to an eye-watering $705 billion. Even the potential $1.5 billion Apple might have faced if the case had gone to trial wouldnt have put a significant dent in its bottom line. Image Credit: Reuters

Apple, the tech giant known for its strong stance on privacy, has decided to settle a long-standing lawsuit accusing it of using Siri, its popular virtual assistant, to eavesdrop on users. The company has agreed to a hefty $95 million settlement, filed in a federal court in Oakland, California. The legal wrangling began five years ago when Apple was accused of secretly recording conversations through its devices, even without users activating Siri with the usual Hey, Siri prompt.

Advertisement

The case has stirred up concerns over whether the companys actions matched its public image of championing privacy, a principle Apples CEO often described as a basic human right. Apple, however, has not admitted to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, which still awaits final approval from the court.

Siri causes trouble for Apple

The lawsuit alleged that Apples devices, including iPhones and others equipped with Siri, had been capturing user conversations for over a decade. These recordings reportedly happened without user consent, even when Siri wasnt intentionally triggered.

Adding fuel to the fire, it was claimed that some of these conversations were shared with advertisers, potentially to target consumers with products tailored to their interests. This revelation struck a sour note for many, given Apples consistent messaging about safeguarding user data.

Compensation for affected users

If approved, the settlement could see millions of Apple users eligible for compensation. Anyone who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 2014 and the end of last year can file claims, with a potential payout of up to $20 per device.

However, payouts might vary depending on how many users actually come forward to claim their share. Historically, only a small percentage of eligible consumers  between 3 per cent and 5 per cent  tend to file such claims. Users will be capped at filing claims for up to five devices.

Small price for big profits?

While $95 million sounds substantial, its a drop in the ocean for Apple, whose profits since 2014 have soared to an eye-watering $705 billion. Even the potential $1.5 billion Apple might have faced if the case had gone to trial wouldnt have put a significant dent in its bottom line. Meanwhile, the lawyers who took on Apple are expected to receive nearly $30 million from the settlement fund to cover fees and expenses.

The case serves as a stark reminder that even privacy-savvy companies can face scrutiny when actions dont align with promises, leaving users questioning how safe their data truly is.

Apple responds

Apple has consistently denied allegations that Siri recordings were used for advertising purposes, emphasising its commitment to privacy. The company asserts that Siri data is never sold, used to build marketing profiles, or shared with advertisers. Designed to prioritise offline processing and minimise data use, Siri employs features like random identifiers to unlink data from users identities and processes most audio requests directly on devices equipped with Apple Neural Engine.

Apple has also implemented safeguards, including the ability for users to review and delete Siri transcripts in settings. Since 2019, audio recordings of Siri interactions are no longer retained by default, and users can opt in or out of sharing audio samples to improve Siri. Even when opted in, only Apple employees review audio, and accidental recordings are deleted. These steps underscore Apples efforts to align Siri with its privacy principles while maintaining functionality and user control.

Advertisement

In response to this settlement, an Apple spokesperson shared a statement with Firstpost, saying that they settled this case to avoid additional litigation so the tech giant could move forward from concerns about third-party grading that they already addressed in 2019.

Siri has been engineered to protect user privacy from the beginning. Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles and it has never been sold to anyone for any purpose. We use Siri data to improve Siri, and we are constantly developing technologies to make Siri even more private, the statement read.
The dispute began when TWFS argued that Apples App Store rules and fees were anti-competitive. In 2024, the CCI released a preliminary report siding with TWFS, accusing Apple of abusing its dominant position in the digital market read more

While it remains unclear whether the CCI will impose fines on Apple, the regulator is expected to order changes similar to those it demanded from Google. In that case, Google was required to open its Play Store to third-party payment systems. Image Credit: Apple

Apples control over its App Store may soon face a major regulatory challenge in India. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is reportedly ready to announce that Apple violated the countrys antitrust laws by enforcing restrictive payment rules on app developers. This decision follows a complaint lodged in 2021 by the advocacy group Together We Fight Society (TWFS), accusing Apple of using its App Store to unfairly stifle competition and benefit from its dominant market position, as reported by Apple Insider.

Advertisement

The case highlights growing global scrutiny of tech giants like Apple and their influence over digital ecosystems. Central to the complaint is Apples policy requiring developers to use its in-app payment system, which many argue inflates costs and limits choice. As Indias regulators gear up for a final verdict, the decision could have wide-ranging implications for how Apple operates in one of the worlds largest and most competitive digital markets.

A long road to the verdict

The dispute began when TWFS argued that Apples App Store rules and fees were anti-competitive. In 2024, the CCI released a preliminary report siding with TWFS, accusing Apple of abusing its dominant position in the digital market. However, the investigation took a contentious turn when Apple alleged that the CCI had disclosed confidential company information, including sensitive sales data, to third parties like TWFS.

Apple demanded that the CCI withdraw the report and close the investigation, but the regulator refused, calling the request untenable. Tensions escalated further when Apple accused TWFS of failing to destroy the confidential report as instructed, urging the CCI to take action against the group. Despite these distractions, the CCI pressed forward, inching closer to a final decision.

Findings and possible fallout

According to insiders, the CCIs report concludes that Apples App Store policies breach Indias competition laws, specifically by mandating the use of its in-app payment system. A confidential version of the findings has been shared with Apple, giving the company a chance to respond before final hearings.

While it remains unclear whether the CCI will impose fines, the regulator is expected to order changes similar to those it demanded from Google. In that case, Google was required to open its Play Store to third-party payment systems. If Apple faces the same directive, it may be forced to make its App Store more accessible to other payment options, mirroring measures already implemented in the European Union and Japan.

Apples defence and the bigger picture

Apple is likely to argue that its small market share in India  reportedly under 5 per cent  means it lacks the dominance required for an antitrust violation. However, the CCI has previously dismissed such arguments, as seen in its case against Google.

This decision could mark a significant shift for Apple in India, a growing but competitive market. Beyond potential penalties, it underscores the increasing global pressure on tech giants to relax control over their ecosystems. For developers and consumers, the outcome could mean lower fees and more payment options  but for Apple, its yet another challenge in an already fraught regulatory landscape.

Advertisement
The courts decision effectively ends FCC regulations that previously prohibited internet providers from slowing, blocking, or prioritising content for a fee, sparking concerns about potential fast lanes for wealthier companies and reduced access for others read more

The judgment also aligns with the deregulatory stance of incoming FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a long-time critic of net neutrality. Carr, who supported rolling back net neutrality rules in 2017, argued that deregulation spurs innovation and enhances consumer freedom. Image Credit: Reuters

The fight for a fair and open internet faced a major setback as a federal appeals court ruled that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) lacks the authority to enforce net neutrality rules. The decision, handed down by the US Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, declared broadband internet an information service rather than a telecommunications service, undermining the FCCs power to regulate it under Title II. This ruling struck a blow to the Biden administration and Democratic leaders advocating for stronger net neutrality protections.

Advertisement

The courts decision effectively ends FCC regulations that previously prohibited internet providers from slowing, blocking, or prioritising content for a fee, sparking concerns about potential fast lanes for wealthier companies and reduced access for others. Advocates for net neutrality argue that the decision puts the open internet at risk, threatening equal access to online content for consumers and businesses alike.

Key factors behind the ruling

Judge Richard Allen Griffin, part of the all-Republican panel in Cincinnati, cited a recent Supreme Court ruling in the 2024 Loper Bright case as pivotal to the decision. The ruling overturned Chevron deference, which previously allowed government agencies leeway in interpreting ambiguous regulations. The court stated that the FCCs attempts to enforce net neutrality reflected years of inconsistent authority and vacillating policies, further weakening the commissions position.

The judgment also aligns with the deregulatory stance of incoming FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a long-time critic of net neutrality. Carr, who supported rolling back net neutrality rules in 2017, argued that deregulation spurs innovation and enhances consumer freedom. This perspective has drawn sharp criticism from those who view net neutrality as essential for maintaining a level playing field on the internet.

Democratic push for Congressional action

Democratic leaders, including FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, called on Congress to take action in light of the courts decision. Rosenworcel emphasised the publics overwhelming desire for an open and fair internet, urging lawmakers to codify net neutrality into federal law. Similarly, Schumer decried the ruling as a profit-driven move that prioritises corporate interests over everyday Americans who rely on affordable, open internet access.

Despite the setback, Democrats vowed to continue the fight. Schumer pledged to push for a Senate vote to establish net neutrality protections, framing it as a crucial step to ensure fairness in how the internet operates. With the Republican-led judiciary presenting challenges, the battle for net neutrality is shifting firmly into the legislative arena.

A clouded future for Internet regulation

The ruling raises pressing questions about the future of internet regulation in the US Without net neutrality protections, critics warn that broadband providers could exert greater control over access and pricing, potentially sidelining smaller companies and stifling innovation. While deregulation proponents argue that market forces will prevent such abuses, net neutrality advocates fear the decision could exacerbate inequalities in internet access, affecting consumers and businesses alike.

As the legislative battle intensifies, the fate of net neutrality will likely shape the digital landscape for years to come, leaving consumers and tech companies watching closely for the next chapter in this ongoing saga.
For years, Apple has relied on Sony for its iPhone camera sensors, a rare instance of exclusivity in its supply chain. However, Samsungs new design promises to deliver faster image processing and enhanced noise reduction, positioning it as a strong contender to break Sonys hold read more

If adopted, Samsungs sensor could bring noticeable upgrades to iPhone cameras. Users could expect faster image processing and improved clarity, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to better noise reduction. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das

Samsung is reportedly making moves to challenge Sonys monopoly as the sole supplier of camera sensors for Apples iPhones. Leaks suggest the South Korean tech giant is working on an innovative sensor to rival Sonys, aiming to integrate it into future iPhones  possibly starting with the iPhone 18, slated for release in 2026. This development could signal a major shift in Apples supplier strategy and potentially redefine smartphone photography standards.

Advertisement

For years, Apple has relied on Sony for its iPhone camera sensors, a rare instance of exclusivity in its supply chain. However, Samsungs new design promises to deliver faster image processing and enhanced noise reduction, positioning it as a strong contender to break Sonys hold. At the same time, Samsung is also developing an ultra-high-resolution 500MP sensor for its Galaxy smartphones, further demonstrating its ambitions in imaging technology.

Advanced stacked sensor technology

Central to Samsungs efforts is a revolutionary three-layer stacked sensor design. This configuration includes a photodiode layer to capture light, a transfer layer to reduce noise, and a logic layer where computational photography occurs. The introduction of the transfer layer is particularly noteworthy, as it adds a new dimension to noise reduction, a feature not present in Sonys current offerings.

This stacked design also allows for faster data processing by directly mounting a processor onto the sensor. By reducing the time taken to transfer image data, this innovation improves responsiveness and enhances overall image quality. Crucially, the compact design makes it suitable for integration into Apples sleek and slim iPhones, addressing a key requirement for Apples design standards.

Enhanced camera performance for future iPhones

If adopted, Samsungs sensor could bring noticeable upgrades to iPhone cameras. Users could expect faster image processing and improved clarity, especially in low-light conditions, thanks to better noise reduction. Features like Night Mode and HDR photography would benefit significantly from these advancements, further solidifying the iPhones reputation as a leader in smartphone photography.

While its unlikely the new sensor will appear in the upcoming iPhone 17 Slim, it could debut with the iPhone 18. If successful, this partnership could mark the beginning of a new era for iPhone cameras, driven by a fresh supplier dynamic.

Samsungs 500MP sensor ambitions

In parallel with its efforts to woo Apple, Samsung is working on a 500MP sensor aimed at its Galaxy phones. This sensor promises to deliver unprecedented image resolution, setting a new benchmark in smartphone photography. While this technology is unlikely to be used in iPhones, it reflects Samsungs determination to lead the camera innovation race and compete aggressively with Sony in the broader market.

If Samsung achieves its goals, its sensors could revolutionise photography on both iPhones and Galaxy phones, raising the bar for the entire smartphone industry.
The recent Tesla Cybertruck explosion highlights the companys ability to remotely access and monitor its vehicles, raising questions about owner privacy and surveillance read more

insights are not only shared with law enforcement but also monetised by companies through data brokers and insurance firms. While Teslas role in aiding investigations like the Las Vegas explosion may seem noble, it sets a precedent for expanded surveillance in less critical scenarios. Image Credit: Reuters

Teslas swift actions following a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas have reignited discussions about privacy and control in modern vehicles. On Wednesday, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, prompting an unusual level of involvement from Teslas CEO, Elon Musk. This incident highlights how much power car manufacturers hold over vehicles that drivers assume they own.

While the companys ability to assist law enforcement in such emergencies is being praised, it raises larger questions about data privacy and the growing trend of cars essentially spying on their users. The event serves as a stark reminder that advanced connectivity in vehicles may come at the cost of individual ownership and privacy.

Advertisement

Unlocking cars remotely and sharing data

In the aftermath of the explosion, law enforcement revealed how Teslas CEO remotely unlocked the damaged Cybertruck to aid investigators. The company also provided footage from Tesla charging stations across the country to help track the vehicles movements. These capabilities underscore Teslas control over its vehicles, including their location data and telemetry.

Officials acknowledged Musks cooperation as crucial to the investigation, which is being treated as a potential car bombing. However, this incident has sparked a debate about the implications of such access. While it might seem like a reasonable response in extreme circumstances, critics argue that it demonstrates how much control manufacturers retain over their products, often bypassing the owners consent.

Beyond emergencies: Everyday surveillance

Teslas remote access abilities arent the only feature that have raised concerns. The vehicles reliance on proprietary systems makes repairs difficult for independent shops, and features like full self-driving can only be unlocked through costly subscriptions. Reports have also surfaced of Tesla employees misusing onboard cameras to spy on customers. Additionally, law enforcement increasingly sees Teslas as valuable sources of video footage at crime scenes.

This interconnected ecosystem extends beyond convenience and innovation. Teslas data collection helps refine its self-driving technology, a potential revenue goldmine as it gears up for robotaxi services. However, such systems challenge the traditional concept of ownership, as they blur the lines between user control and manufacturer oversight.

A broader trend of surveillance

Teslas practices mirror a larger shift in the automotive industry, where connected cars continuously gather and share data. These insights are not only shared with law enforcement but also monetised by companies through data brokers and insurance firms. While Teslas role in aiding investigations like the Las Vegas explosion may seem noble, it sets a precedent for expanded surveillance in less critical scenarios.

The event draws parallels to past debates over technology and privacy. In cases like the San Bernardino shooting, companies like Apple resisted compromising user security, citing broader implications. Teslas proactive involvement, however, raises questions about whether such interventions will become routine, eroding privacy norms over time.

As cars become smarter and more connected, the line between convenience and intrusion continues to blur. For Tesla owners and others driving modern vehicles, the Cybertruck explosion serves as a wake-up call to reassess who really holds the keys  not just to their car, but to their data and privacy.
As many as 1,700 soldiers have reportedly deserted a Ukrainian brigade trained by France and equipped by European Union (EU), highlighting a key problem plaguing Ukraines war efforts read more

Ukrainian soldiers of the 1st Separate Assault Battalion Da Vinci take part in a training exercise in the Dnipropetrovsk region, on December 12, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP File

Nearly a third of all soldiers of a high-profile Ukrainian brigade have fled over the past one year, according to a report.

As Russia continued to make gains in the war on Ukraine throughout 2024, pushing Ukraine on the backfoot, Ukraine suffered with a serious problem: desertion.

As Russias war on Ukraine nears the three-year mark, Ukrainian soldiers are exhausted. Some units have been fighting for more than two years straight and, in the absence of soldiers who could replace them, they are not being rotated. This is not just creating personnel issues or driving desertion but also having implications on the battlefield  as seen in Vuhledar that Russia captured late last year.

Advertisement

Amid such a situation, The Daily Telegraph has reported that as many 1,700 of 5,800 soldiers of Ukraines 155th mechanised brigade fled.

As per the latest update, 500 are still at large while the rest have retired after various periods of being absent without leave (AWOL), according to The Telegraph.

The 155th mechanised brigade was trained by France in western Ukraine, France, and Poland, and was equipped with German Leopard tanks and French Caesar 155 mm howitzers. It was one of the 14 new brigades that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hoped to create with Western assistance to fight Russia. These battalions as well as the idea behind the creation of these battalions appears to be doing poorly for Ukraine.

Mass-desertion before 1st shot fired

While the brigade was in France for training, at least 50 Ukrainian recruits disappeared, according to The Telegraph.

That was just the beginning.

By the time the 155th brigade was deployed to Pokrovsk, the strategic logistical and industrial hub where Russian war efforts are currently focussed, at least 1,700 soldiers had fled, according to the newspaper

This meant that nearly a third of battalion had fled the military without firing a single shot.

Once it entered battle, the brigade suffered heavy losses, including tanks and armoured vehicles.

Observers have questioned the Zelenskyy-led governments decision to create new brigades instead of rotating existing units.

This is indeed a crime, but the crime of not soldiers and officers  but the crime of the leaders of the supreme commander-in-chief, the Ministry of Defence and the general staff, who continue to waste their lives and public funds on new projects, instead of strengthening experienced and combat-capable brigades, the newspaper quoted Yuriy Butusov, a Ukrainian war correspondent, as saying.

Advertisement

The newspaper reported that the unit was mishandled from the beginning. It said that as many as 2,500 recruits of the brigades were transferred to other units. Moreover, it said that of 1,924 volunteers sent to France for training, only 51 had military experience of more than a year.

The training and arming of the brigade are part of $420 million European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM). Around 63,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained under the mission so far.

As of now, the 155th brigade has essentially been disbanded and its weapons and personnel have been distributed amongst battle-hardened units in and around Pokrovsk.

Advertisement

Desertion systemic problem in Ukraines military

The desertion seen in the 155th brigade was not a singular case but representative of a systemic problem in the Ukrainian military.

As the war nears the three-year mark, the Ukrainian military is stretched thin across various theatres and several units are fighting for long stretches without any break or rotations. Losses in the battlefield, mental and physical fatigue, conflict with seniors, and personal problems have led to several thousand desertions.

The Ukrainian military has reported nearly 96,000 cases of desertion since the beginning of the war, according to Bloomberg.

Of them, Oleksandr Hrynchuk of Ukraines military law enforcement service said up to 40-60 per cent never return whereas others return to service after being absent without leave for some time.

The problem is so grave that Zelenskyy last month offered amnesty for deserters returning to services.

Advertisement
Amid reports of a deadlock followed by cautious optimism in recent days, an Israeli delegation has left for Doha for Qatar-mediated talks for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, according to a report read more

A delegation of Israeli negotiators has departed for Doha to take part in Qatar-mediated peace talks, according to a report.

Following the outbreak of Israel-Hamas War with the Hamas-led October 7 attack, Qatar and Egypt have been mediating between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and releases of hostages held by Hamas-led coalition of Palestinian groups. The talks are being facilitated by the United States.

Israels Channel 12 reported on Friday (January 3) that the delegation had left for Qatar after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus approval.

Advertisement

The outlet further reported that a delegation from Hamas is also expected to be in Doha for talks.

The news of Israeli delegation going to Doha comes amid conflicting reports in recent days. In recent days, talks appeared to have reached an impasse when it emerged that Hamas was only willing to release 22 hostages instead of 34 in the first phase of deal being negotiated. The Hamas had further refused to provide the list of hostages that Israel had been requested.

Despite such reports of impasse, officials of Israel and Hamas expressed optimism on Thursday. Around the same time, Netanyahu said he had approved negotiators visit to Doha. It is not known publicly what changed that led to Netanyahu to send negotiators to Doha and Hamas officials to sound optimistic.

Is Israel-Hamas deal in offing before January 20?

An Israeli official told Channel 12 on Thursday that Netanyahu cleared the negotiators visit after there was progress in recent days.

For several weeks, all sides have appeared to be pushing for a deal between Israel and Hamas to be reached before January 20  the day US President-elect Donald Trump will assume office.

The signing of the deal before Jan. 20 would allow Trump to govern without the baggage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, outgoing President Joe Biden to claim a victory, and also give breathing space to Netanyahu who is under intense domestic pressure over the failure to get hostages released.

Separately, senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told the Qatari newspaper al-Araby al-Jadeed on Thursday that there is a good chance that negotiations will succeed this time.

Separately, Jihad Taha, another Hamas official, told the newspaper that a Hamas delegation had met Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators in Cairo in order to overcome the obstacles and conditions put recently by the Israeli side with the goal to continue the aggression against our people and that Hamas is dealing positively and openly with all the issues.

Advertisement

The newspaper further reported that talks in Cairo revolved around postponing negotiations on most contentious points until after the first phase of the deal has been implemented.

When the Israeli delegations arrives in Doha, the newspaper reported that a Hamas-endorsed proposal would be submitted to the delegation. The newspaper said the idea driving the move is to secure a deal before Trump assumes office.

Even though Hamas has refused to provide the list of living hostages as long as the war continues, Kan News has said that Hamas has said there should be a seven-day ceasefire during which it would compile the list of hostages it can later release.

Advertisement
As US President-elect Donald Trump has said its a must for US national security interests to buy Greenland, the islands premier, Mute Egede, has pushed for its independence from Denmark read more

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Bourup Egede speaks at a press conference during the opening of the European Commission's new office in Nuuk, Greenland, March 15, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

At a time when US President-elect Donald Trump has called for the annexation of Greenland, the regions head has pushed for independence from Denmark.

In his New Years message, Greenlands Prime Minister Mute Egede pushed for independence from Denmark.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. It has a local government that runs it. The foreign policy, defence policy, and security policy of Greenland remain the domains of the Danish government. It used to be a Danish colony till 1953 but then become a part of the Danish kingdom.

Advertisement

In recent time, amid calls for Greenlands annexation by Trump and his cheerleaders, the Danish government has stepped up defence spending regarding the island, pledging to acquire more ships and drones for the islands defences and surveillance and expanding an airport on the island.

Its about time we shape our future

In a speech that marks a remarkable escalation in Greenlands independence movement, particularly because of the timing, Egede said the time had come for the islanders to shape our future.

Egede said, It is about time that we ourselves take a step and shape our future, also with regard to who we will cooperate closely with, and who our trading partners will be.

Indicting the Danes for not taking care of the island, Egede said, The history and current conditions have shown that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not succeeded in creating full equality. It is now time for our country to take the next step. Like other countries in the world, we must work to remove the obstacles to cooperation  which we can describe as the shackles of colonialism  and move forward.

Even as Egede went on to call for a referendum for independence, he did not give any timeline.

Previously, Egede has rejected Trumps call for annexation. Last year, in an apparent response to Trumps statements, he said, Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.

Why Trump wants Greenland

Trump has said that the control of Greenland was an absolute necessity for ensuring US national security.

For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity. Ken will do a wonderful job in representing the interests of the United States, said Trump in the post on Truth Social.

As Greenland lies very close to mainland United States and is on the way from Russia to America, it has a prized place in the US security architecture. The calls for annexation are, however, deemed too extreme.

Advertisement

There are speculations of the island having natural gas and oil which have attracted business interests. As Trump is known to reward his billionaire friends and family members with plum posts, it has been wondered if the businessman in him has eyes on islands mineral wealth.

In the book The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021, journalists Peter Baker and Susan Glasser wrote that the idea of annexing Greenland was floated to Trump by billionaire friend Ronald Lauder during his first term. The book notes that John Bolton, the top national security official of Trump, at the time preferred increased US presence to counter Chinese incursions, but not outright purchase.

Advertisement
In the final months and weeks of his term, as concerns arose that a cornered Iran may decide to develop a nuclear weapon, outgoing President Joe Biden has discussed his options with his team and has kept attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities on the table, according to a report read more

In the final months and weeks of his term, outgoing President Joe Biden has kept attacks on Irans nuclear facilities on the table if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei orders the development of nuclear weapons, according to a report.

The news comes at a time when there are fears that the Iranian regime, battered from the yearlong conflict with Israel, could decide to develop a nuclear weapon to restore deterrence in the region. However, in recent years, even as Iran stepped up the enrichment of nuclear fuel, it has not yet enriched fuel to weapons-grade level and has not yet started developing a weapon  the development of the nuclear weapon can only started once Khamenei gives formal approval.

Advertisement

Amid such a situation, Axios has reported that Biden has discussed options with his national security team about options if Khamenei gives such an approval.

One of those options includes hitting the Iranian nuclear facilities, according to the report.

The news of Biden keeping attacks on Iranian nuclear sites on the table comes amid reports that Israel has also started drawing plans for attacks on Irans nuclear sites and that incoming US President Donald Trump has also weighed his options regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, including attacks on nuclear sites.

Biden chalked out action plan if Iran moved ahead with bomb

In the final months of the term, as assessments indicated that Iran could decide to develop a nuclear weapon as its conventional deterrence stands eroded in West Asia, the Biden administration chalked out an action plan.

Axios has reported that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan presented Biden with options if Iran moved towards developing a nuclear weapon, including potential attacks on Irans nuclear facilities.

After two rounds of aerial battles with Israel, Iran stands essentially naked as its air defences have been neutralised. The anti-Iran groups that it supports in the region, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, have also been battered and are a shadow of their former selves. Syria, which provided Iran and armed groups it supported with strategic depth in the region, has also been lost with the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

Advertisement

With such a spectacular loss of conventional deterrence, there are concerns that Iran may move towards developing a nuclear weapon.

Even as Biden kept attacks on Irans nuclear sites on the table, he did not issue any order.

A US official told Axios that the meeting around one month back, which discussed options regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, was not based on any new intelligence and was not intended to produce a yes or no decision. Instead, the official said the meeting was to discuss prudent scenario planning of how the Biden administration should respond if Iran were to take steps that indicate its intent to develop a nuclear weapon.

Advertisement

The official said such a step would include enriching nuclear fuel uranium to 90 per cent weapons-grade level.

No new evidence that Iran has started developing nukes: Report

The Axios reported that the meeting to discuss plans regarding the Iranian nuclear programme was not based on any new intelligence.

The report further said that, in the absence of any new information indicating Iran has started developing nuclear weapons, Biden decided to not order an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The report said that Biden honed in on the question of urgency to attack Irans nuclear sites and whether Iran had taken steps that justify such an attack and that too just weeks before the swearing-in of a new administration.

The report said that some of Bidens top officials, including Sullivan, believe that the time is ripe for attacking Iran. The report said these officials believe that as Iran stands battered at the moment, Irans retaliation would be off the table.

Advertisement

In recent time, Iran has ramped up uranium enrichment to 60 per cent, which is just short of weapons-grade level of 90 per cent.

The Biden administration believes that the order to ramp up the enrichment to 90 per cent has not yet come.

Whenever such an order comes, the administration has previously said publicly that Iran may have enough weapons-grade uranium to make a bomb in a week or two. From there, US and Israeli assessments have said Iran could develop a warhead in 12-18 months.

However, in the airstrikes inside Iran this month, Israel destroyed a sophisticated component of nuclear bombmaking that has dealt a considerable setback to Iran. This means that even if Iran decides to develop a nuclear weapon, it faces several obstacles.

Advertisement
On Monday, the president and his wife Jill will grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack on January 1 and meet with officials on the ground, the White House said in a statement read more

Security personnel investigate the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday January 1, 2025. AP

US President Joe Biden will travel to New Orleans next week to meet the families of the victims who died in the deadly truck-ramming attack on New Years Day, the White House announced on Friday.

On Monday, the president and his wife Jill will grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack on January 1 and meet with officials on the ground, the White House said in a statement.

Advertisement

Earlier this week, an army veteran and an Islamic State backer Shamsud Din Jabbar rammed a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans, killing as many as 14 people and leaving over 30 injured.

The bloodshed only ended when the suspect was killed by police in an exchange of gunfire.

He had also planted two homemade bombs in the city, authorities said, though they did not go off.

Will relentlessly pursue ISIS

Meanwhile, the outgoing president has said that his administration will  relentlessly pursue the ISIS angle in the New Orleans attack.

We are going to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organisations where they are and they will find no safe harbor here, Biden said.

POTUS also informed that apart from Jabbar, no one else was involved in the attack.

As I said yesterday, the attacker posted several videos just several hours before the attack indicating his strong support for ISIS. Federal law enforcement and the intelligence community are actively investigating any foreign or domestic contacts and connections that could possibly be relevant to the attack, he said.

Trump blames Biden

Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump has pinned the blame on Biden for the New Orleans attack, saying that the POTUS immigration policies have given rise to extremism in America.

With the Biden Open Borders Policy I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined, Trump said on Truth Social.

Advertisement

He added, Joe Biden is the WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA, A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER. What he and his group of Election Interfering thugs have done to our Country will not soon be forgotten! MAGA.

With inputs from agencies
Washington last month said it would speak out to South Korea to safeguard democracy after Yoons bungled declaration read more

US State Secretary Antony Blinken is set to visit South Korea as the country battles a political crisis with Yoon Suk Yeol impeached and subsequently resisting arrest on Friday.

Blinken will travel to the country next week as Washington seeks to strengthen ties with Seoul. He will meet his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul on January 6.

They are expected to discuss the South Korea-US alliance, South Korea-US-Japan cooperation, North Korea issues, and regional and global challenges, South Koreas foreign ministry said.

Advertisement

Investigators probing Yoons declaration of martial law made an attempt to enforce a warrant for his arrest on Friday but it was repelled by presidential security guards.

That warrant expires on January 6, the same day Blinken plans to meet Cho.

Washington last month said it would speak out to South Korea to safeguard democracy after Yoons bungled declaration.

South Koreas democracy is robust and resilient, and were going to continue to speak out publicly and engage privately with South Korean counterparts to reinforce the importance of that continuing, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.

Yoon escapes arrest

Meanwhile, South Koreas presidential guards and military troops warded off authorities from arresting Yoon.

Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection over his Dec. 3 martial law bid that stunned South Korea and led to the first arrest warrant to be issued for a sitting president.

It was judged that it was virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant due to the ongoing standoff, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said in a statement.

CIO officials and police evaded hundreds of Yoon supporters who gathered in pre-dawn hours near his residence on Friday, vowing to block the arrest with our lives.

Advertisement

More than 200 PSS agents and soldiers blocked the CIO officers and police, he added. While there were altercations and PSS agents appeared to be carrying firearms, no weapons were drawn.

With inputs from agencies
In a release, Boeing said it had made strides in multiple areas like safety culture, training, and eliminating defects. However, recurring crashes and safety incidents, production defects, and strained labour relations remained challenges for the company in 2024 read more

The Boeing logo is seen on the side of a Boeing 737 MAX at the Farnborough International Airshow, in Farnborough, Britain. File image/Reuters

Boeing is once again promising to improve safety and quality control after a year marked by crashes, controversies, and setbacks that have tarnished its reputation and sent its share price plummeting.

The aerospace giant, facing intensified regulatory scrutiny and waning confidence from airlines and investors, announced Friday (January 3) that it has made progress on internal targets to address longstanding issues.

In a release, Boeing said it had made strides in multiple areas like safety culture, training, simplifying their processes, and eliminating defects, according to NBC News.

Advertisement

Challenges hound Boeing

The statement comes as the company grapples with the aftermath of a string of incidents, including last weeks deadly crash of a Boeing 737-800 in South Korea the nations worst aviation disaster, killing 179 people.

Despite the announcement, challenges persist for the company that, alongside Europes Airbus, dominates the global aircraft market.

Earlier this year, a fuselage panel blew out of an Alaska Airlines jet, Boeings largest union went on strike for 53 days, and issues with its Starliner spacecraft left two astronauts stranded in orbit.

Adding to its woes, whistleblowers have alleged significant lapses in the production of the 737 and 787 aircraft. One such whistleblower, John Barnett, who raised alarms about safety practices, died by suicide in August, with his family accusing the company of fostering a culture of concealment.

Boeing is presently facing heightened scrutiny.

In October, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a three-month review of the companys compliance with safety regulations. FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker recently remarked that Boeing had failed but has the resources to recover and rebuild with higher safety standards.

Another promise to turn Boeing around

The new CEO, Robert Kelly Ortberg, who took the helm in August, has pledged to turn the company around. In an October letter to employees, Ortberg called for a fundamental culture change, acknowledging the extent of the damage to Boeings reputation. This is a big ship that will take some time to turn, but when it does, it has the capacity to be great again, he wrote.

In its latest announcement, Boeing highlighted investments in workforce training, including enhanced programs for mechanics and quality inspectors. It also pointed to efforts to simplify production processes and reduce defects, particularly in the assembly of its 737 aircraft, a model that has been at the center of many controversies.

The timing of Boeings statement is notable. Sunday (January 5) marks the anniversary of the near catastrophe aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, a stark reminder of the companys struggles.

Advertisement

While Boeing has acknowledged its shortcomings and pledged reforms, it remains to be seen if these efforts will restore confidence in the once-dominant aerospace giant.

With inputs from agencies
Charlie Hebdo, a satirical newspaper in France, is set to publish a special God-mocking edition next week to mark 10 years since an attack on January 7, 2015 on its offices by jihadist gunmen that left eight staff members dead read more

The photo from September 1, 2020 in Paris shows covers of French weekly Charlie Hebdo. Source: AFP.

French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo is set to publish a special God-mocking edition next week to mark 10 years since an attack on its offices by jihadist gunmen that left eight staff members dead.

The anniversary of the shocking attack on freedom of expression is being used by the atheist publication to send a message of defiance to the extremists who burst into its offices on January 7, 2015, then fled shouting they had killed Charlie Hebdo.

Advertisement

They didnt kill Charlie Hebdo, editor-in-chief Gerard Biard told AFP in a recent interview, adding that we want it to last for a thousand years.

The attack by two Paris-born brothers was revenge for Charlie Hebdos decision to repeatedly publish caricatures lampooning the Prophet Mohammed, Islams most revered figure.

The massacre of some of Frances most famous cartoonists signalled the start of a gruesome series of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State plots that claimed hundreds of lives in France and western Europe over the following years.

Next weeks edition is set to feature the results of a typically provocative competition launched in November to draw the funniest and meanest depictions of God. It will be revealed on Sunday evening.

It is intended for everyone who is fed up with living in a society directed by God and religion. Everyone who is fed up with the so-called good and evil. Everyone who is fed up with religious leaders dictating our lives.

President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will attend commemoration events on Tuesday at the location of the attack, as well as that of a separate but linked assault on a Jewish supermarket.

Solidarity

The Charlie Hebdo killings profoundly shocked France. The attack fuelled an outpouring of sympathy expressed in a wave of Je Suis Charlie (I Am Charlie) solidarity with its lost contributors including famed cartoonists Cabu, Charb, Honore, Tignous and Wolinski.

But it also led to questioning and in some cases a furious backlash against Charlies deliberately offensive, often crude strain of humour, part of a long-standing French tradition of caricaturing.

Advertisement

Since its founding in 1970, it has regularly tested the boundaries of French hate-speech laws, which offer protection to minorities but allow for blasphemy and the mockery of religion.

Free-speech defenders in France see the ability to criticise and ridicule religion as a fundamental right acquired through centuries of struggle to escape the influence of the Catholic Church.

Critics say the weekly sometimes crosses the line into Islamophobia, pointing to some of the Prophet Mohammed caricatures published in the past that appeared to associate Islam with terrorism.

The idea is not to publish anything, its to publish everything that makes people doubt, brings them to reflect, to ask questions, to not end up closed in by ideology, director Riss, who survived the 2015 attack, told Le Monde in November.

Advertisement

Basically, not being screwed over by whats fashionable.

Windfall

The attack on Charlie Hebdo brought a mostly marginal publication into the mainstream, as well as propelling it to the attention of hundreds of millions worldwide who often struggled to understand its contents.

More than three million people marched in solidarity in the streets of France afterwards, and around 40 world leaders flew in to Paris to make a statement in defence of the free press.

A special post-attack edition of the newspaper sold more than eight million copies and donations poured in, giving the publication a financial windfall at odds with its anarcho-leftist spirit.

Subscriptions ballooned to more than 200,000 but have now fallen back to around 30,000, with another 20,000 copies sold at newsstands and in shops each week  more than their sales at the time of the attack.

Advertisement

Thanks to new recruits, around 12 cartoonists are back working on the magazine at a secret, heavily protected office.

Controversy is never far away.

A front-page depiction of the Virgin Mary in August suffering from the mpox virus led to two legal complaints from Catholic organisations in France.

A cartoon by Riss in 2016 that linked a child refugee found dead on a beach in Turkey to foreign sexual attackers in Germany caused outrage, as did another the year after poking fun at First Lady Brigitte Macrons age by showing her pregnant.

On the first anniversary of the attack in 2015, Charlie Hebdo published a front-page cartoon of a bearded God-like figure carrying a Kalashnikov rifle.

Advertisement

One year after, the killer is still on the run, read the title.
South Korea will inspect all Boeing 737-800 jets operated by the countrys airlines, with probe reaching to engine maker GE Aerospace, following the deadly crash of Jeju Air-operated aircraft at Muan airport, that claimed 179 lives. read more

South Korea will inspect all Boeing 737-800 jets operated by the country's airlines, following the deadly crash of a Jeju Air-operated aircraft that claimed 179 lives

The South Korean transport ministry announced that the inspections of all 101 Boeing 737-800 jets operated by the countrys airlines have been extended for an additional week, amid investigation into the deadly crash involving Jeju Air-operated Boeing 737-800, which resulted in 179 death.

This decision comes as authorities begin the process of lifting the wreckage of the Jeju Air plane, following the nations worst aviation disaster.

Originally set to conclude on Friday, the inspections are now scheduled to be completed by January 10. The extended checks will include ensuring that airlines have dedicated sufficient time for maintenance and properly secured parts for necessary repairs, according to a ministry official.

Advertisement

The probe has reached to GE Aerospace- the company, which was part of the joint venture that produced the engines for the aircraft. GE Aerospace is now assisting in the ongoing inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.

The inspections had initially been set to wrap up on Friday, but another ministry official said further checks would look into matters such as whether airlines spent sufficient time on maintenance and secured parts for repairs.

Video images on social media appear to show smoke emerging from the planes right engine in the lead-up to the crash.

Sundays flight from Bangkok to the southwestern county of Muan belly-landed and overshot the runway at the regional airport, exploding into flames after hitting an embankment.

The ministry has said it would examine engines, maintenance records and landing gear on all 737-800s, with serious violations leading to suspension of an airlines operations.

The planes engines are produced by GE Aerospaces CFM International joint venture with Safran A media representative for GE Aerospace did not immediately respond to Reuters emailed question about the investigation.

Advertisement

The addition of a GE representative takes to 23 the size of the investigation team, including 12 Korean investigators and U.S. representatives from Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

While the cause of the disaster is still unclear, the crash could add to headaches faced by Boeing as the planemaker battles to restore the trust of customers following two fatal 737 MAX crashes, a mid-air panel blowout, and a seven-week strike.

Unanswered questions include why the aircraft did not deploy its landing gear and what led the pilot to apparently rush into a second attempt at landing after telling air traffic control the plane had suffered a bird strike and declaring an emergency.

South Koreas investigation team said two of its members would leave for the United States with the flight data recorder recovered on Monday to analyse the critical data with the NTSB.

Joo expected investigators to finish transcribing the cockpit voice recording from the doomed aircraft in the next several days, making a decision later on disclosure of the transcript.

Advertisement

The ministry also held an emergency meeting with the chief executives of 11 airlines, including top-ranked Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines to discuss ways to beef up aviation safety.

South Koreas acting President Choi Sang-mok urged investigators on Friday to work swiftly to collect evidence from the crash scene and analyse data from the cockpit voice recorder.

On Thursday, police said they were searching Jeju Air and the operator of Muan International Airport. They banned the airlines chief executive, Kim E-bae, and an unidentified official from leaving the country.

Investigators also plan a special inspection of the location and materials of the airport landing system at airports elsewhere in South Korea by Jan. 8.

Advertisement

Safety experts said the embankment, designed to prop up the navigation system that helps pilots make safe descents, was too rigid and too close to the end of the runway.

Investigators will analyse data on 107 mobile phones recovered from the crash site, including text messages, for clues to what happened before the crash, Yonhap News said.
The victory rally, as its being billed, will be held at the Capitol One Arena in the District of Columbia on Jan. 19. Trump has always preferred rally-style events where he can freewheel and joke with his supporters. Hell be inaugurated in a formal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20th. read more

Donald Trump is set to host a large rally in Washington, D.C., the day before his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States. The victory rally will take place at the Capitol One Arena on January 19, just one day before Trumps formal swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on January 20.

The rally, which is an indoor event, will provide Trump with the opportunity to connect with his supporters in his preferred rally-style format, where he often engages with the crowd through spontaneous remarks and humor. The arena, which can accommodate around 20,000 people, will be the venue for this event.

Advertisement

Security measures will be heightened, as the inauguration is categorized as a national special security event, allowing for federal funding and enhanced coordination with local authorities.

This is President Trumps VICTORY RALLY the DAY before being sworn in as the 47th President  the crowd needs to be HUGE! read an email to supporters advertising the event.

Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders to his inauguration  an unorthodox move that would fold U.S. allies and adversaries into a very American political tradition. Its not clear if any leaders will actually attend.

The incoming president has pledged to begin a mass deportation effort as soon as he takes office. Hes also vowed to levy massive tariffs against the United States chief economic competitor, China, as well as neighbors Canada and Mexico unless those countries do more to reduce illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Hes also pledged to move quickly to end Russias nearly three-year war in Ukraine.

With inputs from agencies.
Ethiopias External Affairs Ministry said that talks between senior government officials in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu resulted in an agreement to collaborate on the so-called African Union Support and Stabilization Mission and strengthen bilateral relations read more

Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to collaborate on establishing a multinational security force to tackle the menace of Islamist insurgents. The move signals the improving diplomatic ties between the two neighbouring countries.

On Friday, Ethiopias External Affairs Ministry said that talks between senior government officials in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu resulted in an agreement to collaborate on the so-called African Union Support and Stabilization Mission and strengthen bilateral relations. The ministry, however, did not provide any details on how the two countries would work together.

Advertisement

Under a prior agreement, Ethiopia deployed 3,000 soldiers to Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission. Additionally, up to 7,000 Ethiopian troops were stationed in the Horn of Africa nation under a separate bilateral arrangement.

Ethiopia has been a key contributor to the United Nations-supported force combating al-Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia for nearly two decades.

However, Mogadishu previously opposed Ethiopias continued involvement in the mission following a year-long dispute over Addis Ababas proposal to recognize Somaliland  a breakaway region in northern Somalia  in exchange for access to a port in the semi-autonomous territory.

The development comes after militants in Somalia staged an attack in the semi-autonomous northern Puntland state last week. The Islamic State has a relatively small presence in Somalia compared to the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab, but experts have warned of increasing activity from the group.

A United Nations counter-terrorism official noted increased attacks by Islamic State affiliates in Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia in 2024.

With inputs from AFP
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is travelling to Syria on Friday for a one-day trip with French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, where she will meet Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. read more

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is travelling to Syria on Friday for a one-day trip alongside her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot on behalf of the European Union. During the visit, she will meet with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Syrias new ruling regime, as per the German foreign ministry.

My trip today - together with my French counterpart and on behalf of the EU - is a clear signal to the Syrians: A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible, Baerbock said, according to a ministry statement issued before she left for Damascus.

Advertisement

She added that she was travelling to Syria with an outstretched hand after rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Syrias President Bashar al-Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his familys decades-long rule.

We now have a goal in mind that millions of Syrians also long for: that Syria can once again become a respected member of the international community, she added.

Assads overthrow and HTS seizing control of Damascus

President Bashar al-Assads regime fell in Damascus in December 2024 after a prolonged civil war in the nation. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the leading militant group, seized control of Damascus, and forced Assad to flee to Russia, a close ally of the former President.

This has created a power vacuum, with various rebel groups now controlling different regions of the country.

Moreover, the militant group HTS is leading talks with international stakeholders, including a visit from Turkeys foreign minister, and now foreign ministers from EU nations are also traveling to the crisis-hit country.

The new Syrian government is also working to reassure minority groups and rebuild trust across the nation.
Hamas announced the resumption of talks on Friday (January 3), saying discussions would focus on ensuring the agreement leads to a complete cessation of hostilities (and) the withdrawal of occupation forces read more

Hamas and Israel are set to resume negotiations for a ceasefire on Friday (January 3). Image used for representational purpose/Reuters

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza are set to resume Friday (January 3) in Doha, the Palestinian group has announced.

The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, seek to achieve a complete cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Hamas announced the resumption of talks, stating that the discussions would focus on ensuring the agreement leads to a complete cessation of hostilities (and) the withdrawal of occupation forces.

Advertisement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office has said that he had authorised a delegation from the Mossad intelligence agency, the Shin Bet internal security agency and the military to continue negotiations in Qatar.

Rough road towards Gaza ceasefire

Previous attempts at brokering a ceasefire have faced significant challenges.

In November 2024, Qatar suspended its mediation efforts, citing a lack of genuine commitment from both Israel and Hamas. Doha indicated it would reassess its role unless both parties demonstrated a willingness to negotiate in good faith.

The suspension followed a series of stalled negotiations in the 15-month-long war, with each side blaming the other for the impasse. Hamas accused Israel of setting new conditions, while Israel claimed the Palestinian group was creating new obstacles to a deal.

The heavy toll of the Israel-Hamas war

The war was sparked by Hamas-led militants attack into Israel on October 7, 2023. They killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza. At least a third of them are believed to be dead.

Israels offensive in retaliation has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territorys Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half of the dead people.

The Israeli army says it has killed 17,000 militants. It has not provided any evidence of this.

With inputs from agencies
The foreign ministers of Germany and France on Friday expressed their desire to establish a new relationship with Syria during their visit to Damascus on Friday, where they met the de facto new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on behalf of the European Union read more

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot (left) and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock visit the Saydnaya prison, north of Damascus, on Friday. Reuters

The foreign ministers of Germany and France on Friday expressed their desire to establish a new relationship with Syria during their visit to Damascus on Friday, where they met with the de facto new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on behalf of the European Union.

Annalena Baerbock of Germany and Jean-Noel Barrot of France are the first EU ministers to visit Syria since rebels took control of Damascus on December 8, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his familys long-standing rule.

My trip todayis a clear signal to the Syrians: A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible, Reuters quoted Baerbock as saying before she left for Damascus.

Barrot expressed his hope for a sovereign, stable and peaceful Syria as he visited Damascus for talks on behalf of the European Union.

This hope is real but also fragile, AFP quoted Barrot as saying to journalists at the French embassy in Damascus on his first visit to Syria since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.

Advertisement

Since ousting Assad, Islamist rebels led by Sharaas Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have sought to reassure Arab countries and the international community that they will govern on behalf of all Syrians and not export Islamist revolution.

Western governments have begun to gradually open channels with Sharaa and HTS, a Sunni Muslim group previously affiliated with Al Qaeda and Islamic State, and are starting to debate whether to remove the groups terrorist designation.

A host of questions remain about the future of a multi-ethnic country where foreign states including Turkey and Russia have strong and potentially competing interests.

Baerbock said she was travelling to Syria with an outstretched hand as well as clear expectations of the new rulers, who she said would be judged by their actions.

We know where the HTS comes from ideologically, what it has done in the past, Baerbock was quoted as saying.

But we also hear and see the desire for moderation and for understanding with other important actors, she added, citing talks with US-allied Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The goal now is for Syria to once again become a respected member of the international community, she added.

Advertisement

France is committed to a plural Syria in which everyones rights are preserved within the framework of common citizenship, French diplomatic sources quoted Barrot as saying as he met with Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch Greek Orthodox and other Christian leaders in Damascus.

Barrot, who also met with the Syrian staff who looked after the French embassys closed facilities, said France would work towards re-establishing diplomatic representation in line with political and security conditions, diplomatic sources said.

The two foreign ministers also visited Syrias most notorious prison, the vast Sednaya complex, an emblem of abuses under deposed leader al-Assad.

With inputs from agencies
Since ousting Assad, Syrias new rulers have sought to reassure Arab countries and the international community that they will govern on behalf of all Syrians and not export Islamist revolution read more

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visit Sednaya prison, which was known as a "slaughterhouse" under Syria's Bashar al-Assad rule, after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Sednaya, Syria January 3, 2025. REUTERS

The foreign ministers of Germany and France said they wanted to forge a new relationship with Syria and urged a peaceful transition as they met its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Friday on behalf of the European Union.

Germanys Annalena Baerbock and Frances Jean-Noel Barrot are the first ministers from the EU to visit Syria since rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8 and forced President Bashar al-Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war, ending his familys decades-long rule.

Advertisement

Their trip is meant to send a message of cautious optimism to the Islamist rebels led by Sharaas Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), showing an openness to acknowledging the new rulers while also urging moderation and respect for minorities rights.

Our message to Syrias new leadership: respecting the principles agreed with regional actors and ensuring the protection of all civilians and minorities is of the utmost importance, wrote Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief, on social media platform X about the trip.

The French and German ministers met Sharaa in the Damascus Peoples Palace, but so far no details of their talks have been made public.

Since ousting Assad, Syrias new rulers have sought to reassure Arab countries and the international community that they will govern on behalf of all Syrians and not export Islamist revolution.

Western governments have begun to gradually open channels with Sharaa and HTS, a Sunni Muslim group previously affiliated with Al Qaeda and Islamic State, and are starting to debate whether to remove the groups terrorist designation.

A host of questions remain about the future of a multi-ethnic country where foreign states including Turkey and Russia have strong and potentially competing interests.

Advertisement

OUTSTRETCHED HAND

Baerbock said she was travelling to Syria with an outstretched hand as well as clear expectations of the new rulers, who she said would be judged by their actions.

We know where the HTS comes from ideologically, what it has done in the past, said Baerbock in a statement ahead of the trip, adding that a new beginning to relations could only happen if there is no place for extremism and radical groups.

But we also hear and see the desire for moderation and for understanding with other important actors, she added, citing talks with U.S.-allied Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces.

The goal now is for Syria to once again become a respected member of the international community, she said, which also lies in Europes security interests.

Barrot similarly expressed his hope for a sovereign and safe Syria that would leave no room for terrorism, chemical weapons or malign foreign actors, during a meeting with representatives from Syrian civil society organisations.

Advertisement

Germany and France plan to offer their technical help and advice to Syria as the country drafts a new constitution, Barrot told journalists, saying that hope for the countrys democratic transition was fragile but real.

He called for a political solution for Kurdish fighters in Syria to be integrated into the Syrian state, adding that a permanent ceasefire must be achieved, but he did not respond when asked when the EU could lift sanctions on Syria.

Barrot also visited the French embassy, which has been closed since 2012, where he said France would work towards re-establishing diplomatic representation in line with political and security conditions, diplomatic sources said.

Advertisement

As part of their visit, the ministers took a tour of Syrias most notorious prison, the vast Sednaya complex.

Now its up to the international community to help to bring justice to the people who have suffered here in this prison of hell, Baerbock said.
John Dramani Mahama is set to take office as the West African countrys president next week after winning a Dec. 7 election, staging a political comeback after serving as Ghanas president from 2012 to 2016. read more

Ghanas parliament has passed a provisional budget of 68.1 billion Ghanaian cedis ($4.65 billion) to fund government operations through March, averting an unprecedented shutdown. Parliamentary Speaker Alban Bagbin announced the approval after a late-night session on Thursday.

The budget ensures continuity in government spending as John Dramani Mahama prepares to assume office as Ghanas president next week following his victory in the December 7 election. Mahamas win marks a political comeback after his previous tenure as president from 2012 to 2016.

Advertisement

Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo was due to present his last state-of-the-nation address later on Friday, after eight years leading the goldand oil-exporting nation.

A provisional budget is typically passed in November during election years to cover the gap until the president-elect takes office.

But the presentation of the provisional budget had dragged this time after an impasse over whether the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) or the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) party has a majority of seats in the House.

Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam told the joint business and finance committees the late passage of the provisional budget would not affect government business.

It averts a government shutdown and (the) likelihood of worsening Ghanas ongoing debt default saga, Seth Terkper, a former finance minister, told Reuters.

Almost a third of the approved amount is earmarked for payments to energy-sector service providers, according to the provisional budget.

Mahama, the president-elect, said last month that Ghana was going to face a critical situation in the energy sector, adding that preliminary estimates showed that arrears exceeded $2.5 billion at a time when the power supply was erratic.

Mahama, who contested the election as the main opposition leader, is returning to power amid an economic resurgence from Ghanas worst crisis in a generation.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies.
The value of the yuan has tanked despite the central banks seemingly continued efforts to support the currency. With a weaker yuan, Chinas exports are bound to become cheaper, making them more appealing to buyers read more

The yuan has breached the 7.3 per dollar mark for the first time since 2023. Reuters

The Chinese yuan weakened past the key threshold of 7.3 per dollar on Friday (January 3). The drop marked the first breach of this level since late 2023.

The onshore yuan fell by as much as 0.3 per cent to 7.3174 before recovering some of its losses on Friday. Meanwhile, in overseas trading, the currency declined by 0.2 per cent.

These declines have negatively affected sentiment in other emerging markets. The Taiwan dollar dropped to its lowest level since 2016, and the won erased earlier gains, Bloomberg reported.

Advertisement

The value of the yuan has tanked despite the central banks seemingly continued efforts to support the currency. But could there be more to this development than visible to the eye?

Is there a chance that China is letting the yuan tank on purpose?

Chinas state-owned banks, a key player in maintaining currency stability, briefly stepped away from selling dollars at the 7.3 level.

The break may indicate that the Peoples Bank of China is considering a weaker currency to address rising growth pressures after maintaining stability for over two weeks.

With a weaker yuan, Chinas exports are bound to become cheaper, making them more appealing to buyers.

This could balance out moves Beijing had made in 2022, when due to intervention, yuan climbed to the highest against trading partners exchange rates, potentially affecting export Chinas competitiveness.

Chinas strategy remains unclear. After that brief halt in selling dollars at the 7.3 level, Chinese state-owned banks did resume the offloading.

The break of 7.3 in a way is inevitable with continued dollar strength and the relentless fall in domestic government bond yields, Bloomberg cited Wee Khoon Chong, senior APAC market strategist at BNY as saying. Risk for dollar-yuan remains on the upside.

Advertisement

Beijings strategy remains opaque, but experts do speculate that the PBOCs willingness to let the yuan fall hints towards an effort to address domestic growth pressures. While a weaker currency could aid struggling exporters, it may exacerbate challenges in managing capital flows and preserving investor confidence.
The coastguard said police had detained 196 undocumented Myanmar migrants in the early hours of Friday after their boat came ashore on a beach on the resort island of Langkawi. read more

Malaysias coastguard announced on Friday that it is intensifying patrols in its territorial waters to intercept boats carrying undocumented Myanmar migrants.

The decision follows the detention of 196 Myanmar nationals in the early hours of Friday when their boat arrived on a beach in Langkawi, a resort island in the northwestern state of Kedah.

Based on information the coastguard received, two more boats are carrying undocumented Myanmar migrants at sea but their exact location is still unknown, the coastguard said in a statement.

Advertisement

Authorities have not disclosed details about the migrants condition or the journey but emphasised the need for heightened surveillance to prevent similar incidents. The coastguards efforts are part of a broader initiative to address the increasing influx of undocumented migrants into Malaysia.

Malaysian Coastguard director-general Mohd Rosli Abdullah said authorities were patrolling the northern waters off Langkawi and border areas and had arranged for air surveillance to locate the boats.

The coastguard is also in contact with Thai authorities to identify the movement of the boats carrying the migrants, Mohd Rosli said.

Earlier on Friday, local English daily The Star reported about 200 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar had come ashore on Langkawi. The Rohingya are a mainly Muslim minority in majority Buddhist Myanmar.

The coastguard did not specify in its statement whether the migrants were Rohingya.

Around one million Rohingya have fled, mostly to neighbouring Bangladesh, to escape a Myanmar military offensive launched in August 2017, a campaign that U.N. investigators have described as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Myanmars military rulers deny the allegations.

Malaysia, which does not recognise refugee status, has long been a favoured destination for ethnic Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar or the refugee camps in Bangladesh.

But in recent years, Malaysia has turned away boats carrying Rohingya refugees and rounded up thousands in crowded detention centres as part of a crackdown on undocumented migrants.

Advertisement

Between 2010 and 2024, Malaysian authorities detained 2,089 undocumented Myanmar migrants attempting to enter the country by sea, the coastguard said.

With inputs from agencies.
More than 300,000 migrants crossed the Darien Gap into Panama in 2024, marking a 42% decrease compared to the record number who undertook the dangerous jungle journey from South America the previous year. read more

Authorities let migrants through the razor wire after crossing the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas, US, September 29, 2023. REUTERS/Brian Snyder Purchase Licensing Rights

Over 300,000 migrants crossed the Darien Gap into Panama in 2024, 42% fewer than the record number who made the perilous jungle crossing from South America a year earlier, Panamas migration authorities told Reuters on Thursday.

The dangerous Darien Gap connects Colombia with the Central American nation of Panama and increasing numbers of migrants were making the journey north to reach the United States.

Over 300,000 migrants crossed the Darien Gap into Panama in 2024, 42% fewer than the record number who made the perilous jungle crossing from South America a year earlier, Panamas migration authorities told Reuters on Thursday.

Advertisement

The dangerous Darien Gap connects Colombia with the Central American nation of Panama and increasing numbers of migrants were making the journey north to reach the United States.

Many Venezuelans have been fleeing a prolonged economic collapse in the once-prosperous South American oil-producing nation.

We are working every day to ensure that illegal migration does not reach Panama City or the rest of the country, Mulino said in a speech to lawmakers on Thursday.

Mulino added that his government has deported 1,548 migrants on flights arranged through an agreement with the United States.

However, 209,000 Venezuelans who crossed the Darien last year were permitted to continue their journey as Panama and Venezuela suspended direct flights after Venezuelas disputed July election.

Analysts have warned Panamas measures may not be ultimately successful because they do not tackle the root issues prompting people to migrate, and that they could make the journey even more dangerous.
Russia maintains about 1,500 troops there and long provided free gas. That ended on New Years Day when Ukraine, nearly three years after Moscows full-scale invasion, refused to extend a transit deal letting Russia pump gas across its territory to central and eastern Europe. read more

The closure of one of Russias last gas export routes to Europe is having its greatest impact on a small, predominantly Russian-speaking breakaway region of Moldova. This enclave, long reliant on Moscow for support and protection, now faces growing challenges as the energy supply dwindles.

Russian-backed separatists split from Moldova as the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, winning de facto independence for the region of some 450,000 people known as Transdniestria.

Advertisement

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 Moscows 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.

The blow to Transdniestria was immediate. Households central heating and hot water were cut off on Wednesday. On Thursday, the government said all industrial enterprises apart from food producers had been forced to cease production.

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.

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 rubles. The Baltic pipeline was blown up in an act of sabotage, but details of the attack remain murky.

Advertisement

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.

Russias 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.

Advertisement
The new law, which came into effect on Wednesday, has extensive provisions mainly targeting means of communications and providers of services such as virtual private networks  VPNs  that can help evade network blockages. read more

Myanmars military government, known for its suppression of free speech, has implemented a new cybersecurity law granting extensive control over information flow. The law, detailed in state-run newspapers on Friday adds to the militarys arsenal of tools to stifle dissent and restrict online freedoms.

Eaelier, the military regime relied on broadly worded national security laws to penalize online content and frequently blocked websites and apps to prevent access to information it deemed undesirable. Advanced surveillance and censorship technologies, reportedly sourced from allies China and Russia, have bolstered these efforts.

Advertisement

The newly enacted law effective since Wednesday introduces sweeping measures aimed at regulating communication channels and targeting services like virtual private networks (VPNs) that allow users to bypass censorship and access restricted content.

VPNs connect users to their desired sites through third-party computers, effectively masking from internet service providers and snooping governments what content they are accessing.

Many otherAsiannations also have cybersecurity laws with restrictive aspects that free speech advocates charge are meant to silence dissenting voices.

The military government that took power in Myanmar in February 2021 after ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi has made several previous attempts to throttle traffic on the internet, especially in the months immediately after their takeover.

Resistance to the takeover relied heavily on social media, especially Facebook, to organize street protests.

As nonviolent resistance escalated into armed struggle and other independent media were shut down or forced underground, there was an expansion of online content about and by the f orces resisting military rule. The Telegram chat and social networking app is particularly active.

The new law calls for sanctions including warnings, fines, suspensions and blacklisting for digital platform service providers who fail to comply with rules to prevent, remove, and cease circulation of disinformation and rumors that might cause hate or destroy unity or disrupt stability. Posting any information that might violate existing law, and incite violence, also is subject to penalties.

Advertisement

The law also requires digital platform service providers to keep the names and other personal data and records of their users for up to three years, and to disclose them to the authorities if asked.

It says the authorities can investigate, control, block and shut down digital platform services and electronic information if necessary for the public good and states security, and that action will also be taken against Myanmar citizens abroad who violate any of the laws provisions.

It also says those who establish a VPN or provide VPN services without obtaining the permission of the ministry shall be imprisoned for one month to six months or a fine of 1 million kyats ($476) to 10 million kyats ($4,760).

Advertisement

Any equipment used in violating provisions of the law is subject to seizure.

Users of most free VPN services already found themselves unable to connect in May last year, and there were reports that people stopped by security forces whose phones were found to have VPN apps were fined and detained.

Operators of Myanmars top telecom companies and internet service providers told The Associated Press at the time that access to Facebook, Instagram, X, WhatsApp and VPN services was banned nationwide at the end of May on the order of the Transport and Communications Ministry.

The new law also says anyone who builds an online gambling system without obtaining official permission shall be imprisoned for six months to one year or a fine of 5 million kyats ($2,380) to 20 million kyats ($9,520) or both. Online gambling has been connected with organized crime in Myanmar and other Southeast Asia countries, sometimes linked to online scam centers that are staffed by victims of human trafficking.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies.
By jeopardising the future of the protectorate it has backed for three decades in an effort to destabilise Moldova, Russia is revealing the inevitable outcome for all its allies  betrayal and isolation, Dorin Recean said in a statement read more

Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, US, on September 27, 2024. Reuters File

Moldova faces a security crisis after tens of thousands of residents in the breakaway enclave of Transdniestria were cut off from Russian gas supply, Prime Minister Dorin Recean said on Friday.

Flows of Russian gas via Ukraine which supplied central and eastern Europe were halted at the end of 2024 as Kyiv rejected doing further business with Moscow.

Recean said Moldova would cover its energy needs with domestic production and imports but noted the separatist Transdniestria region had suffered a painful hit despite its ties with Moscow.

Advertisement

By jeopardising the future of the protectorate it has backed for three decades in an effort to destabilise Moldova, Russia is revealing the inevitable outcome for all its allies  betrayal and isolation, Recean said in a statement.

We treat this as a security crisis aimed at enabling the return of pro-Russian forces to power in Moldova and weaponising our territory against Ukraine, with whom we share a 1,200 km border.

The southeast European nation of about 2.5 million people has been in the spotlight since Russias invasion of neighbouring Ukraine at a time of mounting tensions between Moscow and the West.

Its pro-European President Maia Sandu won a second term in an election last year and has pledged to accelerate reform and consolidate democratisation.

Moldova plans to hold a parliamentary election this summer.

The mainly Russian-speaking territory of Transdniestria, which split from Moldova in the 1990s, received Russian gas via Ukraine.

In turn, Moldova used to receive the bulk of its electricity from Transdniestria but with Kyiv making clear it would stop gas transit from Russia, the Chisinau government prepared alternative arrangements, with a mixture of domestic production and electricity imports from Romania, Recean said.

Advertisement

He said the Moldovan government remained committed to helping the enclave.

Alternative energy solutions, such as biomass systems, generators, humanitarian aid, and essential medical supplies, are ready for delivery should the breakaway leadership accept the support, the government said in a statement.

Transdniestrias pro-Russian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky has said the region had gas reserves that could cover 10 days of limited usage in northern parts and twice as long in the south.
Slovakia was miffed with the new orders from Ukraine since it now stands to lose millions of euros in transit fees for natural gas. The latest warning from the Solvakian premier came a month after the UNs refugee agency (UNHCR) estimated that there were around 130,530 Ukrainian refugees in the Central European nation out of 6,813,900 globally read more

Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico on Thursday threatened to cut financial support to Ukrainian refugees as the dispute between Moscow and Kyiv over gas supplies across Europe escalates. On January 1, Ukraine announced that it was shutting down a pipeline which provided Russian national gas to central European nations for decades.

Slovakia was miffed with the new orders from Ukraine since it now stands to lose millions of euros in transit fees for natural gas. The latest warning from the Solvakian premier came a month after the UNs refugee agency (UNHCR) estimated that there were around 130,530 Ukrainian refugees in the Central European nation out of 6,813,900 globally, BBC reported.

Advertisement

In December, Fico made a surprise visit to Russia where he met the countrys President Vladimir Putin. At that time Fico described Ukraines decision to shut down the pipeline as sabotage.

Slovakian PM threatened the Ukrainian refugees

On Thursday, the Prime Minister of the EU-member nation said that he would propose halting electricity exports to Ukraine and also sharply reduce financial support to Ukrainians who are seeking refugee in Slovakia.

He maintained that while there was no risk of Slovakia itself suffering from gas shortages, as it had already made alternative arrangements, the shutting down of the pipeline would affect the whole of Central Europe, BBC reported. Fico maintained that Zelenskyys decision to turn off the tap would also deprive Slovakia of 500 million Euros in transit fees from other nations.

He insisted that his government was ready to debate halting supplies of electricity and the significant lowering of support for Ukrainian citizens in Slovakia. The only alternative for a sovereign Slovakia is a renewal of transit or demanding compensation mechanisms that will replace the loss in public finances, Fico furthered.

After Fico visited Russia last month, Zelenskyy accused him of helping Putin to fund the ongoing war against Ukraine. Fico is dragging Slovakia into Russias attempts to cause more suffering for Ukrainians, the Ukrainian leader said at that time. Meanwhile, Poland has offered support to Kyiv if Slovakia cut off electricity supplies which is crucial for the war-stricken nation during the winters.

Advertisement

The Polish government went on to call Kyivs decision to shutdown of Russian gas supplies another victory against Moscow while the European Commission said the EU had prepared for the change and most states could cope. However, Moldova, which is not an EU member is gravely suffering from the new shortages. While Russia is cut off from supplying natural gas to several Central European nations, it can still send gas to Hungary, Turkey and Serbia through the TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea.

With inputs from agencies.
The recent standoff in South Korea, where Yoon Suk Yeols arrest was thwarted by his Presidential Security Service (PSS), raises significant questions about the implications for acting President Choi Sang-mok. Experts suggest that Chois failure to order the PSS to stand down could set the stage for his own impeachment, according to a report read more

As many as 100 police officers armed with an arrest warrant on Friday failed to arrest suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol as they were blocked by Yoons security team, who formed a human barrier and used vehicles to obstruct their way.

The incident underscores the complex dynamics of South Korean politics, especially as acting President Choi Sang-mok has yet to order the Presidential Security Service (PSS) to stand down.

According to a BBC report, citing experts, if Choi is unwilling to issue such an order, it could lead to his own impeachment by the National Assembly.

Advertisement

It has been an unprecedented month for South Korean politics - Yoons shocking yet short-lived martial law order was followed by an impeachment vote against him. Then came the criminal investigation, his refusal to appear for questioning and, earlier this week, a warrant for his arrest.

According to the report, thousands of supporters gathered outside Yoons home on Friday morning to protest the attempted arrest.

Despite Yoons current predicament, he maintains a significant support base, added the report.

As a result of the impeachment by parliament and his suspension from office, Yoon now awaits a decision from the constitutional court, which has the authority to formally remove him from power.

So why has it proven so difficult for police to arrest him?

Despite being stripped of his presidential powers following his impeachment by lawmakers, Yoon remains entitled to a security detail. This team played a crucial role in preventing his arrest on Friday.

The presidential security service (PSS) could have acted out of loyalty to Yoon or under a misguided understanding of their legal and constitutional role, BBC quoted Mason Richey, an associate professor at Seouls Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, as saying.

Given that Yoon has been suspended, the PSS should be taking directions from acting President Choi Sang-mok.

Advertisement

They have either not been instructed by acting President Choi to stand down, or they are refusing his orders to do so, added Richey.

According to the report, citing some experts, the security officers were showing unconditional loyalty to Yoon, rather than the office itself.

They point to the fact that the PSSs chief Park Jong-joon was appointed to the job by Yoon last September.

It may well be the case that Yoon has seeded the organisation with hardline loyalists in preparation for precisely this eventuality, BBC quoted US-based lawyer and Korea expert Christopher Jumin Lee as saying.

And that Parks predecessor was former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is accused of advising Yoon to impose martial law. He is currently being held for questioning as part of the criminal investigation into Yoon.

Advertisement

The simplest solution, Lee says, is for acting president Choi to order the PSS to stand down in the interim.

If he is unwilling to do so, that may be grounds for his own impeachment by the National Assembly, he was quoted as saying.

Choi, who is the finance minister, had stepped in to lead the country after lawmakers voted to impeach Yoons first successor, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

This political stalemate highlights the deep polarisation in South Korean politics, dividing supporters of Yoon and his controversial martial law decision from those who oppose it.

While most South Koreans believe Yoons declaration of martial law on December 3 was unjust and that he should be held accountable, there is a lack of consensus on what accountability should entail, Duyeon Kim, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told BBC.

Advertisement

The actors involved disagree over process, procedure and their legal basis, which is adding to the current political uncertainty, she said.

That uncertainty is also creating tense stand-offs like the one that unfolded on Friday in and outside Yoons presidental residence, where his supporters have been camping out for days, leading to heated speeches and even skirmishes with police.

Law enforcement could return with more agents and use force but that would be highly dangerous, Richey was quoted as saying.

The PSS too is heavily armed, so arresting officers would be looking to avoid any escalation.

What happens if the police show up with additional warrants calling for the arrest of PSS personnel, (the PSS) defy those warrants as well and then brandish their guns? Lee asked.

Advertisement

Police are investigating the PSS director and his deputy for obstructing their efforts, potentially leading to additional charges and arrest warrants.

The fallout from Yoons martial law order presents a challenge for the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which has been investigating him since its establishment four years ago in response to public outrage over former President Park Geun-hyes impeachment and corruption scandal.

While South Korean presidents have previously faced imprisonment, Yoon is the first to confront the possibility of arrest before leaving office.

Investigators have until January 6 to detain Yoon under the current warrant, with plans to attempt another arrest this weekend, although a growing crowd of supporters may complicate those efforts. They could also apply for a new warrant to detain him again.

As South Korea navigates this unprecedented situation, uncertainty is likely to persist.

With inputs from agencies
Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office were allowed to enter Yoons residence in Seoul to arrest the doomed leader. If Yoon is detained in the ongoing standoff, he would become the first sitting president of South Korea to be arrested read more

South Korean law enforcement officials entered the presidential residence on Friday in an attempt to execute the arrest warrant against the countrys impeached President Yoon Suk-Yeol. Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office were allowed to enter Yoons residence in Seoul to arrest the doomed leader. According to South Korean news outlet Yonhap, the investigators met with some resistance from Yoons supporters.

On Friday, the investigators released a statement announcing that they are executing the arrest warrant. The execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol has begun, the office said. If Yoon is detained in the ongoing standoff, he would become the first sitting president of South Korea to be arrested. After the execution of the warrant, the investigators will have 48 hours to investigate him and either request a warrant for his formal arrest or release him, Yonhap reported.

Advertisement

The standoff took place a month after the South Korean National Assembly impeached Yoon, following the botched execution of martial law across the country. The authorities have already arrested Yoons defence minister, police chief and several top military commanders over their roles in the martial law declaration.

Why is Yoon being arrested?

Apart from the impeachment proceedings, Yoon faces allegations of stirring an insurrection during the short-lived marital law. Yoon rattled the county after he declared martial law on December 3. At that time he said that the move aimed to root out anti-state, pro-North Korean forces  a reference to opposition MPs in the national assembly.

However, he did not provide evidence to support his claims which prompted backlash from both the ruling and the opposition lawmakers. Yoon was eventually forced to lift the order six hours later after members of the national assembly stormed into the South Korean parliament to vote down the law.

Soon after the martial law was lifted, investigators began their attempt to take Yoon to court over the matter. According to Yonhap, the impeached South Korean president is currently holed up inside his residence in Seoul, as of 8:15 am (local time). The warrant came after Yoon ignored multiple court summons in the case.

It is pertinent to note that insurrection is one of the few crimes from which a South Korean president does not have immunity. If found guilty, the president can face heavy penalties, including life imprisonment or a death sentence. The ultra-conservative politicians two and a half years in office have been marred by scandal and policy gridlock.

Chaos outside Yoons residence

According to South Korean broadcasters YTN, around 2,800 police had been mobilised in the area as Yoons supporters tried to block the investigators from entering the building. The arrest warrant is due to expire on Monday and there is no immediate report of clashes between civilians and authorities as of now. It is also unclear exactly how police would make the arrest and whether they would be blocked by members of the presidential security service.

Meanwhile, about 100 protesters had gathered near Yoons residence before dawn after reports of his arrest started to swirl. We have to block them with our lives, one was heard saying to the crowd, YTN reported. Earlier, the South Korean leader told his supporters that he would fight the ongoing saga until the end.

Advertisement

I am watching on YouTube live all the hard work you are doing, Yoon said in a letter to his supporters. I will fight until the end to protect this country together with you, he added.

Meanwhile, a second constitutional court hearing in the impeachment case, which is separate from the criminal investigation is scheduled to take place later on Friday. Amid the chaos, Yoons defence lawyers issued a statement in which they said that they would take legal action over the illegal execution of a warrant for his arrest, Yonhap reported.

With inputs from agencies.
While specific routes were not disclosed, the airline plans to minimize passenger inconvenience by concentrating reductions on international routes with more than two daily flights. Jeju Airs key routes include destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka read more

The wreckage of a Boeing 737-800 plane operated by South Korean budget airline Jeju Air lies at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, on Tuesday. AP

After the devastating crash of one of its aircraft, South Koreas Jeju Air on Friday declared that it would slash around 1,900 domestic and international flights in the next couple of months to prioritise operational safety checks.

Flight 2216 from Bangkok to Muan broke up in a fiery ball of flames after colliding with a concrete installation at the end of the runway following a mayday call and emergency belly-landing.

Jeju Air management support division head Song Kyung-hoon said, As for international flights, the reductions will primarily occur on major routes with high frequencies, such as those to Japan and South-east Asia.

Advertisement

We are currently undergoing necessary administrative procedures. Once these are completed, we will guide reserved passengers to book alternative flights of their choice.

How many flights will be affected?

While specific routes were not disclosed, the airline plans to minimize passenger inconvenience by concentrating reductions on international routes with more than two daily flights. Jeju Airs key routes include destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka in Japan, as well as Da Nang in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, domestic flights run by Jeju Air will be hit first as reductions could begin as early as next week. International flights will be reduced by the third week of January as Jeju Air plans to cut down 15 per cent of operations during the winter operation.

The budget airline previously revealed that around 67,000 reservations were cancelled between December 29, shortly after the tragedy, and the afternoon of December 30. This included 33,000 domestic and 34,000 international bookings, sparking concerns about a potential liquidity crisis.

Jeju Air wreckage cleanup begins

South Korean investigators said Friday they expected to find more human remains as they began lifting the wreckage of the Jeju Air jet that crashed on landing last weekend killing all but two of the 181 passengers and crew aboard.

Using large yellow cranes, investigators began lifting sections of the planes scorched fuselage Friday, including what appeared to be an engine and the tail section.

Today, we will lift the tail section of the plane, said Na Won-ho, head of investigations for the South Jeolla provincial police.

We expect there may be remains found in that section, he told a press conference at Muan International Airport, where the crash happened.

For all that to be complete and to have the results, we must wait until tomorrow.

With inputs from AFP
As Trudeau remains aloof from the public eye, his Liberal Party colleagues are pushing him to quit as the partys numbers dip. A recent poll by Nanos Research showed the Conservative Party taking the lead in the upcoming elections read more

Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the federal Liberal caucus holiday party, the day after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland unexpectedly resigned, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada December 17, 2024. Reuters file

Where is Justin Trudeau? The Canadian prime minister has reportedly been absent from the public eye since December 16, the day Chrystia Freeland, Trudeaus most trusted ally and the countrys finance minister, announced her shock resignation.

According to a Bloomberg report, Trudeau spent much of the holiday season at a ski resort in western Canada and is not planning to make any official public appearances in the first week of January. At the same time, the Liberal leader has not announced his future course of action either.

Advertisement

Trudeau faces pressure

As Trudeau remains aloof from the public eye, his Liberal Party colleagues are pushing him to quit as the partys numbers dip. A recent poll by Nanos Research showed the Conservative Party taking the lead in the upcoming elections.

According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, members of the Liberal caucus in Quebec, Prime Minister Trudeaus home province, have urged him to step down, following a similar call from their counterparts in Ontario.

Some party leaders have even openly asked Trudeau to step aside. Toronto lawmaker Rob Oliphant posted a letter online asking the prime minister to make way for a new leader elected through a robust, open leadership contest.

Kody Blois, Member of the House of Commons, said, The country could face instability, notably from an economic threat in the potential of a 25% US tariff on Canadian imports from the incoming administration.

He added, Simply put, time is of the essence, and that its not tenable for Trudeau to stay.

What could happen next?

There is no mechanism for Trudeaus party to force him out in the short term. He could resign, or his party could be forced from power by a no confidence vote in Parliament that would trigger an election that would very likely favour the opposing Conservative Party.

If his party were to survive a vote in Parliament  which seems increasingly unlikely  Trudeau could choose to stay on as prime minister until there is an election.

With voters deeply unhappy, Parliament has the authority to try to knock Trudeaus Liberal party from power by holding a no confidence vote that would trigger an early election. And if a majority of Parliament votes against his government, Trudeau would then be erased in the election, Canadian historian Robert Bothwell.

Advertisement

With inputs from agencies
As the US affordable car market depends on Mexico-made cars, US President-elect Donald Trumps pledge to impose 25% on imports from Mexico would increase costs for average American customer read more

US President-elect Donald Trumps promised tariffs are expected to make affordable cars more expensive for US customers.

Shortly after winning the election, Trump pledged to impose 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada for their failure to stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants into the United States from their territories. He also pledged to impose 10 per cent tariffs on imports from China on top of existing levies.

Advertisement

In recent decades, Mexico has become a hub of automobile manufacturing, particularly affordable models. Most of the cars made in Mexico, including in the affordable car segment, are shipped to be sold in the United States.

As tariffs on imports from Mexico would increase the selling price of these cars, the manufacturers and dealers would pass on the costs to customers, meaning the average American would have to pay more than what they would pay now.

The forecast for affordable cars is in line with forecast for American households in general. If Trump follows through on tariff pledges made on the election trail, an American family would spend $2,600 more a year, according to an analysis by Peterson Institute of International Economics (PIIE).

Automakers & customers to suffer from Trumps tariffs

Trumps tariffs are going to affect both automakers and costumers.

In Mexico, more than 20 automakers manufacture around 4 million vehicles a year and ship 70 per cent of these vehicles to the United States for sale, according to figures from the Mexican Association of the Automotive Industry (MAAI) carried by Wall Street Journal.

Among the critical segment of affordable cars under $30,000, around one-third are made in Mexico, including popular models like Nissan Sentra and Ford Maverick, according to an analysis by car-shopping website Edmunds carried by Journal.

A Wolfe Research estimate cited by the newspaper said that Trumps tariffs could increase the average cost of a car in the United States by up to $3,000.

Advertisement

The automobile sector, which is already reeling globally from the impact of Chinese dumping of artificially-discounted vehicles, is bracing for Trump in more ways than one. Trump has indicated that he would cut incentives for electronic vehicles (EVs) as he does not believe in the EVs promise from climates perspective.

An S&P Global report carried by the newspaper said that European and American automakers could lose up to 17 per cent of combined annual core profits if Trump imposes tariffs on Europe, Mexico, and Canada.

For EV-makers already operating on razor-thin margins, scenario planning is in hyper mode.

Add to this supply-chain uncertainties and labor shortages and its clear that many suppliers are in dire straits. The scenario planning is in hyper mode, said Felix Stellmaszek of Boston Consulting Group to Reuters.

Advertisement

Steven Center, head of Kias US operations, told Journal that everyones got a pretty big case of anxiety.

Everyones got a pretty big case of anxiety here. In two words: Please dont. Punch me in the arm. Smack me in the head. But please dont put a tariff on, said Center.

Why automakers prefer Mexico

Automakers prefer Mexico because of low costs and easy access to the US market.

In Mexico, wages at automobile plants range on an average from $3.50 to $4.30 per hour, said Ernesto Bravo, the head of western division of Tecma Group to Journal.

For comparison, the wages in the United States are around $33 per hour.

This means that labour costs in Mexico are down manyfold in Mexico.

Advertisement

The lower labour costs coupled with availability of large tracts of land to build facilities led to Mexico becoming a hub of cheaper cars which would not be affordable if made in a country like the United States with higher costs.

Trump believes that his tariffs would force manufacturers to shift base to the United States that would result in more blue collar jobs. As Trumps main voter base comprises of White people without college education, the promise to bring blue collar manufacturing jobs has been critical in the outreach to this segment.
While this is not the first instance of military extremism, America witnessed in recent years, the two deadly attacks amplified the question about the number of radical veterans and active duty that are present in the US military read more

One of the common aspects of the devastating incidents in New Orleans and Los Angeles was the fact that the primary suspects of the New Years Day attacks were US military men. This raised questions and concerns about the rising trend of extremism within the US armed forces.

The suspect behind the truck that caused a rampage and killed 14 in New Orleans was a man named Shamsud-Din Jabbar who was a US Army Veteran. Meanwhile, the man who was allegedly behind the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside of the International Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Matthew Livelsberger, was an active-duty service member in the Army.

Advertisement

While this is not the first instance of military extremism, America witnessed in recent years, the two deadly attacks amplified the question about the number of radical veterans and active duty that are present in the US military and whether the Pentagon should do something to deal with the situation.

At the heart of the issue

Heidi Beirich, a co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism told The Hill that this unresolved problem should be concerning for the US since military men are trained to kill more efficiently. The military has not adequately addressed the problem, whether its white supremacists or Islamic extremists, she said. These cases are a reminder of how important it is that people with the potential to become extreme arent trained in military tactics.

42-year-old Jabbar served in the US Army from 2007 to 2020, including a year of deployment in Afghanistan, and retired as a staff sergeant. While sharing more details about Jabbar, Christopher Raia, the deputy assistant director of the FBIs counterterrorism division, said in a Thursday press conference that the US vet shared at least five videos propagating the ideology of ISIS, which the suspect claimed to have joined last year.

In the presser, Raia made it clear that there is no apparent connection between the two attacks and the FBI is investigating how Jabbar became radicalised. A lot of questions we are still asking ourselves, he said. Thats the stuff that in the coming days, as far as that path to radicalization, that were really going to be digging into and make it a priority.

Meanwhile, less is known about the motivation of Livelsberger who police have identified as the suspect behind the Cybertruck explosion in from of the Trump International Hotel in LA. According to the FBI, Livelsberger was an active-duty Green Beret stationed in Germany but was on leave for the holidays. He was serving as his mater Sargent, during his deployment.

Advertisement

While speaking on the matter, Todd Helmus, a senior behavioural scientist at RAND Corporation and a violent extremist expert told The Hill that he was surprised to learn about Livelsberger since he claimed that extremism is more prominent among veterans who often struggle with a range of factors once leaving service. This includes issues like mental health issues, finding work leaving behind comrades, etc.

All these issues can be complicating challenges for veterans, he said. These life challenges that can happen when people leave military services in the close-knit communities, they might be more at risk of radicalization or recruitment," he added.

Advertisement

Instances of military extremism

It is pertinent to note that this is not the first case in recent history that an active military member engaged in such sort of violent attack. In 2023, a man named Robert Card carried out the devastating mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, that led to the death of 18 people. The card was part of the US Army reservist. Back in 2020, Steven Carrillo, an active-duty airman at the time, killed two police officers after expressing antigovernment beliefs. He is currently serving 41 years of prison sentence.

Nidal Hasan, an Army major and psychiatrist was the main culprit of one of the deadliest shootings ever on a US military base. The incident led to the death of 13 people and injured 30 others. Later investigations found that Hasans colleagues had been aware of signs of his radicalization.

Interestingly, several US veterans and active-duty military personnel were charged with or convicted for their involvement in the January 6 riots on Capitol Hill. The main perpetrators of the riots were US President-elect Trumps supporters who attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 US presidential election in which current US President Joe Biden won.

Advertisement

Last year, the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland found that at least 721 individuals belonging to the US military committed criminal acts from 1990 through April 2024. While the number did not hit four figures, it is still concerning.
The Commercial Press' "Chinese Translations of World Academic Masterpieces Series" reaches 1,000 titles

15:24, January 03, 2025 By Zhang Mingse ( People's Daily

The Commercial Press, a leading publishing house in China, just celebrated a remarkable milestone in 2024: 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, Chinese translations of 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 1940s, 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 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.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming)
Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a likely defeat in the first round of voting for House speaker, having lost the backing of at least three GOP members, according to a report read more

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., accompanied by his wife Kelly Johnson, left, walks to the House Chamber before starting the 119th United States Congress at the Capitol in Washington, on Friday. AP

Speaker Mike Johnson is facing a likely defeat in the first round of voting for House speaker, having lost the backing of at least three GOP members.

According to a CNN report, Rep. Keith Self voted for fellow Freedom Caucus member Byron Donalds, while Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Ralph Norman of North Carolina also declined to support Johnson.

In addition to these votes against him, six Republicans chose to abstain. Those members  GOP Reps. Andy Biggs, Andrew Clyde, Michael Cloud, Paul Gosar, Andy Harris and Chip Roy  all were silent when their names were called, though they will have another chance to vote at the end of the roll call.

Advertisement

Although Self has been positioned near the defectors, he has largely remained quiet. In contrast, Rep. Victoria Spartz, a previous holdout, cast her vote for Johnson.

Meanwhile, while the first House speaker vote has not yet been called, Johnson is on track to lose with the current breakdown, and the House is poised to go immediately into a second vote without a break.

Johnson faces a challenging situation due to the narrowest House majority in nearly a century, allowing for little margin of error.

Johnson can only tolerate one GOP defection if all lawmakers are present and vote.

While the Louisiana Republican has the support of President-elect Donald Trump, it will be House Republicans who will decide whether to reelect him to his post as Speaker of the House.

Far-right Republicans have at times grown frustrated with Johnsons leadership and are prone to demanding concessions when their votes become essential.

A flop by Johnson could throw Mondays congressional certification of Trumps 2024 election victory into turmoil without a House speaker.

The election of the speaker must be completed before the House can take any other actions, including swearing in its members, adopting a rules package and, eventually, certifying President-elect Trumps victory Monday.

To be elected speaker, a candidate must win a majority of votes out of all votes cast. If all 435 members of the House vote, then a majority is 218 votes.

Advertisement

There is expected to be one vacancy when the House convenes for the vote. Former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida has said he wont take the seat he was elected to in the new Congress.

That leaves 434 members with 219 Republicans and 215 Democrats. If all 434 vote, it takes 218 to win.

With inputs from agencies
While the GOP holds a razor-thin 219-215 in the House of Representatives, Johnson can afford to lose only one vote. The pro-Trump leader has already crossed the threshold after Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie publicly declared his intention to vote against the incumbent speaker read more

US Speaker of the House Mike Johsons grip over power will be tested on Friday amid mounting opposition from his own Republican Party. Despite receiving an endorsement from US President-elect Donald Trump, Johnson is facing challenges from the Republican leaders who are planning to derail his re-election bid.

While the GOP holds a razor-thin 219-215 in the House of Representatives, Johnson can afford to lose only one vote. The pro-Trump leader has already crossed the threshold after Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie publicly declared his intention to vote against the incumbent speaker. The 52-year-old assumed speakership following the historic ousting of Johnsons predecessor Kevin McCarthy last year. However, in his brief time in the office, Johnson caught himself appeasing and finding a balance between hardline conservatives and maintaining functional governance.

Advertisement

Johnson attracted enemies after his decision to work with Democrats across the aisle to provide billions of dollars to Ukraine, which is currently embroiled in a war against Russia. According to The Guardian, the move bothered both the GOPs libertarian and far-right flank. I dont know how to say this without cussing, Massie told reporters when asked about supporting Johnson. If they thought I had no Fs to give before, I definitely have no Fs to give now," he added.

Johnson navigates through a faction war

Johnson was able to secure the office of the speaker after he received support from some Democratic Party leaders when McCarthy was ousted. If he fails to secure a majority this time around, the House will again hit the state of paralysis until a new speaker is elected. It is pertinent to note that without a speaker, no business will proceed in the House.

There has been brewing rebellion within the GOP despite Trumps strong grip in the congress. While on Monday, Trump offered a Complete & Total Endorsement of Johnson, the support did little to cool down the overall dissent among the Republicans. As of now, Trump was able to sway some Republicans like one-time sceptic Texas representative Troy Nehls. But other prominent non-committal Republicans like Arizona representative Andy Biggs, Pennsylvanias Scott Perry and Chip Roy of Texas are yet to sway in Johnsons favour.

According to Axios, the chair of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, Andy Harris of Maryland, and Tennessee representative Tim Burchett are also still undecided whether they will support Johnson this time or not. Another notable mum is from the Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert, who last May reasoned that it makes no difference to me who becomes House speaker because she insisted that the Democrats end up getting their agendas passed in any scenario.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Republican Victoria Spartz demanded assurances [Johnson] wont sell us out to the swamp in a post on X before pledging her support. Interestingly, the situation mirrors the chaos that the House was engulfed in last October when his removal led to infighting within the Repunlican Party and Johnson was once again chosen as a compromise candidate.

Advertisement

Some Republicans are also raising alarms that opposing Johnson could strengthen the position of the Democratic leader, Hakeem Jeffries, position and potentially disrupt the upcoming electoral college certification.

With inputs from agencies.
US President Joe Biden claims blocking the deal is in the interest of national security. However, critics argue that it may be a decision laced with political motivation, as the companys fate is intertwined with union workers views and Pennsylvanians sentiments read more

President Joe Biden on Friday (January 3) blocked Japans Nippon Steel from acquiring US Steel in a $14.3 billion deal, citing national security concerns and marking a significant intervention in a politically charged transaction.

The decision, which aligns with the United Steelworkers unions staunch opposition, actually points to broader anxieties about foreign ownership of critical American industries.

As I have said many times, steel production  and the steel workers who produce it  are the backbone of our nation, Biden said in a statement.

Advertisement

A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains.

The move caps months of contentious debate over the proposed acquisition, announced in December 2023. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which reviews foreign mergers for national security risks, failed to reach a consensus, leaving the decision to the president, CNN reported.

Bidens rejection comes despite claims from US Steel and Nippon that the deal would revitalise the struggling steelmaker with $2.7 billion in investment for its domestic operations.

Union support and political calculations

The United Steelworkers union, representing 11,000 of US Steels 14,000 employees, applauded the decision, saying it protects union jobs and national security. We have no doubt that its the right move for our members and our nation, the union said.

However, critics argue the decision was politically motivated.

Founded in 1901, US Steel was once the worlds most valuable company, symbolising Americas industrial dominance.

Today, it is no longer the largest US steelmaker and struggles to compete in a changing market, according to CNN.

However, it remains a point of pride in key political battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, where its legacy looms large despite decades of decline.

While the company now employs far fewer workers, it still supports nearly 18,000 retirees through pension funds and holds sentimental value for many families.

Industry concerns

US Steel and Nippon issued a joint statement condemning the decision and vowing to challenge it in court. The presidents statement and order do not present any credible evidence of a national security issue, making clear that this was a political decision, the companies said. They warned that blocking the deal would deny essential investment, risking the closure of mills and thousands of union jobs.

Blocking this transaction means denying billions of committed investment to extend the life of US Steels ageing facilities, the statement added.
The UN says that UNRWA cannot be replaced by any other agency once the new laws come into effect. In October last year, the Knesset overwhelmingly voted for the suspension of UNRWAs work in the West Bank and Gaza read more

A Palestinian carries an aid box distributed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on November 4, 2024. Reuters File

The offices of UNRWA in Gaza and the West Bank will likely shut down amid growing restrictions from the Israeli government that seek to severely limit the rights groups operation in the region.

According to a report by the New York Times, the Israeli government recently tabled and passed two bills that laid the groundwork to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The provisions of the bill will take effect this month.

Advertisement

The UN says that UNRWA cannot be replaced by any other agency once the new laws come into effect. In October last year, the Knesset overwhelmingly voted for the suspension of UNRWAs work in the West Bank and Gaza.

Jamie McGoldrick, the official responsible for overseeing the work of UNRWA in Gaza and the West Bank, said, It would be a massive impact on an already catastrophic situation. f that is what the Israeli intention is  to remove any ability for us to save lives  you have to question what is the thinking and what is the end goal?

How will the plan go by?

Meanwhile, the Benjamin Netanyahu-led administration has not made it clear how it will enforce the new laws and has also fallen short of directly addressing UNRWAs work in the region, ministers have accused the agency of harbouring terrorists.

In late December, Israels Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, declined to elaborate on the governments stance toward UNRWA in the territories during a press briefing. She suggested that Palestinian officials should address UNRWA in the West Bank.

On the other hand, UN officials are all set to shutter its operations in both the West Bank and Gaza as the new laws will prohibit Israeli officials from interacting with UNRWA, which the agency says is crucial for delivering aid to Palestinians.

Louise Wateridge, a senior UNRWA official, said, If we cant share that information with Israeli authorities on a daily basis then we have staff lives in danger.

Advertisement

The Israeli legislators who proposed the law have expressed hopes that it will lead to the removal of UNRWA from Gaza and the West Bank. Some have noted that the 90-day implementation period was designed to allow other aid organizations to step in and replace UNRWA.

How has UNRWA been crucial?

UNRWA, the primary UN agency supporting Palestinians, is distinct from other U.N. organizations. With a workforce of 30,000, predominantly Palestinians, the agency provides a wide range of services to six million Palestinians in Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, including education, healthcare, job training, food assistance, and waste management.
The sanctions come days after the Treasury disclosed that a China state-sponsored hacking group had breached its systems earlier this year read more

The United States on Friday (January 3) imposed sanctions on a Beijing-based hacking group with ties to the Chinese government.

Washington accused the group of targeting critical US government infrastructure in cyberattacks dating back to 2021.

The Treasury Department said the sanctions targeted Integrity Technology Group for its role in cyberattacks on US entities, including those in critical infrastructure sectors. The department described the company as a significant contractor for the Chinese government.

Advertisement

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that hackers working for Integrity Tech, a.k.a Flax Typhoon, were operating at the direction of the Chinese government, targeting critical infrastructure in the United States and overseas.

Acting Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith said the US would continue to hold cyber actors and their enablers accountable. The Treasury Department will not hesitate to hold malicious cyber actors and their enablers accountable for their actions, Smith said in a statement.

Backdrop to the sanctions

The sanctions come days after the Treasury disclosed that a China state-sponsored hacking group had breached its systems earlier this year. The unnamed actor gained access to some of the departments workstations and unclassified documents by compromising a third-party cybersecurity provider, according to a Treasury spokesperson.

The treasury department hack followed news in late October that the two major US presidential campaigns were targeted. The FBI had blamed those attacks on China.

While Fridays announcement attributed the breach to Chinese malicious cyber actors, it did not accuse Integrity Tech of involvement in the attack on Treasury systems.

Asked about the report of the hacking incident, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, had earlier said that the irrational US claim was without any factual basis and represented smear attacks against Beijing.

Chinese companies, individuals, and entities frequently face US sanctions, which Washington employs as a critical tool in its foreign policy toward Beijing.

With inputs from agencies
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is expected to visit India next week, barely days before President Joe Biden vacates White House for Donald Trump. Read here to know why and for what is Sullivan travelling to India read more

Before US President Joe Biden ends his four-year term and hands over the power to Donald Trump on January 20, National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan is travelling to India for what will be a last formal interaction with the outgoing administration.

Sullivan will be visiting India on January 6-7, a report by Hindustan Times cited people familiar with the matter saying on condition of anonymity. However, there has been no formal announcement from either of the sides.

Advertisement

Why is US NSA Jake Sullivan visiting India?

Sullivan will be in India for a review of the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) as well as for bilateral talks.

On Monday, the US NSA and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval are expected to co-chair the meeting to review progress under the iCET which was announced by Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2022 to elevate and expand our strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation between the governments, businesses, and academic institutions of our two countries. .

Sullivan and Doval are expected to hold the conversation cutting across tech and strategic domains, ranging from AI, quantum computing, semiconductors to space.

Notably, this will be the third round of talks on the iCET with first being held in January 2023. For the second meeting in June 2024, Sullivan travelled to India and both the two sides agreed on the next steps in their strategic technology partnership as well as pledged to remove long-standing barriers to strategic trade.

Sullivans India visit: Whats on agenda?

Apart from iCET review meet, Sullivan is also expected to meet PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

A report by The Indian Express quoted sources as saying that Sullivans upcoming visit will be his farewell call to PM Modi, and will be an important gesture from the Biden administration towards New Delhi about the bipartisan nature of the partnership.

In his upcoming visit, Sullivan is also expected to interact with students and deliver a lecture on the theme of The United States and India: Building a shared future in New Delhi on January 6.

Sullivans India visit comes days after Jaishankar travelled US

Sullivans visit to India comes barely over a week after Jaishankar met him in the US on December 27.

EAM Jaishankar also met Michael Waltz, Sullivans likely successor whom Trump has nominated for the post of national security advisor in his upcoming administration.

Advertisement

The Jaishankar-Waltz meet marked the first high-level contact between the India government and the incoming Trump administration.

Sullivan has been considered as one of the most influential officials in the outgoing administration in the US. He has played a pivotal role in managing conflicts across the world including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israels war in Gaza and tensions with Iran, as well as the growing assertiveness of China.

With inputs from agencies.
Police in Venezuela published the news on social media, sharing a photograph of Gonzalez with the word Wanted written under the image read more

Venezuelas ruling authorities left the world by surprise after they announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture of exiled opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. On Thursday, police in Venezuela published the news on social media, sharing a photograph of Gonzalez with the word Wanted written under the image.

Gonzalez gained international prominence after insisting that he beat Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro in the polls which took place last year. The Opposition in the country, whose voices have been cracked down by the authorities accused Maduro of rigging the elections, sharing proofs that Gonzalez had won the presidential race.

Advertisement

It is pertinent to note that the Venezuelan starwalt fled to Spain in September, shortly after Maduro claimed victory in the polls and called for his arrest. The 75-year-old vowed to return to the troubled country soon to be sworn in as the President of Venezuela on January 10. Judicial officials of the Latin American nation told AFP that the wanted poster with Gonzalezs face would be displayed at airports and police checkpoints around the country.

The current political landscape of Venezuela

Meanwhile, Spain granted asylum to the opposition leader on December 20 after Venezuela accused Gonzalez of conspiracy and racketeering. Both Venezuelas Supreme Court and the Election Commission declared Maduro as the winner of his third six-year term in July, but both the opposition and the international community cried foul over the election.

Several street protests erupted across Venezuela following the election which devolved into clashes with police, with 28 people dead, 200 injured and more than 2,400 arrested. Out of those detained, three of them had already died in the prison and nearly 1,400 of those originally arrested have been released.

The draconian leader of Venezuela, Maduro was handpicked by late socialist icon Hugo Chavez to succeed him upon his death in 2013. Throughout his reign, Maduro oversaw the oil-rich countrys decline into economic ruin and has been accused of acting like a dictator as he continues to crack down on voices of dissent.

It is pertinent to note that only a handful of countries around the world including Venezuelan ally Russia, have recognized Maduro as the winner of the July election. Last year, both the United States and the European Parliament recognized Gonzalez as president-elect.

With inputs from AFP.
Three Virgin Australia [IPOVIR.AX] staff are not being detained by Fijian police investigating an alleged sexual assault and theft during a layover, said the Fiji government, but added they had been advised by their headquarters to stay in their hotel. read more

Three Virgin Australia [IPO-VIR.AX] staff are not being detained by Fijian police investigating an alleged sexual assault and theft during a layover, said the Fiji government, but added they had been advised by their headquarters to stay in their hotel.

The Fiji government said in a statement that international media reports that the crew are being detained were incorrect.

The crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated at a local hotel which is the nominated crew accommodation for layovers, said the statement by Fijian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka.

Advertisement

The three crew members were also advised by their Headquarters to remain within the hotel vicinity to ensure contactability and assist with police investigations; they should return home before the end of this week.

Virgin declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

The Fiji government has said police are investigating separate incidents involving the Virgin crew in the city of Nadi in the early hours of New Years Day.

The Virgin employees were a male and a female, the Australian Broadcasting Corp reported, adding the female was the victim of an alleged sexual assault and the male was the victim of an alleged theft outside a nightclub they had attended.

Virgin flew out additional staff to crew the return aircraft flight instead of the staff involved in the alleged incidents manning the plane, Australian media reported.

The ABC named the nightclub near where the alleged incidents took place as Bar One, which did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Friday. Fiji Police also did not respond to a request for comment.
Iran has pledged to assist in the case of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya, who is currently on death row in Yemen. A senior Iranian official said that Tehran would do whatever it can on humanitarian grounds to aid in her case read more

Nimisha Priya's family trying to negotiate her release through 'diyya,' an Islamic Sharia law concept often referred to as 'blood money'. News18 Malyalam

Iran has expressed its willingness to do whatever it can on humanitarian grounds to help in the case of Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Indias Kerala facing death penalty in Yemen for the murder of a Yemeni national.

A senior Iranian official confirmed that on humanitarian grounds Tehran is willing to do whatever it can in the case of the Kerala nurse who has been imprisoned in Yemens capital Sanaa.

We will take up the issue of the nurse. She seems to have been charged with manslaughter. We will do whatever we can in this case on humanitarian grounds, the official said.

Advertisement

As per sources to News18, Nimisha Priya was arrested in an area that is not under the control of the Houthis and therefore, other countries can try and help her.

Iran said that although the Indian nurse was arrested outside the territory of Houthi, it would do everything to free her and wont hesitate to take stern steps.

Will Irans request be heard by Yemen

Sanaa is currently under the control of the Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi movement, which has a representative office in Tehran, and has been in constant touch with the Iranian government.

However, the Iranian official clarified that the Houthis do not solely follow Tehrans lead when it comes to policy, saying that they offer advice when required, but it is up to them to make their own decisions.

Who is Nimisha Priya & why is she on death row?

A nurse from Keralas Palakkad district, Nimisha Priya began her career in 2008 and moved to Yemen where she started to work in a few private hospitals,

In 2011, she married Tomy Thomas, who is an electrician. The couple dreamed of opening their own clinic, but as per Yemeni laws a local partner is required and then they partnered with Talal Abdo Mahdi, a Yemeni national who soon became close to their family.

In 2014, Talal Abdo Mahdi promised Nimisha Priya to help her start her own clinic, but soon he allegedly started to exploit her trust.

Talal Abdo Mahdi reportedly forged documents claiming Nimisha Priya as his wife, withheld clinic earnings, and subjected her to abuse. Not just this, he also reportedly confiscated her travel documents, leaving her trapped in Yemen during the ongoing civil war.

Advertisement

In 2017, Priya alongwith another nurse, Hannan, attempted to sedate Talal Abdo Mahdi to retrieve her documents, however, an overdose led to his death. In panic, they reportedly dismembered his body and hid it in a water tank.

They were arrested by Yemeni authorities in July 2017. In 2020, a trial court in Sanaa sentenced her to death and her appeal was dismissed by Yemens Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.

After this she was left with only options  a presidential pardon or a pardon from the family after paying blood money.

What is blood money pardon in Nimisha Priya case?

The option of paying blood money was kept open for the release of Nimisha Priya in which she could have been let go if the family of the victim (Talal Abdo Mehdi) and their tribal leader forgave her. Her death sentence could have been set aside if the victims family pardoned her and accepted blood money.

The negotiations were underway, but were stalled in September. Talal Abdo Mahdis family originally had requested 50 million Yemeni Rials in compensation in 2022.

Advertisement

Also, the payment of the lawyer appointed on behalf of Nimisha Priya got delayed. As a pre-negotiation fee, the lawyer had demanded $40,000 and denied to proceed further unless the entire amount was paid to him.

The second option was gone too on Monday (December 30) after Yemens President Rashad al-Alimi approved her death penalty.

Bid to save Nimisha Priya

Nimisha Priyas mother is currently in Yemen, negotiating with Talal Abdo Mahdis family to stop her death penalty by offering blood money.

In November 2023, the Indian government sanctioned $40,000 to aid negotiations. However, the total amount required is estimated at $300,000$400,000. The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council is raising funds through crowdfunding to meet this amount.

With inputs from agencies.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser on Thursday launched a 2026 campaign for governor, becoming the first major Democratic candidate to jump into whats expected to be a crowded contest to replace Gov. Jared Polis.

There are many reasons why Im running to lead this state I love, but the biggest reason is simple: Im committed to fighting for the people of Colorado, Weiser said in a written statement.

Weiser was first elected attorney general in 2018 and then was reelected in 2022. His term ends in early 2027. During his tenure, Weiser has taken on the Trump administration in court, focused on consumer protection issues and battled to secure settlement dollars from opioid manufacturers and distributors.

In an interview with The Sun on Thursday, Weiser said as governor he would work to drive down the cost of living, make Colorado safer, protect the environment and improve youth mental health.

Theres a lot of important work to do, he said.

Before entering politics, Weiser was dean of the University of Colorado law school.

Polis is term-limited and cant run for reelection in 2026.

Other potential Democratic candidates for governor in 2026 include Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold; U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse; U.S. Rep. Jason Crow; and Ken Salazar, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

The Democratic primary for the 2026 gubernatorial race in Colorado wont be held until June 2026. Weisers early entrance into the contest gives him a leg up on fundraising, but it also means hell have to start spending money to run his campaign.

A Magellan Strategies poll of 630 registered Democratic and unaffiliated voters who are likely to cast ballots in the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary in Colorado found that Neguse was in the lead, with 20% of the vote share.

He was followed by Griswold at 16%; Salazar at 11%; Weiser at 8%; another candidate at 8%; and 37% were undecided. Crow wasnt an option in the poll.

The survey was conducted on behalf of the nonprofit Healthier Colorado from Dec. 4-9. It had a 3.9% margin of error.

Weiser said he welcomes a crowded primary.

I expect that I will be friends with many people who might be running, and thats OK, he said. Ive been through a primary before. My view is primaries can help us be the best candidates we can be.

Former Gov. Roy Romer is chair of Weisers campaign. Former U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter and Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt are among the campaigns cochairs.

Polis won reelection in 2022 by nearly 20 percentage points. He won in 2018 by 10 points.

Whoever wins the Democratic primary is expected to cruise to victory in November 2026. No major Republican candidates have announced that they running in the race.
Hamas condemns Israel's targeting of refugee tents in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 2, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, has issued a statement, condemning the escalation of Israeli attacks in Gaza, particularly the bombing of tents sheltering displaced Palestinians across the enclave.

In the statement issued on Thursday, Hamas called on Islamic countries and all freedom-loving people of the world to take immediate action to halt the atrocities of the "Zionist enemy" and enhance solidarity with the Palestinian people.

According to the movement, the regime has pounded civilians' tents in Khan Younis, Jabalia, Gaza City, and Deir al-Balah, leaving at least 50 Palestinians dead.

Further in its statement, Hamas criticized global silence in the face of such brutalities, saying that the negligence of the international community and its institutions in fulfilling their duties to stop the ongoing Israeli crimes is a stain that will never be erased.

The movement urged Arab and Islamic nations to take action at all levels to stop the daily killings of Palestinians and to intensify efforts to defend their right to establish an independent state.

4208**4194

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israel keeps violating ceasefire, setting fire to homes in southern Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 2, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- In their latest violation of the ceasefire that started on November 27, 2024, Israeli forces have targeted and set ablaze homes in southern Lebanon.

Israeli soldiers set fire to several houses in the Aitaroun, located in Bint Jbeil district in southern Lebanon, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported on Wednesday.

The NNA said the drone was spotted flying over Dahieh, the suburbs of Beirut, and Tyre, the fifth-largest city in Lebanon, violating the ceasefire for the second time on the first day of 2025.

Under the ceasefire terms, the Zionist regime is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Linea de facto borderin phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days. However. the Israelis have violated the ceasefire agreement many times.

6125**9417



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN experts horrified at blatant disregard for health rights in Gaza following deadly raid on Kamal Adwan hospital

Press releases

Special Procedures

02 January 2025

GENEVA -- The UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, today called for an end to blatant disregard of the right to health in Gaza, following last week's raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital and the arbitrary arrest and detention of its director, Dr Hussam Abu Safiya.

"For well over a year into the genocide, Israel's blatant assault on the right to health in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory is plumbing new depths of impunity," the experts said.

"We are horrified and concerned by reports from northern Gaza and especially the attack on the healthcare workers including the last remaining of 22 now destroyed hospitals: Kamal Adwan Hospital," the experts said. "We are gravely concerned with the fate of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, yet another doctor to be harassed, kidnapped and arbitrarily detained by the occupation forces, in his case for defying evacuation orders to leave his patients and colleagues behind. This is part of a pattern by Israel to continuously bombard, destroy and fully annihilate the realisation of the right to health in Gaza."

They noted that before his kidnapping, Dr Abu Safiya's son was killed in front of him, and he was recently injured while on duty as a result of Israel's genocidal acts. However he continued to provide care while the hospital was under continuous bombardment and threat.

More disturbing reports indicate that Israeli forces allegedly conducted extrajudicial executions of some people in the vicinity of the hospital, including a Palestinian man who was reportedly holding a white flag.

More than 1,057 Palestinian health and medical professionals have been killed so far and many have been arbitrarily arrested.

"The heroic actions of Palestinian medical colleagues in Gaza, teach us what it means to have taken the medical oath. They are also a clear signal of a depraved humanity that has allowed a genocide to continue for well over a year," the experts said.

They stressed that medical personnel are civilians serving a critical function at the most critical moment, therefore enjoy special protections under international humanitarian law. They are not legitimate targets for attack, nor can they legitimately be detained for exercising their profession.

"Attacks on healthcare workers, hospitals, and healthcare facilities, including ambulances, contravene the fundamental right of individuals to access essential healthcare services, a matter of acute significance during times of armed conflict," the experts said.

They called on Israeli authorities, as the occupying power, to respect and protect the right to life and the right to health in Gaza and the whole occupied Palestinian Territory, including - pending the end of their presence in the occupied territory - by ensuring unhindered access to necessary healthcare and urgently restoring the continuity of essential health services in Gaza.

"Under occupation, intentional assaults on healthcare facilities have the potential to expose individuals to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment and may constitute a war crime. In Gaza, this is clearly part of a well-established pattern of genocide, for which Israeli leaders will have to be held accountable," the experts said.

"We urge Israel to end its current assault on Gaza and cease its attacks on healthcare facilities. They must also ensure the immediate release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, and all other arbitrarily detained healthcare workers. May they be the last arbitrarily arrested Palestinians, and may the new year begin under different auspices," they said.

The experts: Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; and Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967. The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures' experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israel violates ceasefire agreement with Lebanon again, carries out new attacks

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 10:51 PM

The Israeli military continues to violate last month's ceasefire agreement with Lebanon by carrying out fresh attacks on the country.

The Israeli army's new strikes hit the Nabatieh region in southern Lebanon on Thursday.

The regime claimed they targeted medium-range rocket launchers operated by the Hezbollah resistance movement.

The Lebanese media reported at least three Israeli strikes in the area.

Israeli forces also set several houses on fire in the Aitaroun area.

The regime's warplanes also struck a building, which the Israeli military claimed was an arms depot.

The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon entered into force on November 27. Since then, the regime has violated the agreement on an almost daily basis.

The truce came after months of fierce fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. It will last for 60 days in the hope of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Under the agreement, an international monitoring committee, headed by the US, is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire.

In late December, the UN peacekeeping force expressed concern at the continuing damage done by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

The regime's onslaught began in October 2023 and claimed the lives of more than 4,000 people in Lebanon.

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 recently, 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.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israel forces make incursion into Lebanese town, set homes on fire

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 5:24 PM

Israel has carried out a series of new incursions and attacks on Lebanon in violation of a ceasefire agreement the regime reached with the Arab country.

According to Lebanese media on Thursday, Israeli forces carried out an incursion into the town of Beit Lif and set some houses on fire in Aita-roun in the South of Lebanon.

The state news agency NNA said an Israeli patrol backed by tanks, military vehicles, and a bulldozer moved into the outskirts of the town in Bint Jbeil district.

Israeli regime warplanes also targeted a vehicle and a building which the Israeli military claimed was an arms depot.

This came days after Israeli forces advanced into the towns of Qantara and Taybeh in the Marjayoun district in southern Lebanon, where they burned several homes in violation of a ceasefire agreement with the Hezbollah resistance movement.

The latest breach brought the number of Israeli violations of the ceasefire deal to 336.

Israel was forced to accept the ceasefire with Hezbollah after suffering heavy losses following almost 14 months of fighting and failing to achieve its goals in its aggression on Lebanon.

The truce deal came into effect on November 27. It will last for 60 days in the hope of reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Under the agreement, an international monitoring committee, headed by the US, is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire.

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 recently, 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.

Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has called on the Israeli regime to adhere to the ceasefire agreement.

The secretary general of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement in remarks on Wednesday said that the group had recuperated well following the assassination of its late leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on September 27, emphasizing that his group had revived its military prowess as well.

"We proved through resistance that we will not allow the [Zionist] enemy to advance its agenda. It is the responsibility of the Lebanese government and the international community to confront the acts of aggression that are currently taking place [against Lebanon]," Sheikh Naim Qassem said.

Hezbollah opened a support front for Palestinians in Gaza only a day after Israel unleashed its war against the besieged territory in October 2023, launching numerous retaliatory attacks against Israeli targets in the occupied lands.

At least 4,063 Lebanese citizens were killed, including women, children and health workers, while 16,664 others had been wounded so far in the months-long Israeli aggression against Lebanon.







NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






President Deby: French troops will leave Chad by end of January

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 3:24 PM

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby says all French military units will leave the African country by the end of January, weeks after the former French colony announced it was terminating its defense pact with Paris.

In a televised address to the nation, Deby set January 31 as the deadline for the complete withdrawal of French troops from the Central African nation, the official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.

"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," he said.

"We have given priority to Chad's supreme interests by adhering to the sovereignty of our country," Deby stressed, adding that he was convinced that the decision was a response to a "common and legitimate aspiration" of the Chadian people.

Chad has been an ally for France in its alleged counterterrorism mission and one of the last countries where France kept a significant military presence. However, French forces have been driven out of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso in recent years after purportedly fighting Takfiri terrorists with local troops. These African countries have since aligned more with Russia.

In a surprise move on November 28, Chad announced the end of its defense agreement with France, calling it a turning point for the country and stressing that the move would allow the African nation to realign its strategic partnerships with its national priorities.

French troops began leaving Chad on December 10.

"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 further said.

The withdrawal from Chad will mark the end of decades of French military presence in the Sahel and conclude France's so-called operations against Takfiri terrorists in the region.

The landlocked country sitting at the crossroads of North and Central Africa has been on edge since the death of longtime ruler Idriss Deby in 2021, after which his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, seized power.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Gaza police chief, deputy assassinated in Israeli attack on humanitarian zone

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 1:59 PM

An Israeli airstrike on a tent camp sheltering displaced families in the southern part of the Gaza Strip has killed the chief of police force in the coastal territory Mahmoud Salah along with his deputy Hussam Shahwan and several others, including children.

The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement said on Thursday that they lost their lives in the attack on the al-Mawasi "humanitarian zone" west of the city of Khan Younis.

Medics said 11 people, including three children and two women, were killed in the Israeli air attack, and that 15 others were wounded.

The Gaza Interior Ministry condemned the killing of the two police officers, saying "they were performing their humanitarian and national duty in serving our people".

"By committing the assassination, the occupation continues to spread chaos in the Strip and deepen the human suffering of citizens. The police force is a civil protection force that works to provide services to citizens," it said.

The ministry noted that Salah spent 30 years in the police and was appointed its chief six years ago.

The Israeli military confirmed it had carried out a strike targeting Shahwan, who it said had helped Hamas's military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades plan attacks on Israeli forces in Gaza.

PRC: Assassination of police officers meant to destabilize Gaza

For its part, the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) denounced the killing of the two police officers, stating that such a brutal act was meant to destabilize Gaza and upset national Palestinian unity.

"Two great commanders, Mahmoud Salah and Hussam Shahwan, attained martyrdom on the path to al-Quds. This occurred during the terrorist and cowardly assault by enemy warplanes on the refugee tent in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis," the PRC said in a statement.

"We praise the role of the great commander Salah and his brilliant approach. This martyr played a significant role in setting up the Palestinian police in Gaza and supporting the resistance."

The statement emphasized that the assassination of the police chiefs was carried out with the aim of creating chaos and insecurity, and destroying national unity in Gaza in order to implement the evil objectives and schemes of Zionists against Palestinians in Gaza.

The police will remain a strong shield and supporter of our nation and its courageous resistance front, the PRC pointed out.

Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza has taken the lives of at least 45,581 Palestinians and injured another 108,438 individuals.

Most of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced and much of the besieged territory is in ruins.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Children killed as Israeli airstrike hits tents in Khan Yunis

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 7:45 AM

At least 52 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on several areas of Gaza, medical sources say.

Three Palestinians were killed and others injured near Lababidi Junction, west of Gaza City on Thursday.

An attack on the Interior Ministry building in southern Khan Yunis killed six people and wounded several more. A drone strike hit a school sheltering displaced people in Nuseirat camp, injuring several people.

Additionally, five Palestinians were killed and others wounded near al-Oyoun Junction in Gaza City.

Earlier in the day, Israel conducted a fresh round of strikes on the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Yunis, claiming the lives of at least 11 people.

Local media said the Israeli onslaught targeted a tented encampment in the al-Mawasi area of western Khan Yunis at dawn.

The aggression killed at least 11 people, including three children, and the resulted in the injury of 12 others, with reports naming Major General Mahmoud Salah, the director general of the police department in the Palestinian Interior Ministry in Gaza, among the fatalities.

The occupation forces also struck the central Gaza Strip, where Israeli vehicles fired at the north of Nuseirat refugee camp and shelled the west of the camp with artillery.

The regime's helicopters also fired at the southwest of Deir al-Balah.

Moreover, the Israeli forces launched a raid targeting Gaza City and the Saftawi area, northwest of the city, as well as the Jabalia camp in the north of the Strip.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on the first day of the New Year that the Israeli regime had slaughtered 17 Palestinians in the northern Gaza refugee camp of al-Bureij.

Twenty Palestinians were also injured in the Wednesday airstrike.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory operation into the occupied territories.

The ongoing war on Gaza has killed at least 45,581 Palestinians and wounded 108,438 since October 7, 2023, according to the Health Ministry.

Most of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced and much of the besieged territory is in ruins.

Israel considers ordering occupation of Gaza City: Report

Citing Israeli media, Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency reported on Wednesday that the Israeli regime was considering ordering the military to occupy Gaza City.

Israeli Channel 14 claimed the move comes amid a stalemate in indirect negotiations aimed at reaching a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap deal with Palestinians.

"The political echelon is considering issuing an order to the Israeli army to head south and occupy Gaza City in the near future," the channel said.

"Such an operation is possible now, especially in light of the ceasefire in Lebanon and the availability of more army forces to carry out large-scale and prolonged maneuvers."

The broadcaster also said Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet is "satisfied" with the results of its military campaign in northern Gaza.

Mediation efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to reach a ceasefire in Gaza have so far failed due to Netanyahu's refusal to halt the protracted war.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the blockaded territory.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Jan. 1: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 4:24 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid the West-backed Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 45,600 Palestinians so far, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Wednesday, Jan. 1, are as follows:

Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Jan. 1:

Targeted the "Netivot" settlement in occupied southern Palestine with a missile salvo.



Martyr Omar Al-Qassem Forces' operations on Jan. 1:

In coordination with the Al-Nasser Salah Al-Din Brigades, targeted an Israeli military command and control site in the "Netzarim" axis using heavy mortar shells.



Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Jan. 1:

Engaged in intense clashes with Israeli forces and detonated explosive devices near the junction of the town of Tamoun, south of the Tubas Governorate in the occupied West Bank.



Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Jan. 1:

Launched a barrage of rockets targeting the occupied cities of Jerusalem Al-Quds and Tel Aviv.

Shelled concentrations of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles with mortar fire as they advanced in central and western Jabalia Refugee Camp in the northern Gaza Strip.



Yemeni military's operations on Jan. 1:

Shot down a US MQ-9 drone over the airspace of the Maarib Governorate using a locally manufactured surface-to-air missile. This marks the second drone downed within 72 hours and the fourteenth since the start of the war.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China's 'monster' ship arrives at Scarborough Shoal

The world's largest coast guard ship arrived at the disputed area as China's navy holds drills to exert air control.

By RFA Staff 2025.01.02 -- The world's largest coast guard vessel, a Chinese ship known as "The Monster," has arrived at the disputed Scarborough Shoal inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone to boost Beijing's control over the maritime area, an American analyst said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese navy has been conducting a New Year carrier-based helicopter training exercise in the airspace over the South China Sea, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The 12,000-ton CCG 5901 arrived at Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday, said Ray Powell, director of the SeaLight project at Stanford University, who tracks the ship's movements.

There are at least three other Chinese coast guard ships - CCG 3106, 3302 and 3305 - as well as seven militia ships, already present at the shoal, Powell told Radio Free Asia.

The aim of their mission is to boost Beijing's control over the maritime area just 125 nautical miles (232 kilometers) from the main Philippine island of Luzon, he said.

Scarborough Shoal is known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc and has served as a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen but their access has been restricted by Chinese vessels in recent times, which hold de-facto control of the area.

It is well within the area under the jurisdiction of the Philippines, where it has exclusive rights to resources in the waters and on the seabed.

"The Monster" is not only large in size, it is also armed with heavy machine guns and has a helicopter platform.

It is unclear whether the ship carries any helicopter unit on this mission but last week, the Chinese coast guard conducted a carrier-based helicopter training exercise, also at Scarborough Shoal, using another coast guard vessel.

Control of airspace

Chinese authorities "are now paying more attention to the deployment of airpower" in relation to the South China Sea disputes, Yang Xiao, a maritime expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said on an influential blog with nearly three million followers on Sina Weibo.

The U.S. and Philippine militaries have been deploying reconnaissance aircraft and drones to the Scarborough Shoal, a strategically located chain of reefs south of Bashi channel between Taiwan and the Philippines, Yang said, adding that China now has to gain air control, especially after it announced baselines to form territorial sea and airspace around the shoal in November.

The carrier-based aircraft training is to send a warning to the Philippines and its ally the U.S. that they should think twice before "entering China's airspace," the Chinese expert said.

The Chinese coast guard's training exercise on Dec. 27 was similar to current drills by a helicopter unit of the Southern Theater Command navy's carrier-based aviation force, conducted at an unspecified location in the South China Sea.

CCG 5901 "The Monster's" route to Scarborough Shoal as of Jan. 2, 2025.

According to CCTV, on Wednesday and Thursday, various types of carrier-based helicopters carried out multi-subject practical training including search and rescue, alert control, and sea landing, "further improving the unit's coordinated combat capabilities."

The aircraft also carried out reconnaissance patrol and alert control training exercises at high altitude in a "target sea area," CCTV said without identifying the location.

In recent weeks, China's military has been ramping up combat readiness exercises at Scarborough Shoal.

On Sunday, its Southern Theater Command staged large-scale patrols around the shoal, with both navy and the air force taking part.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2025, 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 January 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






Gaza: 'Every day without a ceasefire will bring more tragedy'

2 January 2025 - The head of UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA again underlined the need for a ceasefire in Gaza in a statement posted on the social media platform X on Thursday.

Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stressed that no place and no one in Gaza has been safe since the war began in October 2023.

"As the year begins, we got reports of yet another attack on Al Mawasi with dozens of people killed and injured," he said, calling this "another reminder that there is no humanitarian zone let alone a 'safe zone'".

He warned that "every day without a ceasefire will bring more tragedy."

Media under attack

Separately, UNRWA recalled that the Israeli authorities continue to prevent international media from operating and reporting inside Gaza.

"Access to international journalists to report freely from Gaza must be granted," the agency said.

Relatedly, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said it is deeply concerned by the Palestinian Authority's (PA) suspension of the operations of the Al Jazeera news network in the occupied West Bank.

The Qatar-based channel was accused of broadcasting "inciting materials" that were "deceiving and stirring strife", according to international media reports which cited the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.

The development comes amid the "troubling trend" of suppressing freedom of opinion and expression in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, OHCHR said, urging the PA "to reverse course and respect its international law obligations."

Rights experts deplore 'blatant disregard' for health

Meanwhile, two independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council appealled for an end to what they called "the blatant disregard of the right to health in Gaza" following the raid last week on Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north and the arbitrary arrest and detention of its director.

Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health, and Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, voiced their concerns in a statement issued on Thursday.

"For well over a year into the genocide, Israel's blatant assault on the right to health in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory is plumbing new depths of impunity," they said.

Healthcare under fire

The experts were "horrified and concerned" by reports from North Gaza, "especially the attack on health workers including the last remaining of 22 now destroyed hospitals: Kamal Adwan Hospital."

They expressed grave concern over the fate of the hospital's director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, describing him as "yet another doctor to be harassed, kidnapped and arbitrarily detained by the occupation forces, in his case for defying evacuation orders to leave his patients and colleagues behind."

They said such action "is part of a pattern by Israel to continuously bombard, destroy and fully annihilate the realisation of the right to health in Gaza."

Concern for hospital director

The experts noted that before Dr. Abu Safiya was kidnapped, his son was killed in front of him.

Furthermore, the doctor "was recently injured while on duty as a result of Israel's genocidal acts," yet "continued to provide care while the hospital was under continuous bombardment and threat."

"More disturbing reports indicate that Israeli forces allegedly conducted extrajudicial executions of some people in the vicinity of the hospital, including a Palestinian man who was reportedly holding a white flag," they added.

Not a target

More than 1,057 Palestinian health and medical professionals have been killed so far and many have been arbitrarily arrested, according to the independent experts.

"The heroic actions of Palestinian medical colleagues in Gaza, teach us what it means to have taken the medical oath. They are also a clear signal of a depraved humanity that has allowed a genocide to continue for well over a year," they said.

Stressing that medical personnel enjoy special protections under international humanitarian law, the rights experts said "they are not legitimate targets for attack, nor can they legitimately be detained for exercising their profession."

End assaults and arbitrary arrests

The experts called on Israel, as the occupying power, to respect and protect the right to life and to health in Gaza and the whole Occupied Palestinian Territory.

"They must also ensure the immediate release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, and all other arbitrarily detained healthcare workers. May they be the last arbitrarily arrested Palestinians, and may the new year begin under different auspices."

About UN rapporteurs

Special Rapporteurs are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, which is based in Geneva. They are mandated to monitor and report on specific country situations or thematic issues.

These experts are not UN staff, do not receive a salary, and serve in their individual capacity, independent of the UN Secretariat.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israeli airstrikes kill at least 40 across Gaza

By VOA News January 02, 2025

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 40 people across Gaza on Thursday, including 10 people in a tent encampment sheltering displaced families, medics said.

The daily bombardments are continuing as efforts to secure a ceasefire have stalled. At least 15 others were injured in the attacks on Thursday.

Israeli strikes in the Maghazi and Nuseirat refugee camps in central Gaza killed at least 14 people late Thursday, including four women and five children, according to The Associated Press.

An early morning strike in the seaside humanitarian zone known as al-Mawasi killed at least 10 people, including three children and two senior Hamas police officers.

Israel's military said it targeted a senior officer in the Hamas-run police force. It said he was involved in gathering intelligence used by Hamas' armed wing in attacks on Israeli forces.

Another Israeli strike killed at least eight Palestinians in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. The men were members of local committees that helped secure aid convoys, according to the hospital that received the bodies.

In the south of the enclave, Israel's military killed five police officers in eastern Khan Younis. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said the strike targeted the head of the Hamas internal security force in southern Gaza.

"Where did we find him? Where else, but of course hiding in the humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, where Gazans are sheltering from this war," Mencer said.

Throughout the war, Israel has targeted police in Gaza, which has led to a deterioration of law and order that has complicated efforts by humanitarian groups to deliver much-needed aid. Israel accuses U.S.-designated terror group Hamas of taking the aid for its own purposes.

In another Israeli strike in Maghazi in central Gaza, three Palestinians were killed while walking in the street.

The head of the U.N. World Health Organization urged Israel to let more sick and wounded people leave Gaza to seek medical treatment abroad.

At least 5,383 patients have been evacuated with the WHO's help since the war broke out more than a year ago, leaving more than 12,000 Palestinians waiting to leave Gaza, WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement Thursday.

Only 436 patients have left Gaza since May, when the Rafah border crossing shut down after Israeli troops took it over.

"At this rate, it would take five to 10 years to evacuate all these critically ill patients, including thousands of children," Tedros said. "In the meantime, their conditions get worse and some die."

Israel warned Wednesday that it will intensify its strikes against Hamas if the militant group continues to hold the hostages it took in October 2023 and launches rockets at Israel.

"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.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday that he had authorized a delegation from the country's intelligence services and military to continue negotiations in Qatar toward a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

The war in Gaza began with Hamas militants attacking southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 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.

Israel's 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.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






No safety for civilians anywhere in Gaza: UN humanitarians

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:18, January 03, 2025

Overall, 39 percent of UN attempts to move aid workers anywhere in Gaza were rejected by the Israeli authorities, with another 18 percent disrupted or interfered with.

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- There is no safety for civilians anywhere in Gaza, with more than 80 percent of the Gaza Strip under Israeli evacuation orders, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said on social media platform X, "There is no humanitarian zone let alone a 'safe zone.'"

He called for an end to misleading evacuation orders and the killing of civilians, warning that every day without a ceasefire brings more tragedy.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of large areas within Gaza, citing rocket fire into Israel. The office said an initial analysis indicates the new orders cover about 3 square km in North Gaza and Deir al Balah governorates. Strikes have been reported in the Al Mawasi area, where people were ordered to move and take shelter.

"Over 80 percent of the Gaza Strip is under unrevoked Israeli evacuation orders. Amid this situation, OCHA warns that the ability of humanitarian organizations to support people in need across Gaza is further diminishing," said OCHA.

The humanitarians said some of the most onerous restrictions on humanitarian movement were recorded last month, including blocking access to border areas for collecting supplies, denying attempts to deliver goods and services, or assessing needs across Gaza. Overall, 39 percent of UN attempts to move aid workers anywhere in Gaza were rejected by the Israeli authorities, with another 18 percent disrupted or interfered with.

Access has been denied for the besieged areas in North Gaza since Oct. 6. According to OCHA, out of 166 attempts, 150 were refused, and 16 were initially agreed to but interfered with or faced impediments. The office noted that access to what remains of hospitals in the north is among the top priorities.

OCHA also said that in the West Bank, it joined with UNRWA and other humanitarian partners to assess the aftermath of an Israeli operation in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps last week. Teams visited the area on Tuesday and estimated more than 1,000 housing units and about 100 shops were damaged from explosions or bulldozing. Over 20 families of more than 90 people were displaced.

The office said that damage to infrastructure disrupted electricity, water and sewage networks. OCHA mobilized a humanitarian response by partners, who trucked water to people.

It said the West Bank assessment will inform further interventions, including installing new water tanks, vacuuming sewage and distributing hygiene kits and emergency cash.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 02 January 2025 - Day 1044

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 since the beginning of this day, there have been 118 combat clashes.

Russian zagarbniki launched two rockets and 38 air strikes, using two rockets and 65 cab. In addition, the Russians engaged 691 kamikaze drones and carried out about three thousand shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian troops repelled two attacks of the Russian opponent in the area of vovchanska. For today in this direction, Ukrainian defenders ousted 37 occupiers, destroyed 32 BPLA, ammunition storage place and means of communication, also damaged the artsystem and three units of automobile equipment.

In the Kupians komu direction, the Russian opponent carried out three attacks of the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Western, Dvorichnaya and Kruglyakivka. Ukrainian defenders repelled one attack, two more are currently ongoing.

In the Lyman direction during the day Russian zagarbniki 16 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near Nadia, Makiyivka, Terniv, Grigorivka and in the Serebryans komu forest. Currently, four fights are being sharpened.

In the Sivers komu direction throughout the day, Russian forces made one attempt to attack the position of Ukrainian units in the area of Bilogorivka. Never been successful.

In the Kramators komu direction, six combat clashes near Chasovoye Yar and Stupochok have been recorded, four attacks have been successfully repelled by Ukrainian defenders, two fighting clashes are ongoing.

In the Toretsky direction, Russians attacked the positions of defense forces eight times. The main attack efforts were concentrated by the Russian occupiers near the settlements of Toretsk, New York and Scherbinivka. Currently, two combat clashes continue.

Since the beginning of this day, in the Pokrovsky direction, the zagarbnytsky units 27 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense near the settlements of Mirolyubivka, Lisivka, Noviy Trud, Piscni, Shevchenko, Uspenivka, Solone and Novovasilivka. There's still one battle going on. The Russian enemy suffers significant losses - today in this direction Ukrainian soldiers were diszkozeno 259 Russian invaders, 113 of them - irrevocably. BMP, two cars, BpLA control antenna, satellite communication device and motorcycle were also destroyed, two units of Russian vehicle were also damaged.

In the Kurakhiv direction, the Russian enemy is also active - 22 times attacked Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Shevchenko, Dachne and Kurakhove, five battles continue.

In the Vremivs komu direction, the Russian zagarbniki carried out 20 offensive actions near the Amber, Vremivka, Great Novosilka and in the direction of Konstantinopol, Rozlivu and Novosilka. The six clashes are still going.

In the Orihivs komu direction, Ukrainian troops repelled two Russian attacks near Novoandriyivka.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces twice unsuccessfully attacked the positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Kursk region Ukrainian defenders repelled seven Russian attacks, two fighting continue so far.

In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of a motorised infantry brigade of the AFU and two territorial defence brigades near Liptsy, Sosnovka, Pokalyanoye, and Vilcha (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 troops, one motor vehicle, and three 122-mm D-30 howitzers.

The Zapad Group of Forces delivered strikes on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU, three territorial defence brigades, and one National Guard brigade close to Dvurechnaya, Zeleny Gai (Kharkov region), Terny, and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Six counter-attacks of AFU assault groups were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 460 troops, three infantry fighting vehicles, four pick-up trucks, a 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab and one Bogdana self-propelled artillery systems. One Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station and one ammunition depot were destroyed.

The Yug Group of Forces continued to advance into the depths of the enemy's defence and routed the units of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, and one airmobile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Dalneye, Chasov Yar, Seversk, and Kurakhovo (Donetsk People's Republic). Four counter-attacks launched by the enemy's assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU sustained losses of up to 210 troops, one Turkish-made Kirpi armoured fighting vehicle, one pick-up truck, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun. One electronic warfare station was eliminated.

The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and launched strikes on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and two National Guard brigades close to Shcherbinovka, Dzerzhinsk, Zverevo, Andreyevka, Sribnoye, Tarasovka, Shevchenko, and Vozdvizhenka (Donetsk People's Republic). Thirteen counter-attacks launched by the AFU were repelled.

The enemy lost up to 240 troops, one infantry fighting vehicles, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, one Turkish-made Kirpi and one Kozak AFVs, one motor vehicle, two 152-mm D-20 guns and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

The Vostok Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and defeated the units of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and two territorial defence brigades close to Konstantinopol, Velikaya Novoselka, Vremevka, and Volnoye Pole (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by an AFU assault detachment was repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to over 160 troops, four motor vehicles, one HMMWV armoured fighting vehicle and one 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system manufactured in the USA, one 152-mm D-20 gun, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

The Dnepr Group of Forces hit manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade and two territorial defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Novokamenka (Dnepropetrovsk region), Stepnoye, Antonovka (Kherson region) and Kherson.

The AFU lost up to 90 troops and three motor vehicles. Three electronic warfare stations and one ammunition depot were eliminated.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck power objects ensuring operation of Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, infrastructure of military airfields, as well as engaged manpower and hardware clusters of the enemy in 146 areas.

Russian air defence systems shot down one Su-27 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force, six U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 97 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 651 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 39,144 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,137 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,504 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,134 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,701 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, seven mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Goncharovka, Daryino, Zamostye, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, Staraya Sorochina, and Sudzha.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Aleksandriya, Veselovka, Guyevo, Zaoleshenka, Lebedevka, Mirny, Mikhaylovka, Nikolsky, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, as well as Belovody, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Pavlovka in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have sustained losses of more than 580 troops, one tank, one armoured personnel carrier, nine armoured fighting vehicles, two artillery guns, one anti-aircraft gun, and 36 motor vehicles.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 47,040 troops, 263 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 144 armoured personnel carriers, 1,390 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,316 motor vehicles, 339 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 14 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






Pennsylvania Man Who Traveled to Lebanon and Syria with Goal of Joining Hizballah Indicted on Terrorism Offense and for Lying to FBI

Thursday, January 2, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, a former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempting to support the foreign terrorist organization Hizballah and making false statements involving international terrorism to a department or agency of the United States.

Molloy was previously charged by criminal complaint with making false statements on Dec. 6, 2024, with much of the conduct underlying the charges in the indictment set forth in the complaint. Molloy was arrested in Chicago, Illinois, on Dec. 6, 2024, and transported by the U.S. Marshals Service to Pittsburgh on Dec. 30, 2024.

As alleged in the indictment and complaint, from in and around August 2024 through in and around December 2024, in Lebanon, Syria, the Western District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, Molloy attempted to provide material support and resourcesnamely, personnel (including himself) and services  to Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), knowing that the organization was a designated terrorist organization and that the organization had engaged in and was engaging in terrorist activity and terrorism. As outlined in the court documents, Hizballah, also commonly spelled Hezbollah, was formed in the wake of the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and has conducted numerous terrorist attacks against Israeli and Western targets, including against American military and diplomatic personnel.

As alleged, Molloy  a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, who previously served on active-duty status in the U.S. Army  traveled to Lebanon in August 2024 and attempted to join Hizballah. While in Lebanon, Molloy was told by multiple individuals that the time was not right, and that he needed to take other steps before he could join the terrorist organization. Molloy then traveled from Lebanon to Syria in October 2024 in an effort to fight for Hizballah in Syria. After returning to the United States, Molloy resided in Upper St. Clair, where he continued his attempts to join Hizballah, including through communication with individuals online and in Lebanon. During his time in the United States and abroad, Molloy also allegedly expressed his hatred toward, and promoted violence against, Jewish people. Molloy's alleged animus toward Jews was also evidenced by multiple images and videos on his electronic devices and the usernames he chose for his social media and email accounts, including the username "KIKEKILLER313" on the social media platform X. In one alleged WhatsApp exchange with a family member, Molloy agreed that his "master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews." And while he was residing in Upper St. Clair, Molloy also allegedly visited a website detailing the possible incarceration location of Robert Bowers, who carried out the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue shooting during which he murdered 11 Jewish worshippers.

The indictment further alleges that, upon arriving at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Oct. 20, 2024, Molloy lied to agents of the FBI when he told them (1) that he had no current or future plans to become involved with Hizballah, and (2) that he had no business in, nor was he meeting with anyone, in Syria. These statements and representations were false because Molloy knew at that time that (1) he did have current and future plans to become involved with Hizballah and (2) Molloy travelled to Syria in furtherance of his attempts to join Hizballah, and while in Syria, set up a meeting with an individual there.

If convicted, Molloy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for material support charge. For false statement charges, he faces a maximum penalty of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Pittsburgh and Chicago Field Offices are investigating the case with substantial assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Andrew Briggs of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment and criminal complaint are merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

Press Release Number: 25-3

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese hackers breach sanctions office of US Treasury: Washington Post

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 9:09 AM

Chinese "state-sponsored" hackers have targeted the US Treasury Department's sanctions office in a cyberattack disclosed early this week, The Washington Post reports.

Citing unnamed US officials, the paper reported that hackers compromised the Offices of Foreign Assets Control and Financial Research and targeted Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's office.

According to the sources, the Chinese government is particularly interested in identifying the entities that the US may be planning to target with financial sanctions.

Earlier, the US Treasury Department informed lawmakers in a letter that purported Chinese state-sponsored hackers had breached its cybersecurity in December, allegedly stealing documents in what it described as a "major incident," Reuters reported on Monday.

According to the letter, the hackers managed to compromise third-party cybersecurity service provider BeyondTrust and were able to access unclassified documents.

Hackers "gained access to a key used by the vendor to secure a cloud-based service used to remotely provide technical support for Treasury Departmental Offices (DO) end users. With access to the stolen key, the threat actor was able to override the service's security, remotely access certain Treasury DO user workstations, and access certain unclassified documents maintained by those users," Reuters further cited the letter as saying.

The Treasury's letter further alleged that "based on available indicators, the incident has been attributed to a China state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor."

The Treasury Department said that BeyondTrust had alerted it to the breach on December 8, and that it is currently collaborating with the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI to evaluate the hack's impact.

When asked about the report, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, slammed the US claim in a statement on Wednesday as "irrational" and said that it was "without any factual basis" and represented "smear attacks" against Beijing.

The statement further said that China "combats all forms of cyberattacks." However, it did not directly address the Washington Post's reporting on specific targets.

Just a day after the content of the letter was revealed by Reuters, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, stressed at a press conference that "China has always opposed all forms of hacker attacks."

Furthermore, Liu, for his part, rejected any responsibility for the hack, stressing that Beijing "firmly opposes the US's smear attacks against China without any factual basis."

Washington has frequently imposed sanctions on Chinese companies, individuals, and entities, making it a central aspect of its foreign policy toward Beijing.

The US views China as its greatest foreign policy challenge. Last month, Yellen told Reuters that Washington might consider sanctions on Chinese banks as part of its efforts to curb Russia's oil revenue and access to foreign resources for its war in Ukraine.

The rivalry between the US and China has intensified in recent years, with Beijing's growing international clout and rapid economic progress emerging as a viable counter-weight to the US.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






FBI says New Orleans terror attack suspect acted alone

By VOA News January 02, 2025

The FBI says it believes the suspect in the New Year's Day truck ramming attack in New Orleans that killed at least 14 people had acted alone and was inspired by the Islamic State terror group.

Officials had previously said they were looking into the possibility that the suspect had coordinated with others.

FBI officials briefed reporters Thursday on the latest in the probe into the "act of terrorism" in which the suspect, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, crashed a pickup truck into a crowd and opened fire in the city's popular Bourbon Street.

Based on hundreds of interviews and reviews of the attacker's calls, social media accounts and electronic devices, "We're confident, at this point, that there are no accomplices," Christopher Raia of the FBI's counterterrorism division said Thursday in a news conference.

Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, was killed in a shootout with police. He served in the U.S. Army and later served in the Army Reserve until a few years ago.

U.S. President Joe Biden said the attack would not defeat New Orleans.

"New Orleans is a city of tremendous spirit. You can't keep it down," Biden said in remarks Thursday afternoon. "People of New Orleans are sending an unmistakable message. They will not let this attack or the attacker's deluded ideology overcome us."

Officials reopened Bourbon Street on Thursday afternoon. The attack occurred on Wednesday at 3:15 a.m.

On Tuesday evening, just hours before committing the attack, Jabbar posted five videos to his Facebook account, apparently addressed to his family and recorded while he was driving, in which he aligned himself with the Islamic State terror group. The FBI said an IS flag was also found in the vehicle after the attack.

"This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act," Raia said.

Jabbar had originally planned to hurt his relatives and friends, but worried about how that would be interpreted by the media, Raia said.

"He was 100 percent inspired by ISIS," he said.

Biden said the United States would continue to target the Islamic State.

"We're going to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organizations where they are, and they'll find no safe harbor here," Biden said in his Thursday afternoon remarks.

Early morning attack

The attack occurred at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets in the city's lively French Quarter. The historic tourist destination filled with bars and music is also known for its large New Year's Eve celebrations.

After the vehicle crashed, the driver got out of the car and opened fire on responding officers, police said. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect, according to police. Two officers were wounded but are in stable condition, police said.

"This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil," New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters at a press conference earlier Wednesday.

President-elect Donald Trump condemned the attack in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

"Our hearts are with all the innocent victims and their loved ones. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil!" he said.

In the same post, Trump also falsely suggested that the suspect was an immigrant.

Video taken by an onlooker at the scene of the attack shows at least two twisted bodies lying in the street, with one of them in what appears to be a pool of blood. A bystander is seen kneeling over one of the bodies.

"For those people who don't believe in objective evil, all you have to do is look at what happened in our city early this morning," U.S. Senator John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, said. "If this doesn't trigger the gag reflex of every American, every fair-minded American, I'll be very surprised."

Investigators say they have found no link between the New Orleans attack and the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Raia said. But he cautioned that investigators have not ruled out anything.

In that incident, the man who was driving the car shot himself in the head immediately before the vehicle was engulfed by fire, the authorities said on Thursday.

Speaking Thursday afternoon, Biden said investigators were continuing to look into whether there was any connection between the New Orleans attack and Las Vegas explosion.

"As of now, I've just been briefed, they have not found any evidence of such a connection," Biden said, adding that he directed his team to accelerate investigations into both incidents.

"I'll continue to provide updates on New Orleans and Las Vegas as the facts develop," Biden said.

VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin and VOA reporter Liam Scott contributed to this report. Some information in this report came from Reuters and The Associated Press.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Islamic State group-inspired New Orleans attack revives familiar fears

By Jeff Seldin January 02, 2025

Even before the shock from the deadly New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans could subside, early indications from the investigation pointed to a scenario U.S. law enforcement and security officials have long feared - a plot at least inspired by the Islamic State terror group.

The FBI Wednesday confirmed reports the suspect had planted an IS flag in the pickup truck he used to plow into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning before he was killed during a shootout with police.

Late Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said the FBI found the suspect had taken other actions "mere hours before the attack" to make his loyalty known.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen and former Army reservist, had "posted videos on social media indicating that it was inspired by ISIS," Biden said, using another name for the terror group.

"The situation is very fluid," Biden added. "The law enforcement and intelligence community are continuing to look for any connections, associations or co-conspirators," he said.

However, that investigation included the execution of search warrants at various locations in New Orleans and other states, an operation by the FBI and other law enforcement officials at a traffic intersection in Houston and questions as to whether there could be any connection to an attempt to blow up a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.

Regardless of additional conspirators or connections, details of the New Orleans attack itself correspond with tactics long espoused by IS propagandists.

"What we saw fits in with the common pattern we've seen from the Islamic State for a while," said Aaron Zelin, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, who specializes in jihadism. "They've been calling for car ramming attacks for years."

"Every day they put out pushes for supporters, prospective recruits, anyone to do something on their behalf," Zelin told VOA.

One of the first IS-linked attacks using a vehicle as a weapon took place in Nice, France, in 2016. A 31-year-old Tunisian-born Frenchman who was divorced and suffered from depression plowed into a Bastille Day celebration, killing more than 80 people.

Months later, a 24-year-old Tunisian man used a truck to drive into crowds at a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people. He, too, posted a video pledging allegiance to IS before carrying out the attack.

IS additionally claimed a November 2017 truck ramming attack in New York that killed at least eight people, in which police officials said the attacker followed IS instructions on vehicle attacks "almost exactly to a T."

Even as the IS terror group retreated from counterterrorism pressure in places like Syria and Afghanistan, its leaders never abandoned the quest to inspire attacks around the world.

"In Afghanistan ... ISIS-Khorasan, continues to harbor intent to conduct external operations and maintains Englishlanguage media releases that aim to globalize the group's local grievances among Western audiences," U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas warned in written congressional testimony in October 2023.

Even the most recent Homeland Security threat assessment, issued in September, cautioned that IS, with other terror groups such as al-Qaida, "maintain the enduring intent to conduct or inspire attacks in the Homeland," rating the threat level as "high."

The September assessment further warned that IS online media groups also sought to capitalize on the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East "to inspire more violent action."

FBI Director Christopher Wray has also said repeatedly that the bureau's domestic terrorism caseload remains high, with about 1,000 IS-related investigations each year spanning all 50 U.S. states.

According to data compiled by Seamus Hughes, a senior researcher faculty member at the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology and Education Center, or NCITE, more than 250 individuals have been charged with IS-related activities since 2014.

Most of those cases, according to Hughes, have resulted in guilty pleas or convictions; Justice Department prosecutors have only lost one case that went to trial.

Meanwhile, the FBI has had success in disrupting IS-linked or inspired terror plots.

In October, for example, agents arrested a 27-year-old Afghan national in Oklahoma City, charging him and a juvenile co-conspirator with attempting to carry out a mass shooting on Election Day.

IS has so far yet to claim the New Orleans terror attack as its own, but the Washington Institute's Aaron Zelin said the attack is already generating excitement among IS supporters on social media.

Some U.S. counterterrorism officials worry that excitement will play to the terror group's advantage.

"From their view, it's less important that an attack kills large numbers of people than it simply garners a lot of media attention," Brett Holmgren, the acting director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center told a Washington audience in November.

Some counterterrorism officials and experts, however, say they worry the attacks could become deadlier.

The NCTC has warned IS has been benefiting from improved finances and even set up an external planning unit in Syria, with a focus on carrying out attacks against the U.S.

"All of last year that there was an uptick in the tempo of Islamic State plots and attacks," Zelin told VOA. "We saw five attack plots in the United States last year, whereas in 2023 there were none."

That activity may not be limited to America, with some analysts pointing to deadly IS attacks last year in Kerman, Iran, and Moscow. [[

"It falls in line to a broader trend that we've seen in the U.S., but also in other parts of the world where, you know, we saw more plots and attacks in Europe, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia," Zelin said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






'We are fully confident of HK's better development and welcome global companies to invest in HK': Foreign Ministry spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jan 02, 2025 04:23 PM

"We are fully confident of Hong Kong's better development and welcome global companies to invest in Hong Kong, to share the benefits of Hong Kong's development under the 'One country, Two systems'," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.

The remarks were made in response to Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's New Year message that Hong Kong has emerged from the trough of COVID-19, regained economic vitality, and HK people's livelihoods have continued to improve.

With the strong support of the central government in 2024, the Hong Kong SAR government demonstrated responsibility, pragmatism, and enterprise, Mao said. The SAR government focused on the economy and development, strengthened foreign exchanges and cooperation, which helped build up Hong Kong's development momentum.

Hong Kong was rated as the freest economy in the world, with its international financial center ranking rising to the third globally. The scale of global assets under management in the SAR has exceeded $4 trillion, and the annual number of tourist visits to Hong Kong reached 44 million, an increase of more than 30 percent year-on-year. About 170,000 people were attracted to Hong Kong through the Top Talent Pass Scheme, Mao noted.

Mao said that by the end of 2024, the total number of mainland and overseas companies in Hong Kong SAR reached nearly 10,000, and the number of local start-ups reached nearly 4,700, both setting new records.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






CPPCC National Committee holds gathering to ring in new year, Xi Jinping delivers important speech

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:16, January 02, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held a New Year gathering in its auditorium in Beijing on the morning of Dec. 31, 2024. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the gathering to ring in the year 2025. Also present at the gathering were leading officials of China's non-Communist parties' central committees and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), representatives of personages without party affiliation, leading officials of central Party and state departments, and individuals from various ethnic groups and all walks of life in Beijing.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech. He stressed that on the journey of Chinese modernization, we will not only enjoy clear skies and gentle breezes, but also encounter high winds, heavy rains, and even dangerous storms. We must maintain strategic resolve, pool the powerful collective force of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation striving in unity to brave winds and waves, and advance the great cause of building a strong country and realizing the national rejuvenation.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, Xi extended New Year greetings to the non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation, to the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, to compatriots in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese, and to friends from all over the world who have shown understanding and support for China's modernization drive.

Xi pointed out that 2024 was a crucial year for achieving the objectives and tasks laid down in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). Over the past year, in the face of challenges posed by evolving dynamics at home and abroad, we responded calmly with a full range of steps to successfully accomplish the main targets and tasks of economic and social development for the year, and took new solid strides in advancing Chinese modernization. Our development in the past year has been extraordinary, and the achievements are encouraging. They have strengthened our resolve and confidence in advancing Chinese modernization.

Xi stressed that over the past year, the CPPCC has earnestly implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, performed its duties closely in line with the central tasks, strengthened self-improvement, and made new contributions to the development of the cause of the Party and the country.

Xi pointed out that 2025 will see the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan. We shall adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, fully and faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, accelerate the building of a new development paradigm, firmly promote high-quality development, further deepen reform comprehensively, and expand high-standard opening up. We shall better ensure both development and security, implement more proactive and impactful macro policies, promote sustained economic recovery and improvement, continuously improve people's livelihood, maintain social harmony and stability, fulfill the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality, and lay a solid foundation for getting the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) off to a good start, he said.

Xi emphasized that the CPPCC must ensure the integration of Party leadership, the united front and consultative democracy. He urged that the CPPCC should focus on central tasks while serving the country's overall development, and fully leverage its role as a specialized consultative body. It should also strengthen ideological and political guidance, actively offer suggestions and proposals, garner broader public support, build consensus, draw on collective wisdom and pool strengths.

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. He pointed out that it is imperative to earnestly study and implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi's important speech, unswervingly uphold the Party's overall leadership, have a good command of the nature of the CPPCC, focus on the central tasks, serve the country's overall development, and build the CPPCC's capacity for performing its duties in the spirit of reform and innovation. He also called for efforts to strive in unity with greater confidence, pool collective wisdom and strength for achieving China's economic and social development goals and tasks in 2025 in an all-round manner, and work tirelessly to build China into a strong country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

Hao Mingjin, chairman of the Central Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association, delivered a speech on behalf of the central committees of all non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation. He expressed their commitment to rallying more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, working together with unity and dedication, and unwaveringly striving toward the great goals of building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation.

At the gathering, Xi and other leaders met with representatives from various sectors, shaking hands and exchanging warm greetings. Members of the CPPCC National Committee and literary and art workers presented wonderful performances. The gathering concluded with a collective singing of the song "Unity is Strength." The hall was filled with a joyous and harmonious festive atmosphere.

Among those attending the gathering were members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee who were in Beijing; some leaders from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and the State Council; and leaders and former vice chairpersons of the CPPCC National Committee who were in Beijing.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 2, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: January 02, 2025 19:02

Welcome to the first regular press conference of the Foreign Ministry in the new year. It is my great pleasure to unveil the logo of China's SCO presidency. First, let me invite you to watch a short video clip. (Video clip was shown.)

The logo combines the SCO logo with unique Chinese features. It contains China's SCO presidency slogan "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move" in Chinese, Russian and English, circled by interlocking traditional Chinese decorative patterns resembling cloud, thunder and dragon found on bronze ware of China's pre-Qin period (before 221 BC) to symbolize never-ending hope. The earthy and golden colors of the outer circles indicate that the SCO is solidly rooted and enjoys a golden future, a combination of determination and dynamism.

CGTN: You mentioned just now that the slogan of China's SCO presidency "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move" is integrated into the logo. Can you brief us on China's considerations behind the slogan?

Mao Ning: China is the initiator of the Shanghai Spirit and a doer in translating the Shanghai Spirit into action. By making "action" a key word in the work of China's presidency, we are committed to taking more practical steps and being more proactive in further enhancing SCO cooperation in the political, security, economic and people-to-people and cultural domains, improving SCO mechanism, building a SCO community with a shared future and opening up new space for win-win development.

As we enter the year of 2025, China is advancing its work of SCO presidency at a faster pace. China will host a SCO summit featuring friendship, solidarity and fruitful outcomes, as well as more than 40 institutionalized meetings. Besides, China will hold major events, including the SCO Political Parties Forum, Forum on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development, Forum on People-to-People Friendship and the Forum on Friendship Cities, and SCO International Investment and Trade Expo, as well as flagship events including the SCO Film Festival, Television Festival, Art Festival, Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, Chinese Calligraphy Competition, Sculpture Tournament and SCO Summer Event. You are welcome to stay tuned and cover the events.

Hubei Media Group: Recently, after the earthquake in Vanuatu, China dispatched disaster relief supplies and expressed willingness to offer further relevant support in light of the need of Vanuatu. Could you share more details?

Mao Ning: After the earthquake, China immediately extended emergency humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu. To better support Vanuatu's disaster relief work, a chartered plane sent by the Chinese government carrying emergency disaster relief supplies arrived in Vanuatu's capital city Port Vila today. This shipment, weighing approximately 35 tonnes and 235 cubic meters in volume, includes tents, folding beds, water purification equipment, solar lights, emergency food provisions, medical supplies and so on. Chinese post-disaster assessment engineers have been carrying out intensive work in Vanuatu, providing support to the local government and people of Vanuatu in their efforts to respond to the disaster.

China and Vanuatu are good friends, good partners and good brothers that support each other in overcoming difficulties. China will continue to do what we can to help with the relief and reconstruction effort in light of the damage and the need of Vanuatu. We believe the people of Vanuatu will overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homes soon.

Kyodo News: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at the end of last year that it is extremely important for the Japanese Prime Minister to visit China. What is China's comment?

Mao Ning: During their meeting in Lima, Peru, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed to maintain high-level exchanges between the two countries. Recently, the two countries have had continued high-level interactions in various forms and bilateral relations have kept the momentum of improvement and development. China stands ready to work with Japan to continue the dialogue and communication at various levels and in various fields to enhance political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, properly manage and control differences, and make joint effort to comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit and build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era.

China Review News: In 2024, confronted by a complex and volatile international environment, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) focused on development and demonstrated its unique advantage and great strength. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in his new year address that Hong Kong has emerged from the COVID pandemic and regained economic vitality. Hong Kong's business environment has continued to improve and the driving force for economic growth is getting stronger. Do you have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: In the year of 2024, with the support of the central government, the HKSAR government forged ahead with a keen sense of responsibility and a pragmatic attitude, stayed focused on economic development, strengthened exchanges and cooperation with the outside world, and continued to consolidate the sound momentum of stability and development. Hong Kong was ranked as the world's freest economy and rose to the third place globally in Global Financial Centres Index, and the total assets under management in Hong Kong topped US$4 trillion. Hong Kong welcomed 44 million tourist arrivals in 2024, up by 30 percent year on year. The city also attracted around 170,000 talents through its talent admission schemes. By the end of last year, the total number of companies from China's mainland and overseas based in Hong Kong was nearly 10,000 and the number of startups was close to 4,700, both hitting new highs.

We have full confidence in a better future for Hong Kong. We welcome businesses from across the world to operate in Hong Kong and share the dividends of Hong Kong's development and One Country, Two Systems.

AFP: On the US, a man drove a car into a crowd of people in New Orleans yesterday. The attack has killed at least 15 people. First, what's your reaction? Second, are any Chinese nationals among the victims?

Mao Ning: We are shocked at the violent attack. We express condolences over the lives lost and sympathies to the family of the victims and the injured. China opposes all violent terrorist acts targeting civilians.

Based on the information gathered by the Chinese Embassy in the US, no Chinese deaths or injuries have so far been reported.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China adds 28 US companies to export control list, 10 to unreliable entities list

Global Times

Actions only target illegal activities, different from US' arbitrary sanctions: expert

By Wang Cong and Tao Mingyang Published: Jan 02, 2025 10:18 PM Updated: Jan 03, 2025 12:17 AM

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday announced the inclusion of 28 US entities to the export control list, barring exports of dual-use items to the listed companies. Separately, MOFCOM also announced the addition of 10 US entities to the unreliable entities list over their arms sales to the island of Taiwan.

In a statement, MOFCOM said that in line with relevant Chinese laws and regulations and to safeguard China's national security and interests and fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations, it has decided to impose export control measures on the 28 US entities, including General Dynamics, Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Following the move, exports of dual-use items to these 28 US entities are prohibited and any such ongoing export activities related to these entities must be immediately halted, according to the statement. In special circumstances where exports are deemed necessary, exporters must apply for permission from MOFCOM.

A spokesperson for MOFCOM said that the move is aimed at safeguarding national security and interests, and fulfilling non-proliferation and other international obligations.

The Chinese government will continue to unswervingly promote high-level opening-up, firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of various business entities, and promote the development of trade that is in line with regulations, the spokesperson said.

In a separate move on Thursday, MOFCOM announced that in order to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and in line with relevant Chinese laws and regulations, it has added 10 US entities that have participated in arms sales to the Taiwan region, including Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, to the unreliable entities list.

The listed companies are prohibited from engaging in China-related import or export activities, and are forbidden from making new investments in China. Senior executives of the companies are prohibited from entering China, while their work permits will be revoked, along with their visitor and residential status, and the related applications they submit will not be approved, according to the MOFCOM announcement.

In a separate statement, a spokesperson for MOFCOM said that the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China concerning its core interests and brooks no external interference. The one-China principle is a universally recognized basic norm in international relations and a general consensus of the international community. China has always been firmly opposed to the arms sales by the US to China's Taiwan region, the spokesperson said.

In recent years, the 10 US entities participated in arms sales to Taiwan and carried out so-called military technical cooperation, seriously undermining China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, gravely violating the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiques, and seriously jeopardizing peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, the spokesperson said.

China has consistently handled the issue of the unreliable entity list with caution, targeting only a small number of foreign entities that pose a threat to our national security. Foreign entities that operate in good faith and comply with the law have no reason to worry, the spokesperson stated.

The Chinese government welcomes enterprises worldwide to invest and expand their businesses in China, and is committed to providing a stable, fair, and predictable business environment for compliant foreign enterprises operating in the country, the spokesperson added.

Gao Lingyun, an expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said that the moves are in line with Chinese laws and regulations as well as international trade rules, as they only target trade activities that are in violation of Chinese laws and regulations and harm China's national interests.

"It is important to stress that we have specific regulations and systems, and we take actions in accordance with these regulations and systems. These actions are not taken at will. They are taken because these entities violated laws and regulations," Gao told the Global Times on Thursday, noting that China's moves are different from the US' arbitrary sanctions targeting normal economic and trade activities.

The export controls on the 28 US entities came after MOFCOM in December announced measures to tighten controls on the export of relevant dual-use items to the US. In principle, the export of dual-use items related to gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to the US is not permitted, while stricter examinations on end-users and end-use purposes are to be conducted regarding exports of the dual-use item of graphite to the US, the ministry said at the time.

In May 2024, MOFCOM also added several US companies, including General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems, to the unreliable entities list because they sold arms to China's Taiwan region.

Defending interests

Lu Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the US has not only imposed strict restrictions on normal trade and technological cooperation, but has also attempted to interfere in China's internal affairs related to the Taiwan region.

"Therefore, it is imperative for China to take actions against these entities to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests," Lu told the Global Times on Thursday. "The actions are in line with normal international norms as they only target military-related activities."

Chinese authorities have repeatedly slammed the US' interference in China's internal affairs related to Taiwan. On December 22, following the US' announcement of so-called military assistance and arms sales to the Taiwan region, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the decision was a severe breach of US leaders' commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence," and sends a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

"The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. To aid 'Taiwan independence' by arming Taiwan is just like playing with fire, and to use the Taiwan question to contain China is doomed to fail," the spokesperson said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Sister of North Korea's Kim spotted with children believed to be hers

If confirmed, this would mark the first time Kim Yo Jong has publicly shown her two children.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2025.01.02

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The North Korean leader's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, was seen with two children attending a New Year's performance in a video released by state media, sparking renewed speculation about her family and its place in the Kim dynasty.

A video of the New Year's art performance, aired by Korean Central Television, showed Kim Yo Jong -- leader Kim Jong Un's sister who serves as vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea -- walking outside the venue, holding the hand of a boy, with a girl next to her.

The video only showed Kim Yo Jong walking with two children but other scenes suggested the leadership, including her brother, Kim Jong Un, entered the venue with their families. Kim Jong Un was seen walking with his daughter, Ju Ae, who is increasingly suspected of being lined up as his successor.

North Korea is very secretive about the private lives of its leaders, so outside observers seize upon any public sightings to speculate about their roles and dynamics within what is essentially a ruling family.

Kim Yo Jong has been closely monitored by foreign governments and media due to her presumed power and influence in North Korea.

An official at South Korea's Unification Ministry, which focuses on inter-Korean relations, noted that it was difficult to draw presumptions based on the video.

In April 2015, South Korea's National Intelligence Service, or NIS, reported that Kim Yo Jong was thought to be expecting a child the following month.

Later, in 2018, a government source stated that she was pregnant with her second child during her visit to South Korea for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in February of that year.

There has been speculation that Kim Yo Jong's husband is the second son of top official Choe Ryong Hae, a member of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, but this has not been confirmed.

The NIS had previously speculated that Kim Yo Jong's husband was a former classmate at Kim Il Sung University.

The North Korean Strategic Information Service Center, a Seoul-based defector group, said in 2018 that Kim Yo Jong's husband is the child of a low-level party official and a Kim Il Sung University graduate named Woo In Hak.

At that time, the center suggested that Kim Jong Un may have chosen an ordinary family man with no political ties to be his sister's husband to prevent him from garnering too much power, as his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, did.

Dramatic downfall

Jang, married to the only daughter of the North Korean founder Kim Il Sung, was once one of the most powerful figures in the regime, serving as vice chairman of the National Defense Commission.

But in December 2013, he was arrested during a high-profile party meeting, accused of treason, corruption, and factionalism.

Days later, he was executed in what the regime called an effort to purge "counter-revolutionary elements."

His dramatic downfall and execution marked a turning point in Kim Jong Un's consolidation of power and sent shockwaves through North Korea's political elite.

Family members of the ruling Kim dynasty who are not in line for leadership often face isolation, exile or worse.

The siblings of former leader Kim Jong Il, for instance, experienced varied fates. Some lived in relative obscurity, while others fell out of favor.

His younger brother, Kim Pyong Il, spent decades abroad as a diplomat, reportedly under surveillance, and returned to North Korea in 2019, possibly under house arrest.

Kim Jong Il's half-brother, Kim Yong Ju, who was seen as a successor, was sidelined and lived a low-profile life until his death in 2021.

Kim Jong Nam, Kim Jong Il's eldest son and estranged heir, lived in exile before his 2017 poisoning at an airport in Malaysia, an assassination North Korean exiles and experts suspected was ordered by Kim Jong Un.

Other members of the extended family have disappeared from public view, believed to be either under tight control or eliminated to prevent any challenge to the leader's power.

Kim Yo Jong's children, if indeed the two pictured with her are hers, would not appear to be in the direct line of succession.

North Korea watchers suspect Kim Jong Un is nurturing his daughter, Ju Ae, as a successor. Her age has not been publicly confirmed but she is believed to be between 10 and 12 years old.

She has increasingly been seen with her father at various events, leading to speculation she has been chosen as the fourth generation of the Kim family to lead the nation.

The NIS has suggested North Korea is portraying Ju Ae as a strong candidate to succeed her father by stepping up her public appearances to gauge the public reaction.

Edited by Mike Firn.

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 January 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






Carter leaves complex legacy on Korean Peninsula

By Young Gyo Kim January 02, 2025

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has a complex legacy on the Korean Peninsula, former U.S. officials say, including the vital role he played in defusing a crisis between the United States and North Korea in 1994.

Thomas Hubbard, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea from 2001 to 2004, told VOA Korean by phone Wednesday that Carter's interventions in North Korea significantly lowered tensions, despite somewhat negative reactions from President Bill Clinton's administration.

"His initial involvement in the early 1990s when he went to North Korea, met with Kim Il Sung, he opened an opportunity that lowered the chances of war and led to the Agreed Framework," said Hubbard, referring to Carter's meeting in June 1994 with late North Korean founder Kim Il Sung.

Hubbard was a principal negotiator of the Agreed Framework signed by the U.S. and North Korea in Geneva in October 1994, aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

VOA Korean sought comment from the Permanent Mission of North Korea to the United Nations, but did not receive a response.

Carter, who was the 39th U.S. president and served from 1977 to 1981, visited Pyongyang as North Korea's declaration of withdrawal from the International Atomic Energy Agency created the first major crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

He crossed the inter-Korean border in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) from the South Korean side with his wife, Rosalynn, and held talks for two days in Pyongyang with the North Korean leader.

Carter was the first former U.S. president to visit the isolated country and to meet North Korea's head of state.

Controversial mission

At the time, North Korea threatened to expel IAEA inspectors, demonstrating its intent to develop nuclear weapons, and the United States pushed for U.N. sanctions on North Korea. It was speculated that Clinton was planning a preemptive attack on North Korea.

After the talks between Carter and Kim, North Korea agreed to freeze its nuclear program in exchange for a resumption of dialogue with the U.S. The breakthrough led to the first nuclear deal between the U.S. and North Korea in 40 years, although the agreement fell through in 2003.

Daniel Russel, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said in an email to VOA Korean on Monday, "It is not hyperbole to say that it felt like the brink of war. We were right at the edge of the cliff."

As a young diplomat, Russel and then-U.S. Ambassador to South Korea James Laney helped prepare Carter for his trip across the DMZ.

North Korea warned that sanctions would be treated as "an act of war" and started the process to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Russel said.

"The immediate crisis was averted. We had been really close to a war, and Jimmy Carter saved us from that," he said.

Gary Samore, former White House coordinator for arms control and weapons of mass destruction during the Obama administration, said Carter's mission was "ultimately successful, but the Clinton administration was unhappy because Carter didn't try to get any constraint on North Korea's nuclear program as part of a resolution of that immediate conflict."

Hubbard offered a similar view.

"What made it controversial, I think, is that Carter accepted some positions that went beyond the Clinton administration's positions with North Korea, and then he announced them publicly on CNN before even informing us," Hubbard said. "That was quite a shock."

CNN, which closely followed Carter's visit to Pyongyang, first reported that Carter told the North Koreans the U.S. had stopped pursuing international sanctions against North Korea, which Clinton soon flatly denied.

Carter visited North Korea twice more in 2010 and 2011 on private humanitarian missions. While his visit in 2010 secured the release of American teacher Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who had been imprisoned in North Korea for seven months, he failed to meet with Kim Jong Il, who succeeded his father, Kim Il Sung, on either trip.

While his post-presidential efforts on the Korean Peninsula are more widely known, Carter's presidency had another moment of controversy, as his push for the withdrawal of U.S. ground troops from South Korea shook the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

Push for human rights

When he assumed the presidency, Carter was determined not to overlook the human rights abuses of U.S. allies. He found it problematic that the United States would support a country under a repressive government. To him, South Korea was such a country then.

"One of the big things Carter campaigned on was human rights," Samore said. "At the time, South Korea was ruled by a military government, and he wanted to reduce relations with countries that were not democracies."

The former president, who pledged to withdraw U.S. troops from South Korea during his presidential campaign, had a war of words with then-South Korean President Park Chung-hee over the issue during his 1979 visit to South Korea, according to diplomatic documents from both countries.

According to a declassified document from the White House, Park criticized the planned withdrawal of U.S. Forces Korea, arguing the idea itself had emboldened North Korea. To this, Carter suggested that South Korea should increase defense spending.

Joseph DeTrani, former special envoy for the Six-Party Talks with North Korea from 2003 to 2006, told VOA Korean on Monday by phone that one of the factors behind Carter's decision was the burgeoning U.S. relationship with China, which fought against the U.S. during the 1950-53 Korean War in support of North Korea.

"We were normalizing relations with the People's Republic of China. There was a sense that war was not going to break out on the Korean Peninsula," said DeTrani, who also served as director of East Asia operations at the Central Intelligence Agency.

"Those people who follow developments on the Korean Peninsula felt that was not the right decision," he said.

U.S. troop withdrawal from the East Asian ally was ultimately not realized, largely over opposition from the U.S. Congress and the military.

"President Carter was interested in waging peace everywhere, wherever there is conflict. He didn't believe there was the necessary need for Americans to station so many troops in so many places," Yawei Liu, senior adviser on China at the Carter Center, told VOA Korean by phone on Monday.

Carter died Sunday at his home in Georgia at age 100. The official state funeral for Carter will be held January 9 in Washington.

South Korea's foreign ministry expressed condolences at Carter's passing.

"He was particularly interested in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and actively worked on it," it said in a statement released Monday.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary Blinken's Call with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Barrot

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

January 1, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary Blinken spoke today with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the latest developments in Syria and ways to help the Syrian people seize the opportunity to build a better future while limiting the risks of further instability, including from the Islamic State, as well as the imperative of an inclusive, Syrian-led transition process. The Secretary underscored the need for all groups in Syria to respect human rights, uphold international humanitarian law, and take all precautions to protect civilians, including members of minority groups, and urged international support to locate missing persons and those unjustly detained under the former Assad regime, including Austin Tice. The Secretary praised France's leadership in support of Lebanon, including its ongoing aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Secretary reiterated the importance of a coordinated approach to help the Lebanese people rebuild their institutions and restore their leadership through presidential elections.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israel's sacked war minister Gallant quits Knesset

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 2, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Yoav Gallant, former War Minister of the Zionist regime, who was dismissed in November after spearheading the genocidal war on Gaza for more than a year, has resigned from the Knesset (Parliament).

"I will submit my resignation to the speaker of the Knesset," Gallant said in a televised statement on Wednesday and later his office released a photograph showing him submitting his resignation letter.

According to the Palestinian news agency Samaa, Gallant announced that despite the resignation, he will remain in the ruling right-wing Likud party.

I have served in the Israeli army for 35 years and a decade in the administration and the Knesset, he said, adding that "there are moments when one must pause and reassess the direction".

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had sacked Gallant, saying there was a "breakdown in trust" amid disagreements between the two on several issues, notably the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jewish from military service.

On Wednesday, the Israeli media quoted Gallant as saying that "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."

The dismissal was the result of differences with the Prime Minister on three issues, Gallant acknowledged, saying the first was the military service for everyone.

He described the return of Zionist captives from the Gaza Strip as the second issue of disagreement, saying: "The prisoners can be released by making a few concessions, even though some of these concessions are painful."

The dismissed Minister of War of the Zionist regime added: "The third difference was about the investigation committee and my insistence on the need to form an independent investigation committee."

4399

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Suicides among Israeli forces surge amid Gaza war

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 7:23 PM

The Israeli army has reported a sharp rise in suicides among soldiers since the regime launched a campaign of death and destruction against the besieged Gaza Strip.

In a statement released on Thursday, the military said that at least 28 Israeli soldiers had committed suicide since October 2023.

"The figure is higher than 2023 when 17 soldiers were killed in 'suspected suicides' including seven after the outbreak of war," it added.

Another 10 suspected suicides took place in 2023 before the October onslaught.

The suicide numbers represent a sharp uptick from previous years. In 2022, the Israeli military recorded 14 suspected suicides, and in 2021 the number was 11.

Overall, the number of deaths in the military in 2023-2024 was the highest in decades due to war.

According to figures released by the army, at least 891 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 5,569 others wounded since the outbreak of the war on Gaza.

The army said 363 soldiers were killed in 2024, down from 558 in 2023. In 2022, 44 Israeli soldiers were killed.

According to the data, suicides have become the second-leading cause of death within the Israeli military, trailing behind operational duty, but surpassing illnesses and accidents.

Palestinian resistance groups say that the fatalities are much higher as the Israeli regime maintains strict censorship and does not release the real figures of its military casualties amid fear of public discontent over the war.

Palestinians in recent months have stepped up their resistance operations in the face of intensified Israeli aggression in northern Gaza and elsewhere across the besieged region.

In addition, the figures underscore the heavy toll the war has taken on the physical and mental well-being of military personnel.

The Israeli regime said it was working to prevent suicides in the military, including by opening a 24/7 helpline, which has received over 3,900 calls since it was established in October 2023.

The military has also called up over 800 reservist mental health officers amid the war to help soldiers.

Thousands of soldiers refuse to serve

The developments come as the regime's military is reported to be facing a critical manpower problem as it runs short of thousands of forces.

The military also said thousands of reservist soldiers had apparently stopped serving in combat roles due to mental stress. It did not provide any further data or details on the phenomenon.

The high number of reservist suicides was also thought to be tied to the military's call-up of nearly 300,000 reservists during the war.

In October, over 130 Israeli soldiers, including reservists and conscripts from various military branches, signed an open letter calling for an end to the war and stating they refused to serve unless the government worked on a ceasefire and captive release deal.

The soldiers argue that continuing the war endangers the lives of the captives held by Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza, with many feeling that more of them have been killed by Israeli airstrikes than rescued.

Meanwhile, internal dissent within the army is growing, with soldiers increasingly refusing to report for duty.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing an arrest warrant over war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court and has been accused by many Israelis and the families of captives of continuing the war for his political ambitions.

Meanwhile, Gaza's humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with about 45,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children, killed since October 2023.

The devastation of civilian infrastructure, combined with the ongoing Israeli bombardment, has left many without access to food, water, or medical supplies.

Hospitals in the Strip are overwhelmed, and critical services are struggling to keep pace with the growing number of casualties.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Japan - AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM)

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 25-08

WASHINGTON, January 2, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.64 billion. The Defense

Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Japan has requested to buy up to one thousand two hundred (1,200) AIM-120 (D-3/C-8) Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM); up to twenty (20) AIM-120D-3 guidance sections, including precise positioning provided by either Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module or M-Code; and up to four (4) AIM-120C-8 guidance sections. The following non-MDE items will be included: AMRAAM propulsion sections, warheads, AIM-120 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), missile containers, and control section spares; Common Munitions Built-in Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891 Adaptor Group Test Sets; munitions support and support equipment; spare and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; classified software delivery and support; classified publications and technical documentation; transportation support; studies and surveys; warranties; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $3.64 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.

The proposed sale will improve Japan's capability to meet current and future threats by defending its homeland and U.S. personnel stationed there. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Japan.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






'Snatch and recruit' arrests in Myanmar target youth for military service

Authorities in 4 cities arrested some 250 people in December alone.

By RFA Burmese 2025.01.02 -- Authorities loyal to Myanmar's junta arrested around 250 youths in four major cities in December, RFA Burmese has learned, and residents say they are deliberately targeting young people to force them to join the military.

If their suspicions are correct, it would be just the latest example of the junta finding creative ways to conscript citizens as it struggles to maintain control over the country it seized in a February 2021 coup.

The arrests come about seven months after the junta began conscripting young people to shore up its dwindling military ranks amid mounting battlefield losses. A law requires men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve a minimum of two years, and young people have been fleeing the country ever since.

Data collected by RFA showed a spike in youth arrests in Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyitaw and Bago in December. The operations have been described by residents as "snatch and recruit," and are seemingly covert, as the arresting officers operate at night, wearing plain clothes and driving private vehicles.

A resident of Mandalay, who like all unnamed sources in this report requested anonymity for safety reasons, said that the police and military target people on motorbikes, implying that they are focusing on young people, who are more likely to ride the cheaper vehicles.

He told RFA Burmese that authorities were targeting a specific area of 62nd street adjacent to the University of Nursing, an area frequented by young people, and other downtown areas, arresting around 80 people last month.

Because people fear being arrested, the streets are now clear of nighttime foot traffic, he said.

Meanwhile in Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, there were about 90 arrests, mostly of men, over the same period, a resident there told RFA.

"Even though no curfew has been officially imposed, nobody dares to go out at night anymore," he said. "If there are parties or festivals, and young people gather, they will be arrested."

But the resident said that authorities appear willing to take people of middle age to meet conscription quotas.

"It used to be that they targeted people between 18 and 35, but now they are targeting people ... as old as 45," he said.

In Bago region, 70 people were taken in. A resident there said that it had previously been possible for arrestees to bribe their way out of conscription, but that's not the case anymore. The arrests have resulted in empty streets, just like in Mandalay and Yangon.

"In the past, you would see people out until 8 p.m. but now, by 7 or 8, very few young people remain," he said. "The only ones out are those collecting plastic, catching rats, or hunting for eels [to earn a living]."

Meanwhile, in the capital Naypyitaw, residents said that more than 20 young people were arrested in December after the junta began implementing stricter public security measures, including more officers on patrol and more frequent random searches.

RFA attempted to contact junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment on the increased arrests of young people, but he did not respond.

An official from the Central Body for Summoning People's Military Servants said that there is no order to recruit new conscripts through illegal means like kidnapping.

"We have not issued any such orders," the official said. "All regions and states are required to carry out calls for service as outlined in the People's Military Service Law."

The official said that if illegal methods of recruitment happen, they should be reported to the Central Body, which would then investigate the issue.

According to official recruitment statistics, 40,000 people have been called up for military service at a rate of 5,000 to 8,000 per week. These statistics do not include those who have been conscripted by illegal means.

A lawyer in Yangon, said snatch and recruit operations are against the law.

"The conscription law already clearly outlines who can be called up for military service, what needs to be done, and when to serve," he said. "It is all clearly stated, and the steps are well-defined."

He said that the original purpose of the People's Military Service Law, which was put in place by the previous junta in 2010, was not to fight against one's own people, but to defend against foreign aggression.

Some of the young men who were forcibly recruited by the junta for military service have died in battles with anti-junta forces, while others have fled to join the fight against the military.

Translated by Kalyar Lwin. Edited by Eugene Whong.

Copyright 1998-2025, 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 January 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






31 political prisoners died in prisons across Myanmar in 2024

Poor heath care and inhumane treatment were to blame, says a report.

By RFA Burmese 2025.01.02 -- The death toll of political prisoners in the military junta's prisons across Myanmar hit 31 in 2024 due to poor healthcare and inhumane treatment  nearly double the number of those who died for the same reasons in 2023, a year-end report by a political prisoners' rights group says.

And their conditions are growing worse year by year in jails under the junta which seized power in a February 2021 coup d'etat, said the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar, or PPNM, which monitors the situation inside the nation's prison system, in the report issued Tuesday.

Of those who died, nine succumbed to unlawful torture and extrajudicial killings, both inside and outside the prisons, or were killed outside prisons, for political reasons and in response to protests against prison authorities, said PPNM committee member Theik Tun Oo.

Twenty-two others passed away because of inadequate health care, including the denial of urgent medical treatment and restricted access to public hospitals for so-called security reasons, he told Radio Free Asia.

Prominent political prisoners of the former National League for Democracy government  Zaw Myint Maung, chief minister of Mandalay region, and Win Khaing, minister of electricity and energy  both died in prison due to insufficient healthcare.

Last year, 17 political prisoners died from a lack of health care or human rights violations.

Female political prisoners

The report also noted that 42 female political prisoners were serving sentences across Myanmar at the end of 2024.

Among them were 35 mothers imprisoned with their children and seven pregnant women, though the actual numbers could be higher, the group said.

Some female political prisoners were knowingly arrested by the military junta during the coup while they were pregnant. Others were found pregnant after being taken to the prisons. Many of these women have since given birth in prison and are raising their babies behind bars.

Some children are suffering from mental and physical abuse in prisons, and lack access to nutritious food, Theik Tun Oo said.

"At present, children are exposed to the negative habits in the prisons, such as swearing and shouting, and they regularly have seen their mothers being abused," he said.

Advocates for political prisoner are calling for the immediate release of pregnant women and mothers in jails with their children.

RFA could not reach junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment.

'Brutal beatings'

In 2024, authorities also transferred about 1,800 political prisoners to correctional facilities far from their families, according to the report.

Former inmates said political prisoners were often moved to prevent them from protesting the suffering they experienced behind bars.

The father of a prisoner who was transferred to Tharyawaddy Prison in Bago region after serving a long-term sentence in Yangon's Insein Prison on three political charges told RFA that he had difficulty getting a permit for jail visit.

Authorities arrested Naing Kyaw during the junta's 2021 crackdown on young people protesting the coup in Yangon.

"He continues to suffer from internal injuries sustained during brutal beatings by the junta," said his father.

The father and some other relatives of other prisoners collectively hired a taxi to visit their jailed family members, with each having to pay about 20,000-30,000 kyats (US$9-14). He said he had to send daily necessities because of Naing Kyaw's poor health.

RFA could not reach the office of deputy director-general of the Prisons Department for comment.

Legal rights denied

Myanmar's Prison Act stipulates that political prisoners must be held in separate cells and are guaranteed full rights to medical care and family visits.

But legal experts have pointed out that following the military coup, such prisoners have been denied their legal rights and subjected to neglect.

"After 2021, prison management shifted to following orders from senior officials rather than adhering to prison laws and regulations," a legal expert, who declined to be named for safety reasons, told RFA.

"Legal standards have been ignored, with junior officials, prison authorities and general staff merely implementing directives instead of upholding the law," he said.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, another organization that supports political prisoners in Myanmar, said on Oct. 7 that 103 political prisoners had died in prisons for various reasons since the coup d'etat. Of that figure, 63 died due to a lack of sufficient medical treatment.

At year-end, the group documented nearly 21,500 political prisoners across Myanmar.

Translated by Aung Naing for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2025, 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 January 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






Myanmar enacts cybersecurity law that aims to restrict use of VPNs

The law also states that Myanmar citizens abroad are liable to punishment.

By RFA Burmese 2025.01.02 -- Myanmar's junta has enacted a cybersecurity law that will penalize unauthorized provision of virtual private networks, or VPNs, which many people use to circumvent internet restrictions to get access to news and information and to report on what is going on in their country.

The law, which came into effect on Wednesday, is aimed at preventing cyberattacks through electronic technology that threatens national sovereignty, peace, and stability, as well as to effectively investigate and bring charges against cybercrimes, the ruling military said in a statement published in newspapers.

Myanmar cracked down on the internet and the media after the military ousted an elected government in early 2021, sparking an armed uprising that has raised questions about the sustainability of widely unpopular army rule.

With the media under the control of the military largely a mouthpiece of the generals, many people rely on VPNs to skirt control and get access to independent and foreign media and to send content out of the country.

The law sets out a penalty of six months in prison and a fine for "unauthorized VPN installation or service."

A VPN service provider told Radio Free Asia that the law could be disastrous for his business.

"It's really bad for us," said the service provider, who declined to be identified for security reasons.

"Even if there's demand, we don't dare sell it. We'll keep an eye on whether they actually take action on it or not. If they really crack down on providing VPN service, we'll have to register officially."

The law also sets out jail for up to six months, and a fine, for distributing, transferring, copying or selling information that is "inappropriate for the public" through electronic technology.

It also sets out a jail term of six months to a year for anyone found operating an illegal online gambling system. Illegal gambling, often organized by gangsters from China, has proliferated in more lawless parts of Myanmar and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

A legal expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, told RFA that there should be a limit to the extent authorities can control online activity and said the law posed a threat to public privacy and security.

"If these technologies are used for gambling or for criminal purposes, there needs to be a provision to take effective action. However, we see that the law's intent is to harm the public's security and privacy," he said.

Kyaw Win, director of the Burma Human Rights Network, suggested that the junta enacted the law to hide its crimes against the Burmese people.

"Freedom of communication and freedom of expression are important human rights," he said. "At present, social media is restricted. But in the age of advanced technology, nothing can be fully blocked."

The cybersecurity law also states that Myanmar nationals living abroad can be punished.

"Myanmar citizens residing in foreign countries shall be liable to punishment under this law if they commit any offense," according to a copy of the legislation published in newspapers.

Many Myanmar nationals living abroad try to report news from their country and organize opposition to the military via online communities.

Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by RFA Staff.

This story has been updated to include comments by Kyaw Win, director of the Burma Human Rights Network.

Copyright 1998-2025, 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 January 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






South Korea's Yoon vows to 'fight until end' despite facing arrest

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 11:06 AM

South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol has written a letter urging his supporters to stand by him, declaring that he will "fight until the end", as authorities seek to arrest him over his brief martial law imposed last month.

Back on December 3, heavily armed troops stormed the National Assembly building after Yoon ordered a martial law to be imposed, the first of its kind in more than four decades, but lawmakers managed to rush to the parliament to vote down his martial law declaration.

He gave the military extraordinary powers in order to end the political deadlock within the capital, and stop what he dubbed "anti-state forces." However, the martial law lasted only six hours before being revoked by the parliament.

After being impeached by lawmakers and having his powers suspended, Yoon was replaced by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who briefly led the country as acting president.

"I am watching on YouTube live all the hard work you are doing," Yoon addressed a letter late Wednesday to the estimated hundreds of supporters gathered near his official residence in protest of his investigation.

"I will fight until the end to protect this country together with you," he added in the letter, a photo capture of which was sent to Reuters by Seok Dong-hyeon, a lawyer advising Yoon.

The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the parliament and spearheaded Yoon's impeachment on December 14, stressed that the letter demonstrated Yoon's purported delusion and his continued commitment to carry out what they call his "insurrection."

"As if trying to stage insurrection wasn't enough, he is now inciting his supporters to an extreme clash," said party spokesman Jo Seoung-lae in a statement.

On Tuesday, a court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon, potentially making him the first sitting president to be detained in connection with investigations into accusations that he orchestrated an insurrection by attempting to impose martial law.

Insurrection is one of the rare criminal charges for which a South Korean president does not enjoy immunity.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), heading a joint investigative team that includes police and prosecutors, has until January 6 to carry out the arrest warrant.

South Korean lawmakers impeached Han for his refusal on December 27 to appoint three judges to fill vacancies in the Constitutional Court, the body that will be deciding whether to reinstate or remove Yoon permanently from office.

Now, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the role of acting president.

The opposition argued that Han had actively participated in Yoon's insurrection and violated his duty to uphold the law by avoiding investigations.

Opposition politicians also called for launching a special probe into Yoon's martial law declaration.

On Thursday, Yoon's lawyer warned that police officers would be at risk of arrest by "the presidential security service or any citizens" if they attempt to detain Yoon on behalf of the CIO, stressing that their authority is restricted only to crowd control and maintaining public order.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Alawites targeted as HTS militants launch crackdown on Homs

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 02 January 2025 11:04 AM

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militants have launched a crackdown on a minority group in Homs after recent protests against Syria's new rulers who seized power after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad.

A security sweep was underway in the city on Thursday, with a so-called rights monitor saying the targets included "protest organizers" from the Alawite minority.

Authorities called "on the residents of the neighborhoods of Wadi al-Dhahab, Akrama not to go out to the streets, remain home, and fully cooperate with our forces".

Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), said the two districts of Wadi al-Dhahab and Akrama in Homs are a majority-Alawite community.

The campaign, he said, aimed to search for those who organized or participated in the Alawite demonstrations last week, which the HTS considered as incitement against its authority.

Alawites are increasingly concerned about potential reprisals against their community, which stem from their status as a minority religious group and their historical ties to the al-Assad family.

Last Wednesday, thousands of people protested in several areas across Syria, including Latakia, Tartus, Homs, Hama and Qardaha, after a video circulated showing an attack on an Alawite shrine in the country's north.

In another development last week, HTS militants raided the western province of Tartus, the Alawite heartland.

Earlier, hundreds of demonstrators protested in the Christian areas of Damascus against the burning of a Christmas tree by militants near Syria's Hama.

The HTS administration, which led the onslaught that toppled Assad on December 8, has repeatedly claimed it would respect the beliefs and rights of all sects and religions in Syria.

The situation, however, remains shaky with a potential risk of further clashes as sectarian sentiments continue to rise, amid the ongoing political instability and pressures on minority groups.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Is Preparing To Reestablish Diplomatic Ties With Syria

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 02, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Kyiv is making preparations to reestablish ties with Syria after a diplomatic mission led by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha visited Damascus to meet with the Middle Eastern country's new leadership.

The Ukrainian delegation met with Syria's de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa and other interim government figures on December 30 after the Russia-backed administration of ousted President Bashar al-Assad was toppled earlier this month.

"We are preparing to restore diplomatic relations with Syria and the interaction with international organizations. I would like to thank our intelligence for securing the basis for these contacts as a result of the visit," Zelenskiy said in a video on social media on January 2.

The rebels who ousted Assad were led by Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamist group, a U.S. and EU-designated terrorist organization.

Sharaa has publicly pledged to adopt moderate policies regarding women's rights, national reconciliation, and relations with the international community, although world leaders say they remain wary of the new rulers pending concrete actions.

Ukraine has moved quickly to establish a line of communication with the new Syrian leaders saying it is interested in stabilizing the situation and believes it is essential for Syria's security to remove any Russian presence from the country.

Zelenskiy announced earlier this week that Ukraine had delivered 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria as part of its "Grain from Ukraine" initiative.

Russia granted Assad and his family asylum earlier this month after they fled Damascus on December 8.

Kremlin aides have said Moscow is in contact with Syria's new administration at both a diplomatic and military level. Russia is concerned, in particular, about the fate of a naval facility and an air base it operates in the country.

Several media outlets, including The Washington Post, have reported that Syrian fighters received about 150 drones as well as other covert support from Ukrainian intelligence operatives ahead of their lightning advance through the country that culminated in the toppling of Assad.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-syria-diplomatic- ties-zelenskiy-hts-assad-toppled/33261278.html

Copyright (c) 2025. 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






Over 115,000 Syrians have returned home since end of Assad dictatorship

2 January 2025 - More than 115,000 people have reportedly returned to Syria from countries such as Turkiye, Jordan and Lebanon since 8 December - the fall of the Assad regime - the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Thursday.

The information is based on public statements by host countries, contacts with immigration services from inside Syria, and border monitoring by the agency and partners.

UNHCR said the Turkish Minister of Interior reported that 35,113 Syrians have voluntarily returned home.

Jordan returnees' demographic shift

For its part, Jordan noted that more than 22,000 people have entered Syria through its territory, 3,100 of whom were registered refugees.

UNHCR teams noticed a shift in demographics of returnees from Jordan this week, with more women and children returning rather than men travelling alone.

"When interviewed, some families reported that the head of household would stay in Jordan for several more months in order to earn money that will support the family's re-integration inside Syria before joining them," the agency said.

Displaced within Syria

Approximately 664,000 people remain newly displaced across Syria, mainly in Idlib and Aleppo governorates. The majority, 75 per cent, are women and children.

Moreover, nearly 486,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their areas of origin, mainly in Hama and Aleppo governorates.

"Prevailing insecurity - including armed clashes, increased criminal activity, and unexploded ordnance - continues to present challenges for civilians and will likely influence the potential decision to return home faced by Syrians living outside the country," UNHCR said.

Figuring out needs

The agency continues to engage with caretaker authorities, which includes a meeting held this past Sunday with the Governor's Office in Dar'a to discuss humanitarian needs there.

UNHCR also continues to visit active border crossings, monitor processes, and listen to Syrians crossing back into the country about their priorities and needs.

Furthermore, rehabilitation of 200 partially damaged houses in Rural Damascus has resumed, with completion expected by the end of this month.

Core relief and winter items have also been distributed to returnee families in Damascus, Homs and Idlib governorates as well as to IDPs living in collective centres and unfinished buildings across Ar-Raqqa and Al-Hassakeh governorates.

The view from Lebanon

Meanwhile, the number of Syrians departing Lebanon through official border crossings remains "low but steady".

These journeys are predominantly through the Masnaa crossing and include people who may be making short trips to assess the situation in Syria.

Over the last 10 days, a maximum of 100 to 200 people have been in the no-man's land area at any one time, UNHCR said, either being processed to enter Lebanon or going back into Syria.

A small number of families who were stranded over the New Year period were assisted by UNHCR and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) while waiting to be processed for entry.

Iraq: Crossings from Kurdistan Region

The movement of Syrians through the Peshkabour border crossing with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has also continued, reaching approximately 300 to 400 daily.

Most of those making the crossing into Iraq are of Kurdish ethnicity and indicate that they are either coming to the Kurdistan Region temporarily for family visits or using it as a transit point - planning to return to Syria afterwards.

Over the past three weeks, 948 Syrians have permanently returned through official processes, and 105 were refugees registered with UNHCR.

Seeking assistance in Egypt

In Egypt, UNHCR continues to see a higher-than-average number of case closure requests from Syrian refugees.

Between 8 and 29 December, a total of 1,448 closure requests involving 2,695 individuals have been submitted, averaging 97 per working day compared to the November average of seven closure requests.

UNHCR Egypt continues to provide counseling support to Syrians seeking information about the situation in their homeland.

Of most concern is whether the agency can assist with repatriation support; whether fines for overstays and delayed residence permits can be waived upon exit; if returning to Syria is safe; and which routes should be avoided.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Syrian security forces search for pro-Assad militants in Homs, state media say

By VOA News January 02, 2025

Syrian security forces searched Thursday for former soldiers and pro-Assad militants in the city of Homs who have refused to turn in their weapons, state media said.

The SANA news agency cited a military official saying the rebels who ousted longtime President Bashar al-Assad had set up centers in Homs for the soldiers and militants to turn in their arms in a process carried out in other parts of Syria.

The report said the new Syrian authorities received reports weeks ago that there were remnants of pro-Assad militias in Homs.

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 Syria's new rulers  the Islamist-led rebels who seized power last month  to investigate what happened to them.

The activists in question are Razan Zaitouneh, her husband, Wael Hamadeh, Samira Khalil and Nazem Hammadi.

On December 9, 2013, unidentified gunmen stormed the Violations Documentation Center in Douma, northeast of Damascus, and abducted the four activists. The center was set up in 2011 to monitor human rights violations in Syria. At the time, Douma was held by rebels.

There has been no sign of life or proof of death since they were abducted.

Zaitouneh was one of Syria's most prominent human rights activists, in part because she documented abuses by then-President Assad's government and rebel groups in equal measure.

Zaitouneh's work earned her global recognition, including an International Woman of Courage Award presented by then-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 country, calling for information about the thousands of people who disappeared by force under Assad's rule.

Syria's 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 in the enforced disappearance of 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, Khalil's 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, using another name for the group.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israel continues striking Syrian army positions

By VOA News January 02, 2025

Israel bombed Syrian army positions south of the city of Aleppo on Thursday, according to residents, local media and rights groups, marking the latest strikes by Israel against a country whose longtime president was overthrown last month.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group said the strikes targeted defense and research facilities.

Residents reported hearing big explosions in their vicinity. Syrian state television reported the strikes early Friday, local time.

It was not immediately clear whether the strikes caused any deaths.

Islamist-led rebels overthrew longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month.

Since then, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes on Syrian military assets. Israel said the strikes were aimed at keeping military weapons away from extremists.

Israel's continued bombardment of Syria comes as the Israeli military said Thursday that its special forces had raided an underground missile production site in Syria in September. Israel said the site was set to manufacture hundreds of precision missiles that Iran-backed Hezbollah would use against Israel.

The complex, near the Mediterranean coast, was "the flagship of Iranian manufacturing efforts in our region," Israeli Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told reporters.

"This facility was designed to manufacture hundreds of strategic missiles per year from start to finish, for Hezbollah to use in their aerial attacks on Israel," he added.

Shoshani said Israel had been observing the plant since construction began in 2017. Israeli forces raided the complex because it was close to being able to produce precision missiles, some with a range of up to 300 kilometers, or 190 miles.

"This ability was becoming active, so we're talking about an immediate threat," he said.

The operation was complex, Shoshani said, and involved dozens of aircraft and about 100 helicopter-borne troops. The troops dismantled the facility after the raid, he added.

"This is one of the most important counteractions we have taken against the Iranian axis's attempts to arm itself in order to harm us, and it demonstrates our determination and audacity to act anywhere to protect ourselves," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia ramps up disinformation efforts as its grip weakens over post-Assad Syria

By William Echols January 02, 2025

The Kremlin is using uncertainty following the ouster of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, and the potential loss of Russia's military toehold in Syria, to accuse the United States of sowing instability in the country.

On Dec. 29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov signaled that the end of the Assad regime would push Russia to "make certain adjustments to Russia's military presence in Syria."

Lavrov said the continued deployment of Russian forces and the future of its bases "could be the subject of negotiations with the new Syrian leadership."

Particularly of concern to Moscow are the fates of its Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim air base located on Syria's Mediterranean coast. The naval base established by the Soviet Union during the cold war, and the air base in 2015 as a strategic command post, both served as Russia's military hubs in the Middle East.

Amid this backdrop, Russian intelligence is pushing conspiracy theories that the U.S. and allies are planning attacks on those facilities and otherwise seeking to destabilize the country.

On Dec. 28, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service, or SVR, accused U.S. and British intelligence agencies of "working out plans to stage a series of terrorist attacks on the Russian military facilities in Syria."

Those plans, the SVR claimed, without evidence, would involve the use of Islamic State, or IS, militants.

Russia has long propagated the false narrative that the U.S. sought the ouster of Assad to destabilize the Middle East and control its oil resources.

Despite Russia's claim, the U.S. has worked for years to eradicate the IS threat, including with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, in Syria's northeast.

The U.S. and SDF defeated IS in its final holdout, Baghuz, near Syria's Iraqi border, in March 2019. That year, U.S. forces killed IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi during a raid in northwestern Syria.

The Kurds oversee prisons housing thousands of IS fighters and their families.

Russian forces, by contrast, regularly targeted armed groups who were fighting IS, and did not prioritize fighting IS terrorists during Moscow's intervention in Syria.

On Dec. 19, the U.S. Defense Department announced an additional 1,100 U.S. personnel had been deployed to Syria, bringing the total to 2,000 U.S. troops, to help stabilize the situation in the post-Assad era.

At the same time, the United States Central Command, CENTCOM, has announced multiple airstrikes against IS targets to prevent the terrorist group from reestablishing foothold in the country.

One U.S. airstrike on Dec. 19 killed IS leader Abu Yusif and other IS operatives "in an area formerly controlled by the Syrian regime and Russians."

"As stated before, the United States  working with allies and partners in the region  will not allow ISIS to take advantage of the current situation in Syria and reconstitute," CENTCOM Commander, General Michael Erik Kurilla said in a Dec. 20 statement.

"ISIS has the intent to break out of detention the over 8,000 ISIS operatives currently being held in facilities in Syria. We will aggressively target these leaders and operatives, including those trying to conduct operations external to Syria," Kurilla said.

With Assad gone, there are signs Russia is doubtful about its ability to maintain military presence in Syria.

In recent weeks, Russian cargo planes reportedly carrying military equipment have flown from Syria to eastern Libya, much of which is under the control of Khalifa Haftar, described by France 24 as "Russia's man" in the country.

Russia also has reportedly shifted military assets to bases in Mali and Sudan, where Moscow maintains a presence of its African Corps  formerly Wagner  troops.

Despite efforts to find alternatives, experts say Russia's potential loss of its bases in Syria could seriously dampen Russia's ability to project power in the Middle East and throughout Africa.

On Dec. 30, Al Jazeera reported that Syria's new government had set up checkpoints around Hmeimim air base. Syrian security forces alleged Russia was harboring Assad loyalists at the facility.

The rebel fighters who ousted Assad and many locals view Russian troops as occupiers, and they want Moscow to withdraw its military presence, Al Jazeera reported.

That report described Hmeimim as a "thorn" in the hearts of the Syrian rebels who had recaptured the country earlier that month, citing the destruction Russian airstrikes had subjected them to up until Assad's last days in power.

As in Syria, Russia previously accused the U.S. and U.K. of supporting Islamic State - Khorasan Province, or ISIS-K, in Afghanistan, despite longtime U.S. efforts to eradicate ISIS-K and its leadership there.

That allegation fits into the broader conspiracy theory repeatedly spread by Russia and Iran that the U.S. created Islamic State to destabilize the Middle East and serve the foreign policy goals of the U.S. and Israel.

Throughout the decade of the civil war, Russia framed its support for Assad and military presence in Syria, including the deployment of long-range bombers to Hmeimim air base, as a stabilizing force in the country.

Contrary to that narrative, Russia indiscriminately attacked civilian targets, particularly hospitals, and allegedly killed tens of thousands of people throughout the course of the Syrian civil war.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Amendments to school textbooks by Syria's new authorities draw outcry

By Sirwan Kajjo January 02, 2025

Amendments to school textbooks by Syria's new authorities have sparked outrage from parents, educators and rights groups.

The changes, announced Wednesday, affect first-to-12th-grade schoolbooks in all Syrian schools, with a focus on history, religion and science textbooks.

The Education Ministry under the country's caretaker government announced the decision following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime in an Islamist-led rebel offensive just weeks ago.

The changes include removing all content "glorifying" the former Syrian regime, its leaders, symbols, and the Baath party, which had ruled Syria since 1963.

The ministry's directive also mandates revisions in subjects such as history, religion and science. For example, any reference to women, love and pre-Islamic gods are to be removed from textbooks. Additionally, the ministry has ordered the removal of an entire unit on human evolution from a science textbook.

Fadwa, a mother of two schoolchildren in Damascus who only gave her first name, expressed her disappointment over the revisions.

"You can remove all mentions of Assad and his regime from all books, but you cannot erase history and obscure science  it's just wrong," she told VOA via messaging app. "This is not a political matter, but it concerns the future of our children and country."

Fadwa is deeply concerned about her children's education, she said, if the amendments are not reversed.

The caretaker government, including the Education Ministry, is dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, an Islamist militant group that led the offensive leading to the ouster of Assad on Dec. 8.

HTS, once considered al-Qaida's Syria branch, formally severed ties with the global terror group in 2016. However, experts note, it continues to uphold a radical Islamist ideology.

HTS leaders have pledged to establish an inclusive transitional government that reflects Syria's religious and ethnic diversity. Observers argue, though, that some of the group's actions on the ground contradict these claims.

"They say all the good things on television, but the reality is that this group is imposing its ideology on Syrians," said Youssif Ahmed, a Syrian educator.

"They have no legitimate mandate to make drastic changes on such an important issue as education," he told VOA. "These matters require patience and expertise, which I'm not sure these people have. They are in a rush to make these big changes which, if implemented, will have long-term implications for the education process in this country."

Ahmed pointed out as an example the new revisions in which the term "Ottoman occupation" of Syria has been replaced with "Ottoman rule."

"This is not a move to correct a historical error, but it shows their intention to appease their Turkish allies," he said.

Turkey, a key backer of the rebels since the Syrian conflict began in 2011, says it has played a role in supporting the offensive that led to Assad's overthrow. Turkish officials have said Ankara will help the new rulers in Damascus rebuild Syria's political and economic structures.

While some adjustments such as removing content praising Assad are seen as positive, other revisions raise serious concerns, said Rami Jarrah, a prominent Syrian journalist.

"These amendments require an inclusive framework that ensures representation from all segments of Syrian society in the decision-making process," he wrote on social media platform X. "Without this inclusivity, these unilateral changes risk deepening societal divisions and undermining the principles of shared governance and national unity."

In response to growing criticism, Nazir al-Qadri, the caretaker government's minister of education, said the curricula in all Syrian schools should remain as is until specialized committees are formed to review them.

"We have only directed the deletion of what glorifies the former Assad regime, and we have adopted images of the Syrian Revolution flag instead of the flag of the former regime in all schoolbooks," Qadri said in a statement on Thursday.

"What has been announced is a modification of some of the incorrect information that the former Assad regime adopted in the Islamic education curriculum, such as explaining some Quranic verses in a wrong way," he said. "We have adopted their correct explanation as stated in the interpretation books for all educational levels."

One such revision includes adding the terms "Jews" and "Christians" to the explanation of a verse in the Quran, the holy Muslim book, about those who angered God.

The Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights, a Christian advocacy group based in Sweden, says such amendments pose a danger to religious coexistence in Syria.

"This action is considered an explicit incitement to religious hatred and the spread of discrimination and exclusion speech," the group said in a statement on Thursday. "This interpretation contradicts the principles of religious tolerance and coexistence that have always distinguished the Syrian society."

Joshua Landis, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, wrote on X that "the new Syria school textbooks are moving from a nationalist to Islamist interpretation of Syrian history."

This story originated in VOA's Kurdish Service.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taiwan bars Chinese newspaper 'Strait Herald' from stationing reporters: MAC

ROC Central News Agency

01/02/2025 11:22 PM

Taipei, Jan. 2 (CNA) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Thursday announced the Chinese newspaper "Strait Herald" () would be indefinitely suspended from stationing reporters in Taiwan due to its "united front work."

"The media outlet has a clear nature of engaging in united front work targeting Taiwan... We believe the Strait Herald is no longer a legitimate media platform," said Liang Wen-chieh (), deputy head and spokesperson of the MAC, without elaborating on the specifics or the reasoning for the timing of the decision.

Liang added that Lin Jingdong (), a member of the Strait Herald management committee, was found -- by the Taichung District Court in August -- to have fabricated opinion polls about Taiwan's 2024 presidential election in a bid to sway public opinion and interfere in the election.

However, it was unclear if there was a link between Lin producing the polls -- featured in several Taiwanese news media -- and the Strait Herald, or if they were conducted on behalf of China's united front effort.

As well as Strait Herald reporters, Taiwanese authorities will also suspend the newspaper's parent organization, the Fujian Daily Newspaper Group, from having reporters based in Taiwan, Liang said.

He said the Strait Herald currently has one reporter in Taiwan, whose permit expires on Jan. 23. That reporter will not have to leave early, he added.

Chinese reporters granted permission by Taiwanese authorities to station in Taiwan can stay for up to three months at a time, according to the MAC.

It is currently unclear if reporters from any Fujian Daily Newspaper Group title will be allowed to visit on a more short-term basis.

The united front strategy by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aims to influence and co-opt individuals or organizations to advance its political and strategic goals, including pushing for unification with Taiwan.

In response to the MAC's announcement, Chen Binhua (), spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, MAC's counterpart across the Taiwan Strait, said later Thursday that the suspension was an act of "smearing with groundless accusations" against Chinese reporters stationed in Taiwan for their "legitimate reporting activities."

There are currently eight Chinese media outlets with 12 reporters stationed in Taiwan, including the China Central Television, China National Radio, Xinhua News Agency, People's Daily, China News Service, Xiamen Star, Strait Herald and Hunan Broadcasting System, according to the MAC.

Meanwhile, Liang said that between 2014 and 2023, 679 individuals had their Taiwanese household registrations, ID cards and passports revoked after they were found to have Chinese household registrations or passports, in violation of Taiwanese law.

A documentary by Taiwanese YouTubers Pa Chiung () and Chen Po-yuan () on Dec. 28 claimed that Taiwanese people have been encouraged by the Chinese authorities to apply for Chinese ID cards, with around 200,000 obtaining the document.

In the one-hour film, the YouTubers interviewed a Taiwanese businessman who claimed the Chinese government permits Taiwanese citizens to obtain a Chinese ID card while retaining their Taiwanese ID card, Taiwanese passport and Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents.

Liang said that relevant authorities in Taiwan are investigating to verify the accuracy of the businessman's claim.

He added that, according to Chinese regulations, Taiwanese people are required to surrender their Taiwanese identification documents to Chinese authorities when obtaining a Chinese ID card.

One possibility was that local officials in China may have chosen not to comply with the regulations for personal gain, Liang said.

He added that the Taiwanese authorities will investigate whether the Chinese central government is aware of the situation and "tacitly approves it."

(By Sunny Lai)

Enditem/kb

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Government to seek court order to disband pro-unification party

ROC Central News Agency

01/02/2025 10:40 PM

Taipei, Jan. 2 (CNA) The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) on Thursday said it will formally ask the Constitutional Court to legally dissolve the Chinese Unification Promotion Party (CUPP).

In a statement, the MOI said its Political Party Review Committee approved a resolution to seek the dissolution of the New Taipei-based CUPP with a required two-thirds vote after inviting the party's leadership to make a statement in its defense.

The MOI claimed the CUPP is known to be involved in organized crime, and has core members who have "repeatedly" violated the National Security Act, Anti-Infiltration Act, Cross-Strait Act, and election laws, thus "endangering national security, social stability and fair elections."

While the MOI "respects" the political stances made in the CUPP's party charter and platform, it "cannot accept" repeated national security violations and acts of violence by party members, the statement said.

According to the MOI, the CUPP''s "links to foreign forces" and "use of a political party name as a cover for organized crime," among other things, violate the Constitution and laws, even if the party does not hold any seats in the Legislature or any city or county councils.

Under Taiwan's Constitution, the MOI noted, authorities can request the dissolution of a political party "[whose] goals or activities endanger the existence of the Republic of China or the nation's free and democratic constitutional order."

The MOI acknowledged that its request may be complicated by an ongoing political dispute over Constitutional Court vacancies and reform legislation, which has left the court's operations in a cloud of uncertainty.

A request to disband the CUPP will be submitted as the court's situation permits, the ministry said.

(By Kao Chien-hua and Matthew Mazzetta)

Enditem/AW

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Mainland official calls for concerted efforts to advance national reunification

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:03, January 02, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland official on Thursday called on people across the Taiwan Strait to make concerted efforts and forge ahead with determination to achieve national reunification and rejuvenation.

Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks in a New Year message to Taiwan compatriots.

He extended New Year wishes and sincere greetings to people in Taiwan, as conveyed in the message published in the first issue of the "Relations Across Taiwan Strait" magazine in 2025.

In 2025, the mainland will thoroughly implement the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, stick to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and take resolute actions against "Taiwan independence," said Song.

Efforts will be made to continue expanding exchanges and cooperation, promote integrated development across the Strait, and enhance understanding and identification, with the aim of jointly promoting the development of cross-Strait relations and advancing national reunification, he added.

In 2024, the mainland expanded exchanges with the island and successfully brought the people across the Strait closer. Compatriots across the Strait demonstrated through actions that they are naturally close to each other historically, culturally and by blood, forming a family that goes through thick and thin together, said Song.

The mainland also enhanced the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, improved policies and measures to benefit them and Taiwan enterprises, and promoted integrated development across the Strait, he said.

Effective efforts were made last year to deter separatists and external forces attempting to interfere, thereby maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait while safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Song said.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the liberation of Taiwan from Japanese colonial rule and its return to the motherland.

Highlighting the importance of the overall interests of the Chinese nation, Song called on compatriots across the Strait to take on historical responsibilities and join hands to work for national rejuvenation and the complete reunification of the country.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taipei hits back over Chinese military's New Year propaganda video

Video featuring Hong Kong's Andy Lau shows China 'ready to fight any time' to annex Taiwan.

By Yam Chi Yau for RFA Cantonese 2025.01.02 -- Taiwan's government on Thursday hit back at a New Year's propaganda video created by China's People's Liberation Army in which President Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing's claims on the democratic island.

The video, set to the song "Chinese People" by veteran Hong Kong pop star Andy Lau, features Chinese warships and planes, and what appeared to be a Chinese fighter jet flying near a P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft that the United States sometimes sends through the Taiwan Strait.

The accompanying Weibo post read: "The officers and soldiers in the war zone are ready to fight at any time and resolutely safeguard the reunification of the motherland."

In a Jan. 1 address to the nation, Xi vowed to unify Taiwan with the mainland.

"We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family," Xi declared. "No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us, and no one will ever stop China's unification."

Taiwan has never been ruled by Beijing, nor formed part of the People's Republic of China. It is governed by the Republic of China government, formed after the 1911 fall of the Qing Dynasty under Sun Yat-sen, that fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing the civil war to Mao Zedong's communists.

Psychological warfare

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters that the video is an example of China's United Front propaganda targeting the island's 23 million people, and aimed to intimidate them with an "illusion" of unity.

"It is the People's Liberation Army showing its intimidation of Taiwan," Lin said, adding that the video was a form of psychological warfare.

While China insists on eventual "unification" with Taiwan -- by armed invasion if necessary -- the majority of Taiwan's 23 million people have no wish to give up their democratic way of life to submit to Communist Party rule.

China has threatened the death penalty for supporters of Taiwan independence, while Taipei says Beijing has no jurisdiction over the actions of its citizens.

A recent public opinion poll from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research showed that 67.8% of respondents were willing to fight to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.

The video came as Chinese warplanes and ships carried out the first "combat patrol" around Taiwan in 2025. The island's defense ministry said it had detected 22 Chinese military aircraft including J-16 fighter jets, carrying out a "joint combat readiness patrol" around Taiwan in conjunction with Chinese warships starting Jan. 2.

The People's Liberation Army video also included images of Chinese students visiting Taiwan late last year at the invitation of former president Ma Ying-jeou, who has been criticized by many in Taiwan for undermining its government.

It omits footage of Taiwanese students shouting and waving pro-democracy slogans at the Chinese delegation, however.

'No discounts on freedom'

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said his government would boost defense spending this year to keep up its defenses and protect it's democratic way of life.

"Taiwan needs to prepare for danger in times of peace," Lai said in his Jan. 1 address. "We must continue increasing our national defense budget, bolster our national defense capabilities, and show our determination to protect our country."

He called on the island's people to build resilience, vowing to "combat information and cognitive warfare, so that the populace rejects threats and enticements and jointly guards against malicious infiltration by external forces."

He warned people not to be enticed by Chinese ID card schemes or junkets to China, quoting a Taiwanese saying: "Nothing costs more than a freebie."

"Democracy is priceless, and there are no discounts on freedom," Lai warned. "A wrong step today could mean a far higher price to pay in future."

Stealth fighter

Across the Taiwan Strait, state media said the People's Liberation Army video showed "the determination, will and ability of officers and soldiers in the theater to stay vigilant, remain ready to fight at any time and resolutely safeguard the reunification of the motherland."

The nationalistic Global Times newspaper quoted military experts as saying that the video also highlighted China's latest military equipment, including references to the "ginkgo leaf" sixth-generation stealth fighter jet and the Type 076 amphibious assault ship.

"The PLA Eastern Theater Command's release of the video on the first day of the New Year also issued a stern warning to the separatist forces of 'Taiwan independence'," the paper reported on Thursday.

It quoted Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe as saying that it showed China would "resolutely fight back and ... will never allow any forces to split the island of Taiwan from China's sovereign territory."

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office, said the song reminded people in Taiwan that they are "all Chinese."

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded: "Taiwanese people should be more alert to China's United Front propaganda targeting Taiwan and strengthen their understanding of cross-strait relations."

Andy Lau

Hong Kong current affairs commentator Sang Pu said Lau was a shrewd choice to act as Beijing's mouthpiece, given his huge fan-base across the sinophone world.

"People who love freedom and democracy definitely won't like Andy Lau, but he's a very good United Front tool when it comes to centrists, or the politically apathetic," Sang said. "He can be used as leverage."

He said Lau, who is also a movie actor, holds a number of official posts in the Chinese Communist Party regime, including vice chairman of the China Film Association and visiting professor at the Sichuan Opera School.

Sang called on Taiwan to ban him from performing there, following a visit in November where Lau performed "Chinese People" on Taiwanese soil.

Former Hong Kong district councilor Lee Man-ho said Hong Kongers have known Lau is a mouthpiece for Chinese propaganda for years.

"A few years ago he made a video promoting the 'Tomorrow's Lantau' [development] project, which was an attempt at United Front brainwashing in Hong Kong," Lee, who now lives in Taiwan, told RFA Cantonese.

"But nobody fell for it. Everyone in Hong Kong has seen through Andy Lau."

Lee said that back in the 1990s, Lau had been a staunch supporter of Taiwan, and used to make a point of celebrating the Republic of China's national day on Oct. 10, instead of the Chinese Communist Party's national day on Oct. 1.

"But after 30 years of manipulation by the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party, he has totally changed," he said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2025, 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 January 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






PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/01/02

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1. Date

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Wednesday to Thursday, Jan. 1-2

2.PLA activities

3 PLA aircraft and 7 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 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.

1140102_Diagram of PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Update 268 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency

1/2025

Vienna, Austria

2 Jan 2025

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is assessing observations and information collected from its recent missions to Ukraine's electrical substations, conducted in the aftermath of attacks on the nation's energy infrastructure, as part of the Agency's ongoing commitment to monitoring nuclear safety and security, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

Recent assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including a major attack on 25 December that caused some reactor units at the country's three operational plants to once again reduce their operating power for several hours, have reduced the stability of Ukraine's electrical grid. All affected reactor units subsequently returned to nominal full power.

During its eight-day mission from 16 - 23 December, IAEA experts gathered technical information about seven electrical substations critical to the safe operation of Ukraine's Khmelnytskyy, Rivne, and South Ukraine nuclear power plants (NPPs). A reliable and stable grid connection is essential to transfer the electricity generated by the operating NPPs and to receive off-site power, which is required for maintaining nuclear safety. The Zaporizhzhya NPP (ZNPP) and the Chornobyl site also depend on reliable and stable off-site power to maintain nuclear safety.

The IAEA team that visited the substations documented the damage and gathered critical evidence highlighting the electricity grid's vulnerabilities as a result of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. During the mission, the team met with experts from Ukraine's grid operator, nuclear plant operators, and nuclear regulator. Drawing on information from this mission and two previous substation assessments, the IAEA is working to identify and deliver targeted technical assistance to help prevent a nuclear accident.

"These attacks impact grid stability and jeopardise the reliability of the off-site power supply, creating risks to nuclear safety," said Director General Grossi. "Our ongoing missions to the substations and our presence at five nuclear power plant sites are essential for monitoring nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, particularly the reliable and stable provision of off-site power to the plants."

The IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) has continued to carry out walkdowns and follow maintenance activities to monitor the status of nuclear safety and security systems and equipment at the plant.

In another instance highlighting the precarious external power situation, the IAEA team stationed at the ZNPP, were informed that the plant's last remaining 330 kV back-up power line was recently disconnected two times for maintenance from 20 - 22 December and from 24 - 25 December. Before the military conflict, Europe's largest NPP was connected to four 750 kV and six 330 kV off-site power lines.

The IAEA team was informed that unit 4's circulation pump used to maintain the movement and cleanliness of water in the ZNPP cooling pond was switched off on 18 December to maintain a level of water in the cooling pond. The ZNPP confirmed that water from the 11 groundwater wells is sufficiently feeding the sprinkler ponds which provide cooling to the six reactor units in their current cold shutdown states. The six reactor units at the ZNPP have not operated at power for more than two years.

The IAEA team was informed that planned maintenance activities were completed last week on safety trains in unit 2 and 6, as well as on one of the common emergency diesel generators. Additionally, diesel steam generators were operated between 12 - 30 December to treat roughly 800 cubic metres of liquid waste.

The team at the ZNPP continues to report hearing military activity in the vicinity of the plant. The ISAMZ team reported hearing explosions over the past days at various distances from Ukraine's largest NPP. No damage was reported to the ZNPP.

Separately, the IAEA teams at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site also continue to report air raid alarms, and the Khmelnytskyy team were required to shelter several times in the past week.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) informed the IAEA that the subcritical neutron source facility at the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology lost off-site power on the morning of 25 December, as a result of military activities. The facility, which remains shutdown, received power from its emergency diesel generator until off-site power was restored approximately five hours later.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Ukraine ending Russian gas transit

2 January 2025 10:57

1-02-01-2025

Kiev has refused to extend the agreements between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz and Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine, which expired on January 1, 2025. On the same day, the transit of Russian gas to Europe through the territory of Ukraine was stopped. Just to emphasise, the Ukrainian authorities chose to halt Russian gas supplies to European residents despite Gazprom fulfilling its contractual obligations.

This move to cease the supply of competitive and environmentally friendly Russian source of energy both diminishes Europe's economic potential and severely affects the quality of life for European citizens. The geopolitical context behind the Kiev regime's decision is obvious, with the United States being the primary beneficiary of the redistribution of the energy market in Europe as well as the core sponsor of the Ukrainian crisis. The major European economy, Germany, has already become the first one to fall victim of its predatory strategy: it was forced to purchase natural gas at significantly higher prices following explosions of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. Germany also had to start shutting down a number of its major legendary production facilities. Now other nations that were once part of the economically thriving and independent European Union will also bear the consequences of the US sponsorship.

The responsibility for halting Russian gas supplies lies entirely with the United States, the puppet Kiev regime, and the authorities of European states that chose financial support for the American economy over well-being of their citizens.



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 (2 January 2025)

02.01.2025

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, seven mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Goncharovka, Daryino, Zamostye, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Maryevka, Makhnovka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, Staraya Sorochina, and Sudzha.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Aleksandriya, Veselovka, Guyevo, Zaoleshenka, Lebedevka, Mirny, Mikhaylovka, Nikolsky, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, as well as Belovody, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, and Pavlovka in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have sustained losses of more than 580 troops, one tank, one armoured personnel carrier, nine armoured fighting vehicles, two artillery guns, one anti-aircraft gun, and 36 motor vehicles.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 47,040 troops, 263 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 144 armoured personnel carriers, 1,390 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,316 motor vehicles, 339 artillery guns, 42 MLRS launchers, including 11 of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, 14 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






Slovak PM Threatens to Cut Support for Ukrainians in Slovakia Over Gas Transit Dispute

Sputnik News

20250102

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened that his party, Smer-SD, is ready to support reducing assistance to Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia in response to Ukraine's suspension of Russian gas transit.

"On behalf of Smer-SD, I say that we are ready to discuss and agree within the coalition to halt electricity supplies and significantly reduce support for Ukrainian citizens on Slovak territory," Fico stated in a video message posted on his social media.

He expressed hope that his government coalition partners would also take the situation of the suspended gas transit through Ukraine seriously.

"On Tuesday, a government delegation will take part in negotiations in Brussels, where Ukrainian politicians had the audacity to complain about us for being ready to take reciprocal measures, for example, by stopping electricity supplies to Ukraine. After the delegation returns from Brussels, the coalition and then the government will convene. We will discuss the measures that we will take to adequately respond to [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky's sabotage," Fico said.

An agreement between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz was concluded on December 30, 2019 and expired on Tuesday. Earlier in December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out extending the gas transit deal with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on December 26 that Kiev's lawsuit against Moscow made a new gas deal impossible.

Last year, Gazprom supplied about 15 billion cubic meters via the pipeline in Ukraine, which accounted for 4.5% of total EU consumption and supplied Moldova and four EU countries, including Slovakia, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Air Defense Shoots Down Ukrainian Fighter Jet

Sputnik News

20250102

Over the past 24 hours, Russian air defense systems have shot down a Ukrainian fighter jet and almost 100 drones, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated.

"Air defense systems have downed a Su-27 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force, six US-made HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system projectiles and 97 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the MoD said.

Aviation, strike drones and artillery strikes hit on energy facilities supplying the Ukrainian defense industry, military airfield infrastructure and enemy personnel and equipment at 146 sites.

Since the start of the military operation, Russian forces have destroyed:

- 651 aircraft,

- 283 helicopters,

- 39,144 drones,

- 590 air defense missile systems,

- 20,137 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles,

- 1,504 multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) vehicles,

- 20,134 field artillery and mortar units,

- 29,701 military vehicles.

Other Developments

Tsentr Battlegroup

- Repelled 13 Ukrainian counterattacks.

- Eliminated up to 240 Ukrainian military personnel.

- Destroyed one infantry fighting vehicle and two armored personnel carriers, including one US-made M113.

- Improved tactical positions and inflicted losses on personnel and equipment of two Ukrainian mechanized brigades and two National Guard brigades at various sites in the Donetsk People's Republic.

- Destroyed Turkish-made Kirpi and Ukrainian Kozak armored cars, one motor vehicle, two 152-mm D-20 howitzers and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

Sever Battlegroup

- Inflicted losses on Ukrainian forces in the Kharkov Region, including motorized infantry and territorial defense brigades.

- Killed an injured up to 40 Ukrainian military personnel.

- Destroyed one motor vehicle and three 122-mm D-30 howitzers.

Yug Battlegroup

- Advanced deeper into Ukrainian defensive lines.

- Repelled four Ukrainian counterattacks.

- Inflicted up to 210 casualties.

- Destroyed one Turkish-made Kirpi armored car, one pickup truck, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one US-made 105-mm M119 gun and a radio-electronic warfare station.

- Inflicted losses on two mechanized brigades, one motorized infantry brigade and one airmobile brigade in several locations in the Donetsk People's Republic.

Zapad Battlegroup

- Inflicted losses on personnel and equipment of six Ukrainian brigades in Kharkov Region and the Donetsk People's Republic.

- Repelled six Ukrainian counterattacks.

- Eliminated over 460 Ukrainian military personnel.

- Destroyed three infantry fighting vehicles, four pickup trucks, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, two Polish-made 155mm Krab self-propelled howitzers, one Bogdana self-propelled howitzer, a Bukovel-AD electronic warfare station and an ammunition depot.

Vostok Battlegroup

- Improved tactical positions and inflicted losses on two Ukrainian mechanized brigades and two territorial defense brigades in the Donetsk People's Republic.

- Repelled a Ukrainian counterattack.

- Inflicted over 160 casualties.

- Destroyed four motor vehicles, one HMMWV armored car, one US-made 155mm M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer.

Dnepr Battlegroup

- Inflicted losses on Ukrainian mechanized and territorial defense brigades in the Dnepropetrovsk and Kherson Regions.

- Eliminated up to 90 Ukrainian military personnel.

- Destroyed three motor vehicles, three radio-electronic warfare stations and an ammunition depot.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






This Year, We May Add More Countries to Our Reliable Partners, Particularly Syria - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

2 January 2025 - 14:05

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha and Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitalii Koval have just reported on their talks in Syria and Lebanon with the new Syrian administration, with Lebanese business, and on our overall prospects - both security and trade - in the region. This year, we may add more countries to our reliable partners, particularly Syria. We are preparing to renew our diplomatic relations with Syria and our cooperation within international organizations. I want to thank our intelligence for the security framework of these contacts. The visit will also lead to increased trade with Lebanon: our agricultural exports alone to that country currently total $400 million, and we are preparing to at least double that amount. The year 2025 will also bring a more active engagement with Africa, and each such new partnership means greater opportunities for our diplomacy and greater opportunities for our economy. I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to prepare some of our specific agreements with African countries. Over the past year, 2024, we succeeded in boosting Ukrainian exports by 15% - which is an increase of more than $5 billion compared to the level of 2023, and this amounts to more than $41 billion in Ukrainian exports for the year. And in the conditions of full-scale war, it is quite significant. The task for the year 2025 is to continue this growth. I am grateful to all our Government officials, diplomats, Ukrainian businesses - everyone who ensures our ties with the world. And, of course, I want to thank each of our warriors, all the units that ensure the security of our export routes, especially in the Black Sea. The Defense Forces, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Foreign Intelligence Service - absolutely everyone involved - thank you!

There was also a report today by Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi regarding the situation on the front and in the areas of the Kursk operation. Every day - including December 31 and January 1 - there are constant Russian assaults in the Donetsk region. Most of the assaults per day occur in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions, with the intense fighting also in the Lyman and Vremivka directions. We separately discussed the defense of the Kherson region. In the Kursk region, our units continue defending their positions - facing more than thirty Russian attacks a day. I thank all our units who strike the Russian army and destroy the occupier. Based on the results of their performance in combat these days, I want to commend the 24th and 100th Separate Mechanized Brigades, which repelled one of the most brutal Russian assaults on New Year's Eve, as well as the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry and the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigades, which are defending Pokrovsk, and the 79th Air Assault Brigade, which is extremely active. Well done, warriors! Thank you all!

Glory to Ukraine!

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine blocks transit of Russian gas to Europe, prompting price hike

By Henry Ridgwell January 02, 2025

European gas prices reached a 15-month high on Thursday after Ukraine blocked the transit of Russian gas across its territory into the European Union.

The Russian state-run firm Gazprom is set to lose more than $5 billion a year following the route's closure, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called "one of Moscow's biggest defeats."

Kyiv will lose about $800 million in transit fees from Moscow.

Despite the rise in gas prices on Thursday, the impact on Europe will likely be limited, said energy analyst Thomas O'Donnell, a global fellow at the Wilson Center based in Berlin.

"It was all prepared for. It's basically all priced in. Of course, there's winners and losers to a certain point. Certain countries are more dependent on this than others - Slovakia and Hungary, for example, and Austria," O'Donnell told VOA.

"Austria is pretty well prepared. They have alternative supplies lined up from Germany and Italy and others. And Slovakia will not run out of gas. They will have plenty of gas. It's just that they'll have to pay more, like everybody else has all along," he added.

Moldova was among the countries most reliant on Russian gas supplied via Ukraine. In the breakaway region of Transnistria, which is controlled by Russian forces, residents lost heating and hot water on Wednesday as authorities urged people to dress warmly and use electric heaters.

Ukraine war

Ukraine's Zelenskyy indicated last month that he would not renew a five-year contract to allow the transit of Russian gas across his country, which expired on December 31, explaining that he would no longer give Moscow "the opportunity to earn additional billions on our blood."

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Europe has since managed to wean itself off Moscow's gas supplies far more quickly than Russian President Vladimir Putin anticipated, O'Donnell said.

"He thought this would force all the European countries that get this gas into a situation where they would capitulate  and they would be unwilling to support Ukraine in the war, and unwilling to show their solidarity. He also thought the war would be over in three or four days. But it just didn't work," O'Donnell said.

"They've lost their entire European market, essentially. The second-largest gas fields in the world in Western Siberia have no outlet now," he added. "Putin portrays himself as a great Russian nationalist. Well, this great Russian nationalist just lost one of the biggest businesses Russia ever had."

In 2023, Gazprom recorded a loss of almost $7 billion, its first annual loss since 1999.

Slovakia anger

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who enjoys a close relationship with Putin, has strongly criticized Ukraine's decision. Putin hosted Fico last month in Moscow, where the two leaders reportedly discussed the future of Russia's gas exports.

Fico also opposes Western support for Kyiv in its war against Russian invaders. Speaking on Wednesday after Ukraine's termination of the transit deal, the Slovakian leader accused the EU of sacrificing the interests of smaller states.

"We must see that selfish national interests of the big [member states] and meaningless geopolitical goals are beginning to dominate this community ... ignoring the needs of smaller ones," Fico said in a televised address. "When the transit of gas through Ukraine is stopped, [it] will have drastic impacts on all of us in the European Union, but not on the Russian Federation."

European dependence

In reality, the European Union has drastically cut its dependence on Russian gas since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Moscow supplied over 40% of the bloc's gas needs in 2021, but that had fallen to about 8% by 2023, according to EU figures.

Europe has found new suppliers, said O'Donnell.

"Norway has done all they could to increase their supplies, and that's been extremely helpful. They're now on the scale of what Russia used to be," he said.

"Number two, the United States zoomed up its supplies to Europe," he added. "This was very crucial. In 2023, something like 67% of all [liquefied natural gas] that's exported from the U.S., which is a huge amount, was going to Europe. And that supplied 47% of their LNG. I think in 2024, it looks like it supplied about 37%."

EU-US trade

EU officials have indicated that the bloc will seek to strengthen its energy trade with the U.S. under its next president, Donald Trump.

"We are ready to discuss with President-elect Trump how we can further strengthen an already strong relationship, including by discussing our common interests in the energy sector," EU Commission spokesperson Olof Gill said on December 20. "And as you all know very well, the EU is committed to phasing out energy imports from Russia and diversifying our sources of supply."

Slovakia's Fico, however, has threatened to cut the transit of European electricity to Ukraine in retaliation for Kyiv's decision to cease transiting Russian gas.

Imports of Russian gas through Ukraine made up about 5% of Europe's total supplies in 2024. Some of the gas was sent on to Western Europe through Slovakia  and that largely explains Fico's concerns, said O'Donnell.

"Slovakia was making something like half a billion dollars on transit fees passing the [Russian] gas across their country through their pipeline system onto others  so, redistributing the gas," he said.

'Security risk'

In a post on the social media site X, Zelenskyy said that Fico's relationship with Putin was a big security issue for Europe because "his key goal is to deal with Russia, and this is what benefits him. Why is this leader so dependent on Moscow? What is being paid to him, and what does he pay with?" Zelenskyy wrote on December 23.

Moscow's other supply routes to Europe are limited. The Yamal-Europe pipeline via Belarus was shut down in 2022 following a payment dispute between Russia and Poland and has not reopened.

Months later, the Nord Stream pipeline under the Baltic Sea to Germany was blown up. It remains unclear who was responsible.

Russia is still able to supply gas to Hungary, Turkey and Serbia through the TurkStream pipeline.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Zelenskyy says Trump could be decisive in stopping war in Ukraine

By VOA News January 02, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could be "decisive" in the outcome of the yearslong war between Ukraine and Russia.

"Trump can be decisive. For us, this is the most important thing," Zelenskyy said in an interview with Ukrainian television.

Zelenskyy said Trump had told him he would be one of the first to visit Washington after the presidential inauguration later this month.

"His qualities are indeed there," Zelenskyy said about Trump. "He can be decisive in this war. He is capable of stopping [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, or, to put it more fairly, help us stop Putin."

Trump has previously said he would be able to stop the war in Ukraine in one day, but he has never detailed how he would accomplish that.

Zelenskyy's comments came as the Ukrainian military said it had carried out a high-precision strike Thursday on a Russian command post in Maryino, in Russia's Kursk region.

"These strikes disrupt the ability of the Russian Federation to conduct terrorism against innocent Ukrainian civilians," the Ukrainian military said in a statement on Telegram.

Russia's military said air defense units had downed four Ukrainian missiles in the region. The regional governor said the strikes had damaged a high-rise apartment building and other buildings in a nearby village.

Another post from the Ukrainian military showed a video of what the military said was damage to a Russian base in Ivanivskoye, next to Maryino.

A school, pharmacy and apartment building were among the structures damaged in the strike, Kursk regional Governor Alexander Khinshtein said.

VOA could not immediately verify the reports.

Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia five months ago. Ukrainian forces remain in the Kursk region, but the Russian military says much of the lost territory has been regained.

Meanwhile, Russia said it had attacked energy facilities in Ukraine that support Kyiv's military-industrial complex.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that over the past 24 hours, it had used its air force, drones, missiles and artillery to target energy facilities, military airfields and Ukrainian military personnel across multiple locations.

VOA could not independently verify that report.

Russian forces have been advancing quickly on the eastern front of Ukraine.

"They are putting pressure on our boys, who are exhausted, and that is a fact. We will do everything to at least stabilize the front in January," Zelenskyy said in his Thursday interview.

Ukraine's military said Thursday that it had shot down 47 drones Russian forces launched overnight at areas in central and eastern Ukraine.

Russia used a total of 72 drones in its attacks, the military said.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down drones over the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Odessa and Sumy regions.

Officials in those areas did not immediately report any major damage.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Thursday that its forces had destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones, mostly along the Russia-Ukraine border. Intercepts took place in Bryansk, Belgorod, Kursk, Kaluga and Voronezh, it said.

The governors of Bryansk and Kaluga said there were no reports of casualties or damage in their regions.

Thursday's attacks came a day after Russian forces killed at least two people in Kyiv.

Some information for this report came from Reuters.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises PACS Group, Inc. ("PACS Group" or the "Company") (NYSE: PACS) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between April 11, 2024 and November 05, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). PACS Group investors have until January 13, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

On November 4, 2024, Hindenburg Research released a report accusing PACS of engaging in fraudulent practices as part of its alleged "turnaround" strategy for underperforming skilled nursing facilities. The report claims that PACS' approach involved exploiting taxpayer-funded healthcare programs, including the misuse of a COVID-era waiver. It further alleges that the company improperly billed Medicare Part B for thousands of unnecessary respiratory and sensory integration therapies, regardless of patient need or clinical outcomes, and employed unlicensed administrators, among other accusations.

Following the release of this report, PACS' stock price dropped by $11.93, or 27.8%, closing at $31.01 per share on November 4, 2024, resulting in significant losses for investors.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, Mont., Jan. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sandfire Resources America Inc. (Sandfire America or the Company) announces a positive ruling for the Company by the Montana Supreme Court upholding a 2023 District Court decision regarding the water rights related to Tintina Montana Inc.s Mine Operating Permit, of the Black Butte Copper Project.

The original suit was filed jointly against the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (MT DNRC) and Tintina Montana Inc. (Tintina, Sandfire Americas wholly owned subsidiary) in August 2022. As background, Tintina filed its application for a beneficial groundwater permit with the MT DNRC in September 2018. In March 2020, the MT DNRC determined that Tintina had satisfactorily met all the statutory criteria for the issuance of the Permit. The MT DNRCs decision was upheld by a MT DNRC Hearing Examiner when challenged by five environmental organizations who filed objections to the Permit. The Objectors appealed the decision to the Montana district court, and on April 12, 2023, District Court Judge Hayworth ruled that the DNRC and the Hearing Examiner properly determine mine dewatering is not a beneficial use of water and dismissed the Objectors Petition for Judicial Review.

Objectors appealed the district courts decision to the Montana Supreme Court in May 2023. Additional intervenors in the suit supporting the MT DNRC and Tintina, include the MT Stockgrowers Association, MT Farm Bureau Federation, the Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators, the MT Chamber of Commerce, the MT League of Cities and Towns, Inc., and the MT Water Resources Association. On January 2, 2025, the Montana Supreme Court in a 5-2 decision affirmed the district courts determination that mine dewatering is not a beneficial use of water.

VP of Communications Nancy Schlepp shared, We are grateful for this commonsense decision that maintains longstanding water law in the state of Montana. We appreciate the Courts diligent review of this case. Following Februarys Supreme Court ruling fully reinstating our permit, the entire Sandfire America team has remained focused on implementing a world-class, environmentally safe mining project, and todays decision continues us down that path.



Lincoln Greenidge, CEO of Sandfire America shared, Black Butte Copper now has all permits to proceed with the Feasibility work for this project. We remain diligently focused on reaching an investment decision to build the mine of which all Montanans, and the North American mining community can be proud.

Contact Information:

Sandfire Resources America Inc.

Nancy Schlepp, VP of Communications and Government Relations

Mobile: 406-224-8180

Office: 406-547-3466

Email: nschlepp@sandfireamerica.com

Jerry Zieg, Vice President of Exploration for the Company, is a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 and has also reviewed and approved the information of a scientific or technical nature contained in this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this document constitute forward looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including statements related to the Companys Mine Operating Permit, the Companys water rights, permitting timelines and the Companys plans for advancing the Black Butte Copper Project and expected outcomes. In making these forward-looking statements, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company will receive required regulatory approvals, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient funding to execute its plans, and that the results of exploration and development activities are consistent with managements expectations. However, the forward-looking statements in this document are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors, including factors relating to the Companys operation as a mineral exploration and development company and the Black Butte Copper Project, that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including that results of exploration and development activities will not be consistent with managements expectations, delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals or financing, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the risk of accidents, labor disputes, inclement or hazardous weather conditions, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground control problems, earthquakes, flooding and all of the other risks generally associated with the development of mining facilities. 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. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
BEIJING, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The first photographic video dedicated to tomato produced as part of The European project Art of Taste: Fruit and Veg Masterpieces is now online. This extraordinary product is one of the absolute protagonists of European fruit and vegetable excellence, a true masterpiece of nature that encompasses taste, versatility and tradition.

Tomato, with its simplicity and extraordinary ability to adapt to any preparation, has also always been a source of artistic inspiration. It is no coincidence that the famous Pop Art movement celebrated it, as witnessed by Andy Warhol's iconic interpretation of Campbell's soup cans, transformed into a symbol of an era and a collective imagination.

In Mediterranean recipes, tomato is not simply an ingredient, but a true protagonist telling stories of cultures, traditions and flavours. Whether used in the form of sauce, puree or fresh, each preparation celebrates the history and identity of our land, creating a deep bond between generations through taste.

The real mastery lies in knowing how to choose the right product for each recipe, respecting the unique characteristics of the different processes. Tomato puree, velvety and uniform, is ideal for smooth and creamy sauces, perfect for quick and delicate condiments such as pasta sauces. Tomato pulp, with its rustic texture and visible chunks, is the perfect choice for pizza or full-bodied dishes such as stews, soups or ragu, in which the tomato can gradually release its flavour. Peeled tomatoes, on the other hand, keep the original shape of the tomato intact, offering a unique versatility: they can be crushed, cut or used whole, making them perfect for traditional preparations such as pasta with tomato sauce or long cooking sauces.

The project The European Art of Taste aims to highlight precisely these peculiarities, bringing to the attention of an international audience the authenticity and the quality of the Italian tomato, a symbol of European tradition and excellence. The video, directed by Lorenzo Pasquinelli, in less than a minute celebrates the art of cooking through the tomato, the undisputed protagonist of every dish. These culinary creations are not just delicacies to be savoured, but true tales to be discovered: stories of deep roots, age-old traditions and an unbreakable bond with the land. Each dish thus becomes a work of art that unites the past and the present, exalting the tomato as a universal symbol of taste, culture and quality.

The full video is available at this link

Press Office:

Renato Pagani Renato.pagani@secnewgate.it - + 39 335 6939561

Giorgia Rizzi giorgia.rizzi@secnewgate.it

News about The European Art of Taste and CSO Italy

The project The European Art of Taste  Fruit & Veg Masterpieces aims to promote and inform about high-quality European fruits and vegetables and is financed by CSO Italy and the European Union. The following Italian companies also participate in the project: RK Growers, Mazzoni Group, Apofruit, Origine Group e Oranfrizer.

CSO Italy, founded in 1998, is a unique entity in Italy that associates many of Italy's leading companies in the production and marketing of domestic fruit and vegetables. Completing the range of members are important companies specializing in different areas of the fruit and vegetable supply chain, from packaging, logistics, processing, machinery, and distribution. CSO Italy's mission is to provide useful services to members to improve and make the Italian fruit and vegetable industry more efficient and competitive. A technical table at the service of the entire Italian fruit and vegetable supply chain to increase its competitiveness through synergy among operators. CSO ITALY, has 73 members, distributed as follows: 51 producer members, 14 supply chain members, 3 subsidizing members and 5 supporting bodies.

Funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the awarding administration can be held responsible for them.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d60fb17b-3704-4079-b7c5-9be816d46029
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Resources Corp. (TSX: WRX) ("Western Resources" or the "Company") announces that its principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission, has granted the Company its request for a management cease trade order (MCTO) effective January 2, 2025.

As previously announced on December 17, 2024, the Company applied for the MCTO due to a delay in filing its annual information form, audited annual financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis, and certifications for the financial year ended September 30, 2024 (the "Required Filings").

The delay to file the Required Filings is due to continuing financial hardship the Company has been experiencing. The Company is working diligently to secure new investment as well as working with its auditor to ensure the filing of its Required Filings as soon as possible, currently expecting to be on or before February 28, 2025.

The MCTO restricts the Company's insiders from all trading in securities of the Company until such time as the Required Filings have been filed by the Company and the MCTO is no longer in effect. The MCTO does not affect the ability of other shareholders of the Company to trade in securities of the Company.

Until the Company files the Required Filings, it will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out in National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders.

"Wenye Xue"

CEO and Director

For Further Information Contact:

Ms. Xiao Xing, Corporate Secretary

P: 306-924 9378

Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking information under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information that is set out herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Indonesian consul general emphasizes the importance of empowering local SMEs in cross-border digital economy

People's Daily Online) 16:46, January 03, 2025

A photo shows Ben Perkasa Drajat, Indonesian consul general in Guangzhou, as he sits down for an interview with People's Daily Online. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

Ben Perkasa Drajat, Indonesian consul general in Guangzhou, emphasized the significance of commercial cooperation, especially in the field of cross-border e-commerce, between China and ASEAN countries during an interview with People's Daily Online.

According to Drajat, the launch of the negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement at the ASEAN Economic Community Council meeting in 2023 in Indonesia demonstrated the importance of e-commerce in developing the region's economy. Indonesia was also the Guest of Honor at the China Cross-border E-commerce Exhibition in southeast China's Fuzhou on March 2024, which further tightened the commercial connection between Indonesia and China.

Drajat reflected on the development process over the past two years, saying "I learnt that the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) arranged the China International E-commerce Industry Expo in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia in September 2024. Together with the China Cross-border E-commerce Exhibition, these expos provided a great platform to allow local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both countries to meet with curated cross border e-commerce service providers."

With its unique location, the city of Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is a crucial cross-border e-commerce hub between China and ASEAN countries. Moreover, the city is also the venue for the annual China-ASEAN Expo, one of the most important commercial and trade expos between China and ASEAN. Being the representative from the largest country in ASEAN, Drajat strongly supports the importance of the expo, as well as China-ASEAN cooperation.

"We believe that the expo attracts business personnels and communities, both from China and ASEAN countries, to communicate and cooperate directly," Drajat stated. "Nanning, as one of the areas of the Guangxi Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) along with other port areas, will also be beneficial for ASEAN Countries to utilize as a gateway for their product to enter the Chinese market."

Since its inception in 2020, the ASEAN Online Sale Day has showcased the digital potential of ASEAN and promoted cooperation between member states and ASEAN partners, including China. When heralding the future development of China-ASEAN cross-border e-commerce and its benefits to Indonesian enterprises, Drajat holds high expectations.

"Empowering SMEs through e-commerce is crucial. We hope the e-commerce cooperation between China and ASEAN countries will enhance the ability of SMEs to utilize e-commerce platforms and help them compete in the digital economy," said Drajat.

Peng Yukai contributed to the story.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Du Mingming)
Dallas, Texas, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Compatriot Capital is pleased to announce the promotion of Tom Sharpe to President, effective January 1, 2025. Sharpe will succeed Mark Van Kirk, who is retiring after serving as President since 2017.

Tom has played an instrumental role as Chief Operating Officer at Compatriot Capital, where he has been responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and structuring new investments, as well as managing existing investments. Sharpes proven leadership, financial acumen, and commitment to excellence have been pivotal in the companys growth and success.

Prior to joining Compatriot Capital, Sharpe was a partner at E2M Partners, a Compatriot entity-level investment. His extensive experience also includes advisory and capital-raising roles at J.P. Morgan Securities and serving as Vice President in the Planning, Reporting, and Analysis division at Bank One Corporation. Earlier in his career, Sharpe honorably served as a U.S. Naval Submarine Officer onboard the USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716). He holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University.

Darron Ash, CEO of Compatriot Capitals parent company Sammons Enterprises, praised Sharpes leadership qualities, stating:

Toms deep expertise and strategic vision make him the ideal leader to guide Compatriot Capital into its next chapter. His dedication to fostering growth, developing strong teams, and delivering value has consistently set him apart, and we are confident he will continue to build on the strong foundation at Compatriot.

Attachment
New Delhi, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global pharmacogenomics market is projected to hit the market valuation of US$ 10.68 billion by 2033 from US$ 4.58 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 9.86% during the forecast period 20252033.

Pharmacogenomics is revolutionizing the way clinicians and researchers approach patient care by exploring how individual genetic differences influence drug efficacy and toxicity. As of 2023, an estimated 68% of major hospitals worldwide have begun incorporating pharmacogenomic testing into routine diagnostics, reflecting the growing emphasis on precision medicine in the pharmacogenomics market. In the same year, around 49% of leading research institutions reported doubling their investments in pharmacogenomics-focused projects to better understand gene-drug interactions. Moreover, over 220 new clinical studies focusing on pharmacogenomic interventions were registered across North America, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating unprecedented global collaboration. With at least 35% of drug discovery pipelines now integrating patient-specific genetic insights, this field exemplifies a seismic shift toward truly tailored treatments.

Download Free Sample Copy @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/pharmacogenomics-market

Global regulatory bodies are responding to these changes with new guidelines and frameworks, particularly as at least 42 national health agencies introduced pharmacogenomics-based testing recommendations in 2023. Simultaneously, more than 55% of pharmaceutical conglomerates have established dedicated pharmacogenomics departments to optimize clinical trial design, reduce adverse drug reactions, and refine therapeutic outcomes. Healthcare providers, too, are adapting quickly in the pharmacogenomics market: 72% of them have reported adopting genetic-testing protocols in cardiology, oncology, and neurology, marking a significant improvement in targeted intervention. A recent surge in published peer-reviewed paperssurpassing 4,300 pharmacogenomics-related articles in 2023 aloneunderscores the robust academic interest fueling clinical progress. This collective momentum offers a clearer view into how startlingly fast the field is advancing across continents.

Meanwhile, professional organizations are spearheading new training programs, with 28% of medical schools worldwide adding pharmacogenomics to their core curricula since early 2023. This educational evolution is critical for the pharmacogenomics market because an estimated 31% of physicians now rely on genetic data to adjust drug dosages for personalized treatment protocols. Patient awareness is also on the rise, as 60% of surveyed individuals express a strong preference for pharmacogenomics-informed medication plans. Crucially, the biotechnology sector has reported that at least 25 major government grants, introduced between 2022 and 2023, directly focus on genetic diagnosticsfurther spotlighting the global consensus on the inherent value of this approach.

Key Findings in Pharmacogenomics Market

Market Forecast (2033) US$ 10.68 Billion CAGR 9.86% Largest Region (2024) North America (38.7%) By Type PCR (40.0%) By Application Cancer/Oncology (35.4%) Top Drivers Surging molecular biomarker tests tailored for drug-resistant oncology subpopulations emerge rapidly

Rising payor reimbursement strategies incentivizing advanced gene-guided drug prescriptions globally

Accelerated regulatory clearances fostering integrated pharmacogenomic diagnostics across specialized clinical fields Top Trends Growing adoption of AI-driven gene analytics revolutionizing drug development pipelines

Increased collaborations among biobanks standardizing large-scale pharmacogenomic data-sharing networks

Rapid deployment of home-based genetic testing expanding personalized healthcare accessibility Top Challenges Inconsistent clinical guidelines complicating universal application for high-risk patient cohorts

Fragmented data infrastructure impeding cohesive integration of pharmacogenomic findings worldwide

Limited physician awareness stagnating seamless implementation of advanced gene-based therapies

Most Influential Technologies: PCR, Microarray, Sequencing Pioneering Pharmacogenomics Revolution Forward Unstoppable

Within the pharmacogenomics market, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), microarray analysis, and next-generation sequencing form the technological backbone driving critical breakthroughs. In 2023, roughly 62% of labs worldwide reported adopting advanced PCR-based assays for genotyping, given PCRs remarkable accuracy in amplifying even minuscule DNA segments. Additionally, nearly 48% of clinical research facilities stated that microarray platforms, now enhanced by novel high-throughput chip designs, have cut analysis times by up to 40%. Meanwhile, at least 77% of leading genomic centers highlighted next-generation sequencing (NGS) as their primary tool for detecting rare genetic variants tied to adverse drug reactions. As of 2023, more than 1,200 new patents involving these three technologies were filed, showcasing robust innovation cycles constantly refining their capabilities.

Despite PCRs strong foothold in the pharmacogenomics market, microarrays multiplexing ability continues to expand, with 54% of precision oncology institutes emphasizing microarray-based drug response profiling in cancer treatments. Sequencing, too, remains a focal point: it was deployed in approximately 36% of personalized medicine trials in 2023 to uncover polymorphisms shaping drug metabolism. In parallel, real-time PCR systems saw a 29% rise in hospital deployments for rapid bedside testing. On the sustainability front, labs reported a 35% cut in reagent waste thanks to refined microarray protocols. With at least 42 cross-industry collaborations formed this past year to streamline sequencing procedures, experts forecast further sophistication of these core technologies. Simultaneously, around 58% of academic institutions now integrate practical PCR, microarray, and sequencing projects to nurture next-generation pharmacogenomics pioneers.

Applications Redefining Patient Care Through Modern Pharmacogenomics Across Multiple Healthcare Domains

Pharmacogenomics applications are becoming integral across a wide spectrum of medical fields. In 2023, approximately 37% of oncology units incorporated pharmacogenomic profiles into standard chemotherapy protocols to identify optimal drug regimens and minimize toxicities. This same year saw 18 major cardiovascular research programs adopting gene-guided prescribing for anticoagulants in the pharmacogenomics market, resulting in a 22% reduction in bleeding complications. In mental health, experts reported that 45% of psychiatric clinics are using genetic markers to tailor antidepressant and antipsychotic therapies, aiming to lower trial-and-error prescribing. On the pediatric front, at least 28 childrens hospitals worldwide are implementing pharmacogenomic data to refine dosing guidelines for antibiotics and immunosuppressants, thereby alleviating drug resistance concerns in more than 12% of young patients.

Notably, pharmacogenomics has significantly influenced pain management, with 34% of pain specialists utilizing genotype data to prescribe opiate alternatives and reduce opioid dependency. Meanwhile, 53% of metabolic disorder clinics in the pharmacogenomics market are integrating genetic insights to optimize medication plans for conditions like diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. This cross-disciplinary relevance is further supported by the fact that, as of 2023, upwards of 65% of regulatory submissions for new therapeutics incorporate some pharmacogenomic component to substantiate efficacy and safety claims. Additionally, over 500 hospitals have reported a distinct improvement in patient adherence rates, often citing genetic test results that confirm a medications likely benefit. Across these diverse domains, the unified thread remains clear: tailoring treatments at the genetic level paves the way for unprecedented patient-centric care.

Ask For Customization @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/pharmacogenomics-market

Latest Developments And Investments Empowering Pharmacogenomics Breakthroughs For Worldwide Future Expansion

The past year has witnessed a remarkable upswing in pharmacogenomics market focused funding, accentuating the strategic significance many investors see in gene-based drug optimization. In 2023, at least 32 new venture capital funds specialized in life sciences allocated a combined total of over 14% of their budgets to pharmacogenomics startups. Simultaneously, global health organizations have issued 19 grants specifically targeting genetic diagnostic innovation, encouraging synergy between academic labs and biotech firms. Even traditional pharmaceutical giants are doubling down, as 63% of them confirmed forming specialized R&D teams dedicated to companion diagnostics. Partnerships have also soared: the Alliance for Global Pharmacogenomics recorded 25 multinational collaborations, aiming to standardize data sharing for faster gene-drug correlation discoveries across continents.

On the technological front, at least 45 pilot programs combining artificial intelligence and pharmacogenomics are underway, striving for faster drug response predictions. Blockchain-based data management, a niche concept in 2022, saw a 27% adoption boost in 2023 to safeguard sensitive genomic records. Regulatory bodies have taken note of these emerging tools, as 16 health authorities introduced frameworks for AI-based genetic testing approvals. With patent filings in pharmacogenomics market surpassing 1,800 in 2023, the pace of innovation is swift and decisive. Furthermore, 61% of leading CROs (Contract Research Organizations) revealed they now incorporate pharmacogenomic endpoints in clinical trial planning, emphasizing the modern shift toward precision. From cutting-edge software analytics to decentralized testing models, the fields developmental trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, offering abundant opportunities for forward-thinking investors and innovators.

Top Players And Products Shaping Tomorrows Pharmacogenomics Market Through Pivotal Innovation

A number of globally recognized companies are leading the charge in bringing actionable pharmacogenomics market insights to healthcare providers. As of 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific has released seven new genetic testing panels aimed at oncology and immunology, each reportedly improving patient outcome predictability by nearly 21%. Meanwhile, Illuminas sequencing platforms, used by around 65% of top-tier genomic facilities, have been critical in discovering novel biomarkers tied to drug metabolism. Qiagen recorded a 44% uptick in demand for its PCR-based companion diagnostic kits, reflecting broader enthusiasm for user-friendly, rapid-testing formats. Myriad Genetics, with a presence in over 29 countries, offers advanced gene panels focusing on neuropsychiatric conditions and has garnered substantial attention for its 18% reported increase in test sensitivity.

Leading pharmadiagnostic collaborations also dominate the current pharmacogenomics market landscape. For instance, Roche, which holds partnerships with 13 specialized pharmacogenomics labs, introduced software solutions for streamlined data interpretation in late 2023. Quest Diagnostics, servicing roughly 50% of U.S. hospitals, expanded its genetic test catalog to 140 assay types, enabling broad coverage across oncology, cardiology, and endocrinology. On the Asian front, BGI Genomics established 11 new alliances with regional drug developers to hasten genome-informed clinical trials. Eurofins Scientific, with testing facilities spanning 30 nations, reported a 25% growth in pharmacogenomic service requests in the past year alone. Together, these top players are driving an era in which personalized medicine is not a lofty vision but a scientifically viable, increasingly indispensable dimension of patient care.

Strategic Innovation and Specialty Offerings Propel Thermo Fisher and Abbott to Pinnacle

Thermo Fisher Scientific and Abbott Laboratories collectively command over 22% of the pharmacogenomics market, driven by continuous product innovation and strategic investments. Thermo Fishers latest financial filing in early 2023 revealed that its Specialty Diagnostics segment generated over US$5 billion in annual revenue, bolstered by the success of the TaqPath Pharmacogenomics workflow. In the same timeframe, it launched five new reagent kitssuch as the Applied Biosystems Identifiler Direct PCR Kittargeted at forensic and clinical genomics labs, reflecting a strong push into diverse application areas. Abbotts molecular diagnostics division recorded a notable rise in R&D spending, surpassing US$700 million in 2022, channeling funds toward advanced companion diagnostics solutions like the Alinity m platform.

Beyond product lines, both companies have strategically invested in partnerships to fuel growth in the pharmacogenomics market. Thermo Fisher formed a research collaboration with Illumina in 2023, consolidating its footprint in multi-omics approaches for personalized medicine. Abbott, known historically for its prowess in infectious disease testing, secured a deal with AstraZeneca to co-develop a PCR-based companion diagnostic for a new oncology therapy expected to reach the market by 2024. Parallel to these developments, Thermo Fisher boosted its supply chain capacity, opening a new manufacturing plant in South Korea that can annually produce over 10 million PCR reaction kits designated for pharmacogenomic analysis. Abbotts robust global distribution network, expanding in markets like Brazil and India, reinforces brand reliability and availability, catapulting it to a leadership position. Taken together, their broad portfolios, heavy investment in R&D, and alignment with emerging therapeutic trends make Thermo Fisher and Abbott Laboratories the top choices for clinical labs and hospitals worldwide pharmacogenomics market. This confluence of factors underpins their dominant share, sustaining a virtuous cycle of product innovation and wide-reaching partnerships that reshape global pharmacogenomics.

Global Pharmacogenomics Market Key Players:

Abbott Laboratories

AstraZeneca

GeneDX

Illumina, Inc.

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings

Myriad Genetics, Inc.

Pathway Genomics

Pfizer, Inc

Qiagen, Inc.

Roche AG

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Other Prominent Players

Key Segmentation:

By Type

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Microarray

Sequencing

Others

By Application

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Cancer/Oncology

Infectious Diseases

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/pharmacogenomics-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
ALPHARETTA, GA, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashton Woods USA L.L.C. (the Company) announced today that the Companys Quarterly Report for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2024 (the Quarterly Report) is expected to be posted on the Companys website on or before Thursday, January 9, 2025. The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST for the purpose of discussing the Quarterly Report and the Companys operating results for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2024.

Please use the following call-in number if you plan to dial in to our quarterly investor conference call:

Call-in Number: (800) 343-4849

(203) 518-9848

Conference ID: AWHQ225

There will be an operator who will ask for your name and company name. Please call in a few minutes early, if possible, to give the operator time to get everyone logged in. A replay of the call will be posted on the Companys website by Monday, January 13, 2025, and will be available for 31 days. The Companys quarterly and other reports can be obtained on the Companys website at https://www.ashtonwoods.com/corporate-info/investor-relations/financial-reports or by contacting investor.relations@ashtonwoods.com.





ABOUT ASHTON WOODS / STARLIGHT HOMES:

Ashton Woods is the nations largest private homebuilder* and was named the 2023 Builder of the Year by Builder magazine. The company markets its homes through its two award-winning brands, Ashton Woods Homes and Starlight Homes. The Ashton Woods brand is known for designing thoughtfully curated and inspired homes. The companys industry-leading customer experience at The Studio and with AW Collections results in exceptional design and special designer touches in every Ashton Woods home. The Starlight Homes brand builds homes specifically for the first-time and move-down homebuyers, offering affordable homes with well-executed designs and quality finishes. The companys commitment to innovation and continually evolving to meet the needs of the market is a key reason it is one of the most celebrated homebuilders in the nation, winning numerous national and local industry awards in product design, community design, architecture, merchandising, sales, marketing, and customer service.

* According to Home Builder Executive based on calendar year 2023 closings.
Dublin, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Fishing Rods Market by Fishing Rod Type, Material, Technique, User, Length, Price Range, Application, Power, Action - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Fishing Rods Market grew from USD 998.54 million in 2023 to USD 1.07 billion in 2024. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 4.94%, reaching USD 1.39 billion by 2030.





Key growth factors include a rising interest in recreational fishing, propelled by increasing disposable income, the popularity of fishing-related activities, and innovations in rod materials and technologies. There is potential for expansion in emerging markets with abundant water bodies, coupled with growing urban interest in outdoor activities.

However, challenges persist in the form of fluctuating raw material prices, environmental concerns related to overfishing, and economic disruptions affecting consumer spending patterns.

Potential opportunities lie in eco-friendly and durable materials, smart fishing rods equipped with sensors for enhanced fishing experiences, and customization options catering to specific consumer preferences. Furthermore, tapping into e-commerce platforms for wider distribution and engaging in community-building initiatives through social media and events can fortify market presence.

Conversely, strict environmental regulations and sustainability practices, alongside high import tariffs in some regions, pose limitations. Areas ripe for innovation include advanced composite materials for lighter yet sturdier rods, smart technology integration for real-time data, and ergonomic designs aiming for usability and performance optimization.

Understanding these dynamics offers a crucial edge, suggesting that the fishing rods market is characterized by a mix of steady traditional demand amplified by modern technological advancements, requiring businesses to be adaptable and responsive to evolving trends and consumer expectations.

Key Company Profiles



The report delves into recent significant developments in the Fishing Rods Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, Daiwa Corporation, Eagle Claw, Fenwick, G. Loomis, Iron Claw, KastKing, Lews, Okuma Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd., Penn Fishing, Piscifun, Pure Fishing, Inc., Quantum Fishing, Rapala VMC Corporation, Shimano Inc., St. Croix Rods, TackleDirect, TFO (Temple Fork Outfitters), and Zebco.



Market Segmentation & Coverage



This research report categorizes the Fishing Rods Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:

Fishing Rod Type Casting Rods Baitcasting Rods Surf Casting Rods Fly Rods Freshwater Fly Rods Saltwater Fly Rods Spinning Rods Saltwater Spinning Rods Ultralight Spinning Rods

Material Composite Fiberglass Graphite

Technique Casting Fly Fishing Spinning Trolling

User Beginners Intermediate Professional

Length Long (>9 Feet) Medium (6-9 Feet) Short (< 6 Feet)

Price Range Budget Mid-Range Premium

Application Freshwater Ice Fishing Saltwater

Power Heavy Light Medium Ultra-Heavy Ultra-Light

Action Extra Fast Fast Moderate Slow



Region Americas Argentina Brazil Canada Mexico United States Asia-Pacific Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Singapore South Korea Taiwan Thailand Vietnam Europe, Middle East & Africa Denmark Egypt Finland France Germany Israel Italy Netherlands Nigeria Norway Poland Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Arab Emirates United Kingdom



The report provides a detailed overview of the market, exploring several key areas:

Market Penetration: A thorough examination of the current market landscape, featuring comprehensive data from leading industry players and analyzing their reach and influence across the market. Market Development: The report identifies significant growth opportunities in emerging markets and assesses expansion potential within established segments, providing a roadmap for future development. Market Diversification: In-depth coverage of recent product launches, untapped geographic regions, significant industry developments, and strategic investments reshaping the market landscape. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: A detailed analysis of the competitive landscape, covering market share, business strategies, product portfolios, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent trends, technological advancements, and innovations in manufacturing by key market players. Product Development & Innovation: Insight into groundbreaking technologies, R&D efforts, and product innovations that will drive the market in future.

Additionally, the report addresses key questions to assist stakeholders in making informed decisions:

What is the current size of the market, and how is it expected to grow? Which products, segments, and regions present the most attractive investment opportunities? What are the prevailing technology trends and regulatory factors influencing the market? How do top vendors rank regarding market share and competitive positioning? What revenue sources and strategic opportunities guide vendors' market entry or exit decisions?

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 184 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $1.07 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $1.39 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.9% Regions Covered Global

Fishing Rods Market Dynamics

Market Drivers Increasing government initiatives to promote fishing tourism and fishery resource management Rising disposable income leading to higher expenditure on premium fishing rods Fishing tournaments and sponsorships by major brands raising product visibility and adoption

Market Restraints Regulatory restrictions and environmental concerns affecting fishing rod materials and manufacturing processes Seasonal demand fluctuations impacting production schedules and inventory management in the fishing rods market

Market Opportunities Increasing demand for smart fishing rods integrated with digital technologies for advanced fishing Rising popularity of travel-friendly and portable fishing rods for frequent travelers Growth in female-oriented fishing rods and gear to encourage more women to participate in fishing activities

Market Challenges Supply chain disruptions and increase in raw material costs affecting overall profitability



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8m9fcp

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Energroup Holdings Corp. (OTC: ENHD) today announced plans to acquire Cocannco Inc. This transaction would transform Energroup into a revenue-generating company and remove its current "shell" status. Cocannco is also in the process of acquiring Clearly California Products Inc., a development-stage cannabis company, further positioning the combined entities for growth in the cannabis market.

Acquiring Cocannco and its assets will initiate a comprehensive audit of all involved entities. Energroup intends to consolidate financial statements as part of a Regulation A+ offering, enabling the company to achieve fully reporting status with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Upon completing the audits, Energroup intends to seek qualification for the OTCQB market and satisfy the requirements of Rule 15c2-11 to facilitate the public trading of its shares.





Key Points:

Cocannco to Acquire Clearly California Products Inc.

Clearly, California Products Inc. has been formulating, manufacturing, packaging, and selling self-branded products on a limited scale through license manufacturing agreements to the California cannabis market since 2022. The company was founded on the idea that organic, high-quality cannabis products can be made accessible to everyone and leverages influencer partnerships to develop and launch products quickly. The teams Repair & Relief Balm, a uniquely effective topical for skin care and pain relief, has established a cult-like following from its users and attracted word-of-mouth demand. In 2025, the company plans to expand self-branded THC product sales in select California dispensaries, launch a CBD line capable of nationwide sales, and experiment with niche branding for targeted communities.

Partnership with GloZell Green for Co-Branding CBD Products

Clearly California has signed a Brand Partnership Agreement with GloZell Green to develop a line of CBD products. GloZell is a globally known social media influencer, actress, and comedian with over 700 million views on her YouTube page and over 7 million followers across platforms. Her first products, which include a CBD-infused relief balm and reishi mushroom-infused grape gummy, are planned to launch in January 2025.

GloZell Green - YouTube

GloZell (@glozell) official | TikTok

GloZell L. Green (@glozell)  Instagram photos and videos

GloZell Green (@GloZell) / X

Cocannco intends to Acquire Indoor Cultivation in Sacramento

Cocannco has signed an agreement to acquire a 22,000-square-foot indoor cultivation in Sacramento, California. This fully turnkey operation comes with cannabis licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution. Through this acquisition, Cocannco would ensure the necessary licensing, quality control, and supply chain needs for Clearly California well into the future.

About Energroup Holdings Corp

Energroup Holdings Corp (OTC: ENHD) is a diversified holding company focused on acquiring and managing assets in emerging industries. Energroup is dedicated to expanding its portfolio and strengthening its position in the rapidly growing cannabis sector.

About Cocannco Inc.

Cocannco Inc. is a dynamic portfolio investment company in the hemp and cannabis market. We acquire and fund proven cannabis companies that are ready to scale.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, and results may differ materially.

For more information about Energroup Holdings Corp, don't hesitate to contact us at dclark@keyresources.me.

Contact:

Energroup Holdings Corp.

Investor Relations

Email: dclark@keyresources.me

Phone: 916-898-0188

Cocannco Inc.

Investor Relations

Email: dclark@cocannco.com

Phone: 916-898-0188

Don Clark

Cocannco Inc.

+1 916-898-0188



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/315d6c08-8b95-4bdc-9164-48333da04e94
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAGA Metals Corp. ("SAGA" or the "Company") (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discovery in North America, is pleased to provide a corporate update and review of key activities and achievements from 2024.

Key Corporate Highlights from 2024

SAGAs IPO: On September 23, 2024, the Company completed its IPO and commenced trading the following day on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SAGA. The Company raised gross proceeds of C$1,758,500 and completed a subsequent raise under the prospectus for C$1,116,460.68 for total gross proceeds of C$2,874,960.68.

On September 23, 2024, the Company completed its IPO and commenced trading the following day on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SAGA. The Company raised gross proceeds of C$1,758,500 and completed a subsequent raise under the prospectus for C$1,116,460.68 for total Option to Joint Venture with Rio Tinto: SAGA executed an Option Agreement with Rio Tintos subsidiary, Rio Tinto Exploration Canada (RTEC). RTEC has the option to acquire an initial 51% interest of SAGAs Legacy Lithium Project in Quebec by incurring C$9,571,100 in exploration expenditures over 4 years on the property among satisfying other conditions. Additionally, RTEC has the option to increase its interest to 75% by incurring C$34,182,500 over a subsequent 5-year period. (see full news release here).

SAGA executed an Option Agreement with Rio Tintos subsidiary, Rio Tinto Exploration Canada (RTEC). RTEC has the option to acquire an initial 51% interest of SAGAs Legacy Lithium Project in Quebec by incurring C$9,571,100 in exploration expenditures over 4 years on the property among satisfying other conditions. Additionally, RTEC has the option to increase its interest to 75% by incurring C$34,182,500 over a subsequent 5-year period. (see full news release here). Preparations made for maiden drill program at Double Mer Uranium Project: SAGAs exploration team pinpointed 3 key zones along an 18-kilometer uranium-rich trend. Within each zone the team identified high-potential uranium with U 3 O 8 mineralization occurring in pegmatites and structurally enriched formations. Counts per Second (CPS) readings reached all time highs of 22,000 CPS in an outcrop and 27,000 CPS in a sub-rounded boulder. The consistent U 3 O 8 grades confirmed in 2024s program found throughout pegmatite intrusions along the 18km trend are particularly encouraging for large tonnage resource potential . Drilling is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with an initial minimum of 1,500m program over the Luivik zone in the west.

SAGAs exploration team pinpointed 3 key zones along an 18-kilometer uranium-rich trend. Within each zone the team identified high-potential uranium with U O mineralization occurring in pegmatites and structurally enriched formations. Counts per Second (CPS) readings reached all time highs of in an outcrop and in a sub-rounded boulder. The consistent U O grades confirmed in 2024s program found throughout pegmatite intrusions along the 18km trend are particularly encouraging for . Drill-ready targets at Radar Ti-V Project Confirmed: After completing only the second program at the titanium-vanadium (Ti-V) property, SAGA has been able to bring this project to drill-ready status. The Hawkeye zone has revealed itself as a textbook Ti-V enriched layered mafic intrusion and the project has the potential for multiple parallel structures. The Hawkeye Zone confirmed high-grade mineralization, with samples returning 2.5%  11.1% TiO and 0.2%  0.66% VO. Geophysical surveys suggest the Hawkeye Zones potential width has increased from 500 meters to 1 kilometer and combined with the surface sampling has an inferred 4km mineralized strike.

After completing only the second program at the titanium-vanadium (Ti-V) property, SAGA has been able to bring this project to drill-ready status. The Hawkeye zone has revealed itself as a textbook Ti-V enriched layered mafic intrusion and the project has the potential for multiple parallel structures. The Hawkeye Zone confirmed high-grade mineralization, with samples returning and Geophysical surveys suggest the Hawkeye Zones potential width has increased from to and combined with the surface sampling has an inferred mineralized strike. High-grade iron ore potential at North Wind: Iron content (FeO) in samples from the Sokoman Formation ranges from 4.88% to 84.57% , with the highest grades concentrated in the middle and lower iron formation members, spanning an impressive 600700 meters in combined width and trends 4km NW-SE.

Iron content (FeO) in samples from the Sokoman Formation ranges from , with the highest grades concentrated in the middle and lower iron formation members, spanning an impressive in combined width and trends 4km NW-SE. Exploration budget secured for Amirault Lithium Project: The Company recently completed a flow-through offering securing C$300,000 for an exploration program at the Amirault Lithium Project between Q2-Q3 2025 focused on mapping, sampling and prospecting across the 31,347.76 hectares. This project is contiguous to SAGAS Legacy Lithium Project that is subject to the Option to Joint Venture with Rio Tinto.

SAGAs Project Overview: Four 100% owned Projects in Top Mining Jurisdictions

1. Double Mer Uranium Project  Labrador, Canada



The Double Mer Uranium Project is SAGA Metals' flagship project, covering 1,024 claims across 25,600 hectares in eastern-central Labrador, approximately 90km northeast of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Leveraging significant historical exploration data, SAGAs exploration team validated and built upon the Companys understanding of the projects potential. 2024 work has refined the understanding of the targets within key zones, specifically supporting the decision to initiate a minimum 1500m drill program the Luivik zone in Q1 2025.

SAGA sees the Double Mer Uranium Project as a promising addition to the significant uranium projects already established in Labradors Central Mineral Belt (CMB), including Paladin Energys Michelin and Atha Energys CMB discovery. With encouraging surface samples and geophysical data, SAGA believes Double Mer could offer comparable large-tonnage Uranium potential.





Regional map of the Double Mer Uranium Project in Labrador, Canada

Diverse Mineralization Styles Offer Exploration Upside

The 2024 Double Mer field program identified three styles of uranium mineralization across the 18km trend on the property:

Mineralized granitic pegmatites, rich in uranophane and containing petrographic evidence of uraninite associated with biotite rich zones. Sheared pegmatites and gneissic rocks, showing high CPS readings and uranophane staining in biotite-rich areas. IOCG-style mineralization, characterized by iron carbonate staining and sheeted smokey quartz veins parallel to foliation.







Highly strained granitic pegmatite showing an East-West foliation and significant uranophane mineralization located in the Katjuk (Arrow) Zone. Photo showing biotite fabric in the pegmatite with localised stringers of garnet beads.

Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of SAGA Metals Corp., commented: What should be noted as the most significant concept of the 2024 field program results is that we have economic U 3 O 8 % in the channels from 0.015-0.062 U 3 O 8 % in pegmatites which strike 18km. We have higher grade rock samples mapped in the areas among these channel samples showing the opportunity for more anomalous intercepts. The field mapping combined with uranium count radiometrics demonstrates that these pegmatites can be up to 500m wide in places and often averaging 200-300 m in width. This is the recipe we need to identify significant tonnage and thats where a systematic method to drilling can pay off. Whats exciting about the Double Mer project is that we dont need to overspend on a drilling strategy that focuses on chasing high grades. We just need to methodically test these zones across strike, step by step and with that will come the more exciting intercepts which can bolster composites and potentially the necessary data to support large tonnage.





2024 channel and rock sample locations across the 18km strike at Double Mer

2. Legacy Lithium Project  Quebec, Canada



The Legacy Lithium Project spans 34,243 hectares located in Quebec's renowned Eeyou Istchee James Bay region as is subject to the Option to Joint Venture Agreement with Rio Tintos subsidiary, Rio Tinto Exploration Canada (RTEC).





A map of the Lithium Neighborhood at the Legacy Lithium Project in Quebec

Rio Tinto Partnership: Under the Option Agreement, Rio Tinto Exploration Canada (RTEC) has the option to acquire a 51% interest in SAGAs Legacy Lithium Project over four years if it meets the following conditions: C$410,190 cash payment to SAGA (received by SAGA in August 2024). C$9.57 million in exploration spending, with at least C$1.71 million committed within the first 20 months. Annual cash payments of C$68,365 (totaling C$273,460 ) and additional payments of C$225,000 for claim acquisitions owed by SAGA to the original property vendors.

has the option to acquire a in SAGAs over four years if it meets the following conditions:

Once RTEC earns the initial 51% interest, it has the option to increase its stake to 75% over five more years by spending an additional C$34.18 million on exploration. RTEC will oversee the project during both the first and second option periods, and a joint technical committee will plan the exploration programs.

The Legacy Lithium project covers 100km of striking paragneiss situated in a region known for lithium discoveries, including Winsome Resources Adina Project, Loyal Lithiums Trieste Project, and Rio Tintos Galinee Project as shown in the map above.

Rio Tinto recently became one of the largest producers of lithium in the world with the approved takeover of Arcadium Lithium. On December 23, 2024, Arcadium Lithium announced its shareholders had approved the proposed Rio Tinto Transaction of an all cash deal for $5.85 per share. The Transaction represents a premium of 90% to Arcadiums closing price of $3.08 per share on 4 October 2024, a premium of 39% to Arcadiums volume-weighted average price (VWAP) since Arcadium was created on 4 January 2024, and values Arcadiums diluted share capital at approximately $6.7 billion.

In Q1 2025, SAGA anticipates providing an update on RTECs exploration activities in 2024 and an outline of their plans for further exploration in 2025.

Amirault Lithium Project  Quebec, Canada

In Q2 2024, the Company announced an asset purchase agreement to acquire a 100% interest in 606 mining claims covering an area of 31,347.76 hectares in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec known as the Amirault Lithium Project.

The Project is contiguous to SAGAs Legacy Lithium project expanding the total contiguous land holdings to 1,274 claims spanning 65,849.20 hectares (658 square kilometers). The acquisition increases the Companys foothold on the striking paragneiss, all of which can be considered prospective for pegmatites following the discovery trend of Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, Rio Tinto, and Loyal Lithium (See map of the Lithium Neighborhood above).

The Company recently completed a flow-through offering securing C$300,000 for an exploration program at the Amirault Lithium Project between Q2-Q3 2025 focused on mapping, sampling and prospecting across the 31,347.76 hectares.

3. Radar Ti-V Project  Labrador, Canada



The Radar Ti-V Property is located 10km south of Cartwright in Labrador, Canada. The project spans 17,250 hectares and benefits from road access, supporting efficient exploration and development.





Map of the Radar Ti-V project and its proximity to the town of Cartwright, Labrador

The 2024 Radar Ti-V exploration program focused on expanding prospecting, geological mapping, and soil sampling in areas near previously identified geophysical anomalies. These efforts have produced encouraging results that reinforce Radar's potential for hosting significant titanium and vanadium mineralization.

Key Total Database Assay Highlights Include:

Titanium Dioxide (TiO2): 49 samples returned assay values exceeding 4.0%, with a peak value of 11.1%.

49 samples returned assay values exceeding 4.0%, with a peak value of 11.1%. Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5): 36 samples exceeded 0.2%, with a high of 0.66%.

36 samples exceeded 0.2%, with a high of 0.66%. Iron (Fe): 34 samples returned values over 20%, reaching a high of 46.7%.



2024 fieldwork focused on identifying new zones across the property and confirmed the potential for three parallel zones hosting significant electromagnetic anomalies, now named:

Hawkeye Zone Trapper Zone Unnamed Transitional Zone (between Hawkeye and Trapper)



The Hawkeye zone is the most prospective target on the property. Detailed geophysics and surface samples are suggestive of a complex and phased layered mafic intrusion that may be upwards of 1km wide and 4km long. Recent geophysics completed on the property show very detailed correlation to the rock samples and observed phase changes in the system.





Geophysics completed over a targeted area within the Hawkeye Zone increasing width to 1km and a projected 4km strike

4. North Wind Iron Ore Project  Labrador, Canada



The North Wind Iron Ore property located 16 kilometers southwest of Schefferville, Quebec, within the prolific Labrador Trough, represents a secondary but high-potential asset within SAGA Metals portfolio. The Labrador Trough, an extensive 1,100-kilometer suite of Proterozoic rocks, is renowned for hosting world-class iron ore deposits and is a major hub for iron ore exploration.





Regional map of the North Wind Iron Ore Project in Labrador, Canada

The North Wind property spans 6,375 hectares across 255 claim blocks under a single license. Its geological framework holds significant potential, reinforced by a portion of a historical resource estimate (NI 43-101 compliant) completed in 2013 by New Millennium Iron.

Historical exploration at North Wind includes data from eight drill holes, which averaged 20.74% Total Fe (iron) content over 590 meters drilled. Notably, the Lower Red Green Chert (LRGC), a key stratigraphic unit within the property, returned an average grade of 24.76% Fe across 277 meters drilled and was intercepted in all eight holes. This LRGC unit forms part of the Sokoman Formation's "Lower Iron Formation," a high-priority target confirmed by both New Millennium Iron and SAGAs exploration team.

As part of routine claims maintenance, SAGA conducted a comprehensive field program at the North Wind Iron Ore property in the summer of 2024. A total of 24 rock samples were collected, accompanied by key geological observations. The Sokoman Formation formed the core focus of exploration. This formation is subdivided into three stratigraphic members based on the following assay iron content (FeO):

Upper Iron Member: 4.88%33.43% FeO

4.88%33.43% FeO Middle Iron Member: 47.44%60.43% FeO

47.44%60.43% FeO Lower Iron Member: 13.31%75.06% FeO



The 2024 field program confirmed a 4km NW-SE mineralization trend with combined surface thickness of the mineralized zones ranging from 600700 meters, underlining the projects scale and high-grade potential.

Mike Stier, CEO & Director of SAGA Metals Corp., commented: As 2024 saw the completion of ground truthing across multiple projects, 2025 will be concentrated on drilling! We are proud of the hard work accomplished this past year and look forward to taking this data into 2025 and accelerating our understanding of our portfolio of projects. Completing our IPO was pivotal for the Company and sets the stage for increased funding sources as we aim to garner drill results during Q1/Q2 2025.

Digital Marketing Services Agreement with Machai Capital Inc.

The Company further reports that it entered into a digital marketing services agreement dated January 2, 2025 (the Marketing Agreement) with Machai Capital Inc. (Machai). Pursuant to the Marketing Agreement, Machai will, among other things, provide the Company with certain marketing services to expand investor awareness of the Companys business and to communicate with the investment community (the Services).

The Services will include, among other things, (i) branding, content and data optimization to assist the Company to create in-depth marketing campaigns, (ii) tracking, organizing and executing the Services through search engine optimization, search engine marketing, lead generation, digital marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, and brand marketing. In consideration of the Services, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Marketing Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Machai a fee of 140,000 (plus applicable taxes) over a 31-day term.

The Services will be rendered primarily online through a variety of news and investment community communications channels. Suneal Sandhu, the President of Machai  located at 101  17565  58 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3S 4E3 and contacted at 1 (604) 375-0084 and suneal@machaicapital.com  will be involved in conducting the promotional activity. Machai and Mr. Sandhu do not currently own any common shares or common share derivatives in the capital of the Company.

About SAGA Metals Corp.

SAGA Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of critical minerals that support the global transition to green energy. The company's flagship asset, the Double Mer Uranium Project, is located in Labrador, Canada, covering 25,600 hectares. This project features uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18-kilometer east-west trend, with a confirmed 14-kilometer section producing samples as high as 4,281ppm U 3 O 8 and spectrometer readings of 22,000cps.

In addition to its uranium focus, SAGA owns the Legacy Lithium Property in Quebec's Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto, has been expanded through the acquisition of the Amirault Lithium Project. Together, these properties cover 65,849 hectares and share significant geological continuity with other major players in the area, including Rio Tinto, Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, and Loyal Lithium.

SAGA also holds secondary exploration assets in Labrador, where the company is focused on the discovery of titanium, vanadium, and iron ore. With a portfolio that spans key minerals crucial to the green energy transition, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in the clean energy future.

For more information, contact:

SAGA Metals Corp.

Investor Relations

Tel: +1 (778) 930-1321

Email: info@sagametals.com

www.sagametals.com

Qualified Person

Peter Webster P.Geo. CEO of Mercator Geological Services Limited is an Independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information related to the Double Mer Uranium Project, Radar Ti-V Project and North Wind Iron Ore Project disclosed in this news release.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Disclaimer

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as will, may, should, anticipates, expects, believes, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the prospective nature of the Companys projects and future exploration programs and services provided under the promotional agreement with Machai. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and the risks detailed in the Companys Prospectus filed under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca and in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations from time to time. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08d54e09-1f12-4946-b0e7-a09dcfa7210d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d65e6681-3c17-4231-afdd-11e5ce22b66b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5216c9c9-4d1f-469e-b0ad-aa67b59c1e55

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/43996bf4-6cc2-4079-a0a7-075b1380adc5

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3cdce137-588a-4189-985a-bf908ea70a6b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/590b56b8-515a-4789-b7e9-cd39f9c627cb

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f996549-d5dd-4f98-9d75-5b03b694b445
Netanya, Israel, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silynxcom Ltd. (NYSE American: SYNX) (Silynxcom or the Company), a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices, announced today that it has received a new purchase order valued at $330,000 from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This latest order brings the total accumulated orders from the IDF to over $2.33 million since the beginning of the third quarter of 2024, reinforcing Silynxcoms growing presence and trust placed in its solutions within the global defense market.

We are proud to continue supporting the IDF with our innovative communication systems tailored to meet the demands of modern defense operations, said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. This milestone reflects the confidence in our solutions and highlights our strengthening position as a trusted partner for defense forces worldwide.

Silynxcoms cutting-edge technology is designed to provide unparalleled communication clarity and situational awareness while safeguarding hearing and monitoring vital signs. These solutions have become a critical tool for military and defense organizations worldwide, contributing to enhanced operational performance and safety.

About Silynxcom Ltd.

Silynxcom Ltd. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Companys in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations, weapons training courses, and on the factory floor. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers in leading military and law enforcements units. The Companys In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360 situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Companys products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers in the field. The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, contemplate, could, estimate, expect, intend, seek, may, might, plan, potential, predict, project, target, aim, should, will would, or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. For example, the Company uses forward-looking statements when it discusses: that this purchase order highlights the Companys strengthening position as a trusted partner for defense forces worldwide. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on April 30, 2024, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC which are available on the SECs website, www.sec.gov . The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS:
Vancouver, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spirit Blockchain Capital Inc. (CSE: SPIR) (Spirit Blockchain or, the Company), a leader in digital asset and blockchain technologies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Joanna Lipfeld as the company's new Chief Financial Officer, effective January 2, 2025.

Mrs. Lipfeld brings over 25 years of experience in financial management, operations, and strategic leadership. Since 2007, she has served as Chief Financial Officer at Lynx Equity Limited, where she has been instrumental in driving investments in mid-market companies across North America, the U.K., and Denmark. Mrs. Lipfeld has played a key role in securing capital from mezzanine debt, pension funds, royalty groups, and private high-net-worth individuals, delivering consistent above-average returns.

Her diverse career includes serving as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Secure Solutions Inc., where she oversaw the distribution, installation, and servicing of airport and government security systems in the Caribbean. Earlier in her career, Mrs Lipfeld held key roles at Johnson & Johnson Medical Products as Senior Financial Analyst, Product Specialist, and Product Manager, where she gained significant expertise in financial strategy, product management, and business development.

"We are thrilled to welcome Joanna to our executive team," said Lewis Bateman, CEO of Spirit Blockchain. "Her deep financial expertise and proven leadership in diverse industries align perfectly with our vision for growth and innovation in the blockchain and digital asset sectors."

Mrs. Lipfeld holds an Honors Business Administration (HBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Ivey Business School at Western University. Her extensive background in financial planning, operational efficiency, and strategic leadership will play a vital role in Spirit Blockchain's continued expansion and success.

About Spirit Blockchain Capital

Spirit Blockchain Capital is an investment company at the forefront of the blockchain industry. Through our operational business line and asset management business, we provide investors with a range of opportunities for capital appreciation. With a strong focus on innovation, strategic investments, and operational excellence, Spirit Blockchain is poised to unlock the potential of the digital economy.

For media inquiries, please contact:

 Lewis Bateman

 Chief Executive Officer

 info@spiritblockchain.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words expect, anticipate, continue, estimate, objective, may, will, project, should, believe, plans, intends, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.








DENTON, Texas, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Good + West Residential is proud to announce that its latest development, Perch Denton, has been honored with the Multi-Housing News (MHN) Excellence Award for Design and Development in Single Family Rentals. The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony in New York, NY, on December 5, 2024. The MHN Excellence Awards recognize the multifamily industrys most outstanding people, companies, and properties.

Good + West Residential, a real estate development firm based in Austin, TX, specializes in multifamily and build-to-rent projects across major Texas markets. Known for its passion for interior design, the firm integrates stylish and functional elements into each development. Perch Denton was developed in partnership with Montgomery Street Partners and Capital Square, and is managed by Willow Bridge Property Company, a leader in the rental space.

The 195-unit single-family rental community was designed with modern living in mind. Each home features private fenced yards with complimentary yard maintenance. Inside, residents enjoy 10+ foot ceilings, abundant natural light, contemporary kitchens, mudrooms, ample storage, and hardwood-style flooring.

Community amenities at Perch Denton offer the perfect blend of single-family living with the benefits of a rental community. Residents have access to a community pool and pavilion, a fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, a spacious clubroom, covered parking, and EV-ready private garages. The pet-friendly community is surrounded by walking trails and local parks, and it also offers exclusive access to a dog park, pickleball court, grilling areas, a game lawn, a coffee lounge, smart intercoms, and access-controlled gates.

"We are honored to receive the MHN Excellence Award for Design and Development in Single Family Rentals," said Elizabeth Good, Partner at Good + West Residential. "From the outset, we envisioned Perch Denton as a unique living experience for our residents, and its exciting to see them enjoying the community weve created."

For more information, please visit perchdenton.com.

About Good + West Residential

Good + West Residential brings over 40 years of combined experience to real estate development, specializing in multifamily and build-to-rent communities in Texas. Founded by Elizabeth Good and David West, the firm focuses on blending a passion for interior design with a disciplined approach to budget to create value for both its partners and residents. Good + West has delivered more than 1,100 multifamily and BTR units in DFW and Austin with over 1,000 units in the pipeline.

Good + West is committed to thoughtful design and creating communities where people love to live. Based in Austin, Good + West work with their partners to develop spaces that are as valuable as they are vibrant. To learn more, visit goodandwest.com.

About Montgomery Street Partners

Founded in 2013, Montgomery Street Partners is a diversified commercial real estate investment firm that invests across property types and geographies. MSPs primary investment strategy is to build fully integrated real estate companies by pursuing programmatic GP Equity Co-Investments with a select number of established operating partners within a well-defined niche real estate sector. Additionally, MSP pursues entity/corporate-level investments in existing real estate operating companies, as well as starting new operating companies with seasoned industry executives. Since launching its discretionary investment fund business in 2015, MSP has acquired $7.3 billion of real estate assets and currently has investment capacity for over $2 billion of additional investments.

About Capital Square

Capital Square is a vertically integrated national real estate firm specializing in tax-advantaged real estate investments, including Delaware statutory trusts for Section 1031 exchanges, qualified opportunity zone funds for tax deferral and exclusion and a real estate investment trust (REIT). The company is also an active developer and manager of multifamily communities. Since 2012, Capital Square has completed more than $7.9 billion in transaction volume. Capital Squares mixed-used development projects total over 2,000 apartment units with a total development value in excess of $870 million, and Capital Square Living, the firms property management division, now manages over 11,000 apartments across multiple states. Capital Squares related entities provide a range of services  including due diligence, acquisition, loan sourcing, property/asset management and disposition  for a growing number of high-net-worth investors, private equity firms, family offices and institutional investors. The company has been recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation for eight consecutive years. Learn more at CapitalSq.com.

About Willow Bridge Property Company

Founded in 1965 by Mack Pogue as Lincoln Property Company, Willow Bridge Property Company is one of the United States most respected full service residential property companies, operating a successful portfolio in 75 markets. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Willow Bridge proudly employs over 4,500 team members, has built over 200,000 apartments and manages 200,000 units for its clients. To learn more, visit willowbridgepc.com .

SOURCE Willow Bridge Property Company

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/57e052b6-2cd7-467b-a53e-dc7c0a7f474a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2bede216-af29-4fd2-907b-aeefcf38a757
Beijing, China, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The year 2024 witnessed regional turmoil and profound landscape changes. From the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the chaos in the Middle East and the interference of external forces stirring tensions in the South China Sea, China demonstrated composure and confidence amid a turbulent landscape, creating a favorable external environment for its high-quality development and injecting valuable stability into a restless world. As a member of the Global South, China is playing an increasingly important role in promoting world development and peace, as well as advancing the rise of the Global South. As 2024 ended, the Global Times (GT) runs a special year-ender series by talking to renowned experts and former diplomats to discuss China's role and the scenes that shaped the global landscape in the past year.

GT reporter Wang Wenwen talked to Ahmed Moustafa (Moustafa), an Egyptian economist and director of Asia Center for Studies and Translation, about how China has injected positive momentum into global stability and development through diplomatic wisdom and international cooperation.

GT: What impressed you the most about Chinese diplomacy in 2024?

Moustafa: China's diplomatic efforts were marked by a blend of proactive posturing and pragmatic engagement, reflecting a nuanced approach to navigating a multipolar world. Recalling China's diplomatic endeavors in 2024, one event stands out as particularly impactful from my perspective as an Egyptian: the swift and decisive approval of Egypt's membership in the BRICS group. This pivotal moment signaled a deepening of strategic partnership, bolstering Egypt's international standing and opening new avenues for economic cooperation. The tangible benefits followed swiftly. The approval spurred the establishment of several top-tier Chinese industrial plants across Egypt, a testament to the burgeoning economic ties between our nations.

This was not just economic growth; it was a visible demonstration of China's commitment to practical cooperation. Ultimately, China's support for Egypt's BRICS membership in 2024, culminating in significant industrial projects and widespread employment, proved to be a watershed moment. It was more than a diplomatic success; it was a powerful demonstration of a mutually beneficial partnership, leaving a lasting positive impact on the Egyptian people.

GT: What role do you think China's head-of-state diplomacy has played?

Moustafa: The overseas trips Chinese president made last year aimed to solidify existing relations, cultivate new partnerships and project an image of a globally engaged China. This proactive approach contrasted with the more inward-looking stance adopted by some other global powers. The success of these efforts can be partially measured by the tangible outcomes achieved, such as increased trade and investment partnerships in Europe, crucial infrastructure development projects in Central Asia, and deeper political and economic cooperation in Latin America.

However, a purely quantitative analysis of these achievements would risk overlooking the subtler aspects of Xi's diplomacy, such as shaping narratives and influencing perceptions. His speeches consistently promoted a multipolar world order, advocating for greater inclusivity and a more equitable distribution of power. This positioning undoubtedly impacted the dynamics of several key international organizations and their future trajectory.

GT: International scholars have described the current global issues as a "multipronged mixed crisis." Why, amid these crises, could China stand out as a promoter of peace and development? And what lies behind the support China has garnered?

Moustafa: China's substantial investments in infrastructure projects and contributions to global organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations have fostered economic growth and international cooperation in numerous countries. This tangible impact, particularly in regions traditionally underserved by Western powers, played a crucial role in shaping a positive perception of China's role in global engagement.

China's success in global engagement was partly due to its strategic prioritization of economic diplomacy. Unlike many Western nations, China's engagement was primarily driven by mutual economic benefit, fostering trust and cooperation, particularly in developing countries seeking infrastructure investment and economic growth opportunities. This less conditional engagement created a significant power dynamic shift in international relations. However, the support China garnered was not solely based on economic incentives. The perceived neutrality of China's foreign policy, particularly compared to the interventionist policies of some Western nations, also played a crucial role.

GT: China has continued to promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), which have forged a broad consensus and provided a platform for cooperation to deepen South-South cooperation. In your opinion, what kind of Chinese wisdom do these three initiatives contribute to global governance?

Moustafa: These initiatives fostered tangible cooperation, particularly within the Global South, and demonstrated a pragmatic, results-oriented approach contrasting with previous models dominated by competing geopolitical narratives. The Chinese wisdom underpinning these initiatives lies in its emphasis on multilateralism and win-win cooperation, adopting a more inclusive and pragmatic methodology. This approach, rooted in Chinese diplomatic tradition, resonates significantly with developing nations that are often marginalized in traditional international forums.

China's success stemmed from a shrewd understanding of the limitations of existing global governance structures. By offering a practical, action-oriented alternative focused on addressing the specific needs and priorities of developing nations, China effectively bypassed some of the inherent obstacles hindering progress within traditional multilateral forums. This pragmatic approach, directly addressing real-world challenges rather than abstract ideological debates, formed a cornerstone of their appeal and contributed significantly to their broad acceptance.

The core principle of a shared future for mankind also contributed significantly to their success. Widespread engagement from diverse nations, particularly those in the Global South, indicated a growing preference for a multipolar world order, reflecting the historical Chinese emphasis on harmony and mutual respect. The initiatives offered a compelling alternative - a vision of peaceful coexistence and collaborative progress, significantly diverging from the typical power-driven strategies employed by other major powers.

GT: How does China's role as a stabilizer and anchor inject momentum for 2025 and beyond?

Moustafa: China's role as a stabilizing force in the global landscape of 2024 will be crucial for the trajectory of 2025 and beyond.

Despite geopolitical tensions and economic volatility, China's consistent economic growth and commitment to infrastructure development, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, have provided stability.

This stability has created opportunities for global businesses and a sense of confidence amid wider economic anxieties.

The Chinese government's proactive measures to mitigate economic risks, such as targeted stimulus packages, have contributed to global economic stability. This has been achieved through its continued engagement in global trade and the sustained demand for raw materials and manufactured goods. China's diplomatic efforts have also played a significant role in de-escalating tensions in key geopolitical hot spots, fostering a more stable global security landscape.

China's technological advancements in 2024, such as renewable energy technologies, artificial intelligence and high-speed rail, have shaped global innovation and spurred competition and innovation globally. The scale of China's investment in research and development, in collaboration with domestic and international partners, has propelled technological advancement, benefiting nations worldwide and fostering a more technologically advanced global ecosystem for years to come.

This article first appeared in the Global Times:

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326084.shtml

Company: Global Times

Contact Person: Anna Li

Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn

Website: https://globaltimes.cn

City: Beijing

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of KISS PR or its partners. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. KISS PR makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
Beijing, China, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Walking across the sand dunes, Lu Qi steps on sand divided into square blocks by straw.



This is the straw checkerboard technique, hailed as the "Chinese Rubik's Cube," widely used in China to increase surface roughness and thereby reduce wind erosion.



The site is the Ulan Buh Desert in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, where Lu and his team conducted experimental work. Here, this technique, combined with various supportive measures, has allowed saplings and trees to regenerate the land.



Lu and his team's efforts not only highlight significant advancements in Chinas desertification control, but also reflect a deeper philosophical commitment to the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature - a principle that has been integral to Chinese philosophy for millennia.



In a keynote speech via video link at the leaders' summit of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) on October 12, 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized, "All beings flourish when they live in harmony and receive nourishment from Nature."



This quote originates from "Discourse on Heaven (Tian Lun)" in Xunzi, written by the Warring States (475BC-221BC) philosopher Xun Kuang. It means that all things in the world are born by receiving their respective harmonious energies and grow by obtaining their unique nourishment.



"Man and Nature need to coexist in harmony. When we take care to protect Nature, Nature rewards us generously; when we exploit Nature ruthlessly, it punishes us without mercy. We need to have deep reverence for Nature, respect Nature, follow Nature's laws, and protect Nature, so as to build a homeland of harmonious coexistence between man and Nature," Xi said in the speech, Xinhua reported.



The philosophy of harmonious coexistence between man and nature is evident in China's proactive measures to combat desertification, a pressing ecological challenge that significantly impacts human survival and development, particularly in a country that ranks among the most severely affected by this issue globally.



"We need to understand how nature changes," Lu said.



Under Lu's leadership, researchers identified and collected drought-resistant plant saplings suitable for the Ulan Buh Desert. According to Lu, the research institute has transformed over 11,000 hectares of desert into fertile land in Ulan Buh, as noted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).



By organizing and implementing key projects such as the construction of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, China has protected 538 million mu (35.87 million hectares) of desertified land and effectively managed 118 million mu of desertified land. The forest coverage rate in the project area has increased from 12.41 percent to 13.84 percent, and 61 percent of the area affected by soil erosion has been effectively controlled, according to the statement from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.



'The Champions of the Earth'

In December 2024, Lu, chief scientist of the Chinese Academy of Forestry and founding president of the Institute of Great Green Wall, was awarded the Champions of the Earth, the UN's highest environmental honor, marking the first time a Chinese recipient has been recognized in the Science and Innovation category of the award.



Lu played a key role in implementing the world's largest afforestation project, establishing expert research networks and partnerships, and boosting multilateral cooperation to stem desertification, land degradation, and drought, according to UNEP.



Lu has accumulated over 30 years of experience in the field of desertification prevention and control. He has led over 50 research projects, and has published more than 180 peer-reviewed papers, authored 20 monographs, and assisted China in implementing the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.



His work in desertification control, particularly his contributions to the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, embodies the philosophy that "All beings flourish when they live in harmony and receive nourishment from Nature."



"The technology for desertification control is somewhat like medicine treating flu; there has never been a 'miracle drug' that cures it completely, but rather it can only alleviate the discomfort," he told the Global Times.



For instance, in desertification prevention and control work, the choice of tree species must be tailored to local conditions and based on scientific planning.



In areas with severe wind and sand, and insufficient water, such as shifting sand regions, priority should be given to planting sand-resistant shrubs and herbaceous plants with mechanical sand barriers to form the first layer of protection. Behind this, drought-resistant economic tree species can be planted. In the innermost oasis area, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests can be cultivated, forming a layered protection system from the outside to the inside, Lu explained.



He emphasized that desertification prevention should align with major national strategies, including rural revitalization and the ecological protection of the Yellow River Basin.



He also emphasized the need to develop industries such as photovoltaic and wind power generation, factory-based agriculture, and ecological tourism, while also advancing agriculture and green food industries in desert areas.



According to Lu, of China's approximately 1.7 million square kilometers of desertified land, around 500,000 square kilometers can be effectively rehabilitated, while the remaining 1 million square kilometers are natural, primordial deserts that should be left undisturbed.



"What we are restoring are the deserts that have formed in the last 100 to 1000 years, which we call man-made deserts," Lu explained.



Despite often working in remote areas with no mobile signal and harsh living conditions, Lu told the Global Times that he rarely remembers the hardships of his work and life.



What he often recalls are the starry nights, the scene of working together to push a vehicle out of the sand, and the wild animals encountered along the way. This, he believes, is the best reflection of going with the flow of nature.



Approach with Chinese characteristics



On the morning of November 28, 2024, the Taklimakan Desert, known as the "Sea of Death," was completely encircled with a sand-blocking green belt stretching 3,046 kilometers in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to Xinhua News Agency.



As a result, this resilient and flexible green fence will effectively halt the spread of moving sand, serving as a boundary that separates the oasis from the vast yellow sand dunes.



The completion of the ecological barrier surrounding the Taklimakan Desert is a vivid reflection of China's progress in combating desertification.



After more than 40 years of relentless effort, China has carved out a unique path to desertification control with Chinese characteristics, ensuring both ecological protection and improved livelihoods in a virtuous cycle, thus becoming an international model in sand control.



In the interview with the Global Times, Lu explained that China's sand control model is a two-way participatory approach, combining top-down and bottom-up efforts. The government creates top-level plans and designs, while attracting broad participation from all sectors of society, forming a powerful collaborative effort.



He emphasized that, "In the past, sand control might have been mainly driven by government investment, but now, the participation of multiple forces is more important. With the joint efforts of research institutions, enterprises, and local governments, the best results can be achieved."



Currently, China has effectively rehabilitated 53 percent of its treatable desertified land. The area of desertified land in China has decreased by 65 million mu since 2012, Xinhua reported in November 2024.



China has led the world in achieving "zero growth" in land degradation, with both desertification and sandification areas shrinking, according to data released by National Forestry and Grassland Administration in November 2024.



Furthermore, as Lu noted, China has strong legal protections, having specifically enacted the world's first law for sand prevention and control in 2002.



"All of these factors have created a favorable environment for society to promote sand prevention and control efforts. Therefore, an important lesson from China's desertification control work is to bravely shoulder our mission, fear no hardships, work diligently for the long term, and draw a blueprint and stick to it, continuing from one phase to the next," Lu concluded.



Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP, commended Lu's contribution to global desertification control, pointing out that Lu had proved in practice that by combining science and policy, human beings can solve the problem of land degradation, help communities adapt to climate change, and create a better future for millions of people.

This article first appeared in the Global Times: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326096.shtml

Company: Global Times

Contact Person: Anna Li

Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn

Website: https://globaltimes.cn

City: Beijing

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of KISS PR or its partners. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. KISS PR makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
WAWA, Pa., Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wawa is kicking off the new year with a new way for customers to save money and simplify their morning routines. The new Mornings Made Easy, campaign is aimed at providing customers with a variety of beverages at a great value plus a one-of-a-kind experience with associates sure to brighten your day! From January 6 through February 16, customers enrolled in Wawa Rewards can visit any of Wawas 1,100 locations to redeem their bonus offers for $1 Any Size Hot Coffee, $2 Iced Coffee and $3 Monster Energy Drinks.

Wawas self-serve pour bar includes 7 coffee varieties including Regular and Decaf, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Cuban Roast, 100% Colombian and Dark Roast* plus limited-time offer flavors such as Caramel Cream that will hit stores in mid-January. Hot coffee is Wawa Rewards members favorite item and most popular reward. A hot coffee is even sold every second to a member. Wawa Iced Coffee is freshly brewed and is part of a line of dozens of hand-crafted specialty beverages. Wawa is unmatched in the amount of coffee varieties* and value offered to customers. *Coffee varieties vary per region.



Whether youre a busy mom rushing to get the kids out of the house and dont have time to brew coffee or a student studying for exams and need an extra boost or a pick me up while juggling multiple jobs, we are here to provide you with trusted quality products at a great price as thank you for being a valued Wawa customer and Wawa Rewards member, said Mary Rose Hannum, Chief Product Marketing Officer, Wawa. And while our beverages will certainly satisfy your cravings, you can always count on our associates to go the extra mile each morning from giving a warm hello to striking up morning conversation to providing a helping hand when you need it most!

Visit @Wawa on social channels to share a story about how Wawa products or associates have helped make your morning easier for a chance to recognize your favorite store team and win some swag!



Wawa Rewards Program Enrollment Instructions

Simply download The Wawa App in the App Store or Google Play Store and click "Sign Up" to create a Wawa Rewards account. Or go to WawaRewards.com and click "Create Account" to create a Wawa Rewards account. Then, scan the Wawa App, Wawa Rewards Key Card, or registered Wawa Rewards gift card with every purchase.



About Wawa Rewards

The Wawa Rewards Program lets you earn the points on eligible* purchases at Wawa stores using the Wawa App, registered Wawa Rewards Key Card or a registered Wawa Gift Card. Points can then be redeemed for a variety of Wawa favorites. Additionally, Wawa Rewards members also have exclusive access to Mobile Ordering Ahead, Curbside Pickup, In-App Delivery, In-App fuel payment, surprise bonus offers, and more. *Exclusions apply. Rewards points cannot be earned or redeemed on fuel transactions in New Jersey or where prohibited by state law. See full details at wawarewards.com/#terms.



About Wawa

Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, PA in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness and certified process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, Georges grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 in Pennsylvania as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa is your all day, every day stop for freshly prepared foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services and surcharge-free ATMs. Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia and Washington, D.C. with nearly 1,080 locations to date. The stores offer a large fresh foodservice selection, including Wawa brands such as custom prepared hoagies, freshly-brewed coffee, hot breakfast sandwiches, hand-crafted specialty beverages, a dinner menu including burgers and an assortment of soups, sides and snacks. Forbes.com Ranks Wawa as #22 of Americas Largest Private Companies, one of Forbes 2023 Americas Best Employers for Women and New College Grads.

Contact: public.relations@wawa.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/044f0471-3ce3-4d8f-ac63-6be74cf0cabb
PUNTA GORDA, Fla., Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACC Medlink, the undisputed leader in long-distance medical transportation, has announced a 20% expansion to its industry-leading fleet of luxurious Mercedes Sprinter vans. This strategic move further cements the companys position as the go-to provider for patients and families seeking the highest standard of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) across the United States.

With an unmatched reputation for excellence, ACC Medlink continues to set the benchmark for safety, comfort, and reliability in the NEMT industry. The new vehicles in the expanded fleet are equipped with cutting-edge technology and medical-grade amenities, ensuring that every clients journey is conducted with the utmost professionalism and care.

Reinforcing Dominance in the Market

As demand for long-distance medical transportation surges, ACC Medlink is rising to meet the challenge. With this expansion, the company further solidifies its dominance, offering unparalleled capacity to serve patients requiring specialized transportation across state lines.

No other provider matches the level of care, comfort, and reliability that ACC Medlink delivers, said Michael Peat, CEO of ACC Medlink. This fleet expansion is yet another demonstration of our commitment to maintaining our leadership and exceeding the expectations of our clients and their families.

Unparalleled Patient Experience

ACC Medlinks fleet of Mercedes Sprinter vans have become synonymous with luxury and care in the medical transportation industry. Designed specifically for long-distance journeys, the upgraded vehicles boast:

Advanced Medical Amenities : ACC Medlink has made multi-million-dollar investments in building out every one of their Sprinter Transporters. From their fully automatic Ferno Stretcher systems, reclining captains chairs for accompanying family members, and state-of-the-art climate control systems to ensure maximum comfort, they have got you covered.

: ACC Medlink has made multi-million-dollar investments in building out every one of their Sprinter Transporters. From their fully automatic Ferno Stretcher systems, reclining captains chairs for accompanying family members, and state-of-the-art climate control systems to ensure maximum comfort, they have got you covered. Unmatched Safety : GPS tracking, advanced braking systems, and rigorous safety protocols ensure peace of mind for patients and their loved ones.

: GPS tracking, advanced braking systems, and rigorous safety protocols ensure peace of mind for patients and their loved ones. Tailored Configurations: Flexible layouts designed to accommodate various medical needs, including wheelchair accessibility and specialized medical equipment.



Leading Through Innovation and Investment

ACC Medlinks growth is driven by a relentless focus on innovation and client satisfaction. The expansion of its fleet is part of a larger vision to redefine the standards for long-distance medical transportation. By combining world-class vehicles, highly trained medical staff, and exceptional service, the company continues to dominate the NEMT industry.

Our leadership in the field is built on trust, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, added Michael Peat. With this latest expansion, we are reinforcing our promise to deliver nothing but the best for our clients, solidifying our position as the dominant force in long-distance medical transportation.

About ACC Medlink

ACC Medlink is the nations leading provider of long-distance medical transportation services, specializing in non-emergency solutions that prioritize safety, comfort, and professionalism. Trusted by families and healthcare facilities across the country, ACC Medlink sets the gold standard in NEMT with its cutting-edge fleet, expert staff, and unwavering dedication to client care.

For more information about ACC Medlink and its services, please visit www.accmedlink.com or call 1(800)-550-1025.

Media Contact

Truman Bethel

Sales and Marketing Coordinator

ACC Medlink

(855)-633-0099
NEW YORK, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) resulting from allegations that Unisys may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So What: If you purchased Unisys securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9648 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

What is this about: On October 22, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it had charged four companies, including Unisys, with making materially misleading disclosures regarding cybersecurity risks and intrusions. Further, the SEC also charged Unisys with disclosure controls and procedures violations.

On this news, Unisys stock fell 8.6% on October 22, 2024.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
CARACAS, Venezuela, Jan. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "FreeJesusArmas.com" campaign brings attention to the arbitrary detention of Jesus Armas, a respected Venezuelan activist, human rights advocate, and former Caracas City Council member, who has been subjected to arbitrary detention since December 10, 2024. This announcement serves to amplify his plight and to mobilize international efforts for his immediate release.





Jesus Armas, a respected Venezuelan activist, human rights advocate, and former Caracas City Council member

On the evening of December 10, Armas was forcibly abducted by six unidentified agents in Caracas and taken in an unmarked vehicle, marking the beginning of his enforced disappearance. His initial whereabouts were unknown until December 17, when it was confirmed that he was being held at a National Police facility in Boleita Zona 7, Caracas. Despite his family's attempts to deliver food and gain visitation rights, access to Armas has been consistently denied.



On December 19, Armas was transferred to El Helicoide, a facility notorious for human rights abuses, including torture. Reports from reliable sources indicate that Armas was subjected to severe mistreatment, including suffocation, in efforts to coerce statements against his political colleagues. These actions represent severe violations of both Venezuelan and international law, including rights to due process and humane treatment.



Jesus Armas has long been a beacon of hope and change in Venezuela. A graduate of the University of Bristol with a Masters degree in Public Policy, and a former Chevening Fellow, Armas has dedicated his career to advocating for democracy and human rights. After his tenure on the city council, he founded the nonprofit organization Ciudadania Sin Limites, which focuses on providing essential services to underserved communities across Venezuela.



Recognized globally, Armas has been honored with fellowships from the Obama Scholars Program at Columbia University, the McCain Global Leaders Program, and the Draper Hill Summer Fellowship at Stanford University. His work has not only inspired many but has also catalyzed significant community-driven improvements in public services throughout Venezuela.



The ongoing detention of Jesus Armas without due process and under harsh conditions is alarming and calls for immediate action. We urge the international community, human rights organizations, and governmental bodies worldwide to demand the Venezuelan government respect Armas's legal rights and ensure his safe release.



For more information on how to support and participate in the global campaign for his liberation, please visit our website and follow our social media channels.



Website: http://www.freejesusarmas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freejesusarmas/?igsh=MXdvaTF0NzFxdmcwdA%3D%3D

Twitter/X: https://x.com/freejesusarmas?s=21&t=gXiwbovbMZE7lmsF_dYwzw

Media Contact:



Jesus Scholar

Free Jesus Armas

+1 708 665 7168

freejesusarmas@gmail.com

www.freejesusarmas.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1688e42-0b99-42d7-a53d-886f87d71f39
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, Jan. 02, 2025 - Sandfire Resources America Inc. ("Sandfire America" or the "Company") announces a positive ruling for the Company by the Montana Supreme Court upholding a 2023 District Court decision regarding the water rights related to Tintina Montana Inc.'s Mine Operating Permit, of the Black Butte Copper Project.

The original suit was filed jointly against the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation ("MT DNRC") and Tintina Montana Inc. ("Tintina," Sandfire America's wholly owned subsidiary) in August 2022. As background, Tintina filed its application for a beneficial groundwater permit with the MT DNRC in September 2018. In March 2020, the MT DNRC determined that Tintina had satisfactorily met all the statutory criteria for the issuance of the Permit. The MT DNRC's decision was upheld by a MT DNRC Hearing Examiner when challenged by five environmental organizations who filed objections to the Permit. The Objectors appealed the decision to the Montana district court, and on April 12, 2023, District Court Judge Hayworth ruled that the DNRC and the Hearing Examiner properly determine mine dewatering is not a beneficial use of water and dismissed the Objectors' Petition for Judicial Review.

Objectors appealed the district court's decision to the Montana Supreme Court in May 2023. Additional intervenors in the suit supporting the MT DNRC and Tintina, include the MT Stockgrowers Association, MT Farm Bureau Federation, the Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators, the MT Chamber of Commerce, the MT League of Cities and Towns, Inc., and the MT Water Resources Association. On January 2, 2025, the Montana Supreme Court in a 5-2 decision affirmed the district court's determination that mine dewatering is not a beneficial use of water.

VP of Communications Nancy Schlepp shared, "We are grateful for this commonsense decision that maintains longstanding water law in the state of Montana. We appreciate the Court's diligent review of this case. Following February's Supreme Court ruling fully reinstating our permit, the entire Sandfire America team has remained focused on implementing a world-class, environmentally safe mining project, and today's decision continues us down that path."



Lincoln Greenidge, CEO of Sandfire America shared, "Black Butte Copper now has all permits to proceed with the Feasibility work for this project. We remain diligently focused on reaching an investment decision to build the mine of which all Montanans, and the North American mining community can be proud."

Contact Information:

Sandfire Resources America Inc.

Nancy Schlepp, VP of Communications and Government Relations

Mobile: 406-224-8180

Office: 406-547-3466

Email: nschlepp@sandfireamerica.com

Jerry Zieg, Vice President of Exploration for the Company, is a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 and has also reviewed and approved the information of a scientific or technical nature contained in this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this document constitute "forward looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including statements related to the Company's Mine Operating Permit, the Company's water rights, permitting timelines and the Company's plans for advancing the Black Butte Copper Project and expected outcomes. In making these forward-looking statements, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company will receive required regulatory approvals, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient funding to execute its plans, and that the results of exploration and development activities are consistent with management's expectations. However, the forward-looking statements in this document are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors, including factors relating to the Company's operation as a mineral exploration and development company and the Black Butte Copper Project, that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including that results of exploration and development activities will not be consistent with management's expectations, delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals or financing, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the risk of accidents, labor disputes, inclement or hazardous weather conditions, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, ground control problems, earthquakes, flooding and all of the other risks generally associated with the development of mining facilities. 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. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE:ELEM) (OTC:ELMGF) (FSE:7YS) ("Element79 Gold", or "the Company") announces today that due to timing delays related to changing auditors, it has missed its filing deadline of December 30, 2024, for its audited annual financial statements and accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis as well as the related CEO and CFO certificates for the year ended August 31, 2024 (collectively, the "Annual Filings"), as required under applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the Company's inability to file the Annual Filings on time, the Company announces that it was granted approval for a Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") by the British Columbia Securities Commission, as principal regulator. The Company changed its auditor in May 2024, and as a result of audit complications and requirements resulting from increased transaction volume experienced by the Corporation, it requires the extension and therefore applied for the MCTO. The Company anticipates that, subject to current conditions remaining the same, it will require approximately three additional weeks to complete the process and will use its best efforts to complete the process within the timeline indicated.

The Company expects to file the Annual Filings as soon as they are available, but in any event no later than January 30, 2025.

Until the Company files the Annual Filings, it will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out in NP 12-203. The guidelines, among other things, require the Company to issue bi-weekly default status reports, in the form of news releases, for so long as the Annual Filings have not been filed.

During the MCTO, the general investing public will continue to be able to trade in the Company's common shares listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. However, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and such other directors, officers and persons as determined by the applicable regulatory authorities will not be able to trade in the Company's shares, nor will the Company be able to, directly or indirectly, issue securities to or acquire securities from an insider or employee of the Company until such time as the Annual Filings and all continuous disclosure requirements have been filed by the Company, and the MCTO has been lifted.

The Company confirms as of the date of this news release that there is no insolvency proceeding against it and there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.

About Element79 Gold Corp.

Element79 Gold is a mining company actively exploring and developing its portfolio of assets, including the high-grade, past-producing Lucero project in Arequipa, Peru, and properties along the Battle Mountain Trend in Nevada. The Company also holds an option to acquire the Dale Property in Ontario and is advancing the Plan of Arrangement spin-out process for its wholly owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp.

For further details on this announcement and the Company's projects, please visit www.element79.gold.

For corporate matters, please contact:

James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer

Email: jt@element79.gold

For investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations Department

Phone: +1.403.850.8050

Email: investors@element79.gold

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.


VANCOUVER, January 3, 2025 - Black Mammoth Metals Corp. (TSXV: BMM) (OTC: LQRCF) ("Black Mammoth" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to commence a drill program this month at its 100% owned Happy Cat property in Lander County, Nevada (the "Property"). The Company has received confirmation from the Bureau of Land Management that the required permit and bond are in place.

Reverse circulation drilling of approximately 1500 meters will allow the Company to further understand the structure and stratigraphy at Happy Cat. The results are expected to refine drill targets for a more significant follow-up drill program.

The drilling will take place within the approximate 4 square kilometer main area of interest where hydrothermal fluids may have been present (the "Alteration") under the relatively thin layer of volcanics that the Company has identified through its past work-up activities which include:

The 2022 UAV magnetic survey results indicate significant NW trending faults (the "NW Faults") substantially spanning the Property and intersecting the known northerly trending high angle faults (the "N Faults"). Numerous magnetic anomalies indicative of shallow intrusive structures are present along the N Faults and the NW Faults with the most significant magnetic anomalies located near fault intersections. Areas along these faults and at their intersections, where hydrothermal fluids may have been present, are prospective drill targets as these fluids are typically associated with gold mineralization in Carlin-type deposits. Faulting on the Property is of the correct orientation and age to have help formed Carlin-type deposits.

The 2023 gravity survey results indicate the density of the Alteration and its' density contrast relative to the host rock is typical to that of alteration zones present at other Carlin-type deposits in northern Nevada.

The 2024 mercury vapor survey results confirm that significantly elevated mercury values occur over interpreted structures. These are thought to be leakage anomalies, where locally higher permeability and the resultant oxidation of mercury containing minerals releases mercury to the surface. The perimeter of the moderate to high mercury values of the Hg survey coincides with the Alteration and the highest mercury values trend north-easterly through the center of the Alteration.

Mercury vapor surveys are used to identify drill targets with the mercury anomalies being an excellent proxy for the location of gold and other mineral deposits.

About Black Mammoth Metals Corporation:

In 2024, Black Mammoth Metals acquired a 100% interest in:

Leadore Silver-Lead property, Lemhi County, ID,





East Reveille Gold property, Nye County, NV,





America Mine Gold property, San Bernardino, CA,





Quito Gold property, Lander County, NV,





South Ravenswood District, Lander County NV,





Callaghan Gold District, Lander County NV.

At the Company's 100% owned, 1,213 hectare (2,997 acre) Happy Cat Gold property, Lander County, NV, an approximate 4 square kilometre area is identified as being hydrothermally altered. Structural modelling suggests the density of the alteration and its' density contrast relative to the host rock is typical to that of alteration zones present at other Carlin-type deposits in northern Nevada. The alteration encompasses an area where northerly trending high-angle faults intersect indicated NW-trending re-activated faults that are known to be of age and orientation as ore-controlling faults occurring at other Carlin-type deposits. The Company intends to prioritize drill targets within the alteration area.

Black Mammoth also has a 100% interest in the Blanco Creek Gold property in the Elk Creek Mining District, central Idaho, which hosts three historic underground mines along 3,550 meters (11,644 feet) of strike on the north-east trending regional Blanco Shear Zone. Exploration by two previous operators identified a geological target for the Blanco Creek property in the order of 1.70 to 2.48 million tons, grading 0.20 to 0.33 oz/ton Au (1.54 to 2.24 million tonnes, grading 6.85 to 11.31 g/tonne Au); see the Company's press release dated February 14, 2017.

Black Mammoth cautions investors to note the potential quantity and grade of the geological target are conceptual in nature. A qualified person has not completed sufficient work to classify the geological target as mineral resources as defined by NI 43-101, and it is uncertain if future exploration will result in the target being delineated as mineral resources.

Mark J. Abrams, CPG #11451, a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and director of Black Mammoth, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release. Historical information contained in this news release cannot be relied upon as Mr. Abrams, the Company's Qualified Person, has not prepared or verified the historical information.

On behalf of the board,

"Dustin Henderson"

Dustin Henderson, BBA

President & CEO

Black Mammoth Metals Corporation

Website: www.blackmammothmetals.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements regarding the Company's completion of the Transaction and related transactions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, 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. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include that the requisite corporate and TSXV for the Transaction may not be obtained; that the Company or IDA Mining, as applicable, may be unable to satisfy any or all closing conditions necessary for the completion of the Transaction; and other risks that are customary to transactions of this nature. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the latest technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

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.

SOURCE Black Mammoth Metals Corp







Contact

Dustin Henderson, BBA, President & CEO, Black Mammoth Metals Corporation, Phone: 604 347 9101, Email: blackmammothmetals@gmail.com


Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE: CLF) ("Cliffs") announced today that it has appointed Jane M. Cronin to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Ms. Cronin is Senior Vice President - Finance of The Sherwin-Williams Company, a global manufacturer, developer, distributor and seller of paint, coatings and related products. Since joining Sherwin-Williams in 1989, Ms. Cronin held roles of increasing responsibility with her most recent position as Senior Vice President - Enterprise Finance. She also held the positions of Senior Vice President - Corporate Controller, Vice President-Internal Audit and Loss Prevention and the Vice President-Controller Diversified Brands division. Presently, Ms. Cronin also serves on the board of Transdigm Group Inc. and is a member of their Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Cliffs, stated: "I am pleased to announce the addition of Jane Cronin, a very accomplished and talented professional, to the Cleveland-Cliffs Board. Jane's longstanding experience with accounting and financial matters at a prominent public manufacturing company in Cleveland, Ohio will enable her to provide valuable insight in her role on the Cliffs' Board and as a member of the Audit Committee. Jane will be filling the Board seat left vacant by the untimely death of our former Board member, Janet Miller. We look forward to the expertise and local Cleveland connection Jane will bring to the Board as we move into 2025."

Ms. Cronin will join the Audit Committee of Cleveland-Cliffs' Board. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. With the addition of Ms. Cronin, the Cleveland-Cliffs' Board of Directors is now comprised of ten members, of which nine are independent directors.

About Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Cleveland-Cliffs is a leading North America-based steel producer with focus on value-added sheet products, particularly for the automotive industry. The Company is vertically integrated from the mining of iron ore, production of pellets and direct reduced iron, and processing of ferrous scrap through primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland-Cliffs employs approximately 30,000 people across its operations in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.clevelandcliffs.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250103625248/en/

Contact

MEDIA CONTACT:

Patricia Persico

Senior Director, Corporate Communications

(216) 694-5316

INVESTOR CONTACT:

James Kerr

Director, Investor Relations

(216) 694-7719
Previous article: Time to show our best  CMG leadership to staff

Featured

Tullow Ghana wins $320 million tax dispute with Ghana Revenue Authority

Gertrude Ankah Business News Jan - 03 - 2025 , 09:37

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has ruled in favour of Tullow Ghana in a high-stakes tax dispute with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The issue was on the application of Branch Profit Remittance Tax (BPRT) on Tullow Ghana's operations.

The ICC Tribunal concluded that Branch Profit Remittance Tax does not apply to Tullow Ghana under the tax framework stipulated in its Deepwater Tano and West Cape Three Points Petroleum Agreements, which govern operations in the Jubilee and TEN oil fields.

This decision absolves Tullow Ghana of a $320 million tax liability previously assessed by the GRA and ensures the company faces no future exposure to BPRT under the agreements.

Advertisement

The ruling underscores the binding nature of the Petroleum Agreements, which form the legal and operational foundation for Tullows activities offshore Ghana.

Tullow Chief Executive Officer, Rahul Dhir expressed satisfaction with the Tribunals decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of the companys interpretation of the Petroleum Agreements.

We are delighted with the outcome and decision of the Tribunal, which affirms our assessment and removes a material overhang from our business, Dhir said.

He further emphasised Tullows commitment to engaging constructively with the Government of Ghana to resolve two additional tax disputes currently under ICC arbitration.

The unresolved claims, referred to the ICC in February 2023, remain a focus for Tullow as it seeks mutually acceptable resolutions with the Ghanaian authorities.

The company aims to maintain collaborative relations with the government to maximize value from its flagship Jubilee and TEN oil fields, key contributors to Ghanas oil production.

Background on the dispute

The dispute centered on the interpretation and application of Ghana's tax laws in relation to the Petroleum Agreements signed between Tullow Ghana and the Government of Ghana.

These agreements provide specific tax exemptions and stipulations designed to attract foreign investment and enhance the development of the countrys oil and gas sector.

The $320 million BPRT assessment issued by the GRA raised concerns about the stability and predictability of Ghanas investment climate in the extractive industry.

Tullow decided to challenge the assessment through international arbitration.

The ICC Tribunals decision not only provides clarity on the applicability of BPRT but also reinforces the significance of honouring the terms of Petroleum Agreements as a foundation for investor confidence in Ghanas natural resources sector.

As Tullow and the Government of Ghana continue discussions on the remaining tax disputes, the outcome of these negotiations will likely shape the future of the countrys oil industry and its attractiveness to international investors.
Featured

Stormzy banned from driving after mobile phone use

BBC Showbiz News Jan - 03 - 2025 , 19:34 2 minutes read

Stormzy has been banned from driving for nine months after an off-duty police officer caught him using a mobile phone behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce in London.

The 31-year-old rapper, whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, pleaded guilty via a letter to driving the Rolls-Royce Wraith while using a device on Addison Road, west Kensington, in March last year.

District judge Andrew Sweet said Stormzy's driving record was "not good" and criticised his "dangerous and irresponsible" actions. The court was told he already had six points on his licence for previous speeding offences.

Stormzy's solicitor told Wimbledon Magistrates' Court his client accepted responsibility for his actions.

Advertisement

The court heard the off-duty officer knocked on his tinted passenger window and said: "Get rid of your tints and get off your phone."

Stormzy had previously denied using his mobile while driving but wrote to the court to change his plea.

Previously, he also admitted driving a Lamborghini Urus that had front windows illegally tinted to only 4% light transmission, violating the 70% requirement.

Prosecutor Alice Holloway said the vehicle's use was dangerous and put "vulnerable road users at risk".

In that incident, Stormzy was stopped by officers on Coombe Lane, in Kingston upon Thames, at about 12:45 on 17 October 2023, having previously been warned about the windows.

Peter Csemiczky, defending, said his client apologised and had removed the tints.

The judge also fined Stormzy, who did not appear in court, 2,010 after six more points were added to his licence, which led to the immediate driving ban.
Featured

Akufo-Addo touts transformational impact of Free SHS and TVET in final SONA

Gertrude Ankah Education Jan - 03 - 2025 , 15:10 3 minutes read

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has described his administration's Free Senior High School (SHS) and Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes as transformational, emphasising their role in reshaping Ghana's education system and preparing the youth for a competitive global landscape.

Delivering his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament on Friday January 3, President Akufo-Addo defended the policies against initial criticism, asserting that they have provided access to secondary education for 5.7 million young Ghanaians who would otherwise have been excluded.

This is one of the rare occasions on which we can use the word transformational without abusing it, he declared.We have transformed education, and there can never be a reversal of the fact that millions of young people now have opportunities that were previously out of reach., he stated.

Record-breaking educational outcomes

Advertisement

The President spotlighted the policy's impact on educational quality, citing unprecedented improvements in performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

English Language pass rates increased from 51.6% in 2016 to 69.52% in 2024Mathematics pass rates surged from 33.12% in 2016 to 66.86% in 2024Social Studies pass rates climbed from 54.55% in 2016 to 71.53% in 2024, he said buttressing his point.

The president further stated that the 2023 WASSCE results were the best in the history of the examination, a testament to the policys success in enhancing both access and quality.

Revolutionising TVET and STEM

Akufo-Addo further stressed his administrations focus on TVET and STEM education as critical to equipping Ghanaian youth with 21st-century skills.

He added that under his leadership, the government established 34 new TVET institutions, upgraded 62 others, and embarked on groundbreaking STEM projects.

We have elevated TVET and STEM to their rightful places. They are no longer seen as options for those who couldnt make the top grade, he stated.

Other key initiatives included the construction of 20 STEM centers, 10 model STEM senior high schools, and 186 new science laboratories nationwide. The recently commissioned Accra STEM Academy, a flagship institution, was singled out for its cutting-edge facilities designed to foster innovation in robotics, coding, and other technological fields.

Transforming educational infrastructure

Beyond policy, Akufo-Addo highlighted infrastructure upgrades as a cornerstone of his administrations educational agenda.

He said 80 new educational facilities were commissioned simultaneously across the country, reflecting his governments commitment to creating conducive learning environments.

We have set new standards for what kindergartens, primary schools, and junior high schools should look like, he said. Our investments in science laboratories, colorful school buildings, and digital tools like computer tablets are ensuring an engaging learning atmosphere.

Overcoming challenges

While acknowledging the challenges faced in implementing these reforms, the President expressed satisfaction with the progress made and called for continued commitment to sustaining these gains.

We have spent a lot of resources on education over the past eight years, and I am persuaded it was money well spent, he remarked. The long-lasting benefits for society will justify the expenditure.

Shifting the educational mindset

President Akufo-Addo also reflected on the cultural shift the Free SHS and TVET programmes have triggered, dismantling the notion that secondary education is a privilege reserved for certain households.

I am proud that we were brave enough to start the Free SHS policy early and remove the belief that secondary education is for a select few, he noted.
Featured

GES maintains SHS reopening date amid CHASS concerns

GraphicOnline Education Jan - 02 - 2025 , 22:01 2 minutes read

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reaffirmed the reopening date for Senior High Schools (SHSs) as January 3, 2025, despite calls from the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) for a postponement over unresolved financial concerns.

In a press release issued on January 2, 2025, the Head of the Public Relations Unit at GES, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, reiterated that the 2024/25 academic calendar remains unchanged. She stated, As previously announced, SHS students are expected to report back to school on January 3, 2025, while primary and Junior High Schools will reopen on January 8, 2025.

Ms Twum Ampofo added that the GES is actively engaging the Ministry of Education to address the concerns raised by CHASS. We kindly request that all stakeholders take note of these dates and make necessary arrangements accordingly, she noted.

The statement follows a December 31, 2024, appeal from CHASS, urging the government to postpone the reopening date until outstanding debts for food and operational expenses are cleared.

Advertisement

According to CHASS, the government has failed to respond to three prior appealsdating back to August 2024for payment of arrears covering perishables, recurrent fees, and food transportation costs.

National Secretary of CHASS, Baro Primus, disclosed that all regional branches have been directed to notify parents of a potential delay through parent associations. He warned that any member who defies the directive would face sanctions for undermining their collective position.

This is now the fourth appeal to education authorities over the unpaid arrears, with previous letters sent in August, November, and December 2024, the CHASS statement noted.
Previous article: Gov't had no choice; Agyapa Mercer on why borrowing was Ghanas only option

Featured

20 key highlights from President Akufo-Addo's final State of the Nation Address

Kweku Zurek Jan - 03 - 2025 , 18:32 5 minutes read

In his final State of the Nation Address, delivered on January 3, 2025, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reflected on his eight-year tenure, highlighting significant achievements, challenges, and his vision for Ghanas future.

Below are 20 notable points from his speech:

1. Honour of Service: President Akufo-Addo described serving as President as the greatest honour of my life, reflecting on a term filled with challenges and triumphs. "My vision has always been to see a Ghana that is self-reliant, prosperous and united," he said.

2. National Security: He praised Ghanas security forces for ensuring the countrys territorial integrity, noting, Ghana, by the grace of God, remains the only country in the neighbourhood that has not fallen victim to terrorist violence.

3. Chieftaincy Issues: While highlighting the resolution of the Dagbon crisis as a major success, he expressed regret over unresolved conflicts in Bawku, calling for strengthened capacities for the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Advertisement

The resolution of the Dagbon crisis remains one of my proudest achievements. However, I deeply regret the ongoing conflict in Bawku, which requires greater attention from the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, he said.

4. Galamsey Fight: The President reaffirmed his commitment to ending illegal mining, stating, I was prepared to put my presidency on the line in the defence of our lands and water bodies.

5. Gold Production and Refinement: Ghana became Africas leading gold producer under his tenure. He noted, We overtook South Africa as the leading producer of gold on the continent, and mentioned advancements in refining and adding value to minerals.

6. Free SHS and TVET: President Akufo-Addo called the Free SHS and Free TVET policies transformational, adding that it had enabled 5.7 million young Ghanaians to access secondary education.

7. STEM and Infrastructure: He highlighted the development of 20 STEM centres, 10 model STEM Senior High Schools, and 186 new science laboratories nationwide. We have constructed 20 STEM centres, 10 model STEM Senior High Schools, and 186 new science laboratories nationwide to drive innovation, he said.

8. COVID-19 Response: Ghana managed the pandemic with a balanced approach, securing vaccines early and establishing a vaccine manufacturing facility. We managed the pandemic to the admiration of the whole world, he stated.

9. Agenda 111 Hospitals: The government initiated 101 district hospitals under Agenda 111. While only three have been completed, he urged the incoming administration to continue the project. Under Agenda 111, we initiated 101 district hospitals. Although only three are complete, I urge the incoming administration to prioritise this project, he stated.

10. Economic Recovery: President Akufo-Addo declared, The crisis is over, and the economy has recovered strongly and faster than projected, citing a GDP growth rate of 7.2 percent in the third quarter of 2024.

11. Debt Restructuring: He described the domestic debt restructuring as painful but necessary, emphasising its role in stabilising the economy. He stated: The domestic debt restructuring was painful but necessary to stabilise the economy and ensure long-term growth.

12. Energy Sector Transformation: The President celebrated the end of dumsor and stabilisation of energy sector debt. I leave office in 2025 with the lights on, he stated.

13. Infrastructure Development: He said more than 12,000 kilometres of roads and numerous interchanges were constructed. He called it the most extensive road development in Ghanas history. With over 12,000 kilometres of roads and numerous interchanges, this has been the most extensive road development in Ghanas history.

14. Youth Empowerment: President Akufo-Addo said initiatives such as the National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Programme (NEIP) and the Ghana Enterprises Agency have supported 1.6 million Ghanaians and created over 100,000 jobs.

15. Agriculture and Cocoa: Under his tenure, maize production increased by 110 percent, and the Living Income Differential policy secured fairer prices for cocoa farmers. President Akufo-Addo said: Maize production increased by 110%, and the Living Income Differential policy secured fairer prices for our cocoa farmers.

16. Maritime Advancements: The Takoradi Harbour was transformed into a world-class facility, with the President commissioning an Oil and Gas Services Terminal in 2024. The Takoradi Harbour has been transformed into a world-class facility, with the commissioning of an Oil and Gas Services Terminal last year.

17. Digital Transformation: Initiatives like the Ghana Card and mobile money interoperability positioned Ghana as a leader in digital transformation on the continent. He said: The Ghana Card, mobile money interoperability, and other digital innovations have made Ghana a leader in digital transformation on the continent.

18. Tourism: He said the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives attracted over 1.5 million visitors, boosting Ghanas economy and strengthening ties with the diaspora.

19. Anti-Corruption Efforts: The President highlighted the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and significant legislative reforms, noting, Our actions ensured that not a single depositor lost their money.

20. Legacy: Reflecting on his presidency, he said, I leave behind a Ghana that is safe, secure, united and firmly rooted in her attachment to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law.

President Akufo-Addo concluded by congratulating President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his victory, expressing gratitude for his time in office, and voicing optimism about Ghanas future: Together, we have weathered storms, celebrated victories and laid the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future.
Featured

Banking sector cleanup was act of necessity, not of vendetta - Akufo-Addo

Nana Konadu Agyeman Jan - 03 - 2025 , 15:06 3 minutes read

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has told Parliament that the banking sector cleanup his administration undertook was an act of necessity and not of vendetta.

He said it was a bold and decisive intervention to safeguard the strength and integrity of Ghanas financial system.

The illegalities and irregularities perpetuated by the affected banks and financial institutions are well documented and indisputable, he said.

Delivering his last message on the state of the nation address in Parliament today, he said those illegal practices threatened the very foundation of Ghanas banking sector and jeopardised the hard-earned savings of millions of Ghanaians.

Advertisement

Our actions ensured that not a single depositor lost their moneyan unprecedented achievement in financial crisis management, he said.

Restoring public confidence

The President told legislators that today, the results following the banking sector cleanup were there for all to see.

He said the sector had become more robust, with 12 stable and resilient banking sector capable of driving economic growth and supporting the aspirations of the people.

He described the move as a necessary decision to restore public confidence and secure the future of Ghanas financial sector.

Mr Speaker, my government recognised, at the very outset, that the fight against corruption required more than rhetoric; it demanded systemic, sustained and strategic action.

To this end, my government initiated a holistic programme of legislative, administrative, financial and technological reforms, he said.

Fighting corruption

He pointed out that one of his most satisfactory moments as President was when his administration established the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

For him, such initiative was not just another government office but it wasand still isa symbol of his administrations determination to tackle corruption head-on.

I wanted Ghanaians to know that no one, no matter their rank or status, would be above the law, he said.

With its creation initially met with considerable skepticism in some quarters, he said he believed that, now, there was general consensus that it had been an important contributor to anti-corruption efforts.

During my first term, we passed the Witness Protection Act in 2018, creating a framework to safeguard individuals who cooperate with law enforcement, especially in corruption cases, he said.

Furthermore, he said the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act of 2020 elevated corruption from a misdemeanour to a felony, with harsher penalties of 12 to 25 years of imprisonment.

We also enacted key laws such as the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Revenue Administration (Amendment) Act, and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, all of which have strengthened our institutional framework to combat corruption and ensure accountability.

We ensured that all allegations of corruption levelled against appointees were duly investigated by independent institutions of state, which generally dismissed them as unfounded, he said.

Unprecedented budgetary support

in a bid to strengthen accountability institutions, President Akufo-Addo touted how budgetary support for such institutions witnessed unprecedented increases.

For instance, from 2017 to 2023, he said CHRAJs budget increased by 99 per cent, Parliaments by 100 per cent, the Office of the Attorney-General by 162 per cent, the Audit Service by 258 per cent, and the Police by 274 per cent.

These investments reflect my administrations commitment to empowering these institutions to discharge their mandates effectively, which means that the tools needed to exact accountability from all public office holders, including those of my own government, have been considerably sharpened, he said.
Next article: Ghana is 'not broke as some propagandists want us to believe' - Akufo-Addo

Featured

Ghana would have faced economic collapse without debt restructuring  Akufo-addo

Mohammed Ali Jan - 03 - 2025 , 11:44 2 minutes read

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has defended his administrations controversial debt restructuring exercise, stating that it was the only viable option to prevent Ghana from plunging into a deeper economic crisis.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address today, 3 December 2025, at Parliament House, he described the decision as difficult but necessary for the countrys survival.

Without bold and decisive action, our economy would have faced an even greater crisis with far-reaching consequences for every Ghanaian, the President said.

He acknowledged the personal and financial hardships the restructuring caused, particularly for bondholders, but emphasised that the alternative would have been catastrophic.

Advertisement

The debt restructuring was designed to tackle unsustainable debt levels, stabilise the economy, and create fiscal space for recovery.

Many citizens had invested their hard-earned savings, and we fully understood the sacrifices this exercise demanded, he said. But it was critical in ensuring Ghana could meet her financial obligations, regain investor confidence, and restore economic credibility.

President Akufo-Addo outlined the tangible outcomes of the restructuring, including a stronger fiscal position, improved debt sustainability, and a rebounding economy.

These, he said, form the foundation for long-term growth and development. The sacrifices made will not be in vain but will serve as the basis for Ghanas economic revival, he assured the nation.

While the restructuring caused significant challenges, the President expressed gratitude for the resilience and understanding of Ghanaians.

He reaffirmed his governments commitment to ensuring that the recovery is sustained and benefits all citizens.
Next article: I am leaving a thriving Ghana for Mahama - Akufo-Addo touts 8 years of progress and economic recovery

Featured

Mahama has my support and that of all well meaning Ghanaians - Akufo-Addo

Mohammed Ali Jan - 03 - 2025 , 14:17 1 minute read

In his final State of the Nation Address on December 3, 2025, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo congratulated President-Elect John Dramani Mahama on his victory in the December 2024 presidential election and expressed his full support for the incoming administration.

He also celebrated Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for emerging as the first female Vice-President-Elect of Ghana.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, President Akufo-Addo described Mr Mahamas comeback as a significant moment in Ghanas democratic history and expressed optimism for the nations future under his leadership.

I congratulate my friend and colleague, President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, on his historic victory. I assure him of my support and that of all well-meaning Ghanaians, Akufo-Addo said.

Advertisement

President Akufo-Addo also hailed Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang's achievement as the first woman to occupy the position in Ghanas history.

He lauded the milestone as a progressive step for gender equality and national development.

As he prepares to leave office on January 6, 2025, President Akufo-Addo reflected on his tenure with gratitude, affirming his belief in Ghanas continued growth and stability.
Next article: Ghana would have faced economic collapse without debt restructuring  Akufo-addo

Featured

Akufo-Addo's address interrupted after his aide-de-camp collapsed in Parliament - VIDEO

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Jan - 03 - 2025 , 11:45 2 minutes read

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's last State of the Nation address in Parliament on Friday was interrupted when his aide-de-camp (ADC) collapsed.

The Presidents bodyguard dropped to the floor in the middle of the address.

He was aided immediately by the Marshall of Parliament, the aide-de-camp of the Vice President and medical personnel on standby to get back on his feet.

They then helped him to walk out of the chamber for further medical assistance.

Advertisement

He was aided immediately by the medical personnel on standby and was helped to walk out of the chamber. pic.twitter.com/hdSyOVc6Sy  DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) January 3, 2025

The aide-de-camp is a military or naval officer who serves as a confidential assistant and secretary to a high-ranking person.

The term "aide-de-camp" comes from the French phrase camp assistant.

President Akufo-Addo's aide-de-camp is a Brigadier General in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

The incident briefly interrupted the President's address but he resumed his presentation after a few minutes, after the ADC had been aided to walk out of the chamber.

The aide-de-camp of the Vice President, a police officer immediately took over to stand behind the president.

President Akufo-Addo's state of nation address interrupted after his ADC dropped https://t.co/pMdGGNzYtu pic.twitter.com/Hkh2AfGg5d January 3, 2025

President Akufo-Addo's state of nation address interrupted after his aide-de-camp (ADC) collapsed - VIDEOhttps://t.co/pMdGGNzYtu pic.twitter.com/bfbdik0aXA  DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) January 3, 2025

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh

Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh
Next article: Akufo-Addo on his successes in agriculture and fisheries sectors

Featured

Your gov't is the worst - Minority reacts to President Akufo-Addo's tenure

Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Politics Jan - 03 - 2025 , 17:29 3 minutes read

The Minority in Parliament has described the administration of the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the worst in the 4th Republic, culminating in the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) unprecedented rejection at the December 7 polls.

It said the current administration had performed abysmally as Ghanaians continued to face alarming economic hardship, huge debt overhang and high unemployment.

"We have come to the end of the road for what has been undoubtedly the worst government under the Fourth Republic, it said.

Vote of rejection.

Reacting to the Presidents message on the state of the nation address in Parliament on Friday, the Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, said this administrations abysmal record was confirmed on December 7 when the people of Ghana returned the most overwhelming and emphatic vote of rejection of any government ever witnessed under the fourth republic."

Advertisement

"Mr President, you will be remembered as the first President who was cushioned by the IMF when you began and you are still being cushioned at the end of your term," he said.

Unfulfilled promises and hope

Mr Armah-Buah, who is the MP for Ellembele, described President Akufo-Addo's tenure as a persistent timely reminder of how not to govern the country.

He pointed out the failure of the President to complete his ambitious National Cathedral project, saying that "Mr President, you left something very important in your account.

You left out an account of your promise to God to build him a cathedral. Mr President, I will leave that for you to be between you and your God".

Mr Armah-Buah assured Ghanaians that the incoming administration, led by President-elect John Dramani Mahama, would offer hope of a better government.

He affirmed that the new government would work hard to lift the country from the current historic poor economy to reclaim its place and glory as the black star of Africa.

Quoting a scripture from Exodus 14:13, the Deputy Minority Leader said the the NDC government would deliver a good governance which would make Ghanaians forget about the existence of the NPP.

Commendation

Taking his turn, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin eulogised the President for his political record which commenced from his first term in the second Parliament in 1997.

He touted the President's investments in the education and health sectors, describing it as "unmatched and unequaled" in the country's history.

"History in its fair judgement will state that there came an Akufo-Addo whose record in the educational sector of our country is unmatched and unequalled. This is a man who is never afraid of challenges that confronts him."

The Agenda 111, a very ambitious policy to revive our health sector and provide the health needs of the many vulnerable communities, is also unmatched," the Majority Leader stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin further stated that the President Akufo-Addo-led government, in spite of the major challenges it faced including the COVID-19 pandemic, paid all government sectors, kept the lights on and ensured that over 5.7 million Ghanaian students had access to education.

He also commended the President for keeping the country safe in the midst of instabilities in the ECOWAS sub-region.

In his view, posterity would be proud of President Akufo-Addos administration as Ghana had experienced the best democracy under his leadership, saying that "posterity will be the utmost judge".
These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
The Guam Economic Development Authority is working out the installation of power and water infrastructure for a new Mangilao hospital using $104 million worth of American Rescue Plan money, according to Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero.

With 48 acres of land in Mangilao purchased and another 42 acres now the subject of a condemnation case in the Superior Court of Guam, the government is pushing forward with construction for the new hospital, Leon Guerrero said in an interview with Wave 105.1 FM on Friday.

Property is located directly across the Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building, local utilities headquarters, off Route 15.

The money that I saved from ARP, that everybody says, Oh, shes hiding it away to make more money out of that, thats $104 million now. Thats all going to pay right now for the power, water, sewage, even telephone and all that underneath, she said.

The governor has set sights on breaking ground for the new hospital in Mangilao in 2025, over objections from some lawmakers, sections of the medical community, and landowners now facing condemnation of their property.

She said Friday the Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority are both onboard for the hospital install, in conjunction with GEDA.

Weve already been talking to GWA, GPA. Theyve given us, already their details of what they need to do to survey the property. They already been, already having their engineers look at the property to lay down the infrastructure, she said.

Movement on hospital infrastructure comes as Attorney General sues in federal court to stop the governor and the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority to stop using federal ARP money.

Moylan has alleged violations of law in a $12.5 million ARP loan to GHURA and the agencys condemnation of property for the hospital, allegations Adelup and GHURA have disputed.

Despite the suit, Adelup officials have asserted that ARP will be spent, and on the hospital.

Leon Guerrero on Friday said that new water and sewer infrastructure for the hospital will also benefit surrounding residents.

In that area theres houses there, they dont have hook up to sewage. They do not and the water pressure is really bad, she said in a Wave 105.1 FM appearance alongside outgoing Sens. Dwayne San Nicolas and Tom Fisher.

Greater access

When we were discussing this construction of the hospital, they asked me, Governor, we can put stations to pump the pressure and all that. Do you want it just for the hospital? I said, No, we should allow all of the people of Mangilao and Barrigada also have greater access to water and sewage, she said.

The value of the homes will go up. Therell be more housing development there, because of the infrastructure, she said.

Infrastructure tie-ins will come in across Eagles Field, the property once eyed for the hospital, instead of directly through the main road in the area, according to Leon Guerrero.

The governor said it would be cheaper to run infrastructure in that way than from Route 15, and she is working with the military on the project.

Im in communication with the military to allow us to access Eagles field, to lay down the utilities, or to connect. Theyre very supportive, she said.

It would benefit the military to do so, along with residents and commercial projects in the area.

The governor already has authorization to finance, design, and build the hospital through a 2021 law. Up to $35 million per year can be spent to build the campus on a lease-to-own basis, through the law.

To date, the only holdup between lawmakers and Adelup has been the question of land, with the governor preferring Mangilao and some senators and doctors arguing for Ypao Point near the current Guam Memorial Hospital in Tamuning.

GHURA was tapped by Leon Guerrero last May to purchase land for the new hospital. That move has led to current legal challenges by the AG, and a promised lawsuit from one landowner facing condemnation, veterinarian Dr. Joel Joseph.
When the 38th Guam Legislature is sworn in, the six Democrats who won re-election in November will begin the new term from an unfamiliar position as the minority party.

The Democrats lost their majority control over the legislative branch this term for the first time in 16 years.

Just days before Mondays swearing-in ceremony, the minority leader has not yet been announced. The Pacific Daily News reached out to all six Democrat senator-elects for comment.

Speaker Therese Terlaje said Thursday there is no announcement at this time, but that she was grateful for the voters affirmation of my leadership as speaker and the success of my Democratic colleagues.

Sen. William Parkinson said he would neither confirm or deny if a caucus meeting was held to discuss who would be the Democrat leader.

I have zero interest in any meaningless leadership positions in the minority, Parkinson said.

Terlaje said under her leadership, more than 3/4 of the bills passed that responded to and brought aid to our community were authored by Democrats.

She said the remaining measures were by Republicans and passed with collaboration.

Terlaje provided a draft report that indicates 362 bills were introduced during the 37th Guam Legislature, of which 138 were passed.

The draft report said another 21 bills were introduced but later withdrawn, and 17 were vetoed by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero.

Three of the vetoed measures were overridden, according to the report.

We will continue to address the peoples needs through collaboration, Terlaje said.

According to the report, Parkinson introduced the most bills at 57 or 16%, followed by Terlaje with 53 bills or 15%.

But Parkinson Thursday was critical of Terlajes tenure.

The leadership of the 37th was so abysmal with Speaker Terlaje putting her aspirations for gubernatorial politics over the good of the island, like in the case of the hospital, that I would much prefer to have no minority leader, he said.

The two clashed recently over Terlajes resolution, which passed at the December session to censure Parkinson over a previous disorderly, sexually explicit gesture directed at Sen. Joanne Brown.

The apparent division over leadership selections among the current Democrat incumbents can also date back to the start of the 37th Legislature, when the election of a speaker was delayed due to the failure of any nominee to garner a majority of votes within the party caucus.

Terlaje eventually won the speakership with the help of votes from a coalition of Republicans.

While the Democrats had three of the top 5 highest vote-getters in Terlaje, Chris Barnett and Joe S. San Agustin in the 2024 election, they are now down to six senators-elect this upcoming term from their previous nine-member majority. The two other Democrat incumbents to win re-election were Tina Muna Barnes and Sabina Perez.
The Supreme Court of Guam has upheld a ruling allowing the attorney general to call staff from the Office of the Governor before a grand jury to testify about an investigation of purchases made around Typhoon Mawar in 2023.

Issued on New Years Eve, the opinion does not name the governors office in the case, and most records related to the original subpoena in the Superior Court of Guam were sealed as of Thursday.

But a record related to the subpoena in the Superior Court identifies Adelup and the Office of the Attorney General as parties in the case.

Three weeks after Typhoon Mawar landed on Guam on May 14, 2023, a grand jury issued a subpoena commanding the custodian of records for the governors office to appear and testify before a grand jury, court records state.

That record keeper was commanded to bring the following:

Any and all purchase orders entered into during the period of May 1, 2023 to present. Any and all solicitations for quotes issued during the period of May 1, 2023 to present. Records regarding [Agency 1s] plan in effect during the period of May 1, 2023 to present. Any and all correspondence with [Appellant] regarding any purchase orders issued during the period of May 1, 2023 to present. Any and all correspondence with [Agency 2] regarding any purchase orders issued during the period of May 1, 2023 to present. Any and all correspondence with any vendor regarding any purchase orders issued during the period of May 1, 2023 to present. Any and all correspondence related to requests by any media to be present onsite at [Agency 1] during Typhoon Mawar.

Attorneys for Adelup argued the records demanded were expansive and suggest that the [Office of the Attorney General] is engaged in an impermissible and arbitrary fishing expedition, according to the Supreme Court order.

They moved to quash the subpoena, emphasizing that the governors office at the time was substantially involved in managing the typhoon recovery effort, and that compliance with the subpoena would be unreasonable and oppressive.

Adelup argued that the prosecution must tie the subpoena to specific felony charges, the order stated.

According to the opinion, the AGs office maintained that they were seeking specific documents in a limited time period in the investigation of possible wrongdoing in the awarding of government contracts in the timeframe after Typhoon Mawar and inquiring into felonies and related misdemeanors.

Judge Elyze Iriarte rejected arguments made by Adelups attorneys in a Nov. 22, 2023 order, according to court documents.

Attorneys for the governors office appealed the matter, according to the New Years Eve order.

The last document on record in the Superior Court case is filed under seal and dated Feb. 7, 2024.

A lengthy review of case law is laid out in the 56-page New Years Eve order, which is signed by all three justices of the Supreme Court of Guam.

It ultimately concluded that the Superior Court applied the correct legal standard. The trial court correctly concluded that...Guam grand juries are to inquire into felonies and related misdemeanors.

On appeal, Appellant now bears the burden of showing the trial courts finding was clearly erroneous, the opinion stated. Appellant must show that the trial courts determination that Appellant failed to rebut the presumption of reasonability is unsupported by substantial evidence. Instead, Appellant tries to shift this burden by arguing that the People did not present competent evidence to support the finding that the subpoena was reasonable.

Justices affirmed the Superior Court decision.

Right of the people...to know

Attorney General Douglas Moylans office issued a statement on Thursday, stating the Supreme Court decision upheld the right of the people of Guam to know.

We believe that the People have a right to know how their government is operating, and if any crimes are occurring requiring the AG to prosecute to enforce our laws, Moylans office stated. The High Court Opinion supports the ability of the attorney for the People of Guam to do his job and bring documents and persons and officials before the grand jury to ensure our criminal laws were not broken.

The AGs office said the grand jury is a crucial tool needed in order to effectively and timely root out lawbreakers and compel their production.

Those who may be breaking the law, including in our government, are all too often in control of the information and documents, the AGs office added.




Haiti - FLASH : The Dominican Republic has sent back to Haiti, 276,215 Haitians (2024)





In 2024, the Directorate General of Migration (DGM) returned to their country of origin 276,215 Haitians (deportation and repatriation), who were in an irregular migratory situation in the Dominican territory.



1st quarter (January-March): 48,344 Haitians (17.5%);

2nd quarter (April-June) 62,446 Haitians (22.6%);

3rd quarter (July-September): 71,414 Haitians (25.8%);

4th quarter (October-December): 94,223 Haitians (34.1%) since the decision of October 3rd, 2024 of the National Security and Defense Council to return to their country of origin up to 10,000 Haitians by week in an irregular migratory situation https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43334-haiti-flashrepatriation-of-10-000-haitians-per-week-the-great-hunt-has-begun-in-the-dominican-rep.html to deal with an "excess" of Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic according to Homero Figueroa, Government Spokesperson.



Despite the testimonies, complaints and criticisms of human rights organizations on the violations of their rights suffered by deported Haitians, the DGM affirms that these returns of illegal migrants to their country of origin are carried out in compliance with human rights and international agreements to which the country is a signatory, in accordance with the policy and directives of President Luis Abinader.



Furthermore, the DGM announced that in the last quarter of 2024, a comprehensive review of the organization and procedures of the DGM was carried out with a view to a reorganization so that it can comply with the mission assigned to it by the Constitution and the law.



In addition to the reorganization of the DGM, collaboration will be increased with the Ministries of Defense, Labor, Foreign Affairs, Interior and Police, Agriculture, the National Children's Council, the Central Electoral Commission and international organizations, with representation related to immigration issues.



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Ancestors' Day : Rain of messages





Louis Gerald Gilles, Member of the Transitional Council :

"On this January 2nd, 2024, Ancestors Day, let us pay tribute to our Founding Fathers, architects of freedom and dignity. Their legacy reminds us that love for the Fatherland and courage can triumph over the greatest obstacles. Let's continue to honor their memory with concrete actions for Haiti and reaffirm our determination to restore security, revive development and guarantee democratic elections. Together, in unity, let us build a future worthy of the legacy that our ancestors have left us. Long live Haiti!



Port-au-Prince City Hall:

"The Port-au-Prince City Hall salutes the courage and sacrifice of the women and men who fought for our freedom and our dignity as a people. It is thanks to their vision that we have our history and our identity today."



Delmas City Hall :

"Today, we pay tribute to our ancestors, those valiant freedom fighters who, more than two centuries ago, sealed the destiny of our country by proclaiming its independence and breaking the chains of slavery. On this special day, Mayor Wilson Jeudy calls for national unity to build a future worthy of those who sacrificed themselves for the independence of our country."



Me Kevenot Dorvil, General Coordinator of the PNCS :

"Let's unite to rebuild our beloved Haiti, the country that our Heroes of Independence left us as a legacy, to restore hope to Haitian schoolchildren and university students. We must remember the efforts made by our brave Founding Fathers of Haiti and honor their memory." National School Canteen Program (PNCS).



Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) :

"A day of remembrance, through which we express our gratitude to our ancestors, these women and men, perfect examples of bravery, who sacrificed their lives for the emergence of our Nation."



Embassy of Canada:

"On this January 2nd, 2025, Ancestors' Day, the Embassy of Canada in Haiti salutes the courage of the Haitian heroes who fought for the independence of Haiti."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





A plan for the control of weapons and ammunition ?

Leslie Voltaire announced the preparation of a rigorous plan for the control of weapons and ammunition in circulation. This project is part of a broader strategy of collaboration with countries that have already confronted transnational criminal networks.



Russia : 221st of Haiti's Independence

"On January 1, Haiti celebrates Independence Day. The challenges that Haiti faces today are the direct consequences of colonial and neocolonial practices. We wish for Peace, prosperity and success in the fight against internal difficulties and destructive external influences," Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia



Thanks from the Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Public Health would like to express its warmest thanks to the management team and staff of the La Paix hospital for their dedication and professionalism in caring for the victims of the unfortunate event that occurred at the general hospital on December 24, 2024 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43918-haiti-flash-bloody-inauguration-at-the-general-hospital-videos.html . Thanks to this prompt intervention and the quality of the care provided, 10 of the injured were able to return home, while two others continue to receive the care their case requires.



PNH : Failure of the bandits in Laboule

Several specialized units of the National Police, such as the SWAT, the Departmental Operation and Intervention Brigade (BOID) and the Temporary Anti-Gang Unit (UTAG) pushed back this week in the area of Laboule (Petion-ville) heavily armed members of the gang "Barrier Breaker" who were trying to invade the area to spread terror in Petion-ville.







Haiti on the CELAC Agenda

Xiomara Castro, the President of Honduras, announced that she would convene in the coming weeks, with her Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum, a meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). On the agenda "support the sister Republic Haiti and express their solidarity with the people and government of Cuba."



Port-au-Prince : Continuation of the cleaning

Continuation of the cleaning operations in Port-au-Prince. Employees of the road department of the City of Port-au-Prince removed wild waste on Martin Luther King Avenue, Nazon, GOC, Lalue, Bois-Vernat area up to Jean-Paul II Avenue, Christophe Avenue, streets 3, 4 and 6, as well as at the Saint-Geraud Bridge.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















(CNBC) Billionaire investor Ken Griffins handful of hedge funds at Citadel all posted double-digit returns in 2024, led by its tactical trading strategy. Citadels multistrategy Wellington fund, its largest, finished the year up 15.1%, according to a person familiar with the returns. All five strategies used in the flagship fund  commodities, equities, fixed income, credit and quantitative  were positive for the year, the person said.

To read this article:
An online gang called Spacebears claims to have broken into the French IT security and cloud company Atos and copied data from there. The company has not yet found any evidence of such data theft. Atos has around 95,000 employees worldwide and generates an annual turnover of 10 billion euros.

Anzeige

On the darknet, the criminal group Spacebears is threatening to publish data in around a week's time. (Image: Screenshot / dmk)

Spacebears' darknet presence shows an entry dated at the weekend, in which a countdown threatens the publication of the allegedly stolen data in almost exactly one week from the time of the report. In the "file list", the criminals claim to have copied the company database. They do not discuss exactly what data it is supposed to contain.

Atos finds no traces of intrusion

In a statement, Atos declared that it had discovered no evidence of a break-in. "On December 28, the Spacebears ransomware group claimed to have compromised an Atos database. At this time, initial analysis has shown no evidence of any compromise or ransomware of any Atos/Eviden systems in any country, and no ransom demands have been received to date," the company explains there.

"Nonetheless, Atos takes such allegations very seriously. The cyber security team is actively investigating the situation and updates will be provided if there are any changes to the above information," Atos continues.

By its own account, Atos is one of the leading companies involved in digital transformation. It has around 82,000 employees in 69 countries, generating an annual turnover of 10 billion euros. According to Atos, its services range from cyber security to cloud services and high-performance computing. Atos is also active in the KRITIS environment.

Anzeige

Ransomware gangs remain very active. Recently, however, there have also been more alleged digital intrusions into companies for which no evidence has been found and in which no sensitive data has been published.

(dmk)
The shipments consisted of 72,000 kilograms of dog sausages, of which half was minke whale meat and the rest poultry.

Finnish authorities have uncovered the illegal import of whale meat from Norway for use in dog food. Investigations revealed that in 2022, approximately 36,000 kilograms of minke whale meat, a species protected under the CITES Convention, was imported into Finland in violation of international and national laws. The whale meat was used to produce sled dog food .

The food was not sold commercially but was manufactured in Norway specifically for a Finnish importer. Finnish Customs confirmed that cost was a significant factor in the choice of whale meat. "Dog food containing whale meat was essentially imported because of the affordable price," said Tuomo Kunnari, lead investigator. "These imported quantities have fed a large number of dogs."

The case came to light when Swedish Customs intercepted a shipment en route to Finland. They flagged irregularities in the customs clearance documents and redirected the cargo back to Norway. Finnish Customs launched an investigation in cooperation with Swedish and Norwegian authorities, leading to interviews with five individuals linked to the case.

The minke whale, though not endangered globally, is protected under the CITES Convention and Finnish law due to concerns about its population in certain regions, such as the northeastern North Atlantic. Finnish legislation prohibits the import of whale products from all countries, and Norways CITES laws explicitly ban the export of minke whale meat for commercial purposes to Finland.

The Finnish Prosecution District of Northern Finland is now reviewing charges related to an aggravated nature conservation offence and customs clearance violations.

This is not the first instance of whale meat being used in dog food in Scandinavia. In 2021, several tons of whale meat were supplied to a dog sledding tourism company in Norway, according to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, an environmental nonprofit.

The discovery underscores ongoing concerns about the exploitation of protected species for commercial purposes, even as stricter regulations aim to curb such practices.

HT
The decision by the Helsinki District Court on Friday follows allegations that the Eagle S damaged the Estlink 2 power transmission line and four telecommunications cables between Finland and Estonia on Christmas Day.

A Finnish court has upheld the seizure of the oil tanker Eagle S , suspected of causing damage to critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The vessel, carrying Russian oil and linked to the so-called shadow fleet, will remain impounded as investigations continue.

Finnish authorities believe the tanker dragged its anchor across the seabed, severing the cables.

The tankers operator, United Arab Emirates-based Caravella LLC-FZ, had sought the vessels release. Herman Ljungberg, the lawyer representing Caravella, argued that the tanker was seized unlawfully in international waters and called for greater transparency regarding the operation.

This court decision is disappointing, and we will file another motion to secure the release of the vessel, Ljungberg said.

The court, however, ruled in favour of maintaining the seizure. Finnish authorities have stated that the vessel serves as critical evidence in the ongoing investigation.

Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is conducting a detailed probe, including underwater imaging of the damaged cables. Eight crew membersGeorgian and Indian nationalsare under travel bans while being questioned as suspects.

The tankers cargo of 35,000 tonnes of unleaded petrol has also been seized. Finnish customs suspect the Eagle S is part of Russias shadow fleeta network of ageing tankers used to circumvent international sanctions on Russian oil.

National grid operators Fingrid (Finland) and Elering (Estonia), along with telecom firms Elisa and Cinia, have filed claims demanding compensation for the damages.

The Eagle S has a documented history of safety violations. A 2023 inspection at the Port of Tema in Ghana uncovered 24 deficiencies, including critical issues with its fire alarm system, emergency power supply, and emissions compliance.

Maritime expert Markku Mylly described the ship as poorly maintained and a potential environmental hazard. This vessel reflects the neglect typical of shadow fleet operations, where safety and maintenance take a backseat to profit, he said.

The Finnish Defence Committee has also raised concerns about the environmental risks posed by the shadow fleet. A spill in the Gulf of Finland could be catastrophic, warned Committee Chair Jukka Kopra.

The incident has heightened concerns about the security of undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, a region already on alert due to past cases of suspected sabotage. NATO has pledged to increase its presence in the area to deter further threats.

Vice-Chair of the Defence Committee Mikko Savola admitted that Finland had been naive in its approach to protecting critical infrastructure. Efforts are now underway to ensure the locations of pipelines and cables are less accessible to the public.

The investigation into the Eagle S is expected to take months, with Finnish authorities emphasising the need for a thorough examination of evidence.

HT
The most significant closures include OP-Rahastoyhtios OP-Vuokratuotto and OP-Palvelukiinteistot funds, which together represent over 50,000 investors.

Investors in Finland face a rare and unsettling scenario as seven real estate funds have suspended or restricted redemptions and subscriptions due to a struggling property market. These measures, enacted by six major banks and investment firms, prevent fundholders from withdrawing their money or making new investments.

These suspensions, announced on New Years Eve, aim to protect the interests of all fundholders by avoiding forced property sales at depressed prices.

The Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (Fiva) confirmed the closures mark an unprecedented moment for the nations fund market. This is exceptional. Nothing similar has occurred in the history of Finlands investment funds, said Marko Hovi, head of the agencys office.

Real estate funds have faced mounting difficulties since late 2022 due to stagnant property transactions and falling valuations. Many funds have struggled to meet redemption requests as large property sales  a necessity for liquidity  remain unviable.

The property market has been practically frozen, explained Juha Takala, CEO of OP-Rahastoyhtio. He highlighted that selling high-value properties at appropriate market rates has become increasingly challenging.

Other fund managers, including Mandatum, EQ, Evli, S-Pankki, and Alandsbanken, have implemented similar restrictions.

Experts warn the situation underscores the illiquid nature of real estate investments, even when packaged in fund form. An illiquid product doesnt become liquid by being put into a fund, said Vesa Puttonen, a professor at Aalto University.

Real estate funds often operate under the assumption that assets can be sold at reasonable prices within a set timeframe. However, during market downturns, liquidity constraints can force funds to suspend redemptions entirely to avoid fire sales, said Juhana Brotherus, chief economist at the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.

This is a stark reminder for investors to understand the risks involved in illiquid products, Brotherus added, noting that most affected investors are private individuals.

Funds are designed to balance the interests of all participants, preventing early redemptions from draining liquidity and disadvantaging remaining investors. The goal is to treat investors equitably and avoid destabilising the entire market, said Puttonen.

Forced property sales during a crisis could lead to a downward spiral in valuations, further damaging fundholder equity and the broader real estate market.

While OPs decision has drawn criticism for its timing  announced late on 31 December  the firm maintains that its move was essential to safeguard the quality of its assets and ensure fair treatment for all investors.

The timeline for resuming normal operations remains uncertain. Fund managers, including Takala, stress that the suspensions are temporary and will be lifted once market conditions stabilise. However, Brotherus warned that it could take up to a year before all funds reopen.

Funds would not have opted for such drastic measures if they believed a market recovery was imminent, he explained.

For private investors, the freeze presents a serious challenge, especially for those needing immediate access to their funds. This is a blow for those who require their money now, said Timo Rothovius, a professor of finance at the University of Vaasa.

The real estate market in Finland has shown early signs of recovery, with some increased activity in housing sales. However, structural challenges persist, including high vacancy rates in commercial properties and the precarious financial position of construction firms.

The incident also highlights the importance of transparency and trust in financial markets. Companies offering these funds must prioritise open communication to rebuild confidence among investors, Rothovius noted.

Investors must recognise that returns on illiquid assets are inherently tied to market cycles, said Puttonen. This situation serves as a hard but valuable lesson for the future.

HT
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) was assessed to have performed his duties poorly or very poorly by 53 per cent of respondents, representing a surge of 20 percentage points from the previous year, and very or fairly well by 25 per cent of respondents.

THE FINNISH PUBLIC is increasingly critical of the performance of the central administration and its key ministers, reveals an opinion poll published on Tuesday by Helsingin Sanomat .

Minister of Finance Riikka Purra (PS) has similar seen her stock decline in the eyes of the public, with the share of respondents who assessed her performance negatively jumping 18 points to 59 per cent. Similarly to Orpo, she was assessed to have performed very or fairly well by a quarter of respondents.

Over a quarter, or 28 per cent, of respondents estimated that the coalition government has performed its duties at very well (5%) or fairly well (21%), whereas 50 per cent of respondents viewed its performance in a poor (29%) or very poor (21%) light. Almost a quarter, or 23 per cent, of respondents had a neutral view of its performance.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen (NCP) was assessed to have performed at least fairly well by 47 per cent of respondents, marking an up-tick of one point from last year. Minister of Employment Arto Satonen (NCP) received a positive evaluation from 19 per cent of respondents, a six-point improvement from last year.

Both Valtonen and Satonen, however, also saw an increase in negative assessments.

The poll results align with those of so-called citizens pulse studies conducted by Statistics Finland, Johanna Vuorelma, a political scientist at the University of Helsinki, said in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday, 31 December.

They indicate that citizens experiences of inequalities in society have been rising during the tenure of Orpos government, she elaborated.

Statistics Finland launched the monthly study in 2020 in order to gauge public views on various societal institutions. The study series was discontinued at the end last year due to the cost-savings pursued by the government.

Vuorelma estimated that spending cuts are an obvious reason for the increasingly negative assessments of government performance, even though the studies were purely quantitive. Austerity, she reminded, also hammered the approval ratings of the government of Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre). Orpo also does not possess the charisma of his immediate predecessor, Sanna Marin (SDP).

The reasons may also include the reportedly intense discord within the Parliaments Social Affairs and Health Committee, social media posts about spending cuts by Purra, and various racism-related controversies surrounding the Finns Party. The controversies may have dented the moral authority of Orpo, according to Vuorelma.

Markku Jokisipila, the director of the Centre for Parliamentary Studies at the University of Turku, agreed with Vuorelma in that the Finns Party, given its divisiveness, can increase negative views of the entire government. The populist right-wing party has also shaken up traditional ways of doing politics and communicating policies.

Off the top of my head I cant think of another case where some members of a parliamentary group are continuing to operate with the same play book they had in the opposition, he remarked, pointing to the public disputes between Orpo and Jani Makela, the chairperson of the Finns Party Parliamentary Group.

It is highly unusual, he added, that some lawmakers have not complied with the tradition of keeping internal tensions from spilling out into the public and have openly criticised the prime minister. Orpo has, though, succeeded as a leader in the sense that the government has been able to implement its action plan according to plan.

He believes the results have also been influenced by the ideology that runs through policy decisions made by what is a historically right-wing government that has given rise to a stronger opposition and affected public views.

The poll also reflects the gendered nature of political affiliation, Jokisipila said to Helsingin Sanomat. Even men arent terribly satisfied with Orpos government, but theyre clearly more satisfied than women.

Helsingin Sanomat commissioned the poll from Verian. The market research company interviewed 1,034 people on its online panel on 1319 December. The poll results have a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Bo Ferguson moves into top spot as Durham's city manager

Bo Ferguson

The Durham City Council appointed Deputy City Manager W. Bowman Bo Ferguson, who served as Hendersonville's city manager for five years, as the next city manager following the retirement of City Manager Wanda Page on Dec. 31.

Related Stories

Bo Ferguson is the right leader to guide Durhams future, said Mayor Leonardo Williams. With more than a decade of dedicated service to our city and nearly three decades of experience in local government, he has the expertise, vision, and a deep commitment to our organizations values and our communitys values. The City Council is hiring someone who can lead a workforce of nearly 3,000 people and truly loves Durham. Bo has shown that he can be present for the Durham community at large. He has proven his ability to lead with innovation, inclusivity, and fiscal responsibility. Hes vested in Durham and so are we!

Before his move to Durham, Ferguson served as city manager here from 2008 to 2013, assistant town manager in Black Mountain from 2005 to 2008 and held leadership roles in Rockville and Greenbelt, Maryland, from 1996 to 2005.

He holds a masters degree in public administration from the University of Kansas and a bachelors degree in political science and urban studies from Furman University. He is also a credentialed manager through the International City/County Management Association and completed executive training in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Ferguson joined the city of Durham in 2013 as a deputy city manager with a portfolio of nine departments and 1,600 employees. In 2021, City Manager Wanda Page created the Public Safety portfolio and asked Ferguson to lead its four departments, which includes the Police, Fire, Emergency Communications and the Community Safety departments.

Other leadership highlights include:

HEART Program: Oversaw the creation and growth of the Community Safety Department (HEART program), now a national model for emergency response to certain nonviolent 911 calls.

Oversaw the creation and growth of the Community Safety Department (HEART program), now a national model for emergency response to certain nonviolent 911 calls. Public Safety: Onboarded new leadership in Durhams public safety departments, ensuring Durhams core values were respected and uplifted as these departments encountered significant growth and challenges.

Onboarded new leadership in Durhams public safety departments, ensuring Durhams core values were respected and uplifted as these departments encountered significant growth and challenges. Infrastructure Development: Led the creation of Durhams Half-Penny for Parks initiative and oversaw significant new investments in facilities that serve the public.

Led the creation of Durhams Half-Penny for Parks initiative and oversaw significant new investments in facilities that serve the public. Fire Department Merger: Negotiated and implemented the consolidation of City and County Fire departments, enhancing services while saving taxpayer dollars.

Negotiated and implemented the consolidation of City and County Fire departments, enhancing services while saving taxpayer dollars. Fiscal Responsibility: Assisted in developing policy-driven budgets and Capital Improvement Plans that addressed the needs of residents with a constant eye toward affordability, fiscal sustainability, and cost containment.

I am honored and humbled to be appointed as Durhams next city manager, Ferguson said. Since 2013, I have enjoyed being a part of this amazing community, where Ive worked, lived and raised my family. To have the opportunity to serve as city manager in the city that Im so deeply committed to, is a dream come true for me. Ive been a witness and a participant in Durhams transformation over the past decade, and Im excited to see us continue to build on our progress and ensure all our residents can benefit from and participate fully in Durhams successes.

Ferguson was appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to serve on the North Carolina 911 Board, and currently serves as vice-chair. He has been a member and held several board and committee leadership positions with the North Carolina City/County Management Association, International City/County Management Association, Metropolitan Association of Local Government Assistants, Maryland City and County Management Association and the Kansas University City Managers and Trainees Alumni Association.

Fergusons selection comes following the councils decision to interview him and forgo a national search, said Mayor Williams.

Needless to say, we were impressed with Bos demonstrated leadership, his broad experience, and his commitment to Durham, Williams said.

Fergusons appointment was effective Jan. 1 at a salary of $297,000.


By Jennifer Hauser, CNN

Friday January 3, 2025



Massive piece of space junk lands in Kenyan village KBC/YouTube



A huge, red-hot object fell from the sky into a Kenyan village on Monday afternoon according to local residents cited by the countrys national broadcaster, prompting an immediate investigation by the national space agency.



The object has since been identified as a fragment of a space object, the Kenya Space Agency said in a statement Wednesday.





The Agency wishes to clarify that the object, a metallic ring measuring approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighing about 500 kg is a fragment of a space object, the KSA said.Preliminary assessments suggest it is a separation ring from a rocket, the agency said, noting that space debris more typically falls into the ocean or burns up before entering the earths atmosphere.The fallen object is likely an isolated case and is still under investigation, it added.Julius Rotich, Mbooni Sub County Police Commander, told the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation that the object was still hot when officers arrived Monday, and that residents had to be cordoned off from the area until it cooled down.The broadcaster showed images of police tape wrapped around the ring, which had fallen into some trees and brush, as residents gathered around.The KSA is analyzing the object and working to confirm where exactly it came from, it said.
Oriental white storks seen at wetland in SE China's Fujian

People's Daily Online) 16:07, January 02, 2025

Photo shows oriental white storks at a wetland in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Bo)

33 oriental white storks have recently been spotted at a wetland in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. The birds, either flying or taking a rest, attracted numerous bird-watching enthusiasts. The oriental white stork is under first-class state protection in China and is listed as endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

The birds spend their summer in northeast China, Japan, North Korea, and other places and winter in east and south China. According to Chen Hao, deputy head of the bird watching society of Xiamen, the number of oriental white storks appearing in Xiamen this time set a new record for the greatest amount of birds in recent years.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
UN experts on Thursday denounced Israel's raid on an embattled hospital in northern Gaza, demanding an end to the "blatant assault" on health rights in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Reiterating charges that Israel is committing "genocide" in Gaza -- something the Israeli government strongly denies -- two independent United Nations rights experts said they were "horrified" by the raid last Friday on Kamal Adwan, northern Gaza's last functioning major hospital.

"For well over a year into the genocide, Israel's blatant assault on the right to health in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory is plumbing new depths of impunity," the experts said.

The joint statement was from Francesca Albanese, the independent UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories, and Tlaleng Mofokeng, special rapporteur on the right to health.

Israel's diplomatic mission in Geneva dismissed the statement as "far removed from the truth", saying it "completely ignores critical facts and the broader context of Hamas's exploitation of civilian infrastructure for military purposes".

The Israeli military has repeatedly accused Hamas of using hospitals as command centres, something Hamas denies.

The military "undertook every effort to protect civilians", the Israeli mission said, insisting its "actions highlight Israel's commitment to international law and the protection of civilian infrastructure, even under the most challenging circumstances".

Israel's military said it had killed more than 20 suspected militants and detained more than 240, including the hospital's director, Hossam Abu Safiyeh, describing him as a suspected Hamas militant.

In their statement, Albanese and Mofokeng said they were "gravely concerned" at Safiyeh's detention and demanded his "immediate release".

"Yet another doctor to be harassed, kidnapped and arbitrarily detained by the occupation forces," they said.

"This is part of a pattern by Israel to continuously bombard, destroy and fully annihilate the realisation of the right to health in Gaza."

In a statement to AFP, Israel's military insisted: "It has been well documented that Hamas uses hospitals and medical centers for its terror activities by building military networks within and beneath hospitals, launching attacks and storing weapons within the confines of hospitals, and using hospital infrastructure and staff for terror activities."

It added: "We continue to call on the international community to unequivocally demand Hamas to immediately stop using hospitals throughout the Gaza Strip as a shield for its terror activities."

UN special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on behalf of the world body.

The experts also highlighted "disturbing reports" that Israeli forces had allegedly carried out extrajudicial executions of some people near the hospitals, including a Palestinian man reportedly holding a white flag.

They pointed to figures provided by the health ministry in Hamas-led Gaza indicating that at least 1,057 Palestinian health and medical professionals have been killed since the war erupted following the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack inside Israel.

The World Health Organization has repeatedly denounced the high number of attacks on healthcare staff and facilities in the war: 1,273 attacks on healthcare in Gaza and the West Bank have been recorded since the start of the war.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on X that the pace of desperately needed medical evacuations out of Gaza was "excruciatingly slow".

"Only 5,383 patients have been evacuated with support from WHO since October 2023, of which only 436 since the Rafah crossing was closed" last May, he said.

He said more than 12,000 people were awaiting medical evacuation from Gaza.

"At this rate, it would take 5-10 years to evacuate all these critically ill patients, including thousands of children," he added.

"In the meantime, their conditions get worse and some die."
Speaker Mike Johnson is on course to fall short in the first House speaker vote, with the current tally suggesting a loss. The House is expected to proceed directly to a second vote without pause.

The House Democratic whip has advised members to promptly return to the floor to prepare for the next roll call vote.

Rep. Keith Self cast his vote for Freedom Caucus member Byron Donalds, while Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Rep. Ralph Norman of North Carolina supported Reps. Tom Emmer and Jim Jordan, respectively. In addition to these defections, six GOP lawmakers abstained during the initial vote. Self, positioned among the dissenters, has largely remained quiet and reserved.

Despite the setbacks, Rep. Victoria Spartz, a former holdout, threw her support behind Johnson.

Donalds, speaking to CNN before the vote, acknowledged that colleagues had approached him about running for speaker but stated he wasn't considering the role.

At least six Republican lawmakers have skipped their initial votes for House Speaker, casting uncertainty on whether Mike Johnson can secure the necessary support on the first ballot.

Reps. Andy Biggs, Andrew Clyde, Michael Cloud, Paul Gosar, Andy Harris, and Chip Roy remained silent when their names were called during the roll call vote. However, they will have another opportunity to cast their votes at the end of the process.

GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky followed through on his promise, casting his vote for a candidate other than Mike Johnson in the House speakership election.
Shangri-La Group ("Shangri-La" or "the Group") is proud to announce that Shangri-La Phnom Penh, a highly anticipated new waterfront landmark has opened its doors on 28 December 2024, marking its debut in Cambodia. The opening of this exquisite property heralds will enable both local and international travellers to experience Shangri-La's signature Asian hospitality in the heart of the nation's capital.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh is poised to be a key driver of Phnom Penh's tourism and business growth, enhancing the city's appeal to both international visitors and local business professionals alike. Strategically situated in Koh Pich, one of Phnom Penh's most vibrant neighbourhoods, Shangri-La Phnom Penh is part of a striking tri-tower architectural landmark that soars 228 metres into the sky, making it one of the tallest structures in the capital. Guests residing in the 303 rooms and suites will be treated to unparalleled panoramic views of the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Tonle Bassac rivers, creating an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty and dynamism of Phnom Penh.

The hotel's interior design aesthetics is a harmonious blend of Art Deco, Neo-Classical, and Khmer cultural elements, while remaining true to Shangri-La's timeless style and Asian heritage. Featuring warm wood accents, natural stones, with abundant natural daylight pouring in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the room interiors evoke a sense of serenity and invite guests to unwind and recharge in their own personal waterfront sanctuary.

Culinary experiences at Shangri-La Phnom Penh will highlight Cambodia's rich local heritage, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Kommune Dining & Social Space will offer guests a chance to sample authentic Khmer flavours with classic dishes like Beef Lok Lak and Fish Amok, supporting the local agricultural economy while providing an immersive dining experience. The hotel also features a range of dining options contributing to the nation's growing reputation as a culinary destination. These include the Shangri-La Group's signature Chinese restaurant  Shang Palace, which will serve authentic Chinese cuisine including the signature Peking Duck, and the Altitude rooftop bar, a lively space offering stunning sunset views, cocktails, and light bites - both due to open in 2025.

Shangri-La Phnom Penh is also equipped with an array of facilities designed to cater to the needs of both leisure and business visitors. With one of the city's largest ballrooms, the hotel is positioned as a premier venue for major events, conferences, and social gatherings, contributing to the growth of Cambodia's business tourism industry. The infinity pool and spa wellness centre will provide guests a haven for relaxation and well-being. These facilities and amenities will progressively open in the months ahead.

As part of the phase one opening from 28 December 2024, a select number of guest rooms will be available for booking. Guests can also enjoy dining in Kommune Dining & Social Space, Mekong Lounge and The Atelier.
Rotana is proud to announce the signing of Mogadishu Rotana, the first luxury hotel development in Somalia, in partnership with Riverside Holding.

Set for completion in 2026, the five-star property will feature 321 keys, comprising 261 guest rooms and 60 hotel apartments, while amenities will include a fitness center, spa, multiple dining options, event facilities and retail spaces. Developed to set new standards in the country, the hotel's design combines modern sophistication with local cultural influences, making it a flagship of Mogadishu's revitalisation.

Located near Aden Adde International Airport, the hotel forms part of a transformative master plan to redevelop the capital into a thriving urban destination. The development plans also include a convention centre, hospital, shopping mall, residential properties, business park, and school in the area.

Mogadishu Rotana will be managed by Aleph Hospitality, a Dubai-based company and the largest independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa. With nearly a decade's experience in managing hotels across the African continent, Aleph Hospitality brings unparalleled expertise, regional insight, and a proven track record to oversee the daily operations, while delivering exceptional hospitality services at the upcoming hotel.

The new property will mark Rotana's 118th property in the region, complementing Rotana's burgeoning pipeline in Africa, where the group is also looking forward to the opening of the 140-key, sustainably-minded Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana branded property in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026. In addition, Rotana is also developing some exciting luxury hotel and resort projects in Accra, Cotonou, Cairo and Luxor.

Rotana currently operates 81 hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkiye, serving more than six million guests per year. The company continues to expand its footprint with a robust pipeline of new projects in the UAE and international markets, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in hospitality.

Hotel website
The wings of Accors iconic Bernache soar with the spirit of hospitality, visiting Heartists who made 2024 unforgettable. Every stay tells a story; every moment leaves a mark. Embark on a journey through this extraordinary year, and lets welcome a bright 2025 together.

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, with over 5,600 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
The Retired Investor: IRS Incentive Boosts for Savers Not Nearly Enough

Saving for retirement will get a little more attractive next year. Given the dire state of savings in this country, anything that convinces workers they need to save more will be beneficial.

The Secure Act 2.0, enacted in 2022, ushered in several additional improvements in retirement savings, including even higher 401(k) plan catch-up contributions. The object was to make it easier for older American workers facing a retirement savings shortfall to set aside more money quickly.

The facts are that there is a widespread retirement savings shortfall in the U.S. that spans generations. Sixty-five percent of Baby Boomers (age 55-64) have less than $25,000 to $100,000 saved toward retirement. If we use $500,000 as a marker, less than 7 percent of boomers saved that much and only 5 percent of the GenX generation (45-54).

Younger generations like older millennials (35-43) are not much better off and 10 percent lack a 401(k) entirely. However, 65 percent of Gen Z and younger millennials (21-34) do have $25,000 to $100,000 saved but doubt whether they will ever reach $1 million by retirement. Overall, if one believes the benchmark total of $1 million is needed to retire, only 2 percent of 401(k) holders have achieved that. And over one-third of Americans today believe they will never reach that benchmark.

In 2025, the government will provide a few more incentives to bolster savings. Contributions for 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Plan will inch higher. The new limit for all the above plans will increase by $500 to $23,500.That is not much, but every little bit helps. For older workers, aged 50 and up, additional savings are allowed under a catch-up plan.

While the catch-up contribution limit for those 50 or older remains the same, bringing their total contribution to $31,000, those workers between 60 and 63 years old can save even more in the coming year. The catch-up limit for those in their early sixties increases by $11,250 annually. That is substantially higher than the $7,500 allowable now.

The contribution limits for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) will remain $7,000. The catch-up limit for individuals over 50 stays the same as well at $1,000.

For those who favor contributing to Roth IRAs, there is some good news. The income limit range for workers will increase to between $150,000 to $161,000. If you are married and file jointly, the range increases to between $236,000 and $246,000, which is up from $230,000 to $240,000.

There are some additional incentives to at least jump-start savings for the 32 percent of working-age Americans (about 58 million people) without a retirement savings plan. The income limit for the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, also known as the Saver's Credit, was increased. The Saver's Credit, available since 2001, is a tax credit worth up to $1,000 ($2,000 if married and filing jointly) for mid- and low-income taxpayers who contribute to a retirement account.

To qualify, you need to be over 18, not a full-time student, or a dependent on someone's tax return. Your adjusted gross income in 2025 needs to be below $79,000 for married couples and $59,250 if you head a household. If you are single or married but filing separately your income cannot exceed $39,500.

It baffles me why Americans aren't saving more in retirement accounts. Many say they just can't afford to max out their savings plans even when their companies offer to match some portion of their contributions. That may be true in many cases. Thus far, there is no other way to force Americans to save for retirement other than through the Social Security tax on income.

Given the worries over the deficit, funding, and continuing threats by some to cut Social Security benefits, why hasn't it happened already? The simple answer is if you cut Social Security, millions of people with no savings will end up destitute and on government life support in retirement. That would be an even more expensive proposition than the Social Security system.

Yet changes to the Social Security program seem inevitable at some point. If so, why not require the government to match retirement plan contributions while reducing Social Security benefits simultaneously for those under retirement age?

In the short term, it might be moving the chips from one side of the table to the other, but it need not be forever. The trick would be to incentivize workers to establish a savings habit. That wouldn't take too long. Once accomplished, especially with savings withdrawn from paychecks automatically (just like Social Security taxes), the match could be raised or lowered depending on circumstances.
Williamstown Business Focuses on Connection Through Storytelling

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Hari Kumar's goal is to help people excel at what he calls the oldest art form: story telling.

The engineer turned communications specialist recently struck out on his own to found Connect Convivo , which offers public speaking programs.

"Convivo means with life, with joy, with warmth, like in convivial. So the idea is to help people build confidence and joy in their ability to connect," he said. "So with my background in communication, I know that communication isn't just about conveying content.

"It's about building a connection, and especially in these AI driven days, people are really hungry to connect in authentic ways, and storytelling is one of the most authentic."

Kumar offers training and classes to help people enhance their personal and organizational speaking skills in storytelling, conversation, networking and presentations.

"So public speaking, presenting customer engagement. For nonprofits, I offer classes on mission-driven storytelling. For businesses, I do customer centric storytelling," he said. "And then for the general public, it starts out with just getting up on stage and telling the story with no slides, no notes, no memorization."

Kumar is offering a four-week in-person storytelling series on Wednesdays starting Jan. 8 and ending with a showcase on Jan. 29. More information here ; "Adventures in Storytelling" is limited to 10 people. He's also planning a virtual class on presentations and a business storytelling class in February while continuing the regular series.

The goal is to step up a continuing series in-person and virtual of classes for personal skills and for business and nonprofit presenters.

Kumar came to the Berkshires a few years ago "for love," he laughed, as his wife is a professor at Williams College. But he's been in New England for nearly 30 years working in information technology, marketing and education, and is a board member of Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires and sits on the steering committee for 1Berkshires' Youth Leadership Program.

This year, he decided it was time to start his own business and graduated from EforAll Business Accelerator program.

Communications training is service somewhat lacking in the area, Kumar said. He's been reaching out to nonprofits and local businesses and has been in conversation with MassHire about workplace needs, and is looking to partner with Berkshire Community College.

"A lot of businesses struggle with upskilling and reskilling their workforce," he said. "One of their No. 1 priorities is communication skills. But that's also the area that mass hire doesn't actually offer any training in."

Communication and connection had been difficult for him as a child and at times during his career, Kumar said.

"I grew up an introvert. I was very socially awkward. I was an engineer, right?" he said. "And it took a lot of lot of work to figure out, oh, how do I communicate and how to get over, especially as an immigrant, being new to an area, how do you build a community? How do you build connections?"

He hopes that his courses will drive connections and bring people together in spaces such as Hotel DownStreet in North Adams, where the first storytelling course will take place.

"Especially these days, when people are so isolated and there's an epidemic of loneliness, I've come to really value community and connection, and so that's the big why behind this," he said. "I want to really help people find confidence and joy in building that community."
Page Content



ICAO recently inaugurated its newly renovated Middle East Regional Office in Cairo, strengthening a seven-decade commitment to regional aviation cooperation. The modernization of the facility, supported by the Egyptian government, will enhance ICAO's regional presence and technical support capabilities.





"This renovation represents a significant investment in our shared aviation future," said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano during the inauguration. "The enhanced facilities will strengthen our ability to support Member States across the Middle East region."





ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar and ICAO Middle East Regional Director Mohamed Abu Baker Farea met with the Minister of Civil Aviation of Egypt, Captain Sameh El Hefny, and the President of the Civil Aviation Authority of Egypt, Captain Amr El Sharkawy, to discuss regional cooperation. "Our Middle East Office has played a vital role in advancing regional aviation cooperation ever since it was established. This modernized facility will help us better serve the growing needs of aviation in the region," Salazar noted. During their mission to Egypt , ICAOs leaders also joined Egypts Ministry of Civil Aviation in celebrating ICAO's 80th anniversary.




Thursday 2 January 2025, 17:30 - Last updated: 3 January, 12:21

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala is currently held in Evin Prison, Tehran, where the conditions of her detention are reported to be awful. She was arrested a couple of weeks ago on vague accusations, stating that she violated the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Italy is now pressing Iran for her immediate release, while a US state department spokesperson said Salas detention was allegedly a reprisal for the arrest of Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi. He is a Swiss-Iranian businessman and alleged arms trafficker with ties to the Iranian regime, on a US warrant at Milans Malpensa airport on 16 December.

Cecilia Sala, italian journalist detained in Tehran: what happened and who is she?

Cecilia Sala detention conditions

The photographs depicting the conditions of detention at the infamous Evin Prison, where Cecilia Sala is being held, are alarming. A blanket used as a bed on the concrete floor, 30 minutes of fresh air in a small courtyard.

In Evin Prison have been detained dissidents, journalists, academics, students, activists, and members of ethnic and religious minorities. Political prisoners are reported to live in overcrowded cells, inadequate medical care, and the systematic use of torture. These direct and indirect testimonies have for years helped lift the veil on what happens in this penitentiary, a symbol of repression in Tehran, which is estimated to house 15,000 inmates.

Ending up in Evin Prison it's quite simple as well. It's enough to participate in a peaceful demonstration, such as those for womens rights following the death of young Mahsa Amini in 2022 at the hands of the police.

Ilaria Salis words

Eurodeputy and activist Ilaria Salis also spoke out about her situation, having herself faced detention in Budapest. She wrote on social media: In my case, the support of so many people was crucial, regardless of whether they shared my political positions - she adds - This is the right way to act: to unite to fight injustice and defend human dignity. This solidarity does not diminish - indeed, it strengthens - the one we owe to all journalists and people who are deprived of freedom, who risk, and sometimes pay with their lives, to tell the truth. From Palestine to Iran, from Syria to Turkey, to Ukraine and Russia. Finally, it is essential to remember that Cecilia's story is part of a broader context, that of the extraordinary social movement 'Woman, Life, Freedom', which continues to fight with courage, undaunted despite the fierce repression. FreeCecilia, free them all.
Thursday 2 January 2025, 13:19 - Last updated: 3 January, 10:22

Mourning in the world of high fashion for the death of Rosita Missoni at 93 years old. She was known as the queen of color, an icon of style and creativity. With her beloved husband Ottavio, whom she married in 1953, she founded the famous Missoni brand later exported worldwide.

Milan Fashion Week 2024: Everything is ready for the big event

Missoni's Maison

Born in Golasecca to a family of textile artisans, Rosita Missoni always remained attached to the Varesotto area and in particular to Sumirago. The Missoni myth is, in fact, a global success that began in 1953 in a 100-square-meter basement in Gallarate before moving to the house-atelier in Sumirago, frequented by men and women of culture, filmmakers, and stars such as Federico Fellini, Enzo Biagi, Ermanno Olmi, Lea Massari, Natalia Aspesi, or Donna Summer. Rosita and 'Tai', as everyone called her late husband Ottavio, an athlete and creative of the fashion house who passed away in 2013, were very attached to the province of Varese, and their company always maintained its main headquarters in Sumirago, choosing to set up the company museum in the Albusciago district. Modern and creative, Rosita Jelmini had fashion in her DNA: she studied at the Rosetum in Besozzo (Varese) and once graduated, she left for London to improve her English.

A training path that is taken for granted today but was not at all in the post-war years, especially for a girl. It was in London that she met Ottavio Missoni, whom she would marry a few years later; together they would create their first workshop in the basement of their new home, from where the first Missoni garments emerged in 1958. In 1966, the first fashion show in Milan, the following year in Florence, and meanwhile, the brand's unmistakable style began to establish itself. The use of colors, the harmony of stripes, and the continuous search for new materials made the garments unmistakable. Many people, even from the political world as well as the entrepreneurial one, have wanted to remember her.

Italian institution mourn her death

From Lombard president Attilio Fontana, who is also from Varese, to Senate president Ignazio La Russa, to Milanese senator of the PD Cristina Tajani, and Lega deputy Stefano Candiani. It is 'a great loss for Italy, Lombardy, and the province of Varese where she was born and lived,' Fontana's words of condolence, emphasizing how 'the affection of the Missoni family for Varese has been reciprocated on various occasions. I like to mention the Missoni Room, which is one of the strengths of the Maga of Gallarate and celebrates the symbol enterprise of Made in Italy and Made in Lombardy, with its famous multicolored patterns.' 'All of Confindustria Varese gathers around the Missoni family,' emphasizes president Roberto Grassi, 'and the entire company for the passing of Rosita, one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our territory and our industrial history. She was an example and an icon of tenacity, foresight, vision, creativity, flair, organization, attachment to her roots.' 'A strong and determined woman, who - recalls president La Russa - also honored the memory of the foibe with great sensitivity, sharing this commitment with her husband Ottavio. To her loved ones, I extend my heartfelt condolences and thoughts of closeness, also on behalf of the Senate of the Republic.' 'Her unique vision, characterized by a refined balance between innovation and tradition, revolutionized the fashion world, offering the public unmistakable garments that tell stories of beauty and authenticity. Rosita Missoni managed to bring the province of Varese to the world, combining craftsmanship, taste, color, and style with the typical industriousness of the Lombards, demonstrating a deep bond with the territory and the ability to enhance its roots through design,' explains regional culture councilor Francesca Caruso.
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, lead actor and director of It Ends With Us, has sued The New York Times over its reporting of his co-star Blake Livelys sexual harassment allegations against him.

Baldoni, 40, filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles on Tuesday over the Timess coverage of Livelys lawsuit, in which she accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during filming as well as organizing a smear campaign against her in the months that followed.

The lawsuit, reviewed by The Independent, claims the Times relied almost entirely on Livelys unverified and self-serving narrative and disregarded an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims and exposed her true motives.

Baldoni and the other plaintiffs, which include Wayfarer Studios and his PR executives, are suing for $250 million in damages.

Heres everything we know about the lawsuit:

open image in gallery It Ends With Us actor and director Justin Baldoni has sued The New York Times over its coverage of his co-star Blake Livelys sexual harassment lawsuit against him ( Getty Images )

Baldoni says the Times cherry-picked evidence, advanced a false narrative

Baldonis lawsuit argues the legacy media outlet pushed a false narrative by cherry-picking out-of-context (and in some cases doctored) private communications that werent intended for outside eyes.

Baldoni and the plaintiffs claim the Times designed their report to villainize him and manufacture an impression of impropriety where none exists.

The Timess story came out after Lively, 37, accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her and organizing a smear campaign against her in the months that followed the filming of It Ends With Us.

The film is an adaptation of Colleen Hoovers 2016 novel of the same name. The story centers around a flower shop owner, played by Lively, and her abusive relationship with her partner Ryle Kincaid, played by Baldoni.

Lively argued Baldoni and his associates conducted a targeted effort to destroy her and tarnish her reputation in the media, which she says has caused her severe emotional distress.

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

Her lawsuit contained several excerpts from text messages and emails between Baldoni, public relations executive Jennifer Abel and crisis management expert Melissa Nathan. These messages appear to show that the three of them sought to create a plan to deal with social media speculation and provide protection to Baldoni.

Baldoni claims both Lively and the Times took the messages out of context.

The Times, as with LivelysComplaint, deliberately takes these communications out of context to bolster a fallacious narrative to quash Plaintiffs, his lawsuit states. When viewed in full context, these handpicked, doctored communications lose their manufactured impropriety and disprove Livelys allegations.

open image in gallery Blake Lively sued Baldoni last month, arguing he sexually harassed her and conducted a targeted effort to destroy her reputation ( Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images )

Baldoni claims Lively executed a hostile takeover of It Ends With Us

Baldoni accused Lively of conducting a hostile takeover of the film in his lawsuit, alleging she tried to assert unilateral control over every aspect of the production through strategic and manipulative methods.

These actions, the lawsuit claims, resulted in her public image suffering  rather than any alleged smear campaign conducted by Baldoni and his team.

Her public image suffered as a result of a series of high-profile blunders, which she tried to deflect by blaming Plaintiffs for the publics prying interest into the foibles of an A-list celebrity, the lawsuit reads. This is nothing but an excuse. Fame is a double-edged sword, but Livelys tactics here are unconscionable.

Alongside the Times, she orchestrated a malicious attack on the reputations, careers, and personal lives of Plaintiffs, subjecting them to public humiliation, threats, and vitriol, the lawsuit continues.

This will reportedly not be the only lawsuit Baldoni and his associates file.

This lawsuit seeks to hold the Times accountable for its role in this defamation campaign, but Plaintiffs are not done, the lawsuit states. There are other bad actors involved, and make no mistakethis will not be the last lawsuit.

open image in gallery The lawsuit alleges Lively conducted a hostile takeover of It Ends With Us ( Getty Images for Vital Voices G )

What have both sides said about the lawsuit?

The Times has defended its reporting  and noted the reporters included Baldonis full response to the allegations in their article.

The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead, a Times spokesperson told The Independent on Tuesday. 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, the spokesperson added.

We plan to vigorously defend against the lawsuit.

Meanwhile, attorney Bryan Freedman said Baldoni and the other plaintiffs are uniting to take down [the Times] by no longer allowing them to deceive the public.

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.

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, he added.

The Independent has contacted Livelys representative for comment.

With reporting from Kevin E G Perry
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

Tom Holland has shared how he recently stopped a fight in a grocery store.

The 28-year-old actor recalled stopping a fight between two men in a Whole Foods in Los Angeles during an interview with Mens Health published on Thursday (January 2).

Theyre like going at it, right behind me, Holland explained to the publication. In response, he then jumped into the fight and grabbed one of the men, pulling the stranger away.

According to the Spider-Man: No Way Home star, the person involved in the fight quickly realized who he was.

I can see that hes recognized me immediately, and you could see the wheels turning, like, Im really angry, but Spider-Man is telling me to calm down, he quipped. So, yeah, I go to the supermarket.

Although Holland said that he goes to supermarkets, this doesnt mean he can easily step outside whenever he wants. For example, he said that if he goes out to see a play in the afternoon, everything is planned out beforehand.

Tom Holland says he was recognized immediately when he stopped two men who got in a fight in Whole Foods ( Getty Images for University of S )

Its booked in advance, we sort it all out, we call ahead to the theater and make sure we can get somewhere private, he added.

He said that he doesnt like to be surrounded by fans, which is why he doesnt go to many high-profile events. While this doesnt stop him from attending his girlfriend Zendayas movie premieres, he still chooses not to pose with her on the red carpet.

Because its not my moment, its her moment, and if we go together, its about us, Holland explained.

The actor is heading into a big year for his career, alongside his girlfriend. In November, it was announced that Zendaya would be joining the cast of Christopher Nolans next big movie, which features Holland, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyongo, and Charlize Theron.

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

Last week, the film was unveiled as an adaptation of the ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey. One of the most significant works of early literature, it is attributed to the poet Homer and is believed to have been written in the eighth century BC. It is a mythical tale following the Greek hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he journeys home after the Trojan War.

To The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Studios revealed that the movie is using brand new IMAX film technology, and will open in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.

This isnt Holland and Zendayas first time working together as they first met on the set of 2016s Spider-Man: Homecoming and have gone on to star opposite each other in 2019s Spider-Man: Far From Home and 2021s Spider-Man: No Way Home

While discussing his and Zendayas new project during an appearance on the Dish podcast last month, Holland joked about why producers like casting the two actors in movies together.

Studios love it: One hotel room, he said, before adding: Separate drivers. Were not crazy.

Back in October 2024, Holland first confirmed he agreed to star in Nolans next film, without any knowledge of what it was about. The Crowded Room star said that receiving the offer from Nolan was the phone call of a lifetime. He also noted that the moment felt akin to getting offered the role of Peter Parker a decade ago.

All I can say is that Im incredibly excited, he told Good Morning America at the time. And obviously honored, but thats all I can say because, to be honest, thats all I know.
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

Nikki Glaser says that her anticipation of hosting the Golden Globe awards has made her feel 42 weeks pregnant and she is now ready and impatient for the baby to arrive.

The stand-up comedian and actress told The Independent that she was excited to deliver her jokes in front of the crowd they were meant for, following a derided hosting performance by Jo Koy in 2024.

Glaser will emcee the 82nd annual ceremony on Sunday in Beverly Hills, California  the first major awards show of the 2025 season. The show is known for its more relaxed, and often raucous atmosphere, but has also seen some controversy in recent years.

Asked about her nerves ahead of the show, she said: Im excited to finally tell these jokes in front of a crowd who they are meant for. Im ready.

I feel like Im 42 weeks pregnant. I need this baby to come.

open image in gallery Nikki Glaser, will emcee the 82nd annual Golden Globe awards ceremony on Sunday  the first major awards show of the 2025 season ( HBO )

Glaser has entered the spotlight for her cutting, dark, and often offensive jokes during U.S. comedy roasts, including those of Rob Lowe, Bruce Willis, and Alec Baldwin. She was also one of the standout performers at the roast of Tom Brady  broadcast on Netflix back in May.

Glaser has received multiple nominations, including at the Globes itself, as well as the Critics Choice Television Awards, Grammy Awards, and Primetime Emmy Awards, including an Emmy nomination for her latest special, Someday Youll Die for HBO.

Glaser has previously cited Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Ricky Gervais as inspirations for her hosting duties. According to The Telegraph, she asked the British comedian for tips and was told: Dont try to walk out there acting like youre an A-lister, just because youre invited. You wouldnt be if you werent the host.

In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Glaser said she felt confident the ceremonys organizing body, the HFPA, had made the right decision to hire her.

Her crack at the hosting job comes after Koy was slammed by critics for a cringeworthy and fumbled opening monologue, during which he appeared to blame his script-writers for the poor audience reception.

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free

open image in gallery Glaser has cited British comedian Ricky Gervais as one of her inspirations for her hosting duties, and said she has asked him for tips ( 2020 NBCUniversal Media, LLC via )

I feel nothing but complete assurance and confidence in me being able to do this, Glaser told The WSJ.

Theres been some jobs Ive gotten before that Im like, I hope I can do this, this is a lot of pressure. This, Im just like, Yeah, they picked the right person. No ones going to work harder than me at this.

A gamut of Hollywood A-Listers will join Glaser onstage throughout the night to present various awards to their peers, including Andrew Garfield, Anya Taylor-Joy, Colin Farrell, Dwayne Johnson, Elton John, Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Coolidge, and Michelle Yeoh, among others.

Triumphs at the Globes can help build momentum for a movie or actors Oscar campaign  the first televised awards show of the year  and can prove useful ahead of other ceremonies including Screen Actors Guild, Critics Choice Awards and the Oscars, which this year will be held on March 2.
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

US series Dexter has returned for a brand new series  and the recasting of a key character has stunned fans.

The show, which originally ran from 2006 to 2013, is back for its second reboot following 2021s Dexter: New Blood.

Dexter: Original Sin, a prequel series exploring the characters early years as he navigates his urges to kill, is hoping to bring the show back into favour following the first shows heavily-derided finale.

Patrick Gibson plays the young version of Dexter, with Michael C Hall returning to provide the shows narration, while many new stars portray younger versions of characters first seen in the original series, including Christian Slater as Dexters father Harry and Christina Milian as Maria LaGuerta.

But its the casting of Miami Metro detective Angel Batista that has stunned fans, with many calling James Martinez a perfect choice and a dead ringer for David Zayas, the actor who first played him.

Uncanny how much I just accept James Martinez as Angel Batista on Dexter: Original Sin. The cast across the board are honestly good at feeling like the original show but he seems like he just happens to be a young David Zayas

Whoever cast James Martinez as young Angel Batista in Dexter: Original Sin really hit the nail on the head. Wow, one fan wrote, with another stating: Ive become more impressed and engrossed with each episode of #DexterOriginalSin . Most impressive for me is James Martinez as Batista. Dude has straight up become David Zayas.

One viewer declared: I dont think Ive ever seen a young character cast better than James Martinez as Angel Batista in #DexterOriginalSin. Like not just the looks & styling... The mannerisms . The influxes when speaking. All of it. Spot on.

James Martinez plays a younger version of David Zayas Angela Batista in Dexter: Original Sin ( Paramount + / Showtime )

The 10-part series, which airs on Paramount+, also stars Patrick Dempsey and Sarah Michelle Gellar, with Molly Brown playing a younger version of Dexters sister Deb, who was originally portrayed by Jennifer Carpenter.

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

Previous spin-off Dexter: New Blood was a continuation of the original series, which saw Dexter reunite with his now teenage son Harrison (Jack Alcott).

New Blood saw Michael C Hall return as the serial killer, with episodes reuniting him with Harrison (Jack Alcott), the now-teenage son he abandoned at the end of the original series.
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

South Korean investigators failed in their attempt to arrest Yoon Suk Yeol after encountering resistance from the impeached presidents security and supporters during a dramatic day that deepened the countrys political crisis.

A six-hour standoff ensued after the presidential security service confronted a joint team from the police and the Corruption Investigation Office that had arrived to detain Mr Yoon shortly after 7am on Friday.

In the end, the investigators left without the president.

Execution of the arrest warrant was virtually impossible due to the continued standoff, the Corruption Investigation Office, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military against Mr Yoon, said.

Future measures will be decided after a review. We express our deepest regret over the suspects refusal to comply with legal procedures.

The standoff deepened the political crisis that has paralysed South Korea and seen two heads of state impeached in less than a month.

The crisis was sparked by Mr Yoons botched attempt to impose martial law on 3 December.

open image in gallery Supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol gather as members of the Corruption Investigation Office and police officials wait to enter the presidential residence to arrest the impeached president ( EPA )

The attempt to arrest Mr Yoon came three days after a Seoul court issued an arrest warrant sought by prosecutors investigating whether the presidents shortlived declaration of martial law amounted to insurrection.

The warrant, valid until 6 January, was approved after Mr Yoon ignored multiple summons to answer charges of insurrection and abuse of power, accusations that his lawyers called unlawful.

open image in gallery Supporters of impeached Yoon Suk Yeol lie down on the ground during a protest rally outside the presidential palace in Seoul ( AP )

As the presidential security continued to stand in the way of the investigators carrying the arrest warrant, hundreds of Mr Yoons supporters camped outside, shouting slogans and raising banners that read stop the steal.

After the investigators left, the protesters broke into a celebration. We won, they chanted.

The investigators said they were outnumbered by a human wall of around 200 security personnel and that there were various small and large scuffles during the standoff.

open image in gallery Supporters of impeached South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally ( AP )

Nearly 2,700 security personnel were deployed outside Mr Yoons residence on Friday, state news agency Yonhap reported. They prevented about half of the 150 police and CIO officials from entering the presidential compound, and blocked the rest just inside the gate.

The defence ministry confirmed the investigators had passed a military unit guarding the palace grounds before coming up against the security service.

The security service, which guards the residence itself, declined to comment.

Seok Dong Hyeon, a lawyer for Mr Yoon, said the bid to detain the president was "reckless" and showed an "outrageous discard for law.

Mr Yoons legal team filed a challenge to the warrant on Thursday arguing that it could not be executed at his residence as the law protected locations potentially linked to military secrets from search without the consent of the person in charge.

Mr Yoons declaration of martial law on 3 December plunged the country into a political crisis, leading to widespread protests and impeachment of not only the president, but also his acting successor Han Duck Soo. The crisis also affected diplomacy and rattled financial markets.

The martial law decree, the countrys first in 40 years, ended after just six hours when the National Assembly voted to withdraw it, despite attempts by armed soldiers to prevent them from voting.

Prosecutors on Friday filed insurrection charges against army chief Park An Su, appointed the martial law commander during the shortlived declaration, as well as Special Forces Commander Kwak Jong Geun, Yonhap reported.
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

South Koreas impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed to fight to the end as authorities dispatched investigators to execute a warrant to detain him over his shock attempt to impose martial law.

As his lawyers warned that police officers attempting to detain him on behalf of South Koreas anti-corruption agency could themselves face arrest by either the presidential security service or any citizens, Mr Yoon sent a defiant message to supporters rallying outside his Seoul residence.

Mr Yoon vowed to fight to the end against anti-state forces violating our sovereignty and putting the nation in danger, while his lawyers claimed that any attempt by the anti-corruption agency to use police units for his detention would exceed their legal authority.

The message was swiftly condemned by South Koreas Democratic Party, which accused Mr Yoon of trying to stage insurrection and inciting his supporters to obstruct attempts to detain him. South Korean law permits anyone to make an arrest to stop an active crime.

Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) were seen loading boxes into several vehicles before leaving their building in the city of Gwacheon early on Friday morning (Thursday UK time). Television footage later showed some of those vehicles weaving between police buses that tightly packed and barricaded the streets near Mr Yoons residence.

Braving sub-zero temperatures, thousands of Mr Yoons supporters rallied for hours near his residence on Friday (Thursday UK time) amid a heavy police presence, waving South Korean and American flags while chanting Nullify the impeachment and We will protect President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Officers removed some protesters who lay down on a road leading to the entrance of Mr Yoons residence, but there were no immediate reports of major clashes.

Mr Yoon is South Koreas first sitting president to face arrest, after the CIO said on Tuesday that a Seoul court had granted the detention warrant sought by prosecutors investigating whether Mr Yoons shortlived declaration of martial law amounted to insurrection.

The warrant  valid until 6 January  came after the president ignored multiple summons for questioning over charges of insurrection and abuse of power, accusations his lawyers have claimed are unlawful.

open image in gallery Yoon Suk Yeol sought to impose martial law for the first time in over 40 years last month ( South Korean Presidential Office )

One of Mr Yoons lawyers said on Tuesday that he had no reason to avoid the investigation  but his conduct should be judged by the constitutional court rather than via criminal proceedings.

The constitutional court is preparing to rule on the validity of Mr Yoons impeachment by the National Assembly, in a vote led by the Democratic Party. To formally end Mr Yoons presidency, at least six justices on the nine-member court must vote in favour.

Following his remarks on Thursday, the Democratic Party called for law enforcement authorities to execute the detention warrant immediately. But it remains unclear whether he can be compelled to submit to questioning.

The Corruption Investigation Office must detain him immediately, and the presidential security service must cooperate with the lawful execution of the detainment warrant, said the partys floor leader Park Chan-dae.

They should be aware that obstructing the execution of the detainment warrant could result in punishment for interference with official duties and complicity in insurrection, he said.

The leader of an insurrection can face the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted under South Korean law. Mr Yoon has presidential immunity from most criminal prosecutions, but this privilege does not extend to allegations of insurrection or treason.

open image in gallery Supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol have staged multiple rallies near his presidential residence ( Getty Images )

The presidents decision to declare martial law on 3 December plunged the country into a political crisis, leading to widespread protests and the impeachment of not only Mr Yoon but also his acting successor Han Duck Soo. The move has also halted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets.

But South Koreas first imposition of martial law in more than 40 years ended after just six hours when the National Assembly voted 190-0 to lift it  despite attempts by heavily armed soldiers to prevent them from voting.

Mr Yoon has sought to claim his martial law decree was a necessary act of governance, portraying it as a temporary warning against the Democratic Party, which he has described as an anti-state force obstructing his agenda with its legislative majority.

Also on Thursday, Mr Yoons lawyer filed a challenge with the Seoul Western District Court to block both the detention warrant for the president and a related search warrant for his residence. The lawyer argued that both warrants violate criminal laws and the constitution.

Some experts believe the CIO, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities, would not risk clashing with Mr Yoons security service, which has said it will provide security to Mr Yoon in accordance with the law.

The agency may instead issue another summons for Mr Yoon to appear for questioning if they are not able to execute the detainment warrant by 6 January.

If Mr Yoon is detained, the anti-corruption agency will have 48 hours to investigate him and either request a warrant for his formal arrest or release him. Mr Yoons defence minister, police chief and several top military commanders have already been arrested over their roles in the martial law enactment.

Additional reporting by AP and Reuters
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

Yoon Suk Yeol has become South Koreas first incumbent president to be arrested after he was charged with insurrection for declaring martial law last month and thrusting the country into political turmoil.

Mr Yoon, 64, was arrested on 15 January and taken to the Corruption Investigation Office for questioning.

The president was impeached by the National Assembly over his shortlived martial law declaration on 3 December and suspended from office.

Appearing defiant in a video message recorded for his supporters before he was taken in for questioning, Mr Yoon said he had decided to comply with the arrest warrant but that the rule of law has completely collapsed in this country.

When I saw them break into the security area using firefighting equipment today, I decided to respond to the CIOs investigation  despite it being an illegal investigation  to prevent unsavoury bloodshed, he said in a statement.

Insurrection is one of the rare offences for which South Korean presidents are not granted immunity. The offence carries severe penalties that may include life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

open image in gallery Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally against his impeachment in Seoul, South Korea ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The arrest came a day after the Constitutional Court began proceedings to rule on the validity of Mr Yoons impeachment by parliament. If the court clears the parliamentary action, Mr Mr Yoon would be removed from power and a presidential election would be held within 60 days.

If found guilty of insurrection, Mr Yoon could receive a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with the death penalty a highly unlikely but potential outcome as well.

An embattled leader

Mr Yoon, who narrowly won the presidency in 2022, has been facing mounting unpopularity since taking office. Already weakened by a crushing parliamentary election defeat for his party earlier this year, his approval ratings had plummeted to 17 per cent before this weeks events.

The chaos began when Mr Yoon justified his martial law declaration citing threats from North Korea and the need to eliminate anti-state elements.

But the move was widely interpreted as an attempt to consolidate power in the face of his domestic struggles. Within hours, lawmakers, some from his own People Power Party, rushed to the National Assembly to block the order, while thousands of protesters took to the streets in Seoul.

open image in gallery South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at the complex building housing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in Gwacheon after arrest ( KOREA POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

By the time Mr Yoon withdrew the decree, the protesters outside the National Assembly were cheering, but the damage to his presidency appeared irreversible.

Mr Yoons declaration of martial law was a legal overreach and a political miscalculation, Prof Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha Womans University in Seoul told BBC News.

He sounded like a politician under siege, making a desperate move against mounting scandals, institutional obstruction, and calls for impeachment.

open image in gallery A woman reacts among police officers during a protest outside the National Assembly after president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law ( Reuters )

A presidency marred by controversy

Mr Yoons presidency has been turbulent from the start. Mr Yoon was a prosecutor before entering politics and gained national prominence for spearheading the corruption case against former president Park Geun-hye. His lack of political experience was evident after he narrowly defeated liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung in 2022.

While Mr Yoons campaign resonated with younger male voters due to its anti-feminism rhetoric, public hopes for principle, transparency, and efficiency under his leadership were soon dashed, Prof Don S Lee from Sungkyunkwan University told the British broadcaster.

open image in gallery A man looks at a newspaper report about South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeols martial law declaration ( EPA )

Mr Yoons tenure has been plagued by scandals, many centring on his wife, Kim Keon Hee, who has faced allegations of accepting a luxury Dior handbag and stock manipulation. In November, Mr Yoon apologised for her actions but rejected demands for a formal investigation.

Meanwhile, his frequent gaffes  he was caught on a hot mic apparently insulting US lawmakers and praising former dictator Chun Doo-hwan  further eroded his credibility.

Chun led tanks and troops into Seoul in December 1979 in the countrys second coup after dictator Park Chung-hees death. The next year, he orchestrated a military crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising in the southern city of Gwangju, killing at least 200 people.

However, Mr Yoon praised him for being good at politics.

open image in gallery Protesters clash with police officers during a demonstration calling for the resignation and impeachment of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol ( EPA )

Strained relations at home and abroad

Domestically, Mr Yoon has struggled to navigate a parliament controlled by the opposition Democratic Party, which won a decisive majority in Aprils election. Opposition lawmakers have repeatedly blocked his legislative agenda, forcing him to veto bills at an unprecedented rate. Last week, they slashed the governments proposed budget, leaving Mr Yoon with little room for manoeuvre.

Amidst these political setbacks, Mr Yoons approval ratings have remained dismal, with growing calls for impeachment. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has called Tuesdays martial law declaration a decisive opportunity to break the vicious cycle and return to normal society.

Internationally, Mr Yoons presidency has been a mixed bag. While he has strengthened ties with allies like the US and Japan and provided aid to Ukraine, his hardline stance on North Korea has escalated tensions with Pyongyang.

Critics also accuse him of jeopardising relations with China, South Koreas largest trading partner.

open image in gallery Protesters demonstrate against the countrys president at the National Assembly on 4 December 2024 in Seoul ( Getty )

Whats next for Yoon Suk Yeol?

A Seoul court on 29 December issued an arrest warrant sought by prosecutors investigating whether the presidents short-lived declaration of martial law amounted to insurrection.

The warrant, valid until 6 January, was approved after Mr Yoon ignored multiple summons to answer charges of insurrection and abuse of power, accusations that his lawyers called unlawful.

But an attempt to arrest Mr Yoon was blocked by his security services, with the Corruption Investigation Office saying the execution of the arrest warrant was virtually impossible due to the continued standoff.

open image in gallery Protesters attend a rally demanding the arrest of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol near the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The warrant was extended again on 7 January and the investigators detained him on 15 January after a three-hour standoff with his security guards.

The anti-corruption agency has 48 hours to conduct an investigation. Afterwards, it can either release him or seek a warrant for his formal arrest.

The parliament impeached Mr Yoon on 14 December, concluding that his declaration of martial law violated the constitution. He is suspended from his presidential duties and is awaiting the Constitution Courts decision on whether he will be removed from office.

Mr Yoons latest political gamble has drawn widespread condemnation. His senior aides offered to resign en masse, while opposition lawmakers moved forward with impeachment proceedings. Even leaders within his own party have called for his removal.
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

About a dozen nuns performed hand chops and high kicks, some of them wielding swords, as they showed off their martial art skills to hundreds of cheering wellwishers at the long-awaited reopening of their nunnery in Nepal.

The nuns of the hill-top Druk Amitabha Monastery, put on the show of strength to mark the institutions reopening five years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to close its doors to the public.

The group of kung fu nuns, aged from 17 to 30, are members of the 1,000 year-old Drukpa lineage, which gives nuns equal status as monks and is the only female order in the patriarchal Buddhist monastic system.

Usually, nuns are expected to cook and clean and are not allowed to practise any form of martial art. But Gyalwang Drukpa, among the most senior figures in the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy, decided to train women in kung fu to improve their health and spiritual well-being.

open image in gallery A Kung Fu nun practises as she waits for her performance during the reopening of the nunnery for the first time since the COVID-19 closure at Druk Amitabha Mountain Nunnery in Kathmandu, Nepal ( REUTERS )

He opened the nunnery in 2009 and it now has 300 members aged between six and 54.

We do kung fu to keep ourselves mentally and physically fit, and our aim is to promote womens empowerment and gender equality, said Jigme Jangchub Chosdon, 23, a nun who is originally from Ladakh in India.

open image in gallery Kung Fu nuns, who practise the martial art for self-defence and meditation, demonstrate their skills during the reopening of the nunnery for the first time since the COVID-19 closure at Druk Amitabha Mountain Nunnery in Kathmandu, Nepal December 30, 2024 ( REUTERS )

The nuns come from Bhutan, India and Nepal and are all trained in kung fu, the Chinese martial art for self-defence and strength.

With the confidence from kung fu, I really want to help the community, young girls to build their own strength, said 24-year-old Jigme Yangchen Gamo, a nun from Ramechhap in Nepal.

The nunnerys website says that the combination of gender equality, physical strength and respect for all living things represents the orders return to its true spiritual roots.

open image in gallery ( REUTERS )

In the past, the nuns have completed lengthy expeditions on foot and by bike in the Himalayas to raise money for disaster relief, as well as to promote environmentally friendly living.

Jigme Konchok Lhamo, 30, from India, said her main goal was to achieve enlightenment like Lord Buddha, who founded Buddhism 2,600 years ago.

But for now as I am a normal person... I think I will be focusing more on helping others, she said. Helping others is our religion.
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

Angelina Jolie revealed her biggest pet peeve is liars amid her divorce finalization from Brad Pitt.

The Maria actor made the candid admission during a cover interview with W Magazine, where she revealed her disdain for dishonesty.

My pet peeve is somebody who is a liar, she told the outlet. Somebody who feels a need to not say the truth or what they want, what they feel. Theres a big version of thatand Im not trying to be heavy about itbut people who say one thing and mean another, who arent completely who they are. I think a lot of people dont say what they mean.

This revelation comes shortly after she finalized her divorce from Brad Pitt, following an eight-year legal battle. The divorce, which started in 2016, marked the end of one of Hollywoods most protracted and high-profile separations.

The high-profile divorce became official on December 30, 2024, settling custody disputes and shared assets, including the iconic French estate, Chateau Miraval.

Chateau Miraval, a sprawling estate in the South of France, became a major sticking point in the separation. Purchased by Jolie and Pitt in 2008, the property served as both a family retreat and the location of their 2014 wedding. The estate also houses a renowned winery producing award-winning rose wines.

open image in gallery Angelina Jolie Pitt (L) and actor-producer Brad Pitt in happier times in Hollywood, California, on November 5, 2015. ( AFP via Getty Images )

The conflict escalated in 2021 when Jolie sold her stake in the estate to Tenute del Mondo, a subsidiary of the Stoli Group, without Pitts consent. Pitts legal team argued that the sale violated their prior agreement and claimed Jolies actions were intended to harm the winerys reputation.

Jolies legal team countered, stating that the sale was necessary for financial independence. The dispute delayed the divorce as both parties negotiated terms. The final agreement includes undisclosed terms on the future of Miraval.

The divorce also addressed custody arrangements for the couples six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. Initially, Jolie sought sole custody, citing concerns about Pitts behavior, including an alleged altercation on a 2016 private flight. Pitt, who denied the allegations, pursued joint custody.

open image in gallery Angelina Jolie, and five of her six children, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Maddox Jolie-Pitt and Knox Jolie-Pitt, attend a London film premiere in 2021 together. ( Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images )

After years of court hearings and private negotiations, the agreement grants joint custody for the children still under 18.

In recent years, several of the former couples children have chosen to drop Pitt from their surnames, opting to use Jolie exclusively. Shiloh, the couples first biological child, legally changed her name to Shiloh Jolie after turning 18. She filed the request on her birthday, May 27, 2024, and the change was granted nearly two months later.

Shilohs decision mirrors actions taken by her sisters, Zahara and Vivienne. Zahara, adopted from Ethiopia in 2005, began introducing herself as Zahara Jolie upon entering Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Similarly, Vivienne, one of the twins born in 2008, reportedly went by Vivienne Jolie in the program for the Broadway musical The Outsiders, which she worked on with her mother.
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

The father of the late DJ and producer Avicii has described the excruciatingly painful intervention staged for his son as he struggled with his fame and lifestyle before his death.

A new Netflix documentary, Avicii  Im Tim, sheds light on the mental health struggles that led to the Swedish artists death by suicide in 2018 at the age of 28, including an addiction to painkillers exacerbated by anxiety.

Avicii, born Tim Bergling, was grappling with the pressures of fame and his own identity when Klas Bergling, alongside Aviciis longtime collaborator and manager Arash Ash Pournouri, organized the intervention. It was a moment of crisis fueled by the young stars inability to reconcile his onstage persona with his personal life.

I just felt anxious. I didnt know where the anxiety came from, Bergling says in a voiceover in the film. I could feel it physically in my gut. It was like a stone in my gut, thats how it felt. And it was constant. A constant emotion.

The intervention involved close friends, siblings, and tour management. According to Klas, Avicii was initially resistant. As he approached, he could see all of us there. It was excruciatingly painful to see the look in his eyes. Oh man, that was really rough, Klas recounts. Then everyone shared how concerned they were, and Tim at first, he was pretty furious.

The discussion stretched for hours, with Bergling refusing help until, as Klas recalls, a shift occurred. He refused to give in. But eventually, something made him say, Fine, Ill get help. I said, Okay, thank you. It finally registered. We were thrilled. It got through to him. I think he realized it was time for him to do something about it.

Afterward, Bergling began seeking help from psychiatrists and doctors, altering his lifestyle to focus on physical and mental well-being. He also adjusted his professional approach, clearing his schedule and moving away from the demanding tour cycles that had defined his career.

Im trying to find balance, Bergling says in the documentary. Balance in life, and with my friends and family.

For a time, this approach seemed to provide some relief. In 2017, Bergling started practicing transcendental meditation and began creating music for what would become the posthumous album, Tim. Reflecting on this period, he said, I felt really happy. I was free.

The documentary captures both Aviciis meteoric rise with hits like Wake Me Up and Hey Brother and his struggles with fame. It culminates in the aftermath of his death in April 2018 while on vacation in Muscat, Oman.

Jesse Waits, a close friend, remarks, I dont think anybody really knows why or what happened. Nobody knows what was going through his mind. Everybody can speculate. He seemed good to everybody I talked to that [was] around him. He was just in a good place. Its hard to accept.

Klas echoes this sentiment, adding, None of us imagine that something like this could happen.

Directed by Henrik Burman, the film includes narration from Bergling himself, interviews with collaborators like Chris Martin and Aloe Blacc, and personal footage, offering a poignant glimpse into the life of the late artist.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 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.
Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

A letter Kim Kardashian wrote to her future self in 2015 has resurfaced, and fans are pointing out that some of her predictions for 2025 missed the mark.

A decade-old video for Glamour magazine offers a glimpse into the reality stars mindset a decade ago and her expectations for her future.

Fans have had mixed reactions to the predictions, with some highlighting their accuracy and others reflecting on the failed precdictions, and on the unpredictability of life, even for someone as influential as Kardashian.

Its interesting to see how even someone as calculated as Kim couldnt predict all the twists and turns of life, one fan commented, while another added: She dreamed big, and honestly, she has accomplished a lot more than most could imagine in 10 years.

Kardashian addresses topics in the letter ranging from family and career to personal growth and even fashion choices.

As a style icon, Kardashian touched on her hopes for fashion in 2025. Please tell me were still not wearing those crazy sky-high heels! she joked. While high heels remain a staple in red carpet and high-fashion settings, Kardashian has been seen embracing more practical styles in recent years, including Yeezy slides and other comfortable footwear options.

She also expressed curiosity about beauty trends, questioning whether contouring would still dominate the industry. Given the continued popularity of her beauty lines and the persistence of contouring as a staple in makeup routines, this prediction has stood the test of time.

Kardashian envisioned her career evolving, expressing hope for continued success in her business ventures. I hope you are still running successful businesses and have at least one more baby, she wrote. The mother of four has certainly surpassed this goal with her ventures like SKIMS, KKW Beauty, and her foray into law and criminal justice reform.

However, the letter also highlights her hope to have fully embraced a more private lifestyle. Remember to always take a little time for yourself and to slow down, she urged her future self.

Kardashian also imagined herself happily married and raising her children in a stable family environment. Are you still married to the perfect man? she asked her future self years before she finalized her divorce from Kanye West in 2022.

She also expressed her desire for her siblings to continue thriving. I hope Khloe finds her happily-ever-after and that Kourtney is living her best life.

While her predictions for her sisters were well-intentioned, fans debated whether these sentiments align with their current personal lives, especially given the ups and downs documented on their reality show.

Why did the Khloe part make me sad? one user wrote, while another echoed: The Khloe part is hurtful.

Some people found Kims comments about Kourtney having kids hilarious.

Kourtney having a baby currently is sending me into orbit, one user said.

Kourtney was not done with having babies, another added.
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

One Louisiana-based couple celebrated the end of 2024 with an extraordinary delivery  quadruplet daughters.

On November 20, Farrah Larry went in for her cesarean section knowing she was about to give birth to four healthy baby girls. What she and her husband Peyton didnt know was that their babies would come out as two sets of identical twins.

In conversation with People, the 29-year-old mother spoke about the remarkable birth, which occurred just before Thanksgiving.

I was laughing and crying at the same time, she remembered before adding: My husband was about to pass out.

The happy couple, who met in college, found out they were having quadruplets only after they announced they were expecting in May 2024. Because theyd conceived their girls naturally, they were stunned to hear Farrah was carrying more than one baby.

According to the Journal of Family and Reproductive Health, the odds of conceiving quadruplets without any fertility treatment are large, falling somewhere between 1 and 512,000 or 1 and 677,000, not to mention the extremely rare outcome of having two sets of identical twins.

Clearly God has a plan for these girls because the odds were against us. Weve just got to trust Him, Farrah said.

The new parents originally referred to the children as Baby A, B, C, and D, before they were named Paisley, Psalm, Lyric, and Fallyn. Paisley and Psalm are one set of twins, while Lyric and Fallyn are another.

Peyton and Farrah left their monikers up to fate, picking each name from a random draw out of a brown bag.

As the baby came out, he would pull out the name and say, Alright, this is Lyric, Farrah explained.

Each baby came out of the womb weighing about four pounds. They were placed in a neonatal intensive care unit for a few weeks before they were allowed to be released from the hospital.

Im sleeping maybe three and a half hours a night, Farrah shared with People. For diapers, were going through seven or eight a day, times four. Were going through packs quickly. Its the same for bottles; they eat like eight times a day.

In 2023, an Alabama-based couple witnessed their own miracle, welcoming quadruplets, two sets of identical twins. The boys  David and Daniel  and the girls  Evelyn and Adeline  were carried by Hannah Carmack and welcomed via cesarean section when she was 27 weeks.
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

Is your new years resolution all about scaling back your social media habit? The Duchess of Sussex, it seems, will be taking the opposite approach in 2025. On 1 January, Meghan unveiled a brand new Instagram account, complete with a straightforward but somehow slightly grandiose mononymic username, @meghan. And in doing so, she appeared to inaugurate the next stage in her post-royal career. Welcome to Meghan Markles influencer era, which will see the Duchess taking us behind the scenes of her Montecito life, not just on social media but also with a glossy Netflix show that will reimagine the genre of lifestyle programming.

Her debut post, on her first personal account in six years, was a brief, ever-so-casual video clip, which we can probably assume was workshopped by a whole load of social media experts throughout the last quarter of 2024 (an Instagram launch is no trivial matter). It shows Meghan with her luxuriant hair flowing, clad in a loose white shirt and light jeans. She jogs barefoot towards the sea with all the joie de vivre of a quirky romcom heroine in an uplifting montage sequence, but stops short of the water. Then she bends down to write 2025 in the sand with her finger, a moment of perfectly rehearsed spontaneity; she grins, before jogging off once more.

If this seems like a relatively low-key way to announce a big Instagram comeback, thats entirely the point. Meghan is a savvy enough operator to know that on social media, authenticity (or at least, some curated, glossy version of authenticity) is king. This short video snippet feels worlds away from the more staid official content shed have had to put out to the world had she and her husband Prince Harry remained part of the royal family: the photos of handshakes with dignitaries, the earnest to-camera addresses, the formal portraits... you know the drill. Instead, it says, or tries to say: Im like you, just with a designer wardrobe and better access to the California coastline. Its aspirational without being too much. A bit smug, but not so much as to alienate its viewers. It was a perfect way to roll out the red carpet for her big Netflix launch, giving us a hint of the sort of tone we can expect.

The duchesss inevitable pivot to influencing makes a lot of sense. It comes after a long string of lacklustre ventures from the no-longer-royal couple. There was the foray into podcasting, then the parting of ways with audio giant Spotify. Prior to the announcement of With Love, Meghans launch, their much-vaunted Netflix deal had resulted in a hotly discussed tell-all documentary and a handful of projects that were far less warmly received. Then came the protracted launch of Meghans lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, which seemed to boil down to an(other) Instagram launch, a few jars of strawberry jam being sent out to famous friends, then radio silence.

In December, the American site The Cut, which Meghan previously selected to publish one of her first big post-Megxit interviews in 2022, bluntly declared that Harry and Meghans projects cant stop flopping.

open image in gallery Meghan welcomes in the new year on the beach in the first post on her new account ( meghan/Instagram )

In other words, it was about time Meghan shifted gear, ideally to a field in which she already had a strong track record. Her two main options, then, were acting and social media. Acting feels out of the question thanks to her outsize fame: she is now far too recognisable to disappear into a role. The latter, meanwhile, moves faster, is more reliable, consistent and, lets face it, has far fewer gatekeepers and presents fewer obstacles to success. It also goes hand in hand with the sort of upmarket lifestyle-based reality-ish show that she is set to launch.

What is Meghans social media track record, you ask? Long before she met Prince Harry, back when she was that woman off of Suits, Meghan was a dedicated Instagrammer, not just on her own personal account but as a way of promoting her lifestyle blog, The Tig. The now-defunct website was described by the duchess as a hub for the discerning palate  those with a hunger for food, travel, fashion and beauty; it was shut down in April 2017, a sign that her relationship with Harry was serious.

My former life as a womens magazine journalist circa 2016 to 2018 (ie the pinnacle of Markles royal-adjacent years) meant that I spent an inordinate amount of time looking back at both The Tigs account and Markles personal Instagram profile in order to glean little nuggets of insight about Prince Harrys new love. I can therefore attest that Meghan was very good at Instagram (or, perhaps more accurately, very good at fulfilling what we wanted from Instagrammers at the time). She had an eye for a motivational quote, a piece of grid-worthy feminist street art, or a striking tablescape. She loved taking pictures of her food and her holidays. She had a penchant for wearing what I can only describe as blogger hats.

When she started dating Harry, though, her posts dried up, and she shut the account down for good in January 2018, shortly after the couple announced their engagement; later, they posted Instagram updates under the handle @sussexroyal, but stopped using it in 2020 when they announced their decision to leave the royal family.

Her natural Instagram aptitude wont be the only factor underpinning this career move, though. As celebrities, Meghan and her husband occupy an unusual, perhaps unique space. They have left the royals well and truly behind them, but their profile and status are still largely contingent upon their links to Harrys family. Hence their immediate post-royal projects  the Oprah interview! The Netflix doc! Harrys wildly successful, scorched-earth autobiography!  focusing largely on dishing palace dirt (and doing so deliciously).

By now, though, weve all heard their story over and over again; at some point over the past couple of years, Prince Harry started to seem a bit like a very posh Ancient Mariner, destined to forever travel the world finding new opportunities to tell his tale of woe. Their royal years have been fully exhausted of any potential tell-all opportunities; there are probably very few bombshell anecdotes left in their arsenal. One potential way forward is to use that candour in a different way, by sharing (and possibly monetising) the day-to-day minutiae of their lives, sharing their present rather than their past. In a way, it would be the ultimate riposte to the royal family, who still like to keep the palace doors very much closed.

open image in gallery Before she met Prince Harry, Meghan was an Instagram devotee ( Getty )

If she wants to succeed, she might have to rein in her inner millennial

So what will Meghans next step be, and what direction will her online persona take? With Gwyneth Paltrows Goop empire reportedly on the wane, there might be a gap in the market for a celebrity lifestyle guru. Tabloids are already speculating that Meghan could earn around $1m (810,000) for a sponsored post. If she wants to succeed, she might have to rein in her inner millennial. Im not entirely sure Tig-style posting will cut it these days, as that modus operandi is probably a bit too live, laugh, love for the TikTok generation (were talking about the woman who posted a photo of two smiley-faced bananas hugging around the time that her relationship with Harry first became public knowledge).

Shell also have to contend with the extra dose of criticism that opening your life up online inevitably invites: shes already being told off for keeping the comments switched off on her video, a move that seems pretty sensible given that she has faced extensive and vicious trolling in the past. For every user who presses follow in good faith, you can guarantee therell be another who is only keeping tabs on her to build up more ammunition to attack her with. These are the sort of people who view everything Meghan does, like getting out of a car or wearing a short-sleeved dress, as some sort of devastating attack on royal protocol.

A hate follow, though, is still a follow, and even if people are checking in on Meghans posts in order to scrutinise them rather than straightforwardly celebrate them, shell still be able to capitalise on that obsession (platforms like Instagram and TikTok cant differentiate between users who are following in good faith and those who are not). Social media offers the potential to make money from her detractors  it might just give Meghan the last laugh after all.
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

Millie Bobby Brown has hit back at critics who accused her of looking old in her latest Instagram post.

The 20-year-old actor took to Instagram on Monday (December 30) to share a new mirror selfie, as she posed with her white Louis Vuitton bag.

However, some critics quickly went to the comments to make remarks about her appearance, with claims that she looked 35 and that she Googled how to look 65 when you are 16. Another Instagram user said she looked like a 40-year-old Jersey housewife.

Brown hit back at the criticisms on her Instagram Story on Wednesday. Women grow!! Not sorry about it, she wrote in the since-expired post, alongside a smiley face emoji.

In her initial selfie, the Stranger Things star posed with her small, white purse while wearing a white and pink floral dress.

Me and my mini, she wrote in the caption while tagging the Louis Vuitton Instagram account.

Millie Bobby Brown hits back at critcism about looking old ( milliebobbybrown / Instagram )

Her post came days after she shared a tribute to Stranger Things, as she recently finished filming the fifth and final season of the show. The Instagram post included a series of throwback pictures from her time on the program, where she played the character Eleven, alongside the caption: With love, el.

The post also included a video of the sweet speech she gave to the cast and crew while on set. Isnt graduation supposed to bring relief, like youre glad to leave behind the teachers and classmates? Not me, she said in the clip, as she had a microphone in her hand.

I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys. I love each and every one of you and Ill forever carry the memories and bonds weve created together, as a family. I love you. Thank you, she added.

Last year, Brown celebrated another major milestone in her life: Getting married to Jake Bongiovi. In October, she gave fans an intimate glimpse into her secret Italian wedding, which took place in May 2024, by sharing breathtaking photos from the ceremony.

Forever and always, your wife, she wrote in the caption, as she shared glimpses from their celebration at Villa Cetinale in Italy.

For the occasion, the Enola Holmes star donned a custom white lace Galia Lahav gown with a corseted bodice, cascading into a fitted fishtail skirt and lengthy train. She paired it with a long tulle veil with lace trim that billowed behind her and fell to her feet in an ethereal look. Her brown locks were pulled back into a tight updo with two tendrils framing her face.

Meanwhile, Bongiovi wore a white tuxedo jacket and black bow tie, which Brown later stole for the night as she hit the reception dance floor in a short white satin minidress with off-the-shoulder sleeves.

Matthew Modine, Browns Stranger Things co-star and on-screen father figure, officiated the ceremony.
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

Vanessa Williams has announced the death of her mother Helen, who passed away on a trip to London to watch her daughter perform in The Devil Wears Prada.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the Ugly Betty star, 61, confirmed that Helen had died at the age of 85 due to complications of acute liver failure, shortly after celebrating her birthday.

Helen, a music teacher and activist, had travelled to the UK in December to see her daughter take on the role of icy magazine boss Miranda Priestly in the musical adaptation of the hit book and film.

The Devil Wears Pradas producers have announced that Williams is set to take a break from the show for one week following the heartbreaking bereavement.

On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame, Vanessa wrote in her Instagram post, which also featured a smiling photo of Helen.

Our mom, Helen Williams, aka Gaga to many, took her final bow in London 20 days after celebrating her 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends, she continued.

Its impossible to describe all she meant to everyone because each person saw a different facet of her. Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a chosen few.

She had recently travelled to London for opening night of The Devil Wears Prada in the West End, and to celebrate her 85th birthday party surrounded by 150 of her family and friends. During her visit she suffered a major decline in health which ended her life.

Vanessas statement also highlighted her mothers many achievements, praising her work as a vocal music educator and her sterling legacy as an impassioned advocate and activist for the arts, education, womens rights, racial equality and social justice.

Vanessa Williams, right, with her mother Helen ( Getty Images for DIFF )

Helen, who was also mother to actor Chris Williams, co-authored the memoir You Have No Idea with Vanessa in 2012.

Vanessas Devil Wears Prada understudy Debbie Kurup is set to take on the role of Miranda during her absence.

Due to a sudden loss in her family, Vanessa Williams will not be appearing from Wednesday 8 to Wednesday 15 January, a statement from the show read. During this time, the role of Miranda Priestly will be played by Debbie Kurup. Vanessa will return to The Devil Wears Prada from Thursday 16 January.
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

Broccoli packages sold at Walmart stores in 20 states have been recalled due to a listeria risk.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on December 31 that Braga Fresh is issuing a voluntary recall on one of its broccolis. The product is a ready-to-eat 12oz Marketside Broccoli Florets, and it was recalled due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

As noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria is a bacteria that can contaminate many foods, with infections caused by eating food with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Although symptoms can vary, a listeria infection can cause invasive illness and intestinal illness.

The possible listeria contamination of Braga Freshs broccoli was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services from a Texas store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result, according to the FDA.

The recalled product was sold in Walmart stores, with UPC code 6 81131 32884 5 on the back of the bag and the Lot Code: BFFG327A6, on the front of the bag.

A listeria infection can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections for people with weakened immune systems, according to the FDA ( Getty Images )

It also has a best-if-used-by date of December 10, 2024. The FDA notes that while the product is no longer being sold inside stores, consumers may have frozen the item for later use. Any consumers who have the product in their freezers should not eat it and discard it.

The 12-ounce bags of broccoli were sold at Walmart stores in 20 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

According to the FDA, there havent been any reported illnesses connected to the recalled broccoli.

The agency also noted in the release that Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Meanwhile, people with healthier immune systems may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Speaking to The Independent, a representative for Walmart said that customers can visit a Walmart store to get a refund on the recalled broccoli.

The beloved retailer also issued a statement about the recall, saying: The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. While the expiration date for the potentially impacted Marketside Broccoli Florets has past and the product is no longer in stores, we encourage customers who may still have this product in their homes, such as stored in freezers, to not consume and to discard the product.

At this time, there have been no reported illnesses associated with this advisory, and we are working with the supplier to investigate, the companys statement concluded.

2024 saw an unexplained rise in food recalls. Last week, Gardners Candies issued a nationwide recall on its 1.25-ounce packages of Cappuccino Meltaway Bars, since they may contain an undeclared amount of tree nuts, posing a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction to consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to tree nuts.

In December, the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a high-risk recall for approximately 7,485 pounds of raw Italian pork sausage products produced by Impero Foods & Meats, Inc., a Baltimore-based establishment.

The FSIS designated the recall as Class I, describing it as a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

Also last month, Frito-Lay recalled a limited number of Lays Classic Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk, which Frito-Lay learned after being alerted through a consumer contact. This poses the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction for customers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk.
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

Italy summoned Irans ambassador on Thursday to demand the release of an Italian journalist while Tehran demanded Italy free an Iranian citizen arrested on a U.S. warrant over a drone attack in Jordan that killed three Americans a year ago.

The developments reflected an escalation in a sensitive, three-nation diplomatic tangle marked by a series of public barbs.

The complicated saga began on Dec. 16, when the U.S. Justice Department announced charges against two Iranian citizens accused of supplying the drone technology to Iran that was used in a January 2024 attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan that killed three American troops.

One of the suspects, Mohammad Abedini, was detained that day at Milans Malpensa airport on a U.S. warrant seeking his extradition.

Three days later, an Italian reporter for the Il Foglio daily, Cecilia Sala, was detained in Tehran. She had arrived in the country on Dec. 13 on a journalist visa and was arrested on charges of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic, the state-run IRNA news agency said.

The Italian and Iranian governments referred to both cases in their public statements Thursday after the Iranian ambassador was summoned to the Italian foreign ministry. That suggested the cases were very much intertwined as each country seeks the release of its citizen. Both say their detaineed national is being unjustly accused.

The Iranian Embassy to Italy described the meeting between Ambassador Mohammadreza Sabouri and the Italian foreign ministrys secretary general, Riccardo Guariglia, as friendly.

But in a statement on X, the embassy said Abedini was being held on false charges and demanded his release, in what was believed to be Tehrans first public response to the U.S. case against him.

It insisted that Sala was being treated humanely, especially in light of Christmas and New Years holidays, and demanded similar treatment for Abedini.

It is reciprocally expected from the Italian government that, in addition to expediting the release of the detained Iranian citizen, he will be provided with the things he needs, the statement said.

U.S. federal prosecutors have charged Abedini and a co-defendant with export control violations after FBI specialists analyzed the drone navigation system used in the Jordan attack and traced it to them. U.S. prosecutors said Abedini's Tehran-based company manufactures navigation systems for the military drone program of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Ever since the 1979 U.S. Embassy crisis in Iran, in which dozens of U.S. hostages spent 444 days in captivity in Tehran, Iran has frequently used prisoners with Western ties as bargaining chips in negotiations.

Italian commentators have speculated that that is indeed the case as Tehran seeks Abedini's release by holding Sala, whose fate has dominated Italian headlines for days and even featured in President Sergio Mattarellas end-of-year speech to the nation.

The Italian foreign ministry said it summoned Sabouri, the Iranian ambassador, to demand Salas release and ensure dignified detention conditions in full respect of human rights, including consular access and visitation.

Later in the day, Premier Giorgia Meloni convened a high-level meeting with the Italian justice and foreign ministers to discuss the Sala and Abedini cases, and met separately with Salas mother. In a statement, Melonis office said the government renewed its call for Salas immediate release and treatment that respects human dignity in the meantime.

Concerning Abedini, the government reaffirmed that all are guaranteed equal treatment in compliance with Italian laws and international conventions.

Abedinis Italian lawyer, Alfredo De Francesco, had asked the Milan court this week to grant him house arrest. On Thursday, Milans general prosecutor Francesca Nanni argued against the request, saying Abedini was a flight risk  especially since the Iranian government owned the residence in Italy that was proposed to house him.

The circumstances represented in the request, particularly the provision of an apartment and financial support from Irans consulate  do not constitute an adequate guarantee against the danger of flight of the Iranian national whose extradition the U.S. has requested, the adnkronos news agency reported, citing a statement from Nanni that was confirmed by her office.

The U.S. Justice Department has declined to comment on the case.

Salas mother, for her part, said she just wants her daughter to come home and be treated humanely by Iran in the meantime.

Speaking to reporters outside of Melonis office after the meeting, Elisabetta Vernoni said her daughter had reported to her on Wednesday  their second phone call  that she was sleeping on the floor in a cell usually used to punish prisoners.

I am a bit like Cecilia, I am a bit of a soldier. I wait and respect the work they are doing, Vernoni said.

But prison conditions for a 29-year-old girl who has done nothing must be such that they cannot scar her for life, she added.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails 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

Two more family members convicted in the killings of eight members of an Ohio family received lengthy prison terms on Friday for their roles in the 2016 shootings, as prosecutions near completion in what has been described as the most heinous crime in modern Ohio history.

Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein sentenced Edward Jake Wagner to 32 years in prison  12 on gun charges and 20 for the murders of five of the eight victims  with the possibility of parole in 20 years.

It was a surprising turn, given that Wagner had pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and other charges and agreed earlier to serve eight consecutive life sentences with no chance of parole. However, Hein said he took into account other participants' sentences in the case, as well as Wagner's cooperation with authorities in solving the murders of seven adults and a teenager from the Rhoden family in southern Ohios Pike County.

Hein sentenced Wagner's mother, Angela Wagner, to 30 years including credit for six years served. She had pleaded guilty to her role in helping plan the slayings.

Angela's mother, Rita Holcomb, was also sentenced, receiving five years of probation, a $750 fine and a suspended 180-day jail sentence, seven days of which she's already served, for lying to investigators.

Each generation has its own people who can prove the depths of depravity of human nature, and thats what this case did, the judge said before handing down the sentences in a Waverly courtroom, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) south of Columbus. It showed the boundless depravity of people who have no respect for others, only their own self-interest in mind.

During the emotional hearing, Andrea Shoemaker, the mother of shooting victim Hannah Gilley, scorned Jake Wagner as the spawn of Satan and his mother as evil. A group of the victims' supporters later walked out of the packed courtroom in protest as Wagner went on at length about Christian forgiveness during his final statement to the judge.

Wagner told the courtroom that two or three weeks after the murders, he prayed the most sincere prayer of his life.

I asked God, I said, Put me and my family back on the straight and narrow path, by any means necessary," he said. "I can tell you today I am not sorry that I got caught. I am sorry for what I've done, but I'm glad I got caught. I 100% believe that it was Jesus who made me get caught to answer my prayer.

George Wagner IV, who is Angelas son and Jakes brother, was sentenced in June to eight consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. The judge said he wanted to distinguish Jake's sentence from his brother's, since Jake had cooperated with authorities while George chose to go to trial. Hein said he also took into account that Angela was facing a maximum sentence of 30 years, even though she had the power to put an end to the vicious murder plot with a single phone call and chose not to.

According to prosecutors, George Wagner, his brother and their parents plotted the killings amid a dispute over custody of Wagners niece, whose mother was among those slain.

The April 2016 shootings at three mobile homes and a camper near Piketon terrified residents in that part of rural Ohio and initially prompted speculation about drug cartel involvement. The resulting multimillion-dollar investigation and prosecution is among the states most extensive.

The victims were 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr. and his ex-wife, 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; their three children, 20-year-old Clarence Frankie Rhoden, 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden and 16-year-old Christopher Rhoden Jr.; 20-year-old Hannah Gilley, who was Clarence Rhodens fiancee; Christopher Rhoden Sr.s brother, 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; and a cousin, 38-year-old Gary Rhoden.

The patriarch of the Wagner family, George Billy Wagner III, is the last of four family members facing charges in the case. Hein recently agreed to move his trial out of Pike County, a small rural community intimately familiar with the case.
Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Tahlequah, a mother orca who gained fame in 2018 for carrying her deceased calf on her back, has lost another child  and heartbreaking photos and video show her again continuing to carry her dead baby.

Researchers said that the calf, born off the shore of Washington state and known as J61, was female. She only lived for around a week and has been dead for a few days.

The death of any calf in the Southern Resident killer whale population is a tremendous loss, but the death of J61 is particularly devastating, not just because she was a female, who could have one day potentially led her own matriline but also given the history of her mother J35 who has now lost two out of four documented calves  both of which were female, the Center for Whale Research wrote in a Facebook post.

open image in gallery Tahlequah carries her dead offspring on her head. Previously, she had carried another deceased baby on her back ( NOAA Fisheries )

After the orca had her calf die in 2018, she carried her babys body on her back for an unprecedented 17 days and over 1,000 miles, garnering international attention and highlighting the complex ways that animals also process grief and death.

Now, Tahlequah, also known as J35, is carrying J61s body on her head. There is no way to tell how long shell carry the calf.

Over the last few years, we realized that we have the same neurotransmitters that they have. We have the same hormones that they have. Why shouldnt we also have the same emotions that they have, Joe Gaydos, the chief scientist for the UC Davis SeaDoc Society Program, told reporters at a Thursday press conference.

He noted that similar behavior had been observed in other animals, and particularly in long-lived and socially cohesive animals.

We dont have the market cornered on emotions. So, I think its fair to say that she is grieving, or mourning, he added.

The researchers have not provided a cause of death, but noted that they, NOAA, and other groups would conduct follow-up observations of Tahlequah and her other new calf, J62, when conditions and movements of the whales allow.

open image in gallery J35 carrying her dead baby calf ( NOAA Fisheries )

Obviously, its a heartbreaking, tragic situation for not just her, but also for the population, NOAA orca researcher Brad Hanson told KUOW. This particular calf was a female, and we need young viable females that recruit into the population in order to be able to recover it.

Previously, the team had expressed concern about J61s health based on the behavior of the calf and her mother. An agency that conducts body measurements said they believed the calf was premature and in subnormal body condition in October, the Orca Conservancy noted last month.

open image in gallery J61 is seen off the Washington coast last year. Scientists had been conserved about the calf based on her behavior ( Center for Whale Research/Facebook )

Scientists had worried about Tahlequahs health seven years ago, as well. She is now in her late twenties, and orcas can live between 50 and 90 years in the wild.

Dr. Brad Hanson, a wildlife biologist with NOAAs Northwest Fisheries Science Center, said Thursday that she may not have had the time to recover from her prior calf.

They had hoped that she was able to keep J61 alive through the early days, noting that early life is always dangerous for new calves, with a very high mortality rate in the first year.

We are very grateful to our colleagues in Puget Sound who have been conducting fieldwork and sharing their observations with us, the center said.

The sex of J62 remains unknown, but has appeared physically and behaviorally normal.

open image in gallery J62 travels with the pod. J62 has appeared to behave normally ( Center for Whale Research )

Unfortunately, baby orcas have what is roughly estimated to be a 50 percent mortality rate, according to Andrew Trite, the director of marine mammal research at the institute for oceans and fisheries in UBCs zoology department, told the Vancouver Sun.

Scientists were never able to figure out the cause of death of her other calf in 2018.

Experts said Thursday that female orcas with more sons are less likely to successfully produce a calf.

The first born has a higher probability of dying, largely due to inexperience, he said. Its about the challenge of nursing.
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 father who has developed paranoid schizophrenia and psychosis in prison after serving almost 13 years for stealing a phone will not be transferred to a secure hospital, his devastated family has learnt.

Thomas White, who suffers from religious delusions and last year set himself alight in his cell, is languishing under an imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence. These indeterminate prison sentences were abolished more than a decade ago, but those already serving them were not released from the conditions they impose.

IPP sentences have been described as psychological torture by the UN, while campaigners have pushed for all remaining IPP inmates to be resentenced.

Whites family claim he is being denied his basic right to healthcare inside HMP Manchester, a category A prison, as they battle for him to be transferred to a hospital setting.

Two medical reports shared with The Independent last summer laid bare the toll of the devastating jail term as medics warned that Whites lengthy incarceration was creating impermeable barriers to his recovery. Both called for him to be moved to a hospital.

In a previous report, in 2023, a psychiatrist found that the indefinite jail term handed to White, which had a two-year minimum tariff, was the probable cause of his poor mental health.

However, the hospital transfer was blocked after a new assessment arranged by the prison in December concluded that White lacks motivation in prison and will therefore lack motivation in a forensic psychiatric hospital.

After hearing the news, White, 40, told his family: I am going to die in here.

open image in gallery Clara White, Thomass sister, has previously turned to David Blunkett for help to ensure that her brothers son Kayden is able to visit him in prison ( White family )

His heartbroken sister Clara, who has been campaigning for IPP reform, vowed to make sure that politicians will never forget her brothers name if anything happens to him while hes incarcerated.

She previously turned to David Blunkett  who admits he regrets introducing the flawed sentences in 2005 when he was home secretary under Tony Blair, and now campaigns for reform  for help to secure prison visits for Whites son Kayden, now 14.

If my brother dies by suicide, cardiac arrest or drug overdose, I will spend my life making sure his name, Thomas White, will haunt this government, she told The Independent.

Thomas is just tangled in a web, and I dont think we are going to untangle it for him. I think hes lost in this. I have been everywhere with this. I have been up and down the country, meeting David Blunkett and doing everything I can.

The latest report suggested that the father-of-ones mental illness was linked to the misuse of spice, a synthetic drug designed to mimic the effects of cannabis.

However, Ms White said his drug use only started when he realised he was not going to be released at the end of his minimum tariff, adding: That is what hopelessness looks like. My brother never took spice at the beginning of his sentence. He thought he would do two years, maybe a bit longer, and be set free.

As well as not supporting his hospital transfer, the latest report did not support Whites release from prison or progression to open conditions. However, it did recommend another prison transfer, which could see White moved for the 13th time in as many years.

With a parole hearing coming up in January as White approaches the 13th anniversary of his incarceration, his family has little hope for his release.

He wont get parole in January, then he will have served 15 years by the time he gets another parole hearing, said Ms White. I have not heard a single word from him since we got the bad news 10 days ago. That tells me that Thomas is in a really bad place. He was really upset and just said I am going to die in here.

open image in gallery Thomas White with his sister, Clara, and his mother, Margaret, in Manchester in 1985 ( White family )

IPP jail terms were introduced under New Labour in 2005 and saw offenders given a minimum tariff but no maximum. They were scrapped in 2012 over human rights concerns, but not for people already detained  leaving almost 2,700 prisoners like White languishing in prison with no release date. At least 90 IPP prisoners have taken their own lives.

An assessment by an independent consultant forensic psychiatrist in August last year found that White had been suffering panic attacks and pacing in his cell as he struggled with psychosis and religious delusions.

Mr White expressed feeling depressed about his long imprisonment without a set release date, citing this as the reason for his previous suicide attempt, Dr Deepu Thomas said, concluding that he should be moved to a medium secure unit.

In November, Labour peer Tony Woodley urged the government not to be on the wrong side of history after he sponsored a private members bill calling for IPP prisoners to be resentenced.

However, prisons minister and Labour peer James Timpson has insisted that the government will not support any form of resentencing, despite at least 700 IPP prisoners having served more than 10 years beyond their minimum term.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: It is right that IPP sentences were abolished. With public protection as the No 1 priority, the lord chancellor is working with organisations and campaign groups to ensure appropriate action is taken to support those still serving these sentences, such as improved access to mental health support and rehabilitation programmes.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch
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 hacker who pocketed 42,000 selling unreleased music from leading musicians on the dark web has been spared jail.

Skylar Dalziel, 22, of Luton, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years, for 14 counts relating to the trading of copyrighted music without the consent of the recording artists or label.

In a raid of her home last January, police discovered hard drives containing up to 291,941 music tracks, including unreleased songs by Coldplay, Shawn Mendes, Melanie Martinez, Taylor Upsahl, and Bebe Rexha.

She had obtained the music by illegally accessing several cloud storage accounts linked to the artists.

Police also found a spreadsheet showing she had sold the tracks to several customers.

An investigation had been launched the previous year after the recording industry experts at the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry contacted the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police.

The Recording Industry Association of America supplied evidence showing that Dalziel had purchased six music tracks on the dark web which were unreleased and not available for sale and linked to three different record labels. These purchases were made using Bitcoin.

A review of Dalziels PayPal account and bank account showed that she had received payments worth a total of 42,049 from April 2021 to January 2023, police said.

She was handed the suspended sentence at Luton Crown Court on Friday, having pleaded guilty to nine copyright offences and four computer misuse offences.

open image in gallery The hacker has handed a suspended sentence at Luton Crown Court ( PA )

She was also ordered to complete 180 hours unpaid work and 10 rehabilitative activity days.

The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of hard drives and other equipment associated with the offending.

Detective Constable Daryl Fryatt, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, said: Stealing copyrighted material for your own financial gain is illegal. It jeopardises the work of artists and the livelihoods of the people who work with them to create and release their music. Its estimated that this type of criminal activity contributes to over 80,000 job losses each year.

Todays sentencing sends a clear message that we have the ability and tools to locate cyber criminals and hold them to account for their actions. We believe Dalziel was working with suspects overseas and are now working to identify them.

Richard Partridge of the Crown Prosecution Service said: Dalziel had complete disregard for the musicians creativity and hard work producing original songs and the subsequent potential loss of earnings.

This type of activity doesnt just impact on the artists themselves but also on employees of the record companies involved. She selfishly used their music to make money for herself by selling it on the dark web.
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 new national memorial to remember the late Queen could incorporate artificial intelligence, augmented reality or other new technology, organisers say.

The government has earmarked a provisional construction budget of 23m-46m for the permanent monument, which will stand in St Jamess Park, central London.

Artists, architects and engineers are being invited to compete to draw up the final design before a shortlist of applicants is announced in spring, and a final winner is announced in the summer.

Members of the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Committee have told the Times podcast The Royals that the memorial will not necessarily be traditional.

Alex Holmes, deputy chief executive of the Diana Award, said: Nothing is off the table. As a committee, we are looking into how digital has revolutionised some of the [countrys] attractions, and whether thats AI or AR (augmented reality), [were] really fascinated by that.

The committee, chaired by Lord Janvrin, the late Queens former private secretary, has been canvassing public opinion on how to commemorate the longest reign in British history. Suggestions that the winning design could contain a digital element emerged from focus groups of young people.

open image in gallery One of the last photos of the Queen (Jane Barlow/PA) ( PA Media )

Baroness Amos, the former leader of the House of Lords, said: We do not want to be prescriptive about this. There are a set of guidelines and principles that we have set out. And we are then looking to those artists, those designers, to come up with the best ideas.

We want a memorial that is beautiful, that speaks to that legacy, but is also fit for the future.

The committee will discuss the plans with the government, the King and other senior members of the royal family.

Design teams have until 20 January to submit expressions of interest.

Baroness Amos said: Value for money is very much at the top of our minds. We know that finance and money could easily become a divisive issue and we dont want it to be.

Anna Keay, a historian and director of the Landmark Trust who sits on the committee, acknowledged the budget was a lot of money, but added: I dont think anyone would thank any of us for doing something on the cheap and then ending up with something which is still a lot of money but a disappointment.

The committee plans to release the final design on 21 April 21 2026, which would have been the late Queens 100th birthday.
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

The RSPCA has warned householders that antifreeze and salt can be poisonous to pets  as snow and freezing temperatures are forecast to sweep the UK this weekend.

Amber severe weather warnings for ice and snow have been issued for parts of England and Wales amid a cold snap gripping the country.

Most of the Midlands, Wales, and parts of northern England will be covered by an amber warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday until noon on Sunday.

Up to 30-40cm of snow is possible in parts of northern England on Sunday, the Met Office said.

Further south, and especially over Wales, rain could freeze, causing dangerous icy conditions, forecasters said.

UK Health Security Agency cold-weather health alerts for all of England remain in place for vulnerable people.

And the RSPCA issued advice for owners on how to keep their pets unharmed by the tumbling temperatures and the state of the ground.

The charity asks drivers to check their car regularly to ensure it is not leaking water coolant; keep antifreeze in labelled, robust, sealed containers, away from pets; clean up even small spills immediately and ensure animals cannot access the area until its clean.

Pets die every year from accidental poisonings from antifreeze spills and leaks, as well as from leaking water coolant from cars, but most of these deaths are avoidable, the RSPCA says.

Dogs that have walked in areas gritted with rock salt should have their paws thoroughly washed afterwards or it can act as an irritant or be ingested if the animal licks its paws.

Drivers are also asked to tap their car bonnet and check around the wheels and on top of the tyres before starting up, because cats may shelter there for warmth.

open image in gallery Coats help dogs stay warm ( Getty Images )

Cat owners are asked to ensure their pets bedding is warm and dry, away from cold draughts.

In the coldest months, your cat must have access to a warm environment, such as your home or another heated indoor area, the charity advises.

Elderly or sickly dogs will benefit from a special coat to keep them warm, and both dogs and owners should wear something reflective. A light on a dogs collar is a safety feature.

Dogs should be kept away from ponds and lakes that are iced over as thin ice may break under a dogs weight.

If its snowing outside, watch out for your dogs paws becoming compacted with snow, which is uncomfortable for them, the charity says.

Other advice includes insulating the outdoor sleeping areas of rabbits and guinea pigs, keeping enclosures facing away from wind and rain, and moving enclosures into an outhouse, shed or unused garage.

For fishponds with frozen surfaces, place a saucepan of hot water on it to gently melt a hole in the ice with the warmth. Dont break fishpond ice and never tip boiling water straight onto the pond either, as this can also harm or kill any fish living there.

Check horses and ponies hooves for abscesses and loose shoes, and legs, for any signs of mud fever.

They should have access to shelter and fresh water, and maybe a waterproof rug.
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

Elon Musk has continued his criticism of the UK government, calling on the King to step in and dissolve parliament after Labour rejected a call for a national inquiry into child grooming.

The tech billionaire triggered an explosive row on Thursday over Sir Keir Starmers handling of historic child abuse in Oldham after he suggested the prime minister had failed to bring rape gangs to justice when he was director of public prosecutions.

In his latest attack on Sir Keir, Mr Musk shared a post asking whether King Charles should dissolve parliament and order a general election for the sake and security of Britain.

Mr Musk retweeted the X thread with a one-word comment: Yes.

Dissolution is the formal term for the end of a parliament, which occurs ahead of a general election.

While the monarch does have the power to dissolve parliament, this power is a formality and is done so upon request of the prime minister. For the King to dissolve parliament against the wishes of the prime minister would cause a constitutional crisis in the UK.

The 53-year-old Starlink boss continued to wade into the debate overnight, hours after he posted that safeguarding minister Jess Phillips deserves to be in prison after she denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham on Thursday.

Elon Musk has engaged in a long-running war of words with the PM ( Getty )

Mr Musk also reposted an article in The Daily Telegraph by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick in which he says the grooming gangs should be renamed torture rape gangs.

He wrote that Mr Musks comments had shamed the establishment by taking more interest in bringing these rape gangs to justice in one evening than most of the British establishment has for decades.

A number of prosecutions involving grooming gangs were taking place around the time Sir Keir took up his post as DPP. He launched reforms into how the CPS handles child sex abuse cases, as well as saying that ethnicity or political correctness should not get in the way of prosecutions.

Sir Keir has also blamed the previous Conservative government for not bringing in a duty to report safeguarding issues.

Hours after Mr Musks intervention on Thursday, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch demanded a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs, with shadow home secretary Chris Philp and shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns writing to the Home Office.

While Ms Phillips said she recognised the strength of feeling for a Home Office-led inquiry into Oldham, she told the local council the government will not intervene.

I believe it is for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene, she said.

The last Tory government also rejected a similar request from Oldham council for a public inquiry, saying it is for local authorities to commission local inquiries.

Responding to the criticism, a Labour spokesperson pointed out that the party called for and supported a national inquiry into child sexual abuse under Professor Alexis Jay, which concluded in 2022, as well as supporting an independent review commissioned by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, which covered Oldham.

The spokesperson also said the party would welcome and support an independent investigation commissioned by Oldham Council which puts victims voices at its heart, following the examples of Telford and Rotherham.

Meanwhile, health secretary Wes Streeting took aim at Elon Musks attacks, saying his comments were misjudged and certainly misinformed.

But he also offered an olive branch to Mr Musk, urging him to work with the government to tackle online child abuse.

Pressed if Mr Musks comments were unhelpful to the government, health secretary Mr Streeting told ITV News that ministers took child sexual exploitation incredibly seriously.

He added: Some of the criticisms that Elon Musk has made, I think are misjudged and certainly misinformed, but were willing to work with Elon Musk, who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform to help us and other countries to tackle this serious issue.

So if he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, wed welcome that.

Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg, several prominent Brexit-supporting politicians with links to Dondal Trump spent Thursday warning that Mr Musk had gone too far with his expression of support for jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

In one of his social media posts, Mr Musk had called for Robinson to be freed, leading several politicians on the right of British politics to reportedly warn the US President-elects team not to follow the tech billionaires lead.

Mr Musk has engaged in a long-running war of words with Sir Keirs administration which came to a head during last summers far-right riots when the social media boss claimed civil war is inevitable in the UK.

The Tesla bosss latest attack comes just days after Downing Street was forced to defend Sir Keirs government as unashamedly pro-growth after Mr Musk lashed out at his policies.

Responding to calls to build a new plant for his electric cars in Scotland, Mr Musk said very few companies would be willing to put money into the UK under Labour.

While Downing Street rejected Mr Musks assessment of the governments policies, it sought to avoid being drawn into a public spat with the owner of the X social media site and a member of Mr Trumps inner circle.
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

Flipping through a family album, Keachia Bowers paused on a photo of her as a baby on her fathers lap as he held the 1978 album Africa Stand Alone by the Jamaican reggae band Culture.

He joined the ancestors when I was 10 years old. I was supposed to come to Ghana with him, she said.

Bowers and her husband, Damon Smith, are among the 524 diaspora members, mostly Black Americans, who were granted Ghanaian citizenship in a ceremony in November.

A day earlier, Bowers had marked 10 years since her father's death. Though he was a Pan-Africanist who dreamed of visiting Ghana, he never made it here.

open image in gallery Keachia Bowers holds a photograph of her with her late father in their home in Accra, Ghana, ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Bowers and Smith moved to Ghana from Florida in 2023 after visiting the region several times between them since the 90s. They now run a tour business that caters to Black people who want to visit Ghana or elsewhere in West Africa, or like them have come to consider a permanent move.

The November group was the largest one granted citizenship since Ghana launched the Year of the Return program, aimed at attracting the Black diaspora, in 2019. It marked 400 years since the first African slaves arrived in Virginia in 1619.

Ghanas Tourism Authority and the Office of Diaspora Affairs have extended the program into Beyond the Return, which fosters the relationship with diasporans. Hundreds have been granted citizenship, including people from Canada, the U.K. and Jamaica.

open image in gallery Keachia Bowers, second from left, and her husband Damon Smith, third from left, pose for a portrait with their children ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Bowers said moving to Ghana gave her family a certain feeling of ease they didnt have in the U.S.

When we see Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, all these stories of people being murdered just in their home, living in their home and being murdered at the hands of police brutality, hearing about it creates trauma, she said.

She also worried about her son Tsadik, 14.

Tsadik towers over loved ones in the way that lanky teenage boys often do. He is shy but opens up around his younger sister Tselah, 11, and the familys dog, Apollo.

In America, being a Black male with locs whos very tall for his age, he is treated like a threat, Bowers said.

open image in gallery African books sit on the bookshelf at the Keachia Bowers and Damon Smiths family home in Accra, Ghana ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Americans face few obstacles to living in Ghana, with most people paying an annual residency fee. But Bowers said getting citizenship signified more than simply living in Ghana.

I didnt need (citizenship) to tell me that Im African. Anywhere that I go in the world and someone looks at me, Im melanated, she said.

But my ancestors who wanted to return and come back home, those ancestors who never made it back," she said, that passport, for me, is for them.

Between 10 to 15 million people were forcibly taken from Africa to the Americas during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the majority from West and Central Africa.

Ghana, then a British colony known as the Gold Coast, was a main point of departure.

As memorials to the slave trade become tourist destinations across West Africa, painful reminders of its brutality are easily accessible. From Ghana to Senegal to Benin, one can visit variations of the Door of No Return," haunting doorways that open to the Atlantic Ocean where slaves left Africa, and their families, for the last time.

The joy that people feel in finding connections that were broken long ago is palpable. Videos of the recent citizenship ceremony show men and women of all ages waving Ghanaian flags and cheering.

open image in gallery Deijha Gordon, 33, poses for a photograph in her food truck in Accra, Ghana ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Deijha Gordon, 33, was one of them.

I first visited Ghana in 2015. From then on, I knew this is a place that I wanted to be and a place where I wanted to show other diasporans, African-Americans, that we have a place where we belong, she said.

She moved from Brooklyn to Ghana in 2019 and opened a food truck, Deijha Vus Jerk Hut, selling Jamaican food.

Between bagging to-go orders and speaking to a Black American tourist couple, she explained how she built the business from scratch.

Gordon was giddy while recalling the moment she got citizenship.

It just feels good to have a connection to an African country as an African-American, as a Black American. Because back in America we dont have anything to trace our roots to but Africa. To have that connection here, I feel like Ive done something right, she said.

Like Bowers, Gordon has had a stream of people reaching out and asking about the citizenship process.

open image in gallery Keachia Bowers points to her name in a booklet listing people who are part of the Black diaspora ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The path is not clearly defined. Citizenship must come from a concession from Ghana's presidency, a process made legal under the 2000 Citizenship Act. It's granted to those residing in Ghana who have told the Office of Diaspora Affairs that they are interested in citizenship.

Ghana's government in part describes the program as a benefit to the economy and focuses on investment opportunities for those wishing to relocate.

Festus Owooson with the local nonprofit Migration Advocacy Center said that though the government emphasizes the economic angle, the real benefits of citizenship are intangible.

I dont think (recipients) were crying because they have landed a gold mine, or theyve found oil or some kind of business opportunity. But its something so relieving, which you cannot put value or a price on, he said.

President Nana Akufo-Addos administration, which launched the Year of the Return, is on its way out. Ghanas main opposition party won the presidential election on Dec. 7.

But Owooson said Black Americans and other diaspora citizens are likely to continue receiving citizenship by presidential concession.

Citizenship also can pass to the next generation. The children of Bowers and Smith received it automatically after their parents' ceremony.

Bowers father, like her husband and children, was a follower of the Rastafari faith. Part of the Rastafarian tradition is to repatriate. We see repatriation as the ultimate experience that you can have on this earth, she said.

She believes that her father is proud of her. I really feel like hes smiling, where he is. He wanted to experience this for himself, so hes experiencing it through me.
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 wife of the Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger left him just days before he detonated the vehicle outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, according to a report.

The active-duty Green Beret had argued with his wife after she told him she suspected he had been cheating, the New York Post reports, citing law enforcement sources.

Livelsberger left his home in Colorado Springs the day after Christmas following the argument with his wife, less than a week before he blew up the Tesla Cybertruck on New Years Day, two sources familiar with the investigation told the newspaper.

He and his wife had a baby daughter.

It has also emerged that Livelsberger had reportedly been back in touch with former girlfriends in the days before the explosion.

open image in gallery Matthew Livelsberger, the man believed to have detonated a Tesla outside Donald Trumps Las Vegas hotel ( Linkedin )

He boasted to one of them, Alicia Arritt, that he felt like Batman after renting the Tesla Cybertruck.

Arritt, from Colorado Springs, his former girlfriend of three years, said the 37-year-old got in touch with her on December 29 out of the blue.

I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. Its the s***, he texted Arritt that morning, the Denver Gazette reports. I feel like Batman or halo, he added.

Arritt met Livelsberger in 2018 when she was working as an army nurse stationed at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany while he was in Special Forces, the outlet reports.

open image in gallery Authorities analyze the charred wreckage of the Cybertruck ( Las Vegas Metro Police )

Arritt, a single mother, told the newspaper she was surprised to hear from Livelsberger. The pair had split in 2021 because he wanted to focus on his career.

Im building drones in my new position, he told her in the excited-sounding messages. You would love it.

How fast is it? Arritt asked Livelsberger. Ungodly, he replied.

Arritt revealed the FBI knocked on her door after discovering the messages on Livelsbergers phone, and that agents told her she was not the only former girlfriend the army veteran had contacted in his final days.

I dont know if I could have stopped him, she said.

According to Arritt, Livelsbergers behavior changed after he returned from a tour in the Middle East suffering from a traumatic brain injury in 2019.

open image in gallery The flaming Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas ( Alcides Antunes/Reuters )

She told the Gazette that he became isolated after the tour and believed that he needed to seek help for his mental health, but didnt.

Its not acceptable to seek treatment when someone is in Special Forces, Arritt said.

Livelsbergers uncle, Dean Livelsberger, told The Independent his nephew was like a Rambo-type, for lack of a better word.

Dean, whose older brother is Livelsbergers father, Roger, who himself is an air force veteran who served in Vietnam, said his nephew loved the army.

He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100 per cent loving the country, he continued. He loved Trump, and he was always a very, very patriotic soldier, a patriotic American. Its one of the reasons he was in Special Forces for so many years. It wasnt just one tour of duty.

At a press conference on Thursday, the FBI said that there was no definitive link between the Las Vegas incident and the terror attack in New Orleans that happened hours earlier on New Years Day.
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

Following a press conference about the New Years Day terror attack in New Orleans, MAGA diehards expressed their outrage online, not with the tragedy itself  but with the jewelry of a leading FBI investigator.

Multiple posts online called out the nose ring worn by Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan, who provided initial updates on the incident  in which 14 innocent people were killed  and took questions from the press on Wednesday.

During a briefing, Duncan wore a small stud in her nose.

The account of @amuse, which describes itself as conservative headlines and articles, described the jewelry as evidence that the FBI is chronically lowering its standards.

Multiple posts online called out the jewellry worn by Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan, who provided initial updates on the attack in New Orleans ( screengrab )

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan, who initially stated that the terror attack was not being considered a terrorist attack - she was wearing a prohibited nose ring, the account fumed.

FBI agents should be rule followers - especially those in leadership roles. Aletheas decision to flaunt FBI rules in our faces on national television is just another example of the decline of the agency.

According to FBI guidelines, jewelry and piercings for agents must be small, simple in design and not present a safety hazard.

Facial piercings are not permitted, except for female trainees, who are authorized to wear earrings, the guidelines state.

Sharing a clip of Duncan, right-wing media personality Benny Johnson wrote: Hold up. An FBI Agent with a nose ring who can barely speak coherent English sentences told the media that a terrorist driving a truck with an ISIS flag killing 10 Americans is NOT a terrorist attack!?!

The death count was later updated to 14 victims along with the suspect.

In the clip, taken from an early press conference, Duncan told reporters that the incident was not yet being classified as a terrorist event and advised people to stay away from Bourbon Street, where the attack took place.

The FBI has since confirmed that the incident is being investigated as an act of terrorism and that Shamsud-Din Jabbar is believed to have acted alone.

The concerns over Duncans appearance did not go unnoticed by more liberal social media users. Poster @HotepJesus wrote The Woke Right is angry at: FBI agents ability to speak. FBI agents grammar. A nose ring. A Press Conference.

Things they are NOT mad at: The New Orleans Terrorist.
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

Law enforcement agencies were warned ahead of the holidays about potential lone offenders using vehicle ramming to attack people, weeks before a terrorist drove into a crowd in New Orleans on New Years Day.

The Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and National Counterterrorism Center sent a joint bulletin on December 6 to federal, state and local law enforcement informing them of the potential threat, according to the bulletin obtained by CNN.

The Independent has reached out to the department for comment.

A follow-up critical incident note was sent after a ramming attack at a German Christmas market on December 20 left five people dead and hundreds of others injured.

open image in gallery A suspect drove a truck into a crowd on New Years Day, killing 15 people and injuring dozens of others  the lastest in vehicle ramming incidents ( AFP via Getty Images )

In the bulletin, the federal agencies warned law enforcement that lone offenders pose the highest risk of committing violent acts during winter holidays.

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 said.

On Wednesday, a suspected terrorist drove their truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring at least 30 others. That driver, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, acted alone, the FBI said on Thursday.

Law enforcement officials said Jabbar, a veteran and U.S. citizen from Texas, was inspired by ISIS and intended to run over as many people as he could.

Jabbar acted alone in conducting the attack.

open image in gallery On Wednesday, a suspected terrorist drove their truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring at least 30 others ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

In a separate incident, a military vet died after a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Years Day, injuring seven people.

That individual was identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, a veteran and U.S. citizen from Colorado.

Despite both incidents involving vehicles, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Chris Raia said there was no definitive link between the attacks.

Vehicle ramming incidents have become more popular over the last few years, leading law enforcement agencies to notify event organizers of the potential danger.

In an advisory issued ahead of the New Years Eve celebration in Las Vegas, 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), according to ABC News.
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 California woman was tased multiple times in the head during an apparent kidnapping by a person in disguise whom she identified as her former housekeeper, police reported.

Erin Quinn had been out trying to collect items for a Christmas toy drive when she was allegedly violently attacked for more than 30 minutes in her car by a person wearing a blonde wig.

The person, Quinn claimed, was her housekeeper Olga Mendez, with whom she had no contact for over nine months.

The incident occurred on December 18 when Quinn, who lives in Temecula, received a text message asking her to pick up toys for the toy drive. The message came from an unknown number from someone who claimed to be an elderly woman named Connie, KTLA 5 reported.

open image in gallery (Pictured) Olga Mendez, 44, allegedly attacked her former employer Erin Quinn in her own car and attempted to kidnap her ( Riverside Police Department )

When she arrived at the address Quinn got out of the car, but received no answer when she rang the doorbell. Another text message told her to wait in her vehicle so the items could be brought out to her.

Quinn claimed that the attacker, wearing a disguise, was waiting for her in the car when she got back in the vehicle.

I had no idea someone was waiting for me, ready to attack and taser me in the head, she said, in a message on a GoFundMe page. I was tased over 30 times in the head. The one that lasted almost a minute nearly killed me.

A struggle ensued in which Quinn said she tried everything I could to get her off of me, including kicking her assailant and even biting a portion of her finger off in self-defense. The vehicle crashed and Quinn was able to remove the wig  at which point she said she recognized Mendez.

open image in gallery Erin Quinn said she was tased repeatedly and left with burns and bruises following the attack on December 18, which lasted over 30 minutes ( ABC7 )

I strongly believe that her plan was to kidnap me and take me to Mexico for either ransom or sale, she said.

Mendez allegedly fled the scene after a stranger intervened, and police officers were able to gather evidence including hair, the piece of finger, the taser, and the wig for evidence.

The Riverside County Sheriffs Department said in a news release that deputies initially investigated the incident as a domestic dispute, but quickly learned that it was a kidnapping attempt and an assault.

Responding officers took Quinn to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Mendez, 44, was later arrested in Paramount, 10 days after the assault. She has been charged with kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and two unrelated warrants, according to the Riverside County Sheriffs Department.
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

Officials have arrested three people after two people were shot dead and two children were kidnapped from a Michigan home.

Police responded to a 911 call on Wednesday evening reporting a shooting at a home in Northfield Township, just north of Ann Arbor. There, police found Jennifer Lyn Bernhard, 48, and Stevie Ray Smith, 74, who had been killed in the shooting, local outlet All About Ann Arbor reports.

A third person, 52, was found injured by gunshots. They are now in stable condition after being hospitalized, All About Ann Arbor reports. Their identity is still unclear.

After the shooting, a seven-year-old and four-year-old were abducted from the home, police learned after they arrived. The children were found safely and evaluated at a hospital, according to All About Ann Arbor.

Now, the three suspects are in custody and could face charges as soon as Friday.

While charges have not yet been announced, the suspects could face life in prison if theyre hit with first-degree murder charges and convicted by a jury.

The attack stemmed from a custody dispute, police told All About Ann Arbor.

"Its definitely shocking," said Whitmore Lake resident Chuck Linblade told CBS News Detroit.

"Stuff like that isnt that common around here, he added. Crime in general really isnt an issue let alone something of that magnitude."

The Independent has contacted the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office for comment.
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The FBI has shared the movements of suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar in the final days and hours leading up to his deadly New Orleans attack early New Years Day.

New details have emerged about how Jabbar, 42, traveled from his home in Houston, Texas, to New Orleans on New Years Eve in a rented pickup truck.

He later rammed it into a crowd on bustling Bourbon Street, filled with revelers enjoying the celebrations at approximately 3:15 a.m. on January 1.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Christopher Raia, the FBIs deputy assistant director of its counter-terrorism division, said investigators are reviewing video footage of Jabbar recorded in the hours before the attack where he proclaimed his support for ISIS.

Jabbar joined ISIS before this summer, Raia said at the briefing.

The FBI and other agencies are combing through hundreds of hours of footage and surveillance, Raia added.

This is how the movements of the suspect unfolded in the days and hours leading up to the massacre.

open image in gallery Shamsud-Din Jabbar traveled from Houston to New Orleans on New Years Eve ( FBI/AFP via Getty Images )

December 30 - Suspect collects rental vehicle

According to Raia, Jabbar collected the rented Ford F-150 pickup truck that he used to plow into the crowd just over 24 hours later in Houston, Texas.

Jabbar moved north of Houston a year ago but previously lived in an apartment building in the city from 2021 to 2023.

December 31 - Jabbar drives from Houston to New Orleans

Jabbar then drove the roughly 350-mile journey from Houston to New Orleans on the evening of New Years Eve. During the journey, which is approximately a six-hour drive, Jabbar posted several videos to an online platform proclaiming his support for ISIS, Raia said.

The suspect was staying in an Airbnb property on Mandeville Street. Authorities did not detail the timings of when he arrived at the apartment, but Raia confirmed the address was still being searched by investigators. A neighbor told CNN that their Ring camera captured footage of Jabbar unloading his car at 10:02 p.m. Tuesday.

Two laptops were recovered at the Mandeville address and are currently being analyzed.

open image in gallery Police outside the house fire on Mandeville Street ( Getty Images )

January 1, 2025 - Suspect posts ISIS videos, plants IEDs and carries out attack

Raia did not specify the exact timings, but he told the briefing that Jabbar planted two explosive devices in coolers  one near the cross-section of Bourbon and Orleans Street, and the second at an intersection approximately two blocks away  probably after midnight.

When asked what time Jabbar planted the devices, Raia said: I dont have the exact times in front of meprobably after midnight I want to say 1 or 2 in the morning.

Surveillance footage later captured the moment Jabbar planted the devices and Raia said the FBI believes he left the scene after positioning the explosives before returning with the pickup truck later on. They were functional, but rendered safe at the scene, Raia said.

Raia appealed for witnesses to come forward.

open image in gallery The wreckage of the crash was captured via a drone ( AP )

We want to talk to anyone who was in the French Quarter on New Years Eve or early on New Years Day, he said. That includes people spotted near one of the two IEDs on Bourbon Street. Many people stopped and looked at the cooler and then continued on their way.

He clarified that authorities do not believe those people are involved but are needed as witnesses.

Jabbar also posted videos time-stamped at 1:29 a.m. and another at 3:02 a.m.  the latter just 10 minutes or so before he rammed the pickup truck into the crowd of revelers.

In the first video, Jabbar explains he originally planned to harm his family and friends but was concerned the news headlines would not focus on the war between the believers and the disbelievers, Raia said during the briefing. Additionally, he stated he had joined ISIS before this summer.

Meanwhile, sometime after the suspect carried out his attack on Bourbon Street, a fire broke out at the Mandeville address. Raia said that the FBI is currently working on the assumption that it started after the suspect was killed in the standoff with officers.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry added that authorities may be able to walk everyone through a full timeline of the incident by early next week.
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 former commanding officer of New Orleans attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar has spoken out on social media about the soldiers disturbing radicalization.

Jabbar, 42, from Houston, killed 14 people and injured 35 others in the early hours of Wednesday morning after he rammed a truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street before being shot dead by police.

Col. Richard Groen, his former commanding officer, explained in an X post Thursday that Jabbar had served under [his] Troop Command during our deployment to Afghanistan.

Groen described Jabbars transition from a great soldier to someone who could harbor so much hate as incomprehensible and heartbreaking.

As Jabbar drove the truck, a series of his videos appeared online which showed him professing his support for ISIS.

The 42-year-old veteran claimed to have joined ISIS in the summer before he planted explosive devices in the area before the attack.

open image in gallery Richard Groen, (pictured left), former commanding officer to New Orleans attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar (pictured right) described the soldiers transition from a great Soldier to a terrorist as incomprehensible and heartbreaking ( DoD/Reuters )

To think that the same individual who once embodied quiet professionalism could harbor so much hate, leading to such unspeakable atrocities, is incomprehensible and heartbreaking, Groen added.

He described how the devastating events that unfolded in New Orleans had left him in a state of utter disbelief, adding: This transformation is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked anger, isolation, and hate.

During his tenure as a soldier Jabbar worked quietly and professionally in the S1 shop [an administrative unit] and as a mail clerk, ensuring the little things that kept us all connected to home were done with care and precision.

He was a great soldier, someone who showed discipline and dedication, Groen added.

Jabbars high school friend Chris Pousson told NBC that he had posted several times on Facebook about his Islamic faith but never gave any indication of radicalization.

It was always positive  peace be with you, uplifting type of stuff.

Nothing that he posted online that I saw was negative.

I didnt see this coming from a mile away, he added.

open image in gallery The US Army Colonel rallied those affected by the attack to stand together against hate in all its forms ( Sgt. 1st Class Shane Klestinski / Department of Defense )

Equally, a neighbor of Jabbars in Texas told the outlet, that he never saw him attend a mosque, claiming that he says he prays at home.

According to NBC, the neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, said Jabbar was nice and quiet and mostly kept to himself.

On New Years Eve, he saw Jabbar loading a white truck and when he asked if he had needed a hand, Jabbar informed him that he was moving to Louisiana.

He said he got a job over there, stated the neighbor to NBC.

But that neighbor grimly discovered on New Years Day that Jabbar had traveled to New Orleans for a more sinister purpose.

Groen, despaired at the incident asking people to watch out for one another in the aftermath of the deadly attack and to support those, even those who seemed distant or troubled.

The colonel also urged those affected by the attack to find strength in this time of unimaginable grief and rallied people to stand together against hate in all its forms.

When directly approached for comment, Groen told The Independent he was unable to comment any further on the matter.
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

An HVAC contractor in South Florida is facing felony charges after identifying himself as a CIA operative to police, who saw through the ruse and seized a trove of guns, drugs, bulletproof vests, and bogus federal credentials from the mans pickup truck  which had been outfitted to look like a law enforcement vehicle, according to authorities.

Jorge Alberto Alfonso, 61, was driving a white Ford F-150 on New Years Day, with red and blue emergency lights flashing, when he was spotted by the Florida Highway Patrol, states an arrest report filed Thursday and reviewed by The Independent.

Although the truck, at first glance, looked quasi-official, a trooper monitoring traffic from the median of I-75 became suspicious upon spotting a woman in the front passenger seat waving her arms, appearing upset or distressed, the arrest report goes on. It says the trooper pulled the truck over and was explaining the reason for the stop when Alfonso interrupted, claiming his K9, seated in the back, accidentally activated the red and blue lights.

open image in gallery Jorge Alberto Alfonsos pickup was fitted with an array of bogus emergency lights, according to police ( Florida Highway Patrol )

According to the arrest report, Alfonso then identified himself as a federal agent, providing a CIA Counter Terrorism Unit ID, a CIA emblem coin in a badge wallet, and an MI-6 [sic] ID, referring to the UKs foreign intelligence service.

Apparently confused by the unorthodox array of documentation, the trooper asked Alfonso for his specific affiliation, to which Alfonso replied, simply, federal, the arrest report continues.

The trooper took a closer look at the IDs Alfonso handed over, and immediately became skeptical, the report states. For starters, Alfonso was wearing a skullcap in the ID photos, which the trooper knew were prohibited for law enforcement IDs, it contends. Further, the format and design of the IDs didnt match known federal standards, and instead of a badge, a challenge coin was affixed, according to the report.

open image in gallery Troopers say they discovered a cache of weapons and fake IDs in Jorge Alberto Alfonsos truck, along with bottles of unlabeled prescription drugs ( Florida Highway Patrol )

Based on the fraudulent IDs, emergency lights in a personal vehicle, and Jorges inability to verify his agency, I arrested him for impersonating a law enforcement officer, the report says.

During a follow-up inspection of Alfonsos truck, which was impounded, troopers found at least a half-dozen firearms; assorted passports, including blank ones; federal agency badges; bulletproof vests; money; jewelry; and pills in unmarked bottles, according to the report.

Alfonso was booked into Collier Countys Naples Jail Center on false personation of a law enforcement officer, a felony, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, a misdmeanor. The arrest report says the Florida Highway Patrol contacted the FBI, Border Patrol, and the Diplomatic Security Service, each of which initiated their own investigations.

open image in gallery Jorge Alberto Alfonso is facing felony and misdemeanor charges over the January 1 incident ( Collier County Clerk of Courts )

Alfonso, who remains detained, does not have a lawyer listed in court records. A call on Friday to his personal cell phone went straight to voicemail, and a number listed for his office was disconnected. His company, Air-Source International Corporation, was founded [t]o foster a sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm in a culture of proud people.

We demand honesty and integrity from our employees so clients are assured of predictable and conscientious building services, the Air-Source International website tells prospective customers.

Alfonso is scheduled to be arraigned on January 27, booking records show.
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

Former WWE paralegal Janel Grant has indicated that she plans to modify her blockbuster lawsuit against the wrestling company, its CEO Vince McMahon and former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis.

The changes are expected to be made by January 15, almost exactly a year after they were filed in federal court in Connecticut on January 25, 2024, according to Post Wrestling.

The original lawsuit, which contains graphic details, alleges that McMahon and John Laurinaitis violated the Trafficking Victims Prevention Act and inflicted years of sexual and emotional abuse upon Grant.

It remains unclear what specific changes Grant plans to make in her amended complaint. She joined WWEs legal department in 2019, after befriending McMahon.

In the suit, Grant alleges that in June 2021 she was locked in an office in the WWE HQ where McMahon and another executive took turns in raping her.

open image in gallery The original lawsuit, filed by Janel Grant in January 2024, alleges that Vince McMahon and another WWE executive sexually assaulted her in 2021 ( Ethan Miller/Getty Images )

Behind a locked door, the two men cornered her and pulled her in between them, forcibly touched her, before ultimately putting her on top of a table in between them, the lawsuit reads, per the Associated Press.

She begged them to stop, but they forced themselves on her, each taking turns restraining her for the other, while saying No means yes and Take it, b****.

The suit also claims that McMahon used sex toys named after other WWE employees, wrestlers and performers to sexually groom Grant for trafficking to those same people.

Grant claims she suffered bruising and bleeding from the toys and that during the alleged sexual assault, in a moment of "extreme depravity, McMahon defecated on her.

In March 2020, McMahon was also accused of sharing nude content of Grant with other employees including "a world-famous athlete and former UFC Heavyweight Champion with whom WWE was actively trying to sign to a new contract (and ultimately did sign that contract), according to the suit.

During these negotiations, Grants phone number was given to the star who was told "shell do anything upon request. The star asked Grant, who was by this point numb, for a video of herself urinating, which she sent.

open image in gallery McMahon has vigorously denied the allegations, but resigned from the WWE two days after the lawsuit was filed ( Getty Images )

That same month McMahon had expressed a desire to meet Grant for sex but a snowstorm reportedly prevented the two from ever meeting.

The experience left Grant "experiencing increasingly severe physical, mental and emotional symptoms, including sleep disruption, dizziness, exhaustion, rashes, weight loss, hair loss and migraines." McMahon then referred Grant to his own celebrity doctor and paid $20,000 to a surgeon for her.

Grant signed an NDA in January 2022 following constant pressure from McMahon, who claimed that his wife Linda had learned of the relationship.

However, the $3 million payments that Grant had agreed to ultimately stopped being paid to her after just $1 million.

At the time of the original lawsuit, a spokesperson for McMahon said: This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth. He will vigorously defend himself.

Laurinaitis issued a similar statement via his lawyers.

McMahon stood by his comments but announced he was resigning from the WWE just two days after Grant filed her lawsuit.

During a press conference on September 19, Callis said: Janel is a human being who deserves justice. She deserves her day in court. Thats our bottom line. Shes a victim and a survivor. Shes not a WWE storyline.

The Independent has reached out to representatives of McMahon and WWE for comment on the planned amendment to the lawsuit.
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

Elon Musk appeared Thursday to threaten the media with lawsuits if he doesnt like the way theyre reporting the Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel and Tower Las Vegas on New Years Day.

He issued the the warning in response to a post on X Thursday from conservative activist Robby Starbuck saying that Musk, the CEO of Tesla, which manufactures Cybertrucks, should consider suing outlets whose headlines are sabotaging the brand by making people think the Cybertruck caught on fire.

Musk ominously answered: Maybe it is time to do so.

The blast occurred early Wednesday when the Cybertruck, rigged with fireworks mortars, gasoline and camping gas canisters, exploded in front of the hotels main entrance, a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip.

The driver, active duty Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger, fatally shot himself before the explosion and died inside the vehicle, authorities reported. Seven bystanders were injured.

The scene outside the Trump International Hotel and Tower Las Vegas after a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in front of the entrance on New Years Day ( Getty Images )

Musk, who has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, holds a deep disdain for the mainstream media and has campaigned to defund public service news outlets. Additionally, he has suspended journalists from his social media platform X.

Following the explosion, which occurred the same day as a terrorist attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people, Musk sharply criticized media coverage of the incident and defended the luxury vehicles safety.

Both he and Las Vegas officials credited the Cybertruck for containing much of the impact of the explosion in Vegas.

The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside the valet because it had most of the blast go up through the truck and out, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill.

Musk noted in a post on X: The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken.

He later reported: We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks ... in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.

Police have not conclusively determined the Cybertruck explosion was a terrorist incident.
 Close Heartbreaking comparison of New Orleans before and after terror attack

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 terror suspect in the New Orleans rampage that killed 14 people and injured dozens reportedly used materials to make explosives that have never been used in a U.S. attack.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, used an extremely rare explosive compound that had never been seen before in any incidents in the U.S. or Europe, NBC News reported.

Jabbar planned to detonate two explosives that he had placed on Bourbon Street, FBI and ATF officials said in a joint statement Friday. He intended to use a transmitter, which was found in his vehicle, to ignite the bombs but ultimately did not.

Its not immediately clear how or where he learned to make such an explosive. Its yet another question for the FBI, which is also reportedly looking into Jabbars travel, including a trip to Egypt.

The federal agency was also trying to determine whether he became radicalized during his trip, ABC News reported.

Authorities recovered an ISIS flag from inside his vehicle.

This next most important phase of the investigation is to find out how that radicalization happened and if it happened on that trip, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams told the network.
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 small plane crashed into a commercial warehouse in Fullerton, California, killing two people and injuring 18.

A small plane crashed into a furniture manufacturing building in Fullerton in our district, Representative Lou Correa, the local congressman, wrote on X. At least a dozen workers injured hurt. Passengers status unknown.

The crash on Thursday occurred near the Fullerton Municipal Airport and prompted the evacuation of more than 100 people from inside the building, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The aircraft appeared to crash through the roof of a furniture manufacturing facility, starting a fire, according to overhead footage from news stations.

Among the injured, ten people were taken to area hospitals and eight people were treated and released on scene, according to the Fullerton Police Department.

The aircraft was a single-engine Vans RV-10, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Police got a report about the crash at 2:09pm, a Fullerton spokesperson told The Associated Press.

open image in gallery Plane crashed into roof of furniture manufacturer ( AP )

Bystanders reported seeing a plume of smoke rise from the building.

People are just shaken over the situation, local man Mark Anderson told NBC Los Angeles. It was just a large boom, and then one of the people went out and said, Oh my gosh, the buildings on fire.

Witness Javier Ruiz said he saw someone emerge from the building with injuries.

"His shirt was burned, his shoes were burned, his face," Ruiz told CBS Los Angeles. "It looked like something from a movie."

At 3:25pm, fire officials said the blaze that followed the crash was extinguished.

The building where the crash took place is occupied by Michael Nicholas Designs, a furniture upholstery manufacturer, according to the outlet.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.

In November, two people were in a plane that crashed into a tree while making an emergency landing near the Fullerton airport.

No one sustained serious injuries in that incident.
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

Alina Habba has reacted to claims Attorney General wasnt tough enough in prosecuting her boss, President-elect Donald Trump, insisting the incoming president had it so rough.

He wasnt tough enough? Was it not tough enough when we spent three and a half years with indictments, shams and hoaxes with cases? Habba said while speaking to Fox News on Monday.

He had it rough. He had it so rough. But he came out on top because America saw what they did.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) was tasked with investigating Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents after a cache of them were found at his Mar-a-Lago home in 2022. The incoming president was hit with 40 criminal counts related to the federal governments case. He pleaded not guilty before the case was dropped shortly after his re-election.

Habba, who has been tapped to serve as counsel to the incoming president, told a network host her boss had it so rough but managed to come out on top because America saw what they did. She was referring to the efforts of federal and state prosecutors to convict Trump.

Habba, Trumps personal attorney, added that Garland should be ashamed of himself for bringing the federal case forward against the president-elect.

President-elect Donald Trump and Alina Habba (right) attend the closing arguments in the Trump Organization civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court in January 2024 ( Getty Images )

It wasnt just about President Trump. It was about our Constitution. It was about the foundation of this country. And they wanted to turn us into a third-world country, she said. And they failed.

According to The Washington Post, Biden has expressed regret over appointing Garland to his position, stating the DOJ was slow to prosecute Trump but aggressive in pursuing charges against his son, Hunter Biden.

Habba said the presidents reported statements were moot. Him saying things like, I could have beat Trump. Its a joke, she said. You couldnt have beat him. You didnt beat him... We won majorly.

Trump faced several legal challenges after leaving office in 2020 but its unclear what will happen in the cases. In May, he was convicted of falsifying business records in New York. The judge in that case has upheld the conviction. Georgia prosecutors charged Trump with trying to change the outcome of the 2020 election in the state.

He is now asking an appeals court to dismiss the case. The DOJ filed similar charges against Trump in 2023, but the case is not likely to result in a conviction now that Trump will take office at the end of this month.

Habba, 40, represented Trump in his New York hush money case in which he was convicted of paying off adult film actress Stormy Daniels and then concealing the sum. The attorney began working for Trump after meeting him at his New Jersey resort in 2021.

Before joining Trumps legal team, she owned a private practice and spent some time in the fashion industry working for Marc Jacobs.

The president would go on to choose her to serve as his most high-profile attorney. Habba will be stepping into some big shoes once she joins Trumps administration. She will serve as presidential counselor, a role previously held by Kellyanne Conway during Trumps first term.
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

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders weighed in on the H-1B visa controversy Thursday, accusing Elon Musk of defending the program because the labor is cheaper, not brainier, than the American labor force, as the tech billionaire has argued.

The debate over the H-1B visa has divided MAGA over the past week. Musk has backed the visas for skilled foreign workers while Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon have bashed the program as not putting American workers first and carving them out of higher-paying jobs.

Musk has argued that foreign labor tends to be more highly skilled, and last week endorsed a post on X that denigrated American workers with a slur, calling them re***ded.

Sanders wrote on X Thursday: Elon Musk is wrong. The main function of the H-1B visa program is not to hire the best and the brightest, but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad.

The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make, Sanders added.

Sanders, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, called for major reforms to the H-1B program in a statement attached to his X post.

open image in gallery Senator Bernie Sanders at the U.S. Capitol in Washington late last year. The Vermont Senator publicly disagreed with Elon Musk of defending the H-1B visa program to hire cheaper labor ( REUTERS )

After citing Census Bureau figures and other data, Sanders seemed to challenge Musk directly by asking about Teslas hiring practices: If there is really a shortage of skilled tech workers in America, why did Tesla lay off over 7,500 American workers this year  including many software developers and engineers at its factory in Austin, Texas  while being approved to employ thousands of H-1B guest workers?

Sanders then wondered why Tesla employed H-1B guest workers as associate accountants for as little as $58,000, associate mechanical engineers for as little as $70,000 a year, and associate material planners for as little as $80,000 a year? He said: Those dont sound like highly specialized jobs that are for the top 0.1 percent as Musk claimed this week.

open image in gallery Elon Musk has been defensive of the H-1B visa program, which Trump also announced support for over the weekend as an online debate about the visa program raged on ( PA Archive )

Like Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have argued, Sanders said, the U.S. needs a highly skilled and well-educated workforce. But to do that, the country shouldnt be bringing in cheap labor from abroad, but should be hiring qualified American workers first and to make certain that we have an education system that produces the kind of workforce that our country needs for the jobs of the future, he said.

Bottom line. It should never be cheaper for a corporation to hire a guest worker from overseas than an American worker, Sanders said. We need an economy that works for all, not just the few. And one important way forward in that direction is to bring about major reforms in the H-1B program.

The issue of the visa program created a schism among President-elect Donald Trumps allies. The debate became so heated that Musk even vowed to go to war on the issue.

Over the weekend, Trump came out in support of H-1B visas, telling Fox News he was a believer in the visa program. But in his first administration, Trump signed an executive order to restrict access to such visas.
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

With just over two weeks until he cedes the reins of the executive branch to Donald Trump, President Joe Biden says the 235 judges confirmed to the federal bench during his four years in office will serve as a bulwark against abuses from the executive and legislative branches and will represent what he described as the best in America.

Joined by Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick Durbin of Illinois and Senate Majority Leader  soon to be Minority Leader  Chuck Schumer of New York, Biden spoke of the record number of judicial confirmations at an East Room ceremony attended by staff and supporters to mark the milestone, which the Democratic-led upper chamber reached late last month before recessing and ending legislative work for the year.

The 235 judges, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the highest court in the land, are the most confirmed during any four-year presidential term since Jimmy Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981. The total confirmed to the bench under Biden is just one judge more than the number confirmed by a Republican Senate majority during Trumps first term.

open image in gallery Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first Black woman on the highest court in the land ( Getty Images )

Unlike Trumps overwhelmingly white and male nominees, the Biden administration has taken pains to increase the number of non-white, female and LGBT+ nominees to the federal bench during his time in office. A fact sheet released by the White House on Thursday described his nominees as having transformed the federal bench with a judiciary that looks like the community it serves.

Speaking from the East Room not long after he was briefed on the New Years Day terrorist attack in New Orleans, Biden described the judges as highly qualified people whove had distinguished legal, judicial and academic careers.

He said their backgrounds matter because judges spend their days shaping the everyday lives of Americans, protecting our basic freedoms when American institutions are in jeopardy.

These judges will be independent, theyll be fair, and theyll be impartial. All these appointees understand the role of a judge and are committed to the rule of law, the institutional safeguards building our constitution that upholds the rights and guarantees of the Constitution, he said.

These judges also are a vital check in the excesses of other branches of government, including Congress and the executive branch, when they overreach and run afoul of the constitutional institutional safeguards, Biden continued before adding that he was proud of the legacy he will leave in the form of the judges hes put on the bench because they will continue to uphold our nation's founding principles of liberty, justice, equality, and do it for decades to come.
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

Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade was left with a bit of egg on his face on Friday when he sounded the alarm that House Speaker Mike Johnson had lost yet another Republican vote from the GOPs razor-thin majority, further placing Johnsons bid to retain the gavel in doubt.

Unfortunately for the Fox News star, it appears he was taken in by an online joke from a now-former congressman.

Speaking to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), whose name has been floated as a possible alternative if Johnson cant pull enough Republican skeptics over to his side, Kilmeade pointed out that Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) had been joined by another GOP rebel who is a definite no on Johnson.

Well, I got bad news, the Fox morning host declared. Congressman Bob Good just tweeted out he will not be voting for Mike Johnson.

Indeed, shortly before Kilmeades interview with Jordan, Good sarcastically posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he would NOT be voting for Mike Johnson for Speaker during Fridays House vote.

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade believes that House Speaker Mike Johnson has lost another Republican vote  only to be reminded by Jim Jordan that former Rep. Bob Good is no longer in Congress. ( Fox News )

Jordan, for his part, explained to Kilmeade why it didnt matter that Good was saying he wouldnt support the current speaker.

Well, remember Brian, Bob Good has left. Maybe there is some other name, the Ohio congressman said, prompting Kilmeade to ask the control room: Can we check that?

Meanwhile, Jordan pointed out that Good lost that close primary to John McGuire for his Virginia seat last year, leading to McGuire eventually winning the general election and being sworn in this week as a new congressman.

John will be voting for for Mike Johnson for speaker. So I think its still just Thomas Massie indicated he wont support the speaker, but Im hopeful that everyone else will, Jordan added.

All right. Good point, a chastened Kilmeade responded. Hes not there anymore, so I shouldntve brought that up. My bad.

As of Friday morning, only Massie had said he was a definitive no on Johnson among the GOP caucus, who hold a very narrow majority in the House. Therefore, the speaker can only lose a handful of votes from the Republican side to win re-election as the Houses leader.

You can pull all my fingernails out, you can shove bamboo up in them, you can start cutting off my fingers, Massie said on Thursday night. I am not voting for Mike Johnson tomorrow, and you can take that to the bank.

While a number of conservative hardliners have expressed reservations about supporting Johnson over debt and spending, many of whom also initially blocked Kevin McCarthys path to the speakership in 2023, they have largely been evasive about where theyll land during Fridays vote. Meanwhile, Johnson is banking on Donald Trumps endorsement to carry him to the gavel, with the president-elect calling him a fine man of great ability on Friday.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The House Republican leadership revealed their new rules for the 119th Congress Wednesday, including a measure making it more difficult to remove the speaker of the House.

The speaker, Mike Johnson, and other Republicans shared the change in the rules during a press conference in November after the partys leadership elections.

A motion to vacate, the process for removing the speaker, will now require nine sponsors to be considered on the House floor.

A resolution causing a vacancy in the Office of the Speaker shall not be privileged except if it is offered by a member of the majority party and has accumulated eight co-sponsors from the majority party at the time it is offered, the package says.

During the 118th Congress, just one lawmaker was needed to be able to push for a vote on the floor to vacate the chair to remove the speaker. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz used a motion to vacate to prompt the removal of then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the weeks leading up to Johnsons ascension.

Similarly, rightwing Republicans used the threat of a motion to vacate in 2015 to remove then-Speaker John Boehner, ABC News noted. Democrats subsequently changed the rules to require a majority vote of the chamber to back the motion. McCarthy was pushed to change it back in order to win the initial support of his partys conservatives, which he needed to become speaker.

Following the election of a speaker, the House will vote on the rules package, which needs a simple majority to pass. With a narrow majority and no Democratic help expected, Johnson cannot afford to lose many Republican votes. This vote usually takes place after the election of the speaker and the swearing-in of members.

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson may struggle to become speaker for another term ( Getty Images )

But Johnson may struggle to return to the speakership. The vote on his continuing hold on the gavel comes after a number of Republicans became irate at Johnson during a government spending fight before Christmas that almost led to a shutdown.

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate last year months into Johnsons speakership, but the Democrats joined with nearly all the Republicans to vote down the measure.

The threat of removal may be lessened by the new rules package, but it doesnt completely disappear. Maryland Republican Rep. Andy Harris, the chair of the Freedom Caucus, and Rep Dusty Johnson of South Dakota, the chair of the Main Street Caucus, negotiated the deal that raised the threshold. They both appeared with Johnson during a press conference in November.

We had an opportunity to set the motion to vacate at a higher than number one, that motion to vacate will be set at nine in return for getting rid of some amendments that probably would have divided this conference, Dusty Johnson said at the time.

He added that the deal lets the House G.O.P. be in a better position to move forward with the Republican agenda to make sure that Speaker Johnson, South Dakota Senate Leader John Thune, and our President Donald Trump have an opportunity to go forward."

Harris also argued that the higher threshold lets the caucus take action on Trumps agenda.

Weve been able to work across the conference to eliminate the controversial issues that could have divided us and move forward together to deliver on the Presidents agenda. Thats it, he said.
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

Vice President-elect JD Vance took to X to call an op-ed by Elon Musk in Die Welt explaining his support for the far-right German party Alternative for Germany (AfD) interesting.

Musk shared a post on X by Martin Varsavsky, who posted what he said was the article submitted by Musk to the German paper. The AfD is a far-right populist, eurosceptic party that opposes immigration and has called for mass deportations.

The article, entitled Only the AfD Can Save Germany, outlines Musks belief that As someone who has invested significantly in Germanys industrial and technological landscape, I believe I have earned the right to speak candidly about its political direction.

Sharing the article, Vance wrote: Im not endorsing a party in the German elections, as its not my country and we hope to have good relations with all Germans. But this is an interesting piece.

Also interesting; American media slanders AfD as Nazi-lite, but AfD is most popular in the same areas of Germany that were most resistant to the Nazis, he claimed.

Nineteen percent of German adults have a positive view of the AfD, according to the Pew Research Center.

Musk highlighted a number of issues in his op-ed that he claimed Germany must address to avoid economic and cultural collapse.

Elon Musk, pictured here with Donald Trump and JD Vance, has expressed his support for the German far-right party Alternative for Germany ( Getty Images )

A commentary editor at the paper resigned in protest at Musks op-ed and the German government said Monday that Musk was trying to influence the countrys election set for next month, The Hill noted.

Germanys ambassador to the U.S., Andreas Michaelis, said on Bluesky that Vances observation was interesting.

Historical context can be tricky  while some areas you are referring to resisted the Nazi party early on, others did not, or later became strongholds of the regime. Germanys history reminds us how important it is to challenge extremism in all its forms, he said.

Musk initially shared his support for the AfD in December and he has called for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to step down. Ahead of the election on February 23, the AfD remains the second most popular party in Germany, but all major parties in the country have rejected the possibility of joining a coalition government with the AfD.

Christiane Hoffmann, a spokesperson for the German government said during a briefing Monday that It is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election through his statement.

She added that freedom of expression also includes the greatest nonsense.
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 Indian village named after President Jimmy Carter is paying tribute to the late commander-in-chief ahead of his funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9th.

Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. He served one term in the White House, between 1977 and 1981.

Carterpuri  The Village of Carter  is located about 20 miles outside Delhi. When Carters mother, Lillian, lived and worked there as a nurse for a short period in the 1960s, it was called Daulatpur Nasirabad.

Villagers dressed his wife in traditional attire ... He (Carter) also tried out a hookah, resident Moti Ram said, according to Reuters, recalling the time Carter and his wife Rosalynn visited the village.

Preparations began months in advance of the January 3, 1978 visit, villagers told the ANI news agency. The village was improved, and welcome programs were held in the central square.

The residents chose to change the name of the village following the visit to honor the Carters. After hearing of Carters death, they paid tribute to the late president by garlanding a framed picture of him and placing flowers before it, Reuters noted, citing local media.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the U.S. ambassador to India, pointed to the village in a post on X.

As President, he visited India in 1978 and began to build a new foundation for U.S.-Indian relations that helped pave the way to the deep and consequential friendship we now enjoy, he wrote. In Haryana, near Delhi, there is a town called Carterpuri that is testament to the high regard he was held here in India.

Garcetti shared several images from the visit, including one of Rosalynn in traditional clothing.

Among the most important items in the village is a letter sent by Carter thanking the residents for making the visit successful and so personally satisfying, Reuters noted.
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

When the 119th Congress convenes on Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris will be tasked with swearing in new senators, including three Republican members of the upper chamber who mispronounced her name on the campaign trail last year.

Harriss role as vice president includes duties performed as president of the Senate, including breaking ties and presiding over impeachment trials not involving a sitting president. It also includes swearing in new senators-elect so they can begin their terms.

While that task is traditionally accomplished quickly on the Senate floor, later photo ops will give the newly minted senators some up-close and personal time with the vice president.

This could prove awkward for some of the Republicans who shell swear in, such as Pennsylvanias Dave McCormick and Tim Sheehy of Montana, both of whom made a point of mispronouncing her name while campaigning last year, including during their respective speeches at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, as Time reported Friday.

open image in gallery Harris swears in Arizona Senator Mark Kelly during a ceremony in the old Senate chamber in the US Capitol ( Getty Images )

Another GOP member who will take the oath for another term is Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who spent much of last year falsely accusing Harris and Democrats in general of importing non-white migrants to use them as illegal voters as a way of stealing last years presidential election.

Yet another returning Republican, Senator Rick Scott of Florida, accused Harris of short-changing the Sunshine States hurricane recovery and not caring about Florida residents.

But not all of the incoming Republican senators will be taking their oath on Friday.

West Virginia Republican Jim Justice, who currently serves as the Mountain States governor, announced last week that hed be putting off his swearing-in until his gubernatorial term ends on January 13 to avoid the chaos of having the state cycle through several acting governors in a period of days due to quirks in state law.

Another few incoming senators identities arent yet known  those who will be hailing from Ohio and Florida after incumbents J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio resign their seats to become vice president and  pending his own confirmation  secretary of state in the new Trump administration.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The night before what promises to be a tense showdown over House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) keeping his gavel, former MAGA congressman Matt Gaetz debuted his One America News show with news-making interviews with two GOP lawmakers who may not support Johnsons bid.

Thats not what drew the most attention on social media, though.

Instead, many observers were flabbergasted by Gaetzs appearance and asked themselves what the one-time attorney general nominee had done to his face.

Much like his eyebrow-raising speech at last years Republican National Convention, which sparked rumors of Botox use and a flood of online jokes, Gaetzs OAN debut sparked mockery over the hosts complexion and seemingly altered face.

Holy makeup and Botox, Batman! Democratic media strategist Vince Monroy reacted on Bluesky. Lawrence County election commissioner Chris D. Jackson snarked that Gaetz showed up with some fresh botox on his first night.

Former MAGA lawmaker Matt Gaetz made his debut as a primetime host on One America News  and people are talking about his new look. ( One America News )

I see Matt Gaetz went in to ask for the Wayne Newton Face before his OAN debut tonight, liberal social media influencer Ron Filipkowski added. Meanwhile, another user on X (formerly Twitter) wondered: Why is Matt Gaetz turning into a character from Spaceballs?

When reached for comment, Gaetz said that his appearance always seems to be of great interest to people, adding that he never really understood why.

Alongside the speculation over plastic surgery and shots into the forehead, some people felt that Gaetz was done dirty by whoever applied his makeup.

However much you might despise Matt Gaetz, his makeup person has you beat, The Young Turks host John Iadarola stated.

Yall need to fire your makeup artist immediately, Turning Point USA reporter Savanah Hernandez tweeted.

An OAN insider, however, pointed out to The Independent that Gaetz will occasionally film his show from his home studio in Florida, while his producer is located in OANs San Diego studio. However, it doesnt appear that he was responsible for his own makeup in his debut, as Gaetz confirmed to The Independent that he was on set in San Diego for Thursday nights program.

One America News also noted that Gaetz was filming his show from the San Diego studio this week. Gaetz added that he will film from both his home studio and the OAN headquarters throughout the year.

As for the rest of his first night at the far-right conspiracy network, Gaetz did break some news when one of his guests, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), said unequivocally that he would not back Johnson for re-election as House speaker.

You can pull all my fingernails out, you can shove bamboo up in them, you can start cutting off my fingers, Massie said. I am not voting for Mike Johnson tomorrow, and you can take that to the bank.

The leader of the Republican charge to oust then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, Gaetz also hosted MAGA Colorado lawmaker Lauren Boebert, who expressed reservations about supporting the incumbent as well. She did say there was a way for Johnson to earn her vote, however.

Mike Johnson coming out and committing to Chip Roy being the chairman of the Rules Committee would secure the vote on the first round, she declared.

Shortly after Donald Trump won the presidential election in November, Gaetz  who was under a House Ethics probe over accusations that he paid for sex with a minor  abruptly resigned from Congress after the president-elect shockingly nominated him to be his attorney general.

A week later, under withering backlash and the Trump team believing Gaetz was too blackmail-able, the ex-congressman pulled out of consideration for the top prosecutor role. After initially holding off on releasing it due to Gaetz resigning from Congress, the ethics committee dropped its bombshell report last month, revealing allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.

Having already joined Cameo after his failed attorney general bid, Gaetz announced last month that he would anchor the little-watched One America News primetime lineup. The OAN gig came amid speculation that he would join the networks MAGA rival Newsmax, especially since that channel was publicly courting him due to the former lawmaker guest-hosting for them in the past.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The first order of business for the new House of Representatives, which will meet on Friday to begin the 119th Congress, is to elect a speaker.

The current holder of the gavel, Speaker Mike Johnson, looks to be in better shape than former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was at the start of the 118th Congress, when it took 15 rounds of voting before the Californian was able to get through. He was booted just nine months later, making room for Johnson after weeks of chaos.

Mike Johnsons conundrum

Things appeared to be going Johnsons way until Elon Musk, Donald Trumps financial supporter and First Buddy, attempted to sabotage a spending agreement as the president-elect pushed for his requirement that the debt ceiling be increased.

Instead, Johnson did what he and McCarthy mostly did during the 118th Congress, and turned to the Democrats for help in order to pass a temporary spending bill and avoid a government shutdown.

As the Republicans and Democrats head back to the House Friday, the GOPs majority is slim  219 seats to the Democrats 215  which gives Johnson less leverage. Meanwhile, several Republicans have shared their reluctance to make Johnson speaker once more.

But one of Johnsons top calling cards is that he has been endorsed by Trump, who has said hed be willing to make calls for Johnson. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who headed the effort to block and subsequently remove McCarthy, is no longer part of the calculations. He resigned from his post when he attempted to become Trumps attorney general and has said that he wont be taking his seat in the 119th Congress.

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) talks with members of the media while walking to his office on January 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. It may take several rounds of voting for him to retain the speakership ( Getty Images )

But even with the full-throated endorsement of Trump, the Louisiana Representative can only afford one Republican rebellion against his re-election bid when the lower chambers members cast their votes.

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has already stressed his objections to Johnson, telling One America Newss Matt Gaetz Show on Monday evening that he would not back the incumbent.

Elsehwere, Texas Rep. Chip Roy and Kentucky Rep. Thomas Mackey have both defied Trump previously, endorsing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary. They also voted to certify the 2020 election on January 6, 2021.

Roy said on Steve Bannons War Room podcast last month that he wanted to be the chair of the House Rules Committee, which decides what legislation moves on to the full House floor. The Texas representative was one of the 20 Republicans who initially blocked McCarthys nomination and subsequently stopped Majority Leader Steve Scalise from becoming speaker.

Johnson can place Roy in charge of Rules and do what he has done in the past  work with Democrats to get a two-thirds majority and bypass the rules.

But the Republicans small majority also means any member can go to Johnson with a list of demands and he essentially has to listen to them. In 2023, McCarthy allowed just one member to call for a motion to vacate, which prompted a no-confidence vote in the speaker. While McCarthy said this had been the case before the Democrats got the majority, it led to the end of his speakership when he managed to enrage eight Republicans and every single Democrat. The new rules package would require nine members to push for a motion to vacate.

But with an incoming Trump administration, Republicans have an incentive to get this done fast.

How the voting process works

The election of a speaker happens before members are even sworn in. If every lawmaker shows up and votes, Johnson can only afford to lose a single vote. The stakes are high as the House cannot conduct any business before a speaker is elected and the chamber is set to vote to certify Trumps election victory Monday.

To be elected, a speaker must win a majority of the votes. If all 435 members show up and vote, 218 votes are needed for a majority. With Gaetz out of the chamber, if all 434 members vote, 218 votes are still needed.

That means that Johnson can only lose a single vote, with Massie already committed to opposing him.

Theres no rule stating that the speaker be a member of the House, meaning that members can vote for anyone they want, regardless of whether they have been officially nominated. Members can also simply abstain from voting by saying present instead of backing a candidate. The number of votes needed to secure the gavel decreases with the number of absences and present votes.

What happens if Johnson doesnt get the votes

Allies of Johnson are concerned that it may take several rounds of voting for Johnson to get the gavel. In 2023, McCarthy needed 15 rounds of voting before he became speaker.

If Johnson doesnt get the votes on the first ballot, Republican leaders can move ahead with a second round right away or they can break and try to win over those in their party opposing Johnson. Members may also put forward motions, such as a motion to adjourn the House.

Following the removal of McCarthy in 2023, several other members were nominated and voted on before Johnson was finally elected.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The number of murders is expected to drop for the third year in a row  despite President-elect Donald Trump railing that the nation is suffering from high crime rates.

Although Trump declared in a Truth Social post Thursday that the U.S. is breaking down with violence, blaming the current administrations open borders, data shows that rates of violent crime and murder actually plummeted in 2024.

Data from the Real-Time Crime Index from January through October 2024, collected from over 300 law enforcement agencies across the country, reveals that murder rates have dropped by nearly 16 percent from 2023 and by nearly 25 percent from 2022 in the same periods. Overall violent crime also dropped by 3.3 percent in 2024 from 2023, according to the index.

Although there is still more data from the end of the year to be accounted for, experts predict that these trends will persist.

Considering where we were just three or four years ago (soon after Trumps stint in the White House), were basically looking at 5,000 fewer murder victims than in 2020, 2021 and 2022 having occurred in 2024, Jeff Asher, co-founder of AH Datalytics and a former crime analyst for the CIA and the New Orleans Police Department, told ABC News.

open image in gallery President-elect Donald Trump looks on during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center last month. Despite warnings about the nations alleged crime surge, rates of violent crime and murder have actually dropped, data shows ( Getty Images )

This positive news comes amid a string of recent high-profile murder cases, including the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO in New York City, the woman fatally set ablaze on the subway, and the driver who fatally plowed into a New Orleans crowd on New Years Day.

In the wake of the New Orleans attack, which left 14 dead and dozens of others injured, many online  and even Fox News  speculated that the suspect was a migrant, but the FBI identified the driver as Shamsud Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas.

Still, the president-elect linked the mass murder to immigration. On Wednesday in the hours after the attack, Trump wrote on Truth Social: 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.

On Thursday, he also blamed immigration when claiming the country is breaking down.

open image in gallery 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, killing and injuring a number of people, early New Years Day. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Our Country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World! This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership, the 78-year-old Republican wrote. The USA is breaking down - A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation.

Jabbar was killed after exchanging gunfire with police, the FBI have said. The federal agency is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism and noted that the suspect had been carrying an ISIS flag.

Trump alluded to these details in a separate post on Thursday, once again placing blame the Biden administrations immigration policies. Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump has made unsubstantiated claims about the nations crime rate, at one point claiming that the crime wave going on at levels nobody has ever seen before, which is not supported by data.

He wrote: With the Biden Open Borders Policy I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined.

Statistics show that immigrant crime rates are consistently lower than those of American citizens.
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 incoming border czar Tom Homan told Fox News on Thursday that he had a gut feeling that the explosion of a Cybertruck in Las Vegas was connected to the deadly terror attack in New Orleans, despite the FBI saying theres no definitive link.

Pressed by Fox News anchor Sandra Smith on whether he was privy to any information proving such a link, Homan acknowledged he was not before saying he felt there were just too many coincidences between the two incidents.

Additionally, Homan repeatedly tied the threats at the southern border to the two deadly events, claiming that they showed the United States needs to secure the border because its in grave danger  even though both of the suspects were American-born citizens who served in the military.

During a press conference on Thursday, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters that the man who died in the Cybertruck explosion outside Trumps hotel in Las Vegas was Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old U.S. Special Forces soldier. According to a family member, Livelsberger was a 100 percent patriot who loved Trump.

Noting that Livelsberger appeared to shoot himself before the rented car exploded, McMahill also said on Thursday that they had not found any evidence connecting the bombing to any outside terror group.

Incoming Trump border czar Tom Homan cites his gut feeling when asked why he feels the New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks are connected despite no evidence supporting that. ( Fox News )

Briefing the media earlier in the day on the latest developments in the New Orleans massacre, FBI Deputy Assistant Director of Counter Terrorism Christopher Raia said that nobody else was involved in the attack besides Shamsud-Din Jabbar. Revealing the 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran had recently posted videos about joining ISIS, Raia noted that there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas at this point.

Bringing Homan on shortly after the Las Vegas presser wrapped, Smith pointed out that the police said they could not directly tie the two events together even though they were aware of some similarities between the two individuals. Notably, they both used the same car-sharing app to rent their vehicles and once served at the same Army base.

Well, I think, the further the investigation goes, I think theyre going to find a connection between the two incidents, Homan insisted. But look, they are both suicide events. The man in New Orleans certainly had no plans of going home after getting out and trading gunfire with law enforcement. I think both of these guys realized they werent going home after this event.

From there, Homan pivoted to immigration and border security, warning that the threats arent over while sounding the alarm about the threats coming across the southern border. Trump and other prominent conservatives have sought to blame migrants for the New Orleans terror attack, especially after Fox News falsely reported Jabbars truck crossed over the U.S.-Mexico border two days prior. The network soon retracted the story, but not before the president-elect said the attack proved he was right that the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in the United States.

This country is in grave danger, Homan continued. We need to secure the border. Despite what has happened the last two days, in Las Vegas and New Orleans, this administration is not stopping. They are still releasing thousands of people every week through the CBP One app.

Eventually, Smith steered the conversation back to Homans claim that he felt investigators would soon find that the two incidents were linked.

You just referenced a terrorist connection in Las Vegas. The police chief said they havent identified that yet. But to your point, you say you believe as this investigation carries out in Las Vegas that you believe they will find a connection. Do you have any other information, or have you been privy to any other information other than what we just directly heard from the police there in Las Vegas? Smith wondered.

No, I dont. This is a gut feeling, the soon-to-be border czar replied. I have done this for three-and-a-half decades. I just think theres too many similarities and too much coincidence. I think something down the road theyre going to show some sort of connection where theres some same network or where they got the tools to pull these terrorist attacks off.

Homan concluded that while he could be wrong, this was his gut feeling.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

The judge overseeing the criminal case against Donald Trump in his home state of New York has ordered the president-elect to appear before him on January 10 to face a sentence after jury convicted him on 34 felony counts last year.

In a stunning, 18-page ruling released on Friday, Justice Juan Merchan said he would not sentence Trump to a term of incarceration but would instead impose a sentence of unconditional discharge  meaning a sentence of no jail time, probation or fines  as the most viable solution and permit Trump to continue to appeal the case.

The hearing is scheduled just 10 days before the president-elect is inaugurated.

open image in gallery Donald Trump, pictured in Manhattan criminal court, will face sentencing on January 10 for falsifying business records in New York ( AP )

A jury of 12 New Yorkers found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in May after a six-week-long trial.

Trump falsified business records in connection with a scheme to silence adult film stat Stormy Daniels, whose story about having sex with Trump threatened to derail his 2016 presidential campaign.

Trumps reimbursements to his then-attorney Michael Cohen, who paid off Daniels, were falsely recorded in accounting records as legal expenses.

Trump has denied all wrongdoing as well as the affair with Daniels.

Sentencing in the New York criminal trial was originally supposed to take place in July but was postponed until September after the Supreme Court issued a decision on presidential immunity, which shielded presidents from criminal prosecution for actions stemming from official duties in office.

But sentencing was indefinitely postponed after his victory in the 2024 presidential election, giving the defense and prosecution time to weigh in on how the case should be handled.

Last month, Merchan said the Supreme Courts decision on presidential immunity for sitting presidents does not apply to his criminal case in New York and refused to drop the case altogether, finding that the evidence and testimony were entirely about unofficial conduct entitled to no immunity protections.

Trumps actions were personal acts that fall outside the so-called outer perimeter of official presidential duties, and there is no danger of intrusion on the authority and function of the Executive Branch in this case, Merchan wrote.

open image in gallery Trump expressed outrage after being found guilty of covering up hush-money payments to an adult film star before the 2016 presidential election ( via REUTERS )

In his order on Friday, Merchan that the threat of public stigma from prosecution against Trump has long passed, citing Trumps own arguments that courts should defer to the will of the cinzenry who recendy re-elected him to the Office of the Executive, norwithstanding an actual guilty verdict in this case.

Thus, whatever stigma that might have existed, will most certainly not interfere with Defendants ability to carry out his duties  both as President-elect and as the sitting President, Merchan wrote.

Merchan noted that Trump had asked for the sentencing to be put on hold until after the election and called the claim that his win in that election changed the circumstances of the case disingenuous.

Defendant has always pronounced, since the inception of this case, confidence and indeed the expectation, that he would prevail in the 2024 Election  confidence that has proven well-founded, Merchan wrote.

That he would become the President-elect and be required to assume all the responsibilities that come with the transition were entirely anticipated, he added.

Trumps request to postpone sentencing implied that he would still face a sentence during the window between the election and the taking of the oath of office, Merchan wrote.

open image in gallery New York Justice Juan Merchan presided over Trumps case and faced an onslaught of attacks from Trump and his allies ( AP )

In ordering Trump to appear  either in-person or virtually  for sentencing, Merchan said the need to respect the jurys verdict against the former president turned president-elect makes it even more important that Trump be sentenced on the charges on which hes been found guilty.

He wrote that the sanctity of a jury verdict and the deference that must be accorded to it is a bedrock principle of American jurisprudence.

The conviction initially held the possibility that Trump could serve up to four years in jail or thousands of dollars in fines.

Steven Cheung, Trumps communications director, called Merchans order deeply conflicted and a direct violation of the Supreme Courts immunity deicsion. He indicated Trump would fight sentencing.

This lawless case should have never been brought and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed, Cheung said.

Trumps former attorney Rudy Giuliani, who was testifying for more than three hours inside a federal courtroom down the street from Manhattan criminal court on Friday when news broks of Merchans order, called the sentencing absurd.

The end of the unprecedented criminal case  resulting in the first-ever criminally convicted president, a stain that will remain through his presidency unless overturned on appeal  follows the closure of two federal investigations that had yet to make it to trial.

Special counsel Jack Smith has effectively closed two cases against the former president, for now, and an appeals court in Georgia has forced off the district attorney presiding over a sweeping criminal case against Trump and his allies.

Trump has meanwhile nominated several of his own criminal defense attorneys to top roles at the Department of Justice, including lead hush money attorneys Todd Blanche and Emile Bove.
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 surfer missing in Australia is believed to have died in a shark attack, Police said on Friday, as they continued to search the waters where the man disappeared.

The 28-year-old was in the sea at a popular surf beach in South Australia where another man was killed by a white shark in 2023.

A witness who saw the shark attack on Thursday evening at Granites Beach, near the coastal town of Streaky Bay, rode into the sea on a jet ski and retrieved the mans surfboard, Senior Constable Rebecca Stokes told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

There was just no sign of this young man, theres just been no sign of him, she told ABC. From witnesses descriptions, were pretty confident that sadly hes been killed by this shark.

The beach was known to be frequented by sharks, Ms Stokes said.

She did not specify what species of shark was believed to be involved.

Emergency responders and volunteers were searching offshore on Friday for the local man and the beach was closed to the public.

Police were preparing a coroners report, a statement said.

It comes after a youth pastor was killed in a shark attack while spearfishing in the waters of Australias Great Barrier Reef last Saturday.

open image in gallery A sign on Manly beach Australia warns of a shark sighting ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Luke Walford, 40, a chaplain at the Cathedral of Praise Church in central Queensland, was fishing with his family members when a shark attacked him, Queensland police said.

He succumbed to his injuries at the scene just before 6pm local time despite repeated attempts by paramedics to revive him.

A rescue helicopter was called to the Humpy Island camping area in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park, about 18km off the mainland, after the pastor was attacked at around 4.30pm local time, the police said.

Shark attacks in Australia are rare with 255 fatal bites recorded since 1791 in the country of 27 million people, according to the Australian Shark Incident Database.

The state of South Australia has registered more episodes in the past two years than usual.

There were five shark attacks off the states coast in 2023, three of them fatal and one at the same beach as Thursdays incident.

Scientists at the time said they did not know the reason for the cluster.

There was one non-fatal shark bite off South Australias coast in 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 fate of an Italian journalist detained in Tehran and an Iranian engineer imprisoned in Italy on a U.S. warrant grew even more intertwined Friday as the Iranian awaits possible extradition to the United States to face charges he provided drone technology to Irans elite Revolutionary Guard corps.

A Milan court scheduled a hearing for Jan. 15 to decide whether to keep Mohammad Abedini at Milans Opera prison or grant him house arrest pending the start of the lengthy extradition process.

The U.S. government hasn't commented publicly on Abedini's petition, but in the past it has complained to Italy's justice ministry about a half-dozen cases of suspects wanted by the U.S. who escaped from the Italian justice system before they could be extradited.

On Friday, lawyer Alfredo De Francesco visited Abedini in prison and said his client had asked him about Cecilia Sala, an Italian reporter detained in Tehran just days after Abedini was arrested at Milans Malpensa airport on a U.S. warrant.

Italian commentators have speculated that Iran is holding Sala as a bargaining chip to ensure Abedinis release, and both governments have linked their fates to one another in public statements.

He asked me to write the name of Cecilia Sala on a piece of paper we had with pen, so that he could correctly pronounce her name, De Francesco told reporters outside the prison. And he told me that he would pray a lot for her and himself in these days.

He said Abedini had heard about Salas case inside the prison and didnt understand any connection to him. The lawyer stressed that on the surface the two cases are separate.

He asked me if she had been arrested and how she had been arrested, and why in some way they wanted to connect her to him, the lawyer said. I explained the situation to him, even what is said on television, because it is useless to deny it, but I explained to him.

He was very moved by this thing, to know that she is a woman in prison right now, and so he prays for her, for him, he said.

Sala, a reporter for the Il Foglio daily, was detained in Iran on Dec. 19. She had arrived in the country on Dec. 13 on a journalist visa and was arrested on charges of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic, the state-run IRNA news agency said.

On Dec. 16, the U.S. Justice Department announced charges against Abedini and another Iranian citizen accused of supplying the drone technology to Iran that was used in a January 2024 attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan that killed three American troops. Abedini was detained that day at Milans Malpensa airport on a U.S. warrant seeking his extradition.

U.S. federal prosecutors charged Abedini and his co-defendant with export control violations after FBI specialists analyzed the drone navigation system used in the Jordan attack and traced it to them. U.S. prosecutors said Abedinis Tehran-based company manufactures navigation systems for the military drone program of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Irans embassy to Italy has connected Salas fate to that of Abedini, saying in a statement posted to X that it will respect Salas rights and expects Italy to do the same for Abedini.

It is reciprocally expected from the Italian government that, in addition to expediting the release of the detained Iranian citizen, he will be provided with the things he needs, said the statement, which was issued after Ambassador Mohammadreza Sabouri was summoned to the Italian Foreign Ministry for consultations Thursday.

Iran added that it considered Abedini was being held on false charges.

The delicate diplomatic triangle poses something of a headache for the government of Premier Giorgia Meloni, which is still stinging from the embarrassment of having lost track of another high-profile target wanted by the U.S.

Russian businessman Artyom Uss, wanted by the U.S. on alleged sanctions violations, escaped from Italy in 2022 after he was granted house arrest, despite warnings from the U.S. that he was a flight risk.

Uss, the son of a Russian regional governor, later resurfaced in Russia. Meloni acknowledged at the time that there were grave anomalies in the handling of his case and ordered an investigation.

Milans general prosecutor, Francesca Nanni, has opposed Abedinis motion for house arrest, saying hes a flight risk and that not even guarantees from Irans consulate in Milan were sufficient to ensure he wouldnt disappear.

The issue could come up next week when Meloni hosts President Joe Biden on his final foreign trip before leaving office.
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 and French foreign ministers are heading to Damascus to send what the German minister said is a clear signal that a political new beginning" between Europe and Syria is possible.

Germanys Annalena Baerbock and Frances Jean-Noel Barrot are expected to meet the leader of the group that toppled Bashar Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and representatives of Syrian civil society on Friday.

Baerbock said there can be a new beginning only if the new Syrian society gives all people, regardless of ethnic or religious group, a place in the political process as well as rights and protection.

In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes on Thursday and Friday killed at least 50 people, including an attack on a sprawling tent camp that Israel has repeatedly bombed despite designating it a humanitarian safe zone. Israel said the strike targeted a high-ranking police officer, and blames Hamas for civilian deaths.

Israels war in Gaza has killed over 45,500 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who say women and children make up more than half the fatalities. The officials do not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their tally.

The war was sparked by Hamas-led militants' Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel. They killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 that day. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.

___

Here's the latest:

French foreign minister visits long-shuttered French Embassy in Syria

DAMASCUS  French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited the long-shuttered French Embassy in Damascus on Friday as part of the first visit to Syria by top diplomats from European Union countries following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad by opposition rebels.

Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock are expected to meet with Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist former insurgent group that is now the de facto ruling party in Syria.

It was with great emotion that I am today at the site of the French Embassy in Damascus, Barrot said as he inspected the damage that has occurred at the embassy during 13 years of closure.

A little less than a month ago, new hope was born thanks to the mobilization of Syrians, the hope of a sovereign, stable and peaceful Syria, he said. "It is a real hope, but it is a fragile hope.

Barrot earlier visited the Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma and met with Patriarch John Yaziji.

Since Assads fall, Damascus has experienced a flurry of visits from Arab and Western countries that had cut off relations with Assads government during the countrys nearly 14-year civil war.

Death toll rises after more airstrikes on Gaza

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip - At least 30 people, including children, were killed in Gaza by strikes overnight, hospital staff said Friday.

Staff at the Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital said 10 women and seven children were among those killed in strikes on various locations in Central Gaza, including Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al Balah.

The strikes come a day after dozens of people were killed across the enclave, bringing the total of fatalities since Thursday to 56.

The strikes on Thursday hit Hamas security officers and an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone.

The Israeli army, which did not immediately comment on the strikes, says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths.

French and German foreign ministers visit Syria to show a new beginning is possible between Europe and Syria

DAMASCUS  The foreign ministers of France and Germany are headed to Damascus on the first official visit to Syria by top diplomats from European Union countries after the fall of former President Bashar Assad, in what the German minister said is a clear signal that a new beginning between Europe and Syria is possible.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who began the visit Friday with a meeting with Christian religious leaders in Damascus, said in a statement on the social media platform X that the two countries want to promote a peaceful and urgent transition in the service of Syrians and for regional stability.

He and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock are expected to meet with Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the Islamist former insurgent group that is now the de facto ruling party in Syria.

Baerbock said there can be a political new beginning between Europe and Syria only if the new Syrian society gives all people, regardless of ethnic or religious group, a place in the political process as well as rights and protection.

She said those rights should not be undermined by an overly long transition to elections or by steps toward the Islamification of the justice or education system, that there should be no acts of revenge against entire groups of the population, and that extremism should have no place.

Since Assads ouster in a lightning offensive by opposition forces, Damascus has experienced a flurry of visits from Arab and Western countries that had cut off relations with Assads government during the countrys nearly 14-year civil war.

However, Western countries have so far not lifted sanctions placed on Syria under Assad or removed the designation of HTS as a terrorist group, although the United States lifted a $10 million bounty it had previously placed on al-Sharaa.

Israel says missile fired from Yemen set off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and central Israel

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says a missile fired from Yemen has set off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and central Israel.

The attack early Friday woke millions of people and sent people scrambling to air raid shelters.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, though a faint explosion, likely either from the missile or from interceptors, could be heard in Jerusalem.

The Israeli Defense Forces later reported that a missile launched from Yemen into Israeli territory was intercepted. A report was received regarding shrapnel from the interception that fell in the area of Modiin in central Israel. The details are under review.

Israel has carried out a number of long-range airstrikes in Yemen, some 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) away. But the strikes have failed to stop the attacks.

The Houthis have pledged to continue striking Israel until the war in Gaza ends.

A wave of Israeli strikes kills at least 24 people in Gaza

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli strikes in the Maghazi and Nuseirat refugee camps in central Gaza killed at least 24 people late Thursday and early Friday.

They were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, bringing the day's death toll to at least 50 people.

The Israeli army did not immediately comment on the strikes, but says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths.

Earlier Israeli strikes killed dozens more people throughout central and southern Gaza, including inside a sprawling tent camp that Israel designated a humanitarian safe zone but has repeatedly targeted. Israel's military said that strike killed a high-ranking police officer who was involved in gathering intelligence used by Hamas armed wing in attacks on Israeli forces.

WHO says Israel must let more sick and wounded people leave Gaza

GENEVA  The head of the U.N. World Health Organization says Israel is still allowing only a trickle of sick and wounded people in the Gaza Strip to travel abroad for life-saving medical treatment.

At least 5,383 patients have been evacuated with the WHO's help since the war broke out in October 2023, leaving more than 12,000 Palestinians still waiting to leave Gaza, WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement Thursday.

The rate of evacuations plunged when the Rafah border crossing shut down in May after Israeli troops took it over  since then, only 436 patients have left Gaza, Tedros said.

At this rate, it would take 5-10 years to evacuate all these critically ill patients, including thousands of children, Tedros said. In the meantime, their conditions get worse and some die.

He urged Israel to increase the approval rate for medical evacuations, including no denials of child patients, and to allow all possible corridors and border crossings to be used. Israel controls all the entry and exit points for Gaza.

COGAT, the Israeli military agency in charge of humanitarian affairs for Palestinians, has said it does everything it can to approve medical evacuations, which are contingent upon a security check. It did not respond when asked for comment on the latest WHO figures.
As Germans headed into a year gripped by foreboding, I was reminded of an episode a decade ago that struck me then as absurd, and that now makes me marvel at its prescience.

I was chairing a conference about the internet in Berlin, sponsored by Google, when one of the participants suggested that the German government should establish a public internet company. Silicon Valley, she proffered earnestly, was the preserve of the American super-rich and could not be trusted to tell the truth or preserve democracy.

I scoffed at the idea, though I was too polite to say so. Half of her analysis was, and still is, impossibly quaint and ridiculous. The notion of the state being relied upon to provide an online platform for comment and information  in the very country of Goebbels and the Stasi  stretches credulity. But I must admit that the speaker foresaw the malignancy of the likes of Elon Musk far earlier than I, or anyone I know, ever did.

Musk is driving a sledgehammer through politics in Germany, at its most sensitive moment, and he is basking in the fear he is stoking. The more colourful his insults become (delivered via X, his personal fiefdom), the more outraged the political class becomes. Which is his objective, and that of his boss, Donald Trump.

Where better to undermine democracy than in a country that obsesses about constitutional propriety?

Musk labelled Olaf Scholz, the chancellor, an incompetent fool. In another post, he labelled him Olaf Schitz. He has sprayed denunciations of all the other mainstream parties. But it was his most recent attack on the head of state, president Frank-Walter Steinmeier, that has caused the most offence, calling the supposed custodian of democracy an anti-democratic tyrant.

In theory, they all have the right to sue him. German law weighs freedom of expression against the right not to be insulted in public. The criminal code contains an entire category of crimes of honour, incorporating insults, slander, defamation and the propagation of false statements that cause harm, financial losses or emotional distress.

All of which would play perfectly into the hands of Musk and his self-proclaimed battle for free speech. In any case, any fine would make an infinitesimally small dent in his pocketbook.

What is far more dangerous is Musks open support for the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). With the party running second in the opinion polls ahead of the 23 February general election, his endorsement in the pages of the usually respectable conservative newspaper Welt am Sonntag of the AfD and all it stands for  remigration, ethno-based nationalism and Europhobia  matters. Not because of Musks political perspicacity but because of his hold on social media.

open image in gallery Olaf Scholz at a press conference in Berlin after a coalition committee meeting in November 2024 ( AFP/Getty )

The richest man in the world has a political and economic agenda in Germany. In his newspaper commentary a few days ago, he praised the AfD for its plans to reduce government overregulation, lower taxes and deregulate the market. A Tesla plant in the region of Brandenburg, east of Berlin, is his first electric car factory in Europe and would benefit from any deregulation.

The Alternative for Germany is the last spark of hope for this country, Musk wrote in his translated commentary.

He went on to say the far-right party can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality.

Musks commentary quickly led to the resignation of the newspapers opinion editor, Eva Marie Kogel, while Lars Klingbeil, the chair of Scholzs Social Democrats, who are trailing far behind in third, accused Musk of wanting to plunge Germany into chaos, comparing him to Vladimir Putin. Both want to influence our elections and specifically support the AfDs enemies of democracy, Klingbeil said.

The less sanguine scenario is that Musk is tapping into a latent frustration with liberal democracy in Germany, just as he and Trump are doing in the UK

Both Scholz and Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the man most likely to succeed him at the chancellery, have criticised Musk. But they have chosen their words carefully. You, the citizens, decide what happens in Germany, Scholz said in his new years address. Its not up to the owners of social media.

Their measured tones mask a growing sense of alarm. The terrorist attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg demonstrated continued vulnerability to such incidents  although nobody is immune, as the latest attack in New Orleans attests. It also opened the door to yet more denunciations of immigrants, of the other.

And Germany, of all places, knows where such hostility can lead.

The AfD may have edged up a percentage point or so, but it remains at 20 per cent  a still-remarkable achievement. The CDU remains above 30 per cent, while the SPD, Greens and others languish.

A firewall agreed upon by the main parties remains in place, ensuring no cooperation or coalition discussions with the AfD or other extremist groupings at national level, though locally that has started to fray.

open image in gallery Elon Musk speaks with Donald Trump at a viewing of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas in November 2024 ( Getty )

The optimistic scenario is that German voters are no more disposed to American entrepreneurs telling them what to do than they were a decade ago, and that Musks cosying up to the AfD will make little difference. The most likely election outcome remains a Merz/CDU coalition together with either the SPD or Greens or both.

The less sanguine one is that Musk is tapping into a latent frustration with liberal democracy in Germany, just as he and Trump are doing in the UK, with their support for Nigel Farage, and in France, with Marine Le Pen.

Germans are already petrified at the prospect of Trumps inauguration in a fortnights time. The question then is how far the 47th President of the United States, a title that used to carry the tag of leader of the free world, will be prepared to go to undermine democracy in the country that knows better than any what far-right dictatorship can bring?

As election campaigns in Germany tend to spring the odd surprise, there is ample time for Musk and his ilk to damage a liberal democracy that over the last eight decades has been so painstakingly built.
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 Ukrainian soldiers arrived in Greece with marks of war - one with a head scar, another with both legs amputated above the knee, some with invisible mental wounds from a three-year conflict that has ravaged their homeland.

The men, 22 in all, had taken a bus more than 1,000 km (620 miles) from the Ukrainian city of Lviv to a monastery built on a cliff on the mountainous Athos peninsula in northern Greece, where they hoped to escape haunting memories of the battlefield.

In their four-day stay, part of a psychological support programme organised by Ukrainian authorities, the soldiers made a pilgrimage to some dozen monasteries on the slopes of Mount Athos, a spiritual centre since the 10th century.

The Russian Orthodox Church has long ties with Athos and in 2016 President Vladimir Putin visited to mark 1,000 years since Russian monks first settled there. But NATO member Greece has backed Ukraine in the war, souring relations with Moscow. The Ukrainian soldiers only visited Greek Orthodox sites.

The region has been described as semi-independent from Greece.

A lot of servicemen suffer from the events that took place over the last three years. A lot of them suffer from different illnesses, they are wounded, and we have to rehabilitate them, said Father Mykhailo Pasirskyi, a Ukrainian Orthodox priest who accompanied the men on their trip.

open image in gallery Ukrainian soldier Ivan Kovalyk, 22, checks his phone at the Pantokratoros Monastery in Mount Athos, Greece, November 26, 2024 ( REUTERS )

Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 started the deadliest war on European soil in more than 70 years. By August 2024, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine had documented nearly 12,000 civilians killed and more than 24,000 wounded in Ukraine. Russia denies targeting civilians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in December 2024 that 43,000 Ukrainian service members had been killed and 370,000 wounded. He added Russia had lost almost 200,000 troops. Moscow has not disclosed its losses, but has said such estimates are vastly exaggerated.

Ivan Kovalyk was taking a break on the front line in September 2023 when the soldiers who relieved him asked him to bring a radio, food and water. As he fetched the belongings, a shell exploded nearby. Kovalyk, 22, lost both legs below the knee and now walks on prosthetic limbs.

open image in gallery Kovalyk was taking a break on the front line in September 2023 when the soldiers who relieved him asked him to bring a radio, food and water when a shell exploded nearby, and he lost both legs below the knee ( REUTERS )

Fellow soldiers carried him across the uneven cobblestones and up the narrow staircases of the Athos monasteries. But generally he walked without aid and remains positive about his condition.

Of course, it helped a lot, because it helped me to relieve stress, he said of the visit to Athos, which he plans to repeat.

There was always support from relatives, from friends, brothers-in-arms, support from the state, without that it would not have been possible.

Athos has been a spiritual home of the Orthodox Church since Byzantine times. The area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988. Some ancient customs abide: to this day, only men are allowed to visit.

open image in gallery Recovering Ukrainian soldiers pray at the Holy Cell of Saints Archangels Falakrou in Mount Athos, Greece ( REUTERS )

To reach the imposing cliffside monasteries, the soldiers drove the winding lanes of the peninsula, up and around the tree-lined mountains that slope into the Aegean Sea.

They took communion shoulder to shoulder in small chapels with thick stone walls, whose narrow windows allowed enough light to pierce the thick incense. They made lists on rectangular pieces of paper of loved ones they wanted to pray for. Between services, they talked, smoked and took photos from balconies overlooking the sea.

open image in gallery The St. Panteleimon Monastery on Mount Athos, where Russian monks have been present for more than 1,000 years ( AFP/Getty )

We already see that these five days spent on Athos will replace at least a year of rehabilitation in Ukraine, in hospitals or other medical centres, said Orest Kavetskyi, a Lviv regional official who helped organise the trip.

When I visited Athos, I felt Gods grace, Gods blessing, the greatness of Athos.
On the morning of January 2, the mobilization meeting for the first batch of major projects in Anhui Province for 2025 was held in Hefei. According to information from the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, a total of 622 projects were launched in the first batch of 2025, an increase of 162 compared to the same period last year, with a total investment of 405.75 billion yuan and an annual planned investment of 111.98 billion yuan. A significant characteristic of this batch of projects is the high number of emerging industry projects. It is understood that there are 344 emerging industry projects, accounting for 55.3%, with an annual planned investment of 55.59 billion yuan, accounting for 49.6%. These emerging industries include new energy vehicles, advanced photovoltaics and new energy storage, next-generation information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life and health, green food, etc. Among them, there are 58 new energy vehicle projects with an annual planned investment of 14.06 billion yuan; 73 new materials projects with an annual planned investment of 11.54 billion yuan. The project structure is well-organized. Among these projects, there are 370 manufacturing projects with a total investment of 216.44 billion yuan, an annual planned investment of 63 billion yuan, accounting for 56.3%; 98 infrastructure projects such as transportation, energy, water conservancy, and urban functional quality enhancement, with a total investment of 115.09 billion yuan, and an annual planned investment of 29.58 billion yuan, accounting for 26.4%. Additionally, there are many high-tech projects, totaling 249, accounting for about forty percent, with an annual planned investment of 44.24 billion yuan, accounting for 39.5%.

Source: Anhui Daily


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

Israel killed at least 71 more Palestinians in a series of attacks across Gaza in the last 24 hours.

Israeli forces carried out horrific crimes, carrying out 34 airstrikes across the besieged territory, Al Jazeera quoted local officials as saying. It was one of the bloodiest days of Israels war on Gaza in recent weeks.

One of the latest strikes targeted a sprawling tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and reportedly killed 11 people, including the head of Gazas police force, which is controlled by Hamas, and his deputy.

Israel claimed the deputy was the head of the Hamas security forces in southern Gaza.

The strike targeted Al Mawasi, a humanitarian zone for Gazans driven from their homes by relentless Israeli bombardment and shelling over the last 15 months.

open image in gallery Palestinians gather to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, in Khan Younis ( Reuters )

Mahmoud Salah, director general of Gazas police, and his aide Hussam Shahwan were reportedly checking on civilians staying in the camp when Israeli forces struck it.

By committing the crime of assassinating the director general of police in the Gaza Strip, the occupation is insisting on spreading chaos and deepening the human suffering of citizens," Gazas interior ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli military confirmed the strike in Al Mawasi, just west of Khan Younis, and claimed that Shahwan was leading the Hamas forces in southern Gaza. It made no mention of Salahs death, however.

"Another reminder that there is no humanitarian zone, let alone a safe zone, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, said in a post on X. "Everyday without a ceasefire will bring more tragedy."

open image in gallery Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on 2 January 2025 ( EPA )

Israeli forces also attacked the interior ministry office in Khan Younis, killing at least six people, as well as north Gazas Jabalia refugee camp, the Shati beach camp, central Gazas Maghazi camp, and Gaza City.

The military said it was targeting Hamas militants operating a command and control centre "embedded inside the Khan Younis municipality building in the humanitarian area".

open image in gallery An Israeli soldier covers his ears as an artillery gunner fires into the Gaza Strip from a position in southern Israel on 2 January2025 ( AP )

Meanwhile, the head of the World Health Organization said Israel was still permitting only a trickle of sick and wounded people in the Gaza Strip to travel abroad for life-saving medical treatment.

The UN agency had helped 5,383 patients travel abroad since Israel launched the war on Gaza in October 2023 but around 12,000 were still waiting to leave, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement on Thursday. It had become increasingly difficult to move patients out since Israeli forces took over and shut down the Rafah border crossing in May. Since then, only 436 patients had left Gaza, Dr Tedros said.

"At this rate, it would take 5-10 years to evacuate all these critically ill patients, including thousands of children. In the meantime, their conditions get worse and some die."

He urged Israel to increase the approval rate for medical evacuations, not deny any child patient, and allow all possible corridors and border crossings to be used.

Israel controls all the entry and exit points for Gaza.

open image in gallery A member of the Palestinian civil defense works near a site following an Israeli airstrike on Salah Al Din Road near the Al Maghazi refugee camp on 2 January 2025 ( EPA )

Israels war on Gaza has killed over 45,500 Palestinians, according to the health ministry, displaced nearly 90 per cent of the 2.3 million people, and left the tiny, densely populated coastal territory in ruins.

Humanitarian agencies estimate that over 1.6 million Gazans are living in makeshift shelters, nearly half a million in flood-prone areas.

The war came after a Hamas attack on southern Israel saw nearly 1,200 civilians and soldiers killed and over 250 taken hostage.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said on Thursday he had authorised a delegation from the intelligence services and the military to continue negotiations in Qatar for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

Hamas did not issue an immediate comment.

American, Qatari and Egyptian mediators have spent nearly a year attempting to broker a ceasefire and facilitate hostage releases, only to see their efforts repeatedly stalled.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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

Syrias new regime has announced sweeping changes to the national school curriculum, triggering concerns about Islamisation.

Critics fear the changes, including an increased focus on Islam and the removal of content related to the ousted Bashar al-Assad regime, will be divisive and erode the countrys diverse historical and cultural identity.

The changes, first posted on the Ministry of Educations Facebook page, include replacing the phrase defending the nation with defending Allah and removing references to pre-Islamic gods.

The curriculum overhaul also removes the big bang theory and evolution from science books, and edits history and philosophy subjects to exclude topics like Chinese philosophical thought and Ottoman rule, which is now being described as brutal in the context of Syrias past.

Another controversial shift is the elimination of the subject of national education, which promoted the Baath Partys ideology under Mr Assad.

It will be replaced by Islamic or Christian religious education.

open image in gallery Syrians celebrate the new year in Damascus ( AP )

The changes, which affect children aged six to 18, are aimed at replacing content seen as glorifying the Assad regime, but the introduction of more religious teaching has led to strong reactions, particularly on social media.

The current government is a caretaker government that does not have the right to make these amendments, one user posted on the Ministry of Educations Facebook page, CNN reported.

Nazir al-Qadri, the new education minister, downplayed the significance of the changes in a statement to the Syrian news agency Sana, claiming the curriculum will stay largely unchanged until expert committees are set up to review the educational material.

He said the revisions are aimed at correcting what he described as inaccuracies in the Islamic education curriculum which previously misinterpreted Quranic verses.

open image in gallery Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters search for pro-Assad troops and weapons in Homs ( Reuters )

In spite of the ministers assurance, activists, many of whom have returned to Syria after years in exile, are concerned about the lack of consultation with the broader society before implementing such changes. The transitional governments claim that they are striving for inclusivity appears undermined by these unilateral decisions.

After reviewing the amendments, its clear that aside from removing signs of the criminal Assad regime, the rest of the changes have a distinct religious tone, Syrian journalist Hussam Hammoud said.

The new Syrian regime, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebranded Al Qaeda and Isis affiliate, has sought to distance itself from its extremist roots, promising a future of tolerance and coexistence for all religious and ethnic groups.

The curriculum changes have revived fears that HTS is pushing an Islamist agenda and sidelining the countrys pluralistic, secular history.

The modifications have sparked calls for protests before the start of the new school term on Sunday, with activists and citizens planning demonstrations against any further changes to the education system or other state institutions without comprehensive public participation.
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

Makeshift blindfolds, rusted manacles, and messages of despair scratched into the walls of solitary confinement cells by inmates using olive stones.

These are the signs of life left in the haunted corridors of the prison in the Republican Guard Compound in Damascus: a notorious and previously closed-off location in the Syrian capital.

Clinging to a hill overlooking the city, the sprawling complex and prison is, according to US diplomats and intelligence officials, one of the most likely locations where the regime of Bashar al-Assad detained Austin Tice, the longest-held American journalist in history.

The former US Marine was abducted in government-controlled areas while reporting on Syrias civil war in 2012 and is among a handful of Americans who remain missing, including psychotherapist Majd Kamalmaz, who vanished in 2017.

The US believes Tice was still alive right up until the overthrow of Assad, whose administration spent decades forcibly disappearing, torturing and murdering people. In many cases, the evidence was destroyed  with US officials saying that included the use of dissolving vats of acid and cremating remains.

And so, every site that Tice and others may be or have been must be searched thoroughly and quickly.

An FBI forensic team has visited the guard compound to scout for clues, including documenting English phrases scratched into the walls, says special presidential envoy for hostage affairs Roger Carstens, who personally joined the search on a recent trip to Damascus that he called thorough but not exhaustive.

open image in gallery Rusted manacles in the Republican Guard Compound in Damascus ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

More work needs to be done on that specific site [the Republican Guard Compound] alone. There are many more sites in different physical locations that must be investigated, he says back at his office in Washington DC, holding a map of at least 11 locations that require a proper search.

This is difficult in the immediate chaotic aftermath of the fall of Assad, when thousands of people descended on these areas looking for any information about their loved ones  among them, possibly regime figures who were also looking to remove their files.

The US is being assisted by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist rebel group that led the stunning overthrow of Assad.

One of my greatest concerns is that every day, evidence disappears, is damaged, or is lost. And so, it will be unable to be used to either find Austin or prosecute those who may have had a hand in his detention, Carstens says.

Even in my short time at one detention facility, I saw what I would characterise as hundreds of thousands of pieces of paper and other types of documentation that would have been helpful to sort through.

He adds that computer hard drives and CCTV footage looked to be missing.

open image in gallery Many documents have been recovered but countless others were destroyed in the days leading up to the regimes collapse ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

Right now, the compound, like other sensitive buildings, is manned by rebels wielding Kalashnikovs who take us around. Their main job is to protect the document vaults stuffed ceiling-high with papers, ID cards, and passports: evidence of those who vanished and  crucially  the officials who made them disappear.

Its bizarre to be here  feeling joyful in this place of terror, says one of the rebels, who declines to give his name, while the spray of gunfire and the boom of explosions sound in the background: rebel efforts to beat back looters.

The fighter spent years battling the Assad regime before being tasked by the new interim government with guarding the precious cache. For him, its personal  his cousin is among the missing.

Its a huge task. We need international help finding the missing and working out what crimes were committed here. We need international courts to prosecute people responsible who fled. We need to bring them back to answer questions. We need answers.

After 12 years, Austin Tice is the longest-held US journalist in history

Like so many people in Syria, Tice was detained and held incommunicado  vanishing almost without a trace. In late May 2012, the former Marine Corps captain, Georgetown law student and rookie freelance journalist ducked under a fence on the Turkish-Syrian border and joined a group of Free Syrian Army rebels. He began filing stories for McClatchy, and later for The Washington Post. He also appeared on BBC Radio and CBS News.

open image in gallery This photo taken in July 2012 shows Austin Tice in an undisclosed location in Syria ( AFP/Getty )

After nearly three months in the country, he headed for Beirut to take a break, but while driving towards the Lebanese border, Tice was detained in a government-controlled area. Missing for 12 years, Tice is now the longest-held American journalist in history.

There has only been one solid proof of life  a video released in 2012. Since then, Carstens says the US has had credible reports that Tice could still be alive and has been held in regime prisons, military and air force intelligence branches, private homes, and security directorates. The Independent visited seven of the known sites, including the Republican Guard Compound.

At these compounds, there was a bewildering array of evidence pointed to foreigners being held there, including detailed detainee registration files, testimonies of ex-detainees who described Western inmates, walls scribbled with English-language lessons, and drawings of scenes from Europe and the US.

In the military intelligence directorate, also in Damascus, one cell is covered in a huge mural of a specific London bus that goes to Edgware station and what looks like a scene from New York.

But nothing specifically indicating Tice.

open image in gallery White Helmets look for secret underground cells at a prison in Damascus and find English writing on a cell wall ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

That said, many people still believe he is alive, including the Hostage Aid Worldwide organisation. Its chief Nizar Zakka has said that not only has there never been any proof that Tice is dead, but there was evidence he was alive as late as January.

Zakka said Assad most likely kept Tice in Syria as a potential bargaining chip. US president Joe Biden said on 8 December that his administration believed Tice was alive and was committed to bringing him home, though he also acknowledged that we have no direct evidence of his status.

The Independent has reached out to his family but is yet to receive a reply.

There are also concerns Tice may have been taken out of Syria  via the port city of Latakia to Tehran or Russia  although investigators have seen nothing on radars.

The problem is that Syria is a black box, given the secretive nature of the Assad regime, warns Carstens, who was appointed to the envoy role in 2020 and is one of the few political appointees President Biden elected to keep in place.

We had a hard time determining whether the reports we received were fallacious, motivated by money, or mislabelled by names or geography. And that made this problem incredibly frustrating, Carstens says.

The bottom line is that Syria tended to be a black box, which tended to frustrate intelligence and law enforcement officials, as well as members of the diplomatic community.

open image in gallery We need international help finding the missing and working out what crimes were committed here ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

At the heart of it, Carstens speaks of the dichotomy of a brutal regime that would painstakingly document the atrocities it committed, atrocities seen in the images taken by the military photographer and defector codenamed Caesar, who photographed 11,000 bodies of detainees showing signs of torture, illness, and starvation. But on the other hand, bodies would vanish without a trace.

There are people that the regime held who might have been of such importance  or it was so embarrassing to have had something go wrong with them  that they were willing to forgo their compulsive need to document the disposal of that person. For example, someone dies of cardiac arrest under torture. That body disappears, that file disappears, Carstens explains.

In fact, there was a timeline in terms of the way Assad would operate. He says, chillingly, that the regime began cremating bodies at the end of 2014, and then started putting bodies in acid vats from around 2015.

Family of Majd Kamalmaz fear he has disappeared without trace

This grim erasure is something that Maryam Kamalmaz, the daughter of Majd Kamalmaz, is all too familiar with.

Majd, a Syrian-American psychotherapist from Virginia, was detained at a temporary checkpoint in Damascus in 2017. He had been visiting a relative with cancer and exploring the possibility of setting up a non-profit to support people who had experienced trauma.

open image in gallery US psychotherapist Majd Kamalmaz was last seen in 2017 ( Supplied )

US officials from across eight different agencies would eventually sit the family down to tell them they believed he had passed away at some point in detention. But there is no evidence of what happened, why he was held, or where.

He could be one of the ones that were burned. Thats what I understood, Maryam says. Making it nearly impossible to even find any trace of him.

She describes the agony of not knowing, a pain compounded by fleeting moments of hope. Images of families breaking into prisons and finding relatives presumed dead for years, but still alive, have inspired her to keep searching. Then there was a sighting of an ex-detainee who bore a resemblance to her father, but it turned out not to be him.

It renewed our hope that maybe, maybe there was some confusion, and he could still be alive, Maryam says. So it really ignited our emotions.

I was going through all the videos and pictures and the list of names, trying to find him anywhere. We had family members on the ground outside prisons, trying to see if they could find him. But nothing came out of it, unfortunately.

open image in gallery Sunlight reaches a corridor of cells in the basement of the infamous Saydnaya prison ( AP )

For families like the Kamalmazes, the Assad regimes methods of erasure make it almost impossible to trace what happened to their loved ones.

A Syrian intelligence official who fled Syria and defected told the family that there was a special red line under her fathers name  which Maryam says they later found out means get rid of this individual without leaving any trace or evidence.

Her father never had a trial, nor is there information about any charges or his whereabouts. Its clear they got rid of anything to show that they had him. That way, we cant  neither we nor the American government  blame them for anything, she adds.

Syrias White Helmets search for hidden cells underground

Three storeys underground, in the bowels of the General Intelligence Directorate in a suburb of Damascus, the White Helmets, Syrian first responders, are searching for hidden cells. Armed with specially trained sniffer dogs, torches, and cameras, they are looking for any sign of a dungeon yet to be opened.

This multi-building complex is one of the other places where Tice, and possibly even Kamalmaz, may have been held. The documentation rooms have been ransacked, with paperwork strewn across the floor like fallout.

The walls of the cells are tattooed with writing, indicating the diverse nationalities once detained here  everything from lessons in Turkish and Russian to song lyrics in English.

open image in gallery Graffiti on the walls from prisoners in the state security headquarters compound in Damascus ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

We have formed several search and rescue teams after pleas from families urging us to find people in places like Saydna [a notorious prison], says one of the White Helmet rescuers, explaining how they spent three days inspecting every corner of the prison, from electrical wires to sewage systems, but found nothing.

Two hours ago, we were informed that there is a prison in the General Intelligence Directorate that has not yet been opened. We immediately sent our teams, including police dog units and search and rescue teams, to this location, he adds.

This is happening across the capital and other cities  desperate searches for missing people, including at the infamous Palestine Branch just a few kilometres away. It was a heavily guarded and notorious prison complex.

Part torched, part flooded, in the gloom we meet Ahmed, 24, a Palestinian former detainee who was sent here as a teenager and spent four years behind bars in a cell filled with foreigners, including a German aid worker.

He describes being tortured with electricity, beaten with plastic hoses, forced into a tyre and beaten (a torture method known as dulab), and strapped to the so-called flying carpet, where people are secured face-up on a foldable board, and one end is brought up to meet the other.

open image in gallery The blood would flow here: Ahmed, a Palestinian former detainee in Syria ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

And in this hallway, they would slaughter prisoners  the blood would flow here, he says, pointing to a wall with stains down it. Next to it is a cell. The foreign prisoners were kept here.

Ahmed was detained here, then at the security branch where the White Helmets are now searching, and finally at Saydnaya, around 20 miles (30km) north of Damascus. Saydnaya, often called Syrias slaughterhouse prison, is described by Amnesty International as the final resting place for many political detainees.

Ahmed explains how constantly moving detainees around made it impossible for families to locate them. Those who didnt survive would be buried in mass graves, many of which are only now being discovered, he adds.

The world needs to help us record these war crimes  Maryam

At the site of one mass grave in Qutayfah, outside the capital, Mouaz Moustafa, head of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, which has spent years tracking the missing and the dead, urges the international community to step up and help interim authorities examine these graves and begin the gruelling process of getting answers  not only for missing Americans but also for Syrians.

How do you take fast DNA samples so that people wandering the streets of Damascus looking for their mothers, fathers, sons and daughters can have closure, knowing that theyre gone? he asks in desperation, looking out over the field which could hold as many as tens of thousands of bodies.

Ive been looking for my uncle. So this is my story. And its everyones. And its every human being who has a heart. Because if we let things like this happen, its not just about Syria.

open image in gallery A drone view shows the site of the mass grave in Qutayfah ( Reuters )

It means you can be a dictator, use chemical weapons and cluster bombs, and torture to death in order to hold on to power.

Maryam, whose family is stuck in the worst kind of limbo, echoes the same plea. She urges the world to send professionals and teams to Syria while the evidence is still there.

I think its really important that the international world understands how huge this is and how crucial it is to have professionals sent to Syria to help in every shape and form  to preserve these documents and to find out what happened to these family members that disappeared, she says. This would allow families even a small measure of closure and accountability.

Carstens acknowledges that more needs to be done and vows that the US government is continuing the search for Tice and other Americans, in tandem with Syrias new Islamist administration.

For the families left behind  including those of Tice and Kamalmaz  all they can do is keep up the desperate search for years and years.

It is ruthless and heartless to do this to families  to never acknowledge our loved ones, to make them disappear, to put us through this emotional rollercoaster of not knowing anything, says Maryam.

The uncertainty and lack of closure have left Maryams family in what she describes as indescribable pain.

Its been a very, very difficult and emotional time, she says. My request to the US officials was simple: find out what happened and try to bring him home, no matter what.
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

Frustrated CNN news host Jim Acosta accused Donald Trump himself Thursday of peddling fake news with his repeated lie that the deadly New Orleans truck attacker was an immigrant.

Shamsud Din Jabbar, who was fatally shot by police, was a born-in-the-U.S.A. American citizen and a military veteran.

Yet after Jabbar drove a truck through a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in the early hours of New Years Day, killing at least 14 people in what the FBI has called an act of terrorism, Trump crowed: 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 - which in fact didnt turn out to be true.

Here he goes again, Acosta said of the president-elect amid a heated interview with Neil Chatterjee, who was Trumps commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in his last administration. He talks about everybody else being fake news, and hes the one peddling fake news.

Chatterjee initially said that Trumps remarks shouldnt be taken literally, and that his slams against immigrants after the truck attack was not necessarily directedat this individual, meaning Jabbar.

Why shouldnt you take the president of the United States literally? Acosta fired back. Isnt that sort of a baseline expectation that he should stick to the facts?

He added: What he is saying in that Truth Social post is false! ... When theres an act of terrorism in this country, the incoming president should tell the truth to the American people. Isnt that what the president should do at all times?

Chatterjee dodged the question, noting that Trump has been talking for years about securing the border,  which had nothing to do with the crime.

Instead of correcting his comments about the New Orleans attack, Trump doubled down on Truth Social Thursday, flatly declaring he was right about everything. This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership, he added.

The country does not have open borders, immigrant crime rates are consistently significantly lower than crime rates of American citizens, and Jabbar was an U.S. citizen.

Trumps false talking point linked to the New Orleans rampage was repeated by allies other thant Chattejee. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson also suggested Thursday on Fox & Friends that the attack was somehow linked to President Joe Bidens wide open border.
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 United Airlines customer said they were forced to give up their seat for a service dog as their flight boarded.

The plane was heading to Denver International Airport from San Francisco International Airport.

According to the passengers Reddit post, they noticed the dog sitting in their assigned seat as they made their way through the aisles.

The enormous canine was way too big to fit on the floor, the passenger wrote. When the passenger approached a flight attendant about the animal in her seat, the flight attendant allegedly shrugged in response.

My husband and I tried to resolve it with the passenger but there was no way that dog could fit under his legs in his window seat, the customer continued. Since we were told that it was a completely full flight, and the dog was taking my seat, I thought I was going to get bumped off the flight by this dog.

An airline representative reportedly later boarded the flight to quash the situation but could not persuade the dogs owner to move the animal. In the end, flight attendants managed to locate another seat for the passenger.

The dog stayed on my seat for the whole flight, the complaining customer wrote. Totally absurd that an oversized dog can displace a paying passenger from their seat.

The customer then called on the airline to crack down on passengers abusing the service animal allowance.

How can someone be allowed onboard with a dog that big without buying an extra seat? the passenger asked.

It is nasty to have a dog outside of a carrier sitting on passengers seats with his butt on the armrests. The gate agents carefully check the size of my carry-on but apparently they dont monitor the size of peoples service dogs.

The reported incident marks the second in two weeks involving a paying customer needing to give up their airplane seat for an animal, per the NY Post.

The Independent has emailed United Airlines for comment.

The airlines website states a service dog should sit in the floor space in front of a passengers seat and cannot be in the aisle or floor space of the travelers next to them.

A service dog can be in a pet-carrier if it meets size requirements. Passengers only need to buy seats next to them if theyre bringing two service animals on a flight.
Wes Streeting offered an olive branch to Elon Musk following his attacks on the UK government after Labour rejected a call for a national inquiry into child grooming.

The billionaire X owner triggered a row on Thursday over Sir Keir Starmers handling of historic child abuse in Oldham after he suggested the prime minister had failed to bring rape gangs to justice when he was director of public prosecutions.

Mr Musk posted that Jess Phillips deserves to be in prison after she denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham.

The health secretary called Musk's remarks "misinformed if not ill-judged" but added that Labour are willing to work with him to tackle the issue.
Wes Streeting was grilled on whether he would work for 12-an-hour as care workers push for an increase in wages.

The health secretary appeared on Good Morning Britain on Friday, 3 January, to discuss the governments plans for the sector going into the new year.

When asked by Adil Ray whether he would accept an hourly rate of 12 an hour, Mr Streeting said: I do think care workers deserve more. I'll tell you why it's not quite as simple as you've just suggested. Obviously when it comes to increasing wages, we do need to find the money.

Unions have long been calling for a 15 per hour minimum wage across the adult social care sector.
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.
The property developer Gerry Maguire, who was a member of the so-called Maple 10, has died.

Having originally worked in Dublin, Mr Maguire concentrated on property interests in the north east from the late 1990s onwards. At one time his portfolio included the Laurence Town Centre in Drogheda, which he spent 120m developing, and the Carroll Village complex and Imperial Hotel, both in Dundalk.

He bought the Imperial for a reported 6.5m in 2004 and then spent 14.5m on a refurbishment that took over a year to complete.

The Maple 10 was a group of long-standing Anglo Irish Bank clients who were approached by the troubled financial institutions managers in 2008 and asked to buy shares from Sean Quinn. The then billionaire had built up a 28pc stake in Anglo, mainly through contracts for difference, which had declined steeply in value.

In order to buy the shares, Anglo management offered loans to members of the Maple 10, which also included developers Joe OReilly, Gerry Gannon and Paddy McKillen. They were each lent about 45m to buy a 1pc stake.

Mr Maguire subsequently told the trial of former Anglo managers that he was on holidays in Nice in July 2008 when he was approached by Pat Whelan, the head of lending, with the proposition. Mr Whelan and David Drumm, the then Anglo chief executive, flew out to France the following day to convince him.

Mr Maguire still owned 8 million shares in Anglo when the bank was nationalised in 2009, which rendered them worthless.

Anglo Irish Bank

Parolen, his main development company, had work-in-progress projects valued at 93m at the end of March 2008, just before the financial crash, up from 79m a year earlier. Parolen Group (Holdings), another Maguire firm, had further investments valued at 7m. It had borrowed substantially from Anglo for various projects.

Following the financial crash, Maguires loans with Anglo were bought by Beltany, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs which was set up in March 2014 to handle portfolios of debts from the failed bank. In 2017 that fund sought judgment of more than 134.5m against Mr Maguire and several companies of which he was director over an alleged failure to repay those loans.

The late Gerry Maguire. Photo: Collins

News in 90 Seconds - January 03 2025

The court case did not proceed, however, after Pillardale, a company co-owned by Eamon Waters and Eamonn Duignan, bought the Laurence Town Centre.

Mr Maguire, who was aged 80 and of Gormanstown, Co Meath and formerly Foxrock, is survived by his wife Noreen and his children Ciara, Conor, Odharnait and Cearbhall. According to a notice on Rip.ie, he died on December 31 peacefully at his home.

His funeral mass is on Saturday at 11am at St Marys Church, Julianstown, in Co Louth.
The company set up in late 2024 is building a product that aims to help AI software communicate and exchange information

A Dublin-based AI start-up, Jentic, says it has raised 4m in pre-seed funding. Founded late last year, the company is a communication middleware developer  a platform that allows AI agents to communicate with other software.

An AI agent is a self-driving software programme that uses artificial intelligence to accomplish goals needing only some initial human input.

According to recent figures published by the Irish Venture Capital Association, investments in tech SMEs rose to 192m in the third quarter of last year, with AI and machine learning ranking as the third highest sector.

This is the future of automation, and it needs a new kind of integration layer to manage the unique complexity, reliability and security issues that arise when AI becomes highly connected, said Sean Blanchfield, co-founder and CEO of Jentic.

We have a strong history of building category-leading middleware, and this funding will allow us to quickly expand our team and match the tremendous pace of AI development.

Mr Blanchfield is a serial entrepreneur who previously co-founded DemonWare, which was acquired by US-company Activision Blizzard for $17m, and PageFair, which was sold to Canadian company Blockthrough.

He is joined by Dorothy Creaven as COO, Michael Cordner, co-founder of Mindconnex, and by Dr Tilman Schaefer, founding team member at DemonWare.

Jentic is in the process of building the integration layer to help developers connect their AI systems to various Application Programming Interface (APIs)  an intermediary that allows applications to communicate and exchange data.

For developers, Jentics product will be automatically able to match them with the tools they need to complete different tasks. For executives, it provides an oversight of operations across their organisation, according to the team.

The pre-seeding round was led by investment firm Elkstone with Sure Valley Ventures, TechOperators, and Shuttle, supported by other technology founders and leaders who joined the round as angel investors.

Niall McEvoy, head of venture at Elkstone, said: We are committed to backing ground-breaking start-ups capable of transforming industries. Jentics clear vision to establish a universal AI integration layer aligns perfectly with our mission to drive technological innovation.

Jentic says it will use the funding to expand its team and speed up the development of its product.

Mr Blanchfield added: Were helping developers to easily and securely hook their AI systems up to the worlds APIs. Currently, the team is working on increasing the capability of AI agents and helping organisations monitor and manage large-scale AI deployments.
Rick OShea: Galway city disappears underwater, Colum McCann takes a deep dive and Eimear McBride gives us a 90s love affair  my fiction to look forward to in 2025

With a new year comes the anticipation of some fantastic reads on the horizon. Here are some titles that Im most looking forward to

From left: Kit De Waal, Eimear McBride and Sean Hewitt

Rick O'Shea Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 03:30







The new year already has a mouthwatering line-up of forthcoming books. Here are a few Irish and international non-fiction titles and novels that have caught my attention.
Gritty and moving retelling of Paddy Armstrongs life before and after the Guildford Four is unmissable

Don Wycherley delivers a memorable performance as the wrongly incarcerated Belfast man in Paddy: The Life and Times of Paddy Armstrong

Memorable performance: Don Wycherley as Paddy Armstrong, "a man who suffered but also about a man who triumphed"

Katy Hayes Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 03:30







I cant think when I last found a show as moving as this one. Its a combination of fine script, superlative acting and a profound true story that takes the pick to the proverbial ice inside. Based on the book Life After Life: A Guildford Four Memoir by Paddy Armstrong and Mary-Elaine Tynan, it is never sentimental, never complaining (though there is much to complain about) and is wonderfully textured with rich and vivid detail.
LATEST | Barrister Diarmuid Phelan walks free from court as Keith Conlons family express their hurt over murder acquittal

The senior barrister and law professor was found not guilty of murdering an intruder he shot on his farm

Diarmuid Phelan

Andrew Phelan Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 18:45







Senior barrister and farmer Diarmuid Phelan has walked free from court after being found not guilty of murdering an intruder he fatally shot during a confrontation on his land.
Fresh raft of lawsuits filed against paedophile surgeon Michael Shine (93)

Retired consultant is a free man after serving three years in prison for assaults on nine boys

Retired surgeon Michael Shine arriving at the Dublin circuit criminal court in 2019 when he was sentenced for sexual abuse of patients. Photo: Damien Eagers

Shane Phelan Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 03:30

New lawsuits have been initiated over the activities of convicted child abuser Michael Shine.
LATEST | Woman found dead in Cork flat named locally as gardai probe whether she was victim of violent assault

Gardai fear Paula Canty (32) was the victim of a violent assault on Thursday night

Gardai pictured at the scene (Pic: Provision)

Ralph Riegel Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 21:47







Gardai believe a woman found dead in a Cork apartment may have been the victim of a violent assault.
Micheal Martin and Simon Harris are working on the make-up of the next government. Photo: PA

The Occupied Territories Bill will be a priority piece of legislation when the new government is formed, but there are concerns among senior ministers about how the reform may affect US companies operations in Ireland.

Before the general election, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael committed to passing the legislation, which would ban the import of goods from areas of the West Bank illegally occupied by Israeli settlers.

However, the Dail did not have enough time before the election was called to formally pass the bill.

Both parties are still committed to passing the legislation now they are set to return to government and are anxious for the law to be enacted to avoid political backlash from the opposition.

However, senior government ministers are concerned about the knock-on effects of the bill due to strict US laws banning companies from complying with unsanctioned foreign boycotts.

Everyone supports Palestine and wants the bill enacted, but it could cause problems for US companies, especially those with headquarters in America, a senior minister said.

Last month, Israel announced its decision to close its embassy in Ireland due to what it described as antisemitic rhetoric while Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar accused Taoiseach Simon Harris of antisemitism.

Mr Harris dismissed the personalised attacks against him by Israel as a distraction from the ongoing war in Gaza which has resulted in the deaths of more than 45,000 Palestinian men, women and children.

Mr Harris is expected to take on the role of Foreign Affairs Minister in the new government which will see him playing a central role in Irelands effort to secure a peace agreement in the Middle East.

Government formation talks will resume on Monday, but before the Christmas break, teams from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael concluded their negotiations on foreign affairs issues.

However, there are some existing aspects of the occupied territories legislation that will have to be discussed when the teams look at enterprise, trade and investment.

The two main coalition partners are aiming to finalise talks before the Dail is due to return on January 22. However, this may have to be pushed out a week to January 29 to allow more time to discuss the finer points of a proposed programme for government.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael also have to put any proposed coalition agreement to their membership before they can officially enter into government.

In the weeks after the election, Fianna Fails team, led by Finance Minister Jack Chambers and Fine Gaels side, led by Justice Minister Helen McEntee, reached agreement on agriculture, rural affairs, foreign affairs and defence. They also discussed tourism, sport, the arts and media.

Both sides say the forthcoming period of talks could be more difficult as it will focus on areas where there is less agreement between the two parties.

This will especially be the case when negotiations focus on the establishment of new departments. Mr Harris, the Fine Gael leader, said he wants to create a new department of infrastructure to oversee capital investment projects, but he has faced resistance from Fianna Fail.

Senior Fine Gael sources yesterday conceded it was highly unlikely the department will be created.

However, instead of a creating a department, the next government may establish a new agency to monitor capital projects. Fianna Fail suggested, in its election manifesto, giving oversight power for big projects to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA).

Both parties want to introduce significant reforms to fast-track state investment projects such as new roads, waterworks, schools and hospitals. There is a frustration among the coalition partners about the slow speed in getting projects off the ground despite the State having significant levels of funding.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin wants to split the Department of Justice into two separate entities, with one focusing on domestic affairs such as security and immigration.

However, Fianna Fail sources said they are unsure if agreement on splitting the department will be achieved in government formation talks.

Mr Martin and Mr Harris are said to have struck a deal on rotating the role of taoiseach over the next five years, with the Fine Gael leader revealing before Christmas that his counterpart will be the first to hold the office.

Further discussions on ministries will be held between the two leaders once programme for government negotiations are concluded.

The Regional Independent Group are still expected to be the third element of the new government after Wexford TD Verona Murphy was elected Ceann Comhairle thanks to support from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

The group has been drafting a policy paper it will present to the two main parties once formal engagement begins next week. The group, led by Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry, is expecting a presence in the next cabinet.
A new resource has been created to provide guidance to teachers and parents on how to address the impact of online masculinity influencers on children and young people, particularly teenage boys, across Ireland.

The resource has been made in response to influencers, such as Andrew Tate, who has attracted huge audiences of young men and teenage boys through sexual and discriminatory language.

Teachers and parents in Ireland have become increasingly concerned about how young people, particularly teenage boys, are engaging with online masculinity influencers who post content on social media platforms on issues relating to men and masculinity.

There has been a rise in traditional masculinity attitudes in the classroom

The new guide has been created by Dr Darragh McCashin and Dr Catherine Baker from Dublin City University, alongside Dr Fiona ORourke.

The guide sets out how some of the content promotes harmful ideologies, attitudes and behaviours, including restrictive and oppressive forms of masculinity that are predicated on sexual and gender-based abuse, harassment and violence.

The resource aims to provide schools with guidance on how to address the impact of these influencers on young people, particularly teenage boys aged 13-18, through educational interventions and initiatives, which include having critical discussions with them about this topic.

Assistant professor at DCU's School of Psychology, Darragh McCashin. Photo: PA

It also provides information about online masculinity influencers who promote harmful ideologies, attitudes and behaviours, as well as the impact they have on children.

The report says that online masculinity influencers promote other forms of masculinity, which can have an adverse effect on boys and men.

Influencers such as Tate, Myron Gaines and Mike Thurston promote the idea that young men should manifest specific masculine ideals, such as strength, toughness and physicality, through a muscular physique via fitness and weight-training videos they post online.

Dr McCashin, assistant professor at the School of Psychology in Dublin City University, said teachers in Irish schools have been crying out for guidance on how to tackle the issue.

There has been a rise in traditional masculinity attitudes in the classroom. Theres been some work in Australia by (academic) Stephanie Wescott and colleagues, as well as work done in the UK NGO sector, that have pointed to an uptick in misogynistic and sexist attitudes and behaviours, particularly from pre-teen boys, Dr McCashin said.

Higher levels are being observed, and this chimes with the recent Womens Aid report on younger men exhibiting much higher levels of traditionalist masculinity than other generations, which is something that hasnt really been observed before.
More than 15,000 people accessed emergency accommodation in the month of November, according to the Department of Housings monthly homeless report.

Figures reached another record high with 15,199 people accessing emergency services. This figure includes 4,658 children and do not include those sleeping rough, in domestic abuse refuges, couch surfing or other forms of homelessness.

Of this, 10,925 were in Dublin alone  a 10pc year-on-year increase in the capital, according to the report.

Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne said the figures represent a 76pc increase in child homelessness during the governments term of office.

When the previous government was formed in June 2020, there were 8,699 people in homeless emergency accommodation, 2,653 of them children, he said.

As the country went to the polls at the end of November, there were 15,199 people living in homeless emergency accommodation.

Shockingly, 4,658 of these are children  a 76 per cent increase in a single term of office.

We do not live in a country that lacks the resources to deal with this crisis. A single child becoming homeless is unacceptable during successive years of budget surpluses. However, having thousands of homeless children is incomprehensible and scandalous.

Sinn Fein housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin said: Government failures on public housing are causing month on month rises in homelessness.

"As expected, the latest homeless report has hit a new grim record.

"This is the first time since records began that more than 15,000 people were officially categorised as homelessness. November saw increases in the number of adults, children families, single people and pensioners in emergency accommodation.

"Of course this does not reflect the true level of homelessness as rough sleepers, women and children in Tusla funded domestic violence refuges, men and women in hostels not in receipt of state funding and people with refugee status but trapped in IPAS accommodation are not included in the Department of Housings figures.

Mr O Broin added that the situation is shocking, unacceptable but entirely predictable.

Meanwhile, the Dublin Region Homeless Executives winter report, also released today, found the number of people sleeping rough in Dublin this winter was 14pc higher than the same period in 2023.

The official Winter count of people sleeping rough found 134 people were rough sleeping during the week of November 4 to November 10. The count is arranged by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and carried out by Dublin Simon Community.

The majority of those people were Irish men aged between 26 and 45. While 57pc of them were not using tents. Twelve couples were found rough sleeping, a finding Dublin Simon Community said highlighted a need for more couples beds.

We are alarmed by the rise in rough sleeping numbers in Dublin over the last twelve months. This is particularly concerning given the extremely cold conditions across the country and the multi-hazard weather event expected over the weekend and into next week, Dublin Simon Community CEO Catherine Kenny said.

Combined with the thousands in emergency accommodation in the capital alone, the growing number of people without a place to call home represents a crisis that is only getting worse.

"These figures are more than just numbersthey are people forced to endure unimaginable hardship, particularly in the coldest months of the year.

Meanwhile, in Limerick city, some homeless people had to be turned away last night as demand for beds surged due to the bitterly cold weather.

Una Burns, the head of advocacy with Limerick-based homeless charity Novas, told RTEs Morning Ireland there were six people that couldnt be accommodated last night despite emergency measures being put in place.

We run a street outreach every night of the week, supporting people who might be rough sleeping or people who are on the margins of society, she said.

Last night was actually a little bit quieter than normal. We had around 15 to 20 people presenting, so we were hoping that some people had made arrangements in advance of that.

About six or seven of those were known to us to be people who rough sleep, so were providing those with signposting, trying to get them into services, providing sleeping bags.

Ms Burns said the charity, alongside the HSE, Limerick City and County Council and other service providers, provided an extended capacity of beds but some people still had to be turned away due to high demand, with temperatures dropping as low as -5 on Thursday night.

We exceeded the cold weather initiative, the winter initiative. We took a couple of extra people in, and we still had six people that we were unable to accommodate last night.

That's very difficult for staff and particularly for the people that are presenting to the door of services looking for support.

Ms Burns said there was particular concern for rough sleepers from foreign countries who may not have the same support network as some Irish people.

Youre trying to support people to encourage them to access friends and family if thats a possibility for them, if they feel unsafe to go to the guards, if they're feeling unwell to go to the hospital.

You're particularly concerned for people that are non-Irish and particularly in Limerick, we would have a number of Eastern Europeans that would present regularly to our street outreach because they don't have those support networks in events like this.

So, they're the people that were of most concern to us last night.

Like the rest of the country, homelessness is rising in Limerick, Ms Burns said, making it increasingly difficult for service providers to keep up with growing demand, particularly during weather events like the low temperatures being seen across the country.

In extreme weather events like we're having last night, and it appears for a protracted period next week, we're putting in emergency measures, having roll out beds, people on couches and doing everything that we can.

Additional staff are being brought in to support people during the weather emergency and Ms Burns said the establishment of a service like a night cafe could provide a safe, warm place where people could be brought in a weather event like this.

At least have them warm, a humanitarian response, and have people off the street, she said.
I dont want people to think that I got the verdict, spoke out and was fixed. This doesnt leave you  rape survivors on waiving their anonymity

Victims of sexual abuse tell of the difficult decision to speak out publicly so that perpetrators could be named and to give hope to other victims

Blathnaid Raleigh Photo: Frank McGrath

Catherine Fegan Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 03:30

Paula Doyle wasnt sure she would make it to the end of July. Her rape case had been adjourned for the second time and she was losing hope of ever seeing her attacker brought to justice. She was at a low ebb. Dark thoughts loomed large.
I had guilt after the transplant, because I knew someone had to pass on for me to live  double organ recipient

Cork man William Mills (43) urges others to have donor conversation with loved ones, as its a decision that could save many lives

William Mills, from Mallow, Co Cork, who received a dual organ transplant almost three years ago

Maeve McTaggart Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 03:30

A Cork man who received a kidney and pancreas transplant almost three years ago has said it gave him a second chance at a normal life.
The Tanaiste has criticised Russias abhorrent bombings of Ukraines energy grid on Christmas Day, saying they are not the actions of a country seeking peace.

Micheal Martin said that, as temperatures plunge to below freezing, Russia is continuing cynically to target civilians and civilian infrastructure.

After Russia began its war in Ukraine in February 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainians fled the country and sought refuge in Ireland.

According to the Central Statistics Office, by September 2024 there were 109,566 people from Ukraine with temporary protection orders living in Ireland.

In a statement, Mr Martin said it is imperative Ireland and the EU stand firm in the face of Russian aggression.

As we begin 2025, the people of Ukraine are suffering through their third winter of Russias brutal invasion, Mr Martin added. Millions have been forced to flee their homeland and millions more are internally displaced.

As temperatures plummet, Russia continues to cynically target civilians and civilian infrastructure, including abhorrent bombings of Ukraines energy grid on Christmas Day. These are not the actions of a country seeking peace.

We have heard horrific reports of human rights abuses carried out by Russia, including the large-scale forced deportation and imprisonment of civilians, mistreatment of prisoners of war and repression in the partially occupied territories of Ukraine.

It is imperative that we continue to stand firm in the face of ongoing Russian aggression and support Ukraine in whatever way we can, bilaterally, at EU level and in international fora.

He said Ireland committed a further 36m in bilateral support for Ukraine last year.

This funding will provide essential humanitarian assistance and support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, while contributing to Ukraines longer-term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations, he added.

Ireland has continued to fund shelter, cash assistance and other winterisation activities, as well as wider support.

As many have been displaced, Ireland has responded to this challenge by welcoming Ukrainians to our country. We have also continued to support Ukraine as it progresses along its European path.

In September, Ireland and Ukraine signed a comprehensive bilateral agreement on support and co-operation.

This new agreement is a political and practical declaration of Irelands support to Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It sends a clear signal that we will not waver in the face of the ongoing brutal aggression in Ukraine and signifies Irelands determination to defend the fundamental principles that are the foundation of a rules-based international order.

Calling for global co-operation to build a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, he added: If Russia is allowed to prevail, we will all bear the consequences. 

Russias actions represent a threat to our collective European security and the values which have always underpinned Irish and EU foreign policy.
Just how cold will your county get this weekend?

A Status Orange snow and ice warning has been issued for eight counties while a separate Status Orange rain and snow warning has also been issued for Cork and Kerry this weekend.

Weather conditions are expected to cause major disruption over the coming days with heavy snow falls, dense freezing fog, sleet and black ice forecast.

A Status Orange snow and ice warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary will come into effect from 5pm tomorrow to 5pm on Sunday amid concerns that significant volumes of snow will fall on some areas.

A Status Orange alert for rain and snow for Cork and Kerry extends from 5pm on Saturday until 5pm on Sunday.

Met Eireann warned significant snowfall accumulations are expected and could threaten to significantly impact rail, air and road services.

A second Status Yellow low temperature and ice alert has been issued for Saturday and Sunday - but the national forecaster stressed that further warnings will be issued over the coming days as the precise track of snowfalls becomes clearer.

Temperatures could sink to as low as minus 10C on Tuesday night.

A Status Yellow alert for snow and ice extends from 5pm on Saturday until 5pm on Sunday for Leinster, Connacht, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) held a detailed briefing yesterday following consultations with Met Eireann about the Arctic weather front.

All local authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWAT) were briefed by NDFEM on the potential scale of the weather-related challenges facing Ireland next week.

Ireland was left under a blanket of white today as the cold spell struck with many areas experiencing a severe frost.

Monday is Nollaig na mBan or Women's Christmas and many areas will see the day marked by severe frost and snowfalls.

The polar spell will see snowfalls over the weekend but the coldest of the weather is likely between next Monday and Wednesday.

Disruption is expected at some sporting events over the weekend given the impact of the snow and freezing temperatures on ground conditions.

Met Eireann senior forecaster Gerry Murphy told RTE there is a possibility that schools may not open, but that will become more apparent as we go through the weekend.

Sheep in a field by Tornagrough Road outside Belfast. Photo: PA

Temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing in many areas between Monday and Wednesday.

Met Eireann's Joanna Donnelly warned that there was the potential for significant accumulations of snow in some areas, most likely in the midlands and on higher ground.

"This is expected to be a multi-hazard weather event," she said.

"Disruption will be due either to the accumulations of snow or, in areas where snow doesn't fall, the sleet and rain that falls."

"In those very cold conditions, the rain is going to freeze and that is going to create icy stretches and potentially treacherous conditions for travel."

Irish councils confirmed that stocks of road salt and grit have been replenished for the treatment of all Priority One and Priority Two roads nationwide.

Uisce Eireann and councils are also preparing for any possible disruption caused by the freezing weather to water pipes.

All national and major secondary roads have been treated for icy conditions since last Wednesday - and council crews will treat the roads daily during the Arctic spell of weather.

However, there are fears that if the worst of the Siberian weather hits Ireland, as forecast, it will result in widespread travel disruption early next week.

Both Gardai and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) urged people to travel with extreme care.

Temperatures will sink to minus 5C this weekend - but could plummet to a near-Siberian minus 10C between Monday and Tuesday making it a potentially chaotic return to work and the classroom for thousands after the Christmas holidays.

An estimated 2.5 million people undertake festive travel between December 20 and January 6.

All Irish primary and secondary schools are scheduled to reopen classrooms on Monday next (January 8) for 960,000 students - with the worst of the Arctic weather expected between Saturday and Tuesday.

The Department of Education, along with other Government departments, are carefully monitoring developments with the weather.

A decision on whether to remain closed or to delay reopening times will be a matter for individual school management boards around the country in light of local weather conditions.

One Government source said that key to any advice offered to schools will be a safety assessment for the operation of the school bus transport fleet between Monday and Wednesday.

Next Tuesday will see the peak of the Arctic conditions as overnight temperatures potentially sink to a frigid minus 10C.

The UK - which is expected to receive much higher amounts of snow than Ireland - has already warned that major travel disruption could be caused by the Arctic conditions.

The Met Office has issued an amber alert for low temperatures across the UK with heavy snow falls predicted for northern England, Wales and Scotland.

Northern Ireland is also expected to receive snowfalls over the weekend.

Snow on the banks of the River Bann near Portglenone Marina. Photo: PA

Elderly support groups including Age Action have urged people to check on the old, ill and vulnerable in their communities in advance of the Siberian conditions.

People have been asked to check that the vulnerable have access to heating, warm food and drinks as well as proper clothing.

Homeless support charities have also put in place plans to offer emergency shelter to rough sleepers.

Agencies dealing with international protection applicants and refugees are also monitoring the Arctic weather forecast to ensure everyone is protected from the worst of the conditions.

Farming and animal welfare groups have urged all livestock owners to check that animals have sufficient access to fodder and water given the likely impact of snow and ice.
Sun, street art and sand  my magical Mexican trip married cultural city breaks with glorious unspoilt beaches

From the street art of Mexico City to the white sands of Cancun, Mexico has something for everyone

Hot air balloons flying over the Solar and Lunar Pyramids of Teotihuacan. Photo: Getty

Hilary Fennell Sun 5 Jan 2025 at 03:30

After a 12-hour bus ride from Guatemala, I arrived tired and jaded in San Cristobal de las Casas for a month-long backpacking adventure through Mexico. Nestled in the Central Highlands of Chiapas, San Cristobal was a good place to begin, offering a laid-back introduction to the country. The welcoming atmosphere of San Cristobal encourages strolling around the narrow cobblestone streets.
The article by Mark Almond regarding 25 years of Vladimir Putin (Even after 25 years in power, war is still all Putin can offer Russia, Irish Independent, December 31) is typical of the media coverage of East/West politics.

Lets be clear, Putin is not a good guy. There are no good guys in global geopolitics, and that includes Western leaders.

However, it must be pointed out that it is US missiles that surround Russias western border. The United States has military assets in hundreds of bases around the world and exerts political influence wherever it can.

It has provided political cover for Israel through its use of the veto on the UN Security Council.

So to read an article excoriating Putin while giving a free pass to several US presidents over the same time period is galling.

Over the 25 years of Putin, the US has been invoked in conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Ukraine, while also having its hands all over the genocide in Gaza. Where is the article criticising the US?

Simon OConnor, Ennis, Co Clare

Everyones resolution for this new year should be to follow 10 Commandments

The rapid decline in religious practice in Ireland has been reflected in the equally rapid increase of both criminal and domestic violence throughout our island.

Regardless of how many justice ministers are appointed and additional gardai recruited, the streets of our cities and towns will never be safe again until every single member of the population decides to uphold and obey the 10 Commandments as revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Many religions in Ireland (Christianity, Islam, Judaism and others) have the 10 Commandments as a common foundation and the atheist community also have 10 similar precepts for leading an exemplary life, so as we enter a new year a resolution should be made by all concerned members  first, to ensure they are fulfilling their own obligations, and second, encouraging others to do likewise.

Patrick Murray, Mulvey Park, Dublin 14

In a mature democratic society, we should ensure that religion has a voice

Religion should not be denied a voice in our democratic society.

One of the functions of the church, and religion in general, should be to speak truth to power.

Faith groups have a contribution to make to the issues of the day, whether related to the economy, the environment or migration, just as other groups, including humanist groups, should be able to voice their views in a pluralist society.

They should have a voice, but not a veto. We do not live in a theocracy, but a mature democracy. We should welcome a multiplicity of views in the national conversation.

John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

Destruction of hospitals in Gaza means the dead cant even be accounted for now

Israel has forcibly removed all doctors and patients from Gazas Kamal Adwan Hospital and burnt it to the ground.

The earlier pretence of finding tunnels has not even been attempted as the destruction of hospitals has now become routine.

Doctors have been stripped and removed to the torture centre, Sde Teiman. We will hear no more until they are killed, or released because of international pressure.

This means there is now no functioning hospital in northern Gaza, where an estimated 75,000 civilians cower from bombs and suffer deliberate starvation. The World Health Organisation has called the destruction of the hospital appalling, as indeed it is.

In addition, the hospitals were the crucial element for the counting of the dead in Gaza.

With no hospitals to deliver the injured and dead to, the high mortality of civilians, including vulnerable children, goes uncounted.

No one really believes any longer the official death count of 45,500, as tens of thousands of bodies lie beneath the rubble.

What number of dead will cause Ireland and the world to say Enough and impose meaningful sanctions on Israel?

The immediate passing of the Occupied Territories Bill is urgently required.

Betty Purcell, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W

AI is being used by Israel for genocidal purposes as laws of war are breached

The Washington Post published an article on December 28 headlined Israel built an AI factory for war. It unleashed it in Gaza.

It explains how AI is being used by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in its genocidal attacks on the Palestinian people and its military aggression in the wider Middle East.

It describes how the IDF is using an AI tool known as Habsora, or the Gospel, to quickly generate large numbers of additional targets.

These targets include occupied residential buildings, schools, hospitals and refugee camps. These attacks have caused the deaths of tens of thousands of women and children.

The IDF says its assessments of collateral damage adhere to the Law of Armed Conflict. The article states that in 2014, the IDFs acceptable civilian casualty ratio was one civilian for a high-level terrorist, and that in the present Gaza war the number has grown to about 15 civilians for one low-level Hamas member and exponentially higher for mid- and high-level Hamas members.

The civilian casualty rate in Gaza in 2024 was far too high and was in breach of the rules of war.

Edward Horgan, Castletroy, Co Limerick

World must act to rescue Palestinian children left to languish amid bloodshed

It is heart-rending that starving children in Gaza continue to languish in constant destitution. There is no safe place for them.

Moreover, children lack basics such as shelters, medicines, vaccines, food, drinking water and warm clothes to save them from disease and freezing temperatures.

The world community cannot stand idly by while the children of Gaza fall prey to death, hunger, cold, disease and bloodshed.

Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob, London

Rounding off the year by ushering in a new one also free from hefty booze bills

A friend told me that his resolution for 2025 is to stop buying his round of drinks when in company. A rollover from last year there so, I replied.

Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9
The festival is powered by Alternative Dublin

The month-long series of events will take place in the heart of Dublin city

A Dry January Festival in Dublin is encouraging people to discover new hobbies, connect with others and experience the city's creative and cultural side without the pressure of consuming alcohol.

Dry January Festival 2025 is a month-long festival happening across Dublin powered by Alternative Dublin, it will feature over 100 alcohol-free events and takes place from January 1 to January 31.

All events are 18+ unless stated otherwise and most of the events are ticketed while some are free, which means those interested will need to check the event details for specific booking information.

This Dry January Festival brings a fresh and exciting lineup of events to Dublin, celebrating creativity, connection, and new experiences, organisers said.

There are over 70 events in Dublin with the aim to help people socialise sober, want to meet new people? Learn a new skill? Ever attend an event on your own?

Weve got something for everyone with events, run meet-up, speed friending, art classes, tours, rug making, chess meet-up, pottery, vision boards and more, they added.

The month-long series of events will take place in the heart of Dublin city

Events between now and the end of the month include:

January 3

Make Your Own 2025 Vision Board

January 4

Clay & Coffee: Make Your Own Pot Person

Drop In: Tote Bag Painting

Drop In Paint Night (Theme: Dublin City Center)

Candle Painting: Design your own Masterpiece

Beginners New Year Yoga session

January 5

Clay & Coffee: Make Your Own Pot Person (3 slots)

Make Your Own Rug

January 6

Candle Painting: Design your own Masterpiece

Public Speaking for Beginners

January 7

Create A Painting Using Coffee

Align Yoga

January 8

Drop-In Paint Night (Theme: Van Gogh)

Make Your Own Rug

Drop In Art Night (Theme: Van Gough)

January 9

Paint Your Own Mandala Workshop

Adult Board Games Social Night

Clay & Coffee: Mexican Skulls

January 10

Bits & Beads: DIY Jewelry Workshop

Make Your Own Rug

Learn How To Throw Pottery On The Wheel

January 11

Tote Bag Painting: Paint Your Own Unique Bag

January 12

Chess: All Levels Welcome

The festival is powered by Alternative Dublin

January 13

Drop-In Paint Night

Tarot & Pottery

January 14

Candle Painting: Wildflowers

New Parents Baby Prints

Open Skate session

January 15

Speedfriending Festival

January 16

Adult Board Games Social Night

January 17

Thrift & Threads: Sustainable Trail

January 18

Make Your Own Cup (Hand building Pottery)

Lift and Balance with a Twist (Yoga)

January 20

Clay & Coffee: Make Your Own Boob Pots

January 21

Clothes Swap Social

Open Skate Session

January 22

Paint With Coffee Art Workshop

January 23

Clay & Coffee: Mexican Skulls

January 24

Make Your Own Mirror Rug

January 25

Thrift & Threads: Sustainable Charity Shop Crawl

January 26

Speed Friending

Prose and Pose: Poetry Yoga  The Inner Botanical Edition

January 27

Candle Painting: Abstract Patterns

Studio Ghibli Themed Pottery Painting

Public Speaking for Beginners

January 28

Drop-in Tote Bag Painting

Tarot & Pottery

4 Week Pottery Course

Open Skate Session

January 29

Paint Your Own Mandala Workshop

New Parents Baby Prints

Make Your Own Rug

January 30

Create Your Own Vulva Workshop

January 31
More than 3,000 patients were admitted to University Hospital Kerry in 2024 without a bed according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisations (INMO) Trolley Watch statistics.

The end of year figures, which high-light the overcrowding crisis at hospitals around the country, show that in Kerry a total of 3,180 patients were on trolleys at UHK during 2024.

In total 22,186 patients, including 2043 children, were admitted to hospital without a bed in 2024 according to the INMO data.

University Hospital Limerick recorded the worst overcrowding figures for the year with 23,203 patients recorded on trolleys throughout the year with Cork University Hospital recording the second highest number of patients on trolleys with 13,162 recorded in 2024. Kerry patients attend both these hospitals.

University Hospital Galway had 10,983 patients putting it in third place in terms of overcrowding at hospitals in the country this year.

The figures for all three hospitals reached their highest levels since the beginning of Trolley Watch statistics and mark the second year in a row that records have been broken.

The break-down for University Hospital Kerry show that the majority of patients were on trolleys in the A&E Department with 2,883 recorded in the 12 months and 297 were on trolleys in ward throughout the year.

The worst month for overcrowding at UHK was in June 2024 when 376 patients were recorded on trolleys. The next highest figure was for January 2024 when 355 patients were recorded on trolleys.

The crisis doesn't show any sigs of abating with figures for January to date showing 25 patients on trolleys at UHK. The HSE and the INMO has warned that the flu is placing pressure on hospitals.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) who compile the figures for Trolley Watch said the situation is unacceptable.

We have reached the end of yet another year that has seen an unacceptable number of patients on trolleys. Nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals should not have to bear the brunt of public anger due to poor planning and lack of capacity in the health service year in, year out, said INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha from Kerry.

The next Government now has an opportunity to drastically improve the chronic overcrowding issues in hospitals right across the country. Staffing hospitals and scaling up capacity properly to be at the top of the list of priorities for the new government. There needs to be a turning point in how healthcare staffing is planned and managed, and it needs to start with an immediate lifting of all recruitment embargoes and moratoriums and focusing on capacity, staffing and conditions across acute and community services, he said.

She said the situation is already difficult just days into 2025.

"We know that because of the high rate of hospital admissions of flu and other respiratory illnesses, our members are currently working in very difficult circumstances. The number of patients being treated on trolleys both in our emergency departments and on wards will have implications for infection control. Placing trolleys on ward corridors where there are no windows or proper air flow systems render the areas unsafe for staff and patients, she said.
A planning application granted by Kerry County Council (KCC) to extend an amusement arcade at Russell Street, Tralee, has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala.

KCC granted planning to JayKay Leisure on November 20, 2024, for change of use from an existing retail unit to use as an amusement arcade at 15 Russell Street.

JayKay Leisure already operate an amusement arcade at number 14 Russell Street. The planning is subject to eight conditions and allowed for the expansion of the existing business premises at the ground floor including all necessary ancillary site works.

Mark Leen of Twin Rivers, Annagh, Tralee, appealed KCCs decision to grant planning to JayKay Leisure to An Bord Pleanala in mid-December.

Among Mr Leens reasons for opposing the development is that the current zoning of the applicant site is not suitable and would be detrimental to the retail offering of the area.

He also raised concerns that extending the amusement arcade would result in anti-social behaviour on a considerable scale, while stating that public opinion was significantly opposed to amusement arcades.

Mr Leen stated that Problem Gambling Ireland believe amusement arcades are the early stage at which most gambling addicts commence their addiction.

An Bord Pleanala is due to decide on the case in April 2025.
North Louth Fine Gael Cllr John Reilly has called on Louth County Council to provide a lifeline for the Carlingford Lough Ferry.

He told the December meeting of the local authority that the ferry, which was launched in August 2017, had suffered terrible setbacks in its initial years of sailing.

The ferry commenced operation following the completion of a lengthy multi-agency land and marine approval process in both Ireland and Northern Ireland, and represented a private investment of over 10 million, he stated.

Since its launch, the Carlingford ferry has carried 250,000 vehicles and 675,000 passengers across the Lough. The company introduced the extremely popular Carlingford Lough cruises with live music in summer 2020.

However, passenger numbers have fallen since it was launched and it no longer operates all year round. There were no Easter sailings last year and the summer season didnt get underway until May 26.

Unfortunately, the ferry was hit with some terrible setbacks in its early years of trading; the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit issue caused enormous problems for the ferry company, which resulted in the loss of bookings from tour companies in the UK, he noted .

"Further unforeseen and uncontrollable events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine War which caused fuel prices to rise 30pc had also posed difficulties.

Cllr Reilly said the ferry plays an important part in the tourist business in the Cooley peninsula. A acts as a springboard opening up the Cooley Peninsula and allowing day trippers to explore the beautiful Mourne mountains of County Down and link across with the natural attractions of the Cooley peninsula.

"The marketing of tourism on a cross-border basis in becoming a very real possibility going forward as the success of Irelands ancient East may be soon extended into Northern Ireland.

Cllr Reilly has asked for a tendering process to be put in place by Louth County Council and this would be set up for a specific period and be reviewed after the narrow water bridge is completed. A similar ferry is in operation from Green Castle in Co Donegal to Magilligan Point in Co Derry.

In response, Thomas McEvoy, Director of Strategic Economic Development said, Louth County Council recognises the need for the Carlingford Ferry service to continue and will investigate the feasibility of this model in consultation with relevant Government departments.
Mark Gantly, Regional Skills West Forum Chair presents Emma Britton, Director of Civil Engineering Apprenticeship at ATU, with the Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award at the 2024 Regional Skills West Awards.

The Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium were honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award at the 2024 Regional Skills West Awards at the Galway Bay Hotel. This annual event celebrates excellence and innovation in industry-focused education and training across the region.

The Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium along with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) as coordinating provider, and key partners such as the Construction Industry Federation, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland, Uisce Eireann, the Irish Universities Association, and Local Government Management Association received the award for their groundbreaking work in developing and expanding apprenticeship programmes in civil engineering.

These initiatives aim to address the growing demand for highly skilled engineers while providing learners with a clear pathway from Higher Cert to eventually Masters via apprenticeship.

The Consortium has successfully introduced two innovative civil engineering apprenticeships at Levels 6 and 7. In response to the evolving needs of the industry, they are now in the process of developing additional apprenticeship levels, including Level 8 and even a Masters programme, offering learners the opportunity to progress through to the highest levels of qualification.

"We are extremely proud to be recognised with this prestigious award," said Dr. Emma Britton, Director of Civil Engineering Apprenticeship. "This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the development of these programmes. The civil engineering industry is facing a critical skills shortage, and by creating these apprenticeships, we aim to provide a sustainable, accessible route for learners to acquire the skills and qualifications needed to excel in the field."

Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU said, ATU have a very proud history of developing Consortium led apprenticeships with industry partners and are delighted to be leading out in the provision of these civil engineering programmes to address skills deficits in sectors of key strategic national importance. The demand for these programmes is significant, and as a result, the programmes will be rolled out by additional providers in due course.

The new apprenticeships are designed to offer an alternative, work-based pathway into civil engineering, combining hands-on experience with academic learning. This approach not only equips learners with essential practical skills but also allows them to earn while they learn, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the industry.

The Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Consortium is committed to working closely with industry partners to ensure that these programmes remain relevant and responsive to the needs of employers. With plans to further expand the apprenticeship offerings, the Consortium is laying the groundwork for a new generation of civil engineers equipped with the knowledge and experience to drive industry innovation and development.

The Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award is a testament to the transformative impact these programmes have already had on the civil engineering sector and their potential to help address the severe shortages being observed by the industry.

For further information on these programmes, contact civilapprenticeships.sligo@atu.ie
Warm tributes were paid at Sligo Circuit Court to the late Judge Diarmuid Sheridan (96) who passed away before Christmas.

Judge Sheridan was President of the Circuit Court in 1998 and was the father of retired County Sligo State Solicitor, Mr Hugh Sheridan.

The tributes to the Judge Sheridan were led by Judge Keenan Johnson in front of members of the Sligo Solicitors Bar Association, barristers and Mr Hugh Sheridan.

Judge Sheridan, who lived in Dalkey, passed away on December 11. He retired from the bench in 1998.

Judge Johnson said the late Judge Sheridan sat in Sligo on a number of occasions and was father Mr Hugh Sheridan, State Solicitor for County Sligo for twenty years from 1999 to 2019.

Judge Johnson said Judge Sheridan was a legendary figure in the legal community and was adept at getting to the core issues of cases.

"He provided the template for what a good judge should be, said Judge Johnson. He recalled that Judge Sheridan was called to the Bar in 1952 where he excelled and in 1967 he took silk going on to be involved in many seminal cases particularly Byrne Vs Ireland which allowed the State to be sued.

"That case had a profound impact on the law in Ireland and he played a huge role in that case, said Judge Johnson.

He said Judge Sheridan went on to build up a fantastic reputation on the bench on the South Eastern Circuit where he was appointed and he had administered justice in a fair and compassionate way.

"He was an example of a life well lived and was an exemplary figure, said Judge Johnson.

Judge Johnson said Judge Sheridan was a great believer in living life to the full and he would be greatly missed. Sympathy was extended to the late Judges wife and family while Judge Johnson also congratulated Mr Hugh Sheridan on recently becoming a grandfather.

Senior Counsel, Mr Colm Smyth also joined in the tribute to the late Judge Sheridan.

"He had approached justice in a way to improve the lot of those who appeared in front of him. He was a man of great empathy and the World has been a better place for his passing through it, he said.

Mr Hugh Sheridan thanked everyone for their kind remarks and said it was good to see many of his old friends in court and he thanked Judge Johnson for extending an invitation for him to attend.

Mr Sheridan said his father had a great life and he was going to miss him.

On behalf of the DPP, State Solicitor Ms Elisa McHugh also extended sympathy to Mr Sheridan saying his late dad would have been so proud of his achievements
Roads are being gritted across the county as Ozanam House homeless shelter makes preparations for influx of rough sleepers

Roads have been gritted by Wexford County Council (WCC) in preparation for the cold snap after Met Eireann issued a weather advisory for the county from Sunday, January 5 at 5 p.m. to Thursday, January 9 at 11 p.m.

As temperatures plummet to sub zero across the nation, Wexford is expected to experience severe frost and icy patches in many areas. Wintry showers are also expected with hazardous travelling conditions and travel and service disruption likely.

In preparation, WCCs roads teams are ready to be deployed as needed.

Senior Roads Engineer with New Ross District Council, David Murphy said designated teams have been assigned between main roads and local areas, with gritting being done twice on roads in some areas, in the evenings and early mornings.

All the roads in town will continue to be gritted as required, Mr Murphy said. The roads are icy given the temperatures, but thankfully the rain has held off because if there had have been rainfall before this icy spell it the conditions would be a lot worse, he added.

Mr Murphy also said they are preparing for the snow that's been forecast and there are snow ploughs on standby.

An orange weather warning has been issued by Met Eireann for the weekend for some counties, with significant snowfall accumulations expected. As of Friday, January 3, the snow warning issued for Saturday and Sunday include Carlow and Kilkenny in the status orange alert, which could imply a more significant impact for the New Ross district along the border, compared to other parts of the county, such as the coastline.

The orange warning comes into effect from Saturday, January 4 at 5 p.m. until Sunday, January 5 at 5 p.m., while Wexford's yellow warning brings the expectation of falls of sleet and snow, with snowfall accumulations.

Some of the potential impacts could involve hazardous travelling conditions, poor visibility and travel disruption.

Ozanam House homeless shelter in Wexford.

Meanwhile DePaul, which manages Ozanam House in Wexford town, has said every effort will be made to ensure that temporary accommodation beds will be available to all that need them during the cold snap.

We have already brought on approximately an additional 20 beds in Dublin, Waterford and Wexford for the winter period, a spokesperson for DePaul said. We urge all people who are sleeping rough to make contact with their local authority homeless services to obtain an emergency bed.

The spokesperson said that DePaul has particular concerns for those currently seeking asylum who are sleeping rough but that it had been assured by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth that provisions will be made for this cohort during all emergency weather events.

This follows on from Wexford County Councils decision to enact adverse weather protocol on January 1.

Having represented homeless people across the county throughout the winter months, Councillor Jim Codd welcomed news that DePaul was providing additional beds in Wexford. However, with Ozanam House only accepting homeless people between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., he feared for those who would effectively be left to fend for themselves during the rest of the day.

This has been exacerbated by the closure of the Cornmarket Project during the Christmas spell, said Cllr Codd. Ordinarily homeless people in Wexford town would go to Red Books but even that was closed, so they were standing in doorways instead, they had nowhere to go.

Calling on Wexford County Council to provide a facility for homeless people to go during the hours when they cant access Ozanam House, Cllr Codd feared that the drop in temperatures would force those on the streets into drastic measures.

"Are we going to have people lighting up barrels, standing around an open fire? he asked.

Male and female rough sleepers should go directly to Ozanam House (053 9121440), Thomas Street, Wexford and present at 9 p.m.

Anyone with concerns of road conditions can contact Wexford County Council on 053 919 6000 or dial 999/112 in an emergency.
Three Wexford men have been convicted for illegal salmon fishing on the River Barrow in Co Carlow in September of this year.

At Kilkenny District Court Mr Dean Wickham of Raheenakennedy, Adamstown, Co. Wexford; Mr Joe Malone of Ballinavegga, Co. Wexford; and Mr Patrick Mears of Upper William Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford were accused of attempting to unlawfully capture salmon and using a boat as an aid to the commission of an offence.

The incident happened at Bauck, Drummin, on the River Barrow, Co. Carlow, on September 8, 2024.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) secured convictions against the three men for illegal salmon netting offences with fines and costs/expenses of almost 2,000 levied.

Commenting, Lynda Connor South-Eastern Regional Director at IFI, said, Convictions like this highlight the ongoing pressure on our vulnerable salmon stocks. The actions of these men threaten the survival of a protected species.

IFI fisheries officers are committed to protecting migrating salmon on their journey back to their spawning grounds.

The court was told that the boat used by the defendants was to be forfeited to IFI. Each man was instructed to pay 250 in fines and 400 in legal costs/expenses, amounting to 1,950 in total.
Councillor Melanie Corrigan said she would like to see an alternative bike park established as an amenity in the Enniskerry area, as plans are in place to carry out works to restore the habitat following the closure of what was the unauthorised bike park at Knocksink Woods Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The plans have been announced by the Department of Heritage and work will continue until the end of February to create conditions for natural woodland regeneration.

Cllr Corrigan, who was very familiar with the site and who had previously met with local people in the area, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and users of the bike park before its closure, said it was unfortunate that the bike park had to be closed.

"Having visited it and seen that there were safety issues on the site, as well as the extent of damage to the SAC there was no other choice, she said.

She said she would like to see an alternative bike park, which would be safe to use and in an area that was suitable environmentally and more accessible, and this is something that she would be supporting.

"But in the SAC of Knocksink, it wasn't appropriate. Its a beautiful and historical area and to see it returned to nature will be fabulous.

Knocksink Wood is situated in the valley of the Glencullen River, just northwest of Enniskerry. The river winds its way over granite boulders along the valley floor and the steep sides of the valley support extensive areas of woodland. A notable feature of the wooded slopes are the frequent and extensive springs and seepage areas, and there is tufa formation in several places.

The site contains a substantial area of potentially ancient woodland and has one of the most diverse woodland invertebrate faunas in Ireland, including some wet woodland organisms which are threatened at an international level.

In the report published on December 30 by the department, Necessary conservation measures at Knocksink Woods SAC  Determination on Screening for Appropriate Assessment, it highlighted the aims to restore habitat damaged by what was deemed the illegal creation and alteration of tracks, paths and access routes associated with off-road recreational use of bikes since the late 1990s, but which since 2019 increased dramatically. The damage to habitats in the SAC now extends to 0.25 acres.

Drastic alterations have been made to the woodland ground flora (any typical woodland flora which would be likely to be present has been almost entirely lost), and large quantities of soil have been excavated and heavily compacted to form dirt jumps.

Along the sloping sides to the north, this excavation has caused tree roots to be exposed in some places, compromising the trees, exposing the underlying soil to rain and frost and increasing risk of slope collapse and landslides. At the south-western side of the site, excavations appear to threaten to undercut the roadway.

NPWS Wicklow Regional Management have since closed the unauthorised BMX track at this location.
Wicklow charity Tiglin has issued an appeal to help protect rough sleepers from life-threatening conditions as temperatures are forecast to plunge further in the coming days.

The charity, which provides housing and rehab support for those affected by addiction and homelessness, said that despite the Governments Cold Weather Strategy, which aims to increase capacity under exceptional conditions, many remain vulnerable as emergency beds are activated only during extreme weather, a reactive measure that underscores the need for better long-term planning".

Bed provision should not be dictated by weather, it should be dictated by demand, the charity said, as latest figures from the Department of Housing show over 15,000 individuals are in emergency accommodation, with more sleeping rough.

The situation is particularly acute for individuals seeking international protection, many of whom are housed in temporary conditions or face delays in accessing suitable accommodation.

Tiglin Chairman Aubrey McCarthy said: As temperatures plummet, lives are at stake. Rough sleepers and asylum seekers are not just battling the cold  they are fighting for survival. Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow warning as -5C is forecast and has highlighted concerns for motorists and animals during this time. Let us not forget the homeless, the unhoused during this high-risk time.

The charity is urging the public to report anyone they are concerned about who is sleeping rough to their local authority. The public's role is also criticalsmall acts, such as reporting rough sleepers, can save lives.

The charity acknowledges the efforts of local authorities, NGOs, and volunteers working tirelessly in these challenging conditions. However, it believes a unified approach that includes long-term solutions to the housing crisis is essential to prevent tragedies on our streets with those who are homeless.

The freezing conditions serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for both immediate action and long-term solutions to address homelessness and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Ireland. Tiglin has reiterated its call to the Government to prioritise proactive planning over reactive measures, ensuring that no individual has to choose between life-threatening conditions and inadequate shelter.

Tiglin remains committed to working with authorities, NGOs, and communities to not only provide immediate relief during these severe weather events but also to advocate for sustainable solutions to end homelessness.

"Together, we can ensure that no one is left out in the cold, it said.
The HSE for the South East region has advised that visiting restrictions are in place in hospitals, including St Columcilles Hospital, Loughlinstown, as there has been a rise in the number of people presenting with symptoms of respiratory illness.

In order to protect patients and staff, visiting restrictions are in place and hospitals are also implementing mask-wearing measures as a further precaution.

The latest data, which covers the week to midnight on December 28, showed there were a total of 2,319 cases of flu nationwide, with 520 hospitalisations. The highest rate was in Dublin, at 384 cases and just 24 cases were reported in Wicklow. However, since week 40, 2024 (the current winter season), 7,247 cases have been reported nationwide, 174 in County Wicklow.

All healthcare workers and people in at-risk groups are urged to get the flu vaccine, particularly in light of the recent drop in temperatures.

Making the appeal, Dr Vida Hamilton (Regional Clinical Director, HSE Dublin and South East) said: The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu this winter. Being vaccinated reduces risk and helps to avoid serious illness, hospitalisation and even death. A high rate of flu vaccination among healthcare workers and other at-risk groups in in our communities will help us to limit the damage flu infection can bring.

As we are also expecting a cold spell of weather this weekend and coming into next week we ask people, especially older or more vulnerable people, to take extra care during the cold spell. Keeping warm, eating well and avoiding unnecessary travel is important during very cold weather.

Commenting further on the need to be vigilant in the cold snap, Dr Carmel Mullaney, Regional Director of Public Health, said: Unfortunately, every winter we see rises in certain infections, including seasonal flu and winter vomiting virus (norovirus). While for many, such illnesses are unpleasant but relatively mild, for some people, especially the very young or those who are older, and with underlying medical conditions, these infections can be very serious. To protect ourselves, those vulnerable adults and children in our lives, and to support our health and care services, it is really important that we do everything we can to reduce the risk of spread of infection.

Due to sustained presentations with flu symptoms and an increase in flu positive cases, many healthcare facilities and hospitals have introduced visitor restrictions and mask wearing. We are asking people to comply with the local advice and measures being put in place across the service.

I would like to remind people of the more fundamental measures we can all take to avoid either catching or spreading infection. Frequent hand washing with soap and water helps prevents the spread of the flu and other viruses. When you're sick, its best to avoid contact with people who are vulnerable. Stay home from your place of work or school if you feel unwell. If you do become sick, self-management for the more mild symptoms with paracetamol, fluids and rest helps a great majority of people. And of course, vaccination is still available, and still worthwhile. Prevention is much easier than treatment.

The flu vaccine is available from GPs and pharmacies. The childrens nasal flu vaccine is available from pharmacies.

For GPs in Wicklow that are administering the flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations, please check: www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp/

For pharmacies in Wicklow where the flu vaccine, the childrens nasal flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster vaccinations are available, go to: www2.hse.ie/services/pharmacies-flu-and-covid-vaccines/

The HSE is asking everyone to help stop the spread of flu by staying at home if you're sick. If you need care, visit your pharmacy, GP or family doctor or GP out-of-hours service.

Out-of-hours GPs serving County Wicklow

North Wicklow:

E-Doc: 01 223 4500

Clinics are based in St Columcilles Hospital Loughlinstown, and St Michaels Hospital, Dun Laoghaire.

South Wicklow:

Caredoc: 0818 300 365 or (059) 913 8100

Clinics are based in Wicklow Primary Care Centre, Wicklow, and The Health Clinic, Arklow.

West Wicklow:

K Doc (045) 848 701

Clinic is based in Vista Primary Care Campus, Naas, Co. Kildare

HSE Injury Unit serving Wicklow:

St Columcilles Injury Unit, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin. Age 14+, open 7 days a week from 8am-7pm, Tel: 01 211 5048

You do not need an appointment. There is no charge if you have a full medical card or have a GP referral letter. Otherwise it costs 75 to attend an injury unit.
An appeal has been submitted to An Bord Pleanala after planning for a tourism offering in Roundwood consisting of five detached single-storey pods was refused.

Permission was sought by Niall Davis calling for the erection of five detached single storey pods each of which would accommodate a studio style holiday dwelling containing a bedroom, kitchenette and toilet with shower and wash-hand basin, to be clad in timber and metallic sheeting and covered with a mono-pitch roof.

The application related to 2.1 hectares at Ballinastoe in Roundwood.

The units would be served by individual soakpits and a gully, a communal wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter, a new well for potable water purposes, a vehicular driveway with five car parking bays therein and all site works including landscaping and the formation of clay banks. The development was to be accessed via and entrance and driveway which was previously granted permission by Wicklow County Council and which had already been constructed.

Objectives under the County Development Plan recognise that some tourist accommodation can be provided in the rural area, however, this is only on a limited basis, e.g. To only permit the development of a tourism or recreational facility in a rural area in cases where the product or activity is dependent on its location in a rural situation.

The planning section of Wicklow County Council noted that the subject lands are located in a rural area, outside of a settlement, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, however Ballinastoe Woods and bike trail, which has recently been granted permission for a cafe, bike hire facility, toilets, ancillary spaces, bike wash area and associated works, is located on the adjacent site to the north, therefore there is a tourist attraction in close proximity to the site.

The bike trail was considered as a standalone development, which is necessarily located in the rural area. However, the separate tourist accommodation pods are not ancillary uses and are not required to be located in the rural area, as such accommodation is not dependent on its location in a rural situation. The bike trail is located in close proximity to Roundwood, Newtown, etc, and any tourist accommodation that users of the bike trail may wish to use could easily be located in those settlements.

The proposed development was refused by Wicklow County Council due to its rural location removed from any settlement, as objectives of the County Development Plan generally require tourism and recreation related developments to locate within existing towns and villages, except where the nature of the activity proposed renders this unfeasible or undesirable and to only permit the development of a tourism or recreational facility in a rural area in cases where the product or activity is dependent on its location in a rural situation.

It was considered that the proposed development would materially contravene the objectives of the County Development Plan 2022, would result in the further erosion of the rural area, an area that is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the mountain uplands and would set an unacceptable precedent for such further footloose rural development.

The An Bord Pleanala appeal is due to be decided by April 22 of 2025.
South Korean police raid offices of Jeju Air and airport operator over plane crash that killed 179

Operation and maintenance of aircraft are focus of investigation

Relatives of passengers on a plane which skidded off a runway and burst into flames, are seen near the site of a plane crash at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, on Wednesday. Photo: AP

Hyunjoo Jin Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 03:30







South Korean police said yesterday they had raided Jeju Air and the operator of Muan International Airport as part of their investigation into Sundays crash that killed 179 people in the worst aviation disaster on the countrys soil.
The Indo Daily: Why is even the mention of water charges like playing with fire for politicians?
IDF airstrike on humanitarian zone kills Gazas police chief and dozens more Palestinians

Israeli forces attack all along the strip, as Palestinian Authority bans Al Jazeera from reporting

The Israelis have banned the United Nations from feeding refugees in Gaza. The ban is set to go into effect this month

Nidal al-Mughrabi and Clauda Tanios Thu 2 Jan 2025 at 03:30







Israeli airstrikes killed dozens of Palestinians across the Gaza Strip yesterday, including 11 people in a tent encampment sheltering displaced families. Medics said the 11 dead in the Al-Mawasi district included women and children.
Hibatullah Akhundzada, Afghan political and religious leader who currently serves as the leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as the supreme leader of the Taliban. 2021. (Photo by: Rob Welham/Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
US army veteran who drove a truck into a crowd in New Orleans attack was 100pc inspired by Islamic State, but he acted alone, says FBI

Officers keen to speak to witnesses seen in footage

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, perpetrator of the New Orleans truck attack which killed 14 people on New Years Day. Photo: Reuters

Eric Tucker, Jim Mustian, Kevin McGill and Jack Brook Fri 3 Jan 2025 at 03:30







The US Army veteran who drove a truck into a crowd of people on New Years Day in New Orleans acted alone, the FBI said yesterday, reversing its position from a day earlier.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Nandamuri Balakrishna is gearing up for the release of Daaku Maharaaj, one of the biggest films of the Sankranti season. It has created a great deal of buzz among fans as it features the mass hero in a fierce new avatar.

On Thursday, January 2, the makers of the action drama unveiled its latest single from the flick. Titled Dabidi Dabidi, the track features NBK and Urvashi Rautela at their stylish best. However, in an unexpected development, the songs choreography has not gone down too well with a section of the audience. Netizens took to social media to rip apart the dance moves.

Netizens taken aback by Daaku Maharaaj third single

Dabidi Dabidi, the third single from Balakrishnas Daaku Maharaaj, has become the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons. Netizens arent too impressed with the dance moves and the body movements shown in the song. Many of them took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to slam the choreography.

What on earth did I just watch?  A grown man dancing so inappropriately with someone who could be his daughter?



Who even comes up with such 'genius' choreography, and why did the hero agree to this? Absolutely disgusting#DabidiDibidi #DaakuMaharaaj pic.twitter.com/BlENomwL0A  Mastikhor  (@ventingout247) January 2, 2025

Imagine the outrage if this was a Bollywood song . What kind of choreography is this??#DaakuMaharaaj #UrvashiRautelapic.twitter.com/6GRjQAPq73  MASS (@Freak4Salman) January 2, 2025

Wow. @vamsi84, you have made a real cinema. Bollywood should learn from you  https://t.co/UHLS9gGhtC   Bollywood (@Apna_Bollywood) January 3, 2025

Many of them also hit out at Naga Vamsi, the films producer, and taunted him for his recent comments about Bollywood. In case you did not know, Naga Vamsi recently got into a heated argument with Boney Kapoor and claimed that Bollywood makes films for the Bandra and Juhu crowd. This left the internet divided, resulting in several heated online debates.

About Daaku Maharaaj

Daaku Maharaaj is an action drama, directed by Bobby. It centres on a daring robber who tries to continue his reign of terror. It features Nandamuri Balakrishna in the titular role. The cast includes Shraddha Srinath, Bobby Deol, and Urvashi Rautela. The film is produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Sai Soujanya. S Thaman serves as the music composer. Daaku Maharaaj is set to hit the screens on January 12.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Shocking videos have emerged on social media showing the aftermath of the assault that led to the death of a tourist in Goa on New Year's Eve. In the videos, men can be seen walking around carrying thick bamboo sticks, after the deadly altercation between a group of tourists and the staff of the Marina Beach Shack in Calangute, North Goa.

Goa: A 28-year-old youth from Andhra Pradesh, named Ravi Teja, was brutally beaten to death by shack staff following an altercation with the shack owner and his staff over a food order.



The tourist decline in Goa should be understood deeply. pic.twitter.com/IpBWm6FrYT  Angry Saffron (@AngrySaffron) January 2, 2025

Techie celebrating New Year killed in Goa

Bolla Ravi Teja, a 28-year-old techie from Andhra Pradesh, who was in Goa with a group of friends to celebrate the New Year, lost his life in the assault.

CREDIT: BCCL

Both sides have given conflicting versions of what led to the ugly altercation that took the life of Teja.

What victim's friends said

According to friends of the deceased, they went for dinner at Marina Beach Shack at about 1 am on December 31. But when they ordered food, the shack owner demanded an extra charge as they came after midnight, which was past their closing time. This led to an argument between the shack staff and the tourists.

The tourists alleged that the shack staff threatened and misbehaved with the women in their group. When Teja objected to this, he and a couple of others were attacked with bamboo sticks.

CREDIT: BCCL

What shack staff said

However, according to the version of events the shack staff told the police, a group of heavily drunk tourists approached them demanding food, even after being informed that the kitchen was closed. One of the tourists allegedly used abusive language towards the women staff working there, leading to a heated argument. In the scuffle that followed, Teja was hit on his head and died on the spot.

Shack owner, staff arrested

Following the incident, four people, including the shack owner, Agnel Silveira, his son Shubert Silveira, and two staff members, Anil Bista and Samal Sunar, have been arrested by the police.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
More details have emerged about the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day. Authorities have now confirmed the initial suspicion of many, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, that the explosion was an act of terrorism.

Who is Matthew Livelsberger?

Investigators have revealed that the only fatality in the explosion, the occupant of the Cybertruck, was the suspect in the blast. He has been identified as Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an elite US soldier, who was deployed in Germany, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Congo.

CREDIT: AP

Matthew Livelsberger died of gunshot to head

Authorities also revealed that the 37-year-old from Colorado Springs, Colorado, died of a gunshot to his head and not from the explosion of the Cybertruck.

Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said that they found a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the head of Livelsberger and a gun was also recovered from the destroyed vehicle.

CREDIT: REUTERS

It is believed that Livelsberger shot himself just before triggering the blast of his rented Cybertruck, filled with explosives.

According to the police, Livelsberger, whose body was burned beyond recognition, was identified using his tattoos, credit cards, military identification, passport, iPhone, and a smartwatch recovered from the vehicle.

Decorated military career

Livelsberger, who joined the US military in 2006, served in both the Army and National Guard. He was a decorated Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant.

CREDIT: AP

He was awarded a total of five Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge, and an Army Commendation Medal with valor.

He was serving in Germany but was on approved leave at the time of the incident.

CREDT: AP

Livelsberger loved Trump: family

The motive behind Livelsberger blowing up a Cybertruck he rented from Denver on December 28 and drove to Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 1 is yet unclear.

Amid speculations of the explosion being politically motivated, Livelsberger's family said he loved Trump.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Is COVID-19 back again? It has been over five years since the world faced the deadly spread of the COVID-19 virus; however, the scare is not over yet. According to social media posts, a mysterious virus is currently spreading in China.

China, where the coronavirus reportedly originated, is again facing an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The posts on social media suggest that the virus is quickly spreading and is majorly targeting children and the elderly.

Moreover, in the reports and social media posts, many hospitals and crematories are overwhelmed in China. Some videos online also show the hospitals are overcrowded, with social media users highlighting the presence of multiple viruses: HMPV, mycoplasma pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.

China declares a state of emergency amid the spread of a mysterious virus

There have been unverified claims on social media that China has declared a state of emergency as the so-called epidemic has overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums.

-Is #China hiding another pandemic?

-As per reports China has declared a state of emergency

-Hospitals & crematoriums unable to cope with the crowd

-Viruses include: Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumonia & COVID-19

-No confirmation from WHO though



Video: Past24HoursinIndia pic.twitter.com/BBL88Fh6xO  Insightful Geopolitics (@InsightGL) January 3, 2025

However, an official statement revealed that data for acute respiratory diseases depicted an upward trend in the overall infections in the week of December 16 to 22, 2024.

The particular social media post also reported that paediatric hospitals are strained with increasing cases of pneumonia and 'white lung.'.

 BREAKING:



China  Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums.



Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. pic.twitter.com/GRV3XYgrYX  SARSCoV2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) January 1, 2025

What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a type of respiratory virus that is known to mimic symptoms that are similar to flu. Dr. Samir Garde, Director of the Dept. of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, warns, Those with weaker immune systems, such as children and elderly people, are more vulnerable to this virus.

Symptoms of HMPV virus

Symptoms of HMPV virus can include fever, constant coughing, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue. HMPV is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches anything.

So far there are no cases reported in India, but people should still stay cautious and follow safety measures, " says Dr. Garde.

Should India be worried about the new rise of Covid-19 infections in China?

Norovirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhoeal infections, affecting not only the general population but also immunocompromised individuals, such as those with cancer, bone marrow transplants, or solid organ transplant recipients.

Dr. Divya Joshi, consultant in infectious diseases at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, warns, Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is also quite common in India, particularly post-COVID-19, as we have become more vigilant in identifying respiratory infections.

Our molecular panel has detected HMPV as a common cause of respiratory viruses, along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses, and others. HMPV causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or asthma, adds Dr. Joshi.

In certain subsets of individuals, particularly immunocompromised children under 14 or the elderly, HMPV can cause severe pneumonia.

Preventions to be safe amid the rise in HMPV in China

Since there is no effective treatment available for norovirus, the most effective measure is to ensure proper hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.

According to Dr. Garde, Individuals are advised to exercise hygiene by frequently washing their hands, wearing masks in crowded places, avoiding close contact with those who are sick or infected, and deep-cleaning their houses regularly.

For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle.
The 44-year-old DJ from Azerbaijan and another accused in the case of drug trafficking by a group arrested in a villa in Kalyvia during a party were temporarily detained after their pleas.

The Azeri woman accused of aggravated drug trafficking, who is believed to be the organizer of the party,

reportedly denied during her plea to the investigating judge the central role she is accused of playing. She claimed that she was not the one who organized the party , nor did she send invitations to the persons attending the party

In addition to the 44-year-old and her co-accused, who is being taken to jail, three other defendants in the case who were released on conditional release were also arraigned before the investigating magistrate on Friday. Specifically, they were imposed a monetary bail of 3 to 4 thousand euros and the condition of mandatory appearance at regular intervals at a police station.

   iefimerida.gr


The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing attack on Peter Obi, the Labour Partys presidential candidate in the 2023 election, describing him as a prophet of doom.

This comes after Obi claimed that Nigerias economic and security challenges have worsened under President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration in the past 18 months.

Obi, the former Anambra State Governor, dared Tinubu to visit Nigerian hospitals and take short trips to see the deteriorated situation for himself.

Advertisement

However, the APC, in a statement on Thursday, disagreed with Obis assessment, stating that the countrys economy has made significant progress in recent months.

READ ALSO: Lead By Example, Travel By Road  Peter Obi Challenges Tinubu on Governance

According to Felix Morka, APCs spokesperson, While Nigerians celebrated the new year with hope for a more glorious 2025, Peter Obi was seemingly stuck in a replay of his jangling, gloom-ridden wishlist for our country.

Morka added that Obis claims are misleading and appears intended to score cheap political points.

The APC statement further emphasized that Obis negative outlook on the countrys situation is unfounded, as all indicators show that our country is rebounding in significant measure across all sectors.

This, according to the APC, solidifies Obis position as Nigerias leading doomsayer.


The Borno State Urban Planning and Development Board (BSUPDB) has disclosed a ban on street hawking and other illegal activities in Maiduguri metropolis.

According to a statement on Friday by Liman Mustapha, General Manager of the board, the ban is in line with the Borno State Urban Planning and Development Law of 2002.

The prohibited activities include street hawking, tricycle operations, and generator repair services around the Post Office and Monday Market areas.

Advertisement

Additionally, any activities on pedestrian walkways, junctions, and roundabouts are also banned, along with the sale of engine oil on road reserves and the dumping of sand or building materials.

READ ALSO: Odili Is Beginning And End Of Politics In Rivers  Fubara

Mustapha warned that those affected by the order must vacate the occupied sites immediately.

The board has no alternative but to arrest and prosecute defaulters in a court of law.

This measure aims to ensure a clean, safe, and organized urban environment in Maiduguri and other parts of the state, he said.

Residents and business owners are urged to comply with the ban to avoid legal action.


A Catholic priest, Joseph Enyinaya, has been arrested by the Imo State police command for allegedly shooting a boy who set off fireworks inside the church.

The incident occurred on December 31 at St. Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo Ikeduru Local Government Area of the State.

According to Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in the State, the suspect was arrested on Thursday, and an investigation has been launched into the matter.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Delta Police Apprehend Man For Allegedly Stabbing Neighbour To Death Over Rice

Okoye stated, The priest has been arrested, and the body of the boy has been deposited at a mortuary in Atta Ikeduru.

The police has launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident.

The police spokesperson assured residents of the State that details of the case will be communicated as the investigation continues.
A heated confrontation occurred in Lagos after a businesswoman, Chioma Ikokwu, popularly known as Chioma Good Hair, documented the demolition of her property and the alleged misconduct of police officers on-site.

In a viral video on Thursday, Chioma described how officers arrived at her shop, claiming they had orders to demolish the building. She and her staff complied without resistance, arranging for a truck to remove items from the premises.

However, their efforts were repeatedly hindered by the police.

Advertisement

Tensions escalated when one of the officers, seemingly irritated by her filming, threatened to slap her.

A group of women stepped in, defusing the situation before it turned physical.

Sharing the ordeal online, Chioma called for clarity from Lagos State authorities, questioning the legitimacy of the demolition and accusing the officers of harassment and theft.

READ MORE: May Edochie Embarks On Music Journey, Releases Debut Single

She also criticised the Lagos State Building Control Agency for allegedly allowing the abuse of power under their name.

In her caption, she demanded answers stating, Who has GOVERNOR SANWOLUS PHONE NUMBER

This criminal is here claiming to be from lagos state and trying to steal all our property from the good hair space with police men claiming to be acting on the instruction of some man called

RIDEMI FAHM

And they are claiming Lagos state is responsible I need to know who from lagos state authorized these barbarians

THE GOOD HAIR

SPACE

Theyve been beating and harassing our staff all day because they want to steal whatever is left of our building materials! Claiming lagos state Animals

These are all the criminal police men this so called LAGOS STATE BUILDING CONTROL AGENCY BROUGHT TO OUR PROPERTY! Disgracing Nigerians up and down. What a disgrace using lagos state for personal gains

SEE POST:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEVSAPpsQmU/?igsh=N3Bldm5oeTBxeXc=
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a man, identified as Daniel Onyejekwe, for allegedly stabbing his neighbour, Christian, to death during a dispute over rice.

It was gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred on the 1st of January, 2025, in the Ogwanja area of Sapele, following an argument that escalated into a fatal altercation.

In a statement by the Commands Spokesman, Bright Edafe, confirmed that the 30 years old suspect in now in police custody.

Advertisement

He said: It is confirmed, and the suspect is in custody. The two were fighting and injured themselves badly. Unfortunately, one, Christian, died.

READ MORE: Delta Police Thwart Robbery Attempt, Apprehend 12 Suspects

Also speaking over the incident, an eyewitnesses, who refused to disclose his identity, told PUNCH that the altercation started when rice was being shared along Boyo Road in Ogwanja.

He added that an argument ensued between Onyejekwe and the deceased, leading to a physical fight.

The witness said: Christian and Daniel started dragging the rice, and during the fight, Daniel picked a bottle and stabbed Christian multiple times.

The vigilante rushed him to the hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.


The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting the 2025 budget to a faction of the State House of Assembly.

Okocha accused Fubara of fuelling division in the state, which may lead to the worst political crisis Rivers has ever experienced.

He expressed his disappointment in a statement on Thursday, saying, I expected the governor to use the new year to extend an olive branch and promote peace, but instead, he continues to fuel the flames of division.

Advertisement

Okocha also questioned Fubaras decision, stating, It is unimaginable and unthinkable that a Governor with such a rich background in finance and governance would choose to sidestep legal processes.

READ ALSO: Nigerias Economy Will Turn The Corner In 2025  VP Shettima Assures

The APC chairman emphasized that the Assembly has 30 functional members, yet the budget was presented in a setting that courts have described as illegitimate.

He noted, The Court of Appeal, in their various judgements on issues like these, have touched on these issues, and I refer to them as a forum, maybe a forum of friends but certainly not legislators.

Okochas criticism comes after Fubara presented a N1.1 trillion budget to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led House of Assembly in December.

The move has sparked controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of the presentation.


The family of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused President Bola Tinubu of reneging on an agreement to release Kanu from detention.

According to Kanus brother, Kanunta, the agreement was reached with Tinubus son, Seyi, during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

Kanunta in a statement on Thursday revealed that the meeting with Seyi was sanctioned by President Tinubu, and that an understanding was reached that the IPOB would not boycott the 2023 elections in exchange for Kanus release.

Advertisement

However, nearly two years after Tinubu assumed office, Kanu remains in detention without any charges against him.

It defies logic that nearly two years after President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, my brother is still in detention despite not having any charge against him.

Its been over three months now that Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case, yet no new judge has been assigned to the case, Kanunta said .

Kanunta also expressed surprise that President Tinubu has failed to honor the agreement, despite reaffirming his commitment to Kanus release during a campaign visit to Owerri.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Understands Kanus Release From Prison Will Expose Those Behind Violence In South-East  Bianca Ojukwu

Before the last election, I received a message from an ex-governor that Seyi, the son of President Tinubu, wanted to see me.

I agreed to meet with him on the condition that the overriding priority and hence the fulcrum of our discussion will be the release of my brother.

The meeting was held in Abuja in the presence of another individual whom I asked along to witness the deliberations and provide independent verification should the need arise.

Seyi confirmed to me that his father sanctioned the meeting and that I should consider any agreement we reach as binding on the then candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In good faith we agreed that I shall relay the outcome to my brother to reinforce the long held tradition of IPOB not interfering with the conduct of elections, either through boycott or any other form of civil disobedience.

This understanding was duly communicated to my brother and he reaffirmed his commitment not to stop the elections or order any boycott.

When President Tinubu as a candidate visited Owerri during his campaign, he too reiterated his commitment to facilitate the release of my brother if elected, Kanunta said.
The Kano State Police Command has arrested members of a female-led phone-snatching syndicate operating in the states metropolis.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Haruna Kiyawa, the police spokesperson in Kano, five members of the group, including the 19-year-old leader, Shamsiyya Adamu, were arrested.

Kiyawa stated that Adamu was arrested on December 21, 2024, following complaints about stolen mobile phones in Unguwa Uku Quarters, Kano.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Three Hospitalised In Ogun After Motorcyclist Hits Churchgoers On New Years Day

He identified other suspects as 23-year-old Idris Yusuf, a tricycle rider who aided in transporting the principal suspect to commit crimes; Alasan Dahiru, 24, who specialised in disposing of stolen items for the principal suspect; Abdulmajid Haruna, 27, who was buying stolen properties; and Salim Auwalu, 21, who was in charge of swindling money from victims bank accounts.

In the year 2024, the Kano State Police Command received numerous reports from residents of Kano Metropolis about a young lady who steals mobile phones from residential houses, the statement reads.

The reports indicated that the suspect was using a tricyclist and a cybercriminal to aid in her operations. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba, raised a special intervention squad, leading to the principal suspects arrest on December 21, 2024.

The syndicate, led by Shamsiyya, specialised in stealing mobile phones from residential houses. They would deceive housewives, steal their mobile phones, and swindle money from their victims bank accounts.

Six mobile phones have been recovered so far, and efforts are ongoing to recover more stolen phones. Thirty complainants, including 29 females and 1 male, have lodged complaints against Shamsiyya, who confessed to stealing their mobile phones on various occasions in 2024.

Anyone with a complaint against the suspects can contact the investigation team at 08032617800.


Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by cutting the cost of governance.

In a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, Obi emphasized that the President should set an example by utilizing local hospitals and visiting educational institutions to assess the state of the nations healthcare and education sectors.

The level of corruption in the country remained high, just as the cost of governance, which has led to an astronomical increase in public debt under the Tinubu administration, Obi said.

Advertisement

He noted that borrowings are not being tied to projects, leading to a lack of development in the country.

The former Anambra State Governor alleged that government officials willfully mismanaged public funds in 2024 through incessant foreign trips.

READ ALSO: Stampedes: Stop Politicising Peoples Misfortune  Presidency Tells Obi, Says Tinubu Doing His Best

To truly understand the state of the nation, Obi suggested that Tinubu travel by road occasionally to experience the deplorable condition of public roads.

He should travel by road once in a while to feel the deplorable state of public roads, Obi said.

Obi condemned the widespread poverty in the country, citing stampedes for palliatives and the inability of the new minimum wage to address the hunger crisis.

He described the security situation as unfortunate, with Nigerians dying needlessly due to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.

Nigerians die needlessly due to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping, he added.

The Labour Party chieftain urged Tinubu to recognize his role as the nations President and spend festive seasons in various parts of the country to connect with the struggles of ordinary citizens.

Obi further stressed that the President should stop seeing himself as the governor of Lagos State and instead work towards addressing the challenges facing the nation.
Former presidential candidate of Labour Party, in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi on Thursday, tasked President Bola Tinubu to prioritize fight against corruption.

The former governor of Anambra State also charged Tinubu to increased transparency and accountability in public procurement and contract award processes.

Speaking on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja, Obi said that the President must ensure proper investigations and recoveries of missing or stolen funds while addressing past corrupt matters.

Advertisement

He said: The focus should be on eliminating current and future official malfeasance through increased transparency and accountability in public procurement and contract award processes, as well as thorough monitoring of execution to ensure that limited resources are efficiently utilized and applied productively.

All future borrowing must be tied to regenerative investments and visible, productive assets that benefit the nation.

This will ensure both productivity and the ability to service and amortize such loans, rather than continuing the current practice of accumulating massive debt with no tangible returns, which places undue strain on future development revenue.

READ MORE: 2027: Theres No Power Sharing Deal Between Me, Atiku, Obi Kwankwaso

Speaking further, Obi also knocked Tinubu over his frequent travel to foreign countries.

He added: Mr President, out of the approximately 580 days (as of December 29, 2024) you have been in office, it is reported that you have spent over 30%, or around 180 days, on more than 30 publicly recorded overseas trips.

My appeal is that you dedicate at least 20% of 2025, roughly 72 days, to visit each of Nigerias 36 states for two days each.

As President, such visits would give you the opportunity to better understand the dire economic and security situations across the country.

Furthermore, it is time for you to visit our national hospitals. Consider, for example, that your next medical examination be conducted at one of our National Hospitals or Regional Federal Medical Centres, such as the FMC in Sokoto or Birnin Kebbi or Calabar or Umuahia or Akure, among others.
Ubi Franklin, a Nigerian music manager and entrepreneur, has started the new year by applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Posting a clip from the Presidents New Year speech on his Instagram story section on Thursday, Franklin described Tinubu as the only leader in his lifetime whose speech has been truly reassuring.

He acknowledged the current challenges faced by Nigerians but expressed optimism that the situation would improve sooner than expected.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Stormzy Faces Nine Months Driving Ban For Using Phone While Driving In UK

He wrote, See this man?

He is the only president in my lifetime that has the most assuring speech from any Nigerian president. Things might be crazy for us as a country, but for some reason, I believe it will get better sooner than we think.

In a follow-up post, Franklin urged Nigerians not to insult him but to remain patient and trust the Presidents leadership.

He added, Make una no abuse me o But check it this way, if you someone at the wheel is telling Ive got this and he is your president and you are not the president and theres Nothing you can do to about it than to say sir ok we trust you to handle it.

I pray Nigerian leaders understand the the patience of its citizens.

Let Nigeria be better forever

SEE POST:


Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stated that no merger agreement has been reached with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi made this statement in a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, addressing speculation about a potential merger.

While he neither confirmed nor denied ongoing merger talks, he emphasized that no agreement has been established with other parties yet.

Advertisement

The former Anambra State Governor appealed to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in 2027 to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of mismanaging the nations resources.

READ ALSO: Atiku, Obis Merger Only Way To End APCs Clueless Govt Ibe

Obi described Nigerias security situation as unfortunate, citing the needless loss of lives due to banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping-for-ransom.

He also criticized the current administrations claims of fighting corruption, arguing that corruption levels remain high, and the cost of governance has led to an astronomical increase in public debt.

Recall that Obi lost the 2023 presidential election to APCs Bola Tinubu, who secured 8,794,726 votes, almost two million more than his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.


Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has described former Governor Peter Odili as the beginning and end of politics in the State.

Fubara made this statement at a New Years banquet in Port Harcourt , where he acknowledged Odilis contributions to the States development.

According to Fubara, his detractors lack a strong face in Rivers politics, unlike his own camp, which boasts of prominent figures like Odili.

Advertisement

If he (Odili) is sitting with us (here), and with these other persons, who do they have with them?, Fubara asked.

READ ALSO: I Built Mansion For Odili, He Hung My Pictures Even In His Toilet  Wike

Fubara praised Odili as the right face and right image of Rivers State, emphasizing his role in shaping the states politics.

The Governor expressed gratitude to Odili and other leaders for their support, saying, We are not bothered about what they (opposition) will come with. God will always have a way to save us from them.

In his speech, Fubara also highlighted the importance of education in combating crime and promised to prioritize education during his tenure.

Education is the only instrument that can help our youths to avoid criminality and crime, he said.


Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that there is only one legitimate House of Assembly in the State, headed by Victor Oko-Jumbo as Speaker.

Fubara made this declaration on Thursday while signing the N1.188 trillion 2025 budget into law at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

I want to say this, maybe, for some persons somewhere who are still mixing up issues. We have only one Rivers State House of Assembly, and that Assembly is headed by Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo, Fubara stated.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Fubara Presents 2025 Budget To Four-Member Rivers Assembly

The Governor emphasized that his administration will prioritize defending the interest of Rivers State and upholding the integrity of governance.

We will make sure that we kick-start, so that the record of performance that was accorded by this administration in the year 2024 will be higher in this year, 2025, he said.

Fubara also expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for their diligent work and cooperation.

Let me first thank the Rivers State House of Assembly for doing a very diligent job and also realising the task that we have ahead of us, which is to continue to work for Rivers people, he said.
Political economic, Professor Pat Utomi, has knocked Nigeria leaders over what he described as poor treatment of youths in the country.

Speaking on Thursday, during an interview on Channels TV, Utomi said that governments over the years failed to incorporate young people into their programmes and policies.

The Labour Partys chieftain also tasked federal government to work on getting the trust of Nigerian youths.

Advertisement

He added that engaging them in political decision making could end bad leadership in the country.

Utomi said: There are models of how you build trust. But the first thing begins by you doing the right thing and build up what they call an emotional bank account.

Every time you say youre going to do something and you do exactly what you say youre going to do, you make a deposit in the emotional bank account.

Every time you say youre going to do something and you dont do it, you make a withdrawal.

READ MORE: 2027: Peter Obi Has Potential To Be President  Utomi, Yunusa

And ultimately, whether you are believable is a function of the balance in that emotional bank account, governments have been not trustworthy in Nigeria, lets be very frank.

It has treated young people like they were idiots repeatedly, and this is sad because most governments in Nigeria were first run by very young people.

If you think of the military rule, they were in their 20s and 30s, most of them, but something in the nature of the command hierarchy of the military, compounded by oil coming in, led to a beginning crystallization of a new class system in Nigeria.

We have not studied class and how its emerging in Nigeria. We have to understand these things. Any government that does not begin with recognizing that it is not trusted is wasting time.
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has declared his intention to join the 2027 governorship race in Lagos.

Recall that Mr. Gbadebo had contested under the umbrella of Labour Party in 2023 governorship election in the state.

The former candidate of the LP came distance second and lost to the incumbent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Advertisement

He polled 312,329 votes behind APCs Sanwo-Olu who had 762,134 votes.

Speaking during an interview on Channels TVs program on Thursday, Gbadebo said that he wouldnt give up on actualising his ambition to be Lagos State Governor.

He stated that there is need for a united opposition to counter the current full state capture of Nigerias political system by APC.

READ MORE: N85,000 Minimum Wage Commendable, But Not Enough For Lagosians  Gbadebo

Gbadebo said: By Gods grace, yes. I believe that if all parties do not come together, it is going to be a waste of time running in 2027 because there is a full state capture happening in this country now.

We cannot afford for the opposition to be separate. For now, my job is to ensure that I have a strong party, Labour Party.
Former Labour Partys governorship candidate in Lagos State 2023 election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised the reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubus led administration.

Rhodes-Vivour stated that the Federal Governments reforms are being benefited by some selected individuals, close with the President.

Speaking on Thursday during an interview on Channels TV, Mr. Gbadebo added that majority of Nigerians are going through economic hardship and finding it difficult to meet their daily needs.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Make Fight Against Corruption Your Priority  Peter Obi Tells Tinubu

The LPs chieftain berated President Tinubus government over what he described as wastefulness and extravagance.

He said: The people are experiencing unprecedented hardship. Today, over 70 per cent of peoples income is spent on transportation and food. Theyve not even started to think about how they can afford accommodation.

We have a situation where there is a culture of wastefulness, and extravagance that does not reflect the dire economic situation that the same President is pushing out that needs to be reformed.

The only people that seem to be benefitting from these reforms are maybe the bankers, the people in government, and the Presidents friends.

How many Nigerians can say they are benefitting from any reform any reform right now?
Stormzy, a British grime musician, has been banned from driving for nine months after being spotted using a mobile phone while driving his Rolls-Royce Wraith in west London.

The 31-year-old rapper, pleaded guilty via a letter to the offence, which occurred on Addison Road, West Kensington, in March last year, BBC reports Thursday.

Additionally, according to Sky News, District Judge Andrew Sweet, who presided over the Wimbledon Magistrates Court, said that Stormzys driving record was not good and chastised his dangerous and irresponsible behaviour.

Advertisement

Multiple reports indicate that the judge added six points to the rappers licence, leading to an automatic disqualification, and also imposed a 2,010 fine.

Get rid of your tints and get off your phone, the off-duty officer reportedly told Stormzy after knocking on his tinted passenger window, according to accounts shared in court, says The Guardian.

The grime star initially denied the accusation before writing to the court to modify his plea.

READ MORE: Just A Call From Kenny Saint Brown Changed My Life  Nedu

This incident marks another in a series of driving-related offences involving the award-winning artist.

In October 2023, Stormzy was stopped while driving a Lamborghini Urus, with his front windows tinted to just 4 percent light transmission, far beneath the legal requirement of 70 percent, according to prosecutor Alice Holloway.

Holloway mentioned that the condition of the vehicle at the time created a potential risk to vulnerable road users.

Stormzy was discovered driving the Lamborghini on Coombe Lane in Kingston upon Thames, despite previous warnings, before ultimately removing the illegal tints.

Stormzys lawyer, Peter Csemiczky, underlined his clients acknowledgement of responsibility and commitment to obey the law.

He apologises and acknowledges his mistakes, Csemiczky said, adding that the offending tints have now been removed.

Stormzy, a prominent figure in the grime genre, has garnered attention not only for his music but also for his cultural influence. According to Sky News, he made history in 2019 as the first black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury.

This recent legal issue highlights the repercussions of ongoing traffic offences, regardless of ones fame or status.

The rapper was absent from the court hearing.

Grime is a style of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in London during the early 2000s, evolving from the UK garage scene.

The term grime was introduced by journalists who described its sub-bass-heavy sound as grimy, which eventually led to the name grime.
Babafemi Ojudu, a former senator and author, has revealed a shocking story about how President Bola Tinubu secretly recorded a Jewish lawyer exposing the looting carried out by former military ruler, Sani Abacha in the 1990s.

According to Ojudu, the incident occurred while he was working as a journalist in the United Kingdom, where Tinubu was living in exile.

Tinubu, he said, arranged a meeting with the Jewish lawyer, who had crucial information about Abachas corruption and those involved in the looting.

Advertisement

During the meeting, the lawyer, he added, revealed how Abacha siphoned public funds and identified key players, including the Chagoury brothers.

Ojudu recounted, I was excited as a newsman. We went there and sat before the lawyer. He kept reeling out how Abacha was stealing, and who was helping him.

Whats remarkable, according to him, is that Tinubu secretly recorded the conversation, revealing his strategic thinking.

He said to me: Dont worry yourself. I had a tape recorder with me. That time I went to the bathroom, I went to change the recording from side one to side two. That is why I flushed the toilet so that the man would not know that I was changing the tape, he narrated the incident in an interview with Edmund Obilo, while speaking on his recently published book titled, Adventures of A Guerrilla Journalist.

READ ALSO: Obasanjo Thanks Gowon Over Appeal To Abacha For His Freedom While In Prison

Despite Tinubus attempts to stop the story from being published, Ojudu went ahead and shared the tape with his team, leading to a explosive report that shook Abacha.

Ojudu described Tinubu as a strategist who would do whatever it took to achieve his goals.

His words: He (Tinubu) is a strategist. He does what he has to do to get what he has to get. I love to work with people like that, who will always find a solution.

We got home and ate. He was on the couch and slept off. I rifled through him and took the tape and then woke him and said I was leaving.

About 8pm when I got to my hotel, I quickly changed my flight to the following morning.

He (Tinubu) called me at 8pm and said: Femi where are you, I cant find that tape. I said it was with me. He said: what are you doing with it? I said I am going home tomorrow to publish it. He said if you publish it; you are dead. I said I would publish it and let them kill me.

So, I got back to Nigeria and played the tape to some of my staff, gave them assignments on what they should check and we ran the story. It was a story that shook Abacha.
Furniture designed by Wharton Esherick in Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art's ongoing "The Crafted World of Wharton Esherick" show. Esherick built walnut music stands, which were considered an icon by art and furniture historians. One such was commissioned by Merion's Nathan Rubinson for his wife, Rose, a cellist. The couple liked the stand so much, they became collectors and friends. Read more

In the late 1930s, the Philadelphia-born Wharton Esherick (1887-1970), a struggling artist, bought two barrels of hammer handles at a local auction. For years, the painter, whod trained at what became known as University of the Arts and at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, had scarcely sold any of his canvases. Living on a homestead near Paoli with a wife and three children to support, Esherick had lately turned to woodworking for income, hewing sculptural and utilitarian forms.

With the barrels contents  variously sized ash and hickory shafts  Esherick fashioned three dozen chairs, each costing a mere $1.76 to make. He bartered the chairs to the Hedgerow Theatre Company in Media in exchange for his daughters acting classes. Soon Esherick, too, had an audience, as wealthy theatergoers encountered the chairs and subsequently commissioned his innovative furniture for their homes.

Advertisement

One of Eshericks clients was Justice William Curtis Bok. According to Wharton Esherick: The Journey of a Creative Mind, a biography written by Eshericks son-in-law, Mansfield Bob Bascom, Bok reflected on the woodworkers increasingly ambitious and expensive creations, which now included bespoke fireplaces, dining tables, and desks. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be so beautiful  or cost so much, he said.

In addition to transforming clients living spaces, Esherick built himself a studio and workshop on the hill behind his farmhouse, furnishing the premises entirely with his handiwork  from sofas and beds to wastebaskets and door latches  making it impossible to tell where Eshericks private life ended and his art began.

Since 1972, the site has operated as the Wharton Esherick Museum (WEM).

However, from now until Jan. 19, visitors to the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford can examine 70 examples of Eshericks work  including one of his hammer chairs.

Organized in collaboration with the WEM, located a 40-minute drive from the Brandywine, The Crafted World of Wharton Esherick  which will also travel to Chazen Museum of Art in Madison, Wis., and the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati, Ohio  is the largest ever exhibit of items drawn from the artists home and studio.

Its also the first time in more than 50 years that many of the exhibits items have traveled beyond Eshericks studio and workshop, which has variously been dubbed my autobiography in three dimensions by the artist, and the House of Wows, by Bascom, for its ingenious and surprising functional artwork.

We are bringing Esherick to a bigger audience, said Emily Zilber, the exhibits curator and WEMs director of curatorial affairs and strategic partnerships. Designed to introduce Eshericks work to a new generation, as well as appeal to those who already know him as The Dean of American Craftsmen, the show is organized into thematic vignettes: Rural and Urban, Pattern Recognition, Bodies in Space, and The Way Things Grow.

The exhibit and accompanying catalog published by Rizzoli Electa spotlights Eshericks command of multiple mediums  including paintings, woodcarvings, woodblock prints, and sculpture  all of which gesture toward Eshericks lifelong interest and engagement with other arts  such as dance, literature, and music.

Viewers will discover pencil sketches of dancers, woodblock print illustrations for Walt Whitmans poem Song of the Broad-Axe, and a delicate double music stand, made of cherry and walnut, whereby two musicians may face each other as they play.

Zilber wants visitors to the exhibit to walk away, more connected to Eshericks vision as well as to how it changed and evolved over the artists prolific 60-plus year career.

He lived from horse and buggy to jet planes  from Belle Epoch, Arts and Crafts movement through cubism [and] abstract expressionism, Bascom notes in his books introduction.

As commercially manufactured items increasingly replaced handcrafted works, Esherick steadfastly resisted mass production. In his essay, I Build a Building, or He Helps Me Build a Building, Esherick writes: Tenderness in a tough hand  Fingers close together but the whole hand loose and slightly arched. The remarks hearken the grace and strength of Eshericks work, which has eluded notoriety, despite being featured at the 1939-1940 New York Worlds Fair and exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Whitney Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate, and at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts for a 1958-59 retrospective of his work in New York.

Following his death in 1970, Wharton Esherick won a gold medal for craftsmanship from the American Institute of Architects. Yet many hear his name and wonder if hes affiliated with Penns business school, WEMs executive director, Julie Siglin, said.

Perhaps graceful strength was what drove Esherick to push aside paintbrushes and pick up new utensils, including, serendipitously, two barrels of hammer shafts.

In a full circle moment, in 2020 one of the $1.76 hammer chairs went up for auction, selling for almost $9,000. Irrespective of its commercial value, the furnitures qualities persist, which its maker described as comfortable to sit in, good to look at, and [though currently on exhibit for viewing only] strong enough for a man to lean back in.

The Crafted Wold of Wharton Esherick runs through Jan. 19. Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, Pa., brandywine.org
Arway Linen has been busy this week, as usual, processing 200,000 pounds of laundry and delivering clean tablecloths, napkins, uniforms, and aprons to its 1,000 restaurant clients across the Philadelphia area.

If customers hadnt seen the news stories, they might never have known that the companys Frankford plant burned down on Christmas Eve.

Advertisement

No one was injured in the blaze  thankfully the last employees had left hours earlier, company executives said  but it destroyed about half of Arways one-million-piece inventory. It also left the 45-year-old family-owned business without a place to sort, launder, and process linens or to load them onto trucks for delivery.

But somehow Arway didnt miss a day of service. With the help of other local linen companies, the company was back up and running by Dec. 26, delivering orders to its restaurant, country club, and senior-living clients.

Our customers rely on us, said Steve Curtis, Arways director of sales and marketing. They have reservations, banquets, weddings, holidays.

A call on Christmas Eve

Around 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Mark Harad-Oaks, Arways director of operations, was at a family gathering when managing partner Mario Stagliano called: The alarms were going off at the plant, and their maintenance guy said they might want to get there as soon as possible.

Harad-Oaks tried and failed to load footage from the facilitys security cameras.

He told his family, including his father-in-law, Keith Harad, an Arway founder, I gotta go, Arway is on fire, Harad-Oaks said. But I didnt know how on fire it was.

When Harad-Oaks and other executives arrived, they were met with a horrifying sight. The plant was engulfed. The three-alarm fire would take 17 hours to extinguish. The cause is under investigation.

It was gut wrenching to stand there next to drivers and people from the laundry side who live in the neighborhood  and just stare at this building that has been home, Harad-Oaks said. Many of us spent more hours a week there than with our own families.

After a long, emotional night, Arways team said goodbye to the charred remains of the plant.

Everyone was trying to get home to not ruin their kids Christmas morning, Curtis said.

But in the background, the wheels were already turning on a plan to keep deliveries on track the following day.

Getting back to work

Arway arranged to temporarily work out of a King of Prussia textile linen company, which Arway purchases from, and drove its 25 trucks  which were undamaged in the fire  to the Montgomery County plant for the next mornings deliveries.

Arway spent a lot of money on brand new products to replace what was lost, with Curtis and Harad-Oaks declining to share a dollar amount. The few items that survived the blaze were able to be washed clean of the smoke smell, thanks to the power of the commercial washing machines, Curtis said. Printers, computers, bins, and truck keys were also destroyed in the fire. The Arway crew had to improvise, recutting keys and printing order sheets and other paperwork on small printers at home and at local office stores.

By 5 a.m. on Dec. 26, the drivers headed out on their normal routes, with only some floor mats and personalized kitchen uniforms delayed. And later that day, Arway had found a 10,000-square-foot depot over the bridge in South Jersey where the company can work for the foreseeable future, and management is working with the union to retain as many of its 130 Frankford employees as possible.

Arway executives are hoping their new state-of-the-art facility in Port Richmond, which was being worked on prior to the fire, might be ready by the end of 2025, Curtis and Harad-Oaks said.

For now though, theyre putting their heads down and working. Every day, tens of thousands of pounds of linen products are coming back to the facility, ready to be laundered and returned to the rotation. The crew is running on little sleep, Curtis and Harad-Oaks said, but they are propelled by the pride in what they have accomplished over the past week.

Were just a resilient team, Curtis said. As it was happening, I dont think there was a doubt in anyones mind that we were going to figure it out.
A 43-year-old Philadelphia man slashed another mans head with a box cutter on a SEPTA bus early Friday morning after the two got into a verbal altercation that turned violent, police said.

The two men got into an argument that quickly escalated when the 43-year-old, later identified as William Hall, took out a box cutter and slashed the head of the other man, 39, before fleeing, according to police.

Advertisement

SEPTA Police responded to the assault on a Market-Frankford Nite-Owl bus at 3rd and Race Streets around 1:40 a.m., said Andrew Busch, a spokesperson for SEPTA.

The victim, whom police did not identify, sustained a deep cut to the left side of his head and was taken to Jefferson University Hospital where he was listed in stable condition, said Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore.

The bus driver called SEPTA police and officers were able to quickly find Hall a few blocks away, at North Second and Wood Streets, said Busch. Hall, of the 6100 block of North Broad Street, was arrested without incident and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person, said Vanore.

SEPTA police recovered the box cutter and also found Hall had a BB gun, said Busch. Hall also had an outstanding warrant for violating probation on a charge of receiving stolen property in Delaware County, said Vanore.
St. Lukes University Health Network is set to acquire Grand View Health in Bucks County, a move that will extend the Lehigh Valley-based health systems reach deeper into the Philadelphia suburbs.

St. Lukes, a nonprofit health system with 15 campuses across 11 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and Grand View, a community health system in Sellersville, said Friday that they had signed a definitive agreement to partner. The deal is expected to close in mid-to-late 2025, pending regulatory approval. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Advertisement

This is a strategic decision to assure Grand Views future for the benefit of our community and our patients, Doug Hughes, Grand Views president and CEO, said in a statement.

 READ MORE: St. Lukes University Health Network is in talks to acquire Grand View Health in Bucks County

Grand View would be St. Lukes 12th full-service hospital. The health system also operates St. Lukes Upper Bucks in Milford, which opened in 2019 as a replacement for an older facility and was expanded last year.

Grand View, which now has 194 beds, opened in 1913 as Bucks Countys first hospital. In each of the last three fiscal years, Grand View has lost more than $40 million.

Grand View, as does St. Lukes, enjoys a long and proud history of providing high-quality and compassionate care to its communities, which is why the two organizations will be excellent partners, Rick Anderson, president and CEO of St. Lukes, said in a statement.
National Parks employee Michael Coleman sweeps next to Liberty Bell at the original Liberty Bell pavilion. Read more

Before we get to why it moved, lets start with why its important.

A large number of Philadelphians, if theyre being honest, dont know why they should care about the Liberty Bell.

Advertisement

They mostly know that its broken.

I took it for granted, 56-year-old Michael Finn told an Inquirer reporter on New Years Day, 1976, like everyone else.

It was intended to sit inside the steeple of Independence Hall as the Continental Congress drafted, debated, and signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. And its not a documented fact, but its plausible that the bell rang out on July 8, 1776, summoning colonists to gather round to hear the first public reading of the Declaration.

Thats partly why its important.

It was cast in London, and shortly after arriving by boat in Philadelphia, it cracked. Two local craftsmen, John Pass and John Stow, melted and molded the English ringers parts in 1753 to cast a new, 2,080-pound bell.

So why is a busted bell important? Why should we care?

Its the inscription.

Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land

Unto all the inhabitants thereof

That Bible verse, Leviticus 25:10, gave it power.

Abolitionists adopted the bell as their symbol in their fight to end slavery. They dubbed it the Liberty Bell in the 1830s.

And at some point in the 1840s, a thin crack formed, but it was fixed. And then it rang out for George Washingtons birthday in 1846, which birthed the final and fatal and signature jagged crack that put it out of commission. It hasnt been rung since  nearly 180 years.

And its silence helped give it even more power. The country, abolitionists said, wasnt living up to its inscription.

It couldnt let freedom ring.

After the Civil War, the bell traveled the country, stopping at expositions and fairs as a ham-fisted rallying cry for divided states to once again find a common interest. The symbol would be adopted by suffragettes in the 1920s, and by civil rights leaders in the 1960s, but it still sat in a cramped room in Independence Hall.

Until Jan. 1, 1976. To kick off the bicentennial celebration that commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the National Park Service moved the bell into its own easily accessible, glass and steel pavilion at the center of Independence Mall.

A bell that doesnt ring was now a symbol that was hard to miss.

Even on that rainy and windy and frigid first day of 1976, thousands came to see it, and touch it.

The architecture of the pavilion was always a sore spot, and in 2003 the bell was moved to its current home. The new buildings redbrick facade was thought to be better connective tissue with the colonial architecture, and helps reunite the bell with its context.
Officers stand near the intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets as pedestrians return to the French Quarter on Thursday, January 2. Read more

By the time he came up with the idea of bombing a Taylor Swift concert, Beran Alijis young life had completely broken down. In July, amid a self-described mental crisis, the 19-year-old Austrian abruptly quit his job as a factory apprentice and isolated himself in his apartment, obsessing, as he later told police, about his own death.

With no money or prospects, and in lieu of close friendships, he began to immerse himself in a virtual world of violent videos and secret chatrooms devoted to the Islamic State. According to phone records seized by police, he began looking to the extremist group first for inspiration and then for practical advice about planning an attack.

Advertisement

My operation is to take place at a big concert, he wrote in a text message to a stranger he believed to be a member of the Islamic State, according to Austrian records exclusively obtained by The Washington Post. I will try to get a gun and bombs. If that doesnt work, I will use big knives. Or I will kill a police officer and take his rifle.

 READ MORE: Suspects in foiled attack on Taylor Swift shows were inspired by Islamic State group, officials say

The planned attack on Taylor Swifts Aug. 9 concert in Vienna was foiled when police arrested Aliji, whose online messages were being monitored by at least one foreign intelligence agency. Months later, hundreds of text messages and multiple police reports offer insight into that plot, while also shedding light on how the group continues to inspire violence five years after its self-proclaimed caliphate was destroyed.

The trove, details of which have not been previously reported, reveal a path toward radicalization that bears striking similarities to what police have observed in other recent terrorism cases, including the New Years Day rampage in New Orleans that killed at least 14 people.

Like the Austrian suspect, the man accused of ramming a vehicle through crowds of New Years revelers on Bourbon Street appears to have self-radicalized after a string of personal crises, including divorces, a job loss and financial insolvency. Like Aliji, Houston resident Shamsud-Din Jabbar was described as being inspired by the Islamic State and pledged allegiance to the group in a self-made video. Whether the extremist group was directly involved in either plot is as yet unclear.

 READ MORE: FBI says driver in New Orleans rampage acted alone, was 100% inspired by Islamic State group

The Islamic States Afghanistan affiliate, known as ISIS-K, is believed to have orchestrated complex attacks with multiple casualties in Iran and Russia this past year.

Jabbars precise motivations are currently unknown. But in many of the recent cases, the perpetrators appear to have been driven less by ideology or politics than by rage over personal failings, terrorism experts say. The suspects may have little or no direct contact with the Islamic State. Yet the group is still a potent source of radicalization - and a convenient excuse, in the attackers mind, to justify violence.

Unlike al-Qaeda, the Islamic State has built a thriving online presence and encourages followers to carry out terrorist attacks wherever they are, without waiting for instructions or approval. Deprived of its caliphate, the group now operates in the shadows, with a network of affiliated groups and cells stretching across the Middle East and North Africa to South Asia. In recent years, it has sought to increase the tempo of terrorist attacks, particularly in Syria and Afghanistan.

These are bitter, angry people, said Bruce Riedel, a counterterrorism expert and 30-year veteran of the CIA. Heres a classic case of someone who converted to Islam, had two failed marriages, serious financial problems, and he finds now a cause to justify his life and his rage, he said, referring to Jabbar, who, in a videotaped message, contemplated killing his family before opting to carry out an Islamic State-style terrorist attack.

 READ MORE: New Years Day New Orleans attack victim with Philly ties is stable and resting, according to family

The same personal failings and frustrations are evident in documents from the investigation of Aliji, who is in jail pending the filing of a formal indictment on terrorism-related charges expected early this year, Austrian officials said.

The plan to target a concert by one of the worlds biggest pop stars garnered global media attention and launched one of 2024s biggest counterterrorism investigations, ultimately drawing in intelligence and law enforcement agencies from at least six countries, officials said. While the plot initially fueled speculation about a possible connection to the war in Gaza, the narrative that emerges from the messages is a more insular one, that of a deeply disturbed and alienated young man who became radicalized online and came to see terrorism as a means of gaining an identity and purpose.

But unlike Jabbar, a 42-year-old military veteran who served in Afghanistan, Aliji had minimal resources and few capabilities, and appears to have been drawn to the Taylor Swift concert as a target of opportunity, records show. He had no clear plan and was repeatedly thwarted in his attempts to obtain weapons, leading to his amateur efforts to make a bomb at home, officials said.

While several recent plots have involved older individuals, Alijis age fits with what experts describe as a trend toward ever-younger suspects. Intelligence officials are expressing alarm over rising cases of self-radicalization among teenagers who, like Aliji, are avid consumers of Islamic State videos and sometimes see terrorists as heroes and role models.

While social media platforms actively sought to block the groups messages in the past, Islamic State videos are within easy reach of todays tech-savvy youths, experts say.

The ranks of the radicalized is growing younger and younger, said a senior European counterterrorism official, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential investigations.

Children are watching execution videos, the official said, and following extremist influencers at an early age.

Seeking explosives, if available

Vienna had been abuzz for weeks. Taylor Swifts first-ever appearance in the Austrian capital was to be one of the countrys biggest pop performances in years, drawing nearly 200,000 fans for three shows. Tickets sold out within hours, and thousands of those not fortunate enough to obtain one were expected to congregate around the citys Ernst-Happel stadium.

Aliji, who lived in a small town an hours drive south of Vienna, had decided that he would be among them - not to party, but to kill. An Austrian police report alleges that the 19-year-old swore allegiance to the Islamic State in a self-made video a few weeks before the concert and, after weighing possible targets - he briefly considered a Shiite mosque, Kurdish diplomats and Viennas Israeli Embassy - decided that he would carry out a terrorist attack in the groups name at a major public event in the city.

The coming Taylor Swift concert struck him as an ideal opportunity, documents show, not only because of its prominence, but because one of Alijis best friends, a 17-year-old Austrian youth, happened to work for a company that was providing security and logistical support for the event. Both Aliji and the friend - whose name has been withheld by Austrian authorities because of his age - were arrested hours before the start of the first of the three shows. The youth has not been formally charged.

Werner Tomanek, a Viennese lawyer representing Aliji, declined to comment other than to note in an email that there are as yet no official accusations, but only a working hypothesis of the public prosecutors office.

U.S. and European officials say the criminal case is based partly on hundreds of electronic messages intercepted or collected by intelligence agencies and law enforcement officials in advance of a trial expected to take place late this year.

In the online messages, hundreds of which were reviewed by The Post, Aliji emerges as troubled youth who, according to his own description of himself, had few friends and suffered regularly from depression. The Vienna-born son of North Macedonian immigrants embraced a deeply conservative form of Islam as a teenager and, in the months before the plot, investigators said, had begun styling himself in the manner of the Islamist extremists whose videos he frequently watched on his cellphone.

A police examination of his phone would turn up dozens of ISIS and al-Qaeda propaganda videos, including recordings of beheadings. His interests coincided with a change in behavior during his final year at school, his case file shows. A school official would tell police that Aliji showed misogynistic and antisocial tendencies in the classroom, and that the schools staff worried that he was becoming extremely dangerous.

Alone in his room, according to a police account, Aliji took multiple selfies with his phone camera, posing with knives and a machete he purchased online. He later told police that he took the photos because he wanted to be cool and brag about it. But he also recorded several halting, rambling videos in which he expressed support for the Islamic State and talked about a wish to commit an unspecified martyrdom operation. He later explained to police that he was inspired by the 2017 suicide bombing in Manchester, England, that killed nearly two dozen people outside at a concert by Ariana Grande, another American female pop star.

Aliji told police he disapproved of loud music and believed women should be veiled in public, according to the transcript of a police interrogation seen by The Post. In his videos, he railed against German Chancellor Olaf Scholz - a dirty dog, he said - and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He said he wanted the return of the caliphate that the Islamic State had established.

In other online searches, he downloaded instructions for making a homemade bomb and began inquiring in Telegram chatrooms about ways to procure guns and other weapons from shadowy online vendors.

I am interested in buying guns. Do you ship to Austria? he asked in July 28 in a chat with a self-identified American weapons vendor. Besides firearms, he said he wanted high-capacity magazines, and, if possible, a silencer, and explosives, if available.

After being shown a photo of a hand grenade for sale, he asked: Can it explode cars?

Perfectly well, came the reply. It can explode a house.

But the vendors minimum purchase price was $1,000, an amount Aliji acknowledged was out of reach.

I dont know when I will have the money, he wrote to the vendor, who has not been publicly identified by police. Right now, Im looking for a job or anything that would bring me money.

Having failed at purchasing a gun, Aliji spent hours trying to make explosives in his apartment while his parents were out of town. Having acquired an online recipe for triacetone triperoxide, or TATP - an explosive popular with terrorist groups because the ingredients are commonly available - he began looking for chemicals, detonators and metal pipe to make a bomb.

Police records show that he stole some chemicals from his workplace and bought others at stores, mixing them together in his kitchen. After multiple misfires, he succeeded in making TATP, but only a tiny amount, which he stored in his apartment refrigerator.

A forensic evaluation later concluded that Alijis foray into explosives manufacturing produced barely 1 ounces of highly diluted TATP. It was hardly enough to inflict serious damage, experts later said.

Seeking advice from ISIS

As the date for the concert drew closer, Alijis efforts became increasingly frenetic, documents suggest. Using his phone, he conducted more than two dozen online searches for Taylor Swift and Taylor Swift concert. He also decided to seek advice from the Islamic State.

After obtaining contact information from an online acquaintance in Germany, Aliji sat in his apartment in the late evening of July 30 and typed out a Telegram message. It was addressed to Abu Omar, someone he believed to be an Islamic State official. Investigators have declined to comment on the persons true identity, or whether Abu Omar had any links with the extremist group. The exchange was monitored by a foreign intelligence agency and later became official evidence in the case, documents show.

The purported Islamic State official offered to help, including by supplying weapons. In one exchange, Abu Omar said that ISIS could provide Aliji with a weapon of mass destruction: a canister containing sarin, a highly lethal nerve agent. He suggested that Aliji place the container in a crowded place and allow the deadly fumes to seep out. He could protect himself from sarins effects, Abu Omar wrote, by purchasing a surgical mask at a drugstore - although in fact it would have been useless against one of the worlds most lethal man-made substances.

Abu Omar then made two demands of his own, according to a transcript of the exchange. He urged Aliji to send him one of the videos he had made of himself pledging allegiance to the Islamic State. Then he asked whether the Austrian youths operation could be postponed until a later date. On the latter, Aliji refused. He needed to act soon, he explained, because his parents were returning from their trip in a few days.

A lightning raid

Days later, Austrian intelligence officials received a tip from what they said was a partner agency that had monitored Alijis online chats.

Officials in Vienna received the first tip on Aug. 1, as the youths chatroom conversations were still underway. A CIA official said the U.S. intelligence agency helped alert Austrias government to the plot.

No such monitoring appears to have occurred in Jabbars case. In the United States, as in Austria, federal privacy laws prohibit government eavesdropping on citizens without a court order.

On Aug. 7 - a day before the first of Swifts scheduled concerts - Austrian SWAT teams stormed Alijis apartment after evacuating nearby homes because of the risk of hidden explosives. His 17-year-old friend was arrested the same day.

It remains unclear the extent of damage Aliji might have inflicted had he not been caught. During questioning, he told police that he failed to obtain weapons other than knives and that he had no real plan other than to improvise, according to a transcript.

What is perhaps most disturbing about the case, analysts say, is what it reveals about the ready availability of extremist propaganda online and its power to influence the thinking and actions of youths with troubled backgrounds. Social media companies were once more vigilant about screening out Islamic State videos and messages, but the content is increasingly available to anyone looking to find it, said Rita Katz, founder of SITE Intelligence Group, a private company that monitors extremist online activity.

ISIS is still very relevant, especially for the young generation, Katz said. You can find them online more easily than a few years ago.

Soon after the arrests, amid fears of a wider plot, the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna were canceled.

Tickets were refunded, and fans consoled. Swift issued a personal statement on her Instagram account expressing regret to her supporters and gratitude to police for uncovering the plot.

Thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives, Swift wrote.
Cyclists take part in an August memorial ride in honor of Mario D'Adamo III, who was struck and killed by a motorist while riding his bike in an unprotected bike lane in FDR Park. Read more

Imagine your neighbor had a chance to save your life.

Now, imagine they decided your life wasnt worth losing their temporary parking spot.

Advertisement

Its an unthinkable decision, and yet, if a handful of our Center City neighbors get their way, Barbara Friedes and Emily Fredricks will be far from the last victims of traffic violence in the bike lanes along Spruce and Pine Streets.

In the last month, the Center City Residents Association and the Society Hill Civic Association both passed motions to oppose the citys plans to make these streets safer. They want a carve out from the Get Out the Bike Lane bill  a new law passed unanimously by City Council and signed by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker  which prohibits vehicles from stopping in bike lanes citywide. The neighborhood groups also want to prevent the installation of protective concrete curb separators on the Spruce and Pine bike lanes.

Critics of the new law argue that the status quo of a bike lane full of cars is a better solution than decades of research and evidence that proves physically separated bike lanes lead to less speeding by motorists, fewer injuries to all road users, better sales for businesses, and more appealing communities for all.

Separating the bike lane from the car lane would involve a few specific interventions:

Low concrete dividers, similar to ones used to stop parked cars from rolling forward. Concrete planters at intersections that are not dissimilar to the planters used throughout Center City to keep pedestrians on the sidewalks safe from cars. Increasing the number of loading zones along Spruce and Pine to give businesses places to receive deliveries, and ride-share drivers spaces to drop off passengers.

Strategies like these have been implemented in several densely populated cities, including Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and, most importantly, Hoboken, N.J. Hoboken has gone seven years without a traffic fatality  partly by implementing inexpensive changes like separated bike lanes  in a city that looks a lot like Philadelphia. The Mile Square City shares our narrow streets, brick rowhouses, and cozy cafes and bars.

It begs the question: If Hoboken can achieve zero traffic fatalities, why cant Philadelphia?

Urban planners speak of the ice cream test: Can an 8-year-old safely get somewhere to buy an ice cream and get home before it melts?

No rational parent would let their 8-year-old use the Spruce and Pine bike lanes to get an ice cream today, yet some of our neighbors insist that the status quo is safe enough  and that their ad hoc parking spot is more important than our children, our doctors, our friends, and any other neighbor on a bike in Philly.

Philadelphia was not built for the car. It wasnt even built for the horse and buggy. Philadelphia was built for human beings on foot, and pedestrian accessibility is one of our great civic advantages in a nation that increasingly seems to be focused on building around strip malls and massive suburban highways.

Since the early 1900s, the city has tried to carve up more and more of itself for cars, with only gridlock and some of the deadliest streets in America to show for it. (From 2014 to 2023, Philadelphia recorded an average of 104 traffic-related fatalities each year; the rate of traffic deaths here is three times higher than in New York City.)

The citys plan to protect the Spruce and Pine bike lanes represents a major step toward correcting this problem and could herald all manner of safety improvements.

Nearly 47,500 people use the Spruce and Pine bike lanes each month, and petition after petition demonstrates support for a protected bike lane.

The city has tried to carve up more and more of itself for cars with only gridlock and some of the deadliest streets in America to show for it.

I have spoken to residents, business owners, and everyday people who live, work, and shop along the corridor. The vast majority are in support of the citys protection plans, and many can tell you tales of horrific crashes and driver violence they witness every day on Spruce and Pine. They all want to see safer streets, and many bike to work or for transport.

It is imperative that these changes factor in all Philadelphians. I gave testimony to City Council last year alongside advocates with disabilities who also support the changes (many disabled Philadelphians use bike lanes as a smoother, obstacle-free alternative to sidewalks).

The city should ensure that the changes to the lanes protect cyclists and people with mobility devices while not acting as an undue obstruction to those with mobility challenges, both inside and outside the bike lane.

Philadelphia is one of the few American cities that has maintained its compact urban form through the age of the automobile. Where other U.S. cities demolished their downtowns to fit in highways and parking lots, Philadelphians successfully fought off the destruction of our urban core.

This is an asset that led us to be named the most walkable city in America. Protecting the bike lane will give people a comfortable new way to get around town, make our streets safer, and reduce traffic for people who do need to drive.

With time, Philly could also get named the most bikeable city in America  all we have to do is protect our bike lanes so that cyclists are truly safe from cars.

Duncan Adkins is a member of Philly Bike Action and Center City Residents Association.
WASHINGTON  Dave McCormick took the oath Friday as Pennsylvanias junior senator, bringing a new voice to Capitol Hill and giving Republicans a Senate seat in the state after two years of sole control by Democrats.

As McCormick left the chamber after his swearing-in, his wife Dina Powell and their daughters greeted him in the hallway. You can call him Senator now! Powell said as the hugs commenced. After a quick photo, the family loaded into a packed elevator to head to a reception.

Advertisement

McCormick said he felt gratitude and responsibility upon joining the Senate. I feel touched by it. Honored.

The combat veteran and hedge fund CEOs win against longtime Democratic Sen. Bob Casey has made him a rising star in the Republican Party, earning him national attention even as a freshman a little more than two years after he came up short in the primary during his first run for office. Despite a national red wave, GOP Senate candidates in several other battleground states fell short this cycle, which highlights McCormicks feat.

McCormick is now the highest-ranking Republican in the state and has already wielded some of that influence. His preferred choice to lead the state Republican Party appears to be a front-runner in the February election.

Hes coming from a large swing state having knocked off the most recognizable political name in the state of Pennsylvania, GOP strategist Vince Galko said. With Republicans taking control of the Senate, hes one of the reasons why, so its understandable why people see him as a rising star.

On Friday at the Capitol McCormick and his wife Powell were friendly with Vice President Kamala Harris as they met her for his ceremonial swearing-in and introduced her to their five daughters in attendance.

They would love a picture with you, Powell said.

After posing with Harris for photos, McCormicks daughters had a giggly exchange with the Democratic vice president. They also bonded over having blended families since both Harris and McCormick have stepchildren.

Now McCormick starts a six-year term representing the state in the chamber, where hell have to navigate complex relationships in a GOP-controlled, but still narrowly divided, Congress. How he will chart his course in President-elect Donald Trumps Washington remains an open question.

 READ MORE: Meet Pennsylvanias new members of Congress as they take the oath today

While Democrats note that Trumps strong performance in Pennsylvania, along with a flood of super PAC money, likely helped McCormick, McCormick also ran a smart campaign that tapped into the concerns of the Pennsylvania electorate and avoided the pitfalls of celebrity doctor Mehmet Ozs 2022 unsuccessful general election campaign. Some of the money his super PAC raised also helped fuel Republicans more broadly.

Everyone has witnessed the resources he brought to bear in Pennsylvania this year, RNC committeeman Andy Reilly said.

Reilly said McCormick gained the respect of the state party for running again without animosity toward people who slighted him in his first campaign when he narrowly lost the primary to Oz.

He came back after a 900-vote loss to run again without bitterness, but with optimism and an abundance of focused energy, Reilly said. A number of party regulars who had rejected Dave, including Trump, Dave moved forward embracing. Hes used to leading people but understanding people are different. I think hell be the same way as a senator.

How closely will McCormick align with President-elect Donald Trump?

An early question is what McCormicks relationship with President-elect Donald Trump will be like and how hell vote on Trumps cabinet nominees.

McCormick campaigned closely with Trump and has appeared with him frequently since winning, including at a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago in late November, and at the Army-Navy game last month.

Asked about Trumps cabinet nominees, McCormick said hell vet them but also pledged to assemble a team that allows Trump to carry out his agenda.

President Trump won a big mandate and he promised disruption, McCormick said this week in an interview with former Pennsylvania GOP Senate candidate Kathy Barnette. Trump won the state by about 1.7 percentage points and the national popular vote by 1.5 points, a narrower margin than President Joe Bidens 2020 popular vote win.

He ran as a disrupter, so hes going to pick nominees that are disrupters and I think hes done that in many cases, and my job as I see it is to help make sure President Trump has the team he needs to be successful.

Trumps nominees to high-level posts include McCormicks former primary rival, Oz, who Trump has tapped to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. McCormick has said hell support Oz for the post.

Freshman senators dont typically stray too far from their party as they adjust to the Senate but those who know McCormick predicted the former West Point wrestler, with roots in Bloomsburg, now living in Pittsburgh, puts Pennsylvanians first.

Theres tremendous pressures that come, particularly from the White House, and thats not unique to the Trump administration, said Charlie Gerow, a Pennsylvania Republican strategist. But I think Dave McCormick will be his own man and I think thats what the people of Pennsylvania elected him to be.

 READ MORE: Delaware makes history as Sarah McBride and Lisa Blunt Rochester take the oath in Washington

What will McCormicks relationship with Democratic Sen. John Fetterman be like?

There are ample signs that Pennsylvanias two senators, who both hail from the Pittsburgh area, could have a particularly friendly partnership even amid heated partisanship.

Fetterman has broadcast his willingness to work with Trumps cabinet picks, several of whom hes already met with. And while hes called Caseys loss especially upsetting  the senior senator had shown him the ropes and been a close ally in D.C.  Fetterman has also publicly lauded McCormick.

Former GOP Sen. Pat Toomey and Casey had a good working relationship, particularly on nominating federal judges. Senators from opposing parties have historically also gotten along as they are not competing for money or status at home. Their elbows arent out jockeying for a position within the party, Gerow said.

Reilly also predicted the two would hit it off.

You have two things occurring: Dave open to working with anyone  his mentality right now is lets get together  and Fetterman who, for the last three months, has been more tacking to the center on many issues. Thats not gonna leave a lot of room between he and Dave.

With Caseys loss after 18 years in the Senate, Pennsylvanias delegation is now relatively inexperienced. Fetterman has just two years in the chamber. But it behooves both members to work together, especially on state-specific issues.

Theyre both junior, still in the learning process, but if they find a way to get along with each other it will certainly be to the benefit of the commonwealth, said Ross Baker, a Senate historian and Rutgers distinguished professor emeritus.

You can waste a lot of time and energy feuding with your opposite member.

What issues will McCormick prioritize?

McCormick, who held treasury and national security roles in the George W. Bush administration, focused his campaign on securing the border, curbing the flow of illegal drugs, and growing the countrys economy. He has said hell focus on those areas in the Senate.

Hell serve on five committees: Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; Foreign Relations; the Special Committee on Aging; and the Joint Economic Committee. McCormicks election helped Republicans secure a 53-47 majority in the Senate, which means all committees are led by Republicans.

The 119th Congress will face a host of issues, including a looming debt ceiling debate, Trumps promises to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants, and the incoming presidents 2017 tax cuts, which are set to expire this year.

McCormick will be back in D.C. Monday for Congress most immediate task: certifying Trumps victory in the 2024 presidential election on Jan. 6.

Staff writer Aliya Schneider contributed reporting.
Lisa Blunt Rochester (left) will take the oath of office to become the first Black woman to represent Delaware in the U.S. Senate. Her successor in the U.S. House, Sarah McBride, will be the first transgender member of Congress. Read more

WASHINGTON  It was a historic day for Delaware in Washington.

Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester was sworn into the Senate Friday, becoming the first Black woman to represent the state in the chamber after four terms in the U.S. House.

Advertisement

Taking her seat in the House is Sarah McBride, who officially became the first transgender person to serve in Congress upon taking the oath. McBride served in the Delaware Senate before her barrier-breaking election to Congress as Delawares sole representative in the House.

Both women have a long history of public service in the state and won elections after Sen. Tom Carper, a Democrat, opted not to seek reelection after more than 20 years in the Senate. Firsts in their own right, both Delawareans have reputations as pragmatic politicians who have worked across the aisle.

Blunt Rochester, 62, born in Philadelphia and raised in Wilmington, first ran for office in 2016, winning a crowded primary and becoming the states first female and first Black member of Congress.

As snow started to fall outside on Friday, Blunt Rochester thanked supporters at a reception at the Library of Congress, which she noted used to be located in the Capitol before the British burned it down during the War of 1812. She used the setting to speak about rising from the ashes, at a time when Democrats nationally are regrouping after losing the White House and the Senate.

In this moment people feel excited, emboldened, scared, anxious, not sure what is on the horizon, she said. But I want you to know that no matter what, we will rise.

Blunt Rochester is one of four Black women ever to be elected to the Senate and she will be one of two serving at the same time in the 119th Congress. Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat from Maryland, was also elected in November.

Dressed in an all-white suit  a color associated with the suffragette movement  Blunt Rochester said she was elated to be representing the state as its newest senator.

I am truly proud, humble, honored, ready, thats the word  ready, she said.

Earlier in the day, Blunt Rochester met with former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun (D., Ill.), the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, and Carla Hayden, the first Black woman to serve as the Librarian of Congress.

McBride, 34, who was already the nations highest-ranking openly transgender elected official as a state senator in Delaware, takes office as GOP opposition to transgender identity has escalated.

She was greeted at Capitol Hill for orientation in November by targeted attacks on her access to the womens bathrooms, led by U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R., S.C.) and enacted by Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.).

 READ MORE: Dave McCormick gets sworn in as Pennsylvanias newest senator today

McBride dismissed the attacks as a distraction and said she wasnt in Congress to fight about bathrooms. She called the experience a crash course in the dysfunction and performance art of Congress.

In a brief interview in her office where constituents and reporters filtered in and out continuously on Friday morning, McBride called joining the House awe-inspiring.

To be heading to a floor where they passed the 13th Amendment, the 14th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act, where women got the right to vote, its just beyond my wildest dreams, she said.

Blunt Rochester replaces her mentor, Carper, whom she interned for when he was a member of Congress, and she was a new mother, in the late 80s.

Her long political career was reflected in the audience that greeted her Friday. Sens. Chris Coons (D., Del.), Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.), U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D., Md.) and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore all attended.

Schumer, the Senate minority leader, lauded Blunt Rochester as one of the most effective members of Congress and also one of the most beloved. He called her a bright light, after a difficult election.

Being in the minority in the Senate where the minority has real power, sometimes its real fun and were going to have fun, he told her. Were going to have fun in making sure we block the bad things they are trying to do.

Moore said Blunt Rochesters election sends a statement to the ancestors  to our children.

Shes someone whose not just gonna make history by her swearing in but by the work she does on Capitol Hill, Moore said.

Blunt Rochester is a former deputy secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, and was appointed Delawares first female and first Black labor secretary in 1998. Later, she managed Delawares workforce as state personnel director.

She has repeatedly introduced the Clean Slate Act to seal the records of people with low-level drug offenses, part of her jobs agenda. And she touts working on a gun violence prevention bill as a cosponsor that passed the House in 2022.

She said in her campaign that she would fight efforts to privatize Medicare and Medicaid.

 READ MORE: U.S. Rep Lisa Blunt Rochester, a Philly native, is poised to be Delawares first Black female senator

Blunt Rochester comes from a political family. Her father, Ted Blunt, was an educator and served on the Wilmington City Council for nearly 25 years, including as its president, and her family has been connected to President Joe Bidens for decades. One of her two sisters worked in Bidens Senate office, and the president campaigned alongside her father.

Biden tapped Blunt Rochester to cochair his campaign in 2020 and 2024, and she served on the committee that chose Kamala Harris to be his vice president.

Blunt Rochester has sought to turn her personal struggles into opportunities for change throughout her legislative career. She has worked to improve Black womens maternal health outcomes, created a bipartisan caucus for tech-focused workforce preparation, and wants to start what she calls a menopause movement to invest in research and raise awareness about the effects of the life stage.

Blunt Rochesters husband, Charles Rochester, died unexpectedly from blood clots in 2014 and the personal loss has shaped her work, including her work to make health care more affordable.

 READ MORE: Meet Pennsylvanias new members of Congress as they take the oath today

For McBride, a career of firsts

McBrides office walls are still bare, but the room was abuzz Friday morning as she met with a wide range of constituent groups, well-wishers, and reporters. She posed for a photo with a group of Turkish American constituents and offered everyone who came through food catered by Wawa.

McBride is the lone representative from Delaware, but already has close relationships with Pennsylvania Democratic Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon, Brendan Boyle and Madeleine Dean.

She enters Congress as Trump and his surrogates have frequently fixated on transgender people during his rallies and attacked them in ads, including one that featured an image of Assistant U.S. Secretary of Health Rachel Levine, the former Pennsylvania physician general and secretary of health and the first openly transgender person confirmed by the Senate to a federal position.

Im used to working with people who I have significant disagreements with, including people who have voted against LGBTQ rights, McBride said Friday. The reality is, in a diverse, pluralistic democracy, we have to be able to have conversations across disagreement.

McBride called the GOP focus on attacking transgender rights grandstanding, and an attempt to distract from her work.

Its going to be incumbent upon all of us to acknowledge the harm that these attacks have on the people they are attempting to target but also, just as importantly, to make clear that we wont sit idly by while they employ the politics of misdirection, while they try to distract people with the tiny object of their obsession with trans rights, while at the same time picking the pocket of American workers.

McBride previously worked for former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and the late Attorney General Beau Biden, the presidents son who passed away in 2015. She is a former spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBTQ advocacy organization.

In 2016, she was the first openly transgender person to speak at the Democratic National Convention.

McBride came out publicly through her student newspaper as she wrapped up her term as study body president at American University in 2012. She said that she was transgender and about to come out in an internship application to The White House during the Obama administration, she told The Washington Post in 2015. She was the first openly transgender woman to intern at the White House.

My hope was that in being there my presence was a reminder of the humanity of trans people, of the fact that there were 800,000 people living in this country that were impacted by the presidents policies, she said in the 2015 interview with The Post.

Her late husband Andrew Cray, a transgender man, was an LGBTQ health advocate who was posthumously honored by the White House. Cray, who had cancer, died just four days after the couple got married in 2014. McBride said in her 2016 DNC speech that his passing reminded her that every day matters when it comes to building a world where every person can live their life to the fullest.

She told the AP that Crays death affirmed her religious faith, and that she often seeks to follow his example of principled grace and compassion toward anti-LGBTQ politicians.

In the state Senate, McBride was a primary sponsor of a 2022 bill that created the states paid medical and family leave program. Her congressional campaign website laid out myriad progressive issues including increasing the federal minimum wage to $15, investing in renewable energy, banning assault weapons, legalizing cannabis, and guaranteeing paid sick time and paid medical and family leave.

McBride also wants to expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing, lower its eligibility age and provide a public option.
This April 26, 2010, file photo shows the United States Steel logo outside the headquarters building in downtown Pittsburgh. President Joe Biden blocked the company's sale to Nippon Steel of Japan. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) Read more

Saying a sale would threaten U.S. security, President Joe Biden blocked a Japanese companys $15 billion bid to purchase Pennsylvanias U.S. Steel on Friday.

Steel production  and the steel workers who produce it  are the backbone of our nation, Biden said in a statement. A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains.

Advertisement

Bidens decision came after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States failed to reach a consensus on security risks of the sale last month, which left the decision to the president. The committee screens business deals between U.S. firms and foreign investors and can block sales or force parties to change the terms of an agreement to protect national security.

Hanging over the presidential election in swing-state Pennsylvania last year, the proposal by Japans Nippon Steel Corporation to buy the venerable 124-year-old U.S. Steel company headquartered in Pittsburgh had been opposed by Biden as well as both Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump, each of whom warned that a sale would threaten thousands of Pennsylvania jobs.

 READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the Pa. steel deal at the center of the presidential election

Reaction to Bidens order poured in swiftly.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro noted in a statement on Friday that he expects U.S. Steel to uphold their commitments to Western Pennsylvania and refrain from threatening the jobs of U.S. Steel workers. He added that while Biden has stopped the sale, this matter is far from over. He concluded that we must find a long-term solution that protects the future of steelmaking in Western Pennsylvania and the workers who built U.S. Steel and built this country.

In his own statement on Friday, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis stressed the need for a long-term plan for keeping steel production in the Mon Valley and protecting Pennsylvania workers livelihoods.

He added, Gov. Shapiro and I will continue to work 24-7 to bring all parties together to protect Pennsylvania jobs and ensure Western Pennsylvania remains central to the future of American steelmaking.

Staunchly against Bidens move, U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, a Republican who has represented parts of Northeastern Pennsylvania since 2019, denigrated it as politically motivated. He went on to say in a statement on Friday that blocking Nippon Steels bid is a significant blow to Pennsylvania and the American steel industry. Meuser also criticized Biden for treating Japan, an ally, as if it were an adversary like China.

And he said a deal would have been supported by 90% of Pennsylvania steelworkers.

United Steelworkers International President David McCall, however, expressed a different view in a statement on Friday. He that the union is grateful to Biden for his willingness to take bold action to maintain a strong domestic steel industry and for his lifelong commitment to American workers.

We now call on U.S. Steels board of directors to take the necessary steps to allow it to further flourish and remain profitable, he added.

Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.), the former mayor of Braddock where U.S. Steel operates a plant across the street from his home, said in a statement Friday that he would trust and follow the wisdom and the judgment of the union, calling the original sale proposal a death sentence for the Mon Valley Works.

Incoming Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Dave McCormick, who was sworn in on Friday, could not be reached for comment. During the campaign, he had called the deal a tragedy.

Last year, the steelworkers union unsuccessfully argued before an arbitration court that the Japanese-based company didnt fully understand the commitment needed to its workers and surrounding communities, expressing concerns about Nippons labor practices and financial transparency, PBS reported. The arbitration board, however, said it recognized Nippons commitments to U.S. Steel  including at least a $1.4 billion investment in union-represented facilities  and allowed the deal to proceed.

Issuing a joint statement, U.S. Steel and Nippon rebuked Biden, saying they were dismayed by President Bidens decision  which reflects a clear violation of due process and the law.

[T]he process was manipulated to advance President Bidens political agenda, the statement continued. The Presidents statement and Order do not present any credible evidence of a national security issue, making clear that this was a political decision. Following President Bidens decision, we are left with no choice but to take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights.

The proposal by Japans Nippon Steel company to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel company had been on the table for some time.

Biden had planned to block the deal in September, according to reports. But, the Washington Post reported, after Democratic officials in Pennsylvania raised alarms about potential economic and political costs of the move in that critical swing state, he agreed to postpone the decision until the presidential election was finished.

During the presidential campaign, Harris and Trump highlighted the political importance of Pennsylvania as a crucial battleground state and their belief in the United Steelworkers union as a politically powerful voting bloc.

U.S. Steel is currently the third-largest steelmaker in the country, responsible for less than 20% of domestic steel production.

Late last summer, U.S. Steel executives warned that preventing the sale would close some steel mills, eliminating thousands of union jobs and signaled that the company would move its headquarters out of Pennsylvania if the Nippon deal fell through, according to a Reuters report.
State Sen. Anthony H. Williams, seen in this 2022 file photo, is calling for Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer to release video of an alleged road rage incident during which a local firefighter is accused of using racist slurs. Read more

Political leaders in Delaware County gathered outside the Darby Township police station Thursday to condemn hatred after a worker with a local fencing company and volunteer firefighter allegedly threatened a woman and used a string of racial slurs in an apparent road rage incident in November.

Im not usually speechless but I was just stunned at how arrogant and what he really believes in his heart to be what America looks like, State Sen. Anthony Williams, a Democrat who represents part of Delaware County, said at the news conference.

Advertisement

The man who allegedly made the threats, John Romano, was criminally charged with terroristic threats, harassment and ethnic intimidation in November. But Williams and the Delaware County Black Caucus called for any governments who held contracts with the company to sever their relationships.

Heres what you need to know:

What happened?

Romanos charges stem from an incident outside J&P Fencing, a company that he cofounded, in Folcroft on Nov. 21.

On the day of the incident, Darby Township Police were called to the companys location on Hook Road because of reports that a man loading trees onto a forklift was blocking the road and shouting racial slurs at the driver of a Chevrolet Camaro, according to the affidavit of probable cause for Romanos arrest.

The driver told police that the man, later identified as Romano, called her a monkey after she honked at him, took a photo of her license plate, and demanded to know where she lived.

Romano did not return a request for comment Friday, nor did his attorney, Scott Galloway.

The driver, whom The Inquirer is not naming because reporters were unable to reach her before publishing, told police that Romano threatened physical violence.

I moved here thinking it was a safe neighborhood for my family, she told police, according to the affidavit. Now I feel that he will have people come after me because he took a picture of the plate.

Romano later told police that the driver had run over the forks of his forklift and nearly hit an employee, the affidavit said. He told police that he had called the driver a n and told her to go get a banana.

Ill tell ya what I said, Ill say it again, its my belief, theyre all animals. Im tired of dealing with them, Romano allegedly told police before questioning why he couldnt use the racial epithet. Later, he denied saying it, but admitted to telling the driver to get a banana and said it was because she is a wild animal, according to the affidavit.

A Facebook account attributed to Romano posted a picture of a Camaro on Nov. 21, alleging that its driver almost hit a man and block[ed] traffic for a few minutes on Hook Road about 8:30 a.m., the time and location of the alleged altercation.

The post also asked potential witnesses to come forward with any information about the incident.

Who is John Romano?

Romano, 46, cofounded J&P Fencing in 1996, according to the companys website. However, a receptionist who answered the phone at the business on Friday said that Romano had not been employed there since about June, and has not been a co-owner in the company since 2014.

The receptionist explained that Romano was working a one-day contract with J&P on the day the alleged incident was reported, helping to pick up Christmas trees.

Romano also served as an assistant fire chief at the Sharon Hill Fire Company, an all-volunteer station in the Delaware County borough. However, Sharon Hill Borough Council President Tanya Allen said Friday that Romano was suspended from service after his arrest, and that officials are considering expelling him from the fire department, pending the outcome of his criminal prosecution.

In a statement, the council members said they took immediate action to protect our public and its interests after learning about the charges Romano faces, including severing all ties with him and revoking his access to borough property.

What are political leaders calling for?

At the news conference arranged by Williams on Thursday, local and state leaders, including members of the Delaware County Council, called for any government contracts with the company to be canceled. They also urged Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer to release video of the incident recorded on police body cameras.

Williams, who arranged the news conference, said he wasnt aware of the situation until The Spirit, a local outlet in Delaware County, first published a story in mid-December.

What happened in Darby Township last month is unacceptable, said Malcolm Yates, a member of the Delaware County Black Caucus. The ethnic intimidation demonstrated by Mr. Romano has no place especially here in Delaware County and especially someone who receives county contracts, most importantly someone who serves as a volunteer firefighter.

Delaware County officials said the county holds no contracts with J&P fencing, but its unclear if the company holds contracts with townships within the county.

I know he wont get a contract with the county, County Councilman Richard Womack, a Democrat, said at the news conference.

Williams also criticized Stollsteimer for failing to attend the news conference, which he was invited to.

Stollsteimer, a Democrat, sent a letter that explained that he was unable to attend because of the pending investigation. Williams said that wasnt enough and urged a stronger condemnation as well as the release of available video and an escalation of the charges from misdemeanor to felony.

Im very disappointed hes not here, this piece of paper doesnt hold water or weight, Williams said.

The words are one thing but him taking a photo of her license plate should escalate the level of what he should be charged with.

In response to Williams comments Thursday, Stollsteimer told reporters that ethical guidelines limited what he could say about the investigation into Romano, which his office is actively handling.

He further explained his absence at the news conference, saying that Williams invite included mention of calling for the economic boycott against Romano and the company he works for, which Stollsteimer said wouldve been inappropriate for him to discuss as the countys district attorney.

What comes next?

Romanos case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before District Judge Steven A. Sandone on Feb. 18 in Glenolden, at which prosecutors will present the evidence theyve gathered against him.
Earnest Headen leads his fellow residents with a bullhorn while protesting the living conditions at Brith Sholom House apartments, in Philadelphia, on Friday, April 12, 2024. Read more

Two members of a New Jersey family that built a troubled affordable-housing empire  loading aging properties such as Philadelphias Brith Sholom House with debt, and then walking away as they tumbled into disrepair  have been sentenced to federal prison for mortgage fraud.

On Thursday, Chaim Eli Puretz, the scion of the family behind Apex Equity Group, received a two-year prison sentence from U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in New Jersey, the Real Deal reported. Puretz previously pleaded guilty to a role in a $119 million conspiracy to defraud a financial institution, using phony documents to inflate the value of a purchase.

Advertisement

His father, Aron Puretz, was sentenced in December to five years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine and $22.2 million in restitution. He is appealing the sentence, though he has admitted guilt in the case, which involved a $54.7 million mortgage-fraud scheme.

Arons brother, Chaikel Puretz, is scheduled for trial later this month in Indiana, where he is charged with stealing residents utility payments.

An Inquirer investigation last year revealed that the network of Puretz companies controlled more than 16,000 affordable-housing units in 21 states, many of them financed with municipal bonds, obtained in Pennsylvania and elsewhere by using a nonprofit with a phony board of directors.

Tenants have suffered illness, injury, and death. Poor cities across the country have been forced to pay millions of dollars to relocate tenants and to cover missing utility money to avoid emergency shutoffs.

The pattern was well-established by the time Philadelphias Brith Sholom House and Pavilion, neighboring apartment complexes in the citys Wynnefield Heights section, were forced into receivership amid foreclosure lawsuits. City leaders in Philadelphia had been aware of the brewing crisis at Brith Sholom since at least 2019, when they for a time revoked the propertys rental license.

But the situation there grew more critical last year, as Philadelphia Gas Works threatened a shutoff over a gas bill that was more than $1.5 million in arrears. Residents lamented deteriorating conditions: unaddressed leaks, infestations of vermin, heat shutoffs, and broken elevators.

After months of tenant organizing, the Philadelphia Housing Authority stepped in last August and agreed to purchase the building for $24 million, to maintain it as affordable senior housing. Chief executive Kelvin Jeremiah said that renovations were expected to cost $30 million to $40 million  making the 360-unit purchase a deal.

Then, in November, the agency said that worse-than-anticipated conditions would roughly triple that renovation cost to $112 million  and require that all of the 111 remaining tenants be relocated during construction. The agency is providing relocation assistance and issued a notice to tenants on Jan. 2 notifying them that they would have to be out within 90 days.

Madison Gray of the Public Interest Law Center, which has been representing the tenants, said the situation at Brith Sholom continues to be precarious and highlights the need for more public investment and oversight.

We need to make sure that seniors, and low-income tenants in general, are in properties controlled by people who have their best interests at heart  not people who are just trying to loot the building and extract as much profit as they can.

Eli Puretz, in a podcast interview, said the deal that led to his conviction was his very first real estate transaction. He said he was blinded and fooled by more experienced real estate players.

Puretz  who was also involved in the ownership of a chain of Pennsylvania skilled-nursing facilities that have been forced into bankruptcy by creditors  said he was dazzled by the possibility of get-rich-quick deals.

Coming from a yeshiva background, and being able to acquire whether its 20 nursing homes in a years span or large swaths of real estate at a very fast pace  your judgment was clouded by the fact that everyone else around you was making big moves so fast, so easily, he told the Halacha Headlines podcast. It makes it seem very kosher to do these certain gray areas.

Steve Kolhami, 68, a member of Brith Sholoms resident council, said hes not looking forward to the relocation and still has many questions about the relocation process. But hes not bitter.

With respect to the former owners of the building, many of my fellow residents here at Brith Sholom are very angry, and rightfully so, about the way they were treated, he said. Im not happy about the way we were treated. However, Im one of those people that prefers to look at the positive. I prefer to look at all the wonderful people Ive met  through this experience.
Sean Rozas shovels snow of the sidewalk along the 200 block of Race Street in Old City on Dec. 24. Read more

 UPDATE: Philly region braces for some snow today, with more possible Monday

Following a less-than-snowy Christmas and a pretty wet New Years Eve, the Philadelphia region could be on track to see some snow early into 2025  including a chance for several inches to accumulate Monday.

Advertisement

The first shot comes Friday afternoon, when forecasters expect possible snow showers to arrive in the area, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. For much of the region, that likely means pretty much a dusting of less than an inch of snow, said weather service meteorologist Alex Staarmann, though some areas south of the city could see an inch or two.

Its not going to be anything big, but its enough to get people excited, Staarmann said. He added that the potential dusting could bring slippery roads and traffic headaches to some spots Friday afternoon. However, with high temperatures expected to remain well above freezing, whatever ends up falling is likely to struggle to accumulate.

That system is expected to move out the area late Friday night, ahead of an overall dry weekend. But starting Saturday, temperatures are expected to drop, with highs in the mid-30s and lows in the 20s.

And by the time the workweek rolls around, Monday could be bringing some real snow with it. While specific remain unclear, Staarmann said, Mondays potential snowfall stands to be a much bigger deal than anything expected to come Friday.

The forecast was not settled as of Thursday afternoon, but weather models showed the Philadelphia regions chances of getting more than four inches of snow at about 50%. And we have about a 30% chance of getting more than six inches of snow, according to current models, Staarmann said.

The weather services forecast had the probability of greater than an inch of snow hitting the Philly region between 60% and 80%.

What isnt clear is where the heaviest bands of snowfall will set up, as were still a little too far out for forecasting models to accurately predict that. Initial weather models put the heaviest snow south of the Philadelphia area, but more recent trends indicated heavier snow would fall farther north than previously predicted, Staarmann said.

So were getting more concerned about the impacts for the Philadelphia metro on Monday, Staarmann added. It will most likely be the most snow weve seen so far this season. (Last month, some areas in the region reported receiving 3 inches of snow in a storm that hit just days before the winter solstice.)

Colder temperatures coming in over the weekend are likely to remain for a week or two, so expect chilly, blustery conditions for the foreseeable future, Staarmann said. And as a result, any significant accumulation Monday would hang around for a while due to the colder temps.

Keep an eye on that Monday system, and prepare for a snowy start to the week, Staarmann said.
Teletrac Navman, headquartered in the US under the Vontier brand, was among the first to achieve an installed base of 100,000 units. Similarly, EROAD, based in New Zealand, reached this milestone following its 2021 acquisition of Coretex. MTData, an Australian firm owned by Telstra, has also established a strong market presence.
According to the airline, the plane, which was a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, made a fuselage landing when its landing gear apparently failed to deploy after the pilot reported a bird strike to air traffic control. The plane allegedly deviated from the end of the runway and crashed into the outer wall of the airport, bursting into flames.
The 2025 rankings, detailed in the January issue of Bests Review, reflect a consistent dominance by life insurers among the top 25 companies in terms of nonbanking assets. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. climbed to the second spot, experiencing a 12.8% asset growth to $1.07 trillion, while China Life Insurance (Group) Co. moved to third place with a 10.5% increase, totalling $957.8 billion. Rounding out the top five were Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Ltd. and Prudential Financial Inc.
While South East Queenslanders are no strangers to storms during summer, its an important reminder to use the sunny days to get prepared  clean up around your home, clean those gutters, and importantly, check your insurance policy, he said.
Our warning for crooks remains firmer than ever. If you think you can take money from the pockets of the Australians who need it the most, youd better think again as we will be watching, Shorten said.
In November 2024, RiverStone International finalized an agreement with QBE for an LPT reinsurance arrangement which involved some of its subsidiaries along with Lloyds syndicates. The transaction, which was worth $1.2 billion in reserves that was assumed by RiverStone subsidiaries, was part of its commitment to grow internationally while demonstrating its capability as it utilized its platforms in Bermuda, the US, and Lloyds.
Health and medical considerations

Health risks in Nigeria are another major issue for travellers. Diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, cholera, and typhoid are prevalent, and medical facilities are often limited. Australians are urged to ensure they have adequate health insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation.
Theres a lot of due diligence we conduct before appointing an agency. They have to know trucking, and we dont want to just be a spreadsheet in their portfolio, Kapur said. Were creating value for our agents, not just giving them a price. They want to keep that value because they know if they dont align with us, we wont hesitate to part ways.
On December 31, 2024, Anhui's first 7,000-vehicle LNG dual-fuel Pure Car and Truck Carrier (W2241) successfully completed its trial voyage and returned to port, demonstrating outstanding overall performance and receiving unanimous praise from all parties involved in the trial. According to the plan, the vessel will soon be put into operation on the China-Mediterranean route to support the development of the province's automotive "leading industry." This series of ships was designed by the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation. The vessel has a total length of 199.9 meters, a beam of 38 meters, a depth of 15.5 meters, and a maximum draft of 10 meters, with a total tonnage of 71,000 tons. The cargo hold features 12 layers of vehicle decks (including 4 movable decks) and can accommodate various types of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses, trucks, new energy vehicles, and construction machinery. The ship's propulsion system employs the latest generation of WinGD dual-fuel main engines, meeting the stringent emission standards set by the International Maritime Organization.

Source: Hefei Evening News


"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 US. I'm thrilled to welcome The General's 1,300 associates to the Sentry team and look forward to what we'll achieve together," McPartland added.
The court also reviewed a 2019 settlement offer, in which the estate proposed not to enforce the judgment against Ortez in exchange for $30,000. The offer required payment within one business day, but Penn National delivered the check one day late. The estate withdrew the offer and accused the insurer of bad faith. The appeals court concluded that the one-day delay did not constitute a failure to settle in good faith.
This edition of International People Moves details at Fairfax Insurance Group and Acrisures Volante.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Fairfax Insurance Group Names Young as President, Barnard as Chair

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. announced that Brian Young became president of Fairfax Insurance Group, succeeding Andrew Barnard who has stepped into the role of chairman of Fairfax Insurance. Both appointments were effective on Jan. 1, 2025.

Young joined Fairfax subsidiary Odyssey Group in 1996 and has served as its chief executive officer since 2011. Fairfax said that Odyssey has thrived under Youngs leadership, generating an underwriting profit for 13 consecutive years and nearly tripling in size during his tenure.

Effective Jan. 1, Carl Overy succeeded Young as Odysseys CEO, leading its three operating platforms: OdysseyRe, Hudson, and Newline. Overy has served as CEO of OdysseyRe since April 2023 and previously served as CEO of Newline and the London branch of OdysseyRe for 15 years.

Brian and Andy have worked together for nearly 35 years, the last 28 at Fairfax. Our expansive global re/insurance operations will benefit greatly from their collective oversight, commented Prem Watsa, chairman and CEO of Fairfax. Carl is a proven leader who has devoted more than two decades of his life to Odyssey. We have no doubt that Odyssey will scale new heights under his leadership in the years to come.

Fairfax is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property/casualty insurance and reinsurance and associated investment management.

***

Acrisure Names Industry Veteran Reith as Executive Chairman of MGA Unit Volante

Acrisure, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based global insurance broker, announced the appointment of Martin Reith as executive chairman of Volante, a Lloyds business with extensive MGA operations.

Based in London, Reith will work with senior leadership across several areas of the business. Reith will report to Matt Schweinzger and Grahame Millwater, Acrisures executives whose responsibilities include Acrisure Re, its London-based and international businesses, as well as all global MGAs and programs. The appointment is effective immediately.

At Volante, Reith will work closely with the CEO Talbir Bains and the executive team. Alongside his role as executive chairman of Volante, Reith also will be advising Ben Canagaretna, managing director of Acrisure Re Corporate Advisory and Solutions (ARCAS).

In addition, Reith will review and advise on Acrisures interest in accessing third-party capital to take advantage of the significant number of opportunities ahead.

Reith has extensive experience in the re/insurance industry, bringing approximately 40 years of industry experience to Acrisure. He has held leadership roles in underwriting, distribution and alternative capital. He was CEO of Marketform (later rebranded as Neon). Most recently he was CEO at Helios Underwriting PLC, and was the founder and CEO of Ascot Underwriting in 2001. He has also held several advisory roles in a non-executive director capacity at various companies within and outside of the re/insurance market.

Topics Insurance Wholesale
Finlands national power grid operator said on Thursday it had asked a Helsinki court to seize the Eagle S oil tanker in a bid to secure the companys claim for damages related to the breakdown of the undersea Estlink 2 electricity interconnector.

The cable between Finland and Estonia was damaged on Dec. 25 along with four telecoms lines, and Finnish authorities the next day boarded the tanker, which carries Russian oil, on suspicion that it caused the damage by dragging its anchor along the seabed.

Baltic Sea nations are on high alert after a string of outages of power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. NATO said last week it would boost its presence in the region.

Owner Seeks Release of Oil Tanker Seized in Finland Cable Probe

Fingrid said in a statement on Thursday it had asked the Helsinki District Court to formally seize the Eagle S to help secure its financial claim.

Further investigations at the damage site are expected to provide more information about the extent of the damages and enable more detailed planning and scheduling of the repair, Fingrid said.

The company said last week it expected the cable to come back into service in August this year.

A lawyer representing United Arab Emirates-based Caravella LLC FZ, which owns the ship, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The owner has previously asked that Finnish authorities release the vessel.

Finlands customs service has said it believes the Eagle S is part of a shadow fleet of tankers used to circumvent sanctions on Russian oil, and has formally impounded its cargo although the cargo is still on board the ship.

Moscow has said Finlands seizure of the ship is not a matter for Russia.

(Reporting by Anna Ringstrom and Essi Lehto, editing by Terje Solsvik and Gareth Jones)

Photograph: Oil tanker Eagle S outside the Porkkalanniemi, Kirkkonummi, on the Gulf of Finland on Dec. 28, 2024. Photo credit: Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva/AFP/Getty Images

Related:
The Amor, a Cameroon-flagged vessel known to have transported Iranian oil, has become the first supertanker to be registered for demolition in more than two years, a sign that increased scrutiny on ships hauling sanctioned crude is raising pressure on operators.

The 24-year-old very large crude carrier was sold to an Indian scrapyard last week, according to a BRS Shipbrokers report and scrap dealer Wirana Shipping Corporation. This would be the first recorded, planned demolition of a VLCC since late 2022, when the Uranus was sent for disposal, according to ship-breaking data and BRS.

The scrapping of large ships became increasingly rare since Russias invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent imposition of Western sanctions on Moscow, which dramatically expanded demand for tankers to ferry restricted oil around the world. To support exports from the OPEC+ producer and from Iran, a plethora of private businesses stepped in to buy cheap, aging vessels  even two decades old and more  forming a dark fleet and keeping tankers afloat long past their usual lifespan.

Amors age, flag and other characteristics match those of this shadow flotilla. It was also included by the US Energy Information Administration in an October list of vessels involved in the export and sale of Iranian crude, though it hasnt been blacklisted by US authorities.

The specific reason that prompted owners to tag Amor for disposal is not clear. Certainly, many dark-fleet tankers are much older and still in operation. But the decision comes as shippers report that tighter Western sanctions on shadow vessels have rattled the market and prompted operators to leave these ships idle at sea, or to shun them altogether. Weakening oil demand is also weighing on tanker rates that slumped in recent weeks as operator struggle to find work for their fleet.

With Chinese demand and OPEC supply rangebound at best, and intensifying vessel-specific sanctions, VLCCs are under particular pressure. A clean-up of the aging fleet via scrappage is clearly due, said David Wech, chief economist at analytics firm Vortexa.

In these conditions, scrapping older tankers can make sense, shipbrokers say  but must also be done fast. Once a ship appears on the Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, blacklist, its scrap value tends to plummet. Mainstream dealers and yards shy away from taking such vessels as they could run the risk of facing secondary sanctions, according to BRS.

Amor Fleet Inc. and Valiant Marine Ventures FZE, who are listed on maritime database Equasis as the Amors owner and its manager respectively, do not list a phone number or email address, and it was not immediately possible to contact either. Calls and emails to the operator of the United Arab Emirates free-trade zone where the two are registered, Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, went unanswered.

Amor is known to have structural problems, which may have added to a broader struggle to secure bookings. Earlier this year, a Chinese port detained the ship for deficiencies including structural issues, fire safety concerns, and problems with markings that denote how much load it was carrying, according to Equasis.

In recent months, the US, UK and European Union have been sanctioning more individual vessels suspected of transporting sensitive cargoes, expanding the number of vessels considered dark and adding to downward pressure on freight rates. Fees have already been compressed by weak demand from China, whose refineries are key consumers for both Russia and Iran.

Since early October, US sanctions have focused on individual ships that transport Iranian crude. At least 60 million barrels worth of shipping capacity across more than 30 supertankers has been added to the dark-fleet pool, according to Bloomberg calculations. That compares with Chinas consumption of 52 million barrels per month of Iranian crude, based on the latest three-month average shown by data provider Kpler.

That is not expected to ease in 2025. US President-elect Donald Trumps national security adviser has vowed a maximum pressure campaign on Iran.

Amor could yet be pulled back into service, of course. Until the boat arrives, either the dealer in the giant scrapyard in Alang, in the Indian state of Gujarat, or the shipowner could still go back on the deal.

Amors signals currently suggest it is off Khor Fakkan, in the United Arab Emirates.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Jim Lake, a devout Christian in Washington state, said his religious beliefs have always made him opposed to practices such as abortion, transgender transitions or embryonic stem cell research. But until this past year, it didnt cross the retirees mind that he could put his money to work with his faith.

A financial adviser switched Lakes portfolio over to a handful of faith-friendly funds, one of which was run by GuideStone Funds, a 106-year-old investment firm in Texas that oversees some $24 billion in assets. The company caters to Southern Baptist retirees and, increasingly, newly active faith-based investors such as Lake and his wife.

GuideStone is part of a nascent coalition of conservative Christian investors that are starting to flex their muscles and use their shareholder clout to counter progressive corporate policies such as funding Pride parades or covering employees travel costs for abortions. Theyre also zeroing in on banks for allegedly closing customer accounts on political and religious grounds.

By some measures, theres now half a trillion dollars in investments spread across conservative faith-based private funds and state pension funds that can be brought to bear to influence company behavior, said Will Lofland, who oversees shareholder advocacy at GuideStone. The loose confederation includes Inspire Investing, the biggest faith-based exchange-traded fund manager; Republican state treasurers and teacher pension funds; and Alliance Defending Freedom, an influential conservative legal group.

As they attract more money, members of the coalition are meeting with corporate executives and filing shareholder proposals. Theyve had limited success so far, yet aim to build their bloc of supporters and target more companies this year, Lofland said.

The investors want to honor the Lord with all of their resources, he said. They want their dollars being invested in what they believe is the God-honoring way.

Religious investing has been around for decades, often with a focus on more liberal issues such as worker rights and climate change. But funds such as GuideStone have been emboldened by the rightward shift of US politics and the wave of conservative activists and lawyers who have already pushed companies to curtail or end programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Many point to anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck, a non-denominational Christian, and his success in getting companies such as Walmart Inc., Toyota Motor Corp. and Harley-Davidson Inc. to backtrack on initiatives  particularly those related to LGBTQ causes.

Among everyday investors, there is growing interest in religious-based funds, said Tim Macready, head of global multi asset investing at Brightlight, which advises investors on faith-based portfolios.

Assets in faith-friendly ETFs and mutual funds exceeded $100 billion for the first time last year, according to annual study conducted by the firm. The analysis, compiled from 27 faith-based asset mangers, likely captures only a portion of the activity. The full universe could range from $200 billion to $500 billion, Macready said. Net inflows have been 12% over the last three years, he said.

One broker-dealer went from 200 advisers working with GuideStone in 2021 to more than 2,000 now, Lofland said. Inspire said it had net new assets of $334 million last year.

GuideStones biggest fund, the GuideStone Equity Index Fund, gained 20% last year, slightly underperforming the S&P 500 Index.

Lake, a 64-year-old resident of Nine Mile Falls, Washington, invested with GuideStone after being introduced to an adviser whose sole practice is working with people investing in faith-friendly funds.

It really opened up my eyes to the ability to remain faith-friendly and at the same time, be competitive, Lake said.

Building a Bloc

GuideStone operates out of a nondescript office building overlooking a freeway in northern Dallas, and maintained such a low profile that Lofland said he didnt know about the funds until he applied to work there. The firm mainly manages pension investments for Baptist churches, yet Lofland saw an opportunity to become more active.

Shareholder proposals from progressive groups, some pushing ideas such as transgender benefits contrary to the churchs values, started to proliferate a few years ago and GuideStone wasnt voting its shares to oppose such measures, Lofland said. He decided to take control of how GuideStone voted on the shares it owns in companies rather than relying on outside advisers.

One of the investors first efforts was in late 2023, when it backed a shareholder proposal from a conservative group asking Microsoft Corp. to report on compensation and benefit gaps across genders as the company addressed reproductive and gender dysphoria care. The resolution won only 1% of votes. (Bloomberg Intelligence says overall support for conservative proposals at US companies is only about 2%.)

Lofland says thats why the religious funds need to build a bigger group of supporters, particularly from pension funds from conservative states. Such investors have already done some agitating of their own: Last year, finance officials from 15 states signed a letter to Fortune 1000 companies in support of ending DEI programs. Collectively, they managed about $590 billion, according to US Census data.

That type of firepower is needed to counter efforts that have strong progressive backing. In July, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander urged five large retailers, including Walmart and Costco Wholesale Corp., to dispense abortion pills. City funds controlled $1.3 billion in shares of those companies, he said. A coalition of conservatives and religious investors, including Inspire and GuideStone, responded with their own letter the following month saying offering the pill would add risk, but only represented $172 million in shares of those retailers.

Lofland said GuideStones first initiative in 2025 will be to press a financial firm regarding the practice of debanking  the closure of customer accounts that are deemed by lenders to pose legal or reputational risks. He declined to name the bank.

GuideStone had previously supported other groups efforts to pressure JPMorgan Chase & Co. after the lender was accused of improperly closing accounts for the nonprofit National Committee for Religious Freedom. Michael Fusco, a spokesman for the bank, said we have never and would never close an account for political or religious reasons, period.

Lawsuits, Proxy Votes

Inspire Investing and Knights of Columbus are among other faith-based investors working to influence corporate behavior.

Inspire joined a 2023 lawsuit filed by a group run by Trump advisor Stephen Miller against Target Corp. that accuses the retailer of costing investors billions of dollars after its sale of LGBTQ merchandise led to a consumer boycott. Last month, a federal judge denied a motion to dismiss the case and change its venue out of Florida. Target, which in response cut LGBTQ-themed products from some its stores, declined to comment.

Inspire, which oversees about $3.2 billion, last year filed almost two dozen shareholder resolutions over DEI topics. It plans to file more in 2025.

As stewards of what we believe are Gods dollars, its our job to speak Biblical truth to corporate power, said Robert Netzly, founder of the Meridian, Idaho-based investment firm.

Knights of Columbus is working to develop proxy voting rules that follow guidelines established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Anthony Minopoli, president and chief investment officer of Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, which manages about $28 billion. The group is partnering with the Busch School of Business at the Catholic University of America on the effort, which aims to get Catholic dioceses to adopt the guidelines to ensure they are voting based on the beliefs of the church.

The group also will likely engage with companies on topics ranging from abortion to the manufacture of land mines and cluster bombs, which violate church values as set forward by USCCB, Minopoli said.

Even if the coalitions of conservative and religious groups dont get strong shareholder support for their proposals, they will likely succeed in swaying corporate executives, according to Amelia Miazad, an acting law professor at University of California, Davis who is researching a project on faith-based investors. She likened the efforts to the backlash to environmental, social and governance strategies, which has seen asset management giants including BlackRock Inc. cut the number of new funds with that mandate.

If success means silencing corporate speech on environmental and social issues, then these investors will be as successful as the anti-ESG movement has been, she said.

Photo: Jim Lake Photographer: Margaret Albaugh/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Investigators say they havent found evidence linking separate deadly attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, as the FBI continues to probe two incidents that rattled Americans as they rang in 2025.

The tragedies, which occurred just hours apart early on Jan. 1, have prompted heightened concerns over US security less than three weeks before Donald Trump is set to take over as president. Trump, President Joe Biden and congressional leaders have all weighed in on the events and authorities called the New Orleans attack an act of terrorism.

At this point there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas, Federal Bureau of Investigation deputy assistant director Christopher Raia told a news conference.

Officials at a press conference in Las Vegas added that authorities are still on the lookout for any potential links.

Biden at the White House on Thursday said that hes directed authorities to accelerate their investigations into both attacks.

Related: AM Best: Increasing Political, Terror Risk Could Lead to More Demand for Coverage

Federal law enforcement and the intelligence community are actively investigating any foreign or domestic contacts and connection that could possibly be relevant to the attack, Biden said, adding that as of now they have not found evidence of a link between the suspects in the two attacks.

The New Orleans assault, in which a truck plowed into a crowded French Quarter street during New Years celebrations, left 15 people dead and more than 30 injured.

The suspect identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar was killed at the scene after a confrontation with law enforcement. Authorities said they discovered two improvised explosive devices in coolers near the scene of the attack and an ISIS flag in Jabbars vehicle.

Investigators believe Jabbar picked up the rented Ford truck in Houston on Dec. 30 before driving to New Orleans the next day. They said he posted several videos to an online platform proclaiming support for ISIS and claiming he had joined the group earlier in the summer.

The FBI recovered three mobile phones and two laptops used by Jabbar, which investigators are exploiting for intelligence, Raia said. As a potential motive, Jabbar, a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas who served in the military, posted a video on social media saying there is a war between the believers and disbelievers.

Horrific Act

However, investigators havent found any evidence at this time showing that ISIS directed the attack, according to a US official who asked not to be identified speaking about details of the investigation.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry condemned the attack as a horrific act of violence and said that more than 1,000 law enforcement officers are analyzing vast amounts of data and surveillance footage.

Although the investigation is ongoing, by Thursday US officials had determined that Jabbar acted alone. Raia, the FBI official, told reporters that officials were confident that Jabbar didnt have accomplices. We do not believe the public is in any danger around any of these locations, he said.

In Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Las Vegas hotel hours later, leaving the driver dead and injuring seven others.

The driver, Matthew Alan Livelsberger, 37, was on leave from the US Army from his post in Germany.

Livelsberger rented the Cybertruck in Denver on Dec. 28 and drove to Las Vegas, where the vehicle exploded 17 seconds after he arrived at the hotel valet, according to police.

At a press conference on Thursday, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill said the driver sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound before the explosion, with a handgun found at his feet.

The body was burned beyond recognition, and authorities are awaiting medical records or DNA to conclusively confirm his identity. However, tattoos and personal documents, including his military ID, have helped authorities identify him as Livelsberger, said McMahill.

Two semi-automatic firearms purchased legally on Dec. 30 were also recovered from the scene.

While McMahill noted there are very strange similarities between both New Orleans and Las Vegas suspects, officials said theres currently no information linking the suspect to an international terrorist group.

Photo: People look at a blocked off road from Canal Street after at least 15 people were killed on Bourbon Street, after an attack early in the morning, on January 1, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
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 Years 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 citys 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.

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.

Photo: 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)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Auto
A Florida man may have been an occasional driver for Uber, the ride-hailing company, but he was not working at the time that he struck and killed his former girlfriend, and Uber is not liable for the wrongful death, a Florida appeals court said Thursday.

Castillo was logged off the Uber app for nearly five months prior to the date of the accident and driving his own car after having completed a personal errand when the accident occurred, a three-judge panel of Floridas 3rd District Court of Appeals wrote in the opinion. Under this set of facts, the trial court correctly found no issue of material fact and correctly entered summary judgment in favor of Uber.

The wrongful death suit stemmed from a tragic incident in 2017. Driver Orlando Baez Castillo had picked up his daughter from school and dropped her at Arlevys Molinas home. Molina was his former partner and the mother of his daughter, the court explained. As Castillo left the south Florida home, Molina reportedly ran into the street. Castillos car was in reverse, and he struck and killed the woman.

Two years later, a representative of the Molina estate, Yesit Campo, filed a wrongful death suit and named Castillo, Uber Technologies Inc. and GEICO General Insurance Co. as defendants. Campo later dropped GEICO from the litigation.

The trial court in Miami-Dade County granted summary in favor of Uber, finding that Uber could not be held vicariously liable.

The estate appealed, but the appeals court panel upheld the decision. Uber had submitted its experts report showing that Castillo was not logged into the Uber driver app at the time, so was not at work, the court explained.

Florida law is well settled that an employer is not vicariously liable for an employees actions when the employee is acting outside the scope of his or her employment, the judges noted. An employee is not acting within the scope of his or her employment if it can be found that the employee had stepped away from or abandoned the employers business at the time the tort was committed,' the court added, citing a 1983 ruling by the 3rd District Court of Appeals.

The estate argued that a dispute of material fact existed over whether Castillo was actually logged out of the app, partly because he had two cell phones and may have used the second one to log in.

But the court said that was mere speculation and Ubers internal records showed that he had not logged in for months. He was driving his personal vehicle on a personal errand at the time, the judges noted.

Its possible that the estate will ask the Florida Supreme Court to review the case.

The 3rd DCA decision came three months after another win for Uber, also involving a smartphone app. A New Jersey appeals court found that a couple injured in an accident cannot sue Uber because of the terms on an Uber Eats app. Read more here.

Topics Florida Personal Auto Sharing Economy Ridesharing
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wants to spin off the states stake in Pinnacol Assurance, privatizing the workers compensation carrier of last resort to help it make more money and plug government budget holes.

The big idea is that pulling up stakes from the quasi-governmental insurance company would help the states ailing budget. The governor is proposing roughly $630 million less in general fund than the current spending plan, according to reporting from Colorado Politics.

Spinning it off from the government would allow the state to recoup its investment in the business at a time when budget writers need to fill a budget hole that, as of a Dec. 19 projection, is estimated at $672 million, the Denver Post is reporting. That gap for the coming fiscal year, which starts July 1, would rise beyond $1 billion if lawmakers opt to set aside the entire $350 million mandated for a new law enforcement fund by a successful November ballot initiative.

This is the third time in a decade that state leaders have put forth the idea of privatizing Pinnacol. Lawmakers have yet to express enough support or opposition to get a handle on what the proposals chances are, possibly want more details before committing to the move, several Colorado media outlets are reporting.

Pinnacol provides workers comp coverage to more than 50,000 businesses in Colorado.

Polis plan calls for the state to take $100 million a year from the Pinnacol for five years to cover the states work in creating the entity

Pinnacol has been struggling with regard to how they can engage with employers in a changing world, Polis recently told the media. We want to make sure that we can future-proof and reform Pinnacol.

A privatized Pinnacol could offer insurance across state lines and sell coverage on the open market for additional revenue to help the carrier remain solvent.

Lawmakers created the workers comp carrier in 1915 and exempted it from state and federal taxes that other insurers pay to offer workers comp policies to all Colorado companies, including those deemed too high-risk by the private market.

Its structure limits Pinnacols to selling policies only in Colorado and selling only workers comp plans, two restrictions that now are costing the company business, according to the Colorado business publication the Sum & Substance.

Topics Workers' Compensation Colorado
Christmas is a time to tell ourselves reassuring stories about the world and our place in it. But sometimes you get the story you dont expect, one told in a way you had never anticipated.

There were 13 days left before Christmas Day  an inauspicious number in retrospect, if youre of the mind to look for omens. (Im not usually, but on this one Im choosing to go full omen.)

I woke in the early hours and, on the way back from the bathroom, feeling slightly faint and seeking to be horizontal in bed once more, I tripped and hit my chin hard against the door handle of my bedroom, which  for a brief moment that was enough to stun me  acted as both a hard punch to my chin and a knife that cut it open.

I lay on the ground and touched my face and neck. I must be sweating pretty badly, I thought  then realised that it wasnt sweat but my own blood.

As I slumped there in the dark I wondered how severely I had injured myself, and, somewhat melodramatically, if this was the end.

I had been planning to keep things simple before Christmas, to spend time with people I cared about and to minimise the kind of high-octane drama that can kick in when pubs and buses are packed, taxis are nowhere to be found, and the city vibrates uneasily with excitement and alcohol.

Some chance of that, I thought, as I looked down at my white T-shirt that was now streaked with blood.

I put a plaster on my face to cover the cut. Minutes later it was soaked; I replaced it with another plaster and the same thing happened.

Eventually I took another look, and it was clear that the cut was an open wound that would need stitches. I would have to go to A&E.

I was prepared for a wait, so packed a book and a magazine. Maybe a couple of hours at most, surely?

I cycled to the hospital, thinking that there might be an outside chance that I could still be stuck there once the buses finished for the day and not really wanting to draw attention to myself by sitting with a bandaged, bleeding face on public transport.

I checked in at reception, glanced at the waiting room: Three rows of seating and not too many people.

Hopefully Ill be done before the afternoon, I thought (it was just after 9am). The reality was that I would sit in that room without seeing a doctor for the next 11 hours.

This is not necessarily a column about the ills of the Irish health system, even though Im sure you can see from the account Ive given that sitting with a bleeding face in a brightly lit room full of people for an entire day isnt an ideal healthcare experience.

The morning passed by, and, as time wore on, I got a sinking feeling.

Some of my fellow travellers in the waiting room complained loudly; others had been waiting overnight in that floodlit purgatory.

I tried to switch off so completely that the only thing I might react to would be the sound of my name being called out by a nurse, but I knew that could well be some time.

I occasionally tuned into the conversations that were happening around me. I observed others, as Im sure they too were observing me.

Theres not much to hold your attention in the waiting room, so the smallest thing assumes a larger significance, and the longer youre there the easier it is to lose perspective: It becomes the centre of your world for the duration of your confinement.

One man was particularly active on the phone. Hed make calls with the speaker on, shouting loudly towards the screen while the other persons voice responded. You couldnt help but hear the whole thing.

Ordinarily Id get annoyed by this kind of activity and move elsewhere, but where would I go? I couldnt put on earphones without risking missing being called.

So, ears unblocked and eyes open, I became a sponge for everything that happened in that room.

The waiting room is essentially a place where narratives are paused. Youve broken your arm or been punched in the face.

That part of your story is in the past; what incited it and how it played out is behind you. And how it will be resolved is yet to come.

For some, the pause becomes an end: As I sat, I saw an empty hearse pass by the window.

Yet the grievance is still fresh (to remind me of this my face began bleeding heavily once more) and youre frustrated by not being able to properly picture how the narrative that was set in motion by your injury or illness will be satisfactorily resolved.

We crave closure and the waiting room is not the place to find it.

Outside it was Christmas but inside the hospital it felt like it was always the same moment: One day that had been prolonged and extended to near breaking point.

The tension and the drama of that unending day seeps into you as you sit there.

By the time my mam arrived to keep me company, it was after 7pm. I had been sitting in that room for 10 hours, subject to a basic triage and tests although nothing had really been addressed or resolved.

I had successfully resigned myself to the postponement of anything meaningful happening  but even I had limits.

I was beginning to reach those limits, muttering darkly of going home, when I heard my name called and found myself in another part of the hospital being quizzed by a doctor whose lightly ironic tone made me relax.

We look for movement and progression in our lives, even though much of our time on earth is spent experiencing neither.

But at least that part of our existence is within our control  or so we tell ourselves.

When we feel that control slipping away, when we sit in a room with no end in sight, we crave movement.

So, when I experience that progression from one room to another, I felt elation: That things could actually move forwards; that an end was, if not yet in sight then possible, even probable.

That delight made me become more expansive. I was no longer just an observer but a participant in the ongoing drama.

We sat on a row of seats next to a woman whose name was familiar to me from her work for a national newspaper.

We chatted a little about how she found herself there; an overnight bag next to her had indicated to me that she was going to be staying in hospital for at least the next day or so.

Another woman was homeless and talked to us about her life  a tale of violence, alcoholism, but told with resilience and humour.

In hospital for an X-ray, she initially refused the wheelchair that was on offer before being wheeled away and shouting back over her shoulder to tell us to take care.

It was a little while before I was stitched up and sent on my way.

When we left the hospital, my abiding feeling wasnt of the desperate frustration of the many hours I spent waiting for something to happen, but of the sense of jubilation and connection I felt once something did occur.

From one perspective it was a long day, but from another it was merely a brief snapshot of the ongoing moment of the hospital, a place in which stories are paused frustratingly then set in motion again with dizzying regularity.
IN 2024, the Cambridge Dictionary named manifesting as the word of the year after it became one of the most searched-for terms on the dictionary website.

From Oprah Winfrey and Simone Biles, to Dua Lipa and Jim Carrey, sportspeople and celebrities have brought manifesting into the general consciousness. Dua Lipa famously said she manifested her 2024 Glastonbury headline appearance, and Jim Carreys story includes writing a cheque to himself for $10m in 1995, which he was able to cash out just a few years later.

Manifesting is often dismissed as a pseudoscience, but Dublin-based neuroscientist Sabina Brennan, who rote The Neuroscience of Manifesting, says the practice is very much grounded in science.

Manifesting is more than just wishful thinking or asking the universe for something. Youre not giving over the power to an external force. With manifesting, its about making something happen, but the power lies in you  or your brain, she explains.

When manifesting, its not simply about thinking something into being or thinking you will be rich and waiting for it to happen. There is work involved, says Brennan: Our brain is primed to keep us alive, that is its primary function. To do that, it filters information that is a danger to you. For example, if youre crossing a busy street, it will focus on a car that is going too fast. This is called the salience network in the brain, and its job is to focus on things that are important to us. With manifesting, if we focus on our goal, our brain will realise it is important to us and begin drawing our attention to information relevant to the goal.

The devil is in the detail though, and Brennan says you need to flesh it out for your goal to take shape in your brain: You need to be very clear about what you want so your brain has clarity. The goal also needs to be coherent, and it needs to align with who you are. This means you need to be connected to yourself and be clear about why you want this.

Conscious manifesting is about having a clear goal and visualising it, which forces you to think through every aspect of the goal, including the steps you need to take to reach it. Its all about activating the areas of the brain that will help you unlock the information or creativity you need to achieve it.

Sabina Brennan: 'Manifesting is more than just wishful thinking or asking the universe for something.'

At its heart, manifesting involves positive thinking. This doesnt just mean having positive goals; it involves thinking more positively about yourself, which in turn will increase your self-esteem and help you believe you are the kind of person who can achieve your dreams. The knock-on effect here is you will start to take steps towards meeting those goals.

Researchers from Kings College in London published a paper in March 2016 in the Journal of Behavior Research and Therapy, highlighting the power of positive thinking in reducing worry. One group was asked to visualise a positive outcome for three things they were worried about, and another group was asked to think of a verbal positive outcome. The group visualising an image reported greater happiness, calmness and reduced anxiety.

But the brain loves routine, and it resists change, explains Brennan. The work is essential: outrepetition, visualisation, and changing your habits and activities.

Your brain needs information to change, the more data you give your brain, the more accurate it is. If youre going to stay on track with achieving your goals, you must harness your brains neuroplasticity, its ability to learn new things and change. And this requires hard work, says Brennan.

So, how can you reinforce your goals and mould your brain into a new way of thinking? Brennan stresses the importance of giving your brain as much detail as possible. Indeed, 2017 research from the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, of the Montreal Neurological Institute, shows that the quality and quantity of sensory inputs reaching the brain can influence its plasticity.

Thats where visualisation techniques like vision boards can help. Here is where you bring your goals to life  what does your goal look like, how will you feel when you achieve it, and what do you need to do to make it happen?

Brennan herself has used mood boards, design apps, and good old-fashioned Excel spreadsheets to map her goals: Weve heard how athletes often visualise themselves winning. This is essentially a form of rehearsing, and it activates the same network of the brain associated with actually doing it. Then, when you do achieve something, you need to acknowledge your achievements, which improves your mood and helps you switch your perception from negative to positive. This new perception then re-shapes your reality.

Whether you use vision boards, affirmations, meditation, or other techniques, the crux of manifesting is believing you can achieve your goals. Then begins the hard work of training your brain.

It seems that by working with your brain, you could very well achieve your dreams.
Alarm bells should be ringing at the highest levels of Government if it is serious about balanced regional development and solving the housing crisis after poor road infrastructure put the brakes on one of the single largest residential schemes ever proposed in Cork City.

On one level, it is a story about how, in the teeth of a housing crisis, there is a potential decade-long delay in the delivery over 1,300 city apartments earmarked for Corks docklands.

On another level, it is a story about how inadequate infrastructure has stalled progress on what is described as Irelands largest and most ambitious brownfield regeneration project  a vital piece of the jigsaw to ensure Cork becomes an economic and residential counterweight to development around Dublin.

The issue has been thrown into sharp focus following the decision by An Bord Pleanala before Christmas to refuse planning to Goulding Fertiliser for the construction of an agricultural fertiliser facility and additional port operational use of the jetty at Marino Point near Belvelly, on Great Island, Cobh.

Goulding, which has been based on Centre Park Rd in the citys south docks since the 1970s, was hoping that a green light for its proposed development at Marino Point would allow it to relocate its city centre activities to Marino  thus freeing up its Centre Park Rd site for residential development.

Development firm OCallaghan Properties (OCP), which has started work on its 350m Kennedy Quay project in the south docks, secured planning from Cork City Council last year for its near 600m 1,325-residential unit scheme on the Goulding site pending a positive planning decision on Gouldings Marino Point project.

So large was OCallaghan Properties's plan for the Goulding site that it alone was responsible for a spike in residential units granted planning in the city in the third quarter of 2023.

Goulding Chemicals and Soil site on Centre Park Rd/Monahan Rd, Cork City, which O'Callahghan Properties had proposed to develop. File Picture: Larry Cummins

Cork County Council, which granted conditional planning to Gouldings Marino Point project, acknowledged the strategic national importance of facilitating the relocation of port-related activities out of Cork Citys docklands.

A report on the planning file says: At a strategic planning level, the relocation of Gouldings from the city is critical to realising significant development objectives in the city, as the use is a SEVESO activity.

"In terms of the Regional Spatial Strategy and National Planning Framework (NPF), this is therefore a highly significant development proposal.

The County Development Plan expresses the councils commitment to relocating port facilities to Marino Point [and Ringaskiddy].

At the local planning level, the development fully aligns with the sites zoning objective in land use terms for port related industry

Furthermore, this is a brownfield site whose redevelopment is consistent with sustainable development objectives. The principle of the development is therefore supported at all levels of the planning system.

However, when it came to the appeal, An Bord Pleanala inspector expressed concerns about the intensification of heavy goods vehicles using the proposed Marino Point facility and the significant adverse impacts on the traffic and transportation network in the locality.

The proposed development is for a fertiliser facility that is entirely reliant on a road network for its distribution of outputs, yet entails the relocation of such freight activities from Cork docklands area  which has reasonable access to the national road network  to a location at Marino Point which has poor road connectivity, and the development of which is identified as being subject to significant road improvements in the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028, she said.

A spokesman for OCallaghan Properties said the immediate impact of An Bord Pleanala's decision on Marino Point is to prevent the development of 1,325 apartments on Gouldings city site.

She accepted that there is a need to move port-related and industrial type activities from zoned residential areas in the city and expand at other locations within Cork Harbour.

However, she said that despite the fact that a rail line crosses the Marino Point site, the Goulding proposal has no opportunities to make use of this rail resource for rail-based freight distribution.

The nature of heavy vehicles required for distribution would adversely impact on the carrying capacity of the R624 road serving Cobh and its hinterland and, in particular, the carrying capacity of Belvelly Bridge which is restricted in its alignment, and the only road access on and off Great Island, she said.

Furthermore, notwithstanding the road works and measures to improve the carriageway and signage along the R624, the board is not satisfied that these are proportionate to the nature of traffic likely to be generated, and that the proposed development would not exacerbate traffic congestion at Belvelly Bridge and be prejudicial to public safety by reason of traffic hazard, she said.

It is accordingly considered that the proposed development of such a road dependent facility would be premature pending significant road improvements and would be contrary to the provisions of the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028.

Need to upgrade

She pointed to specific objectives in the county development plan for the area which say that port facilities at Marino Point should have appropriate road transport capacity and also set out the need to upgrade the R624 and its designation to national road status, while also recognising that Marino Point can provide an alternative to Ringaskiddy for port-related uses that could be best served by rail transport.

It is therefore considered that the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, she said.

All understandable for anyone who uses the R624 and, especially, Belvelly Bridge on a daily basis  the only road access to and from Cobh and Great Island. A crash either side of the bridge can effectively shut off access to the island for hours.

A technical report on the councils planning file shows that there are four locations along the route where heavy vehicles are shown to be within just 300mm when passing and, at six locations, heavy vehicles are within 400mm when passing  including at the bridge, where they cannot pass without yielding.

It is especially frustrating for Cobh Chamber, which has been actively highlighting the need for the redevelopment of the R624 for over 50 years, and which has highlighted the fact that  because it is classed as a regional road  its management is the responsibility of Cork County Council and not Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

The recent An Bord Pleanala decision further underscores the urgent need for investment in infrastructure to support both commercial and residential development, which is crucial to our communitys growth, safety and sustainability, it said.

The current inadequate infrastructure significantly impacts any future development of the area

The R624, as the sole access road to the area, needs to be upgraded to a national road and to come under the Transport Infrastructure Irelands remit.

We urgently call on public representatives and Cork County Council to prioritise this issue and work collaboratively to achieve this. The Cobh and Harbour Chamber remains committed to engaging with stakeholders on behalf of our region.

Cork County Council has a plan, the Great Island Connectivity Scheme, to upgrade the R624 from its junction with the main N25 to Belvelly, but that could take a decade and could cost 100m to deliver.

That scheme is only at the beginning of its long and complicated journey through the States complex transport projects approvals process.

All big transport schemes proposed by local authorities must comply with the requirements of the infrastructure guidelines (formerly the Public Spending Code) and the department's transport appraisal framework (TAF). The framework has seven stages:

Stage 1 is the proposal initiation, or programme outline document (POD);

Stage 2, the first of three approval gates, involves a strategic assessment and a preliminary business case report;

Stage 3, the second approval gate, involves pre-tender approval, a detailed business case and a procurement strategy;

Stage 4, the third 'approval gate', involves getting approval to proceed to the final business case and the various statutory processes, effectively seeking planning permission;

Stage 5 involves implementing what is known as monitoring reports;

Stage 6 is a project completion report;

and Stage 7 is an ex-post evaluation report.

Cork County Council has produced at least four reports on the project since 2019, but has not been funded to move beyond the second stage of that seven-stage process.

Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Road, a spokesperson said.

The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly, and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh.

The estimated cost of this scheme was more than 100 million  with possible staged implementation

In line with government requirements, Cork County Council also produced a strategic assessment report for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme and a draft was forwarded to the department in November 2022.

Since then, both the Public Spending Code and the TAF guidance have been updated. The department liaised with the council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure guidelines and the TAF, including the preparation of a project outline document and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the SAR stage.

The Irish Examiner has established that the document was submitted to the department in March 2024 and the council has started work on developing a brief for the appointment of consultants to deliver the scheme, from assessing route options, design and planning (stages two, three, and four), starting with the commencement of a preliminary business case.

The council have completed stage one and intend to commence the procurement for technical advisors in the first quarter of 2025 for the preliminary business case stage two (subject to funding).

However, it said the Department of Transport allocated just 150,000 to the council to advance the Great Island Connectivity Scheme in 2024.

It is imperative that further funding is allocated by the Department of Transport in 2025 to allow the project to be advanced, the council said.

Theres a lot at stake. Obviously, it would improve access to and from Great Island  but it would also help unlock the potential of Corks docklands.

The population of the Cork City region is expected to grow by 50% in the years to 2040.

Almost 500m has already been allocated to fund infrastructure in and around the docklands area itself.

At 147 hectares, the Cork docklands  spanning the north and south docklands from the Lower Glanmire Rd to Blackrock Marina  has capacity to provide homes for 22,500 residents and sustain up to 25,000 jobs in a location where all amenities and services are easily accessible and car dependency is greatly reduced.

Almost 500m has already been allocated to fund infrastructure in and around the docklands area itself to help unlock its potential, with live planning applications for almost 3,000 residential units in place, and work underway on several more, including on Kennedy Quay and on the former Live at the Marquee site.

But for docklands to fully work, several existing uses  like Goulding  have to be relocated.

CSO data shows the city centre experienced relatively strong population growth of 14% between 2016 and 2022.

With ongoing regeneration planned for brownfield sites and increasing re-use of existing building stock, there is potential for a significant increase to the city centre population to 2040  demonstrating the importance of delivery within the citys large-scale regeneration areas like docklands  in order to achieve the National Planning Framework growth targets.

Unlocking economic growth

Cork Chamber said the redevelopment of the citys docklands is key to unlocking economic growth for Cork, ensuring that Cork delivers as a thriving second-city region and an economic hub for the South of Ireland.

There is huge potential held in the docklands as a location for accommodation, healthcare, education, office, and hospitality spaces, chamber chief executive Conor Healy said.

The project, as a whole, has the potential to be transformative for Cork, rejuvenating derelict sites and breathing new life into the city

But for the vision to become a reality in a reasonable timeframe, the delivery of critical supporting infrastructure must be prioritised.

Key enablers include the completion of the M28 to Ringaskiddy and the urgently needed upgrade to the R624 Cobh Road which are essential to facilitating the Port of Corks relocation to the lower harbour and unlocking dockland sites for development.

The R624 is a route of particular concern, and there is currently no funding allocated for the required upgrades in the National Development Plan.

It is a route of strategic importance, for Cork City and county, and for our country.

Through our election manifestos, pre-budget submissions, and input to the review of the National Planning Framework, we have strongly advocated for this route to be elevated in priority.

Now, as we enter the phase of government formation, it is essential that it is included in the programme for Government and that all stakeholders are aligned on the strategic importance of this route.

Delivering on this vital infrastructure is not just about supporting the docklands; its about ensuring Corks future as a driver of national economic growth.

A spokesman for OCallaghan Properties said the immediate impact of An Bord Pleanala's decision on Marino Point is to prevent the development of 1,325 apartments on Gouldings city site, where the firm secured planning permission in 2023, and it also prevents the development of a further 500 apartments envisaged for the remaining portion of the Goulding site.

The decision undermines the potential of Cork docklands to provide the quantum of housing units envisaged in the City Development Plan as the SEVESO designation of the Goulding site now effectively sterilises a significant portion of the available development land in the docklands, he said.

The contention in the board's decision that somehow rail might reduce the reliance on road transportation for the activities of Goulding is simply untenable given the logistical requirements to distribute to individual farms throughout the region.

The issues referenced in the board's decision must be resolved if docklands is to be developed and its potential fully realised.

The infrastructure deficit on which the board's decision has been based must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The 100m upgrade of a strategic Cork harbour road must be part of the programme for government to ensure the full potential of the citys docklands can be unlocked.

The call from Cork Chamber arises out of An Bord Pleanalas decision to refuse planning to fertiliser firm Goulding for an agricultural fertiliser facility at Marino Point near Cobh amid concerns over the carrying capacity of the R624 Cobh to Cork road.

The decision prevents Goulding from relocating from its city site in the south docklands and has immediately delayed the delivery of 1,325 apartments on that site. It also prevents the development of a further 500 apartments envisaged for the remaining portion of the site.

Cork Chamber described the R624 as a route of strategic importance for Cork city and county, and for the country, and said its estimated 100m upgrade must become a national priority to ensure that Cork delivers as a thriving second city region and an economic hub for the south of Ireland.

'Essential' the R624 is in the programme for government, says Conor Healy. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Now as we enter the phase of government formation, it is essential that it is included in the programme for government and that all stakeholders are aligned on the strategic importance of this route, chamber chief executive Conor Healy said.

Delivering on this vital infrastructure is not just about supporting the docklands; its about ensuring Corks future as a driver of national economic growth.

Goulding needed planning approval for the Marino Point facility to allow it to relocate from its Centre Park Rd site in the citys south docks.

Goulding needed planning approval so it could relocate from Centre Park Rd. Picture: Larry Cummins

That move would have freed up its city site for residential development, where OCallaghan Properties (OCP) has planning since last year for a near 600m 1,325-unit residential scheme, pending Gouldings relocation.

But in refusing planning for the Marino Point project, An Bord Pleanala expressed concern about the capacity of the R624 road which links Cobh and Great Island to the N25, and in particular the carrying capacity of the narrow 1803-built Belvelly Bridge, the only road access on and off Great Island.

Furthermore, notwithstanding the road works and measures to improve the carriageway and signage along the R624, the board is not satisfied that these are proportionate to the nature of traffic likely to be generated and that the proposed development would not exacerbate traffic congestion at Belvelly Bridge and be prejudicial to public safety by reason of traffic hazard.

It is accordingly considered that the proposed development of such a road dependent facility would be premature pending significant road improvements and would be contrary to the provisions of the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028.

Cork County Council has a 100m upgrade plan for the road, which includes the replacement of Belvelly Bridge, and has since 2019 submitted four reports on the scheme to the Department of Transport.

However, it has only completed the first stage of a seven-stage approvals process, and only got 150,000 to advance the scheme last year, prompting fears that it could take at least a decade to deliver.

It is imperative that further funding is allocated by the Department of Transport in 2025 to allow the project to be advanced, it said in a statement.

OCP said the issues referenced in the planning appeals board decision must be resolved if Cork docklands is to be developed and its potential fully realised.

The infrastructure deficit on which the board decision has been based must be addressed as a matter of urgency, a spokesman said.
Met Eireann has warned of a "multi-hazard weather event" set to hit Ireland this weekend, with the possibility that schools may remain closed on Monday.

Status orange snow and ice warnings have been issued for eight counties: Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary.

These warnings will be in effect from 5pm Saturday until 5pm Sunday.

A separate status orange rain and snow warning has also been issued for Cork, Kerry, and Waterford covering the same period.

A cold & frosty start today with fog patches in the N



Cloud will thicken from the S during the morning with rain developing in S coastal areas



Rain will extend N over the S half of the country during the afternoon, turning to sleet & snow in some areas



Highs: 0 to 4C pic.twitter.com/cBb2vv1Tes  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 4, 2025

These same three counties will also be under a status yellow rain warning from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, while Wexford will be under a yellow rain and snow warning from 5pm Saturday until 5pm Sunday.

In addition, a status yellow snow and ice warning will apply to Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Connacht from 5pm Saturday until the same time the following day.

Met Eireann forecasts significant snowfall in areas under orange warnings, with potential impacts including hazardous travel conditions, poor visibility, delays to public transport, localised flooding, and risks to animal welfare.

Difficult underfoot conditions are also expected, and weather advisory for sleet and snow is also in place for the entire country until Monday.

Read More How to drive safely and prepare your car during a cold snap

Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team convened this afternoon. The Council says its crews have inspected "key high-risk areas and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the period".

A spokesperson for the Council said sandbags and pumping arrangements have been put in place in certain areas, flood barriers are being erected in Fermoy and Mallow as a precautionary measure.

"Motorists are asked to avoid unnecessary journeys as driving conditions will be hazardous. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving," the spokesperson said.

"The Council will continue to implement its Winter Maintenance Plan which involves treating identified priority routes across the county."

Frost-covered cobwebs glisten in the cold morning light in Limerick on Friday morning. Picture: Damien Storan.

The Department of Education has said that a decision on whether schools should close on Monday is a matter for individual school management authorities around the country.

A spokesperson said it is carefully monitoring developments and a decision to close must be made in light of local weather conditions, taking into consideration the full guidance and direction available from the principal response agencies.

Any decision to close is taken in the interest of child safety, having assessed the local risks and having consulted, as appropriate, relevant authorities, the spokesperson said.

The Be Winter Ready website includes advice for schools on dealing with issues related to weather conditions, including colour-coded warnings and health and safety and direct links to relevant circulars.

Earlier, Met Eireann's Gerry Murphy said the question of schools opening back from Christmas break on Monday cannot be answered until the weekend, depending on the accumulations of snow.

There is likely to be accumulations of snow in places on Monday morning, coupled with a very severe frost as well. So there's the possibility that schools may not open, but that will become more apparent as we go through the weekend, he said.

As we get more details on the exact accumulations of that snow, it will give us more information on the exact types of warnings that we will be issuing today and tomorrow, he said.

The cold air is expected to remain until next week, with a northerly breeze passing over the country and keeping temperatures low.

Mr Murphy said the low temperatures will mean the snow would be slow to melt in places, which, coupled with frost at night, will result in sub-zero temperatures.

It comes as sub-zero temperatures were recorded in parts of the country overnight, with Oak Park in Carlow and Athenry in Galway among the coldest weather stations.

People can expect another "frosty night" later with "temperatures expected to get down as low as 3C or 4C," Mr Murphy said.

Conditions had taken a cold and sharp turn, he said, and people should expect a multi-hazard weather event over the weekend and into next week.

He said there would be sleet and snow in many areas on Saturday evening and into Sunday.

"It will most likely fall as rain down along the south coast, but it must be said that the amounts of rain expected in the south and southwest are quite high, so it's likely that we'll see rainfall warnings at least in the southwest of the country, he told RTE's Morning Ireland.

A severe frost hit West Cork last night with temperatures dropping as low as -2C. Met Eireann has forecast even lower temperatures in the next few days, with sleet and snow forecast next week. Picture: Andy Gibson.

While snow and sleet can be expected in much of the country, he said it looks like it will fall predominantly over the southern half of the country and then over much of the midlands and the west on Saturday night.

Counties in the northeast mightn't fare too badly because there's an easterly wind, he said.

Its very difficult to pinpoint but really as we go through tomorrow night into Sunday all areas can expect sleet or snow at some stage.

A Met Eireann advisory issued for the weekend said that we can expect sleet and snow in parts through to Monday.

Conditions will become drier towards the start of next week, with a bitterly cold Arctic airmass across the country and bringing temperatures as low as -10C by Tuesday night.

Therell be treacherous conditions with some significant accumulations of lying snow along with widespread severe frost and ice, Met Eireann said.

Meanwhile, a Limerick homeless charity that runs a nightly street outreach said some rough sleepers attempting to seek shelter from the cold on Thursday night had to be turned away.

Novas head of advocacy Una Burns said the charity had six individuals who they were unable to accommodate on the first night of the cold snap.

"Thats very difficult for the staff and particularly for the people that are presenting to the door services looking for support. You're trying to support people to live and we encourage them to access friends and family, if that's a possibility for them, she told the same programme.

Ms Burns said the charity is particularly concerned for non-nationals, who are without regular support networks.

We have more homeless people here than we've had previously. And obviously, because of the surge in demand and capacity, homeless services are finding it very hard to keep up with the pace, she said.
Suspects have been identified in the garda investigation into the death of a woman in Mallow.

The body of Paula Canty was found in a block of apartments in Mallow on Friday.

Ms Canty, 31, originally from Kinsale, had been living in an apartment in the Belfry, close to the gates of Mallow castle, in recent months. Previously, she had also lived in Cork city. She would have turned 32 on January 6.

The alarm was raised this morning and when officers arrived at the scene, they found the woman in the property with fatal injuries.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. It is understood she had suffered stab wounds. She had suffered visible injuries to her chest area and blood was found at the scene.

Gardai have already gathered information about her life, including in Mallow, and people she was associated with.

Her family mourned her loss at their Kinsale home last night.

A post-mortem is due to take place at 10am this morning in Cork city mortuary and gardai will await its results before deciding whether or not to formally upgrade their investigation.

A lone garda stood sentry at the entrance to the apartment block on Friday evening as a forensics team worked inside. The door into the building was open but was sealed off to the public with a garda tape.

Scene at Belfry Apartments, Bridewell Lane, Mallow, where the body of a woman was discovered. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The emergency services were alerted by a person in the house, according to gardai.

Gardai conducted door-to-door enquiries and are also understood to be harvesting CCTV footage from neighbouring businesses and premises in a bid to trace the woman's last known movements and to identify those she was with.

Locals were shocked by the news of the woman's death, with one woman saying she had seen an ambulance at the property on Friday morning but did not become aware until later in the day that a woman had died in suspicious circumstances.

Scene at Belfry Apartments, Bridewell Lane, Mallow, where the body of a woman was discovered. Picture Eddie O'Hare

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact them and are seeking any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from those who were in the vicinity of Bridewell Lane, Mallow, Co Cork between 9pm on January 2 and 10am on January 3.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
The discovery of a newborns body on a beach and a familys alleged confession they had killed a baby days earlier and put the body into the sea led to the Kerry Babies Tribunal.

The tribunal began sitting in Tralee on January 7, 1985.

It was inquiring into how Joanne Hayes of Abbeydorney and members of her family had confessed to killing a baby washed up on a beach near Cahirciveen.

Ms Hayes had given birth to a baby two days earlier, but it emerged it had been buried on the family farm. The blood types of the two dead babies did not match, so it was most unlikely the two babies were twins.

After the Director of Public Prosecutions ordered a murder charge against members of the Hayes family be dropped, the Garda Commissioner had two senior gardai investigate the forces handling of the case.

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

On the basis of the report, the commissioner notified the minister for justice, who informed the cabinet the report clearly indicates that the officers conducting the criminal investigation into the death of the Cahirciveen baby were grossly negligent in their handling of the case and he considers that some form of sworn inquiry is required to establish what really happened.

As a result, the government set up a judicial tribunal under Justice Kevin Lynch.

The media seemed captivated during the initial days of the tribunal.

Reports read like they could have been extracts from a banned Irish novel of the 1950s. The daily reports made the front pages of all the national newspapers.

Father of Kerry baby named, the Cork Examiner noted.

Joanne Hayes sat on detectives lap, the Irish Times proclaimed.

Tribunal hears of love affair in a mini, ran an Irish Independent heading, while an Irish Press headline said: Joanne love letter read to Tribunal.

John Sayers from Tipperary wrote a couple of indignant letters to the Taoiseachs office.

In the first of those, on January 8, which was the second day of the tribunal, he complained about the repetitive, blatant, savage and inhuman publicity.

As a person who is deeply and passionately proud of my Kerry heritage, I request that this publicity cease forthwith, he added.

A week later, he asked the taoiseachs department to curb and control the continuing offensive publicity in the Sunday newspapers, as well as the sordid exposition of sexual aspects of this case, on daily news bulletins on radio and television.

The case was expected to last for 21 days, but it continued for 82 days.

In his report in early October, Mr Justice Lynch concluded Ms Hayes was definitely not the mother of the baby found in Cahirciveen.

She had given birth in her own bedroom a month early.

The baby was having trouble breathing but no attempt was made to secure medical assistance.

Joanne Hayes mother, along with an aunt and sister, rebuked her for having another baby with Jeremiah Locke. She had already had a daughter out of wedlock with him.

Her mother had complained about having to rear another child.

Joanne Hayes got into a panic and as the baby cried again she put her hands around its neck and stopped it by choking it, the tribunal report noted.

At some stage during the course of these events, Joanne Hayes used the bath brush from the bathroom to hit the baby to make sure that it was dead.

The grave of Kerry baby named John in the Holy Cross, Cemetery, Caherciveen, Co Kerry. Picture: Dan Linehan

In his 274-page report, the judge concluded gardai had grounds for being suspicious that Ms Hayes might have been the mother of the Cahirciveen baby, and hence they had a duty to investigate her.

He further concluded they had not physically abused her, or any member of her family.

But all were intimidated by their own mistaken belief they were being held in custody at the Garda station.

It was under the pressure of this mistaken assumption that they made the false statements, associating themselves with the Cahirciveen baby.

A few weeks after the tribunal began sitting, some 250 angry demonstrators, mainly women, chanted slogans at Mr Justice Kevin Lynch, legal representatives and garda witnesses as they emerged from inquiry.

Uniformed and plainclothes gardai escorted the judge as he left the UDC building. He then walked 200 yards across the road to his hotel.

The crowd, which included representatives of the Cork Rape Crisis Centre, and the UCC Women's Group, chanted: "We support Joanne."

The demonstrators carried placards reading, "Women are outraged", "Womanhood on trial", and other slogans.

At the height of the two-hour protest, during which they marched up and down, they sang: "We shall not be moved", and joined hands in solidarity.

The demonstrators, who walked in a circle outside, reserved their strongest protest for the tribunal, but gave an enthusiastic reception to 25-year-old Joanne Hayes, of Abbeydorney, who left the building smiling and carrying bouquets of flowers.

Women shouted: "We support Joanne. We support the Hayes family," as the girl at the centre of the Kerry Babies affair was mobbed by well wishers.

Joanne Hayes.

In December 2020, the minister for justice and the Garda commissioner expressed deep and sincere regret" to Joanne Hayes for the truly appalling hurt and distress" caused to her and her family.

The statement was made in court as Ms Hayes and her family settled an action against the State.

The family launched legal proceedings against the State that year. They also asked the High Court to declare all findings of wrongdoing made against them by the Kerry Babies Tribunal as unfounded and incorrect.

Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds, who noted the settlement of the actions by the Hayes family, said it had been an ordeal for Joanne and her family which had spanned 35 years.

The judge also granted the Hayes family the declarations they had sought that all findings of wrongdoing made against them by a tribunal of inquiry during the 1980s  known as the Kerry Babies Tribunal  were unfounded and incorrect.

In a statement, Joanne Hayes said she wanted to acknowledge all those who had supported the family over the previous 36 years.

I would particularly like to thank my friends who with their support and kindness gave us hope and strength through the darkest moments of this ordeal.

She also thanked the local community and everyone throughout Ireland" who sent letters of support and prayers to the family.

Throughout the years, the kindness and sense of community we have experienced has helped us through the most challenging moments of the period.

It is my sincere hope and belief that after 36 years the suffering and stress of this ordeal is now finally behind us.
Reading stories collected through The Forgiveness Project online is an awe-inspiring experience.

Freddy Mutanguha was 18 when his entire family, bar one sister, was slaughtered in Rwanda. It is so terrible to listen to your family being killed, he shares. Of the man who organised the killing he says: I dont hate him, and I hold him no ill will.

People like Freddy Mutanguha seem superhuman. Forgiveness is our most radical act, and nowadays it is in short supply. I cant help but think of what that means for us all as we head into 2025.

The Forgiveness Project shares stories of forgiveness to build hope, empathy and understanding. Stories, big and small, reveal who we are to ourselves.

Which reminds me of a small story a friend told me on New Years Eve about an interaction she had outside a supermarket in the crazed run-up to Christmas. She accidentally brushed against a bumper as she squeezed into a space. Examining the car, she could see no damage. The marks and scuffs were the same, if not worse, on the unaffected side.

About to leave a note with her number, a man came up from behind. I saw what you did. Im staying here until you speak to that driver. And so, they waited, until eventually the other driver arrived, quickly dismissing my friends apologies and concerns with a laugh and light wave of the hand. The car park hero scuttled away, disappointed not to observe the serving up of some just deserts to one stranger by another.

Its a tiny story  but a working example of a wider issue.

So many of us walk around in defence mode now, aware of the hunt for blame that forgets an indisputable fact about every single human  none of us is perfect. None of us is perfect. It is a fact we are uncomfortable with

I attended a family funeral recently and I noticed how often the priest mentioned the word forgiveness. I sat with it for a good while.

The Catholic Church, throughout the last century, was built on judgement, not forgiveness. It was inflexible, brutal, and precise. A teenage hand straying beneath the sheets meant fire and damnation. Getting a sum or a spelling wrong at school and it was hands on the desk to be lashed. Forgiveness? Harbour even an impure thought and you were cavorting with the devil.

There is such deep irony in the church seeking our forgiveness now, calling us back to faith and understanding. Its a tall order considering how little training the church gave us in the practice of compassion. We were raised on judgement. It is our currency.

Im not sure Ill ever forgive the church or return to it. Its too much. There was and is just too much.

But should I? Should we all? Would it finally put an end to the cycle of violence, abuse, hatred, and resentment?

I think my unwillingness to forgive has a lot to do with power, their abuse of it as well as us. Its hard to untangle.

I feel the same way about Sinn Fein, who has never really gone beyond expressing a kind of blameless regret for IRA violence. I watched the series Say Nothing over Christmas, a screen adaptation of Patrick Radden Keeffes wonderful non-fiction book of the same name. It was a difficult watch in its humanisation of the Price sisters, members of the IRA. Yes, it captures the murkiness of their actions, but the series also asks the question: what makes someone a soldier, and what makes someone a terrorist? What exactly is war, and who gets to decide?

I struggle with any humanisation of the IRA.

Im not alone in this very human deficiency. Forgiveness is not something that comes easily to any of us. We seek justice over forgiveness, and this is reflected in our culture of blame, revenge, and retribution.

What scares me though, as someone who admittedly struggles with it, is how far modern society is straying further and further away from it.

Repeatedly, we call for tougher sentencing for criminals; we demand compensation for medical malpractice; and at the most extreme end of human behaviour, we wage wars against innocent people, to right past wrongs. As a species, we are forever and increasingly primed for the counterattack.

Where does it take us? To Gaza? To the worst atrocities imaginable? Look to how we label people monsters and evil in our headlines, and look to how the cycle continues, getting worse and worse, not better

Look to New Orleans  Trump labelling the New Year's Day attack as a pure act of evil. An understandable response, but most certainly a precursor to more violence, more anti-immigrant rhetoric, more hatred. Look to Ireland, where longer sentencing fails to reduce recidivism. It feels counter-intuitive, but punishment doesnt make us safer. More often revenge, though understandable, makes us less so.

When it comes to medical care, Ireland is imploding. Legal costs in Irish medical negligence cases are among the highest in the world. Doctors report leaving the profession because of the stress and anxiety they experience.

The delay in the procedures, according to the Medical Protection Society, is largely down to Irelands slow legal process and a lack of mechanisms to facilitate early resolution.

Back in 2010, then Health Minister Mary Harney refused to step down in the wake of the Tallaght scandal where it emerged that nearly 60,000 X-rays went unchecked for over five years at the facility.

Her belief was that Ireland was unique in placing the blame for medical scandals directly at a politicians door. She refused to accept the calls for her resignation.

I am not a clinician. I dont have any responsibility to read X-rays, Ms Harney said.

And what of the medics? Are they meant to be infallible? Is screening meant to be foolproof now? Is that where we have set the bar? Despite the fallibility of humans. This seems to be our expectation, despite knowing that our health system is under-resourced, under-staffed, and backlogged.

Irelands health service paid out over 2bn in claims arising from medical negligence cases over a five-year period with the estimated outstanding liability for such claims rising from 2.8bn in 2018 to 4.6bn in 2022.

When is enough? As reported by this paper, Professor Rhona Mahony, chair of the working group tasked with examining the rising cost of health-related claims, warns that these claims are unsustainable and will directly damage the system, diverting much-needed funds away from future medical provision.

People deserve an apology. They deserve an assurance that things are getting better, that the same wont happen to somebody else. In medical contexts, they deserve compensation to cover the cost of caring for an affected person. But surely there must be some cap on what justice looks like.

People sharing their stories on The Forgiveness Project may seem superhuman but at least they offer us another possibility  an alternative way to look at the world.

Figen Murrays response to the death of her son, Martyn, one of 22 people murdered in the Manchester Arena suicide bombing, is remarkable. The attack was carried out by 22-year-old Salman Abedi, a radical Islamist. She writes: I knew that to forgive the attacker meant not tapping into all the anger and darkness in my heart.

Forgiveness is the most radical act.

In every aspect of our lives and in how we run society, cutting back on blame and focusing on forgiveness and rehabilitation would make our world better. Im not saying we are all capable of it. I cant even say I am. But this omnipotent F word should be used a lot more often. It should become a far bigger part of the conversation.
Irelands Alcatraz-type island prison was early today little more than a charred ruin after 70 prisoners had run riot across Spike Island, burning buildings and defying for a time attempts by garda reinforcements to gain control of the Cork harbour island.

Just seven prison officers were on duty within the 112-inmate prison when the full-scale riot broke out. Four of these officers were untrained applicants for the gardai, who had no more than three weeks experience of prison work.

Last night, there was a ring of steel around the island prison with all 112 prisoners said to be again under prison control. Some 70 men, who had held out on the roof of the administration block throughout the day, voluntarily came down at 6.40pm last evening.

Last night, the prisoners were being housed in four separate rooms.

A government spokesman said that there are sufficient facilities to detain 50 men within the prison confines long-term and that the remainder will be transferred to other detention centres at the earliest possible time.

HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading

The windscreen of the prison's transport bus was shattered

Army vehicles were shipped onto the island as dusk fell last evening, increasing speculation that some of the prisoners will be transferred at short notice to other prisons and possibly to the Curragh military camp.

The army had erected special lighting within the burned-out prison last night and were providing food for both security personnel and prisoners involved in getting sections of the prison into some acceptable shape.

The fires started by the prisoners had gutted large sections of the prison buildings, including offices where prison records and officers clothing were stored. Sources close to the prison said that detention records of many prisoners were lost.

There were some minor injuries to prison staff and inmates, but fortunately, none was serious.

Last night, the Prison Officers Association said that they had warned the Department of Justice on more than one occasion that such a situation could arise.

We told them as late as last Wednesday that they did not even have the weekend. Decisions required to be made immediately, but this was not done, said PJ McEvoy, the general secretary of the association. He painted a frightening picture of the island riot and said of prison officers.

Grown men cried and got sick with fear. They were virtual hostages to a rampant group of prisoners.

Mr McEvoy said that he did not believe that the prison officers  augmented by up to 10 off-duty men and four island-based gardai  could have done any more.

He told of how the few young prison officers had tried to contain the riot in the early stages, but then added: They had to run for their lives and seek shelter in the gate quarters.

The prison officers leader said that he is convinced that the full-scale riot was well-orchestrated.

Prisoners went to bed with their clothes on and there seemed to be a number of simultaneous happenings.

The first indication of the trouble came around 11.30pm when there was a bit of a commotion in one of the dormitories  5A. Furniture was moved around and the prisoners began dismantling beds and chairs and setting mattresses alight.

The officers did not even have an opportunity to go into the dormitories as the doors were forced open from inside. Other fires broke out almost immediately.

After the riot, which was said to be 'well-orchestrated'.

Prison officers attempted to contain them with fire hoses, but eventually had to retreat and run for their lives. At this stage, an alert went out to the Commodore Hotel in Cobh for off-duty officers to return to the prison.

It is also said that contact was made with the gardai, both on the island and the mainland. It is not clear, however, whether there was a specific request at this early stage for security forces to travel out to the prison.

The telephone link was severed, and a prison officer attempted to make contact with the four-man garda patrol on the island in an effort to utilise their radio link.

However, by now the prisoners were scaling the outer walls in large numbers, having tied bedlinen together, and were making for the pier.

Eight families live on the island, the nearest just a matter of a few hundred yards from the arched entrance to the old fortress.

However, most of them were unaware of what was happening because there is no alarm system installed in the prison.

They, in fact, learned of the mass break-out from two neighbouring couples returning on the 1am ferry.

Despite pleas from prison officers for them to return to Cobh, they insisted in going to check on the safety of their children and friends. It was from these that the remaining residents learned of the troubles.
IN THE late 1870s, the Cadbury family built a model village for their employees in an idyllic spot south of the city of Birmingham. They named it Bournville, a portmanteau of the Bourn stream, which flowed through it, and the French word ville, meaning town. It became the blueprint for many model villages in Britain.

In the 1950s and 60s, pretty scenes in towns like Bournville were used by Cadbury in their packaging, promoting the notion that the sweet treats inside the chocolate box were as scrumptious as the scenes themselves. The term chocolate-box property was coined.

While the house featured here, in south-west Kerry, has nothing to do with Cadbury, it does have links with confectionery.

Moreover, its ruggedly handsome setting would outshine any image of English countryside used to enliven Cadburys packaging.

The original owners of this Kerry home were the McGowans, founders in the late 1990s of the Skellig Chocolate Factory, now a hugely successful food tourism business, grown by entrepreneur Colm Healy, who bought it from the McGowans in 2004 and sold it in 2022 to the Paddy McKillen Jr/Matt Ryan Oakmount/Press Up group.

Kids decorating Easter eggs at Skellig Chocolate Factory in Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry Picture: Don MacMonagle

While Skellig Chocolate Factory continues to churn out handmade artisan goodies from its base near St Finians Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way, the McGowans have long moved on from their home in the townland of Cloghanelinaghan. Its been in the ownership of UK-based Mark Overty and family for more than 15 years, after it came to their attention when his wife was looking for somewhere to stay for a few days with gal pals.

I remember at the time she was looking online for somewhere to stay in Ireland with her friends. Whenever she did a search, this property kept popping up as for sale. Even though there were no internal pictures of it, we liked where it was and I got my parents to go and look at it for us, says Mark.

Marks late parents, Fred and Beryl Overty, were living near Killarney, having relocated there from the UK. Celebrities in their own right in the roles of Killarney towns official Santa and Mrs Claus (pictured below), they liked the land/house package at Cloghanelinaghan.

The late Fred and Beryl Overty in their roles as Killarney's "offical" Mr and Mrs Claus Picture: Don MacMonagle

Having given it the thumbs-up, Mark and family bought it and its been their holiday home ever since.

Nestled into the valley floor, the house they purchased is set against the dramatic backdrop of Cnoc na dTobar (Knocknadobar), a 690m mountain worshipped by pagans in the good ol days when celebrations took place on its summit to mark the harvest festival of Lughnasa. It later became a sacred place for pilgrims and, in the 1880s, Stations of the Cross were added. These days, its one of just 12 pilgrim paths across the country.

Beyond this mountainy backdrop is Kells Bay, but you dont need to go over the mountain to reach the coast. Just 750m away is Coonanna harbour and pier, a sheltered area with a slipway and lots of boating activity.

Coonanna Harbour and pier

Youll sometimes spot seals there, says Mark.

The nearest beach, White Strand, is 15 minutes by car, but theres a multitude to choose from along the beauteous Iveragh Peninsula.

White Strand on the Ring of Kerry Picture: Dan Linehan

Well positioned to explore this landscape is the four/five-bedroom Overty home, which has a good deal more to it than its exterior suggests.

Its quite deceiving from the outside. It looks like a single-storey home but, in fact, theres lots of roof spaces that have been made use of, Mark says.

These include a converted attic currently used as a lounge, with a bathroom and sleeping quarters off it.

Mezzanine lounge

Above the open-plan kitchen/dining area, another vaulted ceiling creates room for a mezzanine lounge area.

Converted attic

At more than 2,500sq ft, its a roomy light-filled home, made more so by raised ceilings and large skylights. The site its on is 0.6 acres.

The Overtys have maintained it well over the years, touching up the paintwork and adding new roofs and doors to rear outbuildings.

Otherwise, its largely as they bought it: an unfussy, comfortable holiday home with a cosy cottage feel, enhanced by traditional units in the kitchen and Valentia slate accents (from the quarry on nearby Valentia Island).

Kitchen

Open plan dining

As well as open-plan kitchen/dining (with adjoining utility) and a mezzanine sitting room, theres a small study/office, family bathroom, and three double bedrooms on the ground floor.

A conservatory on the south side of the house offers premium views of Cnoc na dTobar.

Sunroom

Main bathroom

A rear hallway gives access to a storage area and leads to the converted attic.

Outside is a mix of lawn, gravel and shrubbery. To the rear, a covered deck and outdoor fireplace faces west and is ideal for outdoor living and entertaining, says selling agent Ron Krueger, of Engel & Volkers.

Mark says a table out front is the perfect place to breakfast and capture the sun as it rises up over the mountains.

Mr Krueger says the area epitomises tranquil country living, while being just an eight-minute drive from Caherciveen, a town well-stocked with retail and hostelries.

The area is celebrated for its stunning beaches, scenic hill walks, and picturesque trails, Mr Krueger adds.

Given the spectacular location, he expects interest from overseas, with a strong possibility that the property will continue to be used as a holiday home.

The guide price is 495,000.

VERDICT: Lots to savour at this cosy home in a very tasty location.
Israeli strikes killed at least 30 people in Gaza, including children, overnight and into Friday, hospital staff said, as often-stalled ceasefire talks to end the Israel-Hamas war were set to resume in Qatar.

Sirens sounded across Israel for missiles fired from Yemen.

Staff at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said that more than a dozen women and children were killed in strikes in central Gaza, including in Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al-Balah.

Abdallah Abu Libda carries the body of his six-month-old nephew as victims of overnight Israeli army strikes prepare for funeral prayers (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Dozens of people were killed across the enclave the previous day, bringing the total killed in the past 24 hours to 56.

We woke up to the missile strike. We found the whole house disintegrated, Abdul Rahman Al-Nabrisi said in the Maghazi refugee camp.

The Israeli army said in a statement on Friday that during the past day, it had struck dozens of Hamas gathering points and command centres throughout Gaza.

The army asserted that measures were taken to mitigate civilian harm, such as using aerial surveillance.

And it issued a warning for people to leave an area of central Gaza immediately, saying it would attack following launches from there toward Israel.

The military said that a few projectiles entered Israel from central and northern Gaza, with no injuries reported.

Freelance journalist Omar al-Derawi was among those killed on Friday.

Associated Press reporters saw friends and colleagues mourning over his body, with a press vest laid on his shroud.

Relatives mourn as the bodies of victims from overnight Israeli army strikes are laid together for funeral prayers at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

The Committee to Protect Journalists said last month that more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war.

Israel has not allowed foreign journalists to enter Gaza except on military embeds.

Israelis also woke up to attacks.

Israel said that missiles were fired into the country from Yemen, setting off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and central Israel and sending people scrambling to shelters.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Israels army said that a missile was intercepted.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen often claim responsibility.

Efforts at ceasefire negotiations were expected to resume on Friday.

Relatives mourn over the bodies of victims of overnight Israeli army strikes at multiple locations in central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office has said that he authorised a delegation from the Mossad intelligence agency, the Shin Bet internal security agency and the military to continue negotiations in Qatar.

The delegation was leaving for Qatar on Friday.

The US-led talks have repeatedly stalled during nearly 15 months of war.

Mr Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed.

But the militants, while greatly weakened, have repeatedly regrouped, often after Israeli forces withdraw from areas.

The war was sparked by Hamas-led militants attack into Israel on October 7, 2023.

They killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250.

Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, with at least a third believed to be dead.

Israels offensive in retaliation has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territorys Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the dead.

The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its tally.

Israels 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 about 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times.

Winter has now arrived, and hundreds of thousands are sheltering in tents near the sea.
Several of Brazilian air force investigators are working with colleagues from three other nations to analyse data from the Azerbaijani aircraft that crashed in Kazakhstan on December 25, killing 38 people.

Azerbaijan claims the jet was unintentionally shot down by Russia.

The Embraer 190 aircraft, made in Brazil, was en-route from the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, to Grozny in the North Caucasus when it was diverted.

It crashed while trying to land near the city of Aktau after flying hundreds of kilometres (miles) east across the Caspian Sea.

Brazils air force said in a statement late on Thursday that nine foreign investigators have gathered with its own experts at its centre for investigation and prevention of air accidents in capital Brasilia to work on data extracted from the airplanes black box and other tools.

Kazakhstan has three investigators in that group, while six others come from Azerbaijan and Russia.

Investigators in Brasilia are working on recordings, cockpit voice and flight data recorders of the aircraft, the Brazilian air force added.

There is no deadline for investigators to publicise their conclusions, which will ultimately come from Kazakh authorities.

The extraction, obtention and validation of the data of the flight recorders will take place in the shortest possible time, Brazils air force said.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has said that that the aircraft was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and was rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare.

He accused Russia of trying to hush up the issue for several days.

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to his counterpart for what he called a tragic incident, but stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible.

Mr Putins apology to President Ilham Aliyev came as allegations mounted that the plane had been shot down by Russian air defence systems attempting to fend off a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, where the plane was heading.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is ill with severe pneumonia and has cancelled her appointments for the next two weeks, her office announced.

Spokesman Stefan De Keersmaeker said Ms Von der Leyens agenda had to be cleared of meetings in Lisbon and in Poland, which has just taken over the EUs rotating presidency of the 27-nation European Union.
A former US Army veteran, accused of traveling to Lebanon and Syria in an attempt to join Hezbollah, has been indicted for allegedly supporting a terrorist organization, according to the US Justice Department.

Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Ireland, was apprehended in Chicago last month and transported to Pennsylvania on Monday to face the charges, as stated by the department.

The indictment reveals that Mr. Molloy traveled to Lebanon in August with the intention of joining Hezbollah, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by the US government.

After his attempts were unsuccessful, he proceeded to Syria in a bid to affiliate with the organization there.

The US Justice Department noted that Mr. Molloy incited violence against Jewish individuals on social media and, in a WhatsApp conversation with a family member, expressed that his master plan was to join Hezbollah.

If found guilty of providing material support to a terrorist organization, Mr. Molloy could face a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
A Dutch initiative known as War in Court has now digitized and released a list featuring nearly half a million individuals suspected of being wartime Nazi collaborators, following the expiration of a law that limited public access to this archive.

The archive comprises 32 million pages, detailing approximately 425,000 individuals, predominantly Dutch, who were scrutinized for their collaboration with German occupiers during World War II.

The law that restricted public access was lifted just yesterday.

Only about one-fifth of those named actually faced a court trial, with the majority of cases relating to minor offenses such as membership in the National Socialist movement.

Initially, scanned documents will be made accessible online, allowing users to view files pertaining to suspects, their victims, and witnesses.

However, after receiving a caution from the Dutch Data Protection Authority, a decision was reached last month to delay the comprehensive release and instead share only the list of names.

No specific date has been established for the publication of those files, but individuals with a research interestincluding descendants, journalists, and historiansmay request to examine them at the Dutch National Archives in The Hague.
Law enforcement officials have identified a US Army soldier from Colorado as the likely individual inside a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in the drivers death and seven others sustaining minor injuries.

Authorities suspect that Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty US Army soldier from Colorado Springs, was in the vehicle at the time of the explosion and that he acted independently.

The body was charred beyond recognition, with investigators awaiting confirmation through DNA evidence and medical records.

This explosion occurred just hours after a driver, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, plowed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans famous French Quarter, leading to at least 15 fatalities before police shot him dead.

According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill at a news conference, the individual in the Cybertruck suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound immediately prior to the detonation of explosives within the vehicle.

Authorities discovered a handgun inside the vehicle.

The Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside a Trump hotel

Two semi-automatic handguns were recovered from the Cybertruck, both of which were lawfully purchased by Mr. Livelsberger on December 30.

Authorities also found military identification, a passport, an iPhone, and credit cards in the truck.

Mr. Livelsberger was serving in the US Army Special Operations Command and was on approved leave at the time of his death, according to an Army official.

A spokesperson for the US Army Special Operations Command declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

A US official informed reporters that Mr. Livelsberger had received a Bronze Star for valor, an Army commendation for bravery, and was awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge.

He had completed five combat deployments to Afghanistan, the official stated.

The FBIs Denver office confirmed that federal and local authorities had searched a residential address in Colorado Springs related to the Las Vegas explosion.

Videos captured by witnesses inside and outside the Las Vegas hotel showed the Cybertruck erupting in flames as it sat in front of the hotel.

Hotel guests are seen outside the valet area where a Cybertruck caught fire

A representative for Trump did not respond to a request for comment.

Eric Trump, son of the US president-elect, commended the quick actions of Las Vegas fire and law enforcement personnel following the explosion.

Lots of questions

The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is part of the Trump Organization, owned by US President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to return to the White House on January 20.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been a notable supporter of Trumps 2024 presidential campaign and is also an adviser to the incoming president.

Its not lost on us that this occurred in front of the Trump building and involves a Tesla vehicle, but we currently lack information that definitively indicates a connection to specific ideologies or the reasons behind it, Mr. McMahill commented.

Watch: Enhanced security outside Trump Tower in New York City following the Las Vegas explosion

We need your consent to load this comcast-player content. We use comcast-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and gather data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences

Police reported that Livelsberger rented the Cybertruck in Denver on December 28, making stops in various cities, including Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona, before arriving in Las Vegas early yesterday.

The truck traversed the citys hotel and casino-studded strip until it reached the Trump hotel, where it drove through and subsequently returned to the valet area.

Police block an area where the Tesla Cybertruck caught fire and exploded

The Trump hotel was evacuated following the explosion, and most guests were relocated to another hotel.

Detectives discovered gasoline canisters and large fireworks mortars in the bed of the truck, a police statement noted.

Mr. Musk, in a post on X, stated, 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.

Both the Cybertruck and the vehicle involved in the New Orleans incident had been rented through the car-sharing service Turo, Mr. McMahill confirmed.

A Turo spokesperson remarked that the company did not believe either of the renters associated with the vehicles had a criminal background that would have flagged them as a security risk.
South Korean authorities canceled their attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his unsuccessful martial law initiative due to a standoff at his residence.

In light of todays arrest warrant execution, it was concluded that carrying out the operation was effectively impossible due to the ongoing standoff. Our concern for the safety of personnel at the scene led to the decision to cease the execution, stated the Corruption Investigation Office.

Earlier, officials approached Mr. Yoons compound to enforce an unprecedented arrest warrant, maneuvering past a gathering of protesters outside, but were met with presidential security forces inside.

It remains uncertain whether the Presidential Security Service (PSS), which has previously obstructed investigators using a search warrant from accessing Mr. Yoons office and official residence, would attempt to prevent his arrest.

The potential arrest would mark the first instance of an incumbent South Korean president being apprehended.

Yoon Suk-Yeol addressed the nation during the declaration of emergency martial law on December 3rd.

Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), leading a joint task force that includes police and prosecutors, arrived at the entrance of Mr. Yoons compound shortly after 7 AM (10 PM Irish time the previous evening), as reported by witnesses from Reuters.

The CIO vehicles were initially unable to enter the compound, partially due to a bus obstructing the driveway.

Some CIO officials subsequently entered through an open gate on foot, circumventing the bus, but then briefly encountered another bus and an armored vehicle further along the driveway before they gained access.

Upon entering the compound, the CIO and accompanying police faced barriers set up by PSS personnel as well as military troops assigned to presidential security, according to media reports. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense confirmed that the troops were under PSS command.

As cited by Yonhap news agency, the head of the PSS stated that authorities were prohibited from searching Mr. Yoons residence.

Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol wave US and South Korean flags while protesting near the presidential residence in Seoul.

Mr. Yoons legal representative asserted in a statement that executing an invalid arrest warrant against him is unlawful, and they intend to take legal action, although details were not provided.

Protesters began gathering in the early hours near the residence, with numbers swelling into the hundreds amid media reports that investigating authorities were set to execute the arrest warrant approved on Tuesday, following Mr. Yoons refusal to comply with a summons.

We have to block them with our lives, one protester was heard telling others.

Others chanted, President Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people, and demanded the arrest of the CIOs head.

Pyeong In-su, 74, remarked that the police had to be halted by patriotic citizens, a term Mr. Yoon previously used to describe those standing guard near his residence.

Holding flags of the United States and South Korea emblazoned with Lets go together in English and Korean, Pyeong expressed hope that incoming US President Donald Trump would come to Mr. Yoons assistance.

I hope after Trumps inauguration he can use his influence to help our country return to a proper path, he stated.

The current arrest warrant is valid until January 6, granting investigators only 48 hours to detain Mr. Yoon post-arrest. They must then decide whether to request a detention warrant or release him.

Following an arrest, it is anticipated that Mr. Yoon would be held at the Seoul Detention Center, as reported by Yonhap News Agency, citing the CIO.

Surprise martial law was declared

Mr. Yoon sent shockwaves throughout the country with a late-night announcement on December 3 that he was enacting martial law to overcome political stalemate and eliminate anti-state forces.

Within hours, however, 190 members of parliament had defied military and police barriers to vote against Mr. Yoons order. Approximately six hours after his initial decree, Mr. Yoon revoked it.

He subsequently issued a firm defense of his decision, claiming domestic political adversaries were sympathetic to North Korea and alleging unverified instances of election manipulation.

Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned as Mr. Yoons defense minister following significant involvement in the martial law declaration, was detained and indicted the previous week on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

Insurrection is among the few criminal charges for which a South Korean president lacks immunity.

Mr. Yoons attorneys have declared the arrest warrant illegal and invalid, arguing that the CIO lacked the authority under South Korean law to issue such a warrant.

Since being impeached and suspended from power on December 14, Mr. Yoon has remained isolated.

In addition to the criminal investigation, his impeachment case is currently being reviewed by the Constitutional Court, which will determine whether to reinstate or permanently remove him.

A second hearing in this matter is slated for later today.
( Middle East Monitor )  The Jewish Chronicle, Britains oldest Jewish community newspaper, has come under fire for publishing an article by controversial commentator Melanie Phillips which claims that any support for Palestinians amounts to anti-Semitism. Concerns have been raised over subsequent undisclosed edits to both the headline and content.

The article, initially published under the headline If you support the Palestinian cause in any form, youre facilitating Jew-hate was later changed to The truth of the Palestinian cause without any editorial note explaining the modification. The UK press regulator IPSO has been called upon to investigate these changes.

In the article, Phillips argued that support for Palestinian rights, regardless of context, facilitates deranged and murderous Jew-hatred. She wrote: Lets not hear any protests that you were once a member of Habonim or have a holiday home in Herzliya If you support the Palestinian Arab cause today, you are facilitating deranged and murderous Jew-hatred. Own it.

The Jewish Chronicle has secretly changed the headline and words in the article, without any apology or acknowledgement (the article remains disgusting), said Muslim Council of Britain Spokesperson Miqdaad Versi, tagging press regulator IPSO.

The Jewish Chroncile have secretly changed the headline & words in the article, without any apology or acknowledgement (the article remains disgusting) Their editorial standards are so poor @IpsoNews https://t.co/MF26qKaGcL pic.twitter.com/VezVcFjlek  Miqdaad Versi (@miqdaad) January 1, 2025

Versi pointed out that the article initially said: If you support the Palestinian Arab cause in any shape or form, you are [facilitating deranged and murderous Jew-hatred] before it was changed to, If you support the Palestinian Arab cause today, you are [facilitating deranged and murderous Jew-hatred].

In the tsunami of denunciations, one twitter user listed Israels actions over the past year in Gaza and said that Phillips claim basically means that: Being against rape is anti-Semitism. Being against torture is anti-Semitism. Being against starvation is anti-Semitism. Being against murder is anti-Semitism. Being against ethnic cleaning is anti-Semitism. Being against genocide is anti-Semitism.



Photo of pro-Palestinian demo by Mohamed Jamil Latrach on Unsplash

Commentator Owen Jones pointed out that the article is very helpful, actually, because, Melanie Phillips is explicitly stating what Israels cheerleaders have long been pushing for. They want to redefine anti-Semitism as any form of solidarity with Palestinians, rather than the very dangerous hatred of Jewish people that it is.

While Phillips insists on labelling any solidarity with Palestinians anti-Semitic, she has argued that there is no such thing as Islamophobia. Writing in the same newspaper, she said that the very concept of Islamophobia is itself anti-Semitic. In her article Dont fall for bogus claims of Islamophobia, she argued that concerns about anti-Muslim racism were being used to silence any criticism of the Islamic world.






Friday, January 03, 2025 - A 3-year-old girl was found dead in Cincinnati two days after Christmas after an apparent dog attack.

The Hamilton County Coroners Office confirmed that it positively identified the victim as 3-year-old Kingsley Renee Wright, who was killed on Dec. 27 while visiting family.

I just woke up and my daughter is dead, the 911 caller, who identified himself as Kingsley's father, told police, according to audio obtained by local station WXIX. Theres blood everywhere, I dont know what happened. I dont understand what went on.

The caller told officers that his animals were in a cage and not loose when he awoke to find his daughter dead.

Cincinnati Police officers who initially responded to the call were advised to turn off their body cameras due to the gruesome nature of Kingsley's injuries.

I think were going to need animal care to respond here to secure two dogs, an officer is heard saying in footage obtained by local station WLWT5.

Kingsleys grieving mother Gina Smith told the station she had no idea her daughter would be subjected to dangerous animals, saying, I would have not allowed my baby around vicious dogs. Why would I do that?





I just want to know why and how, Smith said through tears.

Cincinnati Animal CARE said that they were called to the scene on Dec. 27 to remove three dogs from the home. The animals are now being held at the shelter for the 10-day bite quarantine period, according to the legal requirement.

Kingsley's obituary remembers her as a happy girl with a beautiful laugh and smile.

She loved to sing and dance for her family, and always saw the positive and bright side of everything around her, the tribute reads.

Kingsley is survived by her mother and two brothers, Devin and Bradley.




Friday, January 3, 2025 - Detectives and police officers from the Homa Bay Police Station, in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service officers from Ruma National Park, successfully apprehended three wildlife traffickers and seized a rhino horn valued at approximately Sh2.9 million.

Acting on reliable intelligence, the team zeroed in on three individuals at Rodi Market in Homabay Sub-County, who were found in possession of this precious and illegal treasure.

The suspects, Benard Omondi Sunga, a service member of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), along with accomplices George Oloo and Argwings Watta, were caught red-handed in a black Kluger, registration number KBM 463G. A meticulous search revealed a 2.9kgs rhino horn concealed inside.

The trio has been arraigned.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains steadfast in its mission, partnering with stakeholders in the fight against wildlife trafficking.













The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, January 03, 2025 - China has imposed sanctions on 10 U.S. defence firms over their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan, marking its second wave of measures targeting American companies in under a week.

The Ministry of Commerce announced on Thursday, January 2, that subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Raytheon have been added to Chinas "Unreliable Entities List" for their participation in the arms deals. These firms are now barred from import and export activities in China, prohibited from making new investments, and their senior executives are banned from entering the country.

This follows sanctions announced last Friday on seven U.S. military-industrial companies, including Boeing subsidiary Insitu, also in response to U.S. military assistance to Taiwan.

Taiwan remains a contentious issue in U.S.-China relations. Beijing claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has vowed to reunify it, by force if necessary. While Washington does not formally recognize Taiwan, it is the islands largest arms supplier and a key strategic ally.

In December, U.S. President Joe Biden approved $571.3 million in defence support for Taiwan. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson described the U.S. actions as interference in Chinas internal affairs, saying they "undermine Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity."

China has escalated military and political pressure on Taiwan in recent years, staging three rounds of large-scale military drills since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te assumed office in May.

On the same day as the latest sanctions, Chinas commerce ministry added 28 U.S. entities, primarily defence firms, to its Export Control List. This action bans the export of dual-use items to these entities, including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The ministry stated that the move aims to safeguard national security, protect Chinese interests, and uphold international obligations related to non-proliferation.




Friday, January 3, 2025 - Controversial blogger Aoko Otieno has stirred a storm on X(formerly Twitter) after alleging a bitter fallout between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and his Deputy, Njoroge Muchiri, over their shared girlfriend Joy Kagiri.

Muchiri, a former ABSA Bank Executive, according to Aoko Otienos claim, dumped his wife for Kagiri, a much younger woman.

The move raised eyebrows since Kagiri is rumoured to be closer in age to Muchiris son

While his personal decision was already controversial, its now become a city gossip after allegations surfaced of Kagiris involvement with Sakaja.

Muchiri has allegedly sworn to retaliate against Sakaja, accusing him of disrespecting both their professional relationship and his personal life.

The dispute between the two has cast a shadow over their leadership at a time when Nairobi residents need stability not drama.

Check out Aokos tweet.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 3, 2025 - Political commentator, Francis Gaitho, has issued a statement following a public notice by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) seeking information leading to his arrest.

In a statement on Thursday, Gaitho described the move as an act of political persecution and reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of free speech.

In the response, Gaitho also noted that he will be presenting himself at DCI Headquarters on January 6 in the company of his lawyers.

"Thank you to all for the calls and messages of goodwill. I will be presenting myself at DCI headquarters on Monday 7th January at 10 am accompanied by my lawyers," he said.

Additionally, Gaitho strongly refuted any implication that he was involved in criminal activity as claimed by the DCI.

"Im not a criminal. Im not a murderer. Im not a capital offender. I just tweet. Freedom of speech is a constitutional entitlement and I exercise it to the best of my ability. Other criminals are walking free out here but mine is political persecution because many of these cases have civil remedies," he added.

Gaitho accused the DCI of using its platform to intimidate him, arguing that many of the allegations against him could be addressed through civil remedies rather than criminal prosecution.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 3, 2025 - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has exuded confidence that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will become the next African Union Commission Chairman.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival 2024 in Siaya County yesterday, Museveni revealed Uganda will fully support Raila's candidature for the AUC position.

However, he has challenged Raila to help African leaders mobilise support for development purposes once he is elected.

He urged Baba to ensure that he helped the regional leaders brainstorm on how they could best transform Africa.

"We're supporting the candidature of Raila for AUC chairmanship. He will help us to do mobilisation and brainstorming, but the real power is with us here," Museveni explained.

However, Museveni cautioned that Raila's success in the upcoming elections will be entirely dependent on how the government supports him.

His sentiments, however, are likely to raise debates as to whether the support Raila is getting from the government has dwindled.

"Those in power (senators, governors, MPs) can decide whether to move or not. For him, he can talk he's like a preacher, like John the Baptist," he added.

Speaking at the same event, President William Ruto, however, maintained that Kenya is hopeful that Raila will land the seat when the elections will be conducted in February.

Ruto revealed that before Kenya flouted the idea of supporting Raila, they jointly sought the advice of the Ugandan leader, who helped them reach a consensus with other East African heads to support him.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, January 3, 2025 - The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has held Nyandarua police officers responsible for negligence and mishandling security during a December 28, 2024, thanksgiving event, where chaos erupted after a tear gas canister was thrown near the VIP section.

The event, held at Shamata Stadium and attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, turned chaotic when the tear gas canister landed near the dais during Nyandarua Senator John Methus speech.

While Methu appeared unshaken in video footage circulating online, panic gripped the attendees, with guests, including high-profile politicians, fleeing for safety.

IPOA says the suspect, who claimed to be a police officer, was reportedly rescued from mob justice and taken to Ndaragwa Police Station.

However, IPOAs investigation revealed glaring lapses in how the matter was handled.

According to IPOA, despite prior intelligence indicating potential disruptions, no operation order was prepared to manage the events security.

The Authority says at least 60 officers were deployed under the command of the County Police Commander, who failed to log her presence in the Occurrence Book.

Earlier in the day, five suspects accused of planning to disrupt the event were arrested but later released on the County Police Commanders instructions.

IPOA notes that the details of their release were not fully recorded, raising accountability concerns.

Five suspects were arrested in the morning for planning to disrupt the event. They were, however, later released on instructions from the County Police Commander.

"The released suspects' details were not fully recorded in the Occurrence Book, raising accountability concerns, the Authority said on Thursday.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 3, 2025 - The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into allegations of abduction by the National Police Service (NPS).

This follows reports that several young people have been abducted after criticizing President William Ruto and his administration.

Four people were forcibly taken by armed men, allegedly for sharing AI-generated images of Ruto in a coffin.

Amidst the ongoing abductions, President Ruto emphasized the importance of family responsibility, urging parents to instill discipline in their children.

However, he did not acknowledge any involvement of the government in the abductions, a growing concern that has sparked an outcry in recent weeks.

Human Rights Watch reports that Kenyan security forces abducted, tortured, and killed protest leaders during anti-government protests between June and August.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, January 3, 2025 - In April last year, a Kenyan slay queen mocked a broke man on X and claimed that broke men are always bitter on the X timeline.

The same lady is now begging for money to offset medical bills.

She is struggling to raise Ksh 22,000 to clear the bill.

Check out the tweet.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 3, 2025 - Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has reportedly been suspended from accessing State House by President William Rutos powerful aide Farouk Kibet.

Word has it that Farouk suspended Nyoro a few months ago for unknown reasons.

Sometime back, Nyoro revealed in a public function that Farouk is so close to the president that even Gachagua, who was then the Deputy President, had to seek permission from him to see the President.

The vocal MP claimed that Farouk is a very important person in the Head of State's inner circle, saying that although he has no office, the role he plays is very significant.

"Farouk's office is that of the President of Kenya. Because you can't access the president if Farouk says no. To reach the president, the deputy president who is my friend, Farouk [must give him the nod] " said Nyoro as the crowd burst into laughter.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have also fallen victim to Farouks bullish behaviors.

Ichungwah is suffering in silence, with reports indicating that he is planning to resign as the Majority Leader in Parliament to protest against frequent harassment by Farouk.

It has also emerged that Farouk and Kindiki dont see eye to eye.

He allegedly slapped Kindiki after he accessed State House without being cleared.

Farouk, who has over the past years maintained a shadowy character, started working with the president in 1997 when he won the Eldoret North MP seat, flooring former MP Reuben Chesire.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 3, 2025  Uasin Gishu parents are now demanding Chief Justice Martha Koome to take charge of the Sh700 million Finland-Canada Scholarship Program scandal and expedite the process of justice.

The Finland-Canada scandal left more than 300 students stranded after their parents lost approximately Ksh749 million in what was promised to be a lucrative educational scholarship in the two foreign countries.

Under the scheme, the County Government of Uasin Gishu was to act as guarantors to students in an arrangement with foreign universities and a local company, whereby families paid into a trust fund account.

Expressing their frustrations, the parents have revealed that it has been three years and they are yet to receive justice.

They are worried that the leaders want to drag the case in court so that eventually it can be rendered redundant and they lose the money.

"We are decrying to Martha Koome, please help us here in Uasin Gishu, mostly, even before a case is recalled, they appeal it. When will we get the justice we deserve? Justice delayed is justice denied," one of the parents decried.

Speaking during a press conference with the media in Uasin Gishu County on Wednesday, January 1, the parents revealed that some of them have been taken ill due to the frustrations tied to the money they lost.

According to the victims, they are now facing challenges of repaying loans they had taken to finance their children's promised travel for studies abroad.

The parents are now demanding accountability and the immediate return of their hard-earned money, lamenting the betrayal of trust by their leaders.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, January 3, 2025 - Detectives from DCI Kilimani have arrested Meshack Kipleting Tarbei, a serial fraudster and Director of Motorshop E.A. Ltd, who had been on the run for over a year after defrauding unsuspecting members of the public of their hard-earned money.

Kipleting, whose office was located at Marsabit Plaza along Ngong road closed shop and went into hiding with nine victims having reported his unlawful acts at Kilimani police station.



Upon receipt of the complaints, detectives sprang into action in search of the villain who was smoked out of his hideout at King Serenity Estate in Rongai where he was escorted to DCI Kilimani offices for processing pending arraignment.



Kilimani detectives believe more complainants may have made their reports on the suspect at different police stations across the Capital, and are hence consolidating the reports to ensure justice to all victims.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 3, 2025  Pressure is mounting on President William Ruto to fulfill his promise made last week to secure the release of abducted Kenyans.

This is after it emerged that the six youths who were abducted over the Christmas period are still missing after Ruto promised to have them released and ensure cases of abductions in the country come to an end.

Speaking in Homa Bay last Friday, Ruto also told parents to "take responsibility" for their children.

"We are going to stop the abductions so that our youth can live peacefully," he asserted.

Following the promise, several Kenyans have called out Ruto for failing to keep this promise.

CNN Journalist Larry Madowo called out Ruto for failing to deliver on the promise and questioned why the probe was taking longer, putting the families on hold.

Taking to his official X page, Madowo noted that while the world is celebrating a new year, families of the six abducted youths cannot celebrate peacefully because they don't know the whereabouts of their children.

"Its been 5 days since President Ruto promised to end abductions in Kenya. Families of the dozens still missing are waiting for him to keep his word," Madowo pointed out.

On his part, Kangundo MP Fabian Kyule called on the Director of Criminal Investigations to expedite the investigation of the whereabouts of the youths who have been missing for over a fortnight now.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies also piled pressure on the President, asking him to oversee the release of the abducted youths.

Gachagua asked that the youths should be released to their families, whether dead or alive, to help promote closure.

"To live up to your words, Mr President, make sure those children are released to their parents before the New Year.

"If they are killed, release their bodies to their parents so they can bury them and have closure," the former DP said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Friday, January 03, 2025 - Jay-Z is reportedly making progress in his ongoing legal battle against an Alabama woman who accuses him of s3xually assaulting her more than 24 years ago.

Judge Analisa Torres on Thursday, January 2, granted a request made by the legal team of the 55-year-old rapper, whose name is Shawn Carter, to enter a dismissal motion in the case.

'Carter's request to file a motion to dismiss Plaintiff's amended complaint is GRANTED,' Torres wrote in court documents posted by law journalist Meghann Cuniff on X/Twitter Thursday.

Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing the rapper's accuser - who identifies herself as Jane Doe in court documents - issued a December 31 response objecting to the request, which is due to the court by February 6.

The court stated that Jay-Z's accuser has until February 28 to 'file her opposition papers,' leaving Jay-Z and his team until March 14 to 'file his reply, if any.'

Cuniff noted that 'judges deciding dismissal motions are to assume the facts alleged are true' and that 'the arguments are about legal issues such as statute of limitations etc.'

Torres requires lawyers to seek the permission of the court prior to entering a motion filing, Cuniff said.

In court documents filed on December 30 by Jay-Z's legal team, led by attorney Alex Spiro, attorneys said that Jay-Z sent the plaintiff a message on December 19 flagging a number of issues they felt spurred a dismissal of the case, citing a combo of technicalities, expired deadlines, and the locations involved.

Jay-Z's legal team said that his accuser was 'required - but failed' to address the issued specified in the letter within a period of five business days, a timeframe which concluded December 27.

Spiro said Buzbee, who is representing the woman who says she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 55, when she was 13 - glossed over critical details that nullify the case, TMZ reported Monday after reviewing legal documents.

Jay-Z's accuser said she was assaulted by the rapper and Combs at an MTV Music Awards afterparty in September of 2000.

Spiro previously informed the court of his intention to file a dismissal motion, citing the timing of the events in question, as the legal statute the woman is suing under - the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act - had not been implemented until three months later in December of 2000, the outlet reported.

'The GMV Law was not enacted until December 19, 2000, three months after [Jay-Z's accuser] claims the conduct occurred, and cannot apply retroactively to create a cause of action unavailable to Plaintiff at the time in question,' Jay-Z's lawyers said in the December 30 filing.

They added that 'a contrary conclusion would violate both state and federal due process protections.'






Friday, January 03, 2025 - A London judge has banned British grime star Stormzy from driving for nine months after he was caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce in west London.

District Judge Andrew Sweet imposed the ban on the 31-year-old rapper, whose real name is Michael Ebenezer Owuo Junior, during a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on Thursday. Stormzy had pleaded guilty via letter to the offence, which occurred in West Kensington on March 7 last year.

In addition to the driving ban, the judge fined him 2,010 ($2,498) after six penalty points were added to his licence. Stormzy already had six points from a previous speeding offence, bringing his total to 12 points, which under UK law results in an automatic disqualification.

Sweet criticised Stormzys actions, calling them dangerous and irresponsible, and noted that the rappers driving record was not good. Peter Csemiczky, Stormzys lawyer, told the court that his client accepted responsibility for his actions and apologised.

Stormzy is a prominent figure in the British grime scene, known for blending Jamaican dancehall and hip hop into a distinctive, hard-edged sound. His influence extends far beyond music, with his biggest hits featured in television advertisements. In 2019, he made history as the first black UK solo artist to headline the Glastonbury music festival.




Friday, January 3, 2025 - President William Ruto revealed that he consulted Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni before nominating former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as Kenya's candidate for the African Union Commission chair position.

Speaking on Thursday, during the Piny Luo cultural festival in Siaya county, Ruto said he sought Museveni's advice on Raila's AUC candidacy, stating that the Ugandan leader is regarded as the elder of the East African region.

Before we rolled out his candidature, we met with Mzee Yoweri Museveni as the elder of the region and spoke to the others," Ruto stated.

The Head of State confirmed that after consulting with Museveni and other regional heads of state, they collectively agreed that Raila Odinga was the right choice for the AUC chair from the East African region.

He expressed confidence that Raila will secure the highly contested AUC seat and positive change to Africa.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, January 03, 2025 - South Korean police on Thursday raided Muan International Airport and Jeju Air's office just days after the airline's horror crash that killed 179 passengers.

The Jeonanam Provincial Police launched a search and seizure operation into the southwest South Korea airport and the airline's office in Seoul.

Authorities also swarmed the Muan office of the Busan Regional Office of Aviation, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Police said in a statement to AFP: 'In relation to the plane accident that occurred on December 29, a search and seizure operation is being conducted from 9 a.m. on January 2 at three locations.'

Police issued a search warrant for professional negligence resulting in death, according to officials.

The search comes after a 15-year-old Jeju Airline Boeing 737-800 was torn apart and burst into flames across the Muan Airport runway on Sunday.

A total of 179 were killed that day when a plane carrying 181 passengers skidded off a runway as it landed and smashed into a wall.

South Korea's emergency office said the jet's landing gear seemingly malfunctioned, with a bird striking the aircraft among the possibilities of what caused the crash.

The death toll includes at least 82 men and 83 women, according to the National Fire Agency.

Two crew members, a man and a woman, were miraculously rescued from the tail section of the burning plane.






Friday, January 03, 2025 - Afghanistan's Taliban supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has issued an order that new residential buildings should be constructed without windows looking onto "places usually used by women" and said that existing windows with such views should be blocked to prevent "obscene acts".

According to a statement released by the Taliban government spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, new buildings should not have windows through which it is possible to see "the courtyard, kitchen, neighbour's well and other places usually used by women".

"Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts," according to the decree posted by government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on social media platform X.

Municipal authorities and other relevant departments would have to monitor construction sites to ensure it is not possible to see into neighbours' homes.

In the event that such windows exist, owners would be encouraged to build a wall or obstruct the view "to avoid nuisances caused to neighbours", the decree states.

Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, women have been progressively erased from public spaces.

Taliban authorities have banned post-primary education for girls and women, restricted employment and blocked access to parks and other public places.

A recent law even prohibits women from singing or reciting poetry in public under the Taliban government's ultra-strict application of Islamic law. It also encourages them to "veil" their voices and bodies outside the home.

Some local radio and television stations have also stopped broadcasting female voices.

The Taliban administration claims that Islamic law "guarantees" the rights of Afghan men and women.

Heather Barr, the interim deputy director of womens rights at Human Rights Watch, told The Independent:

People have talked about the Taliban metaphorically erasing women, but increasingly, it is not metaphorical at all.

They have already ordered that womens voices shouldnt be heard in public, and now they are essentially stopping women from even looking out of the window.

They are stopping women from being seen. They are stopping women from seeing the world. Its a total annihilation of womens personhood and it is clearly ongoing. We dont have any idea where this will end.




Friday, January 3, 2025  Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is under pressure to substantiate his claims regarding the ongoing abductions.

Gachagua had sensationally claimed that the abductions were a coordinated way by President William Rutos government to silence his critics.

According to Gachagua, the abductions squad was led by a man known as Abel, a relative of a senior government official.

There is a unit that is not under the command of the IG of Police. There is a building in Nairobi on the 21st floor at the city centre, where the unit is operating from, led by a certain Mr. Abel. Abel is a cousin to a very senior official in this government, Gachagua claimed.

And if this unit is not dismantled we will be giving the name of the building and the full names of that officer and his cousin. Your guess is as good as mine as to who is the commander of that unit."

However, in a statement, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni challenged Gachagua to substantiate his claims regarding the recent abductions.

He called on the former DP to make public all information he knew about the abductions.

He opined that Gachagua was trivializing the abductions yet it was a sensitive matter.

Kioni cautioned that such a move would erode public trust among Kenyans even as families wait for their relatives to be released.

"His statements about revealing those involved, without following through with actionable disclosures, are both irresponsible and a slap in the face to the families suffering from these tragedies," read the statement in part.

"This is not a game, nor a platform for empty rhetoric. Either he provides the nation with concrete information or refrains from making misleading statements.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Friday, January 3, 2025 - On Thursday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) declared online activist Francis Ng'ang'a Gaitho a wanted individual for a series of cyber-related crimes and contempt of court

In a statement released on social media, the DCI outlined multiple allegations against the suspect, who is believed to be evading justice.

According to DCI, Gaitho had previously been charged with publishing false information, an offense under Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act.

He failed to appear for a court session on December 4, 2024, prompting the Milimani Law Courts to issue a warrant for his arrest.

"This suspect not only violated the law by publishing false information but also showed blatant disregard for judicial processes by absconding court," read the DCI's statement.

Beyond the initial charges, DCI stated that Gaitho is under investigation for sharing private information about a senior public officer and disseminating false information targeting other Kenyan citizens.

Authorities further allege that he engaged in cyber harassment, including posts disparaging senior government officials.

The DCI confirmed that files related to the additional offenses are currently under review by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further action.

Members of the public have been urged to assist in the apprehension of Gaitho.

"If you have any information that may lead to the prompt arrest of the suspect, please call our toll-free hotline at 0800 722 203 anonymously or report to the nearest police station," the DCI stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Friday, January 3, 2025 - President William Ruto has said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is the most qualified candidate to succeed Mousa Faki as the African Union Chairperson.

Mousa Faki, who has served two four-year terms, is set to retire in February, with Raila Odinga emerging as the frontrunner to replace him.

Speaking on Thursday during the 4th edition of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Bondo, Siaya County, Ruto expressed confidence that Mr Odinga's leadership will foster peace across the continent, effectively manage conflicts, and unlock the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

"We are very confident that the successful bid of Hon Raila is going to see the fortunes of our continent change for the better going into the future," he said.

Ugandan President Kaguta Museveni, who also attended the event, expressed the region's support for Mr. Odinga's candidature as Chairperson of the African Union Commission

He pointed out that those in positions of power across Africa have the authority to effect meaningful change in the continent.

"He will help us in brainstorming, but the real power is with us. We are in charge of these States. We are the ones who can say we move and we move," the Ugandan leader said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Ellen O'Donoghue

Gardai have launched an investigation after the discovery of a woman's body in Mallow, Co Cork.

The woman in her 30s was found dead at a residential property in Bridewell Lane, Mallow, Co Cork, on Friday morning, January 3rd.

Gardai said they are investigating all circumstances surrounding her death.

Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster, attended the scene of the incident and the body of the deceased is to be removed to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The Garda Technical Bureau has been requested to attend the scene.

A senior investigating officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Mallow Garda Station, while a family liaison officer (FLO) has also been assigned to provide support to the family.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses to contact them and are seeking any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from those who were in the vicinity of Bridewell Lane, Mallow, Co. Cork between 9pm on Thursday, January 2nd and this morning, Friday January 3rd, at 10am.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Investigations are ongoing.
Cliona Purcell, a native of Carrick-on-Suir, has recently been appointed Head Curator of Waterford Treasures collection of museums in Waterford City.

29-year-old Cliona is the youngest head curator of any designated museum in the country.

Cliona studied History and English at the University of Limerick and went on to complete a Masters in History thereafter.

During her Undergraduate degree she was awarded the Brian Faloon Prize by the UL History department for her dissertation, "Throwing off the Mighty Incubus: Irish Municipal Revolution and the Development of the Waterford Corporation, 1828-1840."

Throughout her studies, she developed a special interest in eighteenth-century social history.

She also worked for Kilkenny Castle, the Hunt Museum and Sound Heritage Ireland during this period.

After this, she returned to Waterford Treasures as a researcher and exhibitions assistant in 2018.

In 2019 she curated her first solo exhibition: "For All the Tea in China," a collection of extraordinary Chinese porcelain with Irish arms displayed in context across the Bishop's Palace.

Later she became the Education Officer and then Curator and Programmes Manager where she established the museum's vibrant Education Programme including handling workshops and activity-based learning for students of all ages.

Aside from Waterford Treasures, Cliona also sits on the boards of the Waterford Civic Trust and the Waterford Women's Centre.

Cliona's research interests include the lives of women and children in the eighteenth century, life in poverty and the spread of disease in Waterford, as well as porcelain culture in Ireland at its height.

Commenting on her update of the role Cliona says, I am delighted to commit to the role of head Curator at Waterford Treasures with such a diverse collection of museums, the role offers a great deal of variety each day and great opportunity. Due to my interest in museum education and developing my own hands-on visitor experiences, I see the future of Waterford Treasures as building on the wonderful achievements in the Viking Triangle so far, creating more community engagement, as well as more interactive sensory exhibits and events for the public.

Cliona has already made some new developments with a brand new tour experience available for families at the Irish Wake museum - A horrible histories style experience shares an insight into life and death in Ireland from the terrifying Black Death to worrisome Victorian medicine all set in a building that has witnessed six centuries of souls pass under its roof in the dead centre of the city.

It is now on offer to families with children aged 8 and up.

The award-winning Waterford Treasures Museums tells the story of Ireland's oldest city across five stunning museums and a guided walking tour of the Viking Triangle where visitors explore 1000 years of history in 1000 paces in the historic city centre.

The Medieval Museum is the only purpose-built museum in Ireland that features two national monuments - two medieval buildings contained within the museum - and a host of other artefacts.

Just across the plaza the Bishops Palace, an elegant Georgian house, is the home of 18th, 19th and 20th-century treasures.

This season a new tour will launch in the Palace focusing on scandal and excess, the real-life Bridgerton-style intrigue and romance of Waterfords past.

An icon of Waterford, Reginalds Tower houses Waterford's Viking treasures including warfare and weaponry but also articles from the daily life of the Hiberno-Norse settlers.

The ever-popular Irish Museum of Time, along with the Irish Silver Museum and the most recently opened Irish Wake Museum are also part of the collection.

The collection of museums is open to visitors year-round, for further details on all that Waterford Treasures has to offer see www.waterfordtreasures.com
Kilkenny Camogie look set to be without one of their key players for 2025 after Grace Walsh opted to step away for the upcoming season.

Walsh has represented the county with great distinction since making her debut in 2011 and she leaves the squad with All-Ireland titles in 2016, 2020 and 2022 to her name.

While there is still a possibility that she will return at some stage, for now its the end of an era for the Tullaroan star.

In a statement on social media, the 31 year old said: "Sin e but still some incredible memories made with a special group of friends. Up the Cats always."

Walsh's club team Tullaroan paid tribute to the decorated camogie player in a post earlier this week: "Congrats to our own Grace Walsh on an incredible inter county career over the last 14 years. We are all extremely proud of the role model and ambassador you are for the younger generation here in Tullaroan. Grace has always been on hand to offer words of encouragement to our younger players," the post read.

READ MORE: Former Kilkenny boss heaps praise on departing Grace Walsh

"Over the past number of years Grace has been a pivotal member of Kilkenny Camogie and has fast become a household name throughout Kilkenny and beyond for her attributes on the field of play. Her workrate and ability to win aerial balls makes her stand out from the crowd," the post added.

"A notable performance during the 2020 All-Ireland final V Galway at midfield shortlisted her for player of the match with an incredible performance of sheer determination and passion helping Kilkenny to all-Ireland success on an silent December night in Croke Park."

"We look forward to many more years of Grace in the Tullaroan sash and driving on the club as this years senior captain. Well done Grace 3 time All-Ireland winner 3 time All-Star 7 Senior Leinster titles and 5 Senior National league titles," the post concluded.

FOR MORE KILKENNY GAA NEWS, CLICK HERE
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.
The front page of the Kilkenny People from Friday, November 8, 1974 - 50 years ago this week

Below were some of the ideas that came from a stimulating seminar on breaking the round system at Newpark Hotel last week:

* There should be no filling of the cup for under age competitions

* The legal limit of blood alcohol for drivers must be lowered immediately

* Co-education might prevent young people having to drink for dutch courage

* The drink industry, like the tobacco industry, should be compelled to warn about the dangers of their product

The seminar was organised by the Kilkenny Regional Council of the PTAA (Pioneer Total Abstinence Association) to launch a campaign to break the vicious circle.

It was Dr Kieran Cuddihy, regional pathologist, who attacked the over generous legal limit for blood alcohol.

In Ireland, he said, the limit was 125 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. In England, only 80mg were allowed while in Scandinavia the legal limit was 50mg.

READ NEXT: Discover the Kilkenny connection to the US Presidency

Irelands figure is dangerously high and it should be brought down immediately, he said.

A way of overcoming the rounds system was co-education, Dr Cuddihy went on. He felt that, at present, many boys and girls were unable to talk and socialise without dutch courage.

But, if they grew up in an environment where boys and girls were people to each other, they might not have to get tanked up before meeting.

Taking up the point of drinking for courage, star Kilkenny hurler Eddie Keher said that sport could have a large role to play.

Sport helped people of all ages to accept a challenge and it cultivated real courage. He felt that young people could be encouraged more to participate in sport and if this were done much of the problem could be eliminated.

He said the power of a publicity campaign should not be underestimated.

Mr Keher criticised the traditional filling of the cup in under age competitions and said it should be totally discouraged.

Most Rev Dr Birch complimented the present Kilkenny hurling team for the example they were setting for young people.

He said that drink had always been a problem in Ireland but social changes had made the problem worse.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
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
Several rounds of winter weather will impact mid-Missouri this week, with a winter storm warning issued for parts of the region Wednesday. Lingering impacts to travel are expected Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

KOMU 8 First Alert Weather is tracking the system, which moves in Wednesday. Follow KOMU 8 First Alert Weather and download the KOMU 8 Weather app to stay up to date on how many inches of snow could be possible, predicted road conditions and more.

Avoid travel, but use these tips to prepare your vehicle

Drivers are strongly urged to limit travel during the upcoming winter storm. If travel is necessary, the American Automobile Association recommends drivers ensure their vehicle is prepared to drive on wintery roads.

Here's how AAA recommends preparing your vehicle:

Ensure your vehicle's battery health

Ensure proper air pressure and tread depth in tires

Maintain at least a half tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times

Maintain the condition of wiper blades

Make sure all lights work properly and are on to stay visible to other drivers

In addition to preventive maintenance, AAA suggests having a winter emergency kit in vehicles. Here's what should be in it:

Abrasive materials such as salt, sand or cat litter to gain traction on ice

Jumper cables

Snow shovels, ice scrapers and brushes,

Winter clothing and blankets for all passengers

A flashlight

Any necessary medication

A phone charger

Bottled water and nonperishable food

AAA is anticipating a 200% increase in emergency roadside service calls compared to normal, according to a news release by AAA. Dead and disabled batteries, slide-offs and crashes from slick roads and flat tires are expected to impact roadside assistance calls the most. Additional tow crews in major metro areas are being implemented to alleviate potential weather-related backlogs.

How to see Missouri winter road conditions

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

Traffic and road conditions in Missouri Via Missouri Department of Transportation Traveler Information Map

Missouri road conditions are available 24/7 on the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org on desktop and mobile devices. Drivers can also find road conditions by following MoDOT on Facebook and X or by calling 888-275-6636 to speak with a customer service representative.

Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends drivers increase following distance to at least five seconds from cars, because stopping quickly on roads during severe weather can be hazardous or impossible. Elevated roadways such as bridges and ramps may freeze faster, and roadways that appear wet could be icy. MSHP also recommends to not use cruise control during winter weather.

Troopers with MSHP urge drivers to pay attention to weather conditions and to avoid travel. When traveling, ensure vehicles are clean of snow, use headlights to increase visibility, and reduce speeds for ice or snow.

What to do if you're in a minor crash or slide-off

Should you be involved in a minor crash or slide off the road, the Missouri Department of Transportation says to remain in your vehicle with the seat belt buckled, and the American Red Cross provides these tips:

Stay in the vehicle and wait for help.

Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help, such as a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.

Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour with the heater on. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.

Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen.

Do light exercises to keep up circulation, such as clapping your hands and moving your arms and legs occasionally.

If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping.

Huddle together for warmth. You can wrap yourself in newspapers, maps, and even the removable floor mats to help trap more body heat, in addition to blankets from your emergency kit.

Avoid overexertion  shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

Winter weather safety checklist from the Red Cross Tips for staying safe on the road, at home and more during winter weather conditions and storms

Across the state, MoDOT has approximately 1,500 snow trucks that will be operating with crews working 12-hour shifts from before the snow starts until roads are in a mostly clear condition, according to a news release.

The MSHP emergency number is *55 on cell phones, and when called the nearest troop headquarters will be notified. Troopers will be available to assist during emergencies.
By Park Ung

The production crew of KBS upcoming drama, "The First Night With the Duke" (working title), is facing condemnation after driving nails into the Mandaeru Pavilion at Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province.

According to architect Min Sa-hong, who witnessed the incident and reported it to authorities, the team hammered five nails into the pavilions wooden pillars to hang six prop lanterns on Monday, leaving visible damage to the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Constructed in the 17th century, Byeongsan Seowon is an educational institution from the Joseon Kingdom (13921910). It is designated as a Historic Site in Korea and is included in two UNESCO World Heritage listings  Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong and Seowon, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies.

Min shared on Facebook that he spotted several drama props scattered around the site. "Production crews were driving nails into wooden pillars to hang lanterns ... Looking around, I noticed a few lanterns were already hanging from the pillars," he wrote.

According to Andong City, the nail marks were 2 to 3 millimeters thick and about 1 centimeter deep.

Under the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, damaging a designated or registered cultural heritage site can result in a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won ($34,000).

Read More Korea's seowon gain UNESCO heritage listing

In response, KBS issued an apology on Thursday, acknowledging the harm caused and vowing to aid in the restoration.

"We sincerely apologize for causing concern and are committed to restoring the heritage (site), discussing the best possible methods with authorities," KBS said.

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency also confirmed the incident on Friday, noting that it received a complaint against KBS for damaging the 453-year-old heritage site.

"It is a serious crime that KBS, a public broadcaster funded by public subscription fees, damaged cultural property for commercial purposes, the complaint stated.

"The First Night With the Duke" is a web novel-based period romance drama starring K-pop stars-turned-actors Seohyun and Ok Taec-yeon. Set for release in the first half of this year, the drama transports an ordinary university student into the world of her favorite romance novel. The adaptation reimagines a European-style romance fantasy into a Korean historical setting, leading the production team to film at Byeongsan Seowon.

This is not the first time Korean broadcasters have faced criticism for damaging cultural heritage sites.

In 2007, staff on KBS' epic drama "Dae Jo Yeong" drove nails into the walls and pillars of Mungyeongsaejae, a historical mountain pass known for its scenic beauty and significance as a key transportation route during the Joseon era. KBS apologized for the issue and promised to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The crew of SBS's Lovers in Prague was also accused of damaging the stone walls of Deoksu Palace by attaching paper props with silicone and then removing them with a chisel in 2005.
Korean crypto mogul Kwon Do-hyeong could face up to 130 years in prison if he is convicted of all fraud and other charges, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday, as he made his initial appearance in a New York court and pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Kwon, 33, entered the plea in a Manhattan federal court, the Associated Press and Reuters reported, as the co-founder of Terraform Labs has been facing allegations that he engaged in schemes to deceive investors to fraudulently inflate the value of Terraform's cryptocurrencies.

Citing his indictment, the Justice Department alleged that from 2018 to 2022, Kwon orchestrated schemes to defraud purchasers of Terraform cryptocurrencies, and that he made false and misleading claims about the stability and efficacy of Terraform's cryptocurrency stablecoin protocol and its use of blockchain technology, among other things.

The crash of Terraform's cryptocurrencies in May 2022 erased over US$40 billion in losses to numerous investors in the United States and around the world, according to the indictment.

Kwon's charges include commodities fraud, securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. If convicted of all those charges, Kwon faces a maximum penalty of 130 years in prison, the department said.

Kwon's case is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge John Cronan and will appear before the judge for an initial conference Wednesday, according to the department.

"Do Hyeong Kwon will now be held accountable in an American courtroom for, as alleged in court documents, his elaborate schemes involving Terraform's cryptocurrencies, which resulted in over $40 billion in investor losses," Attorney General Merrick Garland was quoted as saying in a press release.

"We secured this extradition despite Kwon's alleged attempt to cover his tracks by laundering proceeds of his schemes and trying to use a fraudulent passport to travel to a country that did not have an extradition treaty with the United States," the official added.

His extradition to the U.S. came nearly two years after Kwon was arrested in Montenegro in March 2023 for traveling on a fake passport. He was previously charged in the Southern District of New York in an initial indictment in March 2023.

Kwon had been wanted by both South Korea and the U.S. for an investigation on charges connected to the massive crash of TerraUSD and Luna coins run by his company.

Kwon had sought legal action in Montenegro to be repatriated to South Korea to face legal proceedings, but the Montenegrin court rejected his appeals. (Yonhap)
The top diplomats of South Korea and the United States will hold talks in Seoul early next week on the alliance, North Korea and other issues, Seoul's foreign ministry said Friday, in what would be the first such high-level diplomatic talks since President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul will meet one-on-one with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for bilateral talks in Seoul on Monday, the ministry said in a brief message to reporters.

Blinken is expected to make a two-day trip to Seoul beginning Sunday, a source said.

"The two sides will discuss bilateral alliance, trilateral cooperation involving Japan, North Korea, and regional and other global issues," the ministry said.

Blinken's upcoming visit comes at a time when South Korea is working to reassure its alliance with the U.S. and its standing as a reliable international partner, despite the political turmoil surrounding Yoon's impeachment over his brief martial law attempt early last month.

Yoon's abrupt martial law imposition sparked concerns that it could undermine Seoul's policy coordination with Washington in security and other issues, primarily North Korean threats.

It also raised worries that the incident might hinder the allies' efforts to further cement the trilateral partnership framework with Japan -- a key achievement touted by the U.S. Joe Biden administration.

Washington has reaffirmed its strong support for the "ironclad" alliance with South Korea, expressing confidence in the country's acting leadership, even after the parliament-led impeachment of former acting President Han Duck-soo, which came less than two weeks after Yoon's impeachment.

Cho is likely to use next week's meeting to reaffirm the commitment to the bilateral alliance and Washington's deterrence against North Korea. He is also expected to discuss with Blinken the deepening military ties between the North and Russia, as well as Pyongyang's troop deployment to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.

Cho may also take the opportunity to reaffirm South Korea's unwavering commitment to advancing the trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan.

According to diplomatic sources, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is also likely to visit South Korea on Jan. 13 for talks with Cho.

Hosting the top diplomats of the U.S. and Japan is expected to help alleviate concerns over diplomacy and set the stage for South Korea to demonstrate that it has the unwavering support from the two countries despite the political tumult.

For Blinken, the upcoming trip will be his final Asia tour as the top U.S. diplomat under the outgoing Biden administration. After his stop in Seoul, he is expected to travel to Japan.

Sources said that South Korea is also working with China and Japan to hold a three-way meeting among their foreign ministers in Japan as early as next month.

The meeting will come as part of preparations for an expected summit of the three countries' leaders. Japan is this year's host for the trilateral summit. (Yonhap)
The National Security Council (NSC) said Friday it has filed a complaint with police against 13 opposition lawmakers over their claims that the NSC had ordered the military to send a drone into Pyongyang last year.

The complaint was filed against Rep. Boo Seung-chan of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and 12 other DPK lawmakers for the alleged violation of the information and communications law.

The lawmakers have "seriously" damaged the NSC's reputation by spreading false information alleging that it ordered the Drone Operations Command to infiltrate Pyongyang with a drone and that National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik was directly involved in the matter, according to the presidential office.

The office said the DPK lawmakers made "baseless claims" without evidence, which constitute a criminal act that "endangers national security" and its legal action is aimed at restoring the NSC's reputation and preventing the spread of "fake news."

In October, North Korea claimed to have discovered the remains of unmanned aerial vehicles carrying anti-Pyongyang leaflets in its capital, accusing Seoul of sending the drones and warning of retaliation if such actions were repeated.

The military has maintained its stance of not confirming the alleged drone infiltration despite suspicions raised by the opposition bloc that the move was linked to preparations for President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law imposition on Dec. 3. (Yonhap)
By Jhoo Dong-chan

LIG Nex1 has entered into a contract with a government agency to introduce a next-generation defense communication system.

According to the private aerospace and defense firm on Thursday, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Defense Rapid Acquisition Technology Research Institute (DRATRI) to introduce the Mobile Ad-hoc NETworking (MANET) system.

DRATRI is a specialized research and development (R&D) institute established as part of Koreas Defense Innovation 4.0 initiative. The private-public joint venture is worth 15.3 billion won ($10.4 million) and will continue until 2027.

The MANET system is a defense communication technology for combat situations where there is no network infrastructure, LIG Nex1 said in a press release.

The system provides various battlefront information such as the on-field movement of combatants, vehicles and unmanned assets like drones via a terminal unit.

Under the deal, LIG Nex1 will develop three different types of terminal units: a terminal unit for surveillance drone assets, a portable communication terminal unit for combatants and a vehicle-attachable terminal unit.

DRATRI said the government defense R&D agency aims to complete the development of the MANET system for the nations combat brigades and smaller troops by 2027. The system is expected to be delivered to the nations military forces after six months of extensive testing.

A next-generation communication solution is a must for Koreas military forces as the world has entered into an arms race for artificial intelligence-based hyper-connected assets, LIG Nex1 said.

LIG Nex1 will continuously work closely with the government to contribute to strengthening military capabilities.
The Constitutional Court began the second preparatory hearing Friday for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, following his short-lived imposition of martial law last month.

Justices Cheong Hyung-sik and Lee Mi-son presided over the hearing and will decide whether to hold additional preparatory hearings before the formal trial on Yoon's impeachment by the National Assembly, sparked by his martial law bid on Dec. 3.

Ahead of the hearing, legal representatives from the National Assembly claimed an insurrection led by Yoon was ongoing, while Yoon's defense team rejected the notion of an insurrection.

"The insurrection is still not over and is ongoing," Rep. Jung Chung-rae told reporters outside the court. "The whole public is watching through live TV as insurrection leader Yoon Suk Yeol obstructs justice and doesn't respond to a court-issued warrant."

Investigators tried to detain Yoon earlier in the day but decided to suspend their attempt after an hourslong standoff with security personnel at his residence.

Meanwhile, Yoon's legal team called for "thoroughly" reviewing evidence to check for wrongdoing.

"Evidence must be thoroughly contested to see if there was actual wrongdoing," Bae Jin-han, one of Yoon's lawyers, said. "It is not advisable to use the term insurrection."

Yoon has denied charges he incited an insurrection by declaring martial law, arguing it was an "act of governance" and a warning against what he described as an abuse of legislative power by the main opposition Democratic Party.

He currently faces arrest after a court issued a warrant to detain him.

The Constitutional Court has 180 days to decide whether to uphold or dismiss the impeachment from the day it received the case on Dec. 14.

If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. If it is dismissed, he will be reinstated. (Yonhap)
Prosecutors on Friday indicted the top commander of the Army and the head of its special warfare unit over their alleged roles in the short-lived imposition of martial law last month.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, who served as martial law commander, and Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, chief of the Army Special Warfare Command, were indicted under detention on charges of insurrection and abuse of power, according to the prosecution.

Park issued the martial law decree under his name on Dec. 3, which investigators believe contains unconstitutional elements, such as a ban on all political activity.

Kwak is accused of sending special operations forces to the National Assembly under orders from President Yoon Suk Yeol to secure the building and prevent lawmakers from passing a motion to reject martial law.

Prosecutors deemed their actions to have intent to subvert the Constitution and amount to charges of insurrection. The two officials were placed under arrest last month. (Yonhap)
Police have raided Muan International Airport for the second day Friday over the deadly Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 people.

The Jeonnam Provincial Police were conducting search and seizure operations at the airport's office in southwest Korea as of early Friday to secure materials related to the plane crash.

Police also sent about 30 investigators to search the Seoul office of Jeju Air and the Muan office of the Busan Regional Office of Aviation at 9 a.m. Thursday, before they completed the operation at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. the same day, respectively.

Police were securing evidence related to the legitimacy of the airport's localizer, a concrete wall housing an antenna array located near the runway at the time, and the communication record between the control tower and the pilot shortly before the plane crash.

They are also looking to secure the surveillance camera near the runway, and records related to the operation and maintenance of the aircraft in question.

The search warrant was issued on charges of professional negligence resulting in death, officials said. (Yonhap)
Compensating victims will be challenging following Terraform Labs' bankruptcy approval

By Jun Ji-hye

Cryptocurrency investors in Korea welcomed the U.S. Justice Departments announcement that Do Kwon, the crypto tycoon involved in the 2022 collapse of TerraUSD and Luna coins, could face up to 130 years in prison if he is convicted of fraud and other charges.

The department made the announcement on Thursday (local time), saying the 33-year-old Korean national made his initial appearance in a New York court and pleaded not guilty to those charges.

On a Naver blog, where 2,750 victims gathered, was a statement welcoming the decision to punish the scammer in the United States.

On the cryptocurrency section on Blind, an anonymous community app for office workers in Korea, one investor wrote, I'm really relieved hes being extradited to the U.S. instead of Korea.

Comments, such as I now understand why Kwon made such a fuss about wanting to be extradited to Korea, and "Someone like him should face strong punishment in the U.S., have been posted.

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.

Such responses came as the United States has a consecutive sentencing system, where sentences for individual crimes are added together. In Korea where cumulative sentencing is adopted, the maximum sentence for economic crimes is around 40 years in prison.

According to the department, charges against Kwon include two counts of commodity fraud, each carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years; two counts of securities fraud, each carrying a maximum of 20 years; two counts of fraud using communication networks, each carrying a maximum of 20 years; two counts of conspiracy to commit commodity fraud, securities fraud and fraud using communication networks, each carrying a maximum of 5 years; and one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum of 20 years.

If convicted on all charges, Kwon could face a sentence of up to 130 years, according to the department.

Kwon will now be held accountable in an American courtroom for, as alleged in court documents, his elaborate schemes involving Terraforms cryptocurrencies, which resulted in over $40 billion in investor losses, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland was quoted as saying in a press release.

We secured this extradition despite Kwons alleged attempt to cover his tracks by laundering proceeds of his schemes and trying to use a fraudulent passport to travel to a country that did not have an extradition treaty with the United States.

The U.S. received Kwons custody from Montenegro on Tuesday, one year and nine months after he was arrested at the Podgorica International Airport on March 23, 2023.

The Korean government also requested the extradition of Kwon to secure his custody, and Kwon himself expressed a preference for being extradited to Korea instead of the U.S. However, his attempt was unsuccessful.

Before his criminal trial, Kwon had already lost a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in June of last year, agreeing to pay $4.47 billion in restitution and fines as compensation for the victims.

However, in September, Terraform Labs received approval for bankruptcy, stating that only between $184.5 million and $442.2 million could be paid to investors as part of the bankruptcy liquidation. This indicates that it will be difficult to pay the originally agreed-upon amount in fines.

The Korean court approved the confiscation of Kwons assets amounting to approximately 233.3 billion won ($159 million). However, it is expected that actual confiscation and recovery will be challenging.

There are about 200,000 victims in Korea, and the scale of the damages is estimated at around 300 billion won.


The legal team of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol claimed Friday that Yoon's impeachment trial does not warrant a ruling as he should have immunity from prosecution, citing the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Donald Trump.

In a document presented to the Constitutional Court in Yoon's impeachment trial, the legal team said Yoon exercised his due presidential power to handle a "national emergency situation" while declaring martial law on Dec. 3.

"As martial law was lifted in six hours, it did not restrict the people's basic rights," the document read. "Things were fully restored so that there is no need to judge the declaration itself."

Yoon's side pointed to the U.S. court ruling in July last year that said Trump cannot be prosecuted for actions that were within his constitutional powers as president.

In a 6-3 ruling, the justices threw out a lower court's decision that had rejected Trump's claim of immunity from multiple criminal charges, including his moves to undo his election failure to Joe Biden. It was the first decision recognizing any form of presidential immunity from prosecution.

Yoon has said his martial law imposition was an act of governance and cannot be subject to a court judgment.

The Constitutional Court said it would hold the first oral arguments for Yoon's impeachment trial on Jan. 14, as it wrapped up its preparatory proceedings earlier in the day.

On Dec. 14, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon. The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days to determine whether to remove Yoon from office or restore his powers.

Yoon is under probe for inciting an insurrection and abusing his presidential power with the martial law declaration. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

A heart-wrenching video showing the final moments of the pilot during the Jeju Air crash has surfaced online, evoking both sorrow and admiration for the pilots efforts in the face of what ultimately became a major aviation tragedy.

The footage captures what appears to be the pilot extending his hand toward the cockpits overhead panel moments before the aircraft collided with a localizer structure, a critical navigation aid.

A post titled "The Pilots Last Moments" circulated widely online on Jan. 2, with the author saying, "Until the very last second, his hand reached out to the cockpit panel. I believe he did his utmost."

The accompanying video shows a shadowy figure, presumed to be the pilot, reaching for the panel. While the identity of the figure in the video remains unconfirmed, many online commenters expressed their belief that the pilot made a valiant attempt to minimize the disaster.

The video has struck an emotional chord with viewers. Comments flooded forums, with many sympathizing with the immense fear and desperation the pilot must have felt.

"He managed a difficult belly landing perfectly, only to face a sudden concrete wall. Imagining his thoughts in those final moments brings tears to my eyes," one user wrote. Another said, "Seeing the wall approach while the plane continued forward ... the fear and helplessness must have been unimaginable."

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport noted in a briefing on Tuesday that if both engines fail, hydraulic systems can malfunction, potentially affecting the landing gear. "However, in complete system failure scenarios, there is a manual lever that can be used," a ministry official said.

Aviation experts suggested that the pilot likely resorted to manual controls during the crash. Jeong Yun-sik, a professor of aviation operations at Catholic Kwandong University, explained in an interview with CBSs "Kim Hyun-jungs News Show" that such scenarios demand immense physical effort.

"If both engines fail and hydraulic systems are nonfunctional, the pilot must rely on cable-based manual controls. This requires significant strength, and its possible both the captain and first officer were working together on the controls," he said.

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.
Concrete structure believed to have significantly exacerbated the accident's severity

By KTimes

A pilot with seven years of experience at Muan International Airport testified that he had never been informed about the existence of a concrete mound housing a localizer (instrument landing system) on the runway, nor had he been able to distinguish it from a dirt pile.

The concrete structure is believed to have significantly exacerbated the accident's severity, as the aircraft's collision with the solid mound during its belly landing is thought to have triggered the catastrophic explosion.

The pilot and flight instructor, who has used Muan Airport for seven years, told Yonhap News on Thursday, "Ive seen the mound from the air during countless takeoffs and landings and assumed it was a dirt pile. It never occurred to me that it was made of concrete."

He said, "There was no indication in the airport charts or separate guidance mentioning that the mound was a 2-meter-high, 4-meter-thick concrete structure. Other pilots were also unaware of its true nature."

He also addressed the bird strike issue, which has been suggested as a possible cause of the accident.

He said pilots regularly monitor bird activity using the Airport Terminal Information Service. "In my experience, bird strikes happen roughly once a year, typically affecting the wings. We always check weather conditions via frequency transmissions, and Muan airport has been issuing daily bird activity advisories lately, with air traffic controllers notifying us if birds are on the runway," he said.

The Jeju Air accident occurred last Sunday at 8:57 a.m. The control tower had issued a bird strike warning just before the aircraft attempted a belly landing. During the landing, the aircraft collided with the localizer's concrete mound, leading to an explosion. The crash resulted in the deaths of 179 passengers and injuries to two crew members.

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.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has visited the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to pay tribute to late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away earlier this week, Cho's office said Friday.

Cho visited the memorial space at the embassy Thursday and paid his respects to the late president, the foreign ministry said in a brief message to media.

"My deepest condolences to the Carter family and the American people on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter," Cho's message in the condolence book showed in a photo released by the ministry.

"We join in mourning this tremendous loss, honoring his lifelong service to international peace and prosperity. May he rest in eternal peace and may his legacy guide us to a brighter future," the message read. (Yonhap)
Korean investigators on Friday began lifting the wreckage of the Jeju Air plane that crashed five days ago, killing 179 people in the worst aviation disaster on its soil, AFP reporters saw.

The flight was carrying 181 passengers and crew from Thailand to South Korea on Sunday when it issued a mayday call and belly-landed before slamming into a barrier, killing all aboard except two flight attendants.

The exact cause of the flight's crash is still unknown, but investigators have pointed to a bird strike, faulty landing gear, and an installation at the end of the runway that the plane struck as possible issues.

Using a large yellow crane, investigators began lifting sections of the plane's burned-out wreckage, AFP reporters near the crash site saw, including what appeared to be an engine.

"Today, we will lift the tail section of the plane," Na Won-ho, South Jeolla provincial police's head of investigations, told a press conference at Muan International Airport where the crash happened.

"We expect there may be remains found in that section," Na said.

"For all that to be complete and to have the results, we must wait until tomorrow."

All 179 victims have been identified and some of the bodies have been released to families for funerals to begin.

But due to the nature of the crash, officials have warned that some of the bodies suffered extreme damage, and it was taking investigators time to piece them together, while also preserving crash site evidence.

More raids

Police had vowed to quickly determine the cause and responsibility for the disaster, while officers, soldiers and white-suited investigators combed the crash site.

But the transport ministry said it could take six months to three years to determine the precise cause of the crash.

Police conducted a series of raids on Thursday and Friday of the offices of Jeju Air and the Muan airport operator as they stepped up their probe.

Police were securing evidence from the airport's localizer  a concrete wall housing an antenna array  as well as the communication record between the control tower and pilot shortly before the plane crash, Yonhap reported.

Korea has also announced it will inspect all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by its carriers, focusing on the landing gear, which appears to have malfunctioned during the Sunday crash.

The investigation is headed by Korean air safety officials, with the assistance of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which frequently aids with probes into global plane crashes.

Relatives of the victims have flooded to the crash site to pay their respects and collect the belongings of their loved ones.

The country's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, who has only been in office for a week, said all victims were identified and more bodies had been handed over to relatives so they could hold funerals. (AFP)
Liberal groups file complaint against presidential security agency chief

By Lee Hae-rin

Some 11,000 far-right conservatives packed the streets in front of the presidential residence in Seoul, Friday, to protest the investigative authorities' attempt to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law order.

The Yoon supporters' rallies there have grown larger since the National Assembly's passage of his impeachment motion on Dec. 14, and their so-called 'protection' of the embattled president is likely to continue as investigations and the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial continue.

After it was known that investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) arrived at the residence at around 7:24 a.m., conservative groups, including the New Freedom Union, occupied around 300 meters of the four-lane road in front of the president's residence, waving Korean and U.S. flags. American flags have become a symbol for the conservatives at rallies as they say the flag represents the Korea-U.S. alliance.

Protect Yoon Suk Yeol! Way to go, the Presidential Security Service (PSS), they shouted. Nullify the impeachment, some cried, while many yelled, Arrest Lee Jae-myung, referring to the main opposition party leader.

They shouted that the investigators warrant was illegal and invalid.

Police deployed 2,700 personnel to prevent possible clashes and maintain order in the area.

Among the rally participants were conservative YouTubers livestreaming during the protest, with some of them cheering to news that PSS guards arrested the CIO investigators, which was later proven false.

Investigators withdrew around 1:30 p.m. after an hourslong standoff with security guards. The protesters then shouted with joy, with some saying they would stay the night there as investigators might come again.

In the meantime, civic groups, who supported Yoons impeachment, held rallies near the residence in the evening.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, one of the two major umbrella unions, launched a two-day intensive protest there.

A coalition of 1,549 liberal civic groups also filed a complaint against the PSS chief with the National Police Agencys National Office of Investigation, accusing him of abuse of power, concealing an offender and interfering with public officials' ability to exercise their duties.

The (PSS) interfered with the execution of detention warrants, just like the (presidential offices) last refusal to search and seizure, the group said. The detention of Yoon is a legitimate investigation procedure without concerns on the infringement of military and official secrets, it added.

The minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party also announced that it would file a complaint against Yoon, the chief and deputy chief of the PSS.

Yoon Suk Yeol is interfering with the legitimate execution of public affairs by treating security agencies and military security forces as if they were soldiers of a military regime, Kim Sun-min, the partys acting chair, said.
By KTimes

Many Cabinet members felt "frozen" during the meeting held just before the martial law declaration, unable to oppose President Yoon Suk Yeol for fear that the military might encircle and control them.

According to multiple government sources on Thursday, some Cabinet members expressed fears after the emergency Cabinet meeting, which was held at 10:17 p.m., Dec. 3.

One member was quoted as saying, "What if the military seizes my home?" Another said, "I was frozen at the very mention of martial law."

Yoon concluded the Cabinet meeting as a formality and immediately declared martial law.

A government official said, "When protests arose during post-martial law meetings in various ministries questioning why they had not strongly opposed the declaration, some Cabinet members admitted these fears."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said during a National Assembly session on Dec. 11, "All Cabinet members expressed opposition or concern during the meeting convened by President Yoon."

However, only two ministers  Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Choi Sang-mok and Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul  explicitly raised their hands to oppose the decision in front of the president.

Cho followed Yoon as he moved to the briefing room to declare martial law, urging him, "Martial law is absolutely unacceptable." Cho also revealed that he had received a note from Yoon during the meeting but had left it in the conference room.

According to the 2017 Defense Security Command's contingency martial law document, Cho would have been tasked with distributing materials justifying martial law to diplomatic missions at home and abroad. However, during the emergency staff meeting immediately following the declaration, he did not issue such orders.

The Supreme Court had previously ruled that during the May 17, 1980, emergency martial law declaration, the authoritarian military group coerced the president and Cabinet ministers.

Cho: 'No one understands how I feel'

During the Tuesday Cabinet meeting, Cho was one of the few ministers who supported Chois announcement of Constitutional Court justice appointments.

In contrast, Employment and Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, Science and ICT Minister Yoo Sang-im and Minister of Government Legislation Lee Wan-kyu strongly opposed Choi's decision.

Asked about his feelings on the situation as he arrived at his office on Thursday, Cho said, "I am doing everything I can to stabilize the government as quickly as possible," adding, "No one understands how I feel right now."

During the New Years ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cho also expressed his profound regret over the martial law incident.

"As we vividly experienced just a month ago, moments of crisis can arise without warning," he said, urging staff to take responsibility with a sense of ownership.

"Let us deeply reflect on how even the smallest mistake or oversight in diplomacy can lead to costly consequences and approach every matter with the utmost caution," he said.

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 Nam Hyun-woo

Business leaders in Korea reaffirmed their commitment to the countrys economic rebound in 2025 during a New Year gathering hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), pledging to transform the current challenges into opportunities through entrepreneurship.

According to the KCCI, Friday, approximately 600 CEOs, top executives and ranking officials of businesses, government and foreign embassies here attended the gathering at the KCCI headquarters in central Seoul.

The gathering, marking its 63rd edition this year, has been held annually since 1962, except for 1973. Most sitting presidents have attended the event, with the notable exception of former President Moon Jae-in, who was absent throughout his five-year presidency. President Yoon Suk Yeol also attended the 2023 and 2024 editions but missed this years gathering due to his suspension from office following impeachment.

Since the event took place during a national mourning period following the deadly Jeju Air plane crash on Dec. 29, the gathering began with a moment of silence for the victims and was held in a solemn atmosphere.

Despite the challenging circumstances, we proceeded with todays event as planned, KCCI Chairman Chey Tae-won said during his opening remarks. Since 1962, the New Year gathering has been held every year, except for one instance. This reflects our belief that, no matter the crisis, Koreas economy must not come to a standstill. I reiterate today that our efforts for the economy must never stop.

He added that if the current uncertainties persist, it will be difficult to predict the full extent of their impact, urging the government and politicians to support political stability. Chey pledged that businesses would make greater efforts to lay the foundation for future growth through fundamental innovation, enabling them to "exercise entrepreneurship by solving social problems through innovation."

More than 600 people attended the event, including Chey, acting President Choi Sang-mok and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun.

Among the business leaders in attendance were Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, along with other top executives from the countrys leading conglomerates.

Along with the KCCI, other heads of domestic economic federations attended, including Federation of Korean Industries Chairman Ryu Jin, Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Chairman Yoon Jin-sik, and Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik.

From the foreign community, American Chamber of Commerce in Korea Chairman James Kim and delegations from more than 50 embassies in Korea joined the event. From the labor community, Federation of Korean Trade Unions President Kim Dong-myeong attended.

In a statement, business federation heads emphasized that the key to overcoming the crisis and achieving recovery lies within businesses. They added, "If all economic entities unite and work together with a shared purpose, we can overcome the current difficulties."

Meanwhile, the Korea Federation of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) also held a separate New Year gathering in Yeouido, Seoul, urging the National Assembly to legislate laws to improve public livelihood and calling for the government to maintain an unwavering stance in implementing policies.
At least 30 people, including children, were killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes overnight and into Friday morning, hospital staff said, as sirens also sounded across Israel and stalled ceasefire talks were set to resume.

Staff at the Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital said more than a dozen women and children were killed in strikes that hit various places in Central Gaza, including Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al Balah. Dozens of people were also killed across the enclave the previous day, bringing the total of people killed in the past 24 hours to 56.

The Israeli army did not comment on the latest strikes. However, in a statement Friday, it said during the past day it had struck dozens of Hamas gathering points and command and control centers throughout Gaza, areas where Hamas had planned and executed attacks. The army said measures were taken to mitigate civilian harm, such as using precise munitions and aerial surveillance.

Strikes Thursday hit Hamas security officers and an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone. Among those killed early Friday was Omar al-Derawi, a freelance journalist. Associated Press reporters saw friends and colleagues mourning over his body at the hospital, with a press vest laid on top of his shroud.

Israelis also woke up to attacks early Friday morning. Israel said missiles were fired into the country from Yemen, which set off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and central Israel and sent people scrambling to shelters. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, though a faint explosion, likely either from the missile or from interceptors, could be heard in Jerusalem. Israel's army said a missile was intercepted.

As the attacks were underway, efforts at ceasefire negotiations were expected to resume Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said he had authorized a delegation from the Mossad intelligence agency, the Shin Bet internal security agency and the military to continue negotiations in Qatar. The delegation is leaving for Qatar on Friday.

The U.S.-led talks have repeatedly stalled during 15 months of war, which was sparked by Hamas-led militants Oct. 7, 2023 attack into Israel. The militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead.

Israels offensive in retaliation has killed over 45,500 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the dead. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its tally.

Israel's 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 percent of Gazas population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times. (AP)
TXT's Hueningkai is the latest celebrity to contribute to the families of the Jeju Air crash victims.

"Hueningkai donated 50 million KRW (around $34,012) on January 1 to support victims affected by the Jeju Air plane accident," announced the Korean Red Cross on January 3.

The organization noted that the generous donation will be used to support the families affected by the incident as well as assist in ongoing disaster recovery efforts.

"I felt immense sorrow upon hearing the sudden news of the accident. I wanted to offer even the smallest form of help to the bereaved families," said Hueningkai in a statement.

The Korean Red Cross has been on the ground since the tragedy occurred on December 29, with volunteers and staff sending psychological support counselors to victims.

The plane, a Boeing 737-800, had departed from Thailand and attempted to land at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea.

After an initial failed landing attempt, the plane received a bird strike warning, with the pilot issuing a distress signal before the plane came down with its front landing gear closed, overshooting the runway, and bursting into flames as it slammed into a concrete fence.

South Korea has announced a national period of mourning to honor the victims, which commenced on December 29 and ends on January 4.

Hueningkai joins a long list of celebrities who have contributed to the families of the victims, including BTS' J-Hope, Lovelyz's Jin, actor Im Si Wan, and comedian Din Din.
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.
GARDAI have renewed an appeal for a missing Laois woman on the 31st anniversary of her disappearance.

Today, 3 January 2025, marks the anniversary of the disappearance of 22-year-old Imelda Keenan from Mountmellick, who was last seen in Waterford city on Monday 3 January 1994.

Imelda had moved to Waterford and was living with her boyfriend. On the day she vanished, she left her apartment at 1.30 PM and walked down William Street onto Lombard Street.

The last confirmed sighting of Imelda was at the corner of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street, where she was seen crossing the street. Imelda was reported missing by her brother, Edward, the following day.

Despite extensive Garda investigations, there have been no further confirmed sightings of Imelda. If she is still alive, she would be 53 years old. Her heartbroken family gather every year at the spot where she was last seen and have campaigned tirelessly to keep her case to the forefront.

Superintendent Gavin Hegarty said today: "Imelda, 22 years old and originally from Mountmellick in County Laois, was a resident of Waterford city while pursuing her studies when she disappeared without a trace.

Imelda was known for her quiet demeanour, her love of music and her strong family ties. Despite extensive investigations spanning 31 years, the silence surrounding her fate remains unbroken. We continue to urge anyone with information or the ability to assist our investigation to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai at Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
PORTLAOISE ICA Guild hosted its annual Christmas party for residents of the local Sue Ryder Centre last week.

Festive games, music and food was the order of the day. The popular Round Tower Ramblers got everyone into the Christmas spirit with some great rousing tunes that everyone clapped and sang along to. Some of the guild members' grandchildren also sang, played instruments and performed Irish dancing.

The highlight of the party was the scrumptious supper that was provided by the members of the Portlaoise Guild.
New Delhi [India], January 3 (ANI): Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, has raised concerns about India's high fiscal deficit, stating that it is much more than other developing countries and hampering private investments.

In an interaction with ANI, Ahluwalia emphasized the urgent need for the government to make a clear roadmap for reducing the fiscal deficit of both central and state governments to enable the economy to achieve its growth ambitions.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh Shocker: Social Media Content Creator Ankur Nath Dies by Suicide on Instagram Live As Followers Watch in Horror in Janjgir Champa.

He flagged off the need for a clear roadmap to reduce the fiscal deficit. Referring to the government's fiscal targets, he said, "The finance minister has indicated a target of 4.5 per cent for the coming year, but reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio substantially, as initially planned, would require even greater cuts. I'm unsure what the government's plan is on that front."

He said, "India's fiscal deficit is significantly higher than other developing nations, which squeezes resources away from private investment."

Also Read | 'Tum Sitting Ka Matlab Nahi Samjhe?': 'The Kapil Sharma Show' Actress Upasana Singh Opens Up About Disturbing Casting Couch Experience, Reveals South Director Invited Her to Hotel at Night.

Combining the central and state fiscal deficits, the total deficit is estimated to be close to 8 per cent of GDP, more than twice that of other developing nations.

He added "So if you want a private investment-led economy, then I think that's the only way you're going to get 8 per cent growth. You have to cut down the fiscal deficit. It isn't just the deficit of the centre. Most people talk about the centre. It's also the fiscal deficit of the states. And the states have been running higher fiscal deficits"

Ahluwalia pointed out that the state governments often disguise their deficits by borrowing under the guise of public sector enterprises, which adds to the fiscal burden.

Ahluwalia also called for a review of state expenditures, particularly politically motivated freebies and subsidies. While acknowledging that some expenditures are essential, he suggested reallocating funds from less critical areas to more productive uses.

For instance, he criticized the fertilizer subsidy, arguing that it benefits the fertilizer industry more than farmers, while excessive fertilizer use harms soil health.

He said "I mean for example a lot of economists will tell you that the amount of money that we are spending today on fertilizer subsidy is only helping the fertilizer industry. As far as the farmer is concerned excess use of fertilizer is only kind of damaging the soil".

On India's economic growth, he observed that the current growth rate hovers around 6.5 per cent, with international forecasts predicting a similar trajectory. However, for India to achieve its "Viksit Bharat" vision by 2047 and transition from a middle-income to an upper-income country, the growth rate needs to rise to 8-10 per cent. He urged the government to outline and implement strategies to meet these ambitious targets.

Ahluwalia's remarks highlight the need for fiscal prudence and strategic economic planning to steer India towards sustained high growth. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
VMPL

New Delhi [India], January 3: As India's e-commerce industry continues its rapid expansion, businesses are increasingly seeking innovative and reliable logistics solutions. Enter Lorrigo, a logistics aggregator platform designed to simplify the complexities of shipping for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands. By offering a range of customizable e-commerce logistics services like D2C deliveries, Part Truck Load Services and International Shipping, Lorrigo is positioning itself as a key player in empowering the next wave of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and online retailers.

Also Read | Chinese New Year 2025: What Does 'Year of the Wood Snake' Mean? Chinese Zodiac Predictions and What to Expect in the Lunar Year.

Founded by Nishant Singh, along with 2 of his college mates with deep expertise in logistics and technology, Nishant recognized the challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses in managing their logistics operations. His journey of working at his homegrown transportation business, which has held roots for the past 35 years of managing their own fleet of trucks in the NCR region and understanding the industry's intricacies led him to create a platform that would simplify the process for growing businesses.

"Our passion for solving real-world problems and empowering D2C brands has been the driving force behind this venture". Singh says. We are committed to creating an ecosystem where businesses can scale without worrying about logistics inefficiencies. By constantly innovating and focusing on customer-centric solutions, we have built a platform that truly caters to the needs of MSMEs.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh Shocker: Social Media Content Creator Ankur Nath Dies by Suicide on Instagram Live As Followers Watch in Horror in Janjgir Champa.

The rise of these new-age businesses comes with its own set of challenges. Sellers want to focus on selling their products, not managing the complexities of shipping and logistics. This is where Lorrigo comes in. The platform is designed to offer multiple courier options, on-time pickups, lower delivery turnaround times (TAT), and seamless remittance -- all in one place. By addressing these pain points, Lorrigo allows D2C brands to stay focused on growing their businesses without being bogged down by logistical challenges.

A critical factor for any business that handles deliveries is customer support. Whether through phone support, Zoom calls, or Direct Messaging, Lorrigo ensures that its users have access to real-time assistance whenever needed.

Lorrigo is also committed to resolving some of the common issues faced by e-commerce businesses, such as weight discrepancies and order cancellations. By providing customers with detailed shipment tracking, real-time updates, and guidance on packaging and order creation, Lorrigo ensures that its clients experience fewer disruptions and delays. Furthermore, the platform offers on-time COD (Cash on Delivery) remittance, further solidifying its reliability.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Expansion

The future for Lorrigo is bright, with plans to expand beyond traditional shipping services. As the company grows, it has started focusing on, Same Day Deliveries and Part Truck Load movements, to create a one-stop-shop for all logistics needs. This will further differentiate Lorrigo from existing players in the market.

Lorrigo is well-positioned to tap into the massive opportunity in India's rapidly growing e-commerce market. With its focus on simplifying the logistics process, providing excellent customer support, and offering a flexible, user-friendly platform, Lorrigo is empowering new-age D2C brands to scale their businesses effectively. As India's e-commerce sector continues to expand, Lorrigo's role in streamlining logistics will be a critical factor in ensuring that businesses can meet the growing demand and succeed in a competitive marketplace.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(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 3 (ANI): The central government's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes could generate an incremental revenue of USD 459 billion over the next 5-6 years across more than 720 companies, according to a report by Goldman Sachs.

The schemes aim to enhance manufacturing capabilities, reduce imports, boost exports, and create employment across various sectors. It said "Over 720 companies could drive incremental revenue of USD 459bn over 5-6 years"

Also Read | Fabian Marozsan Beats Top Seed Andrey Rublev at ATP Hong Kong Open 2025.

The report data highlighted that in the energy transition segment, three projects in Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries are set to achieve USD 24.7 billion in revenue with USD 2.3 billion in incentives, representing a 9.2 per cent incentive-to-revenue ratio.

The automobile and auto components sector, with 95 projects, has already achieved USD 1.3 billion in incremental sales, backed by USD 3.2 billion in incentives.

Also Read | Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday & Other Bollywood Actresses Embrace Comfort and Style with Sweatshirts! (View Pics).

Meanwhile, 14 solar photovoltaic (PV) module projects are expected to generate USD 64.6 billion in revenue with USD 3 billion in incentives. Additionally, the green hydrogen sector has 34 projects with USD 2.2 billion in incentives, and Ashoka Buildcon has announced a USD 1.08 billion investment in this area.

For import substitution, 32 projects in large-scale electronics manufacturing are projected to deliver USD 130.1 billion in revenue with USD 4.8 billion in incentives, achieving a 3.7 per cent incentive-to-revenue ratio.

The IT hardware sector expects USD 24.8 billion in revenue from USD 2.1 billion in incentives. The telecom and networking products sector has already achieved USD 8.3 billion in sales, including USD 1.5 billion in exports, following USD 480 million in investments.

Other sectors such as white goods, drug intermediaries, and speciality steel are also making significant contributions to reduce imports and boost domestic manufacturing.

To increase exports and employment, the pharmaceutical sector, with USD 1.9 billion in incentives, is expected to generate USD 24.9 billion in revenue.

The textiles sector, supported by USD 1.3 billion in incentives, is targeting USD 24.2 billion in revenue, while food products are set to generate USD 15 billion in revenue with USD 1.4 billion in incentives.

In the semiconductor space, USD 9.5 billion in incentives are projected to drive USD 53.1 billion in revenue.

But despite the promising outlook, the report noted that growth across PLI sectors has been uneven. As of August 2024, incremental sales across all sectors stood at USD 150 billion, with a significant portion driven by mobile phone manufacturing.

Sectors such as telecom, pharmaceuticals, and white goods have shown the most progress, while medical devices, textiles, and auto components have lagged behind.

To address these challenges, the government has been proactive in refining allocation, broadening the scope of PLIs, and adjusting approval criteria to improve incentive disbursements and enhance local value addition.

The report noted that while most projects are in the investment phase, production is expected to ramp up significantly by FY25, leading to a higher disbursement of incentives in the coming years. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jamnagar (Gujarat) [India], January 3 (ANI): Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, spoke passionately about the deep emotional connection the Ambani family shares with Jamnagar, describing it as the "soul of Reliance."

She was addressing an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic Jamnagar Refinery.

Also Read | Chinese New Year 2025: What Does 'Year of the Wood Snake' Mean? Chinese Zodiac Predictions and What to Expect in the Lunar Year.

"Jamnagar is not just a place. It is the soul of Reliance. It holds a very deep and dear place in our hearts," Nita Ambani said, capturing the sentiment of the occasion.

Reflecting on the personal and familial significance of Jamnagar, she spoke about the role the city has played in shaping the journey of Reliance. She highlighted its connection to Kokilaben Ambani, Dhirubhai Ambani, Mukesh Ambani, and the younger generation of the family.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh Shocker: Social Media Content Creator Ankur Nath Dies by Suicide on Instagram Live As Followers Watch in Horror in Janjgir Champa.

"For Kokila Mummy, it is her Janmabhoomi--the land of her birth, representing her roots and values. She is here with us today, and all this has been possible only because of her blessings. Thank you, Mummy, for everything you do for us," she said.

Speaking about Dhirubhai Ambani, the visionary founder of Reliance, she called Jamnagar his Karmabhoomi, symbolizing his vision, dreams, and dedication. "Yesterday was Papa's 92nd birthday. I am sure he is showering his blessings on all of us here in Jamnagar," she added.

She also expressed gratitude for Mukesh Ambani's role in realizing Dhirubhai's dream of building the world's largest grassroots refinery in Jamnagar, describing it as his Shraddha Bhoomi--the land of devotion and respect.

Lastly, Nita Ambani highlighted the connection of the younger generation, particularly Anant Ambani, to Jamnagar. She referred to it as his Sewa Bhoomi--the land of service and compassion, symbolizing his commitment to giving back to society.

The event not only marked a milestone for the Jamnagar Refinery but also highlighted the Ambani family's enduring bond with the region that has played an important role in Reliance's legacy.

Reliance's Jamnagar refinery, which happens to be the conglomerate's first, turned 25 years old last week. Twenty-five years ago, on December 28, 1999, Reliance launched its first refinery at Jamnagar.Jamnagar has become the world's refining hub - an engineering marvel that is India's pride.

At that time, many experts had said that it would be impossible for an Indian company to set up the world's largest refinery in three years. But Reliance managed to achieve that in a record time of just 33 months, notwithstanding the lack of infrastructure and a severe cyclone that had hit Jamnagar then.

Leading world-class project consultants advised Dhirubhai Ambani against investing in the desert-like region that did not have roads, electricity, or even sufficient drinking water. They had warned that mobilising manpower, materials, technical experts and every other input in such wilderness would require extraordinary efforts.

Dhirubhai defied all the naysayers and went ahead with his dream. He wanted to create not just an industrial plant but a Nandanwan. Between 1996 and 1999, he and his highly motivated team went on to create an engineering marvel at Jamnagar.

Today, the Jamnagar refinery complex houses some of the world's largest units such as the Fluidised Catalytic Cracker (FCC), Coker, Alkylation, Paraxylene, Polypropylene, Refinery Off-Gas Cracker (ROGC), and Petcoke gasification plants. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
PNN

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 3: Klassroom Edutech, the world's first AI-powered "Education OTT Platform," has successfully raised growth capital in its latest funding round led by ah! Ventures, with participation from LetsVenture, Hem Securities, Meteor Ventures, and Growth Sense Fund. Klassroom Edutech, founded by fampreneurs Alka Javeri, Dhruv Javeri, and Dhumil Javeri, is transforming education through its AI-driven Education OTT platform and a network of 200+ offline learning centers, serving over 500,000 students across 600 cities.

Also Read | India Added 17.9 Crore Jobs in Last 10 Years: BJP Spokesperson Sanju Verma (Watch Video).

Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty, who invested in Klassroom in 2023, continues to back the company's vision to make education more accessible and affordable.

Klassroom's profitability not only signals its robust business model but also positions the company for a potential public offering in the near future.

Also Read | South Africa vs Pakistan Live Score Updates of 2nd Test 2024-25 Day 1: Temba Bavuma Wins Toss, South Africa Choose to Bat First.

The platform, based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aligned with the vision of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, provides students with a wide range of learning experiences. Since its launch, Klassroom's OTT app has gained over 50,000 subscribers in its first year, demonstrating its rapid adoption.

The app offers a holistic learning ecosystem with content ranging from academics and skill-based training for industry jobs to career courses, language learning, and more.

The company has delivered 7X wealth growth to its investors in just three years and projected 3X YOY growth, with revenues consistently growing. Klassroom is already profitable, a significant achievement in the sector. Strategic government partnerships and implementation projects are further driving the company's scalability and enabling it to impact more learners across India.

Klassroom has recently signed an MOU with the Government of Rajasthan to serve 3 lakh students and 3,000 schools through its skill development courses, further strengthening its commitment to empowering learners and making them job-ready according to industry requirements.

Commenting on the investment, Amit D Kumar, Senior Partner at ah! Ventures, said, "We are very proud of what the Klassroom team has achieved so far and delighted to be a part of their journey since their early days. Education is a sector we have also believed and backed and I am sure there are more exciting milestones which Klassroom is on their way to achieve".

Pranav Mahajani, from LetsVenture, added, "At LetsVenture, we are committed to supporting transformative solutions that democratise access to education. Klassroom's innovative hybrid model, combining their Education OTT platform with offline learning centres, addresses critical challenges of accessibility, affordability, and accountability in education. We believe Klassroom is poised to redefine the future of learning in India and beyond, and we are proud to be part of their growth journey."

Alka Javeri, Co-founder of Klassroom Edutech, said, "This funding reinforces the trust our investors have in our mission to make quality education accessible to all. By combining technology and content aligned with NEP 2020, we are empowering students with holistic learning experiences."

The global e-learning market, estimated at $250 billion in 2020, is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2027.

The company's vision statement underscores its belief: "AI will revolutionize education with OTT and impact millions of students."

Klassroom Edutech has had the privilege of interacting with the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Droupadi Murmu, in recognition of its significant impact on education. These esteemed interactions have further strengthened Klassroom's commitment to transforming education in India and beyond, aligning with national goals to provide accessible, high-quality education for all.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], January 3 (ANI): India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Naresh Kumar on Friday said that there would be an active western disturbance lying over the western Himalayan region.

Speaking to ANI, Kumar said "There is an active western disturbance which lies over the western Himalayan region. There will be light to moderate snowfall in the western Himalayan region in the next 4-5 days. We may even expect heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir on January 4 and 5. Adjoining plains can also experience light to moderate rainfall."

Also Read | Indian Technology Industry Grows 3.8% at USD 254 Billion in FY24, Employs 5.43 Million People.

Speaking on the weather conditions in Delhi, the scientist said that light rainfall was expected in the city on January 6.

"Light rainfall is expected in Delhi on January 6. Cold wave will continue in the northern states. Temperature might rise by two to three degrees in the next two to three days ..." he further added.

Also Read | PLI Scheme Boost: Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors Secure INR 246 Crore Incentive Claims for Automobile and Auto Components Industry.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Rajasthan in North West India witnessed a temperature drop.

In Jaipur, a dense layer of fog blanketed the city, reducing visibility while the temperature was recorded at 10.2 degrees Celsius. In Jaisalmer, the temperature was recorded at 9.6 degrees Celsius, 6.8 degrees Celsius in Sriganganagar, 7 degrees Celsius in Udaipur, 9.2 degrees Celsius in Bikaner, and 7.8 degrees Celsius in Churu, according to IMD data recorded at 5:30 am on Friday.

In Jammu and Kashmir, coldwave conditions persisted, with temperatures plunging below zero in many areas. The cold weather has caused the surface of Dal Lake to remain frozen.

At 8:30 am, Srinagar recorded a temperature of -1.2 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, -3.8 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam, 3.6 degrees Celsius in Banihal, and -1 degree Celsius in Kupwara, as per IMD.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius on Friday, with a thin layer of fog covering parts of the national capital. The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital deteriorated from 'poor' to 'very poor.'

Cold Wave is considered when the minimum temperature of a station is 10 degrees Celsius or less for plains and 0 degrees Celsius or less for hilly regions, as per the IMD. (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 3 (PTI) Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor has written to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena requesting legal action against Delhi Mayor Mahesh Khichi over the alleged discovery of dual registration as a voter of his wife.

Kapoor, in a letter on Friday, alleged that Khichi's wife had been registered as a voter under two different names at the same address and with the same photo.

Also Read | Delhi Election 2025 Date: When Is Delhi Assembly Elections? How Many Seats Did AAP, BJP and Congress Win in Last Polls?.

He called for an inquiry into the issue, highlighting that both "Nidhi" and "Mamta" are listed as the mayor's wives in the voter list for the Karol Bagh assembly constituency.

Responding to the allegations, Khichi told PTI, "I only have one wife, Nidhi. We don't know who Mamata is or how she is registered at my address. It must be a clerical mistake on their part. The Election Commission should look into it and make the necessary corrections."

Also Read | Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Congress Fields Alka Lamba From Kalkaji Seat Against Delhi CM and AAP Nominee Atishi Marlena.

Khichi said he got to know about the anomaly only yesterday after the BJP flagged it.

"In fact, I am told there could be more individuals registered at my address. I will approach the Election Commission to get it corrected."

The BJP on Thursday fired a salvo at the Aam Aadmi Party, claiming some of its party leaders have dual registration as voters.

"A very important issue involving the first citizen of Delhi, the Mayor of Delhi Mahesh Khichi, forces me to write this letter to you and demand legal action against the Mayor.

"Sir, it has come to my knowledge that the Mayor Mahesh Khichi, who resides in a small house, F-12 in Nehru Nagar, which is listed in the Voter List of Part 40 under the Karol Bagh assembly constituency, also lists two women as his wife," Kapoor said in his letter.

He said that "at the same address" two women  Nidhi and Mamta  are listed as voters with the same EPIC address, claiming to be the mayor's wife.

"Such registration is not permissible, and if these names refer to the same person under different identities, it constitutes an illegal act," he wrote.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 3 (ANI): The festivities for Maha Kumbh 2025 have already begun with the devotees participating in morning Ganga 'aartis'.

The 'aartis' are not only limited to the renowned ghats of Prayagraj but can be witnessed all across the flood plains of the Sangam.

Also Read | 'Today Is Important Day for Delhi's Development': PM Narendra Modi Ahead of Inauguration of Development Works.

Women participated in a special Ganga Aarti at the Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj earlier. The ritual also served as a rehearsal for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.

"Today a special aarti was performed. It was a rehearsal for the Kumbh Mela. The boys will perform Triveni Aarti and the girls will perform the Ganga Aarti. We hope that these children performing the Aarti are motivated by everyone... We want to give a message that there are no limitations in Sanatana Dharma," Pradeep Pandey, Prayagraj Teerth Purohit, told ANI.

Also Read | Delhi Fog: Dense Fog Engulfs National Capital, Reducing Visibility; Trains Delayed, Flight Operations Affected Due to Haze (Watch Videos).

The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years and a huge turnout of devotees is expected in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. The main bathing rituals, known as the Shahi Snan (royal baths), will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

To prevent mishaps, the district administration has been taking important steps to ensure the safety of the devotees, especially for crowd management and avoiding fire incidents.

The district administration has inaugurated new fire stations ahead of the Maha Kumbh celebrations, where at least 365 vehicles have been deployed to ensure quick response in case of fire. Moreover, the officials have been asked to carry out awareness campaigns and mock drills so that commoners don't panic in case of a small fire incident.

ADG Fire Padmaja Chauhan said that the officials tasked to spread awareness will also teach the people to handle such fire incidents.

"We have informed the officers to go to the tents, spread awareness and carry out mock drills. If there is any small fire incident, people should not panic. The officers will also teach the people how to handle such fire," she added.

This time, for Maha Kumbh, the administration has opted for technological tools along with the deployment of personnel to ensure the safety of the devotees. Chauhan informed that the administration has increased the manpower and has deployed Quick Response Vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) that can run on any kind of terrain, firefighting robots and fire mist bikes.

The administration was also bringing in firefighting boats, which will be ready to be deployed in a week, Chauhan said, adding that the boats will use water from the river to douse the blaze.

Meanwhile, taking a digital leap, the Prayagraj division of North Central Railway has launched an innovative initiative to simplify the ticketing process through modern technology.

During the Maha Kumbh, dedicated railway personnel from the Commercial Department will be deployed at Prayagraj Junction and other key locations. These personnel will be easily identifiable by their green jackets, which will feature a QR code printed on the back.

Pilgrims can simply scan this QR code using their mobile phones to download the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile app. This app allows travellers to book unreserved tickets without standing in long queues.

This groundbreaking initiative is set to reduce crowding at railway stations, enabling pilgrims to purchase tickets seamlessly. With digital payment options integrated into the process, it promises to save time and deliver a hassle-free experience for the millions of devotees expected to attend the Mahakumbh. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, January 3: The henchman of infamous gangster Chhota Rajan, wanted for murder, kidnapping, and illegal possession of weapons, has been arrested by the Mumbai Police, officials said. The accused had been on the run for the last 32 years. According to the police, the arrested accused who has been absconding for decades has been identified as Raju Vikanya alias Vilas Balram Pawar.

Pawar was arrested after Mumbai Police received information about his whereabouts. The police said that he was spotted in the Chembur area of Mumbai on Thursday. As soon as the police received the information, they went to Chembur and arrested him. Chhota Rajan Photo: First Pic of Underworld Don Imprisoned in Delhi's Tihar Jail Surfaces Online 9 Years After His Arrest Amid Death Rumours.

Many cases of murder, ransom kidnapping, and illegal possession of weapons are registered against the accused in different police stations in Mumbai. He was to be presented in a sessions court in the metropolitan.

Earlier in October, The Bombay High Court granted bail to gangster Chhota Rajan in the 2001 Jaya Shetty murder casey. Earlier, he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for this crime. The divisional bench, led by Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan, set bail at Rs 1 lakh. Mumbai: Poster Wishing Underworld Don Chhota Rajan on His Birthday Comes Up in Malad, Six Booked.

In 2023, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court acquitted Rajan of orchestrating the high-profile murder of renowned Mumbai trade union leader Dr Datta Samant, who was shot dead in 1997. However, Chhota Rajan is not likely to be released from jail anytime soon, as he is facing trial in several other cases in various cities.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Gorakhpur (UP), Jan 3 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday that purifying water using natural methods will not only ensure river cleanliness but also result in savings of crores of rupees.

According to an official statement, the chief minister inaugurated a municipal corporation project worth Rs 2.70 crore to purify wastewater entering the Rapti River using the natural method of phytoremediation.

Also Read | 'HMPV Outbreak' in China: Indian Health Officials Say 'No Need To Worry' Amid 'Rise' in COVID-Like Human Metapneumovirus.

Addressing the gathering at the event, Adityanath said, "Water purification through natural methods will clean the rivers and also save crores of rupees. There will be no electricity costs or maintenance expenses involved in this method."

During the ceremony held at Takia Ghat, the chief minister praised the initiative, saying, "The efforts made by the municipal corporation to keep the Rapti River in Gorakhpur clean, continuous, and beautiful are commendable. This is a significant step taken to preserve fertility and life."

Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: Apply for 34 Senior Superintending Engineer and Other Posts of IIT Kanpur Recruitment 2025 at iitk.ac.in, Know Recruitment Process and Other Details.

He emphasised the importance of clean water, stating, "Great people have always considered water as life. From 1977 to 2017, around 50,000 innocent children in Gorakhpur and Eastern Uttar Pradesh lost their lives to encephalitis and vector-borne diseases caused by contaminated water."

Adityanath said contaminated water and filth were the primary causes of deaths due to viral diseases. He highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, the Swachh Bharat Mission was implemented nationwide.

Urban areas witnessed the implementation of the Amrit Mission for clean drinking water, while rural areas benefitted from the Jal Jeevan Mission, he said.

Through the 'Har Ghar Nal' scheme, clean drinking water is now being supplied to every household, he said.

"Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts to preserve the river culture began with the Namami Gange project. Today, as a result, the world's largest religious and spiritual gathering, the Maha Kumbh, will be held on Uttar Pradesh's soil, at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, from January 13 to February 26," the chief minister said.

"Gorakhpur is situated along the banks of the Rapti and Rohini rivers. Efforts are being made to purify these rivers, which are the origin of our civilization and culture," he said.

He noted that earlier, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had been imposing penalties on the municipal corporation due to the discharge of polluted water into the Rapti River.

"The municipal corporation had proposed constructing an STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) at a cost of Rs 110 crore. We suggested adopting a natural method of water purification instead. Today, the positive results are for everyone to see," he said.

The chief minister said that following natural water purification, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) has reached a pure state, with the BOD level at the discharge point recorded at 22.

"If all drains and sewers connected to drainage systems are managed similarly, we can use this natural model to achieve better outcomes at lower costs and ensure the purity of water, which is essential for life," he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Amritsar, Jan 3 (PTI) Amritsar Commissionerate Police on Friday claimed to have busted a cross-border drug and weapon smuggling cartel with the arrest of 12 people.

Among those arrested includes alleged kingpin Manjeet Singh alias Bhola from Jhanjoti village in Ajnala, officials said.

Also Read | Delhi Election 2025 Date: When Is Delhi Assembly Elections? How Many Seats Did AAP, BJP and Congress Win in Last Polls?.

Police teams have seized 2.19 kg of heroin, three sophisticated pistols including two automatic and Rs 2.60 lakh drug money from their possession, besides, impounding their Toyota Fortuner car, they said.

The accused Manjeet, who is a key player, was in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers/handlers and was receiving consignments of drugs and weapons from across the border, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said in a statement.

Also Read | Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Congress Fields Alka Lamba From Kalkaji Seat Against Delhi CM and AAP Nominee Atishi Marlena.

Investigations revealed that consignments were being dropped at Ramdas and Ajnala border sectors with the help of drones, he said.

The DGP said that further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in the case.

Amritsar Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that based on a tip-off about the accused Aniket being into the drug smuggling business, police teams apprehended him.

Aniket's arrest unearthed the entire network and led to the arrest of kingpin Manjeet and all the accomplices from different locations, the officer said.

He said among the arrested five were apprehended from Jammu and Kashmir with the help of J&K Police.

The officer said Manjeet was using the house of another arrested woman Babli, who is an Anganwari worker, to store the consignments and was using his accomplices to distribute further.

Further investigations are underway to uncover the entire network and more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

(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 3 (PTI) India on Friday said Pakistan must effectively tackle the issue of terrorism for the two sides to move forward in ties as it highlighted Islamabad's policy of using terror as an instrument of state policy.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this when asked about Pakistani deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar's remarks on Thursday about the need for joint efforts for the resumption of bilateral trade.

Also Read | Gwalior Shocker: Man Kills Wife After Argument in Thatipur, Secretly Burns Her Body in Morena Before Dumping Her Ashes in Rajasthans Chambal River; Arrested.

"The relevant T-word is terrorism, not tango," Jaiswal said when asked about Dar's remarks at a media briefing.

Asked at a press conference on Thursday about the possible resumption of trade between India and Pakistan, Dar said: "As far as India is concerned, it takes two to tango."

Also Read | Gurugram Job Scam: Fraudsters Dupe Man Hailing From Dundahera of INR 26 Lakh on Pretext of Job for His Sister at Delhi University, 2 Arrested.

Dar is also Pakistan's foreign minister.

"I think it cannot be one-way, that we will do everything. If there is goodwill from India, then we are ready. But it has to be both sides," the Pakistan deputy prime minister said.

The ties between India and Pakistan came under severe strain after India's warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack.

Following the Pulwama attack, India withdrew the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status for Pakistan and imposed 200 per cent duties on imports from that country.

Pakistan suspended trade with India and downgraded diplomatic ties after New Delhi withdrew the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.

India has been maintaining its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism and remained firm on its position of not having any talks with Islamabad until it stops cross-border terrorism.

However, there were indications of some positive approach in 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 frosty ties between the two neighbours.

(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 3 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Savitribai Phule, who came from a backward community and is considered an iconic woman social reformer, on her birth anniversary on Friday, lauding her as a pioneer in education and social reform.

Modi said in a post on X, "She is a beacon of women's empowerment and a pioneer in the field of education and social reform. Her efforts continue to inspire us as we work to ensure a better quality of life for the people."

Also Read | Chhattisgarh Shocker: Social Media Content Creator Ankur Nath Dies by Suicide on Instagram Live As Followers Watch in Horror in Janjgir Champa.

Married to Jyotiba Phule, a revered social reformer himself, Savitribai Phule was born in 1831 in Maharashtra and considered by many as India's first woman teacher due to her pioneering work for educating women -- especially from deprived groups -- when it was considered a taboo.

(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 3 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by Karnataka Congress MLA T D Rajegowda against a BJP leader's plea making "vague allegations" against him.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said there was no reason to entertain Rajegowda's plea as he could raise grievances before the Karnataka High Court, when the evidence in the election petition was produced.

Also Read | Delhi Election 2025 Date: When Is Delhi Assembly Elections? How Many Seats Did AAP, BJP and Congress Win in Last Polls?.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Rajegowda, said BJP's D N Jeevaraja had levelled some "vague allegations" in the election petition filed in the high court such as the use of black money without any evidence.

"Initially, we were also concerned about the vague allegations but the law provides for evidence to be produced during the proceedings," the bench said.

Also Read | Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: Congress Fields Alka Lamba From Kalkaji Seat Against Delhi CM and AAP Nominee Atishi Marlena.

Jeevaraja moved the high court challenging Rajegowda's election to the Sringeri assembly seat in Chikmagalur district during the 2023 polls.

In a similar plea moved by Rajegowda in 2024, the top court allowed him to raise objections to the averment made before the high court at an appropriate stage.

The bench told Divan its earlier order on September 27, 2024, took care of Rajegowda's concern and court would be contradicting its own order if it now entertained his plea and passed directions.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Over the course of eight decades, at least 14 separate hoards of Iron Age metalwork have been recovered from a single field at Snettisham in Norfolk. Now, following the publication of a new book describing the excavation, conservation, and scientific investigation of these spectacular finds, Jody Joy and Julia Farley describe how they came to be discovered, and reveal some of the secrets that have come to light since then.

Overlooking the gold field near Snettisham in winter 1990; this landscape has produced at least 14 separate Iron Age metalwork hoards.

Ken Hill, near the village of Snettisham in north west Norfolk, is a special place. This promontory overlooking the Wash is a conspicuous feature in an otherwise flat and marshy coastal landscape, commanding views across the North Sea. It sits close to the Crowns estates at Sandringham, and over the last few hundred years the land has been used for grazing, arable farming, and shooting. Some 2,000 years ago, however, the slopes of this hill saw the deposition of some of the most ornate ancient metalwork found in Britain: a series of gold hoards that lay largely undisturbed as the world moved on around them, until a chance discovery in the mid-20th century.



The location of Ken Hill and the site of its Iron Age discoveries.

On a cold November day in 1948, a young tractor driver, Raymond Williamson, was working on the slopes of Ken Hill when his plough struck something hard. After climbing down to investigate, he retrieved what looked like the remains of an old brass bedstead, threw it to the side of the field, got back on his tractor, and continued with his task. The following day, though, he found more old metal, this time a lot of twisted wire. Again, no one thought much of the finds, and Williamson probably forgot all about them until a local company owner became interested, and they eventually came to the attention of Roy Rainbird Clarke, the Curator of Archaeology at Norwich Castle Museum. Clarke rushed to investigate  fighting transport delays and road closures because of a freezing fog that had descended over much of eastern Britain  and soon realised that Williamsons discarded find was no bedstead. The brass bed fittings were actually more than 2,000 years old and they were made not of brass, but gold. In fact, they were neck rings that would have been worn by people during the later Iron Age unknown to him at the time, Raymond Williamson had stumbled on one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain.

One of the gold torcs that was ploughed up by Raymond Williamson in 1948  the first clues to what Snettisham would ultimately reveal.

A GIFT THAT KEPT ON GIVING

Despite its significance, Williamsons find was just one of a series made at Snettisham over the next 70 years. The first came just two years later in 1950, when another ploughman, Tom Rout, unearthed a beautiful golden torc (now known as the Great Torc) with intricately decorated terminals. Legend has it that George VI was staying at the nearby Sandringham estate at the time, and the artefact was taken by the landowner to be admired by the king.

There were only infrequent finds through the 1960s and 1970s, and it was thought there were no more treasures to be found at the site, but in August 1990 a metal-detectorist named Cecil Charles Hodder once again struck gold. This time, it wasnt the finely wrought torc that Hodder had perhaps been hoping for when he gained permission to detect at the site; rather, he recovered more than 500 fragmentary objects in alloys of gold, silver, and bronze, a group that we now know had originally been buried in an upturned bronze helmet (of which, more below). Hodder reported his discovery to the Norfolk Archaeological Unit and, soon after, in December that year, a second archaeologist and his team returned to investigate. Dr Ian Stead, then Deputy Keeper of the Department of Prehistoric and Romano-British Antiquities at the British Museum, began a large-scale excavation that lasted for three successive seasons between 1990 and 1992, uncovering several more hoards, as well as evidence about the longer history of the site.

The Great Torc, discovered in 1950.



Subsequent excavations and surveys in the 2000s and 2010s have added to this picture, and, in all, more than 1,200 metal artefacts have been found from this single field  which perhaps inevitably became known as the gold field, owing to the material from which many of the objects had been made. Now residing in the British Museum and Norwich Castle Museum, they include gold, silver, and bronze neck rings, bracelets, rings, and ingots, as well as coins. Together, they have often been labelled the Snettisham Treasure (see CA 126 and CA 135), though in fact the deposits consist of at least 14 separate hoards, which have been labelled alphabetically in the order of their discovery.



What can be said about the place where these objects were committed to the soil? Two thousand years ago, at the time the hoards were buried, sea levels were higher and Ken Hill was surrounded by open water on three sides. The southern edge of the hoard field sloped away, down to salt marsh and ultimately the sea. There had been occasional occupation here for thousands of years, but around 2,500 years ago it began to take on a special significance, perhaps becoming a sacred place, with evidence for feasting, and a system of ditches and enclosures that would have channelled movement across the site.

The surrounding area was a well populated, settled landscape. Like today, there were busy farmsteads all along this part of the Norfolk coast. The chalk uplands provided good grazing for sheep and cattle, and the fen edge was rich in resources such as wildfowl, salt, and reeds for thatch and other crafts. The people who lived there were also well connected over land and across the Wash to other regions of Britain, and via the North Sea to the Continent. The torc hoards were most likely buried around 60 BC, but Ken Hill seems to have remained important into the early Roman period, when the gold field was partially enclosed by the digging of deep V-shaped ditches, and a square stone structure that may be a Romano Celtic temple was constructed too. Ultimately, however, this prestige faded. The site was abandoned, and the ditches partially filled in, some time in the mid-4th century AD.

This plan of the site is based on evidence from archaeological excavations; the Snettisham hoards were labelled alphabetically in the order of their discovery.

Investigating Snettisham

Over the years, the remarkable discoveries from Ken Hill have made headline news and the objects themselves have long been on public display. Yet, although Clarke and Stead both promptly published their excavations, there has never been a comprehensive publication of the site. Over a decade ago, staff at the British Museum set out to address this, undertaking a systematic scientific investigation of the objects, as well as re-examining all the evidence compiled over the years through excavation and archaeological survey. The result is a comprehensive book which aims to make sense of this extraordinary site (see Further reading on p.25), and what follows is an account of some of the most spectacular and interesting findings that have emerged.

Lets start with the most impressive objects from Snettisham, the finds that make the site so exceptional: the torcs. These are metal neck-rings, sometimes with decorated terminals at the front. Similar objects were worn across much of Europe, but the number found at Snettisham is unprecedented. There are more than 60 complete or near-complete torcs from the site, with hundreds more represented by fragments. This compares to 85 or so examples known from the whole of the rest of Britain. Taking all 14 hoards together, it is the largest assemblage of ancient gold jewellery from anywhere in Europe.

Some of the gold-alloy torcs from Snettisham. Artefacts from the site were made from a wide range of alloys combining gold, silver, and copper.

Most of the Snettisham torcs were probably made in Britain, but the gold is likely to have been imported from the Continent. Colour was evidently important in the selection of alloys and surface treatments, with precious metal torcs being made in a wide range of alloys combining gold, silver, and copper, and the shade of objects varying from a deep yellow gold to very pale, whitish silver. Some bronze torcs from the site were even gilded with mercury to give them a golden surface appearance: the earliest-known example of this technology in Britain.

Scanning electron microscope images of a coiled bronze torc, revealing its preserved core of charred wood.

Scientific analysis carried out by British Museum scientists including Caroline Cartwright, Nigel Meeks, Aude Mongiatti, and Dan OFlynn has revealed the extraordinary skill of the metalworkers and the huge variety of materials and manufacturing techniques used in the production of these objects, using gold sheet, twisted wires, and cast components. In their investigation, the scientists worked closely with a modern-day metalworker, John Fenn, who attempted to replicate how these wires would have been made. It was a time-consuming and highly skilled process, with each wire hammered out from an ingot by hand. Depending on the desired form, wires were then twisted or coiled together to form the neck-ring. John found that in order to twist the wires together evenly they had to be of a very similar diameter, something that is extremely difficult to achieve by hand.

Experimental wires were made by metalsmith John Fenn in order to investigate how the Snettisham torcs may have been created.

When the scientists examined broken wires in cross-section using an electron microscope, they noticed that some were richer in gold and silver at the surface and more copper-rich at the core. This is known as surface enrichment. By following John Fenn at work, the scientists showed how ancient wire manufacturing techniques changed the colour of the original alloy, making wires appear more silvery or golden. This was achieved through repeated phases of hammering and heating. After hammering the metal for some time, John found it became brittle and difficult to work, but this was remedied by periodically heating the wire, and then dipping it in a strong vinegar mix to remove any tarnish. The scientists were able to demonstrate that, through this process, copper was also removed, so privileging gold and silver and enriching the surface.

This is an extract of an article that appeared in CA 418. Read on in the magazine, or click here to read it online at The Past, where you can read all of the Current Archaeology articles in full as well as the content of our other magazines, Current World Archaeology, Ancient Egypt, and Military History Matters.
Itanagar, Jan 3 (PTI) A 10-year-old girl, allegedly sold for Rs 2 lakh, was rescued from a house in Itanagar on Friday, a police statement said.

The rescue operation was conducted jointly by the police forces of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the statement issued by Capital Superintendent of Police (SP) Rohit Rajbir Singh said.

Also Read | Udaipur Road Accident: 5 Killed, 8 Injured After Truck Collides With Tempo on National Highway in Rajasthan.

The team, comprising personnel of Tinsukia police station and Itanagar women police station rescued the girl from the house of a woman, identified as Chello Aaw, in Lobby area of Itanagar, he said, adding that the minor was taken for medical examination.

While returning from their school in Assam's Tinsukia district on December 26, the girl and her cousin were intercepted by a woman, identified as their aunt, who took them to Banderdewa along the inter-state border where she bought them new clothes, the SP said.

Also Read | Telangana Weather Update: Cold Wave Grips State, Minimum Temperature Drops Below 10 Degrees; Check Details Here.

The 10-year-old girl was then brought to Itanagar, where she was sold for Rs 2 lakh, while the other girl was handed over to an unidentified person, he said.

Singh said efforts are underway to trace the cousin of the rescued girl and to apprehend all the people involved in the trafficking network.

Authorities have intensified investigations to uncover the full extent of the operation, he said.

Singh asked the residents of the Itanagar Capital Region not to employ minors as domestic help, highlighting that such actions are punishable under the law.

He also emphasised the importance of police verification when hiring domestic workers to avoid potential fraud and exploitation.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bengaluru, Jan 3 (PTI) Union Minister and BJP national president J P Nadda met Karnataka unit chief B Y Vijayendra and a few leaders here on Friday, party sources said.

A few MLAs and party workers also met Nadda, sources told PTI.

Also Read | Latest Government Jobs Notifications: Apply for 34 Senior Superintending Engineer and Other Posts of IIT Kanpur Recruitment 2025 at iitk.ac.in, Know Recruitment Process and Other Details.

Nadda, who holds the health and family welfare portfolio, was in Bengaluru in connection with golden jubilee celebrations of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences (NIMHANS).

He also inaugurated the new campus of the School of Advanced Studies, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA), Deemed to be University, in Bengaluru.

Also Read | Digital Personal Data Protection Act: MeitY Releases Draft Rules, Says 'Verifiable Consent of Parent Required for Data of Child'.

Nadda's meeting with Vijayendra and others assumes significance as there is discontent among a section of BJP MLAs, especially the Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal.

Yatnal has been vocal against Vijayendra and his father and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.

He (Yatnal) has been served notices several times, including the one issued in the first week of December but no disciplinary action has been taken against him yet.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Sambal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 3 (ANI): The Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday arrested another accused in connection with the violent incidents of stone pelting, burning of a police bike, and looting of magazines and cartridges of a police pistol that took place on November 24, 2024, near the Jama Masjid area of Sambhal district.

According to a statement by the police, the accused was identified as Shahbaz, who accepted firing at the police with the intention to kill in the incident.

Also Read | Quadrantid Meteor Shower 2025 Date: When and Where To Watch First Meteor Display of New Year in India? All Details Here.

The police further stated that they had recovered an illegal 12-bore pistol from the accused along with one empty cartridge and one live cartridge.

The accused also accepted that he, along with his friends, attacked the policemen and also set fire to the policemen's motorcycles, the statement read.

Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Protest Against Shifting of Toxic Waste From Bhopal's Union Carbide Factory to Pithampur; Police Use Lathi Charge To Disperse Crowd (Watch Video).

The accused stated that following the violence, he fled to Delhi as the police began searching for him. In Delhi, the police were raiding locations to capture the rioters, and it was there that his companion Adnan was arrested from Watla House.

According to the statement, Shahbaz was arrested as he was appearing in court in connection with a case related to Adnan.

Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh police arrested 50 people in connection with the violence near the Jama Masjid area in Sambhal district on November 24.

Sambhal Superintendent (SP) Krishnan Kumar Bishnoi said that 50 people have been arrested and the search is on for 91 people connected with the violence. He further added that some individuals are yet to be identified.

"50 people have been arrested so far in the violence that took place in Sambhal on November 24. The search is on for another 91 people. Some people are yet to be identified," said SP Bishnoi.

"The investigation is being carried out from all angles--the cause of the incident and the people behind it. The police have not concluded yet," he added.

This development comes after recent violence in the area, during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of a Mughal-era mosque last month, which led to four deaths and injuries among police and locals. (ANI)

(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 3 (ANI): Amid the ongoing protests by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants, seeking a re-examination of the 70th BPSC prelims, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed his solidarity with the protesting students.

The Congress MP vowed to stand with the students in the fight for their rights.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh Shocker: Social Media Content Creator Ankur Nath Dies by Suicide on Instagram Live As Followers Watch in Horror in Janjgir Champa.

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.

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP is "cutting the thumb of the youth of India just like Ekalavya, destroying their future."

Also Read | Coimbatore: Gas Leak After LPG Tanker Overturns on Avinashi Flyover in Tamil Nadu, 5 Schools Closed (Watch Video).

https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1875035693820400069

"Failure in government recruitment is a big injustice. First, recruitment is not announced. Even if recruitment is announced, the exams are not held on time. If exams are held, the papers are leaked. And when the youth demand justice, their voice is ruthlessly crushed, "Rahul Gandhi alleged in a post in Hindi on X on Friday.

He alleged that two students protesting against the alleged irregularities in Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission exams were arrested.

"After the recent incidents in UP and Bihar, now two students protesting against the irregularities in MPPSC in Madhya Pradesh have been put in jail. That too when the Chief Minister himself had met the students and assured them of considering their demands. The BJP government has broken the trust of the students and strangled the democratic system," Rahul Gandhi said in response to a tweet from the Congress unit of Madhya Pradesh.

"We are with the students in their fight for their rights. We will not let the BJP suppress the voice of the rights of the youth of the country at any cost," Gandhi said.

Meanwhile, earlier today, supporters of Purnea MP Pappu Yadav, who organised 'rail roko' at Sachiwalay Halt Railway Station to support the students' protest against BPSC, were dispersed by the police. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jammu, Jan 3 (PTI) A BJP youth leader was shot at following an altercation over a parking issue here on Friday, police said.

Kanav Sharma, the district president of the BJP Yuva Morcha, Jammu, suffered a bullet injury and was hospitalised. His condition is stable, his father, senior advocate Chander Mohan Sharma told the media.

Also Read | 7th Pay Commission: DA Hike For Central Govt Employees Expected Early This Year? Check Latest Update.

Kanav, who has been actively engaged in an anti-drug campaign in Jammu, was parking his vehicle near his house in the New Plot area when some people objected to it and an argument broke out.

"One of them took out a revolver and fired two rounds, one of which hit Kanav," Sharma said.

Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for January 3, 2025 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game.

Police have seized a bike belonging to one of the accused and are making efforts to track down the people involved in the shooting, officials said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Beijing [China], January 3 (ANI): Chinese authorities have enforced new measures that severely limit Tibetan children's cultural and religious freedoms as Tibetans usher in the winter school break, according to a report by Radio Free Asia.

RFA reported that these restrictions, which began on December 30, aim to curb the use of the Tibetan language and reduce participation in religious practices.

Also Read | South Korea: Standoff at Presidential Residence As Investigators Seek To Arrest Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol (See Pics).

One key element of the new policy is the prohibition of private Tibetan-language lessons. Students across Tibet, including in the capital Lhasa, are now barred from engaging in any extracurricular Tibetan education during the two-month winter break. Instead, authorities are mandating that children focus on improving their Mandarin skills, with lessons centred on Chinese political education and state-approved content.

In several regions, including Dzoge (Zoige) and Ngaba (Aba) counties in Sichuan province, local authorities have further prohibited children from wearing religious symbols and restricted their involvement in religious activities. This includes a ban on families taking children to monasteries or allowing them to participate in any religious ceremonies, RFA reported.

Also Read | New Orleans Terror Attack: Attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar Acted Alone, Had Strong Support for ISIS, Says US President Joe Biden.

The new measures are part of a broader campaign to undermine Tibetan culture and promote assimilation into Han Chinese culture.

Authorities are particularly concerned with eradicating the use of the Tibetan language, which they view as a barrier to achieving full integration. Tibetan students are now only allowed to engage in academic activities that follow the Chinese government's curriculum, which heavily emphasises political indoctrination.

According to RFA, Reports from various Tibetan regions, including Golog (Guoluo) in Qinghai province and Kardze in Sichuan, indicate that these policies are being strictly enforced. Random checks have been conducted in residential areas and commercial establishments to ensure compliance, with authorities monitoring students closely for involvement in unauthorised private lessons or religious activities.

These latest measures are seen as part of an ongoing effort by Beijing to erase Tibetan identity and further integrate Tibet into China's political and cultural framework. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
An FBI agent stands behind a security barrier near the site where people were killed by a man driving a truck in an attack during New Year's celebrations, in New Orleans (Photo/Reuters)

Washington DC [US], January 3 (ANI): The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday (local time) said that the driver behind the New Orleans attack, Shamsud Din Jabba was lone wolf terrorist with no known accomplices and he supported Islamic State (ISIS).

Deputy Assistant FBI Director Christopher Raia, in a press conference, informed that the attacker, Shamsud Din Jabbar, had posted videos on social media platforms where he proclaimed his support for ISIS. The attacker was also concerned that if he only harmed his family and friends then the news headline would not focus on "war between the believers and disbelievers."

Also Read | New Orleans Terror Attack: FBI Says 'Pickup Truck Driver Shamsud-Din Jabbar, Responsible for Deadly Rampage on Bourbon Street, Acted Alone'.

Raia, establishing the timeline before the New Orleans attack, said, "The investigators believe Jabbar picked up rented F-150 in Houston Texas at December 30. He then drove from Houston to New Orleans on the evening of the 31st and he posted several videos to an online platform proclaiming his support for ISIS. There were 5 videos posted on Jabbar's Facebook account. In the first viedo, Jabbar explained that he originally planned to harm his family and friends but was concerned that the news headline would not focus on "war between the believers and disbelievers." Additionally, he stated he had joined ISIS before this summer. He also provided a will and testament." Raia said.

An ISIS flag along with the suspected explosives devices was found in the attacker's vehicle.

Also Read | South Korea: Investigators Likely To Attempt To Execute Warrant To Detain Yoon Suk Yeol on January 3, Impeached President Says 'Will Fight to the End'.

A car rammed into a crowd during New Year's celebrations in Bourbon Street New Orleans, killing at least 14 people, FBI said. Earlier New Orleans Coroner had said that 15 people had died in the attack.

According to FBI spokesperson Raia, preliminary evidence suggests that Jabbar was heavily influenced by the Islamic State (IS), underscoring the disturbing trend of radicalization.

"This was an act of terrorism," Raia said. "It was premeditated and an evil act." The FBI was still investigating Jabbar's "path to radicalization," but the evidence reviewed so far showed that he was clearly inspired by IS, Raia said.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden assured every resource is being utilised to ensure there is no threat to the American people.

"I directed my team to make sure every resource is made available to federal, state and local law enforcement to complete the investigation in New Orleans quickly and to make sure there is no remaining threat to the American people." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], January 3 (ANI): Military courts have granted pardon to 19 convicts involved in the May 9, 2023 riots, which erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, ARY News reported quoting the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The convicts, exercising their legal rights, had filed pleas for mercy upon which the court decided to grant them pardon in accordance with the law, ISPR said in an official statement.

Also Read | New Orleans Terror Attack: FBI Says 'Pickup Truck Driver Shamsud-Din Jabbar, Responsible for Deadly Rampage on Bourbon Street, Acted Alone'.

The convicts will be released from the jail after the completion of official formalities.

According to ARY News, ISPR clarified that the other mercy petitions will also be looked at and emphasised on convicts' right to appeal.

Also Read | South Korea: Investigators Likely To Attempt To Execute Warrant To Detain Yoon Suk Yeol on January 3, Impeached President Says 'Will Fight to the End'.

Imran Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023 from the premises of the Islamabad High Court, where he was attending a hearing in a corruption case. Khan, who served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022, was accused of receiving illegal gifts and assets from foreign countries.

Imran Khan's arrest sparked widespread protests in Pakistan, as his supporters and party workers took to the streets to demand his release.

The PTI protesters attacked and vandalized several civil and military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the army in Rawalpindi, the Jinnah House in Lahore, the Mianwali airbase and others.

The protesters also burned vehicles, blocked roads, and clashed with the police and security forces.More than 5,000 people were arrested and charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and other laws for their involvement in the riots. The government also accused Khan of being the mastermind behind the attacks and said that it had evidence of his involvement, as per ARY News.

Last Week, the US expressed concerns over the recent conviction of 25 civilians by military courts for their participation in the nationwide riots, Dawn reported. The concerns arose after a military court sentenced 25 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf activists last week to prison terms ranging from two to 10 years for their role in the May 9, 2023 riots.

While the PTI "denounced" the sentences, lawyers also raised concerns about the proceedings and the "unreasonably high conviction rate."

In a post on X on Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "The United States is concerned by the sentencing of Pakistani civilians in a military tribunal and calls upon Pakistani authorities to respect the right to a fair trial and due process."

His post reflected a statement from the State Department issued on Wednesday, which expressed "serious concern" over the military court rulings.

The statement was released just hours after the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) voiced similar concerns. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Quetta [Pakistan], January 3 (ANI): Balochistan Assembly on Thursday adopted three resolutions addressing persistent issues in the province, including restoring passenger train services to Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, dividing the Washuk constituency into two, and reinstating 4G internet services in Panjgur, according to a report by Dawn.

Jamaat-i-Islami's Maulana Hidayatur Rehman introduced a resolution criticising Pakistan Railways for depriving Balochistan of safe and affordable travel. The resolution urged the federal government to restore daily train services such as the Akbar Bugti Express, Chiltan Express, Abbasine Express, and Balochistan Express.

Also Read | South Korea: Standoff at Presidential Residence As Investigators Seek To Arrest Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol (See Pics).

National Party member Mir Rahmat Saleh Baloch presented a resolution calling for the restoration of 4G internet services in Panjgur, which have been suspended for three years. The resolution emphasised that the lack of internet has adversely impacted education, business, and communication.

Another resolution, moved by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam's (JUI-F) Mir Zabid Ali Reki, proposed dividing the district of Washuk into two constituencies for the next provincial assembly elections. The resolution emphasised that Washuk's large geographical size and dispersed population necessitate equitable representation for effective governance, Dawn reported.

Also Read | New Orleans Terror Attack: Attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar Acted Alone, Had Strong Support for ISIS, Says US President Joe Biden.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan cabinet approved key initiatives, including policy guidelines for carbon market trading, funding for water resource development under a World Bank loan, and projects to improve education in remote areas.

In the education sector, it approved the Balochistan Foundational Learning Policy, which aims to implement reforms, enhance standards, and boost literacy rates. A USD 100 million five-year project, in collaboration with the World Bank, was also approved to improve educational quality, enroll out-of-school children, and address accessibility issues in remote areas.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the Regularity Act 2024, which legalises the temporary recruitment of teachers. Under this act, teachers hired at the union council and local levels will not be transferred to other locations, ensuring stability in the education sector, Dawn reported. (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, January 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to Savitribai Phule, a pioneer in the field of education and social reform, on her birth anniversary on Friday and remarked that 'Bharatbhumi' has always been proud of its exceptional daughters. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi highlighted her significant contributions to women's empowerment and education.

In his post, he wrote: "Tributes to Savitribai Phule Ji on her birth anniversary. She is a beacon of womens empowerment and a pioneer in the field of education and social reform. Her efforts continue to inspire us as we work to ensure a better quality of life for the people." Savitribai Phule Jayanti 2025: Supriya Sule, Yogi Adityanath and Other Leaders Pay Tributes To Social Reformer on Her Birth Anniversary.

PM Modi Pays Tribute to Savitribai Phule on Her Birth Anniversary

Tributes to Savitribai Phule Ji on her birth anniversary. She is a beacon of womens empowerment and a pioneer in the field of education and social reform. Her efforts continue to inspire us as we work to ensure a better quality of life for the people. pic.twitter.com/8JbBZCjBvc  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 2025

In a video shared on X, PM Modi elaborated on Savitribai Phule's visionary work, emphasising her enduring legacy: "Whenever the name of Savitribai Phule Ji is mentioned, her unparalleled contributions to education and social reform come to mind. She strongly advocated for the education of women and the deprived, fearlessly opposing regressive beliefs and practices. Along with Mahatma Phule Ji, she established schools for girls, paving the way for societal progress."

Speaking about Savitribai Phule's poems, PM Modi stated, "Her written poems served as a source of motivation and self-confidence. She also urged people to help one another during times of need." Savitribai Phule Jayanti 2025: PM Narendra Modi Pays Tribute to Social Reformer on Her Birth Anniversary (Watch Video).

"Bharatbhumi has always been proud of its exceptional daughters, and Savitribai Phule's contributions and principles will continue to inspire generations to advance the power of women," he added. PM Modi concluded by calling for collective efforts to uphold Phule's vision, wishing for a society where education empowers every individual and women lead with dignity and strength.

Taking to social media platform X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also lauded Savitribai Phules contributions to womens education and social equality. He wrote: "Whenever we talk about women's education and social equality in the country, the name of Savitribai Phule is taken with pride. She not only made women aware of their rights but also made education a powerful tool for social reform. By eradicating anti-women practices, she redefined the dignity of women. I pay my respects to the great social reformer Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary."

Similarly, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praised Savitribai Phule for her groundbreaking efforts in advancing women's education and championing the rights of the oppressed. In his post on X, he quoted Phule and highlighted her enduring legacy: "Study to live with self-respect, school is the true jewel of a human being." ... Savitribai Phule. Humble tributes on the birth anniversary of Kranti Jyoti, great educationist and poet, the first female teacher of the country and our source of inspiration, Savitribai Phule Ji. She opened the doors to women's education and fought vigorously for the rights of the deprived, Dalit, oppressed, and exploited sections of society, making an unprecedented contribution to social justice."

Savitribai Phule, a towering figure in Indias reform movement, was the first female teacher in the country and a relentless advocate for equality and education. Her legacy continues to inspire generations to champion the causes of education, social justice, and empowerment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 03, 2025 11:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
My great site this month is one close to many peoples hearts. When I think of the locations that embody the best of Current Archaeology as a magazine and British archaeology as a community, I consistently alight on Fishbourne Roman Palace in West Sussex. This site has it all  great coverage in the magazine, enthusiastic public engagement, stunning finds, and charismatic custodians.

Fishbourne made the cover of one of CAs earliest issues, which covered the excavations directed by Barry Cunliffe between 1961 and 1968.

CUNLIFFE COMMENCES

Although evidence for Roman activity in the area had been known since the early 19th century, the story of Fishbourne formally commences in 1960, when workers for the Portsmouth Water Company discovered the foundations of a building north of the main road when digging a trench for a water main. The first excavations were initiated by the Sussex Archaeological Society, directed by the then little known (and prodigiously young  aged only 21) archaeologist Barry Cunliffe between 1961 and 1968. Current Archaeology entered the stage at this point, when CA 6 (January 1968) reported on work up to this date. By this time, the general layout and main phasing of the building had been established, the famous mosaics carefully uncovered, and the sites socio-economic context  especially its possible links to the client king Cogidubnus  considered: see CA 324 (March 2017) for a more modern take on the latter.



CA 6s 1968 column is a beautiful piece of archaeological writing and a reminder of just how skilled the team who undertook this excavation was. The value of their work and the significance of the site were shown again in CA 9 (July 1968), which reported on the new museum that was swiftly built there, attracting more than 100,000 visitors in the first eight weeks of opening  heady numbers by any standard. Jumping ahead in terms of the chronology of the sites coverage, CA 100 (June 1986) discusses some of this wider context in a fascinating interview with Barry Cunliffe: at its peak, 120 volunteers a day were working there in eight-week cycles, which is huge by modern-day standards, but which was not even the biggest project under way at that time  the teams then working at Winchester and South Cadbury were even larger.

CA 398 gave an updated review of the condition of the Fishbourne mosaics, which was much improved from their reported state in issues 29 and 71.

RUDKIN REINTERPRETS



In terms of pure reporting on the site, Current Archaeology went quiet after 1968 for nearly 30 years until 1997. However, I flag four articles that are worth a read between these dates, all of which refer to Fishbourne: first, CA 21 (July 1970), which examined the overall evidence for Roman villas in Britain and is a fascinating state of the nation review at this time; second and third, CA 29 (November 1971) and

CA 71 (April 1980) on Romano-British mosaics, considering both their artistic schools (geographically varied) and their physical state (worryingly poor  see CA 398, May 2023, for more cheerful modern reporting on their condition); and finally, CA 102 (November 1986), examining finds of relief-patterned flue-tiles, among the most distinctive tiles of Roman Britain and found widely on sites across the country, including at Fishbourne.



The palace may not have often featured in the pages of Current Archaeology in this era, but it was in the minds of many, and the history of the site at this point is usefully told in retrospect in CA 217 (April 2008), in an interview with David Rudkin, director of the site between 1979 and 2008. When new fieldwork was initiated in 1996, there was no shortage of support, and Current Archaeology was soon back on site, reporting first in CA 152 (April 1997), then in CA 165 (October 1999), and again in CA 187 (August 2003). Intriguingly, the first of these articles mentions fieldwork undertaken in 1983 to the east of the palace, which was, much to my surprise, not reported on by the magazine at the time. Thankfully, CA 152 outlined the new position: the 1983 fieldwork led to excavations in 1995-1999 and again in 2002, which identified an enigmatic structure from the pre-palace period. Was this part of an early fort on the site, a construction workshop, or something else? By CA 165, the team were no closer to a clear understanding of these features, but by CA 187 the lead excavators, John Manley and David Rudkin, were willing to share their views on the pre-Roman/early Roman history of the site, including a proto-palace and bathhouse to the east, built as part of the gradual Romanisation of the communities there and more widely across south-east England.

A report on the discovery of a potential fort at Fishbourne appeared in CA 152.

Moving on to more recent explorations, CA 249 (December 2010) is a useful reminder that, at a site like Fishbourne, the research never really stops. With such a wealth of materials from such a large site, there is always room for new analyses, such as that reported in this issue of the uses of the semi precious stone lapis lazuli there, the earliest known such example in Britain. The report in CA 352 (July 2019) on the evidence for Roman rabbits (yes, really) from there is another example in this vein.

CA 187 placed Fishbourne in the centre of discussions of Britain as a Roman client kingdom.

One of Fishbournes mosaics made the striking cover image for CA 340, as part of a feature summing up the history of excavations and research on the site.



While large-scale fieldwork may no longer be a priority, the process of rediscovery continues: CA 340 (July 2018) summed up the many strands of research, engagement, curation, and consolidation undertaken over the 50 years since the museum first opened, and also showed why the site and its custodians continue to be so influential, proud of their past but never resting on their laurels, as full of energy, enthusiasm, and new ideas in 2018 as they were in 1968. Most recently, and new ideas in 2018 as they were in 1968. Most recently, CA 379 (October 2021) shared a similar story of achievement among the wider professional community supporting the museum as part of the series of sites cared for by the Sussex Archaeological Society, founded in 1846 and working as energetically as ever across the county 175 years later. And the wider landscape of research continues to contribute too: see, for example, CA 387 (June 2022) on recent finds from Roman Chichester, and CA 409 (April 2024) on evidence for the army in Roman Britain, both of which refer to Fishbourne. Elsewhere in this issue of the magazine you can see some of the latest interpretations of data from the site  see this months Context on pp.16-17. Fishbourne continues to delve, discover, and deliver, 65 years after its discovery; the museum remains a delight to visit; and its team are consistently among the most cheerful custodians that you will encounter. Its a winning combination.

For more information about Fishbourne, see https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/ fishbourne-roman palace. The museum is usually open seven days a week, but please check in advance of any visit. The museum is one of several cared for by the Sussex Archaeological Society: see https://sussexpast.co.uk. sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/ fishbourne-roman-palace.

About the author

Joe Flatman completed a PhD in medieval archaeology at the University of Southampton in 2003, and since then has held positions in universities, and local and  most recently  central government. Since March 2019, he has been a Consultancy Manager in the National Trusts London and South-East Region, leading a team working on Trust sites across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You can follow him on X: @joeflatman.
Kochi, January 3: A CBI court here on Friday sentenced 10 persons to life imprisonment, while four others, including a former CPI(M) MLA, received five years in prison for the murder of two Youth Congress workers at Periya in Kasaragod district five years ago.

The court which convicted 14 accused on Saturday gave 10 of them life imprisonment under two counts of murder and criminal conspiracy. They will serve the sentences concurrently. These 10 accused were charged with murder and criminal conspiracy under Sections 302, 120(b) read with 149 of the IPC. "They have been sentenced to life imprisonment on both charges, to run concurrently," the prosecutor said after the court pronounced the verdict. Kerala Shocker: 55-Year-Old Woman Murdered by Relative at Kunnamkulam in Thrissur District.

The accused who were given life imprisonment include former CPI(M) Periya local committee member A Peethambaran, Suresh, Saji George, Anilkumar, Jijin, Sreerag, Aswin, Sudheesh, Renjith and Surendran. Meanwhile, former MLA and CPI(M) district leader K V Kunhiraman, Kanhangad block panchayat president K Manikandan, Velutholi Raghavan, and A V Bhaskaran, were sentenced to five years' imprisonment by the court. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on each of the convicts. Kerala Shocker: UP Woman Arrested for Allegedly Killing Stepdaughter in Nellikuzhi.

On December 28, of the 24 accused, the court found the first eight guilty of murder and conspiracy charges, another six guilty of conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and providing assistance in the operation of the crime, while the remaining 10 accused were acquitted in the case. The case pertains to the murder of Youth Congress workers Kripesh, 19, and Sarath Lal P K, 24, allegedly by CPI(M) workers on February 17, 2019. According to the prosecution, the twin murders were carried out following politically motivated attacks and counterattacks between CPI(M) and Congress workers in the area.
Jaipur, January 3: Five people including four woman and a child were killed and eight others were injured when a truck hit a tempo in Rajasthan's Udaipur on Friday, police said. The accident occurred on NH-27 near Gogunda-Pindwara. The tempo had picked up passengers from Saleriya village and entered the highway when the truck rammed into it, Udaipur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Goyal said.

He said the truck driver fled from the spot after the accident. According to police the truck driver lost control of the vehicle on the slope causing it to crash into the tempo. Udaipur Road Accident: 5 Dead in Car-Truck Collision in Rajasthan, Video of Damaged Vehicles Surfaces.

There were 13 passengers in the tempo, of which four woman -- Pushpa Garasiya (40), Manjubai Garasiya (25), Kastubai Garasiya (45), Mamta Garasiya (22) -- died on the spot. Mamta's son, Tumaram (2), died while being taken to a hospital, the police said. They said the eight injured people were referred to Udaipur.
Savitribai Phule Jayanti, celebrated on January 3, honours the birth anniversary of one of Indias most iconic social reformers and pioneers of womens education. Born in 1831 in Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule dedicated her life to challenging social norms that marginalized women and oppressed communities. Alongside her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she established the first school for girls in Pune in 1848, marking a revolutionary step in Indian history. Savitribai Phule's birth anniversary is observed as Savitribai Phule Jayanti, also known as Mahila Shikshan Din. In this article, we bring you Savitribai Phule Jayanti 2025 quotes, images, Mahila Shikshan Din messages, sayings, HD wallpapers and greetings to honour the social reformer. January 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Check Dates of Important Events in the First Month of the Year.

Savitribai Phule was not only an educator but also an outspoken advocate for gender equality and social justice. At a time when womens education was frowned upon, she fearlessly pursued her mission, despite facing immense opposition from conservative elements in society. Her efforts extended to fighting against caste discrimination and promoting the education of marginalized communities, making her work truly transformative. As you celebrate Savitribai Phule Jayanti 2025, share these Savitribai Phule Jayanti 2025 quotes, images, Mahila Shikshan Din messages, sayings, HD wallpapers and greetings. Indian New Year 2025 Calendar Dates: Guide to Hindu and Other State-Wise Regional Festivals and New Year's Days.

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Quotes

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Quotes

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Quotes

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Quotes

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Quotes (Photo Credits: File Image)

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Images

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Images (Photo Credits: File Image)

Savitribai Phule Jayanti Images

Mahila Shikshan Din (Photo Credits: File Image)

The legacy of Savitribai Phule is celebrated not just in Maharashtra but across India and beyond. Her life and contributions inspire generations to advocate for equality and empowerment. Educational institutions, womens rights organizations, and social activists commemorate her Jayanti by organising events, seminars, and programs to discuss her impact and vision.

Savitribai Phule Jayanti serves as a reminder of the power of education as a tool for social change. It encourages us to continue the fight for gender equality and to build an inclusive society where everyone has access to education and opportunities. Her legacy remains a guiding light in the pursuit of justice and equity.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 03, 2025 06:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday launched a scathing counter-attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the latter criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), labeling its governance as "Aapada" (disaster) earlier in the day. Kejriwal stated that the BJP was faced with three "Aapadas" as it has no CM face, narrative, issue for Delhi polls.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar, the valiant Queen of Sivaganga, on her birth anniversary, lauding her courage and contributions to Indias freedom struggle. In a heartfelt tweet, he hailed her courage recognising her tactical brilliance and role in empowering women. Remembering the courageous Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary! Her unparalleled valour and strategic brilliance in fighting colonial oppression continue to inspire generations, PM Modi wrote. Rani Velu Nachiyar, an 18th-century freedom fighter, is renowned for organising a fierce resistance against British forces and rallying women warriors. The day is being observed across the country with events celebrating her legacy, highlighting her pivotal role in Indian history and her inspiring leadership. Savitribai Phule Jayanti 2025: Supriya Sule, Yogi Adityanath and Other Leaders Pay Tributes To Social Reformer on Her Birth Anniversary.

PM Modi Pays Tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on Birth Anniversary

Remembering the courageous Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary! She waged a heroic fight against colonial rule, showing unparalleled valour and strategic brilliance. She inspired generations to stand against oppression and fight for freedom. Her role in furthering women  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 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.)
On 2 January Mexicos Presidentstated that an article published by The New York Times (NYT) about a fentanyl production lab in Sinaloa state lacked credibility.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 394 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
On 2 January Honduras security minister,, said that in three years the government had reduced the homicide rate from 41.7 per 100,000 inhabitants to a projected 26.8 per 100,000 in 2024.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 416 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
En espanol

Labubu dolls have taken the top spots in 2024's biggest trends. Once seen as quirky hybrids of babies and plastic monsters, often clipped to handbags and purses, these collectibles are now available in larger sizes. They are stirring serious debatesand even lawsuits.

Read more: The Outfit Made of Condoms Nobody Saw at Miss Universe 2024

The controversy began in Malaysia after an anniversary giveaway was held at a restaurant in Georgetown, Penang, where Labubu dolls were offered as prizes.

Jenny Yee, a young woman, won one of the dolls after spending just 15 Malaysian ringgits (approximately $0.89) on food. However, her victory quickly turned sour when she accused the restaurant owner of giving her a counterfeit doll.

The owner apologized, claiming no knowledge of the dolls' authenticity as they were sourced through a reseller. Yee was advised to check the serial number on POP MART's official site, which confirmed the doll was genuine.

Despite the verification, Yee insisted she had been deceived and demanded compensation. The restaurant owner offered to refund her purchase if she returned the doll, but Yee refused. Instead, she took to social media, alleging that the reseller had mixed counterfeit dolls with authentic ones.

Her posts quickly went viral, raising concerns for the restaurant owner about the damage to their reputation.

While Yee later clarified that she intended to hold the reseller accountable, not the restaurant, the situation escalated.

Labubu filed a lawsuit

Lynette Boey, owner of Labubu Toy Store, responded by filing legal action against Yee. Boey shared a formal demand letter on Facebook, requesting Yee issue a public apology on Instagram, Facebook, and Xiaohongshu.

The apology required Boey's approval and had to remain online for a month.

Boey also demanded Yee delete all related posts and comments, refrain from future accusations, and pay RM500,000 (approximately $111,012.50) in damages. Yee was given seven days to comply or face further legal action. However, Yee reportedly blocked her social media accounts, making communication and resolution difficult.

Interest in Labubu dolls has skyrocketed in Malaysia, with reports indicating an 800% surge in demand. While their popularity hasn't reached the same level in Western markets, Labubu dolls are now becoming status symbols.

Influencers like Kuno and Miss Universe 2023 Sheynis Palacios proudly showcased their collections during a Pandora-sponsored trip.

@.kunno  SOY EL MAS FELIZ @ Miss Merodi Store   Daylight - jeansaudios

What are Labubu dolls?

Labubu dolls are collectible figures that blend cuteness and quirkiness. With pointed ears, prominent teeth, and bulging eyes, these vibrant characters exude a mischievous charm. They were created in 2015 by illustrator Kasing Lung in partnership with POP MART, a Chinese company specializing in collectible toys.

Part of the 'The Monsters' series, the intricate designs and limited editions make them highly sought-after.

Labubu's rise to fame was cemented in 2024 when K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink was spotted with one. Her endorsement sparked a viral craze, propelling the dolls into the spotlight on TikTok and Instagram.

Beyond their unique designs, Labubu's mix of adorable and gothic aesthetics reflects a broader trend toward creative, eye-catching toys that resonate with younger audiences.
Happy New Year! Our cover story takes us to Snettisham in Norfolk, where a single field has yielded at least 14 Iron Age metalwork hoards. This unique collection has the potential to transform our understanding of ancient artistry and ceremonial practices  and, with analysis of the hoards now published in exciting detail, we explore what has been revealed.



From long-buried metalwork to long-buried stories, we next examine what archives and archaeology can tell us about female experiences and aspirations in medieval England and Wales, drawing on a new exhibition that defies stereotypes of women leading marginal lives during this period.

Remaining in the Middle Ages, we then learn what Berwick-upon-Tweeds largest modern excavation has revealed about this influential border town and how it was defended during episodes of bloody Anglo-Scottish conflict.



Pausing for refreshment, our next feature traces the evolution of oast houses, their role in the history of brewing, and their residential afterlife.



Our penultimate piece draws on a site visit to Caistor St Edmund, where long-running investigations continue to reveal evidence of the Iceni people who once inhabited this landscape, and the cultural impact of contact with Rome.



We close with a short follow-up to last months feature about the excavation of a monumental Roman building at Carlisle. In CA 418, we explored ideas of its construction being inspired by an imperial visit by Septimius Severus. Now, we discuss what historical evidence says about the emperors itinerary.



Finally, I would like to flag that this issue contains Joe Flatmans 100th Excavating the CA archive column. A marvellous milestone  thank you, Joe!

In This Issue:

FEATURES

FIELDS OF GOLD



Understanding the Snettisham Hoards

The Snettisham Treasure comprises at least 14 caches of Iron Age

metalwork recovered from a single Norfolk field. What have years

of conservation and analysis revealed about this unique collection?

VANISHED VOICES?



Tracing female experiences and aspirations in medieval England and Wales

Medieval women are often stereotyped as leading limited lives, but archival and archaeological evidence provide a more nuanced view.



UNDER THE INFIRMARY



Revealing the secrets of medieval Berwick

An excavation in Berwick-upon-Tweed has revealed previously unknown parts of its 13th-century defences and echoes of its medieval inhabitants.



HOPPING THROUGH THE HISTORY OF OAST HOUSES



From 19th-century brewing sites to luxurious living spaces

We examine the buildings used to dry hops for British beer production, and explore their architectural afterlife.

ICENI UPDATES



Expanding our understanding of Venta Icenorum

Drawing on a summer site visit, we share the latest news from the Caistor Roman Project and its excavations outside the walls of Roman East Anglias most important town.

SEARCHING FOR SEVERUS



Did a Roman emperor visit Carlisle?

CA 418 reported on the excavation of a lavish Roman building with possible links to Septimius Severus. This month, we consider historical evidence for the emperors activities in northern Britain.

LETTERS

Your comments, complaints, and compliments



NEWS

Traces of Glencoe Massacre revealed at Achnacon; Medieval mass burial found outside Leicester Cathedral; Tracing the international food trade of Iron Age Ireland; Roman fort revealed in Pembrokeshire?; Section of Watling Street uncovered in London; Science Notes; Chalke Valleys first-known Roman villa revealed; Finds Tray

COMMENT

Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive



CONTEXT

Digital data: Fishbourne Roman Palace

REVIEWS

Building on the Past: archaeological investigations on the N2/M2 Finglas to Ashbourne road project; Church Going: a stonemasons guide to the churches of the British Isles; A Date with the Two Cerne Giants: reinvestigating an iconic British hill figure; An Irish Civil War Dugout: Tormore Cave, County Sligo  archaeology, history, memory; British Pottery: the first 3,000 years  ceramic art in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age; The Rother Valley



MUSEUM NEWS

The latest on acquisitions, exhibitions, and key decisions



LISTINGS

Our selection of exhibitions and events, as well as historical, archaeological, and cultural resources from around the world that are available online



CONFERENCE

The latest details of Current Archaeology Live 2025,including the nominees for our annual awards



SHERDS

Chris Catlings irreverent take on heritage issues



ODD SOCS

The Chance Heritage Trust
A New Jersey lawmaker who runs his familys zoo in Sussex County is recovering after being bitten on his finger while feeding mice to rattlesnakes.

State Sen. Parker Space said he was bitten by the venomous snake around noon on Monday and received 14 vials of antivenom over the next two days at Newton Medical Center before he was flown on New Years Eve to a New York City hospital specializing in snake bites.

It didnt hurt at all to begin with. Then my finger started to swell up. Then it was double the size, Space, a Republican, told NJ Advance Media on Thursday.

He serves in the 24th legislative district in the state Senate, which includes Sussex and parts of Morris and Warren counties. In Warren County, he represents Allamuchy and Independence townships.

Space, 56, said that by Wednesday, the swelling of the middle finger on his left hand was subsiding and he was discharged from the hospital. He said he expects to make a full recovery.

On Thursday, he was back at Space Farms Zoo and Museum in Wantage and had resumed feeding the snakes, including one that bit him  an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, he said.

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake, a small pit viper, is usually found in the northern midwest of the U.S. and in Ontario, Canada. It is a species that rarely bites people because it is shy and elusive, according to the. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Its not the snakes fault. Its my fault. I must have let my guard down a little bit, Space said of his bite.

Space said he has been feeding snakes at the zoo since he was 12 years old and this was the first time hes been bitten.

He wife, Jill Space, said he was feeding little pinky mice to a group of snakes when it happened.

It was quite an experience, said Jill Space, a Sussex County commissioner.

Parker Space said he drove himself from the zoo to the hospital in Newton.

He drove himself to the hospital because he didnt want to tell me, his wife said.

State Sen. Parker Space holds a groundhog at his family's zoo, Space Farms Zoo & Museum in Wantage.Jill Space

At the hospital, he was given 10 vials of antivenom on Monday and another four vials on Tuesday, his wife said. However, the swelling escalated on his full hand and knuckles, and he said doctors were concerned the finger that was bit might split open from the pressure.

On Tuesday night, Space was flown to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, which has a center specializing in snakebites.

It was founded in the 1980s, with the assistance of herpetologists at The Bronx Zoo, and treats on average five to 10 people a year with snakebite injuries that are sufficiently serious to require antivenom treatments, according to the hospital.

Parker Space said he believes the antivenom administered at the Newton hospital eventually would have worked on its own.

Space Farms Zoo and Museum is home to bobcats, tigers and lions, buffalo, hyena, wild ponies, timber wolves, various types of foxes, bears and deer, leopards, monkeys, jaguars, coyotes, llamas and yaks, according to its website.

The snakes at the zoo include cobras and vipers, along with the rattlensnakes, Parker Space said.

Asked how many snakes he has, Space estimated around 40.

Way too many, his wife said.

Parker Space said he still has some swelling and bruising but is not concerned.

Ill bounce back, he said.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
You might want to think twice before traveling to this Central American tourist hotspot.

The U.S. Department of State recently issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory to U.S. travelers thinking about traveling to the Central American nation of Guatemala.

The advisory cautions travelers who are considering visiting Guatemala to avoid traveling to certain areas due to crime.

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.

There are some areas of Guatemala that are under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, the highest level of travel warnings. They include the San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City and Villa Nueva.

Some areas frequented by tourists are still available for American tourists to visit, including Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlan and the Pacific coast areas in Santa Rosa and Escuintla.

The State Department advises those who do decide to travel to Guatemala to take the following precautions:

Do not travel outside Guatemala City at night due to poorly lit roads and an increased chance of traffic incidents.

Use certified tour guides and travel between villages by chartered boat when visiting Lake Atitlan.

Do not swim in the Pacific Ocean because of strong currents.

Never leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and decline invitations from strangers to private parties.

Consider staying in hotels with secure parking, doormen and professional security staff.

Use trusted taxi services such as Taxis Amarillo Express, Taxi Seguro or Uber, and only use INGUAT-approved taxis from the SAFE stand at the airport, hotel taxis or vetted private drivers.

Avoid public transport and white car taxis, as well as chicken buses.

Do not hike trails or volcanoes without a qualified local guide as robberies can happen and getting help can be difficult.

Avoid using public ATMs, and do not wear expensive watches or jewelry, as that can increase the chances of theft.

Avoid using cellphones in public.

You can find more ways to stay safe if youre traveling in Guatemala here.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
Gardai have renewed an appeal for information on the case of Imelda Keenan, a 22-year-old woman from Mountmellick who went missing from Waterford city on this day 31 years ago.



Imelda was reportedly last seen at the corner of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street in Waterford on Monday 3 January, 1994.



Imelda had moved to Waterford and was living with her boyfriend. On the day she vanished, she left her apartment at 1:30 PM and walked down William Street onto Lombard Street.



The last confirmed sighting of Imelda was at the corner of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street, where she was seen crossing the street. Imelda was reported missing by her brother, Edward, the following day.



Despite extensive Garda investigations, there have been no further confirmed sightings of Imelda. If Imelda is still alive, she would now be 53 years old.



Superintendent Gavin Hegarty says - "Imelda, 22 years old and originally from Mountmellick in County Laois, was a resident of Waterford City while pursuing her studies when she disappeared without a trace. Imelda was known for her quiet demeanor, her love of music and her strong family ties. Despite extensive investigations spanning 31 years, the silence surrounding her fate remains unbroken. We continue to urge anyone with information or the ability to assist our investigation to come forward."



Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai at Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
A Kildare business has been included among nine shortlisted finalists for the Business of Craft Awards as part of Showcase 2025 were announced today ahead of the event from the 19th  21st January.

SIOG Botanicals is a flower art studio founded in 2021 by friends, Lorna Frawley and Joanna Brien-Sammons.

The business specialises in flower pressing, preserving, design and framing as part of a range of sustainable home and gift products, inspired by Irish nature.

The business is located at Crookstown Business Park just off the M9 motorway at Exit 2.

The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) awards are open to all the LEO clients who are exhibiting at the event as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase. This is the second year of the awards that celebrate the business behind the amazing craft and design products created across the country.

The awards have three categories; Best Newcomer for the best craft and design business who is exhibiting for the first time, One to Watch for the best craft and design business who has excellent export and international potential and finally Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business who is excelling in sustainability.

The shortlisted finalists for this years awards are, in the Newcomer Category, SIOG Botanicals supported by LEO Kildare, Incredible Socks supported by LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and Mojo & Co supported by LEO Louth.

In the One to Watch category the finalists are Culu Design supported by LEO Wexford, One Dame Lane supported by LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and Fussy Food Plates supported by LEO South Dublin.

And in the Sustainability Champion category the finalists are WASI supported by LEO Cork North & West, Rowena Sheen Jewellery supported by LEO Clare and Crafts of Ireland supported by LEO Cavan.

This year sees an additional award for Best Visual Business. This will be judged at the event and will be awarded to the craft and design business with the best visual presence and branding both at the event but also across their online channels.

The awards will take place on Monday, 20th January at Showcase in the RDS as part of the overall event. The shortlisted companies were selected from the 105 Local Enterprise clients who will be exhibiting to national and international buyers across the three days.

Tom Rooney, Head of Craft & Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said; The Business of Craft Awards have proved to be a fantastic addition to our presence at Showcase. It gives us an opportunity to spotlight those amazing craft and design companies who have built great businesses to underpin their excellent products. This in turn shows the buyers that these businesses really are ones to watch and worth taking a closer look at for 2025.

The Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase will again be the flagship event for the very best of our craft and design businesses from across the country. As we celebrate 50 years of Showcase its a testament to the businesses and the quality of products that our makers create that has helped to sustain the success of this event year on year. Were looking forward to another amazing event and to celebrate some outstanding businesses at the awards.

Mary Blanchfield, interim Chief Executive, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) commented: Congratulations to all the finalists of the LEOs Business of Craft Awards. These awards are a great way to celebrate the business models of craftspeople across the country. Showcase 2025 promises to highlight the very best of Irish talent and creativity. At Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), we are delighted to have the opportunity to provide support a dynamic platform for businesses to connect and collaborate with both domestic and international buyers. We look forward to working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices to welcome all the exhibitors and to build on the success of last years show.

The winners of the first year of the Business of Craft Awards in 2024 were in the Sustainability Champion category, Palm Free Irish Soap, who create a luxury range of Irish made soaps, deodorant and shampoo bars, free of palm oil. In the One to Watch Category the winner was Bex Shelford Prints, who specialise in fine art prints, cards, screen prints and the award for Best Newcomer went to Sully and Juno, who create a range of sensory friendly clothing.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.

FINALISTS - Business of Craft Awards 2025  Local Enterprise Showcase @ Showcase 2025

Newcomer

SIOG Botanicals  supported by LEO Kildare

Incredible Socks  supported by LEO Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown

Mojo & Co  Supported by LEO Louth

One to Watch

Culu Design  supported by LEO Wicklow

One Dame Lane  supported by LEO Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown

Fussy Food Plates  supported by LEO South Dublin

Sustainability

WASI  supported by LEO Cork North & West

Rowena Sheen Jewellery  supported by LEO Clare

Crafts of Ireland  supported by LEO Cavan

The nine shortlisted finalists for the Business of Craft Awards as part of Showcase 2025 were announced today ahead of the event from the 19th  21st January.

The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) awards are open to all the LEO clients who are exhibiting at the event as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase. This is the second year of the awards that celebrate the business behind the amazing craft and design products created across the country.

The awards have three categories; Best Newcomer for the best craft and design business who is exhibiting for the first time, One to Watch for the best craft and design business who has excellent export and international potential and finally Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business who is excelling in sustainability.

The shortlisted finalists for this years awards are, in the Newcomer Category, SIOG Botanicals supported by LEO Kildare, Incredible Socks supported by LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and Mojo & Co supported by LEO Louth.

In the One to Watch category the finalists are Culu Design supported by LEO Wexford, One Dame Lane supported by LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and Fussy Food Plates supported by LEO South Dublin.

And in the Sustainability Champion category the finalists are WASI supported by LEO Cork North & West, Rowena Sheen Jewellery supported by LEO Clare and Crafts of Ireland supported by LEO Cavan.

This year sees an additional award for Best Visual Business. This will be judged at the event and will be awarded to the craft and design business with the best visual presence and branding both at the event but also across their online channels.

The awards will take place on Monday, 20th January at Showcase in the RDS as part of the overall event. The shortlisted companies were selected from the 105 Local Enterprise clients who will be exhibiting to national and international buyers across the three days.

Tom Rooney, Head of Craft & Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said; The Business of Craft Awards have proved to be a fantastic addition to our presence at Showcase. It gives us an opportunity to spotlight those amazing craft and design companies who have built great businesses to underpin their excellent products. This in turn shows the buyers that these businesses really are ones to watch and worth taking a closer look at for 2025.

The Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase will again be the flagship event for the very best of our craft and design businesses from across the country. As we celebrate 50 years of Showcase its a testament to the businesses and the quality of products that our makers create that has helped to sustain the success of this event year on year. Were looking forward to another amazing event and to celebrate some outstanding businesses at the awards.

Mary Blanchfield, interim Chief Executive, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) commented: Congratulations to all the finalists of the LEOs Business of Craft Awards. These awards are a great way to celebrate the business models of craftspeople across the country. Showcase 2025 promises to highlight the very best of Irish talent and creativity. At Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), we are delighted to have the opportunity to provide support a dynamic platform for businesses to connect and collaborate with both domestic and international buyers. We look forward to working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices to welcome all the exhibitors and to build on the success of last years show.

The winners of the first year of the Business of Craft Awards in 2024 were in the Sustainability Champion category, Palm Free Irish Soap, who create a luxury range of Irish made soaps, deodorant and shampoo bars, free of palm oil. In the One to Watch Category the winner was Bex Shelford Prints, who specialise in fine art prints, cards, screen prints and the award for Best Newcomer went to Sully and Juno, who create a range of sensory friendly clothing.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.

FINALISTS - Business of Craft Awards 2025  Local Enterprise Showcase @ Showcase 2025

Newcomer

SIOG Botanicals  supported by LEO Kildare

Incredible Socks  supported by LEO Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown

Mojo & Co  Supported by LEO Louth

One to Watch

Culu Design  supported by LEO Wicklow

One Dame Lane  supported by LEO Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown

Fussy Food Plates  supported by LEO South Dublin

Sustainability
A man who took lego worth 1,260 from the Smyths toy store in Naas appeared before the local district court.

Joe Joyce, 31, whose address was given as 146 Springdale Road, Raheny, Dublin, was prosecuted for an offence on September 13, 2021 and with taking a drill from the TJ OMahony store in Naas on March 11, 2022, worth 200.

The court heard that the defendant had 14 previous convictions for theft.

The court was also told that the incidents were largely fuelled by drug addiction and the defendant had lost his parents at a young age.

Read more Kildare news

The defendant is in custody where he is a model prisoner and has completed a number of courses. He is now drug free.

Judge Desmond Zaidan noted that the defendant had written a letter to the court saying he was determined not to return to prison and this was his first time in custody.

It was also stated that he had no disciplinary issues in custody.

The judge imposed an 11 month custody term.
A leading weather expert, Cathal Nolan, has issued a Status Red warning for snowfall across much of the country over the weekend.

According to this prediction, the red warning will affect much of inland Munster, the midlands and parts of Wicklow. Areas impacted by the red warning could see between 20-30cm of snow, causing major disruptions to transport services, power and telecommunications, as well as some isolated communities possibly being cut off.

Nolan has placed the midwest, parts of Leinster and other inland areas of Munster under a Status Orange warning for snow. This could see between 5-15cm of snow in these areas.

He said: "Some coastal areas of the south and east may escape without snow as temperatures will be warmer here."

READ NEXT: Gardai share age progressed image of missing Imelda Keenan amid fresh appeal for information

He added: "A deepening area of low pressure to the southwest of Ireland will track slowly across the country as we go through tomorrow afternoon and evening and through much of the weekend.

"Frontal precipitation on its northern flank will fall as snow, with significant and disruptive snowfall totals likely in some areas with some blowing and drifting snow possible also, especially on higher ground."

Meanwhile, Met Eireann has currently predicted a Status Orange warning for snow and ice in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. This warning is valid from 5pm Saturday to 5pm Sunday.

A Status Yellow rain and snow warning remains in place for Cork and Kerry, valid from 1pm Saturday to 5pm Sunday.
Nathan Johnson had just left Queensland's Magnetic Island last week when he found himself sitting next to a lone figure on the return ferry. Since it was Christmas Day, he decided to spark up a conversation with the stranger. Little did he know it would inspire a return visit  and leave him with an unexpected wad of cash.

"He was sitting alone behind me on the ferry and it was Christmas so I figured I would at least have a conversation with him," Nathan told Yahoo News. "He said he went to Magnetic Island to do something special."

That something special happened to be in the form of $5 notes  1,000 of them to be exact.

The stranger had made a day visit to the popular tourist island to hide $5,000 in public places in the hope that it would brighten the days of those who found the surprise. The anonymous man said he simply wanted to "spread the joy" over the Christmas break.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I almost didnt believe him at first when he said he scattered $5,000 around... [he] said he lives a very modest life and enjoys spreading some happiness and doing some good for others," Nathan recalled.

Cash hidden in 'plain sight' around Aussie island

Nathan, who is from the US, decided to return to the island and search for some cash himself. It took him all day, and just as he was feeling disheartened, he found a $5 note neatly tucked away in a vinegar station located near a beach in Horseshoe Bay.

"It was a single $5 note with a message inside reading, '$5,000 in $5 notes have been placed around Magnetic Island in plain eye sight for people to find for Christmas 2024. If you are reading this, then you have found one. They on are trees, posts, tables, chairs, rocks, signs, bins etc. Merry Christmas. Jim 765."

Nathan found $5 at a vinegar station near Horseshoe Bay after returning to Magnetic Island. Source: Facebook/Nathan Johnson

Nathan (left) said he was quite moved by the stranger's motive. Source: Supplied

Have you found one of the $5 notes hidden on Magnetic Island? Email sophie.coghill@yahooinc.com

Nathan told Yahoo News he was blown away by the gesture that was intended to "help make people's holidays just a little bit better" and has since heard from others who have found $5 notes. Another visitor, Katrina Skuse, told Yahoo News her family found one of the $5 notes recently.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I've heard of a couple other people finding some of the $5 notes... It helped make my Christmas a bit more cheerful," he confessed. It's believed much of the cash has still not been found.

What do we know about mysterious Jim?

Other than the few details Nathan was able to get out out of Jim during their chat on the ferry, there is not much known about him or where he lives in the country.

"I believe he was born in India, but his parents were Australian, and he was raised in Australia," Nathan said. "The only thing I know is I believe the three numbers he wrote on the message after his name are the last three digits of his phone number

"He said he had gotten lucky in stocks and just happened to invest in the right things... such a lovely gesture to share."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
AS someone who viewed the film Angela's Ashes at a young age, I was excited to meet Malachy McCourt's daughter Siobhan for a special sit-down interview in the George Hotel last October.

Siobhan recounted some lovely memories and told me of her belief that her Dad loved life and wanted to hold on as long as he could.

Malachy, who passed away in March at the age of 92, wanted his ashes to be scattered in Limerick to be reunited with his late brothers.

While we were on our way home from The Lark theatre after a great show and the tribute to 'himself,' my friend was driving and took a roundabout and the urn toppled. I'm not quite sure how this happened because the lid was on so tight. She said they were able to retrieve the ashes successively. When the ashes toppled, I thought, wow, he reallydoesn't want to go.

READ MORE: Limerick IFA to host Women's Christmas lunch in Adare

A bag carrying the ashes of the late Mr McCourt - brother of Frank McCourt who wrote the famous Angelas Ashes - was checked for explosives at New York's JFK Airport while they were en route home to Limerick to be scattered in his native place.

Siobhan recalled how the security employee pulled out the bag of ashes and asked what it was.

She explained that it was her father and that she was bringing him home. The look on this lady's face was priceless.

Siobhan continued: She didn't know whether to drop the bag. She's like, really? I'm like, yeah. And then she says, well, I have to check it first.

They wiped down the bag containing the ashes, for explosives. I said he had an explosive personality. However, he's dust now, you won't have to worry, smiled Siobhan.
A man has appeared in court charged over a head-on collision that took place over the Christmas period in which a father and son were killed.

The court heard that the man is diabetic and the last thing he remembers before the crash was feeling that his blood sugar was low.

Peter Devlin and his son Loughlin were killed in the two-car crash outside Killylea in Co Armagh on the afternoon of December 27.

Ivan Petrov, 32, a Bulgarian national who the court heard has been in Northern Ireland since 2015 but who has no permanent address in the jurisdiction, appeared before Newry Magistrates Court on Friday.

He is charged with two counts of causing the deaths of Peter and Loughlin Devlin by dangerous driving and one count of causing grievous bodily injury to Ursula Devlin by dangerous driving.

A constable told the court that the serious collision on Killylea Road took place at around 12.43pm last Friday between an Audi and a Mercedes.

Mr Petrov, the driver and the sole occupant of the Audi, was taken to hospital with rib and arm fractures.

Loughlin Devlin, who was driving the Mercedes, and his father Peter Devlin, who was a rear-seat passenger, died at the scene of the crash.

Ursula Devlin, Peters wife and Loughlins mother, who was also in the rear-seat of the Mercedes, remains critically ill in hospital, the court heard on Friday.

Another woman and a baby boy were injured in the incident but have since been released from hospital.

The constable told the court that following a forensic examination of the scene, it is believed that the head-on collision took place in the Mercedes lane and that they believe the Audi entered the wrong side of the road.

The court heard that witnesses also reported that the Audi had travelled into the oncoming lane.

Asked about other evidence, the constable told the court that Mr Petrov said in his police interview that he is diabetic and that his blood sugar was low prior to the collision.

He stopped to take a chocolate bar and felt that he was ok to drive, the constable said.

A solicitor for Mr Petrov said that the defendant cannot remember the actual accident or the collision and that his last memory was feeling that his blood sugar was low, to which the constable agreed.

An application for bail was made and the court heard Mr Petrovs mother had provided her sons passport and offered surety.

The court heard that police believe he is a serious flight risk and objected to bail.

Mr Petrov was refused bail and was remanded in custody.

The case is next due before court in Armagh on Tuesday January 21.
Police in Northern Ireland have issued a fresh appeal as they assist with an investigation into the disappearance of a Belfast man in Spain.

John George, 37, was holidaying in Spain when he was reported missing to the PSNI on December 18.

A candlelit vigil was held for Mr George, also known as John Hardy, in Belfast on New Years Eve.

Officers from Northern Ireland are liaising with the mans family and other law enforcement agencies in the case.

The PSNI has no investigative role but has offered to assist their Spanish counterparts.

On Friday a major incident public portal was opened where people can upload photographs, footage or social media videos to be shared with the PSNI and forwarded to Spanish police.

Anyone who believes they may have information which could assist the Spanish investigation team with their inquiry is asked to contact the PSNI on 101.
GETTING your foot on the housing ladder has probably never been as difficult in Limerick.

The Leader spoke to prominent local estate agents - Lisa Kearney, Rooney Auctioneers; Ailbhe OMalley, Sherry FitzGerald Limerick, and Tom Crosse and son Paul, GVM Auctioneers.

All agree prices in the residential market have increased in 2024 and there simply isnt enough supply. Behind every sale agreed there are many disappointed prospective buyers.

Ms Kearney recalls a semi-detached property off the South Circular Road that she advertised for sale at 400,000 during 2024.

Thirty two people viewed it over three different nights but only one person can buy it. It made 510,00 - 110,000 over the asking price because of bidding. So 31 of those other buyers, I have to meet again and try and find a house for them.

"I keep meeting the same couples over and over again - we've a friendship and a relationship built up -and then you feel bad because you have to ring X and say you didn't get it again. You can see the disappointment on their faces. It's horrific. There is a huge human side of it, said Ms Kearney.

The head of residential and new home sales said the couples are working their backsides off, saving, planning for weddings or kids.

It's really hard, really hard, said Ms Kearney. The flipside is when the sold sign is erected.

The delight when you finally do get them a house is fantastic but it's trying to get the house, she said.

READ MORE: Council eyes up purchase of Limerick community centre

Ms Kearney, who is president of Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV), said there was a little increase in supply in 2024 which is positive but nowhere near where we need.

Our population is growing all the time and especially in Limerick - you've all the multinationals, UL, Mary I and TUS which are an absolutely huge draw. More and more people are coming to get their education here. So with them comes housing. I've had mums and dads throughout the year buying or trying to buy apartments, terraced houses or semis for their kids, said Ms Kearney.

She says it is due to the cost of student rent and the difficulty even getting accommodation in the first place. These sales are once again squeezing those in the middle trying to buy their first house.

The middle market, that kind of 300k bracket up to about 550k, is absolutely soaring. There's a big, big demand there, said Ms Kearney, who sold Bloomfield House in Castletroy (pictured below) for 770,000.

Ailbhe OMalley said that according to the Sherry FitzGerald Price Index, annual price growth in Limerick at the end of September 2024 stood at 6.1%.

She said over the first nine months of 2024, approximately 785 new dwellings have been completed across county Limerick.

This is a significant increase of 43% when compared to the first nine months of 2023. This is in contrast to the decline which has been recorded for Ireland. Despite this improvement in output, demand for new dwellings in the Mid-West region far exceeds the level of completions, said Ms OMalley.

The Sherry FitzGerald Limerick branch manager noted there were just 420 second-hand homes available for sale in Limerick in July 2024.

This represents a mere 0.5% of the countys housing stock. Comparing this with the same period in 2023, second-hand stock advertised for sale has fallen by 17.3%. Comparing to 2020, stock for sale has fallen significantly by 38%.

The housing market continues to grapple with significant challenges as we move into 2025. Despite the increased interventions undertaken by the government in recent years to address shortages in the market, significantly more needs to be done to address supply and affordability, and must be a key focus of the new Government when formed, said Ms OMalley.

She said the higher end of the market was active this year with a selection of buyers from both home and further afield.

Limerick is seen as an attractive place to live due to excellent education options, great road network and access to Shannon Airport, said Ms OMalley, who sold 5 The Demesne, a detached residence on the grounds of Adare Manor (pictured below), in 2024 for 2,292,500.

Tom Crosse said it's been a very buoyant year, probably as good as a year as we have seen in the residential market for quite some time.

He said pricing has now exceeded Celtic Tiger times.

A new three-bed semi back in the Celtic Tiger era was around 320,000. Now a new 3-bed semi is between 400k and 435k. When I started in the business, a guard could buy a three-bed semi based on the multiplier of salary, said Tom Crosse.

Son, Paul Crosse, said now you need a couple with a combined salary of 100,000 as well as the deposit, the help of a scheme or the bank of mum and dad.

People that can't reach 400k / 430k for a three-bed semi have probably gone into the second-hand market, said Paul Crosse, who sold 50 houses in the new development at Greenpark, South Circular Road (pictured below).

In turn, this puts pressure on the second-hand market which is already at boiling point.

Tom Crosse said they are seeing eight to 10 per cent price growth year-on-year in the new and second-hand stock.

Your mortgage will be less than rent and you have security of tenure so there's every reason to buy a house, but obviously it's a challenge, said Tom Crosse, who expects prices to plateau in 2025.

Were looking forward to this year with a lot of positivity as well. We sold a lot of new homes in Limerick in 2024 - Greenpark, South Circular Road; Newtown Meadows, Castletroy and Knockhill, Ennis Road, said Mr Crosse.

A lot of first Christmases have been spent in houses to call home thanks to Ms Kearney, Ms OMalley and the Crosses and there are many hoping 2025 is their year to get the keys to their own home.
TREATY United manager Tommy Barrett feels it will be difficult for his side to compete with the bigger budgets of some of the teams in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland First Division in 2025.

"It's a difficult season, we have increased the budget. It's really difficult to compete with what other teams are handing out. There's a lot of full-time money floating around in a part-time league which is difficult for us. This time of the year is probably the most difficult.

"I didn't expect it to be as difficult if I'm honest about it. The money out there for a small pool of players is gone through the roof. It's a bit of worry overall for the league, for a part-time league. I think with money out there you might as well go full-time and bite the bullet. This is the hardest part of recruitment."

Barrett is pleased to re-sign the majority of players that he had lining out with Treaty United last season.

"We signed back a lot of lads that we wanted to sign back. We missed out on a couple, Thomas Considine is gone to Bray and obviously Stephen Christopher, Ben O'Riordan and Enda Curran are not playing this year due to various reasons. Ben is emigrating, Stevie is moving back home and Enda has retired".

The Treaty United manager hopes to finalise his squad over the next few weeks ahead of the start of the 2025 season.

"I'm still looking for a couple players. I've a few lads on trial next week, we've few foreign internationals on trial in the next couple weeks. We'll look at that market and see how we go," said Barrett.

Treaty begin their pre-season against Galway United on January 10 in Ennis County Grounds at 7pm.

On Friday, January 17, Treaty United take on Temple Utd in the third round of the Munster senior Cup.

Barrett's side will then make the trip to Cork City on January 18. In the last week of January, Treaty United will then host Premier Division side Sligo Rovers.

The Garryowen-based club open their SSE Airtricity League First Division campaign against Cobh Ramblers on February 14 at the Markets Field at 7:45pm.
The blaring New Years Day headlines would be panic-inducing for any CEO: Your signature product, in this case Teslas Cybertruck, caught fire and exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

And for Tesla and Elon Musk, few topics are touchier than vehicle fires. The automaker has spent years assuring customers that its electric vehicles, which are loaded with thousands of highly volatile battery cells, are safe.

In the hours that followed, Musk used his social-media platform X to muscle his way into the investigation, shape its coverage and portray his newest product in a positive light.

Musk blasted out key facts about the explosion to his followers, often revealing crucial information before it had been confirmed by law-enforcement authorities. His voice carried added weight given he had spent the New Years evening alongside Donald Trump at the president-elects Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida.

By days end Wednesday, Musk was framing the Cybertruck as the storys hero: It was built so tough that it might have actually saved bystanders from the apparent attack.

The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards," the Tesla chief executive posted late Wednesday. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken."

Musk celebrated the New Year with his family and Trump at a swanky party at Mar-a-Lago. I have a good feeling about 2025," Musk posted at 1:31 a.m. Eastern Standard Time Wednesday along with a picture of himself and his son.

The nation awoke hours later to alarming news: A man in a Ford pickup had plowed into a crowd in New Orleans, killing at least 14 and injuring others in what authorities were calling a terrorist attack.

Just hours later, an explosion rocked Las Vegas.

We are investigating a vehicle fire at the entrance to Trump Towers. The fire is out. Please avoid the area," Las Vegas police posted at 12:43 p.m.

For much of the afternoon, all that was known was that one person was killed and seven injured after the 2024 Cybertruck pulled up to the front doors of the Trump International Hotel and exploded. Smoke had been seen coming out of the vehicle beforehand, but authorities werent saying what caused the fire.

Firsthand accounts of the explosion began popping up on X.

Cybertruck blew up in front of Trump hotel in Las Vegas," X user Kaaaassuu posted at 12:22 p.m., roughly 40 minutes after local police say they received a report of the explosion at the hotel. Those are our luggage by the door and thats where we were when it happened."

Photographs of the Cybertruck ablaze next to the Trump" entrance sign circulated online as memes that alluded to a dumpster fire."

For years, Tesla has fought back against suggestions that its vehicles, which are powered by thousands of lithium-ion battery cells wired together in packs, present elevated fire risks.

Lithium-ion cells can be quite combustible, and Teslas early technology breakthroughs involved figuring out ways to mitigate that risk with engineering and software.

A fire in 2019 in China attracted global attention when a security camera captured video of a Model S sedan appearing to spontaneously combust. The company would later attribute the blaze to a cluster of cells, known as a module, and it updated software to address the issue.

Over a million combustion engine (its right there in the name!) car fires per year & thousands of deaths, but one Tesla car fire with no injuries gets biggest headlines. Why the double standard? This is a real question," Musk fumed at the time. Reality is a Tesla, like most electric cars, is over 500% *less* likely to catch fire than combustion engine cars, which carry massive amounts of highly flammable fuel. Why is this never mentioned?"

Just as it was then, Tesla was eager Wednesday to figure out what happened in Las Vegas. Behind the scenes, the automaker was playing detective, gathering data from the vehicle and charging stations that helped authorities track the pickup traveling to Las Vegas from Colorado.

The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now," Musk posted at 3:51 p.m. Will post more information as soon as we learn anything. Weve never seen anything like this."

The post came as media reports emerged that the truck had been filled with fireworks and authorities were treating it as a potential act of terror.

Less than two hours later, Musk returned to X with an update: 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," he posted. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.

He then soon added: Law enforcement currently believes it was most likely intentional." Nineteen minutes later, he continued, Appears likely to be an act of terrorism. Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way."

It wouldnt be until around 7 p.m. that Las Vegas police held a press conference to disclose that the trucks bed was packed with fuel cans and fireworks mortars.The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside the valet because it had most of the blast go up through the truck and out," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters.

Teslas efforts behind the scenes won it public praise from the police. I have to thank Elon Musk, specifically, he gave us quite a bit of additional information," McMahill said.The sheriffs comments immediately began swirling around X, helped by Musks amplification to his more than 210 million followers.

A bomb went off in the Cybertrucks bed and the tires didnt pop/deflate, the exterior of the truck is intact, the bed door is still attached & the 1.4mm-1.8mm steel exterior (2x thicker vs normal trucks) helped contain the blast," Sawyer Merritt, a Tesla investor, wrote. Its the toughest & most badass truck ever made!"

Musk quickly shared the post.

Imagine trying to intimidate Trump and @elonmusk with a carbomb but you end up just killing yourself and running a @cybertruck ad campaign," Chloe Cole posted along with a video of the burned-out Tesla vehicle.

To which Musk replied of the vehicles charred remains: Im pretty sure we could get it running again too."

Ryan Felton contributed to this article.

Write to Tim Higgins at tim.higgins@wsj.com
Boeing is conducting more surprise inspections at its factories as part of a broader plan to prevent manufacturing snafus like the one that led to a jet-panel blowout on an Alaska Air flight a year ago.

The jet maker outlined on Friday more than a dozen steps it has taken in recent months to tackle a manufacturing quality crisis that has forced Boeing to slow production and has put it under the microscope of federal regulators. Some of the steps have been previously reported.

Boeing restarted production at its 737 factory in December after a machinists strike stopped work for several months. The company is still producing far fewer 737 MAXs per month than it was in the months before the Alaska Airlines accident.

Among the new procedures are another layer of random quality checks where plane parts are commonly removed and then put back. In the case of the MAX involved in last Januarys incident, workers failed to replace bolts needed to hold a door-plug in place. The plug had been opened to repair faulty rivets.

Other measures include inspecting fuselages made by supplier Spirit AeroSystems before they leave Spirits factory, additional worker training, confidentiality safeguards for employees who report problems and simplified instructions for building 737s.

Boeing in May submitted a plan to the Federal Aviation Administration that included performance goals that the agency will use to determine whether its quality-improvement efforts are succeeding.

The metrics will track defects, employee proficiency, supplier shortages, factory work done out of sequence and time spent fixing flaws introduced by Boeing and by suppliers. The company said it has set thresholds that would trigger corrective action for each criteria.

Boeing declined to give any measurements of its progress but said it is tracking the metrics closely.

The FAAs chief, Mike Whitaker, said in a Thursday blog post that the agency would continue to watch Boeing closely, including weekly meetings with senior FAA leaders. Were actively monitoring the results and keeping a close eye on work at key Boeing facilities," he wrote. Our enhanced oversight is here to stay."

Write to Sharon Terlep at sharon.terlep@wsj.com
China started the year with a broadside against U.S. defense contractors, responding to recently ramped-up Taiwan arms sales by the Biden administration and laying down a fresh warning to President-elect Donald Trump of tools Beijing can use to protect national interests.

Beijings Ministry of Commerce on Thursday blacklisted 10 companies as unreliable entities" barred from doing business in China and said it would block another 28 from buying unspecified components that could have dual civilian and military uses.

Most of the defense contractors named have previously been sanctioned by China and have little trade with the country, unlike some of the hundreds of Chinese entities with U.S. operations targeted in punishments by Washington, such as Huawei Technologies.

While the immediate impact is likely minimal, the measures are important as symbolic reminders of the kind of measures China could level more broadly against American corporations in any future conflict.

The ministry cited safeguarding national security in Thursdays action and Xinhua News Agency said the targeted companies have engaged in military technology cooperation and arms sales with Taiwan in recent years, despite Chinas strong opposition.

Beijings claim to Taiwan is its pre-eminent source of friction with the U.S., and under leader Xi Jinping, China regularly flexes military muscle with jet fighters and warships that demonstrate how it might conduct an invasion or impose a trade embargo of the island. In a New Years address, Xi issued a warning to the U.S. over Taiwan: No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us, and no one can ever stop Chinas reunification, a trend of the times," he said.

Despite Beijings admonishments, every U.S. administration has sold weapons to Taiwan, most recently Abrams tanks from General Dynamics ordered during Trumps first term and recently delivered by the Biden administration. Under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. is committed to providing Taiwan with defensive weaponry and is obligated to treat threats to the democratically run island as a matter of grave concern."

During the Biden years through November, the U.S. has reduced a backlog of weapons sold to Taiwan but not delivered, according to a blog post last month by Eric Gomez, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Cato Institute. Gomez pointed out that the Biden administration has put more emphasis on asymmetric systems and maintenance services to Taiwan, which dont necessarily cost as much as traditional weaponry.

While the first Trump administration sold Taiwan more weapons, the Biden administration sold Taiwan a better mix of weapons for Taiwans self-defense needs," Gomez wrote.

The 10 companies labeled Thursday as unreliable by China are units of defense contractors General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and RTXs Raytheon, all of which have been sanctioned previously by Beijing. Some of those groups units are among those now blocked from dual-use item purchases, along with Boeings Defense, Space & Security unit, which likewise has previously been targeted by Beijing. The companies declined to comment or didnt respond to questions.

The companies now cut off from dual-use components include some new names, including Texas-based sensor technology maker Intelligent Epitaxy Technology, which said it is studying the announcement.

The measures build on Chinese sanctions in recent months against a number of American drone industry players. One of the companies, California-based Skydio, said the measure was aimed at its elimination in order to deepen the worlds dependence on Chinese drone suppliers." Beijing has also blocked specialty minerals germanium and gallium from export to the U.S., which appeared related to U.S. efforts to limit Chinese access to high-end semiconductors. And it has lashed out at critics of its human-rights record, banning some prominent American politicians from China, including Trumps designee for secretary of state, Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.).

After more than a decade of telling American companies they were at risk for participating in Taiwan sales, China in 2020 first sanctioned American defense contractors Lockheed, Raytheon and Boeing. Also during Trumps first administration, China in 2019 said it would compile an unreliable-entity list after the U.S. blacklisted Huawei, then in 2023 added Lockheed and Raytheon following Biden administration sanctions on a clutch of Chinese enterprises blamed for building a spy balloon that traversed the U.S.

As the worlds largest trading nation by value, its No. 2 economy and a consistently large absorber of foreign direct investment, China, like the U.S., has a vast ability to conduct economic statecraft. Its actions against American defense contractors, like special investigations into the safety of U.S. agricultural products like wheat and beef, plus thickets of regulation and its claims of final approval over multinational corporate mergers, provide tastes of how Beijing can try to match the U.S. in levering economic heft to pressure a foreign adversary.

More could be in store once Trump returns to the White House, as the president-elect has vowed significant new pressure on Beijing, including with tariffs.

Before his November election, Trump suggested he would like to see a more transactional relationship with Taiwanraising the question of whether he would step up arms sales to the islandand separately vowed retaliation against China if it were to threaten Taiwan. Trump told The Wall Street Journals editorial board in October that Xi wouldnt dare to move against Taiwan because, he said, Xi sees Trump as crazy," but that if he did, I would say: if you go into Taiwan, Im sorry to do this, Im going to tax you at 150% to 200%."

In addition to unleashing its full military power, Beijing would be expected to use a variety of economic strategies in a showdown over Taiwan.

China has been using a wider range of economic statecraft tools in recent years, particularly in response to Taiwan-specific policy moves by other countries, and these new sanctions on defense contractors seem to be consistent with that same pattern," said Logan Wright, a partner at Rhodium Group in Washington.

A 2023 study by Rhodium Group and the Atlantic Councils GeoEconomics Center concluded that Beijing has been more systematic in preparing such defenses than Russia was to counter Western sanctions it faced as a result of invading Ukraine.

The study concluded that the major democratic nations that make up the Group of Seven depend on more than $477 billion in Chinese goods that could be restricted from export by Beijing. At least $460 billion in G-7 direct investment assets would be at risk, it said, though Beijing would also need to consider how such measures could undermine domestic employment and other economic factors.

Write to James T. Areddy at James.Areddy@wsj.com
NEW DELHI : Piped natural gas customers -- both households, industry and CNG vehicle users  are likely to get uniform insurance cover against leaks and other accidents, following a recommendation by the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).

In a recent meeting with stakeholders, the regulator noted that it is imperative that piped natural gas (PNG) consumers should also be insured as in the case with liquid petroleum gas (LPG). And along with domestic PNG consumers, commercial and industrial users of PNG and compressed natural gas (CNG) consumers should also be covered by insurance.

The open house discussion was held on 20 December, amid recent instances of leakages and accidents.

Insurance gaps

Although considered safer than LPG, sporadic instances of pipeline leaks in the case of PNG have also been reported. In May this year, four people were injured in Mumbai due to a leakage caused in a PNG pipeline during an excavation work. In November last year, one person died and three others were injured in Palwal, Haryana due to a pipeline leakage and eventual explosion.

CNG vehicles however report higher instances of such accidents. Last month, a collision between an LPG and a CNG truck in Jaipur claimed eight lives and 41 people were injured.

In October, a bus in Mumbai caught fire due to leakage of CNG from its fuel supply system.

The minutes released on 1 January said that there was unanimous consensus on the need for "uniform insurance policy" in the city gas distribution or CGD sector.

While insurance cover is provided in cases to CNG consumers and workers in CNG depots, there is no universal coverage and the PNG space is largely out of the insurance coverage.

Noting that PNG is a much safer fuel and is currently not covered under the insurance scheme, HPCL said that the CGD sector needs to be under the ambit of insurance.

Stakeholder consensus

"There was consensus among the stakeholders for covering the PNG consumers akin to LPG consumers and oil and gas marketing companies agreed to roll out the policy within two months time frame," the regulator said in the minutes.

According to the regulator, CGD companies should match the best terms being offered for insurance, or enhance their offerings in providing immediate and general cover to all PNG and CNG consumers as in the case of liquefied natural gas (LPG).

Also Read: Power demand shoots up on cold wave across North India

It also said claim procedures need to be well thought-out, deliberated, covering known or common scenarios. In a bid to bring in convenience for consumers, PNGRB also suggested that efforts should be made to ensure that routine insurance claims do not require judicial oversight or intervention.

Damages to surroundings and neighbours should also be considered while formulating the policy and offering insurance cover, it said.

During the meeting its was proposed that oil marketing companies may speak to current insurers for the LPG sector to provide insurance cover to PNG consumers at the same premium as provided for LPG.

The regulator would also include insurance in the quality of service (QOS) regulations, making it mandatory for the entities to implement the insurance policy.

During the deliberations, representatives of the state-run Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) noted that LPG consumers are currently safeguarded under the insurance policy which the three OMCsIndian Oil Corporation Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and HPCLjointly subscribe to.

Gujarat Gas Ltd said that it currently follows two insurance policies: a commercial general liability (CGL) policy for which the sum insured is 175 crore for any third-party damages including consumers, vendors, erection sites, and second, a public liability (PL) policy for any compensation awarded by court.

It however, noted, "an additional scope on improvement in the current policies can focus towards covering individuals was highlighted by the board."

Mumbai-headquartered Mahanagar Gas Ltd informed the regulator that it provides a PL insurance cover for industrial risk, which has an additional cover of 50 crore over and above the public liability cover and the Mahasuraksha Policy for the benefit of auto, taxi and drivers operating CNG-based vehicles.

PNGRB highlighted the need to extend similar insurance cover to its piped cooking gas customers.
Mumbai: Fintech lender BharatPe is looking to sell anywhere between 10% and 25% stake in Unity Small Finance Bank, depending on buyer interest, two people with knowledge of the development said. The Peak XV-backed fintech firm holds around 49% stake in the small finance bank currently.

BharatPe is scouting for private equity firms and large family offices for the stake sale and has appointed investment bank Rothschild & Co. to help it look for buyers, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity.

BharatPe is likely to sell more stake if more buyers line up," the first person cited above said, adding that as per its agreement with RBI, the NBFC (non-banking finance company) has to bring down its stake in Unity SFB to 10% by 2028.

In an interview to Mint on 4 August 2022, BharatPes chairman Rajnish Kumar had confirmed its plans for an IPO over the next two years.

The agreement was struck at the time a consortium of Centrum Financial Services Ltd and BharatPe acquired the small finance bank licence. Unity SFB is promoted by Centrum Financial Services and is backed by BharatPes parent, Resilient Innovations Pvt. Ltd (RIPL) as the financial investor.

The first person added that Unity SFB will also need to comply with RBI guidelines that no single stakeholder should have more than 10% stake before a financial entity like Unity goes for public listing. Hence, BharatPe has decided to explore a stake sale," the first person added.

Also read | BharatPe settles with Ashneer Grover, to end all ties with former co-founder

Unity SFB, which has completed three years of operations, is required to go public after two more years. RBIs norms require small finance banks to get listed after five years of operations.

The second person cited above said that Unity SFB is likely to be valued at more than $800-900 million. Most small finance banks are trading at 1-1.5 times their books and, hence, thats a safe ballpark to begin with," the second person said.

Meanwhile, a banker who spoke on condition of anonymity told Mint that the NBFC is finding it difficult to find buyers for the stake sale.

Emailed queries to Rothschild & Co, BharatPe and Unity SFB did not elicit any response.

BharatPe, too, is preparing for an IPO (initial public offering). In an interview to Mint on 4 August 2022, BharatPes chairman Rajnish Kumar had confirmed its plans for an IPO over the next two years.

He had also clarified the lenders plan to transition from an individual-focused company to a professionally run entity, after its run-ins with former co-founder Ashneer Grover.

Also read | Delhi HC orders arbitration in Ashneer Grover-BharatPe confidentiality violation case

In September last year, BharatPe reached a settlement with Grover, ending years of acrimonious legal battles and public disputes between the two parties. As part of the agreement reached, Grover will not be associated with BharatPe in any capacity nor be a part of the shareholding of the company.

The background

Centrum Financial Services was granted a small finance bank licence by the RBI in November 2021, paving the way for it to take over the crisis-ridden Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank.

The multistate cooperative bank was put under RBIs directions in September 2019 after serious corporate governance lapses came to light.

The Centrum groups lending businesses, housed under CFSL and Centrum Microcredit Ltd (CML), were transferred to Unity SFB through a business transfer agreement.

The performance

BharatPe turned Ebitda positive in October 2024 and recorded consolidated revenue from operations of 1,426 crore in FY24, compared to 1,029 crore a year ago, according to a statement from the company last October. Ebitda refers to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.

Its consolidated loss before tax stood at 474 crore compared to 941 crore a year ago. The company expects to turn profitable by the end of the current fiscal year.

Also read | Unity SFB to pay PMC depositors immediately

Meanwhile, as per an August 2024 ratings release by Crisil, Unity SFB turned profitable in fiscal year 2022-23, reporting net profit of 35 crore, as against loss of 150 crore a year ago. The profits further grew to 439 crore in fiscal 2023-24 both on account of the growing loan book as well as benefit of reversal in provisioning cost on the technically written off assets of PMC Bank.

The banks assets under management (AUM) excluding the PMC book grew to 8,569 crore as on 31 March 2024 against 4,694 crore during the corresponding period a year ago. The deposit base increased to 6,505 crore at the end of March 2024 from 2,684 crore a year ago. The banks capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) stood at 36.4% as on 31 March 2024.
The Indian auto industry's performance is widely tracked, with millions of vehicles including trucks, buses, cars, three-wheelers, scooters and bikes sold every year.

India is the worlds second-largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, third-largest manufacturer of passenger cars, and largest manufacturer of three-wheelers.

The industry has dozens of original equipment manufacturers, hundreds of auto component suppliers, and thousands of dealerships that eventually sell the products to the end customers.

While India's automotive landscape has long been dominated by homegrown giants, the influx of foreign automakers and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) are reshaping the market at an unprecedented pace.

Also read | Quick commerce in India: Boon or bubble waiting to burst?

The auto industry is undergoing a transformation, with a growing focus on less-polluting vehicles, including hybrids and electric vehicles.

Despite the optimism around this transformation, the road ahead isn't without bumps. Several auto stocks that were once soaring have seen their prices plummet by as much as 50% from their 52-week highs.

These drops could present unique investment opportunities for savvy investors.

We have filtered these stocks based on their fundamentals and the recent corrections in their stock prices.

Lets take a closer look.

#1 Ola Electric Mobility

Ola Electric Mobility is a leading EV manufacturer in India, specialising in the vertical integration of technology and manufacturing for EVs and their components, including battery cells.

Its operations are centered around the Ola Future factory, which produces EVs and critical components such as battery packs, motors and vehicle frames.

The company maintains a direct-to-customer distribution network with more than 750 experience centers" across India  the largest such company-owned network  and a robust online presence.

Ola Electric saw sales increase 39.1% year-on-year to 1,210 crore, in Q2FY25. Gross margin for the auto segment was 20.6%, up 12 basis points from Q2FY24.

At the operating level, the company reported a loss of 380 crore. The net loss for the quarter was 490 crore. The company saw competition increase in the auto industry during the quarter, but management said it remained confident of its position.

Heres how the stock has performed over the past year.

After hitting a high of 146.4 on 19 August, it is currently trading at 85.2, down 41%.

The company is working aggressively to expand its distribution and service network to strengthen its market position. As part of its strategy, it aims to have 2,000 company-owned outlets. It currently operates 1,000 network partner stores, which it plans to increase by March. This extensive network gives Ola access to tier-2 and tier-3 towns.

The company is also looking to launch a series of new products to diversify its portfolio. Over the next two years, Ola plans to roll out over 20 new vehicles, including scooters, motorcycles, and three-wheelers. The much-anticipated Roadster motorcycle series is set to be launched in phases starting March.

#2 Tata Motors

Tata Motors produced a wide range of vehicles including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, utility vehicles, electric vehicles, and defence vehicles.

It operates in India, the UK, South Korea, South Africa, China, Brazil, Austria and Slovakia through a strong global network of subsidiaries, associate companies and joint ventures (JVs), including Jaguar Land Rover in the UK and Tata Daewoo in South Korea.

Tata Motors saw revenue decline by 3.5% to 1 trillion during Q2FY25. Operating profit fell 12% year-on-year to 12,160 crore. The operating profit margin fell to 12% from 13% in Q2FY24.

During Q2FY25, the company reported an 11% year-on-year decrease in consolidated net profit to 3,450 crore from 3,830 crore in the same period last year. This decline reflects challenges in both the domestic and international markets.

Heres how its stock has performed over the past year.

It hit a high of 1,161.8 on 30 July and is currently trading at 739.2, down 36%.

After a challenging Q2FY25,Tata Motors has targeted strategiesto drive recovery and growth. The company remains committed to becoming net-debt-freeand enhancing profitability across divisions. It is prioritising the EV market, planning to mainstream EVs with a broader portfolio and a stronger ecosystem to capture significant market share.

Also read: This smallcap retail stock has quadrupled this year. Can it keep rising in 2025?

As supply constraints ease and demand rises in the latter half of FY25, Tata Motors remains vigilant about global market conditions, especially in China and Europe. By balancing growth initiatives with careful resource management, it is positioned to address immediate challenges while setting the stage for sustained, long-term growth.

#3 Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp has been the worlds largest two-wheeler company, in terms of units sold in a calendar year, for more than two decades. It owns well-known bike brands such as Splendor, Passion, Glamour and scooter brands such as Pleasure and Maestro.

The company reported its highest-ever quarterly revenue of 10,480 crore in Q2FY25, up 10% year-on-year. It also achieved its highest-ever festival sales of 1.6 million units during the quarter.

Operating profit for the quarter stood at 1,450 crore, up 7% year-on-year, while the operating profit margin remained flat at 14%.

Net profit increased by 6% year-on-year to 1,070 crore during the quarter while net margin fell to 10.2% from 10.6% in Q2FY24.

Heres how the stock has performed over the past 12 months.

It hit a high of 6,190.5 on 23 September and is currently trading at 4,183, down 32%.

The company aims to expand its EV portfolio with new products in the mid and mass segments. It plans to leverage on its tie-ups with Harley Davidson and American EV maker Zero Motorcycles, and scale up its global business. The company currently operates in 50 markets.

Management remains optimistic about Indias economic trajectory and the auto sector's outlook. It expects the positive demand trends to continue after the festive season, driven by both rural and urban segments. It is also in the process of upgrading its showrooms to give its premium customers a superior experience.

#4 Bajaj Auto

Bajaj Auto is a two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company that exports to 79 countries. Headquartered in Pune, it is the world's third-largest manufacturer of motorcycles and the second-largest in India. It is also the world's largest three-wheeler maker. Bajaj Auto runs three manufacturing plants across India with an annual capacity of 5 million units.

Sales for Q2FY25 came in at 13,250 crore, up 22.3% year-on-year. Operating profit fell by 3% year-on-year to 2,070 crore, while the operating profit margin dropped to 16% from 20% in Q2FY24. It posted a net profit of 1,380 crore for the quarter, a 24% decrease from 2,020 bn in the same quarter last year.

Heres how its stock has fared over the past year.

After hitting a high of 12,666.4 on 27 September, it is now trading at 8,813.6, down 30%.

Bajaj Auto is looking to position itself for sustained growth in the coming quarters. It is focused onexpanding its EV offeringsand enhancing its product lineup as it looks to address the growing demand for sustainable mobility.

Also read: Five Indian stocks that could take a massive hit from potential US tariffs

The EV portfolio has already gained traction, contributing to 20% of domestic revenue. This trend is expected to continue as it introduces new models. The company is also enhancing its export strategy, particularly in Latin America, where it has reported robust growth. Continued investments in manufacturing facilities will support these expansion plans, with the aim of increasing production capacity significantly by FY26.

While the recent earnings call highlighted some challenges, the company remains optimistic about its trajectory. Product launches and expansion into new markets are expected to drive revenue growth.

#5 Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti Suzuki, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, is India's largest passenger vehicle company in terms of production and sales. It offers a wide range of vehicles, from hatchbacks to compact SUVs and premium sedans, but is best-known for making affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles.

Over the past few decades, the company has expanded its operations beyond India and now exports its vehicles to several countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Africa, Egypt, Europe and Australia.

Sales increased 0.3% year-on-year to 37,450 bn in Q2FY25. Operating profit for the quarter stood at 4,990 crore, while operating profit margin stood at 13%, down from 14% in Q2FY24.

Net profit for the quarter declined 18% year-on-year to 3,100 core, while the net profit margin declined to 8.3% from 10.1% in Q2FY24.

Heres how its stock has performed over the past 12 months.

After hitting a high of 13,495.6 on 27 September 2024, it is currently trading at 12,018.2, down 11%.

Maruti Suzuki has ambitious growth plans and is looking to expand its production capacity. It recently commissioned a new assembly line, increasing its Manesar facility's capacity to 900,000 units a year to meet the growing demand for its vehicles.

Also read | Indian stock markets: Bullish trends, valuation risks, and whats next in 2025

The company is also targeting sustainability with its use of renewable energy. Maruti plans to increase its solar power capacity to 78.2 MWp (megawatt peak) by FY25. It is also optimistic about biofuels and has started operating a biogas plant at its Manesar facility.

Demand for CNG vehicles in India continues to rise. One out of every three cars Maruti sells in the country is a CNG model. This growing demand positions the company to capture a significant share of the market for fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles.

Conclusion

The Indian auto industry offers investors several opportunities to build their portfolios and benefit from the sectors growth.

However, just like in any other sector, one should thoroughly assess the performance and potential of the auto companies before investing in them. Investors should take into account industry trends, financial performance, regulations and valuations before making any decisions.

Its important to note that any significant change in rules governing the auto sector could affect these stocks. These rules could be related to pollution, safety features, fuel and so on.

Given all these risks, investors must be cautious. While the potential rewards are high, it's essential to conduct thorough research before jumping in.

Happy investing!

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
India's stock market experienced dramatic swings in 2024. After reaching record highs, the Nifty 50 plunged nearly 11% from its September peak due to persistent selling by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in the following two months. The selling was driven by increased allocations to China and concerns surrounding muted earnings growth during the second quarter. A weakening rupee further dampened market sentiment.

The market is currently showing some signs of recovery, rebounding roughly 4% from its trough. Mint explores whether this correction has presented attractive buying opportunities for some investors by alleviating concerns of an overvalued market.

An analysis of all NSE-listed stocks reveals that only 1% are currently trading at their 52-week high, indicating widespread declines from peak values. Nearly half are down more than 25% from their 52-week highs, while another one-third have declined between 10% and 25%.

While the Indian stock market's current correction raises valid concerns about valuations and future performance, it also presents potential buying opportunities for discerning investors," said Atul Parakh, CEO of online investment and trading firm Bigul. A careful analysis of individual stocks and sectors is essential, alongside an understanding of broader market conditions. Investors should balance their strategies between seizing opportunities presented by lower valuations while remaining vigilant about potential further declines in the near term."

Also read: Weak rupee dented dollar returns for already wary foreign investors in 2024

Vivek Sharma, investment head at Estee Advisors, added, I always advise investors to avoid trying to time their entry or exit in the market and instead focus on systematic investing. This strategy not only helps sail through market volatility more smoothly by averaging the cost of investments but also less emotional draining."

Valuations remain high

Despite recent corrections, valuations remain elevated across the board. Our analysis further reveals that a majority of stocks in the Nifty 100, Nifty Midcap 150, and Nifty Smallcap 250 are trading above their five-year median trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios. The Nifty Smallcap 250 has the highest proportion of such stocks (71%), followed by the Nifty Midcap 150 (66%)and the Nifty 100 (56%).

India commands higher equity valuations primarily due to its growth potential. However, the market went through a period of froth as investors expected the growth momentum seen in 20222023 to continue into 2024, which didnt materialize," said Anand K. Rathi, co-founder of MIRA Money. There is still hope that growth momentum will return. While it may not match previous rates, it will likely be significantly higher than what global markets are experiencing."

Also read: Santa skips D-Street during second-quietest December in a decade

I think there may be a bit more pain before things turn around. Thats why its better not to invest all your money at once. Consider allocating 50% now and the rest after evaluating key indicators such as Q3 results and the budget," Rathi added.

After a mass exodus in October and November, overseas investors returned as net buyers of Indian equities in December, with inflows totalling 15,446 crore.

According to Sharma, the recent pullback due to FPI selling has moderated valuations to some extent. "But high valuations persist, particularly in the mid-cap and small-cap segments, which continue to trade well above historical median P/E ratiosWhile this concern is valid, sitting out of the market altogether is not a wise decision," he added.

Also read: Mint Primer | Happy New Year: How stocks may swing in 2025
Like hemlines and haircuts, stocks go in and out of fashion. So do the ways companies communicate their performance to investors. Whatever numbers investors want to see, management will supply them, especially if they can be easily tailored to look flattering.

For so-called SaaS companies, selling software as a service, a favorite metric nowadays is something called the Rule of 40." The first thing to know is it isnt a rule, because there is no standard definition for what it means. For some companies it has become a big deal to claim membership in the Rule of 40 club" nonetheless.

In general the rule holds that a companys revenue growth plus its profit margin should be 40% or greater. So if a company has 20% revenue growth and a 20% margin, it gets to be in the club. Same for 40% growth and no margin, or 30% growth and a 10% margin.

Brad Feld, a venture-capital investor, popularized this notion with a blog post back in 2015 called The Rule of 40% For a Healthy SaaS Company." The terms first appearance in a companys Securities and Exchange Commission filing was in 2017, going by the results of a database search on the SECs website. A 2021 study by McKinsey, the consulting giant, is credited for helping spread its usage and showed that the market rewarded companies with higher valuations if they are at or above the Rule of 40.

Here is where it starts to fall apart: While revenue has a standard meaning, there is no consensus on which measure of profit companies should use to calculate the margin component. Should it be operating income? Net income? Cash flow? Maybe some nonstandard version of earnings or cash flow? The numbers that companies are showing lack comparability because they arent apples-to-apples, and the companies often dont show their math.

But say everyone could agree on a particular margin metric to use for the calculation. The traditional one that McKinsey recommended was free cash flow. This typically is defined as operating cash flow, which has a standard definition, minus capital expenditures. Even then, the metrics usefulness starts to crumble. Done this way, the rule favors companies that rely heavily on stock-based compensation to pay their employees, while punishing those that dont and instead pay more heavily in cash. That is because free cash flow, like operating cash flow, excludes stock-based pay, which is a real cost that counts in companies reported profits.

David Zion, founder of Zion Research Group and a longtime accounting and tax analyst, in a December research note did his own Rule of 40 calculations for North American application-software companies with stock-market values of greater than $1 billion. For this exercise, he took the sum of revenue growth plus free-cash-flow margin using the last reported four quarters. Of the 98 companies in the group, 33 of them met or beat the Rule of 40. However, when he adjusted free cash flow to treat stock-based pay as an expense, only 11 companies still met or beat the Rule of 40 under both methods. They included Palantir Technologies and Constellation Software.

At Freshworks, for instance, during the companys recent earnings call, Chief Executive Dennis Woodside said, adding our revenue growth and free-cash-flow margin for Q3, we exceeded the Rule of 40 in the quarter." Indeed, Zion calculated that its Rule of 40 number was 41%, which put Freshworks at No. 29 on his ranking out of the 98 companies. Revenue growth was just over 20%, and so was free-cash-flow margin.

But when Zion adjusted Freshworks margin figure to treat stock-based pay as an expense, its Rule of 40 number fell to 9% and its ranking dropped to No. 76. The reason: Its stock-based pay exceeded its free cash flow. In other words, if that compensation had been paid in cash instead of stock, Freshworks free cash flow would have been negative, and its free-cash-flow margin would have been negative 11%.

Similarly, Workdays chief executive, Carl Eschenbach, at an investor conference in May said were a Rule of 40 company." Using free-cash-flow margin for the calculation, Zion showed its Rule of 40 number was 44% for the past four quarters, but it was 26% if stock-based compensation was treated as an expense.

The reason that any of this matters, Zion says, is that the market has been rewarding companies with higher valuation multiples if they are at or above 40%, as McKinsey found in its study. However, it appears the market may not be distinguishing consistently between higher quality and lower quality Rule of 40 numbers.

A big drop in the rankings for a company indicates to us that its Rule of 40 ranking is driven more by financial engineering (how employee compensation is financed) than its peers," Zion wrote in his note. Thus a big question for investors, he said, is, How much are you willing to pay for a Rule of 40 company that is primarily there because of how theyve decided to finance their employees compensation?"Better yet, until there is some consensus on how to do this number, just 86 the rule.

Write to Jonathan Weil at jonathan.weil@wsj.com
The Indian stock market ended on a positive note, driven by gains in the auto, IT, and consumption sectors.

The Nifty 50 closed at 24,188.65, and the BSE Sensex climbed 1.83% to settle at 79,943.71, while the Nifty Media sector lagged behind, closing in the red.

Top performers included Eicher Motors (+8.65%), Bajaj Finserv (+7.88%), Bajaj Finance (+6.32%), and Maruti (+5.65%), with Sun Pharma (-0.63%) and Britannia (-0.14%) leading the losses.

(Tradingview)

Indian Stock Markets Outlook:

The Nifty's breakout above the 24,000 mark signals the start of a potential new market trend, supported by its position above the 20-day moving average (24,013.25).

Similarly, Bank Nifty closed above its 100-day moving average of 51,590.15, ending at 51,605, further strengthening the bullish outlook.

(Tradingview)

Three stocks to buy, recommended by Ankush Bajaj:

Voltas Ltd: Buy at 1835; Target 1885-1910; Stop Loss 1760.

The stock has breached the critical level of 1810 with strong trading volume, signaling the potential for a significant uptrend.

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd: Buy at 1348; Target 1405-1426; Stop Loss 1320.

With the recent bullish momentum in the pharma sector, this stock stands out as a promising buy opportunity.

Laurus Labs Ltd: Buy at 617; Target 645-665; Stop Loss 584.

The stock has broken its recent high on the charts, presenting a strong opportunity for a bullish trade.

Also read:

Has the market finally bottomed? Time to pounce?

Weak rupee dented dollar returns for already wary foreign investors in 2024

Should you be wary of metal stocks in 2025?

Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Registration granted by SEBI and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Go home and get a nice, quiet sleep": When Neville Chamberlain gave this piece of advice after signing the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler in 1938, he also used the phrase peace for our time." Now often cited as peace in our time, it was short-lived back then and is recalled now only with a sense of irony.

Indeed, peace in our time has been the single most elusive aspiration of the post-war years. We only have to look at the New Years Day terror attack in New Orleans, US, a city known for its love of music and as the birthplace of jazz. At least 15 innocent civilians were killed and dozens injured in an attack ascribed to a US citizen inspired by Islamic State (IS).

To extremists, of course, there are no innocentssave for their own kind. The relentless Israeli bombing of Gaza has killed children and babies too.

Last year was crammed with war and conflict, the most egregious example of which was Israels disproportionate reaction to terror strikes by Hamas that sparked off fierce but uneven warfare, with hostilities reaching Lebanon and Iran as well.

In tandem, the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, not only without let-up, but interspersed with Russian threats of a nuclear strike, as the new normal sinks to a new low.

Elsewhere too, existing conflicts escalated last year in Sudan and Myanmar, while the long-running conflict in Syria came to a sudden endor so we hope, given how radical Islamists breathe down the neck of that war-ravaged land. Last years intensification frequently threatened to turn raging conflicts into wider regional wars, with the alarming potential to turn global.

When US-supplied missiles were fired at Russia, and Iran joined the West Asian conflict by firing missiles at an Israel already embattled by its Lebanese proxy, and when North Korean troops were drafted by Russia against Ukraine, the clock seemed to be ticking its way to World War III.

In March, IS-Khorasan Province wreaked havoc in Crocus City, Russia, killing 145 people and injuring 550 in a coordinated shooting and slashing attack. Whether Russia was paying a price for its war on IS terrorists in Syria was unclear, with Syria the playing field of militia groups that could swing either way towards a moderate Islamic regime or an intolerant Taliban shadow.

The former scenario, should it unfold, with stability in Syria, could mean fewer Crocus-type attacks where IS terrorists would fan out of Syria to target crowded settings. But the New Orleans attack should remind us that now is not a time for the world to lower its guard. Peace in our time may be some distance away.

One player missing in action was the United Nations, a body charged with the task of helping build peace, not just preventing conflagrations or keeping warring sides at bay. Peace building is more than rushing Blue Helmets around the world.

With the next US administration to be headed soon by Donald Trump, known for his UN-scepticism, it falls upon India more than any other nationgiven its historical role and geopolitical neutralityto dig its heels in for multilateralism.

This will need the UN to be restructured, with India playing its rightful role as a permanent member of its Security Council.

With a trade war looming between the US and China, whose eyeing of Taiwan could turn into a flashpoint that opens yet another theatre of war, its a principle that needs robust advocacy right now as a basis for UN efficacy. For peace is an idea whose time has come.
The year 2025 is really like any other, only more so: It deserves to be greeted with what one of my former editors calls paranoid optimism."

Optimism is in order because the world, chaotic as it currently looks, might get betterand yes, in part because a new American president, Donald Trump, could tackle problems in such mind-bogglingly unorthodox ways that breakthroughs become conceivable.

The paranoia is called for because the world is complicated, with dangerous feedback loops hidden inside todays polycrisis." And a leader as proudly unpredictable as Trump might inadvertently blow it all up.

Well have to get used to this ambiguity, which evokes the famous cat in Erwin Schrodingers thought experiment (about quantum superposition, if that means something to you).

The poor creature sits in a sealed box and is simultaneously alive and dead; but only until you open the box and look. Thereafter its either one or the other. Something similar will happen once Trump takes his oath of office and starts owning every mess in the world.

Here are just a few examples in international relations that illustrate how various cats could live or die. They derive from the most important bilateral relationship in the world, the one between the US and China. If and when these two cooperate, almost any problem becomes solvable. When they dont, every pickle has the potential to escalate to Armageddon.

You may not have noticed this in your social-media stream, but since 2021, the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45 has been fentanyl, or some other synthetic opioid based on it.

One reason (of several) is that China, sulking over US support for Taiwan and other perceived snubs, turned a blind eye to the illegal production of the requisite chemicals by Chinese triads; those molecules then made their way to Mexico, where drug cartels packaged them for sale in the US. When Sino-American relations are bad, people die.

A bit over a year ago, though, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met and agreed to pull back from the brink. China now cracks down harder on the triads (although plenty of the drugs still make it out). And lo, fentanyl deaths started declining in 2023 and are now falling (again, the reasons are complex, but this is one). When Washington and Beijing cooperate, people live.

Now apply this to other cats trapped in boxes over which Xi and Trump will soon have joint custody. One is the prospect of nuclear war, or of an arms race that could lead to it. This year, China added another 100 atomic warheads to its arsenal, for a total of about 600; it plans to catch up with the US and Russia in about a decade. Each has deployed about 1,700 nukes for instant use, with thousands more in storage.

Will all three keep arming, in a vain effort to outdo the others? In time, this could lead to feline mass extinction.

If, however, Trump and Xi agree to put brakes on this insanity, as Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev once did, there is hope. Together, they could persuade Russias Vladimir Putin, and possibly even North Koreas Kim Jong Un and the ayatollahs in Iran, to participate in arms-control talks. Xi has the requisite sway with them; and Trumpaccording to, well, Trumpis a negotiating genius.

Xis clout in Moscow, Pyongyang and Tehran is also a segue to a parallel threat to world peace, the formation of a new axis among these regimes.

Step by step, these four autocracies are moving from informal cooperation in undermining the US and the order for which it stands to formalized ties: Under this years pact between Russia and North Korea, for example, North Korean troops are now fighting and dying alongside Russian soldiers in Putins war against Ukraine.

This de facto axis will put the Trump administration in a bind. So far, Washington, under Democratic and Republican administrations, has viewed conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, Korean peninsula, Taiwan Strait and South China Sea as discrete.

If theres even a hint that the four adversaries might coordinate their plansor barring that, recalculate opportunistically and strike when they believe that the US is distractedthe risk rises that these theatres of hostility become linked.

The US military is currently set up to win one major war and one minor war simultaneously; if it had to confront the entire axis, it would have to wage four and might lose.

The proper label for that scenario is World War III. Its a term that Trump has used often and that clearly haunts him. Instead of offering a strategy to prevent this nightmare, he has so far only touted his own alleged strength," whatever that means.

To translate this bumper sticker into military might, hed have to double or triple Americas defense budget, which would cause a fiscal and political crisis.

So his only practical option is to break up the axis before it becomes real. That again means he must talk to Beijing, which deems itself the hub of any emerging anti-Western alliance even as it looks askance at Moscow and Pyongyang getting too cuddly. If Trump and Xi talk, people will live; if not, people may die.

So it goes for almost every major problem. The United Nations, for example, has gone from merely dysfunctional to irrelevant. One reason: Three of the five permanent (and veto-wielding) members of its security council keep sabotaging one another and the whole system.

The US vetoes resolutions related to Israel, while China and Russia protect each other, as well as North Korea and other rogues. By contrast, the other two permanent members, Britain and France, have admirably refrained from using their vetoes for more than three decades.

If Trump and Xi wanted to resurrect the international system (which Trump admittedly claims to disdain), they could jointly declare a moratorium on vetoes.

The best example, of course, is climate change. I hesitate to bring it up because its hardly top of Trumps mind, or even tucked away in any nook of it. But that could change, especially if hes reminded that he should leave a positive legacy.

Historically, the US has been the largest emitter of carbon into the atmosphere, although China has taken the top spot since 2005. If these two countries cooperate to slow global warming, theres hope; if they dont, there isnt.

This is where paranoia bubbles up from my amygdala. As of now, Trump shows little interest in any of these sweeping thoughts and ambitions. He instead appears focused on starting a trade war with China, and then the whole world, because the most beautiful word in the dictionary is tariff."

Thats a bad idea economically and astoundingly petty. Its also the worst possible way to start off with Xi. And remember: If they dont get it together, cats will start dying.

Then the optimism fights back. Its Trumps shtick to trash-talk his interlocutors, friend or foe alike, just to see how theyll react. But he also knowsat least I hope he doesthat solving problems in the real world, whether in Ukraine, at the southern border or anywhere else, requires finesse and an open mind. And neither he nor Xi wants to blow up the world.
I will respectfully step aside," said the man who lost an election, and participate in a smooth transition process." The speed with which President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat on November 1st was strikingall the more so given that his Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had ruled this diamond-rich southern African country for six decades, ever since independence from Britain in 1966.

On November 4th Mr Masisi was officially replaced by Duma Boko (pictured), a Harvard-educated lawyer, whose Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was the first party to defeat the BDP, after 13 attempts. Mr Boko praised his predecessor for the smooth transition. Botswana today sends a message to the whole world and says, democracy is alive here," he declared. It was a striking contrast with nearby Mozambique, where police have been shooting at anti-government protesters since October 24th, when Frelimo, an equally long-serving ruling party, claimed victory in elections observers say were rigged.

Although always ruled by the same party until now, Botswana is not a one-party state. Voters freely chose the BDP time and again, largely because its record was pretty good. At independence, Botswana was poor as well as landlocked, and had been described by one colonial official as a useless piece of territory" (he was unaware of the diamonds). But the elites who took power governed reasonably well. Unlike most African countries, it has never had a coup or military rule.

Sensible governance has fostered economic growth. The dividends from Botswanas diamonds have been used fairly wisely, which is unusual in countries that find mineral wealth before their institutions have matured. Diamond dollars have been poured into clinics, schools and a rainy-day fund for Botswanas 2.5m people. It has had a long, mutually beneficial partnership with De Beers, a global diamond firm. Its GDP per person has increased 80-fold since 1966, and at more than $7,200 is now among the highest on the sub-Saharan African mainland.

Yet Botswana does not sparkle as brightly as it used to. The price of natural diamonds, which make up more than 80% of exports, has slumped by about 30% over the past three years. Covid-19 hit tourism, the second-largest source of foreign earnings. The knock-on effects of Russias invasion of Ukraine hurt a country heavily dependent on food imports. Botswanas model may have run out of steam, even as its efforts to turn natural wealth into human capital are worryingly incomplete.

Mr Masisi made some bad moves. Most Botswanans considered his government somewhat corrupt, a worrying shift for a fairly clean country. He interfered in courts independence and in areas reserved for traditional leaders. Many disliked his chumminess with the autocratic government in next-door Zimbabwe.

Most important, he was seen to be doing little about the countrys underlying economic weaknesses. Both unemployment, the most important issue for voters, and inequality are almost as high as in South Africa, its neighbour to the south. Although the diamond wealth has not been stolen, Botswana has struggled to develop the sort of value-added" industries, such as cutting, polishing and jewellery-making, that would have created jobs.

The BDPs defeat is also evidence of an anti-incumbent trend in African politics that echoes similar trends elsewhere. In May the African National Congress, hitherto South Africas hegemonic party, lost its parliamentary majority for the first time, requiring it to govern in a coalition. Incumbents may also lose elections in Namibia and Ghana later this year.

Because sub-Saharan Africa has a rapidly growing population, with 15m people entering the labour force annually, every election is about jobs. The votes in Namibia, on November 27th, and Ghana, on December 7th, will be no exception. One message from Botswana is that incumbents that rely on the past, rather than looking to the future, will take a kicking. The other is that democracy offers a chance for a resetif the people in power let it work.

 2025, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
SEOULSouth Korean investigators failed to arrest the countrys impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, thwarted by his armed Secret Service bodyguards in another tense showdown resulting from his short-lived martial-law decree last month.

Yoon, who is being investigated for insurrection among other charges, has refused three summonses to appear for questioning. He views the legal scrutiny as illegitimate. On Tuesday, a Seoul court issued a detainment warrant that would bring the 64-year-old leader in front of investigators.

In recent days, Yoon and his legal-defense team had lambasted the warrant as illegal and invalid," demanding the issuing judge be investigated.

The arrest warrant is valid through Monday. Before then, the special unit handling the probethe Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officialscould attempt again to detain the conservative Yoon, who is at South Koreas presidential residence in central Seoul. They could also ask the court to reissue the warrant after its expiration.

The political tumult lands at a sensitive time for Seoul, with a looming change in U.S. administrations, an increasingly bellicose North Korea and a plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 people. Yoon was stripped of his presidential powers after his Dec. 14 impeachment. Then last week, his immediate successor, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, was also impeached.

The special investigators had threatened that presidential security personnel who helped Yoon defy arrest could be charged with dereliction of duty or obstruction. They view the execution of the arrest warrant as part of routine judicial procedure.

By law, the mission of the presidential security detail is to protect the countrys leaderand Yoon, impeached though not removed from office, remains the elected head of the country pending a Constitutional Court review. The court has until mid-June to do so, though it is expected to move more quickly than that.

Yoons security team appears to view the arrest as a threat to the safety of the president, said Kim Seon-taek, of Korea University in Seoul, who specializes in constitutional law. This is why there is a conflict," he said.

The inability to arrest Yoon is likely to invite more political unrest. Dueling mass protests have unfolded across South Korea in recent weeks, backing or disavowing the impeachment. Yoons backers, who include influential far-right YouTubers, have called for an army of people" to defend him.

Investigators have been blocked from carrying out search-and-seizure raids by Yoons Secret Service team. On Thursday, law enforcement forcibly removed about 30 pro-Yoon protesters who had broken through a police barrier and sought to block access to the entrance of the presidential residence.

In a letter sent to his backers the prior day, Yoon said he appreciated their efforts, which he watched via YouTube livestreams. Supporters, chanting Lets protect Yoon," have blocked alleyways and a police bus and physically attacked law enforcement.

South Korea is now in danger" due to the activities of antistate groups, Yoon said in his letter. With you, I will fight to the end to protect this country," it read.

Yoons legal woes run parallel with his impeachment trial, which formally started last week. The Constitutional Court plays a similar role in impeachment cases to the U.S. Senate.

After Yoons impeachment, Han, the prime minister, assumed the nations top job. He was impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly after refusing to appoint judges to the Constitutional Court, which had only six of nine seats filled.

The whirlwind of events has left Choi Sang-mok, the No. 3 in line, with four of the nations top positions: acting president, acting prime minister and his previous roles as deputy prime minister and head of the countrys economy and finance ministry.

On Tuesday, Choi appointed judges for two of the three vacant seats at the Constitutional Court, doing so to end the political uncertainty and social conflict as soon as possible." That drew immediate backlash from the ruling conservatives; many top presidential aides who had served Yoon tendered their resignations.

Choi, as acting president, could direct the Secret Service team to step aside and allow Yoon to be arrested, said Korea Universitys Kim. But Choi has so far not commented publicly on the matter.

If the Constitutional Court upholds his impeachment, Yoon, about halfway through a five-year term set to end in 2027, will be ousted from office and lose the presidential immunity that shields South Korean leaders from everything but a few charges, such as insurrection or treason.

A snap election would occur within 60 days. The clear front-runner today is opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, Yoons political archnemesis who led the impeachment push.

More than 61% of South Koreans want to see Yoons impeachment upheld, with about 37% for rejection, according to a recent poll.

Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, who was removed early from office in 2017 over an influence-peddling scandal, saw her impeachment and criminal cases unfold simultaneously. But she wasnt detained until the Constitutional Court upheld her impeachment. Her criminal trial then took more than a year to unfold.

Three top South Korean military officialsincluding Yoons former defense ministerhave recently been indicted over the martial-law order for insurrection, among other charges. Several other top officials have been brought in for questioning.

Write to Timothy W. Martin at Timothy.Martin@wsj.com and Dasl Yoon at dasl.yoon@wsj.com
BALATA CAMP, West BankSaeed Hashash, a father of four, was connected to a dialysis machine when he learned that Israel had passed laws that would halt the operations of the agency that pays for his kidney treatment.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or Unrwa, is the largest aid organization operating in the Palestinian territories. It has about a month left before it is paralyzed by new Israeli legislation.

This is life or death," said his wife, Rashida Hashash, sitting beside him in their small Balata home. We are fully reliant on Unrwa."

The 75-year-old agency was established shortly after the founding of the state of Israel and the United Nations. It provides Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with a crucial safety net of food, medicine and education, operating nearly 100 schools and dozens of health facilities in the West Bank alone.

But Unrwa and Israel have long been at odds about the role that the agency plays in the Palestinian territories.

Israel stepped up its criticism of the agency in the wake of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, accusing at least 12 Unrwa workers of participating in the assault on southern Israel. Israel later accused Unrwa of employing hundreds of Palestinians with links to Hamas and other militant groups, which Unrwa says it hasnt received evidence of.

The agency fired several employees and investigated others for alleged links to Hamas in the wake of the attacks. Unrwa said it has long shared the names and functions of all staff members annually with Israel, including the names of the people Israel has made allegations against.

In October, Israels Parliament passed laws that will effectively prevent Unrwa from operating in the West Bank or Gaza Strip beyond the end of January. The provisions would cut the agency off from access to Israeli entrance permits into Gaza and the West Bank. They would also end coordination with the Israeli military, which Unrwa relies on to ferry staff and aid around Gaza.

The impact of Israels laws, if implemented, could have far-reaching consequences. In the West Bank, it could deepen an economic crisis and risk political instability. In Gaza, it could dismantle a logistical aid network led by Unrwa, choking the flow of humanitarian aid into a territory devastated by conflict and hunger.

If these bills are implemented as intended it would change the parameters for the future peace process," said Roland Friedrich, director of Unrwa affairs in the West Bank.

Israeli politicians have said the agency has a bias against Israel; creates a welfare network discouraging Palestinians from leaving camps; and keeps alive hopes among Palestinians that they can return to the homes their families fled or were forced to leave.

Dan Illouz, a member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud party, said Unrwa perpetuates the refugee status of the Palestinians, with the clear purpose of creating constant friction." Israeli minister Sharren Haskel said Unrwa was the cornerstone of conflict in Israel, in part because it perpetuates peoples identity as refugees.

The number of displaced people and their descendants living on the small plots of land housing Unrwas 19 camps in the West Bank has ballooned. Poorly constructed concrete buildings have replaced the original tents the refugees lived in, as a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained elusive.

Balata was established in 1950 to house about 5,000 Palestinian refugees, many of whom were forced to leave Jaffa, an old Arab coastal population center now part of metropolitan Tel Aviv. The camp sits near the biblical holy sites of Josephs Tomb and Jacobs Well in the northern West Bank. It is about one-tenth of a square mileand densely inhabited with a registered population of more than 33,000. Its narrow streets, confined by buildings crowded together, are dark even in the daytime.

Almost two-thirds of Balatas population is under 25. Unemployment is estimated at over 60%, according to local officials from Unrwa and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the internationally recognized external-facing representative of the Palestinian people. Some residents say they would leave if they could afford to, while others say they remain to maintain their identities as refugees.

Unrwa educates thousands of children at four schools in Balata, cares for tens of thousands of Palestinians at a local health center, employs around 200 people and gives cash assistance to thousands of residents.

The Hashash family lives in a neighborhood that bears their name. The family came to the camp around the time of its founding. Unrwas possible disappearance is all anyone can talk about here," Saeed Hashash said.

Hashash, who is 30 years old, said his kidney disease forced him to give up his job stocking produce in the market in Balata. He said his family now depends on Unrwa for medicine, food and education, and doesnt know what it will do if Unrwa is sidelined. We arent talking about preparations, because how can we?" Hashash said.

There is no obvious substitute for Unrwa in the West Bank, where the agency has an annual budget of roughly $125 million. Neither Israel nor the U.S.-backed Palestinian Authority, which governs part of the West Bank, has a significant role in the camps beyond security.

Nablus, the district in which Balata camp sits, is governed by the Palestinian Authority, which would be further strained by having to support people currently reliant on Unrwa. The Palestinian Authority is projected to face a nearly $2 billion budget deficit this year, including millions in tax dollars withheld by Israel, which has said some of those funds are used to promote militancy by providing welfare to the families of Palestinians killed or imprisoned by Israel, including militants.

The Palestinian Authority runs its own public schools in the West Bank and has been struggling to pay for them for years, raising doubts about the systems ability to absorb Unrwa schools. Teachers say they are underpaid. They have staged regular walkouts from classes that, in some cases, exceed 50 pupils. School weeks have been shortened to four days because teachers say they cant afford transportation, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Education.

The Israeli Finance Ministry didnt respond to requests for comment, and the Prime Ministers Office declined to comment.

If Unrwa is forced to stop work, no one will be able to take over our services," said Dr. Haytham Abu Aita, head of the agencys Balata health center, the largest it runs in the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority doesnt have the resources, and other U.N. agencies dont have the know-how or history running health clinics the way we do."

About half of Unrwas prewar budget went toward education and schools, which some Israeli politicians have said use teaching materials that contribute to a bias against Israel and promote terror among Palestinians. Unrwa, which also works in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, said it uses the national curriculum wherever it operates and that it offers teachers guidance for handling potentially problematic content.

When it comes to Palestinian Authority textbooks, Unrwa refers systematically to U.N. positions on issues such as the occupation, borders, the wall, and others," the agency said. Unrwa is not in a position tonor it is mandated toreconcile the Israeli and Palestinian narratives."

The U.N. warns that if Unrwa cant operate in the occupied Palestinian territories, the responsibility under international law to provide services to Palestinian refugees would lie with Israel as the occupying power.

A three-month strike among Unrwa workers over salaries last year provided a glimpse of what life without the agency might look like. Uncollected trash piled in the streets, bringing rats and disease. At times, residents say they banded together to gather heaps of garbage and collectively paid to have it driven off and disposed of. Some residents say they werent able to access health services, and children who should have been in school lingered in the streets. Those in the West Bank during that period staged demonstrations urging the Unrwa employees to return to work.

Amjad Abu Awad, a 51-year-old Balata resident and father of a young daughter with a heart condition, said the strike was a nightmare at the time but the current economic situation would make Unrwas permanent loss even more painful.

I really cant imagine what will happen," Awad said.

Write to Omar Abdel-Baqui at omar.abdel-baqui@wsj.com
Christine Mason, of Atlanta, places flowers at entrance the The Jimmy Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. Former President Jimmy Carter died at his home in Plains, GA, at the age of 100.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The China Automobile Dealers Association ("CADA") recently released the latest "China Automobile Dealers Inventory Alert Index" (VIA), showing that in December 2024, the VIA for Chinese automobile dealers reached 50.2%, representing a year-on-year decrease of 3.5 percentage points and a month-on-month decline of 1.6 percentage points.

With the index approaching the boom-bust threshold (50%), the automotive distribution industry is witnessing a steady improvement in market sentiment.

December marked the final push for automakers to achieve their annual sales targets. The combination of nearing expiration for vehicle scrappage and trade-in subsidies, along with a surge in car-buying demand before the Chinese New Year holiday, spurred the market heat. Automakers across China intensified promotional efforts, rolling out discounts, zero-interest financing plans, and enhanced customer incentives, leading to an expected rise in retail sales.

With the Chinese New Year holiday approaching, the reduced number of working days and many consumers returning to their hometowns or traveling for the holidays are expected to result in a sharp decline in showroom traffic, said the CADA. Additionally, the industry may face a "price recovery adjustment period" following aggressive December promotions, which could further impact transaction rates. Consequently, January 2025 sales are projected to see a significant drop compared to December 2024.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: January 02 2025

Milton Calderon-Suriel will be attending the University of Chicago next fall on a full four-year scholarship through the QuestBridge National College Match program.

William Floyd High School senior Milton Calderon-Suriel will be attending the University of Chicago next fall on a full four-year scholarship through the QuestBridge National College Match program. Milton is one of just 2,627 students selected and matched with a school in a field with more than 25,500 talented applicants nationwide. Milton plans on majoring in computer science in the fall.

QuestBridge connects the nations highest-achieving seniors to top colleges and universities and access to the QuestBridge Scholars Network, a thriving community that offers transformative educational, career, and life opportunities that help propel students in the next chapters of the lives and beyond.

Milton is bright, determined and intuitive. Success is a part of who he is and I know that will continue with him throughout his college education, said his guidance counselor, Arianna Scanlon. I truly believe that he can be successful in anything he pursues, and he will do so with a smile and while helping others.

Milton has been an outstanding high school student, achieving a 99.5 grade point average while enrolled in numerous honors and Advanced Placement classes. His success has made him a role model for his peers and younger siblings. This upcoming June, Milton will proudly become a first-generation high school graduate and then a first-generation college student in the fall.

In the time he has between academic and family responsibilities, Milton has been a member of the William Floyd High School track and field team. Being able to successfully balance his responsibilities is a testament to his dedication, determination and maturity.

Ms. Scanlon added, Milton has been my student for the last three years, and I have seen him exemplify his independent, adaptable, and resilient personality on every occasion. He puts forth his best effort consistently, no matter what challenge stands in his way.

National College Match program recipients are admitted early to any of the 52 college partners that work with QuestBridge. These partners use their own funds as well as state and federal aid to fund the Match Scholarship, which is made up of a generous financial aid package that covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, and travel expenses.

We are delighted to welcome this record-breaking number of QuestBridge Scholars, said Ana Rowena Mallari, Co-Founder and CEO of QuestBridge, in the nationwide announcement. These Scholars will contribute a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences to our college partners, enhancing the vibrancy of their campus communities.

This years Match Scholarship Recipients come from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These outstanding high school seniors have an average unweighted grade point average of 3.94, and 92% are in the top 10% of their graduating class. The majority of this years Match Scholarship Recipients  83%  are among the first generation in their families to attend a four-year college in the United States.

All finalists who join QuestBridge college partners become part of the QuestBridge Scholars Network, which connects students to a community of peers from a similar background. QuestBridge also provides enriching programs for its alumni, including the opportunity to apply for full-tuition scholarships to top business schools through the Graduate School Match: MBA. There are more than 30,000 current college students and graduates worldwide that belong to the QuestBridge Scholars Network and Alumni Association.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi visited the Sheba Hospitals Returning to Life Rehabilitation Center on December 29. He met with Israeli soldiers and security personnel who were injured in combat. (IDF)

A total of 363 Israeli soldiers were killed in 2024, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) data published at the end of the year. Overall, 891 IDF personnel have fallen, most of them in combat, since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

Israels war against Hamas grew dramatically in 2024 to include expanded operations with other adversaries on distinct fronts. The largest new operation was Northern Arrows, a combined air and ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon that began on September 23 and resulted in a ceasefire on November 27. The IDF also carried out four rounds of strikes on the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen and wide-ranging airstrikes in Syria as the Syrian regime collapsed on December 8.

The war that began on October 7, 2023, has become one of Israels most difficult and longest conflicts. While Israel has fought long wars in the past, such as the conflict in Lebanon that began after the IDFs invasion in 1982, and the low-intensity conflict against terrorists in the West Bank that goes back many decades, the war in Gaza has been much larger by various metrics. For instance, the Gaza conflict has usually involved up to five IDF divisions. Even when fighting became less intense in many periods of 2024, up to three divisions were still deployed in Gaza.

For example, in October, the IDF launched a major operation in northern Gaza aimed at clearing terrorists from Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahiya. Led by the 162nd Division, this effort resulted in thousands of suspected terrorists being eliminated and detained. Meanwhile, the IDF also maintained two brigades in the Netzarim Corridor south of Gaza City, and there are also Israeli forces in Rafah and near the Egyptian border in southern Gaza. The IDFs Gaza Division, which used to be responsible for securing the Gazas border with two brigades, has now played a key role in offensive operations in southern and northern Gaza in addition to areas along the border.

The Israel Defense Forces latest data reveals that 891 IDF soldiers died in 2023 and 2024. Of those deaths, 558 were killed in 2024. Many of the fallen were killed during and in the immediate days after Hamass attack on October 7, 2023. For example, IDF data shows that 435 individuals were killed on October 7 and in the two weeks before Israels ground operation into Gaza began on October 27, 2023, illustrating the very high cost of Hamass initial attack. A total of 390 soldiers have been killed since Israel launched its ground maneuver in Gaza, with 61 of those individuals falling in the last months of 2023.

Of the 363 IDF soldiers who died in 2024, the military says that 295 were killed in fighting on various fronts. Twenty-one soldiers died from suicide in 2024, compared to 17 in 2023. Reservists have been hit hardest by suicide, with 14 taking their own lives in 2024. All of them were men, according to the data.

The IDF provides support for soldiers through a hotline and hundreds of deployed mental health officers. However, the IDF has had to contend with the complexities of a long war that saw 300,000 reservists called up, with some serving around 10 months of the last 14 months of war. According to The Jerusalem Post,the last time the number of suicides among troops was this high was at the end of the Second Intifada and the year of Disengagement from Gaza in 2005.

Soldiers have also died in accidents17 due to car crashes in 2024. In addition, 13 soldiers died of various natural causes, including illnesses, in 2024.

The IDF has also seen 5,569 soldiers wounded since the October 7 attack, with 815 seriously injured. The ability to rush medical aid to the front and new procedures and technology that quickly provide blood and plasma to wounded personnel have saved hundreds of lives, according to IDF estimates published earlier in 2024.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

Changan Automobile's annual sales grow YoY to over 2.68 million vehicles in 2024

On January 1, Chinese automaker Changan Automobile announced its 2024 sales results, which surpassed 2.68 million units for the entire year. This marks the automaker's fifth consecutive year of realizing year-on-year growth and its highest annual sales performance in the past seven years.

NIO's 3,000th battery-swap station in China goes live

Chinese new energy vehicle maker NIO announced on January 3 that its 3,000th battery-swap station officially starts operation in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. NIO's users have so far compleyed over 61 million times of battery swap.

Photo credit: NIO

Yutong Bus sees 28.48% YoY increase in 2024 annual sales

Yutong Bus announced that it sold 8,615 vehicles in December 2024, representing a year-on-year surge of 82.95%. The companys cumulative sales through the past year came in at 46,900 vehicles, jumping 28.48% from a year ago.

NEOLIX launches unmanned delivery vehicles in Chengdu, Sichuan

Chinese autonomous last-mile delivery vehicle company NEOLIX announced it was recently granted one of Chengdu's first specialized licenses for unmanned delivery vehicles, marking the start of its commercial operations in the city.

SAIC Motor achieves highest-ever annual new energy vehicle sales in 2024

SAIC Motor recently announced its annual wholesale volume reached 4,013,023 vehicles in 2024, representing a year-on-year decrease of 20.07%. In the same period, the group's full-year vehicle deliveries amounted to around 4.639 million units.

China's vehicle inventory alert index in Dec. 2024 drops YoY, MoM

The China Automobile Dealers Association ("CADA") recently released the latest "China Automobile Dealers Inventory Alert Index" (VIA), showing that in December 2024, the VIA for Chinese automobile dealers reached 50.2%, representing a year-on-year decrease of 3.5 percentage points and a month-on-month decline of 1.6 percentage points.

Changan KAICHENG raises over 2 billion yuan in Series A financing

Changan Automobile's commercial vehicle brand KAICHENG announced on Jan. 2 it successfully raised over 2 billion yuan in its Series A funding round, marking a significant milestone in its capital market journey.

Pony.ai plans to offer Robotaxi service within Hong Kong International Airport

Pony.ai is set to extend its autonomous driving services to another major global city. The Airport Authority Hong Kong recently announced that passenger-carrying autonomous vehicles are expected to begin operations by the end of 2025. During a media showcase, Pony.ai's sixth-generation Robotaxi was featured.

Black Sesame Technologies, Alibaba Cloud deepen cooperation on development, promotion of intelligent automotive solutions

On January 2, automotive computing solution developer Black Sesame Technologies announced a deepened strategic partnership with Alibaba Cloud and Banma, an automotive tech firm under Alibaba Group. The collaboration aims to develop and promote integrated cabin-driving solutions for smarter and more efficient in-vehicle experiences.

Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance delivers 49,474 vehicles in Dec. 2024

Huawei's smart car alliance, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), announced a record-breaking monthly delivery of 49,474 vehicles in December 2024. This milestone brings HIMA's total deliveries for the past year to 444,956 units.
Hakaraia Wilson, a professional MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter, has died "suddenly" at the age of 26.

Police reported the death of Hakaraia Wilson, whose full name was Te Hakaraia O Te Rangi Wilson, who on the morning of January 1 went to an address in Gisborne, New Zealand.

Conor McGregor furiously hits a punching bag as he tries to prove he's not done sending a message to Logan Paul

The police described the wrestler's death as "sudden" and "non-suspicious".

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of a true pillar of our family and community - our brother, Hakaraia Wilson Oliver MMA

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a true pillar of our family and community: our brother, Hakaraia Wilson," confirmed Auckland's Oliver MMA gym.

The New Zealand press reports that Hakaraia Wilson died after attending the traditional 'Rhythm and Vines' music festival in Gisborne, which is held every New Year's Eve.

Hakaraia Wilson's career as a professional MMA fighter

Wilson, who had experience in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA and had recently resided in the United States, began his amateur career in 2020 and had a 4-3 record on the professional MMA circuit.

His last fight was in October in Bali, Indonesia, where he defeated Mark Alcoba of the Philippines at 'Canggu Fight Night'.
The Boston area is getting a new Asian market this month.

H Mart will open its Somerville location at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, the company said online.

The new store will join H Marts other Boston area locations in Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge and Quincy.

First time shoppers can get a free reusable H Mart bag with a purchase of $30 or more while Smart Reward Card members will get a free thermos mug cup at the stores grand opening.

Meanwhile, those who spend $50 or more will get fried tofu and burdock Kimbap for $1, and those who spend $100 or more will get the Kimbap and strawberry milk both for $1.

The new H Mart will be stocked with inventory found at the chains other locations.

The Somerville store will be located in the former space of bfresh, which closed in October 2024. The address for the new H Mart is 240 Elm St., right by Davis Square.

Store hours have yet to be formally announced.
John Capodice, an actor known best for his roles in General Hospital and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective died only a few days after his 83rd birthday.

Capodice died on Monday, Dec. 30, his obituary states. The late actor was born on Dec. 25, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois.

Capodice served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966 before he started acting on stage in mostly off-Broadway plays in New York City in the late 1970s, his IMDb biography states.

Capodices first television appearance came in 1978 and his film debut came in 1982. He later earned fame for portraying Sgt. Aguado in Ace Ventura in 1994 and playing Carmine Cerullo in six episodes of General Hospital in the mid-1990s.

Capodice also made guest appearances on Ellen, Monk, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Will & Grace, Boy Meets World, Living Single, Murder, She Wrote, NYPD Blue, Melrose Place, Blossom, Seinfeld, Murphy Brown, Law & Order and As The World Turns.

Capodices other film credits included Naked Gun 33+13: The Final Insult, Speed, Independence Day and Enemy of the State. He also voiced Sidney Pen in the 2010 video game Mafia II."

Capodice is survived by his wife, Jane; daughters, Tessa and Cassandra; sisters, Kathy and Patti, as well as his grandchildren, David, Jake, Frankie and Giuliana, Capodices obituary states.
Working at Emerson College as a security officer was the closest Rossiny Julien thought hed ever get to a four-year, selective institution.

But after being inspired by conversations with Emerson faculty, years later he is now an Emerson student.

I told myself one day Im going to be an Emerson student even if it takes me 50 years. And it still feels surreal, especially for my family ... its a huge thing for them, Julien said.

Growing up in Haiti, Julien moved to Cambridge at the age of 14 without knowing how to speak English. He struggled to acclimate to the food offered in the area and to learn the language.

One of the ways he most enjoyed learning the language was by reading newspapers and books about politics in English.

Im really passionate about politics. I cannot listen to anything if its not based on politics, said Julien, who is now 28 years old.

After graduating from Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School in 2015, Julien took various jobs to earn an income, eventually ending up as a security officer at Emerson. While he had a passion for politics, he went a more practical route, earning his associates degree in surgical technology at Bunker Hill Community College in 2021.

It wasnt until he met Gregory Payne, chair of Emersons Department of Communication Studies, and other professors in his security position that he realized he not only should study politics but he should earn his bachelors degree at Emerson.

Julien was different than other security officers Payne said he had interacted with in the past.

Immediately what I noticed was a smile on his face, Payne said. I could tell from that first meeting that he was very  I think  very inquisitive, very eager.

Every time Payne would pass Julien the two would spark a conversation about current political events, foreign policy or the books Julien was reading.

I kept encouraging him and saying to him, I think you should come to Emerson because he has always been fascinated with political communication. And of course, Emersons polling is very well known, Payne said.

Payne invited Julien to his classes, which focused on crisis or political communications.

The more he got involved ... he was beginning to get confidence that his views were appreciated and that he was in some way, in many respects, equal to the Emerson student, which I think gave him some confidence, Payne said.

Payne mentioned Juliens name to a person in Emersons admissions team, emphasizing how special Julien was, and wrote him a letter of recommendation.

Julien just needed the extra push to know it was possible for him to come to Emerson, Payne said.

But there was a hiccup. Julien was fired from his security officer position by the operating group Northeast Security. Julien said his boss blamed him for being overpaid  an issue he brought up to him. He was later rehired by the same company and worked at Northeastern University.

Northeast Security didnt respond to a request for comment.

Due to the interruption in his employment at Emerson College and because of his fears of not being able to afford the four-year institution, Julien enrolled again in Bunker Hill Community College but this time to earn his associate degree in liberal arts. Julien said it was part of a larger effort to be a better candidate to transfer to Emerson.

In September 2024 he transferred to Emerson College. Emerson was the only four-year institution he applied to  in part because of the support system hed have through people like Payne.

I have good grades, but ... I needed that motivation. I needed someone like him, in his position, to talk to me, Julien said.

I dont think that would have been possible without him, Julien said.

Since joining Emerson, Julien has traveled to Maine to go door-knocking for the presidential election and went to Washington, D.C., for the Emerson-Blanquerna Global Communication Summit.

Emerson partners with Ramon Llull University in Barcelona, Spain to hold the summit where concepts like disinformation and conversations about events such as the Russia-Ukraine war were discussed, Payne said. Juliens travel and lodging were paid for by a scholarship Payne created for Emerson students.

Gregory Payne (left) and Rossiny Julien (right) at the Emerson-Blanquerna Global Communication Summit. (Photo Credit: Lluc Vila Boix)Lluc Vila Boix

Attending Emerson still feels like a dream come true, Julien said.

I still cant believe that Im actually part of Emerson as a student, he said.

Juliens goal upon graduating from Emerson is to work towards becoming a diplomat to help address corruption and job insecurity in Haiti.

Payne said Julien brings a lot to the Emerson community, including his unique perspective growing up in Haiti and understanding the inequity that exists there. Also, its his eagerness to learn.

Were just very, very proud that hes here, Payne said.

The greatest gift that you can have in life is to engage with people, helping each other. He helps Emerson and enriches all of us as much as we help him, Payne said.
A Boston man who was found with a loaded semi-automatic pistol and 45 rounds of ammunition at an MBTA station in 2020 was sentenced to time served Thursday after he pleaded guilty to several charges last month, federal prosecutors announced.

Pepo Herd El, 51, who is also known as Pepo Wamchawi Herd, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in December. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs sentenced him to time served  about four years in prison  plus 10 days. He will serve three years of supervised release.

Herd El was arrested on Thanksgiving Day in 2020 and has been in custody ever since, U.S Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua Levys office said in a statement.

About a year before his arrest, Herd El purchased a laser sight, magazines and a concealable holster online. Prosecutors say he also bought extended magazine plates, which allow magazines to hold more rounds, and a Glock firing pin safety, which allows for easier firing of a gun.

Herd El adhered to what prosecutors described as an anti-government and anti-authority sovereign citizen ideology.

On Nov. 26, 2020, Herd El took a bus from his Dorchester home to the Ruggles MBTA station. There, he was detained and searched. When police searched Herd El, they found a loaded semi-automatic pistol, a laser sight, three spare magazines, 45 rounds of ammunition, a knife and an infrared camera. At the time, he was wearing a bullet-proof vest and a jacket with the word security written on it, Levys office said.

Herd El told police he was on his way to Thanksgiving dinner.

During a search of Herd Els home, authorities found a magazine loaded with armor-piercing rounds and drawings of gun barrels, firearm suppressors and bullets on the walls. Authorities also found tools that could manufacture ammunition and a chemistry book with notes about materials needed to make explosives, according to the statement.

Herd El is now barred from possessing guns and ammunition due to several convictions in 2004 for possessing guns without permits and other crimes.
A Boston man was sentenced to more than a decade in prison on Friday for stabbing two men  one of whom died  during a heated family gathering in 2022, officials said.

Raymond Castro, 45, was sentenced to 11 to 13 years in prison on a manslaughter charge followed by four years of probation on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, the Suffolk County District Attorney said.

Castro was also ordered to take anger management counseling before his release and to undergo random drug testing and drug use evaluation and treatment as needed, the district attorney said.

Castro was convicted on his charges on Nov. 21, 2024, the district attorney said.

Read More: Dorchester man found guilty of manslaughter for 2022 stabbing

Castro was removed from a home on Rockville Park in Roxbury on Jan. 26, 2022, after he got into an argument with his relatives there, the district attorney said. The argument turned into a physical fight between Castro and an unnamed cousin.

An unnamed family friend tried to de-escalate the situation, the district attorney said. Castro took out a knife and moved toward his cousin, but then shifted to stabbing that family friend in the left side of his abdomen instead. He survived. Castros cousin wasnt hurt.

Then, Ronald Jamiel Reed, 33, came outside after he heard the commotion from the fight, the district attorney said. Reed was going back inside when Castro stabbed him in the chest. Castro left, but police found him because he was wearing a GPS monitoring device.

During Fridays sentencing, the judge read a statement from Reeds sister, according to the district attorney.

Reeds sister said that day in January 2022 changed everything for her, according to her statement. She went on to talk about how incredible Reed was, mentioning that he was the type of person who you could count on for anything.

Washing the street in 39-degree weather to clean his blood broke me. Planning his funeral broke me. And raising my son without the best male role model I could have asked for has broken me. I didnt just lose my older brother I lost my best friend, my confidant, according to the statement from Reeds sister.

The statement also asked that the judge impose the maximum sentence on Castro.

I hope this time allows him to reflect and grow into a better person. Unlike my brother, he still has the chance to be a father, a grandfather, and a noble man, the statement read.
Two bills allowing communities to issue traffic tickets with the help of surveillance cameras advanced through the state Legislature amid a flurry of end-of-year votes and now head to Gov. Maura Healeys desk for her consideration.

The first bill would allow cameras affixed to school buses to capture when drivers fail to stop for the buses as children board or disembark.

In some communities, pilot programs testing the cameras have shown that drivers illegally pass school buses routinely, yet state law has prohibited using the images to issue traffic citations.

The second bill would allow communities to use cameras to ticket drivers illegally parked or stopped at bus stops or in designated bus lanes.

In addition to causing delays for public transit, cars obstructing bus-only lanes and stops can make boarding a bus difficult for some riders, particularly people with disabilities.

Massachusetts law does not yet allow camera-based enforcement of traffic laws. And the two proposals approved by the Legislature would still stop short of placing ticketing power entirely in the hands of automated cameras. As in New York City, Providence and other places where cameras flag drivers who speed or ignore red lights, images of potential violations will be reviewed by police or other designated officials before tickets are issued.

An MBTA bus in Porter Square in Cambridge. (Will Katcher/MassLive)Will Katcher/MassLive

Healey has until Jan. 9 to act on the bills.

Opposition to camera-based traffic enforcement has often focused on due process, privacy, and surveillance concerns.

But the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, a leading local watchdog for surveillance technology, does not oppose allowing cameras to help with ticketing drivers, as long as legislators establish strict safeguards for how the devices and images they capture are used.

Since last school year, local officials in two North Shore communities have conducted well-publicized bus camera pilot programs to illustrate the perils schoolchildren face as they cross busy streets to ride the bus.

While motorists are supposed to brake when approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop sign extended to indicate children boarding, many do not, the pilots in Salem and Peabody showed.

During the first seven weeks of this school year, cameras mounted on Salem buses captured drivers failing to properly stop nearly 1,100 times. In Peabody, more than 660 drivers illegally passed school buses during roughly the same period.

Videos released by city officials and BusPatrol, the company that supplied the cameras, showed repeated near misses as cars blew past children waiting to cross the street.

Passage of the bill comes roughly a year after a driver struck a 9-year-old boy in Haverhill as he crossed the street after stepping off a school bus.

The child was airlifted to a Boston hospital with severe injuries. The driver is awaiting trial on charges that include drunk driving.

Two months later, a Brockton student escaped serious injury after he was hit by a sedan while exiting a school bus.

A student boards a school bus in East Boston on Sept. 25, 2024. (Will Katcher/MassLive).Will Katcher/MassLive

School officials and police in Salem and Peabody said distracted driving, ubiquitous in the smartphone era, is often to blame.

We never realized the depth of the problem until those cameras were mounted on buses, Peabody Police Capt. Scott Richards told MassLive in October. Its much worse than we realized.

If Healey signs the bill, local school committees would still need to give the thumbs up before school officials can install the cameras on buses.

Cameras installed by the company BusPatrol on school buses record when a driver illegally passes the bus when its red stop sign is extended. (Courtesy of BusPatrol).Courtesy of BusPatrol

Under the bus-passing bill, images of potential violations would be forwarded to police to determine whether to issue a ticket. The citation, $250 for a first offense, would be the same as if a police officer observed the infraction in person and would go to the cars registered owner. The bill also allows for the owner to notify officials if someone else was driving their car at the time.

The violation would be noted on the persons driving record, but it would not qualify as a criminal conviction or moving citation that would impact insurance premiums.

Under the second bill, fines of $25 to $125 would go to the registered owner of a vehicle stopped in a bus lane. The fine would be $100 if the vehicle is parked at a bus stop. The violation would not be entered on the persons driving record.

The bill provided for some exceptions, including allowing emergency vehicles to pass  or when stopping in a bus lane or bus stop was necessary for the safety of passengers or pedestrians.

Both bills would require local officials to submit annual reports on how the cameras were used.

More than half of other states allow cameras to enforce some form of traffic laws.

Twenty-five states allow cameras to enforce illegal bus passing. Connecticut, Rhode Island and four other states have had bus-mounted cameras for more than a decade, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Thirty states allow speed cameras and 26 allow red light cameras, though the number of communities using the latter has dropped in the last decade, often due to financial reasons or local opposition, according to the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
With the new year comes new laws that are set to take effect in Massachusetts in 2025.

Five bills were signed into law with set dates for when the new laws, signed by Gov. Maura Healey, go into effect.

Four other new laws were part of a large economic development bill Healey signed in November, covering a wide range of issues from clean energy to education. The text of this law contained an emergency preamble, which gives the governor authority to determine whether a new law should go into effect immediately.

Here are the latest changes made to Massachusetts state law.

Employers must show salary ranges in job postings

Beginning Oct. 29, 2025, Massachusetts employers with 25 or more employees must disclose salary ranges and protect an employees right to ask for salary ranges. This received Healeys approval on July 31 when Healey signed the Francis Perkins Workplace Equity Act, named after the first woman to be Secretary of Labor under President Franklin Roosevelt.

The new law also prohibits employers from firing or retaliating against any employee or applicant who asks for salary ranges when applying for a job or promotion, according to state law.

Employers' demographic wage data

Along with salary ranges, Massachusetts employers with at least 100 state-based employees must file an annual report to the state, according to the legal firm Cooley. This annual report includes workforce demographic and pay data categorized by race, ethnicity, sex, and position.

This goes into effect on Feb. 1, 2025, with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development then publishing aggregated data in a report on its website on July 1 of each year.

Massachusetts joins 11 other states in enacting this law: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island and Washington.

Sealing eviction records

Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act on Aug. 6. Going into effect on May 5, 2025, this law allows tenants to petition the courts to seal certain eviction records that can make it difficult for renters to secure housing, according to the states website.

The law will also make it illegal for a consumer reporting agency to include a sealed eviction record in its reports.

Parentage equality expansions

In August, Healey signed into law an act that updates the states parentage laws for the first time in 40 years, according to the Governors Office. The Massachusetts Parentage Act provides protections for parents who use surrogacy, in-vitro fertilization and assisted reproduction, as well as for LGBTQ+ parents.

The bill also modernizes the laws language to be more inclusive, replacing words like paternity for parentage and child born out of wedlock for nonmarital child, Healeys office said.

Our laws need to reflect the realities of modern families and the loving environments where children grow and flourish, Healey said in an Aug. 9 statement. This moment is a victory for all families in Massachusetts who deserve to be treated with dignity and to have their rights recognized and protected under the law.

This law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Updates to paid family and medical leave

On Oct. 1, the Department of Family and Medical Leave announced it would update weekly benefits for paid family and medical leave in Massachusetts. The maximum weekly benefits that employees can receive are set to increase from $1,149.90 to $1,170.64 per week, according to the legal firm Fisher Phillips.

The overall paid family and medical leave contribution rate will stay at 0.88% for eligible employees working at a business with 25 employees or more, the legal firm Seyfarth said in a statement. The contribution rate for smaller employers will remain at 0.46%.

Changes go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Economic development for climate tech, AI and natural gas

Healey signed an economic development bill called the Mass Leads Act on Nov. 20. Its goal is to promote the development and use of clean energy across the state, with improvements to energy affordability, expand access to electric vehicles, and facilitate the application of artificial intelligence across the states ecosystem Healeys office said in a statement.

This legislation will create new jobs, strengthen our efforts to recruit and retain the best talent, support all of our communities, and grow our arts, culture and tourism sectors, the administration said in its statement.

The new law supports initiatives that aim to make Massachusetts a hub for climate technology, Healeys office said. This includes $400 million in capital resources going to the offshore wind industry and establishing a new climate tech incentive program to bring and keep climate tech companies in Massachusetts. It will also update the existing Offshore Wind Tax Incentive Program.

The sweeping bill also includes provisions to overhaul the states permitting process for Massachusetts to build more renewable energy infrastructure to meet its climate goals. WBUR reported that these changes are intended to go into effect by March 2026.

The law also authorizes $100 million to be used to create the Massachusetts AI Hub to facilitate the application of artificial intelligence across the states ecosystem, the statement read. Healeys office added that this hub is expected to boost innovation and attract AI talent to the state.

Additionally (but not lastly), the law establishes new provisions for natural gas. More networked geothermal projects, like Eversource in Framingham, will be built in order to bring cleaner forms of heating and cooling, WBUR reported.

The law also changes how gas utilities are incentivized to replace leaky underground pipes, with the state now prioritizing short-term repairs or retiring segments of a pipeline.

Due to the emergency preamble written into the Mass Leads Act, the law immediately went into effect with Healeys signature.

More funding for electric vehicle incentives

The Mass Leads Act also introduced new provisions for electric vehicles, including an extension of state funding for its electric vehicle incentive program until 2027, WBUR wrote.

The Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles, or MOR-EV, program is intended to cut down on air pollution and greenhouse gases.

The program offers rebates for buying or leasing eligible battery electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles.

Another provision includes directing the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to review laws that ban the sale of new gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles after 2035, WBUR reported.

As part of the Mass Leads Act, these parts of the law also immediately went into effect upon the bills signing.

Nurses can work across state lines

The passage of the Mass Leads Act also addressed the nursing shortage in Massachusetts. The bill included a measure to join the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses operating in other states affiliated with the compact to practice out of state via in-person or telehealth, GBH reported in November.

Massachusetts became the last New England state to join the compact.

Compact membership will also enhance the ability of the Massachusetts health care system to prepare for pandemics, emergencies and other staffing needs and to facilitate telehealth and other care delivery transformations in the future, Mickey ONeill, spokesperson for the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, told GBH.

This also went into effect immediately after Healey signed the Mass Leads Act.

Educator diversity

Another facet of the economic development bill that Healey signed focused on education. The new law incorporated a bill known as the Massachusetts Teachers Association-supported Educator Diversity Act.

This change will see the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education develop an alternative certification process for teachers who may have challenges with the educator certification exam, but can still demonstrate their capabilities as teachers, Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka said in a statement in November.

Because educator diversity was part of the Mass Leads Act, it immediately went into effect with Healeys signature on Nov. 20.
A man was arrested, and Massachusetts State Police were searching for two more people on Friday after a pursuit of a car that failed to stop for police in Brockton.

At around 11:30 a.m., State Police pursued the vehicle on Route 24 South near exit 35 in Brockton after it failed to stop for police. Troopers saw the vehicle going more than 100 mph in moderate traffic, State Police said in a statement.

Troopers stopped their pursuit of the vehicle as it approached Exit 33.

After taking the exit, the vehicle hit another and crashed at the intersection at North Pearl Street, State Police said. At that point, three men got out of the vehicle and fled the scene.

Troopers arrested one of the men after a short pursuit. A search was started for the other two men, which is ongoing.

The identity of the men and the charges they face were not immediately released.
Matthew Livelsberger, the man who was inside a Tesla Cybertruck when it exploded outside Donald Trumps Las Vegas hotel on New Years Day, had New England ties.

Livelsberger obtained a bachelor of science degree in strategic studies and defense analysis from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The university later confirmed to MassLive that Livelsberger completed his online degree in 2019.

Above all, our hearts go out to those impacted, a Norwich University spokesperson said in a statement. We do not have additional details about the incident at this time.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police publicly identified Livelsberger, 37, of Colorado Springs, as the person who died in the explosion on Thursday. His cause of death was labeled as a gunshot wound to the mouth and his manner of death was ruled a suicide, police said, citing the Clark County coroner.

Livelsburger was an active-duty soldier with multiple accolades, including five Bronze Stars (including one with a valor), a Meritorious Service Medal and Army Achievement Medal, an Army spokesperson confirmed to MassLive Friday.

Livelsburger enlisted and served in the active duty Army from January 2006 to March 2011. He joined the National Guard from March 2011 to July 2022 and the Army Reserve from July 2012 to December 2012. Livelsburger then entered the active duty Army and was a U.S. Army special operations soldier assigned to 10th Special Forces Group in Stuttgart, Germany.

The spokesperson also confirmed that Livelsburger was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and was on approved leave at the time of his death.

USASOC is in full cooperation with federal and state law enforcement agencies, but as a matter of policy, will not comment on ongoing investigations, the spokesperson said in a statement.

The FBI said Thursday in a post on X that it was conducting law enforcement activity at a home in Colorado Springs related to Wednesdays explosion but provided no other details.

The explosion occurred after a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck pulled into the valet area of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas at around 8:40 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a press conference Wednesday that officers saw smoke coming from the Cybertruck just before it exploded 15-20 seconds after.

Seven people were injured as a result of the blast. All seven were treated at University Medical Center for minor injuries, according to authorities.

Investigators later found multiple combustable devices  including several gas canisters, camping fuel and large firework mortars  in the bed of the truck, McMahill said.

The sheriff also mentioned how the outside of the truck was almost completely intact following the explosion.

The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside of the valet, McMahill said, adding that most of the blast [went] up through the truck and out.

The front glass doors of the hotel were not even broken by the blast, despite the vehicle being parked right outside.

The truck was rented in Colorado through Turo and tracked through Tesla charging stations, McMahill said. The sheriff showed a map of Livelsbergers route during a Thursday press conference. It showed stops in several cities in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona before arriving in Las Vegas.

Turo CEO Andre Haddad told CBS in a statement Friday that the company is cooperating in the investigation.

Weve spent these tense, mournful hours investigating, partnering with law enforcement, and working around the clock to figure out how our platform could be misused by the perpetrators of such atrocities, Haddad told the outlet.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is also said to be cooperating in the investigation.

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, Musk wrote.

He later posted an update that read, 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.

Musks political affiliation with Trump was also brought up at the Wednesday press conference. When questioned about a potential political connection regarding the explosion, McMahill said, 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 and its something we continue to look at, the sheriff said.

The explosion came hours after 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar rammed a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' famous French Quarter.

The crash killed at least 15 people  including Jabbar, who was fatally shot by police  and injured another 30, according to The Associated Press. The crash is being investigated as a terrorist attack. The FBI said Thursday that it believes Jabbar acted alone, reversing its position from a day earlier that he likely worked with others.

Both Livelsberger and Jabbar spent time at the base formerly known as Fort Bragg, a massive Army base in North Carolina that is home to multiple Army special operations units. This was confirmed by McMahill during the Thursday press conference. However, authorities have no evidence that both men served in the same unit or were on the base at the same time.

I also know they both served in Afghanistan in 2009, McMahill said. We dont have any evidence that they were in the same province in Afghanistan, the same location or the same unit.

McMahill also mentioned that both Jabbar and Livelsburger used Turo to rent their vehicles.

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 told CBS in its statement.

However, FBI official Christopher Raia said Thursday there is still "no definitive link" between the two events.

When questioned about possible links between Las Vegas and New Orleans, McMahill said Wednesday that authorities are absolutely investigating any connectivity, adding, Were not ruling anything out.

However, early evidence suggests the Cybertruck explosion was an isolated incident. Therefore, McMahill has stressed that there is no threat to the public.

That said, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has increased its presence throughout the city, including the Las Vegas Strip, as a result of the incident. The department plans on providing new information once it emerges.

The explosion is being jointly investigated by local, state and federal authorities.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 3, GAC Group announced its sales performance for December 2024. The group sold 283,231 vehicles in the month, representing year-on-year and month-on-month increases of 9.3% and 42.3%, respectively. Total sales for 2024 reached 2,003,058 units, a 20.04% decline compared to the previous year.

For 2025, GAC Group aims to achieve a 15% year-over-year growth in annual sales.

Among its self-owned brands, GAC Trumpchi delivered a strong performance in December with sales of 58,056 vehicles, jumping 64.35% year on year. The brand's annual sales totaled 414,591 units, marking a 1.99% increase over a year earlier, driven by a 129.8% year-on-year surge in its sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs). The GAC Trumpchi MPV lineup recorded sales of around 184,000 units in 2024.

GAC AION also achieved impressive results, with December sales reaching 67,683 units, a year-on-year surge of 47.31%. Its AION RT model set a new monthly sales record, exceeding 16,000 units. Additionally, AION's third global strategic model, the AION UT, has been unveiled and is set to begin presales on January 6, 2025.

AION RT; photo credit: GAC AION

As for its joint ventures, GAC Toyota sold 738,000 vehicles in 2024, reflecting a 22.32% year-on-year decline. Its December sales were 77,122 units, down 20.83% over the previous year. GAC Honda also reported a more than 20% decline in its annual sales but achieved a modest 0.78% year-on-year increase in December sales.

GAC Group exported around 127,000 vehicles through 2024, a significant 67.6% year-on-year spike.

Regarding the international market expansion, GAC Group showcased several key models under its self-owned brands at the Paris Motor Show 2024 in October last year, where it launched its "European Market Plan," signaling a new chapter for its expansion in Europe. By the end of 2024, GAC's products were available in 74 countries and regions, supported by an initial global sales and service network.

GAC Group also advanced its global production strategy. In 2024, the group established six overseas warehouses, completed construction of its CKD plant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and opened the GAC AION Smart Factory in Thailand. Both facilities began production in April and July, respectively, marking a new era of balancing vehicle exports with localized production. Additionally, the GAC Groups Indonesia factory is under construction and is expected to commence operations in early 2025.
A West Springfield man is facing charges after a new law bans the sharing of images of someone who is nude, partially nude, or engaged in sexual conduct without their permission, even if they agreed to the creation of an image or recording.

Jason Kehoe shared explicit photos on several of his social media accounts, according to the West Springfield Police Department. The detective knew the person in the photos and told them about the social media posts.

The person in the photos was unaware of the posts and said they had never had any form of romantic or substantial relationship with Kehoe, and only knew him as an acquaintance, police said.

Additionally, the original photos and the photos Kehoe shared were not the same.

Initial investigation quickly revealed that Mr. Kehoe had digitally altered the photo-image, police said. The new digitally altered image convincingly made it appear as if the victim was photographed in a state of nudity. Kehoe also captioned the altered image on two of his social media accounts with intentional derogatory and personally directed comments.

A new law that started on Sept. 17 criminalized these types of actions.

The ban extends to images generated by artificial intelligence that purport to depict a real person in a sexually explicit manner, often referred to as deep fakes, MassLive previously reported.

Often, people do not know the images have been shared until after they see them online, The Boston Globe reported in 2022.

The harms from nonconsensual image sharing can be substantial; a single act of posting sensitive images can cause lasting and ongoing reputational damage to victims, according to a 2016 report by the Data & Society Research Institute.
A person found with a gunshot wound in Central Square in Cambridge Friday morning was taken to a hospital, police said.

Cambridge police went to an apartment building on Magazine Street around 2:10 a.m. Friday for a report of an argument followed by a gunshot. But when officers arrived, they could not find a victim or a crime scene, a department spokesman wrote in an email.

Sometime later, after clearing the call, officers found a person with a gunshot wound in Central Square. The person was alive and taken to a hospital, police said.

Police did not find a specific crime scene but are investigating near Magazine Street, the spokesman said.
Editors note: The article was updated at 6:25 p.m. Jan. 3, 2025 to clarify some details provided by Patrick Sullivan.

As he held his newborn daughter for the first time, Patrick Sullivan looked at her small body attached to the tubes from her ventilator as she quietly cooed and thought, shes the most beautiful thing Ive ever seen in my whole life.

Sullivans time as a new father, however, was wrapped with grief.

A few hours before, he had been cleaning his house, listening to Christmas music and preparing for the arrival of his twins, who were due the next day, Dec. 17. But now, his daughter, her twin brother and his wife were all on ventilators at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, unable to breathe without the machines support.

Sullivan spent 10 days reading to his twins, holding them and caring for them and his wife. Then, he made the heart-wrenching choice to take his newborn children and wife, Ciara Sullivan, off life support.

So, I had to make the decision to take all my family off life support because thats not the life she wanted and thats not the life I wanted for my babies or my wife, he told MassLive Friday morning.

Feeling sick

On Dec. 16, Ciara Sullivan, nearly due with their twins, had not been feeling well all day. But that night, it got worse.

She woke up her husband telling him something was wrong.

As a firefighter of 13 years, Patrick Sullivan said his wife looked normal and nothing suggested that something was seriously wrong. Sullivan suggested they go to the hospital but his wife said she wanted to sleep first. Sullivan then walked into the bedroom to get a nebulizer solution, which treated his wifes asthma.

When he came back 10 seconds later, he saw his wife gray in the face, gasping for air and drooling. Sullivan called 911 and the ambulance arrived three minutes later.

Then, things went from bad to worse.

She had foam shooting out of her mouth, she had phlegm coming out of her mouth, Sullivan said. Myself and the captain that showed up helped her off the couch and were pretty much dragging her out of the house. Thats when she stopped breathing and they started doing CPR.

Sullivan was in shock. The woman he considered his soulmate was dying. He couldnt think. He went into autopilot, doing what he would do if he had responded to the call himself.

Ciara Sullivan was in the back of the ambulance while her husband rode in the front. When they got to the hospital, someone said she had a pulse, so Patrick Sullivan said he went into the back and kissed her.

Saying goodbye

It is unclear to Sullivan and the doctors what caused his wife to stop breathing, which still infuriates Sullivan.

I have my suspicions, Sullivan said. I think she had a pulmonary embolism. Her doctors think that it was a combination of severe asthma and [the babies weight].

Upon arriving at the hospital, Sullivan found himself surrounded in a room filled with doctors and nurses. Someone then dragged him away from the room and the firefighter began sobbing uncontrollably.

As his co-workers and chief arrived at the hospital to offer support, Sullivan had to make the worst set of phone calls of his life.

I had to wake my parents up, wake her parents up, wake her close friends up to come to the hospital and eventually say goodbye, he said.

An emergency C-section was performed, and Patrick and Ciara Sullivans twins, James Michael and Elizabeth Joanne, were born.

Both babies brains did not get enough oxygen as their mother had stopped breathing during her medical emergency. All three had anoxic brain damage, according to Patrick Sullivan, and were all put on ventilators.

To see his family strapped to hospital machinery filled Sullivan with fear, pain and horror. However, when he got to hold his children for the first time, the pain momentarily went away.

I will remember that for the rest of my life. Being able to hold my kids even though they were hooked up to machines, Sullivan said. They probably didnt know what was going on and luckily, they did not know they were in pain or anything like that.

For 10 days, Sullivan held his daughter and son in his arms, read books to them and their mother, changed the twins' diapers and talked to his family.

On Dec. 27, Ciara Sullivan, Jamie and Ellie died after being taken off life support.

There was a lot of crying, Sullivan said.

Losing his soulmate

For Patrick Sullivan, the loss of Ciara Sullivan was the loss of his soulmate.

He first met her on a dating app in 2017. Their first date was at a restaurant in Shrewsbury but the food was awful, he said. Still, he and Ciara Sullivan instantly connected.

They both worked in public safety, with Patrick Sullivan serving as a firefighter and Ciara Sullivan serving as a a 911 dispatcher for the Shrewsbury Police Department. Patrick Sullivan admired how hardworking she was at her job, remembering how her room featured a map of Shrewsbury on her wall and a police radio.

The two also shared a love of vacations in York, Maine, where Patrick Sullivan proposed to her in 2019. He remembered beginning the proposal when Ciara Sullivan started crying. Patrick Sullivan said he forgot to ask the question at the moment, to which she teasingly responded, Dont you have a question to ask?

The couple was married in 2022 at Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port, on a Thursday because it was more affordable, Sullivan said.

Last year was supposed to be the year they grew their family.

Patrick Sullivan was excited to be a father. The couple had been trying to have their own children for two years. They had even considered using IVF to have children if their most recent attempt failed.

Instead, earlier that year, they found out Ciara Sullivan was pregnant with twins.

Making his wife proud

For the past two weeks, Patrick Sullivan has been enveloped in a wave of empathy and support from friends and strangers alike.

On Dec. 26, a vigil was held at the Rutland Town Common to support Sullivan and his family. And a fundraiser for the Massachusetts firefighter and his family has raised more than $148,000 as of Friday afternoon.

Sullivan said his phone has been buzzing non-stop with messages from people expressing their sympathies.

Still, Sullivan told MassLive, he feels alone.

Sullivan said he feels numb and feels as if he is on autopilot. He thinks that at the wake on Saturday, Jan. 4, those feelings will finally start hitting him.

For now, he lives every moment with one goal in mind: make his family proud.

I am trying to conduct myself in a way that would make her proud of me and how I would want my kids to see me, he said.

Visitation hours will be Saturday, Jan. 4 from 2-5 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home at 1158 Main St. in Holden, according to Ciara Sullivans obituary.
Officials in Salem, which regularly hosts crowds of up to 100,000 people during the month of October, said they were reviewing public safety measures in place in the wake of a terrorist attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people.

Throughout October, Salem draws visitors from around the world thanks to its history with witchcraft. As a result, city officials say it would be short-sighted not to consider it a potential target for political violence or terrorism.

Already, the police department and other law enforcement officials approach the month with that attitude, with several safety measures in place throughout October, the citys mayor, Dominick Pangallo, and police chief, Lucas J. Miller, said in a joint statement. Among those safety measures are an extra police presence, rerouting traffic and pedestrian-only areas protected by concrete barriers.

Officials met Thursday, the day after the attack, to review their safety plans.

The starkest lesson seems to be that while New Orleans enacted very similar measures to Salem to keep people on the street safe, the assailant was able to simply drive around barriers, either because mechanical bollards were out of service or because he drove on the sidewalk, the statement reads. Another lesson is that while Mardi Gras would be the most likely event for an attack in New Orleans, any well-attended event is a target.

In the wake of the attack, Salem officials say they will install additional bollards to provide more security for pedestrian areas  a plan already in place before the New Years Day attack in New Orleans that the city now intends to accelerate. The city also intends to acquire more mobile vehicle barriers and concrete Jersey barriers.

Businesses and residents downtown are likely to see their space imposed upon more than prior years in 2025, as Pangallo and Miller say planning for pedestrian-only areas will have to be more rigid and enforced more completely this October.

The city also intends to reexamine police staffing levels in October, with Pangallo and Miller saying Salem may bring in officers from other municipalities and agencies. And, an outside specialist is set to review the citys existing Haunted Happenings public safety plans.

This conversation is not over, and we will continue to evaluate information from New Orleans to better learn from that terrible attack and improve on our own safety operations here in Salem, the statement reads. While we are thinking about Salem, today we also grieve with the City of New Orleans and with the families and loved ones of those killed.

The attack along Bourbon Street in New Orelans killed 14 people, along with the driver, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who officials said was inspired by the Islamic State militant group. Jabbar was fatally shot in a firefight with police after steering his speeding truck around a barricade and plowing into the crowd. About 30 people were injured.

Authorities finished processing the scene Thursday morning, removing the last of the bodies. Bourbon Street  famous worldwide for music, open-air drinking and festive vibes  reopened for business by early afternoon.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
U.S Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is sounding the alarm on alcohol consumption after reporting it is a top preventable cause of cancer in the U.S.

Murthy is calling on Congress to require health warning labels on alcoholic beverages to inform people about the link between alcohol consumption and the risk of cancer.

Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity, the U.S Surgeon Generals Advisory states.

It is responsible for nearly 100,000 cancer cases annually, 20,000 cancer-related deaths every year, and surpasses the number of annual alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths of 13,500.

But despite the link, the advisory notes less than half of U.S. adults are aware of the relationship between alcohol and the risk of cancer.

A 2019 survey showed only 45% of Americans recognized the use of alcohol as a cancer risk compared to 89% who recognized tobacco as a risk, 81% for asbestos and 53% for obesity.

And while research from as far back as the 1980s showed a correlation between cancer risks and alcohol consumption, public awareness of alcohol consumption as a cancer risk has not substantially improved over the past two decades.

Factors such as how much is consumed and how often do play a role in the likelihood of how at-risk someone is for developing an alcohol-related cancer, though research suggests the kind of alcohol does not.

The risk of cancer increases as the level of consumption increases with higher risk at higher levels of consumption, the advisory reads.

For certain cancers, like breast, mouth, and throat cancers, evidence shows that this risk may start to increase around one or fewer drinks per day.

Four ways alcohol can cause cancer.U.S Surgeon General

How does alcohol cause cancer?

Alcohol breaks down in the body and becomes acetaldehyde, a substance that causes cancer by binding to DNA and damaging it.

When DNA is damaged, a cell can begin to grow uncontrollably and create a cancerous tumor, the advisory reads.

Alcohol also makes it easier for carcinogens from other sources, especially tobacco, to be absorbed by the body which increases the risk of mouth and throat cancers.

Alcohol also alters hormone levels and can play a role in developing breast cancer.

Calling for action

The U.S surgeon general recommends Congress update the warning label on alcohol-containing beverages to include a cancer risk warning.

Health warning labels are well-established and effective approaches to increasing awareness of health hazards and fostering behavior change, the advisory states.

... There are 47 countries that require alcohol warning labels related to health and safety.

South Korea already requires alcohol to have a specific warning notice for cancer, and spurred by existing evidence, Ireland signed into law to display a cancer warning label on alcoholic beverages starting in 2026.

The new label the U.S. surgeon general poses would state: There is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers.
If you have ever wanted to work in Hollywood, now might be your chance.

Backstage, a website that links production companies with actors, has a flurry of new opportunities for aspiring actors and actresses to take part in.

Think you can play a small-time criminal named Mickey? Maybe a precocious son named Milo? If you know how to play the violin, one movie needs a lead actress with that talent. Want to be a rude, arrogant and calculating villain?

Check out the many roles now casting for talent in Massachusetts.

Does It Break the Skin is a film about a former romantic and creative partner who is held for ransom over unpaid debts. A young filmmaker is faced with a moral dilemma that demands a violent answer, Backstage reported.

This project is hiring a male actor between 20 and 30 to play Mickey. Mickey is a small-time criminal and artist who takes his newest project way too far.

This project shoots within the first two weeks of January and two more days in late January or early February, Backstage reported. The shooting location is Boston. The pay rate is to be determined. This job expires on Jan. 7.

Third is about a young man who is planning to ask an older man who hes been dating to be his boyfriend. But when he arrives at the mans house, another man is already there, Backstage reported.

This project is looking for three actors who are either male or non-binary, according to Backstage. They are seeking to fill the roles of Caleb  the lead  and the two supporting characters, Tom and Eric.

This project shoots from March 7 to 10 in Greater Boston, Backstage reported. The pay for this role depends on the role assigned. Actors playing Tom and Eric will be paid $100 a day for about three days of work. Meanwhile, the actor playing Caleb will be paid $100 a day for about four days of work. This job expires on Jan. 14.

Love Undone is a show that explores the complexities and nuances of the Bell and Hill families as they navigate their respective lives, Backstage said.

This project is looking for four roles, according to Backstage:

Lamont Hill, the Hill family patriarch. He should be played by a Black man between 40 and 60.

Josephine Jones, the Jones family matriarch, is less mature than her kids. She should be played as a Black woman between 45 and 65.

Sashmir Horner is described as eager, messy and has an agenda. They should be played by a non-binary person between 25 and 35.

Thomas Martis is Ruths loving husband, who is calm and settled. He should be played by a Black man between 35 and 55.

The pay rate for this role will be negotiated. This job expires on Jan. 12, according to Backstage. This project will be shot in the late summer of 2025 in Greater Boston.

The Maid and the Dragon Slayer is a Game of Thrones-style romance epic from Reelshort, according to Backstage.

This role is looking for four actors.

The character of Celeste Lancaster should be played by a white woman between 18 and 26. This character is a villain who is rude, arrogant and calculating, according to Backstage. The pay for this role is $250 per day for seven days.

The character of King Lancaster should be played by a white man between 40 and 55. This character is the tough but fair King of Ravaria, according to Backstage. The pay for this role is $250 per day for seven days.

The character of Milo Swann should be played by a white child aged 9 to 12. This character is Freya and Tristans sweet and precocious son, according to Backstage. The pay for this role is $250 per day for six days.

The character of Livia Swann should be played by a white woman between 18 and 24. This character is Freyas kind, supportive, honest little sister, according to Backstage. The pay for this role is $250 per day for six days.

This project films from Jan. 18 to Feb. 7 in Los Angeles and Boston. This job expires on Jan. 17.

The Deponent is a micro-budget noir, according to Backstage.

This project is looking to hire for several roles and the pay varies depending on each role, according to Backstage. This project shoots in May in Boston and the job expires on Jan. 31.

Ana is a film about David, a patient with Alzheimers, who reconnects with his past through music and the voice of his dead wife, Ana, according to Backstage.

This project is looking for a woman with violin skills to play Ana, Backstage said. The actress should be between 30 and 56.

This project is also looking for an actress to play a nurse, Backstage said. The actress should be between 18 and 30.

This project would pay between $150 to $600 for about three days of work, Backstage reported.

This film is shooting between March 15 and 23 around Greater Boston, Backstage reported. This job expires on Jan. 31.

Join the Club is about a high school student who is forced to join the school drama club to process her feelings, according to Backstage.com.

This project is looking to hire for three roles. This project is seeking talent from Easthampton and Springfield, according to Backstage.

Michelle is the lead character, according to Backstage. She is a lovable nerd who is tenacious and has big feelings that are shown in small ways. She is captain of the high school debate team and is forced to join the drama club. She should be played by a woman between 18 and 25.

Cora is a transgender female character who is British and painfully shy and is best friends with Willy, according to Backstage. She should be played by a transgender woman between 18 and 25.

Dave is Daisys partner, according to Backstage. This is a non-speaking role, but actors must be comfortable with kissing. They should be played by someone between 18 and 25.

Actors will be paid $100 to $150 for about four work days. This job expires on Feb. 1. This film is shooting in February in Easthampton.

Ann Arbor is an action-packed military thriller, Backstage reported.

This project is hiring for four roles.

The character of Paul Collins needs to be played by a male actor between 24 and 40. Paul Collins is a smart ranger with a moral backbone. But he questions authority when his orders misalign with his ethics, Backstage reported.

The character of Jackson needs to be played by a male actor between 21 and 30. Jackson is Pauls friend who is wrestling with guilt and loyalty. His emotional volatility shows the moral ambiguity of their work, Backstage reported.

Staff Sgt. Mitchell needs to be played by someone over 30, Backstage reported. This character is a commanding leader under lots of pressure. They are also overwhelmed by their duties.

ShadowHawk Operatives needs to be played by someone at least 18, Backstage reported. This character is tasked with recovering sensitive materials and ruthlessly follows orders.

The actor playing Staff Sgt. Mitchell will be paid $25 for about three hours of work, Backstage reported.

The actor playing ShadowHawk Operatives will be paid $50 for about one day of work, Backstage reported.

Everyone else will be paid $50 a day for about three days of work, Backstage reported.

This job expires on Feb. 21, Backstage said. This project shoots in Boston and Walpole.

Skullcaps is about a banned TV episode airing for a fictional community access television station, according to Backstage.

This project is looking for a male actor between 21 and 33 to play Christoph, Backstage said. This character is the host of Skullcaps who comes across a snuff tape created by the stations owner.

The pay for this role is $300 to $500 for about 15 hours of work, Backstage said. This job expires on April 12, and shoots in Boston.

Mumble Bumble is a romantic comedy about online dating in your middle ages, Backstage reported.

This role is looking for a man between 50 and 65 to play Matt and Matts Inner Voice, according to Backstage.

Matt is in his late 50s. He is quick-witted, open-minded, friendly and optimistic. The same actor will portray Matts Inner Voice. His inner voice is his thoughts spoken out loud.

This project will pay actors $600 for about three days of work, Backstage said. Meals and accommodations for two nights will be paid for. This project will shoot on Cape Cod. Dates are to be determined as of Dec. 31. This job expires on Nov. 22.
Former Home Improvement star Zachery Ty Bryan is facing a domestic violence charge just three months after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, PEOPLE reported.

Myrtle Beach Police arrested Bryan just before 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, the outlet reported.

Bryan is facing a second-degree domestic violence charge and is being held at Horry County Jail. He was booked Thursday and is facing a $10,000 bail, online records show.

Bryan, 43, rose to fame for portraying Brad Taylor on the popular sitcom Home Improvement opposite Tim Allen and Patricia Richardson. The actor earned several awards during his time on the show, according to his IMDb profile.

Bryan had several run-ins with the law long after Home Improvement ended. He was arrested twice on DUI charges last year, with his most recent arrest coming in Oklahoma in October, PEOPLE previously reported.

Bryan was first arrested and accused of strangling his girlfriend at an Oregon home in 2020. He was sentenced to 36 months of probation after he pleaded guilty to two domestic violence misdemeanor charges in that incident.

The actor was arrested again and charged with fourth-degree felony assault as well as third-degree robbery and misdemeanor harassment in 2023. Bryan spent seven days in jail after he pleaded guilty to felony assault in the fourth degree constituting domestic violence, PEOPLE reported at the time.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., held onto the gavel Friday in a closely watched election. But, as expected, he did it without the help of the Bay States Capitol Hill delegation.

All nine Democratic members of Massachusetts' House contingent cast their ballots for U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., according to a tally published by The Washington Post.

The votes by Massachusetts' lawmakers werent a surprise. All 215 House Democrats were expected to back Jeffries on Friday.

The Democrats are going to be at full strength, and committed to voting for Hakeem Jeffries U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, D-5th District, the minority whip, told MSNBC ahead of the vote.

Jeffries has shown time and time again that hes committed to bringing the concerns the American people have to Congress, and returning solutions to them, Clark told MSNBC.

Johnson, who had the backing of President-elect Donald Trump won over skeptics within his own conference to win reelection to another term Friday as the Houses presiding officer.

Johnson narrowly prevailed over Jeffries 218-215, with U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., taking a single vote, The Post reported.

In a statement, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, D-3rd District, who was sworn in for her fourth term on Friday, said that "every decision I make, and every vote I take will continue to be guided by one question: How does this improve the lives of the people I have the privilege to serve?

The road ahead wont be easy, especially under Republican control of the federal government, the Westford Democrat said. However, I remain committed to working with anyone, regardless of their political affiliation, who shares the goal of improving the communities we represent.

Trump called Johnsons reelection an unprecedented vote of confidence in Congress in a post on Truth Social, The Associated Press reported.

The People of America have waited four years for Common Sense, Strength, and Leadership, Trump wrote. Theyll get it now and America will be greater than ever before.

The President-elect had endorsed Johnson and sent good wishes earlier on Friday ahead of the vote, the wire service reported.
BENNINGTON, Vermont  A Western Massachusetts man who once held a gun to the neck of one of his drug runners was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison by a Vermont judge.

Javon Calderon, 21, of Chicopee, was sentenced Dec. 23 for trafficking drugs from this region to Vermont  a popular drug corridor, according to law enforcement officials.

Calderon previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and to using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Just over 100 years ago, the fledgling Irish Free State sent Timothy Smiddy to Washington, D.C. Ambassador Smiddy was the new Irish states first ever diplomatic representative, taking up duty in the first country to formally recognize the newly independent Irish State.

For Ireland, taking our place among the nations of the world meant taking our place in Washington, D.C.

Irelands deep ties with the United States stretch back beyond the founding of our respective countries. Of the 56 signatories of the Declaration of Independence, three were born on the island of Ireland: Thomas McKean, Charles Carroll, and James Smith.

Irish independence owes much to the ideals of liberty, democracy and equality of opportunity so eloquently expressed in this country.

As I reflect on 100 years of Irish-U.S. diplomatic relations, it is clear that our histories are interwoven, because our people are so deeply intertwined. Today, 31.5 million people claim Irish ancestry in the United States. Over the years, as our people travelled back and forth across the Atlantic, they carried with them what was precious, including their hopes, their beliefs and their values.

Our shared belief in the promise and prospects for peace helped shape a brighter future for all on the island of Ireland. The United States deep and sustained engagement with Northern Ireland has been one of the most significant success stories in American foreign policy. It is, quite simply, a signal achievement of administrations from both sides of aisle.

U.S. support for the just and peaceful solution that President Ronald Regan spoke of on St. Patricks Day 1981 came from both sides of the aisle. Countless visits over the years by U.S. elected officials showed the people of Ireland, north and south, that they would not tread the path to peace alone.

At the most critical junctures in the 1990s, the intervention of the United States drove the process forward, when few others could have done so. U.S. influence brought reluctant personalities and parties back to the table when the talks process seemed on the verge of collapse. We needed you.

Geraldine Byrne Nason is Ireland's ambassador to the U.S. (Photo provided)Staff

The contribution of the United States has helped a whole generation grow to adulthood outside of the shadow of violence. It has opened a world of unlimited possibilities that President Joe Biden spoke of on his visit to Belfast in 2023. Together, we have built the basis for a bright and prosperous future.

A century ago, when the United States first recognized Ireland as an independent state, we were a small, poor country on the edge of Europe.

When our diplomats first came to Washington, D.C., one of their earliest priorities was to secure a pathway to a better life in America for those who could not find work at home. While we no longer emigrate in the numbers that we once did, we want to work to continue to offer opportunities for our people to experience our respective cultures.

Now, Ireland is one of the most prosperous, creative and dynamic economies in the world. It is a place to which people from across the globe move in search of a better life. The United States has played an essential role in this transformation.

Today, the economic relationship between our two countries is deeply integrated and mutually beneficial. Ireland is the seventh largest source of Foreign Direct Investment in the U.S., with investments in 2023 exceeding $320 billion and more than 700 Irish firms employing over 100,000 people across the 50 states. In terms of U.S. Foreign Direct Investment, Ireland offers U.S. companies not only a strong return on their investment due to a pro-business environment and skilled workforce, but also strategic access to European markets and a collaborative environment fostering innovation and growth.

As our ties have grown, so too has our footprint, and we are now represented at consulates in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Through our expanding diplomatic network, we have woven new cultural, economic and people-to-people threads into the tapestry of our relationship.

We want to work to continue to grow the opportunities for people to experience our respective cultures.

My colleague, our Consul General Sighle FitzGerald, is working every day to support our dynamic and engaged community in Boston and across New England.

As we enter the second century of our relationship with the United States, we look forward to working with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald J. Trump.

Our government and our people will work once again to strengthen and enhance the bond between the United States of America and Ireland, which President-elect Trump said thrives, inspires and endures.

And, together, I am confident we will succeed.

Geraldine Byrne Nason is Irelands ambassador to the United States.
For the first time in its history, passenger numbers at Ireland West Airport Knock have risen to 834,000. This represents a 2 per cent increase on 2023 and surpasses the previous record of 817,000 passengers achieved that year.

Ryanair recorded its busiest-ever year for passenger traffic at the airport, with record numbers using its services to the likes of Liverpool and London Luton. Aer Lingus also recorded its busiest-ever year for passenger traffic at the airport, with its London Heathrow service going from strength to strength in 2024.

The airport now serves 22 International destinations and is served by three of Europes major international airlines: Aer Lingus, Lauda Europe, and Ryanair.

In 2024, the number of passengers travelling on services to and from the UK totalled 667,732, an increase of 1 per cent compared to 2023.

The number of passengers travelling on services to Mainland and Continental Europe hit a new high for the airport, with 165,500 passengers travelling to and from Alicante, Barcelona, Faro, Majorca, Malaga, Milan, Cologne, Lanzarote, and Tenerife - a 9 per cent increase on 2023 figures.

August was the busiest month of the year, with 90,355 passengers travelling through the airport during this period. The busiest individual day of the year also occurred on Sunday, August 18, when over 3,600 passengers travelled through the airport. In total, almost 6,000 flights arrived and departed at the airport in 2024.

A new inbound tourism service from Groningen, Netherlands, is due to commence in June while Ryanair will increase capacity at the airport by approximately 10 percent in 2025.

With the support of the Department of Transport, almost 7,000,000 was invested in completing safety, security and infrastructural projects at the airport in 2024.

Commenting on the airports 2024 performance, Arthur French, Chairman of Ireland West Airport, thanked the outgoing government, ministers and TDs for their support for the airport in 2024.

He also expressed thanks to their customers, airline and tour operator partners, stakeholders, tourism groups, local authority and airport staff for their ongoing support

Whilst the coming year will present many challenges, we will continue to work with our stakeholders and airline partners to grow our suite of routes from the airport whilst continuing to invest in our airport transformation and sustainability programmes, added Mr French.
by Colin Kirkland , January 2, 2025

Meta's longtime policy chief and former Deputy Prime Minister of Great Britain Nick Clegg is leaving his role at the tech company and will be replaced by his deputy Joel Kaplan, known as a prominent figure in Republican circles and the most notable conservative Meta employee.

According to Clegg's post on Facebook, Kaplan is quite clearly the right person for the right job at the right time, alluding to Meta's future during Donald Trumps second term as President of the United States.

Clegg, who helped create Meta's third-party content policy Oversight Board, added that in his new role, Kaplan will ideally shape the company's strategy as societal and political expectations around technology continue to evolve.

Prior to joining Facebook in 2011, Kaplan served as a deputy chief of staff to former President George W. Bush. In 2020, Kaplan reportedly argued that some of the company's content-moderation practices were harmful to conservative voices.

advertisement advertisement

Kaplan's appointment as Meta's chief global affairs officer comes at a time when Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is working to repair Meta's relationship with Trump, who accused Zuckerberg of plotting against him during his 2020 Presidential campaign, ultimately threatening the CEO and even stating he would spend the rest of his life in prison."

Zuckerberg has since traveled to Trumps Florida residence at Mar-A-Lago to meet privately with the president-elect, while Meta has donated $1 million to the upcoming inauguration. Meta also reinstated Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts in 2023, after they were suspended in reaction to the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

Kevin Martin, who was FCC chairman under Bush, will now move into Kaplan's former role as Metas vice president of global policy.

In his recent Facebook post, Clegg wrote that his time at the company conceded with a significant resetting of the relationship between big tech and the societal pressures manifested into new laws, institutions and norms affecting the sector.

The former policy chief added that he hopes he helped bridge the gap between tech and politics, worlds that will continue to interact in unpredictable ways across the globe.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, January 3, 2025

Boston-based Software company Later has acquired influencer platform Mavely for $250 million, the companies disclosed today. Later is a specialist in developing influencer marketing and social media management software.

Mavely, which is branded as the Everyday Influencer Platform, was sold by Rhyz Inc., a subsidiary of Nu Skin Enterprises, which is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

advertisement advertisement The companies said the deal accelerates Laters ability to deliver full-funnel impact and measurable ROI for marketers while enabling creators to maximize their earnings through social commerce.

They also said it pairs Laters AI analytics with performance data from Mavelys 120,000-plus creators, who have driven more than 1 billion in gross merchandising volume (GMV) for over 1,400 brands like Nike, Lululemon, Old Navy, adidas and Macys.

This move enables us to deliver a seamless, full-funnel experience for marketersoffering return-on-ad-spend (ROAS) based campaigns and driving predictable, attributable outcomes, stated Later CEO Scott Sutton. 
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, January 3, 2025

Google has sent $100 million (U.S. $69 million) it agreed to pay Canadian news outlets in exchange for an exemption from the Online News Act to a journalism organization designed to distribute funds.

The company said on Friday it transferred the money to the Canadian Journalism Collective, a federally incorporated non-profit organization led by independent publishers and broadcasters.

Keeping Google accessible to Canadian publishers not only supports journalism, but helps drive ad revenue and traffic to websites.

Announced in June, the agreement between Google and the collective allowed the company to continue making news accessible to Canadians through News and other products.

Google called it a significant evolution in how it supports journalism and news in Canada.

Paul Deegan, president of News Media Canada, an organization of major publishers and broadcasters, told the Associated Press called the deal "far superior" than other jurisdiction arrangements, with Canadian news groups expected to get up to Can$20,000 per journalist.

advertisement advertisement

Google cash in the kitty is a welcome development, Deegan told the Toronto Star in an email Friday.

The collective estimated eligible publishers will receive $13,798 per full-time equivalent journalist it employs based on a 2,000-hour year. Broadcasters will receive $6,806 per eligible worker.

An accounting firm will develop a verification process and internal controls.

The Canadian act aims to support local news that has seen declining advertising dollars and hundreds of publications closed in the last decade, according to multiple media reports.

Meta's Facebook and Instagram blocked news content in Canada to avoid having to compensate media companies, whereas Google decided to make the payments.
by Teresa Buyikian , January 3, 2025

As consumers embrace dry January and make yearly resolutions to improve their health in 2025, Chipotle returns with its Strava app partnership to encourage customers to meet their fitness goals.

The partnership is expanding internationally this year, with in-app challenges to win free food running across 25 cities in North America and Europe, including New York City, London, Paris and Toronto. Strava has more than135 million users in over 190 countries.

The Chipotle x Strava: The City Challenge consists of 25 Chipotle segments, which are portions of roads and trails created by the Strava community where athletes can find competition by chasing the fastest times on the leaderboard, per the brand. From now until the Jan. 31, customers will be able to compete for Local Legend Status, which is an award for anyone who completes the segment the most times. The Local Legend in each city wins free Chipotle Lifestyle Bowls for a year. The segments in the competition represent the top 25 cities that eat the most Chipotle and are viewable here.

advertisement advertisement

Last year, we learned about the lengths that our fans will go to for free Chipotle. Participants logged more than 9.25 million miles on Chipotle segments, the equivalent of circling the planet more than 370 times, said Chris Brandt, chief brand officer, Chipotle. After seeing the passion our fans had for the initial launch with Strava, we had to increase access to the competition and raise the stakes.

New to the collaboration this year, every city with a Chipotle segment will also compete to see who can collectively complete the highest mileage. The city that wins will receive a BOGO entree offer for everyone who lives there, valid for in-store orders for one yet-to-be-announced day.

Those consumers who are not a part of the Strava app community arent left behind. Jan. 10., known to many as Quitters Day, when many people tend to abandon their New Years resolutions, has been rebranded No Quitters Day by Chipotle. Customers who opt in to the new Goals, Gym, Guac, motivational text community via SMS here before Jan.9 will receive exclusive content from top creators, motivational texts and affirmations and free food. On Jan. 10, all community members will be texted with instructions to receive one of 50,000 free Lifestyle Bowls.
Brothers TJ series can produce thousands of labels a day at speeds of up to 14 inches per second

Business technology solutions provider Brother UK has introduced a warranty on its TJ industrial label printers, to enhance its support for warehousing and logistics firms with high-volume labelling requirements.

The vendor has updated the warranty thats offered as standard on its TJ devices from three years to an industry-leading five years.

The longer warranty is part of Brothers efforts to minimise potential downtime, particularly in industries where it can have significant knock-on effects on the supply chain.

A Brother survey of warehouse managers found more than half (51%) had to take time out of their schedule to arrange repairs, while three in 10 (28%) spent a whole day without a machine available.

Brothers TJ series can produce thousands of labels a day at speeds of up to 14 inches per second. Machines print at up to 300dpi and for a range of label.

The models also support various command languages, including ZPL2, making it easier to integrate devices into existing networks.

The TJ series compatibility has also been boosted after leading warehouse management software (WMS) providers Clarus and Mintsoft accredited Brother devices.

The endorsement means that Brothers specialist labelling devices, which also includes its RJ line-up of mobile printers and range of TD desktop models, can easily be implemented into operations for businesses already using their WMS offerings.

Simon Brennan, senior business manager at Brother UK, said: Labelling is a crucial part of picking, packing and delivering items, and as expectation for shorter delivery times grows, so does firms need for reliable and long-lasting devices.

We live for the label, and this means providing extensive ongoing support for businesses long after theyve purchased a device.

"Extending the warranty that comes as standard on our TJ models demonstrates our commitment to that.

"Importantly, it also gives warehouse and logistics managers greater certainty that theyll minimise costly downtime and lapses in reliability, boosting their ability to provide the best service possible to their customers.

Our growing partner network is also testament to how were bringing forward devices to be flexible to all firms needs.

"Its essential that label printers integrate seamlessly with the existing WMS that day-to-day operations are built around, and this is another validation for us that we can deliver on warehouse, transportation and logistics businesses needs.
The Air Force sent at least 39 retired A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to the boneyard in 2024, a significant increase as the service moves toward removing the aircraft from its inventory even as it recently used the planes in training exercises and in combat overseas.

Data from the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona showed that 39 A-10C aircraft were brought to the boneyard -- the final resting place for retired planes and jets -- between January and September 2024. It's not clear how many were sent in the final three months of the year.

By comparison, there were 17 A-10s sent during the entire year prior, according to the inventory data -- about half as many as the 2024 number. It's a notable increase after Congress allowed the first A-10 retirements in decades in 2022.

Read Next: Active-Duty Special Forces Soldier Connected to Trump Hotel Tesla Truck Explosion

The hefty 57-foot, 6-inch wingspan close-support aircraft known as the "Warthog" has been in service since the 1970s, and was used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But the Air Force's fleet has been significantly reduced in recent years following the 2022 retirements. The service set out to retire another 56 of the aircraft in its fiscal 2025 budget request.

In early 2024, Maryland's Warfield Air National Guard Base at Martin State Airport announced it would be transitioning the 175th Fighter Wing, which had 21 A-10s, to a cyber unit. In February, the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base also began divesting its A-10 fleet, Military.com reported.

Additionally, in November, it was announced that, starting in January 2025, the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base in South Korea would phase out its 24 A-10 Warthogs for newer aircraft.

"By introducing advanced fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft like our upgraded (F-16 Fighting Falcons), along with (F-35 Lightning IIs) and (F-15EX Eagle IIs) in the Pacific region, we are significantly enhancing our overall air combat capabilities in the Korean theater," Lt. Gen. David Iverson, Seventh Air Force commander and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander, said in a news release.

The National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Joe Biden last month reduced the minimum number of A-10s the Air Force must keep in its inventory from 135 to just 96.

Despite the heavy number of retirements, the Air Force is still utilizing the aircraft overseas in training exercises, shows of force and combat.

Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's top spokesman, told reporters last month that U.S. Central Command "successfully engaged a hostile target employing A-10 fighter aircraft" in Syria.

Most recently, the Air Force also used A-10 Thunderbolt IIs in a December exercise with the Philippine Air Force, according to a news release, a notable training demonstration as tensions continue to rise with China in the Pacific.

Dan Grazier, a senior fellow for the National Security Reform Program at the nonprofit Stimson Center think tank in Washington, D.C., who has done extensive reporting and research on the A-10, told Military.com that the aircraft is effective at close-air support and, despite the retirements, there isn't a close replacement for what it offers on the battlefield.

"The capability that the A-10 provides still has lots of relevance," Grazier said. "The A-10 itself, it still intimidates, and is able to generate some fear and concern in any potential adversaries that we have."

Incoming President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who is slated to lead a Department of Government Efficiency in the next administration, have both openly criticized the production and use of the F-35 -- an aircraft that was pushed, in part, as the close-air support replacement to the aging A-10.

Grazier added that it's possible Trump's Department of Defense could refocus on the tactical use of the A-10, and that the aircraft could potentially see new life under his administration.

"You combine that with the clear dissatisfaction with the F-35 program and you combine that with an administration that's interested in cutting wasteful spending, that includes defense spending, the A-10 just provides far more bang for the buck," Grazier added.

Related: Air Force Wants to Send Historic Number of A-10s to the Boneyard in 2025, Continuing Shift Away from Warthogs
President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday suggested radical Islamic terrorism and President Joe Bidens open borders were to blame for the deadly New Orleans truck attack, even though the suspect was an American-born military veteran.

Although he did not specifically name the New Orleans killings of 14 New Years revelers, Trump left little doubt that he was referring to the attack allegedly carried out by a Texas man who had pledged allegiance to the radical Islamic State terror group.

I said many times  that radical Islamic terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe, Trump wrote on his social media site. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined.

Trump went on to point the finger at President Biden, whom he derided as a complete and total disaster, and Bidens supposed open border policy.

It wasnt clear what connection Trump was trying to make between the New Orleans attack and the border or immigration.

Suspected attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who was killed in a shootout with police, was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, and was not an immigrant.

Jabbar, 42, served in the Army on active duty from 2006 to 2015, then in the Army Reserve from 2015 to 2020, according to officials. He served in Afghanistan.

He lived in Houston and had worked for the consulting giant Deloitte since 2021.

Jabbar spoke about family troubles and declared allegiance to ISIS in a series of videos recorded while driving from Houston to New Orleans to carry out the attack.

He allegedly intentionally rammed a rented pickup into revelers around 3:15 a.m. on Bourbon Street in the Big Easys famed French Quarter, killing 14 and injuring at least 35 others. Two police officers were wounded in the shootout that followed.

Although Jabbar is now believed to have carried out the New Orleans attack alone, officials are still probing whether there could be any link between his attack and the apparent suicide car bomb that exploded outside a Trump-branded Las Vegas hotel a few hours later.

Matthew Livelsberger, a highly decorated active-duty Army soldier from Colorado Springs, allegedly detonated a rented Tesla Cybertruck packed with explosives on New Years Day after apparently shooting himself in the head. Damage from the blast was mostly limited to the inside of the truck and no one else was seriously wounded.

Livelsberger, 37, who was on leave from the Army, was also born in the U.S. No motive for the Cybertruck attack had been identified as of Thursday.

While officials say they dont know of any link between the Las Vegas and New Orleans attacks, both suspects rented the vehicles they used on Turo, a vehicle-sharing app. They also both served at the Fort Liberty military base in North Carolina, though officials who spoke to the Associated Press said there was no overlap in their assignments at the base.

-----

2025 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
More support for home caregivers of aging and disabled veterans and bolstered services for homeless veterans are now law after President Joe Biden signed a wide-ranging veterans bill.

Biden signed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act into law on Thursday evening, the White House said in a news release.

The bill was the most comprehensive piece of veterans legislation approved by Congress in its 2023-24 session and combined several smaller measures on caregiver programs, homelessness, community care, job training, education benefits and more into one package.

Read Next: VA Sets Sights on 2026 for Relaunch of Oracle Cerner Electronic Health Record Rollout

"The men and women who have served have earned access to a VA that puts them -- not government bureaucracy -- at the center of its operations," House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., said in a statement after Biden signed the bill. "From expanding job training opportunities for transitioning service members and veterans, to improving mental health care for caregivers, to protecting veterans' health care options for day-to-day services to more elderly care options, and much more in between -- I know this legislation will make a difference for veterans and their families."

The marquee provision in the bill, which is named after former senator and veterans caregiver advocate Elizebeth Dole, aims to make home nursing care more affordable for veterans by increasing the Department of Veterans Affairs' share of covering the costs of the care from 65% to 100%.

That change is one of several in the bill related to caregivers programs that were long pushed by advocates who say that veterans should be able to live out their final days at home if they choose. Another key change in the bill is a new grant program for mental health care for veteran caregivers.

While the final bill received widespread bipartisan support, the legislation got bogged down in politics over the summer amid a partisan fight over the future of the VA's community care program, which allows veterans to see non-VA doctors using VA funding.

Ultimately, negotiations stripped the bill of one controversial community care provision but left another in. The provision that is now law bans VA administrators from overriding a VA doctor's referral for their patient to get outside care.

On veteran homelessness, the bill will increase the per diem rate the VA can pay to organizations providing short-term transitional housing from 115% of costs to 133%. It will also give the VA flexibility to provide unhoused veterans with bedding, shelter, food, hygiene items, blankets and rideshare services to medical appointments.

Other changes in the bill include extending a high-tech job training program for veterans through 2027; allowing GI Bill beneficiaries to continue getting a housing allowance even if they are only part-time students in their final semester; and requiring the VA to reimburse ambulance costs for some rural veterans.

The bill was sent to Biden's desk after a 382-12 vote in the House on Dec. 16. It was the second time the House approved the bill after the Senate approved a version of the legislation that fixed some drafting errors.

Related: Thousands More Could Be Eligible for VA Family Caregiver Program Under Proposed Overhaul
The U.S. militarys mountain bunker along Colorados Front Range, built during the Cold War to survive a Soviet nuclear attack, now must withstand scrutiny by lawmakers who see it as a costly relic.

They question the need for a not-so-secret command post cocooned in 2,000 feet of granite. It sits inside Cheyenne Mountain, where North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) crews in front of a large map can scan skies and track missile and satellite launches around the planet, along with potentially disruptive space junk.

The bunker also houses, behind 23-ton blast doors, a power plant, water supply, food stores, a health clinic, a barber shop, and a chapel.

Military crews at the Buckley Space Force Base east of Denver and at Peterson Space Force Base east of Colorado Springs perform the same missions at a lower cost. And U.S. officials 18 years ago relegated the mountain facility to warm standby status. Yet, over the past decade, the government has been modernizing the facility and, in 2021, renamed it the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station.

We spend large amounts of money on systems and facilities that do not match the threats that we are facing and that are evolving around the world, said U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D- Aurora, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran who sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

What are the threats? What is the capability we need to address the threats? Sometimes, the right capability is a lot cheaper, Crow said.

Military proponents say a resilient, granite-shielded capacity for detecting Russian and Chinese threats in space is necessary.

You might walk in and think youre still back in the 1950s and 60s. The design of it hasnt changed. You feel like youre walking into a time capsule. But it has been modernized, including all the communications systems and all the networking systems needed to do our job effectively, NORAD Col. Cory Kwasny said. The mountain site gives you an added layer of security.

It is not a museum piece, not something sitting here mothballed, waiting for a new purpose or a new life. It is being used daily.

NORAD and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) post skeleton crews in the mountain to keep the place ready for training exercises and occasional conflict simulations to test readiness. More than a dozen other federal agencies also are using the mountain.

U.S. Space Force officials declined to discuss their activities. A press release in November celebrated the installation of 3,000 feet of redundant fiber optic cable to ensure worldwide communications for space and missile defense missions.

The Buckley and Peterson bases where sky-scanning is done at lower cost are vulnerable to missiles and drones, said Riki Ellison, chairman of the Washington, D.C.-based Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. While he estimated the expense as multiple times more, Ellison favored the modernization of Cheyenne Mountain as a protected facility.

We have to have backup, he said.

High costs were a factor in military leaders 2006 decision to place Cheyenne Mountain on warm standby status  ready if necessary.

The Department of Defense over the past decade has been spending at least tens of millions of dollars a year on the facility, a Denver Post review of contracting notices found.

In 2015, U.S. defense officials announced a $700 million contract with Raytheon to move NORAD communications systems back into Cheyenne Mountain to increase protection against potential electromagnetic pulse attacks. This month, they sought bids for a $48 million project involving electromagnetic interference managers, according to contracting notices.

In September, they awarded a $671,000 contract to maintain and improve water supply treatment in the mountain. In July, they awarded a $51 million contract for improved missile warning technology.

Government spending on three space force bases in Colorado  Peterson, Schriever and the Cheyenne Mountain bunker  has reached $2.5 billion a year, according to a 2021 Space Force summary. Space Force officials did not respond to requests for a breakdown.

For decades, congressional lawmakers have questioned the role of the mountain facility, which originally cost $142 million and opened in 1967, said Richard Marsh, deputy command historian for NORAD and NORTHCOM.

The original idea was defense following the Soviet Unions 1949 detonation of a nuclear bomb. However, the threat of Soviet bombers attacking soon was eclipsed by the development of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

U.S. strategists by the late 1960s already recognized that, once the Soviet ICBMs became accurate enough, the mountain bunker was not going to provide the level of protection it was originally built to provide, Marsh said. They recognized it wasnt going to be impervious.

Its located at the southwest edge of Colorado Springs. A one-third-mile tunnel through granite leads into a 4.5-acre hollowed-out area where three-story buildings sit atop giant springs.

U.S. defense chiefs testifying in Congress have warned repeatedly that China and Russia have tested anti-satellite weapons. Theyve prioritized space control and missile tracking capabilities.

While the costs versus benefits of modernizing the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station havent been fully determined, resilience in the face of new threats will be crucial, said Bruce McClintock, senior policy researcher and space enterprise program director for RAND, an independent think tank.

We need multiple backups, McClintock said.

Our adversaries are so capable that we need to make sure we have an infrastructure web that ensures our survivability. One of the reasons Cheyenne Mountain was considered appropriate to mothball was that the accuracy and yield of nuclear weapons was such that the facility would not survive a nuclear strike, he said. Now we have additional threats related to cyber-attacks and drone attacks. Drone warfare is not nuclear warfare, hopefully, so an underground mountain facility is survivable.

2025 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at denverpost.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




Photo:Xinhua

(Global Times) Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed strong opposition on Friday to US Commerce Department's announcement of considering new rules that could potentially lead to the restriction or ban of Chinese drones in the US citing national security concerns.

The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced on Thursday (US time) that it is seeking public comments on a rule to "safeguard the information and communication technology and services supply chain for unmanned aircraft systems, or drones," according to an online release.

The new rule claimed that commercial drones could be remotely accessed and manipulated by China and Russia, "exposing sensitive US data."

China stands firmly opposed to the US' overstretching the concept of national security, disrupting and restricting normal international trade and economic exchange, undermining global industrial and supply chains stability, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a routine press conference on Friday.

China will take all necessary measures to firmly defend its legitimate and lawful rights and interests, Mao said.
The Marine Corps is launching a new school for staff noncommissioned officers intended to streamline education for more senior Marines and better prepare them for leadership responsibilities in the fleet.

The Staff Noncommissioned Officer Leadership School, or SLS, will launch in April as a pilot program, according to a news release from the service on Dec. 23. Prior to the pilot program, staff noncommissioned officers and gunnery sergeants attended different schools.

Now, as part of the pilot program, junior and midgrade noncommissioned officers will attend the same school in an effort to "provide a higher standard of leadership training" to that population of Marines, according to the service.

Read Next: Biden Signs Wide-Ranging Veterans Bill that Includes Improvements to Veteran Caregiver, Homelessness Programs

"This new SNCO leadership school is a critical step in strengthening our staff noncommissioned officer corps," Brig. Gen. Matthew Tracy, commanding general of Education Command, said in the news release.

"By integrating leadership studies, an acculturation of standards, and professional development, we are creating more capable, resilient leaders who will guide Marines through both combat and peacetime challenges with confidence and integrity," he added.

According to an accompanying administrative message released the same day, the school will be seven weeks long for those taking it in person. The program offers a "seminar" option that will last 15 weeks, and those in the Marine Corps Reserve will attend a two-week version of the school.

The SLS "refines" staff noncommissioned officer counseling techniques, "while deepening their understanding of complex personnel issues," according to the news release. It will also bolster problem-solving skills, mentorship, "Marine Corps warfighting philosophy" and leadership skills within joint missions, among other themes.

By combining the schools, the Marine Corps said it intends to also "reduce stress on the force and ensure timely, high-quality education" for staff noncommissioned officers.

"Training and Education Command consistently reviews and updates enlisted and officer continuum to develop ethical, agile, adaptive leaders who can apply critical thinking skills in any clime and place to maintain our asymmetric advantage of decentralized leadership and execution," Maj. Hector Infante, a spokesperson for Training and Education Command, told Military.com in an email Friday. "The current operating environment demands the service prioritize locating our [staff noncommissioned officers] at the point of friction and decision, leading their Marines and units."

The new pilot program may be a permanent fixture in Marine Corps professional education, according to the administrative message. Existing schools will be offered through June for distance learning and through February for in-person learning, and senior noncommissioned officers who have already taken those legacy programs will not have to attend the SLS, according to the message.

Infante said that the SLS is part of an "ongoing effort" for Marine Corps education and that the pilot will involve "regular curriculum reviews and fleet feedback."

The in-person version of the pilot program will be held at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton and Okinawa. The online iteration will be run through Fort Worth in Texas.

"Through the SLS, our SNCOs are equipped with the tools to not only lead more effectively but to mentor and guide their Marines through the complexities of today's operational environment," Sgt. Maj. Stephen Griffin, the senior enlisted leader of Training and Education Command, said in the news release. "This program ensures that our [staff noncommissioned officers] are better prepared to lead with confidence, in the field and in multidomain combat scenarios, strengthening the overall effectiveness of the Marine Corps units."

Editor's note: This story was updated with additional information from the Marine Corps' Training and Education Command.

Related: The Marine Corps Is Changing How It Promotes Sergeants and Staff Sergeants. Here's How
SEOUL, South Korea  South Korean investigators left the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after a near-six-hour standoff on Friday during which he defied their attempt to detain him. Its the latest confrontation in a political crisis that has paralyzed South Korean politics and seen two heads of state impeached in under a month.

The countrys anti-corruption agency said it withdrew its investigators after the presidential security service blocked them from entering Yoons residence for hours, due to concerns about their safety.

The agency said its outnumbered investigators had several scuffles with presidential security forces and expressed serious regret about the attitude of the suspect, who did not comply with the legal process.

It said detaining Yoon would be virtually impossible as long as he is protected by the presidential security service. The agency plans to strongly demand that the countrys acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, instruct the service to comply with their execution of the detainment warrant.

Outside the residence, a large group of pro-Yoon protesters braved freezing temperatures for hours, waving South Korean and American flags while chanting slogans vowing to protect him.

The National Police Agency said it planned to investigate the chief and deputy chiefs of the presidential security service on suspicion of obstructing official duty and summoned them for questioning on Saturday.

Yoon, a former prosecutor, has resisted investigators attempts to question him for weeks. The last time he is known to have left the residence was on Dec. 12, when he went to the nearby presidential office to make a televised statement to the nation, making a defiant statement that he will fight efforts to oust him.

Investigators from the countrys anti-corruption agency are weighing charges of rebellion after Yoon, apparently frustrated that his policies were blocked by an opposition-dominated parliament, declared martial law on Dec. 3 and dispatched troops to surround the National Assembly.

Parliament overturned the declaration within hours in an unanimous vote and impeached Yoon on Dec. 14, accusing him of rebellion, while South Korean anti-corruption authorities and public prosecutors opened separate investigations into the events.

A Seoul court issued a warrant to detain Yoon and a separate warrant to search his residence on Tuesday, but enforcing them is complicated as long as he remains in his official residence.

Yoons lawyers, who filed a challenge to the warrant on Thursday, say it cannot be enforced at his residence due to a law that protects locations potentially linked to military secrets from search without the consent of the person in charge.

The office said it will discuss further actions but did not immediately say whether it would make another attempt to detain Yoon. The warrant for his detention is valid for one week.

Yoons lawyers have also argued that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military investigators, lacks the authority to investigate rebellion charges. They said that police officers dont have the legal authority to assist in detaining Yoon, and could face arrest by either the presidential security service or any citizens. They didnt elaborate further on the claim.

If investigators manage to detain Yoon, they will likely ask a court for permission to make a formal arrest. Otherwise, he will be released after 48 hours.

During a background briefing to reporters, an official from the anti-corruption agency said its investigators were able to approach within 200 meters (yards) of Yoons residence but were stopped by a barricade comprising around 10 vehicles and approximately 200 members of the presidential security forces and troops. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity per department rules, said three of its prosecutors were eventually allowed to approach the building but they werent able to confirm whether Yoon was inside.

While the presidential security act mandates protection for Yoon, it does not authorize the presidential security service to block court-ordered detainments, which would amount to an infringement on judicial authority, said Park Seong-bae, an attorney specializing in criminal law. While the president mostly has immunity from prosecution while in office, the protection does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.

Theres a high possibility that the act of blocking the execution of a detainment warrant would constitute an obstruction of official duty, he said.

The law requiring consent of the person in charge for searches in locations with potential military secrets could continue to hinder Yoons detainment. Courts often require law enforcement officials to obtain search warrants with detainment warrants in case they need to search the site to locate the suspect, which is also what the anti-corruption agency did in their pursuit of Yoon.

Its unlikely that the approval could come from the countrys acting leader, Choi, as it would be difficult to see him as the person in charge of Yoons residence, Park said.

Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the liberal opposition Democratic Party, called the anti-corruption agencys withdrawal regrettable and urged the agency to make another attempt to detain Yoon on Friday.

Kwon Young-se, who heads the emergency leadership committee of Yoons conservative People Power Party, called the agencys effort to detain Yoon highly unfair and exceedingly improper, saying that there is no risk of Yoon attempting to flee or to destroy evidence.

Thousands of police officers gathered at Yoons residence on Friday, forming a perimeter around a growing group of pro-Yoon protesters who braved freezing temperatures for hours, waving South Korean and American flags while chanting slogans vowing to protect him. There were no immediate reports of major clashes outside the residence.

Yoons defense minister, police chief and several top military commanders have already been arrested over their roles in the period of martial law.

Yoons presidential powers have been suspended since the National Assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14. Yoons fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberations on whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him. At least six justices on the nine-member Constitutional Court must vote in favor to remove him from office.

The National Assembly voted last week to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who became acting president after Yoons powers were suspended, over his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies ahead of the courts review of Yoons case.

Facing growing pressure, the new acting president, Choi, appointed two new justices on Tuesday, which could increase the chances of the court upholding Yoons impeachment.
No one enjoys getting the news: Your services are no longer required here. Whether you're fired from an employer or a client, being let go makes us feel we failed. Not a great feeling.

Unlike in the military, being dismissed sometimes comes with little to no warning. A company restructuring, poor performance, lack of funding or myriad other reasons can lead to your being shown the door and scrambling to figure out what to do next.

Before you jump on the online job boards and start flooding the market with your resume, here are some questions to ask and consider:

1. Ask Your Employer

Ask your employer to clarify what's leading to this dismissal. Is it poor performance, unmet expectations or something else you didn't do right?



If yes:

Ask yourself whether you were clear about what the job required. Did you understand how you'd be measured and what it would take to be "successful" on the job? Did you have the right skills and experience to do the job well?

Were there warning signs you ignored? If your boss sat you down on many occasions indicating your performance was lacking, did you dismiss their feedback?

Did you have a mentor or other support system in place to keep yourself focused on growing your career and skills?



If no:

What was the reason you're being fired? Ask them to be specific, and if they're willing, try to understand if there was anything you could have done differently to save your job.

Are there companies that are hiring that your employer knows of? Would they be willing to put in a good word for you and give you a recommendation or introduction?

How should you communicate to the market why you were dismissed? If a company is in financial trouble, and reducing workforce as a result, they might appreciate you being sensitive to how that news is shared in the community.



2. Ask Yourself

When you're calm and relaxed, ask yourself whether there were warning signs you missed, opportunities you ignored or relationships you took for granted.



If yes:

If you weren't paying attention to red flags, were they truly obvious or did you not see them because you didn't know to watch for them? Transitioning from a military-to-civilian career is not just about knowing how to do the job, but also about how to navigate the unknown. Where were the blind spots?

Did you ignore the warning signs because you didn't think they applied to you or because you knew better? That could be an opportunity to check your goals and strategies to ensure you're operating from the right playbook and not working off false assumptions.

If it's because you resisted opportunities or key relationships, consider why that might be. Are you reluctant to stretch past your comfort zone? Do you bring a growth mindset to work? Or are you staying isolated and insulated from growth opportunities, leading your employer to believe you don't want to be in the job long term?



If no:

Where do you go from here? What can you take from this job as a learning experience?

Will you stay in the same industry and do the same job? Maybe this experience showed you that this kind of work, for this kind of company, is not aligned with your values and professional goals.

How can you be ready for the next opportunity? While you shouldn't be afraid to try again, and pursue work, it can make you hesitant to repeat a mistake. Avoid this by learning what went wrong and correcting it for the next opportunity.



3. Ask Your Mentor

Enlist the insight of your mentor to help you identify what your employer may not be telling you, and which you might not see yourself.

What are they seeing that you're possibly missing or ignoring? Trust your mentor to give you the truth, because they're invested in your career success.

Did you sell yourself short? For example, do they believe you failed to assert yourself during the interview process when red flags appeared? Did you oversell yourself (or your skills) into the job?

What advice do they have for where you go from here? Do they think you should pivot your career, get back into the job search today, take some time off or upskill? Your mentor has a broad perspective and can often see into opportunities you might not find visible yet.

There's a shock phase of being fired that may last a few hours or a few weeks. Depending on your situation, you may have the time to reflect and regroup, or you may have urgent demands that require you to ask fast. As you navigate through these questions, you'll learn what you could have done differently (if anything) and how to potentially avoid painful career experiences such as this in the future.

Want to Know More About Veteran Jobs?

Be sure to get the latest news about post-military careers as well as critical info about veteran jobs and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.
The Diamondbacks finalized their shocking six-year free agent deal with Corbin Burnes on Monday. The former Cy Young winner signed a $210MM contract, though deferrals in the $60MM range were known to have knocked down the net present value to an extent.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports the deals specific breakdown. The contract officially contains $64MM in deferred money. Burnes will collect a $10MM signing bonus up front, which was first reported by USA Todays Bob Nightengale. $10MM of his $30MM salaries over the next two seasons will be deferred. If he does not trigger an opt-out clause after the 26 season, hed be due $35MM annually between 2027-30. $11MM of those salaries will be deferred. According to Heyman, the contract comes with a net present value of roughly $193.76MM.

Burnes will be able to opt out with four years and $140MM remaining. Whether he does so will determine when he receives the deferred money. According to the Associated Press, Burnes would be owed either $10MM or $11MM installments between 2031-36 if he does not trigger the out clause. If he does opt out, hed receive a pair of $10MM payments after the 2027 and 28 seasons. (Thered only be $20MM in deferrals if he opts out after two years.) Burnes has full no-trade rights for the first two years. That would drop to a 14-team no-trade list for the final four seasons if he doesnt opt out, per the AP.

Arizona now has a projected rotation featuring Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt and Eduardo Rodriguez. Righty Ryne Nelson has pitched well enough to hold a rotation job as well, so the Snakes could consider a six-man starting staff to open the year. Even that wouldnt leave room for Jordan Montgomery, whose $22.5MM salary the D-Backs would be happy to offload. Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reported shortly after the Burnes agreement that the Snakes were not on the verge of any rotation trades. Thatll remain a major storyline for the club over the next couple months.
EMPIRE, MI -- Some of Michigans most majestic birdwatching happens when everything else falls silent, in which case nature enthusiasts can partake in bird-listening.

The winter is the best time to spot Michigan owls through bare trees and over snow-covered fields. Youll hear them hoot and holler at dusk and dawn.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to six species of owls, for at least part of the year.

The national Lakeshore encourages winter hikers to set out at night to hear the haunting melodies of these nocturnal creatures.

Winter is the time for establishing territory and attracting mates. The calls serve as a way to communicate with potential partners and to assert dominance over their hunting grounds. With no leaves on the trees, their calls can travel even farther, Sleeping Bear Dunes rangers posted on Facebook.

RELATED: Winter is the best time to see Michigan owls. Heres where and when.

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, a volunteer nonprofit, updated their birding guide in 2011 with what species, how often and where they recorded owls in the park.

In the winter, volunteers saw Long-eared, Eastern Screech, Great Horned, Barred, Northern Saw-whet and Snowy owls.

Although the report denotes some of these sightings were rare, determined by few numbers, or occasional, meaning few occurrences of seeing the owls.

Sleeping Bears species checklist also includes the Short-eared owl, according to NPS. Although Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes only listed Short-eared owls in their spring sightings for the birding guide.

RELATED: Snowy owls traveling south to the Great Lakes in early-season push this winter

The Snowy owls, for instance, are irruptive visitors meaning they dont always show up, but when they do they come in groups searching for food.

Michigan is a warm vacation for these Arctic visitors. Midwest winters are considerably warmer than the northern boreal forests and arctic tundra they left behind.

In Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Arctic visitors are often seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes Point, Platte River outlet, and open farmland near Port Oneida.

The tundra tourists have been on and off in recent years.

Their migration across the Midwest was remarkably slow in 2023, according to Project SNOWstorm, a crowd-funded snowy owl research project.

However this year there were early sightings of snowy owls already migrating from Canada.

Its shaping up to be an interesting winter, with the first significant, early-season push of snowy owls into the East and Midwest in several years, so buckle up for what we hope will be a great 2024-25, Project SNOWstorm posted on Dec. 1.

RELATED: Discover Sleeping Bear Dunes after dark at family-friendly night hikes

Elsewhere in the park youll be more likely to find Great-Horned and Barred owls in the mature forests and inland lakes like Narada Lake and Tucker Lake.

The wide open spaces and tree-lined trails of Treat Farm Trail or the wetlands of Otter Creek are also popular hangouts for Michigans large winged birds.

If youre looking for somewhere to start your birdwatching journey check out the Sleeping Bear Bird Trail, which runs along the little finger of Michigans mitten peninsula following M-22.

RELATED: Feeding the birds this winter? Here are the dos and donts
Starbucks is dropping new menu items on Friday, including two Spanish-inspired espresso drinks and a new vegan falafel.

Celebrating coffee artistry and espresso craft, Starbucks is adding two versions of the cortado to its regular menu.

Originating from Spain, and the name comes from the Spanish word cortar, which translates to to cut, describing the way the milk cuts through the bold the espresso to create a beverage that is smooth and balanced.

A cortado is made with roughly equal amounts of espresso and steamed milk. Starbucks will use ristretto shots of subtly sweet blonde espresso. The drink will only be available hot and in the tall (8-ounce) size.

Alongside the traditional cortado, stores will also offer a new brown sugar oatmilk cortado. This will be a non-dairy twist on the classic, featuring blonde espresso, steamed oatmilk, and notes of brown sugar and cinnamon.

Returning seasonal favorites are the pistachio latte and pistachio cream cold brew.

For bites, the company is debuting a vegan spicy falafel pocket, which joins the permanent menu. The sandwich combines smashed falafel, creamy hummus, roasted red bell peppers, pickled onions, and a spicy herb sauce, all wrapped inside a toasted lavash flatbread.

Seasonal food items include the vanilla bean custard Danish and Valentine cake pop.
ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions were just hit for 400 passing yards, the most theyve allowed all season. Now, they get to host Justin Jefferson and the red-hot Minnesota Vikings in a winner-take-all game from Ford Field.

On the bright side, Alex Anzalone has a chance to return for the Lions in Week 18. But the secondary is going to have to figure things out with Carlton Davis III out, with two games under their belt since switching to a new configuration.

Amik Robertson and Terrion Arnold are the outside cornerbacks, with Brian Branch moving back into the slot. Ifeatu Melifonwu has been strong in his return to a versatile role, with a ton of snaps from inside the box. And Kerby Joseph is still balling, with a league-high nine interceptions after his heroic showing in San Francisco.

Hosts Ben Raven and Kory Woods dive into all of that and much more in this latest mailbag episode of MLives Dungeon of Doom podcast.

All questions for this episode came from MLives Subtext Insider Texts program, sign up at https://joinsubtext.com/dungeonofdoom. Also, watch the video version of this podcast, which posts weekly to MLives YouTube account.

See below to listen. Subscribe to the Dungeon of Doom wherever you get your podcasts -- Spotify, Apple, Google -- Follow Ben Raven and Kory Woods on social media.
DELTA COUNTY, MI -- Investigators may never know the source of the fungal disease that caused the nations largest documented blastomycosis outbreak in a small town in Michigans Upper Peninsula.

Environmental sampling in and around Billerud Paper Mill in Escanaba did not identify the source of the more than 160 exposures in 2022 and 2023, according to a Thursday, Jan. 2, report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The fungal disease caused illness for at least 162 people, including mill employees, contractors and visitors. Eighteen people were hospitalized, and one died, according to the health department in Delta County.

An investigation by the CDCs National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) determined about 20% of mill workers got sick from the unknown exposure between Nov. 1, 2022, and May 15, 2023.

The outbreak was declared over July 1, 2023, and no additional cases have since been identified among mill workers.

Blastomycosis is a fungal disease caused by inhalation of spores from blastomyces, which live in moist soil and decaying matter like wood and leaves in parts of the Midwest, including around the Great Lakes.

Most people who are exposed do not get sick, but exposure can cause severe pulmonary illness and high hospitalization rates. Some people develop symptoms include cough, fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches and joint pain.

Related: Its devastating. U.P. paper mill will not get $1B upgrade

In March 2023, a cluster of cases in Northern Michigan were reported to the local health department and linked to the small town paper mill in Escanaba.

The mill voluntarily sent its more than 800 workers home, with pay, for three weeks in April and May to allow for a deep clean and inspection of the plant and raw materials.

Federal health and safety officials visited the roughly 2,200-acre site and interviewed hundreds of employees in search of patterns to help uncover the source of the infections.

Workers primarily on paper machine line No. 1 and in maintenance reported the most cases of blastomycosis, though all areas of the mill were affected, including administrative offices.

Investigators assessed ventilation systems and noted most provided unfiltered outdoor air into the mill. The report proposes that spores entered the mill through the ventilation systems or open bay doors, leading to exposure over several months.

Samples of soil, wood chips, indoor surface dust, water, duct lining, and filters from the HVAC systems were tested, but no Blastomyces was detected.

The mills location along a riverway in a wooded area is consistent with Blastomyces habitat; however, the specific environmental factors in or around the mill that led to this outbreak remain unknown, the report reads.

Investigators recommend increased worker training and education for those whose work activities disturb soil where Blastomyces is present.

They also suggest routine HVAC maintenance, employing housekeeping best practices, and for health care providers to consider work-related exposure to Blastomyces in areas where its more common to better detect future outbreaks and implement quick interventions.

The fungal disease is treatable with antifungal medicine, but can cause severe illness if left untreated. Treatment can take from six months to a year, depending on case severity.

Annually, the U.S. reports one to two cases of blastomycosis per 100,000 people. Wisconsin has the highest known incidences in the country with a yearly rate closer to 10 to 40 cases per 100,000 people in some of its northern counties.

Before the 162 cases from the Delta County outbreak, Michigan reported 186 total cases between 2007 and 2017. Fewer than one case was reported annually in Delta County, though investigators say that may be due to underreporting given the potential for asymptomatic cases.

Billerud Paper Mill began making paper in 1911 as the Escanaba Pulp and Paper Co. The mill produces about 660,000 metric tons of paper per year for use in magazines, catalogs, books and specialty papers used in label and converting applications.

Ed Legault, executive director for the Delta County Economic Development Alliance, called the company an anchor for the community. Its one of the areas largest and highest-paying employers, at times employing second- and third-generation workers.

In total, the mill generates an estimated annual impact in the local community of nearly $360 million, including wages, salaries and taxes paid, as well as raw materials and services purchased.
DETROIT -- A Detroit man was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and his wife was placed on probation Friday in connection with a fatal dog attack that took place early last year, according to Fox 2 Detroit.

Roy Goodman was sentenced to between 30 months and 15 years in prison after he was convicted on one count of dangerous animal causing death. His wife, Trevina Goodman was sentenced to three years probation, community service and ordered not to possess any animals.

Harold Phillips, 35, of Detroit was walking home around 9:20 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2024 when three dogs escaped through an unsecured gate at a home in the 9400 block of Longacre. The dogs attacked the father of six, hospitalizing him before he died four days later.

Roy Goodman admitted to police that hed let the dogs into the yard earlier in the day and was aware that the latch on the fence was broken. The husband and wife were charged in the matter a few weeks later.

The three dogs involved in the attack were eventually euthanized.
UPDATES: Heres what we know about foster family shooting, child abduction north of Ann Arbor

Woman charged with murder in shooting of foster family says they deserved to die

2 killed in foster parent shooting near Ann Arbor were true servants of God, reverend says

Third person arraigned in foster family shooting, child abduction near Ann Arbor

Trio planned to sell 9-year-old kidnapped in triple shooting near Ann Arbor, suspect says

5 revelations from court records in foster family triple shooting near Ann Arbor

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI  Those injured and killed in a triple shooting and reported child abduction New Years Day were a foster family.

Representative with the Michigan Department of Health and Human services confirmed Friday, Jan. 3, Jennifer Lyn Bernhard, 48, her husband Jeffrey Alan Bernhard, 52, and Jennifers father Stevie Ray Smith, 74, were a foster family for the state when they were attacked Jan 1 in their Northfield Township home.

Jennifer Bernhard and Smith were fatally shot in the 200 block of Nollar Bend Road north of Ann Arbor. Jeffrey Bernhard was critically injured in the shooting and is still in the hospital in stable condition, according to the Northfield Township Police Department.

Related: Police identify victims in double homicide shooting north of Ann Arbor

Officials with MDHHS, which oversees foster care serviced throughout the state, said their department could not provide any additional information about the case or the family, but offered condolences.

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those impacted by the fatal shooting in Washtenaw County, MDHHS Public Information Officer Erin Stover wrote. While we cant discuss specific cases due to state and federal laws, MDHHS is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all children and families including foster families and caregivers.

Michigan Foster Care Closet, a charitable organization that provides free clothing for children in foster care, wrote on its Facebook page it was devastated to learn what happened to the family.

Last night, one of our own foster families experienced a devastating and senseless tragedy, and our hearts are incredibly heavy and to be honest, we are downright heartbroken, the organization wrote. We know that no words can ease the pain right now, but please keep this family close to your heart.

Police were called to the home at 8:30 p.m. for a report of a shooting, police said.

Officers arrived and found two people who were fatally shot  Jennifer Bernhard and Smith  and one person, Jeffrey Bernhard, still alive suffering several gunshot wounds, police said.

Investigators discovered two children had been taken from the home during the shooting and were unaccounted for, police said.

In a coordinated effort with the Ann Arbor Police Department, Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office and the Michigan State Police, investigators found the missing children and arrested three people believe to be responsible for the shooting and abduction, police said.

The three suspects are expected to be arraigned on murder charges Friday afternoon.

Neighbors in the rural community called the alleged child abduction gone wrong devastating and shocking.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.
A Northfield Township police car is parked in front of the property where a double homicide occured around 8:30pm on January 1st at the 2000 block of Nollar Bend Road in Northfield Township. Two were shot and a third was critically wounded in the event. Two children were also abducted from the home but police found the children and arrested three individuals in connection with the double homicide.Josh Boland
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Moments after being elected the Ottawa County Board chair, John Teeples told county employees that he hopes to restore the reputation of Ottawa County government.

I am sorry for what many of you had to endure over the last two years, Teeples said. Today we start anew.

Teeples didnt specifically mention the boards past majority faction, known as Ottawa Impact, as the hardship that employees managed to endure.

But his reference was obvious to a packed board room during the Thursday, Jan. 2, Ottawa County Commission organizational meeting.

Related: New Ottawa County board faces crucial decisions after far-right groups control ends

Teeples and four other recently elected commissioners campaigned specifically on defeating commissioners tied to Ottawa Impact, an ultra-conservative political platform whose members took control of the board in January 2023.

Many decisions by the Ottawa Impact-majority were controversial and some led to lawsuits.

During the boards organizational meeting in 2023, commissioners fired then-Administrator John Shay, dismantled the countys diversity office, changed the county motto and tried to fire Health Officer Adeline Hambley.

Teeples asked for the publics patience.

We know we have a lot to do to regain your trust, he said.

No longer will decisions be made based on ideology, political motives or perceived favoritism, Teeples said.

Thursdays organizational meeting happened before a packed audience, but partly because families of newly elected commissioners came to celebrate the occasion.

Related: Firings, 6-hour meetings and childhood innocence: The far-right takeover of Ottawa County

Commissioners are expected to meet again Jan. 7 to discuss developing a strategic plan and consider changes to board rules. Teeples said he wants the chairs position to be term-limited.

He also intends to nominate former Ottawa County Sheriff Gary Rosema as the next interim administrator.

The county has been without a permanent administrator since late February 2024, when then-Administrator John Gibbs was fired for alleged misconduct.

Jon Anderson, a candidate for sheriff in 2024, was appointed as interim administrator but he resigned in early October. The interim job then went to Deputy Administrator Ben Wetmore, but Wetmore in December accepted a $175,000 severance agreement approved in a split vote.

The vote to make Teeples board chair came in a 7-4 vote.

Former Board Chair Joe Moss, head of Ottawa Impact, voted with Sylvia Rhodea, Allison Miedema and Kendra Wenzel to keep himself as the chair.

Rhodea, a co-founder of Ottawa Impact, said Moss has done a good job.

She said he was repeatedly and wrongly defamed by local and national media as extreme, far-right, fundamentalist, Christian Nationalist and on and on.....

But she said his only goal was to right the ship of county government and to stand up for his kids and the community.

Moss, in 2022, campaigned on a promise to curb governmental overreach and specifically his concerns that pandemic masking mandates went too far.

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.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  The city of Grand Rapids says campaign officials for President-elect Donald Trump have still not paid the bill for nearly $50,000 in public safety services that were provided at two rallies he held downtown during the 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump held two rallies in Grand Rapids on July 20 and Nov. 4 in an effort to energize voters in the key battleground state of Michigan before the Nov. 5 presidential election. Trump ended up flipping the state in a victory over Democrat Kamala Harris.

Massive crowds flocked to see the former president speak at the Grand Rapids rallies, which were both held at Van Andel Arena and had a heavy police and security presence following the attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13.

RELATED: Trump makes final push for votes in Grand Rapids on eve of election

The July and November rallies cost the city of Grand Rapids a total of $49,111.99 in equipment and overtime costs for local police, firefighters and public works employees to shut down the streets of downtown and provide added security, according to invoices charged to the Donald J. Trump for President 2024 campaign, which were sent to MLive by the city.

Grand Rapids city spokesperson David Green said neither of those bills have been paid by Trumps campaign as of Jan. 2. City officials are still trying to recoup some of the costs, but the city will most likely have to write off the costs if they go unpaid, he said.

Given the unique nature of political campaigns and enhanced public safety requirements for individuals requiring Secret Service protection, the city is currently reviewing and developing specific policies and processes for future campaign visits based on what its learned, he said.

The city billed Trumps team a total of $32,771.45 for the July rally, which included over $28,000 in overtime costs for police, fire and public works. That bill was due on Oct. 23.

The invoice for the November rally totaled $16,340.54 and was largely for costs related to public works overtime and equipment. It was due on Dec. 6.

Both bills went unpaid. Green said the city initially sent the bills to Trumps campaign team, who told them to send the invoices to the U.S. Secret Service.

Secret Service Communications Director Nate Herring said the agency is not able to pay local governments for their help during events where additional law enforcement is needed for security.

The design and implementation of our security plans is a coordinated effort with our local law enforcement partners, he said. However, the U.S. Secret Service currently lacks a mechanism to reimburse local governments for their support during protective events. Our partners play a crucial role in our ability to effectively safeguard Secret Service protectees and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and contributions.

When asked for comment, Team Trump Michigan Communications Director Victoria LaCivita referred MLive to the Secret Service.

Harris also held a rally in Grand Rapids during the 2024 campaign, although it was less expensive for the city because of the location and setup of the rally, Green said. Harris team was invoiced $2,800 for the Oct. 18 rally at Riverside Park, which didnt require as many road closures as Trumps rally because it wasnt downtown.

The Harris campaign paid its invoice in full upfront, Green said.

The Trump campaign utilized a venue in a downtown district requiring more road closures and associated safety measures, driving costs, Green said. The Harris campaign event utilized a city park with ample green space, requiring limited road closures and associated safety measures.

Green said presidential campaign events are complex because the U.S. Secret Service requires an enhanced security presence, which requires local law enforcement to step up and help keep the events safe. Theyre also tough to plan for, because they only happen every four years.

Grand Rapids has become a political hotspot in recent years, with presidential candidates in the last three election cycles choosing Grand Rapids as their final campaign destination before the election.

RELATED: Like 2016, will Grand Rapids be the center of the political universe again?

With Grand Rapids now on the map, city officials will need to discuss how it manages these kinds of events moving forward, Green said.

People are really paying attention to us, and theyre coming here a lot now, he said. So were going to have discussions internally about our policies and processes and how we plan and address this kind of stuff going forward, knowing now that theyre going to be coming here and they plan to come here a lot.

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.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI To celebrate its fifth year, the World of Winter Festival had big plans for its downtown Grand Rapids opening event next Friday, but now another activity is in store for locals and visitors.

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., which hosts the festival annually, announced on its Facebook page on Dec. 30, 2024, that the Starry Night opening event has been canceled due to recent concerns and safety issues. It was expected to feature a drone light show.

Thank you for your understanding about this change, the DGRI post reads. In place of the show, we will be hosting a different opening celebration to kick off World of Winter.

The change came after the Federal Aviation Administration suspended a handful of drone shows nationwide following a mechanical failure at a Christmas event in Orlando, Fla., where a child was critically injured after drones crashed into the crowd.

In place of the drone show in Grand Rapids, new opening festivities are expected to kick off World of Winter, including live ice carving, DJ beats, cozy fire pits, and delicious food trucks. Additionally, there will be a giant interactive Lite Brite Board, an art installation from Thailand, and tons of yard games.

The 2025 festival runs from Jan. 10 through March 10 with over 100 art installations, live performances and activities for the public  all designed to bring people outside for fun and good community during the cold-weather months.

The World of Winter: Opening Celebration is planned from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 555 Monroe Ave. NW. Learn more here.

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.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  After a long wait, Grass Lake residents should expect a new eatery to open soon.

Here is that headline and some more you might have missed this week.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  It was with the utterance of a vow to uphold law of the land that history was made Thursday afternoon in Jackson County.

Kelsey Guernsey officially took over her new role as prosecuting attorney as she was sworn into office Jan. 2, becoming the first female ever elected to the position.

Im excited and Im honored. This feels like such a privilege to get to lead this staff, this office in Jackson County, Guernsey said. This is my home. This is my community. Im excited and blessed to be able to do this.

Guernsey, 36 and the former chief assistant prosecutor, defeated Republican challenger Jared Hopkins 8,975 to 6,991 in the Aug. 6 primary election.

As there were no challengers running on the Democratic side, Guernsey, also a Republican, ran unopposed in the Nov. 5 general election.

Related: Voters make history in electing Jackson Countys first female prosecuting attorney

This is something Ive been having a hard time putting into words how proud I am to be that (the first), she said.

She mentioned her mentor for the last 10 years Kati Rezmierski, the first female chief assistant prosecutor in Jackson County, and District Judge Allison Bates, the second woman to serve as a district court judge in the county.

They say you step on the shoulders of the woman before you and you use them as your boosting point, she said. Weve been making some changes in Jackson County, and it is very cool to see and I am honored to be part of it.

Rezmierski, who left Jackson and now serves as an assistant prosecutor in the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office, said she was proud to see Guernsey achieve the honor.

This is incredible. This is history. I couldnt be more proud. I couldnt be more excited, she said.

Guernsey is a mother and lifelong Jackson County resident. Her son James, 8, was at her side as she was sworn in. She has served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jackson for more than a decade, prosecuting violent offenders as a member of the violent crimes task force.

Former Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka announced in May he was retiring and not running for reelection after serving three 4-year terms in office. He endorsed Guernsey early on in her campaign saying she was the best person to take over the office.

I have high expectations and I know Kelsey is going to do a great job as prosecuting attorney. Ive seen her work over the last 11 years and she has done tremendous work.

Related: Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka not running for reelection, retiring at end of term

Guernsey selected Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Hull to serve as her chief assistant prosecuting attorney. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Hull thanked Guernsey for running for office. He knew she would be in charge of it one day, he said.

Kelsey has been the one you can hear her bellowing down the hallway even before she was the boss, he said. I knew Kelsey was here from the minute I walked down into the door just from hearing her laughter. She owned that prosecutors office from the beginning, and I cannot wait to see what shes going to do next.

Jackson County Circuit Court Judges John McBain and Thomas Wilson both said they were glad to see her move up into the elected office, but hope she will continue to handle trials.

Kelsey has quite a commanding presence in the court and Ive had the pleasure of watching her try a lot of cases, said McBain, a former elected prosecutor.

Wilson said, I know you will do well and I hope you continue to try cases, especially with the what I think are the most emotional and most difficult  criminal sexual conduct-type cases.

Ive never seen anybody better than you in trying them and when the prosecutor comes in to try a case, people take note.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter.
NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI  The former White Cloud police chief says he was wrongly fired for reporting unsafe conditions at a city water lift station and a dam.

Daniel Evans, police chief since 2016, filed a federal lawsuit against the City of White Cloud as well as April Storms, the city manager.

He was fired Oct. 1.

Evans had complained in the past but said in the lawsuit that he brought significant safety concerns to city administrators last spring and summer.

One involved a city water pump, or water lift, where the surrounding fencing and other protective equipment of the area is in terrible shape and left it open to negligent or intentional actions that could bring great damage to the public, attorney Katherine Smith Kennedy wrote in the lawsuit.

Evans also shared concerns about a sign and faulty, rusted fencing that were intended to keep people away from the dam at the White River and Lake White Cloud,

In a police report, he wrote: Over the years there have been multiple attempts by different people to harm themselves/commit suicide by jumping off the dam and into the body of water.

Repairs were made last year but he said additional fencing and signs were needed.

Storms, the city manager, told MLive she had not been served with the lawsuit and declined to comment.

The lawsuit was filed this week in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan and has been assigned to Judge Hala Jarbou in Lansing.

Evans said the trouble came on Sept. 27, when he wrote police reports - one regarding the dam, the other on the lift station - upon witnessing two children who had gone around fencing at the dam to fish.

He intended to send the reports to the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy or another state agency. Evans believed that an officer who reviewed the reports told the city manager, the lawsuit said.

On Oct. 1, Storms, joined by two officials, told Evans he was fired. He was led out by the Newaygo County sheriff and had to call his wife to take him home, the lawsuit said.

There was no notice of his termination, no reasons given for his termination, no pre-termination hearing, nor any allowance for Plaintiff to defend himself. He had not been suspended pending investigation and, in fact, there was no investigation, his attorney wrote.

Not coincidentally, the hazardous conditions surrounding the water lift system were magically fixed and the road over the dam was suddenly closed for repairs within days of Plaintiffs termination.

Evans contended that an Oct. 9 letter by Storms, provided to the City Council, contained contrived pre-textual reasons for Evans firing. It included allegations of humiliating members of the public, breaching professional confidentiality rules, and creating a hostile and intimidating environment, the lawsuit said.

The letter said Evans hurt morale, too.

Evans alleged violations of due-process rights, free-speech rights, the state Whistleblowers Protect Act and the states Open Meetings Act. He also alleged defamation and interference with business relationships.

He said he had a conditional employment offer from an area sheriffs department that was later rescinded.

Plaintiff is unemployed and now virtually unemployable in his field. This is due to Defendant Storms and the Citys actions and untrue words and information publicized to others, and his reputation has been destroyed.
FRUITPORT, MI  The owners of a popular West Michigan pizza shop are ringing in the new year after originally planning to sell the business.

Parkside Pizza & Sub at 22 S Third Ave. in Fruitport is set to celebrate its grand reopening at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3.

Owners Troy and Cathy Hagen, who also owned the now-closed Burger Crest in Fruitport, attempted to sell the pizza joint last year after they had problems finding employees for the two restaurants.

After running Parkside Pizza with shortened hours through the summer, Troy Hagen put up a post on Facebook asking if anybody wanted to buy the business.

It never really was anything official, Hagen said. I said, kind of tongue-in-cheek, if anybodys interested in buying it, Ill cut you a good deal.

Hagen in October thought he had a serious buyer, but closing kept getting pushed back as it turned out the person didnt know the ins-and-outs of running a business, such as having insurance or setting up an LLC, he said.

The sale was set to close on Nov. 18, but when it came time to seal the deal, Hagen found out the buyer didnt even have enough money to buy the business, he said.

We decided then that we just cant keep on carrying a mortgage without having the business open, so were going to reopen it, Hagen said.

The restaurant still doesnt have any dedicated employees, but Hagen said hes confident, with family support, that it will be a success.

Actually, who Im having help out is really my A team, Hagen said. My daughter will be there. She and my wife had been running Burger Crest for years, so this is second nature to them.

Hours are now 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday and 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The restaurant also has a new phone number, 231-366-6111 and will only take cash until a new credit card reader comes in.

The food is all the same, Hagen said. Were actually really excited, especially my daughter and I  Were hoping to get some good community support. Thats what its going to take.

Parkside Pizza isnt the only comeback story of the new year. Big Johns Pizza in November celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 3263 E. Colby St. in Whitehall. The Martell family originally planned to sell the business but couldnt find a buyer, so they instead chose to reopen in a new, more convenient location.

The newly renovated Big Johns Pizza features a 127-seat capacity, nearly triple what the previous location offered, and more convenient parking.

Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter.
SAGINAW, MI  After more than two years on the lam, a former Arthur Hill High School student accused of making a gun-related threat against the school has been arrested. However, hes no longer facing a criminal charge after necessary witnesses failed to appear for a court hearing.

Prosecutors in March 2022 charged Cody F. Lampley, now 20, with making a false report or threat of terrorism. Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark on June 28, 2022, issued a bench warrant for Lampleys arrest after he did not show for court-ordered appointments.
PORT AUSTIN, MI  In the aftermath of a fire that destroyed a beloved Port Austin destination, former patrons and community members are sharing memories  and images  of the Grindstone General Store.

Flames engulfed the 139-year-old Thumb business on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 1. Fire officials have told multiple media agencies the fire resulted in a total loss of the store, popular for selling ice cream to generations of customers.

We are saddened by the loss of the Grindstone General Store, which burned on New Years Day, read a message on the Port Austin Area Historical Society Facebook page. The popular destination for ice cream was one of the last remaining historic structures in Grindstone.

The post included photos of the popular destination, dated 1910.

Dozens of images of families enjoying their visits to the store populated online community groups, including the Facebook group, You must be from Port Austin, Michigan if 

Images showed couples sharing cones as recently as 2024, friends smiling as they appeared to enjoy vanilla ice cream in 2007, and young brothers posing with ice cream-smothered mouths on the store patio in 1999, among others.

We took my dad there almost every Fathers Day to enjoy the best ice cream ever!, read a post that featured an 18-image gallery that appeared to show several of those visits.

Another individual posted about how they visited the store for over 50 years, showcasing a series of photos showing a family in front of the store.

So many trips during the years but my favorite was this one in 2016, read another post that showed a boy enjoying an ice cream cone there. We took our oldest as a special treat because it was his last week as an only child and he loved it!

Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw.
ROTHBURY, MI -- Michigan State Police and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard separately confirmed on Jan. 2 that remains found near the Electric Forest music festival grounds in Oceanas Rothbury are those of 28-year-old Kevin Graves, who vanished while attending the four-day event in 2018.

Forensic anthropologists from the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine made the positive identification this morning through dental record comparison, state police said on Jan. 2. The cause of death has yet to be determined and may take several months, however, there are no indications of foul play at this time.

Police have released few other details.

Now that we have positive identification of the remains, at least the family has some closure on where he is and now, hopefully, the next steps can determine what happened, Sheriff Bouchard said.

Kevin Graves father, Gary Graves, told MLive he received a notification that investigators were 99% sure the remains were his son on Jan. 1. According to Gary Graves, police said two hunters discovered the body on private property near the 2,000-acre Double JJ Resort, which hosts the electronic music festival that draws upwards of 40,000 attendees each year. The music festival began in 2011.

Investigators found Kevin Graves' cell phone, wallet and an Electric Forest festival bracelet with the remains, Gary Graves said.

Related: Police 99% sure remains found near Electric Forest are missing man Kevin Graves, father says

Kevin Graves, who would be 34 if alive today, attended the music festival for his first time with his then-girlfriend and roommate in July 2018.

Gary Graves said he was present when a couple who camped next to Kevin Graves and his former girlfriend during the 2018 festival were interviewed. They observed Kevin Graves crying and walking away after arguing with his girlfriend, Gary Graves said. Kevin Graves was last seen on July 1, 2018. The festival concluded the following day and the concertgoers left the grounds.

Volunteers gather before searching Double JJ Resort and surrounding area on Saturday, July 28, 2018, in Rothbury, Michigan. Volunteers were searching for Kevin Graves, of Oakland County, went missing July 1. Mike Krebs | MLive.com Mike Krebs | MLive.comMike Krebs | MLive.com

Kevin Graves, who worked for a company that made coatings for various manufacturing operations, never accessed his bank accounts or used his cell phone after July 1, according to police reports reviewed by MLive.

Kevin Graves' girlfriend made a missing-person report to the Oakland County Sheriffs Office on July 3, 2018. State police also assisted in the investigation.

Related: Search for missing Electric Forest camper a recovery effort

Several searches in an around the festival grounds, that included the use of cadaver dogs capable of smelling human remains, were unsuccessful following the disappearance.

Im hoping that theyre going to find something thats going to help figure out what happened to him, Gary Graves said.
This weekend we have full-on winter weather across our state. A couple of snow situations exist and some real January cold for all.

The first snow situation is all lake-effect snow. This means the eastern two-thirds of Lower Michigan wont have much more than flurries while the western third gets up to 10 inches of snow by Friday evening.

Here is the total snowfall forecast from now, Thursday afternoon, to late Friday evening. The snow pattern has the shape of classic lake-effect snow.

Total snowfall expected through 7 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025NOAA

The purple areas are expected to receive six to 10 inches of snow with isolated spots getting a little more. If you live or are traveling to the western third of Lower Michigan, at least two to four inches of snow is a good bet for Friday.

The next snow situation actually misses us to the south. An actual large-scale snowstorm is going to track across Illinois, Indiana and Ohio Sunday into Monday.

snowstorm and ice storm forecast to pass just south of Michigan Sunday into Monday.NOAA

The total snowfall forecast through Monday morning shows the widespread difficult travel likely to our south.

Total snowfall forecast through 1 p.m. Monday, January 6, 2025NOAA

There will be a large swath of six to 10 inches of snow with the snowstorm that misses Michigan to the south Sunday and Monday.

Sunday will have occasional random snow showers, but nothing that lasts a long time at any one spot.

So you probably guessed that we will have a normal cold January weekend. Here are the low temperatures and high temperatures for the weekend.

While other parts of the eastern U.S. and southeastern U.S. are talking about historic cold we will just have our normal cold here in Michigan. Both mornings start in the teens and warm into the low-20s.

Low temperature forecast for Saturday, January 4, 2025NOAA

High temperature forecast for Saturday, January 5, 2025NOAA

Low temperature forecast for Sunday, January 6, 2025NOAA

High temperature forecast for Sunday, January 5, 2025NOAA

Looks like this weekend is a good preview of what most of the rest of January will be like- wintry cold and occasional lake-effect snow. At the moment a widespread snowstorm doesnt look to be in the pipeline to hit Michigan, at least for the next two weeks.
Archisha Yadav

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
Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.

Rajni Pandey

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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
Sarika Sharma

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
Amitabh Bachchan remembers 'heroes' who passed away in 2024, says, "a parsi, a muslim..."

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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
Vaishnavi Gavankar

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
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
Chef Vikas Khanna gifts Mysore Sandal soap to Hollywood star Anne Hathaway at his New York bungalow restaurant

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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
Kunaal Roy Kapur talks about his role as Taran in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, says "I can't take credit for any of that..."

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
Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi bring high energy to the 'Namo Namah Shivaya' teaser from Thandel, watch

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
Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Navdeep praise Upendra on The Rana Daggubati Show, calling him a visionary

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
Tom Holland shares why he doesn't interrupt Zendaya on red carpets, says "its her moment, and if we go together, its about us"

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
Upasana Singh reveals she was the first choice for Bhagyashree's role in Maine Pyar Kiya; says, 'I was dropped as I was taller than Salman Khan

Sarika Sharma

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
When Ranbir Kapoor called out a reporter for asking Deepika Padukone about her RK tattoo during the promotions of Yeh Jawaani hai Deewaani saying, "we have a personal life..."

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
From sleepwear to partywear: How celebrities are turning pyjamas into celebration outfits

Bobby John Varkey

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
The drama of a pair of bald eagles who recently had to rebuild their nest when the old tree they had been using crashed to the ground, is unfolding live online.

A new webcam at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is giving people a close-up view of the birds in time to watch the nest in anticipation of new clutch of eggs.

There is a spike of interest in bald eagles, as the species recently received a promotion to the status of national bird.

The new bald eagle camera in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, located south of Medina and which straddles Genesee and Orleans counties, gives onlookers an inside look at the daily lives of the animals, which are among the largest birds of prey in North America.

It is really amazing to watch, said Garner Light, the former president of the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit corporation, and whose efforts helped get the new camera up and online.

The precariously balanced nest in the cameras frame is home to two bald eagles. As wild birds, the male and female (who have not been named by the Friends group) come and go as they please  often leaving for many hours before meeting up at the nest or perching on a nearby branch.

Even though the bald eagle has been a symbol of the United States for centuries, it only gained the status of "national bird" last week, through a Christmas Eve decree signed by President Biden. The bald eagle was almost wiped out in the mid-1900s by human development, the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, or DDT, and illegal shooting, but has made a tremendous recovery.

The species was removed from the endangered species list in 2007. As of 2020, an estimated 316,700 individual bald eagles are in the lower 48 states  more than four times more eagles than there were in 2009, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The camera in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge points at the bald eagle nest on a willow tree near the Cayuga marsh in the southwestern end of the refuge. The Friends group paid for the installation of the camera, and PixCams livestreams the camera feed onto YouTube 24/7.

The bald eagle nest camera is the refuge's second. The first was installed in the same location more than two decades ago, but lasted only a few years before it failed, Light said. Even after two decades of having a broken camera in the refuge had passed, Light said people would still ask him about it and inquire whether the Friends group planned to replace it.

Hochul's veto of wildlife crossing bill draws criticism Environmentalists are irked at Gov. Kathy Hochul's veto of a bill to develop wildlife crossings on highways to cut down on collisions between vehicles and animals in an effort to safeguard human and non-human lives.

Finally, in Light's last year as president of the Friends group, it gathered the support and funds to install a new camera.

It wasnt an easy process. The Friends group had hoped to install the new camera where the old one had been. It was an obvious choice, since a bald eagle nest had existed on that tree for at least the past two decades, Light said.

But Treeman Tom LLC, the company hired to install the camera, found that the tree was dead and likely going to fall soon.

So, in mid-October, they went with another nearby tree, and Treeman Toms crew installed the camera high enough to get a good view of the bald eagle nest.

For two weeks, we were thrilled, Light said. They came to the nest right away, we got to watch all this really interesting behavior.

But early in the morning Nov. 1, the tree with the bald eagle nest fell over, bringing the nest down with it.

It was a sad scene: For a few days after the tree blew over, the eagles would come back to the area, seemingly looking for their old nest, Light said.

Soon, the bald eagle pair found another nearby tree to rebuild their nest on, Light said, and it just so happened to still be in view of the newly installed camera.

We really lucked out, he said.

Now, its a watch-and-wait game to see how the nest fares for the rest of winter.

Breeding season begins at the turn of the New Year, and the eagles are expected to spend a lot more time at the nest in anticipation of a few eggs.

If all goes well, the female could lay up to three eggs by March. Once laid, the eggs would be incubated for about five weeks. Then the eaglets, once hatched, will spend another 10 to 12 weeks in the nest before they take flight on their own.

Theres a lot that goes into raising a chick, said Logan Sauer, park ranger for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the refuge. It will be really interesting to watch the whole process.

But theres no guarantee the female will lay any eggs. Last year, the female at the nest did not lay any eggs, Sauer said.

This is really all about educating people about the eagles and raising awareness of the refuge, said Richard Moss, the current president of the Friends group.

There are three other active bald eagle nests in the refuge, Sauer said, each with their own pair of eagles.

"The nest camera really gives an up close look at the nest," Sauer said. "You can see a lot of different behaviors just through looking at the camera. And these are things that you don't really get to see if you're just out there for an hour watching them through binoculars  it makes wildlife viewing accessible to everyone."

To watch, visit PixCams' Iroquois National Wildlife bald eagle camera livestream on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=tOa3f2cS9yc.
Adani Group's US SEC and New York cases assigned to one judge for judicial efficiency: CNBC-TV18

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
Shiladitya Pandit

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
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
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. 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
Major exit at Kotak Mahindra Bank as COO and CTO Milind Nagnur steps down

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
This Research Report has been published by Moneycontrol Dot Com India Limited (hereinafter referred to as MCD) which is a registered Investment Advisor under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Investment Advisers) ...Read More

UBS's 2025 forecast points to the 5Ds that are reshaping the global economy--Debt, Deglobalisation, Demographics, Decarbonisation ...

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. 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
No law should be broken, says Piyush Goyal on Blinkit's ambulance foray

Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

Adrija Chatterjee

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
American Express Platinum card offer: Only for the affluent class with higher spends and specific needs

Hiral Thanawala is a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, he covers financial planning, banking and fintech segments from personal finance team for Moneycontrol.

Hiral Thanawala

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
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
Subhash Helgaokar

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
Biden will visit New Orleans on Monday in wake of deadly Bourbon Street attack

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
2008 Mumbai attack convict Rana's attorney seeks review of US court's decision to extradite him to India, cites 'double jeopardy'

Sonalee Borgohain

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Chhabi Kala

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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
Smriti Mishra

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
When the Hatch at Jamestown Community College sought to start an internship program to help get more students engaged in its business incubator and with the small businesses in the area, it needed funding to get the idea rolling.

But money isnt always easy to come by for organizations with a limited footprint and in a small town. These barriers make it a challenge to obtain the kind of funding needed to expand or create new programming.

Thats why Springboard, a regional entrepreneurship competition, was so helpful to a number of organizations in 2024. And those entities, in turn, will now be able to help more of the entrepreneurs it serves.

By garnering around $25,000 through Springboard, the Hatch at JCC, one of 26 winners of grant funding, is gearing up to provide some of the businesses it works with student interns free of charge, starting next semester.

This is huge for JCC and our community, in general, because we are now able to take the burden off the small business owners and give the students an opportunity to get paid and learn something that is correlated with their major, said Brianna Shay, coordinator of innovation and entrepreneurship and workforce development for the Hatch at JCC.

It was super easy to apply, and they were so easy to work with, she added. We had a great experience, and were excited to get this going to help our students and see the small businesses benefit.

Springboard provided a boost to support entities contributing to and expanding the entrepreneurial space in Buffalo, Rochester and Southern Tier communities with over $600,000 awarded in grants over 12 months. The 2024 pilot program attracted 447 applications over three rounds.

If youre trying to broaden, strengthen and deepen your ecosystem, where youre trying to uncover some partners that are building community and expanding the ecosystem in unique ways  and maybe not all of them would be an organization you would first think of, Christopher J. Schoepflin, founder and principal of Main Light Strategies, which designed and managed the program.

It took a several year process of working with thought partners to identify some of the challenges and pain points in creating generational impact for entrepreneurship in Western New York. One was that there needed to be more excitement in the ecosystem, which is where the genesis of Springboard was born.

The hope was that it would activate more noise in the ecosystem and create more diverse participants, said Paul Riser, senior program officer of entrepreneurship and economic development for the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, an organizational and financial supporter of Springboard.

43North also helped build the initial infrastructure for Springboard, including how it would work, function and be judged, as well as with the prize sizes.

Main Light Strategies, with the help of the Center for Regional Strategies in Buffalo, was brought in to build on that structure. Partners that also helped implement Springboard include the Exchange at Beverly Gray, Blackstone Launchpad at UB, Buffalo State SBDC, 43North, the Westminster Economic Development Initiative, Excell, NextCorps, Pathstone, OneRoc, Launch NY, Jamestown Community College SBDC, Southern Tier West, Laine Accelerator and Olean Business Development.

Organizers decided to offer a sizeable grant that can be catalytic to testing an idea or expanding one, Riser said. There was a balance of winners that supported parts of the ecosystem, as well as the ecosystem at large.

The momentum for the program built as almost 200 applications were received in the final round.

It also brought over 5 million cumulative social media impressions, and the website saw over 54,000 website visits over the course of the competition. The contest was completed in a hybrid manner, with some pitches live and some in-person.

This is an ecosystem thinking and doing together  breaking down silos, being collaborative, welcoming everyone, said Schoepflin, who previously ran the Buffalo office of Empire State Development. Yes, youre pushing and challenging but involving many makes the work more impactful.

The Foundry wanted to start offering more programming in youth entrepreneurship to build out a pipeline and support a current after-school offering for students, but organizers thought it would have to remain solely an idea because funding probably wouldnt be available to make it work.

However, $25,000 in funding from Springboard allowed for the creation of the Entrepreneurial Foundations Academy  a deeper dive into entrepreneurship, which includes building marketing plans and business systems, education on finances, and writing copy and making video to create content for a business.

The first cohort of program participants will finish soon, and a second cohort will start in February.

The process with Springboard took filling out an application, putting together a budget and building a curriculum and objectives for what the program would look like, according to Tamara Zantell, director of business development and incubation at the Foundry.

Being able to just throw our hat in the ring was something enticing, she said. This was huge for us because sometimes as a smaller organization on the East Side of Buffalo, it could take us three years to get funding to create what we were able to create in just six months. As soon as we won Springboard, we started with a small group of students over the summer and now were running a full-blown program. We were able to implement it immediately.

Video content was also created for each winner to promote and celebrate their entities. The media pieces can be used in the future to advance funding and marketing efforts.

Celebratory events were held in Buffalo, Rochester and the Southern Tier after each round of funding. About 100 people attended each and it provided another informal feedback loop from applicants and judges.

I saw so many new relationships made or relationships between people who knew a name but didnt know a face, Riser said. People who have never been to Olean or JCC got to see whats happening there. There were also people who said they had never been at a planning table with the likes of 43North  those kinds of players that they had only read headlines about before this.

What comes of Springboard? Its a conversation being had now. Given the excitement around the program, some form of it should continue, Riser said.

Were optimistic that something positive will come in the form of Springboard in year two, he said.
'Ensure India's interests not harmed': MEA to China amid concerns over massive dam project in Tibet

Armaan Bhatnagar

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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
EPFO rolls out centralised pension system in all regional offices; 68 lakh pensioners to benefit

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
India lodges protest with China over announcement of 2 new counties, parts of which are in Ladakh

Smriti Mishra

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
No HMPV cases in India, nothing to be alarmed about: Top health agency amid reports of Covid-like 'virus outbreak' in China

Armaan Bhatnagar

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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
Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_

Christin Mathew Philip

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. 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
'Why can't govt of India adhere to timelines': SC calls for introspection over delay in filing pleas

Sonalee Borgohain

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
RSS baiters need to understand the organisation, it is Ajatshatru

Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
When I am about ninety I will re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not

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
KSRTC introduces 180 day-childcare leave for single male employees. 'Leave will be cancelled if...'

Shubhi Mishra

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
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
Biden's open border policy responsible for violent crimes in America, claims Trump after New Orleans attack

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
Arindam Roy

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
HMPV scare: China plays down reports of huge flu outbreak; says country safe for travel

Sonalee Borgohain

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
Watch: How Israel wiped out missile facility in Syria in three hours with over 100 commandos

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
Sheetal Kumari

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
One of most important species for science: How humble fruit fly transformed 4 key fields of research

Sheetal Kumari

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
Calaveras Public Health Department View Photo

San Andreas, CA  The Calaveras County Public Health Department has received a $143,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

It will go specifically to an Injury Prevention Program to promote safe practices for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. It will also fund efforts to prevent drunk driving.

Michael Magana, Calaveras Health and Human Services Assistant Director, says, This grant allows us to develop innovative solutions to public health safety challenges that specifically impact Calaveras County. By focusing on education, awareness, and promoting safe practices, we aim to reduce mother vehicle crashes and prevent injuries. Ultimately, were working toward building more walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods where everyone can travel safely and confidently.

The grant program will run through September of 2025.

Additional details about what will be funded are below:

 Community car seat observational studies at school pick-up and drop-off lines.

 Host Bicycle Rodeo events that encourage safe biking and

pedestrian practices.

 Bicycle training courses that educate youth on safe riding behaviors.

 Helmet fitting inspections and distribution of helmets to children in

need.

 Community and school education presentations.

 Community bike rides that encourage and teach riders safe riding

skills.

 Partnerships with First 5 Calaveras to host local car seat check and

education events with childcare.

 Host NHSTA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Certified

Car Seat Technician Specialist training for the Amador, Calaveras, and

Tuolumne region.
From Terry Pratchetts Jingo (the Klatchians are desert-dwelling adversaries of Ankh-Morpork), the two policement Nobby Nobbs and Sergeant Colon:

Hang on, theres a box right at the back He wriggled out, towing a small box with him. It was locked, but the cheap metal gave way when he accidentally levered at the lid. Silver coins gleamed. Lots and lots of them. Whoops he muttered. Were in trouble now

Thats Klatchian money, that is! said Colon. Sometimes people slip you one instead of a halfdollar in your change. Look, theres all curly writing on them!

Were in big trouble, said Nobby. No, no, no, this is a Clue what we have found by patient detectoring, said Sergeant Colon. And its going to be a feather in our caps and no mistake when Mr Vimes hears about it!.

[Nobby] looked up at the bare walls and down at the rough floorboards. Theres a bit of sand on the floor, he said. Another Clue, then, said Colon happily. A Klatchian has been here. Bugger all else but sand in Klatch. Still got some in his sandals. Nobby opened the window. It gave on to a gently sloping roof. Someone could get through it easily and be away over the tiles and into the maze of chimneys. He couldve gone in and out this way, sarge, he volunteered. Good point, Nobby. Write that down. Evidence of conniving and sneaking around. Nobby peered down. Here, theres glass outside, Fred Sergeant Colon joined him at the stricken window. One of the panes had been smashed. Outside, glass glittered on the tiles. That could be a clue, eh? said Nobby, hopefully. It certainly is, said Sergeant Colon. See the glass fell outside the window? Everyone knows you look at which way the glass fails. I reckon he was just testing his bow and it went off while it was loaded.
Yves here. Below, Wolf Richter demonstrates how fabulously overvalued Tesla stock is. Yours truly is not a stock jockey, but even allowing for that, I have difficulty thinking of any previous case where the valuation of a large-cap company was held aloft essentially based on the cult of personality of its founder. Admittedly, a cohort of Tesla equity buyers have long been true believers; recall how Tesla stock was very richly valued when there were genuine questions as to whether it would ever become profitable.

A second interesting question is how much Musks political clout will fade when Tesla stock price falls to more realistic levels, which is quite a long way. Admittedly Musks ownership of Twitter is now a big source of his power. But the popular press likes to over-hype celebrities until their fortunes turn, and then pile on them. And Musk has a very thin skin. So a Musk reversal of fortune, even though he is virtually assured to remain comfortably a billionaire, could be an interesting spectacle.

Theres also the related of if and when recriminations will start in the US as to why our carmakers are being so comprehensively shellacked in the EV market by Chinese producers. Back in the late 1970s and 1980s, the US business press regularly and pointedly criticized the loss of US manufacturing prowess, then to Germany and Japan, with fingers pointed at sclerotic US executives. I see comparatively little of this sort of thing now. Apparently we now have the best of all possible elites.

Admittedly, US car buyers will be shielded from that reality of the superiority of Chinas EVs as long as possible by tariffs and other import restrictions. But theres a stunning failure to acknowledge that higher-than-necessary transportation costs translate into uncompetitive labor costs. This effect is admittedly not anywhere as pronounced as for housing. Note that Germany recognized that issue explicitly, promoting (until recently) affordable rental costs and strong tenant rights so that renters could and often did stay in the same flat for decades. The US seems to have lost the plot, that our rentier capitalism, with high housing, healthcare costs, higher education, and now car costs, cant become competitive unless these are brought under control. With the extreme bloat in those categories, and the industry incumbents wielding great political power, Im not holding my breath.

By Wolf Richter, editor at Wolf Street. Originally published at Wolf Street

Tesla reported today that global deliveries for the whole year 2024 fell by 1.1% to 1.789 million vehicles, as is Q4 deliveries ticked up only 2.3% year-over-year to 495,570, a new record by a hair. And the growth story is over.

But Teslas EV competitors are making hay in the rapidly growing EV market. Teslas biggest EV competitor, Chinas BYD, announced that deliveries of its battery-electric vehicles in 2024 jumped by 12%, to 1.764 million EVs. In Q4, it delivered 595,413 EVs, up by 13.1% year-over-year, outpacing Teslas Q4 deliveries by 100,000 vehicles or by 20%!

Other Chinese EV makers, whose names are familiar in the US because their shares/ADRs are traded in the US markets, announced big gains in EV sales in 2024, including:

Li Auto Inc. [LI], annual sales: +33% to 500,508 EVs; Nio [NIO], annual sales: +39% to 221,970 EVs; and Xpeng [XPEV], annual sales: +34% to 190,068 EVs.

Even US legacy automakers GM and Ford have been reporting big increases in their battery-electric EV sales in the US in 2024 through Q3 (Q4 deliveries will be announced over the next days):

Ford EV sales in 2024 through Q3, in the US: +45% to 67,689 EVs

GM EV sales in 2024 through Q3, in the US: +24% to 70,450 EVs

GM killed its popular Bolt and Bolt EUV in 2023 but came out with a bunch of new models that just recently have hit dealer lots. So in Q3, GMs EV sales jumped by 60% year-over-year.

So this decline at Tesla in 2024 is a sign of trouble at Tesla  is Musk the biggest problem there now?  while overall EV sales continue to grow at a rapid pace, even as ICE vehicle sales have stalled at low levels.

For Q4, Teslas deliveries eked out a record at 495,570 vehicles, just 2.3% above Q4 2023 (red in the chart below), including:

Model Y and Model 3: 471,930 (+2.3% year-over-year, blue)

Cybertruck, Model S, and Model X: just 23,640 (+2.9% year-over-year, green).

The Cybertruck had been the great hoopla-hope-promise, and it has been in production for a full year, but deliveries are apparently growing at a modest pace:



The other automakers will report their US delivery figures over the next few days. So while we wait, lets assume that EV sales grew by only 10% in the US in 2024, dragged down by Tesla, after having grown by 46% in 2023. Then total EV sales would exceed 1.3 million (EV = red segments), while ICE vehicle sales, including hybrids, would come in at about 14.6 million (ICE = black columns). And Teslas role in the EV segment, while still large, is diminishing rapidly, as other EV models surge:

So How Much Should Tesla Be Worth?

With stagnating vehicle sales, losing market share, getting passed by a Chinese competitor (BYD), as other competitors catch up, Tesla is now in the same position as Ford and GM, that trade at P/E ratios between the single digits and maybe 15.

P/E ratios currently:

Ford: 11.1

GM: 5.5

Stellantis: 2.7

Honda: 7.3

Toyota: 9.6

Tesla: 103.2

These legacy automakers with their low P/E ratios are not good deals. Theyre not undervalued. Thats where automaker stocks are  and for a good reason.

The auto industry in the US, as you can see from the chart above, has been a no-growth industry for decades, interrupted by big plunges, bankruptcies, and bailouts. Similar dynamics played out in Europe, Japan, and other developed markets.

Only rampant price increases and going forever upscale have allowed automakers to increase their dollar-revenues, even as unit sales stagnated and fell. In fact, because they kept pushing up prices of their models to increase their profit margins and dollars sales, their unit sales have fallen because their models have gotten too expensive.

Tesla is still hyping a lot of stuff that its going to blow your socks off with, like it used to hype the Cybertruck, the Semi, and all the other things. The biggest two hype-and-hoopla elements currently are AI and a robotaxi that doesnt exist yet.

So OK, lets give Teslas hype and hoopla the benefit of the doubt, and say that as Ford trades at a P/E ratio of 11.1, Toyota at 9.6, Honda at 7.3, and GM at 5.5, then Tesla should reasonably trade at a P/E ratio of up to 15 maybe, to be valued for reality. So divide Teslas current share price of $378 by about 7, to get a share price of $54, at which point it would trade with at a P/E ratio of about 15, still far higher than the major automakers in the US. It still would be relatively high for an automaker.

Im obviously just kidding. Wall Street doesnt care about reality or P/E ratios. Wall Street sells hype and hoopla, and Musk has long known this, and has perfectly played this game, which allowed him to fund and build the company, and its success so far. That was a huge accomplishment.

As Tesla became a profitable global automaker that now sits on $33 billion in cash, it shook up the legacy automakers, forced the entire industry to invest huge amounts in developing and manufacturing EVs and batteries for EVs, many of them in the US, which has entailed a boom in factory construction in the US, etc. etc. So this was all good and very hard to do, and Tesla managed to do it.

But now Tesla is just another mid-sized automaker with stagnating vehicle sales amid EV competitors that are eating its lunch. So it should trade like an automaker.
Biden administration racing to distribute another $1.25 billion in military aid to Ukraine before term ends

The Biden administration is set to announce a $1.25 billion military assistance package for Ukraine, aiming to bolster its defenses amid intensified Russian attacks.

The aid includes munitions for air defense systems, Stinger missiles and artillery rounds, all designed to equip Ukraine with advanced technology to combat Russian forces.

The aid is expedited through Presidential Drawdown Authority, bypassing usual procurement processes to rapidly transfer weapons directly from U.S. military stockpiles to Ukraine.

The future of U.S. military support for Ukraine is uncertain under President-elect Trump, who prefers a negotiated settlement, potentially affecting the stability of U.S. policy in the region.

In a last-minute push before President Joe Biden's term ends, the government has announced another $1.25 billion military aid package for Ukraine. This aid aims to bolster Ukraine's defenses as Russia continues its relentless assault on Ukrainian territories and infrastructure.

The announcement comes in the wake of intensified Russian attacks targeting key Ukrainian energy facilities and intensified assaults against Ukrainian positions around Kursk.

The $1.25 billion package includes a range of vital military supplies such as munitions for NASAMS and HAWK air defense systems. These are sophisticated air defense systems designed to protect Ukraine against Russian air strikes. NASAMS, for instance, is a modern air defense system capable of intercepting various airborne threats, while the HAWK system uses radar to detect and track incoming targets before launching missiles to intercept them. (Related: Russias Lavrov slams current ceasefire efforts in Ukraine but welcomes negotiations with incoming Trump administration.)

The package includes Stinger missiles. These are highly portable shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles that can be used to shoot down low-flying aircraft and helicopters.

A significant portion of the aid package is designed to provide Ukraine with thousands more 155 mm and 105 mm artillery rounds commonly employed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ground combat to target fortified positions and enemy troop concentrations.

Latest influx of aid is part of a larger strategy to solidify Ukraine's defensive capabilities

The rapid release of these weapons is facilitated by Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the Pentagon to transfer weapons directly from its stockpiles to Ukraine without the usual procurement processes. This expedites the delivery of much-needed military aid.

This latest influx of aid is part of a larger strategy to solidify Ukraine's defensive capabilities and potentially strengthen its negotiating position with Russia. However, it raises significant questions about the future of U.S. involvement under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, given his preference for a negotiated settlement between Kyiv and Moscow.

Biden is working with approval from Congress to provide these billions of dollars more in military aid. But there are concerns that Trump's new approach might lead to reduced military support for Kyiv that could leave Ukraine at a disadvantage in future negotiations.

As one senior defense official noted, "While the U.S. will continue providing weapons until Jan. 20, remaining funds will be available for the incoming administration to allocate as they see fit."

This uncertainty underscores the complex and evolving nature of the conflict. With over $64 billion in security assistance provided since Russia's initial operation back in February 2022, the Biden administration's final push aims to stabilize the situation and ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to defend itself.

Watch this new music video by the Health Ranger Mike Adams titled "Where The Money Go Joe."

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ukraine's brutal assassination of Russian General Kirillov reveals the depths of coverup for biological weapons and bio labs in Ukraine.

Ukraine pushes for NATO membership as lawmaker calls for NUKES.

Ukraine's front lines COLLAPSING as Russia gains ground; U.S. desperately sending "massive surge" of arms, cash to Kiev.

Whistleblowers exposing U.S. and NATO bioweapons labs and child trafficking in Ukraine being SILENCED.

Antony Blinken: U.S. has provided Ukraine with over $100 billion in aid since 2022.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

APNews.com

EuroNews.com

Brighteon.com
FAA imposes drone ban with threat of deadly force in New Jersey

The FAA has imposed a strict ban on drone flights in parts of New Jersey, threatening to use deadly force against drones posing an imminent threat, effective immediately until Jan. 17.

The ban covers 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) over critical infrastructure in several New Jersey towns, driven by "special security reasons."

The FAA may intercept and detain drone operators who violate the restrictions, with the potential for civil penalties, license revocation and criminal charges.

The decision has sparked debate, with critics arguing that the threat of deadly force is overly harsh, while supporters claim it is necessary for protecting critical infrastructure and public safety.

The FAA's stringent measures highlight growing concerns about drone safety and regulation, raising questions about the balance between innovation, privacy and security in the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a stringent ban on drone flights in several parts of New Jersey, even threatening the use of deadly force in response to violations. The move comes amid persistent reports of unidentified drones seen flying over various towns and critical infrastructure in the region.

The FAA has published 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibiting drone flights over critical New Jersey infrastructure, effective immediately and set to last until Jan. 17. Under these restrictions, the agency ominously warns that the U.S. government may use deadly force against drones if they pose an imminent threat. (Related: FAA bans drones in NJ and NY, raising questions about national security risks.)

The list of TFR locations includes several New Jersey towns, ranging from Camden and Gloucester City to North Brunswick and Jersey City. These restrictions were implemented at the request of federal security partners, driven by what the FAA deems as "special security reasons."

In an unprecedented move, the FAA has stated that any drones that violate these airspace restrictions may be intercepted and the operators detained and questioned by law enforcement. Furthermore, the agency has reserved the right to take further administrative action, including imposing civil penalties, suspending or revoking drone licenses, and even pursuing criminal charges against violators.

What is even more alarming is the threat of deadly force against drones presenting an imminent security threat. This has raised serious concerns among residents, who are worried about the potential for escalation in these situations.

FAA's aggressive stance and potential use of deadly force sparks intense debate

The FAA's move is a response to persistent reports of mysterious drones spotted in the skies over New Jersey and nearby states. While some speculate that these might be foreign spy drones, the FAA, in conjunction with other federal agencies, has stated that their investigations have not revealed anything out of the ordinary.

However, the joint statement from the FAA, DHS, FBI and DoD notes that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones and law enforcement drones. They also include manned fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and even stars mistakenly reported as drones. The agencies maintain that there is no public safety threat or national security risk.

Nevertheless, the FAA's aggressive stance and the use of deadly force as a potential response have sparked intense debate. Critics argue that the threat of violence is overly harsh and may lead to unnecessary confrontations. On the other hand, supporters of the ban claim that it is a necessary measure to protect critical infrastructure and ensure public safety.

The FAA's decision comes as New Jersey and New York come under increased scrutiny following the sightings. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York announced similar restrictions over critical infrastructure sites in her state, set to last until Jan. 18.

Some local officials have expressed frustration with the federal response. Belleville Mayor Michael Melham, for instance, has described the federal response as "disappointing, to say the least," adding that mayors were given an unsatisfactory briefing on the situation.

While the FAA and its partners claim that the threat level is low and stress that the measures are precautionary, the implications of using deadly force against drones cannot be understated. The ban has the potential to reshape how we view drone usage in the U.S., raising questions about privacy, safety, and the limits of government authority.

The FAA's announcement also highlights the growing concerns about drone safety and regulation. With millions of drones in use across the country, the tension between innovation, privacy, and security is likely to become an even more pressing issue in the coming months and years.

Visit DroneWatchNews.com for more stories like this.

Watch as veteran drone and AI expert responds to FAA banning drone flights in New Jersey.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

More related:

Mysterious drones: A government cover-up or is the truth just beyond reach?

American military contractor Kratos Defense and Security completes first test flight of stealth combat drone.

Are drones over New Jersey searching for nuclear radiation?

Mysterious drones spotted flying over Connecticut and New Jersey, raising concerns about national security.

Pentagon denies NJ congressmans claims that mystery drones over the state are linked to Iran.

Sources are:

Infowars.com

ABCNews.go.com

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com
Nightmare in Gaza: Israeli military accused of sexually assaulting Palestinian women, executing civilians in hospital raid

Israeli forces conducted a violent raid on the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza on December 27, resulting in the sexual assault of women, execution of unarmed civilians and widespread violence against staff and patients.

Reports from the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor detail the forced removal of hijabs from women, leading to the sexual assault of some women, who were stripped and violated under threats and coercion.

Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces executed patients and detainees, including a man carrying a white flag, and a child with a psychological disorder who was shot dead by a tank.

The raid is part of a broader Israeli strategy to block the entry of food, medicine and aid into Gaza, further deteriorating the healthcare system and living conditions.

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor report highlights the need for accountability and justice for the perpetrators of these atrocities, as the world reacts with outrage to the systematic human rights violations in Gaza.

Israeli forces have been accused of sexually assaulting women, executing unarmed civilians and outright field executions during a brutal raid on the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.

The horrific accounts, detailed in a new report by the non-profit Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, paint a picture of an atrocity that surpasses even the darkest nightmares.

The raid, which took place on Dec. 27, unfolded with sickening brutality, as hospital staff and patients, doctors and patients alike, were subjected to unimaginable violence and humiliation. Witnesses, their voices trembling with pain and disbelief, have recounted stories that are nothing short of horror.

One witness, a hospital staff member, described the terror that unfolded as Israeli soldiers stormed the facility. "They ordered us to remove our hijabs," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of anger and fear. "When we refused, they turned their attention to young girls under 20, demanding they remove their hijabs. When we still refused, they decided to punish us. Two women at a time were forced to lift their clothes and lower their trousers under threats and coercion."

The violence against women at the hospital was not just physical, but deeply psychological. Stories of sexual assault, of soldiers stripping women bare and violating them under threat, are not just allegations but testimonies that cannot be ignored. A woman described how a soldier tore off her clothes, exposing her chest, after she refused to remove her hijab.

"When I tried to resist," another witness said, "he struck me hard across the face, causing my nose to bleed."

The violence extended to outright executions. Eyewitnesses reported the targeting and killing of patients and unarmed detainees, their lives snuffed out in cold blood. In a deeply troubling incident, a volunteer paramedic recounted seeing Israeli forces execute a man carrying a white flag, a universal symbol of peace and surrender.

"When a child with a psychological disorder stepped out," another witness added, "he ran towards an Israeli tank. I called out to him, but he didn't respond. They shot him dead immediately."

Israel continues to prevent entry of food, medicine and aid to Gaza

The raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital marked a pivotal moment in the Israeli offensive on northern Gaza, launched on Oct. 5. It is part of a broader strategy that has seen the systematic blockading of Gaza, preventing the entry of medicine, food and aid for nearly three months.

The hospital, one of the last functioning health facilities in the region, was reduced to ashes, its staff and patients forced out at gunpoint, many stripped of their dignity and humanity.

The occupation, it seems, is delivering the final blow to an already shattered healthcare system. "This aligns perfectly with the generals' plan to eliminate the population in the northern Gaza Strip," the health ministry said in a statement following the raid.

The entire northern Gaza Strip is also now without healthcare, a devastating blow that echoes the intent of a controversial proposal known as the "Generals' Plan." This plan, presented to the Israeli government, calls for the ethnic cleansing of the northern Gaza Strip, aiming to establish a "closed military zone" that would effectively eliminate this population. (Related: WAR CRIMES: UN report accuses Israel of destroying Gaza's healthcare system.)

The world is right to be outraged. The scenes of terror, the stories of women violated, the innocent lives cut short  all of this is a stain on the collective conscience of humanity. Critics point out that the Israeli government must be held accountable for its actions and those responsible must face justice.

Visit IsraelCollapse.com for more stories related to the genocidal operations of Israel on the Palestinian people.

Watch the video below where it was reported that Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza was under attack.

This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

New Israeli report alleging 'systematic and intentional rape' by Hamas relies on debunked Western media reports.

UN report confirms MASS RAPE of Palestinian hostages in Israeli torture camps.

EVIL: Leaked video footage shows IDF soldier RAPING unarmed Palestinian male  tearing his rectum, rupturing his bowels and PARALYZING him.

IDF soldier accused of raping a Palestinian prisoner says interrogators "applauded us."

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

EuroMedMonitor.org

Brighteon.com
NATO looking to expand, after Finland found a potential Russian ship damaging power and internet cables

NATO plans to increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea after cable sabotage incidents.

Finland seized a ship suspected of damaging power and internet cables, potentially Russian.

Estonia and other Baltic nations are on high alert for potential infrastructure sabotage.

Russia denies involvement in the incidents but the Kremlin shows little concern.

Experts suspect Russian involvement given the context of its ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

However, with NATO's interest in expansion toward Russia for years, questions remain about who is conducting the sabotage.

NATO boosts Baltic presence amid alleged Russian sabotage of cables and pipelines

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has announced plans to bolster its military presence in the Baltic Sea following a string of suspected infrastructure sabotage incidents, including the disruption of critical power and communication cables. These events come at a time of heightened tension in the region, with NATO countries on alert for potential Russian aggression.

On Friday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the alliances intention to enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea without elaborating on the details. The announcement follows the recent seizure of a ship by Finnish authorities on suspicion of causing damage to power and internet cables, which are essential for connectivity and energy supply in the region.

Finland, a NATO member since 2023, has taken a proactive role in addressing these incidents. On Thursday, Finnish President Alexander Stubb expressed the country's desire for increased NATO support following the disruption of the Estlink 2 undersea power cable and several fiber optic lines. The incident forced Finland to rely solely on the smaller Estlink 1 cable, exacerbating energy concerns.

Estonia, which also suffered a power outage, has deployed its navy to protect its remaining operational power cable, the Estlink 1. The country's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that any threats to critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic region would be met with a response, indicating a determination to maintain security in the face of potential Russian aggression.

However, Russian officials have remained dismissive of the allegations. The Kremlin stated that Finland's seizure of the ship carrying Russian oil was insignificant, continuing Russias consistent denial of involvement in incidents affecting Baltic infrastructure.

These recent events are part of a broader pattern of incidents in the Baltic region that began after Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Since then, there have been multiple outages of power cables, telecommunications links, and gas pipelines, raising concerns about a coordinated effort to destabilize the region.

The timing and nature of these incidents strongly suggest Russian involvement. The incidents coincide with Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine and its assertive stance in Eastern Europe, leading to suspicions that such acts are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region.

Estlink 2 cable incident set to drive up energy prices in the Baltic countries

The incident involving the Estlink 2 cable has significant economic implications. Analysts predict that the outage will drive up power prices in the Baltic countries, while potentially lowering prices in Finland and the Nordic region. Estonia's grid operator has stated that the scheduled decoupling of Baltic countries from the Soviet-era power grid shared with Russia and Belarus remains on track despite the recent outage.

The incident has also raised questions about maritime law. Estonias justice minister called for updates to international maritime regulations to explicitly address and penalize such acts of sabotage. The seizures of ships suspected of involvement in these incidents highlight the difficulty in holding actors accountable under the current legal framework.

As NATO and member countries continue to monitor the situation and respond to potential threats, the incident highlights the complex security landscape in Eastern Europe. In the context of ongoing tensions with Russia, any signs of aggression are met with a heightened state of alert and readiness from NATO and its partners in the Baltic region. However, NATO has been trying to expand to Russia's borders for years, and need the perfect alibi to do so, so questions still remain about who is behind these attacks.

Sources include:

Reuters.com

Reuters.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
New World screwworm: The deadly flesh-eating parasite spreading throughout Central America

A flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax), is spreading across Central America, posing a growing threat to both livestock and human health.

The screwworm primarily targets livestock but also infects humans, causing a condition called myiasis. The larvae burrow into open wounds, feeding on living tissue, causing excruciating pain, infection and, in severe cases, death.

Vulnerable groups include rural residents working with livestock, outdoor workers and travelers to affected regions. Open wounds, cuts, insect bites or conditions like skin cancer or sinus infections can attract the flies.

Prevention measures include keeping wounds clean and covered, using insect repellents and taking precautions like wearing protective clothing and sleeping in screened areas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed restrictions on livestock imports from Mexico to prevent the parasite from entering the United States.

A terrifying flesh-eating parasite is on the rise in Central America, and its not just livestock that's at risk. The New World screwworm, a relentless and invasive fly species, is spreading its larvae into the wounds of both animals and humans, causing a condition known as myiasis that can be deadly if left untreated.

While the parasite has long been a scourge for farmers and their herds, recent outbreaks suggest its now a growing threat to human health as well.

The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is no ordinary pest. It thrives in open wounds, laying hundreds of eggs that hatch into ravenous larvae. These larvae burrow into the flesh, feeding on living tissue and causing excruciating pain, infection and, in severe cases, even death.

For decades, the parasite was thought to be under control, but recent data shows a troubling resurgence across Central America, with cases spreading north from Panama to Mexico.

The New World screwworm has a long and destructive history. In the 1930s and 1950s, it wreaked havoc on livestock in the southern U.S., costing farmers an estimated $100 million annually.

The parasite was so devastating that it prompted a massive eradication effort, culminating in the mid-1960s in the creation of a barrier zone along the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent its spread. By 1986, the parasite had been largely eradicated in Mexico, and for years, it seemed that the dangerous threat was contained to South America and the Caribbean.

But in 2023, the screwworm began to show signs of a comeback. U.S. officials now warn that the parasite is spreading north, with cases reported in Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and most recently, Mexico.

The situation has become so dire that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed restrictions on the import of livestock from Mexico, fearing the parasite could cross into America.

A growing threat to human health

While the screwworm primarily targets livestock, its also known to infect humans. The condition, called New World screwworm myiasis, is not only painful but also potentially fatal.

There is no known treatment for the infection in humans, leaving victims with only one option: physically removing the larvae from the infected tissue. This gruesome process often requires surgery and leaves victims vulnerable to further complications, including secondary infections. (Related: Merritt Medical Hour: PARASITES and TOXINS are often the root cause of disease  Brighteon.TV.)

In Costa Rica, the resurgence of the screwworm has already claimed at least one human life early in 2024. The victim, whose case was confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, highlights the parasites ability to leap from animals to humans, especially in rural areas where people work closely with livestock.

The screwworms life cycle is both fascinating and horrifying. Adult female flies are drawn to the smell of blood and open wounds, laying up to 300 eggs at a time. Over the course of their 10- to 30-day lifespan, these flies can deposit thousands of eggs in wounds as small as a tick bite. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae waste no time burrowing into the flesh, where they feed on living tissue with their sharp, hooked mouths.

The larvaes feeding causes the wound to grow deeper and larger, leaving the host in excruciating pain. Over time, the larvae drop to the ground, burrow into the soil and emerge as adult flies to continue the cycle. The entire process is not only gruesome but also highly efficient, allowing the parasite to spread rapidly.

Anyone with an open wound is at risk of screwworm infestation, but certain individuals are particularly vulnerable. People living in rural areas, especially those who work with livestock or spend time outdoors, are at the highest risk.

Open wounds from cuts, insect bites or recent surgeries can all attract the flies, as can conditions that cause bleeding or open sores, such as skin cancer or sinus infections.

Even travelers to affected regions are not immune. Those who visit South America, the Caribbean or Central America and spend time outdoors with open wounds are at risk of contracting the parasite.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that sleeping outdoors or in areas without proper screening can increase the likelihood of exposure.

The painful reality of myiasis

Screwworm infestations are not just a medical emergency  theyre a nightmare. The larvaes feeding causes intense pain, and the wounds they create are often deep and difficult to heal.

Symptoms of myiasis include:

Bleeding

A foul odor emanating from the infected area

Unexplained skin lesions

Worsening sores

In some cases, the larvae can infest areas like the nose, mouth or eyes, causing additional complications. Secondary bacterial infections are common, leading to fever, chills and other systemic symptoms. Without prompt treatment, the condition can be fatal.

Given the lack of a specific treatment for screwworm myiasis, prevention is the best defense. The CDC recommends keeping open wounds clean and covered, especially when in contact with livestock or wild animals. Using insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can also help reduce the risk of infestation.

For those traveling to affected regions, taking extra precautions is essential. Wearing long sleeves, pants and socks can limit exposed skin, while treating clothing with insect repellents can provide additional protection. Sleeping indoors or in screened areas can also reduce the risk of exposure.

The resurgence of the New World screwworm has prompted a coordinated response from governments and international organizations. The USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working to prevent the parasite from crossing into the U.S., while agencies in Central America are stepping up surveillance and control efforts.

In Panama, where the outbreak has been particularly severe, the Panama and United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Livestock Screwworm (COPEG) has reported a staggering increase in cases, from an average of 25 per year before 2023 to over 22,000 as of December 2024. The scale of the outbreak underscores the urgent need for action.

Outbreak.news has more stories like this.

Watch the video below to learn about other common signs and symptoms that you have parasites.

This video is from the Sun Fruit Dan channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Hawaii closes states largest airport due to infestation of bed bugs, thanks to robocleaners.

Mystery Disease X strikes Congo, targeting mostly vulnerable children.

Australian biolab reports over 300 deadly virus samples HAVE GONE MISSING.

Anti-parasite benzimidazole drugs show promise for treating cancer, but remain SUPPRESSED by the FDA.

Parasites have killed more humans than all wars combined  is your body fighting a parasite war right now?

Sources include:

LiveScience.com

APHIS.USDA.gov

CDC.gov

Brighteon.com
Public schools accused of charging parents prohibitively expensive fees to access information about their children

Public schools are imposing steep fees for FOIA requests, charging parents tens of thousands or millions of dollars for information related to school activities, policies and practices.

Parents have faced prohibitive charges in states like Michigan, Oregon and Rhode Island. For example, an Oregon district charged $10 per email review, while a Michigan district allegedly demanded up to $18 million for information.

These high fees are seen as a tactic to discourage FOIA requests, thereby reducing transparency and accountability in public education. Schools allegedly inflate charges to deter requesters from pursuing information.

The heightened interest in school activities, fueled by pandemic-related concerns, has led to calls for significant reforms in public education. Advocates are pushing for transparency and school choice legislation to address these issues.

The practices of schools and teachers' unions raise questions about governance and accountability in public education. Parents and advocates argue that these actions violate the principles of public education, emphasizing the need for reforms to prioritize transparency and students' best interests.

Taxpayer-funded public schools have come under fire for imposing steep fees on parents seeking information about school activities via Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

Reports reveal that some districts are charging parents tens of thousands  or even millions  of dollars to obtain documents related to curricula, policies and practices affecting their children. Parents from states including Michigan, Oregon and Rhode Island have shared stories of being charged prohibitive amounts for FOIA requests.

For instance, one Oregon district demanded $10 per email review, causing a single FOIA request to total nearly $15,000 before fees were reduced. (Related: Bidens Education Department has allocated more than $1 billion in grants to public schools to promote DEI PROGRAMS.)

These exorbitant charges have sparked accusations that schools are using cost as a barrier to transparency. "[Parents are] legally entitled to this information, but the fees are designed to price them out," a parent told Fox News.

The issue of parents being made to pay so much for information about their kids' schooling is troubling. FOIA laws stipulate that fees should cover only the actual costs necessary to produce the requested documents, but schools reportedly inflate charges to deter requests. This maneuvering undermines transparency and accountability in public education.

One of the most egregious cases involves Rochester Community Schools in Michigan, where parents like Elizabeth Clair were hit with a $33 million fee to review six months of emails containing the word "anti-retaliation." The district demanded an upfront payment of over $16 million simply to start the process.

School districts becoming less transparent about what they are teaching students

The impetus for increased parental interest in school activities is clear. During the pandemic, reports emerged of educators attempting to indoctrinate children with ideologies around vaccines and anti-vax rhetoric. Schools refused to offer lesson transparency, prompting many parents to file FOIA requests to get the information they needed.

However, responding to these requests has become a nightmare. Schools are using every loophole to stop parents from obtaining the information they need. Hyperinflated FOIA fees are one such tactic, but there are others. Some schools have used litigation and intimidation to silence parents who dare to question their policies.

In the case of Wayne County, Michigan, for example, a parent was allegedly tracked and blacklisted by the school administration for her criticism of virtual learning policies. The school district eventually settled with the parent for $190,000, but only after she faced job loss and other forms of retaliation.

Critics argue that such practices violate the principle of public education. Not only are schools supposed to serve the public interest, but they also rely on public funding. When schools start charging parents millions to access information, it raises serious questions about accountability and governance.

In light of these issues, advocates are calling for significant reforms in public education. School choice legislation is gaining traction as a potential solution, allowing parents to seek alternatives to public schools that resist transparency.

Visit PublicEducation.news for more stories like this.

Watch what teachers in public schools ask their students to do.

This video is from the BombMomOf6 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Department of Education was WEAPONIZED under Biden to attack, fine and bankrupt religious schools across America.

Public school in NYC slammed for GENDER IDENTITY course targeting kindergarten students.

U.S. school districts rushing to spend pandemic relief funds as deadline looms.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

ZeroHedge.com

FoxNews.com

Brighteon.com
Health Ranger Report: Reno Rolle shares how Trump cares about the average American

President-elect Donald Trump demonstrates genuine concern for ordinary Americans through his actions and empathy, contrasting with the divisive political climate.

Stories from individuals who have interacted with Trump highlight his commitment to helping small businesses, struggling families and those in need.

An example includes Trump paying small business owner Reno Rolle in full and on time during a bankruptcy situation, due to Rolle's personal letter about his family struggles.

During a September campaign stop, Trump encountered a mother struggling to pay for groceries and gave her $100, promising further assistance from the White House.

Trump's interactions with grieving families, such as Angel Mom Patty Morin, showcase his empathy and genuine care for the well-being of Americans, in contrast to previous administrations' responses.

In a political climate often dominated by divisive rhetoric and media narratives, President-elect Donald Trump has consistently demonstrated a genuine concern for the everyday struggles of ordinary Americans.

While mainstream outlets often focus on controversy, stories from those who have interacted with Trump reveal a leader who listens, empathizes and takes action to help those in need. From small business owners to grieving mothers and struggling families, Trumps actions speak louder than the smears against him.

One such story comes from Reno Rolle, a small business owner who had a life-changing encounter with Trump decades ago. Rolle joined the Health Ranger Mike Adams during a Dec. 30 interview on the "Health Ranger Report," where the entrepreneur recounted his dealings with the real estate mogul.

In the 1980s, Rolle was a young entrepreneur trying to make a name for himself with his patented beach blanket. His beach blanket first gained the attention of Gloria and Emilio Estefan of the renowned Latin pop group Miami Sound Machine. Rolle later landed a major deal with the now-defunct Trump Taj Mahal casino, but when the project faced financial difficulties and Trump's company filed for bankruptcy, the entrepreneur feared he would lose everything.

Despite the legal protections bankruptcy afforded Trump, he chose to pay Rolle in full and on time. Rolle believes it was a personal letter he wrote to Trump, detailing his family's struggles and his wife's pregnancy, that moved the real estate mogul to do the right thing.

This act of integrity and compassion left a lasting impression on Rolle, who has since viewed Trump as a role model. "I chose to believe that my letter made a difference," Rolle told the Health Ranger. "He's a good man, ethically and otherwise."

Trump's compassionate approach to leadership

This story underscores Trump's commitment to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, a value he has carried into his political career. True enough, Trump's empathy extends beyond the boardroom.

During a September visit to a Pennsylvania grocery as part of a campaign stop, the president-elect encountered a mother of three struggling to pay for her groceries. He then handed her $100, with the mother thanking Trump. "We'll do that for you from the White House," Trump assured her. (Related: Leftists want Trump ARRESTED for helping Americans pay for groceries that became MORE EXPENSIVE under Biden-Harris admin.)

Angel Mom Patty Morin also shared her story during a Turning Point USA event last month. Morin, whose daughter Rachel was murdered by an illegal alien, praised the president-elect for his authenticity and empathy. "He heard the cries of a mother, and he cared," Patty said.

Patty recounted how Trump invited her to lunch, allowing her to observe his interactions with his staff and his genuine concern for others. "I realized that he was a dad, that he was a grandfather, and when you spoke to him, you could see in his eyes that he genuinely cared about his fellow human being," she said. Her experience contrasts with her interactions with the outgoing Biden administration, which failed to offer condolences or support after her daughter's murder.

These stories paint a picture of a leader who is deeply invested in the well-being of the American people. Whether its supporting small businesses, helping struggling families or comforting those who have suffered unimaginable loss, Trump's actions reveal a man who cares about the average American.

As Trump prepares to take office, these stories serve as a testament to his ability to connect with and uplift the people he serves. Indeed, Rolle expressed optimism that Trump will "govern with compassion" when the 47th president is inaugurated later this month.

Watch the full interview between Reno Rolle and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Biden's niceness to President-elect Trump TRIGGERS LEFTISTS.

The Prophetic Report: Stacey Whited says God's prophetic words are coming together  Brighteon.TV.

Stan Johnson on the Health Ranger Report: Henry Gruver's 2016 vision of second Trump term becomes reality in 2024.

ANALYSIS: Trump is going to win BIG, and then the real fireworks begin America wont survive as we know it for even ONE YEAR.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

RenoRolle.com

Breitbart.com 1

Breitbart.com 2
Russia signals willingness to negotiate peace deal with Ukraine at neutral site in SLOVAKIA, but Ukraine rejects it

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to Slovakias offer to host peace negotiations with Ukraine, praising Slovakias neutral position.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Ficos controversial visit to Moscow has sparked backlash domestically and internationally, with critics accusing him of undermining EU unity.

Ukraine has rejected Slovakias mediation offer, accusing Fico of siding with Russia and jeopardizing European solidarity.

Kyiv has accused Russia of intensifying its offensive, including the use of North Korean troops

Slovakia, a NATO and EU member, has faced criticism for its reliance on Russian gas and its perceived alignment with Moscow.

Ukraines refusal to extend the Russian gas transit contract has heightened tensions with Slovakia, which relies heavily on Russian energy supplies.

Ukraine's refusal to negotiate a peace deal is a missed opportunity for Europe.

Slovakias peace offer could become a missed opportunity, as Ukraine rejects diplomacy

In a surprising turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled openness to Slovakias proposal to host peace negotiations with Ukraine, a move that could potentially pave the way for an end to the devastating conflict that has raged for nearly three years. However, Ukraines reluctance to engage in talks and its accusations against Slovakia have cast doubt on the prospects of a diplomatic resolution, raising questions about Kyivs commitment to peace.

The development follows Slovak Prime Minister Robert Ficos controversial visit to Moscow on December 22, a trip that has drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers. Fico, who has long maintained close ties with the Kremlin, met with Putin to discuss the possibility of Slovakia serving as a neutral platform for peace talks. Putin praised Slovakias neutral position on the conflict, calling it acceptable for Moscow. If someone wants to organize peace talks in Slovakia, we will be ready and hospitable, Fico later stated on Facebook.

Yet, Ukraine has dismissed the offer, accusing Fico of undermining European unity and siding with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been particularly vocal, alleging that Ficos visit to Moscow was an attempt to help Putin. Kyivs refusal to extend the Russian gas transit contract, which expires at the end of the year, has further strained relations with Slovakia, a country heavily reliant on Russian energy supplies. Fico has warned that Ukraines decision could cause billions of damages to the EU, while Kyiv insists it is acting in the interest of weakening Russias economic leverage.

Slovak Prime Minister accused as propaganda tool for Putin, even though Ukraine is the one delaying peace talks

The Slovak prime ministers Moscow visit has sparked widespread outrage at home, with thousands of protesters gathering in Bratislava to denounce the trip as a betrayal of Slovakias allies. Opposition leaders have accused Fico of serving as a propaganda tool for Putin, while EU officials have expressed concern over the erosion of bloc unity in the face of Russian aggression. Despite the backlash, Fico remains steadfast in his belief that diplomacy is the only path to ending the war.

Ukraines reluctance to engage in peace talks has raised eyebrows among observers, who argue that Kyivs refusal to consider diplomatic solutions risks prolonging the conflict. While Ukraine has legitimate concerns about the terms of any potential settlement, its dismissal of Slovakias offer appears counterproductive, particularly as the country struggles on the battlefield. Kyivs accusations against Slovakia, including claims that Fico is jeopardizing European solidarity, seem unfounded given Slovakias status as a NATO and EU member. Such rhetoric only serves to alienate potential mediators and complicate efforts to achieve peace.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to intensify its offensive, with reports of North Korean troops joining the fight on the front lines. Zelensky has accused Moscow of using these soldiers as cannon fodder, claiming that several wounded North Korean troops have died after being captured by Ukrainian forces.

Slovakias offer to host peace talks represents a rare opportunity to de-escalate the war and save countless lives. Yet, Ukraines refusal to engage and its unfounded accusations against Slovakia threaten to squander this chance. As the conflict drags on, the international community must urge both sides to prioritize diplomacy over rhetoric and seek a peaceful end to the bloodshed.

Sources include:

Infowars.com

EuroNews.com

France24.com
Sanctuary cities on notice: Trump allys legal group targets officials for violating immigration laws

America First Legal warns sanctuary cities and states they must comply with federal immigration laws.

Officials enforcing sanctuary policies face criminal prosecution and financial penalties.

Federal law imposes up to 20 years in prison for obstructing immigration enforcement.

The group launched an interactive website to expose sanctuary jurisdictions and officials.

The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

America First Legal, the conservative advocacy group founded by Stephen Miller, President-elect Donald Trumps incoming Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, has issued a stark warning to sanctuary cities, counties, and states across the nation. The group has sent 249 letters to local and state officials, including prominent figures like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, urging them to comply with federal immigration laws. These letters serve as a reminder that sanctuary policies not only defy federal law but also expose officials to significant legal and criminal consequences.

The legal risks of sanctuary policies

Sanctuary jurisdictions, which refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, have long been a contentious issue in the national debate over immigration. America First Legals letters emphasize that such policies are not just misguided; they are illegal. Under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, federal immigration laws take precedence over state or local laws that attempt to undermine them. The groups letters warn that officials who implement or enforce sanctuary policies could face criminal prosecution, civil liability, and even personal financial ruin.

For example, Title 8 U.S.C.  1324 makes it a felony to conceal, harbor, or shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities. This statute carries penalties of up to five years in prison per violation. Additionally, officials who conspire to obstruct federal immigration enforcement could face charges under federal conspiracy laws, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison. These warnings are not empty threats; they are grounded in the clear language of federal law.

America First Legal has also launched an interactive website, Sanctuary Strongholds, to provide detailed information about sanctuary jurisdictions and the officials who are responsible for these policies. The site aims to empower citizens to hold their leaders more accountable and demand compliance with federal law.

A broader push for accountability

The letters sent by America First Legal are part of a broader effort by the incoming Trump administration to crack down on sanctuary policies and reinforce federal immigration laws. The group has also filed public records requests to expose government officials and entities that interfere with federal immigration enforcement. These actions underscore the administrations commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting American communities from the dangers posed by illegal immigration.

Sanctuary policies have had devastating consequences for communities across the country. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), there are currently more than 647,000 non-detained illegal immigrants with criminal convictions or pending charges roaming free in the United States. Many of these individuals have final orders for deportation but remain in the country due to sanctuary policies that shield them from federal authorities.

America First Legals efforts to hold sanctuary jurisdictions accountable are not just about enforcing immigration laws; they are about protecting American citizens. The group has pledged to continue its campaign to ensure compliance with federal law and to hold officials who defy it accountable.

As the incoming Trump administration prepares to take office, the message from America First Legal is clear: sanctuary policies are illegal, dangerous, and will not be tolerated. Officials who prioritize protecting illegal immigrants over the safety and well-being of American citizens must be held accountable for their actions. The rule of law must prevail, and America First Legal is leading the charge to ensure that it does.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

NewsMax.com

AFLegal.org
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has pledged to introduce a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the upcoming parliamentary session on Jan. 27.

Singh claimed Trudeau has failed as a prime minister, so the NDP will vote to bring down the current government and give Canadians a chance to vote for a new government.

The motion of no confidence is significant as the Liberals have relied on NDP support to pass key legislation since forming a minority government in 2019.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for an urgent recall of the House of Commons and requested the governor general to initiate an immediate confidence vote to trigger an early federal election.

Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet supported Poilievre's call for an immediate confidence vote, but the governor-general, lacking the authority to dictate the House of Commons agenda, is unlikely to comply with the request.

New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh has pledged to introduce a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the upcoming parliamentary session.

In an open letter released on Dec. 20, Singh claimed that Trudeau failed as a prime minister, therefore the NDP would present a clear motion of no confidence in the next sitting of the House of Commons, scheduled to resume on Jan. 27. (Related: SINKING SHIP: Trudeau era on the brink of collapse as Canada braces for a potential tariff war with the U.S. under Trump.)

"Justin Trudeau failed in the biggest job a Prime Minister has: to work for people, not the powerful. To focus on Canadians, not themselves." Singh wrote in the letter, which he also posted on his official account on X, formerly known as Twitter. "The Liberals don't deserve another chance. That's why the NDP will vote to bring this government down and give Canadians a chance to vote for a government who will work for them. No matter who is leading the Liberal Party, this government's time is up."

"We will put forward a clear motion of non-confidence in the next sitting of the House of Commons. I called for Justin Trudeau to resign, and he should."

The Liberals, who have clung to power through a minority government since 2019, have relied on the support of the NDP to pass key legislation. Singh's decision to withdraw that support signals a shift in the political calculus of the opposition.

If all opposition parties unite in their support, Trudeau's minority Liberal government would be forced to step down after nine years in power, likely triggering an early federal election.

Poilievre calls for an immediate reconvening of Parliament

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who initially criticized Singh for not voting to bring down the government earlier, called for an urgent recall of the House of Commons following his letter urging the House to bring down the Liberal government.

Poilievre even wrote to Gov. Gen. Mary Simon the next day to request for an immediate reconvening of Parliament.

"I have written the Governor General confirming that the Prime Minister has lost the confidence of the House and that Parliament must be recalled to hold a vote before the end of the year on triggering an Axe The Tax election," Poilievre posted on X, along with the photo of the letter addressed to Simon. "I am asking the NDP leader to match his actions to his word and likewise send a letter to Her Excellency asking for the same."

Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet echoed a similar statement to Poilievre. Blanchet also called for an immediate confidence vote to initiate an election early in 2025.

However, it is unlikely that the governor general can comply with the request, as the recall of the House falls within the purview of the speaker. The governor general has no authority to dictate the House of Commons agenda.
Slovakia considering cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine in retaliation for Kyiv preventing Russian gas from reaching the country

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv halts the transit of Russian gas through its territory.

Slovakian energy is heavily dependent on supplies of Russian natural gas running through Soviet-era pipelines in Ukraine.

Slovakia could be forced to spend 220 million euros more in additional transit costs if Ukraine halts the flow of gas and alternative arrangements are needed.

Ukraine plans to end the transit of Russian gas through its territory in 2025, but this move could cost billions in damages to Europe and exacerbate the current energy crisis.

Ukraine is preparing to further halt Russian oil transport through its territory to Slovakia if Bratislava decides to retaliate.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has issued a threat to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine if Kyiv disrupts the transit of Russian gas through its territory.

This comes after Ukraine announced that it will no longer allow Russian gas to be transited to Europe through its territory beginning Jan. 1, 2025, following the end of the current contract Kyiv has with Moscow regarding energy transportation, which expired on Dec. 31.

Slovakia is heavily dependent on Russian natural gas, which it receives through Soviet-era pipelines that run through Ukraine. This dependency has led to a critical situation, and Fico is not backing down from his stance.

This January, Slovakia is reportedly going to assess the situation and may take reciprocal economic measures against Ukraine, including potentially stopping electricity supplies from reaching Kyiv through its territory. (Related: Slovakias PM reveals NATO, EU states still considering sending troops to Ukraine.)

"Stopping the transit of Russian natural gas through Ukraine is not just a hollow political gesture. It's an extremely costly move, one that we, in the European Union, will pay for," Fico said.

Fico's warning comes with reports indicating that terminating the transit deal with Moscow will cost the EU billions of euros in damages, further eroding the bloc's international competitiveness.

It's about the ECONOMY for Slovakia

For Slovakia, this issue is more than just about Russian gas; its about its economy. The country will have to find a way to obtain gas from alternative sources, which could prove to be very expensive. Slovakia estimates that switching to alternative arrangements could cost an additional 220 million ($228 million) in transit fees.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since Russia stepped up its missile and drone attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure this year, the country has been struggling with power outages and a significant reduction in generating capacity. Ukraine relies heavily on imports, including electricity from Slovakia.

Fico's recent trip to Moscow to discuss gas supplies has not gone unnoticed. Ukrainian officials have accused Fico of taking a "pro-Russian" stance, arguing that it damages the EU's reputation and undermines the bloc's resolve to support Ukraine. Zelensky's government has criticized Fico for what they see as a betrayal of the EUs values and unity.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also weighed in, saying that Ukraines decision to end gas transit to Europe is "punishing" the continent. However, Putin insists that Russia has always provided energy supplies to Europe and has never refused to do so.

In response to Slovakias threats, Ukraine is considering a counter-move. A person familiar with the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Ukraine is considering halting the transport of Russian oil to Slovakia if Bratislava cuts electricity supplies. This move would not only target Slovakia but could also have wider implications for the energy sector in the region.

Watch this video featuring Prime Minister Robert Fico discussing the probability of the conflict in Ukraine ending very soon.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Russia attacks Ukraines energy infrastructure in major retaliatory strike.

Western Europes industrial collapse to accelerate in 2025 if Kyiv proceeds with major pipeline cutoff.

Gazprom CEO says EU is committing "energy suicide" by boycotting cheap Russian gas.

Sources include:

RT.com

SCMP.com

KyivIndependent.com

Brighteon.com
Terror strikes in New Orleans and Las Vegas spark concerns over coordinated attacks

The United States faced two devastating terror attacks within days, in New Orleans and Las Vegas, raising fears of a coordinated campaign.

Speculation surrounds the potential links between the attacks and the recent presidential election, as well as the possible involvement of sleeper cells connected to extremist groups like ISIS or the CIA.

Journalist Laura Logan has raised concerns about the CIA allegedly urging the Taliban and Haqqani network to activate sleeper cells within the U.S. to carry out attacks.

Former CIA officer Sarah Adams has warned of impending terrorist attacks involving trained operatives equipped with undetectable bomb materials, citing the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani as a potential catalyst.

The attacks have sparked uncertainty and calls for vigilance, with the nation bracing for potential further attacks and the possibility of a broader strategy to destabilize the political landscape.

In a chilling escalation of violence, the United States was struck by two devastating terror attacks within days of each other, sparking fears of a coordinated campaign aimed at destabilizing the nation.

The first tragedy unfolded in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 1, when a vehicle plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. Just hours later, a Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, sending shockwaves through the city and intensifying concerns about a broader, orchestrated wave of terror.

The timing of these attacks has fueled speculation about their potential connection to the recent presidential election and the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20. Intelligence sources suggest that sleeper cells, possibly linked to ISIS or other extremist groups, may have been activated to sow chaos and disrupt the political transition.

Journalist Laura Logan, known for her deep ties within U.S. intelligence circles, has raised alarming questions about the origins of these attacks. In a recent post on X, Logan revealed that she had learned months ago from multiple U.S. intelligence sources that the CIA allegedly urged the Taliban and Haqqani network to activate sleeper cells within the U.S. to carry out attacks that could be blamed on ISIS.

"The CIA runs ISIS terror networks inside the United States, and those networks are being activated," Logan wrote. She expressed skepticism about the immediate attribution of the attacks to ISIS, suggesting that such claims often obscure the involvement of powerful figures within American intelligence agencies who may be collaborating with the nations enemies.

The New Orleans attack, described as a deliberate act of vehicular terrorism, has left the city in mourning. Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as the vehicle sped through the crowded street, striking pedestrians indiscriminately. Authorities have yet to identify the driver or determine a motive, but the incident bears the hallmarks of a coordinated terrorist operation.

In Las Vegas, the explosion of the Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel has further heightened fears of a broader campaign. While no casualties were reported in this incident, the choice of location  a symbol of Trump's political and business empire  has led to speculation that the attack was intended as a direct message to the incoming administration.

Former CIA officer Sarah Adams has warned of an impending wave of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, citing the presence of more than 1,000 al-Qaeda-trained operatives within the country. (Related: Trump warns 100% chance of 'major terror attacks' in America: 'Terrorists pouring in, unchecked, from all over the world.')

In a recent interview, Adams revealed that these operatives have been equipped with undetectable bomb materials and are prepared to carry out suicide vest attacks in crowded public spaces. "The training is already done," Adams said. "They've moved into the operational stage."

Recent attacks linked to 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani

The attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas come amid heightened tensions related to the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, an act ordered by then-President Trump. Iranian-backed groups have long vowed retaliation, and intelligence reports suggest that operatives linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) may be involved in the current wave of violence.

As the nation braces for the possibility of further attacks, questions are being raised about the role of U.S. intelligence agencies in enabling or even orchestrating these acts of terror. Critics argue that the open border policies of the Biden administration have made it easier for terrorists and weapons to enter the country, creating a fertile ground for such attacks.

The coming weeks are expected to be fraught with uncertainty as the nation prepares for Trump's inauguration. People are warned that the attacks may be part of a broader strategy to destabilize the political landscape and force the incoming administration into a military escalation in the Middle East  a move that Trump has consistently resisted.

For now, Americans are being urged to remain vigilant and avoid crowded public spaces. The specter of terrorism looms large, and the possibility of coordinated attacks on a scale reminiscent of 9/11 cannot be ruled out. As the nation grapples with this new wave of violence, the question remains: Who is truly behind these attacks, and what is their ultimate goal?

"It's too easy to blame ISIS. They do it over and over to hide the fact that powerful people inside American Intel agencies are in bed with this nation's enemies," said Logan.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: The United States is facing a grave and unprecedented threat, and the stakes could not be higher. The nation must confront not only the immediate danger but also the unsettling possibility that the enemy may be closer than it appears.

Listen to this Brighteon Broadcast News with the Health Ranger Mike Adams as he discusses the wave of terror attacks hitting the U.S. recently.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

War correspondent Michael Yon warns Russian style terror attacks coming to America.

Ohio sheriff warns of impending terror attacks, calls for preparation and training of locals.

FBI Director Wray: Threats of terror attacks against the U.S. have reached "a whole other level" amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Sources include:

ABCNEWS.go.com

APNews.com

Brighteon.com
Trump plans to rebuild NATO while maintaining Ukraine support

Trump's administration is calling for NATO members to increase their defense spending to five percent of GDP, more than double the existing two percent target.

Despite earlier campaign promises, Trump's team is maintaining military aid to Ukraine, which is seen as a move to keep Russia at bay.

Trump threatens to impose tariffs if NATO members do not meet the new defense spending target, using it as a negotiating tactic to leverage financial commitments from Europe.

European leaders are wary of the increased military spending demands but recognize the need for U.S. backing against Russian aggression. However, the financial burden could lead to austerity measures and domestic backlash.

Trumps strategy is seen as bold but ambiguous, with insiders suggesting he might settle for a lower 3.5 percent defense spending target, indicating a possible negotiating tactic to drive a compromise.

It seems like President-elect Donald Trump is about to embark on a daring mission to reshape the global defense landscape, all while keeping Ukraine in the fold.

According to a new report from the Financial Times, Trump's team is set to shock the world by demanding that NATO member states increase their defense spending to a whopping five percent of their GDP. That's more than double the existing two percent target, which, let's face it, has been more of a suggestion than a mandate.

Trump is apparently willing to keep military aid flowing to Ukraine, despite his earlier campaign rhetoric of cutting aid and pushing Ukraine into negotiations with Russia -- a move that's bound to raise eyebrows but make the Eastern Europeans breathe a sigh of relief.

Trump's recent tweet on Truth Social set the tone for his administration's strategy: He'll demand that NATO allies boost their defense spending or face the wrath of tariffs. This play seems reminiscent of a classic poker game where Trump is holding all the cards. He's not afraid to call the bluff of Europe, knowing full well that the continent is straddling between the threat of Russian incursion and the need for American support.

Europe, already reeling from the Brussels summit, is now faced with the prospect of doubling their defense budgets. For context, only 23 out of 32 NATO members are even meeting the current two percent target. Imagine the outrage in European capitals when they realize they'll have to shell out even more to keep the peace.

Trump now believes that continuing military aid to Ukraine is necessary to keep Russia at bay, but only until he can negotiate a favorable peace deal. In other words, he's keeping the leverage on the table, all the while pushing Ukraine into a corner. (Related: Kremlin: Biden undermining Trump's "peaceful path" to solve Russia-Ukraine conflict.)

The European Union, particularly U.S. allies like Germany, seem relieved by this news. After all, they need American backing to keep the pressure on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who attended meetings in Brussels this week, acknowledged that European support alone won't be enough without the United States.

Europe has to step up to get continuous U.S. backing

Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, who loudly criticized the massive aid to Ukraine, estimates that the U.S. and EU have poured over 310 billion ($324 billion) into the country since the war began. Orban's rhetoric highlights the growing European unease with the financial outlay for Ukraine and the potential long-term implications for their economies.

In true Trump fashion, this strategy is bold and calculated. On the one hand, he's flexing American muscle and demanding a greater financial commitment from Europe. On the other hand, he's keeping Ukraine's hopes alive, albeit with a heavy dose of ambiguity.

However, this plan is not without its risks. The financial burden on Europe is significant, and the push to increase NATO spending could spark a wave of austerity measures. Moreover, Trump's demand for five percent might be more of a negotiating tactic, as insiders suggest he might be willing to settle for 3.5 percent. But make no mistake, the message is clear: If Europe wants continued U.S. support, they'll have to ante up.

Trump.news has more stories similar to this.

Watch the video below where Trump lays out his second-term plans prior to the inauguration.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Putin is ready to negotiate a CEASEFIRE with Trump.

Biden approves $20B loan to Ukraine right before Trump takes office.

UK, France plotting to stop Trump peace deal by pledging to send troops to Ukraine.

Antony Blinken: U.S. has provided Ukraine with over $100 billion in aid since 2022.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

FT.com

RT.com

Brighteon.com
U.S. sanctions on Pakistans missile program: A dangerous escalation or necessary measure?

The Biden administration imposed sanctions on Pakistans missile program, targeting key entities like the National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies, citing concerns over regional and global security.

Islamabad strongly rejected the sanctions, labeling them groundless and discriminatory, and argued that its missile program is purely defensive, while accusing the U.S. of double standards in enforcing non-proliferation norms.

The U.S. expressed fears that Pakistans advancing missile capabilities, particularly the Shaheen series, could destabilize South Asia and pose a long-term threat to American security, raising questions about Pakistans intentions.

Pakistans opposition and former Prime Minister Imran Khan criticized the sanctions as unjustified, while Islamabad warned that the measures could strain U.S.-Pakistan relations and push Pakistan closer to China as a strategic partner.

The sanctions highlight tensions between enforcing non-proliferation norms and maintaining diplomatic ties, with critics arguing that the U.S. should focus on constructive engagement rather than alienating a key ally in South Asia.

The Biden administrations recent decision to impose sanctions on Pakistans missile program has sparked a heated debate over national security, regional stability and the United States role as a global watchdog against weapons proliferation. The sanctions, targeting key entities involved in Pakistans ballistic missile development, have been met with sharp criticism from Islamabad, which insists its program is purely defensive. However, the U.S. argues that Pakistans growing missile capabilities pose a serious threat not only to regional stability but also to American security.

At the heart of the controversy is the National Development Complex (NDC), a state-owned entity accused of spearheading Pakistans development of long-range ballistic missiles, including the Shaheen series. The U.S. State Department has sanctioned the NDC, along with three Karachi-based companies  Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International, and Rockside Enterprise  for their alleged roles in supporting Pakistans missile program. These measures include asset freezes and bans on transactions with U.S. entities, effectively cutting off these organizations from the global financial system.

The U.S. administration has made no secret of its concerns about Pakistans advancing missile technology. Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer warned that Pakistans growing capabilities raise serious questions about its intentions, particularly regarding the acquisition of advanced rocket-motor testing equipment. Finer went further, stating that Pakistans missile program could eventually pose a direct threat to the United States, given the potential for long-range strikes beyond South Asia.

These concerns are not unfounded. Pakistans missile program has been a source of tension in the region for decades, particularly in its rivalry with India. Both nations have conducted numerous missile tests, with Pakistans Shaheen series representing a significant leap in its ability to deliver nuclear payloads over long distances. The U.S., however, views this technological advancement as a potential threat to global security, particularly as it could embolden Pakistan to pursue more aggressive policies in the region.

The delicate balance of national security, global security

Pakistan, for its part, has vehemently rejected the U.S. allegations. The countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the sanctions as groundless and discriminatory, arguing that they undermine regional stability. Islamabad has also accused the U.S. of double standards, pointing to Washingtons willingness to waive licensing requirements for advanced military technology for other countries. This argument highlights the broader geopolitical tensions at play, with Pakistan feeling unfairly targeted while others are given a pass.

The sanctions have also drawn criticism from Pakistans opposition, including the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Zulfiqar Bukhari, a spokesperson for Khan, called the sanctions unjustified and accused the Biden administration of undermining Pakistans sovereignty. These voices underscore the domestic backlash against the U.S. move, which could further strain an already tense relationship between Washington and Islamabad.

From a conservative perspective, the U.S. sanctions raise important questions about the balance between national security and diplomatic engagement. While the Biden administrations concerns about weapons proliferation are valid, the decision to impose sanctions on Pakistans missile program risks alienating a key ally in a volatile region. Pakistan has long been a critical player in the fight against terrorism, and its cooperation is essential for maintaining stability in South Asia. By imposing punitive measures, the U.S. risks pushing Pakistan closer to China, which has already emerged as a major economic and military partner for Islamabad.

Moreover, the sanctions highlight the broader challenge of enforcing non-proliferation norms in an era of shifting global alliances. While the US has consistently opposed the spread of missile technology, its approach has often been criticized as selective and inconsistent. For instance, Washington has been reluctant to impose similar sanctions on countries like India, despite its own missile development program. This perceived double standard undermines the U.S.s credibility as a champion of global security.

In conclusion, the U.S. sanctions on Pakistans missile program represent a bold but risky move that could have far-reaching consequences for regional and global security. While the Biden administrations concerns about Pakistans growing missile capabilities are understandable, the decision to impose sanctions may do more harm than good. Instead of alienating Pakistan, the US should focus on constructive engagement, working with Islamabad to address shared security concerns while respecting its sovereignty. After all, in a world as interconnected as ours, diplomacynot punitive measuresis the key to lasting peace and stability.

Sources include:

RT.com

BigNewsNetwork.com

Aljazeera.com

FinancialExpress.com
Biased mainstream news media in a tizzy after Trumps win

: Donald Trump's win in the 2024 election highlighted the mainstream media's blatant bias, with outlets like ABC, CBS, and NBC providing 85% negative coverage of Trump and 78% positive coverage of Kamala Harris, despite her scandals.

- Decline of Legacy Media: Once influential, legacy media has lost credibility and audience trust, with only 31% of Americans trusting their reporting. Declining subscriptions and revenue have forced these outlets to rely on propaganda rather than objective journalism.

- Rise of Alternative Media: Platforms like One America News, Newsmax, and X have gained popularity, alongside podcasts and social media influencers, challenging the mainstream narrative and empowering conservative voices.

- Censorship-Industrial Complex Emerges: The lefts failure to defeat Trump has led to increased censorship efforts, involving government agencies, tech companies, and NGOs to suppress conservative voices through deplatforming and algorithmic manipulation.

- Media Warfare Intensifies: The 2024 election marks a new era of media conflict, with alternative media growing and the mainstream media losing control. The battle for the narrative continues, but the American public is increasingly resistant to media manipulation.

The 2024 presidential election has come and gone, and with Donald Trumps resounding victory, the mainstream medias mask of objectivity has slipped completely off. For years, the legacy media has been exposed as a biased, agenda-driven institution, but with Trumps win, their desperation has reached new heights. The censorship of alternative media and citizen journalists is now in full swing, as the establishment scrambles to regain control over the narrative.

The legacy media, once a powerful force in shaping public opinion, has lost its ability to influence the American people. With declining cable subscriptions, plummeting advertising revenue, and a dwindling audience, these outlets have resorted to outright propaganda. Their goal is no longer to inform but to manipulate, catering to a shrinking niche audience that either doesnt realize theyre being lied to or simply doesnt care.

The bias that backfired

The 2024 election cycle exposed the depths of the mainstream medias bias. A Media Research Center analysis revealed that ABC, CBS, and NBC provided Vice President Kamala Harris with 78 percent positive coverage, while former President Trump was subjected to 85 percent negative coverage. This imbalance was even more pronounced on CNN and MSNBC, where the narrative against Trump was relentless.

The networks flooded their audiences with over 230 minutes of negative coverage about Trump, focusing on personal controversies while largely ignoring Harriss own scandals. From claims that Trump was a danger to democracy to accusations of extremism tied to his MAGA agenda, the medias portrayal of Trump was a caricature of reality. Meanwhile, Harris was presented as a historic, inspiring figure, her flaws conveniently overlooked.

This lopsided coverage wasnt just biasedit was ineffective. The American public has grown weary of the lies and omissions that define legacy media. As Gallup reported, only 31 percent of Americans trust the media to report news fully, accurately, and fairly. For many, the mainstream medias credibility is nonexistent.

The rise of alternative media

While the legacy media floundered, alternative media and citizen journalism thrived. Platforms like One America News, Newsmax, and X became go-to sources for millions of Americans seeking truthful, balanced coverage. Even Fox News, despite its occasional compromises, was seen as a bastion of conservative thought compared to the outright propaganda of CNN and MSNBC.

Podcasts, social media influencers, and platforms like Joe Rogans have become powerful voices in the information landscape. Elon Musks decision to allow unfettered speech on X/Twitter has further empowered conservative voices, breaking the stranglehold that legacy media once had over public discourse.

The mainstream medias response to this shift has been nothing short of hysterical. Instead of acknowledging their loss of influence, theyve blamed Trumps victory on the massive influence of right-wing media. This is a stunning admission of failure, coming from outlets that spent years smearing Trump and rigging the narrative against him.

The censorship-industrial complex

The lefts inability to accept defeat has led to a dangerous escalation: the rise of the censorship-industrial complex. This shadowy network includes government agencies, tech companies, academia, and NGOs, all working together to suppress conservative voices.

Deplatforming, shadow-banning, and algorithmic manipulation are just the beginning. The left is now pushing for legislation that would legally violate the First Amendment, codifying their control over information. Efforts to regulate online misinformation are thinly veiled attempts to silence dissent and protect their failing narrative.

The Supreme Court will play a crucial role in this battle. With Trump likely to nominate conservative justices to replace aging liberals, the Court could serve as a bulwark against the lefts assault on free speech. The prospect of a conservative-controlled Court has Democrats terrified, as it threatens to derail their agenda for decades to come.

The toxic love affair resumes

Despite his victory, Trump hasnt abandoned his love-hate relationship with the mainstream media. His recent press conference at Mar-a-Lago was a reminder of the symbiotic dynamic between Trump and the press. While he delights in baiting reporters and setting the agenda, they thrive on the chaos he creates.

This co-dependency is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, Trumps ability to dominate the news cycle ensures that his message reaches a wide audience. On the other hand, it risks re-entrenching the very institutions that have tried to destroy him.

A new era of media warfare

The 2024 election marks the beginning of a new era in media warfare. The mainstream medias failure to defeat Trump through biased coverage has only emboldened his supporters. As alternative media continues to grow, the lefts attempts to censor dissent will only intensify.

The battle for control of the narrative is far from over. But one thing is clear: the American people are no longer willing to be manipulated by a media that has lost all credibility. In the age of alternative media, the truth will prevailno matter how hard the establishment tries to suppress it.

The legacy medias days of dominance are over. The future belongs to those who speak truth to power, and in Donald Trump, they have a champion who refuses to back down.

Sources include:

AmericanGreatness.com

NewsBusters.org

Yahoo.com
Biden regime rushes $21 Billion in aid to Ukraine, escalating conflict

The Biden administration is rushing to allocate nearly 21 billion in aid to Ukraine, including 1.22 billion for new weapons and 1.25 billion from U.S. stockpiles.

This marks the final use of funds set aside for purchasing new weapons, leaving 4.33 billion in remaining authority for future donations.

Additionally, 3.4 billion in direct budgetary support and 15 billion from frozen Russian assets are being funneled to Ukraine.

Since taking office, the Biden administration has provided over $66 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, escalating a proxy war against Russia.

The Trump administrations approach to Ukraine aid remains uncertain, with mixed signals on future funding and potential peace negotiations.

As the clock ticks down on the Biden regime, a staggering $21 Billion in taxpayer funds is being funneled into Ukraine

In a desperate last-minute push to escalate a proxy war against Russia, the Biden administration has announced a massive 21 billion aid package to Ukraine, with just weeks left before President?elect Donald Trump takes office. This latest package includes 21 billion aid packages to Ukraine, with just weeks left before President?elect Donald Trump takes office. This latest package includes 1.22 billion for new weapons procurement, 1.25 billion in weapons from U.S. stockpiles, 1.25 billion in weapons from U.S. stockpiles, 3.4 billion in direct budgetary support, and $15 billion secured from frozen Russian assets.

The Biden administrations relentless focus on Ukraine has now surpassed 66 billion in security assistance since taking office. This latest move empties the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) account, leaving no funds for new weapons procurement before the Trump administration takes over. While billions remain in the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) account, it is unclear whether the Biden team will spend the remaining 4.33 billion before January 20.

The weapons being sent to Ukraine include advanced air defense systems, anti-tank missiles, artillery ammunition, and unmanned aerial systems, among others. While the Pentagon claims these donations are necessary to counter Russian aggression, critics argue that this endless flow of taxpayer dollars is fueling a war with no clear endgame.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude for the aid, calling it a critical lifeline as Russia intensifies its assaults. However, the Biden administrations approach raises serious questions about accountability and oversight. With billions being spent on weapons and direct budgetary support, there is little transparency about how these funds are being used or whether they are effectively addressing the conflict.

Direct budgetary support and frozen Russian assets allocated to Ukraine

The $3.4 billion in direct budgetary support, announced by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, is intended to bolster Ukraines government services and anti-corruption efforts. Yet, given Ukraines history of corruption and mismanagement, it is unclear whether these funds will achieve their intended purpose.

Meanwhile, the $15 billion from frozen Russian assets, part of the G7s PEACE in Ukraine project, is being touted as a way to make Russia pay for its aggression. While this may sound like poetic justice, it is ultimately U.S. taxpayers who are footing the bill for this escalating conflict.

As the Biden regime scrambles to allocate these funds, the Trump administrations approach to Ukraine remains uncertain. Some close to Trump have suggested freezing the front lines, delaying Ukraines NATO membership, and involving European troops in peacekeeping efforts. However, Russian officials have dismissed these proposals, leaving little hope for a swift resolution.

The Biden regime's rush to spend these funds raises serious concerns about the long-term implications of this proxy war. With no clear strategy for ending the conflict, the U.S. is pouring billions into a war that could drag on indefinitely. As taxpayers bear the brunt of this reckless spending, it is time to demand accountability and a clear exit strategy from the incoming administration.

Sources include:

TWZ.com

TWZ.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Biden-appointed Jan. 6 prosecutor Matthew Graves resigns amid controversy  before Trump takes office

U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, appointed by President Biden, will resign effective January 16, 2025, just before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration, amid widespread speculation and controversy.

Graves oversaw the largest investigation in DOJ history, charging over 1,424 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol breach, with plans to prosecute up to 2,000 defendants before the statute of limitations expires.

Critics accuse Graves of weaponizing the DOJ to target Trump supporters, with many conservatives viewing the January 6 prosecutions as politically motivated and disproportionate to the events.

Graves faced scrutiny for declining to prosecute Hunter Biden for alleged tax violations and for low prosecution rates in D.C. amid rising violent crime, attributing the latter to the decertification of the citys crime lab.

Graves tenure, marked by polarizing actions and accusations of favoritism, leaves a contentious legacy as the DOJ prepares for potential shifts under a Trump administration.

In a move that has sparked widespread speculation, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, the Biden-appointed prosecutor who oversaw the unprecedented prosecution of January 6 defendants, has announced his resignation. Graves, who has been at the center of numerous controversies, will step down effective January 16, 2025, just days before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office.

Graves, appointed by President Biden in November 2021, has been a polarizing figure in the Justice Department. His tenure was marked by aggressive prosecutions of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol breach, which he described as the largest investigation in the departments history. Under his leadership, more than 1,424 individuals were charged across nearly all 50 states, with the DOJ boasting of its scalp count in press releases. Graves had even stated his intention to bring the total caseload to at least 2,000 defendants before the statute of limitations expires.

Critics have accused Graves of weaponizing the Justice Department to target political opponents, particularly those associated with the Trump movement. His refusal to halt prosecutions until President-elect Trumps inauguration next month has only fueled these allegations. Many conservatives view the January 6 prosecutions as politically motivated, arguing that the severity of the charges far exceeds the nature of the four-hour disturbance.

But Graves controversies extend beyond the January 6 cases. He has faced intense scrutiny for his handling of other high-profile matters, including his decision not to prosecute Hunter Biden for alleged tax violations. IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley revealed that Graves declined to partner with Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss on tax charges against the presidents son, allowing the statute of limitations to expire for some years of non-payment.

During congressional testimony, Graves defended his decision, claiming that it would be impractical to get up to speed on everything in an ongoing investigation. He likened the situation to buying a mansion without an inspection, suggesting that taking on the case would have been too risky. This explanation has done little to quell accusations of favoritism and a lack of accountability for the Biden family.

Graves office, which uniquely prosecutes both federal and local crimes in Washington, D.C., has also been criticized for its low prosecution rate during a surge in violent crime. In fiscal year 2022, a staggering 67% of cases involving arrests were not charged by his office. Graves attributed this to the decertification of D.C.s crime lab, though he acknowledged that there were absolutely too many cases where we wanted to go forward and couldnt go forward.

Graves had a controversial tenure

Despite these challenges, Graves expressed gratitude in his resignation statement, calling his role as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia the honor of a lifetime. He thanked D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton for recommending him, President Biden for nominating him, and Attorney General Merrick Garland for placing his trust in him.

Graves departure comes at a critical juncture, as the Justice Department prepares for a potential shift in priorities under a Trump administration. Principal Assistant U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Fitzpatrick is expected to take over as Acting U.S. Attorney, but the legacy of Graves tenure will undoubtedly remain a topic of heated debate.

For many conservatives, Graves resignation is a long-overdue reckoning for a prosecutor they believe prioritized political vendettas over justice. As the nation looks ahead to a new administration, the question remains: will the Justice Department restore its commitment to impartiality, or will the politicization of law enforcement continue to erode public trust?

One thing is certain: Matthew Graves tenure will be remembered as one of the most controversial in recent history, leaving a lasting impact on the Justice Department and the American legal system.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

MSN.com

NYPost.com
GENOCIDE BILL GATES to mRNA-vaccinate all cows, goats and sheep in Africa, but never animals they DONT EAT, so whats the methane emission goal again?

Questioning Animal Flatulence : The text raises concerns about the flatulence of various wild animals and questions why Bill Gates isn't vaccinating them if they're contributing to global warming.

: The text raises concerns about the flatulence of various wild animals and questions why Bill Gates isn't vaccinating them if they're contributing to global warming. Selective Vaccination : It argues that Gates only vaccinates animals that people from Africa, India, and America eat, rather than all animals, suggesting a sinister motive.

: It argues that Gates only vaccinates animals that people from Africa, India, and America eat, rather than all animals, suggesting a sinister motive. Genocide through mRNA-Altered Food : The text claims that Bill Gates wants to kill off minority populations by contaminating the food of animals they consume with spike proteins from mRNA vaccines, without directly injecting humans.

: The text claims that Bill Gates wants to kill off minority populations by contaminating the food of animals they consume with spike proteins from mRNA vaccines, without directly injecting humans. Population Reduction Goals : It cites a Bill Gates quote from his TED talk suggesting that "new vaccines" could help lower the world's population by up to 15%, which equates to over a billion people.

: It cites a Bill Gates quote from his TED talk suggesting that "new vaccines" could help lower the world's population by up to 15%, which equates to over a billion people. Mistrust of mRNA Vaccines: The text expresses deep skepticism about mRNA vaccines, claiming they are designed to cause fatal conditions like clogged blood vessels, reproductive damage, heart attacks, strokes, and accelerated cancer.

What about the buffalo? What about the elephants? What about the giraffes and zebras? What about all the hippopotamus and camels? Dont those animals fart also? Why doesnt Bill Gates want to vaccinate those animals with millions of spike prions, if he claims the animals in Africa are causing global warming? The process of digestion of all these wild animals is virtually the same as the livestock animals, including the cows, goats and sheep.

What about the monkeys, apes, and mountain lions? Doesnt Bill Gates want to vaccinate those also in order to prevent global warming, and why does he concentrate so much effort and funding of this in Africa? Does this big white billionaire have a special affinity for saving Black folks who live on this one specific continent?

The answer? Bill Gates wants to adulterate the food, because many folks know better than to ever get vaccinated with mRNA technology, so now Gates has figured out a way to still vaccinate all minorities, to kill them off with spike proteins, without ever sticking a needle in their arm.

He vaccinates ONLY the animals that people from Africa, India, and America eat, and he doesnt bother with wild animals nobody is consuming the meat or byproducts from. Get it? Its genocide by mRNA-corrupted food, otherwise Bill Gates would be trying to vaccinate all animals of the world, not just the ones we eat. Its as simple and insidious as that.

Bill Gates plans to reduce the worlds population by billions of people by using mRNA vaccines injected into children, pregnant women and livestock

Thats why Bill Gates says at his TED talks that The world today has about 6.8 billion people, and thats heading up to about 9 billion. Now, if we do a really great job on NEW VACCINES, healthcare and reproductive health services, we could LOWER that by perhaps ten or fifteen percent. Let that sink in for a minute. Bill Gates says to his audience, on video, that VACCINES can help LOWER the worlds population by up to 15 percent. Well, 15 percent of 6.8 billion people equals over a billion people.

So, Bill Gates is absolutely convinced that the right kind of vaccines will KILL OFF over one billion people. What kind of vaccines do that? Those would be jabs that trick your cells into producing billions of self-assembling nano-particles that clog the blood vessels, invade reproductive organs, and cause heart attacks, strokes, and turbo cancer.

Bill Gates has INVADED AFRICA with the deadliest injections that most Black people have avoided on purpose, and now hes injecting them into only the animals that Black people in Africa use as food sources. Its a massacre by spike prions and its happening right now. The cover story is climate change and the reduction of methane gases to reduce the carbon footprint humans and animals make on earth, even though the whole thing is a farce.

??? Meanwhile in Kenya We have been told to vaccinate - who is funding the vaccination programmes? - you see Bill Gates has literally moved into this Country They say cows are producing too much methane They want to affect the quality of the foods that we consume Why pic.twitter.com/c6C0lbibuH  Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) December 28, 2024

Like never before in history, the food supply has become a weapon of mass destruction, and Bill Gates is pouring his wealth into the worst kind, while pretending to be a philanthropist who wants to help third world countries persist. Tune your food news frequency to FoodSupply.news and get updates on more ways Bill Gates and his globalist cohorts plan to rid the world of several billion humans.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

Instagram.com
DragonFire: Britains laser weapon system and its implications for modern warfare

The British Ministry of Defence is fast-tracking the deployment of the DragonFire laser weapon system, expected to be operational by 2027, collaborating with companies like MBDA, Leonardo UK, and QinetiQ.

DragonFire, designed to counter drones and missiles with unprecedented precision and at a fraction of the cost, could transform aerial combat. A 2023 test in Scotland showcased its capability to hit a 1 coin from a kilometer away.

Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has suggested sending DragonFire to Ukraine to counter Russian drones, highlighting its potential to be a "game-changer" despite challenges such as the need for reliable power.

The DragonFire system marks a broader shift in global defense, driven by the need to counter emerging threats like China's advanced drone capabilities and to adapt to the economics of warfare with cost-effective solutions.

The deployment of DragonFire signals the dawn of a new era in air defense, offering a glimpse into future conflicts where high-tech, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable technologies will be the norm, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.

In a move that could redefine aerial combat, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) is accelerating the deployment of its DragonFire laser weapon system, which is now expected to be operational by 2027. This system, developed in conjunction with MBDA, Leonardo UK, and QinetiQ, represents a significant leap forward in laser-based air defense technology, offering a potential game-changer in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and beyond.

The implications of DragonFire are profound, not only for the United Kingdom but for the global military landscape. As China continues to push the boundaries of drone warfare with systems like the Feihong FH-97A, the U.K.'s laser-based countermeasures could provide a crucial counterbalance to these emerging threats.

Deployed across Royal Navy ships, DragonFire is designed to counter aerial threats such as drones and missiles with unparalleled precision and at a fraction of the cost traditionally associated with such defense systems. The system can accurately target and destroy airborne objects, offering a level of accuracy that is unmatched in conventional weaponry. Each shot from the DragonFire system costs less than 10, a stark contrast to the millions of dollars often required for missile interceptors.

A 2023 test of the DragonFire system in Scotland demonstrated its capability to hit a 1 coin from a kilometer away, a testament to its precision and effectiveness. The MoD has stated that the DragonFire system, while not 100% perfect, could be deployed and refined on the battlefield in the coming years.

In an unprecedented move, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has suggested that the DragonFire weapon could be sent to Ukraine to counter Russian drones on the battlefield. This move is seen as a potential "game-changer" for Ukraines defense strategy, given the current limitations of existing anti-drone technologies.

However, this deployment is not without its challenges. Ukraines current situation demands proven technologies that can operate under the country's specific conditions. The electrical grid, constantly under threat from Russian attacks, would pose a significant hurdle for the laser system, which requires a reliable power source.

Nonetheless, the potential for DragonFire to provide an affordable and effective solution to air defense cannot be overstated. With the ability to shoot down threats without the need for expensive missile interceptors, the system could help Ukraine save resources and potentially alter the course of the conflict.

Broader implications for global defense

The development and deployment of DragonFire underscore a broader strategic shift in the global defense landscape. As China ramps up its drone capabilities, with the FH-97A system representing a significant leap forward in swarm capabilities, the United States and its allies must adapt and innovate to maintain a technological edge.

The United States, for example, has been testing similar directed-energy weapons, including the HELIOS system deployed on naval destroyers in 2022. However, the speed at which Britain is moving with DragonFire highlights a renewed focus on rapid fielding of innovative technologies, a strategy that could provide countries like the U.K. with a crucial advantage in future conflicts.

Moreover, the deployment of such systems represents a shift in the economics of warfare. Traditional air defenses are often cost-prohibitive, especially when facing the specter of drone swarms that can far outnumber conventional aircraft. The ability to deploy a system like DragonFire, with relatively low operating costs, could fundamentally alter the calculus of aerial combat.

As the DragonFire system moves closer to deployment, it signals the dawn of a new era in air defense. With Chinas technological advancements in drone warfare, the need for innovative, cost-effective countermeasures has never been greater. The UKs accelerated development and deployment of DragonFire set a precedent for other nations to follow, potentially reshaping the future of aerial combat and defense strategies worldwide.

In an increasingly complex and unpredictable global security environment, the ability to adapt and innovate will be key. The DragonFire system represents a step towards that goal, offering a glimpse into the future of warfare where high-tech solutions and rapid deployment will be the norm. As nations continue to grapple with the evolving battlefield, technologies like DragonFire will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the contours of future conflicts.

Sources include:

EpochTimes.com

BBC.com

DefenseNews.com
Cocoas sweet victory: Beating Bitcoin to the top in 2024

Cocoa has outperformed Bitcoin in 2024 to become the best-performing commodity.

Weather disruptions and soil degradation in West Africa are driving up cocoa prices.

Global cocoa supply deficits have risen to their highest levels in 60 years.

Experts predict cocoa prices will remain high in 2025 due to ongoing supply issues.

Major chocolate brands are passing rising cocoa costs onto consumers.

Cocoa, the humble bean at the heart of our beloved chocolate, has had an extraordinary year. In a remarkable turn of events, cocoa has outperformed the ever-popular cryptocurrency Bitcoin to become the best-performing commodity of 2024, according to Bloomberg, with data from Trading Economics indicating that cocoa futures went from trading at around $4,000 per tonne in early January to a peak of $12,700 in the middle of December. As cocoa prices have almost tripled since the beginning of the year, reaching an unprecedented high, it's clear that this simple ingredient is making waves in the financial world.

The surge in cocoa prices can be attributed to a perfect storm of factors, primarily centered around production disruptions in West Africa, the world's largest cocoa growing region. Severe drought and extreme weather conditions have taken a toll on cocoa harvests, exacerbating an already concerning trend in global cocoa supply. The world's top producers, Ivory Coast and Ghana, have seen their crops suffer due to record-breaking temperatures and inadequate rainfall. To make matters worse, fertilizer shortages have further limited crop yields, pushing prices to new heights.

It's not just the weather that's affecting cocoa production; the broader issue of soil degradation in West Africa is taking its toll. With over two-thirds of the region's land degraded and fertilizer application rates lagging behind global averages, the outlook for future production remains grim. As a result, cocoa deficits have risen dramatically, reaching their highest level in 60 years and further driving up prices.

Given the current supply challenges, experts predict that cocoa prices will likely remain at historically high levels in 2025. Ongoing disruptions in West Africa and the global fertilizer market are expected to continue exerting upward pressure on cocoa prices. This suggests that the current bull market for cocoa is far from over, and with no signs of supply catching up to demand, the future looks bright  or rather, sweet  for cocoa investors.

Why 2025 could be another record-breaking year for cocoa

As we look ahead to 2025, it's evident that cocoa's high prices are here to stay. The global cocoa market is struggling with one of the largest supply deficits in decades, and there's little reason to believe that production will improve anytime soon. This means that cocoa prices are likely to remain elevated, making it a prime investment opportunity.

Furthermore, the growing concerns about soil health in West Africa suggest that cocoa production might face even greater challenges in the coming years. With no immediate solution on the horizon for improving soil quality and fertilizer availability, it's clear that the pressure on cocoa supply will continue to mount.

The global chocolate industry, facing rising costs, is already feeling the pinch. Major chocolate brands have been forced to pass these costs onto consumers, leading to price hikes across the board. This trend is likely to continue in 2025 as the demand for chocolate remains high and supply constraints persist.

Although cocoa's impressive performance in 2024 has beaten even the soaring Bitcoin, its future looks equally bright. With ongoing supply challenges and a robust demand for chocolate, cocoa is set to remain one of the top-performing commodities in the coming year. So, whether you're a die-hard chocolate lover or an astute investor, the future of cocoa is promising to be as sweet as ever.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

MarketWatch.com

CNBCTV18.com
AI data centers are straining the grid  and your home appliances are paying the price

AI data centers are straining the U.S. power grid, causing "bad harmonics" that damage home electronics.

Electricity demand is projected to surge 16% in five years, driven by AI facility growth.

Bad harmonics lead to voltage spikes, appliance damage, and increased fire and blackout risks.

The aging U.S. grid is ill-equipped to handle the volatile energy demands of data centers.

Urgent infrastructure upgrades are needed to prevent widespread disruptions and ensure grid reliability.

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers across the United States is not just a technological marvel; its a growing threat to the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to American homes. As these energy-hungry facilities multiply, they are distorting the power grid, damaging home electronics, and exposing the fragility of Americas outdated infrastructure. The problem, known as bad harmonics, is a warning sign of deeper systemic issues that could lead to widespread blackouts, fires, and billions of dollars in damages if left unaddressed.

AI data centers are massive consumers of electricity, requiring up to 10,000 times more power than a single household. According to a recent analysis by Bloomberg, the U.S. is projected to see a 16% surge in electricity demand over the next five years, driven largely by the explosive growth of these facilities. This unprecedented strain is not just about meeting demand; its about maintaining the quality of the power that flows into homes.

Bad harmonics occur when the normal, steady flow of electricity is disrupted, causing erratic spikes and dips in voltage. Whisker Labs, which tracks power quality using roughly 1 million residential sensors, found that more than three-quarters of the worst-affected homes are within 50 miles of significant data center activity. In areas like Chicago and Northern Virginias data center alley, the problem is particularly acute.

The consequences of sustained exposure to distorted power are severe. Home electronics can overheat, motors in appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners can rattle, and over time, these issues can lead to costly damage. Worse yet, bad harmonics are a harbinger of deeper grid instability. Left unchecked, they can cause voltage surges that spark fires or sudden sags that trigger blackouts.

A grid on the brink

The U.S. power grid was never designed to handle the demands of the AI era. For decades, electricity consumption remained relatively flat, but the rise of data centers, electric vehicles, and other energy-intensive technologies has exposed the grids vulnerabilities. The problem is compounded by aging infrastructure and a lack of investment in modernization.

Data centers are not just large consumers of power; they are volatile ones. Their energy needs fluctuate dramatically, creating a sawtooth pattern that the grid is ill-equipped to handle. As more of these facilities come online, the strain on the system will only intensify. Without significant upgrades, the harmonics issues we see today are likely to worsen, leading to more frequent and severe disruptions.

The situation is particularly dire in urban areas, where data centers are often clustered near major cities to tap into larger grids and fiber networks. However, Bloombergs analysis shows that even rural areas are not immune. Sensors closer to data center activity, regardless of location, are more likely to record distorted power readings.

The distortions caused by AI data centers are a symptom of a much larger problem: Americas power grid is unreliable and unprepared for the future. While solutions like filters, capacitors, and dedicated substations can mitigate some of the issues, they are not enough to address the systemic challenges at hand.

The U.S. must invest in modernizing its grid infrastructure, improving power quality monitoring, and developing strategies to manage the volatile energy demands of data centers. Without urgent action, the problem will only escalate, leaving American households vulnerable to damaged appliances, increased fire risks, and widespread outages.

The AI revolution is here, but it comes at a cost. If we fail to address the strain it places on our power grid, the lights may not stay onand neither will our refrigerators, air conditioners, or other essential appliances.

Sources for this article include:

ClimateDepot.com

Bloomberg.com

TechCrunch.com
FBI probes possible links between New Orleans terror attack and Las Vegas cybertruck explosion

On January 1, U.S. Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 and injuring dozens. Authorities found an ISIS flag, weapons and a suspected explosive device, classifying the attack as terrorism. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police, but investigators are probing potential accomplices.

Hours later, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven. The truck, rented via the Turo app (also used in New Orleans), may have contained explosives. The driver, Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active-duty Army member, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, raising questions about a possible connection to Jabbar.

The FBI is investigating potential links between the two incidents, including ties to domestic or international terrorism. Both suspects were military veterans, and reports suggest they may have served at the same base. Authorities are also examining connections to President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

President Biden addressed the nation, urging caution against premature conclusions while directing federal resources to support the investigations. New York City heightened security measures, including increased police presence at Trump Tower and Times Square, as a precaution.

While no definitive link has been established, the use of the Turo app, the suspects military backgrounds and the timing of the attacks have fueled speculation about a coordinated effort. Authorities continue to investigate, with the nation awaiting answers.

In a chilling start to 2025, the United States was rocked by two devastating incidents on New Years Day: a deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans and a fiery explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. While authorities have yet to confirm a direct connection between the two events, the FBI is actively investigating whether they are linked, as both incidents bear hallmarks of coordinated violence.

The New Orleans attack unfolded in the early hours of January 1, when Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. The rampage left 15 people dead and dozens injured. Inside the vehicle, authorities discovered an ISIS flag, weapons, and a suspected improvised explosive device, leading them to classify the attack as an act of terrorism. Jabbar was killed in a shootout with police at the scene, but investigators are still probing whether he acted alone or had accomplices.

Hours later, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven bystanders. Initial reports suggest the vehicle was loaded with fireworks or an explosive device. The Cybertruck was rented through the Turo app, the same platform used to rent the pickup truck in New Orleans. This detail has intensified scrutiny over potential links between the two incidents.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation from Camp David on Wednesday night, emphasizing the importance of determining whether the attacks are connected. 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, Biden said. However, he cautioned against premature conclusions, stating, Thus far, theres nothing to report on that score.

The driver of the Cybertruck has been tentatively identified as Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty U.S. Army service member. Livelsberger, who had been serving in Germany but was on leave in Colorado, reportedly rented the vehicle before driving it to Las Vegas. Authorities found him dead in the truck with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Like Jabbar, Livelsberger was a military veteran, raising questions about whether the two men had any prior connection. Reports suggest they may have served at the same military base, though this has yet to be confirmed.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, weighed in on the Las Vegas explosion, denying any fault with the Cybertruck. All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion, Musk said, adding that the incident appears likely to be an act of terrorism and that perhaps both events are linked in some way.

The FBI is leading investigations into both incidents, with agents examining potential ties to domestic or international terrorism. Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that authorities are exploring connections to the New Orleans attack, as well as possible links to President-elect Donald Trump, who owns the hotel, and Elon Musk, whose company manufactured the Cybertruck. Obviously, a Cybertruck, the Trump Hotel, theres lots of questions that we have to answer as we move forward, McMahill said.

Precautionary measures while investigation proceeds

In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has heightened security measures, including increased police presence at Trump Tower and Times Square, as a precautionary response to the attacks. While there are no credible threats at this time, we are on alert, Adams said.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these tragedies, President Biden has directed top officials, including the attorney general, the FBI director and the secretary of Homeland Security, to dedicate all available resources to the investigations. Ive directed my team to make sure every resource is made available to federal, state, and local law enforcement to complete the investigation quickly and to ensure there is no remaining threat to the American people, Biden said.

While the FBI has stated there is no definitive link between the two incidents at this stage, the investigations remain fluid and ongoing. The use of the Turo app to rent both vehicles, the military backgrounds of the suspects, and the timing of the attacks have all fueled speculation about a possible coordinated effort. For now, the nation waits for answers as authorities work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind these harrowing events.

Sources include:

RT.com

BBC via YahooNews.com

Newsweek.com
Homeless crisis in America GETTING WORSE as government continues to spend hundreds of billions on foreign aid

Over 770,000 people experienced homelessness in the U.S. on a single night in January 2024, marking an 18 percent increase from the previous year. The actual number may be higher due to underreporting.

Homelessness among families with children surged by 39 percent, affecting nearly 150,000 children, highlighting the crisis's disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups.

The U.S. has spent billions on foreign aid, including $416 billion to Israel and $106 billion to Ukraine, prompting questions about the government's domestic priorities and its ability to address homelessness effectively.

Black people make up around 32 percent of the homeless population, despite comprising only 12 percent of the U.S. population. Veterans, however, have seen an eight percent decrease in homelessness since 2023, due to targeted programs.

Homelessness in the United States has hit a record high, with over 770,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024, according to the 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This represents an alarming 18 percent increase from the previous year, and the actual number may be even higher because the report undercounts the true number of homeless individuals.

This crisis is particularly devastating for families with children, who saw a staggering 39 percent increase in homelessness, leaving nearly 150,000 children without stable housing. In contrast, the report shows a 55 percent reduction in veteran homelessness since 2009, with an eight percent decrease from 2023. (Related: Study finds home ownership in California has become increasingly unattainable due to disparities between wages and housing prices.)

This development is notable because of how it is contrasted with how much the United States has spent on other programs, such as foreign aid.

To date, the U.S. has provided about $310 billion in economic and military support to Israel and another $106 billion in assistance to Ukraine. These staggering numbers raise serious questions about the government's priorities and its ability to address domestic issues like homelessness.

The report highlights that certain demographics are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Black people make up around 32 percent of the homeless population, despite comprising only 12 percent of the U.S. population. Veterans, who have seen the most progress in reducing homelessness, are a notable exception. The decline in veteran homelessness is attributed to targeted programs and efforts to quickly house homeless veterans.

Major U.S. cities have become epicenters of the homelessness crisis

The HUD report reveals that many cities experienced an increase in homelessness, with the exception of Dallas and Los Angeles, which saw decreases. The continued rise in homelessness is driven by a lack of affordable housing, a trend that has persisted for years. With home prices and rents soaring, the U.S. is experiencing a major housing shortage, exacerbated by the fact that fewer new homes are being built than needed.

While federal agencies and local organizations are working to address the issue, the scale of the problem is immense. For instance, a recent report from Zillow found that the housing shortage in the U.S. has ballooned to 4.5 million homes, with even fewer affordable homes available for low-income individuals.

Critics argue that the vast sums allocated to foreign aid could be better spent addressing domestic issues like homelessness. While foreign aid is an important part of U.S. foreign policy, it must not come at the expense of the most vulnerable Americans.

The record-high levels of homelessness in the U.S. demonstrate the urgent need for a comprehensive solution that prioritizes domestic priorities. By investing more in affordable housing and programs that support those in need, we can work towards a future where "no American should face homelessness." But it will require bold action and a re-evaluation of government priorities.

Visit HomelessAgenda.com for more.

Watch this video about the homelessness crisis in the United States' largest city.

This video is from the Treasure of the Sun channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

The U.S. Government has WASTED $200 BILLION DOLLARS on Ukraine and Israel that could have helped OUR NATIONS broken education system and homeless folks.

HUD ANNUAL STUDY: Homelessness on the rise due to rising housing costs, poverty and the expiration of pandemic relief measures.

CA Gov. Newsom VETOES bill allowing ILLEGALS to receive interest-free home loans.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

TheHill.com

Brighteon.com
Unraveling WHY: Inside the Houston home of New Orleans ISIS terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar

: Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, carried out a deadly truck rampage on Bourbon Street, killing 14 and injuring dozens. Evidence from his Houston home, including a Quran open to a jihad-justifying verse, bomb-making materials, and ISIS-related texts, revealed his deep radicalization by ISIS ideology. He acted alone, meticulously planning the attack and posting allegiance videos on Facebook beforehand.

- Attack Details: Jabbar targeted Bourbon Street for its high visibility and potential for mass casualties. He placed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in coolers, then drove a rented truck adorned with an ISIS flag into the crowd, bypassing security. Armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, he engaged in a shootout with police before being killed.

- Background and Struggles: A former IT specialist with a military background, Jabbar faced personal and financial hardships, including failed marriages, debt, and emotional distress. His brother described him as once kind and intelligent but acknowledged his radicalization. Investigators found no direct ties to foreign terrorist organizations or co-conspirators.

- Aftermath and Investigation: Bourbon Street has reopened with heightened security as New Orleans recovers. The FBI continues to investigate Jabbars radicalization, analyzing his digital footprint and conducting interviews. President Biden assured the public there is no ongoing threat, but the attack underscores the challenges of homegrown terrorism.

In the aftermath of the devastating New Years Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, authorities have uncovered chilling details about the suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, after raiding his Houston home. The 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran, who killed 14 people and injured dozens more in a horrific truck rampage, left behind a disturbing trail of evidence that paints a picture of a man deeply radicalized by ISIS ideology.

Jabbars north Houston trailer home, now in disarray after an FBI raid, revealed a makeshift bomb-making station filled with chemical residue, bottles, and compounds commonly used in explosives. Among the chaos, a Quran was found open to a chilling passage: They fight in Allahs cause, and slay and are slain; a promise binding The verse, 9:111, is often cited by extremists to justify violence in the name of jihad. The Quran, prominently displayed on a bookshelf in his living room, was surrounded by numerous Islamic texts and a rolled-up prayer rug, further underscoring Jabbars ideological alignment with ISIS.

The FBI confirmed that Jabbar acted alone in the attack, meticulously planning the carnage in the hours leading up to the rampage. Before driving from Houston to New Orleans, he posted five disturbing videos on Facebook, declaring his allegiance to ISIS and outlining his intentions. In the first video, timestamped at 1:29 a.m., Jabbar revealed he had initially planned to kill his family and friends but changed his mind, fearing the media coverage would not focus on the war between the believers and disbelievers.

Investigators believe Jabbar specifically chose Bourbon Street as his target due to its high visibility and the potential for mass casualties. Surveillance footage shows him placing two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in coolers along the street before driving a rented Ford F-150 truck into the crowd. The truck, adorned with an ISIS flag, plowed through pedestrians over a three-block stretch, bypassing security barriers and parked police cars. Jabbar then exited the vehicle armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, opening fire on officers before being killed in a shootout.

He was a regular guy, before becoming radical

The FBIs search of Jabbars Houston home also uncovered a tactical gun sling marked designed by Veterans in the USA, highlighting his military background. Jabbar served in the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2015, including an 11-month deployment to Afghanistan. Despite his military service, he faced personal and financial struggles, including two failed marriages, mounting debt, and a restraining order from his second wife, who accused him of threatening behavior.

Authorities are still piecing together what led to Jabbars radicalization. Born in Texas, he had a successful career as an IT specialist, working for top consulting firms like Accenture, EY, and Deloitte. However, his life spiraled into turmoil in recent years, with court records revealing significant financial hardship and emotional distress. His younger brother, Abdur Jabbar, described him as a sweetheart really, a nice guy, a friend, really smart, caring, but acknowledged that his actions were driven by radicalization, not religion.

The FBI has conducted hundreds of interviews and analyzed Jabbars social media accounts, laptops, and cellphones, finding no evidence of co-conspirators or direct ties to foreign terrorist organizations. President Joe Biden emphasized that there is no current threat to the public, but the investigation remains ongoing.

As New Orleans begins to heal, the city has reopened Bourbon Street ahead of the Sugar Bowl, with heightened security measures in place. Mayor LaToya Cantrell reassured the public that the city is ready to host large-scale events, even as the community mourns the lives lost in the attack.

The tragedy has left a lasting scar on New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture and resilience. As investigators continue to unravel the motives behind Jabbars actions, the nation is left grappling with the sobering reality of homegrown terrorism and the complex factors that drive individuals to commit such atrocities.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

ABCNews.com

CBSNews.com
Israeli author RENOUNCES CITIZENSHIP, calls it a tool of genocide

Israeli-born author Avi Steinberg has renounced his Israeli citizenship, citing how the privilege of being granted citizenship is intimately tied to Israel's role in settler colonialism of Palestine and the genocide of Palestinians.

Steinberg notes how Israeli laws have been used since 1948 as tools that have legitimized Jewish colonialism of Palestine, including during the 1948 Nakba which violently displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians from the borders of modern-day Israel.

Steinberg described how his family was able to migrate to Israel and, thanks to Nakba, how his relatives were able to live in the homes of displaced Palestinians.

Steinberg describes how more and more Jewish Americans are showing sympathy for Palestinians and are getting involved in pro-Palestinian activism.

He calls on Israelis to renounce their citizenship and help dismantle the "colonial office" that is the State of Israel.

Israeli-born author Avi Steinberg announced on Dec. 26 that he has formally renounced his Israeli citizenship, citing his belief that the privilege of citizenship has been and continues to be used as a tool of settler colonialism and genocide.

Steinberg, who was born in Jerusalem to American parents and raised in an Orthodox Jewish household, detailed his decision in an op-ed published on Truthout.

In the article, Steinberg argued that Israeli citizenship is inherently tied to violent crimes and systemic discrimination. He described Israeli citizenship as a mechanism that legitimizes colonialism, pointing to laws such as the 1948 Declaration of Independence, the 1950 Law of Return and the 1952 Citizenship Law. These laws, he claimed, were shaped by the 1948 Nakba ("the catastrophe" in Arabic), during which approximately 80 percent of the Palestinian population were violently expelled from their homes in modern-day Israeli territory in a massive ethnic cleansing campaign. (Related: UN committee condemns Israel's actions as "consistent with characteristics of genocide," calls for Israeli officials to be held accountable.)

Steinberg criticized Israel for creating a facade of legitimacy through what he called forged documents, which he said conceal the states fundamental unlawfulness. He also reflected on his familys history, noting that his parents migrated to Israel under the Law of Return and later settled in the United States. He described the cognitive dissonance of his parents, who opposed the U.S. invasion of Vietnam while participating in what he termed the armed settlement of another peoples land.

The author revealed that the house he grew up in was owned by a Palestinian family who were forcibly expelled to Jordan and barred from returning. He described this displacement as a deliberate strategy to attract settlers by marketing the native Arab charm of villages emptied of their original inhabitants.

More and more Jewish Americans turning against Israel over the genocide in Gaza

Steinbergs decision comes amid growing criticism of Israels actions by Jewish Americans. A November poll commissioned by Israel found that two-thirds of Jewish American teenagers sympathize with Palestinians, while a third expressed sympathy for Hamas.

Steinberg himself has been involved with demonstrations organized by Jewish-led pro-Palestinian groups like the anti-Zionist Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, which is opposed to Israeli apartheid policies against its Palestinian Arab citizens and against the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.

In a 2023 article for the magazine N+1, Steinberg described how he was arrested during a Jewish-led pro-Palestinian protest in Chicago and emphasized how the participation of Jewish peace activists was necessary for Palestinian liberation.

In his Truthout op-ed, Steinberg called on other Israelis to renounce their citizenship or take concrete steps to dismantle what he termed the "colonial edifice."

He linked the struggle for Palestinian liberation to global pro-indigenous movements and drew historical parallels to the pre-World War II Jewish liberation movements in Europe. He also criticized the appropriation of Jewish religious texts, stating that Zionism "has nothing to do with Judaism or Jewish history."

Watch this documentary from Al Jazeera going into detail regarding the Nakba.

This video is from the GodTaughtMeHow channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Yemen attempts to hold Israel accountable for genocide in Gaza, conducts hypersonic missile strike on Tel Aviv airport.

U.S. government sued by Palestinian Americans for failing to evacuate them from Gaza war zone.

Israeli military kills FIVE JOURNALISTS in clearly marked PRESS vehicle.

Mike Adams Sermon 66: God will DESTROY ISRAEL for its wickedness.

Israel attacks school in Gaza where displaced Palestinians were sheltering as genocide continues.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

Truthout.org

MiddleEastMonitor.com

Brighteon.com
Israeli forces detain Gaza hospital director in controversial raid, sparking global outcry

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, was arrested by Israeli forces, sparking global condemnation.

Israeli forces raided the hospital, rendering it inoperable and forcibly removing all 350 individuals inside.

Dr. Abu Safiya is detained at Sde Teiman, a military prison with a history of human rights abuses.

Israeli authorities accuse him of Hamas ties but have provided no evidence, drawing widespread criticism.

International organizations demand his release, citing violations of humanitarian law and the broader targeting of Gazas healthcare system.

The arrest of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, has ignited international condemnation and raised serious questions about the conduct of Israeli forces during their recent raid on the medical facility.

Dr. Abu Safiya, a prominent figure in Gazas healthcare system, is now being held at Sde Teiman, a notorious Israeli military prison known for its history of human rights abuses. His detention, carried out without clear cause, has drawn widespread criticism from medical professionals and human rights organizations worldwide.

On Friday, Israeli forces stormed Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last functioning medical facility in northern Gaza, in a raid that left the hospital inoperable. Witnesses reported that Israeli soldiers set fire to several departments, killing and injuring medical workers and patients. During the assault, all 350 individuals inside the hospitalincluding 180 medical staff, 75 wounded patients, and their relativeswere forcibly removed at gunpoint.

Shockingly, Israeli soldiers made no distinction between doctors, patients, and journalists, forcing everyone to strip down to their underwear before being transferred to an unknown location. This indiscriminate treatment has been widely condemned as a violation of international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of medical personnel and facilities during conflict.

Dr. Abu Safiya, who has been a vocal critic of Israels attacks on Gazas healthcare system, was reportedly beaten by Israeli soldiers before being arrested. The last image of him shows the doctor, still in his white coat, walking alone toward Israeli tanks amid the rubble of the hospital. This poignant image has since gone viral, symbolizing the plight of Gazas medical community.

According to recently released detainees, Dr. Abu Safiya is being held at Sde Teiman, a military detention center in Israels Negev desert with a well-documented history of abuse, including torture, sexual assault, and denial of medical care. Former prisoners have confirmed seeing the doctor at the facility, describing the inhumane conditions they endured during their own detention.

The Israeli military has accused Dr. Abu Safiya of being a Hamas terrorist operative and claimed that Kamal Adwan Hospital was being used as a command and control center for Hamas. However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate these allegations. Critics argue that these claims are part of a broader pattern of targeting Gazas healthcare infrastructure, which has been systematically dismantled since the start of the war.

Global calls for justice

The arrest of Dr. Abu Safiya has sparked a global campaign for his release, with medical professionals and human rights organizations demanding accountability from Israeli authorities. A petition on Change.org addressed to U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered nearly 2,000 signatures, urging the international community to intervene.

The World Health Organization (WHO), Amnesty International, and other prominent organizations have also called for Dr. Abu Safiyas immediate release, emphasizing the protection of medical personnel under international law. The WHOs Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, condemned the forced evacuation of patients and staff from Kamal Adwan Hospital and the detention of its director, describing it as a violation of humanitarian principles.

A broader pattern of targeting healthcare

Dr. Abu Safiyas arrest is not an isolated incident. Since the start of the war, hundreds of medical workers in Gaza have been detained, often without cause, and at least 500 healthcare professionals have been killed. The targeting of hospitals and medical personnel has left Gazas healthcare system in ruins, with patients struggling to access life-saving treatment.

The international community must hold Israel accountable for its actions and ensure that medical personnel like Dr. Abu Safiya are protected, not persecuted. The principles of international humanitarian law must be upheld, and the world cannot remain silent as Gazas healthcare system is systematically destroyed.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

CNN.com
Jan Crawford of CBS News: Mainstream media underreported Joe Bidens COGNITIVE DECLINE

The mainstream media (MSM) and outgoing President Joe Biden's inner circle remained silent about his cognitive decline for an extended period, only addressing the issue after the June 27 presidential debate exposed his mental state.

CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford admitted that the MSM had "undercovered and underreported" Biden's cognitive decline, highlighting their role in downplaying his deteriorating mental state.

A close-knit group of aides and family members, including First Lady Jill Biden, formed a "protective bubble" to manage Joe's limitations and conceal his declining health from the public.

Henry Appel, an advisor to the National Security Council's Intelligence Programs Directorate, was secretly filmed discussing Biden's struggles with articulation and emotional stability, further confirming concerns about his cognitive health.

The failure to address Biden's cognitive decline in a timely manner has shaken public trust in both the media and the presidency, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and accountability moving forward.

As the dust settles on outgoing President Joe Biden's tumultuous term, a critical question emerges: Why did the mainstream media (MSM) and Biden's inner circle remain silent for so long about his cognitive decline?

In the run-up to the June 27 presidential debate, MSM outlets like CBS News portrayed Biden as mentally fit and sharp. However, this narrative was not just a failure to question his cognitive abilities; it was a deliberate attempt to hide the truth from the public.

Jan Crawford, CBS News' chief legal correspondent, recently admitted on "Face the Nation" that the media had "undercovered and underreported" Biden's cognitive decline. This confession highlights the media's complicity in downplaying the president's deteriorating mental state.

The debate with President-elect Donald J. Trump exposed the extent of Biden's cognitive decline, a fact that many had suspected for months. Yet, it was only after this public humiliation that the media began to seriously question Biden's fitness for office. Crawford's admission that stronger reporting could have changed the election is a damning indictment of the mainstream media's failure to hold Biden accountable.

Beyond the media's complicity, the story of Biden's cognitive decline is one of a president propped up by a close-knit group of aides and family members. First Lady Jill Biden and three key White House aides  Anthony Bernal, Annie Tomasini, and Ashley Williams  reportedly formed a "protective bubble" around the 82-year-old president. This group managed Biden's limitations and concealed his deteriorating health from the American public. (Related: Operation Bubble Wrap: Jill Biden and several White House staffers SHIELDING Joe Biden from unscripted media interactions.)

Jill's involvement in managing her husband's public appearances is particularly troubling. The extent to which she directed and managed Biden during public events highlights the lengths to which his team went to maintain the illusion of mental acuity. This "protective bubble" extended to limiting Joe's interactions with his own cabinet officials during periods of suspected incapacitation.

Advisor's remarks reveal alarming insights into Biden's decline

In December, Henry Appel  an advisor to the National Security Council's Intelligence Programs Directorate  was secretly filmed while speaking about the outgoing chief executive. Appel's candid remarks to an undercover reporter from O'Keefe Media Group offer a chilling insight into the true state of Biden's cognitive health. Appel's description of Biden's struggles with articulation and his emotional response to the election results paint a picture of a leader whose mental faculties were clearly waning.

Appel's comments, though explosive, are not surprising to those who have closely followed Biden's tenure. His cognitive decline was not just a recent development but a trend that had been building for years. The fact that it took a public debate to finally bring the issue to the forefront speaks to the lengths to which the media and the White House went to downplay and cover up the problem.

The question now is, what will be the long-term impact of this failure to address Biden's cognitive decline? As the media and the public grapple with the implications of this revelation, it is clear that trust in the media's ability to hold leaders accountable and the public's confidence in the integrity of the presidency have both been shaken.

Moving forward, it is imperative that we demand greater transparency and accountability from both the media and the White House. The story of Joe's cognitive decline serves as a stark reminder of the importance of questioning those in power, even when it is uncomfortable to do so. The failure to address this issue in a timely manner has had far-reaching consequences, and it is time for a thorough reevaluation of the standards and practices that allowed this to happen.

Listen to "Where The Money Go Joe," a new song by the Health Ranger Mike Adams about the outgoing Democratic chief executive.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

WSJ admits Biden showing signs of COGNITIVE DECLINE during closed-door meetings.

Biden's cognitive decline is now painfully obvious to the world, yet Dems continue to deny it.

Deep state coup: Biden's mental decline was no surprise to his own staff  they knew all along.

White House aides knew Biden was mentally and physically unfit to be president from the very beginning.

DOJ special counsel report describes Biden as having "diminished faculties" and "faulty memory"  proving critics right that he is in a state of COGNITIVE DECLINE.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com 1

NYPost.com

TheNationalPulse.com 2

Brighteon.com
Green energy dreams crumbling: Major companies retreat as renewables face reality check

Major energy companies are acknowledging the challenges faced by wind and solar power in terms of reliability and economic sustainability.

Europe's energy crisis, exacerbated by an overreliance on renewables, has exposed the vulnerabilities of green energy, leading to soaring energy costs and grid instability.

European energy giants are scaling back investments in wind and solar projects, with Shell largely halting new offshore wind investments and BP spinning off its offshore wind projects.

President-elect Donald Trump's administration is expected to prioritize energy independence and traditional fossil fuels.

Part of this plan includes rolling back green energy policies and ending subsidies for renewable energy technologies.

The green energy revolution, once hailed as a savior for the planet, is showing signs of strain.

Major energy companies, including Shell, British Petroleum (BP) and Norway's Equinor, are now acknowledging what critics of renewable energy have long argued: Wind and solar power face significant challenges in reliability and economic sustainability.

This shift comes as Europe's energy crisis, exacerbated by an overreliance on renewables, forces a reckoning with reality. With President-elect Donald Trump poised to take office, the retreat from green energy is expected to accelerate, as his administration prioritizes energy independence and traditional fossil fuels over what he has called "insane wind subsidies."

Europe's energy struggles have been well-documented, with the continent's aggressive push for wind and solar power, mainly driven by "climate change" concerns leading to soaring energy costs and grid instability. Now, even staunch proponents of green energy are conceding that the vision may be faltering.

Reuters reported that European energy giants are slowing the rollout of green energy programs, with Shell, BP and Equinor scaling back investments in wind and solar projects. Shell, once a vocal advocate for renewable energy, has largely halted new offshore wind investments and exited power markets in Europe and China. BP, which had ambitious plans to expand renewable energy, has spun off its offshore wind projects into a joint venture, effectively distancing itself from the sector. (Related: Big Oil returns to core strengths, retreats from green energy investments as climate agenda loses steam.)

The reasons for this retreat are clear. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are inherently intermittent, relying on weather conditions and requiring massive infrastructure investments. The geopolitical disruptions caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine further exposed the vulnerabilities of Europe's energy strategy, as governments delayed clean energy targets and prioritized energy security.

Meanwhile, U.S. oil giants like Exxon and Chevron, which remained focused on oil and gas, outperformed their European counterparts in the stock market. This stark contrast has forced European energy companies to rethink their strategies, shifting spending back to higher-margin oil and gas projects.

Trump's pro-fossil fuel agenda a turning point for global energy policy

The timing of this shift is significant. As Trump prepares to take office, the global energy landscape is poised for a dramatic transformation. The real estate mogul has long been a critic of renewable energy, dismissing wind and solar as unreliable and vowing to end subsidies for these technologies. His administration is expected to roll back the outgoing Biden administration's green energy policies, which spurred investments in renewables across the United States. Trump's focus on energy independence and domestic oil and gas production aligns with the priorities of the fossil fuel industry, which has thrown its support behind his campaign.

Trump's victory has already sparked optimism in the fossil fuel and mining industries. His promises to boost domestic energy production, open new lands for drilling and repeal environmental regulations have been met with enthusiasm. The oil and gas industry, which donated over $14 million to his campaign, is hopeful that his administration will deliver on its promises. Key priorities include lifting the Environmental Protection Agency's tailpipe mandates, which require automakers to produce more hybrid and electric vehicles, and freezing new carbon pollution standards for coal plants.

The incoming administration is also expected to prioritize energy permitting reform, a long-stalled effort to streamline the approval process for energy and infrastructure projects. This reform has faced repeated delays in Congress. With Republicans gaining control of the Senate, the path to passing permitting reform is expected to be smoother, further bolstering domestic energy production.

As the world watches the United States pivot away from renewable energy under Trump's leadership, the implications for global energy markets are profound. Europes retreat from green energy, coupled with Trump's "drill, baby, drill" agenda , signals a broader shift in the global energy landscape. The era of climate alarmism and unchecked investment in unreliable renewables may be coming to an end, replaced by a renewed focus on energy security, affordability and independence.

Watch this video that explains why renewable energy is the scam the whole world fell for.

This video is from the gocephas channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

History proves wind and solar energy aren't viable for powering the future.

Green energy failure: UK spends over 1 billion this year to turn off wind farms and start up gas plants.

Green energy projects financially COLLAPSING around the world: Siemens wind turbine manufacturer latest casualty.

Sources include:

ClimateDepot.com

Reuters.com

TheHill.com

Brighteon.com
Meet Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, the Palestinian leader who is calling out Israels war crimes and the Wests double standards

In a scathing critique of Western governments' approach to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, leader of the Palestinian National Initiative, has accused the international community of enabling "genocidal action" against civilians in Gaza . Dr. Barghoutis remarks come in the wake of a damning New York Times investigation into Israels genocidal military operations.

West's silence on Israeli war crimes: An atrocity of double standards

The New York Times report, based on interviews with more than 100 soldiers and officials, revealed a significant loosening of warfare rules by the Israeli military. This has resulted in a surge of devastating attacks on Gaza, with Israeli officers now permitted to endanger up to 20 civilians in Gaza for the potential capture or elimination of a low-level fighter. The report further highlighted the use of AI tools in selecting targets, contributing to what the NYT describes as "one of the deadliest bombardments of the 21st century."

Dr. Barghouti emphasized that these actions are not a recent revelation but have been evident from the beginning of the conflict, which began in October 2023 following a Hamas attack on Israel. He pointed out that the destruction of four towns in Gaza, with an estimated 55,000 people killed, including 70% women and children, are clear indicators of the brutal nature of the Israeli offensive.

Who is Dr. Mustafa Barghouti?

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti was born in 1944 in Nablus, the West Bank.

He is a medical doctor with a specialization in internal medicine and public health.

Barghouti played a significant role in the first Palestinian intifada (1987-1993) as a leader of the Health Committee, providing medical aid to Palestinians injured in the conflict.

In 2002, Barghouti founded the Palestinian National Initiative (Mubadara), a political party that promotes non-violent resistance and a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The party gained prominence in the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, winning 4 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Barghouti has been involved in various peace efforts and negotiations. He has participated in numerous international conferences and dialogues on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

He ran for the presidency of the Palestinian Authority in 2005, finishing second to Mahmoud Abbas.

Barghouti has been a vocal critic of the Palestinian Authority, particularly its collaboration with Israel.

He has called for a new intifada (uprising), but emphasizes that it should be non-violent and focused on civil resistance.

In 2021, Barghouti was arrested during protests against the Israeli military operation in Sheikh Jarrah, highlighting his role in ongoing demonstrations and civil disobedience.

Dr. Barghouti laments slow international response to Israels war crimes

Dr. Barghouti is particularly indignant about the slow global response to these war crimes. "What Israel is doing is nothing but slaughter of the civilian population of Gaza," Dr. Barghouti stated. "And it took the world 14 months to discover that." He went on to detail the most recent attack on the last remaining hospital in northern Gaza, which led to the arrest of medical personnel and the killing of 50 people.

According to Dr. Barghouti, the ability of Israel to continue such aggressive military actions is fundamentally linked to support from Western governments, particularly the United States. "The US is providing Israel with every possible military arsenal," he said, adding that European governments are also complicit in the support they continue to offer.

Dr. Barghoutis assertion is not without substance. In recent years, the US has provided Israel with billions of dollars in military aid, making it one of the largest recipients of US foreign aid. Furthermore, European governments, despite increasing criticism from their own populations, continue to provide diplomatic backing and economic support, effectively enabling Israel's military actions.

The Palestinian leaders most recent comments touch on a broader critique of international law and the selective application of double standards. "Why do they have double standards when it comes to Israel? Why Israel is allowed to be above the international law?" Dr. Barghouti asked, challenging the international community's seeming tolerance of Israel's actions when they violate humanitarian laws.

Sources include:

RT.com

NYTimes.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Ex-CIA officer warns: 1,000 Al-Qaeda fighters in U.S. as open borders fuel terror threat

Former CIA officer Sarah Adams warns over 1,000 al-Qaeda-trained fighters are on U.S. soil, citing intelligence and the recent New Orleans terror attack.

The New Orleans attack, involving a vehicle ramming, mirrors ISIS and al-Qaeda tactics, highlighting a global trend of vehicle-based terrorism.

Adams links the Biden administrations open border policies and Afghanistan withdrawal to increased terrorist threats and sleeper cell networks.

The U.S. is unprepared for coordinated attacks, with terrorists exploiting weak border controls and intelligence gaps.

Immediate action is needed to secure borders, strengthen intelligence, and dismantle terrorist networks to prevent future attacks.

The chilling warning from former CIA officer Sarah Adams that more than 1,000 al-Qaeda-trained fighters are already on U.S. soil should serve as a wake-up call to every American. In a recent interview on the Shawn Ryan Show, Adams detailed how these terrorists, emboldened by the Biden administrations disastrous open borders policy, are preparing for a coordinated attack on the U.S. Her words are not speculative; they are grounded in intelligence and underscored by the recent New Orleans terror attack, which left 15 people dead and 30 injured.

The New Orleans attack, carried out by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, mirrors the tactics al-Qaeda and ISIS have used for years. Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd of New Years revelers on Bourbon Street, flying an ISIS flag from the vehicle. This method of using vehicles as weapons has become a hallmark of modern terrorism as it requires minimal planning and resources while inflicting maximum carnage.

A pattern of terror

The New Orleans attack is not an isolated incident. It follows a global trend of vehicle-based terrorism, popularized by ISIS and other jihadist groups. From the 2016 Bastille Day attack in Nice, France, to the 2017 Halloween truck attack in New York City, these tactics have proven devastatingly effective. Whats worse, Adams warns that al-Qaeda and ISIS operatives are now blending their efforts, making it harder for intelligence agencies to predict their next move.

Adams assessment is clear: the U.S. is unprepared for whats coming. She points to the Biden administrations chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan as a catalyst for al-Qaedas resurgence. The Talibans return to power has emboldened jihadist groups worldwide, and the open southern border has provided an easy entry point for terrorists. According to Adams, many of these fighters entered the U.S. through the Darien Gap, a dangerous route through Central and South America that has become a highway for criminals and terrorists alike.

The Biden administrations failure to secure the border is not just a policy failureits a national security crisis. By dismantling effective border controls and halting construction of the border wall, the administration has created a vacuum that terrorists are exploiting. The result? A growing network of sleeper cells operating within our borders, waiting for the signal to strike.

The stakes couldn't be higher

The New Orleans attack is a grim reminder of the stakes. While local law enforcement did their best to protect the public, the reality is that no amount of police presence can fully prevent such attacks. As Adams noted, terrorists adapt quickly, finding ways to circumvent even the most robust security measures.

This is not a time for complacency. The Biden administrations open borders policy has made the country less safe, and its refusal to acknowledge the threat of Islamic terrorism is inexcusable. The presidents focus on divisive domestic policies and global climate initiatives has come at the expense of national security.

Adams warning is clear: the threat is real, and its growing. The U.S. must take immediate steps to secure its borders, strengthen intelligence-sharing, and dismantle terrorist networks before its too late. The alternativemore attacks like the one in New Orleansis unthinkable.

In the meantime, Americans must remain vigilant. The Second Amendment exists for moments like this, when the government fails to protect its citizens. As Adams and others have emphasized, the best defense against terrorism is a well-armed and prepared populace.

The Biden administrations failures have left the door wide open for terrorists. Its time to shut that doorbefore its too late.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

MSN.com

WCBM.com

Reuters.com
South Korea impeaches second leader in a month as political crisis deepens

South Koreas acting President Han Duck-soo was impeached, deepening political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeols suspension.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is now interim leader amid economic instability and a constitutional crisis.

Yoons impeachment trial began, with the Constitutional Court deciding his fate within 180 days.

Economic fallout includes the won hitting its lowest level since 2009, raising fears of a financial crisis.

An arrest warrant was issued for Yoon over allegations of rebellion tied to his martial law decree.

South Korea finds itself in the throes of unprecedented political turmoil as acting President Han Duck-soo was impeached by the National Assembly on Friday, marking the second impeachment of a South Korean leader this month.

The move comes just weeks after President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from office over his controversial and short-lived declaration of martial law. With Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok now stepping in as acting president, the nation faces deepening uncertainty, economic instability and a constitutional crisis that threatens to unravel decades of democratic progress.

The impeachment of Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role of acting president following Yoons suspension on December 14, was driven by his refusal to appoint three justices to fill vacancies on the Constitutional Court. Opposition lawmakers argued that Hans inaction was an attempt to obstruct the courts review of Yoons impeachment case, which could determine whether Yoon is permanently removed from office. The motion to impeach Han passed with 192 votes in favor, while the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote, calling it an abuse of power and tyranny by the opposition-led parliament.

The impeachment of Han, a figure meant to stabilize the country after Yoons suspension, has only deepened the political crisis. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, now the interim leader, has vowed to stabilize state affairs, but his tenure is already under threat. With the opposition controlling parliament, Choi could face a similar fate if he clashes with lawmakers.

Meanwhile, Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment trial is underway, with the Constitutional Court holding its first hearing on Friday. The court has 180 days to decide whether to reinstate Yoon or remove him permanently, which would trigger a new presidential election within 60 days.

Yoons impeachment stems from his December 3 declaration of martial law, which he claimed was necessary to root out anti-state forces and overcome political deadlock. However, the decree was swiftly rescinded after 190 lawmakers defied military and police cordons to vote against it.

Economic fallout and global concerns

The political instability has sent shockwaves through South Koreas economy, with the won plummeting to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar since March 2009. Analysts warn that the ongoing turmoil could lead to economic troubles reminiscent of the devastating financial crisis of the late 1990s. The uncertainty has also alarmed South Koreas allies, particularly the United States and Europe, who viewed Yoon as a key partner in countering China, Russia, and North Korea.

Adding to the chaos, an arrest warrant has been issued for Yoon Suk Yeol as part of an investigation into whether his martial law decree amounted to rebellion. Yoon, who has defied multiple summons and blocked searches of his offices, faces charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. While he retains immunity from criminal prosecution as president, such protections do not extend to allegations of treason or insurrection.

A democracy at risk

The events of the past month have plunged South Korea into its gravest political crisis since 1987, when mass protests forced the ruling party to accept democratic reforms. The impeachment of both Yoon and Han, coupled with the ongoing constitutional and legal battles, has left the nation in a state of paralysis.

The opposition Democratic Party, which controls parliament, has accused Yoon and his allies of attempting to undermine democracy with the martial law decree. Meanwhile, Yoons supporters argue that the opposition is exploiting its majority to push through impeachments and consolidate power.

As the Constitutional Court deliberates on the fates of Yoon and Han, South Koreas future hangs in the balance. The courts decisions will not only determine the countrys leadership but also test the resilience of its democratic institutions.

For now, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok faces the daunting task of steering the nation through this crisis. But with political gridlock, economic instability and public anxiety at an all-time high, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.

Sources for this article include:

Reuters.com

BBC.com

APNews.com
Special Counsel Jack Smith withdraws from Trump documents case, hands prosecution to Florida U.S. Attorney

Smith has formally stepped back from prosecuting Trumps co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, transferring the case to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida.

Nauta and de Oliveira, accused of obstructing justice and concealing classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, have pleaded not guilty. The case stems from the FBIs 2022 raid, which recovered hundreds of classified documents.

Smith previously dropped the classified documents case against Trump, citing DOJ policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president. A separate federal case in D.C. related to the 2020 election was also dismissed.

The case against Nauta and de Oliveira is now before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, challenging a lower courts ruling that Smiths appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional.

The Southern District of Florida will take over the prosecution, with the outcome likely to have significant political and legal ramifications. Smith is expected to issue a final report before stepping down as special counsel.

In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding President-elect Donald Trump, Special Counsel Jack Smith has formally withdrawn from the classified documents case involving two of Trumps co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira. The case, which has been a focal point of political and legal scrutiny, has now been transferred to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida, marking a pivotal shift in the prosecutions strategy.

The move comes after Smiths office filed a motion on Monday to withdraw five attorneys associated with the special counsels office from the case. The filing stated that the case has been referred to the Southern District of Florida, which has already entered an appearance in the matter. This transfer effectively ends Smiths direct involvement in the prosecution of Nauta and de Oliveira, who were charged alongside Trump in a broader conspiracy to obstruct justice and conceal classified documents.

Nauta, Trumps personal valet, and de Oliveira, the property manager of Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, were accused of hiding boxes of records from federal investigators. The charges against them include obstruction of justice, making false statements to investigators, and various counts related to the concealment of documents. Both men have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The case stems from the FBIs August 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago, during which agents recovered approximately 300 documents with classified markings among thousands of pages of records from Trumps presidency. Prosecutors alleged that Trump mishandled these documents after leaving the White House in 2021, storing them in various locations at Mar-a-Lago, including a ballroom stage and a bathroom. The boxes were reportedly shuffled between rooms, with some contents spilling onto the floor.

Little point in proceeding

Smiths decision to withdraw from the case follows his earlier move to drop charges against Trump himself, citing a longstanding Department of Justice (DOJ) policy that prohibits the prosecution of a sitting president. In November, Smith dismissed the classified documents case against Trump without prejudice, effectively ending the prosecution while leaving the door open for future action. At the same time, Smiths office dropped a separate federal case in Washington, D.C., which accused Trump of illegally attempting to overturn the 2020 election.

In court filings, Smiths team explained that the DOJs Office of Legal Counsel had determined that the Constitutions prohibition on indicting a sitting president applied to Trumps situation. The filing stated that this prohibition is categorical and does not depend on the gravity of the alleged crimes or the strength of the evidence. As a result, the government moved for dismissal without prejudice, a motion that was swiftly granted by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington.

Trump has consistently maintained that both federal cases against him were politically motivated and designed to undermine his chances of reelection. In a post on Truth Social last month, Trump celebrated Smiths decision to drop the cases, writing, I persevered, against all odds, and WON. He added, These cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.

While the dismissal of the cases against Trump marks a significant victory for the president-elect, the legal battle continues for Nauta and de Oliveira. The case is currently before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, where Smith had challenged a ruling by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who dismissed the case in July on the grounds that Smiths appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional. The Justice Department has argued that Cannons decision defied 50 years of precedent regarding special counsels.

What's next for this case

With Smiths withdrawal, the case now falls to federal prosecutors in Florida, led by U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe. It remains to be seen how the Southern District of Florida will proceed with the prosecution of Nauta and de Oliveira, particularly in light of the ongoing appeals process and the broader political implications of the case.

As the legal drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the battle over the classified documents case is far from over. For Trump, the dismissal of the charges against him represents a vindication of his claims of political persecution. For his co-defendants, however, the fight continues, with the outcome likely to have far-reaching consequences for all parties involved.

In the coming weeks, Smith is expected to issue a final report on his investigations to Attorney General Merrick Garland before stepping down as special counsel. As the nation prepares for Trumps inauguration, the legal and political fallout from these cases will undoubtedly remain a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.

For now, the spotlight shifts to Florida, where the next chapter in this legal drama is set to unfold.

Sources include:

EpochTimes.com

TheHill.com

ABCNews.com
Superpower USA supposedly cant shoot down mysterious drones, but we have no problem shooting down our own $30 million F-18 fighter jets

The government's inability to address mysterious drones raises doubts about its claimed incapacity to capture or shoot down drones hovering over uninhabited areas.

The disparity in handling drone threats overseas versus on American soil highlights a concerning lack of effectiveness in countering drones within U.S. borders.

The incident of two U.S. Navy pilots shot down over the Red Sea due to friendly fire questions the adequacy of U.S. defense measures against drone threats.

Recent drone sightings in Arizona and New Jersey suggest a domestic origin, emphasizing the need for enhanced protocols to safeguard American airspace and critical infrastructure.

The evolving challenges in maintaining airspace security underscore the urgency for the U.S. government to prioritize protecting America and its citizens from emerging drone threats.

Who says our government cant shoot down these mysterious drones? Plenty of them are flying around over areas where there are no people, no homes, no businesses, and no threat of harm to people on the ground. Does the United States Air Force and Navy claim they have ZERO ability to capture or shoot down these flying objects, that hover in one area for extended periods of time?

Are we really supposed to believe that? What, do the drones and orbs have invisible forcefields around them that are impervious to missiles? Maybe they are all like the Star Trek Enterprise  divert warp power to the shields Captain Kirk!

Drone Threats: Protecting America Should Be the Priority

In a world where drone technology is advancing rapidly, the threat posed by drones is becoming a significant concern globally. While countries like China are making remarkable progress in utilizing drones for various purposes, the United States is facing challenges in effectively countering drone threats, especially when they are over American soil.

The recent incidents involving drone threats highlight a stark contrast in how the U.S. government handles drone incursions overseas versus those within its borders. The ability to shoot down enemy drones abroad appears straightforward, but when drones fly over U.S. territory, the government seems perplexed and helpless.

One notable incident that underscores this disparity is the shooting down of two U.S. Navy pilots over the Red Sea in a friendly fire incident. Despite the ongoing conflict against Yemeni Houthi rebels, the U.S. military mistakenly targeted its own aircraft, leading to the first shootdown of an American fighter jet in the conflict. The confusion and trigger-happy response displayed in this incident raise questions about the effectiveness of U.S. defense measures against drone threats.

While the U.S. military is actively engaged in combating drone threats in regions like Yemen, the focus on protecting American citizens and infrastructure within the country seems to be lacking. Recent drone sightings in Arizona and New Jersey, exhibiting advanced capabilities to evade detection, point towards a domestic origin rather than a foreign threat. The involvement of intelligence agencies like the CIA, NSA, and NRO in developing and testing advanced UAV technologies suggests a domestic experimentation scenario.

These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the evolving challenges in maintaining airspace security and the need for updated protocols to safeguard American airspace and critical infrastructure. The sophistication of drones and their potential misuse by both foreign adversaries and domestic entities necessitates a proactive approach by the U.S. government to address these threats effectively.

As the drone industry continues to grow and pose new challenges, it is imperative for the U.S. government to prioritize the protection of America and its citizens over other countries. The incidents involving drone threats underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to defend against drone incursions and ensure the security of American airspace and infrastructure. It is time for the U.S. government to demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding the nation from emerging drone threats and uphold its responsibility to protect its citizens at all costs.

Keep your truth news in check by adding preparedness.news to your favorites list and tuning in daily for updates on survivalist skills, weapons, and storable food that you should be looking into, especially during this lame duck session of the Biden Regime.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
Sorry, something doesn't look right.

Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 2 : The Odisha Government has enhanced the pension given to the Freedom Fighters in the state. Participating in the All-India Freedom Fighters Day here as the chief guest, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday announced that the pension amount of Freedom Fighters of the state who were imprisoned during the Freedom struggle has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per month.

CM Majhi also declared that the Freedom Fighters, not imprisoned during the struggle, will now get Rs 15,000 per month in place of Rs 9,000 received earlier.

The additional allowance of Rs 8,000 per month given to beneficiaries under the Swatantrata Sainik Samman pension scheme of the Central government has now been enhanced to Rs 10,000.

Similarly, those revolutionaries who were imprisoned under the draconian Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) for protesting against the Emergency during 1975 to 1977 are now eligible to receive Rs 20,000 per month.

The Chief Minister also noted that the death anniversary of great Odia freedom fighter Utkal Keshari Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab is being celebrated as the Freedom Fighters Festival.

Notably, the state government had earlier in November 2024 announced a year-long celebration to mark the 125th birth anniversary of the former CM of Odisha Dr Mahatab.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Majhi revealed that a biopic will be made on Dr Mahtab's life to keep his memory alive. His works will be translated in different languages and published by the state government. The government will also build a memorial at Agarpada, the birthplace of Mahatab, in Bhadrak district.

The Chief Minister further said that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, he started making efforts to give due respect to the unsung heroes whose contributions in the freedom struggle of the country were not acknowledged earlier.

He added that PM Modi has recently named the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. Similarly, the state government is soon going to start the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha scheme to honour the sacrifice of the great freedom fighter Shaheed Madho Singh of Bargarh district.

Freedom Fighters from across ten states participated in the All-India Freedom Fighters Day festival held here on Thursday.
Hyderabad, Jan 2 : All farmers who are cultivating crops will be covered under Rythu Bharosa, the farmers' investment subsidy scheme to be launched by the Telangana government after Sankranti.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee, which met on Thursday, to evolve guidelines for the scheme.



Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Revenue Minister P. Srinivasa Reddy and Industry Minister Sridhar Babu attended the meeting.



The sub-committee will submit its recommendations including eligibility criteria for beneficiaries to the State Cabinet.



The Cabinet will take a decision on eligibility and other details at its meeting scheduled to be held on January 4.



The ministerial panel is learnt to have decided not to impose any conditions for implementing the schemes. All farmers, irrespective of their income and landholding, will get the benefit.



The sub-committee may recommend to the government to seek applications for the scheme from January 5 to 7.



Rythu Bharosa will replace the present Rythu Bandhu which was introduced by the previous government of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).



While under Rythu Bandhu, farmers were getting Rs 10,000 per acre annually, the assistance will be increased to Rs 15,000 per acre under Rythu Bharosa as was promised by the Congress in the 2023 Assembly elections.



The sub-committee will recommend. The Cabinet will discuss and finalise the same.



Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced on December 1 that Rythu Bharosa will be implemented after Sankranthi.



He said that the financial assistance under the scheme will be credited into the bank accounts of farmers after the festival.



Appealing to people not to believe the rumours being spread by opposition parties, he said that Rythu Bharosa is a guarantee given by Sonia Gandhi and it would be definitely implemented.



Opposition BRS has alleged that the Congress government is planning to deny investment support to many farmers. It warned the government against placing restrictions on the Rythu Bharosa scheme.



BRS leader T. Harish Rao alleged that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has backtracked on election promise of providing financial assistance for three crops a year.




Mumbai, Jan 3 : : The 'Spider-Man' actor Tom Holland is currently in a relationship with Zendaya, and the couple has been extremely vocal about it. From the red carpet to social media, the lovebirds are often seen posing with each other.

However, recently, Tom Holland made a surprising comment about his red-carpet appearance with Zendaya. During a recent media interaction, the actor revealed that he does not have an issue walking the red carpet with Zendaya when the two of them are a part of the same project, however, he does not feel right to accompany her during the premieres of her movies.

During the conversation, Tom Holland further shared a fun anecdote when he was spending time with his family in England.

He revealed that during the family gathering one of his cousins asked him to do a backflip. Reacting to this, Zendaya made fun of him by asking if he was still capable of doing a backflip. While he was able to perform the backflip, he ended up pulling every muscle in his stomach.

Tom Holland also shared that he was not able to laugh for weeks after that, due to his sore stomach.

For the unversed, Tom Holland and Zendaya have shared the screen in not one, not two, but three Spider-Man films including, Spider-Man Homecoming, Far From Home, and No Way Home.

These two are all set to once again be a part of the fourth Spider-Man film.

They will also be seen together in Christopher Noplan's The Odyssey. The film is a cinematic adaptation of the ancient Greek epic.

The tale has been told by the filmmakers earlier as well. The previous adaptations include, the 1997's The Odyssey, starring Armand Assante and Greta Scacchi, 1954's Italian drama Ulysses, featuring Kirk Douglas, Silvana Mangano, and Anthony Quinn, and Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche's 2024 release, The Return.
New Delhi/Male, Jan 3 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Friday said that Maldives remains a "concrete expression" of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and New Delhi has always stood by the Indian Ocean archipelago, especially when it comes to giving financial support during challenging times.

"We have increased our engagements in various sectors, and I want to emphasise that India has always stood by the Maldives. You are a concrete expression of our 'Neighborhood First' policy," said EAM Jaishankar during his meeting with Abdulla Khaleel, the visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives at New Delhi's Hyderabad House on Friday.

Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects under Phase-III in Maldives through grant assistance by the Government of India and also took stock of progress made on the understandings reached during the State Visit of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu in October 2024, following-up on issues that need further focus.

"I believe we have some important and positive developments to report, and certainly, there is much more that we need to do. I see that the framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions has been signed. We have increased our engagements in various sectors," said Jaishankar in his opening remarks at the start of bilateral discussions.

Khaleel, on his part, appreciated the timely emergency financial assistance extended by India to Maldives in times of need, reflecting India's role as the "First Responder" of Maldives. He reaffirmed Muizzu government's firm commitment to work closely with the Government of India in realising the Joint Vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

Highlighting that the three-day India visit is his first bilateral engagement of the year, he mentioned that 2025 is an important year for Maldives-India relations as both countries celebrate 60 years of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.

"Our partnership dates back to centuries. Our partnership is built on mutual understanding, respect and a shared commitment. Rooted in decades of trust and friendship, it will continue to thrive... As a beneficiary of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the government of Maldives deeply values the significant importance India placed in its relationship with the Maldives. We have many examples where the Government of India has consistently stood by the Maldives as an immediate responder in times of need," he said.

"We always appreciate India for its timely assistance, particularly through grant and concessional loans. On the development front, assistance from India has been transformative. The Greater Male Connectivity Project is a shining example that is set to transform the economic landscape of the Maldives," Khaleel added.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister's visit, stated Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is part of continued high-level engagements between the two sides and has provided an opportunity to further deepen the bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of two countries and the Indian Ocean Region considering the importance India attaches to its bilateral ties with Maldives under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision SAGAR, or the Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Khaleel was appointed as Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs on September 30, last year by Muizzu. Prior to the appointment, he was serving as the country's Minister of Health and acknowledged that the "significant contribution" to his tourist-dependent country's fast recovery from the Covid pandemic was from India.

In October, Khaleel also accompanied Muizzu on the "landmark" five-day State visit - the first by the Maldivian President since assuming office in November 2023.

This visit, he said, was defined by "insightful discussions" and deepened partnership, marking yet another milestone in the enduring friendship between Maldives and India.

"Our Commitment to further enhance the Maldives-India partnership remains unwavering, and I look forward to our promising future collaborations for the mutual benefit of our two nations and peoples," Khaleel posted on X on October 10 after the conclusion of the visit.

Both countries also adopted a 'Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' which will guide the bilateral relationship across various sectors, during Muizzu's visit.
Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance.
When children receive their second measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, around the time they start kindergarten, they gain protection against all three viruses for all or most of their lives. Yet the effectiveness of an influenza vaccine given in October starts to wane by the following spring.

Scientists have long been stymied by why some vaccines can coax the body to produce antibodies for decades, while others last mere months. Now, a study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine has shown that variation in vaccine durability can, in part, be pinned on a surprising type of blood cell called megakaryocytes, typically implicated in blood clotting.

The question of why some vaccines induce durable immunity while others do not has been one of the great mysteries in vaccine science. Our study defines a molecular signature in the blood, induced within a few days of vaccination, that predicts the durability of vaccine responses and provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms underlying vaccine durability." Bali Pulendran, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology, Stanford Medicine

In a 2022 study, Pulendran and colleagues defined a "universal signature" that could predict an early antibody response to many vaccines. However, this and other studies did not define a signature that could predict how long antibody responses would last.

The new paper will be published Jan. 2, 2025, in Nature Immunology. Pulendran is the senior author, and formal postdoctoral scholars Mario Cortese, PhD, now at Gilead Sciences, and Thomas Hagan, PhD, now an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, are joint first authors. Nadine Rouphael, MD, professor of vaccinology and infectious diseases at Emory University, is a key contributor.

Driven to understand durability

Pulendran's team initially studied an experimental H5N1 bird flu vaccine given with an adjuvant - a chemical mixture that enhances the immune response to an antigen but, on its own, does not induce an immune response.

The researchers followed 50 healthy volunteers who received either two doses of the bird flu vaccine with the adjuvant or two doses without the adjuvant. They collected blood samples from each volunteer at a dozen time points over the first 100 days after vaccination and carried out in-depth analyses of the genes, proteins and antibodies in each sample. Then, they used a machine-learning program to evaluate - and find patterns within - the resulting dataset.

The program identified a molecular signature in the blood in the days following vaccination that was associated with the strength of a person's antibody response months later. The signature was mostly reflected in tiny bits of RNA within platelets - small cells that form clots in the blood.

Platelets are derived from megakaryocytes, cells found in the bone marrow. Platelets, when they break off megakaryocytes and enter the bloodstream, often take small pieces of RNA from the megakaryocytes with them. While researchers can't easily track the activity of megakaryocytes, platelets carrying RNA from megakaryocytes act as proxies.

"What we learned was that the platelets are a bellwether for what is happening with megakaryocytes in the bone marrow," Pulendran said.

Broader implications

To confirm whether megakaryocytes were affecting vaccine durability, Puledran's research group simultaneously gave mice the bird flu vaccine and thrombopoetin, a drug that boosts the number of activated megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Indeed, thrombopoetin led to a sixfold increase in levels of anti-bird flu antibodies two months later.

Further experiments showed that activated megakaryocytes produce key molecules that increase the survival of the bone marrow cells responsible for making antibodies, or plasma cells. When these molecules were blocked, plasma cells survived less in the presence of megakaryocytes.

"Our hypothesis is that megakaryocytes are providing this nurturing, pro-survival environment in the bone marrow for plasma cells," Pulendran said.

The scientists tested whether the trend held true for other vaccine types. They looked at previously collected data on the responses of 244 people to seven different vaccines, including vaccines against seasonal influenza, yellow fever, malaria and COVID-19. The same platelet RNA molecules - signs of megakaryocyte activation - were associated with longer-lasting antibody production for the various vaccines. The molecular signature could predict which vaccines lasted longer, as well as which vaccine recipients would have a longer-lasting response.

Toward predictive and personalized vaccines

Pulendran and his colleagues plan to conduct studies that probe why some vaccines might spur higher levels of megakaryocyte activation in the first place. Those findings could help researchers develop vaccines that more effectively activate megakaryocytes and lead to more durable antibody responses.

In the meantime, the scientists want to develop tests to determine, using their newly discovered molecular signature, how long a vaccine is likely to last. That could help speed up vaccine clinical trials - in which researchers often must follow people for months or years to determine durability - but also could yield personalized vaccine plans.

"We could develop a simple PCR assay - a vaccine chip - that measures gene expression levels in the blood just a few days after someone is vaccinated," Pulendran explained. "This could help us identify who may need a booster and when." He added that the length of time a vaccine response lasts is likely affected by a number of complex factors, and he suspects that megakaryocytes are just one piece of the larger story.

Scientists from the University of Cincinnati; Emory Vaccine Center; University of California, San Diego; GSK Belgium; Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein; Jackson Laboratory; the Food and Drug Administration; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Emory University School of Medicine; the National Institutes of Health; and NYU Grossman School of Medicine contributed to the research.

Funding for this research was provided by the National Institutes of Health (grants R01 AI048638, U19 AI057266 and U19 AI167903), DARPA, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Open Philanthropy, the Violetta L. Horton and Soffer Endowments, and GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.

Pulendran serves or has served on the external immunology board of GSK and on the scientific advisory boards of Sanofi, Medicago Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim, PharmaJet Inc., Icosavax Inc. and Ed-Jen.
UC Riverside scientists have developed a nanopore-based tool that could help diagnose illnesses much faster and with greater precision than current tests allow, by capturing signals from individual molecules.

Since the molecules scientists want to detect -- generally certain DNA or protein molecules -- are roughly one-billionth of a meter wide, the electrical signals they produce are very small and require specialized detection instruments.

"Right now, you need millions of molecules to detect diseases. We're showing that it's possible to get useful data from just a single molecule," said Kevin Freedman, assistant professor of bioengineering at UCR and lead author of a paper about the tool in Nature Nanotechnology. "This level of sensitivity could make a real difference in disease diagnostics."

Freedman's lab aims to build electronic detectors that behave like neurons in the brain and can retain memories: specifically, memories of which molecules previously passed through the sensor. To do this, the UCR scientists developed a new circuit model that accounts for small changes to the sensor's behavior.

At the core of their circuit is a nanopore - a tiny opening through which molecules pass one at a time. Biological samples are loaded into the circuit along with salts, which dissociate into ions.

If protein or DNA molecules from the sample pass through the pore, this reduces the flow of ions that can pass. "Our detector measures the reduction in flow caused by a protein or bit of DNA passing through and blocking the passage of ions," Freedman said.

To analyze the electrical signals generated by the ions, Freedman suggests, the system needs to account for the likelihood that some molecules may not be detected as they pass through the nanopore.

What distinguishes this discovery is that the nanopore is not just a sensor but itself acts as a filter, reducing background noise from other molecules in a sample that could obscure critical signals.

Traditional sensors require external filters to remove unwanted signals, and these filters can accidentally remove valuable information from the samples. Freedman's approach ensures that each molecule's signal is preserved, boosting accuracy for diagnostic applications.

Freedman envisions the device being used to develop a small, portable diagnostic kit - no larger than a USB drive - that could detect infections in the earliest stages. While today's tests may not register infections for several days after exposure, nanopore sensors could detect infections within 24 to 48 hours. This capability would provide a significant advantage for fast-spreading diseases, enabling earlier intervention and treatment.

Nanopores offer a way to catch infections sooner - before symptoms appear and before the disease spreads. This kind of tool could make early diagnosis much more practical for both viral infections and chronic conditions." Kevin Freedman, assistant professor of bioengineering at UCR

In addition to diagnostics, the device holds promise for advancing protein research. Proteins perform essential roles in cells, and even slight changes in their structure can affect health. Current diagnostic tools struggle to tell the difference between healthy and disease-causing proteins because of their similarities. The nanopore device, however, can measure subtle differences between individual proteins, which could help doctors design more personalized treatments.

The research also brings scientists closer to achieving single molecule protein sequencing, a long-sought goal in biology. While DNA sequencing reveals genetic instructions, protein sequencing provides insight into how those instructions are expressed and modified in real time. This deeper understanding could lead to earlier detection of diseases and more precise therapies tailored to each patient.

"There's a lot of momentum toward developing protein sequencing because it will give us insights we can't get from DNA alone," Freedman said. "Nanopores allow us to study proteins in ways that weren't possible before."

Nanopores are the focus of a funded research grant that Freedman was awarded by the National Human Genome Research Institute in which his team will attempt to sequence single proteins. This work builds on Freedman's previous research on refining the use of nanopores for sensing molecules, viruses, and other nanoscale entities. He sees these advances as a sign of how molecular diagnostics and biological research may shift in the future.

"There's still a lot to learn about the molecules driving health and disease," Freedman said. "This tool moves us one step closer to personalized medicine."

Freedman expects that nanopore technology will soon become a standard feature in both research and healthcare tools. As the devices become more affordable and accessible, they could find a place in everyday diagnostic kits used at home or in clinics.

"I'm confident that nanopores will become part of everyday life," Freedman said. "This discovery could change how we'll use them moving forward."
Fighting cancer can seem like a deadly game of chance. While some patients may respond well to certain treatments, others might not be as fortunate. Doctors and scientists have long struggled to explain why. Now, in new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Shelley Berger, PhD, the Daniel S. Och University Professor and Director of Penn's Epigentics Institute, and Katherine Alexander, PhD, currently an assistant professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have found a possible source of this variability in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) - the most common kidney cancer diagnosed in adults. The findings of their study are published this week in Nature Cell Biology.

The research found that kidney tumors have two different patterns of cellular structures known as nuclear speckles. The research, conducted in Berger's lab at Penn, shows a potential correlation between speckle patterns and patient outcomes. Berger and Alexander collaborated with Celeste Simon, PhD, Arthur H. Rubenstein Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and Scientific Director of the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute at Penn.

"We found if a patient has a normal or abnormal speckle arrangement, they might be more responsive to one drug versus another. Of course, more research needs to be done," explained Alexander, who completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Berger's lab.

What is a nuclear speckle?

Discovered more than 100 years ago, nuclear speckles are tiny cellular structures that reside in the nucleus. These speckles intermingle with DNA and help regulate gene activity. This newly published research reveals that nuclear speckles have two different signatures in ccRCC: normal-like and aberrant. It's a matter of positioning. Normal speckles tend to congregate toward the center of the nucleus. Aberrant speckles are more dispersed.

How these signatures affect patient outcomes remains a mystery for now. However, the search for answers may lead to more personalized treatments. This discovery offers a new starting point in ccRCC." Shelley Berger, PhD, the Daniel S. Och University Professor and Director of Penn's Epigentics Institute

"It's the first suggestion that this would be potentially applicable to giving someone [diagnosed with ccRCC] one drug or another. That's huge because cancer therapy has a lot of horrible side effects," said Alexander. "To be able to tell a patient, 'Your tumor looks like this, so we think this drug will work better than this drug,' is something we really need."

Further implications

The team didn't just look at kidney cancer. They analyzed speckles in over 20 different types of cancers, from melanomas to breast cancer. However, only ccRCC showed a correlation between speckle patterns and patient outcomes. What makes this cancer special? Alexander's findings point to HIF-2, a protein typically overactive in ccRCC and target of the FDA approved drug Belzutifan used to treat patients with ccRCC. In her new lab at Cold Spring Harbor, Alexander aims to pursue this lead alongside other researchers at CSHL's Cancer Center.

The research was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (RO1CA078831, R35CA263922, F32CA221010, R35CA220483) and U.S. Department of Defense (W81XWH-20-1-0856).
A new study led by researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that many cases of high-risk nonmetastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer may be more advanced than previously thought.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that nearly half of high-risk prostate cancer patients previously classified as nonmetastatic by conventional imaging actually have metastatic disease when evaluated with advanced prostate-specific membrane antigenpositron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) imaging, suggesting that traditional imaging may underestimate how far the cancer has spread in many cases.

"Our study demonstrates the critical role of PSMA-PET in accurately staging prostate cancer, which can significantly impact treatment decisions and outcomes," said senior author of the study Dr. Jeremie Calais, director of the Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division's clinical research program and associate professor at the department of molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

This advanced imaging technology plays a critical role in redefining how prostate cancer is staged. PSMA-PET imaging uses tiny amounts of radioactive "tracers," called radiotracers, that binds to prostate cancer cells, making them visible on PET scans. Unlike conventional imaging, which provides only anatomical details, PSMA-PET offers functional imaging that reveals the cancer's biological activity, which can significantly improve the accuracy of disease staging.

The clinical adoption of PSMA-PET has changed the landscape of prostate cancer imaging, yet treatment decisions often rely on clinical trials that did not incorporate this advanced imaging technique for patient selection.

To better understand the advantages of PSMA-PET over conventional imaging, researchers conducted a post hoc, retrospective cross-sectional study using data from 182 patients with high-risk recurrent prostate cancers who were thought to have disease limited to the prostate and were eligible for the EMBARK trial.

This clinical trial previously demonstrated that adding enzalutamide, a type of hormone therapy, to androgen deprivation therapy significantly improves metastasis-free survival. However, the trial relied on conventional imaging to classify patients, which researchers believe might have underestimated the disease's extent in some cases.

In the cohort of patients, the researchers found PSMA-PET detected cancer metastases in 46% of patients, even though traditional imaging had suggested no evidence of cancer spread. Based on PSMA-PET, 24% of the patients even showed 5 or more lesions that had been missed by conventional imaging.

We anticipated that PSMA-PET would detect more suspicious findings compared to conventional imaging. However, it was informative to uncover such a high number of metastatic findings in a well-defined cohort of patients resembling the EMBARK trial population that was supposed to only include those without metastases." Dr. Adrien Holzgreve, visiting assistant professor, David Geffen School of Medicine and first author of the study

These results challenge the interpretation of previous studies, like the EMBARK trial, and support the inclusion of PSMA-PET for patient selection in clinical and trial interventions in prostate cancer in future major industry-sponsored clinical trials. It also highlights the need to reevaluate treatment strategies and opens the door to potentially curative options for some patients, such as targeted radiotherapy, while raising important questions about integrating new imaging technologies into standard care.

While the current findings underscore PSMA-PET's potential, researchers are continuing to explore its broader applications through additional studies. More research is needed to understand its impact on long-term patient outcomes and how it can best guide therapy, noted Calais.

"We have good rationales to assume that it is helpful to primarily rely on PSMA-PET findings," said Holzgreve. "But more high-quality prospective data would be needed to claim superiority of PSMA-PET for treatment-guidance in terms of patient outcome. However, we are confident PSMA-PET will continue to advance prostate cancer staging and guide personalized therapies."

Ongoing efforts at UCLA include analyzing follow-up data from four UCLA trials to assess how PSMA-PET findings influenced treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Additionally, as part of an international consortium studying over 6,000 patients, the team is investigating the prognostic value of PSMA-PET.
Thought Leaders Rhiannon White CEO Clue

NewsMedical interviewed Rhiannon White, the new CEO of Clue, a globally recognized menstrual health app empowering over 10 million users across 190+ countries.

With a career spanning top tech companies and a passion for femtech innovation, Rhiannon discusses her journey, Clues mission to close gaps in women's healthcare, and how the platform is advancing understanding of under-researched conditions like PCOS. Our conversation explores the intersection of technology, science, and reproductive health, and the exciting future she envisions for Clue and femtech as a whole.

Congratulations on your new role as CEO of Clue, Rhiannon. To start, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about Clues mission? Additionally, what drew you to Clue, and what inspired you to take on this leadership role?

Thank you so much! Its truly an honor to lead the incredible team at Clue and to be able to work on a product that has such an important mission and vision for the future of female health. Its hard not to be inspired by the power and potential data has when its used for good to help close the gaps in research and healthcare for women and people with cycles.

I joined Clue in 2022 as Chief Product Officer, and one of my favorite parts of the job has been (and remains) speaking directly to the Clue community through weekly user interviews. Staying close to our users ensures were constantly building and innovating features that matter and that add real value and transformative insight right in peoples hands every day.

Before joining Clue, I worked in a wide range of industries, including companies like Shazam, Vend, and the BBC. But most importantly, Im the proud mom of three completely wild and wonderful children.

Our mission at Clue remains the same as it was when it was first founded: to empower women and people with cycles to take charge of their health with no myths, no taboos, and no barriers.

Clue combines health science and data science to turn what is otherwise an invisible experience into something that can be both visible and actionable. Professionally what drew me to Clue was its unique combination of scientific integrity, absolute commitment to data privacy, and genuine desire to advance research in female health. But there was a big personal mission behind why I joined Clue as well. When I was in my mid-30s, my husband and I went through some tough fertility struggles. It was then that I realized how many deeply anchored assumptions and misconceptions I had about fertility. I was a healthy, educated adult with a career and a long marriage  and to be honest, I did not really understand how to get pregnant. As specialists meticulously analyzed my cycle and health data, I couldn't help but wonder: What if I had known earlier how critical tracking and understanding one's reproductive health was to understanding fertility? What could I have done differently?

Really understanding the data and insights was liberating for me. The data empowered us to start our family. We were lucky enough to conceive our first child with the help of fertility treatments, and then our second and third children were conceived without intervention.

One of the main reasons I came to Clue is that the company has so much promise to help people achieve their health goals, whether its to start a family, understand if something theyre experiencing is something they should see a doctor about, or understand and manage their experiences on a daily basis.

I see a huge opportunity to make a real difference in how we understand and support menstrual health globally. As we say at Clue, Its not in your head; its in your data, and every day, we hear from our community about the ways having and keeping a cycle health record fundamentally improves their healthcare outcomes.

Image Credit: Trismegist san/Shutterstock.com

Clue has a unique advantage when it comes to using data to drive female health research. Can you explain how Clue is leveraging its extensive dataset to close the knowledge gap around conditions like PCOS?

When a user tracks their cycle in Clue and opts in to share their de-identified data for research, that data becomes something powerful: it can help answer questions to better understand menstrual and reproductive health for women and people with cycles everywhere. It goes without saying, but women and people with periods have historically been underrepresented in health research, and Clue cycle data (already over 15 billion unique data points) presents a unique opportunity to change this.

In 2023 we launched our Health Record feature with the intention of building the largest dataset linking menstrual cycle data with confirmed diagnoses of the most commonly under-researched and under-diagnosed female health conditions. Already over a million Clue members have contributed their data for this purpose, and that dataset continues to grow daily.

Through our collaborations with researchers at Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Berkeley, and many other notable research partners, we're analyzing patterns in cycle data that can help identify condition markers. This data helps fill crucial gaps in research around conditions like PCOS, especially around how symptoms manifest in diverse and aging populations.

Moving forward, research will be even more important at Clue, so you will see more studies from us to help women and people with cycles better understand their bodies and to provide more personalized healthcare support.

PCOS affects millions of individuals worldwide, yet it remains under-researched and misunderstood. How is Clue's scientific collaboration helping to shed light on the complexities of PCOS, and what specific insights have you gained so far?

We know that PCOS affects around 10% of people with cycles worldwide, but up to 70% of affected women are undiagnosed. For those who do get a diagnosis, it is quite common that it takes more than 2 years and more than 3 doctors to get a diagnosis. In Clue, we are collecting big-scale data on the different PCOS symptoms of our users who opted to participate in our research. This dataset unlocks opportunities for collaborative research, for example, on how PCOS symptoms may show up together, how they vary across populations, or which factors impact symptom severity.

PCOS can look and feel very different from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, hair growth on the face and body, acne, infertility, and weight gain. And not everybody with PCOS experiences the same symptoms, which makes a diagnosis more difficult.

Using the Clue dataset for research can help us better understand those varying experiences, which is crucial for improving diagnosis and treatment.

Interestingly, weve already seen that Clue users with a confirmed PCOS diagnosis use the 'Feelings' tracking category most often. Yet another reason for more research is to understand better how our bodies and minds are intricately linked.

Over the summer, we launched a collaboration with Headspace to empower people to take control of their mental health as they navigate various stages of their cycle. By combining Clue's leading cycle tracking insights and predictions with Headspace's expert mental health resources, we can support our members as they navigate changes throughout their cycle and manage stress and feelings of everyday anxiety associated with managing health conditions or big life changes like trying to conceive, pregnancy, and perimenopause.

Many individuals experience frustration when trying to get a PCOS diagnosis or access treatment. How is Clue contributing to improving this journey through its research or tools within the app?

We're tackling the diagnosis challenge in several ways. First, our app helps users track and document their symptoms, creating a detailed cycle health record they can show to their doctors. We hear from many users that they show their Clue app data to their healthcare providers during their appointments to back up their experiences with clear data.

Weve also developed comprehensive educational content specifically about PCOS, to help users understand potential symptoms and know what topics to discuss with their healthcare providers. Additionally, our tracking features are designed to flag atypical cycle patterns or changes, encouraging users to seek professional medical advice when appropriate.

The menstrual cycle tracking app that's pushing female health forward Play

The overlap between reproductive health conditions like PCOS and other metabolic or hormonal disorders can be complex. How does Clues data-driven approach help researchers and clinicians better understand these connections?

Thats right, PCOS is often associated with type 2 diabetes, infertility, cardiovascular disease, obesity, sleep apnea (disrupted breathing in sleep), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and depression. Getting a diagnosis and treatment early is important because it can help reduce these risks significantly.

Our comprehensive tracking options allow users to monitor multiple health markers simultaneously, helping them and their healthcare providers identify potential connections that may otherwise be missed. Along with PCOS diagnoses, users can also keep a record of other health conditions they may have. This allows us to look at the bigger picture and identify how those conditions and their symptoms may be linked.

For example, users can track their menstrual cycle alongside mood changes, skin issues, and energy levels, providing a more complete picture of how these factors might interact and if a condition like PCOS may be the issue.

Clue is not just a tool for tracking menstrual cycles but also a platform for empowering women to understand their health. How do you envision Clue evolving its role as both a consumer app and a research tool, particularly for those with conditions like PCOS?

Clue has already evolved to be much more than just a period tracker. Our goal is to be a comprehensive health companion through all changes and choices, from the first period to the last. While maintaining our category-leading cycle tracking, we're expanding and developing more sophisticated tracking features and support to help members navigate specific life stages and better manage issues and conditions.

Additionally, were constantly working on new research and making the findings as actionable and accessible as possible to our member community, healthcare providers, and decision-makers to help develop a broader scientific understanding of these conditions.

With your experience in leading transformative companies, how do you plan to navigate the intersection between consumer health technology and rigorous scientific research as Clue continues to expand its role in femtech?

We will always maintain the highest standards in both areas. Trust is fundamental to everything we do at Clue, and building evidence-based solutions is key to solving real user challenges. Ensuring our app remains user-friendly, trusted and accessible while upholding the most rigorous scientific standards in our research and medical-grade standards in our product development is non-negotiable for us. It's crucial that our scientific insights translate into practical features and content for our users.

Looking ahead, what are some upcoming milestones or research areas Clue is excited about, especially in relation to PCOS and other under-researched conditions in womens health?

Im particularly excited about several initiatives we have underway with researchers from top universities and research institutes that dig into understudied conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, PMDD and improve our understanding of and early symptom diagnostics for perimenopause.

Read More From Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech

Where can readers find more information?

Visit HelloClue.com for more information about the Clue app and to explore our menstrual health encyclopedia, which also contains the latest Clue research.

About Rhiannon White

Rhiannon White is an accomplished product leader known for her deep empathy and expertise in crafting exceptional software products and the teams that build them. As Chief Product Officer at Clue, she leads the development of a medical-grade reproductive health app that provides people with cycles personalized insights from their first period to their last. Her career spans a variety of industries and business models, including notable roles at Shazam, Vend, the BBC, and more.

Having worked in London, Silicon Valley, Auckland, and Berlin, Rhiannon brings a global perspective to understanding diverse customer needs. Outside of her professional achievements, she is the proud parent of three spirited and delightful children.
For many nursing home residents, a trip to the hospital can be a jarring experience - one that leaves them confused and stressed. Yet avoidable transfers happen far too often, not only disrupting a resident's routine but also costing the U.S. healthcare system $2.6 billion annually.

When researchers at the University of Missouri recently looked at the decision-making process for whether or not to transfer nursing home residents to the hospital, they quickly discovered that it's complicated - particularly for residents with cognitive impairment who may not be able to communicate their preferences.

Kimberly Powell, an assistant professor in the Sinclair School of Nursing, led a recent study that found nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias were more likely to have avoidable transfers to the hospital compared to residents without dementia. These transfers often stemmed from a mismatch between the care provided and the residents' personal preference.

Powell pointed to the increasingly popular Age-Friendly Health System Initiative, which focuses on aligning care with what matters most to patients, emphasizing patients' wishes and minimizing trauma and risk.

Not all residents with dementia can tell the nursing home staff they don't want to be transferred to the hospital, so our research highlights the importance of documenting advanced care planning for residents ahead of time. Having those conversations early and often - ideally when a resident might be in an earlier stage of disease progression and better able to communicate their desires and values - helps us honor them through the rest of their life." Kimberly Powell, assistant professor, Sinclair School of Nursing

For the study, Powell and her team analyzed data from the Missouri Quality Initiative, a $35 million program funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid that embedded advanced practice registered nurses full time into 16 Missouri nursing homes with higher hospitalization rates than the national average.

"For those with a progressive disease like Alzheimer's or dementia, we often find that they value having dignity later in life and being in a place that is comfortable while surrounded by people they know and love," Powell said. "We also found that increasing nursing home staff support, training and resources can help residents receive the care they need as they age while remaining in the nursing home. We ultimately want to better support the staff who work in nursing homes."

Ashley Woods, a doctoral student in the Sinclair School of Nursing and nurse practitioner at a hospital in New Mexico, encounters the issue firsthand.

"Sometimes, the patients' forms are marked 'do-not-transfer,' so there seems to be a disconnect about the best course of action," she said. "Those with dementia may experience a temporary episode of agitation in the nursing home, but by the time I see them in the hospital, everything looks good. Still, the transfers are often a traumatic and stressful experience for the residents and they don't often align with the priorities and goals of the patient."

Mentored by Powell, Woods' research builds on the findings by exploring how frequently nursing home care teams address pain in residents with dementia.

"The work Ashley is doing around pain is so important and clinically meaningful," Powell said. "Two-thirds of nursing home residents have cognitive impairment, and that number is only projected to grow in the years ahead, so this will become an increasingly relevant topic to monitor going forward. At the end of the day, we want the nursing home residents' goals, values and preferences to be put ahead of anything else."

"Untangling the complex web of avoidable nursing home-to-hospital transfers of residents with dementia" was published in Alzheimer's & Dementia. Funding for the study was provided by the National Institutes of Health. The interdisciplinary research team included collaborators from the School of Medicine, College of Arts and Science and the MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics.

Mizzou - a leading research university and member of the prestigious Association for American Universities - has a strong track record in researching avoidable hospitalizations, including:

1. A $1 million grant Powell earned in 2022 from the National Institutes of Health to see whether texting could be used by nursing home staff to speed up decision-making and prevent the decline of residents' health to ultimately reduce avoidable hospital transfers.

2. A 2022 study funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid that found Black nursing home residents and those under age 65 are more likely to have repeat transfers to the hospital.

3. A 2021 study that found Missouri nursing homes saved $32 million by reducing avoidable hospitalizations.
Interactions with friends and family may keep us healthy because they boost our immune system and reduce our risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.

Researchers from the UK and China drew this conclusion after studying proteins from blood samples taken from over 42,000 adults recruited to the UK Biobank. Their findings are published today in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

Social relationships play an important role in our wellbeing. Evidence increasingly demonstrates that both social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health and an early death. Despite this evidence, however, the underlying mechanisms through which social relationships impact health remain elusive.

One way to explore biological mechanisms is to look at proteins circulating in the blood. Proteins are molecules produced by our genes and are essential for helping our bodies function properly. They can also serve as useful drug targets, allowing researchers to develop new treatments to tackle diseases.

A team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, and Fudan University, China, examined the 'proteomes'  the suite of proteins  in blood samples donated by over 42,000 adults aged 40-69 years who are taking part in the UK Biobank. This allowed them to see which proteins were present in higher levels among people who were socially isolated or lonely, and how these proteins were connected to poorer health.

The team calculated social isolation and loneliness scores for individuals. Social isolation is an objective measure based on, for example, whether someone lives alone, how frequently they have contact with others socially, and whether they take part in social activities. Loneliness, on the other hand, is a subjective measure based on whether an individual feels lonely.

When they analyzed the proteomes and adjusted for factors such as age, sex and socioeconomic background, the team found 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins associated with loneliness (though there was substantial overlap, with approximately 85% of the proteins associated with loneliness being shared with social isolation). Many of these proteins are produced in response to inflammation, viral infection and as part of our immune responses, as well as having been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and early death.

The team then used a statistical technique known as Mendelian randomization to explore the causal relationship between social isolation and loneliness on the one hand, and proteins on the other. Using this approach, they identified five proteins whose abundance was caused by loneliness.

Dr. Chun Shen from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge and the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, said: "We know that social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health, but we've never understood why. Our work has highlighted a number of proteins that appear to play a key role in this relationship, with levels of some proteins in particular increasing as a direct consequence of loneliness.

There are more than 100,000 proteins and many of their variants in the human body. AI and high throughput proteomics can help us pinpoint some key proteins in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in many human diseases and revolutionise the traditional view of human health. The proteins we've identified give us clues to the biology underpinning poor health among people who are socially isolated or lonely, highlighting why social relationships play such an important part in keeping us healthy." Professor Jianfeng Feng, University of Warwick

One of the proteins produced in higher levels as a result of loneliness was ADM. Previous studies have shown that this protein plays a role in responding to stress and in regulating stress hormones and social hormones such as oxytocin  the so-called 'love hormone'  which can reduce stress and improve mood.

The team found a strong association between ADM and the volume of the insula, a brain hub for interoception, our ability to sense what's happening inside our body  the greater the ADM levels, the smaller the volume of this region. Higher ADM levels were also linked to lower volume of the left caudate, a region involved in emotional, reward, and social processes. In addition, higher levels of ADM were linked to increased risk of early death.

Another of the proteins, ASGR1, is associated with higher cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while other identified proteins play roles in the development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis ('furring' of the arteries) and cancer progression, for example.

Professor Barbara Sahakian from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge said: "These findings drive home the importance of social contact in keeping us well. More and more people of all ages are reporting feeling lonely. That's why the World Health Organization has described social isolation and loneliness as a 'global public health concern'. We need to find ways to tackle this growing problem and keep people connected to help them stay healthy."

The research was supported by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Shanghai Rising-Star Program, National Key R&D Program of China, Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project, 111 Project, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, and Zhangjiang Lab.
New study reveals how Twigstats uncovers ancient migrations and genetic shifts in Europe with unprecedented precision.

Study: High-resolution genomic history of early medieval Europe. Image Credit: Piyaset/Shutterstock.com

In a recent study published in Nature, researchers introduced Twigstats, a new time-stratified ancestry analysis, and applied it to ancient whole-genomes from Europe.

Background

Ancient genomic sequencing has revolutionized how expansions, admixture events, and migrations are reconstructed. Nevertheless, tracing history with genetic ancestry remains challenging, especially in periods for which the richest comparative information from archeology and history often exists.

Reconstructing ancestry models and genetic histories from ancient DNA (aDNA) commonly involves f-statistics-based methods.

Nonetheless, f-statistics does not always have the (statistical) power to reconstruct events involving closely related ancestries. Further, methods that identify haplotypes have more power than those using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers.

Such techniques have been used to enhance the detection of positive selection, demography, population structure, mutation rate changes, and geographical locations of ancestors.

The study and findings

In the present study, researchers introduced a time-stratified ancestry analysis to improve statistical power and applied it to reconstruct the genetic history of central and northern Europe from 500 BCE to 1000 CE. Instead of calculating f-statistics on observed mutations, the team computed f-statistics on the inferred branches of genealogies.

They developed a mathematical theory and simulated a simple admixture model to test this approach. Although computing f-statistics on genealogies did not substantially improve statistical power for quantifying admixture events, restricting to recent coalescences improved it.

Coalescences older than the time of divergence of sources only added noise to f-statistics and carried no information.

As such, the team implemented the idea of studying the twigs of gene trees in Twigstats, a tool that demonstrated a ten-fold reduction in standard errors in simulations. Simulations also confirmed that genealogy-based estimates were robust to phase-switch and sequencing errors. Next, the team tested this time-restricted genealogy approach on empirical examples.

By applying Twigstats to genomes from Neolithic Europe, they replicated the fine-scale structure between individuals buried in Irish megalithic structures.

Moreover, they obtained unbiased estimates for steppe populations, Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, and early farmers, the major ancestries contributing to prehistoric Europe. Next, the team sought to apply Twigstats to early medieval European history.

Developing an ancestry model for early medieval people required the characterization of ancestries of earlier sources from the Roman and early Iron Age (EIA) eras. They used the hierarchical unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) clustering and tested the cladality of proposed ancestry groups.

This yielded model ancestry sources, including Roman and Iron Age Britain, Iron Age Lithuania, Roman Italy, EIA Scandinavian peninsula, and Iron Age central European regions. Next, time transects were assembled using aDNA data across Europe to infer ancestry using a model with Roman or EIA sources. People with ancestry originating in Scandinavia or Germany appeared as early as the first century CE.

There were several shifts in ancestry in the region of present-day Poland. Between the middle and late Bronze Age (1500 BCE1000 BCE), there was a clear shift away from the preceding ancestry associated with Corded Ware cultures.

Between the first and fifth century CE, an additional shift away from the preceding Bronze Age groups was evident in people associated with the Wielbark culture.

Most individuals from medieval Poland could be modeled as a mixture of ancestries associated with Roman Iron Age Lithuania. In present-day Slovakia, individuals related to the La Tene period of the Iron Age were close to Hungarian Scythians.

Further, in present-day Hungary, several Scandinavian-related ancestry components were observed dating to the sixth century CE, associated with Longobards.

Several individuals from Longobards had no detectable ancestry from northern Europe but were more closely related to Iron Age groups from central Europe.

Southward expansions of central and northern European ancestries in Italy appeared by the late Antiquity period (around the fourth century CE) when clear diversification could be observed with preceding periods.

In Britain, individuals from the Roman and Iron Ages formed a cluster and shifted relative to preceding Bronze Age individuals from Orkney and Ireland.

Further, the researchers demonstrated that one earlier Roman individual from around the second to fourth century CE from the purported military or gladiator cemetery in York, England, carried about 25% EIA Scandinavian ancestry.

This meant that people of Scandinavian-related ancestries were already present in Britain before the fifth century CE. There was also evidence for genetic heterogeneity in EIA Scandinavia. People from Denmark (100 CE300 CE) were indistinguishable from contemporary populations in the Scandinavian peninsula.

Nevertheless, there was a clear shift in the eighth century CE (early Viking Age) in Zealand (present-day Denmark), which persisted among later Viking age groups in Denmark.

Conclusions

Taken together, Twigstats enabled fine-scale quantitative modeling of ancestral populations and revealed ancestry changes affecting central and northern Europe during the Iron, Roman, and Viking ages.

The study showed the southward and eastward expansion of people speaking Germanic languages with Scandinavian-related ancestry in the first half of the first Millennium CE.

Later, gene flow patterns turned northwards, with the spread of Iron Age central European ancestry into Scandinavia. Overall, this approach offers a higher-resolution lens for genetic history.
Blinkit Will Have To Comply With 'Law Of The Land': Piyush Goyal On 10-Minute Ambulance Service

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 17:07 IST

My only submission would be that Blinkit has to make sure that it meets the law of the land, and whatever other legal requirements should be properly taken care of, says Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

On 10-minute ambulance service by Blinkit, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says legal requirements should be properly taken care of.

A day after Zomato-owned quick commerce company Blinkit launched its 10-minute ambulance service, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said the company needs to make sure that the law of the land is followed and all legal requirements are taken care of properly.

At a briefing, Goyal told reporters, as reported by news agency ANI, As regards Blinkit with ambulance service or medicines being delivered, my only submission would be that they have to make sure that they meet the law of the land, and whatever other legal requirements should be properly taken care of. No laws of the land should be broken."

related stories

Blinkit on Thursday introduced its 10-minute ambulance services, under which it will provide ambulance service at the patients doorstep in about 10 minutes. To start with, five ambulances hit the road in Gurugram.

Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa announced, Our ambulances are equipped with essential life-saving equipment, including oxygen cylinders, AED (Automated External Defibrillator), stretcher, monitor, suction machine, and essential emergency medicines and injections."

Each ambulance has a paramedic, an assistant and a trained driver to make sure we are able to deliver the highest quality of service in time of need, he added.

Profit is not a goal here. We will operate this service at an affordable cost for customers and invest in really solving this critical problem for the long term," he said.

The company already provides products like food items, cosmetics and beauty products, daily essentials, pet care products, etc, as a quick commerce service.

Meanwhile, Piyush Goyal on Friday also met stakeholders from the electric vehicle (EV) sector and discussed various issues, including development of battery charging and swapping infrastructure, according to a PTI report citing an official.

Officials from Department of Heavy Industries, and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) also attended the meeting.

Representatives from Tata, TVS and Mercedes-Benz India participated in the deliberations.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The interaction was on development of battery charging and swapping infrastructure," the official said.

According to an industry official, certain issues were raised on the location of swapping stations and charging infrastructure, and standards.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 16:47 IST
EPFO ATM Card And Mobile App: Launch Date, Withdrawal Limits Revealed

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 12:12 IST

While the EPFO ATM card will not allow employees to withdraw their entire contribution, users can now withdraw funds without prior EPFO approval. This will simplify the process compared to earlier requirements

The new process will centralise the entire system, simplifying the claim settlement process. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

Union Labour and Employment Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, has stated that preparations are underway to provide a new Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) mobile application and debit card facility to EPFO subscribers by May-June of this year.

The Union Minister stated that work on EPFO 2.0, which involves upgrading the entire IT system, is currently underway and is expected to be finished by the end of January. Following this, the EPFO 3.0 app will be launched by May-June, offering banking facilities to EPFO subscribers. Notably, this will centralise the entire system, simplifying the claim settlement process.

related stories

Talks Continue Between RBI and Finance Ministry

According to sources in the Ministry of Labour, discussions are ongoing between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Finance Ministry to provide banking facilities to EPFO subscribers through EPFO 3.0. If implemented, this initiative would allow subscribers to access debit cards and withdraw EPFO funds from ATMs.

What will be the withdrawal limit?

It is important to note that obtaining an ATM card will not grant subscribers access to withdraw their entire contribution amount. A withdrawal limit is expected to be established. However, the positive aspect is that withdrawals within this limit will not necessitate prior permission from the EPFO, as was previously the case. This initiative by the government will greatly benefit EPFO subscribers, relieving them from the burden of cumbersome form-filling and eliminating the need for office visits.

Significant increase in employment opportunities

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that during the Narendra Modi governments tenure from 2014 to 2024, 17.19 crore individuals secured employment. This figure represents a sixfold increase compared to the employment figures during the UPA governments term.

The Union Minister further highlighted that in the most recent year (20232024) alone, approximately 4.6 crore jobs were created nationwide. Regarding the agricultural sector, he noted that employment declined by 16 per cent between 2004 and 2014 during the UPAs tenure. Conversely, under the NDA government, agricultural employment witnessed a 19 per cent increase between 2014 and 2023.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 12:12 IST
Borrowing in 2025? Here's Why It Has Got Tougher To Juggle Multiple Loans

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 15:13 IST

The Reserve Bank of India has rolled out a new rule requiring banks and financial institutions to update credit records every 15 days instead of once a month.

With the latest RBI rules, a missed payment could affect your credit score sooner than before, potentially impacting your ability to borrow in the future.

Starting January 1, borrowing from multiple lenders will become a lot harder. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rolled out a new rule requiring banks and financial institutions to update credit records every 15 days instead of once a month. This move aims to give lenders a clearer picture of your financial health, making it tougher for borrowers to over-leverage themselves with multiple loans.

Whats Changing?

related stories

Until now, lenders updated your credit information with credit bureaus once a month. This meant there could be a gap of up to 40 days before a missed payment or a new loan reflected in your credit score. Under the new system, your financial activity will show up in the records within two weeks.

This ensures lenders have a clearer, more current view of a borrowers credit behaviour," said Sachin Seth, Chairman of CRIF High Mark, a credit information company, as quoted by The Times of India. He added that it also helps prevent delays in reflecting defaults or payments, which improves the quality of credit evaluations.

Equated monthly instalments (EMIs) are scheduled on various dates across the month. A once-a-month reporting cycle could delay reflecting defaults or payments for up to 40 days, resulting in outdated data for credit evaluations. Switching to a 15-day reporting cycle would significantly reduce these delays. More frequent updates allow lenders to capture defaults or payments more accurately and closer to real-time," said Seth,, according to TOI.

Why This Matters for Borrowers

If youve ever taken out multiple loans, you know how easy it can be to lose track of payments. But, frequent updates mean lenders will now have a more real-time snapshot of your financial activity.

For example, someone who takes personal loans from multiple lenders  often exceeding their repayment capacity  will now have their borrowing history reflected faster in the credit system. This reduces the chances of new loans being approved while older ones remain unpaid.

In a recent interview with TOI, SBI Chairman C S Setty highlighted the risks of over-borrowing and said new-to-credit borrowers sometimes take loans from multiple lenders, sometimes more than they can repay. This (the new system) is likely to tone down multiple borrowings by the same individual," he said.

A Step Towards Responsible Borrowing

The updated reporting cycle also targets risky financial practices like evergreening", where people use new loans to cover old defaults without the system catching on. By cutting the reporting cycle in half, lenders can detect such behavior faster, reducing the risk of bad loans.

What Should Borrowers Do?

For borrowers, this means its more important than ever to keep track of repayments. A missed payment could affect your credit score sooner than before, potentially impacting your ability to borrow in the future.

On the flip side, if youre diligent about repaying your loans, this system could work in your favour. Positive behaviour, like timely EMI payments, will reflect more quickly in your credit report, improving your credit score.

Why Its Good News for the Economy

Frequent credit updates arent just a win for lenders  they also make the credit ecosystem healthier. With better data, banks can lend more responsibly, reducing the chances of defaults and financial instability.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Globally, many advanced economies already use more frequent credit reporting. By adopting this practice, India is aligning its financial system with global standards.

As borrowing becomes more transparent, both lenders and borrowers stand to benefit. But, for anyone planning to take out loans in 2025, its time to be extra mindful of your financial commitments.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 15:06 IST
BPSC Exam Row: Pappu Yadav's Supporters Block Railway Tracks, Prashant Kishor On Hunger Strike

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:08 IST

BPSC Row: Supporters of independent MP Pappu Yadav staged a rail blockade on Friday to demand the cancellation of the BPSC 70th CCE Exam.

BPSC Exam Protest: Pappu Yadav's Supporters Block Tracks, Kishor on Hunger Strike. (Image: PTI)

In Bihars capital, Patna, aspirants continue their protest, demanding a re-examination of the BPSC exam. Supporters of independent MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, staged a rail blockade at a station on Friday to press for the cancellation of the BPSC 70th CCE Exam.

On Thursday, Pappu Yadav announced a statewide blockade of national highways, state highways, and rail services. The Chhatra Yuva Shakti organisation initiated the call for the blockade in support of BPSC candidates, which Pappu Yadav endorsed. He urged all student organisations to take to the streets and join the protest.

related stories

Protesters Block Railway Tracks, Cause Train Delays

Protesters gathered at the Sachiwalay Halt Railway Station and sat on the tracks briefly, causing delays in train movements, an official said.

Protesters stopped the Buxar-Fatuha passenger train at Sachiwalay Halt Station around 9 am on Friday. The train was delayed for 20 minutes before it resumed its journey," said East Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Saraswati Chandra to PTI.

Annu Kumari, DSP of Secretariat Police Station, told reporters, The individuals blocking the train have been persuaded, and we have successfully cleared the tracks. We are informing them that their actions are inappropriate, and they are being removed from the site."

Prashant Kishors Hunger Strike For BPSC Exam Cancellation

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor started a hunger strike on Thursday, demanding the cancellation of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13. His protest is taking place at Gandhi Maidan, just a few kilometres from Gardani Bagh, where civil service aspirants have been protesting continuously for nearly two weeks.

Authorities have declared Kishors hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan illegal" as it is not a designated protest site. The district police filed an FIR against him and others involved in the demonstration on Thursday.

Kishor reiterated his demand for a re-examination and claimed that posts filled through the exam were allegedly put on sale." He urged authorities to identify and punish corrupt officials.

Student Groups Join BPSC Protest

The CPI(ML) Liberation announced that its student wing AISA, along with other organisations, would stage a demonstration outside the Chief Ministers residence to demand action from Nitish Kumar on the matter.

BPSC Denies Paper Leak Allegations, Orders Retest

Over five lakh candidates appeared for the December 13 BPSC exam, but hundreds at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre boycotted the test, alleging a question paper leak. The BPSC dismissed the allegations as a conspiracy but ordered a retest for more than 10,000 candidates who appeared at that centre.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The rescheduled exam for affected candidates will take place on January 4 at 22 newly designated centres in Patna.

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 13:06 IST
Top Scholarships For International Students To Study In The USA

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 20:24 IST

Scholarships are a great way for students to study in the US, helping ease financial stress while rewarding hard work and academic success.

Check these scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA.

Studying in the United States is a dream for many students worldwide, with prestigious universities like Harvard, MIT and Stanford leading the way. However, the high cost of tuition and living expenses can be a barrier. Scholarships offer a great solution, easing the financial burden and rewarding academic excellence.

Scholarships To Study At US Universities:

related stories

Heres a list of some of the top scholarships available for studying in the USA:

Tata Scholarship: Provided by The Tata Education and Development Trust, it offers scholarships for undergraduate students at Cornell University. This scholarship aims to ease the financial burden for academically exceptional students preparing for a successful future. The Tata Scholarship includes a $25 million endowment for Indian undergraduate students. The scholarship amount, which covers tuition and annual course fees, is awarded each year for the four-year programme.

AAUW International Fellowships: This scholarship is for female students wishing to study in the US. It is available to those pursuing graduate or postgraduate degrees and can be granted for up to five years. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to empowering other women and girls. Candidates must be non-citizens or permanent residents of the US.

Fulbright Scholarship: This is the largest educational scholarship initiative globally, operating between the US and more than 150 countries. India has one of the largest Fulbright Programmes, with nearly 20,000 fellowships and scholarships awarded. This scholarship is available to international students applying for masters or doctoral degrees. It covers living expenses, tuition and medical bills, enabling recipients to stay in the US for up to a year.

International Education Financial Aid: High school students can apply for summer scholarships through Abbey Road Inc.s IEFA programme. This scholarship is open to students aged 14 to 18 who have shown success in extracurricular activities.

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Programme: This scholarship is available to students enrolled in masters or doctoral degree programmes. It is aimed at minority students or residents who face challenges with English. The initiative covers tuition, monthly expenditures, and living expenses.

Candidates fluent in English must take the Internet-based Test (iBT) of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Additionally, the programme offers a Long-Term English (LTE) language training option to encourage applicants from rural areas, minority groups, and others with great potential but lacking language proficiency.

ALSO READ: Bachelors Degree Courses In IITs Other Than BTech

YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (Non-Government Scholarship): This scholarship and social media campaign aimed to welcome international students to the US higher education system. It covers at least 50% of non-resident tuition fees for the first year. If the student maintains high academic standing, the scholarship may be renewed for a second year.

It cannot be combined with other merit-based awards. Eligible candidates must be first-year international students with an F-1 student visa, enrolled in a participating US university, and demonstrate a desire for cross-cultural education and interaction.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Presidential Scholarship: Awarded annually by the Board of Admissions, it is granted to new students with exceptional academic achievements. Presidential Scholars excel not only academically but also in leadership and community involvement. Around 160 students are selected each year for the Presidential Scholarship at Lawrence Technological University.

Candidates interested in applying should visit the official websites of the respective scholarships for more information.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 20:24 IST
UCEED 2025 Admit Card Released At uceed.iitb.ac.in, Direct Link To Download Here

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 14:33 IST

UCEED 2025 Exam: Candidates will be able to download their UCEED 2025 hall tickets using their registration number and password.

UCEED 2025 exam will be held on January 19, 2025 in a single shift from 9 am to 12 noon.

UCEED 2025 Admit Card: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay will release the admit cards for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) 2025 today, January 3. Candidates who have registered for the exam can download the UCEED 2025 admit card through the official website- uceed.iitb.ac.in/2025/

IIT Bombay will conduct the UCEED 2025 exam on January 9, 2025. Candidates will be required to carry their hall tickets along with a government-issued identity proof to the examination centre.

related stories

Steps To Download UCEED 2025 Admit Card

Candidates will be able to download their UCEED 2025 hall tickets using their registration number and password.

Step 1: Visit the official website  uceed.iitb.ac.in

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the UCEED 2025 admit card link

Step 3: Now enter your registration number and password

Step 4: Click on the login button and your UCEED 2025 admit card will appear on the screen

Step 5: Download the admit card and take a printout

UCEED 2025 Exam

According to the official schedule, the UCEED 2025 exam will be held on January 19, 2025 in a single shift from 9 am to 12 noon. The question paper will consist of two parts: Part A and Part B. It is compulsory to attempt questions from both parts for 300 marks. The question paper will be in English only.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Part A: This part will be administered through a computer-based test and the candidates will be given 2 hours to attend the exam. Part A carries 200 marks out of 300.

Part B: It will consist of two questions to test the candidates drawing skills and design aptitude. The questions in Part B will be displayed on the computer screen, and the answer must be written/drawn in the answer book provided by the invigilator. Candidates will have 1 hour to attend the questions for 100 marks.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 13:50 IST
AAP Trolls Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva Amid Reports He Won't Contest Polls

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 16:37 IST

The AAP put up a poster on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) mocking Sachdeva. The poster showed him in Milkha Singhs avatar similar to the character in Bollywood film Bhag Milkha Bhag.

The partys Delhi unit also took a dig on the BJP leader with the caption saying, Kya Hua, Darr gye? (Image: X/ @AAPDELHI)

Amid the intensified poster war between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, the former on Sunday targeted Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva after the reports emerged that he wont contest the upcoming polls.

The AAP put up a poster on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) mocking Sachdeva. The poster showed him in Milkha Singhs avatar similar to the character in Bollywood film Bhag Milkha Bhag. The partys Delhi unit also took a dig on the BJP leader with the caption saying, Kya Hua, Darr gye?" (What happenedare you scared).

related stories

Will Sachdeva Contest Elections?

As per the media reports, the Delhi BJP chief unlikely to contest the upcoming assembly elections. He reportedly conveyed his decision to the BJP leadership, saying that he would instead focus on ensuring the partys success across all 70 constituencies in Delhi.

Earlier, while speaking to News18, he didnt explicitly clear his stance on contesting the polls and said that his focus is to focus and win all the 70 seats of the Delhi assembly. We have a process. We follow the process in every election. The list can be expected in a day or two. Individual is not important. It is the party that is important. My responsibility is to win all 70 seats. This is my responsibility."

Addressing party workers earlier this week, Sachdeva clarified his stance, dismissing earlier speculation that he might contest from Krishna Nagar or Vishwas Nagar constituencies.

The BJP is yet to unveil its candidate list for the Delhi polls while the AAP has already announced its candidates across all constituencies.

BJP-AAP Poster Wargame

The BJP and the AAP have been aggressive against each other via posters and words, accusing each other of adding fake voters to manipulate electoral outcomes. Earlier, BJP put up in a social media post with a poster of Kejriwal and claimed the former Delhi Chief Minister had launched a new game in Delhi" to save power by rigging votes".

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The AAP countered the BJPs accusations by sharing a video of Kejriwal labeled G.O.A.T" (greatest of all time), in an attempt to dismiss the allegations.

Delhi Assembly polls are scheduled to be held in February next year. The term of the current Delhi Assembly will end on February 15, 2025.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 16:32 IST
'AAPDa': PM Modi Sounds Poll Bugle In Delhi, Coins New Term For AAP Govt; Arvind Kejriwal Responds

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 16:24 IST

PM Modi addressed the people of the national capital, saying the AAP has descended upon Delhi like an "Aapda" (disaster).

PM Narendra Modi addresses a rally in Delhi. (Image: X/BJP4India)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a jibe at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, calling it AAPda, which translates to disaster, sounding Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) poll bugle ahead of Assembly Elections. While laying the foundation stone of and inaugurating various development works in Delhi, PM Modi addressed the people of the national capital, saying the AAP has descended upon Delhi like an Aapda" (disaster).

For the past 10 years, Delhi has been surrounded by a big aapda (disaster). By putting Anna Hazare in the forefront, some bigoted and dishonest people pushed Delhi into a disaster. Scam in liquor shops, scam in childrens schools, scam in treatment of poor people, scam in the name of recruitments, these people used to talk about development of Delhi, but these people have attacked Delhi by becoming a disaster," PM Modi said.

related stories

AAP has descended upon Delhi like an Aapda (disaster).These people openly engage in corruption and even celebrate it. Its nothing but ,    AAP, the Aapda, has befallen Delhi. Thats why the people of Delhi have launched a war against this disaster. pic.twitter.com/cZSUSHBRRV  BJP (@BJP4India) January 3, 2025

I want to give the benefit of Ayushman Bharat scheme which provides free medical treatment facility to the people of Delhi. The AAP-da government has a big enmity towards the people of Delhi. Ayushman Yojana is implemented in the whole country, but the AAP-da is not allowing this scheme to be implemented here (Delhi). The people of Delhi are suffering due to this," PM Modi added.

Reiterating the BJPs slogan for Delhi polls, Ab nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge (we wont tolerate now, we will change it), the Prime Minister said, The people of Delhi have started a war against the AAPda. The voters of Delhi are determined to free Delhi from AAPda. The voter is saying  Aapda ko nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge (we wont tolerate disaster, we will change it)."

Addressing the public rally, PM Modi also targetted former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal, and said, Main bhi koi sheesh mahal bana sakta tha(I could have also build a palace of mirrors)"

Even after Independence, such works (New Education Policy) were not done, lekin aapke sevak ne kar diya (but your servant has done it)," PM Modi said.

Arvind Kejriwal Responds

Reacting to PM Modis AAPDa jibe, Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal said, Aapda BJP mein hai, Delhi mein nahi (disaster has hit BJP, not Delhi)."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

He added that the BJP is dealing with three disasters as of now. First, they dont have a CM face. second, they dont have an issue to fight elections on and third, they dont have a narrative," Kejriwal said.

Hitting out at PM Modi over Ayushman Bharat claims, Kejriwal said the AAP governments Sanjeevani Yojana covered every single person in Delhi irrespective of their economic status, unlike the Central Governments scheme.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 14:42 IST
PM Promised Pucca Ghar For All By 2022, Delivered Only 4,700 In Delhi: Kejriwal

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 19:29 IST

AAP chief and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: They [BJP] are facing three kinds of aapda  lack of CM face, lack of narrative and lack of agenda."

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi CM Atishi at the press conference, in New Delhi, on Friday. (PTI)

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a series of attacks on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its supremo Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi chief minister came out with numbers against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government, saying they failed to deliver what they promised in 2020.

The PM inaugurated and handed over keys of 1,675 newly constructed flats for the dwellers of JJ clusters at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar, Delhi. In his speech, he also targeted the ruling AAP in Delhi.

related stories

Within hours, Kejriwal came out with the Sankalp Patra of the BJP from 2020 where the PM had promised pucca houses for all by 2022. Today, close to 1,700 keys were handed over and before that 3,000 more houses were given, Kejriwal said.

In five years, only 4,700 houses were built. Delhi has four lakh jhuggis and 15 lakh people are living in them This sankalp patra seems to be for 200 years and not five Contrary to what was promised, they demolished 2,78,796 houses in DelhiThe PM promised pucca makaan but cheated the people," he said.

Kejriwal said if the BJP is elected in the upcoming assembly polls in Delhi, nobody will get any pucca flats, and their existing houses, too, will be demolished by 2030. Three colleges were also gifted to Delhi, but these are not built, he said, adding the AAP gave three functional universities to the city.

He (Modi) gave a speech of 43 minutes and for 39 minutes, he abused the people of Delhi and the majority government elected by them. In 2015, two governments were elected for Delhi, as it is a half state (BJP for centre and AAP for the city)If you ask me, what I have done for this city in the past 10 years, it will take several hours to list. If they had done any work, there would have been no need to abuse us. Those who work, list it, others use abuse as a weapon," Kejriwal said.

The former CM said the PM should have done much more work than they could do with lesser power and money. The city will be heading for assembly polls in the next few weeks.

PM Modi launches Sheeshmahal jibe on AAP convenor Arvind KejriwalHe further accuses the Delhi Government of blocking Ayushman Bharat Scheme@AmanKayamHai_ and @_pallavighosh share more details@akankshaswarups | #DelhiAssemblyElection2025 #AAPDelhi #BJP pic.twitter.com/wUIG77UYFH News18 (@CNNnews18) January 3, 2025

AAP-DA IN BJP

Reacting to Modis AAPada for Delhi jibe, Kejriwal said the crisis is not in Delhi but for the BJP.

They are facing three kinds of aapda  lack of CM face, lack of narrative and lack of agenda. The real aapda in Delhi is the law and order situation that Amit Shah (Union Home Minister) could not see. Daily gangsters are firing bullets, women feel unsafe, businessmen are unsafe. I request the PM that he should tell Shah that if he gets time from forming and breaking the governments, he should focus on the law and order situation in Delhi," Kejriwal said.

HE LIVES IN RS 2,700-CRORE HOUSE, SHOULDNT TALK ABOUT SHEESHMAHAL

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The PM attacked Kejriwal and his former official residence as the Chief Minister of Delhi, saying Modi never built a home for himself but has built more than four crore houses for the poor.

Reacting to this, Kejriwal said it doesnt sound right when he who lives in a Rs 2,700-crore home and wears suits worth Rs 10 lakh talks about sheesh mahal".

First Published: January 03, 2025, 19:19 IST
Nimisha Priya Case: What Is Diya Or Blood Money And Who Decides The Amount?

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 19:15 IST

According to reports, Iran may help the Indian woman humanitarian grounds. Iran wields influence over Yemen's Houthi rebels. They see this episode as an opportunity to strengthen ties with India

Hopes are now pinned on blood money, which could see Priya pardoned by providing compensation to the victim's family. (News18 Malayalam)

The death penalty case of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya in Yemen for killing her partner has once again come to limelight. While the death penalty was decided some time ago, the matter has resurfaced in headlines following recent approval of the death sentence by the President of Yemen.

The Indian Foreign Ministry has stated its intention to make every possible effort in this matter. Hopes are now pinned on blood money, which could see Priya pardoned by providing compensation to the victims family.

related stories

Meanwhile, Iran has also pledged to provide all possible help to Priya on humanitarian grounds. However, questions remain about the nature of blood money and the extent to which the Iranian governments assistance will be impactful in this case.

Nimisha is accused of killing her Yemeni business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. Nimishas husband had previously opened a clinic in Sanaa with Mahdi. However, after the couple returned to Kerala, only Nimisha was able to go back to Yemen. Nimishas family claimed that Mahdi exploited this situation, withholding both Nimishas share of the clinics profits and her passport.

In 2020, a lower court sentenced Nimisha to death. This sentence was upheld by the Supreme Judicial Council in 2023, though the option of blood money remained available. Recently, Yemens President, Rashad al-Alimi, approved the punishment, bringing the possibility of blood money into the headlines.

What is blood money?

Although the provision of the death penalty has been halted in many Islamic countries, it is still practised in some. However, a provision for blood money exists alongside this punishment. Blood money is a system in which someone accused of murder can be forgiven the death penalty only if they pay a certain amount as compensation to the victims family.

Sharia law and the Quran

According to the principle of Diya in Sharia law, the decision to accept blood money rests solely with the victims family, specifically the heirs. The Quran is often cited in support of this principle, but it does not specify a fixed amount for compensation. While some countries have established a minimum amount, in many places, the sum is determined through negotiations between the accused and the victims family.

Nimishas family is in contact with the victims family to seek a pardon and prevent her death sentence through the payment of blood money. Nimishas husband, Tommy Thommal, formerly residing in Sanaa but currently working as a driver in Kerala, is actively involved in these efforts. Priyas mother, based in Sanaa, is also dedicated to this cause and has sought assistance from the Indian government.

How did the Indian government help?

Earlier this year, the Indian government allocated $ 40,000 (i.e. Rs 34 lakh) to save Nimisha. However, Nimishas family may now need $ 3-4 lakh (i.e. Rs 2.57 to Rs 3.34 crore). Following the Yemeni Presidents approval of the punishment, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its full cooperation in the matter.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

What is Irans offer?

Irans offer of assistance to Nimisha comes even before the Indian government has issued a statement regarding further help. According to the Times of India, Iranian officials have stated that Iran may be able to help Nimisha on humanitarian grounds. Iran supports the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who control most of the country, including the capital, Sanaa. It is believed that the Iranian government views this situation as an opportunity to revive India-Iran relations and bilateral trade. Iran desires India to maintain relations and trade despite sanctions, similar to Indias approach with Russia.

Location : Yemen

First Published: January 03, 2025, 19:15 IST
What Does Sambhals Shahi Jama Masjid Survey Report Submitted To UP Court Contain? Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 11:15 IST

Advocate commissioner Ramesh Singh Raghav submitted a three-page covering letter along with the 45-page survey report. The report has 60 pictures taken during the survey and videography content

Four people died in the violence that erupted in Sambhal after a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was conducted. (PTI Image)

A detailed survey report on Sambhals Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh, which was at the centre of a legal dispute following claims of the existence of a Hindu temple at the same location, has been submitted in the Chandausi court.

The report covers videography from all angles and was compiled during the survey conducted on November 19 and November 24.

related stories

Court Commissioner Ramesh Singh Raghav, appointed as the advocate on the case, told media after submitting the report that The survey was conducted according to the directions of the court and the complete report, including videography, has been submitted to the Civil Judge Senior Division in a sealed envelope."

What Do We Know About The Report?

Advocate commissioner Raghav also submitted a three-page covering letter along with the 45-page survey report. The report has 60 pictures taken during the survey and videography content. Raghav also submitted around four hours of videography of the survey in a pen drive.

Sambhal district government counsel Prince Sharma said due to the Supreme Courts order, the report cannot be disclosed. Only after the top courts order, any further decision will be taken in the case," he said, as mentioned in a report by Hindustan Times.

What Happened In Sambhal?

Four people had died in Sambhal after communities protested the second survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 in connection with a petition that claimed that the Harihar temple was demolished to build the mosque in 1526. The survey order was passed by the court of Civil Judge (Senior Division), Sambhal at Chandausi, Aditya Singh.

Protesters gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid and clashed with the police. They torched vehicles and pelted stones at the police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. Images were shared on social media that showed protesters throwing stones at the police from atop buildings and in front of Shahi Jama Masjid.

A case was registered against Samajwadi Party (SP) MP from Sambhal, Zia Ur Rahman, for inciting people to violence. A case of electricity theft has also been registered against him.

SP president Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of deliberately instigating violence in Sambhal and called it a conspiratorial" party. The Sambhal incident was deliberately caused by the BJP government. The administration in Sambhal killed innocent people. The administration and officials are working under pressure," he had said.

The BJP, however, dismissed the violence as a pre-planned" attack, claiming it was provoked by opposition forces who were unhappy with the partys growing influence, particularly after its success in the Uttar Pradesh assembly by-polls.

What Is The Shahi Jama Masjid Case?

Jama Masjid is a protected monument" notified on December 22, 1920 under Section 3, sub-section (3) of Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. It has been declared as Monument of National importance and figures on the website of ASI, Agra circle Moradabad division" in the list of centrally protected monuments.

The petitioners, eight of them, claim that the Jama Masjid Committee is forcibly and unlawfully" using the centuries-old Shri Hari Har Temple" dedicated to Lord Kalki in Sambhal.

According to the petition, Sambhal is a historical city and holds unique significance deeply rooted in Hindu Shastras, according to which it is sacred site where an incarnation of Lord Vishnu known as Kalki manifest in the future, a Divine figure yet to make an appearance".

The petition also said the Hindu scriptures confirm that in ancient times a unique Vigrah consisting of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva emerged and due to this reason, it is called Shri Hari Har temple. It says that Shri Hari Har temple of Sambhal was made by Lord Vishwakarma Himself in the beginning of the universe".

The petitioners argued that Babar who invaded India in 1526 AD destroyed a number of Hindu temples to show how powerful Islam was and to make Hindus fell that they are subjects of the Islamic ruler".

They also criticised the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) for failing to control the subject property and not taking any action". The officers of ASI are silent spectators and they have succumbed to the pressure exerted by members of Muslim community," the petition said, as quoted by The Indian Express.

The petitioners have asked that the court allows them to access the Shri Hari Har Temple  the alleged Jama Masjid". They have also sought a permanent injunction restraining the defendants, their officers, workers and every person acting under them to create any hurdle".

Meanwhile, the Shahi Jama Masjid management committee has blamed the local authorities and the police for the violence. Zafar Ali, the president of the mosques management committee, accused the district magistrate of ordering the mosques survey unlawfully. He claimed that the survey was not conducted under court orders but was a directive from the local administration, and blamed officials, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Circle Officer, for their role in the incident.

What Are The Restrictions In Sambhal?

Ahead of todays Friday prayers (Jumma Namaz), the administration has deployed PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) around the Jama Masjid.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Last Friday, immediately after the prayers, the administration initiated the construction of a police outpost in front of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Thus, strict police surveillance has been enforced in several sensitive areas of Sambhal today.

The district administration had imposed prohibitory orders in response to the violence, barring the entry of outsiders until November 30. Additionally, internet services were suspended in Sambhal tehsil, and schools were closed. A magisterial probe was also ordered to investigate the incident.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 10:24 IST
Why Government Schools Saw Low Enrolment Post Pandemic, UDISE+ Report Explained

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 14:12 IST

Bihar and UP saw the biggest decline in school enrolments, as per UDISE+ government report. The main reason is that the economy has recovered and the working class, which had gone to their native states during the pandemic, has migrated back to cities for work

The enrolment in government schools has seen a significant decrease of 88 lakh students -- 12.74 crore in 2023-24 and 13.62 crore in 2022-23. (Representational Photo)

School enrolment has seen a significant drop for the academic session 2023-2024, especially post Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report that was released by the government.

Government schools across the country were at the receiving end compared with their private counterparts, which have still seen an uptick in admissions.

related stories

Whats the reason behind low enrolments and where does the data come from? Lets understand the issue.

What Is UDISE+?

UDISE+ is a platform where states directly feed data on different parameters of school education, including enrolment, number of teachers and schools, social categories, infrastructure and the different levels of education.

It is a crucial tool to track enrolment in schools from pre-primary to secondary stages. The data collection and publishing of reports started in the year 2018-19 by the Union Ministry of Education (MoE). The data covers all types of schools including government, government-aided, private and private-unaided.

What Does The Data Indicate?

According to the 2023-24 report, overall 24.8 crore students enrolled in schools, which was a drop of 37 lakh students from the 2022-23 academic session when the total number of students enrolled was 25.18 crore.

This is a six-year low as all the previous years since 2018-19, the average total enrolment stood at 26.36 crore.

The enrolment in government schools has seen a significant decrease of 88 lakh students  12.74 crore in 2023-24 and 13.62 crore in 2022-23.

On the contrary, private school enrolments saw an increase in 2023-24, with over 9 crore students as compared to 8.4 crore in 2022-23, indicating a shift after the pandemic. This means students who joined government schools under financial constraints during the pandemic were enrolling to private institutions.

Which States Have Seen A Drop In Govt School Admissions?

While overall enrolment has remained low this year across states, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka saw a steep decline in 2023-24. Bihar and UP, from where most migration take place, saw the biggest enrolment decline of 28.92 lakh and 21.49 lakh, respectively.

Other states lagging in school enrolments were Rajasthan (8.68 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (4.24 lakh), Karnataka (3.15 lakh), Telangana (2.29 lakh), Haryana (2.30 lakh).

The decline in enrolment in government schools is only indicative of the fact that the economy has recovered and the working class that had gone back to their native states have migrated back to cities for work," said an official in the UP education department, who didnt wish to be named.

The report also stated from the year 2022-23, a new methodology of data collection was used, which does not allow duplication" or ghost-entries" of both students and teachers.

For the first time, student-wise data from academic year 2022-23 has been collected from all recognised schools in the country through UDISE+. This makes the data incomparable to previous years," the report stated.

Why It Matters?

The new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims for 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030.

GER refers to enrolment in a specific level of education regardless of age expressed as a percentage of the eligible official school-age population. This is done to ensure that no child is left out of the education system due to any circumstance.

One of the primary goals of the school system must be to ensure that all children are enrolled and are attending classes.

NEP recommends achieving universal participation in school by tracking of students and their learning levels in order to ensure that they are enrolled in, and are attending school; and have suitable opportunities to catch up in case they were left behind or dropped out.

What Are The Disparities Seen Among States?

In states such as UP, MP, Assam, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, the percentage of schools available is more than the percentage of student enrolment, implying underutilisation" of resources leading to suboptimal economy to scale, the data showed.

While in states like Telangana, Punjab, West Bengal, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Bihar, the percentage of available schools is significantly less than the percentage of students enrolled, indicating more students per school, the report said.

Availability of right mix of schools at all levels being a supply variable in education system largely influences the demand factor.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The report also highlighted that though a large number of primary schools were established post Right To Education, the increase did not happen at secondary and higher secondary levels, leading to large-scale dropouts.

Though the Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) is still at a higher level than prescribed in the RTE in few states, especially at the secondary level. It is observed that Chandigarh and Delhi have the highest number of students per school with PTR within the RTE norm indicating optimum utilisation of school infrastructure. On the other hand, in states such as Assam, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Odisha, students per school are significantly low indicating the need for optimisation of schools infrastructure," the report added.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 14:07 IST
Atul Subhash, Puneet Khurana Cases Signs Of A Deeper Reality? 'MenToo' Debate Demystified

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 11:22 IST

The deaths by suicide of techie Atul Subhash and cafe owner Puneet Khurana have prompted a widespread debate on social media not only about "men's rights", but also on cruelty and maintenance laws in India

Delhi businessman Puneet Khurana (L) died by suicide on New Year's Eve; Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash recorded a 90-minute video before his death. (Image: News18)

MenToo", JusticeForAtulSubhash", legal genocide of men", national commission for men", men are not ATMs"  social media has been filled with these hashtags and phrases for almost a month now, with massive outrage over the deaths by suicide of AI engineer Atul Subhash and, now, a cafe owner from Delhi, Puneet Khurana on New Years Eve.

What do these cases have in common? In both, the victims have alleged acute mental harassment and extreme torture" by their wives and in-laws, driving them to take their own life. This has prompted a heated debate online not only about mens rights", but also on cruelty in marriage and maintenance laws in India.

related stories

Amid the virtual shouting matches over man versus woman, it is easy to ignore the questions that need asking.

ALSO READ | CCTV Footage Of Heated Argument Between Delhi Bakery Owner, Wife Goes Viral After His Suicide

Are Indias laws gender-biased as is being claimed by mens rights activists? There is a petition to make these laws gender-neutral", with demands for the formation of a national commission for men".

Is there a misuse" of the law  sections 85 and 86 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which were previously Section 498A in the Indian Penal Code (IPC)  that deals with cruelty by husband or his family members? There are voices seeking for the law to be struck down, within and outside the legal fraternity.

What are the social implications of these two deaths by suicide? There are claims online that men have been ignored for too long" and, in fact, are the hunted" and oppressed" now while all is hunky-dory with the women, who have more rights". Many, meanwhile, are quoting the high prevalence of male suicides in India, which are more than women.

There are crusaders, including women, championing the cause of men and campaigning for the laws to be reviewed. In his chilling death note and video, apart from a graphic description of prolonged abuse by his wife, Atul Subhash also blamed the evil neo Marxist socialist agenda based on identity politics" and slavery and corruption in the garb of social justice" for the current system".

THE SUFFERINGS OF MEN

On social media platforms like X and even LinkedIn, men are now sharing personal ordeals, as well as experiences of family members and friends. They are saying the scales have been tipped in favour of women and their empowerment has given rise to the societal issue of wives extorting money from their husbands in the name of cruelty, keeping custody of their children and then driving them to die by suicide.

ALSO READ | This ATM Is Closed Now: Harrowing Details Of Bengaluru Techie Atul Subhashs Life And Death

There are specific and general statements by one and all, but none too unique as that of journalist and film-maker Deepika Bhardwaj  a champion for the sufferings of men". She has said a very personal experience" inspired her to fight for mens rights.

When her first documentary, Martyrs of Marriage  on the misuse of Section 498A  was being screened across India in 2017, she had told the BBC that she began researching the subject in 2012.

In 2011, a cousins marriage fell apart within three months and his wife accused him and our entire family of beating her and demanding dowry from her. She filed a false case against us. I was also named as an accused, as someone who beat her and tortured her regularly," she had told BBC. She had said her family had to pay a large sum of money" to buy peace. The law has become a tool for extreme blackmail and extortion," she had been quoted.

Apart from wanting the law to be rewritten, Bhardwaj also campaigns for the establishment of a National Commission for Men. Her 2021 documentary, Indias Sons deals with false rape cases.

She has been one of the foremost voices on social media in the Atul Subhash case, and has been interviewed by numerous television channels. Every media channel wants to take my interview I havent slept properly for last one week as I am talking non stop about Atul Subhash case. What really breaks my heart is that I have been broadcasting these painful cases to folks in the media for more than a decade. Have literally chased some senior anchors to do a show on misuse of laws and even the new problematic laws like section 69 (criminalises sexual intercourse by deceitful means). But mostly my requests were turned down or ignored," she said on LinkedIn around two weeks ago.

She added: It took a 90-minute suicide video to make them introspect & look in-depth into these issues. However, thankfully, there are some journalists who have always tried to cover these cases and I am immensely thankful to them. Media has a great role in shaping public perceptions. I am hoping that after this case they will be more empathetic towards the sufferings of men & tell these stories more often."

Many men are pointing out that while there is talk of bringing about gender equality, there were no consequences for those who filed false cases against men. Atul Subhash, 38, lost his life to suicide. Faced false charges of murder, unnatural sex, and Section 498A and others; 3 crore settlement demand despite giving 40,000/month; Wife demanded 2 lakh/month for child support; herself employed at Accenture; Allegedly instigated by wife to take this step; Judge reportedly laughed at this; His wife filed 9 cases against him and then demanded Rs. 3 crore for settlement. In India, we talk about equality, but there is no National Commission for Men, no gender-neutral rape laws, and no strict laws against false rape cases," said a professional from Ernst & Young, sharing Subhashs video on LinkedIn.

ALSO READ | Another Atul Subhash? Gurugram Man Alleges False Cases By Wife: Rs 1 Crore Compensation, House

THE SECTION 498A QUESTION

Section 498A of the IPC, now sections 85 and 86 in the BNS, deals with a husband or relative of the husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty. It was introduced in 1983 following a spate of dowry deaths in Delhi and other parts of India. While these cases are prevalent even now, there have been rising concerns in the last decade or so over divorce cases, where disgruntled wives are routinely using it as a weapon" to harass husbands and their relatives.

The Supreme Court first took stock of this phenomenon" in July 2014 and ordered the police to follow a nine-point checklist before making arrests in 498A cases. The fact that Section 498A is a cognisable and non-bailable offence has lent it a dubious place of pride amongst the provisions that are used as weapons rather than shield by disgruntled wives," the two-judge bench of Justices CK Prasad and PC Ghose had observed in their order, as quoted by the BBC.

Cut to now, on December 10, 2024, another two-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswer Singh, observed: Recent years have witnessed a notable rise in matrimonial disputes across the country, accompanied by growing discord and tension within the institution of marriage. Consequently, there has been a growing tendency to misuse provisions like Section 498A of the IPC as a tool for unleashing personal vendetta against the husband and his family by a wife."

Three days after the SC made its observations, on December 13, an advocate filed a public interest litigation (PIL) before the court alleging misuse of dowry and domestic violence laws. He argued that due to this there was widespread societal discord, mental health issues, and even suicides among accused men. Demanding reforms to prevent misuse and protect innocent men", he referred to cases like the Atul Subhash death by suicide.

LAW BIT TILTED TOWARDS WOMEN

After the death by suicide of 34-year-old Subhash, CNN-News18 spoke to a number of lawyers on the nationwide debate over the alleged misuse of the cruelty in marriage law. While some argued that there should be stricter safeguards framed to prevent unfortunate incidents", others said the law in the country is a bit tilted towards women".

The Supreme Court should take suo motu cognisance of this case and frame stricter safeguards to prevent any more such unfortunate incidents from happening. There have to be stricter safeguards, and action should be taken against those who file false cases. The legal community too is responsible for the misuse of this law," senior advocate Vikas Pahwa told CNN-News18.

ALSO READ | Laws Should Be Made For Men Too: Atul Subhashs Brother Amid Outrage Over Techies Suicide

Many lawyers also suggested that the offence should be made bailable to curb misuse. Some said men were the primary sufferers" in failed marriages and the presumption that the womans allegations are authentic needs to be reconsidered so as to reduce false cases.

Sadly, the law in this country is a bit tilted towards women. It is presumed that the husband must have done something wrong. This creates a disbalance in the administration of justice and leads to mental harassment and depression for the husbands," advocate Ashish Dixit told News18.

#BengaluruSuicideCase | Law has become a weapon for women to extract money from men, I see such cases every day. Most cases are exaggerated to ensure good amount of alimony is extracted: @adixit_adv, Advocate, speaks with @anany_b#AtulSubhash #bengalurutechie pic.twitter.com/bOEWXaDWyU News18 (@CNNnews18) December 11, 2024

498A VERY MUCH REQUIRED

But, not all in the legal fraternity are of the same view.

Many of our clients, who are women, are in bad marriages  whether it is cruelty could be debatable, but in many such cases the husband refuses to give a divorce. Only way out is filing 498A, so many lawyers are also advising this, so that at a later stage, matters can be mediated and compromise can be reached," said Chandigarh-based advocate Arjun Sheoran, who specialises in criminal law and has practised in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Sheoran said he will not call it misuse of the law as such because in most cases, women have to unfortunately use" it to get out of bad marriages and domestic violence. He said 498A, which is cognizable and non-bailable, has almost become a bailable offence".

In almost all cases, bail is granted by HC and other courts. While many conservative judges and parties oppose 498A, courts have become more liberal and started granting anticipatory bail in these cases. The trouble is the mens rights movement does not talk about this," he said.

He added: Judiciary has tempered down the full flow of 498A, now arrests dont happen and most cases dont go to trial and end in compromises."

Sheoran pointed out another problem  the low conviction rate when it comes to 498A cases, which according to experts, is often cited as proof of its misuse. But, the issue at hand is more complex. In most of these cases, providing clear evidence is difficult, particularly when it comes to mental cruelty. He said to prove that someone else is cruel, is very difficult".

There are many cases where women make very serious allegations in 498A cases, but are now living with the same partner having accepted their situationso, its very easy to come out and say theres misuse. In my entire career, I have not seen a single 498A conviction. That does not mean conviction does not happen, but there are very few due to cases ending in a compromise," he said.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru Techie Atul Subhashs Social Media Has Posts On Mens Rights, Gender Neutrality: Oppose False Cases

In a 2005 decision, the Supreme Court, while acknowledging the potential for misuse of the law, still maintained that it was essential for protecting women from physical and emotional abuse in their marital homes.

Women protection laws are important because even now, women are being forced to settle into mutual divorce situations. Women need stringent laws to protect themselves, but that does not mean there is no misuse," said advocate and activist Aman, who practises in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

She added: Even now, there are hardly any complaints and 90% cases go unreported when it comes to cruelty or domestic violence."

Is making the law gender-neutral", as is being demanded by mens rights activists, a solution?

Aman said gender-neutral" cannot be the solution. Very oppressed sections feel discrimination on a daily basis. Its still a male-dominated society, so we have to create one where men and women start working together instead of blaming each other," she said. Those who need the law are not being able to access it properly. Language is a great barrier, the judicial system, under which cases are pending for years, is another problem. If there is speedy justice, then there is a chance of fewer fake cases or misuse of any law."

Sheoran agreed and said it is not possible to make the law gender-neutral. it will open up a Pandoras Box. The mens rights movement has demanded the decriminalisation of 498A for a long time, but make it gender neutral and this will be weaponised. Section 498A did not kill this man (Atul Subhash) but the understaffed and overburdened judiciary and the corrupt police system. The sting of the law has, in any case, gone I have yet to come across a serious study that says this law needs to be scrapped."

COUNTING MALE SUICIDES

Data about the interrelation between suicide and gender reflects some nuanced details. One, that indeed more men commit suicide than woman. In 2022, 72% men died by suicide while, for women, the same figure is 27%.

The latest available government report (2022) on the subject says 1.7 lakh people died by suicide that year, of which nearly three-fourths, about 1.22 lakh, were men, and about 49,000 were women (for transgenders, the number was 28). This means the number of men who die by suicide is 2.5 times that of women.

The chief reasons are listed as family problems (not related to marriage) at 31.7% of all suicides, and illness at 18.4%. Third is drug abuse or alcohol addiction at 6.8%.

Then come marriage-related issues, which account for 4.8% of all suicides, states the report. Here, the proportion of men and women is not wide: 4,237 were men, and 3,926 women.

Data shows that while overall more men die of suicide  reasons range from bankruptcy to illness to drug abuse, and others  in marriage-related problems, both genders appear to be affected almost equally.

Within the ambit of marriage-related problems, some reasons seem to affect one gender more than the other. In dowry-related issues, women are seven times more likely than men to die by suicide (1,561 women to 213 men).

However, non-settlement of marriage affects men twice as much women (1,808 men: 992 women), when suicides are taken as the measure. And when divorce is the reason for suicide, more men (385) are affected than women (197).

According to a study, Prevalence and risk factors of physical violence against husbands: Evidence from India led by International Institute for Population Sciences in Mumbai, the number of female victims of spousal violence in India is higher than male and the laws are framed to safeguard women. But, it underlines that spousal violence against men exists and can lead to risky behaviour".

It said victims of spousal violence often display mental illness and suicidal thinking. It further highlights the need for supporting men" by revisiting the present domestic violence laws and programmes for inclusivity".

The study further said while spousal violence against women is more frequent and severe, Section 498A does not provide much space for men experiencing violence in the domestic sphere".

It also said the prevalence of mental morbidity (high prevalence of external deaths or mental health issues) in men is over 6% higher than that in women. According to the National Mental Health Survey 2015-2016, the overall prevalence of mental morbidity in men is 13.9%, while that in females is 7.5%. Reasons include complex gender dynamics, especially stereotypes thinking of men being strong, life-related stress and social pressure, it added.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

With inputs from Ananya Bhatnagar & Nivedita Singh

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 03, 2025, 06:28 IST
Busy Playing PUBG, 3 Bihar Teens Killed After Train Hits Them

Published By :

IANS

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 08:31 IST

Authorities have initiated an investigation and are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the accident.

The teenagers' distraction due to gaming and the conditions at the accident site are being examined.(Representative image)

Three teenagers were crushed by a train while playing the mobile game (PUBG) in Bihars West Champaran district on Thursday, police said.

The accident occurred near the Royal School at Mansa Tola on the Narkatiaganj-Muzaffarpur rail section under the Mufassil police station.

related stories

The teenagers, all wearing earphones, failed to notice an approaching train, which led to the accident.

Authorities have initiated an investigation and are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the accident.

The victims have been identified as Furkan Alam, a resident of Railway Gumti; Mansha Tola; Sameer Alam, a resident of Bari Tola; and Habibullah Ansari.

Following the accident, hundreds of local residents gathered at the scene in shock and grief. The families of the victims have taken their childrens bodies home for burial rites.

Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Vivek Deep and Railway Police arrived at the site to investigate the circumstances of the accident.

The teenagers distraction due to gaming and the conditions at the accident site are being examined.

We are establishing communication to recover the dead bodies for the post-mortem. We are also trying to take statements from the victims family members to find out the actual circumstances of the accident. Preliminary investigation reveals that they were playing games on the mobile phones while sitting on the railway track," SDPO Vivek Deep said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

It has also raised concerns about the dangers of playing mobile games in unsafe environments, especially on railway tracks.

Authorities are urging parents to monitor childrens gaming habits and educate them about the importance of staying alert in public spaces to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Location : Bihar, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 08:31 IST
Delhi Police Issues Traffic Advisory Ahead Of PM Modi's Events Today | Details

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 07:43 IST

PM Modi will arrive in Delhi today to inaugurate several projects and address a public rally in Ramleela Ground to begin his campaign for the upcoming Assembly election.

PM Modi will inaugurate 1,675 newly constructed flats, the PMO said, adding the development is in line with the prime minister's housing for all initiative. (Image: PTI/File)

The Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory, warning of heavy vehicular movement on certain roads, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis event in the national capital on January 3 (Friday).

PM Modi is expected to inaugurate 1,675 newly constructed flats for the dwellers of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project at Swabhiman Apartments in Delhis Ashok Vihar after noon today. He will also hand over the keys to eligible benefactors at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar.

related stories

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate two urban redevelopment projects- the World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar and the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar. He will also inaugurate CBSEs Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka, Delhi and lay the foundation stone of three new projects in Delhi University.

The Prime Minister will also address a public rally in Ashok Vihars Ramleela Ground to kickstart his political campaign for the upcoming Assembly election. The Election Commission is yet to formally announce the dates of the Delhi Assembly Election. PM Modis second rally will be held on January 5 (Sunday) at Rohinis Japanese Park.

In view of PM Modis visit, Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory to ensure smooth movement of traffic and avoid inconvenience to the general public.

Traffic Restrictions will prevail from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in these areas:

Mall Road (Ring Road): Hakikat Nagar Red Light to Azadpur Chowk (both sides) GTK Road: Azadpur Chowk to Gurudwara Nanak Pio. Bhamashah Marg: Model Town-1 to Nanak Pio. Lola Achhintam Marg & Brahma Kumari Marg: Gujranwala & Derawal areas. Nahar Singh Marg: Prembari Chowk to Inderlok Metro Station(both sides). Gulab Singh Marg: Satyawati College to Prerna Chowk. Swami Narayan Marg: Delhi Jal board Red Light to Laxmi Bai College. Mahatma Gandhi Marg: Britannia Chowk to Azadpur.

Traffic AdvisorySpecial traffic arrangements will be effective from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM on 03.01.2025. Kindly follow the advisory. #DPTrafficAdvisory pic.twitter.com/joqrJemrCK  Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) January 2, 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Furthermore, residents traveling to Azadpur, Model Town, Kingsway Camp, Gujranwala Town, Derawal Nagar, Swabhiman Apartment, and Ram Leela Ground, Ashok Vihar are advised to allocate extra time for their commute.

The advisory also requested motorists and the general public to be patient, observe traffic rules and follow the directions of traffic personnel deployed at key intersections.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 07:40 IST
'Go Goa' Gone? Here's What A Trip Around Christmas Revealed About The Tourism Scenario

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Pathikrit Sen Gupta



Last Updated: January 06, 2025, 10:03 IST

Social media has been full of pictures showing empty beaches and markets in Goa during the holiday season

The picture isnt as bleak as social media has portrayed in recent days. Image/News18

Would you visit Goa as a couple with Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, or would another Asian destination be your preference? Many these days would likely prefer a foreign destination. This mentality may have dented tourist flow in Goa, but the picture isnt as bleak as social media has portrayed in recent days.

I spent eight days in Goa since my daughter hasnt received her passport yet, and I found most beach areas to be crowded, especially on and after Christmas. However, after returning to Delhi and checking social media, I got the impression that everyone had left Goa the day I did, just two days before New Years Eve. Or was it only on social media, which showed empty beaches and markets, as my experience in Goa was the opposite?

related stories

I arrived in Goa three days before Christmas with my family, hoping to enjoy the best season. I chose South Goa, which is generally quieter and less crowded than North Goa, which is known for its youth-friendly vibe.

The first day was relatively calm, with my hotel at about 80% occupancy. Considering myself lucky, I planned a day trip to North Goa and Panjim. But then a family I met at a rooftop restaurant in Panjim changed my mind. The family, with two kids, shared their experiences and told us that the beaches in North Goa were extremely crowded and parking was difficult.

They even showed us photographs of the sunset, where multiple heads were blocking the view of the sun. We checked Google Maps and decided to move at least as far as Candolim. We parked our rented car and went to the beach, but turned back immediately because it was packed with people.

Miramar Beach and Dona Paula Jetty were particularly crowded, with police officials stopping cars from entering to manage the crowds on Christmas. Flea markets, both in the North and South, were less crowded than expected, as if tourists had spent most of their money on airfare and accommodation.

The real change came as Christmas approached. While Goa wasnt completely packed before the holiday, the atmosphere quickly shifted as December 25 neared. From the day after Christmas, most of the highly rated restaurants in South Goa that we visited almost daily asked us to wait for 10 minutes because they were full. The beaches became crowded, and the markets, which had been fairly relaxed, were suddenly packed. Even the restaurants and shacks, which had one or two empty seats before, now had waiting lists.

Since we had ditched North Goa, we decided to move towards the far side of South Goa. Most visitors appeared to be Indian families, although beaches like Palolem and Agonda still had a larger number of foreign tourists. Nearby restaurants were also almost full.

We also planned a cruise trip. The moment the cruise staff signalled people to enter, people started snatching chairs. Those who didnt get the chairs stood in front, leaving no space to see the other side of the cruise. The area around the cruise terminal became congested, with long traffic jams due to the nearby casinos.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

By December 28, we noticed the breakfast tables at our hotel were full, with people arguing with staff to extend the hours.

Certainly, cheaper global destinations have gained some popularity over Goa, and rough cabbies, as well as renting vehicle rackets, are discouraging tourists. But many are hopeful that local authorities will find a way out before it is too late.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 06:30 IST
Good News For Mumbai Motorists: Samruddhi Mahamargs Link To Igatpuri May Open In February

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 18:44 IST

Currently operational from Nagpur to Igatpuri, the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg has already revolutionised travel for thousands, slashing commute time significantly

The Samruddhi Mahamarg is one of the longest expressways in India at 701 km, connecting the eastern end of Maharashtra with its western end  from Vidarbha to Mumbai. (News18 File)

The Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg is nearing its full launch with the final phase connecting Igatpuri to Mumbai likely to open in February.

The ambitious 701-kilometre six-lane expressway is expected to drastically reduce travel time and boost connectivity across the state. Currently operational from Nagpur to Igatpuri, the expressway has already revolutionised travel for thousands, slashing commute time significantly.

related stories

With the completion of its final 76-kilometre stretch, travel between Mumbai and Nagpur will be reduced from 16 hours to just eight hours  a game-changer for both travellers and businesses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. A key figure behind the success of this initiative is Dr Anilkumar Gaikwad, Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). Known for his expertise in executing large-scale infrastructure projects, Gaikwad played a critical role in ensuring timely and efficient implementation.

THE FEATURES

The Samruddhi Mahamarg stands out for its advanced technology and thoughtful design. With a design speed of 150 km/h, the expressway ensures faster commutes.

It features 65 flyovers, six tunnels, and 24 interchanges for smooth connectivity. A state-of-the-art twin tunnel near Kasara uses German technology, equipped with fire sensors, water mist systems, and high-speed jet fans, ensuring maximum safety for travellers.

Over 80 structures have been built to facilitate safe wildlife crossings, ensuring the project remains environmentally conscious.

The expressway includes 30 fuel stations and 21 emergency response vehicles, offering travellers unparalleled convenience and safety.

Directly connecting 10 districts and indirectly benefiting 14 others, it is designed to foster industrial growth and create job opportunities.

RS 1,100 CRORE IN TOLL REVENUE

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Plans for 18 smart towns along the route aim to develop industries suited to local strengths, reducing urban migration and promoting rural prosperity. By cutting travel time, the expressway will reduce fuel consumption and transportation costs for businesses, giving Maharashtras industries a competitive edge. Additionally, its role in reducing logistics costs is expected to attract investments and boost exports.

Built at an estimated cost of Rs 67,000 crore, the expressway has already proven its worth. In just two years, it has generated Rs 1,100 crore in toll revenue from 1.52 crore vehicles, underscoring its economic potential. As the Samruddhi Mahamarg becomes fully operational in the coming year, it promises to drive Maharashtra toward a brighter, more prosperous future, setting a benchmark for infrastructure projects across India.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 18:23 IST
'Illegal Occupation': India Protests China's Establishment Of New Counties In Ladakh Region

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 17:26 IST

New Delhi stressed that the creation of these new counties will not alter India's consistent and long-standing stance on its sovereignty over the area

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has never accepted China's illegal occupation of Indian territory in the area. (AP file photo)

India on Friday lodged a solemn protest" with China following the establishment of two new counties in Hotan prefecture, as parts of these regions fall within Indias Union Territory of Ladakh.

In a strong response, New Delhi stressed that the creation of these new counties will not alter Indias consistent and long-standing stance on its sovereignty over the area, nor will it legitimise Chinas illegal and forcible" occupation of the region.

related stories

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a press conference stated that India has never accepted Chinas illegal" occupation of Indian territory in the area.

We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in Indias Union Territory of Ladakh," Jaiswal asserted.

He reiterated Indias position, asserting, We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area."

Jaiswal further clarified, Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on Indias long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to Chinas illegal and forcible occupation of the same."

We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels," he added.

Response On Chinas Plan To Build Dam On Brahmaputra

In addition to the protest over the new counties, India has also raised concerns about Chinas plans to build a hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet, which flows into India. This development comes following Chinas recent announcement of plans to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet, which has raised alarm in India.

In its first reaction to the proposed dam, New Delhi urged Beijing to ensure that the interests of downstream states, particularly those in India, are not harmed by activities in the upstream areas.

We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests," Jaiswal stated.

There are growing concerns in India, especially in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, about the potential adverse impacts the dam may have on the environment and water supply.

Chinese officials have claimed that the hydropower projects in Tibet will not significantly affect the environment or downstream water supplies. However, both India and neighbouring Bangladesh have raised their concerns about the dam.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The Yarlung Zangbo river becomes the Brahmaputra as it exits Tibet, flowing south through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India, before continuing into Bangladesh.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 17:18 IST
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here.

They don't get fruitcakes or Christmas cards from grateful patients, but for decades robots have been helping doctors perform gallbladder removals, hysterectomies, hernia repairs, prostate surgeries and more. While patients lie unconscious on the operating table, robotic arms and grippers work on their bodies at certain stages in these procedures  all guided by doctors using joystick-like controllers, a process that minimizes human hand tremor.

Now, a team of Johns Hopkins University and Stanford University researchers has reported a significant advance, training robots with videos to perform surgical tasks with the skill of human doctors.

The robots learned to manipulate needles, tie knots and suture wounds on their own. Moreover, the trained robots went beyond mere imitation, correcting their own slip-ups without being told  for example, picking up a dropped needle. Scientists have already begun the next stage of work: combining all of the different skills in full surgeries performed on animal cadavers.

A new generation of more autonomous robots holds the potential to help address a serious shortage of surgeons in the United States, the researchers said.

Presented at the recent Conference on Robot Learning in Munich, the research comes almost four decades after the PUMA 560 became the first robot to assist in the operating room, helping with a brain biopsy in 1985.

The new work is currently undergoing review for publication in a journal. And the next-generation surgical robots will need to demonstrate safety and effectiveness in clinical trials, and receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration before they can become a fixture in hospitals.

While some studies have shown that robotic surgery can be more expensive to the overall health-care system without performing significantly better than traditional surgery, a 2023 paper in AMA Journal of Ethics concluded that surgeons are becoming more experienced using the robots resulting in improvements.

Nonetheless, scientists and doctors are already touting the reliability, skill and increasing autonomy of surgical robots as an important step toward addressing a potential crisis. The combination of an aging population that will require more surgery, and a stagnant level of student doctors that has the United States on pace to experience a shortage of 10,000 to 20,000 surgeons by 2036, according to a report this year by the American Association of Medical Colleges.

"In our work, we're not trying to replace the surgeon. We just want to make things easier for the surgeon," said Axel Krieger, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering who supervised the research. "Imagine, do you want a tired surgeon, where you're the last patient of the day, and the surgeon is super-exhausted? Or do you want a robot that is doing a part of that surgery and really helping out the surgeon?"

In 2020, the U.S. reported about 876,000 robot-assisted surgeries.

The robots used by Krieger and his colleagues were made from research kits supplied by the medical technology firm, Intuitive.

Ji Woong "Brian" Kim, a postdoctoral researcher working with Krieger, said the team has already developed a system "where you can talk to the robot like you would to a surgical resident. You can say things like, Do this task.' You can also say things like, Move left' and Move right.'"

"In my mind, I thought they were still a couple of years behind what they have demonstrated here," said Dipen J. Parekh, director of robotic surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, who was not involved in the research.

But he stressed that many steps remain before robots are able to perform surgical procedures on their own.

"The stakes are so high," he said, "because this is a life and death issue." The anatomy of every patient differs, as does the way a disease behaves in patients.

"I look at [the images from] CT scans and MRIs and then do surgery," by controlling robotic arms, Parekh said. "If you want the robot to do the surgery itself, it will have to understand all of the imaging, how to read the CT scans and MRIs." In addition, robots will need to learn how to perform keyhole, or laparoscopic, surgery that uses very small incisions.

Teaching robots to learn by imitating actions on a video should reduce the need to program them to perform each individual movement required for a medical procedure, according to the researchers.

The team's training method resembled the approach used in ChatGPT, except that instead of working with words, it employs a language that describes the position of the robot gripper and the direction it is pointing.

Researchers built their training model using videotapes of robots performing surgical tasks on practice suture pads. Each image in the video sequence is an arrangement of pixels that can be expressed in numbers. In simple terms, the model takes numbers that represent images and converts them into another set of numbers that represent different robot actions.

After training the robots, researchers produced a separate set of videos demonstrating that the robots could perform the surgical tasks in a different environment  in pork and chicken.

"I thought it was very exciting. It's the dawn of a new era," said Amer Zureikat, who was not involved in the study but serves as director of robotic surgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Zureikat too cautioned that the work, though "a significant first step," must still overcome numerous hurdles. "The majority are logistical issues that should be rectified over time as artificial intelligence improves."

Scientists and doctors will have to figure out how to handle common challenges of surgery, such as bleeding and improperly placed sutures.

"If a blunder occurs, who holds responsibility?" Zureikat asked. "Is it the doctor? Is it the AI developer? Is it the hospital facility? Is it the robot manufacturer?"

Privacy is also likely to emerge as a major issue. The robots discussed at the Munich conference were not trained using videotape of actual surgeries. However, they will need to train on videotapes of real surgeries if robots are to advance to the point where they can operate safely on their own. That will mean gaining permission from patients to have their surgical videos used to develop robot systems.

Zureikat said advances in the use of robot surgical equipment are likely to raise additional questions: "Are patients going to get equal access to the technology?' and Will surgeons rely so much on robots that they become less adept at performing surgery without them?"

(COMMENT, BELOW)
IMD Launches Special Webpage For Weather Updates On Mahakumbh Mela

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 14:17 IST

The Mahakumbh Mela will be held from January 13 in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj in the largest gathering in the world with 400 million pilgrims.

Sadhus take part in 'Dharam Dhwaja Puja' ceremony of Panch Dasnam Aagni Akhara ahead of Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. (PTI)

The stage is set for the grand Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj this month. Manish Ranalkar, the director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), unveiled a special webpage for weather updates for the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela.

For the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela, IMD launched a special webpage today which will give weather updates every 15 minutes, and the weather forecast will also be available on the website twice a day," Ranalkar told news agency ANI.

related stories

The webpage (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/mahakumbh/) has been temporarily set up by the weather agency. We have installed three new AWS in it and weather updates from the Mahakumbh District will be available on the webpage every 15 minutes. Two digital displays will also be setup in the district for people to get real-time weather updates," he said.

The Mahakumbh, which is held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, in Prayagraj. Some 400 million pilgrims are expected at the spectacular Kumbh Mela festival in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj  billed as the largest gathering of humanity on the planet.

The main bathing rituals, known as the Shahi Snan (royal baths), will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami).

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Meanwhile, Seers of the Atal Akhara also arrived at the Mahakumbh camp in a grand procession and were warmly welcomed by police officials with garlands. Immersed in ashes, wearing garlands, riding horses, and beating drums, they entered the camp area.

(with ANI inputs)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 14:17 IST
'No Credibility': India Rejects US Media Report On Maldives President's Impeachment Plot

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 19:10 IST

The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the US media report on the alleged impeachment plot of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (Photo: YouTube/MEA)

India on Friday outrightly rejected the US media report claiming that the Maldives opposition sought $6 million from New Delhi to effect an impeachment of President Mohamed Muizzu.

The Ministry of External Affairs termed the reports baseless" and without credibility", stating that both the United States newspaper and the reporter displayed a compulsive hostility towards India".

related stories

These articles that you referred to were published by the Washington Post, one on Maldives and the other one in relation to Pakistan. So to that, I would say that both the newspaper and the reporter in question appear to nurse a compulsive hostility towards India. You can see a pattern in their activities. I leave you to judge their credibility. As far as we are concerned, they have none," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a weekly press conference.

What Was The US Media Report?

The Washington Post had cited an internal document named Democratic Renewal Initiative and claimed that the opposition in Maldives had proposed bribing as many as 40 MPs, which also included those from Muizzus party, as part of the alleged impeachment plot.

The report had also claimed that a senior official from the Indian intelligence agency R&AW explored" a plan to oust Muizzu months after he assumed office.

MEA On Covert Killings Of Terrorists In Pakistan

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Reacting to Washington Posts report claiming that India had executed the covert killings (using unknown gunmen) in Pakistan taking down Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists, Jaiswal quoted a statement by former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, You cant keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbors".

Several terrorists were gunned down, reportedly by unknown gunmen, in the past few months in Pakistan.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 18:58 IST
India Vows To Take Measures To 'Protect Interests' As China Plans World's Largest Dam On Brahmaputra

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 22:53 IST

New Delhi urged Beijing to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas

There have been apprehensions that the dam will have adversely impact the ecological balance of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. (PTI file photo)

Days after Beijing announced the construction of the worlds largest dam on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet close to the Indian border, New Delhi on Friday said that it will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect its interests.

India further urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas.

related stories

We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

There have been apprehensions that the dam will have adverse impact on the ecological balance of states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam as the Brahmaputra passes through these two states.

As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory," Jaiswal added.

These have been reiterated, along with need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries, following the latest report," he said.

The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas," he added.

On December 25, 2024, China announced to develop a mega dam in the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra river in Tibet as part of a mega hydropower project, estimated to cost around USD 137 billion. The dam will be located in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region.

The Chinese government approved the construction of a hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river, the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra, according to an official statement quoted by state-run Xinhua news agency on December 26.

As per the details, the dam will be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh.

Last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning played down the apprehensions about the project . The project will not negatively affect the lower reaches," she said, referring to the concerns in India and Bangladesh.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

China will continue to maintain communication with countries at the lower reaches through existing channels and step up cooperation on disaster prevention and relief for the benefit of the people by the river," she said.

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 19:51 IST
Jaipur Police Officer's Son Rams Thar Into Sikh Procession, Mob Vandalises SUV | Video

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 10:38 IST

The teen driver, reportedly the son of a government official, rammed his vehicle into a kirtan near Jaipur's Adarsh Nagar. An enraged mob vandalised his SUV and demanded strict action against him.

An enraged mob vandalises the teen driver's car in Jaipur. (Photo: X)

A govt officials son rammed his Thar into a religious procession in Jaipur on Thursday, injuring several people. The incident took place as a kirtan was going on in the Raja Park area, and an elderly man was among the four injured, according to locals.

Nearly 300 people had gathered during the religious event at 8:30 pm yesterday near Jaipurs Adarsh Nagar Circle, when the overspeeding vehicle rammed into the procession, injuring an elderly man and a child. All attempts by the police to stop the vehicle failed, according to The Times of India. Despite locals reporting injuring, police said no one was injured in the incident.

related stories

Locals were outraged by the incident and attacked the vehicle, which was allegedly being driven by a minor. Videos showed people vandalising the SUV and one man climbing on the bonnet and kicking down the windshield.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

While the teen driver remained at the site, three of his accomplices, also minors, reportedly fled the site. Members of the Sikh community also staged a protest outside the nearby police station and demanded strict action against the accused.

Police officials then took the minor in custody and assured the protesters that a criminal case would be fired and action would be taken as per law. A team of cops took the Thar vehicle to the Jawahar Nagar police station.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 09:50 IST
Kerala Lottery Results Today: Nirmal NR-413 WINNERS For January 3, 2025; Full List Here!

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 08, 2025, 09:08 IST

Kerala Lottery Results Today: Here's FULL LIST of winning numbers for Nirmal NR-413 lucky draw for Friday, January 3, 2025.

Kerala Lottery Nirmal NR-413 Results: The first prize winner of Nirmal NR-413 will get Rs 70 Lakh. (Image: Shutterstock)

KERALA LOTTERY NIRMAL NR-413 RESULT ON FRIDAY, 3.1.2025, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Nirmal NR-413 lottery for Friday, January 3. The winner of the first prize will receive Rs 70 lakh, while the second and third prize winners will get Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively. Check the Full List of Winning Numbers below.

ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results: Fifty Fifty FF-124 WINNERS for January 8, 2025; First Prize Rs 1 Crore!

related stories

NIRMAL NR-413 LOTTERY: WINNING NUMBERS

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE

NN 827858

NO 827858

NP 827858

NR 827858

NS 827858

NT 827858

NV 827858

NW 827858

NX 827858

NY 827858

NZ 827858

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 70 LAKH IS NU 827858 (VADAKARA)

Agent Name: K VISHWANATHAN

Agency No.: D 3701

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 10 LAKH IS NW 502115 (ALAPPUZHA)

Agent Name: SURYA PRAKASH

Agency No.: A 5131

WINNING NUMBER FOR 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 1 LAKH ARE

NN 800335

NO 359047

NP 887009

NR 541608

NS 672289

NT 153943

NU 214862

NV 645216

NW 591674

NX 146770

NY 525548

NZ 210700

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 5,000 ARE

0033 0108 1428 1997 2703 4014 4162 4454 4779 4893 5561 6559 7728 8136 8684 9098 9127 9702

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE

0161 0557 0655 0678 1136 1299 1462 1897 2130 2204 2237 2697 3416 3573 3797 4383 4401 5247 5447 5516 5756 6189 6215 6454 6537 6862 7001 7020 7123 7250 7277 7965 8308 8775 9319 9455

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE

0009 0371 0448 0460 0614 0667 0737 0957 1061 1176 1451 1516 1630 1937 2241 2470 2526 2684 2690 2888 3192 3237 3424 3453 3478 3701 3994 4119 4121 4164 4168 4248 4325 4496 4644 4683 4882 4922 5032 5066 5134 5393 5546 5674 5949 6019 6021 6116 6229 6281 6386 6510 6635 6680 6700 7256 7473 7514 7537 7753 7823 7849 8051 8433 8482 9154 9189 9249 9379 9441 9486 9578 9674 9768 9835 9837 9852 9882 9897

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE

0184 0209 0224 0298 0378 0623 0852 0894 1242 1322 1994 2036 2329 2436 2548 2553 2645 2711 2909 2981 2986 3032 3195 3199 3322 3357 3358 3411 3490 3660 3730 3747 4066 4129 4137 4235 4271 4327 4351 4437 4515 4648 4680 4694 4820 4848 4954 5160 5165 5252 5300 5311 5369 5451 5499 5616 5809 5833 5888 5907 6139 6156 6214 6224 6262 6297 6330 6419 6438 6455 6656 6676 6698 6802 6915 6973 7105 7110 7112 7211 7439 7466 7502 7513 7693 7711 7893 7915 8017 8211 8216 8262 8278 8317 8320 8327 8339 8411 8541 8644 8664 8761 8777 8821 8852 8883 8978 9008 9050 9086 9253 9303 9340 9409 9498 9616 9639 9671 9782 9846 9925 9958

NIRMAL NR-413 LOTTERY: PRIZE STRUCTURE

1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakh

2nd Prize: Rs 10 Lakh

3rd Prize: Rs 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs 5,000

5th Prize: Rs 1,000

6th Prize: Rs 500

7th Prize: Rs 100

Consolation Prize: Rs 8,000

HOW TO CHECK KERALA NIRMAL NR-413 LOTTERY RESULTS?

Visit the official Kerala Lottery website to view the NIRMAL NR-413 results.

Confirm the winning numbers at the Kerala Government Gazette office.

For accurate and trustworthy information, reach out directly to the Kerala Lottery Department.

HOW TO CLAIM THE PRIZE MONEY?

To check if youve won the Nirmal Lottery NR-413, follow these steps:

Consult the results published in the Kerala Government Gazette and match your ticket number.

If your ticket number matches the announced results, you may be entitled to a prize.

Winners have 30 days from the announcement to claim their prizes at the Kerala Lottery Office in Thiruvananthapuram.

To claim their winnings, winners must present their winning tickets and valid identification for verification.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY?

A copy of the winning ticket, showing both sides, along with a self-certification, is required.

Passport-sized photographs must bear the signature of a Gazette official.

A photocopy of the participants signed PAN card should be provided.

Fill out the online prize money receipt form and attach a revenue stamp before submission.

Identification documents such as voter ID, ration card, Aadhaar card and PAN card must be submitted.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS?

Go to the official Kerala Lottery Department website at keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net.

Click on the link for the Nirmal Lottery NR-413 Results.

The winning numbers will be displayed in the results section.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Look for the download link on the website.

Click on the link to access the lottery results in PDF format.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 09:00 IST
Maharashtra Cabinet Nod To Use BJP MLCs Mumbai Bank For Staff Salary Account

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:35 IST

Mumbai District Central Co-operative Bank, commonly known as the Mumbai bank, is run under the leadership of BJP leader and MLC Pravin Darekar

BJP MLC Pravin Darekar with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. (X File)

The Maharashtra cabinet recently allowed the finance department to open accounts to pay staff salaries and allowances in the controversy-ridden Mumbai District Central Co-operative Bank, commonly known as the Mumbai bank, raising questions in the political circles.

Additionally, the cabinet has given the green light to open individual pension accounts and invest surplus funds from state projects and corporations such as City And Industrial Development Corporation Of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO), Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), and the State Transport in the bank.

related stories

This isnt the first time the Mumbai bank, which is run under the leadership of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and MLC Pravin Darekar, has received preferential treatment from the state government. Under the previous Eknath Shinde-led administration, too, the bank enjoyed similar benefits.

AJIT PAWARS ABSENCE

The meeting was the first after the recent expansion of the state cabinet. Deputy chief minister and finance minister Ajit Pawar, who usually oversees financial decisions, was absent as he was reportedly on a vacation abroad. His absence has given rise to questions about the timing and motive behind the move. According to political observers, Pawars presence may have led to greater scrutiny.

The decision to allow the Mumbai bank to handle state employee salaries has also raised eyebrows. As of October 2023, only 15 banks in the state had met the stringent A audit rating for five consecutive years, a requirement for handling government transactions. Initially, the Mumbai bank was excluded because it had received a B rating for one of those years. However, recent reports suggest that the bank improved its standing by fulfilling the criteria and raising its credit reserve ratio to 9%.

In December 2023, too, the state cabinet permitted the bank to conduct government transactions despite objections from the cooperation department, which flagged its failure to meet eligibility standards.

Darekar, a staunch supporter of CM Devendra Fadnavis, has consistently defended the government during various rows, earning him significant political goodwill. The speculation is that these decisions are to compensate for Darekars exclusion from the cabinet. By allowing the Mumbai bank to handle significant state transactions, the government appears to be reinforcing his influence within the cooperative banking sector.

THE HISTORY & SUPPORT

In 2015, the bank faced allegations of financial irregularities, including cheating and criminal conspiracy. While a first information report (FIR) was filed, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police gave the bank a clean chit in 2022.

Darekar had resigned from the banks board after being accused of using false documents to secure a position representing the labour category. However, he was re-elected as the banks chairman in June 2022, shortly after the Shinde government took charge.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In August 2024, the cabinet had allocated a plot in Sion, previously owned by the MHADA, to the bank. Originally, the government had proposed allocating land in Aarey Colony for the banks cooperative building. However, strong local opposition led to reversal of that plan, and the bank was instead granted the prime MHADA-owned land.

Critics argue that these decisions reflect favouritism and undermine the integrity of the states financial processes and set a questionable precedent for bending rules. On the other hand, proponents of the decision argue that the bank has improved its compliance with regulatory standards, making it a suitable choice for handling government transactions. They also highlight the banks role in supporting cooperative banking in Mumbai and nearby regions, which could strengthen the states financial ecosystem.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 13:35 IST
PM Modi Launches Delhi Projects, Targets Arvind Kejriwal: 'I Don't Build Sheesh Mahal, I Build Houses'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 18:06 IST

PM Modi today laid the foundation for two Delhi University campuses and a college named after Veer Savarkar, alongside inaugurating key housing and infrastructure projects in Delhi.

PM Modi during the foundation stone laying and inauguration ceremony of various developmental projects in New Delhi (Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually inaugurated two urban redevelopment projects  the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar and GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, along with the CBSEs Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka. He also laid the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh.

The Prime Minister also inspected some newly constructed flats for the dwellers of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project at Swabhiman Apartments, Ashok Vihar, Delhi. He later handed over the keys of the flats to the beneficiaries.

related stories

#WATCH | Delhi | PM Narendra Modi virtually inaugurates two urban redevelopment projects  the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar and GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, CBSEs Integrated Office Complex at DwarkaPM Modi also lays the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar pic.twitter.com/gyydATTrOw  ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025

He also interacted with Economically Weaker Section (EWS) families in the area.

       -                                 pic.twitter.com/iUFB589tAD Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 2025

PM MODI SAYS HE LIVED IN ASHOK VIHAR

Soon after launching the projects, the Prime Minister, while addressing a public meeting in Ashok Vihars Ramlila Ground, said, Today, India has become a symbol of political and economic stability. This role of India will strengthen even more in 2025. This year will be the year to strengthen Indias position in the world. It will be the year of making India one of the biggest manufacturing centres in the world"

When I am here today, its obvious to remember many old memories. When the country was fighting against Indira Gandhis dictatorship. For many people like me who were part of the underground movement, Ashok Vihar used to be a place for me to live," the Prime Minister said.

The country knows it well that Modi never built a home for himself but has built more than four crore houses for the poor," PM Modi said.

Also speaking on the inauguration of the new college in Delhi, PM Modi said, A new college in the name of Veer Savarkar is going to be built in Najafgarh. Those who have been in power in Delhi for the last 10 years  have damaged school education. The money that the central govt has given to Delhi  the current govt of Delhi hasnt even spent half of that money in education."

PM MODIs ATTACK ON ARVIND KEJRIWAL

Addressing the public rally, PM Modi also targetted former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal, and said, Main bhi koi sheesh mahal bana sakta tha" (I could have also build a palace of mirrors).

Even after Independence, such works (New Education Policy) were not done, lekin aapke sevak ne kar diya (but your servant has done it).

In the last 10 years, Delhi has been surrounded by an aapda (disaster). By keeping Anna Hazare at the front, a few kattar beimaan (bluntly dishonest) people have pushed Delhi towards aapda," he said, adding, AAP aapda bankar Delhi par toot padi hai." (The AAP has affected Delhi like a disaster).

The people of Delhi have waged a war against this aapda. Voters of Delhi have made up their minds to free Delhi from this aapda. Every voter of Delhi is saying, aapda ko nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge." (We wont tolerate the disaster).

The people of Delhi can see the situation of Yamuna. Look at their (AAPs) shamelessness, they say that cleaning Yamuna wont get them votes  will you leave Yamuna like this if it doesnt get you votes?" the Prime Minister asked, adding, This aapda has handed the lives of the people of Delhi to the hands of tanker mafia."

KEJRIWAL RESPONDS TO PM MODIS AAPADA FOR DELHI JIBE

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Friday reacted sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modis AAPada for Delhi jibe at the party, and said that work done by the government is not AAPda but peoples blessings".

Our work is not AAPda but peoples aashirwaad," Kejriwal said at a press conference, as the political temperatures in the national capital rise in the run-up to the Assembly Elections due next month.

PM MODI LAUNCHES PROJECTS IN DELHI

Announcing his plans today morning, the Prime Minister termed the day important" and said that the national capital has made a mark as a hub for education.

In a series of X posts, the Prime Minister today wrote, Today is an important day for Delhis development. At a programme in Ashok Vihar, will be inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a wide range of development works which will boost Ease of Living for the people of Delhi."

A home is where dreams take root, and we are committed to ensuring proper housing for every Indian. During todays programme, 1,675 newly constructed flats under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project will be inaugurated. This will ensure better and healthier living for several people. I look forward to handing over the keys of their homes to some of the beneficiaries as well," he added.

Key infrastructure projects which will be inaugurated include the World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar and the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar. The Quarters at Sarojini Nagar will benefit our hardworking Government employees, whose relentless dedication is a great contribution to national progress," the Prime Minister wrote on X.

Delhi has made a mark as a hub for education, drawing students from all over India. During todays programme, will lay the foundation stone for three transformative projects worth over Rs. 600 crore. These initiatives aim to strengthen the academic infrastructure and provide world-class learning environments for students."

The projects include a cutting-edge academic block at the Eastern Campus in Surajmal Vihar, East Delhi, and another at the Western Campus in Dwarka. Additionally, the foundation will be laid for the Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, designed to embody excellence in education with state-of-the-art facilities," PM Modis X post read.

The projects include a cutting-edge academic block at the Eastern Campus in Surajmal Vihar, East Delhi, and another at the Western Campus in Dwarka. Additionally, the foundation will be laid for the Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, designed to embody excellence in Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 2025

Hours later, the Prime Minister shared a video, and captioned it, Empowering the people of Delhi with better opportunities and quality of life remains our unwavering commitment, reflecting in the projects being inaugurated today!"

Empowering the people of Delhi with better opportunities and quality of life remains our unwavering commitment, reflecting in the projects being inaugurated today! pic.twitter.com/xr64rrDm9m Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 2025

The development comes a day after the Congress-affiliated National Students Union of India (NSUI) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to name Delhi Universitys upcoming college after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, instead of Veer Savarkar.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The letter was also forwarded to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, requesting immediate action.

Manmohan Singh, who passed away last month at the age of 92 at AIIMS Delhi, was a veteran leader of the UPA government and a transformative figure in Indian politics.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 09:00 IST
President Murmu To Confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, MEA Announces Awardees

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 20:56 IST

The names for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) 2025 were recommended by a Jury-cum-Awards Committee. The PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians.

President Droupadi Murmu (File Image: PTI)

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman during the valedictory session of the upcoming PBD Convention, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday as it announced the names of the awardees for this year.

The awardees, who represent the excellence achieved by our diaspora in various fields", include among others Baroness Usha Kumari Prashar from the UK (in the field of politics), Dr Sharmila Ford from the US for community service. There are a couple of institutions as well who will be given the award.

related stories

The names for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) 2025 were recommended by a Jury-cum-Awards Committee. The PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians.

The award is conferred by the President as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organisation or institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad," the MEA said in a statement.

The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is scheduled to be held from January 8-10 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards will be conferred by the Honble President of India at the PBD Convention in the Valedictory Session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations," the MEA said.

The Jury-cum-Awards Committee, with the Vice-President as the chairman and External Affairs Minister as the Vice-Chair, and other distinguished members from various walks of life, considered the nominations and unanimously selected the awardees," it said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

As per the list of awardees recommended by the Committee for conferment of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025, others who find a place in it include Prof. Ajay Rane from Australia for community service; Dr Marialena Joan Fernandes from Austria (in the field of education); Jaggannath Shekhar Asthana from Romania (in the field of business), among others.

Saraswati Vidya Niketan of Guyana is also on the list, besides Hindustani Samaj of Russia, both earning the honour for community service.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 20:56 IST
Ride To Remember: How A Speed Breaker Brought Dead Maharashtra Man 'Back To Life'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 15:00 IST

When the ambulance carrying Pandurang Ulpes body drove over a speed breaker, his family noticed that his fingers moved

Immediately diverting the ambulance to another hospital, the family admitted Pandurang Ulpe for intensive care where he underwent angioplasty.

A 65-year-old man in Maharashtras Kolhapur came back to life" after an ambulance carrying his presumed lifeless body hit a speed breaker. The incident took place on December 16 when Pandurang Ulpe, a resident of Kasaba-Bawada, suffered a heart attack and was rushed to a hospital. He was declared dead by doctors after which his family arranged to transport his body home for the last rites.

When the ambulance carrying Pandurang Ulpes body drove over a speed breaker, his family noticed that his fingers moved. Immediately diverting the ambulance to another hospital, the family admitted Pandurang Ulpe for intensive care where he underwent angioplasty. After a 15-day stay at the second hospital, he was discharged.

related stories

I had come home from a walk and was sitting after sipping tea. I felt dizzy and breathless. I went to the bathroom and vomited. I dont remember what happened afterwards, including who took me to the hospital," Pandurang Ulpe was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

#Maharashtra | Pandurang Ulpe, believed to be dead after a heart attack, showed signs of life when his fingers moved as the ambulance hit a speed bump.We were stunned. We immediately turned the vehicle around and took him back to hospital where doctors stabilised him. Yes, my pic.twitter.com/C9ius8w2JD  The Times Of India (@timesofindia) January 3, 2025

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Pandurang Ulpes grandson Ramane said, as per The Times Of India, doctors at the private hospital in Kasba Bawda said that the 65-year-old suffered a heart attack and referred him to another private hospital. He said, In the private hospital, he vomited blood a few times. An ECG was carried out, but my grandfather was declared dead. Doctors said they had tried hard to save his life," Ramane said.

He added, We also began preparing for the funeral. We were on our way with his body when the ambulance struck a speed breaker, near Chougule Galli in Kasba Bawda. We saw his fingers move. One of our relatives touched his wrist and felt a pulse."

Location : Maharashtra, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 15:00 IST
Schools Turned Into 'PM Shri' Registered 76% Increase In Enrolment Since 2020-21: Education Ministry Survey

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 04, 2025, 02:18 IST

The survey was conducted in 40 schools in 28 districts spread across five states. In 2020-21, pre-PM Shri enrolment in these schools was 14,258, which post-PM Shri has reached 25,065 schoolsa rise of 75.80%, a senior ministry official said

Schools under PM Shri are already existing government schools that are shortlisted for the PM Shri tag on the basis of their best practices. (Representational Image)

A survey of 40 Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM Shri), the Centres flagship scheme, across five states by the union education ministry this year showed a 76% increase in enrolment in these schools since 2020-21. Most of the new enrolments are students who have re-enrolled" from private institutions.

The survey was conducted in 40 schools in 28 districts spread across five states. In 2020-21, pre-PM Shri enrolment in these schools was 14,258, which post-PM Shri has reached 25,065 schoolsa rise of 75.80%, a senior ministry official said.

related stories

Schools under PM Shri are already existing government schools that are shortlisted for the PM Shri tag on the basis of their best practices.

The five states where the schools were surveyed are Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

For example, a government higher secondary school in north Tripura showed a major increase in enrolment from 248 students in 2020-21 to 781 in 2023-24.

Another government higher secondary school in Manipurs Kamjong district saw a steep rise in enrolment from 173 in 2020-21 to 684 in the 2023-24 academic session.

Similarly, a government girls senior secondary school in Rajasthans Jaipur now has 917 students enrolled with it from what was 463 in 2020-21.

These schools have seen a major increase in enrolment after being declared PM-Shri. Most of the new enrolments are those students who have re-enrolled from private schools. If government schools are doing well, then its likely that parents would want to send their students there from private schools," the official said.

PM Shri is a central sector scheme aimed at developing over 14,500 exemplary schools across India. So far, 12,084 schools have already received the PM Shri prefix.

The Centre announced the PM Shri scheme in the union budget in 2022, seeking to develop over 14,500 PM Shri schools across India, which will showcase each of the objectives envisaged in the new National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.

Heads and teachers of PM-Shri schools are also set to start training with the IITs and IIMs to improve the quality of teaching.

The ministry had last year told premier institutions, including 23 IITs and 21 IIMs, to prepare training modules for the teachers and school heads. While IITs will guide them on how to use science and math labs for the practical application of the subjects and how to upgrade infrastructure accordingly, the IIMs will be training teachers in leadership skills.

Under the scheme, there is a provision for turning existing schools run by the Centre, state governments, or local bodies into PM Shri schools by strengthening them. Schools must apply for the same and follow the given procedure for selection.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Since education is a subject in the concurrent list, many opposition-ruled states were not ready to prefix PM Shri to schools run by their governments, including Tamil Nadu (TN), Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi, and Punjab.

However, while Delhi and Punjab have come on board, TN, Kerala, and West Bengal have yet to sign an MoU with the Centre to implement the scheme in their respective states.

First Published: January 04, 2025, 02:18 IST
Scuffle Between BJPs R Ashoka, Bengaluru Cops Over Protest Against Bus Fare Hike

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:26 IST

The altercation came after the Karnataka BJP announced a statewide protest against the Congress government's 15% hike in bus ticket prices.

BJP leader R Ashoka said a police officer manhandled him ahead of BJP's protest. (PTI/File)

A huge scuffle was reported between Leader of the Opposition in Karnatakas Assembly R Ashoka and the police as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced a state-wide protest against the state governments 15 per cent increase in bus ticket prices.

Ashoka alleged police brutality as he engaged in a heated argument with the police over preventive restrictions for their planned protest. The BJP leader warned the police that the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government would not last for long.

related stories

During the altercation, Ashoka also shouted at a police officer for preventing the protests, saying that the cop manhandled him.

What Happened In Karnataka?

The Karnataka government faced flak after it decided to increase the bus fares in the state-owned transport corporations by 15% on Thursday. The Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said the decision was taken due to the substantial hike in operational costs such as an increase in spending on fuel prices and staff.

Patil said the decision will come into effect from January 5 and the hikes are expected to generate Rs 74.85 crore monthly and about Rs 784 crore annually. The opposition BJP lashed out at the Congress government over the decision to hike bus fares.

BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with what face do you boast that you have given the five guarantee schemes to the people of the state? Provide money for the Shakti Yojana, you have caused the transport company to tread the path of loss." He said by increasing the bus fare by 15 per cent, the government line is that the bus travel is free for women, but it will definitely be a burden for men.

BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, LoP in Karnatakas Legislative Council, told news agency ANI on Friday that the government had no other option as it was unable to fulfill the guarantees it promised to the people. The price rise is common. The CM is citing his helplessness. We are now apologising to people on behalf of the CM," he said.

Free For Wife But Double For Husband

Patil also underscored that the Shakti guarantee, which offers free ride for Karnataka women in state-owned non-luxury buses across the state, will continue. In the current fiscal, Rs 5,015 crore has been earmarked for the Shakti scheme, the Minister explained.

Slamming the governments decision, Ashoka said bus fares were free for the wife but double for the husband", while announcing a statewide protest against the fare hike. They have to give more than Rs. 4000 crores to the transport department and they have no money. Hence, this was the easy thing to do," he told ANI.

They are doing this for the commission because this is a commission government Tomorrow (Friday) I will protest And BJP will carry out a state-wide protest the day after tomorrow (Saturday)," he added.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

However, Karnatakas Labour Minister Santosh Lad defended the bus fare hike and slammed the BJP for linking it with the Shakti scheme. The BJP will protest or talk about anything. They should compare UPA 1 and 2 with NDA now and the 2013-18 under Congress here and the BJP rule later," he said.

This (bus fare hike) has nothing to do with the Shakti scheme. Havent there been fare hikes in Gujarat and other states. This would have been done regardless of the Shakti scheme," he added.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 12:29 IST
Tensions Erupt In Manipur As Protesters Storm Kangpokpi Police Station, Top Cop Injured

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 23:15 IST

Kuki organisations have been protesting against the alleged baton charge on women by security forces on December 31 in Saibol village.

The attackers on Friday evening threw stones and other projectiles towards the office to vent their anger over the continued deployment of central forces particularly the BSF and the CRPF in the village. (News18)

Fresh tensions erupted in Manipur on Friday after protestors clashed with the police demanding the withdrawal of the security forces at Uyokching, Kangpokpi district adjacent to Imphal West district.

The protesters had been looking to stop transport as part of their economic blockade enforced to demand the withdrawal of central forces from Saibol village. Further, Kuki organisations have been protesting against the alleged baton charge on women by security forces on December 31 in Saibol.

related stories

When the security forces asked the protestors to move back, the mob attacked the office of the Superintendent of Police of Kangpokpi. The attackers threw stones and other projectiles towards the office to vent their anger over the continued deployment of central forces particularly the BSF and the CRPF in the village.

Several protesters were injured in the attempt by the security forces to disperse the protesters including SP Manoj Prabhakar. Additionally, vehicles of district police kept within the compound of the SPs office were also damaged.

Individuals armed with sophisticated weapons were seen out in the roads in Kangpokpi. A large number of protesters started gathering in front of the SPs office since the afternoon demanding that central forces be removed from the village. The SP office remains a flashpoint with protesters refusing to return home, with additional central forces being rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.

The Manipur Police said that the violent protestors attacked the office of Superintendent of Police Kangpokpi by pelting stones and petrol bombs.

Today (03.01.2025) in Kangpokpi District, a protest rally organized by CoTU became violent on their demand to withdraw Central Security Forces deployed at Saibol village. The violent protestors attacked the office of Superintendent of Police Kangpokpi by pelting stones and petrol bombs. Security Forces retaliated against the mob and resorted to use of adequate force to disperse the mob and the situation was brought under control. In this incident, Shri Manoj Prabhakar, SP Kangpokpi District was injured and some vehicles also were damaged. The SP Kangpokpi has received necessary medical treatment and is fine now and presently leading the joint security forces in tackling the situation. Huge contingents of security forces have been deployed to tackle the situation. The situation is now under control and being closely monitored," the Manipur Police said in a post on X.

Today (03.01.2025) in Kangpokpi District, a protest rally organized by CoTU became violent on their demand to withdraw Central Security Forces deployed at Saibol village. The violent protestors attacked the office of Superintendent of Police Kangpokpi by pelting stones and petrol Manipur Police (@manipur_police) January 3, 2025

Last week, security forces had conducted operations at the village and its surrounding areas following gunfights between groups. On the December 31 incident at Saibol, Manipur police had said that security forces resorted to firing of tear gas shells after a group of women attempted to block the movement of a combined team of state and central forces.

The incident occurred after the mob tried to disrupt" the deployment of a combined team of Army, BSF and CRPF, the police had said in a post on X.

Earlier today, a Kuki organisation extended a shutdown in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas in Manipur to protest against alleged action by security forces on women in Saibol village. The tribal body Kuki-Zo Council said the economic blockade that started from midnight of January 2 would continue till 2 am on Saturday to protest against disregard for tribal rights and dignity".

The developments came days after former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Ajay Kumar Bhalla took charge as Manipurs new Governor.

Over 250 people have been killed and thousands have been displaced in ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur since May 2023.

The general category Meiteis want to be included under the Scheduled Tribes category, while the Kukis want a separate administration carved out of Manipur, citing discrimination

What Are The Ethnic Fault lines In Manipur?

The state comprises two distinct communities Meiteis, which form a little more than half of the population, and live in the Imphal Valley, while the tribals, Kukis and Nagas are nearly 40%, 25% and 15%, respectively, and reside in the hill districts.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Meiteis are predominantly Hindus; 8% of the Meiteis are Muslims called Meitei Pangals. The Meiteis are better represented in businesses and politics of the state than Kukis and Nagas.

Kukis, who are mostly Christians, are spread all over the northeast and Myanmar. Most of them migrated from Myanmar several decades ago, and were initially settled by Meitei kings in the hills of Manipur.

Location : Imphal, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 21:27 IST
2 Men Attempt Self-Immolation To Protest Union Carbide Waste Disposal In MP's Pithampur

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 21:05 IST

Both the protestors suffered burn injuries and were subsequently shifted to a local hospital by public and police officers present at the scene.

The men suffered burn injuries and have been hospitalised. (X)

Two male protestors set themselves ablaze in in Madhya Pradeshs Pithampur on Friday during a protest against the planned disposal of 337 tonnes of hazardous waste from Union Carbide factory.

Both the protestors suffered burn injuries and were subsequently shifted to a local hospital by public and police officers present at the scene.

related stories

Shocking!Recently, toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal was relocated to Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh People were protesting against that by pouring petrol on themselves  and then this happened pic.twitter.com/vGYk4kaygy  Veena Jain (@DrJain21) January 3, 2025

According to videos shared on social media platforms, the two men, who were part of a demonstration organised by Pithampur Bachao Samiti, poured flammable liquid on themselves and tried to ignite it.

The quick response of the crowd and police officials likely prevented the tragedy as they intervened to extinguish the flames.

Prohibitory orders under section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Surakhsa Sanhita (BNSS) banning the assembly of 50 or more persons have been imposed around Ramky Enviro company where the toxic waste will be incinerated. It will be in force till January 12 and has been invoked to avoid loss of life and property, display of arms, celebratory firing and maintaining peace around the incineration facility, the order issued by district authorities read.

Former Chief Minister and Congress leader Kamal Nath reacted to incident and urged CM Mohan Yadav to take further step after taking all the parties into confidence.

Two youths protesting against the burning of Union Carbide waste attempted self-immolation today and were badly burnt. I wish both the youths a speedy recovery. Also, I request the Chief @DrMohanYadav51 of Madhya Pradesh that this matter is extremely sensitive. Therefore, any further step should be taken on this only after taking all the parties into confidence. In Indore and Pithampur, social workers, citizens and leaders of both Congress and BJP parties are protesting against this action. Therefore, it would be better to take any step keeping in mind public sentiments and public health," he said in a post on X.

                                       @DrMohanYadav51              Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) January 3, 2025

Whats The Issue?

The protests stem from concerns by people regarding the safety and environmental implications of relocating hazardous materials to the township, located approximately 30 kilometres from Indore.

Over 300 tonnes of the hazardous waste had been stored in the factory since the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984 and had been moved in 12 containers to Pithampur in Dhar district for scientific disposal on Wednesday.

The 12 container trucks carrying the waste set off on a non-stop journey around 9 pm. A green corridor was created for the nearly-seven journey of the vehicles to the Pithampur industrial area in Dhar district," said Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department Director Swatantra Kumar Singh.

Nearly 100 persons worked in 30-minute shifts since Sunday to pack and load the waste in trucks, he said.

Protests continued in several parts of the town through the day amid a bandh call given by Pithampur Bachao Samiti, with a mob marching to the industrial unit in which the waste is set to be incinerated, and another agitation that saw the participation of children.

Shops and markets remained closed as part of the bandh call given by Pithampur Bachao Samiti, which claimed the planned incineration of the waste linked to the Bhopal gas tragedy would harm local residents and the environment of the region.

Police also carried out a lathicharge to disperse some protesters after they blocked a key road.

Sandeep Raghuvanshi, who has been on a hunger strike at the bus stand since Thursday, told news agency PTI that a large number of people have expressed solidarity with him over his protest against the disposal of the Union Carbide waste in Pithampur.

Meanwhile, heavy police deployment has been made in Pithampur to maintain law and order.

Pithampur, about 50 kilometres from the Dhar district headquarters, has a population of about 1.75 lakh and its industrial area has nearly 700 factories in three sectors.

Police Urge Peace

In view of the tense situation in the town, District Collector Priyank Mishra and SP Singh assured residents that there is no reason to worry.

He also released two separate videos asking people to maintain calm and to not take law in their hands, adding that the administration was ready to listen to their demands.

Both the top officials said health of the people was paramount for the state government, but asserted those trying to disturb peace would be dealt with strictly.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy 1984

The highly toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide factory on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, killing at least 5,479 persons and leaving thousands with serious and long-lasting health issues.

It is considered to be among the worst industrial disasters in the world.

What Court Said On Waste Disposal

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had on December 3 rebuked the authorities for not clearing the Union Carbide site in Bhopal despite court directives, including that of the Supreme Court.

It had set a four-week deadline to shift the waste, observing that even 40 years after the gas tragedy, authorities were in a state of inertia".

The HC had warned the government of contempt proceedings if its directive was not followed.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

CM Yadav on Thursday addressed doubters and said the issue should not be politicised. He asserted the waste comprised 60 per cent mud and 40 per cent naphthol used to make pesticide methyl isocyanate (MIC) and was not at all harmful".

(With inputs from PTI)

Location : Pithampur, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 19:28 IST
UK-Based Hiker Detained At Delhi Airport For Carrying 'Illegal' GPS Device

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:27 IST

Heather, a UK-based hiker on her way to Rishikesh, was detained for carrying a Garmin inReach GPS device, which is banned in India.

Heather, a UK-based hiker, was detained at the Delhi Airport. (Instagram/Hiker Heather)

A United Kingdom-based hiker was detained at the Delhi Airport for carrying a Garmin inReach GPS device, which is banned in India. Heather, who goes by Hiker Heather on Instagram, was on her way to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand when she was detained.

Narrating her experience on Instagram, Heather warned other travellers not to bring devices like Garmin inReach or any satellite communicator to India. They are illegal here," she said, while sharing a video from the airport where she was detained.

related stories

At around 10.30am this morning, I was passing through security at Delhi Airport with the intention of taking an internal flight to Rishikesh, I innocently placed my Garmin Inreach in the tray to go through the scanner and at that moment I was promptly pulled aside by security and told to wait," Heather said on her page.

After being told that the device she was carrying was illegal, Heather contacted the embassy, which was unable to intervene in legal proceedings. I was eventually taken to the police station where I was questioned, in a fairly friendly manner and made to sign document after document. I didnt take the no comment stance, foolishly or not, it is my nature to be honest and after all, there was absolutely no intent on my behalf," she said.

She was later released from the police station and was told that she was required to return to attend court. I am not the only person who has fallen victim to this law, hence I felt compelled to write this post, in hope that it will save even one of you from suffering the same fate," Heather further said.

Heather said the experience overwhelmed her and referenced a recent case involving a Canadian runner arrested in India in December for carrying a similar device. I dont know what the outcome will be at present, this all feels totally overwhelming and I guess I will just have to wait.," she added.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

In early December, a Canadian runner named Tina Lewis was arrested at the Goa airport on her way to Kochi for carrying a similar communications device. She was detained and interrogated about the Garmin inReach for the next four hours, according to Outside Magazine.

Garmin inReach, a Swiss-based satellite communication device, is banned in India as the country has prohibited the unauthorised use of satellite phones and devices to prevent security risks and illegal surveillance.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 13:16 IST
Wockhardts 2 New Antibiotics In Global Spotlight: Chairman Khorakiwala Narrates Journey | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:54 IST

While Nafithromycin (Miqnaf) is used in the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), Zaynich is effective against all major superbugs that have become resistant to almost all antibiotics. Nafithromycin got the DGCI nod on January 1

Dr Habil Khorakiwala founded Wockhardt in 1967.

Mumbai-based drugmaker Wockhardt has received the final approval from the countrys drug regulatory authority to market its novel antibiotic, Nafithromycin, in India. The countrys first indigenous Macrolide antibiotic, branded as Miqnaf, is touted to be 10 times" more effective than the existing treatments such as the popular azithromycin and the drug will hit the market in the next few months.

Dr Habil Khorakiwala, chairman, Wockhardt, told News18 exclusively that the company received the final approvals from the drug controller general of India (DCGI) for the marketing of the drug in India on Wednesday, January 1.

related stories

On being asked about the pricing of the medicine, Khorakiwala said it was still under discussion; however, it is not going to be in the same range as the existing antibiotics. Nafithromycin is a complex and a whole new molecule Its manufacturing cost is several times more than the existing options and hence, it will be priced differently."

Wockhardt is basking in the spotlight globally for the development of two groundbreaking molecules  Nafithromycin and Zaynich.

While Nafithromycin (Miqnaf) is used in the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) where current antibiotics have become resistant, Zaynich is effective against all major superbugs that have become resistant to almost all antibiotics used today. These two drugs are labelled as potential breakthroughs in antibiotic research, making it more special for India.

We have invested around $500 million (Rs 4,250 crore) in the drug discovery programme, including the development of Zaynich and Miqnaf, over the years. While Miqnaf has taken an investment of around Rs 500 crore, much more has been invested in Zaynich."

Also, Nafithromycin has received support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), using government funding of Rs 8 crore.

WOCKHARDTS DRUG DISCOVERY JOURNEY

The journey of developing novel antibiotics started more than two decades ago, said Khorakiwala, who founded Wockhardt in 1967.

Wockhardt claims to be the only company in the world which has got the QIDP Status (Qualified Infectious Disease Product) from American drug regulator US FDA for six of its anti-bacterial discovery programmes. The company is known for its comprehensive drug discovery team and clinical organisation.

Our antibiotic research programme started around 25 years ago," he said, detailing how he created an organisation with 15 different disciplines focused on research and development.

There are two primary reasons we focussed on antibiotic research," he said, adding, First is the large usage of antibiotics in India with a 10 to 12 per cent market size. Another is that we saw big pharma and multinationals exiting this field. We believe that new antibiotics will be required due to the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance. More than 50 lakh people die every year due to the resistance."

To bolster its internal drug discovery mechanism, the company has collaborated with almost 30 international organisations to discuss and present the ongoing work for suggestions and better ideation. American and European universities, international laboratories or panels of experts  we have become part of several networks of experts. We also established an advisory board of key opinion leaders in various fields and conducted half a dozen meetings lasting about three days where our scientists share their work and get the perspectives or opinions of the experts," he said.

Khorakiwala explained why it was important to ensure that the product is innovative enough to reap commercial benefits. You have to keep track of all other new drugs that are being developed worldwide and where your drug stands. Unless it is a very innovative drug, you cant get a patent and this is essential for investment or to get commercial value Hence, you first need to be sure that what you are doing is innovative."

MIQNAF & ZAYNICH ARE SET FOR INDIA LAUNCH IN 2025

For Nafithromycin (Miqnaf), the drug has completed phase-3 clinical trials last April, following earlier phase-1 and phase-2 trials conducted in the US and Europe.

This drug will be used in the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) where the mortality is generally due to resistance against the prevailing antibiotics. The government data shows that India faces 1.8 crore pneumonia cases annually, highlighting a major unmet medical need.

The drug is ready to be rolled out in India in the next few months. The drug will be available on the prescription of registered medical practitioners in pharmacy outlets across India." Wockhardt expects that the domestic market for Nafithromycin may reach around Rs 400-500 crore in the next five years.

The second drug, Zaynich, works against gram-negative infections, which are prevalent only in hospital settings. The drug is not used in community settings or hospital wards. It is used where existing drugs become non-usable, mostly for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

The company has given Zaynich to 45 patients on a compassionate basis so far and the company claims that all 45 lives were saved. Two were American nationals and the rest were Indians and each of the patients was cured," Khorakiwala said. The drug has shown to work efficiently in treating highly immunocompromised people such as those suffering from cancer or organ transplant patients."

Globally, Zaynich is undergoing phase-III clinical trials in countries, including the US, China, Europe and India. Wockhardt expects no major global competition for this drug for more than a decade as no similar drugs are currently in development.

We are expecting the results from the clinical trials in the next six weeks, and we expect to apply for its India launch by the middle of 2025."

HOW CAN INDIA IMPROVE ITS RATE OF DRUG DISCOVERY?

By accelerating the regulatory approval procedures," said Khorakiwala. He compared India to global regulators on several parameters which showed Indias was a time-consuming market.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The regulatory mechanism is not fully appreciative of the complexities of research, and they take an enormous time at every stage of clearance. If I have to conduct phase-I clinical trials in some Western countries, the hospitals ethics committees give the clearances, whereas in some others the approval for starting the trial comes within 30 days. Here in India, the approvals could take anywhere between three to six months, and we must understand that in research programmes, time is very crucial. India needs to create a framework similar to the US FDA where it has created a fast-track approval process."

The US FDA, he explained, evaluates the drug scientifically and then helps create a pathway for quicker trial because of the urgency of the drug and unmet needs. In place of the standard approval time of 12 to 15 months, they take only six months. This is how regulatory handholding can encourage research."

First Published: January 03, 2025, 13:54 IST
Tom Holland Reveals Quitting Alcohol Gave Him A Sense Of Clarity: 7 Mental Health Changes To Expect

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 17:22 IST

Tom Holland recently opened up about why he gave up alcohol. He took the step because he saw how interwoven alcohol was in his social life.

Tom Holland decided to take a month-long break from alcohol three years ago and has never looked back since.

As the New Year begins, many people make resolutions to moderate their alcohol intake or embark on a journey of sobriety. In a recent interview, Tom Holland spoke about his sobriety journey and how it changed his life. The Spider-Man star talked about this lifestyle change and also revealed what made him embark on this journey.

Tom Holland started his sobriety journey three years ago when he decided to take a month-long break from alcohol. During this break, he realized how alcohol was a major part of his social life. He told Mens Health, Every Friday after work was a write-off: Lets get drunk and have a good time. I didnt have bad experiences, but I would drink enough so that I would ruin my next day."

related stories

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Holland (@tomholland2013)

The actor mentioned how he leaned on his network of friends and family during this journey. He revealed the advice he had received from his lawyer. He said, He gave me a really poignant piece of advice that helped me get through everything, which was: Youll never wake up the morning after a night out and wish you had a drink. That piece of advice really rang true to me, because my problem was that I would have one drink and be fine, and then I would just go too far."

In the same conversation, Holland mentioned how he has found a new sense of clarity that helps him deal with stress and how he spends his weekends more productively because he is no longer nursing a hangover.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Holland (@tomholland2013)

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Inspired by his journey, here are seven things that happen to your mental health once you quit alcohol.

1. Alcohol is a depressant that can disrupt brain chemistry, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Quitting alcohol often results in more stable moods, as the brain regains balance in neurotransmitter production, leading to better emotional regulation. 2. Although alcohol may offer temporary relief, it can exacerbate anxiety over time. By quitting alcohol, many people experience a significant reduction in anxiety, as their nervous system recalibrates. 3. Alcohol impairs cognitive functions, including concentration, memory, and decision-making. When you quit drinking, your mental clarity improves. 4. While alcohol may initially make you feel sleepy, it disrupts sleep patterns and reduces REM sleep quality. 5. Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism for stress, but it can worsen stress in the long run. Quitting allows the mind to adopt healthier ways to handle stress, such as practicing mindfulness, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. 6. Chronic alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. 7. Overcoming alcohol dependency fosters a sense of accomplishment, leading to improved self-esteem and confidence.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 17:22 IST
Fine Dining, Visit To Ancient Temples, And A Spa: Inside Sarah Todd's Journey On The Golden Chariot Train

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 16:57 IST

Sarah Todd recently boarded the Golden Chariot Train. She shared a video where she gave her fans a glimpse of the luxurious experience.

The Golden Chariot train offers a luxurious ride to the best places in South India.

Celebrity chef Sarah Todd is on a mission to explore the best that India has to offer. Recently, she boarded the luxurious Golden Chariot Train to explore South India in style. She took her fans on a virtual tour with her and gave a glimpse of the opulence that awaits. She also shared a video on her social media where she was seen enjoying the best of food, relaxation, and hospitality that the Golden Chariot had to offer.

Taking to her Instagram, Sarah Todd shared a video from her journey on the Golden Chariot train. She wrote, All aboard the most luxurious train ride in South Indiathe @GoldenChariotOfficial! From the moment you step onto its opulent carriages, its a journey like no other. Think indulgent meals served in vintage dining cars, dreamy cabins, and every corner filled with a touch of royal elegance. But the magic doesnt stop on boardthis train makes stops at ancient temples, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural gems. Its not just travel; its an experience that seamlessly blends history, luxury, and adventure."

related stories

Take a look at the video here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SARAH TODD (@sarahtodd)

What Is The Golden Chariot Train?

The Golden Chariot is a luxury train that is owned by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and is managed and operated by the IRCTC. The train covers some of the major destinations in South India and offers a peek into the architecture, culture, and history of this region.

What Does It Offer?

The carriages of the Golden Chariot are named after the dynasties that ruled South India over several centuries. Each guest carriage has four cabins with a mix of twins and doubles. The train has two restaurants and a bar that serves delectable meals from across the world and a fine selection of wines, beers, and spirits. Additionally, it also has a fitness center that not only offers traditional Ayurvedic Spa therapies but also modern workout machines so that you can finish your fitness goal each day.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Which Places Does It Cover?

The Golden Chariot offers three itineraries which cover places in Bengaluru, Bandipur, Mysore, Halebidu, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Pattadakal & Aihole, Goa, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Cochin, and Kumarakom. Depending on the package, some of the activities on the itinerary include safari rides, coffee plantation visits, temple and church visits, and visits to palaces and ruins to name a few.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 16:57 IST
When Is Eid al-Fitr 2025 in India? Ramzan Dates, Sehri, Iftar, And How Eid Is Celebrated

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 09:07 IST

Eid al-Fitr in 2025 is expected to fall either on 30th or 31st March, subject to the sighting of the moon.

Eid 2025: Monday, March 31, 2025, is also a bank holiday on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr. (Image: Shutterstock)

EID 2025: Eid-ul-Fitr, also called Meethi Eid, is one of the most cherished festivals on the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated upon the conclusion of Ramadan, a sacred month dedicated to fasting, offering prayers and reflecting on the inner self to become a better human. Observed on the first day of Shawwalthe 10th month of the Hijri calendar, Eid-ul-Fitr is a day of joy, gratitude and togetherness.

The dates for Ramzan and Eid are determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which lends an air of anticipation to the celebrations. Lets dive into all the details about Eid-ul-Fitr in 2025, from its history and significance to how it is celebrated.

related stories

ALSO READ: Festivals And Bank Holidays Calendar 2025: Complete List Of Indian Festivals And Public Holidays

During Ramadan, Muslims observe a fast (Roza) from sunrise to sunset each day and devote their time to establishing a closer connection with Allah.

They practice absolute abstinence during the month of Ramadan and dedicate most of their time to the devotion of Allah and his teachings. Thus, Eid al-Fitr marks the beginning of festivities after the month-long discipline and restraint.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2025 in India?

Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on Monday, March 31, 2025, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Ramzan Start and End Dates

Ramzan 2025 is predicted to commence on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The holy month will end on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Eid date

Eid al-Fitr in 2025 is expected to fall either on 30th or 31st March, subject to the sighting of the moon.

ALSO READ: When Is Holi 2025? Date, Rituals, History, Significance, And Celebrations Across India

History of Eid-ul-Fitar

The tradition of celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr began in Medina after Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca.

The Prophet established two holy days for festivities  Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha  as revealed in the Quran.

Since then, Eid-ul-Fitr has been a time for reflection, gratitude, and revelry after a month of fasting and spiritual devotion.

Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr represents the culmination of Ramadan, a month when Muslims abstain from worldly pleasures and devote themselves to Allahs teachings. This festival signifies renewal and purity, symbolising a fresh start after a month of self-discipline. It is also a day for fostering unity and showing love and acceptance to people from all walks of life.

ALSO READ: When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? Date, History, Significance, Muhurat, Rituals And Celebrations

Celebrations and Rituals

Celebrations begin early with a ritual bath and Salat al-Fajr (Morning Prayer). Families enjoy a sweet treat, traditionally dates, before adorning themselves in new clothes and jewellery. Men and boys proceed to the Eidgah or a designated open space to offer Eid prayers in the congregation, while women can either join or pray at home. Post-prayer, everyone exchanges heartfelt greetings of Eid Mubarak" and embraces one another as a symbol of love and brotherhood. Families and friends visit each other, exchange gifts, and children are given Eidi, a monetary gift. Women decorate their hands with henna, adding to the festive spirit. The highlight of the day is a grand feast. Sweet dishes like Seviyan, Kheer, Phirni, and other traditional desserts take centerstage, earning the festival the nickname Meethi Eid. A key aspect of Eid is charity. Zakat al-Fitr, an obligatory donation, is given to the poor before Eid prayers to ensure everyone can participate in the festivities. While voluntary in some countries, this act of kindness is mandatory in others and maybe state-regulated.

What is Roza?

The Roza is an Arabic word known as Sawm, which means to avoid. After the Tawheed, Salah, & Zakat, fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is the term for the daily fast observed during Ramadan, which involves abstinence from food, drink and sinful behaviour from dawn to sunset.

ALSO READ: Diwali 2025 Calendar: When Is Diwali, Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Pujan, Govardhan Puja And Bhai Dooj?

Muslims observe fasts after the month of Shaban, in Ramadan.

There are 29 or 30 Rozas in a single month depending on when the Shawwal crescent is sighted. The believers celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr the next day.

Observing the Roza doesnt only mean restraining food and drinks but it expands to avoiding sins, bad deeds, smoking, drinking, and other forbidden activities.

What is Sehri?

Sehri is a pre-fasting meal eaten just before sunrise. Sehri timings fluctuate during the month of Ramadan due to variations in day length as well as the time of year it falls in.

ALSO READ: When Is Onam 2025? Thiruvonam Date, Rituals, Significance, And How It Is Celebrated

What is Iftar?

Iftar starts at sunset every day. As the length of the days varies during the month, so do the iftar timings.

How is it celebrated?

Sehri and iftar play a vital role in a Muslims fasting routine. They provide the necessary nourishment to sustain energy levels throughout the day.

It is important to focus on balanced meals during Ramadan, ensuring they contain a mix of fibre, healthy fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Foods like wholegrain rice, nuts, eggs, oats, and wholemeal bread can be excellent choices. However, the most significant aspect is including dates in both sehri and iftar, as they are a traditional and nutrient-rich option.

Is it a bank holiday on Eid in India?

Friday, March 28, 2025, is a bank holiday in India on the occasion of Jamat Ul-Vida.

Monday, March 31, 2025, is also a bank holiday on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Ramzan: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the significance of Eid-ul-Fitr?

It marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with friends and family. Its also a moment to put aside differences and embrace one and all.

What is Zakat al-Fitr?

It is an obligatory charity given to the poor before Eid prayers to ensure everyone can celebrate.

Is Eid-ul-Fitr a public holiday in India?

Yes, it is a bank holiday, observed on March 31, 2025, in India.

What is the purpose of fasting during Ramadan?

Fasting during Ramadan, or Roza, is observed to practice self-discipline, purify the soul, and establish a deeper connection with Allah. It is one of the five pillars of Islam.

What are Sehri and Iftar in Ramadan?

Sehri is the pre-dawn meal consumed before the fast begins, while Iftar is the meal to break the fast at sunset.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Who is exempted from fasting during Ramadan?

Fasting is not obligatory for children, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, those who are ill and travellers. They can compensate later through fasting or charitable acts, depending on circumstances.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 09:05 IST
Justin Baldoni's Former Agency Says Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds Not The Reason Why He Was Dropped

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 12:51 IST

In his lawsuit, Justin Baldoni claimed that his former agency, WME, dropped him after being pressured by Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.

It Ends With Us was released on August 9, 2024. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Just when you thought the drama surrounding It Ends With Us couldnt get any more intense, Justin Baldoni, the lead actor and director, filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times. The actor filed the lawsuit after the media outlet extensively covered Blake Livelys complaint, which accused him of sexual harassment, among other things.

In his lawsuit, Baldoni also alleged that Blake Lively and her actor-husband, Ryan Reynolds, had pressured the talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME) to drop him as a client. The 40-year-old actor-director claimed that Reynolds demanded this from WME at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere in July last year. Baldoni and Wayfarer grew increasingly fearful of what Lively and Reynolds were capable of, as their actions seemed aimed at destroying Baldonis career and personal life," stated the lawsuit.

related stories

Days after WME dropped Baldoni from the agency, the representatives have come forward to deny allegations made by the It Ends With Us director. In a statement shared to the People on January 1, WME said, In Baldonis filing, there is a claim that Reynolds pressured Baldonis agent at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere. This is not true."

WME continued, 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."

Justin Baldoni was reportedly dropped from WME on December 21, just hours after Blake Lively filed her lawsuit. She accused him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her during the promotional tour of It Ends With Us.

On the other hand, in his lawsuit against the NYT filed on Tuesday, December 31, in Los Angeles Superior Court, Baldoni accused the publication of conspiring against the actor-director with Livelys team. He alleged that the media outlet advanced an unverified and self-serving narrative" using cherry-picked and altered communications stripped of necessary context and deliberately spliced to mislead" in the article.

Baldonis lawsuit also alleged that Lively tried to sideline him from promoting and marketing his own film and attempted to ban him from the premiere of It Ends With Us last summer. As per the lawsuit, Baldoni and the team of Wayfarer Studio were allowed to attend the films premiere under humiliating conditions."

The Wayfarer team and their families, including Baldoni and (producer Jamey) Heath, were segregated from the main cast, barred from the exclusive after-party, and forced to organise their own event at additional cost," stated the lawsuit.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 12:51 IST
Rapper Stormzy Banned From Driving For 9 Months After Phone Use Incident

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 16:13 IST

British rapper Stormzy was caught using a mobile phone while driving his Rolls-Royce Wraith in west London last year.

The incident took place on March 7 last year. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

British rapper Stormzy, whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Junior, has been banned from driving for nine months. The ban comes after the 31-year-old was caught using a mobile phone while driving his Rolls-Royce Wraith in west London. The incident took place on March 7, 2023, on Addison Road in West Kensington. An off-duty police officer noticed the rapper using his device while behind the wheel and immediately approached the vehicle.

According to a report in BBC, during the hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, it was informed that the off-duty officer had knocked on Stormzys tinted passenger window and said, Get rid of your tints and get off your phone." Initially, Stormzy denied using his mobile while driving. However, he later changed his plea to guilty through a letter submitted to Wimbledon Magistrates Court.

related stories

During the hearing, District Judge Andrew Sweet criticiSed Stormzys actions, calling them dangerous and irresponsible." The judge also noted that Stormzys driving record was not good." The rapper already had six penalty points on his license for previous speeding offenses which contributed to the severity of the courts decision. In addition to the driving ban, Stormzy was fined 2,010 (approximately Rs 2.14 lakh).

The court also heard details of a previous violation involving the rapper. On October 17, 2023, Stormzy had been stopped by officers on Coombe Lane in Kingston upon Thames. During this incident, he was driving a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted front windows. The windows allowed only 4% light transmission which was far below the legal requirement of 70%.

Prosecutor Alice Holloway explained that Stormzy had been warned about the issue earlier but failed to address it. However, Stormzys solicitor, Peter Csemiczky, stated that the rapper accepted full responsibility for his actions and had since taken steps to comply with the law. He informed the court that Stormzy had removed the tints from his vehicles and apologised for his behaviour.

A Rolls-Royce Wraith reportedly sells for over 250,000 (Rs 2.66 crore) while a Lamborghini Urus is priced just under 200,000 (Rs 2.12 crore), according to online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader.

According to Billboard, Stormzy achieved a No.1 spot on the U.K.s Official Singles Chart. He teamed up with rave duo Chase & Status for the single Backbone. The track reached the top position in August 2024. His most recent album, This Is What I Mean, was released in November 2022.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 16:13 IST
Ryan Reynolds Breaks Silence On Justin Baldoni's Claims Amid Blake Lively's Legal Feud: I Was Angry, But Not Abusive

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 21:58 IST

Ryan Reynolds addresses allegations made by Justin Baldoni in a $250 million libel lawsuit, denying claims that he aggressively berated the actor.

Ryan Reynolds denies Justin Baldonis claims of aggressive behavior during a private meeting, as part of a $250 million libel lawsuit tied to Blake Livelys allegations of workplace misconduct.

Ryan Reynolds has come under fire after Justin Baldoni alleged in a $250 million libel lawsuit that the Deadpool star aggressively" berated him during a private meeting. However, a source reportedly present at the meeting has disputed Baldonis claims, describing Reynolds as angry and stern," but insisting he never raised his voice.

The lawsuit, filed by Baldoni, stems from accusations that Reynolds confronted him over comments allegedly made about Blake Livelys postpartum weight during the filming of It Ends With Us. According to Baldonis filing, the confrontation was in retaliation for a complaint Lively lodged with the California Civil Rights Department, accusing Baldoni of making derogatory remarks about her appearance after giving birth.

related stories

Sources close to the situation, speaking to TMZ, claim the alleged meeting occurred at Reynolds and Livelys New York City penthouse, with all attendees aware Baldonis behavior would be addressed. The Five Feet Apart director, however, maintains he was blindsided by what he describes as a traumatic encounter." He further alleges that the incident occurred as other celebrity guests entered and exited the home, amplifying the humiliation.

Baldoni has also named the New York Times, his crisis manager Melissa Nathan, his publicist Jennifer Abel, and others in his lawsuit, alleging they conspired to damage his reputation following Livelys sexual harassment claims. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, denies the allegations, framing them as an attempt to repair" Livelys public image.

Meanwhile, Lively has spoken out about her own legal action against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios. In her statement to the Times, she condemned what she called sinister retaliatory tactics" designed to intimidate those who report workplace misconduct. Her lawsuit includes claims of sexual harassment, emotional distress, and a smear campaign orchestrated against her.

As the legal battle unfolds, sources close to Reynolds and Lively have stood by their account, while Baldoni continues to challenge the narrative. The high-profile case is expected to bring further scrutiny to Hollywoods handling of workplace disputes and misconduct allegations.

Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 21:58 IST
Sandeep Reddy Vanga And Navdeep Praise Upendra, Compare Him To Ranbir Kapoors Character In Animal

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 15:41 IST

Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Navdeep praised Upendra, calling him a visionary and comparing him to Ranbir Kapoors character in Animal.

Filmmaker-actor Upendra was a guest on the Rana Daggubati Show.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Navdeep praised Upendra, calling him a visionary and comparing him to Ranbir Kapoors character in Animal, during an episode of The Rana Daggubati Show on Prime Video. The latest episode of the show featured filmmaker-actor Upendra, along with Navdeep, Faria Abdullah, and Sharmiela Mandre. Upendra shared stories about his early days, his views on love and marriage, and his unique approach to filmmaking.

The episode kicked off with Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Navdeep hailing Upendras fearless approach to cinema in an introductory video. Navdeep compared Upendra to Ranbir Kapoors character in Animal and dubbed him as the OG real wild animal." Sandeep Reddy Vanga also heaped praise on him, adding, He made Om when he was just 22. He was the youngest director in the country at that time. His screenplay felt like a film within a film."

related stories

Upendra recalled, I lived in a very tiny house. To earn some money, I made paper covers and sold them to fruit vendors. Thats when I started writing. I approached a director as a writer, and he made me his AD. From there, I moved to becoming a co-director, then director, and finally acting in my own films."

Reflecting on his personal journey and experiences with love and marriage, Upendra admitted, Marriage is a great institution. It is so good. I deceived you all by delivering lines like: There is no love. Love is trash. Many of you followed it, but very quietly, I got married. I wanted to find out whether there was any truth to what I said. After experiencing it, I am fixed now." One of the most fascinating moments of the episode unfolds when Upendra reminisces about adding an unexpected twist to a love scene in his 2002 film Super Star. He recounts, During my trip to Thailand, I saw a tiger and wrote a love scene around it."

Created, hosted, and executive produced by Rana Daggubati under the banner of Spirit Media, the unscripted Telugu Original eight-episode series boasts an exciting line-up of guests, including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Sreeleela, Nani, S.S. Rajamouli, Ram Gopal Varma, and many more. With new episodes dropping every Saturday, the seventh episode of The Rana Daggubati Show will be available to stream on January 4 exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 15:41 IST
Shark Tank Indias Anupam Mittal Jokes About Narayana Murthy's 70-Hour Workweek Advice: Relax

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 11:02 IST

Wishing fans a Happy New Year, Shark Tank judge Anupam Mittal shared a message for those worried about 70-hour workweek, referencing Narayana Murthys controversial comment.

Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal wishes fans a Happy New Year 2025

Shark Tank India season 4 is all set to premiere soon, and fans cant keep calm. Amid the anticipation about the latest season, a social media post by the shows judge and Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal has garnered a lot of attention. He recently wished his fans a Happy New Year, while also sharing a message for those worried about 70-hour workweek, referencing Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthys controversial comment.

In his post on X (previously Twitter), Anupam Mittal joked about Narayana Murthys 70-hour workweek comment. He wrote that those worried about 70-hour workweek can relax, as AI will take over our jobs soon, and people will have all the time to relax this year. All those worried about 70 hr work weeks, relax! AI gonna take our jobs so we will have all the time to chill in 2025 Happy New Year," he wrote.

related stories

All those worried about 70 hr work weeks, relax! AI gonna take our jobs so we will have all the time to chill in 2025 Happy New Year Anupam Mittal (@AnupamMittal) January 2, 2025

Comments on Anupam Mittals post

Reacting to Anupam Mittals post, one X user wrote, AI in 2025: You guys did the 70-hour work week, well do the 70-minute work week," while another netizen commented, Thats not really uplifting Anupam! But happy new year to you too." Another one wrote, Narayana Murthy maybe drafting a reply," while another comment read, .but lets just hope AI doesnt end up demanding a salary and an appraisal too."

In 2023, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthys comment about 70-hour workweek triggered intense debate across industry sectors. The software billionaire strongly advocated for a 70-hour workweek in India, and was subject to much criticism from the working population in the country.

About Shark Tank India Season 4

Meanwhile, the trailer of Shark Tank India season 4 was unveiled last month. The upcoming season of the show will see some regular, as well as some new faces in the judges panel. It includes Anupam Mittal (Founder and CEO, People Group Shaadi.com), Aman Gupta (Co-Founder and CMO, boAt Lifestyle), Namita Thapar (Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Ritesh Agarwal (Founder and Group CEO, OYO), Peyush Bansal (Co-Founder and CEO, Lenskart), Vineeta Singh (Co-Founder and CEO, Sugar Cosmetics), Azhar Iqubal (Co-Founder and Chairman, Inshorts) and Varun Dua, (Founder and CEO, ACKO) along with new sharks Kunal Bahl (Co-Founder, Snapdeal and Titan Capital), and Viraj Bahl (Founder and Managing Director of Veeba).

The show is set to be hosted by actress and Internet personality Sahiba Bali, and Aashish Solanki, who will bring their energy and charisma to the show. The fourth season of Shark Tank India will drop on January 6 on Sony LIV.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 11:02 IST
Sonu Sood Seeks Blessings At Shirdi Ahead Of The Release Of His Directorial Debut Fateh

Published By :

IANS

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 14:35 IST

Ahead of the release of his upcoming film Fateh, actor Sonu Sood visited Shirdi to seek blessings.

Fateh will release on January 10.

Ahead of the release of his upcoming film Fateh," actor Sonu Sood visited Shirdi to seek blessings. The actor shared his spiritual journey on social media. In the pictures surfaced online, Sonu is seen standing with folded hands at the sacred Shirdi temple, deeply immersed in prayer. Prior to this, he paid his respects at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Fateh" marks Sonu Soods directorial debut and also stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Naseeruddin Shah, and Vijay Raaz.

related stories

In an exclusive interview with IANS, the actor shared how playing the role of an ordinary man with hidden strength and determination provided him with a fresh outlook on personal growth and self-confidence.

Sonu shared, I think Fateh was my dream role, one that I always wanted to play: a common man who has a superhero inside him. I believe every individual, every common man, has a superhero within them. You just need to discover that. Im glad that with Fateh, I was able to discover that side of myself. And I hope that when people watch it, they not only get entertained by the script but also get inspired."

When asked what Fateh means to him, the Simmba actor stated, I think when you can be someones hope, its not about how rich, famous, or influential you are. We are all those things, but sometimes, when someone becomes a hope, a person leaves their native village in Punjab or Uttar Pradesh with the belief that when they reach out to an individual, their life will change. I think that is true Fatehwhen you can change someones life, thats what real Fateh is."

Produced by Umesh KR Bansal of Zee Studios and Sonali Sood of Shakti Sagar Productions, co-produced by Ajay Dhama, Fateh, a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and the fight against cybercrime is slated to release on January 10.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 14:35 IST
Upasana Singh Says South Director Asked Her To Meet At Hotel For Anil Kapoor Film: 'Sitting Ka Matlab Samjhi?'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 09:21 IST

Actress Upasana Singh from Comedy Nights with Kapil recently shared a challenging experience from her career.

Upasana Singh was part of Comedy Nights with Kapil.

Actress Upasana Singh, recognised for her roles in Judwaa, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon and Kapil Sharmas show, Comedy Nights with Kapil, recently shared a challenging experience from her career. She recalled how a South film director, much older than her, invited her to a hotel in Juhu, Mumbai, claiming it was for a meeting, but it turned out to be an uncomfortable encounter. The actress revealed that the traumatic incident left a deep impact on her and she locked herself in a room for a week.

During a chat with Siddharth Kanan, Upasana recalled the incident. She said, A big South film director had signed me for a film opposite Anil Kapoor. I used to take my mother or sister whenever I visited the directors office. One day, he asked me why I always bring them with me. He called me at 11:30 at night and asked me to come to a hotel for a sitting. I insisted that I will listen to the story the next day since I didnt have a car to reach there. But then he asked, Nahi, tum sitting ka matlab nahi samjhi?'"

related stories

Upasana said she couldnt sleep after the meeting with the director. The next day, she went to his office, where he was having a meeting. Phir mera sardaarni vala dimaag satka. His office was in Bandra and the next morning, I went there. He was having a meeting with three to four people. His secretary asked me to wait outside but I didnt. I barged in and abused him in front of those people in Punjabi for nearly five minutes continuously. But when I left his office, I remembered that I had informed a lot of people that I had signed the film with Anil. I couldnt stop crying while walking on the footpath," Upasana said.

Opening up on the impact of the incident, she said, I didnt leave my room for seven days. I would cry nonstop, wondering what I would tell people. But those seven days made me stronger. I was like teri aisi ki taisi. My mother worked hard to support me. I thought about her and decided I will not leave the film industry."

First Published: January 03, 2025, 09:21 IST
Opinion | How AI Magic Can Transform Punjabs Socio-Economic Landscape

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 11:59 IST

Establishing a dedicated AI ministry, investing in infrastructure, and adopting AI across key sectors will make Punjab a leader in good governance and improve its people's quality of life

AI can optimise irrigation, predict weather patterns, and offer crop-specific advice to farmers. (Representational image via AP)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept confined to science fiction; it is a transformative force redefining governance globally. For a state like Punjab, rich in culture and potential but grappling with multifaceted challenges, embracing AI could be a game changer. With a technocrat policymaker like Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab is uniquely positioned to leapfrog other states by recognising AI as a critical element for global competitiveness to unlock unprecedented growth.

One of the first steps toward AI-driven transformation is the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Artificial Intelligence (MAI). Such a ministry, backed with an AI policy equipped with adequate budget provisions, could centralise its AI initiatives, ensuring that day-to-day work across multiple departments is well-coordinated and strategically aligned. The ministry could also promote AI literacy among citizens, emphasising the benefits of AI and addressing any potential concerns or ethical challenges.

related stories

A robust policy framework led by MAI could position Punjab among innovative states. States like Telangana have already set an example by launching an AI mission to drive AI adoption across governance, healthcare, and agriculture. Punjab can adapt these learnings to build a robust AI ecosystem that attracts accountability and efficiency.

Fostering Accountability And Efficiency

AI is not a replacement for human effort but a tool to support it. It can free up human resources for more strategic work by automating routine tasks and providing real-time insights. For example, Finland has successfully used AI to improve public services, ensuring accountability and efficiency in governance without overburdening employees. Punjabs administration can similarly use AI to track project progress, measure outcomes, and enhance transparency.

AI can also play a vital role in curbing corruption, a long-standing issue in governance. By using AI algorithms to analyse patterns in financial transactions and detect anomalies, the government can identify and address instances of mismanagement or fraud. Such measures save resources and build public trust in the governance.

Empowering Citizens Through AI

Successful implementation of AI empowers citizens. AI-driven e-governance platforms can simplify administrative processes, making it easier for people to access government services. For example, AI chatbots can assist citizens in filing complaints, applying for permits, or seeking information, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays. AI can enhance public safety by enabling predictive policing and improving disaster management systems. By analysing data on crime patterns and natural disasters, AI can help authorities take preventive measures, ensuring the safety and well-being of Punjabs residents.

Revolutionising Key Sectors

AI can be the cornerstone for transformation in Punjabs key sectors:

Health: AI-powered diagnostic tools can revolutionise healthcare delivery in Punjab, especially in rural areas with limited access to quality healthcare. Tamil Nadus use of AI to predict disease outbreaks and improve maternal healthcare outcomes offers a model worth emulating. Punjabs healthcare system could leverage AI for telemedicine, enabling remote consultations and reducing the burden on overworked medical professionals. Moreover, AI can assist in making cutting-edge treatments more accessible to patients.

Education: AI-driven platforms can personalise student learning experiences, addressing individual strengths and weaknesses. For instance, a country like Estonia has integrated AI into its education system to offer tailored teaching, ensuring no student is left behind. Punjab can adopt similar systems to improve education levels and employable skill development. AI can also predict dropout rates and identify students at risk, enabling timely interventions to keep them in education. Additionally, AI tools can train teachers, equipping them with modern methodologies to enhance classroom engagement.

Agriculture: Agriculture is Punjabs backbone, but the sector faces multifaceted challenges. AI can optimise irrigation, predict weather patterns, and offer crop-specific advice to farmers. Karnatakas use of AI to predict crop yields and help farmers secure better prices exemplifies how technology can empower agricultural communities. Punjab could take this further by implementing AI-powered precision farming techniques, which use data from drones and sensors to monitor soil health and pest activity, ensuring higher productivity with lower resource consumption.

Industry and Infrastructure: For enterprises, AI could bring regulatory clarity or, conversely, added scrutiny in areas such as data sharing, intellectual property and the ethical use of AI. It can streamline manufacturing processes, enhance supply chain efficiency, and improve project monitoring in infrastructure development. Gujarats use of AI to attract investments and facilitate industrial growth shows how a state can harness technology to boost its economy. Punjabs industrial sector could use AI to identify global market trends and adapt its manufacturing capabilities accordingly. In infrastructure, AI can ensure better planning and execution of projects, reducing delays and cost overruns.

Resource Mobilisation: AI tools can help Punjabs government enhance efficiency in tax collection, reduce revenue leakages, and improve financial planning. Andhra Pradeshs Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) uses AI to monitor and optimise resource allocation, providing a blueprint for Punjab to follow. AI can also assist in identifying untapped revenue streams, enabling the government to fund developmental projects without increasing the financial burden on its citizens.

The Way Forward

By embracing AI with a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach, Punjab can address its existing challenges and set itself on a path toward sustainable and inclusive growth. The magic of AI lies in its ability to amplify human potential and solve complex problems. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and with the proper policy framework, Punjab can harness this magic to transform its socio-economic landscape. Establishing a dedicated AI ministry, investing in infrastructure, and adopting AI across key sectors will make Punjab a leader in good governance and improve its peoples quality of life.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The time to act is now, and Punjab must rise to the challenge to set a precedent for other states to follow.

The Author is Vice-Chairman of Sonalika ITL Group, Vice-Chairman (Cabinet minister rank) of the Punjab Economic Policy and Planning Board, Chairman of ASSOCHAM Northern Region Development Council and President of Tractor and Mechanization Association (TMA). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 11:59 IST
Opinion | Time To Question Yunuss Walk And Talk In 2025

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:40 IST

Yunus behaves like a clown, donning the mask of a Nobel Laureate and human rights activist in front of the world, but carefully removes it to display his oppressive and authoritarian face

Yunus is not merely old in age, but also experienced in good publicity and knowing what sells to the West and the world. (Reuters)

Last year, Bangladesh saw a massive student-led uprising between June and August, driven by multiple factors. The uprising led to the ousting of the government of Sheikh Hasina, with a new interim regime headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus taking over. Yunus promised to hold free and fair elections after the vital reforms in the constitution.

The new supreme leader of Bangladesh, who holds the title of Chief Advisor to escape accountability, has pitched himself as a role model for inclusive and democratic growth. Yunus is not merely old in age, but also experienced in good publicity and knowing what sells to the West and the world. His ability to speak in English and use words the world loves to hear is impressive. When meeting foreign counterparts, diplomats, and journalists, Yunus talks like a progressive leader determined to change the destiny of his nation.

related stories

Several examples illustrate this. The Economist declared Bangladesh the Country of the Year for 2024. In September 2024, US President Joe Biden publicly endorsed the Yunus regime. Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, remarked that Yunuss regime heralds a peaceful transition to an inclusive, prosperous, and democratic future for Bangladesh." Similarly, Nardia Simpson, the Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, stated that Australia welcomes his commitment to universal human rights and his vision for a democratic and inclusive future for all."

After nearly five months under the new regime, the reality could not be more different. Bangladeshi Hindus are facing widespread subjugation, oppression, discrimination, and persecution. Their homes are being burned, their temples attacked, and their idols vandalised. Their collective fate remains uncertain amidst the nationwide anarchy unleashed by fundamentalist elements, who are deliberately ignored by the Yunus regime. Bangladeshi Christians are also subjected to similar treatment.

A few months ago, Muhammad Yunus issued a veiled threat, suggesting he would resign if the attacks on Hindus did not cease. Despite this, he is not only shamelessly clinging to power but is also infiltrating the administration with fundamentalist and extremist elements, all while presenting himself as a champion of inclusivity and human rights on the global stage.

In December, the Yunus regime appointed Nasimul Gani as the Home Secretary. According to The Economic Times, Gani is one of the founding members of Hizb ut-Tahrirs Bangladesh chapter, a pan-Islamist international organisation banned in many countries, including India, the UK, and Germany. Although the group remains officially banned in Bangladesh, reports by the BBC suggest that it has resumed its activities. Under the Hasina administration, a member of this group was arrested in Bangladesh for attempting to kill a Hindu teacher in Madaripur.

Just a few months before this appointment, Mahfuz Alam, Special Assistant to Muhammad Yunus, made threatening remarks towards India and Hindus on Facebook. He depicted the territories of Tripura, West Bengal, and Assam as part of Bangladesh while calling for new geography and settlement" in these areas. This statement represents a direct threat to Indias sovereignty and hints at demographic changes through the persecution of Hindus. Alam is not merely a fringe figure; he also serves as a state adviser to Bangladeshs current regime. However, recognising the potential backlash his government could face, he quietly deleted the post. But what does this reveal about his mindset?

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Those who cheered the protests now have a moral responsibility to question the motives of Muhammad Yunus. He behaves like a clown, donning the mask of a Nobel Laureate and human rights activist in front of the world, but carefully removes this mask to display his oppressive and authoritarian face. As the New Year begins, I hope reason will prevail, and Yunus will be held accountable.

The writer is an independent columnist who writes on international relations, and socio-political affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 13:40 IST
Opinion | Why Is The Gregorian Calendar Still Counting Converts?

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 18:27 IST

The love for tradition kept the Eastern Orthodox Church from adopting the Gregorian calendar though it was based on reason and mathematics

Sections of Eastern Orthodox Church still followed the Julian calendar for liturgical use, though the nations they inhabit have long shifted to Gregorian calendar for all other purposes.

On July 28, 2023, amidst the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved a law advancing the date of Christmas in Ukraine from January 7 to December 25. An average person would be bemused to know that Christmas was previously celebrated anywhere in the world on a date different from the universally known December 25.

While for Zelenskyy, it was a political move to distance Ukraines Orthodox Church from its Russian heritage, it reveals how sections of the Eastern Orthodox Church still followed the Julian calendar for liturgical use, though the nations they inhabit have long shifted to the Gregorian calendar for all other purposes. Therein hangs a tale about calendar reforms.

related stories

The astronomical basis of the Gregorian calendar was too sound to be scientifically rejected. It restored the equinoxes and solstices to their correct and verifiable dates that could weather the effects of axial precession for thousands of years. It is on this merit that the Gregorian calendar gradually came to be accepted across the world. Yet, at the same time, the reform project piloted by the Catholic Church came in the late 16th century when its estrangement from the Greek Orthodox Church was complete in the East, whereas in the West, the Protestant revolt was underway.

The Catholic nations accepted the calendrical reforms as a religious injunction from Pope Gregory XIII, even though it meant obliterating ten consecutive days in October from the calendar of 1582. The protestant nations were tardy to accept the changeEngland did so in 1752whereas the Eastern Orthodox nations were slower still. Russia accepted the Gregorian calendar in 1918 following the revolution, which entailed an official suppression of the Church, whereas Greece, identified with the Greek Orthodox Church, accepted the change in 1923.

Dogma is not specific to religious orders; it can infect thoroughbred scientists as well. Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), despite his reverence for Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), could not fully accept his heliocentric model. He created an admixture of geocentrism and heliocentricity, claiming that while the planets orbited the Sun, the Sun and Moon, in turn, revolves around the Earth. While Brahes geocentrism might be attributed to his Protestant lineage  Protestantism having rejected the heliocentricity extended by Catholic churchmen like Copernicus  Johannes Kepler (15711630), also a Protestant, demonstrated a more accurate understanding.

On reading Keplers Mystery of the Universe (1596), Brahe congratulated him, and invited the promising German physicist to Prague to collaborate with him. However, Brahe expressed regret that Kepler favoured the Copernican system over his own. Everyone loves himself," Kepler noted in Latin in the margins of Brahes letter. In 1601 when Brahe passed away in Prague, while working on the Rudolphine Tables, he beseeched his young collaborator Kepler to complete them, adding the hope that he would base them on his system of the world rather than Copernican" (J.G. Crowther, Six Great Astronomers, P.49).

Brahe was the last great European astronomer to work without a telescope. In contrast, Kepler, a contemporary of Galileo Galilei (15641642) and in contact with the Italian master, had the advantage of using the telescope. With his knowledge of physics, Kepler improved the Copernican model. He brought the Rudolphine Tables to completion only in 1627 at Ulm, a city in southwestern Germany, where Albert Einstein was later born in 1879. Kepler, while perfecting the heliocentric model, replaced the concentric circle of planetary orbits with ellipses, the simplest form of oval curves. He found it fitted very well if the Sun were placed not at the centre of the ellipse but at one of its foci (Six Great Astronomers, P.69).

The Gregorian reforms (1582) came four decades after Copernicus publication of De Revolutionibus Orium Ceolestium Libri VI (Six Books Concerning the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres) in 1543. However, neither was the theory accepted by the Church then, nor it had anything to do with the reforms. Positional astronomy is independent of heliocentricity, and only the true length of the tropical solar year was critical to the reforms. This distinction was the sole factor differentiating the Julian calendar from the Gregorian.

The Julian calendar, instituted by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, considered the length of the tropical year as 365 days and 6 hours. Every fourth year was designated as a leap year, which was marked by intercalation of an extra day in the calendar. However, the natural tropical year is at least 11 minutes shorter than its value computed then. The corrected modern value of the tropical year is 365 years, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45.2 seconds (or 365.242190 days). The Julian year, while overshooting the natural year by over 11 minutes, made the equinoxes and solstices crawl through the calendar through its cumulative effect across the centuries.

The Church was no timekeeper, but the crawling of the equinoctial day affected the date of Easter observance. The determination of Easter, the principal movable festival of Christianity, had contributed to the growing chasm between Rome and Near Eastern churches since the 1st century AD. The Roman Church makes its date dependent on the equinox, the full moon, and Sunday, in that sequence. Thus, it was not for the sake of science, but religion, that the Church got interested in the question of calendar reforms. It was first flagged in the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Little, however, was done over the ensuing one millennium to correct the diversion, which went on widening with time.

Disagreement over the true measure of the tropical year as well as the formula of intercalation kept calendar reforms in abeyance. This was despite the proposals advanced by Roger Bacon (1220-92), Pierre dAilly (1350-1425), and Nicolas de Cusa (1401-64) in different epochs. Nicolaus Copernicus contributed precious little to the debate, by declining the invitation of Pope Leo X in 1514 to join the Fifth Lateran Council (1512-17) to deliberate on the calendar question. In his book De Revolutionibus, he revealed that he declined the invitation since it was a blind pursuit to try reforming the calendar without determining the true length of the tropical year.

The Council of Trent (1545-1563), the longest in the history of ecumenical councils, led to the production of several works on calendar reforms. A notable example is the work by Petrus Pitatus, originally written in 1539. Among other proposals, Pitatus advocated the removal of 14 days from the calendar in one stroke to make the equinoxes coincide with their original dates in the Julian calendar. He also pleaded, informs J.D. North (1982), for making three of every four centennial years as normal years rather than leap years (Proceedings of the Vatican Conference to commemorate its 400th Anniversary 1582-1981, P.101).

The Gregorian reformation of the calendar in 1582, in principle, conformed to both ideas. The excess days were obliterated in one stroke, rather than gradual easing, though only to the extent of 11 days rather than 14.

However, the treatise that ultimately influenced Pope Gregory XIII (r. 15721585) was authored by Late Aloysius Lilius, a physician and astronomer from southern Italy. The manuscript was presented in 1576the year of Aloisiuss deathby his younger brother Antonius, who was also an astronomer and one of the signatories of the nine-member Papal Commission that presented its report in September 1580. The other two astronomers who appended their signatures were Christophe Clavius and Ignazio Danti. The Papal Bull to promulgate the new calendar was issued on February 24, 1582. The reforms aimed at restoring the equinoctial dayas in the times of Nicaean Councilin 325 AD, and not to 44 BC, when the Julian calendar was notified.

The actual reform was implemented later that year. Ten days were removed from the calendar, re-designating 5 October as 15 October, making October 1582 a short month of 21 days and the year itself a short year of 355 days. The Gregorian reforms also recalibrated the rules for leap years. In order to maintain in future a more exact correspondence between the tropical and the calendar year," notes Alexander Philip (1921), it was provided that three out of four centurial years should be common years instead of leap years as in Julian calendar; only those centurial years divisible by 400 without remainder were retained as leap years" (The Calendar: Its History, Structure and Improvement, P.21-22).

Thus, post-reform, while 1600 AD was a leap year, the years 1700 AD, 1800 AD and 1900 AD were not. However, 2000 AD was once again a leap year.

The Catholic nations accepted the reforms very soon. Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain implemented the calendar in 1582, whereas France and the Catholic Netherlands followed in 1583. The Protestant states of Europe, chiefly on the advice of philosopher Leibniz, fell in line. Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752 following the enactment of the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750. The countries dominated by the Eastern Orthodox Church were slow to respond. Everyone loves himself," as Kepler noted!

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Russia had to adopt the Gregorian calendar by officially banning the Orthodox Church in 1918. However, even as the entire world, transcending religious barriers, accepted the reformed tropical calendar, grounded in reason and mathematics, segments of the Eastern Orthodox Church continue to adhere to the Julian calendar for liturgical purposes, despite their nations having long migrated to the Gregorian system. Ukraine is the latest frontier to be breached.

The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 18:27 IST
BJP's Savvy Move On Savarkar Ratchets Up Hindutva Rhetoric In Delhi Polls

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 08:20 IST

The timing of the move to begin the work of a college named after Veer Savarkar, now, at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is significant as it comes just ahead of the Delhi elections

The saffron party is pinning its hopes on Prime Minister Modis campaign that begins on Friday. (File image: X)

It is the entry of the Hindutva pitch in the Delhi elections, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will be laying the foundation of a college here named after Hindutva icon Veer Savarkar.

The executive council of Delhi University had proposed in 2021 that this college be named after Savarkar, among other names offered like Sushma Swaraj and Swami Vivekananda, and left the final decision to the vice chancellor. The timing of the move to begin the work of the college named after Savarkar, now at the hands of the PM, is significant as it comes just ahead of the Delhi elections.

related stories

This also comes after Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal announced a grant of Rs 18,000 per month for pujaris and granthis (temple and gurdwara priests) in Delhi, and chief minister Atishi alleged that lieutenant governor Vinai Kumar Saxena was planning to order the demolition of certain temples in the capital. The Delhi L-G countered this, saying AAP was playing communal politics".

Kejriwal earlier also wrote to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, raising questions about the Bharatiya Janata Patys recent actions.

The BJP wants to consolidate the Hindu vote in Delhi in line with its slogan Ek hain toh safe hain" (We are safe when united) and feels that the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will split the AAP vote" in the national capital. Both the Congress and BSP are contesting all 70 assembly seats in Delhi.

Arvind Kejriwal is worried about his partys chances in Delhi this time. This explains his recent moves to rally the Hindu votesthe narrative about corruption in AAP ranks has percolated to the votersthere is clear anti-incumbency," a senior BJP leader looking at Delhi told News18.

The leader also said that the Congress was exposing itself by objecting to a college in Delhi named after Savarkar. It shows Congresss reluctance to acknowledge the contribution of Hindutva icons like Veer Savarkar to Indias freedom struggle," the BJP leader said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The BJP, however, is still to come up with a counter to AAPs big moves like free electricity and the promise to give Rs 2,100 each month to women. The first list of the BJPs candidates is also awaited, even as AAP has already put out the names of all its 70 candidates.

Clearly, the saffron party is pinning its hopes on Prime Minister Modis campaign that begins on Friday, and the PM will hold another public meeting in Delhi on Sunday before the elections are announced next week.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 06:00 IST
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait Meets Arvind Kejriwal Ahead Of Delhi Polls

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 20:41 IST

The meeting comes amid ongoing protests by farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border in Khanauri

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait on Friday met former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Several AAP leaders, including Sanjay Singh, were also present at the meeting. Speaking to the media afterwards, Tikait shared that the advocates present raised a number of welfare issues.

related stories

The advocates had some welfare issues. They mentioned that when their government comes, they will address these issues in the first Cabinet meeting. One of the concerns is the transport of lawyers between courts, " the farmer leader stated.

Tikait further added that the Advocate Protection Act would also be addressed and passed once the new government is formed.

Delhi: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait met with AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal regarding the issues faced by lawyers in DelhiHe says, The advocates had some welfare issues. They mentioned that when their government comes, they will address these issues in the first Cabinet meeting. pic.twitter.com/ywSmAhxLVE  IANS (@ians_india) January 3, 2025

AAP senior leader Sanjay Singh also commented that the meeting went well, and that they discussed issues related to lawyers with senior advocate KC Mittal.

Rakesh Tikait had a very good meeting with Arvind Kejriwal. They discussed some issues related to lawyers with senior advocate KC Mittal," Singh said.

The meeting took place amid ongoing protests by farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border in Khanauri, where they are demanding a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops from the central government.

Farmers, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camped at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 last year. Their march to Delhi was blocked by security forces, forcing them to continue their protests at these border sites.

The protests have gained more attention as farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 39 days, has called on more farmers to join the protests on Saturday. Despite his deteriorating health, Dallewal has refused medical aid, showing his resolve in the fight.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The AAP-led Punjab government has made several efforts to persuade Dallewal to accept medical assistance, but he has remained firm in his stance. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Thursday that a team of government doctors has been regularly monitoring Dallewals health.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 20:22 IST
In Rare Bonhomie, Sanjay Raut Praises Fadnavis For Work In Maoist-Affected Gadchiroli: 'Good Job'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 19:28 IST

Sanjay Raut also accused former Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde of fostering corruption and ignoring developmental priorities during his tenure

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. (PTI File)

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday defended the partys rare praise for Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, recognising his efforts to eliminate Maoist influence in Gadchiroli through expedited developmental works.

Raut noted that the party commended Fadnavis due to the progress made in Gadchiroli, a district once heavily affected by Naxalism.

related stories

We have praised Devendra Fadnavis as the govt has done a good job. Maharashtra is our state and a place like Gadchiroli which is affected by naxalism. If Naxalites surrendered and opted for the constitutional path, we welcome that," Raut stated.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, We have praised Devendra Fadnavis as the govt has done a good job. Maharashtra is our state and a place like Gadchiroli which is affected by naxalism  if the Naxalites surrendered and opted for the pic.twitter.com/dyNsTOwFOZ ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025

In his remarks, Raut also accused former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of fostering corruption and ignoring developmental priorities during his tenure.

The earlier guardian minister could have done that, but instead, he appointed his agents and collected money that increased naxalism. We have worked with Devendra Fadnavis, and that relation goes on, but we are in the opposition and we will continue to raise the issues as well," Raut added.

Additionally, Shiv Sena (UBT) praised Fadnavis for his efforts to eliminate Maoist influence in Gadchiroli.

The partys mouthpiece, Saamana, in its editorial on Friday, applauded the Chief Ministers commitment to transforming the district, following his visit and the announcement of a comprehensive development agenda.

While the rule of guns persists in places like Beed, where brutal killing like that of sarpanch Santosh Deahmukh has occurred, Gadchiroli is witnessing the dawn of constitutional governance. For this, Chief Minister Fadnavis deserves praise," the editorial noted.

It further remarked, If the Chief Minister can redefine Gadchiroli as a Steel City instead of a Maoist district, his efforts should be welcomed. His vision of making Gadchiroli a leading district in Maharashtra, rather than the last, is commendable. However, he must ensure that this transformation benefits the common people and poor tribals, rather than serving the interests of mining magnates. Only then can his claim of ushering in a new era for Gadchiroli holds true."

Fadnavis kicked off the new year with a visit to Gadchiroli, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation for several developmental projects.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The editorial stressed the significance of these efforts, stating, If the Chief Ministers promises materialize, it will be a milestone not just for Gadchiroli but for all of Maharashtra. Maoism, which has long tarnished Indian society by recruiting young men into a parallel armed government under the guise of fighting exploitation, can be eradicated if the CMs plans succeed."

(With inputs from IANS)

Location : Maharashtra, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 18:19 IST
Playing Catch 'AAP': Why Congress Has Fielded Alka Lamba Against Atishi In Delhi Polls

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Pathikrit Sen Gupta



Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 22:43 IST

The Congress pitting her against the incumbent Delhi chief minister from Kalkaji carries a multi-layered message

Congress leader Alka Lamba and Delhi chief minister Atishi. File images

For years, Alka Lamba was a familiar face around the Congress headquarters, with a short haircut mirroring Priyanka Gandhi Vadras. She often drew parallels between herself and Priyanka, admiring her resilience and fighting spirit. Now, fielded against Delhi chief minister Atishi from Kalkaji for the upcoming assembly polls, Alka Lamba is gearing up for another significant battle.

Lambas political journey has been marked by its dynamism. After leaving Congress to join the Aam Aadmi Party from 2014 to 2019, she served as MLA from Chandni Chowk. Her departure from AAP stemmed from what she perceived as a lack of respect towards her as a woman. Subsequently disqualified from the Delhi assembly for switching allegiances, her attempt to reclaim her seat on a Congress ticket proved unsuccessful. This wasnt Lambas first setback; she had previously contested against Madan Lal Khurana in 2003 but faced defeat.

related stories

Despite her readiness to contest, persuading Alka Lamba to challenge Atishi was no small feat. However, always the fighter, she agreed for the partys sake". Pitting her against the incumbent Delhi CM from Kalkaji carries a multi-layered message. Firstly, as a woman and head of Mahila Congress, Lambas candidacy directly challenges AAPs projection of a female CM as a unique selling point.

Furthermore, Lamba aims to dismantle Atishis woman card" by asserting that she is merely a placeholder for AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, thereby disrespecting women.

I dont consider Atishi as competition, as she is just a half CM. I never said no to fighting elections at all. I will ensure she loses," Lamba told CNN-News18.

Moreover, her past association with AAP allows her to expose what she believes are hollow promises concerning womens welfare schemes under Arvind Kejriwals leadership.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Lamba is no stranger to controversy. Her tenure as Chandni Chowk MLA witnessed her forcibly entering and vandalising a liquor shop owned by a Bharatiya Janata Party supporter, alleging an attack on her and her companions.

Congress hopes Lambas spirited approach will translate into electoral gains, signalling an intent to engage in a fierce battle against AAP.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 22:43 IST
7-Year Battle For Rs 1.50: This Gas Agency Messed With The Wrong Consumer

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 17:36 IST

The agency was ordered to refund Rs 1.50 with 6% annual interest within two months, along with Rs 2,000 as compensation for Chakresh Jain's hardships and Rs 2,000 to cover his legal expenses

When no action was taken on his initial complaint, Chakresh filed a case with the District Consumer Forum in Sagar on July 15, 2019. (News18 Hindi)

In todays world, Rs 1.50 may seem insignificant, but Chakresh Jain, a resident of Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh, transformed this trivial amount into a symbol of his fight for consumer rights. Over this small sum, he filed a case against a gas agency and pursued it relentlessly for seven years. His unwavering determination finally paid off when the consumer forum ruled in his favour, delivering a verdict that resonated far beyond the monetary value of the dispute.

Jain booked a gas cylinder from Bharat Gas Agency on November 14, 2017. The bill for the cylinder was Rs 753.50, but the delivery person collected Rs 755, citing the lack of change and refusing to return the remaining Rs 1.50. When Jain sought the refund, he was told to contact the agency directly. Without delay, he lodged a formal complaint with both the agency and the National Consumer Forum, initiating a battle that would span years.

related stories

When no action was taken on his initial complaint, Chakresh Jain filed a case with the District Consumer Forum in Sagar on July 15, 2019. The gas agency dismissed his concerns as trivial and mocked him for pursuing the matter. However, Jain, with the support of his advocate, Rajesh Singh, remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice.

After a five-year-long hearing, the consumer forum acknowledged the agencys deficiency in service and delivered a landmark judgement. The agency was ordered to refund the Rs 1.50 within two months, along with an annual interest of 6%. The agency was also directed to pay Rs 2,000 as compensation for the mental, financial, and service-related hardships faced by Jain and another Rs 2,000 to cover his legal expenses.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The case underscores the importance of consumer rights. Chakresh Jains fight also serves as a warning to businesses, reminding them of their obligation to treat consumers fairly and uphold ethical practices.

It was not just about Rs 1.50; it was a fight for our rights and self-respect," Jain said.

Location : Sagar, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 17:36 IST
Anne Hathaway Visits Vikas Khanna's New York Restaurant, Here's What The Chef Gifted Her

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 18:35 IST

Vikas Khanna shared a video showing the gifts he presented to Hollywood star Anne Hathaway during her visit to his restaurant, Bungalow, in New York.

Anne Hathaway visited Vikas Khannas restaurant, Bungalow, last month. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Indian chef Vikas Khanna recently welcomed Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway at his New York restaurant, Bungalow. Following her visit, the chef gifted her the iconic Mysore Sandalwood Soap, a handcrafted marble box from Agra and the book Kiss In Kashmir by Monica Saigal.

The gift was more than just a token of appreciation. It held deep emotional significance for Khanna, for it was linked to memories of his late sister, Radha, who found solace in Hathaways films during her illness.

related stories

Presenting Anne Hathaway the amazing Mysore Sandalwood Soap, handcrafted Marble box from Agra & my fav Kiss in Kashmir by Monica Saigal," he wrote alongside the video on X (formerly Twitter).

Presenting Anne Hathaway the amazing Mysore Sandalwood Soap, handcrafted Marble box from Agra & my fav Kiss in Kashmir by Monica Saigal pic.twitter.com/PupFXZ68CA Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) December 19, 2024

Mysore Sandals official team also expressed their pride in being part of this special moment.

This moment celebrates the timeless legacy of Karnatakas pride on a global stage. #MysoreSandalSoap continues to connect hearts worldwide with its unmatched purity & fragrance, embodying the rich heritage of #Karnataka," the official handle of Mysore Sandal wrote on X.

Last month, Hathaway visited Khannas restaurant where she enjoyed a delicious spread of Indian delicacies.

Khannas connection to Hathaways films, particularly The Devil Wears Prada, runs deep. He shared a touching story on Instagram, saying he and his sister watched the film countless times during her battle with lupus.

I still remember the day I had to delete all the Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City files from my computer. I had saved them to watch on a loop with my sister while sitting by her hospital bed. Ive lost count of how many times Radha, Saman Mahmood, and I watched those movies together.

She absolutely loved Anne Hatheway and knew every single line from The Devil Wears Prada by heart. Reciting those dialogues brought her so much joyher happiest moments during those times. Somehow, I learned them all by heart too. Watching her laugh was the best painkiller," he wrote in his post earlier.

Khanna recalled how he had deleted the movie files after Radhas passing but hosting Hathaway at his restaurant brought those memories back.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Every line, every laugh. And somehow, I was so happy to feed her. Cooking and serving are the only ways I know how to express love and gratitude. Thank you, Anne, for giving her those moments of happinesswhen wed laugh and say, Everybody wants to be us," he added.

To mark this special moment, Khanna shared a photoshopped image of his sister with Hathaway, symbolising her presence.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 18:35 IST
In Racist Rant, Man Targets Indian Immigrants In Canada And Calls Them Refugees

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:06 IST

In the video, the man is seen making racist remarks about Indian immigrants in Canada.

The man was asked to stop recording but he ignored the request. (Photo Credits: X)

A disturbing video of a man making racist remarks about Indian immigrants in Canada has sparked outrage on social media. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by RTN Canada, shows the man filming a group of people standing with their luggage. He mocks them by repeatedly calling them refugees" and making offensive comments about their presence in the country.

In the video, the man begins by stating, Alright, the refugees are here from India. This is Justin Trudeaus reign. So many Indians." He then proceeds to comment on the population growth in Canada, saying, In 1998, the population was like 24 million. Now, it has come to 44 million people in Canada."

related stories

As he zooms in on the luggage of the individuals, he continues his rant, saying, Look at that. They all come from India. The population is growing. Most of them are from India. Thanks to Justin Trudeau. Yeah, look at that, refugees from India."

At one point, a man in a yellow hoodie approaches him and asks him to stop recording. Despite this, the man continues filming. The text overlay on the video reads, Where are the white people in Canada?"

RTN Canada captioned the post, Man records Indians for immigrating to Canada & insults them, hes a foreigner himself." However, it remains unclear if the people in the video were indeed from India.

Take a look at the video here:

Man records Indians for immigrating to Canada & insults them, hes a foreigner himself ? pic.twitter.com/RC2kJbUHpg RTN (@RTNCanada) January 1, 2025

Social media users were quick to call out his behaviour, labelling it discriminatory and disrespectful.

One user commented, Canada, international students contributed 30 billion to the GDP. The immigrants run their country. Go ask your government why they need these students and immigrants in the first place when their citizens dont want them in the country.

Another added, This is disgusting, you cant blame people if they come in legally, go and blame your politicians."

Immigrants building lives here doesnt hurt you. Their success doesnt take away from yours unless your identity depends on putting others down," an individual wrote.

One user pointed out, Not everyone is a refugeesome are international students who came to Canada seeking better opportunities. Its important to recognize diverse experiences and avoid treating everyone the same. Try to approach each story with understanding and fairness."

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Disgusting. It must be such a traumatic experience for those students," criticised one person while another said, This is unacceptable."

The video has accumulated one million views so far.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 12:21 IST
Man Convicted Of Murdering His Daughter Attacked In London Jail

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 17:15 IST

The attackers rushed to Urfan Sharif's cell and hit him with the jagged lid of a tuna tin, according to reports.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his 10-year-old daughter. (Photo Credits: Surrey Police/PA)

Urfan Sharif, who was sentenced to life imprisonment last month for killing his 10-year-old daughter Sara Sharif, was attacked and had his throat cut in an assault by two fellow inmates in prison.

The 43-year-old is believed to have been assaulted by two men at Belmarsh prison in south London on New Years Day. The attackers reportedly stormed his cell and struck him with the sharp lid of a tuna tin, according to The Sun.

related stories

He was sliced in the neck and face, and is still in healthcare and in a very bad way," sources told the news outlet, adding that Urfan was lucky to survive the attack and was treated in prison. The incident comes only weeks into Sharifs minimum 40-year sentence.

Police are investigating an allegation that a prisoner was assaulted at HMP Belmarsh on 1 January. The victim, a 43-year-old man, suffered non-life threatening injuries," A Met police spokesperson said.

Last month, Urfan Sharif and Saras stepmother Beinash Batool were sentenced to life imprisonment after the pair was convicted at the Old Bailey of killing the 10-year-old girl at their residence in Woking, Surrey.

A Prison Service spokesperson said, Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh on 1 January. It would be inappropriate to comment further while they investigate."

According to BBC, Belmarsh, a Category A prison in south-east London, houses some of the most notorious prisoners in the UK.

Urfan Sharif has been sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison, while Beinash Batool received a minimum of 33 years. Meanwhile, Saras uncle Faisal Malik has been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for allowing her death.

On August 10, 2023, Sara Sharifs body was discovered in a bunkbed at the family home in Surrey. Police revealed that the couple had murdered her two days earlier before fleeing to Pakistan. A post-mortem report later revealed that Sara had sustained 71 external injuries, including burns and bite marks. Additionally, she had suffered at least 25 fractures, 11 of which were to her spine.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

According to BBC, the three accused fled to Pakistans Islamabad with Saras five siblings, the day before police discovered her found. This led to an international manhunt. After hiding there for nearly four weeks, they returned to the UK and were soon arrested.

Judge Justice Cavanagh, while delivering the sentence, described their actions as torture" and condemned them for displaying not a shred of remorse."

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 17:15 IST
'Mera Bharat Mahan': Comedian Claims Delhi-Jaisalmer Flight So Expensive That He Booked Tickets For Dubai

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 16:02 IST

Ankit Grover claimed that the Delhi to Jaisalmer flight cost a whopping Rs 31,000 per person.

The comedian was booking tickets for the 50th wedding anniversary of his parents from Delhi to Jaisalmer. (Photo Credits: X

The cost of domestic air travel in India has risen dramatically, making it almost impossible for many to travel within the nation. However, travellers are now finding it is cheaper to fly to international destinations than to a few parts of India. A stand-up comedian recently revealed that he found a flight from Delhi to Dubai cheaper than a domestic flight from Delhi to Jaisalmer.

Ankit Grover, the London-based comedian, claimed the Delhi-Jaisalmer flight cost a whopping Rs 31,000 per person, while the international flight to Dubai cost him less at 30,000 per person. He was trying to book a trip for the 50th wedding anniversary of his parents from Delhi to Jaisalmer, and then he realised that the cost of air tickets had increased. Grover further said that he ended up booking a flight to Dubai, which was actually cheaper.

related stories

The comedian revealed the same in an Instagram comment, and a screenshot of the same is now going viral on X, previously Twitter. However, he did not specify the timing and date when he looked up the prices. For my parents 50th wedding anniversary, I was booking tickets to Jaisalmer. Delhi to Jaisalmer flight was 15K pp and when I was about to book after a gap of 3-4 days, it shot to 31K pp. I ended up booking Dubai for 30Kpp," his comment on Instagram read. He further wrote, Who is at loss? Mera Bharat Mahan." The post was later shared on X by an account Gems writing, Who is at loss?"

Take a look at the viral post here:

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Many social media users expressed shock and raised questions about the skyrocketing domestic flight prices. Commenting on the post, a user wrote, Yes of course mera Bharat Mahan, there are no regulations on fare charges. The government must intervene in this otherwise local tourism will get hampered." Another added, Ankit Groverni is at loss, Govt has Nothing to lose."

The third user said, People are exploring the foreign trip because of same price range. Checkout the Goa state in new year, people prefer to go Vietnam or Thailand rather than goa in same price range. This need some serious thinking among autorities.."

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 15:22 IST
'Move Out Of India': Engineers Controversial Rant Against IIT Graduates Sparks Heated Debate

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:07 IST

An engineer on Reddit took the Internet by storm after urging Tier 2 and 3 engineering graduates to leave India because of instances of discrimination.

The engineer claimed he was treated much better after moving to the US. (Representative Image)

An engineer has ignited a heated debate online after suggesting that graduates from Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges should consider leaving India. On Reddit, he argued that these students often face discrimination from IIT alumni. After extensively discussing his personal experience working with IIT graduates, the engineer added students from the lower-ranked colleges must leave the country if they hoped to live a respectful" life.

Sharing his post on Reddit, he wrote, Dear Tier 2/3 guys, if you want to live a respectful life, you have to move out of India."

related stories

Speaking further, the anonymous engineer claimed that IIT graduates do not have any respect for individuals who completed their degree from a Tier 2 college. You will never be respected here because you are from a Tier 2 college. Every single IITian will look down on you either subconsciously or overtly," he wrote.

The same engineer also claimed that he had worked in a company of such IITians for years and had to endure several instances of discrimination. I was always snubbed out in meetings, made to work extra, never invited to social events (not for complaining about this), and my IITian colleagues always tried to sabotage me when I met with upper management for promotions or leaves or whatever," he added.

After highlighting the key problems of working with IITians, the engineer also provided a solution to help counter this discrimination. Sharing his personal experience, the Reddit user urged moving to the United States helped him quite a bit. Now Im in the US for the past year for my masters (in a top 5 college for CS) and the way I get treated is so different. Dont get me wrong, the IITians here will still look down on you but you have a choice to not interact with them," he wrote.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The engineer then urged other graduates to do whatever was needed to get out of India as they would lead a better life" overseas. Get those LORs, get those research publications, get those SOPs and start applying, you will live a much better life, trust me," he said. The Reddit user concluded his post by adding that he had no hate towards IITians.

While many agreed with the engineers bold claims, some suggested that it could be a specific issue with his companys culture rather than a generalised problem. What do you think about this situation and have you faced anything similar?

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 03, 2025, 10:09 IST
'Take Me To My Place': Drunk Woman Beats Cab Driver Despite Reaching Correct Location | Watch

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 09:00 IST

Unable to control the situation, the cab driver eventually steps out of the vehicle, bringing the video clip to an end.

The video, reportedly filmed in Dubai, begins with the intoxicated woman physically assaulting the driver. (Source: Instagram)

In a disturbing incident that has gone viral, a cab driver was physically assaulted by a female passenger who was heavily intoxicated, even after he had dropped her at the correct location. The shocking altercation, captured in a video, highlights the challenges faced by drivers dealing with aggressive and often unpredictable passengers, especially those under the influence of alcohol.

The video, which has been widely circulated on social media platforms, particularly through the Twitter handle @gharkekalesh, shows a visibly drunk woman attacking the driver of an Uber cab. While the circumstances leading up to the incident remain unclear, the footage begins with the driver insisting that they have already arrived at the passengers destination. Despite this, the woman insists on being taken to her real place," shouting at the driver to take her to her supposed correct location.

related stories

The video, reportedly filmed in Dubai, begins with the intoxicated woman physically assaulting the driver, who attempts to de-escalate the situation by explaining that they have arrived at the address she provided. However, the woman continues her aggressive behaviour, accusing him of being wrong and demanding that he drive her to the correct location. Despite the drivers repeated pleas for her to stop, the woman persists, becoming more violent. Unable to control the situation, the driver eventually steps out of the vehicle, bringing the footage to an end.

Watch the viral video:

Kalesh b/w a Drunk lady and a Uber Driver over Wrong location in Dubai pic.twitter.com/eINqcm4QfD Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) December 31, 2024

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The video has sparked widespread outrage online, quickly accumulating over 2,00,000 views. Many viewers have voiced their anger, calling for the woman to be identified and held accountable for her actions. One user urged authorities to find that woman by any means!" while another questioned the authenticity of the video, suggesting that it could not have been filmed in Dubai, pointing out the discrepancy in the cars steering placement.

A number of commenters also expressed frustration over the womans behaviour, with some condemning the assault on the driver, a simple worker simply trying to do his job.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 09:00 IST
This Village Is A Winter Wonderland But Locals Are Doing Everything They Can To Keep You Out

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 16:03 IST

The European village is famous among tourists for its Alpine tradition of painted skulls and stunning salt mine. It attracts constant visitors due to its beauty, especially in the age of social media

While snowfall transforms this village into a paradise, it also brings a season of anxiety. (Representative/AP File)

When it comes to travel, peoples eyes often turn towards destinations of their dreams. Some long for snow-capped mountains, while others yearn for the vast expanse of the sea. Indeed, fairy tales often evoke images of enchanting lands that spark a desire to visit. There exists such a village, one that captivates all who lay eyes upon it, a place many dream of visiting, igniting a longing to experience its allure firsthand.

According to a report from The Mirror, the small village of Hallstatt, nestled in the Salzkammergut province of Austria, is so beautiful it appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. This picturesque village, home to 800 people, is one of Austrias top travel destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

related stories

Hallstatt is known for its unique Alpine tradition of painting human skulls, which are on display, and its stunning salt mine. Such is its beauty that in the age of social media, Hallstatt is always bustling with visitors.

However, residents of this village harbour a persistent worry. While snowfall transforms their home into a paradise, it also brings a season of anxiety.

The residents of Hallstatt are grappling with the challenges posed by overtourism. The picturesque village, which sees up to 10,000 visitors daily during peak season, struggles to maintain the privacy and tranquillity of its inhabitants.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

To mitigate the situation, authorities have implemented measures such as halting tourist buses after 5 pm and temporarily blocking a tunnel. Villagers have even resorted to erecting anti-selfie fences and barricading a popular hill to manage the influx.

The sheer volume of tourists visiting this small village has become a significant concern for residents. Consequently, there is a growing appeal for visitors to consider reducing their numbers and exploring alternative destinations, particularly during the off-season.

Location : Austria

First Published: January 03, 2025, 15:18 IST
26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana Seeks Review Of India Extradition Order, Cites 'Double Jeopardy'

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 19:46 IST

An attorney for Mumbai attack convict Tahawwur Rana has urged the US Supreme Court to review the lower court's decision to extradite him to India, citing the principle of double jeopardy which prevents a person from being tried or punished twice for the same offence.

Canadian-Pakistani Tahawwur Hussain Rana, 62, is one of the key conspirators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks | Image/File

An attorney for Mumbai-attack convict Tahawwur Rana has urged the US Supreme Court to review the lower courts decision to extradite him to India, citing the principle of double jeopardy which prevents a person from being tried or punished twice for the same offence.

India is seeking the extradition of Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, as he is wanted in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks case.

related stories

Having lost the legal battle in lower courts and several federal courts, including the US Court of Appeals for the North Circuit in San Francisco, Rana had filed a petition for a writ of certiorari" before the US Supreme Court on November 13.

On December 16, US Solicitor General Elizabeth B Prelogar urged the Supreme to reject the petition. Ranas counsel Joshua L Dratel, in his response on December 23 challenged the US Governments recommendation and pleaded with the Supreme Court that his writ be accepted.

In a long battle, this is Ranas last legal chance not to be extradited to India.

The (Supreme) Court should grant the writ. On the merits, it should hold that the term "offence" in the double jeopardy provision of the United States-India extradition treaty (and many other similar treaties) refers to the conduct underlying the charges in the two countries, rather than the elements of the crimes the respective countries have charged," Dratel argued.

The court has scheduled a conference for both parties on this issue on January 17.

Rana, currently lodged in a jail in Los Angeles, faces charges for his role in the Mumbai attacks and is known to be associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

In his petitions for a writ of certiorari to review the judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Rana argued that he was tried and acquitted in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois (Chicago) on charges relating to the 2008 terrorist attack on Mumbai.

"India now seeks to extradite him for trial on charges based on the identical conduct at issue in the Chicago case," it said.

Prelogar disagreed.

The government does not concede that all of the conduct on which India seeks extradition was covered by the governments prosecution in this case," the US Solicitor General had said.

"For example, Indias forgery charges are based in part on conduct that was not charged in the United States: petitioners use of false information in an application to formally open a branch office of the Immigration Law Center submitted to the Reserve Bank of India," she said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

It is not clear that the jurys verdict in this casewhich involves conspiracy charges and was somewhat difficult to parsemeans that he has been convicted or acquitted" on all of the specific conduct that India has charged," Prelogar said.

A total of 166 people, including six Americans, were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 10 Pakistani terrorists laid a more than 60-hour siege, attacking and killing people at iconic and vital locations of Mumbai.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 19:46 IST
Bomb-Making Materials And Open Quran: What FBI Found In New Orleans Attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar's Home

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 11:45 IST

New Orleans Attack: In Shamsud-Din Jabbar's trailer home bomb-making materials, a Quran open to a passage glorifying violence and a workbench set up for assembling explosives were found.

New Orleans Attack: When the FBI raided Shamsud-Din Jabbars house, they found it in disarray with the front door kicked down, cabinets flung open and furniture overturned.

On New Years Day, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a rented truck into Bourbon Street, mowing down revelers which has been termed as an act of terrorism by US federal investigators. Fourteen people were killed and dozens were injured while Shamsud-Din Jabbar died in a shootout with police.

The 42-year-old New Orleans terrorist pledged allegiance to ISIS and his house in North Houston gave insights into a chaotic life. The New York Post reported that in the trailer home bomb-making materials, a Quran open to a passage glorifying violence and a workbench set up for assembling explosives were found.

related stories

The Quran was opened to Verse 9:111 which reads: They fight in Allahs cause, and slay and are slain; a promise binding." Shamsud-Din Jabbar also spoke about the same in chilling videos posted online minutes before his attack in which he declared his allegiance to ISIS and issued threats, including to his own family.

When the FBI raided Shamsud-Din Jabbars house, they found it in disarray with the front door kicked down, cabinets flung open and furniture overturned. The bedroom held a keffiyeh in the closet and bomb-making tools on the workbench with clothes and belongings scattered about.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Chemical residues and bottles filled the property which FBI agents said were compounds commonly used in bomb-making. A rolled-up prayer rug and numerous Islamic books were also seen.

Once an Army staff sergeant, Shamsud-Din Jabbar served ten years, including deployments to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2019. He left active duty in 2015 and the reserves in 2020 and struggled in real estate and IT sector. Shamsud-Din Jabbars younger brother Abdur Jabbar said, This is more some type of radicalization, not religion. He was a sweetheart really, a nice guy, a friend, really smart, caring."

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 11:45 IST
'Relevant T-Word Is Terrorism, Not Tango': India Responds To Pakistan Minister's Remark On Ties

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 18:04 IST

Earlier this week, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had urged India to improve ties between both countries and said "it takes two to tango."

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaisawal. (PTI)

India on Friday reacted to Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dars remarks on improving Indo-Pakistan ties, where he emphasised on to create an environment to help improve the relations".

The relevant T word is terrorism and not Tango," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaisawal said today during the weekly briefing.

related stories

#WATCH | Delhi: On Pakistan Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dars statement regarding ties with India it takes two to tango, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, " The relevant T word there is terrorism and not tango" pic.twitter.com/2hrTW75ScR ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025

Earlier this week, Dar had urged India to improve ties between both countries and said it takes two to tango," ARY News reported. He had also called upon India to create an environment to help improve the relations".

Indo Pak Strained Ties

The ties between two countries deteriorated after Indias warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack. Pakistan further downgraded diplomatic ties with India after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistans then foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited India in May 2023 to attend an in-person meeting of the foreign ministers of the SCO nations in Goa.

Recently, the point of contention between both the countries was the ICC Champions Trophy. Ever since the ICC announced the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, there have been concerns over Indias participation in the marquee event given the diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries. The BCCI made it clear that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan due to strained ties and security concerns.

As per the ICC schedule, the eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches and will be played across Pakistan and Dubai. The much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on February 23.

India and Pakistan have only faced off in ICC multi-nation events since their last bilateral series in the 2012-13 season. Pakistan did not host any international cricket between 2009 and 2015 after gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team 15 years ago.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Jaishankars Visit to Pakistan

In October 2024, EAM Jaishankar made a visit to Islamabad to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. It was the first time in nearly nine years that Indias foreign minister travelled to Pakistan even as the ties between the two neighbours remained tense over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 16:37 IST
China Plays Down Reports Of Huge Respiratory Infection Outbreak, Says Country Safe For Travel

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 19:38 IST

China on Friday played down reports of a massive outbreak of flu in the country overwhelming hospitals. Videos circulating on social media show overcrowded hospitals.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning (AP Image)

China on Friday played down reports of a massive outbreak of flu in the country overwhelming hospitals, saying that cases of the respiratory diseases which occur during the winter were less severe this year compared to last year.

The Foreign Ministry here said it is safe for foreigners to travel to China.

related stories

Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media here in response to a question on the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases in China.

Videos circulating on social media show overcrowded hospitals.

The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year," she said.

I can assure you the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China," she said.

She also referred to guidelines issued by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of China regarding the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in the winter.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

For the past few days, reports of a massive flu outbreak in China have been circulating abroad, particularly in India and Indonesia.

Health officials, however, maintain the outbreak is an annual occurrence during the winter. China is currently experiencing severe cold weather for the past few months.

Location : Beijing, China

First Published: January 03, 2025, 19:38 IST
'Give Independence To Bangladeshi Hindus': Bengali-Hindu UK Politician Pushpita Gupta

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 12:45 IST

A Labour Councilor, a Bangladeshi who had to leave her motherland and a Hindu, Pushpitas work may be at the heart of London, but she travelled across Bangladesh every year, until the coup of sorts that forced Hasina to seek temporary refuge in India.

Pushpita Gupta is a London-based ruling Labour Party Councilor of Bangladeshi origin and a Hindu. (Image: News18)

Pushpita Gupta, a London-based ruling Labour Party Councilor of Bangladeshi origin, in an exclusive interview with News18, has demanded an independent" land meant for the Hindus of Bangladesh be carved out of the country. She said the minorities, particularly the Hindu population of Bangladesh, has always been under attack but has been under an existential threat ever since Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus took over. Yes, independence," reconfirmed Gupta while batting for PM Modis intervention to save Bangladesh", calling the nations persecuted 8 per cent Hindu community Modis family.

A Labour Councilor, a Bangladeshi who had to leave her motherland and a Hindu, Pushpitas work may be at the heart of London, but she travelled across Bangladesh every year, until the coup of sorts that forced Hasina to seek temporary refuge in India. While she has the limitations of commenting on Bangladeshs extradition demand for Hasina, the UK-based leader who is visiting India right now was clear about two things  one, the Yunus regime is unconstitutional as theres no provision in Bangladeshs Constitution for such an arrangement as interim government and secondly, if India sends her back, Hasinas life will be at great danger".

related stories

But it wasnt always rosy for Bangladeshi Hindus earlier too, she recounted with a dash of an emotion enveloping her, as she remembered her late mother. Remembering how her mothers only place of meditation  her temple  was desecrated by unidentified men, throwing beef pieces into it, was something that choked her. She forced all of us to leave the country after that incident. She didnt live much after that. We sisters consider that was the trigger," she recounted as she advocated for an independent" land for Hindus carved out of Bangladesh, with a resolve that many in traditional right-of-centre parties like Trumps Republican Party in the US or even Indias ruling BJP have shied to advocate for.

Here are the edited excerpts of the interview:

Q: Do you consider the Muhammad Yunus-led regime as a legitimate government?

A: This government is not just illegitimate but illegal. The ruling regime itself has made it clear that they dont believe in Bangladeshs Constitution. Very few know that there is no provision for interim government in our Constitution. But they call themselves an interim government  something the Constitution of Bangladesh simply dont allow. They are in power by force.

Q: What is the International Community doing about it?

A: The international community is very concerned about the ongoing situation in Bangladesh. Unlike me, many may not be in a position to travel right now. Minorities were never treated fairly even under Sheikh Hasinas rule. But at least the nation was economically progressing. My father fought for this nation. Today, it is turning into a militant nation.

Q: When you say Hindus in Bangladesh were never safe but now under existential crisis, can you give an example?

A: Let me give you a personal anecdote. My mother had a temple which was her place of meditation. She was any way living in fear of safeguarding me and my sisters. But the day she saw beef pieces thrown into her temple, she knew things were changing fast. My mother forced me and my sisters to leave the country. I left for the UK. She didnt live much after that incident. What we see today is a fast decline of a long-standing problem of minority persecution that no one talks about.

Q: There are a great deal of videos of alleged attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus available on social media that the Yunus regime calls propaganda. Whats the reality?

A: Bangladeshs secular fabric has been torn apart in a short time by the Yunus regime. The reality is Hindus are not safe in Bangladesh. If they cant provide security to Hindus, then independence should be given to a part of Bangladesh which the Hindus can call their home. Not just India, but every single government in the world should think about it.

The unfortunate part is majority of the world powers arent even aware that the Hindu population reside in Bangladesh which has historically been neglected. Even, at times, India fails to recognise (the gravity) of the matter. If you go to the Indo-Bangladesh border today, you will find Hindu refugees waiting to cross over to India on the other side of the fence. We need to understand, that Hindu lives matter.

Q: You are a Labour Party politician. What is the UK doing about it?

A: As you may have seen recently, in the British Parliament, former Home Secretary Priti Patel, who represents the Conservative Party, raised the issue of Bangladesh and attacks on its minorities. So, back in the UK, there is a cross-party view that Bangladesh must act. The message from both sides for India will be that it must come forward and help.

Q: How does the UK expect India to help Bangladesh minorities?

A: How to go about it is Indias decision. But right now, let me tell you whats happening on the streets of Bangladesh. They are announcing that a certain minority girl will be abducted which is followed up with action within a week. After announcing a target on someones head, the person is found murdered on the streets. No price for guessing they too are Hindus. What India can do is allow such a vulnerable Hindu population refuge in India.

Q: Bangladesh has sought Hasinas extradition from India. How do you view that?

A: It is for India to take a call. But all I can say is that Hasinas return to Dhaka will put her life in danger. It wont be prudent.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Q: Both Russian President Putin and Ukraine President Zelensky in the past suggested PM Modi is probably in a unique position of acceptability that allows him to stop the Ukraine War. Can he play a role in arresting Bangladeshs social backsliding?

A: PM Modi is in a place of influence and his words get heard. He must do something about Bangladeshs 8 per cent Hindus. He should talk to the US and UK. Even Bangladeshi Hindus are Modis family. He will not only be saving the Hindus there but Bangladesh as a whole.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 12:45 IST
New Virus In China: What Is Human Metapneumovirus Or HMPV? Symptoms, Treatment Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:09 IST

China sees a seasonal rise in respiratory diseases during winters. Reports have indicated a recent surge in human metapneumovirus cases, especially among those under 14, alongside pathogens like rhinovirus

Videos circulating online depicted that hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of patients. (News18 Hindi)

The world has witnessed the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China and spread globally. The viruss origins in Wuhan, China, remain a subject of ongoing investigation. Five years after the initial outbreak, another wave of infections is surging in China.

Following COVID-19, a new mysterious virus, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), is spreading nationwide. This outbreak is causing scenes reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

related stories

The alarming situation in China, where a surge in viral infections is gripping the nation, is rapidly gaining attention on social media. Numerous reports and online posts suggest that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading at a concerning rate. Videos circulating online depicted that hospitals and crematoriums are overwhelmed with the influx of patients and fatalities. However, according to a Times of India report there is no evidence to support these claims. Neither the China health authorities nor WHO have issued any official statement about this crisis.

Some social media users suggest that multiple viruses, including HMPV, Influenza A, Mycoplasma Pneumonia, and COVID-19, are circulating simultaneously within China. The country is reportedly on high alert; however, comprehensive information about the virus remains limited.

An NDTV report indicates a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China, causing widespread concern. HMPV presents with symptoms akin to influenza and COVID-19, leading to heightened anxiety among the population. Chinese health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, working to understand and address the outbreak effectively.

According to the X handle SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), multiple respiratory viruses are circulating concurrently in China, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19. This surge in cases has placed significant strain on healthcare facilities. Childrens hospitals are particularly affected, grappling with a notable increase in pneumonia cases, including severe cases presenting as white lung.

At the same time, a Reuters report noted that Chinas disease control authority stated on Friday that it is implementing a surveillance system for unknown types of pneumonia. This development comes in anticipation of a potential increase in respiratory diseases during the winter months. The primary objective of establishing this specialised system is to aid authorities in developing protocols to effectively address unknown pathogens. Such preparation was limited during the initial emergence of the COVID-19 coronavirus five years ago.

What are the symptoms of human metapneumovirus?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) presents symptoms akin to the common cold and coronavirus. These include cough, fever and cold-like symptoms.

The outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), five years after Covid-19, is increasing in many parts of China, worrying officials. As a result, officials are urging people to take precautions such as wearing masks and washing hands frequently.

What is this HMPV virus?

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Metapneumovirus genus within the Pneumoviridae family. First identified by Dutch researchers in 2001, HMPV was discovered while studying samples from children experiencing respiratory infections. Research indicates that this virus has circulated for at least six decades and is now recognised as a prevalent respiratory pathogen globally.

HMPV spreads primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing and sneezing. Transmission can also occur through close contact with infected individuals or exposure to contaminated environments. The Chinese CDC website states that the infection period for HMPV is three to five days. Unfortunately, the immune response triggered by HMPV is insufficient to prevent reinfection. While HMPV can be detected year-round, it is most prevalent during the winter and spring months.

Who are the soft targets?

Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to this virus, as they were to Covid-19. In light of the viruss increasing prevalence, officials have renewed their recommendation to wear masks. Health officials have advised the public to avoid crowded areas, continue wearing masks, and sanitise their hands frequently.

Is China hiding something again?

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

According to Kan Biao, a Chinese official, China experiences numerous respiratory diseases during the winter and spring seasons. However, he did not confirm whether the total number of cases this year would be lower than last year. Recent cases reveal the presence of pathogens such as rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus. Notably, there is a surge in human metapneumovirus cases among individuals under 14 years of age. Surprisingly, no vaccine for this virus has been developed yet, despite its symptoms mirroring those of a common cold.

According to the Times of India report, experts suggest that the rise in respiratory infections, including hMPV, is due to cold weather and the return to normalcy after the pandemic. During lockdowns, limited social interaction and strict restrictions kept many viruses in check, reducing exposure to common pathogens, particularly among children. With society now fully reopened, theres a catch-up" effect as people encounter these viruses again, impacting children and vulnerable adults the most.

Location : China

First Published: January 03, 2025, 11:24 IST
South Korean Authorities Halt Bid To Arrest Impeached President After Hours-Long Standoff

Published By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 11:13 IST

Officials from the Corruption Intelligence Office which is probing Yoon over his declaration of martial law entered the compound but were "blocked by a military unit inside", Yonhap said.

South Korea authorities are in standoff to arrest impeached leader Yoon.

South Korean investigators seeking to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol have been blocked by a military unit inside the official residence compound, Yonhap reported.

Officials from the Corruption Intelligence Office which is probing Yoon over his declaration of martial law entered the compound but were blocked by a military unit inside", the report said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

related stories

However, it is unclear whether the Presidential Security Service (PSS), which previously obstructed investigators with a search warrant from accessing Yoon Suk Yeols office and official residence, would attempt to prevent his arrest. Reports from South Korea channels showed scuffles as investigators and police confronted the presidential security forces.

Yoon Suk Yeol is under criminal investigation for insurrection over his December 3 martial law attempt. His arrest would be a first for an incumbent South Korean president.

Location : South Korea

First Published: January 03, 2025, 08:12 IST
Israel Conducts 'Operation Many Ways' In Syria, Destroys Underground Missile Facility

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:14 IST

The Israeli military conducted "Operation Many Ways" on September 8, 2024, successfully destroying an Iranian-funded underground precision missile production site in Syria's Masyaf.

Israel conducts raid in Syria (Photo: Israeli Air Force)

The Israeli military on Thursday revealed details and footage of an undercover operation it conducted to dismantle an Iranian-funded underground precision missile production site in Syria. According to Israel, the operation took place on September 8, 2024.

The special Air Force operation" involved more than a hundred Kingfisher fighters, the Israeli Air Force said.

related stories

Sharing footage of the operation, the Israeli Defence Forces on X wrote, In September 2024, before the fall of the Assad Regime, our soldiers conducted an undercover operation to dismantle an Iranian-funded underground precision missile production site in Syria."

The operation took place on September 8th," the IDF wrote in another tweet.

DECLASSIFIED: In September 2024, before the fall of the Assad Regime, our soldiers conducted an undercover operation to dismantle an Iranian-funded underground precision missile production site in Syria.Watch exclusive footage from this historic moment. pic.twitter.com/s0bTDNwx77  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 2, 2025

Another footage, shared by the Israeli Air Force, was captioned, Now we can reveal: Over 100 Kingfisher fighters raided and destroyed an underground site for the production of precision missiles, in a special Air Force operation last September, in the Masyaf area deep inside Syria."

The fighters landed in the area by helicopters, accompanied by a fire cover and collection of aircraft, fighter jets and naval ships. The target of the raid was an underground site deep inside Syria that was built with Iranian funding and support," the Israeli Air Force wrote in another post.

The forces reached critical machinery for the production process of precision missiles, including a planetary mixer, numerous weapons and intelligence documents that were transferred for investigation. The fighters destroyed the compound and returned to the country safely," it said.

Later, in an address, Air Force Commander, Major General Tomer Bar said, In the midst of this justified war, there was an event that was essential to the existence of the state. Now that we are on the ground in peace for a moment, having accomplished the mission, we can be proud. We can tell future generations that we did a significant deed for Israels security."

For years, the Intelligence Division conducted continuous intelligence collection and surveillance that clarified the targets value. Months prior to the operation, a plan was initiated to destroy it using Air Force forces. The site was a flagship project of Iran in its effort to arm its proxies on the northern border of the State of Israel. The complex included advanced production lines designed to produce precision missiles and long-range rockets, thereby significantly increasing the scope of missile supplies to the terrorist organization Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies in the region," the Israeli Air Force wrote.

  :  -100      -   ,    -  ,    .https://t.co/VQMkHDFMsI pic.twitter.com/27jaucccJp Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) January 2, 2025

According to the Times Of Israel, the raid was internally dubbed Operation Many Ways by the Israel Defense Forces and was aimed at destroying an underground facility used by Iranian forces to manufacture precision missiles for Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad regime in Syria.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The facility, codenamed by the military Deep Layer", was dug into a mountain at the Scientific Studies and Research Center, known as CERS or SSRC, in the Masyaf area of Syria, west of Hama. The site lies more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of the Israeli border, and some 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Syrias western coastline, the report stated.

The military said the raid was carried out successfully by the IAFs elite Shaldag unit, along with the search and rescue Unit 669. No soldiers were injured during the entire operation.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 12:43 IST
Like Father, Like Son: Trudeau Clan's K-Love Continuum

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: January 04, 2025, 00:20 IST

Both Justin Trudeau and his father, Pierre Trudeau, have been criticised for taking a relatively soft stance on the Khalistani issue

The roots of this political rift can be traced back to Justin Trudeau's father and ex-Canadian PM Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who also faced challenges in relations with India. File images

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been at loggerheads with India for more than a year now, and the relationship between the two countries has reached a new low after India withdrew its high commissioner and several targeted diplomats from the Maple Leaf country. The decision by the Indian government followed Trudeaus attempt to involve the Indian high commissioner in an investigation linked to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly condemned the allegations, describing them as fabricated" and politically motivated".

The roots of this political rift can be traced back to Justin Trudeaus father and ex-Canadian PM Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who also faced challenges in relations with India. According to a CBC report in October 2024, after India conducted its nuclear test in 1974, Canada expressed outrage, and the Trudeau administration struggled to reconcile this event with Canadas commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.

related stories

But the real nail in the coffin was hammered by the handling of Khalistani extremists in Canada by the Pierre Trudeau administration between 1980 and 1984. During the 1980s, numerous K-elements sought refuge in Canada, including Talwinder Singh Parmar, a key figure in the Khalistani movement. According to a CBC report in 1985, despite numerous requests for extradition by the Indian government, the Canadian government under Pierre Trudeau did not relent.

The situation escalated with the bombing of Air India flight 182 (Kanishka) on June 23, 1985, which resulted in the deaths of all 329 people (mostly Canadians) on board. The Kanishka bombing was considered the worst single incident of aviation terrorism until the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Talwinder Parmar, who was "protected" by the Trudeau administration, was identified as the mastermind of the Kanishka bombing. Although Parmar was later killed in a gunfight with Punjab police in 1992, he is still considered the architect of the terror attack on Air India 182. Everyone arrested for the Kanishka bombing (including Talwinder Parmar) was let off, and only one person was convicted.

According to a CBC report in August 1984, a French-Canadian named Gerry Boudreault told the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that some Vancouver Sikhs offered him $200,000 in cash to smuggle a bomb onto the Air India flight from Montreal to London.

This guy met me with a suitcase, Boudreault recalled fifteen years later. A Sikh. He opened it up, and there it was, stuffed with $200,000, and all I had to do was put a bomb on an Air India plane. Id done some bad things in my time, done my time in jail, but putting a bomb on a planenot me. I went to the police," said

a Calgary Sun report by Peter Smith from February 14, 1999, quoting Boudreault.

Even after making such a big admission, the Canadian police chose not to trust Boudreault and never did anything about the intelligence. But, a month later, according to a CBC Report in September 1984, a Vancouver man, Harmail Singh Grewal, told CSIS and the RCMP of the same plot.

In September, 1984, Vancouver liquor store employee Harmail Singh Grewal tried to bargain down his sentence on theft and fraud charges with information to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP about a plot to put a bomb aboard an Air India flight out of Montreal. But the deal fell through after Grewal was dismissed by authorities as unreliable.  Grewal told the agents the story of how he and a French-Canadian man had become involved with a group of Sikh militants who wanted to plant a bomb," said an Ottawa Citizen report by Neil Macdonald and Terry Glavin from September 23, 1987.

According to CBC reporter Terry Milewski, Grewal even said that the original plan included two planes and two bombs. But nothing was done to investigate any of the intelligence by the Trudeau administration.

In June 1985, Paul Besso, a paid RCMP informer, said he recorded Sikhs on Vancouver Island discussing an attack on Air India. Besso told the CBC in September 1987 that he used an RCMP body pack" to tape conversations with suspected Sikh drug dealers in Port Alberni and Duncan.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

This is not the first time that India and Canada have locked horns over the Khalistani issue. The rift goes back to 1982, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi spoke her mind on the subject to Justin Trudeaus father. According to Terry Milewski in his book Blood for Blood: Fifty Years of the Khalistan Project, in 1982, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi complained to PM Pierre Trudeau that Sikh extremists in Canada were financing and organising terrorist attacks against Indian targets.

Both Justin Trudeau and his father, Pierre Trudeau, have been criticised for taking a relatively soft stance on the Khalistani issue. Now, Justin Trudeau faces growing challenges to his leadership, with calls for a no-confidence motion in the House of Commons. Only time will tell whether his administration will continue the legacy of his fathers approach or take a different direction in addressing this complex issue.

First Published: January 04, 2025, 00:20 IST
Mysterious Virus That Affects Kids And Elderly Grips China 5 Years After Covid

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 13:04 IST

China HMPV Outbreak: As per Chinas CDC website, the human metapneumovirus is an RNA virus that belongs to the Pneumoviridae, Metapneumovirus genus.

China HMPV Outbreak: The HMPV is likely to infect children, immunocompromised and elderly.

China faces an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), five years after the Covid-19 pandemic, in several parts of the country. Authorities have asked citizens to wear face masks and wash hands frequently.

What is HMPV?

related stories

As per Chinas CDC website, the human metapneumovirus is an RNA virus that belongs to the Pneumoviridae, Metapneumovirus genus. It was first found in 2001 by Dutch researchers studying samples of children with respiratory infections. The virus mainly spreads in droplets  through coughing and sneezing- due to close contact with infected people and exposure to contaminated environments. The incubation period of the virus is three to five days and it can be found throughout the year but is most detected in winter and spring.

Read more: New Virus In China: What Is Human Metapneumovirus Or HMPV? Symptoms, Treatment Explained

Who does HMPV impact the most?

The HMPV is likely to infect children, immunocompromised and elderly. Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing and in severe cases, it can also result in bronchitis and pneumonia. HMPV can kill people who have underlying medical conditions. As per Lancet Global Health, data shows that HMPV was responsible for the deaths of 1 percent of children with acute lowest respiratory diseases under age five.

Can HMPV be cured?

There are no vaccines against HMPV and the treatment is usually limited to easing symptoms. Over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.

What is China doing to curb the rise of HMPV?

The Star reported that Chinas National Disease Control and Prevention Administration established protocols for laboratory reporting and case verification. Recommendations by Chinas health body include- wearing masks in crowded places, keeping a social distance, frequently washing hands, avoiding crowded areas, maintaining good hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation of indoor spaces and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Data from Dec 16-22 indicates a rise in acute respiratory infections, including hMPV, particularly in northern provinces. Recent cases have predominantly involved individuals under 14 years of age," news agency Reuters reported.

Google Searches For HMPV

Amid news of the new virus spreading in China, Indian netizens took to Google to know about the potential threat. HMPV was the second most-searched topic on Google India on Friday. Searches started picking up on Thursday night, peaking around 12:40pm on Friday.

Most searches came from the south and northeast India, with Telangana on top.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Indians also searched for related topics like hmpv china, china, virus, hmpv virus, metapneumovirus, human metapneumovirus hmpv china, human metapneumovirus, and hmpv metapneumovirus.

Location : China

First Published: January 03, 2025, 09:07 IST
Fire Engulfs Eight-Story Building In South Korea's Seongnam, Dozens Rescued

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 22:00 IST

The fire department deployed 82 vehicles and equipment south of Seoul to bring the blaze under control

Firefighters and a police officer stand in front of a commercial building that was damaged by a fire that broke out at the Bundang district in Seongnam on January 3, 2025. (AFP photo)

A fire and thick smoke engulfed an eight-story building in the South Korean city of Seongnam on Friday, causing panic and sending 12 people to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

About 30 people who had been trapped inside were safely rescued by emergency responders.

related stories

The blaze started in a restaurant located on the ground floor of the busy commercial building, which also houses a swimming pool where children take lessons. The fire department deployed at least 82 vehicles and equipment south of Seoul to bring the blaze under control.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Earlier, YTN television reported that multiple people were trapped inside the building, with footage showing thick black smoke filling much of the structure.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Location : South Korea

First Published: January 03, 2025, 21:18 IST
Tesla Cybertruck Blast Suspect Shot Himself In Head Before Explosion, His Motivation 'Unknown'

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 09:25 IST

Las Vegas police said he had been identified as the "driver" of the vehicle, and that the coroner had ruled he had died by suicide.

A Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the lobby of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel in January. (Pic: AFP)

The decorated US special forces soldier who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas shot himself in the head before the blast, authorities said Thursday, adding that his motivation was still unknown."

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, a member of the elite Green Berets, took his own life in the rented vehicle filled with fuel containers and fireworks, which then erupted into flames, officials said.

related stories

Livelsbergers body was burned beyond recognition but Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill said authorities had a lot of confidence" that he was the sole occupant of the Cybertruck.

Las Vegas police said he had been identified as the driver" of the vehicle, and that the coroner had ruled he had died by suicide.

Livelsberger, identified through his military ID, passport and credit cards, was found with a gun at his feet, McMahill told reporters at a press conference in Las Vegas.

The motivation at this point is unknown," FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans said.

Evans said there is no information that were aware of right now that connects this individual to any terrorist organization around the world."

Kenny Cooper, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said Livelsberger had legally purchased two semi-automatic handguns on Monday which were found in the remains of the vehicle.

Video footage outside the Trump hotel shows the stainless steel truck parked at the buildings glass entrance early Wednesday, then bursting into flames, followed by smaller explosions that appeared similar to fireworks.

Seven people were wounded in the blast.

No Link With New Orleans Attack

The Trump-branded building, which opened in 2008, is part-owned by the Republican president-elects family business.

Evans said the link to the president-elect was not lost" on investigators, nor was the fact that Tesla is owned by worlds richest man  and prominent Trump backer  Elon Musk.

But we dont have information at this point that definitively tells us" it was driven by any particular ideology, he said.

Livelsberger rented the vehicle in Colorado on December 28, from where authorities tracked him driving it alone through Arizona and New Mexico to Las Vegas, which he reached on January 1, McMahill said.

Livelsberger was a Green Beret who had been deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and was currently stationed in Germany.

An army spokesperson said Livelsberger was on approved leave at the time of his death," and that he had been awarded multiple Bronze Star Medals, including one for valor.

Investigators said it was not yet clear how the blast detonated, but the components were mainly consumer products like fireworks and fuel.

They said some of the components had not exploded, and that the level of sophistication in the blast was not what they would expect from someone with Livelsbergers military background.

I just dont think it was done as well as he was expecting it to be done," McMahill said.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

The blast came just hours after a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of revelers in the French Quarter of New Orleans, killing 14 people and injuring dozens.

Initially investigators were probing potential links between the events, but authorities in New Orleans said Thursday they believe the Islamic State-inspired attacker there acted alone, while the FBI described the Vegas incident as isolated."

Location : Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

First Published: January 03, 2025, 09:25 IST
Tesla Cybertruck Driver Broke Up With Wife Days Before Explosion, Left Home After Argument: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 11:50 IST

The Tesla driver who denoted a Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas had reportedly broke up with his wife recently. The police are investigating if his motive was personal or political.

Matthew Livelsberger (L)/ his wife (R) (Photos: Facebook)

Thirty-seven-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, who denoted a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Years Day, broke up with his wife six days before he killed himself inside the vehicle. The two have a daughter, and Livelsbergers wife reportedly told him that she knew he had been cheating on her, the New York Post quoted law enforcement sources as saying.

Livelsberger left his Colorado Springs home the day after Christmas following an argument with his wife over apparent infidelity, according to the report.

related stories

After leaving Colorado, Livelsberger rented a Cybertruck through the Turo app and made his way to Vegas, where he parked in front of the Trump hotel on New Years Day, detonated explosives stashed in the truck and shot himself in the head, the report quoted Las Vegas police as saying.

With the new revelations in the case, investigators were now probing whether Livelsbergers motive was purely personal rather than political as previously considered given the location of the detonation and choice of vehicle.

FBIs FINDINGS IN THE CASE

While the FBI said it was not yet clear if the blast was an act of terrorism, it said it had so far found no definitive link between the New Years Day New Orleans truck attack that killed 15 people and the Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas later on the same day, which left seven people with minor injuries.

Livelsberger killed himself with a gunshot to the mouth, police said, citing a report from the Clark County Coroner/Medical Examiner, according to a post on X by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Livelsberger was inside the vehicle when gasoline canisters and large firework mortars in the truck bed exploded, police said.

Police previously had told a press conference they believed the person found in the truck was Livelsberger, but because the body was burned beyond recognition, investigators were awaiting confirmation from DNA evidence and medical records.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Livelsberger shot himself just before explosives in the vehicle were detonated, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters. A handgun was found at his feet.

It was one of two semi-automatic handguns found in the Cybertruck, both of which were lawfully purchased by Livelsberger on December 30. Law enforcement also found military identification, a passport, an iPhone and credit cards in the truck.

First Published: January 03, 2025, 11:32 IST
Feel Like Batman: Cybertruck Bomber Brags To Ex-Girlfriend On Renting Tesla Vehicle He Blew Up

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 20:52 IST

The bomber, who was confirmed a US Army soldier, left text messages to his ex-girlfriend days before he blew up Tesla vehicle outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

Trump International Hotel bomber Matthew Livelsberger (Reuters Image)

The man, who blew up the Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, had boasted to his ex-girlfriend about renting the vehicle, claiming he felt like Batman.

Matthew Livelsberger, the man behind the blast that injured seven people on Wednesday, was identified as a US Army soldier. He had shot himself in the mouth before detonating the bomb in the vehicle, an incident that the Tesla owner described as an act of terrorism".

related stories

That is not a battery fire.That is an explosive device placed in a Cybertruck in front of a Trump hotel. Clearly a message is being sent to Elon and President Trump. pic.twitter.com/v8WuAgH3dT  Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) January 1, 2025

Man Texts Ex-Girlfriend

Three days before the incident, the soldier had playfully reached out to his ex-girlfriend, Alicia Arritt, at 9 am when he was in Denver on December 29, New York Post reported.

He texted her days after he left his Colorado Springs home as his wife confronted him for his alleged cheating.

I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. Its the st," Livelsberger said in the text message, New York Post reported.

I feel like Batman or halo," he said in another text seven minutes later.

Batman, the iconic DC Comics superhero, is renowned for his cutting-edge gadgets and the legendary Batmobilea symbol of power, ingenuity, and intrigue.

Arritt did not expect to hear from the man who had since married and had a child after their breakup in 2021. She said that it was nice to hear from Livelsberger and added that he had sent numerous more messages adding pictures and videos of the Tesla truck.

As the truck caught her attention, she asked how fast it goes. Ungodly," he responded.

Building Drones In New Position: Bomber Tells Ex

The man told Arritt what he had been up to, however, did not give away his plan to blow up explosives outside the Trump International Hotel.

Im building drones in my new position," he said. You would love it."

Arritt described Livelsberger as the kindest man" she ever knew and recalled how he once bought his sick mother a new home.

The soldiers wife had parted ways with him on December 26 after she discovered he was cheating on her, New York Post reported, citing sources.

After an argument with his wife at their home in Colorado Springs, where she accused him of cheating, Livelsberger left the house, sources said. He then used the Turo app to rent a Cybertruck and drove to Las Vegas. Once there, he parked the truck, loaded with explosives, in the valet area of the Trump Hotel and took his own life by shooting himself in the head, New York Post reported.

Elon Musk Reacts To Explosion

Tesla founder Elon Musk termed the explosion as a act of terrorism", which followed a rampage by a truck driver in New Orleans, killing 15 people, hours before the Tesla vehicle blast.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

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 on X.

The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken," Musk added.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 20:45 IST
'US Is Laughing Stock': Donald Trump Blames 'Open Borders' After New Orleans, Las Vegas Attacks

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 11:55 IST

The USA is breaking down - A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation, Donald Trump wrote on X.

Donald Trump called America a 'disaster' and 'laughing stock all over the world'. (AP image)

US President-elect Donald Trump has blamed open borders" for the murder of 14 people in a truck attack on a crowd of New Year revelers in New Orleans. He dubbed US a laughing stock all over the world".

The attacker, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, drove a pick-up truck and rammed into crowds gathered on Bourbon Street in the heart of New Orleans French Quarter.

related stories

Apparently inspired by the Islamic State group (IS), Jabbar killed 14 people and injured at least 35 in the early hours of New Years Day. The attacker, said to be an Army veteran and US citizen born in Texas, was later shot in a gunbattle with police.

Calling America a disaster and laughing stock all over the world, Trump wrote on X, This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership. The DOJ, FBI, and Democrat state and local prosecutors have not done their job. They are incompetent and corrupt, having spent all of their waking hours unlawfully attacking their political opponent, ME, rather than focusing on protecting Americans from the outside and inside violent SCUM that has infiltrated all aspects of our government, and our Nation itself."

He further wrote that the Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for allowing incident to occur. The CIA must get involved, NOW, before it is too late. The USA is breaking down  A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation. Only strength and powerful leadership will stop it. See you on January 20th. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! (sic)," he added.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Besides the attack in New Orleans, another incident took place outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning. A man lost his life and seven others sustained injuries after a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the hotel.

Reacting to the incident, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the incident appears likely to be an act of terrorism." Both this Cybertruck and the F-150 suicide bomb in New Orleans were rented from Turo. Perhaps they are linked in some way," Musk wrote on X.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 11:54 IST
US Will Relentlessly Pursue ISIS: Joe Bidens Stern Message On New Orleans Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 10:12 IST

New Orleans Terrorist Attack: Shamsud Din Jabbar indicated his support for the terrorist organisations in the videos he made, Joe Biden said.

New Orleans Terrorist Attack: US President Joe Biden (Reuters Image)

US President Joe Biden said that the country will relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organisations following the terrorist attack in New Orleans where Shamsud-Din Jabba- an ISIS supporter- drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more.

We are going to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organisations where they are and they will find no safe husher here," Joe Biden assured Americans.

related stories

He informed, The number of people killed in New Orleans has risen to 15, including the attacker, 35 people were injured. Today the FBI briefed me that as of now, we have no information that anyone else is involved in the attack. Theyve established that the attacker was the same person who planted the explosives in those ice coolers in two nearby locations in the French Quarter just a few hours before he rammed into the crowd with his vehicle."

Read more: New Orleans Attacker Joined ISIS, Planted 2 Homemade Bombs: FBI Probe Reveals New Details

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

Shamsud Din Jabbar indicated his support for the terrorist organisations in the videos he made, Joe Biden said, adding, As I said yesterday, the attacker posted several videos just several hours before the attack indicating his strong support for ISIS. Federal law enforcement and the intelligence community are actively investigating any foreign or domestic contacts and connections that could possibly be relevant to the attack."

On the possible connection between the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion, Joe Biden said that the investigation is still going on but no evidence of such a connection has been found so far.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 03, 2025, 10:12 IST
British rapper Stormzy, legally known as Michael Ebenazer Owuo Jr., received a nine-month driving ban on Thursday in London. The decision follows his admission of operating his Rolls-Royce while using a mobile phone in March. District Judge Andrew Sweet of Wimbledon Magistrates' Court condemned Stormzy's conduct as "dangerous and irresponsible."

Prosecutor Alice Holloway highlighted Stormzy's history of endangering "vulnerable road users," pointing to a prior incident involving his Lamborghini Urus with overly tinted windows. The vehicle's tint allowed only 4% of light through, below the legal 70% threshold. He previously admitted to the 2023 tinting violation.

Despite his absence from the court proceedings, the 31-year-old musician submitted a written guilty plea. His legal representative, Peter Csemiczky, expressed Stormzy's remorse and acceptance of responsibility. In addition to the driving ban, the court imposed a 2,010-pound fine (approximately $2,500) and added penalty points to his driving record. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
El Salvador closed 2024 with just 114 homicides, marking a record low largely attributed to President Nayib Bukele's continued state of emergency. This extraordinary measure grants the government substantial powers while limiting certain rights. According to Bukele, the nation now boasts the lowest homicide rate in the Western Hemisphere at 1.9 per 100,000lower than any reported figure in Latin America for 2023.

The dramatic drop follows a fierce crackdown on street gangs that left El Salvador one of the world's deadliest countries in 2015. Since the emergency decree began in March 2022, over 83,000 arrests have been made, though many lacked due process. President Bukele has stated, "8,000 people who were innocent have been released," yet civil rights groups report 354 deaths in government custody. Despite controversies, Bukele enjoys high popularity as Salvadorans now feel safer in their neighborhoods.

While El Salvador's declining violence is noteworthy, questions about the ongoing necessity of emergency powers linger. Nonetheless, Bukele's administration maintains support from a supermajority in congress to uphold these special measures. These security gains have bolstered Bukele's political standing, culminating in an unprecedented second five-year term in February 2024, despite a constitutional ban on consecutive reelection. Critics, however, worry about the long-term implications of such concentrated power and the suspension of civil rights. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
The new year brings a new reality for much of the US South: It's tougher to access porn online. As Ars Technica reports, two more statesFlorida and South Carolinaenacted laws requiring age verification to see explicit sites. They join 14 other states where such laws already have gone into effect over the last two years, mostly in the South, per Mashable :

As 404 Media explains, the laws vary from state to state, but all impose heavy fines on sites found to be out of compliance. As a result, Aylothe company behind sites such as Pornhub, RedTube, and YouPornblocks direct access and tells would-be viewers how they must verify their age (it can differ from state to state). Aylo, for its part, says it backs the idea of age verification but calls the states' efforts "ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous," in part because they require sites to collect sensitive personal information.

When Louisiana began requiring viewers to submit ID, Aylo's traffic plummeted. But "these people did not stop looking for porn," the company tells Mashable. "They just migrated to darker corners of the internet that don't ask users to verify age, that don't follow the law, that don't take user safety seriously, and that often don't even moderate content." (More Pornhub stories.)
A wave of Israeli airstrikes across central and southern Gaza has resulted in at least 50 casualties, despite some areas being marked as humanitarian safe zones. Israeli authorities stated the strikes aimed at high-ranking Hamas operatives, holding the group responsible for civilian casualties. Amid ongoing conflict, local health officials say over 45,500 Palestinians have been killed since the war ignited by Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023.

Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire continue as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized intelligence and military delegates to pursue talks in Qatar. Mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have repeatedly encountered hurdles. Concurrently, the UN's World Health Organization urged Israel to expedite medical evacuations for critically ill patients, as limited permissions have left thousands awaiting urgent treatment.

In a concerning development, air raid sirens were triggered in Jerusalem and central Israel early Friday following a missile launch from Yemen, reportedly intercepted by Israeli defense systems. Despite attempts to prevent further attacks, the Houthis declared they would continue targeting Israel until hostilities in Gaza cease. Meanwhile, Israel also conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, and admitted responsibility for a raid in Syria last year targeting a missile factory, illustrating the regional complexity of current tensions. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear recently showcased his lighter side by participating in a playful video with his wife, Britainy, in which they read and responded to critical social media posts. This end-of-year tradition mirrors a popular segment from Jimmy Kimmel's show where public figures read negative comments directed at them. In the video, Beshear called upon his teenage son, Will, to humorously decode a post that claimed he had "zero aura," which Will explained means lacking "coolness." Beshear quipped back that he has "so much aura."

The video featured more amusing interactions, including a response to a jibe about Beshear's physique, with Britainy noting they had invested in a rowing machine. Beshear wittily remarked on posts calling him a "goober," claiming he is indeed "the goober that America needs." The governor concluded on a serious note, highlighting Kentucky's economic success under his leadership and urging viewers to cherish their loved ones.

Beshear, whose term ends in 2027 due to term limits, is considered a potential Democratic presidential contender for 2028. While he's acknowledged the speculation, he continues to emphasize his current focus on key issues such as jobs, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. In a recent sit-down interview, he outlined qualities for a Democratic nominee, stating the need for "a pragmatist that is about getting things done, getting real results." Beshear's administration has overseen significant economic achievements in Kentucky, targeting health care affordability, public education, and community safety. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
South Korean investigators suspended efforts to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday after an hours-long standoff that saw 200 soldiers and members of the Presidential Security Service form a "human wall" to protect Yoon, per CNN . Some 80 police officers and investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office had entered the presidential compound in Seoul but were blocked from reaching the president's residence as a result. The CIO, which described altercations of "varying intensity," called off enforcement of the arrest warrantwhich allows Yoon to be held for 48 hours for questioning about leading an insurrection following his Dec. 3 declaration of martial lawciting the safety of people on the ground, per Reuters .

Hundreds of Yoon's supporters had also gathered. Some waved American flags and held signs reading "Stop the steal," per CNN. Yoon's defense team has objected to the warrant, calling it illegal and citing the US Supreme Court decision that found President-elect Trump has immunity for actions taken as president. But as Reuters notes, "insurrection is one of the few criminal charges from which a South Korean president does not have immunity." The main opposition Democratic Party on Friday called on Yoon to stop his "cowardly hiding" as "all members of the Republic of Korea need to abide by law and order." It urged PSS agents to cooperate with the warrant while refusing unlawful orders. The CIO has accused PSS leaders of obstruction of official duty, per Reuters.

Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection after declaring martial law on Dec. 3. He claimed the move was needed to root out "anti-state forces" hours before lawmakers voted to reverse the declaration after barricading the doors of the National Assembly. "Yoon had allegedly instructed the military to use firearms to break the doors, if necessary, to remove lawmakers gathering inside the main chamber," CNN reports, citing court documents. The CIO said Friday it "deeply regretted" Yoon's non-compliance and would consider next steps. The warrant, approved by a court on Tuesday, remains valid until Monday, though it could be extended. A Constitutional Court trial to begin Jan. 14 will determine whether Yoon's impeachment is upheld and he is formally removed from office. (More South Korea stories.)
Iran warned Italy on Friday that it risks harming bilateral relations if it bows to the "political and hostile goals" of the US by detaining an Iranian engineer on an American warrant in connection with a drone attack in Jordan last year that killed three American troops. Tehran issued the warning to the Italian ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei, who was summoned to the foreign ministry, the official IRNA news agency reported. The meeting took place a day after Italy summoned the Iranian ambassador over the detention of an Italian journalist in Tehran, per the AP .

The back-to-back diplomatic summonses underscored how a three-nation tangle over the fates of the two prisoners was getting more complicated for Italy, which is a historic ally of Washington but generally maintains good relations with Tehran. Mohammad Abedini was arrested by Italian authorities at Milan's Malpensa airport on Dec. 16 on a US warrant. The US Justice Department accused him and another Iranian of supplying the drone technology to Iran that was used in a January 2024 attack on a US outpost in Jordan that killed three American troops. Three days later, an Italian reporter for the Il Foglio daily, Cecilia Sala, was detained in Tehran on charges of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic, IRNA said.

Italian commentators have speculated that Iran is holding Sala as a bargaining chip to ensure Abedini's release, and both governments have linked their fates in statements. According to IRNA, a foreign ministry official, Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, told Amadei that the continued detention of Abedini was an "illegal act that is done based on the US demand and in line with the political and hostile goals of the country to hold Iranian nationals hostage in various points in the world." Nili demanded the release of Abedini for the sake of "Tehran-Rome bilateral relations." The Milan court of appeals plans a hearing for Jan. 15 on whether to keep Abedini at Milan's Opera prison or grant him house arrest pending the start of the extradition process to the US.

(More detainees stories.)
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has stepped up efforts to champion its arts and literature, with the Ministry of Information unveiling a range of projects and initiatives designed to place local creativity in the spotlight.

Working closely with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), the ministry is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the kingdoms rich heritage while encouraging modern artistic expressions.

In its response to Deputy Speaker MP Abdulla Salman, the ministry revealed plans for regular television and radio broadcasts that offer Bahraini writers, artists, and thinkers a platform to share their stories.

These interactive pro - grammes aim to connect the public with the islands creative voices, giving a glimpse into their journeys and achievements.

Cultural events remain a cornerstone of the ministrys agenda.

Media coverage

Festivals, exhibitions, and artistic gatherings such as Muharraq Nights, the Spring of Culture Festival, and the Music Festival are given wide media coverage to reach both local and global audiences.

Events spearheaded by the BACA also receive comprehensive exposure.

Adding to this, the Gulf Radio and Television Festival, held every two years, has become a focal point for media and artistic talents across the region.

Organised in collaboration with the Gulf Radio and Television Organisation, the festival offers a stage for showcasing new works and exchanging ideas.

Artistic heritage

Beyond the borders, Bahrain Cultural Days has helped spread awareness of the kingdoms artistic heritage.

The ministry has backed these efforts with documentaries and television features that delve into Bahrains literary and artistic traditions, preserving them for future generations while shining a light on its cultural treasures.

The ministrys drive to support talent includes the Media Talent Award, launched in 2023.

Public speaking

The first year focused on public speaking, with the following year turning attention to acting.

In 2024, Al Dana Drama Award made waves as the first Arab prize recognising drama productions from Bahraini and Gulf creators, attracting widespread attention across the region.

Homegrown productions are further supported by the Creative Content Competition, which backs drama, cinema, songs, and plays.

Short stories

Meanwhile, the We Write in Arabic scheme, run in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Bahrain Islamic Bank, and the Bahrain Writers and Authors Association, encourages schoolchildren to craft short stories in Arabic, promoting a love for their native language.

The ministry has also joined forces with organisations such as the Bahrain Theatrical Society, Bahrain Cinema Club, and Bahrain Writers Association to keep Bahrains artistic pulse alive.

Campaigns to promote the kingdoms cultural landmarks, from Bahrain Fort and the Bahrain National Museum to the UNESCO-listed Pearling Path, have been launched, ensuring these treasures are celebrated both locally and abroad.
This offer from Tangerine comes at a time when Canadians are increasingly frustrated by new feesand the feeling that they are paying more in many places.

"We're big believers in no monthly fee chequing and Tangerine has always looked for ways to help their Clients save their hard-earned money," said Natalie Jones, Chief Marketing Officer, Tangerine. "This offer reflects our commitment to remove hoops for our Clients and put more money back in their pocketsit's just another uncomplicated way to save with Tangerine."

As one of Canada's leading digital banks, Tangerine has long been known for uncomplicated everyday banking. Since entering the scene over two decades ago, helping Canadians pay fewer fees has kind of been Tangerine's thing. Tangerine's Chequing accounts offer no monthly fees with no minimum balance, free Interac e-Transfer and free access to over 3,500 Scotiabank ABMs nationwide. In 2024, Tangerine was named number one in Personal Banking Customer Satisfaction for the 13th year in a row among midsized banks by J.D. Power**. This long-standing winning streak is thanks to the Bank's relentless focus on delivering a simple and convenient everyday banking experience for its Clients.

About Tangerine Bank

Tangerine Bank is a bank without branches  a bank that prides itself on delivering simplified everyday banking to Canadians. With over 2 million Clients and close to $40 billion in total assets, it's Canada's leading digital bank. Tangerine offers banking that's flexible and accessible, innovative products and services, fair fees, and award-winning client service. Tangerine Bank is the Most Awarded Brand for Retail Banking Client Satisfaction among Midsize Banks  J.D. Power**. With over 1,200 employees in Canada, the bank's presence extends beyond its website and Mobile Banking app to its 24/7 Contact Centres. Tangerine Bank was launched as ING DIRECT Canada in 1997. In 2012, Tangerine was acquired by Scotiabank and operates independently as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Learn more here.

Connect with Tangerine on social on Instagram , LinkedIn , or TikTok.

*The Tangerine No Fee Checking Offer (the "Offer") is only available starting January 3rd, 2025 to the first 7,500 Tangerine Clients who make a purchase of at least $39.55 CAD with an airline using their Tangerine Credit Card or Tangerine VISA Debit Card ("Eligible Clients"). A $40 Rebate (the "Rebate") will be paid to the Eligible Client's Tangerine Chequing Account or Tangerine Credit Card within 60 days after the purchase is made and posted on their Account. Offer can't be combined with any other Chequing Account or Credit Card offers and is limited to one (1) Rebate per Eligible Client. By accepting this Offer, you agree to the terms and conditions of this Offer. Full Offer Terms and Conditions, including definitions of any capitalized terms, are available at www.tangerine.ca/en/offers/checking . Offer may be changed, extended or cancelled without notice.

**Tangerine has won more awards than any other brand among midsize banks in the J.D. Power Canada Retail Banking Satisfaction Studies from 2006-2024. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more information.

SOURCE Tangerine

Media Inquiries: Lindsay Taylor, Tangerine Bank, [email protected]
There is an anonymous commenter who wanted to be a troll about my prediction track record and where I was wrong about technology. I discuss my public predictions and go more deeply into nuclear fusion and other specific topics.

My writing that years ago that emdrive and Mach Effect propulsion researchers made and that nuclear fusion startups could succeed were not predictions with specific claims and time frames.

There were articles where I wrote and repeated the claims and forecasts made by the companies or technologists. I would say that XYZ company has a roadmap to achieving something. This is like saying SLS (Space Launch System) got funded and first planned to launch in 2016. IF I do not

Nuclear Fusion and Predictions

6 minutes into this video from a few years ago, I say that NONE of the nuclear fusion startups or projects have lit up light bulbs like the 1951 nuclear fission reactor.



I say that nuclear fusion has potential to eventually be a radical improvement in energy generation. However, there is not limits to the funds for research and technology development.

However, there are many challenges to get to net energy generation and challenges to get to commercial energy production and challenges to get the supply chain scaled up. The Deuterium-tritium burning systems would need to scale up the tritium availability.

I am not predicting nuclear fusion will generate power for the grid at even one gigawatt of constant power before 2035. It is not impossible that this could happen but it is not a 50%+ chance.

There are many interesting and worthwhile companies.

The nuclear fusion companies are still getting funded and they could eventually succeed. They are generating nuclear reactions.

The Fusion Industry Association (FIA) released its latest annual report, The Global Fusion Industry in 2024, in July 2024.

Total investment in the fusion industry has reached over $7.1 billion, with an additional $900 million in new funding since the previous year.

Government funding increased significantly, rising by 57% in 12 months to $426 million.

Notable investments include $100 million for Xcimer, $90 million for SHINE Technologies, and $65 million for Helion.

Fusion Industry Growth and Employment. The survey included responses from 45 private fusion companies, up from 43 in the previous year.

Employment in the private fusion sector has grown substantially, with over 4,000 people now employed worldwide.

89% of respondents anticipate fusion providing electricity to the grid by the end of the 2030s, with 70% expecting this milestone by the end of 2035.

Other things where more money was spent and not much useful results:

$500+ billion on the F-35 program and planes.

$26 billion has been spent on the SLS program and it has only had one flawed test flight. There was about $11 billion on the Constellation program which was basically the same as the goal of SLS.

I have said for energy, if you just want safe programs that will get guaranteed good results, then just fund molten salt nuclear fission or advanced nuclear fission projects. You can also just continue to scale up and improve solar and fixed battery energy storage.

What is a Prediction?

A prediction on the public platforms is a statement about a future event or outcome that specifies:

The Event  A clear, unambiguous description of what will happen, including all relevant parameters (e.g., The temperature in Tokyo on July 1, 2025, will exceed 30C).

The Resolution Criteria  Explicit, objective criteria by which the prediction will be judged as true or false. This includes:

Source of Truth  A reliable, publicly accessible source or method for verifying the outcome after the event (e.g., Data from the Japan Meteorological Agencys official records).

Time Frame  A specific date or time period by which the outcome must be resolved (e.g., The measurement must be taken at exactly 12:00 PM JST on July 1, 2025).

Falsifiability  The prediction must be structured such that it can be definitively proven true or false based on the resolution criteria.

This means:

The criteria must not be open to interpretation.

There should be no ambiguity in how the outcome is measured or reported.

I have written over 35,000+ articles. Almost all of the articles were not predictions. If you find over 3500 articles with issues around predictions, then let me know.

There were times that I have made predictions like when I predicted when Canada would reach particular population levels. I usually tag the articles with predictions. But I also repeated predictions made by others like Ray Kurzweil or Bill Gates.

Here is a list of public predictions that resolved in 2024.

There were 36 out of 421 that were wrong. This is 385 right out of 421. This is 91% accuracy. There about 100+ predictions that will resolve in January, 2025 and I had a high accuracy in those predictions.

In November 8, 2025, I predicted that Tesla share price would reach $450 within 90 days. This happened as the stock price doubled. It has since pulled back to $379.

Self Driving

I am predicting substantial self driving car success in 2025. People who do not like hearing that can stop reading those articles.

There has been a lot of progress on the Tesla Full self driving systems.

Controversial Technology and Science

I still believe LK99 and room temperature superconductors are worth investigating but the work is poorly funded. There are many areas where I disagree with capital allocation. I think more money should and more open minded efforts should be placed on areas of interesting physics. However, I know that poorly funded efforts where the scientists are ostrasized is areas with slow progress.

There is still efforts into investigating LK99 and the room temperature superconductors. But the amounts being spent and the number of researchers involved is tiny.

A source said he also consulted a superconductor practitioner after reading Wang Hongyang's raw test data for LK99-like materials. He said that as soon as the research group at Central South University succeeded in replicating Wang's samples there would be a definitive conclusion pic.twitter.com/hdlCqBLFqw  peoplewar2 (@REDLFLAG) December 19, 2024

Global climate change funding is about $150 billion per year and emission have not peaked. The new AI data center boom will cause energy production to vastly increase.

There is talk and commitments for climate change programs to reach $300 billion per year by 2035. This seems to be an ineffective mass of useless corruption.


Pan-African operator MTN Group has announced the conclusion of the sale of its MTN Guinea-Conakry operation to the State of Guinea. This took place on 30 December 2024.

This transaction, says MTN, aligns with its focus on portfolio optimisation and simplification, as part of Ambition 2025, a strategy anchored in building the largest and most valuable platform business with a clear focus on Africa.

MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, has been widely quoted as saying: This milestone marks a new phase for MTN Guinea-Conakry under local ownership, and MTN thanks the staff, customers, regulators and broader stakeholders in Guinea for their support during the time MTN has been operational in the country.

He added: Concluding this transaction is in line with the strategy to simplify the portfolio and allocating capital to markets where we can make a difference as MTN and deliver long-term growth and returns.

The closing of the sale isnt a big surprise. As long ago as November 2023 we reported ongoing discussions in progress regarding the potential 'orderly exit' of MTN from its operations in Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry and Liberia. At that time MTN had completed the sale of MTN Afghanistan, which marked group's exit from the Middle East.

In fact in April 2024, according to ITWeb Africa, Mupita informed shareholders and markets in April that MTNs objective was to "streamline and restructure" its portfolio.

MTN Group completed the sale of its Guinea-Bissau business unit to Telecel in August last year. It still has a presence in Liberia.
Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will visit Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria from January 5 to 11 at the invitation of these countries. This will be the 35th consecutive year that Chinese foreign minister visits Africa on the first overseas trip at the start of the year.

CCTV: What is the significance of Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit to Africa on the first overseas trip of this year? What does China hope to achieve through this trip?

Mao Ning: Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit to four African countries will mark the 35th year for the Chinese foreign minister to make Africa his first overseas destination at the start of the year. At the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last year, President Xi Jinping proposed that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. President Xi Jinping noted that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization that is just and equitable, open and win-win and eco-friendly, puts the people first, features diversity and inclusiveness, and is underpinned by peace and security, and take ten partnership actions, which were well-received by Africa. Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria are all Chinas friendly cooperation partners. The purpose of Foreign Minister Wang Yis upcoming visit is to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and deepen practical cooperation across the board for sustained and substantive growth of China-Africa relations.

Global Times: The Research Center on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind was officially inaugurated in Beijing yesterday. Could you share more information with us? What role is this institution going to play in the future?

Mao Ning: The inaugural ceremony of the Research Center on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind was held in Beijing yesterday. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi inaugurated the Research Center and delivered a speech.

Building a community with a shared future for mankind is a major original idea of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the core concept of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. It is Chinas answer to the question of what kind of world to build and how to build it and has great significance for the times. As Foreign Minister Wang pointed out, the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind demonstrates the founding mission of the CPC, carries forward the fine traditions of Chinese culture, demonstrates the power of scientific theories, and expounds on Chinas stance in the face of changes unseen in a century. Chinas vision of a community with a shared future for mankind delivers benefits to the world. This initiative has grown into consensus and been translated from a vision to practice, and is driving positive and profound changes in todays world and increasingly becoming the most important public good with major global significance.

The Research Center on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind will engage in more in-depth studies and publicity on and personnel training for the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. It will provide support for advancing the building of a community with a shared future in the fields of theory, policy, discourse and personnel.

Beijing Youth Daily: January 1 of this year marks the third anniversary of the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Could you elaborate on the outcomes achieved by RCEP over these years and outline Chinas expectations for RCEPs development in the future?

Mao Ning: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) covers more population, involves more trade and has more potential to grow than any other free trade agreement in the world. It has significantly boosted economic integration within the Asia-Pacific region, created enormous market opportunities for its member states and lifted up the international communitys confidence in multilateralism. Research by the Asian Development Bank shows that by the year 2030, RCEP will contribute US$245 billion of economic growth to countries in the region and generate 2.8 million new jobs.

As the largest economy in RCEP, China is committed to the comprehensive and high-quality implementation of the agreement. We will continue to promote the upgrade of free trade in the Asia-Pacific for common development and prosperity.

AFP: On the US and China, the Biden administration said on Thursday that it was considering a new rule that could restrict or ban Chinese drones in the US. The Biden administration said that they could do that out of national security concerns. Is China concerned about this potential move from the US?

Mao Ning: China firmly opposes the US overstretching the concept of national security, which disrupts and restricts normal economic and trade exchanges, and undermines the security and stability of the global industrial and supply chains. We will take all measures necessary to firmly safeguard our lawful rights and interests.

Antara: The Indonesian Ministry of Health recently released a statement in response to the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases reportedly circulating in China. The statement addresses a video circulating on social media that shows a hospital in China overwhelmed with patients suffering from flu. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this?

Mao Ning: I would like to refer you to competent Chinese authorities for the details.

Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. Recently, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of China held a press conference to share information about the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in China during the winter time. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared with the previous year. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China.

Bloomberg: I just like to ask a little bit more about the export control restrictions that were introduced or announced yesterday. Especially, Im interested in the ones pertaining to the restrictions on certain technologies that are used to make battery components and the processing of two crucial metals. I realized the Ministry of Commerce issued a statement, but can you help us understand from a geopolitical perspective or diplomatic perspective? What might be some of the intentions behind these moves? How might we interpret them?

Mao Ning: Id refer you to the Ministry of Commerce for anything specific. More broadly, in light of actual needs and drawing on common international practice, China enforces fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory export control measures in accordance with the laws and regulations.

Kyodo News: It was reported that China, Japan and the ROK will hold a meeting of foreign ministers of the three countries in Tokyo in February. Can you confirm this?

Mao Ning: I have no information to share at the moment.
Two very different announcements regarding SIM registration have made headlines in two African countries in recent days: Togo is pursuing the policy, while Mauritius seems to be rejecting it.

The Togo First news resource says that the country is implementing new rules for SIM card registration through a recent government decree that mandates that all users of electronic communication services must be identified before accessing these services.

Not only is the sale of pre-activated or pre-identified SIM cards now banned but users can hold no more than three SIM cards per operator. In addition operators must also maintain a complete database of their subscribers and submit quarterly reports to authorities. Some of these rules were announced as long ago as 2021.

These measures, according to the authorities, aim to enhance subscriber traceability and combat fraud and cybercrime. Though recent figures do not seem to be available, Togo First says that of March 2024, Togo had about 7.3 million mobile subscribers. The present-day population is about 9.6 million.

The Republic of Mauritius is a much smaller market; it has a population of around 1,270,000 in 2025 and (in 2023) there were about 2.1 million SIM cards, arguably easier to register. However, it is now reversing its 2021 decision to put in place a framework for the registration of SIM cards, which began in 2023.

Subscribers, in other words, are no longer required to identify themselves with operators. Not only that but mobile phone operators are now required to delete the database of photographs of all those who have already registered their SIM cards.

According to the Agence Ecofin news service, the registration process was initiated on the recommendation of a Commission of Inquiry on Drugs in 2018 based on indications that some SIM cards used by tourists and foreign workers wound up in the hands of drug traffickers and their accomplices.

While its not clear why the authorities in Mauritius have changed tack, registration of SIM cards is still policy in a number of African countries, with security usually cited among the reasons.
Scorpions and former Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee is recovering from a battle with sepsis.

The drummer, 61, posted an official statement on his personal Facebook account revealing he was admitted to the hospital three weeks ago and had to undergo a few surgeries. Dee is now back home and on the mend.

This holiday season, I have been hospitalized with a very serious blood infection (Sepsis), said Dee. I was admitted for three weeks, but now I am home fighting this bastard bacteria. Thankfully, I have received fantastic care at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, my hometown.

Dee spoke to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet and noted he developed the disease after injuring his ankle.

The ankle swelled up like hell, then it took on a weird shape and appearance and looked like an overcooked ham, said Dee with a translation by Blabbermouth. I became very ill, so I had to go by ambulance to Sahlgrenska, and there they found that I had sky-high values, so I became priority one there.

The drummer went on to say the hospital immediately operated on Dee with the first of three surgeries on his foot. Dee also noted that if the disease progressed one more day without medical attention, hed be playing drums with Lemmy [Kilmister] in heaven.

Dee thanked the nurses and doctors for giving him the most excellent care and noted he is 100 percent to be back on the drum stool for the Scorpions Las Vegas residency in February for the bands 60th anniversary.

Just a quick statement about what has been happening to me these past three weeks: First I like to thank everyone for... Posted by Mikkey Dee on Thursday, January 2, 2025

Related coverage:

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com .
One Real Housewives of New Jersey star was not a fan of waiting for her Jersey Mikes order, and she wanted to tell everyone all about it.

Jennifer Aydin, who became a main cast member of the Bravo series in 2018, posted a video on social media complaining about her experience ordering food at an aiport location of the sandwich chain.

Aydin, 47, who lives in Paramus, first took issue with how long it took employees to make sandwiches.

As seen in the video, which was reshared on TikTok (you can watch below), the reality star said the wait felt like forever. She said staff filled an order placed after her instead of her order.

The 80-year-old that was working there, the amount of time she took to cut that bread was almost as much as we were waiting on that line, Aydin said. Everything was slow. So were not complaining, not complaining. We get it. Its early in the morning, youre in a bad mood, its New Years, youre working. Id be pissed, too.

Aydin said that when she decided to add a tuna (and/or turkey) sandwich to the order for her son, the employee told her she would have to wait in line again.

When she asked the person waiting in back of her if he would mind if she added the sandwich, he told her it was kind of ridiculous. Aydin acknowledged that was probably because he knew the sandwich would take so long to make, but still called him a jerk and started recording video of the employees and him.

She said the customer threatened to sue her with her fake diamonds if she recorded and shared the video, to which she replied all my sh-- is real and that her husband, plastic surgeon Bill Aydin, is a medical doctor.

Aydin shared video from the encounter with smileys obscuring peoples faces.

Please, that loser, she said. Find me, a--hole.

Then came the soundbite:

I am a f---ing celebrity, you a--hole.

Video contains profanity

Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter/X, @amykup.bsky.social on Bluesky and @kupamy on Instagram and Threads.
A state board permanently revoked the license of an Essex County-based massage therapist accused of sexual misconduct with a woman he massaged, the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office announced Thursday.

Peter Petrovic, also known as Jagadisha Peter Petrovic, is now barred from working as a massage therapist in the state because an incident which allegedly happened during a massage session in his Verona office in July 2020, the office said in a release.

The woman, identified in the release as Client 1, was receiving therapeutic massage from Petrovic to assist with chronic pain management when he allegedly groped and digitally penetrated her while she was laying on a massage table unclothed with a blanket over her, investigators said.
Its official: 2025 will be the year of coffee for New Jersey!

The states first coffee festival will take place Saturday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bell Works in Holmdel.

Tickets are now available online either general admission or VIP, both currently at early bird prices. VIP tickets include everything in the general admission tickets, with the addition of early access at 10 a.m., reserved seating, a commemorative coffee tumbler and more. Find out more of the perks here. Prices increase March 2.

Garan Dickson, owner of Harper's Cafe in West Orange, talks about his barrel-aged coffee beans to attendees during The Jersey Eats: A Taste of North Jersey event at 18 Label Studios in Montclair on Sunday, September 17, 2023.Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media

Get ready to sip through over 20 of the states best coffee and tea shops offering tasting-size samples and items for purchase, along with various food vendors selling desserts, chocolates, breakfast items and much more!

There will also be our Brew School where guests can learn to brew like a pro with interactive coffee demos. Deepen your love for coffee culture with our coffee conversations, whether youre a coffee connoisseur or just love a good latte.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram @laurengisellemusni.
A New Jersey native and Holmdel High School alumnus was reportedly among the 14 people killed in the early morning hours of New Years Day when a U.S. Army veteran drove his truck down Bourbon Street in New Orleans in what authorities are investigating as a terrorist attack.

Billy Dimaio, a 25-year-old graduate of Holmdel High School and all-conference lacrosse player at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, was among those killed in the attack, according to NOLA.com.

Fourteen people were killed and dozens injured after Shamsud-din Jabar, a U.S. Army veteran and resident of Texas, drove a rented pick-up truck down Bourbon Street at around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday and into a crowd of New Years Eve revelers.

The FBI is investigating the incident as a terrorist attack and said Jabar posted several videos just hours before the attack declaring his support for ISIS and what he intended to do that night in the famed French Quarter.

DiMaio was reportedly in New Orleans with friends to celebrate New Years and hang out with friends that were going to the Sugar Bowl. That game was originally scheduled for Wednesday but postponed until Thursday after the attack.

He was a good, humble kid, DiMaios father, Bill DiMaio, told NOLA.com. He loved life.

DiMaios mother described her son as pure and gentle-hearted soul, NOLA.com reported.

DiMaios father did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday evening.

DiMaio was born on Long Island in New York where he developed a passion for lacrosse that only grew when he moved to Monmouth County, his parents told NOLA.com.

At division-II Chestnut Hill, DiMaio was a second-team all-Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference defenseman his sophomore year in 2019 and team captain in 2022. He started working for Audacy in New York as an Account Executive after graduating with a masters degree in business in 2023, NOLA.com reported.

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Billy DiMaio, a spokesperson for Audacy said Thursday. Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness. He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed.

DiMaio was also remembered in the Holmdel High School Boys Lacrosse Facebook page as a remarkable young man on and off the field.

All of us in the Holmdel community are devastated by this sad news, a post sharing the news of DiMaios death on the Facebook page said Thursday.

Investigators said Thursday they believe Jabar acted alone. Officials have not yet identified the victims of the attack.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
President-elect Donald Trump has been ordered to appear in court this month to be sentenced after he was found guilty last year in his criminal hush money and election interference trial in Manhatten.

Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over Trumps trial, set the sentencing for Jan. 10. Trumps second term begins on Jan. 20.
As the new Congress convenes Friday with the major task of electing the next speaker of the House, current Republican Speaker Mike Johnson can hardly avoid losing any support given the slim GOP majority.

But count Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie out.

You can pull all my fingernails out, you can shove bamboo up in them, you can start cutting off my fingers. I am not voting for Mike Johnson tomorrow, and you can take that to the bank, Johnson told former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz in an interview on One America News Networks The Matt Gaetz Show.

Tonight @RepThomasMassie joins @mattgaetz to discuss the upcoming Speaker vote: "I'm a 'Hell No' on Speaker Johnson"



Click the link to watch tonight's show at

9PM ET | 6PM PT https://t.co/Bgm0eOgOZi pic.twitter.com/HBkaKz5Lk4  One America News (@OANN) January 3, 2025

Johnsons weak grip on the gavel threatens not only his own survival but President-elect Donald Trumps ambitious agenda of tax cuts and mass deportations as Republicans sweep to power in Washington.

With opposition from his own GOP colleagues, Johnson was holed up in the Capitol on the eve of the vote, working to sway the hardline holdouts. A flop by Johnson could throw Mondays congressional certification of Trumps 2024 election victory into turmoil without a House speaker. Even backing from Trump himself, usually a sure bet for Republicans, is no guarantee Johnson will stay in power.

Johnson said he thinks he will lose perhaps only a single detractor, and hopes to win the speakership on the first round of balloting. He said he hasnt yet asked Trump to make calls to the holdouts. My conversations with my colleagues are going great.

He commands one of the slimmest majorities in modern times, 220-215, having lost seats in the November election. That leaves him relying on almost every Republican for support in the face of Democratic opposition.

Congress has been here before, when it took Republicans nearly a week and 15 rounds of voting to elect Kevin McCarthy as speaker in 2023, a spectacle unseen in modern times. McCarthy was then dumped by his party, a historic first, but he was also part of a long list of GOP speakers chased to early exits.

Heading into Friday he did not have the full support needed.

Texas GOP Rep. Chip Roy is among the most notable holdouts, an unflinching member of the Freedom Caucus who lashed into Republican leaderships handling of the year-end spending bill for failing to cut spending and adhere to House rules.

Something MUST change, Roy posted on social media. He said he remains undecided on the speakers vote for Johnson, but added my desire is to give him grace in hopes they can deliver on the GOP agenda.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cambodia's Ministry of Environment has launched a campaign to ensure that national roads are free of garbage and plastic waste, marking a step towards building a green, clean, and beautiful nation.

Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth said the campaign, which started on Jan. 2, will improve the aesthetic value of cities and towns along national roads, contributing to a more beautiful, hygienic, and environmentally friendly environment. It will promote clean air, greater orderliness, and attract both tourists and investors to Cambodia.

To this end, the ministry called for a concerted effort from the entire society from local authorities to businesses and citizens. Street cleaning activities will be conducted frequently and across a wide area to ensure that roads remain clean and unobstructed. Additionally, the campaign encourages citizens to minimize the use of plastic bags and single-use plastic products and to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives.

The minister also urged the strengthening of waste management and continued participation in the "Today I Will Not Use Plastic Bags" campaign to reduce plastic use. Over 9.7 million people, including students, have so far participated in this drive since its launch in September 2023.
At a Moscow city council meeting in March 2022, city councilor and human rights defender Aleksei Gorinov urged that the meeting begin with a moment of silence to remember the children and other victims who were dying in Russias war against Ukraine. A few weeks later, Gorinov became the first person arrested under Russias war censorship laws. For one thing, he was accused of calling Russias invasion of Ukraine a war instead of a special military operation.

In July 2022, Alexei was convicted of spreading false information about the Russian army. Russian judge Olesya Mendeleeva sentenced Gorinov to seven years in prison.

On December 31, the United States imposed sanctions on Olesya Mendeleeva for her role in the arbitrary detention of Alexei Gorinov. Mandeleeva was designated under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program, which targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

In a statement announcing the sanctions, the U.S. Department of the Treasury noted that during Gorinovs trial, Mendeleeva, who is known for her long and harsh sentences, refused to consider the defense witnesses testimonies and reasoned that Gorinovs reformation would be impossible without imprisonment. The Treasury Department also observed that Alexei Gorinov has suffered physical abuse and denial of medical treatment in detention.

Russias manipulation of its legal system silences dissent and suffocates the truth about Russias indefensible war against Ukraine, said U.S. Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith in a statement.

In a separate statement, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller declared, 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 Gorinovs 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.
U.S. Steel is staying U.S. owned, at least for now.

After more than a year, after promises of big investments, threats of closing plants and criticisms about the cost of potentially turning over of the most iconic American steel companies to foreign ownership, President Joe Biden has decided to block Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel.

"As I have said many times, steel production  and the steelworkers who produce it  are the backbone of our nation," Biden said in a statement Friday morning. "A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains. That is because steel powers our country: our infrastructure, our auto industry, and our defense industrial base. Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure.

"For too long, U.S. steel companies have faced unfair trade practices as foreign companies have dumped steel on global markets at artificially low prices, leading to job losses and factory closures in America. I have taken decisive action to level the playing field for American steelworkers and steel producers by tripling tariffs on steel imports from China. With record investments in manufacturing, more than 100 new steel and iron mills have opened since I took office, and U.S. companies are producing the cleanest steel in the world. Today, the domestic steel industry is the strongest it has been in years."

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States was split on whether the deal posed a national security threat, leaving the decision to the president. Critics contended it could further erode American steelmaking, which could hinder America's efforts to produce enough ships, tanks and military weapons if it were to go to war, leaving it dependent on importing steel from foreign nations.

Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have said they would consider legal action if the deal were blocked.

"We are dismayed by President Bidens decision to block Nippon Steels acquisition of U. S. Steel, which reflects a clear violation of due process and the law governing CFIUS. Instead of abiding by the law, the process was manipulated to advance President Bidens political agenda," the steelmakers said in a joint statement. "The presidents statement and order do not present any credible evidence of a national security issue, making clear that this was a political decision. Following President Bidens decision, we are left with no choice but to take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights."

The steelmakers said they would take action to ensure U.S. Steel shareholders received the $55 a share Nippon Steel promised.

"Since the outset of the regulatory review process, we have diligently and transparently engaged with CFIUS. The record before CFIUS is abundantly clear that this transaction, with the commitments made by Nippon Steel, would strengthen, not weaken, national security. Yet, it is clear that the CFIUS process was deeply corrupted by politics, and the outcome was pre-determined, without an investigation on the merits, but to satisfy the political objectives of the Biden White House," Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel said in a statement. "It is shocking  and deeply troubling  that the U.S. government would reject a procompetitive transaction that advances U.S. interests and treat an ally like Japan in this way. Unfortunately, it sends a chilling message to any company based in a U.S. allied country contemplating significant investment in the United States."

Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly said they wanted U.S. Steel to remain American-owned.

"We need major U.S. companies representing the major share of US steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of Americas national interests. As a committee of national security and trade experts across the executive branch determined, this acquisition would place one of Americas largest steel producers under foreign control and create risk for our national security and our critical supply chains. So, that is why I am taking action to block this deal. It is my solemn responsibility as President to ensure that, now and long into the future, America has a strong domestically owned and operated steel industry that can continue to power our national sources of strength at home and abroad; and it is a fulfillment of that responsibility to block foreign ownership of this vital American company," Biden said in his statement. "U.S. Steel will remain a proud American company  one thats American-owned, American-operated, by American union steelworkers  the best in the world."

Biden ended up siding with the United Steelworkers union, which long opposed a sale to foreign owners, raising concerns that it was not getting enough assurances the integrated steel mills and union jobs would be preserved over the long term.

"Todays action reflects my unflinching commitment to utilize all authorities available to me as President to defend U.S. national security, including by ensuring that American companies continue to play a central role in sectors that are critical for our national security," Biden said. "As I have made clear since day one: I will never hesitate to act to protect the security of this nation and its infrastructure as well as the resilience of its supply chains."

Congressman Frank Mrvan said he had distrust of handing over Northwest Indiana's steel mills to a company that was previously found to have violated trade laws.

To date, Nippon Steel has been involved in 12 distinct anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders from the U.S. International Trade Commission, in addition to the current active investigation into the import of their hot-rolled steel sheet products," he said. "These cases mean that American industry and workers have been harmed, notably through job losses, by Nippon willfully violating our nations trading laws. This is an example of the federal governments essential role to ensure that American manufacturing and members of organized labor can compete on a level-playing field, and it is absolutely right to prevent a foreign company with proven trade abuses from controlling our domestic steel production."

Japan-based Nippon Steel had promised major investments in Northwest Indiana, where U.S. Steel operates Gary Works and the Midwest Plant. Nippon Steel promised to invest nearly $1 billion in Gary Works, including $270 million to reline Blast Furnace No. 14.

It promised to reline or repair four blast furnaces at the mill, which company officials said could be the start of "significant investments in Indiana" in the future. Nippon Steel for instance was looking at reviving the tin-making operations at Gary Works that U.S. Steel idled.

Nippon Steel offered closing bonuses of $5,000 to steelworkers if the deal went through. It estimated the closing would immediately inject about $20 million in cash to the Northwest Indiana economy.

Nippon Steel's promises did not win over the United Steelworkers union leadership, which expressed concerns that concerns that the new ownership would continue down U.S. Steel's path of investing in mini-mills over integrated mills, that it would look to invest in non-union workplaces and that it would be less likely to pursue trade cases against foreign steel dumping. The union hailed the administration's action.

The USW welcomes President Bidens decision to block the U.S. Steel-Nippon deal. We have no doubt that its the right move for our members and our national security," USW District 7 President Mike Millsap and International President David McCall said in a statement. Throughout the past year, as the proposed transaction was under review, our unions first and only concern has been the long-term viability of our facilities as we look to ensure a strong domestic steel industry well into the future. Nippon has proven itself to be a serial trade cheater that for decades worked to undermine our domestic industry by dumping its products into our market. Allowing it to purchase U.S. Steel would have offered it the opportunity to further destabilize our trade system from within and in the process, compromise our ability to meet our own national security and critical infrastructure needs."

The union has raised multiple issues, including worries that a foreign-owned company would use an American subsidiary to circumvent tariffs by having steel slabs made abroad finished in the United States and that it would no longer have access to the same open, transparent books during negotiations, since U.S. Steel is a publicly traded company in the United States and Nippon Steel is not.

Its clear from U.S. Steels recent financial performance that it can easily remain a strong and resilient company. We now call on U.S. Steels board of directors to take the necessary steps to allow it to further flourish and remain profitable," Millsap and McCall said in a statement. Were grateful for President Bidens willingness to take bold action to maintain a strong domestic steel industry and for his lifelong commitment to American workers. Moving forward, were confident that with responsible management, U.S. Steel will continue to support good jobs, healthy communities and robust national and economic security well into the future.

Nippon Steel had made a last-minute full-court press to drum up support for the deal, enlisting the support of local mayors like Gary Mayor Eddie Melton who welcomed the investment. It promised to give the federal government say over whether it would reduce any production capacity for the next 10 years.

As late as Thursday night, U.S. Steel promised to invest millions of dollars in a training facility in western Pennsylvania if the deal went through.

The union and U.S. Steel management continued to squabble until the 11th hour, trading barbs over a petition drive at the Mon Valley Works to show the Biden administration that many steelworkers supported the deal. The union accused managers of pressuring workers to sign the petition, which U.S. Steel disputed.

"Participation by individual USW members is entirely voluntary and U.S. Steel reinforced the importance of sharing the voluntary nature of this effort with anyone asked to participate," U.S. Steel spokeswoman Amanda Malkowski said. "Contrary to USW Internationals accusations, participation in this effort is not being tracked. Once again, the USW International seeks to mislead the public and its members with inaccuracies, fearmongering and conspiracies."

U.S. Steel turned a record annual profit of $4.1 billion in 2021 but put itself on the market after an unsolicited bid by rival Cleveland-Cliffs. A long-time mine operator that supplied iron ore to steel mills, Cleveland-Cliffs has been acquisition-hungry in recent years, acquiring ArcelorMittal USA, AK Steel and most recently Stelco.

U.S. Steel rejected its bid, saying it was worth more. Cleveland-Cliffs offered $35 a share, while Nippon Steel handily outbid it at $55 a share, looking to expand its global reach at a time when Japan's population and economic growth have largely been stagnant.

Nippon Steel said it would invest heavily and share technology with U.S, Steel, which would have given it a much larger presence in the United States, one of the world's largest economies and consumers of steel. With Inland Steel, it used to jointly own the IN/TEK and IN/KOTE finishing lines in New Carlisle that are now owned by Cleveland-Cliffs. U.S. Steel, which has shuttered operations like East Chicago Tin, the tinmaking operations at Gary Works, Great Lakes Works in Detroit and Granite City Works in Illlinois in recent years, has warned it could idle more of its integrated operations without an infusion of capital from Nippon Steel.

U.S. Steel said the deal, which would have allowed it to remain a U.S. subsidiary headquartered in Pittsburgh, would have been in everyone's best interests in the long term. It for instance emphasized that Nippon Steel agreed to uphold union contracts, not lay off any steelworkers and make large investments in integrated mills that it might not otherwise make.

"The truth remains that this transaction is the best way to ensure that U.S. Steel, including its employees, communities, and customers, will thrive well into the future, and Nippon Steel has made extraordinary commitments, including over $2.7 billion of investments in our USW facilities, that will be in a binding legal agreement enforceable by the U.S. government, to ensure these virtues are realized," U.S. Steel spokeswoman Amanda Malkowski said.
After more than a year, after promises of big investments, threats of closing plants and criticisms about the cost of potentially turning over of the most iconic American steel companies to foreign ownership, the Biden administration has decided to block Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel.

The Washington Post, New York Times and Reuters are reporting President Joe Biden has decided to block the deal, citing anonymous sources in the administration.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States was split on whether the deal posed a national security threat, leaving the decision to the president. Critics contended it could further erode American steelmaking, which could hinder America's efforts to produce enough ships, tanks and military weapons if it were to go to war, leaving it dependent on importing steel from foreign nations.

Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have said they would consider legal action if the deal were blocked.

Japan-based Nippon Steel had promised major investments in Northwest Indiana, where U.S. Steel operates Gary Works and the Midwest Plant. Nippon Steel promised to invest nearly $1 billion in Gary Works, including $270 million to reline Blast Furnace No. 14.

It promised to reline or repair four blast furnaces at the mill, which company officials said could be the start of "significant investments in Indiana" in the future. Nippon Steel for instance was looking at reviving the tin-making operations at Gary Works that U.S. Steel idled.

Nippon Steel offered closing bonuses of $5,000 to steelworkers if the deal went through. It estimated the closing would immediately inject about $20 million in cash to the Northwest Indiana economy.

The United Steelworkers union long opposed the deal, expressing concerns that the new ownership would continue down U.S. Steel's path of investing in mini-mills over integrated mills and would be less likely to pursue trade cases against foreign steel dumping.

"The bottom line is Nippon is a serial trade cheater that for decades built its business model on adding to global overcapacity and threatening the U.S. industry. Its had a year to lay out a clear plan for the future based on something other than empty promises, but it cant because its entire goal in this transaction is to carry that model forward by undermining our industry from the inside," USW District 7 President Mike Millsap and International President David McCall said in a statement. "This transaction has been under review for more than a year. Both President Biden and President-elect Trump recognized early on that there are clear and undeniable national security risks. They know, as we do, that allowing Nippon to buy USS will reduce jobs at the current USS plants and endanger our domestic steelmaking capacity."

Nippon Steel had made a last-minute full-court press to drum up support for the deal, enlisting the support of local mayors like Gary Mayor Eddie Melton who welcomed the investment. It promised to give the federal government say over whether it would reduce any production capacity for the next 10 years.

As late as Thursday night, U.S. Steel promised to invest millions of dollars in a training facility in western Pennsylvania if the deal went through.

A Nippon Steel spokesman declined to immediately comment.

The Biden administration planned to formally announce the decision Friday, the Washington Post reported.

The union and U.S. Steel management continued to squabble until the 11th hour, trading barbs over a petition drive at the Mon Valley Works to show the Biden administration that many steelworkers supported the deal. The union accused managers of pressuring workers to sign the petition, which U.S. Steel disputed.

"Participation by individual USW members is entirely voluntary and U.S. Steel reinforced the importance of sharing the voluntary nature of this effort with anyone asked to participate," U.S. Steel spokeswoman Amanda Malkowski said. "Contrary to USW Internationals accusations, participation in this effort is not being tracked. Once again, the USW International seeks to mislead the public and its members with inaccuracies, fearmongering and conspiracies."

U.S. Steel turned a record annual profit of $4.1 billion in 2021 but put itself on the market after an unsolicited bid by rival Cleveland-Cliffs. A long-time mine operator that supplied iron ore to steel mills, Cleveland-Cliffs has been acquisition-hungry in recent years, acquiring ArcelorMittal USA, AK Steel and most recently Stelco.

U.S. Steel rejected its bid, saying it was worth more. Cleveland-Cliffs offered $35 a share, while Nippon Steel handily outbid it at $55 a share, looking to expand its global reach at a time when Japan's population and economic growth have largely been stagnant.

Nippon Steel said it would invest heavily and share technology with U.S, Steel, which would have given it a much larger presence in the United States, one of the world's largest economies and consumers of steel. With Inland Steel, it used to jointly own the IN/TEK and IN/KOTE finishing lines in New Carlisle that are now owned by Cleveland-Cliffs. U.S. Steel has warned it could idle more of its integrated operations without an infusion of capital from Nippon Steel.

U.S. Steel said the deal, which would have allowed it to remain a U.S. subsidiary headquartered in Pittsburgh, would have been in everyone's best interests in the long term.

"The truth remains that this transaction is the best way to ensure that U. S. Steel, including its employees, communities, and customers, will thrive well into the future, and Nippon Steel has made extraordinary commitments, including over $2.7 billion of investments in our USW facilities, that will be in a binding legal agreement enforceable by the U.S. government, to ensure these virtues are realized," Malkowski said.
The Druse militia

Syrias Druse minority is concentrated in Sweida, an area in the southwest. This week, Druse fighters joined the push to topple the Assad regime, launching an offensive in the southwest and clashing with government forces, according to media reports.

The Druse fighters are part of a newly formed group of Syrian rebels, which includes fighters from other backgrounds, working under the name the Southern Operations Room.

The Druse are a religious group practicing an offshoot of Islam, developed in the 11th century, that contains elements of Christianity, Hinduism, Gnosticism and other philosophies. There are more than one million Druse across the Middle East, mostly in Syria and Lebanon, with some also in Jordan and Israel.

Islamic State

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, better known as ISIS, seized vast stretches of territory in Syria and Iraq in 2014, establishing a brutal caliphate before it was beaten back by a U.S.-led coalition. Now its members are largely in hiding.

Lately, there have been signs of the groups resurgence in Syria amid wider instability in the region. The Pentagon warned in July that Islamic State attacks in Syria and Iraq were on track to double compared with the previous year. The group has repeatedly tried to free its members from prisons and has maintained a shadow governance in parts of northeastern Syria, the U.S. said.

On Tuesday, Islamic State forces killed 54 people in the Homs region in central Syria who had been part of the Syrian governments military and fled during the collapse of the Assad regime, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Reporting by Carlotta Gall Christiaan Triebert , Ben Hubbard , Riley Mellen , Neil MacFarquhar , Farnaz Fassihi , Vivian Yee , Samuel Granados , Matthew Mpoke Bigg , Raja Abdulrahim , Adam Rasgon , Ephrat Livni and Thomas Fuller
In the days after Syrias government fell and President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow, Syrians celebrated the sudden end of a dynastic regime that had kept them in fear and poverty for five decades.

In Damascus, the capital, and Aleppo, they pulled down statues, tore up portraits of the Assad family and ransacked the presidential palace, denouncing Mr. al-Assads opulent lifestyle in a country where most people live below the poverty line.

The governments fall, on Dec. 8, was the end of a brutal civil war that began in 2011, when Mr. al-Assad cracked down on peaceful pro-democracy protests during the Arab Spring. An estimated 618,000 people have died, and some 12 million  more than half the countrys population  were displaced. Tens of thousands more disappeared into a prison system that was notorious for its abuses.

Families have been flooding back into Syria from Lebanon, where they sought refuge during the worst of the war. They are eager to start rebuilding. And diplomats from nearby Arab nations have been venturing to Syria in recent days, exploring whether to build ties with the countrys new leadership.

This gallery contains graphic images.
As rebels advanced toward the Syrian capital of Damascus on Dec. 7, the staff in the hilltop Presidential Palace prepared for a speech they hoped would lead to a peaceful end to the 13-year civil war.

Aides to President Bashar al-Assad were brainstorming messaging ideas. A film crew had set up cameras and lights nearby. Syrias state-run television station was ready to broadcast the finished product: an address by Mr. al-Assad announcing a plan to share power with members of the political opposition, according to three people who were involved in the preparation.

Working from the palace, Mr. al-Assad, who had wielded fear and force to maintain his authoritarian rule over Syria for more than two decades, had betrayed no sense of alarm to his staff, according to a palace insider whose office was near the presidents.

The capitals defenses had been bolstered, Mr. al-Assads aides were told, including by the powerful 4th Armored Division of the Syrian Army, led by the presidents brother Maher al-Assad, the insider said.
Every single New Yorker is a pedestrian; we are the most walkable city in the United States and the overwhelming number of any New Yorkers trips are on foot, said Philip Miatkowski, the interim deputy executive director of Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group that tracks traffic fatalities. So, to see any increase like that is definitely alarming and something we need to take seriously.

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio began an initiative to reduce traffic fatalities, called the Vision Zero Action Plan, in 2014. The year before, 299 people were killed in traffic, including an 8-year-old boy who was struck by a turning truck in Brooklyn near his school in a tragedy that solidified support for Vision Zero.

The program, modeled after a Swedish approach that views traffic deaths as preventable, has focused on pedestrian safety with measures that include new public plazas, more speed and red light cameras and additional bike lanes.

At first, the program steadily drove down the number of traffic fatalities. The average number of deaths over the first five years was 231, and fatalities reached a Vision Zero-era low of 206 in 2018. Total traffic fatalities then rebounded, however, hovering at an average of around 250 per year over the next five years. That has led some transportation advocacy groups and experts to worry that the initiative has stalled.

Most recently there has been some improvement: There were 251 traffic fatalities through Dec. 30, 2024, compared with 263 during the same time period in 2023.
Ivory Coast has announced that French forces will withdraw from its territory, following in the footsteps of several other West African countries and further reducing Frances waning power in the region.

French troops will leave Ivory Coast this month after handing over a military camp in a suburb of the countrys economic capital, President Alassane Ouattara said in an address broadcast to the nation Tuesday night.

France, a major former colonial power in Africa, confirmed the withdrawal, which follows similar announcements from West African countries, most recently Chad and Senegal.

Frances military presence in Africa will soon be limited to troops in Djibouti and Gabon  a far cry from its many troops that were stationed in the Sahel fighting jihadists just three years ago.
Assailants with limited access to explosives or weapons can use vehicles to cause great harm with minimal prior training or experience, according to an F.B.I. handout on Terrorist Use of Vehicle Ramming Tactics.

Vehicle ramming attacks transform a bland, everyday object into a lethal, semi-strategic weapon, the researchers Vincent Miller and Keith Hayward wrote in a 2019 study published in The British Journal of Criminology. The tactic gives marginal actors the ability to strike at the heart of urban centers and sow fear in the wider society, they added.

After potential targets such as airports and public buildings became more heavily secured, especially after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, some terrorists and other assailants began to use vehicles against more vulnerable targets, such as groups of people congregating in public spaces.

What is the history of such attacks?

Using vehicles to indiscriminately attack people has a long history, mostly unrelated to organized terrorism, such as the 22-year-old Czechoslovak woman who killed eight people in 1973, citing her grievances against society.

Terrorist groups began using ramming attacks in the 1990s, according to a study by the Mineta Transportation Institute, part of San Jose State University. The majority of the 184 vehicle-ramming attacks between 1963 and mid-2019, when the study was published, took place in Israel and the West Bank.
Elon Musk and the other tech moguls fluttering around Donald Trump claim that Silicon Valley needs more H-1B visas to bring in foreign workers because there arent enough Americans studying science and tech. American innovation requires critical people from abroad like Musk himself, they say, because Americans just dont want to learn that stuff.

Theres some truth to that. But what they dont tell you is that for more than a decade, Americans working in the tech industry have been systematically laid off and replaced by cheaper H-1B visa holders.

I discovered this in 2013 when I reported an investigative project for The Boston Globe about widespread fraud in and abuse of the H-1B visa program. At the time, three companies got the largest number of visas in the H-1B lottery: Infosys, Tata and Cognizant. All three used a business model that cut costs by bringing over temporary workers from India and leasing them out to American firms like indentured servants. Prominent companies were jettisoning their locally hired I.T. departments and outsourcing those jobs.

Not much has changed. Today, those three companies are still among the top five recipients of the visas. When Americans realize they cant make a living as software engineers, they leave the industry. The H-1B program worsens the very shortages it was supposed to address.
For such a tiny fish, the snail darter has haunted Tennessee. It was the endangered species that swam its way to the Supreme Court in a vitriolic battle during the 1970s that temporarily blocked the construction of a dam.

On Friday, a team of researchers argued that the fish was a phantom all along.

There is, technically, no snail darter, said Thomas Near, curator of ichthyology at the Yale Peabody Museum.

Dr. Near, also a professor who leads a fish biology lab at Yale, and his colleagues report in the journal Current Biology that the snail darter, Percina tanasi, is neither a distinct species nor a subspecies. Rather, it is an eastern population of Percina uranidea, known also as the stargazing darter, which is not considered endangered.

Dr. Near contends that early researchers squinted their eyes a bit when describing the fish, because it represented a way to fight the Tennessee Valley Authoritys plan to build the Tellico Dam on the Little Tennessee River, about 20 miles southwest of Knoxville.
To members of his synagogue, the voice that played over the speakers of Congregation Emanu El in Houston sounded just like Rabbi Josh Fixlers.

In the same steady rhythm his congregation had grown used to, the voice delivered a sermon about what it meant to be a neighbor in the age of artificial intelligence. Then, Rabbi Fixler took to the bimah himself.

The audio you heard a moment ago may have sounded like my words, he said. But they werent.

The recording was created by what Rabbi Fixler called Rabbi Bot, an A.I. chatbot trained on his old sermons. The chatbot, created with the help of a data scientist, wrote the sermon, even delivering it in an A.I. version of his voice. During the rest of the service, Rabbi Fixler intermittently asked Rabbi Bot questions aloud, which it would promptly answer.

Rabbi Fixler is among a growing number of religious leaders experimenting with A.I. in their work, spurring an industry of faith-based tech companies that offer A.I. tools, from assistants that can do theological research to chatbots that can help write sermons.
As the old year ticked off its last minutes, New Orleans seemed ready for the new one.

The city had gone through a rough stretch, but things were looking up. The gun violence that surged to harrowing levels during the pandemic had fallen off dramatically. The Super Bowl, returning to New Orleans in February after a dozen years, promised an influx of visitors and excitement. And the citys best season, the exuberant weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, was on its way.

But less than four hours into the new year, a heavily armed man slammed a truck into the celebrating crowds, leaving dozens wounded or dead on the citys most carefree street.

In the news conferences that followed, the mayor of New Orleans and other leaders in Louisiana praised the citys residents for their resilience amid disaster. Its a message they had heard before.

The word resilient has become synonymous with the city of New Orleans, Lesli Harris, a city councilwoman, said in an interview, acknowledging that the quality was a source of both pride and exasperation. We are resilient because we have to be.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky is the only Republican so far to publicly commit to opposing the re-election of Speaker Mike Johnson to his leadership post.

You can pull all my fingernails out; you can shove bamboo up in them; you can start cutting off my fingers, Mr. Massie, an iconoclastic libertarian, said on Thursday night. I am not voting for Mike Johnson tomorrow.

But a few other conservatives are undecided, and they have been meeting with Mr. Johnson in his office in the Capitol. They have been venting their frustrations with the spending drama that played out at the end of last month and demanding the speaker commit to institutional changes that would prevent G.O.P. leaders from pushing another huge spending bill on lawmakers.

Those undecided conservatives include Representatives Andy Harris of Maryland, the chairman of the hard-right Freedom Caucus; Chip Roy of Texas; Victoria Spartz of Indiana; Andy Biggs of Arizona; and Ralph Norman of South Carolina.
Before the new Congress can do anything  including certifying Donald J. Trump as the winner of the 2024 presidential election  the House will need to elect its speaker. A vote is scheduled for Friday.

The speakers election happens even before newly elected representatives are sworn in, and must be resolved before anything else can be addressed.

Around noon, lawmakers congregated on the House floor, and leaders from each party nominated their candidates. Republicans are expected to nominate Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana for another term, and Democrats will put forward their leader, Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

The House clerk then proceeds to an alphabetical roll-call vote in which each lawmaker replies with a name. That could be Mr. Johnson, Mr. Jeffries or  if lawmakers wish to lodge a protest vote  any name of their choosing, including someone who is not a member of Congress.
As Speaker Mike Johnson labors to lock down enough support to be re-elected to his post, every vote is critical. And there is speculation that former Representative Matt Gaetz, the Florida Republican who engineered the ouster of Mr. Johnsons predecessor, could play a role in the outcome this time as well.

Mr. Gaetz resigned his seat in December after President-elect Donald J. Trump named him as his choice for attorney general. At the time, Mr. Gaetz said he did not plan to be sworn in to the new Congress, despite having been re-elected to another two-year term days earlier.

But Mr. Trump dropped him from consideration for attorney general amid resistance from Republican senators. There is no legal barrier to Mr. Gaetz showing up unannounced to participate in the speakership election. He flirted with the idea on social media last month.

And on Friday, Mr. Gaetz appeared to hint at some inside knowledge about the outcome, declaring on X that Mr. Johnson would be elected on the first vote.
A military judge has delayed proceedings in the Sept. 11 case until late next week, giving government lawyers time to decide whether to try again to upset a plea deal that permits three men accused of plotting the attacks to serve life in prison rather than face a possible death-penalty trial.

Col. Matthew N. McCall, the judge, said Friday that he and other court officials would travel to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on Saturday, but postponed the plea-taking proceedings at the war court there until Jan. 10. He cited three reasons, according to lawyers who have seen the order:

A snowstorm coming to the Washington area that could complicate communications between a courtroom annex in Virginia and the courtroom itself; the federal holiday on Jan. 9 for Jimmy Carters funeral; and time required to meet with prosecution and defense lawyers to discuss the mechanics of a question-and-answer session between the judge and the accused plotters of the attack.

The plea hearing, originally scheduled for Jan. 6, is for Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, who is accused of being the mastermind of the hijacking attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon.

Hearings will follow in the next week for two other defendants: Walid bin Attash, an accused deputy in the plot, and Mustafa al-Hawsawi, who is accused of helping some of the hijackers with finances and travel.
They draw millions of poor Pakistani children with the simple promise of free education, meals and housing. For devout families, they offer Islamic learning rooted in ancient tradition.

But to the Pakistani government and Western counterterrorism officials, the religious seminaries known as madrasas also represent a potential threat. The institutions have long been accused of contributing to violence and radicalization, supplying recruits for the Taliban, Al Qaeda and other militant groups.

Now, Pakistans Islamic schools are at the center of an intense political clash  one that jeopardizes years of hard-won progress toward bringing the seminaries under the governments regulatory umbrella.

The conflict goes back to 2019, when the government enacted a sweeping overhaul requiring madrasas to register with the Ministry of Education. The effort, meant to increase accountability for institutions that have historically operated with minimal state oversight, was strongly backed by Pakistans military but faced vehement resistance from Islamist political parties.
When around 100 criminal investigators and police officers entered a hilly compound in central Seoul on Friday morning, they tried to achieve something that has never been done before in South Korea: detain a sitting president.

First, they made it through two blockades formed by parked vehicles and people. Then, when they came within 650 feet of the building where President Yoon Suk Yeol was believed to be holed up, they came face to face with an even more formidable barrier: 10 buses and cars along with 200 elite soldiers and bodyguards belonging to Mr. Yoons Presidential Security Service. Small scuffles erupted as the investigators tried in vain to break through and serve a court-issued warrant to take Mr. Yoon away.

Three prosecutors were allowed to approach the building. But there, Mr. Yoons lawyers told them that they could not serve the warrant because it was illegally issued, according to officials who briefed news media about what happened inside the compound.
He demanded the release of a convicted criminal and far-right agitator. He falsely accused the prime minister, Keir Starmer, of failing to go after child rapists when he was head of public prosecutions. He endorsed a post calling on King Charles III to dissolve Parliament and call elections to remove Britains seven-month-old Labour government, a constitutional impossibility.

Elon Musk has once again set his sights on Britain, putting the country in the bulls-eye in the capricious world of his online obsessions. In a fusillade of posts that began before the new year, Mr. Musk moved on from his enthusiastic boosting of a far-right party in Germany to targeting Britain on multiple politically sensitive fronts.

After mostly ignoring Mr. Musks trolling, which has been going on for months, the British government on Friday snapped back, though in characteristically polite fashion.

Elon Musk is an American citizen and perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic, the governments health minister, Andrew Gwynne, said in an interview with LBC radio. Mr. Gwynnes boss, the health secretary, Wes Streeting, told reporters, Some of the criticisms Elon Musk has made, I think, are misjudged and certainly misinformed.
Syrias new leaders met the French and German foreign ministers in the capital, Damascus, on Friday in one of the highest-level Western diplomatic visits since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad last month.

Annalena Baerbock of Germany and her French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, arrived in Damascus for the first such trip in years on behalf on the European Union, as world powers have begun building ties with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist group that leads the new Syrian government.

Ms. Baerbock and Mr. Barrot met with Ahmad al-Shara, the groups leader, after visiting the notorious Sednaya prison, where Mr. al-Assads regime had tortured and killed thousands of detainees.

We are traveling to Damascus today to offer our support, but also with clear expectations of the new rulers, Ms. Baerbock said in a statement before the meeting. A new beginning can only happen if all Syrians, no matter their ethnicity and religion, are given a place in the political process.
Live Vote Count: Tracking the House Speaker Votes

After two last-minute vote changes by G.O.P. holdouts, Representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana secured a majority of votes in the first round of voting for his re-election bid.

Fridays Speaker Vote Representative Total Democrats Dem. Republicans Rep. Bar chart of total votes Johnson 218 0 218 Needed to win Jeffries 215 215 0 Other 1 0 1 Johnson Needed to win Jeffries Other Note: To win, a member must receive the majority of votes cast for a person, not counting present votes. The Constitution specifies that House members choose the speaker, but the speaker does not have to be a current or even a former representative.

The G.O.P.s razor-thin majority left room for only one defection, but three members initially voted against Mr. Johnson. The vote was held open as Mr. Johnson huddled off the House floor with members who refused to back him. Two of the holdouts  Representatives Keith Self of Texas and Ralph Norman of South Carolina  came back to the floor and changed their votes.

Heading into the vote, Mr. Johnson faced resistance from several hard-right members of his party over last months bipartisan deal to keep the government open, and a failed effort to raise the debt ceiling.

Without a speaker, Congress would not have been able to meet on Monday for the constitutionally mandated joint session to certify the results of the 2024 presidential election.

In 2023, it took four days and 15 separate ballots for then-Representative Kevin McCarthy to win the gavel.

How Every Member Voted
Every year, during the rainy season, a scenic road winding through Chinas Poyang Lake like a mythical dragon becomes flooded, offering a unique driving and visual experience.

Yongwu Road is the only stretch of road connecting Wucheng, one of the oldest townships in China, to neighboring townships and counties. Part of the X219 county road, this 5.05 km piece of infrastructure was built straight through Poyang Lake, Chinas largest freshwater lake, making it one of the most famous tourist attractions of Jiangxi Province. But Yongwu is most popular with tourists at the onset of the rainy season, during Spring when the water level starts rising. When the level of the surrounding lake reaches about 18.6 meters, water submerges segments of the road, turning Yongwu Road into Chinas most beautiful road under the water.

Photo: China Daily/VCG

Interestingly, driving on this superficially flooded road is a time-limited opportunity, as local authorities prefer to close traffic when the water level reaches the flood warning line (19 meters), for safety purposes. Yongwu Road remains closed until the water level recedes to normal levels, which usually occurs toward the end of summer. Last year, the road was reopened on August 8th, with more than 8,000 vehicles lined up to traverse it, causing a traffic jam.

Yongwu Road was opened to traffic in 2013, and despite the known risks of driving on wet and flooded asphalt, we have found no evidence of serious accidents having occurred on it since then. Obviously, the guard rails on each side of the road are meant to prevent cars from plunging into the deep lake, but they can only do so much if drivers dont adapt their driving speed to road conditions.



Earlier this year, we wrote about the Shiziguan Floating Bridge, another famous scenic route traversing a beautiful body of water in China, but one where accidents have happened in the past.
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)

Editor: JYZ
The number of people accessing emergency accommodation has gone above 15,000 for the first time since records began.

The Department of Housings official figures indicate that 15,199 people accessed emergency accommodation in November, comprising 4,658 children and 2,168 families.

The numbers exclude those sleeping rough, refugees in direct provision centres, people in domestic violence shelters, and those sleeping in cars or on couches.

Charities said homelessness was causing untold damage to people and that the figures should serve as a wake-up call.

Focus Ireland director Mike Allen said that the new record number of people living though the misery of homelessness was a harsh reminder that a government side-stepping the issue will not be an option.

What we must always remember is that it is possible to end homelessness, and the government must lead on this, he added.

We strongly believe there is a moral duty to ensure that the right policies are put in place to help ease this terrible human crisis and then move to end it.

The Dublin Simon Community said the figures showed a 10% increase in homelessness in the capital, which holds half of the total number of homeless families, children, and single adults.

Chief executive Catherine Kenny said more than 15,000 people in emergency accommodation was a number previously thought inconceivable.

As each number continues to shatter the record made by the last, the term crisis begins to lose all meaning, she said.

The incoming government must act decisively and urgently to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Words are not enough  now is the time for tangible action.

Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne said it represented a grim milestone and called for a no-fault evictions ban to be implemented.

Mr Hearne said the figures showed a 76% increase in child homelessness during the last governments term in office  increasing from 2,653 in June 2020 to 4,658.

A single child becoming homeless is unacceptable during successive years of budget surpluses, he said.

However, having thousands of homeless children is incomprehensible and scandalous.

Having more than 15,000 people homeless is a grim milestone and a damning indictment of failed housing policy by successive governments.
People pray for the victims as Bourbon Street reopens one day after the car-ramming attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, the United States, Jan. 2, 2025. (Photo by Lan Wei/Xinhua)

HOUSTON, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday that 14 people were confirmed dead when an attacker rammed a pickup truck into New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans one day earlier.

The attacker was shot dead in gunfight with responding police officers. New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna previously announced 15 deaths.

The FBI now believes the attacker is likely to be a lone wolf terrorist with no known accomplices, Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI counterterrorism division, said at a press conference on Thursday. FBI officials said Wednesday that they "do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible."

"We do not assess at this point that anyone else is involved in this attack except for Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the subject you've already been briefed on," said Raia.

Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen living in Houston, Texas, had previously served in the U.S. Army and was struggling with financial troubles in recent years, local media reported, citing court documents.

"First and foremost, let me be very clear about this point, this was an act of terrorism,"Raia said. "It was premeditated and an evil act."

So far there is not a "definitive link" between the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas explosion as it is still "very early" in the investigation, he added.

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, killing the driver and injuring seven others nearby. Police said a combination of fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel in the bed of the vehicle had been detonated by a device controlled by the driver.

"At this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas," Raia said, adding it is very early in investigation.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said at a news conference that an attack like the one on Bourbon Street can happen anywhere, and "you have to crush" evil to protect Americans.

Bourbon Street, where the truck attack happened in the heart of New Orleans, will reopen Thursday afternoon, according to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. 

Bourbon Street reopens one day after the car-ramming attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, the United States, Jan. 2, 2025. (Photo by Lan Wei/Xinhua)

Editor: JYZ
Electricity and heating tariffs have been raised in Moldova in line with a decision adopted by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) on Friday at suppliers' request.

Prices for electricity supplied by Premier Energy will increase by 75% from 2.34 lei/kWh to 4.10 lei/kWh, though the company initially requested a price of 5.15 lei/kWh, the ANRE press service said in a statement. Premier Energy is a Czech company that supplies electricity to consumers on more than 70% of Moldovan territory.

Prices for electricity supplied by FEE Nord, which serves consumers on more than 20% of Moldovan territory in the country's north, will go up 65% from 2.84 lei/kWh to 4.68 lei/kWh. The price requested by the company was 4.53 lei/kWh.

ANRE has also approved new heating tariffs. Thus, the prices for Termoelectrica clients will be increased 38% from 1,824 lei/Gcal to 2,510 lei/Gcal. The new price sought by the supplier was 2,564 lei/Gcal. Termoelectrica supplies heating to consumers in Chisinau and the central part of Moldova.

Meanwhile, the CET Nord company's prices will go up 16% from 1,819 lei/Gcal to 2,126 lei/Gcal compared to a price of 2,612 lei/Gcal requested by company, which supplies heating to Balti and to the north of Moldova.

The new tariffs enter into force on the day of their publication in Monitorul Oficial.

The hike in tariffs has taken place because Moldova has been importing nearly 50% of electricity from Romania since January 1 at prices that are far higher than they were before 2025. Until December 31, 2024, Moldova bought some 70% of its electricity from the Moldavskaya GRES power plant in Transdniestria. This power was generated from Russian gas, for which Transdniestria did not pay to Gazprom.

The right bank of the Dniester River encountered power shortages after the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory was stopped. The left bank is using coal to generate electricity, but gas and heating supplies have been halted to apartments in Transdniestria. All industrial enterprises have suspended operations except crucial infrastructure, hospitals and social facilities.

Electricity-saving measures came into effect in Moldova on January 1. In accordance with the plan endorsed by the National Emergency Situations Commission in late December 2024, from January 1 public and commercial buildings reduced their outside lighting by at least 30% where technically possible. A total switch-off of lights in premises that are not involved in the operational process became mandatory. Festive lighting in Chisinau was also reduced by 50% from January 1.

All electricity produced in Moldova starting January 1 is being supplied only to the domestic market. Exports are possible only on weekends and holidays, while there is a ban on exports during other hours.
Chinese premier calls for ensuring good start to 2025 economic development

Xinhua) 08:03, January 03, 2025

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a home appliance store in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 2, 2025. Li made an inspection tour in Jinan on Thursday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

JINAN, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for efforts to ensure the effective implementation of policies and secure a good start for this year's economic development during his inspection in the city of Jinan in east China's Shandong Province.

While conducting this inspection tour on Thursday, Li also stressed the need for efforts to implement policies as early as possible, seek fast progress with projects and ensure that measures yield tangible results.

During a visit to a home appliance store, the premier said the government's consumer goods trade-in scheme is of great significance to meet the needs of people for high-quality life, unlock consumption potential, promote industry upgrades and facilitate economic circulation.

China will continue to implement this initiative with greater support, Li said, adding that procedures will be optimized to facilitate consumer spending.

Li also visited a charging and battery-swapping station in Jinan. Noting that the number of intelligent connected new-energy vehicles has continued to grow in the country, Li encouraged exploratory and innovative efforts in developing charging and battery-swapping services and related areas.

Measures should be taken to deepen reform of the energy management system, transform the energy sector and foster new drivers of growth, Li said.

While inspecting local infrastructure projects, he stated that stadiums and modern water networks are not only significant infrastructure projects, but also important for public welfare, and called for efforts to strengthen supply of resources such as funds and land.

Concerning urban renewal, it is important to stress the planning and layout of drainage networks and maintain strict oversight throughout the entire construction process to ensure that the project quality is able to stand the test of time, Li added.

Efforts should be made to attract more private investment to participate in the construction of infrastructure and public services, he said.

As a major economically-developed province, Shandong should promote various policy measures and work arrangements to take effect as early as possible, thereby contributing more to the overall development of the country, Li said.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the construction site of a stadium in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 2, 2025. Li made an inspection tour in Jinan on Thursday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that after the end of the hot stage of the Russian-Ukrainian war, most of the citizens of Ukraine, who left abroad after it began, will return home.

"First of all, a large number of people want to return ... there are people who talk about safety. As soon as one or another stage of this war ends, or the hot stage of the war ends, or when the missiles do not fly, I am sure that most of the people will start returning," Zelenskyy said on the air of the national telethon on Thursday.

He also noted that after the end of martial law, "Ukraine will spend money, first of all, on reconstruction." "A lot of money will be provided. From different sources. From business, Russian frozen assets. Our budget, security, and defense sectors amount to UAH 1.4 trillion, that's just a lot of money. And, of course, a percentage of this money will be spent on recovery. Very quickly. Immediately. It's clear, logical things. People will come to work," the president said.

According to him, major reconstruction projects in Ukraine will require a large number of jobs. "It is desirable that they be Ukrainians. I think, first of all, it will be Ukrainians," Zelenskyy said.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/

On the night of January 3, 2025 (from 21:00 on January 2), the enemy attacked by 93 Shahed-type attack UAVs and various types of simulator drones from the directions of Russias Bryansk, Millerovo, Oryol, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

"As of 09:00, the downing of 60 Shahedtype attack UAVs and other types of UAVs in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk regions has been confirmed," the report says.

It is also noted that "due to the active counteraction of the Defense Forces, 26 enemy simulator drones were lost locally (without negative consequences). One UAV is in the air."

As a result of the Russian drone attack, several drone strikes were recorded against private enterprises and apartment buildings in Donetsk and Chernihiv regions. The downed Shaheds also caused damage in Kyiv region: private houses and cars were damaged in several areas. Unfortunately, there is a dead man and injured, the AFU Air Forces report says.

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, mobile fire groups of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
Next meeting in Ramstein format to be held on Jan 9  media

The next meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine (Ramstein format) will be held on January 9, 2025, Radio Liberty reported on Friday.

The relevant information was also confirmed on Suspilne. The meeting will be held at the Ramstein Airbase in Germany. It will be hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

At the end of December 2024, Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, after a telephone conversation with his Portuguese counterpart, Nun Mel, announced a meeting in the Ramstein format in January 2025.

As reported, U.S. President Joe Biden initiated the first meeting of the leaders of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in Germany on October 12.

However, the meeting was postponed after Biden stated that he could not participate in it due to the devastating hurricane in his country. After that, the White House announced that U.S. President Joe Biden would hold a virtual meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense at the leadership level in November 2024.

On October 30, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine at the Ramstein base would be held in the coming weeks.

The last 24th meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine was held at the Ramstein airbase in Germany on September 6.
Ravindra Rammuni arrested for defaming MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi on Facebook

Posted by Editor on January 3, 2025 - 10:55 am

Ravindra Rammuni, a former member of the Millaniya Pradeshiya Sabha from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The arrest is in connection with allegations that he posted offensive messages on social media about National Peoples Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Nilanthi Kottahachchi.

The arrest took place this morning (January 3) at his residence in the Batagoda area, around 9:00 AM.

Rammuni is reported to have posted defamatory statements on his Facebook account, insulting MP Kottahachchi. However, he removed the post later the same day.

The CID took action after the post was deemed offensive, leading to the former councilors arrest.

UPDATE  05:50 PM:

Former member of the Millaniya Pradeshiya Sabha from the SLPP, Ravindra Rammuni, has been granted bail by the Colombo Magistrates Court.
People make decisions every day, often without even much thought. And governments too must make decisions, but democratic governments generally rely on formal mechanisms, at least for

important decisions. An extreme view holds that the details of deciding matters less than that there is some well-documented procedure that is followed. Whether the decisions themselves are good or bad matters seems less of a concern and anyway that difference is too hard to judge. The legal doctrine of stare decisis seems to lean toward this view, insisting that legal decisions made in the past, no matter how wrong they might now seem, should be the guide for decisions made today and in the future. Perhaps such attachment to precedent is why we cling to plurality voting for elections.

We rely on elections not only for decisions, but also for assessing public opinion. And especially in that second role, it is hard to imagine plurality elections performing well. In essence, voters are asked to choose between two candidates. Not a great deal of nuance can be expressed in either response to such a question.

While we can hope that adopting a better voting system might lead to making better decisions, surely not just any other system would provide a big improvement. My own belief is that BAV would be a particularly good choice, however, and perhaps I have been able to convince others of that as well. BAV can be understood as an improvement over approval voting; and I would argue, a significant improvement. This article will again explore that improvement.

My motivation for this article came from voting in an approval voting election. You may recall that approval voters are asked to specify, for each candidate, either support or non-support; the candidate with the greatest number of support votes then wins the election. In this particular election, the candidates were works of art, mostly photographs but in some instances paintings or drawings. Not surprisingly, my thoughts turned to how the election might be improved by using balanced approval voting and my initial impression was a surprise. It seemed that BAV would not improve the election at all.

The difference between approval voting and BAV is that BAV asks voters to further refine their non-support opinion so as to distinguish indifference from opposition. But why, I wondered, would someone ever oppose a work of art? Surely it is possible to not like a piece of art, but the art causes no harm and some people probably would enjoy it. But in other respects, this photography contest seemed exactly like an election, so how can BAV not be an improvement over approval voting? I needed to take some time to think about this.

But I was distracted by an altogether different observation. This approval election was unfair, and not at all in a subtle way. The glaring unfairness came from the excessive number of candidates. Nearly 700 photos had been entered.

When I voted, there seemed to be no alternative to examining one photo at a time and choosing, for each image, whether to cast a vote for it or abstain. I could stop at any time, but otherwise I had no alternative to considering each images in the very same order as every other voter.

I leisurely examined the first few images, but quickly realized I had to speed things up. I clicked ever faster through the next fifty, stopping briefly to give a thumbs-up to one or two that happened to catch my eye during the few milliseconds the image was on my computer screen. But I persevered through perhaps another hundred photos before conceding that I lacked the patience to finish the task. There remained more than 500 photos that I never even looked at, even very briefly. It seems likely that other voters did much the same, though I suspect that many abandoned the project sooner than I had. I wondered how many people had ever bothered to vote in more than one of these contests.

What makes this voting especially pernicious is that each would review the photos in exactly the same order. It seems doubtful that more than a handful of the last 500 images were viewed by even a single voter. And it is no consolation that nearly every voter examined the first two or three pictures. Winning such a contest would seem to depend much more on a photo's position in the queue than on being an exceptional photo.

I pointed out this problem on a discussion board and roughly twenty people responded (in a discussion which has now been declared private). My own comment included the suggestion that for each voter, the order of viewing the photos should simply be scrambled so that each photo would have an equal opportunity to be evaluated by at least a few of the voters. Because all voting is through the internet, this proposal would really not be at all difficult to implement.

The responses to my comment suggest to me that the normal reaction to a problem is not to find a solution or way to avoid the problem, but only to find a way to avoid being inconvenienced by it. One commenter urged voters to find and vote only for only their own photos. Many suggested ways a voter might bypass great blocks of photos. But not even one comment (aside from my own) showed any concern for the fairness of the contest. In fact, quite the opposite was true; several comments pointed out that the contest was just for fun, so why worry. That may be true, but the unfairness makes these contests less meaningful and, at least to me, less interesting.

This example clearly illustrates that an excess of candidates can be a problem for the fairness of an election. This is the case no matter what voting system is adopted. Scrambling the order of candidates on the ballot seems to avoid this problem, and with computerized voting it can be easily accomplished. The need for paper ballots does make this more difficult, however. There are more complex voting systems that work around this problem while remaining both balanced and evaluative. Alternatively, it would not be hard to accomplish this scrambling with a network of computers (say, one or more at each polling station) to cooperate in issuing a unique customized ballot for each voter; a serious downside to this scheme is that such ballots would make tallying the votes more difficult and probably more prone to error.

Better would be to introduce a preliminary election, possibly one conducted over the internet, either with or without a more complex voting system, to reduce the field of candidates in the more important, final election to a reasonable number, say around a dozen. An election using BAV could remain quite manageable with even a bit more than a dozen candidates. And it would not take even a dozen candidates to provide voters with healthy variety of candidates to choose from. With even three different but viable political parties, successful Gerrymandering would become much more difficult; with five or more it might be impossible.

Elections with an excessive number of candidates do present a problem, but we have seen there are ways to manage this problem. So, let us set this issue aside and now consider the question of whether these photo contest are in some way so fundamentally different from political elections. Recall that the question came up in the context of pondering why anyone might oppose a work of art. But a vote of opposition need not be a rejection of it as a work of art, it might only express a judgement that the piece is unsuited for a particular photo contest.

Each contest at Fine Art America (and probably photo contests anywhere else) has rules and at least some mechanism for enforcing those rules. There is often a rule to limit the subject matter, but often there are other, often more technical restrictions. Each photo that is entered in a contest faces the possibility of being rejected for a failure to comply with one of these rules. Quite often that will be a matter of interpretation so someone acts as a judge to make these decisions.

But by using BAV rather than approval voting, the voters gain an opportunity to weigh in on this issue. And this is not fundamentally different than what would happen in a political election. Using BAV, a voter can decide to cast an opposition vote when, in the view of that voter, the candidate is unqualified for the office in question. With other voting systems, that decision is usually left entirely up to the discretion of politicians and courts.

So BAV provides ordinary voters with an extra measure of power and influence. If democracy is the objective, that surely is a step in the right direction.
South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd (SAGT), Sri Lanka's first Public Private Partnership emerged winner in the "Other" category at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2024 hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Since launching its sustainability strategy in 2018, SAGT has been at the forefront of driving sustainable operations both within its terminal and the Port of Colombo. SAGT was the first and to date remains the only 
President Joe Biden has blocked the nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel  affirming his earlier vow on the presidential campaign trail to prevent the acquisition of Steeltown USAs most storied steel company.

The proposed deal kicked up an election year political maelstrom across Americas industrial heartland and blocking it drew a threat of litigation from Nippon Steel.

We need major U.S. companies representing the major share of US steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of Americas national interests, Biden said in a Friday morning statement.

Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel blasted the decision, saying in a joint statement that Bidens blocking the deal reflects a clear violation of due process and the law in a process it said was manipulated to advance Bidens political agenda.

It also insisted that Biden cited no credible evidence of the deal presenting a national security problem and suggested it will sue, saying we are left with no choice but to take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights.

Bidens decision comes after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS, failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the deal last month, and sent a long-awaited report on the merger to Biden. He had 15 days to reach a final decision.

The committee, chaired by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and made up of other Cabinet members, can recommend that the president block a transaction, and federal law gives the president that power.

A U.S. official familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press last month that some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks.

The decision comes just weeks before the Democratic president is set to leave office and could damage relations between the U.S. and Japan, which is Americas biggest ally in Asia and its largest foreign holder of U.S. debt.

In their statement, the two steel companies said its shocking  and deeply troubling that the U.S. would reject a transaction that advances U.S. interests and treat an ally like Japan in this way.

Unfortunately, it sends a chilling message to any company based in a U.S. allied country contemplating significant investment in the United States, the companies said.

Biden previously came out against the deal last March during the presidential campaign  and was backed by the United Steelworkers, concerned over whether the company would honor existing labor agreements or slash jobs, as well as over the firms financial transparency.

It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers, Biden said in a March statement, while he was still seeking reelection to the presidency before dropping out of the race. 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.

President-elect Donald Trump has also opposed the acquisition and vowed in December on his Truth Social platform to block the deal and to use tax incentives and tariffs to grow the company.

On Friday, Steelworkers President David McCall said the union is grateful for Bidens move to block the sale and called it the right move for our members and our national security.

McCall had long questioned Nippon Steels status as an honest broker for U.S. national trade interests and reiterated that Friday, saying in a statement that Nippon has proven itself to be a serial trade cheater.

Allowing it to purchase U.S. Steel would have offered it the opportunity to further destabilize our trade system from within and in the process, compromise our ability to meet our own national security and critical infrastructure needs, McCall said.

McCall insisted that U.S. Steel has the financial wherewithal to make the company strong and resilient.

For its part, Nippon Steel had said it is best positioned to help American steel compete in an industry dominated by the Chinese and to invest billions in United Steelworkers-represented facilities, including the companys aging blast furnaces.

It pledged to protect U.S. Steel in trade matters, and promised not to import steel slabs that would compete with the blast furnaces.

Nippon Steel announced in December 2023 that it planned to buy the steel producer for $14.9 billion in cash and debt, and committed to keep the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh headquarters. Despite that, its proposal raised concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security.

The announcement came during a tide of renewed political support for rebuilding Americas manufacturing sector and followed a long stretch of protectionist U.S. tariffs that analysts say have helped reinvigorate domestic steel.

Nippon Steel waged a public relations campaign to win over supporters, even offering $5,000 in closing bonuses to U.S. Steel employees, a nearly $100 million expense.

A growing number of conservatives and business groups like the U.S. Chamber had publicly backed the deal, as Nippon Steel began to win over some Steelworkers union members and mayors in areas near its blast furnaces in Pennsylvania and Indiana.
A year after a panel blew out of a Boeing 737 Max during flight over Oregon, the nations top aviation regulator says the company needs a fundamental cultural shift to put safety and quality above profits.

Mike Whitaker, chief of the Federal Aviation Administration, said in an online post Friday that his agency also has more work to do in its oversight of Boeing.

Whitaker, who plans to step down in two weeks to let President-elect Donald Trump pick his own FAA administrator, looked back on his decision last January to ground all similarly outfitted 737 Max jets after the mid-flight blowout over Portland. Later, the FAA put more inspectors in Boeing factories, limited production of new 737s, and required Boeing to come up with a plan to fix manufacturing problems.

Boeing is working to make progress executing its comprehensive plan in the areas of safety, quality improvement and effective employee engagement and training, Whitaker said. But this is not a one-year project. Whats needed is a fundamental cultural shift at Boeing thats oriented around safety and quality above profits. That will require sustained effort and commitment from Boeing, and unwavering scrutiny on our part.

Boeing on Friday issued an update on steps it has taken to improve safety and quality, including addressing concerns raised by employees and reinforcing their confidentiality protection.

Boeing, which couldnt build new 737s during a seven-week strike by machinists last fall, said it has strengthened training for mechanics and quality inspectors. The company said it updated a system to display the names of employees who perform metal-stamping work.

The company also said it has significantly reduced defects in 737 fuselages built by Spirit AeroSystems, but it declined to provide numbers. Spirit is a key supplier that Boeing is in the process of buying for $4.7 billion.

The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the door-plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines Max jet. Despite a gaping hole in the side, pilots landed the plane safely in Portland, and no serious injuries were reported.

A month after the accident, investigators said in a preliminary report that bolts used to help secure the panel were not replaced after work in a Boeing factory.

Whitaker said the FAA will review any recommendations that the safety board makes to improve FAAs oversight work. Last summer, he admitted that FAAs scrutiny of Boeing wasnt good enough.

-- The Associated Press
Portland police on Thursday arrested an alleged graffiti vandal who had been wanted since police raided his home  and found $10,000 in spray paint and supplies  in June 2024.

James S. Fischell, 40, faces accusations of first-and second-degree criminal mischief for a string of tags across Portland that read GIMER, an acronym for Graffiti is Me Escaping Reality, the Portland Police Bureau said in a statement.

Officers with the bureaus Neighborhood Response Team launched an investigation into the Portland man last May after seeing an episode of the YouTube documentary series CHAOSTOWN, police said.

Though Fischell attempted to conceal his identity in the episode, titled Portland is Losing the Graffiti War, police say they identified him as the person featured in the show. On June 25, police raided Fischells house in the Centennial neighborhood and seized more than 1,500 cans of spray paint, which, in the YouTube series, Fischell called every graffiti writers fantasy, police said.

Fischell wasnt home during the raid, and he avoided capture for almost six months, until police found and arrested him at his home on Thursday.

The Police Bureau has focused on nabbing graffiti vandals in recent months. Arrests include an alleged tagger who police say they intercepted in the act on Sept. 5, and in January 2024 police arrested a man they called one of the citys most prolific graffiti vandals. State and local governments also collaborated over the summer to clean up graffiti along Interstate 84 in Portland.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
A two-year effort to convince Oregon school boards to back formation of a Pride Caucus failed to garner enough support to pass, the executive director of the Oregon School Boards Association said this week.

The proposed caucus was intended to amplify the voices of school board members who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as students and district employees who share those identities.

School boards around the state voted on the proposal from mid-November to mid-December, said Emielle Nischik, the executive director of the public nonprofit organization, which represents school boards at the Legislature and offers training and support services to its members.

To pass, the proposal needed the support of two-thirds of governing boards across the states 197 school districts, 19 education service districts and 17 community colleges. Votes by the largest school districts are given slightly more weight, because they serve many more students, Nischik said.

We will release the final tally once everyone is back from break, [but] we do know that it didnt pass. It came close, Nischik said.

Another statewide resolution, to raise the dues each board pays to the organization, did pass, Nischik said. It will mark the first time in more than two decades that dues have gone up, she added.

The Pride Caucus results are a setback for school board members whove spent several years laying the groundwork. The effort was led by Multnomah Education Service District board member Katrina Doughty, who also sits on the 23-member OSBA board.

Had it been approved, the Pride Caucus would have joined the school boards associations two other caucuses, which represent school board members of color and those who are from rural communities. Caucuses are entitled to a voting seat on the organizations board of directors and its legislative policy committee, as well as a budget that can be used to pay for members to travel to meetings or attend training.

Nischik said her sense was that the political divisions that have engulfed LGBTQ+ issues nationally are present in Oregon too.

During the presidential election, topics from the efforts to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls and womens sports to backlash over gender-neutral bathrooms on campuses proved to be politically potent. Oregon has seen its own controversies over a state law that requires menstrual supplies to be present in boys bathrooms or attempts to curb bans on books that have LGBTQ+ themes.

Nischik said more members expressed reservations about whether the associations governance structure was becoming too unwieldy and fragmented, an issue some felt could have been exacerbated by official recognition for the new caucus.

Hood River County School District board member Jen Kelly echoed that concern in December when the board there voted on the question.

My disagreement is relative to the formation of any caucus, Kelly said during the Dec. 11 meeting. I dont have any animosity towards any of the caucuses or the people that are in them or the people that they represent. My concern is that as the number of caucuses grows, their proportion to the number of representatives that represent entire districts are diluted.

Kelly said she would prefer to see caucuses as advisory groups that could share their perspective with the associations board of directors.

Nischik said the school board members behind the Pride Caucus can choose to remain as an advisory committee, providing resources and support and guidance to the board. There is very strong recognition that this is an important community that needs support, and we heard that from around the state.

 Julia Silverman covers K-12 education for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her via email at jsilverman@oregonian.com.
Providence Health & Services in Oregon has asked federal mediators to revisit negotiations with doctors and other advanced clinical providers set to go on strike next week.

The appeal comes after 5,000 nurses, doctors and other frontline health workers announced their plans to walk off their jobs beginning next Friday. The Oregon Nurses Association, which represents nurses and other professionals at the Catholic not-for-profit health system, called the open-ended strike on Monday. (Health workers are required to give a 10-day strike notice to allow time for health institutions to prepare for health services disruptions.)
Maxine Dexter could have spent the last few weeks of the year relaxing with loved ones while preparing to represent the congressional district that spans Portland, Hood River and Mount Hood.

Instead, after sealing her victory in Oregons 3rd Congressional District in November, she continued to do what shes done for nearly two decades: pull 10-hour shifts for six days straight in intensive care and tended to patients with lung disease.

Dexter, a former state representative, has been a critical care doctor and pulmonologist at Kaiser Permanente for nearly two decades. She chose to work pretty much to the end of the year to support her patients and colleagues.

Health care systems arent doing very well right now, so theyre not necessarily able to replace me, Dexter told the Capital Chronicle. And I felt like I needed to get my team or my partners through the holidays.

Dexter, who just turned 52, was sworn into Congress on Friday along with other newly elected members, including Janelle Bynum, who won Oregons 5th Congressional District seat. Both women, Democrats who have served in the majority in Oregons House, enter the partisan fray in Washington D.C. in the minority, with Republicans in control of the House, Senate and White House.

Republicans also controlled the House over the past two years, a time thats been marked by political brawls but scant action. Though they continue to hold the power in the House, they hold a majority of only five seats, and that could mean more chaos, analysts say.

Dexter, a progressive who backs easing access to abortions, enacting gun control and moving toward a single-payer health care system, said she will not prejudge any of her congressional colleagues. She said she will work with anyone with whom she can find common ground on an issue. But when pressed about the agenda of the incoming Trump administration and his pledge to deport illegal immigrants and expand fossil fuel drilling, she acknowledged a potentially tough road ahead for a progressive like herself.

Im deeply concerned, she said. We are not headed in the right direction.

Her two children, both in college, agree, and they dont have much faith in government, she said. Thats one reason she decided to run.

In preparing for her new life, she leased an apartment within walking distance to the Capitol, attended orientation sessions with other freshmen and combed through policies and procedures. She also reached out to other physicians in Congress, including Minnesotas Rep. Kelly Morrison, a obstetrician, and consulted the other Democratic representatives in Oregon: Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas and retiring Rep. Earl Blumenauer, whos 76 and represented Oregons 3rd District for nearly three decades.

He and his staff worked closely with Dexter to ease her transition.

Shes a very quick study, Blumenauer told the Capital Chronicle. I dont know that Ive seen a new member of Congress get engaged as quickly and as thoroughly as Maxine. I could not be more impressed.

Maxine Dexter, center in blue hat, poses with wet, cold supporters in the early days of her first campaign for the Oregon House in 2020.

Modest background

Dexter was not destined for Congress. She grew up with a brother in a working class family in Bothell, Washington, about 20 miles northeast of Seattle. Her father sold car parts, barely making enough to get by. Their home life was tumultuous and her parents got divorced.

She had no role models to pursue medicine or politics. Her home had no books, and no one in her family had earned a college degree. But Dexters family life prepared her for becoming a physician. She learned about mental illness from her mother, who struggled with profound issues, Dexter said, and she learned to care for patients from her grandmother, who had diabetes and suffered a series of amputations. Dexter embraced the role of being a nurse and tending to her grandmothers wound care.

At school, she impressed her teachers and was assigned to classes for gifted students. One of her favorite teachers introduced her to the idea of college and asked what shed like to be.

She decided she wanted to care for people, as she cared for her grandmother, and become a doctor.

At 16, she got a job at Albertsons, first working in the bakery, then as a checker and finally as a manager. She also joined the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents grocery store workers.

Her earnings helped pay for her college education in Seattle at the University of Washington. Though a pre-med student, she studied journalism and political science as an undergrad because she knew that in med school, shed have little time for liberal arts. She worked as a sportswriter at the school newspaper and even freelanced some stories for the Seattle Times. She also read the New York Times voraciously, helped by the fact that she could buy it for $1 a week as a student.

Her college years, as for many, were a time of discovery.

It was like the whole world was open to me at the University of Washington, Dexter said. There were so many really interesting things to study.

She was interested in the political system, constitutional law and health policy and did a Ford Foundation internship on the subject that laid a foundation for her future path.

I knew I was going to work on health policy someday, Dexter said.

Dexter also found love at university.

She and her husband both earned their medical degrees from the University of Washington. He became a primary care physician and now works at Kaiser Permanente in Portland. She pursued a postgraduate fellowship in pulmonary and critical care at the University of Colorado in Denver because she enjoys responding to an emergency.

I have always been someone who likes thinking on their feet and being the person who helps in a crisis, Dexter said.

As a physician, shes seen people at their worst, and shes cared for many patients whove struggled in their lives. Some have had to decide between buying their medications or paying for child care.

At the end of the day, we have got to create a society where people can live dignified, stable lives when theyre working full time, Dexter said.

State Rep. Maxine Dexter won the May 2024 Democratic primary for Oregon's 3rd Congressional District, making her a shoo-in in the fall election.Maxine Dexter campaign

Two initiatives

After caring for patients for more than a decade, Dexter ran in 2020 for a northwest Portland seat in the Oregon House that had been held nearly two decades by then-retiring Democratic Rep. Mitch Greenlick, a former Kaiser Permanente research director and professor at Oregon Health & Science University. Dexter won the primary and was sworn into office that June after Greenlick died in office.

Dexter served nearly two terms in the state House and supported a range of Democratic issues, from safe gun storage and a ban on undetectable ghost guns to reform in the pharmaceutical industry and an expansion of Medicaid benefits to all low-income immigrants.

She also worked on bipartisan packages, including a $100 million drought and water security package in 2023 and a right to repair law which took effect Wednesday and is expected to make it easier and cheaper for consumers to fix their devices.

But shes most proud of two initiatives. One stems from a patient in 2022. A young woman who took what she thought was a pain pill overdosed on what turned out to be fentanyl. Dexter said on her website that she worked all night trying to save the womans life.

I was the one who had to give their mother, friends and extended family the heart-breaking news, she said. I realized this was a tragedy that could happen to anyones children, even my own. I had to take action.

The following year she championed the passage of a package aimed at saving people from overdoses by making the opioid reversal drug, naloxone, more available in restaurants, stores, police departments and schools and other public buildings.

The other accomplishment she cites was also in 2023, when Dexter chaired the housing committee. Dexter played a central role in putting together a $200 million housing and homelessness package pushed by Gov. Tina Kotek that included rent assistance and money for shelter beds and to get 1,200 homeless people into housing.

A fellow Democrat, state Sen. Kate Lieber, remembered being impressed watching Dexter tackle a new issue, delve into the complexities and shepherd it through.

She did a really great job, especially digging into something that she did not have any familiarity with, Lieber said.

Dexter also helped pass last years $376 million housing package with money for shelters, renters and housing.

In Congress, she said shell support many of the same issues, but she hopes to move the needle on lowering emissions and expanding use of clean energy to improve air quality, something that affects people with lung disease in particular, and she wants to improve the countrys health care system by working toward an affordable, single-payer system that includes comprehensive behavioral health, vision, dental and prescription drug coverage.

Maxine Dexter takes part in a TV interview at the Democratic Party of Oregon election night party in Portland on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Dexter, a longtime doctor at Kaiser Permanente and former Democratic state lawmaker, replaced Earl Blumenauer as the U.S. representative for Oregons 3rd Congressional District.Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

As a physician, shes experienced the impact of the high-cost U.S. system on patients, who have motivated her as a lawmaker. She said being a physician also has helped train her to work with other politicians.

(As physicians), we take care of people. We dont take care of Democrats and Republicans, she said. We care for them no matter who they are.

In the Legislature, she said she developed close working relationships with Rep. Jeff Helfrich, a Hood River Republican who was on the housing committee, and former Rep. Daniel Bonham, who now represents The Dalles in the Senate. Both are in the 3rd District and supported her candidacy  as did others.

Theres a really long list of Republican colleagues who really encouraged me to run because I have developed trust with my colleagues, she said. We dont talk about abortion. We dont talk about guns. Like there are certain things that youre just never going to agree on.

Dexter doesnt always agree with fellow Democrats, either. Rep. Dacia Grayber, D-Beaverton, said she sometimes disagreed with Dexter and the two talked it out.

Shes not afraid to have the hard conversations, Grayber said. I think thats one of the most special things about Maxine.

Dexter said being a physician gives lawmakers a superpower because they have stories of patients to tell about a range of social issues, bringing a face and humanity to the issue.

Eventually, shed like to tell those stories on the powerful Energy and Commerce committee, which has jurisdiction over health care, the environment and energy issues. But for her first term, shes asked for Veterans Affairs and Natural Resources. The former is relatively bipartisan, she said, and includes oversight of veterans health care, while the latter, though partisan, has jurisdiction over federal lands, tribal affairs and the Environmental Protection Agency.

She said its relevant to the environmental goals she hopes to achieve over time, and time could be on her side. Blumenauer served the Democratic district for 14 terms and likely would have won reelection if he had run again.

Blumenauer is optimistic about Dexters future  and so are Democrats in the state Legislature.

I think shes perfect for Congress, Lieber said. Shes sort of dogged in her pursuit of the issues, which, I think especially for Congress, you need somebody who is just going to be just really pointed in one direction and continues to walk down the path even with obstacles. I would say Maxine is really good at that.

-- Lynne Terry, Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
A Sacramento-born woman who played a key role in the closure of Japanese-American incarceration camps during World War II will posthumously receive one of the White Houses highest presidential honors.

Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, born to Japanese immigrant parents in 1920, was only 22 when she challenged the incarceration of herself and 120,000 Japanese Americans  an act that made its way all the way to federal court. On Dec. 18, 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court held that loyal Japanese Americans could not be imprisoned without cause.
The French Ministry of Defense declined to comment on the investigation of the facts reported in the media regarding the 155th mechanized brigade Anna Kyivska, trained by the French in 2024, Radio Liberty reported, citing the ministry's response to a request from the publication.

"The ministry did not comment on reports that a brigade trained by the French armed forces had become the subject of an investigation in Ukraine. (...) The defense ministry did not respond to the question of whether the situation was being monitored and whether they had asked for additional information from the Ukrainian side, other than what was published in the press. Details on the technical equipment of the brigade, in particular drones, were also not disclosed. The question remained unanswered as to whether the French side had analyzed the feasibility of creating and managing a new brigade," the report says.

At the same time, the French side stressed that organizational issues regarding the brigade are being resolved by the Ukrainian side.

"It was the Armed Forces of Ukraine that organized the selection of the Ukrainian military to form this brigade and manage the processes. Also, and this is natural, the Ukrainian armed forces determine the conditions for the deployment of the brigade on the territory of Ukraine," the French Defense Ministry said.

The brigade was trained and equipped by France in the second half of 2024. About 2,000 Ukrainian servicemen were trained on French equipment intended for transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and after completing the exercises, they returned with it to Ukraine.

"This is a complete training model, which was implemented only by France, and which was highly appreciated by the Ukrainian partner," the French ministry commented.

Earlier, editor-in-chief of the Censor publication, Yuriy Butusov, wrote on his Telegram channel that in December 2024, the SBI opened a criminal case on the circumstances of the formation of the 155th mechanized brigade Anna Kyivska, which joined the battle near Pokrovsk.

The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) is investigating the facts reported in the media regarding the 155th mechanized brigade Anna Kyivska. The case is being investigated under articles on abuse of authority and desertion, Communications Adviser to the SBI Tetiana Sapyan told Interfax-Ukraine.

"The SBI is indeed studying the facts presented in the media in the framework of criminal proceedings initiated under Articles 426-1 (abuse of power or official authority by a military person) and Article 408 (desertion). The investigation of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is ongoing. It's still too early to talk about any preliminary results," Sapyan said.
Police are searching for the suspects in a mass shooting incident that happened on New Year's Day outside a private vigil for a 16-year-old teenager who was shot and killed last October.

At least 10 teens were injured in the shooting incident outside the Amazura Concert Hall in Jamaica, Queens. All victims were transported to a nearby hospital and are expected to live.

NYPD officials said the shooting happened around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday outside the event place where they were holding a vigil for 16-year-old Taearion Mungo, who had been shot and killed last October. The vigil was held on what was supposed to be the teen's birthday, per CBS News.

How Did the Shooting Begin?

Police said there were about 100 people gathered at the vigil. The venue was already at capacity, leading 15 people to line up outside and wait to get into the celebration. A group of four men walking east from 91st Avenue later fired about 30 rounds into the crowd outside, injuring 10 teens. The shooters then fled on foot toward 143rd Place, where they got into a light-colored sedan, Gothamist reported.

The police have not released other details about the shooting but did note that the getaway vehicle had New Jersey license plates. Investigators are working to establish the motive.

Read more: 2 Children in Critical Condition After Gunman Opens Fire at Rural Christian School

The shooting is being considered an isolated incident. That said, sources who spoke with CBS News said the officers had been called to the location for previous incidents. They also claimed that Wednesday's mass shooting could be gang-related.

No arrests have been made as of Thursday morning.

Who Were the Victims?

The shooting victims' ages ranged from 16 to 19---six of whom were females and four were males. At least six victims sustained graze wounds and gunshot wounds to the leg, foot, arms, and buttocks.

Police are still canvassing nearby hospitals to determine whether there were any other gunshot victims who were unaccounted for.

The NYPD is now encouraging the public to call them at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) should they have any information related to the incident. Tips can also be submitted through crimestoppers.nypdonline.org.
Fire crews in Arapahoe County, Colorado, rescued a teen who fell 30 feet into an abandoned missile silo on New Year's Day.

Officials from the Sable Altura Fire Rescue and Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said the teen was with one adult and another juvenile when he fell into the silo. The incident happened while the trio was walking on top of the silo located inside a state-owned private property along the 4500 block of S. Imboden.

The teen fell about 30 to 50 feet into an exhaust vent tunnel of a decommissioned Titan Missile Facility and into the water below, 9News reported.

How Did Officials Rescue the Teens?

Authorities received a 911 call around 3:45 p.m. on New Year's Day. Fire crews with Sable Altura built a rope system to lower rescuers and lift the teenager out of the silo. The teen had been transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Police have yet to release details about the identities of the teen and his companions. It is also unclear whether the trio would face any charges for entering private property.

Other Teens Falling into Missile Silos

This is not the first time officials rescued a teen from inside an abandoned missile silo. In June last year, two teens were cited after breaking into a silo near Deer Trail. Officials were called to the site after one of the teens fell through a two-story shaft and landed on twisted metal, broken concrete, and stagnant water. The teen sustained serious injuries.

There are currently six decommissioned Titan missile complexes in the state of Colorado. Four complexes (1A, 1B, 1C, and 2A) are located on the Former Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range east of Aurora. Complex 2B is located north of Deer Trail, and Complex 2C is located south of Elizabeth.

The silos no longer contain missiles, all of which were removed in 1965 after they were decommissioned, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The silos were designed to carry nuclear warheads and were fueled by kerosene and liquid oxygen.
Im pleased to remind you that both Witnesses (2021) and Six Days in August (2024) are now available on DVD and Blu-ray through Deseret Book. And I happily point out that each of them would very nicely accompany and complement this years Come, Follow Me curriculum at appropriate points.

In that connection, I received a note this morning from someone back in one of the eastern states  whose name is suppressed here in conformity with my rule of protecting the innocent from abuse by The Usual Pseudonymous Suspects  who was finally able to watch Six Days in August. He shared some objections to it with me that, he said, were an attempt to get into the spirit of some of the films anonymous online critics:

In D&C 67:5-9 the Lord challenged Church leaders to come up with writings equal to the revelations of Joseph Smith, and William McLellin took up the challenge. Following his example, Im going to try to equal the criticisms of the Six Days critics. Here goes: A statement in the credits claimed that no animals were harmed in the production of this movie, but Im sure at least some of the cast members ate catered turkey and ham sandwiches!

Car tire tracks existed on one of the dirt roads. Just because I couldnt see them didnt mean they werent there. Anachronism!

Some of the film was shot in Tennessee according to the credits. A subspecies of Tennessee housefly was buzzing in the background; one that doesnt exist in Kirtland!

Joseph and Brigham each cut down a tree. Therefore, your movie will undoubtedly increase climate change! Howd I do? Seriously, it was a good movie, nice music, and allowed us to see through the eyes of the Saints who faced the leadership dilemma.

A previously published book chapter has just been made available on the website of the Interpreter Foundation: The Temple: Past, Present and Future: Prayer with Uplifted Hands, written by my long-time friend, former missionary companion, and former BYU department colleague Stephen D. Ricks:

Part of our book chapter reprint series, this article originally appeared in The Temple: Past, Present and Future, edited by Stephen D. Ricks and Jeffrey M. Bradshaw. For more information, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/books/the-temple-past-present-and-future/. For video and audio recording of this conference talk, go to https://interpreterfoundation.org/conferences/2020-temple-on-mount-zion-conference/videos/ricks/. The religious ceremony of prayer with uplifted hands, practiced in Christian denominations contemporary with the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has an extremely ancient and venerable history that goes back thousands of years and is attested in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Israel as well as in ancient Judaism and earliest Christianity.

Please note that this previously published book chapter is part of our book chapter reprint series. It is not an article. It is a book chapter. It is not published in Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. It was published in a book. Items in our book chapter reprint series go up online on Thursdays. They are distinct from our journal articles, which go up on Fridays. Friday is the day after Thursday. One of my readers was very confused about this a few weeks back, and his confusion made him a bit indignant. He imagined himself to have found evidence of fraud and deception. Indications are, though, that hes better now. At least for the moment.

Back on 19 December 2024, in connection with our recent visit to the annual holiday Luminaria there, I commented briefly about the great blessing that has been given to Utah Valley and to Utah in general through Thanksgiving Point:

Alan and Karen Ashton bestowed an inestimable gift upon Utah Valley when they created Thanksgiving Point. And their annual Luminaria display of Christmas lights takes Thanksgiving Point to a whole new level. After we visited Luminaria last night, a five-year-old granddaughter announced that This is the best place ever!

Weve also taken our granddaughter to the Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving point. And, last night, we took her to Thanksgiving Points new Mountain America Jurassic Jungle (see here and here). She was in absolute bliss; try as we might, she was running about in such delight with all of the other kids that we scarcely caught so much as a glimpse of her for at least an hour. Afterwards, we walked with her through the pre-existing dinosaur exhibits in the Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life, where Jurassic Jungle is housed. What a wonderful place!

This afternoon, one of my former students (from back when I led an intensive Arabic program in Jerusalem) came by to visit us, along with her husband and her son. Since those days in Israel, shes gone on to serve a Spanish-speaking mission, earn a graduate degree and marry, raise a family in Texas and England and China, and, now, take up residency in Pittsburgh. It was really fun to catch up and to recall old times. And I was reminded of a couple of scriptural passages:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (3 John 1:4) Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord. (Alma 17:2)

Heres another item from the infinite (and yet, paradoxically, growing) list of the evils inflicted upon humankind by theism and theists that is to be found in the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File:

Pennsylvania Amish Build 12 Houses In Less Than Two Days For North Carolina Hurricane Victims
At least 30,000 long-range drones, about 3,000 cruise missiles, drone missiles planned to be produced in Ukraine in 2025  Shmyhal

Photo: https://t.me/zedigital

Ukraine plans to produce at least 30,000 long-range drones and about 3,000 cruise missiles and drone missiles in 2025, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.

"Today I will announce the main priorities of the government and the directions in which we will move forward in 2025. First of all, it is the defense and security of our country.

We have an all-time high budget to provide for our army and strengthen the defense industry. In total, UAH 2.2 trillion has been allocated for defense and security," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Friday.

According to the prime minister, the cost of weapons and military equipment will amount to at least UAH 739 billion, and the plans of domestic defense industry enterprises involve increasing existing production capacities to $30 billion.

"As part of the Victory Weapons project, we will launch long-term contracts with manufacturers for three to five years. We will pay special attention to the range component and the missile program. The task from the President of Ukraine is to produce at least 30,000 longrange drones. Ukrainian enterprises also plan to manufacture about 3,000 cruise missiles and drone missiles," Shmyhal said.

He also said that Ukraine would develop a "Danish model" in which partners buy weapons from the Ukrainian defense industry for the needs of the Ukrainian army. It is expected to raise more than $1 billion for this program in 2025.

"In the field of security, we will also pay special attention to the development of a shelter system based on the Finnish model. This is a public-private partnership involving an extensive network of safe shelters. In peacetime, these shelters will have different purposes," the prime minister said.
Pope Francis has opened the Holy Door at Saint Peter Basilica in the Vatican. Every twenty-five years since the year 1300, the Church has proclaimed a year of Jubilee. This is consistent with the Jewish tradition of a jubilee when debts were pardoned and slaves were freed. On December 30th, I had the opportunity to walk through this door which is usually sealed shut with concrete.

The Holy Year is a moment in the life of the Church when the faithful are called to experience the grace of God in a renewed way during their daily lives. Its an invitation to open wide the doors to Christ, allowing His grace to transform us. Pope Francis wrote in Spes Non Confundit that in Catholic tradition, the Holy Door represents the passage to salvation  the path to a new and eternal life, which was opened to humanity by Jesus.

At the Papal Mass on January 1st for the Feast of Mary Mother of God, Pope Francis emphasized in his homily that the Blessed Mother is the door through which God Himself became man for our sake. A great reflection to start the Jubilee Year.

A Holy Door was opened at Saint John Lateran and Mary Major, two of the other major basilicas of Rome. In a few days, a fourth door will be opened at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

There is something powerful about walking through a door that is only opened every twenty-five years. Though not a magical portal or a get free into heaven pass, going through one of these doors requires deliberate action from the person who reaches it. It involves a pilgrimage, a desire for true repentance, and a step to grow closer to God. The indulgence received by going through the door is the result of a concrete action the Church recognizes that helps us atone for the effects of our sin. An indulgence does not forgive sin, only God does, be it by true contrition and/or the sacrament of confession. An indulgence helps us make reparation for the effects of our sins.

While visiting Saint John Lateran this afternoon, I stopped by the small fresco which depicts Boniface VIII calling the first Holy Year in 1300. I was surprised that nothing special marked the significance of this painting. Perhaps its because Boniface VIII was actually not the best Pope, maneuvering the election and resignation of Pope Celestine V before him, and then leading to the departure of the Papacy from Rome to France.

May this Holy Year be a time of renewal and grace. May it inspire us to journey in joy toward Christ. May we open the doors of our hearts to Christ.

Pictures are mine.
BitLocker is a crucial Windows feature that helps secure the data on your PC. The full version of BitLocker is only available on Windows 11 Pro, but you can still use it to a lesser degree on Windows 11 Home. (In fact, its one of the best reasons to choose Windows 11 Pro over Home.)

So, whether youre on Windows 11 Pro or Home, if you arent using BitLocker yet, you should definitely start. Heres everything you need to know about BitLocker and how to get it set up right now.

What is BitLocker?

BitLocker is a secure disk encryption solution thats built into Windows 11. When your PC uses BitLocker encryption, it stores all the files on its internal storage device in encrypted form.

Modern Windows PCs normally save the necessary decryption key to the PCs Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for safe keeping. When you log in and authenticate, the TPM releases the decryption key and youre able to use your computer like normal. The TPM also checks that your PC hasnt been tampered with before it releases the decryption key.

Since your files are stored in encrypted form, a thief who steals your laptop wont be able to access them without logging in as you. No one can open up your laptop, take the drive out, and pry into your data  your files would appear scrambled without the decryption key.

Why you need BitLocker on your PC

BitLocker ensures that only you (or someone with whom youve shared your BitLocker recovery key) can access the files on your PC.

Its a huge deal for businesses who want to make sure that confidential data on company systems cant easily be viewed by anyone. But its also useful security for home PC users  especially laptop users  just in case someone happens to get their hands on your PC.

The full version of BitLocker lets you use encryption without signing into a Microsoft account, lets you store your recovery key in the way of your choosing, and allows BitLocker to be used on a wider range of PCs. None of these are available via BitLocker on Windows 11 Home PCs.

BitLocker Drive Encryption vs. Windows Device Encryption

Ive hinted at this a few times already, but there are essentially two versions of BitLocker. Theres the full BitLocker experience that were focusing on here, which is called BitLocker Drive Encryption and is one of biggest reasons to upgrade to Windows 11 Professional.

Next to that, theres also something called Windows Device Encryption, which uses a lot of the same technology to encrypt your PCs storage in a simplified way  at least, in some circumstances.

Windows Device Encryption is designed to be totally transparent. If youre using a modern Windows 11 PC and you sign in with a Microsoft account, then Windows 11 automatically enables Device Encryption to protect your PCs internal storage and upload the recovery key to your Microsoft account. Your PCs storage will be protected with BitLocker and automatically unlocked whenever you sign in. If you ever cant sign in to your PC and lose access to your files, you can get your recovery key from your Microsoft account online to regain access. (It also works if you sign in to a workplace-managed PC. In this case, the recovery key will instead be stored by your organization.)

Get Windows 11 Pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro

BitLocker Drive Encryption is more powerful and flexible. You can encrypt your PCs storage without signing in with a Microsoft account, and you dont have to store your recovery key with Microsoft at all  you can print it out and store it somewhere in your office, all without it ever leaving your PCs storage. You can also encrypt other drives (including removable USB drives) with a feature named BitLocker To Go. You also have access to lots of extra settings to customize the way the encryption works.

For the average PC user, Device Encryption is great  its whats keeping most Windows 11 Home PCs encrypted. The Microsoft account and recovery key upload requirements ensure that you cant accidentally lose access to your PCs files, and even if you lose your recovery key, you can always access it online via your Microsoft account.

A caveat for Windows Device Encryption

At this point, I want to note that some older Windows 11 PCs may not support Device Encryption. Its up to manufacturers to configure their PCs to work with Device Encryption out of the box.

Want to check if your Windows 11 PC supports Device Encryption? Open the Settings app, select Privacy & security in the left pane, and click Device encryption under Security:

Chris Hoffman / IDG

If you dont see this option, your PC doesnt have it. If you want it, youll have to upgrade to Windows 11 Professional to unlock the full BitLocker experience instead.

Requirements for using BitLocker

For the most powerful and configurable BitLocker experience on Windows 11, youll need Windows 11 Professional or one of the other non-consumer editions of Windows 11 (meaning Enterprise, Education, or Workstation). The only edition its limited on is Home.

For optimal security, BitLocker also requires a computer with TPM 1.2 hardware or newer. (Remember, BitLocker stores its decryption key in the TPM.) Since one of the most important system requirements for Windows 11 is TPM 2.0, all Windows 11 PCs should support this.

Microsoft spells out a few other obscure requirements, like how your hard disk must be partitioned with two drives, including a small system partition designed to boot Windows before decrypting the drive. Windows 11 automatically creates these partitions when its installed though, so its nothing you really have to worry about.

And thats it. If youre on Windows 11 Home and want to unlock the full potential of BitLocker, see our guide on upgrading to Windows 11 Pro without reinstalling the operating system.

What to know before using BitLocker

BitLocker can make data recovery a bit more complicated. If your PC dies and you have to pull the storage device from it and plug it into a separate PC to recover your data, you wont be able to view the files on it  until you provide your BitLocker recovery key, which is stored in your Microsoft account online (with Device Encryption) or wherever you chose to personally save it (with BitLocker Drive Encryption).

Naturally, this is also what prevents thieves from accessing your files. No one is getting access to them without your recovery key.

Your BitLocker recovery key is crucial. Lets say you use BitLocker Drive Encryption to store your files and you later experience a problem with your PC and need that recovery key. If you dont have it anymore, youre toast. Those files are irretrievable. If you dont have a copy of the recovery key, hopefully you at least have backups of those files!

Chris Hoffman / IDG

BitLocker may also reduce your PCs storage performance. Youll see the claim that BitLocker slows SSDs by up to 45 percent online, but that isnt the full story  thats just the result from one particular synthetic benchmark on one particular PC configuration. The precise performance impact will depend on your PCs hardware, the workload youre putting your storage through, and your BitLocker settings.

If you have a desktop gaming PC or high-end workstation that sits in a room in your home and youre more worried about getting maximum performance than someone stealing it and snooping on your files, you may want to leave BitLocker disabled.

On the other hand, if you use a laptop for work  or even just personal tasks  then a potential small slowdown is a reasonable price to pay to ensure your sensitive files are protected in case you ever find your laptop lost or stolen. Modern laptops are pretty fast, and you almost certainly wont notice a difference in productivity applications and web browsing performance when you have BitLocker enabled.

Setting up BitLocker on a Windows 11 PC

To activate BitLocker Drive Encryption on your Windows 11 PC, youll first need to upgrade to Windows 11 Professional if you havent already done so. Then, you can open the classic Control Panel and search for BitLocker to find the BitLocker settings. From here, you can activate (or deactivate) BitLocker for any drive:

Chris Hoffman / IDG

Want to use Windows Device Encryption instead? Head to Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption to find the settings for it. (If you dont see Device Encryption as an option on this page, your PC doesnt support Device Encryption.)

Chris Hoffman / IDG

Device Encryption should be enabled by default if you sign in with a Microsoft account. But to ensure its enabled, visit this settings page, check that its toggled to On, and be sure to sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account (not a local user account).

Keep in mind when using BitLocker

When using BitLocker, the most important thing is that you need to keep tabs on your recovery key. If you lose it, youll lose access to all the files on your PC  and so you should store it with your Microsoft account online unless you have a good reason not to.

If you choose not to store your BitLocker recovery key with your Microsoft account online, youll want to store it somewhere else safe and secure. You may want to print it on a piece of paper and store it in a physical safe, for example. Its also a good idea to have up-to-date backups of your files, whether in the cloud or on a local storage device.
At a glance Expert's Rating Pros A gaming laptop for $800

Lots of ports

Good build quality for the price range Cons Entry-level GPU

Slow CPU performance

Very low battery life Our Verdict The Lenovo LOQ15 has better build quality than the average gaming laptop in this price range, but its performance is still on the low side. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today

The Lenovo LOQ 15 with AMD Ryzen 5 hardware is a budget gaming laptop through and through. For $799 or less, this 15-inch machine can play the latest games at low settings. But, while Lenovo has delivered a reasonable package here, theres no getting around this machines low-end GPU and CPU.

This machine can do the job, and thats admirable. Lenovo delivered decent build quality and lots of ports. But the CPU and GPU here are about the bare minimum of whats acceptable in a gaming laptop at the end of 2024 and the battery life is unusually low.

Lenovo LOQ 15: Specs

The Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9 is a 15.6-inch gaming laptop with an AMD CPU. Lenovo offers several different models of this machine. The Lenovo LOQ we reviewed is the $799 model with a four-core AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS CPU, 12 GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU with 6 GB of VRAM, and a 512 GB SSD.

Model number: 15ARP9

15ARP9 CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS

AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS Memory: 12 GB DDR5 RAM

12 GB DDR5 RAM Graphics/GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 6GB

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 6GB Display: 15.6-inch 19201080 IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate

15.6-inch 19201080 IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate Storage: 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD

512 GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD Webcam: 720p webcam

720p webcam Connectivity: 1x USB Type-C (USB 3.2), 3x USB Type-A (USB 3.2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo audio jack 1x Ethernet, 1x DC power in

1x USB Type-C (USB 3.2), 3x USB Type-A (USB 3.2), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo audio jack 1x Ethernet, 1x DC power in Networking: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3

Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 Biometrics: None

None Battery capacity: 60 Watt-hours

60 Watt-hours Dimensions: 0.94 x 14.17 x 10.19 inches

0.94 x 14.17 x 10.19 inches Weight: 5.39 pounds

5.39 pounds MSRP: $799 as tested

Its hard to argue with a 15-inch gaming laptop for $799 that can play the latest games, even if it is at low detail settings. And its especially hard to argue with this machine when Lenovo has put an unusual amount of effort into the build quality.

Lenovo LOQ 15: Design and build quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo LOQ 15 is a 15.6-inch gaming laptop that uses a lot of grays and blacks. It doesnt have the gamer aesthetic found on many gaming laptops. The only visible signs its a gaming laptop are the LOQ logo on the lid and the fact that its rather chunky compared to the average thin-and-light laptop.

The Lenovo LOQ 15 uses a lot of plastic in its chassis, which is no surprise for a bargain-priced gaming laptop. At 5.39 pounds, its also a little on the heavy side for a gaming laptop of this size.

Lenovo has done a great job with the build quality here, plastic and weight aside. Its solid and well put together with no weird flexing. The hinge feels good, and its easy to open the laptop with one hand. Its unusually good for the price range.

There is a good amount of bloatware preinstalled here  lots of pop-up messages out of the box, including from McAfee. You can uninstall this stuff, of course.

Lenovo LOQ 15: Keyboard and trackpad

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo LOQ 15 has a full-size keyboard complete with a number pad at the right side. The keyboard offers a white backlight.

This laptops keyboard is spacious and feels reasonable to type on. Its not mushy, but there is a bit of a soft feel when you bottom out each key. The activation isnt as crisp as it would be on a high-end ThinkPad or a mechanical keyboard, for example. But again, this is an $800 gaming laptop, so were not expecting the very best feel from the keys here. Theyre pretty good and I had no problem playing PC games with this keyboard.

The trackpad is a good size  on the larger side, but it doesnt feel too large. While its plastic like the rest of the laptop, it feels nice and smooth and very response, with a click-down action that also feels great. This is a great trackpad for the price point.

Lenovo LOQ 15: Display and speakers

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo LOQ 15 has a 15.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 19201080 and a refresh rate of 144 Hz. The biggest problem with the display is its low maximum brightness. At 300 nits, this is a dim display and I had to crank it way up to enjoy playing games on it.

The display looks okay aside from that  but, naturally, just okay. You wont find the vivid colors of an OLED here nor will you find the more accurate color reproduction of a more expensive IPS panel.

Still, its not bad. 19201080 makes sense as a resolution to play games on given this machines hardware. And 144 Hz is a reasonable refresh rate, too. (For the record, this isnt a touch screen).

The speakers arent great. Firing up Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, I aimed to give the speakers a longer test drive than I managed  but I quickly had to plug in headphones for better audio quality. The speakers are on the quiet side, too. Theyll be okay for listening to a YouTube video or online meeting, but youll want to plug in a good pair of headphones or external speakers for gaming. Still, this is to be expected for a budget gaming laptop in this price range.

Lenovo LOQ 15: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo LOQ 15 includes a 720p front-facing camera. Lets be honest here: This is a 720p webcam on an $800 gaming laptop. We know this isnt going to be the best webcam for online meetings.

The picture it produces is a little low-resolution, sure  its a 720p webcam. Still, as far as 720p webcams in $800 gaming laptops go, its fine. Youll be able to use it in an online meeting now and then.

Lenovo includes a physical webcam shutter switch on the right side of the laptop, which is great to see  and also the kind of feature you dont necessarily expect to see on a budget gaming laptop.

The built-in microphone is surprisingly good. It doesnt have the absolute best audio quality. But it produces very clear audio. Using it for voice chat while playing some Diablo IV, my companions were happy with its clarity.

Unfortunately, this laptop doesnt offer any biometrics. Theres no fingerprint reader or IR camera for Windows Hello sign-in. These are convenient ways to quickly sign into Windows. But it makes sense that Lenovo would omit these components to keep the cost down.

Lenovo LOQ 15: Connectivity

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo LOQ 15 offers a good selection of ports. On the left side, there are no ports  instead, Lenovo places many of this machines ports on the back of the laptop. Thats where I like to see them to keep the cables out of the way.

On the back of the laptop, youll find a DC power in port, two USB Type-A ports, one HDMI 2.1 out port, and an Ethernet jack.

On the right side of the laptop, youll find a third USB Type-A port along with a USB Type-C port and a combo audio jack  plus a physical webcam shutter switch.

Its a good collection of ports, complete with an Ethernet jack, which is something you dont see on many gaming laptops. Its worth noting that all the USB ports are USB 3.2  no USB4 speeds here. And, with just one USB Type-C port, this machine is weighted toward the older USB Type-A standard  not a problem for many gamers, to be sure.

This laptop features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 hardware. Its no surprise that this machine doesnt feature Wi-Fi 7 support, but it would be nice to at least see it support Wi-Fi 6E.

Lenovo LOQ 15: Performance

The Lenovo LOQ 15 combines an AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS CPU with 12 GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. There are two variants of the GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, and this machine has one with 6 GB of VRAM  an important upgrade over the lower-end 4 GB variant.

Still, theres no getting around it: This is budget hardware. Its an entry-level GPU along with just 12 GB of system RAM  many gaming laptops now start at 16 GB. The AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS CPU here only has four cores, too. Its budget hardware at a budget price.

In real-world gaming, it performed alright. I fired up the demanding new Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and found it was playable (at low settings). Thats confirmation that this machine can get the job done.

Also, the cooling seems to work well. I love that the fans blow hot air out of the back of the laptop instead of the sides. The keyboard stays reasonably cool to the touch. And the fans, while audible, arent particularly loud  especially by the standards of a budget gaming laptop.

Anecdotes aside, we ran the Lenovo LOQ 15 through our standard benchmarks to see how it performs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an idea of overall system performance. With an overall PCMark 10 score of 6,059, this machine is in the back of the pack as far as gaming laptops go. The Acer Nitro V 15 costs $50 more than this machine and offers a little extra performance.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Next, we run Cinebench R20. This is a heavily multithreaded benchmark that focuses on overall CPU performance. Its a quick benchmark, so cooling under extended workloads isnt a factor. But, since its heavily multithreaded, CPUs with more cores have a huge advantage.

The Lenovo LOQ 15s AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS CPU only has four cores, so its no surprise to see it in the back of the pack here, too. A score of 2,763 is low. Its worth noting that this is multithreaded performance, and this score is not representative of real game performance.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We also run an encode with Handbrake. This is another heavily multithreaded benchmark, but it runs over an extended period. This demands the laptops cooling kick in, and many laptops will throttle and slow down under load.

The Lenovo LOQ 15 took 1,934 seconds to complete the encode process  thats over 32 minutes. Once again, this is a slow result on a heavily multithreaded benchmark due to the CPUs low core count.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Next, we run a graphical benchmark. This is a gaming laptop, so these gaming-focused benchmarks will tell us more about how the laptop will perform in PC games. First, we run 3Dmark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU performance.

With a 3DMark Time Spy score of 5,511, the Lenovo LOQ 15 is on the slow side when it comes to graphical performance  though certainly faster than the average laptop with integrated graphics. The main issue here is that entry-level Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU.

After that, we run the benchmarks built into some games. First, we use the built-in benchmark in Shadow of the Tomb Raider to test all the gaming laptops we review. Its an older game, but its a great way to compare graphical performance across different PCs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo LOQ 15 delivered an average of 76 FPS with our standard Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark settings  with the highest settings at 1080p resolution. No surprise again  its a lower score due to that RTX 3050 GPU.

Finally, we run the built-in benchmark in Metro Exodus. This is a more demanding game, and we set the benchmark to 1080p resolution at the Extreme detail setting.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo LOQ 15 scored 23 FPS in this benchmark. Once again, this score is low  and that entry-level Nvidia GPU is likely the main cause. While 23 FPS isnt an ideal playable frame rate for this game, you will of course be able to lower graphical settings and achieve a playable experience in this game.

Overall, the Lenovo LOQ 15 delivers low-end gaming performance. With its entry-level Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU and four-core AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS CPU, this isnt a particularly fast gaming laptop. Still, the performance here is faster than youll see with integrated graphics, and it can play games. For $800, thats something.

Lenovo LOQ 15: Battery life

The Lenovo LOG 15 has a 60 Watt-hour battery. Gaming laptops generally arent known for their long battery life, and this is a fairly small battery for such a larger laptop. That makes sense, as a larger battery costs more and Lenovo is on price and gaming performance here  not long battery life.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Steel on repeat in the Movies & TV app on Windows 11 with airplane mode enabled until the laptop suspends itself. We set the screen to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmarks, which meant cranking this machines brightness way up. This is a best-case scenario for any laptop since local video playback is so efficient, and real battery life in day-to-day use is always going to be less than this.

The Lenovo LOQ lasted 196 minutes  thats a bit over three hours  before suspending itself in our standard battery test. Thats on the low end even for a gaming laptop.

Heres why: The AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS chip here does not include any integrated graphics. That means what, while on battery, the machine is always using the power-hungry Nvidia GeForce 3050 GPU. Combined with a battery thats on the small side, this results in poor battery life.

This machine just doesnt prioritize battery life. If thats important to you, look elsewhere  and ensure your machine of choice has an integrated GPU.

Lenovo LOQ 15: Conclusion

The Lenovo LOQ 15s benchmarks tell a clear story: This isnt a particularly fast gaming laptop. On the other hand, its only $799  and the build quality is unusually good for the price range.

Its hard to argue with a 15-inch gaming laptop for $799 that can play the latest games, even if it is at low detail settings. And its especially hard to argue with this machine when Lenovo has put an unusual amount of effort into the build quality.

Still, I would encourage you to spend a bit more on a gaming laptop if you could. PCWorlds favorite gaming laptop under $1,000 is currently the Acer Nitro V 16. It costs a bit more, but it delivers much better performance.

I also recommend keeping an eye on gaming laptop deals. You can get a faster gaming laptop for about $800 if you shop the laptop sales  and weve got a great regularly-updated guide to laptop sales here at PCWorld.

On the other hand, you might find this laptop on sale, too. Perhaps its hundreds of dollars off while youre reading this! Now that would be an exciting deal. If youre wondering whether this machine can do the job, the answer is yes. It may be an especially good value if the price drops further and you dont have particularly demanding gaming needs.
CES doesnt just introduce the world to a new generation of consumer electronics, but new PC hardware as well. CES 2025 should be the opportunity for both Intel and AMD to launch new mobile processors for 2025 laptops, with possibly Qualcomm discussing new PC CPUs, too.

Intel is a virtual lock to launch its Core H- and -HX series of Arrow Lake mobile processors for gaming laptops at Januarys CES show in Las Vegas, both from its own statements and LGs announcement of its new Arrow Lake laptops.

The momentum has clearly swung to AMD, however, which has announced a launch date of January 6, 2025 for new PC and graphics products. Here, were expecting AMD to announce both new desktop processors  including new iterations of its fantastic Ryzen 9000X3D gaming processors  but also Strix Halo chips with ultra-powerful integrated graphics aimed at the mobile gaming market. Could we even see additional CPUs for handhelds, too? Its likely.

Qualcomms crystal ball is a bit murkier, but remember: Qualcomm has already announced its next-generation Oryon CPU cores for smartphones. Eventually, we expect them to debut inside of a PC processor, too.

Further reading: The next generation of PC graphics will kick off at CES 2025

Intels mobile Arrow Lake debuts

Anyone whos followed the laptop market knows that Intel still commands a decided advantage over AMD in terms of the number of devices available, especially in gaming. This isnt likely to change within 2025. In fact, you can make the argument that Intels decision to prioritize low power over high performance with its Arrow Lake desktop processors  which contributed to a steep drop in Intel desktop market share in 2024  might be viewed more favorably in notebooks which can benefit from longer battery life. That argument makes more sense backing up a Core H-series part, which isnt as desperate for performance as a Core HX chip is.

Intel

Regardless, leaks have already suggested that these new Core Ultra (Arrow Lake) mobile chips will feature five new models, from the Core Ultra 5 225H on up to the Core Ultra 9 285H, with a total of 6 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and a pair of the new Low Power Efficiency cores, with no hyperthreading. The same leaker suggests that Intels Core HX series could lead with a 24-core 285X flagship (8 P-cores, 16 E-cores, with no dedicated low-power efficiency cores) on down to the 235HX. Its also suggested that these new HX chips will use older Xe GPUs for integrated graphics, in part because theyre traditionally paired with discrete GPUs.

Moores Law is Dead, which has an iffy reputation among leakers, has suggested (via Notebookcheck.net) that Arrow Lake will be 14 percent faster than the 13th-gen Raptor Lake architecture using the Cinebench benchmark, but with power consumption that is surprisingly about the same.

Last year saw Intels Core HX go up against the Core Ultra as a two-pronged approach to productivity and gaming performance. Expect Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake to do the same in 20525. Mark Hachman / IDG

What does seem to be the case, however, is that Intels Lunar Lake chips wont be going away. So 2025s notebook lineup will likely include productivity laptops that run on Intels Lunar Lake, with the Arrow Lake architecture taking over on the gaming and performance front. Unfortunately, theyll all be using similar Core Ultra branding, so youll need to pay attention.

AMDs cavalcade of CPUs

As someone who touches more notebooks than desktops, AMDs Strix Halo definitely interests me. Whether intentionally or not, AMD has made an effort to keep up with its competition in the low-power notebook space, but still finds itself atop the heap in terms of performance. And theres definitely something to be said for that, as a number of customers simply prefer buying the fastest processor available for gaming and otherwise.

Officially, AMDs Strix Point should be named the Ryzen AI Max, complementing the low-power Ryzen AI 300 family with a Ryzen AI Max 395+ processor. A leaker (Golden Pig Upgrade Pack  where do these leakers come up with these names?) suggests via Toms Hardware that we could see AMD announce three processors: the 16-core Ryzen AI Max+ 395, the 12-core Ryzen AI Max 390, and the 8-core Ryzen AI Max 385. Strix Halo is said to include a pair of Zen 5 CCDs with a LPDDR5X memory interface, too.

Its tie for AMDs Strix Point to give way to Strix Halo. MSI

The question, as Toms suggests, will be whether AMD attaches a large GPU  the AI Max+ 395 is said to have an RDNA 3.5-based GPU with 2560 stream processors, which would massively outperform an ordinary Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 or Strix Point processor. The question is whether PC makers will also attach a discrete GPU, or simply let the APUs graphics horsepower carry the load. But that may come at a cost, with power climbing to 120W to 130W all by itself.

The limited launch of the single AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D also points to more to come on the desktop front. The 9800X3D chip obliterated the competition  but it was a single chip! Thats led to suggestions that AMD has a 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X3D and a 16-core Ryzen 9 9950X3D chip waiting to be announced by AMD at CES, as a loose-lipped Asus executive indicated. If nothing else, that should help alleviate AMDs supply crunch, which has squeezed supplies of the chip since launch.

CPUs are typically considered part of one of two categories: desktop, and mobile. But the mobile definition has expanded to include both laptops as well as handheld gaming PCs. In the latter category, as in consoles, AMD has dominated. But Intel is expected to make a push into the category with Lunar Lake at CES. AMD, meanwhile, is expected to respond with the Ryzen Z2, the sequel to the Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme chip for handheld PCs.

Handheld PCs are the nw battleground for mobile CPUs. PCWelt/Asus/Amazon

AMDs Z1 and Z1 Extreme, launched in 2023, are based on the Zen 4 architecture; the Z1 included six primary cores and 12 threads, with 4 RDNA 3 graphics units. The Extreme variant increased the number of cores from six to eight, but tripled the RDNA 3 units to a total of twelve.

Details on the upcoming chips are a little skimpy, but we could see the Z2 Extreme, the vanilla Z2, and the Z2G or Z2 Go. The Extreme is said to boast eight CPU cores (3 Zen 5, 5 Zen5c) with 12 CUs based on the Strix Point and RDNA 3.5 GPU architecture. The vanilla Z2 could also use eight cores and 12 CUs, based on AMDs Hawk Point graphics, while the G variant could be built around the older Ryzen 6000 and an RDNA 2 GPU. Again, while the features are all speculation and rumor, it does seem likely that AMD has something up its sleeve for the handheld PC market at CES.

Could we see more AM4 and AM5 boards and chipsets announced at CES? Thats possible, too. Either way, AMD should have a lot to talk about in just a few days.

A Qualcomm conundrum

While both AMD and Qualcomm will host press events on Jan. 6, Qualcomm has its fingers in enough pies to avoid needing to make a PC announcement at CES. Instead, Im expecting to hear more information (and spin) about Arms litigation against Qualcomm, which was largely settled over the holidays in favor of Qualcomm. I interpreted that to mean that little has changed, and that Qualcomm can continue to sell Snapdragon processors without issue. But Id expect a formal clarification on that from Qualcomm chief executive Cristiano Amon from a CES podium.

Qualcomm spent the fall showing off its Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, but for smartphones. Anyron Copeman / Foundry

In October, Qualcomm launched an updated, second-generation Oryon CPU core as part of its Snapdragon 8 Elite platform for handheld PCs. Snapdragon 8 Elite reportedly consumes 44 percent less power while offering 45 percent more multi-core performance versus the previous Snapdragon 8 core, Qualcomm says. Eventually, Id expect, it will be the foundation for the next Snapdragon X Elite platform.

I dont think this happens at CES 2025, however. Its more likely this takes place at Computex this summer, when Qualcomm has typically launched processors for new computing platforms. In the meantime, Qualcomm has done an admirable job working with developers and solving compatibility problems with the Windows on Arm platform, and this type of announcement seems likely for CES. We could also see a wave of new laptops powered by Qualcomms more affordable Snapdragon X Plus chips, which were announced earlier this fall.

Nevertheless, this looks to be the busiest CES in some time, especially because Nvidia and AMD are expected to launch new GPUs, too. The PCWorld team is headed to Las Vegas this weekend to cover all the news as it happens. The holidays are over; the chip wars are heating up once again. Make sure to bookmark PCWorlds CES hub to keep up!
I was really expecting Samsung to go bigger with its OLED gaming monitors this year. Not so, at least not yet. Instead, the company is focusing on blazing-fast speed.

Like MSI and Asus previously announced, Samsung has new offerings that can hit as much as 500Hz of refresh. Theres also a new 27-inch 4K panel, if youre more interested in high-res gameplay.

Samsung

The newest Odyssey OLED G8 is the headliner, showing off a 4K OLED panel in a relatively small form factor of 27 inches. That makes the G81SF ideal for a desktop with a lot of power and not a lot of space. At just 240Hz, it isnt the fastest thing around, though it should still be more than adequate enough for all but the most demanding of esports fanatics.

For said fanatics, theres the OLED G6 (G60SF, in the header image). Using the same 27-inch 25601440 panel as MSI and Asus revealed earlier this week, its hitting an incredible 500Hz. Thats the kind of pixel-pushing power that only the most powerful gaming PCs on the market can manage, at least with the latest 3D games. Other highlights include 0.03ms response time and support for the highest levels of AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync.

Samsung is also showing off the ViewFinity S8, a larger-format 37-inch monitor with a 4K resolution. This ones definitely more of an all-rounder than a gaming display, with a certification from Germanys TUV Rheinland for Ergonomic Workspace Display. It also packs an integrated KVM switch, 90 watts of charging over USB-C, and various options for eye fatigue reduction.

Samsung

Samsung wheeled out its latest attempt at glasses-free 3D, but this is something weve seen before, specifically last September. Weirdly, for this pre-CES press push, the company is only mentioning the 27-inch (G90XF) model, which uses front-facing stereo cameras to adjust its lenticular display for the users eyes. The monitor can analyze and convert 2D video into 3D using AI, something that wasnt in the press release last year. Well see if this one makes it out to consumers.

As Samsung is wont to do, none of the new displays have prices or release dates available at the moment.
Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel  the two companies involved in a proposed billion-dollar acquisition  didnt mince words in a statement Friday regarding President Joe Bidens decision to block the deal, saying that Biden has sacrificed the future of American steelworkers for his own political agenda and that the move was unlawful.

Biden said in an order that he believes there is credible evidence that through the proposed acquisition of the United States Steel Corporation, Nippon Steel Corporation might take action that could impair the national security of the United States.

In 2023, the Japan-based Nippon announced it would acquire the Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $14.1 billion.

In a joint statement, the two companies said they were, dismayed by President Bidens decision ... which reflects a clear violation of due process and the law governing CFIUS (The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States). Instead of abiding by the law, the process was manipulated to advance President Bidens political agenda. The Presidents statement and Order do not present any credible evidence of a national security issue, making clear that this was a political decision. Following President Bidens decision, we are left with no choice but to take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights.

Since the outset of the regulatory review process, we have diligently and transparently engaged with CFIUS. The record before CFIUS is abundantly clear that this transaction, with the commitments made by Nippon Steel, would strengthen, not weaken, national security. Yet, it is clear that the CFIUS process was deeply corrupted by politics, and the outcome was pre-determined, without an investigation on the merits, but to satisfy the political objectives of the Biden White House. It is shocking  and deeply troubling  that the U.S. government would reject a pro-competitive transaction that advances U.S. interests and treat an ally like Japan in this way. Unfortunately, it sends a chilling message to any company based in a U.S. allied country contemplating significant investment in the United States.

Nippon Steel said it had previously voluntarily committed to various mitigation measures to address any concerns. Those included: Having a majority of the board of directors of U. S. Steel be composed of U.S. citizens; having three independent directors who will be approved by CFIUS; ensuring that key positions such as CEO and CFO will be U.S. citizens; removing any Nippon Steel involvement in trade measures proposed by U. S. Steel; prohibiting the transfer of any production and jobs outside the U.S.; guaranteeing that production capacity at U. S. Steels facilities in Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Alabama, Indiana and Texas would not be reduced for ten years without approval from CFIUS; regularly reporting to CFIUS on the status of compliance with the national security agreement; and allowing CFIUS to send an observer to the board of directors.

The two companies said they were disappointed in Bidens decision and would take appropriate action.

We will never give up on pursuing business in the U.S. for the benefit of the U.S. domestic stakeholders, the statement said. We continue to believe that a partnership between Nippon Steel and U. S. Steel is the best way to ensure that U. S. Steel, and particularly its USW-represented facilities, will be able to compete and thrive well into the future  and we will work closely with stakeholders, including government officials from Japan and allies and partners in the U.S., to take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights and secure that future.

Bidens orders said the two companies should take all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the proposed transaction no later than 30 days after the date of the order unless that date is extended by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also weighed in on Bidens order on Friday.

As next steps play out and as I have expressed directly to U.S. Steel leadership, I expect U.S. Steel to uphold their commitments to Western Pennsylvania, refrain from threatening the jobs and livelihoods of the Pennsylvanians who work at the Mon Valley Works and at U.S. Steel HQ and their families, and work collaboratively to ensure the future of American steelmaking takes place right here in our Commonwealth, he said in a statement. I also expect any other potential buyers to demonstrate the strong commitments to capital investment and protecting and growing Pennsylvania jobs that Nippon Steel placed on the table during my continued dialogue with their leadership  and I will continue to engage with all interested parties directly as I continue to fight for Pennsylvania.

This matter is far from over  we must find a long-term solution that protects the future of steelmaking in Western Pennsylvania and the workers who built U.S. Steel and built this country, Shapiro said.
A former Pittsburgh-area man who federal officials say traveled to Lebanon and Syria to join the terrorist group Hezbollah has been indicted on a terrorism offense and for lying to the FBI, the U.S. Dept. of Justice announced on Thursday.

Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempting to support a foreign terrorist organization and for making false statements involving international terrorism to a department or agency of the United States.

Molloy was previously charged with making false statements on Dec. 6. He was arrested in Chicago that day and transported by the U.S. Marshals Service to Pittsburgh on Dec. 30.

From around August through December, in various locations in Pennsylvania and overseas, Molloy attempted to provide material support and resources to Hezbollah, the U.S. Dept. of Justice said.

Hezbollah (also known as Hizballah), an Iran-backed militia and a United States-designated foreign terrorist organization, was formed in the wake of the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and has conducted numerous terrorist attacks against Israeli and Western targets, including against American military and diplomatic personnel, according to the U.S. Dept. of Justice.

The federal government says Molloy  a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, who previously served on active-duty status in the U.S. Army from mid-March to late April in 2019  traveled to Lebanon in August and attempted to join Hezbollah.

While in Lebanon, the U.S. Department of Justice says Molloy was told by multiple individuals that the time was not right to join the terrorist group and that he needed to take other steps before he could join the terrorist organization.

Molloy then traveled from Lebanon to Syria in October in an effort to fight for Hezbollah in Syria, the federal government said.

After returning to the United States, Molloy resided in Upper St. Clair, a Pittsburgh suburb, where he continued his attempts to join the terrorist organization including through communication with individuals online and in Lebanon, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Federal officials said that Molloy expressed his hatred toward, and promoted violence against, Jewish people.

Federal officials said his animus toward Jewish people was evidenced by multiple images and videos on his electronic devices and the usernames he chose for his social media and email accounts, including a username on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that included an offensive term for Jewish people.

In one WhatsApp exchange with a family member, Molloy agreed that his master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews, according to federal officials.

The indictment further alleges that, upon arriving at the Pittsburgh International Airport on Oct. 20, 2024, Molloy lied to agents of the FBI when he told them (1) that he had no current or future plans to become involved with Hezbollah, and (2) that he had no business in, nor was he meeting with anyone, in Syria, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release. These statements and representations were false because Molloy knew at that time that (1) he did have current and future plans to become involved with Hizballah and (2) Molloy traveled to Syria in furtherance of his attempts to join Hizballah, and while in Syria, set up a meeting with an individual there.

If convicted, Molloy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for a material support charge. For false statement charges, he faces a maximum penalty of eight years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
Joshua Nassaru Ward, a vocalist and drummer for the metal band Voraath, was killed in a New Years Eve car crash, per Loudwire.

The site said hat Ward, his girlfriend and two friends were pulling out a driveway in Greenville, South Carolina in an SUV when they were hit by a car. The site said the SUV was pushed off the road and struck a tree, and that all four inside died.

Ward, 37, was survived by a son, Kai, per Loudwire.

The site said that the driver of the car, identified as Nicholas Shane Meeks, was arrested by the Greenville County Sheriffs Office and charged with four counts of felony DUI involving death, as well as driving with a suspended license.

The site reported that Meeks was also charged with a DUI back in March of 2024.

A GoFundMe started to help cover the cost of Wards funeral has raised nearly $18,000.

Josh dedicated his life to the music he created, the martial arts he practiced and instilled into everyone who had the privilege of training with him, and last but not least his son, Kai, the post reads. We are all devastated by this loss and were not prepared for the high cost of service. We want to give Josh the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes.

Voraath has yet to address Wards death on its Facebook page, but the band posted on New Years Eve, celebrating the success of their first album, and expressing excitement for their sophomore offering.
Homes in Chester County are under siege.

Pesky insects are irritating homeowners in whats considered the United States mushroom capital.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, folks in places such as Kennett Square and Avondale  the former being he aforementioned mushroom capital  have noticed an uptick in the phorid fly population.

Theres flies in the exhaust vents, theres flies attached to the light fixtures, says one Avondale resident, Brendan Nerney, to the publication. Im in the shower, I lift up the shampoo bottle, and theyre hiding underneath. Theyre everywhere.

The Chester County Press reports that Kennett Borough offices are, in fact, flooded with complaints about the species, which prefer to breed in mushrooms and composting facilities.

This year by far has been the worst, says Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick. We have had more people reaching out than ever before and it was very clear and obvious this year that it was different than usual.

While the flies can be around in the warmer months of July and August, they typically are worse by the fall because as they breed and continue to grow, they begin to invade homes.

A 2023 Penn State Extension article explains how these small flies  the smallest in the world, actually, and which are also known as humpbacked, coffin, and scuttle flies  are part of a large family with more than 3,500 species worldwide.

Theyre additionally, states the Inquirer, causing millions in damage to the $1.1 billion mushroom industry as they eat and breed the crop. So much so that researchers have been granted money from the state to eliminate the species.

Each year it has gotten a little bit worse and a little bit worse, added Fetick. I would get two or three complains every year. This year, by mid-October, it was almost 40 people.
For the retreat and transfer of military equipment from the Syrian Republic to Libya, the Russian army plans to use a group of ships consisting of two large landing ships and dry cargo vessels, the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports.

"On January 5, 2025, the Russian large landing ships Ivan Grin and Alexander Otrakovsky, as well as the dry cargo ship Sparta, are planning to arrive in the Syrian port - they are currently on the way to Tartus in the Mediterranean Sea," the Agency said in a Telegram message.

It is indicated that Chief of Staff of the 121st Brigade of Landing Ships of the Russian Fleet, Captain 1st Rank Yuri Albertovich Davityan, is on board the Russian Northern Fleet's large landing ship Alexander Otrakovsky.

The report says that at the naval base in the Syrian city of Tartus, the Russians are waiting for their warships to remove military equipment and weapons; in particular, mercenaries of the African Corps controlled by the Russian Defense Ministry are also on the territory of the base.

"On January 8, 2025, two more Russian ships are planning to call at Tartus - the general cargo ship Sparta II and the tanker Ivan Skobelev, which are currently planning to cross the Strait of Gibraltar. The Russians plan to use the cargo ships Sparta and Sparta II to transport military equipment and weapons from Syria to Libya," the Agency reports.

According to the intelligence service, another military ship from the Russian Navy's task force in the Mediterranean, the frigate Admiral Golovko, plans to refuel.

The report notes that, most likely, at one of the airfields in Vladimir region (Russia), armored personnel carriers taken out of Syria were unloaded.

It was previously reported that the Russians are carrying out an emergency dismantling of equipment and military property in the Syrian port of Tartus. Several hundred Russian special forces have already arrived there to ensure the safety of the retreat.
Swedish theatrical, metal rock band is going on a world tour this year and it includes two stops this summer in Pennsylvania.

Fans can see them on Friday, July 18, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh; and on Saturday, July 19, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Fans can buy tickets here (prices are as of the time of this publication):

July 18 - Pittsburgh

July 19 - Philadelphia

The Grammy Award-winning band will start the tour on April 15 in Manchester, United Kingdom. It is the groups largest tour yet and includes its first-ever show at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The North American leg of the tour starts on July 9 at CFG Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. Other North American stops include:

July 11 - Atlanta, Georgia

July 12 - Tampa, Florida

July 13 - Miami, Florida

July 15 - Raleigh, North Carolina

July 17 - Cleveland, Ohio

July 21 - Boston, Massachusetts

July 22 - New York, New York

July 24 - Detroit, Michigan

July 25 - Louisville, Kentucky

July 26 - Nashville, Tennessee

July 28 - Grand Rapids, Michigan

July 29 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

July 30 - St. Louis, Missouri

Aug. 1 - Rosemont, Illinois

Aug. 2 - St. Paul, Minnesota

Aug. 3 - Omaha, Nebraska

Aug. 5 - Kansas City, Missouri

Aug. 7 - Denver, Colorado

Aug. 9 - Las Vegas, Nevada

Aug. 10 - San Diego, California

Aug. 11 - Phoenix, Arizona

Aug. 14 - Austin, Texas

Aug. 15 - Fort Worth, Texas

Aug. 16 - Houston, Texas
By Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

Both the vehicles used in New Years Day attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas were rented through Turo, a car-sharing app.

The attacks thrust the San Francisco company that created the app, which relies on a model similar to Airbnb to enable users to rent cars directly from their owners, into the spotlight and raised questions about the ability of such peer-to-peer services to adequately vet users for possible safety issues.

In a statement, the company defended itself, saying its committed to the highest standards in risk management.

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, Turo said in a statement Wednesday. We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents.

In the first incident early Wednesday morning, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed a Ford pickup truck he rented on Turo into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 14 and injuring many others before being killed by police.

Later that day, a man authorities believe to be 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger parked a Tesla Cybertruck he had rented days earlier in Denver in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Seconds later, fuel canisters and fireworks packed into the trucks bed exploded, slightly wounding seven bystanders. The drivers body was found with a gunshot wound, leading authorities to conclude Livelsberger shot himself.

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 via AP)AP

Founded in 2009 by former Chief Executive Shelby Clark, privately held Turo operates in more than 16,000 cities and serves 3.5 million active guests. The app offers more than 1,600 makes and models of vehicles and has helped vehicle owners earn $4.8 billion since its inception, a company filing said.

The app works by connecting renters to car owners seeking to share their vehicles for a profit. Users can search for cars by location and communicate directly with owners to arrange a pickup. Owners set their daily rates, and theres a $15 minimum requirement for each trip.

According to the companys website, a user must have a valid drivers license, home address and payment card to rent a vehicle. Turo may also check a potential renters credit report and criminal background, the website says.

The company said it was heartbroken by the violence perpetrated and employs world-class trust and safety protocols, including hiring former law enforcement professionals.

Turo claims to be the worlds largest car-sharing marketplace and offers an alternative to traditional rental companies such as Hertz and Enterprise. Founded as a venture-capital-backed startup, the company first filed paperwork to make an initial public offering in 2022 but has yet to go public.

This is not the first time Turo vehicles have been associated with criminal activity. In 2021, a Houston woman was charged with committing a series of robberies, which she allegedly carried out using seven cars rented through Turo. Rentals from Turo and Getaround have also been stolen and involved in drug trafficking, according to NBC News.

The owner of the pickup used in the New Orleans attack told The New York Times that he recognized his vehicle on the news. He had been renting out five vehicles on Turo as a second income stream but will not use the platform after the attacks, he said.
A New Jersey lawmaker who runs his familys zoo in Sussex County is recovering after being bitten on his finger while feeding mice to rattlesnakes.

State Sen. Parker Space said he was bitten by the venomous snake around noon on Monday and received 14 vials of antivenom over the next two days at Newton Medical Center before he was flown on New Years Eve to a New York City hospital specializing in snake bites.

It didnt hurt at all to begin with. Then my finger started to swell up. Then it was double the size, Space, a Republican, told NJ Advance Media on Thursday.

Space, 56, said that by Wednesday, the swelling of the middle finger on his left hand was subsiding and he was discharged from the hospital. He said he expects to make a full recovery.

On Thursday, he was back at Space Farms Zoo and Museum in Wantage and had resumed feeding the snakes, including one that bit him  an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, he said.

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake, a small pit viper, is usually found in the northern midwest of the U.S. and in Ontario, Canada. It is a species that rarely bites people because it is shy and elusive, according to the. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Its not the snakes fault. Its my fault. I must have let my guard down a little bit, Space said of his bite.

Space said he has been feeding snakes at the zoo since he was 12 years old and this was the first time hes been bitten.

He wife, Jill Space, said he was feeding little pinky mice to a group of snakes when it happened.

It was quite an experience, said Jill Space, a Sussex County commissioner.

Parker Space  who represents the states 24th legislative district in the state Senate  said he drove himself from the zoo to the hospital in Newton.

He drove himself to the hospital because he didnt want to tell me, his wife said.

State Sen. Parker Space holds a groundhog at his family's zoo, Space Farms Zoo & Museum in Wantage.Jill Space

At the hospital, he was given 10 vials of antivenom on Monday and another four vials on Tuesday, his wife said. However, the swelling escalated on his full hand and knuckles, and he said doctors were concerned the finger that was bit might split open from the pressure.

On Tuesday night, Space was flown to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, which has a center specializing in snakebites.

It was founded in the 1980s, with the assistance of herpetologists at The Bronx Zoo, and treats five to 10 people a year with snakebite injuries that are sufficiently serious to require antivenom treatments, according to the hospital.

Space Farms Zoo and Museum is home to bobcats, tigers and lions, buffalo, hyena, wild ponies, timber wolves, various types of foxes, bears and deer, leopards, monkeys, jaguars, coyotes, llamas and yaks, according to its website.

The snakes at the zoo include cobras and vipers, along with the rattlensnakes, Parker Space said.

Asked how many snakes he has, Space estimated around 40.

Way too many, his wife said.

Parker Space said he still has some swelling and bruising but is not concerned.

Ill bounce back, he said.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
By JAIMIE DING and DAMIAN DOVARGANES, The Associated Press

FULLERTON, Calif. (AP)  Two people died and 19 were injured Thursday when a small plane crashed through the roof of a sprawling furniture manufacturing building in Southern California where at least 200 people were working, police said.

The people who died were believed to have been on the plane, while those injured were inside the building. The deceased victims will be identified after officials have contacted the next of kin, the Fullerton Police Department said in a statement.

In this image taken from video, shows a gaping hole in a commercial building after a small plane crashed through the rooftop in Fullerton, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (KABC-7 via AP)AP

Firefighters respond to a commercial building where a small plane crashed on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Fullerton, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)AP

Eleven people were taken to hospitals, while eight were treated and released at the scene, police said. The injuries ranged from minor to very serious, said Michael Meacham, Fullerton deputy chief of fire operations.

Eliott Simpson, a National Transportation Safety Board aviation accident investigator, said the pilot asked for an immediate return to the airport at about 900 feet, and the tower confirmed it could immediately land. The pilot did not say why he needed to return.

The plane crashed less than two minutes after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport in Orange County, six miles from Disneyland, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware. The crash occurred about 1,000 feet short of Runway 24, Simpson said.

Security camera footage from Rucci Forged, a wheel manufacturer across the street, shows the plane was tilted on its side as it dove into the building, causing a fiery explosion and black plume of smoke.

This image taken from video, shows a small plane about to crash into a commercial building in Fullerton, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (RUCCI FORGED via AP)AP

Firefighters and police arrived on scene and battled the blaze and evacuated surrounding businesses, Fullerton police spokesperson Kristy Wells said.

Chris Villalobos, an airport operations worker, came to the warehouse to see what had happened after receiving a phone call about a plane going down nearby. He noted the airplanes owner was a regular at the airport and has frequently taken off from there.

He has a hangar here and everything, Villalobos said.

After taking off, the pilot told air traffic control he was going to turn around to make an emergency landing, but it was unclear what the issue with the plane was, Villalobos said.

The building struck by the plane was occupied by Michael Nicholas Designs, a furniture upholstery manufacturer, according to a sign on a door. There appeared to be sewing machines and textile stock inside.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the accident and identified the plane as a single-engine, four-seat Vans RV-10. Simpson of the NTSB said the aircraft was built in 2011 and is a popular kit-built airplane.

The airport in Fullerton has one runway and a heliport. Metrolink, a regional train line, is nearby and flanks a residential neighborhood and commercial warehouse buildings.

Firefighter walk down a ladder outside a building where a plane crash occurred Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Fullerton, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)AP

The Fullerton City Council posted a statement on social media calling the crash a solemn tragedy.

The City of Fullerton is committed to providing support for all those affected and working with the agencies involved to uncover the details of this incident, Mayor Fred Jung said in the statement. We are grateful for the strength of our community and the compassion we show one another in times of crisis.

Another four-seat plane crashed into a tree a half-mile from the airport in November while making an emergency landing shortly after takeoff, The Orange County Register reported. Both people on board suffered moderate injuries.

Fullerton is a city of about 140,000 people about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
Wayne Osmond, the second oldest in the Osmond Brothers band, has died.

He was 73.

His daughter, Amy Cook, shared the news on Facebook.

Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children, Cook wrote. His legacy of faith, music, love and laughter have influence the lives of many people around the world. He would want everyone to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that families are forever, and that banana splits are the best dessert. We love him and will miss him dearly.

Cook wrote that she was having a hard time expressing the depth of my sadness that I wont have my twin in my life for a while.

But I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him, she continued. I am grateful for the incredible memories. I am grateful for his strength, loyalty to our family, incredible talent and energy, and most of all, his love. I look forward to the day when I can see him again on the other side.

I love you, Dad.

His younger brother, Donny Osmond, posted about his death on Instagram and said that he passed away peacefully last night from a stroke.

Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me, he wrote. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone.

The Los Angeles Times noted that Osmond also had surgery for a brain tumor in 1997, and had another stroke in 2012 that left him unable to play guitar.

Osmond was a native of Ogden, Utah.

Along with his brothers Alan, Merrill and Jay, he started The Osmond Brothers. They were considered teen idols.
Until less than a week ago, the contest to become the next chair of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania seemed like a done deal, with virtually every prominent elected Republican coalescing around one candidate.

Now, the knives are out.
FILE - Voting booths are set up at a polling place in Newtown, Pa., Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)AP

Most of the U.S. holds its major primary and general elections in even-numbered years, but there are a handful of places where competitive congressional, state and local-level contests will be happening in 2025.

Here are the races that The Associated Press will be tracking this year:

January

January 7: Virginia holds a special general election to fill two legislative seats, state Senate District and state House District 26. Both seats, which opened up after their current occupants won congressional races, have been spotlighted by national Democrats.

February

February 18: Wisconsin holds primary elections for a seat on the state Supreme Court and the states Superintendent of Public Instruction.

April

April 1: Florida holds two special elections for U.S. House seats. The 1st District  considered a safe Republican seat  is vacant following the resignation of former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as attorney general but later withdrew. Former Rep. Mike Waltz resigned from the 6th District after Trump appointed him to serve as national security adviser.

Also on April 1, Wisconsin holds general elections for a seat on the state Supreme Court and the states Superintendent of Public Instruction.

May

May 20: Pennsylvania holds primary elections for the state Supreme Court, Superior Court, the Pittsburghs mayors race and municipal contests in Philadelphia.

June

June 10: New Jersey holds its primary elections for gubernatorial and legislative races. On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill moving the states primary from June 3 to June 10 in light of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which coincided with the schedule election date.

June 17: Virginia has primaries in races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and House of Delegates.

June 24: New York City has primaries in its mayoral race, as well as other municipal offices.

November

November 4: General elections are held in the New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia contests that had primaries earlier in the year.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Author: Sara Harmouch, American University

The deadly Jan. 1, 2025, attack in New Orleans serves as a reminder of the persistent threat to the U.S. from individuals inspired by extremist Islamist groups.

While the investigation is still ongoing, some details about the suspect have been released. Authorities say Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran, was behind the assault in which a truck was driven into a dense crowd in New Orleans French Quarter a few hours after midnight, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. Jabbar, who died in a shoot-out with police, had pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group in online videos posted on Dec. 31, according to the FBI.

It represents the first major assault on an American city by an individual purportedly influenced by the Islamic State group, or one of its affiliates, since a 2017 truck assault in New York City that killed eight.

The New Orleans attack, like that earlier incident, underscores an important point: While the Islamic State groups territorial caliphate  the area in Syria and Iraq in which it assumed both political and religious authority and sought to enforce its interpretation of Islamic law  has been dismantled, the groups ability to inspire acts of terror on U.S. soil through online propaganda and ideological influence remains alarmingly potent.

As a terrorism expert and a scholar specializing in radical Islamist militant groups, I believe the case of Jabbar  an American solider who was radicalized in the U.S.  echoes similar lone wolf attacksin the West over the past decade.

With lost territory in the Middle East, the Islamic State group has sought to exploit personal grievances, mental health struggles and ideological vulnerabilities, transforming isolated individuals in the West into deadly instruments of violence.

An attack inspired by the Islamic State

The New Years Day attack took place in New Orleans famous French Quarter. At about 3:15 a.m., Jabbar plowed his truck into a dense crowd along the popular Bourbon Street.

In the immediate aftermath, investigators discovered a black banner in his vehicle  the flag used by many Islamist militant groups, including the Islamic State.

While the Islamic State has not yet officially claimed the attack on any of its social media platforms, subsequent reviews of Jabbars online activity revealed videos posted just hours before the incident, in which he pledged allegiance to the group. On Jan. 2, Christopher Raia of the FBIs counterterrorism division said Jabba was 100% inspired by ISIS, using an alternative name for the group.

This undated passport photo provided by the FBI on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, shows Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar. (FBI via AP)AP

Jabbars background adds complexity to the narrative. A 42-year-old veteran, he had no prior known links to extremist networks, according to the FBI, underscoring the challenge posed by self-radicalized individuals who operate outside the scope of traditional terrorist cells.

At this early stage of the investigation, it appears the attack was planned independently, driven by an ideological alignment with the Islamic State group rather than at the direction of any its leaders. This highlights the decentralized and unpredictable nature of the current terrorist threat landscape.

The growing threat of lone actor attacks

At the height of its power in 2014-2015, the Islamic State group controlled significant territory across Syria and Iraq, establishing a self-declared caliphate. While this physical caliphate was dismantled by 2019, following sustained efforts by the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State, the group continues to operate, conduct and inspire attacks.

Lone wolf attacks, inspired by Islamic State group propaganda but lacking direct operational support, have become the hallmark of the post-caliphate era.

By inspiring individuals to carry out attacks independently, the Islamic State group aims to create an atmosphere of fear and instability, demonstrating its global influence despite lacking a physical caliphate.

It has actively sought to radicalize and mobilize individuals in the U.S. through digital platforms, spreading violent narratives and offering tactical guidance to potential attackers.

This strategy allows the group to maintain relevance and project strength despite its physical losses in the Middle East.

The New Orleans incident follows a pattern seen in previous attacks in the West  such as the 2016 Nice truck attack in France, the 2016 Berlin Christmas market attack and the 2017 London Bridge attack. In each case, individuals were motivated by the Islamic State groups call to action, using readily available means  vehicles, knives or firearms  to inflict mass casualties.

This model of terrorism is not only low cost but also difficult for intelligence agencies to intercept, as it often lacks the logistical trail associated with larger, coordinated plots.

Ideological reach and online propaganda

A critical component of the Islamic State groups continued influence is its sophisticated use of online platforms to spread propaganda.

Even after significant efforts by social media companies to dismantle extremist content, the Islamic State group, al-Qaida and their affiliates have adapted by migrating to encrypted messaging services, dark web forums and niche platforms.

These digital spaces enable extremist groups to distribute radical content, call for violence and foster a sense of global community among supporters.

Jabbars apparent radicalization is, I believe, likely to have been driven by such online materials  more will be known when the FBI is through investigating the many phones and laptops agents retrieved after the attack.

Such online propaganda frequently blends religious rhetoric with narratives of personal empowerment and martyrdom. The psychological appeal of Islamic State group propaganda lies in its ability to offer disenfranchised individuals a sense of purpose, framing violence as a form of spiritual fulfillment and resistance against perceived oppression.

The case of Jabbar also raises broader questions about domestic radicalization within the United States.

Individuals like Jabbar  who are not part of any terrorist cell and seemingly have no prior known links to extremism  are often able to operate undetected until they commit acts of violence.

Police say the driver who plowed into a crowded street in New Orleans acted alone but was inspired by the Islamic State group. Michael DeMocker/Getty ImagesMichael DeMocker/Getty Images

Islamist militant groups Western strategy

The Islamic State groups broader strategy in inspiring lone actor attacks extends beyond mere acts of violence.

By inciting terror in Western nations, the group aims to polarize societies, foster anti-Muslim sentiment and provoke overreactions from governments  conditions that can fuel further radicalization and recruitment.

This cycle of violence and social division serves not just the Islamic State group, but other Islamist militant groups long-term objective of destabilizing the West and reinforcing its narrative of a civilizational clash between Islam and the West.

Attacks such as that in New Orleans serve as powerful propaganda tools, demonstrating that the Islamic State groups ideology remains alive despite its territorial losses. Each successful attack amplifies the perception of the Islamic State groups resolve, bolstering the morale of supporters and attracting new recruits.

The New Orleans attack is a sobering reminder that the influence of extremist Islamist groups extends far beyond the borders of the Middle East. As the Islamic State group and other radical militant groups evolve and adapt, the threat of lone wolf attacks looms over the U.S. and other nations.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/new-orleans-attackers-apparent-loyalty-to-islamic-state-group-highlights-persistent-threat-of-lone-wolf-terrorism-246626.
Americas healthcare system is broken. Thats the growing opinion of millions of Americans like Sait Onal, who wrote just that last week in an op-ed about his frustration in trying to get his health insurance company to pay for a CPAP.

The CPAP could help ensure Onal doesnt die in his sleep. But his insurance company is making him jump through bureaucratic hoops to get it.
By Julia Terruso, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

Dave McCormick takes the oath Friday as Pennsylvanias junior senator, bringing a new voice to Washington and giving Republicans a Senate seat in the state after two years of sole ownership by Democrats.

The combat veteran and hedge fund CEOs win against longtime Democratic Sen. Bob Casey has made him a rising star in the Republican Party, earning him national attention even as a freshman a little more than two years after he came up short in the primary during his first run for office.

McCormick is the highest-ranking Republican in the state and has already wielded some of that influence. His preferred choice to lead the state Republican party appears to be a frontrunner in the February election.

And McCormicks Senate campaign has become a national model for the GOP as it looks to extend its wins beyond this year. Despite a national red wave, GOP Senate candidates in several other battleground states fell short this cycle, which highlights McCormicks feat.

Hes coming from a large swing state having knocked off the most recognizable political name in the state of Pennsylvania, GOP strategist Vince Galko said. With Republicans taking control of the Senate, hes one of the reasons why, so its understandable why people see him as a rising star.

McCormick will start a six-year term representing the state in the chamber, where hell have to navigate complex relationships in a GOP-controlled, but still divided, Congress. An open question remains how he charts his own course in President-elect Donald Trumps Washington.

While Democrats note that Trumps strong performance in Pennsylvania likely helped McCormick, along with a flood of super PAC money, McCormick also ran a smart campaign that tapped into the concerns of the Pennsylvania electorate and avoided the pitfalls of celebrity doctor Mehmet Ozs 2022 unsuccessful general election campaign. Some of the money his super PAC raised also helped fuel Republicans more broadly.

Everyone has witnessed the resources he brought to bear in Pennsylvania this year, RNC committeeman Andy Reilly said.

Reilly said McCormick gained the respect of the state party for running again without animosity toward people who slighted him in his first campaign when he narrowly lost the primary to Oz.

He came back after a 900-vote loss to run again without bitterness, but with optimism and an abundance of focused energy, Reilly said. A number of party regulars who had rejected Dave, including Trump, Dave moved forward embracing. Hes used to leading people but understanding people are different. I think hell be the same way as a senator.

McCormick, who held treasury and national security roles in the George W. Bush administration, focused his campaign on securing the border, curbing the flow of illegal drugs, and growing the countrys economy. He has said hell focus on those areas in the Senate.

Hell serve on five committees: Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; Foreign Relations; the Special Committee on Aging; and the Joint Economic Committee.

McCormicks election helped Republicans secure a 53-47 majority in the Senate, which means all committees are led by Republicans.

The 119th Congress will face a host of issues, including a looming debt ceiling debate, Trumps promises to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants, and the incoming presidents 2017 tax cuts, which are set to expire this year.

McCormick will be back in D.C. Monday for Congress most immediate task: certifying Trumps victory in the 2024 presidential election on Jan. 6.

U.S. House members

Pennsylvanias 17-person U.S. House delegation gained two Republican members Friday.

Republicans rode a red wave to win all three of the states most competitive House races, with U.S. Rep. Scott Perry holding onto his central Pennsylvania seat and Ryan Mackenzie and Rob Bresnahan ousting two Democratic incumbents  U.S. Reps. Susan Wild, who served three terms, and Matt Cartwright, who served six terms.

Mackenzie and Bresnahan will raise the number of Pennsylvania Republicans in the House to 10. There are seven Democrats in the U.S. House.

The chamber is narrowly controlled by Republicans this year by the slimmest margin in history. Republicans enter the new Congress with 219 House seats to Democrats 215 (one seat in Florida is vacant after former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetzs resignation).
Previously introduced restrictions on the price of Russian oil, including the price cap have stopped working, even belated decisions that will affect the reduction of the Russian Federation's income from oil sales will be useful, believes adviser to the head of the President's Office of Ukraine Mykhailo Podoliak.

"Having taken the gas lever out of Putin's hands, it is absurd to leave the oil lever at his disposal. The previously imposed restrictions, including the "price ceiling," have ceased to work. Although for some time it was possible to keep the selling price at less than $60 per barrel, Russia was able to adapt. Now, its oil is exported bypassing the sanctions  by a shadowy fleet of tankers with fictitious insurance," Podoliak wrote on the social network X on Friday.

He explained that the biggest drawback of the current restrictions is the impunity of buyers who exceed the price limit.

"Producers in a number of Asian countries are getting rich by refining Russian raw materials into petroleum products that they legally sell to the US and EU," the adviser to the head of the President's Office noted.

"Greater control over oil transportation, ship insurance, and financing of trade operations can turn the tide," he said.

"The most urgent and difficult task falls to diplomats to persuade China and India to abandon gray schemes," Podoliak wrote.

"Sanctions regimes cannot be 100% impenetrable. But the reduction in the Kremlin's oil revenues, given the overstretched economy, will directly affect the shortening of the war against Ukraine. As with the supply of Western weapons, even belated decisions will be useful in this case," Podoliak concluded.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled out three players against the Cincinnati Bengals. Wide receiver Roman Wilson, linebacker Cole Holcomb, and defensive lineman Logan Lee will all not play. None of those three players have a spot on the active roster and are instead in the middle of their 21-day windows to return from injury.

Wilson, Lee, and Holcomb are rather healthy, but there are no roster spots open for them now, and in Lee and Wilsons cases, the Steelers really just want to give them experience in practice with live reps.

Wilson did say he felt better than he had nearly all season, and Lees calf strain had long been healed before he returned on Tuesday. As for Holcomb, it was a symbol of his journey being completed, even if he does not play this season.

Cornerback Donte Jackson is also questionable, as he has a pinched nerve in his lower back. As he continues to manage the injury, Jackson will have to play through pain or shut it down, as this issue will not resolve until he has lots of rest and rehabilitation.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua

Units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kursk region have repelled 17 enemy attacks since the beginning of the day and as of 16:00, another 16 are ongoing, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

"In Kursk region, Ukrainian defenders repelled 17 attacks by the invaders, another 16 clashes are ongoing," the General Staff said in a Telegram report on Friday.

It is reported that Russian troops also carried out three air strikes on Russian territory, dropping three aerial guided bombs.
Top Stories of 2024  GG Buys WSOP; Ivey & Negreanu Win Bracelets | PokerNews Podcast #872

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link

In the 872nd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which kicks off the New Year and Season 16, Chad Holloway, Kyna England and Mike Holtz are all at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas to recap some of the biggest stories from the poker world in 2024.

That includes GGPoker purchasing the World Series of Poker (WSOP), both Daniel Negreanu and Phil Ivey capturing WSOP gold bracelets, poker bots, and Kristen Foxen's remarkable year, which included a deep run in the WSOP Main Event and being inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame. Other stories they touch upon include Nick Vertucci's departure from Hustler Casino Live (HCL), the summer of Scott Seiver, and Triton Poker hitting it out of the park.

Chad then shares a special one-on-one interview he did with 1983 WSOP Main Event champ and Poker Hall of Famer Tom McEvoy to talk about his autobiography Poker Pioneer. McEvoy talks about the biggest moments of his storied career, shows off his extensive poker collection, and shares stories of some of the biggest names in poker including Doyle Brunson, Stu Ungar, and Phil Ivey, just to name a few. When it comes to poker history, few have as much experience as McEvoy, and this is your chance to hear from someone who actually lived it.

The podcast is sponsored by the #1 free-to-play WSOP app. Remember to use bonus code "POKERNEWS" if you download and play for an extra 1,000,000 in chips!

A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Friday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Tell us who you want to hear from. Let us know what you think of the show  tweet about the podcast using #PNPod, and be sure to follow Chad Holloway on X.

Time Stamps

Time Topic 00:08 Welcome Kyna England & Mike Holtz 01:03 Top Story #1  GGPoker buys WSOP 04:46 Top Story #2  Negreanu & Ivey win bracelets 04:28 Phil Ivey winner interview 07:50 Top Story #3  Bots, RTA & Laptopgate 14:03 Top Story #4  Kristen Foxens WSOP Main Event run & Women in Poker Hall of Fame 15:40 A look at Kristen Foxens Women in Poker Hall of Fame trophy 16:38 Top Story #5  Debut of ClubWPT Gold & $5,000,000 Freeroll 18:15 Nick Vertucci no longer with Hustler Casino Live 19:00 Hand of the Year? Neymar vs. Alan Keating on HCL 20:20 Scott Seiver wins three bracelets & POY at 2024 WSOP 21:57 The return of PokerStars The Big Game 24:48 Big year for Triton Poker 31:19 Sponsor  WSOP Free-to-Play App 31:50 Chad chats w/ Poker Hall of Famer Tom McEvoy 32:23 New poker biography Poker Pioneer w/ Brad Smith 34:00 Playing with fans in Ohio 40:36 Being impressed by Phil Ivey & Erik Seidel 43:45 Record for the longest heads-up match 47:07 Having one of the largest and most impressive poker collections 51:04 Poker Hall of Fame and the Smoking Petition 52:06 The one time McEvoy almost got a penalty

Subscribe to the PokerNews Podcast on Apple Podcasts here! You can also find us on Spotify as well as our new page on SoundCloud!

Check Out Past Episodes of the PN Podcast Here!

Share this article
Number of casualties due to missile attack on Chernihiv rises to four

Four people were injured in a missile attack in Chernihiv, Head of the city military administration Dmytro Bryzhynsky said.

"As a result of the missile attack, two residential buildings were partially destroyed, the windows of seven residential buildings were damaged. Preliminary, one person died, four people were injured," he said in Telegram on Friday.

Earlier, it was reported that one person was killed and one was injured.

On Friday, Russian forces launched a triple missile strike on a residential area on the outskirts of Chernihiv.
BLUFFTON  Beaufort Memorial Hospital intends to oppose Novant Health's attempt to open a new 50-bed Lowcountry medical center.

Trudy Robertson, an attorney representing the local hospital organization, conveyed Beaufort Memorial's plans in an email to S.C. Department of Health officials, which The Post and Courier obtained through a public records request.

The move comes months after Beaufort Memorial succumbed to legal pressure from Novant and folded its yearslong legal effort to open a new hospital in Bluffton.

"Beaufort Memorial's present opposition to Hilton Head Hospital's application to put a hospital in Bluffton is more focused on Hilton Head Hospital's record and the size of its project  both in direct contradiction of its earlier positions," Beaufort Memorial CEO Russell Baxley said in a statement. Novant owns Hilton Head Hospital, which is the listed applicant.

Beaufort Memorial first announced plans to open a 20-bed Bluffton hospital in 2018. The state health department awarded a certificate of need that summer for the $45 million operation. Such certificates were designed to keep medical expenses down and control health services, but also prolonged providers' efforts in opening new facilities.

This was the case for Beaufort Memorial, which faced challenges from two local competitors. Those challenges dragged along for years.

A legislative change came in 2023, when Gov. Henry McMaster signed a bill sunsetting the certification requirement for hospitals by 2027. This caused one Beaufort Memorial opponent to abandon its appeal. Hospitals in Hilton Head and Hardeeville  the other challengers  remained. Novant bought those facilities from Tenet Heath in February 2024 and continued the legal battle.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 51F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 51F. Winds light and variable.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 71F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 57F. Winds light and variable.
MYRTLE BEACH  Zachery Ty Bryan, former star on the popular television show "Home Improvement," has been arrested on a domestic violence charge.

Bryan, 43, was charged with second-degree domestic violence and booked in J. Reuben Long Detention Center by 2:02 p.m. Jan. 2. His bond has been set at $10,000, according to booking records.

The incident reportedly occurred around 6:51 p.m. Jan. 1, New Year's Day, at a residence along Monarch Drive in Myrtle Beach, according to jail records.

Bryan also reportedly received a rule to vacate order the same day as the alleged incident, according to public records.

Myrtle Beach Police and the Myrtle Beach Magistrate Court have not released the police report of the incident or magistrate records on the alleged eviction order.

Bryan played the character Brad Taylor on the popular television show "Home Improvement," which ran from 1991 to 1999. He has also appeared in films such as "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," "Thor: Hammer of the Gods" and "Knight Rider," according to his IMDb page.
Along the entire front line since the beginning of the day and as of 16:00 on Friday, 92 combat clashes have occurred, the enemy is pressing most actively in Pokrovsk axis, where 26 combat clashes have been recorded, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.

"In total, 92 combat clashes have occurred since the beginning of the day," the General Staff said on Telegram channel.

It is reported that border settlements are suffering from shelling from the Russian territory, in particular Popivka, Bachivsk in Sumy region; Karpovychi in Chernihiv region; Tymofiivka in Kharkiv region. The invaders carried out airstrikes with UABs on Popivka and Oleksandrivka districts of Sumy region; Hremiachka in Chernihiv region.

It is indicated that on Friday the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled one attack in the area of Vovchansk in Kharkiv direction.

In Lyman axis, the Russian Army attacked five times near Nadia, Makiivka, Hryhorivka and in the direction of Cherneschyna. Four enemy attacks were repelled, one clash continues.

"In Kramatorsk direction, Ukrainian defenders are repelling seven attempts by the occupiers to advance forward in the area of Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora, in the direction of Predtechyne and Stupochky. In Toretsk direction, the enemy attacked four times near the settlements of Dyliivka, Toretsk and Scherbynivka. Three battles ended without success for the occupiers, another one is ongoing," the General Staff said.

It is reported that in Pokrovsk axis, since the beginning of the day, the occupiers have carried out 26 attacks in the areas of the settlements of Vodiane Druhe, Baranivka, Myroliubivka, Promin, Lysivka, Zelene, Novy Trud, Pischane, Zviriache, Solone, Kotlyne and Pokrovsk. The defense forces repelled 16 attacks, ten battles are ongoing. In Kurakhove axis, Russian troops attacked nine times near Petropavlivka, Kurakhove and Shevchenko. Five battles have been completed, four more are still ongoing.

"In Vremivka axis, the occupiers unsuccessfully attacked the positions of our troops five times near Yantarne and in the direction of Konstiantynopol and Novosilka. The enemy carried out air strikes in the areas of Zelene Pole and Novopillia, dropping seven UABs and using unguided air missiles," the staff said.

In Orikhiv axis, the enemy continues to shell the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and civilian infrastructure, and once attempted to advance in the direction of Novoandriivka. The enemy launched airstrikes with unguided missiles at Lobkove, Scherbaky and Piatykhatky.

"In Dnipro axis, the Russian invaders once unsuccessfully stormed the positions of our defenders. The situation is under control," the General Staff said.

In other areas of the front, the situation remains unchanged.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
A meeting was held between representatives of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora and diaspora activists in Austria at the Azerbaijan House in Salzburg, the cultural capital of Austria.

Azernews reports according to the Austrian Azerbaijani Society, the purpose of the meeting was to enhance diaspora-building efforts in Austria and outline future activities.

The head of the Austrian Azerbaijani Society and the Salzburg Azerbaijani House spoke at the event, highlighting the role of the Azerbaijan House.

Several diaspora members and activists who made significant contributions to the Azerbaijani diaspora were honored with certificates of appreciation for their work in 2024.
Some conclusions about Ukraine in the 41st periodic report of the UN are erroneous, Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets said.

"The report acknowledges Russia's systematic violations of human rights in Ukraine, in particular, attacks on civilian infrastructure, executions and torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war, illegal seizure of property in Ukraine's temporary occupied territories and the involvement of children in military training. However, a number of UN conclusions regarding Ukraine are erroneous. I categorically disagree with the fact that certain comments and recommendations provided by the Ombudsman's Office have not been taken into account," he said in the Telegram channel on Friday.

Thus, according to him, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) of Ukraine has launched a criminal investigation into the facts of torture of Russian prisoners of war in transit areas described in the report, and the Coordination Headquarters, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, but the comments provided by the Department for the Implementation of the National Preventive Mechanism were not taken into account in the report.

Lubinets said the conditions and treatment of Russian prisoners of war comply with the Geneva Convention, and reports of cases of torture and cruel treatment require additional verification through authorized public agencies of Ukraine. In addition, in his opinion, the UN actually equates the scale of violations by Ukraine and Russia.

"We have repeatedly noted that coverage of the problem of 'ill-treatment' should reflect the volume of violations of IHL [International Humanitarian Law] by the Russian side, even in the absence of full access to places of detention in Russia. It turns out that Ukraine provides access to international organizations that can cover everything in reports, and Russia simply does not allow it. These are not identical things! I am outraged that in the current context, the final recommendations for Russia and Ukraine 'observe IHL.' That is, the UN is equalizing the scale of unacceptable violations," the ombudsman said.

Lubinets also drew attention to the data in the report that "changes in legislation concerning religious organizations have established disproportionate restrictions on the freedom to profess one's religion or beliefs." According to him, the UN expresses concern over the alleged possibility of banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Ukraine.

"The aforementioned law directly prohibits the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church alone. In addition, it prohibits the activities of Ukrainian religious organizations recognized as affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, without providing for any mention in the law on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The provisions of the law do not in any way limit the right to freedom of conscience and religion, but are aimed only at regulating certain issues of the functioning of religious organizations, in particular, the elimination of the dependence of Ukrainian churches on the Russian Orthodox Church," he said.

In response to the statements in the report about the "unlawful restrictions" experienced by Ukrainian citizens who refuse military service for religious reasons, Lubinets recalled that he had repeatedly raised the issue of the need to observe, during martial law, the right of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution of Ukraine to undergo alternative (non-military) service if the performance of military duty contradicts their religious beliefs. As a result, an interdepartmental commission was formed, which is developing the relevant amendments to the legislation.

Lubinets said he would send additional letters to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, initiate a new meeting with Head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine Danielle Belle, and insist that the recommendations of the Ombudsman's Office be taken into account in future reports.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine refuted the UN's conclusions on amendments to the Law of Ukraine On protection of the constitutional order in activities of religious organizations as distorting reality.
The Jigawa State Government has approved the release of N1 billion for the purchase of a 10 per cent stake in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).

The governments spokesperson, Sagir Ahmad, announced this late Monday after the state Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Umar Namadi.

He said the council approved the payment as part of the MoU signed to acquire 500,000 units of KEDCO shares, from Future Energies Africa Limited, the core investors in the power distribution company.

The strategic partnership will enable Jigawa State Government to consolidate its earlier 7.5% shareholding to 10% in the company.

Similarly, the MoU is aimed at ensuring adequate provision of constant electricity supply to all tier 1 Urban Centers and Rural electrification in the State by the year 2028 Mr Ahmad said.

He added that the initiative was In line with the administrations 12-Points Agenda to provide adequate electricity supply to both urban and rural areas to boost economic activities across the state.

Future Energies Africa had in November 2023 completed the acquisition of KEDCO and emerged the new core investor after successfully restraining the sale to PowerCom in July through legal action.

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 power distribution company has Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states as its business franchise areas.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The year began on a positive note with the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery, Africas largest single-train refinery. This milestone marked a crucial step towards Nigerias goal of energy self-sufficiency.

However, the refinerys operations were marred by crises between Dangote, oil regulators and other players in the sector. The issues were eventually resolved, largely, but their implications for the industry were significant. In another development, the Port Harcourt Refinery, one of Nigerias previously moribund refineries, began operations after a major rehabilitation.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) also made a significant move by terminating its exclusive purchase agreement with the Dangote Refinery, citing the need to promote competition in the industry.

Also, the year witnessed a significant petrol price hike, which put a strain on the economy. The price hike was initially followed by petrol scarcity, further exacerbating the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. Despite these challenges, the countrys oil sector recorded some gains as the country won the bid to host the $5 billion Africa Energy Bank.

Other notable developments in the sector include the launch of a new crude oil grade, Utapate, and the divestment of international oil companies, paving the way for local companies and indigenous players to take on a more prominent role in the industry.

In this report, PREMIUM TIMES presents a breakdown of the key events that shaped the outgoing year.

Dangote Refinery begins production

The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel in January.

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

Announcing the commencement of production, the company said the refinery had received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs 25 kilometres from the shore.

The first crude delivery was done on 12 December 2023, and the sixth cargo was delivered on 8 January.

The company made a further move towards the commencement of the production of refined petroleum products with the receipt of an additional one million barrels of bonny light crude supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd).

In April, the company commenced supplying petroleum products to the local market.

Commissioning of gas infrastructure projects

In May, President Bola Tinubu commissioned three gas infrastructure projects in Imo and Delta states.

The projects commissioned by the president include the ANOH-OB3 CTMS gas pipeline and ANOH gas processing plant in Assa Community, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State, and the AHL gas processing plant, two gas projects in Kwale in Delta.

The projects, being undertaken by the NNPC Ltd and partners, are in line with the presidents commitment to leverage gas to grow the economy significantly.

Dangote, oil regulators crisis

The crisis between the Dangote Group, the NNPC Ltd, petroleum regulators and some private oil firms was a major issue in Nigerias oil sector in 2024.

In June, the Dangote Group accused some international oil companies of sabotaging the plants operations by refusing to supply crude or offering oil at higher premiums than market prices.

The private refinery also clashed with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which claimed diesel from the refinery has sulphur content levels above the allowed threshold. The regulator also accused Dangote of seeking to be a monopoly.

In refuting the allegation, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, took lawmakers visiting the refinery to a laboratory within the plant, where diesel from the refinery was tested alongside two different imported samples.

The results showed the sample from the refinerys diesel had much lower sulphur than the imported ones.

Following the crisis, Mr Dangote announced a halt in plans to invest in Nigerias steel industry.

In July, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) directed NNPC Ltd. to engage Dangote Refinery and other local refineries to resolve the dispute over the sale of crude oil to them.

The FEC, presided over by President Tinubu, also directed that crude oil sales to the refineries be made in naira and that the refineries, located in Nigeria, sell their refined products to the Nigerian market in naira.

In October, the Nigerian government said it had officially commenced the sale of crude oil and refined petroleum products in Naira.

NNPC vs. Dangote Refinery

The NNPC Ltd ended its exclusive purchase agreement with Dangote Refinery in October. This decision opened up the market, allowing other marketers to buy petrol directly from the refinery.

Initially, in September, Devakumar Edwin, vice president at Dangote Industries Limited, announced that the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery had commenced petrol production. At the time, Mr Edwin explained that NNPC Limited would buy its product exclusively.

However, NNPC later clarified that it was not the sole offtaker of all products from the Dangote Refinery, and the refinery was free to sell its petrol to any marketer.

Despite this, NNPC began loading petrol from the refinery as the sole off-taker on 15 September. Later, some major petroleum marketers were approved to lift the product, but independent marketers remained excluded.

The House of Representatives intervened on 26 September, calling on the federal government to mandate NNPC and Dangote Refinery to allow independent marketers to lift petrol directly from the refinery.

Eventually, NNPC ended its exclusive purchase agreement, and the Nigerian government confirmed this stance on 11 October.

Fuel price hike

The year 2024 witnessed a substantial fuel price surge, significantly impacting businesses and households.

On 3 September, the NNPC increased the price of petrol at its pumps from N617 per litre to between N855 and N897, depending on location. This development at the time occurred amidst struggles faced by the nations oil company in supplying the local market.

Furthermore, in October, petrol pump prices rose to N998 and N1,030 per litre at various NNPC outlets in Lagos and Abuja, respectively. This price hike followed the NNPCs decision to terminate its exclusive purchase agreement with Dangote Refinery.

Fuel scarcity

In 2024, fuel scarcity hit major cities across Nigeria, with attendant effects on businesses and households.

This also prompted commercial bus drivers to increase their fares in major towns and cities, including the nations capital. As a result, black marketers made brisk business selling at prices ranging from N1,000 to N1,200.

$5 billion Africa Energy bank

In a significant development, Nigeria on 4 July won its bid to host the headquarters of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB).

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, while speaking to journalists after a virtual meeting of the council of ministers of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) at the time, said Nigeria emerged as the preferred host nation amidst stiff competition from Ghana, Benin, Algeria, South Africa, and Cote dIvoire.

New crude oil grade

In August, NNPC Ltd announced the introduction of Utapate crude oil blend, a new crude oil grade, into the international market.

At the time, the company said from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 13, entirely operated by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), the Utapate crude oil blend commenced operations in July as its first cargo headed for Spain.

Port Harcourt refinery

In November NNPC Ltd said Port Harcourt refinery had commenced production after a long period of rehabilitation.

The NNPC Ltd said the refinery began truck loading of petroleum products on Tuesday 26 November.

Divestment

Oil companies divestment was a pivotal event that shaped Nigerias oil sector in 2024. International oil companies (IOCs) such as TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Eni sold off their stakes in onshore oil fields to local companies and indigenous players.

In October, the Nigerian government approved four major oil divestments including the sale of ExxonMobil onshore assets to Seplat Energy, more than two years after the deal was first secured.

In December, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) received ministerial consent to sell its Nigeria onshore oil business to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.

OPECs decision

In 2024, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) made several pivotal decisions that significantly impacted the global oil market.

In March, OPEC announced an extension of additional voluntary cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day for the second quarter of 2024. The following month, OPEC and its allies opted to maintain their oil output policy unchanged until their June meeting.

Subsequently, in June, the oil cartel agreed to extend its current oil output voluntary cuts until the end of 2025. In a final move for the year, OPEC and its allies agreed in December to extend these cuts until the end of 2026.

Mr Lokpobiri said these resolutions for Nigeria provide a strategic pathway to achieving the nations 2025 production target of 2.06 million barrels per day (inclusive of condensates), as outlined in the draft 2025 appropriation bill, positioning the country to leverage its resources effectively while aligning with global market trends.

Oil theft/pipeline vandalism

Crude theft and pipeline vandalism continued to plague Nigerias oil sector throughout 2024. Numerous illegal refining sites were discovered in the countrys oil-producing region by security agents.

In March, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, said the company recorded 9000 infractions on the pipeline network in one year.

He added that between 2022 and March 2024, 6,465 illegal refineries were deactivated, and 4,876 illegal connections to a pipeline out of 5,570 were discovered.

In September, the Defence Headquarters announced that troops from Operation Delta Safe had destroyed 897 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in the third quarter of the year.

Oil production

Nigerias oil production experienced significant fluctuations in 2024. The countrys oil production output fell to 1.322 million barrels per day (mbpd) in February 2024, from 1.427 million barrels per day in January 2024, according to OPEC data.

This decline continued in March, with production dropping to 1.231 million barrels per day. The consecutive monthly decline resulted in a significant loss of revenue, with Nigeria reportedly losing about N720 billion.

In response to the decline, the NNPC Ltd declared a state of emergency on Nigerias crude oil production on 2 July. The move, according to the company, aimed to increase Nigerias crude oil production and grow its reserves.

Additionally, the Nigerian government approved $21 million for the metering of 187 oil flow stations across the Niger Delta region to promote effective monitoring of the countrys crude oil production and distribution.

The efforts to combat oil theft and increase production appear to be yielding results. On 14 November, NNPC Ltd said it had achieved 1.8 million barrels per day of crude production following continuous dislodgement of pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves.

The Chief Production War Room Officer of the NNPC Ltd, Lawal Musa, said the achievement was based on the collaboration between the leadership of NNPC, stakeholders and security agencies.

Warri Refinery commences operations

Nigerians got a good New Year gift when two days to the end of 2024, the NNPC announced the recommencement of operations at the public refinery in Warri.

The NNPC announced on 30 December that the refinery had been rehabilitated and had commenced producing petroleum products.

President Bola Tinubu also confirmed that the refinery was now working at 60 per cent capacity. The president also said the refinery was not producing petrol yet.

WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha, the presidents spokesperson wrote.

Outlook

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Dan Kunle, an energy expert, expressed cautious optimism about the prospects of the sector in 2025.

Mr Kunle noted that a peaceful operating environment, coupled with improved regulatory frameworks, could lead to a more productive year for the sector in 2025.

Key factors that could drive growth in the sector, according to him, include the resolution of community issues, increased investment in onshore assets, and the successful completion of oil companies divestment transactions.

Additionally, he said the regulators efforts to create a more robust and investor-friendly environment are expected to yield positive results.

All other things being equal, 2025 will be more productive than 2024 for the sector. I am consciously optimistic that very dramatic improvement could come. But lets remain open that the right thing will be done.

With the right reforms and a peaceful operating environment, the sector could witness significant growth, development, increased oil production, growing investments in natural gas infrastructure, and upstream sector growth, he added.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


One person has been confirmed killed, and four others injured in a violent clash between crop farmers and cattle herders in Miga Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

Residents said the clash occurred on Friday at the Fulani settlement in Gululu, where the peasant farmers accused the herders of stealing from a provision store last night.

The village head of the community, Muhammad Sarkin-Dori, told PREMIUM TIMES that some residents searching for the stolen items traced the footprints of the suspected thieves to a neighbourhood herders settlement.

We woke up this morning with a provision shop broken into by suspected thieves. Some residents decided to follow the footprints of the suspected thieves, which led them to the Fulani settlement, where the violent clash occurred.

The herders confronted the people with the shots of arrows after seeing them at their settlement. Its not yet clear whether the stolen items were found, but we have appealed for calm and reported the incident to the security agencies, the traditional leader said.

Mr Sarkin-Dori said about five injured persons were referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital after their initial admission to Jahun General Hospital.

He said one Dauda Kafinta, who was declared missing during the melee, was later found dead with bow and arrow injuries.

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

Residents commended the intervention of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu, who visited the area and diffused the tense situation.

Mr Aliyu, who hails from the area, reportedly appealed for calm and ordered an investigation and police reinforcement to restore law and order.

The police spokesperson in the state, Lawan Adam, could not be immediately reached to comment on the incident. His phone number didnt connect on Friday afternoon.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Abia North Senator Orji Kalu has called on the federal government to organise lectures on the tax reform bills across all regions to enable Nigerians to know the benefits of the bills.

Mr Kalu made the call on Wednesday during a visit to a former governorship aspirant in the state, Daniel Eke.

He explained that the bills were necessary but that many Nigerians were unaware of their economic benefits.

We need to give the president a chance to carry out these reforms, and the tax reform is not a bad bill. It is progressive, but the problem is that Nigerians were not lectured enough and lack orientation about its many benefits.

The tax reform bill is not bad, but we need to carry other regions along. The other regions need to be educated on what the tax bill is all about, the senator said.

President Bola Tinubu transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration last year.

The bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

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

Opposition

However, the bills have faced criticisms from some Nigerians, particularly northern politicians and governors, who said they are against the regions interests.

Borno South Senator Ali Ndume leads the pack of northern lawmakers opposed to the bills.

Also, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Borno State Governor Babangida Zulum said that except for Lagos State, the bills would not benefit other states.

He also said they could have devastating consequences for the northern region, as the states would not be able to pay salaries according to him.

His Bauchi counterpart, Bala Mohammed, also spoke vehemently against the bills.

While the bills have passed a second reading in the Senate and referred to the committee on finance, they are yet to be debated in the House of Representatives

To address the concerns, the Senate constituted a committee to liaise with a delegation of the federal government led by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

The panel is chaired by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro.

Senators from the southeast have said they are not against the bills but need to consult with their governors and other stakeholders in the region.

South-south senators warned people opposed to the tax bills to desist from introducing regional, ethnic or tribal sentiments when criticising them.

However, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that the National Assembly will do everything within its ability to ensure the passage of the tax bills.

Competition among states

When approved, Mr Kalu explained that the tax reforms would promote competition among states, encouraging productivity and ultimately strengthening the nations economy.

He referenced the economic development in China, arguing that the bills could also help Nigerias economy grow.

We cant make any headway as a nation if we dont go the China way, which is competition. Nigerians must face economic competition. Each of the 36 states should compete in terms of productivity. That is the only way the entire country can grow and develop, like China.

President Tinubu is trying to ensure that all the states become competitive. A country like China has been growing for the last 35 years at a 10 per cent growth rate, making it a great country. They are growing not because of human rights, but they are growing in competition, he added.

Obsolete laws

Mr Kalu also stressed the need to review some of the nations laws, saying the have become obsolete.

He urged the government to consult Nigerians on how to enact better laws for the country.

We must test our resilience. All our laws need reformation. They are over 100 years old, but we need to consult with the people.

To catch up with other nations, we should build more universities. We are still backward, the senator said.

Positive outcomes

Mr Kalu acknowledged that President Tinubu is aware of the hardship Nigerians are going through as a result of some of the economic policies of his administration.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with Mr Tinubu and assured that the reforms will soon yield positive results.

President Tinubu is fully aware of the pains that people are passing through and I am also aware but there are some reforms going on and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I understand the difficulties and sufferings of our people very well and so I urge Nigerians to be patient and know that we are going through a process, he said.

Multi-million dollar company

Mr Kalu, the chairman of SLOK Holding, said he left his multi-million dollar private company just because he wanted to become a senator.

I will continue doing my duty as a senator and that duty is very sacred and I will never compromise. I had to leave my private companies worth millions of dollars to concentrate on my duty as a senator, and my duty is more important.

I had to show the people of Abia-North a distinguished way of being led by a senator. I have replicated what I did as a governor, and I have returned the power to the people to decide who governs them. I have demonstrated this as governor and now as a senator, he stated.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


On Thursday, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji appealed to Nigerians to stop making negative comments and confessions about the country.

The governor also enjoined the people to support President Bola Tinubu in his determination to achieve a positive turnaround in Nigerias fortunes and ensure that its people enjoy a better standard of living.

At the 2025 interfaith Thanksgiving service held at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic and Convention Centre, Ado Ekiti, the governor made these remarks.

He said Nigerians should be grateful to God for giving them a courageous leader like President Tinubu, who is not afraid to make decisions that are in the overall interest of the masses.

Mr Tinubu, according to him, means well for Nigerians with his reforms, which he said are beginning to yield the expected dividends.

The governor also used the opportunity of the interfaith service to restate his commitment to work harder for the development and prosperity of Ekiti State.

Acknowledging the commendation of clerics at the interfaith thanksgiving service for the way he has been handling the affairs of the state, Governor Oyebanji said he has no excuse not to live up to the expectations of the people, noting that God had prepared him well for the top job with the experience he had garnered in governance over the years.

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 hailed the people of the state for investing their goodwill in the All Progressives Congress (APC) through their votes, which gave him the privilege to become their chief servant, who leads other dedicated men and women to make sacrifices for the growth and development of the Land of Honour.

As the chief servant of the people, I make a promise again before God and before all of you that are here today that I will serve you with every fibre, every energy. I will serve you in truth, and I will serve you with a fear of God, and 2025 will be our year of accelerated growth and development for us as a state and individually, he said.

Mr Oyebanji attributed the recent increase in allocation to the state, which has reflected in increased salaries for civil servants, other welfare packages for citizens who are not on the government payroll, and ongoing and completed projects, to the magnanimity of Tinubu, who approved an increment in allocation to states after the fuel subsidy removal.

He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for showing immense grace to him and the Ekiti people, saying, After God, whatever we might have achieved is through the President because when you find favour in the presence of the President, it translates to good things for our people.

The governor noted that Tinubus policy shift is now being appreciated in some quarters that had earlier misunderstood him, citing the example of the decision of the management of THISDAY Newspaper to give the President the Man of the Year award in recognition of his courageous decisions in the overriding public interest.

Mr Oyebanji added, Please, let us continue to support our president because it is in our own interest to do so. We must thank God that God made him president for a time like this. One of my happiest moments was yesterday (Wednesday) when I woke up and saw THISDAY Newspaper. They said Mr President is their Man of the Year, and you know that THISDAY and ARISE TV are highly critical of the president.

They said that Mr President is courageous and that he is a strong-willed person. So, if that is coming from opposition elements, that means we owe it a duty to support the president. The president is human; if we continue to support him, I know that he will do more, and we are already seeing positive developments arising from what he is doing.

We are able to do what we are doing in Ekiti State because we had an increase in allocations at all levels. These allocations wouldnt have been possible if the president had not removed fuel subsidy. These are painful decisions, but no country eats its yam sets and does not pay for them. What President Tinubu is telling us is that we should not eat our yam sets, that we should invest them.

Mr Oyebanji said, As we enter 2025, our confessions about Nigeria should be positive. Most of us make negative comments about our nation, and there is power in our tongues. Let us speak positively to our own Jerusalem because that is what Nigeria is to us, so that all of us will find peace.

He urged well-endowed Ekiti sons and fathers at home and in the Diaspora to emulate the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Afe Babalola, and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Wole Olanipekun (SAN), in mobilising support for the state government, leveraging their influence, resources, and goodwill.

He said the two frontline citizens have consistently supported the state, adding that the state would appreciate more of such support from other well-endowed Ekiti indigenes.

The service featured songs of praise, readings from the Bible and the Quran, and sermons and prayers by Muslim and Christian clerics.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The five new non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term officially assumed their duties on Thursday.

The new members  Somalia, Pakistan, Panama, Greece, and Denmark  are taking seats vacated by Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, whose terms ended on 31 December.

Elected by the General Assembly in June, the new members will serve from 1 January to 31 December 2026, as non-permanent members.

There are 10 elected members of the Council, who serve alongside the five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The flags of the countries set to serve during 2025 and 2026 were installed during a special ceremony outside the chamber at the UN headquarters in New York.

Algerias Ambassador Amar Bendjama, the Security Council president for January, thanked the outgoing members and warmly welcomed the newcomers, describing it as an immense privilege as well as a huge responsibility.

The world is facing many challenges that are threatening international peace and 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 situation in the Middle East is highly concerning, he said.

He urged all Council members to work tirelessly and effectively and to uphold the values of multilateralism.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari, from the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, stated that membership of the Council was a solemn responsibility and reflected the trust placed on them by the broader membership and the organisation.

He lauded the increasingly prominent role played by elected members in reshaping the working methods of the Council.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


We preparing for meetings, talks next week for greater strength of our air defense

Russian terror against Ukrainian settlements requires activity in developing the air shield from both Ukraine and its partners, a schedule of meetings and negotiations for next week has already been preliminarily agreed upon, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"We are preparing for meetings and negotiations next week for the sake of greater strength of our air defense. The schedule of relevant work has already been preliminarily agreed upon," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel on Friday evening.

The President noted that in the first three days of 2025 alone, the Russian Federation used more than 300 attack drones and about 20 missiles, including ballistic ones, against Ukrainian settlements. Ukrainian soldiers managed to shoot down or neutralize a significant number of Russian targets with electronic warfare systems. The Russian Federation also attacks with guided aerial bombs on a daily basis.

Zelenskyy expressed his condolences to all the relatives and friends of those killed in the shelling.

"Such Russian terror, which is not losing intensity, requires both us and all partners not to slow down in developing our air shield, all its systemic elements - from Patriots to mobile fire groups. It is necessary to constantly replenish the stock of anti-missiles for air defense. It is necessary to constantly increase the capacity of mobile fire groups," Zelenskyy emphasized.

He thanked all partners who are helping.
The police in Rivers State have confirmed the arrest of a couple for allegedly raping and beating a 13-year-old girl in their residence in Port Harcourt.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson in Rivers, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

NAN reports that the wife was said to have stripped the teenager and inserted pepper into her private part after accusing her of having sexual intercourse with her husband.

Mrs Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police, said the arrested suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for investigation and possible prosecution.

How she was raped, beaten

Goodness, the mother of the survivor, recounted the incident to NAN.

A resident of Rupokwu town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Goodness revealed that the assault on her daughter occurred on the evening of 29 December 2024.

She explained that when she was alerted by neighbours about the attack on her daughter, she immediately closed her shop and rushed home.

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

Before I got home, neighbours had already rescued my daughter from the wifes assault.

My daughter was still writhing in pain from the beating and the pepper applied to her body and private area, she said.

Goodness said that after her daughter felt relieved, she revealed that on 25 December 2024, a female neighbour, a friend of the mans wife, took her to the house.

She said the man sent his wife and her friend on an errand that fateful day, leaving the teenager alone in the house with him.

The distraught mother reported that after the two women had left the apartment, the man attacked her daughter and allegedly raped her multiple times and then threatened her to remain silent.

After he raped her, he told my daughter to leave his house.

My daughter returned home afterwards but did not report what had transpired, probably due to the threat from the man, she added.

Goodness further stated that on 29 December 2024, the wife visited her shop and asked the teenager to follow her to her apartment to assist with house chores.

It was on getting there that she accused my daughter of sleeping with her husband, stripped her naked, poured pepper on her and inserted the same into her vagina.

She then dragged my daughter outside and flogged her mercilessly with a machete while neighbours recorded the attack, she said.

Demand for justice

The teary mother demanded justice for her traumatised daughter.

NAN reports that the couple spent the New Year in custody, while their children, aged four and two, had been placed in the care of relatives.

Meanwhile, Prince Wiro, the national coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, has condemned the alleged torture of the minor, calling it inhumane and barbaric.

We have spoken with the teenager and observed the bruises and wounds on her body. We demand a thorough investigation by the police.

The man must be held accountable for the allegations while anyone else found responsible should be prosecuted, Mr Wiro said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The police have arrested a 19-year old woman allegedly notorious for robbing residents of mobile phones in the Kano metropolis.

Shamsiyya Adamu was arrrested with four allegged accomplices.

The police spokesperson in the state, Abdullahi Kiyawa, in a statement on Thursday, said the police received 30 complaints last year about the activities of the female suspect, a resident of Brigade Quarters in Kano.

Mr Kiyawa said Miss Adamu was arrested on 21 December following complaints from Unguwa Uku Quarters of the Kano metropolis.

Public outcry over stolen phones

In the year 2024, the Kano State Police Command received numerous reports from residents of Kano Metropolis about a young lady who steals mobile phones from residential houses.

The reports indicated that the suspect was using a tricyclist and a cyber criminal to aid in her operations.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Salman Dogo Garba raised a special intervention squad, and the principal suspect was arrested on December 21, 2024, Mr Kiyawa stated.

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

Modus operandi

The police spokesperson said Ms Adamu operated in residential areas, targetting housewives.

The syndicate, led by Shamsiyya, specialised in stealing mobile phones from residential houses, using a tricyclist and a cyber criminal to aid in their operations.

The suspects would deceive housewives, steal their mobile phones, and swindle money from their victims bank accounts, the police said.

The police said Ms Adamu was arrested alongside Idris Yusuf, 23, a tricycle rider who allegedly served as her transporter.

Another arrested suspect, Alasan Dahiru, 24, allegedly specialised in disposing of their stolen items, and Abdulmajid Haruna, 27, an alleged receiver of the items.

The police said six mobile phones were recovered from Mr Haruna when he was arrested.

Also, Salim Auwalu, 21, was arrested for withdrawing money from their victims bank accounts.

Recovery of stolen mobile phones

The police said six mobile phones were recovered from the suspects..

The police said 30 complainants, including 29 females and 1 male, alleged that Ms Adamu stole their mobile phones in 2024.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A 27-year-old woman, Fatima Dzuma, has been arrested for allegedly killing her 25-year-old husband, Baba Aliyu, in Niger State.

The incident occurred at Lafiyagi Dzwafu village in Katcha Local Government Area during preparations for the naming ceremony of Mr Aliyus child with his first wife.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abiodun Wasiu, said Fatima was arrested after her husbands body was discovered in a bush near their home, three days after he was declared missing.

She confessed to hitting her husband with a pestle while he was asleep and tying him with clothes and a rope before disposing of the body in a bush, Mr Wasiu said in a statement on Friday.

Family sources said Fatima had been married to Mr Aliyu for three years as his second wife but the couple had no child between them.

In her statement to the police, she reportedly stated that frequent domestic disputes and physical abuse by her husband led her to commit the act.

On the night of the tragic event, the couple had yet another altercation during which Aliyu allegedly assaulted Fatima and left the house.

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

When he returned and went to bed, Fatima seized the opportunity to act.

I used a scarf to tie his neck, and because he was in a deep sleep, he couldnt struggle. I struck him three times with a pestle  twice on the head and once on his hand, she said in her statement to the police.

Fatima said she wrapped the body in a mat, dragged it into a nearby bush, and returned home to clean the crime scene.

She reportedly denied knowing Mr Aliyus whereabouts when the family began searching for him. However, after three days, she confessed to the murder, according to the police.

The suspect remains in custody as the police continued investigations into the matter.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has placed a N10 million bounty on killers of security operatives and unarmed passers-by in the state.

Mr Soludo spoke on Thursday when he paid a condolence visit to the families of the deceased in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

A video clip that showed the governor making remarks was uploaded to various social media pages.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that gunmen, on 30 December, attacked and killed two security operatives and five unarmed residents in the council area.

The police said the attackers began shooting sporadically when they arrived at a venue where preparations were ongoing for a burial ceremony slated for 2 January.

N10 million bounty

During the condolence visit, Mr Soludo asked residents of Ihiala to rise to the challenge of fighting insecurity in the area.

The governor stressed that community leaders should support security operatives with information to aid the fight against insecurity in the state.

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

They (community leaders) must rise. They must not let this attack happen again, Mr Soludo said.

Anyone that will give information that will lead us to get these killers, the government will give that person N10 million. We are bringing N10 million on their heads- each of them, he stated in a mixture of Igbo and English.

Soludo rains curses on killers

Mr Soludo also rained curses on the gunmen who carried out the attack and killings in the council area.

I am saying on behalf of Anambra State that all the people who carried out this attack and killings, their generation, will never see good things.

They, their children and all their supporters will not witness good things, the governor said in Igbo language.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in the Syrian capital Damascus on Friday on an unannounced visit, to set conditions for Syrias new de facto rulers for a resumption of relations with Germany and the European Union (EU).

A political new beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible, the Green Party politician said about her visit to Damascus.

She said she was in Damascus with her French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, and on behalf of the EU with this outstretched hand, but also with clear expectations of the new rulers.

Some four weeks after the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad, Baerbock and Barrot are the first EU foreign ministers to visit Syria since Mr al-Assads overthrow.

They, on behalf of the EUs foreign representative Kaja Kallas, plan to hold talks with representatives of the rebel-formed transitional government.

De facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa heads the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and was previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Joulani.

Ms Baerbock flew to Damascus from Cyprus on Friday morning.

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

Ms Barrot had celebrated the New Year with Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and the French troops stationed with the UN observer mission UNIFIL in nearby Lebanon.

A new beginning can only happen if the new Syrian society grants a place in the political process to all Syrians, women and men, of every ethnic or religious group, and provides rights and protection, Ms Baerbock demanded.

She added that these rights must be preserved and must not be undermined potentially by overly long deadlines until elections or moves towards the Islamisation of the judicial or education systems.

Mr Al-Sharaa recently stated that it could take around three years to present a new draft constitution, and another year until elections.

The Arab country remains fragmented and sectarianly divided after more than a decade of civil war.

Even after Mr al-Assads fall, hostile militias are fighting for power.

Ms Baerbock said they wanted to support Syria in a peaceful transition of power, the reconciliation of society, and reconstruction  in addition to the humanitarian aid that has been provided for the people in Syria over the past years.

A new beginning can only happen if the past is addressed, justice is established, and retaliatory acts against population groups do not occur, Ms Baerbock insisted.

She added that extremism and radical groups should have no place. (dpa/NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The United States and Nigeria share a long history of collaboration in addressing security challenges, with airpower and intelligence cooperation becoming vital cornerstones of their bilateral relationship.

In 2024, Kenneth Ekman, AFRICOMs Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programmes, played a pivotal role in strengthening these ties across West Africa, especially with Nigeria. As AFRICOMs air force leader, the major generals strategic diplomacy highlighted the shared goals of bolstering regional security and advancing mutual interests.

2024 was a year of significant air force engagements. Throughout 2024, Mr Ekmans leadership facilitated meaningful dialogues with African air force leaders, including multiple visits to Nigeria. These visits showcase the United States commitment to building resilient security frameworks in partnership with African countries. One such landmark event was the US-facilitated Africa Partnership Flight, hosted by the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja on 4 November. This collaboration set the stage for an upcoming 2026 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response exercise, underscoring the growing synergy in military training and preparedness between the two countries.

Mr Ekmans engagements also extended to other coastal West African countries, including Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Cote dIvoire. These visits are examples of AFRICOMs broader mission of fostering cooperative security frameworks. By working closely with regional leaders, Mr Ekmans outreach emphasised tailored solutions that resonate with local priorities, ensuring that the benefits of these partnerships are equitably shared.

Last year, US-Nigeria security cooperation evolved. This US-Nigeria partnership evolution reflects the priorities of both countries in adapting to dynamic security challenges. In recent years, Nigerias leadership has sought to enhance its airpower and intelligence capacities, recognising their critical role in addressing threats such as terrorism and disaster response. This commitment was evident in the significant $997 million proposed sale of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters. The deal included training, munitions, and maintenance support, aimed at fortifying Nigerias air-to-ground integration capabilities.

This agreement was in addition to prior milestones, such as the delivery of the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft in late 2021. These aircraft, equipped for precision strikes and reconnaissance, were aimed at bolstering Nigerias ability to execute targeted operations with minimal civilian harm  a testament to the US and Nigerias shared commitment to international humanitarian law. Nigerian Armed Forces were projected to spend $25 million of case funds to continue their Air-to-Ground integration programme.

The diplomacy Mr Ekman undertook in 2024 can be understood as strategic engagement precisely because his 2024 visits to West Africa were not mere ceremonial stops. They reflected AFRICOMs integrated strategy to align American resources with African countries goals for robust air force capabilities. In his conversations with Nigerian officials, Mr Ekman demonstrated a deep understanding of the regions challenges, advocating for sustainable solutions tailored to local needs.

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 Ekman also brought attention to resiliencea quality he highlighted in a recent podcast discussing his leadership style. Referencing the Air Forces Comprehensive Airman Fitness Model, he emphasised the importance of consistent habits in overcoming high-pressure situations. His disagree and commit approach resonated with the collaborative spirit required in international security partnerships, where diverse perspectives converge to tackle shared threats.

By October, President Joseph Biden had a call with Nigerias President Tinubu; a testament to this bilateral partnership. President Bidens 29 October phone call with President Tinubu emphasises the strength of the US-Nigeria relationship.

Mr Biden extended condolences for recent flooding in northeastern Nigeria and commended Mr Tinubus leadership in securing the release of an American citizen. The discussion also highlighted the broader scope of collaboration, including the Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies and shared interests in reforming international organisations to amplify African voices. The White House confirms that this dialogue reinforced the importance of US support in addressing Nigerias security and economic priorities, paving the way for continued bilateral cooperation under the incoming Trump administration.

Airpower is playing an important role in regional security. Nigerias leadership recognises the strategic value of a well-equipped air force in countering terrorism and managing cross-border threats. Airpower  augmented by intelligence and surveillance  remains a critical component in addressing Boko Haram and other extremist groups. However, the narrative is not about dependence; it is about partnership. The Nigerian Air Forces proactive role in hosting initiatives like the Africa Partnership Flight illustrates its commitment to regional stability and self-reliance.

The 4 November Africa Partnership Flight in Abuja was a key moment in this partnership, as Nigerian and American air force officials worked together and planned the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response flying exercise for 2026. This collaborative event alone, underscores the shared vision of addressing humanitarian challenges through innovative solutions and cross-border coordination.

As the countries start the new year, it is clear that a marker of progress in their relationship was set in 2024. The bilateral, air force security relationship between the US and Nigeria in 2024, led by Mr Ekmans effective diplomacy, serves as a marker of the investments made by the American people for the Nigerian people. Through collaborative exercises, strategic equipment sales, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the two countries continue to build a framework for enduring security and prosperity.

As Nigeria and the United States look ahead to 2025 and beyond, their bilateral security relationship stands as a testament to the power of mutual respect and shared objectives in addressing not only Nigerian and coastal West African challenges, but global security.

Pearl Matibe is a Washington, D.C.-based geopolitical analyst and correspondent covering Congress, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the White House, with expertise in foreign and defence policy. Follow her on Twitter: @PearlMatibe.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has announced the appointment of emirs and chiefs for the seven new emirates he created.

The governors spokesperson, Humwashi Wonosikou, said in a statement that the appointment is based on merit and the popularity of the appointees.

On 10 December, the state House of Assembly passed the Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) and matters incidental thereto bill into law, a day after the executive bill was presented to it.

Governor Fintiri signed the law on 16 December.

Earlier on 4 December, the governor assented to the District Creation Law 2024, which created 83 new districts across the state.

The 10 December law also empowers the governor to create new emirates and depose incapacitated traditional rulers.

Below is the full statement for the appointment of the emirs/chiefs

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

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, has approved the selection of 7 new Chiefs and Emirs for Chiefdoms and Emirates recently created.

ALSO READ: Fintiri creates seven new emirates in Adamawa

The newly selected Royal Highnesses are:

-HRH Alhaji Sani Ahmadu Ribadu: Emir of Fufore

-HRH Barrister Alheri B. Nyako: Tol Huba

-HRH Prof. Bulus Luka Gadiga: Mbege Ka Michika

-HRH Dr Ali Danburam (MBBS, FWACP, FCCP): Ptil Madagali

-HRH Aggrey Ali: Kumu of Gombi

-HRH Ahmadu Saibaru: Emir of Maiha

-HRH John Dio: Gubo Yungur

Governor Fintiri congratulated the new Majesties, emphasizing that their selections were based on merit and their popularity among the people. He urged them to be fair, honest, and responsible in their duties. The approval takes effect immediately.

Humwashi Wonosikou

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

03:01:2025

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The O B Lulu-Briggs Foundation celebrated the start of 2025 with its annual New Year Party for the elderly, hosted at its purpose-built Biokpo Recreational Centre in Abonnema, Rivers State. The event brought together beneficiaries of the Foundations flagship Care for Life programme, esteemed guests, and dignitaries, including the Foundations Chairman, Dr Seinye O B Lulu-Briggs.

The joyous celebration featured music, dance, sip and paint by the elderly and goodwill messages from partners and supporters, including a longtime ally of the Foundation Wogu Boms, a former Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General of Rivers State, and representatives from the Red Cross Society. The highlight of the event was a heartfelt address by Dr Lulu-Briggs, who underscored the enduring commitment of the Care for Life program to supporting elderly beneficiaries.

Our intervention in the lives of the elderly and beneficiaries is not a one-off, said Dr Lulu-Briggs in her moving speech. Until the Lord Almighty decides to call them home, they are our responsibility. They become our mothers and our fathers, and we care for them until that particular day they leave us.

She expressed deep gratitude to the team of doctors, nurses, caregivers, and volunteers who ensure the well-being of the elderly, as well as members of the Chapel of God International Worship Centre and others who offer spiritual and emotional support through prayer. That you see them smiling, strong, and healthy is because God heard your prayers, she remarked.

The Care for Life programme, the Foundations inaugural initiative, has been at the heart of its 24 year long mission, with services ranging from regular medical visits to personal care-giving that assists elderly beneficiaries in their daily lives. This programme embodies the Foundations philosophy of lifelong care, ensuring dignity, comfort, and a sense of family for our elders, Dr Lulu-Briggs added.

The event also honoured the memory of the Foundations late benefactor, High Chief O B. Lulu-Briggs, whose vision continues to guide its impactful work. Guests enjoyed a variety of activities, from creative painting sessions to vibrant musical performances by the Chapel of God International Church choir. The celebration culminated in lively dancing, with the elders radiating joy and gratitude.

She concluded her speech with a prayer and words of encouragement for the year ahead. May the Lord bless you, keep you, and grant you wisdom to choose light over darkness. His grace is abundant this year. Let us walk in His light and glorify His name.

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 O B Lulu-Briggs Foundation, known for its tireless efforts to support vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, continues to set a standard for compassionate care and community-building. The annual New Year Party serves as a bastion of the Foundations unwavering commitment to fostering joy and inclusion for the underserved.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The opposition Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State has accused Governor Bala Muhammed and the states lawmakers of insensitivity for appropriating over N3.4bn for fueling vehicles and travels in the 2025 fiscal year.

The partys spokesperson, Wada Abdullahi, in a statement on Friday, said it was time to interrogate the priorities of those in power and to hold them accountable.

First, we take a hard look at the N1 billion earmarked for fuelling vehicles and generators for the government House. Half of this staggering amount, N500 million, is set aside for fuelling motor vehicles, while a parallel N500 million is allocated for fuelling generators.

This total of N1 billion not only highlights the extravagant lifestyles of our leaders but paints a clear picture of their mismanagement of state resources. While families in Bauchi struggle to make ends meet, our government seems more focused on extravagance than on the pressing needs of its citizens, Mr Abdullahi stated.

The opposition said the amount proposed for the benefit of the governor and a few lawmakers could have been used to address the infrastructural decay in the health and education sectors.

As if that was not enough, we are faced with the shocking revelation that the state House of Assembly plans to squander an additional N1.4 billion on travel expenses! This begs the question: how many life-changing healthcare facilities and schools could be built with such a monstrous amount? Instead, our leaders have prioritised their whims over the significant issues plaguing our communitiesissues that require urgent attention and funding.

To add insult to injury, the office of the Bauchi State Secretary to State Government is budgeting another N1 billion for international travel. While our hospitals lack basic medical equipment, our schools go underfunded and our roads remain in disrepair, the government has decided that jaunts abroad are far more important than addressing the pressing issues facing our communities. This serves as a reminder that those in power are more concerned with self-aggrandisement than with serving the interests of their constituents, the opposition party warned.

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 warned that Governor Mohammed and the lawmakers that the people were watching and advised them to cease this treacherous path of misappropriation and mismanagement of public funds.

The party, while calling on the residents to rise against wasteful spending by elected officials, said the residents deserve leaders who serve their best interests, not those who indulge in wasteful spending.

We call on the citizens of Bauchi State to rise against this culture of impunity and demand better from their elected officials. We must unite in our quest for good governance, and an end to the systematic looting of our resources. The time has come for us to reclaim our state from the hands of those who would see it perish under their greed, the PRP added.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has signed into law the states N1.188 trillion budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

Mr Fubara assented to the budget within two working days after presenting it to the three-member Rivers Assembly loyal to him.

He presented the budget before the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction of the assembly on Monday.

This is like a repeat of what happened last year, where Governor Fubara presented the N800 billion 2024 budget before a four-member assembly and assented to it within 24 hours.

Lawmakers in the oil-rich Rivers had long split into two factions because of the protracted political crisis in the state; the three-member faction, led by Mr Oko-Jumbo, is loyal to Mr Fubara while Martins Amaewhule leads a 27-member faction loyal to Mr Fubaras predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Messrs Fubara and Wike are at loggerheads over the control of the political structure in the state.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja invalidated the 2024 budget following a suit filed against it by the pro-Wike lawmakers, but Governor Fubara appealed the case to the Supreme Court, insisting that the pro-Wike lawmakers were no longer members of the assembly after they defected to the All Progressives Congress.

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

Amid the expected Supreme Court ruling, Mr Fubara presented the 2025 budget. He signed it into law after it was hurriedly passed by the three-member faction of the assembly.

No going back, weve moved on, Fubara insist

Speaking after assenting to the 2025 budget, Mr Fubara doubled down on his insistence that the 27 Wikes loyalists were no longer members of the assembly. He insisted that Rivers has only one assembly, which is led by Mr Oko-Jumbo.

I want to say this, maybe, for some persons somewhere who are still mixing up issues. We have only one Rivers State House of Assembly, and that Assembly is headed by Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo.

Mr Fubaras remark is contained in a statement sent on Thursday to PREMIUM TIMES by the governors spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi.

It is too late. We are not going back. We have moved on, Mr Fubara said, describing Mr Wikes allies as a group of friends who embarked on a Sinbad journey, and halfway into the journey, they decided to return.

The governor promised to start implementing the new budget and ensure its performance record surpasses that of 2024.

The pro-Wike lawmakers have yet to react to the governors signing of the 2025 budget into law. For now, it is unclear if they will also challenge its validity.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Ukrainians in Poland have started receiving fake "summonses" with demands allegedly from the Polish Migration Office, the Center for Countering Disinformation said.

"Ukrainians in Poland have begun receiving fake summonses, allegedly requiring citizens to undergo military service. Their authors threaten persecution and deportation to Ukraine if the recipients do not comply with the 'demands," the center said on the Telegram channel on Friday.

It is noted that the Polish Migration Office, on whose behalf the "summonses" are sent, stated that it was not involved in these letters.

"The purpose of such fakes is to misinform Ukrainians. Trust only official sources and verify the information," the center said in the statement.

The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Poland also stated that no summonses is sent to Ukrainian citizens or conscripts, reservists or reservists are notified on Polish territory.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has vowed to deal with hoodlums and residents who assault or kill police operatives in Nigeria.

Mt Egbetokun spoke on Friday in Enugu during his visit to the Enugu State Police Command Headquarters.

Attacks against officers will be resisted

Hoodlums have been attacking and killing operatives across Nigeria in recent times.

But Mr Egbetokun said, in 2025, the Nigerian authorities will resist assault and attack on police operatives in the country.

We will not tolerate any assault on our police officers, not to talk of killing. An assault on a policeman is criminal.

It is an assault on the IGP, and we are not going to take kindly any act of assault on our officers, not to talk of killing any of our officers, he said.

Continuing, the IGP said: Anywhere there is a killing of any policeman, we must all respond collectively and appropriately.

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

There must be an appropriate response from us. When a policeman is assaulted, there must be an appropriate response to it.

We will not tolerate it anymore. In this year 2025, we are going to say no to assault on our officers.

Few bag eggs

Mr Egbetokun praised police officers of the Enugu State Police Command, describing them as hardworking and committed.

The IGP, however, regretted that some bag eggs within the police fold were sabotaging their achievements.

I have met the governor earlier on, and he was full of praise for the officers and men of this command. I am super proud of your achievements and your conduct generally.

I also want to tell you that as very good as you have been doing, there are still a few bad eggs among you that are giving us concerns, he said.

Plans for policing in Nigeria in 2025

Mr Egbetokun said the police authorities would approach the new year 2025 with determination to stamp out criminals in Nigeria.

This year 2025, we are going to approach this year with determination. Determination to stamp out criminals.

The ones (criminals) that have been chased away will not be allowed to come back, and I am going to support this command with everything, every resource that is at our disposal, he said.

So that the achievements that you have recorded will not be tampered with. Youre going to record more achievements in this year 2025.

The IGP said police authorities would pursue policing vision vigorously in 2025, including training and equipping of police operatives.

We will equip you with modern policing tools to discharge your duties effectively. We will also look after your welfare.

The federal government of Nigeria is passionate about the welfare of police officers in Nigeria. Mr President recognises the sacrifices that you make, and hes very concerned about you, he stated.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


SEATTLE, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ACI Mechanical and HVAC Sales announces the acquisition of Sno Valley Process Solutions, a trusted mechanical contractor based in Everett, Washington. This strategic move strengthens ACI's ability to serve customers with complex HVACR needs, including start-up, commissioning, and warranty service of equipment.

sno valley

Founded in 2003 by Andrea Contenta and her husband John, Sno Valley Process Solutions has built a stellar reputation for delivering fast, high-quality service. Their dedication to excellence aligns seamlessly with ACI's mission to provide unparalleled support for commercial and industrial HVAC equipment, complex buildings including data centers, laboratories, and industrial manufacturing, and controls solutions that help buildings thrive.

"Joining ACI Mechanical and HVAC Sales is a great step forward for our company. We respect their commitment to excellence and customer care and look forward to being part of the ACI team," said Andrea Contenta Owner & CEO of Sno Valley Process Solutions.

"This acquisition helps ACI deliver service beyond the initial equipment sale," said Keith Glasch, President of ACI. "Sno Valley's expertise in start-up and service enhances our ability to support chillers, VRF, air handlers, VFDs and controls from Carrier, Yaskawa, Price Industries, and others where factory start-up and service are crucial. We're thrilled to welcome Sno Valley to the ACI family as we continue to grow and deliver outstanding solutions for our customers."

About ACI Mechanical and HVAC Sales

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, ACI Mechanical & HVAC Sales is the Pacific Northwest's premier vendor for commercial HVAC applications. The company collaborates with consulting engineers, contractors, and their customers to deliver exceptional solutions for various sectors, including education, data centers, commercial office buildings, healthcare, and industrial facilities. ACI has a team of fifty-five degreed sales engineers and project professionals working with over fifty equipment manufacturers, ACI is committed to helping buildings thrive. For more information, please visit acimechsales.com .

About Sno Valley Process Solutions:

Founded in 2003, Sno Valley Process Solutions has built a reputation as a trusted leader in the Pacific Northwest, delivering exceptional HVAC/R services with a customer-first approach. Specializing in the maintenance, repair, and optimization of complex systems for large commercial and industrial facilities, Sno Valley is committed to providing reliable solutions, unparalleled expertise, and responsive customer care to meet the unique needs of every client. Sno Valley Process Solutions was advised by Chinook Capital Advisors for the ACI transaction. For more information, visit snovalleyprocess.com.

SOURCE ACI Mechanical Sales
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Portland's new elected officials entered City Hall's council chambers Thursday for their first official gathering as Portland's legislative body. Launching the city's new form of government, councilors elected Elana Pirtle-Guiney as council president and Tiffany Koyama Lane as council vice president.

"This is a big day, not just for Portland City Council and our new Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Vice President Tiffany Koyama-Lane but for all of Portland," said Portland Mayor Keith Wilson. "Together, we'll face no shortage of decisions in the coming days, and I'm grateful for the people and potential this room represents. I've never been more optimistic about Portland's council leadership, and our ability to repair, restore, and revitalize the city we all love."

Pirtle-Guiney won the council presidency in the ninth round of voting. She emerged as a compromise candidate after multiple tie votes between Councilors Candace Avalos and Olivia Clark  offering Portlanders their first window into the city's new legislative branch of government.

An outlier among cities of similar size, Portland's previous form of government allowed elected officials to operate in the legislative and administrative orbits at the same time. Four commissioners, as they used to be called, were elected to represent the entire city. They developed and voted on policies as well as used their authority to make decisions relating to the daily administrative operations of bureaus and offices.

As Portland grew to over 600,000, broad sections of the city lacked representation at city hall. Portlanders sought structural changes and greater representation. Portland convenes an independent charter commission every 10 years to consider improvements to the city charter. The latest charter commission brought a proposal to voters in November 2022, where voters approved of increasing the number of elected representatives and forming voting districts for those representatives  now called councilors. Voters also approved a new election method, ranked-choice voting.

"Thank you to my colleagues Councilors Clark and Avalos," said Pirtle-Guiney, one of three councilors who represent District 2. "Stepping forward in a role like this is never something someone undertakes lightly. I look forward to working with both of you, you bring invaluable experience to the council."

The new council president and vice president will lead the expanded, 12-member Portland City Council to develop policy, approve budgets and serve their constituents. Related: https://www.portland.gov/hello/news/2024/12/19/portlands-next-leaders-take-oath-office-ushering-new-era-city-government#toc-city-council-district-1

URL: https://www.portland.gov/hello/news/2025/1/2/after-2-year-transition-new-voter-approved-form-government-portland-city

SOURCE City of Portland, Oregon
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allies Against Slavery (Allies) announced today the launch of the latest version of its groundbreaking data platform, Lighthouse. This innovative tool, now featuring victim screening data from three states, data from Federal Human Trafficking cases, state policy data and other sources, is designed to provide critical information and insights to accelerate solutions to combat human trafficking. The new version delivers "Lighthouse Insights," a free, new data hub that translates complex data into accessible and actionable information for the public, media, and policy makers to catalyze informed action at every level of society. Lighthouse is designed to turn data into information so people and communities can act more quickly and effectively in identifying victims, empower their freedom and provide access to survivor care, developing better policies and legislation, and prosecuting traffickers more efficiently.

"Our vision for the Lighthouse platform is to transform the fight against human trafficking by harnessing the power of data," said John Nehme, CEO of Allies. "Lighthouse Insights represents a significant leap forward in our mission to provide actionable intelligence to those on the front lines. By equipping law enforcement, service providers, and policymakers with the tools they need to identify and respond to trafficking more effectively, we are one step closer to a world where every victim can become a survivor, and every trafficker can be brought to justice."

"Our vision for Lighthouse is to transform the fight against human trafficking by harnessing the power of data." Post this

Lighthouse leverages advanced data analytics to aggregate and analyze data, enabling better identification and prediction of human trafficking patterns. These insights improve policy and support higher rates of trafficker convictions. This invaluable resource supports law enforcement agencies, service providers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and policymakers in their efforts to eradicate human trafficking. Much like Bloomberg serves financial professionals, Lighthouse Insights aims to be the go-to resource for stakeholders needing reliable, comprehensive, and cutting-edge data to prevent exploitation, protect victims, and prosecute traffickers.

The newest data set and insights delivered through the Lighthouse platform includes information from Federal Human Trafficking cases, bringing crucial data to the fingertips of law enforcement, prosecutors, policymakers, and care providers. The insights enable people to:

Improve justice for victims,

Deliver comprehensive, evidence-based education for stakeholders,

Increase prosecutions and create more accountability for justice stakeholders,

Illuminate and drive efforts to eradicate this human rights abuse.

Combined with Allies' pioneering solution, Lighthouse Screening, which helps healthcare professionals, service providers, law enforcement, and educators screen, identify, and prevent trafficking, Allies Against Slavery is on the path to building a new collaborative data ecosystem for the anti-trafficking movement. This marks the first phase in developing a national human trafficking database.

"As a survivor of child sex trafficking, I carry the story of what it's like to endure the unimaginable," said Rhonda Kuykendall, trafficking survivor and Allies board member. "But stories alone aren't enough to address the complexity of trafficking, and that's where data comes in. As a survivor, I can share the "what" of sex trafficking, but Allies Against Slavery uses data to explore the "who, when, where, and why" of trafficking. Data driven insights ensure that victims are identified, policymakers are educated, and communities are informed."

Nearly nine in ten individuals who were trafficked came in contact with an educator, service provider, medical professional, or law enforcement during their trafficking experience. Without the right data and tools, field professionals could continue to miss the chance to identify and help them. Estimates of the number of people being trafficked vary greatly, making it essential to quantify the challenge to propose and implement effective solutions.

The purpose of the Lighthouse platform is to empower those on the front lines of this fight with reliable information to navigate the complex landscape of human trafficking more effectively and ultimately free victims by ending trafficking in all forms. Lighthouse Insights is the result of a collaborative effort between leading experts in data science, human rights and law enforcement. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the platform is uniquely positioned to drive impactful change.

The vision of a national database is one step closer with the newest version of the Lighthouse platform. The ability to collect and share data and insights is a critical step in the collective effort to combat human trafficking. By centralizing and analyzing data, more effective strategies can be developed to identify, prosecute and prevent trafficking.

About Allies Against Slavery

Allies Against Slavery harnesses data to illuminate and eradicate human trafficking through its innovative data platform and strategic partnerships. Since 2010, they have worked to dismantle silos, build networks, and shine a light on the vulnerabilities that lead to exploitation. Their pioneering software, Lighthouse, aggregates national and statewide data to help professionals, leaders, and policymakers identify victims, coordinate care, and understand trafficking trends. By leveraging data, Allies Against Slavery aims to drive impactful solutions, enhance survivor support, and accelerate the fight against human trafficking. Learn more about Allies Against Slavery here: https://www.alliesagainstslavery.org/

For more information, please contact:

Tad Druart

Pierpont Communications for Allies Against Slavery

[email protected]

512-497-9880

SOURCE Allies Against Slavery
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Another 107 women have bravely stepped forward alleging what over 50 other women have claimed in other lawsuits: that OB-GYN Barry J. Brock engaged in severe sexual misconduct while they were under his care.

This third lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Brock and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual battery, negligence, invasion of privacy and much more. This brings the total number of women allegedly violated by Brock to more than 150. The lawsuit was filed by the sex abuse law firms of Arias Sanguinetti and The DiPietro Law Firm.

"Women continue to come forward to accuse Dr. Brock of just the most offensive behavior one can imagine from an OBGYN," said attorney Mike Arias. "Not only did he put his patients' health and safety at risk, but also he jeopardized the health and well-being of their unborn and newborn babies."

"These women have endured horrific treatment by Barry J. Brock, and the cover-up and neglect by Cedars-Sinai only compounded their trauma," said attorney Anthony DiPietro. "And, as they've stepped forward to tell their stories, both Dr. Brock and his legal team have called them liars. No woman should have to endure such treatment."

In this newest complaint, the women (identified as Jane Does) allege truly cruel and unusual treatment by Brock. The complaint alleges the list of sexual violations goes back decades and includes such behavior as:

Inappropriate questions, comments and touching

Various grooming tactics utilized as a tool to break down patients' barriers

Inappropriate breast and vaginal examinations under the guise of medical care

Excessive genital examinations at every or almost every visit for nothing more than Brock's own sexual gratification

Sexually abusive and exploitative examinations

Performing barbaric stitching commonly referred to as the "daddy stitch" or "husband's stitch"

Performing dangerous and uncommon vaginal births

The complaint also alleges Cedars-Sinai was complicit. Despite Dr. Brock being the subject of several internal complaints, patient reports, medical staff warnings and even dozens of civil lawsuits, the hospital failed to take appropriate steps to protect his patients.

The case is Jane Doe #17 et al. v. Barry J. Brock, MD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Health System, Cedars-Sinai Medical Group, Cedars Sinai Women's Medical Group, Beverly Hills, OBGYN, Rodeo Drive Women's Health Center, Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 24STCV34470.

About Arias Sanguinetti

With offices in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Las Vegas, Arias Sanguinetti has a long history of successfully representing individuals who have been injured or abused through no fault of their own. The firm's attorneys have been honored and recognized by peer organizations and legal publications for their work on behalf of clients nationwide, which includes obtaining more than $1.5 billion in personal injury, sex abuse, mass tort, and other claims. This includes an $852 million settlement against USC on behalf of survivors of OBGYN George Tyndall's sexual misconduct.

About The DiPietro Law Firm

Founder Anthony T. DiPietro is a Trial Attorney committed to advocating for individuals who have been injured by medical malpractice, birth trauma, wrongful death, or are survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse of all ages. We're the first (and perhaps only) law firm in the nation to offer our clients free support from a list of therapists, social workers, and licensed psychologists. It's our goal to make this process as empowering as possible, while helping our clients move towards personal growth and recovery.

SOURCE Arias Sanguinetti
NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global automotive engineering service providers (esp) market size is estimated to grow by USD 12.09 billion from 2025 to 2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 9.8% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below-

Segmentation Overview

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market 2025-2029

Application

1.1 In-house

1.2 Out-source

Product Type

2.1 Powertrain

2.2 Complete vehicle

2.3 Electrical/electronics

2.4 Others

Geography

3.1 Europe

3.2 APAC

3.3 North America

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

The Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) Market encompasses mechanical and electrical engineering, leveraging lightweight materials and digital vehicles to enhance connectedness and software development. ESPs address cybersecurity and data analytics concerns, ensuring vehicle safety and fuel efficiency through expertise in electric motors and battery management systems. Sensor fusion engineering solutions facilitate designing, developing, fabricating, and assembling mechanical, electrical, electronics, and software elements for automobiles. ESPs cater to stringent safety regulations in the automotive engineering field, delivering improved quality, safe structured vehicles, and convenient driving experiences for models and vehicles, including commercial ones. With the advent of 5G networks, ESPs are poised to revolutionize the industry through engineering solutions for autonomous and electric vehicles. Investment pockets lie in the areas of safety elements, luxury vehicles, and the integration of advanced technologies, such as 5G networks and autonomous driving systems.

Analyst Review

The Automotive Engineering Service Providers (ESP) market encompasses the design, development, fabrication, and integration of mechanical, electrical, and electronics elements for commercial vehicles. This includes the implementation of 5G networks and advanced technologies such as autonomous and electric vehicles. ESPs focus on enhancing vehicle efficiency through the use of lightweight materials and fuel-efficient components. Collision avoidance sensors and connection sensors are essential mechanical and electrical features that ESPs incorporate into digital and connected vehicles. Software engineering and cybersecurity are critical aspects of ESP services, ensuring data analytics and secure communication between vehicles and infrastructure. The ESP market continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions to meet the demands of the automotive industry.

Market Overview

The Automotive Engineering Services Market encompasses a diverse range of offerings, including vehicle design, development, testing, and consulting services. These solutions cater to various sectors, such as body and chassis, powertrain, electronics, and software. ESPs employ cutting-edge technologies like CAD, CAE, and CAM to create efficient, safe, and eco-friendly vehicles. They also focus on regulatory compliance, ensuring that vehicles meet stringent safety and emissions standards. Additionally, ESPs provide services related to vehicle connectivity, autonomous driving, and electric powertrains, reflecting the industry's ongoing evolution. The market is driven by factors like increasing vehicle production, growing demand for advanced technologies, and stringent regulations.

To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Venodr Landscape

11 Vendor Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global baby stroller and pram market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.86 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 7% during the forecast period. Changing lifestyles coupled with rise in single-parent and nuclear families is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing demand for eco-friendly strollers. However, stringent safety regulations related to baby products poses a challenge. Key market players include Artsana Spa, Baby Trend Inc., BRITAX ROMER Kindersicherheit GmbH, Bugaboo North America Inc., Bumbleride, Combi Corp., Doona USA, Dorel Industries Inc., Goodbaby International Holdings Ltd, HunyHuny Overseas Pvt. Ltd., Inglesina USA Inc., Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., Mamas and Papas Ltd., Mercedes Benz Group AG, Newell Brands Inc., Nuna International BV, Pigeon Stroller, Silver Cross UK Ltd., and SND Digital Retails LLP.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Baby Stroller And Pram Market 2025-2029

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Baby Stroller And Pram Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2023 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 1861.4 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 6.1 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 34% Key countries US, China, Canada, France, India, UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Brazil Key companies profiled Artsana Spa, Baby Trend Inc., BRITAX ROMER Kindersicherheit GmbH, Bugaboo North America Inc., Bumbleride, Combi Corp., Doona USA, Dorel Industries Inc., Goodbaby International Holdings Ltd, HunyHuny Overseas Pvt. Ltd., Inglesina USA Inc., Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., Mamas and Papas Ltd., Mercedes Benz Group AG, Newell Brands Inc., Nuna International BV, Pigeon Stroller, Silver Cross UK Ltd., and SND Digital Retails LLP

Market Driver

The Baby or Toddler market is thriving, with high birthrates driving demand for essential baby gear like Strollers and Prams. Parents in urban areas with busy lifestyles prefer lightweight, compact alternatives like Baby Carriers, but Strollers and Prams offer more functions, such as adjustable harness systems, comfortable padding, sun canopies, and shock-absorbing wheels. Types of Strollers include Lightweight Strollers for travel, Jogging Strollers for exercise, Standard Strollers for everyday use, and Double/Triple Strollers for families with multiple infants or young children. Specialty Stores cater to specific needs, like Ergobaby for ergonomic designs. New parents seek safety, quality, and brand reputation. Trends include smart sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB charging ports. Sustainable materials, eco-friendly materials, and recycled materials are in demand. Safety regulations and standards are crucial, with legal issues and product recalls impacting brands. Parents value multi-purpose functionalities, easy-to-fold designs, and travel-friendly features. Urban environments with limited space require lightweight, easy-to-maneuver strollers. Personalization options and add-on accessories add value. Online retailing increases purchasing power, making high-quality, affordable strollers accessible to all.

Parents prioritize the safety and well-being of their babies when choosing a stroller. The trend towards eco-friendly products has led to an increased demand for strollers made from non-toxic materials. Harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), formaldehyde, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are being phased out due to health concerns. Vendors in the baby stroller market focus on adhering to safety standards and providing eco-friendly options to meet customer demands. Parents are keen to understand the manufacturing processes and the reusability of strollers before making a purchase. Transparency regarding the materials used and the absence of harmful chemicals is crucial in gaining the trust of environmentally-conscious consumers.

Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution!

Market Challenges

The Baby or Toddler Stroller and Pram market caters to the needs of parents in urban areas with busy lifestyles, offering solutions for transporting Baby Carrier , Newborns, and young children. The market comprises various types, including Lightweight Strollers, Jogging Strollers, Standard Strollers, and Double/Triple Strollers. Functions such as adjustable harness systems, comfortable padding, sun canopies, and shock-absorbing wheels are essential. Parents face challenges with limited space in homes and car trunks, necessitating compact and lightweight strollers. Safety regulations and standards are crucial, with brands like Ergobaby prioritizing safety. Alternatives like Baby Carriers are also popular. New trends include smart sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging ports, sustainable materials, eco-friendly materials, and recycled materials. Brands ensure quality and address legal issues, defects, and product recalls. Personalization options and add-on accessories are essential for parents. Online retailing is prevalent due to purchasing power and the convenience it offers. Product types include Full-Size Strollers, Travel Systems, Double Strollers, and Frame Strollers, with metallic frames being a popular choice. The market continues to evolve, adapting to fashion trends and consumer preferences.

, Newborns, and young children. The market comprises various types, including Lightweight Strollers, Jogging Strollers, Standard Strollers, and Double/Triple Strollers. Functions such as adjustable harness systems, comfortable padding, sun canopies, and shock-absorbing wheels are essential. Parents face challenges with limited space in homes and car trunks, necessitating compact and lightweight strollers. Safety regulations and standards are crucial, with brands like Ergobaby prioritizing safety. Alternatives like Baby Carriers are also popular. New trends include smart sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, USB charging ports, sustainable materials, eco-friendly materials, and recycled materials. Brands ensure quality and address legal issues, defects, and product recalls. Personalization options and add-on accessories are essential for parents. Online retailing is prevalent due to purchasing power and the convenience it offers. Product types include Full-Size Strollers, Travel Systems, Double Strollers, and Frame Strollers, with metallic frames being a popular choice. The market continues to evolve, adapting to fashion trends and consumer preferences. The baby stroller and pram market face rigorous safety regulations, which pose a significant challenge. Governments and regulatory bodies impose stringent standards to ensure infant safety during transportation. Compliance necessitates extensive testing, quality control measures, and potential product modifications, increasing production complexity and cost. Regulations often mandate specifications for restraint systems, stability, and material safety. For instance, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets standards for stroller safety, addressing restraint systems, braking mechanisms, and stability. The European Union's EN 1888 standard outlines safety requirements for wheeled child conveyances, covering mechanical strength and flammability.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now!

Segment Overview

This baby stroller and pram market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Distribution Channel

1.1 Offline

1.2 Online

End-user

2.1 Baby comfort stroller

2.2 Baby buggies

2.3 Baby comfort pram

2.4 Baby 3-wheeler stroller

2.5 Baby tandem stroller

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 APAC

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Offline- Specialty stores, including multi-branded and brand-specific outlets, dominate the offline distribution channel in the global baby stroller and pram market, accounting for 65.89% of the sales in 2019. These stores offer customers personalized assistance and a comprehensive understanding of innovative features in baby strollers. Department stores, such as Sears Brands and JCPenney, are another popular retail format due to their extensive product range and convenience. Factors like enormous stock-keeping units (SKUs) and brand availability contribute to their popularity. Additionally, hypermarkets, including WalMart Stores, Carrefour, and Target, offer a wide variety of multi-branded baby care products, contributing to the market's growth in the offline segment.

Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics

Research Analysis

The Baby or Toddler market encompasses various products designed for the comfort and mobility of newborns, infants, and young children. Among these products, strollers and prams are essential for urban parents with busy lifestyles. Strollers and prams come in various types, including lightweight and compact models, ideal for maneuvering through crowded city streets. They offer functions such as adjustable harness systems, comfortable padding, sun canopies, and shock-absorbing wheels, ensuring a smooth ride for parents and babies. Newborns and infants require specific models with lie-flat positions and adjustable canopies for optimal comfort. Prams are more traditional and offer a larger seating area, while strollers are more versatile and convenient for on-the-go parents. Alternatives to strollers and prams include baby carriers and international travel systems like the Cybex Priam Travel. Online retailing has made purchasing these essential items more accessible, with a growing number of parents utilizing this convenient option due to increasing purchasing power.

Market Research Overview

The Baby or Toddler Stroller and Pram market caters to the needs of parents with young children, offering a range of products including strollers, prams, baby carriers, and alternatives like slings and wraps. Strollers come in various types such as lightweight, jogging, standard, and double/triple strollers, each with unique functions like adjustable harness systems, comfortable padding, sun canopies, and shock-absorbing wheels. Newborns require special considerations, so strollers may include features like a car trunk compatible design for easy transport. Parents in urban areas with busy lifestyles prefer compact, lightweight strollers with aesthetic appeal, available in various colors, patterns, and designs that reflect fashion trends. Safety regulations and standards are crucial, as are brand reputation, quality, and defects, including product recalls. Smart sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB charging ports are modern additions, while sustainable materials like recycled materials, organic fabrics, and non-toxic components are eco-friendly options. Personalization and add-on accessories add value, and online retailing expands purchasing power.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Distribution Channel

Offline



Online

End-user

Baby Comfort Stroller



Baby Buggies



Baby Comfort Pram



Baby 3-wheeler Stroller



Baby Tandem Stroller

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



South America



Middle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
LUGANO, Switzerland, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BE OPEN Art, an online art gallery set up by BE OPEN think tank, a humanitarian initiative founded by Austria-based international businessperson and philanthropist Elena Baturina, is ready to announce the results of the last stage of BE OPEN Regional Art in 2024 which covered the countries of Southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Elena Baturina, Founder of BE OPEN

BE OPEN Regional Art is a region-based competition for emerging artists, aimed to support those whose art best represents their regional, cultural and ethnic identities. Throughout 2023 and 2024, BE OPEN expert community have been selecting artists to feature them in the BE OPEN Art gallery, offer greater visibility and encourage the public to vote and thus select the monthly and the regional winners. The winner of each regional stage receives a money grant from the foundation.

In October, Akissi Beukman was voted the Artist of the Month. Akissi is an artist based in Pretoria, South Africa. She specializes in performance art, experimental sound art and painting. She received her degree in Fine Arts with honours from Rhodes University in 2018.

Akissi Beukman's work is influenced by the notion of performativity, with a keen focus on how gender, race, and the surrounding political landscapes interact with and shape her body. Through her art, she communicates themes of spiritual healing through the transformative power of artistic expression. Akissi also became the Founders' personal favourite in the region of Southern Africa.

In November, the title was given to Aislinn Finnegan, a self-described "mixed media artist of mixed-race heritage." Aislinn's illustrations focus on concepts of race, identity, and femininity in an attempt to disseminate and celebrate aspects of black culture and beauty in a world dominated by "Western" concepts and aesthetics.

Natasha Mwila, a digital artist from Lusaka, Zambia, became the regional artist of December. The digital mobile phone artist draws on her African heritage to create powerful collage art. Her work explores the social and political complexities of life, with a focus on amplifying marginalized voices, particularly women. Natasha's art serves as both a tribute to women's empowerment and a call for more inclusive, equitable societies.

Based on the general amount of votes, Aislinn Finnegan becomes the Artist of the Region for Southern Africa, and will now be awarded with a 500 grant.

In 2025, the competition will start in South Asia to discover emerging artists from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. An important development in the programme is that the artist that receives the Founder's recognition will also be awarded a money prize. "We hope that these additional resources will support our emerging artists in their continued pursuit of a successful career in the arts," said Elena Baturina. "We want to empower artists to keep dreaming, to keep creating, and to keep following their hearts".

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586112/Elena_Baturina_Founder.jpg

SOURCE BE OPEN Foundation
Ukrainian Defense Forces units from 12:00 and as of 20:00 on Friday, January 3, shot down three missiles and 13 enemy UAVs, 19 UAVs were lost to location, the press service of the Ukrainian Air Force said.

"As of 20:00, three Kh-59/69 guided air missiles and 13 enemy UAVs were shot down, 19 enemy drone imitators were locally lost (without negative consequences)," the Air Force said in a statement on Telegram.

It is reported that in total during the current day (since 12:00 on January 3), the enemy launched missile strikes of various types: five S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles at Kursk region, three Iskander-M ballistic missiles at Chernihiv region, three Kh-59/69 guided air missiles at Dnipropetrovsk region. It also attacked with 32 Shahed strike UAVs and various types of drone imitators from the north-east.
Lending revenue dips against backdrop of record-high indices

NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global securities finance industry generated $9.64 billion in revenue for lenders in 2024, according to DataLend, the market data service of fintech EquiLend. The figure represents a 10.3% decrease from the $10.74 billion generated in 2023.

Global broker-to-broker activity, where broker-dealers lend and borrow securities from each other, totaled an additional $2.57 billion in revenue for 2024, a 9.9% decrease from 2023.

Equity lending revenues fell 13% globally, with North America revenue declining 15% and EMEA revenue dropping 24%. In North America, the cause for the revenue decline was a 19% decrease in average fees, while in EMEA, fees and balances decreased 16% and 11%, respectively. Equity lending revenues in APAC were largely flat year-over-year.

Global sovereign debt revenue increased by 8% over 2023, with U.S. treasuries making up the lion's share of the gains. Treasuries were up 16% year-over-year, driven by a 14% growth in balances.

In corporate debt lending, global revenue declined by 21% as a regression from a record 2023 continued. Fees were the main culprit, with a steep 29% decrease driving the year-over-year decline in revenue.

The top five earning securities in 2024 were Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI US), Lucid Group (LCID US), Beyond Meat Inc. (BYND US), Tempus AI Inc. (TEM US) and Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT US). The five securities in total generated $644 million for lenders over the course of 2024, a significant dip from the $1.11 billion generated by 2023's top five earners.

Bloomberg Terminal users can subscribe to EquiLend's exclusive Orbisa securities lending data by entering terminal shortcut APPS ORBISA <GO> or clicking the following link: https://blinks.bloomberg.com/screens/apps%20orbisa.

About DataLend

DataLend, the market data service within EquiLend's Data & Analytics Solutions group, tracks daily market movements across more than 200,000 securities, covering $35 trillion in lendable assets and $2.6 trillion in on-loan assets for the securities finance market. www.datalend.com

About EquiLend

EquiLend is a global financial technology firm offering Trading, Post-Trade, Data & Analytics, RegTech and Platform Solutions for the securities finance industry. EquiLend has offices in North America, EMEA and Asia-Pacific and is regulated in jurisdictions around the globe. www.equilend.com

SOURCE EquiLend
NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global endoscopic closure devices market size is estimated to grow by USD 825.7 million from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 8% during the forecast period. Increasing incidence of gastrointestinal diseases is driving market growth, with a trend towards technological advances in endoscopic devices. However, high cost of endoscopy procedures poses a challenge. Key market players include Abbott Laboratories, Ackermann Instrumente GmbH, AHM Grup, Ambu AS, B.Braun SE, Boston Scientific Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., Changzhou Jiuhong Medical Instrument Co., Cook Group Inc., Endocor GmbH and Co. KG, Era Endoscopy Srl, Haemonetics Corp., Johnson and Johnson Inc., Medtronic Plc, Micro Tech Nanjing Co. Ltd., Olympus Corp., Ovesco Endoscopy AG, STERIS plc, Teleflex Inc., and The Cooper Companies Inc..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Endoscopic Closure Devices Market 2025-2029

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Endoscopic Closure Devices Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2023 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 8% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 825.7 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 7.3 Regional analysis North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of World (ROW) Performing market contribution North America at 35% Key countries US, China, Germany, UK, Canada, Japan, France, Brazil, UAE, and India Key companies profiled Abbott Laboratories, Ackermann Instrumente GmbH, AHM Grup, Ambu AS, B.Braun SE, Boston Scientific Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., Changzhou Jiuhong Medical Instrument Co., Cook Group Inc., Endocor GmbH and Co. KG, Era Endoscopy Srl, Haemonetics Corp., Johnson and Johnson Inc., Medtronic Plc, Micro Tech Nanjing Co. Ltd., Olympus Corp., Ovesco Endoscopy AG, STERIS plc, Teleflex Inc., and The Cooper Companies Inc.

Market Driver

The Endoscopic Closure Devices Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammation, neoplastic fistulae, and GI perforations. Endoscopic closure systems, including endoscopic clips, suturing systems, and bio-absorbable plugs, offer non-surgical alternatives for wound closure in cases of leaks, fistulas, perforations, abscesses, and arterial bleeding. These devices are increasingly being used in endoscopic interventions for cardiac patients and in ambulatory centers, reducing hospital stays and post-operative complications. Advancements in technology include the use of robots, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology in endoscopic surgery. Dedicated devices for specific conditions, such as the Eagle Claw device for large perforations, are gaining popularity. Ergonomic designs, imaging capabilities, and user-friendly features are key trends in the market. Premium pricing and subscription-based models are also emerging. The medical device industry is focusing on minimally invasive surgeries, skilled professionals, and specialized medical services to meet the needs of healthcare providers and healthcare professionals. Imaging capabilities, tissue granulation, and vacuum technology are also important considerations in the recovery process.

Vendors in the endoscopic closure devices market are actively investing in research and development to expand their product offerings and maintain a competitive edge. They are developing advanced imaging systems for endoscopic devices to improve organ visibility during procedures. To cater to the evolving needs of patients, these companies are focusing on creating innovative products. For instance, Cook Group, a leading vendor, introduced the Instinct Endoscopic Hemoclip. The global endoscopic closure devices market is driven by advancements in medical technology, enabling the production of technologically advanced devices.

Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution!

Market Challenges

 The Endoscopic Closure Devices Market encompasses a range of medical devices used to address various gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, including inflammation, surgical anastomoses, neoplastic fistulae, and GI perforations. These devices offer non-surgical closure solutions for endoscopic interventions, addressing challenges such as leaks, fistulas, and perforations that can lead to complications like abscesses and infections in hospitals and ambulatory centers. Endoscopic closure systems include endoscopic clips, endoscopic suturing systems, Eagle Claw devices, and bio-absorbable plugs. These devices cater to endoscopic surgery, which utilizes small incisions and skilled professionals to minimize post-operative complications. Challenges in this market include addressing arterial bleeding in cardiac patients, wound closure, infection risks, and minimizing the need for hospital stays. Robots, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and dedicated devices are being explored to enhance the versatility and user-friendly design of these systems. Endoscopic ultrasound procedures and imaging capabilities are essential features, as is the integration of vacuum technology and tissue granulation to aid in the recovery process. Specialized medical services and referral centers play a crucial role in the market, along with the medical device industry's premium pricing, subscription-based models, and ergonomic designs. Endoscopic closure devices cater to a wide range of applications, from GI tract repairs to endoscopic surgery for chronic diseases. The market faces competition from traditional suturing devices, staples, sealants, and minimally invasive surgeries. Surgeons and healthcare providers must weigh the benefits of these advanced systems against their costs and availability.

 Endoscopic closure devices are essential tools in surgical procedures, primarily used for managing leaks, perforations, and fistulas created during these procedures. The global prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is driving the demand for endoscopic procedures, including upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and laparoscopy. These procedures treat various conditions, such as GI diseases, cancer, and kidney and liver diseases. However, the high cost of endoscopic procedures, which includes radiological examination fees, surgical procedure costs, healthcare professional fees, and hospital stays, may hinder the adoption of endoscopic closure devices.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now!

Segment Overview

This endoscopic closure devices market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Product

1.1 Endoscopic closure systems

1.2 Endoscopic clips

1.3 Others

End-user

2.1 Hospitals

2.2 Ambulatory surgery centers

2.3 Others

Geography

3.1 North America

3.2 Europe

3.3 Asia

3.4 Rest of World (ROW)

1.1 Endoscopic closure systems- The Endoscopic Closure Devices Market encompasses endoscopic closure systems, including over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) and endoscopic suturing systems. Factors such as the rising incidence of Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and technological advancements driving new endoscopic closure systems development are market growth drivers. Additionally, the increasing number of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures, like EMR, ESD, and full-thickness resection of subepithelial tumors, fuels demand for endoscopic closure systems. Surgeons often prefer OTSCs over through-the-scope (TTS) clips due to their larger opening span and closing strength, especially in fibrotic tissue settings. OTSCs are primarily used for closing small defects and bleeding ulcers. Vendors, such as Ovesco Endoscopy, innovate OTSC Systems with advanced clipping systems, like OTSC STENTFIX, OTSC MINI, and OTSC CLIP, offering more strength and improved tissue capture. Application aids like OTSC Anchors and OTSC Twin support clip placement enhance precise and easy closure of larger lesions. Endoscopic suturing systems consist of an endoscope and a stitching device for treating GI tract defects. Applications include perforation closure, stent fixation, fistula closure, ESD and EMR closures, closure of inadvertent mucosotomies, and perforations created during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). To support the growing adoption of endoscopic procedures, vendors in the Endoscopic Closure Devices Market introduce new products. This focus on advanced product development and new product launches will accelerate endoscopic closure systems adoption, propelling market growth during the forecast period.

Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics

Research Analysis

The Endoscopic Closure Devices Market refers to the segment of medical devices used for the endoscopic repair and closure of various gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, including inflammation, neoplastic fistulae, and GI perforations. These devices offer non-surgical alternatives to traditional wound closure methods, reducing post-operative complications such as infection risks. Endoscopic closure systems include endoscopic clips, suturing systems, sealants, bio-absorbable plugs, and the Eagle Claw device. These devices are utilized during endoscopy operations and endoscopic treatments for GI perforations, surgical anastomoses, and incisions. The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing prevalence of GI conditions and the advantages offered by endoscopic closure devices over traditional surgical methods. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as robots and artificial intelligence, are expected to further drive market growth. Surgeons are increasingly adopting these minimally invasive methods for wound closure, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced recovery time.

Market Research Overview

The Endoscopic Closure Devices Market refers to the segment of the medical device industry focused on providing innovative solutions for the closure of gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, inflammation, surgical anastomoses, neoplastic fistulae, and other conditions. These non-surgical closure systems include endoscopic clips, endoscopic suturing systems, mucosal clips, end loops, and bio-absorbable plugs. GI perforations, leaks, fistulas, abscesses, arterial bleeding, and post-operative complications are common indications for these devices. Endoscopic surgery, with its small incisions and skilled professionals, has gained popularity in recent years, leading to an increase in demand for endoscopic closure devices. Advanced technologies such as robots, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and dedicated devices are being developed to enhance the versatility, user-friendly design, and imaging capabilities of these devices. Hospitals, ambulatory centers, and referral centers are key markets for endoscopic closure devices, with healthcare providers and professionals increasingly turning to minimally invasive surgeries and endoscopic interventions to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital stays. Premium pricing, subscription-based models, and infection risks are some of the challenges facing the market. The GI tract, from the esophagus to the anus, is the primary focus of these devices, with a growing emphasis on tissue granulation, vacuum technology, and the recovery process.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Product

Endoscopic Closure Systems



Endoscopic Clips



Others

End-user

Hospitals



Ambulatory Surgery Centers



Others

Geography

North America



Europe



Asia



Rest Of World (ROW)



7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
LEXINGTON, S.C., Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Community announced today that Sarah Donley has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operations & Risk Officer. Ms. Donley succeeds retiring Tanya Butts who has served in this role since 2016.

Ms. Donley joined First Community in 1997 and most recently served as Controller. As Chief Operations and Risk Officer, Donley will be responsible for electronic banking, deposit operations, loan operations, IT, information security, vendor management, audit, compliance, financial crimes (CFT/AML), fraud, facilities, and physical security.

Sarah Donley

With more than 35 years of banking experience, including twenty-seven of those with First Community Bank, Donley is well prepared to lead these important areas. Her institutional knowledge, including her work with these areas of responsibility during her tenure, gives her a strong base of knowledge for her new role.

A native of Moorestown, New Jersey, Donley earned a Bachelor Arts in Economics with a minor in Business Administration and Psychology from Wittenberg University and is a CPA. Donley is also a graduate of the First Community Bank Leadership Institute. Donley has served as a volunteer or financial supporter of local organizations including Midlands Reading Consortium, Sole Stepping, and Palmetto Place.

First Community Bank President and CEO, Ted Nissen, commented, "Sarah has been an integral part of our team since joining our bank in 1997 and we are excited about the contributions that she will continue to make as a member of our Executive Leadership Team. Throughout her tenure with the bank, she has been involved with the areas that she will now lead as COO/CRO. Her passion for and dedication to our Company along with her 27 years of institutional knowledge have well prepared her for this important role. I'd also like to thank Tanya for her many contributions to First Community these past 8 years and note that she will continue as Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor through the first quarter of 2025 to insure a smooth transition."

About First Community Bank

First Community Bank is a full-service commercial bank offering deposit and loan products and services, residential mortgage lending and financial planning/investment advisory services for businesses and consumers. First Community serves customers in the Midlands, Aiken, Upstate and Piedmont regions of South Carolina as well as Augusta, Georgia. For more information, visit www.firstcommunitysc.com.

SOURCE First Community Corporation
SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shenzhen GRIT Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a leading company in cell therapy globally, today announced the appointment of Jie Jia, Ph.D., as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective on the date of this press release.

Dr. Jia, Jie brings over 20 years of strategic leadership experience within the biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries, especially in managing complex projects, establishing new business operations, optimizing processes, and guiding critical decision-making initiatives. Prior to joining GRIT Bio as Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Jia served as a senior executive at CARsgen Therapeutics, where he successfully transformed the company from a startup to a public entity by establishing and spearheading U.S. operations. Before transitioning into the industry, Dr. Jia was an assistant professor at the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Jia holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Sichuan University, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a Postdoctoral Fellow Certificate in Molecular Medicine from the Cleveland Clinic, and an MBA in Leadership and Digital Marketing from Youngstown State University.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jia as GRIT Bio's Chief Operating Officer," said Dr. Liu, Yarong, Chairman and CEO of GRIT Bio, "His experience in leading biotech companies and developing markets and collaborations overseas aligns seamlessly with GRIT Bio's international vision. We are confident that Dr. Jia's leadership and professional expertise will accelerate our global mission of developing breakthrough cell therapies for solid tumor patients."

Dr. Jia commented, "I am honored to join GRIT Bio and collaborate with the team. With outstanding scientists and proprietary cell therapy platforms, GRIT Bio has generated multiple differentiated TIL projects that have tremendous potentials, and maintained leading positions in development globally. I look forward to advancing development and collaborations involving the technologies and projects and contributing to the future success of the company."

About GRIT Bio

GRIT Bio was founded in 2019 as an innovative biopharmaceutical company, focused on immune cell treatments for oncology and characterized by a R&D pipeline in TIL therapies. GRIT Bio has completed multiple rounds of equity financing and is backed by renowned venture capital funds. GT101, a proprietary injectable developed by GRIT Bio, is the first TIL therapy that entered registrational clinical trial. GT 101 is currently in pivotal Phase II clinical study. GRIT Bio's GT201 injectable, the first TIL therapy with membrane-bound IL-15 complex, has cleared IND in both US and China. Core R&D platforms of the company include StemTexp stemness TIL expansion platform, StaViral stably virus transfected cell lines, ImmuT Finder immune modulator target discovery platform, and KOReTIL high-efficiency gene knock-out system. Based on the platforms, GRIT Bio generated a series of next-generation gene-edited TIL therapies. With internationally advanced technology reserve and industry resources, GRIT Bio aims to develop breakthrough cell therapies for solid tumors and bring new hope to cancer patients. For further information, please visit: www.grit-bio.com

Investor Contact

Yuan Wang

+86-21- 50828029

[email protected]

Media Contact

Rong Peng

+86-21- 50828029

[email protected]

SOURCE Grit Biotechnology
NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global industrial lighting market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.83 billion from 2025 to 2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.

For comprehensive forecast and historic data on regions,market segments, customer landscape, and companies- Click for the snapshot of this report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Industrial Lighting Market 2025-2029

Report Attribute Details Base Year 2024 Forecast period 2025-2029 Historic Data for 2019 - 2023 Segments Covered Type (LED technology and Traditional technology), Application (New installation, Replacement installation, and Retrofit installation), and Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Key Companies Covered Acuity Brands Inc., ams OSRAM AG, Bajaj Electricals Ltd., Dialight PLC, Eaton Corp plc, Emerson Electric Co., General Electric Co., Glamox AS, Hubbell Inc., Iwasaki Electric Co. Ltd., Legrand SA, Mulinsen Co. Ltd., Panasonic Holdings Corp., RAB Lighting Inc., Signify NV, TRILUX GmbH and Co. KG, Wipro Ltd., Wolfspeed Inc., and Zumtobel Group AG Regions Covered APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Region Outlook

North America Europe Asia Rest of World

1. APAC - APAC is estimated to contribute 48%. To the growth of the global market. The Industrial Lighting Market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels from 2017 to 2027.

In the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, China is the leading contributor to the industrial lighting market's revenue due to the presence of numerous LED manufacturing units and industries. The Chinese government has been providing subsidies since 2010 for Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) technology, enabling many players to enter the market and purchase MOCVD tools for LED die manufacturing. With over 450 smart city projects under construction in China, the upcoming smart cities are expected to significantly drive the growth of the regional industrial lighting market. Japan is the next significant market to watch, as commercial LED lighting products have reached maturity, and manufacturers are now focusing on the industrial lighting segment to capitalize on the growing demand.

For more insights on APAC's significant contribution along with the market share of rest of the regions and countries - Download a FREE Sample

Segmentation Overview

Type

1.1 LED technology

1.2 Traditional technology

Application

2.1 New installation

2.2 Replacement installation

2.3 Retrofit installation

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 North America

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Fastest growing segment:

The global industrial lighting market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of LED technology. LED components and LED-based luminaires are increasingly being used by end-users due to their energy-saving characteristics and decreasing costs. Japan's energy crisis following the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the European Commission's ban on low-voltage halogen lamps are major drivers of this trend. The LED industrial lighting market will primarily be driven by the replacement market during the forecast period. New industrial units in countries like Australia, European countries, and Asia, particularly China and South Korea, will also contribute to market growth due to a focus on energy efficiency. Additionally, the adoption of smart lighting products is expected to boost sales of LED lighting systems in the industrial sector. These factors will collectively fuel the growth of the LED technology segment in the global industrial lighting market.

Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Research Analysis

The Industrial Lighting Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED light sources. Traditional lighting technologies like Linear fluorescent lamps, Metal halide lamps, and Incandescent bulbs are being gradually replaced by LED modules due to their low energy consumption and longer lifespan. Public organizations are leading the way in this transition, with many implementing energy efficiency initiatives and adhering to regulations like Ecodesign. The penetration of LEDs in industrial lighting is on the rise, with Dialight Group's ProSite LED floodlight being a notable offering. The shift to LEDs is also influenced by the rising energy prices and the availability of natural gas and electricity. Logistics and infrastructural development are also driving the demand for industrial lighting, with Signify being a key player in the market. Overall, the market for industrial lighting is expected to continue its growth trajectory, offering significant opportunities for companies and investors.

Market Overview

The Industrial Lighting Market is witnessing significant growth due to the widespread adoption of energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED Light Source, in various industries. Traditional lighting sources like Linear Fluorescent Lamps (LFL), Metal Halide Lamps (MHL), and Incandescent Bulbs are being gradually replaced with LEDs and SSL (Solid-state Lighting) due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan. Public organizations are leading the modernization wave, with infrastructure development and urbanization driving the demand for energy-efficient lighting systems. LED modules and connected lighting solutions are the latest lighting innovations, offering customizable lighting experiences and energy savings. Natural gas and electricity prices are influencing the market dynamics, with some industries opting for natural gas-powered HIDs (High-intensity Discharge) for their energy efficiency. Logistics and e-commerce market are also adopting LED technology for their energy savings and low energy consumption. The DOE's Energy Conservation Standards are further pushing the penetration of energy-efficient lighting solutions. LEDinside's data triangulation reports indicate a steady increase in LED adoption across various industries. The market is expected to continue growing, with CFL, LFL, and HIDs gradually losing market share.

Start exploring market insights by Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes!

Key Topics Covered:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Venodr Landscape

11 Vendor Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total December sales of 40,201 vehicles, an increase of 1.7 percent compared to December 2023. Full-year sales totaled 424,382 vehicles; an increase of 16.8 percent compared to 2023. With 25 selling days in December, compared to 26 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 5.8 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 5,931 vehicles in December, an increase of 17 percent compared to December 2023.

On December 18, 2024, Mazda sold its 400,000th vehicle, a 2025 CX-50 Hybrid, marking a new sales record for the US. Pictured from l to r at Elk Grove Mazda in Elk Grove, CA, are MNAO District Sales Manager Kris Barrientos, 400,000 Customer Ray Chatto, Elk Grove Mazda Owner/Dealer Principal John Driebe, Elk Grove Mazda Director of Sales Grant Salge, and Elk Grove Mazda Sales Manager Eric Cervantes.

December 2024 sales highlights include:

Best December sales ever with 40,201 vehicles sold.

Best December sales ever of CX-30 with 8,875 vehicles sold.

Best-ever sales of CX-50 with 8,083 vehicles sold.

Best December sales of CX-90 with 5,995 vehicles sold.

In 2024, Mazda achieved many milestones in the US, including:

Record breaking sales with 424,382 vehicles sold.

Mazda was awarded eight 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety  more than any other brand. These vehicles include the Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda3 Hatchback, CX-30, CX-50 (including the CX-50 Hybrid), CX-70, CX-70 PHEV, CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV.

awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety  more than any other brand. These vehicles include the Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda3 Hatchback, CX-30, CX-50 (including the CX-50 Hybrid), CX-70, CX-70 PHEV, CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV. In September, Mazda launched its new Brand Platform, Move and Be Moved.

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, located in Huntsville, AL , began assembling the CX-50 Hybrid in November.

, began assembling the CX-50 Hybrid in November. Mazda continued to elevate its customer experience by opening its 329th Retail Evolution dealership. Those dealerships, along with another 59 committed to the program, represent nearly 90 percent of MNAO's retail sales.

As of November, Mazda's service retention nationally was 56.2 percent.

The Mazda Foundation ( USA ) Inc., awarded over $500,000 to organizations across the U.S., renewing the organization's commitment to addressing food insecurity and some of its many root causes, particularly equitable access to education and job opportunities.

) Inc., awarded over to organizations across the U.S., renewing the organization's commitment to addressing food insecurity and some of its many root causes, particularly equitable access to education and job opportunities. In collaboration with its eight Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs), MNAO donated $320,000 to expand the company's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.

"Our record-setting performance is a testament to the hard work of everyone at MNAO and our dealer partners," said Tom Donnelly, Mazda North American Operations President and CEO. "In 2024, we expanded our product portfolio by launching CX-70 and CX-50 Hybrid, launched our new human connection-centric brand platform 'Move and Be Moved,' and grew our Retail Evolution dealer design evolution program. These efforts, among many others, are the reason behind MNAO's record results and I'm confident that we will continue this growth through the new year and beyond."

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported December sales of 4,566 vehicles, an increase of 2.4 percent compared to December last year. Full-year 2024 sales increased 23.2 percent, with 72,226 vehicles sold.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported December sales of 8,677 vehicles, an increase of 19 percent compared to last year. Full-year 2024 sales increased 31 percent, with 99,797 vehicles sold.

About Mazda North American Operations

Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Threads.





















































Month-To-Date

Year-To-Date





























December December YOY % % MTD

December December YOY % % MTD





2024 2023 Change DSR

2024 2023 Change DSR



























Mazda3 4,047 2,458 64.6 % 71.2 %

38,877 30,531 27.3 % 26.5 %



Mazda 3 Sdn 3,114 1,435 117.0 % 125.7 %

23853 17,068 39.8 % 38.8 %



Mazda 3 HB 933 1,023 (8.8) % (5.1) %

15024 13,463 11.6 % 10.9 %



























Mazda6 0 0 - -

0 0 - -



























MX-5 Miata 614 422 45.5 % 51.3 %

8,103 8,973 (9.7) % (10.3) %



MX-5 291 156 86.5 % 94.0 %

3920 4,591 (14.6) % (15.2) %



MXR 323 266 21.4 % 26.3 %

4183 4,382 (4.5) % (5.2) %



























CX-3 - 0 - -

- 0 - -



CX-30 8,875 5,672 56.5 % 62.7 %

96515 77,075 25.2 % 24.4 %



CX-5 11,134 20,434 (45.5) % (43.3) %

134088 153,808 (12.8) % (13.4) %



CX-9 - 2 - -

4 17,451 (100.0) % (100.0) %



50H 1,823 0 - -

2890 0 - -



CX-50 6,260 5,754 8.8 % 13.1 %

78551 44,595 76.1 % 75.0 %



CX-50 TTL 8,083 5,754 40.5 % 46.1 %

81,441 44,595 82.6 % 81.4 %



MX-30 0 0 - -

- 100 - -



CX-70 1,453 0 - -

10678 0 - -



CX-90 5,995 4,776 25.5 % 30.5 %

54676 30821 77.4 % 76.2 %



CARS 4,661 2,880 61.8 % 68.3 %

46,980 39,504 18.9 % 18.2 %



TRUCKS 35,540 36,638 (3.0) % 0.9 %

377,402 323,850 16.5 % 15.8 %



























TOTAL 40,201 39,518 1.7 % 5.8 %

424,382 363,354 16.8 % 16.0 %



















































*Selling Days 25 26





308 306























































SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, will host a media teleconference at 1 p.m. EST, Tuesday, Jan. 7, to provide an update on the status of the agency's Mars Sample Return Program.

The briefing will include NASA's efforts to complete its goals of returning scientifically selected samples from Mars to Earth while lowering cost, risk, and mission complexity.

Audio of the media call will stream live on the agency's website.

Media interested in participating by phone must RSVP no later than two hours prior to the start of the call to: [email protected]. A copy of NASA's media accreditation policy is online.

The agency's Mars Sample Return Program has been a major long-term goal of international planetary exploration for more than two decades. NASA's Perseverance rover is collecting compelling science samples that will help scientists understand the geological history of Mars, the evolution of its climate, and prepare for future human explorers. The return of the samples also will help NASA's search for signs of ancient life.

For more information about NASA's Mars exploration, visit:

https://nasa.gov/mars

SOURCE NASA
DALLAS, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation welcomes a new Congress, small business owners are voicing their hopes for legislative action in the new year. A recent survey by National Write Your Congressman (NWYC), an organization dedicated to giving small businesses a voice in government, shares the top priorities for small business owners in 2025.

The survey revealed government spending, tax reform, and immigration as the top three issues small business owners most want the new Congress to address. Many respondents strongly support extending or making the 2017 tax cuts permanent, citing the need for stability and relief from rising costs.

"As a new Congress is sworn in, business owners are looking forward to a fresh start and a 2025 legislative agenda that will positively impact their business," said Randy Ford, President and COO of National Write Your Congressman. "We encourage small business owners to continue using their voice and advocating for their business priorities in Washington in the new year."

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office, small business owners say they would like to see a focus on streamlining government spending, reducing federal regulations, and implementing tax reforms that alleviate burdens on small businesses as top priorities for his first 100 days in office.

"I hope 2025 is an opportunity to see business grow. We need lower taxes, less regulation, extreme cuts in government spending, energy independence, and pro-America trade deals," said Brett Tanner, President, Pinnacle Trailer Sales, Inc. in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

The survey also found strong support for several of President-elect Trump's proposed executive orders. Seventy-one percent of business owners believe that streamlining government agencies to enhance efficiency will positively impact their operations. Reducing climate-related regulations to boost domestic energy production was another area of broad agreement, with nearly 70 percent of respondents indicating this would benefit their businesses.

Business leaders also emphasized the importance of national unity as the country transitions into a new administration.

"I hope that the Trump administration will be able to repair and reunite our highly fractured country," said Brad Clubb, CEO, Flyway Excavating in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.

"We hope the government will find a way to work together for the best for the American people," said Richard T. Seaver, President, Viking Tool and Engineering in Whitehall, Michigan.

Despite these hopes, nearly half of respondents reported that their business remained flat over the past year, while 30 percent experienced a decline. Twenty percent of businesses reported growth and hope to continue this growth in 2025.

"We were able to grow this past year after two years of declines even though we did not see a huge change in market conditions," said Steve Jones, Owner, On Time Logistics, LLC in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"By adding an apprentice program for pet stylists, I have been able to add skilled stylists to the local work force and maintain a high level of sales with a built in source of new skilled staff," said Stacey Sullivan, Owner, Sullivan Enterprises/Canine Design/D4 Dog Agility in Boise, Idaho.

Methodology

NWYC collected data using an online survey from December 20 through December 31, 2024. A total of 518 business leaders from 44 of the 50 U.S. states participated. Sixty-one percent of business owners surveyed employ one to nine employees, and 36 percent employ 10 to 99 employees.

About National Write Your Congressman

Since 1958, National Write Your Congressman (NWYC) has empowered small businesses by providing nonpartisan information, research, and tools to connect with their representatives in Washington. As the nation's largest, privately held, nonpartisan membership organization made up of small businesses, NWYC's team of experts provides unbiased, nonpartisan information and research on top issues and pending legislation relevant to small business owners today. NWYC presents both sides of the issue so that members can form an educated opinion and let their elected officials know their opinion. For more information visit www.nwyc.com.

SOURCE National Write Your Congressman
Company expands premium-quality house brand with six savory heat-and-serve soups in convenient, resource-efficient pouches

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the holidays wind down, and winter settles in, soup lovers can rejoice, as "soup season" is finally here. Soup is that delicious, comforting food that encourages you to slow down, cozy in and enjoy a simple, yet nourishing meal. Natural Grocers, America's largest family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer proudly announces the introduction of six new varieties of savory delicious soups to its collection of Natural Grocers Brand Products. All six varieties are Certified Organic, Non-GMO and crafted with entirely plant-based, gluten- and dairy-free ingredients.

Natural Grocers proudly announces the introduction of six new varieties of savory delicious soups to its collection of Natural Grocers Brand Products.

SUSTAINABILITY, FLAVOR & CONVENIENCE

Sustainability, premium quality and affordability are principles behind every Natural Grocers Brand Product, including these varieties of organic soups. Each is packaged in BPA-free pouches designed with resource efficiency in mind, offering a lightweight alternative to glass jars or cans that helps reduce energy use during production and transportation. But don't forget about the flavor and convenience!

Raquel Isely, Vice President of Marketing at Natural Grocers, states, "We are thrilled to introduce six new soups to our shelves nationwide. From classics like Creamy Tomato and Butternut Squash to bold, outside-the-pouch flavors like Sauerkraut and Sweet Corn, there's something for everyone to enjoy. These convenient 14 oz. packets are perfect to keep at home or take on the go for an easy lunch or quick meal. Just heat, serve, and savor one of life's most comforting foodsall at an Always Affordable PriceSM."

PRODUCT VARIETIES

ATTRIBUTES

Certified Organic

Plant-based, Gluten-free and Dairy-free Ingredients

Vegan Friendly

No Artificial Flavorings, Additives or Preservatives, or Synthetic Colors Added

Heat and Serve

Available in 14 oz.

Packaged in BPA-Free, Shelf-Stable Pouches

National Retail: Always Affordable SM at $4.49

RECENT ADDITIONS AND COMING SOON

Established in 2016, the house brand currently offers over 800 high-quality products, available exclusively at Natural Grocers stores. Learn more about Natural Grocers' product standards by clicking here. Recent additions to the private-label line include three new gourmet flavors of frozen Organic Wood Fired Pizza and two new seasonal flavors of Organic Coffee. Customers can look forward to more premium-quality products at Always Affordable PricesSM, including Organic Wheat Pasta and Organic Pasta Sauce (made with biodynamic ingredients), arriving in stores soon.

Click here for a media kit featuring the new organic soups, courtesy of Natural Grocers.

To learn more about Natural Grocers' grocery standards, click here.

To request media samples, or for any press-related questions, please contact Katie Macarelli: [email protected] .

ABOUT NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE

Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC) is an expanding specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements. The grocery products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines and may not contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners (as defined by its standards), synthetic colors, or partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. The Company sells only USDA-certified organic produce and exclusively pasture-raised, non-confinement dairy products, and free-range eggs. Natural Grocers' flexible smaller-store format allows it to offer affordable prices in a shopper-friendly, clean, and convenient retail environment. The Company also provides extensive free science-based Nutrition Education programs to help customers and Crew make informed health and nutrition choices. Natural Grocers is committed to its 5 Founding Principlesincluding its "Commitment to Community" and "Commitment to Crew". In fiscal year 2024, the Company invested more than $15 million in incremental compensation and discretionary payments for Crew. Headquartered in the Union Square neighborhood of Lakewood, CO, Natural Grocers has 167 stores in 21 states. Visit www.naturalgrocers.com for more information and store locations.

SOURCE Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc.
NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) between October 31, 2023 and September 2, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 24, 2025.

So What: If you purchased Transocean securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Transocean class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=32789 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 24, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Cass Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Discoverer Inspiration and the Development Driller III were considered non-strategic assets; (2) Transocean's recorded asset valuations were overstated; (3) as a result, Transocean would take nearly twice the vessels' sale price in impairment if sold; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Transocean's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Transocean class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=32789 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653, or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
As part of the cooperation between the Coca-Cola system of companies and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS), the Burshtyn community of Ivano-Frankivsk region has already received two mobile boiler houses with a capacity of 1 kW each. Two more boiler houses will be delivered in the near future.

Last year, one of the country's key energy facilities was completely destroyed by missile strikes, which led to the cessation of the supply of heat and hot water to the city's residents.

At this critical moment, the city faced a real threat of being left without heat in the winter. Now, thanks to the support of the well-known beverage manufacturer, the community has received equipment that will ensure stable heat supply to social facilities and residential buildings.

"Since March, we have been looking for funds for the construction of boiler houses. This assistance from Coca-Cola and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society is extremely important for us. Mobile boiler houses will provide stable heat where it is most needed - in schools, kindergartens and the residential sector of the community. The boiler houses are fully ready for connection. They will become a reliable support for our social sphere," head of the Burshtyn community Vasyl Andriyeshyn said.

One mobile boiler house is capable of heating about 10,000 square meters of premises. They operate on both natural gas and diesel fuel. Due to their mobility, the units can be easily moved if necessary. The project has been going on for two years. In total, the Coca-Cola System of Companies has invested more than $8.5 million in the purchase of 105 mobile boiler houses that help provide heat in communities throughout Ukraine, including medical, educational and other social institutions.
NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Transocean Ltd. ("Transocean" or the "Company") (NYSE: RIG). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Transocean and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On September 3, 2024, Transocean announced that "as part of the Company's effort to dispose of non-strategic assets" it had agreed to sell two of its idle rigs, the Development Driller III and the Discoverer Inspiration, as well as associated assets for an aggregate $342 million. The Company further announced that the sales would result in an estimated third-quarter non-cash charge of up to $645 million associated with the impairment of said assets. Otherwise stated, the Company's expected proceeds from the sale of the Development Driller III and the Discoverer Inspiration was only approximately half the impairment the Company was required to take for the sale.

On this news, the Company's share price fell $0.42 per share, or 8.86%, to close at $4.32 per share on September 3, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Danielle Peyton

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
December sales up 7.1 percent

Full year of monthly sales increases and 29 consecutive months of sales growth

Crosstrek and Solterra achieve best-ever December and best year ever

CAMDEN, N.J., Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) today reported 29 consecutive months of increased sales with 61,871 vehicles sold in December 2024, a 7.1 percent increase compared with December 2023 (57,764). Subaru ended calendar year 2024 with 667,725 vehicle sales, a 5.6 percent increase compared with calendar year 2023.

Subaru of America, Inc. reported 29 consecutive months of increased sales with 61,871 vehicles sold in December 2024. Post this Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 29 consecutive months of increased sales with 61,871 vehicles sold in December 2024, a 7.1 percent increase compared with December 2023 (57,764). Subaru ended calendar year 2024 with 667,725 vehicle sales, a 5.6 percent increase compared with calendar year 2023. For calendar year 2024, Crosstrek was the top performer by volume, achieving its best year ever with 181,811 vehicle sales (+14 percent).

Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc.: "In a true team effort, our dedicated retailers, distributors, team members, and parent company, Subaru Corporation, came together to make the goals we set for 2024 a reality. There is no doubt our high standards for quality, reliability, and safety contributed to another successful year. Our commitment to the Subaru Love Promise, including our annual Subaru Share the Love Event, resulted in millions of dollars donated to charitable organizations that make a profound difference in communities nationwide and epitomize what can be accomplished when we trust in one another."

For calendar year 2024, Crosstrek was the top performer by volume, achieving its best year ever with 181,811 vehicle sales (+14 percent). Forester was the highest-selling carline in December and closed out the year with 175,521 vehicle sales (+15 percent), and Outback achieved 168,771 annual sales (+4 percent) in 2024. In its second full year of sales, the Solterra EV continued to grow with its best December ever and best year ever, resulting in 12,447 vehicle sales (+40 percent).

Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales, Subaru of America, Inc.: "I'd love to thank everyone who played a role in making 2024 another strong year of sales growth. We are eager to continue delivering on our priority of producing quality vehicles for our customers as even more of them join the Subaru family, and our ever-expanding lineup of vehicles will be ready for the adventures that lie ahead in 2025."

Carline Dec-24 Dec-23 % Chg Dec-24 Dec-23 % Chg

MTD MTD MTD YTD YTD YTD Ascent 4,675 4,996 -6.4 % 56,286 60,543 -7 % BRZ 337 273 23.4 % 3,345 4,188 -20.1 % Crosstrek 17,088 15,799 8.2 % 181,811 159,193 14.2 % Forester 17,149 15,653 9.6 % 175,521 152,566 15.1 % Impreza 3,099 2,523 22.8 % 31,366 34,719 -9.7 % Legacy 1,676 1,878 -10.8 % 19,591 25,510 -23.2 % Outback 14,885 14,304 4.1 % 168,771 161,814 4.3 % Solterra 1,165 956 21.9 % 12,447 8,872 40.3 % WRX 1,797 1,382 30 % 18,587 24,681 -24.7 % TOTAL 61,871 57,764 7.1 % 667,725 632,086 5.6 %

December sales were supported by the annual Subaru Share the Love Event where the automaker donates $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased to the customer's choice of the following national charities; The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels America, or the National Park Foundation, as well as more than 800 local charities. Retailers could also select up to two hometown charities in their local communities to receive at least an additional $50 for each vehicle sold or leased. In the program's 17th consecutive year, Subaru and its retailers aimed to achieve the philanthropic milestone of over $320 million in cumulative donations since the Subaru Share the Love Event started in 2008. Final 2024 Share the Love Event donation results are expected in March.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

Dominick Infante

Director, Corporate Communications

(856) 488-8615

[email protected]

Diane Anton

Corporate Communications Manager

(856) 488-5093

[email protected]

Adam Leiter

Corporate Communications Specialist

(856) 488-8668

[email protected]

SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, a group of Syrian-Americans representing a diverse coalition of organizations and communities, convened with the Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to discuss Syria's future following the historic fall of the Assad regime. Held at the U.S. Department of State, the meeting signifies a pivotal step in fostering collaboration between the U.S. government and the Syrian-American community to address Syria's transition and recovery.

With the Assad regime's oppressive 54-year rule officially ended, Syrians are navigating an unprecedented transition toward freedom, unity, and democracy. The discussion addressed immediate and long-term challenges critical to ensuring a stable, inclusive, and prosperous Syria.

The key priorities discussed in the meeting included reopening the U.S. Embassy in Damascus to signal commitment to stabilization, lifting sanctions and promoting economic recovery, ensuring humanitarian aid and equitable growth, fostering unity by integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces, addressing destabilizing actions by external actors and Israeli incursions in Syria, and engaging the Syrian diaspora in governance reforms. Additional focus was placed on advancing transitional justice, supporting long-term rebuilding, maintaining Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrians in the U.S., and fostering collaboration for Syria's democratic and economic recovery. Syrian-Americans also highlighted the need to support a comprehensive road map towards a constitutional process for the ongoing political transition, and achieve an inclusive government that meets the Syrian people's expectations. These measures aim to address the scars of conflict while fostering hope, peace, and progress.

The meeting featured a coalition of organizations and community members, who have long championed the rights and futures of Syrians globally. This dialogue represents a renewed partnership between the U.S. government and Syrian-Americans, unified in their commitment to rebuilding a free, democratic, and prosperous Syria.

Wael Alzayat

CEO, Emgage

National Coordinator, American Coalition for Syria

Rana Domat Alkoutami

Vice President, Syrian Christians USA



Jay Salkini

President & CEO, Tecore Networks

Ismael Basha

President, Americans for Free Syria



Qutaiba Idlbi

Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council

Senior Policy Advisor, American Coalition for Syria

Suzanne Meriden

Director of Community & Partner Relations, Syrian American Council



Farouk Belal

President, Syrian American Council

Oubab Khalil

Entrepreneur



Muhammad Bakr Ghbeis

Board Member, Citizens for Secure & Safe America

Jihad Makdissi

Syrian-American politician



Yassar Bitar

Organizational Development Lead, Syrian American Council Maher Sharafeddine

Writer





SOURCE Syrian Americans
Expresses Disappointment with the Board's Failure to Manage an Effective CEO Succession Process

Announces Intention to Support Change at the 2025 Annual Meeting

NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The D. E. Shaw group ("D. E. Shaw"), a global investment and technology development firm with more than $65 billion in investment capital and a history of working with companies to help build long-term value, today sent an open letter to the Board of Directors of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE: APD) (the "Company" or "Air Products") expressing continued disappointment with the Board's failure to manage an effective CEO succession process.

The text of today's open letter to the Board follows:

View PDF D.E. Shaw Jan. 3rd Letter to APD Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

1940 Air Products Boulevard

Allentown, PA 18106-5500

Dear Members of the Board:

We are writing to express our continued disappointment in your failure to address shortcomings in Air Products' corporate governance that have led to a multi-year pattern of value destruction driven by the Company's current CEO, Seifi Ghasemi.

Mr. Ghasemi's seemingly unfettered decision-making authority, for which the Board is directly responsible, has led to the Company's high risk capital allocation strategy and longstanding share price underperformance relative to industry benchmarks. For years, Mr. Ghasemi appears to have gone virtually unchecked as he normalized the practice of committing to multi-billion-dollar projects without securing offtake partnersan uncharacteristically risky strategy for an industrial gas companyleading to billions of shareholder value destruction in the process. It was no surprise, then, to see Air Products' share price respond favorably to the prospect of a shareholder-driven change in leadership and strategy, nor was it a surprise to see the share price subsequently give back a substantial portion of its gains relative to peers and the broader market as it became clear that the Board was determined to resist value-enhancing change.1

Holding a CEO accountable for their performance and planning for their succession are among the most important responsibilities of any Board. Indeed, the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines list succession first among the Board's functions, specifying that the Board is responsible for "selecting, evaluating, compensating and planning for the succession of the CEO."2 This Board is failing at its core responsibilities, which, in our view, is a direct contributor to the substantial underperformance in the Company's shares over a multi-year period.

Failed Succession Process Contributes to Longstanding Underperformance

In our meeting with members of the Board in October 2024, and in materials we delivered to the Board before that meeting, we expressed our grave concern with the Company's CEO succession process.

First, the Board appears to have initially ceded control of the Company's succession process to the Company's current CEO, Seifi Ghasemi. In August 2024, Mr. Ghasemi, indicated that he not the Boardwas undertaking succession planning: " I have decided to bring into the company [my] successor." As if to underscore the point, he added, " I have started this process."3 Worse still, Mr. Ghasemi characterized his leading role as good governance.4

Second, the Board has failed to provide a clear timeline for transitioning the CEO role (and for Mr. Ghasemi's retirement)which is particularly concerning given Mr. Ghasemi's age and his Board-approved evergreen employment contract. Despite being the second-oldest CEO in the S&P 500 (and oldest without a named successor), Mr. Ghasemi made clear that a leadership transition was not imminent, stating that he "fully intend[ed] to continue leading Air Products"5 and that a leadership transition would occur only "if something unexpected were to happen"6 to him.

The Board, not Mr. Ghasemi, should have firm and direct control of this process and its timing. That is why, in our meeting in October, we urged the Board to take a central role by publicly disclosing its approach and timeline for CEO succession. Nearly three months have gone by since our meeting and no such details have been disclosed.

The Board Has Continued to Give Shareholders Inadequate Information Regarding Succession

In its 64-page investor presentation released in conjunction with the ongoing proxy contest, the Company devoted just a single slide to the topic of CEO succession. And while the Company has indicated that it "anticipates" announcing a "new President" no later than March 31, 2025, the Company still has not provided a timeline for appointing a new CEO or for Mr. Ghasemi's retirement.

Shareholders should not have to wait until after casting their votes at the Annual Meeting to learn when the Board intends to name a new CEO and whether the Board intends for Mr. Ghasemi to remain on the Board (e.g., as Executive Chairman) or fully retire. Indeed, despite the brief attention given to this topic in the Company's presentation, future leadership of the Company and the process by which the Board will identify and recruit that new leader is the key issue in our view for shareholders to consider as they cast their ballots. Shareholders should have been given ample time before the Annual Meeting to evaluate the CEO candidate and succession timeline proposed by the Board and to make an informed judgment.

Large Air Products shareholders have publicly highlighted that CEO succession is a critical function for any board Vanguard 9.6% ownership "One of the most important responsibilities of a board is to select and appoint a company's EO . When we identify that a board has not appropriately carried out its responsibilities regarding CEO succession planning the funds may not support the election of relevant directors to express governance and oversight concerns " - Vanguard Investment Stewardship Voting Insights, June 2023 State Street 4.3% ownership "In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors undertake activities that include selecting the CEO and other senior executives creating a succession plan for the board and management " - State Street Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Policy, March 2024 BlackRock 8.0% ownership "Companies should have a robust CEO and senior management succession plan in place at the board level that is reviewed and updated on a regular basis Where there is significant concern regarding the board's succession planning efforts, we may vote against members of the responsible committee " - BlackRock Proxy Voting Guidelines for U.S. securities, 2024 J.P. Morgan 2.7% ownership "The responsibilities of the [Nominating] Committee should include maintaining formal and transparent arrangements for succession planning at the senior management level ." - JP Morgan Asset Management, Corporate Governance Principles and Proxy Voting Guidelines, February 2021 Note(s):

Source: Bloomberg, Buy-side proxy voting policies

Path Forward Requires Substantial Board and Leadership Change

It appears to us that the incumbent directors have failed to develop, oversee, and communicate a timely and appropriate succession process and should not be entrusted to oversee this critical function. There is no doubt that the timing and selection of a new executive leader will have profound implications for the Company, its strategy, and its capital allocation going forward. Mr. Ghasemi has been given too much authority, and the Board has remained too passive and abdicated its responsibility to shareholders.

Change in the Board's composition, including Mr. Ghasemi's retirement from it, is urgently needed to ensure the Board properly fulfills this most important function.

The status quo, in our view, exposes shareholders to the risk of continued lapses in oversight, a protracted leadership transition, and the suboptimal selection of a successor all of which will likely lead to continued share price underperformance.

Therefore, we intend to support change in the Board's composition at Air Products' 2025 Annual Meeting.

Best Regards,

Edwin Jager

Managing Director

D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P.

Michael O'Mary

Managing Director

D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P.

About the D. E. Shaw Group

The D. E. Shaw group is a global investment and technology development firm with more than $65 billion in investment capital as of December 1, 2024, and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Since our founding in 1988, our firm has earned a reputation for successful investing based on innovation, careful risk management, and the quality and depth of our staff. We have a significant presence in the world's capital markets, investing in a wide range of companies and financial instruments in both developed and developing economies. For more information, please visit www.deshaw.com.

This letter reflects the opinions of D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. ("DESCO LP") on behalf of certain investment funds managed or advised by it that currently beneficially own, or otherwise have an economic interest in, shares of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (the "Company" or "APD"). This letter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or convey an offer or solicitation of any type with respect to any securities or other financial products. The views expressed in this letter are expressed as of the date hereof and are based on publicly available information and DESCO LP's analyses. This letter contains statements reflecting DESCO LP's opinions and beliefs with respect to the Company and its business based on DESCO LP's research, analysis, and experience; all such statements are based on DESCO LP's opinion and belief, whether or not those statements are expressly so qualified. DESCO LP acknowledges that the Company may possess information that could lead the Company to disagree with DESCO LP's views and/or analyses. Nothing contained in this letter may be relied upon as a guarantee, promise, assurance, or representation as to future events. The investment funds managed or advised by DESCO LP are in the business of trading (i.e., buying and selling) securities, and it is expected that they will from time to time engage in transactions that result in changes to their beneficial and/or economic interest in the Company.

Media Contact

Prosek Partners

Brian Schaffer / Kiki Tarkhan

[email protected]

1Air Products' share price has underperformed industrial gas peer companies and the broader market by 6% and 12%, respectively, in just over a month since Air Products filed its preliminary proxy materials recommending against shareholder board nominees.

2See Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines, Amended February 3, 2022.

3Source: Air Products and Chemicals Q3 2024 Earnings Call transcript, August 1, 2024.

4Id.

5Id.

6Id.

SOURCE The D.E. Shaw Group
Proven leader to drive marketing strategy in support of agents who help everyday Americans thrive

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, World Financial Group (WFG) welcomes Anissa Benich as the new head of Customer Experience (CX) and Marketing. Benich will oversee end-to-end customer experience and implement tools and education to support WFG's customers. Her first day was December 30, and she reports to WFG President Todd Buchanan.

Benich will lead the marketing team in supporting WFG independent agents across North America as they provide best-in-class financial education, services, and products. With a focus on the customer, she will develop and implement strategies that support a robust and growing field force of independent agents to help them meet the financial needs of the underserved middle market.

"Benich has a strong track record of leveraging technology and research to create and implement effective marketing strategies," said Buchanan. "Her expertise and background have shown proven results that align to customer needs and preferences, distribution targets, and importantly WFG's brand and vision."

Benich joins WFG with more than 20 years of senior management experience in building cross-functional teams and driving organizational transformation. She has a rich background in digital marketing, marketing operations, and customer relationship management across multiple channels in the financial services industry. In her most recent position, she oversaw the development of user-centric tools to create customer journeys, integrated architectural roadmaps, and customer personas to collect data points and develop highly accurate market segmentation.

"Her addition to our leadership team highlights WFG's commitment to innovation," added Buchanan. "Her focus on supporting our distribution channels will enhance our competitive position, driving results and building on the service experience for WFG agents and customers."

Press Inquiries: [email protected]

ABOUT WORLD FINANCIAL GROUP INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC

World Financial Group's more than 80,000 agents across the U.S. and Canada are dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial security through life insurance, retirement, and wealth-building strategies.

In the United States, life insurance and fixed products are offered by independent agents of World Financial Group Insurance Agency, LLC, World Financial Group Insurance Agency of Hawaii, Inc., World Financial Group Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, Inc., in California dba World Financial Insurance Agency, LLC, and/or WFG Insurance Agency of Puerto Rico, Inc. The WFG companies are wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of Transamerica Corporation. Each subsidiary of Transamerica Corporation and each affiliate of World Financial Group is responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations.

In Canada, World Financial Group Insurance Agency of Canada Inc. (WFGIAC), offers life insurance and segregated funds. WFG Securities Inc. (WFGS) offers mutual funds by properly licensed individuals. WFGIA, WFGIAC and WFGS are affiliated companies. The WFG companies are wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of Transamerica Corporation.

Independent agents with World Financial Group Insurance Agency, LLC must be insurance licensed. Those U.S. agents who are properly licensed may offer securities and investment advisory services through the affiliate broker/dealer, Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA), Member FINRA, MSRB, SIPC and federally Registered Investment Advisor.

To learn more, visit www.WorldFinancialGroup.com

SOURCE World Financial Group
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) congratulates former Rep. Doug Collins on his nomination as the 12th secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and looks forward to seeing him go through the nomination process as the 119th Congress kicks-off.

Wounded Warrior Project congratulates former Rep. Doug Collins on his nomination as the 12th secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Collins is a colonel in the Air Force Reserve. His distinguished record of service included assignments with the 94th Airlift Wing and as an individual mobilization augmentee to the command chaplain at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. In addition to his military service, Collins served in Congress from 2013 to 2021.

"Mr. Collins knows first-hand what service to our country means, and his experience serving in the military and Congress underscores his knowledge of the challenges veterans face and how our government can and should help them," WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Piatt said. "He understands the solemn promise our country makes to its service members when they don the uniform."

If confirmed, WWP looks forward to closely working with Mr. Collins. The veterans nonprofit will continue to be a resourceful and knowledgeable partner to VA in providing the programs and services essential to effective transition back into civilian life for our nation's wounded, ill, and injured veterans and their families.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers  helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project
December 28, 2024, will go down in history as a pivotal moment in the Kurdish issue. Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed mastermind and ideological figurehead of the terrorist organization Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), met for the first time in years with representatives of Turkiye's People's Democratic Party (HDP). This meeting, greenlit by Justice Minister Ylmaz Tunc, has the potential to reshape Ankara's relentless campaign against terrorism.

A delegation led by HDP heavyweights Pervin Buldan and Srr Sureyya Onder conveyed Ocalans message to both the entrenched PKK militants in the Qandil Mountains and the global stage. Yet, while some hailed this as a possible opening for dialogue, Ankara viewed it as another calculated ploy by the PKK to cling to relevance.

Ocalans Play: A Call for a New Era or Tactical Pivot?

In an unexpected twist, Ocalan used the opportunity to lambast the PKK leadership in Qandil, accusing them of ignoring his previous appeals for disarmament and dialogue.

"Continuing resistance leads this movement to a dead end," he declared, highlighting the PKK's evolution into a tool for foreign powersa move that undermines any hope of a genuine political resolution. However, Ocalans words are seen less as a plea for peace and more as a tactical pivot under mounting pressure from Turkiyes unyielding crackdown.

His critique also laid bare the widening cracks within the PKK. Once a centralized militant network, the organization now resembles a loose coalition of fragmented factions, each operating with relative autonomy under local commanders in Syria and Iraq.

Turkiye has capitalized on this disarray, ramping up military campaigns and severing the PKKs access to vital resources. Analysts in Ankara argue that this chaos presents a golden opportunity to dismantle the PKK as a functional fighting force.

Qandil: The Terror Fortress Under Siege

Long the PKKs linchpin, the Qandil Mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan have served as both a sanctuary and a symbol of defiance. But Turkiyes military machine is steadily eroding this strongholds mystique.

Since early 2024, Turkiyes armed forces have executed over 35% of their total operations from the past three years, homing in on critical PKK infrastructure. Through precision campaigns like "Claw-Sword" and "Claw-Lightning," dozens of command posts were obliterated, and over 250 militants, including mid-level commanders, were neutralized.

Perhaps most significantly, Ankara has established over 20 permanent military bases in strategic locations such as Hakurk, Metina, and Avasin. These bases enable round-the-clock surveillance and rapid response to threats, effectively transforming Qandil from a terrorist hub into a contested zone of diminishing importance.

In his message, Ocalan didnt hold back on criticizing foreign powers, singling out the United States and the European Union for their support of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)a thinly veiled offshoot of the PKK.

Calling foreign involvement a gangrene rotting the Kurdish movement from within, Ocalan accused Western actors of manipulating Kurdish factions for their geopolitical gain. This, he argued, reduces Kurdish formations to pawns in a larger game, destroying any prospects for a genuine, independent Kurdish political movement.

Turkiye has echoed this sentiment in its diplomatic efforts. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has consistently condemned Western double standards, accusing NATO allies of undermining regional stability while paying lip service to counterterrorism.

While military action dominates headlines, Turkiyes diplomatic maneuvers are equally decisive. A landmark agreement with Iraq in 2024, recognizing the PKK as a terrorist organization, marks a major victory for Ankara. This partnership has tightened the noose around PKK operations, with coordinated intelligence-sharing and joint military actions choking off supply routes and safe havens.

Simultaneously, Turkiye is leveraging its counterterrorism gains to drive ambitious infrastructure projects. The "Development Road" initiative, connecting the Persian Gulf to Europe, underscores Ankaras vision of a stable, secure region as a prerequisite for economic prosperity.

Turkiyes comprehensive strategycombining military might, diplomatic heft, and economic foresighthas cornered the PKK. The terrorist group now faces a stark ultimatum: disarm and abandon its campaign of violence, or face obliteration.

For Ankara, this is not just a fight against terrorismits about safeguarding its territorial integrity and cementing its role as a regional powerhouse. As Qandils symbolic grip loosens, Turkiye sends a clear message: the days of leveraging terror as a geopolitical bargaining chip are over.

The PKK, battered and fragmented, must now choose between survival through transformation or complete annihilation. For Turkiye, the path forward is crystal clear: peace and prosperity can only flourish once the region is cleansed of the PKKs lingering threat.

Diplomatic Success: Isolating the PKK

2024 became a watershed year for Turkiye's diplomatic efforts. A groundbreaking agreement with Iraq led to the official designation of the PKK as a terrorist organization by Baghdad for the first time. This pivotal step, while symbolic, also opened the door to enhanced intelligence-sharing and coordinated military operations against the PKK.

The strategic alliance between Turkish and Iraqi forces has significantly curtailed the PKKs mobility and resource flow. Simultaneously, Turkiye expanded its regional cooperation with Iran and Syria, focusing on eliminating terrorist networks in key border zones.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), widely acknowledged as the PKKs Syrian affiliate, remain a significant challenge for Turkiye. Ankara has made clear demands for the total disarmament of the SDF, the withdrawal of their forces from critical areas like Tel Rifaat, Manbij, and Deir ez-Zor, and the transfer of these territories to the Syrian government.

With an estimated 8,000 PKK-affiliated fighters still active in Syria, Turkish intelligence has raised alarms about the potential rebranding of the SDF to retain their operational capabilities. Ankara insists that any legitimization of the SDF would be perceived as a direct threat to its national security.

Turkiyes fight against the PKK is inextricably linked to its broader economic ambitions. The flagship "Development Road" initiative, aimed at connecting the Persian Gulf to Europe, underscores the need for regional stability.

Eliminating the PKK from key regions, including the Qandil Mountains, is crucial for fostering investment and unlocking the potential for long-term prosperity. Ankaras strategy makes it clear: economic growth and regional integration hinge on the complete eradication of terrorism.

Western nations, particularly France and the United States, have been criticized for leveraging Kurdish formations to advance their geopolitical objectives. France, under President Emmanuel Macron, has sought to legitimize the SDF, disregarding their deep ties to the PKK.

This approach has drawn sharp condemnation from Ankara, which views Paris actions as undermining Turkiyes counter-terrorism efforts. Turkish officials argue that Frances policy is less about stability and more about securing influence in the Middle East.

The US finds itself in a precarious position, balancing its reliance on Kurdish forces against the growing demand from Turkiye, a vital NATO ally, to sever ties with the SDF. This geopolitical tightrope threatens not only US-Turkiye relations but also NATO cohesion.

Turkiyes holistic strategyintegrating military strength, diplomatic efforts, and economic initiativeshas positioned Ankara as a key player in reshaping the Middle Easts security landscape. Operations targeting the PKKs strongholds, coupled with regional partnerships, have weakened the groups operational capacity.

While Western nations navigate their complex alliances, Turkiye remains resolute in its objectives. For Ankara, the eradication of the PKK is not merely a national security imperativeit is the foundation for regional stability and a prosperous future.

By dismantling the PKKs infrastructure and combating its proxies, Turkiye is redefining the Middle Easts geopolitical map, ensuring that peace and development are no longer distant aspirations but achievable realities.

The Kurdish Question: A Growing Rift with Western Allies

The Kurdish issue has become a defining point of tension in Turkiyes relationships with its Western allies, particularly within NATO.

France continues to use Kurdish formations as leverage to strengthen its influence in the Middle East, ignoring their ties to terrorist groups like the PKK.

continues to use Kurdish formations as leverage to strengthen its influence in the Middle East, ignoring their ties to terrorist groups like the PKK. The US faces a critical choice: sustain its strategic partnership with Kurdish forces or work to restore trust with Turkiye, a key NATO member.

faces a critical choice: sustain its strategic partnership with Kurdish forces or work to restore trust with Turkiye, a key NATO member. Turkiye, framing the Kurdish issue exclusively as a matter of national security and territorial integrity, rejects any compromises that undermine its sovereignty.

This intensifying friction is widening divisions within NATO, threatening the alliance's cohesion and fueling instability in the region.

Turkiye has made its position clear: the complete dismantling of the PKKs terrorist infrastructure and its affiliates is non-negotiable. This objective remains at the heart of Ankaras strategy for regional security and stability.

Despite Western ambitions to manipulate Kurdish groups for geopolitical gains, Turkiye is not only holding its ground but also reshaping the regional agenda. Ankaras ultimate goal is to ensure that Kurdish formations can no longer be weaponized as tools of foreign interference.

For Turkiye, this issue transcends securityits about asserting regional dominance and establishing itself as a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Unless Western powers revise their strategies, the ongoing conflict of interests will continue to undermine regional stability and NATOs unity.

Turkiyes efforts against the PKK extend far beyond military campaigns. While operations like "Claw-Sword" and "Claw-Lightning" in 2024 dismantled key PKK infrastructure, cut off supply routes, and eliminated high-level commanders, Ankara is equally focused on diplomatic and economic dimensions of the conflict.

A diplomatic breakthrough came in 2024, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan secured Iraqs official designation of the PKK as a terrorist organization. This historic agreement not only isolated the PKK on the international stage but also paved the way for joint military actions and intelligence-sharing between Turkiye and Iraq.

By combining counterterrorism efforts with diplomacy, Turkiye has demonstrated its leadership in addressing the Kurdish issue while maintaining long-term regional stability.

The fight against the PKK is central to Turkiyes ambitious economic plans, including the flagship "Development Road" project, designed to connect the Persian Gulf to Europe through Turkish territory.

The success of this initiative depends on creating a secure and stable environment, particularly in border regions previously dominated by terrorist groups. By neutralizing the PKK, Turkiye is paving the way for international investment and accelerating regional integration, which are critical for sustained economic prosperity.

Ankaras vision is clear: without eliminating terrorism, economic stability and growth in the region cannot be achieved.

Turkiyes comprehensive approachblending military precision, diplomatic engagement, and economic foresighthighlights its unwavering commitment to eradicating the PKK and fostering lasting regional stability.

The PKKs weakening footholds, including its symbolic base in the Qandil Mountains, underscore Turkiyes determination to transform the Middle East into a zone of security and economic potential.

For Ankara, this is not just a counterterrorism campaign; its a transformative effort to shape the regions future. By addressing the root causes of instability, Turkiye is positioning itself as a dominant power while creating a pathway to prosperity and peace in a historically volatile region.

From his prison cell, Abdullah Ocalan, founder of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), issued a scathing critique of external powers, labeling their interference a "gangrene" eating away at the Kurdish movement. This stark rhetoric reflects his growing frustration with Western nationsparticularly the United States and the European Unionwhom he accuses of weaponizing the Kurdish issue for their geopolitical ambitions.

Ocalan argued that these external influences not only derail prospects for peace but also reduce Kurdish formations to mere pawns in larger political games. According to him, breaking free from such manipulation is vital for establishing an independent and authentic Kurdish movement.

Ocalans latest message places the PKK leadership at a decisive juncture. In unequivocal terms, he declared that abandoning violence and committing to disarmament are the only viable paths forward in todays geopolitical climate. However, the deep internal fractures within the PKK, especially resistance from militant factions entrenched in the Qandil Mountains, pose significant obstacles to this vision.

Ignoring Ocalans call could lead the PKK not only to organizational collapse but also to the loss of any remaining credibility as a political actor. Meanwhile, Turkiyes relentless campaign leaves little room for maneuvering. Ankara has consistently demonstrated its resolve to eliminate the PKKs influence entirely, using a combination of military, diplomatic, and economic tools.

Era of Change: Talk or Action?

The "era of change" heralded by Ocalan requires more than wordsit demands genuine action. Disarmament, a renunciation of violence, and breaking free from foreign manipulation could lay the groundwork for the peace that has long eluded the region.

Turkiye, for its part, has already shown its readiness to support long-term solutions. Through decisive military operations, strategic diplomacy, and robust economic initiatives, Ankara has proven its ability to address the PKK threat comprehensively. However, Turkiye remains firm: there is no room for compromise when it comes to national security.

The PKK now faces a pivotal decision: adapt to the new geopolitical realities or risk total destruction. For the region, this represents a rare opportunity for lasting stability and developmentbut only if the PKKs terrorist infrastructure is entirely dismantled.

Turkiye continues to assert itself as a dominant regional power, intertwining security and development as the cornerstones of its Middle East strategy. Ankaras efforts go beyond counterterrorism, aiming to foster conditions for sustained peace and economic progress.

Ocalans message underscores a sobering truth for the PKK: survival depends on transformation. Yet Turkiyes unwavering pursuit of its security objectives ensures that any attempt by the PKK to cling to its old ways will result in failure.

Ankaras approach reinforces a fundamental reality: peace and prosperity in the Middle East are only achievable through the complete eradication of terrorist networks. By addressing the root causes of instability, Turkiye is not only safeguarding its national interests but also paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for the region.

Bakunetwork
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Jerusalem, Jan 3 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was discharged from the hospital, his office said in a statement, less than a week after undergoing prostate removal surgery.

Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem, where the operation took place, also issued a statement confirming Netanyahu's release. His medical team stated that his condition was "stable, and he is recovering satisfactorily from the procedure."

"A period of recovery still lies ahead for him," the doctors further noted, adding that "post-surgical medical monitoring would continue as customary."

Netanyahu, 75, underwent the operation on Sunday but briefly left the hospital on Tuesday to cast his vote in parliament on a critical government tax bill that faced the risk of failing, Xinhua news agency reported.

The prime minister has undergone multiple medical procedures in recent years.

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.
Gaza, Jan 3 : Gaza's interior authorities confirmed that Mahmoud Salah, the director-general of Gaza's police department, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the interior authorities mourned the deaths of Salah and Hussam Shahwan, the head of Hamas' Internal Security in southern Gaza, saying they were killed while "performing their humanitarian and national duty in serving Palestinian people."

The Israeli military announced earlier in the day that it had killed Hussam Shahwan in an overnight drone strike on a humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, where displaced Palestinians have sought shelter, Xinhua news agency reported.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza, told Xinhua that the Israeli army killed at least 11 Palestinians in an attack on tents in the Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 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 45,581, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday.

Earlier Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning stating that Israel would intensify its military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not agree to a deal for the release of hostages "soon."

In a public statement, Gallant said that should Hamas fail to permit the release of Israeli hostages, the group would face "blows of an intensity not seen in Gaza for a long time." He emphasised that Israel's military would "escalate and intensify" its efforts against militant strongholds in Gaza until the hostages are freed and Hamas is "eliminated."

Hamas seeks to prolong the truce, while Israel insists on the right to resume military action if it perceives a security threat. Another point of contention is Hamas's demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which Israel opposes, asserting the need for a continued military presence to maintain security control.
Jerusalem, Jan 3 : Israel's military revealed that around 100 of its troops conducted a raid in Syria in September last year to dismantle an underground missile factory allegedly funded by Iran.

In a rare admission of its activities in Syria, the military confirmed in a statement that the September 8 operation targeted and "destroyed an underground compound for manufacturing precision missiles" in the Masyaf area, near Syria's Mediterranean coast, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Israeli military claimed that the facility housed "advanced assembly lines designed to manufacture precision-guided missiles and long-range rockets." These weapons, it said, would have significantly bolstered supplies to Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups in the region.

The operation involved a coordinated assault by helicopters, drones for intelligence support, fighter jets, and naval vessels. Israeli forces destroyed the facility, seizing equipment, weapons, and intelligence documents. These materials were brought back to Israel for further analysis. No Israeli troops were injured in the raid.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported in September that the raid resulted in 27 fatalities.

Since the onset of Syria's civil war in 2011, Israel has carried out numerous strikes in the country, claiming to target Iranian-linked sites and weapon shipments to Hezbollah.

In December, Israeli troops entered a United Nations-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights and seized Syrian territory in the area. The move drew widespread international condemnation. Israel described the incursion as temporary and defensive.
United Nations, Jan 3 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the truck attack in New Orleans, the US state of Louisiana, his spokesperson said.

In a statement, the UN chief extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and the government and people of Louisiana and the US. He also wished a swift recovery to those persons injured.

A man drove a pickup truck into New Year revelers in New Orleans early Wednesday morning. Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Thursday that 14 people were confirmed dead. Dozens more were injured.

A man, later identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, intentionally drove a pick-up truck into a crowd of revellers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans' French Quarter on New Year's Day in a deliberate act of carnage.

Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas, reportedly flew a black ISIS flag from the rear bumper of the truck.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell condemned the attack, while President Joe Biden expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, offering federal support. "My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday," 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." The investigation into the attack is now led by the FBI, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Justice Department's National Security Division, and local authorities.

President-elect Donald Trump also addressed the tragedy, offering his sympathies to the victims and first responders. "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 a post on TruthSocial.
Jerusalem, Jan 3 : Israel announced that it will send a delegation of senior security officials to Qatar next week to discuss a Gaza ceasefire deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a statement that "a delegation of professional officials from the Mossad, Shin Bet, and the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)" will travel to Doha to continue the negotiations, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier this week, the Israeli state-owned Kan TV reported that Hamas had proposed a one-week ceasefire, during which it would locate the whereabouts of hostages still held in Gaza and provide a list of those who could be released. Israel has not officially commented on the proposal.

The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been ongoing for more than a year.

Earlier on Wednesday Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning stating that Israel would intensify its military operations in Gaza if Hamas does not agree to a deal for the release of hostages "soon."

In a public statement, Gallant said that should Hamas fail to permit the release of Israeli hostages, the group would face "blows of an intensity not seen in Gaza for a long time." He emphasised that Israel's military would "escalate and intensify" its efforts against militant strongholds in Gaza until the hostages are freed and Hamas is "eliminated."

Hamas seeks to prolong the truce, while Israel insists on the right to resume military action if it perceives a security threat. Another point of contention is Hamas's demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which Israel opposes, asserting the need for a continued military presence to maintain security control.
Tehran, Jan 3 : Iranians across the country marked the fifth anniversary of the US killing of top commander Qassem Soleimani.

Soleimani, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis were killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020. Iran condemned the killing as an act of "state terrorism."

Commemorations were held in cities nationwide on Thursday , including Tehran and Soleimani's hometown of Kerman, honoring him and other "martyrs of the resistance front."

In Tehran, a large gathering took place at Imam Khomeini's Mosalla prayer hall, attended by senior officials including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Also present were military commanders such as IRGC Chief Hossein Salami and Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani, as well as Soleimani's family members, Xinhua news agency reported.

Attendees held pictures of Soleimani and Muhandis, along with other slain commanders of regional groups. Large photographs of Soleimani, Muhandis, the late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh were displayed in the hall.

Pezeshkian said Soleimani dedicated his life to defending the oppressed and serving the people. "By sacrificing his life, martyr Soleimani brought disgrace to the oppressors," Pezeshkian said.

He also addressed efforts by "enemies" to create discord among Muslims, saying, "Our duty is to make maximum efforts to foil such plots, preventing the foes from capitalizing on the differences among Muslims to advance their evil objectives."

In Kerman, thousands of people visited Soleimani's tomb to pay their respects.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. Azerbaijani diaspora activists from Austria were awarded letters of gratitude during a meeting organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora in the Azerbaijan House in Salzburg, Trend reports via the committee.

The Azerbaijani Society in Austria and the head of the Azerbaijan House in Salzburg presented detailed information about the house to the committee leadership.

The meeting with diaspora activists focused on improving the effectiveness of their activities in Austria and developing a plan for future actions.

Besides, members of the diaspora organization and diaspora activists who made significant contributions to the activities of the Azerbaijani diaspora were awarded the "For Active Participation in Diaspora Construction in 2024" certificate of appreciation.

The awarded compatriots were recognized for their contributions to strengthening the diaspora's ties with Azerbaijan, spreading objective information about Azerbaijan in Austria, promoting Azerbaijani culture in Austria, and for their role in developing bilateral and multilateral relations of Azerbaijan on the international stage.

The certificates of appreciation were presented to the diaspora activists by Leyla Hamzayeva from the committee leadership and Chairman of the Azerbaijani Society in Austria Farid Azizov.

Valuable gifts from the committee were presented to the event participants.

Those awarded for their active participation in diaspora construction in 2024 included Gular Aliyeva, Pasha Ahmadov, Yegana Ozkan, and Almaz Eyvazova.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Chennai, Jan 3 : A tanker lorry carrying 20 metric tons of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) overturned on the Avinashi flyover in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore during the early hours of Friday.

The tanker was transporting LPG from the Kochi Bharat Petroleum Plant to a storage facility in Coimbatore when the accident occurred. The driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries.

The overturning caused a gas leak, which has since been brought under control after several hours of operations.

Officials stated that the leak posed a significant risk to residents in the immediate vicinity. As a precaution, five schools in the neighbourhood were closed to ensure the safety of children, and residents within a one-kilometre radius of the accident site were evacuated.

The Avinashi flyover remains closed, and vehicles were rerouted to alternative routes.

Specialised equipment brought from Tiruchy was being used to safely remove the overturned tanker.

Officials noted that the absence of overhead power lines on the flyover helped prevent a major disaster.

The incident has drawn comparisons to the December 20 accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, where an LPG tanker caught fire after overturning. The resulting blast killed four on the spot and injured 80 people, many of whom were critically hurt with some succumbing to their injuries. The death toll rose to 19.

The fire also destroyed 37 vehicles, including trailers, trucks, buses, and several smaller vehicles. Dense smoke caused eye irritation and breathing difficulties for locals, and some reported finding dead birds in the area.

Ten days before the Coimbatore incident, another accident involving an LPG truck occurred in the district. A truck loaded with LPG cylinders overturned at Kanuvai, though no casualties were reported.

Police later revealed that poor maintenance of the vehicle contributed to the accident. In Fridayas incident, authorities are continuing efforts to fully secure the area and clear the overturned tanker.
Gaza, Jan 3 : A Hamas delegation has visited Egypt's capital Cairo to address challenges surrounding a Gaza ceasefire agreement, Hamas spokesperson Jihad Taha said.

Taha told Xinhua that the delegation's visit to Cairo was part of ongoing discussions with mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and TArkiye, regarding the situation in Gaza.

The visit aimed to address obstacles and conditions "recently imposed" by Israel, Taha said, adding that Hamas is open to any efforts that serve the benefit of Palestinian people and is committed to stopping "the (Israeli) aggression and killings."

Taha expressed hope that an agreement could be reached if Israel reverses its recent conditions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier this week, the Israeli state-owned Kan TV reported that Hamas had proposed a one-week ceasefire without a prisoner exchange. Israel rejected the proposal and demanded Hamas provide the list of hostages for release before a ceasefire.

A Hamas source revealed that the Hamas delegation's meetings in Cairo with Egyptian officials had resulted in a proposal to postpone certain contentious points hindering a ceasefire deal.

The source, speaking anonymously, told Xinhua that the agreements reached with the Egyptian side, including the proposal, would be presented to Israel in a final effort to secure a deal before January 20.

Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a statement that an Israeli delegation will travel to Qatar's Doha to continue Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

Also on Thursday, during a meeting with British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty underscored "Egypt's efforts to reach an agreement for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel have gained momentum in recent weeks to end a nearly 15-month war in Gaza. However, both sides have accused each other of creating obstacles and backtracking on agreements, delaying a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Chennai, Jan 3 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at five locations linked to DMK leader and Member of Parliament Kathir Anand.

The raids, which commenced in the morning, are still ongoing. The ED officials have yet to release any statements to the media.

Kathir Anand is the son of S. Duraimurugan, a senior DMK leader and the second-in-command in the Stalin cabinet.

He represents the Vellore Lok Sabha constituency in Parliament.

There have been allegations that the ED is targeting the DMK by conducting such raids.

Previously, the ED carried out searches at the premises of DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy and his son, Gautham Sigamani, in a money laundering case.

The DMK has referred to these operations as acts of "political vendetta".

In 2019, then-President Ram Nath Kovind, acting on a recommendation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), rescinded the Lok Sabha election in Vellore due to the seizure of unaccounted cash from Kathir Anand and related locations.

During the 2019 polls, the ECI officials confiscated a total of Rs 11 crore from Anand's residence and other properties. Following this, the ECI issued a statement then: "Accepting the recommendation of the Election Commission of India dated April 14, 2019, the Honourable President is pleased to rescind the election to the Vellore parliamentary constituency in Tamil Nadu."

The election, initially scheduled for April 18, 2019, was cancelled on April 16, 2019, due to the cash recovery.

A re-election was held on August 5, 2019, where Kathir Anand, representing the DMK, won by a narrow margin of 8,141 votes, defeating A.C. Shanmugham of the AIADMK.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Kathir Anand secured a more decisive victory, defeating A.C. Shanmugham, who had since joined the BJP, by a significant margin of 2,15,702 votes.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : Jan Suraaj Party Chief Prashant Kishor on Friday launched a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of insensitivity towards the concerns of the students over BPSC students' protest and remarked that the state's leader, with a population of 13 crore, refuses to meet his own children.

Speaking to IANS from a hunger strike at Gandhi Maidan, Kishor stated, "The remedy is that the government must talk to the students. They have even said that if the Chief Minister meets them and assures them there wonat be re-exams, they will unconditionally call off their protests. However, the state's leader, with a population of 13 crore, refuses to meet his own children. In a democracy, what options are left for these students?"

Kishor and hundreds of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants have been protesting against alleged irregularities in the 70th Combined Preliminary Examination. The hunger strike, staged in the severe cold, aims to press the government for justice and transparency in the examination process.

The controversy erupted on December 13 when candidates at the Bapu Examination Centre boycotted the test due to delayed question papers. Videos showing lax security and mobile phone use during the examination further sparked outrage.

While the BPSC cancelled the examination at the Bapu centre and rescheduled it for December 4, students demanded the cancellation of exams across all centres, citing widespread irregularities.

Tensions escalated on December 29 when protesters marching towards the Chief Minister's residence were met with water cannons and baton charges, leaving several injured. Despite these confrontations, the aspirants remain steadfast, calling for a thorough inquiry into the examination process and a fair re-examination.

Earlier on December 30, a delegation of students met Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, who assured them that their concerns were being considered.

However, the government's silence on the matter ahead of the January 4 re-examination has left students dissatisfied.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 3 : Hours after he was sworn in as the new Kerala Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar appeared to have put his foot down when he summoned a very top police official and expressed his displeasure over the way how a few police officers attached to the outgoing Governor Arif Mohammed Khan were transferred.

On Thursday Arlekar was sworn in by Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court Nitin Madhukar Jamdar as the 23rd governor of Kerala at a brief ceremony held at the official residence of the Governor.

Arlekar soon got into the act when a few of the transferred police officers appraised him of their situation. He asked the top police official who is in charge of transfer and postings of personnel to the Raj Bhavan.

After the official left, the transferred police officers were reinstated at the Raj Bhavan.

For several months, the relationship between the Left government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and outgoing Governor Khan reached rock bottom. It finally ended on a sour note when neither CM Vijayan nor any of his cabinet colleagues bid goodbye to Khan when he left the official residence on Sunday.

However, CM Vijayan cutting short a press conference, rushed to the airport on Wednesday to receive Arlekar when he arrived in the state for the first time to take over as the new Governor.

Arlekar before departing from his home state Goa, paid a quick visit to the residence of Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, who hails from Kerala. Commenting on his new position, Arlekar said, "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 was to understand things."

The first major job for Arlekar is to read out the mandatory Governor's address to the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly later this month, done on the first day of the first session in the new calendar year.

Meanwhile, Arif Mohammad Khan took the oath as Bihar's 42nd Governor on Thursday at Rajendra Mandapam, Raj Bhavan.
Auckland, Jan 3 : Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka moved into her first WTA semifinal in nearly three years after a 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2 quarterfinal victory over Hailey Baptiste at the ASB Classic on Friday.

Osaka survived two brief rain interruptions during the match before closing out rising American Baptiste after 2 hours and 2 minutes of play.

The Japanese sailed into her first tour-level semifinal since she returned from maternity leave 12 months ago. The last time she made the final four or better at a WTA event was her runner-up finish at 2022 Miami, where she lost to Iga Swiatek. She made two quarterfinals last year (Doha and 's-Hertogenbosch).

"I think the key focuses that I had were just to have a lot of belief and confidence in myself. I think I put a lot of work in throughout last year, and even though the results didnat show it, I think I'm just continuing to, I guess, try as hard as I can and see where it gets me," Osaka said on court after her win.

Osaka was forced to pull off a comeback to hold off 23-year-old Baptiste, who was playing her first career WTA quarterfinal.

"Baptiste is an amazing player. It sucks that she was injured, but I think we played a really high-quality match, and in a weird way Iam glad to have played a three-set match because I think thatas kind of the experience I need," Osaka said.

Both players had 10 unforced errors in the first set, but Baptiste had 17 winners to Osaka's five in that timeframe, including an ace to convert a set point in the tiebreak, according to WTA.

Osaka turned the match around in the second set, in which she broke Baptiste's serve three times. After that set, Baptiste had a medical time-out on her foot and could not find her way back into the match.

Osaka continued her dominance in the final set, with her 10th and final ace of the day lining up her first match point. Osaka closed from there to book her spot in a final four for the first time since giving birth to daughter Shai in 2023.
Mumbai, Jan 3 : Maharashtra has once again demonstrated its dominance as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), securing Rs 1,13,236 crore in the first six months (April-September) of fiscal 2024-25. This achievement reaffirms the state's pre-eminence position over competitors such as Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

Mumbai, Jan 3 (IANS) Maharashtra has once again demonstrated its dominance as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), securing Rs 1,13,236 crore in the first six months (AprilSeptember) of fiscal 2024-25. This achievement reaffirms the state's pre-eminence position over competitors such as Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared the data on Friday, published by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in a post on X, emphasizing Maharashtra's consistent leadership in attracting FDI. The announcement comes ahead of Fadnavis' visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit, where the state government aims to secure more investments.

"Maharashtra will not stop now," said Fadnavis, adding "In just six months, the state has received Rs 1,13,236 crore in foreign investments, which amounts to 94.71 per cent of the total FDI received during the entire previous fiscal year. Over the past four years, Maharashtra has averaged annual FDI inflows of Rs 1,19,556 crore."

Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra's strong FDI track record, citing annual figures -- in 202021 Maharashtra attracted Rs 1,19,734 crore; in 202122 Rs 1,14,964 crore; in 202223 Rs 1,18,422 crore; in 202324 it attracted Rs 1,25,101 crore; and in 202425 (AprilSeptember) Maharashtra attracted Rs 1,13,236 crore.

He credited this success to the efforts of his cabinet colleagues, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and the entire state government team. "'I heartily congratulate Maharashtra. I assure you that under the leadership of my colleagues, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the entire cabinet, this race for our Maharashtra will continue,'' he remarked.

Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan also underscored the state's achievements in his address to the joint session of the Maharashtra Legislature on December 9. "Maharashtra has topped FDI inflows for two consecutive years, 202324 and 202425," he noted, adding, "The state accounted for Rs 1,25,101 crore in FDI last year and Rs 1,13,236 crore in the first two quarters of this fiscal, more than 90 per cent of last year's total FDI."

The Governor further emphasized Maharashtra's contribution of over 14 per cent to India's GDP and the government's ambitious goal to become the first Indian state to achieve a 1 trillion dollar economy by 202728.

Maharashtra's consistent performance in attracting FDI not only reflects its industrial strength but also positions it as a key player in driving India's economic growth.
Bengaluru, Jan 3 : The Karnataka BJP has mocked Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar over some big decisions being taken by the government in his absence. Referring to the dinner meeting attended by seven cabinet ministers and 34 MLAs, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the BJP questioned whether Dy CM Shivakumar was merely a leader in name.

Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, stated on Friday that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seemingly waiting for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to leave on a foreign trip, held a dinner meeting with 35 MLAs at Minister Satish Jarkiholi's residence to assert his influence.

Addressing Shivakumar, Ashoka said, "In your absence, cabinet meetings are being held, and significant decisions, such as a 15 per cent hike in bus ticket fares, are being made. What does it signify when such decisions are taken without the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister and the party's state president?"

He added, "Mr. D.K. Shivakumar, the time has come to act on your bold declaration in the Assembly that you would wrest power." Shivakumar had earlier humorously mentioned on the floor of the House that his astrologer had advised him to seize power.

Ashoka continued, "Does this mean that within the Congress party, you (Shivakumar) are present only in name but lack actual influence? Or is your assertiveness limited to media appearances?"

"If things continue like this, your dream will remain just thata dream. That much is guaranteed," Ashoka remarked, indirectly referring to Shivakumar's ambition to become the Chief Minister.

Sources revealed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a dinner meeting on Thursday night at the residence of PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi to strategize on replacing Shivakumar as the party's state president and to push for the creation of additional Deputy Chief Minister posts in the state. This move is perceived as an attempt to undermine Shivakumar, who has been positioning himself as a major leader in the party on par with Siddaramaiah.

Although leaders attending the dinner party claimed it was merely a New Year celebration, sources suggest internal conflicts within the Congress party.

The Chief Minister's camp has long been advocating for the creation of more Deputy Chief Minister posts. While Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar worked together to secure a decisive victory for the Congress party in the 2023 Assembly elections, internal rivalries seem to be growing.

Siddaramaiah was instrumental in garnering votes from Dalits, minorities, and backward communities, whereas Shivakumar played a key role in bringing influential Vokkaliga votes to the party in the southern parts of the state.

Rahul Gandhi had earlier announced that the Chief Minister would be chosen based on the support of the majority of MLAs. Siddaramaiah secured the position for his second term, despite Shivakumar publicly expressing his desire to become the Chief Minister.

The BJP has also alleged that the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam in which CM Siddaramaiah is facing investigation was highlighted by Shivakumar as a tactic to counter the Chief Minister.
Hyderabad, Jan 3 : Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chief Ministers and leaders of various political parties paid tributes to prominent social reformer Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary on Friday.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy paid floral tributes to the portrait of Savitribai at his residence in Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad.

The Chief Minister noted that recognizing Savitribai Phule as a pioneer in womenas education and a champion of equality, the state government has issued orders to celebrate her birth anniversary (January 3) as Women Teachersa Day.

He reiterated the governmentas commitment to achieving the ideals of Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule. Revanth Reddy stated that Savitribai Phule laid the foundation for a historic transformation in Indian society.

He highlighted her dedication to promoting womenas education and ensuring justice for the oppressed sections of society, noting that her fight against gender discrimination and caste inequalities serves as an inspiration for everyone. The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is constantly striving to fulfil Savitribai Phuleas vision.

He mentioned that the government has undertaken innovative programmes aimed at empowering women, with the goal of transforming one crore women into self-reliant individuals. Additionally, skill development initiatives are being implemented to enhance employment opportunities for girls in all fields. He also pointed out that the state government recently completed a comprehensive household survey with forward-looking plans to improve the social and political conditions of backward classes, the underprivileged, and marginalized sections of society.

Acknowledging Savitribai Phuleas tireless efforts to eradicate illiteracy among women, the Chief Minister called for her birth anniversary to be celebrated annually as Women Teachersa Day across the state, as a tribute to her sacrifices and contributions.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also paid tribute to Savitribai Phule, the pioneer of women's education and an exemplary teacher, on her 194th birth anniversary.

CM Naidu posted on aXa that Savitribai, who fought against the caste system, patriarchy and untouchability, is an ideal for us. Savitribai Phule started the first girls' school in Pune in 1848, contrary to the conventions of that time. Her initiative at that time became a pillar of the Telugu Desam Party's women's empowerment ideology and led to women's reservations, he said.

Former chief minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also paid tributes to Savitribai Phule. He said she was a great social reformer who believed that women's liberation was possible only through education and laid the foundation for the girls' education movement.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 3 : Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati was sworn in as the new governor of Odisha here on Friday. Chief Justice of Orissa High Court Chakradhari Sharan Singh administered the oath of office to Kambhampati during a special oath-taking ceremony held at the Abhishek Hall in the Raj Bhavan.

He later received the guard of honour at the Raj Bhavan.

Dr Kambhampati succeded Raghubar Das who recently relinquished his post citing personal reasons.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik, and other dignitaries were present during the oath-taking ceremony.

Earlier, Dr Kambhampati arrived at the Bhubaneswar Airport on Thursday afternoon and proceeded to Raj Bhavan after receiving a guard of honour at the Airport.

Kambhampati reached the coastal town of Puri on Thursday evening and offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple there.

Notably, the president of India on December 24, 2024, appointed Mizoram Governor Kambhampati as the new Governor of Odisha. Governor Kambhampati holds a B.Tech degree in Electronics & Communications Engineering from Andhra University (AU). He has also completed M.E. in Electrical & Control Systems and done PhD in Control Systems from Andhra University.

He worked as an Associate Professor for 24 years at Andhra University Engineering College.

Dr Kambhampati also participated in Lok Sangharsh Samithi Agitation under Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan during the 1974-1975 emergency and was arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).

He was appointed as the Andhra Pradesh State Executive Member of the Janata Party in 1977.

Dr Kambhampati served as the Andhra Pradesh BJP State President from 2014 to 2018.

The former governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das, during his tenure was embroiled in several controversies in the state. He was in the line of fire of the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress party over the alleged assault on an Assistant Section Officer by his son in Puri during the Rath Yatra last year.

The opposition also accused Das of turning the Odisha Raj Bhavan into the war room for the Jharkhand Assembly elections.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. In total, 8 people (3 men, 5 women) injured in the plane crash in Aktau are being treated at the Yeni Klinika medical facility, Trend reports citing TBIB.

"Each of them underwent the necessary instrumental and diagnostic examination by qualified specialists (traumatologist-orthopedist, neurosurgeon, resuscitator, infectious disease specialist) and is currently under the supervision of doctors. The condition of one of the patients hospitalized at the Yeni Klinika medical facility on December 30, 2024, is moderately severe, stable. The condition of 2 patients admitted in a traumatic coma is assessed as critically severe, stable.

At the Yeni Klinika medical facility, 5 out of 14 previously hospitalized persons are currently undergoing inpatient treatment. Their condition is satisfactory.

Relevant instructions have been given for medical institutions to monitor the health status of persons discharged for outpatient treatment. Persons discharged home were visited by a team consisting of a doctor and a psychologist from the district medical institution," TBIB said.

To note, the wrecked Embraer 190 aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), operating flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, had 62 passengers and 5 crew members on board, totaling 67 individuals. The tragedy resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 injuries.

Black box of the plane has been found, and procedures are being carried out to analyze it in accordance with international aviation conventions. At the moment, an investigation into the causes of the crash is underway. Final conclusions will be made after all necessary research and data analysis is completed.
Mumbai, Jan 3 : On Friday, Amitabh Bachchan took to social media to remember the great personalities the nation lost in 2024.The country bid farewell to several legends in the latter half of the year, including entrepreneur Ratan Tata, tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, and acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal. These individuals made profound contributions to India's progress in their respective fields.

Taking to his Instagram handle, the actor shared a poignant tribute in the form of a cartoon by artist Satish Acharya, which honoured the lives of these four legends. In the post, Bachchan wrote, "The picture says it all."

The artwork depicted the four icons in heaven, each engaged in their passions. Zakir Hussain was shown playing the tabla, Shyam Benegal was seen working with a camera, Ratan Tata was feeding dogs, and Dr. Singh was depicted continuing his work for the betterment of the nation.

The caption of the post read: "A Parsi, a Muslim, a Sikh, and a Hindu passed away in 2024, and the entire nation mourned them, remembering them only as Indians."

On December 26, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away in Delhi at the age of 92, following complications from age-related illness. Just hours before his death, he was admitted to AIIMS Delhi when his health began to decline.

A few days earlier, on December 23, filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away at the age of 90 due to chronic kidney disease. Earlier in the year, on October 10, Indian business magnate Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away at the age of 86. Another significant loss was that of Zakir Hussain, the world-renowned tabla maestro, who passed away at the age of 73.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Amitabh's most recent project was "Vettaiyan," where he shared the screen with Rajinikanth, Fahadh Faasil, and Rana Daggubati. He will next be seen in Deepika Padukone's upcoming film "The Intern."
Jaipur, Jan 3 : A tiger 'ST-2402' from Sariska Tiger Reserve, that attacked three people near the Dausa border, was spotted inside the kitchen of a farmhouse on Chilkibas Road in Raini, Alwar early Friday morning and tranquilised by the Forest Department.

After being informed about the big cat's presence at around 6 a.m., the Forest Department tranquilised the tiger after three hours of effort.

The tiger entered Dausa on January 1 and attacked three individuals. After these incidents, it moved back towards the Dausa-Alwar border.

Fortunately, the tiger was caught within the farmhouse, as tranquilising the feline in open fields would have posed significant challenges.

Ranger Krishna Kumar confirmed the successful tranquilisation of the tiger.

The forest teams had been tracking the tiger. On Thursday, the big cat's pugmarks were spotted at multiple locations near Raini.

The situation escalated when reports confirmed the tiger's entry into the farmhouse kitchen. Teams from the Forest Department promptly arrived at the scene, accompanied by a large crowd of curious villagers who gathered to witness the event.

Teams from Jaipur and Sariska have arrived to tranquilise the tiger. The medical team, including Dr. Deendayal Meena from Sariska, is also on-site, working alongside a separate team tasked with the tranquilisation effort.

Tiger-2402 had been wandering outside Sariska for several months and was finally spotted on Wednesday, January 1, when it unexpectedly entered Bandikui village, triggering panic.

During the pursuit, the tiger attempted to attack the forest workers. On Wednesday morning, the feline damaged glass of a Forest Department vehicle.

Search efforts continued for two days, focusing on the mustard fields where the tiger had been seen. Drone footage captured images of the tiger, and its pugmarks were found in the fields on Thursday morning, aiding the team in tracking its movements.
Bengaluru, Jan 3 : President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Bengaluru on Friday to participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS).

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah warmly welcomed her at the HAL airport.

Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil and the Chief Ministeras Political Secretary Govindaraju were also present. The Chief Minister greeted the President with a bouquet and a traditional shawl.

President Murmu is the Chief Guest at the golden jubilee celebrations of NIMHANS in Bengaluru. As part of the occasion, she will inaugurate a new Psychiatry Block, a Central Laboratory Complex, and a hostel building.

Additionally, the President will dedicate to the nation an advanced 3T MRI scanner and a DSA machine.

The AI-enabled MRI scanner will provide high-resolution images of the brain, aiding in early diagnosis. The DSA machine will assist in detecting the extent of brain damage through 3D rotational angiography.

To ensure the safety and security of the VVIPs and other delegates, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayanand declared a 'Temporary No-Fly Zone' around the NIMHANS campus, covering a radius of 1 kilometer, until 3 p.m. on Friday.

The flying of drones, UAVs, gliders, small aircraft, and non-scheduled aircraft was strictly prohibited within this zone.

After participating in the NIMHANS golden jubilee celebrations at the NIMHANS Convention Centre in Bengaluru, President Murmu will head to Belagavi for the inauguration of the KLE Cancer Hospital.

The inauguration event is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the District Stadium in the JMNC Campus, Nehru Nagar, Belagavi.

The Chairman of KLE Society, Prabhakar Kore, along with Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, former Chief Minister and BJP MP Jagadish Shettar, will attend the event.

Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, BJP National President and Union Minister for Health J.P. Nadda, and Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs P Joshi will also be present on these occasions.
Bhopal, Jan 3 : For over 24 hours, container trucks carrying hazardous chemical waste from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant in Bhopal have remained parked at the premises of the Ramki factory in the Ashapura area of Pithampur, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.

The toxic waste, a grim reminder of the worldas largest industrial disaster in 1984, was transported to Pithampur for disposal at the state-of-the-art Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF). However, the decision to shift the waste has sparked protests over potential risks to public health and the environment.

The state government has asserted that the Pithampur plant is the only facility in the state equipped for safe incineration of hazardous waste. This plant has been operational since 2006, handling industrial waste from across Madhya Pradesh. Despite these assurances, residents and political leaders have expressed strong reservations about the move.

On Thursday, thousands of residents in Pithampur participated in silent marches, voicing their opposition to the waste disposal plan. Protesters have called for a complete shutdown of the industrial town today, Friday.

Prominent politicians from both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress have weighed in on the issue. BJP veteran and former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who hails from Indore, has called for a thorough scientific evaluation before proceeding with the disposal. State Congress chief Jitu Patwari has also raised concerns, warning that the disposal could increase the risk of cancer among Pithampur residents.

"We are not politicizing the issue, but until experts provide clear evidence on the safety and environmental impact of the disposal process, it should be halted," Patwari stated.

Responding to these concerns, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized that the transportation of the waste to Pithampur was carried out based on reports submitted to the Supreme Court. He also cited a state-sponsored study indicating that the health impact on nearby villages would be negligible. The disposal process, he assured, would take place under the strict supervision of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB).

The Chief Minister has tasked senior cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who is also from Indore, to mediate on the issue and convince the stakeholders of the safety measures in place.

As tensions mount, uncertainty remains about when the waste will be incinerated. For now, the hazardous containers continue to sit idle in Pithampur, awaiting resolution.
Jaipur, Jan 3 : Over six vehicles, including a sleeper bus, collided in Rajasthan's Bhilwara on Friday due to dense fog leaving many people injured.

The vehicles collided on the Kothari River bridge along the Ajmer National Highway, trapping several people in their vehicles.

The situation escalated when a tanker carrying CNG started leaking, causing widespread panic. Police promptly arrived at the scene upon receiving information about the accident. Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals with the help of ambulances.

According to officials, the incident took place on the Kothari River culvert on the Ajmer National Highway in the morning. The dense fog severely reduced visibility, leading to the chain collision. Many people sustained injuries and were admitted to the nearby hospital for treatment.

The accident caused a massive traffic jam stretching about 1.5 kilometres on both sides of the highway. Long queues of vehicles formed, and commuters faced significant delays. It took considerable effort by the police to clear the congestion and restore normal traffic flow.

Around 9 a.m., with visibility drastically reduced, two trucks first collided on the culvert. Subsequently, multiple vehicles on both sides of the bridge became entangled in a series of collisions.

Amid the chaos, a CNG tanker also got stuck in the pile-up. A gas leak from the tanker heightened fears of a catastrophic explosion, reminiscent of the previous incidents like Bhankrota. People in the vicinity scrambled to safety, but fortunately, a major disaster was avoided.

The accident left several vehicles badly damaged, while many individuals sustained injuries. Authorities are continuing their investigation and relief efforts to ensure such incidents are minimized in the future.

On December 20, an LPG tanker collided with a truck, sparking a massive fireball that turned a stretch of the Jaipur-Ajmer highway into an inferno, engulfing more than 40 vehicles. Eleven persons died on the day of the incident and nine others lost their lives during treatment in subsequent days. The death toll in the inferno has risen to 20 and many other
Kolkata, Jan 3 : Seven people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Trinamool Congress councillor Dulal Sarkar in West Bengal's Malda district, police said on Friday.

English Bazar municipality Chairman Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury said one of the seven arrested is a resident of Katihar district in neighbouring Bihar.

"A total of five firearms have been recovered. Contract killers were hired for the crime. What I came to know is that the deal was fixed at Rs 10 lakh," Choudhury told media persons.

Police sources said that of the seven, two were arrested on Thursday evening, just a few hours after Sarkar was declared dead at the Malda Medical College and Hospital, where he was under treatment after being shot from a close range earlier in the day.

"After interrogating those two, we got information about the other five and arrested them from their hideout late Thursday night," a district police official said.

However, the cause of the crime was yet to be ascertained.

On Thursday evening, Firhad Hakim, the West Bengal Minister in charge of the Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department and Kolkata Mayor, said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered an inquiry into Sarkar's murder.

On Thursday, while addressing an administrative review meeting at the State Secretariat Nabanna, the Chief Minister criticised Malda District Police Superintendent Pradeep Kumar Yadav and held him accountable for the crime.

Sarkar was attacked on Thursday morning while standing at a busy crossing in the area. Three helmet-clad assailants arrived on a motorcycle, and one of them opened fire.

The first two bullets missed, but the third hit Sarkar in the head.
Hyderabad, Jan 3 : Cyberabad police intensified its probe into the allegations by female students of CMR Engineering College that they were secretly filmed in the hostel washrooms while the college management has declared a holiday for three days.

Police have taken the hostel warden and six mess workers into custody for questioning and seized their mobile phones.

Protest erupted on the college campus at Medchal on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Wednesday night after female students alleged that they were secretly filmed in hostel washrooms.

A case was registered on Thursday under Sections 77 (voyeurism) and 125 (endangering personal safety or life of others) of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Medchal Police Station of Cyberabad Police Commissionerate.

Police picked up six male workers of the hostel mess and also warden Preethi Reddy for questioning.

Assistant Commissioner of Police B. Srinivas Reddy said a case was also registered against the college management for negligence. He said the management not only employed male workers in the mess but also provided them rooms for their stay next to the ladies' washroom. The police official said the workers had access to the ventilator of the washroom.

A girl student alleged that she saw the shadow of a person and brought the same to the warden's notice but as there was no response from the warden, the students began the protest. The students suspect that their videos might have been recorded.

Tension gripped the college as student bodies like NSUI, SFI and ABVP joined the protest in support of the students and demanded stringent action against those involved.

In view of the tense situation and the ongoing investigation, the college management declared a holiday for three days.

The ACP said they seized 12 mobile phones of these workers. "We have so far found no evidence that they recorded videos. We have not found any obscene videos in their phones. However, we are verifying if any videos were deleted," he said.

Fingerprint experts collected samples from the imprints found on the glass of the ventilator. The experts were analysing if the imprints match with the fingerprints of any of the workers.

The ACP appealed to parents not to worry over rumours that 150-300 videos were recorded.

Telangana State Women's Commission has ordered an investigation into the incident. Taking suo moto notice of the media reports, the Commission issued a notice to the Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, urging swift action and seeking an action taken report.
Brisbane, Jan 3 : Mirra Andreeva has booked her ticket into the semifinals of the Brisbane International after defeating her idol Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 6-4, 7-6 on Friday. The 17-year-old Russian is now 2-0 against former World No.2 Jabeur.

On the comeback from a season of form and injury struggles, the 30-year-old Jabeur impressed as she reeled off three successive wins for the first time since Roland Garros last year before Andreeva had her measure for the second time in as many meetings on Australian soil.

Last year, Andreeva toppled the then-No. 6 Tunisian in the second round of the Australian Open. The Russian awaits World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka or Czech's Marie Bouzkova for a place in Sundayas final.

Andreeva has looked sharp in her first three outings in Brisbane and went into the quarterfinals with straight-set wins over Anna Blinkova and Linda Noskova. Her 6-3, 6-0 win over Noskova avenged a tough loss from 12 months ago, when Noskova beat her 7-5, 6-3 in the quarterfinals.

Earlier, local wildcard Kimberly Birrell's impressive run came to end in the quarterfinals after suffering a 6-4, 1-6, 5-7 loss to Anhelina Kalinina, who is bidding for her third WTA final.

Birrell, competing at her home base, had defeated only two top-50 opponents from 2021 to 2024 but had notched two wins this week against such players - World No.8 Emma Navarro and World No.35 Anastasia Potapova.

For two hours and 40 minutes, she showed grit and courage before she fell narrowly shy against the steely Ukrainian, a player who was ranked in the top 25 only 18 months ago.

Winless in Australia last season, the 27-year-old Kalinina was one point from defeat at 4-5 in the deciding set but rebounded to snatch the final three games for her sixth WTA semifinal and only her second on hard court.

Birrell was up to a career-high mark of World No.99 in the live rankings, while Kalinina moved on to a last-four clash with 21-year-old qualifier Polina Kudermetova, a 7-6(5) 6-3 winner over American Ashlyn Krueger.
Seoul, Jan 3 : South Korea's anti-corruption agency suspended its attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid Friday following an hours long standoff between investigators and presidential security staff.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said it halted execution of the warrant at 1:30 pm, about five-and-a-half hours after its investigators arrived at the presidential residence to detain Yoon, Yonhap news agency reported.

"We determined that executing the detention warrant would be practically impossible due to the continued confrontation, and suspended the execution out of concern for the safety of on-site personnel caused by the resistance," the CIO said in a notice to the press. "We plan to decide on the next steps following a review.

"We express serious regret over the behavior of the suspect who refused to comply with legally set procedures," it added.

A CIO official later told reporters investigators got within 200 meters of the residence building but were deterred from getting any closer.

"More than 10 buses or cars were blocking the way and some 200 people with the Presidential Security Service (PSS) or military were forming layers of walls, making it impossible to get past," the official said, noting the team executing the warrant comprised 20 people from the CIO and 80 police personnel. "I understand there were scuffles big and small at each stage."

The official said three prosecutors were allowed to walk up to the front of the residence, but not inside, making it difficult to determine whether the president was at home.

The prosecutors did, however, meet with two lawyers for Yoon -- Yun Gap-geun and Kim Hong-il -- who the official said repeated their position that the president could not comply with a warrant issued "illegally" to an agency unauthorised to investigate insurrection charges.

The CIO has until Monday to execute the detention warrant on charges of insurrection and abuse of power linked to Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3.

Rallies by Yoon's supporters outside the presidential residence, however, have complicated the CIO's effort, along with the potential for clashes with the PSS.

More than 1,000 pro-Yoon protesters gathered near the residence on Friday morning. Surrounded by some 2,700 police officers deployed to maintain order, they chanted: "Illegal warrant. Completely invalid" and "Arrest the CIO."

When news broke about the CIO's withdrawal, the protesters, whose number had grown to 11,000 according to a police estimate, erupted in cheers and shouted "We won" while waving the South Korean and US flags and chanting the president's name.

Anti-Yoon protesters led by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, meanwhile, vowed to stage an overnight rally near the residence to demand Yoon's arrest.

The CIO had been expected to try to detain Yoon on Friday as executing the warrant on Saturday or Sunday could risk confronting even larger crowds, while executing it Monday would be too close to the deadline.

The CIO has teamed up with the police and the defense ministry's investigation unit to conduct a joint probe into Yoon's failed martial law bid.

During Friday's attempted arrest, the investigators presented their court-issued warrants to detain Yoon and search the presidential residence, but were denied entry by PSS chief Park Chong-jun, who cited restrictions on secured areas.

Before confronting the PSS, the investigators had also been resisted by a military unit stationed on the compound.

The CIO requested the detention warrant after Yoon ignored all three summonses to appear for questioning. The agency also obtained a warrant to search the presidential residence.

Yoon's legal defence team has called the warrants "illegal and invalid" and filed for an injunction against their execution.

On Friday, Yun told Yonhap News Agency "legal action" will be sought against the CIO's attempt.

Police had said anyone trying to stop the CIO from executing the detention warrant would be taken into custody on charges of obstruction of official duties. No one was detained on such charges Friday, a police official said.

The joint investigation team later revealed PSS chief Park and his deputy were booked on suspicion of obstructing special official duties and requested to appear for questioning Saturday.

Investigators had planned to arrest Yoon and take him to the CIO's headquarters in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, for questioning before detaining him at the Seoul Detention Center in nearby Uiwang.

Once detained, the CIO would have had 48 hours to either seek another warrant for his formal arrest or release him.
Mumbai, Jan 3 : The much-awaited Pratik Gandhi starrer "Phule" is set to release on the 197th birth anniversary of the renowned social reformer, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.

The film, which highlights the life and contributions of the iconic figure in Indian history, promises to bring his revolutionary ideas to the forefront, offering audiences a powerful portrayal of his fight against social injustice and inequality.

The makers took to social media to announce the news and shared a poster, writing, "On this birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, India's first woman educator, Dancing Shiva Films, Kingsmen Productions, and we are coming together to announce the worldwide release of the film Phule in cinemas on April 11th, 2025, which marks the 197th birth anniversary of Jyotirao Phule. #SavitribaiPhule #JyotibaPhule #FilmAnnouncement #Equality

Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan, the film stars Pratik Gandhi as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as his wife, Savitribai Phule. The movie brings to life the inspiring journey of this iconic couple, who played a pivotal role in advocating for equality and education in India.

Speaking about the biopic, Mahadevan shared, "This is our humble tribute to a great son and daughter of India. The film is a must-watch for the Y-generation, as it offers more than what history books have touched upon. It's an immersive journey back in time, showcasing how these visionaries shaped our nation's history."

The director added, "We have stuck to the historical facts while making this film, but it is not just a historical narrative. The film is a call to recognise the sacrifices and values that continue to shape our society."

On the other hand, Patralekhaa stated, "I am deeply honored to portray Savitribai Phule in this film. Alongside Jyotirao Phule, she laid the very foundation for modern education and social equality in India. On her birth anniversary today, it's only fitting that we announce the release of Phule. I'm thrilled that audiences will soon witness their inspiring journey on the big screen, and hopefully, be moved by their extraordinary courage and vision."

The first poster of the film Phule was unveiled last year on the occasion of the 196th birth anniversary of Jyotirao Phule.
Subscription to paid content

Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card.
Kochi, Jan 3 : A CBI court here on Friday sentenced 10 CPI-M workers to a double life term and four others including a former party legislator to five years' imprisonment in the Periya twin murder case.

On Saturday last, the CBI court had convicted 14 people and exonerated 10 in the case pertaining to the brutal murders of Kerala Youth Congress workers Kripesh (19) and P.K. Sarath Lal (24) on February 17, 2019, in Periya, Kasaragod district.

However, the families of the victims said they were expecting capital punishment for the accused and since that has not been given and 10 others were exonerated, they will speak with the Congress leadership and appeal against the verdict.

The victims were allegedly killed by CPI-M workers in a politically-motivated attack.

According to the court, eight of the accused were directly involved in the twin murders, while six others played indirect roles.

The court gave a double life term to the eight who were directly involved in the cold blooded murder, while two others, who were part of the conspiracy, were also given a double life term.

Among the convicted is former MLA and CPI-M district leader K.V. Kunhiraman, accused of forcibly removing the second accused from police custody. Kunhiraman has been given five years' imprisonment.

Initially investigated by the Crime Branch, the case was handed over to the CBI after a plea was filed by the victims' families in the High Court.

The CBI concluded that the murders stemmed from a cycle of politically-motivated attacks between CPI-M and Congress workers in the region.

At Periya in Kasargod there was a huge gathering of Congress party workers and family members of the two victims at their memorial site. After hearing the verdict, some of the women of the two workers' families were seen in tears.

Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan while talking about the verdict said it was notable that among the accused are a former CPI-M legislator and workers.

"All along, the CPI-M leadership and party denied their leader's and party workers' role in the brutal crime. Now see, they have been sentenced. This is the way the CPI-M works," said Satheesan.

K.K. Rema, an independent legislator who won with the Congress-led UDF's support, whose husband, T.P. Chandrasekharan, was also murdered by CPI-M workers, criticised the party's attempts to protect the accused.

"Just look at the way the CPI-M employed high priced lawyers from Delhi to fight the case and more than Rs 1 crore have been spent to save the guilty," said Rema.

AICC general secretary and Alappuzha Congress Lok Sabha member, K.C. Venugopal, said the verdict brings out the real face of the CPI-M as they engage in annihilating political opponents.

The counsel for the accused said once the papers of the verdict come, they will file an appeal against it.

The 10 accused, who have been sentenced to the double life term, will each have to pay a fine of Rs 2 lakh, while the remaining four have to pay a fine of Rs 10,000, and all of this will go to the families of the two victims.
Mumbai, Jan 3 : The Yadunath Films has joined forces with Jaaved Jaaferi for the forthcoming romantic Drama, "Inn Galiyon Mein". Adding to the hype, the makers have finally announced the release date for the film which will be reaching the cinema halls on 28th February this year.

The announcement poster features Jaaved Jaaferi, and Avantika Dassani in rural attires, while Vivaan Shah is seen wearing relatively more upbeat clothes as he is in the middle of taking a selfie.

Making the announcement, Vivaan wrote on the photo-sharing app, "Milna humein 'Inn Galiyon Mein' Dekhiye humein cinemas mein on the 28th of February! Yadunath Films is thrilled to announce "Inn Galiyon Mein", set to hit theatres nationwide on 28th February 2025. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Avinash Das, The film stars Jaaved Jaaferi, Avantika Dassani and Vivaan Shah. Produced by Vinod Yadav and Neeru Yadav and Co Produced by Alcor Productions."

Thrilled about "Inn Galiyon Mein" Jaaved Jaaferi said, "In a time where social media dictates so much of our personal lives, 'Inn Galiyon Mein' highlights the complexities that come with it, especially in relationships. It's a story that everyone can relate to."

The project has been set against the backdrop of the digital age, focusing on social media's impact on today's relationships and societal expectations.

Made under the direction of Avinash Das, Amaal Mallik has composed the music for the drama, along with Arvind Sagole and Saurabh Kalsi. While Vinod Yadav and Neeru Yadav have financed "Inn Galiyon Mein", it has been co-produced by Alcor Productions.

The film also marks the acting debut of Avantika Dassani, who is the daughter of the renowned actress Bhagyashree. The cast of the movie incorporates a perfect blend of seasoned talent and fresh faces. The editing for "Inn Galiyon Main" has been done by Jabeen Merchant, whereas Arvind Kannabiran has looked after the camera work.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a swipe at the ruling AAP in Delhi over the issue of corruption, saying he could have also built a 'Sheesh Mahal' for himself, but for him, the houses for the poor are more important.

"We envision a developed nation where there are permanent homes for everyone," he said, promising another 3,000 new EWS flats in Delhi and a better quality of life.

Sheesh Mahal is a reference made in Delhi political circles to the allegedly corruption-riddled renovation of the official residence of AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

PM Modi said this while addressing an event after handing over 1,675 flats to residents of slum clusters in Ashok Vihar in north Delhi and inaugurating a slew of development projects, through remote, including two urban redevelopment projects in the national capital.

In a symbolic gesture, PM Modi handed over keys of the new flats to five couples and called the new homes a reflection of the owners' "new expectations and dreams".

Recalling the 1975 Emergency imposed by then PM Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister Modi said when he went underground during the dark days he used to reside in Ashok Vihar to escape the government's repression.

"Coming to Ashok Vihar today has revived my memories of those days," he said.

Ahead of handing the keys to owners of the flats built in Jailorwala Bagh, PM Modi also interacted with children and women in the courtyard of the multi-storey flats named 'Swabhiman Apartments'.

The PM said during the interaction with the children, "I could see that their dreams were taller than the high-rise apartments."

Calling the beneficiaries of flats as his family members, he said though he has not built a house for himself but has managed to deliver four crore flats to the shelterless in the country.

He said, "I could have also built a Sheesh Mahal but for me, homes for the countrymen are more important." He told the beneficiaries to convey to others that they all will get a pucca house soon.

The residents of the flats showered flower petals on him and thanked him for ensuring facilities like lifts and playgrounds for the residents and the PM encouraged the children to work hard and contribute to the country's march towards Developed India 2047, said a resident.

"Modiji has not only given a roof over our heads but given a new future to our children," said a beneficiary woman.

He earlier visited the Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar with Union Housing and Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal and inspected the facilities in the newly-constructed homes for residents who lived in slums at the same plot till a few years ago.

Before the event, PM Modi took to his X handle, describing it as an important day for Delhi's development. "Today is an important day for Delhi's development. At a programme in Ashok Vihar, will be inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a wide range of development works which will boost 'Ease of Living' for the people of Delhi," he said.

PM Modi said these development activities will inspire growth and learning.

"These endeavours reflect our unwavering commitment to nurturing future generations by empowering them with knowledge, innovation and opportunities in an environment that inspires growth and learning," he said.

Referring to the multi-projects inaugurated on Friday, he said, "The projects include a cutting-edge academic block at the Eastern Campus in Surajmal Vihar, East Delhi, and another at the Western Campus in Dwarka. Additionally, the foundation will be laid for the Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, designed to embody excellence in education with state-of-the-art facilities."

The inauguration of newly constructed flats in Ashok Vihar marked the completion of the second successful In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

The objective of the project is to provide the residents of the JJ clusters in Delhi with a better and healthier living environment equipped with proper amenities and facilities.

For every Rs 25 lakh spent on the construction of a flat by the government, 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.

PM Modi also inaugurated two urban redevelopment projects -- the World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar and the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar.

The World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar has transformed the area by replacing over 600 dilapidated quarters with state-of-the-art commercial towers, offering around 34 lakh square feet of premium commercial space with advanced amenities.

The project incorporates green building practices, with provisions such as a zero-discharge concept, solar energy generation, and rainwater harvesting systems.

The GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar include 28 towers that house over 2,500 residential units, offering modern amenities and efficient use of space. The projectas design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems, sewage and water treatment plants, and solar-powered waste compactors encouraging eco-conscious living.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated CBSE's Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka, built at around Rs 300 crore. It includes offices, an auditorium, an advanced data centre, comprehensive water management system among others.

The eco-friendly building has been constructed to high environmental standards and was designed as per Platinum Rating standards of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of three new projects at Delhi University worth over Rs 600 crore. It includes the Eastern Campus at Surajmal Vihar in East Delhi and the Western Campus at Dwarka. It also includes building Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh, having state-of-the-art education facilities.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Friday criticised the BJP-led government for what he described as an attempt to "create controversy" ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

Tiwarias remarks came in response to the inauguration of several projects by Prime Minister Modi, including the Veer Savarkar College in Najafgarh and the Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar.

Speaking to IANS, Tiwari expressed his support for the establishment of the new college in Delhi University (DU) as the last DU college to be set up was Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences in 1995, named after the 12th-Century mathematician and funded by the Delhi government.

However, Tiwari questioned the BJP's motives behind choosing the name of the institution. He suggested that the government was trying to stir up political tensions for electoral gains.

"I do welcome the inauguration of Veer Savarkar College. But, I donat understand why PM Modi and the BJP have to create controversy on almost every topic," Tiwari said.

"Savarkar never worked in areas like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. If the Modi government wanted to name the university after a freedom fighter, they could have chosen someone who contributed to these regions, or even former Prime Minister late Manmohan Singh, who dedicated his life to the country," he said.

Tiwari went on to accuse the BJP of lacking its own historical figures, suggesting that the party was using Savarkaras name to stoke controversy and rally votes ahead of the election.

"The main problem with the BJP is that they don't have any freedom fighters in the party. Ahead of the election, PM Modi is trying to create controversy and gain votes in the Delhi Assembly polls," he added.

Tiwari also reacted to PM Modias visit to the newly-constructed Swabhiman Apartments, part of the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project in Ashok Vihar, where he met residents of Jhuggi Jhopri clusters. According to Tiwari, the BJP's focus was not on development but on influencing voters with symbolic gestures.

"The BJP only has the task of destroying houses like they do in states like Uttar Pradesh. It is all about influencing the voters," he stated.

Tiwari further commented on the ongoing protests by Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants in Bihar, which saw Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor announcing a fast in solidarity with the students. Tiwari claimed that Kishoras political ambitions were faltering.

"Prashant Kishor is now regretting his decision. He wanted to be a hero, but now he is a villain. Whatever they are doing, the Congress is with the students who are protesting, and we support their demands," Tiwari concluded.

The political rhetoric surrounding these inaugurations is likely to continue as the Delhi Assembly elections draw near, with both the BJP, AAP and Congress preparing for a heated contest.
Bengaluru, Jan 3 : President Droupadi Murmu on Friday called on the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) that it can successfully incorporate traditional methods such as Yoga to alleviate mental and physical distress.

Addressing the gathering on the golden jubilee of the health institute here, she said: "NIMHANS can successfully incorporate traditional methods such as Yoga to alleviate both mental and physical distress. Different meditations are also useful in countering negative mindsets and could be integrated into the mental health care models.

Asserting that traditional medical approaches are beneficial, she said: "The wisdom and life lessons from our ancestors and seers can help us all develop a spiritual framework with which we can make sense of the ups and downs of life."

"Our scriptures tell us that the mind is the root of everything we perceive in the world. A healthy mind is the foundation of a healthy society," she underlined.

Hailing increased awareness about mental health, President Murmu said: "In the past, issues concerning mental health were not given enough attention in some societies. In recent times, however, awareness of mental health has been rising. Unscientific beliefs and stigmas attached to mental illness are a matter of the past, making it easier for those suffering from various ailments to seek help."

She also mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic in particular led to a spike in mental health concerns.

"Every age group is facing problems and people react to it. Teenagers and youngsters face more issues in their studies today due to social pressure. Working professionals face more stress and a large number of elderly people suffer from loneliness due to social challenges. Whoever meant to bear the burden of domestic responsibilities and caregiving for the family is prone to a range of mental illnesses that usually go unnoticed," President Murmu stated.

She hailed NIMHANS' initiatives like Tele MANAS to facilitate counselling anywhere anytime and the SAMVAAD platform to address child and adolescent mental health problems and noted: "Your dedication to the services towards mental health has played an exemplary role in our society. The innovative research and rigorous academic programme with exceptional patient care has made it an undisputed leader in the field of mental health and neurosciences."

"Since its establishment, NIMHANS has been innovative in addressing complex challenges in this field. The Ballari model of community healthcare has made history. Now, the Tele Manas platform uses technology to reach out to those in need. It is heartening to note that the 53 Tele Manas centres across the country have reached out to 70 lakh people in their local languages in the last two years," President Murmu stated.

The NIMHANS made the country proud when the World Health Organization honoured it with the Nelson Mandela Award for health promotion, she said.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : The Aam Aadmi Party's Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh, on Friday levelled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of deleting voters' names from the electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Singh claimed that the BJP was attempting to manipulate the voters' list, targeting long-time residents and women whose votes were reportedly cancelled.

Speaking to IANS, Sanjay Singh allegedly provided evidence to support his accusations, stating, "I will give you this voters' list and I have also presented before you the list of women whose votes have been cancelled by the BJP.

"These women have lived here for 30-40 years, they got married, raised their children here, and now their votes are being cancelled. They are doing these things in the area from where former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is contesting elections. So, this is a clear indication that the BJP has already lost the election and is resorting to electoral scams to secure a win."

Singh further emphasised that such actions were an affront to democracy, and the AAP would not stand by while the BJP tried to distort the electoral process.

"We have complained about this, and if these votes are not restored or if any further action is taken to cancel them, we will fight against it," he stated.

Singh also took a swipe at the BJP's broader record, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modias government of mismanaging the country's education system.

He pointed to the alarming number of children leaving government schools, saying, "A whopping 37 lakh 45 thousand children have left government schools. The Modi government is ruining the education system in this country. In their hands, neither the future of the children nor their access to education and employment is safe."

Earlier, on December 30, Arvind Kejriwal also raised concerns over what he described as a "manipulation" of voter lists in the New Delhi constituency.

Kejriwal alleged that around 12,000 voters had been added and deleted from the rolls under suspicious circumstances, accusing the BJP of removing names of AAP supporters and adding fake voters to skew the results. He also accused the BJP of "openly distributing cash" in the constituency to influence voters.

In response, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva dismissed the allegations, claiming that Kejriwal and AAP had a history of registering illegal voters. He accused Kejriwal of attempting to create confusion ahead of the elections by making baseless accusations against the BJP.

As the Delhi Assembly elections draw near, these allegations and counter-claims are expected to charge the already heated political atmosphere in the national Capital.
Islamabad, Jan 3 : Locals in the Kurram District of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province have refused to end their protest even two days after the rival sectarian tribes of Shia and Sunni Muslims signed a 14-point peace agreement that was supposed to pave way for a ceasefire in the region devastated by violence for over two months now.

Islamabad, Jan 3 (IANS) Locals in the Kurram District of Pakistanas Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province have refused to end their protest even two days after the rival sectarian tribes of Shia and Sunni Muslims signed a 14-point peace agreement that was supposed to pave way for a ceasefire in the region devastated by violence for over two months now.

Protestors in the district capital of Parachinar maintain that they would continue the sit-in until all roads are opened and made safe for travel.

The protest outside the Parachinar Press Club has been going on for weeks as the locals continue to slam the provincial government for failing to ensure the livelihood and safety of the people, who have been suffering severely due to a complete closure of all routes for over 80 days. This has resulted in major shortage of food supplies and non-availability of medicines, resulting in deaths of more than 150 people, including women and children.

"This is not the first time that a peace agreement has been signed. They took over two weeks to sign the agreement, being completely ignorant to the suffering of the people of the area, who are forced to live without food supplies, medicines and basic necessities. 150 people have died because the hospitals did not have medicines to treat them. Who is responsible for this?", a resident of Parachinar told IANS.

"Shia and Sunni conflict has been going on for decades here. People have been slaughtered by rival tribes in ambushed attacks many times and every time they end up signing the so-called peace agreements. This time also, a peace agreement has been signed. But no progress is seen on ground as far as opening of routes and supplies is concerned. Our families are dying here every day because of starvation and medical issues," he added.

The sectarian conflict in Parachinar started in the last week of November when a bus was attacked, resulting in the death of over 47 Shia Muslims. In retaliation, Shia militant groups carried out attacks on Sunni villages, brutally killing over 150 people. Since then, the tribal region has been blocked from the rest of the country.

Even as long deliberations and discussions were being held to establish peace, the delay pushed Parachinar residents into severe misery with over 150 people dying in hospitals due to shortage of medicines. Educational institutions have also remained shut due to security concerns and there has been no movement of public transports. The border with Afghanistan has also remained closed due to security concerns.

Local authorities and members of the peace Jirga, or tribal court, have been assuring that after the signing of peace deal, delivery of food and essential goods to Parachinar city, Bushahra and over 100 villages will begin soon.

"Medicines have already been sent to Parachinar by a welfare organisation and similar supplies are also being sent to other affected areas," said Deputy Commissioner Javed Ullah Mehsud.

Roads in Kurram have been blocked for over 87 days now and the only link road that leads to Parachinar has also been closed due to security concerns.

Citing past instances, locals fear that the peace deal may not materialise because it involves surrendering of all illegal weapons and demolition of bunkers of both Shia and Sunni tribes.

"We welcome the agreement but also know that such agreements in the past have been thrown in the dustbin with a single incident. The Shia and Sunni tribes have been fighting each other for far too long and that they will continue to do so in the future also. I do not think they will surrender their weapons and weaken their firepower," said Saifullah, a protesting resident of Parachinar.

"All we want is our right to live. We do not want to see our children dying in homes and hospitals for lack of medicines and treatment. We want our children to go to schools and colleges, we do not want our families to spend days without food, we do not want our shops and businesses to shut down. This is why we will not end our protest until full peace, security and normalcy is restored in the region," he added.
Kabul, Jan 3 : Afghan security forces have discovered a vast quantity of arms and ammunition in Kunar and Nuristan provinces, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The weaponry, which includes 49 Kalashnikovs, four rocket launchers, 29 rocket-propelled grenades, 66 hand grenades, a large number of cartridges and bullets, and other illegally preserved military equipment, have been seized during a series of operations in different districts of the said provinces, the statement added.

The statement offered no further information regarding the timing of the seizure of the confiscated weapons and ammunition, nor did it confirm whether any arrests had been made in connection with the case.

On November 3, 2024, security personnel in Afghanistan seized a large amount of weapons and ammunition in the eastern Khost province, the provincial police office said in a statement.

The contraband, which included Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers, PK machine guns, grenades, and a substantial amount of ammunition, was discovered during a series of operations across the province, according to the statement.

The statement did not provide information about when the confiscated weapons and ammunition had been discovered. Six individuals were arrested on charges of possessing illegal weapons and military equipment.

Similarly, on August 20, 2023, Afghan security forces seized a large amount of arms and ammunition in Parwan Province, located in eastern Afghanistan, an official reported.

According to provincial administration spokesperson Sayed Hikmatullah Shamim, during operations in the Jabal Saraj district of the province, 140 rounds of BM1 bullets, six boxes of M24, thousands of bullets, explosive devices, and other illegally possessed ammunition were found and seized by the security forces.

In a similar crackdown, weapons caches had been discovered in Wardak Province.

Since assuming power in August 2021, the Afghan caretaker government has rounded up thousands of arms and a significant quantity of ammunition as part of efforts to stabilise the security situation across the war-torn country.
Bhopal, Jan 3 : A fresh controversy has erupted over the appointment of former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, who has been booked in a disproportionate assets (DA) case after raids conducted by multiple agencies in the past few weeks.

A Bhopal-based RTI activist Sanket Shahu has claimed that Saurabh Sharma's appointment was done on the recommendation of former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra in 2016.

Mishra, who was Health and Family Welfare Minister in 2016, in his official letter pad had recommended appointing Sharma to Grade 3 of service in the health department if the post was vacant.

"Saurabh Sharma's father Dr Rakesh Sharma died on November 20, 2015, during his service period in Gwalior district hospital. Saurabh Sharma should be appointed at grade three post in the health department if post lying vacant," Narottam's recommendation letter read.

However, Sharma was appointed as constable in the transport department on compassionate grounds in 2016. But, took voluntary retirement in 2023.

Responding to the matter, Narottam Mishra said unnecessary controversy was being created, and he had nothing to do with Saurabh Sharma.

"Being a public representative, I have to make recommendations, especially when the subject is related to the department (health) I was heading then. Did my letter mention that Saurabh Sharma should be appointed in the RTO department?" Narottam Mishra told IANS.

Notably, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department and the Special Establishment Police (SEP) of state Lokayukta carried out separate searches at several premiers of Sharma and his associates in multiple locations, including Bhopal and Gwalior.

The first recovery took place during a Lokayukta raid last week, where anti-corruption officials discovered that Sharma had movable assets worth Rs 7.98 crore, including Rs 2.87 crore in cash and 235 kilograms of silver.

Several real estate investment documents and a cash-counting machine were also seized from the properties associated with Sharma.

Subsequently, the Income Tax Department conducted another raid, uncovering 52 kilograms of gold bars worth Rs 40 crore and over Rs 11 crore in cash from an abandoned SUV in Bhopal.

The vehicle (SUV) was registered in the name of Chetan Singh Gaud, an alleged close associate of Sharma. Officials suspect that the recovery is linked to Sharma, although official confirmation is pending.

Following the Lokayukta FIR, the ED has launched a money laundering investigation against Sharma, and raids were held in Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jabalpur last Friday.

During the raids, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) reportedly seized financial documents, assets, and electronic data from laptops and computers at various locations.

Documents seized from Sharma's residence and office reveal transactions amounting to crores of rupees, suggesting a substantial cash inflow.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : The self-help groups (SHG) reflect the potential of women-led development in India, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Emphasising the importance of "women-led development" as a key priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance agenda, Singh said this while addressing a gathering of nearly 3,000 women from SHGs in Andhra Pradesh's Moragudi village.

"These groups are playing a transformative role in empowering rural women by promoting financial literacy, food processing, and the production of handloom and millet-based products," said Singh.

Supported by central schemes such as the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), "these SHGs represent a beacon of hope for economic self-reliance", said the Minister lauded their efforts.

He encouraged further skill development through programmes like SEEDAP, which aim to enhance employability and entrepreneurial opportunities in the region.

Singh's visit to Moragudi village is part of his three-day visit to YSR Kadapa under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). His key priorities during the visit include women's empowerment, education, infrastructure, tourism, education and infrastructure development.

"The ADP has shown us that with focused governance and collaboration, we can uplift even the most underdeveloped regions and provide their residents with opportunities on par with the best-performing districts in the country. This is a testament to the vision of our Prime Minister, who believes in an inclusive and progressive India," Singh said, reiterating the importance of the ADP in fostering equitable growth.

Through programmes like the ADP, the administration remains committed to empowering local communities, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering innovation, creating a roadmap for sustainable progress across India.

Singh also laid the foundation stone for a central kitchen at the Zilla Parishad High School in Moragudi. The facility aims to cater to the nutritional needs of school children, ensuring the effective delivery of midday meal programmes.
Jakarta, Jan 3 : Eight people were killed after a speedboat carrying 30 passengers sank in the waters off Seram Bagian Barat regency in Indonesia's Maluku Province on Friday, according to the head of the provincial search and rescue office, Muhammad Arafah.

Arafah said that the speedboat, Dua Nona, struck a piece of wood floating on the water's surface at approximately 10 a.m. local time, which caused damage to the boat's hull.

"Eight people were killed," Arafah said.

He noted that the accident occurred shortly after the boat departed from a seaport in the regency, en route to Ambon City, the provincial capital, Xinhua news agency reported.

Search and rescue operations were ongoing, involving personnel from the local search and rescue office, water police, boats from the local Health Department, and community volunteers.

Arafah added that poor communication has hindered coordination among the rescuers.

On October 12, 2024, at least five people were killed and several others were feared dead after a speedboat caught fire in the waters off Indonesia's North Maluku province, officials said.

The accident occurred when the boat, carrying a governor candidate Benny Laos and his supporters, had been anchoring at a seaport in Taliabu regency and filling fuel before continuing their journey for a campaign, said Abdul Muis Uma Ternate, a senior official from the local disaster management and mitigation agency.

"Five people were killed, nine others were injured, and some other people remained inside the boat as they were trapped," he stated.

Video footage received by Xinhua showed that the fire engulfed the entire boat, and those who remained inside the vessel were likely dead. The official could not provide further details on the precise number of those who could not escape or the exact number of people on board.

Yusri Abdul Kasim, the head of the Logistics Unit of the provincial disaster management and mitigation agency, told Xinhua that an explosion had occurred just before the fire.

All the wounded individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, he said.
Bhopal/Pithampur, Jan 3 : Two men attempted suicide during a protest against the transportation of hazardous waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal to Pithampur in Dhar district on Friday.

However, some reports said that one person poured petrol over his body and set himself ablaze. Police and other protesters swung into action to douse the fire, during which, another person, who tried to save him also received burns.

Police took both the injured persons to Dhar district hospital for treatment.

According to the information, one of them has been admitted to the ICU ward. Following that incident, police lathi-charged on protesters and chased them away.

However, the protest is being organised at several locations surrounding the Pithampur dumping site. The protesters demanded that the containers carrying the toxic waste be sent back to Bhopal.

Dilip Singh Raghuvanshi, a social worker, said: "We have only one request from the state government that the containers of the toxic waste should be sent back from Pithampur. My strike would continue till the 12 containers of waste brought from Bhopal were sent back from here."

The state government said the Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) at Pithampur is the only suitable site for the disposal of chemical waste in the state. However, the protest that had begun a couple of days back, intensified and more and more people joined the protest on Friday.

Locals also called for a 'Bandh' (shutdown) to mark their protest, closing their shops in solidarity. A local shopkeeper explained, "The reason for shutting the shop is that the 40-year-old toxic waste from Bhopal has been brought here in Pithampur for its disposal. We will not let the waste be incinerated here. We are with the people of Pithampur."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav accused the Congress of misleading people for political gain.

"Those who are politicising the issue for vote bank, they should know that when the Bhopal gas tragedy happened in 1984, they were in power," Mohan Yadav said.

Notably, as many as 12 container trucks carrying 377 metric tonnes of hazardous chemical waste from Bhopal reached Pithampur early on January 2 and remained parked at the premises of Ramki factory located in Ashapura area in Pithampur of Dhar district.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : Sounding the BJP's poll bugle for Delhi Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday compared the ruling AAP government to a calamity or "AAPada" destroying the city and unveiled a new slogan "AAPada ko hatana hai, BJP ko lana hai".

In an hour-long speech at the inauguration of EWS flats for slum dwellers in Ashok Vihar in North Delhi, PM Modi, without naming the AAP or its leader Arvind Kejriwal, pilloried the Delhi government for alleged corruption in 'Sheesh Mahal', Yamuna cleaning, liquor policy and failure to improve schools and health facilities.

Sheesh Mahal is a reference made in Delhi political circles to the allegedly corruption-riddled renovation of the official residence of AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"Ek toh chori upar se seena Jori (They are shameless and show no remorse for misdeed)," he said, highlighting that the AAP government has failed to utilise even half of the Central government funds given for improving the education sector in Delhi.

Listing the alleged obstructive actions, poor and corrupt governance of the AAP government, PM Modi said, "Delhi voters want to rid the city of this AAPada and are saying, 'AAPada ko nahin sahenge, badal ke raheinge'"

PM Modi's focus on energising the BJP cadre with a new slogan is significant, considering that his iconic slogans - 'Kharchi parchi' in Haryana and "Ek hain toh safe hain" in Maharashtra - had turned the tide in the BJP's favour in the recent Assembly elections there.

Reiterating his commitment to giving 30,000 new homes to the underprivileged in the city as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban, PM Modi took a swipe at the alleged corruption perpetrated by the ruling AAP, saying he could have also built a "Sheesh Mahal" for himself but for him houses for the poor were more important.

PM Modi hit out at the AAP and Kejriwal for misleading Delhiites with hollow promises of fighting graft. "They used Anna Hazare's anti-corruption campaign as a front and pushed the city towards corruption," he said, adding that Delhiites have been cheated by people who took fake oaths to fight corruption.

Hinting at strict punishment for the corrupt, especially for the AAP leaders facing alleged corruption and money laundering cases, he said, "When AAPada goes and the BJP government comes, these issues will also be tackled."

He promised to give Delhiites the benefits of the nationwide health insurance under Ayushman Bharat and highlighted the plans of the central government to pay up to Rs 75,000 subsidy to every household which joins the free power scheme linked to PM - Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

While hitting out at the AAP government for blocking Central government-funded schemes and projects, PM Modi said 75 lakh people in Delhi were availing free ration under 'One Nation, One Ration Card scheme', which ended corruption linked to getting new ration cards.

Answering rivals' questions on what were the contributions of the Central government in Delhi's development, PM Modi highlighted that 500 Janaushadhi Kendras were opened in the city for affordable medicines and highways were build to fight vehicular pollution in the city.

"It is because of hurdles created by them that your servant Modi is unable to serve you," said the PM, alleging that the AAP government had failed to provide even roads and sewers in unauthorised colonies while the Central government was busy organising camps to hand over ownership rights to residents.

He said a polluted Yamuna had also prevented Poorvanchalis from offering prayers in the holy river.

PM Modi said great progress was made by the Central government ministries in Delhi wherever there was no interference of the AAP government.

"The DDA is building houses for EWS people and highways are being built to rid the city of traffic jams by the Union highways ministry," he said, announcing that the infrastructure projects, including Metro extension and new tunnels and highways, proposed by the seven BJP MPs for Delhi's development recently have been given in-principle approval.

The elections to pick a new 70-member Assembly in Delhi are likely to be held around February. The BJP had last won the Assembly polls in 1993 and is now looking to ride the wave of PM Modi's popularity and return to power after 26 years. The ruling AAP came to power in 2014 on the promise of fighting corruption, ended the 15-year rule of a Congress government led by Sheila Dikshit.
Seoul, Jan 3 : South Korea's Constitutional Court said on Friday that it would hold the first oral arguments for the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol on January 14, as it wrapped up its preparatory proceedings.

Justice Lee Mi-son announced the session would take place at 2:00 p.m. on January 14 as the legal representatives of Yoon and the National Assembly met for the second preparatory hearing for the trial on Yoon's impeachment.

The session will take place exactly one month after the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon on December 14 over his short-lived imposition of martial law.

The court also decided to hold the trial's next arguments on January 16 in case Yoon fails to appear for the first session.

Yoon is required to attend the first arguments but the court can still proceed with the trial even if he fails to show up for the second session.

Ahead of the hearing, legal representatives from the National Assembly claimed an insurrection led by Yoon was ongoing, while Yoon's defence team rejected the notion of an insurrection, Yonhap news agency reported.

"The insurrection is still not over and is ongoing," Jung Chung-rae told reporters outside the court. "The whole public is watching through live TV as insurrection leader Yoon Suk Yeol obstructs justice and doesn't respond to a court-issued warrant."

Investigators tried to detain Yoon earlier in the day but decided to suspend their attempt after an hours long standoff with security personnel at his residence.

Meanwhile, Yoon's legal team called for "thoroughly" reviewing evidence to check for wrongdoing.

"Evidence must be thoroughly contested to see if there was actual wrongdoing," Bae Jin-han, one of Yoon's lawyers, said. "It is not advisable to use the term insurrection."

Yoon has denied charges he incited an insurrection by declaring martial law, arguing it was an "act of governance" and a warning against what he described as an abuse of legislative power by the main opposition Democratic Party.

He currently faces arrest after a court issued a warrant to detain him.

The Constitutional Court has 180 days to decide whether to uphold or dismiss the impeachment from the day it received the case on December 14.

If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. If it is dismissed, he will be reinstated.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has grown to become an 'Institute of National Importance' with more than 50 lakhs patient footfalls in the last 10 years, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of NIMHANS in Bengaluru, Nadda congratulated all the students and faculty members for elevating NIMHANS into one of the premier institutes in India.

"I convey my gratitude to the faculty members, students, and all the relevant stakeholders who have contributed to the growth of NIMHANS from a mental health institute to an Institute of National Importance," he said.

He added that from under 10 lakhs in the 1970s, the institute has witnessed more than 50 lakhs in the last decade.

"Patient footfall in NIMHANS has grown more than five-fold, from under 10 lakhs in the 1970s to over 50 lakhs in the last decade," said Nadda.

"The scale at which NIMHANS treats its immense footfall of patients makes them a leader in quality healthcare in India," he added.

The Union Minister also congratulated NIMHANS for being the first National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) accredited hospital among all the 'Institutes of National Importance'. It is also ranked among the top 200 hospitals in the world.

Further, Nadda also highlighted the government's work on mainstreaming mental health via the National Mental Health Programme, operational since 2022.

"The government is working on providing mental healthcare through the TeleMANAS scheme and NIMHANS being the apex coordinating centre for TeleMANAS is at the forefront of this endeavour," Nadda said.

Launched in 2022, TeleMANAS provides 24x7 services. The mental health assistance helpline has received 16.6 lakh calls since its inception. All states and UTs have started the service and have 53 functional cells, according to the health ministry.

Nadda noted that NIMHANS also trains over 1,000 students for TeleMANAS and counselling.

The event was also graced by President Droupadi Murmu who asked NIMHANS to integrate yoga for combating mental, and physical distress.

--IANS

rvt/
Amaravati, Jan 3 : AP-Maker-Lab-On-Wheels, a special vehicle, will create awareness among students in Andhra Pradesh about latest technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and Internet of Things.

The state government, with the active cooperation of leading software company Infosys, introduced the vehicle on an experimental basis at Mangalagiri.

Minister for Education, Information Technology (IT) and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, on Friday inspected the prototype vehicle of AP-Maker-Lab-On-Wheels.

The AP-Maker-Lab-On-Wheels programme will soon be launched in all parts of the state by AP Skill Development Corporation in collaboration with Infosys.

The initiative is aimed at bringing awareness among the students on the global radical reforms being introduced in technology.

As a pilot project, this vehicle will be taken to all the schools in Mangalagiri to bring awareness among the students. Later, such vehicles will be sent to all the educational institutions across the state.

Infosys becoming a partner to bring transformative skill opportunities closer to students is really commendable, Lokesh remarked.

The main aim of the AP Maker-Lab-On-Wheels is providing opportunities to students on free digital and STEM learning even in remotest areas of the state in accordance with the objectives of Digital India, Environmental, Social and Governance Vision-2030.

The vehicle will have a 90-minute interactive learning session and as per the interest of the students, opportunities will be provided to them free of cost through the Infosys Springboard platform to learn various other courses, following which World Class Technology certificates will be issued.

Latest basic amenities like laptops, tabs, and all necessary kits will be available at the workstations.

Infosys is ready to set up a bus with the lab with an investment of Rs 5 crore and also bear an annual expenditure of Rs 40 lakh besides supplying course content along with trainer support.

On an average, Infosys will be spending Rs 1,500 per student for this purpose and has set a target to reach 4,800 students every three months.

Representatives of Infosys said that their aim is bringing awareness among at least four batches comprising 20 students every day.

Managing Director of the AP Skill Development Corporation G. Ganesh Kumar, Narasaraopet MP Lavu Krishnadevarayalu, and the staff members of Infosys were present.
Chandigarh, Jan 3 : Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said on Friday that the health of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal "is critical and the BJP government should try to end the fast by accepting demands and giving up its stubborn attitude".

Hooda told the media that Dallewal's life "is precious for everyone because he's not fasting for personal interest but for the legitimate demands of the farmers".

Farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border in Khanauri, demanding a legal guarantee for a minimum support price for crops.

Dallewal's indefinite hunger strike entered its 39th day.

A high-level team of Punjab government officials have met Dallewal several times, urging him to accept medical treatment despite his ongoing fast.

Two-time Chief Minister Hooda said the demands of the farmers are completely legitimate and many years old.

"The BJP itself had ended the farmer movement by promising the minimum support price (MSP). Farmers are reminding the government of its promise," he added.

"The Congress has been in favour of giving MSP to the farmers under the Swaminathan formula since the beginning. The BJP had also promised to double the income of farmers by implementing the Swaminathan report, but after coming to power, it forgot its promise and instead of doubling the income of farmers, it increased its cost manifold," he said.

Hooda added that apart from the Congress, no other party thinks about the interests of farmers, they only do politics in the name of farmers.

"Today, the Union Agriculture Minister is writing a letter to the Aam Aadmi Party government, but the BJP itself does not give the benefits to farmers in states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, which the farmers of Haryana got during the Congress tenure," he said.

"The Congress government had given electricity to the farmers of Haryana at 10 paise per unit, the cheapest rate in the country. But such concessional rates are not applicable in any BJP-ruled state," he added.
Ulan Bator, Jan 3 : At least 40 per cent of Mongolia's territory is now at high risk of experiencing the extreme wintry weather 'dzud' this winter, the country's National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring said Friday.

The dzud is a Mongolian term to describe a severely cold winter when many livestock die because the ground is frozen or covered in snow.

"A recent risk assessment of the dzud indicates that at least 40 per cent of the country's total territory faces a high risk of dzud this winter, while 20 per cent is categorized as medium risk," the weather monitoring agency said in a statement.

Most areas in the five western provinces, Bayan-Ulgii, Uvs, Khovd, Zavkhan, and Gobi-Altai, are at high or very high risk, the agency warned, Xinhua news agency reported.

Additionally, some parts of the northern provinces, Khuvsgul, Selenge, and Bulgan, the central provinces of Arkhangai and Uvurkhangai, and smaller areas of the southern provinces of Bayankhongor and Dundgovi are also at high risk.

The agency urged local authorities and nomadic herders to prepare for potential challenges to mitigate the impacts of the harsh winter conditions.

Mongolia, one of the world's last remaining nomadic nations, is known for its extreme winters, largely shaped by the Siberian high-pressure system.

Last winter, the Asian country experienced its heaviest snowfall in five decades, leading to a severe dzud that resulted in the loss of millions of livestock.

On December 23, Mongolia's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had issued a severe weather warning for several regions, predicting strong winds and blizzards.

The blizzards were expected to impact the western, central, and southern Gobi provinces, resulting in poor road visibility and slippery conditions. The NEMA had urged citizens, especially nomadic herders and drivers, to exercise caution and take preventive measures against potential disasters.

The combination of frigid temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns often leads to devastating consequences for both human and animal populations, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a tragic example of such risks, over 10 people, mainly nomadic herders, lost their lives in November 2023 due to heavy snow and blizzards in the central province of Tuv and the eastern province of Sukhbaatar.

Last winter, nearly all 21 provinces of the country endured extreme wintry conditions, accompanied by record snowfall, the largest since 1975. Around 90 per cent of the country's territory was covered in snow up to 100 centimetres thick, leading to the death of approximately 8 million livestock.
Hyderabad, Jan 3 : A city court on Friday granted regular bail to popular Tollywood actor Allu Arjun in Sandhya Theatre stampede case.

Nampally Criminal Court, which had reserved its orders on January 30, pronounced the same, granting regular bail to the actor, who was on interim bail for four weeks given by Telangana High Court.

The Nampally Court directed Allu Arjun to deposit two sureties of Rs 50,000 each. The court also directed him to cooperate with the investigation and appear before Chikkadpally Police Station every Sunday.

Allu Arjun's counsel Ashok Reddy said the court also directed him not to influence the witnesses.

Police had opposed the bail petition of the actor while his lawyers had contended that he couldn't be blamed for the incident.

A woman was killed and her son was critically injured in the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the premiere show of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'.

The police booked the theatre management, Allu Arjun and his team for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Allu Arjun was arrested on December 13 in the case. He was produced before the Nampally court, which remanded him to 14-day judicial custody.

His lawyers approached the High Court, which granted him interim bail the same day.

The actor, who is named accused number 11 in the case, was released from Chanchalguda Jail the next day.

As the 14-day judicial remand period ended on December 27, the actor had to present himself before the court for further proceedings. After obtaining permission from the court, the actor appeared through video conference.

The court had taken up the petition for regular bail on December 27. As the police had sought time to file its counter to the bail petition, the court had adjourned the hearing to December 30.

While granting interim bail for four weeks on December 13, the High Court had asked Allu Arjun to move the trial court for regular bail.

As part of the investigation into the stampede, the police interrogated Allu Arjun on December 24. He was questioned for three hours at Chikkadpally Police Station based on a 10-minute video prepared by the police by compiling CCTV footage of the incident.
A large-scale operation was conducted across 17 provinces in Turkiye to detain individuals suspected of having links to the ISIS terrorist organization.

Azernews reports, 42 suspects were arrested last week during the operation, codenamed GURZ-35.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed on social media that the operation targeted several provinces, including Ankara, Bursa, Gaziantep, Istanbul, Diyarbak?r, Kahramanmara?, and Kayseri.

The detainees are accused of financing terrorist organizations and promoting a banned ideology on social media.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. According to Enagas, Spain's total natural gas consumption in 2024 amounted to 311.7 TWh, reflecting a 4.2% decrease compared to the previous year, Trend reports.

This decline was primarily driven by a sharp 22% drop in demand for electricity generation, which stood at 74.7 TWh.

Conversely, conventional demand from households, businesses, and industries reached 237 TWh, supported by a 4.2% rise in industrial consumption, which totaled 176.7 TWh.

Enagas highlighted Spain's significant role in enhancing Europe's energy security. The country supplied 34.5 TWh of natural gas to other European nations through interconnections and LNG ship loadings. These operations complied with the EUs 14th package of sanctions against Russia, with Spain being the first EU member to implement detailed procedures to ensure no Russian-origin LNG was loaded within its gas system.

In 2024, Spain imported gas from 14 different sources, underscoring its role as a key entry point for LNG in Europe. The year also saw a surge in LNG bunkering operations, with loadings rising to 3.8 TWh from 1.5 TWh in 2023, contributing to the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

Underground gas storage levels remained strong, ending the year above 80% after achieving full capacity in August. This stability reflects Spain's readiness to ensure supply reliability in the face of fluctuating demand.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : Socio-political organisation Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) on Friday called for resolving disputes over religious sites through dialogue and urged community members to take a pledge for joining India's journey on the path of development, as appealed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Shahid Sayeed, National Convener and Media In-charge of the MRM, an organisation inspired by the RSS, emphasised that resolving disputes through dialogue would foster unity, integrity, harmony, brotherhood, and reconciliation, eliminating enmity.

The National Convener Council of the MRM announced that disputes over sites like Kashi, Mathura and Sambhal should be resolved through dialogue, restoring historical places of worship to the Hindu community.

At the same time, the MRM proposed that abandoned mosques, or those where prayers are no longer conducted, be handed over to the Muslim community to restore and revive them.

The Forum made it clear on the basis of Islamic principles that idolatry (idol worship) is not allowed in Islam. Offering Namaaz in mosques where broken idols have been found or at places where there is historical, social or direct evidence of a temple, is against Islamic principles and it is an impure place for Namaaz.

MRM representative Thakur Raja Rais stated, "Through the 'Connect with Roots' (Aao Jadon Se Judein) campaign, the MRM seeks to highlight that India's Hindus and Muslims share common ancestors, traditions, and civilizations. This initiative promotes communal harmony and shared cultural heritage, emphasizing that, despite religious differences, Indian soil unites us with a shared history and tradition. Our ancestors, clans, traditions, and language remain collectively Indian."

The statement from MRM came on the eve of its important session in Lucknow on Saturday. Before this, an online meeting was held to discuss the agenda, attended by representatives from 70 locations across 20 states and 6 Union Territories. The meeting was presided over by the MRM and included participation from several small and large Muslim organizations, intellectuals and leaders.

Groups such as the Women Intellectuals Group, Sufi Shah Malang Organization, Youth Education and Madrasa Institute, World Peace Council, Bharat First, Hindustan First Hindustani Best, Cow Service Committee, Environmental and Public Life Protection Institute, Jamiat Himayat-ul-Islam, Kashmiri Protection Organization and Kashmir Sewa Sangh were represented.

The national conveners, state conveners, and co-conveners of the MRM supported the resolutions and proposed handing over disputed worship sites to the Hindu community as per Islamic teachings.

The MRM has outlined a robust plan to further its mission of promoting the true teachings of Islam and preserving India's cultural heritage. This initiative aims to dispel misconceptions and enhance mutual understanding within the Indian society, benefiting both the Muslim community and the broader nation.
Phnom Penh, Jan 3 : Cambodia has reported a 74 per cent decrease in malaria cases in 2024, marking significant progress in the fight against the disease, a health official said on Friday.

Huy Rekol, Director of the National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, said malaria cases in the Southeast Asian country plummeted by 74 per cent from 1,384 cases in 2023 to only 355 cases in 2024.

"It's wonderful to hear about the remarkable progress Cambodia has made in reducing malaria cases in 2024. It is truly impressive," he told.

"Moreover, Cambodia has reported zero fatalities since 2018 and no local Plasmodium Falciparum cases since January 2024," he added.

Rekol said this achievement could be attributed to improvement in surveillance response, increased awareness among citizens, and availability of adequate equipment, such as malaria testing devices, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and anti-malarial drugs.

He added that the efforts of healthcare professionals and the government, along with effective malaria diagnostic tests and treatments like Artesunate-Mefloquine (ASMQ), have been instrumental in this success, Xinhua news agency reported.

"This progress has put Cambodia in the category of successful countries in eliminating malaria," Rekol said. "With continued vigilance, Cambodia aims to eliminate malaria cases by 2025."

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Early symptoms include fever, headache, and chills, and usually appear 10a"15 days after the bite. Other symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, and cough.

Malaria is mainly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Asia, and Africa. The term malaria comes from the Medieval Italian phrase mala aria, which means "bad air".

Malaria is common in tropical areas where itas hot and humid. In 2020, there were 241 million reported cases of malaria throughout the world, with 627,000 deaths due to malaria. The majority of these cases occur in Africa and South Asia.
Jerusalem, Jan 3 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in two statements that it had intercepted a missile and a drone fired by the Houthi group in Yemen on Friday.

The missile, fired at about 4:30 am local time (0230 GMT), activated sirens across central Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, sending millions of residents to shelters.

Israel's national emergency service, Magen David Adom, said 12 people were injured while heading to shelters.

According to the IDF, the missile was intercepted after it crossed into Israeli territory, with a fragment landing near the city of Modi'in in central Israel.

The missile's engine was found in a backyard in the Israeli settlement of Har Gilo in the West Bank, near Jerusalem, causing minor damage.

The channel added that flights at Ben Gurion International Airport were halted for about half an hour following the launch, and two were diverted to Larnaca, Cyprus, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the Israel's Channel 12 TV News.

Later in the morning, the IDF said it had intercepted a drone launched from Yemen before it crossed into Israeli territory. In this case, sirens were not activated.

Earlier on December 28, the IDF had said that it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen aimed at the Jerusalem area.

The IDF statement said that "a projectile launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory."

The missile activated air defence sirens in the Jerusalem area, the Judean Lowlands, and the Dead Sea, forcing hundreds of thousands of residents to rush to shelters just after 2:10 am local time (0010 GMT), according to the IDF.

Israeli fighter jets conducted a series of strikes on Yemeni targets, including the international airport in Sanaa and power stations. The airstrikes killed at least six.

On December 27, Yemen's Houthi group announced that it had launched a 'hypersonic ballistic missile' targeting Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, claiming it had hit its target.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a televised statement on Houthi-run al-Masirah TV that the strike had caused casualties and disrupted air traffic at the airport.

"The missile succeeded in reaching its target despite the enemy's secrecy. The operation resulted in casualties and the suspension of air traffic at the airport," Sarea alleged.
Kolkata, Jan 3 : Amid the heightened tension along the International Border due to the ongoing situation in the neighbouring country, the Border Security Force (BSF) arranged for a woman from Bangladesh to catch a last glimpse of her brother, who lived in India, after his death.

The incident is from the Mustafapur Border Outpost (BOP) in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district where personnel of the 67 Battalion of the BSF are posted.

"Despite being on high alert, the BSF displayed its humane face by granting permission to the family. During the day, the panchayat member from Gangulai, a village close to the India-Bangladesh Border in Bagdah, North 24-Parganas, informed the company commander of Mustafapur BOP about the demise of one Abdul Khalid Mandal. He was a resident of Gangulai," said N.K. Pandey, Director Inspector General (DIG) and Spokesperson, South Bengal Frontier, BSF.

"The panchayat member pleaded that Mandal's sister, a resident of Sardar Baripota, a border village on the Bangladesh side, wished to see her brother for the last time. Realising the emotional significance of this request, the company commander immediately got in touch with his counterpart in Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to arrange for the woman and her family members to be brought to the zero-line of the International Border Barrier (IBBR)," the BSF DIG added.

Mandal's bier was carried to the zero-line from Gangulia village under the strict vigil of the BSF jawans. It was placed at the zero-line before the BGB escorted the woman and her family to the spot.

The final meeting between brother and sister was emotionally charged, highlighting the connection that continues to exist between people on both sides of the IBBR.

Mandal's sister lived in India before getting married to a Bangladeshi national and moving to her matrimonial home across the border.

"After the short meeting that was so important for the family, Mandal's mortal remains were carried back to his village for the final rites. Family members expressed their gratitude to the BSF and BGB for arranging the last meeting between the siblings," Pandey said.

"BSF jawans not only toil day and night to guard the country's borders, but are also humane and kind, prepared to cater to the social needs of people living along the International Border," he added.
Hyderabad, Jan 3 : Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has summoned Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and former minister K.T. Rama Rao in the Formula-E race case.

Hyderabad, Jan 3 (IANS) Telanganaas Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has summoned Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and former minister K.T. Rama Rao in the Formula-E race case.

It issued notice to K. T. Rama Rao (KTR), directing him to appear before it on January 6 at 10 a.m.

The ACB on December 29 booked 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.

The ACB registered the FIR registered under Sections 13(1)(A) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with Sections 409 and 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code on a complaint by M. Dana Kishore, Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development.

It has also recorded the statement of Dana Kishore in the case, in which KTR has been listed as the accused number one.

The Telangana High Court has reserved its orders on the quash petition filed by KTR and directed the ACB not to arrest him till the orders are pronounced.

Arguing on behalf of the ACB, the Advocate General had told the court that Rs 46 crore in British pounds were paid to Formula-E Operations Ltd (FEO) in violation of rules even before signing an agreement for season 10 of the Formula-E car race.

The High Court was also informed that the FIR was registered after the Governor granted permission for the same.

Based on the FIR registered by the ACB, the Enforcement Directorate has also registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against KTR, Arvind Kumar, and B.L.N. Reddy and is conducting the probe

It has also summoned KTR to appear before it on January 7.

Arvind Kumar and B.L.N. Reddy were also summoned by the Central agency on January 2 but they sought more time.

The agency had also initiated a parallel investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) to examine possible violations.
Mumbai, Jan 3 : The NCP, which is a partner of the ruling MahaYuti in Maharashtra, on Friday made a strong case for the development of a refinery in the coastal Ratnagiri district, (previously known as Nanar refinery) after consultation within the grand alliance and taking the locals into confidence.

State NCP chief Sunil Tatkare, who is the chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on petroleum and natural gas, said, "There is a possibility that the refinery with reduction in its capacity against that which was proposed earlier, can come up in Maharashtra.

"The Centre has dropped hints in this regard. With the new government being formed with a strong majority, the development of a refinery with a cut in the operating capacity can be discussed with the Centre and among the other MahaYuti partners and residents.

"As the country's outgo towards import of oil is substantial, the development of a refinery is quite crucial."

Tatkare said even though refinery development does not come under his purview as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, but the state will have to give a fresh look and take the proposal forward.

He reiterated that the new government in Maharashtra should soon take a stand on the development of the refinery.

"Majority of the elected representatives to the Lok Sabha and the state Assembly from the Konkan region belong to the MahaYuti. Therefore, the government can discuss the issue with them and locals before taking it up with the Centre," he remarked.

Tatkare's statement is crucial, especially when the mega refinery project with an annual operating capacity of 60 million tonnes per annum (MMT) was planned by a combine of three PSUs  IOC, HPCL and BPCL during the Devendra Fadnavis led government between 2014 and 2019.

However, Fadnavis stayed the land notification ahead of the Assembly elections in 2019 following strong opposition by the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray which was the BJP's ally then.

Thereafter, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, had said that the Centre plans to revive the 60 MMT Ratnagiri refinery project.

The project could not take off during the previous regime in Maharashtra, due to delayed land acquisition.

Puri has indicated that instead of establishing one 60 MMT refinery, three units of 20 MMT each can be set up at different places.

Thereafter, the state government identified the new site at Barsu in Ratnagiri district, but the proposal has not moved forward yet.
Mumbai, Jan 3 : The MahaYuti government in Maharashtra will soon put in place a drone-based monitoring and digital data maintenance mechanism for fishing vessels from January 9 in a serious bid to prevent illegal fishing and implement the state's Marine Fishing Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2021.

Newly appointed Minister of Fisheries Nitesh Rane said on Friday that nine drones have been made available on lease for the state's maritime district, including two units each in Raigad and Ratnagiri and one each in Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, and Mumbai Suburban.

A control room will be established in the office of the Commissioner of Fisheries.

The minister said that the department's vessels conduct patrolling, but it is not possible for the patrol boats to inspect every boat.

"Unauthorised boats often escape, and they are difficult to catch. The drone monitoring system will be effective to curb illegal fishing," he added.

Shiv Sena legislator and former MP Nilesh Rane during the winter session, had raised the issue in the state assembly of illegal fishing and the menace of unauthorised boats in Ratnagiri and other coastal districts of the state. He urged the state government to take stern action.

According to the fisheries department office, the Fisheries Act aims to protect the interests of the state's traditional fishing community and curb illegal fishing by migrant fishermen.

Earlier, the Maharashtra Maritime Board had thought of launching drone-based monitoring to keep an eye on illegal fishing activities after traditional fishing communities from Uttan, Vasai and other coastal areas in the state had alleged that the big players were not following the annual monsoon fishing ban imposed along the coastline.

A deep sea fishing ban is imposed every year to allow fish to breed and repopulate the water. A 61-day marine fishing ban is imposed along the coastal region of the state from June 1 till July 31.
Patna, Jan 3 : Prashant Kishor, the Jan Suraaj Party Chief, on Friday, intensified his protest by staging a hunger strike at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, firmly standing in solidarity with BPSC candidates demanding justice over alleged irregularities in the 70th BPSC Preliminary Examination.

His actions have drawn widespread attention and stirred the state administration into action.

On Friday, the Patna Additional District Magistrate visited the protest site in an attempt to persuade Kishor to withdraw his hunger strike.

However, the Jan Suraaj Party Chief made his position unequivocally clear, saying: "Thousands of children have faith in me. On December 29, I asked students to follow the administration's orders and disperse, yet they were brutally cane-charged. Now, under no circumstances will I withdraw this movement on the administration's orders."

The Bihar government has been deploying police personnel at the Gandhi Maidan to monitor the situation closely.

Kishor's unyielding stance has further escalated tensions, putting additional pressure on the administration to address the students' demands.

The hunger strike follows 17 days of protests by students and political groups over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the BPSC examination.

Kishor joined the movement as a show of solidarity, amplifying its visibility.

He continued his hunger strike on Friday at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna.

Kishor clarified the sole condition for ending the hunger strike and said: "This movement will be withdrawn only when the Chief Minister meets the children, listens to them, and allows them to decide the next course of action. I will accept the decision of the children."

The Jan Suraaj Party Chief and the candidates are demanding the government to address five points such as re-examination of the 70th BPSC Preliminary Exam, transparency in the recruitment process, accountability for the alleged paper leaks, reforms to prevent future examination irregularities and justice for students affected by the current examination controversy.

Thousands of BPSC candidates, student organisations, and Jan Suraaj Party supporters have joined Kishor at Gandhi Maidan.

Students are raising slogans against the government, saying: "The government which cannot conduct re-examination is useless."

The atmosphere is charged with enthusiasm and a shared resolve to continue the peaceful protest until their demands are met.

Despite harsh cold conditions, Kishor and his supporters remain steadfast.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : The Supreme Court has ruled that when there is an embargo put in by a specific provision for the grant of bail, the power to grant bail should necessarily be subject to the satisfaction of such conditions mentioned under the special enactment.

"When there is an embargo put in by a specific provision under a special enactment in the matter of grant of bail in respect of offences allegedly committed thereunder, the power to grant bail should necessarily be subject to satisfaction of the conditions mentioned in such specific provision," a bench of Justices C.T. Ravi Kumar and Sanjay Karol said.

The Justice Ravi Kumar-led Bench was hearing a special leave petition seeking cancellation of the respondents' bail, contending that the bail order is an outcome of consideration akin to a mini-trial.

There was a long-drawn civil dispute between the parties and the accused shot the victim, who was purchasing fruits, with a country-made pistol, killing him.

Initially, a charge sheet was filed against the accused without accusation of commission of offences under MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act, 1999). Later in April 2021, a supplementary charge sheet under MCOCA was filed against the accused alleging that they were members of an 'organised crime syndicate' and based on the conspiracy hatched between them, they killed the victim for unlawful gains.

Before the apex court, the accused said that initially they were not charged under MCOCA but these were inserted later, through a supplementary report, solely with the intention to ensure non-grant of bail.

They added that the bail conditions were adequate and appropriate to ensure that the accused would not flee from justice and would face the trial.

In its judgment, the top court said: "There cannot be any doubt with respect to the position that since MCOCA is involved in this case on hand, the accused could not have sought for bail in the exercise of the discretion available under Section 439, Cr.P.C., in the matter, in view of the rigours under Section 21(4) of the MCOCA."

The Supreme Court noted that the public prosecutor resisted the prayer for the grant of bail and prayed the Bombay High Court to consider the question of grant of bail taking into account the rigour of Section 21(4) of the MCOCA.

"In fact, the impugned judgment would reveal that the said contention was taken note of by the High Court. At the same time, it is a fact that the impugned order did not reflect such consideration as has been required in respect of matters involving offences under MCOCA," the top court said.

It added that the impugned order would reveal that bail was granted to the accused in the case on hand, not on the ground of violation of fundamental rights and instead, the high court has considered the sufficiency or otherwise of the evidence against them available on record.

Further, the apex court said that the admissibility and evidentiary value are matters to be decided during the trial and are not matters for consideration at the bail stage.

"The High Court had transgressed into impermissible area inasmuch as the question of sufficiency or otherwise and correctness of the prosecution case were considered while passing the impugned order instead of confining the consideration in regard to the question of satisfaction or otherwise of the stringent conditions in the matter of grant of bail where offences under MCOCA are involved," it said.

Setting aside the impugned bail order, the Supreme Court ordered the restoration of the bail matter into the file of the Bombay High Court for fresh consideration.

"In this regard, the parties shall appear before the High Court on 29.01.2025 and the High Court may fix a date for hearing of that application. (I)n view of the fact that the crime is of the year 2020, the High Court is requested to dispose of the application expeditiously, preferably within one month from the receipt of the copy of this order," it directed.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 3 : The recent dispute involving NestAway, a home rental platform, where co-founder Amarendra Sahu filed an FIR against alleged corporate malpractices, has once again highlighted the growing concerns about venture capitalist (VC) control in Indian startups and this type of stories are not isolated; they reveal a systemic issue plaguing India's startup ecosystem.

While Silicon Valley thrives on stories of companies like Amazon and Apple growing from ideas to global giants, India's narrative often stumbles due to external financial dominance.

Many Indian founders lose control of their companies to VCs, who invest heavily but often take majority control, leaving the original entrepreneurs with minimal equity and influence.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Sakya Singh Mohapatra, founder of Sak Robotics, expressed his concerns: "There is no law in our country to protect the rights of entrepreneurs in disputes with venture funds. Despite NCLT and SEBI guidelines, no mechanism ensures fair dispute resolution for founders."

Mohapatra elaborated on the challenges, citing the reduction of founders' equity to as little as 5 to 15 per cent in many cases.

Although the company's brand runs on the entrepreneur's vision, VCs often dominate decision-making and governance.

He also pointed out the costly and impractical process of arbitration in foreign countries like Singapore, which further disadvantages Indian entrepreneurs.

IANS has received exclusive insights from industry insiders and sources close to the NestAway deal, shedding light on the legal and financial turmoil that has rocked the Indian startup ecosystem.

A company once valued at Rs 1,800 crore in 2020 was sold for a mere Rs 90 crore in cash, despite raising Rs 700 crore in funding, which is a staggering decline in value.

During the pandemic, all co-founders, except Sahu, parted ways with the company, leaving it in a precarious position.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 3. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized the need for Kazakhstans political system to reflect its unique history and identity, rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, Trend reports.

Parliamentary systems work in some countries, but theres no universal formula for governance. Each nation must consider its historical context, national character, and political realities, Tokayev said in an interview with local media. He pointed out that parliamentary systems in post-Soviet states, including recent developments in Georgia, have yet to prove effective.

Tokayev reiterated his belief that a strong presidential system is the best fit for Kazakhstan. He stressed that any changes to the political structure must be decided through public referendums, not behind closed doors, to ensure stability and sustainable development.

Addressing speculation about early parliamentary elections, Tokayev dismissed the rumors as groundless. These predictions seem deliberately manufactured. Parliament is working productively, and elections will take place as scheduled, he said.

While changes in the government remain possible, Tokayev emphasized that the focus is on ensuring long-term socio-economic stability and strengthening Kazakhstans position in the region.
Agartala/Aizawl, Jan 3 : Security forces including the Border Security Force (BSF) are on a high alert after reports of movement of militants from Bangladesh along the Tripura and Mizoram borders, officials said on Friday.

Tripura has a 856 km and Mizoram a 318 km-long border with Bangladesh.

Of Tripura's 856 km International Border, about 26.64 kms are yet to be fenced while the entire Mizoram frontiers are unfenced.

A senior police official said that there are reports of movement of militants along the contiguous Tripura-Mizoram-Bangladesh porous border leading to high alert by the security forces including the BSF posted in the mountainous regions.

"After the reports of possible movement of militants, Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) Krishnendu Chakraborty recently visited Unakoti and North Tripura districts and held a series of meetings with the security forces posted in the areas," the official told IANS.

Both the BSF and the state police officials separately said that after the unrest began in Bangladesh in July and the fall of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, vigil along the India-Bangladesh border was heightened to prevent any kind of cross-border movement of infiltrators, militants and smugglers.

Reports said that though in September last year, a large number of militants, mostly from Bangladesh, surrendered to the Tripura government, there are some northeast India-based extremists still hiding in Bangladesh.

On September 24, altogether 584 extremists of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) outfits surrendered and deposited a large cache of arms and ammunition before the Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha at a surrender ceremony at the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) seventh battalion headquarters in Sepahijala district.

The militants surrendered to the Tripura government after the signing of the peace agreement with the Centre and Tripura government in Delhi on September 4 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Tripura Chief Minister, other political leaders and officials of the MHA and Tripura government.

A BSF spokesman said that their troops along the borders are also using various devices and dogs to make their vigil effective while the senior BSF officials often visit the border to closely monitor the vigilance.

Meanwhile, former Tripura Chief Minister and incumbent Lok Sabha member Biplab Kumar Deb recently urged Amit Shah to complete the India-Bangladesh fencing in the remaining patches and tighten vigil along the frontier in view of the prevailing situation in the neighbouring country.

Deb, a member of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs, in his letter to Shah said that though proactive steps being taken by the Central government have prevented infiltration, it appears that the strength of the BSF needs to be augmented for better security of the borders and to prevent any kind of adverse impact of the Bangladesh situation on Tripura.

He had told Amit Shah: "Now with the disturbed law and order situation in Bangladesh, there is a possibility of vested interests taking advantage of the porous border."
Bhopal, Jan 3 : In a shocking incident, a six-year-old tribal girl was allegedly raped and then brutally murdered in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district, the police said on Friday, adding the accused has been apprehended.

Police recovered the minor girl's body from near a canal in Nayapura village surrounded by a dense forest area in Seoni around 4.30 p.m. on Friday.

The girl had been missing from home since morning. She was abducted from her house while she was sleeping.

The police, after tracing and recovering the minor girl's body, went to a community health centre where the post-mortem was conducted.

The post-mortem confirmed that the toddler was first raped and then smothered to death.

Accused Ajay Dhurve, a resident of Kharda, has been arrested. He used to work on the farm in the village of Nayapura, police said.

"During the questioning, he confessed to his crime and admitted that he abducted the girl while she was sleeping, raped her in the forest, and killed her. Later, he dumped the body near the canal," Nayapura police station in-charge Anup Uike said.

Enraged over the brutality to which the minor girl was subjected, family members of the victim and others from her village staged a protest.

They placed the girl's body at Gandhi Chowk on a road (Seoni-Malwa) and demanded a death penalty for the accused.

After receiving the information, the police reached the spot and tried to bring the situation under control.

The police have already registered a case against the accused under the relevant sections of BNS.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Saroj Singh Parihar talked to the angry protesters and assured them of harsh punishment for the accused.

They agreed to end their protest after receiving a written assurance from the local area police that the chargesheet in the case would be filed within two weeks.
Gurugram, Jan 3 : The Gurugram police have arrested two people for allegedly duping a Dundahera resident of Rs 26 lakh on the pretext of a job for his sister at Delhi University (DU), police said.

Complainant Ankur Rao told the police that two persons fraudulently extorted Rs 26 lakh in the name of getting his sister's job as an Assistant Professor at Delhi University during the year 2023/24.

Upon receiving the complaint, a case was registered under the relevant sections at the Udyog Vihar police station in Gurugram.

The complainant alleged that Omkar Yadav (30), a resident of Kherki Baghanki village, came to his house and claimed that he had acquaintances with higher officials in DU.

The accused claimed that he would get his sister cleared in the interview and get her employed.

He also introduced Ankur to Sandeep Kumar (38), a resident of Sampla in Rohtak, who compromised a deal for Rs 32 lakh.

During this the complainant's sister received an email from the university for an interview scheduled on January 10, 2024; Sandeep told her that it was postponed.

Thereafter, she received another email on March 23 for document verification.

Later, the complainant and his sister found that there was no schedule for document verification.

The complainant told the police that in the meantime, the accused extorted a total of Rs 26 lakh from him.

When Ankur asked them to return his money the accused threatened to kill him, he alleged.

Following an investigation conducted by the Economic Offences Wing, an FIR was registered against accused Omkar Yadav and Sandeep Kumar at the Udyog Vihar police station, Gurugram.

During the investigation, the accused duo was arrested from Sampla, Rohtak, on Wednesday.

"The accused were produced before the court on Thursday, and it took them four days for police remand. Further action is being taken in the case as per law," said Gurugram police spokesperson Sandeep Kumar.
Jaipur, Jan 3 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that the state government is working with the 'Antyodaya' resolution through various development works to provide roads, water, electricity, health and basic facilities to the common people.

He instructed the officials to set a timeline for completing these development works and complete them on time.

Sharma said this while addressing the review meeting of development works of Sanganer Assembly constituency held at the Chief Minister's residence on Friday.

The progress of various development works related to the Energy Department, PWD, Medical and Health, Revenue, PHED, Autonomous Governance, Water Resources and Urban Development Department was reviewed on the occasion. He instructed all the departments to complete the work by coordinating with each other.

The Chief Minister said that all the departments should regularly monitor their projects so that the common people do not have to face problems.

He also gave necessary guidelines to officials regarding the construction of 132 KV GSS in Pratap Nagar and laying power lines beneath the ground.

He said that PWD and NHAI should coordinate with each other and complete the Bhankrota flyover soon so that the traffic system can be smooth. He directed the PWD to ensure quality construction of the flyover, underpass and Bilwa flyover to be built at a 200-feet intersection.

He said that the road widening work from RICO culvert to Malpura Railway Gate should be completed soon so that traffic flow is smoothened.

Sharma said that pending applications for water connection should be disposed of in a timely manner by running a campaign under Prithviraj Nagar Project. He also reviewed the strengthening and improvement works of the drinking water distribution system in Jaipur Municipal Corporation area under Amrit 2.0.

The Chief Minister said that the concerned department should prepare an action plan indicating all the development works of Sanganer Assembly constituency.

He said that encroachments should be removed around the gates of archaeological importance in Sanganer and their beautification work should be done in accordance with the gates of the rampart.

CM Sharma said that due to the increasing population of Jaipur, proper urban planning should be done, so that the pressure of increasing resources can be resolved. He said that the Urban Development Department should complete all its development work in a timely manner.

Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, Additional Chief Secretary Water Resources Abhay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Akhil Arora, among others, were present at the meeting.
Guwahati, Jan 3 : The Central government is committed to transforming India into a leading hub for semiconductor manufacturing, while preparing a skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of the industry, Union Railways and Electronics and IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said here on Friday.

After inaugurating the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), deemed to be a university at 12 locations including five locations in the northeastern states, the minister said the university is set to play a crucial role in equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing technological environment.

He added that now the meaning of northeast is "New Engine", to lead the development and growth of the country.

At the event, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between NIELIT and Tata Electronics Private Ltd (TEPL) to collaboratively enhance the semiconductor skilling ecosystem in India.

The MoU was signed by Dr M.M. Tripathi, Director General, NIELIT and Dr Randhir Thakur, CEO and MD, TEPL.

The partnership aims to establish skill centres, develop diploma and certification programmes and conduct workshops in semiconductor ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) technologies.

TEPL will offer technical expertise and internship opportunities, while NIELIT will focus on education, training, and outreach.

Both organisations will also jointly pursue research and funding initiatives, with a special emphasis on creating opportunities in the northeastern region, said the government.

The minister announced the launch of NIELIT University, highlighting that it is inspired by the vision of the Prime Minister to prepare professionals in cutting-edge fields such as Semiconductor Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0, and Quantum Computing.

Vaishnaw said the new campus of NIELIT will be developed in Jagiroad town near Guwahati, which will focus on semiconductor manufacturing and electronics manufacturing.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a future where the entire world will rely on semiconductor chips that are "Made in India" and "Made in Assam."

He emphasised the significant potential for the semiconductor industry to thrive in the region, highlighting the necessity for a skilled workforce and trained manpower to support this growing sector.

"This underscored the commitment to fostering local talent and creating job opportunities, ensuring that Assam plays a pivotal role in the global technology landscape," said Sarma.

IANS

na/vd
Mumbai, Jan 3 : Vishwajoy Mukherjee's directorial The Pickle Factory serves up a delightful blend of work-life chaos and heartfelt family bonds.

The 10-episode rollercoaster streaming on Prasar Bharati's newly launched WAVES OTT platform is produced by Aarrav Jindal. Written by Mohak Pajni, Adhiraj, and Saransh Sharma, the show stars Ritwik Bhowmik and Tanya Maniktala, Sohaila Kapur, Gagandev Riar, Naveen Kaushik, and Akashdeep Arora.

The story follows Mahika (played by Tanya Maniktala), who, after losing her job and becoming an internet sensation for all the wrong reasons, ends up at her grandmother's house in Dehradun.

Struggling to find her footing, Mahika is reluctantly roped into an internship at the family's pickle factory. Her journey is filled with hilarious misadventures as she tries to navigate the quirky dynamics of her extended family, including her prank-pulling uncles, Jojo (Gagandev Riar) and Chandu (Naveen Kaushik), who bring their own brand of chaos wherever they go. Adding to the fun is Ritwik Bhowmik as Deb, Mahika's childhood crush, who's still holding a torch for her. Together, they create a workplace comedy that's far from ordinary.

"The Pickle Factory" is the kind of series where every character feels like a familiar face from your own family reunion. The chemistry between the cast is irresistibly engaging, with each episode brimming with laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt exchanges, and just the right touch of drama. Jindal's production beautifully captures the quirky charm of small-town life, turning even the simplest taskslike pickle-makinginto a grand, unforgettable adventure.

The series is streaming on WAVES, a treasure trove of nostalgic content that brings timeless classics like "Ramayana," "Mahabharat," "Alif Laila," and "Fauji" back to the screen.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : More than a week after the Chinese government approved the construction of a hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo river, India on Friday vowed to "take necessary measures" while urging Beijing to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by the decision.

The river, also known as Yarlung Zangbo, flows through Tibet into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and is known as the Brahmaputra in India. The hydropower project is located in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

"We have seen the information released by Xinhua on 25th December 2024 regarding a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.

"These concerns have been reiterated, along with the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries, following the latest report. The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas. We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests," he added.

As a lower riparian state, with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the Indian government carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river, including plans by China to develop hydropower projects.

In its 12th Five Year Plan for the period 2011-2015, China had planned to develop three more hydropower projects on the main stream of Brahmaputra River in Tibet Autonomous Region. Of the three, the first unit of the hydropower project at Jiacha was operationalised in August 2020.

In March 2021, China adopted its 14th Five Year Plan which mentioned plans for hydropower development on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra river.

"The Chinese side has conveyed to us on several occasions that they are only undertaking run-of-the-river hydropower projects, which do not involve diversion of the waters of the Brahmaputra. Various issues relating to trans-border rivers are discussed with China under the ambit of the institutionalized expert-level mechanism as well as through diplomatic channels. We intend to remain engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard our interests," V Muraleedharan, the then Minister of State for External Affairs, had said while replying to a question in Lok Sabha in July 2021.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has also reacted strongly to Beijing's announcement of establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China, parts of jurisdiction of which fall in India's Union Territory of Ladakh.

"We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area. Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India's longstanding and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China's illegal and forcible occupation of the same. We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels," stated the MEA spokesperson.
Juba, Jan 3 : The World Food Programme (WFP) said it requires $404 million to support the urgent humanitarian needs of millions of crisis-affected people in South Sudan over the next six months.

In its latest report, the WFP said that South Sudan is facing crises that continue to push millions of families into new levels of vulnerability.

The country continues to grapple with a long-standing humanitarian crisis marked by chronic food and nutrition insecurity, the report said, adding that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has worsened the situation, driving 892,000 people into South Sudan by November 30, 2024.

"The situation could worsen, with projections showing that 7.7 million people will face acute food insecurity during the 2025 lean season," the WFP warned.

Out of the 7.7 million, 2.5 million people are expected to face emergency levels of food insecurity, with 63,000 at catastrophic levels, according to the report.

The WFP also noted that 2.1 million children aged six to 59 months and 1.1 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are likely to suffer from acute malnutrition.

In December 2024, the WFP called on donors to provide early funding for 2025 operations to enable the prepositioning of food supplies and prevent spiraling operational costs and hunger throughout 2025.

The organisation said it distributed more than 13,000 metric tonnes of food and 4.6 million dollars in cash-based transfers to 1.6 million people in November 2024, achieving 92 per cent of its target for the month.

Since January 2024, the WFP has assisted 4.2 million people.

On December 11, 2024, the WFP launched the South Sudan Resilience Strategy to support marginalised communities affected by food insecurity, conflict and climate shocks, Xinhua news agency reported.

The strategy integrates resilience-building activities into food distribution programs, gradually shifting toward comprehensive livelihood support, disaster risk reduction, nutrition support and school feeding programs.
Hyderabad, Jan 3 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday directed the officials of the Hyderabad Metro Water Board to prepare an action plan to meet the drinking water needs of Greater Hyderabad for the next 25 years.

During a meeting with Water Board officials at the Integrated Command Control Centre, the Chief Minister asked them to assess future needs and develop the required infrastructure for the supply of safe drinking water.

The meeting discussed the project designs to bring more water under Godavari Phase 2. The water will be stored in Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs.

The CM and the officials also examined whether to lift water from Mallanna Sagar or Kondapochamma Sagar for the Godavari Phase 2 project. Based on the reports submitted by the consultancies and in view of adequate availability of water and reasonable lifting cost, the meeting decided to lift water from Mallanna Sagar. The CM approved to bring 20 TMC of water instead of the previously proposed 15 TMC.

The Chief Minister, who presided over the meeting as the Board Chairman, asserted that a sewage plan should also be prepared along with drinking water supply to every household and if necessary, a study should be conducted through agencies and consultancies.

Chief Minister's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Municipal Department's Principal Secretary Dana Kishore, Special Principal Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja, HMW Board MD Ashok Reddy, GHMC Commissioner Ilambarithi, and Special Secretary to the Chief Minister, Ajith Reddy participated in the meeting.

The officials briefed the CM that the Water Board has been supplying adequate potable drinking water to the people of Hyderabad. There are 13.79 lakh tap connections while the water distribution network is spread over 9,800 km.

Currently, the Water Board supplies drinking water from Manjira, Singoor, Godavari, and Krishna rivers.

Water Board MD Ashok Reddy informed the Chief Minister that the Board is facing a revenue deficit of Rs 8,800 crore. Various departments and government offices owe Rs 4,300 crore to the Board. which needs to pay the pending dues of Rs 5,500 crore towards electricity bills and the previous loans of Rs 1,847 crore.

The Chief Minister said an immediate action plan should be prepared in coordination with the Finance Department to overcome the crisis. He suggested the Water Board explore ways to increase its own income.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 3. Kazakhstan is making steady progress in digital transformation, with e-government services expanding and the country gaining international recognition, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in an interview with local media, Trend reports.

He noted that Kazakhstan ranks 24th globally in the UNs e-government development index. This is a solid achievement, but we must keep improving, he said.

Tokayev praised the rise of digital ecosystems in Kazakh banks and the growing export of IT services. He highlighted Astana Hubs role in attracting over 1,500 participants, including international companies, making Kazakhstan a destination for global digital professionals.

Artificial intelligence is a key focus, with projects like KazLLM, a large-language AI model for the Kazakh language, already in development. By years end, the Alem.AI International Center for Artificial Intelligence will open, aiming to attract investment and innovation.

Tokayev emphasized the need to prepare young people for this digital future, with AI courses already introduced in 15 universities and plans for further specialized training programs.

He also addressed the challenges posed by AI, such as its misuse for creating fake content. Parliament is drafting a law to ensure responsible AI use while fostering innovation. AI offers immense potential, and we must seize its opportunities while managing its risks, Tokayev concluded.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 3 : Genrobotics, a leading robotics company, on Friday launched India's first robotic-assisted pediatric gait trainer here for physical rehabilitation of children facing mobility issues with conditions like cerebral palsy.

Statistics show that around 18 million children face mobility issues due to cerebral palsy alone.

The G-Gaiter Pediatric seeks to bridge this gap by equipping hospitals, neurorehabilitation centres, early intervention and rehabilitation centres with robotic technology-driven products for providing a better quality of life to every child facing gait disabilities.

Kerala Health, Woman and Child Development Minister Veena George launched the G-Gaiter Pediatric at a function here by handing over the first such machine.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister George said the launch of G-Gaiter Pediatric marked a significant step forward in the physical rehabilitation of children facing gait disabilities resulting from conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

"I am sure G-Gaiter Pediatric will bring smiles to the faces of children facing mobility issues and to their parents and make this world a more beautiful place," George added.

"Kerala's health sector has never been a technology-driven one, rather it was built on strong and timely community interventions and public healthcare activities. After achieving significant milestones in healthcare, we are now stepping into a second phase in the health sector where technology is incorporated to improve life quality, and ventures like G-Gaiter are a step in this direction," the Minister said.

She also announced that G-Gaiter Pediatric will be installed in the state-run Sree Avittam Thirunal (SAT) hospital here.

Vimal Govind, CEO, Genrobotics, said, "At Genrobotics, our journey began with G-Gaiter. Witnessing its transformative impact, we are extending our innovation to address the needs of children through G-Gaiter Pediatric. Our aim is to revolutionise physical medicine and rehabilitation using technology, ensuring that individuals with gait challenges, regardless of age, can access advanced rehabilitation solutions."

The G-Gaiter Pediatric is integrated with Advanced Virtual Reality (VR) technology and real-time interactive games to ensure an engaging and stimulating therapy experience.

The robot comes with Genrobotics' patented GPLOT Exoskeleton Technology, enabling children to develop natural gait patterns through precise and advanced robotic gait therapy.

It also operates in Intelligent Therapy Mode, assisting the children in motor pattern relearning, improving muscle coordination, and enhancing functional mobility for an efficient gait pattern according to the needs of the patient.

The pediatric-friendly design ensures comfort and accessibility for children, thereby providing a better user experience as a whole.

Genrobotics, recognised as one of the top three GPAI startups 2023 in India by the Ministry of Environment and IT, continues to create innovative 'Make in India' robotic solutions for those facing gait disabilities.
Damascus, Jan 3 : German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot arrived in Damascus on Friday for high-level talks with Syria's interim administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.

This marks one of the most significant Western diplomatic visits since the downfall of the previous government.

In remarks reported by local media outlets such as al-Watan Online and Syria TV, Baerbock said the EU sees potential for "a new political relationship with Syria," emphasising that Syrians now have "an opportunity to reclaim their country's destiny after the painful Assad era."

She added that Germany wanted to back the new administration in achieving "a comprehensive and peaceful transition of power" and aid with reconstruction.

Barrot, for his part, underscored a commitment to bolstering Syria's path to stability, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We aim to enhance a peaceful transition that benefits both the Syrian people and regional security," said the French minister.

The two officials are set to meet with al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Since December 8, several Arab and Western diplomatic delegations, including Americans, have visited Syria and met with the new authorities.

On Wednesday, Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi had emphasised the importance of mutual cooperation and efforts for development and stability in Syria and the region.

During a phone conversation with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Albusaidi reiterated Oman's unwavering support for the Syrian people.

He highlighted Oman's commitment to preserving Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, according to Oman News Agency.

The ministers also discussed the historical ties between the Omani and Syrian peoples and ways to enhance them.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : Even as China is reportedly seeing an outbreak of Covid-like Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Indian health officials on Friday said that there is no need to worry.

This comes as several media reports and social media posts suggest that the virus is spreading rapidly in China, five years after the Covid-19 pandemic. Some even claim that hospitals and crematories are being overwhelmed.

"The spread of HMPV in China is like any other respiratory virus," Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Atul Goel told the media

aThere is no need for alarm about the present situation," he added.

The expert noted that the disease can lead to "flu-like symptoms," in the elderly and very young children.

Dr Goel said there is any way an increased outbreak of respiratory virus infections in winter, for which hospitals are usually prepared with supplies and beds.

But, he informed that there is "no significant increase in the December 2024 data on the respiratory outbreaks within the country".

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment against HMPV. However, Goel suggested regular precautions against respiratory infections.

"If somebody has a cough and cold, you should avoid coming in contact with a lot of people so that the infection does not spread," he said.

"Use a distinct handkerchief or towel for coughing and sneezing and take normal medicines that are required for cold or fever whenever it is there, otherwise there is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation," Goel noted.

Meanwhile, data from the Chinese CDC, in late December, showed that the positive rate of HMPV in cases aged 14 and below has recently fluctuated and increased, China's state broadcaster CCTV reported.

HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The virus can lead to upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are majorly affected.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

It reportedly has an incubation period of between three to five days.

Wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and increasing immunity can help prevent the disease.

HMPV had in 2023 been detected in the Netherlands, Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada, the US, and China.
Amravati, Jan 3 : The Andhra Pradesh government has been making elaborate arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Visakhapatnam on January 8, during which he will launch various development projects.

Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand on Friday reviewed the arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit with the officials of the concerned departments through a video conference from the State Secretariat on Friday.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to lay the foundation for the South Coast Railway Zone in Visakhapatnam.

PM Modi will also virtually lay the foundation for the NTPC Integrated Green Hydrogen Hub in Pudimadaka of Anakapalle district. The NTPC will invest Rs 65,370 crore in this project under three phases, according to an official release by the state government.

The Prime Minister will also virtually launch the Krishnapatnam Industrial Hub. This project, worth Rs 1,518 crore, will be set up on 2,500 acres in the first phase. The project will provide employment opportunities to about 50,000 people.

Similarly, the foundation of Bulk Drug Park, which will be set up in Nakkapalli at a cost of Rs 1,876.66 crore on an area of 2,001.8 acres, will be laid virtually. With an investment of Rs 11,542 crore in this park, 54,000 people will get employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister will reach the port city in the evening and will hold a road show from Sampath Vinayaka Temple to the Andhra University Engineering College grounds, where he will address a public meeting.

The Chief Minister directed the officials of the relevant departments to make fool-proof arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit. Orders have already been issued by the General Administration Department regarding the steps to be taken by the departments concerned.

He instructed the Visakhapatnam District Collector and Police Commissioner, as well as the officials of the concerned departments, to make all necessary arrangements.

He clarified that the minute-to-minute program regarding the Prime Minister's visit is yet to be finalized, and in the meantime, the arrangements to be made in terms of various departments should be taken up on a war footing.

As numerous people and public representatives will come to participate in the road show as part of the Prime Minister's visit, necessary steps should be taken for parking their vehicles.

In view of the Prime Minister's visit in the evening, the Chief Secretary directed the officials of the Electricity and Municipal departments to install appropriate electric lights at the road show, as well as the venue and various parking places.

The Collectors of the respective districts were instructed to make appropriate arrangements to ensure that people from Visakhapatnam and surrounding districts, like Anakapalle, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and other districts, would be transported in buses and other vehicles for the Prime Minister's visit and to return them safely to their destinations.
Mumbai, Jan 3 : Shahid Kapoor and his better half Mira Kapoor kicked off 2025 in Maldives. It seems, the star wife is making the most of her time there.

Recently, Mira Kapoor took to the stories section of her official Insta handle and dropped a stunning picture of herself in a white and brown striped silk shirt. Her look was completed with some light makeup, hoop earrings, and her hair tied up in a tight bun.

Her post included the words, "I guess we must go home at some point."

Prior to this, Mira Kapoor shared a romantic photo with hubby Shahid Kapoor on Insta. The 'Vivah' actor can be seen posing at the beach while holding his wife's hand. Mira Kapoor captioned the post, "Come away with me".

Recently, Shahid Kapoor also dropped a shirtless selfie from her Maldives vacay on his official Instagram account. The actor looked ruggedly handsome with a beard, spiked-up hair, and black sunglasses.

On the professional front, Shahid Kapoor is waiting for the release of his next with Rosshan Andrrews titled "Deva". He will be seen sharing screen space with Southern beauty Pooja Hegde in the much-anticipated drama. The movie will be released on the silver screens on January 31, this year.

Additionally, Shahid Kapoor will also collaborate with the aKamineya maker Vishal Bhardwaj for "Arjun Ustara". The film is yet to go on the floors. The filming is expected to commence from 6th January , while the release has been scheduled for 5th December 2025.

Shahid Kapoor is also reported to be in talks with director Sujoy Ghosh. While the actor and director duo have been planning to collaborate since 2021, the project failed to materialize because of some scheduling conflicts.

Going by the reports, Shahid Kapoor and Sujoy Ghosh are once again in talks for their forthcoming drama. However, the actor has denied any such reports.
Vilnius, Jan 3 : Lithuania's new government will seek to soften the ban on export of dual-use goods put in place by the previous cabinet, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported on Friday.

At a press conference on Friday, Lithuanian Economy and Innovation Minister Lukas Savickas noted that some of the expanded measures had been taken without consulting businesses first.

"I have not heard from our business partners that anything has been negotiated with any of the associations present at the table," Savickas said.

The minister stressed that the previous sanctions would remain in place, but he added, "We hope that together with the government, we will be able to adjust the decision, to find a solution that is also effective in terms of sanctions."

Simonas Cerniauskas, Director of Lithuanian Digital Technology Association Infobalt, said that too strict bans could discourage foreign companies from investing in Lithuania.

"We are not talking about limiting sanctions, we want to keep them, but it has to be done sensibly," he said, Xinhua news agency reported.

Savickas estimated that the current restrictions would result in a loss of over 250 million euros (257 million US dollars) a year in revenue for businesses.

SEB Bank economist Tadas Povilauskas wrote in a Facebook post that in the first 10 months of 2024, exports from Lithuania of the sanctioned goods amounted to 720 million euros, and exports of such goods of Lithuanian origin alone amounted to 477 million euros.

On Tuesday, the Lithuanian Agriculture Minister Ignas Hofmanas had said that the country would not support the ratification of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union (EU) and the South American trade bloc Mercosur.

Hofmanas said the Rural Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has adopted this decision.

"The European Commission has promised a detailed explanation of the agreement, which we'd like to wait for, but for now, this is our stance," Hofmanas told local media LRT TV on Monday.

In mid-December, the parliamentary committee proposed that the government oppose the agreement in the EU Council and align with other member states blocking it, citing concerns from Lithuanian farmers about unfair competition.

"Our agricultural sector is especially affected when it comes to meat - poultry and beef. Since we grow most of our agricultural produce and export a significant share, I don't think this agreement offers us any opportunity," Hofmanas said.

Vytenis Tomkus, a former deputy agriculture minister, previously said the agreement could benefit Lithuania economically by boosting exports of agricultural and food products.

However, Lithuanian farmers' organisations warn of significant risks from Mercosur bloc products entering the EU market, highlighting potential negative effects on Lithuania's agricultural sector, environmental goals, and food safety standards.
Addis Ababa, Jan 3 : More than nine million children are out of school across Ethiopia due to man-made and natural disasters, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has disclosed.

In its latest Ethiopia Humanitarian Situation Report released late Thursday, UNICEF said that more than 6,000 schools have been closed across the East African country due to climate shocks and conflicts.

The report further noted that over 10,000 schools, representing 18 per cent of schools across the country, have been damaged by conflicts and climate shocks, further reducing the availability of safe and functional learning spaces for children.

Highlighting the ongoing conflict situations in different parts of Ethiopia, particularly in the country's Amhara and Oromia regions, UNICEF said the education sector has been "devastated."

Over nine million children are currently out of school due to conflicts, natural disasters, and displacement, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Ethiopian government often blamed "extremist groups" for obstructing vital services, such as education and development initiatives, in areas where armed groups are present.

Meanwhile, UNICEF warned that funding shortfall is hampering its humanitarian response in Ethiopia as the country encounters mounting humanitarian needs.

"UNICEF continues to appeal for support to ensure that children and their caregivers receive lifesaving support in 2024 and beyond," it said.

Last month, a report released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, had revealed that the number of food-insecure people in the Horn of Africa stood at 64.8 million as of November.

The report said the figure marks a slight decrease from 65 million in October, attributed to improved food supplies following high rainfall in some IGAD members.

Of those affected, 35 million reside in IGAD members, namely Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, while the remaining are in other Horn of Africa countries, including the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

According to the report, the region hosts over 29 million displaced individuals, driven by conflict and climate-related risks, particularly in Sudan and the DRC. The influx of internally displaced persons is exacerbating food insecurity in many host communities by placing additional strain on their already limited resources.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted additional drivers of the crisis, including economic shocks, drought, and flooding, which are deepening poverty and fueling displacement, malnutrition, and acute food insecurity.

The OCHA estimated that 9.8 billion US dollars is needed to address the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa.
Damascus, Jan 3 : Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Friday described his just-concluded visit to Saudi Arabia, his first official trip abroad in his current capacity, as "historic".

In a series of posts on social media platform X, al-Shaibani said that during the visit, he presented to the Saudi side Syria's "national vision" of forming an inclusive government that embraces all segments of the Syrian population based on "partnership and competence," and voiced the Syrian administration's intent to launch an economic development initiative to attract foreign investment, forge strategic partnerships, and improve living conditions.

He said he also highlighted Syria's potential to "play a positive role" in the region, cooperating with Arab neighbors on joint policies to bolster security and economic prosperity.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Ministry wrote on X that during a meeting between Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and al-Shaibani, they discussed "the latest developments in Syria and efforts to address them," as well as "ways to support everything that contributes to achieving a prosperous future of security, stability, and prosperity for Syria and its people."

"The discussions also focused on preserving Syrian state institutions, enhancing their capabilities, and restoring Syria to its rightful place in the Arab and Islamic worlds," it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Saudi minister "reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for everything that would achieve Syria's security and stability while preserving its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity," it said.

Al-Shaibani's maiden overseas visit, which began late on Wednesday as he landed at Riyadh's international airport, came as Syria navigates a sensitive political transition following the downfall of the previous government on December 8, 2024.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot also arrived in Damascus on Friday for high-level talks with Syria's interim administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.

This marks one of the most significant Western diplomatic visits since the downfall of the previous government.

In remarks reported by local media outlets such as al-Watan Online and Syria TV, Baerbock said the EU sees potential for "a new political relationship with Syria," emphasising that Syrians now have "an opportunity to reclaim their country's destiny after the painful Assad era."

She added that Germany wanted to back the new administration in achieving "a comprehensive and peaceful transition of power" and aid with reconstruction.

Barrot, for his part, underscored a commitment to bolstering Syria's path to stability, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We aim to enhance a peaceful transition that benefits both the Syrian people and regional security," said the French minister.

The two officials are set to meet with al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Since December 8, several Arab and Western diplomatic delegations, including Americans, have visited Syria and met with the new authorities.

On Wednesday, Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi had emphasised the importance of mutual cooperation and efforts for development and stability in Syria and the region.

During a phone conversation with Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Albusaidi reiterated Oman's unwavering support for the Syrian people.

He highlighted Oman's commitment to preserving Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, according to Oman News Agency.

The ministers also discussed the historical ties between the Omani and Syrian peoples and ways to enhance them.
Hyderabad, Jan 3 : 'Know Your Army' Mela 2025 aimed to highlight the strength, valour and technological advancements of the Indian Army was inaugurated by Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at the historic Golconda Fort on Friday.

The three-day event is organised under the aegis of Headquarters Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (HQ TASA) and coordinated by the Artillery Centre, Hyderabad.

The Governor inaugurated the event in the presence of Maj Gen Ajay Misra, General Officer Commanding, TASA and other senior officers.

The event is open to public daily 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Designed to inspire and motivate citizens, especially the youth, the event showcases cutting-edge military equipment, operational capabilities, and indigenous innovations.

The venue, Golconda Fort, provides a historic and majestic backdrop, enhancing the event's significance, according to a Defence release.

After inaugurating the mela, the Governor then toured the venue, interacting with Army personnel and observing the diverse array of equipment and exhibits.

The mela features an extensive display of artillery guns, communication systems, NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) warfare suits, and indigenous military innovations.

Major highlights of the event were the live demonstrations, including a breathtaking Gatka performance by soldiers of the Punjab Regiment, showcasing the traditional Sikh martial arts.

Soldiers of the Artillery Centre added to the excitement with an impressive display of unarmed combat martial arts, reflecting their discipline and skill.

The Symphony and Pipe Band captivated the audience with their stirring music. Visitors also had the opportunity to participate in interactive zones, including recruitment booths, offering insights into Army careers and photo opportunities with artillery equipment and soldier uniforms.

Exhibits of Army uniforms, gallantry awards, and stories of valour further enriched the experience.

On its inaugural day, the mela witnessed an overwhelming response from the public, with thousands of visitors thronging the venue.

The event has already created a wave of enthusiasm and patriotism among the citizens.
Sydney, Jan 3 : Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Brisbane International in a major quarterfinal upset, while fellow top seed Aryna Sabalenka won through to the semifinals on Friday night. Djokovic was beaten 7-6 (6), 6-3 by world number 293 Reilly Opelka in one hour and 40 minutes in a late-night match on the centre court while Sabalenka beat Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-4 in the women's section.

Opelka, the big-serving American, hit 16 aces on the way to claiming the biggest victory of his career in his first-ever ATP head-to-head series match against Djokovic. "The reality is we had nothing to lose coming in against him. He's the greatest player ever so you end up playing more free and you take a lot more risk because it's your only chance. If you play at your normal level, he's going to win every time," Opelka said on court after the match.

The result leaves the 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic with 99 career singles titles heading into the Australian Open, which he has won a record 10 times, reports Xinhua. Opelka will match up against another powerful server, France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, while second seed and reigning champion Grigor Dimitrov will face Jiri Lehecka.

In other quarterfinal matches on Friday, Dimitrov advanced to the last-four stage when Jordan Thompson of Australia retired from their match with the score reading 6-1, 2-1. Lehecka beat Nicolas Jarry of Chile 6-4, 6-4 at the Pat Rafter Arena. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard defeated Jakub Mensik of Czechia 7-5, 7-6(5) in a hard-fought encounter in the other quarterfinal to seal a place in the semifinals.

Earlier on Friday night, world number one Sabalenka beat Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 44 minutes to set up a semifinal match against teen sensation Mirra Andreeva.

Bouzkova got off to a strong start against the two-time reigning Australian Open champion by breaking serve in the first game of the match but could not capitalize on the early advantage. In the other women's semifinal, world number 107 Polina Kudermetova will play Anhelina Kalinina.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. Kazakhstan has ensured an impartial and objective investigation into the cause of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Aktau, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in an interview with local media, Trend reports.

A government commission has been formed to investigate the crash. Additionally, 17 international experts have been invited, including representatives from ICAO and the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). The commission has decided to send the flight data recorders to Brazil, where the aircraft was manufactured, for decoding. I am confident that this is the only right decision to guarantee the investigations impartiality and objectivity, Tokayev emphasized.

He also praised Kazakhstans emergency responders, medical teams, and police for their swift, coordinated actions and professionalism.

Employees from the Mangistau regional power grid, who were nearby when the tragedy occurred, immediately assisted the victims. Local residents also came to the aid of those in need. Thanks to the selflessness of our citizens, we were able to save as many lives as possible. I sincerely thank everyone who participated in the rescue efforts, Tokayev added.

He also highlighted the solidarity of the Kazakh people, noting that many citizens rushed to donate blood in response to the tragedy.

The plane, an Embraer 190 operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) on flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, was carrying 62 passengers and 5 crew members67 people in total. The crash resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 injuries.

The aircrafts black box has been recovered, and procedures are being carried out to analyze it in accordance with international aviation standards. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and final conclusions will be made once all necessary research and data analysis are completed.
Kolkata, Jan 3 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday said it has arrested another key accused in the murder of BJP leader Bijoy Krishna Bhunia in East Midnapore district of West Bengal in May 2023.

The NIA in a statement said Mohan Mondal had been arrested in Pune in Maharashtra. He has been absconding since the murder of Bhunia in May last year,

"Mohan Mondal was nabbed by the NIA on Thursday in connection with the May 2023 case, in which Bijoy Krishna Bhunia was kidnapped and killed in Goramahal village in Moyna in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. Mohan Mandal had non-bailable warrants issued against him after he had absconded," the NIA statement read.

As per the NIA statement, Mondal is the third accused to be nabbed in the case, the other two being Naba Kumar Mondal and Suvendu Bhowmick, who were arrested earlier. Naba Kumar Mondal was arrested in November last year.

NIA registered the case after taking over the investigation from the Moyna police on the directions of the Calcutta High Court through an order in April 2024.

"NIA is continuing with its investigation as part of its efforts to unveil the whole conspiracy behind the abduction and murder of Bhunia and to arrest the remaining absconders," the statement read.

Bhunia was murdered at Moyna in May last year. Initially, Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha ordered a sub-divisional police officer (SDPO)-level probe in the matter.

However, later there were allegations against the state police of a flawed investigation into the matter.

The first complaint was that the event of recovery of bombs from the place of the murder was not mentioned in the charge sheet.

The accusations against the state police were also that their investigating officials had not included the names of a number of accused in the chargesheet.

Bhunia was the booth president of BJP at Moyna. He was picked up by goons allegedly close to the former Trinamool Congress legislator from Moyna Sangram Kumar Dolui and then hacked to death.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) also took suo motu cognizance in the matter.

The then NCSC Chairman Arun Halder, at that point of time, visited Moyna and claimed that the murder of Bhunia is proof of how the state government had failed to ensure the security of the Scheduled Castes who constitute 22 per cent of the total voters in the state.
Imphal, Jan 3 : Veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Friday rebuked Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh over his repeated claims that the ethnic strife facing the state today is due to failures of the previous Congress government.

"The Chief Minister is blaming the previous Congress government to avoid his responsibility, and suppress the failure to deal with the ethnic crisis," Ibobi Singh told the media here.

Rejecting Biren Singh's claim about the India-Myanmar border fencing project, Ibobi Singh said it was initiated during his tenure (2002-2017) under the Congress government.

Ibobi Singh recalled that during his tenure, concerns over the potential loss of Indian territory due to the fencing project prompted his government to initiate a joint survey with the Survey of India and its Myanmar counterpart for proper demarcation.

Referring to the issue of illegal immigrants, Ibobi Singh brought up a statement made by Chief Minister Biren Singh during a conclave, organised by a media organisation on October 7, 2018, where he claimed there were no illegal infiltrators in Manipur and questioned how the BJP government could now blame the Congress for the presence of illegal immigrants when Biren Singh himself denied their existence.

Referring to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed with the militant outfits in 2008 during his tenure, Ibobi Singh defended the move, stating its primary objective was to restore peace and normalcy in the state.

"The agreement included provisions to ensure the protection of Manipur's territorial integrity and safeguard the rights of common citizens. If the militant outfits violated the ground rules, the state government could take action," he said.

The former Chief Minister further criticised Biren Singh for repeatedly blaming the Congress government despite having apologised for earlier remarks.

The United Peoples' Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which are a conglomerate of 23 underground outfits, signed a Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the government on August 22, 2008, and then there are 2,266 Kuki cadres supposed to be staying in different designated camps in Manipur.

The Congress and the CPI leaders earlier said that the real issue was why the Chief Minister and the BJP leaders were silent as to why the Prime Minister did not speak anything for 20 months on the ethnic violence in Manipur and had not visited the state despite the people suffering a lot.

Earlier this week, Biren Singh in a post on X, said that that everyone is aware that Manipur is in turmoil today because of the past sins committed by the Congress, such as the repeated settlement of Burmese (Myanmar) 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 Union Home Minister.

He said that 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," the Chief Minister said.

"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.

Biren Singh said that the Kuki-Paite clashes claimed 350 lives in the state and during most of the Kuki-Paite clashes (19971998), I.K. Gujral was the Prime Minister.

"Did he (Gujral) 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 said.
Tumakuru, Jan 3 : The Karnataka Police have suspended the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) posted with the Madhugiri subdivision, who was allegedly caught on camera in a compromising position with a woman in his office washroom on Friday.

The office of the Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) has issued the suspension orders of DSP P. Ramachandrappa in connection with the incident.

A video showing the officer in uniform "romancing" the woman has gone viral on social media in the state, raising serious concerns.

According to sources, the victim, a woman came into contact with the DSP from Madhugiri town, in connection with a land dispute complaint.

The victim from Pavagada town approached the police, and the DSP allegedly exploited his position to coerce her into an intimate act.

The police officer reportedly took the woman, who had come to complain, to his office washroom to commit the act.

It is suspected that a relative accompanying the woman secretly recorded the incident and circulated the video online.

The 35-second footage showed the officer in uniform and the woman noticing a mobile phone recording through a window.

It showed an intimate act of the senior police officer in uniform.

The video also showed the woman noticing the mobile phone at the window.

The incident has raised further concerns as Madhugiri town falls within Tumakuru district, the native of State Home Minister G. Parameshwara.

Following the video's release, the DSP has reportedly gone missing.

However, the Police Department has yet to give an official statement about the incident.

It is not known whether the woman has filed a complaint against the DSP.

The police are waiting for orders from senior officials for further action in connection with the incident.

The sources also claimed that the DSP used to indulge in obscene acts with the woman whenever she visited his office in connection with the case.

"Not able to bear the exploitation, the woman's relative had shot a video this time," the sources added.

Police sources said that the woman claimed in the questioning that she was taking blessings from him and not indulging in the compromising act as projected in the video.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday that sympathy and compassion from doctors can bring a change to a cancer patient's life.

She said this while speaking at the inauguration of the KLE Cancer Hospital at Belagavi in Karnataka.

"It is the duty of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, which addresses the physical and psychological needs of the cancer patients," the President said.

"Every word of sympathy and compassion that a doctor utters has the power to change the life of his patient for better," she added.

Notably, President Murmu also encouraged women to share their problems related to health.

She urged family members and society "to take the health of women more seriously and contribute pro-actively in taking care of them and facilitating appropriate timely treatment for them".

She said that often the health issues of girls and women are ignored in comparison to boys and men.

"Any such delay, especially in the case of cancer, could be critical," she said.

She also called for a "patient-centric and equitable, along with being world-class" healthcare system for cancer patients.

Further, the President called the need to spread awareness on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, as many cases occur either due to "ignorance of the patient and family or due to financial constraints".

"This delays the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, worsening the outcomes," she said.

Sharing global data on cancer, the President said that in 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths worldwide.

In India, the incidence of cancer is about 100 patients for every one lakh people.

It is estimated to increase by about 13 per cent in 2025 as compared to 2020, said President Murmu, citing a study done by ICMR.
Srinagar, Jan 3 : The national investigation agency (NIA) on Friday attached a land belonging to a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist associate in Anantnag district and presented charge sheet in the designate court against one more accused in the J&K narco terror case.

The NIA in a statement said: "On 3rd January 2025, NIA attached the property of a key accused in a J&K case related to an encounter involving LeT terrorist. The chargesheeted accused, Mohammad Akbar Dar, was an associate of LeT terrorist Uzair Khan and had provided logistical support, shelter, food and intelligence to Khan.

"As part of its action against terror networks in Kashmir, NIA has attached Daras immovable property, measuring 19 marlas in Halpora village of Kokernag tehsil of Anantnag in J&K."

The NIA said that the attachment was carried out under Sub-section (1) of Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Uzair Khan was killed in the encounter, which had taken place in Guri Nad forest area of Kokernag area in 2023.

"Four security personnel were martyred in the encounter. Mohammad Akbar Dar was arrested on 20th September 2023, after 40 live rounds of AK-47 ammunition and other incriminating materials were recovered from his residence. He was chargesheeted in March 2024 before the NIA Special Court, Jammu, under section 120-B of the IPC, section 25 of the Arms Act 1959, and sections 18, 19, 38, and 39 of the UA(P)A, 1967, in the case (RC-04/2023/NIA/JMU)," the NIA statement read.

In another development, the NIA on Friday chargesheeted one more accused in a 2020 narco-terrorism case relating to seizure of 17 kg of heroin along with cash in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Syed Saleem Jahangir Andrabi @ Saleem Andrabi has been charged under relevant sections of NDPS Act, IPC and UA(P) Act in the third supplementary chargesheet filed by NIA before the agencyas Special Court in Jammu.

"The accused, a resident of district Kupwara, was arrested in July 2024 after evading arrest for the last four years in the case RC-03/2020/NIA/JMU. With this, a total of 16 accused have so far been chargesheeted in the case, in which investigation is continuing. Handwara police had registered the case originally in June 2020 when, during checking of vehicles at Kairo Bridge, accused Abdul Momin Peer was intercepted while coming from Baramulla in his Hyundai CRETA vehicle," the statement read.

The search of the vehicle had led to the seizure of around Rs. 2 crore in cash and 2 kgs of heroin. Peer's questioning had led to further recovery of 15 kg of heroin and Rs 1.15 crore in cash.

"NIA, which had taken over the case in June 2020, found during investigation that accused Syed Saleem Jahangir Andrabi alias Saleem Andrabi was part of a deep-rooted conspiracy for procuring and selling narcotics drugs and generating funds in J&K and other parts of India . He was working in close association with operatives of Pak-based banned terrorist outfits, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM). The funds so generated were used for furtherance of terrorist activity in the UT of J&K through a network of over ground workers (OGWs), as per the NIA investigations," another statement by the NIA said.
Bengaluru, Jan 3 : Union Health and Family Welfare Minister and BJP President, J.P. Nadd, said on Friday that efforts are being made to mainstream mental health in the country.

He was delivering a speech during the golden jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru held in the institution's auditorium.

Union Minister Nadda said, "I am happy that NIMHANS is providing mental healthcare to lakhs of people, and the footfalls are increasing. About 21 lakh lab investigations are conducted annually, and people visit the facility from every corner of the country. This demonstrates the care and quality services ensured at NIMHANS."

He further highlighted that NIMHANS is ranked among the top 200 hospitals in the world.

"This is one of the first institutes of national importance to receive NABH accreditation, which speaks volumes about the patient care provided," Nadda said while praising the hospital.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union government initiated the National Mental Health Programme in 2022.

"As part of this initiative, we are refocusing efforts to mainstream mental health and position the country as a primary service provider in this field," Union Minister Nadda added.

"We understand that along with infrastructure, human resources are also limited. These limited resources need to be developed, and we must ensure that India becomes a leading mental healthcare provider. An important step in this direction is the introduction of Tele Manas. Currently, there are 53 centres across India, and NIMHANS has trained 2,000 counsellors. Keeping India's diversity in mind, counselling is offered in 20 different languages, ensuring swift and effective communication," he said.

"Annually, more than 1,000 students are trained for Tele Manas at NIMHANS. I want to assure the President that NIMHANS will follow her guidance in letter and spirit as we move forward," he added.

"When we complete 50 years, it's a time for celebration but also an opportunity to set a new direction and introspect. We must prepare a vision for the next 25 years," he said.

"This is a moment of celebration and immense pride. Over these 50 years, NIMHANS has evolved from a mental hospital to an institute of national importance. While it is easy to summarise this achievement in a few words, we must recognise the tireless journey of these five decades, the dedication of stalwarts, and the collective efforts that brought us here. We remember and honour all of them at this moment," Union Minister Nadda said.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "Over the past five decades, NIMHANS has emerged as a symbol of excellence and hope, making remarkable contributions to mental health and neurosciences in India and beyond."

"NIMHANS' legacy began with the integration of the Mysore Government Mental Hospital and the All India Institute of Mental Health, creating India's first institution dedicated to mental health education. In its decade-long journey as an Institute of National Importance, NIMHANS has become a global leader in clinical care, research and education, shaping mental health policies and influencing practices worldwide," the CM added.

The institute's pioneering work has transformed mental health care, addressing critical issues such as stigma, policy integration, and holistic patient care. Its achievements in neurological care, including path breaking treatments for strokes and traumatic brain injuries, underscore its commitment to advancing healthcare standards, he said.

"The Karnataka government takes immense pride in hosting an institution of such national significance and collaborates closely with NIMHANS to enhance mental health services across the state. Our partnership spans multiple initiatives, ensuring mental healthcare reaches every corner of Karnataka," Siddaramaiah underlined.

Financial support to NIMHANS has been a priority, with Rs 137 crore allocated every year to support salaries and operational costs, reflecting our steadfast commitment, he said.

Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Sharan Prakash Patil, said the NIMHANS stands out as a centre that offers advanced research, high-quality care, compassion, and concern.

"As the Minister for Medical Education, I fully support all initiatives of NIMHANS. Our government is committed to increasing funding for research and infrastructure, facilitating collaborations with global institutions, and extending mental health services to underserved regions through specialised outreach programs," Patil said.

He urged students and young professionals to draw inspiration from this legacy, emphasising the need to carry forward the values of innovation, compassion, unwavering dedication, and farsightedness.

BJP MPs -- CN Manjunath, PC Mohan and Tejasvi Surya, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, and NIMHANS Director Pratima Murthy, among others, were present.
Bengaluru, Jan 3 : Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George on Friday directed the Department officials to take adequate steps and chalk out all remedial measures to ensure that there are no electricity supply disruptions during the upcoming summer months.

The Energy Minister held a three-hour meeting with officials from the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL), the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL), and the Power Company of Karnataka Ltd (PCKL), with the discussions focusing on electricity generation, procurement, and transmission.

"Along with ensuring proper electricity supply, measures should be taken to generate more power when needed to ensure there is no gap between demand and supply," he said,

The Minister also discussed the KPCL's thermal power plants with officials, highlighting that last summer, these plants achieved a record average generation of 3,600 megawatts.

He urged that this summer, efforts should be made to surpass this record, stating: "We must generate more electricity and set a new benchmark. All production units need to be fully prepared."

Upon learning that some production units at the Raichur, Yermarus, and Bellary thermal power plants were shut down, the Minister directed the officials to establish a deadline to address the annual maintenance and minor technical issues of the plants. Ensure that all units, except one unit of RTPS, are prepared for full-scale power generation by the end of February 2025, he said.

The focus should shift from purchasing electricity from other states to prioritising power exchange. Immediate discussions must be initiated with neighbouring states to finalise agreements for this purpose, George said.

Additionally, given the high costs associated with short-term electricity procurement, priority should be given to securing long-term contracts at lower rates. This approach will allow for the sale of excess electricity at higher rates during peak hours, effectively reducing the financial burden, the Minister said.

"With the increase in solar power generation, electricity should be supplied to agricultural pump sets during the daytime. Thermal and hydropower plants should focus on generating electricity for night-time use as much as possible. This strategy will help ensure no gap between demand and supply," he added.

Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Gaurav Gupta, KPTCL Managing Director Pankaj Kumar Pandey, PCKL Managing Director Lokhande Snehal Sudhakar, KPCL's Director, Finance, R. Nagaraj, and Director, Technical, S. Krishnamurthy, and other officials attended the meeting.
Patna, Jan 3 : A team of doctors conducted the health check-up of prominent political strategist and Jan Suraaj Party Chief Prashant Kishor, on Friday, which confirmed that his organs were functioning normally and no serious health risks were detected.

Kishor has been on a hunger strike at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna for the past 24 hours.

His protest is aimed at demanding the cancellation of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)preliminary examination following allegations of irregularities and a paper leak.

A team of doctors, led by Rajiv Ranjan, was dispatched by the district administration to assess Kishor's health.

The checkup was conducted around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, more than 24 hours since the Jan Suraaj Party Chief began his hunger strike on Thursday evening.

After a health checkup, Rajiv Ranjan confirmed that Kishor has symptoms of mild bronchitis, which necessitates extra precautions, especially given the cold weather.

"Despite the bronchitis symptoms, all vital signs were normal, and no serious health risks were detected. Kishor's immune system was assessed as strong, further indicating his overall good health," Ranjan said.

"To avoid exacerbating bronchitis, Kishor must ensure proper protection against the cold weather during his open-air protest," he added.

"The ongoing health assessments will be necessary to prevent any potential complications as the hunger strike progresses," he said.

Despite the medical advice and requests from the district administration, Kishor continues his hunger strike, determined to advocate for the demands of BPSC candidates.

Earlier on Friday, the Patna Additional District Magistrate visited the protest site, urging Kishor to end his hunger strike.

However, Kishor refused to end the hunger strike, saying: "Thousands of children have faith in me. On December 29, I asked the students to disperse the administration's orders, but they were brutally cane-charged. Under no circumstances will I withdraw this movement on administrative orders."

The Jan Suraaj Party Chief emphasised that the hunger strike will only end if Chief Minister Nitish Kumar meets the protesting BPSC students.

"The students themselves decide the next steps for the movement and I would accept the students' decision," he said.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : Addressing a rally in Delhi on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared details about his secret stay in Delhi's Ashok Vihar during the Emergency.

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS) Addressing a rally in Delhi on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared details about his secret stay in Delhias Ashok Vihar during the Emergency.

He recalled: "When the Emergency was declared, the nation was fighting against the autocratic rule of Indira Gandhi, and the struggle against the Emergency was ongoing. During this time, my friends were part of the Bhumigat Andolan (underground movement), and Ashok Vihar was the place where I stayed."

Before becoming one of the most prominent faces in Indian politics, Narendra Modi spent years working as a pracharak (campaigner) for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), engaging in social work across the country.

Vijay Rajpal, a resident of Ashok Vihar in Delhi, shared his early experiences, particularly his conversations with Narendra Modi during the 1975 Emergency.

"I first met Narendra Modi in 1973 at the RSS office in Ahmedabad. After that, we began to have regular conversations, often over the phone, and exchanged letters," recalls Vijay Rajpal.

When the Emergency was declared in the country, the bond between Rajpal and PM Modi grew even stronger.

Rajpal reminisces: "One day, I received a call from Modi ji, and he asked, 'Can I stay at your house?' I immediately said that he could come anytime. We considered him a part of our family. He stayed with us without any demands, and despite being Gujarati, he happily ate our Punjabi food as if he were a part of our family."

At that time, the Gujarat Police were actively searching for Narendra Modi.

His photo, along with those of other 'wanted' individuals, was displayed in cinemas across Gujarat during the Emergency.

As the police began their search, he found himself at a critical juncture. He needed to continue his activities secretly, just like many RSS workers across the country.

Rajpal explains the unique measure they took to ensure PM Modi's safety in Delhi.

"At that time, Modi ji had grown a light beard, and he wore pants and a short-sleeved white shirt. He decided to adopt the guise of a Sikh, which seemed to be less risky than other options. Modi ji asked me, 'How will we do this?' We went to Chandni Chowk, where we bought cloth for a turban from a shop near Motilal Cinema. Then we took him to a place in Delhi's Sabzi Mandi, where a friend of my uncle, a Sikh, tied the turban for Modi ji. Since then, he wore the turban regularly (in those days)."

The operation was underway.

"Modi ji traveled with me from Delhi to Surat by deluxe train, disguised as a Sikh. I advised him to speak less, as talking too much could reveal his true identity. Since he didn't know much Punjabi, he travelled quietly, and we managed to avoid detection," Rajpal recalls.

"Modi ji's patience and his determination during that difficult time were remarkable. He was ready to make any sacrifice for the country, and even then, I could sense his leadership qualities. His ability to understand the situation under pressure and work strategically sets him apart from others," Rajpal adds.

This revelation from Prime Minister Modi highlights the resilience and strategic thinking that defined his early years in the underground movement during the Emergency, a period that significantly shaped his future in Indian politics.
Hyderabad, Jan 3 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said that he wants to see Telugus at the top position in the world by 2047.

Addressing the Telugu Samakhya Mahasabhalu here, he called upon Telugus across the globe to become partners in the development of Andhra Pradesh.

Chandrababu Naidu expressed the hope of achieving a poverty-free society with the inspiration of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder N.T. Rama Rao (NTR).

He claimed that NTR was the only leader who brought recognition to Telugus across the globe.

Formally inaugurating the conference by lighting the lamp, the Chief Minister said he was happy to see Telugus from across the world on a common platform.

Recalling the services of personalities like D.V.S. Raju and Indira Dutt, Chandrababu Naidu said that all the Telugus are united whether they are living anywhere between Anantapur and Adilabad or between Srikakulam and Palamur. Not only in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Telugus are now living across various countries, including America.

"As Telugus, we should all respect our mother tongue like how we give the highest regard to our mother," he said.

The TDP president was of the opinion that those living on foreign land are giving more respect to Telugu than those who are living on the motherland.

Stating that when he became the chief minister of the combined state in 1996, a major part of Hyderabad was filled with rocks, Chandrababu Naidu said that he could imagine then itself that Hyderabad would transform into an IT city. The TDP played a major role in the progress of the city, he added.

"When I mentioned Vision-2020 people made fun of me. In the name of Telugu Angels, I laid the foundation for an excellent start-up and I congratulate all of you from the bottom of my heart. If we work together we can achieve anything in the world," Chandrababu Naidu said.

Recalling the contribution made by several dignitaries like P.V. Narasimha Rao, M. Venkaiah Naidu, Koka Subbarao, Justice Ramana, Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy and Balayogi, the Chief Minister felt that now Tollywood too reached to global-level. Kuchipudi, Bharata Natyam and Batukamma reflect the great culture of Telugus, he added.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 3. Improving Kazakhstans investment and business climate is a top priority for my administration, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in a recent interview with local media, Trend reports.

Speaking about the countrys ongoing economic transformation, Tokayev highlighted the efforts made to foster entrepreneurial initiative and streamline the business environment.

We have made significant strides in creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurs, Tokayev stated. Last year, we passed a new law aimed at facilitating business operations, ensuring that government oversight transitions from reactive checks to preventative measures.

He further discussed the governments strategy of decriminalizing certain economic offenses, including the suspension of arrests related to 29 types of economic violations, emphasizing that these steps are designed to encourage business development while maintaining legal and regulatory standards.

The president also pointed out that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are central to Kazakhstans economic growth. The SMB sector has been supported through subsidies, preferential loans, and loan guarantees. Today, SMBs employ over 4.3 million people, nearly half of Kazakhstans workforce, contributing significantly to the economy. Entrepreneurial initiative is undeniably driving our economic growth, Tokayev remarked.

While focusing on small and medium businesses, Tokayev also underscored the governments support for large enterprises. He expressed satisfaction with the growing social responsibility demonstrated by big businesses, which are increasingly forming long-term partnerships with local communities to address social issues.

The emergence of a new wave of entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan is encouraging. These individuals possess progressive visions and are implementing advanced technologies that allow them to compete globally, the President added, noting the positive impact of such businesses on the countrys competitiveness.

In recent years, foreign businesses have been increasingly establishing branches in Kazakhstan, contributing to the diversification of the economy and enhancing healthy competition. This development aligns with the governments goal of internationalizing Kazakhstans market and creating a more competitive environment.

The establishment of the Investment Headquarters under the government has played a key role in streamlining investment decisions. By operating under the one window principle, the headquarters simplifies the process for investors, ensuring efficiency and transparency.

Tokayev highlighted that the governments efforts are already yielding results. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Kazakhstan attracted $15.7 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) for new projects in 2024, an impressive 88% increase from the previous year. This makes Kazakhstan the leader in the region of Northern and Central Asia, accounting for 63% of the regions total FDI.

The president reiterated his commitment to meeting with business representatives and investors to support their initiatives. The government will continue to engage with businesses, ensuring that we work together to foster a thriving investment climate, Tokayev said. Any attempts to pressure businesses will be met with consequences. We will hold officials and law enforcement accountable for such actions.

At the same time, Tokayev emphasized that businesses must comply with the law and refrain from participating in fraudulent schemes. The government, he concluded, remains committed to creating a conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurial success, with a clear focus on both economic development and social responsibility.
Agartala, Jan 3 : The Global Bengali Hindu Coalition (GBHC), a Toronto-based rights body, on Friday raised serious concerns over rising persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and urged the world communities to take steps to stop the atrocities on minorities in the neighbouring country.

On behalf of the GBHC, Puspita Gupta and Susanta Das Gupta said that religious minorities in Bangladesh have faced persecution and insecurity since Independence of the country.

They highlighted the demographic decline of Hindus in Bangladesh, from 22 per cent in 1951 to 7.95 per cent in 2022, predicting further reductions by 2046.

Puspita Gupta, quoting a Dhaka University professor, said that no Hindus would be left in Bangladesh 30 years from now if the current rate of "exodus" continues.

GBHC members, while talking to the media in Agartala, highlighted worsening conditions of minorities, citing alarming levels of attacks, displacement, and state-backed communalism.

They accused the current regime of promoting radical Islamist ideologies, endangering Hindus through systemic discrimination, fabricated charges, and destruction of homes and businesses.

The organisation claimed Hindu women have faced sexual violence, while government restrictions have concealed data on these atrocities.

They warned that unchecked Islamic fundamentalism in Bangladesh poses a broader regional and global threat.

To address the crisis, the GBHC demanded the deployment of UN Peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh to protect minorities, and established secured zones for settlements of displaced communities.

The group urged India and global leaders to take immediate steps to protect persecuted minorities and counter extremist ideologies, envisioning a safer and inclusive future for all.

GBHC also urged the United Nations (UN) and the Government of India to take appropriate steps including deployment of the UN Peacekeeping forces to maintain human rights and to protect the Hindus, Buddhists and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Cape Town, Jan 4 : Opener Ryan Rickelton compiled a gritty unbeaten 176 and skipper Temba Bavuma contributed a patient 106 as South Africa reached a strong 316/4 on the opening day of the second and final Test of the series at the Newlands here on Friday. Rickelton is batting on 176 off 232 balls, studded with 21 fours and one six while Bavuma faced 179 balls for his 106, hitting nine fours and two sixes in the process as the hosts dominated the day after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Pakistan suffered an injury scare early in the South African innings after opener Saim Ayub was stretchered off after he injured his ankle.

The injury occurred in the seventh over when Ryan Rickelton edged a ball through the slips, prompting Ayub to chase it to deep third alongside Aamer Jamal. As Jamal pulled the ball back, Ayub, positioned as the relay fielder, lost his balance and twisted his ankle. He immediately went down, clutching his lower leg in pain as the physio rushed to assist.

After receiving prolonged treatment near the boundary, Ayub was stretchered off, casting a shadow over Pakistanas efforts. The situation worsened shortly after when Ayubas replacement, Abdullah Shafique, dropped a straightforward chance at cover to dismiss Aiden Markram. Fortunately, Markram was removed by Khurram Shahzad two overs later, but celebrations remained subdued, reflecting the impact of Ayub's absence.

Rickelton and Markram (17) raised 61 runs for the opening wicket but South Africa lost two more wickets after his departure as Wiaan Mulder (5) and Tristan Stubbs (0) departed in quick succession.

But Rickelton found a willing partner in skipper Bavuma and they knitted a mammoth 235-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which simply took the wind out of Pakistan's sails. Rickelton was patient, and gritty and showed a lot of resilience to compile a brilliant knock that put South Africa on course for a big total. He completed his fifty off 73 balls and reached his century off 135 balls, hitting 14 boundaries.

Bavuma was also quite circumspect in his approach as he reached his half-century in 82 balls and a hundred off 167 balls. The diminutive batter was out soon after as he lost his concentration and was edged behind to wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan off Agha Salman. Rizwan had a hand in the fall of all four wickets on the first day, claiming four catches. However, Pakistan had its usual quota of dropped catches and misfields as Rickelton and Bavuma made full use of the batting-friendly conditions.

At stumps, Rickelton was batting on 176 with David Bedingham keeping him company on four.

For Pakistan, Salman Agha claimed two wickets for 55 runs while Khurram Shahzad (1-69) and Mohammad Abbas (1-51) were the other successful bowlers.

Brief scores:

South Africa 316/4 in 80 overs (Ryan Rickelton 176 not out, Temba Bavuma 106; Salman Agha 2-55) vs Pakistan.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 4 : The Odisha Cabinet on Friday approved nine key proposals including the hike in pension amount for the Persons with Disabilities and elderly persons of 80 years of age or above.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi here on Friday.

"State Cabinet have approved the proposal to enhance the pension amount of the eligible pensioners aged 80 years and above or PwDs having disability percentage of 80 per cent and above under both Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and National Social Assistance Programme to Rs 3,500 per month with effect from January 2025," a press note issued by the state government read.

In another significant decision, the state Cabinet on Friday gave its nod to the proposal allowing the state government to stand as guarantee for the new loans to be availed by the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC) Ltd.

It is pertinent here to mention that OSCSC, the Implementing Agency (IA) of Paddy Procurement operations and Public Distribution System (PDS) on behalf of the Odisha government, makes the payment of MSP to the farmers within 24 to 48 hours of the purchase of paddy.

The OSCSC Ltd also makes the payment to millers to get the Custom Milled Rice (CMR) out of the procured paddy.

The OSCSC Ltd. incurs all these expenditures by borrowing loans from banks and repays after release of subsidy from the Government of India.

"Considering the public interest works of paddy procurement operations and Public Distribution System works are being done by the OSCSC Ltd. on behalf of the Odisha Government, the Cabinet has approved the Provision of Government Guarantee for the new bank loans to be taken by the OSCSC Ltd," added the press statement.

As per the press brief, the Government Guarantee of Rs 17,500 crore is provided for the new loans to be taken by the OSCSC Ltd. for a period of five years.

The Odisha Cabinet in its meeting also approved a proposal to provide additional subsidies for the solar rooftop systems under the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (free electricity scheme) (PMSG: MBY) in the state.

The state government has decided to provide an additional subsidy of Rs 25,000 per Kilowatt up to two kilowatts and an additional Rs 10,000 for third kilowatt under the PM-Surya Ghar scheme.

The Union government is providing a subsidy of 60 per cent of the solar unit cost for systems up to 2kW capacity and 40 per cent of additional system cost for systems between 2 to 3kW capacity under the PM-Surya Ghar scheme.

This apart, the Odisha Cabinet also approved several other key proposals of different departments during the meeting held on Friday.
Patna Jan 4 : The Government Railway Police (GRP) at the Patna Junction has registered an FIR against Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav and seven others for their role in blocking railway operations at Sachiwalay Halt on Friday.

The protest, led by Pappu Yadav, aimed to express solidarity with the agitating BPSC candidates demanding the cancellation of the 70th Preliminary examination across Bihar, blocking the railway services at Sachiwalay Halt.

Pappu Yadav and his supporters are facing charges of hindering the smooth functioning of train services and vehicular movement which resulted in inconvenience to the public through the protest.

They have organised demonstrations without the proper permission of the authorities.

Apart from Pappu Yadav, Raju Danveer, Rajiv Mishra, Abhijeet Singh, Faizan Ahmed, Premchand Singh, Suraj Gupta and Purushottam Kumar Singh were booked under the relevant charges at Patna Junction's GRP police station.

On Friday, Pappu Yadav and his supporters reached the Sachiwalay Halt Railway Station and sat on the railway track for a brief period to stop the train.

The move of Pappu Yadav was a part of his pre-scheduled plan to disrupt the railway operation in support of candidates who have been on a hunger strike for 17 days, demanding the cancellation of the 70th BPSC Combined Preliminary Examination.

The Patna district administration, which is anticipating potential disruptions, has deployed a significant police force at the protest site.

Despite the heavy deployment of the police personnel, Pappu Yadav along with his supporters managed to enter the station premises and sat on the railway tracks.

Pappu Yadav has also vowed to continue the agitation until justice is delivered, including taking the matter to the Supreme Court.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the cause, stating: "We will go to the Supreme Court on this issue. BPSC has done wrong and it has to cancel the entire examination. We will continue to protest on this matter. Our protest will continue in the future until the paper leak in Bihar and the country is stopped."
Throughout history, great nations have often been called upon to make difficult decisions that influence the fate of entire regions. Today, the United States faces such a moment in its policy towards Somalia. In an era of shifting alliances and heightened global competition, Americas interests in the Horn of Africa will be best served by continuing to support Somalias territorial integrity. By doing so, the United States reinforces its strategic position and builds on its longstanding record of effective security cooperation with Somaliaa partnership that has advanced counterterrorism efforts and bolstered regional stability.

The Horn of Africa, long a crucible of conflict, now hovers at a critical juncture. Clan-based ambitions threaten to fracture Somalias national cohesion. Yet all these groups, divided by lineage but sharing a common Somali heritage, need not become separate states. Allowing one region to break away would encourage others to follow suit, leading to a dangerous domino effect of fragmentation. Such fractures risk balkanizing the region, perpetuating instability, and handing extremist groups like Al Shabab fertile ground to regroup. By contrast, supporting Somalias unity helps sustain the security environment that has allowed U.S.-Somali collaboration to weaken terrorist networks over the years.

Let us be clear: granting international recognition to any secessionist movement would open a Pandoras box. We need look no further than the aftermath of Sudans partition, which did not yield lasting peace but rather entrenched conflict and suffering. We must not risk repeating such a tragedy in Somalia. Instead, the United States must remain committed to Somalias sovereignty within its recognized 1960 bordersan enduring policy that has helped stabilize one of the worlds most strategically vital regions.

In this environment, global competitors are eager to exploit any vacuum. Competitors to American interests, actively pursuing influence across the region, stand ready to leverage instability to advance their strategic and economic interests at the expense of Americas position. Weak, fragmented entities are more susceptible to under-the-table deals, resource extraction, and outside interference. Maintaining Somalias unity helps limit such opportunities, ensuring that U.S. interests are not undercut by a malign competitor taking advantage of turmoil.

The security stakes are particularly high. While ISIS has lost ground in other parts of the world, its leadership now eyes Africa as a new frontier. Recent news suggests senior ISIS figures are relocating to regions where governance is weak and unity is fraying. A divided Somalia would distract the central government from counterterrorism operations and disrupt the successes already achieved through close U.S.-Somali security cooperation. By contrast, a unified Somalia can direct its full energy toward combating extremist groups, helping ensure that these dangerous organizations do not find a new foothold to threaten American or regional security.

Moral responsibility calls to us as well. The Horn of Africa is no stranger to humanitarian crisesits people face displacement, climate-driven hardships, and economic adversity. Fragmenting Somalia would further entrench these problems, turning clan differences into flashpoints for violence and leaving vulnerable populations even more exposed. By supporting a cohesive Somali state, Washington encourages equitable representation, economic development, and the broader conditions necessary to address root causes of instability. In so doing, the United States stands not only for its own strategic interests but also for a more secure and just future for millions of Somalis.

Somalias resource potential adds another dimension to the necessity of unity. Its coastal waters hold promise for substantial energy development, which can foster shared prosperity if managed under a stable, centralized authority. Fragmentation would ignite disputes over resources and maritime boundaries, likely leading to renewed conflict and missed opportunities. A unified Somalia, conversely, can foster transparency, attract responsible investment, and ensure its people benefit from these resourcesall while reinforcing the stable environment in which U.S. interests can flourish.

Some may argue that endorsing secessionist claims offers a swift solution to lingering grievances. However, the United States does not seek shortcuts that undermine long-term stability. Americas strength has always rested on principled support for unity, rule of law, and inclusive governance. By helping Somalia strengthen its institutions, enhance security forces, and foster inclusive political dialogue, the United States ensures that clan affiliations enrich national identity rather than fracture it into competing states.

The choice before us is clear. We can endorse divisions that would unravel the progress made in building Somalias security capacity, or we can reaffirm our support for the unity of a nation whose stability is essential to the Horn of Africa and to American interests. For decades, the U.S. has recognized Somalias sovereignty and benefited from a productive counterterrorism partnership. Now is not the time to abandon this stance.

By standing firmly behind a unified Somalia, we choose lasting stability over highly risky short-term fixes. We preserve a security environment that keeps extremist networks off balance, deny opportunities for strategic competitors to undercut U.S. influence, and protect a region whose stability is integral to global commerce and counterterrorism efforts. Through foresight, diplomacy, and principle, we can help Somalia maintain its hard-earned unity while advancing and protecting Americas enduring interests in the Horn of Africa.

Dr. Dahir Hassan Abdi is the Ambassador of Somalia to the U.S.
Founded in 1565, Spain established the city of St. Augustine to protect its shipping route and claim to La Florida. Castillo de San Marcos was tasked with defending the town from encroaching British colonies in the north. Over a span of 80 years, the Spanish built nine wooden forts before constructing the Castillo de San Marcos between 1672 and 1695.

CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS

The Castillo was constructed in a star-shaped pattern in order to use the cannon fully. The shape of the Castillo allowed a battery of cannons to create interlocking fields of fire.

The star-shaped design, combined with the diamond-shaped corner bastions and curtain wall, created a deadly crossfire able to repel any enemy. The vast open space at the base provided zero cover for enemy infantry, and thick walls deflected the incoming cannonballs with their rising slopes. Combined with the Ravelin, a triangular fortification that shields the sally port entranceway from attack, the Castillo was impenetrable.

The Castillo is constructed from native Florida Coquina stone. Over time, the tiny coquina clam donax variabilis accumulated in layers several feet thick. The coquina stone was quarried from the Kings Quarry in nearby Anastasia Island. Masons and engineers were brought in from Spain, with prisoners and soldiers from Cuba. Oyster shells were burned into lime, mixed with sand and water to create mortar, and construction began.

The walls were, on average, 12 feet thick, with walls facing the ocean as thick as 19 feet. The extreme thickness was because no one knew how strong coquina was or how much punishment it could take.

The answer was discovered in 1702 when the Governor of Charleston, James Moore, led his forces to St. Augustine and laid siege to the city. He quickly captured the town and set up his cannons. The attack on the Castillo began. Townsfolk and soldiers were braced for the impact of cannon fire. But the attack did not destroy the Castillo. The coquina held and absorbed the shock of impact. The cannonballs either bounced off or sunk into the wall a few inches. The Castillo was tested again in 1740 when Georgia Governor James Oglethorpe blockaded St. Augustine harbor and Matanzas inlet. The Castillo withstood a 37-day siege.

Fort Matanzas guards the rear approach to the Castillo De San Marcos and was ordinarily equipped with a skeleton force, augmented during times of high threat. Its powder magazine is located deep in the west wall, furthest from enemy cannonballs.

In 1763, politics accomplished what war couldnt. As part of the Treaty of Paris that ended the French and Indian War, Florida was transferred to Britain in 1763. The remaining Spanish and Timucua returned to Cuba, and the Castillo, now renamed Fort St. Mark, is in British hands.

Twenty years later, in 1783, a treaty resulting from the American Revolution returned Florida to Spain.

In 1821, the U.S. ratified Floridas cession from Spain, and, in 1825, the Castillo was renamed Fort Marion in honor of Revolutionary War hero General Francis Marion, aka the Swamp Fox.

From 1861 to 1862, Confederate forces occupied Fort Marion. Florida seceded from the Union, and Union troops left the fort, leaving only one man behind as a caretaker. When militiamen came to take over the fort, the caretaker wouldnt leave unless he was given a receipt for it from the Confederacy. He got his receipt and left.

Fort Marion was taken without firing a shot.

In March 1862, Union naval forces arrived, and once again, Fort Marion was taken without a shot, as the Confederate troops left the night before in anticipation of Union forces coming.

In 1924, Fort Matanzas and Fort Marion (the Castillo) were transferred to the National Park Service, but from 1942 to 1945 the grounds were used as a Coast Guard Training Base.

THE DRY MOAT

During the British Siege in 1702, staying in the city proved very dangerous, so about 1,500 townspeople moved into the Castillo, with livestock in tow, and the moat became a corral, allowing animals to graze and help feed the people. The moat served a tactical purpose as well. It protected the walls of the Castillo from cannon fire, and the vast open space exposed attackers to fire from soldiers stationed above on the gundecks.

Constructed of hand-hewn blocks of coquina, the Castillo De San Marcos was originally plastered and white-washed to reflect the Florida sun. One can only conjecture as to the Spanish graffiti that adorned the stone-built sentry box, but wed put money on it being similar to whats found in porta-johns today.

The siege lasted 51 days, but the townsfolk were protected within the forts walls. As reinforcements from Cuba arrived, the British forces retreated, burning the city to the ground as they fled.

The moat was filled with water in 1938, but, in 1996, returned to its original state by the park service due to damage to the Castillos foundation.

ARMAMENT

The gundeck of Castillo de San Marcos currently houses various caliber cannons and mortars constructed of cast iron and bronze, which represent the different types of armaments used by assorted nations during various battles throughout the Castillos history.

The cannons produced in Spain are true works of art. Made of bronze, theyre easily identified by their green patina, and the Spanish also equipped them with banners and gave them such titles as La Sibila (The Fortune Teller), Abajado (Crouching One), and Facheno (Braggart). Four of the Castillos cannons have a second banner that reads Violati Fulmina Regis (thunderbolts of an offended/angry king).

On the eastern side of the gundeck, facing the water, three replica 6-pound cast-iron cannons are set up for reenactments.

HOT SHOT FURNACE

The goal of the Hot Shot was to set enemy ships on fire. Cannonballs were put into the furnace and heated to 1,500 degrees, then two soldiers carried the shot with tongs to a nearby cannon on the Water Battery.

FORT MATANZAS

Overlooked by many, Fort Matanzas sits south of the city on the Matanzas River. After arriving at the ranger station, guests are transported to the fort by pontoon boat and begin the tour given by National Park Service Rangers.

After Castillo de San Marcos was finished in 1695, St. Augustine still had one weakness: Matanzas inlet. Located 14 miles south of the city, the inlet allowed access to St. Augustine via the Matanzas River, and enemy ships would be able to mount an attack on the town from the rear, out of the reach of the Castillos cannon battery.

The only way in to the fort is via a drawbridge over the dry moat.

The Fort could handle a maximum of 50 men during a crisis, but standard manning was one officer, four infantrymen, and two gunners. The crews were rotated from St. Augustine to serve one month of duty. The soldiers lived in the room off the gun deck, while the officer lived in the room above them. Soldiers pulled duty on the gun deck while the officer was stationed on the observation deck looking for enemy sails.

Entrance to the chapel is marked by cannonballs from the guns that defended it.

The armament consisted of five guns: four 6-pounders and one 18-pound gun.

The Matanzas inlet got its name from Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Menendez was sent to Florida by Philip II of Spain to establish a settlement and remove the French Protestants (Huguenots), who had established a beachhead at Fort Caroline near Jacksonville.

In May 1565, Jean Ribault set sail from France to resupply Fort Caroline. When Menendez arrived at the mouth of the St. Johns River to oust him, there was a brief sea chase but no battle, after which Menendez made port in the newly established outpost of St. Augustine.

In September 1565, Ribault made way for St. Augustine to attack the city. Unfortunately, his luck ran out, and a hurricane pushed his ships further to the south and wrecked them past what is today known as Daytona Beach.

Living accommodation for troops and officers was spartan, particularly for those stationed at Fort Matanzas.

In the meantime, Menendez marched on Fort Caroline and was given an easy victory as the French soldiers had already left. As he returned to St. Augustine, the native Timucuan tribe told him of a group of men on the beach a few miles south of the city.

Menendez took 50 soldiers and headed for the inlet, where he found almost 130 shipwrecked Frenchmen. Menendez told the men that Fort Caroline had been captured and advised them to surrender, but he could not guarantee clemency.

As the men were hungry, tired, and lost most of their weapons in the shipwreck, they surrendered. Menendez marched them across the inlet and executed all but 16 men  four artisans needed to help construct the Castillo and 12 Catholics.

Bronze mortar guarding the landward approaches to the Castillo.

Several weeks later, more survivors, including Ribault himself, wound up on the beach. Menendez offered them the same deal, and again the men were executed. Almost 250 men were executed, and the legend is that the Matanzas River flowed red with blood. From then on, the inlet was known as Matanzas, the Spanish word for slaughters.

In 1740, Governor James Oglethorpe blockaded St. Augustine harbor and Matanzas inlet with ships from the British colony of Georgia. The blockade began a 37-day siege of the town, but a few Spanish ships managed to break through and provide resupply. With the hurricane season beginning, Oglethorpe retreated to Georgia.

To prevent a future attack, the construction of Fort Matanzas began in 1740 and was completed in 1742. While the fort was much smaller, it was built in the same manner as the Castillo and constructed of coquina, using convicts from Cuba and Spanish soldiers for labor.

In 1742, as the Fort was nearing completion, Oglethorpe returned with 12 ships. As the scouting ships approached, they were surprised by cannon fire from the newly constructed fort and left. By the mid 1800s, Fort Matanzas fell into disrepair, with its foundation failing and cracks appearing throughout. Restoration began in 1916 to preserve the forts historic value.

ST. AUGUSTINE

A trip to Florida isnt complete without visiting Americas oldest city, St. Augustine, and a trip to St. Augustine isnt complete without a visit to Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas. The city and the Castillo give you a glimpse into the beginnings of European ventures into the new world and the early days of America.

Castillo De San Marcos

Address: 11 South Castillo Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084

Hours: Castillo de San Marcos is open to the public seven days a week, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The first admission is at 9 a.m., and the last is at 5 p.m. The Castillo closes and visitors must exit at 5:15 p.m. The park grounds are closed from midnight until 5:30 a.m.

Admission: Adults (ages 16 and above): $15, valid for 7 consecutive days. Children (ages 15 and under) are admitted free of charge but must be accompanied by an adult.

URL: nps.gov/casa

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Address: 8635 A1A South, Saint Augustine, FL 32080, (904) 471-0116
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 3. All government reforms and economic development measures are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Kazakh citizens, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in a recent interview with local media, Trend reports.

President Tokayev highlighted the launch of the National Infrastructure Plan, which spans until 2029 and includes more than 200 projects with a total investment of over 40 trillion tenge ($87 billion). This comprehensive plan is a cornerstone of our long-term vision for economic growth and development, he said.

One of the key infrastructure projects set for completion this year is the construction of the second railway track on the Dostyk-Moyynty stretch, spanning 836 kilometers. The project is expected to revolutionize Kazakhstans transit and transport infrastructure, increasing the routes capacity fivefold and significantly boosting the speed of container trains. Tokayev noted that this large-scale project is being executed by local architects, engineers, and construction workers, marking a significant achievement for domestic expertise.

Another major project nearing completion is the construction of the bypass railway line at the Almaty station, which will alleviate congestion at the Almaty railway hub and reduce delivery times for cargo. This will further strengthen Kazakhstans logistics network and improve regional connectivity.

In addition, the government is focused on improving passenger transportation by continuing the modernization of the railway car fleet. Our aim is to raise the standard of service for passengers and ensure the comfort and safety of travel across the country, Tokayev said.

President Tokayev also discussed the ongoing development of Kazakhstans machine engineering industry. New automotive production lines for leading global brands will be launched, and in Kostanay, the production of castings for internal combustion engine parts and leading bridge components will commence.

Tokayev emphasized the importance of utilizing the National Fund for the construction of large infrastructure projects, which he believes will provide a significant boost to Kazakhstans economy. The National Fund was created for such purposes, not to store funds in foreign financial institutions, he explained, underscoring the need to direct the Funds resources into domestic projects that will create lasting economic value for the country.
Fifteen companies have launched their initial public offerings (IPOs) in December 2024, making it the best month for public offerings since 1996.

Collectively, they have raised Rs 25,425 crore, which also made December the best month in terms of the quantum of funds raised.

In December 1996, 33 companies had raised Rs 931 crore.

One Mobikwik Systems, which raised Rs 572 crore, Vishal Megamart (Rs 8,000 crore), International Gemological Institute (Rs 4,225 crore), and DAM Capital Advisors (Rs 840 crore) were some of the IPOs that hit the markets last month.

December is usually a tepid month for IPOs as securing foreign portfolio investors (FPI) support is a challenge due to the holiday season in the latter half of the month.

From 1997 to 2020, the number of IPOs in December were in single digits.

However, things changed since 2021, and barring 2022, the other three December months saw 11 IPOs.

Investment bankers said the domestic institutional flows in equity markets, the availability of at least some during the year-end holiday period and the post-listing returns led to the success of the IPOs in this month.

"Earlier, the IPO fundraising used to be driven a lot by foreign investors who used to be shut in December. But in the last three years, the market has become driven by domestic investors.

"Moreover, the momentum has been strong, and bankers were confident in securing good subscription numbers.

"FPIs have also been participating in primary issuances even when selling in the secondary markets, said Pranjal Srivastava, partner investment banking of Centrum Capital.

In 2024, domestic institutions were the net buyers to the tune of Rs 5.3 trillion, and foreign investors were net buyers to the tune of Rs 1.2 trillion in the primary markets in 2024, though they were net sellers worth Rs 1.25 trillion in the secondary markets.

Bankers added that the pricing of the issues made it attractive to investors at a time when valuation concerns were prevalent in the secondary markets.

"A lot of investors across the board in IPO transactions because the chances of returns are better.

"And the valuations were reasonable, at least at the IPO stage, though the run-up after listing may have made those stocks expensive," said Munish Aggarwal, managing director and head of equity capital markets at Equirus.

2024 was a historic year for the primary market that witnessed a record number of IPOs, both on the mainboard and in the small and midsized enterprise (SME) segment.

Ninety one companies raised Rs 1.6 trillion through mainboard IPOs, surpassing the 2021 record of Rs 1.2 trillion, and 240 firms raised Rs 8,757 crore through the SME platform of the exchanges, which beat the previous all-time high of 182 issues in 2023, which raised Rs 4,686 crore.

The mainboard IPOs in 2024 included the biggest-ever IPO of Hyundai Motor India, worth Rs 27,870 crore.
Driven by smartphone, electronics exports have reached $22.5 billion in value in the first eight months of the current financial year (FY25), a near 28 per cent growth over the $17.66 billion electronics exports during the corresponding period of FY24.

Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters

This record performance makes electronics the fastest-growing among Indias top-10 exports in FY25.

Electronics, which was ranked 6th at the end of the first eight months of FY24, is now firmly entrenched in the 3rd position, only behind engineering goods and petroleum.

The main driver behind this massive surge has been the smartphone production linked incentive (PLI) scheme, which has led to smartphone exports reaching $13.11 billion in the first eight months of FY25.

This is a whopping 45 per cent increase over smartphone exports of $9.07 billion during the same period of FY24.

While smartphones constituted 51 per cent of electronic goods exports during the first eight months of FY24, its contribution has increased to 58 per cent in April-November 2024.

It is expected that smartphones contribution to the overall electronics exports could reach 60-65 per cent by the end of FY25.

Nearly 40 per cent of the electronics exports this year have come from Apples iPhone exports. Following Apples entry into India after the smartphone PLI scheme, its three vendors  Foxconn, Pegatron (both in Tamil Nadu), and Tata Electronics (in Karnataka)  have led the charge on smartphone exports.

Apart from smartphones, the other big categories of exports in electronic goods include solar modules, desktops & servers, routers, and components.

Electronics exports have benefitted immensely from the PLI scheme.

"To maintain this growth, we are working with the government on tariff, tax, and logistics reforms, which are critical to maintaining Indias competitive edge in a cut-throat global industry, where we are determined to grab market share from China and Vietnam, said Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman, India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA).

The sectors exports are not only growing, but also improving performance vis-a-vis the 2nd-placed petroleum exports.

In the first eight months of FY24, electronics was less than a third of petroleum exports.

This year, for the same period, electronics has reached the halfway mark of petroleum exports of $44.60 billion.

In the last three years, mobile manufacturing industry has urged the government to reduce Indias effective tariffs on mobile phone components, which range from 7-7.2 per cent.

These are significantly higher than the near-zero tariffs on mobile inputs in China, as most of the production there happens in bonded manufacturing zones.

Vietnams FTA (free trade agreement) weighted average tariffs at 0.7 per cent are also significantly lower than Indias.

Additionally, the industry argues that Indias complex six-tier tariff structure remains a barrier to achieving global competitiveness.

It increases costs and creates easily avoidable uncertainty.

Recognising this disability, the Union Budget in July 2024 stated that in the next six months, the government will review the custom duty rate structure to ensure domestic manufacturing becomes competitive, incentivises exports, and supports Indias transition to an export-led growth model.

Electronics exports, especially smartphones, have also become a key element in exports to the US.

April-November 2024 export of smartphones, mostly led by Apple iPhones, has replaced diamonds as the largest exporter to the US, based on HS (harmonised system) code.

Smartphone exports in this period grew by 46 per cent to hit $3.6 billion while diamond exports fell by 13 per cent to reach $3.0 billion.
The government has slashed allocation of natural gas used for LPG production, and diverted the low-priced fuel to city gas retailers like Indraprastha Gas Ltd and Adani-Total Gas Ltd to meet a part of their requirement for CNG/piped cooking gas supplies, according an official order.

Photograph: PTI Photo from the Rediff Archives

Image used for representation purpose only.

The government had in October and November last year cut supplies of low-priced natural gas coming from old fields such as Mumbai High and Bassein fields in the Bay of Bengal, to city gas retailers by as much as 40 per cent in view of limited output.

This led to city gas retailers hiking CNG prices by Rs 2-3 per kg and threatening more increases as they replaced lost volumes with higher-priced input fuel.

The price hike made CNG less attractive when compared to alternate fuels like diesel.

To resolve this, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in a December 31 order rejigged some allocations of gas produced from below ground and undersea.

The ministry ordered a cut in gas supplied to state-owned GAIL and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for production of LPG and diverting those volumes to city gas entities.

Out of a total 2.55 million standard cubic meters per day of gas usage for LPG production, 1.27 mmscmd (0.637 mmscmd each for GAIL and ONGC) has been ordered to be diverted for consumption in the CNG/piped cooking gas segment in January-March quarter, according to the order reviewed by PTI.

GAIL and ONGC will have to use either higher-priced gas produced from new fields or rely on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replace the lost volumes.

The LPG they make is supplied to fuel retailers like Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) for sale to households as domestic cooking gas LPG in cylinders.

The government subsidises domestic cooking gas LPG and so higher cost of production is likely to be borne by it.

The ministry also orderedjig pro-rata allocation of gas from new wells and earmarked ONGC's Ramnad field for the city gas sector, which will make available about 1.7-2 mmscmd of gas to city gas retailers, according to the order.

Two officials aware of the matter said the allocation rejig may take a couple of weeks and city gas retailers are likely to get increased supplies from mid-January.

In two allocation cuts, the government had reduced supplies of domestically produced gas to city gas retailers by 5-5.25 mmscmd.

Half of this is being immediately restored and more will come once the gas from Ramnad field and new wells flows.

City gas retailers IGL, which retails CNG to automobiles and pipes natural gas to households for cooking purposes in the national capital and adjoining cities, Mahanagar Gas Ltd that does the same in Mumbai, and Adani Total Gas Ltd which operates in Gujarat and elsewhere, had in regulatory filings flagged profitability concerns due to the October/November supply cut and hinted at price hikes.

A part of the price hike was implemented in November/December and more was said to be in the offing.

Natural gas pumped from below the ground and from under the seabed from sites ranging from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal within India is the raw material that is turned into CNG for sale to automobiles and piped cooking gas to households.

Production from legacy fields, called APM gas and whose price is regulated by the government to feed city gas retailers, has been falling by up to 5 per cent annually due to the natural decline that has set in.

This had led to supply cuts to city gas retailers, officials said.

While the input gas for piped cooking gas that households get is protected, the government has cut supply of raw material for CNG.

Gas from legacy fields used to meet 90 per cent of the demand for CNG in May 2023 and has progressively fallen.

The supply was cut to just 50.75 per cent of the CNG demand beginning October 16, 2024, from 67.74 per cent in the previous month.

It was further reduced beginning November 16, 2024.

While the APM gas is priced at USD 6.5 per million British thermal unit, the gas produced from new wells is priced at about $2 more.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Thursday debarred Ketan Parekh, the stock market operator involved in the stock market scam of 2000, Singapore-based trader Rohit Salgaocar, and one other individual from the securities market for alleged front-running of trades of a United States (US)-based foreign portfolio investor (FPI).

IMAGE: Ketan Parekh (Right)

The FPI manages around $2.5 trillion worth of funds globally.

In a 188-page interim order against 22 individuals and entities, the market regulator has directed disgorgement of Rs 65.77 crore of illegal gains made through the alleged scheme.

Sebi has also frozen the bank accounts of the 22 entities for any debit.

Sebis findings indicate that Parekh and Salgaocar were running the alleged scheme for almost 2.5 years and were caught following a new alert model for identifying information-based trades.

The market regulator has alleged that Parekh, who was earlier debarred from the stock markets for 14 years for his role in the infamous stock market scam of 2000, orchestrated a new method for front-running trades by staying out of the regulatory ambit.

While Salgaocar provided the information on forthcoming trades of the FPI, which he had access to, Parekh built the positions through his various associates in Kolkata.

Salgaocar had a referral agreement with Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOSL) and Nuvama Wealth Management to refer the trades of the US-based FPI to them.

Sebi carried out a search and seizure operation in June 2023 at 17 premises in a joint investigation with other authorities.

While the traders of the Big Client (FPI) were discussing trades with Rohit Salgaocar to ensure counter-parties for their trading, Rohit Salgaocar was using that information to make illegal profits by routing information to Ketan Parekh.

"When the information reached Ketan Parekh, he acted in a systematic manner, and trades were executed in different accounts, which cumulatively generated unlawful profits, noted whole-time member Kamlesh Varshney in the Sebi order.

The order highlighted the need for interim action, noting Parekhs involvement in the previous scam and his status as a habitual offender.

The 22 entities mentioned in the order include front-runners, stock brokers, facilitators, and directors of several other firms.

Parekh used to instruct the front-runners using different mobile phones registered under various names and was known as Jack, John, Boss, Bhai, among other aliases.

To confirm Parekhs identity, the market regulator analysed chats, messages, mobile phone locations, IMEI numbers, hotel bookings, and even birthday messages.

The money transfers between the entities were carried out through Angadiyas, or unofficial channels for cash transfers facilitated by individuals acting as couriers.

Sebi has also forwarded a copy of the order to Nuvama and MOSL to enable them to take appropriate actions for strengthening their internal controls to prevent such violations.

Parekh was convicted of price manipulation and circular trading in the stock market scam of 2000.
A special National Investigation Agency court in Lucknow sentenced 28 people to life imprisonment on Friday in connection with the 2018 killing of a 22-year-old youth in clashes during a 'Tiranga rally' on Republic Day in Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh.

IMAGE: Vivek Gupta, brother of Chandan Gupta, speaks to the media after the court verdict, in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, January 3, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Special judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi had on Thursday convicted the 28 accused while acquitting two others - Nasiruddin and Asim Qureshi - giving them benefit of doubt.

The case drew significant attention as the killing of Chandan Gupta, who was leading the Tiranga rally along with his brother, sparked widespread riots in Kasganj for three days and fuelled communal tensions in the region.

During the arguments on the quantum of sentence on Friday, the prosecution demanded the severest punishment whereas the defence counsel pleaded for a lenient view.

Subsequently, the court awarded life sentence and also imposed a fine of Rs 80,000 on each of the convicts who were charged with offences of murder, attempt to murder and rioting as well as insulting the national flag.

Gupta's family expressed satisfaction at the verdict but vowed to continue its fight for harsher penalties for the main accused and those acquitted.

District government counsel Manoj Kumar Tripathi, who represented the government in the case, said the judgment delivered strict punishments, including life imprisonment for all convicts.

"Each convict has been sentenced to life imprisonment and an additional three years for dishonouring the flag," he told reporters.

Speaking to PTI Videos shortly after the verdict, Gupta's brother, Vivek Gupta, said their fight was not over and they will approach the high court seeking death penalty for the culprits.

"In our own country, my brother was brutally murdered, and today, the honourable court has sentenced the guilty to life imprisonment. We are satisfied with this decision, but we will also appeal in the high court to demand the death penalty for the main accused," Vivek said.

He expressed disappointment with the acquittal of two accused. "We will appeal in the high court to ensure that those two accused are also punished," he added.

When asked about the two acquitted individuals, Tripathi said, "We will analyse the judgment and appeal their acquittal in the high court."

Those who have been sentenced are Wasim, Naseem, Zahid alias Jagga, Bablu, Akram, Taufiq, Mohsin, Rahat, Salman, Asif, Nishu alias Zeeshan, Khillan, Wasif, Imran, Shamshad, Zafar, Shakir, Khalid, Faizan, Imran, Shakir, Asif Qureshi alias Hitler, Aslam Qureshi, Shawab, Saqib, Amir Rafi, Munajir Rafi and Salim, according to the order.

The convict, Salim, against whom the court had issued an arrest warrant on Thursday as he was not present in the court, surrendered on Friday. Along with IPC sections, convicts Salim, Wasim, Naseem, Mohsin, Rahat, Bablu and Salman have also been sentenced under the Arms Act.

In its verdict, the judge observed that the prosecution succeeded to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and there is ample evidence to hold the accused persons guilty.

The prosecution had examined 18 witnesses to prove its case, while 23 witnesses were produced by the defence during the trial.

On January 26, 2018, a 'Tiranga Yatra' was taken out in Kasganj in the morning on the occasion of Republic Day. It was being led by Chandan Gupta alias Abhishek Gupta along with his brother Vivek Gupta and other companions. All of them were going on two-wheelers with the tricolour in their hands, chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram', according to the prosecution.

As soon as their yatra reached near the Government Girls Inter College gate from Tehsil Road, the accused -- Salim, Wasim, Naseem and others - armed with weapons, blocked the road in a planned manner and stopped the yatra.

They also snatched the tricolour from the hands of the youths participating in the yatra and threw it on the ground.

They threatened by pointing their weapons while shouting slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad' and 'Hindustan Murdabad'.

They said that if the youths participating in the yatra wanted to pass through that road, they would have to say 'Pakistan Zindabad'.

When Chandan Gupta opposed this, the accused started pelting stones and firing with an intention to kill him.

Accused Salim shot Chandan with his weapon, due to which he got seriously injured. Vivek somehow saved his life along with other companions and took his brother Chandan to Kasganj police station.

From there, Chandan was immediately sent to the district hospital where he was declared dead. Chandan's father Sushil Gupta had lodged the complaint in the murder case on which the FIR was registered.

In September 2019, the Kasganj sessions court framed charges against 23 individuals. Two months later charges were framed against an additional seven persons.

The trial was transferred to the Lucknow court after initial proceedings in Kasganj.

However, the trial against the accused under Section 124A for treason was not held as the apex court had stayed trial under this section across the country.

Reacting to the court's decision, Uttar Pradesh minister and BJP leader Dayashankar Singh commended the government's efforts in ensuring convictions.

"The family of Chandan Gupta demanded justice, and the government thoroughly investigated the case and presented concrete evidence before the court. As a result, the court has swiftly delivered this judgment. We respect the court's decision," Singh told PTI Videos.

BJP spokesperson Sameer Singh said that the Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has prioritised swift justice in heinous crimes.
China on Friday played down reports of a massive outbreak of flu in the country overwhelming hospitals, saying that cases of the respiratory diseases which occur during the winter were less severe this year compared to last year.

Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters

The foreign ministry in Beijing said it is safe for foreigners to travel to China.

"Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media in Beijing in response to a question on the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases in China.

Videos circulating on social media show overcrowded hospitals.

"The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year," she said.

"I can assure you the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China," she said.

She also referred to guidelines issued by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of China regarding the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in the winter.

For the past few days, reports of a massive flu outbreak in China have been circulating abroad, particularly in India and Indonesia.

Health officials, however, maintain the outbreak is an annual occurrence during the winter. China is currently experiencing severe cold weather for the past few months.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 3. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the strong and growing ties between Kazakhstan and China, describing their relationship as one of eternal strategic partnership, Trend reports.

In a recent interview with local media, he noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping has a deep understanding of Kazakhstan and holds the Kazakh people in high regard, emphasizing the warmth and trust that characterize their bilateral discussions.

We discussed all aspects of our relations, including regional and international matters, in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. There are no disagreements between us. For China, Kazakhstan is an extremely important strategic partner, Tokayev remarked.

The president recalled the important statement made by Xi Jinping during his state visit to Kazakhstan, where the Chinese leader assured that China would never harm Kazakhstan and would continue to fully support its sovereignty and independence. This is a crucial declaration that reinforces the trust between our nations, Tokayev added.

In 2023, Kazakhstan and China established a mutual visa-free regime, which has positively impacted trade relations and strengthened the bond between the two peoples. Kazakh citizens now have the opportunity to see firsthand how China has evolved into a technological powerhouse, while also experiencing the friendly nature of the Chinese people, said Tokayev.

He reaffirmed that the development of comprehensive cooperation with China remains a key priority for Kazakhstans foreign policy. China has become Kazakhstans primary trading partner and one of the largest investors in the countrys economy. With the political will of both leaders, we have all the necessary conditions to double our trade volume, Tokayev said, expressing confidence in achieving this goal.

Looking ahead, Tokayev confirmed that high-level dialogue between the two countries will continue in 2025, with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled to participate in the Central Asia-China summit. I am confident that his visit to Kazakhstan, along with the upcoming negotiations in China later this year, will further strengthen the multifaceted cooperation between our nations, Tokayev concluded.
The Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, in a rare instance since the undivided Shiv Sena's fall out with the BJP in 2019, praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday for his efforts to turn Naxal-hit Gadchiroli district into a steel city.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the inauguration of various projects of Lloyd Metal Company, at Konsari in Gadchiroli on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

In an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party referred to Fadnavis as 'Deva bhau' and said he visited Gadchiroli, the farthest district of Maharashtra in Vidarbha, on New Year's Eve and started a chapter on development.

Located on Maharashtra's eastern border, Gadchiroli is often referred to as the last district of the state.

During his visit to Gadchiroli two days ago, the chief minister said Maharashtra will soon become free of Naxal menace given the rise in the number of Maoists laying down their arms and the movement failing to attract recruits.

He inaugurated the 32-km-long Gatta-Gardewada-Wangeturi road and bus services of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on the Wangeturi-Gardewada-Gatta-Aheri route in the district.

He also inaugurated the steel plant of 'Llyods Metals and Energy Ltd.

The Sena-UBT, in its editorial, said it appeared that Fadnavis would do something new in the district and bring a positive change in the lives of tribals there.

It further said to fulfil the assurance of beginning a new chapter of development in the district, Fadnavis has to translate the roadmap into reality.

The rare praise comes nearly two weeks after Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray met the chief minister in Nagpur.

Ties between the two leaders had hit nadir after the alliance between the undivided Shiv Sena and BJP broke in 2019.

'If what the chief minister has said turns out to be true, it is a positive development for Maharashtra,' the editorial said.

The party said that 'Deva bhau' (Fadnavis) needs to show that the steps for Gadchiroli's development are for the betterment of common people and poor tribals, not for any mining baron.

'Guns rule Beed. Still, if there is a rule of the Constitution in Gadchiroli, CM Fadnavis is eligible for praise,' it added.

Asked about the Sena UBT's rare praise, Fadnavis said, "It's good. Thank you."
United States President Joe Biden and his family received tens of thousands of dollars worth of gifts from foreign leaders in 2023, with the most expensive gift going to First Lady Jill Biden from Prime Minister Narendra D Modi.

IMAGE: US First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden greet Prime Minister Narendra D Modi at the White House, June 22, 2023. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Modi presented her with a 7.5-carat diamond valued at $20,000, making it the costliest gift given to any member of the first family that year, Associated Press reported.

Other notable gifts received by Jill Biden included a brooch worth $14,063 from Ukraine's ambassador to the United States and a set comprising a bracelet, brooch, and photo album valued at $4,510 from Egypt's president and first lady.

While the diamond was retained for official use in the White House East Wing, the other items were transferred to the national archives.

The first lady's office did not immediately comment on the diamond's specific use, the AP report said.

President Biden himself received numerous high-value items, including a $7,100 commemorative photo album from South Korea's recently impeached President Suk Yeol Yoon, a $3,495 statue of Mongolian warriors from Mongolia's prime minister, a $3,300 silver bowl from the sultan of Brunei, a $3,160 sterling silver tray from Israel's president, and a $2,400 collage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The state department's office of protocol, which documents such exchanges, also reported that Central Intelligence Agency employees received lavish gifts, such as watches, perfumes, and jewelry.

Nearly all of these items, valued at over $132,000 in total, were destroyed.
A Central Bureau of Investigation court in Kochi on Friday sentenced 10 persons to life imprisonment, while four others, including a former Communist Party of India-Marxist MLA, received five years in prison for the murder of two Youth Congress workers at Periya in Kasaragod district five years ago.

Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The court which convicted 14 accused on Saturday gave 10 of them life imprisonment under two counts of murder and criminal conspiracy. They will serve the sentences concurrently. These 10 accused were charged with murder and criminal conspiracy under Sections 302, 120(b) read with 149 of the IPC.

"They have been sentenced to life imprisonment on both charges, to run concurrently," the prosecutor said after the court pronounced the verdict.

The accused who were given life imprisonment include former CPI-M Periya local committee member A Peethambaran, Saji C George aka Saji, Suresh KM, Anil Kumar K alias Abu, Gijin, Shrirag R aka Kuttu, Aswin A alias Appu, Subeesh alias Mani, Ranjith T aka Appu and A Sruendan alias Vishnu Sura.

Meanwhile, former MLA and CPI-M district leader KV Kunhiraman, Kanhangad block panchayat president K Manikandan, Raghavan Velutholi, and AV Bhaskaran, were sentenced to five years' imprisonment by the court.

They were charged under Section 225 (obstructing or resisting the lawful apprehension of another person) of IPC.

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on each of the 10 convicts who has been awarded life imprisonment, while a sum of Rs 10,000 as a fine was slapped on the four others, including the former MLA Kunhiraman.

"Once the fine amount is realised, the same shall be paid to the parents of the deceased in equal proportion as compensation," the order said.

In the case of the 10 convicts who got life imprisonment, set off will be considered by the government at the time of remission, if any, the order stated.

"It was revealed during investigation that the accused Peethambaran A, along with other accused hatched a criminal conspiracy near the bus waiting shed at a place called Echiladukkam in Periya Village and decided to murder Kripesh and Sarathlal due to political rivalry and enmity towards the deceased persons," a CBI spokesperson in a release said.

After completion of investigation, CBI filed chargesheet on December 3, 2021, against accused persons, including those convicted and sentenced by the court, the release added.

On December 28, of the 24 accused, the court found the first eight guilty of murder and conspiracy charges, another six guilty of conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and providing assistance in the operation of the crime, while the remaining 10 accused were acquitted in the case.

The case pertains to the murder of Youth Congress workers Kripesh, 19, and Sarath Lal P K, 24, allegedly by CPI-M workers on February 17, 2019.

According to the prosecution, the twin murders were carried out following politically motivated attacks and counterattacks between CPI-M and Congress workers in the area.

Meanwhile, the family members of the victims welcomed the verdict but said they would approach the high court seeking maximum punishment for the convicts after consulting with the Congress party and the prosecutor, as they expected the death penalty to be imposed on the accused.

Krishnan, father of Kripesh, said that CPI-M leaders implicated in the case received only five years of imprisonment, a reduction in punishment.

Leader of Opposition, VD Satheesan. stated the verdict in the Periya case was a heavy blow to the CPI-M's culture of violent politics.

Speaking to the media, he said the people of Kerala now understand the emptiness of the CPI-M's repeated claims of having no involvement in the case.

Satheesan also added that any further appeal proceedings would be undertaken in consultation with the families of the slain victims, adding that the party would extend its full support and assistance to the families.

Meanwhile, CPI-M state secretary M V Govindan responded to the verdict by stating that the CBI court's decision is not final.

Speaking to reporters, he said that the party will resist the political move to implicate it in the case, accusing the CBI of attempting from the initial stage to create the impression that the CPI(M) was involved in the case.

Govindan further claimed that the CBI's investigation uncovered nothing beyond what the police had already found, adding that action was taken against the accused party leaders on the same day they were implicated in the case.

Senior public prosecutor, CBI, Y Bobby Joseph stated the verdict is highly satisfactory.

"All the convicted persons received appropriate punishment, and the court thoroughly examined whether the case met the criteria for the rarest of rare cases," he said.

The prosecutor added that the death penalty was not awarded as the court concluded it did not fall within the purview of the rarest of rare categories.

The court allowed the convicts to remain in Central Prison, Kannur, considering the convenience of their family members.

The accused had submitted that their family members have nobody to fall back on for their survival as they all depend on them and are not in a position to make visits as they are housed in the jail in Ernakulam.
A court in Thane in Maharashtra has acquitted six persons, including a former corporator, booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act for allegedly extorting and assaulting a mobile shop owner, citing "lack of evidence" and "procedural lapses" by the prosecution.

Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The special court hearing MCOCA cases in Thane district delivered the judgement on January 1, giving the accused a "benefit of doubt" for the above reasons as well as for "unreliable testimonies" of witnesses.

An FIR in this case was registered in 2022 at the Mahatma Phule Chowk police station in Kalyan in which the accused were booked for extortion, attempted murder and involvement in an organised crime syndicate.

The accused, who have been acquitted are identified as Satej alias Bala Suresh Pokal (30), Sachin Samsan Khema (44), a former corporator of the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation and a construction contractor; Nitin Samsan Khema (41), Prem Haribhau Chaudhari (33), an agriculturist; Tohit alias Bablu Majid Shaikh (24) and Ganesh Vilas Rokade (29), a construction supervisor.

Advocates Poonit Mahimkar and Saghar Kolhe representing the accused vehemently contested the prosecution's charges and raised question marks over the investigation.

The complainant in the case alleged that the accused had in January 2022 demanded Rs 5 lakh from him to allow him to operate his business and threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to do so.

The prosecution claimed that the accused assaulted the complainant and his friends with weapons, leading to serious injuries.

Special MCOCA court judge Amit M Shete said there were several significant shortcomings in the prosecution's case.

The judge highlighted the "substantial delay" in sending crucial seized articles to the Forensic Science Laboratory.

"The seized articles were forwarded to FSL almost three months after their seizure, raising the possibility of tampering. This delay severely undermines the prosecution's version," the court observed.

The judge also noted that the prosecution's witnesses, including the complainant and injured parties, failed to provide consistent accounts.

"The informant and injured witnesses failed to stick to their own version and could not assign any specific role to the accused. Their silence on critical aspects casts serious doubt on the credibility of their testimonies," the judge said.

The prosecution submitted chargesheets from previous cases against the accused to establish their involvement in organised crime, but the court found that insufficient.

"The burden of proving the alleged offences beyond all reasonable doubt rests on the prosecution. Despite opportunities, they failed to produce key witnesses, including officers who recorded confessional statements," the court said.

It also addressed the confessional statement of one accused, Satej Pokal, which was not retracted.

"Though the statement was not retracted, it was not proved in accordance with the law and is insufficient to convict the accused for serious crimes," the judgement said.

Considering the "lack of direct evidence, procedural lapses and unreliable testimonies", the court granted the accused the benefit of doubt.

"On the basis of the evidence presented, it is not safe to convict the accused. The prosecution has failed to establish the charges under both the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and MCOCA," the court said.
A court on Friday granted regular bail to top Telugu actor Allu Arjun, an accused in the case booked over the death of a woman in a stampede in Hyderabad during the premiere of his latest film Pushpa-2.

IMAGE: Actor Allu Arjun greets people before leaving his residence to appear before court in connection with the Sandhya theatre stampede, at Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad, December 24, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The II additional metropolitan sessions judge had earlier reserved the order for Friday after hearing arguments from the lawyers of the actor and the police.

The court directed the actor to furnish two sureties, who shall execute bond for Rs 50,000 each, besides his own with the same amount.

As part of the bail conditions, the Pushpa star has to appear before the investigating officer every Sunday between 10 am and 1 pm for a period of two months or till the filing of the charge sheet, whichever is earlier.

"Petitioner shall not hamper the investigation in any manner nor shall directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any witness so as to dissuade them from disclosing such facts to the court or to any police officer," the court said.

The petitioner shall cooperate with the investigation and he shall not make any attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigation or with the witnesses, in any manner, the court order further said.

The actor shall not change his residential address without prior intimation to the court, till disposal of the case.

He was directed not to leave the country without prior permission from the court.

The actor was arrested on December 13 in connection with the incident and released from the jail on December 14 after the Telangana high court granted him interim bail for four weeks, which would end on January 10.

Allu Arjun, who was named as accused no 11 in the case, had earlier filed the regular bail petition in court.

He appeared through video conference before the court on December 27.

A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was injured on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of Pushpa 2 movie.

Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Chikkadpally police station based on a complaint lodged by the deceased woman's family.
Investigators seeking to arrest South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his attempted martial law declaration faced a standoff with the Presidential Security Service (PSS) outside the presidential residence in Seoul on Friday, Yonhap News Agency reported.

IMAGE: A pro-Yoon protester reacts outside of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence, as Yoon faces potential arrest after a court on Tuesday approved a warrant, in Seoul, on January 3, 2025. Photograph: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters

Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) presented warrants for Yoon's arrest and a search of the residence.

However, PSS chief Park Chong-jun blocked their entry, citing security restrictions on the premises.

"CIO prosecutors and investigators are in a standoff with the Presidential Security Service in front of the residence after moving past the first and second barriers," a police official said.

The CIO has until Monday to execute the arrest warrant linked to Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3, Yonhap reported.

Observers had said that arresting Yoon on Saturday and Sunday poses a greater risk of confronting Yoon's supporters while executing the warrant on Monday will be too close to the deadline.

A Seoul court on Tuesday 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.

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.
The driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was an active-duty United States Army Green Berret, according to sources reported by CNN.

IMAGE: A damaged US passport of Matthew Livelsberger, 37, an active-duty Army soldier from Colorado Springs and who the police identified as the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, is seen in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 2, 2025. Photograph: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department/Handout via Reuters

The driver identified as Matthew Alan Livelsberger reportedly shot himself in the head prior to the blast that injured seven people.

Livelsberger was serving in Germany with 10th Special Forces Group and was on leave at the time of the incident, CNN reported.

Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill informed on Thursday (local time) at a news conference the driver shot himself in the head prior to the blast.

While McMahill and others officials only referred to the driver as the 'subject' and 'person of interest', they showed a photo of Livelsberger and gave his name at the news conference.

"I will not come back until I have the confirmation through DNA or medical records that this is indeed, in fact, the subject inside of the vehicle," McMahill said.

The US Army said Thursday in a statement Livelsberger was on leave at the time of his death, though did not specifically say he died in the Vegas explosion.

The US Special Forces, commonly known as the 'Green Berets', bill themselves as an elite fighting force specialising in guerilla warfare and unconventional tactics abroad.

As per the LA Times, Livelsberger acted alone and the motivation is under investigation.

Earlier, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the 'evil knuckleheads' picked the wrong vehicle to attack as the Cybertruck contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards.

'The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken,' Elon Musk wrote on X.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden, speaking about the possible connection between the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion, said that the investigation is still going on, however, no evidence of such a connection has been found thus far.
United States President-elect Donald Trump on Friday posted a media article on his Truth Social platform highlighting a suggestion by Kevin O'Leary, the Canadian investor and Shark Tank star, advocating for a potential merge of Canada and the United States.

IMAGE: US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Republican members of the US House of Representatives at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Washington, DC. Photograph: Allison Robbert/Pool/Reuters

Trump on his social media platform Truth Social shared a New York Post article -- 'Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary says half of Canadians favor Trump's proposal for Canada to join the US.'

The New York Post in an article dated December 26, 2024 reported that Kevin O'Leary wanted to help broker a deal with President-elect Donald Trump that would create some sort of 'economic union' between the US and Canada -- declaring that at least half of his countrymen would support such a merger.

"Canadians over the holidays - the last two days - have been talking about this. They want to hear more," O'Leary had said on Trump's proposal that Canada should become the 51st state of the US, during an interview with Fox Business.

Notably, Trump in December 2024 took a jibe at Canada and said that the country should consider becoming the 51st state of the United States.

Trump had further said that such a move would benefit Canadians through reduced taxes and military protection.

Describing the idea as 'great', he asserted that many Canadians would support the proposal.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, 'No one can answer why we subsidise Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense!'

'Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!' the post added.

In his Christmas greetings, Trump had repeated his call to acquire the Panama Canal, Canada, and Greenland, citing national security and economic benefits.

Trump had also long expressed interest in Greenland, calling its ownership necessary for 'national security and freedom throughout the world'.

He had also referred to the Panama Canal as a 'vital national asset for the United States due to its critical role to America's economy and national security'.
Glimpse what our politicians were doing at the beginning of 2025.

IMAGE: Elections are due in a few weeks so here's Delhi Chief Minister Atishi inaugurating a 6 lane flyover at Punjabi Bagh in New Delhi on Thursday, January 2, 2025, here and below. All photographs: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Citizens take a stroll on the Punjabi Bagh flyover.

IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets with senior Defence Research and Development Organisation scientists on the 67th Foundation Day of the organisation at the DRDO headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday.

IMAGE: So good to see women scientists well represented among the DRDO leadership.

IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman listens carefully to representatives from the financial sector and capital markets at her seventh pre-Budget consultation meeting on Thursday.

IMAGE: These are the reps from the financial sector and capital markets who briefed Nirmalaji on what they'd like to see in the Budget.

IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presents a symbolic key to a beneficiary during the inauguration of development projects in Gorakhpur on Thursday.

IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chairs an administration review meeting in the presence of ministers and state secretaries at Nabanna Sobha Ghor in Kolkata on Thursday.

IMAGE: Ministers and officials gather to listen to Mamatadi.

IMAGE: Home Minister Amit A Shah, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and others at the launch of the book Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on Thursday. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi and Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
'The CM's credibility is on the line.'

IMAGE: Nationalist Congress Party leader Dhananjay Munde, Devendra Fadnavis and Munde's controversial aide Walmik Karad soon after the Mahayuti alliance won a huge victory in the Maharashtra assembly election. Photograph: Walmik Karad/Instagram

Barely a month into his second stint as Maharashtra chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis is embroiled in what many are calling his first major political crisis: The Santosh Deshmukh murder case.

The gruesome abduction and killing of a village sarpanch in Massajog village in Kej taluka in Beed district has not only raised questions about law and order in the state -- Fadnavis is also the state's home minister -- but has also brought to light the murky nexus between politics, crime, and power.

At the centre of the controversy is Walmik Karad -- a close aide of Nationalist Congress Party leader Dhananjay Munde -- whose alleged involvement in the murder has sparked a political firestorm. Munde was recently sworn in as the minister of food, civil supplies and consumer protection in the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet.

Social activist and former Aam Aadmi Party leader Anjali Damania has demanded the resignations of Dhananjay Munde and his estranged first cousin, state Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde, for their alleged nexus that rules over Beed as their political fiefdom. Damania was in Beed recently seeking justice for Deshmukh.

Sanjay Raut, the Rajya Sabha MP from the Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray party, has also demanded that Dhananjay Munde be dismissed for a free and fair investigation into the Deshmukh murder case.

Fadnavis, who was sworn in as chief minister on December 5, has appointed a 10 member special investigation team consisting of senior police officers from Pune and Beed to probe the murder charges against Walmik Karad, who surrendered before the Pune police on December 31, after being on the run since December 9 when Deshmukh was abducted and later murdered.

As the Opposition turns up the heat on Fadnavis and his government, this case has become a litmus test for his administration's resolve to uphold justice and accountability.

The Santosh Deshmukh Murder Case

Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch from Massajog village in Beed district, was a vocal opponent of alleged corruption and land-grabbing activities in his area. On December 9, 2024, he was abducted by a group of assailants, and his tortured body was discovered days later, sparking outrage across the state.

Deshmukh had reportedly been resisting pressure from powerful individuals, including Karad, over a Rs 2 crore extortion demand linked to a land deal involving the Avaada Group's renewable energy project in Beed.

Deshmukh, who had taken a stand against these demands, became a target. "Santosh was fighting for the villagers. He wanted transparency and fairness in the land deals, but that didn't sit well with powerful people," said a local activist.

A local BJP leader said Deshmukh had been receiving threats in the weeks leading up to his death. "He told us he was being pressured to back off from opposing Karad's demands."

The Rise of Walmik Karad and Links to Dhananjay Munde

IMAGE: Walmik Karad with Dhananjay Munde. Photograph: Walmik Karad/Instagram

Walmik Karad's rise from a small-time political operator to a key figure in Beed politics is closely tied to his association with Dhananjay Munde. The duo share a long-standing bond that transcends political alliances, with Karad often described as Munde's "shadow" and "right-hand man".

Known as Munde's troubleshooter, Karad's influence grew as he reportedly acted as the minister's enforcer in the district.

'Walmik is not just an aide; he's family. He's been with me through thick and thin, handling the ground realities of Beed so I can focus on my responsibilities as a minister,' Munde said at a public rally in Beed in 2023.

Critics argue that this friendship enabled Karad's allegedly dubious ventures, giving him unchecked power.

"Karad's proximity to Munde gave him access to power corridors, allowing him to influence administrative decisions and expand his sphere of influence," alleged the local social activist from Beed.

Land Deals and Criminal Allegations

Karad's troubles began with allegations of extortion in a Rs 2 crore land deal involving the Avaada Group, a renewable energy company with operations in Massajog village. Opposition leaders allege Karad used his proximity to Munde to strengthen his business interests.

Things took a darker turn with the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village who had opposed Karad's demands. On December 9, 2024, Deshmukh was abducted and killed, his body later found with visible signs of torture.

The Opposition quickly linked Karad to the murder, demanding an inquiry.

"Karad's actions reflect a larger rot under Fadnavis' administration. We want an impartial probe into how a man with such serious allegations against him was allowed to operate freely," Ambadas Danve, the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Leader of the Opposition in the state legislative council, told Rediff.com.

Karad's Surrender and Political Fallout

After weeks of evading arrest, Walmik Karad surrendered before the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Pune on December 31, 2024. In a video message released before his surrender, Karad claimed innocence, calling the allegations a 'political conspiracy' to target him and Dhananjay Munde.

His surrender has done little to quell the uproar. Opposition parties, led by the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), have launched a scathing attack on the government.

'This is the first real test of CM Fadnavis' resolve,' said Sanjay Raut during a press conference. 'If the CM and home minister fail to act decisively, they will find the Opposition on the streets.'

'This government and Deevndraji claim to uphold law and order, but their actions show otherwise. Why was Karad allowed to roam free for weeks? What is the CM hiding?' Congress MLA Nana Patole said.

Fadnavis Under Pressure

As chief minister and home minister, Devendra Fadnavis faces a dual challenge: Addressing the growing public outrage and maintaining the stability of his newly-formed government.

'This is no ordinary case. It goes to the heart of how this government operates,' said Patole. 'Fadnavis cannot escape responsibility. The opposition will expose his double standards on law and order.'

Within the BJP, there are murmurs of unease over how the case is being handled. "The CM's credibility is on the line. This isn't just about Karad; it's about whether the government can deliver on its promise of good governance," said a senior BJP leader.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 3. Kyrgyzstan Cabinet of Ministers has approved the "Made in Kyrgyzstan" national export program for 20252028, Trend reports.

The program outlines targeted support for exporters, including initiatives to simplify access to foreign markets and enhance the visibility of the national brand. A detailed action plan has also been approved, tasking the Ministry of Economy with coordinating its implementation.

Authorities at all levels, from ministries to regional administrations, are mandated to actively support the initiative and provide quarterly updates on progress. Financial institutions, including development banks and funds, have been advised to align with the program's objectives to ensure effective resource mobilization.

The new strategy represents a multi-dimensional approach, focusing not only on boosting exports but also on promoting innovation and quality improvement in domestic production. It also aims to position Kyrgyz products as key players in global supply chains, ensuring their compliance with international standards.

Earlier, Members of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers have approved the development program for trade and logistics centers in the agro-industrial sector.

The program is aimed at improving the export of domestic agricultural products and enhancing their competitiveness. To achieve this, trade and logistics centers will be established and developed, which will help farmers sell their products more effectively.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.

BRATTLEBORO  A local man reached a plea deal, admitting to hitting a victim who was holding a young child.

Cooper Stafford, 23, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of domestic assault and received a three-year deferred sentence during a hearing on Christmas Eve in Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division. A first-degree aggravated domestic assault charge was dropped.

As part of the plea, Stafford admitted to recklessly causing bodily injury to a family or household member in November. He struck a woman in the leg as she held a 3-month-old child, according to the agreement.

"It seems to make a lot of sense given the defendant's age, lack of criminal history, that we settle this early," Deputy State's Attorney Dana Nevins said. "It makes a lot of sense for all parties concerned, and we appreciate the court getting it in so quickly."

Stafford also had been accused of putting his hands on the victim's throat in another incident.

Nevins said the victim supported the plea agreement and did not wish to make a statement during the hearing. Attorney Daniel Stevens of the Windham County Public Defender's Office thanked court staff for "getting this in before Christmas."

No contact order issued in assault case BRATTLEBORO  A 23-year-old Brattleboro man pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree aggrav

Judge John Treadwell told Stafford that if he strictly complies with his conditions of probation, "there's a good chance you can get this expunged."

"I strongly encourage you to comply with your conditions of probation," Treadwell said before accepting the agreement.
Now, its been 15 years. Most of the girls that are coming in here today dont know anything about Jessica, said Debbie Bolognani. But, she
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."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. A total of 4.3 million megawatt-hours of electricity was produced at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Bushehr Province, located in southern Iran, during the nine months of the current Iranian year (from March 20 through December 20, 2024), the executive director of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Operation Company, Reza Banazadeh told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, the electricity generated at Bushehr NPP was consumed in the southern provinces of the country, including Bushehr province.

Banazadeh added that the construction of the 2nd and 3rd units of Bushehr NPP is currently underway. With the commissioning of these two units, the total production potential of the plant will increase to 3,100 MW.

"Currently, 1,000 megawatts of electricity is generated at Bushehr NPP. Considering the gas shortage in the country, the role of nuclear power plants is very important. The role of nuclear power plants in saving fossil fuels is undeniable," he noted.

Meanwhile, the first block of Iran's Bushehr NPP began operation in 2011. The operation of the block was handed over by the Russian nuclear company to an Iranian company in 2013. The maximum amount of electricity1,000 megawatt-hourshas been produced at this unit since 2013. Over ten years, electricity production at Bushehr NPP amounted to more than 65 billion kilowatt-hours.

To note, the construction of Bushehr NPP's second and third units started in 2017 on an area of 50 ha. If these units are commissioned, each unit will be able to produce 1,057 megawatts of electricity. The commissioning of these two units will save ten million barrels of crude oil or 1.6 bcm of gas per year and prevent the release of seven million tons of polluting gases into the environment.
At least 1,000 residents of Crimea have died fighting for Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to an investigation by RFE/RL. Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula was annexed by Russia in 2014, and media is restricted there while information about military casualties is suppressed. But a team at RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service has compiled a database of Crimea's war dead (https://ru.krymr.com/a/gruz-200-krym/33244443.html) by scouring statements from local officials and social media posts by relatives of the deceased.
Outflanked, overwhelmed, and almost overrun, Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold back a Russian army that has more men, more firepower, and overall momentum across frozen fields and muddy trenches in eastern Ukraine.

Pokrovsk, a city with a prewar population of 60,000, is the biggest location where Ukraines defenses are at risk of buckling under relentless Russian assault. Its far from the only one, however.

Even as pressure builds for talks between Kyiv and Moscow, the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin have shown no interest in pulling any punches or considering cease-fire terms that could be acceptable to Ukraine and its Western backers.

The war has tilted in Russias favor, and Russia is pressing its armaments and manpower advantage relentlessly, Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, wrote last month. There is now little reason for Russia to negotiate, as [Putin] likely believes he can win the war -- which, in his view, means the subjugation of Ukraine under Russian control.

Heres a look at where things stand on the battlefield at the start of the New Year.

Pokrovsk



In more tranquil times, the city on the western edges of Donetsk Oblast was known for its coal mines, coke factories, and metallurgical plants, as well as being home to a key railway juncture, and at the crossroads of several major roads. (Its also known as the place where, in the early 20th century, composer Mykola Leontovych wrote the Christmas song known as Shchedryk in Ukrainian, but as the Carol of the Bells around the world.)

After capturing Avdiyivka to the east earlier this year, Russian forces moved west and northwest in a bid to cut Ukrainian logistics lines. Running west, the E50 highway links Pokrovsk to the larger urban center of Dnipro, Ukraines fourth largest city. Running east and northeast, the T0504 highway links Pokrovsk to Kostyantynivka, another major railway junction that Russia is gunning for.

The Pokrovsk directionremains one of the most intense and contested areas of the theater, Frontelligence Insight, an analytic organization run by a former Ukrainian reserve officer, said in a battlefield report. Following Russian inability to seize the city directlyRussian forces have turned to a familiar tactic: flanking maneuvers.

"The enemy is not counting on fighting in Pokrovsk right now, but is trying to bypass the city and break the supply chains," Viktor Trehubov, a spokesman for Ukraines Khortytsia command group, told a state-run TV broadcast on January 2.

Liam Collins, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces colonel, said Russian forces might try to skirt Pokrovsk in a rush to seize more territory before any peace talks: Pokrovsk itself is around 18 kilometers from the administrative border between the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Whats more likely, he said, is they want to avoid brutal urban warfare; for example, what happened in the monthslong fight to seize the city of Bakhmut.



The Russians, like just about any army, would prefer to bypass a city, cut off the supply lines to fighters inside and wait them out and force their eventual surrender without as much of a fight, said Collins, author of the book Understanding Urban Warfare.

Kurakhove



About 30 kilometers south of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces have tried to use the Kurakhove Reservoir, which dams the Vovcha River, and connecting waterways, to slow Russian advances. Russian forces advanced along the north side of the reservoir in late November and December, and a dam at the reservoirs western edge was partially destroyed -- its unclear whether by Ukraine or Russia.

On the reservoirs southern shores, Ukrainian troops grip on the city of Kurakhove has slipped in the face of advancing Russian units from the east, and only the industrial districts in the western part of town remain under Ukrainian control. From the southwest, Russian forces have also threatened the H15 DonetskZaporizhzhya highway, a major supply road running west out of Kurakhove.



Konrad Muzyka, a Polish-based military analyst who travels regularly to Ukraine, said Kyivs longstanding problems in replenishing troop strength are apparent in the Kurakhove defense.

Although the terrain in this region favors defensive operations due to the presence of waterways, the ongoing Ukrainian personnel shortage prevents full utilization of these natural features to stall Russian advances, he said in a post to X. This lack of manpower also limits their ability to launch counterattacks, which could otherwise disrupt Russian momentum in the area.

Kurakhoves defense is actually doomed, said Mykhaylo Zhyrokhov, a Kyiv-based military analyst. And now theyre maintaining its defense just for political reasons.

The fall of the city would be a very bad gift for the office of the presidency, it would very much drop trust ratings, he said.



Mokri Yaly Valley



Further west from Kurakhove, the Mokri Yaly River meanders southward, crossed by a series of smaller bridges, and banked by a series of villages including Velyka Novosilka.

During their much-hyped 2023 counteroffensive, Ukrainian troops punched southward in several places, including along the Mokri Yaly Valley, advancing south of Velyka Novosilka, on the rivers east bank. But like the overall counteroffensive, the push faltered in the face of well-prepared Russian defense networks.

Russian forces pushed into the villages eastern outskirts in early December. Further upriver, Ukrainian troops counterattacked and retook control of the village of Noviy Komar, which the important north-south O0509 road runs through, and which has the next river crossing north of Velyka Novosilka.

But the village remains heavily contested, according to open-source intelligence and Ukrainian and Russian reports, and the O0509 road is under fire from Russian artillery and drone strikes, limiting Ukraines ability to resupply.

Kursk



Ukrainian command has drawn plaudits in the past for innovative and improvised tactics. Repelling the bigger Russian invading force in the defense of Kyiv in the early days of the invasion stunned many  including the Kremlin. Ukraines creativity in the Black Sea has helped minimize Russias effectiveness there.

The August invasion of Russias Kursk region fit that pattern. But it failed to accomplish one major goal: relieving pressure elsewhere by drawing away Russian units.

Russia, meanwhile, pulled its own surprise: bringing in thousands of North Korean troops to the battlefield, a move that itself helps relieve recruiting pressure inside Russia.

Though U.S. officials last month said North Korea has suffered at least several hundred casualties, the North Koreans have played a key role in pushing back Ukrainian defenses in the Kursk region town of Sudzha, close to the border.

That threatens Ukrainian supply lines coming from the south, across the border.

In total, Ukrainian forces are estimated to have lost more than half of the territory they initially seized over the summer.

That ultimately could wipe another apparent goal that Ukrainian officials hoped would come from the invasion: using occupied Russian territory as a bargaining chip in future negotiations.
It was supposed to be at the vanguard of a modernized Ukrainian Army, trained in Western tactics by French instructors, armed with Western weaponry, equipped to take on a bigger Russian Army on the battlefield.

That hasn't happened.



Instead, the Ukrainian militarys 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade has been roiled by desertions, incriminations, and now, scathing public criticism accusing commanders of incompetence.

The brigades commander was abruptly replaced last month just after the unit returned from training in France, and Ukraines lead law enforcement agency is investigating reports that dozens, possibly hundreds, of its soldiers have gone AWOL, or absent without leave.

The 155ths problems have burst into the open at a wrenching time for Ukraine, with its population exhausted from nearly three years of full-scale war and its military exhausted from relentless Russian offensives.

The problems, and the public venting, also illustrate the wider issues that have plagued Ukraine's military for months, if not years -- and, experts say, have hampered its ability to wage an effective full-scale defense, or offense, against a larger, better-equipped Russian force.

The training that I imagined should happen in the third year of war, what it should have been like, is not there, one lieutenant, currently on unauthorized leave from the brigade, told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service. I, for one, do not know what I am supposed to do. I'm not ready to give up and execute any orders with untrained people. Plus, Im untrained myself. I command 30-something people. I'm not ready to risk their lives.

In France, I was taught absolutely nothing, said the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity since public criticism of the military can result in criminal prosecution.

At least 59 soldiers from the brigade left the training grounds in France without authorization, the officer said, a figure that was echoed by Yuriy Butusov, a popular Ukrainian war correspondent who described the brigade as complete organizational chaos.

In an interview, Butusov said the decision behind the brigades training and formation were more political than anything.

There is simply no point in creating such brigades that are not fully staffed, that have no time at all to train, as we see, he told RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service. If we say we need a new brigade, then this is a matter that should take at least a year to complete. In addition to individual training, we need to ensure management at many levels.

Inevitable Chaos?



Western allies have poured billions of dollars into weaponry and equipment for Ukraines armed forces, equipping them with modern technology to fight a bigger Russian Army with more weaponry as its disposal.

They also sought to retrain Ukraines armed forces, moving them away from the doctrine and tactics that its senior Soviet-trained officer corps grew up on, and introducing NATO-style thinking, such as combined arms warfare and emphasizing smaller brigades, rather than larger divisions.

But aside from weaponry, Ukraine also faced a bigger problem: manpower. Critics in and out of Ukraine grumbled that Ukrainian authorities were failing to build a sustainable system of recruitment, mobilization, and training, to replenish depleted units.

Ukrainian command created several new brigades. Some units were sent to Germany for training. Another unit was set up in France last year to great fanfare: the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade was dubbed the Anne of Kyiv Brigade, named for an 11th century Kyiv princess who later became Queen of France. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the units creation during anniversary celebrations for the World War II Normandy invasion in June.

Two months later, about 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers -- about the half the size of a standard NATO brigade -- were sent to France for training that included instruction on advanced French weapons systems; Macron later paid a highly publicized visit to the unit in October.

When the 155th began rotating back to Ukraine in late November, Ukrainian forces had already been struggling for months trying to stave off accelerating Russian offensives in multiple places across the roughly 1,100-kilometer front line.

On December 12, the brigades commander, Colonel Dmytro Ryumshin, was replaced, just days before it was supposed to head into combat. The reason for Ryumshins dismissal was unclear, but he posted a statement on the brigades Facebook page thanking the units soldiers and officers for their loyalty and professionalism.

Days earlier, lawmaker Maryana Bezuhla criticized how the brigade was conceived, saying it was patched together haphazardly from other units, which in turn deprived other units of troop strength.

What happened to the 155th: even though the French attempted to make the brigade specialized, it wasnt spared from stupid military decisions, which tore the unit apart, she wrote on Facebook. "Within the brigade chaos reigns."

That was echoed by Serhiy Sternenko, an activist and blogger who writes about public corruption and was previously affiliated with a far-right paramilitary group.

Why create a new brigade when the existing brigades were critically understaffed, if it was then divided up to assign people to the old brigades? What's the point? Sternenko said in a post to X. In addition to the blow to our image in French eyes, where part of the brigade was trained and equipped with equipment, we again suffered high losses and exhaustion.

This madness must be stopped before it completely undermines the army's ability to organize resistance, he wrote.

'I'd Rather Go AWOL'

Despite the reported organizational problems, the brigade has deployed in part to help in the defense of Pokrovsk, a Donbas city that is under major threat of encirclement by Russian forces. Reports say the unit fielded German-made Leopard tanks and French artillery.



But the brigade lieutenant who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity said some equipment they were provided was broken; excavators, for example, used to dig trenches and defenses. He also described some of the problems with command orders.

When we returned from France, some part of the brigade was already near Pokrovsk, he said. Then we received an order to transfer to the infantry, and a lot of people went AWOL. Days later, we were sent to the Dnipropetrovsk region. And the next day, we received an order to go to a settlement 20 kilometers from the front line.

My commander wrote to me: Gather nine people. Tomorrow youre going to a specific place. I asked him what we were supposed to do there. He said: I don't know, the lieutenant said. That is, the commanders are unprofessional, they havent trained people.

He said some soldiers think I'd rather go AWOL. If I get caught, then at least, sooner or later, the prison door will open. The lid of a coffin will never open.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the brigade has suffered disproportionate casualties in the defense of Pokrovsk, something Butusov said was significant.

Most of the 155th soldiers on the front line are trying to fulfill their duties honestly, Butusov wrote in his December 31 Facebook post. But due to a certain criminal attitude toward soldiers lives, the 155th Brigade has suffered significant losses from the very first days of deployment.

Another brigade soldier, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said Butusovs criticism was largely true but was incomplete.

The situation with the formation was even worse than he described, the soldier said.

The State Bureau of Investigation, Ukraines lead law investigative agency, confirmed to RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service that it was investigating the reports of soldiers deserting. A brigade press officer declined to comment.

Asked about the brigades problems, Frances presidential office, Elysee Palace, referred the question to the French Defense Ministry.

"It was the Ukrainian Armed Forces that organized the selection of Ukrainian military personnel to form this brigade and manage the processes, the ministry said. Alsothe Ukrainian Armed Forces determine the conditions for the [brigades] deployment in Ukraine.
Sweden has experienced a sharp rise in cocaine seizures, signaling a growing global drug trade within the country, Azernews reports.

The volume of cocaine seized has surged by 4,000 percent over the past nine years. In 2023, Swedish customs confiscated 1,227 kg of cocaine, and by 2024, this figure had already surpassed 1,482 kg.

Experts attribute the increased supply to the expansion of cocaine production in South America. The Washington Post reports that cocaine production in the region has doubled over the past decade, with the area under coca cultivation increasing fivefold since the death of drug lord Pablo Escobar in 1993. Political changes in Colombia and a shift in control to new, politically neutral groups have contributed to the spread of the drug trade.

Sweden has become a significant link in the "European cocaine supply chain," especially through its ports and logistics routes, with most drugs arriving via legal container shipments. Customs officials note that inspecting one container shipment requires six full-time employees, a small portion of the total flow. To combat the growing threat, Sweden must enhance international cooperation and boost resources for customs and police services.

Experts warn that cocaine is no longer limited to the wealthy, as lower prices have made it accessible to a broader population, raising concerns for law enforcement agencies.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 3. The copper concentrate production at Sungun Copper Complex in East Azerbaijan Province in the northwestern part of Iran increased by 6 percent during nine months of the current Iranian year (from March 20 through December 2024) compared to the same period of last year (from March 21 through December 21, 2023), the director of Iran's Sungun Copper Complex, Mohammad Jafar Ozmaie, told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, the Sungun Copper Complex produced 256,000 copper concentrates during the nine months. Of this concentrate, 58,900 tons of crude copper can be produced.

The official noted that the complex produced 2,500 tons of molybdenum concentrate during the nine months. This is 6 percent more than for the same period last year.

Ozmaie added that the complex produced about 49.8 million tons of minerals for the nine months. This is 23 percent more than the same period last year.

"About 5.83 million tons of minerals were extracted from the complex during the ninth month (from November 21 through December 2024). This is 10 percent more than for the same month last year (from November 22 through December 21, 2023)," he noted.

The Sungun Copper Complex is located at Iran's Sungun Copper Mine. It is considered one of the largest mines in Iran and the Middle East. Reports indicate that the mine possesses reserves exceeding 5 billion tons.

To note, the national copper industry company of Iran claims that the country has 19 billion tons of copper reserves. Sarcheshmeh and Sungun are considered the main copper mines of Iran.
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Ram Rahim in CBI's Plea Challenging Acquittal in 2002 Murder Case

The case has been tagged with another appeal filed by the complainant, the father of the deceased, who also challenged the acquittal.

New Delhi, January 3: The Supreme Court has issued a notice to self-styled godman and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, along with four others, in response to a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging their acquittal in the 2002 murder case of Ranjit Singh, a former manager of the sect.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar sought responses from Ram Rahim and the other accused. The case has been tagged with another pending appeal filed by the complainant, the father of the deceased, who also challenged the acquittal.

Advertisement

The court directed that the matter be listed before a bench headed by Justice Bela Trivedi, which had earlier issued a notice in the complainant's appeal. Issue notice and tag with the pending special leave petition (SLP) to be listed before the bench presided by Justice Bela Trivedi, the bench ordered.

Background of the Case

Ranjit Singh, the former Dera manager, was murdered on July 10, 2002, while working in his fields in Kurukshetra district, Haryana. The High Court had ordered a CBI investigation into the case on November 10, 2003, after it was initially registered at the Sadar police station in Thanesar, Kurukshetra.

The trial court had sentenced Ram Rahim and four othersAvtar Singh, Krishan Lal, Jasbir Singh, and Sabdil Singhto life imprisonment on October 18, 2021. However, when the matter reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the court acquitted the accused, citing that the CBI had failed to establish a clear motive and that the prosecutions case was shrouded in doubts.

Advertisement

One of the accused, Inder Sain, passed away during the trial in 2020.

CBIs Allegations Against Ram Rahim

According to the CBI chargesheet, Ram Rahim suspected Ranjit Singh of distributing an anonymous letter among Dera followers. The letter accused Ram Rahim of sexually exploiting female disciples at the Dera, which later became the basis for a rape case registered against him in 2002.

Ram Rahim is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in Sunaria Jail, Rohtak, Haryana, after being convicted in 2017 for raping two of his disciples.
Surprising Romania

Today we find out about some New Year's Eve offers in Romania

foto: Institutul Elie Wiesel (Urari de Anul Nou)

Daniel Onea, 02.01.2025, 13:24

Today we find out about some New Years Eve offers in Romania. In addition to these, we will also talk about unique experiences, such as meeting the ostrich Baltazar, who is preparing to become the mascot of Almaju Valley.

Alina Rosoiu is the project manager of a platform that aims to promote surprising, but also unique Romania. We thus learned about a special objective: the Museum of Cloths and Stories, in the village of Mandra, between Brasov and Sibiu. Right at the entrance to the village, you will be greeted by a sign that says Welcome to Mandra, the village of cloths, onions and stories. Beyond the fact that the museum highlights the heritage of the place, it also hosts Mother Rutas Spindle Around the World. So far, the weaving tool has already traveled over a million kilometers around the world, through places and destinations of the most diverse types: South America, Korea, Siberia, Bali, and many other places. The famous spindle brings and carries stories, but also promotes the Romanian village, with its cultural and human values, through an international travel project. At the museum, there is also an exhibition dedicated to the spindle, and a lot of local stories, or stories collected from around the world. And it is just one of the many proposals, says Alina Rosoiu.

We have a special section dedicated to these types of activities, in which the authenticity of each place is promoted, whether we are talking about local gastronomic points, whether we are talking about activities that can be done in the respective area, or whether we are talking about leisure. The platform is divided into 18 tourist areas. For each tourist area, we find at least one unique point that we can try in the respective area.

However, given the short period until the end of the year, we start with some New Years Eve offers.

For those who have not yet made plans, there is still availability. For example, a three-star hotel in Valcea County, more precisely in the Baile Olanesti area, offers accommodation with all three meals included, with a party for the night between the years, with activities such as nature trails and live music. The rates are for all budgets. The price of the package starts from 1,500 lei (300 euros) for two people, two nights, and increases depending on the number of nights. It can reach up to 1,800 (360 euros) or 2,000 lei (400 euros) for a double room, all included. New Years Eve is almost here, but maybe some of us havent made any other plans or we want to try something else. In the Clisura Dunarii area, a New Years Eve is organized in the old rite, with Serbian traditions, in a three-star guesthouse, with a campfire, with meat on the spit, with treks on Ciucaru Mare, with a treasure hunt. Rates here start at 3,900 lei (780 euros). Everything is included: accommodation, meals, party, DJ event, dances and fun workshops that the accommodation unit organizes for future guests.

Not far from Clisura Dunarii, you can also find the village of Ravensca. It is a small and quiet village, located on the peak of the Almaj Mountains in Caras-Severin County, at approximately 760 meters above sea level. Ravensca is the smallest village in the chain of Czech villages in Banat, with approximately 100 inhabitants. Due to its ethnic specificity, the village is characterized by the accuracy with which the traditions and customs specific to the Czech people have been preserved. Being the most isolated of the six Czech villages in Banat, the old Czech language has been best preserved here, not being altered by either the Romanian or the Serbo-Croatian languages. In fact, says Alina Rosoiu, the project manager of a tourism platform, in addition to peace and relaxation, tourists often seek privacy. Some, even on New Years Eve.

Another offer was created due to the interest of tourists in small locations, boutique hotel-type locations. We have a boutique hotel in the Rasnov area. In the years following the COVID period, tourists began to move towards small accommodation units, with a limited number of rooms, as boutiques are. They are attracted by the exclusive design of the rooms and the fact that each room has a different design. However, moving past New Years Eve and thinking about what the year 2025 will mean, because Timisoara was the European cultural capital, an interest in visiting the city was awakened among tourists. We all know that Timisoara is a city of premieres, being also the first electrically illuminated city in Europe. We are seeing an increase in the number of requests for Timisoara and the surrounding area.

Timisoara impresses with its diverse architecture, in Baroque, Neo-Byzantine and Art Nouveau styles. Moreover, here you will find the largest pedestrian area in Romania, with a lot of terraces, restaurants, bars and clubs. Tourists will feel exactly like in a resort, far from the hustle and bustle of the big boulevards. Beyond the numerous shows and cultural events, the city of Timisoara is a spectacle in its own way, with museums, exhibitions and events that happen directly on the street. You will also be able to participate in longer or shorter gastronomy festivals, because Timisoara has set out to promote and develop itself more and more strongly as a gastronomic destination. However, also in western Romania, the Banatul Montan area really needs to be discovered, says Alina Rosoiu.

In Valea Almajului, two small entrepreneurs set out to revitalize the area. A traditional house that was rediscovered, rethought, has now become a guest house. The Banatul Montan area has so much to offer that two weeks would not be enough. Whether we want to see the Moceris Waterfall, whether we want to reach the Bigar Waterfall, whether we want to see the Devils Lake or the Eye of the Bei, all of these are in the Almaj Valley or near the Almaj Valley. If you get to the Almaj Valley, you must also go to the ostrich farm and you must definitely meet Baltazar the Ostrich, the ostrich that is preparing to become the mascot of the Almaj Valley. He is an ordinary ostrich, but so cute that after the first photo he came to represent an entire area. Because in each area we look for the unique, and because the unique goes viral, we decided that Baltazar would be the image that will attract tourists to the Almaj Valley. He has a story, but you will have to find out the story when you get to the village of Moceris. Romania deserves to be discovered both in spring, when you have the only opportunity to see the Tulip of the Cauldrons, in autumn, when the colors of the forest create an extraordinary picture, in summer when we all need a little coolness, the water of the Black Sea or the coolness of the forest, and in winter, when traditions are preserved better than ever.

The invitation has been launched. Until next time, when we bring you the tourist retrospective of 2024, have a nice New Years Eve party and Happy New Year!
Romania and Bulgaria, fully in the Schengen Area

As of January 1, Romania and Bulgaria joined Schengen with land borders too.

Schegen-EU flag Credit: pixabay

Corina Cristea, 03.01.2025, 14:00

Symbolic ceremonies marked, on the night between years, the complete entry into the Schengen area of Romania and Bulgaria, which joined the European free travel area with land borders too. In Giurgiu-Ruse, representatives of the authorities from both countries, as well as citizens who crossed the Romanian  Bulgarian border for the first time without being controlled, celebrated the moment. A truly historic moment, with special practical consequences for every Romanian citizen, for Romanian companies. Romanias integration into the European Union is complete and irrevocable, said the Romanian Interior Minister, Catalin Predoiu, who attended the event together with his Bulgarian counterpart, Atanas Ilkov. Another short ceremony took place at one of the border crossing points between Hungary and Romania, where the head of the national police of Hungary met with the chief inspector of the border police of Romania.

Members of the European Union since 2007, the two countries have worked together in the Schengen accession process. With the technical criteria met since 2011, Romania and Bulgaria managed to partially join the free travel area only in March last year, with the lifting of controls in airports and seaports. A few months later, in mid-December, the two countries finally received approval from all European partners to enjoy the same privileges at land border crossings. This was possible after Austria gave up its opposition. Vienna had previously invoked an influx of asylum seekers that would worsen in the event of a land expansion of Schengen, but towards the end of 2024 it considered that the measures implemented in recent months allowed a massive reduction of crossings.

From January 1, drivers and passengers no longer need to present any identity documents, and cars can pass without control. Road transporters who until now had to wait in line for 20 hours to transit, will now cross the border without control. However, for the first six months at least, random border checks will be carried out to deter criminal activity, with particular focus on large vehicles. At the same time, the surveillance of the Bulgarian  Turkish border, which has become the external border of the Schengen area, will be strengthened. As regards tourism, tourism companies rely on an increase in the number of travelers, including those going to Greece. Following the full accession to Schengen, significant economic benefits are expected, likely to increase the gross domestic product (GDP) by at least 1% in both countries, according to estimates. Created in 1985, the Schengen area now includes 25 of the 27 EU member countries as well as their associated neighbors Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. (LS)
A top secret lab in the UK has developed an atomic clock using quantum , which will make military operations more secure.

Developed at the top-secret Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, (Dstl) the quantum clock will be a leap forward in improving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance by decreasing the reliance on GPS technology, which can be disrupted and blocked by adversaries.

The clock's precision is so refined that it will lose less than one second over billions of years, allowing scientists to measure time at an unprecedented scale. The first device of its kind to be built in the UK, it will be deployable on military operations in the next five years, according to the UK Ministry of Defense.

The applications of quantum clocks extend beyond precision timekeeping. Further improvement to GPS accuracy could transform global navigation systems, aiding in everything from satellite communication to aircraft navigation.

Improved quantum clocks can enable more precise and independent navigation systems, reducing reliance on GPS satellites, which are vulnerable to jamming or destruction in conflict scenarios; Secure communications systems, such as encrypted military networks, which depend on highly synchronized timekeeping; Enhance the accuracy of advanced weapon systems like guided missiles, which rely on accurate timing to calculate trajectories and coordinate attacks; and Allow UK Armed Forces to gain an edge over adversaries in time-critical operations, especially in areas like cyber warfare, where milliseconds can make a difference.

The 'Demonstration of Advanced Timing Apparatus', or DATA, is part of a planned series of experiments designed to understand the performance and limitations of quantum clocks, with potential benefits for military and national infrastructure resilience.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
More than 115,000 people have reportedly returned to Syria from neighboring countries such as Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, according to the UN refugee agency.

The information is based on public statements by host countries, contacts with immigration services from inside Syria, and border monitoring by the agency and partners.

The UNHCR said the Turkish Minister of Interior reported that 35,113 Syrians have voluntarily returned home.

For its part, Jordan noted that more than 22,000 people have entered Syria through its territory, 3,100 of whom were registered refugees.

The UNHCR said its teams noticed a shift in demographics of returnees from Jordan this week, with more women and children returning rather than men travelling alone.

"When interviewed, some families reported that the head of household would stay in Jordan for several more months in order to earn money that will support the family's re-integration inside Syria before joining them," the agency said.

Approximately 664,000 people remain newly displaced across Syria, mainly in Idlib and Aleppo governorates. The majority of them are women and children.

Moreover, nearly 486,000 internally displaced persons have returned to their areas of origin, mainly in Hama and Aleppo governorates.

"Prevailing insecurity - including armed clashes, increased criminal activity, and unexploded ordnance - continues to present challenges for civilians and will likely influence the potential decision to return home faced by Syrians living outside the country," the UNHCR said.

The number of Syrians departing Lebanon through official border crossings remains "low but steady," while the movement of Syrians through the Peshkabour border crossing with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has also continued, reaching approximately 300 to 400 daily.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
As seen in the companys sales performance, Hero MotoCorp ended calendar year 2025 with 49% growth in exports and a 7.5% growth overall

2024 has been an eventful year for Hero MotoCorp. The company has taken significant strides in both domestic and export markets across both ICE and EV substrata. The company has increased its global presence with 8 new vehicles launched in CY 2024, in multiple markets based on demand and customer preferences.

Inauguration of an assembly facility in Nepal, announcement of a manufacturing facility in Brazil, commencement of operations in Philippines were some of the notable global endeavours in 2024. Launching Mavrick 440, Vida V2 lineup, Xtreme 125R, unveiling Destini 125 and expanding Hero Premia and Hero 2.0 showrooms were a few domestic endeavours.

Hero MotoCorp Sales Dec 2024

In December 2024, Hero MotoCorp sold a total of 3,24,906 units across its vast portfolio. But the 3,93,952 units sold in December 2023 and 4,59,805 units sold in November 2024 ensured that there was a 17.53% YoY and 29.34% MoM decline, losing 69,046 units YoY and 1,34,899 units MoM in volume.

Breaking down these numbers, we have 2,98,516 motorcycles that account for 91.88% of companys total sales. Motorcycle sales saw a 15.83% YoY and a 29.90% MoM decline when compared to 3,56,658 units sold a year ago and 4,25,856 units sold a month before. Volume loss faced by Hero motorcycles stood at 56,142 units YoY and 1,27,340 units MoM.

Scooters accounted for 8.29% of Heros total sales with 26,930 units sold last month. Scooters witnessed a 31.47% YoY and 20.68% MoM decline, losing 12,364 units YoY and 7,019 units MoM in volume. Hero unveiled the new Destini 125 in 2024, which is likely to launch soon. It boasts major improvements over its predecessor.

In domestic market, Hero sold 2,94,192 units last month, facing a 22.15% YoY and 33.11% MoM decline. The saving grace for Hero was the exports, where the company shipped 30,574 units last month, yielding healthy figures of 89.78% YoY growth and 52.66% MoM growth. Exports gained 14,464 units YoY and 10,546 units MoM in volume.

Calendar Year Sales

With the end of calendar year 2024, Hero closed the accounts on a positive note. The company sold a total of 59,11,065 units in CY 2024 (Jan 2024  Dec 2024) including motorcycles and scooters. This was a 7.5% YoY growth over CY 2023. In exports too, Hero saw excellent growth in CY 2024, registering 49% YoY growth.

In Q4 2024, Hero pushed 14,63,622 units from its manufacturing facilities with 0.25% YoY growth. 13,60,159 of these were motorcycles with 2.63% YoY growth and accounted for 92.93% of companys total sales. 1,04,183 of these units were scooters with a 22.63% YoY decline in sales. Heros domestic sales accounted for 95.06% of total sales in Q4 2024 with 13,91,332 units sold and saw a 1.60% YoY decline. Exports stood at 72,290 units with 57.02% YoY growth.

In YTD analysis, only the scooters witnessed a YoY decline with 3,01,393 units sold with 9.78% de-growth. Motorcycles accounted for 93.33% of Heros total YTD sales with 42,17,249 units and 8.27% YoY growth. Domestic sales stood at 43,31,998 units with 5.79% YoY growth and exports stood at 1,86,644 units with 39.34% YoY growth. This resulted in a total of 45,18,642 units with 6.85% YoY growth.

Statement from Hero MotoCorp

Niranjan Gupta, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hero MotoCorp Ltd., said, 2024 has been a landmark year for Hero MotoCorp, defined by record-breaking achievements such as our highest-ever H1 FY 25 revenue and profits, a new festive sale record, significant global expansion, and increase in VIDA market share.

Growth across multiple segmentsfrom our core offerings, 125cc motorcycle segment and the evolving electric mobility portfoliohas reinforced Heros position as the preferred brand for millions of customers across the country.

As we look forward to Calendar Year 2025, we are poised for an exciting journey with key product launches including expansion of EV portfolio, further strengthening of premium portfolio and new scooter models in ICE segment. We believe an improvement in the broader customer sentiment may lead to even stronger demand recovery for us and the industry.
Hyundai rail freight logistics  Moves 26 percent of Domestic Volume in 2024

HMIL transported 26 percent of its domestic wholesale volumes using rail freight in CY 2024. This accounts for 1,56,724 units. MMarking a positive shift toward sustainable logistics. 100 percent of vehicle dispatches to the North-East region relying on rail freight.

Between CY 2021 and CY 2024, cumulative rail freight dispatches reached 5,37,499 units. This consistent utilisation of rail freight is a key focus to reduce the environmental impact of logistics operations. By using the extensive network of Indian Railways, Hyundai relies on efficient and widespread coverage for vehicle distribution.

Sriperumbudur Dispatch Hub Powers Nationwide Deliveries

Rail freight optimisation has led to substantial benefits. In CY 2024 alone, 18,352 tonnes of CO2 emissions were prevented. Over the four-year period from CY 2021 to CY 2024, a total of 63,452 tons of emissions were avoided to support sustainability embedded in the companys logistics framework.

Dispatches originate from Sriperumbudur, Chennai, leveraging Indian Railways far reaching infrastructure. This includes dedicated freight corridors and energy-efficient rolling stock, which provide the necessary support for Hyundais logistics requirements. These channels enhance both the speed and reliability of transportation.

North-East Deliveries Go All-In on Rail Transport

Rail freight offers distinct advantages. Reduced emissions, lower energy consumption, and the ability to handle large volumes efficiently make it an ideal choice. Hyundais logistics strategy optimises these benefits to meet its operational goals for timely dispatches.

The North-East regions reliance on rail freight drives this point home. This strategic decision ensures reliable vehicle delivery in a region with unique logistical challenges.

Hyundai rail freight logistics  Freight Corridors, Rolling Stock

Hyundai is keen to continually integrate sustainability across its operations. This involves reducing emissions in manufacturing, dispatches, and after-sales support. Efficient logistics contribute significantly to Hyundais overall operational framework.

Indian Railways continuous infrastructure improvements support Hyundais logistics plans. Modernisation efforts, such as introducing dedicated freight corridors, facilitate efficient operations. These advancements are key to businesses reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Sustainability Commitment

With measurable reductions in emissions and a commitment to optimally utilise modern infrastructure, rail freight plays an important role.

Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer  Hyundai Motor India Limited said, At HMIL, we have been relentless in our pursuit of promoting sustainability in all facets of our operations, be it manufacturing, dispatches, sales or after sales support. By utilizing Indian Railways extensive rail-network for delivering Hyundai vehicles from our plant in Sriperumbudur, Chennai, to multiple locations across India, we have effectively prevented 18,352 tons of CO2 emissions in CY 2024, dispatching 1,56,724 units in the process. As the Government of India continues to upgrade the rail infrastructure with dedicated freight corridors and modern & energy efficient rolling stock ensuring faster movement of goods, HMIL remains committed to utilizing rail freight to optimize its logistic operations, leading to long-term reduction in emissions.
First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska has spoken about her relationship with Melania Trump, the wife of President-elect Donald Trump. According to the Ukrainian public figure, she is not currently establishing ties with her American counterpart.

ADVERTISIMENT

The first lady explained the reason in a new interview for 1+1 TV channel, which was recorded jointly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Olena Zelenska, in order to invite Melania Trump to a meeting in Kyiv, you need to have a reason for the invitation.

"We have known her since we were the presidential couple in 2019. We have a normal relationship," the Ukrainian woman revealed. "So far, the current president has not left office, and so far, First Lady Jill Biden has. I haven't had any new contacts with Melania yet, but I think we will plan something soon. I think we'll invite her to the summit, and we'll see how it goes."

As you know, Donald Trump served as the head of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, becoming the 45th President of America. Melania Trump will return to the status of first lady after her husband's inauguration, which will take place on January 20, 2025.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
During excavations in the ancient city of Pisidia Antioch in western Turkey, an interesting artifact was discovered: a "magic amulet for cancer." According to the researchers, it was a gift from a father to his sick daughter.

ADVERTISIMENT

The head of the excavations, Professor Mehmet Ozhanli, said that the find, dating back to the fourth century AD, was discovered during excavations around the church on Edilik Hill. However, the amulet appeared earlier than the church on this site, and most likely got here in the 10th century AD, Arkeonews reports.

After examining the amulet, the researchers noticed that one side depicts a crab and the other side has the name of the sick girl and her parents. Apparently, the father ordered this amulet for his daughter as a healing pendant.

The figure of a crab has a hidden meaning, as in ancient times tumors were compared to cancer or a crab, The Jerusalem Post notes. The term "cancer" actually comes from the Greek word "karkinos," which means crab.

ADVERTISIMENT

Dr. Galen, who is known for his cancer research, said that the black veins that surround cancerous tumors look like the legs of a crab. "Just as a crab's legs spread out around its body, the veins in this disease have a similar shape. They spread from an abnormal crab-shaped tumor," he said.

According to the scientists, the found artifact with the image of a crab and inscriptions with wishes for healing belongs to the Hellenistic period. It was at this time that the use of these types of talismanic stones was widespread. However, the latest specimen is one of the best preserved.

Scientists emphasize that the significance of this amulet has been preserved over time because of its value as a gemstone. Over the years, it has been used by various people because of the belief that it can cure cancer.

Further analysis of the artifact is ongoing. Researchers believe that the find will make a significant contribution to the field of archaeology, as well as deepen the understanding of ancient health practices.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Netflix has officially confirmed the release of the third season of the popular series "Squid Game." The premiere is scheduled for 2025, and the first teaser has already piqued the interest of fans.

ADVERTISIMENT

The video shows a new doll with the famous stop and go light signals, which hints at the return of the series' iconic elements. "Everyone says hello to Chul-soo. "Squid Game 3 is coming in 2025 (Everyone say hi to Chul-su. Squid Game 3 coming 2025)," Netflix said in a post on social media.

"Squid Game" season 3: what is known

Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of the series, told Variety that the new season is scheduled for the summer or fall of 2025. "After the launch of the second season, we will soon announce the exact date of the third season," he said.

Fans speculate that the release may happen earlier than expected, as Netflix mentioned a specific date in the teaser  June 27, 2025. However, this video was quickly removed, leaving viewers in a state of anticipation.

ADVERTISIMENT

The quick removal of the teaser fueled rumors of a possible mistake or marketing strategy by the streaming giant. Viewers are actively discussing whether it was a real leak or an intention to provoke interest. In any case, fans are left waiting, trying to guess the date of the premiere.

Fans of the series are bombarding Netflix with questions about the specific release date. "Name the month when 'Squid Game 3!" is one of the most popular comments under the teaser post. This enthusiasm indicates that the new season will be another big hit for the platform.

ADVERTISIMENT

A new plot twist

The storyline of the third season will continue the story of the hero Gee Hong, who has found himself at a crossroads in life. After losing everything, including his best friend, he has to decide whether to continue fighting or abandon his mission. The creator of the series emphasized that in the third season, Gi-hoon will be a significantly changed character compared to the previous seasons.

Return of iconic characters

One of the key moments of the teaser is the appearance of a new character, the doll Chul-soo, who will become a partner of the famous robot Young-hee. They symbolize the continuation of the deadly games that have become the heart of the series. The new footage has already caused a flurry of discussions on social media and numerous theories about their role.

ADVERTISIMENT

Hwang Dong-hyuk emphasized that the third season continues the storyline of the second season rather than creating a separate story. According to him, the production of both seasons took place simultaneously, so the third part will be the logical conclusion of Gi-hoon's story.

"Squid Game" has already gained cult status, having won six Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. The anticipation of the third season only increases its popularity, and new plot developments promise even more emotions.

The only thing that is certain is that "Squid Game 3" promises to continue the tense tone of the previous seasons, offering viewers new challenges and plot twists. Fans can be sure that 2025 will be a year of great emotions and vivid impressions.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
At noon on January 3, there were no queues of vehicles at most checkpoints on the Ukrainian border. Where they do exist, the crowds are considerable  up to 80 cars (in particular, on the border with Poland). At the same time, at many checkpoints, only vehicles are allowed to cross, and pedestrians are not allowed to cross. Most of these checkpoints are on the border with Poland.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. They noted that as of 12:00, the accumulation of cars was recorded at the checkpoints:

"Ustyluh" (border with Poland)  50 cars;

"Krakivets" (border with Poland)  80 cars and 6 buses;

"Shehyni" (border with Poland)  20 cars;

"Malyi Bereznyi" (border with Slovakia)  10 cars;

"Uzhhorod" (border with Slovakia)  13 cars;

"Tysa" (border with Hungary)  17 cars, 2 buses;

"Kosyno" (border with Hungary)  10 cars;

"Luzhanka" (border with Hungary)  15 cars.

Pedestrians are not allowed to cross the border

At the same time, it is noted that many checkpoints do not allow pedestrians to cross the border. For example, on the border with Poland, these are the checkpoints:

"Yahodyn" (also temporarily not allowing passenger cars);

ADVERTISIMENT

"Ustyluh";

"Uhryniv";

"Rava-Ruska";

"Hrushiv";

"Krakivets";

"Smilnytsia."

On the border with Slovakia  "Uzhhorod."

On the border with Hungary  Tysa.

On the border with Romania  "Diakove."

In general, pedestrians may not be allowed to cross the border for various reasons. In particular:

For security reasons;

due to repairs, etc.

Ukraine and Romania will be connected by another border crossing

Earlier, the government's representative in the Verkhovna Rada, Taras Melnychuk, said that Ukraine and Romania would be connected by another crossing, a 261-meter highway border bridge across the Tisza River.

The bridge will be built between the Zakarpattia village of Bila Tserkva and the Romanian city of Sighetu Marmatiei. A checkpoint is also planned to be built there.

The construction is scheduled to be completed in January 2025. After that, the facility will be put into operation. The total cost of the project is 168.7 million lei (over UAH 383 million).

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Bestselling fantasy and science fiction author Brandon Sanderson's many series include Mistborn, the Stormlight Archive, Infinity Blade, Legion and Skyward. His books have sold more than 21 million copies worldwide. In 2007, he was chosen to finish Robert Jordan's iconic The Wheel of Time series. He also co-hosts the Hugo Award-winning writing advice podcast Writing Excuses. Sanderson lives in Utah with his wife and children. Recently he spoke with us about the 10th-anniversary edition of his Hugo-winning novella The Emperor's Soul (Tachyon), in which a gifted magical Forger must find a way to escape her captors while finishing the most difficult Forgery of her life: re-creating the Emperor's mind and personality after an assassination attempt.

What does the rerelease of The Emperor's Soul mean to you?

It is one of my favorite stories that I've written. I broke in as a giant, epic fantasy writer. I don't know if I'll ever be writing consistently award-winning flash fiction, but I wanted to practice the novella. My time spent working on it culminated in this story, which won the Hugo Award, which is to date my only win for a major fiction award. It's a mark of pride to me that I was able to teach myself to write in a slightly different format.

It's also a personal story about the nature of art and what it means to be an artist. All artists have this push and pull with art. Art theory goes back for me to Plato. He asks, are all artists poor imitations of reality? I do love Plato, but that question has always stuck in my craw. I wrote a story about what art meant to me, and about what makes something a masterpiece, versus a cheap copy.

How does the real world inspire your fiction?

If I have a challenge in my life, it's that I do not get to write all the stories that I want to write. Some of my beautiful things that I've imagined have to be put on the shelf as something that was only for me, and I'll never get to them. But everything inspires me and, beyond that, fiction is the way I work out my relationship to the now. The way that I work out my feelings about everything, from the nature of art, to politics, to relationships. As a writer, seeing through the eyes of different people who experience the world differently than myself is how I explore what it means to be human.

The world has changed in many ways since you wrote the story, and in some ways it hasn't changed at all. How might the story look different now to readers coming to it with fresh eyes?

Criticism is its own realm, and an author is often too close to the work to know what it's going to mean to people. At its core, The Emperor's Soul is about a woman coming to understand another person while a third person comes to understand her. I feel like the world could use a bit more effort to understand, even when we don't agree. Over the last 10 years, one of the things that has become increasingly obvious to me is that we make less of an effort than we ever have to understand each other.

In the new introduction, Jacob Weisman of Tachyon Publications recounts your Hugo Award acceptance. What do you remember about that evening?

It is one of the most magical evenings of my life. I still am a little bit disbelieving. With this story, I reached back to more traditional literary inspirations, and the fact that it even got nominated was a surprise to me. Winning floored me because I was up against some very, very stiff competition. There are various times when you can say, "Man, I think I've arrived now," and that was one of those moments for me.

What should readers expect from the new edition?

We have a cool deleted scene, the first scene I wrote for Emperor's Soul. As a writer, you have to write your way into a story. Then you read it and think, Wow, this scene got me into the story, but it doesn't belong. This one has some key continuity items that are relevant to the story and series, but I let them be inferred rather than seen. I think fans of the story in particular will love reading the scene and the new introduction.

A good friend of yours advised you to cut the scene.

Yeah, Mary Robinette Kowal, a master of the short form. Her rallying cry for me was, "Brandon, fewer characters." That's how you do the shorter form. Keep it focused. It was excellent advice.

What does having a strong community of writer friends mean to you?

Writing is so solitary. You're sitting in a room for hours on end. A lot of people do that for their jobs, but they're also touching base with their team members. In writing, you're by yourself and figuring out how to fix problems, how to grow. At certain points, you hit a wall and need friends to say, "This is how I climbed that wall. This is how I went around that wall. I dug under that wall!" The stronger the writing community, the more strong writers come out of it. When writers support one another, all their writing gets better. I'm grateful to my writing communities. I like the science fiction/fantasy community in particular, how open and welcoming it is to new writers.

You're known for your productivity. What motivates you to keep creating?

I love telling stories. I love holding the finished product in my hands. I love making things. If I'm not, something's missing from my life. When I have a vacation, what I want to do is sit on the beach and work on a new story, something that no one's expecting. I want to explore how to tell a different kind of story.

WithThe Emperor's Soul, I wondered, Can I tell a story that takes place mostly in one room? Can I tell a story that delves into the nature of art without feeling heavy-handed? These are challenges I set myself. I'm chasing the experience of what it feels like to tell these stories.

If a Forger had to re-create your essence, what would be the most important facets to get correct?

A Forger would probably have a pretty easy time, because I am who I am. When you read the books, every one of those characters is a piece of me. The thing that would be most important to get right would probably be that desire to tell stories. The way I interact with art is at the core of who I am. My desire to understand others drives me. My exploration of the world would be another point to get right.

And they need to know that I love salty foods, and I do enjoy sweet foods, but never the twain shall meet. If you make a Forgery of me that eats kettle corn, you have failed. --Jaclyn Fulwood
On the morning of January 3, Russia attacked Kyiv with Shahed drones once again. Air defense work reported in a number of areas.

ADVERTISIMENT

Later, the Kyiv City Military Administration said that debris fell in the Holosiivskyi and Darnytskyi districts, with subsequent fire. One person was reported injured.

The city authorities announced the air threat and the work of air defense forces at about 4 a.m. And at 05:37, the newly appointed head of the Kyiv MA, Tymur Tkachenko, reported the first consequences of the attack.

"As a result of the enemy attack, debris fall reported in the Holosiivskyi district. All services are on their way. Air raid alert is still in effect, stay in shelters," he wrote.

This information was confirmed by Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klychko.

"There is no fire in the Holosiivskyi district, where the wreckage of the UAV fell. The experts are examining the site," he said at 05:43.

In this area, the wreckage fell near a private house.

ADVERTISIMENT

The debris fall was also recorded in Darnytskyi district, where a private house caught fire.

"A fire broke out in a private house in Darnytskyi district as a result of the falling debris. Rescuers extinguished the fire, and information about the victims is being established," said Tkachenko at 05:52.

The house suffered damaged windows, a ruined wall and partial destruction of cladding.

Half an hour later, Klychko said that there were no casualties in either the Holosiivskyi or Darnytskyi districts due to the Russian attack.

In total, the air raid alert in the capital lasted more than 3 hours this morning.

"Terrorists continue targeted attacks on civilians. This time the enemy launched a UAV attack on the capital... The defense forces destroyed most of the enemy UAVs on the outskirts of Kyiv, but we still have debris fall in Holosiivskyi and Darnytskyi districts," noted Tkachenko.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to the head of the Kyiv MA, there were no significant destructions or serious injuries.

"A young woman suffered a burn on her hand, but she refused to be hospitalized," he said.

Earlier, it became known that during the cynical Russian attack on Kyiv on January 1, the administrative buildings of the Verkhovna Rada were damaged, and the roof of one of the National Bank buildings was on fire.

In total, on the first morning of 2025, the occupiers killed two people and injured seven in the capital. A couple of scientists were killed that day: a well-known Ukrainian neuroscientist, Ihor Zyma, and his wife, Doctor of Biological Sciences Olesia Sokur.

Fires broke out in several districts of the city, and destruction was reported.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
When the body of Ryota Uetsuji is fished out of the Tokyo Bay with a bullet in his back, his live-in girlfriend, Sonoka Shimauchi, becomes suspect number one. But there's a problem with that theory: Sonoka was out of town, traveling in Kyoto with a friend, at the time of the murder. Such is the conundrum at the heart of the twisty Invisible Helix by Edgar Award-nominated Keigo Higashino (Malice; A Midsummer's Equation), translated from the Japanese by Giles Murray.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector Kusanagi and his team are further confounded when Sonoka goes on the run with the help of an older woman who's considered a family friend. Why would Sonoka flee when she has a solid alibi? To help unravel the puzzle, Kusanagi brings in his old friend and occasional police consultant, Manabu Yukawa, a physics professor known as Detective Galileo for his sharp deductive skills. Yukawa discovers that some of the case's characters are connected by events reaching back decades, and they will go to great lengths to protect those they love.

In this fifth Detective Galileo mystery, Yukawa remains as brilliant as ever, but readers also get glimpses into a more vulnerable side of the usually inscrutable professor. A case that at first seems only mildly curious to him piques his interest when it seems to have links to Yukawa's own past. Baked into the DNA of Higashino's novels is the equal import the author gives to the motivations of the characters and the resolution of the central mystery. As a result, Invisible Helix is a carefully woven treatise on guilt, betrayal, and the definition of family. --Elyse Dinh-McCrillis, reviewer and freelance editor at The Edit Ninja
Mothers and Sons by Theodor Kallifatides (The Siege of Troy) is the kind of book that reverberates for the reader long after it's read. It's an inherently poignant memoir that deals with the 68-year-old author's trip from Sweden, where he lives, to his homeland of Greece to visit his 92-year-old mother. Because Kallifatides knows that any visit to his mother could be his last, he resolves to write about her and to capture her spirit. It's an act of love, and something of an act of preemptive mourning, though as Kallifatides writes, "Love is like Rome. With a bit of luck, all roads lead there."

At the same time, Kallifatides revisits his long-dead father's recollections, compiled at the author's request, and begins to translate them for his grandchildren. "They are too young to ask me to do this," he acknowledges, "and by the time they are grown-up enough to ask, I will probably not be available." The memoir oscillates between Kallifatides's father's memories, Kallifatides's memories of his father, and Kallifatides's attempt to commit a substantial depiction of his mother to literary memory.

Kallifatides is a prominent writer in his adopted country, and his elegant and evocative writing is translated beautifully from the Swedish by Marlaine Delargy. This is no tell-all memoir. " 'What is said in the home should not be repeated in the square,' the ancient Greeks used to say." Kallifatides is content to simply share his family's history through the powerful lens of love. --Elizabeth DeNoma, executive editor, DeNoma Literary Services, Seattle, Wash.
A federal judge has declared unconstitutional an Arkansas law that would have made bookstore owners and librarians subject to criminal prosecution for making materials available on bookstore and library shelves that could be deemed harmful to minors. The law also mandated a procedure whereby individuals could challenge books in public libraries based on "appropriateness." In addition, outside review boards would have been allowed or encouraged to challenge books.

Ruling that the law is overbroad and vague, Judge Timothy L. Brooks permanently enjoined enforcement of those key parts of the law. In a court memorandum, he found that the criminal sanctions section "violates the due process rights of professional librarians and booksellers and the First Amendment rights of library and bookstore patrons." And he found that the part that "empowers local elected officials to censor library books they feel are not 'appropriate' for citizens to read and allows (if not encourages) content- and viewpoint-based restrictions on protected speech" has no "compelling governmental purpose."

The ruling came in a lawsuit filed June 2, 2023, by a large group that includes two local bookstores--Pearl's Books, Fayetteville, and WordsWorth Books, Little Rock--the American Booksellers Association, parents and students, local libraries and library associations, the Association of American Publishers, the Authors Guild, and others.

A statement issued by many of the plaintiffs read: "Together with librarians, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers everywhere, we applaud the Court's carefully crafted decision upholding the constitutional right to access books."
Within the next few months, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, Va., is moving into larger space across the street from its current location, which it will keep and use in a different way, likely for events and classes, according to a Facebook post for customers.

"We're doing this to better serve you with more space for books and bodies and to give our staff comfortable places to work and take breaks!" Fountain said. "Your support has finally made it possible "

The store has added a new membership program, in addition to its in-store loyalty accounts: "Your memberships will help us increase bookseller wages and health care benefits and help us grow into our new location!" Six membership levels range from a free option up to $100 a month for "Fountain Freak," which includes free merchandise, a 20% discount on all store purchases, a two-hour private after-hours event at the store once a year, and more.
Hindustan Zinc has once again demonstrated its leadership in sustainability by securing the top global rank in the 2024 edition of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). The company outperformed 248 peers in the metals and mining sector with an impressive score of 86, marking the second consecutive year it has held this position.

The S&P Global CSA is a renowned benchmark for evaluating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance, providing insights into a companys sustainability practices. Hindustan Zincs achievement underscores its commitment to responsible manufacturing, bolstered by its top scores in critical parameters such as climate strategy, community relations, and waste and pollutant management.

In 2023, the company achieved the same global distinction with a score of 85. This years success reflects Hindustan Zincs forward-thinking approach, integrating environmental stewardship, community development, ethical governance, and innovation. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, remarked, From low-carbon zinc to circular economy practices, we remain focused on creating a sustainable future for all. This recognition motivates us to continue driving positive change, ensuring our operations benefit the communities and environment we serve.

As a producer of zinc and silver critical metals for the energy transition Hindustan Zinc plays a pivotal role in global decarbonization efforts. With over 75% primary zinc market share in India and ranking as the third-largest silver producer globally, the company is aligning its operations with its Net Zero by 2050 target. By 2027, it aims to source 70% of its energy needs from renewable power.

In a major milestone, Hindustan Zinc recently commenced production of EcoZen, Asias first low-carbon zinc, using renewable energy. Its decarbonization efforts include increasing renewable energy use, transitioning to electric vehicles, adopting cleaner fuels, and optimizing energy efficiency. These initiatives have helped the company reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 14% in FY24 compared to its 2020 baseline, even as production volumes increased.

Hindustan Zincs sustainability initiatives extend beyond emissions reduction. Its Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand operates entirely on renewable energy, and the company has deployed battery electric vehicles in underground mines. Circular economy practices further enhance its environmental contributions.

The companys efforts have garnered global recognition. In addition to its CSA ranking, Hindustan Zinc received an 'A-' Leadership Band designation from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its achievements in water security and climate change.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have developed a groundbreaking solution to tackle soil pollution. They have identified bacteria capable of consuming toxic pollutants in the soil and producing essential nutrients as byproducts, according to an official release.

The research team has been studying bacteria that feed on hazardous chemicals and pollutants as a means to address the growing pollution of natural resources. In their recent study, published in the journal Environmental Technology and Innovation, the team leveraged specific bacterial species to remove organic pollutants from soil.

Not only do these bacteria help in degrading harmful substances, but they also enhance plant growth by boosting growth hormones, inhibiting the growth of harmful fungi, and making critical nutrients more accessible to plants. The IIT Bombay release emphasized that these bacterial species could reduce dependency on chemical pesticides and insecticides while improving soil health and fertility.

Soil contamination from aromatic compounds organic chemicals with benzene-like structures is a major challenge for the agricultural sector. These toxic compounds, commonly found in pesticides, herbicides, and industrial by-products, can hinder seed germination, stifle plant growth, reduce yields, and accumulate in plant biomass.

Widely used aromatic pollutants, such as carbaryl, naphthalene, benzoate, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and phthalates, not only impact agriculture but also stem from industries like cosmetics, textiles, construction, petroleum, and plastics. Traditional approaches to removing these pollutants, such as chemical treatments or soil removal, are often expensive and fail to provide comprehensive solutions.

To address this issue, IIT Bombay researchers identified bacteria from highly toxic environments. They discovered that bacterial species belonging to the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter were particularly effective in breaking down aromatic compounds.

These bacteria were isolated from contaminated soil and agricultural fields. They consume pollutants, breaking them down into simpler, harmless, non-toxic compounds, effectively acting as natural cleaners of polluted environments, said Prof. Prashant Phale from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay. The research, conducted under his guidance, was led by Sandesh Papade as part of his PhD work.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has achieved a historic milestone in 2024, filing a record-breaking 152 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). This marks the institute's highest number of filings in a single year, sustaining its remarkable growth trajectory in research and innovation for the fourth consecutive year. To date, IIT Kanpur has filed over 1,200 IPRs, solidifying its position as a leader in translating academic research into impactful technologies.

The 152 filings in 2024 include 124 patents, 10 design registrations, 2 copyrights, and 6 trademark applications. Further expanding its global footprint, the institute filed 7 patents in the United States, 2 in China, and 1 in Europe. This diverse portfolio underscores IIT Kanpur's commitment to cutting-edge research in domains such as medtech and nanotechnology.

Among the notable inventions are a transdermal patch for drug delivery, Kryptoceler for cryptographic acceleration, a chop saw metal-cutting machine, a hybrid-powered electric tower car, and a contactless automated tool for measuring crack growth. These innovations highlight the institutes focus on addressing real-world challenges through advanced technological solutions.

2024 also saw a significant increase in the number of IPRs granted to IIT Kanpur, with 217 previously filed applications receiving approval. Prominent among these are a smart electric meter, a portable medical suction device, a quadcopter drone with an out-of-plane folding mechanism, a broadband orbital angular momentum detector for quantum technologies, and a novel process for fabricating ultra-thin polymer composite electrolytes.

The institute's dedication to bridging academia and industry was evident in its successful licensing of seven technologies and the launch of two groundbreaking products the 'Air Sampling Device' and the 'Metamaterial Cloaking System'. These innovations, licensed to Airshed Planning Professionals Private Limited and Meta Tattva Systems Private Limited, respectively, underscore IIT Kanpur's focus on translating research into commercially viable solutions.

Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, expressed pride in the institute's achievements. The record 152 IPR filings and the increase in granted patents reaffirm IIT Kanpur's commitment to pioneering translational research. We are deeply grateful to our researchers, government partners, stakeholders, and the institutes IPR Cell for their efforts in transferring technologies from academia to industry. As we move into 2025, we aim to enhance our R&D capabilities and strengthen collaborations to create innovations with lasting societal impact'.

Adding to its accolades, IIT Kanpur was honored with the prestigious STEM Impact Awards 2024 for its exceptional technology transfer activities. This years recognition was for the technology transfer of the 'Haptic Smartwatch for the Blind & Visually Impaired', a groundbreaking innovation with significant socio-economic impact. This marks the third time the institute has received the STEM Impact Award.

IIT Kanpur continues to play a pivotal role in enriching the nations R&D ecosystem with transformative innovations. The institute also reported a two-fold increase in revenues from IP licensing, reflecting the growing commercial success of its technologies. As India advances towards self-reliance and technological excellence,in enriching the nations R&D ecosystem with transformative innovations.

With these accomplishments, IIT Kanpur stands as a beacon of research excellence, poised to deliver even more impactful contributions to society in the years ahead.
Despite economic challenges, the Indian technology industry grew by 3.8% year-on-year in FY24, reaching a valuation of $254 billion, according to the Grant Thornton Bharat '2025 Tech Trends Report'. The sector employed 5.43 million professionals, reflecting a 1.1% increase, with demand surging for skills in generative AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

Expansion into tier 2 and tier 3 cities is emerging as a key strategy to address talent shortages. Raja Lahiri, Partner and Technology Industry Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, emphasized the need for Indian tech companies to navigate growth challenges while leveraging opportunities in generative AI and emerging technologies.

Generative AI and Engineering Research and Development (ER&D) services drove a robust 7.4% growth in niche sectors, including aerospace, defense, and automotive digital engineering projects. Additionally, Indias 1,700 global capability centers (GCCs) reinforce its status as a global innovation hub, supported by investor interest and a thriving start-up ecosystem.

Indias deeptech ecosystem, comprising over 3,600 start-ups, continues to demonstrate significant potential in areas such as artificial intelligence, space technology, and health technology. The report highlights strategic AI deployment, including operational efficiency and robust governance, as key to driving long-term value creation.

However, FY24 also presented challenges, including slowing revenue growth and rising employee costs, exacerbated by high attrition during the pandemic. Firms are urged to balance cost containment with investments in innovation to maintain competitiveness.

"India is expected to dominate the global technology services market, driven by its vast engineering talent pool and the high-quality impact of business and digital transformation for global clients", Lahiri stated.

The report calls on Indian tech firms to foster a culture of excellence in innovation, quality, and customer experience to lead the global technology space in 2025. Despite hurdles, the industrys adoption of SaaS, digital transformation, and generative AI positions it for moderate recovery in the coming year.
Theoretical physicists from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in Spain claim that they can finally explain why Schrodinger's cat always appears in the same state whenever it is observed. According to them, we are in a multiverse.

ADVERTISIMENT

Their proposal is largely based on the assumption that each possibility of a quantum system is a universe in itself. That is, we are talking about a concept known as the theory of multiple worlds, ScienceAlert writes.

In 1935, Austrian physicist Erwin Schrodinger proposed an experiment that later became known as the Schrodinger cat paradox. To illustrate the paradoxical nature of this concept, the physicist imagined a cat in a closed box. It also contained a radioactive atom with a 50% chance of decay and a detector that, if it detected decay, would activate a mechanism that would release a poisonous gas and kill the cat. According to quantum mechanics, until the box is opened and observed, the cat should be both alive and dead at the same time  it is in a state of superposition.

ADVERTISIMENT

Schrodinger used this thought experiment to emphasize how strange and unusual quantum mechanics is when viewed from the perspective of classical physics. The paradox of Schrodinger's cat has become a kind of symbol of the complexity and disagreements in the understanding of quantum phenomena, leaving open many questions that are still being discussed in scientific circles.

The proposal of theoretical physicists is based on the assumption that each possibility of a quantum system constitutes the Universe itself, and that we are in a multiverse. Based on this, Philip Strasberg, Therese E. Reinhardt, and Joseph Schindler use first principles to show how the entanglement of particles in the existing landscape pulls Schrodinger's cat out of its own equation, unambiguously dead or alive, but never in a state of "in between."

ADVERTISIMENT

Some of the earliest debates in quantum physics revolved around how to interpret uncertainty. One attempt to make sense of this distinction in reality is to imagine all the possible states of a particle as equivalent, each representing its own private universe. Out of these many worlds, only one is woven into ours when it encounters our own vast network of established possibilities, earning the right to be considered "real."

In the team's numerical demonstration, the net scale of interactions rapidly grows in a way that overwhelms the possibilities until only single states remain. In other words, given the complexity of the universe surrounding Schrodinger's cat, which includes the cage, the observers, the building they are in, and more, the rapidly increasing interactions between the environment and the live and dead states over time means that the two states will not appear as a mixture.

ADVERTISIMENT

In fact, this merging of worlds occurs at such a small level that a relatively small number of particles can quickly smooth out the fuzziness of an indeterminate state, making the quantum fog virtually disappear on the smallest scales.

"Since everyday objects contain a huge number of particles, this explains why the multiverse is not directly perceived by us," the scientists write in their article.

At first glance, it seems that the problem is solved, but it is not. Although the hypothesis helps us visualize the choice of one state from a lottery of countless possibilities, the explanation is still based on the assumption that all universes behave in this way. These universes also do not take into account the complexities of general relativity.

ADVERTISIMENT

It is still possible to imagine that the right combination of entangled states could still produce a mixture of a live and a dead cat, or at least it is not impossible. There is also the question of how much quantum randomness can affect a macroscopic reality like ours.

However, this is not the first time that theoretical physicists have suggested the need to incorporate larger-scale representations of existing states to understand why an indefinite quantum blur suddenly stops at a single measurement.

Schrodinger's cat will remain an enigma in physics for a long time to come, rolling over in its grave as a perfect metaphor for the field of physics that remains rich in possibilities.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Railway Energy Management Company Ltd (REMCL), a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways (MOR) and RITES. This MoU will finance renewable energy projects that will power Indian Railways and will help meet the broader objective of sustainability.

As part of this deal, IRFC will explore various financing options for renewable, thermal, and nuclear energy initiatives. These projects will be structured under a captive model, with joint ventures involving Indian Railways and other relevant entities. The collaboration underlines the mutual commitment of both parties to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, in keeping with Indian Railways' larger environmental objectives.

REMCL brings its expertise in managing the procurement of cost-efficient conventional and renewable power for the railways, including overseeing the bidding process for renewable energy projects in the power sector. Meanwhile, IRFC will leverage its financial proficiency in project evaluation and fundraising, ensuring the successful execution of these initiatives.

The MoU represents a significant milestone for IRFC as it seeks to diversify its business model while maintaining its crucial role in the infrastructure development of Indian Railways. By focusing on renewable energy solutions, the partnership aligns with the governments vision of encouraging environmentally sustainable and world-class transportation systems nationwide.

This collaboration not only enhances Indian Railways green energy objectives but also reflects the growing importance of renewable energy in Indias journey toward sustainable development. The initiative highlights the role of public-sector entities in championing innovative solutions to combat climate change and meet the nations clean energy targets.

The announcement had an immediate impact on market sentiments, as IRFC shares surged by 3%, reaching a days high of Rs 156.80 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The steady growth in IRFCs share value over the past two years illustrates the markets confidence in the corporations forward-looking strategies and its ability to adapt to emerging opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in key areas, including maritime security, trade, and investment. This visit comes nearly three months after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzus state visit to India.

On Friday, Khaleel is set to hold wide-ranging discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The talks will focus on enhancing the India-Maldives partnership across various domains.

Working towards India-Maldives joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership. Warm welcome to FM @abkhaleel of Maldives on his first official visit to India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media platform X.

Khaleel, who previously served as the Maldives Health Minister, has consistently acknowledged Indias pivotal role in supporting the Maldives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trip further builds on the rapport established during President Muizzus October 2024 visit, where Khaleel was part of the delegation.

President Muizzus visit was a landmark event, underscored by his meetings with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior officials. Discussions focused on bolstering the development partnership, expanding financial assistance, and exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration. Indias continued financial support, including a one-year interest-free extension of T-bills and a $400 million currency swap agreement, was met with gratitude from the Maldivian side.

The visit also included business forums in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, where President Muizzu presented investment opportunities in special economic zones, luxury private islands, eco-friendly resorts, and integrated tourism projects.

Khaleels current visit is expected to follow up on those discussions, addressing progress in sectors like social housing, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, healthcare, renewable energy, womens empowerment, and human resource development. Both nations continue to prioritize their shared vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' as they deepen their ties.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda highlighted the remarkable growth of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), which has seen over 50 lakh patient footfalls in the last decade. Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of NIMHANS in Bengaluru, Nadda praised the institution for its transformation into an 'Institute of National Importance'.

Nadda expressed his gratitude to the faculty, students, and all stakeholders who have contributed to NIMHANS growth from a mental health institute to a national leader in healthcare. He noted that patient footfall at NIMHANS has increased more than five-fold over the years, from under 10 lakh in the 1970s to over 50 lakh in the past decade. "The scale at which NIMHANS treats its immense footfall of patients makes them a leader in quality healthcare in India", he said.

The Union Minister also lauded NIMHANS for being the first NABH-accredited hospital among all Institutes of National Importance. The institute is ranked among the top 200 hospitals globally. Nadda emphasized the governments commitment to mainstreaming mental health, pointing to the National Mental Health Programme and the TeleMANAS scheme, which has been operational since 2022.

TeleMANAS, a 24x7 mental health assistance helpline, has received 16.6 lakh calls since its launch, and services are now available in all states and union territories, with 53 functional cells. NIMHANS serves as the apex coordinating centre for TeleMANAS and also trains over 1,000 students for the program.
Silicon Valley is now deeply entwined with former President Donald Trumps initiatives, according to Indian American venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani. Highlighting the regions role in shaping the next wave of innovation-friendly policies, Motwani expressed excitement about collaborating with fellow investors and entrepreneurs such as David Sacks, Chamath Palihapitiya, and Sriram Krishnan.

Silicon Valley is now deeply enmeshed in all things Trump. I am excited to work with my peers to bring back an innovation-friendly regulatory system, Motwani told.

Motwani, an early Google investor, has supported more than 100 startups and is a staunch advocate for Indias growing startup ecosystem. Her late husband, Professor Rajeev Motwani of Stanford University, played a pivotal role in developing Googles foundational algorithms and mentoring its founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

Former President Trump has tapped several Silicon Valley leaders for key roles. David Sacks has been named White House AI and Crypto Czar, while Indian American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan will serve as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence.

Motwani criticized current regulatory approaches, saying, The tech industry has been harassed and hounded by ideologues like Lina Khan for too long. It would be a breath of fresh air if she was replaced by someone who understands the strategic importance of American technology leadership in a hostile world.

Indias entrepreneurial landscape. Through the Motwani Jadeja Foundation, she has worked to elevate Indias presence on global platforms, including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). A long-time Trump supporter, Motwani is also a strong proponent of. Through the Motwani Jadeja Foundation, she has worked to elevate Indias presence on global platforms, including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The Foundation will host the India Pavilion at CES 2025, scheduled for January 711 in Las Vegas. Featuring 10 promising Indian startups, the Pavilion aims to spotlight Indias innovation and entrepreneurial prowess. CES provides a unique opportunity, and we are proud to support the Indian startup community in taking center stage, Motwani shared in a post on X.

This initiative underscores her ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening ties between Silicon Valley and Indias burgeoning tech ecosystem.
Western Carriers (India) Limited (WCIL) has bagged a major order from Vedanta Limited, which further strengthens its position in the logistics and material handling industry. The four-year contract worth around Rs 139 crore involves a wide range of material handling services at Vedanta's JSG Plant. This contract shows that WCIL can handle large-scale and complex operations, which further cements its position as an important logistics partner for big industrial clients.

Vedanta Limited, a diversified natural resources company in India, has outsourced this tender to WCIL. The material handling scope covers a wide range of materials across multiple domains. It will handle raw material imports on behalf of the plant, with the objective of delivering the consignments effectively. In addition, the finished goods logistics and distribution within India will be undertaken by the company, ensuring smooth domestic supply chains. In addition, WCIL will handle the export handling of finished products, thus ensuring smooth delivery to international markets.

The contract is for a fixed period of four years, thus ensuring stability and long-term partnership between WCIL and Vedanta. The total value of the contract amounts to Rs 139 crore, which reflects its scale and importance for both companies.

Transparency-wise, WCIL has clarified that neither its promoters nor any affiliated group companies have vested interests in Vedanta. That way, there is no concern of related parties, which is a good point for the agreement.

This strategic contract underlines the fact that WCIL provides integrated logistics solutions across the import, domestic, and export segments. Signing such a long term partnership with Vedanta would not only enhance its position in India's competitive landscape of logistics and material handling. Industry growth in Indian material handling logistics is increasing through industrial activities where the demand of efficient supply chains is rising to meet the operational needs of top industrial players within the country, and WCIL is well geared to capitalize from these market developments.
While Mayor Eric Adams hasnt officially endorsed any Gracie Mansion merch, one daring New Yorker took it upon himself to allegedly enter the official Upper East Side home of hizzoner and swipe a souvenir, multiple media outlets are reporting.

According to police, Michael Aromando, 20, of Manhattan made his way over a fence surrounding the mansion at East 88th Street and East End Avenue around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday morning and recorded a cellphone video of himself nicking a Christmas ornament from a drawer inside the residence.

While Adams was reportedly not home at the time, Aromando was spotted by the mayors security detail wandering around the second floor of the building before he was taken into police custody without incident, prosecutors said.

Aromando was charged with burglary and released on $5,000 bail during his arraignment Thursday. A Manhattan Criminal Court judge also ruled that he abide by an 11 p.m. curfew and ordered him to stay at least a block away from Gracie Mansion at all times.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  NYPD Patrol Borough Staten Island is kicking off the new year with a fresh batch of new recruits, as 37 recent graduates of the police academy have been assigned to serve throughout each of the Islands four precincts.

Six officers each will be heading to the 121st Precinct in Graniteville; the 122nd Precinct in New Dorp; and the 123rd Precinct in Tottenville. The remaining 19 new officers will report to the 120th Precinct in St. George.

Today we welcome our new officers who recently graduated the police academy. They are a welcome addition, and it will help in our efforts to further reduce violent crime on the North Shore in 2025, the 120th Precinct announced in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

This brings the total number officers patrolling the borough to 750, according to a spokesman for the Richmond County District Attorneys office.

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon previously sounded the alarm about staffing levels on the Island in late 2023, opining that more cops on the street would help combat key issues including overdoses and violence on the North Shore.

Even with a lack of police officers within the borough, the NYPD has managed to increase arrests while the district attorneys office has been able to successfully close out the resulting crime cases, McMahon confirmed at the time.

Law enforcements vital mission to protect and serve has never been more difficult and yet, this week, Staten Islanders received some much-welcomed news as over three dozen NYPD officers have been newly assigned to patrol our beloved borough, McMahon said in a statement following todays announcement. While still woefully and historically short of the needed headcount to adequately protect our borough, I applaud Commissioner Tisch for heeding my offices call and assigning 37 members from this years graduating class to Staten Island.

McMahon went on to say that while these newest members of New Yorks Finest set out to deter and investigate crime, the men and women of the district attorneys officers are eager and ready to work in partnership with them to hold dangerous criminals accountable in the courtroom, reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life for residents.

While I am confident that this recent influx and investment in Staten Islands public safety will make a sizeable impact, I call on our boroughs young people to serve our city and help to restore public safety by joining the greatest police force the world has ever known and I will continue to urge Commissioner Tisch and our partners in government to allocate the necessary resources, personnel, and technology needed to keep Staten Island the safest community of its size in the country, McMahon added.

Applications are open now through March 25 for the police officer test, which is required by the city for those would like to join the force.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  This weeks Staten Islands Best Dressed features photos from the Staten Island Giving Circle (SIGC) holiday breakfast on Dec. 4. The event, held at the Old Bermuda Inn, was attended by military veterans, their families, and spouses.

The breakfast aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges many veterans face, particularly during the holiday season. While most people focus on shopping and celebrations, many veterans  especially those who are homebound, disabled, or homeless  struggle with loneliness and isolation.

This event is our way of showing gratitude, but also of highlighting the needs of veterans in our community, said Evelyn Kormanik, founder of SIGC. The holidays can be tough for many of these heroes, and we want to ensure they know theyre not forgotten.

SIGC is deeply committed to supporting veterans through targeted programs addressing critical issues such as food insecurity and social isolation. In mid-2024, the organization introduced an initiative tailored to meet these challenges.

What began as a small group of eight veterans has now expanded to nearly 70 participants. The program offers essential food supplies and a welcoming environment where veterans can connect, share experiences, and find support from others who understand their journeys.

Were doing more than handing out food, shared one veteran at a recent event. This is a place where we can unwind, reminisce, and build a true sense of community.

The breakfast gathering included notable guests such as Alex Marrocco and Bob and Linda Ollis, who were recognized for their significant contributions to SIGCs efforts. Their support has been instrumental in broadening the organizations outreach to veterans and other underserved groups in the community.

Key sponsors of the event were also acknowledged, including Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), Island Auto, Phillips 66, Sandy Hook Pilots Association, and Lynne Persing, the founder and retired CEO of Conhagen Corporation. Their generosity has been vital in advancing SIGCs mission to serve local veterans.

Another highlight of the event was the announcement of SIGCs new space at 4170 Hylan Blvd., formerly the site of Bozos Army/Navy Store. The facility will feature a large food pantry, complete with refrigeration, to support SIGCs growing programs.

The new space will also store essential donations for other SIGC initiatives benefiting underserved children, seniors, and the homeless. With the additional space, SIGC will be able to better organize and distribute clothing, hygiene products, toys, and other essential items to those in need.

Having this new space will make a huge difference, said Kormanik. It allows us to streamline our efforts, store donations, and ultimately help more people in our community.

For more information about SIGC, visit https://www.statenislandgivingcircle.org/

Scroll below for a glimpse into the days events. To be featured in future editions of Staten Islands Best Dressed, email your photos to gsantos@siadvance.com. Be sure your images are clear and include the names of everyone pictured!

On December 4, SIGC hosted its annual holiday luncheon for seniors at Canterbury Houses and the Act Cares daycare program. Pictured are Robin Blocker, Julius Walker, Forest Ballard, Zionese Porter, Michele Yacovello. (Courtesy SIGC)Courtesy Michele Yacovello

On December 4, SIGC hosted its annual holiday luncheon for seniors at Canterbury Houses and the Act Cares daycare program. Pictured are Marie Akerman, Lori Perrotta, Evelyn Kormanik, Lynne Persing, a friend, and Cheryl Garber, of RUMC.Courtesy Michele Yacovello

On December 4, SIGC hosted its annual holiday luncheon for seniors at Canterbury Houses and the Act Cares daycare program. Pictured are Connie Dalessio, Marie Akerman, Mary Dujmich, Lore Parenti-Norden, Liz McTigue. Courtesy Michele Yacovello

On December 4, SIGC hosted its annual holiday luncheon for seniors at Canterbury Houses and the Act Cares daycare program. Pictured are Lisa Barra, Michele Yacovello, Mike McCann, Scott Glass, of Phillips 66.Courtesy Michele Yacovello

On December 4, SIGC hosted its annual holiday luncheon for seniors at Canterbury Houses and the Act Cares daycare program. Pictured are Charlotte Sciarrino, Michele Yacovello, Marcello Sciarrino. Courtesy Michele Yacovello

On December 4, SIGC hosted its annual holiday luncheon for seniors at Canterbury Houses and the Act Cares daycare program. Pictured are Patty Beniquez, Frank DiTommaso, Kathy Barzal. Courtesy Michele Yacovello
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  One Staten Island elected official wants to see more micro-mobility options for Staten Islanders, and she thinks the Staten Island Ferry may be the perfect place to start.

In a Dec. 26 letter to Mayor Eric Adams, Councilmember Kamillah Hanks floated the possibility of using vacant vehicle decks on certain ferries as a bike-share dock and charging station for e-bikes and e-scooters.

[D]uring my recent frequent trips on the Ferry to and from City Hall, I have observed commuters resorting to charging their personal e-bikes and e-scooters onboard the Staten Island Ferry due to the absence of an official safe and reliable charging station, wrote the North Shore councilwoman, a Democrat.

She suggested installing charging stations and a possible bike-share dock on former car decks to help address the need shes noticed on the Ferry.

The addition of charging stations would have the added benefit of a safe, regulated area for bikers to charge their vehicles, Hanks said.

I have personally seen Ferry riders charging their e-bikes and e-scooters aboard, this may pose a fire hazard, she said. As there is nothing more dangerous aboard a boat than a fire, it is imperative that New York City provide safe, effective charging station for their riders.

Among active ferries, only the Molinari-class  the Guy V. Molinari, the Spirit of America and the Sen. John J. Marchi  have vacant vehicle decks, according to a city Department of Transportation spokesperson. Those decks have space for about 30 cars.

Many past ferries had car decks for drivers coming to and from Manhattan, but a 2002 federal law effectively banned them from the Staten Island Ferry leaving the massive deck space vacant.

Bike-share program

Hanks also called for the city to finally expand its bike-share program, commonly referred to as CitiBike, to Staten Island, the only borough still without a single dock.

The Department of Transportation spokesperson said the agency had received Hanks' letter, and would review her concerns.

Adams announced a CitiBike expansion in December to parts of the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, but notably left Staten Island out of the program.

There have been efforts to bring separate, smaller-scale bike share programs to Staten Island, including a short-lived pilot program by JUMP and Lime in 2018, but after that, the plan to bring Beryl bikes to the borough fell flat, with the company pulling out of its agreement at the last minute due to complications associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Is that all stars, or is that the drones?

The camera focuses on an array of lights in the black sky, forming a shining, straight, vertical line, disembodied voices quizzically discussing the aerial phenomenon.

The video was sent to the Advance/SILive.com by Instagram user @gabbyyy973, who recorded the unusual sight Wednesday night in Oakwood.

What the f---? One disembodied voice asks, before others begin to overlap with their own puzzlement.

In an era when Staten Islands nights have included unidentified drone sightings, it appears another array of flying objects have taken to the air.

Others posted videos and photos of the line of mysterious lights on the Ring video app, questioning the origin of the phenomenon.

Dozens commented that it was SpaceXs Starlink satellites launching, but the fault with that is the SpaceX website had no scheduled Starlink launches on Jan. 1, 2025.

In fact, the last Starlink satellite mission occurred on New Years Eve from Central Floridas Kennedy Space Center.

However, it could be possible that it was already airborne Starlink satellites. According to the FindStarlink website, there was a four-minute block of average, dim visibility around 6:20 p.m. on the first of the new year.

For those unfamiliar with the technology, owned by Elon Musk, Starlink is the worlds first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more. Leveraging advanced satellites and user hardware coupled with our deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world, the website reads.

This new questionable phenomenon is appearing during a flurry of drone activity that has drawn scrutiny and calls for action across the globe.

Drones sweep American bases in England

British government officials have held two high-level, secret security meetings in the wake of mysterious drone activity over American air bases in England.

That has led Borough President Vito Fossella to slam U.S. officials for their lack of transparency over drone activity in the United States.

What are we waiting for? the borough president recently said in a prepared statement.

The Times of London reported that two secret meetings of the Civil Contingencies Committee have been held by top U.K. officials after mystery drones buzzed American air bases in England.

Concerns were heightened because the drones had technology so sophisticated that authorities have been unable to track them or identify those responsible, the Times said.

Military officials have not ruled out the involvement of a hostile state but have expressed alarm that it has so far proved impossible to find the pilots responsible for controlling the drones.

It was said that the drones were not programmed but were controlled in real time by live operators.

This comes after weeks of Staten Island residents fearing the drones and their intent. It is important to keep in mind that drones cannot legally be shot down in the United States.
Experts have found the cause of the largest extinction of penguin-like birds in modern history. It is a sea heat wave known as a "blob"  a large mass of unusually warm water off the coast of North America in the Pacific Ocean.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to scientists, it was this "spot" that could have caused the death of half the population of a common seabird that looks like a flying penguin. The heatwave between 2014 and 2016 was the strongest marine heat wave in history, raising the ocean temperature by about 14 degrees Celsius, MailOnline writes.

This destabilized the weather and coastal marine ecosystems from California to Alaska, reducing food supplies for seabirds and causing massive deaths.

Their disappearance has a particular impact on Alaskan Native communities, as "flying penguins" have traditionally been an important source of meat and eggs. According to experts, the population decline threatens traditional harvesting methods and cultural ties.

ADVERTISIMENT

Prior to the heat wave, Alaska was home to approximately 8 million seabirds, which is about a quarter of the world's population of these animals. But now scientists estimate that their number has dropped to about 4 million based on an analysis of survey data collected after the heat wave. Moreover, they show no signs of recovery. In 2020, researchers studying the causes of the bird deaths concluded that it was most likely starvation due to the effects of the heat wave. At the time, they estimated the death toll at between 62,000 and 1 million.

The new study revealed the full extent of this extinction, emphasizing the catastrophic impact of ocean warming on animal populations.

ADVERTISIMENT

It's been seven years since the "blight" wiped out the bird population in Alaska. And, according to scientists, the fact that they have not yet shown signs of recovery is a cause for concern.

While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons why this population has failed to recover, it is likely that the heat wave altered the resources and dynamics on which the common murres depend, ultimately destabilizing the entire ecosystem.

"This study shows a clear and surprisingly long-lasting impact of marine heatwaves on the most popular marine predator species. Importantly, the heat wave did not affect the heat stress on the birds, but rather changes in the food web, which led to their sudden and fatal deprivation of sufficient food," commented Julia Parrish, professor of aquatic and fisheries sciences and biology.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While congestion pricing looks to charge anyone driving into certain parts of Manhattan, there are some areas that will still be toll-free.

Starting soon, drivers will be charged when entering Manhattan on, or south of, 60th Street. Not all roads in this area will require a fee, however.

Certain roads will be fully exempt from the tolls, including the FDR Drive and West Side Highway. In addition, the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, and the roads that connect it to the FDR and West Side, will also be exempt, according to the MTA.

Additionally, any cars that start in the toll zone, and only travel within that area or the excluded roads, will not be charged.

Heres what else drivers need to know before congestion pricing is set to begin this month.

Congestion pricing is back?!

Yes. In mid-November, Gov. Kathy Hochul officially reinstated congestion pricing for New York City.

At the press conference announcing this decision, the governor characterized her initial opposition to the program as a concern over the high cost for working New Yorkers.

What is congestion pricing?

Congestion pricing refers to using electronic tolling to charge vehicles for entering certain areas of Manhattan  the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ)  to reduce traffic congestion and raise money for public transportation upgrades.

Revenue generated from the program will be bonded against and to fund around $15 billion worth of capital projects in the citys aging transit systems.

What is the Congestion Relief Zone?

As part of the $175 billion state budget approved on April 1, 2019, the MTAs Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority will establish the Central District Business Tolling Program.

This will charge travelers a fee for driving into Manhattans Congestion Relief Zone, defined as any area south of 60th Street, but excludes certain highways in the area.

When will this start?

The official start date for the plan, according to Hochul, will be midnight on Sunday, Jan. 5.

At that point, the programs myriad cameras will come alive and begin charging drivers a once-a-day fee either through E-ZPass or the Tolls by Mail program.

How much will it cost?

Drivers entering the CRZ will be paying a fee that varies depending on vehicle type and time of day.

During the daytime, defined as 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, drivers with E-ZPass will pay the following:

Passenger vehicles (once per day): $9

Motorcycles (once per day): $4.50

Small trucks and non-commuter buses: $14.40

Large trucks and sightseeing buses: $21.60

Drivers without E-ZPass can expect to pay even more come early January. Passenger vehicles will be charged $13.50 and motorcycles will have to pay $6.75 if a driver uses Tolls by Mail.

Overnight hours

Toll rates will be discounted during overnight hours, which are defined as weekdays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and weekends from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Additionally, Hochul said she wants to lower tolls by 75% overnight to encourage more nighttime deliveries in the city.

As such, passenger vehicles with E-ZPass will pay $2.25 and motorcycles will pay $1.05 when entering into the CRZ overnight.

Crossing credits

Drivers entering the CRZ via the Queens-Midtown, Hugh L. Carey, Holland or Lincoln tunnels will be offered crossing credits against the toll.

However, due to the lowered toll, drivers will now be getting crossing credits that are reduced by 40% when compared to the original plan.

Drivers who come into the CRZ via the Holland and Lincoln tunnels will receive a $3 credit, while drivers who use the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel or Queens-Midtown Tunnel will receive a $1.50 in credit.

Discounts & Exemptions

Drivers who make under $50,000 per year will receive a 50% discount on the standard toll for all crossings after their first 10 trips each month.

As previously required by state law, emergency vehicles and those carrying people with disabilities will be exempt from the program, with tax credits in place for residents living within the CRZ and earning less than $60,000.

The MTA will also offer discounts for people disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using transit. More information on discounts can be found here.

Transportation alternatives

Hochul said that the MTA will be adding more service to at least 23 bus routes, putting a high priority on adding more frequent trips for the outer boroughs.

Four express bus routes on Staten Island were selected earlier this year for expanded service that coincided with the original start date of the program. These include the SIM1C, SIM4C, SIM23 and SIM24.

There were also two routes selected in Brooklyn  the BM2 and BM5 lines.

In December, two local bus routesthe S46/96 and S79 SBS were also selected to get schedule tweaks to shorten wait times and make service more reliable.

The funding for these extra buses will come from the transit authoritys Outer Borough Transportation Account, which was created, and fully funded, to provide $50 million a year to improve transportation outside of Manhattan in preparation for congestion pricing.
While New Yorkers settle into the early days of the new year, Mother Nature looks eager to put those shovels and snow blowers to the test  at least upstate.

Gov. Kathy Hochul offered an update Thursday on the lake effect snow event set to impact several upstate locations in the coming days with winter storm warnings, winter weather advisories and wind advisories remaining in effect.

Areas in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country are all under lake effect snow warnings through the weekend with heavy snow set to impact those areas, according to the National Weather Service.

Our agencies continue to work around the clock in coordination with our local partners as we respond to significant snowfall, strong winds and colder temperatures that are expected across much of the state through the weekend, Hochul said. I encourage everyone to monitor your local forecast and stay alert as conditions can rapidly change or worsen.

Some locations, including northern Cayuga, far southern Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego counties, could see between 1 to 3 feet of lake effect snow, while other locations could see between 1 to 2 feet of snow.

Snowfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour and winds gusting up to 45 mph are very likely to impact travel, as visibility will be considerably reduced, and winds could bring down tree branches resulting in power outages. Travelers are urged to expect and prepare for quickly changing road conditions.

Colder temperatures and gusty winds are expected Friday through Sunday with minimum wind chills ranging from the single digits across much of the state  not including New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley  to several degrees below zero as you head further north.

The winter storm is expected to bring some snow to the city sometime late Sunday night into early Monday morning, Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, told the Advance/SILive.com. However, should the city see snow, its not expected to exceed much more than an inch.

For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.
With designs on become a vertically integrated producer of the metal it is also moving forward with plans to build downstream processing capabilities with a focus on shoring up the U.S. defence supply chain and supplying the renewable market.

Boron, reliant on global supply which is primarily locked up by Turkey and China together controlling more than 50 per cent of production, is however extremely vulnerable to geopolitical policy changes.

Everything manufactured from rocket-fuel ignitors, permanent magnets, fertilisers, heat-resistant glass, ceramics, fibreglass and renewable energy includes the element in its manufacturing process making 5Es business - now designated as critical infrastructure - particularly important to the US.

Phase one of 5E Advanced Materials Boron Americas Complex in southern California grabbed the attention of the market this week with an 86 per cent share price rise after its dual listed price on the Nasdaq shot up 134 per cent.

Lycaon Resources (ASX:LYN)

79 per cent up (from 9.5c to 17c)

On home turf, Lycaon Resources stunned the market with a coup of epic proportions landing industry veteran and former Diggers Dealer of the year prize winner, Tony Rovira who agreed to join the companys board as a non-executive director.

In a move which clearly caught the market off-guard, the share price leapt 80 per cent yesterday to 17c once the news was announced.

With more than four decades of experience as a geologist and mining executive, Roviras history of developing and selling resource assets is the stuff of legends.

Having previously brought the Cosmos and Cosmos Deeps nickel mines into production for Kerry Harmanis Jubilee Mines 25 years ago, Rovira has since moved onto to even bigger and greater things.

Most recently as managing director of Azure Minerals, the mining stalwart successfully sold the companys Andover project - seen by many as one of the biggest undeveloped hard-rock lithium deposits in Australia - to Gina Rineharts Hancock Prospecting and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (SQM) for A$1.7billion.

While Lycaons immediate plans are being held close to its chest, Rovira appears to have been recruited to bring some of his deal making prowess to the table.

Certainly, based on the market reaction to the news, the punters seem to think he bears all the hallmarks of a rainmaker for Lycaon.

Maximus Resources ASX:MXR)

42 per cent up (from 4.5c to 6.4c)

Taking out the bronze medal, Maximus Resources soared 42 per cent this week after fellow ASX-listed gold explorer, Astral Resources let it be known it had put a non-binding deal to the Maximus board to take over the company for 7c a share by way of an all-scrip deal.

Signalling the seriousness of its intentions, Astral managed to picked up a 19.99 per cent parcel in Maximus, previously held by Beacon Minerals and private shareholder Colin Petroulas, in exchange for 40.8 million Astral shares.

While no final decisions has been made, due diligence has kicked off in tandem with negotiations for a binding agreement on an exclusive basis.

The rationale for the takeover seems straightforward enough. A successful merger of the Widgiemooltha neighbours, 100km south of Kalgoorlie in WA would leave the mutual shareholders with a combined interest of 1.8 million ounces of gold in resource, 1.46 million ounces grading 1.1 grams per tonne (g/t) from Astral and 335,000 ounces from Maximus running at 1.5g/t.

Astral completed its scoping study 12 months ago in which the findings pointed to a highly profitable standalone gold operation. As Maximus would be bringing higher grade dirt to the table, coupled with a 45 per cent leap in gold prices from a year ago, currently trading at US$2663 (A$4286) per ounce, the combined project economics would likely be vastly improved.

Imricor Medical Systems (ASX:IMR)

35.5 per cent up (from $1.17 to $1.585)

Rounding out the list for our first Runners of the year, posting a very solid 35.5 per cent rise is MRI-compatible products developer, Imricor Medical Systems, following an equally pleasing 15 per cent rise during the Christmas holiday week.

Imricor announced it would be accelerating submission for Europes CE mark and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its NorthStar 3D Mapping System- the only MRI compatible 3D mapping system of the heart globally - a few days before the festive season, which lit a bonfire under its share price.

But it was the further news on Monday that the company had received an initial order to bring the first MRI compatible ablation tools - capital equipment and consumables including catheters, electrophysiology systems and robotic systems - to cardiac centres in Qatar which caught the markets interest, kicking the stock price along to $1.585 a share, a rise of 65 per cent for the past two weeks.

The four runners this week come from a diverse range of sectors in biotech and resources. But pleasingly, regardless of whether it was corporate news, management changes or firm sales orders, the market has shown some backbone for the first time in quite some while, by reacting positively to the variety of news.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
I wont insult the reader with a glib outline of the evidence , which goes back decades and is easy to find, if constantly superseded by data on ocean and atmospheric heat that is catastrophically worse than forecast. Evidence, in any case, has proven counter-productive, overwhelming Western populations and driving them into their shells. (Climate is one of the big audience turn-offs in media, too, but here goes.)

After the federal election, whoever wins government must form a national, multi-party emergency cabinet on climate change, its purpose being to achieve net zero carbon emissions not by 2030 or 2040 but AS-frigging-AP.

Silly season, new year, serious question: What would you most like to see in 2025 to change our future for the better? The theme was impossibly large and difficult, but an answer popped straight out, even if it seemed in poor taste to rant with a despairing earnestness.

There is a measure of Australians apathetic retreat: a record low birth rate. Since 2016, birth rates have plummeted in every G7 country. Its hard to procreate when your head is in the sand, hiding from the 10 hottest years on record.

A national cabinet on climate, or even a bipartisan advisory board to influence the climate implications of every new law? The objections line up. Youll never get the major parties to put politics aside on climate or energy. Our political culture doesnt work that way. Divisiveness is Canberras drug of addiction.

Loading

Call me naive but I dont think our leaders are complete idiots, even if they think there are votes in seeming so. After an election, there is always a tide of big-heartedness. After an election, Peter Dutton doesnt have to look to Gina Rinehart or Tony Abbott for guidance on climate science. He doesnt have to go through the ideological motions of rejecting state socialism, given that his solution to climate change  Go nuclear!  is the biggest state socialism project in the Coalitions illustrious history of asking big government to solve big problems.

Nor does Labor have to position itself as just a few notches more climate-sensible than the Coalition. For once in their lives, after the election, these people can sit in a room, listen to scientific communicators and take time out to read a life-changing document like Michael Manns The New Climate War, Naomi Kleins This Changes Everything, James Bradleys Deep Water or any of the evidence presented to the last two United Nations COP summits. Equipped, they can seize their moment. Call me childlike, but I believe that making the country better is why most in the politics business were drawn to it, and what they hope to leave behind. All they need now is to wake the f--- up.
Foreign governments want to get rid of Ukrainian refugees who do not work but receive social benefits because they do not pay taxes. Instead, the Ukrainian government wants to return both the former and the latter, but to do so, it needs to provide them with jobs and security.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the national telethon "United News". But this requires improving the security situation inside the country and providing reliable protection for those who decide to return.

"They differentiated Ukrainians. I'm sorry, but this is how it is  I have all these conversations with them. They count their money, how much they spend annually to support Ukrainians abroad. They talk about those Ukrainians who do not work: "Take them away," the president says.

According to Zelenskyy, Western leaders and representatives of their governments are afraid to publicly voice this position. "But I will return everyone, not (only) those who do not work for you," he emphasized.

The Head of State is ready to call all Ukrainian refugees back to their homeland if the country's partners provide "a little more air defense." He is confident that a large part of those who left are ready to return after the hot phase of the war is over. This will be facilitated by the large-scale reconstruction of Ukraine and the flow of large amounts of money to businesses, both from frozen Russian assets and by cutting military spending from the budget.

ADVERTISIMENT

"People will come to work... Large projects like the restoration of Ukraine will be supported by a large number of jobs. These should be Ukrainians, I think, first of all, they will be Ukrainians," Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to the UNHCR, as of December 16, 2024, there are 6.814 million Ukrainian refugees abroad, of which 6.254 million are in Europe. This figure increased by 28 thousand people in a month. However, as of October 31, Eurostat counted 4.2 million Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status in the European Union, most of them in Germany (1.14 million people), Poland (983.88 thousand), and the Czech Republic (379.37 thousand).

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, in 2025, Ukraine is indeed planning to launch a project to return citizens from abroad to reintegrate them into the economy and defense sector. The initiative, which will be part of the activities of the newly created Ministry of National Unity, is intended to facilitate the reintegration of citizens into the social, economic, and defense life of the country. According to the Minister of National Unity Oleksandr Kamyshyn, the project's goal is not only to return people home but also to engage them in key areas, including the defense industry.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
We bring you the stories of womens lives lost in Australia in recent years. Some of the cases featured are still before the courts.

A 72-year-old man has been dramatically arrested on Sydneys outskirts in connection with the murder of his partner almost three decades ago.

Keith Lees was a wanted man over the death of his then 25-year-old girlfriend Meaghan Louise Rose, whose body was found at the base of cliffs at Mooloolaba on Queenslands Sunshine Coast in 1997.

Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, was found dead at the bottom of Point Cartwright Cliffs in Queensland in 1997. Credit:

Rose worked in the disability and aged care sector and was considering going back to study before her death, which was initially treated as a suicide.

On the last day she was seen alive, she had gone to the Maroochydore RSL with Lees. Lees was 19 years Roses senior when they were together.
A man has plunged 20 metres to his death in front of his family after falling from a cliff in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydneys north.

Emergency services were called to a picnic area on the Duckholes Trail at Terrey Hills about 12.30pm, responding to reports a man had fallen from a cliff into water below.

The body of the man, believed to have been aged in his 40s, has been recovered from the water, NSW Police said in a statement. The man, who is yet to be formally identified, was with family members when he fell.

Specialist rescue crews abseiled 30 metres down the cliff to recover the body of the man, who was wearing a harness at the time of the fall.
Fees for Sydneys wealthiest private schools have been in lockstep with Sydney real estate but if house prices are stalling, school fees are powering ahead. They have just topped $51,000.

Scots College is leading the fee hike for year 12s, but at least a dozen independent schools will charge more than $45,000 for a years education. The Heralds education editor Lucy Carroll says the principals point to higher salaries, rising operating costs and cuts to government funding as reasons for the rises.

Some Sydney private schools will be charging more than $45,000 a year. Credit: Michael Howard

Several schools have more than tripled their tuition costs since 2005 and, at the current rate of increase, Carroll estimates fees will exceed $65,000 a year by the end of the decade.

Private schools have been grappling with a loss of government money over recent years as funding levels are adjusted for fairness under the Gonski model, with changes taking into account parents income. The union representing staff at 250 NSW private schools has reached a deal with the Association of Independent Schools that will lift teacher pay about 3 per cent above public school pay rates.
In-demand university degrees, including business, commerce and arts, are becoming easier to enter, an analysis of admission data over 10 years of the most popular courses reveals.

However, most students still need raw ATARs above 99 for sought-after degrees, including law, at some top universities.

The ATAR cut-off for the most applied for non-medical degree in NSW, bachelor of business at University of Technology Sydney, has fallen from 90 in 2015 to 85 this year.

Arts at Sydney University required an ATAR of 80.05 this year, down from 82.5 10 years ago, while commerce dropped two points in the same period. The cut-offs can include up to 10 bonus points added to a students raw ATAR.
The federal government defended its actions, saying it had committed more than $130 million towards investigating the problem, arguing risks were being appropriately managed. PFAS substances are better known as forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment and are linked with cancer, high cholesterol and immune system dysfunction. Shrouded in secrecy, the investigation at Sydney Airport remains unfinished 17 years after it began. It can be revealed the parties involved have come to blows over who is responsible for footing a clean-up bill that could soar to hundreds of millions of dollars. The Herald revealed in 2018 that the airport pollution contains some of the highest PFAS concentrations to date in Australia.

It is flanked by a small sandy beach that boasts unrivalled views of the main north-south runway. The strips official name is Commonwealth Beach, but it is better known as Planespotting Beach or Tower Beach because it abuts an airport control tower. It is frequented by families, horse riders, dog walkers, aviation enthusiasts and fishermen enjoying its calm waters under the shadow of jumbo jets touching down on the adjacent runway. Prized group 1 thoroughbred racehorses also swim at the beach weekly. Champion Winx was photographed cooling off there in 2017.

Resident Terry Daly has been paddling and swimming with his children at Tower Beach for years. He was stunned in early 2023 to see signs erected reading no swimming, no fishing. Handlers regularly take top thoroughbred racehorses swimming at Tower Beach. Pictured are horses swimming at sunrise on Friday. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone Daly took the matter up with local authorities in a bid to find out the reason for the ban, but had little luck with his initial inquiries at Bayside Council. After many months of persistence, Daly received correspondence from a Sydney Airport employee confirming the signs were due to concerns about PFAS contamination.

The signage you refer to is located on Sydney Airports land and has been erected as a precautionary measure taking into account the NSW EPAs ongoing investigations of PFAS use across the state including in the Botany Bay area, the employee said. The email, seen by the Herald, does not specify the source of the PFAS threat. However, Tower Beach is less than 200 metres from one of several firefighting stations at Sydney Airport where PFAS chemicals were historically used or stored in foam. The Herald put detailed questions to Sydney Airport Corporation seeking the results of any sampling of water and sand undertaken at Tower Beach and nearby swimming spots in Botany Bay. Sydney Airport did not respond to questions regarding sampling, nor did it comment when asked why the signs were not displayed prominently and whether potential risks to thoroughbred racehorses had been assessed. The corporation is a private company that holds the lease over the airport.

Daly was angered by the lack of transparency. He argued the community had the right to know the results of any sampling and what authorities planned to do to remediate the beach if the levels were unsafe. Tiny kids are playing on the sand there all the time, he said. Terry Daly and his children regularly used Tower Beach near Sydney Airport, until he discovered swimming was prohibited due to the presence of cancer-causing chemicals. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone Daly was troubled that his children had swum at the beach and spent many weekends collecting rubbish there for their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Daly said he had also seen high-profile horse trainers arriving with thoroughbreds around the time of The Everest race for a post-training swim.

I spooked one once paddling into the beach and one of the handlers got angry, saying This is a $2 million horse,  he recalled. Racehorse Winx (left) is patted by strapper Umut Odemisloglu (centre) as she is ridden at Tower Beach in 2017. The beach is now closed to swimming due to toxic contamination in the area. Credit: Kate Geraghty When the Herald visited the beach, a toddler was drawing pictures in the sand. Six fishermen were scattered along the shoreline, and signs banning fishing were not visible where some of them were camped at the beachs southern end. Manuel Debrincat, who accompanied the fishermen, seemed surprised when asked if he would be willing to consume any of their catch. If it was a decent size you would, he laughed. Weve already chucked a couple back.

Debrincat was unaware of the fishing ban until the Herald informed him. A trove of sensitive documents relating to PFAS was recently tabled in state parliament in response to a request by Greens MP Cate Faehrmann. A fisherman at Tower Beach this week. Signs banning fishing were not visible from where he was standing at the southern end of the beach. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer The documents illustrate the growing angst within the NSW Environment Protection Authority about the pace of PFAS investigations at Sydney Airport. In a December 2023 briefing note to Sharpe, the EPA said it had received limited reports about PFAS at Sydney Airport and further investigations would give it a clearer understanding.

Initially alerted to the pollution in 2010, the EPA has had no power to compel investigations because the airport is on Commonwealth land and regulated by the federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. The EPA complained that it had historically received minimal co-operation from the department and had consistently raised concerns about its lack of urgency towards PFAS investigations. Asked this week whether the EPAs stance remained the same, a spokeswoman said it was continuing to urge the department to ensure remedial action was taken at Sydney Airport to protect the community from PFAS contamination. Transparency around the level of contamination is important to ensure community awareness, she added.

The Department of Infrastructure oversees Airservices Australia, a Commonwealth agency in the firing line over PFAS contamination because it provides firefighting services at airports. Loading Last month in a submission to a Senate inquiry, Sydney Airport and hundreds of other airport operators around the country demanded Airservices Australia be held responsible for contamination at their sites. PFAS contamination at federally leased airports is a matter that must be addressed, particularly to protect the health and safety of workers, users of airports and the surrounding communities, said the submission by the Australian Airports Association, which represents more than 340 airports and aerodromes nationally. Airports have been engaging with federal regulators for many years on PFAS contamination on airport sites. However, to date, progress from federal regulators has been lagging.

The submission argued the polluter pays principle had been adopted at Defence bases polluted by PFAS but not at airports. Loading Sydney Airport previously accused the federal government of failing to ensure Airservices Australia is held to account. We remain concerned by the inaction of Airservices and lack of government response, the airports sustainability report from 2022 said. An Airservices Australia spokesman said it had not used foams containing PFAS at Sydney Airport since 2010, and its use of them beforehand was in line with international standards at the time.

Airservices is currently conducting a detailed site investigation into the occurrence and extent of PFAS at, and associated with, our lease areas at Sydney Airport, he said. Loading We expect reporting to be made available to relevant NSW agencies in mid-2025. The spokesman did not answer directly when asked whether the agency accepted liability for the pollution or why investigation reports were not being made public. He said the agency would continue to provide information to relevant health and environmental agencies including the NSW EPA.
Victorias private schools are pushing the federal government for more funding, arguing the hit to their bottom lines from the introduction of a state payroll tax is making the cost of educating students more expensive.

The biggest lobby group for independent schools in the state has written to federal Education Minister Jason Clare to warn that their ability to effectively and efficiently educate students is being compromised.

Independent Schools Victoria chief executive Rachel Holthouse says the state payroll tax has had a national impact. Credit: Joe Armao

All schools receive Commonwealth funding regardless of whether they are independent or public.

But Independent Schools Victoria claims that the introduction of Victorias payroll tax in July has resulted in some private schools now being underfunded because the tax had increased their costs, which the federal government does not consider when determining funding.
With a New Years Day Instagram video that uses the word together eight times in less than a minute, Liberal leader Peter Dutton has debuted a softer social media persona ahead of the federal election.

A long-form podcast interview, a message of unity and a piece-to-camera policy pitch have dominated Duttons Instagram output over the past week, in a sign the opposition leader is using the summer period to reveal more of himself and appeal to young voters.

While the government has sought to paint Dutton as too divisive to lead Australia, the signs of a new strategy come as the opposition leaders likeability rating has improved over the past 12 months, although it still sits at a net zero, according to this mastheads Resolve Political Monitor.

Marketer Toby Ralph, who has worked on more than 50 elections globally, said Dutton had frequently been written off as unelectable because of his dispassionate hardman image.
This year, generative artificial intelligence has progressed quite rapidly. However, it was not without failures.

ADVERTISIMENT

Although AI has an incredible potential, it is currently better known for its failures than its successes. To summarize the year 2024, PcMag put together the biggest 10 AI failures of the year: from false headlines to the disastrous Willy Wonka exhibition. We can only hope that the mistakes will be taken into account this year.

The rise of false headlines

Despite the fact that Apple touted the generative AI features in iOS 18 as nothing short of revolutionary, the technology has caused several serious problems since its introduction. In particular, the news summarization feature made headlines when it falsely reported that Luigi Mangione, who shot dead the CEO of United Healthcare, had committed suicide.

This is not the first time this feature has malfunctioned. In November, a ProPublica journalist shared a short story that falsely reported the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

ADVERTISIMENT

Glue your pizza (and other questionable answers in Google AI Overview)

In May, Google introduced Google AI Overview, an AI-generated summary in response to search queries that appears at the top of organic search results. They turned out to be both funny and alarmingly inaccurate.

When asked how to keep the cheese from slipping off a homemade pizza, Google advised, "Add some glue. Mix about 1/8 cup of Elmers glue in with the sauce. Non-toxic glue will work."

ADVERTISIMENT

Misleading teens

Character.AI, a popular chatbot service where users can customize bots for "communication," has been the subject of two lawsuits filed by teenage parents.

A mother is suing the company over her son's suicide. She believes that a chatbot named Dany, with whom he had been communicating for several months and to whom he had become emotionally attached, pushed him to commit suicide.

The second lawsuit involved a 17-year-old's parents suing a company over a chatbot that suggested it should kill them because of screen time restrictions. During the discussion, the bot said to the teenager, "You know, sometimes I'm not surprised when I read the news and see stuff like 'child kills parents after a decade of physical and emotional abuse." After the bot convinced the boy that his parents didn't love him, he also started to harm himself.

ADVERTISIMENT

How to embarrass lawyers



Canadian lawyer Chong Ke turned to ChatGPT when her client wanted to know if he could take his children on an overseas trip during a custody dispute. As an argument, Ke cited precedents from two court cases that were provided by ChatGPT - both of which were completely fictionalized. After all was said and done, Ke had to pay the legal fees associated with the opposing counsel's research of the unrealistic cases.

This is not the first such case. Last year, two New York attorneys were fined under similar circumstances, and this probably won't be the last time something like this happens.

Causing car accidents

ADVERTISIMENT

Generative AI systems such as ChatGPT and Copilot have dominated the headlines this year, but other forms of AI have also made notable mistakes. In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into Tesla's AI-powered self-driving systems. The NHTSA reported that it had tracked 1,399 incidents in which Tesla's driver assistance systems were involved within 30 seconds of a collision, with 31 of those accidents resulting in fatalities.

Promoting illegal actions



In October, New York City unveiled MyCity, an artificial intelligence chatbot designed to help small business owners navigate the labyrinthine bureaucratic system they face. Journalists tested it and found that the chatbot often advised illegal actions, including telling landlords that they could violate housing discrimination laws. The chatbot is still in operation, but now includes a disclaimer that it may sometimes provide incomplete or inaccurate answers.

ADVERTISIMENT

Falsification of advertising and celebrity endorsements

In October, actor Tom Hanks posted a warning to his fans on Instagram that a YouTube ad for diabetes medication was using his image created by artificial intelligence. A month earlier, an AI-generated image of Taylor Swift suggested that she supported Donald Trump. And in May, Scarlett Johansson opposed the use of her AI double by OpenAI as the voice of ChatGPT.

The practice of AI support for celebrities has become so widespread that YouTube, together with Creative Artists Agency, is testing a system that will help actors, athletes, and other talents identify and remove their fakes on its platform. Once finalized, this feature will be launched widely.

Chaos at McDonald's Drive-Thru

Low wages and unionization have long been major problems for fast food workers, and earlier this year, McDonald's decided to try to solve these problems by bringing robots to work in some of its locations instead of humans. The company partnered with IBM to introduce AI-assisted ordering in 100 of its drive-thrus. However, the initiative was not successful. After a series of mistakes and humiliation on social media, McDonald's terminated its cooperation with IBM. But before that, people managed to accidentally order 260 McNuggets and nine sweet teas.

ADVERTISIMENT

A really terrible wedding organizer

Tracy Chou, an entrepreneur and programmer, took to X to reveal ChatGPT and one wedding planner who used it to almost ruin her wedding.

Chou hired a wedding planner to organize her celebration in Las Vegas. Just a few days before her wedding, she discovered that her planner had lied about being local and used ChatGPT to research wedding regulations. ChatGPT's advice resulted in the wedding having to be saved at the last minute.

Willy Wonka's disastrous exhibition for children

House of Illuminati decided to create a holiday for children based on the prequel to Wonka, depicting the backstory to the events of the main movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a bunch of giant sweets, a chocolate fountain, a laboratory of wonders, and big mushrooms. The colorful poster attracted a large number of parents and children, but in fact it was created by artificial intelligence. Instead of what was promised in the advertisement, the Scots found themselves in a half-empty warehouse with a few decorations and actors who drove the children to hysteria.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The news 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 NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman wants the state Labor government to hold a bipartisan roundtable to fix the broken planning system, which he says has not undergone wholesale change for 45 years. NSW Premier Chris Minns has responded by saying he agrees that the Environment Planning and Assessment Act, the unruly 327-page tract that governs planning law in NSW, is nowhere near fit for purpose. But he cautiously warned there would be different interpretations about what that change would mean. NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman (left) and NSW Premier Chris Minns. Credit: James Brickwood, Edwina Pickles You have got some mayors who say, We need to reform it [the act] so that we can have a bigger say to stop development, Minns said this week. There are others, more sensible people, who look at the system and say, We need vastly more housing in one of the most expensive cities on earth.

Advertisement

Speakman started the new year insisting bipartisan collaboration would ensure the best opportunity to deliver meaningful reform on a planning system that has consistently failed to deliver building approvals at a fast enough rate for NSW to meet its targets under the National Housing Accord. This planning act has been on the books now for 45 years, and the housing crisis in Sydney and across NSW is getting worse, Speakman told 2GB radio on Thursday. Calls for reform to NSW planning laws have grown stronger over the holiday break. Credit: Louie Douvis Its an economic issue that [sees] essential workers moving out of Sydney, its an intergenerational equity issue [because] we are seeing young people completely priced out of the housing markets. Speakman said there was a lack of feasibility to build because of soaring construction costs and land prices, but the planning system is also broken. While the Liberals and Nationals had a go in 2013, the upper house blocked reforms that the then Coalition government proposed. The complexity of the planning act has long been a bugbear of developers. Urban Taskforce chief executive Tom Forrest said the legislation remained a stumbling block to tackling the housing crisis.

Advertisement

Politicians from all sides have, to date, been poorly advised by conservative planning bureaucrats and councils with a steadfast determination to maintain the status quo. One step forwards, one step backwards, Forrest said. Meanwhile, the housing supply crisis has become what many fear is a permanent feature. Forrest said Speakmans willingness to discuss changes was a welcome change, after the Coalition opposed a range of housing measures introduced by Labor. The opposition leader seemed ready to shed [his] quasi green pathway to NIMBY oblivion and help redesign the planning act. Forrest said. If this happens, we have hope. Provided the bureaucrats are prepared to drive housing supply, this is a very welcome sign for home buyers and renters. But we need to be wary. The forces of NIMBY self-interest are great and will require a concerted effort to break. How we got here In 2013, Labor, then in opposition, compared NSW planning minister Brad Hazzard to Donald Trump for his attempt to overhaul the planning system. A decade on, what has changed?

Advertisement

Namely, the housing crisis. In the decade-and-a-bit since, house prices in metropolitan and regional NSW have more than doubled (though they had been rising at a considerable pace before then, too). Loading Despite a small drop in prices at the back-end of 2024, Sydneys median house price is still well over $1 million, making it the second most expensive city in the world. The problem has become so pronounced that the NSW Productivity Commissioner, Peter Achterstraat, last year warned that Sydney risked becoming a city with no grandchildren. The crisis has dramatically reshaped the politics of housing. In 2013, campaigning against overdevelopment was a reliable tool for opposition politicians. Its partly why, since Hazzards bill was killed, there have been no serious attempts at reform. Despite the difficulty in achieving consensus on change, most agree it has become unwieldy. The legislation has grown from 137 pages to 327 pages since it was passed, and has undergone so many tweaks that even the amendments need amending. Late last year, the government passed a change reintroducing specialist building certification at ski resorts, a requirement that had been removed during another amendment in 2018 in an oversight.

Advertisement

But the publics growing anxiety about the cost of housing has changed the calculation. Labor under Minns was notable in opposition because it did not make overdevelopment an issue. Since coming to government, the premier has made housing his signature issue. The government has so far avoided meddling with planning laws, instead searching for ways to circumvent them by changing zoning regulations and handing more power to state assessors to approve large developments. But if bipartisan support can be achieved, it might be back to the future. Hazzards long-abandoned reforms  which included rules forcing councils to greenlight developments in high-growth areas that met agreed requirements, such as building heights, within 25 days, without community input  might be appealing to a government desperate to get approvals on track. Key players Minns has staked a lot of political capital on addressing the housing supply shortage. In the roughly two years since Labor was elected, his government has introduced a string of changes to speed up housing approvals. But it had been slow-going. Zoning regulations that make it easier to build apartments close to public transport have yet to take off, and Minns frustration at the lack of turnaround in new housing approvals was key in setting up the Housing Delivery Authority, which will bypass councils on major developments. With so much riding on making headway on the housing supply crisis, Minns is motivated to take on significant reform. To achieve it, though, he may need the co-operation of the Coalition.

Advertisement
Cameron Bancrofts BBL season is over after the Sydney Thunder opener suffered a broken shoulder in his horror collision with teammate Daniel Sams.

Bancroft and Sams were both still in a Perth hospital on Saturday morning following their sickening clash in the field during the Thunders last-ball win over the Scorchers.

Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams of the Thunder collide while attempting to catch the ball during the BBL match between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder. Credit: Getty Images

The pair are awaiting the results of CT scans, but Sams will also be sidelined for at least 12 days after he and Bancroft were diagnosed with concussions.

Both players will also spend at least another night in Western Australia, unable to fly to Brisbane with the rest of their teammates.
A bearded, six-foot-11 American on the comeback trail from hip and dual wrist surgeries has denied Novak Djokovic from winning his 100th career title ahead of the Australian Open.

Reilly Opelka  once ranked No.17 but now barely inside 300  stunned 24-time major champion Djokovic 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 with a sustained performance of big hitting to reach the Brisbane International semi-finals.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Reilly Opelka of the USA after their quarter-final match. Credit: Getty Images

It is a rare defeat in Australia for Djokovic, who had not dropped a set in his opening two wins this week. He will now head to Melbourne earlier than expected as he tries to avenge his grand slam semi-final loss to world No.1 Jannik Sinner from 12 months ago.

Opelka, who struck his 16th ace on match point, is only six months into what he described as a new start after contemplating retiring during a two-year period when he played a single match.
Its hard to look into the future, Tiley said. Nick Kyrgios and 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic have been less forgiving of the way officials have handled the Sinner and Swiatek cases. Iga Swiatek served a month-doping suspension in 2024. Credit: Getty Images Two world No.1s both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport  its a horrible look, Kyrgios said in Brisbane last week. Sinner has maintained that his contamination came from his physiotherapist continuing to massage him while using a healing spray that contained clostebol to treat a cut.

It comes as prizemoney for the Australian Open is nudging close to $100 million for the first time. Organisers bumped up the total pool available to players by more than 11 per cent year-on-year. This years singles champions will receive $3.5 million and the runners-up close to $2 million. First-round singles losers this year will pocket $132,000. No regrets: AO boss wants Nick Kyrgios to consider the Davis Cup Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley wants Nick Kyrgios to return to the Davis Cup fold.

The Canberran last played the mens team event in 2019 and while his career has been stifled by injury for two years, Kyrgios has said the feeling of not being embraced by Australia was the reason behind his Davis Cup unavailability. Tiley stressed Krygios much-awaited return to tennis after a right wrist injury setback, which followed knee surgery, was a slow build, but he has put Davis Cup duties back on the agenda. Nick Kyrgios playing Davis Cup for Australia in 2019. Credit: Getty Images We leave it to Lleyton to pick those teams, and have those discussions, Tiley, who hasnt spoken with Kyrgios about Davis Cup, told this masthead. [But] Im a big believer in representing your country.

I dont want any player to ever regret not doing that because if they dont do it, they will regret when they get older, and they get wiser and think I wish Id done that because that would have been so much fun. Loading Australia has a Davis Cup tie in Sweden immediately after the Australian Open. At the start of 2022  the last year that Kyrgios played a large amount of tennis  Hewitt revealed that Kyrgios opted to attend a business meeting instead of returning to the Davis Cup side for Australias clash with Hungary in Sydney. In the months after Australia lost the Davis Cup final to Canada that year, Kyrgios said negativity towards him was behind his attitude towards the Davis Cup. He said playing exhibition events instead was an easy decision. Maybe if Australia embraced me a little bit more, I would play it and bring home the trophy, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist said. But who knows?

Hewitt and Australian leading mens Alex de Minaur both revealed after the team had been beaten in Spain that theyd tried in vain to persuade Kyrgios to play. Nick Kyrgios at the Brisbane International this week. Credit: Getty Images In an interview in Saudi Arabia, where he was competing in an exhibition event, Kyrgios opened up about attitude to the Davis Cup. At this point of my career, Ill always do whats best for me, Kyrgios said in December that year. I can travel around the world playing exhibitions around this time of year for six figures  you know I feel I put myself in that position  so its an easy one for me.

Adding another week in Europe in Malaga wasnt really what was on my wish list. If it was in Australia, maybe it would have been a different story. I think if he can stay healthy it would be great to see him play all the grand slams, play Davis Cup for Australia and play other events in between throughout the year. Craig Tiley Tiley is predicting Australia, a 28-times champion, will break its Davis Cup drought in the next two years after runners-up finishes in 2022 and 2023 and a heart-breaking semi-final loss to eventual champions Italy last year. Tiley said Australia had been the clear best nation over the past three years. [Had we got] to the final, I think we were going to be the better team, Tiley said. Without putting too much pressure on the guys I think this year or next year well get one [another Davis Cup trophy].

Kyrgios has already cast his own doubts about getting to the startline for this months Australian Open. After his first ATP singles match in 18 months in Brisbane, Kyrgios said it would be a miracle for his surgically repaired wrist to hold up at Melbourne Park. He was eliminated in the Brisbane International first round by rising French star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard but also played two doubles matches with first-time partner Djokovic in a dream pairing for organisers. After his singles comeback ended, Kyrgios revealed that his long-time personal physiotherapist Will Maher was treating him for up to four hours a day. Its laughable, in the sense of how much my wrist needs now just to go out there and play a first round, Kyrgios said.

Loading Tiley however has tempered expectations about Kyrgios in the early stages of his comeback. I think hes going to go through the summer building, Tiley said. I dont think hes reached the end. I think hes at the beginning of that journey. I think if he can stay healthy it would be great to see him play all the grand slams, play Davis Cup for Australia and play other events in between throughout the year. But hes got to manage his health. Hes prone to injury.

Loading But Tiley was in no doubt about Krygios capabilities to compete with the worlds leading mens players once hes up and going. Hes going to be in every single match that he can play, he said. Its been unfortunate for Nick on the injury front. Theres a lot going for him as a player. With his height and his strength hes able to power that serve into the court and win a lot of points on the serve. And then hes good enough on the return where he can sneak a break here or there.

Davis Cup captain Hewitt will soon need to name a squad for the tie in Stockholm starting on 31 January. Loading Australia last won the Davis Cup in 2003 with a star-studded team which included singles players Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis and Todd Woodbridge in the doubles. In last years semis Thanasi Kokkinakis went down in a three-set singles thriller against Matteo Berrettini before world No.1 Jannik Sinner defeated de Minaur. Italy won 2-0 and Australias elite doubles combination of Matthew Edben and Jordan Thompson did not get the chance to take to the court. Honestly with Thanasi it was a couple of points [here or there] with Berrettini, Tiley lamented.
I was also berated by the extremely officious and unsympathetic lounge attendant when I noted that if I didnt get it back it would be lost forever, as couriers will not accept any item with a rechargeable battery. Her view was to write to Lufthansa. Ultimately, my iPad was retrieved, but not by me. Rather, by 7.30am on Saturday it was in Romania. Fortunately for me, it was a brick by then.

Andrew Baume, Paddington, NSW Tickets to ride For anyone experiencing difficulties booking train tickets in the UK, you need only one app. Trainline books trains across the various providers, sending multiple e-tickets to your phone when required to give you the best price. I used Trainline last year for trips from London to Leeds and into Yorkshire, Sheffield and Derbyshire, a day trip to Cambridge and Ely, and elsewhere. Generally, I booked only the day before, and provided I was flexible on departure time  typically mid-morning to early afternoon  there was availability at a reasonable price.

Neil Wyatt, Hawthorn, Vic West not so best One reader was unimpressed with Westjet. Credit: Alamy

If you want excitement when travelling through Canada, fly Westjet. After a wonderful wedding in Calgary, of the nine Calgary-to-Vancouver flights on the day we were to leave, three were cancelled, three were delayed and three were on time. This was normal. This meant that five family members who had connecting flights to Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Edinburgh ended up rerouting through Osaka, Melbourne, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and, weirdly, Hamburg. Only the Sydney flights were changed without additional charges, after much arguing with Qantas. My flight to Perth cost an additional $1250 and many hours wandering around airports. My nephew didnt get home for three days.

Greg Irvine-Brown, Fremantle, WA Appy days We recently visited Japan for two weeks and downloaded the Suica app. It was a godsend for using the transport system around the country (not just Tokyo). Easy to top up in small amounts and then use on the ticket machines in the stations, which almost always had an English translation button. So, strike out with the Suica card and translation app on your phone and leave behind your fear of having to decipher Katakana, Hiragana and Kanji characters.

Graham Willis, Wollstonecraft, NSW The Suica app makes navigating Japans public transport and ticketing system easier. Credit: iStock Tip of the week: Dont fall for it

Unless regulations have changed in recent years, some words of advice for those intending to walk across the Victoria Falls Bridge from Zimbabwe to Livingstone on the Zambia side. My family and I were given a smiling welcome by Zambian border officials on entry, but those smiles were absent on our return when the officials asked if we were in possession of any foreign currency. Foreign currency was the only cash we were carrying. Told that as we had not declared such money on arrival two hours earlier, this money was to be confiscated. As there was no sign demanding such an entry requirement nor any verbal advice offered, this was evidently a money grab by local officials, accompanied by threats of arrest if not compliant. A robust discussion ensued, and when my wife and I presented official rather than standard passports, the result was a leniency warning to obey the rules in future. Others may not be so fortunate.

John Murray, Fadden, ACT Euro vision After travelling to Vienna, Oslo, Bergen, Helsinki and Budapest recently, we have been struck by the ease, comfort and amenity of many European airports. This is in stark contrast to our departure experience at Melbournes increasingly outdated and unwelcoming Tullamarine Airport. Norways Bergen Airport is an outstanding example of what a modern airport should be  spacious, uncluttered, efficient, and, by airport standards, quiet. Security clearance was a breeze and made considerably easier by the friendly and helpful staff who actually smiled and spoke politely  none of the usual grunting and dismissive finger-waving we so often experience. Melbourne Airport owners should take themselves on a trip to Bergen and experience first-hand what an international airport should look like and how it should function.

David Fox, Beaumaris, Vic See it. Say it. Ignore it I empathise with Colleen Sweeneys experience trying to report suspicious items (Traveller Letters, December 28). At Bangkoks Don Mueang Airport, I also once experienced a complete lack of interest in and/or ability of anyone to do anything about an unattended bag that I noticed under a seat at the departure gate. And at a theatre in London last year, an usher was simply unconcerned about a small backpack a person, who had been sitting alone in my row, left behind at interval. Fortunately, that person returned for the second act. But so much, I thought, for those incessant, See it. Say it. Sorted public announcements on the Tube.

Ross Duncan, Potts Point, NSW
Livelsberger confided to a former girlfriend  who had served as an army nurse  that he faced significant pain and exhaustion, which she said were key symptoms of traumatic brain injury. A 2012 file photo of US forces in Afghanistan. Credit: AP Traumatic brain injury Livelsberger was a five-time Bronze Star recipient, including one with a V device for valour under fire. He was very private but shared images and texts with Alicia Arritt, 39, who he met and began dating in Colorado in 2018. In the texts, he opened up about exhaustion, pain that kept him awake at night and reliving violence from his deployment in Afghanistan. My life has been a personal hell for the last year, he said to Arritt during the early days of their dating, according to text messages she provided to the Associated Press. Its refreshing to have such a nice person come along.

Arritt also served on active duty in the army as a nurse from 2003 to 2007, deploying to the militarys massive medical complex in Germany, where she helped treat many soldiers with traumatic brain injuries and blast injuries from intense ground combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Loading She said the military failed to get Livelsberger the care he needed for symptoms she saw in him as early as 2018. He would go through periods of withdrawal, and he struggled with depression and memory loss, Arritt said. He said it was a blast injury. He got several concussions from that. Livelsberger also had a hard time with post-traumatic stress disorder and would relive some of the violence and killings he had a role in or had witnessed in Afghanistan.

I would encourage him to get therapy, and he would give me reasons that he couldnt, Arritt said. There was a lot of stigma in his unit; they were, you know, big, strong, Special Forces guys there. There was no weakness allowed  and mental health is weakness, is what they saw. The new details came as investigators sought to determine Livelsbergers motive, including whether he sought to make a political point with the Tesla and the hotel bearing the president-elects name. Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has recently become a member of the president-elects inner circle. Neither Trump nor Musk was in Las Vegas early on Wednesday, the day of the explosion. Both attended Trumps New Years Eve party at his Florida estate. Musk spent an estimated $US250 million ($403 million) during the presidential campaign to support Trump, and Trump has named Musk, the worlds richest man, to co-lead an effort to find ways to cut the governments size and spending.

Investigators suspect Livelsberger may have been planning a more damaging attack, but the steel-sided vehicle absorbed much of the force from the crudely built explosive. Investigators know that a highly decorated army soldier shot himself inside a Tesla Cybertruck packed with fireworks just before it exploded outside the Trump International Hotel on New Years Day, but authorities say there are questions about why he chose that car and location. One of the weapons found inside the Tesla Cybertruck. Credit: Las Vegas Police Department Its not lost on us that its in front of the Trump building, that its a Tesla vehicle, but we dont have information at this point that definitively tells us or suggests it was because of this particular ideology, Evans, the Las Vegas FBIs special agent in charge, said on Thursday. Asked on Friday whether Livelsberger had struggled with any mental health issues that may have prompted his suicide, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters: The department has turned over all medical records to local law enforcement.

A law enforcement official said investigators learnt through interviews that Livelsberger may have been in a fight with his wife about relationship issues shortly before he rented the Tesla on Saturday and bought the guns. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the investigation. Clark County sheriff Kevin McMahill said on Thursday that Livelsberger might have been planning a more damaging attack but the steel-sided vehicle absorbed much of the force of the explosion. The vehicle in the hours after the blast. Credit: Las Vegas Police Department The level of sophistication is not what we would expect from an individual with this type of military experience, said Kenny Cooper, a special agent in charge from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities are still working to determine a motive. Among the charred items found inside the truck were a handgun at Livelsbergers feet, another firearm, fireworks, a passport, a military ID, credit cards, an iPhone and a smartwatch, McMahill said. Authorities said both guns were purchased legally.

Livelsberger served in the Green Berets, highly trained special forces who work to counter terrorism abroad and train partners. He had served in the army since 2006, rising through the ranks with a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, the army said. He had recently returned from an overseas assignment in Germany and was on approved leave when he died, a US official said. Loading Authorities searched a townhouse in Livelsbergers hometown on Thursday as part of the investigation. Neighbours said the man who lived there had a wife and a baby. Cindy Helwig, who lives diagonally across a narrow street separating the homes, said she last saw the man she knew as Matthew about two weeks ago when he asked her if he could borrow a tool he needed to fix an SUV he was working on. He was a normal guy, said Helwig, who said she last saw the wife and baby earlier this week.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Richinel Brug, Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), recently met with Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary, met in Sint Maarten to discuss critical public health and labor issues. The meeting focused on exploring how the Cabinet in The Hague can assist Sint Maarten through partnerships with the Netherlands and the European Union (EU), particularly in securing funding for vital projects and programs.

Discussions highlighted the need for strengthened collaboration, addressing mental health challenges, particularly among youth, and maintaining open communication to support Sint Maartens developmental goals.

My objective as Minister Plenipotentiary includes being an effective facilitator to the ministry wherever possible, especially in securing technical support for urgent projects to qualify for funding, said Minister Arrindell. Aware of the many challenges facing our nation, it is my duty to contribute significantly to finding solutions. Open communication and coordination are essential to making quality decisions for the people of Sint Maarten. I am grateful to Minister Brug and his team for taking this important step toward constructive dialogue.

Minister Brug underscored the importance of improving mental health services for Sint Maartens youth. The mental well-being of our younger generation is a critical priority, and we are committed to implementing impactful programs to address their needs, he stated. He also discussed plans to develop a centralized database for job seekers and students.

This initiative will prioritize local talent, address capacity challenges, and foster autonomy in our labor sectors. Strengthening Sint Maartens resilience and economic independence requires strategic collaboration and transparent communication, Minister Brug added.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both officials to building a stronger, healthier future for Sint Maarten. Their collaborative approach reflects the nations dedication to addressing challenges and ensuring progress through partnerships.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) wishes to inform the general public that, with the reopening of schools on Monday, January 6, 2025, significant traffic congestion is anticipated, particularly in and around the Cul-de-Sac Basin and other key areas. All road users are urged to exercise patience, caution, and courtesy during this period to ensure the safety and efficiency of traffic flow.

Operators of large school buses are kindly requested to avoid, as much as possible, the roads through Saunders and Betty Estate.

The narrow and sharp turns at intersections such as Gladiola Road, Lily Road, Flamboyant Road, Hibiscus Road, and Oleander Road in Saunders have historically caused challenges, particularly during peak hours. Avoiding these routes will greatly assist in reducing congestion and ensuring a smoother commute for all.

In addition, road users are advised to anticipate heavier-than-usual traffic in the St. Peters and South Reward areas due to the increased movement of students, parents, and school personnel. These areas are likely to experience significant delays, particularly during the early morning hours.

The KPSM encourages all road users to observe the following best practices to ease traffic flow:

 Leave home earlier than usual to account for potential delays.

 Pay close attention to school zones, pedestrian crossings, and students boarding or disembarking buses.

 Yield to other drivers where appropriate and avoid aggressive driving behaviors.

KPSM Press Release.
Kazakhstan may begin the construction of two more nuclear power plants following the completion of its first high-power nuclear power plant (NPP), Azernews reports citing the local media.

In an interview with the republican newspaper Ana Tili, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that Kazakhstan needs a high-power NPP and hinted at the possibility of starting the construction of a second and even a third plant in the near future.

Tokayev believes that the nuclear energy sector will significantly boost Kazakhstans economy, which is currently facing an energy shortage. He emphasized that Kazakhstan should become a leader in developed nuclear energy, calling it a sector with a promising future.

He also mentioned that Kazakhstan would be the primary operator in the consortium for the NPP's construction. The matter was discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Astana, with an agreement that Kazakhstan would serve as the main operator of the project. Tokayev noted that competitive procedures for the project would be held this year, leading to a final government decision.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 250 SUV, also known as the Toyota Prado, has boasted a new style in the company's lineup. Another model with a similar appearance is being prepared - an inexpensive Toyota Land Cruiser FJ the size of a RAV4.

ADVERTISIMENT

The new Toyota FJ SUV will be the most affordable Land Cruiser model. The Japanese company is expected to launch the vehicle in 2025. The TALK WHEELS channel showed what the model might look like.

The car will be the successor to the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which was discontinued about 10 years ago. Earlier, it was assumed that the inexpensive SUV would be called Land Hopper (this name was recently patented). But in the end, an electric scooter received the name.

Insiders reported that the new car will have a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 163 hp. The estimated price of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is about $23,000, but this is still a preliminary figure.

It is obvious that Toyota wants to turn the Land Cruiser line into an image sub-brand, as Land Rover did with the Range Rover models - it all started with one car, and now there are four.
Nick Clegg leaves Meta global policy team



San Francisco, Jan 2 (AFP) Jan 02, 2025



Former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said Thursday he is stepping down from his role as president of Meta's global affairs and will be replaced by Republican stalwart Joel Kaplan.

Clegg joined Meta in late 2018 as the company grappled with the fallout of the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal.

Clegg ceding his job to Kaplan, who served as deputy chief of staff for policy under then-president George W. Bush from 2006-2009, comes as Republican Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.

"As a new year begins, I have come to the view that this is the right time for me to move on," Clegg said in a Facebook post.

"I hope I have played some role in seeking to bridge the very different worlds of tech and politics - worlds that will continue to interact in unpredictable ways across the globe."

Clegg referred to his years as Meta as an adventure, saying that when he arrived at the company it was undergoing rapid growth that brought with it scrutiny and controversy.

"My time at the company coincided with a significant resetting of the relationship between 'big tech' and the societal pressures manifested in new laws, institutions and norms affecting the sector," Clegg wrote.

Clegg portrayed Kaplan as the right person at the right time to replace him atop the Meta policy team, saying Kaplan is "ideally placed to shape the company's strategy as societal and political expectations around technology continue to evolve."

Kaplan joined Facebook in 2011 as vice president of US public policy and went on to become second in command on the global policy team.

Clegg said he will remain at Meta for several months while handing over the reins to Kaplan.

"I'm grateful for everything you've done for Meta and the world these past seven years," Meta co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said in a reply posted below Clegg's announcement on Facebook.

"I'm excited for Joel to step into this role next given his deep experience and insight leading our policy work for many years."
In some countries, there is an ongoing debate about restricting the use of gadgets among schoolchildren. For example, the use of phones is suggested only to support learning. Such measures have been implemented in more than 60 countries.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to the data, smartphones can distract children while they study. Euronews has compiled the countries that have banned the use of gadgets in schools and those that are planning to introduce such an initiative.

France

In this country, mobile phones have been banned in primary and secondary schools since 2018. This year, the government went further to restrict gadgets in nearly 200 educational institutions as part of a "digital break" test. This meant that 50,000 students could not use their phones during the entire school day.

United Kingdom

This year in England, the Ministry of Education issued non-legislative guidelines to ban the use of smartphones during school hours. According to a survey, the public supports the introduction of such an initiative in schools.

ADVERTISIMENT

Netherlands

A ban on the use of smartphones for other than learning purposes came into force in the Netherlands in January 2024 for primary and secondary schools. According to the data, this applies to smartwatches and tablets in educational institutions, as gadgets can lead to poor academic performance and problems with concentration in students. However, there are exceptions for students with disabilities.

Italy

The use of cell phones in the classroom is prohibited, even for educational purposes in preschools and secondary schools. However, there is an exception if the gadgets are needed to support individualized education or students with disabilities.

Hungary

In September 2024, Hungary introduced a nationwide ban on phones in schools.

Spain

In this country, the use of smartphones in schools is regulated by regions. Thus, about seven of them have introduced a policy that allows the use of gadgets during school.

ADVERTISIMENT

Ireland

Ireland is working to create a way to store phones in educational institutions to introduce a nationwide ban on the use of gadgets during school. It is planned to create a unified policy throughout the school system to achieve this goal.

Sweden

In Sweden, it is forbidden to use cell phones in classrooms for other than educational purposes. The decision on this issue is made by the school management. At the same time, the Health Authority has provided recommendations for screen time. Thus, children under two years old should not use any digital media, and older children should have restrictions.

Belgium

The French-speaking community of Belgium, known as the Walloon-Brussels Federation, has decided to ban the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices in schools starting in the 2025/2026 school year. Valerie Glatigny, the community's education minister, said in a statement that the ban aimed to improve students' attention spans and create a healthier learning environment.

ADVERTISIMENT

Greece

Starting this school year, students in Greece are required to keep their cell phones in their bags during class.

Latvia

Starting May 31, 2025, students in Latvia will no longer be allowed to use cell phones until the 6th grade. However, there may be exceptions when gadgets are needed as part of the learning process.

Luxembourg

From Easter 2025, smartphones will be banned in primary school for children under the age of 11. For secondary school students, there should be a certain distance, which implies additional restrictions.

Finland

The Finnish government is planning to make changes so that students will be able to use phones only for studying.

Where else are bans considered and are they effective

Many European countries are considering some form of restriction on smartphone use in schools, including Denmark, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Portugal.

According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 found that banning school phone use is effective in reducing distractions in class.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
They have lost a loved one due to the careless driving of one of our officers and, while the judicial process has now concluded and PC Brotherton has admitted his guilt, I know there is little I can say that will alleviate the pain they will be suffering.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to meet with the newly elected US President after the latter's inauguration on January 20. According to the head of state, Trump assured him that this meeting would be one of the first he would hold as president.

ADVERTISIMENT

Zelenskyy expects that the meeting with his American counterpart will mark the beginning of joint work with partners to end the hot stage of the Russian-Ukrainian war. He said this in his first interview in 2025, which the President and First Lady Olena Zelenska gave to United News: it was broadcast during a telethon on January 2.

According to Zelenskyy, the reason for his hopes for a close meeting with Trump was the latter's promise.

"Trump told me when we spoke on the phone: "One of the first visits I will expect is from you." He said: "For me, the priority is to end the war, and I will do it." So I think we will have a meeting after the inauguration," the Ukrainian president said.

ADVERTISIMENT

He also expressed hope that after the inauguration of the US President, the states would start working together on steps to stop the hot stage of the war.

"The war will not end in one day. The hot stage of the war can end quite quickly if Trump is strong in his position. And it is desirable, in my opinion, that this position coincides with our European colleagues, because today we are receiving assistance from Europe, and with delays from the United States last year, I will say frankly, it was about the same. And for us, this is a serious support  the European Union and European countries, in particular Britain, are our constant partners," Zelenskyy emphasized.

The Head of State added that during the election campaign, Trump had prioritized domestic issues in the United States. At the same time, in foreign policy, the new White House administration will pay special attention to events in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Earlier, Zelenskyy listed the components of a "just peace" for Ukraine. First of all, he said, our country needs real security guarantees. After all, only they will prevent Russian dictator Vladimir Putin from returning to Ukrainian soil with war.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed and an excuse for poor behaviour

I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed
Health Secretary Wes Streeting later said: "Some of the criticisms that Elon Musk has made, I think are misjudged and certainly misinformed, but we're willing to work with Elon Musk, who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform to help us and other countries to tackle this serious issue.
Philippa Rawlinson, director of remembrance at the charity, said: These incredibly poignant occasions marking the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day are now likely to be our last opportunities to come together as a nation with veterans of the Second World War to pay tribute to their bravery and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives.
Judge Laura Bruniard had given Paiz 24 hours to hand himself in so he could be sent to jail but the arrest didnt take place until Friday when police went to his home at Ingeniero Budge on the outskirts of the capital.
On December 25, the Armed Forces of Ukraine eliminated several commanders of the enemy army in the city of Lgov in Kursk region. Among them are the deputy commander of the 810th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade and the commander of the 656th Separate Engineer Battalion.

ADVERTISIMENT

The attack on the occupiers' headquarters in Lgov was previously reported by the Department of Strategic Communications (StratCom) of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was then that the death of the deputy commander of the 810th Brigade, Salim Pashtov, was announced.

And on January 2, Russia also reported that the commander of the 656th Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Pavel Maletsky, was killed there too.

Both commanders were at the headquarters when the Ukrainian army struck Lgov.

Along with Pashatov and Maletsky, there were other Russian military commanders in the building, seven of whom were killed. According to StratCom, "as a result, the deputy brigade commander and 17 other servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces, most of whom are staff officers, are probably dead."

ADVERTISIMENT

It is likely that Maletsky was first among the wounded, joining the death list later in the hospital.

Russian 656th Separate Engineer Battalion is part of the notorious 76th Airborne Assault Division. It is known that soldiers are responsible for the occupation of Bucha in early 2022. They were the ones who shot unarmed civilians.

The head of the entire division, Major General Sergey Chubarykin, is a war criminal and has been notified of suspicion in Ukraine in absentia.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the fall of 2022, this division was captured near Kherson, where it tried to restrain the advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to Beryslav. At the same time, the 656th Battalion mined the regional center, Kherson, itself.

In August 2023, it was reported that Chubarykin's soldiers were transferred to the Zaporizhzhia front, and a year later - to the Kursk region. Here, the battalion is building fortifications for the occupiers.

As reported, in December 2024, the Russian occupation forces quite expectedly set an absolute record for personnel losses. There was also a slight decline in losses of equipment due to the growing shortage in the troops. In total, in 2024, the Russia lost more soldiers and equipment in Ukraine as both Russia and the USSR did in all wars and conflicts after World War II.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
On the evening of Friday, January 3, a large-scale air alert was announced in Ukraine due to the threat of ballistic missile attacks. In Chernihiv, three explosions occurred during a Russian attack, destroying two private houses, killing one person and injuring four others.

ADVERTISIMENT

At 16:18, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warned of the threat of enemy ballistic missiles from the direction of Kursk and urged not to ignore air raid warnings. At 16:21, it became known about a high-speed target in the Chernihiv region. At the same minute, a powerful explosion occurred in the regional center, an OBOZ.UA correspondent reports.

At 16:37, a second explosion occurred in Chernihiv, and at 16:51  the third. The explosions were heard throughout the city.

The head of the Chernihiv RMA, Dmytro Bryzhynskyi, informed that a group rocket attack had been launched on the outskirts of the city.

Preliminary, two private houses were destroyed and one civilian was injured, he said as of 17:09.

ADVERTISIMENT

At 17:45, Viacheslav Chaus, head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, said that one person was killed in the Russian strike, and there were also injuries. The attack hit a residential area on the outskirts of the city.

"The enemy launched a triple missile attack on residential buildings on the outskirts of Chernihiv. Several houses were heavily damaged. We already know about one dead person. There are wounded. Search and rescue operations are ongoing," the statement said.

The headquarters for the liquidation of the consequences are being deployed at the scene, Bryzhynskyi said at 18:06.

According to the official, at 18:12, the missile attack partially destroyed two residential buildings and damaged the windows of seven residential buildings.

ADVERTISIMENT

Preliminary, one person was killed and four were injured.

According to monitoring channels, the enemy used three "Iskander-M"/KN-23 ballistic missiles in the Chernihiv region.

"There were three explosions, everything closed, even the ATB. It was very loud," one of the residents of the center of Chernihiv told OBOZ.UA.

The blast wave caused windowpanes to shake in residential buildings. "The whole city heard the explosions, the windows shook at home," another eyewitness told OBOZ.UA.

In addition, at 16:39 and 17:10, the Air Force reported a high-speed target in the Sumy region, in particular in the direction of Kyiv region.

The Air Force also warned about the movement of missiles in the direction of Pavlohrad, Dnipro region.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine 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
The diary of a North Korean soldier, Jung Kyung-hong, killed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kursk, contained records of actions on the battlefield and instructions to perform all tasks at the cost of life. Therefore, dictator Kim Jong-un sends his military to Russia to gain combat experience and be prepared for a possible war.

ADVERTISIMENT

The press service of the Special Operations Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine showed a fragment of Private Jong's diary. The DPRK leader himself has not yet recognized the fact that he is using his soldiers to help the Russian army.

"The North Korean military is ordered to carry out tasks even at the cost of their own lives thousands of kilometers from home for the sake of the party and Kim Jong-un's interests, which shows the dictator's real attitude towards his own troops," the statement reads.

The following is a translation of an entry from the notebook of North Korean military Jung Kyung-hong, where the most important thing is "the front of anti-imperialist and class struggle", and the most important task is "combat readiness" in case of war.

ADVERTISIMENT

"All forces to complete the preparation for war - this is what the revolution demands, this is what the current circumstances demand, this is a battle slogan that should be raised high on the banner of our armed forces at all levels," Jung wrote.

The North Korean military officer was convinced that it was necessary to be in a battalion that goes into battle immediately after the order and performs "any task even at the cost of death."

"This is the goal that every battalion in our armed forces must achieve, and this is the spirit of this congress," Jung said.

As reported, earlier, an "instruction" on how to fight drones was found in Jung Kyung-hong's diary. It refers to the use of live bait. The recordings are accompanied by illustrations that describe the method of eliminating drones step by step.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Approximately 86,700 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, and over 17,900 means of transport crossed Romania's external border on the second day of 2025, the Border Police informed on Friday.

According to a release sent to AGERPRES, on January 2, the border police officers at the external border of Romania - the border with Serbia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as sea and air flights arriving from outside the Schengen area - carried checks for crossing the border, both incoming and outgoing, for approximately 86,700 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, and over 17,900 means of transport.





However, the Romanian Border Police can make random and unsystematic checks on the communication routes from the internal border or in various road junctions, within the limit of 30 kilometers from the border line in the interior, which represents the area of competence, together with colleagues from Police, Gendarmerie, Immigration or other structures in order to verify the identity and legal status of persons, but also to prevent and combat illegal acts.
The centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate is a moment of great joy and gratitude for all Orthodox Romanians, an opportunity to strengthen faith and remember those who, through their sacrificial love, left us a testimony and a holy heritage, the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church (BOR), Daniel has said, Agerpres reports.

"The year 2025, declared by the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church as the commemorative year of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate and the commemorative year of the Romanian Orthodox priests and martyrs of the 20th century, represents a unique moment in the history of the Romanian Orthodox Church. This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but also a call to acknowledge our ancestors and reflection on the role of our Church in the life of the Romanian people. The Romanian Patriarchate was, throughout its 100 years of existence, an unquenchable torch of faith and national unity, and the Romanian Orthodox priests and confessors of the 20th century were true defenders of the Orthodox faith in the face of trials and persecutions", the Patriarch pointed out on the occasion of the proclamation of the commemorative Year of the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate.





"Looking back at these 100 years, we see both a rich history and a beautiful spiritual legacy left by our forefathers - whether we are talking about the patriarchs who shepherded the Church wisely or the hierarchs, priests, deacons, monks and lay faithful prayers and confessors, who defended and transmitted the Orthodox faith in hard times, uniting in their souls the suffering of the Cross with the hope of the Resurrection, the tears of repentance with the joy of meeting the risen Christ", Patriarch Daniel pointed out.The establishment of the Romanian Patriarchate was recognized internationally, especially through the Tomos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the official recognition of the Romanian Patriarchate by the other autocephalous Orthodox Churches, strengthening the prestige of the BOR.
The European Union enters 2025 facing a set of challenges: maintaining unity amid geopolitical tensions, improving its economic competitiveness and grappling with political uncertainty in key member states. With political turmoil in Germany and France, a new European Commission and Donald Trump returning to the White House, the year will likely put the EU's resilience under serious strain.

Closing the gap with competitors, continuing to support Ukraine in the face of Russia's war, maintaining a strong transatlantic relationship and improving overall defence capabilities are the main challenges facing the European Union in 2025.





The return to power of former United States President Donald Trump in January could prove decisive. European leaders fear he could upend European security and pull the plug on support for Ukraine while simultaneously unleashing a trade war with steep tariffs on European goods.For the EU's internal politics, a particularly significant problem is the leadership vacuum in Germany and France, its two largest member states. The two states have long been regarded as the driving forces of European integration.In Germany, the government led by the Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz will remain in power until the early elections scheduled for February 23. Currently favoured by the polls, the Christian Democrat Friedrich Merz stands a chance of becoming the new German chancellor.In France, political instability followed early parliamentary elections called by President Emmanuel Macron in June. This came after the French far-right scored high in the European elections. While the far-right National Rally (RN) won the first round in the parliamentary elections, it suffered a defeat in the second round, hobbled by electoral pacts between the left and Macron's centrists.On December 13, Macron named centrist Francois Bayrou as prime minister, handing him the daunting task of hauling France out of months of political crisis. Bayrou is the sixth prime minister of Macron's mandate and France's fourth prime minister of 2024. He was appointed shortly after parliament ousted former prime minister Michel Barnier's government in a historic no-confidence vote following a standoff over an austerity budget.Meanwhile, RN President Marine Le Pen and others connected to the party are standing trial for the alleged embezzlement of EU funds by paying party employees with EU money intended to pay parliamentary assistants between 2004 and 2016. A verdict is expected to come on March 31 - the outcome is key to Le Pen's ambitions to succeed Macron as president of France in the 2027 election.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose country holds the rotating six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union until June, is one of those seeking to fill the Franco-German power vacuum in the EU. As are the heads of EU institutions: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and foreign policy chief and former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas along with Mark Rutte, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance.Poland is also set to hold presidential elections in May 2025.In Romania, the first round of the presidential elections in which the pro-Russian right-wing candidate Calin Georgescu scored a surprise win, was annulled amid reports of Russian interference in the election process in early December. New elections are expected to be held in February or March.Bulgaria also faces the task of forming a stable regular government, following two early parliamentary elections in 2024 - on June 9 and October 27. Since 2021, Bulgarians have been asked to vote seven times in just four years.Forming a lasting majority in parliament has proven to be particularly difficult with political entities drawing hard lines on issues such as Bulgaria's role in the EU, the country's stance on the war in Ukraine and the adoption of the Euro as the national currency.Boosting EU economic competitivenessWith regard to the bloc's ailing competitiveness, the agenda of the new Commission will largely rely on a report prepared by former President of the European Central Bank and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in September.The Commission is expected to publish a Competitiveness Compass on January 15, which will be based on three pillars from Draghi's report: closing the innovation gap with the US and China; decarbonisation and competitiveness; and increasing economic security while reducing dependencies.In February, the Commission is expected to unveil the Clean Industry Plan which will aim to integrate climate protection with industrial policy.In order for the European economy to be able to compete with the United States and China, according to Draghi's report, additional investments of around 750 to 800 billion Euro annually are needed. Therefore, a key issue in the upcoming period will be how to secure these funds.This is closely linked to the question of the next seven-year budget, known as the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the period 2028-2034. The Commission will present a proposal for the new MFF in the second half of this year. Funds from the current seven-year budget (2021-2027) can be drawn until 2030.Costa's innovative take on the European CouncilFormer Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa took the helm of the European Council on December 1 and brought a fresh wind to the institution. It is the highest political body of the EU which brings together the heads of state or government of the EU member states to define the EU's overall political direction.One of the great novelties that 2025 brings for the European institutions will be the debut of innovative seminars devised by Costa. These will replace the informal summits of EU leaders.The first such seminar will be held in Belgium, at a location not yet specified, on February 3. The topic on the table will be Europe's role in defence.The Polish Council presidency has also put the emphasis on the bloc's security. The Council of the EU - not to be mistaken with the European Council - brings together ministers from each country, who meet in different configurations depending on the policy area being discussed.Costa's seminars are designed as retreats where EU leaders can engage in brainstorming sessions to express their problems and try to find solutions together. For the first seminar, Costa has invited NATO chief Rutte to breakfast and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dinner.The first formal European Council summit of 2025 will take place on March 20 and 21 in Brussels.Four members of the European Council - from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Ireland - currently hold the status of acting leaders, as governments have yet to be formed following parliamentary elections.Editorial note: the paragraph about the elections in Germany has been updated. The paragraph on the multiannual financial framework 2028-2034 has also been updated.The content is based on news by agencies participating in the European Newsroom (enr, a cooperation project between news agencies from all over Europe) - in this case AFP, ANSA, BTA, EFE, HINA.
Romania's total integration into the Schengen area will have as effect the development of the economy, being a guarantee that Romanian exports will advance strongly this year, says Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who expresses his confidence that all obstacles generated by the difficult international context will be overcome, Agerpres reports.

"The fact that we are fully in the Schengen area this year will give our economy the massive boost it needs to overcome this difficult international context. The disappearance of the crossing points on the border with Hungary and Bulgaria represents more than a symbolic moment, it is the guarantee that Romanian exports will advance strongly this year, and that means more money that will enter the accounts of our companies and a solid support for the development of the Romanian economy. The total integration of Romania into Schengen is proof that, when we persistently pursue our great national objectives, we have every reason to succeed! And I believe in our ability to overcome all obstacles together," Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu emphasized in a post on Facebook on Thursday.





The Interior Ministers of Romania and Bulgaria were present, on New Year's Eve, at the Giurgiu Border Crossing Point to mark the accession of the two countries to the area of free movement with land borders."For me it is a great privilege. We have been working with you for 17 years. We succeeded and we are here to congratulate each other for the success we have together. I thank Minister Predoiu for his efforts", said the Bulgarian Minister of the Interior.Fireworks were launched over the Giurgiu - Ruse Friendship Bridge, and several Romanian citizens crossed into the neighboring country without control at the land borders.
Ukraine is preparing for a possible reduction in US military aid and is actively developing its own weapons. In particular, Ukrainian experts are currently working on several long-range munitions, including the modernization of the Ukrainian "Trembita" missile, which could become the cheapest long-range missile in the world.

ADVERTISIMENT

Among other things, Kyiv plans to use Ukrainian long-range weapons to strike Moscow: we are talking about thousands of such missiles. This is stated in the article by The Telegraph.

The author of the article, David Axe, emphasizes that even though in the weeks leading up to the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, the administration of his predecessor, Joe Biden, has been trying to supply Ukraine with as many weapons as possible, the new administration may reduce or even stop military assistance to Ukraine. At least, Trump has made such threats many times before. And, given his "impulsiveness and pro-authoritarianism," the newspaper believes, the new US president may indeed do so.

"The Ukrainian government is taking no chances. It is in a hurry to develop weapons that it can build, pay for, and use on its own with or without the unreliable, unpredictable Americans," the article says.

ADVERTISIMENT

One of the main symbols of Ukraine's desire for autonomy in terms of the ability to engage targets, especially in the Russian Federation, is the new Ukrainian "Trembita" cruise missile. It may well replace the US ATACMS missiles with a 300-kilometer range when they run out.

In addition to "Trembita," intensive work is underway on other domestic long-range munitions. And, according to the author of the article, "a lot of them are being developed."

The "Trembita" missile is quite compact. It is only 2.13 meters long and weighs just over 90 kg. It is launched from a ramp, equipped with a noisy impulse jet engine with a simple design (tubular fuselage and square wing), and is guided by GPS.

"This simplicity gives ''Trembita'' its best feature: low cost. The basic "Trembita," which has been under development since 2023, costs only $10,000. It has a range of only 90 miles (about 145 km  Ed.) with a 40-pound (18-kilogram  Ed.) warhead. PARS, the Ukrainian company that manufactures the "Trembita," is working on a larger, longer-range version that should be able to reach Moscow, which is 400 miles (over 643 km  Ed.) from the Ukrainian border," the article says.

ADVERTISIMENT

The development is expected to be completed in about a year. The author of the article emphasizes that the new version of "Trembita" will cost more than $10,000 as a basic version, but there is every reason to believe that it could become the cheapest long-range missile in the world. And the new "Trembita" will certainly beat the price of ATACMS, which costs more than $1 million.

"There is no reason why Ukraine cannot purchase thousands of "Trembitas" even without external budgetary assistance. The same cannot be said for the more expensive domestic deep-damage munitions that Kyiv is working on, such as the "Hrim-2" ballistic missiles and "Neptune" cruise missiles," The Telegraph writes.

And the massiveness of potential strikes, the newspaper adds, will be of great importance, because against the backdrop of large-scale Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, industry, and the energy system, Ukraine needs to seriously increase the number of its own strikes against Russia to more effectively attack military facilities, oil refineries,s and defense enterprises in Russia. This task is physically impossible to realize with the meager number of Western ATACMS and Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missiles that our partners have provided.

ADVERTISIMENT

Moreover, according to The Telegraph, it is possible that Ukraine will not receive any more ATACMS missiles after Trump arrives in the White House.

"Trembita" is not ATACMS, Storm Shadow, or SCALP-EG. It lacks the payload of an American munition, the penetrating power of British and French missiles, and the accuracy of all three. Replacing smaller, less accurate Ukrainian munitions with larger, more accurate foreign munitions would force Ukrainians to reconsider what targets they hit and how," the article says.

At the same time, the author of the article suggests that massive strikes with "Trembitas" would be quite effective in destroying large Russian enterprises. However, strikes on underground command posts using these missiles would probably not be as effective as the destruction of such targets by British Storm Shadow.

ADVERTISIMENT

"By relying more on their own weapons, the Ukrainians may have to resort to a different set of targets. But at least they will be able to continue hitting targets," the publication adds.

In any case, the author notes, Ukraine realizes that Western aid may soon be reduced and is preparing for it.

Earlier, The Economist reported that Ukraine is developing a missile capable of reaching Moscow. The article called the new version of the "Trembita" missile "an important element in the country's defense strategy."

The authors of the article emphasized that the development of the "Trembita" has lasted only a year and a half, which is an impressive period for such a complex engineering task. It will be put into mass production after successful final tests.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
JEFFERSON CITY  The Missouri Supreme Court on Friday declined to review a lower court ruling that gives Gov. Mike Parson the power to appoint the next St. Louis County prosecutor.

The decision means the governor's pick will become the county's next top law enforcement official. He chose Melissa Price Smith, who has worked since 2008 as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the office.

The governor claimed victory following the state Supreme Court's decision.

"We were certain of Gov. Parson's authority to name the St. Louis County prosecutor from the beginning," said Johnathan Shiflett, Parson's spokesman. "Our position has now been affirmed multiple times by the courts."

Price Smith was sworn in Friday morning, the day after former prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell resigned to take his newly won seat in Congress.

The decision also means County Executive Sam Page's pick, former federal prosecutor Cort Van Ostran, won't get the job. Page said the county tried to ensure it could select its elected officials, but said he'd support Price Smith.

"It's important that the prosecuting attorneys office be successful, and Melissa Price Smith has my full support in working to keep St. Louis County safe," Page said in a statement. "I am confident she will use her experience to build on the work of Wesley Bell."

Since late November, the county has fought the state's effort to take control over the appointment. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed suit in county court, asking a judge to stop Page from appointing his pick and give Parson control over the appointment.

Judge Brian May sided with Bailey, saying county prosecuting attorneys are officers of the state because their powers come from the state attorney general. The decision gave the governor the right to appoint the county's next prosecuting attorney.

Neal Perryman, a private attorney hired to represent Page and the county, asked the state appeals court to consider the county judge's decision. But a panel of three judges for the Eastern District Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld May's ruling.

Later that day, the county asked the Missouri Supreme Court to hear the case.

On Friday morning, the high court declined the county's request, solidifying Parson's authority to nominate Price Smith as prosecuting attorney.
Then-Army Pfc. Kenneth David, left, and Army Capt. Hugh Nelson Jr., right, are the latest soldiers who served during the Vietnam War to receive the Medal of Honor. (U.S. Army)

WASHINGTON  Debbie McKnight did not want her father, Capt. Hugh Nelson Jr., to go to Vietnam.

As a 5-year-old, I remember him lifting me up in my grandparents house. And I told him not to go because I was never going to see him again, she said.

Six months later, Army officials drove up to the Nelson house to inform them that Hugh was killed in action. He was 28. It happened the day before her little brother, Hugh Nelson III, turned 1 year old.

McKnight and her family know the sacrifice her father made. The rest of the country will now, too, as Nelson and Kenneth David, who also fought in the Vietnam War, are the latest recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nations highest military award for valor in combat.

President Joe Biden will present the medals on Friday at a White House ceremony, during which the Medal of Honor will also be posthumously bestowed to five Korean War veterans.

Nelson was raised in Rocky Mount and Durham, N.C. McKnight said her father was in JROTC in high school before graduating from The Citadel in South Carolina in 1959.

He went to The Citadel, graduated, liked it so much that our mom and dad were married there, she said. At least thats what weve been told.

On June 5, 1966, near Moc Hoa, Nelson was the acting aircraft commander of a Huey helicopter with the 114th Aviation Company on a search-and-destroy reconnaissance mission when the aircraft was struck by a barrage of enemy fire that rendered it uncontrollable.

McKnights brother Tripp, as the family refers to him, said his father was flying the helicopter with three crew members. Tripp Nelson said reports on the fight concluded the aircraft hit the ground at 100 miles per hour.

The crash left the four-man crew unconscious in the helicopter. Nelson was the first to wake up and moved to the other side of the aircraft where he found his dazed and wounded crew chief still trapped inside the Huey. After getting him out, Nelson climbed into the severely damaged helicopter to assist the door gunner, who was still strapped inside and unable to move.

While Nelson tried to free his comrade, North Vietnamese troops attacked, firing automatic rifles and small arms from about 30 feet away. The heavy enemy fire wounded Nelson, but he continued his efforts to free the trapped door gunner. After freeing the soldier, Nelson used his body as a shield to cover the door gunner from the intense enemy fire.

Ive read everywhere that he took between six and, I believe, 20 rounds, Tripp Nelson said. He passed away during that time. The other three crew members lived and luckily were evacuated fairly quickly.

When the Army came to notify the Nelsons of Hughs death, McKnight said the family was returning home from getting haircuts. She had gotten gum in her hair and her mother took her to get it cut out. When they pulled up to the house, two men were waiting for them.

As the men got back in the car, one turned to McKnight and asked for directions to her grandparents house. When McKnight went inside, she saw her mother crying.

She looked at me and she said that my daddy was gone, and he was never coming back. So that was how I found out that he had passed away, McKnight said.

She said she was told not every officer would have sacrificed himself for other troops.

Thats not something that our father would have thought about, McKnight said. He was just brought up as a good Christian and a good soldier, and all he would have thought about was doing the right thing. He told us, and our mother, that the one thing that he had to do was he had to fight for freedom so that everyone had the right to live their lives the way they wanted.

Nelson received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Armys second highest military decoration, for his actions and sacrifice.

Kenneth David didnt go to a military school like Nelson. Now 74, he joined the Army in August 1969 after being drafted. He graduated from Girard High School in Ohio and had been working for a year.

Being I was brought up proper, I went in the Army and fulfilled my commitment to our country. Thats what I believed in, David said.

Then-Pfc. David distinguished himself on May 7, 1970, in the Thua Thien Province. He served as a radio telephone operator with Company D, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, near Fire Support Base Maureen.

We got overrun, he said. [It] was pitch black at night. Explosions started going off, and we got overrun by sappers. And behind the sappers were [North Vietnamese troops].

The enemys initial assault mortally wounded the companys platoon leader. Without hesitation, David handed his radio to his platoon sergeant and moved forward to the defensive perimeter, unleashing automatic weapons fire on the enemy troops.

David, from his position, beat back enemy efforts to overrun him. Realizing the impact of the enemy assault on the wounded, who were being moved to the center of the defensive perimeter that the U.S. troops had established, David moved to a position outside of the perimeter while continuing to engage the enemy.

Each time the enemy attempted to concentrate its fire on wounded Americans inside the perimeter, David jumped from his position and yelled to draw enemy fire away from injured troops. Refusing to withdraw in the face of the concentrated enemy fire now directed toward him, he continued to engage the enemy.

Though wounded by an exploding satchel charge and running low on ammunition, he tossed hand grenades toward the attackers to counter their fire. The units medic, realizing David had been injured, moved to his position to provide medical aid. David told the medic that he was OK and continued to fight on.

The adrenaline was so high in me that I had no idea  but I was able to save seven [other troops], he said. So, between the effort of Greg and myself, we did our duty.

David credited his buddy, Spc. Gregory Phillips, for his efforts during the fight. Phillips received the Silver Star for his actions.

David received the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroics that day.

He spent five months in Valley Forge General Hospital in Pennsylvania to recover from his injuries. David retired as a heating and cooling technician with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 396 in Youngstown, Ohio.

His goal for years has been to help as many veterans as possible. For 39 years, David has been a member of Disabled American Veterans Trumbull County Chapter 11 in Warren, Ohio.

David made it out of Vietnam 54 years ago, but seven other soldiers from the unit did not. Their names are located on panel 11 west of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, lines 121 to 128. The names are  Cpl. Robert Berger, Pfc. Peter Cook, 1st Lt. Lawrence Fletcher, Cpl. Jose Gonzalez, Sgt. Lloyd Jackson, Cpl. Robert Lohenry and Staff Sgt. Joseph Redmond.

I was able to go on a virtual wall [and] pull off their bios. Theyre in a book, and I carry that book in my truck all the time, David said. Thats my way of coping with my stress. I always talk about my friends. We knew the way they walked, we knew the way they talked, their heartbeat and we would do anything for each other in any situation.

David is the second soldier from the platoon to receive the Medal of Honor. Pfc. Kenneth Kays of the 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division received the award in 1973 for his actions on May 7, 1970.

The Medal of Honor process can take years before a service member receives the award.

Herm Breuer, an Army veteran and a veterans service officer in Trumbull County, examined Davids records and felt the Medal of Honor was justified. David said Breuer devoted 17 years to work on a recommendation packet for him.

Mr. Herm Breuer never gave up on me, and thats why Im here today, and I thank him for that, David said.

Tripp Nelson and McKnight said Ted Curtis was working in the archives of The Citadel and discovered their fathers story. Curtis, also a graduate of The Citadel, got other graduates involved after reading the story. They investigated the history and submitted their review five or six years ago. Then-Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., and Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., kept McKnight updated on the process. It took three years for the Army Review Board to look at the information.

When Ted was putting the package together, he was able to contact former members of my fathers unit who have actually since passed away, McKnight said. I witnessed reports from them about what had happened. Tripp and I had gotten portions of the story, but we never knew the whole story until after Ted did all of this research. Were just so grateful that he never gave up and would just call or periodically email and just say, Hey, its going to happen.

David said he was honored to receive the call and looks forward to meeting President Joe Biden in person with his friends and family.

McKnight said she remembers the day that Biden called. The phone call lasted two minutes and 16 seconds. She was sitting down because her knees were shaking.

After the president recapped Nelsons actions and he would present the family with the Medal of Honor posthumously, Biden commented her father was a very handsome man.

I was like, Yes, my mother thought so too,  McKnight said. And that was when the conversation ended. Im not sure if I should have said that to him, but it always kind of makes me smile and giggle when I think about having said that to the president.

Tripp said despite not knowing his father, he has several of his possessions. He has his uniforms and parachute. He also has his fathers wallet.

In Nelsons wallet, there was a picture of his wife and a vaccination card. There were three or four documents related to code of conduct and what to do if you were captured by the Vietnamese. His father also had a prayer in his wallet.

It was filled with documents he was keeping with him, I guess, to remind him what good conduct was. I dont think he needed to remind himself, Tripp said. You can tell a lot about a person. He felt he was in the right place where he belonged, and that was in the war, fighting for our country.
In Barcelona, the Magi arrive at port aboard a ship as part of Spains Three Kings Day festivities. (iStock)

Christmas has come and gone, but celebrations related to Christs birth arent over just yet. In many parts of Europe, Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, is cause for excitement, particularly among children, who will be hoping for presents arriving by special means of delivery.

Italy

The religious feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6 is a public holiday and the day of a folkloric tradition that fills children with wonder and delight. According to one version of the legend, as the Three Wise Men were making their way toward Bethlehem, they encountered an old woman, whom they invited to accompany them on their journey to the site of Jesus birth. As she was too busy with her housework, she refused to come along, but soon regretted having turned down the opportunity. As she searched in vain for the baby of whom the Wise Men had spoken, she gave away the presents shed prepared to other children instead. Throughout Italy, children hang out their stockings on the night of Jan. 5, in hopes that La Befana, traveling upon her broom, will reward them with toys and treats. A number of other activities are held to mark the day.

In Rome, Piazza Navona serves as one of the central gathering points on Jan. 6. Here, on the last day of the Christmas market that bears her name, families and friends will gather for one last round of seasonal treats and holiday cheer, and Befana herself will make an appearance. Also on the day, a celebration titled Viva La Befana sees a historical parade get underway from 10 a.m. along the Via della Conciliazione. Musicians, majorettes, flag-wavers and other figures clad in historical costume are accompanied by horses and animals associated with the nativity scene. The spectacle reaches its finale in St. Peters Square, where Pope Francis presides over the midday Angelus benediction. Following the Angelus, the three Magi present their symbolic gifts to the Pope. Online: tinyurl.com/59zv9ayh

Venice celebrates La Befana on its waterfront. On the morning of Jan. 6, members of the citys oldest rowing club, the Bucintoro, don witches costumes before taking part in a regatta. The waterborne procession of participants arrives at the Rialto Bridge, from which dangles a gigantic stocking, at 10:30 a.m., and the races get underway shortly thereafter. Online: tinyurl.com/24v77cns

One Italian town is as closely associated with La Befana as the North Pole is with Santa Claus. Urbania, a town in the northern Marche region, in the province of Pesaro-Urbino, is the site of a celebration and spectacle for all ages. The thousands of stockings hung about town create the perfect backdrop for dancing witches and a pair of particularly acrobatic ones displaying their high-wire skills from the bell tower. Street theater and stands serving regional fare complete the festive atmosphere of Befana World. Festivities take place Jan. 3-6; adults pay 6 euros for entry while children under the age of 10 enter for free. Online: festadellabefana.com

Until recently, Verona had celebrated Jan. 6 with a ceremony known as rogo della vecia, or burning of the old woman, which involved setting alight an effigy. The revamped celebration still sees the procession of the Magi, albeit without the live animals of yore, preceded by fire and magic shows, circus acts, a singalong concert and video mapping on the facade of the Palazzo Barbieri. Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Online: tinyurl.com/4uny7xup

Spain

Three Kings Day is marked in cities and towns across Spain with parades held on Jan. 5. Processions known as cabalgatas, or cavalcades, mark the arrival of the Three Kings, who instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh, pass out trinkets or candy to the children lining the parade routes. Places with particularly bold and beautiful parades include the city of Alcoy, in Alicante, believed to be the countrys oldest of its ilk. More than one thousand marchers, from musicians to dancers to torch bearers, take part. In Barcelona, the Three Kings generally arrive in Port Vell by boat in the late afternoon before taking to the streets. Madrids parade is made up of some 2,000 participants and traditionally concludes with a show of fireworks in front of the Palacio de Cibeles. Sevilles procession is known for its fantastic floats as well as its duration, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and concluding around 10 p.m. Online: tinyurl.com/bkcfdtzn

Germany

For more than 50 years now, its been tradition in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to mark Three Kings Day with the holding of Hornschlittenrennen, downhill racing on an old-fashioned style of wooden sledge. The sleds, built specifically for the races, are similar in design to ones traditionally used in the Alps to bring down hay and firewood. The brave racers who practice this sport compete in teams of four on a 1,000-meter track and achieve speeds of up to 100 km. Spills are commonplace, but the threat of injury doesnt seem to keep the competitors away. Only a lack of snow on the track would put the brakes to this race slated to take place near the Olympic Ski Stadium on Jan. 6 at 12:30 p.m. Entry to the races costs 10 euros adults, ages 13-18 pay 5 euros, and those 12 and under enter free. Online: hornschlitten.de
Russian Z-propagandists are crying foul over a successful attack by the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the location of the Sevastopol 810th Marine Brigade of the Russian Navy in the village of Ivanovskoye in Kursk region. One of the "military commanders" suspected that a "mole" had been planted in this unit.

ADVERTISIMENT

Attention was drawn to the reaction of the Russians by the "Crimeanwind" Telegram channel. Its authors showed a post by a propagandist in which he was indignant: they say that the marines are "methodically knocked out, and not even on the battlefield."

It is noteworthy that the propagandist assures that the shelling of the rear this time did not occur when the occupiers were lining up for the award ceremony. It happened during an "ordinary moment of war."

"It seems that there really is a mole in the 810th," the Kremlin fan concluded.

To recap: On January 2, Ukrainian soldiers attacked the location of the Russian occupation army in Ivanovskoye with rockets. Soldiers of the enemy 810th Brigade suffered significant losses.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported:

 On December 30, in the city of Lgov, Kursk region of the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian Defense Forces hit the control center of the 810th Separate Marine Brigade of the Russian Navy. The enemy placed it in an abandoned building.

 On December 31, a fire broke out at an oil depot in the town of Yartsevo in the Smolensk region of Russia after a nighttime drone attack. Two tanks with gasoline and diesel fuel caught fire there.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
(Tribune News Service)  China plans to tighten export restrictions on certain technology used to make battery components and the processing of two crucial metals amid rising trade tensions globally.

Beijing proposes including battery cathode material preparation technology to its catalog of applications that are subject to export bans or restrictions, according to a notice seeking public opinion released by the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday. The ministry also plans to enhance curbs on some technologies and processes for extracting metallic gallium and lithium.

The proposed measure is part of efforts to strengthen the management of technology imports and exports, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. The public can provide feedback on the proposals until Feb. 1, it added.

If implemented, these changes would be the latest in a series of export bans targeting critical minerals and the technology to process them, areas where China holds a dominant position. Beijing leads the battery supply chain, controlling nearly 85% of global battery cell production capacity.

Chinas proposed technology export restrictions came a month after authorities announced a ban on several materials with high-tech and military applications, a tit-for-tat move after the U.S. government escalated technology curbs on Beijing. Gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials are no longer allowed to be shipped to America, while sales of graphite has been placed under tighter controls.

China is the top global supplier of dozens of critical minerals, and concerns about its dominance have been mounting in Washington since the country placed initial controls on exports of gallium and germanium last year. The metals are used in everything from semiconductors to satellites and night-vision goggles.

With assistance from Li Liu and Jasmine Ng.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Contractors working for Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill move a disassembled section of diesel fuel pipe outside of an entrance to the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Hawaii, March 27, 2024. (Glenn Slaughter/U.S. Navy)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Navy and Defense Logistics Agency $5,000 for failing to attend a community meeting last month regarding the Red Hill fuel spill crisis as required by a consent order.

Under the order, representatives from the two entities were required to attend the Dec. 12 meeting of the Red Hill Community Representation Initiative group.

The group consists of 10 members from the Hawaiian community who work directly with the Navy, Defense Logistics Agency and the EPA on matters related to the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, including its defueling, permanent closure and drinking water safety.

The EPA said it was disappointed in the Navys absence in a Dec. 18 letter to Rear Adm. Marc Williams, deputy commander of the Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill, and David Kless, deputy commander of the Defense Logistics Agency.

[Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill] is aware of the $5,000 stipulated penalty for not attending the CRI meeting December 12, 2024, and we are working through the Consent Orders dispute resolution provisions to resolve the matter, the task force responded in a Jan. 2 email.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in March 2022 ordered the World War II-era facility closed after a jet fuel spill contaminated drinking water used by more than 90,000 people living in military communities on or near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Thousands of residents were temporarily relocated to area hotels as the Navy flushed the system.

Many residents believed that the Navys response to the contamination was slow and half-hearted.

The Navys own investigation into the causes of the spill disclosed a stunning lack of management, training and maintenance for personnel and contractors in the years prior to the fuel spill in November 2021.

The establishment of the CRI was added to the 2023 Red Hill Administrative Consent Order in response to public comments lobbying for more community input in the facility closure and the cleanup of contaminated soil, rock and water beneath it.

The relationship between some CRI members and the Navy has been contentious. Navy officials have complained that CRI members were rude and brought up questions and items outside the scope of the meeting agenda.

As a result, the Navy skipped meetings throughout 2024, which prompted an unsuccessful attempt by the EPA last spring to attempt to bring in a mediator to resolve differences.

In November, the EPA amended the consent order to place a mediator chosen by that agency in charge of meeting agendas and discussions.

CRI members balked at that and other changes and requested the EPA solicit public comment on the amendments before finalizing them.

Nevertheless, CRI members agreed to follow the newly instituted ground rules for the Dec. 12 meeting.

The EPA notified the Navy of the CRIs intent to do so, according to the Dec. 18 letter written by Amy Miller-Bowen, director of the EPA Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division.

The Navy Closure Task Force signed off on the agenda for the Dec. 12 meeting, according to the letter.

Hours before the meeting, the EPA issued a written denial to CRIs request for public comment.

That same day, the Navy Closure Task Force issued a news release saying it would not attend until the EPA had resolved CRIs request.

If the CRI members agree to participate in the January CRI Meeting pursuant to the Ground Rules and Navy and DLA do not attend the January CRI meeting, EPA may assess an additional stipulated penalty, Miller-Bowen wrote.

olson.wyatt@stripes.com @WyattWOlson
A drone that purportedly crashed in Pyongyang and that North Korea alleges originated with South Koreas military, shown Oct. 13, 2024. (Korean Central News Agency)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff denied allegations that the military scattered anti-communist propaganda leaflets in North Korea to prompt a reaction from Pyongyang, according to a spokesman Thursday.

It was not true that the South Korean military carried out activities to induce provocations from the enemy that were intended to warrant a counter response from Seoul, South Korean army Col. Lee Sung-jun, a Joint Chiefs spokesman, said Thursday at a press conference in Seoul.

South Korean lawmakers from the opposition Democratic Party have accused former President Yoon Suk Yeol of attempting to justify his abrupt martial law declaration last month by directing the military and intelligence agencies to provoke North Korea.

North Korea alleged the South sent military drones north of the border to distribute propaganda leaflets in October. One of these drones crashed and was recovered Oct. 13 in Pyongyang, North Koreas state-run Korean Central News Agency reported six days later.

If South Korea wanted to instigate military action by the North, it would have done so after Pyongyang destroyed sections of inter-Korean roads and railways using explosives, according to Lee.

On Oct. 15, North Korea in a symbolic gesture cut ties with Seoul by destroying its unused roads and railway lines near the border dividing the Korean Peninsula. After debris flew south of the border, South Koreas military responded by firing warning shots on its side of the border, according to the South Korean Ministry of National Defense at the time.

South Korean troops would have fired across the border if Seoul wanted to entice Pyongyang to take military action, Lee said Thursday.

Our military is carrying out activities to protect the people and to protect lives and safety, not to induce provocation from the enemy, Lee said.

Rep. Boo Seung-chan of the Democratic Party on Tuesday said he had information from an unnamed source that the Souths military had distributed anti-communist propaganda leaflets in the North to provoke the communist regime.

Boo and his office investigated the matter and have yet to receive information from the National Defense Ministry and the Joint Chiefs, he said during a radio interview on the Seoul Broadcasting System.

Yoon was impeached Dec. 14 by the National Assembly after his short-lived attempt to declare martial law Dec. 3, citing anti-state forces that he alleged were stalling budget bills and campaigning to impeach his appointees.

Choi Sang-mok, the finance minister and deputy prime minister, is serving as acting president while the case against Yoon is prosecuted in the Constitutional Court. Choi is the second interim president, appointed after the National Assembly also impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who replaced Yoon.

The Seoul Western District Court on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Yoon on charges that he abused his authority and instigated an insurrection.

Police and investigators from South Koreas Corruption Investigation Office tried Friday morning to arrest Yoon at his presidential residence in Seoul. The arrest was called off at around 1:30 p.m., due to safety concerns with the presidents security detail and military personnel, who blocked investigators from accessing the residential compound, according to a news release from the investigation office that day.

The unsuccessful attempt resulted in several altercations, CNN reported, citing the investigation office.
Fourth grade teachers Rosemarie Martin, left, and Delia Cruz teach at John O. Arnn Elementary School near Camp Zama, Japan, on Feb. 15, 2024. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)

All DODEA schools will be closed Thursday in honor of former President Jimmy Carter.

Carter, who served a term in the White House from 1977 to 1981, died at the age of 100 on Dec. 29 at his home in Plains, Ga. Carters funeral will be held on Thursday, and President Joe Biden ordered federal offices closed and gave government employees the day off to observe a national day of mourning. U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days after Carters death at federal buildings, military posts, naval stations and on naval vessels.
US President Joe Biden speaks during a holiday visit to patients and families at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC, on Dec. 20, 2024. (Ting Shen/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)

WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service)  President Joe Biden is preparing to issue a decree permanently banning new offshore oil and gas development in some U.S. coastal waters, locking in difficult-to-revoke protections during his final weeks in the White House.

Biden is set within days to issue the executive order barring the sale of new drilling rights in portions of the countrys outer continental shelf, according to people familiar with the effort who asked not to be named because the decision isnt public.

The move is certain to complicate President-elect Donald Trumps ambitions to drive more domestic energy production. Unlike other executive actions that can be easily undone, Bidens planned declaration is rooted in a 72-year-old law that gives the White House wide discretion to permanently protect U.S. waters from oil and gas leasing without explicitly empowering presidents to revoke the designations.

The move responds to pressure from congressional Democrats and environmental groups who have lobbied Biden to maximize permanent protections against offshore drilling, arguing the action is essential to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities, protect marine ecosystems from oil spills and fight climate change.

White House spokespeople didnt respond to requests for comment, and the Interior Department declined to comment on the matter.

Biden administration officials have been considering the approach for more than two years, though efforts intensified after Trumps victory, as the outgoing president sought to enshrine new environmental measures before the end of his term. The fresh offshore protections are in line with recent Biden actions to protect areas from industrial mining and energy development, including a formal proposal issued Monday to thwart the sale of new oil, gas and geothermal leases in Nevadas Ruby Mountains.

The move would further burnish Bidens green bona fides, deepening his record prioritizing conservation and fighting climate change while in office. Biden is already on track to protect more U.S. lands and waters than any other president, even as he faces mounting calls to expand that record with new national monuments safeguarding culturally significant land in California. By contrast, Trump has vowed to unleash domestic production of oil and gas while rolling back environmental regulations that curb their consumption.

The full scope of Bidens coming offshore protections wasnt clear Thursday, but the designation is set to include waters considered critical to coastal resilience and the effort is meant to be targeted, said people familiar with the decision. Congressional Democrats and scores of environmental groups have urged Biden to make a sweeping declaration, though some recent deliberations have focused on parts of the Pacific Ocean near California and eastern Gulf of Mexico waters by Florida.

The declaration would not affect drilling and other activity on existing leases.

Trump is expected to order a reversal of the protections, but its not clear he will be successful. During his first term in office, Trump sought to revoke former President Barack Obamas order to protect more than 125 million acres (50.6 million hectares) of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, but that move was rejected by a federal district court in 2019.

Trump, himself, has actually used the same statute to block oil and gas leasing in waters near Florida and along the Southeast U.S. in a bid to appeal to voters in the final weeks of the 2020 presidential campaign.

Supporters of the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which governs offshore oil and gas development, note that Congress included a provision giving presidents wide discretion to permanently protect waters from leasing, but it didnt explicitly grant them the authority to undo those designations.

For decades, presidents have invoked the laws withdrawal provision to preserve walrus feeding grounds, U.S. Arctic waters and other sensitive marine resources, beginning with former President Dwight Eisenhower, who in 1960 created the Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve that remains protected today. Former President George H.W. Bush also invoked the provision to block oil leasing along the West Coast, Northeast U.S. and southern Florida for a decade.

Although presidents have modified decisions from their predecessors to exempt areas from oil leasing, courts have never validated a complete reversal  and until Trump, no president had even attempted one.

Conservationists said the move allows the U.S. to meet its future energy needs without jeopardizing areas important for national security, coastal communities and marine life.

President Biden has a historic opportunity to build on the legacy of former Democratic and Republican presidents who protected our coasts from new offshore drilling, said Joseph Gordon, campaign director with the advocacy group Oceana. Our coastlines are home to millions of Americans and support billions of dollars of economic activity that depend on a healthy coast, abundant wildlife and thriving fisheries.

Biden has already curtailed opportunities for new offshore oil and gas development using potentially less enduring measures. His administration designed a program for selling offshore leases that allows just three auctions over the next five years, a record low. However, Trump is expected to rewrite that leasing plan using an administrative process that could take at least a year, and Republican lawmakers are considering ordering more offshore oil lease sales as a way to raise revenue to offset the cost of extending tax cuts.

Oil industry advocates have warned against new restrictions, arguing the world will need fossil fuels for decades to come  and the U.S. produces them more cleanly than other countries. Nearly a century after it was first drilled, the Gulf of Mexico remains a key source of U.S. oil and gas, providing about 14% of domestic output today  enough that if it were a country, it would rank among the worlds top 12 oil producers.

New restrictions would represent an attack on American energy, said Daniel Turner, founder of the Power The Future group that supports workers in the oil, coal and natural gas industries. President Trump should overturn this order on the first day, he said, and quickly usher Bidens green agenda into the dustbin of history.

Offshore drilling remains a politically divisive topic. Though Republicans tend to be more supportive, the Pew Research Center last May found fewer than half of survey respondents backed more offshore oil and gas drilling. The prospect is particularly controversial in some coastal states, where leaders from both parties have warned that oil spills could cripple tourism-based economies.

Laura Davison contributed to this report.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Jack Danaher Molloy, a dual U.S.-Irish citizen who was an American soldier for a short time, is accused in a federal indictment of attempting to join the terrorist group Hezbollah and lying to the FBI, according to a Justice Department statement Jan. 2, 2025. (U.S. Dept. of Justice)

A Pennsylvania man who briefly served in the Army faces charges of attempting to join the militant group Hezbollah and lying to the FBI, according to the Justice Department.

Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Thursday.

He traveled to Lebanon and Syria last year to join the Iran-backed group despite knowing its a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, a DOJ statement said the same day.

The charge related to his attempt to join a terrorist group carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the false statement charges have a maximum penalty of eight years in prison.

Molloy signed a contract in September 2021 with the Army ROTC at the University of Illinois at Chicago, but court documents show that he is no longer a ROTC member.

He served as an enlisted active-duty soldier from March to April 2019. Court records did not explain the circumstances of his departure from service.

A dual U.S. and Irish citizen who converted to Islam in early 2024, Molloy contacted people in Lebanon while in the country in August about becoming a Hezbollah fighter, DOJ said.

His contacts responded that the time was not right and that hed need to take further steps, according to court documents, which say the contacts told him that the way he was trying to join was unusual and that he might be suspected of spying for Israel.

In October, Molloy traveled to Syria in the hopes that it would be easier to join Hezbollahs branch in that country. After speaking to a person there, he returned to the U.S. a little more than a week later, court documents state.

Upon arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport on Oct. 20, Molloy falsely told FBI agents that he did not intend to join Hezbollah, that he had no business in Syria and that he had not met anyone there, the DOJ said.

Molloy supported and idolized violence against Jews, according to further FBI findings outlined in a criminal complaint.

Molloy said in a WhatsApp message with a family member that his master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews, the complaint said.
Latinoland is an ambitious history of Latinos that dismantles entrenched stereotypes and offers a narrative of empowerment. Throughout its more than 600 pages, it lays out the Latino communitys potential for success, helps resolve identity crises, and transforms the way Latinos are perceived and treated by society.

This is 75-year-old Peruvian author Marie Aranas sixth book. She is also an editor at The Washington Post and the inaugural literary director of the Library of Congress. Her work has been widely acclaimed by critics and the public, and she has accumulated awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize (2014), while being shortlisted for the National Book Award and the John Sargent Prize (2001). Having emigrated with her family to New York when she was only nine years old with her Peruvian father and American mother, Aranas work is just one example of the brilliant contributions of Americas migrant population, which struggles with the rootlessness that comes with a dual identity.

Question: What led you to write Latinoland?

Answer. When I was 38 and working at The Washington Post, I was asked for the first time about my homeland and I realized that I had completely forgotten the little girl I had left behind in Peru. That encouraged me to write my memoir, American Chica. Then I realized that I needed to explain who we Latinos were, to tell our story, and I published two novels. From there I moved on to a biography of Bolivar. And finally I wrote the Silver, Sword and Stone stories. I mean, I went from telling my personal history to narrating the collective history.

Latin America has been the focus of all my work for 25 years, after I realized that the U.S. hardly knows anything about its neighbors to the south. A prime example of this was when [former President Ronald] Reagan came back from Latin America saying, There are some little countries there and they are all different. The U.S. has the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world after Mexico. I needed to explain who we are. I am building a monument to Latinos and every book I publish is a brick.

Q. How long did it take you to write it?

A. About two years. I had to quit my job as literary director of the Library of Congress in order to devote myself entirely to writing and researching. I interviewed 247 people.

Q. And have you been able to understand what Latinos want?

A. They want three things. First and foremost, they want economic progress. Thats what the Democratic Party has yet to understand. Jobs are the number one priority, above inclusion. The middle and lower classes have up to three jobs at the same time. Then there is the need for security, and finally education so that their children can be part of a thriving economic system. I have interviewed people who were doctors in Bolivia and became nurses here, or who were teachers in Guatemala and are domestic workers here. They tolerate this change to give their children a chance to do what they want.

Q. You point out in your book that this explains the Latino vote for Donald Trump.

A. Exactly. But it is contradictory at the same time because it might mean deportations. There are organizations that try to reassure immigrants that if they have not committed any criminal act they will not be deported, but in fact we have no guarantee of this. And the situation is cause for concern. If Trump decides to make things difficult for DACA children, scare the U.S. Latino population and sever the relationship with Mexico, there will be a noticeable impact on the country. It is important to make the border secure, but reducing the Latino population in the U.S. will be a big mistake. The Administration has already stated that there are many unnecessary projects that are going to be scrapped and I am afraid that this will affect the construction of the first American Latino National Museum, which is already underway. I think there is a lot to say about our invisible population: 65 million invisible people. And Im concerned that were not going to get the chance.

Cover of 'Latinoland' by Marie Arana.

Q. What role do Latinos play in U.S. society?

A. They are a huge engine for progress, with enormous potential as a market and also as producers. Latinos are the biggest force in small business, the potential for growth is huge. I go to conferences all the time evaluating the economic power that Latinos represent and it is extraordinary. Aside from the technology sector, most corporations will soon be dependent on Latino workers. Given this reality, not having Latinos in boardrooms and leadership positions is unwise.

Q. You write that Sandra Cisneros moved from Texas to San Miguel de Allende because she felt she was not at home [in the U.S.] and that she had to understand her multiplicity, the kaleidoscope that we are. Have you found the place that represents that plurality within you?

A. Not yet. I live on a bridge. I always felt that I never fully belonged to this country; it made me feel like an outsider. I worked very hard throughout my life to be like an American, to talk and act like an American, but Ive never gotten to the point where I feel completely American. And when I go back to Peru, Im reunited with a family that has never left there and they call me la prima gringa (the gringa cousin), so Im also a stranger in my own family. Sandra is a very good friend of mine and my role model. Most of us immigrants are constantly struggling with our identity.

Q. What would you say to Latinos in the U.S.?

A. Learn about our history, which is long; learn about our achievements, which are many in all fields: science, music, the arts, literature... and which remain buried. This is largely because of a sense of not belonging, but also because we have failed to understand that we need to be familiar with our legacy in order to realize our enormous potential.

Q. What most needs to be recognized about the Latinos in the U.S.?

A. That we are not newcomers. We are a very strong and significant part of the history of this country. But Im inspired by the way we have overcome the invisibility that has been imposed on us, because its clear to me that everywhere we look, there are exceptional Latinos.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Mr Phelan (56), a law professor, was today acquitted of murdering Keith Conlon in a shooting on his farm in Dublin

Senior barrister and farmer Diarmuid Phelan has walked free from court after being found not guilty of murdering an intruder he fatally shot during a confrontation on his land.

Mr Phelan (56), a law professor, was today acquitted of murdering Keith Conlon in a shooting on his farm in Dublin.

The jury delivered its verdict at the Central Criminal Court this afternoon, after just under seven hours of deliberation and following a ten-week trial.

Mr Phelan did not react to the verdict and left the dock moments later to embrace family members.

Relatives of Mr Conlon sat in silence as the verdict was delivered before walking out of court and saying in a statement that they were "very hurt and disappointed" by it.

Mr Phelan had denied murdering Mr Conlon (35), who was unarmed when he shot him in the back of the head with a revolver at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght on February 22, 2022.

The father-of-four died in hospital two days later.

Mr Conlon had been in a group of trespassers hunting foxes or badgers on Mr Phelans farm when he killed a dog that was with them and a heated exchange ensued.

Mr Phelan maintained he felt under threat and was acting in legitimate self defence when he fired three warning shots in the air. He did not intend to hit Mr Conlon and the third shot struck him accidentally, the defence said.

The prosecutions case had been that Mr Phelan intended to kill Mr Conlon or cause him serious injury when he shot him, and his use of force was not lawful.

Mr Phelan, wearing a dark suit over a navy shirt, tie and jumper, took his seat in the dock just before the jury filed back in to court at 4.12pm today. They had been deliberating for six hours and 51 minutes over two days.

He put his glasses on and watched, before removing them again moments later.

The registrar then asked the forewoman if the jury had reached a verdict they had all agreed on. She told him they had, and that the issue paper had been signed.

You say that the accused, Diarmuid Phelan, is not guilty, is that the verdict of you all? the registrar said.

The forewoman confirmed that it was.

Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford thanked the jury, exempting them from future service.

Mr Phelan is free to go, she said.

The accused walked from the dock to the courts public gallery and embraced relatives, including his sister Emer. He then conferred with his legal team before leaving the courtroom.

Members of Mr Conlons family left the court shortly after the verdict was delivered.

They issued a brief handwritten statement, saying: "we are very hurt and disappointed at today's verdict," adding that they had no further comment to make.

During the trial, the court heard Mr Phelan had been working with four farm hands on his land when they heard barking and he went into a wooded ravine with a rifle to investigate.

After he saw a dog and shot it dead, three intruders emerged from the undergrowth - friends Keith Conlon, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan had been out hunting badgers or foxes.

The hunters began shouting, with Mr Conlon filming on his phone, saying: Were calling the guards for you now. Youre f**ked now, watch, this is not the end of it mate.

Mr Conlon and Mr Coleman continued shouting as they followed a retreating Mr Phelan.

In a 999 call, the barrister is heard asking for urgent assistance from the gardai with a violent situation while calling out to the men: The guards are coming now, you can talk to them. Keep your distance please. Go back down.

Mr Phelan pulled a Smith & Wesson revolver out of his pocket and shot three times, with the four eyewitnesses saying it was in the air and one saying the third shot was towards the men.

Conlon was critically injured when gardai arrived and Mr Phelan said: I shot him, and that he had been fearful.

The minute he was hurt, I stopped, he said. I was really surprised he fell down.

Mr Conlon was rushed to Tallaght Hospital but was pronounced dead two days later.

In interview, Mr Phelan said the three intruders had exploded from the bushes, screaming and roaring and mentioned getting me.

He shouted at them to stay back but they kept coming to fulfill the threats they had made, he said.

I was terrified. I reached for the revolver in my pocket, I shot in the air, he said; three shots in an arc from left to right over their heads.

I was stunned when the guy went down, he said. I didnt shoot at him.

The prosecution maintained Mr Phelan intended to either kill Mr Conlon or cause him serious harm and was not acting in lawful self defence, the prosecution said.

The defence contended that he was under threat of imminent attack and was entitled to use force in self defence.

Keith Conlon

Mr Phelans lawyers argued the three rounds he fired were warning shots, and Mr Conlon was accidentally struck because of a combination of factors at the time.

These were the effects of Mr Conlon moving uphill, Mr Phelans own movement and some unintended deviation in the alignment of the gun as a result of firing repeatedly under stress.

Expert defence witnesses said the type of revolver had serious problems with control and accuracy when shooting at any distance.

Judge Lankford had told the jury three verdicts were open to them - not guilty, guilty of murder, or guilty of manslaughter.
Liam Lewis was arrested during a police operation mounted at a city centre apartment complex in March last year

A man has appeared in court accused of trying to groom a child into meeting him in Belfast.

Liam Lewis was arrested during a police operation mounted at a city centre apartment complex in March last year.

The 30-year-old engineer, a Belgian national who had been living at the Obel Tower apartment block on Donegall Quay in Belfast, appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court accused of 10 offences.

He is charged with attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity as part of an online campaign.

Further alleged offences include possessing indecent images and trying to cause a child to look at a photo of someone engaged in sexual acts.

The charges cover a period between February 13 and March 8, 2024.

Detectives previously claimed there was evidence of an online chat log between Lewis and a profile for a 13-year-old girl.

The communication over Kik and Snapchat had been sexual in nature and involved an arrangement to meet, it was alleged.

Lewis was said to have been working in Northern Ireland on windmill blade parts, with accommodation provided in the Obel Tower - Belfasts tallest building.

He appeared remotely from HMP Maghaberry for a preliminary enquiry into the strength of the evidence.

Defence solicitor Owen Beattie did not dispute prosecution submissions that a prima facie case had been established against his client.

Lewis declined to give any evidence or call witnesses during the brief hearing.

Granting the Crown's application, Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter sent the case to Belfast Crown Court.

Lewis, who remains in custody, will appear again for arraignment on a future date to be fixed.
The jurors had spent just over four hours considering a verdict on New Years Eve but their deliberations were suspended until today

A jury has resumed deliberations in the trial of barrister Diarmuid Phelan, who is accused of murdering an unarmed intruder in a shooting on his Dublin farm.

The jurors had spent just over four hours considering a verdict on New Years Eve but their deliberations were suspended until today.

The presiding judge sent the nine men and three women back out to continue this afternoon.

Mr Phelan (56), a senior counsel and farmer, is charged with murdering Keith Conlon (35) in a confrontation on his land at Hazelgrove Farm, Tallaght.

The father-of-four was among a group of trespassers hunting wild animals on the farm on February 22, 2022 when Mr Phelan killed a dog they had brought. In the ensuing confrontation, Mr Phelan shot Mr Conlon with a revolver in the back of the head. He died in hospital two days later.

The accused maintains he felt under threat when he fired warning shots in the air in legitimate self defence, unintentionally hitting Mr Conlon.

The prosecution alleges he intended to kill or seriously injure him, and unlawfully used force.

Three possible verdicts are open to the jury - not guilty, guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.

Deliberations began on Tuesday after the conclusion of Ms Justice Siobhan Lankfords five-day charge to the jury at the end of a 10-week trial.

Today, the judge said the jury could be scheduled to attend tomorrow and asked them if they would also consider the possibility of a sitting on Sunday.

Theres no pressure, she said.

She also told them that at the end of the trial they would be excused from future jury service if they wished. The jury retired just after 1pm.
Chavismo has learned to live in a constant state of combustion, particularly after last Julys presidential election. Nicolas Maduro, upset by the erroneous information he received during the campaign  that his victory was assured thanks to the mobilization of his faithful followers, government workers and their families  has placed the government on high alert and is unwilling to leave anything to chance. Especially when it comes to January 10, the day he is scheduled to be sworn in as president for another six years, in spite of well-founded suspicions that he committed electoral fraud. Maduro and his team are analyzing all possible scenarios: a military insurrection, an invasion, even the return to Venezuela of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the true winner of the presidential election according to voter tallies collected by the opposition and which the current regime has refused to make public.

The general feeling is that these possibilities are unlikely, and that Maduro will almost certainly be sworn in as president without any major issues. In truth, I see the powerful and cruel enemy as being deactivated for any subversive plan, says a Chavista leader who is very close to Maduro. But that doesnt mean the president will not remain alert when his big day comes. The administration is looking to convey an image of strength, and the last days of 2024 left us with propaganda such as images of Diosdado Cabello  a retired military officer with the rank of lieutenant who accompanied Hugo Chavez during an attempted coup detat against Carlos Andres Perez in 1992  shooting a rifle. Cabello, whom Chavez considered as his potential successor before opting for Maduro, now serves as Minister of the Interior, a position he has held since the post-electoral conflict, signaling Chavismos intent to fill the government with radicals. He has been speaking for weeks of an imminent threat for which they are well prepared.

Whoever tries to mess with Venezuela is going to pay dearly. They will be able to enter if they want to, their problem will be to get out of this land, Cabello said last Sunday in La Guaira, at the inauguration of a training center for the Bolivarian National Police, during which he showed off his rifle skills in videos broadcast by the state propaganda apparatus. There are no few threats against our country every day from different parts of the world, internal enemies and external enemies, he added, before assuring that there are 20,000 troops trained in special forces operations throughout Venezuela, who have been deployed with the best armament for defense.

Previously, patrols that typically increase in number during the Christmas season incorporated the militarys rapid response units, the so-called URRA, light maneuver units that can adapt to different missions and operational zones. The Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino, accompanied by Cabello, appeared in front of television cameras delivering armored vehicles for internal use to the National Guard. In the streets of Caracas, the number of police checkpoints and patrol units of hooded men armed with large guns have been added to what appears to be a coordinated strategy to dissuade any threat to the government by means of intimidation.

Cabello has also become the governments spokesperson when it comes to its recent arrests of foreigners in the country, which Chavismo has referred to as evidence of terrorist plans that confirm its narrative of an ongoing international siege bent on destabilizing Venezuela. The series of arrests has included three Americans, one of them a member of the U.S. Navy; Jose Maria Basoa Valdovinos and Andres Martinez Adasme, two Spaniards who were on vacation in Venezuela and who are now accused of being agents of their countrys National Intelligence Center; and the latest case of Argentine military officer Nahuel Gallo, who came to visit his partner and who is now under investigation for terrorism.

Chavismo has linked the activities of criminal gangs, such as the Tren de Aragua, which for years operated out of a prison in Venezuela, with the opposition and the organizational structures it designed for the electoral campaign. This, after years during which the government denied the very existence of Tren de Aragua. In so doing, authorities are attempting to criminalize the comanditos, civic groups made up of volunteers working for the opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, who mobilized on the day of the election to support the candidacy of Edmundo Gonzalez. A majority of the 2,000 people arrested at the time belonged to the groups, leading Cabello to remark that 2025 will be characterized by the fight against the organized crime gangs that end up being used by fascism, a term he commonly uses to refer to the adversaries of Chavismo.

From the undisclosed location where she has taken shelter, Machado has sent out a message expressing optimism, and has asked citizens to continue mobilizing in the streets. The time has come, she announced in the caption of a video posted to social media. For our children, for our beloved land, for our Freedom. It depends on you, on me, on us all. You have to be there. I will be with you. GLORY TO THE BRAVE PEOPLE!! For his part, Gonzalez, from his exile in Spain, posted: Today, the first day of the year 2025, we remember how the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, our Magna Carta since December 15, 1999, is the basis of our constitutional order. Article 5 establishes that sovereignty resides in the people, who exercise it directly through suffrage. Article 7 reaffirms that the Constitution is the supreme norm that governs all, without exception. Defending the principles of the rule of law is our commitment. #PopularSovereignty#RuleOfLaw.

Chavismo is looking to armor itself with a mass mobilization of its followers in the days leading up to and following January 10. The movement has already announced a program of activities that supposedly started on January 1, with a New Years concert outside of Miraflores, the official residence of the president. On the day of the inauguration, which will take place at the Legislative Palace, the PSUV ruling party has promised to fill Caracass 10 avenues. On July 28, the people expressed themselves and the CNE [National Electoral Council] declared, according to popular vote, Nicolas Maduro as president of the Republic. On January 10, we will see each other in the streets, we are all going to be sworn in. Lets take to the streets, each of us in their own group, said Cabello, who is also first vice-president of the party. They have sought us by force and we have defeated them; they have sought us by hook or by crook and we have defeated them and we will continue to do so, he said.

A few days ago, Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced the release of more than 400 prisoners, which added to a previous round, amounts to 1,400 individuals released from incarceration. This was widely seen as an attempt by Chavismo to attract leaders from more countries to Maduros coronation, but it remains to be seen which nations will be represented, and by which authorities. Although his inauguration seems to be a forgone conclusion, Chavismo isnt taking any chances. At Miraflores Palace, the seat of government and occasional residence of Maduro and Cilia Flores, the First Lady, they remain on high alert.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Anthony Hogg, 40, and Georgina Hogg Moore, 39, were struck while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre at around 5.45 pm.

A MAN accused of dangerous driving causing the deaths of a husband and wife in an alleged hit and run in Dublin on St Stephen's Day has been released on bail.

Anthony Hogg, 40, and Georgina Hogg Moore, 39, were struck while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre at around 5.45 pm.

Georgina Hogg Moore was pronounced dead at the scene while her husband Anthony was rushed to hospital but passed away that night.

John Halpin, 45, Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, D.15, had been charged with two offences of dangerous driving, causing the deaths of Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg Moore, and two counts of hit and run and failing to offer assistance at the scene, at Blanchardstown Road South on December 26.

Mr Halpin made no application for bail at his first hearing on Monday.

The deceased couple, married with children, lived in the Whitestown area nearby, and their funeral took place earlier today.

Meanwhile, the criminal proceedings resumed before Judge Alan Mitchell at Cloverhill District Court today when it emerged that Mr Halpin was a neighbour of the couple.

Anthony Hogg and his wife Georgina Hogg-Moore

The accused, who made no reply when charged, appeared via video link.

Defence solicitor Damien Coffey said his client intended to apply for bail.

Investigating Garda Alan Murphy confirmed that there had been an objection due to the seriousness of the case, but he consented to bail with a substantial cash lodgement.

He clarified that he was agreeing to bail but asked for several conditions to be imposed, adding that he had discussed them with the defence. The court also heard the accused had no warrant history.

Mr Coffey said there would not be any issue from the defence concerning the terms sought.

No evidence about the alleged offences was given during the hearing.

The bail was set in Mr Halpin's bond of 200, and he was required to lodge another 2000 cash. Judge Mitchell informed the accused that he would be released once he signed his bond in front of the Cloverhill Prison governor later that day.

John Halpin arriving at court. Photo: Collins

Mr Halpin declared, "No, no, no" when asked if he had an issue with signing on two days a week at his local garda station.

Judge Mitchell noted from the defence solicitor that Mr Halpin had already surrendered his passport and ordered him not to apply for a new one or other identity and travel documents. He was also warned to have no contact with witnesses directly or indirectly or any contact with the deceased couple's family.

The judge added that this included using social media. Asked if he understood, Mr Halpin replied, "I did".

The judge told him he must provide a mobile phone number to gardai at Blanchardstown station within 24 hours of his release and he must be available on that phone.

Mr Coffey said his client would likely take up bail.

Judge Mitchell commented that he was dealing with very serious alleged offences, and he warned that there must be "strict compliance" with the bail terms outlined, or gardai could apply to have him remanded in prison again.

"You have experienced a few days in custody and don't want to go back in?" the judge put to Mr Halpin, who answered, "No".

The standard bail conditions apply to be of good behaviour, but the judge did not accede to a Garda request to order the man to remain sober because it was a condition "too difficult to enforce".

Judge Mitchell noted that gardai still needed to obtain directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions and ordered Mr Halpin to appear on January 30 at Blanchardstown District Court.

A woman also arrested during the Garda investigation was released without charge on Monday.

A large crowd gathered at the scene near Whitestown evening, 24 hours after the tragic incident, and a GoFundMe appeal has been set up to assist the deceased couple's children, which has raised close to 62,000 so far.

The family asked that mourners wear bright colours to "reflect both Anto and Georgina's personalities" at the couple's funeral.

In a funeral notice, they were described as the "cherished mother and father of Ryan and Becky-Joy, beloved children of Valerie, Jackie and the late George and Paul."

It resumed with expressions that the couple would be "sadly missed by their loving families, relatives, friends and Ben and Kai."
Ms Paps body was found in bogland in Co Roscommon two days after she went missing

A fundraising appeal to help the family of murdered Croatian woman Mirjana Pap has surpassed its original target of 22,000.

The GoFundMe page set up to raise money to cover funeral expenses and honour her memory has now reached a total of 22,923 through more than 500 donations.

In a message on the page, organisers said, we are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Mirjana Pap, a beloved member of our community.

In this difficult time, we are coming together to support the family in covering funeral expenses and honouring her memory.

Your contributions will help ensure that Mirjana is laid to rest with the dignity and love she deserves.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.

Ms Paps body was found in bogland in Co Roscommon two days after she went missing.

Gardai launched a murder investigation following the grim discovery in Curraghaleen on Monday afternoon.

A man in his 30s is being questioned in relation to her murder.

Ms Pap, who lived in Athlone, will be laid to rest at a later date, according to a notice on RIP.ie.

Originally from Croatia, she has been living and working in the Athlone area for a number of years.

Many people have paid tribute to her and offered condolences.

My heart goes out to you, and I wish you nothing but comfort and strength. May happy memories bring you comfort. My families hearts are with you and your family, may your mum rest In peace, one person wrote.

"Thoughts are with all family & friends who did love Mirjana. Unbelievable sadness, another said.

Another person described her as an amazingly strong lady.

"Her presence will be hugely missed in our home. May you always remember all of the happy memories you have had with her.

She was a lovely lady kind friend and caring mother. You will be always missed my dear friend.

Another offered, my deepest condolences on the sad passing of Mirjana. She was an absolutely lovely lady.

May her light continue to shine down on you all in this tough time.

Another said they were so sad to her of her passing.

I had the pleasure of meeting her in Valerias house on numerous occasions. She was a very gentle and friendly lady. May her gentle soul rest in peace .

We previously reported how Gardai believe that Ms Pap may have died at a different location than where her body was found and 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.

In a previous update, 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 spokesperson previously 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.
The statistics reveal that 2,326 items were seized between January 1 and October 30 last year.

Mountjoy Prison in Dublin, which recorded the second-highest amount of contraband smuggled in last year. Photo: Caroline Quinn

More than 2,300 items  including drugs, phones and weapons  were smuggled in to Irish prisons in the first 10 months of last year.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show that drugs continued to be the most common prison contraband last year.

The statistics reveal that 2,326 items were seized between January 1 and October 30 last year. 

Across the countrys 12 prisons, 1,084 drug packages, 970 phones and 272 weapons were smuggled in.

The figures cover Arbour Hill, Castlerea, Cloverhill, Cork, Limerick, Loughan House, Midlands, Mountjoy, Portlaoise, Shelton Abbey and Wheatfield prisons. The only prison without separate data is the Dochas Centre, a closed, medium-security prison for women in Mountjoy.

The highest number of phones, drugs and weapons were seized in Wheatfield Prison, while Mountjoy, Cloverhill and Midlands also recorded a substantial amount of contraband. 

Last year, a total of 2,874 contraband items were recovered from prisons, including 1,272 phones, 1,294 drug packages and 308 weapons.

Wheatfield  819 items

The highest number of smuggled items were found in Wheatfield Prison in west Dublin. The closed, medium-security place of detention for men recorded the highest numbers in each category: 379 drug packages, 355 phones and 85 weapons.

In October, the prison went into lockdown after dozens of phones, drugs  including pills, cannabis and powder substances  and weapons were seized in raids.

This was one of the most significant contraband searches to take place in recent times in an Irish jail.

Wheatfield also topped the list in 2023, with 516 phones, 433 drugs and 102 weapons seized.

Mountjoy  512 items

Mountjoy, a closed, medium-security prison in Dublin for men, recorded the second-highest number of prison contraband seized last year with 307 fewer items than Wheatfield. Prisoners smuggled 512 items into Mountjoy, with 271 reports of drug packages, 171 phones and 70 weapons.

Cloverhill  442 items

Cloverhill, a closed, medium-security prison for men in Dublin, had the third-highest amount of contraband seized nationally. A total of 442 items were smuggled in to the facility, including the second-highest number of phones  222  and the third-highest amount of drugs  205. However, there were only 15 weapons smuggled into Cloverhill.

Mountjoy Prison in Dublin, which recorded the second-highest amount of contraband smuggled in last year. Photo: Caroline Quinn

Midlands  190 items

Among the 190 contraband items found in the Midlands Prison, there were 47 smuggled weapons, which is the third-highest number nationally.

There were also 64 phones and 79 drug packages seized in the closed, medium-security facility for men in Portlaoise

Limerick  161 items

A total of 161 items were smuggled in to the Limerick Prison  a closed, medium-security prison for men and women. This includes 59 reports of phones, 74 drug packages and 28 weapons.

Portlaoise  77 items

Portlaoise Prison  a closed, high-security prison for males aged 17 and over  reported 77 seized items, including 20 phones, 55 reports of drug packages and two weapons.

Castlerea  66 items

Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon, a closed, medium-security prison for men, recovered 66 contraband items including 41 phones, 12 reports of drugs and 13 weapons.

Cork  59 items

The fewest items were smuggled into Cork Prison  a closed, medium-security prison for men.

There were a total of 59 contraband items recovered, including 39 phones, nine drug packages and 12 weapons.

Arbour Hill, Shelton Abbey and Loughan House  0 items

Smaller prisons, such as Arbour Hill in Dublin 7, Shelton Abbey in Arklow, Co Wicklow, and Loughan House in Blacklion, Co Cavan, had no reports of contraband.

Arbour Hill is a closed, medium-security prison for men, Shelton Abbey is an open, low-security prison for men, and Loughan House is an open, low-security prison for men.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service told the Irish Independent that it continues to have high-level engagement and the sharing of intelligence with An Garda Siochana on a regular basis which is resulting in the seizure of contraband, arrests and significant disruption to organised crime involved in smuggling contraband into Irish prisons.

An Garda Siochana continues to support the Irish Prison Service operationally with ongoing operations in each relevant Garda division, including Operation Throwover, which is supporting the Irish Prison Service at prisons nationwide.

The Irish Prison Service is committed to preventing the access of contraband into prisons and continues to be a high priority.

We has committed to continuing to invest in new technologies and measures to support our efforts to keep contraband out, added the spokesperson.

Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence-led cell searches on a daily basis.

Our canine unit carry out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons.
Last night a man in his 30s appeared in a special sitting of Wexford District Court in relation to the death of Mr OConnor in New Ross on Tuesday, December 31

Tributes have been paid to John (King) OConnor who was found dead at his home in New Ross on Tuesday ahead of his funeral this weekend.

Mr O'Connor, of Cluain Fada, New Ross, Wexford, will be reposing at Cooney's Funeral Home, New Ross, tomorrow from 4pm and concluding at 7pm.

Removal will take place on Sunday, January 5, at 11.30am to St. Stephen's Cemetery, New Ross, for burial upon arrival at 12 noon.

His death notice on RIP.ie states that Mr OConnor is predeceased by his loving mother Nancy.

It adds that he is sadly missed by his loving children Chloe, Aaron and Kaylee, father Ned, brother Eddie, sisters Triona, Deirdre and Paula, grandchildren Freya-Rose, Paddy and Carson-Jax, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles, extended family and a large circle of friends.

It adds that the family very much appreciates your support and kindness at this very sad time.

People have left numerous messages in the condolences section with one writing: Sincere sympathy to Ned and all of the OConnor family on the tragic death of John.

You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time in your lives. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Another offers, our deepest sympathy to Ned and all the OConnor family on the sad passing of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you may his gentle soul rest in peace.

Another person has offered, our sincere condolences go out to his Father Ned, his children and his sisters and brother. May his memory and soul rest in peace.

Another offered, condolences to all the family, RIP my good friend you will be missed.

Last night a man in his 30s appeared in a special sitting of Wexford District Court in relation to the death of Mr OConnor in New Ross on Tuesday, December 31.

Wayne Roche (34), with a previous address of 84 Dominicks Place, Waterford, and most recently of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge John OLeary charged with the murder of Mr OConnor (58) in his home at Cluain Fada, New Ross.

Detective Garda Conor Walsh told the court he arrested Mr Roche at 10.23am on Thursday at New Ross Garda Station.

Det. Garda Walsh said that following the charge and caution, Mr Roche said I didnt murder anyone.

Defence Counsel for Mr Roche, barrister Donna Kelly, appearing on behalf of solicitor Lana ODoherty, asked that Mr Roche receive all required medical and psychological attention while in custody.

She said that Mr Roche was at high risk in regard to his mental health.

Judge OLeary agreed to this request and legal aid was also granted.

Mr Roche was remanded in custody until Monday, January 6 when he will appear before the court via video link.
Taghi received the compensation from the Dutch State following the arrest of his cousin and lawyer Youssef T.

Jailed drug gang boss and Kinahan Cartel partner Ridouan Taghi has been paid 2,420 in compensation for restrictions imposed on him while in prison.

Taghi received the compensation from the Dutch State following the arrest of his cousin and lawyer Youssef T.

The lawyer was arrested on October 8, 2021 while he was visiting Taghi in the high-security prison (EBI) in Vught.

After two years of legal wrangling, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) decided in June to award the compensation, according to documents, nltimes.nl reports

The OMs national office confirmed the compensation payment of 420 euros plus interest and compensation for lawyers fees of 2,000.

Youssef T was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison for passing on Taghis orders from the EBI.

He had been arrested in October 2021 following accusations that he was working as a messenger for Taghi during the six months he represented him after his return to the Netherlands.

However, as Taghi himself wasnt arrested in the case against his family member, no extra restrictions should have been imposed on him, it was found.

Taghi was already in the most severe regime possible in the EBI, nltimes.nl reports.

Ridouan Taghi

The additional restrictions imposed over a two week period meant that he was not allowed to call anyone except his lawyers, his current lawyer Sjoerd van Berge Henegouwen, who assisted him in compensation case, said

Van Berge Henegouwen was previously Taghis lawyer in the Marengo criminal case with two colleagues, but he resigned from the defence at the end of last year.

The award of 2,420 would be considered small beans for a man who once led one of Europes biggest drug gangs and has been responsible for a wave of murders in the Netherlands.

Taghi was arrested in Dubai at the end of 2019 and put on a plane to the Netherlands shortly after his arrest.

In February, a judge imposed a life sentence on the crime boss in the Marengo murder trial.

Taghi and accomplices had been charged over six assassinations, four attempted killings, and plans to murder several others.

Taghi was described as the undisputed leader" of a murder organisation.

Taghi is regarded as the head of a Dutch-Moroccan drug gang, known as the Mocro Maffia, who control a large section of Europes cocaine trade.

He is a close associate of Daniel Kinahan and they are believed to have worked together to source cocaine shipments from South America.

Taghi, who is believed to be the mastermind of an Amsterdam-based group which became one of the country's largest cocaine distributors, had been a fugitive from Dutch authorities for years until his arrest in late 2019 in Dubai.

While on the run he had previously been a guest at Daniel Kinahan's wedding in the seven-star Burj al Arab hotel in 2017.

Once the Netherlands' most-wanted man, Ridouan Taghi went on trial in March 2021 at a heavily fortified courthouse often referred to as "The Bunker on the outskirts of Amsterdam.

The EBI is the strictest prison unit in the Netherlands, with prisoners spending an average of 23 hours a day alone in their cells.

Family members may visit once a week, but the only physical contact permitted is a handshake, regardless of whether the inmate and visitor are separated by a glass wall.

All letters and phone conversations are monitored, with calls limited to 10 minutes per week.

And while prisoners are not allowed to access the internet at all, they can read newspapers and watch TV.

In October, Taghi joined a group of inmates in a hunger strike to protest the inhumane detention conditions in the high-security unit (EBI) at Vught Prison.

According to lawyers, the detainees were taking action over the prisons failure to improve conditions as highlighted in a report by the Council of Europe's Anti-Torture Committee (CPT) last year.

In their findings, the committee describes highly restrictive regimes and various security measures in the EBI as excessive.

The report also notes the poor conditions in Vught Prisons old buildings due to the presence of rodents and poor ventilation.

It recommends providing EBI inmates with sufficient meaningful human contact to improve the current regime.

Taghi is joined by his son Faissal (24), who was arrested in September 2023 for drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking and was also named a leader of the Angels of Death crime gang criminal organisation by police.

The Dutch citizen was arrested in Dubai in September 2023 at the request of Dutch authorities and was extradited to the Netherlands earlier this year.

Faissal is segregated from his Moroccan-born father in the EBI, spending his days in complete isolation in another section of the unit.

His lawyer Kamil Karakaya also took legal action against the 'inhumane and disproportionate' conditions of his detention.

In a statement, he said: Under these circumstances, there are serious concerns about the clients physical and mental health.

The placement under the strictest regime in the EBI amounts to torture as defined in the European Convention on Human Rights.

He adds that his client does not belong in the EBI at all and should not be subjected to such severe conditions in solitary confinement.
Reginald Gordon (50) had been in hospital in critical condition since the horror gun attack

A third person has died as a result of injuries sustained in a mass shooting at a Irish bar in Florida last month.

Reginald Gordon (50) had been in hospital in critical condition since the horror gun attack on 10 December in The Rock Irish Pub in Palm Beach.

However, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has now confirmed Mr Gordon passed away in hospital last week.

A fourth man remains in stable condition in hospital.

The victims, who all worked in another bar called Old Key Lime House, were at a Christmas party when shots were fired.

It is believed the shooting occurred following a row in the bar earlier in the evening.

Two men, Christopher Allen (33) and Steven Stratis (24), were found dead at the scene.

Following a manhunt, two men were charged after being arrested by Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBCSO).

Morey S. Pinard III (23) faces two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, authorities said.

A second man, Michael B. Vititoe (19) also faces charges of simple battery and accessory after the fact.

According to police, a witness said he became involved in a row with Pinard and Vititoe while taking photographs at the holiday party.

He said the men bumped into him and caused him to drop his camera.

When he asked if they were okay, they replied "Yo, you got a problem?"

Police at the scene at the The Rock Irish Pub in Florida. Photo: CBS

Following a brief argument, Pinard and Vititoe allegedly asked the witness to step outside of the pub.

The witness claims Vititoe punched him in the face and Pinard pulled out a gun and began shooting.

Another witness reported hearing approximately nine shots and only saw Pinard firing.

Jackie Slattery explained that she and her colleagues had gone to the Rock Irish Pub after attending their Christmas party.

She said: "I stepped out for a little bit.

"When I came back I saw the police pull up, immediately ran in and saw two of our co-workers deceased on the floor, one in pretty bad condition, the other one had already ran out and found an ambulance. But four people shot," she said.

Ryan Cordero, the owner of Old Key Lime House, described the gun killer as a monster.

He said: "After a night of celebrating Christmas with each other, having, enjoying all of the fruits of life and the good times, and then this absolute tragedy happens. Some vile monster.

"The person who did this is a vile monster?" we asked him. "Absolutely, he killed two innocent people," Cordero said.

Cordero said he hoped the gunman rots in hell

"You keep feeling like you're just gonna wake up and this is just a little nightmare or something.

"It's, you can't wrap your head around it yet. It's not real yet," Cordero said.
Our designated driver was delighted to have the weekend off from driving and as we strolled across the city centre towards Anne Street he relayed just how much he was looking forward to a pint of stout.

WITH Christmas just around the corner and the streets in our fair capital all decorated with bright lights we decided to wed have our Christmas party earlier than usual.

Our designated driver was delighted to have the weekend off from driving and as we strolled across the city centre towards Anne Street he relayed just how much he was looking forward to a pint of stout.

I havent had a pint in months. I could be on me ear after three or four he told us as we approached John Kehoes pub, one of Dublins busiest hotspots.

Sure thats no harm, you can stay in the corner with the young fella and talk rubbish to him the Old Commando joked while pointing at his younger colleague.

Kehoes pub is normally thronged with customers to the point that even outside the pub on the street is packed and its renowned for a phenomenal atmosphere too. The capacity inside is capped at one hundred people on the ground floor and one hundred on the first floor but you might often see another two hundred standing outside enjoying themselves.

Read more Pub Spy: The ten best pubs of 2024 bar none

We normally find ourselves outside but this time we arrived at Kehoes early enough so the crowd had yet to assemble outside. We were thrilled when we saw this and expected wed get seats at the counter but that dream was shattered as soon as we stepped inside the front door.

There was only one stool remaining in the entire pub so we ended up huddled near the snug area as the Young Commando placed our order.

As we expected there was an absolutely fantastic atmosphere and the bar was buzzing. There was a mixed clientele of all ages with a mixture of couples, groups of men, elderly men sipping their pints and short and of course the ladies of leisure with their shopping bags tucked in under their seats. Kehoes welcomes all sorts!

The bearded barman who served us was friendly but there was no time for chit chat as he and his colleague were rushed off their feet. The pints of stout set us back 6.80 each and our designated driver said hed nearly prefer to be sober given the price of a pint these days.

Maybe if Peadar Tobin is the next Taoiseach youll get your wish of a cheaper pint the Young Commando suggested. Hasnt he promised to reduce the cost of a pint if elected he continued.

We counted three TVs in total although two were turned off while the third one was showing horse racing. The timber flooring is worn but suitable to its surroundings while the old countertop and shelving looks untouched over the years, thankfully. The wine coloured barstools looked to be in good condition although it was so busy that we never had the privilege of sitting on one.

They served toasted sandwiches here and have a variety of drinks available on draught such as Guinness Zero, Birra Moretti, Five Lamps, Rockshore and Peroni to name but a few.

This pub has won the Best tourist pub in Dublin before although most of the clientele during our visit were natives. The toilets are located downstairs and following a thorough inspection by the Old Commando he informed us that the four urinals and cubicle were clean.

We love Kehoes pub and their customers too. There was a real festive spirit when we called but the reason we love this pub so much is even if you call in January or February when the country is gripped in the depths of depression, the atmosphere will be just as good. The flame never seems to extinguish.

Rating: Four pints out of Five

One for the road:

TP Smyth  Jervis Street

Surrounded by the shopping centre and toy stores TP Smyths is ideally located if youre in need of a break from the Christmas shopping. In fact, most of the customers during our stay had bags at their table.

The pints of stout were priced at 6.90 and theyve a variety of drinks available on draught such as Blue Moon, Smithwicks pale ale, Orchard Thieves and Birra Moretti. There are two TVs in the bar and a large projection screen and both of the barmaids on duty were cordial.

Beer of the month is Rye River and it costs 6 a pint while we also noticed this pub operates an over twenty three policy as well as stating that neat dress is essential. The Old Commando fully endorses both policies and suggested increasing the age limit to thirty five at least.

The timber floor was clean and most of the cream leather barstools were in good condition although some were slightly torn.

Located up a large flight of stairs youll find the gents and the Young Commando reported they were very clean. We enjoyed our few pints in Smyths and well call again someday.

Rating: Four pints out of Five
Met Eireann issued a Status Orange snow and ice warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary from 5pm on Saturday to 5pm on Sunday

Snow on the banks of the River Bann near Portglenone Marina. Photo: PA

Twins Ava (left) and Mia Clarke (8) slide down a hill in a park at Portglenone Marina, near Ballymena. Photo: PA

Ireland is set for a white Nollaig na mBan as polar weather is set to cause major disruption over the coming days with heavy snow falls, dense freezing fog, sleet and black ice.

Met Eireann issued a Status Orange snow and ice warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary from 5pm on Saturday to 5pm on Sunday amid concerns that significant volumes of snow will fall on some areas.

Weather conditions are expected to prove challenging and threaten to significantly impact rail, air and road services.

A second Status Yellow low temperature and ice alert has been issued for Saturday and Sunday - but the national forecaster stressed that further warnings will be issued over the coming days as the precise track of snowfalls becomes clearer.

Temperatures could sink to as low as minus 10C on Tuesday night.

The Status Yellow warning for rain and snow extends from 1pm on Saturday until 5pm on Sunday for Cork and Kerry.

A Status Yellow alert for snow and ice extends from 5pm on Saturday until 5pm on Sunday for Leinster, Connacht, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) held a detailed briefing yesterday following consultations with Met Eireann about the Arctic weather front.

All local authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWAT) were briefed by NDFEM on the potential scale of the weather-related challenges facing Ireland next week.

Ireland was left under a blanket of white on Friday as the cold spell struck with many areas experiencing a severe frost.

Next Monday is Nollaig na mBan or Women's Christmas and many areas will see the day marked by severe frost and snowfalls.

The polar spell will see snowfalls over the weekend but the coldest of the weather is likely between next Monday and Wednesday.

Disruption is expected at some sporting events over the weekend given the impact of the snow and freezing temperatures on ground conditions.

Temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing in many areas between Monday and Wednesday.

Met Eireann's Joanna Donnelly warned that there was the potential for significant accumulations of snow in some areas, most likely in the midlands and on higher ground.

"This is expected to be a multi-hazard weather event," she said.

"Disruption will be due either to the accumulations of snow or, in areas where snow doesn't fall, the sleet and rain that falls."

"In those very cold conditions, the rain is going to freeze and that is going to create icy stretches and potentially treacherous conditions for travel."

Irish councils confirmed that stocks of road salt and grit have been replenished for the treatment of all Priority One and Priority Two roads nationwide.

Uisce Eireann and councils are also preparing for any possible disruption caused by the freezing weather to water pipes.

All national and major secondary roads have been treated for icy conditions since last Wednesday - and council crews will treat the roads daily during the Arctic spell of weather.

However, there are fears that if the worst of the Siberian weather hits Ireland, as forecast, it will result in widespread travel disruption early next week.

Both Gardai and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) urged people to travel with extreme care.

Temperatures will sink to minus 5C this weekend - but could plummet to a near-Siberian minus 10C between Monday and Tuesday making it a potentially chaotic return to work and the classroom for thousands after the Christmas holidays.

An estimated 2.5 million people undertake festive travel between December 20 and January 6.

All Irish primary and secondary schools are scheduled to reopen classrooms on Monday next (January 8) for 960,000 students - with the worst of the Arctic weather expected between Saturday and Tuesday.

The Department of Education, along with other Government departments, are carefully monitoring developments with the weather.

A decision on whether to remain closed or to delay reopening times will be a matter for individual school management boards around the country in light of local weather conditions.

One Government source said that key to any advice offered to schools will be a safety assessment for the operation of the school bus transport fleet between Monday and Wednesday.

Met Eireann forecaster Gerry Murphy said conditions had taken a cold and sharp turn and people should expect a multi-hazard weather event over the weekend and into next week.

He said there would be sleet and snow in many areas on Saturday evening and into Sunday.

It will most likely fall as rain down the south coast but it must be said that the amounts of rain expected in the south and south-west are quite high, so its likely that we will see rainfall warnings, at least, in the south-west of the country, Mr Murphy told RTEs Morning Ireland.

Then, as that rain pushes up through the afternoon/evening, it turns more to sleet, as you go in the hours of darkness then turning more to snow  currently, it looks like  predominantly over the southern half of the country.

Then over much of the Midlands, the west, perhaps tomorrow night early on.

Counties in the north-east mightnt fare too badly because there is an easterly wind.

Its very difficult to pinpoint but really as we go through tomorrow night into Sunday all areas can expect sleet or snow at some stage.

Mr Murphy said it would not be clear until the weekend whether schools would open on Monday when they can see how much snow has accumulated.

There are likely to be accumulations of snow in places on Monday morning coupled with a very severe frost as well.

So there is the possibility that schools may not open but that will become more apparent as we go through the weekend.

Next Tuesday will see the peak of the Arctic conditions as overnight temperatures potentially sink to a frigid minus 10C.

The UK - which is expected to receive much higher amounts of snow than Ireland - has already warned that major travel disruption could be caused by the Arctic conditions.

The Met Office has issued an amber alert for low temperatures across the UK with heavy snow falls predicted for northern England, Wales and Scotland.

Northern Ireland is also expected to receive snowfalls over the weekend.

Elderly support groups including Age Action have urged people to check on the old, ill and vulnerable in their communities in advance of the Siberian conditions.

People have been asked to check that the vulnerable have access to heating, warm food and drinks as well as proper clothing.

Homeless support charities have also put in place plans to offer emergency shelter to rough sleepers.

Agencies dealing with international protection applicants and refugees are also monitoring the Arctic weather forecast to ensure everyone is protected from the worst of the conditions.

Farming and animal welfare groups have urged all livestock owners to check that animals have sufficient access to fodder and water given the likely impact of snow and ice.
Once I noticed the vacancy, I thought it would be a brilliant idea and a lot of people agree with me

The founder and director of the Palestine Museum in the US wants to convert the shuttered Israeli embassy in Dublin from the headquarters for a war zone into an art zone.

The sudden closure of the Israeli Embassy in Dublin has created new possibilities for the museum whose director said they would be interested in making the offices their permanent European headquarters.

Faisal Saleh told The Art Newspaper that the Palestine Museum US had been considering establishing more permanent spaces in Europe, as its more economical to have a permanent base in Europe, to avoid shipping fees.

Once I noticed the vacancy, I thought it was a compelling situation, Saleh said. I thought it would be a brilliant idea and a lot of people agree with me.

Ireland is a country that puts a lot of emphasis on the need to comply with international law, particularly when it comes to prevention of genocide, he added, and they have the courage to stand by those principals.

Saleh believes there is more freedom of expression in Ireland when it comes to criticising Israeli policies than in other European countries.

In Germany its illegal to say, Free Palestineas its deemed antisemitic. But the Irish have had the experience of living under British occupation like the Palestinians before 1948 and they empathise with their plight.

Israel announced it was closing its embassy in Dublin last month as they claim that the Irish government has extreme anti-Israel policies and crossed all red lines towards Israel.

The Government had in recent days announced Ireland would join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, which accuses Israel of genocide.

"Ireland's antisemitic actions and rhetoric against Israel are rooted in delegitimisation and demonisation of the Jewish state and reflect clear double standards, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said, according to Israeli media.

"Ireland has crossed all red lines in its treatment of Israel. We will redirect our resources toward advancing bilateral relations with countries based on priorities that reflect how different nations relate to Israel."

The minister said Irelands actions reflect a clear double standard.

He said there are countries which instead want to build on their links with Israel, such as Moldova and resources will instead be deployed there.

"There are countries interested in strengthening their ties with Israel where we don't yet have diplomatic missions," he said.

"We will adjust our diplomatic network while considering, among other factors, different countries' approaches and actions toward Israel in the international arena."

Israels ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, was recalled back to Israel in May when Ireland recognised the state of Palestine.

However, Taoiseach Simon Harris later said that Ireland will not be silenced about its views on Israels war on Gaza, as he condemned Israels decision, calling it deeply regrettable.

I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law, Harris added.

Ireland wants a two-state solution and for Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security. Ireland will always speak up for human rights and international law. Nothing will distract from that.

Meanwhile Salehs museum just closed Art Under Fire, an exhibition in Bantry organised by the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

I think it would be really excellent to have a Palestinian Museum in the old Israeli Embassy, Jane Jermyn, an Irish artist and member of the campaign, told The Art Newspaper.

It would help remove the stain of having had that embassy there. Many of us were sorry that Israel hadnt been expelled earlier, rather than have them leaving of their own accord.

Jermyn added: It is imperative to exhibit Palestinian art at this time. Art is a universal language. So much of the world seems to not see Palestinians as people just like us.

Exhibitions such as the recent one in Bantry help to document life in Palestine through the eyes of a number of extraordinary artists.

One of the young artists, in particular, Bayan Abu Nahlaher portraits really bring home the suffering and humanity of this appalling genocide.
Peadar Togher (27) lost his life when he and a group of friends went swimming in the Waikato River on December 14 in Hamilton

A young Mayo man who drowned in New Zealand was a kind and caring individual who loved life and lived it to the full, his funeral was told.

Peadar Togher (27) lost his life when he and a group of friends went swimming in the Waikato River on December 14 in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Peadars brother, Padraig, paid tribute to his younger sibling during a packed funeral service in St Brendans Church on the Erris Peninsula near Belmullet yesterday.

Padraig told how Peadar had just completed work on a tree planting project and was looking forward to spending Christmas with his other brother Johns family in NZ.

He described his brother, a multimedia designer, as a kind, caring, extremely open-minded, fun, person who could have a chat with anyone Midwest Radio reports.

Fr Kevin Hegarty, chief celebrant of the funeral Mass, told how the phone call came that every parent who has a son or daughter abroad dreads.

Offering consolation to parents Patrick and Margaret and their other sons, John, Michael and Padraig, Fr Hegarty said: "I have a sense that in the darkness of your grief the knowledge that Peadar lived a wonderful, though short, life would sustain them."

He added that Peadar came across to him as caring, kind, talented and vivacious and said he had left an indelible mark on all those who knew him.

He loved life and lived it to the full. He had a wonderful openness to the wonders of life and had a great capacity for friendship. That is part of his legacy."

Following concelebrated Requiem Mass, Peadar was laid to rest in Emlybeg Cemetery.

Numerous tributes were also left for Peadar who died in a tragic accident in Hamilton, New Zealand on December 14 on his RIP.ie page.

Predeceased by his grandparents John and Kate Togher and Peter and Dilly Staunton, he was the beloved son of Patrick and Margaret and dear brother of John, Michael and Padraig, the notice reads.

He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents and brothers, his sister in law Emily, nephew Cillian, niece Nora, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, kind neighbours and many friends.

In the condolences section people have left numerous messages of sympathy including one that reads: My deepest sympathy to all of Peadars family.

Peadars kindness towards others will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Another adds: Im so sorry for the loss of such a special person to family, friends and the community.

I did not know Peadar but heard Emily speak of such a wonderful brother, brother in law and uncle who brought so much joy to her and the family.

How the kids loved their uncle and just wanted to spend time with Peadar. Thoughts.

Another said they were, so sorry for the loss of such a lovely young man, son and brother to you all.

I knew Peadar from when he was in college in Limerick and shared accommodation with my son Daniel.

A great friend to all the boys and they are heartbroken on his loss. My condolences to you all and may Peadar get the best bed in heaven.
Jason Pena, the American teen who was shot in Durango, with his father Vicente Pena Jr. CORTESIA

On December 27, Jason Pena was enjoying his Christmas vacation in Mexico with his father and uncle. The Chicago-based family had driven from Illinois to the north-central Mexican state of Durango, where the grandfather lives, to celebrate the teenagers birthday: he was turning 14 on December 29. But the celebration quickly turned to tragedy: the bodies of three family members were found in Las Palmas, in the municipality of Santiago Papasquiaro. Jason Pena was also there, with a gunshot wound to the head. The young man was later transferred to a hospital in Texas amid a wave of criticism over the state of security for tourists in Mexico.

The Durango Prosecutors Office has reported that the teen is in delicate health. No details have emerged about the motive for the attack. Martin Saul Ceniceros Cerda, head of communications, said by phone that no line of investigation has been ruled out yet, but it was probably a robbery. Mexican investigators are working together with U.S. authorities on the case.

The Pena family had traveled more than 1860 miles by road so that Jason could celebrate his birthday with his grandfather in Durango. On the night of December 27, they left in a black pickup truck with U.S. license plates, and did not return. Authorities estimate that around 10:00 p.m. that night they were assaulted and riddled with bullets. Jasons father, Vicente, along with his uncle Eduardo and another relative named Antonio, died on the spot. Jason was seriously injured by a gunshot to the head.

Julie Contreras, a Chicago lawyer and spokesperson for the family, has called on the community to ask for prayers for the boys health. He is fighting for his life, we have to get him home, she stressed in a video on her social media. Contreras underscored the difficulty of repatriating the victim from Mexico. His father is dead, his uncle is dead. It is Jason today but tomorrow it could be any one of us, she said. The teenager has since been transferred to a hospital in Texas.

The massacre has triggered a new wave of criticism over safety for travelers in Mexico. The United States maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Durango due to the presence of criminal groups. U.S. government employees may not travel south and west of Federal Highway 45. That area, where the Pena family was killed, is a restricted zone.

This latest crime adds to a list of murders of U.S. citizens on Mexican territory. On June 21, Gabriel Trujillo, an American botanist who was a PhD student at the University of Berkeley, was murdered in Sonora. In May, the triple homicide in Baja California of the Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and the American citizen Jack Carter Road once again set off alarm bells. By then, an earlier attack in 2023 on four friends who had traveled to Tamaulipas from the United States was still fresh in the collective memory. That case, involving a mistake made by the Gulf Cartel, again strained diplomatic relations between Mexico and the U.S.
New Years Day saw 16 people rescued as thousands kicked off the year on our beaches.

That is in line with 16 rescues last year and up from eight on 1 January 2022. January is New Zealands most dangerous month in the water.

Surf lifesavers on Aucklands North Shore assisted multiple people blown off inflatables as Long Bay saw 3800 visitors at one stage during the day.

Surf lifeguards across the Eastern Region were kept busy with crowds around 2000 at Whangamata, Pauanui and Hot Water Beach with several other Bay of Plenty beaches seeing visitors numbering up to 1500.

General Manager Lifesaving Andy Kent said, while a day at the beach is how we relax, respecting the water is key to ensuring everyone returns home alive.

January is the most dangerous month in the water so dont muck around with your life or that of your whanau."

Rip currents accounted for most rescues and nearly 20% of drownings at surf beaches in the last decade.

Rips are sometimes hard to spot and even the strongest swimmers struggle to escape a rip. The best way to avoid a rip is to swim between the red and yellow flags, says Andy.

Lifeguards had a comparatively quieter New Years Eve with four rescues performed across the motu, two of them at High Winds at Raglan where lifeguards rescued two kite surfers during the evening.

And Kotuku surf lifeguards were called to Lake Moeraki to search for two jet skiers missing overnight.

They were later found at the mouth of the Moeraki River by Haast Helicopters.

Andy urges those visiting the beach this month to know how to keep safe.

Always swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags. If you get in trouble turn onto your back and float, dont let children out of your sight and if in any doubt at all, stay out of the water.

If you see anyone in trouble in the water, call 111 and ask for Police. If youre at a lifeguarded beach, also alert a surf lifeguard.
Most boys Te Waarakihi Felise Hoopers age want toys, games and lollies for their birthdays - but the Rotorua boy is likely to be happy with just one thing when he turns 10 on Monday  a bone marrow match.

But finding a donor is proving difficult.

For now, the Otonga Primary School pupil is doing his best to get on with life while battling his rare blood disease that saw 2024 being the worst year of his life.

Te Waarakihis condition, aplastic anaemia, means his bone marrow has stopped working. He needs a bone marrow transplant to get better but, given his Maori and Pacific heritage, there are not many donor matches on the worldwide registry.

Te Waarakihi Hooper Felise needs a bone marrow transplant but there are not enough Maori or Pacific Island donors.

The Rotorua Daily Post featured his story in April last year as his family started a campaign to get more people to donate.

In February, Te Waarakihi went from being a fit, cheeky, and happy little boy to becoming out of breath.

He suffered nose bleeds and uncontrolled bleeding before his condition quickly worsened and he became physically sick with dots appearing on his body.

He was rushed to Rotorua Hospitals emergency department before being flown to Starship Childrens Hospital.

His condition means he has stopped producing red blood cells (cells that carry oxygen around the body), white blood cells (infection-fighting cells) and platelet blood cells (clogging cells).

Te Waarakihi Hooper Felise when he was in hospital.

The only way he will get better is with a transplant. But his familys hopes that he could make a quick recovery were dashed when there were no fully matched bone marrow donors found on the global Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

His chances of a match are further reduced because he is of Maori and Pacific Island descent and the donor pool is smaller.

Te Waarakihi will celebrate his 10th birthday on January 6 - but his battle is still on a knife edge.

His mother, Sharene Hooper, said her son started an alternative treatment, immunosuppressive therapy (IST), but it was too early to determine if it was successful.

We are doing the IST treatment and so far it is working but his kidneys dont like this medication.

It will be tricky balancing his medication to ensure his energy levels dont drop too much. Part of his treatment means he needs to drink four litres of water a day, something Hooper said was difficult at the start.

We are in a new routine now and he drinks a litre before school and we manage to get the rest into him during the day.

Improving for now

He slowly started to return to school a few months ago. He started with one day a week and had slowly built up to five by the years end.

Hooper said Te Waarakihi had to wear a mask in class because the treatment seriously affected his immune system.

He also still needs one or two blood tests a week and goes to Starship at least once a month for treatment.

He fades pretty quickly but he does his best.

Nursing her son through this ordeal has inspired Hooper to make a career change.

She had to give up working in the beauty therapy industry to look after Te Waarakihi last year but now she has a renewed interest in nursing and wants to help others in the same situation. She will start her three-year degree at Toi Ohomai this year.

Hooper said it was nice to see her son having a routine at school again but she was always aware his body could reject his treatment at any point.

She urged anyone particularly of Maori and Pacific Island descent to look into donating their bone marrow. If they couldnt do that, donating blood regularly always helped, she said.

If not for Te Waarakihi then for others. There are still heaps of kids and adults that need help. When we were up in Auckland at Starship for all those weeks we saw all the really sick children and its really sad.

The fight to find a donor

New Zealand Bone Marrow Donor Registry search co-ordinator Paulette Tasker said Te Waarakihis family was fantastic at leading a campaign to get more people to be donors.

She said the registry had 272 people join in the past six months. It was possible some joined after hearing through the media about Te Waarakihi.

She said Te Waarakihis family, particularly his Rotorua grandmother, Mahara Alcock, led the charge in sending out hundreds of swab kits and held an event in June with the Rotorua Pacific community that encouraged locals to join the registry.

How you can help

Donors need to be aged between 18 and 35, meet the eligibility criteria to give a blood donation in New Zealand and be willing to donate bone marrow to any patient anywhere in the world.

Bone marrow donation does not involve donating bone. It involves the collection of blood stem cells which grow inside the bone and these can be collected in different ways.

Getting on the bone marrow registry was the first step and involved taking a simple swab.

More information can be found on the New Zealand Bone Marrow Donor Registry website.

Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.
Swimmers at Omanu Beach were ordered out after a 2m shark was spotted nearby.

Safeswim issued a safety warning around 3.30pm advising against swimming due to the shark sighting.

The beach was closed for half an hour before being reopened by Surf Lifesaving teams.

Swimmers at a Tauranga Beach were ordered out of the water this afternoon when a 2m long shark was spotted swimming within 50m of the shore.

Safeswim issued a safety warning for Omanu Beach around 3.30pm advising people not to swim because of shark sightings.

An Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club lifeguard told the Herald the shark was first spotted about 100m to the right of the beach.

He said the clubs roaming patrol staff followed it as it swam through the flags and then told the tower crew, who then sighted it.

We closed the beach, got everyone out of the water and then waited half an hour before we reopened everything.

The Surf Lifesaving team has now reopened the beach.

It is the latest in a series of shark sightings on New Zealand beaches this summer.

Safeswim issued a safety warning for Whiritoa Beach on December 27, advising people not to swim because of shark sightings.

A spokesman for the Whiritoa Lifeguard Service told the Herald there had been three separate shark sightings close to the shore and the beach had been closed intermittently.

A 2m shark was spotted in the shallows of Ohope Beach on the same day.

Chris Service was in the water with friends, teaching his kids to surf, when a large shark swam right between them.

My mates freaked out, his kid practically ran on water to get out, Service told the Herald.

Not wanting to panic his kids, Service slowly walked to shore with them before telling them about the shark once they were on land.

Service then put his drone up to see if he could find the shark.

Sure enough, as soon as I got it up, within a minute there it was, cruising right in the shallows with heaps of people, he said.

There were 50-odd people in the water ... Everyone got out of the water after that!
Whanau of the man who died in a water-related incident off the coast of Omaio in Bay of Plenty have thanked members of local iwi Te Whanau a Apanui for their actions after the tragedy, a kaumatua says.

Police have confirmed a visitor to the Opotiki District died in the New Years Day incident. He was seen struggling and brought to shore, but could not be revived by rescuers or emergency services.

His death has been referred to the coroner. It was the first water-related fatality of 2025.

Mate Webb, a spiritual adviser for his hapu when needed and a lay minister in the Catholic faith, said local people assisted at the scene of the drowning.

Webb lived in Auckland but was in Omaio, where he grew up, for the holidays.

He said a rahui he placed on the area following the death would lift on Saturday.

He understood the man who died was from Bennydale, in Waitomo District, and was visiting the beach with family when his fishing kontiki became tangled in a rock.

They got tangled up there so this man decides to swim out and untangle it and then he got into trouble.

He said locals saw the man struggling in the water and swam out to help him.

A couple of our young people saw that this man was obviously in distress.

They tried to bring him back and then get him on to the beach and resuscitate him but unfortunately he passed away there, Webb said.

He said the mans whanau had messaged the iwi to say thank you.

They wanted to acknowledge our people for their assistance, the process is one the hapu call kaitiaki [guardian], which is to actually comfort visitors to our area and to ensure that they were looked after while they were here, Webb said.

Omaio is in Opotiki District in eastern Bay of Plenty.

The local people came together with food and all that to feed our visitors.

They cared for that body until [the family] had eaten and the police arrived.

Later that afternoon I was asked to go down and do a tuku, to release the person from the physical world into the spiritual world.

Then at the same time, place that rahui and restriction from the day that he passed to the fourth [of January], as a matter of respect and a matter of tikanga, Webb said.

Nobody is allowed to dive or collect any seafood from within that area until those restrictions have been uplifted.

He said holidaymakers at Omaio who were not aware of the rahui had been very respectful when informed by locals.

Some people have turned up and headed on down [to go] fishing, not knowing that there are restrictions in place.

He said some asked why there were no signs, but the local community were used to everyone already knowing.

I guess were so used to that process that we forget that weve actually got holidaymakers coming through all the time.

And theyve been really respectful. They really have, Webb said.

He said the hapu boundary for the rahui was an area of about 800 to 1000 metres from where the man was pulled ashore and extended to the Haparapara River.

Webb said he would lift the restriction by way of ritual early tomorrow.

Webb said he wanted to pay his respects to local spiritual leaders who were away from the area at the time the man died.

Aleyna Martinez is a multimedia journalist based in the Bay of Plenty. She moved to the region in 2024 and has previously reported in Wairarapa and at Pacific Media Network.
An abuse survivors network has endorsed one survivors decision to reject his Kings Service Medal, citing the Governments failure to do justice by faith-based survivors.

Mike Ledingham, 74, was named in the 2025 New Year Honours on Tuesday for services to survivors of abuse in care  one of several survivors recognised.

Ledingham, who primarily lives in Maketu, Bay of Plenty, announced on social media on Tuesday night he could not accept the honour.

He told NZME he rejected the appointment because he believed faith-based abuse survivors were being sent back to the institutions that abused them to ask for redress.

I dont think thats right  Where is the integrity in sending victims back to their abuser or the abusing organisation to somehow get redress?

In response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in care, the Government is planning a new single redress system for survivors this year.

Critics say while redress interim systems for state victims have been established, survivors of abuse in faith-based settings are left with church processes  and one advocate fears they will be ghosted in the new system. They are calling for a dedicated faith redress body to be set up.

It happened again and again 

Ledinghams New Year Honour citation said he and his two brothers experienced abuse in faith-based care during the 1950s and 1960s.

The lack of response from the Catholic Church on the abuse drove Ledingham to advocate for an investigation into the silencing and covering up of reported child abuse in churches.

Ledingham spent more than 20 years campaigning for redress and better child safety in faith-based care settings.

He wrote The Catholic Boys (2019) about the impacts of the abuse he and his brothers suffered.

Abuse survivor Mike Ledingham pictured in 2014. Photo / Supplied

Ledingham told NZME he and his brothers went public in 2002.

There was the odd person who thought were just stirrers and it didnt happen.

All I can say is rest assured it happened, and it happened again and again and again over years and years and years. And its time we did something about it.

Ledingham said the Government had set up redress systems for state care abuse victims.

The Ministry of Social Development, for example, offers rapid payments of up to $25,000 in prioritised cases.

Ledingham said faith-based abuse victims, however, needed to go back to the institution they were abused by for redress.

He said a church-funded tribunal should be established to decide redress so survivors dont have to talk to the institutions that abused them.

A denial of natural justice

Network for Survivors of Abuse in Faith-Based Institutions spokesman Dr Murray Heasley said the group fully endorsed Ledinghams decision to reject his honour on the basis of the failure of the Government  to do justice by faith-based survivors.

By making the survivor go back to the institution that was the original perpetrator of the abuse, you have  a denial of natural justice.

He said church systems meant the institution would judge the legitimacy of the complaint against it.

Theres no arm-length judgment system in place.

He said this was an issue for all survivors.

The overarching desire is for the Government to set up an independent body that audits, investigates, and decides what is adequate, what is appropriate redress, so that the survivor does not have to go back to the institution that was the original source of the predation, Heasley said.

Dr Murray Heasley, a spokesman for the Network of Survivors of Abuse in Faith-based Institutions pictured in 2018. Photo / Stephen Jaquiery

The Royal Commissions inquiry found most faith-based institutions had developed claims processes but these were often inadequate and some had prioritised church needs over those of survivors.

It recommended that when the new scheme is developed, faith-based institutions should be encouraged to join within a reasonable time, or if necessary, be required to join.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced in November the Government would invest an additional $32 million to increase capacity in the current system for redress while it worked to get a new single redress system operating this year.

In statements responding to the inquirys findings, Catholic leaders said the church is committed to continuing work to ensure accountability and healing, and Anglican Church leaders supported the establishment of an independent entity for handling future complaints.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the Government will be working to get a new single redress system operating this year. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Heasley said victims would need to go to Catholic Church institutions for redress until the Government set up a new single redress system.

We dont think that faith-based is going to be included in that. Thats the whole problem.

Our assumption  is that faith-based is going to be totally ghosted. They were originally, and we had to fight tooth and nail to get involved.

The inquiry into historical abuse in state care was announced in February 2018. After consultation, faith-based care was included in November 2018.

What happens when an honour is rejected?

A Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) spokesperson said a person could resign from an order.

In that case, the King would be informed, and advised to cancel the honour, and the persons name would be removed from the honours lists.

The spokesperson could not confirm whether Ledingham had contacted DPMC on this matter.

Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.
SUR in English Gibraltar Friday, 3 January 2025, 11:27 Compartir

In the New Years Honours list, King Charles III has awarded Leslie Grech and Stewart Harrison MBEs (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for their exceptional contributions.

Leslie Grech, a member of Calpe Rowing Club and the Gibraltar Amateur Rowing Association, received his MBE for his services to rowing in Gibraltar.

The second MBE was awarded to Stewart Harrison for his work in Digital Skills Education for Young Learners in Gibraltar.

Zoom Stewart Harrison MBE SUR

A former head of physics at Bayside School, Harrison has helped students reach the finals of the CyberCenturion competition.

In his message of congratulations, Picardo concluded, The recognition of both Stewart and Leslie for their sustained dedication in their respective fields will no doubt be welcomed by all those who have benefited, and continue to benefit, from their experience and commitment.
Here the Three Kings do not travel on the traditional floats.

Javier Almellones Benarraba Friday, 3 January 2025, 11:42 Compartir

Given the day it is celebrated and the route it takes, the first impression is that it's just another parade. However, it also bears features of a living nativity scene, complete with a theatrical performance.

The tradition of celebrating the Auto Sacramental (mystery play) of the Three Kings is something rather unusual. At least in the province of Malaga, although there are other Andalusian towns and some places in the Levant that also celebrate it, although not always on the eve of Epiphany.

This theatrical performance, also known as the Adoration of the Magi, has uncertain origins, though it seems likely to have been written in the 20th century. The original text was discovered more than a century ago. Considered the first theatrical work in Castilian, it remains very much alive today thanks to villagers like those of Benarraba in the Serrania de Ronda, who have decided to preserve it as part of their festive calendar.

This is a great opportunity to visit this charming village and enjoy the Genal valley

Every 5 January at around 9pm, a large part of this village in the Lower Genal area takes part in a theatrical performance that winds through various parts of the town's historic centre.

Unlike typical parades, this event unfolds as a true story told in five distinct acts, from Mary and Joseph's arrival in Bethlehem to the meeting of the Three Kings with the baby Jesus.

The procession winds through some of Benarraba's most well-known locations. The main characters are Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, who, instead of riding camels, travel on mules. They are accompanied by servants, shepherds and little angels, who, along with the audience, sing carols throughout the journey.

They are guided by a star, which each year is carried by the best donkey in the village.

Zoom The church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion is located in the centre of the village. J.A.

The climax of this mystery play usually takes place at the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion, where the Three Kings hand out gifts to the village children.

This is a great opportunity to visit this charming mountain village, nestled in an ideal location, and to enjoy the Genal valley. In fact, from there you can take in the excellent panoramic views and even embark on one of the many hiking routes to make the most of your day.

Before that, though, it's worth exploring the historic centre, especially around the parish church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion, as this is the prettiest area, with colourful pots and well-kept facades.

In addition to the aforementioned church, a visit to the Hermitage of Cristo de la Vera Cruz is highly recommended  a sanctuary that holds special significance for the locals.

As for hiking routes, there's plenty to choose from. The most challenging but particularly rewarding one is the trail to the neighbouring village of Genalguacil, located on the opposite side of the valley. From the village centre, this route offers a beautiful descent through chestnut trees  bare of leaves in early winter  to the Prado de la Escribana, a recreational area along the Genal river. From there, the toughest part begins: ascending a winding path to Genalguacil.

Benarraba also has paths connecting it with other neighbouring villages in the Genal valley, such as Gaucin and Algatocin. However, there are easier routes that can be completed in just a morning or, at most, by early afternoon. These include the Llano del Rey route and the Concoste-La Porta route, both circular trails, as is the ornithological route, one of the latest additions to the area's network of trails.

Benarraba also boasts several culinary attractions. The village takes pride in its tradition of preparing salmorejo de carne (a sort of thick gazpacho but with meat included), which can be found in at least two local restaurants. Behind its name lies a recipe as ancient as it is delicious. Be sure to also make room for their sausages and other pork products.

Church. This parish church, with its colourful tower visible from much of the historic centre, dates back to the 18th century. It still retains many of its original Baroque features despite being restored in the 19th century.

Where: From Calle Calzada.

Chapel. This emblematic sanctuary, which was built in the same century as the church, is located in the square of the same name.

Where: Plaza de la Vera Cruz.

Central. In the more traditional streets of Benarraba, such as those surrounding the Church of the Encarnacion, the distinctive features of the white mountain villages of Andalucia, such as colourful pots and whitewashed facades, are evident.

Genal. From the village, you can take a scenic route to this riverside location or even continue on to Genalguacil or the Puente de San Juan

Where: Rio Genal.
Lorena Cadiz Malaga Friday, 3 January 2025, 09:32 Compartir

Owning a home has become a challenge, not only for young people, but also for many other sectors of society. Rental housing is no longer an alternative for many people in the face of the current price hikes. Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that demand for alternative housing has gone through the roof in recent years across Spain, and Malaga province is no exception.

That said, this is not an easy option as, above all, it means already having a plot of land with appropriate permissions. Nevertheless, for those who have this possibility many of them are increasingly considering alternative home solutions such as mobile homes or houses made largely of wood instead of bricks and mortar. The main reason for this shift in thinking is patently clear: price. This type of housing is much more affordable than a traditional, brick-built home. Also the time factor to get the keys and move in sooner. Depending on the dimensions and characteristics of the build, it can be finished and placed on the plot in a matter of just a few weeks.

With the increase in demand the supply has naturally multiplied and, in recent years, companies dedicated to the manufacture and marketing of this type of house have sprung up in Malaga province.

Wooden homes

This is not the case with Casas de Madera Balticas, a company with over 20 years of experience in constructing wooden homes, with its head office in Jaen and a branch in Malaga. In charge of the Malaga office is Juan Torres, who has witnessed the progress of this manufacturing sector first hand and said that, in the last five years, "demand has increased by 300%" and the profile of the clientele coming to them in search of a house has changed considerably.

A change of mindset among housebuyers in Spain Be they wooden houses, mobile homes or recycled shipping containers, they all agree that the majority of clients are young Spanish nationals, but foreigners feature heavily in other age groups. "In Spain, comfort is still associated with traditional housing, when there are other types of housing that can also have good insulation and finishes. We need a change of mindset", said Juan Pedro Fuentes, founder of J&J Container, who explains that "foreigners are already much more accustomed to these [alternative] formats."

"When the company was founded we were focused on cabins and detached houses, but now we are being asked for houses for any location, from houses that are going to be off-grid with solar power to houses that are fully compliant with the technical building code, just like a traditional house, only made of wood," said Torres.

In the latter case, it is understood that the plot of land is classed as 'urbano' (can be developed) and therefore a wooden house requires the same steps as a traditional building as far as permits and plans are concerned.

"We have all kinds of clients, from young people to foreigners, who are more accustomed to this type of building or families with more limited resources", he said. He stoutly defends the advantages of this type of construction, mainly because "it is a more economical and efficient solution than brick-built." Moreover, he wants it known that there is a customer type that comes to them not only for the cost savings, but also driven by respect for the environment. "Our wood comes from controlled logging forests and is a more sustainable option than using other materials."

Regarding prices, it depends on the type of house the client wants because "there is a lot of difference." The house can be manufactured with single or double log walls, with or without insulation and with or without plans. All these factors mean considerable price variations. Even so, "in a higher price bracket it can be 40 or 50% cheaper than a traditional house with similar features." Then, once the house is commissioned, it is finished in about two months, plus about 15 days for on-site assembly.

As far as durability is concerned, the company gives assurances that "we have homes that are 50 years old and still in perfect condition", they simply require regular maintenance. "It is recommended to paint the outside of the house every year and a half and to take a little more care than in a traditional home. Maintenance is the life of the house and it needs to be protected on the outside from the elements with a special varnish."

Torres acknowledged that, more recently, there has been a considerable increase in the number of companies marketing wooden homes in Malaga. "Competition is a good thing and it hasn't affected us. Nationally there are two or three leading companies in this sector and we are one of them."

Mobile homes

Toni and Eric Heredia are two brothers who have been running the company Casa Movil Sur in Alhaurin de la Torre for three years, which now employs 22 people. One of the brothers had been in the trade for more than 15 years and when he saw where the market was headed he decided to set up his own company.

This type of mobile housing, which is supported by an axle and wheels, and which has traditionally been associated with camping, has become a way out for many young people looking for somewhere affordable to live and own outright.

"Ninety-five per cent of the sales we have had this year have been from clients who are not campers, but private clients who do not want to pay a rent of 1,000 or so euros and who are desperate for somewhere to live. We have also had clients who buy this type of house as a second home, but most of them have bought them as their main residence," says Toni Heredia.

The company, which sells from Malaga to the whole of Spain, has a wide range of products on offer: from second-hand mobile homes imported from France or England, which can cost between 13,000 and 25,000 euros depending on the features and specs, to newly built houses, which are configured to the client's taste and can cost between 38,000 and 69,000 euros depending on the dimensions and extras.

"They can be up to 68 square metres, they are modules that are assembled on site, which come with all the furniture ready to move in and with a three-month delivery period," explains one of the company's partners.

Architects

Some architectural studios have also joined the alternative market to bricks and mortar. This is the case with Kubo Arquitectos, a studio located in Benalmadena, which for the past decade has been working with an industrialised construction system called Sismo, which allows the work to be carried out "faster and at a fixed price, without unforeseen events", explains Fiorella Inverso, the studio's administrator.

"They are panels of a steel structure with double insulation, which arrive at the plot and can be assembled by a layperson." While it is true that this system saves some costs and construction time, it is not as economical an option as the previous housebuilding alternatives, although it is increasingly in demand. "Our sales graph curves upwards every year and we are already building not only villas, but also hotels and other buildings with this system."
The rapid fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December has thrown up numerous challenges for both Syrian society and the interim government, appointed by Ahmed al Shara, the leader of the Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS). Among the most pressing and complicated challenges is the need to respond to the demands from the families of the missing for truth and justice. After a brutal civil war that lasted more than 13 years, the number of people arbitrarily arrested by the Assad regime and unaccounted for exceeds 112,000, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR).

Dozens of relatives of the missing organized a rally at the end of December in the center of Damascus to demand their rights. The moment of release was a moment of great joy, but also very hard for us, explains Wafa Mustafa, one of the activists who created the Free Syrias Disappeared coalition. As the days went by, the prisons were opened, but there was no trace of our loved ones, and our pain grew. A refugee in Germany, Mustafa has returned to Syria to search for her father, Ali Mustafa, a human rights activist who has been missing since 2013.

We want to know the whole truth: what happened to our relatives, who killed them, where they are buried. We are not satisfied with simply knowing that they are dead, says Mustafa who, like the rest of those gathered, holds a photograph of his missing loved one in his hand. The regime did not manage to silence us, and we are not going to be silenced now... Peace will not come to Syria without those who killed our loved ones being held accountable, he explains.

For many years, the families of the disappeared never tired of approaching all kinds of institutions, both prisons and the regimes multiple security and intelligence agencies, in a bid to find their loved ones. In most cases, all they got in response were rumors and demands for bribes. There was a whole mafia that demanded thousands of dollars from the families in return for information. In many cases, the information wasnt right, it was simply business, explains Wassen Hamdi, a man of Palestinian origin, who puts the number of Palestinian refugees missing in Syria at around 3,500.

One of the relatives main demands is for a greater effort to preserve documents and other evidence that could provide clues to the fate of the disappeared. Every week, new mass graves are being discovered: there are already more than 20. This is a key moment for the transitional authorities in Syria to act decisively and ensure the preservation of evidence as a pillar of accountability and reconciliation, said Aya Majzoub, Amnesty Internationals regional head.

Reconciliation process

The official policy of the HTS leadership regarding justice petitions has been to create a reconciliation process whereby former police and military members of the regime can register, turn in their weapons and petition for amnesty. The amnesty will only come into effect after an investigation to ensure that they have not committed torture and war crimes. Dozens of former officers who have refused to participate in this process have already been arrested. In some cases, they have resisted arrest, leading to violent shootings.

HTS detractors attribute these shootings to a premeditated campaign, denied by the new leaders who say they are due to personal vendettas. According to Mustafa, The new Syria we want to build is not based on revenge, but on fair judicial processes.

In other countries with a legacy of massive human rights violations, such as Argentina and South Africa, truth commissions have been established, and measures for justice and reparations for victims have been implemented. We are preparing a proposal in this regard. The main challenge now is one of resources and funding. We need international support, says Fadel Abdulghani, director of the SNHR. Giving some idea of the colossal challenge ahead, the number of missing in Syria is almost four times the number who disappeared during Argentinas military dictatorship.

Another difficulty will be to address abuses and killings by those now in power. For example, well-known journalist Raed el Fares is believed to have been killed in 2018 by HTS. We are focusing on the violations committed by the regime because there are many more, but all perpetrators will be held accountable, Abdulghani says.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
A performing arts group with shows in Syracuse later this year has received tens of millions of dollars in ways that may have crossed legal or ethical lines, according to a new investigation from The New York Times.

The group, known as Shen Yun, has performances scheduled in Syracuse in March at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater. The group has been advertising heavily in Central New York in advance of the shows including online and on billboards near major highways in the area.

Shen Yun features classical Chinese dance and music that it says celebrate Chinas cultural heritage.

The troupe is run by Falun Gong, a religious movement that is persecuted in China. The group operates from a campus in Orange County, about two hours north of New York City.

The new Times story found that Shen Yun and a school that trains its dancers received $16 million from a newspaper run by Falun Gong followers during a period when prosecutors said the papers accounts were inflated in a money-laundering conspiracy.

Shen Yun and some of its satellite organizations also added wealth by skirting rules and tapping millions in pandemic relief funds, the Times said. Some performers also told the Times they were used to transport cash into the U.S. in a possible attempt to circumvent laws on U.S. currency transactions.

As of the end of last year, tax records show the group had over a quarter of a billion dollars, according to the Times. The group has sold millions in tickets, but also benefited by exploiting young, low-paid performers with little regard for their health or well-being, the Times said.

Shen Yun representatives declined to speak to the Times about the groups finances. Falun Gongs founder has said previously that large amounts of money were needed to fight the Chinese Communist Party, which banned the movement and has repressed its followers, according to the Times.

The Times has reported previously on the groups labor practices, which experts have called questionable.

The state Labor Department launched an inquiry into Shen Yun in recent months, but has declined to specify what it is examining, the Times said. The department enforces laws in areas including child labor, overtime and minimum wage.

Shen Yun posted a response to the Times' reporting in December.

It said the Times' reporting is a caricature of Shen Yun and accused the paper of cherry-picking negative accounts from a few displeased former staff. The group also said the Times' assertion that it is skirting rules on government grants is misleading.

Falun Gong posted responses online as well.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick was appointed Thursday as a special prosecutor to investigate the death of an inmate who was brutally beaten by guards at a Central New York state prison.

Multiple corrections officers repeatedly punched and kicked the inmate, Robert L. Brooks, in the groin, abdomen, face and back in the infirmary at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County on Dec. 9. He was left bloodied and died six hours later at a Utica hospital.

The beating was recorded on video by body cameras worn by four of the guards that was later released by the state Attorney Generals Office. None of the officers had turned on the cameras, but 30 minutes of video was passively recorded without audio.

The investigation had previously been led by the state Attorney Generals Office. The office has special powers under state law to investigate any deaths that result from an action, or inaction, of law enforcement officers, including corrections officers.

Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement that she decided to recuse her office from the criminal investigation since it is also representing some of the corrections officers involved in Brooks death in active civil lawsuits.

Even the possibility or mere appearance of a conflict could tie up a potential prosecution in lengthy legal challenges or get a potential prosecution outright dismissed, she said. It is critically important that justice is served. This decision ensures that it will be.

Several of the officers are defendants in lawsuits alleging other cases of abuse against inmates, including one contending the Marcy prison has a beat-up squad.

The AGs office moved Thursday to formally recuse itself from the investigation and indicated Fitzpatrick was willing to be named special prosecutor. Justice Deborah Karalunas, the administrative judge for the states Fifth Judicial District, approved appointing Fitzpatrick.

This is the first time a special prosecutor has been named in such a case since the state law took effect in 2021 empowering the AG to handle deaths involving police or guards.

Fitzpatrick, 72, one of the longest-serving district attorneys in the state, is serving his 33rd year in office. He has worked in the DAs office since 1975 and first took over as top county prosecutor in 1992.

In his long tenure, Fitzpatrick has remained hands-on in the prosecution of cases. In 2022, Fitzpatrick was the lead prosecutor in the retrial of Robert Neulander who was reconvicted of killing his wife Leslie in 2012. In 2023, Fitzpatrick prosecuted three killers of 11-year-old Brexialee Torres-Ortiz. Next week he is scheduled to present opening statements in a rare state RICO case.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement she expected prosecutors to move expeditiously to bring charges.

Too much time has passed without charges being brought against the individuals responsible, she said. The family of Mr. Brooks deserves no further delays.

It is unclear how quickly charges could or would be brought by Fitzpatrick. His office said in a news release that he would not comment until the grand jury has taken action, possibly meaning he has already convened a panel to hear evidence in the case and approve charges.

The AGs office was not the only agency looking into the death.

The FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice said last weekend that they had opened investigations. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, State Police and state Commission of Correction have also opened probes.

Hochul visited the Marcy prison earlier this week and named a new, permanent superintendent for the facility. She also announced a variety of initiatives to improve the larger state prison system.

The governor has ordered the 14 state employees involved in the assault  one a nurse, the rest corrections officers  to be fired. One of the corrections officers, Anthony Farina, has resigned.

Brooks, originally of Greece in Monroe County, was sentenced in 2017 to 12 years in prison on a first-degree assault charge. He was arrested after stabbing his girlfriend multiple times.

He had been held in the Mohawk Correctional Facility, records show, but was moved the day of the assault to the Marcy prison. State prison officials have declined to say why the transfer happened.

Onondaga County District attorney William Fitzpatrick give his thought on the Robert Neulander trial and verdict. A guilty verdict was reached in the Robert Neulander murder trial at the Onondaga County courthouse March 17, 2022 in Syracuse, N.Y. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Three months after state officials torched the Onondaga County Board of Elections with highly publicized criticisms, commissioners of the county board have fired back.

In a New Years Eve letter to the state Board of Elections, county commissioners said much of the states criticism amounted to over-reaction and overreach.

If state officials were looking for a mea culpa, they didnt get one.

The Onondaga County elections commissioners, Democrat Dustin Czarny and Republican Michele Sardo, sent their required response Tuesday to a state letter in October that blamed them for a big paperwork backlog that state officials said threatened the integrity of the election.

Czarny and Sardo outlined several plans for improvement but strongly disputed accusations that they had mismanaged the runup to the presidential election. Syracuse.com obtained a copy of the letter.

The county commissioners wrote that they reached out to the state board for help in September after a confluence of problems  including staff shortages and a new registration system  left them with a huge backlog of voter registration forms and vote-by-mail requests to process.

The state board did help, the commissioners said, but in a way that caused unnecessary confusion and vitriol.

In response, state officials issued a brief statement Thursday saying Sardo and Czarny had not fully addressed' problems at the county board.

The states criticisms in October, during the runup to a presidential election, were severe enough to later cost Sardo her job. Republican party leaders replaced her in December as elections commissioner, citing the states concerns. She started a new job Thursday in the county health department.

Czarny was reappointed last month to a two-year term as elections commissioner. He will work alongside a new Republican commissioner, Kevin Ryan.

Sardo and Czarny acknowledged in their letter that the county board had made several minor errors in the months before the election. But they said state officials vastly over-reacted to a delay in processing thousands of voter registrations and vote-by-mail ballot requests. The backlog was cleared up more than two weeks before early voting began.

The two commissioners said state officials wrongly accused them of failing to take a hands-on approach to management.

Our most serious disagreement is with the insinuation that commissioners and deputies were not directly involved in the management and processing of the backlog, Sardo and Czarny wrote.

The state based that criticism on data showing that Sardo, Czarny and their deputies processed relatively few voter registration forms themselves, according to the letter. But the commissioners said they spent almost all their time reviewing and correcting forms filled out by others, a role not captured by the data.

The states letter castigating the commissioners was sent just three days before early voting began.

To make such a conclusion or insinuation in a letter, knowing the obvious defect of the data that was analyzed, was simply irresponsible, the commissioners wrote.

That wasnt the response the state Board of Elections was looking for. Spokesperson Kathleen McGrath sent this comment by email Thursday:

While we appreciate their submission, we note that the report does not fully address the key issues that led to significant challenges during the 2024 election cycle. Specifically, it falls short in acknowledging the responsibilities of the (Onondaga County) board and its commissioners to ensure proper allocation of resources, adherence to legal and bipartisan processes, and proactive oversight of staff and operations.

Both sides agree that Onondaga County struggled to process an unprecedented number of voter registrations and vote-by-mail requests in late September and early October.

The county was hindered in part because workers were getting used to a new voter registration system adopted in July. But the core problem was a shortage of personnel, the commissioners wrote. A request by Czarny and Sardo to add six permanent workers to the elections board in 2024 was rejected by the county legislature, and the commissioners had trouble attracting temp workers during the busy runup to the presidential election.

Czarny says he first contacted a staffer at the state Board of Elections on Sept. 20 seeking help and guidance to deal with a growing backlog of forms to be processed. He followed up the next day with a call to a co-executive director, Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky. On Sept. 24, senior staff from the county and state boards held a conference call.

We made clear at that meeting that we were looking for advice and counsel to deal with the growing backlog, Czarny and Sardo wrote.

According to Sardo and Czarny, county and state officials worked out an action plan that day that including hiring four temporary workers without concern for the normal constraint of balancing Democrats and Republicans. Those four workers were on board by Oct. 1 and immediately helped whittle down the backlog, the commissioners said.

The backlog shrank from 23,382 on Sept. 27 to 17,685 by Oct. 3, a drop of 24%.

But state officials were not impressed.

On Oct. 3, the director and deputy director of the state boards election operations unit made a surprise visit to the Onondaga County Board of Elections.

That visit confirmed our worst fears, state officials said.

The state boards co-executives, Stavisky and Raymond Riley, sent a letter Oct. 4 chiding county officials for not reporting their backlog earlier. They said the county board suffered from mismanagement of staff resources, poor communication, inconsistent procedures and a lack of productivity.

They demanded that the backlog be eliminated within 48 hours.

That demand arrived at 4:50 p.m. on a Friday, according to Sardo and Czarny.

County officials had already planned to work overtime that weekend, but the Sunday deadline was unrealistic, they said. In the end, the backlog was cleared up by Oct. 11, in plenty of time for the election.

In their letter, Czarny and Sardo acknowledged making several minor errors. The county board mishandled a registration request from a service member overseas. The county incorrectly listed state Senate candidate Nick Paro as Nicholas Paro on some ballots. And the county inadvertently sent vote-by-mail ballots to some people who had not requested them.

Each of those issues was resolved by Election Day and did not prevent anyone from voting, the commissioners said.

The letter from Czarny and Sardo fulfilled a request from state officials that the county respond to the states criticisms by Dec. 31.

To strengthen the system against future backlogs like the one that occurred in 2024, the county board has made several changes, the commissioners said.

The board has added four new permanent positions after obtaining legislative approval in the 2025 budget; the board will cross-train staff to gain more flexibility in processing various transactions; they will take greater care to check for candidate name changes before issuing vote-by-mail ballots; and the board will never again change registration systems mid-year.

In the end, Czarny and Sardo maintained that their staff rallied against a unique set of circumstances' to prepare for the election. A record number of in-person votes were processed without problems, they said.

There were a lot of exigent circumstances that came together that created the issue, Czarny said Thursday in an interview. Insinuating that it was just lackadaisical work by the board or the commissioners, in my opinion, was wrong.

Sardo could not be reached for comment.

State officials said they are still evaluating the countys report.

We will carefully review the Onondaga County report and determine what additional measures, including ongoing data and reporting requirements, may be necessary, McGrath said in an email.

Staff writer Tim Knauss can be reached at: email | Twitter | 315-470-3023.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Onondaga County Republicans replaced Michele Sardo as elections commissioner in December following New York states scathing assessment of the county Board of Elections.

Now Sardo has a new county job. County Executive Ryan McMahon appointed her as a director of operations at the county health department. Her new salary is $105,668, 5% more than she earned as elections commissioner, according to the county comptrollers records.

Sardo, 54, worked at the Board of Elections for 24 years, beginning in 2000. For the last eight years, she served as the Republican commissioner, supervising the Board alongside Democratic Commissioner Dustin Czarny.

She had previously indicated she planned to retire next July.

Sardo and Czarny faced strong criticism last fall from the state Board of Elections after staffing shortages and an unprecedented surge in voter registrations created a temporary backlog in processing forms. In a series of letters last October, state officials criticized management of the local board and expressed grave concern over the countys delays in processing registrations.

Sardo and Czarny this week filed their response, which sharply disagreed with the states criticisms and disputed several key findings. They pointed out that the backlog in registrations was quickly resolved and said the assertion that managers lacked engagement was simply irresponsible.

That response came several weeks after both political parties had to decide whether to reappoint the commissioners.

The county Democratic Party reappointed Czarny to another two-year term as commissioner. But Republicans declined to reappoint Sardo, saying they were influenced by the state boards criticisms. GOP leaders appointed lawyer Kevin Ryan to replace Sardo.

Sardo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

There are three directors of operations in the health department. Sardo is one of the three, said Marty Masterpole, county comptroller. It is not clear what area of the department she oversees.

According to a job description provided by the county executives office, director of operations is a supervisory position responsible for daily operations and reporting directly to the commissioner. The job requirements include at least one year supervising a large department. Sardo co-managed the Board of Elections for eight years.

The job is a competitive Civil Service position. If the state Department of Civil Service schedules an exam, Sardo would have to score high enough to retain the position.

Justin Sayles, a spokesman for McMahon, said Sardos position was vacant before she was hired. The county executives office does not know how long she plans to stay in the job, he said.

We would have to refer you to Michelle Sardo regarding her employment plans, Sayles said in a prepared statement. As with any employee, if they perform well then we want them to stay on board, but if they dont then its worth noting that they are on a two-week reoccurring contract.

Staff writer Tim Knauss can be reached at: email | Twitter | 315-470-3023.
Within every person there is the ability to create something unique, Reginald Adams told The Post-Standard in 1971.

He was then an art teacher at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School, where he had designed a flexible, multi-media art program which encouraged his students to develop their own unique creativity.
Rev. John Ahern, who served his Catholic faith as a Central New York parish priest and pastor, and celebrated his Irish heritage as a founder of the Syracuse St. Patricks Parade, died Dec. 28. He was 90.

His life will be celebrated Friday at Holy Cross Church in DeWitt, one of many parishes he served in his 50 years as an active member of the clergy.

Even in his retirement, he continued to serve at Holy Cross in Dewitt, Syracuse Bishop Douglas J. Lucia said in a statement. As an Irishman, through and through, he enjoyed serving as chaplain to the Ancient Order of Hibernians for over 40 years. Many reminisce of his heartfelt blessings at the St. Patricks Parade Dinner that were always full of Irish sentiment, charm and wit. He will most certainly be missed but will always be remembered for his generous heart and Irish smile. May God grant him eternal rest.

According to his obituary, John Ahern was born in Syracuse and raised as one of seven children in his familys home on Bradley Street. He graduated in 1953 from St. Lucys High School. He worked several years for Carrier Corp. before being drafted and serving in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958.

He attended St. Bernards Seminary in Rochester and was ordained in 1967. He celebrated his first mass at his alma mater, St. Lucys. Over the years, he served as a parish priest at St. Francis in Pulaski, St. Margarets of Mattydale, St. James of the Valley, and Holy Cross in Dewitt.

He was later a pastor at two parishes, Most Holy Rosary in Syracuse and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Liverpool. He also served as a chaplain of the Knights of Malta, St. Josephs Hospital and the Dewitt Fire Department.

He served as the divisional, New York State, and national chaplain for the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies AOH. Along with former Channel 9 TV reporter Nancy Duffy, he was a founder of the St. Patricks Parade, and served as its grand marshal in 1991.

Patrick Ahern, right, is congratulated by his brother, Father John Ahern, after being introduced as the 2004 Grand Marshal of Syracuse's St. Patrick Day Parade. (Frank Ordonez | File 2004)File 2004

Several of his brothers were Syracuse police officers, and one of them, Patrick, was also a parade grand marshal.

Another former Syracuse officer, Curly Cahill, worked alongside John Ahern for many years on the parade committee. He remembers attending a mass that Ahern celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary.

He was doing the reading, except he didnt read it, Cahill said. He did the whole thing from memory. I hadnt seen that before, and it was impressive.

According to the obituary, John has performed numerous marriages, baptisms, first communions, house blessings, car blessings, Family Retreat Days, and Christmas Eve masses for his family. His devotion to the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother was deeply ingrained in all that he did.

Calling hours are 9 am to 11 a.m. Friday with mass to follow at 11 a.m. at the church, 412 E. Genesee St. in DeWitt. Private burial will be at St. Marys Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Patrick Hunger Project (the charitable arm of the parade committee).

Father John Ahern, chaplain for the 2013 St. Patrick's Day Parade, paints the green stripe on Salina Street. (Dick Blume)File 2013

Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
The City of Utica has declared a snow emergency due to a winter storm hitting Central New York and other parts of Upstate New York.

The Utica snow emergency takes effect tonight, Thursday, Jan. 2, at 10 p.m. All vehicles must be removed from city streets by 10 p.m. to facilitate safe passage for snow removal and emergency services, Mayor Michael P. Galime said.

Any vehicles left on the streets after the emergency takes effect are subject to ticketing and towing at the owners expense. The snow emergency will remain in effect until further notice, Galime said.

The snowstorm and slick road conditions caused a dump truck to roll over on a highway ramp Thursday morning, according to the Observer-Dispatch. Photos released by the Utica Fire Department show the truck upside down with its load spilled out over the edge.

This photo released by the Utica Fire Department shows a dump truck that rolled over a highway ramp in downtown Utica, N.Y., on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.Utica FD

The Fire Departments official Facebook page shared a post that said the driver escaped without injuries.

Police said the Oriskany Street ramp to downtown Utica from Route 12 closed around 10:30 a.m. Oriskany Street eastbound from the Varick Street-State Street ramp to Broadway is also closed; drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes.

Madison, Northern Oneida, Onondaga, and Southern Oneida counties are currently under lake effect snow warnings, according to the National Weather Service. Between 1 to 3 feet of snow is expected to accumulate through Saturday, with wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible, the weather service said. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.
The body of a missing 20-year-old man from Whitehall was found on Dec. 20, 2024, in the Lake George Wild Forest region of the Adirondacks.

The mans family called New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest ranger dispatch in Ray Brook three days after hed gone missing. Family members indicated that the man might have gone hiking on Sugarloaf Mountain, a family tradition.

On Dec. 20, seven rangers, together with the Washington County Sheriffs Department, began searching the area of Sugarloaf Mountain east of Lake George, in the town of Dresden.

Hours later they found the missing mans body at the bottom of a cliff.

Rangers carried the mans body back to the trailhead and turned it over to the County Coroner. The Washington County Sheriffs Department is working with the DEC Division of Law Enforcements Bureau of Environmental Crime Investigations to investigate the incident.

On Dec. 23, a 31-year-old ice skater fell through the ice on Lake Dutchess.NYS DEC

The following reports are excerpted from DEC:

On Dec. 23, a 31-year-old ice skater fell through the ice on Lake Dutchess. A member of the Pawling Fire Department hauled the skater into a kayak but was unable to pull himself out of the water. Working with police, a ranger coordinated a flat ice rescue using ropes to pull the fireman to safety. The fireman was later treated for hypothermia at the hospital.

A 33-year-old snowmobiler from Gansevoort went airborne on Dec. 20 after hitting a felled tree in the Moose River Plains camping area.NYS DEC

A 33-year-old snowmobiler from Gansevoort went airborne on Dec. 20 after hitting a felled tree that was lying across a snow-covered seasonal road in the Moose River Plains camping area. The snowmobiler landed on his shoulder. Rangers put his shoulder in a sling and transported him to his vehicle.

Two 18-year-olds from New Jersey had to halt their Adirondack hike after getting cold feet on Dec. 26. The pair called rangers from Marcy Dam to say their feet were frozen. One of the hikers was barefoot with his feet wrapped in his jacket. Rangers treated both hikers for mild hypothermia, provided extra layers of clothes, and transported them back to the trailhead.

A 62-year-old fell approximately 35 feet while ice climbing in Kaaterskill Clove on Dec. 27.NYS DEC

On the morning of Dec. 27, a 62-year-old fell approximately 35 feet while ice climbing in Kaaterskill Clove, a deep gorge in the eastern Catskill Mountains. Rangers worked with Haines Falls Rescue, Kingston Technical Rescue Team, Tannersville Rescue, and the Twin Cloves Technical Rescue Team on a technical rope rescue to pull the climber to safety.



Sign up for the CNY Outdoors Newsletter

Enter your email address to get weekly updates on CNY outdoors news delivered to your inbox:









Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors.
Memory is what makes us human. While other animals also have the ability to learn and remember, we often assume that their experiences lack the emotional and intellectual depth of something like Marcel Prousts famous madeleine. At its core, however, this mental experience is simply the translation of molecular processes and cellular mechanics in neurons. Scientists are now uncovering that the basic mechanisms of memory also function in other types of cells. A kidney cell might not recall Hotel California as The Eagles sang it, but its learning processes could provide valuable insights into how memory works, why it deteriorates, and how we might prevent such decline.

Over 2,300 years ago, Plato and Aristotle likened memory to engravings on a wax tablet. For centuries, great thinkers struggled to understand how we are able to learn and remember. It wasnt until the 19th century that German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus began to outline the processes of memory through experimental methods. In 1904, German zoologist Richard Semon defined the engram as the physical substrate of memory, a neuronal structure. However, it wasnt until the latter half of the 20th century that modern biological techniques allowed scientists to begin unraveling the molecular mechanisms that house our memories.

One of the memory phenomena Ebbinghaus described in 1885 is known as the spacing effect: we retain information better if we study multiple times over a longer period than if we cram all at once in a short span, even when the total amount of study is the same. Its the classic difference between regular study habits and cramming before an exam. Despite our attempts to convince ourselves that cramming works better, the spacing effect has been consistently validated through research.

The kidney learns

Its not just humans that exhibit this phenomenon. Studies have confirmed the spacing effect in animal models with simpler nervous systems, such as sea slugs, which are commonly used in memory research, and even in cultured neurons. In these experiments, researchers apply stimulation pulses to neurons and observe the response, specifically the activation of a gene that produces a protein called CREB, which then activates other genes involved in memory formation. With the same total amount of stimulation, neurons respond more effectively  they learn better  when the pulses are spaced out over time rather than delivered all at once.

However, as neuroscientist Nikolay Kukushkin of New York University points out: No one has ever seen this effect of spaced memory outside the nervous system. Since all cells in the body share the same complete genome, including the CREB gene, and this protein is also present in tissues with different functions, Kukushkin and his team decided to investigate whether non-neural cells might respond in the same way  in other words, whether they also learn better when exposed to stimuli at intervals rather than in a single burst.

To test this, they used modified kidney cells, where the activation of CREB by chemical stimuli resulted in a visible and measurable output: the production of a glowing protein derived from fireflies. In this way, Kukushkin and his team discovered that kidney cells also adhere to the spacing effect rule. Specifically, four three-minute pulses of stimulation, spaced 10 minutes apart, generated more light 24 hours later than a single 12-minute pulse. According to Kukushkin, The difference between the two patterns is detected in a similar way to how neurons do it. He believes that non-neural cells are much smarter than we think, and this ability to learn better by spacing out stimuli could be a fundamental property of all cells.

Cells that learn

The study by Kukushkin and his team, published in Nature Communications, marks the first time a complex memory phenomenon thought to be exclusive to the nervous system has been observed in non-neuronal cells. However, it builds on a growing body of research showing that individual cells, whether in unicellular organisms or as part of a multicellular organism, are not passive to prior experiences; rather, they learn from them. As a result, their future responses to specific stimuli differ from their initial reactions.

Another recent study, conducted by researchers at Harvard University and the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, used computer simulation models to uncover how individual cells store memories of past experiences to exhibit habituation behaviors, such as becoming accustomed to a noise or smell. Rosa Martinez-Corral, the lead researcher at CRG, suggests that this could represent a form of memory at the cellular level, enabling cells to both react immediately and influence future responses.

Since our own memories are also rooted in molecular and cellular processes, these findings are considered important for advancing our understanding of how memory functions. According to Kukushkin, they could lead to better ways to enhance learning and treat memory problems.

Furthermore, these discoveries could help overcome resistance to medical treatments: cancer cells, for example, can learn to tolerate chemotherapy, and the immune system can become used to the presence of malignant cells and stop responding to them. Memory extends beyond the brain, and research in simpler systems, Martinez concludes, can be useful to address many other fundamental questions.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Great Lakes lake effect snow machine is gearing up as 2025 begins, and the snow is aimed squarely at Central New York.

Syracuse could see a foot or more of snow by the time the multiday storm winds down this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The lake effect bulls-eye that is the Tug Hill plateau could see 3 feet. The southwest corner of the state could also see a foot or more as winds blow in from the northwest.
Si quieres compartir tu cuenta, cambia tu suscripcion a la modalidad Premium, asi podras anadir otro usuario. Cada uno accedera con su propia cuenta de email, lo que os permitira personalizar vuestra experiencia en EL PAIS.

Tienes una suscripcion de empresa? Accede aqui para contratar mas cuentas.

En el caso de no saber quien esta usando tu cuenta, te recomendamos cambiar tu contrasena aqui.

Si decides continuar compartiendo tu cuenta, este mensaje se mostrara en tu dispositivo y en el de la otra persona que esta usando tu cuenta de forma indefinida, afectando a tu experiencia de lectura. Puedes consultar aqui los terminos y condiciones de la suscripcion digital.
Highly anticipated: The pace of leaks surrounding Nintendo's next-generation handheld has intensified in recent weeks. Some are anticipating an imminent official unveiling of the Switch 2 and new material has reignited years-long speculation about the device's performance and functionality. While leakers agree on certain details, any information not directly from Nintendo should be taken with a grain of salt.

New photos of an alleged Switch 2 PCB emerged on Reddit on New Year's Eve. Around the same time, the US Patent Office published a document from the company describing machine learning-based upscaling functionality similar to Nvidia RTX graphics cards and the PlayStation 5 Pro.

Although the motherboard images don't conclusively reveal hardware specifications, they align with prior leaks and rumors regarding the upcoming handheld. Meanwhile, the patent confirms that Nintendo has at least explored enabling AI-assisted upscaling on the Nvidia chip powering the so-called Switch 2 console.

The document, filed in 2023 and published in late 2024, doesn't explicitly mention DLSS  Nvidia's upscaling technology that has significantly improved over the past few years and PC gaming performance along with it. However, it does describe a similar technique utilizing Nvidia's tensor cores.

The functionality would use neural networks to resample images from 900 x 540 pixels to 1080p, from 1080p to 4K, or combinations of resolutions in between. Nvidia's technology has shown impressive results on PC over the years but remains untested on portable devices with limited power budgets.

Interestingly, the Nintendo patent also indicates that upscaling could reduce a game's required install size. A game with assets designed for 4K resolution could theoretically use upscaling from 1080p to reduce its file size from 60 GB to 20 GB. Assuming the Switch 2 utilizes proprietary game cards like its predecessors, the technique could help larger titles avoid substantial download requirements.

Nintendo has so far confirmed only two details about its upcoming hardware: the device will be revealed before April 1, and it will be backwards compatible with Switch games. However, leakers have shared additional details from sources within the manufacturing supply chain.

The device will likely feature 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, an 8-inch LCD screen, and magnetic attachments for Joy-Con controllers. Additionally, recent mockups of the Switch 2's design are believed to closely resemble the final product.

While the device is expected to utilize a chip based on Nvidia's Ampere architecture, precise performance metrics remain elusive. The new PCB photos may raise more questions than they answer. Earlier information suggested the chip is based on Samsung's 8nm node, though a 6nm or 5nm SoC  offering improved performance and battery life  is also a possibility.
In a nutshell: Developer NTDev is well-known for testing the limits of Microsoft's operating systems, and their latest achievement is no exception. They successfully managed to run Windows 11 on an astonishingly small 184MB of system memory  a feat so extreme that even Windows XP would have struggled under such constraints.

NTDev shared their achievement on X, describing it as "absolutely insane, and possibly a record." This feat was made possible by Tiny11, the developer's custom-modified version of Windows 11 designed to minimize storage requirements. Tiny11 removes pre-installed bloatware such as the Camera app, OneDrive, and other unnecessary components, creating streamlined installations ideal for underpowered hardware.

The primary goal of Tiny11 is to conserve storage space, which it accomplishes impressively  reducing the typical Windows 11 installation size from over 20GB to just 8GB. By stripping away nonessential apps and processes, Tiny11 also significantly lowers RAM usage, enabling it to run on remarkably low memory configurations.

It's amazing what you can do even with such a "closed" system as Windows.

Somehow I managed to make Windows 11 (through tiny11 and all that stuff, of course) run on just 184MB of RAM, which even though it's in Safe Mode I still think it's absolutely insane, and possibly a record. pic.twitter.com/IPK24LqjBJ  NTDEV (@NTDEV_) December 26, 2024

Recent Tiny11 builds reportedly allow Windows updates to be installed, though such functionality is, unsurprisingly, not officially supported by Microsoft. Removing certain components can also cause issues; for instance, eliminating the Edge browser may break widgets that depend on its scripts.

The usability of Windows 11 under such extreme resource constraints is another question entirely. With only 184MB of RAM, running a modern OS and apps is nearly impossible. A screenshot shared by NTDev shows system memory maxed out at 183MB with just Notepad open.

It's worth noting that this feat relied on memory paging, likely helping the OS overcome some physical RAM limitations. However, NTDev emphasized that extensive optimization was still necessary to make the system bootable.

Such "operating system torture" is nothing new for NTDev, who is well-known for pushing Windows to its absolute limits with various mods and experiments. Earlier this year, they achieved another extreme milestone: discovering the absolute minimum install size for Windows 11, shrinking it to under 100MB. Unsurprisingly, the resulting OS was so stripped down that it was barely functional.

In another record-setting experiment just a month later, NTDev managed to install a fresh copy of Windows 10 in a mere 104 seconds, once again using a custom, highly optimized version of the operating system.
Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit that claimed its virtual assistant, Siri, violated users privacy by recording private conversations without their knowledge or consent.

The preliminary settlement, filed on December 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, requires approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White before it becomes official. Apple has denied any wrongdoing and liability as part of the settlement.

For those unaware, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Apple five years ago. The lawsuit accused Siri of recording users private and confidential conversations when it was surreptitiously activated on Siri-enabled devices.

The recordings reportedly took place even when users did not intentionally activate the Hey Siri feature, introduced in September 2014. This feature enabled users to summon the virtual assistant by saying the wake words Hey Siri instead of pressing a button.

Some of these recordings were later shared with third parties, including advertisers and human reviewers, contradicting Apples long-standing promise to prioritize customer privacy.

If the settlement payout is approved, the Class period to qualify for it is from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024.

Further, the eligible Apple user must be an individual who currently owns or previously purchased a Siri device and resides in the United States and its territories.

They must also be willing to declare under oath that Apple recorded their conversation, which was meant to remain private or confidential during an unintended Siri activation.

The Siri-enabled devices in the settlement include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, iPod touch devices, and Apple TV.

Eligible class members who file valid claims of accidental recordings may receive $20 per Apple device for up to five Siri-enabled devices.

However, the size of each individual payout may differ depending on the number of eligible Siri-enabled devices owned by them and the total number of claimants.

Under the proposed settlement, Apple would also be required to confirm the permanent deletion of individual audio recordings from Siri collected before October 2019. Additionally, the tech giant would be required to publish a webpage to explain to users about the companys Improve Siri program and what information will be stored.

The lawyers in the case are seeking to schedule a February 14 court hearing in Oakland to review the settlement terms.
Serena Raquel Murillo was the last judge confirmed by the Senate during Joe Bidens presidency. Her appointment brought the total number of federal judges appointed by Biden to 235, the highest number in a single term since Jimmy Carters 262 appointments between 1976 and 1980. The president marked this milestone on Thursday with an event at the White House, just weeks before leaving office. Biden hopes that his legacy of judicial appointments will serve to strengthen a progressive interpretation of the law, and that these judges will serve as defenders of the Constitution against the threats he perceives with the potential return of Donald Trump to power. As Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer put it, they will be a shield that protects our democracy.

Murillos confirmation allowed Biden to surpass the 234 judges appointed by Trump during the Republicans first four years in office. Federal judges serve for life, and Bidens appointees now account for a quarter of the judicial bench. Judges matter, said Biden at the event, highlighting their importance in shaping the everyday lives of Americans. Protecting our basic freedoms. Defending constitutional liberties. He added: These judges will be independent, theyll be fair, and theyll be impartial, and theyll respect the rule of law. And most importantly  I never thought Id be saying this  theyll uphold the Constitution.

Schumer, who pushed for the confirmation of the appointments, expressed the same sentiment. These judges come just in time. Our democracy faces an uncertain future, and many people are rightly worried. The good news is that these judges will be a barrier against attacks against on our democratic institutions, he said. Thanks to these judges, it is now far more likely today than it was just a few years ago that these attacks on democracy will be blunted. In short, these judges will be the shield that protects our democracy.

After Vice President Kamala Harris was defeated by Donald Trump in the election, Biden made judicial appointments a key priority in the final stretch of his presidency. Each confirmed appointment meant one less vacancy for his successor to fill. With Republicans maintaining comfortable control of the Senate in the new legislature, Trump is expected to have little trouble getting his own judicial picks confirmed by the upper chamber.

The contrast between the two presidents appointments is striking. During his four years in office, 76% of Trumps judicial appointees were men, and 84% were white. In contrast, nearly two-thirds of Bidens appointments are women, and less than 40% have been white. In his push for diversity, Biden has appointed a record number of women, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Muslim Americans, and members of the LGBT community.

Whats more, the president has chosen candidates with professional profiles marked by greater social sensitivity. Biden has appointed more than 45 public defenders, over 25 civil rights lawyers, and at least 10 professionals who have represented workers. He has also selected candidates from the private legal sector, the Public Prosecutors Office, and other legal fields, including immigration law, municipal law, and even retired military personnel.

Although Bidens judicial appointments surpass Trumps in total number, they are lower on the judicial ladder. The U.S. federal judicial system consists of three levels. At the bottom are 677 district or trial judges, spread across 94 districts nationwide. Their decisions can be appealed to the 13 courts of appeal, which collectively have 179 judges. At the top are the nine Supreme Court justices. While all appointments are for life, turnover tends to be higher at the lower levels due to retirements and resignations, while Supreme Court justices generally serve longer terms.

Thanks to Republican maneuvering in the Senate, Trump was able to appoint three Supreme Court justices during his first four years in office, solidifying a conservative supermajority of six justices to three  one that is likely to endure for years to come. To shift this balance, conservative justices would need to retire during a Democratic presidents term. The oldest justices, conservatives Clarence Thomas (76) and Samuel Alito (74), have shown no signs of retiring, although a resignation near the end of Trumps term cannot be ruled out. The other four conservative justices are all under 70, with three of them under 60.

A single appointment to the Supreme Court

Meanwhile, Biden has only been able to appoint one Supreme Court justice: Ketanji Brown Jackson, 54, the first Black woman to serve on the High Court. The president made this appointment following the resignation of Stephen Breyer, a justice appointed by Bill Clinton, who retired at the age of 84.

Beyond the Supreme Court, Biden has also fallen behind Trump in appointing appeals court judges, with 45 to Trumps 54. During the latter part of Barack Obamas presidency, Republicans blocked the confirmation of Obamas judicial nominees in the Senate, leaving over 100 vacancies (including one on the Supreme Court) that Trump was quick to fill upon taking office. Now, Republicans are returning to power with 39 vacancies, according to updated data  the lowest number in decades at the time of a power transfer. The record for judicial appointments in two terms is held by Ronald Reagan, with 383 (11 of which are still active), followed by Bill Clinton with 378 (31 still on the bench).

Schumer took center stage in the final push for judicial confirmations, which involved a cumbersome parliamentary process. He reached an agreement with Republicans to delay the confirmation of four appeals court judges in exchange for speeding up the confirmation of 15 district judges. One out of every four active judges on the bench have been appointed by this majority, Schumer remarked in summing up. This is historic and will have huge and positive implications for the American people for generations to come.

Last week, Biden vetoed a congressional bill that would have expanded the number of federal judges by 66, at a rate of 22 every four years. The law had been negotiated between Republicans and Democrats with the idea that it would be passed before the presidential election, so the identity of the president who would appoint the new judges would remain unknown. The bill passed the Senate unanimously in August, but Republicans delayed it in the House of Representatives and only approved it after learning that Trump had won the election. Biden argued that the law left unresolved issues, such as the distribution of the new courts, in order to veto it.

In 2018, Chief Justice John Roberts defended the independence and professionalism of all federal judges, regardless of who appointed them, after Trump criticized a decision on his asylum policy made by what he called an Obama judge. We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges, Roberts said in a statement. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them. That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for.

However, the reality is that judges sensitivity when making decisions on issues such as abortion, immigration, civil rights, or labor often varies greatly and tends to align with the ideological leanings  more progressive or conservative  of the president who appointed them.

In his closing remarks for 2024 on Tuesday, Chief Roberts once again defended judicial independence, which he said is under threat from intimidation, misinformation, and the potential for public officials to defy court orders. Violence, intimidation, and defiance directed at judges because of their work undermine our Republic, and are wholly unacceptable, he wrote, warning that it is not in the nature of judicial work to make everyone happy.

Roberts also condemned elected officials from all political parties 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. 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 added.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Bereaved orca seen carrying another dead calf in US waters



Washington, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2025



A bereaved female killer whale who carried her dead calf for more than two weeks in 2018 has again lost a newborn and is bearing its body, US marine researchers said.

Scientists say whales are among the world's most intelligent animals, exhibiting complex social behavior including self-awareness and suffering.

The Washington state-based Center for Whale Research said the endangered orca named Tahlequah, also known as J35, was spotted carrying her deceased calf in Puget Sound off Seattle on New Year's Day.

"J35 has been seen carrying the body of the deceased calf," the center said in an Instagram post Thursday.

"This behavior was seen previously by J35 in 2018 when she carried the body of her deceased calf for 17 days," it said.

When Tahlequah was carrying her previous deceased newborn seven years ago she was seen sometimes nudging its body with her nose and sometimes gripping it with her mouth, US media reported.

"It's a very tragic tour of grief," Center for Whale Research founder Ken Balcomb told public broadcaster NPR at the time.

The center said the loss of the latest female newborn was "particularly devastating" because Tahlequah has now lost two of her four documented calves.

"We hope to have more information on the situation through further observation," the post said.

The center also said Tahlequah's pod had been joined by another newborn. "The calf's sex is not yet known but the team reports that the calf appeared physically and behaviorally normal," the center said.

Tahlequah and her pod mates are Southern Resident Killer Whales, a population listed as endangered in the United States.

There are only three pods in the population, numbering around 70 whales. They spend several weeks of each spring and fall in the waters of Puget Sound.

Their numbers are dwindling owing to a combination of factors, including a reduction in their prey and the noise and disturbance caused by ships and boats, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Indian duo self-immolate in Bhopal waste protest



New Delhi, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2025



Two people in India set themselves on fire Friday to protest against the disposal of hazardous waste from the decades-old Bhopal industrial disaster, local government officials said.

Images on social media showed the two men dousing themselves in liquid before being engulfed in shooting flames, although officials said the men survived.

The protests erupted on Friday after authorities moved hundreds of tonnes of hazardous waste -- remaining from the world's deadliest industrial disaster in the city of Bhopal 40 years ago -- to the town of Pithampur for disposal.

"The self-immolation attempt was unfortunate, but both people are safe now," said Priyank Mishra, the administrative head of Dhar district where Pithampur is located.

A long convoy of trucks with a police escort ferrying the 337 tonnes of waste -- sealed inside containers -- arrived in Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh state overnight Wednesday.

The waste dates back to the December 1984 disaster at the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal -- when some 3,500 people were killed in the immediate aftermath of a chemical leak, and up to 25,000 are estimated to have died overall.

Twenty-seven tonnes of methyl isocyanate (MIC), used in the production of pesticides, swept through the city of over two million people after one of the tanks storing the deadly chemical shattered its concrete casing.

Communities have for decades blamed a high level of sickness on the contamination of the groundwater in the wake of the highly toxic gas leak.

The order to clear the waste was made in December, and Mishra insisted that its disposal would be done safely.

"The process is being carried out under the aegis of the top scientific institutions of the country," he said.

"We have already held many public consultations and we will continue to explain to people in even simpler terms that it is a safe exercise."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Singh has also said that trial disposal exercises had showed that there it had "no impact on the environment".

In Bhopal, testing of groundwater near the site in the past revealed cancer- and birth defect-causing chemicals 50 times higher than what is accepted as safe by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Communities blame a range of health problems -- including cerebral palsy, hearing and speech impairments and other disabilities -- on the accident and the contamination of the groundwater.
Iran protests Afghan dam project in new water dispute



Tehran, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2025



Iran's foreign ministry said on Friday that an upstream dam being built by neighbouring Afghanistan on the Harirud River restricts water flow and could be in violation of bilateral treaties.

Water rights have long been a source of friction in ties between the two countries, which share a more than 900-kilometre (560-mile) border.

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesman for Tehran's foreign ministry, voiced on Friday "strong protest and concern over the disproportionate restriction of water entering Iran" due to the Pashdan Dam project.

He said in a statement that the Iranian concerns had been communicated "in contact with relevant Afghan authorities".

"Exploitation of water resources and basins cannot be carried out without respecting Iran's rights in accordance with bilateral treaties or applicable customary principles and rules, as well as the important principle of good neighbourliness and environmental considerations," Baqaei added.

Abdul Ghani Baradar, Afghanistan's deputy prime minister for economic affairs, said in a video statement last month that the Pashdan project was "nearing completion and water storage has commenced".

According to the video, the dam in Herat province will store approximately 54 million cubic meters of water, irrigate 13,000 hectares of agricultural land and generate two megawatts of electricity.

In April, Baradar said the dam was a "vital and strategic project" for Herat province.

The foreign ministry statement on Friday follows remarks by an Iranian water official, similarly criticising the dam construction.

"The situation has led to social and environmental issues, particularly affecting the drinking water supply for the holy city of Mashhad", Iran's second-largest and home to a revered Shiite Muslim shrine near the Afghan border, national water industry spokesman Issa Bozorgzadeh was quoted as saying on Monday by official news agency IRNA.

Harirud River, also known as Hari and Tejen, flows from the mountains of central Afghanistan to Turkmenistan, passing along Iran's borders with both countries.

In his statement, Baqaei said Iran expects "Afghanistan... to cooperate in continuing the flow of water from border rivers" and to "remove the obstacles created" along their path.

In May 2023, Iran issued a stern warning to Afghan officials over another dam project, on the Helmand River, saying that it violates the water rights of residents of Sistan-Baluchistan, a drought-hit province in southeastern Iran.
Chilean president sets out on rare trip to South Pole



Santiago, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2025



Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Friday embarked on a trip to the South Pole, a rare endeavor for a head of state that could end with him becoming the first leader in the Americas to reach the Earth's southernmost point.

Boric, accompanied by two government ministers and three military commanders, was expected to arrive at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, a US research base, at 1930 GMT, his office said in a statement.

The Chilean leader was to spend about two hours at the US outpost, in one of the planet's most remote and hostile zones.

Boric began his voyage early in the day from Punta Arenas, in southern Chile, reaching the Glaciar Union base, in Antarctica, aboard a Hercules C-130 military transport plane.

He is only the third world leader to attempt a South Pole visit, according to his office.

In 2007, then New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark made the trip, followed in 2011 by former Norwegian prime minister Jens Stoltenberg.

Stoltenberg was commemorating the 100th anniversary of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen's trip to the South Pole in December 1911.

Boric's visit comes "at an important moment for Chile's scientific endeavors in the region," his office said.

In the past, Chile has concentrated its research in the northern part of Antarctica, but the South American country is hoping to expand its efforts to the Bellingshausen and Weddell Seas, according to the statement from the presidency.

During the 20th century, countries like Chile, France, the United States, Britain, Argentina and Japan set up research stations in Antarctica, both for scientific research and to establish a presence in the forbidding region.

Since 1961, activities in the region are governed by the Antarctic Treaty, which seeks to shield the continent and its surrounding seas from geopolitical rivalries.
Chilean president makes historic visit to South Pole



Santiago, Jan 3 (AFP) Jan 03, 2025



Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Friday made a historic trip to the South Pole to reaffirm his country's "claim to sovereignty" over its part of Antarctica, his office said.

Boric is the first Latin American leader to reach the Earth's southernmost point, according to his office.

"This is a milestone for us," Boric said, in footage broadcast by Chilean television.

"It is the first time a Chilean president has come to the South Pole and talked about Chile's Antarctic mission."

Boric, accompanied by his defense and environment ministers as well as three military commanders, arrived at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, a US research base, at 2000 GMT, his office said.

The Chilean leader planned to spend about two hours at the US outpost, in one of the planet's most remote and hostile zones.

The trip "is a confirmation of our claim to sovereignty" over part of Antarctica, he said.

During the 20th century, countries like Chile, France, the United States, Britain, Argentina and Japan set up research stations in Antarctica, both for scientific research and to establish a presence in the forbidding region.

Since 1961, activities in the region are governed by the Antarctic Treaty, which seeks to shield the continent and its surrounding seas from geopolitical rivalries.

The US State Department says seven countries including Chile maintain territorial claims in Antarctica, but "the United States and most other countries do not recognize those claims."

Boric began his voyage early in the day from Punta Arenas, in southern Chile, reaching Chile's research station on the Union Glacier in Antarctica, aboard a Hercules C-130 military transport plane.

Boric's visit comes "at an important moment for Chile's scientific endeavors in the region," his office said.

In the past, Chile has concentrated its research in the northern part of Antarctica, but the South American country is hoping to expand its efforts to the Bellingshausen and Weddell Seas, according to the statement from the presidency.

In 2007, then New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark made the trip to the South Pole, followed in 2011 by former Norwegian prime minister Jens Stoltenberg.

Stoltenberg was commemorating the 100th anniversary of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen's voyage in December 1911.
From both sides of the U.S. political spectrum, the Border Patrols lack of resources has been identified as one of the main obstacles to controlling the irregular entry of migrants. In addition to budget constraints, poor financial management has also been a key issue, as highlighted in a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). To address these concerns, a new law set to take effect early next year aims to curb waste and improve spending oversight. Signed by President Joe Biden on December 23, the legislation introduces measures to enhance oversight and efficiency in third-party service contracts. Under the new law, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be required to submit a report to Congress for all contracts exceeding $50 million.

This law will identify new ways to better protect taxpayer dollars and support our Border Patrol agents, CBP officers, and other personnel who work tirelessly to safeguard Texans, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in a statement. Cornyn was a co-sponsor of the bipartisan bill, alongside New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.Y., who argued that the new rule will help ensure that the Department of Homeland Security and its contractors are operating as effectively as possible at the border. U.S. Reps. Josh Brecheen (Oklahoma) and Mark Green (Tennessee) co-sponsored the measure in the House.

A 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office found a significant increase in third-party contracts for border security and highlighted a lack of oversight regarding contracted services and spending. From 2013 to 2018, the DHS allocated $70.7 billion  76% of its total expenditures  on contracted services. The study noted: DHS and selected components do not consistently plan for the level of federal oversight needed for these contracts because there is no guidance on how to document and update the number of federal personnel needed to conduct oversight.

It further cautioned that contracted services include functions that are closely associated with inherently governmental, critical, or special interest, which could put the government at risk of losing control of its mission if performed by contractors without proper oversight by government officials.

The contracted services that will now be subject to congressional review include detention centers, transportation services, border security teams, and medical care providers for migrants crossing the southwest border into the United States.

The report must include several key components, such as the criteria used by the DHS to determine the need for contract personnel; an analysis of the purpose, number, and location of contract personnel addressing mission requirements; an evaluation of the benefits of using contracted personnel for these services; a strategy for improving the acquisition and delivery of these services; and recommendations based on the findings. Additionally, DHS will be required to report to Congress on the status of ongoing contracts.

This measure will not cost a dime, Brecheen said when the bill was approved by the House in March, as it would be included in the already approved budget.

Staff shortages

The lack of resources at the border became prominent during the last election campaign, when then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump blocked the passage of a bipartisan bill that aimed to inject over $20 billion into staffing and equipping immigration and border services. This legislation, which had resulted from months of negotiations between Democrats and Republicans, was stalled in the Senate. It would have funded the hiring of 1,500 additional Customs and Border Protection agents, as well as increasing the number of asylum officers and immigration judges.

Long hours and challenging working conditions have further complicated efforts to recruit staff at the border. A 2023 audit revealed that 88% of border stations were understaffed. Despite attempts by Biden, Trump, and Barack Obama to increase the number of Border Patrol agents, the number has remained around 20,000 for the past four years, even as border apprehensions surged by 250% over the same period.

In the final months of 2024, however, the number of arrests at the border dropped dramatically after President Biden introduced stricter measures to limit asylum in June. By December, arrests had fallen to around 44,000, the lowest number since July 2020. This was in stark contrast to the previous year, when December 2023 saw a peak of nearly a quarter of a million arrests along the southern border.

During the election campaign, Trump blamed the Biden administration  particularly Vice President Kamala Harris, who was also the Democratic presidential candidate  for the chaos at the border, pointing to the record-breaking surge of migrants in 2023. He also repeatedly accused migrants of fueling a security crisis, highlighting crime in border regions. However, several experts argue that migrants are often victims of crime, not the perpetrators, and that the border is one of the safest areas for the average white American.

After blocking a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing border staffing, the president-elect has pledged to add 10,000 new Border Patrol agents in his second term. This is part of his comprehensive immigration plan, which includes the mass deportation of 11 million undocumented migrants and is set to begin once he assumes office on January 20.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
In the hours after the Bourbon Street attack, Reonda Mott anxiously awaited word from her 27-year-old son, Torie Harris, of New Orleans, who'd last been seen about 10 p.m. on New Year's Eve when he told a relative he was headed to the French Quarter to hang out.
The black flag of the Islamic State (ISIS) has once again been linked to a brutal attack in the United States. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texan, killed at least 14 people with his vehicle and firearm during New Years Eve celebrations in New Orleans. Hours later, President Joe Biden stated that the attack was inspired by ISIS.

The jihadist groups flag, found on the van Jabbar used to plow into the crowd, is not the only connection linking him to the terror organization rooted in Syria and Iraq. Investigators have also uncovered videos on social media in which Jabbar swore allegiance to ISIS. Sources close to the investigation, speaking to local press, suggest that Jabbars declaration of loyalty to the group may have been an attempt to escape his troubled personal life. He had three children, two ex-wives, and reportedly planned to gather his family for a celebration with the intention of killing them.

This allegiance, the process of radicalization, and the method chosen for the attack serve as clear evidence of the enduring influence ISIS holds as a catalyst for spreading terror in the West, even more than five years after the fall of its caliphate.

ISIS shadow over terrorist acts in the United States is not new, nor is Jabbars modus operandi. On October 31, 2017, 29-year-old Uzbek Sayfullo Saipov killed eight people by driving a van down a bicycle path next to the Hudson River in New York. Once again, authorities discovered the ISIS flag on the vehicle. While no direct operational link to the group was found, the investigation revealed that Saipov had radicalized independently, largely through videos of the groups first leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Like the early investigations in New Orleans suggest, Saipovs attack was inspired by the potent global jihadist brand that ISIS continues to represent today.

According to an analysis by the American think tank The Soufan Center, led by terrorism expert Colin P. Clarke, the attack in Louisiana was celebrated in several ISIS supporter chat rooms, where Jabbar was praised for his approach. After running over dozens of people, he opened fire on the police in what appeared to be a suicidal final act until he was shot down, a common ending for ISIS terrorists.

Jabbars profile aligns with that of many Western terrorists who have carried out attacks under the ISIS banner in recent years, though most of them were younger. He was an unstable individual with a minor criminal record, struggling with financial and family issues. After converting to Islam, he became radicalized and ultimately turned to violence.

Express recruits

It is at the intersection of extremism and action, where individuals like Jabbar cross the line from radicalization to committing murder, that ISIS has served as both fuel and detonator. Firstly, the group provides justification for such acts through its propaganda, framing them as part of its campaign of indiscriminate terror against those it deems infidels. And secondly, the psychological impact of a mass murder carried out in the name of the most ruthless and notorious group amplifies its effect on public opinion.

Although the caliphate, which was central to ISISs recruitment and fundraising efforts, was dismantled more than five years ago, the group remains active, with approximately 2,500 fighters spread across Syria and Iraq. It also continues to expand through regional branches, including the Afghan faction, which was behind the deaths of more than 130 people in Moscow last March, and the Somali branch.

Jihadist terrorism remains one of Washingtons primary threats. In recent assessments, the FBI has repeatedly stated that it is conducting around 1,000 investigations related to ISIS. In a statement released in 2022, the agencys director, Christopher Wray, said: ISIS and its supporters continue to aggressively promote its hate-based rhetoric and attract like-minded violent extremists with a willingness to conduct attacks against the United States.

Only a few attacks that have shaken the West were directly organized by ISIS in Mesopotamia, such as the attacks in Paris (November 2015) and Brussels (March 2016). Most acts are carried out under the ISIS banner have been perpetrated by individuals inspired by its propaganda. These individuals often act alone or with a small cell of co-religionists. This widespread appeal has been a key factor in the success of the groups terror campaigns.

With Syrias borders sealed, preventing the expansion of the caliphate, ISIS has managed to continue spreading its message through its propaganda networks: its followers did not need to travel to conflict zones; they could remain in their own communities and carry out attacks with whatever weapons were available to them.

This has sparked a copycat effect. The brutal truck attack in Nice in July 2016, which claimed 86 lives, was followed by attacks in Berlin, London, Barcelona, Stockholm, and New York in the years that followed. All were carried out using vehicles as weapons, inspired by ISIS terror. An analysis published by The Guardian last November warned of a rise in online messages on Rocket.Chat, a platform popular among jihadist supporters, discussing attacks during holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The impact of such brutality is amplified when the intended victims are enjoying a moment of celebration. This was the case in New Orleans, just as it was in Berlin nine years ago and in New York during Halloween 2017.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Not your computer? Use a private browsing window to sign in. Learn more about using Guest mode
Update: Police arrested the two men in parkland off Civic Parade at Logan on January 6.

Brothers accused of murdering a woman north of Brisbane before Christmas have been identified by police and may be hiding out in northern NSW.

Arrest warrants have been issued for 29-year-old Codye Thomson and 32-year-old Kaine Thomson-Gleeson, whose images were released by police last week in relation to the alleged murder.

Chloe Jade Mason  also known as Ceejay  was found shot on the footpath of Railway Parade in Caboolture on the night of December 22. The 23-year-old was declared dead at the scene.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 3, 2025 - 20:55 | All, World

U.S. President Joe Biden has decided to block the $14.1 billion takeover of United States Steel Corp. by Japan's Nippon Steel Corp., U.S. media reported Friday.

The announcement is expected to be made as early as Friday, the reports said, citing unnamed officials and sources. Nippon Steel declined to comment on the reports.

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 2023.

The two steelmakers said last week that they were informed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States that it could not reach an agreement on the deal, leaving the decision to Biden. The panel evaluates whether foreign investment transactions involving U.S. companies pose a threat to national security.

Nippon Steel had reportedly indicated earlier that it was prepared to take legal action if the deal were blocked. If the deal is halted, the Japanese company could face a $565 million penalty for breach of contract with the U.S. company.

To secure U.S. support for the deal, Nippon Steel has made several commitments, including keeping U.S. Steel organized as a domestic company with a majority of Americans on its board. It also reportedly pledged not to reduce output capacity for 10 years following the acquisition.

Founded in 1901 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. Steel was once a symbol of American economic prowess, but it has struggled to keep up with competition from foreign rivals.

The takeover bid has been backed by U.S. Steel shareholders as well as some workers and locals, but the topic became highly politicized ahead of the November U.S. presidential election.

Related coverage:

Nippon Steel promises no cuts to U.S. Steel's output for 10 years

Nippon Steel says to delay deadline to buy U.S. Steel to March 2025

Nippon Steel pledges $5,000 worker bonus after U.S. Steel acquisition
Two Yangebup grandparents have recounted the moment a man armed with sai weapons, dressed like a ninja, allegedly attacked them on New Years Eve.

Teresa Urbaniak told 9 News Perth she was out walking her dogs about 10.30pm on Tuesday when her neighbour Ak Mohammad Hanif Bin Wahab allegedly struck.

Teresa and Piotr Urbaniak were injured after an alleged home invasion on New Years Eve. Credit: 9 News Perth

The 64-year-old ran back to her Sandpiper Loop home, where her alleged attacker followed. Urbaniaks 62-year-old husband then tackled him to the ground and performed a citizens arrest.

In footage taken by Teresa during the alleged home invasion, Wahab can allegedly be seen on the ground, struggling, while she tells her husband he could kill me, and asks Wahab, Whats wrong with you?
Australia has a long history with the technology: the nations first subsea cable, connecting Darwin to Indonesia about 150 years ago, was used to transmit Morse code. It was followed by the Commonwealth Pacific Cable System, or COMPAC, a telephone cable connecting Sydney to Canada via New Zealand in the 1960s, and then TASMAN2, Australias first fibre-optic cable that connected to New Zealand from 1992. Fifteen known international cables manage 99 per cent of Australias data traffic. Almost no subsea cables are owned and operated by governments. Australian telco giant Telstra is Asias largest subsea cable provider, while Google and Huawei have invested in dozens of cables globally. The cables are vital but are also highly vulnerable to a range of risks, from shark attacks and weather damage to subterfuge. Why are they in the news? Finnish authorities recently seized a Russia-linked ship that is suspected to have damaged an undersea cable between Finland and Estonia, dubbed Estlink-2, as well as four telecom cables.

The alleged attack is being described as potential hybrid warfare, which refers to the use of unconventional methods  including the damaging of critical infrastructure  to create instability. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo at a press conference in Helsinki on December 26, as police investigate the electricity transmission between Finland and Estonia through the Estlink 2 connection, which was cut on Christmas Day. Credit: AP Closer to home, a major new project was announced in November to deliver two new subsea cables between Australian mainland capital cities and Christmas Island. The project, dubbed Australia Connect, is being delivered by a consortium of Google Cloud, NEXTDC, SUBCO, Vocus, state and local governments. It will link Australia to the rest of the Asia-Pacific region and the US. What happens when a subsea cable gets cut or damaged? Ruptures can be caused by ageing infrastructure, weather, accidents  and acts of suspected sabotage. The biggest threats to subsea cables are not from shark attacks or weather events, but from human activities, according to research that found that anchors and fishing account for more than three-quarters of known cable faults.

In areas served by several cables, traffic can usually be quickly rerouted. In other instances, however, entire nations can be cut off from global data, and might have to rely instead on satellites for connectivity. The average repair time for a subsea cable is two weeks, which can blow out during extreme weather events or geopolitical conflict. There are about 70 cable ships globally, with a third of those set up for repairs, according to data from Australian think tank ASPI. What is Australia doing about those risks? Redundancy  being able to rely on other cables or satellites  is a crucial part of network resilience, and more cables are constantly being built globally to help minimise impact to connectivity. The federal government recently announced it would spend $18 million over four years on a new body  The Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre  to protect cables throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The UN technology agency has also created a new body specifically to boost protection for the cables after the litany of recent high-profile failures and outages. Loading Its definitely not just a technical issue, but an issue that can affect our economies and our societies ... And this critical infrastructure is vulnerable to disruptions, Tomas Lamanauskas, deputy head of the UNs telecoms arm, the International Telecommunication Union, told reporters. About 200 cable failures were reported in 2023, according to UN data, with roughly 80 per cent of cable disruptions thought to be caused by natural hazards or human accidents. Streaming services such as Netflix rely on subsea cables for data transmission. Credit: Bloomberg

Meanwhile, a recent report from ASPI made five key recommendations for Australia to become more attractive as a subsea cable hub, including that the Australian government better support and strengthen regional repair and maintenance capabilities, and engage more closely with industry. Australias subsea cable resilience is generally good, ASPI technical specialist Jocelinn Kang said. This is because of several factors, including that multiple cables land at different geographic locations and offer a degree of redundancy and resilience. Another is that Australia enforces legislation to protect cables in the shallow waters as they make landfall, designating certain areas as cable protection zones. Another report, from the Australian Human Rights Commission, recommended that commercial subsea cable diversification be prioritised and that the government ramp up investment in subsea cable repair and supply capabilities. Where do the US tech giants fit in? Google, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon have an increasing influence on the subsea cable industry, which hasnt yet been seriously considered, according to ASPI. They are already widely referred to as hyperscalers for their growing scale and control over the cable systems.
After protest, Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat stops shifting trees for road widening





By Kaushik Bhattacharya :

Administration asks MSEDCL to shift electricity poles on Besa Square to Pipla Village stretch n 27 trees translocated to open plots for road widening

After objections raised by environment activists and citizens, the translocation of 60 trees for widening of road from Besa Square to Pipla village has been halted by the Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat. In the name of widening of road in this stretch, the administration had proposed to translocate around 60 full-grown trees to open plots. However, environment activists and nearby residents raised concern over the process claiming that translocation was not successful in the climate of Nagpur. Due to rapid development work going on in Besa and Beltarodi areas and increased traffic movement, the administration is widening the road from Besa T-Point to Besa Square and then, upto Pipla village. The administration is constructing cement road on this stretch, and for this, all the roadside trees will be transplanted to open plots of the Nagar Panchayat.

Widening of road is needed as the population has increased drastically in recent time in Besa-Pipla area. With the help of CSIR-NEERI, we are transplanting the trees to open plots near Pipla Village, Bharat Nandanwar, Chief Officer of Besa-Pipla Nagar Panchayat told The Hitavada. After the protest by citizens, we halted the translocation process and we are working on shifting of utilities on the stretch, said Nandanwar. Apart from trees, the electricity poles have to be shifted first and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has started the process, said Nandanwar. There are many flat schemes under construction between Besa Square to Pipla Village. Due to construction work, heavy vehicles are moving on this stretch.

Due to heavy vehicles and heavy traffic, the existing road has become narrow for traffic movement. Also, potholes are causing trouble for commuters. Keeping the condition of the road in mind, the administration is constructing a 70 ft wide road on this stretch. For road widening, the administration should have to shift all trees and electricity poles that hindering the project. However, citizens and activists are opposing the translocation process, claiming that trees will not survive after translocating. However, Dr Vilas Yeole, Scientist, CSIR-NEERI and the person who is spearheading the translocation in the project, claimed that survival rate of trees after the process is just 60% and they are conducting the process very carefully to increase the survival chances of the trees. So far we have shifted 27 trees on an open plot of Nagar Panchayat and around 30 more trees are lined up to translocate.

Due to protest we halted the project for a while. Whereas we are taking daily care of translocated trees scientifically, said Dr Yeole. For shifting of trees, we have selected the location for the plant based on environmental conditions and factors. Also, assess the quality of the soil at the selected site to ensure suitability for the plant. Even digging of pits took place as per the recommended size, said Dr Yeole. Environment activists also raised objection on wounds of trees that happened during the shifting by excavators. Talking about the wounds, Dr Yeole said, Wounds are common while shifting. It takes place. But for its healing, we applied Bordomax paste mixture which will help quick healing of the tree. Along with this we used some scientific method to ensures proper preparation and care during the plant relocating process for better survival and growth.
Bangladesh court rejects Hindu monks bail plea





DHAKA :

A COURT in the southeastern port city of Chattogram on Thursday denied bail to Hindu monk and former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case. A group of 11 lawyers stood for him with a bail petition during the hearing for which Das appeared virtually. The hearing continued for some 30 minutes when (Metropolitan Sessions) Judge Mohammad Saiful Islam heard both the prosecution and the defence lawyers and then rejected his (Das) bail petition, a court official said. Das, formerly with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and now a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote organisation, was arrested at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on November 25. He was brought to Chattogram where the court sent him to jail rejecting his bail petition the next day. He was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly desecrating the Bangladesh flag brought to Chattogram where subsequent violence over his arrest left a government prosecutor dead, sparking further tensions.

The allegation of disrespecting the national flag is baseless, as it was not a national flag. We informed the court that this case cannot proceed, top defence counsel Apurba Kumar Bhattacharya told journalists emerging from the closely monitored hearing. Public Prosecutor Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan, on the other hand, said, We opposed the bail during the hearing, and the court has rejected the bail application. Bhattacharya, a former deputy attorney general, was leading the team of 11 Supreme Court lawyers to represent Das. Police enforced a tight security inside and around the court complex allowing lawyers and others concerned after strict identity checks. When Das bail was rejected on November 26, the decision had angered members of the Hindu community, who staged a protest around the prison van outside the court leading to violent clashes. It led to the death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif.

Earlier on December 11, the court rejected a plea seeking advanced hearing of his bail petition by lawyer Rabindra Ghose ruling that it would be heard on the previously fixed date on January 2, 2025. Denial of bail to Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das by Bangladesh court sad: ISKCON: ISKCON Kolkata on Thursday described as sad the denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu spiritual leader of Bangladesh, by a court in the neighbouring country in a sedition case. ISKCON Kolkata spokesperson Radharamn Das said that the only bright side of the hearing of the case was that the Hindu monk was represented in court by lawyers, which could not be done on earlier hearings of the matter before the Bangladesh court.
City gangster gunned down at Khaparkheda, one injured





(left) Deceased Pawan Hiranwar who was shot dead in Khaparkheda. (right) The car that was ambushed by Shekhu Khan gang.

New year begins with violent crimesn





Staff Reporter :

Gangster Pawan Hiranwar shot dead by Shekhu Khan gang near Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

Gang-war erupted in rural area of the district wherein a gangster Pawan Hiranwar was gunned down by rivals on Thursday. The incident occurred when Hiranwar, with his friends, all history sheeters, were on way back to city. The shootout occured at village Babulkheda under precincts of Saoner Police Station, said Superintendent of Police, Nagpur Rural, Harssh Poddar. Hiranwars brother, Bunty, also sustained a gunshot wound and his health details were still being gathered by the police. Poddar stated that preliminary inquiry revealed that the shootout was fallout of ongoing rivalry between Hiranwar gang and Shekhu Khan gang. Addressing mediapersons, he stated that the shootout took place around 5.30 pm. Hiranwar was acquitted of MPDA sometime back and he with his brother, Bunty and friends had gone to pay obeisance at Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple. From the details that emerged in the investigation, the rural police chief said that the role of Shekhu Khan gang was established in the murder of Hiranwar. Shekhu personally led the assault, and he along with his accomplice Parvez Khan executed the assault. Post reconstruction of event and leads gathered from sources, Poddar said, it emerged that the shooting of Hiranwar on part of Shekhu was to avenge murder of his brother.

Hiranwar and Shekhu gangs operate in the city and as their paths crossed, it triggered clashes to dominate the territory. While Hiranwar gang operated from Kachipura area, Shekhu was based in Ambazari Police Station area. Their area of dominance more or less converged as they are adjoining each other and Hiranwar gang murdered Shekhus brother a few years back in city police jurisdiction. Both Hiranwar as well as Shekhu were detained by Nagpur city police under MPDA but they were released from Central Jail sometimes back. On Thursday, Shekhu and his accomplices were riding on two-wheelers and they ambushed the four wheeler (a Citroen-MH-47/BK-0323) in which Hiranwar, his brother and three others were travelling. The spot when Shekhus gang ambushed Hiranwar gang is an isolated spot, a forest patch, said Poddar and former opened fire from country made guns.

As Shekhu Khans gang opened indiscriminate fire, the Hiranwar gang members ran to save themselves. However Pawan fell to gun shots on the spot while a bullet grazed past Buntys ear and he too was wounded. At the time of filing this report, Poddar added that police teams are still at spot. Due to darkness, it would take time to gather full details as to how many shots were fire and where the shooting involved more than two persons. He said Pawan received gun shot to his dead and the police are awaiting post mortem report to find out whether there are more bullet wounds. Meanwhile, Poddar, while replying to a querry, said that supari angle is not yet established but added that their probe is wide open. At present, the only angle that emerged in the investigation is that of Shekhus determination to avenge his brothers murder. Once the offence is registered, the police would probe all angles. In the meantime, Local Crime Branch team have fanned out to trace the culprits.

As per reports, four to five motorcycle borne assailants carried out the sensational shootout in Saoner area. Both the gangs are from Nagpur city and Poddar said each of the gang members have multiple serious offence registered against them with various police stations of Nagpur city. Apart from Hiranwar brothers, the other occupants of the four-wheeler were Himanshu Gajbhiye, Sonu Shendre and Siddharth Kurvey. While Hiranwar was released from MPDA a month back, Shekhu was out since January 2022.
FB friendship lands Aligarh man in Pak jail





ALIGARH (UP) :

Badal Babus family has appealed to the Indian Government, particularly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to intervene and negotiate with Pakistan for Babus release

A 21-YEAR-OLD man in Aligarh district has found himself behind bars in Pakistan due to a romantic relationship with a girl from across the border, whom he met on Facebook, officials here said. The young man, identified as Badal Babu, was arrested on December 28 by Pakistani authorities in the Punjab province for illegally crossing into the neighbouring country without any legal documents, the officials said. The shockwave from this unexpected incident reached Babus village through the media.

His parents, who had believed their son was working in a factory in Delhi, were shocked to learn of his arrest through a report sourced from a Pakistani news portal. Babus father, Kirpal Singh, who lives in Khitkari village under Barla police station area, told media that the family learned of their sons arrest via social media. We couldnt believe it. For us, till this moment we knew that he was working in Delhi, but the next moment we are shocked to discover that hes in a Pakistani jail. Its like something out of a movie, he said, in disbelief. The family has now appealed to the Indian Government, particularly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to intervene and negotiate with Pakistan for Babus release. We want our son back and we dont know how to bring him home. We are calling on the prime minister to help us, Babus mother said, speaking to reporters. He was a simple boy. He never did anything like this before, she added. Aligarh Superintendent of Police (Rural) Amrit Jain confirmed that they had received a memorandum from the family and would be taking the matter up with the Ministry of External Affairs.

We will approach the proper channels to provide whatever assistance is necessary and work towards establishing contact with Babu. Our primary goal is to secure his release from custody in Pakistan, Jain said in a statement. According to family sources, Babu was very active on Facebook, where he reportedly connected with a girl from Pakistan. After informing his parents that he would be heading to Delhi for work, Babu left his village after Raksha Bandhan in August. Just before Diwali, his family received a video call on WhatsApp, in which Babu reassured them that he was safe, had found a job and was using a friends phone because he could not afford his own. His family later learned that Babu had somehow crossed the international border near Jammu, although these details remain unconfirmed, the sources said.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 3, 2025 - 10:26 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism

From January, Japan begins saying goodbye to the famous "Doctor Yellow" special bullet trains that have diagnosed faults on the country's high-speed shinkansen lines in some form for around 60 years since the first generation.

The trains have developed a mythical status among Japan's rail enthusiasts as their operating timetables are not disclosed to the public. Their elusiveness has given birth to claims that those who spot them will be blessed with happiness.

The two Doctor Yellow trains, T4 and T5 editions, have respectively traveled along the Tokaido and Sanyo shinkansen lines spanning Tokyo to Hakata Station in the southwestern city of Fukuoka without passengers. Operations by the T4 will cease in January, while the T5 is set to retire after 2027, according to their operators.

JR Central, which owns the T4, said in June it is retiring the aging train, which started operations in 2001, with no plans for a successor. Instead, passenger-carrying N700S bullet trains will be outfitted from 2027 with testing and observation equipment that can fulfill the role of checking tracks and overhead wires.

The T5, which belongs to JR West, made its debut in 2005.

As a testament to the yellow trains' popularity, an event in October at JR Central's Hamamatsu factory offered visitors a chance to tour inside one of them as part of celebrations to mark 60 years of Japan's shinkansen bullet trains.

Sales of Doctor Yellow-themed toys and other merchandise also spiked ninefold in the week after the retirement was announced.

According to JR Central, the first-generation Doctor Yellow, or the T1, came about shortly after shinkansen service began in 1964, amid concerns diagnostic measures were needed to monitor the strain on equipment from trains traveling at speeds of up to 210 kilometers per hour.

A 0-series shinkansen train was outfitted for the task and painted yellow, in a move believed to have been taken to ensure the train could be more easily spotted during nighttime work.

As daytime operations increased and with them chances of sightings, the names "Doctor Yellow" and "train doctor" entered the public lexicon.

Technology on the current T4 and T5 trains has advanced far enough that the Doctor Yellow bullet trains can run at a top speed of 270 kph while scanning for rail deformities measuring just millimeters.

Each conducts inspections in a round trip between Tokyo and Hakata, which are more than 1,000 km apart, over two days. The tests are carried out about once every 10 days.

"All I can express is thanks for the trains' long service," said Hiroya Mochizuka, an official at JR Central. On their disappearance, he said with a laugh that he hopes passengers imagine they may have "become doctors who ride the trains and carry on their diagnostic work."

Related coverage:

Japan's busiest shinkansen linking Tokyo, Osaka marks 60th anniv.

Japan's popular Nozomi bullet trains eye reducing nonreserved seats

Shizuoka Pref. to grant boring survey for maglev train project
Power, water, sewage services, loan against any building only after completion/occupation certificate: SC





New Delhi :

Unauthorised constructions cannot be legitimised or protected, observes the Supreme Court in landmark directives to curb illegal constructions Regularisation schemes must be brought out only in exceptional circumstances and as a one-time measure for residential houses after a detailed survey, it states

IN A significant judgment, the Supreme Court recently said that unauthorised constructions cannot be legitimised merely due to administrative delays, passage of time, or monetary investments and issued a slew of directions to curb illegal constructions. The Apex Court directed the banks/financial institutions to sanction loan against any building as a security only after verifying the completion/occupation certificate. A bench comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan said that even the post-construction violations must trigger swift corrective action, including demolition of the illegal part and penalties for erring officials. The bench also upheld the demolition of unauthorised commercial constructions in a residential plot in Meerut, emphasising the need for strict adherence to urban planning laws and accountability of officials. All necessary service connections, such as, electricity, water supply and sewage, should be given by the service providers to the buildings only after the production of the completion and the occupation certificate, it stated. Banks and financial institutions should sanction loan against any building as a security only after verifying the completion certificate, it added. The top court held that the violation of any of the directions would lead to initiation of contempt proceedings. Also, the court directed its Registrar to circulate a copy of judgment to all the High Courts to enable them to refer it while considering such disputes.

The Apex Court issued a slew of comprehensive directions in larger public interest to streamline urban development and enforcement. We are of the opinion that construction(s) put up in violation of, or deviation from, the building plan approved by the local authority and the constructions which are audaciously put up without any building planning approval, cannot be encouraged. Each and every construction must be made scrupulously following and strictly adhering to the rules, it stated. In the event of any violation being brought to the notice of the courts, the bench said, it would be curtailed with iron hands as any leniency would amount to showing misplaced sympathy. It added that the delay in directing rectification of illegalities, administrative failure, regulatory inefficiency, cost of construction and investment, negligence and laxity on the part of the authorities concerned in performing their obligation(s) under the Act, cannot be used as a shield to defend action taken against the illegal/unauthorised constructions. The regularisation schemes must be brought out only in exceptional circumstances and as a one-time measure for residential houses after a detailed survey, it said.

Unauthorised constructions, apart from posing a threat to the life of the occupants and the citizens living nearby, also have an effect on resources like electricity, groundwater and access to roads, which are primarily designed to be made available in orderly development and authorised activities, observed the Apex Court in a 36-page judgement. Further, the top court stated that the builders must pledge not to hand over buildings without completion/occupation certificates and approved building plans must be displayed throughout construction, with periodic inspections recorded. While issuing the building planning permission, an undertaking be obtained from the builder/applicant, as the case may be, to the effect that possession of the building will be entrusted and/or handed over to the owners/beneficiaries only after obtaining completion/occupation certificate from the authorities concerned, the court made it clear.

The Supreme Court bench said, the builder or the developer or the owner should display at the construction site a copy of the approved plan during the entire period of construction and the authorities concerned should inspect the premises periodically and maintain a record of such inspection in their official records. Upon inspection and being satisfied that the building was constructed in accordance with the permission without any deviation, the completion and the occupation certificates would be issued by the authority concerned without undue delay, it directed. If any deviation is noticed, action must be taken in accordance with the Act and the process of issuance of completion/occupation certificate should be deferred, unless and until the deviations pointed out are completely rectified, the top court warned. Even after issuance of completion certificate, deviation/violation, if any, contrary to the planning permission brought to the notice of the authority, immediate steps be taken by the said authority concerned in accordance with law against the builder/owner/occupant.

The development must be in conformity with the zonal plan and usage and any modification to such plan and usage must be taken by strictly following the rules in place and in consideration of the larger public interest and the impact on the environment, said the top court. In the event of any application... being filed by the owner or builder against the non-issuance of completion certificate or for regularisation of unauthorised construction or rectification of deviation, etc, the same shall be disposed of by the authority concerned, including the pending appeals/revisions, as expeditiously as possible, in any event not later than 90 days as statutorily provided, it added. The judgment pertained to the appeals, including the one filed by Rajendra Kumar Barjatya, against the Allahabad High Courts 2014 decision directing demolition of the illegal structures on a plot in Shastri Nagar, Meerut. The Court upheld the HCs judgement and passed a slew of directions to curb such activities in the country.
RTMNU to set timeline for receipt of various certificates to students

Staff Reporter :

Post exams, declaration of results within 30 days

Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has decided to fix the timeline for receipt of various certificates to students. A proposal regarding this issue was submitted by Senate Member Ajay Chavan and Waman Turke presented it. Vice-Chancellor Dr Prashant Bokare took a serious cognisance of it and gave a verdict that students should get their certificates in time. In the proposal, it was said that students submitted their applications for the receipt of certificates of Eligibility, Migration, Retaining certificate and transcription. They pay the required amount but in most cases, they dont receive certificates in time.

Adv Manmohan Bajpayee supported the proposal and pointed out that on most occasions, students submit applications online but they have to come to university off-line to pay the amount. According to Bajpayee, such practices should be stopped. Many students stay abroad or out of Nagpur. University should make the procedure completely online. Vice-Chancellor asked the official of the department concerned to take action immediately and prepare a timeline for the same. Vice-Chancellor pointed out that once the timeline was fixed, students must get the certificates in time. On several occasions, students come in a hurry to procure their certificates needed to be submitted on urgent basis. University, too, is not a position to provide the same. Dr Bokare asked to follow the timetable once it is prepared.

Award DLitt to Papalkar, Dr Meshram

Adv Manmohan Bajpayee moved a proposal demanding to felicitate Padma Shri Shankarbaba Papalkar and Dr Ravindra and Dr Smita Kolhe and award honorary DLitt to them. Ajay Agrawal, senate member, supporting the proposal, added that Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, noted neurophysician who has been heading the international bodies of neurology and has been creating awareness about brain diseases, should also be included in the above list. Agrawal pointed out that Dr Meshrams services were recognised by Government and he was awarded Padma Shri. Plus, Dr Meshram is an alumnus of this university. The Senate accepted the addition. Now university will prepare a proposal to seek permission from Governor, V-C said.





V-C entertains students call, DR responds

A student, who was not aware who to call phoned RTMNU V-C Dr Prashant Bokare and requested to get his transcript done. Normally, Vice-Chancellor doesnt pick up the call, but Dr Bokare attended and he came to know that the student needed some documents to be submitted with some foreign university. Dr Bokare asked Deputy Registrar Dr Navin Mungle to look into it. Dr Mungle issued the required documents to the student within a day. Dr Bokare patted on the back of Dr Mungle in the Senate meeting and told everyone that Dr Mungle acted as a good samaritan as those transcripts proved to be savior for the student.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 3, 2025 - 02:29 | All, Japan

Shoppers out for seasonal staples, discount merchandise and "lucky" New Year bags whose contents remain unknown prior to purchase flocked to the first such sale of this year on Thursday at a major department store in western Japan.

More than 2,000 people lined up in front of a Kintetsu department store in Osaka, a core city in Japan's second-largest business district, with the doors opening at 9:10 a.m., 20 minutes earlier than scheduled.

A lion dance was performed to liven up the festive mood in the store located in the 60-story Abeno Harukas complex in the city's Abeno Ward.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Kintetsu also offered raffle tickets for rare experiences such as a helicopter flight over the venue of the World Expo, to be held in the city later this year.

Ryunosuke Honda, a 25-year-old graduate student who won the prize, said, "I'm worried my luck for this year has already run out, but I look forward to the flight with my father."

Other major department stores in Osaka, such as Hanshin, Hankyu and Daimaru, will launch similar New Year sales on Friday.

Related coverage:

Nearly 80% of firms expect continued economic growth in Japan in 2025

Japan rethinks tradition of New Year's cards as inflation persists

FOCUS: Tokyo stocks to test further gains in 2025 amid global risks
The New York Workers Circle School in Brooklyn is hosting an Open House on Sunday, January 26, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Flatbush Jewish Center (327 East 5th St, Brooklyn, NY).

During the Open House, children can participate in classes, listen to live music, and bring a Yiddish folktale to life with puppets while parents connect with the school community and learn more about our program.

To learn more, visit: www.circle.org/events/openhousebrooklyn

*This is a paid advertisement.
Tourists visit the Sphinx at the Giza Pyramids scenic spot in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet.

Calling the figure "promising," Madbouly told a weekly news conference in Egypt's new administrative capital east of Cairo that "if it weren't for the events that took place in the region, the number of tourists would have reached 18 million."

Madbouly expressed his hope that Egypt will achieve the target number of 18 million tourists in 2025, "especially with the anticipated official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum during this year."

The number of tourists in Egypt significantly dropped from over 13 million in 2019 to around 3.7 million in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then it gradually recovered to about 8 million in 2021, 11.7 million in 2022, and 14.9 million in 2023, according to official data.

The tourism sector is one of Egypt's main sources of foreign currency, along with revenues from the Suez Canal, exports, and remittances from Egyptian expatriates. 

Tourists pose for a photo at the Giza Pyramids scenic spot in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

A tourist visits the Giza Pyramids scenic spot in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Tourists visit the Giza Pyramids scenic spot in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Tourists visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Tourists visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Tourists visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Tourists visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Tourists visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)

Tourists visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, on Jan. 2, 2025. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Wednesday that the country received a record high of 15.7 million tourists in 2024, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian cabinet. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai)
* A total of 35 tons of emergency relief supplies provided by China on Thursday arrived in Vanuatu, the Pacific island nation hit by a powerful earthquake last month.

* In addition to emergency medical assistance, at the request of the Vanuatu government, China has also sent four engineering experts to assist with post-earthquake recovery in the country.

PORT VILA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Crowds at the Port Vila International Airport in the capital of Vanuatu burst into cheers when a chartered airplane, adorned with the Chinese national flag, touched down amidst drizzling rain on Thursday.

The plane carried 35 tons of emergency relief supplies delivered by China to Vanuatu, including tents, folding beds, solar lights, food, water purifiers and medical equipment.

The Pacific island nation was hit by a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake on Dec. 17, which killed at least 14 people, injured more than 200 and caused severe damage to infrastructure.

Chen Mulei (R), a cardiovascular physician and leader of the Chinese medical team, communicates with a local medical worker at Vila Central, the main hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Jan. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Long Lei)





FIRST AID

Toppled medicine cabinets, scattered documents and collapsed shelters -- this was the devastation left behind by the disaster for the Chinese medical volunteers who have been serving at Vila Central Hospital since September.

Despite injuries and lingering aftershocks, this dedicated group of nine healthcare professionals rushed from their residence to the hospital, becoming one of the first medical teams to provide post-quake relief.

Wang Rui, a respiratory and critical care doctor on the team, said he could not forget the scene when victims crammed into the hospital. Due to the sudden increase in the number of injured patients, they had to set up tents outside the hospital to establish a temporary emergency room.

"Confronted with complex wounds, inadequate medicines and limited equipment, we had to improvise," said anesthetist Zhao Yanjun, adding that advanced techniques and equipment would be introduced to the country.

As the third Chinese medical team dispatched to Vanuatu, the medical professionals have treated more than 1,800 patients and have been involved in over 300 surgical operations and some 30 training sessions.

The Chinese community in Vanuatu also joined the local rescue and reconstruction work and offered material resources.

Staff members carry emergency relief supplies offered by the Chinese government at the airport in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, Jan. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

MUCH NEEDED ASSISTANCE

Two weeks after the earthquake, many houses with slanted structures and cracked walls still need to be fixed. Local residents noted that while some buildings appeared intact from the outside, they were severely damaged internally.

"In the face of a sudden big disaster, the efforts of all parties and the support of every development partner have been indispensable," said Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu Li Minggang at a handover ceremony of the supplies held Thursday at the airport.

The Chinese government has provided 1 million U.S. dollars in emergency assistance to Vanuatu to support its disaster relief and reconstruction efforts. The Red Cross Society of China has also provided 100,000 dollars in emergency cash assistance.

"China will always stand together with Vanuatu and along with the UN and other development partners, assist Vanuatu recovering at an early date," Li said.

At the request of the Vanuatu government, China has sent four engineering experts to assist with post-earthquake recovery in the country.

"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," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday.

Vanuatu is among the countries with the highest natural disaster risk in the world. Its people have forged resilience through countless struggles with devastating storms, tsunamis and earthquakes.

China's assistance "will not only enhance the Vanuatu government's service to its people but also serve as a beacon of hope, as it will ignite the fire within us to persevere... through this difficult time," said Vanuatu's caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.

(Video reporters: Li Yuhui, Guo Xinhui, Long Lei, Zhao Manjun; Video editors: Zhang Yucheng, Zak Zuzanna, Li Qin)
BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has allocated 384 million yuan (about 53.42 million U.S. dollars) from Party membership dues to assist Party members in difficulty during the 2025 New Year and upcoming Spring Festival holiday periods.

The funds will also be used to visit retired Party members and officials, especially those who joined the CPC before 1949, primary-level officials and recipients of national-level honors, the department said on Friday.

It urged special care and long-term assistance for families of CPC members and officials who died on duty. People who fell in poverty due to illness and newly employed Party members in difficulty will also benefit from the assistance, according to the department.

Organization departments of Party committees at all levels should intensify oversight and ensure the funds are delivered to their intended recipients ahead of the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 29 this year, the department said. 
An international cargo train of China-Laos Railway is pictured at Wangjiaying West Station in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Jan. 2, 2025. Since the full operation of the China-Laos Railway on Dec. 3, 2021, the total cargo throughput of the railway has exceeded 50 million tons, including 11.58 million tons of cross-border goods. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

An international cargo train of China-Laos Railway is pictured at Wangjiaying West Station in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Jan. 2, 2025. Since the full operation of the China-Laos Railway on Dec. 3, 2021, the total cargo throughput of the railway has exceeded 50 million tons, including 11.58 million tons of cross-border goods. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Trucks transport railway containers at the Kunming cargo terminal of China United International Rail Containers Co., Ltd. (CRIntermodal) in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Jan. 2, 2025. Since the full operation of the China-Laos Railway on Dec. 3, 2021, the total cargo throughput of the railway has exceeded 50 million tons, including 11.58 million tons of cross-border goods. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

An international cargo train of China-Laos Railway is pictured at Wangjiaying West Station in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Jan. 2, 2025. Since the full operation of the China-Laos Railway on Dec. 3, 2021, the total cargo throughput of the railway has exceeded 50 million tons, including 11.58 million tons of cross-border goods. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A staff member (L) introduces the freight business of China-Laos Railway to cargo owners at the business hall of the Kunming cargo terminal of China United International Rail Containers Co., Ltd. (CRIntermodal) in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Jan. 2, 2025. Since the full operation of the China-Laos Railway on Dec. 3, 2021, the total cargo throughput of the railway has exceeded 50 million tons, including 11.58 million tons of cross-border goods. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

An international cargo train of China-Laos Railway loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables departs from Wangjiaying West Station in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, bound for Laos, on Jan 2, 2025. Since the full operation of the China-Laos Railway on Dec. 3, 2021, the total cargo throughput of the railway has exceeded 50 million tons, including 11.58 million tons of cross-border goods. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)
BEIRUT, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A Lebanese soldier was injured on Friday when Syrians opened fire on an army unit that was closing an illegal border crossing in eastern Lebanon, the Lebanese army said in a statement.

The Lebanese army unit, which was closing an illegal crossing on the Lebanese-Syrian border in the Ma'arboun-Baalbek area in eastern Lebanon, fired warning shots into the air when Syrians tried to open it with a bulldozer, according to the statement posted on social media platform X.

The Syrians opened fire on Lebanese soldiers, resulting in one soldier being injured and a clash between the two sides, the statement noted.

A Lebanese military source told Xinhua that the Lebanese army "has summoned additional forces to this axis to reinforce it."

Syria has experienced political upheaval as a militant coalition led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group toppled former President Bashar al-Assad's government in early December, prompting many Syrians to flee to Lebanon. 
Judicious use of apologies in managing the Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict in Manipur

|

Dr Raj Singh

Ethnic conflicts, marked by intergroup animosity and violent clashes, are deeply ingrained in historical grievances, identity crises, and struggles for power and resources. The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Mani-pur is a glaring example of such strife, with roots in identity-based politics, land rights, and cultural differences.

In the face of these challenges, apologies can serve as a powerful tool for reconciliationbut only when applied judiciously. Their effectiveness depends on timing, sincerity, acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and a commitment to corrective actions. In such conflicts, apologies are not mere words; they are strategic acts that require careful consideration and execution.

The Chief Ministers Apology: A Missed Opportunity? On December 31, 2024, Manipurs Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, held a press conference to express regret over the year-and-a-half-long ethnic con- flict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. He apologized to the people of Manipur, invoking the principles of forgiveness and reconciliation. However, the gesture sparked mixed reactions. Critics questioned the sincerity of the apology, pointing out the Chief Ministers perceived inaction during the crisis and his lack of clarity regarding the specific reasons for his regret.

It remains uncertain whether his apology was issued in a personal capacity or as an institutional acknowledgment by the State Government. Moreover, the generalized nature of the apologyaddressed to both the Meitei and Kuki communitiesfailed to account for their distinct grievances and experiences. This ambiguity undermined the potential of the apology to initiate meaningful dialogue and trust-building.

The Emotional Core of Ethnic Conflicts

Ethnic conflicts, such as the Meitei-Kuki strife, are deeply emotional. They transcend individual grievances and are tied to collective identity, cultural pride, and historical narratives of oppression and suffering. Any approach to reconciliation must address these emotional undercurrents alongside immediate political and socio-economic issues. While the Chief Ministers apology may have aimed to touch upon these emotional dimensions, its lack of specificity and depth rendered it ineffective.

The Role of Apologies in Conflict Resolution

Apologies are communicative acts that acknowledge harm, express remorse, and promise corrective measures. Scholars like Aaron Lazare emphasized that effective apologies must include acknowledgment of harm, an explanation of wrongdoing, expressions of remorse, and reparative actions. In the context of ethnic conflicts, apologies can symbolically restore dignity to victimized groups and rebuild trust between warring communities.

Theories of restorative justice and conflict transformation highlight the poten- tial of apologies to mend relationships. John Braith- waite argues that apologies address emotional and symbolic dimensions of harm, facilitating reintegration. Similarly, John Paul Lederachs conflict transformation theory underscores symbolic gestures like apologies as essential for creating shared narratives and fostering long-term reconciliation.

Essential Elements of Effective Apologies in the Meitei-Kuki Context

To make an apology effective and meaningful in the context of the Meitei-Kuki conflict, certain key elements must be considered.

1. Sincerity and Authenticity : The Chief Ministers apology must come from a genuine place of remorse. Without sincerity, it risks being dismissed as a political maneuver. Genuine remorse is conveyed not only through words but also through actions that demonstrate commitment to reconciliation.

2. Acknowledgment of Specific Harms: A meaningful apology must address the specific grievances of both communities. For the Kukis, this may include acknowledgment of displace- ment and loss of lives. For the Meiteis, it may involve recognition of perceived marginalization and security concerns. A failure to address these distinct harms can make the apology appear superficial.

3. Empathy and Understanding: Empathy is crucial in bridging divides. The apology should reflect a deep understanding of the trauma experienced by both communities. This includes acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of the issues at hand, such as land rights and autonomy.

4. Timing and Context: The timing of the apology is critical. Given the prolonged nature of the conflict, issuing an apology without concurrent efforts to address grievances can appear insincere. Additionally, the apology must align with broader peacebuilding efforts and be delivered in a context conducive to dialogue.

5. Accountability and Reparations: An apology must be accompanied by tangible measures such as reparations, justice for victims, and systemic reforms. For instance, a clear plan to address displacement, ensure equitable resource distribution, and protect cultural heritage could demonstrate sincerity.

6. Commitment to Change : The apology should be part of a larger commitment to policy reforms that promote justice and equality. Without such actions, the apology risks being perceived as an empty gesture.

Lessons from Global Examples

The efficacy of apologies in ethnic conflicts is well-documented globally, providing valuable lessons for the Meitei-Kuki context.

1. South Africa: Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC): Under Nelson Mandelas leadership, South Africas TRC emphasized apologies and public acknowledgment of apartheid-era atrocities. Perpetrators publicly confessed their wrongdoings, facilitating healing and national unity. Similarly, a truth commission in Manipur could provide a platform for both communities to voice their grievances.

2. Australia: Apology to the Stolen Generations: In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudds apology to Indigenous Australians for forced child removals marked a significant step toward reconciliation. This was accompanied by educational initiatives and public acknowledgment of historical injustices, offering a model for addressing historical grievances in Manipur.

3. Germany: Holocaust Acknowledgment: Germanys post-World War II reparations and apologies to Jewish communities set a global standard for reconciliation. Symbolic acts, such as Chancellor Willy Brandts kneeling at the Warsaw Ghetto memorial, demonstrated genuine remorse. Manipurs leader- ship could adopt similar symbolic gestures to convey sincerity.

4. New Zealand: Treaty of Waitangi Settlements: The New Zealand governments apologies for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, paired with financial settlements and cultural initiatives, improved Crown-Maori relations. Comparable measures, such as restitution of land or cultural initiatives, could be explored in Manipur.

Best Practices for Effective Apologies

For apologies to achieve their intended purpose, they must adhere to best practices:

1. Incorporate Reparative Measures: Words must be followed by actions, such as reparations, policy reforms, and initiatives promoting coexistence.

2. Engage Affected Communities: Victims and stakeholders should be actively involved in shaping the apology and accompanying measures.

3. Ensure Public and Institutional Commitment: Apologies should reflect both individual and institutional acknowledgment, ensuring systemic change.

4. Use Symbolism and Ritual: Symbolic gestures, such as common public memorials or cultural ceremonies for Meitei and Kuki about the conflict, can enhance the impact of apologies.

Conclusion

Apologies hold immense potential to resolve ethnic conflicts by acknowledging past wrongs, restoring dignity, and fostering reconciliation. In the Meitei-Kuki conflict, an apology if sincere, specific, and accompanied by reparative actionscould pave the way for healing and dialogue. However, an apology must not be a standalone act; it should be part of a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of the conflict and promotes long-term peace.

While Chief Minister N Biren Singhs apology was a step in the right direction, its shortcomings underscore the need for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach. By drawing lessons from global examples and adhering to best practices, Manipurs leadership can use apologies as a cornerstone for reconciliation, building a harmonious and equitable future for all its communities.
DAMASCUS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on Friday described his just-concluded visit to Saudi Arabia, his first official trip abroad in his current capacity, as "historic."

In a series of posts on social media platform X, al-Shaibani said that during the visit, he presented to the Saudi side Syria's "national vision" of forming an inclusive government that embraces all segments of the Syrian population based on "partnership and competence," and voiced the Syrian administration's intent to launch an economic development initiative to attract foreign investment, forge strategic partnerships, and improve living conditions.

He said he also highlighted Syria's potential to "play a positive role" in the region, cooperating with Arab neighbors on joint policies to bolster security and economic prosperity.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Foreign Ministry wrote on X that during a meeting between Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and al-Shaibani, they discussed "the latest developments in Syria and efforts to address them," as well as "ways to support everything that contributes to achieving a prosperous future of security, stability, and prosperity for Syria and its people."

"The discussions also focused on preserving Syrian state institutions, enhancing their capabilities, and restoring Syria to its rightful place in the Arab and Islamic worlds," it said.

The Saudi minister "reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for everything that would achieve Syria's security and stability while preserving its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity," it said.

Al-Shaibani's maiden overseas visit, which began late on Wednesday as he landed at Riyadh's international airport, came as Syria navigates a sensitive political transition following the downfall of the previous government on Dec. 8, 2024. 
Senior Trinamul Congress leader Dulal Sarkar, popularly known as Babla, was murdered near his home in English Bazaar, Malda district, today.

Three armed assailants attacked Sarkar shortly after he got out of his car around 10.30 a.m. Sarkar tried to escape and ran into a nearby shop selling e-rickshaw spare parts. CCTV footage shows the attackers chasing him and firing repeatedly. They entered the shop and shot him dead.

Advertisement

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock on social media, saying, My close associate and a very popular leader, Babla Sarkar, has been murdered today. From the beginning of the Trinamul Congress, he and his wife Chaitali Sarkar worked tirelessly for the party. I am deeply saddened and shocked. The culprits must be brought to justice immediately.

Advertisement

Following chief minister Mamata Banerjees instructions, ministers Firhad Hakim and Sabina Yeasmin immediately flew to Malda to oversee the situation.

Both leaders visited Malda Medical College to pay their respects to Dulal Sarkar. Firhad Hakim also visited Sarkars residence to console his grieving family. Speaking to the media, Hakim said, This is a tragic loss for the party. Babla was a dedicated leader, who worked tirelessly for the people. We will ensure that justice is served, and the culprits are brought to book.

Later, speaking to reporters, she criticised the police for negligence: Babla was attacked earlier, yet his security was withdrawn. I have directed Firhad Hakim and Sabina Yeasmin to visit Malda immediately to look into the matter.

Locals and Sarkars supporters rushed him to Malda Medical College and Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. Doctors confirmed he had been shot twice in the head and once in the back and declared him brought-dead.

Superintendent of Police Pradeep Kumar Yadav visited the hospital and the crime scene. He recorded eyewitness accounts and collected CCTV footage to identify the attackers.

Chairman of English Bazar Municipality and former minister Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, who informed the chief minister of the incident, said, This is a tragic incident. Babla had no political enemies, but professional killers seem to have been hired. Local disputes might be the reason for this attack.

Choudhury also raised concerns about security lapses: He sustained three bullet injuries, two to the head. The police failed to review security arrangements. Ive had to arrange my own security. MLA Nihar Ranjan Ghosh added: This incident is alarming. We, as public representatives, feel unsafe.

BJP MP from Malda (Uttar), Khagen Murmu paid his respects at the hospital and criticised the law and order situation: This is a sad incident. The lack of security is making people feel unsafe.

Dulal Sarkar had been with the TMC since its inception, even during challenging times. He served as the partys district president temporarily, led the Scheduled Caste cell, and was vice-chairman of English Bazar Municipality. He was a multiple-term councillor.

Sarkar regularly visited the area near Nimasarai, where he oversaw his business. Sources suggest the attack might be linked to a dispute with a local Congress leader over control of the railway rake point near Malda town station.

TMC councillor Sumala Agarwal, emotional over the incident, revealed that Sarkar had expressed his desire to donate his body to medical research a few days ago.

I am deeply shocked. May god give Chaitali the strength to endure this tragedy and fight for justice.
Fifteen students of West Burdwan district, who performed exceptionally well in the Madhyamik board and related examinations last year were felicitated by the state government today at their respective homes.

Every year, chief minister Mamata Banerjee felicitates the top performing students in board examinations at a function in Kolkata on 5 September, but due to some issues the event could not be organized last year.

Advertisement

As per the wishes and the directives of the chief minister, the state government had decided to felicitate these students at their respective homes.

Advertisement

Accordingly, the officials of the district civil and education department handed over the gifts personally to each of these 15 students of West Burdwan district.

Amadia Ghosh of Assembly of God Church School in Ukhra, West Burdwan, is one such student to receive the gifts and certificates today in her house. She scored over 98.8 per cent marks in the ICSE Class X board examinations in 2024.

Soumendra Banerjee, planning coordinator of West Burdwan district and collectorate visited her house and handed over the gifts and certificates today.

Narendra Nath Chakraborty, Pandaveswar MLA also congratulated her for her good performance.
In a political attack over BJP and AAP, Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav alleged that both parties take credit of the works undertaken during Congress rule in the capital city ,claiming that the flats handed over by PM Modi were part of a project executed by their government and saffron party is doing it to influence votes in the upcoming assembly polls.

Yadav claimed, Prime Minister Modi was taking credit for the flats constructed for EWS category residents at Ashok Vihar but the project was conceived and executed by the Congress Government in 2008 for the resettlement of slum dwellers.

Advertisement

On the eve of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections in 2022, the BJP had indulged in a similar credit-taking drama when PM Modi handed over the keys of EWS flats to 10 slum dwellers at Kalkaji, though sadly, over 3000 flats constructed for slum dwellers there have remained unallotted, he added.

Advertisement

The congress leader claimed that Delhi Government had identified 229 JJ Clusters for development to construct EWS flats under the Rajiv Rattan Awas Yojna, Basic Services Urban Poor (BSUP) and DSIDC adding that the construction work of the Kathputli Colony flats started in 2014, but even after 11 years, the Delhi Government and the DDA have not been able to complete the work, which exposes the so-called Kejriwals corruption and ineptness.

He claimed that the slum dwellers of Kalkaji are still waiting for allotment of the flats constructed for them, as out of the over 3000 flats only 1862 have been allotted so far.
Veteran actor and politician Hema Malini paid a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Jaya Chakravarthy, on her birth anniversary. The Bollywood icon took to Instagram on Friday to share her emotions, expressing gratitude for her mothers immense influence on her life and career.

In her post, Hema wrote, It is that day of the year closest to my heart! My darling mothers birthday which I never fail to celebrate, thanking her for all that shes done for me. Her amazing personality and the rapport she was able to create with all she met, both in the industry and beyond, is what shaped my career and made me what I am. Thank you, Amma. I love you. The message was accompanied by a heart emoji.

Advertisement

Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dream Girl Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhemamalini)

Hema also shared rare photographs of her mother, showcasing their close bond. One particular image stood out, perfectly capturing the warmth and love between the two.

The post resonated with fans and family alike, with Hemas daughter, Esha Deol, responding with heart and folded hands emojis.

Jaya Chakravarthy, a producer and costume designer, played a pivotal role in Hemas journey to stardom. Known for her vibrant personality and strong connections within the film industry, Jaya was instrumental in shaping Hemas career.

Hema often acknowledges her mothers contributions, making it a point to honor her memory every year.

The actress, who debuted in Tamil cinema with Idhu Sathiyam in 1963, rose to fame in Bollywood with the 1968 film Sapno Ka Saudagar. Over the decades, she has become a household name, earning the title of Bollywoods Dream Girl.

Hema last appeared in the 2020 film Shimla Mirchi and currently serves as a Member of Parliament from Mathura, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

This isnt the first time Hema has shared a touching tribute to her mother. Last year, she wrote, Today is so special for me! It is my darling mothers janam dina day I celebrate every year ever since she left me. I introspect so much on this day, recalling how much she has contributed to my life and career and how I owe her everything I am today. Thank you, Amma. My love always.
BTS RM finds himself in the middle of an online tussle. Recently, images of the K-pop idol in his military uniform went viral on social media. For the unversed, RM is currently serving in the military. The music sensation was wearing a badge that stirred a debate over its design. At the centre of RMs badge was a swastika-like symbol, which stirred misunderstandings. Several users connected it to the tilted Nazi swastika which recieves hate for its historical meaning. However, ardent K-pop fans soon schooled them and noted that the swastika is a sacred symbol of Buddhism.

The badge RM has on his uniform is specifically for military officers who perform religious duties, such as chaplains. The swastika conveys cultural and spiritual symbolism in Buddhism. The swastika, in this case, is not the tilted Nazi symbol but a straight-standing Buddhist symbol that emerged before Nazi appropriation. For Buddhists, the symbol is deeply sacred and holds a similar meaning to the cross in Christianity. Notably, the straight symbol of the swastika is also sacred to Hinduism and Jainism.

Advertisement

   , ,     ,           ,      . pic.twitter.com/xCjJtfnEms Advertisement   (@borabtsbora) September 17, 2024



In Buddhism, it signifies the footprints of Buddha and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The symbol appears in religious texts, temples, and art. In Korean culture, the symbol () is often connected to universal harmony and good fortune.

After several users mistook BTS RM for the badge and connected it with Nazism, K-pop fans stood up to defend their beloved star. One wrote, Its crazy the amount of people who dont understand that the symbol has a different meaning in numerous cultures. People need to educate themselves. Another wrote, For reasons, I thought Id share two photos I took at the Samgwangsa Temple in Busan. It really is beautiful! We were there around Buddhas birthday, so the grounds were decorated with 1000s of lanterns with Buddhist symbols. Another quipped, Stop spreading lies on such a sensitive topic.

For reasons, I thought Id share two photos I took at the Samgwangsa Temple in Busan. It really is beautiful! We were there around Buddhas birthday, so the grounds were decorated with 1000s of lanterns with Buddhist symbols. Knowledge saves you from embarrassment. You know? pic.twitter.com/tR60AHzIqU  Cypher / Shesawseesaw (@cypherluscious) January 1, 2025



Also Read: 2025 is the year of smashing K-pop returns: from BTS to BLACKPINK

The online feud also brings to light how small misunderstandings regarding culture and tradition can alter ones purview about someone. While some users believed that RM is a Nazi advocate, the real meaning revealed something completely different.

Moving on, RM is going to complete his mandatory military service on June 10, 2025. RM kickstarted his enlistment on December 11, 2023, along with bandmate V.
Wayne Osmond, a cherished member of the iconic Osmond Brothers singing group, has passed away at the age of 73. He died peacefully on Wednesday in Salt Lake City, surrounded by his family.

The news of his passing was confirmed by his brother, Merrill Osmond, who revealed that Wayne suffered a massive stroke. Merrill shared on Facebook that he was able to say his goodbyes at the hospital before Wayne passed.

Advertisement

The Osmond family released a heartfelt statement honoring Waynes life and legacy. They described him as a beloved husband and father who left a lasting impact through his faith, music, love, and laughter.

Advertisement

The statement expressed gratitude for his life, emphasizing his belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the eternal bond of families, and his fondness for banana splits, a detail that brought a touch of lightness to their tribute.

Waynes younger brother, Donny Osmond, also paid tribute on social media, reflecting on the joy and optimism Wayne brought to everyone around him. Donny expressed how fortunate he and his siblings felt to have Wayne as their brother.

Wayne Osmonds musical journey began with his siblings Alan, Merrill, and Jay as the Osmond Brothers. The group started performing at their LDS church in Ogden, Utah, before gaining recognition as a barbershop quartet.

Their talent caught the attention of Disney executives during a performance at Disneyland, which led to their television debut on The Andy Williams Show in 1962. The Osmond Brothers quickly became regulars on the show, captivating audiences with their harmonies and charm.

Waynes rich baritone voice was a key part of the groups sound, and his contributions played a significant role in shaping the Osmonds legacy in the music industry.

Throughout his life, Wayne faced significant health challenges with remarkable resilience and grace. In a 2004 interview with Coping With Cancer magazine, he shared his experiences battling a brain tumor as a child and later having ependymoma, a rare and often fatal childhood cancer.

Despite the grueling treatments, Wayne returned to the stage just six months after his diagnosis, wearing a cowboy hat to cover his hair loss from radiation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its supremo Arvind Kejriwal, saying they have looted the people of Delhi in the last 10 years and expressed confidence that the BJP will dislodge them from power in the coming assembly election.

Virtually launching the BJPs election campaign in the national capital, Modi, without directly naming Kejriwal, blasted the former chief minister for building a Sheesh Mahal for himself but doing very little for the betterment of the people.

Advertisement

AAP-DA ko hatana hai, Bhajpa ko lana hai, (AAP has to be defeated, BJP has to be brought (to power), he said while addressing the public meeting in Ashok Vihars Ramlila Ground.

Advertisement

Modi said Delhi has been surrounded by a major Aapda (disaster) for the last 10 years and by bringing veteran social activist Anna Hazare forward, some Kattar Beimaan (hardcore corrupt) people pushed the national capital into AAP-DA.

The Prime Minister hit out at the AAP government in Delhi alleging that the past 10 years have been marked by corruption and scams in various sectors such as liquor contracts, school education, healthcare for the poor, pollution control, and recruitment.

Some hardcore corrupt individuals, using Anna Hazare as a front, have pushed Delhi into this crisis, he said.

Earlier, Modi inaugurated the 1,675 newly constructed flats for the dwellers of JJ clusters and also handed over keys to eligible beneficiaries at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar here. He also virtually inaugurated two urban redevelopment projects  the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar and GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, CBSEs Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka and also laid the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh.

Addressing the public meeting in Ashok Vihars Ramlila Ground, Modi said Delhi has always envisioned good governance but the ruling state government has failed to deliver on its promises and has only worsened the situation. As a result, the people of Delhi are determined to fight against this crisis, vowing to bring change and rid the city of this corruption.

Scams in liquor contractsscams in schools for childrenscams in healthcare for the poorscams in the name of fighting pollutionscams in recruitmentsThese people talked about the development of Delhi, but instead, they became the AAPda and struck Delhi, he said.

Modi further targeted the AAP government, saying that the AAP has descended upon Delhi like an Aapda (disaster).

These (AAP) people openly engage in corruption and even celebrate it. AAP, the Aapda, has befallen Delhi. Thats why the people of Delhi have launched a war against this disaster, Modi said.

Delhis voters have decided they will not tolerate this AAPada and will bring about change, he said.

Delhi is saying in unison, Aapda Ko Nahi Sahenge, Badal Kar Rahenge, Modi said.

Alleging that the high expenses were undertaken on refurbishing at the Delhi Chief Ministers official residence when Arvind Kejriwal was holding the Chief Ministers post, the Prime Minister said India knows that Modi has never built a house for himself, but over the past 10 years, he has fulfilled the dreams of more than 4 crore people.

I could have built a Sheesh Mahal for myself, but my dream was to provide pucca houses for my fellow countrymen. I urge all of you, whenever you interact and meet with slum dwellers, to ensure them on my behalf that they will definitely get pucca houses, if not today, then tomorrow! the Prime Minister said.

Talking about the Centres Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Prime Minister expressed his desire to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi to provide free healthcare but noted that the AAPada government was blocking it, depriving the citizens of its benefits.

I want to give the benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme which provides free treatment facility to the people of Delhi. The AAP-DA government has great enmity with the people of Delhi. Ayushman scheme is implemented in the entire country, but AAP-DA people are not allowing this scheme to be implemented here (Delhi). The people of Delhi are having to bear the loss due to this, Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that development of cities would play an important role in realizing the goals of Viksit Bharat.

Today the whole country is engaged in building a developed India. We are working with the resolve that every citizen of the country should have a permanent house in a developed India. Delhi has a very big role in this resolution, hence the BJP-led central government started a campaign to build permanent houses in place of slums, he said.

Our cities play a very important role in developing India. People from far-off places come here with their dreams and spend their lives honestly in fulfilling those dreams. Therefore, the BJP government at the Center is engaged in providing quality of life to every family living in the cities, he added.

The PM said 2025 will be the year of strengthening Indias position in the world and making it a premium manufacturing hub.

Today, India has become a symbol of political and economic stability. This role of India will strengthen even more in 2025. This year will be the year to strengthen Indias position in the world. It will be the year of making India one of the biggest manufacturing centres in the world, the PM said.

During his address, Modi also became emotional and said, When the country was going through a tumultuous time, fighting against Indira Gandhis authoritarian regime and the Emergency, many of my fellows and I were part of the underground movement.

During that time, Ashok Vihar was my residence, and even today, visiting Ashok Vihar brings back a flood of nostalgic memories.

The Prime Minister remarked that on one side, the Central Government is making efforts for the education system in Delhi, while on the other side, there are the outright lies of the state government.The state government of Delhi has caused significant harm, particularly by mismanaging funds meant for education.

The situation is such that the funds allocated under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan were not even spent on the childrens education by the state government.
KATHMANDU, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Five people died on Thursday night in traffic accidents involving two sport utility vehicles in far-western Nepal.

Four people, including a driver, were killed in Bajhang district after an SUV veered off the highway.

"Three of them were killed on the spot and a five-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries while being taken to the hospital," Lokendra Singh Thagunna, a police inspector at the district police, told Xinhua on Friday.

In a separate accident, a driver was killed after another SUV fell off a cliff in another place in the district.

Hundreds of people lose their lives in traffic accidents each year in Nepal. 
The Delhi Police on Friday deported a Bangladeshi immigrant couple from South West Delhi. With this the number of immigrants apprehended in the last three days by the cops reached 32.

A two-month long drive has been carried out by the police against illegal immigrants in compliance with LGs directive to take action against the foreign nationals illegally staying in the national

capital.

Advertisement

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Surendra Choudhary said on January 2, two illegal migrants were detained from Shamsham Ghat road, Green Park, South West Delhi during patrolling. On verification of their documents, it came to light that they have been residing at different places in Delhi-NCR since 2012 and at present they were residing in Old Seelampur, Gandhi Nagar, Choudhary said.

Advertisement

Following a thorough verification and interrogation, the necessary legal formalities were completed resulting in their deportation through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), he added.

Earlier on Thursday, a racket involved in facilitating illegal immigration from Bangladesh was unearthed and four people were apprehended in this regard from Fatehpur Beri area of South Delhi.

According to the cops, the arrested include a Bangladeshi couple identified as Bilal Hosen and Tanya Khan, who came to India through a donkey route in Meghalaya and two Indian nationals, Aminur Ishlam and Ashish Mehra who facilitated their migration and provided forged documents.
A special CBI court in Kochi, on Friday, sentenced 10 CPI-M workers to double life imprisonment for the murder and conspiracy in the killing of Youth Congress workers Kripesh (21) and Sarathlal P K (24) in the Periya twin murder case.

The convicts, Peethambaran, Saji George, Suresh, Anilkumar, Jijin, Sreerag, Aswin, Sudheesh, Renjith, and Surendran, were also found guilty of unlawful assembly, rioting, and wrongful restraint and fined with Rs 2 lakh each.

Advertisement

Special Judge N Seshadrinathan ordered that the punishment would run concurrently. The fine will be given to the families of the victims, Kripesh and Sarathlal.

Advertisement

The court also sentenced former Udma MLA and CPI-Ms Kasaragod District Secretariat member K V Kunhiraman, Kanhangad Block Panchayat president and CPI-M District Committee member K Manikandan, and two other CPI-M leaders five years imprisonment with a fine of Rs 10,000 each for forcibly taking away second accused Saji C George from police custody.

The court on December 28 found 14 CPI-M activists, including former CPI-M MLA K V Kunhiraman, guilty in the politically sensitive 2019 Periya twin murder case.

The case pertains to the murder of Youth Congress workers Kripesh (19) and SaratlLal P K (23) on February 17, 2019.

Peethambaran and his associate C J Saji were arrested after the murders. Initially, the case was handled by the Crime Branch wing of the Kerala Police. On May 20, 2019, the Crime Branch submitted a chargesheet in the case, naming 14 accused, all linked to the CPI-M. However, dissatisfied with the progress of the investigation, the victims parents approached the Kerala High Court demanding a CBI probe. The high court quashed the Crime Branch chargesheet and handed over the probe to the CBI on September 30, 2019.

Following this, the Kerala government moved a division bench of the high court against a single bench order for the CBI probe into the case. On August 25, 2020, the division bench upheld the single benchs order transferring the probe to the CBI.

The Kerala government challenged the high courts decision in the Supreme Court. On December 1, 2020, the apex court dismissed the state governments petition allowing the CBI to take over the case.

After taking over the probe, The CBI arraigned 10 more accused including CPI-M leaders and filed a chargesheet against them in 2022. The chargesheet named 24 accused, including CPI-M leader and former Uduma MLA KV Kunhiraman.The trial began in the Kochi CBI court on February 2, 2023

The families of the victims said they were expecting capital punishment for the accused and since that has not been given and 10 others were exonerated, they will speak with the Congress leadership and appeal against the verdict

Opposition leader VD Satheesan said with CPI-M leaders among the convicted the partys repeated claims of having no role in the murders fell flat. He assured the families of the victims that the Congress would support any decision to file an appeal.

Palakkad MLA and Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil said the accused in the Periya double murder case should have been awarded death penalty. Such a sentence would have discouraged any CPI-M member from taking up the murder knife in future, he said

AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal MP said in Kozhikode that the court verdict in the Periya double murder case is a severe blow to the CPI-M, which abandoned communism and turned to criminalism. K C Venugopal said through the politics of violence, the Communist Marxist Party of India has become the Criminal Marxist Party of India.

Responding to the verdict, RMP MLA and wife of slain RMP leader T P Chandrasekharan asked when the CPI-M will be ready to put down the sword of death. It is not a trivial matter that top leaders of the CPI-M, including a former party MLA, have been sentenced in the murder case, she said.

The brutal murder of Youth Congress workers Kripesh and Sarathlal was initially downplayed by the CPI-M, which claimed they were the result of personal enmity rather than political rivalry. However, the courts decision convicting several CPI-M leadersincluding a district secretariat member and former party MLA contradicts this claim, reinforcing the belief that the murders were politically motivated. Allegations that the CPI-M attempted to obstruct the CBI investigation to protect its members are also gaining traction.

The case, widely regarded as one of the most controversial one involving the CPI-M, echoes the TP. Chandrasekharan murder case, another politically charged incident in the state. Despite initial attempts to blame local committee member Peethambaran for the murders, the court held several senior CPI-M leaders at various levels a responsible for the murder, further discrediting the partys claim that the murders were not politically motivated. While the CPI-M might find solace in the fact that not everyone named by the CBI was convicted, the courts finding that district secretariat member and party former MLA K V Kunhiraman is guilty in the case is a significant setback for the party.

The Periya double murder case highlights the alleged attempts by the CPI-M to shield its members from political justice. While the Crime Branch initially filed a charge sheet, there were accusations that it was part of a move to prevent a CBI investigation. Eventually, the case was transferred to the CBI by the High Court, leading to the current verdict.
The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has launched a flagship initiative, Faral Sakhi, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra. This program provides comprehensive training and support for women engaged in traditional snack production, enabling them to scale their ventures sustainably.

In collaboration with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, MBMC formally unveiled Faral Sakhi under the Award to Reward (ATR) initiative of WEP. Twenty-five women from Mira Bhayandar have been selected to receive technical training in business operations, facilitated by the Centre for Education, Governance, and Public Policy (CEGP Foundation). This initiative equips participants with essential skills and knowledge to establish sustainable businesses, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Advertisement

WEP, incubated in NITI Aayog in 2018 as an aggregator platform and transitioning into a public-private partnership in 2022, focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs by addressing information gaps and providing support across critical areas such as access to finance; market linkages; training and skilling; mentoring and networking; compliance and legal assistance, and business development services.

Advertisement

The Faral Sakhi initiative not only fosters womens employment but also enhances their participation in the local economy. A central kitchen established by MBMC allows women from self-help groups (SHGs) to produce festive snacks (Faral) professionally. The municipal corporation further supports these entrepreneurs by offering sales spaces and promoting their products through advertisements. During the Diwali season, the initiative sold over 3 tons of snacks, highlighting its success and the high quality of its products.

Supporting women entrepreneurs is vital for achieving women-led development. WEP offers end-to-end support for women, from training to resource access, mentoring, and networking. The integration of Faral Sakhi into the Award to Reward program reflects our commitment to fostering the growth of women-led industries and inspiring societal transformation, said Anna Roy, Principal Economic Adviser, NITI Aayog and Mission Director, WEP.

The Award to Reward initiative under WEP provides a plug-and-play framework for stakeholders to develop impactful programs, with over 30,000 women entrepreneurs already engaged. This partnership with MBMC aims to enable women entrepreneurs to succeed in domestic markets and expand internationally. Financial support from WEP partner Appreciate further bolsters this effort.

Sanjay Katkar, Municipal Commissioner of MBMC, remarked, The Faral Sakhi initiative represents a significant step toward the holistic development of women entrepreneurs. This partnership with WEP prepares women in Mira Bhayandar to lead sustainable industries and inspire future generations.

By leveraging initiatives like Faral Sakhi, WEP and MBMC are building a thriving ecosystem for women-led businesses, transforming lives and contributing to Indias socio-economic growth.
Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh will inaugurate the new permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) Fulia in West Bengal on Saturday.

To preserve the unique identity of handloom and cater to the needs of the technical manpower requirement of Handloom industry, the Government of India has set up six technological institutes under the name Indian Institute of Handloom Technology in handloom concentrated places viz Salem, Varanasi, Guwahati, Jodhpur, Bargarh and Fulia. All these six institutes are functioning under the administrative control of Office of the Development Commissioner Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles.

Advertisement

The Centre has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 75.95 crore for the construction of a new state-of- the art building which cater the needs of the students. The building has been constructed using modern technology in a sprawling campus of 5.38 acres of land.

Advertisement

The building is equipped with modern facilities, including smart classrooms, digital library, Computer Lab and all kinds of Handloom and Textile labs such as Textile Testing lab, Textile processing lab, Weaving lab equipped with electronic jacquard, General Engineering Lab etc., This new campus also offers residential facility with staff quarters. In order to ensure the student safety pioneered with a holistic learning environment, separate hostel facilities for boys and girls are also established.

During the inaugural ceremony, the minister will plant saplings under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam drive along with other dignitaries. Medals and merit rank certificates to top 10 rank holders among all the IIHTs in India will be awarded by him.

Unified website for all six Central IIHTs will be launched during this inaugural function besides a book titled Computer-aided figured graph designing for jacquard weaving will also be released on this occasion.

The new campus will be a model learning place and will serve as Centre of excellence in the field of handloom and Textile technology and cater to the educational needs of the students from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Sikkim. The students from the rural and semi urban background will benefit much as the institute offers excellent employment opportunities. Further, the livelihood of the people of Fulia and neighborhood areas will also be improved with the functioning of this institute.
Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Burke has suffered a major setback in the violence that took place during the survey in Sambhals Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 when Allahabad High Court refused to quash an FIR registered against him.

The court said that the FIR will not be canceled in this case and the police investigation will continue.

Advertisement

However, the High Court has ordered the police not to arrest MP Burke at present.

Advertisement

The matter was heard in the division bench of Justice Rajeev Gupta and Justice Azhar Hussain Idrisi.

Advocates Imran Ullah and Syed Iqbal Ahmed presented arguments on behalf of MP Ziaur Rehman Burke and said that his client was not present in the city on the day when the violence broke out.

Government advocate A K Sand represented the UP government.

The court has said that the sections under which FIR has been lodged against MP Burke carry a punishment of less than 7 years. In this case, the police will issue a notice to MP Burke and can call them for questioning. MP Burke will have to cooperate with the police investigation.

The court also said that if the MP does not record his statement when given notice by the police and does not cooperate with the police investigation, then only he will be arrested. The court has asked to implement an old order of the Supreme Court in this matter.

In the case of violence that broke out over the mosque survey in Sambhal on November 24, the police has made local SP MP Ziaur Rahman Burke the accused number one and an FIR was registered against him under several sections.

After which MP Burke challenged the FIR in Allahabad High Court and requested for cancellation of the FIR.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said India has always stood by the Maldives, adding the Indian Ocean archipelago is a concrete expression of New Delhis Neighbourhood First policy.

There have been some important positive developments in India-Maldives relations in recent months but the two nations need to do much more, he said in talks with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel. The Maldivian minister arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to explore ways to bolster bilateral ties in several key areas, including maritime security, trade and investment.

Advertisement

Jaishankar noted that the two countries have signed the framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions. The two neighbours have also increased their engagements in various sectors.

Advertisement

The Maldivian minister said he wanted to be in India on his first overseas visit during the new year. He said Male desires a dynamic and meaningful agenda with India for the year ahead.

It is an important year for Maldives-India relations. We are celebrating 60 years of establishment of formal diplomatic relations. Our partnership dates back to centuries. Our partnership is built on mutual understanding, respect and a shared commitment, he said.

Khaleel said the India-Maldives relationship, rooted in decades of trust and friendship, will continue to thrive.

As a beneficiary of Indias Neighbourhood First policy, the Government of Maldives deeply values the significant importance India placed in its relationship with the Maldives. We have many examples where the Government of India has consistently stood by the Maldives as an immediate responder in times of need, he said.

Ties between India and the Maldives came under strain after Mr Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China policies, became president of the island in November 2023.

Soon after taking charge of his office, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.

However, there was a breakthrough in ties when Mr Muizzu visited India in October last year to reset ties with New Delhi.
MLAs of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP have demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde and have conveyed their demand to NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, sources said on Friday.

They said the party legislators are demanding the resignation due to Mundes closeness to Valmik Karad, who is an accused in the murder of Massajog village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

Advertisement

Ajit Pawar-led MLAs are wary of losing the support of the Maratha caste group if they are seen favouring Dhananjay Munde, who happens to be an OBC Vanjari caste leader, sources said.

Advertisement

MLA Prakash Solanke who is from Ajit Pawars NCP has also demanded that Dhananjay Munde should resign until the investigation into the murder is completed.

Valmik Karad is a close associate of Dhananjay Munde. Dhananjay Munde should step down from the ministerial post until the investigation is complete and the accused is punished, otherwise he must be sacked, Solanke said.

In a related development, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader and Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Ambadas Danve said in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Friday that trials in both the murder case and the related extortion case, in which Valmik Karad, a close associate of food and civil supplies minister Dhananjay Munde, has been arrested, must be conducted outside Beed district.

Three of the accused are still absconding. What about them? I have information that the arrested accused (Valmik Karad) may have contacted the absconding men. Most police officers probing the case are from Beed and have political connections.

Karad was in the area where the police complaint was initially not being registered. So, I demand that the trial in this case must be conducted out of Beed district, Danve said.

I had alleged earlier during the winter session of the Maharashtra assembly at Nagpur itself that Valmik Karad was staying at a farm house near Nagpur. Now investigations have arrived at the same conclusion that Valmik Karad was indeed there.

So, whatever I had alleged has turned out to be true. Valmik Karad was in Nagpur but who exactly had he come to meet in Nagpur? Somebody did not attend the winter session for three days. Why was he missing from the winter session and where did he go missing, Danve said.

The links between Valmik Karad and Dhananjay Munde are very old. They are both two sides of the same coin. It is a situation where Valmik Karad used to give orders to top officials. Karads orders were as good as Dhananjay Mundes orders in Beed district, Danve said.
Amid the outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, the Union Health Ministry on Friday said there was nothing to be alarmed about.

The Ministry, however, appealed to the people to take precautions against all respiratory infections.

Advertisement

Talking to reporters, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Atul Goel said, There has been news doing the rounds about the metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes a common cold. In the very old and in the very young (age group) it could cause flu-like symptoms.

Advertisement

Informing that the data of the respiratory outbreaks within the country have been analysed, he said, There is no substantial increase in December 2024 data. No cases have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions.

The DGHS pointed out that during the winters, there is an increased outbreak of respiratory virus infections, and added that the hospitals are usually prepared with the necessary supplies and the necessary beds to deal with the situation.

I would like to convey to the public, to take general precautions that we use against all necessary respiratory infections which means if somebody has a cold and cough issue, they should avoid coming in contact with a lot of people so that the infection does not spread, he said.

Emphasizing on using a hankey or towel for coughing and sneezing and taking normal medicines which are required, Goel said, Nothing to be alarmed about the present situation.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh, was signed in the presence of NRDCs Board of Directors and dignitaries from DSIR and CSIR which aims to promote innovation, research, and design excellence, marking a significant step toward advancing Indias design landscape.

The MoA exchange symbolises NRDCs ongoing efforts to create a design facility that supports startups incubated at the NRDC incubation centre and serves other stakeholders across the country.

Advertisement

The occasion was the unveiling of the Design Clinic Facility at the 71st Foundation Day of the NRDC at its headquarters here. NRDC is currently under the administrative control of the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.

Advertisement

Dr N Kalaiselvi, Secretary of DSIR and Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), presided over the event and inaugurated the Design Clinic Facility in partnership with the National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh. This state-of-the-art centre is designed to support startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and foster design innovation across industries. Inaugurated by Dr Kalaiselvi, the facility promises to be a game-changer for Indias entrepreneurial ecosystem. It will be an integral part of the one-stop-shop solution being developed by NRDC to support startups.

During the ceremony, Cmde Amit Rastogi (Retd.), CMD of NRDC, shared the Corporations rich legacy of fostering technological excellence and driving Indias self-reliance by promoting innovation and supporting the startup ecosystem. He also reflected on NRDCs pivotal role in bridging the gap between technological advancements and their application in industry, highlighting the Corporations commitment to fostering an innovation-driven economy.

In her address, Dr N Kalaiselvi, underscored the importance of research, innovation, and collaboration in shaping the future of Indias R&D ecosystem, role that NRDC can play in Anusandhan National research Foundation, deeper engagement between NRDC & CSIR and much more. Her address provided a vision for the role that organizations like NRDC will continue to play in supporting Indias self-reliance.

NRDC, a premier organisation dedicated to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, has granted one crore funding to Adiuvo Diagnostics Pvt Ltd under the Technology Development and Validation (TDVC) Scheme. This funding, provided in exchange for equity, underscores NRDCs commitment to fostering the growth of startups and MSMEs in the field of advanced diagnostics, helping them scale and bring innovative solutions to market.

Further, NRDCs Best Employee Awards were presented to outstanding staff members who have consistently contributed to the Corporations success.

A one-minute silence was observed in memory of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who recently passed away, for his contributions and service to the nation.
In line with his commitment of Housing for All, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two urban redevelopment projects  the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar and GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, CBSEs Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka on Friday.

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh, virtually.

Advertisement

Addressing a public meeting in Ashok Vihars Ramlila Ground, PM Modi said, Today, India has become a symbol of political and economic stability. This role of India will strengthen even more in 2025. This year will be the year to strengthen Indias position in the world. It will be the year of making India one of the biggest manufacturing centres in the world

Advertisement

Earlier, Mr Modi attended the inauguration ceremony of 1,675 newly constructed flats for Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project at Swabhiman Apartments, Ashok Vihar, Delhi.

PM Modi handed over the keys of flats to the residents living in slums. For every Rs 25 lakh spent on construction of a flat by the government, 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 World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar has transformed the area by replacing over 600 dilapidated quarters with state-of-the-art commercial towers, offering around 34 lakh square feet of premium commercial space with advanced amenities. The project incorporates green building practices, with provisions such as a zero-discharge concept, solar energy generation, and rainwater harvesting systems.

The GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar includes 28 towers that house over 2,500 residential units, offering modern amenities and efficient use of space. The projects design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems, sewage and water treatment plants, and solar-powered waste compactors encouraging eco-conscious living.

Delhis LG VK Saxena, present on the occasion, said,  All these houses have been built as per the vision of our PM These flats have lifts, parks for children to play and all kinds of facilities
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock speaks at a press conference in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 3, 2025. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot arrived in Damascus on Friday for high-level talks with Syria's interim administration, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.

This marks one of the most significant Western diplomatic visits since the downfall of the previous government.

In remarks reported by local media outlets such as al-Watan Online and Syria TV, Baerbock said the EU sees potential for "a new political relationship with Syria," emphasizing that Syrians now have "an opportunity to reclaim their country's destiny after the painful Assad era."

She added that Germany wanted to back the new administration in achieving "a comprehensive and peaceful transition of power" and aid with reconstruction.

Barrot, for his part, underscored a commitment to bolstering Syria's path to stability.

"We aim to enhance a peaceful transition that benefits both the Syrian people and regional security," said the French minister.

The two officials are set to meet with al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Since Dec. 8, several Arab and Western diplomatic delegations, including Americans, have visited Syria and met with the new authorities. 

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (C) speaks at a press conference in Damascus, Syria, on Jan. 3, 2025. (Photo by Monsef Memari/Xinhua)
In a major breakthrough, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted a cross-border drug and weapon smuggling cartel with the arrest of 12 people, including the kingpin identified as Manjeet Singh alias Bhola of village Jhanjoti in Ajnala, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

The other 11 arrested persons have been identified as Aniket Verma of Cheharta, Jobanpreet Singh alias Joban of Cheharta, Babli of Naraingarh in Cheharta, Harpreet Singh alias Happy of Guru Ki Wadali, Amritpal Singh Alias Ansh of Naraingarh in Cheharta, Reshma of Kartar Nagar in Cheharta, Harshpreet Singh alias Harman alias Hamma of village Thanda in Amritsar, Mandeep Singh alias Kaushal alias Joshi of village Fatehpur of Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi of village Fatehpur, Lovepreet Singh alias Jashan of village Fatehpur and Akashdeep Singh alias Arsh of Cheharta.

Advertisement

According to an official statement, police teams have recovered 2.19 kg heroin, three sophisticated pistols including two automatic and Rs 2.60 lakh drug money from their possession, besides, impounding their Toyota Fortuner car.

Advertisement

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused Manjeet alias Bhola, who is a key player, was in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers/handlers and was receiving consignments of drugs and weapons from across the border. Probe revealed that consignments were being dropped at Ramdas and Ajnala border sectors with the help of drones, he added.

The DGP said that further investigations are on to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, while addressing a press conference, said that following a reliable input that accused Aniket has been into the drug smuggling business, police teams have successfully apprehended him.

The arrest of Aniket has unearthed the entire network and led to the arrest of kingpin Manjeet alias Bhola and his all the accomplices from different locations, he said, while adding that five of the accused persons have been arrested from Jammu and Kashmir with the help of J&K Police.

The CP said that investigations have also revealed that accused Manjeet alias Bhola was using the house of arrested woman accused Babli, who is an Anganwadi worker, to store the consignments and was using his accomplices to distribute further.

Further investigations are ongoing to uncover the entire network and more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 226 dated 24.12.2024 has been registered under Sections 21(B), (C)/27-A and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar, as per the statement.
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut is well known for criticising the BJP and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regularly, but he ended up praising Fadnavis on Friday in Mumbai, surprising several political observers.

He said that he had previously worked together with Fadnavis and that his initiatives to bring Naxalism to an end in the Naxalite- infested Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra must be appreciated.

Advertisement

Incidentally, Raut also wrote an editorial piece in the Shiv Senas daily Marathi newspaper called Saamna praising Fadnavis. Talking about the Saamna editorial praising Fadnavis, Raut said, We have praised him because his government has done a good job. If Naxalites surrendered and opted for the constitutional path, we welcome that. The earlier guardian minister could have done it, but instead, he appointed his agents and collected money which only increased Naxalism in Gadchiroli. We have worked with Devendra Fadnavis in the past, and that relationship continues.

Advertisement

Raut expressed the hope that Gadchiroli will become steel city of Maharashtra and more industries will come up in that region. If a district like Gadchiroli can become developed, it is good for the whole state. If it becomes the steel city of Maharashtra, there is nothing better than that. If all this happens due to the initiative of Devendra Fadnavis and if we do not appreciate it, then that will not be the right thing, said Raut who is a well known critic of Fadnavis.
Chairing the 7th meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA) here on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the progress of ongoing development initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Admiral (retd) DK Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Praful Patel, Administrator of Lakshadweep; Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan; and secretaries from various Union ministries, along with other senior officials, were present at the meeting.

Advertisement

Addressing the meeting, the Home Minister underscored the importance of advancing solar and wind energy initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Advertisement

Emphasising the goal of achieving 100 per cent renewable energy generation through solar panels and windmills in these regions, Shah directed the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to implement the PM Surya Ghar scheme by installing solar panels in all households across both island groups.

Shah said even though these islands are far from Delhi, they are close to his heart, and development of infrastructure and increasing tourism facilities there is the priority of the government.

He said the Narendra Modi-led government is preserving the culture and heritage of these islands and accelerating the development works.

Shah also stressed the need for a holistic approach to infrastructure projects in both island groups and called on all concerned central ministries to collaborate on initiatives related to tourism, trade, and other key sectors.

He also issued clear directives to address pending issues and expedite the completion of ongoing projects.
The Uttarakhand government might desist from its plan to constitute special pilgrimage authority following the objection raised by the stakeholders of chardham pilgrimage.

The Group of Chardham Pilgrimage stakeholders raised objections to the Pushkar Singh Dhami Governments plan to form a chardham yatra authority as a central body to monitor the annual pilgrimage to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in the state.

Advertisement

The main stakeholders, who raised objections to the plan, are associations or priests and purohits, panda panchayats, hoteliers and mule operators in these pilgrimage areas.

Advertisement

In a meeting with a high-level committee led by state Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Anand Bardhan on Thursday, the state holders group raised objections to the state governments plan and suggested the committee replace it with a council as a pilgrimage regulatory authority.

The stakeholders were cynical about the chardham yatra authority as they thought it could infringe on their rights pertaining to the chardham shrines. Following their objections, the committee is now pondering over suggesting the state government to rename its pilgrimage regulatory body as Uttarakhand Dharmaswa and Tirthatan Council instead of Chardham Pilgrimage Authority.

However, the committee has not yet finalised its recommendations for the government as Bardhan stated that stakeholders inputs would be taken into consideration before finalising the structure of the pilgrimage regulatory body. The committee chief said suggestions from all the stakeholders of the chardham pilgrimage have been received and a final draft would be readied taking them in consideration.

During the meeting with stakeholders, State Tourism Secretary Sachin Kurve gave a presentation of the draft prepared for the constitution of an authority as desired by the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Kurve, in his presentation, informed that authority would be a three-tier body to regulate annual chardham pilgrimage. However, those present in the meeting, especially tirtha purohits association and panda panchayat representatives, objected to the formation of the pilgrimage regulatory body as authority and asked the committee to replace it with a council.

Committee, in its turn, told the stakeholders that final approval of the council or authority is yet to come from the state government.

Beside an assurance to the stakeholders that their views and suggestions will be taken into consideration, Anand Bardhan allayed the fears of the priests and purohits stating that they should not cast doubts on the authority and no final decision will be taken without their consent.

Whats notable is that a similar Uttarakhand Chardham Devasthanam Management Board was enacted and implemented by former chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawats government in 2019 but the Pushkar Singh Dhami government, in its first term, quashed it owing to massive protests by the priests and purohits. This despite the fact that Devasthanam Board was largely appreciated by the people of Uttarakhand as an autonomous chardham pilgrimage regulatory body.
The Uttar Pradesh government has achieved a historic milestone by resolving over 6,08,617 public grievances during Good Governance Week 2024, securing the top position in the nation.

Maharashtra and Rajasthan claimed the second and third spots with 2,33,892 and 2,13,415 grievance resolutions, respectively.

Advertisement

This remarkable achievement reflects the administrative efficiency and unwavering commitment of the Yogi government towards public service. Uttar Pradesh also led the country in organising workshops at block and headquarters levels, with Madhya Pradesh following in second place, officials here on Friday.

Advertisement

Good Governance Week is celebrated nationwide from December 19 to 24 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The initiative, under PM Narendra Modis leadership, aims to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance.

During the Good Governance Week, workshops were organised nationwide at block, tehsil, district, and headquarters levels to address public grievances, raise awareness, and promote transparency in administrative work. Uttar Pradesh stood out by organizing the highest number of workshops16,997securing the top position in the country. Madhya Pradesh came in second with 13,128 workshops, while Rajasthan took third place with 5,810 workshops.

The purpose of these workshops was to resolve public grievances effectively, enhance public awareness, and foster transparency in governance. These efforts also created a strong dialogue between the public and the administration.

The visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the dedication of administrative officials have brought Uttar Pradesh to the forefront nationally. Through Good Governance Week, the Yogi government has sent a powerful message of Public Service as the Top Priority, with workshops serving as an excellent example of this commitment.
The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks attributed to Chinese state-backed actors represent a seismic shift in the landscape of global security. The recent breaches targeting critical US agencies, telecommunications giants, and high-profile individuals underscore the vulnerability of even the most advanced cybersecurity infrastructures. While the US has singled out Chinese-linked hacking groups for their alleged involvement, the broader issue transcends such accusations, demanding a unified international approach.

The breaches, which include infiltration into government agencies and private firms, appear calculated to extract critical data for strategic and political leverage. Targets have ranged from presidential campaigns to telecommunications systems, suggesting a deliberate effort to access information with far-reaching implications. The alleged hacking of databases containing sensitive wiretap records points to an alarming capacity to exploit system ic weaknesses in surveillance networks. Such operations, whether for intelligence-gathering or potential disruption, raise serious questions about the readiness of nations to protect their critical assets.

Advertisement

For nations like the US, these cyber intrusions represent more than technological challenges; they strike at the heart of national security. Law makers and intelligence agencies are rightfully alarmed. The growing sophistication of state-sponsored hacking groups demands a rethinking of cyber-security protocols and policies. The reality that adversaries may already possess sensitive information highlights the urgent need to close existing gaps in digital defences. The situation must be especially galling for the Americans, who have not fought shy of extensive snooping on other nations. Beyond immediate damages, the long-term implications are equally concerning.

Advertisement

Cyber-attacks aimed at telecommunications systems or critical infrastructure have the potential to disrupt economies and public services on a massive scale. These vulnerabilities ex tend beyond the US, with allies like the UK and New Zealand reporting similar threats. A global response is therefore not just desirable but necessary. While the accusations against China have sparked significant debate, attributing cyber-attacks to specific state actors remains inherently complex. Hackers operate in shadows, often leaving trails that are deliberately obfuscated. This ambiguity complicates international responses, as evidence must meet a high threshold to justify diplomatic or economic sanctions. Despite these challenges, the response to cyber threats cannot be reactionary. Governments must adopt proactive measures, including the establishment of robust deterrence strategies and the creation of secure frameworks for data sharing among allies. These efforts should be complemented by investments in emerging technologies, which can bolster defensive capabilities against increasingly sophisticated attacks.

The time has come for a unified international framework to address state-sponsored cyber threats. The absence of norms has allowed malignant actors to operate with impunity. Nations must come together to establish enforceable rules governing cyberspace, ensuring accountability for violations. As the digital frontier becomes an increasingly contested domain, collective action is essential. Cyber-security is no longer just a technical issue ~ it is a cornerstone of national and international security. The world must act decisively to prevent the next wave of cyber-attacks from undermining global stability.
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) is the geographical region of the world adjoining the western Pacific Ocean. It includes countries from East Asia to Southern Asia and Oceania. Its geographical spread is humongous. The Asia-Pacific region is home to 60 per cent of the world population ~ some 4.5 billion ~ and includes the worlds most populous countries, China and India. APAC has a rich diversity of both socio-economic, natural environmental and abundant natural resources including tropical rain forests and marine products. The term became popular since the late 1980s in commerce, finance and economic cooperation because the nations within APAC were gradually emerging as important markets despite the heterogeneity of the regions economies.

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) provides a good example of a realistic perspective on the AsiaPacific. It unambiguously identifies five major sub-regions of 51 countries making up the geographical region. They are (1) East and North East Asia (ENEA); (2) North and Central Asia (NCA); (3) South and South-West Asia (SSWA); (4) South East Asia (SEA/ ASEAN) and (5) the Pacific. The Asia-Pacific is largely an administrative construction of the region that complements other regional groupings within the United Nations (UN) system. Such groupings, for example, are used to report progress on the UNs Sustainable Development Goals even though the information provided remains limited.

Advertisement

The countries under the Asia-Pacific region are of vastly different geographical sizes, populations, diverse regional demography, stages of development, cultures, political orientation and language. Sometimes, the regions precise boundaries vary depending on the context. For example, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) includes five countries, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru and the US, apart from 16 Pacific Rim member countries of the Asia-Pacific that adjoin the Pacific Ocean. APEC is the only multilateral institution that effectively represents the Asia-Pacific without much participation and involvement by Asian countries. For this reason, Asia-Pacific is seen more as an economic and geographic concept rather than a security and geopolitical notion. India was invited for the first time as an observer to APEC in 2011.

Advertisement

India has ties with the region on a country to country basis through infrastructure and connectivity projects, the make in India campaign and information technology. In the AsiaPacific, India has great importance for the International Civil Aviation Organisation and air traffic management. India is a strong pillar of the aviation ecosystem and one of the top civil aviation markets. According to reports, Indias aviation sector has seen unprecedented growth in the last 10 years and the sector has become inclusive compared to the past when it was only exclusive to some people. India is on the way to become one of the countries with the best air connectivity and efforts are on to become a global aviation hub.

The growing middle class and the demand created by them is a driving force for the aviation sector in India. It is praiseworthy that in India, 15 per cent of the pilots are wo men, while the global average is 5 percent. Addressing the second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi in September 2024 at tended by 29 Asia-Pacific countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the idea of an international Buddhist circuit by way of air connectivity that will benefit countries and people. He also suggested having a comprehensive approach with respect to air rout es taken by professionals in the Asia-Pacific re gion, whi ch is also a bu sin ess hub. Shinzo Abe, for mer Prime Minister of Japan, in his landmark address to the Indian Parliament in 2007, spoke for the first time about public defence of a strategic confluence of the Indian and Pacific oceans. Thus the concept of the Indo-Pacific was born. Japan and India were the first to call for greater convergence in the face of common security concerns across the regional space, thereby introducing a novel form of Asian identity expressed by Abe as broader Asia. However, there is scant consensus as to the regions geographical scope and spread. The debate, dispute and contestation around the terminology demonstrate the eagerness of certain state actors to shape the new regional framework according to their national interests.

According to one view, the Indo-Pacific stretches from the eastern coast of Africa to the Americas. Another view excludes the eastern flank of the Indian Ocean, while Beijing rejects the term completely in what appears to be an effort to denounce anti-China bloc politics. China sees the Indo-Pacific as a forum forcing Asia-Pacific countries to choose sides between Washington and Beijing sowing discord between China and its neighbours. According to China Daily, such Machiavellian schemes wont take the US anywhere in the Asia-Pacific. The rise of China, the advent of India and Japan as important powers and the consolidation of US presence in the region has given the Indo-Pacific great geopolitical significance.

Experts believe that the Indo-Pacific has also given a direct recognition of the growing importance of India whose emergence as a strong economic power and leading security actor in ways reflected in the old facets of the region. To recollect history, the geographical space referred to as Asia-Pacific revolved primarily around two civilisations, India and China. The colonial system led to the end of Indian and Chinese influence over their neighbours and to a fragmentation of the region. The regional equation changed with the emergence of Japan as an imperial power from the turn of the 20th century, until the end of the Cold War with the Asia-Pacific region undergoing tumultuous de-colonization movements, civil wars and political violence. Today again, it is India and Japan as partners who are reigniting the region in the name of Indo-Pacific with China as the opposition power. Consolidation of US presence in the region has made the Indo Pacific more powerful. The symbolic renaming of the US Pacific Command as the US Indo-Pacific Command in 2018 was a clear policy demonstration of Washingtons adherence to the term. Although the Indo-Pacific overlaps with the concept of Asia-Pacific, the two regional constructs are not identical in their political meanings as a result of history.

The increasing emphasis on great power competition in Indo-Pacific discourses is overtaking Asia-Pacifics overtones of greater regional and pan-regional cooperation. Marie Kwon, an international expert on geopolitics and security studies in Paris, comments, Asia-Pacific represented a space in which economic prosperity and security assurances were inherently connected. Indo-Pacific to the contrary, refers to a conceptual dichomization of the economic security nexus. In the Indo-Pacific construct, several countries have to find their equilibrium between their economic reliance on China and dependence on the US for security. Overwhelming tensions between Washington and Beijing has swayed the political relevance of the new Indo-Pacific descriptor. In other words, the China factor is the Indo-Pacifics elephant in the room.

Chinas increasing assertiveness across the Indian and the Pacific Oceans is a geo-political reality. The address delivered by Prime Minister Abe to the Indian Parliament resulted in the establishment of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) in 2007. This is an informal forum composed of four members, Australia, India, Japan and the US. Its objective is to ensure a free and open IndoPacific. In 2017, Quad gained new impetus to combat Chinas growing regional assertiveness. In the face of shared threats, this strategic forum developed a new collective vision which is to counter Chinas regional influence and to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. Quad has increased Indias power projection and strategic relevance. Maritime security is gaining increasing importance in Indias foreign policy in response to Chi nas growing maritime presence.

Current infrastructural upgrades of the Andaman and Nicobar Command point to a significant shift in Indias approach to securing its maritime frontiers against the backdrop of growing Chinese maritime activities. The Andaman and Nicobar islands occupy a unique geographical position acting as a gateway between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. The proximity to the strategically vital Malacca Strait has enhanced their importance in regional security dynamics. At the latest Quad summit held in the USA in September 2024, the four leaders expressed serious concern arising out of militarisation of disputed features and coercive and intimidating manoeuvres in the South China Sea. The leaders in a joint statement reemphasised the importance of maintaining and upholding freedom of navigation, overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law. In a statement before his departure for the Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the forum has emerged as a key group of like-minded countries to work for peace, progress and prosperity in the IndoPacific region. I will share the views of one-sixth of humanity as their stakes in a peaceful and secure future are among the highest in the world.

The Asia-Pacific, a geographical space consisting of 51 countries, is an economic conception based on international cooperation. Since the late 1980s, the Asia-Pacific has been experiencing rapid economic growth in spite of vast diversities of the countries and is popularly termed as a zone of emerging markets. India is a member country without any important role. Indias exemplary performance in the aviation sector is a lesson for other countries to emulate. The Indo-Pacific is both an economic and geopolitical concept. Its geographical expanse and limit is ridden with controversy. The domain of Indo-Pacific is mostly sea lines of communication and maritime security in accordance with international law, making it an undefined region of tremendous geostrategic importance. The sea trade routes connect the Middle East, Africa and East Asia with Europe and the US over which the majority of the worlds maritime oil trade and nearly one third of total worldwide trade passes.

Along this route there are crucial passage points, which if obstructed, could potentially bring the world economy to a standstill. Asia-Pacific is traditional and tradition continues. The Indo-Pacific is new but crucial for the survival of the world. In the geo politics of the Indo-Pacific, India is a major player with its strategic goals and perspectives.

(The writer is a former central civil service officer who retired from the Ministry of Defence)
Eighty-seven per cent of a 17-million population in Cambodia now have access to basic drinking water, while 21 per cent have access to safely managed drinking water, an official said on Thursday.

Chreay Pom, Director General of technical affairs at the Ministry of Rural Development, disclosed the figures during a meeting on clean water and sanitation in rural areas.

Advertisement

For sanitation, by 2024, approximately 92 percent of the population have access to basic sanitation, while 51 percent have access to safely managed sanitation, he said.

Advertisement

According to the ministry, 14 provinces out of the kingdoms 25 provinces have achieved Open Defecation-Free status, Xinhua news agency reported.

Speaking at the meeting, Chhay Rithisen, minister of rural development, said the ministry has planned to declare seven more provinces free of open defecation by the end of 2025.

The government has set a goal to ensure that by 2030, all people across the Southeast Asian country will have access to sufficient clean water and 100 per cent sanitation, living in a sustainable environment.
Japans NTT Docomo Inc. said Thursday it suffered a cyberattack that caused a website failure and some service disruptions, local media reported, following a series of similar incidents at major firms in the country recently.

Japans largest mobile carrier said a system glitch started around 5:27 am local time, making it difficult to connect to services due to a distributed denial-of-service attack, in which networks are overwhelmed by data from multiple sources over a short period, Kyodo News reported.

Advertisement

The search function for the d payment smartphone payment service also experienced problems, although mobile phones and other communication services were not affected, the company added, Xinhua news agency reported.

Advertisement

Recently, a series of system failures believed caused by the same type of attack have hit Japanese companies.

Japan Airlines experienced a problem with its system used by passengers to check in their baggage on December 26, while MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank and Resona Bank reported disruptions to online transactions and other problems between late December and Wednesday.

Last week, Japan Airlines (JAL) said many of its services were halted temporarily following a network disruption that caused problems with baggage check-ins and delays for more than a dozen flights at several Japanese airports.

The airlines had to eventually block the data transmission device that was causing the system failure.

JAL told police that it may have been the victim of a distributed denial-of-service, or DDoS attack, in which networks are overwhelmed by massive amounts of data from multiple sources over a short period, according to investigative sources.

The company said it was working to counteract the cyberattack and determine its source.

The rising dependence on increasingly complex and interconnected computer systems in most domains of life is the main factor that causes vulnerability to cyberattacks, since virtually all computer systems have bugs that can be exploited by attackers.

Although it is impossible or impractical to create a perfectly secure system, there are many defence mechanisms that can make a system more difficult to attack, making information security a field of rapidly increasing importance in the world today.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the truck attack in New Orleans, the US state of Louisiana, his spokesperson said.

In a statement, the UN chief extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and the government and people of Louisiana and the US. He also wished a swift recovery to those persons injured.

Advertisement

A man drove a pickup truck into New Year revelers in New Orleans early Wednesday morning. Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Thursday that 14 people were confirmed dead. Dozens more were injured.

Advertisement

A man, later identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, intentionally drove a pick-up truck into a crowd of revellers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans French Quarter on New Years Day in a deliberate act of carnage.

Jabbar, a US citizen from Texas, reportedly flew a black ISIS flag from the rear bumper of the truck.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell condemned the attack, while President Joe Biden expressed his condolences for the victims and their families, offering federal support. My heart goes out to the victims and their families who were simply trying to celebrate the holiday, Biden said.

There is no justification for violence of any kind, and we will not tolerate any attack on any of our nations communities. The investigation into the attack is now led by the FBI, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Justice Departments National Security Division, and local authorities.

President-elect Donald Trump also addressed the tragedy, offering his sympathies to the victims and first responders. 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 a post on TruthSocial.
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia on Thursday began to assume responsibilities as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

Their two-year term officially started on Jan. 1. Thursday is the first working day of the council for 2025 after the Christmas and New Year break.

The five countries replaced Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland.

A flag installation ceremony was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York to mark the start of their responsibilities.

Kazakh UN ambassador Kairat Umarov, who presided over the ceremony, congratulated the five new council members and wished them success in their two-year term.

The flag installation ceremony for new Security Council members was initiated by Kazakhstan in 2018.

Algerian UN ambassador Amar Bendjama, in his capacity as president of the Security Council for the month of January, thanked the outgoing members and welcomed the newcomers.

He said that it is an "immense privilege" as well as "a huge responsibility" to serve in the Security Council, calling on all council members to work tirelessly and effectively to address the challenges facing the world "and uphold the values of multilateralism."

The permanent representatives of the five new members made short speeches before they installed their respective national flags outside the Security Council Chamber.

The 15-member Security Council has five permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly. Five non-permanent members are replaced every year. 
BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, will visit Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria from January 5 to 11 at the invitation of these countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced Friday.

This will be the 35th consecutive year that Chinese foreign minister visits Africa on the first overseas trip at the start of the year, according to Mao. 
Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme tailored for manufacturers, the Ministry of Heavy Industries announced that it approved incentive claims of Rs 246 crore from Mahindra and Mahindra and Tata Motors. Out of these, Rs 104.08 crore was for Mahindra claims and Rs 142.13 crore was for Tata claims.



The ministry recently also announced that 16.15 lakh electric vehicles were incentivised in phase two of the "Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and ) Electric Vehicles in India" scheme (better known as FAME-II scheme).

FAME-II was launched in 2019, earmarking Rs 11,500 crore to incentivise electric vehicles and infrastructure such as public EV charging stations. The heavy industries ministry said that as of October-end 2024, Rs 8,844 crore was spent, with Rs 6,577 crore on subsidies alone.

This helped the Centre incentivise a total of 16.15 lakh EVs, which included 4.27 lakh electric two-wheelers, 1.59 lakh three-wheelers, 22,548 four-wheelers, and 5,131 buses. Sanctioned as part of this scheme were also 10,985 public EV charging stations.

From FAME to E-DRIVE scheme

In October 2024, the government announced its transition from FAME to a new scheme for EVs, the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, which was launched with a financial outlay of Rs 10,900 crore for two years to cover 28.8 lakh vehicles.

The aggressive move to push electric vehicles also comes at the heel of a good year for passenger vehicle sales in India, with automakers posting a record wholesale number of 43 lakh units in 2024, up around 4.6 per cent year-on-year.

Indian auto giant Maruti Suzuki posted its highest sales in six yearsaround 17.91 lakh units in wholesale for the year. Hyundai Motors posted their highest-ever domestic sales, too, in the year, selling more than 6.05 lakh units.

EV makers and stakeholders meet Piyush Goyal

EV sector stakeholders, including representatives from Tata Motors, TVS, and Mercedes-Benz India, met with commerce and industry union minister Piyush Goyal on Friday regarding discussions related to EV infrastructure.

"The interaction was on the development of battery charging and swapping infrastructure," PTI quoted an industry official with knowledge of the meeting.
David Fincher has been in conversation with the press ahead of the release of the 4K remastered re-release of his breakout hit Se7en. In a conversation with Variety, he revealed that he was one of the names considered by Warner Bros to direct one of the Harry Potter films. However, his "creepy" version wasn't exactly what the studio had in mind.

That the studio once considered Fincher for a franchise that had other big names like Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell, and David Yates directing one or more films isn't a surprise. Fincher has proved his versatility with films like The Social Network and the relatively more family-friendly The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Cuaron, for example, usually known for his gritty, serious films made for grownups, once made a children's film named A Little Princess.

Fincher shared that a clean Hollywood version wasn't his cup of tea. The vision he had in mind was quite interesting. "I was asked to come in and talk to them about how I would do Harry Potter. I remember saying, I just dont want to do the clean Hollywood version of it. I want to do something that looks a lot more like Withnail and I (a British dark comedy that enjoys a cult status), and I want it to be kind of creepy."

But Warner Bros' vision was more along the lines of "Tom Brown's School Days by way of Oliver, according to Fincher.

Fincher is not the first director to have a completely different idea from that of the studio for the Harry Potter films based on J.K. Rowling's books.

Previously, directors like Steven Spielberg, Guillermo del Toro, M. Night Shyamalan, Jonathan Demme, Terry Gilliam, and Rob Reiner were considered, but a collaboration fell through due to various reasons.

Meanwhile, Fincher, who last directed the Netflix original The Killer, with Michael Fassbender, is said to be working on an English version of the popular Squid Game series. He is also attached as director to a prequel series of Roman Polanski's classic mystery thriller Chinatown.
In connection with the theatre stampede case during the screening of 'Pushpa-2', a court on Friday granted regular bail to Telugu actor Allu Arjun.

The Additional Metropolitan Session Judge had reserved the order earlier today after hearing arguments from both the actor and the police.

The court directed the actor to furnish two sureties, who shall execute a bond for Rs 50,000 each, besides his own with the same amount.

Also read | Allu Arjun arrest: Will producer Dil Raju's meeting with CM Revanth Reddy break the ice in Tollywood?

While granting the bail, the court directed the 'Pushpa' actor to appear before the investigating officer every Sunday between 10 am and 1 pm for a period of two months or till the filing of the charge sheet.

"Petitioner shall not hamper the investigation in any manner nor shall directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any witness so as to dissuade them from disclosing such facts to the court or to any police officer," the court said.

Also read | 'Pushpa 2' stampede: Allu Arjun pledges Rs 25 lakh to the family of woman killed at the premiere

The court further said that the petitioner shall not make any attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigation or with the witnesses, in any manner.

The bail conditions also said that the actor shall not change his residential address without prior intimation to the court, till disposal of the case. He was also directed not to leave the country without prior permission from the court.

Also read | Pushpa 2 stampede: Allu Arjun, others booked in connection with woman's death



The actor was arrested on December 13 and was released from jail on December 14 after the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail for four weeks.

A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was injured on December 4 during a stampede-like situation at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad when fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of 'Pushpa 2' movie.

The city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station following the incident.
Nearly 12 years after the release of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the much-loved rom-com has re-entered theatres, sparking excitement among fans.

The film, which hit the screens on Friday, January 3, was launched in a limited number of theatres throughout the country  140 PVR INOX Cinemas in 46 cities. The film was also re-released in the UK. While neighbouring states Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have multiple screenings across numerous theatres, Kerala seems to lack.

#YehJawaaniHaiDeewani facing capacity issue in Kochi. Only one Show that is Sold Out for Whole Weekand.#RanbirKapoor #DeepikaPadukone pic.twitter.com/Zxk3Xks6H6  Indian Box Office (@onlyforsvh) January 3, 2025

As per the ticketing platform BookMyShow, the Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone-starrer is being screened at one theatre in the state  Forum Mall, Kochi. The tickets for the show, being screened at 04:30 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, have completely sold out, evidently proving the popularity of the Ayan Mukerji directorial in the southern state.

According to reports, the movie is projecting a Rs 3 crore opening, with over 25,000 tickets sold in advance booking.

About Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

The film follows Naida, a straight-A student who embarks on an impromptu trekking trip with her classmates. She meets Bunny, whose dream is to wander and discover the world. Naida starts to develop feelings for Bunny but keeps it hidden as he reveals at the end of the trip that got accepted into the school of journalism at Northwestern University in Chicago. They part ways but reunite eight years later.

Aside from Padukone and Kapoor, the film also features Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapur. Originally released on May 31, 2013, it was a commercial success, grossing Rs 188 crore at the box office against the Rs 40 crore budget.
China on Friday confirmed that it was monitoring pneumonia cases of an unknown origin, with cases of some respiratory diseases expected to rise through the winter. Among the respiratory illnesses reported among the Chinese population in the winter are rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus.

According to Reuters, the human metapneumovirus or HMPV is spreading among people under the age of 14 in China, especially in northern provinces. The report added that a Shanghai hospital warned the public against blindly using antiviral drugs to fight human metapneumovirus, for which there is no vaccine but whose symptoms resemble those of a cold. In light of the coronavirus outbreak which originated in Wuhan, the world is looking at the upward trend in HMPV cases in China with fear.

HMPV symptoms and risk groups

People over 65 and children under 5 are most vulnerable to Human metapneumovirus (HMPV). If contracted, the HMPV will cause symptoms similar to those of the common cold. Most patients are likely to get a mild infection, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia.

Cough, wheeze, runny nose, and sore throat are among the symptoms of a mild HMPV infection. However, HMPV can sometimes cause complications.

Citing medical researchers, the Cleveland Clinic argue that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. The human metapneumovirus is similar to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) as it is part of the same genus as RSV-causing pneumovirus. While they both cause similar symptoms, the peak age of HMPV is identified to be between 6 and 12 months while the RSV is more likely to cause severe illness in infants younger than 6 months.

When should HMPV patients seek medical help?

According to medical bulletins, a patient should reach out to healthcare professionals if symptoms dont start to improve within a few days or, in the case of a toddler, the fever lasts longer than three days.

In extreme cases, the virus may cause cyanosis in some patients. Cyanosis is when your skin, lips and/or nails turn a bluish tone. It occurs when your blood lacks the oxygen it needs to reach the different tissues in your body. Some others may experience high fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit /40 degrees Celsius) or difficulty in breathing. In such cases, the patients should seek help at the nearby hospital.

Antibiotic for a viral disease? Here's why

Sometimes, people who get pneumonia from HMPV also get a bacterial infection at the same time as a secondary infection. The Mayo Clinic points out that some doctors may prescribe antibiotics at this juncture to treat the secondary infection.
Genrobotics, a National Award-winning startup headquartered in Technopark, Kerala, has launched what it claims to be Indias first paediatric gait trainer. The innovation was unveiled by Kerala Health Minister Veena George.

Known for its flagship product, the Bandicoot Robot, designed to eliminate manual scavenging, Genrobotics has already made waves with its G-Gaitera robotic gait trainer for adults suffering from lower limb disabilities caused by stroke or spinal cord injuries. The company asserts that the G-Gaiter is now the most installed robotic gait trainer in India.

The latest addition to its lineup, the Paediatric Robotic Gait Trainer, is specifically designed for the rehabilitation of children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, brain injuries, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is recognised as the most common physical childhood disability, affecting a significant number of children globally.

Globally, cerebral palsy affects approximately 18 million individuals, with many children facing severe mobility challenges stemming from neurological conditions. Among children under five years old, approximately 8.1 million are estimated to have CP, which represents about 1.2% of this age group.

These issues not only hinder their ability to walk but also affect their overall development and quality of life. Despite the growing need for targeted rehabilitation, access to specialised therapies remains limited for many children.

Conventional gait training often falls short of providing personalised care, engaging therapy, and consistent progress tracking. Additionally, rehabilitation centers frequently lack advanced tools designed for paediatric needs. Genrobotics aims to address these gaps by introducing innovative solutions tailored to children.

The new G-Gaiter Paediatric combines robotics, virtual reality (VR), and the companys patented GPLOT technology. It focuses on milestones related to motor pattern relearning and rebuilding walking ability; muscle coordination; and functional mobility.

The device incorporates VR therapy and interactive therapy games, creating an engaging and enjoyable rehabilitation experience. It features an adaptive GPLOT exoskeleton for customized support, as well as a dynamic weight support system that adjusts to the childs unique needs, ensuring safe and effective therapy.
Amid reports human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, an Indian health agency on Friday urged the people to remain calm.

Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official Dr Atul Goyal suggested taking general precautions against all respiratory infections.

"There is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation," Dr Goyal told reporters.

Also read | HMPV news: Five years post-Covid-19, China grapples with new 'Human Metapneumovirus' threat

The Union Health Ministry's National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that it is closely monitoring the respiratory cases and seasonal influenza in India amid reports of a spike in HMPV cases outbreak in China.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate the information, and update accordingly," officials stated.

Also read | New virus in China: How human metapneumovirus is transmitted and what are its symptoms?

Meanwhile, Goyal added that HMPV is a normal respiratory problem that causes the common cold. "We have analysed data on the respiratory outbreaks within the country. There is no substantial increase in December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions," he said.

Goyal urged the public to take necessary precautions just like in any other respiratory infection.

Also read |

Experts also called for heightened surveillance as there is a risk of infection spreading across.

How to prevent the infection?

1. Wash hands with soap and use sanitizers in public places

2. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

3. Maintain distance from infected people and be vigilant around those with respiratory infections

4. Ensure to cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing

5. Avoid sharing utensils and other materials with those infected

6. Seek medical help if any respiratory infection symptoms persist
Its personal: Job stress, burnout, and the heart

The workplace epidemic of burnout illustrates the interconnectedness of our minds and hearts. For me, this exploration is deeply personal. For years, I wrestled with the debilitating effects of burnout without even knowing its name. It cast a long shadow over my health, strained my relationships, and brought my career to the precipice of ruin.

This personal battle with burnout is why, in 2020, I cofounded the Ending Clinician Burnout Global Community and organised the worlds first global summit dedicated to ending clinician burnout, bringing together over a thousand participants from forty-three countries. This profound experience now fuels the second half of my career, a journey dedicated to combating burnout in the workplace and its insidious effects on individuals and our collective well-being and promoting human flourishing.

In the context of Engels bio-psychosocial model, which reminds us of the integration of life at all levels, our physical health is intricately intertwined with the environment we find ourselves in. Including our workplaces and the impact of job stress on our hearts, these environmental factors deserve discussion in this chapter. Beginning in 1985, a Whitehall II study, which followed over ten thousand British civil servants for over twenty years, led to a striking discovery (Marmot et al. 1991). It revealed a correlation between workers job satisfactionhigher among higher social class members, including leaders and administrators than workersand the risk of coronary heart disease. Higher job satisfaction levels were linked with healthier hearts. Conversely, high levels of job-related stress were associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

The demanding nature of certain emotionally or physically demanding occupations, excessive workload, long hours, and poor work-life balance all contribute to chronic stress. Another study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that individuals with high job strain, characterized by high demands and low control over their work, had a 23 percent higher risk of developing heart disease than those with low job strain (Kivimaki et al. 2012).

However, the impact of job stress goes beyond traditional everyday stress. Burnout, characterised by a personal sense of ineffectiveness at work, a lost sense of meaningful personal connection, and chronic physical and emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to work-related stressors, has emerged as a concern in the modern workplace that has reached epidemic levels.

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognised burnout as an occupational phenomenon and included it in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) due to its public health impact (2019).

Many studies suggest a link between burnout and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. For instance, a study in Psychosomatic Medicine (Toker et al. 2012) indicated that individuals with burnout had a statistically higher risk of heart problems, including coronary heart disease and stroke. However, this increased risk was relatively modest.

The study found that of 8,838 participants, only 1.05 percent experienced a coronary heart disease (CHD) event over an average follow-up period of 3.6 years.

Notably, the most significant difference was observed in the highest quintile of burnout, where the absolute risk reduction compared to the lower four quintiles was about 0.7 percent over eighty months. This means that while there is an association between high burnout and CHD events, the overall impact is relatively small. Regarding how burnout affects the heart, the physiological mechanisms are similar to those of chronic stress. This includes inflammation, an overactive nervous system, and increased cardiovascular reactivity.

However, lay readers must understand that these findings represent one piece of a larger puzzle. Burnout can be a contributing factor to heart disease, but its not the sole cause of these problems. The overall risk to any individual from burnout alone is relatively low, and its just one of many factors that can affect cardiovascular health.

In a review article titled Association between Work-Related Stress and Coronary Heart Disease: A Review of Prospective Studies through the Job Strain, Effort-Reward Balance, and Organizational Justice Models, Sara and her colleagues bolstered the link between burnout and coronary artery blockages (2018). Their review of prospective studies examining the correlation between work-related stress and cardiovascular disease yielded an unequivocal conclusion.

Substantial evidence exists indicating that work-related stress, particularly in individuals confronting high job demands with inadequate recognition or rewards, heightens the risk of coronary heart disease. This underscores the fact that when individuals grapple with overwhelming work-related pressures without commensurate acknowledgment or compensation, it harms their heart health.

These findings reinforce the importance of acknowledging and addressing burnout for individual well-being and the health of our collective hearts. They emphasise the pressing need for holistic approaches that recognize the intricate interplay between our mental and physical health, particularly within the demanding context of the modern workplace.

Anxiety, panic, and the heart

In Anxiety RX: A New Prescription for Anxiety Reliefrom the Doctor Who Created It, Dr Russell Kennedy shares insights into the relationship between anxiety and its physical repercussions (2020). He explains that while individuals with anxiety disorders grapple with persistent worry and fear, those with panic disorders face sudden, intense bouts of dread, often accompanied by a range of physical symptoms.

Dr Kennedy described to me how symptoms such as heart palpitations, increased heart rate, and chest pain are not merely incidental but central to the anxiety experience. These distressing physical manifestations not only heighten the overall burden of anxiety on the individual, but at times, their severity can lead to unnecessary and costly medical evaluations.

Research has shown that people with anxiety disorders are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (Celano et al. 2015; Celano et al. 2016).

A 2016 meta-analysisa study summarising results of many other studiesreviewed thirty-seven studies, including more than 1.5 million people, and found that people with anxiety have a 52 percent higher chance of developing heart disease than those without anxiety (Batelaan et al. 2016). Importantly, this increased risk remained even when other common risk factors for heart disease were considered, suggesting that anxiety can cause heart disease.

The impact of anxiety on the heart is not limited to coronary artery disease. It can also contribute to other cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms.

In my cardiology clinic, I have encountered numerous patients like Mark, who suffer from anxiety disorders. Mark frequently experienced rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a sense of impending doom. Through a careful history and a few diagnostic tests, we ruled out any underlying heart conditions. We were able to quickly refocus our attention squarely on alleviating his panic and anxiety.

Anxiety and panic can be effectively managed with a combination of therapeutic approaches and lifestyle modifications. Cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT) is a treatment modality that helps individuals develop coping mechanisms to reduce anxiety symptoms. Relaxation techniques, including mindfulness and deep-breathing exercises, help us manage anxiety by promoting a sense of calm and regulating the stress response.

In addition to these psychological approaches, medications are often an important component of treatment. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and benzodiazepines can be prescribed by health care professionals to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. These work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain, contributing to improved mood and reduced stress.

Lifestyle habits are equally significant in managing anxiety. Regular physical activity not only reduces anxiety symptoms but also enhances cardiovascular fitness. Adequate, restorative sleep is vital for emotional regulation and effective stress management. Incorporating stress management techniques into daily routines can further assist in maintaining a balanced emotional state.

Overall, the management of anxiety and panic disorders is multifaceted, often involving a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes to achieve the best outcomes.

Individuals can proactively protect their hearts by addressing anxiety and panic disorders. Seeking professional help and adopting healthy lifestyle practices are vital to managing anxiety disorders and supporting overall cardiovascular well-being. Recognizing the interplay between mental and physical health and prioritizing both aspects for a balanced and thriving life is essential.

Excerpted with permission from Harper Non-Fiction, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
JERUSALEM, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Israel announced on Thursday that it will send a delegation of senior security officials to Qatar next week to discuss a Gaza ceasefire deal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a statement that "a delegation of professional officials from the Mossad, Shin Bet, and the IDF (Israel Defense Forces)" will travel to Doha to continue the negotiations.

Earlier this week, the Israeli state-owned Kan TV reported that Hamas had proposed a one-week ceasefire, during which it would locate the whereabouts of hostages still held in Gaza and provide a list of those who could be released. Israel has not officially commented on the proposal.

The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been ongoing for more than a year. 
Enforcement Directorate is conducting searches at multiple premises related to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam strongman and Tamil Nadu Minister Durai Murugan, and his son Kathir Anand, in the state. The raids are reportedly related to Income Tax case registered against Anand in 2019.



According to reports, searches are being conducted at least at five places in Tamil Nadu, including at the residence of Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Durai Murugan and his son, Vellore MP Kathir Anand, in Katpadi. Searches are also being conducted at Kingston Engineering College in Christianpet, premises related to Durai Murugans close aide  Poonchalai Srinivasan and at another residence belonging to Kathir Anand in Katpadi.

Durai Murugan is the general secretary of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu and a close aide of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. He was also a close confidant of former chief minister Karunanidhi. The ED raids are reportedly related to an Income Tax case registered against Anand over cash-for-votes charges during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It has to be noted that the 2019 Lok Sabha election in Vellore was cancelled after over Rs 10 crore was seized from premises allegedly related to Anands associates in Vellore.

IT officials raided premises of Srinivasan and his cousin Damodaran during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and seized Rs 10.48 crore from latter's premises. The money was allegedly meant for distributing to voters. The then election accounts officer registered case against Anand and his associates and probe is underway.

Two other DMK ministers, Senthil Balaji and K. Ponmudy are also facing ED cases over charges of money laundering. The Supreme Court recently granted Balaji bail in the case and he was reinstated as minister in Stalin cabinet.
A thick layer of fog enveloped Delhi and some parts of North India on Friday, disrupting flight and train services. This prompted Delhi airport authorities on Friday issued an advisory and stated that flights which were not CAT III compliant would get affected.

In Delhi, the minimum temperature at 5:30 am was 9.6 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The fog situation is likely to remain in Delhi till January 8, the IMD predicted.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an "Orange Alert" for fog in Delhi-NCR, warning of extremely low visibility.

#WATCH | Visibility affected as a thick blanket of fog descended over Delhi.



Visuals from Dwarka Expressway. pic.twitter.com/xPwjWHmDZe  ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025 #WATCH | Visibility affected as a thick blanket of fog descended over Delhi.



Visuals from AIIMS and Safdarjung. pic.twitter.com/e9cSEHxiAw  ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was recorded as 348 at the 'very poor' category. The Central Pollution Control Board also pegged the AQI index at Lodhi Road station is 309.

Many residents were seen huddling around bonfires or seeking warmth in night shelters. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) set up 235 pagoda tents to provide shelter to homeless people. Night shelters have been set up in several areas of the national capital, including AIIMS, Lodhi Road, and Nizamuddin flyover.

Flights affected

According to Flightradar24, flights of several airlines, including SpiceJet, IndiGo and Air India, were affected. An average delay of five minutes for arriving flights and 11 minutes for departing flights was recorded at the Delhi airport.

Meanwhile, SpiceJet said all flights to and from Amritsar and Guwahati were affected due to bad weather. IndiGo issued a travel advisory, especially on Delhi, Amritsar, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Guwahati routes. It also warned that flights may be cancelled if visibility remains poor.

The Delhi airport authorities on Friday issued an advisory and stated that flights which were not CAT III compliant would get affected. "While landing and take offs continue at Delhi airport, flights that are not CAT III compliant may get affected. Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information," the post by Delhi airport read.

Meanwhile, trains to and from Delhi were also running late.
With the Delhi election schedule likely to be announced in the next few days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a number of projects in the national capital and will unveil more on Sunday. It became an occasion for a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state, as Modi referred to them as "aapda," punning on the word AAP, meaning disaster.

Modi stated that the people of Delhi had made up their minds to change the government.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was quick to attack PM Modi, accusing the latter of humiliating the people of Delhi.

Modis sharp criticism of the AAP, highlighting corruption allegations and the construction of an opulent residence for the chief minister, has set the stage for a high-octane election campaign in the coming days. The BJP has already launched a series of creative campaigns, using popular Hindi movie characters to highlight AAPs failures.

The BJP is optimistic about its chances in the capital, having been out of power for over 25 years. A series of corruption charges, along with jail stint for Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, have added fuel to the partys campaign.

While inaugurating the projects, the Prime Minister said these included housing for the poor, along with initiatives related to schools and colleges. He specifically addressed the beneficiaries, particularly women, as they were set to begin a "new innings."

He added that pucca houses had replaced jhuggis, and own houses had replaced rented ones, marking indeed a new beginning. Modi remarked that the houses allocated to the people symbolised self-respect, self-esteem, and new aspirations and dreams.

Among the new initiatives, Modi promised the setting up of a new CBSE building as he laid the foundation stones for new Delhi University campusesEastern and Western campuses, to be developed in Surajmal Vihar and Dwarka, respectively. Additionally, a new college named after Veer Savarkar will be built in Najafgarh.

Modis sharp attack on the state government for mismanaging funds meant for education suggests that the BJP is poised to go all out in the election campaign to target AAP.

Kejriwal, holding a press conference after Modis rally, also launched a frontal attack on the BJP, claiming that the aapda was within the saffron party, as they had not yet declared their CM candidate.

As the election campaign intensifies following the Election Commissions announcement, it is likely to be a fiercely contested one. The key elements of the campaign are expected to be twofold: the chief ministerial face, where Kejriwal has already declared he will return as CM, but both the BJP and Congress have not yet named their candidates. This lack of clarity is seen as a constraint on BJPs campaign.

The second major issue is likely to centre around the beneficiaries of various schemes. The AAPs announcement of Rs 2,100 for women is set to become a major rallying point for the party.

The BJP is attempting to capitalise on the perceived anti-incumbency sentiment against the government by inaugurating projects and laying foundation stones in sectors such as education, welfare, and healthcarethe same sectors where AAP claims to have made significant strides over the past 10 years.

The Congress campaign has remained relatively low-key thus far. The party has focused its criticism on the AAP government, aiming to wrest back some of its traditional strongholds.

The battle for Delhi is only set to intensify in the coming days.
Manipur's volatile Kangpokpi witnessed a violent confrontation between a group of agitators and police on Friday evening that left several injured including Superintendent of Police (SP) M Prabhakar.

The agitating mob pelted stones at Manipur Police after the tear gas was used to disperse them in front of the SP office, reports said. Despite a police crackdown, Kangpokpi protestors refused to retreat and stood their ground on the highway near the SP office, local media added.

Earlier the day, the SP Prabhakar had promised representatives of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) to replace the current security forces stationed at Saibol with teams from Kangpokpi Police and other locally-based units. In the Kuki-inhabited Saibol, security personnel from the Valley were stationed, India Today NE said in a report.

 !! #

 ,    , 

  #KukiZo mob have stormed and are attacking the SP office in #Kangpokpi right now, throwing stones and pic.twitter.com/JOm4MQT922  Bikramjit Kangabam (@BikramjitMK) January 3, 2025

On Tuesday, security forces had clashed with residents in Saibol during an area domination exercise causing injuries to 20 women. A joint team of security forces were then deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incidents.

During his interaction with the CoTU leaders, the SP agreed to their demand to replace BSF and CRPF men with local police and asked for three hours to send fresh units to Saibol.

However, the locals were irked as the promised replacement didn't happen within the mutually agreed time. Around 7:00 PM, people started gathering Kangpokpi and it soon took the shape of a protest.

Kuki Militants now target SP and DC office #Kangpokpi, the other district dominated by Kuki. A repeat of burning down DC office in #Churachandpur epicenter of #Manipur violence.



Has @AmitShah @PMOIndia @NBirenSingh @official_dgar @manipur_police succumbed to Kuki separatist? pic.twitter.com/lVaQikrGh5  Meitei Heritage Society (@meiteiheritage) January 3, 2025

As the angry started marching towards the SP office, Manipur Police personnel stationed at the building used force to disperse the crowd, the report said. As they fired tear gas at the already volatile mob, they retaliated violently, hurting several police officers including the Superintendent.

Police vehicles parked within the SP office were damaged as the angry mob threw rocks and other projectiles at them, news agency PTI reported.
In a major decision, the Maharashtra government has initiated an amendment to section 220 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code in order to enable small farmers to reclaim land that was seized by government authorities on account of failure to pay arrears. These farmers can now pay 25 per cent of the current market value of land and reclaim their land. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday.



This move provides a big relief to farmers whose lands were taken over by the government following an auction, as the farmers had failed to pay dues and interest on it. The law states that land obtained through auction becomes a government land and farmers were given a 12-year period to repay dues and interest on it. If the farmers failed to pay the amount, then the land became government land. Currently, government has in its possession, 4,869 acres of land.

The amendment to section 220 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code will have to be submitted before the state legislature in the next session. Once ratified, then farmers can get back their land by paying 25 per cent of the current ready reckoner rates of the land.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called the decision historic and said that this issue was pending for a long time and now a pro-farmer solution has been found. "The decision to return 4,849 acres of land to 963 small farmers will be a big relief to them," said Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bavankule.

The decision is important as earlier there was no provision to return the land to farmers after 12 years and the land became a government asset. Now with this change in the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, this land can be returned.
The Supreme Court on Friday directed the University Grants Commission to furnish details regarding the setting up of equal opportunity cells in higher education institutions. The top court also sought details of complaints received for caste discrimination, and action taken on them.



Hearing a plea regarding caste discrimination in higher education institutions, the Supreme Court directed the UGC to collate details regarding the establishment of equal opportunity cells on campuses. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan sought the details after senior advocate Indira Jaising highlighted the plight of students from scheduled communities studying in higher institutions. The bench noted the sensitive nature of the issue and said they would hear the matter periodically to find out a mechanism that would translate the 2012 Regulations into a reality, Live Law reported.

The plea was moved by the parents of Rohit Vemula and Payal Tadvi, students of Indias premier institutions who allegedly died by suicide owing to caste discrimination in their institutions. Jaising said as many as 115 suicides have taken place in IITs alone between 2011-24.

While counsel representing UGC informed the Court that new regulations have been formulated to prevent issues of caste discrimination in institutions, the bench directed the Union body to place them on record.

Radhika Vemula and Abeda Salim Tadvi, mothers of Rohit Vemula and Payal Tadvi respectively, moved a PIL in 2019 seeking permanent measures to prevent caste-based discrimination in institutions. The petitioners said there is rampant prevalence of caste discrimination against members of the SC/ST community on campuses, and present norms are inadequate. The petitioners argued present regulations do not properly address the occurrence of caste-based discrimination.
The Silicon Valley tech bros have their share of quirks. Elon Musk plans to colonise Mars, and Jack Dorsey has his one-meal-a-day wellness plan, to name a few.

Taking that to an extreme is Bryan Johnson. This tech millionaire, who made a fortune selling payments apps and first hit global headlines in 2023 following a Bloomberg article on how he, in his late 40s, spends $2 million a year to be 18 again, is now the focus of a newly released Netflix documentary -- Dont Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.

Bryan Johnson has dedicated his life to defy aging. How far will he go to live forever?



Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, from Chris Smith (Fyre, 100 Foot Wave), premieres January 1. pic.twitter.com/U73wzmLv5c  Netflix (@netflix) December 19, 2024

Eating while doing splits, having dinner by 11.30 am, sleeping by 8.30 pm, regular workouts, skin care treatments, and weekly MRIs are some of the conventional self-care steps he undertakes. His otherwise wacky, hyper-regimented, almost-robotic routine to reverse his body clock involves popping 130 pills a day, even rapamycin, an immunity-suppressant given during organ transplant, blood transfusions using his teen son as the blood boy, oxygen and light treatments, using an algorithm to decide what his body needs as The conscious mind is desperate to hold on to power, and even flying off to Honduras for experimental, yet-to-be-approved gene therapy.

I am now officially a genetically advanced human, Johnson says emphatically after getting the gene therapy. He is the best guinea pig anyone can ask for, comments his longevity consultant Dr. Oliver Zolman, who was not involved in the treatment.

As several experts weigh in on what Johnson is doing in his quest to evade death, Dr. Vadim Gladyshev, a professor of medicine at Harvard, seems to encapsulate it perfectly, saying: Its not science. Its just attention.

Whether attention, obsession, or narcissism, Johnson and the larger longevity community are interesting subjects for the documentary. However, the output doesnt do justice to the theme, as director Chris Smith never delves deep into the mind of this visibly lonely man and what drives him to seek eternity.

While there are mentions of a rough childhood with a largely absent father, the disillusionment with the often-marred-in-controversies Mormon Church, a divorce that rendered him out-of-touch with two out of his three kids, and an affair that culminated into a lawsuit, it only goes thus far.

There was much to be delved into the psyche of a man who boasts of a huge social media following and regularly shares about his Dont Die, campaign and his health company Blueprint, but the director only scratches the surface.

The documentary culminates with many people joining Johnsons Dont Die campaign, and the experts softening their critique, which only feels like agreeing with a lifestyle that doesnt have scientific merit.

Am I starting a cult? asks Johnson at one point. Yes, his son Talmage, who, too, starts following his fathers lifestyle at one point, replies.

This documentary had everything  a gripping premise, an unconventional but accessible subject, science, technology, and a wacky lifestyle. Yet, the person and his psyche that would have made for a solid final product, feel missing.
Tushar Udasia name synonymous with resilience and ambition. His is the kind of story that is often overlooked: one that seems improbable yet resonates deeply with millions who dare to dream big. Born and raised in a small Indian town, Tushar's life was a journey riddled with challenges. Hardships were his constant companions, but they shaped the dreamer and doer he would eventually become.



At just 17, Tushar took a leap of faith. With nothing but an unwavering determination to become a filmmaker, he left home. Despite facing academic setbacks, his ambition knew no bounds. Landing in Mumbai, the city of dreams, Tushar faced the harsh reality of survival. He spent eight long years navigating odd jobs, enduring countless rejections, and living with uncertainty. The grind tested his resolve, often leaving him questioning his path.



A Pandemic Pivot



When COVID hit, Tushars career took a significant turn. His friend and former boss Anish Singh Thakur, scaled new heights with Booming Bulls Academy, a renowned trading education company. He saw potential in Tushar and was impressed by his performance. This recognition led to an opportunity for Tushar to join Booming Bulls. Together, they envisioned a future beyond the limitations of Indiaa fresh start in Dubai, a global hub of opportunity.



From Mumbai Hustle to Dubai Heights



For Tushar, Dubai symbolized a world of possibilities, towering skyscrapers, a luxurious lifestyle, and endless opportunities inspired him. After landing in Dubai, he was captivated by the buildings of Dubai, their grandeur calling to him. He fantasized not only making Dubai his home but also having the opportunity to be a person who helps others secure a little piece of that dream.



Little did he know, his fascination with the citys architectural marvels would eventually lead him to real estate. Another reason why he wanted to try his luck so hard in real estate was that his father, a hardworking man, lost a significant amount to a corrupt brokera betrayal that shook the family. This same financial trickery that tumbled down his father became his mission to fight againstensuring no one else would be scammed in their quest to build a better life.



The Establishment of Booming Realm Real Estate LLC



Determined to make a difference, Tushar founded Booming Realm Real Estate LLC. The company aims to guide individuals and families in investing wisely in one of the worlds most lucrative real estate marketsDubai. Drawing from his personal experiences and hard-earned knowledge, Tushar is committed to transparency and integrity, ensuring his clients avoid the pitfalls that once plagued his family.



Tushars voyage was anything but smooth. Coming into a competitive landscape with no background meant that he had to start from the ground up. He threw himself into the intricacies of real estate, combining his entrepreneurial spirit with a genuine desire to help others. His passion for mastering the market stems from the knowledge of the stakes involved. As for him, it is never about just sales; it is about the confidence and the change that comes with it.



Defying Failure and Redefining Success: A Beacon of Inspiration



What makes his story unique isnt just the struggle, but his resilience. He lives by the saying  Spend more than you make. reminding him to hustle harder every day. He pushed himself beyond limits, learning, evolving, and refusing to quit.



Through Booming Realm, he has built a reputation for honesty, dedication, and results. His clients range from first-time investors to seasoned buyers, all united by their trust in his vision and expertise.



Today, as he continues to rise in the real estate world, Tushar Udasis journey reminds us that success is not about where you startits about where youre headed. And for Tushar, the sky, like the iconic buildings he once fantasized about, is the limit.



From humble beginnings, the small-town boy without means has etched his name into the annals of Dubais rich history as one of the go-getters in the real estate industry. Udasis interpretation of success has its roots in the struggles of life and shows that however gruesome the circumstances may be, it does not matter if one decides to flow with the determination to keep going.



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) Stakeholders from the electric vehicle (EV) sector held deliberations with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal here on various issues, including development of battery charging and swapping infrastructure, an official said on Friday.

Officials from Department of Heavy Industries, and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) also attended the meeting.

Representatives from Tata, TVS and Mercedes-Benz India participated in the deliberations.

"The interaction was on development of battery charging and swapping infrastructure," the official said.

According to an industry official, certain issues were raised on the location of swapping stations and charging infrastructure, and standards.

In a bid to woo global EV makers into the country, in March last year the government rolled out an electric vehicle policy, under which duty concessions were offered to companies setting up manufacturing units in the country with a minimum investment of USD 500 million.

In April last year, a stakeholder consultation meeting was held, where representatives of all the major manufacturers in India including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, Kia, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, Renault were present.

Besides, an advisor representing electric car maker Tesla and representatives of luxury car makers Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, had also attended the meet.

The fast-growing EV market in India is catching the eyes of global players. India's electric vehicles market is expected to grow to one crore units in annual sales by 2030 and create five crore direct and indirect jobs, according to the Economic Survey 2022-23.

As per industry estimates, the total EV sales in India stood at around 10 lakh units in 2022.

In India, Tata Motors is the leading player in passenger electric vehicles. The company's current EV portfolio comprises Nexon EV range, Tiago EV and Tigor EV.

The government has plans to install 10,763 public charging stations across the country under the FAME-II scheme.

There is another scheme - PM E-DRIVE - to support electric mobility through support for 14,028 e-buses, 2,05,392 e-3 wheelers (L5), 1,10,596 e-rickshaws and e-carts and 24,79,120 e-2 wheelers.

In addition, e-trucks, e-ambulances, EV public charging stations and upgrading of testing agencies are also supported under the scheme.
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) Realty firm Brigade Enterprises has acquired 20-acre land in Bengaluru for about Rs 630 crore to develop a housing project.

In a regulatory filing, the company has signed a definitive agreement for a prime land parcel located on Whitefield-Hoskote Road, Bengaluru.

"Spanning about 20 acres, the residential project will have a total saleable area of approximately 2.5 million (25 lakh) sq ft, a Gross Development Value (GDV) of about Rs 2700 crore, and a total land cost of about Rs 630 crore, through its subsidiary Ananthay Properties Pvt Ltd," the company said.

Pavitra Shankar, Managing Director of Brigade Enterprises Ltd, said the company remains focused on acquiring prime land in key markets to strengthen its land holdings.

"This project plays a significant role in supporting our long-term residential expansion strategy. We are committed to developing a property that upholds the highest standards of quality and sustainability while meeting the evolving needs and preferences of our future residents," she said.

Brigade Group also has a healthy pipeline of upcoming residential projects, with about 12.61 million (126.1 lakh) square feet of new developments across Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

Established in 1986, Brigade Enterprises Ltd is one of India's leading real estate developers. The company has developed many projects across Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mysuru, Kochi, Gift City-Gujarat, Thiruvananthapuram, Mangaluru and Chikkamagaluru with developments across residential, office, retail and hotels.
JAKARTA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Eight people were killed after a speedboat carrying 30 passengers sank in the waters off Seram Bagian Barat regency in Indonesia's eastern Maluku Province on Friday, according to the head of the provincial search and rescue office, Muhammad Arafah.

Arafah said that the speedboat, Dua Nona, struck a piece of wood floating on the water's surface at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, which caused damage to the boat's hull.

"Eight people were killed," Arafah told Xinhua over phone.

He noted that the accident occurred shortly after the boat departed from a seaport in the regency, enroute to Ambon City, the provincial capital.

Search and rescue operations were ongoing, involving personnel from the local search and rescue office, water police, boats from the local health department, and community volunteers.

Arafah added that poor communication has hindered coordination among the rescuers. 
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) The insolvency appellate tribunal has held that there is no bar against assessment proceedings by statutory authorities, including the EPFO, once the liquidation process starts against any debt-ridden company under the IBC.

However, it also clarified that once a debt-ridden company is protected under moratorium after the initiation of insolvency proceedings against it, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) cannot continue such proceedings.

While dismissing the two petitions filed by the EPFO, National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) said once a company is protected under moratorium as per the provisions of Section 14 (1) of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC), assessment proceedings for determination of quantum of dues cannot be continued.

"We hold that after initiation of moratorium under Section 14, sub-section (1), no assessment proceedings can be continued by the EPFO. If after an order of liquidation is passed, Section 33, sub-section(5), does not prohibit initiation or continuation of assessment proceedings," said NCLAT.

It said no claim on the basis of assessment carried during the moratorium period, which is prohibited under Section 14(1), can be pressed in the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP).

However, it said once the order of liquidation is passed, the moratorium under Section 14 comes to an end and the moratorium under Section 33(5), which is differently worded, comes into play.

"Under Section 33(5), the expression used is 'suit or other legal proceeding', which occurs in Section 446 of sub-section (1) noticed above. Thus, the bar is only against a suit or legal proceeding and there is no bar against assessment proceeding to be conducted by statutory authorities, including the EPFO," it said.

Thus, during the liquidation, it is open for EPFO to carry on the assessment, it said.

After insolvency if a company fails to attract any buyer, it will face liquidation, NCLAT said.

The three-member NCLAT bench, which also comprised Chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan, upheld the previous orders passed by the Ahmedabad and Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

While deciding on the two petitions filed by EPFO collectively having common questions of facts and law, NCLAT said it does not find any error in the order impugned in the present appeals passed by the two different benches of NCLT.

"In the result, both the appeal(s) are dismissed," it said.
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) The National Stock Exchange on Friday said it has recorded the highest number of IPOs in Asia last year, which cumulatively raised about Rs 1.67 lakh crore, the largest-ever fundraising globally from the primary market.

The bourse registered the highest number of IPOs -- 90 on the mainboard and 178 on the SME platform Emerge -- in any calendar year, demonstrating the growing confidence of investors in India's capital markets, NSE said.

Globally, the initial public offering (IPO) activity saw 1,145 listings in 2024 compared to 1,271 in 2023. Despite this, India proved to be a remarkable performer, contributing to about 25 per cent of all IPO activity in Asia, it added.

"India led the chart with NSE facilitating 268 companies going for IPOs raising total fundraise of approximately Rs 1.67 lakh crore (USD 19.5 billion), including the Rs 27,735 crore (USD 3.3 billion) public issue of Hyundai Motor India, the largest-ever in India and the second-largest globally in 2024," the exchange said in a statement.

Among the IPOs, 90 companies were listed on NSE's mainboard, contributing Rs 1.59 lakh crore, while 178 SMEs collectively raised Rs 7,349 crore, it noted.

"The record number of IPOs during this calendar year highlights the resilience and potential of the Indian economy," Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer at NSE.

The data suggest that NSE has alone done more number of IPOs than other top exchanges in Asia, including Japan Exchange Group, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and China's Shanghai Stock Exchange have done cumulatively," Krishnan added.

Krishnan also highlighted that NSE has facilitated the highest amount of fundraising through IPOs in 2024 of USD 17.3 billion against other global exchanges like NYSE (USD 15.9 billion) and Shanghai Stock Exchange (USD 8.8 billion).
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) Shares of Avenue Supermarts Ltd, which owns and operates retail chain DMart, surged over 15 per cent on Friday morning after the firm reported 17.5 per cent increase in standalone revenue for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024.

The stock jumped 15.12 per cent to Rs 4,165 on the BSE.

At the NSE, it soared 15.36 per cent to Rs 4,165.90.

Avenue Supermarts on Thursday reported 17.5 per cent increase in standalone revenue from operations at Rs 15,565.23 crore for December quarter 2024-25.

The company had posted a revenue of Rs 13,247.33 crore in the year-ago period, Avenue Supermarts informed BSE. The total number of stores as of December 2024 stood at 387.

Revenue for the quarter is subject to limited review by statutory auditors of the company, it said.

In October-December 2022-23, standalone revenue was Rs 11,304.58 crore.

Promoted by Radhakishan Damani and his family, DMart retails basic home and personal products across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, NCR, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Rajasthan.
Mumbai, Jan 3 (PTI) Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty buckled under selling pressure to settle nearly 1 per cent lower on Friday as investors pared exposure to bank and IT stocks ahead of the earnings season starting next week.

A depreciating rupee against the US dollar further weighed on sentiment, traders said.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 720.60 points or 0.90 per cent to close at 79,223.11 despite a positive beginning. During the day, it slumped 833.98 points or 1.04 per cent to 79,109.73.

The NSE Nifty tanked 183.90 points or 0.76 per cent to 24,004.75.

From the Sensex pack, Zomato, HDFC Bank, Tech Mahindra, Adani Ports, Tata Consultancy Services, ICICI Bank, Sun Pharma, Larsen & Toubro, HCL Tech and ITC were the major laggards.

On the other hand, Tata Motors, Nestle, Titan, Hindustan Unilever and Reliance Industries were among the gainers.

In Asian markets, Seoul and Hong Kong settled in the positive territory while Shanghai ended lower. Japanese markets were closed for the New Year holiday.

Markets in Europe were trading lower. US stocks were in the negative territory on Thursday.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned buyers on Thursday after remaining net sellers for the past many days. They bought equities worth Rs 1,506.75 crore, according to exchange data.

The rupee dropped 3 paise to close at a record low of 85.78 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude declined 0.43 per cent to USD 75.60 a barrel.

In the previous session, the BSE benchmark jumped 1,436.30 points or 1.83 per cent -- its best single-day gain in more than a month -- to settle at 79,943.71. The Nifty surged 445.75 points or 1.88 per cent to 24,188.65.
Chandigarh, Jan 3 (PTI) Samyukt Kisan Morcha on Friday dubbed the newly announced draft of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM) "more dangerous" than the three repealed farm laws.

SKM, which spearheaded year-long farmers' agitation against the repealed farm laws, accused the newly introduced NPFAM of the BJP-led Centre "as more dangerous than the repealed farm Acts".

"The policy framework, if implemented, will erode the federal rights of the state governments and destroy the interests of the farmers, agricultural workers, petty producers and small traders since there is no provision to ensure MSP and minimum wage to farmers and workers, respectively," SKM said in a statement on Friday.

Kisan Mahapnachayts at Tohana in Haryana and Moga in Punjab on January 4 and 9, respectively, "will adopt resolutions to unleash unfailing mass struggles till the repeal of NPFAM", the statement said.

Earlier on Thursday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while addressing a press conference here, claimed that the Centre was trying to "bring back" the now-repealed farm laws, referring to the newly announced draft of NPFAM.

SKM said there is no mention of ensuring a remunerative minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, which was a central recommendation of the National Commission on Farmers (NCF), chaired by the late M S Swaminathan, "and currently a key issue in the national political discourse".

"The proposed reforms seek to encroach upon the rights of state governments over agriculture, land, industry, and markets' areas that fall under the state list as per the Constitution of India," SKM said.

It also said it is crucial for all political parties to clarify their stance on the proposed NPFAM.

"The proposed reforms are aimed at redesigning a value chain-based capacity-building framework to integrate both the private and public sectors through advanced technologies such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), blockchain, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI).

"However, these reforms also propose deregulation, effectively allowing the private sector'specifically, corporate agribusinesses'to establish dominance over production, processing, and marketing," it added.

SKM congratulates the Punjab government and Chief Minister Mann for rejecting the NPFAM, the statement added.
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) Actor Sachin Pilgaonkar has come on board as a presenter for Jayant Digambar Somalkar's award-winning Marathi film "Sthal", which is slated to release in theatres on March 7.

"Sthal" won the coveted NETPAC award for best film from the Asia-Pacific region at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival in 2023.

The film stars first-time actors from Sonalkar's village -- Nandini Chikte as the protagonist Savita along with Taranath Khiratkar, Sangita Sonekar, Suyog Dhawas, Sandip Somalkar, Sandip Parkhi, Swati Ulmale, Gauri Badki and Mansi Pawar.

The film is produced by Karan Grover, Shefali Bhushan, Jayant Digambar Somalkar and Riga Malhotra.

Set in a village in the Vidarbha region of India, the story follows "a determined young girl, Savita, who yearns for education and a brighter future. However, as her farmer parents anxiously struggle to find a suitable match for her, societal expectations place immense pressure on her to prioritize marriage over personal aspirations.

Pilgaonkar shared the poster of the film on social media on Friday announcing its release on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, the first female teacher in India, a social reformer and a poet.

The actor said he watched the film for the first time at the MAMI Festival in Mumbai along with his wife, Supriya Pilgaonkar, and both loved it.

"This film rooted in the rural culture of Maharashtra got such an overwhelming response even from the Marathi diaspora in America, that I immediately offered my support in every way to the director," the actor said in a statement.

Somalkar, known for co-directing and writing the web series "Guilty Minds" made his debut feature with "Sthal".

"Its a moment of immense joy and pride for me to announce that 'Sthal', after its incredible journey across the globe, touching hearts and winning accolades, will finally grace theaters on 7th March, perfectly timed with International Womens Day. For a filmmaker, theres no greater dream than seeing their work come alive on the big screen and connect with audiences," he said in a statement.

"I feel it is so appropriate that we are releasing Sthal on the eve of International Women's Day, because in big and small ways the film questions patriarchy and celebrates womanhood," producer Bhushan added.

After its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film has been screened at 29 major film festivals and has garnered over 16 awards.
London, Jan 3 (PTI) British star Andrew Garfield has dismissed speculations that he will be making an appearance in Marvel Studios' upcoming movie "Spider-Man 4".

Garfield, however, acknowledged that fans won't believe him as he had earlier denied rumours of starring in the Tom Holland-led 2021 movie "Spider-Man: No Way Home", only to make an extended cameo alongside Tobey Maguire.

"Im gonna disappoint you. Yeah, no. But I know no ones gonna trust anything I say from now on," the 41-year-old actor told GQ UK in an interview.

At the same time, Garfield said he would not completely dismiss the idea of featuring in a big franchise.

"If it felt in line with my soul and was gonna be fun. Maybe Im gonna have like five kids at some point, and Im gonna need to start saving up for the school tuition or something," he said.

Garfield was first seen as Spider-Man in the 2012 movie "The Amazing Spider-Man" and reprised the role in 2014's "The Amazing Spider-Man 2". He returned to play the role of the web-slinging superhero in "Spider-Man: No Way Home", which also featured Maguire reprising his role of Spider-Man from his 2000s trilogy.

"Spider-Man 4" will see Holland once again playing the titular superhero alongside Zendaya as MJ. The shooting for the film is slated to begin in the summer of 2025 and it will be released in the US theatres on July 24, 2026.
Mumbai, Jan 3 (PTI) Actor Pratik Gandhi-starrer Phule is set to release theatrically on April 11, coinciding with the 197th birth anniversary of social reformer Jyotirao Phule.

Written and directed by veteran actor Ananth Mahadevan, the film features Gandhi in the role of the social activist and reformer opposite actor Patralekhaa as educationalist Savitribai Phule.

Dancing Shiva Films, Kingsmen Productions and Zee Studios made the official announcement about the release date of the film on the occasion of Savitribai Phules birth anniversary today.

In a statement, Mahadevan said his film will bring out new facets of the life of Phule.

This is our humble tribute to a great son and daughter of India. The film is a must-watch for the Y-generation, as it offers more than what history books have touched upon.

"Its an immersive journey back in time, showcasing how these visionaries shaped our nations history, said the director, who has also helmed films like Mee Sindhutai Sapkal, Gour Hari Dastaan and Bittersweet.
Jerusalem, Jan 3 (AP) As president, Jimmy Carter brokered the watershed peace agreement that removed Israel's most powerful enemy from the battlefield. But he incurred the Israeli government's wrath decades later when he said its military rule over the Palestinians amounted to apartheid.

The Camp David peace accords, signed by Israel and Egypt in 1978, remain the biggest achievement from decades of mostly failed US peacemaking in the Middle East.

But for Carter, who died on Sunday at the age of 100, they were clouded by what he saw as the continued oppression of the Palestinians and Israel's expansion of settlements on lands they want for a future state.

Carter did not speak publicly after entering hospice care, months before the outbreak of the latest war in Gaza. But he devoted much of his life during and after his presidency trying to broker a just solution to the wider conflict.





A historic peace between Israel and Egypt



When Carter assumed office in 1977, Egypt and Israel had fought four devastating wars, the last of which began with an Egyptian surprise attack in 1973 that initially seemed to threaten Israel's existence.

Carter's efforts led to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's landmark visit to Jerusalem and saw US negotiators eventually wear down the famously hawkish Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

There would not be a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt without President Carter, said Aharon Barak, a former Israeli attorney general and Supreme Court president who served as the Israeli legal adviser during the negotiations.

Barak described Carter as a dogged negotiator, forcing the sides to work from 6 a.m. until after midnight and getting involved in the smallest details.

He was very tough, knew what he wanted, and he got what he wanted. And I admired it, he said.

The first ever peace treaty between Israel and an Arab country saw Israel withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula, which it had captured in the 1967 Mideast war, and forge full diplomatic ties with Egypt, which had led the Arab struggle against Israel since its establishment in 1948.

The two countries remain at peace nearly a half-century later.



Peace efforts languished after Carter



Although the Camp David agreements called for a transition to Palestinian self-government in the West Bank and Gaza, which Israel also seized in 1967, it was never carried out. Carter was voted out of office two years later amid the Iran hostage crisis, and Mideast peace efforts languished.

When Israelis and Palestinians finally came together to sign the Oslo Accords in 1993, the plan was similar to the one Carter had written 15 years earlier, with the creation of a Palestinian Authority and Israel's gradual withdrawal from the occupied territories.

But the peace process stalled out yet again in 2000, when the two sides were unable to reach a final agreement at Camp David. An armed Palestinian uprising erupted months later, and Israel launched a heavy military crackdown.

Carter remained actively engaged in the Middle East as a global campaigner for human rights and democracy, with his Carter Center observing Palestinian elections. He spoke out against the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, calling George W. Bush the worst president in the history of foreign affairs.



Apartheid allegations angered Israel



In speeches, articles and a controversial book titled Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, he called on the Palestinians to renounce violence and for US intervention to end the conflict.

But he reserved some of his strongest language for Israel's sprawling Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying they were far more built-up than people knew and undermined hope for a negotiated solution to the century-old conflict.

Most controversial was his contention that the situation in the West Bank  where some 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli military rule alongside hundreds of thousands of Jewish settlers who have full citizenship  amounts to apartheid.

In a 2007 interview defending the book, Carter said the term was a very accurate description of the total domination and oppression of Palestinians.

Carter insisted the tough talk was coming from someone who had devoted his life to trying to bring about a lasting peace for Israel, but few Israelis saw it that way. Israel's supporters said the book was slanted against it and contained a number of inaccuracies.

Israel bristles at any suggestion that its open-ended rule over the Palestinians amounts to apartheid, viewing it as an attack on its very legitimacy. It points to the fact that its own Arab minority has full citizenship, including the right to vote.

Barak rejected the apartheid assertions, saying that as head of the Supreme Court he had presided over numerous rulings in favour of Palestinians against Israeli security bodies. That's not apartheid, he said.

He was a complicated person, Barak said of Carter. But on balance, I think he was a friend of Israel.

The situation Carter described has only grown worse for the Palestinians. There have been no peace talks in well over a decade, Israel is rapidly expanding settlements, and its far-right government supports outright annexation of parts of the West Bank, making the establishment of a viable Palestinian state virtually impossible.

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the Israeli rights group B'Tselem have meanwhile adopted Carter's language to describe the conflict, publishing lengthy reports in recent years arguing that Israel is guilty of the international crime of apartheid.

Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine director of Human Rights Watch, said Carter's words were groundbreaking.

Today, apartheid is the consensus within the global human rights movement and yet, despite the increasingly transparent reality on the ground, few leaders in the US and Europe dare to utter the words President Carter did more than 16 years ago, Shakir said.



Outreach to Hamas



In April 2008, an 83-year-old Carter toured the region with the Elders, a group of retired international leaders founded by Nelson Mandela. He once again courted controversy by meeting with the top leaders of the Islamic militant group Hamas, which had recently seized control of the Gaza Strip. Hamas does not accept Israel's existence and has carried out hundreds of deadly attacks over the years.

But Carter said he had secured a personal commitment that Hamas would accept a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders if the agreement were approved in a Palestinian referendum  a potentially big step toward accepting Israel.

The Israeli government refused to meet with Carter, and both Israel and the US criticised his decision to meet with Hamas.

Israel and Hamas went on to fight five wars in Gaza, the deadliest of which was triggered by a bloody Hamas incursion into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and is still ongoing.

For Carter, now remembered the world over as a statesman and a humanitarian, the failure to resolve the conflict was a bitter disappointment.

'The most important single foreign policy goal in my life has been to bring peace to Israel, and peace and justice to Israel's neighbours, Carter told an Israeli newspaper during the 2008 visit.

I have done everything I could in office and since I left office to do that. (AP) AMS
Washington, Jan 3 (AP) A year after a panel blew out of a Boeing 737 Max during flight, the nation's top aviation regulator says the company needs "a fundamental cultural shift to put safety and quality above profits.

Mike Whitaker, chief of the Federal Aviation Administration, said in an online post Friday that his agency also has more work to do in its oversight of Boeing.

Whitaker, who plans to step down in two weeks to let President-elect Donald Trump pick his own FAA administrator, looked back on his decision last January to ground all 737 Max jets with similar panels called door plugs. Later, the FAA put more inspectors in Boeing factories, limited production of new 737s, and required Boeing to come up with a plan to fix manufacturing problems.

Boeing is working to make progress executing its comprehensive plan in the areas of safety, quality improvement and effective employee engagement and training, Whitaker said. But this is not a one-year project. What's needed is a fundamental cultural shift at Boeing that's oriented around safety and quality above profits. That will require sustained effort and commitment from Boeing, and unwavering scrutiny on our part.

The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the door-plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines Max jet. Despite a gaping hole in the side, pilots landed the plane safely in Portland, Oregon, and no serious injuries were reported.

A month after the accident, investigators said in a preliminary report that bolts used to help secure the panel were not replaced after work in a Boeing factory.

Whitaker said the FAA will review any recommendations that the safety board makes to improve FAA's oversight work. Last summer, he admitted that FAA's scrutiny of Boeing wasn't good enough. (AP) AMS
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Abeokuta, Ogun state of Nigeria, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Hou Ming)

by Olatunji Saliu

ABUJA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's remarkable transformation over recent decades is "a source of inspiration and opportunity for Nigeria and Africa," former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has said, emphasizing the potential for strategic collaboration to accelerate mutual growth and development.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Obasanjo expressed great admiration for China's development while reflecting on his recent visit to the country in October 2024.

"China changes every time you go there," he said, underscoring the country's "capacity for innovation and adaptation," which he believes Nigeria can learn from.

"If it has been done in China, it can be done elsewhere," the former president said.

Obasanjo said there are many lessons Nigeria can take from China's development, highlighting China's unique role in fostering global peace, shared prosperity, strategic partnerships, and poverty alleviation.

He added that these achievements demonstrate China's ability to transform its society and its potential to contribute to global development.

China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, "a feat unparalleled in world history," he said, lauding Beijing for its willingness to share its experience and help other developing nations "learn how to fish," which he sees as essential for empowering nations to create their own wealth.

As Africa's most populous nation and leading economy, Nigeria has much to gain from a deeper partnership with China, Obasanjo said, noting the elevation of China-Nigeria ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2024 will help promote trust and mutually beneficial outcomes.

He said the China-proposed initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offer immense opportunity for Africa to boost intra-African trade and infrastructure development.

With over 150 nations and over 30 international organizations involved, the BRI aims to enhance global connectivity and trade, he said, noting that improved communication and transportation networks are critical for developing the African continent.

While responding to concerns about China's expanding global influence, Obasanjo said that China's engagement with Africa is based on strategic cooperation, not exploitation.

"Strategic relationships mean mutual benefit, economically, diplomatically, and technologically," he said, calling on Nigeria to harness its agricultural and mineral resources to drive industrialization and value addition as part of this partnership.

"Fair trade, not aid, is the way forward," Obasanjo stressed.

The former president emphasized the importance of leadership in promoting unity, harmony, and shared prosperity. He underlined the need for equity, justice, and inclusivity at all levels of governance, warning that a world without these principles would be "dangerous for everyone."

Looking ahead, Obasanjo expressed hope that Nigeria and China, by strengthening their partnerships and embracing fair trade, could jointly create a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world. 
Kyiv, Jan 3 (AP) US President-elect Donald Trump is strong and unpredictable, and those qualities can be a decisive factor in his policy approach to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

However, Zelenskyy said it won't be possible to end the almost three years of war in one day, as Trump claimed during his election campaign he could do.

The hot' stage of the war can end quite quickly, if Trump is strong in his position, Zelensky said in a Ukrainian television interview late Thursday, referring to fighting on the battlefield.

I believe (Trump) is strong and unpredictable. I would very much like President Trump's unpredictability to be directed primarily toward the Russian Federation, Zelenskyy said.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, hasn't publicly fleshed out his policy on Ukraine but his previous comments have put a question mark over whether the United States will continue to be Ukraine's biggest  and most important  military backer.

Zelenskyy is eager to guarantee that Washington's support keeps coming, and he met with Trump in New York even before last November's US presidential election.

With the war about to enter its fourth year next month, and with Trump coming to power, the question of how and when Europe's biggest conflict since World War II might end has come to the fore.

Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukraine and last year capitalised on weaknesses in Ukraine's defences to slowly advance in eastern areas despite high losses of troops and equipment. The war's trajectory is not in Ukraine's favour. The country is short-handed on the front line and needs continued support from its Western partners.

Trump responded favorably to the possibility raised by French President Emmanuel Macron of Western peacekeepers being deployed in Ukraine to oversee an agreement that stops the fighting, Zelenskyy said. He met with Trump and Macron in Paris last month.

But I raised an issue, saying we didn't hear what specific countries will join this initiative, and whether the US will be there, Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader is determined for his country to become a NATO member. The alliance's 32 member countries say Ukraine will join one day, but not until the war ends.

The deployment of European troops (to keep the peace in Ukraine) should not rule out Ukraine's future in NATO, Zelenskyy said in the television interview.

Zelenskyy described the incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russia's Kursk border region as a very strong trump card in any future peace negotiations.

In a bid to counter glum news from the front line, Ukraine seized part of Kursk last August in what was the first occupation of Russian territory since World War II.

But the incursion didn't significantly change the dynamic of the war, and military analysts say Ukraine has lost some 40% of the land it initially captured.

Nevertheless, Zelenskyy said the achievement impressed countries in Asia, South America and Africa and tarnished Russia's military reputation. (AP)

AMS
Kathmandu, Jan 3 (PTI) Renowned Nepalese mountaineer Mingma G Sherpa on Friday was honoured after he scripted history by becoming the first Nepali mountaineer to scale all 14 peaks above 8,000-metre without using supplemental oxygen.

In October, Mingma, 38, stood atop Shishapangma (8,027 metres) in Tibet at around 4:06 pm becoming the first climber from Nepal to scale 14 of the 8,000-metre peaks without the use of supplemental oxygen.

Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar Chaudhary felicitated Mingma amidst a programme organised by the Nepal Mountaineering Association in Kathmandu on Friday.

Mingma, born in Rolwaling Rural Municipality of Dolakha district, first climbed the Everest (8,848.86 m), the highest peak in the world, in 2007 and completed his mission by climbing Mt. Shisha Pangma (8,027 m) on October 4, 2024.

A mountain guide by profession, Mingma has climbed Mt Everest six times. He is also the owner of Imagine Nepal, a mountaineering agency in Nepal.

"Being a citizen of a mountainous country Nepal, I ventured to complete 14 eight thousanders without oxygen cylinders to enhance the prestige of my country in the international arena," he told PTI.

He asked the government to establish a well-equipped permanent rescue team to rescue the climbers who face emergencies, so as to promote mountain tourism in the country. The lives of many Sherpas are at risk in the absence of the well-equipped rescue team, he pointed out.

Over his career, spanning from 2007 to 2024, Mingmas accomplishments include summits of Everest (from both the North and South sides), five ascents of K2, and summits of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Manaslu (seven times).
Rome, Jan 3 (AP) The fate of an Italian journalist detained in Tehran and an Iranian engineer imprisoned in Italy on a US warrant grew even more intertwined Friday as the Iranian awaits possible extradition to the United States to face charges he provided drone technology to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard corps.

A Milan court scheduled a hearing for January 15 to decide whether to keep Mohammad Abedini at Milan's Opera prison or grant him house arrest pending the start of the lengthy extradition process.

The US government hasn't commented publicly on Abedini's petition, but in the past it has complained to Italy's justice ministry about a half-dozen cases of suspects wanted by the US who escaped from the Italian justice system before they could be extradited.

On Friday, lawyer Alfredo De Francesco visited Abedini in prison and said his client had asked him about Cecilia Sala, an Italian reporter detained in Tehran just days after Abedini was arrested at Milan's Malpensa airport on a US warrant.

Italian commentators have speculated that Iran is holding Sala as a bargaining chip to ensure Abedini's release, and both governments have linked their fates to one another in public statements.

He asked me to write the name of Cecilia Sala on a piece of paper we had with pen, so that he could correctly pronounce her name, De Francesco told reporters outside the prison. And he told me that he would pray a lot for her and himself in these days.

He said Abedini had heard about Sala's case inside the prison and didn't understand any connection to him. The lawyer stressed that on the surface the two cases are separate.

He asked me if she had been arrested and how she had been arrested, and why in some way they wanted to connect her to him, the lawyer said. I explained the situation to him, even what is said on television, because it is useless to deny it, but I explained to him.

He was very moved by this thing, to know that she is a woman in prison right now, and so he prays for her, for him, he said.

Sala, a reporter for the Il Foglio daily, was detained in Iran on December 19. She had arrived in the country on December 13 on a journalist visa and was arrested on charges of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic, the state-run IRNA news agency said.

On December 16, the US Justice Department announced charges against Abedini and another Iranian citizen accused of supplying the drone technology to Iran that was used in a January 2024 attack on a US outpost in Jordan that killed three American troops. Abedini was detained that day at Milan's Malpensa airport on a US warrant seeking his extradition.

US federal prosecutors charged Abedini and his co-defendant with export control violations after FBI specialists analysed the drone navigation system used in the Jordan attack and traced it to them. US prosecutors said Abedini's Tehran-based company manufactures navigation systems for the military drone programme of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Iran's embassy to Italy has connected Sala's fate to that of Abedini, saying in a statement posted to X that it will respect Sala's rights and expects Italy to do the same for Abedini.

It is reciprocally expected from the Italian government that, in addition to expediting the release of the detained Iranian citizen, he will be provided with the things he needs, said the statement, which was issued after Ambassador Mohammadreza Sabouri was summoned to the Italian Foreign Ministry for consultations Thursday.

Iran added that it considered Abedini was being held on false charges.

The delicate diplomatic triangle poses something of a headache for the government of Premier Giorgia Meloni, which is still stinging from the embarrassment of having lost track of another high-profile target wanted by the US.

Russian businessman Artyom Uss, wanted by the US on alleged sanctions violations, escaped from Italy in 2022 after he was granted house arrest, despite warnings from the US that he was a flight risk.

Uss, the son of a Russian regional governor, later resurfaced in Russia. Meloni acknowledged at the time that there were grave anomalies in the handling of his case and ordered an investigation.

Milan's general prosecutor, Francesca Nanni, has opposed Abedini's motion for house arrest, saying he's a flight risk and that not even guarantees from Iran's consulate in Milan were sufficient to ensure he wouldn't disappear.

The issue could come up next week when Meloni hosts President Joe Biden on his final foreign trip before leaving office. (AP) PY

PY
Riverside (US), Jan 3 (AP) Authorities say they suspect gang members of Laotian descent were involved in the 2020 shooting deaths of seven people at an illegal marijuana growing operation in a small, rural Southern California town.

Riverside County Sheriff's investigators also have identified a mid-size, dark-coloured SUV that was believed to be used during the killings in the remote community of Aguanga, the agency said in a news release.

Authorities said they believe the killings were a targeted incident and will discuss the investigation at a news conference Friday.

The announcement comes more than four years after the killing of seven victims, all who were Laotian. Six people were found dead on the property, and a woman who was shot there died later at a hospital.

More than 20 people lived on the property, which had makeshift dwellings and a nursery. More 1,000 marijuana plants and several hundred pounds of processed marijuana were found at the site.

The state broadly legalised recreational marijuana sales in January 2018. But the illicit market continued, partly because hefty legal marijuana taxes sent consumers looking for better deals in the illegal economy.

Aguanga is a small mountainous community about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of San Diego with horse ranches along dirt roads. (AP) PY

PY
Mumbai, Jan 3 (PTI) The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday said it was monitoring pollution levels in Navy Nagar and Shivaji Nagar as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in these areas has exceeded 200.

It will implement the same measures in these two areas as implemented in Borivali East and Byculla where the air quality has improved, said municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.

An AQI between 200 and 300 denotes `poor' air quality.

"Currently we are keeping a watch on Navy Nagar and Shivaji Nagar," the commissioner said at a press conference.

If the situation (AQI level above 200) remains unchanged, action such as stopping construction works will be taken, Gagrani added.

Navy Nagar is located on the southern tip of Mumbai's Island City, while Shivaji Nagar is part of the eastern suburbs of the megapolis.

Navy Nagar mainly houses defense installations, while the Deonar dumping ground and several other polluting establishments are located close to Shivaji Nagar.

The AQI in Borivali East, a western suburb, is "completely under control," while that in Byculla in Island City is in the range of 125 to 140, the commissioner said.

Siddharth Kadam, chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, said a mobile monitoring station has been stationed in Navy Nagar for monitoring air quality after questions were raised about the accuracy of AQI monitoring machines already installed in the area.

After monitoring the situation for 24 hours, the civic body will take a decision about lifting the restrictions on construction work there, said Gagrani.



Last week, the BMC ordered that all construction work, being carried out by private as well as government agencies, be stopped in Byculla and Borivali after AQI levels there remained above 200 for 4-5 consecutive days.

If AQI consistently exceeds 200, industrial units and construction activities in affected areas will be shut down under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4), the civic body has said.
Mumbai, Jan 3 (PTI) A member of the Chhota Rajan gang, who was absconding in an attempt to murder case for 16 years, has been apprehended from the eastern suburbs here, police said on Friday.

A team from the Deonar police station nabbed the accused, Vilas Balaram Pawar alias Raju (62), in the Chembur area on Thursday evening, an official said.

He said Pawar is involved in serious crimes such as murder and attempt to murder and has cases registered against him under the Arms Act.

The accused had allegedly shot and injured a man in Ghatla village in 1992 and was arrested in the case, released on bail in 2008, and has remained absconding since, the official said.

He kept changing his locations to evade arrest, he said.

The official said Pawar lived in the Nerul area of Navi Mumbai and supplied labour to construction sites.

He said the accused was an active member of the Chhota Rajan gang and was involved in gunning down a man in Dadar in the 1990s, the official said.

The official said Pawar was produced before a court on Friday and was remanded to judicial custody.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 3 (PTI) The Odisha government on Friday decided to enhance the social security pension to Rs 3,500 per month for elderly people aged 80 years and above and persons with over 80 per cent disabilities.

The state cabinet headed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved the proposal to enhance the social security pension with effect from January this year, a senior official said.

Briefing reporters about the cabinet's decisions, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja said the monthly pension for the elderly and the PWDs will be enhanced from Rs 1,200.

The government also decided to implement Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijili Yojana, targeting to cover 3 lakh households across the state under the scheme, he said.

The cabinet approved the proposal of state financial assistance for installation of rooftop solar panels, which will be completed by March 2027, he said.

He said the state government will provide a subsidy of Rs 25,000 in addition to the central government's subsidy of Rs 30,000 for installation of 1 kilo watt (KW) rooftop solar panels.

The cabinet has decided to include all eligible women under its flagship programme, Subhadra Yojana till March 31, 2025. Whoever applied on or before the deadline, if found eligible, would get Rs 10,000 as first two instalments for the year 2024, he said.

Similarly, the state government has approved an allocation of Rs 847.14 crore for a period of five years under Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY), which was introduced in June, 2018 for encouraging agri-entrepreneurs and generating employment, Ahuja said.

The cabinet has decided to provide a government guarantee of Rs 17,500 crore to Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC) for a period of five years. The government has also waived off payment of guarantee commission of R 437.5 crore of the corporation.

The government has decided to make amendments to Rules of Business to provide the administration control of minor minerals from Revenue & Disaster Management Department to Steel and Mines Department.

The cabinet has decided to restructure Odisha Statistics & Economics Service cadre and Odisha Subordinate Statistics & Economics Service cadre, and repeal the Employment of Manual Scavengers & Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.
Morigaon (Assam), Jan 3 (PTI) Assam's Morigaon district police arrested 11 people allegedly involved in cyber financial crimes by using fake SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and other documents to avail of loans online, an officer said on Friday.



The individuals, who were arrested from several places in the district, were part of a larger gang that used fake documents to obtain loans from financial institutions, Morigaon Additional Superintendent of Police Samiran Bayasya said.



A Rs 20 crore scam was carried out using online platforms.



The arrested individuals include a school teacher, two cyber criminals who were released from jail four months ago, and a goat trader.

The police have seized numerous fake documents, including SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and bank passbooks.



The police action was based on complaints received from financial institutions.



Morigaon police had arrested 226 cyber criminals from the district during the previous year, the official added.
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) TMC leader Derek O'Brien on Friday said the Narendra Modi government must be asked "hard questions" about the Christian community, including why the FCRA had been "weaponised" and the people of Manipur "ignored".

He also sought to corner the church on the issue, days after Prime Minister Modi attended a Christmas celebration hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in Delhi.

In a blogpost on Friday, O'Brien said voices were coming up from the Christian community that should be raised to the Union government.

"These are the hard questions that must be asked of the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi. Many Christmases have gone by, now answers have to be demanded," said the Trinamool Congress' (TMC) leader in the Rajya Sabha.

"Why did you attempt to turn Christmas Day into 'Good Governance Day'? Why are you weaponising the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to specifically target institutions run by the Christian community?" O'Brien asked.

"Why have you totally ignored the people of Manipur? Why are you encouraging and passing anti-conversion laws that violate fundamental rights under Article(s) 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution? Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan".

O'Brien also asked why the government was pushing the Waqf bill and "playing minority versus minority", especially in Kerala.

"Why don't you ever say a word condemning hate speeches and crude communal slurs?" he further questioned.

The TMC leader alleged that attacks on institutions run by minorities were on the rise and asked why incidents of violence against Christians were increasing.

"Why did India's National Human Rights Commission lose its United Nations accreditation twice since 2014? Do you remember Father Stan Swamy? Sipper? Straw? Death?" he added.

Swamy, an 84-year-old tribal rights activist and Jesuit priest, died in custody in July 2021 from cardiac arrest after contracting COVID-19.

He was arrested in October 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and spent eight months in a Mumbai prison. He was denied bail on medical grounds several times.

"In my two decades in public life, including three terms in Parliament, I have written columns on a range of subjects but never one on the church in India. This is a first. It needed to be written. More silence on the subject would make me complicit," O'Brien said.

Modi had attended a celebration hosted by the CBCI in the national capital ahead of Christmas. Earlier in December, several Christian MPs, in a meeting with the organisation, had raised concerns over the state of affairs concerning minorities.

O'Brien said several issues were raised by the Christian MPs at the meeting called by the CBCI, during which they urged the church body to "stop photo-ops".

"The Christian leadership should take a stand to call out those who are not protecting the Constitution," the TMC leader added.
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday lamented that reference to Sanatan and Hindu in India evokes baffling reaction from "misguided" people.

He also said that people who react to these terms without understanding the depths of the words and their deep meaning are "misguided" souls driven by a "dangerous ecosystem".

Addressing the International Congress of Vedanta organised at JNU here, Dhankhar said it was ironical and painful that in this country "reference to Sanatan, reference to Hindu evokes baffling reaction beyond comprehension."

"Rather than understand the depth of these words, their deep meaning, people tend to be in a reaction mode at the drop of a hat," he said.

Dhankhar dubbed such people as "souls which are misguided themselves". He said such persons are "driven by a dangerous ecosystem that is a threat not only to society but to themselves".

The vice president said at a time when global disciplines are embracing the Vedanta philosophy, there are "some in this land of spirituality", who dismiss Vedanta and Sanatani text as "regressive".

"This dismissal often stems from perverted, colonial mindsets, inefficient understanding of our intellectual heritage. These elements work in a structured manner, in a sinister fashion," the vice president said.
SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The chief of South Korea's presidential security service has not allowed investigators to search the presidential residence in central Seoul for the execution of a warrant to arrest President Yoon Suk-yeol that was issued by a Seoul court earlier this week, multiple media outlets said Friday. 
Bhadohi, Jan 3 (PTI) A real estate developer from this Uttar Pradesh district was booked for allegedly defrauding a Bihar woman of Rs 42 lakh in a property deal and threatening her, police have said.

Dr Rashmi Kumari from Bihar's Sheikhpura had paid the money for a house and a land parcel in Lucknow but the deal turned out to be a scam, they said.

"On December 30, a case was filed against Vashisht Kumar Dubey, a resident of Modh in Bhadohi, and a developer with the RBD Construction Developer Private Limited in Lucknow," Superintendent of Police (Bhadohi) Meenakshi Katyayan said.

Dubey has been booked under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the the Indian Penal Code.

The victim said in her complaint that Dubey promised to build a house and provide her with a land parcel in Lucknow. She paid Rs 42 lakh to the accused as an advance on September 3, 2022.

However, Dubey failed to deliver on his promise.

When Kumari demanded her land parcel and house, Dubey allegedly threatened her, claiming connections to a notorious criminal gang. He also threatened to kill her if she pursued the matter, she alleged in her complaint.

Katyayan said an investigation was underway and the police were committed to bringing the accused to justice.
Ballia (UP), Jan 3 (PTI) The main accused in the murder of two youths at a beer shop on New Year's Day here was arrested following a police encounter, officials said on Friday.

According to police, the incident occurred on January 1 at a beer shop in Kotwa Narayanpur village. The victims, Prashant Gupta (23) and Golu Verma (24), had gone to buy alcohol when an argument broke out with the accused.

They attacked Gupta and Verma with sharp weapons, including an axe, and killed them on the spot.

Based on the complaint received from the victim's family, a case was registered against Shivam Rai, Bittu Yadav, Priyanshu Rai and Rudesh Rai, Superintendent of Police, Omvir Singh said.

Shivam Rai who is said to be the main accused in the case was arrested after an encounter. Police said that they received information regarding his whereabouts and reached the spot. When Rai saw the police, he attempted to flee and opened fire at them, the SP said.

In retaliation, the police shot him in the leg. He was arrested in an injured condition and was admitted to a hospital for treatment, SP said.

One pistol, cartridges and an axe used in crime were recovered from his possession. Further investigation into the matter is underway, SP added.

Prashant worked as an electrician in Patna and had come to the village to celebrate the birthday of his two-year-old son, Singh said.

In protest against the incident, the shops of Kotwa town remained closed on Thursday and the villagers staged a sit-in on the national highway and blocked the road. The last rites of the victims were performed on Thursday night amid heavy security arrangements.
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) A 25-year-old woman wanted in a murder case was arrested on New Year's Eve, police said on Friday.

Rozida, who had been on the run for months, was arrested from the Naraina area in west Delhi, they said.

On October 2 last year, an altercation between two groups in west Delhi's Moti Nagar resulted in the death of a man, Shahnawaz, who succumbed to injuries.

In the wake of the incident, police arrested several people, including one Azad, and three minors.

"However, Rozida, along with another accused, Ajju, managed to escape. Subsequently, a non-bailable warrant was issued against her," a police officer said.

Investigation revealed that Rozida had decamped to Bihar. Later police came to know that she may return to Delhi to meet her children on New Year's Eve.

"The team tracked her near Naraina on December 31 and arrested her near Satya Park. During interrogation, Rozida admitted her involvement in the murder," the officer said.

Rozida revealed that she, with a stick, and her associates, assaulted Shahnwaz and another person, Nafees, with the intent to kill them.

"Rozida fled to her native village in Madhubani in Bihar, where she lived under a false identity," said the officer.
Mumbai, Jan 3 (PTI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted four members of the banned CPI (Maoist) for the abduction and killing of a youth in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli for being a police informer and an RSS member, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

The accused -- identified as Doba Wadde, Ravi Pallo, Sattu Mahaka and Komati Mahaka -- have been accused of abduction and murder of Dinesh Pusu Gawde in November 2023, it said.

They had allegedly kidnapped and killed Gawde on suspicion of being a police informer and a member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said the statement issued by the NIA.

In its chargesheet filed before the NIA special court here on Thursday, the agency said the accused were active members of CPI (Maoist) and had committed the crime in furtherance of the outfit's conspiracy to spread terror in the minds of the local villagers.

Their act was also aimed at threatening villagers against sharing any information about naxal activities/movements with the security forces, it said.

The case was initially registered at the Dhodraj police station by the Gadchiroli Police, which arrested the accused and seized a "Bharmar gun, along with explosives and incriminating materials at their instance".

The NIA took over the case in October 2024 and has now chargesheeted the accused, all residents of Gadchiroli district.
Ghaziabad, Jan 3 (PTI) A head constable attached with the Ghaziabad Police was arrested on Friday for alleged corruption while another went absconding, officials said.

Both the accused constables deployed in the Ankur Vihar police station limits have been booked under Sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, they said.

The FIR was lodged against Head Constables Vipin Kumar (35) and Dinesh Kumar following the circulation of a video on social media, where they were purportedly seen extorting money from a complainant.

An investigation was conducted, confirming the allegations, after which they were suspended, according to the Ghaziabad Police.

Vipin Kumar was arrested on Friday based on evidence and observations from the viral video. "Head Constable Vipin Kumar hails from Chand Ki Madhiya under Gulaothi Police Station in Bulandshahr," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rural, NK Tiwari, said.

Dinesh Kumar, the other accused, is absconding, and police teams are conducting raids at his possible hideouts, Tiwari added.

"A detailed inquiry will be conducted into the matter. The victim will also be interrogated to confirm the facts and gather more details about the video clip," the DCP said.
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) The office of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Thursday said the AAP government approved the demolition of nine temples across the city last year, accusing the ruling party of indulging in cheap politics.

This accusation came a day after Delhi Chief Minister Atishi wrote to the lieutenant governor, claiming that a religious committee' under his authority had, during its meeting on November 22, ordered the demolition of six religious structures, including Hindu temples and a Buddhist place of worship, in various parts of the city.

The Raj Niwas issued a statement in response, asserting that former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal himself had, on February 8 last year, recommended the demolition of nine temples in different parts of Delhi.

According to the statement, Kejriwal and the then home minister Manish Sisodia had approved the recommendations of the committee for demolishing these temples. Seven of the temples were located in Karawal Nagar, while the remaining two were in New Usmanpur, the statement said, citing documentary evidence.

The office of the lieutenant governor also alleged that in 2016, the then home minister Satyendra Jain had approved the demolition of eight temples in various parts of Delhi.

Documents reveal that from 2016 to 2023, 24 Hindu religious structures, including 22 temples, and just one Muslim religious structure were approved for demolition by Kejriwal and his ministers, the statement claimed.

Additionally, the LG Secretariat revealed that in 2017, Jain had rejected the recommendations of the committee for the demolition of two unmarked mazaars, citing religious sentiments and sensitivities.

This decision was made despite the committee having found no historical significance of these structures, with only five to 10 people visiting them weekly, it said.

The removal of these mazaars was deemed essential for the construction of a grade separator from Filmistan Cinema to DCM Chowk, for which land had been transferred from the Northern Railways to the MCD, as per the statement.

The office of the Lieutenant Governor demanded that AAP retract its statements and apologise for the allegations made against Saxena.

Responding to the allegations, AAP issued a statement late in the evening accusing the lieutenant governor of attempting to "divert attention" from the issue.

"The LG should answer the following questions: Has the principal secretary (home), who heads the 'Religious Committee,' been appointed by the BJP-led central government? Did this 'Religious Committee' approve the demolition of five temples and one Buddhist structure? Did the file of the 'Religious Committee' bypass the minister of home and the chief minister of the Delhi government to reach the LG? Did the LG approve this file?" the statement read.

AAP further alleged, "It is very clear that these officers have been appointed by the central government, and the LG directly controls the Religious Committee. The LG has been caught red-handed trying to order demolitions of temples through members directly appointed by him in the 'Religious Committee' as per the order dated November 22, 2024. Therefore, the LG is now attempting to distract attention."

As assembly elections approach, AAP and opposition BJP are locked in a battle over various issues, including the monthly honorarium scheme for temple priests and granthis at gurudwaras.

Political allegations and counter-allegations have escalated, leading to accusations between the parties, with AAP alleging that the BJP is planning to demolish temples.
Ranchi, Jan 3 (PTI) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file its response to a petition filed by former Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Chhavi Ranjan challenging his detention.



The high court gave four weeks to the central agency to file an affidavit.



Ranjan has moved the court, challenging the order of cognisance taken against him by the Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Court, Ranchi.



The 2011 batch IAS officer, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate after several raids were conducted in the state capital on May 4 last year, is alleged to have been instrumental in the sale of army land measuring 4.55 acres in Ranchis Bariatu area.



Ranjan has also challenged his detention in jail by the ED since that day. Besides Ranjan, 10 other persons have been accused in the case, including businessman Amit Kumar Agarwal.



Ranjan is accused of money laundering and being hand-in gloves with some builders and the land mafia.



He has also been accused of bungling land documents and records to suit some builders imploring them to buy government lands.



The Supreme Court in July last year dismissed Ranjan's bail plea in the case.



Three land parcels at Cheshire Home Road, Pugru and Siram, all in Ranchi, with a commercial value of Rs 161.64 crore, have been provisionally attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED had said.



According to the agency, these land parcels were "mutated fraudulently in favour of land mafia in connivance with the officers of the land revenue department".



The ED has alleged that a "huge racket of illegal change of ownership of land by mafia was going on in Jharkhand".



The agency has arrested 14 people in the case.
Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), Jan 2 (PTI) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested two people here in Nandyal district for trading illegally possessed dead black corals and dead soft corals.

The Hyderabad Zonal Unit of DRI arrested them on December 30, 2024, and seized 10 kg of dead black corals, 200 grams of dead soft corals, and six trapezium horse conches.

"Black corals and soft corals are listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and are thereby provided the highest degree of protection whereas trapezium horse conch is listed in Schedule-II of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972," the DRI said in a press release on Thursday.

According to the apex anti-smuggling agency of India, which works under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, the supplier of the aquatic contraband is based out of Ongole in the southern state.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI's Vijayawada Regional Unit team apprehended the supplier and seized another store of 6.6 kg of dead black corals on December 31.

Corals, endangered marine invertebrates, are vital to the coral reef systems.

"Removing them would destroy the entire habitat in the region as they provide shelter to other creatures and also (form) part of the food chain for various species of fish," it added.

The DRI highlighted that dead black and soft corals have no medical significance or problem-solving abilities. They are locally identified as 'Indrajaal' and 'Mahendrajaal,' respectively, and are procured for their mythical powers.
Bengaluru, Jan 3 (PTI) Hollywood actor Anne Hathaway gets a whiff of Mysore Sandalwood soap; thanks to chef Vikas Khanna.

Vikas Khanna gifted Anne Hathaway the soap, along with his favourite novel, 'Kiss in Kashmir' by Monica Saigal, and a handcrafted marble box from Agra during her visit to his Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award-winning Indian restaurant, Bungalow, in New York on December 19.

The gift has gone viral now, when the official 'X' handle of Mysore Sandalwood Soap, House of Mysore Sandal (@MysoreSandalIn) posted a thank you message on January 2.

"We are honoured by Chef Vikas Khannas thoughtful gesture of presenting the iconic Mysore Sandal Soap to actress Anne Hathaway. This moment celebrated the timeless legacy of Karnatakas pride on a global stage," read the post.

Around the same time, Appaji Nadagouda, Chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited and MLA Muddebihal constituency also thanked Chef Vikas Khanna for his "gracious gesture" and for "bearing the torch of Karnatakas heritage on the global stage.

"This act beautifully highlights the cultural richness and global appeal of our iconic brand," he wrote.

These "thank you" posts put the spotlight squarely on the soap and had people jump in with their two cents worth.

'X' user @naveengowda3, who calls himself "proud Kannadiga", promptly tagged Karnatakas Minister for Commerce and Industries, Infrastructure M B Patil (@MBPatil) telling him that "this is the right time to expand its reach by opening more stores worldwide".

"Lets make this iconic brand a global success," read his post further.

Another user called Don Modi (@wyteJohnny) urged Patil to tie up with luxury hotels in India and abroad.

Arun Katiyar (@arunkatiyar) feels next time Khanna should gift his guests the "Millennium Super Premium Sandalwood Soap".

"Wouldnt that have been a better match for Bungalow?" he asked.

Ashish Mahendra, another 'X' user asked Patil to "send the premium range of Mysore Sandal Soap."

Many also reminisced about how the soap had been a part of their childhood. 'X' user Chandni Rajani recalled how the soap used to be her dads all-time favourite one.

With 'X' awash with praise for the soap, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D K Suresh (@DKSureshINC) too joined the chorus.

"Its a matter of great pride as our Mysore Sandal Soap is being given by Chef @TheVikasKhanna as a special gift to his customers at his New York restaurant... Time for the world to know about our elixir," he wrote.
Bengaluru, Jan 3 (PTI) The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday with the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department of the Karnataka Government to promote astronomy through 'Arivu Kendras' across the state.

The RDPR operates 5,880 'Arivu Kendras' or gram panchayat libraries across the state, primarily located in rural areas and managed by dedicated library supervisors.

"Through this MoU, IIA will collaborate with the department to promote awareness and interest in astronomy, as well as science literacy and scientific temper in the communities served by these kendras.

"This will be achieved through the training and mentorship of supervisors, the creation of astronomy resources in Kannada, and collaboration in organising public activities around celestial events," the Ministry of Science and Technology said in a statement.

According to the ministry, this MoU will enable the two organisations to collaborate in providing information to communities in Kannada about astronomy events visible to the naked eye as well as details about quotidian (everyday) astronomy.

Library supervisors will be trained to conduct low-cost, hands-on activities for the public, with a special focus on students.

"Our 5,880 'Arivu Kendras', spread across rural Karnataka, serve a large community, and this initiative will help them learn more about the night sky as well as recent astronomy news and discoveries.

"Promoting astronomy and science, especially in Kannada, will enhance science literacy, particularly among students who access our 'Arivu Kendras', and through them, foster scientific temperament in the rural community," said Arundhati Chandrashekar, commissioner of Karnataka Panchayat Raj Commissionerate, RDPR department.

Online interactions through the computer labs in the 'Arivu Kendras', including talks, contests, and the use of digital tools, will also be promoted. Additionally, training in the use of small telescopes will be provided, the statement said.

"Rural communities have a fantastic scientific resourceaccess to darker night skies due to reduced light pollution. We have been working with a few 'Arivu Kendras', especially through our COSMOS-Mysuru project, and we look forward to a successful collaboration with the department to spread astronomy throughout rural Karnataka through our dedicated outreach section," said Annapurni Subramaniam, director of IIA.

The Cosmology Education and Research Training Centre (COSMOS-Mysuru) is an upcoming state-of-the-art planetarium and data training centre in Mysuru, being built by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics on the campus of the University of Mysore.
KABUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have discovered a vast quantity of arms and ammunition in eastern Kunar and Nuristan provinces, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement late Thursday.

The weaponry, which includes 49 Kalashnikovs, four rocket-launchers, 29 rocket-propelled grenades, 66 hand grenades, a large quantity of cartridges and bullets, and other illegally preserved military equipment have been seized during a series of operations in different districts of the said provinces, the statement added.

The statement offered no further information regarding the timing of the seizure of the confiscated weapons and ammunition, nor did it confirm whether any arrests had been made in connection with the case.

The Afghan caretaker government has rounded up thousands of arms and a huge quantity of ammunition as part of efforts to stabilize the security situation across the war-ravaged Central Asian country. 
New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI) A 24-year-old woman was found dead in her rented accommodation in the Dabri area of Delhi's Dwarka district on Friday, police said.

Her cab driver is absconding and is suspected to be behind the murder, they said.

"On Friday, we received information about the murder of a woman at Dabri Police Station. A team was dispatched to the location, where a decomposed body of the woman, identified as Deepa, was found in the bedroom," a police officer said.

Deepa had been living with her husband, who she married five years ago, in the rented house.

Her father, Ashok Chauhan, filed a complaint alleging that his son-in-law, Dhanraj, was responsible for her death.

"A case of murder has been registered, and an investigation is underway. Since the victim's husband is absconding, multiple teams have been formed to track and apprehend him," the officer said.

The couple's two-year-old child lives with Deepa's maternal uncle, he added.
On the 7th night of Chanukah, NYPD Deputy Chief Richie Taylor lit the Worlds Largest Menorah on 5th Avenue in Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan as hundreds of spectators cheered him on. Chief Taylor spoke about the miracle of Chanukah and the meaningfulness of coming together and bringing light into the world.

This years Menorah lightings are dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Shmuel M. Butman who first placed the Menorah on 5th Avenue in 1977. Through Rabbi Butmans efforts, the Menorah became a symbol of Jewish pride and unity, gaining international recognition, including a feature on the front page of The New York Times.

The menorah is organized by Rabbi Butmans children, Rabbis Velvl Butman and Yossi Butman, who continue their fathers legacy.
Nearly half a million names of suspected Nazi collaborators from World War II were publicly released today by a Dutch initiative called War in Court after the expiration of a long-standing law restricting access to the records.

The archive, encompassing 32 million pages, details investigations into approximately 425,000 individuals  primarily Dutch citizens  suspected of collaborating with German occupiers during the war. The law that had previously limited public access expired on New Years Day, paving the way for the projects release.

While the list includes the names of those investigated, only about 20% of the individuals ever faced trial. Most cases involved minor offenses, such as membership in the National Socialist Movement (NSB), the Dutch fascist party that aligned with Nazi Germany.

The European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which safeguards personal data, does not extend protections to deceased individuals  representing the overwhelming majority of those named in the archive.

Initially, the project planned to make scanned files and dossiers available online, allowing users to access detailed records on suspects, as well as information about victims and witnesses. However, the Dutch Data Protection Authority issued a warning, leading to the postponement of the full release.

Instead, the project has opted to publish only the names for now. A date for the release of the full dossiers has not been determined, but researchers, journalists, descendants, and other interested parties can request to view the documents in person at the Dutch National Archives in The Hague.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Saudi Arabia executed six Iranian nationals for drug trafficking, intensifying diplomatic tensions with Iran as the two countries continue efforts to rebuild strained relations.

The executions follow a record year for capital punishment in the kingdom, with at least 338 executions carried out in 2024, according to an AFP tally. This figure reflects a sharp increase from the 170 recorded in 2023, surpassing previous highs documented by Amnesty International.

The six Iranians were convicted of smuggling hashish into Saudi Arabia and executed in the Gulf city of Dammam after their appeal had been rejected by the Supreme Court. While the exact date of the executions was not disclosed, the Saudi government defended the action, citing adherence to Islamic law and the need to protect society from the dangers of narcotics.

In response, Iran summoned the Saudi ambassador in Tehran to lodge a formal protest, calling the executions unacceptable and a violation of international norms. Iranian Foreign Ministry official Mojtaba Shasti Karimi criticized Saudi Arabia for failing to notify Iran in advance, and saying that the actions contradicted recent efforts to foster judicial cooperation.

Irans state-run IRNA news agency reported that a delegation would be dispatched to Riyadh to address the issue directly. The executions stand in stark contrast to the spirit of reconciliation that has marked recent relations between our two nations, Karimi said.

Saudi Arabia and Iran, regional rivals for decades, restored diplomatic ties in March 2023 following a China-brokered agreement, ending a seven-year freeze after the kingdom severed relations in 2016.

Saudi Arabias use of capital punishment has drawn increasing international criticism, particularly for drug-related offenses. At least 117 of the executions carried out in 2024 involved convicted drug traffickers. This spike follows the 2022 decision to end a temporary moratorium on executing individuals for non-violent drug offenses.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the surge. In September, over 30 international and Arab human rights groups denounced the rise in executions, highlighting the disproportionate targeting of foreign nationals.

Foreigners accounted for 129 of the 338 executions last year, including nationals from Yemen, Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Nigeria, Jordan, and Ethiopia.

Saudi Arabia has become a significant market for captagon, an illegal amphetamine that has flooded the region. The drug trade exploded during Syrias civil war, where captagon production flourished. Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assads regime last month, Saudi authorities have increased efforts to curtail trafficking.

The kingdom launched a high-profile anti-drug campaign in 2023, resulting in numerous raids and arrests. Officials argue that harsh penalties, including capital punishment, are necessary to deter criminal activity and protect public safety.

Saudi Arabias execution practices continue to attract global attention. In March 2022, the kingdom executed 81 individuals in a single day for terrorism-related offenses, drawing widespread condemnation.

According to Amnesty International, only China and Iran executed more people than Saudi Arabia in 2023. The organizations 2024 report is expected to further highlight Saudi Arabias expanding use of the death penalty.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary findings on the December 12th plane crash that resulted in the tragic death of Monsey resident Yankel Friedman zl, and injuries to the pilot.

The small plane, which took off from Linden Airport in New Jersey at 6:09 p.m., was bound for Albany, New York. However, at 6:26 p.m., one of the pilots reported engine trouble and requested to divert to Westchester County Airport. Moments later, the pilot indicated the engine appeared to recover after switching fuel tanks.

Despite this, at 6:42 p.m., the pilot again reported engine failure and aimed for runway 16 at Westchester. Surveillance footage captured the plane making a steep turn over Interstate 684, climbing briefly, then descending rapidly. A witness on the highway described the plane as falling very fast out of the sky and crashing in the median.

Yankele Friedman, 32, a commercial pilot from Monsey, was niftar at the scene. The 26-year-old pilot from Linden, New Jersey, was hospitalized with minor injuries.

The NTSBs initial investigation found no signs of catastrophic engine failure. Wreckage and flight data are undergoing further analysis.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
On Sunday, December 29, 2025, hundreds of children and families gathered at the Staten Island Mall for the cherished annual Menorah lighting ceremony. Sponsored by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) in partnership with Chabad Lubavitch of Staten Island, the event celebrated the enduring spirit of hope, unity, and resilience.

Set against a backdrop of crafts for children, sizzling latkes, delectable donuts, and vibrant Chanukah cheer, the evening radiated warmth and inspiration. Rabbi Moshe Katzman of Chabad Lubavitch of Staten Island presided over the ceremony, delivering a heartfelt message that resonated deeply with attendees.

COJO President Mendy Mirocznik lauded the event as a beacon of light amid global challenges:

In the face of global turmoil and rising antisemitism, Rabbi Katzmans Menorah lighting stands as a powerful symbol of solidarity. As Israel bravely confronts threats to its survival and as the Jewish people contend with hatred and adversity, the Menorahs light reminds us of our strength to endure. It echoes the resilience of the Jewish people throughout history. Rabbi Katzman has uplifted Staten Islands spirit, instilling optimism and reinforcing our belief in a brighter future.

Mirocznik further emphasized, The Menorahs light guides us through adversity, reminding us of our ability to overcome challenges. Just as the Jewish people have persevered through centuries of trials, we, too, will emerge stronger, united, and hopeful for peace, tranquility, and brighter days ahead.

Appreciation for Partnerships

Mirocznik expressed profound gratitude to Jim Easley, Manager of Staten Island Mall, for his continued support and commitment to hosting the 36th Annual Menorah Lighting at the mall. He described the event as a testament to the strength of Staten Islands community spirit.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of law enforcement, Mirocznik described the NYPD as modern-day Maccabees, commending their unwavering dedication to public safety. He extended heartfelt thanks to:

Chief Melissa Eger, NYPD Staten Island Borough Commander

Inspector Glorisel Lee, Commanding Officer, Precinct 121

Captain Matthew Divito, Executive Officer, Precinct 121

Additionally, Mirocznik recognized Officer Mike Ramos of Staten Island Mall Security and Ari Weiss, COJO Security Chairman and Coordinator of Staten Island Shomrim, for their invaluable contributions to ensuring the safety and success of the event.

We at COJO deeply value our partnership with the NYPD, said Mirocznik. Their commitment to Staten Islands safety makes events like the Mall Menorah Lighting possible. No matter the hour or the day, the NYPD is there to protect and serve, allowing us to gather as a community in peace and unity. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration to further enhance the quality of life on Staten Island.

The Flame of Resilience

Despite cold and inclement weather, the Menorahs flame burned brightly, undeterred by the wind, embodying the resilience and hope of the Staten Island Jewish community.

Concluding the ceremony, Mirocznik shared a powerful message of optimism:

Our Chanukah spirit remains undiminished. The ancient flame of the Menorah is a force of hope and inspiration. Todays gathering reminds us of the strength found in unity. I firmly believe that, together, we will overcome challenges, and happy days will return. The Staten Island Mall Menorah Lighting reflects the light, strength, and resilience of our community, and I am confident that brighter times are ahead.
Donald Trump is expected to hold a big Washington rally the day before hes sworn in as the nations 47th president.

The victory rally, as its being billed, will be held at the Capitol One Arena in the District of Columbia on Jan. 19. Trump has always preferred rally-style events where he can freewheel and joke with his supporters. Hell be inaugurated in a formal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20th.

This is President Trumps VICTORY RALLY the DAY before being sworn in as the 47th President  the crowd needs to be HUGE! read an email to supporters advertising the event.

The rally is indoors  Trumps big outdoor events were limited in the months following an assassination attempt. The arena seats roughly 20,000 people.

Security will be tight; the inauguration is considered a national special security event which frees up federal funds and increased ease on collaboration with local law enforcement.

Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders to his inauguration  an unorthodox move that would fold U.S. allies and adversaries into a very American political tradition. Its not clear if any leaders will actually attend.

The incoming president has pledged to begin a mass deportation effort as soon as he takes office. Hes also vowed to levy massive tariffs against the United States chief economic competitor, China, as well as neighbors Canada and Mexico unless those countries do more to reduce illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Hes also pledged to move quickly to end Russias nearly three-year war in Ukraine.

(AP)
A large portion of downtown Omaha lost power for several hours Thursday after a garbage truck got stuck in a sinkhole where utility lines had become exposed.

The truck became stuck around 8 a.m. with its nose tilted down into the sinkhole and its rear wheels lifting several inches off the ground. Firefighters said the sinkhole is more than 10 feet (3 meters) deep and a number of utility lines were exposed when the hole formed at an alley entrance.

City Engineer Austin Rowser told the KETV television station that officials had been concerned about the alley and put up a barricade to keep vehicles from driving down it. Rowser said the driver of the Waste Management trash truck moved the barricade to drive through the alley.

Waste Management did not immediately respond to questions about the drivers actions.

The Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District utilities shut off electricity and gas service to the surrounding area while the situation was investigated.

The Omaha Fire Department said the garbage truck was removed by early afternoon and power was restored. Natural gas service remained shut off while those lines were being checked out.

(AP)
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- There is no safety for civilians anywhere in Gaza, with more than 80 percent of the Gaza Strip under Israeli evacuation orders, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said on social media platform X, "There is no humanitarian zone let alone a 'safe zone.'"

He called for an end to misleading evacuation orders and the killing of civilians, warning that every day without a ceasefire brings more tragedy.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of large areas within Gaza, citing rocket fire into Israel. The office said an initial analysis indicates the new orders cover about 3 square km in North Gaza and Deir al Balah governorates. Strikes have been reported in the Al Mawasi area, where people were ordered to move and take shelter.

"Over 80 percent of the Gaza Strip is under unrevoked Israeli evacuation orders. Amid this situation, OCHA warns that the ability of humanitarian organizations to support people in need across Gaza is further diminishing," said OCHA.

The humanitarians said some of the most onerous restrictions on humanitarian movement were recorded last month, including blocking access to border areas for collecting supplies, denying attempts to deliver goods and services, or assessing needs across Gaza. Overall, 39 percent of UN attempts to move aid workers anywhere in Gaza were rejected by the Israeli authorities, with another 18 percent disrupted or interfered with.

Access has been denied for the besieged areas in North Gaza since Oct. 6. According to OCHA, out of 166 attempts, 150 were refused, and 16 were initially agreed to but interfered with or faced impediments. The office noted that access to what remains of hospitals in the north is among the top priorities.

OCHA also said that in the West Bank, it joined with UNRWA and other humanitarian partners to assess the aftermath of an Israeli operation in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps last week. Teams visited the area on Tuesday and estimated more than 1,000 housing units and about 100 shops were damaged from explosions or bulldozing. Over 20 families of more than 90 people were displaced.

The office said that damage to infrastructure disrupted electricity, water and sewage networks. OCHA mobilized a humanitarian response by partners, who trucked water to people.

It said the West Bank assessment will inform further interventions, including installing new water tanks, vacuuming sewage and distributing hygiene kits and emergency cash. 
The U.S. is grappling with a surge of four major virusesflu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirusas millions return to work and school after the holiday season, according to new data.

Health experts warn that the coming weeks could see further spikes as the country enters peak flu season. Norovirus cases are at their highest for this time of year since 2012, while RSV hospitalizations have jumped nearly 40% in just two weeks.

So far, 3.1 million Americans have been infected by the flu, with 1,500 deaths and 37,000 hospitalizations reported. COVID-19 cases are estimated between 2.5 to 4.4 million since October, resulting in up to 13,000 deaths.

In response, hospitals in Wisconsin, California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Indiana have reinstated mask mandates. New York City officials are urging residents to consider wearing masks on public transport.

Experts blame holiday gatherings and weakened immunity from past lockdowns for the surge, cautioning that viral activity may remain high through January and February.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
President Joe Biden recently reviewed potential U.S. military options targeting Irans nuclear facilities during a confidential White House meeting led by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, three sources familiar with the matter told Axios. The discussions, which took place several weeks ago, explored how the U.S. could respond if Iran advanced toward nuclear weaponization before January 20.

While no strike was authorized, the meeting underscores growing concerns about Irans accelerating nuclear program and the potential for heightened tensions in the Middle East during the final weeks of Bidens presidency.

According to officials who spoke to Axios, the meeting was not prompted by new intelligence or an imminent threat. Instead, it was part of prudent scenario planning aimed at preparing for contingencies if Iran enriches uranium to weapons-grade levels. Sullivan presented Biden with several military options but did not make any formal recommendations, sources said.

This was not a yes or no decision-making session, a senior U.S. official clarified. It was a strategic assessment of the landscape and how the U.S. should react if Iran crosses a red line in its nuclear development.

Another source emphasized that there are currently no active discussions about military action against Iran. However, the potential for escalation remains as Irans nuclear program inches closer to producing weapons-grade material.

Iran has increased its uranium enrichment to 60% purity, a short step from the 90% required to build a nuclear bomb. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran has accumulated enough 60%-enriched uranium to produce at least four nuclear bombs if further enriched.

Though Iranian officials insist the program is purely for civilian use, their rhetoric has shifted in recent months. Several Iranian leaders have publicly hinted at reconsidering Irans nuclear doctrine, fueling suspicions in Washington and Jerusalem.

Sullivan recently warned at a New York conference, You can see it in the public statements. Iranian officials are raising the question of whether their doctrine needs to change. That cannot be ignored.

Some of Bidens aides argue that Irans weakening position presents a rare opportunity for a decisive strike. Irans proxy forces, including Hezbollah and Houthi rebels, have faced major losses during ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly in their war with Israel.

Additionally, U.S. and Israeli strikes have degraded Irans air defense systems and missile capabilities, potentially reducing the risk of retaliation.

This may be the best chance to act without triggering widespread conflict, one source said. Irans proxies are on the back foot, and its defenses are compromised. That combination improves the odds of success.

However, the political risks of initiating military action during a lame-duck period are high. Striking Iran could ignite broader conflict in the Middle East, overshadow Bidens foreign policy legacy, and hand a volatile situation to his successor, Donald Trump.

Biden is said to have focused on the urgency of the situation during the meeting, asking whether Irans actions justify immediate military intervention. Ultimately, no final decisions were made.

Irans nuclear program has been a persistent source of tension between Tehran and the West. U.S. intelligence and Israeli officials have long tracked suspicious activities, including uranium enrichment, weaponization research, and ballistic missile development.

In October, an Israeli airstrike targeted Irans Parchin military complex, damaging equipment believed to be vital for developing nuclear warheads. The strike, which followed reports of Iranian research into bomb design, temporarily slowed Irans progress.

Nevertheless, intelligence agencies believe that if Iran decided to build a bomb, it could take as little as one year to develop a functional nuclear weapon. The Parchin attack created a bottleneck, but officials remain wary of Irans advancing capabilities.

The Biden administration has pursued a dual-track strategy of diplomacy and pressure, but efforts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have stalled. In the absence of a formal agreement, the U.S. has relied on sanctions and covert operations to slow Irans nuclear advances.

At the same time, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes targeting Iranian assets in Syria and Iraq to disrupt arms transfers and missile development. Israeli officials view Irans nuclear program as an existential threat and have signaled willingness to act unilaterally if necessary.

The U.S. has also increased intelligence-sharing with Israel and regional allies, signaling its commitment to countering Iranian aggression.

In spring 2024, the Biden administration quietly warned Iran about suspicious nuclear activities. Despite this, the IAEA and U.S. intelligence continue to report worrisome developments.

As Bidens term nears its conclusion, Sullivan and other officials have briefed President-elect Trumps team about the situation, ensuring continuity in monitoring Irans nuclear program.

They may choose a different course, Sullivan said, but we want to ensure they understand the severity of the threat.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint intelligence bulletin on Thursday warning law enforcement agencies across the United States of potential copycat attacks following this weeks deadly ramming and shooting incident in New Orleans.

The bulletin, shared with 18,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, aims to raise awareness about the possibility of future attacks involving vehicles used as weapons to inflict mass casualties. According to sources, the advisory was issued as a precautionary measure to ensure agencies remain vigilant.

The attack, which claimed 14 lives and injured 35 others, was carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S.-born Army veteran from Texas. Jabbar, who pledged allegiance to ISIS prior to the attack, drove a pickup truck into crowds on Bourbon Street before opening fire on police officers and bystanders. He was killed at the scene by law enforcement.

FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia stated that Jabbar acted alone, and while inspired by ISIS, there is no evidence to suggest he had co-conspirators. However, the bulletin highlights that ISIS has long promoted vehicle-ramming attacks and has amplified calls for such actions since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023.

Law enforcement agencies were advised to monitor for signs of pre-operational surveillance, fraudulent documents, and suspicious vehicle rentals. The bulletin also noted the recovery of bomb-making materials, referred to as precursor chemicals, from Jabbars residence in Houston during a search warrant execution.

While investigations continue, authorities stressed there is no known current threat to public safety.

In a related development, the FBI said there is no known connection between the New Orleans attack and a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, which is being investigated as a separate potential act of terrorism.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
President Joe Biden will visit New Orleans next week, with the city still reeling from the deadly New Years rampage in which an Army veteran plowed a truck into revelers.

The White House says the president and first lady will travel to New Orleans on Monday to grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack.

Fourteen people were killed in the attack. The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an American citizen from Texas, was later killed during an exchange of gunfire with police.

Biden said Thursday that he had ordered an accelerated investigation into the attack. He also praised the spirit of the people of New Orleans.

After visiting Louisiana, Biden will travel to California for an event in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

(AP)
A recent report reveals that from the early 20th century to 1958, Syrias 2,500-year-old Jewish community was systematically persecuted, over $10 billion in Jewish property and assets were seized, and a community that numbered 50,000 at the beginning toof the 20th century dwindled to a handful of elderly Jews still living in the war-torn country today.

Justice for Jews from Arab Countries (JJAC), a group representing Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, published a report on Syrias persecuted Jewish community. The report is only the first of a series of 11 reports about the persecution and elimination of Jews from Muslim countries.

JJAC co-president Sylvain Abitbol told Ynet: The current narrative is that the Jews are Europeans and colonizers and that there is only one set of refugees because Jews have never been part of the landscape of the Middle East. We are publishing reports that document the presence of Jews in the Middle East for thousands of years.

The breadth and scale of the near-total displacement of Jews from eleven Muslim countries in the second half of the 20th-century ranks among the more significant cases of mass displacement in modern history. For over 75 years, the world has ignored some 1,000,000 Jews uprooted from the Arab totalitarian regimes, dictatorships and monarchies of Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Yemen, and Aden, as well as Iran. From the 1,000,000 Jews in 1948 based in 10 Arab countries plus Iran, today, less than 1% remain. Most fled to Israel, the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people for thousands of years, the report states.

Rabbi Dr. Eli Abadie, co-president of JJAC, said: The injustice that was visited upon the indigenous Syrian Jewish community is a story that very few people know about it. What [the Syrian government] did was uproot a community that goes back to the time of the destruction of the First Beit Hamikdash. They uprooted a community even older than the Arabs themselves, older than Islam. And they did it with impunity. They covered up the story and never really were taken to task for what they did.

The report emphasizes the prominence of the Jewish community in Syria before the persecution began. The community was renowned for its substantial economic contributions. Jewish merchants played a role in foreign trade, managed significant banking networks, and engaged in international commerce connecting Syria with Baghdad, Persia, and India.

But beginning in the 1930s, Nazi and Fascist movements gained influence in Syria in the form of fascist-inspired movements, the emergence of Nazi-style youth groups, increasing physical attacks, and growing antisemitic rhetoric. Much of the antisemitic rhetoric and violence was incited by the Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin Al Husseini.

The post-World War II era saw the most aggressive persecution, including comprehensive property confiscation, severe movement restriction, systematic economic marginalization, violent incidents, and government-sanctioned harassment, the report says.

In 1947 in Aleppo, At least 150 homes, 50 shops, all of the communitys 18 synagogues, 5 schools, its orphanage, and a youth club were damaged. Property damage was estimated at $2.5 million. Many people were reported killed, but no figures have ever been advanced. More than half of the citys Jews fled across the borders into Turkey, Lebanon, and British Mandatory Palestine.

Abadie, the son of Syrian Jews from Aleppo, was born in Lebanon because his parents were persecuted in Syria and were forced to escape to what was then a haven. But in 1971, the Abadie family went through a similar ordeal in Lebanon and was forced out of another Arab country.

Abadie said that Syria and other Arab countries suffered major losses by persecuting and evicting their Jewish populations. It is not a matter of opinion but fact, he said. Bereft of creativity, money, finances, and culture, what was left of Syria? Or Yemen? Or Lebanon? These countries became backward countries. They lost.

The Jewish population in Syria, which was mainly centered in Damascus and Aleppo, numbered 50,000 in the early 20th century. It decreased to 30,000 by 1948 and dwindled to 5,000 a decade later. In 1991, only 100 Jews remained in Syria and today there are nine elderly Jews still living in the country.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF successfully targeted and eliminated two senior Hamas police commanders in a precision strike, according to Palestinian sources. The operation resulted in the deaths of Hamas police chief Mahmoud Salah and Khan Younis district commander Hossam Shahwan, dealing another blow to the terror groups leadership in Gaza.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, a terrorist incident occurred near Deir Qaddis in the Ephraim Brigade sector. A vehicle ramming attack left a female IDF soldier with minor injuries. Security forces responded rapidly, neutralizing the attacker at the scene.

Also, alarms sounded in Eilat, Israels southernmost city, following the detection of a possible hostile aircraft. The alert was later confirmed as a false alarm, and normal activity resumed.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Attorney Liat Ben Ari, a senior prosecutor in the State Attorneys Office who led the witchhunt in indicting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, announced on Thursday that she is resigning from her position at the end of the month.

Ben Ari, 59, claimed that her resignation is due to personal reasons and is not related to the prime ministers trial.

She said that dealing with the many challenging tasks over the years, particularly in my recent roles, involved significant strain and heavy responsibility, which also led to a sense of exhaustion. With the disaster that befell us on October 7, 2023, thoughts about life and its meaning have intensified.

However, her resignation comes at a rather intriguing time, shortly after the judges scoffed in court at the charges of bribery against Netanyahu in Case 4000, even snapping at the prosecutor that the court recommended you drop the bribery charges. [In June 2023, the Jerusalem District Court recommended that the prosecution drop the bribery charges, warning that a conviction was unlikely.]

And Ben Liat [unsuccessfully] tried to have Netanyahu charged with bribery in all three cases!

Although Ben Liat led the cases at the indictment stage, other attorneys are arguing the case in court.

During the court sessions, the judges expressed skepticism over many of the prosecutions claims in key incidents, leading Netanyahus defense lawyer, Amit Hadad, to tell the prosecutor: You have no reasonable chance of conviction.

The prosecution provided dozens of examples of Netanyahu allegedly bribing the CEO of Walla to provide favorable coverage of him. However, Hadad successfully demonstrated that the examples the prosecution provided were written without the knowledge or involvement of Netanyahu or his family members.

Not only that but Hadad provided proof that Walla not only failed to provide favorable coverage to Netanyahu but was hostile and unresponsive to the prime minister. Hadad showed the court an example of a Walla report that was written in a far more hostile manner to Netanyahu than even the report by the far-left Haaretz outlet, which is known for its hostility toward the prime minister.

But the indictment cites that Walla report, and dozens of other reports that were hostile to the prime minister, as articles written after Netanyahu personally interfered and received positive coverage in exchange for personal favors for the Walla CEO!

The judges disbelief was a very serious blow to the prosecution as the allegations are part of Case 4000, the most serious of the cases against Netanyahu as it involves the bribery charges.

Right-wing politicians and social media users rejoiced at Ben Liats announcement of her resignation. One person wrote: Gallant and Ben Ari? Wow, 2025 is starting off great!

Channel 14 journalist Yinon Magal wrote: Another one joins the list  Liat Ben Ari is going home.

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote: The resignation of tailor [the Hebrew word for fabricating a case also means to sew] Liat Ben Ari does not provide immunity from an inquiry committee that will examine the framing of cases against the prime minister. The truth must come to light!

A social media user wrote: Ben Ari should be prosecuted for fraud and political persecution using state tools.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Wednesday that if Hamas fails to release over 100 hostages held for 454 days and continues rocket attacks, Israel will strike Gaza with a force not seen in a long time.

Speaking in Netivot, Katz declared, The IDF will intensify its activities against terrorist nests in Gaza until the hostages are freed and Hamas is eliminated.

The warning follows Hamas firing two rockets at Netivot to mark the New Year, with no reported damage or injuries. Hamas released footage of the rocket attacks on Thursday.

Katz urged Gazas residents to rise up against Hamas and pressure the group to release the hostages to avoid further suffering.

Following Wednesdays rocket fire, Israel issued evacuation warnings in Gazas Bureij camp ahead of retaliatory strikes.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Bachour Simantov, one of the few remaining Jews in Syria, met with one of the members of the new Syrian rebel government.

The video was published by Kans Arab Affairs correspondent Roi Kais.

In the video, the government representative, Muhammad Badriah, is heard saying: Good evening to everyone from Damascus from the home of the head of the Jewish community in Damascus  Bachour Simantov. 

Reassure us that youre okay, Badriah says to Simantov. Thank G-d, everything is good, Simantov responds. Whats the situation in Syria? Badriah asks. It couldnt be better, Simantov responds. Its stable.

Badriah says: The Assad regime no longer exists and theres no more fear. There are no checkpoints, no secret police. The one whose name shouldnt be mentioned [Assad] wont return. Were a democratic country. We want you to call all the various sects to return to Syria. Theyll live here in peace and security.

Kans Kais interjects: This special footage is of Bachour Simantov, one of the last Jews in Damascus, with Muhammad Badriah, one of the members of the government of Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani.

Kais then shows footage of Simantov visiting the Eliyahu Hanavi shul in Jobar, which was almost completely destroyed under Assad. He then flashes back to the footage of Simantov with Badriah, who says, The head of the Jewish community also sends blessings to Al-Sharaa, who protects minorities. G-d should protect you. Everyone is living in peace and security.

Simantov says: Jews of Syrian origin dont believe that there really will be peace and theyll be able to return. Be sure. There will be peace and quiet and with the help of G-d, youll return. Each one will return to his home, his neighborhood, his nation.

Badriah: I invite all the sects, including the Jewish population. Were all hopeful that youll return to your homes. Your homes are there. Theyre all here. Dear members of the religion of Moses  whoever returns, his house will be here. G-d should bless you all.

Kais then quotes Simantov as saying that Badriah promised to rebuild the Eliyahu HaNavi shul in Jobar and provide security for the shul.

Kais ended with the question on everyones minds. Is the new rebel governments talk about peace just a show for the West? Only time will tell.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Red alert sirens sounded in several areas in central and southern Israel due to a missile launched from Yemen. Explosions heard all over Yerushalyim.

The military reports that a missile launched from Yemen entered Israeli airspace, prompting an attempted interception.

The IDF in a short statement said: Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central and southern Israel, a missile that was launched from Yemen and crossed into Israeli territory was intercepted. A report was received regarding shrapnel from the interception that fell in the area of Modiin in central Israel.

Shrapnel was also found on Friday morning in south Jerusalem and the Mateh Yehudah area. BChasdei Hashem no one was injured and there was only minor physical damage. Police bomb sappers examined the debris and removed them.

The police stated: We remind the public that in any case of locating warfare-related items of any kind, one should report to the police emergency hotline at 100 and not touch these items due to the significant danger they pose, prior to examination by the police bomb squad.

MDA teams were dispatched to treat 12 people who were injured on their way to the shelter and 9 individuals suffering from shock.
This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2025 shows cars carrying South Korean investigators running on the way to the presidential residence in central Seoul, South Korea. A group of South Korean prosecutors and investigators of the anti-corruption investigative unit launched an attempt to arrest the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, multiple media outlets said Friday. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)

SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A group of South Korean prosecutors and investigators of the anti-corruption investigative unit launched an attempt to arrest the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, multiple media outlets said Friday.

The prosecutors and investigators of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) walked into a road at the main gate leading to the presidential residence in central Seoul, TV footage showed.

The investigators were reportedly confronting agents of the presidential security service, who protect Yoon at close range inside the residence.

The CIO warned earlier that if the security service blocked the arrest, it would be a crime of obstruction of justice.

The detention warrant against Yoon was issued by a Seoul court on Tuesday to question the impeached leader over his martial law imposition on the night of Dec. 3, 2024, that was revoked by the National Assembly hours later. Yoon had been named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on insurrection charge.

About 2,700 riot policemen were reportedly deployed to the residence to help proceed with the arrest warrant.

The CIO has been investigating Yoon's martial law imposition jointly with the National Office of Investigation (NOI) and the defense ministry's investigation headquarters.

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 power is suspended. 

South Korean investigators and policemen prepare to enter the presidential residence in central Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 3, 2025. A group of South Korean prosecutors and investigators of the anti-corruption investigative unit launched an attempt to arrest the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, multiple media outlets said Friday. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)

This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2025 shows cars carrying South Korean investigators running on the way to the presidential residence in central Seoul, South Korea. A group of South Korean prosecutors and investigators of the anti-corruption investigative unit launched an attempt to arrest the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, multiple media outlets said Friday. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is preparing to shut down its operations in Gaza and the West Bank following new limitations imposed by Israel, The New York Times reports.

In October, Israels Knesset overwhelmingly approved two measures aimed at restricting UNRWAs activities. One law, passed by a 92-10 vote, prohibits the agency from operating within Israeli territory. A second measure, which bars Israeli state authorities from coordinating with UNRWA in Palestinian territories, passed with an 87-9 majority.

The new restrictions are scheduled to take effect at the end of January, 90 days after their approval.

While the legislation does not explicitly forbid UNRWA from continuing its work in Gaza and the West Bank, the lack of coordination with Israeli authorities is expected to severely hamper its ability to operate.

Louise Wateridge, a senior UNRWA official, told The New York Times that the inability to communicate with Israel could place the agencys staff at significant risk. If we cant share that information with Israeli authorities on a daily basis, then we have staff lives in danger, Wateridge explained.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A group of 21 California residents has filed a federal lawsuit against Democratic Reps. Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman, accusing them of violating international law and the U.S. Constitution by voting in favor of military aid to Israel, according to the Jewish News Syndicate.

The lawsuit, filed on December 19 in a federal court in San Francisco, alleges that Thompson and Huffmans April 2024 votes for the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act were unlawful due to Israels actions in Gaza, which the plaintiffs describe as genocide.

The contested vote saw 366 members of Congress approve the aid package, with only 58 voting against it. The plaintiffs argue that by supporting the bill, Thompson and Huffman exceeded the constitutional limitations on their tax and spend authority and became complicit in actions that violate both customary international law and federal law prohibiting genocide.

The lawsuit references South Africas attempt to charge Israel with genocide at the International Court of Justice, as well as statements by Amnesty International and UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese (a known antisemite), to support its claims.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
British Airways has announced a monumental shake up of its Executive Club loyalty scheme.

The points programme has rebranded to the British Airways Club, and from 1 April new tier points requirements will kick in for those aiming to earn elite status.

From then, members will earn tier points - which are separate from Avios - based on the cost of their flight.

The new scheme means points will be awarded on the basis of money spent - rather than distance flown - at a rate of one tier point per 1.

The number of points members will need to reach each status has also risen sharply.

To qualify for Gold status  which includes benefits such as access to first lounges and enhanced baggage allowance  customers will need to earn 20,000 points in a year, up from 1,500 points currently.

British Airways said the changes are 'based on member feedback' and are part of British Airways' overall 7billion transformation programme, announced in 2024.

We look at what's changing for Executive Club members and whether the loyalty scheme is worth being part of.

Ringing the changes: British Airways has overhauled its loyalty scheme so that the tier points scheme is based on money spent, rather than miles travelled

How is BA Executive Club changing?

The qualifications for each elite status are changing. The entry level Blue tier is open to all. It offers free wifi messaging on board and the ability to earn Avios points.

Here are the new requirements for each status which kick in from 1 April 2025:

Bronze: 3,500 tier points

Silver: 7,500 tier points

Gold: 20,000 tier points

Additionally there is also:

Gold Guest List  new member: 65,000 tier points (with at least 52,000 earned through British Airways-marketed flights and British Airways Holidays)

Gold Guest List  renewal: 40,000 tier points (with at least 32,000 earned through British Airways-marketed flights and British Airways Holidays

New ways to collect BA tier points

As part of its roll-out of changes, BA also announced new ways of earning tier points.

Customers will be able to earn up to 1,000 tier points per year by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel credits. They will get one tier point and 10 Avios per 1 spent on sustainable aviation fuel credits.

Later in 2025, members can also expect tier points on credit card spending. BA American Express Premium Plus card holders able to earn up to 2,500 tier points per year by spending on their card, though it is not yet known what the conversion rate will be.

For the first time, members will also be able to collect tier points for ancillary spending such as seat selection and excess baggage.

Customers will also be able to earn one point per 1 spent at British Airways Holidays. For high-end leisure travellers this could be an attractive way of earning status.

There will be milestone bonuses of 2,500 Avios at 5,500 tier points, 4,000 Avios at 11,000 tier points and 5,000 Avios at 16,000 tier points.

The net effect is that earning Gold status will now be very, very difficult, bordering on impossible, for leisure travellers

Rob Burgess, of frequent flyer website Headforpoints.com said: 'The net effect is that earning Gold status will now be very, very difficult, bordering on impossible, for leisure travellers.'

'Even Silver will be a major stretch.

'BA is effectively washing its hands of the leisure market and going all-in to attract the dwindling band of full fare business travellers.'

Customers have expressed unhappiness with the changes on X.

One customer posted: 'BA executive club is significant influence in my choice of airline for business and leisure travel. The new frequent flyer scheme isn't useful or attractive to me anymore.

While another said: 'We've travelled transatlantic with you for years but are switching to United Airlines.'

BA said customers who already hold bookings for travel after 1 April 2025 will be awarded tier points based on a conversion of the existing method. Any existing bookings will earn proportionally the same number of tier points, or more, as they would today.

What does it mean for oneworld status?

BA Executive Club members can use their points, and also access benefits such as lounge access, when travelling with other airlines which also use the 'oneworld' joint rewards system.

Some might now find it easier to gain higher status with other oneworld carriers, and still get many of the same perks when travelling with BA.

Burgess said: 'I suspect that most people will now find it easier to earn Silver or Gold-equivalent status via another oneworld airline  you would get virtually the same benefits except for Gold access to additional Economy Avios inventory.'

As an example, Burgess said: 'Oneworld member Royal Jordanian will give you 12-months of BA Bronze-equivalent status for just $49 if you have hotel or airline elite status elsewhere.'

Colm Lacy, British Airways' chief commercial officer, said: 'The changes we have announced underline our continued investment in our loyalty programme and in our customers.

'Based on our members' feedback, we've built on the changes we've already made  including how customers collect Avios and their membership year  in a way that we believe better rewards their loyalty and reflects their changing travel needs.'
It might have been a new year, but the biggest corporate news on the first session of 2025 came from a number of old deals completing.

Vodafone said it had finalised the sale of its Italian operations to Swisscom for 6.6billion.

As part of the agreement, the UK mobile telecoms firm will continue to provide some services to Vodafone Italy for up to five years.

Vodafone said the proceeds will be used to reduce net debt with a target to return up to 1.66billion to shareholders once its buyback programme has completed. It gained 0.9 per cent, or 0.58p, to 68.88p.

Meanwhile, FTSE 250-listed John Wood announced the completion of the sale of its 51 per cent stake in Ethos Energy Group  a joint venture with Siemens Energy focused on rotating equipment  to One Equity Partners for 110million in cash.

Investors in the oilfield and engineering services provider were cheered by news that the 33.7million of prior planned loan notes were replaced by an extra cash consideration at completion. Wood Group rose 2.6 per cent, or 1.7p, to 67.3p.

Debt fight: Vodafone said it had finalised the sale of its Italian operations to Swisscom for 6.6bn but will continue to provide some services to Vodafone Italy for up to five years

The new year started in the same volatile fashion it exited the last. At the close, the FTSE 100 was up 1.1 per cent, or 87.07 points, at 8260.09, while the FTSE 250 rose 0.1 per cent, or 17.62 points, to 20,640.23.

As investors braced for the deluge of post-Christmas retail trading updates, Marks & Spencer stood out, gaining 3.7 per cent, or 13.8p, to 389.3p, on speculation it enjoyed a strong festive period thanks to its premium-quality food and drink.

But retail chain Kingfisher lost 0.5 per cent, or 1.3p, to 247.4p, amid DIY market uncertainties.

Strength in heavyweight commodity issues was the main prop for the blue-chips.

Precious miners found support from a higher gold price, with Fresnillo up 4.5 per cent, or 28p, to 649.5p, and Endeavour Mining ahead 4.9 per cent, or 70p, to 1495p.

Banking issues were a drag, however. Barclays shed 0.5 per cent, or 1.25p, to 266.9p, while HSBC fell 0.2 per cent, or 1.9p, to 73.2p.

Among the small caps, Roquefort Therapeutics gained 3.7 per cent, or 0.15p, to 4.2p, as it revealed plans to sell its Lyramid subsidiary to Pleiades Pharma for at least 8million.

Mission Group rose 12.5 per cent, or 3p, to 27p, as the digital marketing and communications firm sealed the sale of its April Six subsidiary to Marketbridge for a total of 17.4million, with the net proceeds to go towards paying off debt.

And Victoria added 7.3 per cent, or 5p, at 73.6p, following a spate of share buying from directors, including Gavin Petken, a non-executive director of the royal carpets supplier.

Before Christmas, Saqib Karim, managing director of a Victoria subsidiary, took his holding up to over 5 per cent.

Meanwhile, Emmerson gained 19.7 per cent, or 0.12p, to 0.73p, after the Morocco-focused potash development company signed a deal with a specialist litigation funding firm to secure 8.8million in financing, with the funds to go towards its dispute with the government of Morocco.

Contango Holdings took on 12 per cent, or 0.15p, at 1.4p, after the Zimbabwe coal producer received a royalty payment of 160,000.
Herald Investment Trust is urging shareholders to reject Saba Capital's 'opportunistic' attempt to gain control of the company.

Saba wrote a bombshell open letter last month targeting the investors of seven London-listed investment trusts, including Herald, urging them to remove their boards and revamp their investment managers and mandates.

The New York-headquartered hedge fund is now the biggest shareholder in all the trusts, with stakes of between 19 per cent and 29 per cent, having built up large positions throughout last year.

The other affected trusts are Baillie Gifford US Growth, CQS Natural Resources Growth & Income, Edinburgh Worldwide, European Smaller Companies, Henderson Opportunities, and Keystone Positive Change.

Boaz Weinstein, founder and chief executive of Saba, lashed out at the trusts' relative underperformance, 'disengaged' management and a 'persistent' discount to their net asset value (NAV).

Saba has subsequently requisitioned a general meeting for all seven trusts, where investors can decide whether to expel all current directors and appoint 'new, highly qualified' candidates as their replacements.

Turning down: Herald Investment Trust is urging shareholders to reject hedge fund Saba Capital's 'opportunistic' attempt to gain control of the company

It wants Paul Kazarian, principal executive officer of Saba's publicly traded investment trusts, and former finance and banking executive Jassen Trenkow to join Herald's board.

'If you are ready for positive change, then we strongly urge you to vote in favour of the resolutions as we firmly believe they are the only credible, long-term way to earn outsized returns on your investment,' Weinstein said.

However, Herald's bosses have hit back, saying Saba's proposal to take control of the business was 'opportunistic' and being done for its own economic benefit instead of concerns about the firm's performance or share rating.

They also said the firm had not given 'concrete details' of its investment strategy for Herald and warned that shareholders could lose 'significant value' if the hedge fund sells portions of the portfolio after gaining ownership.

As a result, Herald wants all shareholders to reject Saba's resolutions at the upcoming general meeting on 22 January.

Bosses at European Smaller Companies have already advised its shareholders to vote against Saba's takeover, while the other trusts have called on investors to 'take no action at this time.'

Andrew Joy, chairman of Herald, said: 'Since launch in 1994, Herald Investment Trust's investment strategy has delivered outstanding investment performance and substantial returns for its shareholders.'

According to the business, it has achieved a 2,612 per cent NAV return throughout its lifetime, but Saba has 'materially underperformed' with an 865 per cent return since 2009.

Herald runs four technology-focused funds, such as Herald Worldwide Technology, whose largest holdings include Apple, Microsoft, and Google's parent company, Alphabet.

The firm said the technology industry is 'experiencing a particularly dynamic phase,' with artificial intelligence creating new products and services and geopolitical instability driving innovation in the defence and cybersecurity sectors.
At Thomson Reuters we understand that in todays dynamic business landscape, relationships not only matter, they are a key differentiator in the marketplace.

The Thomson Reuters Partnerships & Alliances Program connects our clients to world-class organizations, services, and products through robust programs designed to propel Thomson Reuters and its partners to heights impossible to achieve alone. Becoming a Thomson Reuters partner gives businesses access to the tools, resources, people, and innovation necessary to meet and exceed our clients evolving needs.
BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- High-quality development, the "primary task" in building China into a modern socialist country in all respects, showed further advancements in 2024 as the world's second-largest economy saw its economic power, scientific and technological capabilities, and composite national strength continue to grow, according to the government.

At a press conference held in Beijing on Friday, Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), highlighted some key achievements in terms of high-quality development last year.

Growing innovation strength -- Zhao said China rose to the 11th position in the Global Innovation Index rankings last year, and continuously made major innovation achievements, such as the lunar probe project and heavy-duty gas turbines.

Innovation-driven development also led to accelerated steps in upgrading traditional industries, developing emerging industries, planning future industries, and building a modern industrial system. In addition, high-tech manufacturing saw higher growth rates compared to the overall growth rate of the manufacturing industry, Zhao said.

Solid steps in coordinated development -- Zhao indicated that China last year thoroughly implemented coordinated regional development strategies, with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area further strengthening their roles in championing coordinated regional development.

In terms of urban-rural coordinated development, more than 3 million job opportunities were provided through work-relief programs in rural regions in 2024. Meanwhile, steady progress was made in providing urban residency registration services for people from rural regions, and urban renewal projects were rolled out in an orderly manner.

Green transition acceleration -- the country in 2024 issued guidelines on accelerating the comprehensive green transition of economic and social development as it seeks to achieve its dual carbon goals. Zhao said the large-scale equipment renewal and consumer goods trade-in programs rolled out in 2024 had boosted the consumption of more green, low-carbon and energy-saving equipment and products.

China also speeded up its implementation of major projects to protect and restore important ecosystems. In the first three quarters of 2024, the average density of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities at prefecture level and above had dropped by 3.6 percent year on year.

Broadened international cooperation -- China last year continued to expand its opening up and intensified efforts in building new institutions for a higher-standard open economy. Restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector were eliminated, while the nation's imports and exports maintained relatively fast growth. China also successfully hosted the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Zhao said Belt and Road cooperation had continued to make solid progress last year, noting the signing of cooperation plans with countries including Brazil, Peru and Singapore. Also, cumulative China-Europe freight train trips had surpassed 100,000 in 2024.

Shared development for the people -- Zhao said China last year intensified efforts to stabilize employment, increase people's income and improve the quality of public services. According to NDRC data, China added 11.98 million new jobs in urban regions in the first 11 months of 2024, an increase of 180,000 year on year.

Zhao added that China had achieved another bumper harvest in 2024. Its grain output last year for the first time exceeded 700 million tonnes. The country also steadily strengthened its energy production, supply, storage and marketing systems in 2024, resulting in a greater capacity to meet energy demands during peak periods. 
VILNIUS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Lithuania's new government will seek to soften the ban on export of dual-use goods put in place by the previous cabinet, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported on Friday.

At a press conference on Friday, Lithuanian Economy and Innovation Minister Lukas Savickas noted that some of the expanded measures had been taken without consulting businesses first.

"I have not heard from our business partners that anything has been negotiated with any of the associations present at the table," Savickas said.

The minister stressed that the previous sanctions would remain in place, but he added, "We hope that together with the government, we will be able to adjust the decision, to find a solution that is also effective in terms of sanctions."

Simonas Cerniauskas, director of Lithuanian Digital Technology Association Infobalt, said that too strict bans could discourage foreign companies from investing in Lithuania.

"We are not talking about limiting sanctions, we want to keep them, but it has to be done sensibly," he said.

Savickas estimated that the current restrictions would result in a loss of over 250 million euros (257 million U.S. dollars) a year in revenue for businesses.

SEB Bank economist Tadas Povilauskas wrote in a Facebook post that in the first ten months of 2024, exports from Lithuania of the sanctioned goods amounted to 720 million euros, and exports of such goods of Lithuanian origin alone amounted to 477 million euros. (1 euro = 1.03 U.S. dollar) 
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has today announced the successful applicants to a call for innovative proposals to maximise the return to primary producers from short supply chains.

One of the businesses which will receive this funding is North Tipperary Online Farmers' Market, which will receive 16,000 in funding.

The funding will help expand North Tipperary Online Farmers Market to the significant population centre of Nenagh.

READ NEXT: Memorable time for Thurles CBS Harty Cup panel spent at St Marys in Belfast

Minister Hackett said: This call delivered on a number of Programme for Government commitments around promoting short supply chains and premium sustainable markets closer to home for Irish producers. Short supply chains bolster local economies and also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing transportation emissions. Shortening the distance from farm to fork has real potential to foster greater connection between consumers and producers, and a greater appreciation of where our food comes from and the work that goes into producing it. 

The Minister continued I was very pleased that there were over 90 applications to the call and I want to thank all those who made the effort to apply. 16 successful projects will benefit from funding over the next two years, but the number of applications shows the appetite around the country for projects of this nature and the very many ideas that are out there. The successful projects are diverse, ranging from community allotments and markets to supporting the redistribution of food and reducing waste. We will also see the foundations laid for Irelands first ever biodistrict as a result of this funding, and I am looking forward to seeing these projects deliver meaningful results and impetus for change over the next two years. 

READ NEXT: WARNING: Hazardous driving conditions on one Tipperary road as 'raw sewage freezes'
An appeal for help in locating a man reported missing from his home in Dublin on New Year's Eve has been stood down following the discovery of a body, gardai have confirmed.

Gardai had issued a public appeal for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 65-year-old Patrick Tiernan, who was last seen in the Clonsilla area of Dublin shortly after 3pm on Tuesday.

Concerns were expressed for his well-being at the time and in an update, issued this Thursday evening, gardai confirmed the search has now been stood down.

"Following the discovery of a body of a male earlier today (Thursday) in west Dublin, our missing person appeal in respect of 65-year-old Patrick Tiernan who was reported missing from his home in Clonsilla, Dublin 15 on Tuesday, December 31 2024, has been stood down," said a spokesperson.

READ ALSO: ALERT: Gardai seek assistance in locating missing teenager

No further information has been disclosed publicly by gardai who have thanked members of the public and the media for their assistance with the appeal.
Gardai have issued a fresh appeal for information regarding the disappearance of Laois woman Imelda Keenan who went missing in Waterford 31 years ago.

Imelda, who was originally from Mountmellick, County Laois, was last seen in Waterford City on 3 January, 1994.

In the hopes of gaining new information on the disappearance, gardai have released an age progressed image of Imelda who would now be 53-years-old.

Imelda had moved to Waterford in the late 1980s to do a computer course. She had been living in an apartment on William's Street with her fiance until she disappeared in 1994.

Gardai say that on the day that Imelda went missing, she had left her apartment at 1:30pm and walked down William Street onto Lombard Street.

READ NEXT: RIP: Man dies after jeep strikes electricity pole in late-night crash

The last confirmed sighting of Imelda was at the corner of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street, where she was seen crossing the street. Her brother, Edward, and fiance reported Imelda missing when she did not return home.

Unfortunately, there has been no other confirmed sightings of Imelda in the years since.

Last month, Imelda's family appeared on Crimecall to appeal for further information. Speaking on the show, her older brother, Gerry Keenan, said: "Imelda is on my mind 24 hours a day and the pain that we are enduring is much the same as the weekend that our sister went missing 30 years ago."

Urging anyone with any information to come forward, Gerry added: "Until I have the last breath in my body, I will keep searching."

Commenting on the renewed appeal, Superintendent Gavin Hegarty said: "Imelda, 22 years old and originally from Mountmellick in County Laois, was a resident of Waterford City while pursuing her studies when she disappeared without a trace.

"Imelda was known for her quiet demeanor, her love of music and her strong family ties. Despite extensive investigations spanning 31 years, the silence surrounding her fate remains unbroken. We continue to urge anyone with information or the ability to assist our investigation to come forward."



Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai at Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Gardai investigating the murder of Mirjana Pap, whose body was discovered in a field in County Roscommon on Monday have arrested a man.

The body of the 58-year-old, who was originally from Croatia, was discovered in a remote area at Curraghaleen, around 10km outside Athlone which she had lived and worked for a number of years.

She was last seen in the town in the early hours of Saturday and was the subject of a missing person appeal over the weekend.

Investigations have been ongoing since and on New Year's Eve gardai confirmed the investigation had been upgraded after a post-mortem was conducted.

A number of vehicles have been seized as part of the investigation and at least one property in Athlone has been examined by members of the Garda Technical Bureau.

READ ALSO: ALERT: Leading weather expert warns of major disruptions due to severe weather warnings for snow

In an update, issued this Friday afternoon, gardai confirmed there has been a significant development in the case.

"Gardai in Athlone investigating the death of a woman in her 50s, whose body was discovered on lands at Curraghaleen, Co. Roscommon on Monday, December 30, 2024 have made an arrest.



"A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested this (Monday) morning on suspicion of murder and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a garda station in the Meath/Westmeath Division," said a spokesperson.



Investigations into Ms Pap's murder are ongoing.
CANBERRA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- An emergency search is underway for a surfer who authorities believe was fatally attacked by a shark off the coast of South Australia (SA).

Police and emergency services were called to Granites Beach -- over 470 km northwest of the state capital of Adelaide -- shortly after 7 p.m. local time on Thursday following reports of a surfer being taken by a shark.

The beach was closed, and an emergency search was launched by air, land and water for the 28-year-old man. The search resumed early Friday morning.

SA Police Senior Constable Rebecca Stokes told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Friday that a witness on a jet ski recovered the man's surfboard shortly after his disappearance.

"There was just no sign of this young man, there's just been no sign of him. From witnesses' descriptions we're pretty confident that sadly he's been killed by this shark," she said.

The incident came after a 55-year-old surfer was taken by a shark at the same beach in October 2023.

Witnesses said at the time that Todd Gendle was knocked off his surfboard by a great white shark and dragged underwater.

In May 2023, 46-year-old Simon Baccanello was killed in a suspected shark attack at the nearby Walkers Rock Beach. Neither of their bodies was recovered. 
SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said on Friday the execution of an arrest warrant against impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol was impossible, because the presidential security service refused to cooperate.

Considering the current circumstances, the CIO was calling on acting President Choi Sang-mok to order the presidential security service to cooperate with the execution of the arrest warrant, the agency said. 
BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police said on Friday that they dismantled over 300 criminal gangs involved in financial fraud during a seven-month campaign, effectively curbing the surge in insurance fraud.

In more than 40 operations launched since April 2024, the police opened investigations into over 1,400 cases involving a total sum of over 1.5 billion yuan (around 209 million U.S. dollars), the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said at a press conference.

The crackdown targeted fraud schemes in areas such as auto insurance, personal injury insurance, employer's liability insurance, and creative insurance products, which have sparked strong complaints from both the public and insurers, said Hua Liebing, director of the economic crime investigation bureau of the MPS.

The campaign was conducted in collaboration with financial regulators across the country. Li Youxiang, an official with the National Financial Regulatory Administration, said that financial regulators provided police with more than 12,000 investigative leads during the period.

Li said that this joint effort has led to an efficient and precise coordination model, helping screen investigative leads and bridging administrative law enforcement with criminal justice to ensure consistent efforts in combating insurance fraud.

To raise public awareness and deter future offenders, authorities highlighted 10 significant cases during the press conference. 
Apropos for #TBT . . . The elder statesman of Kansas City reconsiders the legacy of the U.S. Post Office.



Here's the word . . .



"The Democrat from Kansas City sent a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, accusing the agency of choosing to 'lower its service standards' instead of addressing issues that caused the USPS to miss its goals.



"Cleaver says the issues could lead to further reductions in mail service, thereby eroding the publics trust."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Tonight's testament to endurance . . . We offer tribute to Jlo's legendary hotness along with another peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Cash Crop Needs Tax Cut

Kansas City cannabis businesses hope the new year brings marijuana rescheduling and tax relief In January, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency will start hearings about whether to reclassify marijuana. The industry wants the change, but some health experts warn against it.

Season Of Vacant Infernos

Kansas City firefighters battle blaze in vacant building, evacuate crews before collapse Firefighters in Kansas City narrowly avoid injury as they evacuated a vacant building before the roof collapsed during a blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Prez Offers Sunflower State Tribute

President Biden honors Nancy Kassebaum, former U.S. Senator from Kansas Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum, the first woman to represent Kansas, is one of 20 people set to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal Thursday from President Biden.

Nice Pix Of Local On Ice

Photos: Kansas City Mavericks let New Year's Eve high-scoring spectacle slip through the creases The Kansas City Mavericks fall short 4-3 to the Wichita Thunder in a New Year's Eve thriller at Cable Dahmer Arena.

Cowtown Ad Man Shares Verse

Power player-turned-poet Pasquale Trozzolo's new move: Write words worth a thousand pictures Thirty-five years after starting his own network of strategic marketing firms, Pasquale Trozzolo teases that his longtime communications journey was just the first chapter ahead of what's to come - as one of the boldest names in Kansas City's print history takes on a title that he admits still feels a little strange: poet.

Old-School Thirst Trap Debuts

Jennifer Lopez poses in a bikini to show Ben Affleck what he's missing Jennifer Lopez posed for another knockout pinup shoot that she posted to Instagram on Thursday. The looker was also heavily made up and accented her look with gold bling here and there.

Republicans Flex On MAGA For A Change

Johnson allies warn that a speakership battle could delay Trump's victory certification | CNN Politics House Speaker Mike Johnson's allies are leaning into a key argument in a bid to avoid a chaotic floor fight over the gavel on Friday: A vote against Johnson could delay the finalization of Donald Trump's White House win.

Army Connection To EV Blowup

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Here's what we know | CNN The explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday could have been significantly worse, if not for the vehicle's steel exterior, which helped contain the blast, police said.

Feds Now Blame Lone Terrorist

Terrorist in New Orleans truck attack acted alone and was '100 percent inspired by ISIS,' FBI says The terrorist behind the deadly New Year's attack in New Orleans posted videos online proclaiming his support for the Islamic State terror group before he rammed his truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street, killing at least 14, the FBI said Thursday.

MAGA Loves Funny Money

Trump wants to commit the U.S. to bitcoin. Here's what might happen if he does. Trump proposes that the U.S. quits selling bitcoin altogether.

War Is Feul-ish

Ukraine blocks transit of Russian gas to Europe, prompting price hike Russia set to lose $5 billion; Slovakia criticizes Ukraine's decision

Sharing Economy Stays Losing

OnlyFans model Lily Phillips, who slept with 101 men in one day, faces Airbnb ban for using rental for sexual stunt: report The British Onlyfans model Lily Phillips, who had sex with 101 men in a single day, faces a potential ban from Airbnb after she used a rental for the sexual stunt without informing the homeowner.

Taylor's Beau Takes Rest

Travis Kelce likely to to sit against Broncos - an obvious call after last year's playoffs Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce took last year's Week 18 game off, and it led to tremendous playoff production. Look for him to sit Week 18 in the team's matchup against the Denver Broncos.

More Deets On Winter Watch

A few morning snow turns to sunny skies before significant storm impacts weekend Forecasted snowfall has increased across the region, with winter weather arriving in Kansas City as early as 12 p.m. Saturday.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
The recent news-cycle has been a bit of a bummer so we decided for a late night/early morning information glow-up . . . Even if national news isn't that much better.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Cowtown Stocking Carbs

Winter storm could blanket Kansas City this weekend, businesses, residents prepare accordingly Kansas Citians are getting ready for this weekend's winter weather by stocking up on snow scrapers and ice melts.

Local Progressive Tribute Cont'd

What President Jimmy Carter meant to Kansas City residents President Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 earlier this week. Two Kansas Citians with ties to the 39th president reflect on his impact, during and after his time in office.

Show-Me MODot Shorthanded

Missouri electric companies prepare for winter weather KOMU 8 First Alert Weather is tracking a winter storm on Sunday. The city of Columbia is prepping snowplows, materials and equipment and preparing a response plan as it monitors the winter storm snow forecast.

Milling Around Kansas

Your favorite KC bakeries' stone-milled secret: A Kansas-grown ingredient 'Big Flour' can't recreate "For any bag of flour that we produce, we can tell you the farmer who grew the grain behind it," said Ben Mantooth. "Consumers want to know where the food comes from. So that's a huge advantage for us in the marketplace."

Best Ballers Of Kansas City

Kansas City Chiefs have 5 players named to 2025 Pro Bowl In addition to the five nominees, another eight members of the Chiefs are alternates.

Old School Friend Endures

Jennifer Aniston, 55, shows off her age-defying bikini body in Cabo Jennifer Aniston showcased her incredible age-defying body while sporting a tiny string bikini for her annual trip to Cabo, Mexico with her pals on Tuesday.

Junk Truck

End Game Exposed

The man who died in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion was an active-duty US Army Green Beret Officials say the person who died when a Tesla Cybertruck packed with explosives burst into flames outside President-elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel was an active-duty U.S.

Socialism Stays Losing?!?

Progressives face an existential crisis under Trump Progressives in Washington are facing an existential crisis like never before as they brace for the incoming Trump administration. Not only are they at odds with their own party, with many De...

Prez-Elect To Pay Respect

Trump says he will attend Jimmy Carter's funeral amid history of mutual criticism President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to attend former President Jimmy Carter's funeral next week in Washington.

Activist Juxtaposition Sparks Ire

AOC compares Israel's war against Hamas to Vietnam The left-wing Democrat said that the war had been 'generationally radicalizing' and blamed it in part for her loss in the House Oversight Committee leadership race

Eastern Europe Trumped?!?

Ukraine's Zelenskiy: Trump can be decisive in helping stop Russia's Putin Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could be decisive in the outcome of the 34-month-old war with Russia and help stop Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

Winter Read To Spark Heat

In 'All Fours,' Miranda July tackles love, sex and reinvention in middle age : NPR's Book of the Day Writer and filmmaker Miranda July says the popular imagination sort of drops off once a woman gets married and has kids. Her new novel All Fours turns that on its head - it's a story about an artist in her 40s who departs from her husband and child on a road trip that takes her to some very unexpected places.

En Garde Against Blizzard

2,300 fencers in KC for North American Cup wondering if they'll be snowed in More than 2,000 fencers will be here throughout the weekend competing in the North American Cup at the Kansas City Convention Center.

More Snow Blast Deets

Joe's Blog: Major winter storm ahead (THU-1/2) Temperatures Thursday won't be too bad, with highs in the lower to mid-40s; colder air comes in tonight.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Q's street racing ordinance didn't do much and we don't have very high hopes for another bit of legislation.

However . . . Let's make this post useful . . .

KANSAS CITY INSIDERS NOTICE COUNCIL DUDE WES ROGERS TALKING ABOUT AN UPCOMING MAYORAL RUN!!!

Actually, we think the other Northland dude would make a better choice but he's got another term to consider.

Meanwhile . . . Here's a publicity stunt that still won't get Northland voters to admit that they're part of KCMO . . . Check-it:



"Councilman Wes Rogers introduced the ordinance last month. Its set to go before the councils Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations Committee on Jan. 7. The ordinance cites the citys desire is to prohibit dangerous driving behaviors.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
This story keeps getting worse . . . The latest detail should motive locals into pressing politicos for a better solution than giving TKC a ticket for not using a turn signal . . . Check-it:



Verne Zugenbuhler, 91, and Diane Zugenbuhler, 72, were killed in the crash at Wornall Road and Carondelet Drive.



Police said two cars, a black Chrysler 300 and a silver Dodge, began their high-speed race at West 99th Street and Wornall Road.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

KCPD identifies victims killed in crash caused by illegal street racing The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department on Thursday released the names of the two innocent victims killed in an illegal street race Monday in south KCMO.
JERUSALEM, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in two statements that it had intercepted a missile and a drone fired by the Houthi group in Yemen on Friday.

The missile, fired at about 4:30 a.m. local time (0230 GMT), activated sirens across central Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, sending millions of residents to shelters.

Israel's national emergency service, Magen David Adom, said 12 people were injured while heading to shelters.

According to the IDF, the missile was intercepted after it crossed into Israeli territory, with a fragment landing near the city of Modi'in in central Israel.

Israel's Channel 12 TV News reported that the missile's engine was found in a backyard in the Israeli settlement of Har Gilo in the West Bank, near Jerusalem, causing minor damage.

The channel added that flights at Ben Gurion International Airport were halted for about half an hour following the launch, and two were diverted to Larnaca, Cyprus.

Later in the morning, the IDF said it had intercepted a drone launched from Yemen before it crossed into Israeli territory. In this case, sirens were not activated. 
JUBA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The World Food Program (WFP) said it requires 404 million U.S. dollars to support the urgent humanitarian needs of millions of crisis-affected people in South Sudan over the next six months.

In its latest report released Thursday evening, the WFP said that South Sudan is facing crises that continue to push millions of families into new levels of vulnerability.

The country continues to grapple with a long-standing humanitarian crisis marked by chronic food and nutrition insecurity, the report said, adding that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has worsened the situation, driving 892,000 people into South Sudan by Nov. 30, 2024.

"The situation could worsen, with projections showing that 7.7 million people will face acute food insecurity during the 2025 lean season," the WFP warned.

Out of the 7.7 million, 2.5 million people are expected to face emergency levels of food insecurity, with 63,000 at catastrophic levels, according to the report.

The WFP also noted that 2.1 million children aged six to 59 months and 1.1 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are likely to suffer from acute malnutrition.

In December 2024, the WFP called on donors to provide early funding for 2025 operations to enable the prepositioning of food supplies and prevent spiraling operational costs and hunger throughout 2025.

The organization said it distributed more than 13,000 metric tonnes of food and 4.6 million dollars in cash-based transfers to 1.6 million people in November 2024, achieving 92 percent of its target for the month.

Since January 2024, the WFP has assisted 4.2 million people. On Dec. 11, 2024, the WFP launched the South Sudan Resilience Strategy to support marginalized communities affected by food insecurity, conflict and climate shocks.

The strategy integrates resilience-building activities into food distribution programs, gradually shifting toward comprehensive livelihood support, disaster risk reduction, nutrition support and school feeding programs. 
Self immolation attempts by two youths as Pithampur protest gains momentum

Following the transfer of abandoned Union Carbide pesticide factorys hazardous waste from Bhopal for incineration to Pithampur the whole city is on the boil

Friday January 3, 2025 11:15 PM , Pervez Bari

Bhopal: Following the transfer of abandoned Union Carbide pesticide factorys hazardous waste from Bhopal for incineration to Pithampur the whole city is on the boil.

The protests against the incineration in Pithampur escalated on Friday morning as two youths attempted self-immolation.

Aged between 25 to 27 years, Raju Patel and Rajkumar Raghuvanshi reportedly poured petrol on themselves during the agitation. They were immediately taken to the community health centre by the police for treatment.

After the self-immolation attempt, the protest escalated and started sloganeering against the ruling government. Members of the District Administration reached the protest site but were unable to pacify the protestors initially.

The protests gained steam as more people from across communities and classes joined the demonstration. Students, Tribals, Sailana MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar staged a dharna.

The protesters blocked the bus stand area, bringing traffic to a standstill for over half an hour. Vehicles travelling to and from Dhar were diverted via Power House Square and Mahindra Bridge to ease congestion.

Protesters move towards Ramky Enviro Industries

After the self-immolation incident, the protestors got agitated and started marching towards Ramky Enviro Industries, where the incineration of the waste is to take place. The police have deployed barriers and hundreds of officers to stop the protestors from reaching the incineration site.

According to sources, after the attempt, the police have increased their strictness at the protest site near the Pithampur bus stand, confine demonstrators to a designated area to maintain order. Leaders from various political parties have joined the agitation, addressing the crowd and expressing solidarity with their demands.

Meanwhile, members of the Pithampur Bachao Samiti, recently returned from Delhi, have lent their voices to the growing dissent. The hunger strike led by farmer Sandeep Raghuvanshi also continues unabated. Raghuvanshi vowed not to break his fast until the toxic waste is removed from Pithampur entirely.

Pithampur remains completely closed

Madhya Pradeshs industrial town Pithampur remained completely closed on Friday as a protest against the incineration of Union Carbides toxic waste at towns Ramki Environment Management Engineering Ltd. (REEL).

Not only small businessmen, but several factories participated in the shutdown. School students, on the other hand, opposed the disposal of hazardous waste in Pithampur fearing environmental and health risks.

All private buses have stopped operating in the town, causing significant inconvenience to many passengers. However, the residents stood strict in their demand for a safer solution to the toxic waste issue.

Protestors demand safer solution

Political representatives and community leaders from Pithampur are urging the government to reconsider burning the waste in Pithampur. They demand the toxic waste be moved and disposed of at another location to avoid any potential health and environmental disasters.

According to sources, leaders and activists had been appealing to traders and businessmen to support the strike for the past three to four days. This resulted in a complete shutdown on Friday.

Waste to be disposed under strict guidance of scientists: CM

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav assured the toxic Union Carbide Corporation waste will be disposed under the strict guidance of the scientists, adhering all environmental standards. He emphasised that the chemical waste will be disposed in a way there is no harmful impact in air or soil.

Addressing the media the Chief Minister said:

"For the last 40 years, the people of Bhopal were living with this waste. Many of Govt of India's organisations were involved in the disposal of this toxic waste. There has been no environmental impact due to the disposal of this toxic waste. The whole process went peacefully. It is also our attempt not to politicise this issue."

The CM emphasized that the waste disposal process will neither harm the environment nor affect groundwater. He added that thorough studies have been conducted before proceeding with the operation.

The CM explained that the waste being incinerated in Pithampur has already undergone a dry run. He said:

In August 2015, a trial run was conducted to burn the waste and its report was submitted to the Supreme Court. Based on this report, the Court directed us to destroy the waste. The reports confirmed that the process will have no negative environmental impact.

Chief Minister Yadav also said that the High Court ordered the wastes disposal process after reviewing the trial results. He assured the public that the government is taking all necessary precautions to ensure safety during the operation.

CM also responded to objections raised by the Congress in a protest in Pithampur. He said, They are raising their voice about Pithampur but never spoke about Bhopal. Bhopal residents have lived with this waste for 40 years . This is not a political issue; we are simply complying with the Supreme Courts orders, he said.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria from Jan. 5 to 11, continuing the tradition of a Chinese foreign minister visiting Africa on the first overseas trip at the start of the year for 35 consecutive years, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced Friday.

The visit by Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is aimed at promoting the implementation of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, deepening practical cooperation in various fields, and promoting the sustained and in-depth development of China-Africa relations, Mao said at a news briefing.

At the FOCAC Beijing Summit last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

President Xi also proposed that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization characterized by six features, and pledged that China will work with Africa to take the ten partnership actions for modernization, which have received warm response from the African side, Mao added. 
ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 03rd Jan, 2025) The 12th FBMA International Show Jumping Cup kicked off on Thursday at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and will run until Sunday.

The four-day competition features 300 riders competing for a total prize pool of AED800,000.

The competition is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies sports academy and Chairwoman of both the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club and the Al Ain Ladies Club.

On the opening day, Mohamed Ghanem Al Hajri claimed first place in the CSI2, outshining 61 competitors with a flawless performance amidst a challenging field that saw 15 eliminations, 2 retirements, and 4 no-shows.

In the CSI2 Special Two Phases competition, Mhd Osama El Zabibi triumphed with a fault-free performance across both rounds.

Professional Emirati Equestrian Omar Abdulaziz Al Marzooqi claimed victory in the One Round Against the Clock competition, completing the 140cm course in 350mpm.

The Special Two Phases (CSIYH1- 5-6-Year-Old Horses) saw CELINA 235 from the UAE claim the top prize, as the 6-year-old cleared the 110cm-115cm obstacles effortlessly.

Later, Khaled Ahmad Khalifa Al Ayali Al Mheiri secured victory in the Special Two Phases (CSICh-A) category, finishing in 25.88 seconds, while Mabkhout Owaida Alkarbi claimed first in the Special Two Phases (CSIJ-A) with a smooth handling of the challenging jumps.
Nurdun Esmayil (C) plays music with his son, Ehmet Nurdun (L), and his apprentice in his courtyard in Xinhe County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Oct. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

The atmosphere of harmony and mutual understanding among different ethnic groups in Xinjiang is "appealing to everyone," he added, noting the Western reports on the region "have proven false."

CAIRO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- "The quality of life and the peaceful atmosphere I witnessed in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region bespeak its economic development and social stability," an advisor of Egypt's official Middle East News Agency (MENA) told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Amged Shawky, advisor to MENA's chairman for the English news services, paid his first visit to Xinjiang in October to attend the sixth World Media Summit in Urumqi, the region's capital. "During my visit, I was deeply impressed by the clean and orderly city and the friendliness and harmony among its dwellers," he said.

The atmosphere of harmony and mutual understanding among different ethnic groups in Xinjiang is "appealing to everyone," he added, noting the Western reports on the region "have proven false."

He highlighted the government's efforts to provide places of worship for Muslims in the region. Touring the large Xinjiang Islamic Institute, a religious college that trains over 1,000 students, Shawky was impressed by its well-equipped facilities, including classrooms, dormitories and a library stocked with books across various fields, as well as the services it provides.

Shawky stressed that baseless Western rumors about Xinjiang "will not affect the image of China in our minds."

He also spoke highly of the significant efforts made by Chinese authorities to develop Xinjiang's infrastructure as part of China's poverty reduction strategy, which eliminated absolute poverty in the region by late 2020.

A shepherd is pictured near the construction site of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

The total mileage of roads in the region exceeded 220,000 km in 2023, including over 7,700 km of expressways. Meanwhile, its number of civil airports in operation reached 25 in 2023, topping China's provincial-level regions. As Xinjiang plans to open more airports and ports of entry, it will further boost the region's economic and social development, Shawky said.

Shawky blamed some Western organizations and major media outlets for creating media illusions to serve their political agendas. Some in the West have consistently attempted to interfere in China's domestic affairs, as they have done with other countries, he said.

However, the Chinese government has addressed the situation wisely, successfully maintaining stability in Xinjiang and thwarting Western attempts to destabilize the region, he said. 
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) senior leader and Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to PPP Parliamentarians' Secretary-General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari on the passing of his wife

SUKKUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2025) Pakistan People's Party (PPP) senior leader and Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to PPP Parliamentarians' Secretary-General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari on the passing of his wife.

In his condolence message here on Friday, he extended his deepest sympathies to Bukhari and his entire family, praying for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace in Jannah. He also prayed for the family to be granted the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.

Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, a veteran politician and former Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, has been a key figure in the PPP.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2025) Pakistan Navy fleet annual efficiency competition parade was held Friday at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi.

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf, was the chief guest, said a news release issued by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy).

The event marked the culmination of a professionally rewarding and eventful operational year for the combatants of Pakistan Navy Fleet, including warships, submarines, and aviation assets.

Upon arrival, the chief guest was received by Commander Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, and a smartly turned-out contingent presented the Guard of Honour.

In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff expressed complete satisfaction and confidence in the operational readiness of Pakistan Navy Fleet.

He lauded the dedication and professionalism of officers and sailors in safely and efficiently achieving the operational objectives and milestones for the year 2024.

The CNS acknowledged the valuable contributions of Fleet towards maritime security and the protection of national and international Sea Lines of Communication.

He highlighted Pakistan Navys efforts to ensure the security of strategic maritime zones, particularly Gwadar Port and maritime projects under CPEC.

The CNS also elaborated on the evolving dynamics of the region, particularly the maritime security environment, which necessitated that Pakistan Navy remained ever-ready to address any threats to the nations maritime frontiers.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commander Pakistan Fleet highlighted the operational achievements of the Fleet during the preceding year.

He emphasized that the Fleet maintained a high level of combat readiness throughout the year, with its units participating in various bilateral and multilateral exercises in both home and foreign waters.

The Fleet undertook multiple Regional Maritime Security Patrols and Overseas Deployments.

During the ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff presented efficiency awards and trophies to the best-performing squadrons and units of Pakistan Navy Fleet Command.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2025) A two-day training workshop for administrative officers of grades 17-18 at the University of Sargodha concluded.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas participated as the chief guest in the closing ceremony, while Waqar Ahmad, Registrar UoS, prominent speakers, including the Chairperson of the Department of Social Work, Punjab University Lahore, Prof. Dr. Uzma Ashiq, Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Muhammad Haris Aziz, and Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell, Dr. Imran Ghafoor also attended the ceremony.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas distributed certificates among 50 participants. He appreciated the efforts of the Human Resource Centre in organizing the workshop and encouraged administrative officers to apply the knowledge gained in their daily responsibilities. He emphasized that such training programs are essential for professional development and fostering a culture of excellence at the university.

Dr. Imran Ghafoor delivered a lecture on academic quality assurance and compliance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining academic standards and ensuring compliance with policies for better institutional outcomes.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Haris Aziz discussed continuous process improvement, highlighting how minor process adjustments can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.

Prof. Dr. Uzma Ashiq addressed the participants on governance, transparency, and discipline, stressing the need for clear governance structures, ethical practices, and adherence to rules to achieve organizational success.

Mr. Khursheed Yousaf emphasized that effective leadership requires continuous learning and adapting to challenges in a dynamic environment.
The Czech Republic, whose embassy has represented the United States in Syria since 2012, has reopened its mission after closing it last month following the rebellion that toppled Bashar al-Assad

Prague, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2025) The Czech Republic, whose embassy has represented the United States in Syria since 2012, has reopened its mission after closing it last month following the rebellion that toppled Bashar al-Assad.

The Czech foreign ministry said Friday it had appointed career diplomat Vitezslav Pivonka to lead the embassy as the charge d'affaires.

Prague has represented the US and other Western countries in Syria after nations closed their embassies because of civil war.

"We restored the activities of our embassy over Christmas," Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said late Thursday.

"The head of the section in charge of US affairs is back," he said. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had recently called him to "make sure that we are going to continue" the service, he added.

Pivonka spent six years as the Czech ambassador to Moscow until he was recalled in May 2024.

He was in office during the 2021 expulsions of dozens of diplomats on both sides after Prague blamed Moscow of orchestrating ammunition depot blasts on Czech soil that killed two people in 2014.

Lipavsky said Prague, a staunch supporter of Israel in the middle East and of Ukraine battling a Russian invasion, is currently "tiptoeing" when it comes to the situation in Syria.

"The officials forming the new Syrian government are on different sanction lists over their past," Lipavsky said.

"But they are openly declaring they want to re-establish ties with the world and I think we should answer the call, for instance in order to get the Russians out of Syria," he added.

Russian troops, which intervened in Assad's favour during Syria's civil war in 2015, are still stationed in the country.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

At least five people were killed in a series of Russian and Ukrainian strikes on Friday, officials said, the latest casualties of the nearly three-year war

Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2025) At least five people were killed in a series of Russian and Ukrainian strikes on Friday, officials said, the latest casualties of the nearly three-year war.

Among the strikes was an afternoon Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Chernigiv, which left at least one person dead and damaged a residential area, according to authorities.

"Today, the enemy launched a triple rocket attack on a residential area on the outskirts of Chernigiv," regional governor Vyacheslav Chaus said.

"Several houses were heavily damaged. There are wounded. Search and rescue operations are ongoing."

An AFP journalist heard loud explosions in the city, which lies to the north of Kyiv, some 75 kilometres (46 miles) from the Russian border.

The city head said four had been wounded in the strikes, according to initial reports.

Separate Russian bombardments on Friday killed a truck driver near the capital Kyiv and a pensioner in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, local officials said.

Ukrainian attacks on Russian border areas killed two, according to local governors.

One was killed by a mortar strike on a village in the Bryansk region, officials said. Another died in a drone attack near the front lines in the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an offensive last August.

Moscow and Kyiv have escalated their aerial campaigns through the first weeks of winter, seeking to get an upper hand ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump taking office later in January.

Despite the fighting, many residents in both Russia and Ukraine still live in villages close to the front lines that regularly come under attack.

The Ukrainian air force said Russia had launched a total of 93 drones in its latest overnight attack.

It said 60 attack drones and 26 decoy-style drones had been downed or "lost" -- either shot down or disabled by electronic interceptors.
A prison inmate surrendered Friday afternoon after taking five staff hostage in the southern French city of Arles for several hours, authorities said

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2025) A prison inmate surrendered Friday afternoon after taking five staff hostage in the southern French city of Arles for several hours, authorities said.

The convicted rapist armed with a handmade shank had been holding four medical staff and one prison guard in the infirmary since around 11:15 am (1015 GMT).

"The hostage-taker in Arles has just been arrested. No-one was hurt," Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on X just before 4:00 pm, thanking prison staff and police.

Response forces including the elite RAID police unit had been sent to the scene.

One hostage, a doctor, had been released earlier at around 2:30 pm, a source familiar with the case said.

Multiple sources had earlier said the 37-year-old hostage-taker, serving a sentence for armed rape, suffered from "significant psychiatric disturbances".

A prison service source added that the man did not have the "profile of a terrorist", while a source familiar with the case said he was demanding to be moved to a different prison.

The Arles prison holds only inmates sentenced to more than 10 years or presenting a security risk.

Friday's hostage-taker was set to remain in jail until 2031, the source familiar with the case said.
(@FahadShabbir)

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2025) An inmate took five staff hostage at a prison in southern French city Arles on Friday, police and prison service sources told AFP.

The prisoner armed with a handmade shank had been holding four nurses and one prison guard in the infirmary since around 11:15 am (1015 GMT), the prison service source said.

Multiple sources said the 37-year-old hostage-taker, serving a sentence for armed rape, suffered from "significant psychiatric disturbances".

The prison service source added that he did not have the "profile of a terrorist".

The inmate was demanding to be moved to a different prison, a source familiar with the case said, adding that "the situation remains calm".

Police response forces including the elite RAID unit were on the scene.

"We've mobilised all our resources" to end the stand-off, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on X, ading that he was "following the development of the situation in real time".

The man is set to remain in jail until 2031, the source familiar with the case said.
Russian attacks in Ukraine killed two people on Friday, while a Ukrainian mortar strike on a Russian border village left one person dead, local officials in both countries said

Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2025) Russian attacks in Ukraine killed two people on Friday, while a Ukrainian mortar strike on a Russian border village left one person dead, local officials in both countries said.

Both sides have escalated their attacks through the first weeks of winter, including a Russian strike targeting central Kyiv in the early hours of New Year's Day that killed two.

"One person killed and four wounded in enemy air attack on Kyiv region," Mykola Kalashnyk, the head of the region, which surrounds the capital, said on social media Friday.

He said a truck driver had been killed after he was hit by falling debris from a Russian drone that had been shot down.

Wreckage also fell on a house, wounding three -- including a 16-year-old boy and his father.

A Russian rocket attack on Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region killed a pensioner and left his wife hospitalised, governor Ivan Fedorov said on Telegram.

Also on Friday, the Russian governor of the Bryansk region said a Ukrainian attack on a village close to the border killed one civilian.

Despite the fighting, many residents in both Russia and Ukraine remain living in villages close to the front lines that regularly come under attack.

The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched a total of 93 drones in its latest overnight attack. It said 60 attack drones and 26 decoy-style drones were downed or "lost" -- either shot down or disabled by electronic interceptors.

Downed drones also fell on two districts of Kyiv, but there were no injuries, the city mayor said.
(@FahadShabbir)

Damascus, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jan, 2025) The European Union backs a peaceful, inclusive transition in Syria, top French and German diplomats said Friday as they visited Damascus to meet with new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock were in the Syrian capital for talks on behalf of the European Union, in the highest-level visit by major Western powers since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last month.

One of their first stops was the notorious Saydnaya prison, not far from the capital, AFP journalists said.

Accompanied by White Helmet rescuers, Barrot and Baerbock toured the cells and underground dungeons of Saydnaya, the epitome of atrocities committed against Assad's opponents.

Saydnaya was the site of extrajudicial executions, torture and forced disappearances. An advocacy group said more than 4,000 people were freed from the detention facility when rebel forces took Damascus on December 8.

Sharaa, head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led the offensive that toppled Assad.

The HTS-dominated interim authorities now face the daunting task of rebuilding state institutions, with growing calls to ensure an inclusive transition and guarantee minority rights.

Barrot, in Damascus, expressed hope for a "sovereign, stable and peaceful" Syria.

It was also a "hope that the aspirations of all Syrians can be realised", he added, "but it is a fragile hope".

In a statement, Baerbock said Germany wanted to help Syria become a "safe home" for all its people, and a "functioning state, with full control over its territory".

She said the visit was a "clear signal" to Damascus of the possibility for a new relationship between Syria and Germany, and Europe more broadly.

Earlier, in a post in X, Barrot said: "Together, France and Germany stand alongside the Syrian people, in all their diversity.

"

He added that the two European powers wanted to promote a "peaceful transition".

- 'Important crossroads' -

Despite "scepticism" about HTS -- which is rooted in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda and is designated a terrorist organisation by numerous governments -- Baerbock said that "we must not miss the opportunity to support the Syrian people at this important crossroads".

Berlin was ready to support "an inclusive and peaceful transfer of power" as well as social "reconciliation", Baerbock said.

She also asked the new regime to avoid "acts of vengeance against groups within the population", to avoid a long delay before elections, and to avert any attempts at the "Islamisation" of the judicial and education systems.

Since Assad's ousting, a bevy of foreign envoys have travelled to Damascus to meet with the country's new leaders.

France and Germany had both already sent lower-level delegations last month.

At the start of his visit, Barrot met with representatives of Syria's Christian communities.

Diplomatic sources said Barrot told the Christian leaders that France was committed to a pluralistic Syria with equal rights for all, including minority groups.

Syria's civil war -- which started in 2011, sparked by the Assad government's brutal repression of democracy protests -- saw Germany, France and a host of other countries shutter their diplomatic missions in Damascus.

The conflict killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions and left Syria fragmented and ravaged.

The new authorities have called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria under Assad to allow for reconstruction.

Paris is due to host an international summit on Syria later this month, following a similar meeting in December in Jordan.
JERUSALEM, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military announced Friday it has conducted raids on some 40 sites used by Hamas across the Gaza Strip since Thursday, with Israeli and Palestinian sources reported that these strikes have resulted in dozens of casualties.

The Israeli airstrikes targeted Hamas' command and control centers, as well as gathering points used by Hamas militants who had planned and executed attacks on Israeli troops and civilians, killing "dozens" of militants operated from these locations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency said in a joint statement.

In a post on Friday on social media platform X, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged residents of the Al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza to evacuate, warning of an upcoming wave of strikes in the area.

Meanwhile, Gazan health authorities said at least 68 people were killed across Gaza on Thursday.

Also on Friday, the Israeli military said militants in Gaza launched a missile and two rockets towards Israel, with no injuries reported.

The missile, launched at noon targeting a military helicopter, was intercepted by Israel and triggered sirens in Kibbutz Be'eri in southern Israel.

As for the two rockets, which were launched at around 1:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT) from northern Gaza towards southern Israel, "one projectile fell near the community of Nir Am, while the second landed in an open area," according to the Israeli military.

They triggered sirens in Sderot and the nearby communities of Ibim and Nir Am in southern Israel.

Hamas has yet to comment on these attacks.

Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a deadly conflict since Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people. Israel responded with a large-scale air and ground assault on the besieged enclave, resulting in more than 45,500 Palestinian deaths so far. 
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.


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.
South Koreas political turmoil is deepening since its martial law debacle, and analysts say China may have an opportunity to increase its leverage over the country.

The current political chaos in Seoul is working to[ward] Beijings advantage, said Evans Revere, who served as the acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs during the George W. Bush administration.

China, with its authoritarian approach to governing, is beneficiary and no doubt pleased because China sees the ascendancy of the Democratic Party, known for its sympathetic approach to the PRC, as a positive development, Revere said. Chinas official name is the Peoples Republic of China, or PRC.

South Korea is embroiled in a deep political crisis with impeachments of the countrys leaders last month. This week, a standoff with security forces outside the Seoul residence of President Yoon Suk Yeol prevented investigators from an anti-corruption agency from detaining him.

The main opposition Democratic Party, DP, urged the agency to make another attempt to detain Yoon after expressing regret over the withdrawal of the investigators.

The DP made two successive impeachments in two weeks last month. After impeaching Yoon on Dec. 14 over his failed attempt to impose martial law, the DP also succeeded in its push to impeach acting President Han Duk-soo the following week.

The fate of Yoon, who was suspended from his duties, rests in the Constitutional Court. If the court rules in favor of impeaching Yoon, the country will hold an election, and Lee Jae-myung, the head of the DP, is considered a strong candidate.

China would welcome a DP government in Seoul since the new administration would be conciliatory toward Beijing and Pyongyang and more antagonistic toward Washington and Seoul, said Bruce Klingner, a senior fellow of Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation.

China could seek to drive wedges between South Korea and the U.S. by adopting a friendlier tone toward Seoul, Klingner added.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told VOA on Tuesday that China noted relevant events but will not comment on the ROKs domestic affairs, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea, or ROK.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, in a Dec. 24 phone conversation that China adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. He said joint efforts on both sides have led to improved bilateral relations.

However, Klingner, in his report published just prior to South Koreas general election last April, said China may find it beneficial to stir up resistance within South Korea to Yoons policies.

Beijing, using its United Front Work Department, manipulates foreign public policy debates by intensifying political differences within target countries, and inflating public support for a politician or party, the report says.

Leaning toward China

The DP is very pro-China and would reorient the country toward China if it takes the control of the government, said Gordan Chang, distinguished senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute and the author of Plan Red: Chinas Project to Destroy America.

Its clear how South Koreas policies would change as demonstrated by the DPs attempt to have acting president Han approve the amendments to the Act on Testimony and Appraisal a few days after the opposition party voted to impeach Yoon on Dec. 14.

The amendment, sponsored by the DP, obligates individuals, including industry leaders, to attend hearings if asked and bans them from withholding information even if doing so would reveal trade secrets that might be sensitive to national security.

It would force South Korean companies to divulge their trade secrets, which certainly would benefit China and certainly undermine South Korean businesses, said Chang. If South Korea loses its competitive edge, which is what the DP is trying to do, then it would be very easy for it to end South Koreas democracy.

A nonpartisan U.S. Congressional Research Service report released on Dec. 23 underscores that the DP tends to advocate starkly different policies than Yoon. The report also mentions that Lee has questioned Yoon for having a greater willingness than prior ROK leaders to publicly criticize Chinas actions.

Yoon on Thursday said in a written message to his supporters rallying outside his residence that he will fight until the end against anti-state forces that put the country in danger. He thanked them for defending South Koreas liberal democracy and constitutional order.

The message, reportedly delivered via a third person to his supporters, was signed by Yoon and made available to South Korean media by his lawyers.

Andrew Yeo, the SK-Korea Foundation Chair at the Brookings Institutions Center for Asia Policy Studies, said, The DP may recalibrate Seouls position between Beijing and Washington slightly and find itself more reluctant to support policies which are seen as red lines for China, such as supporting Taiwan in a Taiwan Strait crisis.

He continued, But the DP also recognizes the importance of the U.S.-ROK alliance, so I anticipate robust U.S.-ROK relations even under a DP government.

Lee on Dec. 23 met with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg in Seoul and expressed hope for the alliance to develop further on human rights and environmental issues.

Goldberg also met with the ruling PPP.

Robert Rapson, who served as charge daffaires and deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul from 2018 to 2021, said, The U.S. will remain the priority relationship for the next Korean administration, regardless of whether it is progressive or conservative.

He continued that a positive result that can emerge from closer South Korea and China relations would be a greater cooperation from China in managing North Korea, especially if [President-elect Donald] Trump seeks to engage with [North Korean leader] Kim Jong Un.
Cameroons military says it has seized several hundred weapons and combat uniforms that were being smuggled to a hideout of the Nigeria-based terrorist group Boko Haram. Officials say troops have been deployed in a bid to capture more weapons and prevent Boko Haram from re-arming itself.

Cameroon government officials say long-barreled firearms, military uniforms, over 400 packets of tear gas and more than 100 gallons of oxidizing agents were seized from suspected Boko Haram members this week in Maroua, a northern town near the central African countrys border with Nigeria and Chad.

The military says the oxidizing agents are used by Boko Haram terrorists to produce explosives.

The governor of Cameroons Far North region, Midjiyawa Bakari, says the weapons were being smuggled to Nigerias Sambisa forest, a Boko Haram stronghold.

Bakari says he is very thankful to the Cameroon military for intercepting war weapons, combat uniforms and acids used to fabricate explosives destined for several Boko Haram groups in Sambisa, a forest which straddles the Nigeria-Cameroon border and is a hideout for members of the terror group. He says Boko Haram is rearming and recruiting members after it was weakened by troops of the Multinational National Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin or MNJTF.

MNJTF is made up of 11,000 troops from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad.

Bakari told Cameroon state TV on Thursday that some of the weapons were smuggled through the Douala seaport.

He did not say how the weapons got to Douala but said investigations have been opened to trace the origin of the weapons.

Cameroons military says some of the combat uniforms seized are similar to those used by its infantry and air force. Boko Haram fighters sometimes disguise themselves as government troops to deceive civilians before attacking communities for supplies, officials say.

The government says civilians should help prevent Boko Haram from re-arming and recruiting new members by reporting strangers in all border towns and villages to government troops.

Chads president, Mahamat Idriss Deby, in his New Years message on Tuesday, said several hundred fighters escaped Chad to neighboring countries when his troops launched Operation Haskanite.

The operations goal is to neutralize Boko Haram fighters who attacked and killed more than 40 Chadian government troops in the Lake Chad Basin in October.

Maki Jean Emmanuel is a researcher on conflicts in the Lake Chad Basin and visiting lecturer at the University of Ndjamena. He says no country in the Lake Chad basin can single-handedly defeat Boko Haram.

Maki says MNJTF should be on alert because Boko Haram is infiltrating many villages where government troops do not have easy access and recruiting new members, especially poor and unemployed youths, is taking place. He says the porous nature of the borders between Cameroon, Nigeria and Chad makes it possible for arms to be smuggled to villages where Boko Haram fighters are hiding.

Cameroon says several dozen people caught smuggling the weapons were arrested but has given no details on whether they are Cameroonians, Nigerians or Chadians.

Over 40,000 people have been killed and 3 million have fled their homes in Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad since 2009, when fighting between Nigerian government troops and Boko Haram militants degenerated into an armed conflict and gradually spread to neighboring countries.
BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- When setting economic growth targets for 2025, China will consider both needs and possibilities and ensure coherence with medium and long-term planning, an official with the country's top economic planner said on Friday.

A senior National Development and Reform Commission official, Yuan Da, told a press conference that China's economy will face many new difficulties and challenges in 2025. The external environment is becoming more complex and severe, with deepening adverse impacts.

However, Yuan believes there are "positive factors." China's economy has a stable foundation, multiple advantages, strong resilience and great potential. Further comprehensive deepening of reforms, development of new quality productive forces, and boosting the domestic circulation of the economy will stimulate the internal momentum of economic development.

The effects of policies introduced last year will continue to be evident, and there remains ample space for macro policies this year. Coupled with richer macro-control tools, these can provide strong support for achieving the 2025 economic growth targets, Yuan said.

"We are full of confidence in promoting the continuous recovery of the economy in 2025, and also fully confident in completing the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality," the official said. 
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has a complex legacy on the Korean Peninsula, former U.S. officials say, including the vital role he played in defusing a crisis between the United States and North Korea in 1994.

Thomas Hubbard, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea from 2001 to 2004, told VOA Korean by phone Wednesday that Carters interventions in North Korea significantly lowered tensions, despite somewhat negative reactions from President Bill Clintons administration.

His initial involvement in the early 1990s when he went to North Korea, met with Kim Il Sung, he opened an opportunity that lowered the chances of war and led to the Agreed Framework, said Hubbard, referring to Carters meeting in June 1994 with late North Korean founder Kim Il Sung.

Hubbard was a principal negotiator of the Agreed Framework signed by the U.S. and North Korea in Geneva in October 1994, aimed at ending North Koreas nuclear weapons program.

VOA Korean sought comment from the Permanent Mission of North Korea to the United Nations, but did not receive a response.

Carter, who was the 39th U.S. president and served from 1977 to 1981, visited Pyongyang as North Koreas declaration of withdrawal from the International Atomic Energy Agency created the first major crisis over North Koreas nuclear weapons program.

He crossed the inter-Korean border in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) from the South Korean side with his wife, Rosalynn, and held talks for two days in Pyongyang with the North Korean leader.

Carter was the first former U.S. president to visit the isolated country and to meet North Koreas head of state.

Controversial mission

At the time, North Korea threatened to expel IAEA inspectors, demonstrating its intent to develop nuclear weapons, and the United States pushed for U.N. sanctions on North Korea. It was speculated that Clinton was planning a preemptive attack on North Korea.

After the talks between Carter and Kim, North Korea agreed to freeze its nuclear program in exchange for a resumption of dialogue with the U.S. The breakthrough led to the first nuclear deal between the U.S. and North Korea in 40 years, although the agreement fell through in 2003.

Daniel Russel, former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said in an email to VOA Korean on Monday, It is not hyperbole to say that it felt like the brink of war. We were right at the edge of the cliff.

As a young diplomat, Russel and then-U.S. Ambassador to South Korea James Laney helped prepare Carter for his trip across the DMZ.

North Korea warned that sanctions would be treated as an act of war and started the process to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Russel said.

The immediate crisis was averted. We had been really close to a war, and Jimmy Carter saved us from that, he said.

Gary Samore, former White House coordinator for arms control and weapons of mass destruction during the Obama administration, said Carters mission was ultimately successful, but the Clinton administration was unhappy because Carter didnt try to get any constraint on North Koreas nuclear program as part of a resolution of that immediate conflict.

Hubbard offered a similar view.

What made it controversial, I think, is that Carter accepted some positions that went beyond the Clinton administrations positions with North Korea, and then he announced them publicly on CNN before even informing us, Hubbard said. That was quite a shock.

CNN, which closely followed Carters visit to Pyongyang, first reported that Carter told the North Koreans the U.S. had stopped pursuing international sanctions against North Korea, which Clinton soon flatly denied.

Carter visited North Korea twice more in 2010 and 2011 on private humanitarian missions. While his visit in 2010 secured the release of American teacher Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who had been imprisoned in North Korea for seven months, he failed to meet with Kim Jong Il, who succeeded his father, Kim Il Sung, on either trip.

While his post-presidential efforts on the Korean Peninsula are more widely known, Carters presidency had another moment of controversy, as his push for the withdrawal of U.S. ground troops from South Korea shook the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

Push for human rights

When he assumed the presidency, Carter was determined not to overlook the human rights abuses of U.S. allies. He found it problematic that the United States would support a country under a repressive government. To him, South Korea was such a country then.

One of the big things Carter campaigned on was human rights, Samore said. At the time, South Korea was ruled by a military government, and he wanted to reduce relations with countries that were not democracies.

The former president, who pledged to withdraw U.S. troops from South Korea during his presidential campaign, had a war of words with then-South Korean President Park Chung-hee over the issue during his 1979 visit to South Korea, according to diplomatic documents from both countries.

According to a declassified document from the White House, Park criticized the planned withdrawal of U.S. Forces Korea, arguing the idea itself had emboldened North Korea. To this, Carter suggested that South Korea should increase defense spending.

Joseph DeTrani, former special envoy for the Six-Party Talks with North Korea from 2003 to 2006, told VOA Korean on Monday by phone that one of the factors behind Carters decision was the burgeoning U.S. relationship with China, which fought against the U.S. during the 1950-53 Korean War in support of North Korea.

We were normalizing relations with the Peoples Republic of China. There was a sense that war was not going to break out on the Korean Peninsula, said DeTrani, who also served as director of East Asia operations at the Central Intelligence Agency.

Those people who follow developments on the Korean Peninsula felt that was not the right decision, he said.

U.S. troop withdrawal from the East Asian ally was ultimately not realized, largely over opposition from the U.S. Congress and the military.

President Carter was interested in waging peace everywhere, wherever there is conflict. He didnt believe there was the necessary need for Americans to station so many troops in so many places, Yawei Liu, senior adviser on China at the Carter Center, told VOA Korean by phone on Monday.

Carter died Sunday at his home in Georgia at age 100. The official state funeral for Carter will be held January 9 in Washington.

South Koreas foreign ministry expressed condolences at Carters passing.

He was particularly interested in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and actively worked on it, it said in a statement released Monday.
In the latest escalation of trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, China on Thursday announced export control measures targeting 28 U.S. companies and added 10 U.S. companies to a list of entities barred from doing business in China.

The larger group of companies is made up primarily of firms active in defense contracting and includes Lockheed Martin and five of its subsidiaries; General Dynamics and three of its subsidiaries; three subsidiaries of Raytheon; one subsidiary of Boeing; and more than a dozen other companies.

Chinese companies are immediately barred from selling "dual-use" items  goods that may have a military purpose in addition to civilian applications  to any of the named companies.

In an announcement, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the sanctions were put in place "in order to safeguard national security  interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation."

Negligible impact

Experts pointed out that because U.S. defense contractors don't typically do business with the country's major adversaries, the new restrictions would likely have little impact on the companies named by China.

"Short answer is, this won't have much, if any effect, on those companies: They didn't do business with China anyway," Raymond Kuo, a director and senior political scientist with the RAND Corporation, told VOA. He said that move would also have no noticeable impact on the broader U.S. economy.

However, he added, the sanctions do illustrate that China is determined to respond when the U.S. applies sanctions in the other direction, as the Biden administration has done several times in recent months.

"It does show that the Chinese are willing to go kind of tit for tat with the United States," Kuo said. "If we increase our levels of trade sanctions  and [President-elect Donald] Trump has threatened 60% tariffs across the board  that they can hit back in a whole variety of ways."

'Unreliable' entities

In a second announcement, the Ministry of Commerce added 10 of the companies from the first announcement, all subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Raytheon, to its list of "unreliable entities," a designation that entails a much stricter set of sanctions.

The companies are prohibited from importing or exporting goods to and from China and from making new investments there. In addition, executives of the companies are barred from traveling to China, and any work or residency permits they currently have are revoked.

The Ministry of Commerce said that all of the companies designated as unreliable have sold arms to Taiwan, the democratically self-governing island that China claims as its own territory. It said the new restrictions were meant to "safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests."

The additions to the unreliable entities list come just a week after Beijing, on December 27, announced an earlier round of sanctions targeting U.S. firms and their executives for selling arms to Taiwan. The companies named included subsidiaries of Raytheon and Boeing.

In a statement emailed to VOA, Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said it was determined that the 28 companies facing export controls "endanger China's national security."

He also said, "The Chinese government will continue to unswervingly promote high-level opening up, firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of various business entities, and promote the development of compliant trade."

Follows other sanctions

Thursday's announcement follows other recent actions by Beijing cracking down on trade with the U.S., often in response to U.S. sanctions on Chinese businesses.

In early December, the Biden administration announced a ban on the sale to Chinese firms of cutting-edge equipment used to make the world's most advanced semiconductors as well as high-bandwidth memory products needed to maximize those chips' efficiency. At the same time, the U.S. added 140 Chinese companies to a list of entities that U.S. firms and individuals are restricted from doing business with.

In response, China imposed new restrictions on the sale of "rare earth" minerals to the United States. China dominates the world market for minerals such as gallium, germanium and antimony, which are key components in various high-tech products from smartphones to missile guidance systems.

Little more than a month earlier, the Biden administration had finalized a new set of rules on outbound U.S. investments in China.

The rule codified a set of restrictions barring U.S. individuals and firms from investing in certain kinds of business ventures in China. Among the areas affected are the manufacture of advanced semiconductors and microelectronics, technology used in quantum computing, and artificial intelligence systems.
A top Ethiopian official visited Somalias capital Thursday in the first high-level meetings since relations plummeted a year ago because of Ethiopias plan to access the sea through the breakaway Somaliland region.

Ethiopias minister of defense, Aisha Mohamed, met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and delivered a message from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Ethiopias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement posted on Facebook that both nations had agreed to collaborate on the new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). However, the statement did not elaborate on the specifics of the collaboration.

According to a statement by Somalias Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur told his Ethiopian counterpart that Somalia is willing to consider Ethiopias request for its troops to join the AUSSOM mission.

Ethiopia also said the sides agreed to increase visits and exchanges, with both countries expecting that Somalia's senior leaders will visit Addis Ababa in the near future.

The Mogadishu talks take place after a year of strained relations that began last year when Ethiopia signed a controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, which would provide landlocked Ethiopia with access to the Gulf of Aden.

The MOU was strongly opposed by Somalia's government, which still considers Somaliland to be part of Somalia and not authorized to reach agreements with foreign governments.

Somalia has repeatedly threatened to expel the thousands of Ethiopian troops from the AU peacekeeping mission if it did not renounce the MOU.

The discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia mark a significant step in the ongoing dialogue that began with the signing of the Ankara Agreement last month, which was brokered by Turkey.

A senior Somali government official, speaking anonymously, told VOA Somali that Somalia is expected to approve a limited role for Ethiopia in AUSSOM.

Despite significant troop contributions from Djibouti, Kenya and Uganda that would compensate for the absence of Ethiopian troops, a Somali official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the ongoing discussions with Ethiopia focused on determining the specific roles and areas where Ethiopian troops may be deployed, should they be allowed to join the mission.

During her visit to Somalia, Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha stressed Ethiopia's commitment to contributing to peace and stability in Somalia.

Combating terrorism is a key area of cooperation between the two nations, the Ethiopian statement said.

Ethiopian troops have helped Somalias government in the past fend off attacks by the militant group al-Shabab.

Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, speaking in Mogadishu Thursday, said the dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia had been resolved, attributing the progress to Somalia's "tolerance" in resolving the tensions.
Germany's and Frances foreign ministers said Friday that they made clear to Syrias new de facto Islamic leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, that the nations political transition should be inclusive and not based on Islamic fundamentalism if the country wants Europes support.

Germany's top diplomat, Annalena Baerbock, and her French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, visited Damascus on behalf of the European Union to seek a new relationship between Europe and Syria and to push for a peaceful transition.

They were the first European ministers to visit Syria since al-Sharaas Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebels overthrew longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month.

In a statement ahead of the visit, Baerbock said she and her French counterpart were going to Syria to send a clear message to the nation on behalf of Europe: A new political beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible. With this outstretched hand, but also with clear expectations of the new rulers.

Speaking to reporters following the talks, the German foreign minister followed up those words with a caveat: "Europe is prepared to offer support but Europe will not be a sponsor of new Islamist structures.

Baerbock and Barrot met with members of Syrians civil society, including religious leaders, ahead of their meeting with al-Sharaa. The German foreign minister said she had heard from Syrians living in Germany and elsewhere, as well as Syrians in the region, and that they would come back and help rebuild their country only if they knew they and their families would be safe.

A better future for Syria means an inclusive, peaceful transfer of power, reconciliation and reconstruction, Baerbock said. This requires a political dialogue involving all ethnic and religious groups, involving men and equally women. They all must be involved in the constitutional process and in a future Syrian government."

Baerbock said she and the French foreign minister encouraged Syrian leaders to seek the support and experience of the United Nations during this inclusive political process.

Baerbock was asked about the possibility of lifting long-standing EU sanctions against Syria, and she said that would depend on how the political process played out going forward.

Syrias interim government is hoping to have Western sanctions, which were imposed on the Assad government, lifted, allowing it to seek international aid to rebuild vast areas of the country destroyed during its nearly 14-year civil war.

The EU and the United States have designated al-Sharaas HTS rebels a terrorist organization, and that designation has not yet changed. The U.S. did lift a $10 million bounty it had placed on al-Sharaa following talks with U.S. diplomats late last month.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Hundreds of people were rescued or evacuated after a fire broke out at a large commercial building in the South Korean city of Seongnam on Friday, fire officials said.

More than 260 firefighters and 80 vehicles were deployed to the scene of the blaze, which was extinguished about an hour and a half after it was first reported at around 4:30 p.m., according to the Gyeonggi provincial fire department.

Earlier, YTN television reported that a number of people were trapped inside, with footage showing black smoke engulfing a large part of the building.

The fire department said emergency workers have so far rescued 240 people, while another 70 managed to exit the eight-story building unaided.

About 28 people sustained light injuries, including smoke inhalation, but there were no reports of serious injuries. The department said emergency workers were still searching the site to ensure no one was trapped inside.

The department said the fire started at a restaurant on the first floor. The cause wasnt immediately known.

Some material for this report is from Reuters.
Iran's foreign ministry summoned the Italian ambassador on Friday over the detention of an Iranian national wanted by the United States for his alleged role in a deadly drone strike against U.S. forces, Iranian state media reported.

The summons came a day after a similar move by Italy over Iran's arrest of Italian reporter Cecilia Sala, who was seized in Tehran on December 19 while working under a journalist visa.

An Iranian foreign ministry official "urged Italy to reject America's hostage policy  which is contrary to international law, particularly human rights  and provide for Mr. [Mohammad] Abedini's release as soon as possible and prevent damage to bilateral ties," state media reported.

On Thursday, the Iranian embassy in Rome said Sala was being given all the humanitarian care necessary, and for the first time, linked her case to that of Abedini.

Iran's said on Monday that Sala had been arrested for "violating the laws of the Islamic Republic." It gave no further information.

Sala was detained three days after Abedini, an Iranian businessman, was arrested at Milan's Malpensa airport on a U.S. warrant for allegedly supplying drone parts that Washington says were used in a 2023 attack that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan.

Iran has denied involvement in the attack.

Abedini is currently being held in prison and a court is due to decide this month whether to grant him house arrest while judges consider the U.S. extradition request.

In recent years, Iran's security forces have arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals, mostly on charges related to espionage and security. Rights groups have accused Iran of trying to extract concessions from other countries through such arrests. Iran denies this.
Israel bombed Syrian army positions south of the city of Aleppo on Thursday, according to residents, local media and rights groups, marking the latest strikes by Israel against a country whose longtime president was overthrown last month.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group said the strikes targeted defense and research facilities.

Residents reported hearing big explosions in their vicinity. Syrian state television reported the strikes early Friday, local time.

It was not immediately clear whether the strikes caused any deaths.

Islamist-led rebels overthrew longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month.

Since then, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes on Syrian military assets. Israel said the strikes were aimed at keeping military weapons away from extremists.

Israels continued bombardment of Syria comes as the Israeli military said Thursday that its special forces had raided an underground missile production site in Syria in September. Israel said the site was set to manufacture hundreds of precision missiles that Iran-backed Hezbollah would use against Israel.

The complex, near the Mediterranean coast, was the flagship of Iranian manufacturing efforts in our region, Israeli Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told reporters.

This facility was designed to manufacture hundreds of strategic missiles per year from start to finish, for Hezbollah to use in their aerial attacks on Israel, he added.

Shoshani said Israel had been observing the plant since construction began in 2017. Israeli forces raided the complex because it was close to being able to produce precision missiles, some with a range of up to 300 kilometers, or 190 miles.

This ability was becoming active, so we're talking about an immediate threat, he said.

The operation was complex, Shoshani said, and involved dozens of aircraft and about 100 helicopter-borne troops. The troops dismantled the facility after the raid, he added.

This is one of the most important counteractions we have taken against the Iranian axis's attempts to arm itself in order to harm us, and it demonstrates our determination and audacity to act anywhere to protect ourselves, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

Some information for this report came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Hospital workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 42 people in Gaza late Thursday into Friday, as mediators were dispatched to resume ceasefire talks in Doha.

Staff at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah told The Associated Press that more than a dozen women and children were killed in attacks that hit targets in central Gaza, including Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al-Balah.

Israeli attacks hit many of the same areas Thursday, bringing the death toll over the past two days to at least 110 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Freelance journalist Omar al-Derawi was among those killed Friday, according to the AP. The Committee to Protect Journalists said in December that more than 130 Palestinian reporters had been killed in the war.

On the social media platform X, the Israel Defense Forces, IDF, said Friday that fighter jets and aircraft attacked about 40 Hamas terrorist concentration points and command and control complexes throughout the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours in a joint operation of the Israeli Air Force and the IDF Southern Command.

The IDF said dozens of Hamas terrorists operated from the compounds, some of which were established in spaces that previously were used as schools.

This is another example of Hamas's cynical and systematic use of civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip for terrorist purposes, the IDF said.

The Israeli military said it took many steps prior to the attacks to prevent harming civilians, including the use of precision weapons, aerial observations, and additional intelligence information.

The IDF also reported early Friday it intercepted a drone and shot down a missile, each launched from Yemen. From its X account, the IDF said the drone was intercepted before it crossed into Israeli territory, and that no alerts were activated.

The statement said the missile was intercepted and shot down over south-central Israel, with fragments falling the area of Modi'in. No damage was reported, and the incident is under investigation, the statement said.

On Wednesday, Israel warned it would intensify its strikes against Hamas if the militant group continued to hold the hostages it took in its October 7, 2023, terror attack and launches rockets at Israel.

The latest attacks on Gaza come as an Israeli delegation reportedly is in Doha, to continue negotiations toward a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday he authorized the delegation from the country's intelligence services and military.

On Friday, President Joe Biden's administration, which is helping to broker the talks, urged Hamas to accept a ceasefire deal.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters, "Hamas started this war  and Hamas can easily end that suffering by signing on to this new hostage deal, which we are still trying to work to conclude."

The war in Gaza began with Hamas militants October 7, 2023, terror attack, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 people as hostages. About 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with at least one-third of them believed to be dead.

Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 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.



Hamas and Hezbollah have been designated as terror groups by the United States, Britain and other Western countries.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson retained the speakership in a first-round ballot Friday, as the 119th Congress came into session. Johnson won 218 votes, just enough to keep his job.

Both the House and the Senate enter the new session with Republicans in the majority, the party having taken control from Democrats in the Senate. In that chamber, Senator Mitch McConnell has stepped away from party leadership for the first time in 18 years. Senator John Thune already has been selected to replace him as majority leader.

Senate Republicans will hold a 53-47 seat majority, well below the 60 votes needed to advance most legislation.

In the House, where Republicans hold a narrow 219-215 majority, Johnsons position was believed to have been in jeopardy after his deal last month with Democrats to keep the government funded and open. It would have taken as few as two Republicans to vote against Johnson to put his speakership in jeopardy.

Democrats nominated Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the speakership but fell short by a few votes.

President-elect Donald Trump posted his support for Johnson on social media Monday, saying the speaker was a good, hard-working, religious man.

But Republican Representatives Chip Roy and Thomas Massie had stated their doubts about Johnson's leadership, and Trump ally and adviser Steve Bannon had called on Republicans to remove Johnson from leadership.

Mr. Johnson caught a lot of fire from his GOP colleagues. And he has an extraordinarily limited margin for his majority, just a handful of people, Kevin Kosar, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told VOA via Zoom.

Two years ago, at the start of another Congress, Republican Kevin McCarthy faced similar challenges to his bid for the speakership. He was finally elected on the 15th round of voting.

Had Johnson or another Republican been unable to garner enough votes for the speakership, the chamber could have been without a leader in time for the official certification of Trumps electoral victory on January 6.

At least temporarily, Republicans' margin in the House will be even tighter after Trump takes office on January 20, because he has picked two House Republicans to join his administration.

Traditionally, the first 100 days of a new presidency and Congress are a time for pursuing an ambitious legislative agenda.

Trump "is going to hit tariffs very hard. He's going to focus on the border, and executive orders related to immigration and immigrants, particularly from Mexico and Muslim countries. And then he's going to work on any compromises he can to get through the legislative agenda on things affecting the economy, groceries, as he likes to call it," Casey Burgat, a professor at George Washington University in Washington, told VOA via Zoom.

Some information for this story came from Reuters.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels moved closer Friday to a key town in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing a nearby area, sources told AFP.

The March 23 Movement (M23), a militia supported by neighboring Rwanda and its army, has seized vast swathes of the eastern territory of the DRC since 2021, displacing thousands and triggering a humanitarian crisis.

Angola-mediated talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame were abruptly canceled in mid-December over disagreements on the terms of a proposed peace deal.

Sources told AFP Friday that the M23 had taken control of the Katale area  the last place the rebels must pass before entering Masisi, the administrative capital of the Masisi territory.

"We have been attacked by the rebels ... the enemy controls Katale," a security source told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

"We confirm the capture of Katale by the M23 rebels, for the moment the population has fled towards Masisi center," Thierry Muhindo, the head of a locality comprising Katale, told AFP.

Telesphore Mitondeke, Masisi civil society president, told AFP that several deaths in clashes in the area had been reported among the population, although no figures are currently available.

"It is necessary to note the serious human damage ... it is revolting," he said.

Masisi is located around 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of the North Kivu provincial capital Goma.

In late December, the rebels were continuing their latest offensive, launched just ahead of a planned summit in the Angolan capital that was supposed to return peace to the region.

M23 forces were only around 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the town of Lubero and around 100 kilometers from the key commercial hub of Butembo.

For 30 years, the DRC's mineral-rich east has suffered from the ravages of fighting between local and foreign armed groups, dating back to the regional wars of the 1990s.
BERLIN, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Two police officers were injured, one of them seriously, in an explosion on Thursday evening outside a police building in Berlin.

According to a statement released by the Berlin Police, the incident occurred at approximately 20:20 (1920 GMT) when the officers were conducting a routine security patrol. An unidentified object detonated near the building.

Both injured officers are currently receiving medical treatment.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. 
The 119th U.S. Congress will come into session Friday. After a contentious government funding battle last month, though, Republican Party control of both houses of Congress and presidency faces challenges.

The Senate enters the new session as Republicans take the majority from Democrats and Senator Mitch McConnell steps away from party leadership for the first time in 18 years. Republican Senator John Thune has already been selected to lead the Senate as majority leader.

Republicans will hold a 53-47 seat majority, well below the 60 votes needed to advance most legislation.

In the House, where Republicans hold a narrow 219-215 majority, the focus will be on votes for speaker. Current Speaker Mike Johnsons position is in jeopardy after his deal last month with Democrats to keep the government funded and open.

It would take only as few as two Republicans to vote against Johnson to put his speakership in jeopardy. Democrats are expected to nominate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the speakership but are likely to fall short by a few votes.

President-elect Donald Trump posted his support for Johnson on social media Monday, saying the speaker was "a good, hard-working, religious man."

But Republican representatives Chip Roy and Thomas Massie have already stated their doubts about his leadership and Trump ally and adviser Steve Bannon has called on Republicans to remove Johnson from leadership.

"Mr. Johnson caught a lot of fire from his GOP colleagues. And he has an extraordinarily limited margin for his majority, just a handful of people," Kevin Kosar, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told VOA via Zoom.

Two years ago, at the start of another Congress, Republican Kevin McCarthy faced similar challenges to his bid for the speakership. He was finally elected on the 15th round of voting.

If Johnson, or another Republican, is unable to garner enough votes for the speakership the chamber could be without a leader in time for the official certification of Trumps electoral victory on Jan. 6. Whoever does lead the House will, at least temporarily, hold an even tighter majority after Trump takes office on Jan. 20, as he has picked two House Republicans to join his administration.

Traditionally, the first 100 days of a new presidency and Congress are a time for an ambitious legislative agenda.

"He's going to hit tariffs very hard. He's going to focus on the border, and executive orders related to immigration and immigrants, particularly from Mexico and Muslim countries. And then he's going to work on any compromises he can to get through the legislative agenda on things affecting the economy, groceries, as he likes to call it," Casey Burgat, a professor at The George Washington University in Washington, told VOA via Zoom.

Some information for this story came from Reuters.
South Korean authorities Friday suspended their attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol following a tense six-hour standoff between investigators and security forces loyal to the embattled conservative president.

In a statement, the joint investigative team trying to detain Yoon said it was "practically impossible" to proceed with the execution of the court-approved detention warrant considering resistance and the safety of personnel on-site.

In an early morning raid, a team of about 100 investigators and detectives, backed by about 3,000 riot police camped outside, arrived at Yoons official residence in central Seoul, as part of a probe into insurrection and abuse of power.

Following minor clashes at the compounds perimeter, the detention team got within 200 meters of Yoons residence but were met by a barricade of about 200 soldiers and other armed security personnel who prevented further access, according to a background briefing by the Corruption Investigation Office, which is leading the joint investigation.

Though none of the security personnel defending Yoon reached for their weapons, the CIO cited a "significant risk of injuries" given the large number of people in a confined space.

The joint investigation team said they would review the next steps regarding the detention warrant, which remains valid through Monday.

The events represent the continuation of an extraordinary month of political chaos that began on Dec. 3, when Yoon, a conservative ex-prosecutor, declared martial law. The declaration was quickly overturned by lawmakers, who later impeached Yoon, suspending his presidential powers, pending a ruling by the countrys Constitutional Court.

Separately, Yoon is being investigated for insurrection and abuse of power related to the martial law declaration.

Yoon ignored three summonses to appear for questioning as part of the investigation, leading a Seoul court to issue a detention warrant earlier this week.

The Presidential Security Service guarding Yoon has repeatedly blocked investigators from entering the presidential office compound or official residence for court-approved searches, citing security and military considerations.

During Fridays raid, the service was joined by a military unit believed to be part of the Capital Defense Command, according to South Koreas Yonhap news agency. Those military personnel were being directed by the PSS, not the military, according to the National Defense Ministry.

Prosecutors have warned that any attempt to obstruct a court-approved detention warrant could amount to a crime, though there was no evidence that police attempted to arrest the personnel defending Yoon on Friday.

Yoons legal team says the insurrection investigation is illegitimate. The CIO, it insists, does not have jurisdiction to pursue insurrection charges.

In a statement Friday, Yoon's lawyers said the attempt to execute the detention warrant was illegal and vowed court action to stop it.

If Yoon is detained, authorities would have 48 hours to decide whether to file for a formal arrest warrant or to release him. It would be the first time a sitting South Korean president has been taken into police custody.

Meanwhile, a crowd of Yoon supporters remains camped outside his residence, with some vowing to protect him and others calling for the arrest of South Korean opposition leaders.
More than 1.1 million doses of an oral cholera vaccine have arrived in South Sudan, as the government launched a program to inoculate more than 80 percent of the population. But the mass vaccination exercise faces numerous challenges, including a lack of access to the areas dealing with the worst cholera outbreaks.

Medics in South Sudan will attempt to vaccinate at least 9 million people against cholera, an exercise that targets mostly children and mothers.

More than 1.1 million doses of oral cholera vaccine arrived in the capital, Juba, and will be dispatched next week to hot spots areas like the town of Bentiu.

The countrys Ministry of Health reported last week that 199 people have died of cholera, with 13,000 more diagnosed so far with the bacteria.

Dr. Gabriel Boum Tap is an immunization officer at UNICEF in South Sudan.

Of course, we had also received some vaccines before; only that they were not enough, because, you know, its not like the cholera vaccine is manufactured and is put in one place already," he said.

At least one cholera case has been recorded in 29 of the 79 counties in South Sudan, with Bentiu, Renk and Juba most affected.

The first case was reported on September 23 in Renk, northeast of the capital.

But as the country prepares to roll out a mass vaccination exercise, the process faces some serious headwinds.

Thinjin Khoat is one of the victims of the cholera outbreak. He says he has seen people die of the disease, with many more trooping to local health centers seeking urgent medical attention.

I was at one of the health facilities, and there was a suspected case of cholera. The patient was a 5-year-old. The patient was vomiting, and in the process, the health workers couldnt get the vein. The patient is not able to get the oral fluid. ... In that process, the patient died of dehydration, he said.

Cholera is an acute diarrhea infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water. If not treated, it can be fatal within hours.

Khoat says accessibility to health care remains a major hindrance to the fight against the disease.

Some of the community members, they dont have access, because, you know, in Bentiu here, there is flooding. There are some areas that health workers cannot access because of the flood and also security issues, he said.

According to Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, poor living conditions in South Sudan have created the perfect breeding ground for cholera.

Stephanie Ngai is MSFs project coordinator for cholera response in Bentiu, located in Rubkona County, an area with a large refugee population.

Here in Rubkona, the explosion on the outbreak very quickly overwhelmed the local systems that are responsible for coordinating the response and scaling up the interventions," she said. 'Other partners dont have adequate funding to properly scale up the level needed, which is massive. And the overall response coordination has not been strong enough to manage the response and ensure that the needs are adequately met.

The government says the vaccination exercise is expected to roll out next Monday with support from international partners such as MSF and the World Health Organization.

Buok Danhier, the immunization program manager for the Unity State Ministry of Health, says the various entities will split up duties in Rubkona.

Rubkona has many payams [local districts]. Most of the payams are affected by flooding, and these are the ones that will be taken by WHO  the hard-to-reach areas. WHO and other partners are pledging to cover all those areas that are hard to reach and also very far from town. Bentiu IDP, Rukona and Bentiu town  these areas will be covered by MSF, and the recruitment process is ongoing, said Danhier.

The vaccination exercise will target children 1 year and above.

WHO says up to 143,000 people worldwide die from cholera each year out of an estimated 4 million annual cases.
Law enforcement and security agencies in and around Washington are bringing in reinforcements as they prepare to secure three high-profile events in the nation's capital, following the New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans and the Cybertruck bombing in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

The first event will occur Monday, when Congress meets to certify results of the presidential election four years to the day since the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The second will be the state funeral for the late President Jimmy Carter, starting with a ceremony and procession on Tuesday before wrapping up on Thursday.

The last high-profile event will come Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.

"That has never happened before. We have three [National Special Security Events] over a 15-day period," Matt McCool, U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office special agent in charge, told reporters Friday.

"But what I will tell you is we're flexible. We're adaptable. We've been working on these events for, in some cases, years," he said. "So, we're going to be prepared."

Despite concerns stemming from the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas bombing, security officials are confident so far that the Washington events will proceed safely.

"We are not tracking any credible or specific threats associated with these events," said David Sundberg, assistant director in charge at the FBI's Washington Field Office.

The law enforcement and security agencies, however, are not taking any chances, acknowledging that the city and the region are operating in a heightened threat environment.

The Secret Service said Friday that it was bringing in agents from across the country to boost staffing levels, which were already the highest they have been in three years.

Washington's Metropolitan Police Department said it has added to its ranks almost 4,000 officers from departments across the country.

The capital's National Guard Bureau confirmed it also has approved requests for additional support, including the provision of 500 guardsmen for the Jan. 6 election certification and liaison officers for the state funeral.

An additional request for 7,800 National Guard soldiers and airmen to assist with security for the Trump inauguration is pending.

Increased security measures, including barriers and fencing, are already up in parts of Washington and around the Capitol, but more are coming.

"A multitude of seen and unseen security measures will operate in tandem to ensure a comprehensive and seamless security plan comes to fruition," McCool said, adding that the measures will include the use of aerial drones.

"The Secret Service will use drones as part of our comprehensive security plan," McCool said. "Do not be alarmed if you see these assets during the upcoming events or training in the days ahead."

The Metropolitan Police Department said its increased security measures would go into effect starting Sunday, with the deployment of specialized officers around the city to respond to any emergencies.

The U.S. Capitol Police, whose 2,400 officers and civilian employees are responsible for protecting the Capitol and members of Congress, also said they were more prepared to handle contingencies than they were four years ago, when rioters upset with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election stormed the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to flee and injuring police officers.

About 1,560 people have been charged with federal crimes in the riot. So far, about 979 have pleaded guilty, while another 210 have been convicted.

"Our nation's capital is prepared to ensure that the legislative process will proceed without disruption, and our government will have a peaceful transfer of power," said Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, noting that the force has implemented more than 100 recommendations made following the 2021 riot.

Officials in Washington are also bracing for potential protests, saying several planned demonstrations have already gotten required permits.

"We are committed to upholding the right to peacefully assemble and protest here in our city," said Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith.

"We welcome visitors to come and experience what this incredible city has to offer, but those who are intentional on unlawful activity should know that there will be consequences," Smith said. "However, as I've stated before, when we have special events, and I want to be very clear, that we will not tolerate any violence, rioting, destruction of property, or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of our city."
The U.S. Homeland Security Department and the FBI are warning federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies the New Years Day truck-ramming attack in New Orleans that killed at least 14 people could inspire other would-be terrorists to take action.

In a joint intelligence bulletin released Friday, federal authorities warned the nation's 18,000 law-enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for potential copycat or retaliatory attacks inspired by this attack and other recent, lethal vehicle-ramming incidents across the globe."

The bulletin said such attacks "are likely to remain attractive for aspiring attackers given vehicles' ease of acquisition and the low skill threshold necessary to conduct an attack."

The federal bulletin noted that since 2014, the Islamic State terror group has been promoting the use of vehicles in terror attacks, followed by attacks with secondary weapons, as a method to cause mass casualty incidents.

The joint bulletin advised law enforcement agencies to look for danger signs, such as fraudulent documents or credit cards used to rent vehicles, or signs of pre-operational surveillance, such as automobiles parked in odd locations or suspicious activity near an event location.

The U.S. remains in a heightened threat environment and watchful for potential threats to public safety, the FBI said in a statement shared with VOA on Friday.

We take all threats seriously and ask members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement, the statement said. We will work with our partners to determine their credibility, share information, and take appropriate investigative action.

The bureau late Thursday released three photos Friday of the now deceased suspect in the attack, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, taken from surveillance video about an hour before the deadly Bourbon Street attack. They also released a photograph of a blue ice chest that was found near the scene containing an improvised explosive device.

The photos were released along with a statement soliciting information from any member of the public who might have passed Jabbar on the street or saw the cooler like the one in the photo.

FBI investigators will also be getting a look at medical records and documents from Jabbars time with the U.S. military. He served with the Army, deploying to Afghanistan in 2009, before later serving with the Army Reserve.

We're going to, of course, support the investigations, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Friday. Army CID [Criminal Investigation Division] is working with the FBI and local law enforcement.

The White House announced Friday that President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will travel to New Orleans on Monday to visit with families and community members affected by the attack, as well as meet with officials on the ground.

In a briefing Thursday with reporters, FBI officials said they believe Jabbar, who was killed at the scene in a shootout with police, acted alone in the New Years attack and was inspired by the Islamic State terror group.

FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia, with the agencys counterterrorism division, said they concluded Jabbar had no accomplices following hundreds of interviews and reviews of the attackers calls, social media accounts and electronic devices.

Officials reopened Bourbon Street on Thursday afternoon. The attack occurred on Wednesday at 3:15 a.m.

On Tuesday evening, just hours before the attack, Jabbar posted five videos to his Facebook account, apparently addressed to his family and recorded while he was driving, in which he aligned himself with the Islamic State terror group. The FBI said an Islamic State flag also was found in the vehicle after the attack.

This was an act of terrorism. It was premeditated and an evil act, Raia said.

Jabbar had originally planned to hurt his relatives and friends but worried about how that would be interpreted by the media, Raia said. He was 100% inspired by ISIS.

The attack occurred at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets in the city's lively French Quarter. The historic tourist destination filled with bars and music is also known for its large New Year's Eve celebrations.

After the vehicle crashed, the driver got out of the truck and shot at responding officers, police said. Officers returned fire, killing the driver, according to police. Two officers were wounded but are in stable condition, the police said.

This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters at a news conference Wednesday.

Investigators found weapons and an explosive device in the vehicle, the FBI said, along with other explosive devices found in the French Quarter. The vehicle appeared to have been rented, the FBI said.

President-elect Donald Trump condemned the attack in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Our hearts are with all the innocent victims and their loved ones. The Trump Administration will fully support the City of New Orleans as they investigate and recover from this act of pure evil! he said.

In the same post, Trump also falsely suggested that the suspect was an immigrant.

Liam Scott contributed to this report. Some information for this story came from Reuters and The Associated Press.
The Taliban rejected a Pakistani officials claim that the group asked for money to remove Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan fighters from the border areas and move them to other parts of Afghanistan. The Talibans spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, told local media that the allegations were unfounded.

Click here for the full story in Pashto.
The Haitian government on Wednesday celebrated the 221st anniversary of the country's independence. In his speech, Leslie Voltaire, president of the Presidential Transition Council, called for peace in the country and took the opportunity to ask France to repay the debt of independence and reparations for slavery.

Click here for the full story in Creole.
The Human Rights Association in Turkey announced that three female prisoners had been tortured in Patnos Prison in Agri, and despite some complaints, no investigation has been initiated. The prison administration neither denied nor confirmed the torture to VOA.

Click here for the full story in Kurdish.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has announced cooperation strategies with countries in the region to address the causes of migration. Meanwhile, however, a new migrant caravan is advancing from Tapachula, headed for Mexico City.

Click here for the full story in Spanish.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could be "decisive" in the outcome of the yearslong war between Ukraine and Russia.

"Trump can be decisive. For us, this is the most important thing," Zelenskyy said in an interview with Ukrainian television.

Zelenskyy said Trump had told him he would be one of the first to visit Washington after the presidential inauguration later this month.

"His qualities are indeed there," Zelenskyy said about Trump. "He can be decisive in this war. He is capable of stopping [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, or, to put it more fairly, help us stop Putin."

Trump has previously said he would be able to stop the war in Ukraine in one day, but he has never detailed how he would accomplish that.

Zelenskyy's comments came as the Ukrainian military said it had carried out a high-precision strike Thursday on a Russian command post in Maryino, in Russia's Kursk region.

"These strikes disrupt the ability of the Russian Federation to conduct terrorism against innocent Ukrainian civilians," the Ukrainian military said in a statement on Telegram.

Russia's military said air defense units had downed four Ukrainian missiles in the region. The regional governor said the strikes had damaged a high-rise apartment building and other buildings in a nearby village.

Another post from the Ukrainian military showed a video of what the military said was damage to a Russian base in Ivanivskoye, next to Maryino.

A school, pharmacy and apartment building were among the structures damaged in the strike, Kursk regional Governor Alexander Khinshtein said.

VOA could not immediately verify the reports.

Ukraine launched an incursion into Russia five months ago. Ukrainian forces remain in the Kursk region, but the Russian military says much of the lost territory has been regained.

Meanwhile, Russia said it had attacked energy facilities in Ukraine that support Kyiv's military-industrial complex.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that over the past 24 hours, it had used its air force, drones, missiles and artillery to target energy facilities, military airfields and Ukrainian military personnel across multiple locations.

VOA could not independently verify that report.

Russian forces have been advancing quickly on the eastern front of Ukraine.

"They are putting pressure on our boys, who are exhausted, and that is a fact. We will do everything to at least stabilize the front in January," Zelenskyy said in his Thursday interview.

Ukraine's military said Thursday that it had shot down 47 drones Russian forces launched overnight at areas in central and eastern Ukraine.

Russia used a total of 72 drones in its attacks, the military said.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down drones over the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Odessa and Sumy regions.

Officials in those areas did not immediately report any major damage.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Thursday that its forces had destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones, mostly along the Russia-Ukraine border. Intercepts took place in Bryansk, Belgorod, Kursk, Kaluga and Voronezh, it said.

The governors of Bryansk and Kaluga said there were no reports of casualties or damage in their regions.

Thursday's attacks came a day after Russian forces killed at least two people in Kyiv.

Some information for this report came from Reuters.
ISLAMABAD, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani forces have seized over 1,073 tons of narcotics since September 2023, causing a severe blow to organized drug networks across the country, the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) of Pakistan said on Friday.

According to the data provided by the ANF, law enforcement agencies also arrested 2,464 drug dealers during the period.

The ANF added that the security forces also conducted several operations across the country last week and seized 978.7 kg of drugs and apprehended 42 drug dealers.

The ANF said that the Pakistani authorities have been making relentless efforts to eradicate drug trafficking from the country. 
One milk please. Photo: A24/Everett Collection

People are really drinking milk in public, huh? Babygirl director Halina Reijn took inspiration from her own life for the spicy dinner scene in the film with Nicole Kidman. Guess it was so spicy it required a tall glass of milk. Reijn tells Indiewire that after a show in Belgium, she went to a bar by herself and ran into a Belgian actor at least 15 years younger than her, who ordered a glass of milk. I thought it was an incredible, hot thing to do, and so courageous, and so I wanted to reward him by drinking the whole thing, and I did, Reijn admitted before reminding us why people dont typically drink milk in public. It did make me a little nauseated, to be honest with you, because it was cow milk. It was back in the day. A glass of oat milk definitely wouldnt have been as sexy but at least there wouldnt be a tummy ache.
Photo: Brian Rasic/Getty Images

Wayne Osmond, the fourth oldest child of the Osmond family and second oldest Osmond Brother, died at the age of 73. The New York Times reports that his daughter Amy Cook confirmed he died at the University of Utah Hospital from complications from a recent stroke. Cook paid tribute to her father on Instagram shortly after the news broke, Wayne Osmond, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by his loving wife and five children. His legacy of faith, music, love, and laughter have influenced the lives of many people around the world. Beginning in 1958, Osmond was a member of the barbershop quartet, the Osmond Brothers, alongside siblings Alan, Merrill, and Jay; they were discovered when they were singing with the barbershop quartet at Disneyland, and they were soon hired to perform at the park during the summer and even made cameos in television specials about the theme park. Eventually, with the addition of another brother Donny, the group became known as simply as the Osmonds and skyrocketed as teen idols. Their single, One Bad Apple written by George Jackson, hit no. 1 on the Billboard 100 and stayed there for five weeks. Donny officially left the group in 1979 and teamed up with sister Marie as a duo, but the Osmonds still continued to produce music as a quartet once again.

Wayne married his wife, Kathlyn White, a former Miss Utah, in 1974, and they had five children together. Throughout his life, he faced a number of health issues: he had a brain tumor as a child and, in 1997, redeveloped the same cancer he had in his childhood, ependymoma. He had a stroke in 2012 that affected his ability to play guitar.

Wayne brought so much light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew him, especially me. He was the ultimate optimist and was loved by everyone, Donny wrote on Instagram on January 2. Im sure I speak on behalf of every one of us siblings when I state that we were fortunate to have Wayne as a brother.
An aerial drone photo shows a view of the Lekki Port in Lagos, Nigeria, on Nov. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

There are many lessons Nigeria can take from China's development, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has said, highlighting China's unique role in fostering global peace, shared prosperity, strategic partnerships, and poverty alleviation.

by Olatunji Saliu

ABUJA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's remarkable transformation over recent decades is "a source of inspiration and opportunity for Nigeria and Africa," former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has said, emphasizing the potential for strategic collaboration to accelerate mutual growth and development.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Obasanjo expressed great admiration for China's development while reflecting on his recent visit to the country in October 2024.

"China changes every time you go there," he said, underscoring the country's "capacity for innovation and adaptation," which he believes Nigeria can learn from.

"If it has been done in China, it can be done elsewhere," the former president said.

Obasanjo said there are many lessons Nigeria can take from China's development, highlighting China's unique role in fostering global peace, shared prosperity, strategic partnerships, and poverty alleviation.

He added that these achievements demonstrate China's ability to transform its society and its potential to contribute to global development.

China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, "a feat unparalleled in world history," he said, lauding Beijing for its willingness to share its experience and help other developing nations "learn how to fish," which he sees as essential for empowering nations to create their own wealth.

Chinese agriculture expert Wang Xuemin (2nd L) hands over rice seeds to local people at a demonstration farm operated by a Chinese firm in Abuja, Nigeria, June 2, 2022. (Xinhua/Guo Jun)

As Africa's most populous nation and leading economy, Nigeria has much to gain from a deeper partnership with China, Obasanjo said, noting the elevation of China-Nigeria ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2024 will help promote trust and mutually beneficial outcomes.

He said the China-proposed initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offer immense opportunity for Africa to boost intra-African trade and infrastructure development.

With over 150 nations and over 30 international organizations involved, the BRI aims to enhance global connectivity and trade, he said, noting that improved communication and transportation networks are critical for developing the African continent.

While responding to concerns about China's expanding global influence, Obasanjo said that China's engagement with Africa is based on strategic cooperation, not exploitation.

A truck loaded with a container is pictured at the Lekki Port in Lagos, Nigeria, on Nov. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

"Strategic relationships mean mutual benefit, economically, diplomatically, and technologically," he said, calling on Nigeria to harness its agricultural and mineral resources to drive industrialization and value addition as part of this partnership.

"Fair trade, not aid, is the way forward," Obasanjo stressed.

The former president emphasized the importance of leadership in promoting unity, harmony, and shared prosperity. He underlined the need for equity, justice, and inclusivity at all levels of governance, warning that a world without these principles would be "dangerous for everyone."

Looking ahead, Obasanjo expressed hope that Nigeria and China, by strengthening their partnerships and embracing fair trade, could jointly create a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world. 
Alison ORiordan

In March 2022, the High Court was told that law professor Diarmuid Rossa Phelan was a "law abiding citizen" who had "never put a foot wrong" and did not have so much as a parking ticket to his name. He had also been charged with murdering a trespasser on his farm by shooting him in the back of the head.

This was the only time a court heard first hand from Mr Phelan, who did not opt to take the stand during his nine-week trial to give evidence in his defence, as is his legal right.

The court heard details of his professional and private life that painted a broader picture of the father of four - as a barrister, an academic and landowner - than that presented at his murder trial.

The State had objected to bail on account that the barrister was a likely flight risk but over those two days at his bail hearing, Mr Phelan - referred to by his solicitor as "a very honourable man" - insisted there was no possibility of him trying to evade justice by leaving the country.

Via video-link from Cloverhill Prison, Mr Phelan told a High Court judge that he had to clear his name because his reputation and career were dependent on it.

On the day he shot Keith Conlon, Diarmuid Phelan was due to teach at Trinity College Dublin, where he was an Associate Professor of Law.

Having grown up on the south side of Dublin, Mr Phelan had been teaching on College Green since 1994, with disciplines in European Union and Competition Law. He was working three days a week lecturing undergraduate and postgraduate students, with meetings on the other days.

Mr Phelan's career also saw him lecture in the United States and visit law schools across the world. He has been a member of the Bar since 1994 and was called to the inner bar in 2008. As a professor, he is affiliated with the bar jurisdictions in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and New York.

The High Court heard that Mr Phelan and his children are also United States citizens and that he owns a studio in Colorado.

Considerable assets

The High Court was also told of Mr Phelan's financial position and heard he has "considerable assets" with links to Northern Ireland, mainland Europe and the US.

He began buying large tracts of land in 2000, starting with a 54-acre farm in Wexford followed 15 years later with the purchase of Hazelgrove Farm, which was approximately 180 acres. The High Court heard that the lands in Tallaght were held in a complex arrangement and had different legal and beneficial owners.

In 2023, there were 66 cattle and around 140 sheep on Hazelgrove Farm, which was accepted into an organic scheme that same year - a move that was part of the long term plan for the lands. The court heard that Mr Phelan being "very much hands on" in the maintenance of the farm and someone who enjoyed "getting his hands dirty", with "massive progress" made on the lands since he acquired them. His lawyers said that Mr Phelan took it upon himself to up-skill and farm at a commercial level and sought to "make good the lands".

When questioned at length by Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy at his bail hearing, Mr Phelan told her that his Tallaght farm was held in Northern Ireland with a company called Sagacious Investment Ltd, while the farm in Wexford was held through EUSA Ltd.

He said the farms are held in trust for the benefit of his four children.

"The land in Tallaght is in various arrangements," Mr Phelan said, adding that the company is the legal owner but not the beneficial owner of the lands.

When pressed more by the judge about the value of the farm in Tallaght, Mr Phelan said it was "very unclear" as it was mixed land and therefore hard to value. He said it was bought in a series of transactions.

Asked about its developmental value, the defendant said it would be worth 1.8 million at least. He said the average market value per acre on the Wexford farm was between 10,000 and 12,000 and the bulk of the Wexford farm was sold for 540,000 in July of that year.

The court was told the father-of-four's primary residence is in Dublin, with his home having an approximate value of between 900,000 and 1 million.

Mr Phelan told the High Court that the entirety of his Trinity salary went towards independent home-care for his mother, costing over 100,000 per annum, which the court heard was in accordance with his late father's wishes.

Along with a seven-figure mortgage commitment, Mr Phelan said it was "hard to make ends meet at the moment". It was submitted by his lawyer to the court that if Mr Phelan couldn't generate money, he would have difficulty making his mortgage repayments.

With assets valued in the millions however, Mr Phelan didn't qualify for legal aid. He was on trial for murder at his own expense and had a team of four lawyers acting for him; consisting of two senior counsels, a junior counsel and a documentary junior.

His defence team was headed up by senior counsel Michael Bowman, who prosecuted the 'Mr Moonlight' murder case, and Sean Guerin, the chair of the Council of the Bar of Ireland.

When four agricultural workers from France and Germany gave evidence about having witnessed the fatal shooting, Mr Phelan also arranged for his own stenographer and a professional interpreter - who had previously worked for the Canadian Parliamentary System - to take notes of the proceedings and provide his team with their own translation of the evidence given.

Two of Mr Phelan's four defence witnesses had also flown in from the US to testify on his behalf, including a former special agent with the US Department of Justice who acted as a firearms expert and a behavioural psychologist.

Guns

It was said at the bail hearing that Mr Phelan was a member of gun clubs and the licensed owner of ten firearms which he had extensive experience in using and had been seized since his arrest.

It became part of the prosecution case at Mr Phelan's murder trial to suggest he was a skilled and experienced shooter and was therefore more likely to shoot accurately.

However, Mr Phelan said at his bail hearing that he hadn't been a member of a gun club in Wicklow for many years but was a member of a target club. He told gardai in his interviews that he preferred archery as a discipline and was teaching it to his children.

Totally in the dark

In seeking bail, Mr Phelan's counsel submitted that he "stands for something, he has achieved something over the decades and that must count for something".

But that was not enough to convince the High Court judge to grant bail, after she found Mr Phelan had a "powerful incentive to evade justice" and was a serious flight risk.

Ms Justice Murphy found Mr Phelan was a man of "extensive assets" but that the full extent of these were not known as a statement was not filed under the Bail Act, which provides for the disclosure of income.

She noted that the full extent of Mr Phelan's assets was not known and that three different addresses in south Dublin had been submitted by him.

Within days, Mr Phelan brought his case to the Court of Appeal over the decision not to grant him bail pending his trial.

The then President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham, told Mr Phelan he had left the High Court judge "totally in the dark" with regards to his financial affairs when applying for bail.

He asked that the defendant provide a comprehensive financial statement to the court setting out his assets, liabilities, all sources of income in recent years and details of any property in and outside the jurisdiction.

In the end Mr Phelan was granted bail by the Court of Appeal on condition that he enter his own bond of 50,000, while an independent surety of 50,000 was also required. The largest amount of bail fixed in the State at that time was 100,000.

Murder trial

When his trial finally opened before Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford on October 16 last, the defendant had many close friends and family in court to support him, including his sister Emer and an elderly priest, who would often be seen comforting Mr Phelan by placing his arm around him.

Mr Phelan would cycle to court each day and continued to use the side entrance used by professionals to gain access to the Criminal Courts of Justice Building, moving freely around the law library amongst his fellow practitioners.

Inside the courtroom, the defendant would frequently pass notes to his two lawyers of Arthur McClean Solicitors, who in turn would hand them to counsel.

Outside court 17 in the mornings and evenings, Mr Phelan and his six advisers would form huddles to discuss either what was on the day's agenda or to reflect on the day's developments.
Eva Osborne

A 34-year-old man appeared before a special sitting of Wexford District Court on Thursday charged with murder following a fatal assault in New Ross, Co Wexford.

Wayne Roche, formerly of Dominic Place, Waterford, and currently of no fixed address came before Judge John OLeary, according to The Irish Times.

He was charged with the murder of John OConnor, at his home Cluain Fada, New Ross, Co Wexford, on December 31st.

Det. Garda Conor Walsh gave evidence of arresting the accused at 2pm on Thursday.

He told the court of having arrested the accused and having cautioned him in relation to the charge the accused said: I didnt murder anyone.

He said the application was for a remand in custody to appear before Wexford District Court on Monday January 6th, at 10:30am via video link.

The body of a 58-year-old man was found following an incident on New Year's Eve.

Two men were arrested over the mans death on Tuesday.

The second individual arrested has been released.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by the state pathologist on Wednesday and preliminary results have been provided to the investigating team.

Details of these results are not being released for operational purposes.
Glor na Mara National School and Tramore Educate Together National School have been named Junior and Senior County Winners respectively, of the prestigious national art competition, 'Someone Like Me'.

The achievement secures them a place at the national awards ceremony to be held at Dublin City Hall on Tuesday, January 28, where they will join 50 other schools to compete for the much sought-after national senior and junior titles.

Now in its ninth year, the 'Someone Like Me' art competition, which is organised by the National Disability Authority, attracted 2,783 entries from national schools across the length and breadth of the country.

The competition was created as part of the National Disability Authoritys work to nurture more positive attitudes towards people with disabilities.

To date, it has seen more than 25,000 children take part in lesson plans and pupil activities designed to help them develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities, drawing on their own personal experiences of disability in a bid to help create a more inclusive society.

Waterford Senior Winner

Congratulating Glor na Mara National School and Tramore Educate Together National School on being named County Winners, Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney said that the number of entries this year was a tribute to the commitment of Irelands primary school teachers, who continue to play an important part helping to create an ever-more inclusive Ireland.

This years competition is set against the backdrop of a new Autism Innovation Strategy and work ongoing to develop a new National Disability Strategy," she said.

"These provide the building blocks for a more inclusive society, where disabled people have equality of opportunity when it comes to participating in cultural, social and economic life and where positive attitudes prevail.

The Someone Like Me art competition is an important way of building an acceptance and understanding of all disabilities amongst the primary school community, and developing an autism affirming society.

Selecting the county winners was not an easy task for the judges and choosing an overall senior and junior winner will be an even harder job. While I know it will be an anxious wait for the pupils and teachers to hear which of the 52 county winners will be awarded the national titles, every pupil should be congratulated for their entries and for coming up with ways to include all people within society.

The competition, which offers a range of prizes, was open to all primary school pupils around the country and received a lot of interest.

Entries ranged from posters and collages to large sculptural installations and videos.
Severe frost and icy patches will extend into next week according to Met Eireann who issued a Weather Advisory stretching until Thursday, in its latest warning around the current cold snap. Fallen snow in some areas will be slow to clear, the advisory said.

Met Eireann already issued a status yellow snow-ice warning for Waterford on Saturday and Sunday, January 4 and 5. Sleet and snow are expected with snowfall accumulations likely across Waterford and many of the coastal counties, including much of Leinster, as well as Clare and Limerick.

Temperatures are expected to drop as low as -5 degrees on Sunday night, with Met Eireann warning that lowest temperatures on Tuesday night could reach a frigid -10 degrees.

The weather conditions may mean that snow in some areas will be slow to clear and Met Eireann has advised the public that wintry showers may be present at times.

In place from 5pm on Sunday, the advisory noted that hazardous travelling conditions are expected and said that travel and service disruptions are likely until 11pm on Thursday.

School closures possible

Met Eireann meteorologist Gerry Murphy has warned that accumulations of snow in places on Monday morning coupled with a very severe frost" means that "there is the possibility that schools may not open."

He noted that further insight into possible school closures will "become more apparent as we go through the weekend.

The meteorologist warned that sleet and snow are expected on Sunday, with Munster forecast to have low temperatures, he told RTE's Morning Ireland.

Met Eireann has forecast that Munster will see sleet and snow at times on Sunday, particularly over higher ground. The highest temperatures are expected to be between 1 and 6 degrees.
By Rachel Vickers-Price, PA

The cold snap being felt by the entire country features on many front pages of Irish newspapers.

The Irish Times leads with an updated programme of building works for the new national childrens hospital being agreed for the first time in almost four years.

Also featuring on the paper's front page is a piece on Apple having lobbied Tanaiste Micheal Martin and other Fianna Fail politicians on transport infrastructure issues in Cork during a visit to the companys Irish headquarters.

The Department of Health has rowed back on a pledge to give free hormone replacement therapy to thousands of women from this week, according to the Irish Examiner.

On the front page of The Echo, a story on a rise in road deaths in Co Cork features, as well as a story about a mother of an eight-month-old blaming mould and damp in their council house for her child's chest infection.

The Irish Independent reports on a rise in European wholesale gas prices sparking fears of higher residential electricity and gas prices in Ireland.

The nationwide low temperature warning takes centre stage on the front page of the Irish Daily Star, with discourse on Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold also featuring on the paper's front page.

The ice-cold weather conditions also feature on the front page of the Irish Daily Mail, which reports on Meghan Markle's Netflix documentary as well.

The Herald reports on the statistics of items being smuggled into men's prisons in Ireland last year, as well as transfer window deals in the Premier League concerning Manchester United's Marcus Rashford.

In the UK...

Calls for an inquiry into the Oldham child sex abuse scandal and the future of social care are among the stories making headlines in Fridays newspapers.

The Times and The Guardian both splash on a Labour-planned upheaval to social care and services in the UK, with ministers eager to launch an independent commission to assist with reform.

The Daily Express leads on demands made by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for a full nationwide inquiry into Britains rape gangs scandal, while The Daily Telegraph says the Labour Party blocked a CPS probe in the wake of child sex abuse at Oldham.

The Daily Mail leads on the salaries paid to NHS managers as its says hospital wait times balloon, emergency services continue to crack under the pressure and public health services fail to meet essential performance targets.

The Daily Mirror leads with a call for Second World War veterans to lead memorial commemorations for VE/VJ days in 2025.

The i reports that millions of people across the UK may have to pay to have hot water with an incoming net zero push to phase out older gas systems.

Economists have reported in the Financial Times that tax increases are likely for the UK in 2025 with all signs seeming to point towards the inevitable due to a sluggish economy.

And, the Daily Star reveals that Britons are planning to flee the UKs bitter winter frost in droves with travel firms booking two holidays to sunny destinations per second.
BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- China has issued a guideline on comprehensively deepening the reform of regulation of drugs and medical devices to promote the high-quality development of the pharmaceutical industry.

The document, issued by the General Office of the State Council, aims to accelerate the construction of a unified national market and foster a globally competitive innovation ecosystem to transform China from a major pharmaceutical manufacturer into a pharmaceutical powerhouse.

The guideline stipulates that by 2027, the legal and regulatory frameworks for drug and medical device supervision will be more enhanced, while the quality and efficiency of review and approval processes for innovative drugs and devices will be significantly improved.

By then, whole-lifecycle regulation in this field will be strengthened to ensure product safety and quality, as per the guideline.

It specifies that by 2035, China expects to fully ensure the safety, efficacy and accessibility of drugs and medical devices, and for its pharmaceutical industry to have stronger innovation, creativity and global competitiveness, with its regulatory system modernized.

The document outlines 24 reform measures across five key areas, which are -- increasing support for innovation in R&D, improving review and approval efficiency, enhancing the compliance level of the pharmaceutical industry via efficient and strict supervision, expanding opening up and cooperation, and fostering a regulatory system that meets the needs of industrial development and safety.

In 2024, China approved the market entry of 48 innovative drugs and 65 innovative medical devices. Its number of drugs in development ranked second globally, and several domestically developed drugs gained approval for global markets.

To better support innovation in the sector, the guideline proposes the prioritization of resources for the evaluation and approval of innovative drugs and medical devices urgently needed for clinical use, which will help accelerate the market access process.

The document also includes provisions to reduce communication and consultation waiting times for clinical trials of innovative drugs that are needed urgently.

The clinical trial approval process will also be optimized, per the guideline, which proposes pilot programs to slash the approval timelines for clinical tests of drugs and medical devices from 60 to 30 working days.

The guideline highlights the importance of elevating the caliber of patents in the pharmaceutical sector while boosting their practical application and the efficiency of their conversion into marketable products.

Building on this, the guideline further proposes strengthening drug data protection.

Yang Ting, an official of the National Medical Products Administration, said that efforts are underway to define the scope, types and duration of data protection to ensure effective implementation.

The guideline also calls for improving the market exclusivity system by granting a defined market exclusivity period for eligible drugs, such as those used in the treatment of rare diseases and pediatric medicine, with the aim of effectively encouraging enterprises to increase investment in research and innovation. 
We think of an Australian summer as if it is timeless and unchanging. Its always been like this, we say, and we buttress that idea with memories of our own childhoods or those of our children.

And its true that some things are unchanged. I watch my grandchildren as they repeat scenes from my childrens summer holidays  the overly ambitious sandcastles, the whinging over sunscreen and its application, and the hats that disappear whenever you want to leave the house.

Whats your Aussie summer staple? Credit: iStock

There are some things, too, unchanged from my own childhood: the beachside motels (we went once, but what a thrill), or the car keys hidden in Dads sandshoes to deter thieves (a cunning trick used by every person on the beach), and the long car trip home with the same backseat chant (Are we there yet?).

But heres the truth: the Australian summer is in a state of constant reinvention. We add things and subtract things, sometimes for the worse and sometimes for the better.
URUMQI, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Horgos Port, a major railway hub in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, handled a record high of 8,730 China-Europe freight train trips in 2024, up 12.5 percent year on year, according to local customs officials.

A total of 12.1 million tonnes of goods were handled by this port last year, an increase of 10.9 percent over the previous year and another record, local customs revealed.

The port in 2024 maintained an average of over 22 daily China-Europe freight train trips, facilitating the transportation of an increasing number of "Made in China" products such as daily necessities, mechanical and electrical equipment, and electronic products to Central Asian and European markets.

"With streamlined procedures, the clearance time for a freight train at the port has been reduced from 12 hours to 6-8 hours," said Zhao Yuanfeng with Horgos Customs.

So far more than 40,000 freight trains operating on 85 routes have reached their destinations in Central Asia and Europe via Horgos Port, which has become an important logistics channel connecting China and Eurasia. 
HAIKOU, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- In 2024, the number of foreign tourists that entered south China's island province of Hainan visa-free surged by 283 percent compared to the previous year, local authorities said Friday.

Hainan handled 2.14 million inbound and outbound trips crossing the border in 2024, with foreign travelers accounting for 47.5 percent of the total, according to the Haikou General Station of Immigration Inspection.

Hainan has long enjoyed favorable visa-free entry policies in China. The majority of foreigners who enter Hainan do so under the visa-free entry policy.

In recent years, China has introduced numerous measures to facilitate travel for foreign tourists. At the end of last year, the country announced a significant relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the initial 72 hours and subsequent 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days.

According to Rao Jun, who works at the inspection station, the number of border inspection channels in Hainan has grown from 39 to 98, which helped ensure faster, smoother customs clearance.

Hainan's three main airports, Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport and Qionghai Boao International Airport, currently operate 70 international routes, connecting nearly 40 cities worldwide. 
Leesville, LA (71446)

Today

Cloudy with occasional showers for the afternoon. High 79F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional light rain after midnight. Low 66F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
With the temperatures dropping over the last day, -4.0 C was recorded in Sligo on Thursday.

According to Met Eireann, the freezing temperature was recorded in Markree, Co. Sligo at around 9am yesterday.

Lowest temp recorded Thursday the 02/01/2025 at our observation stations:



 -4.2 C in Gurteen, Co. Tipperary at around 8amfollowed by:

 -4.0 C in Markree, Co. Sligo ar around 9am



Stay warm & informed

https://t.co/sFyGizBDqq pic.twitter.com/LW52hCR8kG  Met Eireann (@MetEireann) January 3, 2025

The Status Yellow Low Temperature/Ice warning is currently in place until 11am this morning.

A snow and sleet advisory has also been issued for the country this weekend.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Any morning clouds give way to partly sunny skies; a milder afternoon with highs back above the 60-degree mark. .

Tonight

Becoming cloudy overnight with some patchy fog and drizzle possible late at night.
Guo Ziyang, an operating room nurse of the Chinese medical team, checks surgical equipment at Vila Central, the main hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Jan. 2, 2025. Members of the third batch of Chinese medical team to Vanuatu have rendered professional service to more than 1,800 patients since they were deployed in the Pacific Island nation in September 2024.

They were also involved in over 300 surgical operations and some 30 training sessions.

On Dec. 17, 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, causing severe damage to the city's infrastructure and killing at least 14 people . The Chinese medical team, despite suffering injuries during the quake, became the earliest non-local provider of emergency medical service at the epicenter. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Xie Henghui, an acupuncturist of Chinese medical team, feels a patient's pulse at Vila Central, the main hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Jan. 2, 2025. Members of the third batch of Chinese medical team to Vanuatu have rendered professional service to more than 1,800 patients since they were deployed in the Pacific Island nation in September 2024.

They were also involved in over 300 surgical operations and some 30 training sessions.

On Dec. 17, 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, causing severe damage to the city's infrastructure and killing at least 14 people . The Chinese medical team, despite suffering injuries during the quake, became the earliest non-local provider of emergency medical service at the epicenter. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Li Wei, a dentist of Chinese medical team, communicates with a patient at Vila Central, the main hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Jan. 2, 2025. Members of the third batch of Chinese medical team to Vanuatu have rendered professional service to more than 1,800 patients since they were deployed in the Pacific Island nation in September 2024.

They were also involved in over 300 surgical operations and some 30 training sessions.

On Dec. 17, 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, causing severe damage to the city's infrastructure and killing at least 14 people . The Chinese medical team, despite suffering injuries during the quake, became the earliest non-local provider of emergency medical service at the epicenter. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Wang Rui (L), deputy leader of the Chinese medical team and an expert on respiratory and critical care medicine, auscultates a patient at Vila Central, the main hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu, Jan. 2, 2025. Members of the third batch of Chinese medical team to Vanuatu have rendered professional service to more than 1,800 patients since they were deployed in the Pacific Island nation in September 2024.

They were also involved in over 300 surgical operations and some 30 training sessions.

On Dec. 17, 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, causing severe damage to the city's infrastructure and killing at least 14 people . The Chinese medical team, despite suffering injuries during the quake, became the earliest non-local provider of emergency medical service at the epicenter. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Chen Mulei, a cardiovascular physician and leader of the Chinese medical team, instructs a patient on his medication at Vila Central, the main hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Jan. 2, 2025. Members of the third batch of Chinese medical team to Vanuatu have rendered professional service to more than 1,800 patients since they were deployed in the Pacific Island nation in September 2024.

They were also involved in over 300 surgical operations and some 30 training sessions.

On Dec. 17, 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, causing severe damage to the city's infrastructure and killing at least 14 people . The Chinese medical team, despite suffering injuries during the quake, became the earliest non-local provider of emergency medical service at the epicenter. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Xie Henghui, an acupuncturist of Chinese medical team, performs acupuncture treatment for a patient at Vila Central, the main hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Jan. 2, 2025. Members of the third batch of Chinese medical team to Vanuatu have rendered professional service to more than 1,800 patients since they were deployed in the Pacific Island nation in September 2024.

They were also involved in over 300 surgical operations and some 30 training sessions.

On Dec. 17, 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, causing severe damage to the city's infrastructure and killing at least 14 people . The Chinese medical team, despite suffering injuries during the quake, became the earliest non-local provider of emergency medical service at the epicenter. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Chen Mulei (R), a cardiovascular physician and leader of the Chinese medical team, communicates with a local medical worker at Vila Central, the main hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Jan. 2, 2025. Members of the third batch of Chinese medical team to Vanuatu have rendered professional service to more than 1,800 patients since they were deployed in the Pacific Island nation in September 2024.

They were also involved in over 300 surgical operations and some 30 training sessions.

On Dec. 17, 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, causing severe damage to the city's infrastructure and killing at least 14 people . The Chinese medical team, despite suffering injuries during the quake, became the earliest non-local provider of emergency medical service at the epicenter. (Xinhua/Long Lei)

Li Wei, a dentist of Chinese medical team, exams a patient at Vila Central, the main hospital in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on Jan. 2, 2025. Members of the third batch of Chinese medical team to Vanuatu have rendered professional service to more than 1,800 patients since they were deployed in the Pacific Island nation in September 2024.

They were also involved in over 300 surgical operations and some 30 training sessions.

On Dec. 17, 2024, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, causing severe damage to the city's infrastructure and killing at least 14 people . The Chinese medical team, despite suffering injuries during the quake, became the earliest non-local provider of emergency medical service at the epicenter. (Xinhua/Long Lei)
RIYADH, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met Thursday with a delegation from the new Syrian administration in Riyadh.

The two sides discussed developments in Syria, exploring ways to support the transitional political process in achieving Syrian people's aspirations for security, stability, and unity, the Saudi defense ministry said on social media platform X.

The Syrian delegation included Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, Minister of Defense Murhaf Abu Qasra, and Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab.

"Our brothers and sisters in Syria have suffered years of war, destruction and difficult living conditions. It is time for Syria to stabilize, rise up and benefit from its capabilities," Prince Khalid said on X. 
BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Li Shisong, former vice governor of southwest China's Yunnan Province, has been arrested on suspicion of receiving bribes, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said in a statement on Friday.

The case was handed over to prosecutors for examination and prosecution following the conclusion of an investigation by the National Commission of Supervision, the SPP said.

Li, also a former member of the standing committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Yunnan Provincial Committee, was previously expelled from the CPC and dismissed from public office in December 2024.

He was placed under probe in June 2024. 
SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korean investigators with the anti-corruption investigative unit on Friday failed to arrest the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol and left the presidential residence after being blocked by the presidential security service.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) said the continued confrontation virtually made it impossible to execute the arrest warrant against Yoon, which was the first in the country's constitutional history that an arrest warrant has been issued against a sitting president.

WHAT HAPPENED

The CIO reportedly decided to carry out the arrest operation early Friday morning to minimize possible clashes with Yoon's supporters, who were expected to gather in larger numbers later in the day.

The Seoul Western District Court on Dec. 31 issued the arrest warrant for Yoon, citing allegations of insurrection, along with a search warrant for the presidential residence. The warrant is valid until Jan. 6.

However, Yoon's legal team on the same day after the issuance of the warrant issued a statement asserting that the arrest and search warrants requested by an agency lacking jurisdiction over insurrection charges are illegal and invalid.

Since then, conservative supporters opposing Yoon's impeachment began gathering near the presidential residence. On Jan. 1, Yoon addressed his supporters in a letter, pledging to "fight to the end," which was interpreted by local media as a call to resist the warrant's execution.

At around 7:21 a.m. on Friday, a team of 150 personnel, including 30 CIO officials and 120 police officers, arrived at the presidential residence. To prevent potential clashes, over 2,800 additional police officers were deployed around the residence. On the previous day, police dispersed Yoon's supporters to secure access to the residence.

The CIO stopped the execution operation at about 1:30 p.m. local time after being blocked by the presidential security service, expressing deep regret over the attitude of Yoon who refused to comply with legal procedures.

The investigative unit added that it will decide on future measures after relevant reviews.

WHY DID THE ARREST FAIL

Although Yoon's presidential duties have been suspended due to impeachment, he remains the sitting president and continues to receive protection from the security service, which operates under his command.

Since Yoon declared martial law, the security service has followed his orders and blocked investigators from entering the residence, citing the Presidential Security Act and the Criminal Procedure Act.

Although the court clarified that the warrant was not subject to the Criminal Procedure Act, the security service insisted on following "legal procedures" for security measures.

Reports indicated that the security service invoked a clause in the Presidential Security Act allowing entry restrictions for security purposes.

While 80 CIO personnel managed to enter the residence area and breach two security lines, they were stopped in front of the main building. The law enforcement presented the warrant to the security service director, who, however refused entry, citing the Presidential Security Act.

WHAT'S NEXT

After a five-hour standoff, the CIO announced that it was suspending the operation due to safety concerns. With only three days left before the warrant expires, the chances of successful execution appear slim unless the security service relents.

The CIO has filed charges against the security service's leaders for obstructing justice and summoned them for questioning.

The CIO is considering its next steps, including pressuring Acting President Choi Sang-mok to request the security service's cooperation.

If successful, Yoon would be taken to the CIO office in Gwacheon for questioning and later detained at the Seoul Detention Center. The investigation would be recorded, and the CIO would have 48 hours to decide whether to seek a detention warrant.

Should the current warrant expire without execution, the CIO may reapply or directly request a detention warrant again. 
DAKAR, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- More African countries in the Sahel region have recently announced plans to reduce their military ties with France as they urgently demanded the withdrawal of French troops to get rid of their colonial influence.

On Tuesday, President of Cote d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara confirmed in his New Year's message that French forces would withdraw from the West African nation in January, marking it the latest to do so.

On the same day, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced all foreign military bases in Senegal would close by 2025, setting a definitive timeline for withdrawing foreign forces.

In November, Chad declared its intention to terminate its security and defense cooperation agreement with France. "Additional withdrawals of French forces will continue until the complete exit by Jan. 31, 2025," Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said in a televised address Tuesday night.

The turning back on France by African countries reflects the growing demand for a broader push to erase the vestiges of French colonial influence, analysts said, adding that the motivations behind these moves are rooted in growing dissatisfaction with France's military presence.

In 2011, a NATO-led intervention in Libya, spearheaded by France and the United States, toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi. The intervention triggered a decade of unrest in the region, fueling arms trafficking in the Sahel region and contributing to the rise of militant groups, including those affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

"Terrorism began in the Sahel after Gaddafi's fall," said Bella Kamano, a political analyst in Conakry, Guinea. "Every country in the Sahel is now grappling with the repercussions of the Libyan war."

In response to escalating terrorist threats, France launched Operation Barkhane in 2014, deploying thousands of troops across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. However, the mission ended in 2022 without bringing lasting peace or stability.

In recent years, a wave of coups has swept across the Sahel, with military officers often citing security concerns as justification for regime changes. "Terrorists continue to attack civilians even in areas where French troops are stationed. What is the purpose of their presence if they cannot ensure security?" asked Michael Ndimancho, a Cameroonian academic and civil society advocate.

Local populations have also questioned France's motives. Nigerien columnist Abdoulaye Sissoko argued that France's agenda prioritizes maintaining regional dominance and countering emerging global powers rather than combating armed groups.

Since the independence of its former colonies in the 1960s, France has retained its influence in West Africa through "Francafrique", a policy characterized by economic control, currency linkage, and military presence. Critics contend this neo-colonial dominance has perpetuated poverty in the Sahel region.

A report by the Institute for Security Studies describes "Francafrique" as deeply rooted in financial servitude and military interventionism.

"Either out of what you might call the 'you broke it, you pay for it' school of postcolonialism, or an enduring ambition to control and profit from its previous possessions, France has hovered like a ghost," the Financial Times said in a report published in August 2023.

Observers believe the calls for French troop withdrawals signal a broader desire for genuine sovereignty and equitable partnerships. El Hadj Djitteye, executive director of the Timbuktu Center for Strategic Studies on the Sahel, said that Western nations, including France, have failed to foster mutually beneficial security and economic collaborations.

"What the continent needs is not European troops but partnerships rooted in mutual benefit," said James Arrey Abangma, a political science professor at the University of Buea. "Africa is awakening, and former colonial powers must rethink their approach if they hope to engage with a transformed continent," he said.

Despite these setbacks, France appears determined to redefine its role in Africa. According to Le Point, a French magazine, French President Emmanuel Macron's special envoy for Africa, Jean-Marie Bockel, presented a report in November 2024, advocating for a reconfigured military presence and a "renewed" partnership based on co-creation.

Ousmane Balde, a researcher at the Senegalese Center for Advanced Defense and Security Studies, said that France's future in Africa should prioritize economic diplomacy over military dominance, with a focus on equitable partnerships and respect for African sovereignty in bilateral relations. 
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...
No safety for civilians anywhere in Gaza: UN humanitarians

Xinhua) 08:18, January 03, 2025

People gather at a building destroyed in an Israeli bombing in the center of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Jan. 2, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Overall, 39 percent of UN attempts to move aid workers anywhere in Gaza were rejected by the Israeli authorities, with another 18 percent disrupted or interfered with.

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- There is no safety for civilians anywhere in Gaza, with more than 80 percent of the Gaza Strip under Israeli evacuation orders, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said on social media platform X, "There is no humanitarian zone let alone a 'safe zone.'"

He called for an end to misleading evacuation orders and the killing of civilians, warning that every day without a ceasefire brings more tragedy.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of large areas within Gaza, citing rocket fire into Israel. The office said an initial analysis indicates the new orders cover about 3 square km in North Gaza and Deir al Balah governorates. Strikes have been reported in the Al Mawasi area, where people were ordered to move and take shelter.

"Over 80 percent of the Gaza Strip is under unrevoked Israeli evacuation orders. Amid this situation, OCHA warns that the ability of humanitarian organizations to support people in need across Gaza is further diminishing," said OCHA.

People gather at a building destroyed in an Israeli bombing in the center of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Jan. 2, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

The humanitarians said some of the most onerous restrictions on humanitarian movement were recorded last month, including blocking access to border areas for collecting supplies, denying attempts to deliver goods and services, or assessing needs across Gaza. Overall, 39 percent of UN attempts to move aid workers anywhere in Gaza were rejected by the Israeli authorities, with another 18 percent disrupted or interfered with.

Access has been denied for the besieged areas in North Gaza since Oct. 6. According to OCHA, out of 166 attempts, 150 were refused, and 16 were initially agreed to but interfered with or faced impediments. The office noted that access to what remains of hospitals in the north is among the top priorities.

OCHA also said that in the West Bank, it joined with UNRWA and other humanitarian partners to assess the aftermath of an Israeli operation in Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps last week. Teams visited the area on Tuesday and estimated more than 1,000 housing units and about 100 shops were damaged from explosions or bulldozing. Over 20 families of more than 90 people were displaced.

The office said that damage to infrastructure disrupted electricity, water and sewage networks. OCHA mobilized a humanitarian response by partners, who trucked water to people.

It said the West Bank assessment will inform further interventions, including installing new water tanks, vacuuming sewage and distributing hygiene kits and emergency cash.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
GAZA, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Mohammad al-Hindi, deputy secretary-general of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, said on Thursday that Palestinian factions are close to reaching a ceasefire deal with Israel.

"We are close to reaching an agreement, even if partial, for a prisoner exchange with the (Israeli) occupation and a ceasefire," al-Hindi told Xinhua.

"The factions need a week to prepare a list of Israeli hostages" at the request of Israel from the start of implementing the agreement to cease fire during the first phase, and then deliver the name list, al-Hindi said, noting that the Israeli side also seeks to "include 12 soldiers who do not meet the conditions for release at the first phase."

"Hamas has shown flexibility and agreed to add the names of these soldiers to the first-stage hostage release list, but it has set conditions in return for these concessions," he added.

Al-Hindi said the Israeli side wants to "obstruct" the talks with unreasonable demands, but "the resistance is working to end the suffering of the Palestinian people" in the Gaza Strip through negotiations.

Intensive talks are ongoing between Hamas and mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange deal amid ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a deadly conflict since Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people. Israel responded with a large-scale air and ground assault on the besieged Gaza Strip, resulting in more than 45,500 Palestinian deaths so far. 
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. &&
Retired teacher Gaie Delap (77 years old) spent Christmas in prison this year for the crime of non-violent protestspecifically, causing a public nuisance.

Delap was jailed for 20 months last August for her role in Just Stop Oil protests on the M25 motorway in 2022. Released in November to serve the rest of her sentence under a home detention curfew7pm to 7amshe was rearrested this month. An electronic monitoring device could not be fitted to her ankle due to a health condition and so police demanded her re-imprisonment.

Everything about the case is draconian and vindictive, from the jail sentence of nearly two years for an act of protest, to the imposition of a curfew and Delaps incarceration over Christmasand possibly for the full length of the sentence. She spent the 18 months waiting for her trial on bail and under curfew without a tag.

Her brother told the media: We are outraged by Gaies recall to prison. We know this is cruel, and totally unnecessary. We know there are alternatives to the tag.

Delap joined the record number of people held in British prisons this Christmas for protest activity: 40 in total. The large majority (29) are on remand, meaning they have not been convicted of anything, only charged. Civil rights group Liberty described the numbers as a damning reflection of the state of democracy in Britain.

The slight majority (21 people, 19 of them on remand) are in prison in connection with direct action campaigns against the Israeli genocide in Gaza. The other 19 (10 on remand) are jailed in connection with Just Stop Oil climate protests.

They are the tip of an iceberg. A recently published study by the University of Bristol found that British police arrest climate protesters at triple the global average ratethe highest in Europe and second only to Australia. One fifth of climate protests in Australia lead to an arrest, and 17 percent in the UK.

Oscar Berglund, the lead researcher, told the Guardian: There is an increasing criminalisation and repression of climate and environmental protest. These kinds of protests have increased, climate protests quite sharply, and the response to this has been a crackdown that has to be seen in the wider political sense of a breakdown in climate action.

Last July, four Just Stop Oil climate protesters were sentenced to four years in prison and one to five yearsall for joining a Zoom call to discuss a planned protest on the M25. These are record sentences for a peaceful protest, let alone planning a peaceful protest.

This followed the three-and two-year sentences handed out to another pair of Just Stop Oil climate protesters in April 2023. Their appeal was rejected three months later, prompting a letter of concern to the UK government from Ian Fry, the then UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, criticising a general disregard for human rights concerns.

Nothing changed with the coming to power of the Labour Party, led by the former chief state prosecutor Sir Keir Starmer. UN Special Rapporteur on environmental defenders Michael Forst denounced the July 2024 sentences as not acceptable in a democracy and a deterrent for the right to protest in the UK.

An appeal will be heard on January 29-30, with submissions made by Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace UK. A lawyer for the former asked, In what functioning democracy can it be right for those peacefully raising the alarm about the climate crisis to receive longer jail sentences than people who participated in racially-motivated violence this summer?

Jack Robirosa, for Greenpeace, commented, If these sentences become precedents and the laws that enabled them are allowed to stand, they will make a powerful statement about the kind of country we are becoming.

The same crackdown has been made on political activism in defence of the Palestinians, with the last year having seen hundreds of vexatious and intimidatory arrests, and multiple violent house raids and detentions, including of journalists, under anti-terror laws.

The British state is swinging into action the vast repressive apparatus constructed under Labour and Tory governments alike in the recent decades, and the last parliament especially. According to Global Witness, Londons Metropolitan Police alone made 6,252 protest-linked arrests between April 2019 and March 2023.

More should be expected. The Public Order Act 2023 and Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 give enormous powers to the police and prosecutors to arrest and imprison protesters.

Speaking in November on the demonstrations against the Gaza genocide, an emboldened Met assistant commissioner Matt Twist told the right-wing Policy Exchange think tank: On occasion we did not move quickly to make arrests  We are now much more focused on identifying reasonable grounds for arrest, acting where needed, and then investigating, so in these circumstances its very likely arrests would be made more quickly now.

Most serious is the use of anti-terror laws to target political activists and journalists. The WSWS has reported previously on the detention, arrest and house raids of Kit Klarenberg, Craig Murray, Richard Medhurst, Sarah Wilkinson and Asa Winstanley.

Eighteen members of the direct action group Palestine Actionwho face trial this Novemberwere also arrested and interrogated under terror legislation, gravely restricting their legal rights, despite ultimately being charged with regular criminal offences. They are accused of aggravated burglary and criminal damageand six of them with violent disorderin connection with an action at Israels Elbit arms manufacturer in Bristol last August.

A particular example is being made of anti-Zionist activist Tony Greenstein, charged in December under Blairs Terrorism Act 2000 for allegedly inviting support for a proscribed organisation, namely Hamas.

For all the liberal complaints directed towards the draconian record of the last government, the fact is that the Tory and Labour parties have passed the baton of anti-democratic legislation seamlessly for decades. Starmers government has maintained the Tories anti-protest laws and has picked up an appeal begun by the Home Office under the Conservatives seeking to maintain as low a threshold as possible for arresting protesters.

Last May, human rights group Liberty successfully challenged former Home Secretary Suella Bravermans use of so-called Henry VIII powers to define serious disruptionthe basis for arrests for protest activityas more than minor disruption to community life, rather than serious and prolonged disruption. The redefinition, carried out entirely on Bravermans say so, without any scrutiny, allowed for hundreds of additional arrests.

Lord Justice Green and Mr Justice Kerr ruled that Braverman had acted unlawfully, which the Tory government appealed. Labour Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is now continuing the appeal, aiming to uphold Bravermans edict.

A lawyer for Liberty commented, This legislation is undemocratic, unconstitutional and unacceptable The Home Offices decision to continue the case shows disregard for the rule of law.

Starmer heads a government committed to imperialist war and support for wars and genocide in the Middle East, Ukraine, and around the world. His commitment to NATO and the super-rich is funded by a continued social counterrevolution against the wages, living conditions and public services of the working classand fuelled by a worsening climate catastrophe.

Its record already shows that Labour will be even more reliant than its Tory predecessors on arrests, imprisonments and police intimidation to impose this agenda against the wave of social opposition it will meet among workers and young people.
COLOMBO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Export Development Board (EDB) has anticipated export revenue to reach 18.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, state media reported on Friday, quoting EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe.

Wijesinghe said that the EDB has set a goal of increasing Sri Lanka's export revenue to 45 billion dollars within the next five years.

In 2024, Sri Lanka recorded 16.2 billion dollars in export revenue, driven by higher-than-expected earnings from the apparel and ICT sectors, he said.

For 2025, the EDB expected several other industries, including gems and jewelry, shipbuilding, logistics, construction, and electronics, to make a greater contribution to export income, Wijesinghe said.

Wijesinghe said the gem and jewelry sector, which currently generates around 400 million dollars annually, has the potential to surpass 1 billion dollars in revenue within the next two years.

Additionally, the EDB was facilitating joint ventures to strengthen the electronic and electrical industries, aiming to diversify and expand the country's export base, Wijesinghe said. 
As Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro prepares an inauguration for his third term on January 10, the US government and its partners in the region are escalating reckless and anti-democratic conspiracies to oust him, potentially even by means of a military incursion.

President Nicolas Maduro addresses rally outside of Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, July 31. [Photo: @PresidencialVen]

The coalition of US-sponsored parties called Unitary Platform has similarly vowed to inaugurate their own presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, claiming evidence that he won the July 28 presidential elections.

The countrys electoral body, controlled by the ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV), declared Maduro the winner.

The election was held neither in response to popular demand, nor even according to a constitutional schedule, but rather based on closed-door discussions with Washington, which offered limited sanctions relief in return. From the outset and regardless of the results, the Biden administration saw the elections as a pretext to intensify the drive to install a far-right, puppet regime to better control Venezuelas oil reserves, the largest on the planet.

Having spent four months in exile in Europe, Gonzalez has reiterated that he does not plan to establish a government in exile and instead will be smuggled into Venezuela to be inaugurated on January 10, with a cabinet ready and opposition leader and long-time CIA asset, Maria Corina Machado, to be installed as executive vice president. Details on this counter-inauguration are being kept secret.

Gonzalez and Machado both face arrest warrants on charges of conspiracy and sabotage against the electoral system, among others. While Machado claims to be hiding in Venezuela, Gonzalez signed a document recognizing his election defeat last September in exchange for safe passage to Spaina deal he claims to have accepted under duress.

The election of Donald Trump has put wind in the sails of the likes of Machado, who shares his fascistic agenda of extreme free-market policies and dictatorship. During his first term, Trump oversaw the tightening of devastating economic sanctions, along with a failed attempt to capture the Venezuelan leadership led by Green Berets and reportedly said it would be cool to invade Venezuela.

The precipitous fall of the Syrian government to US-backed Islamist forces, which was only possible due to an effective stand-down by the Assad regimes Russian, Iranian and Chinese allies, has also emboldened the coup plotters in Venezuela. They have argued that the support of these same governments for Maduro is likewise unreliable. An opposition leader speaking on condition of anonymity to El Pais said that the events in Syria send a message to the rank-and-file in the Armed Forces, whose support for the regime is fragile.

Opposition leaders have focused on appealing to the military, with Machado posting several messages on social media in recent weeks claiming that the government is cracking. On December 28, she called on the great military and police family of our beloved Venezuela to direct their duty, honor and privilege of being the bearers of the weapons and insignia of the nation toward defending the popular and sovereign mandate expressed in the voting booth.

The time has come for defining matters, and we all know in our inner principles that the correct decision has been taken and merely awaits the collective resolve to act, she added.

President Maduro and his inner circle have responded by combining militarist bluster and threats against Gonzalez and Machado with appeals to work out an arrangement with the incoming Trump administration.

Interior and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello last Sunday called on the military to consolidate a great block to defend peace against threats. He added without naming anyone: Whoever attempts to enter Venezuela, will pay a steep price. They might be able to enter if they try; their problem will be leaving this land.

While transparently nervous about imperialist coup plots and even outright military aggression, the Maduro administration is entirely dependent upon support from the security forces and sections of the ruling class. As it offers no real alternative to the policies of the far right, it is in no position to mobilize the working class and poor in Venezuela and abroad against such neo-colonial conspiracies. Instead, it has imposed the full burden of the sanctions and the economic crisis on the working class and moved to implement corporate tax cuts, privatizations, dollarization and other incentives for Wall Street.

Having already recognized Gonzalez as president elect, the Biden administration will likely deepen sanctions even before Trump takes office on January 20.

There is widespread debate in foreign policy and financial publications on what Trump will do next: will he prioritize big oil interests and migration, maintaining licenses for companies to avoid US sanctions on Venezuelan oil while asking Caracas to accept deportees, or will he press immediately for regime change?

The answer is unclear in the short term, but the character of the incoming administration sends an unmistakable signal. Trumps Latin American policy nominees are people picked not for diplomacy, but rather for counterrevolutionary and military purposes. The Secretary of State nominee Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) tweeted images in 2019 of the assassination of Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi, which were clearly aimed at Maduro. Deputy Secretary of State nominee Chris Landau and White House National Security Advisor nominee Michael Waltz have also advocated a hardline approach to oust Maduro.

Moreover, the Trump administration will be the most nakedly oligarchic in history, composed of and surrounded by billionaires, who see Maduro and the Boli-bourgeoisie of corrupt business and military elites that he represents as an obstacle to fully controlling Venezuelan oil.

A report this week by credit rating agency S&P Global also salivates over the potential for a removal of Maduro paving the way for restructuring Venezuelas debt through multilateral entities like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank. This means the plundering of what remains of government-run social programs.

Trump has surrounded himself with the likes of billionaires Elon Musk, who said we will coup whoever we want after the 2019 Bolivian coup, and Erik Prince, who is raising money to hire mercenaries to detain Maduro and has called for putting the imperial hat back on, to say, were going to govern those countries.

Trump is also preparing a major escalation of efforts to undermine growing Chinese economic and political influence in Latin America more broadly. In the past quarter century, US imperialism has lost its economic hegemony even in what it sees as its own backyard, particularly since China became the top trade partner of Latin America, outside of Mexico, and a key source of credit and investment.

But the days when the American ruling class offered development aid and major investments, such as under John F. Kennedys Alliance for Progress in the early 1960s, are long gone, as made clear by the long series of US-backed coups and fascist dictatorships in the following decades.

Today, US imperialism relies to an even greater extent on its military superiority to challenge Chinese influence, while the Pentagon and US think tanks constantly portray Chinese-owned economic infrastructure as military targets. This includes, in particular, the new Chancay Port in Peru and three dozen ports operated or being upgraded by Chinese firms. Trump has openly threatened to take back the Panama Canal, citing the management of ports on both ends by a Hong Kong-based firm.

In this context, the ousting of Maduro is seen by US imperialism as a necessary step in the overall push to recolonize Latin America and undermine Chinese influence, working closely with regional forces.

Argentine fascist President Javier Milei, a pro-Trump enthusiast, has been at the forefront of provocations against the Maduro administration. Buenos Aires claimed without any evidence that Venezuelan police have been harassing the Argentine embassy, where six Venezuelan opposition figures have sought asylum. It is highly significant that the nominally left Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who has been subjected to constant verbal abuse by Milei, agreed to provide security and oversight for the Argentine embassy in Caracas after Milei pulled all diplomats from Venezuela in August.

On December 8, Nahuel Gallo, a corporal in the Argentine Gendarmerie, was arrested by the Venezuelan government, which claims that he arrived to fulfill a mission. Gallo was reportedly working in an official mission in Colombia and decided to visit a relative of his partner in Caracas, where he was arrested.

During a graduation at the Buenos Aires Military College and then in a meeting with Gallos family in Tucuman, Milei denounced the arrest as a kidnapping and vowed to use all diplomatic means to free him. Meanwhile his Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich adopted a more aggressive tone, calling the arrest almost an act of war.

The Pentagon has also sought to expand its military presence in the region, ramping up military exercises and deals for bases. Most recently, it was granted extended access to a military base in the ecologically unique and sensitive Galapagos islandsdeclared a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site for Humanity in 1978 following the ratification of a military cooperation agreement signed by the oligarch-President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa.

The deal allows the Pentagon almost unrestricted deployment of warships, submarines, aircraft and troops. While it sits on the Pacific, the military base in the Galapagos offers strategic access to the Panama Canal, the new Chinese-owned Chancay Port in Peru, and serves as a launching pad for military operations across Latin America.

Last month, the government of Trinidad and Tobago, an island nation that sits off Venezuelas Caribbean coast, signed five agreements with the Pentagon, according to Washington. Media reports indicate that one agreement allows US troops to be stationed on the the island in the event of a conflict with Venezuela. This was later denied unconvincingly by Prime Minister Keith Rowley, who refused to disclose any details.

The US Southern Command has also extended its presence and training of forces in Guyana, which is rapidly expanding its oil production in disputed offshore fields that Caracas has threatened to take by force.

The current US strategy of sanctions and provocations to encourage a military coup could lead to civil or regional war, and worsen the humanitarian disaster, even after 7 million Venezuelans have left in the past decade. No political support can be given to the capitalist Maduro administration, however. Only the political mobilization of the Venezuelan working class united with workers across Latin America, the United States and internationally to end capitalism can halt all planned aggression and the drive by imperialism to recolonize and redivide the world.
In the last week before Christmas, without any announcement, the Albanese Labor government approved four significant coal mine expansions, while hypocritically claiming it had approved no new coal projects in 2024.

These approvals are just the most recent in a series of decisions that completely contradict Labors supposed commitment to take more ambitious action on climate change.

The first three expansions are at the Boggabri coal mine owned by Idemitsu in New South Wales (NSW), and, in Queensland, the Caval Ridge Horse Pit owned by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance and the Lake Vermont Meadowbrook mine owned by Bowen Basin Coal.

Together, the production output from these mines could total 350 million tonnes of coal. The lifetime climate emissions of the three mines are estimated at approximately the equivalent of 936 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2, which is worth over two years of total annual Australian domestic emissions.

That brings the number of coal mine approvals by the Albanese government since taking office in May 2022 to ten. These include the previous approvals for four entirely new coal mines, and expansions to three NSW mines in October. Collectively, the ten approvals will result in an estimated equivalence of 2,449 Mt of CO2 emissions over their lifetime.

Tanya Plibersek

About a week before the three approvals, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek also issued a recommendation letter for the approval of the Vitrinite-owned Vulcan South mine in the Bowen Basin. If the approval proceeds as expected, it will bring the total number of coal mine approvals by the Labor government to 11.

Vitrinite itself stated in a report that the Vulcan South mine is not part of a staged development and is not part of a larger project, further discrediting Pliberseks claim of approving no new coal mines.

Vitrinite is also currently under criminal investigation for clearing, without federal approval, at least 47 hectares of habitat for the threatened koala species, to make way for the proposed mine. That exposes Labors fraudulent claim upon coming into office that it would ensure no new extinctions of vulnerable species.

Nevertheless, Plibersek declared in a social media poston the same day the three projects were approvedthat in 2024 Labor has approved 0 new coal mines.

Pliberseks claim relies upon a dishonest separation of new mines vs expansions to existing mines. In either case, as environmental organisations pointed out, the emissions will hasten the disastrous impacts of climate change.

As Jenny Brown, representing the Queensland Conservation Council, objected: Climate change does not care about technicalities, or whether this is an extension or a new minethey have the same implications for the country, the environment and our wildlife.

In the case of the Lake Vermont mine, the claim is blatantly untrue. The project includes the construction of a new satellite open-cut pit within the facility of the existing mining operation. It is, in all but name, a new coal mine.

The approval of the three projects came less than two months after the release of the State of the Climate report published in October by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

The World Socialist Web Site wrote on the findings of that report:

Among the future impacts for Australia that the report forecasts are increased heat extremes, longer drought times, a longer fire season for the southeast, continued warming and acidification of the oceans surrounding Australia, more frequent and severe coral bleaching events, and fewer but more intense tropical cyclones. All these impacts have the potential to cause catastrophic damage and loss of life. The report concludes, in line with the vast body of scientific literature on the subject, that there must be a substantial and urgent reduction of global GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions if temperatures are to be stabilised at 1.5, and the worst of those future impacts mitigated.

Soon after the reports publication, Labor claimed to welcome it and said it would implement real policies accordingly. But the further mine expansion approvals at this late stage of the climate crisis are utterly incompatible with efforts to limit warming to 1.5, and further expose Labors role in upholding corporate profits at the expense of the environment.

Nor do Pliberseks other efforts to justify the approvals stand up to scrutiny. She claimed that the three expanded mines will primarily be used for metallurgical coal, that is, coal for steelmaking, as opposed to thermal coal for energy production.

This is not true. The project documents for the Boggabri mine, for example, state that of the estimated 56 million tonnes of coal it will produce over the course of its lifetime, around 32 million tonnes will be for power station coal, with the remainder slated for steelmaking.

More fundamentally, the burning of coal contributes to the climate crisis, regardless of the use of that coal. The scientific necessity of keeping coal in the ground to mitigate climate change does not exclude metallurgical coal.

Plibersek claimed that there are currently no feasible renewable alternatives for making steel. Yet production methods exist, including to recycle steel. The technology is still in early development, but it demonstrates that coal use for steel production should be declining.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis pointed out in March 2024: [T]he increasing steel technology shift away from coal means that, though steel will be needed, metallurgical coal will be required in declining volumes. The accelerating shift towards [direct reduced iron] and [electric arc furnace]-based steelmaking means that coal can no longer be considered critical for steelmaking.

The International Energy Agency, in a 2021 report,stated:

No new coal mines or extensions of existing ones are needed in the [Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario] as coal demand declines precipitously. Demand for coking coal falls at a slightly slower rate than for steam coal, but existing sources of production are sufficient to cover demand through to 2050.

Pliberseks other claim, that the coal mine approvals will comply with existing climate targets, is similarly deceptive for two reasons.

Firstly, the targets themselves are completely inadequate to limit warming to 1.5 C. This was most recently pointed out by the Climate Action Tracker report from November.

Established in 2022 with the support of the Greens, Labors climate targets call for a 43 percent reduction of emissions (relative to 2005 levels) by 2030, far short of the 67-75 percent reduction target recommended by a number of scientific reports.

Secondly, the vast majority of the emissions from these approved projects would originate from overseas, since the coal will largely be exported. Those emissions therefore, will not even be counted under Labors climate targets.

Despite Pliberseks attempts to greenwash Labors climate record, these developments have demonstrated that the necessary and urgent fight against climate change will not come from the Albanese government. Nor will it come from any other party of the political establishment.

That includes the Greens, who have supported Labors token Nature Positive legislation, primarily creating a toothless Environmental Protection Agency, and are pleading to form a coalition with a minority Labor government after the next election, due by mid-May.

No less than Labor, the Greens are thoroughly committed to propping up the capitalist profit system, the root cause of environmental destruction. There is only one force that can end the climate disaster. That is the international working class, on the basis of a socialist perspective aimed at overturning the obsolete and destructive capitalist system.
Elevenlabs AudioNative Player

In his monumental essay The Class Struggles in France, one of the earliest applications of the method of historical materialism to the analysis of politics, Karl Marx noted that the secret of the revolution which brought the Duke of Orleans to power in July 1830 was summed up in the words of the financial wizard Laffitte: From now on the bankers will rule. Updating Laffitte to Elon Musk, and shifting from 1830 to 2024, the secret of Trumps election can be summed up with the words, From now on the oligarchs will rule.

President-elect Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk in Boca Chica, Texas, November 19, 2024. [AP Photo/Brandon Bell]

The return to power of Trump, who will take office in just three weeks, is both a debacle and a fundamental turning point. The re-election of the would-be American Fuhrer demonstrates that his initial victory in 2016, and for that matter the January 6, 2021 attempted coup detat, were not aberrations, but rather expressions of a fundamental realignment of politics, in the United States and throughout the world.

The incoming administration will be a government of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich. To a degree unprecedented in American history, the oligarchy itself will exercise direct control over the statefrom Musk, the worlds richest man and head of the Orwellian Department of Government Efficiency, to the assemblage of billionaires that will staff Trumps cabinet and White House. As of mid-December, the total wealth of this top tier of the Trump administration was estimated at nearly half a trillion dollars.

The character of the new government marks a violent realignment of the state to correspond with the nature of capitalist society itself. The worlds richest individuals and corporations control resources on an unfathomable scale, with a growing number of centibillionaires whose personal wealth exceeds the GDP of the worlds 120 poorest nations. In the United States, the three wealthiest people now collectively control more wealth than the bottom 50 percent of the population combined.

Globally, the top 1 percent now possesses more wealth than the bottom 99 percent. According to the latest summary by Bloomberg News, the worlds 500 richest people grew vastly richer in 2024, reaching a new milestone: $10 trillion in total net worth. Bloomberg reports that Eight tech titans alone gained more than $600 billion this year, 43% of the $1.5 trillion increase among the 500 richest people.

The re-election of Trump is the culmination of an extended process of political reaction and a harbinger of what is to come. Five years ago, at the beginning of 2020, the World Socialist Web Site published a statement characterizing the 2020s as the decade of socialist revolution. The years that followed have witnessed a series of unprecedented and intersecting crises. In its New Year statement of 2024, the WSWS warned of the normalization of mass death in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; the normalization of nuclear weapons in the escalating US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine; and the normalization of genocide in the imperialist-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza.

The re-election of Trump is a political expression of the normalization of fascistic barbarism and capitalist dictatorship. This has been signaled by the Democratic Party and the capitalist media dropping all references to Trumps threat to democracy, let alone the f-word, fascism, and instead pledging their full collaboration with Trump and the Republicans.

The incoming administration is planning, from day one, to implement a massive assault on democratic rights, focused initially on immigrants and refugees. Among its most extreme proposals is the abolition of birthright citizenship, a cornerstone of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, adopted after the Civil War. The targeting of immigrant workers is the spearhead for a broader attack on the democratic and social rights of the entire working class, as the government prepares to enact further tax cuts for the rich and a coordinated assault on every social program won by workers through bitter struggle.

The processes clearly evident in the United States are in fact universal. Across the world, capitalist governments are staggered by massive political crises, confronting popular opposition and increasingly turning to authoritarian measures.

In Germany, the neo-Nazi Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) is emerging as the strongest capitalist party, now with the open support of Musk and amidst the universal shift of the political establishment to the right. In France, the president of the banks, Emmanuel Macron, is now ruling in collaboration with the New Popular Front (NPF), handing the mantle of parliamentary opposition to Marine Le Pens fascistic National Rally.

In Italy, Giorgia Melonis far-right government, which traces its heritage to Mussolini, is intensifying anti-immigrant policies, while Javier Milei in Argentina is providing the far-right model for social retrogression through the demolition of public services and labor protections.

In Sri Lanka, the right-wing, Sinhala chauvinist and nationalist JVP was swept to power in elections last year and has moved immediately to implement the dictates of the International Monetary Fund. South Korea is wracked by political crisis, with both the president and prime minister impeached while attempting to impose martial law. In Australia, the deeply unpopular Labor government has adopted policies that are indistinguishable from the right wing Liberal/National Coalition, including spearheading preparations to join a US war with China, while waging war on immigrants and the working class at home.

The past five years have been dominated by the response of the ruling class to the capitalist crisis. The next five years will be dominated by an explosive eruption of the class struggle, which is already under way. Workers throughout the world confront an escalating global war; an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, along with the emergence of new pathogens like H5N1 bird flu and mpox; a coordinated assault on basic democratic rights and a massive increase in exploitation and social want.

Underlying these interlinked crises is an oligarchy that subordinates all of society to profit and the accumulation of personal wealth. The fight against the oligarchy is by its very nature a revolutionary task. Its wealth must be expropriated and its stranglehold over economic and political life abolished. This requires the mobilization of the working class, on a world scale, to take political power, establish democratic control over the process of production, and reorganize society on the basis of socialismthat is, on the basis of social need, not private profit.

The global eruption of imperialist war

The foreign policy of oligarchy is imperialist war and plunder. Imperialism, Lenin explained, is (1) monopoly capitalism; (2) parasitic, or decaying capitalism; (3) moribund capitalism. The supplanting of free competition by monopoly is the fundamental economic feature, the quintessence of imperialism. In the competition over resources and raw materials, the imperialist powers threaten to plunge mankind into catastrophe.

Ukrainian soldiers fire a Pion artillery system at Russian positions near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. [AP Photo/LIBKOS]

Trumps inflammatory statements about taking over the Panama Canal, buying Greenland and threatening to deploy the military to Mexico exemplify the imperialist ambitions of the incoming administration. The corollary to Trumps America First nationalism is a global policy of Fortress America, in which control over the Western Hemisphere is seen as essential in the developing confrontation with China.

Under Biden, the three decades of regional wars of American imperialism expanded into an open confrontation with Russia, the second-largest nuclear-armed power. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was a bankrupt and reactionary action by the Putin regime, which represents the interests of the capitalist oligarchy that arose from the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It was not, however, unprovoked, as universally claimed by the capitalist media. It was the response of the Russian government to NATOs relentless eastward expansion and the refusal to negotiate over Ukraines incorporation into the US-led military alliance.

Over the course of three years, the war has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides. In its final weeks, the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use US-provided long-range weapons to target Russian cities, bringing the world closer to the brink of nuclear war than at any point since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The war has been waged by the US and NATO powers in alliance with a right-wing regime in Kiev that, confronting growing domestic opposition, is waging an ever more brutal attack on democratic rights. Bogdan Syrotiuk, a leading member of the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists (YGBL), has now been imprisoned for eight months, for the crime of opposing both the Ukrainian and Russian governments and fighting to unify the working class against the war.

Simultaneously, Israels genocidal assault on Gaza, backed by the US and NATO powers and aided and abetted by the bourgeois-nationalist regimes in the Middle East, has exposed the depths of imperialist barbarism.

The genocide, marked by the destruction of entire cities, the targeting of hospitals and schools and the displacement of hundreds of thousands, is part of a broader regional strategy. The aim is to reorganize the Middle East in line with imperialist interests, including the toppling of the Assad government in Syria, the decapitation of Hezbollahs leadership and escalating provocations against Iran.

To the extent that there are conflicts over foreign policy within the American state, it has more to do with geographythat is, which region of the world should be the immediate target of imperialist aggressionthan with aims and methods. The central focus of the incoming administration, however, will be preparing for a confrontation with China, which the American ruling class views as its primary global rival.

This global eruption of militarism is inseparable from the deepening crisis of American capitalism. Trumps emphasis on dollar dominance underscores the extent to which military aggression will be wielded to sustain the global supremacy of US finance capital. Tariffs, trade wars and threats against both rivals and alliesexemplified by Trumps provocative remarks about annexing Canada as the 51st statereveal the desperation of American imperialism to maintain its hegemony in the face of long-term economic decline.

The analysis made by Leon Trotsky in 1928, during the period between World War I and World War II, applies with even greater force today. Trotsky wrote:

In the period of crisis the hegemony of the United States will operate more completely, more openly, and more ruthlessly than in the period of boom. The United States will seek to overcome and extricate herself from her difficulties and maladies primarily at the expense of Europe, regardless of whether this occurs in Asia, Canada, South America, Australia, or Europe itself, or whether this takes place peacefully or through war.

The eruption of American imperialism is part of a global imperialist redivision of the world, in which all the major capitalist countries are taking part. The European powers have responded to Trumps election, and the possibility of a change in policy on Ukraine, by insisting on the need for an independent foreign policyif necessary in opposition to the United States. All the former colonial countries are targeted for re-subjugation in a scramble over control of resources, markets and raw materials.

Escalating global war threatens to plunge humanity into a global conflagration, with catastrophic consequences. At the same time, war abroad necessitates a massive intensification of the war on the working class at home. Foreign Affairs recently described the new era of total war, in which combatants draw on vast resources, mobilize their societies, prioritize warfare over all other state activities, attack a broad variety of targets, and reshape their economies and those of other countries. That is, all of society is to be subordinated to war.

The crisis of capitalism and the growth of the class struggle

Imperialist war is the response of the ruling class to the increasingly intractable crisis of the entire capitalist order. The eruption of ever more extreme economic crises over the past decades has deepened the parasitism and recklessness of the financial oligarchy, whose immense wealth is increasingly detached from the production of real value.

A section of the picket line of Boeing machinists in Renton, WA.

The response of the ruling class to successive crises has been to engineer massive bailouts of the banks and corporations, most recently during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has exposed the deadly indifference of capitalist governments to the lives of workers, as they prioritize corporate profits over public health. Over 30 million people, overwhelmingly from the working class, have now been killed globally. At least 500 million people are now suffering from the often debilitating effects of Long COVID.

For the ruling class, however, it was a financial bonanza as world governments, led by the United States, funneled trillions of dollars into the stock exchanges. While these actions temporarily stabilized markets, they failed to address the underlying contradictions of the capitalist system. Instead, they fueled even greater levels of speculation and debt, setting the stage for an even more catastrophic collapse.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the rise of speculative financial instruments like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, whose overall market value now stands at $3.26 trillion. In December 2024, the price of one Bitcoin surpassed $100,000, and it is not inconceivable that its value may double, triple or quadruple in the months ahead. Of course, it is also highly possible that the entire crypto ponzi scheme will collapse, requiring yet another multi-trillion-dollar bailout of speculators by the Federal Reserve.

A recent report in the Financial Times revealed that US credit card defaults have surged to their highest levels since 2010. Defaults on leveraged loans have also reached their highest rate in four years, signaling the growth of financial instability. Meanwhile, the national debt of the United States exceeds $36 trillion.

While the press touts the rosy prospects for the further enrichment of the super-rich, reality for the broad mass of the population is vastly different: rising costs of living, stagnant wages and collapsing public services. In the United States:

Between 2019 and 2023, rent costs increased by 30.4 percent nationwide, leaving nearly half of renters cost-burdened. A 2024 survey revealed that over one-fifth of renters spent their entire income on rent, with many relying on second jobs (20 percent), family support (14 percent), or prematurely withdrawing retirement savings (12 percent) to make ends meet.

Record numbers of young Americans, including 31 percent of Generation Z, live with their elders, parents or grandparents, due to unaffordable housing. One-quarter of young adults now live in multigenerational households, driven by rising costs and student debt.

Homelessness reached a record 770,000 people in 2024, an 18.1 percent rise from 2023, with nearly 150,000 children experiencing homelessness in a single nightup 33 percent from the previous year.

Official unemployment rose to 7.1 million in November 2024, with another 4.5 million underemployed and 5.5 million having left the workforce.

According to the World Bank, nearly 700 million people (or 8.5 percent of the worlds population) live in extreme poverty, defined as having an income of less than $2.15 a day. Some 3.5 billion people (44 percent of humanity) subsist on less than $6.85 a day.

These conditions are generating significant expressions of social opposition. In the United States, more than 450,000 workers were involved in major work stoppages in 2023, a 280 percent increase over the previous year and a return to pre-pandemic levels. These strikes spanned industries and occupations; involving autoworkers, Hollywood writers and actors, nurses and public school teachers. The growth of the class struggle continued in 2024, including strikes by Boeing aerospace workers, academic workers, telecommunications workers, and workers at Amazon and Starbucks.

Over the past year, workers in Argentina, Guinea and Nigeria launched powerful general strikes to oppose austerity measures that threatened their livelihoods. Millions of youth demonstrated in the nationwide Gen Z protests in Kenya against austerity, followed by a strike wave involving workers in many industries. In Greece and Italy, workers shut down major sectors of the economy in mass protests against privatization, wage cuts and the erosion of social protections. Northern Ireland saw the largest strike in over half a century, with 150,000 public sector workers walking out to demand better pay and conditions.

Across Asia, significant strikes erupted in key industries, including transit workers and Samsung employees in South Korea, and railway workers in Sri Lanka. Strikes by copper miners in Chile and port workers in Brazil highlighted the determination of workers in Latin America to resist capitalist exploitation. In Mexico, workers in steel and auto fought back against low pay and conditions imposed by transnational corporations.

In Turkey, metalworkers and miners engaged in militant struggles to defend their wages and working conditions. In Germany, strikes at Lufthansa and Volkswagen exposed the growing dissatisfaction of workers in Europes largest economy. Britain witnessed mass actions across the rail and airport sectors, while France was shaken by strikes in ports, railways and the public sector.

In Canada, strikes involved thousands of Saskatchewan educators, as well as railroad, port and Canada Post workers. These struggles were met with fierce opposition from the Trudeau government, which, in coordination with Washington, intervened repeatedly to crush the strikes.

The trade union bureaucracies, aligned with corporate and state interests, act as a brake on workers movements. Time and again, the union apparatus has worked to suppress strikes, isolate struggles, and impose contracts that betray the interests of the rank and file.

In the United States, the International Association of Machinists (IAM) sabotaged the two-month Boeing strike last year, isolating 33,000 workers and wearing them down with inadequate strike pay before shutting the strike down. The United Auto Workers (UAW) launched a sham strike campaign with no actual strikes, as UAW President Shawn Fain suppressed opposition and pledged collaboration with Trump on trade policies. On the docks, the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) quickly ended a three-day strike by 40,000 workers in October, sending them back under a 90-day White House-brokered extension.

In Canada, after a month-long strike by 55,000 postal workers, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and the Canadian Labour Congress capitulated to a government strike ban imposed by Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon. None of the workers demands for wage increases, job security, or control over new technologies were met.

Every struggle raises the imperative for the development of new organizations, rank-and-file committees controlled by workers themselves, to transfer power to the shop floor and spearhead a united, global movement of the entire working class.

The fight for Trotskyism in the decade of revolution

As humanity enters the second half of the decade, the objective conditions for socialist revolution are ripening at an extraordinary pace. The conditions created by global capitalismimperialist war, staggering inequality, climate catastrophe and the threat of dictatorshipare driving millions of workers and young people into struggle.

Striking Canada Post workers picketing a facility at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, during their four-week, 2024 strike. Following in the footsteps of the federal government, which illegalized the postal workers' strike, the Quebec government wants to arrogate the right to end any strike on the Labour Minister's say so.

If there are any definitive lessons to be learned from modern history, it is that the levels of wealth inequality that now exist in the US and globally always produce social explosions. But history also demonstrates that these struggles cannot succeed without a clear program, organization and leadership.

It is just over a century since the eruption of the conflict in the Russian Communist Party surrounding the publication of Trotskys seminal work, Lessons of October. Trotskys analysis, based on the struggle of the Left Opposition against bureaucratism, evoked a hysterical response from the Stalinists. The two central questions that emerged, as Trotsky defended himself from the attacks, were (1) The victory of the Bolsheviks in October 1917 was only possible on the basis of an international strategy; and (2) that the more developed the objective situation, the more decisive is the role of revolutionary leadership, the subjective factor.

The ruling class is itself aware of the danger of revolutionary leadership in the working class. Trumps hysterical denunciations of socialism express a fear that the rising anger in the working class will intersect with a program and perspective that articulates workers interests. Immense resources have been devoted by layers within academia to counter the peril of Trotskyism.

British academic John E. Kelly, for example, writes in his 2023 book, The Twilight of World Trotskyism, that the Trotskyist-led revolutionary scenario, never enacted anywhere despite almost a century of effort, amounts to a tragic and wasteful misdirection of political energy and resources away from serious radical politics. Of the International Committee of the Fourth International, Kelly denounces the immodest and arrogant claim that there is only one current of Marxism: Trotskyism is the Marxism of the 21st Century, and within the Trotskyist universe, there is only one genuine Trotskyist party.

For Kelly and other defenders of the capitalist system, serious politics is the reformist gibberish of Jeremy Corbyn in the UK and similar organizations and individuals throughout the world. And what has this type of politics produced? Corbyns efforts to reform the Labour Party has given birth to the government of Sir Keir Starmer, who is at the front line of the imperialist war in Europe and the assault on the working class at home.

In the United States, Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of the Democratic Socialists of America and their ilk have funneled popular discontent into support for the Democratic Partys pro-war and pro-corporate agenda, creating the conditions for Trumps reelection. Jean-Luc Melenchon in France, Syriza in Greece, the Left Party in Germany, Podemos in Spain and many others have sought to contain and neutralize working class opposition, subordinating it to the establishment parties of the ruling class.

Trotsky, responding to the John Kellys of his day, remarked in April 1939:

Although they feel themselves called upon to defend the foundations of capitalism, the reformers in the very nature of things prove themselves powerless to harness its laws with economic police measures. What else can they do then but moralise? Mr. Ickes, like the other cabinet members and publicists of the New Deal, winds up by appealing to the monopolists not to forget decency and the principles of democracy. Just how is this better than prayers for rain?

What more bankrupt perspective can there be than that the likes of Musk, who is defending his vast fortune through the promotion of fascism throughout the world, can be compelled to accept social reform? The wealth of the oligarchs, moreover, is entirely bound up with a social and economic system, capitalism.

The only viable response to the crisis confronting mankind is the revolutionary mobilization of the working class. The oligarchic character of society testifies to the urgency of the demand raised by Trotsky in the founding program of the Fourth International for the expropriation of separate groups of capitalists. This must be fought for through the mobilization of the working class, on a world scale, in opposition to the capitalist oligarchy.

The ICFI is the only party that articulates and fights to unleash the revolutionary potential of the working class in carrying out the world socialist revolution. Rooted in the great traditions of Marxism, from the Russian Revolution to Trotskys battle against Stalinism, the ICFI is committed to arming the working class with the clarity and organization needed to overthrow capitalism.

Build the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees!

Socialism cannot be achieved except through the development of the class struggle. The revolution that will lay the political basis for socialism is prepared in the course of countless struggles by the working class, in the US and internationally, to advance its interests and defend its rights.

Central to the work of the ICFI and its sections in 2025 is the building of the IWA-RFC as the coordinating nerve center for global opposition to the dictates of the capitalist oligarchy.

The international working class is the most powerful and massive social force on the planet, the source of all value in capitalist society. According to Statista, the total global workforce in 2024 stood at approximately 3.5 billion people, an increase of more than 55 percent from 2.23 billion in 1991. This includes 1.65 billion service workers, 873 million agricultural workers and 758 million industrial workers.

There are presently nearly 800 million workers in China, 600 million workers in India, 170 million workers in the United States and 44 million workers in Germany. In Africa, Asia and Latin America, there is a massive and predominantly young working class, concentrated in urban centers and megacities, each home to over 10 million people. There are an estimated 140 million workers in Indonesia, 108 million in Brazil, 80 million in Pakistan, 75 million in Nigeria, 74 million in Bangladesh and 61 million in Ethiopia.

The international working class is united objectively in the process of global production, which is dominated by transnational corporations and distribution networks that exploit workers throughout the world in the interests of profit. The development of a unified industrial offensive of the working class depends upon the establishment of organizations of working class struggle, controlled by the workers themselves.

The establishment of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) in April 2021 marked a decisive step in the fight to unify the working class across national and industrial boundaries.

Only to the extent that power is wrested from the hands of the bureaucracy and transferred to workers on the shop floor can the unions be revived as instruments of the class struggle. As the ICFI explained in 2021:

New pathways for mass struggle must be created. More than 80 years ago, at a point in history when the degeneration of the existing trade union organizations was far less advanced than today, Leon Trotskythe greatest strategist of world socialist revolutionwrote that the task of the Fourth International was to create in all possible instances independent militant organizations corresponding more closely to the tasks of mass struggle against bourgeois society, not flinching even in the face of a direct break with the conservative apparatus of the trade unions. The fight to develop the network of globally interconnected rank-and-file committees is not limited to factories, schools and workplaces where trade unions exist. In actual fact, the overwhelming majority of present-day work sites are not unionized. This social fact means that rank-and-file committees will emerge as the initial and sole form of practical organization in innumerable work locations.

The IWA-RFC must be developed as the framework for workers to share information, plan collective actions and mount a united offensive against exploitation, austerity, and war. It must oppose all forms of national chauvinism and anti-immigrant agitation employed by the ruling class to divide workers against each other. It must organize working class opposition to the mass deportation operations of the Trump administration and far-right governments throughout the world.

Rank-and-file committees, formed independently by workers in factories, schools and workplaces, are the means through which workers can organize democratically, assert their own demands and link their struggles with those of workers around the world.

Over the past year, rank-and-file committees have emerged in critical industrieslogistics, auto manufacturing, education and healthcareto challenge the betrayals of the union bureaucracies and advance workers demands. These committees have played a vital role in organizing resistance to corporate exploitation, unsafe working conditions and the destruction of public services. They have also begun to establish international links, recognizing that their struggles are interconnected and require a unified response.

The IWA-RFCs task in the coming period is to expand this work, building a powerful international network that will serve as an organizing center for the working class.

Take up the fight for socialism in 2025! Build the ICFI! Support the World Socialist Web Site!

The working class faces immense challenges, but it also has immense power. The very processes that deepen the crisis of capitalismglobalization, technological advances such as artificial intelligence and the concentration of productionhave also created the conditions for the international unification of the working class.

The coming months will be defined by immense shocks, crises and the eruption of mass struggles. Without revolutionary leadership, these struggles will face the danger of being betrayed, diverted, or crushed.

The World Socialist Web Site calls on all its readers to make the decision to become involved. Now is the time to fight for serious politics, revolutionary politics. Rooted in the entire historical traditions of the Trotskyist movement, the International Committee of the Fourth International fights for a thorough break with all forms of nationalism and the unification of workers internationally on the basis of a program of revolutionary socialism. There is no other way forward.

Join the Socialist Equality Party, or help build a section of the ICFI in your country if one does not already exist.

We also call on all our readers to donate to the World Socialist Web Site New Year Fund at wsws.org/donate. The WSWS operates entirely on the support of its readers and supporters, refusing all corporate or state funding to maintain its political independence. Your donation is critical to sustaining and expanding the work of the World Socialist Web Site and strengthening the fight for socialism in 2025 and beyond.

At this critical juncture, every worker and young person who seeks to oppose war, inequality and dictatorship must take action. Join the Socialist Equality Party, support the WSWS and build the International Committee of the Fourth International as the World Party of Socialist Revolution!

For information on joining the Socialist Equality Party, fill out the form below.
Tyson Foods processing plant. [Photo: Tyson Foods Inc]

An explosion at a Tyson Foods poultry plant occurred in the early hours of December 27, sending shockwaves throughout the plant and affecting workers and their families. A scene of chaos followed the explosion as workers scrambled to find safety. About 1,600 people work in the plant.

Initial investigations suggest that the blast originated in a boiler room, although the exact cause is still under investigation by local authorities and occupational safety officials.

One person was killed, a 61-year-old woman whom the Miller County coroners office identified as Bajarma Batozhapov. The Las Vegas woman was sleeping in a truck when the explosion occurred, having traveled to the Camilla plant in search of work. Her husband, a truck driver, was not hurt.

Several other workers sustained injuries; some were treated on-site, while others required hospitalization. The Tyson Foods plant dominates the towns economy, which has a population of only 5,000 people.

Katoria Peterson and her grandfather, Larry Thompson, live across from the plant, told WTXL theyd never seen anything like this before.

Peterson told the station, It was a loud boom, and then you see the flames. It was about five to ten minutes of burning. And then the ambulance and everybody left, but it burned for a few minutes.

Thompson added, I know many people that work there, and theyre from all around. Some of them are at work now. I dont understand why theyre at work now because if you can smell itI can smell it from my windowits just the smell of burning. So, if I can smell it, I know its worse over there.

Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) and Edgar Fields, president of the Southeast Council of the RWDSU, declared in a statement that We are working with the company and local emergency authorities to ensure that all the workers impacted are taken care of. The health and safety of workers must be a top priority at poultry plants, and we are working to assist anyone injured last night  It is too early to tell what happened last night, but there must be a thorough investigation into this incident, and workers must be able to work safely in the facility.

Tyson Foods expressed its condolences to the deceaseds family and emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees. We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and are cooperating fully with the investigation, the statement read. Our thoughts are with the affected families during this difficult time.

Both statements are dripping with hypocrisy. The explosion sheds light on unsafe working conditions which are pervasive across the United States and the meatpacking industry in particular. The industry has some of the highest injury rates of any in the country, and relies on a super-exploited workforce, with substantial numbers of undocumented immigrants and even child labor. In 2023, Tyson was reportedly under investigation for child labor in one of its plants in Virginia.

In July 2022, 22-year-old Casen Garcia, father of a 14-month-old child, died on the job at a Tyson Foods plant in Joslin, Illinois. Im told it was 120 degrees in that basement, and Casen always talked about the smell of ammonia, Garcias mother Rose told the WSWS. Two days before he died, he said, Mom, I cant believe no ones died down there.

Michael Felsen, a lawyer for nearly four decades at the US Department of Labor, who now works as an adviser for the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, wrote an email to In These Times, Recent studies show that meat and poultry processing plants continue to have higher severe injury rates than other occupations also considered hazardous, like sawmills, building construction, and oil and gas drilling. He added, workers are routinely and repeatedly exposed to moving machine parts that can cause traumatic injuries, including crushing, amputating, slicing, and burning. And the cumulative trauma of repeating the same motions thousands of times a day often causes severe and disabling musculoskeletal injuries, the result of what is known as ergonomic hazards.

Felsen continued, Reports from the Government Accountability Office and other sources show that worker injuries are very likely to be seriously underreported. Many companies have punitive point systems in which workers who miss work because of injuries are assigned points that could lead to being fired, and he cites the in-house clinics as a way for companies to keep injuries under wraps.

Workers are often intimidated into not reporting work-related injuries and illnesses out of fear of being fired. So, even the high recordable injury rates these processing plants show are undoubtedly misleadingly low, Felsen said. The situation is even worse than it appears.

The meatpacking industry was also a key vector for the spread of coronavirus in the opening weeks of the pandemic in 2020. Here, the role of the unions, including the RWDSU and the United Food and Commercial Workers union, was to force workers to remain on the job, rejecting widespread demands by workers to carry out lockdowns to save lives.

In Waterloo, Iowa, the UFCW worked with managers at a Tyson pork plant to institute an attendance bonus in early 2020 in the midst of an outbreak which would eventually kill five workers. Managers at the plant organized a betting pool over how many workers at the plant would get infected. The following year, stonewalling by the union local in response to a local government investigation prompted the county sheriff to declare, Theyre using the same playbook that corporate Tyson is using, which I thought was kind of weird.

The first thought I had was, Shame on Tyson corporate, the sheriff declared, adding, But that was very closely followed by, Doesnt Tyson have a union that should be protecting these people? And if they dont, why dont they? And if they do, where the hell are they?

Tyson has now been charged over the deaths of four workers at the plant: Sedika Buljic, Reberiano Garcia Leno, Jose Ayala, and Isidro Fernandez.

As bad as they are, conditions at Tyson are not unique. A Congressional report found that at least 59,000 workers were infected with COVID-19, and 269 died between March 2020 and February 2021 at Tyson Foods, Smithfield Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National. Despite these numbers, Tyson announced in February 2022 that it was ending its company-wide policy of masking for all vaccinated workers.
Striking Deer River Essentia healthcare workers brave winter weather on the picket lines, December 26, 2024 [Photo: Service Employees International Union]

Friday marks the 27th day of an open-ended strike by 70 Essentia Health workers in Deer River, Minnesota. The strike, which began on December 8, is now the longest in the facilitys historya testament to the resolve and determination of the striking workers.

Members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the striking healthcare workerslicensed practical nurses, cooks, phlebotomists, and othersare fighting for a significant wage increase and better working conditions after working without a contract since September 30, 2023.

The Deer River strike is part of a larger wave of class struggle within the United States and globally, as workers increasingly rebel against decades of stagnant wages, austerity, and the erosion of their living conditions. This strike follows a limited five-day walkout in November that failed to secure any advancements for the workers, underscoring the impotent and fundamentally betraying role of the union leadership.



The previous contract talks between Essentia Health and the SEIU took place in 2019. During these talks, both parties agreed to a three-year contract that expired on September 30, 2023. Workers are now fighting against the miserable wages agreed to by the union and the company.

Deer River Essentia workers earn wages 20 to 30 percent below the market rate, making them some of the lowest-paid employees within the Essentia system. Their primary demand is a 55 percent wage increase over three years to bring their earnings in line with those of their peers. Essentia Health management has dismissed this demand as unrealistic, citing financial challenges faced by rural healthcare.



This claim is contradicted by the obscene salaries awarded to Essentia executives. In 2022, CEO David Herman received $3.07 million in compensation, one of the highest payouts among healthcare executives nationwide. This grotesque disparity highlights the parasitic role of the corporate elite, who extract immense wealth at the expense of workers tasked with delivering critical care.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated the dire state of healthcare in the United States. At Essentia Health, workforce cuts during the initial stages of the pandemic reduced some departments to less than a third of their pre-pandemic staffing levels. These reductions intensified workloads, increased burnout, and placed both workers and patients at risk.



The pandemic is not merely a natural disaster but a crisis compounded by ruling-class indifference and profit-driven policies. While workers were lauded as heroes in public speeches, their pay and working conditions continued to deteriorate, even as hospital systems reaped record profits.

In the past year, Essentia Health has already ratified 17 other contracts with bargaining units representing healthcare workers, including those under the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA), United Steelworkers (USW), and United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).

These agreements expose how the union bureaucracy has isolated the strikers from their coworkers across Essentia and the healthcare industry.



This strategy mirrors past betrayals, such as the strike by Allina Health workers, where mental health workers were isolated from 15,000 nurses who began their strike separately that same year. Similarly, in 2016, the MNA settled contracts at every hospital except Allina, leaving 6,000 nurses to fight alone. These divisive tactics are rooted in the unions alliance with the Democratic Party, whose pro-corporate policies serve the interests of the ruling class.

Rather than uniting Essentia workers across facilitiesor linking the Deer River strike with other healthcare and public-sector struggles in Minnesota, such as the ongoing strike authorization vote by Duluth city workersthe SEIU has pursued a piecemeal approach that limits the potential for unified struggle.



This history cannot be ignored and must serve as a lesson for present struggles. To win this fight, Deer River Essentia workers must break free from the constraints of the SEIU bureaucracy and take their struggle into their own hands. This means forming rank-and-file committees to unite with other healthcare workers and broader sections of the working class, independent of the unions and the Democratic Party.



The Deer River strike is not an isolated event but a symptom of the broader crisis of global capitalism. Healthcare systems worldwide are being gutted as resources are funneled into war, financial speculation, and corporate profits. Workers across industries face the same fundamental struggle: the defense of their livelihoods against the relentless assault of austerity, exploitation and inequality.
End of the year statistics released by Mapping Police Violence, a non-profit research group that has been tracking police killings in the US since 2013, found that police in the United States killed over 1,250 people in 2024. This grim figure marks the deadliest year ever recorded by the organization, which tracks police killings by government records and news reports.

Police killings have risen at a steady pace over the last decade in the United States, from just over 1,000 in 2014, to over 1,200 in each of the last two years. [Photo: Datawrapper/WSWS]

Overall the research group found that there were only 13 days in 2024 in which police did not kill someone. On average, Mapping Police Violence found that someone in the US succumbs to police violence roughly every 7 hours. While the vast majority of those deaths were the results of police shootings, cops also deployed tasers, batons and their vehicles with deadly force.

Notably only 31 percent of police killings, 387 people, began with an alleged violent crime taking place. On the other hand, 18 percent of those killed by policeover 200 peoplewere killed after being pulled over for an alleged traffic violation or after police were called to conduct a welfare check. Another 8 percent were killed in situations in which the victim was not alleged to have committed any crime, while 17 percent were killed in situations in which police alleged the victims were perpetrating other non-violent offenses.

Mapping Police Violence noted that even as the rate of police killings continues to increase, where police are killing people is changing, with more deaths recorded in rural and suburban zipcodes as opposed to large cities. The top five states with the highest rate of people killed by police in 2024 include New Mexico, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and North Dakota.



Local police departments constituted the bulk of killings in 2024 at 58 percent, with county sheriffs departments accounting for 31 percent of deaths.

Victims of last years reign of police terror included babies, toddlers and teenagers:

One of the youngest victims this past year was 2-month-old baby Destinii, killed along with her mother Maria Pike. Both were gunned down in their Missouri apartment on November 7 after Destiniis grandmother called the police to report that Maria had assaulted her. Nearly two months after the killing, police have yet to release the full body-camera footage or charge any officer with a crime.

Another child who was shot and killed by police this year was four-year-old Terrell Miller of Macomb, Illinois. The boy was taken hostage by his mothers boyfriend in their home. Police showed up to the home and within 16 seconds shot Miller and the boyfriend, killing them both. No charges have been filed against Millers killer, Lt. Nick Goc.

On Thanksgiving last month in Akron, Ohio, 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker was shot and killed by police. Police claimed they heard gunshots in the area after 11:00 p.m. local time, which prompted them to investigate. Body camera footage shows police chasing after a fleeing Tucker and shooting him. None of the officers involved in the killing have been publicly identified or charged with a crime.

Keeping track of the number of people killed by police in the United States is difficult, as there is no federal government agency charged with compiling data from local police departments. Not every department keeps records and many, with the support of local press and capitalist politicians from both parties, obfuscate the lethal character of police interactions.

Furthermore, Mapping Police Violences figures do not take into account the many unreported killings across the United States sprawling prisons and jail gulag that incarcerates nearly 2 million people.

It is highly significant that police killings increased across the United States every single year under the Democratic administration of President Joe Biden. In the wake of massive anti-police violence protests following the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020, Biden and the Democrats campaigned on reforming the police, but, as the data shows, they have instead overseen a massive expansion in deaths with no accountability. Mapping Police Violence notes in their report that over 98 percent of cops involved in police killings between 2013 and 2023 have not been convicted of a crime.

While the mainstream press, the Democratic Party and the pseudo-left constantly seek to frame police violence as an expression of racism, the data shows that police killings occurred in every state and impacted people of every racial and ethnic background. While there are some racial disparities, the largest share of those killed by police in 2024 were identified as white, underscoring the class character of police violence.



The Biden administration and both parties rejected popular demands to defund the police during the George Floyd protests, instead funneling billions of dollars to hire and arm more police, including overseeing the construction of Cop Cities in virtually every state.

Hundreds of people gather in Atlanta's City Hall on Monday, June 5, 2023, to speak ahead of a council vote over "Cop City." [AP Photo/R.J. Rico]

While providing police all the weapons and training they need to suppress the working class, Bidens Justice Department has implemented a few token consent decrees on police departments that have done nothing to stem police violence. Incoming President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end these toothless decrees, claiming that they are part of a war on police. In reality, they are a tool used by the ruling class to obscure the fact that police violence cannot be reformed away and is, in fact, endemic to the capitalist system that both parties uphold and defend.

Trumps support for the police as they kill with impunity is an expression of the class character of the capitalist state. Police violence is bound up not only with the oligarchic character of US capitalist society but is also inextricably tied to imperialist violence abroad. As US imperialism continues to arm and supply Israels genocide in Gaza and the war against Russia in Ukraine, the police will be increasingly called upon to violently suppress any working class opposition to war and inequality.

Anti-genocide protesters are met by police in Warren, Michigan, last year. [AP Photo/Paul Sancya]

Trumps plans for a mass deportation operation, which is already garnering Democratic Party support, will require greatly expanding the already existing police state at the expense of the working class. The fight to end police violence is a class question that requires not reforms but the abolition of the police and the overturning of the capitalist system they defend and the establishment of a socialist society organized on human need, not profit.




BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Thursday condemned Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te for deliberately obstructing media exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the office, made the remarks after Taiwan authorities announced the suspension of a Fujian-based newspaper and its parent organization from stationing reporters in Taiwan for "engaging in united front work."

Chen said the Lai authorities have been restricting and obstructing cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation since taking office. Now they are making baseless accusations against a mainland media outlet.

For over 20 years, the mutual stationing of journalists has significantly enhanced cross-Strait understanding and contributed to peaceful relations, Chen said, calling the Lai authorities' move a "regression" in media cooperation.

He denounced the move as "a deliberate sabotage against cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation," urging the Lai authorities to immediately cease their political manipulation. 
People pray for the victims as Bourbon Street reopens one day after the car-ramming attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, the United States, Jan. 2, 2025. (Photo by Lan Wei/Xinhua)

HOUSTON, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday that 14 people were confirmed dead when an attacker rammed a pickup truck into New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans one day earlier.

The attacker was shot dead in gunfight with responding police officers. New Orleans Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna previously announced 15 deaths.

The FBI now believes the attacker is likely to be a lone wolf terrorist with no known accomplices, Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI counterterrorism division, said at a press conference on Thursday. FBI officials said Wednesday that they "do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible."

"We do not assess at this point that anyone else is involved in this attack except for Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the subject you've already been briefed on," said Raia.

Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen living in Houston, Texas, had previously served in the U.S. Army and was struggling with financial troubles in recent years, local media reported, citing court documents.

"First and foremost, let me be very clear about this point, this was an act of terrorism,"Raia said. "It was premeditated and an evil act."

So far there is not a "definitive link" between the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas explosion as it is still "very early" in the investigation, he added.

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, killing the driver and injuring seven others nearby. Police said a combination of fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel in the bed of the vehicle had been detonated by a device controlled by the driver.

"At this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas," Raia said, adding it is very early in investigation.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said at a news conference that an attack like the one on Bourbon Street can happen anywhere, and "you have to crush" evil to protect Americans.

Bourbon Street, where the truck attack happened in the heart of New Orleans, will reopen Thursday afternoon, according to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. 

Bourbon Street reopens one day after the car-ramming attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, the United States, Jan. 2, 2025. (Photo by Lan Wei/Xinhua)
ROME, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- More than 2,000 refugees died in 2024 while attempting to reach Europe, according to recent data from the United Nations and Italian sources.

At least 2,200 refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing in the Mediterranean Sea last year, the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday.

Regina De Dominicis, director of UNICEF's Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted that many of the victims were young people. She urged governments to prioritize the protection of children seeking safety in Europe.

Earlier data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) showed 2,368 deaths or disappearances along Mediterranean and Northwest Africa maritime routes in 2024.

The UNHCR reported 193,448 arrivals in Europe by Dec. 29, with Italy emerging as the primary landing point for refugees and migrants. Greece and Spain followed closely behind. 
GENEVA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed deep concern on Friday over the severe impact of winter rains and freezing temperatures on displaced Palestinians in Gaza.

"Vulnerable people, including at least seven infants, have died from hypothermia. These tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for shelter and other help to get to the people of Gaza immediately," IOM Director General Amy Pope said in a press release.

Heavy rains and flooding have worsened conditions at displacement sites, leaving families exposed and struggling to repair makeshift shelters, according to IOM.

The Shelter Cluster, comprising the United Nations along with other international and local humanitarian organizations, estimates that over 945,000 people remain in urgent need of aid to survive the harsh winter. The assistance needed includes thermal clothing, blankets, and shelter materials.

IOM reiterated its call for a ceasefire to ensure the safe delivery of aid and urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and allow unimpeded humanitarian access. 
Belt and Road initiative poised to unlock regions' potential

SHI YU/CHINA DAILY

For Gonzalo Rios, Chancay Port in Peru is more than just a workplace  it represents dedication and commitment.

Since joining the port in 2019, Rios has closely followed its development, from construction to installation, and has been deeply involved in the preparation, building, and operational phases of the project.

Recalling its opening ceremony, Rios said: "Every detail was meticulously planned, and we witnessed the dedication that went into making this event happen."

The port, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, was inaugurated on Nov 14 by President Xi Jinping and his Peruvian counterpart, Dina Boluarte, via video link.

"There is a deep sense of satisfaction in seeing the efforts of a great team, that has demanded many hours of work and coordination, come to fruition," Rios told China Daily.

"It marked the beginning of the port's operational journey," said Rios, now the deputy general manager of the port, located about 80 kilometers north of Peru's capital, Lima. "This was a profoundly meaningful process, with each step contributing to facilitating commercial exchanges between our countries."

Construction of the port began in 2021. The mega project, invested by COSCO Shipping, is expected to become a major logistical hub for South America, with projections indicating it will generate $4.5 billion in annual revenue for Peru and create over 8,000 jobs.

Rios highlighted the successful collaboration between the Chinese and Peruvian teams. "The structure and thoroughness of our Chinese team, have worked seamlessly with the adaptability and creativity of our Peruvian colleagues," he said.

On Nov 25, the Xin Shanghai vessel departed from Chancay Port, carrying the first shipment of goods destined for Shanghai.

Previously, shipping routes from South America to China often took detours through regions such as North and Central America, resulting in delivery times of 33 to 43 days.

Thanks to the opening of Chancay Port, the journey to Shanghai has been reduced to just 23 days.

The vessel arrived at Shanghai's Yangshan Port on Dec 18, carrying produce including blueberries, avocados and grapes, to be distributed to consumers across China.

"The development of the Chancay Port in Peru holds significant implications for Latin America, particularly in terms of trade and infrastructure," Alana Camoca, a professor of political science and international relations at Rio de Janeiro State University, told China Daily.

"The port's expansion and modernization are expected to enhance the efficiency of logistics and transport networks, facilitating increased trade between Asia, particularly China and Latin American countries," she said.

Aligning with goals

The port is one of many new projects, including railways, highways, and other facilities, built under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Launched in 2013, the BRI aims to enhance global connectivity by improving trade routes and promoting economic cooperation.

The initiative aligns with Peru's goals and the needs of other South American countries, experts said.

While the Chancay Port project is a milestone for South America, under the BRI similar efforts are being made in other regions.

For instance, in Uzbekistan, PowerChina engineers are working on a power transmission project to deliver electricity from the Syrdarya thermal power plant to the Zafarabad substation.

The project, led by PowerChina, involves building two parallel 137-km 220kV transmission lines. This includes line design, the installation of towers and concrete poles, adjustments to transmission lines, and the protection of gas pipelines.

Li Xingde, the project manager, highlighted the project's contribution to the "small and beautiful" aspects of the BRI. "We are proud to be part of this effort," he said.

With 15 years of experience in Uzbekistan, Li also emphasized the company's commitment to bird conservation during construction. "We hired local environmental and bird experts to assess the project's impact. During the bird-breeding season, we avoided construction near habitats and trained workers on the importance of conservation," he told China Daily.

Sobit Mirzaev, a project assistant and translator, praised the Chinese team members for their efforts and meticulous work attitude. "They have taught me a great deal of knowledge. I value this experience a lot."

The project is scheduled to be completed this month and then handed over to local authorities.

"Once completed, it is expected to improve efficiency of local power transmission and provide reliable power," Mirzaev told China Daily. "It will also create jobs and promote social prosperity."

Meeting different needs

Zhai Kun, a professor at the School of International Studies and deputy director of the Institute of Area Studies at Peking University, said both major infrastructure projects and the "small and beautiful ones", are key to promoting economic development and improving livelihoods, and also complement each other.

"The large-scale infrastructure projects aim to better connect countries and regions, creating an efficient and modern network, while the 'small and beautiful ones' focus more on local development needs, delivering a sense of happiness," Zhai told China Daily.

Meanwhile, the successful holding of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing in September brought the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the BRI into focus.

Over the past decade, 52 African countries and the African Union Commission have signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with China.

China and Africa have not only completed major landmark projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and the Lekki Deepwater Port, but also small projects like hybrid rice, juncao (fungi and grass) cultivation technology, Luban Workshops, and the "Connecting 10,000 Villages" program.

"Through the BRI, China has been able to support the economic development of Africa via infrastructure connection between African countries to enable both intratrade and external trade to flourish," Gerald Mbanda, founder of the Africa China Review and a Rwandan researcher on China and Africa, told China Daily.

"It is exciting to note that China is a reliable partner of Africa's development as the BRI is in line with Africa's Agenda 2063," he said.

"The BRI brings practical and tangible developmental benefits," Mbanda said. Rwanda's capital Kigali now has some of the best roads in East and Central Africa, "thanks to the China Road and Bridge Corporation, which has been involved in most of these projects since the 1970s", he added.

In Africa, where infrastructure financing is limited, China has provided loans for the construction of roads, railways, ports, and bridges.

Mbanda rejected the "debt trap" narrative often used to criticize China's involvement in Africa, citing a research paper by Chatham House, a London-based think tank, which shows that African countries are more indebted to Western countries and institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

"The debt trap narrative peddled by Western countries against China-Africa cooperation in various fields including the BRI, is a lie and feeds into Western propaganda aimed at spoiling the good relationship between China and African countries," Mbanda said.

"The China debt trap narrative is fictitious and politically motivated to tarnish the image of China," he said.

Zhang Zhongxiang, director of the African Studies Center at Shanghai Normal University, said: "China has played a key role in alleviating Africa's debt repayment pressure, both through bilateral and multilateral channels, and is the largest contributor to the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative."

China's financial support has "significantly improved Africa's economic development environment and enhanced its capacity for self-sustaining growth", Zhang told China Daily.

"In the 11 years since the initiative's launch, significant achievements have been made in reducing Africa's infrastructure deficit," he said.

Transport transformed

China-Africa cooperation has led to the construction and upgrade of nearly 100,000 km of roads, over 10,000 km of railways, almost 1,000 bridges, and nearly 100 ports, according to China's National Development and Reform Commission, citing a report on China-Africa Belt and Road Initiative development published in August.

"Partner countries have gained a deeper understanding of the initiative, highlighting its practical value for economic and trade cooperation, as well as China's strong commitment to global development," Zhang said.

In the first 10 months of last year, trade in goods between China and its BRI partner countries reached 16.94 trillion yuan ($2.3 trillion), marking a 6.2 percent increase, while Chinese companies signed new project contracts worth over 1 trillion yuan in these countries, a 17.1 percent rise, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a news conference on Dec 6.

In 2024, China has signed Belt and Road cooperation plans with countries including Egypt, Timor-Leste and Peru. Brazil has also joined the Belt and Road international cooperation family.

"It's important that Brazil and China enhance cooperation as both countries hold significant untapped potential," Reinaldo Ma, a member of the Consulting Committee of the China-Brazil Business Council, told China Daily.

"Brazil and China have vast opportunities for collaboration," said Ma, who has provided legal services to Chinese companies investing in Brazil for two decades.

"Chinese companies bring substantial development potential, while Brazil offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for growth in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure and technology," Ma said.

Camoca, the university professor, said Brazil should maximize opportunities brought by the BRI, while focusing on strengthening its domestic infrastructure, ensuring that projects align with long-term development goals.

So far, China has signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements with over 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations.

Dilma Rousseff, chief of the New Development Bank and former president of Brazil, has said that never before in history has any initiative brought together over 150 countries like the BRI has done.

In Asia, the China-Laos Railway has been operational for three years and is a vital transportation corridor.

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia, now over a year old, continues to provide smooth and convenient travel for local residents.

In Europe, Greece's Piraeus Port has undergone a transformation to become the continent's fourth-largest container port and a leading Mediterranean hub for container traffic.

In 2023, China proposed eight actions to support high-quality Belt and Road construction, aiming to advance construction in a "more pragmatic and efficient manner", said Zhai from Peking University.

The fourth symposium on Belt and Road construction in December provided "important guidance for the next decade of BRI progress", he added.

"Looking ahead, with the newly opened Chancay Port and the ongoing construction of the Hungary-Serbia Railway, the Belt and Road Initiative is expected to inject stronger and more resilient momentum into global trade and economic development," Zhai said.

For Rios and his team at Chancay Port, the journey is far from over. "The opening of the port is just the beginning," he said.

If you have any problems with this article, please contact us at app@chinadaily.com.cn and we'll immediately get back to you.
Tennessee Thresher and Danny Aarons are engaged!

While on vacation in Maldives on Jan. 2, Aarons, a 22-year-old YouTuber, popped the question to influencer and model Thresher, 24, on a beach adorned with pink roses and a light-up sign that read Marry Me.

The pair shared the romantic proposal in a joint post to Instagram with the simple caption 02.01.25.

The happy news comes just two months after the pair announced that they were expecting their first child. On Nov. 7, Thresher and Aarons delighted their fans with an Instagram Reel that included clips of the duo playing a game on the YouTube competition show Locked In, along with a positive pregnancy test, Threshers baby bump and an ultrasound at a doctors visit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Our love created life, thank you God, the lovebirds captioned the pregnancy reveal.

Thresher and Aarons first met on season 4 of Locked In, which was released to YouTube in late 2023, where the pair playfully clashed while living in a house together for the show. In one clip from the first episode, Thresher complained about Aarons snoring  but by the ninth episode, she admitted to her fellow contestants that she actually found the YouTuber attractive.

In January 2024, several weeks after the show finished airing, the pair made their relationship official by posting a YouTube Shorts video dancing together to Grace Potters Something That I Want.

Danny Aarons/Instagram Tennessee Thresher and Danny Aarons Tennessee Thresher and Danny Aarons

Related: Bride and Groom Can't Agree on Wedding Plans So They've Decided to Throw Their Own Separate Events

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This man is everything Ive prayed for, my best friend and loml, the influencer posted to her Instagram Stories shortly after their engagement announcement.

Need to get back and plan a wedding NOW, she captioned another clip, showing off her stunning radiant cut ring.

Tennessee Thresher/Instagram

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thresher also treated fans to more behind-the-scenes content from the pairs trip to the Maldives in a YouTube vlog  showing off their glamorous beach-side hotel, their tropical meals and their New Years Eve celebrations.

I keep thinking its our honeymoon  were not even married. But dont worry people: Your comments dont go unnoticed, Thresher says in one clip from the vlog, giving a knowing look to Aarons, just days before he would get down on one knee.

Think he understood the hint , wrote one fan in the comments.



Read the original article on People
The idea of visiting all 99 Iowa counties occurred in the most unlikely of places  the Kerepesi Cemetery in Budapest, Hungarys equivalent to Paris Pere-Lachaise. My dad, who died in 2021, was fated to be buried here  this was his favorite strolling park for decades. During our countless walks through the chestnut and linden-lined alleys, he introduced me to the graves and mausoleums of Hungarys greatest writers, painters, politicians, and the revolutionaries who died for Hungarys freedom in 1848, such as the first Prime Minister, Count Batthyany, executed by an Austrian firing squad. But Lajos Kossuth was always the greatest mystery  his was the largest mausoleum in Hungary  which correlated marvelously with the largest county in Iowa, my home for the past 35 years.

As a child of Europe who visited every country on the old continent and a newcomer to the U.S. who drove through all 50 states, I decided to celebrate my Iowa anniversary with an introduction to all 99 counties in 2025 and document them in the Press-Citizen.

Anna's Thinking Cap is a monthly column series from the University of Iowas Anna Barker, who lectures on topics ranging from Tolstoy to Barbie and is a popular guest speaker at Cedar Rapids Opera, FilmScene and other Corridor arts venues.

Kossuth County was the perfect place to start. Founded in 1851, it was located to the south of Bancroft County, which, since it was unsuitable for farming and thus not economically viable in a newly formed agricultural state, was incorporated into Kossuth Country in 1857. Two subsequent attempts to reestablish the northern county, first as Crocker County in 1870-1871, then as Larrabee County in 1914, were unsuccessful. Thus, Iowa became a state with 99 instead of 100 counties, with Kossuth County remaining the largest at almost twice the size of its neighbors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The namesake of Kossuth County was front page news during its formation in 1851. A political leader who fought for Hungarys independence from the Austrian Empire in 1848-1849, Kossuth, along with the revolutions poet Petofi Sandor, whose March 15 recitation of the National Song ignited the Budapest Uprising in 1848, are legendary in Hungary, with streets and squares named after them in every Hungarian city and town. March 15 is commemorated as Hungarian National Day, with a bust of Kossuth unveiled in the U.S. Capitol on March 15, 1990, celebrating his contribution to the cause of freedom worldwide.

When the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 was brutally suppressed by the combined forces of the Austrian and Russian empires and many of Kossuths comrades were sentenced to death by firing squads, he managed to escape to Ottoman Turkey and continued to advocate for Hungarian freedom till his death in 1894. The US government granted him, his family, and fellow revolutionaries safe passage from Smyrna aboard the USS Mississippi. His arrival in Southampton caused a sensation in the UK, with tens of thousands attending his fiery speeches in support of democratic principles and national self-determination. Kossuth learned English during his four-year Austrian imprisonment from books that were allowed in jail  Shakespeare and King James Bible  with his English acquiring the archaic cadence of a biblical prophet. The accolades he received from prominent British politicians, such as Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston, troubled the young Queen Victoria. The Revolution of 1848 toppled the monarchy of Louis Philippe and established the French Second Republic. Kossuths anti-monarchist rhetoric caused a political scandal and the resignation of the Prime Minister, Lord John Russell.

A child of Europe who visited every European country and a newcomer to the US who has driven through all 50 states, Anna is celebrating the 35th anniversary of becoming an lowan by visiting all 99 counties.

During the subsequent 1851-1852 U.S. tour, Kossuth delivered more than 300 speeches supporting the cause of Hungarian independence, including in front of a joint session of Congress, the second foreign speaker granted this honor, after Marquis de Lafayette. He traveled to dozens of locations, from New York City to Springfield, Illinois, where Kossuth made a strong impression on Abraham Lincoln, then in private law practice.

A 2001 statue of Kossuth decked in a distinctive Hungarian hussar jacket was dedicated in front of the county courthouse in Algona, a city that played a role in the history of another European conflict, with 10,000 WWII prisoners of war housed there between 1944 and 1946. A memorial marks the location of the camp near the Algona airport, with a museum chronicling the development of the camp unveiled in 2004. The displays document the U.S. involvement in WWII and the daily routines of the prisoners, including an exhibition of the artwork they created during their months and years in Kossuth County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Iowa's 99 journey continues in February with Indian burial mounds along the Mississippi River, the history of European colonization of North America, and a visit to the grave of Julien Dubuque.

Professor Anna Barker teaches in the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Russian Program and in the Ul Tippie College of Business Marketing. Her 2024-2025 Substack commentary focuses on the works of Dostoevsky (Crime and Punishment, The Idiot), Dumas (The Three Musketeers and its sequels), and Jokai Mor (The Heartless Man's Sons or A koszivu ember fiai).Her past tutorials exploring the intersection of history, art, and literature in works such as Gilgamesh, Paradise Lost, Les Miserables, War and Peace, Anna Karenina, and Brothers Karamazov can be found at Anna Barkers Classics Reading Series (Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature).

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowas 99: The journey begins in Kossuth County | Column
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  As 2024 came to a close Tuesday evening, a Johnstown couple chose New Years Eve as the date to begin the rest of their lives at the restaurant that brought them back together this past May.

Johnstown residents  and newlyweds  Richard and Teresa Lipuma held their wedding ceremony at The Sweet Spot on Franklin Street, where the two met again to spark a new romance.

We met 16 years ago, and it just wasnt the right time for dating, Teresa Lipuma said. Then 16, 17 years later, Im sitting on the outside of this glass partition and hes sitting right here on the other side. I didnt recognize him at first. I was with some friends and we play Pokemon GO. So, theres an app, you can add friends and thats what I did. He comes out, and my friends are like, Are you single? Are you single? asking him, and then theyre like, Shes single! Shes single! while pointing at me. Then I recognized him and was like, Oh no! I know him! We just started dating, fell in love again and it was the right time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The shared love of Pokemon  Teresa noted that her starter Pokemon is Charmander and Richard said that Squirtle was his  also played a large part in the presentation of Richards proposal to Teresa.

I took her up to Niagara Falls, Richard Lipuma said. Were both big Pokemon fans. So I had a custom ring holder made on Masterball. I proposed to her like Professor Kukui proposed to Professor Burnet (in the animated series). I was like, Teresa, may I choose you?

The Lipumas were married at the restaurant with the ceremony streamed online through The Sweet Spots Facebook page. Forming their union at The Sweet Spot wasnt their first idea, but circumstances led to the couple moving its plans ahead to Tuesday.

We werent going to get married until (2025), in Las Vegas in August, Teresa Lipuma said. A very dear, dear friend of ours passed away just all of a sudden out of the blue. Im like, Time is precious. Time is so precious, so I talked to him about it. We felt it was right, so  Why dont we get married New Years Eve?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was another downtown location that was on the couples radar before The Sweet Spot became the destination.

We were going to get married over at the Beetlejuice house (in the Central Park Christmas village), Richard Lipuma said, but it didnt work out. (The Sweet Spot) made us an offer we couldnt refuse on getting everything together here.

With the accelerated timeline following Richard Lipumas autumn proposal, a lot of moving parts were needed to put together the wedding in short order.

Friends. A lot of blessed friends helping put this together, Teresa Lipuma said. I got my best friend (Celese Thomas) ordained. Shes my everything as a best friend. She married us. Decorations from friends and help with getting the cake.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thomas, who served as the officiant, noted that she was ready to help however she could.

Ive known Teresa a very, very long time and I know some things that shes gone through, Thomas said. So Im overjoyed and happy to see her with someone who loves her and cares about her.

It was a no-brainer for the eatery to tie a bow on 2024 by hosting the nuptials in the same lobby that the two visit roughly once or twice per week with Richard normally ordering a triple burger and Teresa choosing a rodeo burger featuring french fried onions, bacon and barbecue sauce.

The longer you do it, the more you grow, said The Sweet Spot co-owner Damien Tackett. Everything we do is community-based. Weve learned over the years that if you keep it community-based, then they return that love to you.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When it was offered to me, I couldnt say no. Theyre great customers. Its a cool Sweet Spot love story.

Tackett was correct. That love has been returned to The Sweet Spot and its staff.

Theyre amazing. We met here, Richard Lipuma said. Weve just been coming here regularly. Theyre friends and family to us now.

Now that the two are married, the plans for a honeymoon are in full swing.

Were talking about going to Vegas still, Teresa Lipuma said. Getting married by Elvis, just to have fun with it. That was the original plan or taking a cruise. I have a friend that owns a resort somewhere down in San Pedro, Belize. We are going to take one.
Wut_Moppie/shutterstock; aushilfe444/shutterstock; Sandor Szmutko/shutterstock

There was a whopping 300 percent surge in U.S. citizens searching for foreign destinations during the election, according to insurance company William Russell.

While many Americans are considering life abroad following Donald Trump's reelection, not everywhere is safe for LGBTQ+ people. But there are still several places that offer queer events, safety laws, parental rights, anti-discrimination laws, and medical rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Based on those categories and data from William Russell, here are the top countries for LGBTQ+ people looking to move out of the U.S. from.

9. Chile (tie)

Santiago de Chile city and the Cordillera de los Andes mountains covered with snow in the background

ALEXANDRE F FAGUNDES/shutterstock

Chile tied with the United Kingdom in its overall rating, but fell short in its anti-discrimination and safety index scores of 0.57 and 2.439, respectively. About 8 percent of its population identifies as LGBTQ+, and it does not have medical rights based on sex characteristics.

9. United Kingdom (tie)

Shoppers walking down a Soho street in London westend gayborhood UK

William Barton/shutterstock

An estimated 12 percent of the United Kingdom is LGBTQ+. The nation tied with Chile in its overall rating, but edged out the country in its anti-discrimination and safety index scores of 0.68 and 1.569, respectively. It does not have medical rights based on gender expression, and recently banned gender-affirming care for youth.

8. Portugal

View of Funchal and Fuerte De Madeira in the historical center Madeira Island Portugal

shutterstock creative

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Portugal earned an anti-discrimination score of 0.63, and a safety index score of 1.561. Its LGBTQ+ population is the lowest on the list at 7 percent, and it does not have medical rights based on sexual orientation.



7. Canada

Canada embassy with flags and banners celebrating LGBTQ Pride Parade

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sandor Szmutko/shutterstock

An estimated 10 percent of Canada's population are LGBTQ+. The country earned an anti-discrimination score of 0.62, and a safety index score of 1.660. However, it does not have medical rights based on sex characteristics.



6. Germany

berlin germany Brandenburg Gate Monument that is lit in the colors of the Rainbow Flag

aushilfe444/shutterstock

Germany has a high LGBTQ+ population of 11 percent, and high anti-discrimination and safety index scores of 0.77 and 1.58, respectively. However, it does not have medical rights based on gender expression or sex characteristics.

5. Sweden

Sweden Stockholm LGBTQIA Pride celebration

Andrii__Ivaniuk/shutterstock

Sweden earned an anti-discrimination score of 0.75, and a safety index score of 1.535. An estimated 11 percent of the country's population are LGBTQ+. However, it does not have medical rights based on sex characteristics.

4. Belgium

BRUGES BELGIUM Chocolate shop with a big variety of sweets

Cristian Puscasu/shutterstock

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An estimated 9 percent of Belgium's population are LGBTQ+. The country earned an anti-discrimination score of 0.77, and a safety index score of 1.697. It has full adoption, marriage and medical rights.

3. Spain

rainbow dancer at LGBTQIA Pride parade in Barcelona Spain

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

davide bonaldo/shutterstock

Spain has the second-highest LGBTQ+ population of all countries analyzed at 14 percent. It has an anti-discrimination score of 0.71, and a safety index score of 1.691. There are also over 20 events held for the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

2. Australia

AUSTRALIA Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera Hopuse lit in vibrant colours

Leah-Anne Thompson/shutterstock

Residents have been protected against discrimination when accessing healthcare since 2013, and same-sex marriage was legalized in all states and territories in 2017. Approximately 10 percent of the population identifies as LGBTQ+.



1. Netherlands

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS lgbtqia Pride parades boat in canal rainbow flags

Wut_Moppie/shutterstock

The Netherlands earned an impressive safety index score of 1.482 out of five and an anti-discrimination score of 0.80 out of one. Its estimated that 12 percent of the countrys population identifies as LGBTQ+.
Icelandic airline PLAY is offering strong discounts to start the new year, with 25% off flights to top European destinations. For a limited time, budget-minded adventurers can book travel without breaking the bank, leaving plenty of funds for food, lodging, and experiences. The promotion includes routes from several East Coast airports, so even more travelers can take advantage.

Heres where PLAY flies for 25% off

PLAYs sale includes tickets embarking from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), and New York Stewart International Airport (SWF). Routes include a direct trip to Icelands Keflavik Airport (KEF), with connections to Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (CPH), London Stansted Airport (STN), Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), and Dublin Airport (DUB).

The sale goes live today and runs through January 10. The discount applies to select flights during specific periods and doesnt include taxes, carrier charges, fees, and additional services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Travel dates are as follows:

January 25February 14

February 17February 22

February 24February 28

March 29April 5

April 19May 31

September 1October 25

PLAY is a low-cost Icelandic airline that flies between North America and Europe. The company uses new Airbus aircraft for comfort and efficiency, with core values of safety, on-time performance, simplicity, happiness, and low prices. Its planes also feature a bright red paint scheme, adding excitement to the skies. This latest promotion serves destinations for the modern adventurer, from the pubs of Dublin to the canals of Amsterdam, and everything in between. A brief stopover in Iceland can provide the perfect appetizer on the way to European delights.

The post PLAY is offering these discounts to ring in the new year appeared first on The Manual.
One person is dead and another is in the hospital after a crash in west Charlotte overnight Thursday.

Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said it happened on Donald Ross Road between Wilkinson and West Boulevards around 1:30 a.m.

ALSO: Pedestrian hit, seriously hurt in east Charlotte, MEDIC says

Nearly an hour later, our Channel 9 photographer at the scene could still see police blocking the road.

Were asking CMPD what caused the crash and if anyone will face charges.

Check wsoctv.com for updates.

(VIDEO: Contract between Mecklenburg County first responders ends soon with no deal in place)
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  One of the Horry County Police Departments eight original officers, retired Maj. Herman Enzor Sr., died on New Years Eve, the department said.

Enzor, 91, worked in the department from 1958 to 1998 and remained involved in the community after his retirement.

Courtesy of the Horry County Police Department Courtesy of the Horry County Police Department Courtesy of the Horry County Police Department Courtesy of the Horry County Police Department

He made an impact on this county and left behind a legacy of leadership that will live on for years to come, Horry County police spokeswoman Mikayla Moskov said. He will be dearly missed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition to his time in law enforcement, Enzor also served in the National Guard and was a deacon at the Spring Branch Baptist Church for more than 50 years.

According to the county government website, HCPD was established by legislative decree in 1959 as the countys primary law enforcement agency. It remains the only county police department in South Carolina.

Enzors funeral will be on Monday at the Spring Branch Baptist Church in Nichols. For more information, click here for his obituary.

* * *

Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her 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.
DENVER (KDVR)  One person was taken to the hospital after a structure fire in the West Colfax neighborhood on Friday morning.

According to the Denver Fire Department, crews responded to a structure fire at Hooker Street and Colfax Avenue, which is a few blocks west of Empower Field at Mile High Stadium.

The department said the building appeared abandoned, but they set up for defensive operations. FOX31s Carly Moore was on the scene where paramedics pulled out stretchers and fire crews searched the building. In total, about 80 fire personnel were on the scene while the fire was active.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Moore said one woman was hurt in the fire and was taken to the hospital.

Fire crews said the woman was inside and likely living in the building. Crews also said the fire couldve started as a method to stay warm, although they are unsure if she started the fire and if she was in the building alone.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

Around 6 a.m. and again at 7:30 a.m., the department said crews have a knock on the fire but remained on the scene to confirm there were no hot spots.

The cause fire is currently under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
WARSAW, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A gala was held on Friday at the National Opera in Warsaw to mark Poland's inauguration as the presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).

Speaking at the event, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he will address the European Parliament on Jan. 21 to outline "the ambitious intentions of the European Union, the whole of Europe and the Polish presidency for these very difficult six months."

European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized that the Ukraine issue remains a priority for the EU. He thanked Tusk for his efforts in preparing for an informal meeting of EU leaders scheduled for February.

"There is no better time for Polish leadership in the European Union," Costa said.

Poland's presidency began on Jan. 1 and will continue until the end of June. This marks the second time Poland has held the EU's six-month rotating presidency, the first being 2011. 
FULLERTON, Calif. (KTLA)  Two people died and at least 18 people were injured Thursday afternoon when a plane crashed into the roof of a Southern California warehouse.

The crash happened around 2:10 p.m. in the City of Fullerton, which lies southeast of Los Angeles and just north of Anaheim.

The incident was first reported as a structure fire, indicating the plane crash had sparked a fire.

Jocelyne Wildenstein, Swiss socialite known for extreme plastic surgeries, dies at 84: reports

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Video from Sky5 later confirmed that a commercial building directly adjacent to the Fullerton Municipal Airport had been hit, with a large hole in the buildings roof and no sign of any visible plane wreckage.

Firefighters were seen battling the fire inside the warehouse, and nearby buildings were evacuated.

The roof of a furniture manufacturing facility where a plane crashed on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2024. (KTLA)

First responders could be seen treating an untold number of people on the ground with several ambulances standing by to transport them to area hospitals if needed.

At 2:40 p.m., the Fullerton Police Department said there were an unknown number of casualties. An hour later, police confirmed that nine people were transported to local hospitals and six others were treated and released at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Who is Las Vegas explosion suspect Matthew Livelsberger?

One person, likely the pilot, was reported deceased.

By 4:45 p.m., the death and injury toll grew, with police announcing a second person had died and three more people were treated for injuries, including one who was taken to a hospital.

First responders treat an undetermined amount of injured after a plane crashed in a Fullerton warehouse Thursday afternoon, Jan. 2, 2025. (KTLA) Video posted to the Citizen App shows smoke billowing from the site of a plane crash in Fullerton on Jan. 2, 2025. (Citizen App) Video posted to the Citizen App shows smoke billowing from the site of a plane crash in Fullerton on Jan. 2, 2025. (Citizen App) Video posted to the Citizen App shows smoke billowing from the site of a plane crash in Fullerton on Jan. 2, 2025. (Citizen App)

Video shared by the Citizen App immediately after the crash showed a large plume of black smoke billowing from a gaping hole in the buildings roof, fire trucks speeding toward the source and firefighters assessing the situation from a nearby roof.

Police urged drivers to avoid the area as several roads near the scene of the crash were closed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In November, two people narrowly avoided serious injury when their plane crashed into a tree near the same airport.

Gil Leyvas in Fullerton contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Having a job you hate  whether your dislike is due to long hours, bad pay, or frustrating colleagues  can wreak havoc on the rest of your life. Its bad enough when a work day is filled with irritating events, but when work creates issues that follow you home, it may be time to search for a new job.



During the pandemic, there was a wave of people leaving their positions  a phenomenon that some labeled The Great Resignation. Experts, including Professor Anthony Klotz who coined the term, believed that the phenomenon would come to an end by the start of 2024. A study from LinkedIn (MSFT) and Microsoft, however, revealed that 46% of people wanted to quit their jobs this year, up from 40% in 2021.



Theres a variety of reasons why employees want to leave their positions. Despite efforts made to embrace women in the workplace, for example, nearly half of all women still reported experiencing sexist microaggressions at work in 2024, according to McKinsey & Companys Women in the Workplace report.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Microaggressions take a heavy toll, the report read. Women who experience them are more likely to feel burned out and to consider quitting their jobs and less likely to view their workplaces as equitable.



If poor workplace conditions are making you contemplate going back on the job market, it might be worth considering whether the state you live in is hindering your ability to find fulfilling and lucrative employment.



A recent analysis, commissioned by Vaziri Law Group Personal Injury Attorneys, assessed all 50 states to determine which had the worst working conditions. The analysis looked at factors including disposable income, average commute time, average hours worked per week, workplace safety rank, and overall happiness.

Continue reading to see which states have the worst working conditions.

10. South Carolina

Photo: John Coletti (iStock by Getty Images)

South Carolina came in tenth place  the Palmetto State did well in the analysis workplace safety ranking, but received poor marks for income and work-life balance.



9. Arizona

Photo: Danny Lehman (iStock by Getty Images)

Arizona received mediocre scores across several categories  including disposable income and happiness  resulting in its status as the ninth worst state to work in.



8. West Virginia

Photo: Ali Majdfar (iStock by Getty Images)

West Virginia is the eighth worst state to work in, scoring the worst of any state on both workplace safety and happiness.



7. Indiana

Photo: Nicholas Klein (iStock by Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Indiana is the seventh worst state to work in, with its poor performance largely attributable to long working hours and relatively low disposable income.



6. Vermont

Photo: Walter Bibikow (iStock by Getty Images)

Vermont has the best workplace safety rating in the country, but its lower than average disposable income and happiness index mean that it is still the sixth worst state to work in.



5. Nevada

Photo: Michael Lee (iStock by Getty Images)

Nevadans have relatively low disposable incomes and longer-than-average work weeks, contributing to the Silver States fifth place ranking.



4. Kentucky

Photo: Mike Kline (iStock by Getty Images)

Kentucky is the fourth worst state to work in, due to its long work week and low happiness index.



3. Tennessee

Photo: Adina Olteanu (iStock by Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tennessee scored well in the workplace safety category but received lower than average marks for disposable income and the length of the work week, leading to its third place finish.



2. Louisiana

Photo: Atlantide Phototravel (iStock by Getty Images)

Louisiana is the second worst state for working conditions. With an average work week of 44.3 hours, Louisianans work more than anyone else in the country  while also having a poor workplace safety rating and a low happiness index.



1. Hawaii

Photo: M Swiet Productions (iStock by Getty Images)

Despite having the highest happiness index of any state in the top ten, Hawaii is still the worst state to work in. This is largely due to the archipelagos extremely low levels of disposable income compared to virtually every other state.



For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
More than 100 women have filed a new lawsuit against obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Barry J. Brock and the facilities where he worked, claiming that Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other medical practices knowingly concealed his alleged sexual abuses and medical misconduct.

The 107 new plaintiffs join 60 other former patients who have accused Brock in lawsuits last year of inappropriate and medically unjustifiable behavior that at times resulted in lasting physical complications.

Brock didn't immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brock, 74, has previously denied all allegations of impropriety. The longtime OB-GYN was a member of the Cedars-Sinai physician network until 2018 and retained his clinical privileges there until mid-2024.

Cedars-Sinai received numerous complaints regarding [his] sexually exploitative and abusive behavior, dating back several decades, the lawsuit alleges. Nevertheless, "Brock has been allowed to continue injuring, exploiting, and abusing patients under the guise of medical care at Cedars-Sinai from 1979 through August of 2024, the suit says.

A Cedars-Sinai spokesperson said that "the type of behavior alleged about Dr. Barry Brock is counter to Cedars-Sinai's core values and the trust we strive to earn every day with our patients."

"Dr. Brock no longer has privileges to practice medicine at Cedars-Sinai, and we have reported this matter to the California Medical Board," the spokesperson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In July, Cedars-Sinai said it suspended Brocks hospital privileges after receiving concerning complaints from former patients. His hospital privileges were terminated a few months later.

In the most recent suit, filed Dec. 27 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, former patients accuse Brock of groping their breasts and genitals unnecessarily under the pretense of legitimate medical examinations.

More than a dozen women say in the suit that Brock fondled their clitorises during exams and procedures. Three women alleged that Brock used examination instruments in inappropriate and violating ways, thrusting them in their bodies while at times making lewd comments.

Several said that he conducted vaginal examinations without wearing gloves, which the Federation of State Medical Boards lists as an example of sexual impropriety .

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A woman who saw Brock once in 2015 when her regular doctor was unavailable asked why he wasnt wearing gloves, the lawsuit states. Brock allegedly responded: Your down there is much dirtier than my hands.

Former patients allege in the latest suit that Brocks frequent comments about their bodies or sexual desirability, often made during the middle of sensitive physical examinations, left them deeply uncomfortable. When one patient disclosed during a visit that she was a lesbian, the suit alleges, Brock replied, Well, I can change that.

Another woman said that she noticed photographs she had taken as a model on an exam room computer during one of her visits. I was looking at your modeling pictures and take a look at this one. You can see your [vulva] right through the outfit, Brock allegedly told her, using a crude term for female genitalia.

Multiple patients say in the lawsuit that Brock dismissed complaints of pain or medical concerns with sexually inappropriate comments. To a patient who told him that a pap smear was causing her pain, the lawsuit alleges, Brock made a comment about her sexual history and replied that she should like it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Others said Brocks care left them with lasting physical complications.

One woman said Brock delivered her baby in 2005 as the on-call doctor at Cedars-Sinai and proceeded to suture her perineal area after birth, a procedure he told her husband would leave the patient like a virgin. Two decades later, the woman still finds sexual intercourse painful as a result of the suturing, the suit alleges. Four other plaintiffs also reported lasting pain as a result of post-birth stitches Brock inserted after delivery.

Several patients allege in the suit that they reported their discomfort to office staff, nurses or other doctors, and received responses that suggested that his behavior was known to staff.

When one woman who saw Brock from 2002 to 2012 would express to the nurses or other doctors that his behavior was rough and rude, the lawsuit states, she would be told, Thats just how he is and Dont put much on it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another disclosed to a labor and delivery nurse that Brock had called her a crude name during one of her visits, the suit alleges.

The nurse responded that she was not surprised, and implied that Brock had a reputation for making off colored remarks, the suit states.

The lawsuit also names Beverly Hills OB-GYN and Rodeo Drive Womens Health Center, where Brock worked after leaving the Cedars-Sinai physician network. Neither responded immediately to requests for comment on Thursday.

At the time Cedars suspended Brock's privileges, a spokesperson for the medical center said that privacy laws prohibited it from confirming the existence of any patient complaints or disciplinary action taken against Brock before 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brock, who retired from medicine in August, said previously that he surrendered his privileges without any hearing on the merits of the allegations under investigation.

The plaintiffs who have brought suit against Brock so far are represented by a legal team that includes Anthony T. DiPietro, who has also represented patients of convicted sex offender and former Columbia University gynecologist Robert Hadden, and Mike Arias, who like DiPietro has represented patients of former USC gynecologist George Tyndall.

Brock, they allege, has only recently retired so that Cedars-Sinai can continue trying to conceal from plaintiffs, and the public at large, that Brock is a known serial predator, who has sexually exploited and abused hundreds, if not thousands, of unsuspecting female patients.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
An 11-year-old child was detained by police after a gun was found at a school in rural Minnesota.

The incident unfolded on Thursday at Magelssen Elementary School, where police received a report of a weapon on campus.

Officers arrived at the school and seized a weapon, and also detained an 11-year-old boy.

Police did not reveal what type of weapon was found. Lakeland PBS however is reporting it was a handgun that was found in a backpack in a student's locker, according to a message to parents from Fosston Public Schools superintendent Todd Selk,

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.
PARKERSBURG, WV (WVNS)  A minor died in a house fire in part of Wood County on Friday, January 3rd.

According to a press release, a 12-year-old boy died in a house fire that occurred at around 12:40 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, in the Parkersburg area of Wood County.

Members of the Parkersburg Fire Department responded to and put out the fire, where they then discovered the victim. West Virginia State Fire Marshals Office investigators were sent to the scene to discover what caused the fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim was taken for an autopsy and positive identification at the West Virginia State Medical Examiners Office, and the investigation remains in progress.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  The 13th edition of an annual photography competition is being dedicated to a longtime organizer.

The Bob Johnston Photography Show and Competition opens tomorrow evening at the Cooperative Gallery on State Street in Binghamton. The show is a collaboration between the gallery and Two Rivers Photography Club.

67 photos from 38 artists were submitted to the non-juried show. President of the Two Rivers Club Bill Baburchak says the variety of submissions reflects all levels of experience. He says their contest is friendlier than others hes participated in across the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tomorrow night by 6 oclock, this room will be filled with people. Theyre not looking as judges, theyre looking at what they personally like, Baburchak said.

This years event is dedicated to Geof Gould who died in April. Gould was a longtime member of the Two Rivers Photography Club and past organizer of the Johnston competition.

The judge for this years contest is local photographer Greg Chianis. He will award a Best of Show and 2 Judges Choice awards in both color and black and white, which come with cash prizes.

Attendees all month will be able to vote for a Peoples Choice award as well. An opening reception is planned for tomorrow from 5 until 9 with the winners being announced at 6:30.

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 WIVT - News 34.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Topeka City Council will soon make a decision on whether or not to provide additional cash to go towards fixing up Hotel Topeka.

Topeka City Council agenda documents for the upcoming meeting on Jan. 14 show that councilmembers will be taking action on another Hotel Topeka funding request. The request amounts to a little more than $142,000 and, if authorized, would go towards site repairs and improvements at the hotel.

The City of Topeka received a request from the Topeka Development Council (TDC) for additional funding for the hotel to cover the cost of a project that councilmembers originally had approved around $125,000 for in June 2024. The project is now estimated to cost $268,000, requiring the approval of the new $142,000 amount.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

City leaders have made similar funding approvals to help keep the hotel running or to make necessary repairs since they made the decision to purchase it in October 2023. City councilmembers approved $500,000 to help operate the building in February 2024 and a little more than $72,000 in December 2024.

New Mexican restaurant coming to Topeka in January

Hotel Topeka has been described as a distressed asset in the past, with costs moving near $10 million in October 2024 with the approval of an additional $201,000 for the structure. Topeka leaders were informed in December 2024 the hotel would see a nearly $900,000 net operating loss in 2025.

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.
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  Since June, as many as 200 people per day are being deported from the San Diego side of the border into Tijuana, according to Jose Luis Perez Canchola, head of the Migrant Affairs office in Tijuana.

He says on average, 3,500 deportations are taking place every month.

I spoke with the United States Consul General who said on average, from Monday through Friday, 125 to 200 men, women and children are being sent back through Tijuana, said Perez Canchola. More than half will illegally cross the border again and make it north, but some will die by falling off the walls, drown in the ocean or suffer some sort of tragedy along the way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Migrants linger on border as Mexico crackdown continues, Trump deportations loom

There is a proposal being considered by Mexicos president to provide more funding for services that will help migrants who get deported, especially unaccompanied minors, something Perez Canchola supports.

These resources should be provided only to those of us along the border, we need the funding for shelters, migrant services, fleets of buses for transportation back to their hometowns, he said.

Perez Canchola expects the number of deportations will rise once President-Elect Trump takes office.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were already seeing many boys and girls being deported all alone. You never saw this before, now we see them daily, he said. This is why our federal government needs to step in and take the lead on this issue, its only going to get worse.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Passengers are seen at check-in counters at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany, on Jan. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

BERLIN, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Technical issues caused widespread disruption at airports across Germany on Friday.

The federal police's computer systems experienced a nationwide outage, forcing officers to manually process the tasks that were typically handled electronically, a spokesperson from the federal police told German newspaper Bild.

Dusseldorf airport reported that "a nationwide IT malfunction" at the federal police led to delays in both entry and exit at border control.

According to Bild, passengers were experiencing waiting times of up to two hours at Dusseldorf airport, while passengers at Berlin airport also expected similar delays.

At 18:13 local time (1713 GMT), Dusseldorf airport, one of the most affected ones, announced that the IT malfunction at the federal police had been resolved, allowing unrestricted entry and exit for non-Schengen flights.

The outage, lasting approximately four hours, was attributed to a technical problem in the Federal Criminal Police Office's information system. Airports in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, and Berlin experienced only minor delays.

Heiko Teggatz, chairman of the Federal Police Union, criticized the government for inadequate IT modernization funding, highlighting a lack of approximately 150 million euros (154.48 million U.S. dollars). 

A passenger talks with a staff member at a service desk at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany, on Jan. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

Passengers walk past service desks at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany, on Jan. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People gather at a departure entry at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany, on Jan. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

Passengers are seen at a Lufthansa's counter at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany, on Jan. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)
Sixteen people, including five juveniles, have been arrested in connection with multiple shootings, including the death of Jelani Jackson in September.

According to the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office, Jackson was shot to death on Clinton Avenue.

PAST COVERAGE: Feds offer $20K reward in gang-related drive-by shootings in Lancaster

Investigators believed the fatal shooting was gang-related and prompted several subsequent retaliatory shooting incidents by rival gang members.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those incidents occurred at Palmetto Place Apartments and City Avenue on September 5; Shelton Street, Lynwood Drive, and Oxford Circle on September 7; Foster Heights Drive on September 11; and Converse Street on September 18, according to police.

Deputies said vehicles, houses, and buildings were struck by gunfire in those shootings, and one of the suspects received a gunshot wound to his hand during the Shelton Street incident.

A thorough investigation led to the thirteen suspects being taken into custody or turning themselves in. Five juveniles were also taken into custody, according to the sheriffs office.

Deputies said the juveniles who were detained were taken before a Lancaster County Family Court judge and released to the custody of a parent. Their cases will be processed through the family court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

ALSO READ: 2nd arrest made in deadly shooting believed to be connected to gangs

The adult suspects and their charges are listed below:

Symikel Nquett Cauthen, 19

Criminal conspiracy

Simple possession of marijuana

Jaciahis Jaquise Elder, 22

Criminal conspiracy

Kemontae Zikeem Green, 21

Criminal conspiracy

Cerena MonYae Jackson, 19

Criminal conspiracy

ZyAirius Qualeek McGriff, 19

Criminal conspiracy

Discharging a firearm into a dwelling

Breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature

Kemeyus Jyshon McIlwain, 22

Criminal conspiracy

Tkai Martiyaun Perry, 20

Criminal conspiracy

William Russell Twitty, Jr., 26

Criminal conspiracy

Eddie David Deonta Yarborough, 18

Criminal conspiracy

Possession of a stolen pistol

Trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams

Trafficking fentanyl between 4 and 14 grams

Possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

Two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime

All of the suspects listed above posted bond except Elder, whose bond was set at $70,000.00, and Yarborough, whose bond was denied.

I give much credit to the investigators of the Violent Crime Task Force, said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile. They dug into a massive amount of information on these shootings and were able to make connections between and among multiple players who were making plans, giving instructions, and carrying out the violence. They presented a workable operations plan and coordinated the logistics with multiple agencies and their personnel. Literally, at the end of the day, the operation concluded with all suspects plus a couple of extras in custody and no injuries to anyone. I cant say thank you enough to all the agencies who helped. Those who continue to commit gun violence in the city and in the county should take notice that no resource will be spared to identify you and put you in jail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. The Lancaster County Sheriffs Office said the additional information is being gathered and reviewed, and more charges could be made.








Another 107 women have come forward with allegations that a former Beverly Hills doctor engaged in sexually exploitative and abusive behavior with his patients that resulted in lasting complications.

In the most recent lawsuit obtained by the Los Angeles Times, the new plaintiffs are in addition to the 60 other former patients who accused obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Barry J. Brock of similar allegations in a suit that was filed last year.

Brock, 74, has previously denied any wrongdoing following the lawsuits that also claim Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and other medical practices where he worked, knowingly concealed his alleged sexual abuses and medical misconduct.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cedars-Sinai has claimed it terminated Brocks hospital privileges in July after getting concerning complaints from former patients. Those privileges were terminated a few months later, the hospital said.

Heres everything we know about the case:

Who is Dr. Barry Brock?

Dr. Barry Brock has more than 40 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology and is a well-known figure in the medical community.

He was a member of the Cedars-Sinai physician network until 2018. He retained his clinical privileges there until mid-2024.

Brock also worked at Beverly Hills OB-GYN and Rodeo Drive Womens Health Center, which are named in the lawsuits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He retired from medicine in August 2024.

The former doctor said previously that he surrendered his privileges without any hearing on the merits of the allegations under investigation.

All the allegations against Brock that dates back decades

In the latest lawsuit against Brock was filed on December 27 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, a slew of former patients claimed that during exams and procedures he allegedly fondled their clitorises and groped their breasts unnecessarily.

He also conducted the exams without gloves, which the Federation of State Medical Boards lists as an example of sexual impropriety, according to the lawsuit.

Some accused the former doctor of thrusting examination instruments into them while making lewd and inappropriate comments that made them uncomfortable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One patient claimed that when she told Brock that she was a lesbian, he replied, Well, I can change that.

When another patient asked Brock why he wasnt wearing gloves, he allegedly told her: Your down there is much dirtier than my hands.

Some of Brocks former patients alleged in the new lawsuit that his examinations left them with lasting physical complications, including pain during intercourse due to suturing and lasting pain as a result of post-birth stitches Brock inserted after delivery.

One woman who saw Brock from 2002 to 2012, would express to the nurses or other doctors that his behavior was rough and rude, she would be told, Thats just how he is and Dont put much on it, according to the lawsuit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Others claimed nurses would dismiss their claims about Brock, saying he had a reputation for making off-colored remarks, the suit states.

Cedars-Sinai received numerous complaints regarding [his] sexually exploitative and abusive behavior, dating back several decades, the lawsuit claims.

However, the suit alleges that Brock has been allowed to continue injuring, exploiting, and abusing patients under the guise of medical care at Cedars-Sinai from 1979 through August of 2024.

Cedars-Sinais response to allegations

In response, a Cedars-Sinai spokesperson said, The type of behavior alleged about Dr. Barry Brock is counter to Cedars-Sinais core values and the trust we strive to earn every day with our patients.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dr. Brock no longer has privileges to practice medicine at Cedars-Sinai, and we have reported this matter to the California Medical Board, the spokesperson said.

The lawsuit acknowledged that Brock has retired but alleges that he has only recently retired so that Cedars-Sinai can continue trying to conceal from plaintiffs, and the public at large, that Brock is a known serial predator, who has sexually exploited and abused hundreds, if not thousands, of unsuspecting female patients.
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: Tevin DAundrae Garrett.

We want to remember Tevin DAundrae Garrett, 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.
An 18-year-old Milwaukee man is charged with homicide after prosecutors say he accidentally shot a teenager on Dec. 28 as the two walked their dogs.

Rashad Bates is charged with homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon in the killing of 14-year-old Bryant Triplett near 3321 N. 21st St. Prosecutors say Bates was emptying bullets from the gun, while his finger was on the trigger, when he accidentally fired the gun and struck Triplett.

The criminal complaint details that Bates initially told officers "an unknown person shot a gun at them for unknown reasons." However, in a later statement, the defendant told officers of his accidental firing of the gun and that he threw it near a house. Police did not find the gun.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bates and the victim's brother later carried Triplett to their residence, where they attempted to tend to him until authorities arrived, according to the complaint.

Bates has his next court appearance on Jan. 10 for a preliminary hearing. He is at the Milwaukee County jail, and his bail was set at $2,500.

Unintended shootings like this are rare in Wisconsin. They were the subject of a recent Journal Sentinel investigation, which found there have been 15 to 20 unintentional shootings each year involving children, a handful of them fatal.

Triplett's homicide was one of 132 reported homicides the Milwaukee Police Department investigated in 2024. There have been no reported homicides in 2025 through Jan. 3.

David Clarey can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 18-year-old Milwaukee man charged in shooting of teenager
Donald Trumps first term as president marked a conservative shift for the federal judiciary that will continue to shape policy for years to come. In just four years, 234 of Trumps judicial nominees were confirmed to lifetime positions by the Senate, including three U.S. Supreme Court justices and 54 appellate judges. Many of these appointments went on to set significant legal precedent against reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights across the country  such as Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the case that ended a federal right to an abortion, and 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, which affirmed that a business owner did not have to provide her services to LGBTQ+ couples.

Trump is poised to appoint more conservative judges in his second term and Republicans now hold a majority in the Senate, through which all judicial nominations receive a vote. But when he takes office in January, Trump will not have as many vacancies to fill as he did during his first term  235 of Bidens appointees were confirmed to the federal bench, surpassing his record.

In his second term, could Trump have the same lasting impact on the federal judiciary? How did his first slate of judges change LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights in this country? And will the courts still be a safeguard to challenge policies brought by a second Trump administration? The 19th spoke with multiple legal experts to find out.

How did Trump shape the judiciary in his first term?

Trumps judicial legacy stands out for the high number of nominees confirmed, the lack of gender and racial diversity among his judges and the role theyve played in the conservative movements fight against key social issues. Republican senators efforts to block President Barack Obamas judicial nominations helped give Trump a high number of vacancies to fill. This includes three Supreme Court justices and 54 judges on the federal appellate courts, which is one less than Obama appointed in eight years as president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Eight-two percent of Trumps judges were White and 65 percent were White men, bucking a trend toward growing diversity.

Historically, Republican presidents have made the judiciary more diverse than their Republican predecessors, and Democrats made it more diverse than their Democratic predecessors, said Stacy Hawkins, a professor with Rutgers Law School. But Trump reversed course.

Trump actually made the federal bench appreciably less diverse than any of his political predecessors, Hawkins said.

The value of diversity extends beyond symbolic or descriptive representation. Research indicates that more diverse courts strengthen public trust in the justice system and shape decision-making. Judges with public defender backgrounds, for example, are less likely to implement harsh criminal sentences. Studies have also shown that judicial panels with women are more likely to rule in favor of plaintiffs in sex discrimination cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Trumps case, his nominees were not only racially homogenous but also chosen for being ideologically conservative  about half of them are members of the conservative Federalist Society, which focuses on legal issues.

Third-party organizations have long played a role in funneling candidates into the judicial pipeline, but the Federalist Society had outsize influence during the Trump administration, said Alicia Bannon, director of the judiciary program at the Brennan Center for Justice.

I think what was different in the Trump administration was the extent to which [the Federalist Societys influence] was operationalized and really integrated into the administration, Bannon said. The extent to which theres been a broader conservative legal project  where judicial nominations have been a critical component of that broader product  is something that we havent seen to the same extent on the left.

That intentional effort led to a rightward shift among federal judges. When Trump first took office in January 2017, 39.7 percent of federal appellate judges were appointed by Republican presidents, according to data from the Brookings Institution. That number jumped to 53.6 percent by the time Biden took office four years later.

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals is one that has received a lot of attention during Trumps time in office. The court represents Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas and has 17 active judges, six of whom are Trump picks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Critics argue that these additions have contributed to the court making more bold and outlandish rulings, a number of which were taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2023-2024 term. Justices heard 10 cases from the 5th Circuit during that period, the second-largest number after the 9th Circuit, highlighting the courts influence. But eight of those 10 5th Circuit decisions were rejected or overturned.

How have Trumps judicial nominations impacted LGBTQ+ rights?

Over the past four years, attorneys fighting for LGBTQ+ rights have mounted dozens of lawsuits against anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation, particularly state bans against gender-affirming care  all while feeling the effects of Trumps influence over the federal judiciary. An analysis published this October by Lambda Legal, the countrys largest LGBTQ+ legal group, measured the impact of 19 of Trumps confirmed nominees out of 34 that the group formally opposed.

Those judges all showed evidence of anti-LGBTQ+ bias prior to their nomination process, according to Lambda Legal.

At the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge John K. Bush sided with an employer against a gay employee who was ostracized at his workplace. Judge Joan Larsens deciding vote helped to block the Biden administrations Title IX guidance prohibiting anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in federally funded educational institutions. Larsen also ruled in favor of a professor who was fired for misgendering a transgender student. Judge Chad Readler ruled in favor of an employer that mandated a gay employee hide his relationship and change his appearance to be more masculine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other judges at the 5th Circuit, 8th Circuit, 9th Circuit, 11th Circuit and the D.C. Circuit Court nominated by Trump have handed down rulings that misgendered transgender plaintiffs, sided with businesses that refuse to serve LGBTQ+ people, upheld gender-affirming care bans for trans youth and blocked nondiscrimination protections in the healthcare industry.

However, Trump-appointed judges are not a monolith on LGBTQ+ issues. In Tennessee, U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson, a Trump appointee, allowed trans youth to access puberty blockers and hormone treatments but blocked surgeries for minors, which are exceedingly rare. In Indiana, a Trump-appointed federal judge granted a temporary injunction that blocked the states ban on gender-affirming care from taking effect.

Trumps second administration could also affect ongoing cases. In United States v. Skrmetti, a case focused on Tennessees right to ban gender-affirming care for minors, Bidens Justice Department brought the case before the Supreme Court in December. Once Trump takes office, the path forward for the case could get complex, depending on whether the Justice Department under Trump pulls out of the case entirely or switches sides in support of Tennessee.

How have Trumps judicial nominations impacted reproductive rights?

Trump has said that he has no regrets that his three Supreme Court nominations, which gave the court a conservative supermajority, led to the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. But his influence over reproductive rights through the federal judiciary extends beyond that landmark decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On the 6th Circuit, Bush  who, in his past life as a political blogger, compared Roe to the Supreme Courts pro-slavery Dred Scott decision  wrote majority opinions in two cases that upheld abortion regulations and restrictions in Kentucky and Ohio.

In Texas, when the 5th Circuit in 2021 upheld the states ban on the most common way of performing an abortion in the second trimester, known as D&E, Trump-appointed judge Don Willett co-wrote the majority en banc decision.

The first administration completely restructured the way that states regulate this type of care. It basically threw out the rules and said, states, do what you want, said Azaleea Carlea, legal director at Legal Momentum, an advocacy group for women and girls.

Some states completely eliminated this right to health care and put in bans all across the country, and by doing that, it sends a message that basically everything is up for grabs, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The wave of abortion restrictions has also raised questions about potential limitations on access to in vitro fertilization, contraception and medical care during emergencies.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is currently re-evaluating a lawsuit by Bidens Justice Department against Idaho arguing that the states total abortion ban violates a federal law requiring hospitals that receive Medicare funds provide stabilizing treatment  including abortions  to a patient during a medical emergency.

The 9th Circuit had previously upheld Idahos effort to block the use of abortions for stabilizing treatment. The Biden administration appealed to the Supreme Court, which sent the case back to the lower court for review, but allowed for a temporary exception for abortion care if a persons life is in jeopardy. When Trump takes over, his administration could withdraw the lawsuit against Idaho, leaving the states total ban in place without exceptions for medical emergencies, Carlea said.

More broadly, restrictions on abortion in medical emergencies could pave the way for hospitals to exercise broader discretion to potentially reject other medically necessary treatments that do not involve abortions, like a mental health crisis or an overdose crisis, Carlea added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fate of the abortion pill mifepristone is also in jeopardy. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed requirements for patients to see a physician before obtaining the pill. Anti-abortion groups have challenged that decision in the courts and in June, the Supreme Court ruled that their argument against access to mifepristone did not have legal standing. In a recent interview with Time magazine, Trump said it is unlikely that his administration would restrict the abortion pill.

Pro-abortion advocates are not so sure.

I dont think that we can trust anything you know that he says on this issue because weve seen whats happened in the past, and weve seen his ideologies play out that are causing chaos and confusion all across the country, Carlea said. His administration got us here, so no, I dont feel comforted and I dont feel that theres truth in that. I hope Im wrong.

Could Trump have the same impact on the federal judiciary in his second term?

The Senate confirmed 235 of President Bidens nominations to the federal judiciary  all lifetime positions, including one Supreme Court justice  beating Trumps record and leaving the incoming president with only a small number of new judges to bring in. Biden also appointed more judges of color and more openly LGBTQ+ judges than any other president, expanding diversity on the federal bench after Trumps nominations curtailed it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ethan Rice, senior attorney for Lambda Legals Fair Courts Project, pointed out that Trump had over 100 vacancies in the federal judiciary to fill when he first took office  and there simply will not be as many spaces for him to fill this time. Trump will enter office with 40 judicial nominations to fill and about 35 judges who will transition to senior status handling fewer cases, said Jake Faleschini, justice program director at the Alliance for Justice.

Maya Sen, a Harvard University researcher who has testified before Congress and Bidens Presidential Commission on the U.S. Supreme Court, said she believes Trump was more cautious and receptive to feedback on judicial nominees during his first term. But in observing his statements throughout the 2024 presidential campaign and his Cabinet picks so far, Sen said she thinks Trump may be less encumbered by what the Washington, D.C. elite establishment thinks in the second term.

Trump is reportedly expected to rely less on the Federalist Society for guidance when nominating judges  and to prioritize those who are personally loyal to him.

One key concern for Trumps critics is whether the president-elect and Senate Republicans might abandon rules and traditions to push through judicial nominations faster. For years, the blue slip process was used to allow senators from the home state of judicial nominees to signal their support or disapproval. Without a home-state senators support, nominations could be blocked. But during Trumps term, Republicans confirmed at least a dozen circuit court nominees who did not receive a senators blue slip of support. It is unclear whether Republicans will follow a similar path in the new presidency, Faleschini said. It may ultimately depend on what they view as the cost-benefit of going against tradition.

Will the courts still be a safeguard to challenge policies brought by a second Trump administration?

Some attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union are worried about the potential for success under a second Trump administration  although in areas like LGBTQ+ rights, its already been an uphill battle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I dont think people realize  some people  that its not going to look like the first Trump administration if he wins, in so many different ways, said Chase Strangio, co-director of the ACLUs LGBT & HIV Project, in a September interview with Chris Geidner of Law Dork. Were not going to be able to go into court and have initial successes like we were when he took office in 2017, for a lot of reasons.

The federal judiciary has changed dramatically, Strangio said, as has the Supreme Court and the use of the shadow docket.

And so, we arent going to be able to block in the same way this sort of greatly enhanced executive authority, and in the hands of someone who has no regard for any of its limits, and in the context of a court that seems to have no interest in checking his power, he said.

Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney in the ACLUs LGBTQ & HIV Project, told The 19th that it has already been an uphill battle to take on LGBTQ+ and trans rights cases during the last four years of the Biden administration  and that he expects it to continue to be an uphill battle as Trump appoints more conservative judges to the federal judiciary.

I think the sheer number of laws and policies attacking transgender people in every domain of life has shifted the window of what we consider extreme, and so that makes it harder, I think, to challenge these policies and laws generally, Seldin said. I think well continue to be strategic about when and how we challenge whatever we see from this administration.

The post The 19th Explains: How Trumps impact on the federal judiciary could be different this time appeared first on The 19th.

News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Deputies arrested two people on Wednesday evening who allegedly stole license plates from Laurel and Scott County without the owners of the vehicles noticing.

The Laurel County Sheriffs Office posted on Facebook that just before 8 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies pulled over Marvin Collins, 60, and Matthew Risner, 34, after noticing that a green Toyota Avalon, driven by Collins, allegedly disregarded a stop sign.

Infants death sparks investigation at Lexington apartment complex

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the traffic stop, law enforcement noticed the license plate on the Avalon didnt match the car and was instead registered with a 2005 Honda Pilot.

The sheriffs office wrote on Facebook that three more license plates were found inside the pairs vehicle. Two were from Scott County and one was from Laurel County.

Court documents show that deputies went to the address listed in connection with one of the allegedly stolen plates, where the vehicles owner told law enforcement they hadnt noticed it had been removed.

Marvin Collins, 60, was lodged in the Laurel County Correcitonal Center on Wednesday. (Laurel County Correctional Center)

Matthew Risner, 34, was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center on Wednesday. (Laurel County Correctional Center)

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Collins and Risner were arrested and charged with theft of a motor vehicle registration plate. They were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Proactive policing by Ashland City law enforcement last month led to the arrests of two alleged auto burglars who have a long history of breaking the law.

The incident happened at the Hickory Hills Condos along Highway 12. At approximately 3:51 a.m. on Dec. 18, 2024, police got a call from someone who said she saw a tall man wearing a security jacket or shirt and tugging on vehicle door handles.

When the Ashland City Police Department (ACPD) arrived, the white SUV and man were gone. Officers flooded the area and, a short time later, spotted the SUV exiting another complex.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities said the car sped away, going 74 mph in a 55 mph zone, so they pulled the vehicle over. Body camera footage reveals what happened next.

Teens suspected in multiple vehicle crimes arrested in Madison following chase

Theres also marijuana in the vehicle, an officer said.

You smell it? the driver asked. It aint-

Yeah, I smell it, the officer replied.

The man behind the wheel was Marquis Neal. The 40-year-old told officers he was speeding because his mother was in the hospital. When asked what hospital, he said Vanderbilt, but then he said it might be another hospital.

I pulled you over because you were speeding, the officer said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im trying to hurry up to get to my momma at the hospital, Neal responded.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

The man in the passenger seat was Joshua Caruthers, 31.

Police said Caruthers had a drug pipe by his feet and one on his person. He was also wearing a security shirt, but he told law enforcement he was a security officer in Nashville.

Authorities talked amongst themselves and said the white SUV and auto burglary suspect wearing a security shirt were great clues.

That description of that shirt, you cant miss that, an officer said.

Later on, the Ashland City officer pressed the suspect about where he worked. Caruthers said a Mexican bar.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Car collides with Murfreesboro apartment complex after three-vehicle crash

When asked about the security shirt, ACPD Sgt. Alexis Duncan told News 2, Those are easy to get. You can buy them off Amazon or anywhere. He said he was a security officer in Nashville somewhere. Were not sure if thats accurate or not. He could have been wearing it to make people feel a little bit better that he was a security officer of the complex.

During the arrest, Neal became agitated when he found out he was going to jail and needed to relinquish his cell phone upon being handcuffed.

Dont touch my phone! Ive been through this a million times, bro! Neal exclaimed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, Neal went to prison in 2016 and was on parole from 2020 until his sentence expired in 2023. His arrest history in Nashville over the course of more than 20 years is littered with felonies, including aggravated robbery.

When officers searched the car, they found eight stolen payroll checks, another persons ID, a bank card, and some stereo equipment.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Just a lot of red flagsjust great police work on continuing to search the area and other apartment complexes and putting two and two together whenever they made the stop, Duncan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both men have made bond after being charged with multiple counts of auto burglary. In addition, Neal is charged with driving on a suspended license and Caruthers is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two people were killed and more than a dozen others injured after a small plane crashed into a Southern California furniture manufacturing building on Thursday, Jan. 2.

The crash was reported in the 2300 block of Raymer Ave in Fullerton, Calif., approximately 6 miles northwest of Disneyland.

The Fullerton Police Department confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries after the aircraft smashed through the building's roof and ignited a fire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are two confirmed fatalities, ten individuals were transported to area hospitals for treatment and eight individuals were treated and released on scene. The investigation is [ongoing], the department said in a statement on X.

In a later statement, Fullerton police said 19 individuals, who were all working in the building at the time of the crash, were injured. Eleven were taken to hospitals for treatment and eight were treated at the scene.

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong Firefighters work the scene of a plane crash Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Fullerton, Calif. Firefighters work the scene of a plane crash Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Fullerton, Calif.

The two people who died are "believed to have been in the aircraft at the time of the crash," police said. The Orange County Coroner's Office will release their identities after their family is notified.

Fullerton police spokesperson Kristy Wells told the Associated Press. Wells added that nearby businesses were evacuated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The plane was a single-engine, four-seat Vans RV-10, the Federal Aviation Administration said, per the AP.

Related: 4 Fraternity Brothers Die in Small Plane Crash in Illinois Farm Field Under 'Unknown Circumstances'

The plane was on its way back to the airport when it struck the building, ABC7 reports. The aircraft took off at 2:07 p.m. and crashed about two minutes later, per ABC7, citing aircraft-tracking website FlightAware.

Chris Cristi, a helicopter reporter with Los Angeles KABC-TV, shared aerial footage on X of the crash.

BREAKING: A small plane has crashed into a commercial warehouse near Fullerton Airport, along Raymer Ave. There are reported casualties, firefighters battling a 4 alarm fire, he tweeted at 2:51 p.m. local time.

BREAKING: A small plane has crashed into a commercial warehouse near Fullerton Airport, along Raymer Ave. There are reported casualties, firefighters battling a 4 alarm fire pic.twitter.com/8XGgfBaLTL  Chris Cristi (@abc7chriscristi) January 2, 2025

The video showed a large hole in the center of the roof in one of the buildings as gray smoke poured out. Fire trucks and other vehicles could also be seen surrounding the crash site.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Related: At Least 179 People Dead, Including a 3-Year-Old Boy, After Plane Crashes During Landing in South Korea

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, per ABC7.



Read the original article on People
Two people are dead and 18 are injured after a small plane crashed into the rooftop of a commercial building in Southern California on Thursday, according to authorities.

Ten of the people injured were transported to a nearby hospital and the other eight were treated and released on the scene, Kristy Wells, a Fullerton Police Department spokesperson, said in a statement to The Hill. There are two confirmed fatalities; it is unclear if they were on the ground or in the plane.

The plane took off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport and crashed less than two minutes later, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.com.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wells said local police and firefighters responded to the crash at the 2300 block of Raymer Avenue at 2:09 p.m. local time. They immediately began evacuation of the surrounding business as there was an active fire, she said in the statement.

The fire was later extinguished.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement that a single-engine Vans RV-10 crashed in Fullerton. The federal agency said it will, alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), investigate the incident. The NTSB will be in charge of the probe, according to the FAA.

The building in which the plane crashed was occupied by Michael Nicholas Designs, a home goods store, The Associated Press reported.

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.
GAZA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- At least 24 Palestinians were killed on Friday as Israeli warplanes carried out fresh airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, with the Israeli military warning it would bomb a hospital in northern Gaza, local sources said.

Airstrikes targeted a group of Palestinians in the Al-Sayed Ali area of the Al-Shujaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, killing seven people, including four children and a woman, Gaza's Civil Defense said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, five people were killed and others injured in an airstrike near the entrance of Al-Shifa Hospital, west of Gaza City, the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital confirmed it received the bodies of five people killed in an airstrike on Al-Nasr Street, also west of Gaza City. Paramedics said medical teams later recovered five more bodies, including three children, following airstrikes in the Al-Zeitoun and Al-Sabra neighborhoods.

In central Gaza, two people died when an Israeli strike hit a civilian car in Al-Zawaida town. Their remains were taken to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, hospital officials reported.

Meanwhile, Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza said it received an ultimatum from the Israeli military to evacuate immediately or face bombing. The hospital also reported intense artillery shelling around its premises.

The Israeli military has not issued an immediate response to these incidents. However, it stated on Friday that its air force had struck 40 Hamas targets, including command centers and control facilities. The army accused Hamas of using civilian infrastructure, such as schools, for operational purposes, calling it a "cynical exploitation" of Gaza's civilian population.

The strikes are part of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza following a deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and 250 others taken hostage.

Health officials in Gaza reported that 77 people were killed and 145 wounded in Israeli strikes over the past day, pushing the death toll since the conflict erupted in early October 2023 to 45,658, with 108,583 injured. 
CHOCTAW COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  Two people were killed and three others were injured after a single-vehicle crash in Choctaw County, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Investigators believe State Line triple homicide might be more than a robbery

According to an ALEA news release, 32-year-old Adrian Guerrero Hernandez and 47-year-old Juan De La Cruz Rosales, both of Sweet Water, were killed in the crash that happened on Christmas Day around 1:25 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The injured driver was taken to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, and the two other passengers were taken to USA Hospital in Mobile.

The crash happened when the truck they were in left the road, hit a ditch, and overturned, according to ALEA.

Officials said both Hernandez and Rosales were not wearing seatbelts at the time and were pronounced dead at the scene.

New info revealed about mysterious substance damaging cars in Baldwin County

The crash happened on Alabama 10, six miles east of Butler city limits.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
27-month sentence recommended for Tontitown mans role in Capitol riot, court filing says

WASHINGTON D.C. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Tontitown man who assaulted police during the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, has been recommended to serve more than two years in federal prison, according to a court filing.

David Camden, 45, pleaded guilty in September to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers under U.S. law during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.

A court filing dated Jan. 2 from U.S. Attorney Eli Ross said Camden should be sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release and pay $2,100 in restitution and mandatory special assessment for his felony conviction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Dec. 13, Camden filed a motion to continue his sentencing hearing saying several other Jan. 6 defendants had done the same. Court documents said President-elect Donald Trump had made statements that he would grant clemency to those charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack after his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

Sentencing delay request for Tontitown man in Jan. 6 case denied by judge

He argued that a brief delay would help alleviate the burden of preparing sentencing filings during the holiday week. He cited increased travel to Washington D.C., where his sentencing will take place, will likely be between Jan. 6 and Jan. 20.

U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan denied his motion on Dec. 16 and kept his sentencing date as Jan. 10.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Camden traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the former presidents Stop the Steal rally and protest the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Image 7: The subject atop a media tower waving a Three Percenters flag (US DOJ). Footage shows a subject struggling with officers over the barricade in an attempt to breach the police barricade (US DOJ). Footage showing the subject pushing a barricade into officers, according to the DOJ. The subject deploying a fire extinguisher at police officers (US DOJ).

Following the rally, he entered restricted areas of the Capitol grounds, climbing a media tower and waving a flag.

Tontitown man pleads guilty to Capitol riot charges

Around 1:20 p.m., Camden confronted a bike rack barricade separating police officers from rioters, yelling at officers and forcefully pushing the barricade into a line of U.S. Capitol Police Officers, according to the release. In response, officers used a chemical irritant to repel Camdens aggression.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Later, at approximately 2:11 p.m., Camden deployed a fire extinguisher toward a police line attempting to control the rioters. The FBI arrested him on July 1, 2024, in Arkansas.

Since January 6, 2021, nearly 1,600 individuals have been charged across nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the Capitol breach, according to the Department of 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 KNWA FOX24.
Three people were arrested this week in connection with the death of a good Samaritan in Arizona last month, officials said.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department identified two of the three people arrested Monday as Jack Upchurch, 40, and Elmer Smith, 19. The third person is 16 years old. NBC News does not typically identify minors accused of crimes.

The trio were arrested in connection with the death of Paul Clifford, 53, whose body was found near a smoldering car northeast of Tucson last month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

All three suspects have been charged with first degree murder, aggravated robbery, armed robbery, arson of an occupied structure and theft of means of transportation in relation to the murder of Clifford, sheriff's department spokesperson Angelica Carrillo said Friday.

Sabrina Vining, a woman who identified herself as Cliffords daughter in an online fundraiser, said her father disappeared after he left his house at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 23 to help a stranger with a stranded vehicle.

NBC affiliate KVOA of Tucson reported that Cliffords family reported him missing after, they said, a strange man knocked on Cliffords door and asked for help with his car.

He was later found dead, the sheriffs department said. It did not provide a cause or manner of death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials said they received information Monday about a possible location for the three suspects.

Detectives searched the area and obtained a search warrant for a property, which the Pima Regional SWAT team carried out.

The suspects barricaded themselves inside a home and eventually called 911 to negotiate a surrender, the sheriff's department said. They left the residence and were taken into custody.

The sheriff's department did not release any information about a motive or how it connected the suspects to Clifford's killing.

The three suspects were booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center on felony arrest warrants, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Attorneys representing Smith and the minor did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent by NBC News on Friday evening.

An attorney replied to NBC News' request for comment on Sunday and offered no comment at this time.

Upchurch was being held on a $1 million bond, Smith on $1.025 million bail and the minor on a half-million-dollar bond, according to jail records.

Vining applauded the news of the arrests in a Facebook post Tuesday.

The detective called us last night at 9:00pm and told us they had suspects arrested and in custody! Vining wrote. Thank you to the law enforcement officers that diligently worked my dads case.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  In less than one week, at least three flights have arrived at Dayton International Airport. But Dayton wasnt any of their destinations.

Thursday morning at 12:47 a.m., a plane took off from Dayton International Airport, but arrived back just 23 minutes later, according to Flight Aware.

A Dayton International Airport police officer confirmed that the plane had landed safely.

Just before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, a plane diverted to Dayton due to smoke in the cockpit. On Wednesday afternoon, a different flight arrived at Dayton because of a mechanical issue.

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 WDTN.com.
VIRGINIA BEACH  Three former Virginia Beach sheriffs deputies were indicted Friday on murder charges stemming from the death of an inmate at the city jail last June.

A special grand jury indicted Eric G. Baptiste, 39, of Virginia Beach; Michael C. Kidd, 39, of Chesapeake; and Kevin B. Wilson, 34, of Virginia Beach on second-degree murder charges, according to the Virginia Beach Commonwealths Attorneys Office. Baptiste also was charged with five counts of assault, and Kidd with two counts of assault.

The men are accused of causing the June 10 death of Rolin Hill. The 34-year-old Virginia Beach man died six days after arriving at the jail and being restrained by deputies during the booking process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The incident leading up to his death was captured on video by dozens of cameras at the jail, and by multiple body cams worn by deputies, according to a city official who responded to a Freedom of Information Act request submitted by The Virginian-Pilot last year.

A medical examiner determined Hill died from positional and mechanical asphyxia due to restraint with neck and torso compression, and ruled the death a homicide.

Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb announced in October that five deputies involved in the incident had been fired. The grand jury, however, chose only to indict three of them, according to Macie Allen, a spokeswoman for the commonwealths attorneys office. The men who were charged were making arrangements Friday to turn themselves in, Allen said.

Attorneys for the three couldnt be reached late Friday by The Pilot. Baptiste is being represented by Brian Latuga, Kidd by Kristin Paulding, and Wilson by Eric Leckie.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hill was arrested June 4 at a 7-Eleven store at the corner of Dam Neck Road and Brigands Way. According to police, hed repeatedly been asked to leave, and was even offered a ride home, but refused to go. When he was told he was under arrest, he began fighting with the officer and tried to grab the officers gear, according to a court document.

Hill was charged with trespassing, disorderly conduct and obstructing justice. He arrived at the jail about 7:15 p.m., and was brought to the booking area around 8:20 p.m. after being denied bond by a magistrate.

Hill was uncooperative and combative during the booking process and had to be restrained, according to the sheriffs department. Less than a half hour after arriving, he experienced a medical emergency and was taken by ambulance to a hospital. He died June 10.

Holcomb asked state police and the Virginia Beach Commonwealths Attorneys Office to investigate, and a special grand jury was later impaneled. The grand jury met three times over several weeks, and returned its indictments at its last meeting on Friday, Commonwealths Attorney Colin Stolle said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Pilot was unable to reach Hills parents or sisters for comment on Friday. An obituary published in The Pilot said Hill was an Eagle Scout who loved surfing, skateboarding and hanging out at the beach. The obituary also said mental health in America is still a major issue, and asked that any donations in Hills memory be made to mental health foundations.

Holcomb, who became sheriff in September 2023 after longtime sheriff Ken Stolle abruptly decided to retire, said in a statement Friday that while hes committed to transparency and accountability, he wont comment on the cases while theyre pending in order to protect the integrity of those proceedings.

I have faith in the criminal justice system to ensure justice is served for both Rolin Hill and the individuals involved in this incident, Holcomb wrote. For that reason, I requested an independent, third-party investigation by Virginia State Police immediately upon being notified of what occurred and cooperated fully with that investigation My heart continues to be with the family of Mr. Hill and I send them my sincerest condolences and support as they seek healing and justice.

Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com
Police say a 3-month-old baby has died after drowning in a motel bathtub on New Years Day.

Authorities were dispatched to the motel in the 6100 block of Airport Hotel Boulevard in Louisville just after 4:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Jan. 1, following a report of a drowning, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

Officers with the LMPDs Seventh Division entered one of the rooms and found the infant who drowned, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: Injured Boy Has Looked Around Hospital After Baby Sibling, Grandparents Die in S.D. Explosion, Says Mom

They performed CPR and other life saving measures on the baby until EMS arrived on scene, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kiyah Winstead has identified the child as her 3-month-old baby brother Kiarri, according to CBS affiliate WLKY.

"It's really devastating because nobody would want anything like this to happen, especially at such a young age, the 16-year-old sister told Fox affiliate WDRB.

Related: Influencer's Son, 2, Dead After Leaving Hotel Room and Drowning in Pool While Mom and Dad Napped: 'Little Angel'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kiyah has organized the GoFundMe campaign following her brothers death to help honor his memory and ensure he has a proper rest.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The teen said Kiarri brought so much joy and light into peoples lives, and his absence leaves an unfillable void.

Related: Lifeguard, 19, Recovering from Spinal Injuries After Saving Drowning 7-Year-Old: I Would Do It Again

This is a pain I could never have prepared for, as he was my first and only sibling, Kiyah wrote in the fundraiser's description. The grief we are experiencing is indescribable, and our hearts are shattered.

Police said its homicide unit has opened an investigation into Kiarris death.

No charges have been filed, according to WDRB.



Read the original article on People
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Memphis doctors say ER visits are on the rise. So whats going around?

Dr. Chinelo Animalu, an infectious diseases specialist with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, says there are three viruses they worry about.

COVID

flu and

RSV

Dr. Animalu says those respiratory illnesses are rampant across Memphis..

We also asked about norovirus, a GI virus, and whether it is making its way around Memphis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its something to keep our eyes on, Animalu said. For instance, a family member have norovirus and have touched some surfaces or somebody else touches that you can easily get that. So its something that we can pass around.

Dr. Animalu says hand washing, masks and vitamins are all tried and true ways to stay healthy.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka has been overrun with new dogs, most of them are strays. Now the animal shelter is asking for help.

On Friday, Jan. 3, the HHHS of Topeka shared on social media that they will be offering 50% off of dog adoption fees until Jan. 5. The shelter said its looking for heroes to conquer the Game of Homes after 30 new dogs arrived.

The dogs are ready. The question is: are you their Jon Snow, or will you leave them to face the cold alone? the HHHS of Topeka wrote on social media, referencing a Game of Thrones character.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For more information on the HHHS of Topeka, click here.

Be prepared: Boy Scouts loan cots to Topeka warming stations

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
We want to warn you, some of the details in this case are disturbing.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Authorities in Yankton are investigating the first murder of 2025.

On Thursday afternoon three women came to a Yankton apartment complex on the 1000 block of Memory Lane to check on a friend they hadnt heard from in 24 hours.

When they went inside, court documents say they found 41-year-old Heather Boddens decapitated body.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Interviews and surveillance video led investigators to the victims boyfriend, 32-year-old Craig Nichols Jr.

Snow has been lacking for a wide variety of reasons

Were literally about less than 24 hours into it. The court papers are going to show that there is a history of mental illness, South Dakota Attorney General, Marty Jackley said.

One of the three women who came to check on Bodden told investigators Bodden texted her, about being threatened with a weapon by her boyfriend, Wednesday afternoon.

Two other people told investigators theyd stopped by the apartment on Wednesday night to do drugs. When they left the victim was still alive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An affidavit says early Thursday morning, between 2:50 and 6:44 a.m., Nichols can be seen going in and out of the victims apartment. He leaves with two trash bags and re-enters the apartment without them.

Nichols was arrested at his home on Walnut Street Thursday. Authorities said he barricaded his door.

Investigators searched Nichols apartment and found a pair of wet shoes with a reddish-brown substance.

Inside the victims apartment, investigators found three weapons wrapped in a floor mat, the victims head and a bag of bloody clothing some were labeled with Nichols name.

Jackley says the weapons involved include two sharp objects and a pair of pliers.

He also says there may be additional charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nichols is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter and is being held at $500,000 cash bond with his next court appearance scheduled for 10:30 a.m. January 8.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DENVER (KDVR)  Drugs, thousands of dollars in cash and a 3D-printed gun believed to be capable of firing ammunition were among the items seized by Aurora police during a recent investigation.

According to the Aurora Police Department, these items were seized by officers in its gang intervention unit during a narcotics investigation on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 that also resulted in the arrest of two fugitives

Police said they tracked down 28-year-old Abel Gebretsadik, an Aurora man with known gang ties who had an active felony warrant out of Douglas District Court for distribution of fentanyl, at a local mall. The department didnt specify which gang they believe he is associated with.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Aurora SWAT takes wanted fugitive into custody

The department said Gebretsadik had a history of running from police, but officers were able to take him into custody in the mall parking lot. Officers also arrested a second suspect, Majid Ahmed, 31, of Aurora, on an active misdemeanor warrant for theft out of Arapahoe County Court.

During the investigation, the department said officers seized more than an ounce of crack cocaine that was split into multiple baggies for distribution, over $7,000 in cash and a 3D-printed firearm believed to be capable of firing .22-caliber ammunition.

Printed 3D gun (Courtesy of Aurora Police Department)

Printed 3D gun (Courtesy of Aurora Police Department)

The department said Gebretsadik was charged in Arapahoe District Court with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, a felony and two counts of misdemeanor obstruction of a peace officer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the department said Ahmed was booked into the Aurora Detention Center on his active warrant.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

While two suspects were arrested, the department said this investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Harvesters work in rice paddies in Fangzheng County, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

The drop was primarily attributed to declines in cereal and suger prices.

ROME, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Global food prices fell by 2.1 percent in 2024 compared to the average for the previous year, mainly due to declines in cereal and sugar prices, according to the latest report released Friday by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The FAO Food Price Index for the whole year of 2024 stands at 122 points, 2.6 points lower than the average value in 2023, the report said.

While the Index showed a steady upward trend in most of 2024, driven by dairy, meat, and vegetable oil prices, this increase was insufficient to fully offset the declines in cereal and sugar prices. The FAO Cereal Price Index for 2024 dropped by 13.3 percent compared to 2023, while the FAO Sugar Price Index fell by 13.2 percent year-on-year.

Qu Dongyu, director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), addresses a ceremony to mark the World Food Day in Rome, Italy, on Oct. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

According to the FAO, the decline in cereal prices in 2024 was primarily due to lower wheat and coarse grain prices.

The report also noted that the FAO Food Price Index for December 2024 averaged 127 points, a month-on-month decrease of 0.5 percent, but a year-on-year increase of 6.7 percent. 
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Two soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division were among the seven U.S. Army soldiers who received the Medal of Honor at the White House on Friday.

Pfc. Charles Johnson and retired Gen. Richard Cavazos received their awards posthumously for their bravery during the Korean War.

The heroism and selflessness displayed by these two remarkable individuals exemplify the courage and dedication that define the 3rd Infantry Division, said Lt. Col. Matt Fontaine, the 3rd ID spokesperson. Their actions inspired generations of soldiers, and serve as a testament to the extraordinary character of those who serve.

Pfc. Charles Johnson (U.S. Army)

SCAD president receives Presidential Citizens Medal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnson saved at least 10 lives during the Korean War during a Chinese attack, the U.S. Army said.

Despite being injured, he provided first aid and fought in hand-to-hand combat to protect his comrades. Johnson also dragged his high school friend Pvt. Don Dingee to safety after their bunker was attacked by grenades.

Johnson was ultimately killed while defending the wounded.

He was honored at Fort Stewart under the 3rd ID in 2014 when the Johnson Fitness Center was named after him.

The New York native is also honored at his alma mater, Arlington High School, with a bronze statue of him pulling Dingee to safety.

Gen. Richard Cavazos (U.S. Army)

During the Korean War, Cavazos led his company in a raid on Hill 142 despite heavy enemy fire, the military said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He repeatedly returned to the battlefield to rescue injured soldiers even while he was hurt.

The Texas native, who served for over 30 years, is also remembered as a beloved mentor and teacher.

The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the armed forces who go above and beyond the call of duty, risking their own lives.

It was also given to Pvt. Bruno Orig, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, Cpl. Fred McGee, Capt. Hugh Nelson Jr. and Spc. Fourth Class Kenneth David.

President Joe Biden also awarded the Medal of Valor, the nations highest award for valor by a public safety officer, to eight honorees on Friday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LINDON, Utah (ABC4)  Four men were taken into custody this week, accused of taking part in a burglary that resulted in over 70 guns and several other items being stolen from a Lindon gun store in late December.

According to court documents, the theft happened on the evening of Dec. 28 into the morning of Dec. 29. Police say one suspect, identified as Edgar Cortez Mesa, 36, was caught on surveillance footage loading several trash cans filled with the stolen guns, power tools, and clothing items into the back of a stolen business truck before fleeing the scene.

Suspect dead after highspeed chase ends in crash, suspect shot at police

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police were able to track Cortez Mesa to a residence in American Fork where they reportedly saw Cortez Mesa and a second suspect, identified as Carlos Andres Raimondi-Perez, 44, loading items into a truck.

Both men were taken into custody and a search was executed on the truck and the home. According to court documents, officers found two guns inside Raimondi-Perezs car and another stolen gun in the home, all of which Raimondi-Perez denied having any knowledge about. Meanwhile, Cortez Mesa admitted to officers that there were six guns inside the home, all of which were confirmed to be stolen from the Lindon store.

Man facing 33 felonies for allegedly placing camera in Kaysville VASA tanning room

The Lindon Police Department said while they were on the scene investigating, a car pulling a trailer arrived at the home. The driver, identified as Alec Jesse Jones, 36, told officers he was looking for Cortez Mesa. He said he was asked to help Cortez Mesa move some items.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jones was taken into custody and investigators searched the trailer where they allegedly found the stolen trashcans filled with 60 of the stolen weapons.

Jones told officers he was asked by Cortez Mesa to meet him near a Pleasant Grove movie theater where they loaded the trashcans into the back of his trailer. Jones said he never looked into the trashcans and did not know what was in them, according to court documents.

Jones reportedly admitted to having the trash cans for several days before taking them to Cortezs residence.

During their investigation, Lindon detectives discovered Cortez Mesa had made contact over 50 times with a fourth suspect, identified as David Edward Boettcher, 56, the night of the burglary. Boettcher was brought into the station where he allegedly admitted to being a lookout for Cortez Mesa during the burglary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Boettcher told investigators that he was later picked up by Cortez Mesa in the stolen truck and helped unload the stolen property near a Pleasant Grove movie theater. According to court documents, Cortez Mesa gave Boettcher one of the guns saying he had done a good job. The gun was later retrieved from Boettchers Lindon residence.

Cortez Mesa, Raimondi-Perez, Jones, and Boettcher, were all booked into the Utah County Jail. The suspects individual charges are listed below:

Edgar Cortez Mesa

One count of third-degree felony burglary

Seventy-one counts of second-degree felony theft of a firearm or motor vehicle

One count of second-degree felony possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person

One count of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance

One count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia

Carlos Andres Raimnodi-Perez

Two counts of second-degree felony theft of a firearm

One count of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance

One count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia

Alec Jesse Jones

Sixty counts of second-degree felony theft of a firearm or motor vehicle

One count of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance

David Edward Boettcher

One count of third-degree felony burglary

One count of second-degree felony theft of a firearm

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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.
OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission has announced four trail construction projects for the upcoming year, including two more to fill in the Grand River Greenway.

Work on the first 3 miles of the Bass River segment and the Eastmanville Connector of the Idema Explorers Trail is slated to start over the next year.

Deal reached to expand Rosy Mound Natural Area

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Bass River segment will be 7.4 miles long in all, connecting Riverside Park to the Eastmanville Bayou Open Space. The project, being done in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is expected to use $750,000 in funding from the states Land and Water Conservation Fund to help cover costs.

According to the OCPRC, the project is expected to go to bid in mid-2025.

Meanwhile, the Eastmanville Connector will use a $400,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to help cover costs. That trail will be 2.3 miles long and include more than a half mile of riverfront. Construction will likely start in the late fall.

DNR grant to help fund next steps in Idema Explorers Trail

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Idema Explorers Trail is part of the Grand River Greenway campaign, a project that aims to build a system of green space that follows the river from Grand Haven all the way to metro Grand Rapids. In all, the trail will stretch 36.5 miles, from the Grand Haven Channel to Millennium Park in Walker.

Another grant from the DNRs Land and Water Conservation Fund will help cover upgrades at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. A grant worth $347,500 will be used to build a year-round restroom facility at the parks 84th Avenue access site. Bids for that project are also scheduled for mid-2025.

Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter

Starting Jan. 6, nearly 12 miles of the Musketawa Trail system will shut down for reconstruction. The trailheads in Marne and Conklin will be closed while crews replace 11 culverts, a bridge, clear some trees and repave the trail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That project is expected to take all of 2025. It is covered by $12.5 million in federal relief funding allocated by the Building Michigan Together Plan, passed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2022.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Editors note: This report contains discussion of suicide. Troops, veterans and family members experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and dial 1, text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Diagnoses of mental health disorders among active-duty service members increased by nearly 40% over the last five years, according to a new Defense Health Agency report.

The report, which was released as part of the agencys Armed Forces Health Surveillance Divisions December Medical Surveillance Monthly Report, examined mental health diagnoses among active-duty troops between 2019 and 2023, finding that anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, accounted for the largest increase in diagnoses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Specifically, diagnoses of these disorders nearly doubled during the five-year period, according to the report. The report did not pinpoint a single cause for the rise but cited the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with the five-year period, as a potential factor in the uptick.

In 2023, active-duty service members experiencing a mental health disorder populated more hospital beds than any other affliction, accounting for 54.8% of all hospital bed days.

The medical data was retrieved from medical records accessed through the Defense Medical Surveillance System and Theater Medical Data Store.

From 2019 through 2023, 541,672 active-duty service members  from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force  were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder, according to the report. Approximately 47% of those individuals  about 255,000  were diagnosed with more than one mental health disorder.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In total, 966,227 individual diagnoses were made.

Military suicides rose in 2023, continuing a troubling trend

Mental health disorder diagnoses were most often found in female service members, individuals from a younger age demographic and the Army.

The Navy, however, led all other services in diagnoses of depressive disorders, bipolar disorders and personality disorders.

Active-duty female service members were also diagnosed with PTSD at twice the rate of male service members, and incidents of diagnoses increased with age. The report noted these findings likely reflected changing demographics of the military, as more women serve, and may relate to sex-specific differences in mental health factors that can predispose service members to higher PTSD rates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Efforts to assist and treat service members should continue to promote help-seeking behavior to improve their psychological and emotional well-being and reduce the burden of mental health disorders, especially as rates have been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic, the report said.

The report utilized ambulance encounters, hospitalization or outpatient visits to a psychiatric facility, among other factors, to define a mental health diagnosis.

Mental health disorders defined by the Defense Department include acute stress disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD and schizophrenia, among others.

The Defense Department has struggled to address the mental health of service members, including veterans, whose suicide rate remained at 17.6% from 2021 to 2022, according to federal census data.

Veterans are almost twice as likely to die by suicide as civilians, Military Times previously reported. In 2023, the rate of military suicides rose by 6%.
The car came across the sonar screen as a bright block in a sea of oranges and reds.

To many, it would be an unimpressive feature 24 feet under the surface of the retention pond off Viera Boulevard. But to Sunshine State Sonar co-founder Mike Sullivan, it offered a surprisingly quick end to a four-month search.

I dont think there was any question that this was going to be her, he said, when he and his team members dove down and saw the 2003 Honda Odyssey for the first time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read: Local sonar group helps solve 10-year-old Brevard County cold case

Inside the van, the remains of professor and mother of three Katya Belaya, who vanished in 2014 after telling her daughter she was going out for a quick trip to the store.

She was found 1.6 miles from home.

Sullivan said one of the groups followers contacted him in August and shared posts about the case. His team was not the first to search for Belaya  deputies and four or five other sonar teams tried  but he said they decided to start from square one.

Read: 1st meteor shower of 2025, the Quadrantids, is expected to peak tonight: How to watch

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sullivan estimated there were 400 to 500 bodies of water within a few square miles of Belayas home. The search was narrowed after detectives shared the location of Belayas last cell phone ping.

Still, it took 50 hours of working maps and debating  plus a day of searching 33 total ponds  before the big discovery.

We thought that this was going to be a very solvable [case], Sullivan said. I just thought that this was one of those cases that was going to go 400 or 500 bodies of water before we found her.

Read: New Smyrna Beach says Venetian Bay parking program is not allowed

Sullivan called his groups 15th find emotional.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sunshine State Sonar has racked up solved cases at an impressive clip since its founding in 2023. Sullivan said they were working more than 70 cases, mostly in South Florida.

Were so happy that we can do this for this family, Sullivan said. I know its not closure. We always say its never closure for these families. Its answers to where their loved ones been.

The Brevard County Sheriffs Office said it was investigating Belayas cause of death, though due to the condition of the remains, it may never be confirmed.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




1 /6 VIDEO COURTESY NICK WENDRYCH Courtesy drone footage shows the New Year 's Eve fireworks explosion involving illegal aerials that killed three people and injured 20 others.

COURTESY NICK WENDRYCH A cache of fireworks exploded during a New Years celebration on Keaka Drive.

2 /6 COURTESY NICK WENDRYCH A cache of fireworks exploded during a New Years celebration on Keaka Drive.

GOFUNDME.COM GoFundMe accounts have been set up for Charmaine Benigno, far left, who was injured New Years Day during the fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

3 /6 GOFUNDME.COM GoFundMe accounts have been set up for Charmaine Benigno, far left, who was injured New Years Day during the fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Debris was cleaned up Thursday after a cache of fireworks exploded New Years Day on Keaka Drive. The explosion, at top, caused three deaths and dozens of injuries.

4 /6 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Debris was cleaned up Thursday after a cache of fireworks exploded New Years Day on Keaka Drive. The explosion, at top, caused three deaths and dozens of injuries.

GOFUNDME.COM GoFundMe accounts have been set up Kevin and Melissa, right. They were injured New Years Day during the fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

5 /6 GOFUNDME.COM GoFundMe accounts have been set up Kevin and Melissa, right. They were injured New Years Day during the fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

COURTESY NICK WENDRYCH Images from drone footage show the progression of intensity in the series of explosions from a cache of fireworks accidentally ignited during a New Years celebration on Keaka Drive in Aliamanu.

6 /6 COURTESY NICK WENDRYCH Images from drone footage show the progression of intensity in the series of explosions from a cache of fireworks accidentally ignited during a New Years celebration on Keaka Drive in Aliamanu.

COURTESY NICK WENDRYCH A cache of fireworks exploded during a New Years celebration on Keaka Drive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

GOFUNDME.COM GoFundMe accounts have been set up for Charmaine Benigno, far left, who was injured New Years Day during the fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @STARADVERTISER.COM Debris was cleaned up Thursday after a cache of fireworks exploded New Years Day on Keaka Drive. The explosion, at top, caused three deaths and dozens of injuries.

GOFUNDME.COM GoFundMe accounts have been set up Kevin and Melissa, right. They were injured New Years Day during the fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

COURTESY NICK WENDRYCH Images from drone footage show the progression of intensity in the series of explosions from a cache of fireworks accidentally ignited during a New Years celebration on Keaka Drive in Aliamanu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The devastating aftermath of the mass-casualty explosion of illegal fireworks at an Aliamanu home at 12 :01 a.m. New Years Day started coming into focus Thursday, as relatives and friends identified some of the victims and as preparations were made to transport several severely injured patients to the mainland for further treatment.

Gov. Josh Green authorized the use of a military jet to transport six severely injured burn victims, his office told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Thursday.

The jet will take those burn victims to Arizona, Green told Hawaii News Now, with burn teams  of health care professionals from Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii hospitals, Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and the state Department of Health assisting the effort.

The blast on Keaka Drive killed three women and injured more than two dozen other people, many of them critically, including some children. The disaster has led city and state lawmakers to promise to make curbing the availability and use of illegal aerials a top priority for 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As soon as today the Honolulu Medical Examiners Office is expected to release the names of two sisters killed in the blast and of the 23-year-old woman who died later Wednesday at a hospital.

Neighbor Kristal Kaauwai, 38, told the Star-Advertiser on Wednesday that two of the women who died were sisters, and one lived next door to her.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said the son of the woman who lived next door was looking for his mother in the chaos. I held onto him,  Kaauwai said.

The Honolulu Fire Department, meanwhile, corrected the address of the home where a firework cake  filled with dozens of illegal aerials tipped over after being lit and shot into a large fireworks cache in a carport, setting off the massive, deadly blast. HFD said the address of the home is 4144 Keaka Drive.

According to city property tax records, the house is owned by the trusts of The Dao and Biet Thi Ho. One of the wounded shares the last name of Dao.

Tommy Dao, an engineer with Coffman Engineers Inc.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

in Honolulu, was badly injured. His employer was notified Thursday by his family but declined comment.

His Facebook page says he studied electrical engineering at the University of Hawaii and graduated in 2014 from Radford High School.

Daos girlfriend, Abigail Allie, received burns to her face, arms, legs, buttocks and portions of her back, her stepfather Louie Jose said.

Shes unrecognizable,  Jose said.

But he said Dao is in much worse condition with burns to his face, arms, legs and abdomen.

Daos Facebook page shows his bodybuilding photos. Allies Facebook page says she is also a 2014 Radford graduate, and studied biochemistry at Portland State University and the University of Hawaii.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A fundraiser for victim Charmaine Benigno was set up on GoFundMe. The page says that the explosion, caused by illegal fireworks, resulted in the loss of lives and left many critically injured, including Charmaine.

Charmaine is currently in the hospital fighting for her life,  it goes on to say. She has sustained severe injuries and will require extensive medical care and a very long road to recovery.

Krysten and Sarah Gennuso, who organized the fundraiser, wrote that sons Jasyah, 4, Cayde, 2, and her longtime boyfriend, Jacob Nakamoto, need her home. Donations will go to Nakamoto to help pay for Charmaines medical expenses and to support their two sons.

They had raised 61 % of their $50, 000 goal by Thursday evening with 512 donations amounting to $31, 286.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another GoFundMe was set up for an injured couple, Melissa and Kevin, who have a 3-month-old son, Kaesyn.

Melissa is one of the six patients being transported to Arizona by the military jet.

Melissa is hospitalized, but because there are no available beds in the burn unit, (she ) will have to be flown to the mainland to receive the medical care she needs,  according to the GoFundMe page.

Kevin sustained grave injuries, will require extensive medical care, and has a very long road to recovery.

All donations will go to Melissas mother, Michelle, to support Kaesyn, and the couples medical expenses.

Kaesyn is being cared for by both Melissas and Kevins families, the GoFundMe page says.

The fundraiser had received more than 170 donations totaling more than $9, 600 by Thursday evening.

State and city leaders continued to react Thursday to the New Years tragedy.

At the inauguration for his second term in office Thursday evening at the Mission Memorial Auditorium, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi noted the needless and senseless tragedy  of the previous day, and he lauded the response by emergency officials to the mass-casualty event.

I want to thank the first responders who rendered aid during the awful incident. Their response was everything you hoped it would be,  the mayor said. They worked tirelessly throughout the night, and they worked together to control a devastating event, one that left all of us in shock and dismay for the loss of life and suffering that happened during those horrific hours,  the mayor said.

Green, Blangiardi and political leaders across Hawaii vowed to change laws and step up enforcement to deter importing and possessing illegal fireworks, including tougher criminal penalties and fines.

In the aftermath of Thursdays casualty, the effort appears to have not only political momentum, but also increased backing from the public, with many residents complaining on social media about the health and safety dangers from the wide use of illegal aerials and other explosives by nonprofessionals.

However, Hawaiis history with attempts to regulate illegal fireworks indicates that politicians have a lot of work ahead of them.

In January 1999, after having respiratory problems on New Years Eve, then-Gov. Ben Cayetano told The Honolulu Advertiser that the illegal fireworks celebrations were utter madness,  and he promised to work to ban them.

Since then the use of illegal aerials has become even more prevalent and is highlighted each year on social media platforms with videos and photos.------------Star-Advertiser reporter Ian Bauer contributed to this report.------------
(Editor's note: The bulk of this story originally appeared in The Palm Beach Post in November 2020.)

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the groundbreaking CBS documentary by veteran journalist Edward R. Murrow, "Harvest of Shame," which depicted wretched conditions for migrant farmworkers in the western Palm Beach County community of Belle Glade.

Few documentaries have unleashed such strong feelings in America as "Harvest of Shame" did when it aired on Thanksgiving Day in 1960.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The film showed the life of people who work in what Murrow called "the sweatshop of the soil."

"Never before in the dismal history of migratory farm labor in the United States has there been such widespread personal knowledge as there is today of the shocking conditions under which the migrants live and work," The New York Times wrote in an editorial.

More: Here are the first 2 parts of the Black Snow sugar cane burning series, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize

'Harvest of Shame' viewers saw deep poverty for the first time

Jerome King as he appeared in "Harvest of Shame."

The documentary began in Belle Glade and followed migrant workers on their trek to fields and orchards across the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many viewers, celebrating a day of gratitude, enjoyed a bountiful meal with family and friends. Murrow and the CBS documentary showed them for the first time what it meant to live without.

"We present this report on Thanksgiving because, were it not for the labor of the people you are going to meet, you might not starve, but your table would not be laden with the luxuries that we have all come to regard as essentials," Murrow said.

CBS broadcast the documentary "Harvest of Shame" on Thanksgiving Day 1960.

Relying heavily on interviews with workers and their children, it focused attention on low wages, poor housing and grueling work that kept migrant families locked in a cycle of poverty that contrasted sharply with the prosperity of their employers.

Harvest of Shame was saluted by advocates for change and denounced by farmers and their lobbyists. U.S. Sen. Spessard Holland of Florida called it inaccurate and unfair.

Edward R. Murrow, famous radio announcer who did "Harvest of Shame," about migrant workers in the Glades.

Murrow concluded, "The people you have seen have the strength to harvest your fruit and vegetables. They do not have the strength to influence legislation. Maybe we do."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was unusual for television to make such a direct appeal to the viewer.

"It was editorializing, but Murrow felt strongly about it," Fred Friendly, the executive producer, said (in 1990; he died in 1998). "Not to have done it would have been an abdication of responsibility, and we were proud that we did it."

Harvest of Shame tells a broader story than that of the migrant farmworker of 1960, Friendly said; it is really about all the disenfranchised in America.

Ten years later, The Palm Beach Post won its only Pulitzer Prize for heartbreaking photos of conditions in . . . the Glades.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More than 60 years later, The Post again won recognition from the Pulitzer board as a 2022 finalist in the Local Reporting category for its investigation, in partnership with ProPublica, of sugarcane burning in the Glades region, which affects the health of farmworkers and residents.

Palm Beach Post investigations editor Holly Baltz, who has a passion for history, contributed to this story. You can reach her at hbaltz@pbpost.com.

Former Palm Beach Post staff writer Eliot Kleinberg wrote history columns for The Post for decades.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 65 years ago, 'Harvest of Shame' exposed poverty in the Glades
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK)

The appetite for expedition cruises isnt going anywhere. Journeys to far-flung places, onboard small vessels accompanied by expert teams, are more popular than ever. Exhilarating new itineraries are announced every year: Colombias mighty Magdalena River, Keralas temples and backwater lagoons, and Greenlands otherworldly hiking sites  these are just some of the most exciting new expedition cruises for 2025 and beyond. We highlight six of our favourites.

1. See the Northern Lights in East Greenland

Sail the worlds largest and longest fjord system, Scoresby Sund, on this micro expedition cruise hosting just 12 guests. The 10-day journey takes place on the MV Vikingfjord, with passengers flying from Reykjavik to the isolated Constable Point airstrip before travelling by Zodiac to reach the vessel. The itinerary incorporates a range of adventures and experiences, including husky-feeding and hikes across otherworldly landscapes. Along with trips to remote settlements such as Ittoqqortoormiit, theres the chance to see the aurora borealis with zero light pollution in Scoresby Sund itself, which is blocked by sea ice for nine months of the year. Departures between August and October 2025, from 8,339 per person, excluding return charter flight from Reykjavik to Constable Point.

2. Explore the backwaters of Kerala

In 2025, boutique river cruise specialist Pandaw will launch a new ship and itinerary tracing the Kerala backwaters, a web of palm-fringed canals and lagoons spanning the countrys south west. Featuring a wraparound promenade deck, al fresco dining and teak-and-brass accommodation, the 10-cabin Kochi Pandaw will sail a circular route from Kochi, home to Ernakulam Shiva Temple and the 16th-century Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest in India. The journey takes in the traditional boatyards of Kavalam, the crescent beaches of the Malabar Coast and the city of Kumarakom, where guests can visit a bird sanctuary thats home to more than 180 species, including cuckoos and woodpeckers, as well as a nearby craft museum. Weekly departures throughout September, October and November 2025, from 4,999 per person including international flights.

Passengers fly from Reykjavik to the isolated Constable Point airstrip before travelling by Zodiac to reach the MV Vikingfjord in Scoresby Sund, East Greenland. Photograph by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

3. Encounter Tasmanias greatest assets

Discover hidden archipelagos where the only permanent inhabitants include Bennetts wallabies, wombats, potoroos, possums and pademelons while circumnavigating the island of Tasmania on AE Expeditions new small ship Douglas Mawson, which is purpose-built for global expeditions and features several single berth cabins to cater for solo travellers. This 11-day round-trip departing from Hobart, Australia, includes access to epic coastal tracks, temperate rainforests and pristine beaches, as well as little-known walking and hiking trails on Bruny, Flinders and Maria islands. On-board experts are on hand to provide immersive insights, while guests scan the landscape for fur seal colonies and the sky for wandering albatross from one of the ships many observation areas, and delve into activities including hiking, Zodiac cruising, wildlife-watching and kayaking. The Coastal Tasmania: Untamed Wilderness cruise sails on 1 December 2025, from 6,236 per person for an Aurora Stateroom Twin, including shore excursions and all meals. Flights and transfers excluded.

4. Be immersed in history on a Colombian river cruise

In 2025, AmaWaterways will become the first major river cruise line to navigate Colombia via the 949-mile Magdalena River. Two newly designed ships, the 60-passenger AmaMagdalena and the 64-passenger AmaMelodia, will sail between the cities of Cartagena and Barranquilla, stopping at UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Cartagenas San Felipe Castle, a 17th-century hilltop fortress where visitors can explore underground tunnels that once protected Spanish soldiers from French and British forces. Other highlights include birdwatching amid the vibrant habitats outside Magangue, a trip to the striking Carnival Museum in bohemian Barranquilla and an excursion to the floating village of Nueva Venecia, where even the churches rest on stilts. Passengers will also spend time cruising the Magdalena River Basin  home to the brown spider monkey and other species found nowhere else on Earth. Departures every month in 2025. Seven-nights from 4,630 per person including flights.

Explore the Kerala backwaters, a web of palm-fringed canals and lagoons spanning the countrys south west. Photograph by Imagebroker, AWL Images

5. Discover the Falkland Islands and Antarctica

Albatros Expeditions new Southern Ocean Odyssey combines ethereal beauty and rugged adventure on a 15-day voyage to two of the planets least-visited destinations. Departing from the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, the 93-stateroom Ocean Victory then heads southwards to the Falkland Islands (also known as the Islas Malvinas), where British imports such as fish and chips and red telephone boxes exist alongside penguin colonies and albatross-studded skies. Next is the Drake Passage, the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula, where glittering bays are fringed by frigid seas that are home to everything from humpback whales and orca to leopard seals. Passengers are encouraged to engage in as much off-ship exploration as possible, with the Expedition Team offering insightful lectures on history, biology and conservation in between shore landings and Zodiac safaris. Onboard, theres a spa, gym, library and also a lounge thats the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon tea, though travellers are likely to be pretty distracted by whats happening outside. Sails on 3 November 2025, from $15,795 per person (12,196), exluding flights.

6. Get off the beaten track in Indonesia

Setting sail from Tanjung Benoa, a temple-strewn port town just south of Balis capital Denpasar, Scenics new 16-day Discover Komodo & the Spice Islands itinerary takes passengers away from the typical tourist routes to some of the archipelagos most remote corners. Cruising on the 228-guest discovery yacht Scenic Eclipse II, guests will visit ring-shaped Satonda Island and walk among the powerful Komodo dragons  males can reach 10ft in length and weigh as much as 300lbs  that have roamed its forests for millions of years. The trip then heads to the Raja Ampat Islands to explore the sapphire shoals by Zodiac, before moving on to the white sands of the Kai Islands and concludes in Darwin, the capital of Australias Northern Territory. Sails on 6 July 2025, from 10,645 per person including flights.

Scenics new 16-day Discover Komodo & the Spice Islands itinerary takes passengers away from the typical tourist routes to some of the archipelagos most remote corners. Photograph by Reuben Teo

7. Take part in reef restoration in Mexico

Led by marine specialists and oceanographers, this guided National Geographic Day Tour invites passengers to delve into two separate portions of the Mesoamerican Reef System  one of the largest barrier reefs in the Western Hemisphere. Sailing the teal waters around Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen near Cancun, guests will learn about humanitys impact on the reefs first-hand, identifying examples of coral bleaching, water pollution and microplastics during a snorkelling excursion. The aim is to highlight the influence of climate change and human activity on these flora-rich marine habitats, with on-board experts providing an insight into sustainable marine practices and offering advice on how guests can continue to contribute to the restoration of our oceans. Adults from 125.

Published in the Cruise guide, distributed with the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).



To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
UPDATE: 1/3/2025, 3:31 p.m.

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY)  Interstate 79 in Marion County is now open after being closed Friday afternoon because a powerline had fallen across the road.

The Valley Volunteer Fire Department said that it blocked the road for about 30 minutes until Mon Power crews arrived at the scene to remove the fallen line. The road is now fully reopened.

ORIGINAL: 1/3/2025, 2:47 p.m.

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY)  All lanes of Interstate 79 have been shut down in Marion County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the West Virginia 511, the north and southbound roads are closed at mile marker 130 as of 2:30 p.m. Friday. Northbound traffic is being detoured at exit 125 at Saltwell Road, and southbound traffic is being detoured off exit 132 at White Hall, according to WV 511.

According to the Marion County 911 Communications Center, Mon Power is the leading agency. A call of powerlines down on I-79 southbound was made around 1 p.m. with the Valley Volunteer Fire Department responding. 12 News has reached out to Mon Power but has not heard back as of publication.

Second snowstorm hitting north central West Virginia Sunday

Stick with 12 News for breaking news updates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Breaking News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
David McNew/Getty Images

This story contains descriptions of police violence against a transgender person.

Eight members of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department (LASD), including multiple sergeants, have reportedly been fired amid allegations of a coverup centering on the 2023 police beating of a transgender man.

The Los Angeles Times reported last week that former deputy Joseph Benza III and seven others in the department have all been relieved of duty, according to six anonymous sources within the sheriffs office. The firings came less than two weeks after Benza reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors, in which he admitted to following and assaulting then-23-year-old Emmett Brock for raising his middle finger at Benza while driving past him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As part of last months plea agreement, Benza admitted to all factual allegations made by prosecutors, including details of an alleged coverup within the sheriffs department that began as Benza was still pursuing Brock. As he followed Brocks car, the agreement states, Benza called another deputy and told them he was going to stop Brock because he had just flipped him off, even though raising ones middle finger is legally protected speech under the U.S. constitution.

After tailing Brock to a gas station, Benza threw Brock to the ground and began beating him so severely that Brock suffered serious bodily injury, including a concussion, heavy bruising, and cuts to his body. Brock was initially jailed on $100,000 bond and charged with mayhem and resisting arrest, but was declared factually innocent by a judge last year.

When compiling his report, according to the agreement, Benza spoke with a sergeant and another deputy about what information to include. The sergeant counseled [Benza] to omit that he began tailing Brock after being flipped off; two other sergeants are also said in the agreement to have counseled [Benza] to omit that fact from the Incident Report. Indeed, Benzas report did not mention that information or his subsequent use of force, instead misleadingly claiming that he stopped Brock because of an air freshener on his rear-view mirror. Later, the sergeant who first told Benza to omit information from his report also told him to toss the phone, which Benza understood to be an instruction to delete cell phone data prior to an investigation; Benza and other deputies are said in the agreement to have discussed lying to federal authorities to cover up the truth.

The other conspirators in the alleged LASD coverup were not named in Benzas plea agreement. An LASD spokesperson confirmed that Benza had been fired in a statement to CNN last week, but did not officially confirm any of the other dismissed former members identities or how many had been fired. (Its possible that the unnamed deputies and sergeants could still be rehired at other law enforcement agencies, as is common even in cases of misconduct.) Benza currently faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, though his attorney Tom Yu told the Times that he will ask the court to place Benza on probation.

Nancy Maces Capitol Hill Bathroom Ban Was Left Out of Republicans House Rules Proposal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mace told HuffPost in November that Speaker Mike Johnson assured [her] it would be in the House rules package, but the transphobic policy is nowhere to be found in the annual Congress proposal.

Last September, LASD relieved several deputies from duty in connection with a federal investigation from the U.S. Attorneys Office, as the Times also reported. Its not clear whether those firings were related to the Brock case, or to another federal investigation; earlier that month, another LASD deputy, Trevor James Kirk, was also charged with deprivation of rights under color of law for allegedly assaulting and pepper-spraying a Black woman who was accused of shoplifting.

I just feel very lucky to have gotten justice for this when theres a lot of survivors of that [who] don't, so Im just greatly appreciative of that, Brock told NBC News last month following news of Benzas plea deal. Its my lifelong wish that people in law enforcement live up to their public statements that they disapprove of this kind of felonious behavior and they will hold their employees accountable, [because] I can give you 100 cases in which they said that and nobody went to jail.

Benza is scheduled to reappear before the court to formally plead guilty on January 17.

Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here.

Originally Appeared on them.
DENVER (KDVR)  The shelter-in-place in Adams County near a petroleum facility fire has been lifted after first responders were able to contain the fire.

A shelter-in-place was issued by the Sable Altura Fire Department due to a fire at a potentially dangerous facility, the department announced in a social media post.

Denver chosen for NWSL team, womens sport record $110 million expansion fee

Sable Altura fire was on the scene at 1909 Powhaton Rd. Powhaton Road has reopened after being blocked off by police due to the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fire occurred at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and is believed to have started from a tank fire with flames coming out of a pressure release valve, according to the agency.

The shelter-in-place was issued due to the nature of the facility.

Bennett-Watkins and the Aurora Fire Department assisted at the 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 FOX31 Denver.
Mayor Adams announced Friday he has named a new head of City Halls hate crimes prevention office, more than eight months after firing his predecessor in a move that touched off a claim of discrimination.

Adams appointment of Vijah Ramjattan, a mental health expert and faith leader, to become his new hate crimes prevention executive director was initially mentioned in an achievements in 2024 press release posted on the Mayors Office of Criminal Justice website Dec. 20. On Friday morning, Adams formally announced the pick in a statement saying Ramjattans diverse resume makes him perfect for the job.

Vijahs decade worth experience in community engagement, advocacy in marginalized communities, and mental health counseling makes him uniquely qualified to hit the ground running and combat hate crimes, Adams said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ramjattan replaces Naveed Hassan, who was fired April 18.

After the firing, Hassan told the Daily News he believes his termination was the result of religious-based workplace discrimination due to his Muslim faith. Hassan has since filed a notice of claim outlining how he plans to sue Adams administration for discrimination and the mayor himself for defamation over comments he made about Hassan following his axing.

Ramjattan, whos Hindu and helps run several interfaith groups, most recently worked as a clinical research administrator for the states Psychiatric Institute-Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene. Until last month, he was also president of a Queens school board that recently attracted controversy after one of its members made social media posts about the Israel-Hamas war that some criticized as hateful.

Previously, Ramjattan worked for the Department of Correction as a grievance coordinator on Rikers Island. From his Rikers experiences, he became a prominent advocate for shuttering the beleaguered jail and was among the activists who helped push the City Council to pass a plan in 2019 requiring the island lockup be permanently closed by 2027.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I saw first-hand what happens there  We are pro-rehab and against a punitive system to correct unlawfulness. We advocate for the closing of Rikers, Ramjattan was quoted as saying in an Oct. 17, 2019 Council press release about the Close Rikers plan.

Adams has recently voiced scepticism about the Close Rikers plan, saying the borough-based jails meant to replace the island jails arent adequate for the current inmate population. Adams office didnt comment Friday on Ramjattans past remarks about Rikers.

In addition to Rajmattan, Adams named Eric Ware, an ex-official in the Staten Island district attorneys office, as Ramjattans deputy.

Naveeds deputy resigned from the hate crimes prevention office shortly after he left.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the time of their departures, hate crimes were spiking in the city amid fallout from the Israel-Hamas war. Rates have since ticked up further, NYPD data shows, though Adams office noted Friday they are lower when compared to the same time last year.

With Cayla Bamberger
Virginia Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine speaks during a press conference on access to contraception on June 5, 2024, in Washington D.C. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

Ohio advocates are looking to a new year that will include fighting for contraceptive access protections on a federal and state level as recent CDC data shows the amount of Americans using birth control methods.

In the newest National Survey of Family Growth, analyzing numbers from 2022 to 2023, the CDC found 35.7% of females ages 15 to 49 used a family planning service over that year, with the biggest age group receiving services shown to be women aged 20 to 29. The most common service was birth control, used by 23.5% of women.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Use of family planning services allows women to achieve their desired birth timing, spacing and family size, the CDC stated in the report. Women may receive related medical services when they receive family planning services, such as Pap tests. For others, the family planning services visit may be their only contact with the medical system.

The new data comes at what advocates call a heightened moment for reproductive rights concerns, with a shift in presidential leadership and Republican-led statehouses who have moved anti-abortion and other measures related to bodily autonomy.

Dwayne Steward, executive director of Equality Ohio, said concern over bodily autonomy extends to the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals who are using this time to stockpile medication like hormonal replacement therapy, to make sure they have what they need in case the medications or services to get the medications are taken away.

People are buying up Plan B and hoarding contraception as well, because the need is still there, Steward said. Folks are preparing for these things to be taken away, because when you remove something from society, people will make sure that need is met whether or not its removed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

As discussions about whether or not legislation related to contraception will be needed  even in Ohio where a constitutional amendment was passed in 2023 including contraception in reproductive rights protected under the amendment  those who need the medications for themselves are understanding that obtaining the medicine is up to the individual.

Theres a lot of onus on advocating for ones self and making sure youre being proactive when it comes to that, Steward said.

Over the last year, policy advocates at Equitas Health have been working on issues they consider closely related to contraception protection, including sex education, pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention, treatment for bacterial STI prevention, along with direct work to focus on contraception.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Much of this policy work was specifically focused on the federal level, given the larger opportunities to address broader issues of access to care, Equitas Health director of external affairs Rhea Debussy told the Capital Journal.

Its unclear what regulations might be up for consideration in the new administration, especially with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President-elect Donald Trumps pick to head the Department of Health & Human Services, not speaking on his stance on contraception. He has, however, previously taken the false stance that HIV was spread by drug use in gay men, among other concerns about his nomination as the head of the countrys primary health agency.

One effort back in June to protect contraception at the federal level was stopped by GOP members of the U.S. Senate.

Protecting access to things like birth control medication, IUDs and condoms on all levels is crucial to ensuring that every person has access to the contraceptive option that works best for their body and their individual health care needs, Debussy said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While Debussy said Ohios reproductive rights amendment does protect Ohioans abilities to make contraceptive decisions, she said specific state legislation related to contraception use is also vital for expanding access to care for communities in need.

The CDC data on contraceptive use in 2022-2023 showed the largest group of women receiving birth control had incomes of 300% above the federal poverty level or higher. Women with household incomes of less than 150% of the federal poverty level only made up 20.1% of women receiving birth control.

We remain committed to advancing care for all through our public policy work at the Ohio Statehouse and in the U.S. Congress, and per usual, we will continue to work with both Republicans and Democrats on the issues that matter to Ohioans and their health, Debussy said.

Steward said Equality Ohio also plans to continue fighting against legislation that impacts LGBTQ+ individuals, including those that may come about to regulate contraception, gender-affirming care and other health treatments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its hard to understand how these types of laws are assisting society in any type of way, Steward said.

He said Equality Ohio is maintaining our resolve, and plan to help any Ohio citizens who want to push back against legislation that might negatively impact their lives.

We are citizens of Ohio, we deserve to be represented by our legislators in the same way as any other Ohioan, Steward said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A 72-year-old Air Force veteran was New York Citys first murder victim in the new year, whose alleged killer used a scalpel to cut a 12-inch gash along the elderly mans neck, prosecutors with the Manhattan District Attorneys Office said.

Darnell Jackson, 39, described the surgical tool as the murder weapon when he surrendered himself and the blade to police at the 26th Precinct stationhouse in West Harlem around 5 a.m. on New Years Day, according to prosecutors.

Jackson was arraigned Thursday in Manhattan Criminal Court, where he was charged with murder and a judge ordered him held without bail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Surveillance footage shows Jackson attacking Alfredo Cortes as the elderly man walked with a cane on Lenox Ave. near W. 137th St. in Harlem shortly after 4 a.m., prosecutors said.

Jackson can be seen shoving Cortes to the ground and punching him repeatedly in the video, before cutting the seniors throat, said prosecutors.

The video then shows the elderly victim stumble toward a nearby deli where he collapsed, according to prosecutors.

Paramedics rushed Cortes to Harlem Hospital with the footlong neck wound. He was pronounced dead at 4:42 a.m., court documents show.

The 15-year Air Force veteran rang in the new year drinking champagne at this W. 137th St. apartment, a block away from where he was attacked, his caretaker told the Daily News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I was the last person to see him alive, said 70-year-old Wayne Couey. We brought in the new year together. We celebrated with three or four bottles of champagne.

Couey accused Jackson of having a reputation as a neighborhood bully and said he was known to hang out on the corner where Cortes was killed.

He always had an attitude, like everybody owed him something, Couey said.

The caretaker said he left Cortes apartment shortly before midnight Tuesday and that his friends alleged killer menaced him on his way home.

On my way out of the building, I saw the guy who sliced his neck and said, Happy New Year, but he just growled, Couey said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Couey told The News he wished hed never left his friend that night.

I told Alfredo not to go out, to get some rest, but he went out anyway, the caretaker said. I feel guilty because if Id been with him this might have not happened. He was a good guy, he did not deserve this.

Cortes fatal slashing marked the first of three murders that shook New York City mere hours after the ball dropped in Times Square.

Police responded to a fatal stabbing around 5 a.m. at Westchester and Manor Aves. in Soundview, in the Bronx, where a 32-year-old man was stabbed in the back of the neck and suffered trauma to his body.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Medics rushed the victim to Jacobi Medical Center where he was initially listed in stable condition before dying of his injuries. His name was not immediately released.

There were no arrests in the case.

Shortly after the Soundview stabbing, police were called to E. 170th St. near Teller Ave. where gunfire erupted across the street from Claremont Park in the Bronx around 5:20 a.m.

First responders found Mario Fowler, 46, with bullet wounds to both legs inside his apartment building, located down the block from where the shots rang out. EMS transported him to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died.

A witness told The News he saw Fowler bleeding out near the buildings steps as two police officers tried to render aid to him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They said he was not responsive. 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 of Fowlers, 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.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Florida man staying at a Louisville Airbnb allegedly shot at police officers at a Germantown home.

According to an arrest citation, 35-year-old Tombe Juma-Kose Thomas was charged with the attempted murder of two Louisville metro police officers after allegedly shooting through a bathroom window.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Police were called around 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 28. According to the citation, Thomas was in town visiting family for the holidays and was staying at an Airbnb on Reutlinger Avenue with his girlfriend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thomas called the police after locking himself in a bathroom with a gun, telling law enforcement he believed his girlfriend brought someone inside the house.

The citation said officers knocked on the bathroom window and announced police when Thomas allegedly shot through the window in the direction of the two officers standing nearby.

Thomas was reportedly taken into custody shortly after without incident and allegedly called the shooting a warning shot.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

No injuries were reported, but officers wrote, The window was elevated to a point in which the projectile fired was near the height of the officers heads and placed them in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thomas was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail.

Thomas bond was set at $250,000 for Thomas during his court appearance on Monday. His next court appearance is scheduled for 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 FOX 56 News.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WKBN)  Passenger numbers were down in November at Cleveland Hopkins Airport due to airline capacity reductions, according to airport officials.

Bryant Francis, director of port control, said that some airlines have reduced capacity at CLE which makes it difficult to maintain passenger levels. Spirit Airlines was one of the major airlines responsible for the decline.

We are engaging with airline partners to reverse this recent trend in the New Year, Francis said. Cleveland remains a strong origin and destination market, underscored by higher airport load factors experienced in both October and November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During November, airline capacity declined by 121,062 seats, or 11%, compared to November 2023. Spirit Airlines was responsible for a loss of about 93,894 seats, an 88% year-over-year decline.

United seat capacity decreased by 25,394 (-9.7 percent) and American by 19,141 (-9.9 percent) seats, further contributing to capacity loss.

Air Canada suspended its nonstop Toronto service in October and will return in the spring of 2025.

Frontier added 22,500 seats (+11%) while Delta added 8,685 seats (+6%). But even with those increases, it wasnt enough to offset the losses.

August numbers were promising with strong passenger activity, but because of the recent reductions, the airport will not meet its original 2024 forecast of 10.25 million passengers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  Some members of Alabamas Congressional Delegation are boarding planes on Thursday to get back to Washington, D.C. Both the House and Senate will gavel in to start a new session of Congress on Friday.

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) said voting on a new Speaker of the House is one of the first orders of business. He said Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA), who was voted as Speaker during the last session, has his support.

Eyes will be on Mike Johnson tomorrow as we elect a new speaker. I have been supportive of Mike Johnson. He is a true conservative, Aderholt said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Besides the Speaker race, Congressman Aderholt said he wants to bring more jobs to rural Alabama in the new Congress.

Most of the rural areas dont have a big tax base. And so, therefore, theyre limited in what they can do in their infrastructure, Aderholt said. If you dont have infrastructure, youre not gonna get new companies to locate. So, its a good investment.

Several new Alabama laws going into effect on Jan. 1

Border security is also a priority for Rep. Aderholt. This is also a top priority for Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL). Rep. Palmer said he would also like to see the U.S. become more energy independent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were so dependent on China for critical minerals. And you cant make batteries, you cant make high tech devices without the critical minerals in rare Earth elements, Palmer explained. We have a lot of that here, but were not mining it in sufficient amounts.

For the State of Alabama, Palmer wants to get a few projects done, like completing the Northern Beltline and working on I-65. But theres one project that has united every member of the delegation.

On this issue of bringing the Space Force Command to Huntsville- I think thats going to happen, said Palmer. And hopefully that will happen fairly soon once President Trump takes office.

Both Congressmen said they are praying for and fighting for a stronger country. Especially after the horrific events in New Orleans and Las Vegas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

People will be looking at the United States and making sure that they think twice before they attack the U.S., Aderholt said.

Youre not defeating an enemy. Youre defeating an ideology, Palmer added. And it takes a long, long time to get there, if you can ever get there, to fight an ideology like were seeing.

Shomari Figures will be joining the Alabama Delegation after his win in Congressional District Two, making for two democrats and five republicans representing the state in Washington.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Jan. 3The Albert Lea school board voted unanimously Friday in a special meeting to hire retired Austin Public Schools Superintendent David Krenz as interim superintendent for the district until a new full-time superintendent is selected.

The board action will be contingent upon a mutually agreed upon employment agreement and criminal background check.

Krenz was one of two external candidates considered by the board for the interim role. The candidates met on Thursday with a committee made up of three board members: Gary Schindler, Dave Klatt and Angie Hoffman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When asked whether the name of the second candidate could be released, board Chairwoman Kim Nelson said they could not as they didn't want to add any potential bias to further opportunities that the individual may have. She said no internal candidates came forward for the position.

Krenz retired in 2021 in Austin after serving the district as superintendent for 12 years. Prior to that, he worked as superintendent of Wabasha-Kellogg Public Schools and LaCrescent-Hokah Public Schools. He has also served as a high school principal and director of technology for Colby Public Schools, Pulaski Public Schools and the Wausau School District in Wisconsin.

Schindler said he, Klatt and Hoffman had a consensus that Krenz would be the best fit for the district.

Schindler said he had the pleasure of working with Krenz on some community projects when he worked in his former role at Riverland Community College. He also noted when they talked with Krenz, he appreciated that his role would be to mentor staff  there are three relatively new individuals in district leadership positions  and in helping the district achieve its goals already in place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hoffman said she thought both were good candidates, but she felt like the tipping point for her was that they knew the most about Krenz and Krenz knew the most about the Albert Lea district, which could give him a head start in the position.

Klatt said he had the opportunity to work with Krenz on the shared special education collaborative. He described Krenz as a "calm leader," who had a good perspective on the interim position, in both mentoring and with onboarding of a new superintendent.

Board member Neal Skaar said he hoped the interim superintendent would be a person who wouldn't be aggressively introducing new things to the district and instead would pursue the strategic plan already in place.

He also asked what the board might expect for a salary for the position.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Schindler said they will likely have a contract with a set number of days Krenz would work from January through May and possibly into June, as well as a daily rate and a stipend to offset expenses for driving to the district and a cell phone.

The next step would be to put together that package with Paul Durbahn, executive director of finance and operations, and Ashley Mattson, executive director of Human Resources for the district.

Klatt said it would be an arrangement similar to what the district had done with Kathy Niebuhr, who did some consulting work for the district after her retirement.

Board member Bruce Olson thanked the committee that spoke with the candidates and shared their reasons for why they recommended Krenz.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nelson said she thought the timeliness of the process had been good for the district and that they were able to publicly come to a resolve. She said the process had been thoughtful and had the goal of doing what is best for students and staff.

She said there will be an announcement in place when the contract has been negotiated and Krenz will be ready to start in the district.

The action comes as the board parted ways with Superintendent Ron Wagner 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 this month to begin the search process for a full-time replacement. That process will be more extensive with times for more public involvement.
A man who police say opened fire on two security guards who confronted him at a downtown Los Angeles Target store will face multiple counts of attempted murder and robbery, officials said Friday.

Standing outside the Figat7th shopping complex where the Dec. 30 shooting happened, L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman said Jabril Metoyer was also linked to another shooting on the same street three days earlier.

This kind of brazen thievery and violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County," Hochman said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police previously said Metoyer began shooting wildly after he was confronted by a loss prevention officer and an armed guard who accused him of stuffing more than $1,000 worth of merchandise into a briefcase inside the Target, located inside the bustling shopping center near the 7th & Metro Center train station. One of the guards returned fire, and at least 10 rounds were spent during the exchange.

Read more: LAPD stats showed an uptick in robberies. Was it really just shoplifting?

Hochman said Friday the loss prevention officer remained hospitalized. He had previously been listed in critical condition on Tuesday. The armed security guard was treated and released from the hospital Tuesday morning.

Metoyer entered a not-guilty plea during a short hearing in a downtown L.A. courtroom on Friday morning, according to Natalin Daldalian, a spokeswoman for the public defender's office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We ask the public to respect the presumption of innocence and to refrain from speculation as we work to gather all relevant facts," his attorney, Carlos Bido, said in a statement.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said investigators were able to identify the suspect after his photo circulated in the media. Metoyer was arrested on New Year's Eve after an hours-long standoff at a residential building in the 1200 block of West Ingraham Street, according to McDonnell.

McDonnell said his officers evacuated the building where Metoyer had barricaded himself, then spent hours trying to coax him out. Eventually, officers deployed tear gas into his room, flushing him out and arresting him. A handgun was recovered at the scene, the chief said.

Three days before the Target confrontation, Hochman said, Metoyer shot a man near the intersection of 7th and Figueroa streets. Authorities said the victim had refused to give Metoyer money, but did not clarify whether it was an attempted robbery or if he was panhandling. A spokeswoman for the district attorney's office did not immediately respond to a question about the Dec. 27 shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: $1 million, no convictions: New L.A. D.A. to fire Gascon's police shootings prosecutor

Metoyer's last known address was the Ingraham Hotel, according to Hochman, who said he did not believe Metoyer had a criminal record prior to the recent shootings.

Hochman said Metoyer faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of all charges. He noted the defendant will face a stiffer sentencing enhancement, for the use of a gun, than he would have under the administration of his predecessor, former district attorney George Gascon.

"We want to send a very strong message to anyone who thinks they can use a gun in connection with a violent crime, as this has turned out to be, they will deal with a potential maximum consequence," he 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.
ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- More than nine million children are out of school across Ethiopia due to man-made and natural disasters, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has disclosed.

In its latest Ethiopia Humanitarian Situation Report released late Thursday, UNICEF said that more than 6,000 schools have been closed across the East African country due to climate shocks and conflicts.

The report further noted that over 10,000 schools, representing 18 percent of schools across the country, have been damaged by conflicts and climate shocks, further reducing the availability of safe and functional learning spaces for children.

Highlighting the ongoing conflict situations in different parts of Ethiopia, particularly in the country's Amhara and Oromia regions, UNICEF said the education sector has been "devastated." Over nine million children are currently out of school due to conflicts, natural disasters, and displacement.

The Ethiopian government often blamed "extremist groups" for obstructing vital services, such as education and development initiatives, in areas where armed groups are present.

Meanwhile, UNICEF warned that funding shortfall is hampering its humanitarian response in Ethiopia as the country encounters mounting humanitarian needs.

"UNICEF continues to appeal for support to ensure that children and their caregivers receive lifesaving support in 2024 and beyond," it said. 
Cleaning can be extremely therapeutic for some and for others not so much. Janet McCormick, the owner of Busy Bee Cleaning, shares how she can take the stress off you by cleaning your home. She originally started her business by being told how detailed she could be. She also offers discounts to seniors, veterans, and first responders. For more information on Busy Bee Cleaning, give Janet a call at 815-217-8779. Spiked Iced Mocha 1 cup Coffee (brewed) 1 tbsp Brown Sugar  tsp Vanilla Extract  cup Milk 1 oz Vodka In a glass, mix coffee, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and vodka. Stir to combine. Fill the glass with ice cubes, and then pour in milk. Stir until well combined, and enjoy. Good Day Statelines Spirit Day is sponsored by LimaMar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar at 221 E. State Street in downtown Rockford. LimaMar is the brainchild of owners Ross and Rosana Terry, who hoped to bring Rosanas Peruvian heritage to life in Rockford when they opened in 2019. From the rich authentic decor that youll find on every wall inside the cozy space, to the dishes that Rosana creates in the kitchen, Peruvian culture takes center stage at LimaMar. The menu is filled with traditional Peruvian dishes like Ceviche, Conchitas and Causa, which find their roots in Japanese, Chinese and Spanish cuisine. Youll find Peruvian influences on the cocktail menu, too, with Perus most popular alcohol, Pisco, in many of their inventive drinks. The most popular cocktail in Peru is the Piscosour, its so popular theres an entire day devoted to celebrating it each year. LimaMar lives by the motto, We eat with our vision first, then comes the notes of the aroma & your palate will tell you the rest..
Former Sen. Bob Menendez is due to be sentenced on Jan. 29 following his conviction on charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent. (Adam Gray | Getty Images)

More than 100 friends, family members, and onetime political allies urged leniency for former Sen. Bob Menendez as a federal judge prepares to sentence him on convictions of bribery and acting as a foreign agent, among other charges.

A sentencing submission filed with the court Thursday featured testimonials from roughly 120 individuals ranging from members of his family to constituents to former and current elected officials, including the ex-president of a foreign nation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bob is now 71, with his long-built reputation in tatters. He has suffered financial and professional ruin. And he now is helping his wife battle a life-threatening cancer diagnosis in the midst of her upcoming trial in this case, the senators attorneys said in the filing. We respectfully submit that, notwithstanding his conviction, Bob is deserving of mercy.

Menendez, a Democrat, is due to be sentenced on Jan. 29.

A presentencing report recommended Menendez be sentenced to prison for up to 12 years due to enhancements for his status as a public official, alleged obstruction, and the purported level of the bribes Menendez received.

Menendezs attorneys argued a sentence of between 21 and 27 months is more appropriate because the senator did not foresee $884,778 in bribe takings. They claimed the former senators wife, Nadine, secured the bribes without his knowledge. Nadine Menendez is scheduled to go on trial in this case next month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bob Menendezs attorneys said twice upgrading penalties for his status as a high-ranking public official was improper and urged the court to use a separate set of sentencing guidelines that would more than halve the penalties Menendez received based on the bribe amount. They also argued the punishments he received because of publicity surrounding the trial amply satisfy the objectives of both specific and general deterrence.

As noted, Senator Menendez has suffered extreme public shame and upheaval, and his finances and reputation are destroyed, likely for the rest of his life. He is the butt of late-night talk show jokes, and his name will live in infamy as the first politician in history to be convicted of being a foreign agent. He will never be in a position of authority or hold public office again. He will live the rest of his days a social and political pariah, whether inside or outside of jail, his attorneys said.

Menendezs 50-year political career began in 1974 when he was elected to the Union City school board at 20 years old. He later became the citys mayor, a state legislator, a member of the House of Representatives, and a U.S. senator. He resigned his Senate seat in August following his conviction.

A prior corruption trial targeting him ended in a mistrial in 2017.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Rob Menendez (D-08), the senators son, urged U.S. District Court Judge Sidney Stein to give the former senator the opportunity for his remaining time to be spent with his grandchildren, arguing his public office often left his father absent during the congressmans childhood.

I do believe my father is deserving of a second act, I just want it to be with the people who will always love him for who he is and want to wrap their arms around him whenever he walks through the door. Because that, your Honor, is what being a family is all about, the congressman said in a letter to the court.

Few other sitting elected officials urged lighter sentencing for Menendez.

Passaic Mayor Hector Lora, a Democrat, told the court Menendez has already suffered enough as a result of his convictions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Your Honor, I respectfully ask that you consider the totality of Senator Menendezs life and career when making your decision. He has done so much good for so many, often without recognition or reward, Lora told the judge in a letter.

The mayor cited Menendezs assistance in seeking disaster aid following Hurricane Ida and support of the citys African American Heritage Festival, urging a lesser sentence that accounts for the senators contributions.

Senator Menendez has suffered extreme public shame and upheaval, and his finances and reputation are destroyed, likely for the rest of his life.

 Bob Menendez's attorneys

Multiple writers asked the court to acknowledge Menendezs role in U.S. foreign policy when setting his sentence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Victor Herlinsky, an attorney and member of the New Jersey State Ethics Commission, urged a lenient sentence that accounts for Menendezs role in combating autocracies around the world.

Starting with the 2014 Russian invasion of Crimea, Bob as the chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee was almost singlehandedly responsible for the passage of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014, Herlinsky said. He fought tirelessly for more resources for Ukraine. I remember bringing my mother to speak to him about his effort to preserve a free Ukraine. My mom is his number one fan.

The former senators allies include an ex-president of Cyprus. Nicos Anastasiades, who was president of the island country between 2013 and 2023, credited Menendez with helping shift the nation from non-alignment, adding he helped combat Russian influence there.

During my many years of presence in the political life of Cyprus, I met numerous leaders and political figures of foreign countries, I assure you that in the person of Senator Robert Menendez was the first time I met such an honest friend who, without ignoring the interests of the USA, made it a priority to highlight and solve the problems of the region, Anastasiades said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Menendez and his codefendants have asked Stein to order a new trial because, following their convictions, prosecutors in the case admitted they gave jurors evidence that should have been redacted but wasnt. Steins decision on that request is pending.

An earlier version of this story misstated a probation reports recommendation for former Sen. Bob Menendezs sentence. It suggested up to 12 years.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
An addition is under construction at the Republican Party of Kentucky headquarters, known as the Mitch McConnell Building, in Frankfort, Jan. 3, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Tom Loftus)

FRANKFORT  Another $50,000 from tobacco giant Altria last month brings money raised to expand the Republican Party of Kentucky headquarters to about $3.65 million.

Nearly all of that money raised in a two-year fund drive came in large contributions from corporations, like Virginia-based Altria, that have lobbying interests in Washington and/or Frankfort.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Republican-controlled Kentucky General Assembly made the easy financing of the expansion possible by passing a bill that allowed corporations and individuals to make contributions of unlimited amounts to building funds of a political party.

Two years ago the Kentucky Lantern first reported that pharmaceutical company Pfizer helped kick off the fund drive with a $1 million contribution. Ground was broken for the expansion last summer.

The headquarters is named the Mitch McConnell Building in honor of Kentuckys senior senator.

Here is a complete list of the large donors to the Republican Party effort to raise money to expand its headquarters, according to reports filed over the past two years by the party with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pfizer Inc., New York, $1,000,000

NWO Resources, Greenwood Village, Colorado, $500,000

AT&T, St. Louis, $300,000

Verizon, Washington, D.C., $300,000

Metropolitan Life Insurance, New York, $300,000

Brown-Forman, Louisville, $300,000

Boeing Company PAC, Arlington, Virginia, $175,000

Altria, Richmond, Virginia, $150,000

Microsoft Corporation, Reno, $100,000

Comcast Corporation, Philadelphia, $100,000

Churchill Downs, Louisville, $100,000

Beam Suntory, New York, $100,000

Delta Air Lines Inc., Atlanta, $50,000

Keeneland, Lexington, $50,000

The Jockey Club, New York, $50,000

Barbara A. Banke Revocable Trust, Geyserville, California, $50,000

National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Lexington, $12,500

Toyota Motors North America Inc., $10,000

In its most recent report filed Thursday with the election registry, the building fund listed the $50,000 contribution from Altria, whose family of companies includes Philip Morris USA and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco. That, combined with earlier donations, brought Altrias total contribution to the fund to $150,000.

The report filed Thursday also disclosed $664,526 in expenses during the last three months of 2024  nearly all for construction. As of the start of this year the building fund reports it still has more than $2.6 million on hand.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe Friday morning.

ALSO: Off-duty SC police officer dies after weekend crash, chief says

SLED said Dylan Saige Cooper was abducted by 32-year-old Macie Eaddy.

Before locating Cooper Friday morning, police said the little girl and Eaddy were last seen around 6 p.m. on Thursday at a Roses store in Florence, S.C.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the time, police said Eaddy may have been driving a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, with a S.C. temporary license plate.

This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.

(VIDEO: College football player shot in downtown Hickory)
A historical marker in Vancouver, Wash., celebrates the civilization of Washington, by white explorers, erasing the presence of Indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years. As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, many states are reexamining markers with questionable historical facts or outdated language. (Erika Bolstad/Stateline)

Most Revolutionary War history buffs know the story of Francis Marion, the Continental Army officer called the Swamp Fox for his guerrilla-style attacks that bedeviled British forces in South Carolinas backcountry. But volunteers and historians have identified 560 Revolutionary War battle sites and other places of interest with connections to the states role in the nations founding.

While we all love Francis Marion, lets talk about some other people, said Molly Fortune, executive director of SC250, the commission charged with restoring the public memory of the states Revolutionary War legacy. To do that, theyre reviving forgotten historical markers as well as installing new ones and making them all easier to find from the highway or online.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, many states are inventorying, mapping and repairing old historical markers, as well as installing hundreds of new roadside signs, plaques and interpretive panels. In South Carolina, the focus is on sharing lesser-known stories of women, children, Native Americans, enslaved and free Black people and even the Loyalists who sympathized with King George III.

Beyond re-engaging with lesser-known stories, many states see the national commemoration, known as America250, as an opportunity to refresh their heritage tourism offerings. But its also an occasion to reexamine markers or monuments with questionable historical facts or outdated language.

The renewed interest in the accuracy or cultural sensitivity of the nations historical markers is part of the wider discourse over who or what belongs on a pedestal or a bronze plaque, and where they should be sited. Since the 2020 murder of George Floyd, those efforts have led to the removal of Confederate monuments as well as the toppling of statues honoring Christopher Columbus and artwork that extols westward expansion without telling the story of the effects on the Indigenous people displaced by settlement.

Markers that reflect more inclusive stories make history relevant to more people, said Jason Hanson, the chief creative officer of History Colorado, which operates museums around the state and administers Colorados register of historic places. When history is incomplete or told only by those with the money or power, it strips complexity and nuance from the American story, rendering it less accurate and vibrant. The roadside panels and bronze plaques affixed to buildings are how many people encounter the nations history, Hanson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They really are some of the most accessible and valued history lessons that we have, he said.

Satanic imps

That history can be lopsided, inaccurate or racist, according to an NPR investigation in 2024 that looked at 180,000 historical markers across the nation. For example, the investigation found that about 70% of markers for historic plantation homes failed to mention that its owners bought and sold enslaved people and used their labor to construct the mansions.

Among the problematic examples NPR found was a Michigan marker celebrating a woman who successfully defied frenzied Indians who invaded the premises and lapped from the basement floor whiskey which she had emptied from the barrels. In Texas, a marker praises Primus Kelly, an enslaved Black man, for demonstrating loyalty during the Civil War  describing him as typical of most Texas Negro slaves. Hundreds went to war with their masters.

Many markers, especially those installed by private individuals, stretch the definition of history. A Massachusetts marker, for example, indicates the former site of a mill operated by a wizard who employed satanic imps to run it at night, while a sign in New Hampshire marks the spot where a Portsmouth couple had a close encounter with a UFO in 1961  and experienced two hours of lost time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Colorado, the state found recently that 96% of listings on its state register of historical sites were places connected primarily to the history of white men, Hanson said. To mark the states 150th anniversary in 2026, Colorado will begin adding 150 new sites and markers highlighting the history of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and other historically underrepresented communities. The state will ask community groups to nominate who and what should be on the markers.

Markers or monuments often were paid for by people who wanted to tell a particular story, meaning that those with money were the only ones leaving a lasting mark. Even now, historical markers are expensive. In Michigan, for example, large markers cost $4,700, before installation. Some states appropriate money for new markers, but often, local communities must find the cash.

But an investment in heritage tourism can and does pay off, said South Carolinas Fortune. She and other public historians have persuaded their state legislature not only to fund new markers but also to pay for new highway signs alerting visitors to historic sites. Its an effort she says boosts the rural communities where many markers are located.

People want to walk and listen and hear and connect with their ancestors, Fortune said. And so it allows us to find those accidental tourists. Theyre like, Oh, Ive always wondered about that. And then they leave their money, and they go home. Thats basically it. Its a vehicle for economic development.

The whole story

In 2023, Virginias Department of Historic Resources began adding dozens of historical markers signifying Green Book sites, places that accommodated Black travelers safely during the Jim Crow era. Theyre also adding nine new markers that, among other things, tell the origin story of Mountain Dew soda, the discriminatory racial history of the first heart transplant in the state, and the backstory of lesser-known Virginians who participated in the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Washington State Historical Society began taking a closer look at its markers in 2020, identifying 42 as potentially problematic. Most commemorate white settlement and were placed by a handful of individuals who just decided that these were the places that they were going to put monuments up, said Dylan High, the statewide partnerships coordinator for the agency.

In recent months, the historical society has hosted public meetings to examine how the markers portray the history of westward expansion. Among those under review is a 1925 marker with a statement asserting that the civilization of Washington started at Vancouver, the site of an 1806 fort on the Columbia River for the Lewis and Clark expedition, and a subsequent Hudsons Bay Company fur trading post.

Such statements erase the presence of Indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers. The narratives werent created in consultation with tribal people of the land, said Polly Olsen, who is Yakama and the tribal liaison for the Burke Museum in Seattle. It comes from a settler narrative of the first schools, the first church, these civilized practices or, you know, civilization began here, Olsen said in an interview with KIRO Newsradio.

Let's talk about some other people.

 Molly Fortune, executive director of SC250

As theyve traveled the state of Washington, High said, theyve found that most people dont want old markers removed. Sometimes, its impractical: The Vancouver marker sits in a traffic island, unnoticed by most passersby, and would be costly to move. Instead, High said, people want to add new interpretive panels or new markers nearby to tell the whole story of the history. Most people are wary of anything that seems as though it is rewriting history, a phrase the state agency tries to avoid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That kind of implies that the history of what happened somehow is somehow changed, High said. What we are really interested in saying is that there is more to the context of that history of what happened than just what that monument represents or implies.

And to be very specific about it, High added, what is not represented is very often the tribes perspective and the experience of our tribal communities around the state.

Sometimes, states must point out hard truths, Fortune said. She points to Henry Laurens, a wealthy South Carolinian planter who was president of the Continental Congress in 1777 and 1778 and the only American to be held captive in the Tower of London. He was also a partner in a Charleston firm that brokered the sale of more than 8,000 enslaved Africans.

Were in the business of telling history the way it was, Fortune said. So it can be good, bad and ugly. Henry Laurens owned slaves. Thats just a fact. Just say its a fact.

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.
A historical marker in Vancouver, Wash., celebrates the civilization of Washington, by white explorers, erasing the presence of Indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years. As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, many states are reexamining markers with questionable historical facts or outdated language. (Erika Bolstad/Stateline)

Most Revolutionary War history buffs know the story of Francis Marion, the Continental Army officer called the Swamp Fox for his guerrilla-style attacks that bedeviled British forces in South Carolinas backcountry. But volunteers and historians have identified 560 Revolutionary War battle sites and other places of interest with connections to the states role in the nations founding.

While we all love Francis Marion, lets talk about some other people, said Molly Fortune, executive director of SC250, the commission charged with restoring the public memory of the states Revolutionary War legacy. To do that, theyre reviving forgotten historical markers as well as installing new ones and making them all easier to find from the highway or online.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, many states are inventorying, mapping and repairing old historical markers, as well as installing hundreds of new roadside signs, plaques and interpretive panels. In South Carolina, the focus is on sharing lesser-known stories of women, children, Native Americans, enslaved and free Black people and even the Loyalists who sympathized with King George III.

Beyond re-engaging with lesser-known stories, many states see the national commemoration, known as America250, as an opportunity to refresh their heritage tourism offerings. But its also an occasion to reexamine markers or monuments with questionable historical facts or outdated language.

The renewed interest in the accuracy or cultural sensitivity of the nations historical markers is part of the wider discourse over who or what belongs on a pedestal or a bronze plaque, and where they should be sited. Since the 2020 murder of George Floyd, those efforts have led to the removal of Confederate monuments as well as the toppling of statues honoring Christopher Columbus and artwork that extols westward expansion without telling the story of the effects on the Indigenous people displaced by settlement.

Markers that reflect more inclusive stories make history relevant to more people, said Jason Hanson, the chief creative officer of History Colorado, which operates museums around the state and administers Colorados register of historic places. When history is incomplete or told only by those with the money or power, it strips complexity and nuance from the American story, rendering it less accurate and vibrant. The roadside panels and bronze plaques affixed to buildings are how many people encounter the nations history, Hanson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They really are some of the most accessible and valued history lessons that we have, he said.

Satanic imps

That history can be lopsided, inaccurate or racist, according to an NPR investigation in 2024 that looked at 180,000 historical markers across the nation. For example, the investigation found that about 70% of markers for historic plantation homes failed to mention that its owners bought and sold enslaved people and used their labor to construct the mansions.

Among the problematic examples NPR found was a Michigan marker celebrating a woman who successfully defied frenzied Indians who invaded the premises and lapped from the basement floor whiskey which she had emptied from the barrels. In Texas, a marker praises Primus Kelly, an enslaved Black man, for demonstrating loyalty during the Civil War  describing him as typical of most Texas Negro slaves. Hundreds went to war with their masters.

Many markers, especially those installed by private individuals, stretch the definition of history. A Massachusetts marker, for example, indicates the former site of a mill operated by a wizard who employed satanic imps to run it at night, while a sign in New Hampshire marks the spot where a Portsmouth couple had a close encounter with a UFO in 1961  and experienced two hours of lost time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Colorado, the state found recently that 96% of listings on its state register of historical sites were places connected primarily to the history of white men, Hanson said. To mark the states 150th anniversary in 2026, Colorado will begin adding 150 new sites and markers highlighting the history of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and other historically underrepresented communities. The state will ask community groups to nominate who and what should be on the markers.

Markers or monuments often were paid for by people who wanted to tell a particular story, meaning that those with money were the only ones leaving a lasting mark. Even now, historical markers are expensive. In Michigan, for example, large markers cost $4,700, before installation. Some states appropriate money for new markers, but often, local communities must find the cash.

But an investment in heritage tourism can and does pay off, said South Carolinas Fortune. She and other public historians have persuaded their state legislature not only to fund new markers but also to pay for new highway signs alerting visitors to historic sites. Its an effort she says boosts the rural communities where many markers are located.

People want to walk and listen and hear and connect with their ancestors, Fortune said. And so it allows us to find those accidental tourists. Theyre like, Oh, Ive always wondered about that. And then they leave their money, and they go home. Thats basically it. Its a vehicle for economic development.

The whole story

In 2023, Virginias Department of Historic Resources began adding dozens of historical markers signifying Green Book sites, places that accommodated Black travelers safely during the Jim Crow era. Theyre also adding nine new markers that, among other things, tell the origin story of Mountain Dew soda, the discriminatory racial history of the first heart transplant in the state, and the backstory of lesser-known Virginians who participated in the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Washington State Historical Society began taking a closer look at its markers in 2020, identifying 42 as potentially problematic. Most commemorate white settlement and were placed by a handful of individuals who just decided that these were the places that they were going to put monuments up, said Dylan High, the statewide partnerships coordinator for the agency.

In recent months, the historical society has hosted public meetings to examine how the markers portray the history of westward expansion. Among those under review is a 1925 marker with a statement asserting that the civilization of Washington started at Vancouver, the site of an 1806 fort on the Columbia River for the Lewis and Clark expedition, and a subsequent Hudsons Bay Company fur trading post.

Such statements erase the presence of Indigenous people who lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers. The narratives werent created in consultation with tribal people of the land, said Polly Olsen, who is Yakama and the tribal liaison for the Burke Museum in Seattle. It comes from a settler narrative of the first schools, the first church, these civilized practices or, you know, civilization began here, Olsen said in an interview with KIRO Newsradio.

Let's talk about some other people.

 Molly Fortune, executive director of SC250

As theyve traveled the state of Washington, High said, theyve found that most people dont want old markers removed. Sometimes, its impractical: The Vancouver marker sits in a traffic island, unnoticed by most passersby, and would be costly to move. Instead, High said, people want to add new interpretive panels or new markers nearby to tell the whole story of the history. Most people are wary of anything that seems as though it is rewriting history, a phrase the state agency tries to avoid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That kind of implies that the history of what happened somehow is somehow changed, High said. What we are really interested in saying is that there is more to the context of that history of what happened than just what that monument represents or implies.

And to be very specific about it, High added, what is not represented is very often the tribes perspective and the experience of our tribal communities around the state.

Sometimes, states must point out hard truths, Fortune said. She points to Henry Laurens, a wealthy South Carolinian planter who was president of the Continental Congress in 1777 and 1778 and the only American to be held captive in the Tower of London. He was also a partner in a Charleston firm that brokered the sale of more than 8,000 enslaved Africans.

Were in the business of telling history the way it was, Fortune said. So it can be good, bad and ugly. Henry Laurens owned slaves. Thats just a fact. Just say its a fact.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Being a writer, I'm fairly confident in the extent of my vocabulary. I was nevertheless surprised to learn a new word in 2024and to realize that, according to more than a few pundits, it defined the entire year. The herd of political onlookers might actually be onto something.

The word is so arcane my Word document flags it as a misspelling. Whereas an "idiocracy" is a society governed by morons, a "kakistocracy" is one "governed by its least suitable or competent citizens." In this case, our nation's overlords aren't dummies, but might be defined by cunning, self-interest, venality, delusion, vanity or mental decline.

They most definitely do not adhere to Thomas Jefferson's observation that, "Power is not alluring to pure minds." By contrast, a kakistocracy is a government run by impure folks who crave little more than power. Such a system more closely resembles Benjamin Franklin's observation: "In rivers and bad governments the lightest things swim at top."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Economist this year named kakistocracy its word of the year after reflecting on President-elect Donald Trump's selection of Rep. Matt Gaetz (RFla.) for attorney general, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health and human services secretary, and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence. Those picks are indeed among the most noteworthy events of the yearand a reflection of the sorts of people who probably shouldn't be in power.

The U.S. House released a report, which alleged "substantial evidence that Gaetz violated House Rules, state and federal laws, and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, acceptance of impermissible gifts, the provision of special favors and privileges, and obstruction of Congress." Gaetz denies any wrongdoing and has withdrawn from consideration, but please don't expect meritocracy.

Trump says that he will let anti-vaccine activist and apparent victim of a brain worm, RFK Jr., "go wild" on public health. He presumably will also let Gabbardthe former Democratic representative known for her unusual views about Syria and Russiago crazy on U.S. intelligence. Whatever their charms, it's odd to see them float to the top.

Some MAGA readers might already be penning dissatisfied letters to the editor, but they should know I wouldn't let Democrats off the hook. President Joe Biden's performance in the June presidential debate was one of the most shocking political events in modern history, as his bumbling, rambling, dazed, and confused performance reminded Americans of his steep declineand, of course, led to a futile switcheroo of presidential candidates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone who has watched elderly loved ones lose their mental acuity will have sympathy for Biden, but what explains his family and advisers for allowing him to run againand for allegedly concealing matters from the public? A recent Wall Street Journal investigation alleges White House aides developed a complex system of workarounds, which date back to the early stages of his administration. They deny such declines or protections, but nothing shouts kakistocracy more than having the world's most-powerful government "run" this way.

Here in California, our top elected official is clearly in control of his faculties and is unquestionably a very smart man, but that makes it even more unconscionable that he would continue to pass laws that kill the jobs of working-class Californians by, say, dramatically boosting the minimum wage for fast-food workersand then trying to gaslight us about the resulting job situation. These are not the marks of a suitable leader.

And Gov. Gavin Newsom's special legislative session to deal with supposed oil-company "price gouging" seemed reflective of everything wrong with our system. He has to know his own policies (taxes, special gas formations, efforts to ban fossil fuels) rather than corporate greed are the cause of our nationally high gas prices. But he went on with the charade, anyway. Kakistocracy apparently is bipartisan.

One of the funniest aspects of the Gaetz report was it claimed the former rep "acted in a manner that reflects discreditably upon the House." Anyone who follows the goings-on in that legislative bodyfrom the rantings and petty rivalries of its most-unhinged members to the latest fracas over a government "shutdown"might conclude it's fairly hard to discredit Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Was there good political news from 2024? Sure. The same California voters who routinely elect their "least suitable or competent citizens" can behave quite well when it comes to ballot questions. Voters rejected an effort to expand local rent controls, a measure to further boost the minimum wage and one to make it easier for cities to pass housing bonds.

The upcoming year might show whether America really fits the above definition or is even a plutocracy, but I suspect this all simply reaffirms the nature of government. We should just accept H.L. Mencken's timeless observation: "Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under." Do try to have a happy New Year despite it all.

This column was first published in The Orange County Register.

The post Is America Entering Her Kakistocracy Era? appeared first on Reason.com.
(NewsNation)  Billions are stolen from Americans paychecks yearly due to wage theft.

A new study shows Maryland leads U.S. states in wage theft violations, with an average of $2,221 in back wages owed to each affected worker.

The study, conducted by Goat Academy using U.S. Department of Labor data, found Maryland companies committed 12,639 wage theft violations over the past three years. Delaware ranks second with $1,822 back wages owed per employee, followed by Virginia with $1,680.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How to tweak your budget if youve been laid off

Top 10 worst states for wage theft (average back wages owed per employee), according to the study:

Maryland: $2,221 Delaware: $1,822 Virginia: $1,680 Florida: $1,657 New Jersey: $1,635 New Hampshire: $1,595 Iowa: $1,485 Massachusetts: $1,473 Washington: $1,461 South Carolina: $1,345

What is wage theft?

Wage theft occurs when employees dont pay workers the wages theyve earned for their labor. While it affects workers at all income levels, it disproportionately impacts low-wage workers.

Wage theft can take many forms, including: Paying less than the minimum wage and denying overtime pay to eligible workers who work more than 40 hours per week.

Bring your own popcorn bucket deal coming to theater chain

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor. Under FLSA, workers must be compensated for all hours worked.

How to file a wage theft claim?

Workers experiencing wage theft can file claims with the Labor Department or their state labor agency. Legal aid organizations may also assist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If you have questions, call the Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-487-9243 or visit dol.gov/agencies/whd. To find the nearest WHD office for assistance, 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 NewsNation.
Jan. 2Donald Trump had a rough couple of weeks. Members of his own party sunk his attempt to escape a vote on the debt limit for two years. Some of Trump's picks for top jobs weren't received with universal applause. A revolt by Republican senators against his choice of Matt Gaetz as attorney general forced the Florida Republican to withdraw from consideration. Then there was, yuck, the Gaetz report.

If you were Trump confronted with this unwanted evidence of limited political potency, what would you do? You would throw out some dazzling nonsense to distract the public's attention from your difficulties. You would make outlandish comments on such matters as buying Greenland and taking back the Panama Canal. You'd suggest that Canada become the 51st state.

And what has much of respectable media done with this fusillade of goofy chatter? Unfortunately, they jumped at the bait with unseemly speed and moved their focus to Trump's muttering about plans to stomp on the sovereignty of friendly countries. They led news reports with serious discussions of the international ramifications.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The US is unlikely to take control of any of these regions," the BBC wrote with a straight face, "but these statements could indicate that Trump's 'America First' vision includes flexing the superpower's muscle beyond its borders for US trade and national security interests."

We've been here before.

In August 2019, then-President Trump told reporters of the "strategically interesting" idea of buying Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark. The Danish prime minister called the proposal "absurd." Trump then canceled a planned state visit to Denmark, citing such remarks as the reason.

But to show what a ha-ha headbang that attention-grabbing stunt really was, Trump tweeted a photograph of a skyscraper in the middle of an Arctic setting with the Trump logo at the top.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He wrote: "I promise not to do this to Greenland!"

He just dusted off the ridiculous idea again, writing on a social media post that the U.S. "feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for reasons of national security and global freedom.

Media again snapped at the floating lures.

The Wall Street Journal offered the headline, "Trump Threatens to Take Control of Panama Canal, Greenland." The New York Times headline was "Trump's Wish to Control Greenland and Panama Canal: Not a Joke This Time." The article asserted: "Over the past two days, President-elect Donald J. Trump has made clear that he has designs for American territorial expansion."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Not a joke? Trump's son Eric posted an image on X showing Greenland, the Panama Canal and Canada in an Amazon online shopping cart.

The Danish prime minister's office simply brushed off the latest provocation. It blandly remarked that the government was "looking forward to working with the new administration" and left it at that.

As for the Panama Canal, one serious news source noted that Trump would be able to use "the world's largest military" to back up his demands. The irony of discussing such rash international adventures without noting that Trump routinely accused his political opponents of being war-mongers was lost.

Greenland is still not for sale, but if it were on the market, it would be a big-ticket item, to say the least. Some analysts put the value of its natural resources alone in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Taking it by force would be a costly military operation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How would starting the United States on a round of territorial expansion fit in with vows to chop $2 trillion out of the budget? Not well and another reason to dismiss the clown show.

At the very least, Trump should have to come up with new material.

Follow Froma Harrop on Twitter

@FromaHarrop. She can be reached at fharrop@gmail.com.
Several bills to be taken up by the Legislature this session hold implications for water body health in New Hampshire. Here, Mill Pond in Washington at dawn on Aug. 30, 2024. (Dana Wormald | New Hampshire Bulletin)

Among New Hampshires most treasured natural beauties are its lakes. But those water bodies face a number of mounting stressors: climate change, pollution runoff, aging dams, cyanobacteria blooms, and more.

Some of those challenges will be the focus of bills in the legislative session that begins Jan. 8.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many of those bills are still being drafted, though some text is available for public view online. They range in focus from prohibiting the dumping of yard waste into water bodies, to preventing harmful chemicals from entering the environment, to further addressing cyanobacteria blooms and other lake health issues.

Those bills will be debated by a new Legislature with expanded Republican control and a new Republican governor, Kelly Ayotte, holding the veto pen.

This feels like, or at least it looks like, its going to be a less active year for lake legislation, said Andrea LaMoreaux, president and policy advocate for NH LAKES, a statewide nonprofit focused on lake protection. Last year was pretty busy for lakes. But you know, despite  the fact that there may be fewer bills, there are definitely some good ones that I think will, if passed, could make an impact in a good way.

Here are some of the bills with implications for the states lakes coming up in the Legislature.

New license plate

Cyanobacteria blooms are a global problem, but one that is particularly visible in New Hampshire, where water bodies are popular among tourists and residents alike. The blooms pose public health concerns and, because of the role of water recreation in the states tourism industry, economic ones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lawmakers showed bipartisan support for addressing cyanobacteria blooms when they overrode a veto from Gov. Chris Sununu this fall to pass a bill aimed at stemming the fertilizer runoff that can feed the blooms. This law went into effect Jan. 1.

Sununu had argued the bill would put countless well-meaning families unintentionally in violation of the law when maintaining privately owned lawns, and that its enforcement would be entirely reliant on neighbors telling on neighbors. A bill filed for this upcoming session, the text of which had not been released as of publication, calls for removing certain penalties for incorrect application of fertilizers.

This year, after another active summer of blooms, lawmakers are considering additional avenues to tackle the problem. One of them is House Bill 105, which would allow drivers to purchase a Love NH Lakes plate for an additional $30 fee. This money  minus what is needed to cover production and administrative costs  would go to the cyanobacteria mitigation and grant fund, which helps pay for projects aimed at reducing blooms.

LaMoreaux said this bill would help provide a continuous funding source for cyanobacteria projects, and that she has seen interest from those who say they would buy a plate like this if it was available.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The plate design is up to the Division of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Services, but the bill text sets two requirements: It must prominently display a loon on a lake and keep the Live free or die motto.

The Department of Safety anticipates the new plate would cost $25,000 in one-time system software changes, according to the bills fiscal note. It is indeterminable how many plates will be sold or what the Fiscal Committee may approve for retained production and administrative costs, therefore, this bills impact on the Reflectorized Plate Fund and Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund is indeterminable, the note said.

The bill is being led by Rep. Rosemarie Rung, a Merrimack Democrat. She is joined by three Democratic and two Republican sponsors.

Yard waste

Another bill led by Rung would prohibit the intentional disposal of yard waste into the surface waters of the state. Its text was not yet available as of publication.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LaMoreaux said the bill aims to make it explicit in the law that people are not allowed to dump things like grass clippings, raked leaves, sawdust, or wood ash into lakes. Yard waste introduces more nutrients into the lake, which can fuel excessive plant and algae growth, as well as cyanobacteria, LaMoreaux said.

Our cyanobacteria blooms are not probably caused by mass dumpings of leaves and grass clippings into our lake, LaMoreaux said, but every little bit that we can keep out of the lake is helpful in the whole equation of trying to, you know, reduce the amount of nutrients were feeding our lakes that are fueling these, these algae blooms and potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms.

She also said the law would empower lake associations, towns, and neighbors to prevent this kind of dumping that can harm water bodies. Some people just dont know that its not a good idea to do that, and just clarifying it in law will only help, she said.

The legislation has bipartisan backing, with three Democrats and three Republicans joining Rung in sponsoring the bill.

Village districts

Village districts, which may serve multiple towns or just part of one, are formed for specific reasons like firefighting, maintaining sidewalks and sewers, ambulance services, and more. A bill would add the protection and remediation of surface waters to the list of purposes a village district can be formed to serve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This bill was brought last session but narrowly died in the House. LaMoreaux said towns are asking for this voluntary option to coordinate lake protection practices. She said this was of particular interest for those around large lakes that span multiple municipalities.

Getting the whole, you know, area around the immediate part of the lake on the same plan for taking action to protect the lake would be very helpful, LaMoreaux said.  If one town on the lake is doing all the right things and all these lake friendly things, and the other town is not, its sort of not very effective. Its not a long-term solution.

Several Democrats have joined Rung in sponsoring the bill, as well as two Republican senators. This bill text was not yet public as of publication.

Other bills

A number of other bills in the upcoming session have implications for lake health.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One, also brought by Rung, proposes increasing the $5,000 maximum administrative fine for violating the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act, which the lawmaker hopes will act as a stronger deterrent.

Another bill would prohibit the sale of ski, boat, and board waxes that contain intentionally added PFAS, a synthetic chemical class linked to harmful health outcomes including some types of cancer. Last session, lawmakers passed a bill banning a number of PFAS products from sale in the state starting in 2027, but the waxes were not included.

Theyre directly putting PFAS into our lakes and our water systems, not even our landfills, said Rep. Wendy Thomas, the Merrimack Democrat leading the bill, of the waxes. I mean, this is right directly into our environment.

LaMoreaux said NH LAKES is also watching bills related to the states aging dams. Some of the states most frequented water bodies look the way they do because they are maintained by dams. The deterioration of state-owned dams  and the lack of funds to fix them  was the spotlight of a recent legislative study committee.

Many people, including those in the lakes community, may not fully understand the issue of how dangerous, how dire our dams are right now, LaMoreaux said.  I think as a state, we do need to step up and figure out how to take care of them better.
ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian and Somali officials have reiterated common commitments to ensuring peace and stability in Somalia and the region as the two countries solidify ties on the backdrop of recent diplomatic tensions.

This came during the meeting between officials of the two countries as a high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Ethiopian Minister of Defense Aisha Mohammed made an official working visit to Somalia, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Friday.

According to the ministry, the Ethiopian delegation held "fruitful discussions" with senior Somali officials, including the country's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. It said the discussions "reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to working together to ensure peace and stability in Somalia and the region."

The two countries "agreed to collaborate on the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and strengthen bilateral relations." They also agreed to enhance exchanges of visits and discussions among officials of the two countries, according to the statement.

Reiterating Ethiopia's commitment to contributing to the peace and stability of Somalia, Ethiopia's defense minister stressed that combating terrorism is a key area of cooperation between the two Horn of Africa countries.

Somali Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the Ethiopian Defense Forces' sacrifices and contributions to ensuring peace in Somalia, according to the statement.

Tensions had been escalating between Ethiopia and Somalia after Ethiopia and Somaliland reportedly signed an agreement earlier in 2024, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, as an independent state. Somalia said the agreement is legally invalid.

After a period of mounting diplomatic tensions, leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement last month after Turkish-mediated negotiations in Ankara, marking a breakthrough in resolving recent misunderstandings.

Following the agreement, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Mohamud issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of cooperation and dialogue between the two countries.

Both leaders reaffirmed their respect for and commitment to each other's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. They also agreed to work together to finalize arrangements that would grant Ethiopia access to and from the sea. 
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Anson police are searching for a suspect accused in a shooting involving an assault-style rifle.

Joseph Tejada, 17, is wanted in connection to the shooting, which happened at the intersection of 4th Street and Avenue J December 28, according to a press release from the Anson Police Department.

Anson police investigate shooting after multiple rounds fired Saturday night

The press release states, an assault-style rifle was used in the shooting and has not yet been recovered, and also advises that, Tejeda is considered armed and dangerous and is charged with multiple felonies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone who encounters Tejeda is asked to contact the Anson Police Department at (325)823-3056 or those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the Jones County Dispatch Center at (325)823-4604.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  A new report finds antisemitic hate crimes across the state have reached an eight-year high.

New legislative priorities for 2025-2026

According to that report, 119 were reported in 2023. Thats up 70 percent from the previous year. State Senator John Velis, the co-chair of the commission on combating anti-semitism, is speaking about the latest trends.

The commission plans to hold another hearing next week and review the report. Once those hearings are completed, they hope to file legislation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Make material on antisemitism available in k through 12 education kids their moms and dads reaching out to me saying they are too afraid to admit that theyre Jewish, said Velis.

The state senator is encouraging people to report any anti-semitic hate crimes to local police as soon as they can. He said there are laws on the books to protect people and hopes educating those in schools will reduce crime rates across the country.

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.
Starr County, Texas, resident Bernardo Garcia, 89, looks across the highway toward a border wall rising on thousands of acres of land owned by the state. Texas officials have offered the land to the incoming Trump administration for a migrant deportation center. (David Montgomery/Stateline)

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas  The letter to President-elect Donald Trump, sent to his Mar-a-Lago Club estate in Florida just two weeks after his resounding victory in the Nov. 5 election, came straight to the point.

Subject: Texas offering 1,400 acres of land adjacent to the Texas-Mexico Border for construction of deportation facilities, read the opening line of Texas Land Commissioner Dr. Dawn Buckinghams eye-grabbing missive to the incoming president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As Trump moves closer to reclaiming residency at the White House on Jan. 20, the vast Texas acreage at the edge of the Rio Grande promises to become a centerpiece of the get-tough immigration policies he plans to unfurl under recently named border czar Tom Homan.

Republican governors from across the country have expressed their eagerness to help Trumps deportation efforts. In a joint statement issued last month by the Republican Governors Association, 26 of the 27 members (all except Vermont Gov. Phil Scott) declared that they stand ready to utilize every tool at our disposal  whether through state law enforcement or the National Guard  to support President Trump in this vital mission.

But Texas, the only Republican-controlled state on the U.S.-Mexico border, is poised to play a particularly vital role. In the past several years, the state has dispatched thousands of Texas National Guard troops to the border; enacted a law (which is on hold pending legal challenges) authorizing police officers to engage in immigration enforcement; and set up a string of floating buoys to block migrants from crossing the Rio Grande.

The Biden administration has fought those efforts in court, but the incoming Trump administration is expected to stand down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now it appears likely that a well-secured federal deportation center will be taking root in impoverished Starr County, on a huge patch of level farmland that now yields onions, grain sorghum, corn and soybeans.

Equipment is seen on farmland adjacent to road FM 1430 in La Casita-Garciasville, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Buckingham, a physician and former state senator whose agency oversees 13 million acres of state land, said she learned of the availability of the border tract from another state agency. She approached the owner and secured the land for $3.82 million at the height of the election season. The purchase also cleared the way for construction of a 1.5-mile border wall that was blocked by the previous landowner, Buckingham said.

We acquired that ranch kind of right at the beginning of early voting, she told Stateline. And then when Trump won, we figured they just may need some help with all the violent criminals for their processing, to get them off our soil.

Next came her letters to Trump and Homan offering federal access to the land to allow a facility to be built for the processing, detention, and coordination of the largest deportation of violent criminals in the nations history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Buckingham has named the effort after Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl who was found dead in a Houston creek in June. Two Venezuelan migrants who were in the country illegally have been charged in Nungarays sexual assault and murder.

We figured they just may need some help with all the violent criminals for their processing, to get them off our soil.

 Dr. Dawn Buckingham, Texas land commissioner

The ACLU of Texas has slammed the planned deportation center.

Our state and country already waste billions on failed and inhumane border policies, ACLU of Texas staff attorney Savannah Kumar said in a statement. Now, Texas officials are offering to turn our culturally rich borderlands into sites for the mass caging of our community members.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Rio Grande City, City Manager Gilberto Millan Jr. said many of the roughly 15,000 residents are still learning about the planned deportation center. But at least some believe it will deliver an economic boost to Starr County, where nearly 29% of the people live in poverty, compared with 11% nationally.

Property in La Casita-Garciasville, Texas, is being offered by the state for a migrant deportation center. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

In November, Starr County supported Trump over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris by 55.6% to 40.2%, the first time since 1892 the county has voted Republican in a presidential election.

I know that if they build that facility, thatll bring a lot of jobs to the community, Millan said. Even before the announced deportation center, Starr County was seeing an uptick in construction, retail and restaurants, he said.

Although the potential deportation site is outside the city limits, it sits just a few miles from downtown Rio Grande City on FM 1430, a farm-to-market state road. Starr County residents now in their 60s and 70s recall how they used to pick fruits and vegetables on the irrigated land, working with their parents as youngsters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I worked that field since I was 8 or 9 years old, said Eloy Garza, 75, a Starr County commissioner who left his post last month after being defeated in a Democratic primary in March.

Garza, whose county office was located just across from the property, also shared the view that the deportation center could be a job magnet.

Im for it  100 percent, he said. I dont know who wouldnt like it.

Bernardo Garcia, an 89-year-old retired criminal investigator, has watched the border wall rising in the distance from the modest frame house he shares with his 87-year-old wife on FM 1430. Although they havent been touched by crime, he believes the wall would be a good thing by serving as a barricade against those who might be inclined to do some criminal acts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite the one-time surge of attention when Buckingham held a November news conference at the site to kick off border wall construction, at least some residents seemed largely oblivious to the project last month as construction crews worked at a distance from the highway to build the wall.

The site of ongoing state-sponsored border wall construction is seen in La Casita-Garciasville, Texas. (Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, immigration advocates contend that pouring resources into deportation efforts will consume dollars that could be better spent on needed infrastructure and social programs.

This is very, very harmful, said Joaquin Garcia, director of community organizing for La Union del Pueblo Entero, or LUPE, which serves immigrants in three Rio Grande Valley counties, including Starr. Garcia said the money should be spent on roads and housing, rather than militarization of the border.

The last thing that Starr County needs is a detention center, he said. That is not something people want.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A mass deportation effort targeting the estimated 11 million to 13 million immigrants who are in the country illegally would cost at least $315 billion, according to a study released in October by the American Immigration Council, a nonprofit research and advocacy group that favors immigration.

Proposals from what the council describes as leading immigration hawks, including Homan, range from a one-time mass roundup of all immigrants now in the country illegally to a starting baseline of 1 million deportations a year, the study said. Modern-day deportations have never exceeded more than a half-million immigrants per year, said the study, and many of those were people trying to enter the United States, not those settled here.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement already operates at least 20 detention centers in Texas, and Buckingham says she is standing by to provide still more resources from her immense reservoir of state-owned land, including a potential site in the El Paso region. Some Texas sheriffs, she said, also may have an interest in acquiring state property in urban centers to decongest a lot of the local jails being strained by immigrant detentions, including alleged lawbreakers.

Everything were doing is just to try and get those violent criminals off our soil, she told Stateline. We have actually hundreds of thousands of acres on or adjacent to the border. So were just going to continue to be here and be a good partner, and anything we can do to help, we want to help.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A fight between two groups led to a shot being fired inside Lakeline Mall at the food court Thursday afternoon, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said during a media briefing.

As of Thursday at 5:30 p.m., Davis said no arrests have been made in the incident. The APD chief said officers remained inside the mall investigating, and all exits were open to evacuate people from the mall.

Officers responded not knowing who else was inside the mall. The mall itself went into its own lockdown procedures, Davis said. No one was shot or harmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

APD first responded to the incident as a shoot/stab hot shot call, and around 4:20 p.m., police said the incident was an isolated incident.

A hot shot call is defined as an incident that involves physical harm or injury to a person or property or is an incident that is still in progress when all involved parties are still on the scene, according to the city of Austin.

Davis said four people were involved in the fight. Witnesses saw those people run away from the mall. No suspects were found in the immediate aftermath of the fight, according to APD.

APD said evacuated shoppers can be picked up at Savers, located at 11101 Pecan Park Boulevard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to police, the mall is expected to remain closed for the duration of the night while the investigation continues.

APD also requested the communitys assistance in gathering more information regarding the incident. Any videos, photos or details surrounding the incident can be submitted 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 KXAN Austin.
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging the tech giant used its voice assistant Siri to obtain and share private conversations without users permission.

The preliminary settlement, filed Tuesday in federal court in California, caps off the more than five-year legal battle over claims Apples Siri assistant regularly recorded private conversations and shared them with third parties, including advertisers.

The privacy and wiretapping suit alleged Siri recorded conversations even if users did not activate the feature, which is typically done by pressing the designated button or saying the cue phrase, Hey, Siri, to their iPhone or other Apple devices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The settlement is still awaiting approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffry White, and lawyers proposed a Feb. 14 hearing to review the terms.

If the settlement is approved, tens of millions of individuals who owned iPhones or other Apple devices from Sept. 17, 2014, through the end of last year can file claims, according to court documents. Consumers can file for compensation for up to five Siri devices.

Each customer could receive up to $20 per Siri-equipped device, though only 3 percent to 5 percent of eligible consumers are expected to file claims, The Associated Press noted.

Apple did not acknowledge any wrongdoing in the settlement. The Hill reached out to the company and its attorneys for further comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The $95 million is just a small part of the profits brought in by Apple, which reportedly had a net income of $93.74 billion in its latest fiscal year, and it is a far smaller number than the estimated $1.5 billion lawyers representing consumers estimated the tech giant could pay if the privacy case went to trial, according to the AP.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Archaeologists uncovered additional terracotta warriors at the mausoleum of Chinas first emperor.

The fresh find features a statue of a high-ranking commanderthe first statue of a commander found since 1994, and one of only 10 others among the thousands of warriors discovered.

The commander was found in No. 2 Pit, alongside additional warriors and officers.

Chinas famed terracotta warrior army is adding to its ranks. Archaeologists recently discovered yet another statue, this one believed to depict a high-ranking commandera rare find among the thousands of life-size warriors created over 2,000 years ago.

This is the first discovery of a commander, of which are there are only 10 in the collection, since 1994. There was scant historical record of the massive burial site of Qin Shi Huangthe first emperor of China, who ruled from 221 B.C. to 207 B.C. The site, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, was discovered by locals entirely by accident in 1974, and experts have since discovered a complex army of thousands of terracotta warrior statues, horses, chariots, and weapons surrounding the emperors tomb, which remains unopened.

They are masterpieces of realism, and also of great historical interest, UNESCO wrote about the army of statues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And theres still plenty more to mine. Experts say that thousands of additional warriors could exist, each uniquely designed, individually sculpted, and originally painted in bright colors.

The latest find (located in No. 2 Pit) isnt doing anything to tamp down the excitement. Based on its location, we believe this figure was likely the highest-ranking military commander of this unit, Zhu Sihong, head of the excavation project, told state broadcaster CCTV, according to the South China Morning Post.

Buried in silt, the statue was broken apart, but retained its color. Silt has the advantage of providing relatively stable humidity and temperature under certain conditions, which is conducive to the protection of the colors, Sihong said during a CCTV broadcast.

The rare commander wasnt alone, found near two high-ranking officers and five warriors in armor, along with additional chariot and horse remnants. The intricate headdress, ornate armor with patterns and ribbon knots, and the placement of hands clasped in front of the body all help to distinguish the rank of the figure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The vast burial site, with 600 pits and underground vaults stretching across over 22 square miles, is believed to be Qin Shi Huangs capital, Xianyang. Throughout the 50-year excavation, crews have continued to unearth new warriors, each found in a different statesome broken apart, others toppled over, and some still standing upright with years of caked-on dirt holding them in place.

The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum were fairly recently combined into the larger Emperor Qinshihuangs Mausoleum Site Museum, which also includes three additional sitessome featuring terracotta acrobats.

The museum area features No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit, marked in order of discovery. No. 1 Pit includes columns of soldiers followed by chariots, while No. 2 Pit contained over 1,000 warriors and 90 wood chariots. No. 3 Pit featured 68 warriors, a chariot, and four horses.

In all, 7,000 soldiers, horses, chariots, and weapons have been discovered (roughly 2,000 of those are life-size warriors). Many of the finds have been restored, and experts believe that thousands more life-size figures could still be buried.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Qin Shi Huangs mausoleumwhich experts believe took 38 years and 700,000 workers to buildalso includes a range of non-warrior artifacts. But the army of figures remain one of the most striking archaeological finds in China.

You Might Also Like
The Arizona Humane Society just welcomed its first litter of puppies born in 2025.

The Phoenix-based animal rescue announced on Thursday the first puppies to arrive in the new year were five adorable American pit bull terriers.

Midnight, a 2-year-old rescue, gave birth to her five beautiful babies on Jan. 1 in the Arizona Humane Society's "Mutternity Suites." This cleverly named area of the shelter is a quiet, medically supervised area for pregnant and nursing dogs to give birth and care for their puppies before heading to their foster home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An Arizona Humane Society emergency animal medical technician rescued Midnight on Dec. 30 when she was found as a stray. The dog was very thin, but veterinarians quickly realized she was pregnant and transferred her to the Mutternity Suites, the Arizona Humane Society said.

Until they are named by their future foster family, the Arizona Humane Society calls the puppies "Kisses."

Midnight and her Kisses are just six of the more than 2,800 moms and puppies who have been cared for in the Mutternity Suites since it opened at the end of 2017, according to the Arizona Humane Society.

The sweet family of pups will soon head to an Arizona Humane Society "Foster Hero" home, where they will stay until they are 8 weeks old and ready for adoption.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those interested in becoming a Foster Hero can sign up at azhumane.org/foster.

Arizona's animal welfare crisis: An abandoned dog and heartbreaking note tell the story

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: First litter of puppies of 2025 born at the Arizona Humane Society
U.S. prosecutors charged an Arizona man with illegally possessing 26 live Asian Arowana, a type of endangered fish, also known as the Asian bonytongue.

On Dec. 20, prosecutors filed charges in Phoenixs federal court against Sophon Heng.

According to court documents, Heng reportedly knew the fish had been illegally traded, which violates U.S. laws designed to protect endangered species. Heng was in possession of the fish in September 2018, court documents say.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The case falls under the Endangered Species Act, which prohibits trafficking in protected wildlife.

The fish has been classified as endangered since June 14, 1976, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Heng's attorney did not immediately respond to request for comment.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZ man faces federal charges in illegal possession of endangered fish
SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A group of South Korean investigators of the anti-corruption investigation body headed for the presidential residence in central Seoul from Gwacheon, south of Seoul, to arrest the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, multiple media outlets said Friday.

The investigators with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) departed from their office in Gwacheon in five vehicles at about 6:14 a.m. local time (2114 GMT Thursday) to execute the arrest warrant against Yoon, which was issued by a Seoul court Tuesday.

It was expected to take at least half an hour to get to the presidential residence during the morning rush hours.

About 3,000 riot policemen were reportedly deployed to the residence for the execution of the arrest warrant.

The CIO has been investigating Yoon's martial law imposition jointly with the National Office of Investigation (NOI) and the defense ministry's investigation headquarters.

Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on insurrection charge, declared a martial law on the night of Dec. 3, 2024, but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later.

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 power is suspended. 
PHOENIX (AP)  An Arizona death row prisoner asked the states highest court to skip legal formalities and schedule his execution earlier than authorities were aiming for, pushing as he had in the past to have his death sentence carried out.

Aaron Brian Gunches' execution would mark a resumption of Arizonas use of the death penalty after a two-year pause while it reviewed its procedures.

In a handwritten court filing this week, Gunches asked the state Supreme Court to schedule his execution for mid-February for his murder conviction in the 2002 killing of Ted Price.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gunches, who isnt a lawyer but is representing himself, said his death sentence is long overdue and that the state was dragging its feet in asking the court for a legal briefing schedule leading up to the execution.

Attorney General Kris Mayes office, which is seeking Gunches execution, said a briefing schedule is needed to ensure corrections officials can meet execution requirements, such as testing for the pentobarbital that will be used for his lethal injection.

Two years ago, Gunches asked the Arizona Supreme Court to issue his execution warrant, saying justice could be served and the victims families could get closure.

Gunches had been set to be put to death in April 2023. But Gov. Katie Hobbs' office said the state wasnt prepared to enforce the death penalty because it lacked staff with expertise to carry out executions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hobbs, a Democrat, had promised not to carry out any executions until there was confidence the state can do so without violating any laws. The review Hobbs had ordered effectively ended in November when she dismissed the retired federal magistrate judge she had appointed to head the review.

Gunches pleaded guilty to a murder charge in the shooting death of Price, his girlfriends ex-husband, near the Phoenix suburb of Mesa.

Arizona, which has 111 prisoners on death row, last carried out three executions in 2022 following a nearly eight-year hiatus brought on by criticism that a 2014 execution was botched and because of difficulties obtaining drugs for execution.

Since then, the state has been criticized for taking too long to insert an IV for lethal injection into a condemned prisoner.
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark.  Arkansas Tech University announced its new mission and vision statement for 2025 on Thursday.

ATU officials said the statements resulted from collaboration between the board of trustees, faculty senate, staff senate and student government. The board of trustees approved the statements at its December 2024 meeting.

Arkansas Governors School to remain at Arkansas Tech University through 2027

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The new mission statement encourages the universitys educational environment.

Arkansas Tech University is dedicated to student success and access by providing an education that will significantly impact social mobility, enabling students to reach their greatest potential. The university has an unwavering commitment to providing life-changing educational opportunities at all levels of higher education through partnerships, research and service initiatives that contribute to the economic, cultural and social well-being of the students and the region it serves. The university will cultivate a vibrant and welcoming community, encouraging students, faculty and staff to achieve their goals in a supportive environment. ATU 2025 mission statement

The vision statement speaks to student development.

Arkansas Tech University will empower its students to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential by providing a high-quality, challenging education, creating a path to personal and professional success across the Arkansas River Valley, the state, the nation and beyond. ATU 2025 vision statement

Arkansas Tech University receives $6.1 million grant to get local K-12 students ready for college

Officials said the statements will guide the university beginning with the spring 2025 semester.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Cole Jester, former deputy legal counsel to Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, was sworn in as secretary of state Wednesday, January 1, 2025.. He spoke during the appointment announcement in Little Rock on Friday, December 20, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas has a new treasurer, a new secretary of state and a slightly different lineup of Supreme Court justices as of Wednesday.

John Thurston was secretary of state for six years before being elected in November into the vacant treasurer position. He will serve the final two years of former state Treasurer Mark Lowerys term. Lowery was elected into the role in 2022 but died of complications from two strokes in 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thurston wants to continue to build on the practices that are in place rather than changing anything about how the treasurers office works, he told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette after his swearing-in Wednesday. He also said he hopes to give smaller banks more opportunities to participate in the states certificate of deposit program.

Treasurer John Thurston (Arkansas Secretary of State)

The treasurer serves as the state banker, overseeing the states investment portfolio of more than $11 billion and distributing funds to state agencies and local governments. Larry Walther, former secretary of the state Department of Finance & Administration, was the states interim treasurer after Lowerys death.

Thurston was Arkansas commissioner of state lands from 2011 to 2019. State law limits executive officeholders to a maximum of two four-year terms, so Thurston will be eligible to run for treasurer again in 2026 but will not be eligible to run for secretary of state a third time.

In her hometown of Clinton, Karen Baker was sworn in Wednesday as the first elected female chief justice of the states highest court. She succeeded John Dan Kemp, who declined to run for reelection.

Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Karen Baker (Courtesy Photo)

She told an audience that she was so grateful for the support of the public, especially in Clinton and Van Buren County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baker defeated Associate Justice Rhonda Wood in Novembers runoff election. Associate Justice Barbara Webb and former state lawmaker Jay Martin also ran for the chief justice seat, with Baker and Wood advancing after the initial election in March.

Additionally, Cole Jester was sworn in to complete Thurstons term as secretary of state, and Cody Hiland and Nicholas Bronni now hold two Arkansas Supreme Court positions that became vacant after Novembers elections, previously held by Baker and Associate Justice Courtney Hudson.

Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Nicholas Bronni (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the appointments of Jester, Hiland and Bronni in December.

On Thursday, Jester was sworn in again publicly and said he is the nations youngest secretary of state, according to the Democrat-Gazette. He is 27 years old and completed his bachelors and law degrees within the past six years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jester was Sanders deputy chief legal counsel during her first two years in office. He could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Bronni was previously the states solicitor general, and Attorney General Tim Griffin appointed Dylan Jacobs as interim solicitor general in December.

Sanders appointed Hiland to the Supreme Court in July 2023 to fill the courts second position after Associate Justice Robin Wynnes death. Hilands appointment meant he could not run for the position.

Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland (Courtesy Photo)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hudson won election to Wynnes seat in March, leaving her position open for a gubernatorial appointment.

Justices are elected to serve eight-year terms. The nonpartisan elections are staggered, and Associate Justice Shawn Womack was sworn in Wednesday after winning reelection to his own seat in March.

Sanders said in December that she was proud to give the Supreme Court a conservative majority, an effort she previously said she began with Hilands first appointment. Hiland was chairman of the states Republican Party from December 2022 to July 2023.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Police have taken two people into custody as part of an investigation of multiple local robberies.

Read next: Bond set for woman accused of stripping at bar, spitting on officers

Police identified Shane Adams, 34, and Tylin Fairchild, 31, as suspects in robberies in Austintown, Liberty and Canfield. They are facing multiple charges.

Police arrested them in Youngstown Friday morning after finding an SUV suspected of taking part in overnight robberies at the intersection of Powersdale and Cameron avenues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

WKBN Breaking News

Police captured one of the suspects after a foot chase through the snow at Poland and Fifthian avenues around 8 a.m.

The suspect bailed on foot with his passenger, a short foot pursuit ensued with both occupants, the driver was [hit with a Taser] by one of our highway patrol units, and the other suspect was captured by the Youngstown Police Department, said Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Brian Cowles.

Authorities said they believe the men robbed a pair of Shell gas stations, one in Canfield at 224 and Fairground Boulevard, and the other near I-80 and Route 46 in Austintown. Liberty police also identified them as the suspects in a robbery at Papa Johns on Belmont Avenue around 11:15 p.m. Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A patrol officer heard the call on Route 46 and drove toward the other gas station  just in case.

As soon as he rolled up, he saw a male in a car and subsequently they got into a pursuit, said Det. Scott Bennett with the Canfield Police Department.

As police were forced to terminate their pursuit because of weather, they were able to trace the getaway car they were using back to an address in Youngstown where they waited for them to return.

The suspects did eventually try to come to their residence, which at this point another pursuit ensued, Sgt. Cowles said. They were together the entire time. One of the males did two, the other did one. (robbery).

Cameron and Powersdale Youngstown Cameron and Powersdale Youngstown Youngstown arrest Cameron and Powersdale Dale and Cameron Youngstown

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  California State Parks announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a fire in mid-December that destroyed the historic Bidwell Mansion in Northern California.

The state agency said that it worked with other state and local law enforcement to arrest the suspect, Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, on January 2.

New California laws target sideshows

Carlson now faces felony arson charges, along with other charges, and was booked at the Butte County Jail, a news release from California State Parks said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A news conference is scheduled for Monday at the Butte County District Attorneys Office in Oroville.

California Department of Water Resources conducts first snow survey of the season

The historic Bidwell Mansion nearly burned to the ground in an early morning fire in central Chico on December 11. No other structures were damaged.

State parks officials said that CAL FIRE investigators determined on December 17 that they found clear indicators pointing to an intentional act

After the fire, officials were able to remove some of the original artifacts, although many others were likely destroyed or damaged.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New California law aims to reduce homework burden on students

State parks officials have been in conversations with partners including the city of Chico, CSU Chico, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe and the Bidwell Mansion Association about what to do with the site.

The 26-room mansion was completed in 1868 and was the home of the founder of Chico, John Bidwell.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DUPO, Ill.  One man is recovering at the hospital after being shot in the leg Thursday afternoon in Dupo, Illinois.

According to Lt. James Hendricks, a spokesperson for the St. Clair County Sheriffs Department, the shooting happened shortly before 3:30 p.m. in the 300 block of McBride Avenue.

Deputies responded to a shooting call at that location and found a 40-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound. An officer with the Cahokia Heights Police Department applied a tourniquet to the victims leg.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Travel conditions impossible: MoDOT urges drivers to stay off the roads on Monday

The victim was hospitalized and is said to be in stable condition.

Hendricks said deputies identified a suspect and went to a nearby residence to confront that individual, and a brief standoff ensued. The suspect left the residence around 5:30 p.m. and was taken into custody.

Investigators will soon present the case to the St. Clair County States Attorneys Office for possible 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 FOX 2.
Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital proudly announced the birth of the first baby of the new year Lennox Jeremiah Harris, born at 9:59 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Tymerria Duncan gave birth to Lennox Jeremiah Harris, born at 9:59 a.m. on Jan. 1. The baby boy weighs 3 pounds 15 ounces and measures 17.5 inches long. The family is doing well and is joyfully celebrating the arrival of their little one as 2025 begins.

Lennox Jeremiah Harris was born at 9:59 a.m. on Jan. 1.

There's nothing sweeter than ringing in the new year with new life, said Gordon B. Ferguson, president and CEO of the Rutherford Hospital. Our staff at Saint Thomas is happy and honored to welcome our first baby born of the year.

Details of the New Years Baby:

 Babys Name: Lennox Jeremiah Harris

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 Date of Birth: Jan. 1, 2025

 Time of Birth: 9:59 a.m.

 Weight: 3 pounds 15 ounces

 Length: 17.5 inches

 Family: Mother Tymerria Duncan and Father Quentin Harris of Antioch

The family is excited to welcome Lennox into the world, and Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital is honored to be a part of this special moment.

As the official healthcare partner of the Tennessee Titans, the team has gifted the newest tiny Titans fan with a gift basket full of great Titans baby gear to set him up as a Titans fan.

Commitment to exceptional maternity care

Ascension Saint Thomas maternity services include:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 Comprehensive OB-GYN care with 24/7 obstetrics emergency coverage

 Advanced NICU facilities: Level III NICU at Midtown and Level II NICU at Rutherford

 Support programs like childbirth classes, breastfeeding consultations, and postpartum care

 Comfortable labor, delivery, and recovery suites for families

Both Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown and Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital have been recognized as U.S. News & World Reports Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: First New Year's Baby welcomed at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford
ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WFRV)  A local Police Chief is being lauded as he celebrates his retirement from a long career in public service.

Ashwaubenon Public Safety posted on Facebook, honoring Chief Brian Uhl for his remarkable career as he retires from the force. Chief Uhl started as a Deputy Sheriff with the Dane County Sheriffs Office in 1994, the first of many stops.

Long-time Green Bay captain to retire after 27 years with Metro Fire Department

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chief Uhl served with the Janesville Police Department, Whitewater Police Department and Oregon Police Department before his time in Ashwaubenon.

The post featured photos of Chief Uhl as he was honored, along with a cake displaying photos of him throughout his career.

His leadership, resilience and commitment to public safety have left a lasting impact on every community hes served, the post said.

The post concluded with wishes for Chief Uhl to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Why cant Donald Trumps federal cases be paused for four years?

 Sheryl Keshishian, Wynnewood, Penn.

Hi Sheryl,

Jack Smith addressed this in his motion to dismiss Trumps federal election interference case, which he incorporated into his motion to dismiss his appeal in the classified documents case.

Smith noted the Justice Departments policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. But he observed that Trumps situation was different, because the president-elect was charged before taking office. So Smith asked the DOJs Office of Legal Counsel whether the charges could be held in abeyance until Trump left office. He was told that the policy against prosecuting sitting presidents applies to Trumps situation. Accordingly, the Departments position is that the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated, Smith informed the court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But while Trumps federal cases are gone, the question of whether his two state cases (in New York and Georgia) can be paused is an open one. His lawyers have cited the DOJs reasoning to bolster their arguments that the state cases should also be dismissed, but state prosecutors arent bound by DOJ policy. We may learn in the weeks before Trump is inaugurated what the courts have to say about this.

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
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Appalachia Service Project (ASP) has built dozens of homes after flooding disasters in West Virginia (2016) and Kentucky (2022)  but CEO Melisa Winburn says nothing compares to Hurricane Helenes destruction in the non-profits own backyard.

I dont think its like anything that this region has seen in recordable history, both wind and flood damage, Winburn told News Channel 11 in a quiet ASP headquarters as administrative staff rested over the holidays.

Weve got 32 different counties across North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia asking for our help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ballad Health sets visitor restrictions as flu spreads rapidly

ASP, which relies heavily on volunteer labor and donated materials to build and repair homes, built 78 new homes after the Rainelle, W. Va. floods of 2016, with 26 major repairs. The non-profit, which first got into new builds after flooding in the Dry Creek area of Washington County, Tenn. in 2012, expects to more than double the output from either of the previous disasters.

A worker secures drywall in an Appalachia Service Project house nearing completion in the Bumpass Cove community of Washington County, Tenn. Jan. 2, 2025. (Photo: WJHL)

In Tennessee, you have almost 400 homes that have major damage or are completely destroyed, an additional 250 or so in Virginiaand my guess is the number is even greater because not everybody goes to FEMA for their recovery, Winburn said.

ASP has committed to do at least 200 homes. We have over 250 (applications) on file right now and more coming in every day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The current goal is to complete that goal of 200 or more homes within 24 months.

I think its important for people to remember that this recovery will be measured in years, not months, Winburn said.

A quick start

Along with an array of other non-profits and church groups, ASP hit the ground running after Sept. 27s disaster.

ASP was on the ground the next day because this is a community that was affected where our headquarters are, Winburn said. Its a super emotional thing when you see it in person.

She carries a lot of memories from those first days.

The day after the storm, I met a man who had gotten back to his house in time to wake his daughter up, who was sleeping in the house as water was rising, she said of a family in Carter County whose home was essentially destroyed by the flooding Doe River.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The water had risen rapidly and by the time the man got his daughter awakened, they were trapped.

They stood for four hours holding doors at either end of the house and water that was up to their knees so that the water would move past the house. I think they saved their home from being pushed off the foundation by holding doors open for hours.

But they also now just have tons of damage in the home that has to be totally repaired.

That process is underway, one of many repairs and rebuilds undertaken after a wave of volunteer labor, supplies and financial support reached the area throughout the fall.

The number of properties with destroyed houses in Bumpass Cove still outnumbers those with new homes being completed. (Photo: WJHL)

The last time I saw them, a group of volunteers was there completely taking out their drywall and getting them back to normal as much as possible, so I think theyre on their way to recovery, which is really good, Winburn said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additionally, about 10 property owners in Washington and Greene counties now have  or are on the cusp of having  newly built homes. ASP has a template, a home thats slightly under 900 square feet with three bedrooms and one bathroom. The homes are also situated on higher ground and built to be disaster-resilient, including through the use of breakaway foundations designed to allow water to flow through instead of pushing a house off its foundation.

Major water leak repaired in Jonesborough

Winburn said the construction of about 10 houses has come in large part as both local churches and volunteers and people from across the country have also traveled in to aid the early efforts.

Resources have come in abundance to help with that, she said. It will take more, but its just amazing whats happened so far.

Theres still a slog  No room for egos

Before long, though, the new will wear off, and Winburn said ASP and other area churches and non-profits can only hope the volunteers, materials and money will keep coming with not even 10% of the need having yet been met.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The standard ASP house of 864 square feet would cost about $125,000 to build without volunteers and in-kind donations. Those bring the cost to somewhere south of $100,000. With a pipeline of financial resources including the Federal Home Loan Bank and Tennessee Housing Development Agency, ASP typically needs to raise another $25,000 or so from churches and donors to get a family into a house. A recent $1 million donation from Eastman Credit Union provided another huge shot in the arm.

Appalachia Service Project CEO Melisa Winburn. (Photo: WJHL)

In a number of hard-hit areas, county officials and others havent yet determined exactly where the new safe elevations will be in relation to rivers and creeks that have changed their channels. Winburn said the main construction so far has been limited to areas where those things have been determined.

You get through the holidays and you see that theres still a slog to go to help families get back into homes, but I think weve got to stay strong, Winburn said.

ASP is up for the task. Were going to be here for the long haul. This is our home town, these are our friends and neighbors that were affected. We will be here until the last nail is driven.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

ASP expects to build in at least seven Northeast Tennessee counties impacted by Helene, as well as three in North Carolina and at least two in Virginia.

Even if ASP builds 250 homes instead of 200, that accounts for less than half the need. But its likely that some of the families in the ASP queue will get their needs met by other resources, and that doesnt bother Winburn at all.

When something like this happens and resources come in to ASP, we consider ourselves a conduit for good. Well work with anyone and try to get people back in homes as quickly as possible.

Even if we step on each other a little bit, I think its worth it to try to get things done quickly, and potentially thats even less wasteful than keeping people out of their homes for longer. As we are running on the same path, eventually well find our lanes just staying graceful, taking ego out of it. Staying survivor-centric, I think, is the best way to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Winburn said that outlook is based on a recognition that significant human need will always exist.

I think our call in the midst of that is to love each other well and to not grow weary of doing good, that theres energy that comes from relationship and connection, and if we can just wake up and do that every day, eventually we will get to that last nail.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's constitutional court said Friday that it will hold hearings for President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial on Jan. 14 and Jan. 16.

A constitutional court justice said in the second preparatory hearing earlier in the day that the pretrial hearing was concluded with the second one to hold a formal hearing on Jan. 14 for the launch of formal proceedings.

The justice noted that the second formal hearing was set on Jan. 16 in preparation for the absence of the defendant, referring to the impeached president.

Legal representatives for Yoon demanded further discussions in additional preparatory hearings, but it was dismissed by the justice.

Legal representatives for the National Assembly denounced Yoon's defense counsel for intending to delay the court proceedings.

An impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on Dec. 14 last year and 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 suspected ringleader on insurrection charge, declared a martial law on the night of Dec. 3, 2024 but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later. 
WORCESTER, Mass. (WPRI)  Five Assumption University students are facing charges after allegedly luring a man to campus, framing him as a sexual predator and then attacking him, according to authorities.

The students were inspired by a TikTok trend mimicking the TV series To Catch a Predator, according to the court documents, in which an Assumption University officer recounts the investigation.

Police said that student Kelsy Brainard, 18, matched with the 22-year-old victim on the dating app Tinder. Brainard and her friends devised a plan to lure him to campus and ambush him after the conversation turned sexual, according to police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brainard met up with the man on campus back in October and then led him to a basement lounge, where the two watched TV.

The victim told officers he had only been in the basement for a few minutes when more than two dozen students came out of nowhere and began accusing him of sleeping with underaged girls, according to police.

Police said the mob of students prevented the victim from leaving by grabbing him, but he was eventually able to break free and escape. The students chased him up the stairs and out of the building, according to police, with one of them punching him in the head and another slamming the drivers side door into him as he got inside his car.

Investigators believe Brainard and the four other students, identified as 19-year-old Easton Randall and 18-year-olds Kevin Carroll, Isabella Trudeau and Joaquin Smith, rallied their peers against the victim in a group chat thread by calling him a sexual predator and alerting them that he was in the lounge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The accusations provoked a rabid response from other students in the group chat, according to police. Surveillance footage allegedly showed Brainard escorting the man downstairs into the lounge, and then him running back up the stairs followed by the angry mob of students a short time after.

It appears that the group chasing [the victim] was staged and or awaiting his arrival, the police report stated. The area from which the mob comes from is typically an underused area not frequented by large groups of students simultaneously.

In the surveillance footage, police said several of the students chasing the victim had their cell phones out to record the entire ordeal, including Brainard. Police said after the victim drove off, the students could be seen laughing and high-fiving one another.

The victim left campus and drove to a place where he felt safe and then called the Worcester Police Department to report what had happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said Brainard initially claimed she was a victim and told officers the victim came to campus uninvited and she was frightened by him being creepy.

But there is no indication that the victim was on campus looking to meet underage girls, according to police.

The information Brainard was providing was not factual but falsification and lies, the police report notes. The goal of the invite was to simulate a TikTok fad of luring a sexual predator to a location and subsequently physically assaulting him or calling the police.

Brainard, Carroll, Trudeau, Smith and Randall have each been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy. Carroll was also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, since police said he admitted to slamming the victims car door into him, while Brainard faces an additional charge of witness intimidation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement, Assumption Universitys Marisa Greg described the students actions as abhorrent and antithetical.

This incident highlights the very real harm that social media can inflict when it promotes dangerous and irresponsible behavior, Greg wrote. In all circumstances, we expect our students to exercise sound judgment and uphold the principles of respect, responsibility and dignity that define our community.

Greg wouldnt comment on the ongoing student conduct investigation, or what disciplinary actions Brainard and her friends may be facing.

Assumption University is committed to maintaining a campus environment where every individual is treated with respect and dignity  including guests, she said. We strongly condemn all forms of violence and misconduct, and we are dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel safe and supported.

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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  On Thursday, business owners on New Orleans Bourbon Street said its back to business as usual, after the deadly New Years Day attack.

Bourbon Street reopened Thursday and was lined with new barriers meant to reinforce pedestrian areas. The move comes as investigators reveal more details about the suspect, accused of plowing through the crowd and killing several people.

How to donate funds, blood after deadly New Orleans attack

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New photos from the FBI included an information wanted poster where they showed the suspect walking around in a long brown coat and dress shows. Also included on the poster is a picture of a cooler with an explosive inside, placed near Bourbon Street.

The attack is one of the latest in a string of incidents where vehicles have been used as weapons. The act, called vehicle ramming, dates back decades according to the FBI.

Using a vehicle as a weapon is quite infrequent. Its about three times per year, but whats occurring is so terrifying that we pay so much more attention to it, explained Aaron Brinen, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Brinen explained that vehicles are used because theyre easy to bring to large events and incite a lot of terror. Over four years ago, the countrys attention was on downtown Nashville due to a vehicular terror attack after a man parked an RV in downtown Nashville. Soon after, the driver caused an explosion that injured eight people. Only the driver died.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to an FBI handout, suspects with limited access to explosives or weapons, can use vehicles to cause harm with minimal prior training or experience.

If your goal is to terrify people and scare people, it accomplishes that, Brinen said. It really strikes at this idea of something thats extremely safe and we think of as ubiquitous to all of our lives.

An evil act: Louisiana officials, FBI say suspect in NOLA attack acted alone

Just hours after the deadly New Orleans attack, in Las Vegas a Cybertruck was used to cause an explosion outside of President-elect Donald Trumps hotel. Last month, a man rented an SUV before deliberately driving through a German Christmas market, killing five people and injuring more than 200.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brinen also noted that despite these high-profile incidents, the vast number of mass casualties are the result of firearms.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The primary suspects in two deadly attacks on New Years Day shared a history of service in the U.S. military, underscoring persistent fears over extremism within the armed services that officials have struggled to uproot.

The suspect behind a truck rampage in New Orleans that killed 14 people, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was an Army veteran, while the man allegedly behind the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside of the international Trump hotel in Las Vegas, Matthew Livelsberger, was an active-duty service member in the Army.

While not the first acts of military extremism, the two deadly attacks amplify questions about the number of radical and unstable veterans and active-duty troops and whether the Pentagons efforts to identify and root out extremist beliefs is working.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Heidi Beirich, a co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism who has studied military extremist activity for decades, said the unresolved problem was particularly dangerous because veterans and active-duty service members can kill more efficiently.

The military has not adequately addressed the problem, whether its white supremacists or Islamic extremists, she said. These cases are a reminder of how important it is that people with potential to become extreme arent trained in military tactics.

Jabbar, the New Orleans attacker, drove a Ford pickup truck through the crowded Bourbon Street before he was shot and killed by police. In addition to the 14 people he killed, he injured dozens more.

Jabbar, 42, was a U.S. citizen from Texas who served in the Army from 2007 to 2020, including a year or deployment in Afghanistan, and retired as a staff sergeant. Its unclear if he served in combat, but he was trained as an information technology specialist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said they found an ISIS flag in his truck and social media posts online sympathizing with the U.S.-designated terrorist group.

Christopher Raia, the deputy assistant director of the FBIs counterterrorism division, said in a Thursday press conference that Jabbar posted at least five videos propagating the ideology of ISIS, which the suspect claimed to have joined last year.

Raia, who said there is no apparent connection between the New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks, explained the FBI was working to understand how Jabbar became radicalized.

A lot of questions we are still asking ourselves, he said. Thats the stuff that in the coming days, as far as that path to radicalization, that were really going to be digging into and make it a priority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Less is known about the motivation of Livelsberger, who police have identified as the suspect behind the Cybertruck that exploded in front of the Trump hotel after it was loaded with explosives. Only Livelsberger was killed in the blast, but seven others were injured.

Livelsberger was an active-duty Green Beret stationed in Germany but was on leave for the holidays, according to media reports. He was an operations master sergeant.

Todd Helmus, senior behavioral scientist at RAND Corporation and a violent extremist expert, said he was surprised to learn about Livelsberger, as violent extremism is more prominent among veterans who often struggle with a range of factors once leaving service, like mental health issues, finding work and leaving behind comrades.

All these issues can be complicating challenges for veterans, he said. These life challenges that can happen when people leave military services in the close-knit communities, they might be more at risk of radicalization or recruitment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Helmus added that it was harder to be a terrorist in active-duty service.

Youre hanging out with fellows in your unit on a day-to-day basis, he said. And there is a discipline structure thats in place, so I think its probably more likely to get picked up if you were on the verge of conducting these types of attacks.

But its not the first case in recent history of an active military member engaged in extremist violence. In 2023, Robert Card, a U.S. Army reservist, carried out a deadly mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, that killed 18 people.

In 2020, Steven Carrillo, an active-duty airman at the time, killed two police officers after expressing antigovernment beliefs. He is serving a 41-year sentence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And in one of the deadliest shootings ever on a U.S. military base, Nidal Hasan, an Army major and psychiatrist, killed 13 people and injured more than 30 others. Later investigations found that Hasans colleagues had been aware of signs of his radicalization.

Both veterans and active-duty military personnel have been charged with or convicted for involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, rioting at the U.S. Capitol, where supporters attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election in favor of President-elect Trump.

The Violence Prevention Project has tracked mass shootings from 1996 to 2024. In their database, the project lists dozens of mass shooters with a military background.

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland found last year that at least 721 individuals with U.S. military backgrounds committed criminal acts in the U.S. from 1990 through April 2024, with a political, economic, social or religious goal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to START, the number of individuals with military backgrounds engaged in extremist attacks has increased from 11 percent in 2018 to 18 percent in 2022.

The START data shows that white nationalism and antigovernment extremism make up the bulk of the radicalized veterans and active-duty military extremists, at more than 80 percent. Jihadist-inspired ideology makes up a little more than 6 percent of the cases.

Under President Biden, the Pentagon has sought to reduce and better identify the number of extremists in the military after Congress required the effort in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin established a commission to oversee those efforts, but the Pentagon has been slow to adopt recommendations, implementing just one on training service members to understand extremism and why it is prohibited.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The militarys biggest extremism problem is mostly related to radical right-wing ideology, and Austin has faced pressure and blowback from GOP congressional lawmakers who have called the effort a political witch hunt. Republicans have argued that extremism remains a minor concern, with very few individuals found with radical views compared to the more than 2 million active-duty and reserve troops, along with around 18 million veterans.

A late 2023 report commissioned for the Pentagon largely sought to downplay the role of extremists in the military, saying it found no evidence that the number of violent extremists in the military is disproportionate to the number of violent extremists in the United States as a whole.

It did say, however, there is some indication that the rate of participation by former service members is slightly higher and may be growing. The report was criticized for using old data.

While more could be done, a sweeping crackdown on military extremism might not be the best approach, Helmus, from RAND Corporation, argued, comparing it to the overreaction of the U.S. national security sphere following the 9/11 attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The best thing the Pentagon can do is to do assessments, to track numbers, he said. Thats the biggest problem so far, is just open transparency on numbers of individuals, of people discharged. What are they discharged for? To what extent are people being discharged for having radical ideologies?

But Beirich, from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, pointed to multiple problems: the Pentagon has deprioritized its extremism efforts, the Department of Veterans Affairs has no programs to help veterans prone to extremist recruitment, and there are no universal standards for tackling the problem among the military branches.

Weve a whole range of problems when it comes to this issue. And this goes back to the fact that it just wasnt taken seriously for decades under both Republicans and Democrats, she said. The Biden administration was really beginning this process, and then it got stalemated in a political divide.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ENGLEWOOD, Ohio (WDTN)  A man is dead after an alleged attempted burglary Friday morning in Englewood, allegedly shot by someone who lives in the home.

According to the Englewood Police Department, a resident in the 600 block of Overla Boulevard called 911 around 2 a.m. to report that she was awakened by the sound of a person attempting to burglarize her home.

Watch out: Miami Valley snow could lead to spike in heart attacks across region

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The caller told dispatch that her boyfriend told her to grab their guns.

The dispatcher stayed on the line with the caller, and about two minutes later, the sound of three gunshots were heard in the background of the recording.

When Englewood Police arrived, they found the alleged intruder lying dead in the yard adjacent to the home. Medics also responded to the scene, as did an investigator from the Montgomery County Coroners Office.

The deceased suspect was later identified as Matthew Culham, 43.

Horrific abuse: Dayton man faces 100+ more counts in child abuse case

Englewood Police Chief Corey Follick said the callers boyfriend went to investigate the break-in, allegedly shooting Culham when he came at him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Follick said that what happened is unusual.

Most burglars, if they determine that a home is occupied, once theyre detected, they normally flee the area, said Follick. This subject stayed on their property and confronted the homeowner when he was out double-checking to see what all may have been damaged or stolen from his property or who the person was on his property.

The Englewood Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. The case will head to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office for review.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 2Eric Robert Smith, who was charged in December of 2023 with 20 counts related to child pornography, was sentenced Thursday to nearly nine years in prison.

Smith, 59, was convicted of a single count of possession of pornographic work as a registered predatory offender in Mower County District Court and sentenced to 105 months in prison or just under nine years.

He was given credit for 391 days served and all other remaining charges of possessing pornographic work of minors under 14 and as a predatory offender, were dismissed. He will serve his prison sentence at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to official court documents, Smith was arrested on Dec. 8, 2023, on a warrant for violating conditions of his release put down by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, though the document did not mention what that violation was.

During the initial arrest, Smith's cellphone was seized by the DOC and an initial search of phone turned up suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

A detective for the Austin Police Department was notified, who obtained a search warrant for the phone, which was sent to the Rochester Police Department Technology Forensic Unit for examination.

The detective later examined the phone data on Dec. 18. According to court documents, the phone contained 19 files containing CSAM. Of those, five depicted victims identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 19 files depicted children as old as 12 and as young as six.

A deeper look through court records shows that Smith was convicted of a pair of cases in Fillmore County in 2005 in which he was charged with criminal sexual conduct with a victim under 13-years-old.

He received prison sentences of 144 and 21 months that ran concurrently in those cases and was fined $6,000.
Austin police officers are investigating a "shoot/stab hotshot" incident at Lakeline Mall on Thursday afternoon, according to a post on X.

Limited information was immediately available, but Austin police said there had been an "isolated incident" at Lakeline Mall in Cedar Park, adding that it did not appear to be an active shooting. Shortly after 5 p.m., Austin police and fire department rescue forces were still making their way through the mall, and began clearing it out as a precaution, according to a post on X.

Initially, it was unclear whether there had been any injuries or fatalities, but Austin-Travis County EMS said it had not treated any patients in connection with the incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Austin police's public information office declined to comment, referring the American-Statesman to the department's post on X.

Police are asking people to stay away from the scene as officers continue their investigation.

A news conference is set to take place at an undetermined time Thursday evening.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin police investigating 'shoot/stab' incident at Lakeline Mall
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Police are asking the public to help identify a man in connection to an armed robbery in Northeast Oklahoma City.

Authorities seek to identify man in connection to armed robbery in NE OKC, Image courtesy OKCPD

Authorities seek to identify man in connection to armed robbery in NE OKC, Image courtesy OKCPD

Authorities say the armed robbery occurred near Northeast 36th and Martin Luther King Avenue.

Police investigating after body found in SW Oklahoma City

If you recognize him, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers 405.235.7300 or okccrimetips.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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, speaks to attendees during a Sept. 25, 2024, campaign rally in Mint Hill, North Carolina. Trumps victory in Tuesdays election could set the stage for wide-ranging changes to education policy. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

A divisive election season full of twists and turns is now over. With control of the House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the presidency, Republicans look as though they have won in a landslide.

How did we get here, and is there more to this victory than meets the eye?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In November 2022, Donald Trump announced that he would be running for re-election. The following April, Biden announced that he, too, would be running for re-election.

Despite being an outcome that many did not want, America appeared destined to endure a Trump vs. Biden rematch.

In May of 2024, Trump became a convicted felon.

In June, Biden stumbled his way through a terrible debate performance.

In July, Trump survived an assassination attempt. Later than month, Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Kamala Harris.

In September, Trump falsely claimed that immigrants were eating the dogs in Springfield, Ohio.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In October, Biden seemingly referred to Trump supporters as garbage which the White House and Harris later tried to walk back.

Then, in November, Trump became the first president in over 100 years to win non-consecutive presidential terms.

Trump claims that Republicans won a political victory that our country has never seen before. Is this true?

In the House, Republicans won 220 out of 435 seats. In other words, they won about 50.57% of all seats. When you look at the popular vote, the results are similar. As of when this article was written, Republicans have received 74,826,851 votes out of 148,033,237 votes cast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This equates to about 50.55%.

Put differently, this means that the percentage of seats that Republicans won in the House is roughly proportionate to the percentage of the total votes Republicans received. As such, you could say that the narrowly divided House reflects how narrowly divided America is at the moment.

The same could not be said about the Senate. Recall that senators serve 6-terms and roughly a third of the Senate is up for grabs every two years. After this election, Republicans will control 53 out of 100 seats  or 53% of all seats.

However, when you look at the popular vote, Republicans received 54,402,269 votes out of 113,998,100 votes cast. This equates to about 47.72%. This means that more than 50% of voters cast their ballot for someone that was not a Republican.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What about the presidential election? Trump claims that his supporters showed up in record numbers to deliver a victory. Trump won 312 out of 538 electoral votes, which comes out to about 57.99% of all electoral votes. So, it is accurate to say that his supporters helped to deliver a victory.

However, the part about his supporters showing up in record numbers is not true. Trump received 77,302,164 votes out of 155,477,242 votes cast. This equates to about 49.72%. This means that more than 50% of voters cast their ballot for someone other than Trump.

It is also worth pointing out that the number of votes Trump received in 2024 is substantially less than the 81,283,501 votes that Biden received in 2020. In other words, Trumps massive victory was about 4 million votes less that Bidens victory.

Prior to Trumps 2016 inauguration, he predicted an unbelievable, perhaps record-setting turnout. A few weeks later, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer stated that Trumps inaugural ceremony had drawn the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration  period  both in person and around the globe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Photos from the National Park Service appear to contradict this claim, as do statistics on public transportation ridership, as well as estimates of the number of television viewers.

During a Meet the Press interview, Chuck Todd asked Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway why Spicer would attest to such a provable falsehood. Conway responded that Spicer had given alternative facts  thereby coining a new term for facts that are not true.

In his 2024 victory speech, Trump said that Americans have given Republicans an unprecedented and powerful mandate. In a recent interview with Time magazine, he added that the beauty is that we won by so much.

It seems as though the era of alternative facts is not over.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although Republicans won the 2024 election, this victory was neither massive nor unprecedented.

Rather, with nearly all votes counted, it looks as though Republicans barely squeaked by with a majority of the popular vote in the House, while in the Senate and at the presidential level, more Americans voted against Republican candidates than for them.

Today, American is divided right now the middle, with nearly half of voters supporting Republicans and the other half supporting Democrats.

Despite this nearly equal division, thanks to the quirks of our electoral system, Republicans now possess a disproportionally large amount of power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hopefully they wield it wisely because in less than two years, those in power will have to face voters, as Americans will be back at the polls to vote in the 2026 midterms.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A retired sergeant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was charged after allegedly causing a crash while intoxicated and injuring others who were involved.

Arnulfo Ryan Valverde, 48, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and causing bodily injury, DUI with a blood alcohol level of over 0.08% with bodily injury and a hit-and-run resulting in death or a serious injury.

At a Thursday hearing, Valverdes attorney requested his bail  which was at $700,000  be reduced as Valverde has no prior criminal history. He also said Valverde had a distinguished career at CDCR and suffered an injury on the job which caused mental health issues for Valverde after he retired.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The prosecutor argued against lowering the bail amount, citing Valverdes uncooperative actions such as refusing to provide a blood sample and forcing an officer to obtain a search warrant for it. Valverde also allegedly was storing a bottle of Jack Daniels liquor in his vehicle.

According to the prosecutor, one of the victims had to wear casts on both wrists after the crash.

Lowering the bail should not be something that the court should consider, the prosecutor said.

Judge Andrew Kendall ultimately agreed to reduce the $700,000 bail to $45,000. Valverde would also need to report to the probation department immediately and file proof of enrolling in the SCRAM program, which would require him to use an alcohol monitoring device.

Valverde remained in custody as of Thursday afternoon. A preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 4.
BALTIMORE  Baltimore Countys overall crime rate remained nearly unchanged last year, compared to 2023, even as the community saw its lowest homicide rate in a decade, along with sharp drops in forcible rapes and building thefts over the last 12 months, according to year-end government figures.

The number of homicides edged down slightly: The county recorded 28 such deaths in 2024, compared with 29 the prior year. Meanwhile, the number of shoplifting and arson cases increased.

Baltimore County Second District Councilman Israel Izzy Patoka sees the year-end figures as a positive. He laudedBaltimore County Police Chief Robert O. McCullough andpointed to the strong relationship between the communities and police in helping drive down crime.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I absolutely see strides being made in terms of crime, [which] seems to be trending in the right direction, Patoka said. I do think its really important we realize that this is a snapshot in time and that we have to remain vigilant on the community side. The police have to remain vigilant because you never want that graph to turn in a direction that has a poor trajectory.

That trajectory is pretty decent right now and we want to keep it heading that way.

While Baltimore City saw much sharper drops in reported lawbreaking, including a 23% drop in homicides, the data show that the higher-population county continues to have a far lower rate of crime. But the community has seen some recent high-profile crimes, including a mass shooting last month in the Towson area. And some residents say they feel less safe.

Ive been a business owner here, right at the circle, for four years now, and I have noticed over the past two years, there just appears to be a lot more crime, said Michael Dent, owner of Touch Free Wellness on Allegheny Avenue in Towson. Most of it seems to be happening in the Towson mall. A lot of crime also seems to be happening in smaller convenience stores. We are a service-oriented business, but I hear about a lot of crime in the news. Its very scary. I get concerned. Its definitely worrisome.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to a Baltimore County police spokesperson, there were 28 homicides last year, one fewer than in 2023 and six fewer than in 2022. That translates into 3.3 per 100,000 residents.

This contrasts with Baltimore Citys sharp decline in homicides over the past 12 months. The Baltimore Police Department recorded 201 homicides in 2024, compared to 261 homicides recorded in 2023. Even so, that is a rate of 46.2 per 100,000 residents.

In addition, the Baltimore County Police Department has cleared 75% of its homicide cases as of Dec. 26  far exceeding national clearance rates, which average approximately 50% as of 2020. The departments clearance rate in nonfatal shootings stands at 71%.

The Department continues to take a data-driven approach, which enables precinct commanders the ability to identify crime patterns and implement appropriate countermeasures, Joy Lepola-Stewart, Baltimore County Police spokesperson, said. Our business and community partners also play a crucial role in preventing and reporting crime across the county.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Department also credits using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, a database of ballistics images, in improving its ability to solve gun-related crimes. The system can assist in identifying suspects and connecting crimes in which the same firearm was used. As of Dec. 16, the department has seen a 57% increase in leads from this network over the previous year. In 2023, Baltimore County police received 298 leads; that number increased to 355 in 2024.

One significant difficulty for police: Ghost guns, untraceable weapons often home assembled from pieces purchased separately. As of Dec. 16, 192 ghost guns had been recovered in Baltimore County, compared to 122 such weapons seized during the same period in 2023  a 57% increase.

Ghost guns continue to present a challenge, Lepola-Stewart said. Since ghost guns circumvent background checks, they are favored by criminals and those prohibited from owning a firearm. Minors also have greater ease in obtaining a ghost gun.

Crime, by the numbers

Baltimore County saw an overall improvement in crime numbers over the last year. Total violent crime  comprising homicide, aggravated assault, robbery and forcible rape  fell 2.6% year over year, with about 320 offenses for every 100,000 residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, a more complicated picture emerges when digging into the data:

The number rapes were down by over a third, with 98 recorded in 2024;

Arsons rose 25% from 103 incidents to 129;

Assaults of any kind  comprising simple assaults, or a threat or attempt to injure someone, as well as aggravated assaults, or an attack to inflict severe or aggravated injury  changed little year over year.

Total property crime, comprising burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson, while steady with 2023, increased 32% over 2022 and 52% from 2021, with about 2,600 offenses for every 100,000 residents. Here's a further breakdown:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shoplifting increased 17%, from 7,122 cases in 2023 to 8,366 in 2024;

While auto thefts were down 15%, an average of 10 cars were stolen a day during 2024, almost six more than the rate in 2022;

Larceny rose 4% to 17,200 compared to 16,533 in 2023 but was up 23% over 2022 (13,983 offenses);

Thefts from homes and businesses were down 21%.

Lepola-Stewart said the increase in arsons between 2023 and 2024 is "notable," but not inconsistent with the numbers from previous years. The number of incidents is small enough that even small increases translate into large percentage changes, Lepola-Stewart said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Towson, the Department continues to work with retailers and the Towson Chamber of Commerce to encourage more businesses to invest in surveillance cameras. Currently, 90% of businesses in Central Towson are equipped with cameras that provide the Department greater access to recorded footage.

There has been a national increase in retail theft, Lepola-Stewart said. While a number of factors are viewed as contributing to the increase, such as the economy and online marketplaces, Baltimore County is actively working with local retailers to enhance security and safety measures.

Patoka said one of the biggest ongoing problems is with speeding vehicles through neighborhoods. One solution is more speed cameras, but the county needs legislation to add more equipment, according to Patoka.

I go to community meetings six or seven nights a week, and it doesnt matter if Im in Woodlawn, Ruxton, or I am up in the valleys or Reisterstown or Owings Mills, the No. 1 issue far and away that community leaders are concerned about is speeding, Patoka said. Drivers in Baltimore have been very disrespectful to neighborhoods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Juvenile crime is one of the biggest concerns among residents.

"This has been going on far too long, and DJS has not done a good job holding them accountable," Timonium resident Rhonda Fonte said. "It seems theres more sympathy for the perpetrators than the victims. Our society is in a bad place right now."

Sun reporters Alex Mann and Christine Condon, and data editor Steve Earley contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com.

_____
SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- At 3 a.m. Friday, five vehicles left South Korea's Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).

Investigators onboard were to execute the arrest warrant against the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, which was issued by a Seoul court on Tuesday.

It marked the first time in the country's modern history that an arrest warrant was issued against a sitting president.

The investigators arrived at the residence in Seoul at about 7:21 a.m. and passed the first cordon of policemen to reach the residence's main gate some 40 minutes later.

They faced the third and last cordon of the security service inside the residence after breaking through the second cordon of soldiers.

During the breakthrough process, some investigators tussled with soldiers and security agents. No injury had yet to be confirmed.

About 2,700 riot policemen were allegedly deployed around the residence to help proceed with the arrest warrant.

After confronting the presidential security service agents for about five and a half hours, the CIO noted that it stopped the execution at about 1:30 p.m. over concerns about the safety of investigators at the scene, expressing deep regret over the attitude of Yoon who refused to comply with legal procedures.

The investigative unit added that it will decide on future measures after relevant reviews. The warrant was scheduled to be valid for a week until next Monday.

Chief of the presidential security service was later summoned by a joint investigation unit over the obstruction.

Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on an insurrection charge, declared martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later.

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 said in a televised address on Dec. 12 that he would not avoid his legal and political responsibility for the martial law imposition. But the impeached leader even refused to receive summonses asking him to appear for questioning three times on Dec. 18, 25 and 29 respectively.

If arrested, Yoon would be taken to the CIO's headquarters in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, for questioning before being detained at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, just 5 km away from the headquarters.

The CIO would then be required to decide within 48 hours whether to seek a separate arrest warrant to keep Yoon in custody for 20 more days for further questioning or release him. 
Jan. 3Central Maryland is expected to get snow Friday afternoon, prompting several Baltimore-area school districts to close early, ahead of more winter weather forecast early Monday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, with less than an inch of snow expected to accumulate near BWI Marshall Airport but one to two inches of snow forecast further north.

The snow has already started in Western Maryland and is expected to make it to the Interstate 95 corridor between 2 and 3 p.m., with brief but heavy snowfall wrapping up before 7 p.m. according to the weather service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The forecast for Friday calls for a high of 41 near BWI, meaning the snow could mix with rain in the Baltimore area. Less than half an inch is expected at BWI, while Carroll County Regional Airport is expected to get 1 to 2 inches of straight snow.

The snowfall has prompted public schools in Baltimore County, Frederick County and Carroll County to close two hours early, the school districts said on social media. Howard County Public Schools will close 90 minutes early on Friday. After-school activities are canceled in Baltimore City, Harford County and Montgomery County.

Friday night temperatures will dip down to 27. In addition to snow, wind is expected Friday night between 11 and 14 mph with possible gusts up to 28 mph.

[ Get the latest weathercast from FOX45 News ]

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Any snow left over on roadways will likely freeze overnight, said Gerard Jebaily, chief meteorologist for FOX45 News.

The weekend should remain clear, but windy, until Sunday night when more winter weather is expected to arrive. Saturday will bring a high of 35 and gusts of western wind as high as 32 mph. Saturday's low will be around 24.

Sunny weather Sunday will give way to snow after midnight. How much snow will fall is unknown, as meteorologists at NWS say their different models aren't coming to a consensus.

The system predicted to cause the winter storm is still in the Pacific Ocean, far from Maryland and far from weather data collection stations on land, explained Jebaily, which is why the outlook for Sunday and Monday is still hazy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However the models consistently show Maryland in the system's path and at the temperatures to cause snow, he said. But warm air from the south could be pulled into the system, which would reduce possible snow totals, Jebaily said.

Travel restrictions are possible Sunday night through Monday, according to NWS.

The snow will continue into Monday with temperatures in the low to mid 30s. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. The chance of snow is 90%, but the National Weather Service has not predicted total accumulation.

Baltimore Sun reporter Todd Karpovich contributed to this article.

Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks. Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. Contact Dan Belson at dbelson@baltsun.com, on X as @DanBelson_ or on Signal as @danbels.62.

Originally Published:January 2, 2025 at 7:26 PM EST
Jan. 3BLUEFIELD  The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Friday warning of several bands of snow showers crossing the region.

Bands of snow showers are crossing parts of southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia from Greenbrier County in West Virginia to western Tazewell County, Va., according to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va.

The special weather statement includes the Virginia counties of Tazewell, Bland, Giles and Wythe along with the West Virginia counties of Mercer, Monroe, Summers and Greenbrier. The snow showers were moving around 30 mph.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Moderate to heavy snow is possible on roads and sidewalks, and visibility will be reduced due to have snowfall rates with wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph. Motorists were urged to be cautious when traveling because conditions could change rapidly over a short distance.

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
BALTIMORE  The cold February rain fell as dozens of public school advocates bundled together in the dark outside the Maryland State House. Holding umbrellas and flashing blue lights as lawmakers gathered for an evening session, they shouted words like investment and full funding, urging the elected officials not to abandon the landmark education reform plan that was just starting to take off.

Do we want another broken promise? Shamoyia Gardiner, then-director of the advocacy group Strong Schools Maryland, asked during the rally for the Blueprint for Marylands Future last year.

No! the crowd shouted back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its a scene likely to repeat itself  often and with even more urgency  in the next three months as the Maryland General Assembly returns to Annapolis on Wednesday for another annual legislative session.

A nearly $3 billion deficit is expected to ignite the toughest debates over funding priorities in years  with all kinds of stakeholders, from educators pleading for funding to businesses wary of higher taxes, gearing up for a fight.

Were going to be holding the pressure even stronger this year than we have in the past because we see this as the way forward, the only way forward, Riya Gupta, Strong Schools Marylands interim executive director, said in a recent interview.

The 90-day lawmaking sprint routinely features intense public hearings and policy battles, backroom conversations with high-priced lobbyists and advocacy days that pack the capital with activists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the massive budget shortfall  including a five-year forecast described as the worst in two decades and a separately underfunded transportation system  means almost every constituency has something on the line this year.

Its impossible to do all things, Senate President Bill Ferguson said during a December news conference when asked how the state should prioritize transportation dollars amid a $1.3 billion downturn in spending power over the next six years.

Tough decisions are coming. And key leaders like Ferguson and Gov. Wes Moore have said every option is worth exploring.

Where the tax talks could start

Unlike recent years when topics like juvenile justice or abortion access headlined the annual session, policy discussions in 2025 are set to be dominated by questions of how much money is available and where lawmakers can find more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ferguson, in a change of posture after waving off tax proposals in 2024, said taxes will be on the table. Though he stressed that cuts should be the focus first and foremost, he pointed to businesses specifically as a potential source of more tax revenue. That could include taxing newer digital services such as data brokering or reevaluating a 2018 law that reduced some businesses Maryland income tax liability, he said.

There are opportunities to look at loopholes, Ferguson said about nine months after he rejected tax proposals from other Democrats to close corporate loopholes.

A sizable portion of Maryland Democrats  including Fergusons counterpart in the House, Speaker Adrienne A. Jones  have already backed a measure called combined reporting, a way of ensuring multi-state corporations cant get out of paying Maryland taxes. A similar law is on the books in 28 other states and has been under various levels of consideration in Maryland for decades.

Its well past time for this state to follow the lead of dozens of other states, red and blue, to close these enormous corporate tax loopholes so multinational corporations cant keep dodging Maryland taxes while making record profits from their customers here, said Ben Orr, CEO of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Business leaders and conservatives, both inside and outside the legislature, are preparing to forcefully oppose the proposals.

It would send the message out to the business community that the legislature is not serious about creating a pro-growth tax structure, said Christopher Summers, founder and CEO of the conservative Maryland Public Policy Institute think tank.

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce, a regular presence during the session, also maintains that combined reporting or raising the 8.25% corporate tax rate would make the state less competitive and risk jobs at a time when its already struggling to keep up economically.

Mary Kane, the Chambers president and CEO, said theres often a perception that combined reporting is about only large corporations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its not, she said. Its that guy that has a gas station or restaurant in Maryland and another across the line in Delaware.

Grason Wiggins, the groups vice president of governmental affairs who lobbies state lawmakers, said the Maryland Chamber will be continuing to advocate for economic opportunity.

I would predict that we will be more active this year than we have ever been, Wiggins said.

Where the tax talks could go

Aside from corporate earnings, lawmakers could look to income taxes for individuals or to the 6% sales tax.

Under a 2024 proposal called the Fair Share for Maryland Act and a previous idea known as a millionaires tax, Maryland would have added personal income tax brackets for the highest earners. Individuals making more than $250,000 and couples making more than $300,000 currently pay a maximum rate of 5.75%. The proposals would have increased that rate and added others, up to 7% percent for those earning $1 million or more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Changes to the sales tax would be another direct way to raise money, though some Democrats and Republicans believe this is a more regressive approach because it raises prices for all types of consumers.

Legislation last year called for lowering the rate to 5% but expanding it to other services and products  everything from legal services to car washes.

House Majority Leader David Moon, a Montgomery County Democrat who introduced the bill, said at the time that he intended it more as a conversation starter in a year when it was guaranteed to come up short.

He told The Sun in a recent interview he had no immediate plans to sponsor any tax bills this year, though he anticipated many options would be floated across the spectrum from both parties regarding how to address the deficit.

On the chopping block

Those other options could be largely focused on trimming the states roughly $63 billion annual spending agenda.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Moore, who is required to present a balanced budget plan Jan. 15, has relied in the past on making cuts and tapping reserves to keep overall spending relatively flat while saying he has a very high bar for taxes.

Though he hasnt specifically previewed his next plan, he said this summer that the Blueprint is one area that may need adjustments  an idea long held by Republicans but repeatedly rejected by Democrats who passed the bill over former Republican Gov. Larry Hogans opposition.

We continue to have a very high bar for any rollback of education reforms, House Appropriations Committee Chair Ben Barnes, a Prince Georges County Democrat, said during a December meeting about what the state can afford to spend.

Its unclear exactly how any adjustments to the Blueprint  by either delaying its implementation or cutting entire aspects of it, as many Republicans have suggested  might result in initial financial relief. Lawmakers decision to inject more than $1 billion into the plan within the last two years is set to keep it funded for the next two fiscal years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gupta, of Strong Schools Maryland, said she doesnt see any quick fix around the Blueprint that wouldnt have a detrimental impact on school systems and students. She and others say all the pieces of the puzzle go together. If one falls, so could the others.

This should be protected at all costs, said sharlimar douglass, chair of Maryland Alliance for Racial Equity in Education, who spells her name with all lowercase letters. Our young people, our Black and brown students, these particular populations will suffer even more and not receive the kinds of education, the kinds of experience, that they are owed.

Scaling back other large entitlement programs that are some of the most costly and increasingly expensive reasons for the deficit  like Medicaid or child care scholarships  are also likely to face resistance from Democratic lawmakers.

Taking the wind out of the sails of child care  pre-K, things of that nature, it has to be looked at in the context of our current worker shortage, Moon, one of the Houses top Democrats, said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im not saying there are any lines that should be drawn in this debate, Moon said, but areas like child care and housing are things that traditionally weve tried to be mindful of.

Another major driver of costs is personnel. In a state that employs 86,000 public workers and still has thousands of vacant positions, union leaders have voiced concerns that the budget could mean backtracking on hiring and cost-of-living adjustments.

Our folks are woefully understaffed and underresourced, and you cant fix the budget by further cutting, said Patrick Moran, president of the Maryland Chapter of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. Theres not much else to cut, at least from the standpoint of looking at what there is in terms of staffing for state employees and the amount of work theyre doing.

With both the governor and the Democratic-supermajority legislators yet to offer specific areas for cuts, the Jan. 15 budget deadline for Moore is setting up to be the real beginning of a debate that will continue through early April.

In the meantime, stakeholders are making their plans and hoping elected officials whove made promises in the past will keep them.

The thing that our policymakers are taking a big risk at is trust, douglass said, when considering whether threats to the Blueprint could become reality. Trust is a thing here. I cant trust you. Thats how I feel.

_____
REPUBLIC COUNTY (KSNT)  The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has arrested a man in connection to a Belleville infant that died.

At 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, the KBI arrested William McLaughlin, 23, of Belleville, on a warrant for first-degree murder and felony abuse of a child. This is in connection to the death of McLaughlins three-month-old daughter.

At first, the infant was taken to the Republic County Hospital on Christmas Day suffering fatal injuries. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital in Omaha, NE. on Dec. 29, 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Evergy prepares for upcoming winter weather in NE Kansas

McLaughlin was initially booked into the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office Jail in Nebraska. According to a Republic County Sheriffs Office, as of 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2 McLaughlin is at the Republic County Jail. According to the KBI, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office assisted in the arrest. At this time, an investigation is ongoing.

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.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Another Floridian has been called up to be an ambassador for President-elect Donald Trump. This time it's Cuban-American businessman and horse-breeder Benjamin Leon, Jr, Trump's pick for ambassador to Spain.

"Benjamin is a highly successful entrepreneur, equestrian, and philanthropist," Trump said in a post Thursday to Truth Social, the social media site he owns. "He came to the U.S. from Communist Cuba at 16-years-old, with only Five Dollars in his pocket, and proceeded to build his company, Leon Medical Centers, into an incredible business."

This makes at least eight ambassadors with Florida ties, including Mike Huckabee (formerly of Santa Rosa Beach) to Israel, Kimberly Guilfoyle (West Palm Beach) to Greece, Dan Newlin (Orlando) to Colombia, Dr. Peter Lamelas (West Palm Beach) to Argentina, Callista Gingrich (North Naples) to Switzerland, John Arrigo (Jupiter) to Portugal, and Kevin Marino Cabrera (Coral Gables) to Panama.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since 2023, according to FEC records, Benjamin Leon, Jr. has donated at least $3 million to political campaigns, including $1.18 million to the Trump support PAC "Make America Great Again Inc," nearly a million to the Trump 47 Committee, Inc. PAC, and contributions to the Republican National Committee and multiple races and state Republican campaign committees.

Who is Benjamin Leon, Jr?

Benjamin Leon Jr. speaks at a Florida International University event honoring him for his $10 million donation to the FIU CasaCuba cultural center in January, 2024.

Born in Oriente, Cuba, Leon, 80, came to Miami with $5 in his pocket as an exile when he was 16, shortly after the Cuban Revolution, after being arrested for stating his anti-communist views, according to an interview with ocala.com. His family came over later the same year. Leon delivered the Miami Herald and worked as a dishwasher, factory worker, grocery store stockman and baker.

Realizing the flood of Cuban immigrants to the area needed Spanish-speaking medical care, Leon's father, Benjamin Leon, Sr., and some partners founded Clinica Cubana in 1964. Leon later became the first Director of Member Services. With his father, Leon founded Clinica Asociacion Cubana (CAC) in 1970, one of the first health maintenance organizations in the United States. and later helped develop the first Health Management Organization (HMO) in Florida.

In 1996, Leon founded Leon Medical Centers, Inc. to provide comprehensive healthcare to Medicare patients. Leon's son, Benjamin Leon III, currently serves as the CEO. The Leon Medical Centers Health Plans, an HMO, was started in 2005 but is now owned by Cigna.

Miami businessman Benjamin Leon is shown in 2011 at Besilu farm near Orange Lake, FL.

The Leon family donated $10 million to Florida International Universitys Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine in 2008 to establish the Benjamin Leon, Jr. Family Center for Geriatric Research and Education, an Eminent Scholars Chair and use of Leon Medical Centers medical facilities as a teaching institution for medical school students. Four years later, Leon Medical Centers made a contribution of $5 million to Miami Dade College and established the Benjamin Leon School of Nursing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last year, Leon donated another $10 million to FIU, this time to build the FIU CasaCuba cultural and academic center on FIU's main campus to promote the "rich Cuban heritage."

Leon is married to Silvia Leon. The couple have two daughters, Silvia and Lourdes, and a son, Benjamin III.

Does Benjamin Leon, Jr raise horses?

Owner Benjamin Leon (left) of Besilu Stables walks Royal Delta into the winner's circle as jockey Mike Smith celebrates after a record-setting, 10 1/4-length victory in the 2013 Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park.

Aside from his medical centers and philanthropy, Leon may be most passionate about horses.

"Im what youd call a Cuban hillbilly," he said in 2011. "I always had horses as a kid. I remember competing in 18-inch or two-feet jumping when I was maybe 6, in the fair."

In 1981, Leon started buying horses, ultimately purchasing an entire herd of 24 horses from Dominican breeders and establishing Besilu Stables in Micanopy. He bred and owned many world-champion Paso Finos before switching to thoroughbreds in 2007 and racking up more awards. His biggest gamble and finest triumph was buying Royal Delta for $8.5 million in 2011. The filly went on to win more than $3.1 million in prizes and three Eclipse awards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since starting Besilu Stables, Leon has been investing in real estate in Marion County, including buying a home in Ocala in 2021 for $6.05 million.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump picks Benjamin Leon, Jr for ambassador to Spain, what to know
A 29-year-old man was severely injured when a firework exploded in his hand in Bern Township minutes into the new year, police said.

Police, fire and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the 1100 block of Fairview Road about 12:05 a.m. Wednesday, Bern Township Police Chief Brett A. Forry said Thursday.

The victims right hand was dismembered when an illegal firework exploded after being lit, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officer Jordan Heckman applied his department-issued tourniquet to stop the bleeding until emergency personnel arrived, an action that may well have saved the mans life, Forry said.

The chief said the fireworks that caused the injury cannot be purchased legally by consumers under Pennsylvanias fireworks law. It packed the explosive power of an M-80, he said.

The man was taken to the Reading Hospital trauma center. Information on his medical condition was unavailable.

The victim had been drinking while using fireworks, police said.

It goes to show that illegal fireworks and alcohol do not mix, Forry said.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Crime remains a big issue in New Mexico; but the metro areas top prosecutor said the numbers show his office is doing more to get murderers, shoplifters, and other criminals off the street. KRQE News 13 talked with the Bernalillo County District Attorney about it Thursday.

Story continues below

Looking back at two years in office, District Attorney (DA) Sam Bregman said convictions for homicide and a long list of other crimes are all trending in the right direction: We overall are seeing crime get better. It takes a while to turn a ship in the ocean, a big ship, but were starting to turn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bregman is now heading into his first elected term after taking over the office in January 2023 from now-New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez. Its been an amazing time. Ive been so impressed and honored to work with people here in this office. We have over 300 individuals who wake up every day and try and make this place a safer place, Bregman said.

Underscoring that is the work on homicides: Bregman said the past two years have yielded around 280 murder convictionsmore than 130 of which happened just last year. Those are taking violent people off the streets and putting them in the penitentiary where they belong, Bregman said.

He also highlighted more than 1,400 pretrial detention motions with more than half of those granted in 2024. We have, over the last two years, filed more pretrial detention motions and held more people pretrial than any time in the history of this office, Bregman said.

The office saw 33 minors charged in homicide cases over the past two years; of those, 24 kids have been indicted on first-degree murder in his tenure. Throughout his time in office, Bregman has promised to make juvenile justice a top priority: Its really something that troubles me, its something that were focused on, we continue to expand our juvenile division, put more prosecutors in there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Beefing up the staff, Bregman said the office has added 73 lawyers and 90 additional support staff. Its making a difference in our overall success rate, its making a difference in lowering caseloads for the individual prosecutors which means better cases presented to juries and ultimately better justice, Bregman said.

He also noted inroads made on retail crimecharging 400 felony and 760 misdemeanor shoplifting cases throughout his time in office. The DAs office was also able to secure 20 sexual assault convictions from long-standing cases; nearly 1,600 DWI convictions; and ten vehicular homicide convictions due to DWI and reckless driving.

This is no victory lap, by any means. Theres so much work that needs to be done, and I will not be satisfied until we dont have that fear of crime; until we do reduce crime significantly in this community, Bregman said, But, were on the right track and thats what I can tell you after two years of being the DA.

Bregman said hell focus efforts on changing the childrens code this legislative session.

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.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders weighed in on the H-1B visa controversy Thursday, accusing Elon Musk of defending the program because the labor is cheaper, not brainier, than the American labor force, as the tech billionaire has argued.

The debate over the H-1B visa has divided MAGA over the past week. Musk has backed the visas for skilled foreign workers while Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon have bashed the program as not putting American workers first and carving them out of higher-paying jobs.

Musk has argued that foreign labor tends to be more highly skilled, and last week endorsed a post on X that denigrated American workers with a slur, calling them re***ded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sanders wrote on X Thursday: Elon Musk is wrong. The main function of the H-1B visa program is not to hire the best and the brightest, but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad.

The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make, Sanders added.

Sanders, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, called for major reforms to the H-1B program in a statement attached to his X post.

Senator Bernie Sanders at the U.S. Capitol in Washington late last year. The Vermont Senator publicly disagreed with Elon Musk of defending the H-1B visa program to hire cheaper labor (REUTERS)

After citing Census Bureau figures and other data, Sanders seemed to challenge Musk directly by asking about Teslas hiring practices: If there is really a shortage of skilled tech workers in America, why did Tesla lay off over 7,500 American workers this year  including many software developers and engineers at its factory in Austin, Texas  while being approved to employ thousands of H-1B guest workers?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sanders then wondered why Tesla employed H-1B guest workers as associate accountants for as little as $58,000, associate mechanical engineers for as little as $70,000 a year, and associate material planners for as little as $80,000 a year? He said: Those dont sound like highly specialized jobs that are for the top 0.1 percent as Musk claimed this week.

Elon Musk has been defensive of the H-1B visa program, which Trump also announced support for over the weekend as an online debate about the visa program raged on (PA Archive)

Like Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have argued, Sanders said, the U.S. needs a highly skilled and well-educated workforce. But to do that, the country shouldnt be bringing in cheap labor from abroad, but should be hiring qualified American workers first and to make certain that we have an education system that produces the kind of workforce that our country needs for the jobs of the future, he said.

Bottom line. It should never be cheaper for a corporation to hire a guest worker from overseas than an American worker, Sanders said. We need an economy that works for all, not just the few. And one important way forward in that direction is to bring about major reforms in the H-1B program.

The issue of the visa program created a schism among President-elect Donald Trumps allies. The debate became so heated that Musk even vowed to go to war on the issue.

Over the weekend, Trump came out in support of H-1B visas, telling Fox News he was a believer in the visa program. But in his first administration, Trump signed an executive order to restrict access to such visas.
Were three days into 2025 and already the new year is yielding some pretty strange bedfellows.

Veteran left-wing Senator Bernie Sanders weighed in on the civil war currently engulfing MAGA world , which has seen support for high-skilled (or H-1B) visas pit tech billionaire Elon Musk and fellow DOGE chief Vivek Ramaswamy against nationalist conservatives opposed to more foreign workers coming to the U.S.

Elon Musk is wrong, Sanders wrote in an X post Friday. The main function of the H-1B visa program is not to hire the best and the brightest, but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make, Sanders added.

Elon Musk is wrong.



The main function of the H-1B visa program is not to hire the best and the brightest, but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad.



The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make. pic.twitter.com/Mwz7i9TcSM  Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 2, 2025

In a screengrab of a fuller statement attached to his post, Sanders went on to outline how between 2022 and 2023, some 30 top U.S. corporations laid off an estimated 85,000 American citizens in favour of hiring 34,000 new workers whod come to the country on H-1B guest visas.

The Vermont senator further claimed these people are more often than not paid significantly less than their U.S.-born counterparts, arguing that the bottom line should be that it is never cheaper for a corporation to hire a guest worker from overseas than an American worker if the United States is going to be able to compete in a global economy.

Elon Musk has said hes ready to go to war over the guest visa program. / Brandon Bell / Getty Images

Sanders criticism of Musk comes a month after he publicly agreed with the Tesla CEO on a different issue, saying change is needed to address waste and fraud in the defense budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Musk has aggressively defended the guest visa program.

The reason Im in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B, the South Africa-born billionaire wrote in an X post last week, adding that he is willing to go to war on this issue.

Many MAGA fans have expressed support for the SpaceX founder since he came out in support of Donald Trump following an attempt on the president-elects life last June.

But the honeymoon period now seems to be well and truly over, with longstanding Trump loyalists criticizing Musk for his support of the visa programeven though Trump himself has personally backed Musks position on the issue.
YANGON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's rice and broken rice exports reached 1.7 million tons in the first eight months of the current fiscal year 2024-2025, state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Friday.

The report said that Myanmar earned an estimated 804 million U.S. dollars from these exports during the eight-month period, from April to November last year.

Citing statistics from the Myanmar Rice Federation, the report said that Indonesia is the largest rice trading partner of Myanmar, importing over 480,000 tons during this period.

China is the second-largest importer of Myanmar rice, followed by Belgium and the Philippines, along with several other countries, it said.

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, Myanmar exported over 1.6 million tons of rice and broken rice, earning more than 845 million dollars. 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Ahead of a blast of frigid, arctic air expected in Middle Tennessee next week, experts at the Tennessee Poison Center want to remind everyone to be careful they dont give themselves carbon monoxide poisoning in their search for more heat.

According to Tennessee Poison Center Medical Director Dr. Rebecca Bruccoleri, carbon monoxide (CO) gas is an odorless, colorless gas that is a byproduct of incomplete burning of fuel.

It is considered one of the top causes of accidental poisoning death in the U.S., according to the Tennessee Poison Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The way CO works, according to Bruccoleri, is by binding to the chemicals in your blood and preventing your blood from being able to use oxygen the way its supposed to.

Wintry mix possible Sunday ahead of arctic blast next week

Basically, it causes an internal suffocation when you have carbon monoxide poisoning and can be deadly, she told News 2.

According to Bruccoleri, CO poisoning becomes more prevalent during the winter due to the increased use of supplemental heating devices, like space heaters, furnaces, and generators.

If someone wants to use a generator, it cannot be used inside the house, Bruccoleri told News 2. It actually needs to be 25 feet away from the house, and you run a long extension cord to use it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As Tennessee braces for the long stretch of winter months, Bruccoleri stressed that no one should ever be using a generator or fuel-burning heater inside the home, especially if there is a power outage.

If there is a risk that the power goes out, the number one thing is do not run a generator in the house, she said. People will want to do it because its cold outside, but you have to get the generator out, 25 feet away from the home, and point the vent away from windows and doors of the house so the exhaust does not get inside.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

Those with working fireplaces in their homes should make certain their chimney flues are open in order to allow the smoke and gases to escape outside and not be trapped indoors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. In that respect, Bruccoleri said they mimic the flu, but another big indicator is having multiple people in the home sick at the same time.

If everybody has a headache and vomiting, its important to think, Could this be carbon monoxide and not just a flu thats going around,' she said. Another clue that somethings wrong is if the pets are sick, too.

If that happens, Bruccoleri recommended immediately leaving the home and seeking medical attention, as well as calling the fire department.

A way to help prevent CO poisoning is purchasing a CO detector. Bruccoleri suggested having a detector for each floor of your home.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to the Tennessee Poison Center, CO is lighter than air, so your CO detector should be located at least 5 feet above the ground. They should also be placed at least 10-20 feet away from any furnaces or other fuel burning sources, and 10 feet away from high-humidity areas such as bathrooms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If you believe you have been exposed to carbon monoxide or are at risk of CO poisoning, Bruccoleri says you can call the Tennessee Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. The Center is staffed 24/7, 365 days of the year by nurses, pharmacists, and physicians, as well as backup by board certified toxicologists.

Additionally, the fire department is a huge resource, as they are likely the ones who will be required to check the home for carbon monoxide levels before anyone can reenter.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (AP)  On Feb. 15, 1951, Army Pvt. Bruno R. Orig was returning from a mission when he found his fellow soldiers under attack in what's now known as the Battle of Chipyong-ni.

The infantryman provided first aid to his comrades wounded in the Korean War attack and began helping move those men to safety. He then took over a machine gun post and allowed a friendly platoon to pull back without a casualty. When the ground was recaptured later that day, Orig was found dead beside the machine gun, surrounded by enemy combatants he had killed.

Orig was among the Medal of Honor recipients recognized Friday by President Joe Biden in one of his last opportunities to officially acknowledge acts of selflessness and personal bravery in times of war. Biden bestowed the medal posthumously to six men and one living recipient at a White House ceremony. In a separate Oval Office ceremony closed to the news media, he awarded the Medal of Valor to eight first responders who put their own lives at risk to save others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These are heroes of different ranks, different positions and even different generations," Biden said at the Medal of Honor ceremony Friday evening. They are heroes who all went above and beyond the call of duty.

During the Korean War, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura destroyed an enemy machine gun nest and recaptured several bunkers. He exhausted his ammunition but resumed his attack after being rearmed, and he was ultimately killed by an enemy grenade and buried in Los Angeles.

Army Cpl. Fred B. McGee is being recognized for his gallantry and intrepidity near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on June 16, 1952, when he assumed command of his squad, neutralized an enemy machine gun and then sent his squad back while he helped rescue the wounded. The Ohio native died in 2020, according to news reports.

Army Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, from Millbrook, New York, was killed on June 12, 1953, after holding off Chinese forces during the Korean War. His actions saved the lives of as many as 10 soldiers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After multiple raids on an entrenched enemy in the area of Sagimak during the Korean War, Army 1st Lt. Richard E. Cavazos stayed behind alone to evacuate five battle casualties to safety. Cavazos served more than three decades in the service, eventually attaining the rank of four-star general. The Texan died in 2018 at age 88. Fort Hood was renamed in honor of him on May 9, 2023.

After an armed helicopter crashed during the Vietnam War on June 5, 1966, Army Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, pulled two specialists from the aircraft, shielding one of them from enemy gunfire at the loss of his own life.

While fighting in Vietnam on May 7, 1970, then-Army Pfc. Kenneth J. David drew enemy fire away from injured comrades and onto himself, becoming wounded by a satchel charge. But David kept fighting and pulled fire away from landing Medevac helicopters, getting evacuated himself after the last helicopter landed. The Ohioan is still living.

Acknowledging his last days as president, Biden on Friday called it the greatest honor of his life to be entrusted to lead the country and the finest military in the history of the world.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday, Biden also awarded eight people the Medal of Valor, which goes to those who have shown exceptional courage in attempting to save human lives.

The recipients included the law enforcement officials who responded to a shooter who killed six people on March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Nashville Police Department's Sgt. Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Engelbert and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle and Zachary Plese rushed to the scene and faced gunfire from the shooter. They cleared out classrooms and ultimately took down the shooter.

Biden also recognized Sgt. Tu Tran of the Lincoln, Nebraska, Police Department. On Feb. 22, 2023, Tran swam 30 feet (9 meters) into a frigid pond to rescue a woman from a submerging vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lt. John Vanderstar, a New York City firefighter, received the Medal of Valor for rescuing a mother and child from a burning apartment on Oct. 23, 2022. Separately, New York City firefighter Brendan Gaffney was honored for braving an apartment building fire to save an unconscious child and a pregnant woman.

___
President Biden will award the Medal of Honor to seven U.S. Army soldiers and the Medal of Valor to eight public safety officers at the White House on Friday.

The Medal of Honor is given to members of the armed services who distinguish themselves during combat. Six of the seven recipients Friday will receive the award posthumously.

The president will award Pvt. Bruno R. Orig, who died while manning a machine gun to recapture lost ground in Korea; Pfc. Wataru Nakamura, who died while attacking an enemy bunker in Kore; Cpl. Fred B. McGee, who evacuated the wounded and dead while under fire in Korea; and Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, who was killed in action while saving the lives of 10 soldiers to hold off the enemy in Korea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Others include 1st Lt. Richard E. Cavazos, who served in Korea and then went on to serve for more than 30 years, attaining the rank of four-star general before he died in 2017; Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr., who was killed by gunfire while helping another specialist in Vietnam; and Pfc. Kenneth J. David, who drew fire on himself in Vietnam to protect the wounded before he was evacuated. David is the only one among those being honored who is still living.

The Medal of Valor is the nations highest award for valor by a public safety officer. The nominees were recommended by the attorney general and a review board, which is made up of members appointed by the president, the Senate majority and minority leaders, the Speaker of the House and the House minority leader.

The president will award Sgt. Jeffrey Mathes, officer Rex Engelbert and detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, and Zachary Plese for taking down an active shooter at The Covenant School, an elementary school in Nashville, Tenn., in March 2023.

Biden will also award Sgt. Tu Tran for saving a woman drowning in Lincoln, Neb., in February 2023; Lt. John Vanderstar of the New York City fire department for saving a mother and her child in a burning apartment in October 2022; and firefighter Brendan Gaffney of the New York City fire department for rushing through a burning apartment twice to save unconscious victims in February 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Biden on Thursday awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 individuals at the White House, including former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), who served as chair and vice chair of the Jan. 6 committee. Biden also honored former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), and former Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-Del.).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As an active shooter tore through The Covenant School on March 27, 2023, a group of Nashville police officers ran toward the gunfire and took the shooter down.

Now they have been awarded the Medal of Valor.

President Joe Biden on Friday delivered the nation's highest award for valor by a public safety officer to five Nashville police officers for their response to the mass shooting at The Covenant School.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Metro Nashville Police Sgt. Jeffrey Mathes, Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle and Zachary Plese, and officer Rex Engelbert received the award.

Metro Nashville Police officers who responded to the Covenant School shooting, from left, Detective Sergeant Jeff Mathes, Detective Ryan Cagle, and Detective Michael Collazo at the MNPD Headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.

Biden made a brief statement to the media Friday afternoon after awarding the medals in the Oval Office, according to a report from a White House correspondent shared with other media outlets.

"They saved children, they saved people in serious distress," Biden said of the honorees. He added, "they literally put their lives at risk."

The Metro Nashville Police Department said in a post to X that the officers and Police Chief John Drake met with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in the Roosevelt Room, a meeting room in the White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Six people, including three 9-year-old students, were killed when a former student entered The Covenant School and opened fire. The shooting claimed the lives of head of school Katherine Koonce, 59; custodian Mike Hill, 61; substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61; and third-graders Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, the Covenant Presbyterian pastors daughter.

"The officers rushed to the scene, and as they arrived, the shooter opened fire on them," the White House said in its announcement sent Friday morning. "Still, the officers entered the school, cleared classroom after classroom, and ran towards the sounds of gunfire where they encountered the shooter. They took down the shooter."

Some or all of the five responding officers recognized Friday have received numerous other awards for their bravery, including the First Responders Children's Foundation's annual "Roll Call of Heroes," the Fox Nation Patriot Award, being named honorary professors at Middle Tennessee State University's spring 2023 commencement ceremony, being named the Metro Nashville Police Department's Officers of the Year and The Tennessean's 2023 People of the Year.

Three other public safety officers from across the country received the Medal of Valor Friday, including Sgt. Su Tran of the Lincoln, Nebraska, police department for saving a woman from drowning in her car in a frigid pond; New York City fire department Lt. John Vanderstar for pushing through flames to rescue a mother and child from a burning apartment; and New York City firefighter Brendan Gaffney for twice rushing through a burning apartment to save a mother and child, both unconscious, then performing CPR while waiting for paramedics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him at emealins@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Covenant shooting: Biden awards Nashville officers Medal of Valor
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden is preparing to issue a decree permanently banning new offshore oil and gas development in some US coastal waters, locking in difficult-to-revoke protections during his final weeks in the White House.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Biden is set within days to issue the executive order barring the sale of new drilling rights in portions of the countrys outer continental shelf, according to people familiar with the effort who asked not to be named because the decision isnt public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The move is certain to complicate President-elect Donald Trumps ambitions to drive more domestic energy production. Unlike other executive actions that can be easily undone, Bidens planned declaration is rooted in a 72-year-old law that gives the White House wide discretion to permanently protect US waters from oil and gas leasing without explicitly empowering presidents to revoke the designations.

The move responds to pressure from congressional Democrats and environmental groups who have lobbied Biden to maximize permanent protections against offshore drilling, arguing the action is essential to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities, protect marine ecosystems from oil spills and fight climate change.

White House spokespeople didnt respond to requests for comment, and the Interior Department declined to comment on the matter.

Biden administration officials have been considering the approach for more than two years, though efforts intensified after Trumps victory, as the outgoing president sought to enshrine new environmental measures before the end of his term. The fresh offshore protections are in line with recent Biden actions to protect areas from industrial mining and energy development, including a formal proposal issued Monday to thwart the sale of new oil, gas and geothermal leases in Nevadas Ruby Mountains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The move would further burnish Bidens green bona fides, deepening his record prioritizing conservation and fighting climate change while in office. Biden is already on track to protect more US lands and waters than any other president, even as he faces mounting calls to expand that record with new national monuments safeguarding culturally significant land in California. By contrast, Trump has vowed to unleash domestic production of oil and gas while rolling back environmental regulations that curb their consumption.

The full scope of Bidens coming offshore protections wasnt clear Thursday, but the designation is set to include waters considered critical to coastal resilience and the effort is meant to be targeted, said people familiar with the decision. Congressional Democrats and scores of environmental groups have urged Biden to make a sweeping declaration, though some recent deliberations have focused on parts of the Pacific Ocean near California and eastern Gulf of Mexico waters by Florida.

The declaration would not affect drilling and other activity on existing leases.

Trump Challenge

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump is expected to order a reversal of the protections, but its not clear he will be successful. During his first term in office, Trump sought to revoke former President Barack Obamas order to protect more than 125 million acres (50.6 million hectares) of the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, but that move was rejected by a federal district court in 2019.

Trump, himself, has actually used the same statute to block oil and gas leasing in waters near Florida and along the Southeast US in a bid to appeal to voters in the final weeks of the 2020 presidential campaign.

Supporters of the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, which governs offshore oil and gas development, note that Congress included a provision giving presidents wide discretion to permanently protect waters from leasing, but it didnt explicitly grant them the authority to undo those designations.

For decades, presidents have invoked the laws withdrawal provision to preserve walrus feeding grounds, US Arctic waters and other sensitive marine resources, beginning with former President Dwight Eisenhower, who in 1960 created the Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve that remains protected today. Former President George H.W. Bush also invoked the provision to block oil leasing along the West Coast, Northeast US and southern Florida for a decade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Though presidents have modified decisions from their predecessors to exempt areas from oil leasing, courts have never validated a complete reversal  and until Trump, no president had even attempted one.

Industry Reaction

Conservationists said the move allows the US to meet its future energy needs without jeopardizing areas important for national security, coastal communities and marine life.

President Biden has a historic opportunity to build on the legacy of former Democratic and Republican presidents who protected our coasts from new offshore drilling, said Joseph Gordon, campaign director with the advocacy group Oceana. Our coastlines are home to millions of Americans and support billions of dollars of economic activity that depend on a healthy coast, abundant wildlife and thriving fisheries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Biden has already curtailed opportunities for new offshore oil and gas development using potentially less enduring measures. His administration designed a program for selling offshore leases that allows just three auctions over the next five years, a record low. However, Trump is expected to rewrite that leasing plan using an administrative process that could take at least a year, and Republican lawmakers are considering ordering more offshore oil lease sales as a way to raise revenue to offset the cost of extending tax cuts.

Oil industry advocates have warned against new restrictions, arguing the world will need fossil fuels for decades to come  and the US produces them more cleanly than other countries. Nearly a century after it was first drilled, the Gulf of Mexico remains a key source of US oil and gas, providing about 14% of domestic output today  enough that if it were a country, it would rank among the worlds top 12 oil producers.

New restrictions would represent an attack on American energy, said Daniel Turner, founder of the Power The Future group that supports workers in the oil, coal and natural gas industries. President Trump should overturn this order on the first day, he said, and quickly usher Bidens green agenda into the dustbin of history.

Offshore drilling remains a politically divisive topic. Though Republicans tend to be more supportive, the Pew Research Center last May found fewer than half of survey respondents backed more offshore oil and gas drilling. The prospect is particularly controversial in some coastal states, where leaders from both parties have warned that oil spills could cripple tourism-based economies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

--With assistance from Laura Davison.

(Updates with reaction from environmentalists and industry advocates from ninth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
President Joe Biden said Friday he would block the nearly $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel of Japan, citing national security concerns.

It is my solemn responsibility as president to ensure that, now and long into the future, America has a strong domestically owned and operated steel industry that can continue to power our national sources of strength at home and abroad, Biden said in a statement reported by media outlets. And it is a fulfillment of that responsibility to block foreign ownership of this vital American company.

His decision came after a federal committee deadlocked on whether the transaction should move forward. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States had said it could result in lower domestic steel production, representing a national security risk, but made no formal recommendation. That left it up to Biden to determine the fate of the deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a committee of national security and trade experts across the executive branch determined, this acquisition would place one of Americas largest steel producers under foreign control and create risk for our national security and our critical supply chains, Biden said. President-elect Donald Trump has also opposed the takeover.

Nippon Steel had said it addressed the panel's concerns and made key commitments to grow U.S. Steel and protect American jobs. In December, Nippon sent a letter to CFIUS that accused the White House of impermissible influence in the process, The New York Times reported. Nippon said the committee's concerns were littered with factual inaccuracies and omissions, misleading and incomplete statements, conjecture and hypotheticals that have no basis in fact and are plainly illogical.

Nippon faces paying a $565 million penalty to U.S. Steel over the collapsed deal and has said it would consider pursuing legal action against the U.S. government.

The proposed sale came amid a growing demand for domestic steel. Prices have soared globally as production capacity has fallen short of need.
US President Joe Biden on Friday blocked the planned takeover of US Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel on grounds of risks to national security and critical supply chains.

"We need major US companies representing the major share of US steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of America's national interests," Biden said in a written statement from the White House issued just weeks before he leaves office.

The acquisition would have placed one of the country's largest steel producers under foreign control and created "risk for our national security and our critical supply chains," it said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"US Steel will remain a proud American company  one that's American-owned, American-operated, by American union steelworkers  the best in the world," the statement said.

Nippon Steel, Japan's largest steelmaker, and US Steel announced plans for an unopposed takeover in December 2023, putting the value of the transaction at around $14.9 billion.

US union representatives came out against the plans, fearing the loss of jobs. They placed Biden under pressure as a major electoral group at a time when he was still seeking re-election.

Biden had earlier made known his reservations on the deal, which has the backing of the US Steel board, but waited before making his decision.

Biden leaves office on January 20, handing over to President-elect Donald Trump, who has announced that he would also have blocked the deal.
President Joe Biden on Friday announced a decision to block the $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan-based Nippon Steel, saying domestically produced steel is essential to U.S. national security.

"Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure," Biden said in a statement.

The move marks the latest effort on the part of the Biden administration to protect U.S. markets from foreign-owned firms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Biden has preserved many of the tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump, and he enacted a law that would ban China-based social media platform TikTok later this month if the company doesn't find a new parent company. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments this month in a legal challenge brought by TikTok.

MORE: Can Trump's proposed tariffs revive the steel industry?

Nippon Steel sharply criticized the decision in a statement on Friday, suggesting the company may take legal action.

"We are dismayed by President Bidens decision to block Nippon Steels acquisition of U. S. Steel," Nippon Steel said. "The Presidents statement and Order do not present any credible evidence of a national security issue, making clear that this was a political decision."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Following President Bidens decision, we are left with no choice but to take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights," the company added.

The decision comes weeks after a federal committee declined to issue a recommendation on the U.S. Steel-Nippon Steel merger, leaving Biden an opportunity to block the deal.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, tasked with a review of the potential acquisition, shared concerns about the national security risks posed by the loss of the country's second-largest steel producer.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks on proposing tariffs on Chinese steel at the United Steelworkers Headquarters in Pittsburgh, April 17, 2024. ( Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images, FILE)

In response to the committee's decision, Nippon Steel alleged the White House had "impermissible undue influence" on the review. Nippon Steel has previously threatened to challenge the White House decision in court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fate of U.S. Steel  a storied 120-year-old firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  became a lightning rod during the 2024 election season.

MORE: Biden promises union workers to keep US Steel 'American-owned, American-operated'

During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly said he would block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon. In December, Trump reiterated that position.

"I am totally against the once great and powerful U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company," Trump said. "Buyer beware!!!"

In a statement on Friday, Biden said the decision to block the merger reflected a priority placed on the intersection between the nation's economic and national security interests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"As I have made clear since day one: I will never hesitate to act to protect the security of this nation and its infrastructure as well as the resilience of its supply chains," Biden said.

Shares of U.S. Steel fell about 7% in early trading on Friday.

Biden blocks US Steel takeover by Japan-based Nippon originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Jan. 2WASHINGTON  Nearing the end of his tenure, President Joe Biden on Thursday celebrated the Senate's confirmation of 235 judges during his presidency, eclipsing the total confirmed under his predecessor.

In remarks at the White House alongside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Biden hailed the diversity his nominees have brought to the federal bench. Senators confirmed the 235th federal judicial nominee before Congress recessed in December, surpassing by one the number of lifetime appointments by former and incoming President Donald Trump in his first term.

"Judges matter, shaping the everyday lives of Americans, protecting our basic freedoms," Biden said. "Most importantly  and I never thought I'd be saying this  they'll uphold the Constitution."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Senate confirmed 10 federal judges nominated by Biden in Washington state, concluding with the confirmation of Rebecca Pennell in November as a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.

Trump's imminent return to the Oval Office casts a shadow over an otherwise bright spot for Democrats, who succeeded in filling all but 39 vacancies in federal district and appellate courts. With Republicans taking control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, federal judges could play a leading role in countering policy decisions made in D.C.

Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond who focuses on the selection of federal judges, said the number of confirmations represents "an important milestone," especially because Biden's nominees have a wider range of professional backgrounds than has typically been represented on the federal bench.

In addition to that professional diversity, Biden's nominees have also added to the demographic diversity of a federal judiciary that has historically been dominated by white men. In a news release, the White House touted a "record number of women, Black, Latino, AANHPI, Native American, Muslim-American, and LGBTQ judges," using acronyms that refer to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, and to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"When I ran for president, I made a promise that I'd have a bench that looks like America, that taps into the full talents of this nation," the president said. "We have a record number of judges with backgrounds and experiences that have long been overlooked in the federal judiciary, like advocates for civil rights, workers' rights, immigrant rights and so much more."

During Biden's presidency, the Senate has confirmed 187 district court judges, 45 appellate court judges, two judges to the U.S. Court of International Trade and one Supreme Court justice. Although there are only 39 vacancies in the federal judiciary, Tobias said there are roughly the same number of judges whose age and years of service qualify them for "senior status," a quasi-retirement that would allow Trump to nominate their replacements.

Linda Jellum, a law professor at the University of Idaho, said that same dynamic applies in the Supreme Court, where conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, ages 76 and 74 respectively, may choose to retire so that Trump can replace them with younger judges. That could entrench conservative control of the Supreme Court, where Republican appointees hold a 6-3 majority after Trump made three appointments, for a generation.

The relatively small number of vacancies means that Trump won't have the same ability to reshape the lower courts that he did in his first term, when then-Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky had strategically kept many judgeships vacant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump's success in remaking the judiciary drove Senate Democrats to make confirming judges a top priority, especially after their party lost control of the House in 2022.

"In some ways, what Democrats did was play hardball the same way that Republicans did," Tobias said.

Just before Christmas, Biden vetoed a bill that would have added 66 new federal district court judge positions across the country, despite bipartisan support for the legislation that would have staggered the new appointments over the course of three presidential administrations. Jellum said that move seems designed to limit the number of vacancies Trump will be able to fill.

Federal judges were further empowered by the Supreme Court's ruling in June, in a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, that overturned a 40-year-old legal doctrine that deferred to executive-branch agencies on questions that Congress had not directly addressed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Under the new precedent, judges can interpret ambiguous statutes themselves.

Jellum said that change could mean less dramatic policy changes between administrations, but it will require judges to have a different skill set than they have typically used. When Trump is inaugurated as president on Jan. 20, court challenges to his administration's policies are likely to ensue.

Orion Donovan Smith's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
YANGON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have arrested 17 suspects for illegally storing and selling fuel in western Myanmar's Sagaing region, the state-run daily The Mirror reported on Friday.

Acting on a tip-off, the authorities, including security personnel, raided fuel storage facilities in five locations in Sagaing township on Dec. 27, 2024, the report said.

They seized 22 vehicles and 60,545 gallons of various fuels. A total of 17 suspects were arrested in connection with the illicit fuel trade, the report said.

The investigation showed that the fuel had been transported from Mandalay. The suspects had been illegally storing fuels and distributing them at higher prices to conflict-affected areas in Sagaing, Kachin, and northern Shan state, it said.

The illegal storage and sale of fuel led to the emergence of a black market and destabilized the local fuel market, the report added.

The suspects have been charged under the country's law, it added. 
President Joe Biden is expected to permanently ban future offshore oil and gas development in parts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in a way that could be especially difficult for the incoming Trump administration to undo.

Bidens planned executive order will invoke the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, a law that gives presidents broad authority to withdraw federal waters from future oil and gas leasing and development, according to an administration source familiar with the plans.

The law does not give presidents explicit authority to revoke the action and place federal waters back into development, meaning President-elect Donald Trump would have to get Congress to change it before he could reverse Bidens move.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As Bidens presidency draws to a close, environmental and climate groups have advocated for him to withdraw areas off the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, as well as other parts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans  giving the areas permanent protections from future drilling. The move would guard against future oil spills and adding more planet-warming pollution from fossil fuels to the atmosphere.

We hope it will be part of a very vast area, Oceana campaign director Joseph Gordon told CNN, adding Bidens actions would extend and make permanent those protections.

Despite a friendly posture towards the oil and gas industry, Trump also moved to ban offshore drilling while president. After proposing a major expansion in offshore drilling early in his first term, Trump in 2020 extended a ban on future oil drilling in the Eastern Gulf and expanded it to include the Atlantic coasts of three states: Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Every president this century has recognized that some areas of the ocean are just too risky or too sensitive to drill, Earthjustice vice president of litigation for lands, wildlife and oceans Drew Caputo said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The White House declined to comment. Bidens move was first reported by Bloomberg.

Energy analysts told CNN the move wont make much of a difference in US oil production, which has set new records under Biden.

Its not particularly consequential for US exploration and production going forward, said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at the Oil Price Information Service. Kloza noted theres plenty of existing offshore rigs pumping oil in the Gulf of Mexico and added that offshore projects typically take 6-8 years to come online.

I dont see it as having any real impact on US supply, exports, imports, Kloza said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, the American Petroleum Institute blasted Bidens decision, calling it a misguided approach.

We look forward to working with the incoming administration to bring the benefits offshore oil and natural gas production provides to the United States through jobs, investment and domestic energy security, API senior vice president of policy, economics and regulatory affairs Dustin Meyer said in a statement.

In a separate coming announcement, the Biden administration is also expected to declare two new national monuments in California in the coming week, a source familiar with the planning told CNN.

Biden will establish the Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park and the Sattitla National Monument in Northern California, the source said. Native tribes have been actively pushing the administration to protect the land from energy development.

Biden has so far conserved or expanded ten national monuments as president.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
As concerns about outbreaks of bird flu and the nations response continue to grow, the U.S. reported its first death from the virus on Monday.

The individual was over the age of 65, Louisiana health officials said, and had underlying medical conditions. They had contracted the illness after exposure to wild birds and a non-commercial backyard flock. The case marked the nations first severe illness from the virus, which had likely mutated inside the patient. However, there has not yet been human-to-human transmission of H5N1.

The announcement comes after the Biden administration said Friday that it would ramp up spending to support efforts to monitor and tackle the spread of bird flu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are currently 66 confirmed human cases reported across 10 states, with the majority reported in California and Colorado.

Now more than $300 million will go toward monitoring H5N1 bird flu and regional, state, and local preparedness programs. About a third is allocated for testing, outreach to high-risk populations, and increased surveillance of individuals who have been exposed to infected animals. And, $90 million is being awarded to the Hospital Preparedness Program, which is the only source of federal funding for health care system readiness.

While the risk to humans remains low, we are always preparing for any possible scenario that could arise. These investments are critical to continuing our disease surveillance, laboratory testing, and monitoring efforts alongside our partners at USDA, Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. Preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe. We will continue to ensure our response is strong, well-equipped, and ready for whatever is needed.

The move, which is aimed at protecting human and animal health and food safety, comes after health officials said Thursday that available treatments and vaccines, as well as those in development, are sufficient to prevent severe disease from bird flu -- though assuring the National Institutes of Health and its federal partners remain focused on monitoring the virus and evaluating changes.

Cows graze in a field last month in Petaluma, California. Hundreds of the nations dairy herds have been stricken with H5N1 bird flu. While health officials maintain that the risk to human health remains low, the Biden administration said Friday it would allocate more than $300 million for monitoring and preparedness efforts (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases leaders stressed that timely collaboration among investigators, vigilant disease surveillance to identify and assess viral changes to evaluate the risk for person-to-person transmission, continued development and testing of medical countermeasures including vaccines, and advising people to take precautions to prevent exposure to the virus are all crucial going forward to help scientists and public health officials investigating HPAI H5N1 to answer the many remaining questions more quickly about how the virus is spreading, evolving, and affecting people, other mammals, and birds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, the spread of the virus among animals on farms and in the wild has been a challenge for authorities, with hundreds of cattle herds infected in 16 states and more than 17 million birds in commercial and backyard flocks affected. The virus has resulted in an egg shortage, as exposed birds have been slaughtered.

Bird flu has also been found in pigs, migratory birds, and West Coast cats that drank raw milk and ate recalled pet food. Infections have forced governors in California and Iowa to issue disaster proclamations. More than 70 percent of Californias herds are infected.

Empty shelves for eggs are seen during a shortage at a Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store in Redondo Beach, California, on Thursday. Bird flu has depleted the nations supply and sent prices skyrocketing (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

The majority of human cases have been mild, and in people directly exposed to these animals.

Of the cases reported in the Western Pacific Region from January 2003 through this past September, the World Health Organization says there was a case fatality rate of 54 percent.

A researcher performs a rapid antigen test on milk from a dairy cow inoculated against bird flu in an Iowa research facility last July. The government has also begun testing cheese products made with raw milk for the virus (USDA Agricultural Research Service via AP, File)

Several probable human cases in California, Washington, Arizona, and Delaware have also been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In response, the government has also begun testing raw milk and cheese products made with raw milk. Raw milk products are not pasteurized, a heating process that kills bacteria and viruses such as bird flu. Unpasteurized cheeses and other products made using raw milk are seen as high-risk by the Food and Drug Administration.
The attacker in the New Orleans car-ramming had a remote detonator for explosives in his vehicle, US President Joe Biden said on Thursday in an update on the incident.

Biden said the FBI had told him that the assailant acted alone and that he was the one who placed explosives in coolers at other locations in the French Quarter a few hours before the terrorist act.

FBI sees no connection to Las Vegas explosion

US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas cautioned against drawing connections between the attack in New Orleans and the explosion of an electric car in Las Vegas due to some similarities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The two men behind the New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks had both been in the military and they had both rented the vehicles used in the attacks from the same platform.

The New Orleans attacker served in the US Army and was subsequently retained as a reservist for years, while the Las Vegas suspect, who died in the explosion, was an active soldier.

"This does not necessarily establish a connection between the two events," said Mayorkas in an interview with CNN when asked about the parallels. "I think we don't yet know enough."

FBI investigators had previously also stated that the federal police currently see no connection between the New Orleans attack and the explosion of the Tesla Cybertruck. Biden also emphasized this, but said the investigations would continue to determine if there is any connection between the incidents.
President Joe Biden has less than a month in office, but that might be enough time to leave a very big mess on President-elect Donald Trump's desk. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan presented Biden with plans to bomb Iranian nuclear sites before the end of his term "in a meeting several weeks ago," Axios reported on Thursday. A source told Axios that Biden's inner circle believes that he has both "an imperative and an opportunity to strike" now.

The same day, former Biden administration official Richard Nephew published an essay in Foreign Affairs arguing that "the case against military action is not so neat" anymore and that the United States "may have little choice but to attack Iranand soon." Nephew had once been a harsh critic of Trump's attempts to pressure and threaten Iran. Now, like many other Democrats, he seems to be shifting from a dove to a hawk.

The Biden camp is following a path trod by the first Trump administration. Throughout Trump's last year in office, his own inner circle talked about "military action to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons if Trump were to lose the election," The New Yorker reported. A week after he lost the election, Trump asked for military options, The New York Times confirmed. The final discussion happened exactly four years agoon January 3, 2021when Trump's advisers agreed that it was "too late to hit them," according to The New Yorker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In other words, the president starting a war that close to the end of his term would be severely overstepping his mandate.

At the time, Biden and his supporters called Trump a reckless warmonger. In January 2020, Biden accused Trump of "bringing us dangerously close to starting a brand new" war. In November 2020, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (DIll.) cited Trump's interest in attacking Iran as an example of him endangering the "smooth, stable transition" of power. In December 2020, columnist Tom Nichols wrote in The Atlantic that there was a "real danger" that Trump would try "saddling Joe Biden with another war in the Middle East."

Ironically, Biden's advisers are now using the reduction of Iranian threats to make the case for war. Over the past two months, Israel has worn Iranian-backed forces down in Lebanon, and rebels forced Iranian troops out of Syria, a pair of successes that Biden took credit for. But at a conference last month, Sullivan warned that Iran's regional weakness might push it to develop a nuclear weapon. And in private, Sullivan has been arguing that the same weakness would "decrease the risk of Iranian retaliation" to a U.S. attack, according to Axios.

A victory that immediately leads to an even bigger war is some victory indeed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sullivan's bet on a limited warthat Iran would not shoot back if shot atwould be an extremely risky gamble. And even Nephew, who has warmed up to the case for war, does not believe that bombing the Iranian nuclear program would be a one-time job. "To permanently quash Iran's nuclear aspirations, the United States may have to attack Iran in perpetuity or carry out a much larger assaultone that takes out elements of the country's security forces or regime," he wrote in Foreign Affairs.

The situation resembles the U.S. stance towards Iraq after 1991. At the time, the U.S. military intervened to stop an Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. U.S. officials such as Dick Cheney insisted they only supported a limited war rather than an invasion aimed at regime change. But over the next few years, the United States found itself committed to costly, permanent military containment of Iraq. By 2002, Cheney was arguing that only an invasion and regime change could bring stability.

Of course, there's an important difference between 2025 and 1991. Back then, Iraq had fired the first shot, and the United States stepped in afterward. If a war starts now, it would be a U.S. first strike. Again, Sullivan's case is based on Iran no longer being able to threaten other countries. And U.S. officials have never publicly defined their red lines around Iran's nuclear program.

Although a U.S. intelligence report last month strongly implied that Iran hasn't decided to build a bomb yet, U.S. officials have hinted that they would attack short of that point. In May 2023, the Biden administration reportedly warned during a private meeting that "Iran will pay a heavy price" if it enriches uranium to 90 percent. (The same number came up in yesterday's Axios report.) In March 2023, American and Israeli sources told Bloomberg that even installing new air defenses in Iran's nuclear sites "would accelerate a decision on a possible attack."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Biden has signed America up for a serious commitment without ever consulting with the American people. The threats to Iran were made through private back channels, and only became known to the public because of anonymous leaks. Congress has never voted to authorize an attack on Iran, under any circumstances. The only time the question was ever posed to Congress, in early 2020, a bipartisan majority rejected war.

Back then, Biden left no wiggle room around the president's constitutional obligations.

"These are matters of deadly import, so let me be unmistakably clear: Donald Trump does not have the authority to go to war with Iran without Congressional authorization. Working with Congress is not an optional part of the job," Biden wrote in a January 2020 essay. "And no president should ever take the United States to war without securing the informed consent of the American people."

The post Is Biden Teeing Up an Iran War for Trump? appeared first on Reason.com.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will travel to New Orleans on Monday.

The Bidens, according to a White house announcement on Friday, will grieve with the families and community members affected by the Bourbon Street attack on New Years Day that left 15 people dead.

Biden, who plans to use his final weeks in office to tie up loose ends and bolster his broader legacy, appears intent on demonstrating he is still carrying out the traditional aspects of the job. That includes responding to unforeseen events like the New Orleans tragedy, which the FBI is investigating as a terrorist attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president met with his homeland security team in the Situation Room on Thursday and then spoke briefly about the investigation at the outset of an event touting his administrations success in appointing new judges to the federal judiciary.

Biden praised the resilience of people in New Orleans and vowed that terrorism, be it from ISIS or domestic actors, will find no safe harbor here.

The trip to New Orleans  the first leg of a trip that will continue on to California  will mark the start of a busy penultimate week in office. It will come just days before Biden presides over the state funeral for President Jimmy Carter next Thursday. He is scheduled to depart later that day for Rome, where he will meet with Pope Francis and, separately, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Biden is also planning to deliver a speech on foreign policy, as well as a farewell address to the country before Donald Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden will visit New Orleans next week, with the city still reeling from the deadly New Years rampage in which an Army veteran plowed a truck into revelers.

The White House says the president and first lady will travel to New Orleans on Monday to grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack."

Fourteen people were killed in the attack. The driver, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an American citizen from Texas, was later killed during an exchange of gunfire with police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Biden said Thursday that he had ordered an accelerated investigation into the attack. He also praised the spirit of the people of New Orleans.

After visiting Louisiana, Biden will travel to California for an event in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Jan. 2OLYMPIA  Washington could allow family burial plots on private property, according to a statement from the office of Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, who pre-filed the bill Dec. 13.

House Bill 1065 would amend state law to allow burials on private land if other conditions are met, according to the statement. Walsh wrote that the legislation addresses ambiguity in state law, protects property rights, and honors cultural traditions.

"This remains a small but important property rights issue in our state that needs to be addressed in law. Washington families should be able to bury loved ones who've passed away on privately owned land," Walsh wrote in the statement. "It's a tradition with deep cultural roots in this part of the world. Current state law is not clear on the practice  and many Washington families are carrying on their personal and cultural traditions, uncertain of the legality of what they're doing."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Under RCW 68.20.010, it is illegal in Washington to bury human remains anywhere other than a legally-designated cemetery or a building built exclusively for religious purposes, and that cemetery must be owned by a corporation. This means, according to the Washington State Department of Licensing, that a Washington landowner who wished to bury their loved ones on their land would be required first to register as a nonprofit, apply for a business license and register the property as a cemetery with the county. HB 1065 would amend the law to allow an individual landowner the same rights as a corporation, according to the bill's text.

Washington is the only state in which existing law is so rigid; California and Arkansas also generally prohibit private burials but allow for a special permit. Washington's law regulating cemeteries went into effect in 1987, but did not address family plots established on private property before that date, nor did it directly address individuals who wished to maintain a family plot.

"These changes help clear up this uncertainty," Walsh wrote. "It requires that families follow local land-use guidelines about wetlands, title filings, and other matters. It limits the practice to family members and doesn't allow any sort of commercial use. But it states clearly that, if families follow those rules, they can bury a loved one's remains on land they own."

HB 1065 clarifies that families wishing to continue traditional burial practices must follow local land-use guidelines, including wetlands and title filings, according to Walsh's statement. It specifies that the option only applies to direct family members and disallows any commercial use. The plot would have to be at least 25 feet from the parcel boundary and 50 feet from an existing easement or right-of-way. City and county governments still would have jurisdiction under HB 1065 to regulate or prohibit private burial grounds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition to its past bipartisan legislative support, HB 1065 has garnered backing from several groups, including Native American tribes, property rights organizations, and those invested in preserving Washington's rich cultural heritage, according to Walsh's statement.

"I am honored to have broad support for this worthy reform  from our state's Native American tribes, property-rights groups, and Washingtonians interested in our state's history and traditions," Walsh wrote. "I hope this version of the bill can complete its journey into law."

The text of HB 1065 and updates to its status can be found at https://bit.ly/WAHB1065.
In Washington, kokanee salmon have returned in force to the Lake Sammamish watershed after going nearly extinct a few years ago, King County reported.

The revival of the species is thanks to emergency actions enacted by county officials to restore the salmon's native habitat.

"Six years after I announced emergency actions to help ensure the survival of Lake Sammamish kokanee, we're seeing promising signs for a lasting recovery," King County Executive Dow Constantine said. "From the record number of young salmon released into the lake to the dramatic rise in the number of adult salmon returning to their historic spawning grounds, we're seeing the progress of hard work by a dedicated team."

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

The county Department of Natural Resources and Parks installed five modern box culverts in streams that flow into Lake Sammamish and also removed multiple barriers, allowing the salmon better access to their natural habitat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Seeing positive results for both young and adult kokanee salmon weeks apart inspires optimism for this iconic species," John Taylor, director of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks, told King County. "I'm grateful for our employees and partners whose steadfast commitment to salmon recovery made these milestones possible."

The success of these efforts to restore salmon populations is an important reminder of the impact that humans can have on our natural environment  both good and bad. Human activities clearly harmed salmon populations, as they also have in other locations, removing access to important spawning grounds, degrading water quality, eliminating food sources, and more.

However, it is clearly also possible for humans to help revive these threatened or endangered species through concerted conservation efforts. In another example, an environmental restoration project on the California-Oregon border included the largest dam removal effort in U.S. history, which allowed salmon to return to a part of their native habitat for the first time in 100 years.

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.




WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A new homeless shelter in Wilkes-Barre was blessed by Bishop Bambera this morning.

The shelter officially opened on December 27 and houses up to 20 men.

It offers people shelter and laundry for its residents for 30 to 45 days.

Its directly above St. Vincent de Pauls kitchen, a food bank and a clothing bank allowing the occupants to get a hot meal, food, and clothing if needed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You know, this is just 20 men and so in some ways its a drop in the bucket, but for this drop, this is my drop in the bucket. You know we can provide services for them, we can make them feel comfortable and cared for, expressed Joe Mahoney, CEO of Catholic Social Services for the Diocese of Scranton.

Theres a lot of people who are in need out there, and it feels great to be able to help them, Harry Lyons, Program Supervisor at Mother Teresas Safe Haven.

The shelter is open 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., 7 days a week, 365 days-a-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 PAhomepage.com.
Blake Lively responded to claims within Justin Baldonis $250 million libel lawsuit against the New York Times on Thursday, saying the Tuesday motion changes nothing about her sexual harassment claims against the It Ends With Us director and star.

On New Years Eve, Baldoni was one of 10 plaintiffs that filed a lawsuit against the newspaper, alleging that the publication was libelous in its Dec. 21 report, We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine. The report was a write-up of Livelys own sexual harassment complaint against the actor, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that Baldoni and executives at his Wayfarer Studios created an unsafe work environment.

Baldonis Dec. 31 suit sued the paper for $250 million for libel and invasion of privacy. Publicists Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan  co-plaintiffs in the case  accused the paper of relying on cherry-picked and altered communications stripped of necessary context and deliberately spliced to mislead in its bombshell report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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. [Baldonis] lawsuit is based on the obviously false premise that Ms. Livelys administrative complaint against Wayfarer and others was a ruse, Livelys attorneys said in a statement to TheWrap.

While we will not litigate this matter in the press, we do encourage people to read Ms. Livelys complaint in its entirety, the statement continued. We look forward to addressing each and every one of Wayfarers allegations in court.

Also on Tuesday, Lively sued Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios for sexual harassment and breach of contract, citing the unconscionable alleged smear campaign against her following a Jan. 4 meeting where the actor and co-plaintiffs agreed to cease harassing behavior and other disturbing conduct.

Additionally Lively accuses Baldonis publicists of orchestrating a smear campaign against the actress in order to cover up for their own misconduct. In the New York Times report and her complaint, several text messages revealed that the publicists behind the Wayfarer Studios team tried to bury Lively.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In their suit against the New York Times, Baldoni and his team claims that text messages revealing that crises PR efforts for the Wayfarer Studios tried to bury Lively provided for Livelys initial sexual harassment complaint and included in the Times reporting were cherry-picked to prove malicious intent.

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, stated.

According to the Times, however, Baldoni and his camp have yet to provide a single error in its reporting, despite the suits claims. A New York Times spokesperson told TheWrap that the role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead.

Since Livelys complaint, Baldoni has been dropped by his agency WME, and Lively has received a slew of supporters, including author Colleen Hoover, Gwyneth Paltrow and SAG-AFTRA.

The post Blake Lively Lawyers: Nothing in Justin Baldonis $250 Million Libel Lawsuit Changes Anything About Her Sexual Harassment Claims appeared first on TheWrap.
YANGON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have seized 40.2 kg of heroin blocks and 200,000 stimulant tablets in eastern Myanmar's Shan state, the state-run daily The Mirror reported on Friday.

Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police searched a vehicle in Mong Pan township of southern Shan state on Dec. 28, 2024, and seized the narcotics, the report said.

The confiscated narcotics are approximately worth 540 million kyats (about 257,142 U.S. dollars), and two suspects were arrested for the case, it said.

The suspects were charged under the country's law, and further investigations were ongoing, it added. 
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi officially began his second term in office with a special inauguration ceremony held at the Mission Memorial Auditorium Thursday, January 2, 2025 to commemorate the occasion.

He took the stage and recognized his team for their unwavering dedication and called on them to continue their work.

Our first four years together have been defined by a shared and unrelenting commitment to overcome obstacles that once seemed impossible to overcome, he said. This is a shared destiny for all of us and today we took an oath and what we want at the end of our term is a promise fulfilled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blangiardi highlighted his mission to work with Honolulu City Council to affect change in his next term tackling the citys biggest problems.

In terms of execution, weve already shown a commitment in working hand-in-hand to improve the lives of our residents. So, on behalf of our entire team, I want to tell you I cannot wait to tackle these next four years, he explained.

Honolulu City Council Tommy Waters said he agrees.

All problems that were facing in the city today cannot be solved unless the mayor and the city council work collaboratively and I think today was a clear sign from both sides, from the city council and from the mayor, that thats exactly what we intend to do, Waters said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2024 Blangiardi vetoed a bill from City Council that would have allowed some consumer fireworks like sparklers. Just a day after the horrific fatal firework explosion in Aliamanu, he said he stands by that decision. But he plans to crack down on illegal aerial fireworks.

Aerial fireworks are in a special category and we have to do something about it and candidly its out of control, Blangiardi explained.

Addressing homelessness and housing are also top priorities.

What were doing in housing, again in part collaboration with the state, but also the fact that the city is a player in the creation of housing, he added. Ill tell you, coming up in the first quarter, youll probably see so many you wont believe it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blangiardi said hes thrilled and excited to continue his role as mayor.

This team is ready. Im ready. Weve now identified the problems if you will. We understand the solutions and its on to execution.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Authorities in Germany are trying to figure out what triggered a blast at a police station in Berlin late on Thursday evening, but do not believe the explosion was part of an intentional attack.

A policeman suffered injuries to his face and eye and underwent an operation in hospital overnight, a police spokesman said. A policewoman also suffered blast trauma, but has since been released from hospital.

"According to the current state of the investigation, it is possible that the detonation was caused by improper handling of pyrotechnics," the police spokesman told dpa. "A reconstruction of the event should clarify what happened."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The officers were conducting a routine patrol of the station's perimeter fence in the northern Berlin district of Wittenau when an unknown object exploded, police said.

Both officers are currently not fit for questioning, according to the spokesman.
(This story was updated with new information)

UPDATE: The suspect wanted in the shooting of a deputy from the Orange County Sheriff's Office is dead after being shot by a Louisville Metro Police officer Saturday.

According to a release from the Indiana State Police, LMPD officers were investigating a home Saturday night in the 3700 block of Wheeler Avenue in connection with the search for 33-year-old Austin Schepers. Police in Indiana had been searching for Schepers since Friday after he reportedly shot Deputy Zach Andry when he stopped to help what he believed to be a disabled vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When Louisville officers located Schepers Saturday, an altercation followed and he was killed after being shot by an LMPD officer.

LMPD spokesperson Matthew Sanders said further details will be released in a media briefing Saturday night.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: What started as a deputy checking in on two people on the side of a road ended with that deputy shot and a blue alert for a man who is considered armed and dangerous.

Orange County Deputy Zac Andry was shot four times, including once in the head, early Friday morning. The deputy was hospitalized and as of Saturday afternoon, he was in critical but stable condition. His community had a prayer vigil for him Friday evening. Orange County is located in southern Indiana

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Indiana State Police, the deputy noticed a car sitting partially in the road at the intersection of US 150 and Indiana State Road 56. Believing the two occupants to be stranded drivers, he approached the car. The driver fired a gun at Andry, striking him four times. The car then fled.

Who is the suspect wanted in the Blue Alert

Austin Schepers

Indiana State Police are trying to locate Austin Schepers, a Jaspers resident. He is described as a 33-year-old man who stands 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a tattoo of a cross under his left eye and extensive tattoos on his neck, torso, back and scalp.

A woman also in the vehicle at the time of the shooting was taken into custody near Orangeville about 8 a.m. Friday.

Schepers was last seen driving a silver 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with Indiana license plate CRT921. The car was located without Schepers in the Orangeville area Friday morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police received a tip that Schepers was at a home in New Albany on Friday afternoon. He wasn't found at that location, but police believe he was in the New Albany/Floyd County area late Friday evening.

Indiana State Police are warning people in the area that if they notice a vehicle missing or someone walking in the area, they should notify police. They're asking that people keep their doors and windows locked.

Austin Schepers was last seen driving a silver 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with Indiana license plate CRT921 after being accused of shooting a deputy Jan. 3, 2025.

Where Austin Schepers was last seen

Police say Schepers was last seen at 12:58 a.m. Jan. 3, 2025, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, 104 miles southwest of Indianapolis.

Why was a Blue Alert issued in Indiana

Police said Schepers shot the deputy during a traffic stop in West Baden Springs at the intersection of US 150 and Indiana State Road 56.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators believe Schepers is armed and dangerous. If seen, do not approach and contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411 or 911.

How to help Deputy Andry and family

Assistance Fund for Orange County Deputy Zach Andry & Familyhttps://t.co/zB4P59PxeE pic.twitter.com/wCQh1a8WuD  Indiana State Police, Jasper District (@ISPJasper) January 4, 2025

An account was established to benefit the family of Deputy Andry and his family at Springs Valley Bank and Trust in French Lick, located at 8482 State Road 56. Donations can be made at any Springs Valley Bank and Trust or by calling 800-843-4947.

Donations also can be made through the nonprofit Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation online at indianafallen.org/fallen-heroes or via PayPal under "Orange County Sheriff's Deputy."

What is a Blue Alert

Blue Alerts warn people when an officer is in danger, killed or seriously injured and a suspect has not been located. Blue alerts also are used when an officer goes missing while on duty and the circumstances around their disappearance cause concern for the officer's safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blue Alerts must meet the following criteria:

Law enforcement officer missing, seriously injured, or killed in the line of duty. Suspect has not been apprehended, location unknown, and poses imminent danger. There must be enough descriptive information to believe the broadcast will help. Request must be recommended by the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction.

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. IndyStar newsroom leader, Jen Guadarrama contributed to this article

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Austin Schepers, man wanted in deputy's shooting, killed by police
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  A measure aimed at improving health care and benefits for veterans is one step closer to becoming law.

The bipartisan legislation now heads to President Joe Bidens desk.

City of Middletown, Veterans Affairs at odds over land next to State Veterans Cemetery

It means a lot to have people who are willing to help so much, Terry Waite, a veteran, said.

Waite knows firsthand how critical support for veterans is. His service to this country spans decades and is receiving housing and resources at Harkness House in New Haven.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theyve connected me to other programs to find permanent housing and theyre supporting me with it, Waite said.

He was among those who stood on the steps of Harkness House on Thursday as Sen. Richard Blumenthal discussed this legislation.

For one veteran to be homeless is a shame and disgrace for this country, Blumenthal said

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act passed the House and Senate. The bipartisan legislation contains a number of proposals to reform and improve resources and serves at the Department of Veterans Affairs  that includes, increasing access to mental health programs, expanding long-term care options and providing assistance for veterans experiencing homelessness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This measure provides very significant increases in the compensation thats necessary for these transitional housing locations to do their jobs, Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal told News 8 this legislation would also increase the VA reimbursement rate for transitional housing facilities.

It could be the difference between sustaining and teetering for programs, such as ours, Vince Santilli, of Homes for the Brave, said.

They also encouraged veterans who need help to reach out as there are resources in place across the state.

In Connecticut, we use a centralized point which people can access services and thats 2-1-1, Sarah Hoffman, chief development officer at Columbus House said. Theres also a number of drop-in centers located in New Haven.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Bluebell Road Health Plaza in Cedar Falls, where a physician assistant is alleged to have sexually assaulted multiple patients. (Photo via Google Earth)

The state of Iowa has issued an emergency order suspending the license of a physician assistant alleged to have sexually assaulted multiple patients.

The Iowa Board of Physician Assistants alleges that James Haag, while practicing occupational medicine at MercyOnes Bluebell Road Family Medicine in Cedar Falls, performed job-related physicals for individuals who worked at a local business.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The board alleges that in July 2024, Haag examined four patients for purposes of their employment. In each case, the patients were allegedly instructed to disrobe and Haag conducted the examinations without the presence of a nurse or other observer.

During the course of each examination, the board alleges, Haag removed each patients robe and made physical contact with the patients genitals. In some instances, the board alleges, he used his hands, while in others he pressed his fully clothed pelvic area into the patients genitals or backside.

The board alleges Haag also made inappropriate contact with multiple patients breasts during the course of their examinations. In multiple instances, where the patients attempted to cover themselves, (Haag) swatted their hands away, the board alleges.

Haag is charged with knowingly engaging in unethical conduct or a practice harmful or detrimental to the public, and with willful or repeated violations of state regulations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Dec. 19, the board issued an emergency order suspending Haags license for an indefinite period, citing predatory actions towards his patients (that) constitute a threat to public health.

In its order, the board alleges Haag sexually assaulted multiple patients in his care and that he poses an immediate danger to the public health, safety and welfare.

A hearing in the matter is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2025. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to reach Haag for comment.

Board records indicate Haag was first licensed by the state in September 1993.
Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Almost one year after a door plug blowout on one of its 737 Max jets led to an explosive decompression, Boeing is now detailing the steps it has taken to improve safety during the manufacturing process.

Boeing on Friday outlined key performance indicators it is using to measure safety improvements, as well as the four main areas of its safety and quality plan.

The company said an investment in workforce training, simplification of plans and processes, elimination of defects and elevation of safety culture is paying dividends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the top administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration cautioned that any improvements won't happen overnight.

"But this is not a one-year project," outgoing FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker wrote in a blog published Friday.

Boeing on Friday outlined key performance indicators it is using to measure safety improvements, as well as the four main areas of its safety and quality plan. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI

"What's needed is a fundamental cultural shift at Boeing that's oriented around safety and quality above profits. That will require sustained effort and commitment from Boeing, and unwavering scrutiny on our part."

On Jan. 5, 2024, a Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines suffered a massive decompression just minutes after taking off from Portland International Airport in Oregon bound for Ontario, Calif. A plug used to seal an unused emergency exit detached, causing the emergency decompression. Pilots were able to return the plane to Portland and safely land the plane.

Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Whitaker said Friday "this is not a one-year project, when referencing Boeing's safety improvements over the last year. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The plug was only located days later in a residential backyard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FBI later said it was probing the incident as a possible crime.

On Jan. 5, 2024, a Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines suffered a massive decompression just minutes after taking off from Portland International Airport in Oregon bound for Ontario, Calif., after a plug used to seal an unused emergency exit detached, causing the emergency decompression. File Photo courtesy of the National Transportation Safety Board

Boeing later paid $160 million to Alaska Airlines as compensation for the incident.

The Justice Department also opened its own criminal probe, which will look at whether Boeing failed to comply with earlier directives to fix problems stemming from the crash of two other Boeing 737 Max jets just over a year apart.

Lion Air flight JT-610 crashed just after take off in 2018, killing 189 people, while 157 people died in the crash of Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 in March of 2019.

Boeing detailed several of the steps the company has taken to improve safety in its Friday update. Those include a new wiring process to reduce the risk of defects, new tools to prevent scratches on delicate airplane parts and updated onboarding procedures for new employees that stress a safety culture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The company has also created a new Human Factors Functional Chief Engineer position and implemented additional employee training to stress compliance when removing and replacing parts.

Boeing now said it has "addressed over 70% of action items in commercial airplanes production based on employee feedback...across Final Assembly for the 737, 787 and portions of 767 and 777." The company said the steps taken have mitigated risk.

"Boeing is working to make progress executing its comprehensive plan in the areas of safety, quality improvement and effective employee engagement and training. We're actively monitoring the results and keeping a close eye on work at key Boeing facilities," Whitaker wrote Friday.

"FAA safety experts continually review the effectiveness of the changes; senior FAA leaders meet with Boeing weekly to review their performance metrics, progress, and any challenges they're facing; we have conducted an unprecedented number of unannounced audits; and we conduct monthly status reviews with Boeing executives to monitor progress. Our enhanced oversight is here to stay."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Whitaker in September told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that when it comes to Boeing's safety record, "There's progress, but they're not where they need to be yet."

On Dec. 29, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department and Boeing told a court on Friday they have not reached agreement on a revised plea deal after a U.S. judge in December rejected the deal, faulting a diversity and inclusion provision.

Boeing and the government "continue to work in good faith toward" a new agreement, they said in a joint filing. They asked U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor to give them until Feb. 16 to provide a new update. That timetable would give the administration of President-elect Donald Trump a chance to review the issue before moving forward.

In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge in the wake of two fatal 737 MAX crashes. The planemaker also agreed to pay a fine of up to $487.2 million and spend $455 million to improve safety and compliance practices over three years of court-supervised probation as part of the deal.

Judge O'Connor in Fort Worth, Texas, in December rejected the deal, seizing on a sentence in the plea agreement mentioning the DOJ's diversity policy regarding the selection of an independent monitor to audit the planemaker's compliance practices.

Relatives of the victims of the two 737 MAX crashes, which occurred in 2018 and 2019 and killed 346 people, have called the plea agreement a "sweetheart" deal that failed to adequately hold Boeing accountable for the deaths of their loved ones.

An accepted plea deal would brand Boeing a convicted felon for conspiring to defraud the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration about problematic software affecting the flight control systems in the planes that crashed.

In May, the DOJ found Boeing had violated the terms of a 2021 agreement that had shielded it from prosecution over the crashes. Prosecutors then decided to criminally charge Boeing and negotiate the current plea deal.

The decision followed a Jan. 5, 2024, in-flight blowout of a door panel on an Alaska Airlines jet that exposed ongoing safety and quality issues at Boeing.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in WashingtonEditing by Matthew Lewis)
After the deadly Jeju Air crash in South Korea this week killed 179 people, the South Korean government said that it would be inspecting every domestic model of the plane involved, the Boeing (BA) 737-800. Jeju Air alone has 36 of them. The older-model, single-aisle jetliner, a predecessor to the Boeing 737 Max 8, has been really popular throughout its production. According to Boeings orders-and-deliveries page, the planemaker has delivered nearly 5,200 of them to commercial and military customers since 1996.

Jeju Air, however, isnt even close to the largest operator of Boeing 737-800s. Second-hand sales, leases, and fleet rejuvenations aside. A Quartz analysis of Boeing deliveries shows that a number of airlines operate several times more 737-800 planes than Jeju does.

Take a look at which airlines took delivery of the most Boeing 737-800s.



10. GOL Linhas Aereas

A Gol Airlines Boeing 737-800 - Photo: Leonardo Carrato/Bloomberg (Getty Images)

Boeing records show that the Brazilian carrier took delivery of 104 of the planes between 2006 and 2016. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the company still has 73 of them in its fleet.

9. China Southern Airlines

A Southern Airlines Boeing 737-800 - Photo: Costfoto/NurPhoto (Getty Images)

Boeing records show that the Chinese carrier took delivery of 109 of the planes between 2002 and 2018. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 156 of them in its fleet.

8. Air China

An Air China Boeing 737-800 - Photo: Costfoto/NurPhoto (Getty Images)

Boeing records show that the Chinese carrier took delivery of 116 of the planes between 1999 and 2000. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 87 of them in its fleet.

7. Xiamen Airlines

A Xiamen Airlines Boeing 737-800 - Photo: Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/LightRocket (Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Boeing records show that the Chinese carrier took delivery of 119 of the planes between 2006 and 2018. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 118 of them in its fleet.

6. Delta Air Lines

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 - Photo: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto (Getty Images)

Boeing records show that the U.S. carrier took delivery of 132 of the planes between 1998 and 2010. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 77 of them in its fleet.

5. China Eastern Airlines

A China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800 - Photo: VCG (Getty Images)

Boeing records show that the Chinese carrier took delivery of 133 of the planes between 1998 and 2010. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 77 of them in its fleet.

4. United Airlines

A United Airlines Boeing 737-800 - Photo: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto (Getty Images)

Boeing records show that the U.S. carrier took delivery of 141 of the planes between 1998 and 2017. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 141 of them in its fleet.

3. Southwest Airlines

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 - Photo: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images (Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Boeing records show that the U.S. carrier took delivery of 202 of the planes between 2012 and 2018. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 205 of them in its fleet.

2. American Airlines

An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 - Photo: Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket (Getty Images)

Boeing records show that the U.S. carrier took delivery of 305 of the planes between 1999 and 2017. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 303 of them in its fleet.

1. Ryanair

A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 - Photo: Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto (Getty Images)

Boeing records show that the Irish carrier took delivery of 531 of the planes between 1999 and 2018. According to the flight-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 205 of them in its fleet.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
One year after a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines jet, Boeing said it is "on track with progress showing tangible improvements" in its efforts turn the struggling aerospace giant around and produce safe airplanes.

Boeing shared an update on Friday morning about the company's safety and quality plan, which it had developed shortly after the Alaska Airlines incident in January 2024.

The plan was a key part of the Federal Aviation Administration's increased oversight, featuring dedicated efforts to address the company's systemic safety and quality-control issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FAA said that this was "not a one-year project" in its assessment of the progress that Boeing has made to date.

MORE: New details emerge in case of Alaska Airlines plane where door plug blew out

In its update, Boeing highlighted several key improvements it has made including: reducing defects in 737 fuselage assembly at Spirit AeroSystems by increasing inspection points and introducing a customer quality approval process; addressing more than 70% of action items in commercial airplane production based on employee feedback during quality stand-down sessions; and applying "move ready" criteria across final assembly for the 737 and 787, as well as parts of the 767 and the 777, to manage traveled work and mitigate risks.

The plane maker also reported adding hundreds of hours of new curriculum to quality and safety training programs for its employees. It has introduced new random quality audits of documented removals in high frequency areas to ensure process compliance. Additionally, the company said it has mapped and prepared thousands of governance documents and work instructions for revision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The company added that it has invested in its Speak Up program to strengthen confidentiality and keep employees informed about the status and resolution of their reports. This comes after numerous Boeing whistleblowers have raised concerns in recent years about the company's safety and workplace culture practices.

PHOTO: The fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737-9 MAX is seen during its investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board in Portland, Jan. 7, 2024. (Ntsb/via Reuters)

On Jan. 5, 2024, a defective door plug on an Alaska Airlines plane opened up midflight, depressurizing the cabin and exposing passengers to open air thousands of feet above the ground.

No one was seriously injured and the plane safely made an emergency landing.

MORE: Newly released documents detail chaotic moments after Alaska Airlines door plug blowout

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reflecting on Boeing's progress one year later, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker said in a blog post that the company is "working to make progress executing its comprehensive plan in the areas of safety, quality improvement, and effective employee engagement and training."

"We're actively monitoring the results and keeping a close eye on work at key Boeing facilities," Whitaker said.

He outlined the company's progress, saying: "FAA safety experts continually review the effectiveness of the changes; senior FAA leaders meet with Boeing weekly to review their performance metrics, progress, and any challenges they're facing; we have conducted an unprecedented number of unannounced audits; and we conduct monthly status reviews with Boeing executives to monitor progress."

MORE: 2 dead, 18 hurt after small plane crashes into building in Southern California

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Our enhanced oversight is here to stay," Whitaker added.

"But this is not a one-year project," Whitaker continued, emphasizing that Boeing must prioritize safety over profits. He said the effort will "require sustained effort and commitment from Boeing, and unwavering scrutiny on our part."

He also reiterated the agency's support toward the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation of last year's Alaska Airlines incident.

ABC News' Sam Sweeney contributed to this report.

Boeing shares updates on safety plan 1 year after door plug incident originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
NEW DELHI, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of local residents, including women, children and elders, gathered in Pithampur industrial town of India's central state Madhya Pradesh on Friday to protest against the disposal of nearly 330 tons of toxic chemical waste that had been lying inside a factory in state capital Bhopal for over 40 years after a gas-leak tragedy.

The toxic waste was shifted on Wednesday night, and it reached Pithampur on Thursday morning where it was planned to be incinerated.

Pacifying the protesters, local officials told them that the disposal process would be carried out in a transparent manner after taking the local residents and other stakeholders in confidence.

According to state government sources, the toxic waste was from the 1984's deadly "Bhopal Gas Tragedy", which killed thousands of people in Bhopal after highly toxic Methyl Isocyanate gas leaked from the factory on the intervening night of Dec. 2 and 3.

Besides, hundreds of thousands of people developed physical disabilities and other serious health issues like asthma and lung diseases subsequent to the gas tragedy, which is still described as one of the worst tragedies of its kind in the country's history.

As the trucks containing the toxic waste arrived in Pithampur area, nearly 30 km away from Indore city which is often described as one of the cleanest cities in India, hundreds of people gathered at various places to protest against the disposal of the toxic waste, fearing it could adversely affect their health.

According to media reports, the state government transferred the waste to Pithampur for disposal after the Madhya Pradesh High Court set a four-week deadline for the issue.

During the protests, two men tried to self-immolate, thus receiving burn injuries. They were rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment.

The local police had to use water cannons and batons to disperse the protesters as they marched towards the spot where the toxic waste was to be disposed. 
I-85 lanes reopened following bomb threat in Greenville Co.

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A bomb threat prompted a stretch of Interstate 85 to close in Greenville County.

According to the Department of Public Safety, a State Transport Police officer pulled over a tractor trailer due to a missing license plate around 2:45 Thursday afternoon.

The driver, a man from Illinois, indicated there was an explosive device inside the vehicle. All six lanes of I-85 were shut down near Mile Marker 44 as the threat was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriffs Office, SLED and the FBI.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

SLED confirmed its bomb squad responded to the scene.

I-85 reopened several hours later when the Greenville County Sheriffs Office reported the situation was safe. No explosive devices were found inside the tractor trailer, according to the Department of Public Safety.

The South Carolina Governors Office said Governor Henry McMaster was briefed on the incident.

The driver of the tractor trailer was arrested and is in the custody of the South Carolina State Transport Police.

Viewer photo showing traffic on Interstate 85 in Greenville County, S.C., January 2, 2025 (From: Joshua King)

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Bond was set Friday at $20,000 for a woman accused of stripping in a South Side bar and then spitting on police officers who tried to get her to leave.

Read next: Developer countersues city, asks for return of $1M

Jaleesa Williams, 33, was arraigned in municipal court before Magistrate Meghan Brundege on two counts of assault on a police officer, a fourth-degree felony; and two counts of expelling bodily substance on a police officer, a fifth-degree felony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Williams was arrested about 8:10 p.m. Wednesday by police at a 1418 East Midlothian Blvd. bar who were called for a woman who was taking off her clothes and dancing on tables.

Williams is accused of spitting on two officers as they were trying to take her out of the bar and also punching another one.

Reports said police watched the bars video system and they could see Williams dancing on people who tried to get away from her and taking her clothes off. She could also be seen on the video punching and struggling with police, reports said.

She is expected to have a preliminary hearing Jan. 10.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Jan. 2Bonner County issued an apology Tuesday to a resident who commissioners trespassed from public meetings early last year.

As part of a lawsuit settlement agreement with Rick Cramer, the county will pay him $275,000.

Asia Williams, chair of the county commissioners, read the apology at a commission meeting Tuesday morning.

"Bonner County hereby apologizes to Mr. Rick Cramer," the statement said. "Bonner County recognizes that Mr. Cramer held it accountable to the Constitution and the laws of the state of Idaho with his tort claims and litigation in the federal court for the District Court of Idaho. Bonner County accepts the reproach and will learn from this experience."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cramer's settlement follows a similar apology and settlement with David Bowman earlier in December.

In January 2024, then-chair Luke Omodt declared Bowman and Cramer trespassed from public meetings after he said they had repeatedly disrupted county business and posed a threat to public safety. Omodt has said he felt some of Bowman's emails were threatening, though Bowman has strongly denied that they were.

When Bowman and Cramer refused to leave the meeting, Omodt placed them under citizen's arrest. Sandpoint police transported them to the county jail, but Sheriff Daryl Wheeler refused to book them.

Bowman returned to the next commission meeting and was arrested by Sandpoint police. County Prosecutor Louis Marshall later dropped a misdemeanor charge against Bowman, who settled his tort claim for $200,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cramer's lawsuit, filed in federal court for the District of Idaho, claimed violation of First Amendment rights, false arrest and defamation. He sought $1,455,000 in damages.

"Mr. Cramer was peaceful and did not pose any safety threat, as shown on numerous videos," Cramer's attorney Dan Sheckler said in a statement. "He was falsely arrested for exercising his constitutional right to attend meetings of the Bonner County Commissioners."

Cramer's settlement releases Omodt and Commissioner Steve Bradshaw from individual liability, Sheckler said.

James Hanlon's reporting for The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by Report for America and by members of the Spokane community. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
(NewsNation)  A historic showing is in store for President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration parade and the men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be out in force.

While we saw similar showings for previous parades for Trump and former President Barack Obama, sources tell NewsNation the agency will be doubling its presence this time around because of how important immigration is to the upcoming president.

CBP will have the largest showing in agency history with around 140 people marching, led by the CBP Combined Pipes and Drums Corps leading the way with agents from the field operations, air and marine operations, honor guard and border patrol SWAT team, BORTAC, included as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New international rail bridge milestone connecting Laredo, Texas, to Mexico completed

Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens tells me the agents deserve to be front and center after what they endured over the past four years.

Another participant in the parade is the famed K9 officer Yoda, who helped capture Pennsylvania fugitive Danilo Calvalcante after an intensive manhunt.

There may also be a horse patrol unit that was involved in the alleged whipping scandal that went viral. A CBP investigation found the agents did not use the reins on their horses to actually whip people.

The agents were publicly chastised but never publicly exonerated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Art Del Cueto, Vice President of the Border Patrol Union, said he is glad the agency is getting this opportunity but he is concerned that the agents who actually have their boots on the ground at the border day in and day out wont be the ones with boots on the ground in Washington, D.C.

Trump blames open borders for New Orleans, Las Vegas attacks

Theyve been put in a very bad light for a long time, not just these last few years. But I think this is something that opens the eyes of everyone and (shows) theyre proud to be border agents, he said. I really hope that they have some actual agents, actual boots on the ground, the ones that make the ultimate sacrifice, the ones that are out there day in, day out. Theyre not out there just for the dog and pony show.

Chief Owens said the men and women of border patrol need to know the American people love them and have their backs.

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.
Federal agents were still gathering evidence from the home they believe Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, rented before the deadly driving spree through Bourbon Street, killing 14 other people.

The home is on Mandeville Street in a New Orleans neighborhood. The FBI cleared the crime scene on Bourbon Street on Thursday morning and reopened the street.

It is still ghastly. It is still unbelievable, Ethan Ryker told Channel 2s Courtney Francisco.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Ryker lives at the intersection where investigators found a bomb hidden in a cooler. The FBI said surveillance video shows Jabbar plant it at Orleans and Bourbon Streets and another one a couple of blocks away around 1:30 in the morning on New Years Day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday evening, the FBI released new photos of Jabbar walking on Bourbon Street just after 2 a.m. and the cooler with an IED inside that was placed at Orleans and Bourbon streets.

After plowing down Bourbon Street and killing 14 other people and injuring another 35, police say Jabbar shot two officers. The officers returned fire and killed Jabbar.

You could feel that uneasiness. You could feel that threat, I guess you could say, of death and destruction, said Ryker.

Bomb technicians blew up the coolers safely.

What I heard was, Fire in the hole, and they were blowing them up one by one, said Ryker.

RELATED STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, the FBI held a news conference that details the timeline they believe Jabbar followed to commit the terror attack.

They believe he rented the pickup truck in Houston on Dec. 30, drove it to New Orleans on Dec. 31 and committed the attack by 3:15 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Agents said Jabbar was from Texas and joined ISIS before the summer. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and Army Reserve.

He earned a degree at Georgia State University. Records show he lived in Cobb and DeKalb counties.

The FBI is asking anyone who saw the coolers on Bourbon St. Wednesday to call 1-800-Call-FBI. They want to talk to you as a witness.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Five videos that the FBI says Shamsud-Din Jabbar posted to his Facebook account as he was driving from Houston to New Orleans offer insight into the mind of a man hours away from taking 14 peoples lives.

He posted several videos to an online platform proclaiming his support for ISIS, Christopher Raia the Deputy Director of the FBIs Counterterrorism division said.

The FBI says it learned Jabbars original plan was to kill his family and friends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the first video, Jabbar explains he was originally planning to hurt his family and friends but was concerned the news headlines would not focus on the believers and the disbelievers, Raia said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln has been digging into Jabbars background and discovered financial troubles and messy divorce settlements.

His most recent divorce included a year-long fight with his ex-wife over financial difficulties. Jabbar acknowledged in Texas court documents from Fort Bend County that he couldnt afford his mortgage because he was behind more than $27,000 in 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Documents also indicate he was ordered to pay more than $3,500 in child support for his three children from his first and third marriages.

Jabbar also had ties here to Georgia. He married his second wife in 2013 in Dekalb County. Court documents show they got a divorce in 2016, citing the marriage was irretrievably broken.

The two lived in Cobb County for one year before separating. Georgia State University confirmed with Channel 2 Action News that Jabbar was a student for two years, graduating in 2017 with a degree in computer information systems.

As a student, the army veteran was interviewed as part of the universitys newspaper about his struggles adjusting to civilian life after service. Former Georgia State University classmate Sean Keenan did that interview. He told CNN he was shocked to learn Jabbar was responsible for this terrorist attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What very little I remember about that interview was a cool, calm, collected guy, nothing about his character threw any red flags, Keenan said.

Lincoln went by former properties of Jabbars in Cobb County and DeKalb County. No one at either location said they knew Jabbar.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
A hot dog vendor opens for business on New Orleans Bourbon Street, where a terrorist attack killed at least 14 people and injured 37 more in the early hours of Jan. 1, 2025. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

This story originally appeared on Louisiana Illuminator.

NEW ORLEANS  While they try to move on from the incident, workers in the normally raucous French Quarter described the mood as one of sadness less than two days after an early New Years Day terror attack left at least 15 people dead and 37 injured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several blocks of the historic neighborhood and tourist attraction were closed for more than 24 hours as investigators sifted through evidence at the crime scene on Bourbon Street, which was reopened Thursday afternoon.

Law enforcement from city, state and federal agencies maintained a visible presence throughout the French Quarter as businesses and street vendors opened their shops to prepare for an influx of customers after the Sugar Bowl, which kicked off at 3 p.m.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

New Orleans native Bear Neville is a longtime host at Olde NOLA Cookery, located in the 200 block of Bourbon Street. His workplace is just yards away from where Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old from Texas, barrelled through a crowd of revelers in a speeding pickup truck, according to authorities. According to the FBI, Jabbar died in a shootout with police in which two New Orleans police officers were wounded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Neville said he and his coworkers were closing up early Wednesday morning when they suddenly heard people screaming and saw a truck driving through the crowds. They unlocked the restaurant doors and went outside to assist the victims and brought some people inside for cover, he said.

It was a crazy night, Neville said.

Toby Lefort, a New Orleans native and bartender at the Bourbon Pub in the 800 block, said there was a noticeably somber feeling in the area Thursday.

The city that we all love is devastated  again, Lefort said. Its true that New Orleans is a very resilient place, but how long do we have to keep being resilient?

A New Orleans city worker deploys a section of large barricade in the French Quarter following a New Years Day terror attack. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

Surveillance footage also showed Jabbar placing a homemade bomb at the intersection of Bourbon and Orleans streets  a block away from Bourbon Pub  and another two blocks away, the FBI reported. The improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were placed inside small coolers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lefort said he felt a little uneasy when he saw a woman pulling an ice chest down the street Thursday.

Something we thought of nothing before, all of a sudden we have to worry about, he said.

The FBI said surveillance video shows other people noticing the coolers. While they are not considered suspects, investigators want to speak to anyone who saw them in the French Quarter

Hot dog vendor Stahili Glover, also a New Orleans native, said he worries what the incident could mean for the country.

We have to work to understand each other, Glover said. To me, extreme religion of any kind is always a problem.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the FBI, Jabbar posted five videos on his Facebook page in which he claimed his support for Islamic State. Police also recovered an ISIS flag that was hung from a plastic flagpole on the trailer hitch of Jabbars truck.

Brian Hodder, who is visiting New Orleans from Hawaii, said he is so far impressed with the response from the community and doesnt feel unsafe.

I definitely want to come back, he said.

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.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A hot dog vendor opens for business on New Orleans' Bourbon Street, where a terrorist attack killed at least 14 people and injured 37 more in the early hours of Jan. 1, 2025. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

NEW ORLEANS  While they try to move on from the incident, workers in the normally raucous French Quarter described the mood as one of sadness less than two days after an early New Years Day terror attack left at least 15 people dead and 37 injured.

Several blocks of the historic neighborhood and tourist attraction were closed for more than 24 hours as investigators sifted through evidence at the crime scene on Bourbon Street, which was reopened Thursday afternoon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Law enforcement from city, state and federal agencies maintained a visible presence throughout the French Quarter as businesses and street vendors opened their shops to prepare for an influx of customers after the Sugar Bowl, which kicked off at 3 p.m.

New Orleans native Bear Neville is a longtime host at Olde NOLA Cookery, located in the 200 block of Bourbon Street. His workplace is just yards away from where Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old from Texas, barrelled through a crowd of revelers in a speeding pickup truck, according to authorities. According to the FBI, Jabbar died in a shootout with police in which two New Orleans police officers were wounded.

Neville said he and his coworkers were closing up early Wednesday morning when they suddenly heard people screaming and saw a truck driving through the crowds. They unlocked the restaurant doors and went outside to assist the victims and brought some people inside for cover, he said.

It was a crazy night, Neville said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Toby Lefort, a New Orleans native and bartender at the Bourbon Pub in the 800 block, said there was a noticeably somber feeling in the area Thursday.

The city that we all love is devastated  again, Lefort said. Its true that New Orleans is a very resilient place, but how long do we have to keep being resilient?

A New Orleans city worker deploys a section of large barricade in the French Quarter following a New Years Day terror attack. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

Surveillance footage also showed Jabbar placing a homemade bomb at the intersection of Bourbon and Orleans streets  a block away from Bourbon Pub  and another two blocks away, the FBI reported. The improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were placed inside small coolers.

Lefort said he felt a little uneasy when he saw a woman pulling an ice chest down the street Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Something we thought of nothing before, all of a sudden we have to worry about, he said.

The FBI said surveillance video shows other people noticing the coolers. While they are not considered suspects, investigators want to speak to anyone who saw them in the French Quarter

Hot dog vendor Stahili Glover, also a New Orleans native, said he worries what the incident could mean for the country.

We have to work to understand each other, Glover said. To me, extreme religion of any kind is always a problem.

According to the FBI, Jabbar posted five videos on his Facebook page in which he claimed his support for Islamic State. Police also recovered an ISIS flag that was hung from a plastic flagpole on the trailer hitch of Jabbars truck.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brian Hodder, who is visiting New Orleans from Hawaii, said he is so far impressed with the response from the community and doesnt feel unsafe.

I definitely want to come back, he said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Another metro Detroit brewery is closing its taproom to begin 2025.

Brew Detroit, a contract brewer in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood that also specializes in original brews such as the Mexican lager Cerveza Delray, plans to close its taproom at 1401 Abbott St. at the end of January. It plans to focus on production and distribution of its beers, as well as those of its partners.

"When Brew Detroit first opened for contract brewing operations in 2014, it was founded on the principal idea of collaboration, to offer support to local breweries in an emerging craft beer industry," Brew Detroit wrote in a post announcing the closure Friday. "When we opened our Taproom in 2015, we sought to offer a variety of exceptional beers, what we found was community, through the exceptional people who decided to fill our space and collaborate with us over the years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It is with immense gratitude we thank every small business, non-profit, artist, and community member we had the privilege to work with to bring great food, amazing events, and joy to our Taproom."

The announcement comes during a rocky time in craft beer, with many Michigan craft brewers facing economic headwinds. Several metro Detroit brewers closed in 2024, including Ascension Brewing Co. in Novi, Jamex Brewing Co. in St. Clair Shores, North Center Brewing Co. in Northville and Arctic Circle Brewing Co. in Chesterfield. Closures outstate include Waypost Brewing Co. in Fennville and Grand Rapids Brewing Co.

8 Degrees Plato, a beloved beer store in Detroit's Cass Corridor, also closed late last month.

Brew Detroit opened in 2014 inside the 68,000-square-foot former Detroit Ball Bearing Co. building as a contract brewer, assisting breweries such as Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids and Old Nation Brewing Co. in Williamston in brewing, bottling and kegging beer for distribution. It also partnered with Kid Rock to brew and distribute Badass American Lager. A year later, it opened its taproom with its own beers, and in 2022 opened a farm-to-table kitchen inside the taproom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2016, Brew Detroit began brewing Stroh's Bohemian-style lager, bringing the classic Detroit beer brand back to bars and store shelves, through an agreement with brand owner Pabst Brewing Company.

Before closing, Brew Detroit will host a release party for Depth V, the fifth installment of its bourbon barrel-aged stout, with details to be announced Saturday on social media. Its last day open will be Jan. 31.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Brew Detroit plans to close Corktown taproom on Jan. 31
Fox News host Brian Kilmeade correctly reported on Friday morning that outgoing Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) will not be voting for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in Fridays speaker election.

But thats because Good lost his primary last year and will not be part of the 119th Congress.

Well, I got bad news, Kilmeade informed Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) on Fox & Friends. Congressman Bob Good just tweeted out he will not be voting for Mike Johnson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

(Good, apparently trolling, did indeed tweet that out.)

Well, remember, Brian, Bob Good has left, Jordan replied.

Uh, can we check that? Kilmeade asked his producers.

Bob Good lost that close primary back in that Virginia seat, Jordan said. John McGuire is the new member there. John will be voting for Mike Johnson for speaker.

So I think, I think its still just Thomas Massie whos indicated he wont support the speaker. But Im hopeful that everyone else will, Jordan added.

All right, good point, said Kilmeade. Hes not there anymore, so I shouldnt have brought that up. My bad.

The 118th Congress draws to a close and the new Congress convenes for the first time on Friday. The first item on the agenda is electing a new speaker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has indicated he will not vote for Johnson. With an extremely narrow GOP majority, that puts Johnsons speakership at high risk.

Related...
ISTANBUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye's goods exports in 2024 increased by 2.5 percent compared to 2023, reaching a record high of 262 billion U.S. dollars, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday.

"For the entire year, we set a new record for export figures in the history of the Republic," Erdogan stated during an event in Istanbul announcing the 2024 export figures.

According to Erdogan, the top five cities with the highest exports are Istanbul, Kocaeli, Bursa, and Tekirdag in the northwestern region, as well as Izmir, the western port city on the Aegean coast.

Istanbul, Turkiye's largest city, leads the exports with a total of 56.8 billion dollars.

As part of its economic development strategy, the Turkish government has introduced policies to support exporters, including financial incentives and trade agreements in 2024.

Erdogan emphasized that the government had provided a total of 24.7 billion Turkish liras (699 million dollars) to support goods and services exporters.

He also highlighted that the budget for export incentives will be increased to 33 billion liras in 2025. 
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has intervened to dismiss a felony assault charge against an Oklahoma City police officer who slammed a 71-year-old man to the ground, breaking his neck and causing a brain bleed, during an argument over a traffic ticket. Video shows Sgt. Joseph Gibson telling Lich Vu that he was being issued a ticket for an improper U-turn. Vu, who appears not to understand English very well, refuses to sign the ticket. Gibson says he'll take Vu to jail if he doesn't sign the ticket. Vu gets out of the car and the two continue to argue. At one point, Vu appears to tell Gibson to "shut up" and taps the officer's chest with the back of his fingers, which prompts Gibson to slam him to the ground. "As attorney general, I will not permit Oklahoma police officers to face criminal prosecution for conduct adhering to their training," Drummond said in a statement. But Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna said she was "surprised and disappointed that Attorney General Gentner Drummond took this case away from my office and the citizens of Oklahoma County."

The post Brickbat: Getting Hands-On appeared first on Reason.com.
Broccoli sold at Walmart in 20 states is being recalled due to a potential listeria contamination, federal officials announced this week.

Braga Fresh, based in Soledad, California issued a product warning for Marketside Broccoli Florets, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced.

The broccoli was shipped to Walmart stores in nearly two dozen states, according to notice published this week by the FDA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More: As bird flu outbreak spreads across the nation, how is Oklahoma affected?

"This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use," the company posted in the voluntary recall. "Consumers who have this product in their freezers should not consume and discard the product."

Here's what to know about the recall including where the product has been sold, and what to do if you bought the impacted item.

What broccoli is being recalled?

Braga Fresh is recalling a single lot of 12-ounce bags of washed and ready-to-eat Marketside Broccoli Florets:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The product has a best-used-by-date of Dec. 10, 2024

The UPC listed on the back of the bag is 6 81131 32884 5

The lot code listed on the front of the bag is BFFG327A6

Contamination discovered during random store sampling in Texas

According to the recall notice, the broccoli may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health and Human Services from a Texas store location where a samples tested positive for listeria.

No illness have immediately been reported in connection to the recall.

If you bought the item, the FDA is advising to throw it away immediately.

More: What is the stomach flu going around? What to know about norovirus, symptoms to watch for

What states is broccoli being recalled in?

The broccoli was sold at Walmart locations in the following states:

Arkansas

Arizona

California

Colorado

Idaho

Illinois

Kentucky

Louisiana

Michigan

Montana

Nevada

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Texas

Utah

Washington

Wyoming

Consumers with questions can call 877-456-7445 or email WeCare@bragafresh.com.

Listeriosis or listeria poisoning symptoms

Listeriosis, or listeria poisoning, is a foodborne bacterial infection most commonly caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.

Symptoms include, per the CDC:

Fever

Muscle aches

Headache

Stiff neck

Confusion

Loss of balance

Convulsions

Diarrhea

Other gastrointestinal symptoms

Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery and/or life-threatening infection of newborn infants

Death

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

People in higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Broccoli recall: Marketside products sold at Walmart in 20 states
A U.S. Postal Service worker knifed to death during a senseless fight over a spot on a sandwich line in a Harlem deli was remembered Friday as an honorable father of two who treated everyone respectfully.

Letter carrier Ray Ray Ray Hodges, 36, was waiting to order a sandwich at Joes Grocery on Lenox Ave. near W. 118th St. at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday when he got into an argument with 24-year-old Jaia Cruz over who was next in line.

Witnesses said Hodges was about to state his order when Cruz accused him of cutting her place in line. The simple argument suddenly exploded into deadly violence when Cruz stabbed Hodges five times with a steak knife in the neck, chest and arm, according to a criminal complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hodges died after being rushed to Harlem Hospital.

Cruz was arraigned Friday and charged with second-degree murder. She was held without bail.

Hodges, a Bronx resident, joined the United States Postal Service in 2022 and worked out of the Morningside post office, an agency spokesman said Friday.

He was an amazing person. He was a great father, a great person, longtime friend Flip Morales said outside Hodges Mott Haven home Friday. He was always a working man. Id see him and hes just going to work.

Its just messed up that the family gotta go through this, Morales, 36, said. He was trying to just make some money. Thats it. Just getting up doing what you gotta do to provide for his kids and his family, and things like this [happen].

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A sandwich maker at Joes Grocery told the Daily News that Hodges was waiting at the counter when the suspect stepped in front of him to place an order and the pair began to argue over who cut who.

As the dispute grew heated, the deli worker stepped between his feuding customers in an effort to de-escalate the fight, only for the suspect to spit in the victims face.

After I separate them, she came from behind me, she spit on him, on his face, said the sandwich maker, who declined to give his name.

The vile act prompted Hodges to snatch a plastic bottle and hurl it at the suspect, who dodged the drink and then drew a knife, the deli worker said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She stabbed him in the neck and one in his stomach, the worker said. He keep fighting, so we call the cops, the ambulance, but he just lost, and he passed away.

A stunned witness to the fatal stabbing said the fight between Hodges and Cruz was over nothing.

It was over a sandwich, Janet Rich, who was in the deli buying coffee when the fight broke out, told The News Thursday. It was, I was next. No, I was next.

Rich and another woman inside the store attempted to intervene, but neither Hodges nor Cruz wanted to back down, Rich said.

I got in between them  twice, said Rich, who remembered a woman with dreadlocks also jumped in, imploring Hodges to stand down

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dont do this, you have a good job, Rich recalled the woman saying. Let this go.

But Hodges didnt relent. Instead, he took off his coat and said to Cruz, You want to stab me?

I picked up his coat and put it back on, Rich said. I was trying to prevent the fight.

Cruz ran to her nearby home after stabbing Hodges, but was quickly taken into custody and charged with second degree murder.

Her arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending.

Most of Hodges immediate family were too grief stricken to talk to reporters Friday.

Ray was a great person, his brother told The News when seen outside Hodges home. He was an honorable man. He took care of his family and everybody. Respectful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Friends and relatives set up a memorial outside his home with votive candles encircling a USPS visor.

RAY RAY someone wrote in black marker. WE WILL MISS YOU!

We loved him. The community loved him, said another longtime friend, who would only identify himself as the Swagger King.

Hodges, who he knew as Ray Gun was a good kid he said.

That st was senseless, he said about Hodges death. [But] were in a community where a lot of senseless st happens. Its whack.

One of Hodges longtime neighbors, who would only identify herself as Mrs. Jenkins, broke down in tears as she wondered how a simple disagreement could end up in so much bloodshed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He is such a polite person. He holds the door for me and everybody, said Mrs. Jenkins, 65, who couldnt come to terms with what happened.

Its coward-like. Why? she asked. Its senseless. I mean why?
Two days after a man drove a rented truck into a crowd of revelers on New Orleans' Bourbon Street, killing at least 14 people before he was killed in a shootout with police, his family is providing more details about his life before the attack.

The driver, identified by officials as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was a U.S.-born citizen from Texas and an Army veteran who law enforcement sources say was armed with an AR-15-style weapon and handgun. He also planted two improvised explosive devices or IEDs, but those were found and neutralized by law enforcement. When he drove through the crowd, he had an ISIS flag on the truck's trailer hitch and had posted videos to social media in the hours and minutes before the attack declaring his support for the terrorist organization. The attack is being investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism.

His younger brother Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, 24, told CBS News that he and Jabbar weren't close growing up, because of their large age gap, but had bonded in 2023 as they cared for their father after he had a stroke. Abdur-Rahim Jabbar had noticed his brother becoming more outwardly religious but said he saw nothing to suggest his brother was being radicalized.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This all just caught everybody completely by surprise," Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said.

A file photo provided by the FBI shows Shamsud-Din Jabbar. In the background, police vehicles at the scene of the truck ramming attack on New Orleans' Bourbon Street on Jan. 1, 2025. / Credit: Jabbar photo provided by FBI; Background photo: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images/Getty Images

Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said his brother had recently gone through an expensive divorce. It was his third divorce, according to court records. His first marriage ended in 2012, with his ex-wife gaining custody of their two children. He was married again from 2013 to 2016, and married his third wife in 2017. The couple had one child and divorced in 2022.

In divorce filings, Jabbar said his monthly expenses, including child support for his first two children, exceeded his income. A pay stub from 2022 shows Jabbar was earning about $125,000 a year from his job at Deloitte. The company confirmed he had been hired there in 2021. His then-wife also accused him of financial mismanagement, including giving money to other lovers, in a separate court filing. During those divorce proceedings, Jabbar's wife obtained a temporary restraining order against him.

Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said while they cared for their father, his brother "was a strong proponent of marriage staying together." He said his brother also told him he had dropped "habits" like drinking, drugs and sex outside of marriage. His manner of dress also became more modest, Abdur-Rahim Jabbar recalled, and he had some tattoos removed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

None of the changes alarmed Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, however, and he said he was "shocked" to hear of his brother's actions on New Year's Day.

"He'd been a practicing Muslim since he was a kid and everything, and I think he took a step away from religion at some point in his life, and then he came back into it," Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said.

FBI investigators say Shamsud-Din Jabbar shared videos on social media before the attack declaring support for ISIS and saying he had initially planned to hurt his family and friends, but "was concerned the news headlines would not focus on the quote, 'war between the believers and the disbelievers,' end quote," deputy assistant director of the FBI's counterintelligence division Christopher Raia said at a briefing Thursday. Raia said investigators are still trying to determine why Shamsud-Din Jabbar targeted Bourbon Street.

Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said he has met with FBI investigators. He said they also asked about his brother's demeanor and personality, and if his behavior had changed recently.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"None of it feels real, but with every moment someone reaches out to me, news, media reporters, anybody, the FBI, it solidifies as being real," Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said. "I can't imagine what those families (of the victims) are going through either. I'm sure they're grieving as much as I am, as my family is."

Tiger Bech's family on his final moments after New Orleans attack

3 killed in Hawaii explosion caused by illegal fireworks display

Louisiana boy rewarded after giving away his only dollar
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Line-by-line, Brown Countys administration committee made adjustments to a resolution asking the state to let them keep a $15 million state grant.

That grant would help the county develop its port and move coal piles off of riverfront property south of Mason Street. Its in jeopardy after county officials failed to reach an agreement with C. Reiss Company to move the coal piles.

I certainly hope so, said Brown County board chair Patrick Buckley when asked if he thinks the state will give them an extension for the grant. Weve done everything the grant called for when we originally applied for the grant. Some people are saying that we dont want to put a deal together, we are trying to put a deal together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The original resolution argued that the county had negotiated in good faith with C. Reiss Company to come up with a lease agreement to move the coal piles. It said the county had done everything it could to make a deal happen and it was C. Reiss Company that was holding things up.

It also said that the Brown County port director will send out a request for information (RFI) so that other organizations can also have an opportunity to bid on the Pulliam Power Plant site (the spot where C. Reiss Company was supposed to move its coal).

Popular brewery in Wisconsin changing owners, reflects on nine-year legacy

A Brown County official said they havent received an update from the state regarding the status of the $15 million grant. He told Local 5 News that they also havent received an update on a $10 million federal grant that also is at risk of expiring since a deal to move the coal isnt in place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Local 5 News attempted to contact state and federal officials responsible for issuing those grants, but our calls went unanswered.

At their meeting on Thursday night, Brown County administration committee officials went through the resolution line-by-line making changes as they saw fit. Most of the changes involved softening the language and avoiding overtly blaming C. Reiss Company for a deal not being in place.

Ultimately, the administration committee approved the amended resolution three to one. Supervisor Ross Toellner voted no.

I truly feel like its making it look like the board cant get its ducks in a line and were just trying to pass the blame onto others, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The amended resolution now goes to the full county board of supervisors who will decide its fate.

Last month, Brown County supervisors approved a lease proposal to move the coal piles. However, the terms of the lease proposal they approved differed from what had been talked about prior to that meeting.

Most notably, the original lease proposal was for up to 75 years and the one approved by county supervisors was for 40 years. C. Reiss officials had suggested prior to the county boards decision, that they wouldnt accept a lease with changes to it.

A county official told Local 5 News that any terms discussed with C. Reiss and the county were always contingent upon approval from county supervisors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For full coverage of the county board meeting when supervisors approved the new terms for the lease, please click here.

Ashwaubenon Public Safety Chief retiring after over 30 years of serving multiple communities

On Thursday in response to the countys new resolution regarding the coal piles, a spokesperson for C. Reiss Company sent the following statement to Local 5 News:

The draft resolution under consideration by the County Board contains several clear and obvious inaccuracies regarding the good faith negotiations between The C. Reiss Company and the County Administration over the past year. On December 19, the County Board rejected an agreement negotiated by the County Administration and C. Reiss that would have moved the coal piles from their current Mason Street location out to the former Pulliam Power Plant. This new draft resolution appears to be part of an effort to shift blame for the consequences of that decision, which has put at risk some $25 million in state and federal grants for Brown County port infrastructure. First, the resolution falsely states that C. Reiss somehow increased its demands after learning that the $15 million state grant was contingent on reaching a deal to move the coal piles. All parties knew from the beginning that the grant was given specifically to move the coal piles, as Brown County itself stated in its grant application back in 2021. Further, this $15 million doesnt go to C. Reiss  its dedicated to making capital improvements to turn land that is currently unusable into a site that can handle dry bulk commodities. Second, throughout this negotiation, C. Reiss has made multiple concessions to achieve a fair and reasonable agreement for all parties. For instance, the new proposed site is actually smaller than the one we currently own and use at Mason Street, causing operational efficiency issues that would increase our operating costs. C. Reiss has also moved from making a purchase offer to a lease, spent some $20,000 of our own money for design work, and agreed to shorten the lease term by 25 percent, among other compromises. Third, the resolutions depiction of C. Reiss as a difficult negotiating partner does not reflect reality. In fact, C. Reiss reached at least two agreements with the Countys appointed negotiators, first with Green Bay Port Director Dean Haen in May 2024, which was rejected by the Harbor Commission. The County Executive then placed Corporation Counsel Dave Hemery in charge of negotiations, and C. Reiss reached a deal with him in November 2024. The County Board rejected that agreement last month. -C. Reiss Company CEO Keith Haselhoff

A spokesperson for C. Reiss Company said officials have made efforts to arrange a meeting between C. Reiss Company, Brown County officials, and city of Green Bay officials next week.

Brown County board chair Patrick Buckley said this when asked if the county was willing to budge off the current terms they offered for the lease.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its in pretty close to a final format, Im not really sure what we would want to change, he said. Weve done everything we can to negotiate in good faith with C. Reiss, and now its up to them.

Local 5 News reached out to several city of Green Bay officials who said at this time they dont have any further comment on the status of the coal piles.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Outgoing Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) on Friday hailed President Bidens decision to block the takeover of U.S. Steel by Japans Nippon Steel, a deal that was valued at $14 billion.

The deal was made behind closed doors without workers at the table. It represented a clear threat to Americas national and economic security and our ability to enforce our trade laws. Its why we fought it every step of the way. The President is right to block it, Brown posted on social platform X.

Brown, who represented Ohio for 18 years in the Senate before losing his reelection bid in November, had led the fight in Congress against the deal from the beginning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Biden said Friday the deal would threaten national security.

It is my solemn responsibility as president to ensure that, now and long into the future, America has a strong domestically owned and operated steel industry that can continue to power our national sources of strength at home and abroad, Biden said in a statement.

Biden said his decision to block foreign ownership of a vital American company was the fulfillment of that responsibility.

Brown in April urged Biden to examine Nippon Steels ties to China, citing a report by a consulting firm that described Nippon Steel as fundamentally intertwined with Chinas steel industry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nippon Steel told Reuters in a statement at the time that the report was rife with inaccuracies and misrepresentations.

Other Ohio lawmakers, including Vice President-elect JD Vance (R) and Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D), have raised concerns about foreign acquisition of U.S. Steel.

Brown hasnt said what his plans are after leaving Congress, but hes keeping his options open and is a possible future candidate for the Senate seat Vance will vacate when hes sworn in as vice president later this month.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida  Former Florida Gov. Buddy MacKay, who lost to Jeb Bush in 1998 but still served 23 days in office after the sudden death of Gov. Lawton Chiles, has died. He was 91.

The former Democratic governor took a nap after lunch at his home in Ocklawaha, Florida, on Tuesday and never woke up, his son Ken MacKay told The Associated Press. All of the governors adult children were present at the time, he said.

It was a very peaceful end to a great life, said MacKay, who hopes his father is remembered as a defender of Floridas environment and an advocate for minorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Floridians honored MacKay not just for his brief service as governor, but his time as a state legislator, congressman and diplomat.

We mourn the passing of Buddy MacKay, Gov. Ron DeSantis posted on X. A U.S. Air Force veteran and lifelong public servant, MacKay was dedicated to our country and our state. May he rest in peace.

In a social media post, Bush offered his condolences to MacKays family, saying that his one-time competitor had served the state with honor and distinction.

MacKay, Chiles lieutenant governor for two terms, had been trounced by Bush in the 1998 gubernatorial election when Chiles died six weeks later on Dec. 12, 1998, at the governors mansion. That put MacKay in the top job for three weeks, where he focused on overseeing the final stages of the transition to Bushs administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was overwhelmingly sad, MacKay recalled in a 2012 interview with The Associated Press. "(Chiles had) gotten that far through his term and it all just stopped. For me, there was nothing but to be a caretaker and try to help with the transition. The main thing we could do was stay out of the way.

The MacKays never moved into the mansion and Florida hasnt had a Democrat in the governors office since.

He was very, very sensitive to the fact he was there as the final caretaker, the late Democratic political strategist and MacKay adviser Jim Krog once said. He was clearly conscious of the fact that he was governor and there were some loose ends that needed to be tied up.

MacKay was out of politics in 1990 when he persuaded Chiles, who had retired from the U.S. Senate two years earlier, to run for governor against incumbent Republican Bob Martinez. The Chiles-MacKay team was elected that November and again in 1994.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MacKay, who also served in the Florida Legislature and U.S. House of Representatives, ran statewide three times and lost each time, but never lost his quiet sense of humor.

I got out of politics because of illness, he said the day after being defeated by Bush. The voters got sick and tired of me.

An inveterate policy wonk, MacKay finished his political career as a special envoy to Latin America for President Bill Clinton before retiring to his central Florida home near Ocala. MacKay stood by the former president when many Democrats distanced themselves from Clinton in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. He kept busy in the final years of his life doing pro bono work for the Southern Legal Counsel and also serving in a mediation role in the juvenile court system.

MacKay narrowly missed winning election to the U.S. Senate race in 1988 when he lost to Republican Connie Mack III by less than 1 percentage point. It was the closest statewide race in the states history until the 2000 presidential contest between George W. Bush and Al Gore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a Democratic primary field that at one time included former governors Claude Kirk  a one-time Republican  and Reubin Askew, who withdrew before the election, MacKay rebounded from a runner-up finish in a six-way primary to win a runoff against then-Insurance Commissioner Bill Gunter.

With Democrats still largely in control of Florida politics, MacKay was expected to sweep past Mack and hold Chiles seat.

But Mack, who had also been in the U.S. House, came up with a Hey Buddy, youre a liberal, catchphrase that MacKay couldnt shake at a time moderate Florida was moving away from traditional Democratic politics.

It took two days after the 1988 election before the official vote count showed Mack had won, by fewer than 34,000 votes out of more than 4 million cast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Like many of Floridas leading Democratic politicians of the second half of the 20th century, MacKay began his political career at the height of the states integration movement.

MacKay had grown up working in the fields with Black laborers but went to segregated schools and ate in segregated restaurants.

It was fairly wrenching, he said. It was always very awkward. My family was involved with agriculture and I worked many days in the field with African American crews and some of those adults were part of our family and raised me.

MacKays views on race and the potential for desegregation changed dramatically during his time in the U.S. Air Force between 1955 and 1958.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Not until I went into the military did I see the potential for getting this behind us, MacKay said. I walked in there and from the first day it was totally integrated and there wasnt a problem. It was a very freeing experience.

Kenneth H. MacKay Jr. was born March 22, 1933, in Ocala.

In the old South, which I was born into, Buddy means junior, MacKay said. Judges and school teachers called me Kenneth, but nobody else did. Im more of a Buddy than a Kenneth.

He became an attorney and citrus grower after leaving the service. He won election to the state House in 1968, the state Senate in 1974 and to the U.S. House in 1982 before losing his U.S. Senate bid.

MacKay spent his final years at the home he shared with his wife, Anne, on Lake Weir. According to his son Ken, MacKay remained active in his church, and enjoyed tending to his camellias and spending time on the family farm, where they raise citrus and cattle.
ROME, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Italy's Postal Police said Friday they investigated 18,714 cyber-fraud cases in 2024, resulting in over 181 million euros (186 million U.S. dollars) in stolen funds, both record highs.

In their annual report, the Postal Police said that 26 percent of the cyber-fraud cases investigated involved fraudulent online trading of securities. Despite being a smaller portion of total cases, these crimes accounted for 80 percent of the overall value of cyber-fraud.

Fraud linked to electronic commerce made up the largest share at 46 percent of all cases but represented just 5 percent of the total stolen funds.

The report highlighted a 15 percent rise in cases compared to the previous year, with the total value of fraud increasing by 32 percent from 2023.

Despite the surge in cases and financial losses, the number of individuals investigated remained almost unchanged, rising by just ten to 3,581. (1 euro = 1.03 U.S. dollars) 
(Courtesy: Limestone Co. Sheriffs Office) (Courtesy: Limestone Co. Sheriffs Office) (Courtesy: Limestone Co. Sheriffs Office) (Courtesy: Limestone Co. Sheriffs Office)

LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  Four people have been arrested after breaking into storage units in Limestone County

The Limestone County Sheriffs Office said that deputies responded to reports of a burglary at storage units in the 25000 block of Nick Davis Road on Sunday, December 29.

After reviewing security video, deputies were made aware of two suspects.

LCSO said that the suspects stole a vehicle from a local church and placed a switched tag on it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shortly after deputies left the scene of the incident, a woman driving the same car and wearing the same clothes as she was when captured on security camera returned to the scene.

According to LCSO, the property manager then contacted authorities to make them aware that the woman had came back.

Deputies close to the area quickly responded to the scene again and were able to take Dana Belinda Helms, 56, of Athens into custody. Authorities said that Helms had marijuana and stolen property in her possession at the time of her arrest.

Upon further investigation, deputies were able to learn a possible location for additional stolen items and other suspects.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LCSO told News 19 that deputies responded to the Budget Inn in Ardmore and found Randall Turner, Abe Hiebert, and Larissa Nall in a room. Approximately $5,000 worth of stolen items were found with Turner.

Authorities said that Turner, Hiebert, and Nall were also in possession of methamphetamine.

Hiebert and Nall were in possession of a cut catalytic converter without the proper paperwork.

LCSO said that the stolen church tag was located in a dumpster at the motel.

The individuals listed below were charged with the following:

-Randall Allan Turner, 37, of Ardmore, Tennessee

2 Counts Burglary III

Possession of Burglars Tools

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)

Bond: $10,000

-Dana Belinda Helms, 56, of Athens, Alabama

2 Counts Burglary III

Possession of Burglars Tools

Possession of Marijuana II

Bond: $8,500

-Abe Oran Hiebert, 53, of Harvest, Alabama

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)

Unlawful Possession of a Detached Catalytic Converter

Bond: $3,500

-Larissa Marie Nall, 35, of Prospect, Tennessee

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)

Unlawful Possession of a Detached Catalytic Converter

Bond: $3,500

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I commend the diligent work of Deputy Greene, Captain Durden, and Lieutenant Clanton for their dedication and exceptional efforts in combating crime. We remain committed to holding criminals accountable and continue our efforts to reduce property crime in Limestone County. Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  The Burlington store inside the Holyoke Mall is relocating to the former Bed Bath & Beyond at Holyoke Crossing.

Burlington Stores is a department store chain that offers merchandise at up to 60 percent off other retailers prices for brand-name clothing for men, women, kids, and babies, including home goods.

Bed, Bath & Beyond stores closed, but website relaunches through new owner

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a news release sent to 22News from Burlington spokesperson Hannah Westberg, the new location will feature a reimagined store layout to provide a better shopping experience for customers to find deals and savings on their favorite brands.

There are a total of 26 stores in Massachusetts and more than 1,100 nationwide. Burlington will open its new store this spring at 39 Holyoke Street, along with its new logo Deals. Brands. WOW!

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.
Credit: Citizen TV

A red-hot piece of space debris that weighs half a tonne plummeted to Earth this week, landing in a remote Kenyan village.

The charred metal object was later identified to be the separation ring from a launch rocket that crash landed in Makueni county, south-east of Nairobi.

Experts have warned that incidents of space junk landing in populated areas without breaking up on re-entry are on the rise as the amount of debris in orbit surges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities were still investigating the extent of the damage to the village of Mukuku as well as the rings origin and ownership, said Major Aloyce Were of the Kenya Space Agency.

Space is no longer as safe as we used to know it, he told local television stations.

Major Were added that the piece of glowing space junk, which weighs as much as a grand piano, landed in bushland on Monday and there had been no reports of injuries.

Such objects are usually designed to burn up as they re-enter the Earths atmosphere or to fall over unoccupied areas, such as the oceans, the agency later said in a statement, calling it an isolated case.

An illustration issued by the European Space Agency showing debris in low Earth orbit - ESA/PA

A resident, who was not named, told the Kenyan Tuko news site: I heard what I thought was an explosion when it landed here I asked, Is the world ending today?.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I was shocked because it was so sunny with no hint of rain. I hope our leaders will tell us what this object was and why it fell here, he added.

We want the owner of this land to be compensated, Paul Musili, another resident, told local news. Since this object fell, we have not been sleeping. Everyone is wondering what is going on.

The European Space Agency estimated last year that there were more than 14,000 tonnes of material in low Earth orbit.

The item was identified as a separation ring from a launch rocket - VCG

Roughly a third of that is junk, according to Dr Sara Webb, an astrophysicist at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne.

Weve reached this point in our exploration and use of space where this isnt just something that happens once in a blue moon, it is now almost every month or two, she told The New York Times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2023, the US Federal Communications Commission handed out its first ever fine over space debris, forcing television provider Dish Network to pay $150,000 (121,000).

However, Dr Webb warned that holding companies or countries accountable for crash landings is going to prove difficult.

In March 2023, debris from the International Space Station crashed through the roof of a home. The family later launched a claim of $80,000 (65,000) in compensation from Nasa.

Legal experts believe the case could set the precedent for space debris claims in the private and public sectors.

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.
California business groups have sued to stop the state from implementing a new law that prohibits companies from ordering workers to attend meetings on unionization and other matters.

The law, Senate Bill 399, went into effect Jan. 1 and makes it illegal to penalize an employee who refuses to attend a meeting at which their employer discusses its opinion about religious or political matters, including whether to join a union.

Unions have long held that these "captive audience meetings" serve to intimidate employees and hinder organizing efforts. The legislation, written by state Sen. Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), is among a set of new workplace laws going into effect in California in 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a federal lawsuit filed on New Year's Eve in the Eastern District of California, the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Restaurant Assn. contend that the law violates companies' rights to free speech and equal protection under the 1st and 14th amendments.

The law violates these protections by "discriminating against employers viewpoints on political matters, regulating the content of employers communications with their employees, and by chilling and prohibiting employer speech," the lawsuit said. Employers "have the right to communicate with their employees about the employers viewpoints on politics, unionization, and other labor issues."

The suit asks the courts to block the law from going into effect.

Throughout legislative deliberations, we repeatedly underscored the fact that SB 399 was a huge overreach, chamber President Jennifer Barrera said in an emailed statement. SB 399 is clearly viewpoint-based discrimination, which runs afoul of the First Amendment."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jot Condie, president of the California Restaurant Assn., said the law "creates restrictions that are unworkable."

The lawsuit was no surprise, said Lorena Gonzalez, a former state assembly member and current head of the California Labor Federation. She said business groups had threatened to bring a legal challenge during the legislative process, and in response the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations had prepared a legal memorandum arguing that the law limits employer conduct, not speech.

She said employers typically hold captive audience meetings after workers have signed union cards indicating their support for a union, and are one of the most coercive tools employers use to scare workers out of their right to unionize.

This isnt a free speech issue. An employer can still talk crap about unions  they can talk about politics and about religion. They just cant retaliate against workers who dont want to sit through their opinions," Gonzalez said. Workers also have a 1st Amendment right as well, to be free of being held captive and forced to listen to things that have nothing to do with the actual work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

California joins at least 10 other states that have implemented similar bans; they include Alaska, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Business groups successfully challenged a Wisconsin law in 2010, but similar challenges to Oregon's law have been dismissed.

A November ruling by the National Labor Relations Board also banned mandatory captive audience meetings. The 3-1 decision reversed the board's decades-old standard in place since 1948 that allowed for these mandatory meetings.

Ensuring that workers can make a truly free choice about whether they want union representation is one of the fundamental goals of the National Labor Relations Act, Lauren McFerran, Democratic chair of the board, said in a statement about the decision.

The ruling stemmed from a complaint over Amazon's conduct ahead of a 2022 union election at a facility in Staten Island, N.Y., where it held a series of mandatory anti-union meetings. Amazon has said it plans to appeal the decision.

Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jan. 2A Butler Twp. man is facing charges after trying to solicit a minor for sex who was actually undercover law enforcement.

John Dady, 54, was indicted Dec. 17 in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court on charges of importuning and possession of criminal tools, according to court documents.

The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office said that Dady's charges reach back to Oct. 9, when a sheriff's deputy was posing as a 15-year-old girl on social media as part of the Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force's Operation End Ohio Human Trafficking.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The prosecutor's office said that Dady solicited the undercover deputy to meet for sex, and was arrested when he arrived at the location.

He has since been released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to be back in court Monday.
As the holiday season wraps up, consumers are coming out of a collective hangover after spending nearly two months scouring sales and scrolling Instagram ads in search of gifts.

So, now is as good a time as any to watch Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy, which landed on Netflix shortly ahead of Black Friday. The documentary dives into the world of consumption and how the policies and practices at companies like Amazon, Apple, Adidas, and other massive corporations contribute to global consumer waste.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

From director Nic Stacey (The World According to Jeff Goldblum) and the Oscar-winning production outfit Grain Media, Buy Now! features interviews with former executives that break down how larger companies keep people buying stuff  and a lot of it.

Stacey talked to THR about his film, what he found to be the most shocking revelations, and the hope for consumers: There are really small, practical things that do make a difference.

How did you come to the subject of the doc?

My personal in was Black Friday in the U.K. For you guys in the U.S., its a huge thing. Youve got Thanksgiving and theres this built-in time to go out and buy stuff. But in the U.K., we dont have any of that, but suddenly 15 years ago, here, it just suddenly appeared as a thing. Its a completely arbitrary day, theres none of that cultural context, and it grew in popularity until now its part of our cultural DNA. That is the thing that turned me on to the idea that these companies have a huge amount of power and the ability to infiltrate the culture. And its happened in other countries across Europe.

Consumer waste is such a massive subject, how did you find a way in that could be explored in a feature-length film?

My idea for it was to take you from the selling all the way through to the end result. You would see the allure of the advertising and then the consequences of that. My pitch to Netflix was to try and make something that was using the language of advertising  the colors and nostalgia used to sell us stuff  and to turn it back on itself and use it to critique the system. The contributors were a huge part of it. We wanted to find these really powerful, singular stories where people were at the highest possible levels in large companies and then after what they had seen came to the realization that this was causing issues.

How did you find your talking heads?

I worked with this amazing producer named Flora Bagenal, and we went out to a whole bunch of people. A lot of people didnt want to go on camera. We had people who told us pretty shocking things but werent prepared to sit down and say that even anonymously, for fear of legal repercussions or a bunch of [other] reasons. We didnt have the kind of killer interviews at the start of production. Maren Costa from Amazon  we found her maybe three weeks before we went out to shoot the interviews. At the end of that [interview], I called up the office and said, This is going to be the center of the film. Everythings going to hang around this. This will be the spine.

During production what was a shocking realization for you as a consumer?

One thing that got me angry was the lifespan of things and the lack of repairability. Its so unnecessary when you see phones that have their batteries glued in  or Apple changing the screws on the outside of their phone cases to be a proprietary screwdriver. Emotionally, the biggest thing for me was going to Ghana. Lots of used clothing from Europe and the US gets sent over there. They have these bales, and maybe 20 or 30 percent of the clothes that are in these bales are re-sellable, and the rest is fast fashion that is made of crappy plastic. They dont really have any infrastructure to deal with it, so it just ends up going to rivers, and it all goes on the beach. You walk down the beach outside Accra, and its this rainbow surface, no sand, just clothes. When you look at it, you see labels that youre familiar with and the brands that youre familiar with. That moment was kind of like The Truman Show. Its so well hidden from us; waste is completely masked in our society.

Audiences have really been drawn to the computer-generated images of waste piled around well-known landmarks like the Sydney Opera House. What was the thinking behind using these images as a device?

This is one of the big challenges in making the film. Unfortunately, we have seen those images or images like them, but you tune out to them. I definitely have. If you see pictures of a dump, you go, Thats bad, but you probably are not going to engage with it. Thats why weve used a bunch of CG. My idea was to bring it back to the places where were consuming this stuff, like on the streets of New York. We make two and a half million shoes every hour. What does that look like, if you put it in an alleyway in New York? However well you film an actual waste site, people will just switch off to it, unfortunately, because theyre desensitized to it.

Can you talk about the decision to use AI in the production, with the films narrated voice?

Weirdly, lots and lots of people thought that all of the visuals in the film were created by AI. Theres absolutely no generative AI in the film. Everything is made by this amazing team of artists in London. For the voice, I wrote the [dialogue] for the voice, but the voice is a text-to-speech generator. The reason why AI is in the film is that the film is the story of the rise of the Internet, and how that has impacted how much we buy  online shopping, influencers, and the technology of the past 20 or 30 years. But were on the cusp of this massive next gear, which is AI. Loads of people that we spoke to said the same thing, which is that artificial intelligence is just going to be really, really, really good at selling us stuff. We will buy a hell of a lot more because AI is able to take all of the data points about us on a minute-to-minute basis and use that to help persuade us to buy stuff. All of the money thats funding AI is coming essentially from people wanting to find ways to use it to sell us more stuff. Thats going be the next 20 years of this story.

Have your buying habits been altered in working on this film?

I was massively conflicted the whole film. The reality is people like stuff. I like stuff. Why do we want objects? Why do we want things? For me, when I buy something, in a way, its other peoples creativity condensed into a physical object. I think people will always want that. Its just human instinct to want trinkets or things that other people have made. A phone is millions of hours of super smart peoples work. My realization in making this is that it matters in how you make those things. But there are really small, practical things that do make a difference. During filming, we spent time with Kyle, who runs a repair cafe where people in the community bring in lawnmowers, beloved Christmas decorations, and other things that dont work. Then people with electronic skills or people who can sew come and donate their time to get things fixed. That has a huge net positive effect environmentally and socially. That is a beacon of hope that, on a local level, we can solve some of these problems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Cote d'Ivoire has announced that French troops will withdraw from the country, making it the latest African nation to reduce military ties with its former colonial power.

In an end-of-year address, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said the withdrawal would begin this month and reflected the modernisation of the nation's army.

"In this context, we have decided on the coordinated and organised withdrawal of French forces," Ouattara 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 Advertisement

Advertisement

French forces have had a decades-long military presence in Cote d'Ivoire, with about 600 personnel in the country when the announcement was made on Tuesday.

Cote d'Ivoire's decision follows that of other leaders across West Africa, where Frances militaries are being asked to leave. Analysts have described the trend as part of the wider structural transformation in the regions engagement with Paris.

Those nations include coup-hit Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal and Chad, which is 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 strategy that would sharply reduce its permanent troop presence in Africa.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

France has now been kicked out of more than 70% of African countries where it had a troop presence since ending its colonial rule in the 1960s. French troops will now remain only in Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 troops.

After expelling French troops, the military leaders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have moved closer to Russia. The Kremlin has mercenaries deployed across the Sahel who have been accused of widespread human rights abuses against civilians.

The security situation has worsened in those countries, with increasing numbers of extremist attacks and civilian deaths from both armed groups and government forces.
CABOT, Ark.  A Cabot man was arrested Thursday after police said a search of his home revealed child sexual abuse material and illegal narcotics.

Officials with the Cabot Police Department said the investigation into 38-year-old Patrick Tucker Swearingen of England, Arkansas, began with a November 2024 phone tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip led to a department investigation that identified Swearingen, they said.

Cleburne County sheriff jails four in series of child solicitation & porn arrests

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Jan. 2, police executed a search warrant on Swearingens home, leading to his arrest. Officials said Swearingen is facing charges of three counts of distributing, possessing, or viewing of matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, one count of possession of a controlled substance and an absconding charge.

Officials said a cell phone and other items were seized from the home.

Maumelle city dispatchers accused of possessing child pornography, one facing 1,000 counts

Records show Swearingen is currently held in the Lonoke County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond with a Feb. 24 court date.

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 KARK.
SAN DIEGO (AP)  A California man apologized Friday for his connection to a 15-year-old girl who fatally shot a teacher and fellow student at a religious school in Wisconsin, telling a judge that he was prepared to accept the consequences of his actions without explaining his precise role.

Alexander Paffendorf expressed regret for his involvement when a judge offered a chance for final words before keeping an order to confiscate his guns and ammunition in place until April 4. He didn't elaborate in his brief statement but authorities have said he told FBI agents that he had been messaging Natalie Rupnow, the Wisconsin shooter, about attacking a government building with a gun and explosives.

The student at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison killed Rubi Patricia Vergara, a 14-year-old freshman, and 42-year-old teacher Erin Michelle West and severely injured two other students before shooting herself. Police have not disclosed a motive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A day after the Dec. 16 attack, a California judge issued a restraining order against Paffendorf, 20 at the time, under the state's gun red flag law. It required him to turn his guns and ammunition into police. He has not been charged with any crime.

Paffendorf, appearing by video in a collared shirt and tie, said Friday that he was ready for a hearing on whether the restraining order should stay in effect but San Diego Superior Court Judge Devon Lomayesva delayed consideration after an attorney for the city of Carlsbad, north of San Diego, said Pattendorf was under criminal investigation. The judge decided it was in his Pattendorf's interest to delay the hearing because he is under investigation and did not have an attorney.

A detective told the judge that the FBI expected the investigation to conclude within two to three months.

The restraining order doesnt say what government building Pattendorf targeted or when he planned to launch his attack. It also doesnt detail his interactions with the student except to state that he was plotting a mass shooting with her.
WARSAW, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Farmers' organizations took to the streets of central Warsaw on Friday to protest against European Union (EU) trade and agriculture policies.

The protest began in the early afternoon near the Representation of the European Commission in Poland. A massive crowd assembled in the streets, carrying Polish national flags and banners.

Later, protesters started to march through the streets of the city center all the way to the National Opera, where the Polish EU Council presidency inauguration ceremony is set to take place later in the day.

According to farmer.pl website, the march has been organized by Poland's alliance of agricultural organizations to denounce the "harmful policies of the European Union."

Demonstrators oppose the EU's trade agreement with the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) countries, as well as the Green Deal, imports from Ukraine, and the "destruction of Polish forests and hunting."

Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Siekierski said on Friday he expects the protesters to submit detailed demands.

He stressed that the Polish government is unequivocally opposed to concluding an agreement with Mercosur on agricultural issues, and that it is attempting to build a blocking minority against this agreement. 
Loneliness is lethal because it increases proteins which fur up the arteries and may trigger early death, a study suggests.

Interactions with friends and family may keep us healthy because they boost our immune system, reduce our risk of conditions such as heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes, the University of Cambridge found.

Scientists studied the blood of more than 42,000 people enrolled in the UK Biobank, a long-term health-monitoring project, looking for internal differences in people who were socially isolated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The team calculated social isolation and loneliness scores for individuals based on whether they lived alone, how frequently they have contact with others socially, and whether they take part in social activities. They also measured whether they felt lonely.

The team found five proteins whose abundance was caused by loneliness. One of the proteins, ASGR1, is associated with higher cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while other identified proteins play roles in the development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis (furring of the arteries) and cancer progression.

Dr Chun Shen from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge and the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University in China, said: We know that social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health, but weve never understood why.

Our work has highlighted a number of proteins that appear to play a key role in this relationship, with levels of some proteins in particular increasing as a direct consequence of loneliness.

Previous studies have found that social isolation is a major health problem that can increase the risk of premature death by 14 per cent, while loneliness raises the risk of stroke and heart disease by 30 per cent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However until now, scientists have been unsure what is driving the phenomenon.

One of the proteins produced in higher levels as a result of loneliness was ADM. High ADM levels were found to be linked to smaller brain volume in some regions, and an increased risk of early death.

The team also found 175 proteins that were associated with social isolation, many of which are produced in response to inflammation, viral infection and as part of our immune responses, as well as having been linked to cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and early death.

Social contact keeps us well

Professor Barbara Sahakian, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, said: These findings drive home the importance of social contact in keeping us well. More and more people of all ages are reporting feeling lonely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats why the World Health Organisation has described social isolation and loneliness as a global public health concern.

We need to find ways to tackle this growing problem and keep people connected to help them stay healthy.

The study, which was carried out alongside the University of Warwick and Fudan University in China, was published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

Professor Jianfeng Feng, from the University of Warwick, added: The proteins weve identified give us clues to the biology underpinning poor health among people who are socially isolated or lonely, highlighting why social relationships play such an important part in keeping us healthy.

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.
Unhoused Lewiston residents huddle for the evening at the citys new warming center. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star)

This is the third in a three-part series on the national rise in local camping bans and restrictions since the Supreme Court ruling on homeless camping. The first and second stories are available here and here.

With restaurants shut down during the pandemic, Brian Arborio found himself unemployed, unable to pay his rising rent and eventually evicted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He lived on the streets of Portland for about 10 months, but left after an encounter with police. His next stop was Westbrook, then the woods of Scarborough, and Old Orchard Beach.

Arborio said law enforcement had him on their radar because he had broken into empty buildings to avoid the cold. One snowy night, as the soles of his shoes were peeling away, he said he returned to his tent to find it slashed, and his sleeping bag pepper sprayed.

What he thought would be three months of camping outdoors and couch surfing turned into almost three years of homelessness.

He landed in a Portland-area hospital and found housing through Section 8, the federal governments housing assistance program. But even now, as the weather gets colder and he passes people living on the streets, its hard not to flash back to his experience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Youre not considered a citizen when youre homeless. Youre subhuman. Thats how youre treated, said Arborio, who now advocates for policy to help people experiencing homelessness.

Being chased away constantly is the most inhumane aspect. You are not welcome indoors anywhere anyway, and you have no place to sit down and rest outside. And these are meant to be public places.

Backed by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in an Oregon case that local governments can legally impose criminal penalties for public camping bans, police across the country are enforcing ordinances that advocates say threaten to worsen homelessness and further deplete their limited resources to help.

As long as were using our resources  whether it be our human resources, our public forums, our financial resources  to chase and police, surveil, punish and hide unhoused people, thats taking away from how we could invest into actual solutions, said Heather Zimmerman, a legal fellow with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Advocates and officials say they could benefit from a coordinated approach to share information and resources among municipalities.

Some Maine cities are considering adding camping bans, while those with laws are ramping up enforcement, according to the ACLU.

The organization found 10 municipalities with loitering bans. Six ban solicitation, begging or panhandling. At least 12 have constructive camping bans, which means they use other ordinances such as loitering prohibitions and park regulations to enforce a camping ban in public spaces.

Every ban is worded differently. Lewiston explicitly prohibits sleeping or camping in public places. Portland bans public camping as long as there is available shelter space. But even in municipalities such as Bangor, which, according to a city spokesperson, does not have a camping ban, police routinely sweep encampments and ask unhoused people to leave public property.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Maine tracks homelessness through point-in-time counts, which record the number of unhoused people on one day, typically in January. This years count recorded 2,695 people experiencing homelessness. While the number is lower than the past two years, the number of unsheltered people  those not housed temporarily in shelters, motels or transitional housing  has been increasing, with 299 in 2023 and 273 in 2024, compared with 95 unsheltered people counted five years ago.

People without shelter might be another reason municipalities are again enforcing camping bans, according to Katie Spencer White, president and CEO of Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter in Waterville.

We had a lot of folks experiencing homelessness, but what we didnt have is a lot of unsheltered homelessness, where people couldnt find a place in a bed, she said.

So thats where many municipalities like, if theyre like Waterville, theyre now reposting these signs and enforcing something thats already on the books, or some municipalities are creating new ordinances where they didnt already have one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the ACLU, at least two cities  Sanford in southern Maine and Presque Isle in northern Maine  have considered camping bans since the Supreme Court ruling.

Shelters as solutions to camping bans

City leaders and advocates both believe homeless shelters can be a short-term solution to camping ban enforcement, since most agree that being outside, especially in Maine winters, is the worst case scenario.

MaineHousing, the state agency that oversees distribution of federal and state funding for affordable housing and homelessness solutions, has allocated more than $60 million in emergency housing assistance since 2020.

But that funding is not enough to provide adequate resources to help people find beds or safe places to sleep, Spencer White said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We want to be the solution to the camping ban, she said. Its hard to do that when youre paid $18 a night for a product that costs almost $100 a night.

In early December, 33 people needed shelter from freezing temperatures at Watervilles warming center, but its funding can only support 25. Without financial support for staffing and operational costs, shelters cant keep operating to meet the increasing demand, Spencer White said.

Often, municipalities are left to find their own solutions. In cities with shelters, they are overcrowded or have restrictions that ban pets, require sobriety or separate residents by gender. A majority of cities in Maine dont have permanent shelters, and their expansion is often met with resistance from city government or local business owners, according to council meetings and media reports.

In 2022, the Lewiston City Council imposed a six-month moratorium on building any new shelters, despite the lack of low-barrier shelters in Maines second largest city. Three city council members who had opposed a shelter expansion lost re-election and the new council is now building partnerships to expand services, according to Scott Harriman, who has served on the council since 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of their arguments was that, basically, if you build it, they will come, Harriman said, explaining the previous councils opposition to shelters. So theyre concerned that if we just open up more shelters, we just attract more people here to use them.

Because of the political shift, nonprofit Kaydenz Kitchen recently received approval and funding from MaineHousing to build the citys first low-barrier homeless shelter.

In other cities, pushback to shelters is being led by business owners. After the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter in Waterville received $700,000 to build a new permanent shelter and expand its current capacity, some business owners asked the city to consider a six-month pause on any expansion.

Municipal leaders said bans allow them to strike a necessary balance between the interests of residents and business owners who complain to the city about tents or encampments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

From a city perspective, we have to manage both sides of the issue, said Jessica Grondin, Portlands spokesperson. Weve got residents and business owners who are saying we dont want people outside in tents on our property, leaving behind trash and going to the bathroom on my doorway, combined with the fact that we do provide shelter for 600 people a night; theres no other municipality around whos stepping up in the way that we already are.

Portland Mayor Mark Dion said the city keeps shelter beds open in case people want them, but they cant force everyone to use the shelter.

The city has removed 809 tents in the past year, and law enforcement and park rangers regularly sweep for encampments, but by providing notice, Grondin said.

But data has shown that removing tents does not necessarily result in unhoused people going to shelters. Often, they relocate to a different part of the city or another town.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are no more large encampments in the city of Portland, but that doesnt mean there arent unsheltered people all over the city, Zimmerman said.

Lack of coordinated state response

While the state has helped with funding for shelters and affordable housing initiatives, it has not weighed in on policy decisions, including camping bans.

Many who work in the field believe homelessness in Maine can be solved  made rare and brief  but we have to all want to solve for it and we have to do it together and in collaboration across many sectors, governments, nonprofits and individuals, said Scott Thistle, a spokesperson for MaineHousing.

But MaineHousing does not endeavor to tell local elected officials what the best solution is for their community is or should be  we support them in finding and funding those solutions.

Nobody wants to take full responsibility. Municipalities dont want to say this is for us to fix, the state doesnt want to say it. Everybodys pointing somewhere else, said Spencer White of the Mid-Maine shelter.

Theres ways that we could leverage the existing resources at our disposal, but what we lack is coordinated and committed leadership, leadership that will actually bring the municipalities to the table and work through the issues.

Ahead of the upcoming session, the Maine Legislature recently amended committees to break up Labor and Housing and make a permanent committee focused on housing and economic development. Maine Morning Star reached out to several legislators focused on housing issues but didnt hear back by publication. A spokesperson for the Governors Office of Policy Innovation and the Future did not answer questions related to the states role.

Dion said theres a statewide council of mayors, where city leaders discuss solutions to homelessness, but without coordination, theres no opportunity to share resources between municipalities.

Having somebody facilitating data on resources and demand, thats a state responsibility, he said.

What Im looking for is a dedicated office and staff to help us. At the front end of the problem, I mean, they could stand up some shelter space, and especially at the back end in terms of securing housing.

Supreme Court ruling paves way for heightened enforcement

Though Lewistons City Council is now supporting the establishment of a permanent shelter, the citys camping ban is still on the books.

Several unsheltered Lewiston residents said police are still giving out warnings when tents are reported, although a new warming center also operated by Kaydenz Kitchen that opened last month is the only legal place for them to stay.

We literally got asked to move our tent with all our stuff in it because we had it set up under a bridge and someone called the cops on us, said Linda Chagnon, who was at the warming center on a snowy December night with her husband.

After the warning, her family will soon have to move the tent if they want to keep their belongings, since taking everything with them from a day center to the public library to the warming center overnight isnt possible, she said.

Like the experiences of both Chagnon and Arborio, the constant moving and fear of interacting with law enforcement can be among the most challenging aspects of homelessness.

Arborio traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this year with the ACLU to speak against the Grants Pass, Oregon ruling. Since then, Grants Pass officials have limited where about 600 homeless people can pitch a tent or sleep to just two locations in the city of 39,000.

Grants Pass officials have been publicly chastised for the ordinance. At an August council meeting, City Manager Aaron Cubic met withering criticism after he said the city was not legally obligated to provide water at city-designated spots.

There is no legal requirement the city do anything more than designate a place to rest or a place to camp, he said at the meeting, adding that other services and amenities could include water and shade.

The city has provided portable toilets and handwashing stations, though not water. Mayor Sara Bristol said that balance is necessary to avoid the perception the city is encouraging people to come there.

Maine advocate Arborio said the impact of a camping ban is hard to understand without experiencing the despair and lack of hope and support unhoused people live with daily.

If the shelters are full and theres no warming center, you have to let them at least have a chance outdoors, he said.

People in warm city halls dont understand the impact of these policies, the trauma of marching somebody around all day long in this weather.

Ben Botkin of Oregon Capital Chronicle, which like Maine Morning Star is part of the States Newsroom network, contributed to this report.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
(FOX40.COM)  A candlelight birthday vigil is being organized for Andruw Cornett, one of two brothers who went missing in a Butte County waterway and whose body was found this week, according to a diver who has been involved in the search efforts.

Juan Heredia is a California-based diver who regularly helps search for people who go missing in the states waterways.

New California laws target sideshows

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a social media post on Thursday, Heredia said that the Saturday vigil will be on what would have been Andruws 20th birthday.

Andruw and his brother Wesley disappeared while duck hunting in Thermalito Afterbay in mid-December, about 70 miles north of Sacramento.

Second State Route 160 bridge to close for months for repairs, upgrades

Andruws body was recovered on the final day of December. Officials and volunteer divers continue to search for Wesley.

According to Heredia, the birthday vigil will be at the Monument Hill Launch Ramp near Monument Hill Road and Oroville Dam Blvd., at 5 p.m.

Please bring your own candle as we come together to remember and celebrate his life, Heredia said. We continue the search for Wesley, please keep praying.

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.
Bourbon Street reopened just one day after a deadly terrorist attack claimed the lives of at least 14 people and injured dozens more. But questions still linger over possible security lapses on the night of the tragedy. JP Morrell, New Orleans City Councilmember At-Large, joins The 11th Hour to discuss.
Jan. 2The Indiana Capital Chronicle's top 10 Indiana news stories of 2024:

1. Corcoran execution

Last week, the state of Indiana killed its first death row inmate in 15 years. Joseph Corcoran was convicted of murdering four men in 1997. He exhausted his appeals in 2016.

ICC Senior Reporter Casey Smith was the only reporter allowed to witness the execution after Corcoran added her to his witness list.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Smith reported on a public records fight over the substance used to kill him. When the state obtained a new execution drug, top officials filed with the Indiana Supreme Court to seek a date for Corcoran.

Smith also chronicled a flurry of legal activity: arguments over Corcoran's mental illness, an attempt to reopen an appeal window, a bid for clemency that Corcoran himself refused to sign and a lawsuit over a spiritual adviser.

2. Gaps in care for disabled adults

Groups providing daytime care for disabled adults can help those Hoosiers maintain or even improve their functioning and free up their family members to work  at lower costs than personal aides, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But only a couple dozen such support groups survived the pandemic, ICC Senior Reporter Whitney Downard found. And they were in line for cuts after the Family and Social Services Administration revealed a $1 billion Medicaid shortfall last year.

Indiana's transition to the new PathWays for Aging, a managed long-term care program, brought new worries for adult day providers  and for families languishing on the PathWays waitlist.

3. Completion of I-69 extension

Hoosiers first started dreaming of a direct Evansville-to-Indianapolis route almost 100 years ago. Construction is expected to end, officially, at the close of the year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Prominent Hoosiers spent decades politicking at the federal, state and local levels to push the extension into reality. They faced opposition from a coalition of environmentalists, farmers, budget hawks and more.

Proponents say the new addition is a safer and faster economic boon. But those who lost homes, farms and their way of life to make room for the road still lament the change.

4. Corruption in Clark County

Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel was found to have stolen and misused more than $3 million in taxpayer dollars.

Noel pleaded guilty to 27 of his 31 felony charges over the summer. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the fall  and must pay back the money to his local volunteer firefighter's organization, sheriff's department and two state agencies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Noel's theft of public funds jeopardized local emergency services. Despite his actions, Noel could still be eligible for public pensions.

5. Alleging indoctrination in schools

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita prompted a lot of phone calls with irate school officials when he unveiled "Eyes on Education" last February as a way for disgruntled Hoosiers to send his office "real examples of indoctrination" from Indiana schools.

His office said it would follow up on materials that could violate Indiana law.

Officials from nine of the 12 public school districts named in the portal said the submissions were out of date or inaccurate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

6. Parents fight for kids with medical needs

Hoosiers parenting 1,600 medically complex children flexed their organizing muscles this year.

After the Family and Social Services Administration announced its Medicaid gap, it proposed cost-cutting moves, including reduction of the program that paid legally responsible individuals for their caregiving.

Families rallied at the Statehouse in January, gaining the support of Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch but failing to secure a legislative rollback or further oversight. The families appealed to Holcomb, and an ongoing lawsuit continues to challenge the changes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

7. Data centers move in  and plug in

Hoosier utility bills are going up. And that's expected to continue as the state continues to woo, win and serve big electric customers  like the artificial intelligence-fueled boom in hyperscale data centers.

In the five years since lawmakers approved generous financial incentives for data centers, at least nine have come to Indiana.

Industry boosters were confident the state could provide for data centers and other big electricity guzzlers without hurting existing utility customers, while skeptics feared the state wouldn't keep up, or that current customers would be on the hook for major spending.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

8. Arming school staff

State lawmakers first gave school districts the power to arm their staff members  as a defense against gun violence and other dangers  a decade ago. Last year, they added state-funded training and standardized requirements.

But districts aren't taking full advantage.

Indiana Capital Chronicle collaborated with Indiana University's Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism to learn how many districts had authorized staff carry, and whether they'd used state-funded training.

Most responding superintendents said what they really wanted was more state help paying for school-stationed law enforcement officials: school resource officers. And they offered mixed feedback on whether arming staff is a good idea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

9. Public health funding boost

After a yearlong analysis from the Governor's Public Health Commission found that Indiana spends a paltry average of $55 per resident annually on public health, legislators in 2023 authorized $225 million over two years in optional funding for counties.

Nearly all counties opted into the first year of funding and every Hoosier county joined the second year of funding.

The money has been used for smoking cessation, infant health, lead risk assessments, medical supplies and other health needs. Researchers are concerned that money alone isn't enough to fix the state's public health care woes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

10. New governor; new era

After eight years in office, the term-limited Holcomb is on his way out. A crowded, pricey race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination resulted.

Gov.-elect Mike Braun has a packed agenda and named an obscure nonprofit to lead his transition and inauguration.

Lt. Gov.-elect Micah Beckwith beat Braun's preferred running mate at a GOP convention. He is bringing a faith-based approach to the office and often courts controversy on social media.
ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI)  Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro announced the death of Nyalla the lion.

Nyalla, a female lion born in 2004, passed away on New Years Eve.

She was brought to the zoo in 2005 with her sister Kayla to join the male lion Ramses in the exhibit for breeding purposes.

ALSO READ: Buttonwood Park Zoo beloved elephant Ruth has died

Credit: Kayla St. George

The zoo said both Nyalla and Kayla had cubs in 2008 that were sent to other facilities as they got older.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nyalla and the other lions would get regular checkups as part of their care, the zoo said, but in 2014 she and her sister began to show kidney concerns. Later exams also showed arthritis.

Kayla passed away in 2020 from chronic kidney disease, the zoo said.

Zoo staff noticed Nayallas activity was decreasing last month, and on Dec. 31, her behavior was atypical during their morning checks. She passed away naturally later that afternoon.

ALSO READ: Roger Williams Park Zoo mourns death of Willie the donkey

Although the staff are feeling the loss of Nyalla, they take pride in knowing the level of care she received allowed her to live well beyond her expected years, the zoo said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They will be performing a necropsy and pathology to determine her official cause of death.

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.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Four firefighters were released from the hospital after a car crashed into a fire truck on Thursday night in Hartford, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

Cat dies following Colchester house fire

According to fire officials, four fire personnel and one civilian were transported to the hospital for evaluation after they all reported non-life-threatening injuries at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said officers responded to the area of Main Street for a crash involving a Hartford fire truck. When officers arrived, they found a grey Nissan Altima crashed into the drivers side of the fire truck.

The driver suffered from a broken leg and fire officials complained of neck and back pain, police said.

No parties were trapped and no extrication was necessary, fire officials said.

The investigation of the incident 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 WTNH.com.
Car theft in London has effectively been decriminalised as nine in 10 incidents go unsolved, figures have revealed.

Less than one in 100 investigations into car theft by the Metropolitan Police resulted in a charge, the lowest rate of all regional police forces, according to figures which have been described as staggering.

Data obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that the Met closed 7,996 investigations into car thefts without identifying a suspect out of 8,861 in the quarter ending June 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is up from 88.7 per cent the previous quarter and 86.8 per cent between April and June 2023 and is the highest rate in two years.

The figures come just days after Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London who has responsibility for overseeing the Met, was knighted despite concerns over his record on crime.

On average across England and Wales 78.5 per cent of all car thefts go unsolved, a total of 24,837 over the same period and up slightly from the previous quarter.

South Yorkshire followed closely behind the Met with 85 per cent of thefts going unsolved while Essex, Wiltshire, Sussex and Hertfordshire were on 80 per cent. The rankings exclude City of London Police which only investigated five thefts and British Transport Police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lisa Smart, the Lib Dems home affairs spokesman, said: These shocking figures will leave people wondering if car theft has been decriminalised in this country.

Only 2.8 per cent, or just under 900 cases, on average end with the criminal being charged or summoned across the whole of England and Wales, with just 0.9 per cent resulting in charges under the Met Police.

There were 32,026 police recorded car thefts across England and Wales between April and June 2024, down 1.3 per cent from 32,462 over the same period the previous year.

However under the Met the trend has been going in the other direction with the force recording an 8.2 per cent rise from 8,059 to 8,723, the highest spring quarter total on record.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Liberal Democrats said the figures for the Met were staggering and said that while crimes occurred when the Conservatives were in power, Labour had so far failed to address the problem.

Ms Smart said thousands of victims of crime were being failed.

Tens of thousands of victims across England and Wales are being left without the justice they deserve, with a staggeringly high number of car thefts going unsolved, and thieves getting away scot free, she said.

This cannot continue. Every victim of a crime deserves to feel safe and protected by the police, but unfortunately after brutal cuts to community police officers that is far from the truth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We urge the Government to change the course by getting tough on crime, investing properly in local neighbourhood policing and keeping communities safe.

A spokesman for the Met Police said: The Met recognises the impact motor vehicle crime can have on victims, especially those who rely on vehicles for employment or the routine of daily life.

We have prioritised vehicle crime under our New Met for London plan, and are driving a number of initiatives to tackle the increase and reduce offending.

This includes proactive policing alongside neighbouring forces to recover stolen vehicles, crime prevention work including crime awareness events and partnering with car manufacturers to help problem solve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are several measures motorists can take to protect their vehicles, such as fitting a steering lock which can act as a visible deterrent, keeping electronic car keys in a signal blocking pouch when not in use, and removing valuables or ensuring they are not left on display. Further crime prevention is available on the Met website.

Sadiq invests record amounts

A spokesman for Sir Sadiq said: Car theft is a serious crime which can have a significant impact on victims.

The mayor wants to see more cases solved and car thieves brought to justice.

The Met has prioritised tackling vehicle crime in London and the mayor has called on car manufacturers to improve security features on vehicles, as this is a national issue that the police cant tackle alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The previous government made massive cuts to policing, which has had a damaging impact in London and across the country.

But Sadiq continues to invest record amounts in neighbourhood policing from City Hall, which has helped to put an extra 1,300 police officers on our streets to tackle local concerns and priorities, including car theft.

The mayor is also supporting the Mets work in using data, tracking technology and intelligence to target the most prolific offenders so that we can continue building a safer London for everyone.

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.
South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners, from left, Chris Nelson, Kristie Fiegen and Gary Hanson participate in a meeting Sept. 6, 2023, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

The company proposing a carbon dioxide pipeline has formally requested that a South Dakota regulator recuse herself from the projects permit application because of an alleged conflict of interest, but the regulator said she does not have a legal conflict.

In a letter sent Thursday, Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions asked Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen to disqualify herself. That would allow the governor to appoint another state official to fill in for Fiegen during the three-member commissions consideration of the application.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Summit wants to construct a $9 billion, five-state pipeline to capture and transport some of the carbon dioxide emitted by 57 ethanol plants to an underground storage area in North Dakota. The project would capitalize on federal tax credits incentivizing the prevention of heat-trapping carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

This is Summits second application in South Dakota, after the Public Utilities Commission rejected the first application in 2023. Fiegen recused herself from those proceedings and was replaced by State Treasurer Josh Haeder.

At the time, Fiegen wrote a recusal letter saying she had a conflict because the pipeline would cross land owned by my sister-in-law (my husbands sister) and her husband. Fiegen also recused herself from an earlier, separate crude oil pipeline permit application for a similar reason.

Fiegen has not recused herself from the new application, but Summit said the same conflict exists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As with your previous decisions, said the companys new letter to Fiegen, the facts and established South Dakota law support a decision that you should step aside.

On Friday, Fiegen responded with a letter to Summit. In its entirety, Fiegens letter said, I am an elected Public Utilities Commissioner and will carry out my duties as such. I do not have a legal conflict. I am sitting on the docket.

The Summit letter also drew criticism from an attorney representing landowners opposed to the pipeline, Brian Jorde, of Domina Law Group in Omaha, who disputed the allegation that Fiegen has a conflict of interest.

From my viewpoint she never had a conflict that rises to the level of recusal and certainly doesnt now, Jorde wrote. The isolated fact that she is related by marriage to a trustee of a trust that owns land that signed an easement with Summit is not a direct conflict.

The alleged conflict

The commissions rejection of Summits first application was partly due to the routes conflicts with several county ordinances. Those ordinances mandate minimum distances between pipelines and existing features. Summits new route includes some adjustments.

This map shows a portion of the proposed Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline route where it would cross McCook County land owned by the Jeffrey A. Ordal Living Trust, of which Jean Fiegen-Ordal and Jeffrey Ordal are trustees. The couple also formerly owned land in Minnehaha County, not shown here, that would be crossed by the pipeline. Jean Fiegen-Ordal is the sister-in-law of South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen. (Map by South Dakota Searchlight)

The original pipeline route crossed three parcels in Minnehaha County owned by Fiegens sister-in-law and her husband, Jean Fiegen-Ordal and Jeffrey Ordal, and three parcels in McCook County owned by the Jeffrey A. Ordal Living Trust, which lists the couple as trustees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Summit said it paid a total of $175,000 for easements and future crop damages on that land, including $88,000 to the Ordals. Summit declined to tell Searchlight where the remainder of the money went, but public records show the Ordals sold their Minnehaha County land after signing the easement documents in 2022.

The new pipeline route would cross the same parcels  the Minnehaha County land that the Ordals no longer own, and the McCook County land thats still owned by the Ordals trust.

Summit: Litigation possible

Summits new letter said the logic that motivated Fiegens prior recusal remains unchanged. The company said her involvement risks violating South Dakota law, which the company said bars officials from participating in matters where conflicts of interest exist.

The letter said Fiegens failure to recuse herself could lead to litigation, an appeal of the commissions eventual permit decision, and delays in the permitting process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Because your family has a direct interest in the approval or denial of the permit, and because you previously recused yourself in two dockets based on the same facts, a court almost certainly would find it inappropriate for you to participate in this docket, the letter says.

The Public Utilities Commission will host a series of public input meetings Jan. 15-17 in eastern South Dakota cities near the pipeline route. The project has a storage permit in North Dakota and route permits in North Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, while Nebraska has no state permitting process for carbon pipelines. The project also faces litigation from opponents in multiple states.

EDITORS NOTE: When this story was originally published at 1:13 p.m. Central on Jan. 3, 2025, Commissioner Kristie Fiegen had not responded to the Summit letter. She responded later on the same day, and this story was updated at 4:16 p.m. with the content of her response.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners, from left, Chris Nelson, Kristie Fiegen and Gary Hanson participate in a meeting Sept. 6, 2023, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

The company proposing a carbon dioxide pipeline has formally requested that a South Dakota regulator recuse herself from the projects permit application because of an alleged conflict of interest, but the regulator said she does not have a legal conflict.

In a letter sent Thursday, Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions asked Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen to disqualify herself. That would allow the governor to appoint another state official to fill in for Fiegen during the three-member commissions consideration of the application.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Summit wants to construct a $9 billion, five-state pipeline to capture and transport some of the carbon dioxide emitted by 57 ethanol plants to an underground storage area in North Dakota. The project would capitalize on federal tax credits incentivizing the prevention of heat-trapping carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

This is Summits second application in South Dakota, after the Public Utilities Commission rejected the first application in 2023. Fiegen recused herself from those proceedings and was replaced by State Treasurer Josh Haeder.

At the time, Fiegen wrote a recusal letter saying she had a conflict because the pipeline would cross land owned by my sister-in-law (my husbands sister) and her husband. Fiegen also recused herself from an earlier, separate crude oil pipeline permit application for a similar reason.

Fiegen has not recused herself from the new application, but Summit said the same conflict exists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As with your previous decisions, said the companys new letter to Fiegen, the facts and established South Dakota law support a decision that you should step aside.

On Friday, Fiegen responded with a letter to Summit. In its entirety, Fiegens letter said, I am an elected Public Utilities Commissioner and will carry out my duties as such. I do not have a legal conflict. I am sitting on the docket.

The Summit letter also drew criticism from an attorney representing landowners opposed to the pipeline, Brian Jorde, of Domina Law Group in Omaha, who disputed the allegation that Fiegen has a conflict of interest.

From my viewpoint she never had a conflict that rises to the level of recusal and certainly doesnt now, Jorde wrote. The isolated fact that she is related by marriage to a trustee of a trust that owns land that signed an easement with Summit is not a direct conflict.

The alleged conflict

The commissions rejection of Summits first application was partly due to the routes conflicts with several county ordinances. Those ordinances mandate minimum distances between pipelines and existing features. Summits new route includes some adjustments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The original pipeline route crossed three parcels in Minnehaha County owned by Fiegens sister-in-law and her husband, Jean Fiegen-Ordal and Jeffrey Ordal, and three parcels in McCook County owned by the Jeffrey A. Ordal Living Trust, which lists the couple as trustees.

Summit said it paid a total of $175,000 for easements and future crop damages on that land, including $88,000 to the Ordals. Summit declined to tell Searchlight where the remainder of the money went, but public records show the Ordals sold their Minnehaha County land after signing the easement documents in 2022.

The new pipeline route would cross the same parcels  the Minnehaha County land that the Ordals no longer own, and the McCook County land thats still owned by the Ordals trust.

Summit: Litigation possible

Summits new letter said the logic that motivated Fiegens prior recusal remains unchanged. The company said her involvement risks violating South Dakota law, which the company said bars officials from participating in matters where conflicts of interest exist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The letter said Fiegens failure to recuse herself could lead to litigation, an appeal of the commissions eventual permit decision, and delays in the permitting process.

Because your family has a direct interest in the approval or denial of the permit, and because you previously recused yourself in two dockets based on the same facts, a court almost certainly would find it inappropriate for you to participate in this docket, the letter says.

The Public Utilities Commission will host a series of public input meetings Jan. 15-17 in eastern South Dakota cities near the pipeline route. The project has a storage permit in North Dakota and route permits in North Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, while Nebraska has no state permitting process for carbon pipelines. The project also faces litigation from opponents in multiple states.

This story has been updated with a response from Commissioner Kristie Fiegen to the Summit letter.

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com.
By Anushree Mukherjee and Brijesh Patel

(Reuters) -Oil prices are likely to be constrained near $70 a barrel in 2025 as weak demand from China and rising global supplies are expected to cast a shadow on OPEC+-led efforts to shore up the market, a Reuters monthly poll showed on Tuesday.

The survey of 31 economists and analysts predicted that Brent crude would average $74.33 per barrel in 2025, down from a forecast of $74.53 in November, marking an eighth straight downward revision.

The global benchmark Brent crude has averaged around $80 a barrel so far this year and was poised for a 3% yearly decline on weakening demand stemming from top importer China.

U.S. crude is projected to average $70.86 per barrel in 2025, compared with last month's expectation of $70.69.

"Rising production from non-OPEC countries is expected to keep the market well-supplied. While an economic recovery in China is anticipated, the shift to electric vehicles is likely to limit demand growth," Sehul Bhatt, director of research at CRISIL, said.

Most of the poll respondents expect the oil market to be in a surplus next year, with analysts from JPMorgan predicting that supply will outpace demand to the tune of 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd).

OPEC+, which pumps about half the world's oil, at its December meeting pushed back the start of oil output rises by three months until April 2025 and extended the full unwinding of cuts by a year until the end of 2026.

"The decision was driven by the expectation that non-OPEC+ supply growth will outpace demand growth in 2025. This leaves limited room for OPEC+ to raise production... we anticipate a further delay in unwinding of cuts until Q4 2025," said Florian Grunberger, senior analyst at data and analytics firm Kpler.

Global oil demand was seen growing between 0.4 million and 1.3 million bpd in 2025, the poll showed. That compares with OPEC's 2025 growth estimate of 1.45 million bpd.

Markets are also bracing for substantial policy shifts, encompassing tariffs, deregulation, and tax amendments as Donald Trump is set to return to the White House in January 2025.

"In general, we think U.S. politics matter less than many believe when it comes to the impact on oil prices and the U.S. domestic oil & gas sector," said Kim Fustier, head of European oil & gas research at HSBC.

However, implementation of intensified sanctions on Iranian oil exports by the Trump administration could offer support to oil prices in the short term, some analysts noted.

(Reporting by Anushree Mukherjee and Brijesh Patel in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Swati Verma)
An Indian village named after President Jimmy Carter is paying tribute to the late commander-in-chief ahead of his funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9th.

Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. He served one term in the White House, between 1977 and 1981.

Carterpuri  The Village of Carter  is located about 20 miles outside Delhi. When Carters mother, Lillian, lived and worked there as a nurse for a short period in the 1960s, it was called Daulatpur Nasirabad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Villagers dressed his wife in traditional attire ... He (Carter) also tried out a hookah, resident Moti Ram said, according to Reuters, recalling the time Carter and his wife Rosalynn visited the village.

Preparations began months in advance of the January 3, 1978 visit, villagers told the ANI news agency. The village was improved, and welcome programs were held in the central square.

The residents chose to change the name of the village following the visit to honor the Carters. After hearing of Carters death, they paid tribute to the late president by garlanding a framed picture of him and placing flowers before it, Reuters noted, citing local media.

On the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, I celebrate the life of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, two souls who gave their country everything they could and who embraced the world with love in their heart and service in their work. As President, he visited India in 1978 and pic.twitter.com/qgnplWeIRf  U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) December 30, 2024

Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the U.S. ambassador to India, pointed to the village in a post on X.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As President, he visited India in 1978 and began to build a new foundation for U.S.-Indian relations that helped pave the way to the deep and consequential friendship we now enjoy, he wrote. In Haryana, near Delhi, there is a town called Carterpuri that is testament to the high regard he was held here in India.

Garcetti shared several images from the visit, including one of Rosalynn in traditional clothing.

Among the most important items in the village is a letter sent by Carter thanking the residents for making the visit successful and so personally satisfying, Reuters noted.
JERUSALEM (AP)  As president, Jimmy Carter brokered the watershed peace agreement that removed Israels most powerful enemy from the battlefield. But he incurred the Israeli government's wrath decades later when he said its military rule over the Palestinians amounted to apartheid.

The Camp David peace accords, signed by Israel and Egypt in 1978, remain the biggest achievement from decades of mostly failed U.S. peacemaking in the Middle East.

But for Carter, who died on Sunday at the age of 100, they were clouded by what he saw as the continued oppression of the Palestinians and Israels expansion of settlements on lands they want for a future state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carter did not speak publicly after entering hospice care, months before the outbreak of the latest war in Gaza. But he devoted much of his life during and after his presidency trying to broker a just solution to the wider conflict.

A historic peace between Israel and Egypt

When Carter assumed office in 1977, Egypt and Israel had fought four devastating wars, the last of which began with an Egyptian surprise attack in 1973 that initially seemed to threaten Israels existence.

Carters efforts led to Egyptian President Anwar Sadats landmark visit to Jerusalem and saw U.S. negotiators eventually wear down the famously hawkish Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There would not be a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt without President Carter, said Aharon Barak, a former Israeli attorney general and Supreme Court president who served as the Israeli legal adviser during the negotiations.

Barak described Carter as a dogged negotiator, forcing the sides to work from 6 a.m. until after midnight and getting involved in the smallest details.

He was very tough, knew what he wanted, and he got what he wanted. And I admired it, he said.

The first ever peace treaty between Israel and an Arab country saw Israel withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula, which it had captured in the 1967 Mideast war, and forge full diplomatic ties with Egypt, which had led the Arab struggle against Israel since its establishment in 1948.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The two countries remain at peace nearly a half-century later.

Peace efforts languished after Carter

Although the Camp David agreements called for a transition to Palestinian self-government in the West Bank and Gaza, which Israel also seized in 1967, it was never carried out. Carter was voted out of office two years later amid the Iran hostage crisis, and Mideast peace efforts languished.

When Israelis and Palestinians finally came together to sign the Oslo Accords in 1993, the plan was similar to the one Carter had written 15 years earlier, with the creation of a Palestinian Authority and Israels gradual withdrawal from the occupied territories.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the peace process stalled out yet again in 2000, when the two sides were unable to reach a final agreement at Camp David. An armed Palestinian uprising erupted months later, and Israel launched a heavy military crackdown.

Carter remained actively engaged in the Middle East as a global campaigner for human rights and democracy, with his Carter Center observing Palestinian elections. He spoke out against the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, calling George W. Bush the worst president in the history of foreign affairs.

Apartheid allegations angered Israel

In speeches, articles and a controversial book titled Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, he called on the Palestinians to renounce violence and for U.S. intervention to end the conflict.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But he reserved some of his strongest language for Israels sprawling Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying they were far more built-up than people knew and undermined hope for a negotiated solution to the century-old conflict.

Most controversial was his contention that the situation in the West Bank  where some 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli military rule alongside hundreds of thousands of Jewish settlers who have full citizenship  amounts to apartheid.

In a 2007 interview defending the book, Carter said the term was a very accurate description of the total domination and oppression of Palestinians.

Carter insisted the tough talk was coming from someone who had devoted his life to trying to bring about a lasting peace for Israel, but few Israelis saw it that way. Israels supporters said the book was slanted against it and contained a number of inaccuracies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Israel bristles at any suggestion that its open-ended rule over the Palestinians amounts to apartheid, viewing it as an attack on its very legitimacy. It points to the fact that its own Arab minority has full citizenship, including the right to vote.

Barak rejected the apartheid assertions, saying that as head of the Supreme Court he had presided over numerous rulings in favor of Palestinians against Israeli security bodies. Thats not apartheid, he said.

He was a complicated person, Barak said of Carter. But on balance, I think he was a friend of Israel.

The situation Carter described has only grown worse for the Palestinians. There have been no peace talks in well over a decade, Israel is rapidly expanding settlements, and its far-right government supports outright annexation of parts of the West Bank, making the establishment of a viable Palestinian state virtually impossible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the Israeli rights group BTselem have meanwhile adopted Carters language to describe the conflict, publishing lengthy reports in recent years arguing that Israel is guilty of the international crime of apartheid.

Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine director of Human Rights Watch, said Carters words were groundbreaking.

Today, apartheid is the consensus within the global human rights movement and yet, despite the increasingly transparent reality on the ground, few leaders in the U.S. and Europe dare to utter the words President Carter did more than 16 years ago, Shakir said.

Outreach to Hamas

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In April 2008, an 83-year-old Carter toured the region with the Elders, a group of retired international leaders founded by Nelson Mandela. He once again courted controversy by meeting with the top leaders of the Islamic militant group Hamas, which had recently seized control of the Gaza Strip. Hamas does not accept Israels existence and has carried out hundreds of deadly attacks over the years.

But Carter said he had secured a personal commitment that Hamas would accept a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders if the agreement were approved in a Palestinian referendum  a potentially big step toward accepting Israel.

The Israeli government refused to meet with Carter, and both Israel and the U.S. criticized his decision to meet with Hamas.

Israel and Hamas went on to fight five wars in Gaza, the deadliest of which was triggered by a bloody Hamas incursion into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and is still ongoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For Carter, now remembered the world over as a statesman and a humanitarian, the failure to resolve the conflict was a bitter disappointment.

The most important single foreign policy goal in my life has been to bring peace to Israel, and peace and justice to Israels neighbors, Carter told an Israeli newspaper during the 2008 visit.

I have done everything I could in office and since I left office to do that.

___

Associated Press writer Josef Federman contributed.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Catholic Charities Terre Haute is just one part of the network telling you we are there for you.

Catholic Charities Terre Haute is joining in the national Catholic Charities campaign We Are There. We Are There is a national campaign to raise awareness of the services that Catholic Charities agencies provide for their communities. Catholic Charities Terre Haute has been serving the city for over five decades regardless of any faith basis. According to the news release from Catholic Charities they provide, help and creates hope by nourishing the minds, bodies and spirits of children, families, adults and seniors. They do this by working with partners in the community to provide nutritious food, safe shelter, and youth programming along with personal and household needs.

Meijer donates $70K to Terre Haute Catholic Charities

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are 168 independent Catholic Charities agencies along with 3,900 throughout the United States and its five territories. In total, the network served more than 15 million people in the last year and provided more than 30 million meals to the needy. This is all done with the help of 215,000 volunteers across the nation. The services provided in each area are tailored for each community. To learn more about the We Are There campaign you can visit this website. To learn how to volunteer or make a gift to support Catholic Charities Terre Haute visit their 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 MyWabashValley.com.
AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF)- South Carolina students will head back to the classroom next week with in person class starting on January 7th for most of the schools in our viewing area.

But those students will have a big change when they return to school- a ban on cell phone use during the school day.

That means kids cannot have their phones out at all during the school day and they have to be powered off. That includes during lunch or any other free time beginning with the morning tardy bell and ending with dismissal. It could even apply to the time students are on the bus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The policy bans the use of all personal electronic devices which includes phones and any accessories like smart watches, bluetooth headphones or earbuds, gaming devices and tablets.

There are exceptions for medical reasons with a 504 plan and students who are volunteer firefighters or work for an emergency organization. Consequences for violators are strict but vary.

Each and every incident will be treated individually. It depends on the circumstance. And so, for the first consequence, up to ISS, that first time. If we have some other interventions that are in place that the principle deems that are more effective for this child and that can be applied as well. Second time its still a phone violation so its up to multiple days of ISS. And the third time you could potentially be suspended out of school, explained Dr. Corey Murphy, the Aiken County Public School Districts Superintendent.

Its all part of a state board of education policy approved back in September 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Consequences begin with up to three days of in school suspension, out of school suspension, and confiscation of the devices.

School leaders believe banning the use of cell phones during school hours will be beneficial to kids in the long run.

We can see it ourselves. The kids are kind of preoccupied and if I can use the word obsessed sometimes theyre keeping current on whatevers going on in the world, to the point where they cant focus on the lesson at hand. And so we really hope that this helps with that endeavor, explained Dr. Murphy.

Many students and parents are upset that cell phone use isnt allowed during free time, but some educators say that it forces students to socialize or pick up a book to read. They think it will reduce cyber bullying, in school fights and other behavioral issues. They believe unplugging completely during the school day will be better for kids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dr. Murphy asks parents to help the school district enforce the new policy, saying this is coming down from the state and it could affect funding if they dont comply.

The links to the full policy guidelines for each South Carolina school district are as follows.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Cleburne firefighters responded to several grass and other fires in recent weeks.

Cleburne along with firefighters from Rio Vista and Liberty Chapel responded to a grass fire call at 1:33 p.m. Dec. 2 in the 2800 block of Farm-to-Market Road 2135.

Fire from a brush pile a man was burning spread onto another property and covered an area of about 10 acres. Firefighters from the different departments worked together to knock down most of the fire and attack hotspots. Two brush piles were still smoldering when CFD firefighters wrapped operations. Liberty Chapel firefighters remained on scene to address those issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cleburne firefighters responded to an outside rubbish fire call at 2:02 p.m. Dec. 21 in the 500 block of College Street. They drove upon a man burning a pile of leaves in his yard. The man told firefighters he called the city several times but could not reach anyone, according to reports. Firefighters advised the man that it's illegal to burn within city limits after which he put the fire out. Firefighters went over city ordinances regarding outside burning with the man then cleared the scene.

Firefighters responded to an outdoor burning call at 6:23 p.m. Dec. 20 in the 500 block of Mansfield Road to find a homeowner burning trash in a barrel. The man, after being told that it's illegal to burn outside, extinguished the fire.

Firefighters responded to a grass fire call at 11:50 a.m. Nov. 28 near East Katherine P. Raines Drive and Main Street. Firefighters, upon arrival, found a pedestrian stomping out a grass fire that consumed a 10 foot by 20 foot area under a bridge. Firefighters finished the job by soaking the area down. Reports list no cause for the fire.

Firefighters responded to a cooking fire call at 2:40 p.m. Nov. 28 in the 1600 block of Heather Court.

Family members, who were out of the house when firefighters arrived, said the oven caught fire. Firefighters encountered light haze and the smell of smoke upon entering the home and the top of the oven still smoldering. They disconnected the oven and watered down the smoldering area. Firefighters advised family members to contact a repair worker before using the oven again.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Everill being charged with arranging to have sex with a 9-year-old girl from California. That information was incorrect and the article has been removed.

OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV)  A former federal probation officer from Water Valley is expected to attend a change of plea hearing this month.

All yall gonna die: Mississippi man shot in fight over car

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Oxford Eagle reported Lonnie Everill, 44, was arrested on April 16, 2024. Court documents showed that Everill was charged with possessing and distributing child pornography.

Everills trial date was postponed in May 2024 and rescheduled for January 6, 2025. However, a change of plea hearing has been scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on January 14, 2025, at the federal courthouse in Oxford.

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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A new year comes with new laws in Arkansas reflecting the most recent legislative session at the State Capitol.

A significant Jan. 1 change is the implementation of the 2023 Protect Act sentencing changes to longer prison terms for convicted felons by delaying parole eligibility.

Arkansas prison reform bill awaiting governors signature

Portions of the act have been going into effect since its passage, but as of Jan. 1, those convicted of serious crimes must serve 85-100% of their sentence before being released, the exact amount depending on the seriousness of the felony. A smaller portion of the act requires inmates to serve at least 25-50% of their sentence before they are eligible for early release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The act also allows the Post-Prison Transfer Board to determine earned release credits of 50-75% depending on the seriousness determination by a grid or table provided by the Arkansas Sentencing Commission and approved by the legislative council.

We know its going to take two, three, four, five years to fully implement and start seeing substantial results but look, I know this: Im hearing stories from prosecutors with recordings of inmates saying, We got to settle our case before this goes into effect. They dont understand how it works, but what it says is that they understand that the consequences are real, State Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester (R-Cave Springs) said.

Bill introduced in Arkansas legislature to remove certain chemicals from food products

Despite the law passing overwhelmingly, it received pushback from Democrats who argued that higher incarceration rates are not the way to tackle crime in the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arkansas already has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country and the U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, Democratic Sen. Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville) said. Its very expensive to lock people away. We [Democrats] just feel there are smarter, more cost-efficient ways to keep the public safe.

Another law going into effect this year looks to reduce or remove the need for prior authorizations for any organizations under Medicare programs. The law describes prior authorizations as approvals required by Medicare or insurance providers before providing healthcare services.

Arkansas legislators, others focus on welfare, Medicaid ahead of 2025 legislative session

The general session starts Jan. 13, and lawmakers said they will focus on continuing some of the work they did during the last session. The state budget will also receive focus.

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 KARK.
Within the Cook County legal system, 2024 in many ways marked a shift in approach that will be noticeable in local courtrooms.

After eight polarizing years, former Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx stepped down. Her successor, Eileen ONeill Burke, a former appellate judge, took office with a different mandate.

ONeill Burke, who narrowly defeated her Democratic primary opponent, Clayton Harris III, and then Republican Bob Fioretti by a wider margin, came into office in December decrying the consistent scourge of gun violence and announcing a new pretrial detention policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It marked a change in tone from Foxx, who was elected in 2016 amid calls for reform after the slaying of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke.

ONeill Burke has begun fleshing out her leadership team, naming former Circuit Court judge and prosecuting veteran Anna Demacopoulos as the first assistant states attorney. Demacopoulos most recently served on the bench at the Daley Center after being elected in 2008 and previously worked for the states attorneys office for 23 years, including as a supervisor for the Narcotics Felony Trial Unit.

The new states attorney appointed as chief of staff Garvin Ambrose, who worked in the administrations of both Foxx and her predecessor Anita Alvarez. Ambrose, who previously was an assistant states attorney, was chief of staff for Alvarez from 2014 to 2016 and headed the bureau of Administrative Services for Foxx.

ONeill Burke also named Yvette Loizon, a former partner at Clifford Law Offices, as chief of policy; Jennifer Bagby, a former prosecutor who most recently was an attorney with the city, as chief deputy, and Matt McGrath, who comes from the citys Treasurers Office, as director of external affairs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During Foxxs final year in office, she touted a history-making hundreds of wrongful convictions vacated, even in the midst of controversy that surrounded her Conviction Review Unit, which was responsible for investigating claims of innocence.

In 2024, judges, lawyers and other stakeholders also worked through the first full year of the states landmark bail reform legislation.

The Pretrial Fairness Act, which took effect in September 2023, abolished cash bail in favor of a system in which judges evaluate risk and decide whether defendants are held in jail or released with conditions.

Officials worked out kinks in the law  such as when appeals skyrocketed  and researchers noted, though much remains to be studied, that the state saw no increase in violent crime or property crime in the months after the laws passage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We were given this big open highway called the PFA, Cook County Judge Mary Marubio, presiding judge of the pretrial division, told the Tribune in 2024. Slowly, were all finding where the lanes are and where the guardrails are.

With a new year ahead, and a new states attorney at the helm of the countrys second-largest prosecutors office, 2025 appears poised for more change, even as systemic issues such as gun violence, inequities in the system and the legacy of police torture continue to reverberate through new and old cases.

Here are some cases and issues to watch in 2025:

Domestic violence

In an act of stunning violence, Crosetti Brand attacked a pregnant former girlfriend, then fatally stabbed her 11-year-old son, Jayden Perkins, when he tried to help his mother, prosecutors alleged in March.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brand, who has a long history of violence against Jaydens mother and other women, allegedly committed the attack just one day after being released from prison.

The case, among others throughout the past year, put a spotlight on the handling of domestic violence cases in Cook County and the often imperfect methods employed to protect survivors.

Before the attack, Brand was released from prison after serving a sentence in an attack on a different woman. He was warned not to contact Jaydens mother, according to records. She also had sought an emergency order of protection, which was denied.

Jaydens mother, though, reported to authorities that Brand tried to break into her home, and he was sent back to prison.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Illinois Prisoner Review Board then allowed his release March 12, finding there was not a preponderance of evidence supporting a violation.

On March 13, prosecutors say, Brand returned to the apartment and killed Jayden.

Two members of the Prisoner Review Board resigned in the wake of the attack.

Months later, another case drew attention to faults in the system, when police said Constantin Beldie, 57, killed his estranged wife weeks after a judge ordered him released on electronic monitoring.

Advocates against domestic violence called for the reassignment of the judge, Thomas Nowinski, who also denied a request by Jaydens mother for an emergency order of protection against Brand.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brands case remains pending before Judge Angela Petrone. He is representing himself.

Wrongful convictions

Over the course of a rare trial this past year, two former Cook County assistant states attorneys stood accused of wrongdoing in connection with an infamous wrongful-conviction case.

Nicholas Trutenko, a former prosecutor, and Andrew Horvat, a former assistant states attorney with the offices Civil Actions Bureau, were charged by special prosecutors after a lengthy investigation into their conduct during the third and final trial for Jackie Wilson, whose case was critical to unveiling allegations of torture within the Chicago Police Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The trial shed light on a tumultuous period for the states attorneys office and spurred Foxx to revamp policies around ethics training and conflicts of interest. Special prosecutors who were trying Wilson dropped all charges, and Wilson was eventually issued a certificate of innocence.

The defendants elected a bench trial, and Lake County Judge Daniel Shanes is set to issue a ruling in the new year. Shanes was assigned to the case because the Cook County judiciary was recused from hearing the matter.

Prosecutors had accused Trutenko of hiding a longtime friendship with a key witness against Wilson, then lying on the stand to cover up his concealment. They further alleged that Horvat, who represented Trutenko because he was called as a witness during Wilsons third trial, further aided the concealment of the relationship, which prosecutors said deprived Wilson of the right to confront an accuser.

Their defense attorneys argued for their innocence, accusing the special prosecutors of acting in bad faith.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Though it was unusual for former prosecutors to stand trial, Trutenko and Horvat were among a number of state actors to be accused of misconduct amid a broader reckoning about police shootings and the justice systems role in wrongful convictions.

Throughout her tenure, Foxxs office charged police officers with allegations of wrongdoing in the line of duty, such as alleged beatings or unjustified shootings, but the office struggled to win cases, which often ended in acquittals or dropped charges.

Most recently, under ONeill Burke, the office dropped charges against an Oak Lawn police officer who was accused of beating a Bridgeview teen in a decision that was harshly criticized by the Arab American Action Network.

Police slayings

Last year, jurors watched, via body camera footage, the tragic killing of Chicago police Officer Ella French and its aftermath before finding Emonte Morgan guilty of murdering French and seriously injuring her partner, Carlos Yanez Jr.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Coming up in 2025, at least seven defendants face pending charges in the slayings of four police officers in incidents deemed on-duty.

Show Caption1 of 4

Mourners write notes of condolence next to a portrait of Oak Park police Detective Allan Reddins before a vigil in his memory at the Oak Park Village Hall on Dec. 6, 2024. Reddins was fatally shot while responding to a bank robbery call on Nov. 29. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Expand

Steven Montano is accused of killing Chicago police Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso, who was shot while responding to a domestic-related call on March 1, 2023.

Four people are charged with murder for allegedly gunning down Chicago police Officer Areanah Preston shortly after she got off her shift on May 6, 2023.

Darion McMillian is accused of killing Chicago police Officer Enrique Martinez, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop Nov. 4.

Jerell Thomas is charged with murder in the shooting death of Oak Park Detective Allan Reddins on Nov. 29.

Line-of-duty killings sometimes underscore the relationship between the police and the prosecutors office  Foxx has previously said that critics who pointed out tensions between her office and the Chicago Police Department often overlook convictions her office won in slayings such as those of French and Cmdr. Paul Bauer.

But Foxx noted that such tensions are sometimes inherent in the job.

It is not easy to tell a partner whos worked really hard on a case that its not sufficient, but the reality is, thats our oath, Foxx told the Tribune in November.

Still, when campaigning, ONeill Burke discussed with voters a need for the office to reset its relationship with the police.

Electronic monitoring

Among those defendants charged in police killings is one who was held on electronic monitoring in Will County for a pending drug case before he was accused of killing Martinez in November.

Martinez was on duty when his and his partners attention was drawn to a double-parked Ford Escape. Darion McMillian, who was in the passenger seat, grabbed a weapon, fired and hit Martinez, prosecutors allege.

Afterward, prosecutors allege, McMillian ran into a nearby residence and tried to cut off his ankle bracelet.

High-profile cases involving defendants on electronic monitoring over the years have triggered debates about the technology and the countys programs, which are poised for an overhaul in the new year.

The county for years has run separate but parallel GPS monitoring programs operated by the court system and the sheriffs office, a setup that critics have long contended is inefficient.

The Cook County Board of Commissioners has allocated moving some funds from the sheriffs program to the programs run under the court system, with the goal of eventually having a unified program under the chief judges office.

Its a historical artifact, just that the two programs were created at different times essentially, Sarah Staudt, an attorney who consults with the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice, told the Tribune in December. Its fundamentally inefficient.
https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/lottery-com-regains-full-compliance-with-nasdaq-listing-rules

Boqii Holding ( (BQ) ) has shared an announcement.

Don't Miss Our New Year's Offers:

Discover the latest stocks recommended by top Wall Street analysts, all in one place with Analyst Top Stocks

Make smarter investments with weekly expert stock picks from the Smart Investor Newsletter

Boqii Holding Limited announced its unaudited financial results for the first half of fiscal 2025, reporting total revenues of RMB249.7 million, a decline from the previous year due to a strategic shift toward enhancing profitability. Despite a decrease in total revenues, the company saw a significant reduction in losses, with net loss decreasing by 21.6% and operating losses by 14.7%. The companys focus on developing its private labels has led to increased revenue and gross margins in that segment, with significant improvements in operational efficiency and cost savings contributing to a strengthened financial position. These initiatives highlight Boqiis resilience in a challenging market, suggesting a positive outlook for future financial performance.

More about Boqii Holding

Boqii Holding Limited, listed on the NYSE American under the ticker BQ, is a leading pet-focused platform in China. The company offers a wide selection of high-quality pet products, including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and its private labels such as Yoken, Mocare, and D-cat. Boqiis platforms, including Boqii Mall and flagship stores on third-party e-commerce sites, provide convenient access to pet supplies at competitive prices.

YTD Price Performance: -17.35%

Average Trading Volume: 615,735

Technical Sentiment Consensus Rating: Buy

Current Market Cap: $4.08M

See more data about BQ stock on TipRanks Stock Analysis page.

Trending Articles
A California man is charged with murder and other crimes in connection with the deadly New Year's Eve stabbing at a bar in Windom.

A criminal complaint filed Tuesday charges 26-year-old No Name Given Happy, of San Diego, with two counts of second-degree murder, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and threats of violence in connection with the incident, which happened shortly before midnight Tuesday at the Phat Pheasant Pub.

Benjamin Matter, 30, died of his injuries after being rushed to a local hospital. A 31-year-old man was also injured in the stabbing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the criminal complaint, police identified the suspect via his California commercial driver's license, which had "No Name Given" listed on the first name line and "Happy" listed for his last name.

Investigators found a knife sheath inside a semi-truck with California plates parked at the scene, charges state.

No Name Given Happy (left), Ben Matter (right)Photos from the Cottonwood County Jail and a GoFundMe for Ben Matter.

Police spoke to a bar employee who said that Happy was playing pool with a group of people, including Matter, before the stabbing.

The employee said Happy was making others mad, "being mouthy and pushing things," the charges state.

Happy allegedly made comments about pulling out a gun, including a comment directed at Matter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The employee told police she warned Happy "that he cannot talk like that as it would be considered a threat to staff and customers," the complaint details.

Another witness told police Happy was escorted outside after one of the bartenders told him to leave.

The man said Happy walked to his semi-truck and then returned to the bar, brandishing a knife with a six-to-eight-inch blade. The witness said he stepped out of the way and tried to call 911 as Happy went back inside the bar.

Investigators spoke to a friend of both stabbing victims, who said the trio escorted Happy out of the bar and then went back inside thinking the matter was over.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The friend said Matter tried to stop Happy from coming back inside and that's when he saw Happy "make a couple of stab motions," the complaint reads. The other friend, who was also stabbed, then punched Happy in the face.

The uninjured friend kicked the knife from Happy's hands and then noticed Matter was on the ground, the charges state. No one else was seen with a weapon.

A woman told police she didn't know what was happening and was trying to leave the bar when Happy allegedly grabbed her and said "I am going to [f***ing] kill you," charges allege. That's when she saw Matter laying on the floor covered in blood.

Two people were eventually able to restrain Happy after he was punched, charges state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A GoFundMe has been created to support Matter's fiancee and two children.

"Ben was [an] outstanding, handsome, smart, caring, generous, hilarious, hardworking, fun to be around man," the fundraiser states. "He would do anything for anyone at anytime, it was just who he was and always cared & helped others even people he did not know."
A man was charged with first-degree murder for fatally shooting a 43-year-old woman during an argument on New Years Day in the North Lawndale neighborhood, Chicago police announced Friday.

Reginald Freeman, 38, of Chicago, was arrested Wednesday at 3:08 a.m. in the 3200 block of West Roosevelt Road after allegedly shooting and killing Martina Mosby about 20 minutes earlier inside of a home in the 1200 block of South Sawyer Avenue, police said.

The two were involved in a verbal altercation when Freeman pulled out a gun and shot Mosby multiple times, police previously said. Freeman then fled the scene on foot, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mosby was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, where she died early Thursday morning, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.

Freeman is scheduled to appear in court Friday.
CHICAGO  The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating after a man armed with a knife was shot and killed by Chicago police on the citys West Side.

The shooting happened around 2:10 a.m. Friday on the 3000 block of 21st Place.

According to a preliminary police statement, officers responded to a call of a person with a knife inside a sixth-floor apartment at Albany Terrace Apartments, a 17-story senior living building.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Upon arrival, officers knocked on an apartment door and were confronted by a man, who produced a knife and advanced at them.

Police said officers discharged their weapons, striking the man multiple times. Officers rendered aid to the man, who was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Im very shocked, especially in this building because we dont have these kinds of problems at the apartment. Its stuff that we just dont have, building resident Beverly Williams said.

The mans has since been identified as 58-year-old Timothy Glaze.

Two officers were transported to a nearby hospital for observation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Man charged in double homicide an absolute danger, prosecutor says

The Investigative Response Team is currently on the scene investigating. The shooting is being investigated by COPA with the full cooperation of the Chicago Police Department.

It shocked me. I went to look out the window because I heard a lot of commotion and it was about nine police cars and two ambulances, building resident Phylliscine Rogers said. Its a shame somebody had to lose [their] life and in the new year, too. Thats sad.

The officers involved will be placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum period of 30 days.

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.
China hopes its found its leverage in the tech war with Washington. The country holds a dominant position in the processing of critical minerals like gallium and lithium. Chinese companies like battery giant CATL have also emerged as key suppliers to automakers around the world.

Now, Beijing may be leaning into that dominance to respond to U.S. moves denying access to semiconductors and other advanced technologies.

On Thursday, Chinas Ministry of Commerce proposed new restrictions on exports of technology used to make battery cathodes, as well as those used to process gallium and lithium, key minerals used for electronics and electric vehicles. One proposed restriction concerns lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are used in several EV models including those from Tesla and BYD.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Commerce Ministry is now seeking public comment on the new rules until Feb. 1, according to state news agency Xinhua.

If these rules are implemented, they would just be the latest in a series of Chinese export restrictions targeting critical minerals and the technologies to process them. Last month, Beijing banned the export of gallium, germanium, and antimony, key metals used in chipmaking, to the U.S. after the U.S. Commerce Department subjected more Chinese companies to export controls.

The U.S. and China blacklists

On Thursday, China also announced it would limit exports of dual-use items to 28 U.S. firms, including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

It also added 10 U.S. companies to its unreliable entities list, which bars them from doing business in China. Beijing cited arms sales to the island of Taiwan as its reason for the designation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These blacklists are part of Beijings broader response to U.S. efforts to constrain exports to Chinas tech sector.

The U.S. first stepped up its restrictions on Chinas tech sector under the Trump administration when it put companies like Huawei and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. on its trade blacklist.

The Biden administration later upped the ante and introduced export control measures in October 2022 that curbed the sale of advanced chips or chipmaking equipment to China without permission. The Biden administration tightened those restrictions in October 2023 and once again in December 2024.

Even as Asia-based companies like TSMC and Samsung control much of advanced chipmaking, U.S. companies still play a pivotal role in the production process. For example, Nvidia is involved in chip design, while Applied Materials provides equipment and services for chipmakers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.S. is also using other measures, like a ban on U.S. investment into Chinas tech sector and import bans on Chinese products, to put pressure on Chinas tech sector. On Thursday, the Biden administration said it was considering a new rule that will control sales of Chinese-made drones in the U.S.

Beijing is now trying to adopt these tactics for itself. The unreliable entities list was first released in 2020, following the Trump administrations blacklisting of Huawei. Then, in November, Beijing introduced rules that would allow it to control exports of dual-use technologies, or those that could be used for military purposes, to designated companies.

Still, Thursdays blacklisting is unlikely to have much of an effect on the companies named. The U.S. firms on both lists are primarily defense contractors, with minimal exposure to the Chinese market.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
(Bloomberg) -- China is planning tougher scrutiny on exports of technology to make battery materials, as Beijing looks to protect its grip on a crucial supply chain amid rising global trade tensions.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The government has proposed adding various technologies  some used for lithium refining and battery chemicals production  to its list of items that are subject to export controls, according to a notice seeking public opinion from the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

The plan appears aimed at protecting innovations that China has developed during its rise to dominate global battery and electric-vehicle production. It comes against a backdrop of burgeoning competition with the US in everything from critical minerals to semiconductors.

This shows the government is aware of the importance of keeping these advanced lithium technologies secret, said Yu Yakun, analyst at Cofco Futures Co. Overseas investments with such technologies will be under stricter scrutiny.

The proposed curbs target a selection of processes used to make battery-grade lithium chemicals, including direct lithium extraction, an emerging method in which China has considerable expertise. It also covers some specific types of chemical compounds used in making cathodes that are crucial to the performance of batteries.

The latest move is subject to public feedback and could change, but it left battery companies in China and the rest of Asia scrambling to understand the potential implications. Theres a focus on what the tighter scrutiny might mean for Chinas growing overseas investments in the battery supply chain, especially in the case of joint ventures with foreign companies.

The restrictions may not affect the projects which are currently operational or under construction outside China but they might impact some future investments, said Peng Xu, an analyst at BloombergNEF.

The new export controls would cover technology for making certain types of lithium-iron-phosphate cathode, as well as lithium-iron-manganese-phosphate cathode and iron phosphates. Last year, China put the know-how for making rare earth metals under similar restrictions, which subject overseas shipments to a higher degree of scrutiny.

The measures are relatively narrow in scope, for example targeting only the more advanced types of the named products. Battery cathodes can differ widely in performance and cost, and China has spearheaded efficiency gains in the lithium-iron-phosphate, or LFP, units that are gaining popularity in the global EV industry.
China is set to restrict exports of key electric car battery parts as Beijing gears up for a trade war with the US under Donald Trump.

Technology used to process lithium and gallium  critical minerals used in electronics and batteries  is to be subject to tighter export rules under new proposals.

The latest measure on battery materials is part of efforts to strengthen the management of technology imports and exports, Chinas official Xinhua News Agency said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The proposals highlight one of the weapons in Beijings arsenal as it gears up for a potential trade war with the US.

Mr Trump has said he is prepared to impose tariffs on Chinese imports as soon as the opening days of his presidency, which begins on Jan 20. Such action is likely to trigger retaliation from Beijing.

Analysts at UBS said in a note to clients: With Donald Trump today reiterating plans to levy new trade tariffs on China and others, its unsurprising to see Beijing seeking more leverage and ways to exert its counter pressure.

China dominates the industry for the extraction and processing of strategically important materials used in modern technology, and particularly batteries for electronics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The country has already limited or banned exports to the US of battery materials including germanium and graphite, with the latest move aimed at blocking access to expertise in the processing of critical chemicals.

The US and Europe are heavily reliant on vulnerable supply chains for battery technology and raw materials. Analysts at McKinsey have warned that surging demand for electric vehicles raises the fear of shortages and price volatility.

The consultancy said in a report: Although overall demand for batteries and raw materials is increasing rapidly, supply is  and will remain  largely concentrated in a few naturally endowed countries, including Indonesia for nickel; Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile for lithium; and the DRC for cobalt.

Refining typically takes place elsewhere, often in China (for cobalt and lithium), Indonesia (nickel), and Brazil (niobium).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Companies including Tesla, the electric car company run by key Trump backer Elon Musk, have sought to reduce their reliance on supplies from China. European manufacturers have struggled to create a strong battery industry in the face of stiff competition from the Far East.

Mr Trump has promised to apply additional border taxes of 60pc on imports from China, as well as tariffs of 10pc to 20pc on products from elsewhere in the world.

Canada and Mexico have been warned of taxes of 25pc if they do not secure their borders with the US against drugs and migrants.

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.
BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese authorities have called for assessments of industry hazards to uncover any "hidden" operational dangers from flight routes to runways, following the deadliest year in global commercial aviation since 2018.

Last year, 318 people died in commercial flight incidents around the world, according to data tracked by the U.S.-headquartered Flight Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety Network. The last time fatalities exceeded 300 was in 2018.

On Friday, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said it had been alerting Chinese airlines to potential safety threats and adjusting flight routes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The Civil Aviation Administration of China has been... in a timely manner warning airlines of safety risks to flights, and adjusting route plans to ensure safe operation," Shu Mingjiang, a CAAC official, said at a regular press briefing.

On Dec. 29, a Jeju Air jet flying from Thailand to South Korea belly-landed and overshot the runway in Muan following a bird strike. The Boeing 737-800 plane exploded into flames after hitting an embankment, killing 179 people.

That was preceded by the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia where Ukrainian drones were attacking several cities at the time. Azerbaijan's president said the plane had been damaged by accidental shooting from the ground in Russia.

Chinese carriers including Air China and China Southern Airlines have started to avoid airspace in that region, financial and investigative news outlet Caixin reported. Most Western airlines and many in Asia have avoided Russian airspace entirely since 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additionally, China's CAAC has directed airports to take preventive measures against bird strikes and to conduct a comprehensive review of safety hazards on runways.

Airports will "intensify operations to repel birds in and around airport facilities," Shu said.

He also said airports are mandated to conduct investigations into "hidden dangers" to enhance the safety of runways.

The CAAC had also launched a major aviation safety drive in 2022 after a China Eastern Airlines plane plunged into the mountains of Guangxi and killed 132 people on board in mainland China's deadliest aviation disaster for 28 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nearly three years after the accident, it has yet to issue a final report outlining the cause. The CAAC did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the status of the report.

(Reporting by Sophie Yu and Ryan Woo; Editing by Jamie Freed)
China has risen to greater prominence in sovereign investors' portfolios, with inflows surging 21 per cent year on year in 2024, according to a tracker of nearly 750 state-owned investors globally.

The world's second-largest economy attracted US$10.3 billion in investments from funds managed by central banks, sovereign wealth funds and public pension funds, up from US$8.5 billion in 2023, according to Global SWF. The growth came amid warming ties between China and the Middle East, as well as increased diversification goals among investors.

"China is gaining importance among sovereign investors because of their need to diversify their portfolios away from developed markets," Diego Lopez, founder and managing director of the data platform, told the Post on Thursday. "We believe this trend will continue in both equity capital markets and private investments."

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.

Sixty-two per cent of the investments by sovereign wealth funds in China last year came from Persian Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Abu Dhabi's Mubadala and Investment Authority (ADIA), and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), he said. Singapore accounted for 24 per cent, including from Temasek and GIC.

The investors were interested in the real estate, financial services and technology sectors, among others.

GIC bought additional shares in a China Vanke shopping centre in Shanghai to increase its stake to 98 per cent in the third quarter of last year. The transaction followed ADIA and Mubadala's investments to take control of Zhuhai Wanda's shopping malls. They were part of a PAG-led consortium that injected 60 billion yuan (US$8.2 billion) into a business unit owned by Chinese property magnate Wang Jianlin.

"Both deals were the result of disposals emerging in the context of China's real estate woes, which have seen borrowing costs surge and Beijing cracking down on the property sector," Global SWF said in a report published on Wednesday.

Other deals in 2024 included QIA buying a 10 per cent stake in China Asset Management, one of the country's largest mutual-fund firms, in a transaction worth at least US$490 million.

An undated file photo of Mubadala Tower in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Handout alt=An undated file photo of Mubadala Tower in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Handout>
The federal government hit Chinese cyber group Integrity Technology Group with new sanctions on Friday, citing alleged computer intrusion incidents against those in the U.S.

At the direction of the China, hackers associated with the Integrity Technology Group allegedly targeted multiple U.S. and foreign corporations, universities, telecommunication firms, government and media organizations, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement Friday.

The Beijing-based cybersecurity company is a major government contractor with ties to Chinas Ministry of State Security, government officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The operation, dubbed Flax Typhoon, is one of multiple alleged hacking efforts by Chinese-affiliated cyber actors to infiltrate U.S. data and infrastructure in recent months.

The Justice Department in September announced a court-authorized operation to disrupt the botnet, which was controlled and managed by Integrity Technology since 2021 to conceal the identities and activities of Flax Typhoon hackers.

The botnet was made up of more than 260,000 consumer devices in North America, South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and Australia, the FBI, Cyber National Mission Force and National Security Agency said in its initial joint advisory in September.

The Treasury Department will not hesitate to hold malicious cyber actors and their enablers accountable for their actions, said Bradley T. Smith, acting undersecretary of the Treasurys Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The United States will use all available tools to disrupt these threats as we continue working collaboratively to harden public and private sector cyber defenses.

Under the new sanctions, all property and interests of Integrity Tech are blocked in the United States and must be reported to the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington pushed back against the accusations, suggesting it is an effort to smear other countries.

China firmly opposes and combats any form of cyber attacks in accordance with the law, embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu wrote in a statement to The Hill. The US has drawn conclusions without effective evidence, made groundless accusations and smears against China, and imposed sanctions on Chinese entities, which is extremely irresponsible and purely confusing right and wrong.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Liu then accused the U.S. of being an initiator and master of cyber attacks.

We urge the United States to stop engaging in cyber theft and attacks around the world and stop using cyber security issues to smear other countries, he said.

The announcement comes just days after the Treasury Department confirmed Chinese state-sponsored actors hacked into the government agency and accessed unclassified documents from its workstations.

Chinese malicious cyber actors continue to be one of the most active and most persistent threats to U.S. national security, the Treasury Department said Friday.

Updated at 7:56 p.m. EST.

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.
By Kanishka Singh and Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan's visit to New Delhi from Jan. 5-6 is expected to include discussions with Indian counterparts about the impact of Chinese dams, a senior U.S. official said late on Friday.

Washington and its Western allies have long viewed India as a counter to China's rising influence in Asia and beyond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We've certainly seen in many places in the Indo-Pacific that upstream dams that the Chinese have created, including in the Mekong region, can have really potentially damaging environmental but also climate impacts on downstream countries," a senior U.S. official said ahead of Sullivan's visit.

The official added that Washington will discuss New Delhi's concerns in the visit.

The Indian government says it has conveyed its concerns to Beijing about China's plan to build a hydropower dam in Tibet on the Yarlung Zangbo River which flows into India. Chinese officials say that hydropower projects in Tibet will not have a major impact on the environment or on downstream water supplies.

The construction of that dam, which will be the largest of its kind in the world with an estimated capacity of 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, was approved last month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Washington also expects that topics such as civilian nuclear cooperation, artificial intelligence, space, military licensing and Chinese economic overcapacity will be brought up in the visit, the U.S. official said.

American officials will not be meeting the Dalai Lama during the visit, another U.S. official said.

Washington and New Delhi have built close ties in recent years with occasional differences over issues like minority abuse in India, New Delhi's ties with Russia amid Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and alleged assassination plots against Sikh separatists on U.S. and Canadian soil.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Jan. 2GOSHEN  A woman found slumped over the wheel of her vehicle while her two children walked around the parking lot at Gallops Gas Station at U.S. 20 and Ind. 15 during the late summer was sentenced to half a dozen years on probation Thursday in Elkhart County Superior Court 3.

She had previously pleaded guilty to child neglect as part of a plea bargain.

Courtney R. Meyer, 32, was found by police on Sept. 10 at the gas station after a man called in to report that she was slumped over the wheel at 12:33 p.m. and he couldn't wake her up. The man also said there were two young children with the woman walking around the parking lot unsupervised "covered in feces and eating trash," a probable cause affidavit reads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officers from the Bristol Police Department arrived on scene and noted that the vehicle was full of trash and clothing as if she were living out of it. The woman identified herself by ID. Jefferson Township ambulance emergency medical technicians gave care to the children, and officers contacted the Department of Child Services. The children also had sores from severe diaper rash in addition to being covered in vomit and feces, among other concerns, the affidavit reads.

Meyer tested positive for meth. She reportedly told police she'd been staying in her vehicle since a domestic dispute with her boyfriend two days prior. The children were released from Elkhart General Hospital to DCS. Meyer was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, a Level 5 felony, and a Level 6 felony.

Meyer was sentenced by plea agreement to Count 1, neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, Level 5 felony, to six years at the Indiana Department of Corrections suspended on reporting probation. Per the plea agreement, Count 2, neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony, was dismissed.

TONY J. YOWELL

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A man accused of auto theft had an initial hearing in Elkhart County Circuit Court on Thursday.

Goshen police attempted to stop a Honda Civic on Feb. 17, 2022, for not having headlights on, but the vehicle fled. It later crashed in the 1100 block of Eisenhower Drive North.

The vehicle had been reported stolen out of Wolf Lake and the suspect, identified as Tony J. Yowell, reportedly fled from previous law enforcement encounters.

The same day, Goshen police received a report of another motor vehicle theft at 1010 Eisenhower Drive South where a man reported that his father's truck had been stolen. The 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 was picked up in Wabash and DNA samples from Yowell were reportedly found in the vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yowell was appointed a public defender and received dates for upcoming hearings: pretrial conference Jan. 30, trial status conference April 10, and jury trial scheduled for May 5.

NATHAN T. BARGER

A man had an initial hearing Thursday for burglary charges in Elkhart.

Police responded to 2921 Moose Trail Drive, Elkhart, for a suspicious person on their camera in all dark clothing on Dec. 8. The vehicle on the surveillance footage matched the one Nathan T. Barger, who was being investigated into for other burglaries, was known to drive, and was also found at Barger's home, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At Michiana Forklift, police found evidence of a door forced open, and another building, at 2931 Moose Trail Drive, was also broken into.

A search warrant for Barger's home on Canton Street turned up numerous stolen items from previous burglaries, the affidavit reads.

During his initial hearing, Barger, who had already procured an attorney, was given upcoming hearing dates: pretrial conference Jan 30, trial status conference April 10, and jury trial May 5.

MOSES S. TAPIA

A man accused of possession of a machine gun pleaded guilty in Elkhart County Circuit Court on Thursday. Moses S. Tapia is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 30.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police initiated a traffic stop on a Land Rover Range Rover at 8:50 p.m. June 2 for an overly tinted windshield in the 300 block of Concord Avenue.

The officer immediately smelled raw marijuana, a probable cause affidavit reads. Another officer arrived from nearby to assist and went to speak to passengers including Moses Tapia, and asked them to exit the vehicle. When asked if he had any weapons on him, Tapia confirmed that he did and officers did a search to locate an unloaded 9mm handgun in his waistline and a loaded magazine in a pocket, the affidavit reads.

After securing Tapia in the squad can and escorting other occupants, officers inspected the gun and noted a Glock switch, a device used to modify a semi-automatic pistol to make it fully automatic, making it a machine gun, the affidavit reads.

Police also found in the vehicle, a small baggie of marijuana where Tapia had been seated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

HEATHER M. POE

A woman will serve a total of five years for a burglary and auto theft, but none of it is expected to be behind bars.

Heather M. Poe, 37, was sentenced on Thursday by plea agreement to Count 1 burglary, a Level 5 felony, to five years at the Indiana Department of Corrections with two years suspended and on reporting probation and the remaining three years to be served at Elkhart County Community Corrections with a recommendation of Work Release. Per the plea agreement, Count 2, auto theft, a Level 6 felony, was dismissed.

Poe was accused of stealing a man's truck from his garage. Police were called to the 17000 block of Ind. 120 in Bristol for a truck stuck in a ditch at 5:23 a.m. June 27. At the scene, according to the probable cause affidavit, they found Heather Poe, 37, wearing no pants and a tank top. Poe told police that the vehicle had gotten stuck in a bed of rocks near a home after she'd turned around while dropping off her niece and nephew.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police asked her who the truck belonged to, as the plates did not come back as hers, and she gave a different name than the registration, the affidavit reads.

The officer contacted the owner on file and asked if he knew Poe or where his truck was, and he told the officer it should be in his garage and went to check, confirming that it was not, the report reads.

Poe told police that she did not know how she'd come into possession of the vehicle as the last thing she knew, she was walking, the affidavit reads. After getting home, the owner of the truck contacted police to inform them that he found a pink backpack, socks, and women's jeans that weren't his wife's in the garage. Poe reportedly confirmed the items were hers, but continued to deny remembering anything about how to he came into possession of the truck, according to the affidavit.

DEANGELO M. LUCAS

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A man was sentenced to several years behind bars for drug charges stemming from a traffic stop in April.

Elkhart County deputies stopped Deangelo M. Lucas in the area of C.R. 7 and C.R. 26 for improper display of a temporary registration plate and disregarding a stop sign around 8:45 p.m. April 24.

While a K9 conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle, Lucas and his passengers were escorted from the vehicle and an officer was speaking to Lucas about the status of his license and noted that Lucas appeared nervous and then attempted to flee back to the vehicle. When officers stopped him in that direction, he ran the other way and was tackled to the ground where police say he continued to resist arrest until he was placed into handcuffs.

From a jacket Lucas had removed during the conversation with police fell a package of fentanyl pills, which Lucas originally denied ownership of but later said anything illegal found was his. Police confirmed the fentanyl, totaling 65 pills.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During Elkhart County Circuit Court on Thursday, Lucas was sentenced by plea agreement to Count 1, possession of a narcotic, a Level 4 felony, to 10 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections with five years of those years suspended on probation; and Count 2, resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor, to one year at the Elkhart County Correctional Facility to be served concurrently to Count 1. Per plea agreement, his other cases were dismissed.

NOAH S. RULLI

A man accused of breaking into a storage facility had a pretrial conference in Elkhart County Circuit Court on Thursday.

While conducting an area check of Storage Rentals of America, 2421 Cassopolis St., Elkhart, an officer said he saw a man look in his direction and take off running in the opposite direction so he went around to cut the man off.

The man, Noah S. Rulli, said he was going through the dumpster but the officer noted that Rulli was found not near any dumpster but instead storage units, according to the probable cause affidavit. On his person, police allegedly found a screwdriver, a red flashlight, and small crowbar, and bolt cutters on the ground nearby. The man was also wearing gloves that reportedly had chips of red paint on them matching the color of the doors on the storage units.

Five storage units were found to have damage and an officer on scene noted two different types of footprints. They also found a hole in the drywall of one of the units and screws removed from metal paneling leading to another unit in the other direction. They also noted that the shoe prints found appeared to match Rulli's shoes.

A trial status conference is scheduled for March 13 and a jury trial is scheduled for April 7.

CHARLES A. BELL JR.

A man accused in an Elkhart stabbing last month had a pretrial conference in court on Thursday in Elkhart County Circuit Court. Charles Bell Jr. is accused.

Elkhart police responded to a stabbing at 5:24 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Marathon Gas Station, 1218 S. Main St., Elkhart. On scene, they found a man leaning against the outside of the business with a stab wound to the lower back. The victim said he was stabbed at the Energy Oil across the street and the man took his backpack and laptop.

An officer went to that gas station to look for a scene and review surveillance footage and there, a customer told him the suspect had just left the store as he'd come in. A foot pursuit ensued after the officer attempted to get the man to stop but he did not comply. The officer caught up to the man in the 1300 block of Eden Street trying to pass through a hole in a fence and tased him to apprehend him.

Retracing his steps, the officer found a keyboard, glove, and knife with paracord around the handle,

According to the probable cause affidavit, surveillance footage showed the suspect, identified as Charles Bell Jr., chase the victim from the front of Energy Oil to the middle of Main Street with a knife in hand, enter into an altercation and then come back with the victim's backpack and a knife in his hand. He went back to the gas station, went through the backpack and took out the keyboard, threw it away, and took off his black sweatshirt revealing only a white shirt, the affidavit reads.

At the police station, Bell said during an interview that he knew the victim and he owed him money from earlier in the evening, that he went out looking for him, found him at the gas station and took out his knife to talk to him about the money he was owed at which time the victim ran, the affidavit reads. Bell allegedly claimed the stabbing was an accident, but he took the backpack because he believed the money was in it.

The victim, according to the affidavit, claimed that he went to the gas station to sell it and then Bell came around the corner chasing him. Bell reportedly said he was going to kill him, and when Bell caught up to him he reportedly told him he was going to take all his stuff, and that he was going to die, the affidavit reads.

At the hospital, the victim's kidney, spleen and part of his pancreas had to be removed and he was put on life support overnight for life-saving measures.

Bell's trial status conference is scheduled for March 13 and jury trial April 7.

JEFFERY M. ESTEP

Jeffery M. Estep had a pretrial conference in Elkhart County Circuit Court Thursday on two felony charges.

He is charged with attempted robbery, a Level 3 felony, and theft, a Level 6 felony, dating back to September.

The victim claimed that on Sept. 11, as he was pulling out of Treasure Island Park, 56226 Armour Ave., Elkhart, when a black SUV pulled up next to him, got out of the passenger seat, came over and asked to speak with him, so the victim rolled his window down halfway. He was punched in the face and the man demanded his wallet and everything in it. The victim said he didn't give the man his wallet but instead took off from the intersection, and the SUV followed him as he pulled into the U-Haul Store, 29057 U.S. 33, where the man yelled that he wanted to talk to him.

He left the U-Haul Store and went to the parking of the Elkhart Police Department and the SUV continued to follow him. While in the parking lot at the police department, a woman got out of the SUV, approached his passenger window, told him they were going to file a complaint with the police, and said she knew his wife. The woman got back into the SUV and left.

At the police station, surveillance footage from the U-Haul Store and Elkhart Police Department confirmed what the victim had said occurred. Police used the Flock camera system to determine the owner of the SUV and eventually brought in Jeffrey M. Estep and his wife Sabrina Barnett for questioning.

Estep has a trial status conference scheduled for March 13 and a jury trial scheduled for April 7.

AARON G. BRADLEY, Jr.

Aaron G. Bradley, Jr. was sentenced in Elkhart County Circuit Court on Thursday.

Police were responding to a report of Bradley, who had an Indianapolis warrant for parole violation, in the 1500 block of Franklin Street on April 23.

Aaron G. Bradley, 34, was found walking nearby and police say he took off running. A foot chase ensued but he was apprehended and arrested, although he did try to run away again but was taken to the ground.

During a search, police found a broken glass pipe, and nearby a black bag containing a bag of meth weighing 51.3 grams.

Bradley did not acknowledge ownership of the bag but police car camera footage does show him throwing that bag when he fell while running.

During his sentencing, Bradley thanked his defense attorney for her patience with him and also apologized to his family and the courts for being in the situation again.

Bradley was sentenced on Count 1, possession of meth, a Level 3 felony, to 13 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections with five suspended on probation and four of the years to be served alternatively at Elkhart County Community Corrections with a recommendation of Work Release. For Count 2, resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor, he was sentenced to one year at the Elkhart County Correctional Facility to be served concurrently to Count 1. Per the plea agreement, Count 3, possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor, was dismissed.

WILLIAM TREY FACKELMAN

A former Elkhart County Sheriff's Office employee is facing criminal charges after he allegedly falsified his work schedule. On Thursday, William Trey Fackelman's jury trial was continued to May 1 due to another trial scheduled for the same day.

Fackelman is accused of a Level 6 felony known as ghost employment. According to the probable cause affidavit, Fackelman's supervisor at the sheriff's office expected him to be responding to a call that came in at 10:38 a.m. March 7, 2022, for a crash at C.R. 17 and Ind. 120 and he wondered why he wasn't.

The department's GPS live map reportedly showed him at his second job at Lake City Bank, where he worked an off-duty job as a security guard, the affidavit reads. Reviewing his work history and historical GPS locations, his supervisor said he noticed that Fackelman was clocking several hours of department service while actually on-site at the bank and being paid for both jobs and on one day clocking nearly three hours at both locations with his sheriff's department supervisor saying he found no indication of any other work performed for the sheriff's department during the rest of his eight-hour shift, the affidavit states.

The investigation showed that Fackelman had worked a total of 67.25 hours at Lake City Bank while on duty for the sheriff's department in the four months he was employed with the department until March 2022, according to the affidavit.

Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at dani.messick@goshennews.com or at 574-538-2065.
NELSONVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  Despite ballot misprints, multiple lawsuits and legal uncertainty from the city, the residents of Nelsonville voted unprecedentedly to abolish its city charter and return to its 1994 form of government. The soon-to-be ousted Nelsonville government is taking the measure back to the courts.

According to documents from the Ohio Supreme Court, Nelsonvilles City Council filed another appeal in a lawsuit over the citizen-led ballot initiative to abolish the charter. The ordinance to abolish Nelsonvilles governing document was placed on the ballot under guidelines to get something on the ballot outlined in the charter itself.

The citizens behind the initiative argue that was perfectly legal, an opinion that has been upheld in three lower courts. Nelsonvilles City Council disagrees, arguing the charters laws cannot be used to dissolve the charter. See earlier coverage of Nelsonvilles ballot initiative in the video player above.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

$450K for Ohio teacher who refused to use student pronouns

Can a constitution be abolished via ordinary legislative procedures? Nelsonvilles lawyers ask in the appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court. The universal and long-standing understanding of American (and Ohio) law since our nations founding is No.'

The confusion comes from the unprecedented nature of the initiative. In Ohio, individual municipalities can implement their own charters through legislative measures outlined in state law. Ohio law also allows municipalities to dissolve their charters, but it does not give any instruction as to how to do so.

The Supreme Court appeal was filed on Dec. 16 and approved at City Council the week before. Nelsonville Law Director Jonathon Robe, who filed the Supreme Court appeal, has long said he thinks clarity will need to come from the highest court in the state. Without that guidance, he said anyone on either side of the debate could challenge the elections outcome as unlawful and complicate a delicate government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As it awaits further action, Nelsonvilles government is also tasked with setting up its successor. The new form of government is scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, 2026, but the timeline to create a smooth transition spans only months. Candidates for the new form of government will need to be submitted to the Athens County Board of Elections by Aug. 6.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Were learning more about the officer-involved shooting that killed a 63-year-old just days before Christmas.

As details emerged on Thursday, community members questioned if police attempted to serve a search warrant at the right Vanzant Road home. But in a Laurel County courtroom on Thursday, officials shed light on what may have led officers there.

RELATED:

On Thursday morning, 49-year-old Hobert Buttery appeared in the Laurel County District Court for a preliminary hearing in connection with stolen lawn equipment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Buttery is accused of stealing a weed eater and heater from a home on Taylor Drive. According to the Property Valuation Administration, the Taylor Drive home belongs to Laurel County judge-executive David Westerfield.

FOX 56 spoke with Westerfield, who said the items didnt belong to him but that he allowed someone else to store them there.

Authorities said that Buttery reportedly admitted to stealing the items and told them the weedeater was at a home on Vanzant Road.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

According to Kentucky State Police, London police officers were serving a search warrant on Vanzant Road. Dispatch audio lists 489 Vanzant Road as the target for the warrant. However, officers reportedly responded to 511 Vanzant Road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats when officers shot and killed 63-year-old Douglas Harless, who reportedly pointed a gun in the officers direction when they showed up at his home shortly before midnight.

FOX 56 has requested a copy of the search warrant from Kentucky State Police but hasnt heard back.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  An all clear was given Friday morning after a burnt air conditioning unit belt set off fire alarms in the Columbus Government Center, according to Columbus Fire & EMS Chief Salvatore Scarpa.

The building was evacuated when the alarms went off.

Upon further investigation, Chief Scarpa says it turned out to be a burnt A/C belt in the basement of the building.

Scarpa tells WRBL an all clear has been given.

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 WRBL.
An international climate advocacy organization called on President Biden to pardon four activists charged with felonies in connection with climate demonstrations before leaving office.

Two of the activists, Donald Zepeda and Jackson Green, threw washable paint powder on the protective case used for the U.S. Constitution at the National Archives in February. They were sentenced to two years and 18 months, respectively, for felony destruction of government property.

The remaining two, Joanna Smith and Timothy Martin, have been charged with conspiracy to commit an act against the United States and injury to a National Gallery of Art exhibit for throwing washable paint on the protective case around Edgar Degass sculpture Little Dancer Aged Fourteen in 2023. Smith was sentenced to 60 days in prison and banned from all museums and monuments in the U.S., while Martin, whose trial begins next week, could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The activists have said their actions, which did not cause any permanent damage, were intended to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change.

In a statement, the organization Climate Rights International expressed concerns that the charging and sentencing of the four activists are part of a broader pattern of harsh charging and sentencing for acts of civil disobedience.

The United States has a long history of peaceful protest, from the Suffragettes to the civil rights movement, to address urgent social and political issues, Brad Adams, executive director at Climate Rights International, said in a statement. Climate activists today are acting in that tradition yet have faced ridiculous charges of conspiracy against the United States and disproportionate prison sentences. President Biden should follow the logic of his own strong calls for climate action and pardon them.

The letter comes after Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life and granted pardons to another 39 people, along with the controversial pardon of his son Hunter on federal tax charges.

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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was sent more than two dozen bills by lawmakers in the final session of the 135th General Assembly, and the governor still has to take action on several of them.

House Bill 315 was a last-minute pass by lawmakers before the end of the year and must be fully or partially signed or vetoed by Friday. It includes a medical free speech provision.

I intend to line-item veto that that provision, DeWine said. This would totally strip our regulatory boards of authority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DeWine said he is against that part of the bill because it would, by his understanding, strip healthcare regulation. He said, for example, it would give a doctor who is abusing their power to over-prescribe opioids an easy out.

All the doctor would have to say [as a defense] is, Well, it was my opinion, so this would just totally gut our ability to regulate health professionals at all, DeWine said.

That same bill also includes a provision allow every public office, like a police department, to charge up to $750 for a public record, like body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting, up front. The governor did not directly indicate whether he would line-item veto that part, and said public records requests should be fulfilled swiftly, but did defend the concept of the possible law.

If you have, for example, a small police department, a very small police department, and they get a request like that, that could take one person a significant period of time, DeWine said. What this amendment would do is allow them to recover some of the cost that is involved. This is a very heavy burden.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another bill that DeWine has to take action on by Friday is one that would create more transparency in hospital pricing for patients.

Im going to review every bill and our team is looking through every bill to make sure theres not anything in there that we were surprised about or that we did not catch before, he said.

But a bill that DeWine has a little more time to mull over is House Bill 8. That bill requires public schools to let students leave during the day for religious instruction and allows parents to pull students out of certain sexuality content in the curriculum. DeWine said he expects to sign it.

There were changes that were made in this at our request, and I think its likely that I will sign the bill, DeWine said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The governor has until late next week to take action on House Bill 8.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
China's Hua Hong Semiconductor (688347.SS), the country's second-largest chip foundry, has hired a former Intel (INTC) veteran as its new president amid a management reshuffle.

The Shanghai-based chipmaker, which specialises in mature node technology, said in a stock filing on Thursday that it hired Intel's former global vice-president Bai Peng, 62, as its new president on a three-year contract. Bai will take over the president's role from Tang Junjun, who will remain chairman and executive director of Hua Hong Semiconductor.

Bai has over 30 years of semiconductor fabrication experience and previously held executive positions at various chipmakers, including US chip giant Intel. Bai attended China's prestigious Peking University and later received his bachelor's degree in physics in 1985 from the University of Bucharest, Romania. He earned his doctorate in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York State, according to his official biography.

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.

A Chinese flag is displayed next to a 'Made in China' sign seen on a printed circuit board in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. Photo: Reuters alt=A Chinese flag is displayed next to a 'Made in China' sign seen on a printed circuit board in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. Photo: Reuters>

Bai was recently chief executive at Rong Semiconductor (Ningbo) Co, a foundry producing image sensors, power management chips, and display drivers using mature node technology from 28-nanometre to 180-nm. Before that, he held positions at Intel as process integration engineer, yield engineering director, R&D director and vice-president, and then global vice-president, according to the filing.

The appointment of Bai comes just weeks after Hua Hong began operating a new plant in Wuxi, a city in Jiangsu province near Shanghai. It also follows the move by Hua Hong Group, the state-owned parent of Hua Hong Semiconductor, to appoint Qin Jian as new chairman to replace Zhang Suxin, who had served in that role since 2016.

The management reshuffle comes as the Chinese semiconductor industry faces new headwinds, with the US launching a trade investigation into China's production of legacy semiconductors - a key focus area for Hua Hong.

Hua Hong Group ranked as the sixth-largest global foundry in the third quarter of 2024, driven by demand from local chip design companies. Its market share for the quarter was 2.2 per cent, down from 2.6 per cent in the same period a year earlier, according to data from Taiwanese IC research company TrendForce.
When the new Congress convenes Friday, there will be fewer people of color in the delegation than in recent years.

The 119th Congress will have 136 people of color, four fewer than the previous U.S. House and Senate, which was the most ethnically and racially diverse in history. However, this years delegation consists of several firsts, including the first time an openly transgender woman has served in Congress.

When it comes to parity between congressional representatives and the populations they serve, Illinois and Ohio are the only states with the same percentage of people of color in both. People of color make up 42% of Illinois' population and representation; Ohio is 24%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several other states are close to parity. New Mexico's population is 64% nonwhite and 36% white. In the House and Senate, two out of five representatives are white, while 40% are nonwhite. Arizona's representation is 55% white compared with 52% in its population.

Sixty-seven percent of California's population and 52% of its representatives are people of color. The state's delegation includes the highest number of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with 10 members.

Read more: Meet the 9 new House members from California

Less than a third of the 119th Congress are women. In the new Congress, six states have no female House or Senate members. Seven states have higher female representation in Congress than in their population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) made history in November by becoming the first transgender member of Congress, four years after she became the first openly transgender state senator in the United States. Her victory represents a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in government.

U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) is the first openly transgender member of Congress. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)

My service is a testament to the fair-mindedness of Delawareans who this November demonstrated what I have seen throughout my life: that they judge candidates based on their ideas, not their identities, McBride said. I know how much this news would have meant to me as a young person growing up, worried that the heart of this country was simply not big enough to love someone like me, to have seen an out trans person get elected to federal office.

North Dakota also had a milestone with Republican Julie Fedorchak becoming the first woman to represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives. Fedorchak is also the first freshman in 14 years to be seated on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Whats most important to me is how I use this, Fedorchak told The Times. Im really excited to join the Republican women, a majority of them have great backgrounds and are really serious about good policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mississippi is the only state yet to send a woman to the House.

The elections of Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) mark the first time two Black women have served on the U.S. Senate simultaneously.

In 2023, Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) became Vermont's first woman and out LGBTQ+ congressperson. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades / Associated Press)

In 2023, the 118th Congress was the most ethnically and racially diverse U.S. House and Senate in history. U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-Fla.) was the first member of Generation Z to walk the congressional corridors. Trailblazers like Democrats U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, Vermont's first woman and out LGBTQ+ congressperson, and U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, Pennsylvania's first Black woman in Congress, shattered long-standing glass ceilings.

New Jersey is the only state with an all-minority Senate delegation in the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Newly elected Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) is the first Korean American in the Senate. Kim said that while he is proud to break barriers, he looks forward to the day when his role in Congress is no longer seen as groundbreaking or pioneering, but commonplace. The night he was sworn into Congress, Kim called his mother who was crying tears of joy.

It was really powerful to see this moment, not just for my family but for what it means to Korean Americans, Asian Americans, and what it means to immigrant families, Kim said. Hopefully they can see a continuation of this American dream that has been a shared pursuit for so many different ethnic groups and communities.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  One person has died after a vehicle crashed into multiple police cruisers in west Columbus early Friday morning.

According to Columbus Police Sgt. James Fuqua, one person was hospitalized after a brief police pursuit when a man suffered a life-threatening medical event.

Snow emergencies declared in central Ohio for January 3, 2025

Officers received reports just before 5 a.m. of a man passed out behind the wheel of a car in the 2900 block of Sullivant Avenue. When police arrived the driver drove off before he was boxed in by several CPD cruisers in front of Hilltonia Middle School, on West Mound Street in the South Central Hilltop area.

Multiple cruisers were damaged at the scene and police said thats where the driver experienced a medical event during the interaction. The driver of the vehicle was taken to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at 5:57 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two officers were reportedly injured during the incident. One is in stable condition at an area hospital, the other was treated at the scene.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced Thursday that he is running for governor in 2026.

"There are many reasons why I'm running to lead this state I love, but the biggest reason is simple: I'm committed to fighting for the people of Colorado," Weiser, a Democrat, posted on X.

Weiser cited his experience as attorney general as evidence that he has the qualifications to serve as the state's governor. He said he has recovered $400 million for consumers who have been the victims of fraud, has improved police training, pushed for gun safety measures and prosecuted cartel operatives and members of crime rings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"And there is more work to do to make Colorado a more affordable, safer place to live, to defend our freedoms, and to protect our land, air and water," he said.

Weiser said he went to Colorado 30 years ago for a job interview and was hooked by outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as what he said is an independent and innovative spirit among its residents.

Weiser is the first candidate with substantial name recognition in the state to declare that he is running governor. But the list of high profile candidates is expected to grow.

Current Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat re-elected in 2024, is term limited.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A recent poll conducted by Healthier Colorado and Magellan Strategies surveyed 630 Coloradans, both Democrats and Republicans, about their preferences in next year's election, a race which is expected to be crowded and competitive.

Prior to being elected attorney general, Weiser was dean of the Colorado University law school and Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the antitrust division and an adviser to the national economic council in the Obama administration.

Weiser promised to continue the work of recent Democratic governors if elected, including expanding access to pre-K, implementing all day kindergarten, and meeting the state's renewable energy goals.
DENVER (AP)  A gray wolf in Colorado was illegally shot and later died of the injury, federal authorities said Thursday in the latest flashpoint of Colorado's controversial, voter-driven initiative to reintroduce the predators to the state.

Colorado residents largely in cities voted to reintroduce the animals in 2020, clashing with those in rural areas who feared attacks on their livestock. The first 10 wolves were released a year ago, and since then there have been over two dozen claims of depredations  when wolves kill livestock or working dogs.

The wolf was part of the Copper Creek Pack which was captured in late August after the pack repeatedly killed local livestock in Grand County, just northwest of Denver, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The wolf died in early September and the investigation is ongoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials said the wolf was found in poor condition, emaciated with injuries to its right hind leg, which a necropsy revealed was caused by the gunshot wound. Wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act in the state, and it's a federal crime to kill, injure or harass them without federal authority.

Colorado officials anticipate releasing 30 to 50 wolves within the next five years with the goal of filling one of the last major holes in the western U.S. for the species, which in years past has ranged from northern Canada to the desert southwest.

___

Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  James G. Jackson, who served the Columbus Division of Police as its first Black chief, died Thursday, according to the citys police union. He was 91.

Jackson worked with the division for 51 years, spending 19 of those as its chief, a position he accepted in June 1990. That tenure made him the citys longest-serving police chief.

He joined the police force in March 1958, but the former Marine was first turned down for service when a doctor failed to properly perform his physical, saying Jackson had a bad grip.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

IH8OH1O? See Ohios rejected license plate applications for 2024

He gave me his hand and as he went to his knees, he indicated that I had a fine grip, Jackson said in 2018.

Jackson was one of two Black officers in his recruiting class and worked his way up the ranks, serving as a sergeant, lieutenant and deputy chief before accepting the chief post. When he was promoted to lieutenant in 1971, he started the departments first minority recruiting unit.

His unwavering commitment to the community and steadfast leadership left a profound impact on our Divison, Fraternal Order of Police President Brian Steel wrote in a statement. His integrity and dedication to public safety were unwavering, and his leadership set a standard for generations of officers to follow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jackson retired on March 16, 2009. He was recognized by the city with the dedication and renaming of the Columbus police academy to the James G. Jackson Columbus Police Academy.

He was named to the Columbus Hall of Fame in 2018.

His leadership, courage and integrity made Columbus a safer place, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther wrote in a statement. He left an indelible mark on our neighborhoods, reflected by the training academy named in his honor His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the community he impacted. I wish his family my heartfelt condolences, as well as my sincere thanks for sharing him with the people of Columbus for five decades of service.

Current Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant is the second Black person to hold the post.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chief Jackson was not only a trailblazer for this division, but also a respected leader who inspired many officers throughout their careers, Bryant wrote in a statement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Amanuel Merdassa makes excellent eye contact when you speak with him.

Nearly an hour into an interview, he revealed eye contact was one of many things he helped fellow immigrants and refugees  who often come from cultures where eye contact is disrespectful  adjust to when they move to central Ohio.

Merdassa is the director of youth programs for the Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, a Columbus nonprofit that helps refugees and immigrants from more than 90 countries establish roots in central Ohio. ETSS offers a plethora of services for refugee immigrants of all ages, from job training to childcare to housing assistance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the video player above, see an earlier report on Columbus Commission on Immigrants and Refugee Affairs.

Columbus mourns death of citys first Black police chief

ETSS said they helped more than 12,000 new Americans in 2023 alone, including 135 resettled individuals. In 2025, they are unsure how many  if any  they will be able to work with in their resettlement program.

We dont know whats going to happen after January, ETSS CEO and founder Seleshi Asfaw Ayalew said. ETSS still stands with its mission to support the refugee families, and were not going anywhere. I hope there is good local support that we have. The state is very progressive and understanding, the governors office  they understand the impact of refugee immigrants. But in general, our community is in fear. We dont know whats going to happen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Refugees are admitted to the U.S. through the Refugee Admissions Program, which is controlled by the executive branch. With guidance from Congress, the president determines how many refugees will be admitted to the U.S. each year, or the refugee ceiling. In its first year, 1980, more than 200,000 refugees were accepted. President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised sweeping immigration reform, saw the fewest refugees admitted.

To be accepted into the U.S., refugees must go through extensive security checks, ranging from medical screenings to multiple federal interviews. At least four federal agencies screen each refugee immigrant before they are accepted, and the final step of refugees arriving in the U.S. is assistance through local resettlement programs like ETSS.

$450K settlement for Ohio teacher who refused to use student pronouns

Ayalew said Americans often confuse refugee immigrants with concerns of undocumented immigration, especially along the southern border.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Everybody has to go through the legal system, of course, but many Americans confuse or misunderstand what refugee resettlement programs and other issues are, Ayalew said. There are so many misunderstandings, like refugees are not taxpayers, refugees are not working hard, refugees are in one side of politics, supporting one party. Thats not really true. Refugees are hardworking people, taxpayers and innovators.

Other community resources have also been preparing for what they say may be an uncertain future for refugee and immigration services in the U.S. ETSS is prepared to lose some of its federal funding, and it anticipates relying more heavily on state and local resources. Among worries, Ayalew and Merdassa said they are grateful to the central Ohio community, who they say is helpful and supportive of their cause.

Our plan is really to continue working with our local government, central Ohio generous funding supports that we have from corporations to foundations, Ayalew said. Central Ohio is a very generous community. Ive seen it for the last 27 years.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, 134 refugee resettlement offices working with the federal government closed under Trumps first administration. Ayalew said ETSS has grown considerably, providing it some comfort, but said if there are constraints put in place after the Jan. 20 inauguration, community members can help ETSS through donations and volunteering.

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.
ACCRA, Ghana (AP)  Flipping through a family album, Keachia Bowers paused on a photo of her as a baby on her fathers lap as he held the 1978 album Africa Stand Alone by the Jamaican reggae band Culture.

When I was 10 years old, I was supposed to come to Ghana with him, she said. A day earlier, she had marked 10 years since her fathers death. Though he was a Pan-Africanist who dreamed of visiting Ghana, he never made it here.

Bowers and her husband, Damon Smith, however, are among the 524 diaspora members, mostly Black Americans, who were granted Ghanaian citizenship in a ceremony in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bowers and Smith moved to Ghana from Florida in 2023 after visiting the region several times between them since the 90s. They now run a tour business that caters to Black people who want to visit Ghana or elsewhere in West Africa, or like them have come to consider a permanent move.

The November group was the largest one granted citizenship since Ghana launched the Year of the Return program, aimed at attracting the Black diaspora, in 2019. It marked 400 years since the first African slaves arrived in Virginia in 1619.

Ghanas Tourism Authority and the Office of Diaspora Affairs have extended the program into Beyond the Return, which fosters the relationship with diasporans. Hundreds have been granted citizenship, including people from Canada, the U.K. and Jamaica.

Bowers said moving to Ghana gave her family a certain feeling of ease they didnt have in the U.S.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When we see Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, all these stories of people being murdered just in their home, living in their home and being murdered at the hands of police brutality, hearing about it creates trauma, she said.

She also worried about her son Tsadik, 14.

Tsadik towers over loved ones in the way that lanky teenage boys often do. He is shy but opens up around his younger sister Tselah, 11, and the familys dog, Apollo.

In America, being a Black male with locs whos very tall for his age, he is treated like a threat, Bowers said.

Americans face few obstacles to living in Ghana, with most people paying an annual residency fee. But Bowers said getting citizenship signified more than simply living in Ghana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I didnt need (citizenship) to tell me that Im African. Anywhere that I go in the world and someone looks at me, Im melanated, she said.

But my ancestors who wanted to return and come back home, those ancestors who never made it back," she said, that passport, for me, is for them.

Between 10 to 15 million people were forcibly taken from Africa to the Americas during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the majority from West and Central Africa.

Ghana, then a British colony known as the Gold Coast, was a main point of departure.

As memorials to the slave trade become tourist destinations across West Africa, painful reminders of its brutality are easily accessible. From Ghana to Senegal to Benin, one can visit variations of the Door of No Return," haunting doorways that open to the Atlantic Ocean where slaves left Africa, and their families, for the last time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The joy that people feel in finding connections that were broken long ago is palpable. Videos of the recent citizenship ceremony show men and women of all ages waving Ghanaian flags and cheering.

Deijha Gordon, 33, was one of them.

I first visited Ghana in 2015. From then on, I knew this is a place that I wanted to be and a place where I wanted to show other diasporans, African-Americans, that we have a place where we belong, she said.

She moved from Brooklyn to Ghana in 2019 and opened a food truck, Deijha Vus Jerk Hut, selling Jamaican food.

Between bagging to-go orders and speaking to a Black American tourist couple, she explained how she built the business from scratch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gordon was giddy while recalling the moment she got citizenship.

It just feels good to have a connection to an African country as an African-American, as a Black American. Because back in America we dont have anything to trace our roots to but Africa. To have that connection here, I feel like Ive done something right, she said.

Like Bowers, Gordon has had a stream of people reaching out and asking about the citizenship process.

The path is not clearly defined. Citizenship must come from a concession from Ghana's presidency, a process made legal under the 2000 Citizenship Act. It's granted to those residing in Ghana who have told the Office of Diaspora Affairs that they are interested in citizenship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ghana's government in part describes the program as a benefit to the economy and focuses on investment opportunities for those wishing to relocate.

Festus Owooson with the local nonprofit Migration Advocacy Center said that though the government emphasizes the economic angle, the real benefits of citizenship are intangible.

I dont think (recipients) were crying because they have landed a gold mine, or theyve found oil or some kind of business opportunity. But its something so relieving, which you cannot put value or a price on, he said.

President Nana Akufo-Addos administration, which launched the Year of the Return, is on its way out. Ghanas main opposition party won the presidential election on Dec. 7.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But Owooson said Black Americans and other diaspora citizens are likely to continue receiving citizenship by presidential concession.

Citizenship also can pass to the next generation. The children of Bowers and Smith received it automatically after their parents' ceremony.

Bowers father, like her husband and children, was a follower of the Rastafari faith. Part of the Rastafarian tradition is to repatriate. We see repatriation as the ultimate experience that you can have on this earth, she said.

She believes that her father is proud of her. I really feel like hes smiling, where he is. He wanted to experience this for himself, so hes experiencing it through me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

___

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Community Health Network will pay $135 million to a whistleblower to resolve remaining allegations that the Indiana hospital system overpaid physicians with above market value salaries to ensure patient referrals to Community healthcare facilities in violation of federal and state laws.

The suit brought by a former top executive alleges Community made excessive payments to physicians in an illegal kickback scheme to influence where they referred patients.

Thomas P. Fischer, formerly Community Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, said that he hopes the settlement encourages other whistleblowers to come forward to root out healthcare fraud.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I hope these settlements will help empower and inspire others working in healthcare organizations across the country to speak up and speak out if and when they see potential fraud  both internally within their organizations and, if internal whistleblowing doesnt work, to report to the government," Fischer said in a statement through his lawyers.

Community Health Network has formed a partnership with Texas-based MD Anderson to improve cancer care for patients in Indianapolis. Signage of this partnership, the first of its kind in the Midwest, is seen on the Community North Cancer Center at 7979 Shadeland Ave., Wednesday, April 27, 2022 in Indianapolis.

In December 2023, Community agreed to pay $435 million to the United States to resolve a similar allegation that the hospital system defrauded Medicare out of millions of dollars by overpaying doctors in exchange for referrals. This violated the Stark Law, which prohibits hospitals from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship.

DOJ settlement: Community Health Network pays $345 million to settle DOJ lawsuit over kickbacks

Through both settlements, Community has denied any wrongdoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This matter involved a complex, highly regulated area of physician compensation and had no impact on the standard of care delivered by Community, said Kris Kirschner, Community spokesperson. Throughout this process, we have consistently adhered to the highest regulatory and ethical standards in all aspects of our business. We have now settled all remaining claims with no finding of wrongdoing.

The settlement wraps up the second half of an investigation case that dates back to 2008. The Department of Justice later sued the hospital system in 2020 and settled with Community three years later.

Alysa Guffey covers growth and development for IndyStar. Contact her at amguffey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Community Health Network pays $135 million to settle remaining claims on kickbacks
Community leaders in the Mon Valley are expressing concern over the future of local steel manufacturing and the broader economy after President Joe Biden blocked a deal between U.S. Steel and Japans Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns.

West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly voiced frustration over the decision, warning that Pittsburgh could face an uncertain future without steel. Can you imagine Pittsburgh without steel? Thats coming unless something happens, Kelly said, referring to the potential impact on local jobs and communities reliant on the mills in West Mifflin, Braddock, and Clairton.

He emphasized that blocking the deal could hurt these interconnected communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You have people who work in these mills that live on your street, in your church, that go to school with your kids. Thats the point its going to have a dramatic effect, Kelly said.

The United Steelworkers Union, which had pushed to block the deal, remains confident that U.S. Steel can continue supporting jobs and economic stability with responsible management. Were confident that U.S. Steel will be able to support good jobs, healthy communities, and robust economic security well into the future, a union representative said.

However, local leaders also highlighted the benefits Nippon Steel could have brought to the region, particularly with plans to invest millions of dollars in air quality improvements. Rankin Borough President Glenn Ford echoed concerns about pollution, stressing the need to reduce carbon emissions. I dont want to live in a community that is filled with pollution, Ford said.

As the future of the steel industry is still up in the air, Mayor Kelly remains hopeful that national leaders will reconsider the decision, especially with President Trump set to take office soon. Just because you lose the battle doesnt mean you lose the war, Kelly said, urging continued efforts to secure additional support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the union doubts a reversal of the decision, local leaders are hopeful a new administration will make a change.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW




WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to announce $10,000 in Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge grants to 10 nonprofit organizations that serve Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

The Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge is in its eighth year and was open to all tri-county middle school students. This years program committee reviewed 119 entries from seventh and eighth graders in nine different school districts who recommended grants to nearly 65 different organizations that serve residents across the three counties.

Local arts organizations unite to establish David Simmons Scholarship Fund

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Schools participating in the 2024-2025 challenge include: Jefferson County  Case Middle School, Watertown City Schools; General Brown Central School; Homeschooled student; Indian River Middle School; LaFargeville Central School; South Jefferson Middle School; Lewis County  Copenhagen Central School; Lowville Academy & Central School; South Lewis Central School; St. Lawrence County  Canton Central School; Gouverneur Central School; Lisbon Central School; Morristown Central School; Potsdam Central School.

The program was started in 2017 to introduce middle school students to concepts of philanthropy and community needs. The challenge seeks to engage youths as they explore the meaning of community and are empowered to recommend grants to support their concepts that strengthen the quality of life in the region.

Students write an essay that articulates their definition of community and explains what makes it a great place to live, work and play. Participants are then asked to name a charitable organization that makes their community a better place through its service to residents.

This program continues to encourage students at an early age to consider what their role may be in the betterment of their community. We know that this is helping plant the seeds that will grow over time and perpetuate a tradition of civic engagement and investment. Rande Richardson, NNY Community Foundation executive director

In the last eight years, 132 students have been selected to present 139 grants totaling $80,000 to nearly 100 different nonprofit organizations that serve tri-county residents. Since the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge began, 961 students representing 26 school districts across the are have applied to the program, recommending grants to nearly 230 different charitable organizations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Charitable organizations students selected for funding this year range from those that provide support for essential human needs, youth development, and the elderly, to those that strengthen and enrich our communities through education, health and wellness, and recreation.

Gifts to the Friends of the Foundation Annual Community Betterment Fund, as well as corporate support from Community Bank and a major gift from an anonymous individual donor, help to underwrite program grants. A committee that included Community Foundation staff and a retired junior high school teacher judged and scored the applications with results as follows:

Jefferson County

$1,000, Jefferson County SPCA, Jolene He, General Brown Central School

$1,000, Mental Health Association in Jefferson County, Annabelle Fletcher, Indian River Middle School

$1,000, Watertown Family YMCA, Lola Johnson, Case Middle School, Watertown

$1,000, Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library, Nicolas Orsini, Case Middle School, Watertown

$1,000, The Salvation Army Watertown Corps, Blake Sweet, Case Middle School, Watertown

$1,000, Hospice of Jefferson County, Rohan Bolla, South Jefferson Middle School

Lewis County

$1,000, Lewis County Agricultural Society, Cally Shaw, Lowville Academy & Central School

St. Lawrence County

$1,000, Ogdensburg Public Library, Olivia Nowell, Lisbon Central School

$1,000, Canton Free Library, Li Lin, Canton Central School

$1,000, Morristown Backpack Program, Brianna Colby, Morristown Central School

The NNYCF and schools will work with winning students in the coming weeks to coordinate visits to their respective charitable agencies to present grants and learn more about the organizations they chose.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
DHAKA, Bangladesh, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 24, 2024, the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project (PBRLP) in Bangladesh officially opened across its entire line to traffic. CASCO, one of the key Chinese participating enterprises, was invited to attend the opening ceremony.

The PBRLP stretches approximately 168 km with 20 stations. It is the largest railway project under the Belt and Road initiative between China and Bangladesh, and is also the largest infrastructure project in Bangladesh's history in terms of scale and investment. Following its opening, it will directly benefit a population of 80 million and drive Bangladesh's economic growth by 1.5%, making it the "Dream Road" for the locals.

As the EPC integrator of telecommunication and signaling systems for the railway, CASCO undertook the telecommunication and signaling project, including engineering design, proposal design, equipment procurement, transportation, installation, construction, testing, commissioning, quality assurance and subsequent maintenance support. This is the first time that Chinese telecommunication and signaling solutions have been applied in Bangladesh railway, marking a significant breakthrough for Chinese standards and technology in international markets.

Despite challenges such as insufficient preconditions, toilsome and difficult construction tasks, the CASCO project team systematically coordinated resource allocation, continually refined construction plans, and proactively overcame obstacles. These efforts ensured that the project progressed smoothly and opened with high quality, thereby showcasing exceptional management of large-scale projects. The team received high praise from the Bangladeshi client, supervisor, and general contractor for the service, technical solutions, construction processes, and equipment performance that were provided. This gives CASCO a stellar reputation within the market.

With the railway linking up the north and south, the once insurmountable moat has now become a main thoroughfare. The trains speeding across the Padma River has not only turned the dreams of the Bangladeshis into a reality, but also highlighted CASCO's positive contribution to advancing the Belt and Road construction. As a leading enterprise in China's rail transit sector, CASCO will continue to uphold the principles of open cooperation and mutual benefits, and contribute Chinese wisdom and technological strength to global rail transit development.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/creating-a-belt-and-road-cooperation-model-between-china-and-bangladesh-casco-supports-the-full-opening-of-the-dream-road-302341728.html

SOURCE Casco Signal Ltd.
A Russian strike has caused a fire at a warehouse owned by a company in the town of Bohodukhiv in Kharkiv Oblast.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "3 January, 07:22, the Bohodukhiv district, Bohodukhiv. A warehouse belonging to a business is on fire due to a bombardment."

Details: Syniehubov added that no people were reported to have been injured.

Support UP or become our patron!
Developer John Basalyga intends to move forward with his original renovation plans for the Coney Island Lunch property in downtown Scranton despite a collapse of the buildings facade Monday morning.

Emergency crews were dispatched to 515 Lackawanna Ave. around 6:52 a.m. for the report of a partial building collapse into the road and rubble in the street.

*

A crew member works on the former Coney Island Lunch building on Lackawanna Avenue in downtown Scranton Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

*

A crew member works on the former Coney Island Lunch building on Lackawanna Avenue in downtown Scranton Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

*

A crew member works on the former Coney Island Lunch building on Lackawanna Avenue in downtown Scranton Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

*

Part of the building that housed Coney Island Lunch on Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton, being renovated by developer John Basalyga, collapsed. (JIM LOCKWOOD/STAFF PHOTO)

*

Part of the building that housed Coney Island Lunch on Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton, being renovated by developer John Basalyga, collapsed. (JIM LOCKWOOD/STAFF PHOTO)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

*

Part of the building that housed Coney Island Lunch on Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton, being renovated by developer John Basalyga, collapsed. (JIM LOCKWOOD/STAFF PHOTO)

*

Crews from RLE Enterprises work on the former Coney Island Lunch building on Lackawanna Avenue in downtown Scranton Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

*

A crew member works on the former Coney Island Lunch building on Lackawanna Avenue in downtown Scranton Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Show Caption

1 of 8

A crew member works on the former Coney Island Lunch building on Lackawanna Avenue in downtown Scranton Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Expand

City officials issued a condemnation order Monday so the property owners engineers could evaluate the structural integrity of the building. The citys engineer, building code officer, fire inspectors, and third-party inspectors responded to the property, which was undergoing construction.

On Thursday, Basalyga stated the collapse shouldnt alter the design of the project.

We have the building all stabilized, he said. From my standpoint, at this moment, its fixable. Its just an unfortunate thing that happens with some older buildings. Im just glad nobody was hurt  God was on our side. My plan is to restore it to what it looked like before with the brick front and the arches above the windows. We have masons who can redo it exactly how it was. Its a little bit more time consuming, but its important to me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In December of 2023, Basalygas JBAS Realty, purchased the Coney Island Lunch property from C.I.L. Associates and Pete and Bob Ventura for $300,000, according to a deed filed in the county. He also acquired the adjacent vacant lot and outer western wall attached to the Coney Island Lunch building from the Scranton Redevelopment Authority for $32,500. The Venturas, who ran the business for nearly 50 years, retired in December.

During a meeting Nov. 14, Scrantons Historical Architecture Review Board granted Basalyga permission to follow through on his proposal for the property, which includes lighted signage and a one-story ice cream stand next to the Texas wiener shop. Additionally, he plans five apartments above the restaurant.

Basalyga believes recent construction work likely led to the collapse.

(Crews) were in the process of doing some demolition and framing, he said. There was a heavy wind that night and we think something in the front just popped and came down. It looked a lot worse than it was. Were waiting for an engineers report to see what they want as far as the fix in the front. Theyre going to come up with some drawings for structural supports for rebuilding the front facade. It broke away independently from everything else, so its just about how we put that back together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A rendering of the renovations planned for the Coney Island Lunch property on Lackawanna Avenue in downtown Scranton. (Courtesy of Fancy Parsley)

Basalyga anticipates resuming renovations of the Coney Island property as soon as February.

Were wrapping up Sergeis (a jazz club/event space on Linden Street), he said. Well hopefully have that done by the end of the month and then Im going to move my crews over (to Coney Island).

Basalyga previously targeted the late spring or early summer as the anticipated completion date for the Coney Island project and doesnt believe the facade collapse will have much impact on that timeline.

Its not that big, he said. The biggest thing is we have to take the stucco off the side wall and see whats behind there. When we start repairing that, were going to come right around the front. Im not that worried about it  things happen and you pick yourself back up and move forward.
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  New York is just days away from implementing congestion pricing tolls, which will charge drivers to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street.

Heres what you need to know about where congestion pricing tolls will apply:

Update your E-ZPass before congestion pricing starts, MTA warns: Heres why

Congestion pricing map

A map shows where congestion pricing tolls will be applied in New York City. (MTA)

Where will drivers be tolled?

Drivers will be tolled upon entry to local streets and avenues below and including 60th Street in Manhattan.

Are there any exemptions?

The FDR Drive, West Side Highway/Route 9A and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connections to West Street are all excluded from the toll. Once drivers turn off these roads and onto local streets below 60th, the toll is charged.

Tunnels to take for congestion pricing discounts

The MTA will offer crossing credits, or discounts up to $3, for drivers with E-ZPasses that enter the city via the Lincoln, Holland, Queens-Midtown or Hugh L. Carey Tunnels.

How much will it cost?

The tolls will cost $9 during peak hours and $2.50 during off-peak hours. Peak hours are between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some things can bring that price down, like crossing credits and a Low Income Discount Plan.

In some places, the tolls will compound with Port Authority tolls, which will also see price increases on Sunday.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  Congestion pricing tolls are just days away from starting in New York City, but advocates are not taking a victory lap just yet.

The program is scheduled to go into effect Sunday, charging drivers to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. During peak times, the toll will cost between $6 and $9, depending on where the driver enters.

Update your E-ZPass before congestion pricing starts, MTA warns: Heres why

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the program is still facing legal challenges in New Jersey, so transit advocates are not yet ringing the victory bell.

Its been a very long road, and were not celebrating or taking a victory lap until the tolls actually turn on Sunday morning, said Danny Pealstein of Riders Alliance.

A number of New Jersey drivers and politicians are still trying to throw a Hail Mary in court to stop congestion pricing in its tracks.

Federal Judge Leo Gordon ordered the MTA and Federal Highway Administration for more information on the environmental impact of congestion pricing in a ruling on Monday, but declined to issue an injunction to stop the plan from going into effect on Jan. 5.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The state of New Jersey is scheduled to be in federal court again in Newark this afternoon sharing their environmental concerns and arguing congestion pricing would cause more traffic as people try to avoid paying to drive south of 60th street in Manhattan.

In a statement, the MTA said the endless litigation is the height of hypocrisy.

Nobody in their right mind should take transportation advice from the New Jersey politicians who have woefully failed to manage transit in their statewhile also endorsing higher tolls on their own roads and on Port Authority bridges and tunnels, and higher fares on NJ Transit, said a spokesperson for the MTA.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus raise their right hands as they are being sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James on Jan. 3 in Washington, D.C. (William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

WASHINGTON, D.C.  With a record 62 elected officials, including historic firsts of two women senators and two representatives from Alabama, the Congressional Black Caucus held a swearing-in ceremony Friday morning before members took the oath of office for the 119th U.S. Congress.

Democrats Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware will represent the first time two Black women will serve together in the U.S. Senate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The caucus also marked the historic election of two Black U.S. House members from Alabama serving at the same time. Incumbent Rep. Terri Sewell has been joined by Shomari Figures, who was elected in November to represent the new 2nd Congressional District. Following a lawsuit, a federal court ordered the state in 2022 to draw a second opportunity district to provide a chance for Black voters to select their preferred candidate. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the lower courts ruling in 2023.

Sewell, a Democrat, recalled how the caucus was first established in 1971 with 13 members  12 men and one woman. Today, a total of 67 Black lawmakers serve in Congress, the largest contingent ever on Capitol Hill.

But the five Republicans  Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida, Wesley Hunt of Texas, John James of Michigan and Burgess Owens of Utah  are not members of the Congressional Black Caucus and didnt attend the ceremony. All are ardent supporters of Republican President-elect Donald Trump. With the GOP in control of the House and Senate, they have stated their support for Trumps future policies and even a few of his controversial statements.

Although the Black caucus isnt tied to a political party, the Democratic members said they will continue to challenge legislation they deem will negatively affect Black Americans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Today, we renew our pledge to fight racism where it exists, to weed out inequities in health care, the criminal justice system, education, voter access, and so many rights and benefits that are part and parcel of what it means to be Americans, said Sewell, who serves as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations board of directors. We, in the Congressional Black Caucus, stand ready for the task ahead.

Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Maryland Democrat, said hes concerned about the Trump administration or his appointees using the U.S. Justice Department to get back at people they think are enemies. Thats not the role of the Department of Justice, he said. Protecting the rule of law is what weve got to make sure happens now and going forward.

Ivey said that one way to combat Trump and his congressional allies is looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections.

I can remember back a few years ago where the Republicans controlled the White House, the Senate and the House. A few years after that, [then U.S. Sen.] Barack Obama got elected president, and we took back control of the Senate and the House, Ivey said after the ceremony. So a setback is a set up for a comeback. Were ready to come back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hundreds of family members, friends and supporters attended the ceremony at The Anthem including Marc Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League.

Morial said in an interview just because Trump will be president doesnt mean the caucus stops its advocacy work.

They should say to the president, if you want to meet us halfway on important priorities like voting rights, elimination of poverty, we will not say no, Morial said. But if your plan is to administer solely to your MAGA base, we will lead the resistance.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A record 62 Black members of Congress joined the Congressional Black Caucus on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. They included Janelle Bynum (back row, far right), Oregon's first member. (William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

WASHINGTON, D.C.  With a record 62 elected Black officials, including historic firsts of two women senators and two representatives from Alabama, the Congressional Black Caucus held a swearing-in ceremony Friday morning before members took the oath of office for the 119th U.S. Congress.

Democrats Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware will represent the first time two Black women will serve together in the U.S. Senate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The caucus also marked the historic election of two Black U.S. House members from Alabama serving at the same time. Incumbent Rep. Terri Sewell has been joined by Shomari Figures, who was elected in November to represent the new 2nd Congressional District. Following a lawsuit, a federal court ordered the state in 2022 to draw a second opportunity district to provide a chance for Black voters to select their preferred candidate. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the lower courts ruling in 2023.

Sewell, a Democrat, recalled how the caucus was first established in 1971 with 13 members  12 men and one woman. Today, a total of 67 Black lawmakers serve in Congress, the largest contingent ever on Capitol Hill.

The caucus also includes a first for Oregon, with Democrat Janelle Bynum, who won the 5th Congressional District seat, becoming the states first Black member of Congress.

But the five Republicans in Congress  Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida, Wesley Hunt of Texas, John James of Michigan and Burgess Owens of Utah  are not members of the Congressional Black Caucus and didnt attend the ceremony. All are ardent supporters of Republican President-elect Donald Trump. With the GOP in control of the House and Senate, they have stated their support for Trumps future policies and even a few of his controversial statements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although the Black caucus isnt tied to a political party, the Democratic members said they will continue to challenge legislation they deem will negatively affect Black Americans.

Today, we renew our pledge to fight racism where it exists, to weed out inequities in health care, the criminal justice system, education, voter access, and so many rights and benefits that are part and parcel of what it means to be Americans, said Sewell, who serves as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations board of directors. We, in the Congressional Black Caucus, stand ready for the task ahead.

Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Maryland Democrat, said hes concerned about the Trump administration or his appointees using the U.S. Justice Department to get back at people they think are enemies. Thats not the role of the Department of Justice, he said. Protecting the rule of law is what weve got to make sure happens now and going forward.

Ivey said that one way to combat Trump and his congressional allies is looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I can remember back a few years ago where the Republicans controlled the White House, the Senate and the House. A few years after that, [then U.S. Sen.] Barack Obama got elected president, and we took back control of the Senate and the House, Ivey said after the ceremony. So a setback is a set up for a comeback. Were ready to come back.

Hundreds of family members, friends and supporters attended the ceremony at The Anthem including Marc Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League.

Morial said in an interview just because Trump will be president doesnt mean the caucus stops its advocacy work.

They should say to the president, if you want to meet us halfway on important priorities like voting rights, elimination of poverty, we will not say no, Morial said. But if your plan is to administer solely to your MAGA base, we will lead the resistance.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
SARANAC LAKE  This years January Thaw may have come  and gone  before the month even begins.

After another couple days of balmy weather, local meteorologists are confident that at least the first two weeks of January will feature seasonable and/or below-average temperatures for the Tri-Lakes region.

While emphasizing that it is too early to pinpoint exact temperature forecasts beyond a week, meteorologists with the National Weather Services Burlington, Vermont office, which serves the Tri-Lakes region, are seeing broad large-scale shifts in the atmospheric and oceanic patterns that point to colder weather in store by the end of the week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Immediate concerns

With above-freezing temperatures through mid-week and rain expected today and Wednesday, meteorologists are keeping an eye on the water. Tyler Danzig, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Burlington, Vermont office, said fortunately all of the data he saw indicates minimal impacts.

Danzig added that the storms today and Wednesday are both expected to drop relatively small amounts of precipitation  each less than half an inch  and the gradual nature of the warm-up will help to prevent ice jams, which occur when a large volume of thick ice moves down the river at once and then gets stuck at a narrow point, backing up the river and resulting in flooding.

Were not expecting any ice jams, he said. Temperatures are going to be above freezing for quite a while, so things are going to thaw out. We dont have any real thick ice out there either right now. In terms of river flooding, were not expecting anything right now along the AuSable. Water will definitely rise, but were not expecting it to reach action stage or anything higher than that as of right now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Danzig said temperatures begin cooling back to normal on Wednesday, resulting in that days storm possibly ending as snow for the Tri-Lakes, but again cited its overall low precipitation totals resulting in minimal weather-related travel impacts.

Back into the freezer

Even though December had plenty of snow and cold, those periods were frequently punctured by thaws. Danzig said the upcoming weather pattern is expected to result in more durable and consistent cold weather.

Were getting out of this blocking pattern, which is causing the warming, he said. Theres a high (pressure system) thats situated out on the Atlantic thats causing these lows to track a little bit further west of the area and then ride north into Canada and then out to sea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The high-pressure system responsible in part for this warm-up is centered near Bermuda, placing much of the Northeast in the systems warm air zone and leading to storm systems that produce rain, rather than snow.

High-pressure systems  in addition to tending to bring calm weather to areas situated underneath them  spin in a clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere. This tends to bring cold air from the north to areas east of the high pressures center, and warm air from the south to areas to its west.

As the Bermuda high weakens and is dislodged throughout the week, Danzig said the jet stream should set up in a way that favors more snow storms. He said computer models were showing teleconnections  which refer to large-scale oceanic and atmospheric patterns that dictate the movement of warm and cold air masses around the globe  favorable for cold and snowy weather over the eastern U.S. for the next couple of weeks.

Danzig referred specifically to the North Atlantic Oscillation and Pacific/North American pattern, which he said function together to lift the jetstream up north over the western U.S., resulting in warmer weather there and then drive it down south over the eastern U.S., resulting in cooler weather there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said the bends in the jet stream  where it changes direction from north to south or vice versa  are sources of fuel for storm systems, which tend to become stronger as they rotate and make their way around these bends.

Most of that means were looking at lows that are going to have higher cyclogenesis, he said. Which is going to not only mean potentially more of them as we move forward, but also theyll be able to draw in more of that cooler air out of the Arctic and Canada (resulting in precipitation falling as snow as opposed to rain).

Danzig emphasized that these forecasts were general trends, and not meant to provide specific guidance, such as precisely how cold it may get on a certain day or when exactly a snowstorm is likely to hit the Northeast. He said that rather, meteorologists look at the upcoming teleconnection patterns and look back at recorded periods of past weather to try to get a general idea of how conditions for an area will play out based in part on how they did in the past.

They look at those indices to determine climatology for a couple weeks or a couple months out, he said. Then, they look at analogs. What does the current pattern look like in terms of past events? If we have something thats going on right now, and then we look at analogs, what are those analogs doing based on what we have right now? Were kind of comparing the patterns, that sort of thing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Danzig added that this comparison gets trickier the further into the future meteorologists try to look.

To a decent accuracy, those trends are accurate up to two weeks, he said. Then once you get out further, the scale definitely decreases pretty quickly.

While a January thaw may come to fruition later in the month, winter weather enthusiasts likely have at least the first half of the month to make the most of.
Construction workers attend to outdoor tasks on Dec. 17, 2024, at a residential project being built in downtown Anchorage. Alaska is expected to gain 1,500 construction jobs this year, according to the annual forecast published by state Department of Labor and Workforce Development economists. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska is expected to have moderate job growth in 2025, with the construction and oil and gas sectors forecast to be the big winners and seafood processing seen as the biggest loser.

Statewide job growth is forecast to be 1.6%, with 5,300 jobs added, according to the analysis published in Alaska Economic Trends, the monthly magazine of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Developments research and analysis section.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Alaskas rate of job growth slightly outpaced that of the rest of the nation starting in 2023, and that is expected to continue this year.

Alaska is still pretty steady as she goes, as far as how many jobs weve been adding back every year, but nationally its slowed down, said Karinne Wiebold, the state labor economist who wrote the article detailing the statewide employment forecast. The rest of the nation emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic a little quicker than Alaska did, she said.

The dominant job-growth sector  construction  will continue to have robust increases this year, thanks in large part to federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, according to the forecast. Another 1,500 jobs, a 7.9% increase, is expected this year in that sector, according to the forecast.

Overall, by the end of the year, Alaska construction employment is expected to have grown by over 25% from 2019 to 2025, the forecast said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The health care sector, one of the states biggest employers, is expected to gain 1,000 jobs, or a 2.9% increase over 2024, the forecast said.

The oil and gas sector is expected to gain 600 jobs in 2025, for an increase of 7.4% from 2024 levels. Total employment in the sector is expected to average 8,700 jobs a month.

Still, that is below the 9,900 average monthly oil and gas jobs in 2019 and well below peak employment in that sector in 2014, which averaged over 14,000 jobs.

Wiebold said Alaska oil and gas employment and the industrys situation in general have been volatile in recent years, with the pandemic playing a role. The decline after 2014 signaled the start of an Alaska recession, though oil and gas jobs started to rebound in 2019. And then 2020 changed the demand so much for oil that everything just kind of turned a little bit on its head, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Possibly affecting employment now is the mature state of many fields, which may not need as many people to operate as they did in the past, she said.

The seafood industry, which dominates Alaskas manufacturing sector, is forecast to be the biggest job loser this year.

The Icicle Seafoods plant is Seward is seen from a harbor dock on June 22, 2024. Icicle Seafoods and Ocean Beauty Seafoods merged in 2020. Turmoil in the seafood industry has led to job losses in the processing sector. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Statewide, the manufacturing sector is expected to have 5% fewer jobs in 2025 than in 2024, according to the forecast. That would follow a 6.3% decline in 2024 from the year prior, according to the department.

Seafood processing, like the seafood industry as a whole, is facing difficult straits, with plant closures or operation reductions, low prices and, in some cases, dwindling fish runs. Those problems are not expected to be alleviated in the immediate future, according to the forecast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other constraints on Alaskas employment and economic picture could come from federal budget cuts, the forecast said.

Wiebold said budget cuts should not affect federally funded infrastructure projects  for now. Money from the infrastructure bill has already been allocated, she noted.

However, that infrastructure funding is not unlimited, and there will be a sunset eventually, she said. This is a discrete period of time, she said.

Federal budget cuts could hurt Alaska employment in other ways, she said. Officials with the incoming Trump administration have expressed plans for big cuts in the federal workforce. That affects Alaska, where federal government jobs are important in the economy, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It might take a little bit, but there are going to be downward pressures on federal employment in Alaska, she said.

Dan Robinson, chief of the departments research and analysis section, cited the fundamental challenge that threatens economic growth in Alaska: shifting demographics.

Weve got some economic trends that are creating job growth. But unfortunately, too, weve got this long-term issue, he said.

Between 2013 and 2023, Alaska lost 34,000 residents in their prime working ages, 18 to 64, Wiebolds article noted.

That is a cloud hanging over the states economic future, the expected 2025 growth notwithstanding, Robinson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We would have more growth available to us if the workforce issue werent the constraint that it is, he said.

There are multiple reasons for the losses.

Passengers walk between a cruise ship and downtown Juneaus dock on April 26, 2024. The 2024 Alaska cruise season set a new record, and revised figures put the total number of passengers at about 1.8 million. Another big cruise season, with more Southeast Alaska tourism jobs, is expected this year. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

The state just completed its 12th straight year of net outmigration  with more people moving out of the state than moving in, by far the longest such streak on record. Several factors are combining to make the state less attractive to potential newcomers, Robinson said.

Nobody should forget that theres something thats off a bit in the desirability of people to make Alaska their home, he said.

Alaskas population is also aging rapidly. Though Alaskas population is younger than those of most states, it is aging the fastest, by some measures. The per-capita senior population grew faster in Alaska than in any other state, and the number of Alaskans 60 and older increased by two thirds from 2010 to 2022, according to state officials analysis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Birth rates have slowed over recent years, meaning fewer young Alaskans growing into ages when they can hold jobs, the forecast noted.

The Alaska Economic Trends January issue also describes how employment patterns are expected to vary by region in the coming year.

Anchorage, for example, is not expected to gain any oil and gas jobs, even though employment in that sector is forecast to increase significantly.

We see these being oil field jobs, not headquarters, which is more of how you think about Anchorage, Wiebold said. Additionally, the role of the states biggest city as an oil and gas headquarters has changed in recent years, she said. One big factor was Hilcorps acquisition of BP assets, which ultimately shrank the citys oil industry workforce, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the transportation, warehousing and utilities sector is expected to have the biggest percentage increase in jobs, at 8.3%, according to an article in the magazine focused on that community. Fairbanks is a regional hub, and Amazon has opened a facility there, notes the article, also written by Wiebold.

In Southeast Alaska, tourism is the bright spot for expected job growth, according to an article focused on that region and written by Robinson. Employment in the leisure and hospitality sector is expected to grow by 6.5% in 2025, and the 300 jobs in that sector represent half of the expected 600 new jobs in the region this year.

Alaska had a record cruise ship year in 2024, with the number of visitors now estimated at about 1.8 million, according to industry data used for the forecast. Near-record cruise visits are expected this year, according to the forecast.

The 1.8 million figure is higher than totals reported previously. The revision comes from information from the industry about more passengers being carried aboard each ship, with higher occupancy rates in berths, Wiebold and Robinson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Construction employment is expected to grow in Southeast Alaska, according to the forecast. But the impact has been a bit muted compared to the rest of the state.

Robinson said the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has had less effect up to now on Southeast Alaska than on other parts of the state, for reasons yet to be understood. And much of the construction growth expected in the near future is related to North Slope oil development, which has some effect on Anchorage and Fairbanks businesses and jobs but does not really touch the Southeast part of the state, he said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
An Illinois appeals court decision that overturned the convictions for a man accused of fatally shooting 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton in 2013 will stand, after the states highest court found that its justices were divided on the matter and dismissed the appeal.

Pendleton was spending time with friends when she was hit by a bullet meant for someone else shortly after she performed at then-President Barack Obamas second inauguration. The slaying garnered international attention and put a harsh spotlight on Chicagos entrenched problems with guns and gang violence.

The Cook County states attorneys office had sought to salvage the high-profile case by appealing the matter to the Illinois Supreme Court after a lower court found that detectives who were questioning Micheail Ward continued to talk to the suspect after he invoked his right to remain silent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the Supreme Courts order, filed on Thursday, means the state will likely have to retry Ward, who is charged with murder in Pendletons death.

According to the order, Justice P. Scott Neville recused himself from the case, and the remaining six justices were divided. The court needs four concurring justices to come to a decision, so the appeal was dismissed.

Ward, 31, was convicted of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery following a lengthy jury trial in 2018. Pendleton, an honors student and majorette, was shot to death in a North Kenwood park where she was spending time with friends after finishing final exams at King College Prep High School on Jan. 29, 2013.

The gang-related shooting in broad daylight spurred grief and outrage from City Hall all the way up to the White House, with questions about the teens slaying posed to Obama and his communications staff in the following days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Ward and his co-defendant, Kenneth Williams, allegedly members of the SUWU gang, targeted members of the rival 4-6 Terror gang at the park, their hangout, as part of an ongoing feud that saw Williams himself shot. Instead, though, the bullets hit Pendleton and two other classmates who were wounded.

Cook County prosecutors introduced testimony from nine King High School students who witnessed the shooting, among other evidence. Among the King students who testified, only one identified Ward as the shooter, though he did not become certain of that identification until trial, according to the lower courts opinion.

The state also called witnesses who previously told detectives that Ward made incriminating statements to them, but they later recanted at trial.

Prosecutors also presented statements Ward made to detectives. While being questioned, Ward, around 1:40 a.m., said, I aint got nothin else to say, according to the appellate opinion, among other instances of stating he would remain silent. Though detectives took breaks, they eventually continued questioning him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I didnt even want to do it, Ward, then 18, said as he began to cry, according to video shown to the jury. I didnt want to do that (expletive), man. I liked that girl.

Ward spoke to detectives about the relationship between the rival gangs, as well as another homicide, telling police, according to the opinion: That was the final straw. It was over with.  I loved that boy and they killed him. They shot him in the head. Ward said, that (expletive) hurted  hurted me to a point where everybody had to go, but not that girl though. That girl had nothin to do with it. She was just there.

The appeals court had ruled that the trial judge should have thrown out subsequent statements Ward made to police.

When defending the conviction to the Supreme Court, the assistant attorney general argued that even without the confession, prosecutors had enough to convince a jury to convict, making the courts error harmless.
A Florida couple are charged with child neglect after police found their five kids living without electricity, food, or plumbing  but the mom says she plans to "fix everything."

Sanel Canovic, 40, and Azra Nikocevic, 33, were arrested New Year's Eve and charged with five counts of child neglect each.

Officers were alerted to the situation after allegedly encountering their 6-year-old son running across the street unsupervised on 15th Street in Miami Beach, according to arrest reports obtained by PEOPLE.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The child then allegedly led officers to a residence where they found four other youths living with no food, no electricity, no working stove, a clogged toilet and wearing soiled clothing  and their parents nowhere to be found.

All six children told cops they were hungry. The eldest child, aged 12, told police that the children often went to bed hungry and that they hadn't had electricity in the apartment for weeks.

The child told police that because they ate breakfast and lunch at school, their parents would deny them food at home. In fact, the parents "would frequently share a meal in the evening without providing food for the children," the arrest report, paraphrasing the child, alleges.

The eldest child alleged in the arrest report that the parents would even go out for a meal without their kids. Sometimes, their mother would leave $20 for the eldest child to purchase fast food for her siblings; other times, they would simply go hungry, she claimed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The children were all placed in protective custody and the parents were arrested; they were each released on their own recognizance.

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.

When CBS News Miami caught up with Nikocevic, she admitted that "the electricity was off for, like, a month-and-a-half, and the toilet was clogged." But, she says, she "will fix everything."

Nikocevic denied ever letting the children go to bed hungry, noting that she simply wouldn't always allow them to eat McDonald's, restaurant food, or Raising Cane's.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nikocevic told the outlet that after moving from New York to Miami, she was attempting to apply for food stamps due to low wages, and admitted she was "focusing more on the job than the kids."

"Just take care of your kids and, you know, love them as much as you can," she said.



Read the original article on People
(Bloomberg) -- Plenty Unlimited Inc., a pioneer of vertical farming thats drawn backing from billionaires including Jeff Bezos, is in talks for a new funding round that will virtually wipe out existing stockholders, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Plenty, which has brought in almost $1 billion from investors like Eric Schmidt and SoftBank Group Corp., is in talks to raise another $125 million as part of the recapitalization, according to people familiar with the matter. The new deal would value the companys existing shares at less than $15 million, one person said. Previously, investors had valued Plenty at $1.9 billion, according to PitchBook.

The company declined to comment on the deal.

In recent weeks, Plenty has installed an interim chief executive officer after the exit of Arama Kukutai, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. The new acting CEO is Daniel Malech, previously the companys senior vice president of strategy and general counsel.

At the same time, the company is undergoing a broader strategy shift. Instead of growing a variety of fruits and vegetables, Plenty will focus on strawberries, which yield higher profits.

Kukutai and Malech did not respond to requests for comment.

New York investment firm One Madison Group is expected to lead the new financing. SoftBanks Vision Fund, a longtime Plenty investor thats funneled over $400 million into the company, is also in talks to participate, said the people, as is Walmart Inc. The financing is not yet completed and could still fall apart, they added.

SoftBank and Walmart declined to comment. One Madison Group did not respond to requests for comment.

Plentys shifting strategy reflects larger struggles for the once-promising indoor farming industry. The news comes just months after Bowery Farming, previously valued at $2.3 billion, halted operations, according to reports. Before that, companies including AeroFarms, Kalera and AppHarvest all filed for bankruptcy.

Plenty has been a leader in the indoor farming world, which aims to use less land and water to grow food while avoiding the impacts of climate-induced extreme weather. Founded a decade ago, it has attracted a star-studded list of billionaire backers as well as investments from corporations like Driscolls Inc.
The Hamilton County Coroner's Office is asking for the public's help in locating family and friends of a 64-year-old man who died on New Year's Eve.

June Ellis Hales was last known to reside at 2638 Harrison Ave. in Cincinnati's Westwood neighborhood, the coroner's office said in a new release.

Officials did not release any details about the circumstances surrounding Hales' death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone with information about Hales is urged to contact Chief Investigator Maria Stewart at 513-946-8700.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: June Ellis Hales death: Coroner searching for Westwood man's relatives
Biden will block steel merger: The outgoing president, who has about two weeks left in his term, has decided to use his last vestiges of power to tell U.S. Steel that it can't be purchased by Japanese company Nippon Steel, putting the kibosh on a $14.1 billion deal.

The administration is expected to announce this decision later today, according to people within. The justification will apparently be national security-related, which is especially odd because the two companies have previously talked up how this merger will "combat the competitive threat" posed by China. For his part, President-elect Donald Trump has also said he would block the deal if it landed on his desk. Note that both President Joe Biden and Trump are most likely responding to pressure imposed by steelworkers unions within the U.S., which have been vocal in opposition to the deal.

Of course, U.S. Steel still wants to be acquired. The problem is that the options are dwindling. "Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., based in neighboring Ohio, pursued US Steel before Nippon Steel won the bidding," notes Bloomberg, "but it has since bought a Canadian producer and waffled on whether it would still want all or some of US Steel."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Note too the disturbing precedent this sets, in terms of the types of flimsy justifications that can be used to block deals between companies that have agreed to them. In pretty much all areas of regulatory policyand economic policy more broadlyJoe Biden has been a nightmare. Good riddance.

Seattle minimum wage hike forces closures: Surprise, surprise! The very thing libertarians and conservatives have been warning about for years, which has been born out in locality after locality, is now happening in Seattle, Washington.

Starting on January 1, the minimum wage in the city has jumped to $20.76, up from $17.25. But note that the minimum wage is always and everywhere $0the business you're employed by could always turn to dust, and that's what some have done in advance of this wage hike taking effect. A popular waffle shop just closed, with owner Corina Luckenbach citing the high cost of labor as the main reason. "This is financially just not going to make sense anymore. Because, just for me, the increase would cost me $32,000 more a year," Luckenbach told Fox 13 TV. Expect more closures to follow.

Hell is a warning label: The surgeon general has a new pronouncement to make: With a growing corpus of research purportedly linking alcohol to cancer, warning labels ought to be affixed so that people will drink with caution. Of course, this would require an act of Congress, so it's not clear that such a thing will be prioritized.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Many people out there assume that as long as they're drinking at the limits or below the limits of current guidelines of one a day for women and two for men, that there is no risk to their health or well-being," said Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. "The data does not bear that out for cancer risk." (Full advisory here.)

This is classic Public Health Brain in action: Color me skeptical that warning labels do jack shit. Though cultural changesuch as shifts away from cigarette smokingcan happen over time as new research emerges convincing people of a substance's harm, the warning labels have always struck me as wholly silly.

Scenes from New York: I have returned from nearly three weeks in Texas just in time to get all riled up about this New Year's Eve subway shoving, in which 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins pushed a 45-year-old man onto the tracks while a train was coming, severely injuring him. The victim is likely to survive, but the suspect should have faced consequences for his violent behavior long ago: He has a long rap sheet and was already facing assault charges for throwing bleach on a woman. ("He's not a bad kid," his father told The New York Times, which practically nobody believes.)

On New Year's Day, there were two subway system stabbings: One in Morningside Heights, and the other near 14th Street and 7th Avenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Felony assaults within the system are up 55 percent in 2024 compared to 2019 statisticsbefore the pandemic sent lots of straphangers out of the subway system, and introduced a lot of chaos within. There were 10 murders within the system this past year, and 25 shovings onto the subway tracks.

If you wanted to paint a rosier picture of subway crime, you could point to the fact that there's just one assault per 2 million rides. But these stats don't capture the number of crazy, erratic, and threatening people with whom a rider must routinely deal, the grisly backdrop of a dysfunctional city that can't solve this problem even with a budget of $4 billion devoted to it.

QUICK HITS

"South Korean anti-corruption investigators failed to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after a nearly six-hour standoff with his security team on Friday, showing tensions remain high even after he has been suspended from his duties," reports Bloomberg. Yoon, you might recall, briefly imposed martial law last month before being stopped by fellow politicians and mass protests.

"China's 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," reports The Wall Street Journal. "That hit, along with the trauma of Beijing's heavy-handed response to the Covid-19 pandemic, helps explain why Chinese consumers aren't spending freely."

Sen. John Thune, the Republican from South Dakota, will serve as Senate majority leader. Thune's first challenge will be "shepherding multiple baggage-laden Trump nominees to confirmation in the closely divided Senate, where he can afford to lose no more than three Republican votes if Democrats hold together in opposition" per The New York Times.

Bernie Sanders, H-1B visa opponent:

Elon Musk is wrong. The main function of the H-1B visa program is not to hire "the best and the brightest," but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad. The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make. pic.twitter.com/Mwz7i9TcSM  Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 2, 2025

The writer Milli Hill documents instances of the word woman being culled from content related to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Her latest dispatch is the 54th edition of documenting this phenomenon; peruse her archive if you'd like to see how pervasive this is.

The post Corpse President Says Companies Can't Do What They Want appeared first on Reason.com.
WASHINGTON  Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has already spent more than a year trying to organize a group of House Republicans for whom infighting and chaos have become the norm.

But that challenge pales in comparison with the gauntlet that could await him on Friday when he will try to hold on to his position and lead House Republicans through two more years under a second Donald Trump presidency where his party also holds control of the Senate. The vote to elect the next speaker comes as the GOP will have even smaller margins of power.

The soft-spoken speaker  who himself came into power after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was toppled in a GOP revolt  has his conferences nominal support after winning a vote in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But a tumultuous, last-minute spending deal to avoid a government shutdown in December has prompted a handful of Republicans to publicly question whether they will vote for Johnson to serve another term in leadership, raising the possibility that the House will be frozen in limbo for days or weeks without a speaker. That could create complications for the certification of electoral votes on Jan. 6 and with Trump's inauguration fast approaching on Jan. 20.

Members cant tackle any other business until someone is chosen. Johnson has noted this and said Congress should get organized quickly for national security purposes, citing the fatal truck attack in New Orleans early in the morning on New Year's Day.

Whether Johnson emerges with the same leadership title may depend on Trump's endorsement. The former and future president threw his weight behind the Louisiana Republican on Monday, saying in a statement on Truth Social that Johnson has his "Complete & Total Endorsement."

"Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man," Trump wrote. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN."

US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (C) speaks with reporters at the US Capitol, in Washington, DC on December 20, 2024.

How is a speaker elected?

When the House convenes on Friday, theyll immediately begin voting to elect a speaker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A speaker is elected when a majority of House members vote for the same person. On Friday, that will be a threshold of 218 votes. Republicans will have 219 members and Democrats will have 215.

Members can vote for either partys nominee  Johnson for the Republicans, and current House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., for the Democrats. They can also vote for anyone else (even if they dont serve in the House), withhold their vote, or vote present. Voting "present" means technically casting a ballot without supporting a specific person.

A candidate needs to win a majority of members voting to become speaker. People who don't vote or vote "present" don't count toward that total, which lowers the threshold. That's how McCarthy won the gavel last time.

If all members are present and voting and no candidate receives 218 votes, they vote again.

Make Washington make sense: Sign up for USA TODAY's On Politics newsletter.

Why might Johnson lose?

At least one House Republican  Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.  has said he will not support Johnson on Friday no matter what.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

All House Democrats are expected to vote for Jeffries, so Johnson must win every other present, voting Republican members support to become speaker.

That gives each Republican lawmaker significant leverage to force concessions from Johnson in exchange for their vote. For example, votes on favored bills or promises to approach government spending negotiations differently. At least one House Republican, Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana, has already released a list of demands for Johnson.

But some members still may not want to support him, or prefer other candidates, such as Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the No. 3 Republican leader in the House. House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a founding member of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, could be another option.

Several Republicans are frustrated with Johnsons handling of last months government funding extension that narrowly dodged a serious shutdown. Johnson first backed a nearly 1,600-page bipartisan spending deal full of unrelated policies just days before the funding deadline, but Trump and ally Elon Musk publicly opposed it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The final deal was a pared-down funding extension and a promise to raise the debt ceiling in 2025 that dozens of House Republicans voted against.

House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md. and Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., have also said they havent made up their mind on whether to support Johnson.

House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomes President-elect Donald Trump to a Republican meeting on Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

So could Johnson still win the speakership?

The last time House Republicans couldnt elect a speaker is not a distant memory for most lawmakers.

When a small group of GOP members joined with Democrats in a historic vote to kick McCarthy out of the speakership in October 2023, the chamber spent three weeks paralyzed and in limbo as they repeatedly failed to coalesce around another Republican. Johnson eventually emerged as a dark-horse conservative that multiple factions could support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This time, the stakes are higher. Republicans now have a coveted trifecta in Washington, controlling the House, Senate and White House.

Any time spent on internal fights is time they are not able to act on Trumps agenda  creating a powerful incentive to elect a speaker and get on with their GOP priorities.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., told ABC on Sunday that ousting McCarthy was the single stupidest thing I've ever seen in politics.

Removing Mike Johnson would equally be as stupid, he added. These folks are playing with fire, and if they think they're somehow going to get a more conservative speaker, they're kidding themselves.

How has Trump's endorsement changed things?

Several House Republicans who had publicly aired doubts about Johnson said they had shifted their thinking following Trump's endorsement on Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I will be voting for Mike Johnson as Speaker on January 3rd, and any report suggesting otherwise is dead wrong," wrote formerly undecided Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., on X. "I believe Speaker Johnson and President Donald Trump are the winning combination to deliver results within our window of opportunity."

Another member who had been undecided on Johnson, Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, told Axios that Trump's endorsement "is significant and may save Johnson... If DJT supports Johnson we need to rally around Johnson."

Musk also wrote on X under Trump's endorsement: "I feel the same way! You have my full support."

What happens if Republicans cant elect a speaker?

The House will be stuck until a leader is chosen: No other business can happen in the House without a leader.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If no speaker is chosen by Monday, however, experts disagree on whether Congress can meet to formalize the results of the 2024 presidential election by counting the Electoral College votes. It's a responsibility assigned to Congress in the Constitution.

David Super, an expert on congressional procedure who teaches at Georgetown University, said Congress should still be able to perform its duty without a speaker because the House and Senate will be meeting in a joint session. Vice President Kamala Harris will be presiding over Trump's win  and her defeat  in the 2024 election.

"It isn't the house meeting as the House. It is the House members and the senators sitting in the House chamber counting electoral votes, he said. "If the Democrats had the same mentality as the Republicans did four years ago, they could raise objections to electoral votes, which couldn't be resolved because the House couldn't meet. But that's not the way the Democrats operate, and if they did, there would be ways around it."

But Florida State University law professor Michael Morley disagreed. He said a speaker needs to be in place to approve rules for Monday, to appoint the tellers who read off the state certificates, and even to put the House into recess so the Senate can come over for the joint session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We've never had a situation in American history where the House has failed to organize in time in order to be able to count electoral votes," Morley said. "Particularly given the gravity of the stakes at issue, I certainly don't think that this will be an exception where members would be willing to drive the House into uncharted territory by trying to play games."

Rep. Jamie Raskin, formerly a 25-year professor of constitutional law, told reporters during a panel hosted by the State Democracy Defenders Action nonprofit that hes going to spend the weekend researching the question of how Congress counts Electoral College votes if lawmakers cant elect a House speaker before then.

The question is how can we proceed if we dont have a speaker of the House at that point, Raskin said. I dont think theres any question but that we will meet on Jan. 6.

Sarah Wire and Bart Jansen contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Mike Johnson lose job as House Speaker? Pivotal House vote looms.
PLATTSBURGH  City of Plattsburgh councilors have rejected the awarding of a state grant that would have benefited Sailors Beach Park.

Much of Sailors Beach Park, located across the vehicular bridge at 9 Marina Drive on the Old Base portion of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, has been in a state of disrepair for some time.

LETS INVEST

In 2023, the city decided to take action and seek out a $41,000 grant that would fund a feasibility study for a comprehensive rehabilitation of Sailors Beach Park.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The city was granted the funds earlier this year, with all six councilors in February authorizing the acceptance of a $41,000 grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation under the Environmental Protection Fund for the purpose of funding the Sailors Beach Rehabilitation Feasibility Study.

The city was tasked with also making a $41,000 match from its general fund to bring the feasibility study cost to $82,000 in total.

If were going to be the Lake City, lets invest in the lake, outgoing Mayor Chris Rosenquest told the council at their Dec. 19th work session meeting.

VOTED DOWN

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Barton & Loguidice out of Saratoga was eventually chosen to complete the feasibility study, however, when the engineering firm was set to be awarded the grant at the regular meeting Dec. 19, Councilors Julie Baughn (D-Ward 1), Elizabeth Gibbs (D-Ward 3), Jennifer Tallon (D-Ward 4), Dave Monette (D-Ward 5) and Jeff Moore (D-Ward 6) all voted against it.

A measure that would have established a capital project for Sailors Beach was also rejected by councilors.

Rosenquest said after the meeting was over that the votes were much of the same from what hes seen from the council during his tenure.

If their habit right now is going to be to deny grants and grant funded opportunities like this, the state will then turn on us and say, youre not going to get any more grants. Thats what this is, Rosenquest said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its going to be up to the next administration to repair that relationship that I just spent the last four years mending with the state, regarding all the grant funding that we get that we havent put to use, so Ill let them figure it out.

Wendell Hughes will be sworn into office as the citys next mayor Jan. 2.
Jan. 2Whether the 2025 Santa Fe mayoral election becomes a showdown between Councilor Michael Garcia, who announced his campaign Thursday, and Mayor Alan Webber is yet to be seen.

Three other candidates are already in the race, and Webber declined again Thursday to say if his name will be on the ballot in November. Nevertheless, frustration with his tenure is shaping up to be a driving force behind the campaign.

Garcia, Webber's most outspoken critic on the council dais, said his decision to run was brought on by frustration with current city leadership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"As mayor, I will bring a new vision, new leadership, and a new focus that will create a government that works for all residents of Santa Fe," Garcia said in a statement.

In a news release early Thursday, Garcia said his top priority as mayor would be to build "a stronger, safer and more united community where everyone flourishes and feels represented."

Garcia is the most high-profile candidate so far to throw his hat in the ring for the hotly anticipated race and the first sitting elected official. He will not need to give up his council seat in order to run.

When asked Thursday about his plans, Webber said he's "focused on the ambitious agenda we've set for Santa Fe" and promised a decision about November "in due time."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It's an important decision, for our residents as well as for me, and it's important to give it careful consideration," he wrote in an email.

Garcia, Webber clash

Garcia, 45, was born in Santa Fe to family with deep roots in New Mexico. He graduated from Santa Fe High School and has both a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration from the University of New Mexico. He works at AmeriCorps VISTA, a federal service program focused on fighting poverty. He and his wife live in the Hopewell Mann neighborhood of Santa Fe with their three children.

Garcia was first elected to the City Council in 2019 with about 67% of the vote. There were no incumbents in the race, as outgoing councilor Peter Ives opted not to run for for reelection. In 2023, Garcia was elected to a second term, handily beating challenger Phil Lucero, a city planning commissioner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 2023 election cycle was in many ways a referendum on Webber, as candidates' potential ties to the mayor became a subject of speculation, and they were even asked to give his candidacy a letter grade during a forum hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. (Lucero gave him a C, his highest grade of the night; Garcia an F-minus.)

The harsh rating is emblematic of the current strained relationship between the two politicians. Garcia has frequently butted heads with Webber and his allies on the City Council and has accused city leadership of lacking transparency in a variety of areas. He was one of three councilors to vote in favor of suspending then-City Manager John Blair in November 2023.

In an interview following his announcement, Garcia said he decided to run for mayor in large part because he thought he would be able to accomplish much more as mayor than as a councilor.

"At the end of the day, our city is guided by the mayor's agenda," Garcia said. "If certain issues aren't on the mayor's agenda, or in my instance, if you're not part of the the mayor's alliance that he has on the council, then it provides for a much more challenging situation to get matters that should be very simple completed."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Garcia cited as an example his attempt last spring to pass a resolution providing more support for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Despite being something Garcia said should not have been controversial, the resolution was postponed several times and criticized by Webber, who ultimately voted for it.

Garcia cites crime, housing, basic services as priorities

Of his actions as a councilor, Garcia said he's most proud of advocating for increased affordable housing at the midtown campus. He said rising housing costs are another issue that spurred him to run.

"We do not want to become a community where residents have to grasp at straws to stay in their hometown," he said. "That is not what Santa Fe has been about historically, and I do not want that to be the future of Santa Fe."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Like other mayoral candidates, Garcia said he would like the city to do a better job delivering basic services, and, as mayor, he would develop a better routine for ongoing maintenance of city infrastructure.

"It's not rocket science that the primary focus of local government needs to be basic city services," he said, something he does not see as being the case under the Webber administration.

Garcia said another priority as mayor would be creation of a public safety aide program to take on some of the responsibilities currently assigned to police, freeing up officers to respond more quickly to 911 calls. Slow police response times have been an ongoing frustration of city residents; the issue was discussed at length during a town hall Garcia hosted in August.

Garcia said the town hall, which was attended by several hundred people, showed him while residents are frustrated, they also want to help "be part of the solution" to make the city better.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Garcia criticized the Webber administration for its public safety efforts, noting that unlike the mayor, councilors have no direct oversight over the police department.

"This should be a conversation that this administration is leading, and it's not," he said.

Garcia says he will run publicly funded campaign

As with his two council campaigns, Garcia said he will run a publicly funded mayoral campaign. His understanding of the law is he "cannot collect a penny or spend a penny" until the public financing process starts later in the year, putting him at a disadvantage against any privately financed candidates, who can start raising money right away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Webber raised record-breaking amounts for a city election during his mayoral campaigns, including more than $500,000 during the 2021 race. Despite the challenges, Garcia said he has no reservations about opting for public financing and encourages other candidates to do the same.

"The mayor's office should not go to the highest bidder," he said. "I definitely understand money is always involved in campaigns, but it should not be the primary reason that a candidate wins."

Other candidates

Other mayoral candidates are Tarin Nix, political consultant and deputy commissioner of public affairs for the State Land Office; Oscar Rodriguez, former Taos town manager and Santa Fe finance director, and former county clerk candidate Letitia Montoya.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Montoya announced her candidacy in a Dec. 31 news release and will hold a campaign launch event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 10 at the VFW Post 2951. In the release, Montoya said it's time for "real leadership" in Santa Fe and framed her campaign as a fight against gentrification.

"We need leadership that fights for everyone  not just the rich and powerful," she said in a statement. "We must bring back affordable housing, address homelessness with real solutions, and restore integrity to city government."

A retired mother and grandmother, Montoya has run unsuccessfully for a number of elected offices, including secretary of state, state Senate and several times for Santa Fe county clerk. Her husband Michael Segura ran two unsuccessful campaigns for Santa Fe City Council, most recently in 2014.

Montoya's priorities are transparency and accountability, affordable housing and homelessness and economic growth with green jobs, the release said.
JAMESTOWN, N.C. (WGHP)  The historic Castle McCulloch in Jamestown may soon be under new ownership now that a North Carolina business court has approved a potential foreclosure sale.

Best known as a popular wedding and event venue, Castle McCulloch was built in 1832 with inspiration from European castles. Richard Harris purchased the property in the 1980s and transformed it into an event space around 1984, according to court documents. The property is registered in the National Register of Historic Places as McCullochs Gold Mill.

80s hit might be the most-played song at weddings, study of Spotify data suggests

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Thursday decision from Judge Louis Bledsoe III could bring an end to an ongoing legal battle involving the castle and debts tied to Southeastern Eye Center, though an appeal is still possible.

According to court documents, Castle McCulloch and Southeastern Eye Center first became financially entangled in 2004 when Doug Harris, the castle owners brother, brokered a deal between Richard Harris and Mark McDaniel, who negotiated financial matters for Dr. Richard Epes and his businesses.

Epes was looking to take out a loan from NewBridge Bank predecessor FNB Southeast. The bank, however, wanted unimpaired real estate, which Epes did not have, as security, court documents say. Richard Harris transferred ownership of Castle McCulloch to a newly formed entity, Historical Castle McCulloch LLC, allowing Epes and his companies to use the property as security for a deed of trust. In exchange, Epes agreed to invest in HCM.

Historic Castle McCulloch LLC, Castle McCulloch, Inc. and NSITE Management LLC took out a $2.145 million loan from the bank, according to a 2004 promissory note. The loan, described in court documents as the CM Note, was supposed to be paid by Oct. 2, 2009, but was extended four times before its final deadline of July 5, 2012. Because the loan was secured by a deed of trust, the bank held a legal claim to Castle McCulloch if the borrowers defaulted on the loan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Epes and McDaniel reportedly agreed to use the money from the loan to pay off short-term debts, pay Doug Harris a $55,800 broker fee, pay off Richard Harriss mortgage on the property and to buy out the owners ex-wifes stake in the property.

In 2007 and 2008, Central Carolina Surgical Eye Associates, a business co-owned by Epes, took out three additional loans totaling over $2.6 million.

By 2012, the debt had become complex, and Doug Harris worked with Richard Harris, Epes and McDaniel on a plan to refinance the CM Note and additional debts owned by CCSEA, according to court documents. Doug Harris, acting as trustee of a newly created entity called JDPW Trust, which he solely controlled, purchased the CM Note and CCSEA debts, totaling $3.35 million, from the bank at a reduced price. To finance this purchase, JDPW obtained a $2.1 million loan from the Nivison Parties.

However, in March 2013, Doug Harris used his authority as trustee of JDPW to transfer the CM Note, the loan documents and the propertys collateral back to Richard Harris, making Richard both the creditor and the debtor. Despite this transfer, JDPW remained responsible for repaying the Nivison loan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The court later determined that Doug Harris had a conflict of interest, as his actions prioritized his brothers benefit over the financial interests of JDPW Trust. The court ruled that his use of trust assets violated his fiduciary duties as a trustee.

In 2022, the JDPW Trust receiver, the individual appointed by the court to manage JDPW Trusts assets during legal proceedings, received permission to foreclose on the property.

In Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court order on April 2, a judge ordered for foreclosure plans to be placed on the ground that the receiver did not hold a valid debt, according to a summary of Bledsoes ruling posted by the Charlotte law firm of Rayburn Cooper and Durham PA, as reported by the Greensboro News & Record.

On Thursday, the court authorized a foreclosure sale by a substitute trustee of JDPW, allowing the property to be sold to satisfy the outstanding debt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

FOX8 has reached out to Castle McCulloch for comment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EL PASO, Texas (EL PASO MATTERS)  The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has placed on hold a ruling by an El Paso appellate court that ordered the judge in the Walmart mass shooting case to toss three ex parte orders he had issued.



The states highest criminal appellate court issued its ruling Tuesday, after defense attorneys for accused mass killer Patrick Crucius appealed a writ of mandamus issued Dec. 9 by the El Paso Eighth Court of Appeals that ordered 409th District Judge Sam Medrano to vacate three rulings he had issued after hearing from defense attorneys but not the prosecution.



The District Attorneys Office challenged Medranos three rulings, which involved two directives that the jail preserve surveillance video of Crusius in detention, and another order prohibiting the jail from providing unspecified medical treatment to the defendant. Prosecutors said the ex parte orders werent allowed under a 2023 Court of Criminal Appeals decision, and the Eighth Court agreed.



The Court of Criminal Appeals ruling sets aside the Eighth Court of Appeals order to allow the higher court to review the legal arguments. The District Attorneys Office has three months to outline its arguments with the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
New information released as part of Utah's ongoing lawsuit alleges TikTok LIVE targets minors and is used to launder money. (Photo by Thicha Satapitanon/Getty Images)

Hundreds of thousands of children have bypassed TikToks minimum age restrictions to use the social media platforms LIVE feature, which incentivizes sexual content, sometimes viewed by predatory adults. And an internal TikTok investigation suggested the platforms virtual currency was being used in major money laundering criminal patterns.

Thats according to previously redacted documents that were released Friday as part of Utahs ongoing lawsuit against TikTok, claiming the social media company is violating the states deceptive acts or practices law and consumer sales practices act.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The lawsuit, filed in June 2024, accuses TikTok of using a monetization feature to incentivize minors to perform sexually explicit acts on its LIVE feature  TikTok then takes a significant cut from those virtual transactions, Utah alleges.

In a statement to Utah News Dispatch on Friday, a TikTok spokesperson said the lawsuit ignores proactive measures that the company has voluntarily implemented. That includes robust safety protections, screen time limits for teen accounts, tools that allow parents to supervise their kids, live streaming requirements and aggressive enforcement of our Community Guidelines on an ongoing basis, the spokesperson said.

The complaint cherry-picks misleading quotes and outdated documents and presents them out of context, which distorts our commitment to the safety of our community, the spokesperson said. We stand by our efforts.

In the original complaint, 28 of 176 paragraphs were largely redacted, with TikTok classifying the content as confidential business records or trade secrets under Utah law. The company fought to keep the redactions but on Dec. 20, Utahs 3rd District Court Judge Coral Sanchez ruled that most of the content should be released to the public. In his ruling, Sanchez wrote that just 10 paragraphs should remain redacted, mostly because they include the money content creators have netted on TikTok.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Detailed in the unredacted complaint is Project Meramec, an internal investigation launched by TikTok that found 112,000 children between 13 and 15 years old were able to use TikTok LIVE during January 2022 alone. Per TikToks guidelines, users must be at least 18 years old to access LIVE.

TikToks footprint in Utah

Also released Friday was data detailing how many Utahns are using TikTok. Consider this:

There are 3,171,209 registered TikTok accounts in Utah.

There are 278,506 TikTok accounts associated with Utahns under 18 years old, although attorneys for the state claim the company likely significantly undercounts the number of minors using the app.

There are 1,540,957 TikTok content creators in Utah, defined in court documents as users who share and post content on the app.

Those Utah-based content creators have 919,171,787 cumulative followers on TikTok. Their profits are still redacted.

TikTok LIVE was introduced in 2019 and has since become extraordinarily popular, the complaint states. It includes a monetization feature where viewers can purchase virtual currency and gifts, which can then be exchanged for real money. According to attorneys for Utah, creators are promised more money by TikTok based on how popular their content becomes.

TikToks own study concluded that LIVE enabled the exploitation of live hosts and that TikTok profited significantly from transactional gifting involving nudity and sexual activity, all facilitated by TikToks virtual currency system, according to the complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And some of the underage users who bypassed the age verification for TikTok LIVE would receive messages from adult users, Utah claims in the lawsuit, raising red flags to TikTok that these minors were likely being groomed by adults. Project Meramec found that adults would sometimes pay users performing on TikTok LIVE to strip, pose, and dance provocatively for diamonds, which can be cashed out for real money, according to the state.

But the company chose to look the other way, according to attorneys for Utah  transactional sexual content hits most of (TikToks) business metrics of success, the newly unredacted complaint states. The company received significant revenue  in large part generated through transactions for sexual content.

Utahs complaint also accused the company of not regulating LIVEs virtual currency exchanges, which it claims enables criminal activity like money laundering and drug sales. The state even accused the virtual currency of being used to fund terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL).

The unredacted information also refers to another internal study, Project Jupiter, launched in 2021 to investigate suspicions that TikTok LIVE was being used to launder money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As recently as 2023, TikTok compliance teams reported, we have identified major money laundering criminal patterns on TikTok live platform, the complaint reads, claiming the company refuses to establish accurate bookkeeping, real-time suspicious payment monitoring for fraud and money laundering, timely reporting processes to law enforcement of suspicious transaction reports, (Know Your Customer) verification for all users, or even processes to keep banned users off the platform.

In a statement, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the unredacted information evidence of a deliberate choice to prioritize profit over the safety and well-being of our children.

TikTok knew the harm its platform was causing, yet chose to look the other way, allowing predators to exploit minors in unconscionable ways, Cox said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And the states outgoing attorney general, Sean Reyes, said online exploitation of minors can lead to depression, isolation and other tragedies such as suicide, addiction, and trafficking.

It would be outrageous enough to endanger our kids the way TikTok has  even if it was unintended. But the fact that it serves up minors on TikTokLive, knowing the danger, understanding the damage, and still monetizing the exploitation of our kids is unconscionable, said Reyes.

This case is Utahs second lawsuit against TikTok, both brought by the Utah Department of Commerce. The first suit, filed in October 2023, takes aim at TikToks endless scrolling feature, which the state claims is intentionally designed to hook young people and keep them on the app longer.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

TikTok Live Unsealed Redaction Highlights

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Garry Savage, Sr. of Huron, Ohio, and his Nevada-based company, Coast to Coast Chill, were sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty earlier this year to multiple counts of securities fraud and theft.

According to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities, Savage was sentenced to more than three years of incarceration and 18 months of parole. Savage has been held since his arrest in August 2022 and was given credit for time served. He was also ordered to pay $2,909,350 in restitution to company investors.

On November 26, 2024, Savage pleaded guilty, individually and on behalf of his company, to 23 counts related to an investment scheme that saw Savage pay himself and repay other investors with inappropriately diverted funds.

Most Read on IEN:

Coast to Coast Chill was supposed to invest the funds into The Joseph Company International to build a manufacturing plant in Youngstown, Ohio, to make self-chilling beverage cans. According to the indictment, Savage misappropriated some of the funds.

The November 2021 indictment says Savage sold investments to 18 Ohio investors in Coast to Coast Chill. He was indicted on 86 felony counts, including securities fraud, grand theft and aggravated theft. Savage was extradited from Florida in May 2022.

According to WKBN, Savage's Chill Can plant hoped to establish a cutting-edge canning operation in Youngstown. The factory remains empty. The city sued the company and prevailed in winning back tax incentives and other funds awarded to the project. The site could soon be auctioned off as the foreclosure case against the company comes to a close.

Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.
New information released as part of Utah's ongoing lawsuit alleges TikTok LIVE targets minors and is used to launder money. (Thicha Satapitanon/Getty Images)

Hundreds of thousands of children have bypassed TikToks minimum age restrictions to use the social media platforms LIVE feature, which incentivizes sexual content, sometimes viewed by predatory adults. And an internal TikTok investigation suggested the platforms virtual currency was being used in major money laundering criminal patterns.

Thats according to previously redacted documents that were released Friday as part of Utahs ongoing lawsuit against TikTok, claiming the social media company is violating the states deceptive acts or practices law and consumer sales practices act.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The lawsuit, filed in June 2024, accuses TikTok of using a monetization feature to incentivize minors to perform sexually explicit acts on its LIVE feature  TikTok then takes a significant cut from those virtual transactions, Utah alleges.

But 28 of the complaints 176 paragraphs were largely redacted, with TikTok classifying the content as confidential business records or trade secrets under Utah law. The company fought to keep the redactions but on Dec. 20, Utahs 3rd District Court Judge Coral Sanchez ruled that most of the content should be released to the public. In his ruling, Sanchez wrote that just 10 paragraphs should remain redacted, mostly because they include the money content creators have netted on TikTok.

Detailed in the unredacted complaint is Project Meramec, an internal investigation launched by TikTok that found 112,000 children between 13 and 15 years old were able to use TikTok LIVE during January 2022 alone. Per TikToks guidelines, users must be at least 18 years old to access LIVE.

TikToks footprint in Utah

Also released Friday was data detailing how many Utahns are using TikTok. Consider this:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are 3,171,209 registered TikTok accounts in Utah.There are 278,506 TikTok accounts associated with Utahns under 18 years old, although attorneys for the state claim the company likely significantly undercounts the number of minors using the app.There are 1,540,957 TikTok content creators in Utah, defined in court documents as users who share and post content on the app. Those Utah-based content creators have 919,171,787 cumulative followers on TikTok. Their profits are still redacted.

TikTok LIVE was introduced in 2019 and has since become extraordinarily popular, the complaint states. It includes a monetization feature where viewers can purchase virtual currency and gifts, which can then be exchanged for real money. According to attorneys for Utah, creators are promised more money by TikTok based on how popular their content becomes.

TikToks own study concluded that LIVE enabled the exploitation of live hosts and that TikTok profited significantly from transactional gifting involving nudity and sexual activity, all facilitated by TikToks virtual currency system, according to the complaint.

And some of the underage users who bypassed the age verification for TikTok LIVE would receive messages from adult users, Utah claims in the lawsuit, raising red flags to TikTok that these minors were likely being groomed by adults. Project Meramec found that adults would sometimes pay users performing on TikTok LIVE to strip, pose, and dance provocatively for diamonds, which can be cashed out for real money, according to the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the company chose to look the other way, according to attorneys for Utah  transactional sexual content hits most of (TikToks) business metrics of success, the newly unredacted complaint states. The company received significant revenue  in large part generated through transactions for sexual content.

Utahs complaint also accused the company of not regulating LIVEs virtual currency exchanges, which it claims enables criminal activity like money laundering and drug sales. The state even accused the virtual currency of being used to fund terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL).

The unredacted information also refers to another internal study, Project Jupiter, launched in 2021 to investigate suspicions that TikTok LIVE was being used to launder money.

As recently as 2023, TikTok compliance teams reported, we have identified major money laundering criminal patterns on TikTok live platform, the complaint reads, claiming the company refuses to establish accurate bookkeeping, real-time suspicious payment monitoring for fraud and money laundering, timely reporting processes to law enforcement of suspicious transaction reports, (Know Your Customer) verification for all users, or even processes to keep banned users off the platform.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the unredacted information evidence of a deliberate choice to prioritize profit over the safety and well-being of our children.

TikTok knew the harm its platform was causing, yet chose to look the other way, allowing predators to exploit minors in unconscionable ways, Cox said.

And the states outgoing attorney general, Sean Reyes, said online exploitation of minors can lead to depression, isolation and other tragedies such as suicide, addiction, and trafficking.

It would be outrageous enough to endanger our kids the way TikTok has  even if it was unintended. But the fact that it serves up minors on TikTokLive, knowing the danger, understanding the damage, and still monetizing the exploitation of our kids is unconscionable, said Reyes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This case is Utahs second lawsuit against TikTok, both brought by the Utah Department of Commerce. The first suit, filed in October 2023, takes aim at TikToks endless scrolling feature, which the state claims is intentionally designed to hook young people and keep them on the app longer.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Utah News Dispatch, like Oregon Capital Chronicle, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor McKenzie Romero for questions: info@utahnewsdispatch.com.
ST. LOUIS  As the first major storm of the year approaches, Covenant House in St. Louis is doing what it does best: opening its doors to those in need.

Volunteers at the youth shelter prepare for a surge in demand of winter gear for months leading up to stocking up items they know will make a difference, even partnering with popular clothing brand Uniqlo for this winter.

From jackets to tights to undergarments to help keep our youth warm when theyre going out there and its not just the youth that have nowhere to go; its also our youth that live here in our residential program, Charles Watkins, community engagement coordinator for Covenant House, said. This gives them a sense of motivation knowing that there are people there that really do care.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Youths just like Isaih Taylor, who came to Covenant House in search of a supportive community,.

At first, I didnt want more, he said. But now its kind of like seeing what I can actually have kind of made me feel like, Oh wow, there is a life that I can begin.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

The organizations beds are full, even with the significant rise in calls and waitlist numbers. To address this, Covenant House works to strengthen connections and expand resources with other St. Louis organizations, such as the citys warming locations.

The heart, the actual passion they bring into it, just them actually talking to me like I matter, Taylor said. That brings it all together; it makes me want to wake up every day and not only make myself proud but make others proud.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And St. Louis youths arent just staying warm; they feel good about what theyre wearing.

Watkins adds, We want to make sure when they go out there that theyre safe and secure and stylish! Watkins said. Ages 16-24, theyve got all that personality, and we want the clothes to go ahead and match that.

To donate, you can visit CovenantHouseMO.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 FOX 2.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  Driving into Crestview Apartments in Beckley is bumpy, requiring serious maneuvering to avoid deep potholes which are etched into residents only access road.

The manager of Crestview Village Apartments said on Thursday, January 2, 2025, that the road is a right-of-way which crosses property owned by Gov. Jim Justices family.

In July, following complaints by residents, Gov. Jim Justice said that the responsibility for repairing the road lies with the owner of the complex, Pison Management in Charleston.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Residents said logging on Justices property had led to damage on the access road, which was not constructed for logging trucks.

On Thursday, residents said the problem has gotten worse, following a recent demolition of a dilapidated mansion owned by the Justice family.

They said the potholes cause damage to their vehicles, forcing them to make repairs they are unable to easily afford.

Residents on Thursday voiced their pleas publicly to Gov. Justice, who will be heading to Washington, DC, later this month to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Ambulances, law enforcement, need to get in and out of here, and we have a lot of seniors in here, said Jeri Cozart, a Crestview neighbor. We have caretakers coming in and out of here, Jim, and Im pleading with you to please, please come in and fix the road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Governor Justice responds to complaints about Crestview Drive road conditions

They said the roadway is a health concern, slowing medical care for the seniors and others in the complex.

Laura Simpson, a long-time resident of Crestview Apartments, said she injured her ankle a few years ago and was in excruciating pain.

She alleged that she called an ambulance but was forced to wait extra time because of the road condition.

The ambulance driver, as they put me in the back of the ambulance, he said, It took us too long to get in here. I am afraid that you are going to lose your foot,' recalled Simpson. Its undriveable now, but its going to get where we cant get in and out, and no one can get in and out to help us. What then, you know? Does he want lives on his head, or does he want to write a check?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Diana Farmer, who rents a two-bedroom apartment with her husband, said she suffers from osteoporosis and that her husband recently recovered from a serious heart ailment.

Residents of Crestview Village want their road fixed

She said her husband stresses over the potholes injuring her or doing more damage to their car tires, especially at night.

The road does not have lights.

My bones crack and overlap, and its just very painful, and at nighttime, you cant really see, said Farmer. I know he dont got nothing to do with the lights, but you shouldnt have to worry about where youre going at night to get in and out of an apartment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gov. Jim Justices representatives did not issue an immediate response on Thursday evening, but Gov. Justice had in the past suggested a solution involving Raleigh County Commission and an additional access road.

Beloved Beckley Mexican food restaurant closes suddenly

A Pison representative declined to comment on the condition of the access road on Thursday.

The president of the Raleigh County Commission declined on Thursday to comment on residents claims that recent demolition of the mansion, which was paid for by the county, increased damage to 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 WVNS.
Blustery conditions on Thursday made a stubborn fire in Falmouth more difficult for responding companies.

Fire officials say they were alerted to visible smoke and flames at the Briarwood Condominiums on Pine Valley Drive around 9:51 a.m.

Arriving crews saw flames shooting through a second-floor window but were reportedly told by bystanders the unit was unoccupied.

According to authorities, due to the challenging location of the condo behind another building, firefighters had to battle the bulk of the blaze from outside.

A second alarm was issued because of the heavy flames and strong winds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fire spread to two neighboring units, but was extinguished just before 11 a.m., according to Falmouth fire officials.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Falmouth Fire Rescue Fire Investigation Unit and the Massachusetts State Police-Fire and Explosion Unit.

Firefighters from Bourne, Joint Base Cape Cod, Sandwich, Mashpee, Cotuit, Centerville Osterville, and Marston Mills all provided mutual aid to the scene and town-wide coverage.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW




Felonies

The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Lacey K. Horn, 44, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, capias for possession of methamphetamine.

John Calvin Moses, 39, of Mooreville, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, sale of methamphetamine.

Anthony W. Osborne, 43, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, driving under the influence fourth offense, violation of probation, careless driving, driving with a suspended license, open container.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Billy Sangster, 55, of Higgins, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of probation.

Sydney R. Wilson, 38, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, felony shoplifting.

Lee County Sheriff's Office

The following report was filed Tuesday by the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

A Tupelo woman said her car broke down on Graham Drive Friday afternoon, so she left the 2002 Nissan Maxima on the side of the road. When she returned around lunchtime Monday to get the car, both drivers side windows had been broken. She said someone stole a childs potty seat, a car seat and two Christmas presents  wooden blocks and a fish aquarium. The thief also stole her wallet and the battery out of the car. She does not know who could have broken into her car and stolen her stuff.

Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A federal lawsuit against CVS Health that was unsealed last month accuses the company of unlawfully filling opioid prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

The Boston Globe Rhode Islands Christopher Gavin joined 12 News at 4 to discuss some of the employee complaints included in the lawsuit, including unrealistic performance standards and inhumane working conditions that made it difficult to meet their professional and ethical obligations.

Watch the full interview in the player above.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read Gavins full story in The Boston Globe Rhode Island: Skeleton crews. Endless tasks. What employees said about working conditions at CVS, according to a federal lawsuit 

MORE: Globe RI & 12 News Stories



Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Special Coverage & Notices

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The coincidental evidence linking these events is substantial enough to continue pursuing every lead that might connect the two. At present, however, nothing definitive has emerged that suggests the two deceased suspects, Matthew Alan Livelsberger and Shamsud-Din Jabbar, were coconspirators planning coordinated attacks.

Two days into the investigation of the explosion in Las Vegas on New Years Day, law enforcement officers continue to sift through evidence that might link it with an earlier lethal vehicular rampage in New Orleans.

Beyond the most obvious commonalitythat the two acts were committed within hours of each otherthe list of odd coincidences between suspects Matthew Alan Livelsberger and Shamsud-Din Jabbar is compelling enough to warrant further examination.

There are a number of things in this case that are similar to the attack in New Orleans, Las Vegas sheriff Kevin McMahill acknowledged during a press briefing on Thursday, adding that these seeming coincidences remain a subject of their investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For example, the two appear to potentially have been motivated by political events. While Livelsberger chose the Trump International Hotel weeks before the president-elects inauguration, Jabbar openly admitted to having joined the militant jihadist terrorist group ISIS.

Independent experts urged law enforcement authorities to pursue every avenue, including a possible connection, until a complete picture of events emerges.

Nathan Sales, the chief counterterrorism official under the Trump administration, told Fox News the list of coincidences bears a closer look.

On Thursday, FBI deputy assistant director Christopher Raia issued a request that anyone who knew Jabbar approach the bureau, no matter how seemingly inconsequential their testimony might be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We need to talk to you. You may not think you have relevant information, but what you know could tie into one of our investigative leads, he told the press on Thursday.

Livelsberger and Jabbar share a military background

The two suspects profiles reveal a shared military background: Both were trained soldiers serving in the U.S. Army.

They were both stationed at one point at Fort Bragg in North Carolinanow called Fort Libertya well-known base home to the elite Airborne and Special Operations Forces.

In 2009, the two were even deployed to Afghanistan at the same time, although no records have as yet indicated they were in the same province.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Each had furthermore intended to employ some form of explosive in their attack, although Jabbar was shot dead by law enforcement officers before he could trigger the two improvised devices secured on the scene.

Fortune reached out to the U.S. Army seeking comment and any additional information as to whether their service records could shed any light on their actions, but has not received a response.

Both used Turo app

The list of coincidences doesnt stop there. The suspects also opted to employ electric trucks as the instrument of their attack.

While full-size pickups are one of the most popular vehicle segments in the United States, the attackers apparent deliberate choice of an EV like the F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck may be considered unusual.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both models are still very much novelties, with only tens of thousands sold across the entire country in a new-truck market that numbers in the millions.

Furthermore, each of them rented their vehicles out of state via the digital peer-to-peer sharing platform Turo in Denver and Houston.

Rather than carry out their attacks there, they drove them across state lines to Las Vegas and New Orleans, respectively.

Why they chose those cities is as yet unclear, but the two are tourism magnets best known for their vicescasinos and gambling in regard to the former, and the drinking and revelry associated with Mardi Gras in the case of the latter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats something investigators need to take a very hard look at, said counterterrorism expert Sales, referring to the commonalities shared by the twin events.

No cold, hard evidence linking the suspects as coconspirators

Nevertheless, there is no evidence as yet that the two perpetrators knew of each others existence.

While Livelsberger was a Green Beret still on active duty, committing the act while on leave from Germany, Jabbar had already been discharged from service in 2020 at the rank of staff sergeant.

Moreover, their method of attack differed, with one choosing to mow down pedestrians with his truck before exiting the vehicle to continue his rampage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Livelsberger meanwhile appeared to have first triggered his makeshift explosives employing propane canisters, fireworks, and gasoline, before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

FBI deputy assistant director Raia consequently said it was the bureaus current assessment at this early stage in the investigation that Jabbar and Livelsberger were not coconspirators.

At this point there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas, he told reporters.

He added that while Jabbar professed loyalty to ISIS, it currently appears as if he acted alone without outside aid from the jihadist terror group.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
The Cybertruck bomber shared a rave review for the Tesla car he later blew up in Las Vegas on New Years Day, writing that the futuristic vehicle had him feeling like a superhero.

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, messaged his ex-girlfriend Alicia Arritt in the days before the explosion that killed him and injured six others outside the Trump International Hotel, according to the Denver Gazette.

I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. Its the s---, he texted Arritt on December 29 after renting the Tesla truck in Denver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I feel like Batman or halo, he added seven minutes later, referencing the sci-fi military video game.

From left: Livelsberger is pictured in a photo from his LinkedIn profile; his blown-up Cybertruck in Vegas. / LinkedIn;Reuters

How fast is it? Livelsbergers ex asked of the Cybertruck.

Ungodly, he replied.

The Gazette wrote that Arritt, a single mother, was surprised to hear from the U.S. Army Green Beret as she and Livelsberger had broken up three years before.

I just want everyone to know that Matt was the kindest man I ever knew, she told the publication. He got me through a difficult time.

She said she had no idea why he would blow up the vehicle, and knew him as an honorable man who had bought his mother a house when she fell ill. She described Livelsberger as a conservative who loved his country, but claimed his behavior changed when he returned from a Middle East tour of duty after suffering a traumatic brain injury. (She also said he had two back surgeries stemming from his years as a paratrooper.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arritt, from Colorado Springs, said she was an Army nurse stationed in Germany when she met Livelsberger in 2018 after he was divorced from his first wife, Sara.

The New York Post reported that the soldiers second wife broke up with him on December 26 after allegedly discovering he had cheated on her.

Neighbors said Livelsberger and his second wife recently had a baby.

He seemed like a normal guy. His wife is awesome, too. I never expected anything like that. I would never have thought it would have been him, Cindy Helwig told the Gazette.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The father of the man accused of detonating a bomb outside of the Las Vegas Trump hotel on New Years Day said his son loved the Army and loved America, he told CBS News.

Las Vegas Metro police and the FBI suspect Matthew Livelsberger, 37, shot himself as fireworks and other explosive material detonated in the back of a rented Tesla Cybertruck outside of the Trump International Hotel on Jan. 1.

Livelsberger left his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Dec. 30 and arrived in Las Vegas about an hour before the explosion, police said Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Livelsberger served as a decorated Green Beret operations sergeant, based at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he traveled back and forth between the United States and Germany. He had served in the Army since 2006. His overseas assignments included two deployments to Afghanistan as well as time in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, the U.S. Army said. He earned five Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge, and an Army Commendation Medal with Valor.

Livelsberger had an 8-month-old daughter and a wife and seemed happy the last time his father spoke with him, according to CBS.

Metro police Sheriff Kevin McMahill acknowledged there was substantial evidence that the driver was Livelsberger because his passport, military identification and credit cards were found in the Cybertruck.

A former Afghan interpreter told CBS that Livelsberger was very kind to him and his family.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday, The Shawn Ryan Show, a podcast hosted by a former Navy SEAL, released an interview with a former intelligence analyst who said he received an email from Livelsberger in the days before the explosion. The analyst said Livelsbergers letter was about Chinese drones.

The FBI was aware of the letter and was working to confirm its authenticity Friday, FBI Special Agent In Charge Spencer Evans said.

During a news conference Thursday, McMahill said teams were attempting to extract data and video from the vehicle as well as from Livelsbergers devices.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Nike (NYSE: NKE) is proving that even some of the most dominant and well-known businesses can hit a rough patch. The S&P 500 is in record territory, but that's not the case for this stock.

Shares of the sportswear giant last traded in the three-figure club in March 2024, but they've been in a downward trend since. They currently sell at 58% below their peak from November 2021 (as of Dec. 30, 2024).

Can this consumer discretionary stock reverse course, rise 33% from its current $75 price tag, and get to $100 in 2025?

A winning business

Nike controls 16.4% of the global sportswear market, according to data from Euromonitor. Adidas is in second place with a 9% share, showcasing Nike's commanding lead of the industry.

This kind of positioning doesn't happen overnight. Since its founding in 1964, Nike has risen up the ranks to become a household name with massive name recognition. The company's brand, supported by excellence in marketing and storytelling, has kept Nike relevant for decades.

Nike's brand has been a key contributor to its financial success. Revenue in fiscal 2024 (ended May 31) totaled $51.4 billion, 85% higher than in the same period 10 years earlier. Net income during this stretch soared 112%.

Thanks to consistent profitability, Nike has been able to return lots of capital to shareholders. The current dividend yield of 2.14% is certainly healthy. But it's worth pointing out that the payout has climbed 186% in the past decade.

Share buybacks are also critical. Nike repurchased $4.3 billion of outstanding stock in fiscal 2024.

On a losing streak

Things haven't been going smoothly for Nike in recent years. With the benefit of hindsight, I believe there are two blunders that have led to the company's challenges.

The first was Nike's relentless push to boost its direct-to-consumer and digital sales. Not long after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nike's leadership team set a goal to achieve 50% of its revenue from the online channel. So, it decided to cut ties with key wholesale accounts.

After the pandemic's worst days had passed, consumer behavior normalized, and people went back to shopping in person. But Nike had bet that this wouldn't be the case. It gave up valuable shelf space to rivals, especially in the critical running category.

As a consumer brand, Nike must excel in product innovation, developing the right merchandise to drive interest. The company also has to ensure it doesn't create too much supply, which would undermine its brand image.
Cybertruck explosion marks second high-profile incident at Trumps Las Vegas hotel

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Cybertruck fire and explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Years Day is the second high-profile incident at the hotel in recent years.

On Aug. 31, 2021, a 44-year-old Michigan man was charged after taking a suitcase to the hotels concierge station and saying, Everybody needs to leave the building. There is a bomb in here, according to Las Vegas police. He called hotel reservations 15 minutes later and said, How are you doing? Bomb, 15 minutes to evacuate the building. Caller ID showed his name, police said.

DAndre Lundy of Farmingville, Michigan, got out of a taxi that pulled up to the valet area at around 12:45 p.m. He was wearing an American flag hat, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After Lundy was arrested at the Motel 6 on East Tropicana Avenue, he said he wanted to send the former president a message that he is a beast,' police reported.

DAndre Lundy. (KLAS)

A robot used to examine explosive devices is sent to the front of the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas on Tuesday. (David Charns / 8NewsNow)

Police said they found miscellaneous items, including written documents inside the bags left by Lundy. He later told police the bags contained a Bible, a rock, and a $1 bill.

On Thursday, the FBI acknowledged the attention to the hotel: President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office after a Jan. 20 inauguration ceremony, has stayed at the hotel while visiting Las Vegas.

Its a bombing that certainly has factors that raise concern. Its not lost on us that its in front of, you know, of the Trump building, that its a Tesla vehicle, but we dont have information at this point that definitively tells us or suggests it was because of this particular ideology or that, you know, any of the reasoning behind it, Spencer Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Las Vegas Division, told reporters at a news conference.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The use of a Tesla Cybertruck drew attention to Elon Musks connections to Trump. Musks electric car company includes a Gigafactory near Reno that builds batteries for electric cars. In Las Vegas, Musk is behind the Las Vegas Loop, a network of tunnels connecting to the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Boring Company, owned by Musk, has big plans to expand the system up and down the Strip, to downtown, Reid International Airport, Allegiant Stadium, and the Las Vegas Medical District.

Tesla electric cars are used to transport passengers through the tunnels.

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, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Thursday.

Cybertruck driver had gunshot wound to head prior to explosion in front of Las Vegas hotel, police say

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Law enforcement officials said they do not know the motivation behind the Wednesday attack by 37-year-old U.S. Army veteran Matthew Livelsberger. He drove the rented truck from Colorado after renting it.

Thats the purpose of the investigation that were conducting is to get to the bottom of exactly what happened, why and how, Evans said.

Musk posted on social media about six hours after the New Years Day incident confirming reports of the explosion. He said it was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb. He went on to say it was unrelated to the vehicle itself.

Video on Thursday from outside Trump Tower in the Midtown Manhattan area of New York City showed heightened security. The tower on Fifth Avenue is a mixed-use condominium building that reaches 58 stories. Barricades were in place at the New York building and also Chicagos Trump Tower, according to CBS reports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Sept. 9, a South Carolina man was arrested after making comments about blowing up Harry Reid International Airport and Trumps 2024 candidacy.

The explosion of the truck, packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters, came hours after 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar 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. The FBI said Thursday that they believe Jabbar acted alone, reversing its position from a day earlier that he likely worked with others.

Chris Raia, FBI deputy assistant director, said Thursday that officials have found no definitive link between the New Orleans attack and the truck explosion in Las Vegas.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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.
Authorities have begun piecing together the days and hours of the man they say drove the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded on New Year's Day in Las Vegas.

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, was identified as the person who rented the Cybertruck days earlier in Colorado and drove it to Las Vegas. Because the remains of the person found dead inside the vehicle after it exploded were badly burned, officials said they could not yet conclude with complete certainty the man was Livelsberger, but had enough evidence to believe he was the driver.

The blast happened Wednesday morning before 9 a.m. in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Livelsberger is believed to have shot himself in the head immediately before the detonation, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a news conference Thursday.

The remains of a Tesla Cybertruck that burned at the entrance of Trump Tower, stand inside a cordoned area, in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 1, 2025.

Despite striking similarities, authorities said they don't have any evidence the explosion is connected to the deadly attack in New Orleans hours earlier. Livelsberger's motive remains known.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Here's what we know about Livelsberger's movements with the Cybertruck leading up to the blast, according to authorities:

Truck rented days earlier in Colorado

Authorities said they tracked the movements of Livelsberger and the Cybertruck using Tesla charging station records and photos from traffic cameras.

Dec. 28: Livelsberger rents the Cybertruck in Denver using the peer-to-peer car rental platform Turo.

Dec. 30: The Cybertruck is charged in Monument, Colorado. Also that day, Livelsberger legally purchased two semi-automatic handguns, according to Kenny Cooper, assistant special agent in charge of ATF's San Francisco field division.

A map showing the Tesla Cybertruck's route from Denver, Colorado, to Las Vegas. The truck was rented through Turo on Dec. 28, 2024.

Dec. 31: The Cybertruck is charged in four locations: Trinidad, Colorado; Las Vegas, New Mexico; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Gallup, New Mexico.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jan. 1: The Cybertruck is charged in Holbrook, Flagstaff and Kingman, Arizona. One final charge is made at 5:33 a.m. in Kingman, Arizona, about 100 miles away from Las Vegas.

The day of the explosion

The Cybertruck was located in Las Vegas early Jan. 1, McMahill said.

7:29 a.m.: The Cybertruck is first spotted in Las Vegas

7:34 a.m.: The Cybertruck is seen turning on to Fashion Show Drive, the location of the Trump International Hotel.

The Tesla Cybertruck was rented in Denver, Colorado on Dec. 28 before driving to Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Between 7:34 and 8:35 a.m.: The Cybertruck pulled through the valet at the Trump hotel, then spent the next hour driving at several different locations along Las Vegas Boulevard. The truck spent nearly 45 minutes in the parking lot of a business near Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

8:35 a.m.: The Cybertruck is spotted pulling onto Las Vegas Boulevard from Sands Avenue.

8:39 a.m.: The Cybertruck again pulls into the valet area of Trump hotel. Within 17 seconds, the truck explodes. The the driver shot themselves in the head immediately before the detonation, McMahill said.

The driver was killed and seven others were injured.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cybertruck explosion: See a timeline, route to Las Vegas
Elon Musk isn't a citizen of any European country, but he's still doubling down on his support for the far-right in Germany and the United Kingdom, provoking uproar among officials who accuse him of stoking danger and meddling in other countries' business so that he can enrich himself and his companies.

Having already endorsed Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in an X post late last year, Musk wrote a translated opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag ("Word on Sunday"), a sister publication of Politico owned by the conservative media company Axel Springer, that was published over the weekend, calling AfD "the last spark of hope for this country."

AfD can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality," Musk wrote in the op-ed, claiming that his investments in Germany gave him the right to comment on the country's politics. Musk's chosen party has been widely condemned for extremist and xenophobic rhetoric that occasionally bears Nazi echoes, and some branches have been censured by German courts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The American billionaire argued that the characterization of AfD as "right-wing extremist" was "clearly false," because its leader Alice Weidel has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka. "Does that sound like Hitler to you?" he wrote. "Please!

Musk's op-ed caused "intense discussion" in the editorial office, and "many colleagues argued against publication," according to Welt journalist Franziska Zimmerer. The German paper's decision to publish it angered its own opinion editor so much that she resigned. "I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print, Eva Marie Kogel wrote on X, the social media platform owned by Musk.

The incoming editor-in-chief also weighed in, writing that "Musks diagnosis" of Germany's economic woes "is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong."

Polls for the Feb. 23 election show the AfD surging into second place, but it appears to hold little chance of gaining power as part of a governing coalition as long as the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is leading in the polls, refuses to work with them. If Musk had hoped to apply pressure on CDU chancellor hopeful Friedrich Merz, the op-ed seems only to have provoked him  on Sunday, he told reporters that Musk's comments were intrusive and presumptuous."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), declined to criticize Musk directly, instead affirming that "its not those who shout loudest who will decide Germanys future but the broad majority of sensible and respectable people" in his New Year's address.

Other government figures were less circumspect. "Musk is strengthening those who are weakening Europe. A weak Europe is in the interest of those for whom regulation is an inappropriate limitation of their power," said Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck in his own New Year's address. Habeck is a member of the Greens, a center-left party that acted as a junior partner in Scholz's governing coalition before the alliance collapsed last month.

SPD co-leader Saskia Esken vowed to offer "tough resistance" against "anyone who tries to influence our election from outside," whether the influence is organized by Russia or "by the concentrated financial and media power of Elon Musk and his billionaire friends on the Springer board."

While Musk is not a citizen of any European Union country, he can, through his companies' foreign subsidiaries, still contribute money to political parties and candidates in amounts far exceeding normal foreign entity limits. On Wednesday, hard-right UK lawmaker Nigel Farage told various news outlets that he met Musk during his visit to Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and continues to negotiate "the issue of money" with the tech billionaire. According to Farage, their discussions have included figuring out how Musk can donate up to $100 million to his anti-immigrant Reform UK party legally through UK companies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Musk described the Labour and Conservative parties as the uniparty, and left us in no doubt that he is right behind us, Farage added, referring to the UK's two major political parties.

The potential of such a large donation from a foreign national has amplified long-simering concerns among election integrity watchdogs and the Labour government's chief anti-corruption official. So far, government leaders have declined to answer calls for accelerated reform, fearing that speeding up the timetable would backfire and give Farage the chance to claim that they are rigging the election against him.

Well beat Reform by defeating their arguments rather than changing the rules to stop them getting money from Elon Musk, a government source told The Guardian. You dont successfully take on populists by changing the rules in a bid to thwart them.

A poll by The Guardian showed that caps on political donations are a popular proposition: according to its findings, 56% of respondents believe there should be such a limit, while only 16% think there should be no cap. A third wrongly believed a cap was already in place.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

The next UK election will be held in 2029 at the latest, unless Prime Minister Keir Starmer decides to hold it sooner. Musk has already launched a broadside of attacks on Starmer's government on X, characterizing the arrests of anti-immigrant rioters last summer as a crackdown by a "tyrannical police state" and declaring that "civil war is inevitable." Later in 2024, Starmer declined to invite Musk to an investors' conference  something that Musk had taken as an insult, sources close to him said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some political observers believe that Musk is furious at the UK government for its plans to toughen regulations on social media networks, especially after the 2024 riots that online safety experts said were fueled in part by extremist and provocative rhetoric on the internet.

Musk appears to sympathize with those who used that rhetoric in the first place, tweeting Thursday that UK authorities should release far-right ringleader Tommy Robinson from prison. Robinson, whose anti-immigration rallies have attracted thousands of supporters, was jailed for 18 months last October for breaching a court order relating to false claims he made about a Syrian schoolboy in one of his documentaries.

One unnamed Labour MP told Politico that Musk's language was "dangerous," warning that "at a time when communities need to come and work together, we have someone with a lot of influence sowing divisions and spreading hate."

"I dont think Tommy Robinson has anything to say about government efficiency, or anything that reckons with the condition of working people," said another.
Within hours of the attack in New Orleans, president-elect Donald Trump falsely suggested that the suspect was an undocumented immigrantand Republicans followed suit.
UPDATE (3:30 p.m.): Daphne police have released new information about the three people they are searching for in connection with a Waffle House brawl.

DPD officials said warrants are out for the arrests of Ramyla Pogue, Tamia Scott and Taylor Bradley.

Photos of Tamia Scott (left), Ramyla Pogue (middle) and Taylor Bradley (right). Photos courtesy of Daphne Police Department

The warrants are for disorderly conduct, and the three are considered wanted by Daphne police.

PREVIOUS REPORTING

DAPHNE, Ala. (WKRG)  Three people were arrested Friday in connection to a brawl that happened at a Daphne Waffle House on Christmas Eve morning, according to the Daphne Police Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Homicide suspect arrested in Spanish Fort: ECSO

37-year-old Patricia Salitre of Daphne, 29-year-old Kenya Coleman of Fairhope and 22-year-old Jaylyn Bullard of Foley were arrested Friday, Jan. 3.

Mugshots of Jaylyn Bullard (left), Patricia Salitre (middle) and Kenya Coleman (right). (Photo Courtesy: Daphne Police Department)

DPD officials said patrol officers were called to the Waffle House on Hwy. 98 near I-10 in the early morning hours of Dec. 24.

Multiple videos of the fight were posted to social media in the following hours, and thats when officials said detectives got involved.

Mobile house with people inside struck by gunfire  police investigating

Daphne officials previously told News 5 that the fight started at a local bar between two groups who somehow knew each other. The incident at the bar carried over to Waffle House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Daphne police said they are looking for three others in connection with the brawl.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Washingtons think-tank industry, which sets the terms of debate for so much of American policymaking, is floating on a sea of foreign-government and Pentagon-contractor dollars.

Thats the conclusion of a brand-new report out this morning and shared with me by a pair of scholars at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a think tank that officially eschews foreign-government money  and delights in tweaking the Beltway foreign-affairs establishment.

Among other things, the paper says that the top 50 think tanks took in some $110 million over the past five years from foreign governments and related entities, including nearly $17 million from the United Arab Emirates, the largest single foreign donor. Leading Pentagon contractors, meanwhile, kicked in nearly $35 million over the same period.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Atlantic Council and the Brookings Institution topped the list of foreign-government beneficiaries, taking in nearly $21 million and over $17 million, respectively. All in all, 54 different governments contributed to the industry, a list largely made up of pro-western democracies but also including fantastically wealthy authoritarian regimes like Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Most disturbingly, the report makes clear that the numbers it cites may only be partial: Unlike traditional PACs or registered foreign agents, think tanks dont have to disclose where their money comes from. Researching the study, co-authors Ben Freeman and Nick Cleveland-Stout told me, meant poring through the organizations annual reports in hopes that information would be voluntarily shared.



More than a third of the top foreign policy think tanks in the US dont disclose any donor information, said Freeman. The category encompasses 18 of the 50 biggest think tanks, including highly-regarded Beltway stalwarts like the American Enterprise Institute or the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. We really have no clue whatsoever who is funding them. We call these organizations dark money think tanks.

That particular loaded term  lifted from the secretive political groups legalized by the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision  is no accident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Freeman and Cleveland-Stout, the typical think tank in 2024 looks a lot more like an advocacy group than a university. The paper doesnt get into analyzing whether specific white papers were bought and paid for, but the implication is clear: Between media appearances, Congressional testimony and serving as mini governments-in-waiting for whatever party is out of power, the organizations do a lot to shape the political conversation, or at least set the boundaries of what views Washington deems respectable.

As such, they say, Americans have a vested interest in knowing whos underwriting the opinions.

There are a couple of problems with that ask. One is the U.S. Constitution, which rightly makes it hard for the government to simply order a private organization to open up its books. The second is the self-conception of a lot of think tanks, which often cast themselves as high-minded research organizations rather than outfits involved in the grubby business of lobbying. This mindset underlies some of the reluctance to just lay out the finances voluntarily.

I think its time to get over that. In a low-trust moment where the policy views of many think tanks are about to face unprecedented assault, they should be going above and beyond to demonstrate that theyre legit. Hiding behind their researchers PhDs  as if they were ivory-tower philosophy professors who couldnt even find their way to the bursars office  wont cut it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If the end result is that think tanks scholarly self-conception gets muddied up a bit, thats probably good news for Washingtons culture, even if it dents a few researchers egos.



To get a sense of why, you dont have to look further than the most recent foreign-entangelement scandal to roil the think tank world: last summers arrest of Council on Foreign Relations scholar Sue Mi Terry on charges of improperly working for the South Korean government.

What was notable about the affair was not any purported outrageousness: Terry allegedly accepted pricey handbags in exchange for publishing relatively conventional op-eds that largely echoed both Korean and U.S. establishment views. Shes denied the charges, and my hunch is that the case against her will be less than a slam dunk in court. Yet the illustrative fact is that so much of what shes accused of doing is just a sloppier version of the perfectly legal status quo. (South Korea has given at least $4.4 million to top think tanks since 2019, according to the Quincy paper.)

The real question the news ought to raise is: Why is a think tankers work worth the investment by a foreign government, legal or otherwise? Its because the organizations have a cachet in our never-ending political wars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In fact, the Quincy report is a pretty good example of think tank work as political advocacy. This particular think tank, after all, is not an organization dedicated to the abstract question of transparency in policy research. Rather, Quincy describes itself as an action-oriented outfit working to expose the dangerous consequences of an overly militarized American foreign policy and present an alternative approach.

As an anti-interventionist redoubt, it channels the views of a lot of folks opposed to the internationalist Washington foreign policy blob  and presumably more inclined to suspect that the establishments views are bought and paid for by self-interested governments and military-industrial buckrakers. No wonder the report focuses on overseas or weapons-manufacturer money, as opposed to donations from Big Pharma or Silicon Valley or any other vested interest that might want to steer American policy.

Or, for that matter, donations from organizations linked to the Koch family or George Soros, both of which donate to Quincy. David Sacks, the tech mogul slated for an AI "czar" position in the Trump administration, has also contributed to the organizations publication.

For his part, Freeman said hed love to eventually see research on think tank donations from other sectors. The report currently ranks organizations based on their transparency, and will coincide with the launch of a funding tracker designed to enable readers to search foreign and military donations to think tanks the same way they can search for donations to elected officials. Whatever the authors foreign-policy motivations were, its a smart and useful idea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As for his own organization, Freeman said, the relevant thing is that we know who the donors are, which depending on your view of the benefactors may help put the groups work in context, positive or otherwise: I think the thread across all of our recommendations is this transparency. Think tanks should put all their cards on the table, then let the recipients of their information be able to judge for themselves.

Alas, efforts to find ways to force policy organizations to reveal their donors have tended to die in Congress, and so-called truth in testimony policies  which require hearing witnesses to say whether any of the research money came from overseas  are relatively easy to evade.

Ditto the kinds of transparency enforced by the fourth estate rather than the government. When journalists quote people from advocacy groups, they tend to explain the groups political orientation. But we often dont do the same for think tank scholars, who get treated more like university professors than recipients of cash from vested interests. Most of the time when a think-tank scholar shows up in the media, the reporter doing the story is trying to write up a newsy foreign event or controversial Congressional bill on deadline, and is not inclined to do the research that would enable a to be sure paragraph about the talking heads income stream.

When pressed about foreign donations, of course, think tanks typically cite ironclad policies that prevent donors from meddling in work product.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Every donor must agree to the Atlantic Councils Intellectual Independence Policy, which ensures the Atlantic Council retains strict intellectual independence for all of its projects and publications, a spokesperson for the organization told me. This means donors agree to the Council maintaining independent control of the content and conclusions of any products resulting from sponsored projects. To safeguard our independence, we have a strict policy for accepting funding from government sources.

Brookings and all its personnel are governed by robust policies on research independence, said spokeswoman Jenny Lu Mallamo, noting that less than 10 percent of the budget typically came from foreign governments.

In real life, though, many ironclad policies can be porous. If I had to bet I would say window dressing at worst and sincere good intentions at best, said Enrique Mendizabal, who leads On Think Tanks, a think tank that researches (you guessed it) other think tanks. Think tanks are rarely (if ever) independent. Think-tanking is all about navigating undue influences, playing funders against each other, hiding behind the evidence.

And in a moment where there are more ways than ever of getting your views into the public-opinion slipstream, the old game has gotten harder. The model is somewhat doomed, Mendizabal said. It is overtly political. When a think tank meets a prospective donor they sell their influence over public policy and their access to key policymakers and power brokers. They are attracting funders who want to change public policy. Funders who want to have an influence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elsewhere in the world, foreign funding for NGOs has become a political flashpoint, particularly for authoritarians like Russias Vladimir Putin and nationalists like Indias Narendra Modi. Theres no saying that couldnt happen in Trump-era Washington, though itd be at least a little awkward given that many of the most opaque think tanks are on the right.

Instead, the danger is that the foreign governments, and the rest of the special-interest universe, stop seeing think tanks as a worthwhile investment.

If the second Trump administration is at all like the first, it will be a period notably light on influential white papers and difference-making wonk trends  but big on personal connections to the boss. Against that backdrop, there could be a lot less incentive for deep-pocketed types to underwrite the kind of research that aims to shape policy. For think tanks, which cant rely on tuition dollars like universities can, thats an enormously dangerous scenario.

One way to forestall it might be to preemptively make themselves a little more transparent.
The Amazon rainforest is often called the "lungs of the Earth," but for years, those lungs have been under siege. Now, there's finally some good news to share. Over the past year, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has plunged by nearly 31%, reaching its lowest level since 2015, Mongabay reported.

According to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), 6,288 square kilometers of forest  more than 2,400 square miles, or close to the size of Delaware  were cleared between August 2023 and July 2024, according to Mongabay, close to the 2015 record of 6,207 square kilometers cleared.

These results are being celebrated as a major win for conservationists and climate advocates. The Brazilian government, led by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has cracked down on illegal logging and ramped up sustainable land-use practices, leading to declining deforestation rates over the last few years, per Mongabay.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

According to Reuters, Lula has committed to eliminating deforestation in Brazil by 2030, with the country preparing to host the United Nations' COP30 climate talks in the Amazon region next year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These efforts are seen as a critical step in preserving the Amazon, which plays a vital role in regulating the planet's temperatures and supporting global biodiversity  the latter of which helps keep our food systems running smoothly, among other things.

This sharp contrast highlights a dramatic shift under President Lula compared to his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. During Bolsonaro's administration, deforestation soared to a 15-year high as agribusiness expansion was prioritized over environmental protection, and enforcement agencies were weakened, according to the New York Times, Reuters, and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Per Mongabay, in the three months following the July data, deforestation rates appear to have stabilized further, according to INPE deforestation alert data. However, September brought alarming challenges. Fires in the Amazon spiked dramatically in September, fueled by an intense drought. Fire hotspots were up 70% from the previous year, and the area impacted by flames ballooned nearly 18 times, Mongabay reported.

These fires often degrade the forest, making it more vulnerable to future clearing. Beyond the Amazon, other ecosystems like the Pantanal wetlands and Cerrado savanna were also hit hard, showing that the battle for Brazil's environment is far from over. Per Mongabay, Lula has also come under scrutiny for approving oil extraction near the Amazon River's mouth and for not halting a proposal for a controversial highway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite these setbacks, the broader picture is promising. Deforestation in the Cerrado also dropped by 25.7%, marking its first decline in five years. And while challenges like infrastructure development and the changing climate loom large, these victories show what's possible when policies prioritize environmental sustainability.

With Brazil holding about two-thirds of the world's rainforest, its continued conservation efforts are key to protecting this global treasure for generations to come.

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.
(WHTM)  After two campaigns for the U.S. Senate, former hedge fund CEO Dave McCormick was sworn in as Pennsylvanias newest U.S. Senator on Friday, the first day of the 119th Congress.

McCormick (R) defeated incumbent Bob Casey (D), who had won six statewide general elections dating back to 1996, including three terms in the Senate.

UNITED STATES  JANUARY 3: Sen. David McCormick, R-Pa., raises his right hand during his ceremonial swearing-in with Vice President Kamala Harris inside the Old Senate Chamber in the U.S. Capitol on Friday, January 3, 2025. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC  JANUARY 03: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris participates in a ceremonial swearing-in with Sen. David McCormick (R-PA) (L) as his wife Dina Powell (2nd L) looks on at the U.S. Capitol on January 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. The 119th Congress begins its term on Capitol Hill today. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC  JANUARY 03: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris participates in a ceremonial swearing-in with Sen. David McCormick (R-PA) (L) as his wife Dina Powell (2nd L) looks on at the U.S. Capitol on January 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. The 119th Congress begins its term on Capitol Hill today. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC  JANUARY 03: U.S. Sen. David McCormick (R-PA) (L) introduces his family to Vice President Kamala Harris (R) during a ceremonial swearing-in as his wife Dina Powell (2nd L) looks on at the U.S. Capitol on January 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. The 119th Congress begins its term on Capitol Hill today. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Casey lost to McCormick by about 15,000 votes, which triggered an automatic recount across the state. Casey conceded the election more than two weeks after Election Day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Prior to entering politics, McCormick served in the Army during the Gulf War and in George W. Bushs administration as Under Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. He served as CEO of Bridgewater Associates, the worlds largest hedge fund, and resigned to run for U.S. Senate in 2022.

In a crowded primary McCormick narrowly lost the 2022 nomination to Mehmet Oz, who went on to lose to John Fetterman in the general election.

McCormick had to absorb accusations in both elections that he was a rich carpetbagger from Connecticuts ritzy Gold Coast trying to buy a Senate seat. McCormick lived there until he ran for Senate in 2022 and, while he bought a house in Pittsburgh, he also maintained a massive home in Connecticut until a daughter graduated high school earlier this year.

McCormick, in turn, stressed his seventh-generation roots in Pennsylvania, talked up his high school days wrestling in towns across northern Pennsylvania  a sport that took him to the U.S. military academy at West Point  and growing up the son of two educators. His father became the first chancellor of Pennsylvanias state-owned university system  under Caseys father.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Prior to winning three terms in the Senate Casey served as Pennsylvanias Treasurer and Auditor General.

Casey said hes going to begin a new chapter of his life but didnt rule out a future run for office.

You never say never, Casey told abc27s Dennis Owens in his first post-election interview. Our state is full of history. When people are in public office, and when they lose, they might even lose multiple times and come back. But I think the most important thing for me in the short run is they have to get a job because I need an income because I dont have a trust fund.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
After he pleaded guilty to a theft charge, a 40-year-old Davenport man was given probation Thursday in Scott County Court, according to court records.

Patrick Poff was sentenced to three years of probation after he made an earlier plea of guilty to a charge of second-degree theft, court records show.

Patrick Poff (Scott County Jail)

Milan Police were called to Finns Fun Spot, 527 2nd St. W., on Thursday, July 25 at about 8:40 a.m. for an overnight burglary, according to arrest affidavits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When officers arrived, they learned that an employee had forgotten to lock a door when leaving for the night. Someone entered through the unlocked door during the night and left with cash and electronics. Officers obtained surveillance video and the business owner posted the same video on social media. Members of the community helped identify and locate Poff, affidavits say.

According to affidavits, a search warrant was served July 25 in the 3300 block of W. 51st Street in Davenport, where officers located:

Sonos music block (valued at $500),

iPad (valued at $500),

Various hats/shirts (valued at $150),

Guitar (valued at $2000),

$772 in cash and several other small items.

The total value of the missing items was more than $3,922.

Later in the afternoon of July 25, officers found and arrested Poff, who, after he was read his Miranda Rights, admitted to the items being stolen, according to affidavits.

Scheduled in court for trespassing at Walmart

Poff also was accused of trespassing in Scott County after Davenport Police say he trespassed at the Walmart on Elmore Avenue on July 20, 2024, say affidavits, which show that on July 15, 2024, Poff was served with a no-trespass-for-life document from the store.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier, Poff pleaded guilty to, and was convicted of, trespassing, according to court records. He was ordered to complete 69 hours of unpaid community service. A review hearing is scheduled for Jan. 27 in Scott County Court.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Singapore Post Ltd.s sudden dismissal of three senior executives, and their strong denials of the companys allegations against them, calls for an independent inquiry, according to Singapores investor watchdog.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The disclosures from the company and the responses from the three executives thus far raise more questions than provide answers, David Gerald, president of the Securities Investors Association Singapore, said in a statement on Jan. 2. There is a fundamental difference in positions taken by the two parties and the only way to properly resolve this is via an independent investigation, he added.

SingPost last month dismissed the executives on disciplinary grounds, following a whistleblowers report on lapses at its international e-commerce logistics parcel business. The firms probe allegedly found several employees made manual entries of some delivery status codes to avoid contractual penalties with one of the companys largest customers.

SingPost said the executives had made false assertions during the investigations. Two of the three executives said they were not aware of the full facts when asked to provide their views, and would contest the procedurally unfair sackings, local media reported last month.

In response to SIAS statement, SingPost said it is open to discussions with the retail investor watchdog, CNA reported Thursday.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Jan. 3 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1777, the Continental Army commanded by Gen. George Washington defeated the British at Princeton, N.J.

In 1870, construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, designed by German immigrant John Augustus Roebling, begins.

File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

In 1924, two years after rediscovering the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt, Howard Carter and his workers found the stone sarcophagus that contained the gold coffin and mummy of the boy king. Carter said at the time that he believed that "almost every square yard of floor space contains a king's ransom" in the tomb.

Howard Carter examines the innermost coffin belonging to Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1925. On January 3, 1924, two years after rediscovering the tomb of King Tut in Egypt, Carter and his workers found the stone sarcophagus that contained the gold coffin and mummy of the boy king. File Photo courtesy of Wikimedia

In 1933, Minnie Craig becomes the first female speaker of the North Dakota House of Representatives. Craig was the first woman to hold a speakership in the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 1938, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the March of Dimes, a non-profit that began with an appeal for dimes to fight polio. After polio was effectively eliminated in the United States, the organization changed its mission to provide health and wellness for moms and babies.

Missy LeHand, secretary to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, sorts through the morning mail at the White House in response to an appeal to donate dimes to fight infantile paralysis as a way of celebrating the president's birthday -- the first "March of Dimes" campaign. The March of Dines was established January 3, 1938. File Photo by Library of Congress

In 1944, USMC fighter ace Pappy Boyington was shot down over the Pacific by Japanese pilot Masajiro Kawato.

In 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States.

On January 3, 1961, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba after Fidel Castro announced he was a communist and on January 3, 1962, Castro is excommunicated by Pope John XXIII. UPI File Photo

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 1961, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba after Fidel Castro announced he was a communist.

In 1962, Cuban leader Fidel Castro was excommunicated by Pope John XXIII.

On January 3, 1990, deposed Panamanian dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega left his refuge in the Vatican Embassy in Panama City and surrendered to U.S. troops. File Photo courtesy of EPA

In 1969, police in Newark, N.J., confiscated a shipment of the John Lennon-Yoko Ono album Two Virgins because the cover photo, featuring full frontal nudity, violated pornography laws.

In 1990, deposed Panamanian dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega left his refuge in the Vatican Embassy in Panama City and surrendered to U.S. troops. He was taken to Florida to face narcotics trafficking charges.

On January 3, 1969, police in Newark, N.J., confiscated a shipment of the John Lennon-Yoko Ono album Two Virgins because the cover photo, featuring full frontal nudity, violated pornography laws. UPI File Photo

In 1993, U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the START II treaty reducing strategic nuclear arsenals by two-thirds.

File Photo by Martin Jeong/UPI

Police tackle Jack Ruby after the nightclub owner shot alleged John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald in the basement of the Dallas police station on November 24, 1963. On January 3, 1967, Ruby died of cancer in Dallas. Photo by Frank Johnston/UPI

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2004, a Flash Airline Boeing 737 crashed shortly after takeoff in Egypt, killing 148 people.

In 2006, Jack Abramoff, a Washington lobbyist, agreed to plead guilty to fraud, public corruption and tax evasion charges, and to testify against politicians and former colleagues.

In 2009, the Genesis block, the first block of the blockchain of the decentralized payment system Bitcoin, was established by Satoshi Nakamoto.

In 2015, the Boko Haram militant group began a series of attacks on the northeastern Nigerian town of Baga lasting five days. Local media said at least 100 people died, though some reports put the death toll closer to 2,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2020, a U.S. drone strike killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani near Baghdad. The U.S. military accused him of developing plans to attack U.S. diplomats and service members in the Middle East.

In 2022, British-born Sikh Capt. Harpreet Chandi of the British armed forces became the first woman of color to complete a solo expedition of Antarctica.

In 2024, two bombs exploded at a ceremony marking the assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Kerman, Iran, killing more than 90 people. The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the violence.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Miami Valley is stepping up to help the New Orleans community recover after the devastating attack on New Years Day that killed at last 14 and injured more than 30 others.

The Dayton Foundation has provided a link on their website for residents to donate to help affected by the French Quarter terror attack.

A Facebook post by the foundation has spearheaded efforts from the Miami Valley to help those recovering from the terror attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DONATE NOW

Its a way for them to pay it forward and to help the folks in New Orleans that are experiencing this terrible tragedy, said Dayton Foundation President Michael M. Parks.

Its very important that, through the Dayton Foundation, we provide a means and a way for individuals that want to help, and who want to help in the healing that they can contribute and be a part of that process.

Expert: Oregon District bollards a good way to stop NOLA-like incident

The Dayton Foundation said they know very well how important it is to receive help in a time of need.

We know from 2019, unfortunately, when we had the mass shooting here in Dayton, that providing a mechanism for a way for people to give back, really matters in the healing of that community, said Parks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For some, hearing the news coming from the French Quarter reminded them of the past.

Man, it kind of brought back memories, said Fudge Foundation CEO Dion Green. It felt like home.

Green created his foundation after his father was one of nine people killed in the Oregon District shooting in 2019.

How to donate funds, blood after fatal Bourbon Street attack

The Oregon District is not as popular as The French Quarter, but its just an outing out with friends and family to enjoy yourself, said Green. To see somebody come down there and take the lives of multiple people and injure peopleis just sad.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It really brought back a memory of my incident that happened here in the Oregon District.

Green said he has been in touch with people heading recovery efforts in New Orleans and plans to head down there to help grieving people recover from the tragedy.

He also knows how long the recovery process can be.

You might respond to 100 people that might need services, but in 90 days, it might be 300 because those people are not understanding why they are having nightmares, he said.

We hurt together, we heal together.

All proceeds generated by the Dayton Foundation will go towards specific efforts to help New Orleans recover.

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 WDTN.com.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police in D.C. are looking for two people accused of being involved in an armed robbery in December.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that around 7:50 p.m. on Dec. 16, officers responded to a reported robbery in the 1300 block of Park Rd. NW.

The victim told police that while he was walking there, two suspects approached him, assaulted him, took property and escaped.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim was not injured during the robbery.

Police searching for convicted sex trafficker in Montgomery County

A nearby surveillance camera captured the following image of the suspects:

(Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department)

Anyone with any information should text 50411 or call 202-727-9099.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  One of the former Crawford County deputies sentenced in October for using excessive force in the arrest of a man in 2022 has been granted more time to file paperwork, according to federal court documents.

Levi White

Levi White pleaded guilty in April to deprivation of rights under color of law causing bodily injury. He was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison.

White and his codefendant Zackary King were seen in a viral video in 2022 using excessive force while arresting Randal Worcester.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Whites attorneys filed for and were granted an extension to file a brief on Dec. 30. White will have until Feb. 6 to file a brief appeal of his sentence, according to court filings.

Crawford County deputy sentenced to more than five years in prison after video shows him assaulting man

Federal prison records show White is serving his sentence at the Thomson Federal Correctional Institution in Illinois.

Whites attorneys filed two motions for extension, records in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals show.

Worcester, who is charged with terroristic threatening, battery, resisting arrest, possessing an instrument of crime, obstructing governmental operations and disorderly conduct has had his trial moved multiple times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His current trial date is June 23 and a status hearing has been set for April 30.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission has reached a deal with a neighboring landowner that would nearly double the size of the Rosy Mound Natural Area.

The deal for the 127-acre property was finalized on Dec. 20. In all, the Rosy Mound Natural Area will now be 291 acres, wrapping up an expansion plan that has been in the works for more than 30 years.

Park Twp receives DNR funds for park projects

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The OCPRC is using $3.29 million in grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to help cover the purchase, along with funding from the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and money covered by the departments millage.

The OPCRC also credited the landowner for doing their part to ensure a deal was reached, calling it a significant donation of value.

This acquisition represents our commitment to providing high quality natural resources and recreation opportunities to residents and visitors of Ottawa County while ensuring that this beautiful coastal dune ecosystem thrives for generations to come, OPCRC Director Jason Shamblin said in a statement.

This would not be possible without the MNRTF, the generosity of the landowner, donors to the OCPF and the residents of Ottawa County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sign up for the Storm Team 8 daily forecast newsletter

The current plan would leave 97.5% of the new property untouched, using the remaining 2.5% for park infrastructure, including paved parking lots, picnic spots and expanding the parks trail system.

Access to the expanded portions of Rosy Mound Natural Area is expected to open this spring.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In August 1979, a Florida sheriffs deputy told authorities that his wife fatally shot herself at their home south of Tampa.

A few months later, the same patrol deputy, John Greer, said he discovered the body of another woman  a store clerk whod been fatally shot.

But in an interview with authorities decades after their deaths, Greer admitted killing both women, identified Tuesday by the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office in a news release as Jackie Greer and Adele Easterly, 25.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

John Greer made the admission to investigators in April 2023 while he was living at an extended care facility in Tennessee, the sheriffs office said. He died March 2, 2024, at age 77, according to the release.

I have always said that we will not hide from our past, no matter how dark, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said in a statement. This case shows that we will always seek the truth, even when we may not like what we find."

John Greer resigned from the sheriffs office in October 1980 amid an internal investigation that the release said may have been prompted by Greer's actions with another woman, who is not identified in the release. That woman's husband told the sheriffs office at the time that Greer had been following his wife and trying to have sex with her.

The woman died on Sept. 29, 1980, in what the sheriffs office described as a possible suicide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

John Greer reported his wife's death a little over a year earlier, on Aug. 27, 1979. He told responding deputies that he was awakened by a "pop" and saw smoke coming from a closet in the couple's Port Charlotte home, according to the release.

Inside, Greer told the deputies, he found his wife's body, the release says.

"Although investigators suspected something was not right about the incident, there was no evidence to prove the case was anything other than suicide," the sheriffs office said.

Seventy-one days later, at 1:40 a.m., John Greer radioed dispatch and reported discovering Easterly's body at a farm store in the nearby city of Punta Gorda, according to the release. The medical examiner's office found Easterly had been shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun  once in the head and once in the back, the sheriff's office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A friend of Easterly's later told investigators that the clerk had dated a deputy she believed was Greer but had become fearful of him, according to the release. The friend recalled Easterly describing the deputy's account of his wife's death as an accidental shooting that occurred after an argument.

Decades later, after the sheriff's cold case unit put out a release seeking information about Easterly's death, a woman who had been in a youth program at the sheriff's office told investigators that Greer repeatedly sexually assaulted her and threatened to kill her, according to the release.

During one assault after Easterly's death, the release says, the woman said Greer invoked the dead woman's name: "Ask them dead b----es like Adele Easterly what happens when they say no to me.

The detectives who questioned Greer in 2023 found the woman's allegations credible, but the statute of limitations for potential crimes linked to the alleged assault appeared to have run out, a spokesman for the sheriff's office said in an email.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The detectives instead focused on the killings of Easterly and Jackie Greer, they said in an email provided by the spokesman.

After detectives developed probable cause for Greer's arrest, they found him in Tennessee and questioned him at the long-term care facility.

At the time, the release says, he was bedridden and could not carry on long conversations, but he appeared to understand the questions and answered in the affirmative when he was asked directly whether he had shot his Easterly and his wife.

The detectives were unable to determine whether Jackie Greer's shooting was intentional or an accident, according to the release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The sheriff's office said it will continue to investigate Greer, who worked for other law enforcement agencies after he left Charlotte County, to determine whether he is linked to other crimes.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  A Decatur doctor whose medical license was suspended following sexual misconduct claims will still not be able to practice medicine after his request for reinstatement was denied.

The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners reviewed Michael Dicks request to have his license reinstated and ruled in late 2024 that four of his patients  who alleged he touched them inappropriately  had credible claims.

Decatur Police give update on string of sexual assaults, tipline remains open

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The board decided to revoke his license, citing incompetency due to years of not practicing medicine in addition to the patients claims.

His attempt to have his license reinstated comes after years of legal battles dating back to 2018.

Dicks license was temporarily suspended in October 2018 after he was initially found guilty of harassing a patient in Decatur municipal court. He faced two other harassment charges for separate claims.

He then pleaded guilty to the two other charges, allowing him to appeal all three cases in Morgan County Circuit Court.

The Alabama Medical Licensure Commission was weighing a permanent suspension in early 2019, but delayed ruling on it pending the resolution of Dr. Dicks criminal charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Following his appeal, Dick was tried in Morgan County Circuit Court and was acquitted of criminal charges of harassment in February 2024. That verdict came a couple of years after Dick was also found not guilty in another case where he was charged with first-degree sex abuse.

 Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App

A lawsuit against Dick was dismissed by a judge in November 2024 after a settlement was reached with victims using a mediator in May 2024.

The board did say there is a possibility for Dicks medical license to be reinstated if he meets a number of conditions, including multiple evaluations and programs.

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 WHNT.com.
DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  Its been two weeks since the Decatur Police Department (DPD) asked for the publics help in its investigation of a string of break-ins that led to sexual assaults.

DPD said that since that announcement and setting up a tip line, it has received more than 15 tips. However, the department said no patterns have emerged from those calls including vehicle sightings. Police also said no additional incidents have been reported and so far no arrests have been made in the case.

Several new Alabama laws going into effect on Jan. 1

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Decatur Police are still asking for anyone with any information in this case to call their tipline at (256)-341-4636.

DPD said on Dec. 18, that they were investigating three separate incidents where someone broke into a house and then sexually assaulted women in those houses.

The first was on April 27, which happened on Ferry Street, but then there was a time gap. The next assault took place more than seven months later on Dec. 7 on Hay Drive, then the man struck again on Second Avenue on Dec. 14.

All of these crimes happen from North to South in Decatur all within a five-mile range.

The police department continues to advise residents to be vigilant and make sure doors and windows are locked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the time of their initial announcement, police offered a vague description, saying the man was masked, had a slim build, was between five foot five to five nine and was between 20 and 45 years old.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Olyphant extended the deadline and offered a slightly reduced price to the winning bidder of a lot on Delaware Avenue after discovering the neighboring Queen City Taverns deck encroaches on the property.

Last month, Mike Dennin, who owns the Bar and Company at 415 W. Lackawanna Ave., outbid Queen City Tavern owner John Basalyga for an empty, borough-owned lot at 105-109 Delaware Ave., which Basalyga had sought to use for outdoor dining because it is next to his tavern. Dennin won the boroughs Dec. 3 auction with a $130,000 bid, and the borough established Dec. 30 as the deadline to settle the sale.

Following the auction, attorney Michael Pisanchyn, who represents Dennin, quickly raised concerns about the vacant lot, including that the Queen City Tavern was storing its garbage cans and dumpster on the land, and that another neighboring property owner at 406-408 Lackawanna Ave., Anthony Barrett of NAB Holdings LLC of Dunmore, was building a deck that encroached on the land.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Olyphants code enforcement officer issued Barrett a stop-work order on Dec. 10 instructing him to remove the deck, and the borough made the Queen City Tavern move its trash receptacles, borough manager and solicitor C.J. Mustacchio said Thursday.

We took care of both of those immediately, Mustacchio said, adding Barretts deck has now been torn down.

An empty lot at 105-109 Delaware Avenue in Olyphant on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. The borough of Olyphant recently sold the land for $130,000 at auction.(Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer)

However, last week, after reviewing a survey of the lot, Mustacchio said the borough realized that the Queen City Taverns deck, which has a concrete base beneath it, encroaches on the property, covering 108 square feet of the 6,650-square-foot lot, or 1.62%. To resolve that, the borough offered Dennin a 1.62% discount, amounting to $2,106 off the $130,000 price, Mustacchio said. Mustacchio also extended the deadline one week from Dec. 30 to Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In text messages Thursday, Pisanchyn, who founded the limited liability company that owns the Bar and Co.s building on Lackawanna Avenue, called the offer completely ridiculous.

The borough must honor its side of the agreement/contract it made within the resolution it created and offer the property to my client, who was the winning bidder, free and clear, Pisanchyn said. As we have relayed to the borough now (on) at least six occasions, the winning bidder is ready and willing to close on the property at anytime as soon as they can provide the property with all non-borough property removed. They have to take steps to do so and as soon as they do the money will be paid.

Mustacchio and Pisanchyn disagree on what Olyphant can do to address the encroaching deck.

Olyphant bought the lot in June 2020 for $30,000 and then spent $44,745 to tear down a blighted, vacant building on the land two years later. Borough officials discussed turning the land into a pocket park, senior center or parking lot but never decided on a use. The borough did not conduct a survey when it bought the land, Mustacchio said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In February 2023, the borough had the land surveyed when it was looking to acquire another nearby parcel on North Valley Avenue, Mustacchio said.

This really wasnt a survey done for that (Delaware Avenue) lot, he said. Thats why we really didnt pay attention to it.

Mustacchio said the borough offered the price reduction after seeing plans submitted in 2000 that showed the deck was already there 24-plus years ago. Basalyga acquired the restaurant in August, rebranding it from the OTOWN Bar & Grill to the Queen City Tavern.

Theres a major question as to whether or not (Basalyga) can be required to remove that encroachment, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Basalyga could have a claim to keep the deck as an adverse possession, according to Mustacchio.

Pisanchyn contends adverse possession does not apply because it is local government property.

It is perplexing why the borough continually and for months now continues to play games when the highest bidder has stated they are ready and willing to close on the land as soon as the borough removed all non-borough property, Pisanchyn said. Why are they making this so hard and complicated?

Mustacchio rejected that argument, saying adverse possession could apply because the borough was not using the land for a public purpose. He also noted the property was sold multiple times over the years with the deck in place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If Dennin does not execute and deliver a sales agreement for the property by noon Monday, Mustacchio anticipates adding it to the agenda for borough councils meeting Tuesday, where council could decide what action to take next, Mustacchio said.

This is a standard practice for proceeding with a real estate sale, he said. If youre not satisfied with the title and you dont want to purchase it with an adjustment taking subject to whatever youre complaining about, you walk away from the deal.
By Jihoon Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's factory activity contracted in December, with manufacturers' sentiment turning pessimistic for the first time since mid-2020 due to uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and domestic politics, a private sector survey showed on Thursday.

The purchasing managers index (PMI) for manufacturers in Asia's fourth-largest economy, compiled by S&P Global, fell to 49.0 last month from 50.6 in November, slipping below the 50-mark that separates expansion from contraction for the third time since August.

Output shrank for the fourth consecutive month in a row and the decline was steeper than the previous month, while new orders also fell, sub-indexes showed.

The deterioration in demand was linked to weaker client confidence in the domestic market, according to the survey, while export orders grew only marginally.

The gloom was reflected in manufacturers' sentiment for the year ahead, which fell below the 50-threshold separating optimism and pessimism for the first time since July 2020 and marked the lowest in 4-1/2 years. Excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period, it was the worst since the data series began in April 2012.

Last month, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached after his imposition of a short-lived martial law on Dec. 3, raising political uncertainty and dampening consumer as well as business confidence.

"Downbeat expectations often stemmed from concerns surrounding domestic economic conditions, as well as potential U.S. protectionist policies," said Usamah Bhatti, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump last year pledged big tariffs on the United States' three largest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and China - which are also expected to affect South Korean firms running factories in the countries.

In the latest survey, firms noted that overseas demand weakness in China and the United States was offset improvements in Europe and some of the Asia-Pacific region.

The trade-reliant South Korean economy barely grew in the third quarter amid slowing exports. The country's export growth is expected to slow to 1.5% in 2025, from 6.3% in 2024, according to the central bank.

(Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
A driver had rented a Tesla Cybertruck out of Colorado and appeared to arrive in Las Vegas around sunrise on New Year's Day.

Cameras showed the truck in Las Vegas at 7:30 a.m., authorities said. The driver traveled up and down the Strip for about an hour before pulling into the covered driveway outside the Trump International Hotel.

Roughly 17 seconds later, a massive explosion ripped through the truck and created a ball of flames that stunned those inside the hotel and the surrounding area. Seven people were hurt. And when police made it inside the truck, they discovered a body burned beyond recognition. Authorities later determined Matthew Livelsberger, 37, had fatally shot himself, presumably just before the explosion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The case is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, though officials said there are still many questions about what happened and the motive for the violence.

Here is what we know:

Read more: What to know about Matthew Livelsberger, former Green Beret killed in Trump hotel Cybertruck explosion

A quiet Vegas morning shattered by explosion

Livelsberger rented the Cybertruck in Denver on Saturday and charged the vehicle at Tesla charging stations throughout Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said.

The vehicle was last tracked around 5:33 a.m. Wednesday in Kingman, Ariz., and was first spotted in Las Vegas around 7:29 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The vehicle was caught on a surveillance camera driving past the valet section of the Trump hotel an hour prior to the incident before returning, stopping at the front doors before exploding.

The moment we were in the lobby about to turn the rotating doors, the explosion happened, we saw the Cybertruck there, and in a split second, Boom! The first one super big, Oscar Terol told Fox10 News in Las Vegas. We both fell. My wife was before me, and lots of explosions afterward.

At a nearby hotel, Lee Odom told the station: "It was not like, boom. It was like, boom and then it kind of reverberated and echoed, but it was not like one single boom for sure."

Video of the explosion shows what look like fireworks going off around the truck.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: New Orleans attacker acted alone; feds look for ties to Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas

Authorities found camp fuel, gasoline canisters and firework mortars in the truck bed.

The explosion didnt significantly damage the Cybertruck and vented out and up, said Kenny Cooper, a special agent in charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It also didnt shatter the glass doors of the Trump hotel lobby nearby; the cache of explosives inside the Cybertruck was meant to fuel a bigger blast.

McMahill said in a Thursday news conference that a charred body was found inside the vehicle and police were able to determine the identity from the military identification, credit cards and passport found at the scene. The Associated Press reported Friday that investigators identified the Tesla driver  who was burned beyond recognition  as Livelsberger by a tattoo and by comparing DNA from relatives.

Driver identified as a Green Beret

Livelsberger was in the Army and served as a Green Beret master sergeant. He spent the majority of his time at Ft. Carson in Colorado and in Germany, according to authorities. He was on approved leave from Germany at the time of his death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Livelsberger worked as a special forces operation manager for the Army since 2006 before switching to a remote and autonomous systems manager two months ago, according to his LinkedIn profile.

On his Facebook profile, Livelsberger once criticized the withdrawal of U.S. armed forces from Afghanistan in 2021. He called it the biggest foreign-policy failure in the history of the United States.

He entered the active-duty Army in December 2012 and was a candidate to be a Green Beret after serving in the Army Reserve and the National Guard.

The agency said in a statement that it is in full cooperation with federal and state law enforcement agencies, but as a matter of policy, will not comment on ongoing investigations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FBI, the ATF and the Colorado Springs Police Department served a search warrant Thursday morning at a home in Colorado Springs in connection with the explosion in Las Vegas. Federal authorities declined to provide additional details.

Looking for links to New Orleans attack, but no direct ties so far

The Tesla blast came hours after a man drove another truck through a crowded street in New Orleans, killing 14.

Read more: Driver of exploding Cybertruck left letters of anguish: 'I needed to cleanse my mind'

Both Livelsberger and Shamsud-Din Jabbar, identified as the assailant in the New Orleans attack, previously served at the Armys Ft. Bragg, now known as Ft. Liberty, in North Carolina, but it is not clear whether they served at the same time or in the same unit. Both men also served in Afghanistan in 2009, though officials say they dont have any evidence they were in the same location in the country or in the same unit, McMahill said. They both used rental company Turo to rent their vehicles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials stressed that they have not found direct ties to any type of a conspiracy, though the investigation is continuing. Sources with knowledge of the Las Vegas case say some investigators are becoming doubtful about a link and are seeing the incident as a suicide related to personal issues. The Colorado Springs Gazette reported Livelsberger had struggled with marital problems in recent years.

On Friday, Las Vegas authorities said that Livelsberger left a suicide note saying the explosion would serve as a reminder of the country's ills and would cleanse my mind of the lives lost of people he knew and the burden of the lives I took.

Federal investigators are following leads both domestically and internationally, including executing search warrants and interviewing witnesses, said Las Vegas FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans.

Theres investigative activity taking place literally around the globe, Evans said. At this particular time ... we have to focus on what we know and what we dont know. Its not lost on us that its in front of the Trump building, that its a Tesla vehicle, but we dont have information at this point that definitively tells us or suggests its because of this particular ideology or any of the reasoning behind it.

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.
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  A zoo in northeast Kansas is mourning the loss of one of its resident Malayan tigers this week.

Melissa Kirkwood with the City of Manhattan announced in a press release on Jan. 3 that one of its male Malayan tigers, Hakim, has passed away. The tiger called the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan his home for nine years.

Hakim died of age-related issues as he was suffering from severe arthritis and kidney disease. Kirkwood said he was 17 at the time of his passing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hakims life was a testament to the power of education and conservation, said Head Keeper, Caitlin Kenney. Our team cared for Hakim with the utmost dedication, providing specialized care and ensuring his final days were filled with comfort and dignity. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

(Photo Courtesy/Tammy Karin of Little Leapling Photography (Littleleapling.com)) (Photo Courtesy/Tammy Karin of Little Leapling Photography (Littleleapling.com))

How a Kansas meat producer lost $60,000 to a scam

Hakim and his brother, Malik, were born on July 30, 2007 at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. The pair arrived at the Sunset Zoo in 2015 with Malik passing away at 14 in 2021.

The collaboration between our keeper staff and the Kansas State University Exotic and Zoo Animal Medicine Service program provides the best care possible for all of our animals, but especially monitors and navigates the care we need to provide animals at their later stages of life, said Zoo Director, Scott Shoemaker. We are very thankful for the compassion and expertise our animals like Hakim are given their entire time with us here at Sunset Zoo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Malayan tigers are a critically endangered species in the wild, with only about 150 still believed to be in their native habitat. Nearly 60 of the species are in the care of humans within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) networks.

Tammy Karin with Little Leapling Photography provided the above photos of Hakim. You can check out more of her work by clicking here.

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

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.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  City leaders knew  nearly eight years ago that Bourbon Street revelers could be a prime target for anyone who wanted to use a vehicle as a weapon.

In 2017, former Mayor Mitch Landrieus administration started installing bollards retractable metal posts at five Bourbon Street intersections. The citys director of Homeland Security at the time, Aaron Miller, said that installing bollards on Bourbon Street was in response to a rise in attacks on pedestrian targets around the world.

Gov. Landry, state officials to provide latest update on Bourbon Street deadly terror attack

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We see large concentrations of pedestrians in the French Quarter, specifically on Bourbon Street. It offers what we believe is an iconic or symbolic target, Miller said in an interview at the time.

We want to make sure we are hardening structure where appropriate, he said.

But over the years, the bollards malfunctioned, and Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration hired a contractor a few months ago to begin repairs. The intent was to finish those repairs before the Super Bowl in February a deadline that was not soon enough to stop the New Years Day terrorist attack.

While Cantrell defended those plans in a news conference held hours after the attack, others in city government, including City Councilman J.P. Morrell, said they had no idea that the bollards were not functioning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Family, friends remember victims in New Orleans deadly attack

NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said that temporary barricades in place for the Sugar Bowl, including a patrol car parked across the intersection where Canal Street meets Bourbon Street, should have been sufficient. But the terrorist drove the pickup truck around the barriers and onto the sidewalk.

We did indeed have a plan, Kirkpatrick said, but the terrorist defeated it.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

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 WGNO.
DENVER (KDVR)  Officials said there is a high chance for record-breaking traffic on Interstate 70 in the Colorado mountains this weekend, and drivers should prepare for potential delays.

The Colorado Department of Transportation said in a press release Thursday that based on historical records and snow in the forecast, a high volume of traffic is expected on I-70 this weekend.

How often should you wash your car in the winter?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

CDOT said during the 2019-2020 winter season, the last time New Years Day fell on a Wednesday, multiple traffic volume records were set on the I-70 mountain corridor. That year there was a good amount of snowfall that brought skiers to the slopes, but this year a handful of smaller snow events are in the forecast for the area.

Regardless of the amount of snow coming in, CDOT predicts that these smaller snow events will still drive ski traffic, which will be combined with holiday travel creating a recipe for heavy traffic, CDOT said.

CDOT listed the following records, which were set on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020:

5th highest combined 24-hour traffic count for both eastbound and westbound traffic with 55,224 vehicles passing through the tunnels

Highest combined eastbound and westbound hourly count through the tunnels with 6,259 vehicles traveling through at 6 p.m.

Highest eastbound hourly count with 4,076 vehicles traveling through the tunnel at 6 p.m.

CDOT listed the following records, which were set on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

2nd highest combined eastbound and westbound hourly count through the tunnels with 5,850 vehicles driving through at 4 p.m.

3rd highest eastbound hourly count with 3,762 through the tunnel at 4 p.m.

History of the Eisenhower Tunnel: How Colorado built a road under a mountain

New Years weekend from Friday through Sunday in 2020 was the 5th busiest non-holiday winter weekend recorded on the I-70 mountain corridor, with 154,541 vehicles traveling through the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels. In January 2023, an average of 36,373 vehicles passed through the tunnels each day.

While traffic counts could vary this weekend compared to 2020, there is a high chance that traffic counts and volume will be similar or may exceed the records set four years ago. Motorists should be prepared for extended delays and map out their travel strategy beforehand if they need to be somewhere at a specific time, CDOT said.

If planning to travel in the mountains this weekend, be sure to check the forecast beforehand and plan for potential winter weather and high traffic impacts.

Denver, Colorado weather resources

Stay prepared for storms and forecast changes, a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day and other important weather information:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each day.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Democratic Representative Troy Carter is torching Republicans for leveraging the horrific New Years Eve attack in New Orleans as short-lived political fodder.

Speaking with CNN on Thursday, the Louisiana Democrat flamed conservative leadership, accusing the party of using the deaths of 15 people to push misinformation that directly benefits their agenda.

This is an American attack. This is an attack on our democracy. This is an attack on our freedoms. This person was radicalized, but it was an American citizen, a citizen of Texas, and someone who was honorably discharged from the United States Army, Carter told anchor Brianna Keilar. And we should not play games with the American people to try and imply that it was something that it wasnt, which somehow suggests that this was a Democrat or Republican issue. And we have to be more mature and more direct and fair and honest with the American people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is not the time to play political brinkmanship or gamesmanship, he continued.

Carter was, in part, responding to a lengthy rant that Donald Trump posted to Truth Social on Thursday, in which he repeatedly claimed that the domestic terrorism incident was the result of open borders and the Democratic establishment. In the same breath, the president-elect attacked the FBI and the Department of Justice, baselessly accusing the agencies of being distracted by his own wrongdoing to prevent terrorist attacks.

But Trumps nativist messaging is in direct conflict with the facts of the case: The FBIs suspect for the attack, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, is a U.S. citizen born in Texas. And choosing to undermine the reputation of investigative agencies looking into the attack is a hair-raising choice for the man about to retake the White House in 18 days.

This is a time that we should be united as Americans to push back against terrorism, push back against terrorist threats, and to demonstrate to the American people that we will use every resource that we have to combat these kind of hateful and heinous acts, Carter said. The families of the loved ones who have died and those who are in the hospital fighting for their lives, and our law enforcement agents from the federal, local, and state deserve better.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Thick smog engulfed the Indian capital on Friday, prompting warnings of possible flight disruptions from airport and airline officials, as worsening air quality cut visibility to zero in some areas.

Delhi, which has been battling smog and poor air quality since the beginning of winter, ranked third among the world's most polluted capitals in Friday's live rankings by Swiss group IQAir.

No diversion or cancellation has been reported yet, an airport spokesperson said, although authorities warned in a post on X that aircraft lacking equipment to enable landings in low visibility could face difficulties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On social media, India's largest airline IndiGo and low-cost carrier Spicejet also cautioned against weather delays.

Delays averaged eight minutes for 20 flights by 10:14 a.m., aviation website FlightRadar24 said.

Some train services in the capital were also delayed, media said.

New Delhi's air quality was rated "very poor" on Friday, with an index score of 351, the country's top pollution control body said, well beyond the levels from zero to 50 that it considers "good".

(Reporting by Shanima A in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Tanvi Mehta in New Delhi; Editing by Sudipto Ganguly and Clarence Fernandez)
DENVER (KDVR)  Mild conditions are moving into Denvers weather forecast Friday ahead of the chance for weekend snow.

Weather tonight: Clearing sky

Thursday night, snow showers will wrap up in the high country, and a few clouds will linger in the metro. Temperatures will be cool, but about 5 degrees above normal, falling to the mid-20s.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up for weather alerts from the Pinpoint Weather team

Weather tomorrow: Sunny, mild

Friday will be mainly sunny and mild. High temperatures will climb to the lower 50s, which is nearly 10 degrees above normal for this time of year.

Looking ahead: Weekend snow showers

Saturday will start off with increasing clouds, and a seasonal high temperature in the 40s. This will be ahead of the chance for snow showers that push into the front range and metro by the evening and continue overnight.

Snow showers will wrap up Sunday morning, but will leave behind a chill. So, bundle up if heading to the Denver Broncos game because temperatures will be in the 30s, but feel more like the 20s thanks to a light breeze.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

View the latest Weather Alerts in Denver and across Colorado on FOX31

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Monday will be cool but dry with high temperatures only reaching the upper 30s. Then another system on Tuesday drops temperatures and brings the next chance for snow.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The Flathead County Courthouse, pictured on Dec. 31, 2024. (Micah Drew, Daily Montanan)

The Montana Department of Corrections filed a lawsuit in district court against the Flathead County Board of Adjustment over the denial of a proposed prerelease center near Kalispell, calling the decision arbitrary and capricious.

The Board of Adjustment on Oct. 1 voted 3-0, with two members absent, to deny a conditional-use permit for the proposed prerelease center after the Flathead County Commission approved the facility on the same day in a 2-to-1 decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the lawsuit filed on Oct. 31, DOC attorneys Charity Yonker and Andres Haladay allege the Board of Adjustment, a citizen board that reviews zoning administrator decisions related to zoning regulations and variances, engaged in irrelevant discussions, speculated in the absence of fact, and made a pretextual determination to deny the application. They request Flathead County District Court Judge Amy Eddy reverse the boards decision.

The Montana Department of Corrections currently contracts with nonprofits and one county to operate seven prerelease centers in Montana, where offenders transition from secure facilities back into the community under supervision.

However, no facility serves the northwest portion of the state comprising three of the states top 10 most populous counties  Flathead, Lake and Lincoln. The corrections department determined a need for a center in the region, citing data showing that 120 of the states prerelease center residents  12.9%  were from the Flathead Region.

These offenders are offenders who, had there been a facility in their region of origin, may have benefited from structured step-down or step-up services close to their hometown, DOC documents state.

A map showing Department of Corrections prerelease centers in Montana. (Courtesy DOC)

In 2023 the state legislature appropriated $7.1 million for the facility, and the department proposed a 90-bed prerelease center on the edge of Kalispell city limits at the site of the existing Greenwood Village Inn and Suites in Evergreen. Individuals in the facility would follow strict schedules, drug testing protocol and work requirements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Corrections officials presented the proposal to the Flathead County Commission in September, and two of the three commissioners, along with the county jail commander, expressed support for the facility. When the commission voted in October, only Commissioner Pam Holmquist, who represents Evergreen, voted in opposition, citing negative feedback from residents near the proposed facility.

The final decision on the proposal, however, went to the countys Board of Adjustment to approve the conditional-use permit, and the three members present voted unanimously to deny the permit.

Board members cited access issues to the property, an impact to local law enforcement and a negative impact to the safety of the neighborhood in their denial.

According to the departments complaint, however, the Board of Adjustment erred in making several amendments to the countys findings of fact without substantive evidence to back up the changes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One finding of fact stated that the countys zoning administrator found adequate road access and adequate traffic circulation, and found that the proposed center would result in an estimated 272 fewer trips a day than the existing hotel, due to prerelease center offenders not having access to cars.

However, the board of adjustment amended a finding to conclude the road access was inadequate to accommodate two-way traffic flow, contradicting the county staffs own research, according to the court filing.

The complaint also alleges the board abused its discretion by concluding that the local sheriffs office would have a limited ability to serve potential issues arising from the prerelease center, despite not receiving any evidence, facts or testimony from the county sheriff.

Law enforcement services are already provided to this property in its current usage as a hotel that commercially services transient individuals coming and going from the community, the complaint states. The BOA did not receive any evidence that the prerelease center would result in an increase in calls for service from the Flathead County Sheriffs Office compared to the existing hotel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, the original application from the Department of Corrections indicates that the center would have in-house security working 24-hours-a-day, and that individuals residing at the prerelease center will be subject to curfews. The complaint also points out that the only employee of the sheriffs office who spoke at the Board of Adjustment meeting was in support of the permit.

The board amended another finding of fact to conclude that the proposed center would have a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhood, contrary to the original finding from county staff that the center was not anticipated to have a negative impact.

According to the complaint, the board did not articulate any factual basis behind its amendment.

Inappropriate comments about mental health, speculation regarding property values, and statements about feeling sorry for neighbors demonstrate the BOAs amendment  was pretextual, according to the court filing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ultimately the Department of Corrections complaint alleges the boards denial was arbitrary of lacking in conscientious judgement, beyond the bounds of reason resulting in substantial injustice, and that it was overruling the county commissions substantive determination that Flathead County needs a prerelease center, and that the selected location was appropriate.

The DOC suit requests Judge Eddy reverse the denial of the conditional-use permit and declare the boards decision unlawful; an abuse of discretion; and/or arbitrary and capricious.

Prerelease centers are designed to assist offenders transition from secure facilities back into the community and provide an alternative to incarceration. The centers generally operate six-month step-down programs where residents live at the prerelease center, but work locally in the community.

Individuals at prerelease centers are supervised in a drug-free environment, have access to a wide range of treatments and programs including job training, counseling, anger management, and life-skills courses, and only leave the facility according to pre-approved schedules.

A previous proposal for a prerelease center near Kalispell was rejected in 2009 following public opposition.

DOC v Flathead Co  Complaint
Travion Dean of Fort Pierce is in custody, charged with first-degree premeditated murder without bond, for the death of Aniya Sheppard.

Deputies said 22-year-old Travion Dean of Fort Pierce was arrested for the shooting death of 20-year-old Aniya Sheppard.

Sheppard was found dead in the early morning hours of Nov. 4 on the ground near Eder Boulevard and Buddy Drive.

Watch: Drunk driver causes chain-reaction crash involving Florida police cruiser, officers say

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dean was arrested Thursday in Fort Lauderdale as he reentered the country from Jamaica, according to a report.

He was taken to the Brevard County Jail on charges of premeditated first-degree murder.

Read: 2 accused of raping teenage girl at gunpoint in Marion County, deputies say

Investigators said Sheppard and Dean had been in a prior romantic relationship and were staying at the Extended Stay America motel on US 192 in West Melbourne.

Deputies said evidence shows the two shared a rideshare vehicle before the shooting, and Dean returned to the motel alone afterward.

Read: Soldier shot self in head before Cybertruck exploded outside Trumps Las Vegas hotel, officials say

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone with information is asked to call the Brevard County Sheriffs Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




The Orange County Sheriffs Office is investigating a shooting in the Pine Hills community.

Update:

OCSO investigators have indicated that they are not seeking any suspects in this case and that there is no threat to the community.

Original story:

Deputies responded around 11 p.m. Thursday to Redwood Oaks Drive.

Thats not far from Powers Drive and Silver Star Road.

READ: It hits fast: Highly contagious stomach bug cases are surging in Central Florida

Channel 9 was in the area shortly after investigators blocked off part of the neighborhood with crime scene tape.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

READ: Troopers investigate deadly crash involving Orange County deputy on Floridas Turnpike

Eyewitness News has reached out to OCSO for more information about the shooting.

Well be sure to share new information in the case with you, including whether anyone was hurt and if deputies have made an arrest.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




(Reuters) - Swisscom said on Thursday that it has completed its acquisition of competitor Vodafone Italia, which it will now begin merging with its Italian business Fastweb.

The Swiss telecoms group said costs in the amount of up to 200 million euros ($207.20 million) would be recognised in its 2024 financial results due to the closing this year and revised down its full-year earnings outlook.

The company now expects earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of 4.3 to 4.4 billion Swiss francs for 2024, down from 4.5-4.6 billion francs previously guided for, with no impact on free cash flow.

The guidance for revenue, CAPEX and dividend remains unchanged, added the company, which said it will provide further details about the integration costs with the presentation of its full-year results.

Swisscom said that the closing of the 8-billion euro deal took place on Dec. 31 after it had been approved by the Italian authorities earlier that month.

"I am thrilled about the successful closing, as it strengthens Swisscom Group," Swisscom CEO Christoph Aeschlimann said in a statement, "At the same time, the focus on the Swiss market remains unchanged," he added.

($1 = 0.9653 euros)

(Reporting by Marleen Kaesebier in Gdansk, Editing by Miranda Murray)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Friday we learned more about a southwest Minnesota murder investigation.

UPDATE: Yankton victim found beheaded

Court documents, filed Friday, say a California man known as no name given Happy was kicked out of a Windom bar for making gun threats on New Years Eve. He allegedly returned to the Phat Pheasant Pub a short time later with a knife.

Police say he stabbed three people, and one of the men died of his injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Today police identified that victim as 30-year-old Ben Matter, of Windom. Happy made his first court appearance today. His next hearing is on January 14th.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAY MINETTE, Ala. (WKRG)  20-year-old Michael Mullen was in court for an Aniahs Law and preliminary hearing Thursday. He is charged with aggravated child abuse.

Meet the first baby born in 2025 at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola

Prosecutors laid out the disturbing details of extensive injuries to the child who was sexually assaulted and was just 11 months old at the time that included lacerations and bruising.

Mullen told investigators he had been drinking and had passed out and denies hurting the little girl he was supposed to be babysitting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When confronted with the fact there were injuries and he was the last person with the child thats when the defendant made the statement well if something happened I dont remember I was unconscious, said Assistant District Attorney Sydnee Corello.

The victim marked her first birthday in the hospital. She has since been released into foster care and is doing better every day, but her long-term recovery is still in question.

Its the first case personally that I have encountered where a child had to go straight to emergency surgery so that is pretty severe in terms of physical injury, said Assistant District Attorney Kristi Hagood.

DNA testing and the results from a rape kit are not complete at this time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, District Judge William Scully said he had heard enough before the DAs office had finished presenting their case and ruled there was clear and convincing evidence to hold Mullen without bond.

WATCH: Pensacola Blue Angels accidentally photobomb gender reveal in viral video

The case will now go to a Baldwin County Grand Jury where prosecutors say, additional charges are possible.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Detroit saw a precipitous decline in the number of homicides and shootings in 2024 over the year before, continuing a trend of sliding violent crime since a pandemic-era spike, according to police data presented by city officials Friday.

The number of homicides fell to 203 last year, down from 252 in 2023  a 19% decline to the lowest rate in more than 50 years. Nonfatal shootings saw a 25% year-over decline, down to 606 in 2024 from 804 the year prior.

Mayor Mike Duggan and interim police Chief Todd Bettison hailed the reduction as remarkable at an annual news conference, crediting the hiring of hundreds of additional police officers in recent years and greater reliance on community violence intervention (CVI) groups that attempt to prevent crime by providing support to those seen as more likely to commit it.

Mayor Mike Duggan, interim police Chief Todd Bettison and U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison during an annual news conference in Detroit.

"We have numbers that are nothing short of remarkable," said Duggan. "The COVID surge is now receding in line with most cities in America, but in Detroit, were seeing something extraordinary ... we have not seen (homicide and shooting) reductions of this nature before."

Detroit police crime data released Jan. 3 shows the city saw 203 homicides last year, the fewest since 1965.

Last year's homicide rate was 32 homicides per 100,000 residents, the lowest since 1969, according to a Free Press analysis of historic Detroit police and U.S. Census Bureau data. In 1969, Detroit had 439 killings and a population of 1.5 million, giving the city a rate of 29 homicides per 100,000 residents. The city's homicide rate peaked in 1987, when 686 killings made for a rate of 64 per 100,000 residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The drop in homicides and shootings announced Friday was part of an overall decline in violent crime, a category that includes assaults and robberies. The total 11,826 violent offenses tallied by the department in 2024 represented a 7% reduction from the year prior.

Property crime meanwhile fell 3% over the previous year, with a total of 28,797 offenses in 2024, according to the data presented.

Today is a good day, said Bettison, who was appointed to the post by Duggan in October and previously served as deputy mayor and assistant police chief. "Collaboration  thats how we get it done, just working together.

Detroit Police Department homicide data presented on Jan. 3 shows nonfatal shootings have nearly halved over their recent pandemic-era high.

But officials also conceded that crime in the city remains too high and teased additional enforcement and prevention efforts to come.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Describing "more and more" shootings among juveniles, Duggan said the city would work with county leaders to remedy juvenile justice system issues that he said have allowed for shootings by youths on tethered home confinement. He also urged the state Legislature to commit millions in funding to expand CVI initiatives in the city. A bill that would have done so died in the Democrat-led lame duck session, but Duggan said incoming Republican House Speaker Matt Hall has "committed to moving as a priority" a bill to create a public safety trust fund, which includes funding for additional police in municipalities throughout Michigan.

To combat freeway shootings, Duggan said 450 state-funded freeway cameras and license plate readers would be installed by year-end.

"Weve got a lot more to do, no one is saying that were there," Duggan said, pointing to a national model in Boston, where just 24 people were killed in 2024. "Gun violence is not inevitable in urban cities."

Mayor Mike Duggan speaks about crime rates in Detroit at an annual conference in Detroit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Behind last year's numbers were a series of bloody episodes that captured national attention.

A rash of block party shootings was capped off by an early July incident that killed two and wounded 19, becoming the state's largest mass shooting since at least 2013, as far back as the Gun Violence Archive keeps data. A June block party shooting was said by police to have been so chaotic that it prompted a responding officer to mistakenly shoot and wound at least two innocents.

A deadly shooting arising from an argument during tailgating at Eastern Market meanwhile cast a shadow over the Lions' home opener.

The incidents affected more than those hurt or killed and their loved ones, forcing unpleasant changes on residents of the city and beyond, including restrictions on outdoor gatherings and Eastern Market tailgates, which were briefly suspended altogether.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison, who was credited with contributing to the decline via the local and federal law enforcement partnership One Detroit, described such incidents as outside of the norm for urban gun violence.

We aggressively focused our enforcement work on the relatively small number of people that commit such a large amount of violence, said Ison. We know we have the illegal gathering that people call the block party, and we know we had the incident at the tailgate and those things, but were talking about everyday urban violence  excessive everyday urban violence ... and thats the focus we have been working on so hard."

Friday's annual Detroit crime stats presentation is to be the second-to-last led by Duggan. The mayor last month said he would not seek reelection and instead run for governor as an independent to help rectify a system that "forces people to choose sides  not find solutions."

In that spirit, Duggan said Detroit's violent crime decline reflects the success that can be found in the middle way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The conversation Ive listened to over the years (is) defund the police, you need to fund prevention, as if you have to fight with each other on the right and the left, he said. The truth of the matter was we needed more police and we needed more CVI programs and we needed them working together, and Detroit is proving that result."

Detroit Free Press data journalist Kristi Tanner contributed reporting.

Violet Ikonomova is an investigative reporter at the Free Press focused on government and police accountability. Contact her at vikonomova@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit sees major drop in homicides, shootings in 2024
HONOLULU (AP)  In recent years, occasions large and small  parties, Super Bowls, mixed martial arts fights, even Thanksgiving  have provided a reason for residents across Hawaii to set off illegal fireworks.

The increasingly sophisticated displays, loved by some and loathed by others, are so prevalent that some people consider them part of the state's culture. They have rattled neighborhoods of tightly packed houses, started fires, terrorized pets and knocked a light fixture off the ceiling of an Associated Press reporters home, where it narrowly missed a child and shattered on the floor.

Each New Year's Day, Honolulu officials publish a list of fireworks casualties from the night before, typically a litany of burns, shrapnel wounds or amputations. Sometimes there are deaths.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But none of the damage has matched Tuesday night's tragedy, when a lit bundle of mortar-style aerials tipped over and shot into crates of unlit fireworks, causing a rapid-fire series of blasts that killed three women and injured more than 20 people, including children. Another person was killed in an unrelated fireworks explosion on Oahu.

Authorities and residents alike are now wondering whether the toll will dissuade people from putting on such shows in the future, or whether it will prompt more effective efforts by police to crack down.

This incident is a painful reminder of the danger posed by illegal fireworks, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi told a news conference. They put lives at risk, they drain our first responders and they disrupt our neighborhoods.

On Friday, the Honolulu medical examiners department identified two of the women as Nelie Ibarra, 58, and Jennifer Van, 23. The cause and manner of death for both were listed as pending. The identity of the third was not yet confirmed, the department said in a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The military, in response to a request from Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, plans to fly six burn patients to Arizona for treatment as early as Saturday. Hawaii has only one specialized burn unit and online fundraisers for some victims said they would need to go to Arizona because their home state's hospitals dont have the space to care for them.

Efforts to crack down on contraband fireworks have had limited effect. In 2023, lawmakers created an illegal fireworks task force. Based on the ease with which it seized fireworks, including three shipping containers in its first few months in operation, the state Department of Law Enforcement concluded illegal fireworks are likely smuggled into Hawaii on a daily basis.

The task force has seized 227,000 pounds (about 103,000 kilograms) of fireworks in all, according to Green.

And yet, the Honolulu Fire Department reported Thursday that there were 30 fireworks-related blazes between Tuesday and Wednesday, a 30% increase from last New Year's celebrations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Gregg Takayama, who sponsored legislation passed last year to tighten fireworks controls, said he remembers setting them off when he was younger and agrees its a tradition for many. But the ones he played with, including Roman candles, pale in comparison to those on the black market today.

The kind of aerial fireworks that are being used now are really explosive bombs, he said. And so the danger is magnified.

Charmaine Doran, the vice-chair of the neighborhood board in Pearl City, northwest of Honolulu, called the notion that fireworks are part of Hawaii culture a misconception: They have been outlawed for all of my life ... and Im pretty old.

In her neighborhood, the fireworks ramp up after Halloween, exploding in the middle of the night until New Years. Doran said she can tell if there is a big mixed martial arts fight on TV because the booms begin earlier in the day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Enforcement is complicated because people are reluctant to report their neighbors on a small island where were related to everybody, everybody knows everybody, Doran said.

People fear retribution, she added: If I dial 911, theyre going to egg my house.

That was the theme of some testimony to the Legislature last January. Beverly Takushi, a Pearl City resident, described once being threated by a neighbor when she told his brother to stop launching illegal fireworks in a show that lasted from 5:30 p.m. on New Years Eve until after midnight.

It was the first time I was threatened not only by the danger of the aerial fireworks to my family and property, but also for my safety from this neighbor who accused me of not respecting his culture, Takushi said. He has since apologized, but this is the reason why no one wants to get involved and report their neighbors setting off bombs and aerials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many historians believe fireworks were invented in China more than 2,000 years ago and their use came to signify joy and prosperity, as well as warding off evil. In Hawaii they are celebrated not just by residents of Chinese descent but all across the state's diverse communities.

Takushi echoed Takayama's point about the big difference between today's large, professional-grade fireworks and the smaller ones of yesteryear.

A string of firecrackers at midnight to ward off bad spirits is cultural, not loud explosives that sound like you are in the middle of a war," Takushi said.

Richard Oshiro, secretary of the neighborhood board for Waipahu, known as one of Oahus hotspots for aerial displays, said he hopes this week's deaths will spur a change of mentality about playing with explosives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said he tries to report them whenever he can, even though he knows there is not much police can do if they cant catch people in the act.

Possession of over 50 pounds (about 23 kilograms) of aerial or other illegal fireworks in Hawaii is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Takayama noted the law now allows photographs and videos of fireworks to be submitted as evidence in court, but said prosecutions still face hurdles.

We already have laws on the books. We need to find better ways to enforce them, he said. "I mean we constantly hear about people who report on their neighbors using illegal aerials, but nothing is done about it.

The best way to control fireworks is to stop them at Hawaiis ports, Takayama said. Law enforcement has intelligence about which shipments contain illegal fireworks and U.S. authorities have the power to open suspicious cargo. The task force has made seizures but needs to do more, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We need to find ways to restrict the amount of fireworks that are coming in, because once they arrive and once theyre in the community, its very difficult to track them down, Takayama said.

Authorities hope some will turn in their fireworks under an amnesty program. Green said in a video posted on social media that law enforcement will be at Aloha Stadium outside Honolulu to accept illegal fireworks on Jan. 11. No one who drops off fireworks will be prosecuted, he said.

___

Johnson reported from Seattle.
Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation Thursday that would allow law enforcement agencies in Ohio to charge record requesters for processing video that is a public record.

The law could affect footage from police officers' dashboard and body cameras and surveillance video inside jails, which are public record in Ohio.

Newspapers and news organizations urged DeWine to use his power to strike the provision from the expansive bill that originally addressed township zoning laws. The NAACP Ohio, Common Cause Ohio, ACLU of Ohio and other organizations sent a letter to the governor, asking him to veto the provision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Editorial: DeWine must veto law to charge for police videos, reduce transparency

The provision was added to House Bill 315 during the closing hours of the two-year legislative session in December. It did not receive public hearings.

"I strongly support the publics  and the news medias - right to access public records. The language in House Bill 315 doesnt change that right," DeWine said in a press release sent Thursday night.

The legislation will mark a major shift in Ohio's open record law, allowing state and local law enforcement to charge up to $750 per video reviewed and produced in response to a public records request. Payment in advance would be required.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It is good that the language in House Bill 315 does not include a mandatory fee, but instead it is optional at the discretion of the agency," DeWine said. "It is also good the user fees are capped and directly related to the cost of production."

Currently, governments are only allowed to charge nominal fees for the cost of copying the records onto paper, a thumb drive or another medium.

The proposed fees to produce footage from body worn, dash-mounted or surveillance cameras could discourage news media, individuals or organizations from pursuing information about police shootings, arrests or other encounters.

DeWine is open to changing the law in the future.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"If the language in House Bill 315 related to public records turns out to have unforeseen consequences, I will work with the General Assembly to amend the language to address such legitimate concerns," he said.

Laura A. 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: DeWine signs bill allowing higher fees for police video, other records
Jan. 3Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine penned his signature on an omnibus bill Thursday night that will allow Ohio police to begin charging Ohioans up to $75 per hour of video requested under the state's public record laws.

The law is intended to help departments recoup labor costs  the time it takes to review, obscure and redact videos  associated with video public records requests, but it's ultimately a law that could cost Ohio citizens and journalists hundreds of dollars to receive police body cams or cruiser videos that are a regular tool in both holding police accountable and publicly defending their decisions.

"I strongly support the public's  and the news media's  right to access public records," DeWine said in a Thursday night message explaining his decision. "The language in House Bill 315 doesn't change that right."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DeWine explained that, because the $75-an-hour charge was a permissive fee and not a mandatory one, he felt comfortable allowing the provision to enter state law. He said he was sensitive to the time-consuming and labor-intensive work behind releasing video public records.

"If the language in House Bill 315 related to public records turns out to have unforeseen consequences, I will work with the General Assembly to amend the language to address such legitimate concerns," DeWine said.

Under existing law, police departments charge little to no cost for the service. Today, police are only allowed to charge for the physical costs, such as a flash drive, of such a service.

The provision, which places a cap at $750 per video, was never publicly vetted in the Ohio legislature. Instead, it was folded into House Bill 315 via a private conference committee among a handful of lawmakers. The bill, and all its amendments, subsequently passed after midnight on the 135th General Assembly's final day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The nature of the change sowed concerns for First Amendment advocates and the Ohio News Media Association, to which this outlet belongs, which worried about the "chilling effect" it might have on journalists and the public.

Reporting from this outlet found that some police departments in Ohio have been badgered by commercial enterprises running YouTube channels that systematically pore through police reports and file an en-masse request for video records of salacious police interactions.

"They want videos of people who resist arrest, videos (of people) who are drunk drivers, videos that they think people want to see on T.V.," Jay McDonald, president of the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, told this outlet. "And then, they turn around and then they monetize those public records by putting them on YouTube and generating clicks."

DeWine characterized the provision as a "workable compromise to balance the modern realities of preparing these public records and the cost it takes to prepare them."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"No law enforcement agency should ever have to choose between diverting resources for officers on the street to move them to administrative tasks like lengthy video redaction reviews for which agencies receive no compensation," DeWine said, "and this is especially so for when the requestor of the video is a private company seeking to make money off of these videos."

------

For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening.

Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below.

Loading...
Arizona authorized digital license plates in 2019. Photo by Jim Small | Arizona Mirror

Security researchers have uncovered an exploit that allows a person to hack the digital license plates that Arizona allows drivers to use, creating an avenue for bad actors to change the license plate number.

First reported by Wired, security researchers with IOActive were able to jailbreak a digital license plate and display whatever message or image they wanted on the device. Jailbreaking is the act of removing restrictions on a smart device to allow the installation of unauthorized software.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The license plates are made by a company called Reviver, the leading manufacturer of digital plates in the United States. Security researcher Josep Rodriguez was able to remove a sticker on the back of the plate and attach a cable allowing him to change the plates firmware. Rodriguez was then able to use Bluetooth commands to change the display to what he wanted.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

The security researcher pointed out to Wired that this vulnerability could allow drivers with digital plates to evade tolls, speeding tickets and more by changing their plate. Alternatively, someone could hack an unsuspecting persons plate and display images that could get them in trouble with law enforcement, like the plate of a stolen vehicle.

Digital license plates have been promoted as a way to help with crime by allowing a vehicle owner to display on their plate via their smartphone that their vehicle is stolen. In a statement to the Arizona Mirror, Reviver said the Wired article omitted key details to create a sensational and misleading narrative, and that the company is working with all partners.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unfortunately, efforts to manipulate license plates are not new, Reviver said in its statement. Objectively, manipulating standard metal plates is far easier than tampering with Revivers digital plates, which are designed with multiple layers of protection.

Reviver admitted that skilled practitioners can theoretically jailbreak any electronic device. But said doing so is illegal, and the company said that customers would be alerted if their plate is detached and called IOActives scenario highly unlikely to occur in real world situations.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicles Division has issued 1,634 digital plates as of Dec. 31, 2024, according to ADOT spokesman Bill Lamoreaux. There are more than 8 million registered vehicles in the state.

ADOT MVD is aware and talking with the company on this matter and will monitor the plate redesign process, Lamoreaux told the Mirror. Anyone suspecting fraudulent activity concerning their vehicle title and registration, driver license or identification card is encouraged to report it through the ADOT Fraud Hotline.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A spokesman for Arizona Department of Public Safety deferred to ADOTs statement, and neither agency answered questions about whether they have received any reports of digital license plates in Arizona being hacked.

This is not the first time security researchers have found vulnerabilities with Reviver.

In 2022, security researcher Sam Curry discovered an exploit on Revivers website that allowed him access as an administrator to their backend database, giving him access to track or change license plates. Reviver subsequently patched the exploit that Curry publicized.

In speaking with Wired, Rodriguez also pushed back against Revivers statements that only a skilled professional could jailbreak their license plate. He pointed out that drivers could likely buy already jailbroken plates online, much like other electronics that are readily available jailbroken online for purchase, or easily do it themselves.

IOActive said they repeatedly tried to inform Reviver of the issue for over a year and it was not until Wired reached out to Reviver that the company responded.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Diplo on Feb. 1, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. - Credit: Gilbert Flores/Billboard/Getty Images

A New York woman who claims Diplo shared sexually explicit videos of her without her consent must use her real name instead of a Jane Doe pseudonym if she wants to proceed with her revenge porn lawsuit filed against the famous DJ last June.

In a ruling this week, U.S. District Court Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani said the woman did not meet the requirements to proceed anonymously, either in terms of privacy concerns or potential danger. Lawyers for Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling.

More from Rolling Stone

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Plaintiff has not made a sufficient factual showing as to the severity and reasonableness of threatened harm and her vulnerability to justify the need for anonymity, the judge said in her decision. The court appreciates that plaintiffs allegations in her complaint are sensitive and [of a] highly personal nature, [and] that she may face some public scrutiny if she were to proceed in her own name because Pentz is a public figure. However, absent a demonstrated need for anonymity, there is a prevailing public interest in open judicial proceedings.

Jane Does lawyers said Friday that they plan to appeal the decision. Especially where the defendant is famous, the forced disclosure of a victims name can open the door to public smear campaigns and abusive fear tactics against them. This can cause irreparable harm to a victims mental, physical, and financial health, as well as chill access justice for all survivors. Jane Doe intends to request that the court reconsider this ruling and if necessary to appeal this order for another chance at saving herself from harm and protecting her privacy, dignity, and mental health, attorney Micha Liberty said in a statement sent to Rolling Stone.

The imbalance of power in a situation like this is startling and should not be underestimated by the public, or by the courts. In the digital age, being compelled to disclose ones name in such proceedings risks permanently linking a survivor to their trauma, lawyers Margaret Mabie and Helene Weiss, who also represent the Jane Doe plaintiff, added.

In her lawsuit filed in federal court in Los Angeles, the woman alleges she was 21 years old in April 2016 when she began communicating with Pentz, who was 37 at the time, over Snapchat. According to the woman, she and Pentz went on to engage in an intimate relationship that lasted several years. She acknowledges that occasionally she allowed Pentz to record them having sex, but claims she never gave him permission to distribute those images and videos to third parties. She alleges that between 2018 and 2023, Pentz recorded himself having sex with her and then shared the video with others over both text messaging and Snapchat. The woman claims that a different woman contacted her in November 2023 to say Pentz had shared some of the intimate material with her on Snapchat on Oct. 14, 2018.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The woman suing Pentz in federal court says that she immediately reported the alleged sharing to the New York City Police Department on Nov. 7, 2023. In a statement to Rolling Stone last June, the NYPD confirmed it had opened a probe. There is a criminal complaint on file for unlawful dissemination for a suspect with the name of Thomas Pentz which is currently being investigated by NYPD detectives, an NYPD spokesperson said. The department did not immediately respond to a request for an update on the investigation sent Friday.

Pentz, 46, has denied the womans allegations. His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, called the lawsuit an obvious shakedown attempt. Time and again, Wes has been targeted by a group of untrustworthy individuals and their unscrupulous lawyers, cobbling together falsehoods in search of a meritless payday, Freedman said. This suit seems to be just more of the same, which is why we have no reason to believe that this will end any differently than all the others.

The womans lawsuit wasnt the first time Pentz has been accused of revenge porn. Another woman, Shelly Auguste, sought a restraining order against the DJ in November 2020. At the time, she alleged Pentz had distributed revenge porn images of her in an effort to humiliate her and to scare other women out of coming forward against him.

Pentz denied the allegations and sued Auguste in April 2021 with claims she stalked him, trespassed on his property, and sent intimate videos of Pentz to his friends and family. Auguste responded by filing a separate lawsuit against Pentz in June 2021 that alleged he started on online relationship with her in 2014, when she was 17 and he was 36. In her lawsuit, she alleged Pentz groomed her and had sex with her while she was highly intoxicated. A hearing on the dueling state court cases is set for next week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The New York Jane Doe, meanwhile, now must file an amended pleading with her name to continue her lawsuit seeking damages.

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A woman researching how tariffs could impact her investments.

SmartAsset and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.

Tariffs and taxes both generate government revenue but serve different purposes. Tariffs are fees on imported or exported goods, often used to influence trade by making foreign products less competitive. Taxes are financial charges on individuals or businesses to fund government activities. Knowing how each can affect the economy and your bottom line could help you prepare for different economic situations. A financial advisor can also work with you to help manage taxes and tariffs that could affect your portfolio.

Taxes Explained

Taxes are charges imposed by governments on individuals, businesses and transactions to generate revenue for public spending. They come in different forms, such as income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes and corporate taxes. For example, income taxes are based on individual earnings, while sales taxes apply to purchases of goods and services.

The revenue collected from taxes funds public goods and services like infrastructure, healthcare, education and law enforcement. These funds are essential for supporting government operations and maintaining services that benefit society.

What Is a Tariff?

Tariffs are fees imposed specifically on imported or, less often, exported goods. They are often applied at entry points at a countrys border. Tariffs are used primarily to regulate international trade by making foreign goods more expensive, thus providing a competitive edge to domestically produced products.

There are several types of tariffs. One variety, ad valorem tariffs, are calculated as a percentage of the value of the goods. Specific tariffs, another type, involve fixed charges per unit, such as a certain dollar amount per ton or per item.

Beyond protecting domestic production, tariffs can also serve broader economic strategies, such as retaliating against another countrys trade policies. Revenue from tariffs is often a secondary purpose compared to their role in influencing trade flows. The primary function often leans more towards shaping trade relationships and fostering local economic stability.

History of Tariffs

Tariffs have been an important part of U.S. economic history since the nation's founding. In the 19th century, they served as a key source of federal revenue and were used to protect growing American industries from foreign competition. By the 20th century, tariffs became less common as international trade agreements took priority.

Tariffs gained renewed attention during Donald Trump's first term as president, particularly during his trade conflict with China. Trump imposed tariffs on a broad range of Chinese imports to address trade imbalances and support American manufacturing.
Human remains discovered on Monday in west Michigan have been identified as those of an Oakland County man who went missing six years ago.

Investigators announced a positive identification of the remains as being the badly decomposed body of Kevin Graves of Highland Township. Graves, 28, was last seen on July 1, 2018, at the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury, a rural village in Oceana County about five miles from Lake Michigan and 20 miles north of Muskegon. One of Graves' members notified the Free Press, via social media, that police told them that Kevin Graves' wallet, festival wristband and ID were found with his remains.

The remains were found near the grounds of the music festival, in a wooded area near Rothbury, according to a post on X from the Michigan State Police Sixth District. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard made the following statement on Thursday: Now that we have positive identification of the remains, at least the family has some closure on where he is, and now hopefully the next steps can determine what happened. Graves family members still live in Oakland County, according to the sheriff's office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More: Unidentified human remains found near site of annual Electric Forest festival

More: Oakland County man goes missing after Electric Forest music festival

The remains were found by hunters, state police told media in Oceana County. The cause of death has not been determined but there were no signs of foul play, police said. At the festival in 2018, Graves reportedly exchanged agitated words with a girlfriend, then told her he was returning to his tent; but he was never seen again, according to investigators. He was reported missing two days later. At the time, police searched with dogs and dozens of volunteers while divers checked area lakes, according to reports at the time. In 2023, a billboard with Graves picture asked festival visitors to call police if they knew anything about the young mans disappearance.

Rothbury has hosted the Electric Forest event since 2011, bringing tens of thousands to the 2,000-acre Double JJ Resort for weekends of camping and outdoor concerts by scores of bands. Their performances lean toward electronic music and jam bands, according to the Electric Forest website. General admission to this years four-day festival is $600 per person, which includes use of the campgrounds.

Contact Bill Laytner: blaitner@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Body of man last seen at Michigan music festival in 2018 identified
Do Kwon, the South Korean cryptocurrency entrepreneur behind two digital currencies that lost an estimated $40 billion in 2022, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to US criminal fraud charges, after being extradited from Montenegro this week.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan charged Kwon, who co-founded Singapore-based Terraform Labs and developed the TerraUSD and Luna currencies, in March 2023 with two counts each of securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud and money laundering conspiracy.

Kwon, 33, wore an olive green long-sleeved shirt and black sweatpants as his lawyer Andrew Chesley entered the plea at a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger in Manhattan federal court.

Federal prosecutors charged Do Kwon in 2023 with two counts each of securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud and conspiracy. Above, Kwon in March 2024. REUTERS

The judge ordered Kwon detained after Chesley said he would not seek bail at this time. Kwon took a copy of the 79-page indictment with him as U.S. marshals led him out of the courtroom. He is expected back in court on Jan. 8.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He had agreed last June to pay an $80 million civil fine and be banned from crypto transactions as part of a $4.55 billion settlement that he and Terraform reached with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In Thursdays indictment, the Manhattan US Attorneys office alleged Kwon misled investors in 2021 about TerraUSD, a so-called stablecoin designed to maintain a value of $1.

Kwon allegedly told investors a computer algorithm known as Terra Protocol had restored the coins value when it slipped below its peg in May 2021, when in fact he arranged for a high-frequency trading firm to secretly buy millions of dollars of the token to artificially prop up its price.

Prosecutors said that false claim and others drove retail and institutional investors to buy Terraform products and boost the value of Luna, a more traditional token developed by Kwon that fluctuated in value but was closely linked to TerraUSD, to $50 billion by the spring of 2022.

Kwon co-founded Singapore-based Terraform Labs and developed the TerraUSD and Luna currencies. REUTERS

Much of this growth followed Kwons brazen deceptions about Terraform and its technology, the indictment said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When TerraUSDs value began sliding again in May 2022, the trading firm warned that propping it up wasnt so simple this time, according to the indictment.

TerraUSD and Luna crashed that month, dragging down the value of other cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, and caused wider havoc in the crypto market.

Prosecutors did not identify the trading firm, but it matches the description of Jump Trading, which SEC lawyers said in their civil case had propped up TerraUSD in May 2021.

Jump did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Montenegro detention

In a trial on the SECs claims, a federal jury in Manhattan found Kwon and Terraform liable last April for defrauding cryptocurrency investors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A lawyer for Terraform said in closing arguments in that trial that Terraform and Kwon had been truthful about their products and how they worked, even when they failed.

Kwon did not attend that trial because he had been detained in Montenegro since March 2023.

Terraform declared bankruptcy last January.

Kwon is one of several cryptocurrency moguls to face federal charges after a slump in digital token prices in 2022 prompted the collapse of a number of companies.

Kwon had been detained in Montenegro since March 2023. REUTERS

Sam Bankman-Fried, who founded the exchange FTX, is appealing his conviction and 25-year sentence last March for stealing $8 billion from customers.

Alex Mashinsky, the founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network, pleaded guilty last month to two counts of fraud.
By Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Democrat Hakeem Jeffries could be poised to wield more power than a minority leader typically enjoys in the U.S. House of Representatives, with President-elect Donald Trump's fractious Republicans holding a thin majority.

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson turned to him more than a dozen times during the 2023-2024 session to provide Democratic votes to pass critical legislation, including in May when Jeffries helped Johnson hold off an effort by hardline Republicans to end his speakership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During Friday's vote to re-elect Johnson, all 215 Democrats voted for their 54-year-old leader from New York -- as they have done repeatedly through speaker fights over the past two years. Johnson was re-elected speaker, but only after the vote had to be held open for a prolonged period amid attempts by Trump and Johnson to cajole two of the three Republicans who voted against him to switch their positions and propel him to victory.

Republicans will initially hold a 219-215 majority.

"I think we have a lot more leverage there than we had" in 2017, said Democratic Representative Don Beyer in an interview last month. That year marked the start of Trump's first term in office, when his Republicans also controlled the House, but by a 40-seat margin.

To be sure, Jeffries' powers, and those of Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, will be limited. Republicans will try to pass much of Trump's legislative agenda on party-line votes, bypassing Senate rules that require 60 of the 100 members to agree on most legislation, as Democrats did during President Joe Biden's first two years in office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the House, Jeffries' powers mainly will be limited to exploiting divisions among Republicans that necessitate Democratic votes to pass legislation.

It is a tactic Jeffries deployed more than a dozen times since Republicans took control of the House in January 2023 on bills ranging from government funding to an $895 billion bill authorizing military programs and emergency aid for Ukraine's war effort against Russia.

The upcoming battle over Trump's push to renew expiring tax cuts, which were enacted in 2017 and aimed mainly at corporations and the wealthy, gives Democrats hope that Jeffries can win concessions. These include an expanded child tax credit for low-income people and repeal of a cap on deductions for state and local taxes.

Mindful of voters' backlash against high consumer prices under Biden's watch, Jeffries used a speech during the first meeting of the newly-elected House to proclaim: "For far too long in this country the cost of living has gone up but the size of the middle class has come down." Citing high costs of housing, groceries and childcare, Jeffries added, "America is too expensive."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While he said Democrats stand ready to work in a bipartisan way with Republicans, he warned: "We will push back against far-right extremism whenever necessary." He singled out a need to defend Social Security retirement and Medicare healthcare benefits from cuts.

He and his lieutenants have sketched out additional areas of possible bipartisan compromise, which include protecting people brought to the United States illegally when they were children from deportation, revamping U.S. asylum law and updating the visa system for immigrant farm workers.

'CAN'T BE STEAMROLLED'

What remains to be seen is whether Jeffries will manage to forge a working relationship with Trump. The two New York City natives collaborated during Trump's 2017-2021 term on criminal justice reforms. But since then, Washington partisanship has only deepened and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, had a contentious relationship with Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last month, when Trump tried to force passage of a controversial debt limit increase as part of a retooled stopgap funding bill, Democrats balked and were joined by about three dozen disgruntled Republicans.

"We showed that we can't be steamrolled," veteran Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell said.

The chaos raised questions over whether Trump had needlessly expended post-election capital before his presidency had even begun and now might have to lower his sights.

"I don't think so. He's still strong. People still love him back home. That's all that really matters," Republican Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee told reporters.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell)
A private lab that seeks to help police solve "unsolvable" crimes by analyzing DNA, announced on Friday morning that it has identified the remains of an individual found beaten and shot to death in Van Buren County in July 1979.

In a post on its website, DNASolves.com, Othram announced that the body of a man found on a dead-end road in Covert Township was that of Robert L. McDaniel, who was born in 1930 in Trenton, New Jersey.

"Honored that Othram could assist the Michigan State Police in identifying a 1979 homicide victim as Robert L. McDaniel, who was born in 1930. #dnasolves," the company posted on X Friday morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The release on DNASolves.com does not say whether McDaniel lived in Michigan or was a visitor.

The McDaniel identification is the ninth in Michigan in which law enforcement has publicly identified an individual using tech developed by Othram, the company said.

MSP Fifth District Public Information Officer Duwayne Robinson on Friday said he did not immediately have a statement. MSP spokesperson Lori Dougovito did not immediately provide a statement on the case.

A facial reconstruction of an unidentified man found in Van Buren County in 1979 from the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Prior to the identification, all officials knew about the man was that he was adult male estimated to be between 33 and 69 years old. Without any identifying documents, the victim became known as Van Buren John Doe, the release said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2022, the Michigan State Police enlisted Othram for advanced DNA testing and genetic genealogy to identify the man, the DNASolves press release said.

A DNA profile was built using a forensic grade genome sequencing to provide new leads to law enforcement, the company said. The leads led police to the victim's family.

Honored that Othram could assist the Michigan State Police in identifying a 1979 homicide victim as Robert L. McDaniel, who was born in 1930. #dnasolveshttps://t.co/xGmO3Kz53I  Othram Inc. (@OthramTech) January 3, 2025

Police find body in 1979

In July 1979, the remains of an unidentified individual were found in a debris pile at a dead end road in Covert Township near Interstate 94.

The individual was estimated to be between 5 feet, 9 inches, and 6 feet, 5 inches tall. He was wearing an electric Timex watch and a silver chain that had an anchor/ships wheel charm and a gold medallion. On the front of the medallion was the face of Jesus and on the back was a Spanish phrase that translated to Our Lady of Guadalupe  pray for us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to a newspaper article shared on the DNASolves.com website, the man was beaten and shot in the head, bound and wrapped in canvas, before being set on fire beneath a pile of tires.

Prior to DNA, officials created drawings of man

To help visualize the man's appearance during his life, an artist rendering was created and released to the public in hopes that it would generate new leads about the mans identity, DNASolves said.

Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, which noted also that the victim at some point had suffered a broken nose, had brown to reddish-brown hair, and was wearing Keds brand shoes.

"Despite the exhaustive efforts of law enforcement, the mans identity could not be determined and the case remained unsolved for 45 years," DNASolves said.

Police turn to DNA effort for answers

In 2022, the Michigan State Police teamed with Othram and DNASolves.com.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Forensic evidence was submitted to Othrams laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas, where DNA was extracted and used to build a comprehensive DNA profile using forensic grade genome sequencing," DNASolves said.

Genealogists used the profile in a forensic genetic genealogy search to provide new leads. The DNA profile of a potential relative was compared to the John Doe's profile using "KinSNP rapid relationship testing," the release said.

A childhood photo of Robert McDaniel posted on DNASolves' website.

The leads fueled a follow-up investigation, pointing Michigan State Police investigators to potential relatives of the man.

The release does not specify when police and Othram confirmed the familial relationship, or how the people were related to the victim.

What are Othram and DNASolves, what do they do?

Othram, the company says, is the worlds first private DNA laboratory built specifically to apply the power of modern "parallel sequencing" to forensic evidence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Othrams scientists are experts at recovery, enrichment, and analysis of human DNA from trace quantities of degraded or contaminated materials," Othram says.

In this undated provided photo, workers at Othram are seen in the company's DNA lab.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Founded in 2018, the company works with academic researchers, forensic scientists, medical examiners, and law enforcement agencies.

DNASolves is focused on enabling human identification for law enforcement investigations, the website says.

"The limited scope of use (we do not offer genealogy or health tools), combined with limited access (law enforcement only), allows us to achieve this mission while maximizing privacy and security," the website says. "Generally, we are contracted to help with unsolved violent crimes, such as homicides and sexual assaults."

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Van Buren County John Doe ID'd through DNA as New Jersey man
CHICAGO -- It was easy to miss Dr. Robert Grays quick movements, tapping the screen of his smartphone at the beginning and end of patient visits on a recent day.

But Gray said those fast finger taps have changed his life. He was tapping an app that records discussions during his appointments and then uses artificial intelligence to find the relevant information, summarize it and zap it, within seconds, into each patients electronic medical record.

The technology was meticulously documenting each visit so Gray didnt have to.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I enjoy working so much more, said Gray, an Endeavor Health hand surgeon. Hes no longer trying to consult with patients while simultaneously summarizing the visits on a computer. I dont have the feeling I got hit by a truck every day.

Its a technology thats spreading rapidly throughout doctors offices in the Chicago area and across the country, and could soon become a standard part of medical appointments. Local health care leaders hope the technology will help combat physician burnout by dramatically cutting the amount of time doctors spend on documentation, and they hope it will improve patients experiences. Doctors will be able to spend more time looking patients in the eye, rather than staring at computer screens during appointments, health care leaders say.

It allows them to get home to be with their families or allows them to focus entirely on the patient, said Dr. Nadim Ilbawi, system medical director of ambulatory innovation for Endeavor.

About 50 of Endeavors primary care doctors and specialists have been using the ambient listening technology, made by a company named Abridge, since September.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other local health systems have taken generative AI note-taking technologies even further.

Northwestern Medicine has about 300 of its physicians using a similar technology offered by Microsoft called DAX Copilot, and Rush University System for Health has about 100 clinicians using DAX Copilot as well as a technology made by another company. At UChicago Medicine, about 550 clinicians are using the Abridge technology, and about 1,300 providers are using DAX Copilot at Advocate Health Care in Illinois and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin. Beyond Illinois, health care systems Kaiser Permanente and Johns Hopkins Medicine are among those whove agreed to offer Abridge across their systems.

Now, the technologies are mostly being used in the Chicago area during appointments with patients in offices and clinics, but several local systems say they plan to soon offer them to doctors in emergency rooms, urgent cares and nurses and to those providing care to patients staying overnight in hospitals. Leaders at the systems say that, so far, theyve seen positive results from using the technologies, and some say they hope to eventually offer them to all of their providers.

Its going to become ubiquitous very soon, said Dr. Nirav S. Shah, associate chief medical informatics officer for AI and innovation at Endeavor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So far, health systems say its been optional for doctors, and they dont foresee forcing providers to use it. Its also optional for patients.

Typically, the doctor or medical staff member will ask the patient for permission to use the technology at the start of the appointment. Generally, if the patient says its OK, the doctor will then access it through an app on their phone. The doctor can tap their phone screen, and the app will start recording.

The Abridge app records audio of the conversation and then transcribes it. The transcription is then sent to a cloud  neither the transcription nor the recording is stored on the doctors phone. Artificial intelligence sorts the relevant parts of the conversation  such as discussion about medical and socioeconomic issues  from small talk and other irrelevant parts, creating notes about the appointment in the patients electronic medical record.

The doctor then reviews the notes in the medical record, making sure theyre accurate, and can make changes before signing off on them. The audio or transcript of the appointment is eventually destroyed, leaving only the medical record behind.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So far, Gray said he hasnt had any patients say no to the technology. Dr. Douglas Dorman, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care in Yorkville, said hes had fewer than 10 patients reject the idea since he started using the technology.

Catherine Gregory, who saw Gray on a recent day after undergoing surgery for a broken arm, said it seemed like a good idea as a way to help doctors give patients more of their undivided attention.

Im for it, said Gregory, 62, of Chicago, because I want his attention on me, especially if Im in pain, like today. I dont want you to miss anything Im saying about the pain Im in.

Patient Robert Johnston, 61, of West Rogers Park, said hed never heard of the technology before visiting Gray. At first, he worried it might be intrusive, especially if he were discussing a sensitive topic with a doctor. But he said he can also see how it could help doctors and patients have better relationships.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its a lot better when theyre able to speak directly to me, he said of doctors. As long as privacy concerns are protected, I think its a great idea.

Local health systems said the companies they chose to supply the technologies had to meet the systems security and privacy requirements. Breaches and cyberattacks have become common at health systems across the country in recent years.

We take security very, very, very seriously so it was definitely evaluated strongly, said Dr. Betsy Winga, vice president of medical informatics and chief medical informatics officer for Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care.

She said she couldnt discuss the costs of the technology, but said, The benefit we have seen from it, from a clinician experience standpoint, is just priceless.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Overall, Dorman, with Advocate, said patients seem to appreciate it  or at least what its meant for their interactions with him. Patients have told him he seems more relaxed and less stressed, he said.

I get to come back to work each day refreshed, recharged, excited to be there, Dorman said. I really think it improves my demeanor.

Doctors whove used the technology say, in some ways, its helped them return to an earlier time in medicine, when they didnt have to spend as much time on documentation. A federal law passed in 2009 incentivized the use of electronic medical records as a way to make records more easily accessible, increase patient privacy and improve patient safety. Later the federal government began penalizing providers who didnt use them in a meaningful way. Doctors say that, over time, the amount of information theyve had to enter in the records has grown.

In many cases, thats left doctors with two choices: either try to document patients visits during their appointments or finish their documentation at the end of the day, which can often mean hours of extra work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to an American Medical Association survey, doctors in 2023 said they worked 59-hour workweeks, on average, and nearly eight hours of that time was devoted to administrative tasks. About 48% of the doctors who responded to the AMA survey reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout.

Doctors and health care leaders refer to time spent on administrative tasks outside of the workday as pajama time. Northwestern saw a 17% decrease in pajama time among its clinicians who used the AI note-taking technology, and Advocate Health Care saw nearly a 15% reduction.

Dorman, with Advocate, said he used to spend 20 to 25 hours a week working on documentation, after hours. He said he used to be the last one to leave the office each day. Now, he said he spends about 30 minutes a week on the task. He said the technology has been life-changing.

Before the technology, Dr. Melissa Holmes, a pediatrician at Rush, would type some of her notes during the day and others in the evenings, at home, after her kids went to bed. She said shes still doing some work in the evenings, but it takes much less time to check over and edit the AI notes than it did to type all of her own.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The technology has also helped her be more present with her patients, she said.

Before, I felt kind of tied to my computer screen because I didnt want to miss anything, said Holmes, who is also an associate chief medical information officer for the system. Now, as a parent is pointing out something theyre concerned about in a child, I can be at the bedside looking at it with the parent rather than typing it in and then looking at it.
Many are wondering how alcohol causes cancer after the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory on Friday, January 3, that calls for new cancer risk warning labels for alcoholic drinks. According to a 2019 survey attached to the new report, only 45% of Americans are aware that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk. This is despite the report finding that alcohol is responsible for 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths in the U.S. every year.

How does alcohol consumption increase cancer risk?

Alcohol increases cancer risk in four key ways, according to the new 2025 U.S. Surgeon General advisory.

Acetaldehyde formation  The ethanol in alcohol is broken down in the liver into acetaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. This chemical damages DNA in several ways and interrupts DNA replication, increasing the risk for cancer. Oxidative stress  The body naturally generates reactive oxygen species (or ROS) that can damage fats, proteins, and DNA. As noted in an NIH study, alcohol promotes the generation of ROS and also reduces the level of antioxidants that help clear ROS. Hormone changes  Alcohol alters the levels of multiple hormones, including estrogen, oestrogen, and insulin, per Cancer Research UK. This leads to cells dividing more often than usual, increasing cancer risk, while higher estrogen levels can negatively impact breast tissue. Greater absorption of carcinogens  Other carcinogens, such as chemicals from tobacco smoke, can dissolve in alcohol. These additional carcinogens increase the risk for mouth and throat cancers.

Having two drinks a week, the advisory says, increases the risk for women developing cancer from 16.5% to 21.8%, while the risk for men developing cancer jumps from 10% to 13.1%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Given the casual link between alcohol and cancer, the US Surgeon General calls for new health warning labels on alcohol beverage containers. It cites that 47 countries require alcohol warning labels related to health and safety, including South Korea and more recently Ireland, which will have these new labels in 2026.

The post How Does Alcohol Cause Cancer? New U.S. Surgeon General Advisory Explained appeared first on Mandatory.
The new year is here.

Christmas is over.

New Year's celebrations have been held.

Next up: When do kids head back to school in Florida?

That depends on the county, but wherever you live, don't forget the coats and jackets. Several cold fronts on on their way, sending temperatures plummeting across the state through Jan. 12.

About a third  22  of Florida's 67 counties will resume classes Monday, Jan. 6. Another large group  31 counties  has kids returning to school Tuesday, Jan. 7. After that, it's a scattering of counties returning Jan. 8 and two  Gilchrist and Levy  returning Thursday, Jan. 9.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After that, kids won't have long to wait before the next school holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Jan. 20. This year, the holiday also falls on Inauguration Day.

When does school start in Florida after Christmas break?

When is the next Florida school holiday?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be the next Florida school holiday.

This year, it also happens to be Inauguration Day for president-elect Donald Trump.

Every school across Florida will be closed on Jan. 20.

What are 2025 federal holidays?

In 2025, there will be 12 instead of the usual 11 federal holidays, although two fall on the same day.

Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day both fall on Jan. 20 this year. Since 1965, federal employees in the Washington, D.C., area are entitled to a holiday on the day a president is inaugurated. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office on Jan. 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 Trump Inauguration week

Here are 2025 federal holidays:

Jan. 1: New Year's Day

Jan. 20: Inauguration Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Feb. 17: Washington's Birthday. Many state and local governments designation it as Presidents Day.

May 26: Memorial Day

June 19: Juneteenth

July 4: Independence Day

Sept. 1: Labor Day

Oct. 13: Columbus Day

Nov. 11: Veterans Day

Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Day

Dec. 25: Christmas Day

How often do MLK Day and Inauguration Day happen on the same day?

Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day occur on the same date more often than you may think.

Inauguration Day occurs every four years on Jan. 20 (or Jan. 21 if the 20th falls on a Sunday), according to USA.gov.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1983, and was first observed on Jan. 20, 1986.

It's observed on the third Monday in January, which is around King's actual birthday on Jan. 15.

Since MLK Day became a federal holiday, there have been nine presidential inaugurations. Eight of the occasions have been on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, according to HistoryinPieces.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

George Bush: Jan. 20, 1989

William J. Clinton: Jan. 20, 1993, Jan. 20, 1997

George W. Bush: Jan. 20, 2001, Jan. 20, 2005

Barack Obama: Jan. 20, 2009, Jan. 21, 2013

Donald J. Trump: Jan. 20, 2017

Joe Biden: Jan. 20, 2021

Just like his first inauguration in 2017, Trump's 2025 inauguration will fall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

 President-elect Donald Trump is TIMEs Person of the Year. Heres how Floridians can get a copy of issue

 At first, Melania and Barron Trump lived in New York, not White House, during first Trump presidency

Florida state holidays for 2025

When are 2025 Florida state holidays?

The Florida Department of Management Services lists the following days observed as paid holidays by state agencies:

Jan. 1, Wednesday: New Year's Day

Jan. 20, Monday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

May 26, Monday: Memorial Day

July 4, Friday: Independence Day

Sept. 1, Monday: Labor Day

Nov. 11, Tuesday: Veterans Day

Nov. 27, Thursday: Thanksgiving

Nov. 28: Friday after Thanksgiving

Dec. 25, Thursday: Christmas Day

 See list of 2025 Florida, federal holidays, including new one for Sunshine State

When will daylight saving arrive? When does the time change?

Daylight saving time for 2025 will begin at 2 a.m. EST Sunday, March 9, 2025, and we fall back again at 2 a.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: When does school start after Florida winter break? A full list
In a reminder of the perils of thin winter ice, first responders from the Georgetown Township Fire Department and the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office were called to a park in Jenison, Michigan, last week after a dog and a deer both fell into icy water there.

According to the fire department, the dog spooked the deer, then chased it onto the thin ice. When both fell in, the dogs owner attempted to save their dog by diving in. They were unsuccessful in doing so, and quickly called for assistance.

Fire Chief Matt DeWitt told Michigan Live that firefighters were able to rescue both the dog and the deer. They toweled the deer off on shore and attempted to keep it calm so that it wouldnt run back onto the ice. Eventually, the deer exited the scene, returning to the nearby woods.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DeWitt urged people to be safe near winter ice, explaining that the ice the dog and deer feel through was, at the most, 2 inches thick.

To safely walk on ice, you should make sure its at least 4 inches thick. Heres why.
WASHINGTON  On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced its investigation findings showing the State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) discriminated against people with behavioral health disabilities based on reasonable cause.

The DOJ highlighted specifically the following:

Oklahoma unnecessarily institutionalizes, or puts at serious risk of unnecessary institutionalization, adults with behavioral health disabilities in the Oklahoma County area, in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);

Oklahoma City and OKCPD engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that discriminates against people with behavioral health disabilities when providing emergency response services, in violation of Title II of the ADA and the pattern or practice provision of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.

People with behavioral health disabilities in the Oklahoma County area are not receiving the support they need, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. Instead of accessing treatment in the community, they are institutionalized repeatedly. Further, when they call 911 for a behavioral health emergency, they get a response by armed police, even when there is no public safety issue identified. As a result, urgent mental health needs often go unaddressed and crisis situations are needlessly escalated, sometimes leading to avoidable use of force. We recognize that the state and the city are taking preliminary steps to improve access for and treatment of people with behavioral health disabilities. The Justice Department is committed to working collaboratively with Oklahoma and Oklahoma City so that they implement the right services and supports their communities need and institute a lasting remedial plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New, higher Oklahoma toll prices now in effect

The Department of Justice investigation additionally found:

Thousands of people with behavioral health disabilities are admitted to psychiatric hospitals in the Oklahoma County area each year, and many have long or repeated stays.

Many also have long-term stays in nursing or residential care facilities. Most would prefer to live in their communities, surrounded by friends and family, and to have the freedom to make their own choices about their lives.

The DOJ investigation continued stating, individuals could live successfully in their communities if they received critical community-based services with proven care in avoiding unnecessary admissions or unnecessarily lengthy stays in segregated institutional settings.

The DOJ report concludes clarifying:

Oklahoma does not provide sufficient services to prevent unnecessary institutionalization resulting in people with behavioral health disabilities never receive treatment until they are in crisis, when they instead end up needlessly hospitalized or in contact with law enforcement.

The investigation says, when a person calls 911 seeking assistance with a behavioral health issue, the city sends police as the sole responders in most cases, often failing to help, escalating crises or even unnecessarily using force. Instead the department highlighted the use of behavioral health professionals who can provide appropriate treatment. Also noting, in many cases involving calls for assistance could be more effectively resolved by a response by behavioral health professionals who can provide appropriate treatment, but the city rarely involves such professionals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Justice Department confirmed remedies are on-going in the report with both the state and city initiating improvements to their systems during the investigation confirming the state continued to expand its crisis system and released an updated Olmstead plan, and the city announced plans to develop and provide a behavioral health response to 911 calls, and began to make improvements within OKCPD that will help address these violations.

The department will be conducting outreach to members of the Oklahoma community for input on remedies to address the departments findings. People may also submit recommendations by calling (888) 473-3460 or emailing MentalHealth.Oklahoma@usdoj.gov.

Winter blast still on track for Oklahoma!

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond released the following statement addressing the DOJ report. The Attorney Generals Office is representing the State of Oklahoma in the matter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While I strongly support reform of the mental health system, I am wary of yet another top-down approach in this 11th hour report by the Biden Administrations Department of Justice. We will closely review the findings, but the DOJ report appears to be an attempt to bully Oklahoma into compliance with ever-changing and undefined targets. Such federal overreach has been part and parcel with this White House.

The City of Oklahoma City released the following statement about the DOJs report saying;

The City of Oklahoma City is reviewing the findings from a two-year investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The report was not shared with the City prior to its release and the process to analyze and consider its contents will take time. The City remains focused on providing the best services to its residents now and into the future.

Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma State Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Allie Friesen released the following statements regarding a report released by the Biden administrations Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services treatment of those struggling with mental health conditions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is another Biden administration overreach on their way out the door, said Gov. Stitt. Allie Friesen and her team are working hard to reform our mental health system, but they cant do that if theyre burdened with heavy handed, out of touch mandates from the federal government.

Oklahoma continues to lead the way in mental health care, guided by evidence-based practices and national standards. Through programs like 988, statewide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), crisis stabilization centers (CSUs), transportation initiatives, and telehealth innovations, we are delivering high-quality, accessible care across our state, said Commissioner Friessen. While tragic stories exist, as in any health system, the DOJ focuses on a select few cases to overshadow what it acknowledges are the States laudable efforts to build out its crisis system in recent years. We disagree with the reports adverse findings as well as the DOJs subjective recommendations on how we should run our mental health system. As the report itself notes, the DOJs recommended remedial measures are consistent with the priority areas the State already identified in the comprehensive 60-page action plan we previously provided to DOJ. Our priority remains working with community partners to deliver the best care in the most appropriate settings. There is always room for improvement, and we are committed to continuous progressnot because of investigations, but because its the right thing to do. Mental health policy should be shaped by professionals, not litigation. We will be committed to protecting tax dollars for our most vulnerable.

Oklahoma City Police Department responded to the DOJ report saying, We will be thoroughly reviewing the DOJs report. In the meantime, the employees of the Oklahoma City Police Department will continue to work with our community partners to provide the best available resources to our residents, said Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy.

Commissioner Allie Friesen with the Oklahoma State Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) released the following response, Oklahoma continues to lead the way in mental health care, guided by evidence-based practices and national standards. Through programs like 988, statewide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), crisis stabilization centers (CSUs), transportation initiatives, and telehealth innovations, we are delivering high-quality, accessible care across our state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While tragic stories exist, as in any health system, the DOJ focuses on a select few cases to overshadow what it acknowledges are the States laudable efforts to build out its crisis system in recent years. We disagree with the reports adverse findings as well as the DOJs subjective recommendations on how we should run our mental health system. As the report itself notes, the DOJs recommended remedial measures are consistent with the priority areas the State already identified in the comprehensive 60-page action plan we previously provided to DOJ.

Our priority remains working with community partners to deliver the best care in the most appropriate settings. There is always room for improvement, and we are committed to continuous progressnot because of investigations, but because its the right thing to do. Mental health policy should be shaped by professionals, not litigation. We will be committed to protecting tax dollars for our most vulnerable.

Mark Nelson, President of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police (OKC FOP) released the following response;

Our officers routinely respond to all different types of calls  robberies, burglaries, domestic violence situations, child abuse and mental health-related calls, among other things. They do so honorably and with a commitment to serving all members of the community equally and fairly. We havent had an opportunity to fully review the DOJs report, and we will be able to comment further in the future. In the meantime, citizens can rest assured our officers will continue to respond in their time of need.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

The Justice Department will hold a virtual community meeting on Jan. 7 at 6:00 p.m. CT. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about the findings. Please register to join the meeting at www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_lZgzBC4lRJiw7tk3pfEXrw#/registration.

Read the full report 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The state of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Police Department violated federal laws, unnecessarily institutionalized adults with behavioral health disabilities  or put them at serious risk  while Oklahoma City's police department engaged "in a pattern or practice of conduct that discriminates against people with behavioral health disabilities," a newly released report from the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Issued Friday, the 45-page report said Oklahoma's state government doesn't provide sufficient services for people with behavioral health disabilities to prevent unnecessary hospitalization. The report also accused the state and Oklahoma City of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and the practice provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.

"As a result many people with behavioral health disabilities never receive treatment until they are in crisis, when they instead end up needlessly hospitalized or in contact with law enforcement," the DOJ report said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, the only agency residents with behavioral health issues in Oklahoma County encounter often is the Oklahoma City Police Department, the report said.

"The city defaults to sending police as the sole responders in most cases," the report said. "(But) these calls for assistance would often be effectively resolved with a response by behavioral health professionals who can provide appropriate treatment, but the city rarely involves such professionals."

Be the first to know: Sign up for breaking news email alerts

'People do not get the help they need'

The report also said that when Oklahoma City police do respond to situations involving residents with behavioral health, they sometimes fail to help, escalate crisis or even unnecessarily resort to force.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"People do not get the help they need and they are taken to the hospital to begin the cycle again," the report said.

The report sparked terse responses from Gov. Kevin Stitt, as well as city and state officials.

"This is another Biden administration overreach on their way out the door," Stitt's statement said. "Allie Friesen (leader of the state's Mental Health Department) and her team are working hard to reform our mental health system, but they can't do that if they're burdened with heavy handed, out of touch mandates from the federal government."

Attorney General Gentner Drummond, whose office is representing the state, said he strongly supported reform of the mental health system but added that he was wary of "yet another top-down approach in this 11th hour report by the Biden Administrations Department of Justice."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We will closely review the findings, but the DOJ report appears to be an attempt to bully Oklahoma into compliance with ever-changing and undefined targets," Drummond's statement said. "Such federal overreach has been part and parcel with this White House.

For several years now, Stitt and Drummond, both Republicans, have been harsh critics of federal actions taken under the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden.

More: After Drummond dropped charge against cop, Vietnamese community asks city for justice

Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy said his office would be thoroughly reviewing the DOJs report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"In the meantime, the employees of the Oklahoma City Police Department will continue to work with our community partners to provide the best available resources to our residents, Bacy said in a statement to The Oklahoman.

Echoing the police, Kristy Yager, a spokesperson for the city of Oklahoma City, said city officials were also reviewing the findings from a two-year DOJ investigation.

"The report was not shared with the City prior to its release and the process to analyze and consider its contents will take time," Yager's statement said. "The City remains focused on providing the best services to its residents now and into the future."

The report comes about two years after the DOJ announced it had opened an investigation into the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Police Department to examine whether the state fails to provide community-based mental health services to people in Oklahoma County, leading to unnecessary admissions to psychiatric facilities and police contact.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The announcement said the investigation would also examine Oklahoma City's systems for responding to people experiencing behavioral health crises, including through the 911 call center and the police department.

While Friday's report ended with a statement saying the DOJ looked forward to working cooperatively with Oklahoma and Oklahoma City "to reach a resolution to our findings," the report also indicated that if the groups involved cannot reach a resolution, the DOJ could take other action.

"If we cannot reach a resolution, the United States may take appropriate action, including bringing a lawsuit to ensure compliance with the ADA," the report said. That lawsuit, however, would require support of the incoming Trump administration officials, and Trump has, so far, been silent about the issue.

The Justice Department will hold a virtual community meeting about the issue at 6 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Justice Department investigation of Oklahoma, police by the numbers

Here are some of the numbers from a U.S. Justice Department civil rights investigation of how the Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma treat people with behavioral health disabilities

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The investigation was one of a dozen opened into law enforcement agency practices since 2021.

The investigation was opened on Nov. 17, 2022, "after receiving a complaint."

Almost 30,000 adults in Oklahoma County have a serious mental illness.

Admissions to Griffin Memorial Hospital, a state-run psychiatric hospital in Norman, exceed pre-pandemic levels. Over 1,600 adults were admitted in Fiscal Year 2023.

Nearly 300 adults were admitted at least five times to private psychiatric hospitals between September 2021 and November 2023.

Nearly 600 people with significant behavioral health disabilities, such as schizophrenia, reside in Oklahoma County's nursing facilities.

Residents at The Harbor, a large residential care facility in Oklahoma City used by the state, often stay "for many years."

In 2023, the Oklahoma City Police Department logged at least 18,614 behavioral health calls to 911 for police response.

The state operates two crisis centers in Oklahoma County that together have 32 beds.

Police officers on behavioral health calls were observed in a review of bodycam recordings treating people as possible criminals by checking for arrest warrants "even when there was no indication the person had committed a crime." In 2023, 48% of the arrests resulting from known behavioral health calls were for outstanding warrants.

Police officers were observed giving people showing symptoms of behavioral health disabilities "just seconds to comply, leading to avoidable uses of force."

Read the full DOJ report on Oklahoma, OKC police

(This story was updated to add new information).

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: DOJ report: State, OKC police violated federal behavioral health laws
The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card is a premium travel rewards credit card for travelers who want flexibility in redeeming rewards for any airline or hotel. While it has a premium annual fee ($550), its annual credits and lounge benefits can help offset it. Additionally, customers with higher deposit and investment balances can earn up to 75% more points on every purchase.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card overview

Learn more Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card Annual fee $550

Welcome offer 75,000 online bonus points  a $750 value  after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

Purchase APR 20.24% - 28.24% variable Rewards rate 2x points on travel and dining 1.5x points on all other eligible purchases Bank of America Preferred Rewards members earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase

Benefits Up to $100 in statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees every four years Save 20% on domestic or international airfare for any class when you pay with points Complimentary 24/7 full-service concierge to book your travel, dinner reservations, event tickets, and more



How to earn rewards

You can earn the welcome bonus as a new cardholder, but youll have to rely on the rewards rate for continued earning. The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite has elevated spending categories for travel and dining, making this a decent card for travelers and foodies. You also have an above-average base earning rate if your typical spending doesnt align with the bonus categories.

You can earn even more as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, but you have to calculate whether earning 25% to 75% more on purchases is worth storing money with the available Bank of America deposit and Merrill investment accounts.

To qualify for the lowest tier of the Preferred Rewards program, you would need at least a $20,000 three-month combined average daily balance in these accounts. This would unlock a 25% points bonus on your card.

How to redeem rewards

The points earned from the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite do not expire, so theres no urgency to redeem them. Customers can redeem points for travel, cash back, statement credits, experiences, or gift cards.

Remember, youll get 20% savings when using points to book domestic or international airfare.

Additional benefits

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite is loaded with premium benefits and annual credits. While the card has a large annual fee, these benefits help to justify or offset the cost.

$300 annual airline credit

You can get up to $300 in statement credits every year for airline incidental charges, such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, airline lounge fees, and in-flight services. These credits do not apply to airfare.

$150 annual lifestyle credit

This credit covers a variety of lifestyle subscriptions and charges, like video streaming services, fitness subscriptions, food delivery, and rideshares.

TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

Charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to your card to be reimbursed up to $100 once every four years.

Priority Pass Select membership

This card includes free unlimited access to the Priority Pass airport lounge network, where you can enjoy complimentary drinks, food, WiFi, and more, depending on the lounge. Cardholders get up to four complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships, so you can share these benefits with your friends and family.

Who is the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite best for?

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite is best suited for frequent travelers who can make use of the cards annual credits, airport lounge access, and travel protections. If you dont use the cards credits for eligible purchases, then the credits go away without receiving any benefit.

Additionally, customers with larger deposit and investment balances will receive up to 75% more points on every purchase. These extra rewards for your spending can help justify the cards hefty annual fee and build up a large amount of rewards.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite pros

Up to $450 in annual credits for eligible airline charges and lifestyle purchases

Up to $100 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement every four years

Up to four complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships

Earn up to 75% more rewards as a Preferred Rewards member

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite cons

No airline or hotel transfer partners limit the ability to maximize the value of rewards

High annual fee is hard to justify for some customers

Limited bonus categories to earn extra points on purchases

Where can you use Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite?

As a Visa Infinite Card, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Credit Card can be used anywhere merchants accept Visa cards for payment. Visa and Mastercard are the dominant credit card processors within the U.S. and abroad, so you should have no trouble using this card while traveling domestically or internationally. The card also waives foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for spending outside the U.S.

How to make a Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite payment

Online at BankofAmerica.com

Through the bank's mobile app (Apple, Google)

Automatic recurring payments

In-person at approximately 3,700 Bank of America branches and 15,000 ATMs (locator)

Calling customer service at (800) 236-6497

Mailing payments to PO Box 15019, Wilmington, DE 19850-5019

Overnight delivery to Bank of America, Attn: Payment Processing, DE5-023-03-02, 900 Samoset Drive, Newark, DE 19713

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite customer service info

Customer service is available 24/7

Phone number: (800) 732-9194 or the number on the back of your card

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite login page

Alternative cards to consider

While the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite has many appealing features, it isn't the best card for every customer. One of its major shortcomings as a luxury credit card is that there are no transfer partners available to maximize the value of your rewards. If it doesnt seem like the right fit for you, consider these other travel credit cards.

Learn more Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Annual fee $95

Welcome offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months  that's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel

Ongoing Purchases APR 20.49% - 27.49% Variable

Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries 2x points on all other travel purchases 1x points on all other purchases

Benefits Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel Earn up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel On every account anniversary, earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year



Why we like it: While not a premium card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the most popular travel credit cards for good reason. It has a low $95 annual fee, so theres much less to worry about when trying to offset the cardmember cost each year. In addition, you can earn flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to over 12 airline and hotel loyalty program partners.

Read our full Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review

Learn more Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Annual fee $395

Welcome offer Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Purchase APR 19.99% - 29.24% variable Rewards rate 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel 2x miles on all other purchases

Benefits $300 annual credit for travel bookings through Capital One Travel 10,000 annual bonus miles (worth $100 in travel spending; starts on your first account anniversary) Unlimited access for you and two guests to Capital One Lounges and 1,300+ more lounges through partner networks



Why we like it: The Capital One Venture X earns flexible rewards that can be redeemed in different ways, such as transferring them to over 15 travel partners. The Venture X is also attractive because of its straightforward benefits that can easily help offset the annual fee each year. These include an annual $300 travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles each year starting on your first anniversary.

Read our full Capital One Venture X review

Learn more Chase Sapphire Reserve Annual fee $550

Welcome offer Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months

Ongoing Purchases APR 21.49% - 28.49% Variable Rewards rate 10x points on hotels and rental cars purchased through Chase Travel* 5x points on flights purchased through Chase Travel* 3x points on dining and other travel purchases 1x points on all other purchases *After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually

Benefits Points are worth 50% more when you redeem through Chase Travel Earn up to $300 in annual statement credits for travel purchases Receive up to a $120 statement credit every four years to cover the application fee for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS



Why we like it: One of the most popular premium travel credit cards is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. This card includes an annual credit of $300 that automatically applies to any eligible travel purchase, plus airport lounge access, premium travel protections, and more. Its points have numerous redemption options, including transferring to over 12 airline and hotel partners or getting 50% more value when booking travel through Chase Travel.

Read our full Chase Sapphire Reserve review

This article was edited by Ben Walker (CEPF, CFEI)

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
President-elect Donald Trump is not happy that American flags will fly at half-mast to honor the late President Jimmy Carter during his inauguration.

In a post to Truth Social on Friday afternoon, Trump expressed his frustration with the symbol of mourning during his second inauguration on January 20 and accused Democrats of being gleeful about the optics of the coinciding commemoration.

Democrats are all giddy about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at half mast during my Inauguration. They think its so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they dont love our Country, Trump wrote. Because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half-mast."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The former game show host teased upcoming developments in the memorialization of Carter, who passed away on Dec. 29 at the age of 100, feigning uncertainty as to whether flags would be lowered come January 20.

Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it," he said. "Lets see how it plays out.

A 1954 presidential proclamation from Dwight Eisenhower created the standard 30-day period of public memorialization on all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels after the passing of a president. During a White House press briefing on Friday, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre ruled out a re-evaluation of the policy before Inauguration Day.

In his life, Carter was a frequent critic of Trump, calling the country worse under his tenure in a 2018 interview with Salon and backing all three of his Democratic challengers. Trump took a swipe at Carter earlier this year on his 100th birthday, calling him the second-worst president behind Joe Biden. Still, Trump confirmed to reporters this week that he will be present at Carters funeral.
Local hardware stores are preparing for an influx of customers this weekend as the Miami Valley gets snow.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

News Center 7s Mason Fletcher spoke to hardware store employees who said not to wait too long to pick up your supplies.

TRENDING STORIES:

I wouldnt be surprised if we dont have 30 to 40 customers in the store at a time, Regena Balaz, Ace Hardware employee, said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On a normal, snowless day, Balaz says the store will probably only see 10 to 20 customers.

For winter weather preps, most customers are shopping for the same list.

Definitely salt, nobody wants to fall and break their leg or neck, snow shovels, snow blowers, Balzas said.

Patrick Freeman, who was shopping at Grieves Hardware, says he splits his weather prep supplies with his neighbor.

We have plenty of salt, Ive got a couple of shovels, hes got a snow blower, Freeman said. We just help each other out and we try to help our neighbors around us.

Freeman is used to the cold because he grew up in Wisconsin, so he helps his elderly neighbors and puts down salt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Front door for the mailman, shoveled the walk all the way down to the sidewalk, Freeman said. Try to shovel the whole sidewalk, too. Usually he snow blows it.

Customers at Grieves Hardware were stocking up on flashlights, batteries and hand warmers.

By preparing for the weather in advance, Freeman gets to enjoy it once it arrives.

Go play with my niece, my nephew, my brothers, grandkids, Freeman said. Make snowmen, snowballs, just have a good time.

Employees are encouraging the local community to get their winter weather supplies early, so they dont have to worry about running out.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




Ahead of his inauguration, Donald Trump is receiving major backlash from MAGA voters after publicly siding with Elon Musk in support of H-1B  a program that grants visas to skilled foreign workers in high-tech industries  after years of campaigning on anti-immigration policies.

Brandon Bell / Getty Images

The H-1B visa topic has caused a massive debate within the Republican Party in recent weeks. Elon Musk, a beneficiary of H-1B, recently wrote on X: "The reason I'm in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B."

@elonmusk

Agreeing, Elon's incoming Department of Government Efficiency co-lead Vivek Ramaswamy wrote: "American culture has venerated mediocracy over excellence," which he says causes US companies to hire foreign-born workers over Americans.

The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over native Americans isnt because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers & if  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 26, 2024

Twitter: @VivekGRamaswamy

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When asked about the H-1B visa himself, Trump told a reporter: "I've always felt we need 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 also told the New York Post: "Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them...I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program." C-SPAN / Via x.com

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many Trump supporters are not happy with the president-elect's support of H-1B and feel betrayed by his recent pro-immigration stance. Here's what MAGA voters are saying:

1."I was, but his recent statements on H-1B ruined it for me. He completely flipped on the issue, and to me it looks like he's caving to the pressure from big tech and Elon Musk. We did not vote for him to increase 'legal' immigration. We don't need 'many more people coming in,' like he said recently. It's a slap in the face to his voters to be honest. It's obvious this isn't even a country anymore. It's just an economic zone to be exploited."

2."Did we get fucking swindled?"

3."I didn't vote for globalization and importing people from countries that hate us. We voted for America First!"

4."Just want to report that a lot of Trump supporters feel backstabbed and betrayed by Trump following his Elon worshipping and the H1B fiasco. Been out of decent work for a long, long time now and am fed up. Trump also just gave Democrats a mid term victory in 2026."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

5."I am very bitter over Ramaswamy's remarks! I'm also very bitter over Musk's support of this and of Trump's support! Is this what Musk wanted all along? Is this why he worked so hard to get Trump elected? They should be ashamed at what they are saying about Americans! What a stab in the back!"

6."This man could have been the emperor in 2020. Half the country was literally willing to die for him. People did die for him. He could have crossed the rubicon that day in January. And he just walked away. And has now completely trashed his own political legacy."

7."This is an end game choice by Trump for many of us. He either stands with the MAGA base or he stands against them. His choice."

8."Donald Trump is now reposting Elon Musk's pro-immigration sentiments. So, we're talking about more immigrants before mass deportations even start? This is NOT what we voted for."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

9."Betrayal at its finest...we were basically used to keep him out of prison."

10."Trump needs to tread very carefully here. I walked away from the Republican Party of Bush/Cheney once and came back for Trump...if he tries to take the party back down the oligarchic, pro-corpo neocon path again then I'll walk away again in a heartbeat. Importing cheap labor to take jobs away from Americans is the opposite of 'America First'...fuck Elon and Vivek."

11."Turns out America first didn't mean Americans first."

12."I officially regret my vote for Trump."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

13."Wtf is going on here? This is NOT what we voted for."

And finally...

14."The American people don't want to trade illegal invasion for 'legal' invasion. Stop H1B like you promised, don't make the American people compete with the world for their jobs."

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Congress is set to elect their next speaker of the House on Friday, and incumbent Speaker Mike Johnsons path to the gavel is anything but certain.

The GOP's majority in the House is razor-thin, and Johnson needs all the yeas he can get, but moderate Republicans are warning Johnson not to cave to the demands of the party's ascendant far-right.

Endorsements from President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk may not be enough to sway every member of the caucus. Johnson will almost certainly be forced to negotiate with detractors within his party. Johnson admitted in a Thursday interview with Fox and Friends that he can only afford to lose one or two GOP votes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At least a handful of far-right members of Congress arent ready to commit their vote to Johnson, the New York Times reported on Thursday, worrying some in the party. According to a report from Axios, "scores" of "regular" House GOPers are warning Johnson not to deal with the party fringe.

Don't do what [former House Speaker Kevin] McCarthy did, one House Republican told Axios. Don't give promises upon which you can't deliver. Don't give promises that require us to do things that we don't want to do, that are beyond reasonable.

Another representative told the publication that Johnson cannot trust these guys who undermine us at every point.

They ask for first base, the speaker gives it to them, and they ask for second base, they added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie pledged his opposition to Johnson on social media this week, while the New York Times reports that Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz may make her vote contingent on promises to crack down on government spending. Meanwhile, some inside the House Freedom Caucus havent yet shared their positions, the Times reports.

Massie also told the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday that he wouldnt bow to pressure from his colleagues to back Johnson or sit the vote out.

If they thought I had no Fs to give before, I definitely have no Fs to give now, Massie told the outlet.

The GOP will hold 219 seats to Democrats 215 on Friday, meaning Johnson will need a near-unanimous vote among Republicans to gain the speakership. Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated last month that his party wouldnt back Johnsons bid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In his Fox News interview on Thursday, Johnson said he was aware of those who plan to vote against him and acknowledged he was ready to negotiate.

Ive talked to every single one of those friends and colleagues [who have said they may vote against], Johnson shared. Well be talking about process reforms inside the House.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  After a deadly attack impacted the city of New Orleans, many people around the Dothan area are now left wondering what city officials are planning to do to make sure something like this doesnt happen in the circle city.

Just growing up here, I havent always felt the safest downtown, said Dothan resident Caroline McDuffie.

An evil act: Louisiana officials, FBI say suspect in NOLA attack acted alone

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fifteen people are now dead after the FBI says former U.S. Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar rammed a rented pickup truck into a crowd of people celebrating the new year on Bourbon Street.

In what the FBI is calling an act of terrorism, the attack has since sent shockwaves throughout multiple parts of the country, including the Wiregrass.

Nobody thought that thats what was going to happen when they showed up to celebrate New Year, and Im just praying for all the families and people who were affected, said McDuffie.

In light of the recent tragedy, some citizens from around the circle city fear something of such magnitude happening in Dothan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With all of the events that go on throughout the year, like the Mardi Gras and Peanut Festival parades and the progression of the city center projects, the city of Dothan continues to get bigger and better, and city officials want to ensure the public. Their safety is their number one priority.

Anytime an event takes place anywhere in this country that involves public safety, we are always on alert, and watching, and looking, and learning from how others have handled certain measures, said Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba.

Auburn graduate killed in New Orleans terror attack

Mayor Saliba has also said that city officials and architects are discussing placing bollards around certain parts of the city.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bollards are posts that are typically made of concrete that will prevent someone from driving through the area.

Mayor Saliba says the citys officials and the Dothan police department will continue to look into all situations, like the New Orleans tragedy, to determine the safety measures needed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Downers Grove officials have tabled a controversial proposal to change the leadership structure for the villages politically embattled library.

A nonbinding referendum asking whether to replace the west suburban librarys appointed board with an elected one was the latest debate to rock the institution, which has become a battleground in recent culture wars around race, gender and sexuality that raged nationwide post-pandemic. Perhaps most memorably, the library was forced to cancel a drag queen-themed bingo activity in September 2022 after it received violent threats. Its also seen the removal of two trustees since 2017.

Although a nonbinding referendum carries no force of law, the idea still ignited a fierce response Thursday from citizens who feared that opening the door to elections could offer political interest groups a foothold to influence the librarys affairs. It garnered instant, vocal opposition from the entire library board, whose members said they had not been consulted about the proposal and warned it could create significant tax increases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Instead of posing the question of an elected board to voters this spring, the Village Council and the library board agreed on Thursday they would form a joint subcommittee to consider potential alternative approaches to choosing library trustees over the next several months. The group will likely begin meeting in February and wrap up its work in September, leaving open the possibility of a ballot question in 2026, per a letter from the library board and the council.

Commissioner Michael Davenport, who brought the referendum to the Village Council in November, told about 150 residents at a joint library and Village Council meeting Thursday evening that he was focused on looking forward.

Any process that will end in a result of the citizens of Downers Grove having more input into the (appointment) process  I think, is a win, he said.

Resident Marshall Schmitt praised the library board and Village Council for working together to change course but warned that the divisions regarding the referendum werent going away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It will be very easy for this group to get hijacked based on political agendas, he said.

Citizens like Laura Kamedulski worried about what would happen if a really committed and, in my view, extreme and exclusionary group (was) trying to get these library board seats.

Kamedulski spoke a few minutes after Laura Hois, the co-chair of the Downers Grove chapter of Awake Illinois, reiterated her support for an elected board. In Hois view, the current board does not represent conservatives and Christian, God-fearing individuals that love our country. She said the library needed to be a neutral institution  free of the leftist political agenda and other materials related to race, gender and sexuality.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has classified Awake Illinois as a hate group. Hois comments met a chorus of boos and hisses from around the room, prompting Mayor Bob Barnett to plead for people to respect others time and listen to each other.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres a list of things as long as this pad of paper that we dont see the world the same on, Barnett said of himself and his colleagues. But were trying to find places to agree  and I hope that some folks out there are going to be looking for places to agree with the work were doing.

Barnett and other members of the library board and Village Council said they were optimistic about the work ahead. They acknowledged that the relationship between the two bodies needed improvement, but many said they thought Thursdays meeting and future ones could help repair the relationship.

A few weeks ago, I said two words  I said Lets talk, and Im thrilled that that has happened, said library trustee David Humphreys.

Resident Eric Blaylock said he remained skeptical that the village could make substantial changes to the library board, but said he was happier with the way the village was approaching the possibility.

This feels like its actually a discussion now, he said. I think that this is a good way to move forward.
Russian President Vladimir Putin rarely apologizes. So when he personally did so to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev just days after preliminary evidence suggested Russian involvement in the downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 last week, it attracted almost as much attention as the tragedy itself.

One might expect Putin would dismiss the idea that Russia had any role in the incident, as he has done in similar situations in the past. The fact that he chose a different approach this time suggests an awareness of the reputational and relational stakes at play for Baku. But by apologizing without admitting Russian guilt, his response has so far failed to assuage the personal sting of the incident for Aliyev, with potential implications for Russia-Azerbaijan relations.

Since Putins apology, Aliyev has reiterated his demands for Russia to acknowledge guilt, prosecute those responsible and offer compensation to the families of the victims of the disaster. That reflects the fact that the downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, which was reportedly struck by Russian air defenses during a Ukrainian drone attack on southern Russia, has quickly gone from being a national tragedy to a diplomatic flashpoint for Azerbaijan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since Azerbaijan gained independence following the Soviet Unions collapse in 1991, Baku has sought to balance its relations between Russia and the West, while avoiding becoming overly dependent on either. As a result, and unlike its neighbors Georgia and Armenia, Baku has eschewed close involvement in economic and military integration initiatives, whether the Western-led NATO and European Union or the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union and Collective Security Treaty Organization, or CSTO.

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

Azerbaijans relations with Russia were also historically complicated in the post-Soviet era by its conflict with Armeniaa CSTO memberover the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, with Moscow seeking to maintain a balanced posture that involved engaging both Baku and Yerevan. But this approach became impossible to maintain when the military balance of power shifted in Azerbaijans favor and Baku went on the offensive in 2020, winning back most of the region. Moscow found itself faced with an unattractive choice: It could intervene in Yerevans favor to preserve good relations with Armenia and the credibility of the CSTOs mutual defense provision, but at the potential cost of seeing Azerbaijan align itself more closely with other regional powers, particularly Turkey.

Azerbaijan and Russias strengthening relationship has been motivated by a common perception of mutual benefit, but the downing of Flight 8243 will present a challenge to preserving this positive dynamic.

Moscows dilemma was superseded by events in September 2023, when Azerbaijan used a final military push to gain full control over Nagorno-Karabakh. The success of Bakus offensive represented a failure for Russia, which opposed a military solution to the conflict, especially at the cost of its CSTO ally Armenia. But by forcing Moscow to accept Azerbaijans control over Nagorno-Karabakh and remove Russian peacekeeping troops from the region, it put bilateral relations on a sounder footing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Amid recriminations in Yerevan, ties between Baku and Moscow have gained a new lease on life. A rapid increase in Russian oil exports to Azerbaijan in 2023 has bolstered Moscows revenues under Western sanctions and allowed Baku to export a greater proportion of its own production. Meanwhile, growing cooperation over the International North-South Transport Corridor infrastructure project has deepened logistical and commercial integration.

Could the tragedy of Flight 8243 disrupt this positive but fragile new dynamic?

Demanding accountability from Moscow will be no small task, but for Aliyev it will be a priority. Unlike carriers operating at arms length from political leadership, Azerbaijan Airlines ties to the Aliyev family are both extensive and well-publicized. Over two decades, the airline has become an emblem of Azerbaijans aspirations in the world, one that is deeply intertwined with Aliyevs personal and political identity. Its aircraft are symbols of ambition, modernity and connectivity, a narrative Aliyev has promoted as central to his leadership.

This places additional pressure on him to act decisively. Failure to seek justice risks domestic backlash and could undermine his carefully crafted image of strength and leadership. Putins rare public apology was likely motivated by a recognition of this reality, an attempt to preempt a significant backlash from Baku, which has already sought to expand its room for maneuver since Russias all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If Aliyev takes a hard line, relations with Moscow could become more fraught. But he seems to sense that Russias current economic isolation has increased his leverage. Western sanctions have made Moscow more dependent on countries like Azerbaijan, reducing the Kremlins capacity to retaliate against potential measures from Baku in response to the aviation disaster. This vulnerability seems to have emboldened Azerbaijan to demand greater accountability, while also pressuring the Kremlin to make further conciliatory gestures. Nevertheless, Baku has so far refrained from any retaliatory measures besides announcing a partial suspension of Azerbaijan Airlines flights to Russia two days after the crash.

More broadly, the incident highlights the vulnerability of civilian airspace in regions adjacent to conflict. Tragically, fatal midair attacks on unarmed commercial jets and the geopolitical dimensions that accompany them are far from unprecedented. In 1988, the U.S. Navy mistakenly shot down Iran Air Flight 655 amid the Iran-Iraq war. The downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014 by Russian-armed separatist forces remains one of the most prominent recent examples of how civil aviation becomes entangled in conflict. The downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 outside Tehran in 2020 by Iranian air defenses during a time of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions was another. A handful of cargo airliners have also been shot down in Somalia and Sudan in recent years. And as the Wall Street Journal reports, missiles have claimed the lives of over 500 airline passengers since 2014.

Each incident is a reminder that civilian safety is often an underappreciated casualty of military conflict and geopolitical tensions. These tragedies raise questions about accountability, sovereignty and the risks of civilian aircraft operating in conflict zonesquestions many governments are uncomfortable reckoning with. Following Iran Air Flight 655 and MH17, proposals like enhanced conflict-zone advisories by the International Civil Aviation Organization and more robust compensation frameworks for victims families have offered some measures of redress. Yet enforcement remains piecemeal at best, and prevention is still lacking in many airspaces. And even when states close their airspace before launching rockets, the risk of fatal midair incidents will persist as long as weapons are pointed at the sky. As a result, accountability and safety remain persistent challenges for civilian aviation near conflict zones.

In that context, the downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 underscores the high stakes for countries neighboring a Russia that is likely to be at war for the foreseeable future. And the increasingly public standoff between Aliyev and Putin appears to be bad news for Azerbaijan-Russia relations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Azerbaijan and Russias strengthening relationship has been motivated by a common perception of mutual benefit, but it is clear that the downing of Flight 8243 will present a challenge to preserving this positive dynamic. For Putin, losing face by going beyond an apology to admit guilt and accept responsibility for the disaster may prove impossible to swallow. For Aliyev, moving on from such a personal affront without what he sees as appropriate Russian contrition may be similarly unacceptable.

And for the victims familiesas well as for other air passengers traversing the skies near conflict zonesthe standoff between the Russian and Azerbaijani presidents offers little solace.

Kazimier Lim is a management consultant-turned-academic based in London, Singapore and Sydney who has written extensively on geopolitics and international aviation politics. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the LSE Department of International Relations, a Pacific Forum Young Leader and part of the NextGen Network at the Australian Institute of International Affairs. You can find him on X/Twitter at @KazimierLim.

Leon Sinfield is a researcher who specializes in Russian and Chinese foreign policy. He is a doctoral candidate at the LSE Department of International Relations, where he researches Russian and Chinese grand strategy in the Middle East. He holds a masters degree in international relations from the University of Manchester and has been a research assistant at the Institute of International Relations Prague and the Austrian Institute for International Affairs. You can find him on X/Twitter at @sinfieldleon.

The post The Downing of Flight 8243 Could Jeopardize Russia-Azerbaijan Relations appeared first on World Politics Review.
ST. LOUIS  Just before 3 a.m. on Wednesdayclosing time for The Wheelhouse in downtown St. Louisfights involving crowds of more than two dozen people are interrupted by gunfire from a police officer from Leadington, Missouri, working security at the bar.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the Leadington officer shot and killed a man who reportedly would not drop his gun. Another person was reportedly grazed by a bullet. Its unclear who fired that round.

Alderwoman Cara Spencer wants stronger liquor license enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weve seen this administration really focus on expanding and making it easier to get liquor licenses without clamping down on the bad folks that are operating businesses with disregard for the rest of the community, Spencer said.

Wheelhouse fought with the city in 2020 over COVID restrictions. Alderwoman Spencer says its not just about one bar, as people in the street could have been coming from other locations.

Six months ago, several people were shot in a downtown holiday crowd after July 4 celebrations.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

No downtown should have this activity going on on a regular basis, Spencer said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The alderwoman is challenging St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones in the upcoming mayoral election. We asked the mayors office to respond.

The reality is that earlier this year we passed an excise bill that actually gives us more authority over these types of problem establishments, Conner Kerrigan, a spokesman for the mayors office, said. The Wheelhouse example, SLMPD and Problem Properties is looking into that right now, and now we have authority to take more significant action on these types of issues.

The Wheelhouse was not open during our latest visit, and no one has responded to several messages we left asking for comment.

The SLMPD is investigating the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You can also report issues you think deserve attention from St. Louis Excise Division or the Problem Properties unit by contacting the Citizens Service Bureau (CSB) at 314-622-4800 or online.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A woman has been charged after a chase ended in a crash Thursday night in Anderson County.

The Anderson County Sheriffs Office charged Alexis Quorion Donald with driving under suspension, failure to stop for blue lights and reckless driving following the chase.

An investigation was initiated around 8 p.m. when deputies assisted the South Carolina Highway Patrol with a suspect, later identified as Donald, fleeing from Mauldin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deputies released stop sticks to capture Donald when she turned down Stelling Road but she continued to flee after hitting two sets of the sticks.

The suspect drove in and out of a ditch before rolling over in front of Neighbors Pub on Highway 24 in Townville according to deputies.

It was reported that the suspect did not sustain any injuries during the crash.

Donald was apprehended and booked into the Anderson County Detention Center. Charges from other agencies involved in the chase have not been announced at this time.

The case remains under investigation by the ACSO.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  The driver who reportedly caused a rollover crash at U.S. 50 and 29 Road on Thursday received several citations.

Around 3:07 p.m., a Volkswagen Jetta traveling westbound on Highway 50 entered the intersection on a red light and collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander, causing the Outlander to roll onto its top, Colorado State Patrol told WesternSlopeNow.

The driver of the Jetta was transported to St. Marys Regional Hospital with serious injuries while the passenger was uninjured. Both occupants were minors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The driver of the Jetta was cited for careless driving causing injury, no proof of insurance and no valid drivers license. She was also issued a revocation for not having valid insurance.

All four occupants of the Outlander were transported to the hospital. The driver and one of the passengers suffered serious injuries while the other two had moderate injuries.

None of the injuries were life-threatening, CSP said.

Mesa County Sheriffs Office, CSP and the Grand Junction Fire Department responded to the collision.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A 31-year-old man was killed after crashing into a tree in the Mission Bay area Friday morning, said officials with the San Diego Police Department.

A call came in shortly before 5:30 a.m. reporting the collision in the 1400 block of Quivira Way, which is in the area of Hospitality Point Park, according to the San Diego Police Department.

The driver of a 2020 Jeep Wrangler was traveling at a high rate of speed in a 2020 Jeep Wrangler westbound on Quivira Way when he struck the east curb of the round-about, left the roadway and collided into a tree, per SDPD.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Responding officers discovered that the driver of the vehicle was dead. No other people were located at the scene.

Police confirmed the Jeep Wrangler was later reported as stolen by the owner a few hours after the crash.

It is unknown if driving under the influence was a factor in the collision.

The identity of the deceased individual has not yet been released.

No further details were immediately provided. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at (619) 235-8477

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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Jan. 2A clandestine meetup to buy some vapes and marijuana-related products turned into a technology-aided robbery and an attempted first-degree murder inside a Lexus parked outside a Salem mall, police allege.

Ronald Joseph Marino III, 18, of Manchester was arraigned Thursday morning after being arrested along with a 14-year-old in connection with a stabbing in the parking lot outside the Mall at Rockingham Park's food court the day after Christmas.

Marino is accused of stabbing a 20-year-old Windham man during a scuffle inside a parked sedan when the two tried to exchange money via the Cash App on the victim's smartphone, court documents show. Instead of transferring the agreed-upon fee in the illicit exchange, Marino attempted to send $1,000 to an unidentified female's account, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim, whose name has not been released, was taken to Lawrence General Hospital in Massachusetts before being flown by helicopter to a Boston hospital with life-threatening injuries to his diaphragm. The man survived surgery, was conscious and in critical but stable condition. He spent several days in the hospital's intensive care unit, police said.

Marino was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempted first-degree murder during a robbery, first-degree assault with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, reckless conduct with a deadly weapon and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The 14-year-old was charged with first-degree assault, armed robbery, attempted murder and reckless conduct with a deadly weapon.

"Once (the victim) realized that Marino was attempting to transfer $1,000 from (the victim's) account to another, without authorization or consent to do so, (he) attempted to regain control of his cell phone from Marino," police said in an affidavit filed in Salem District Court.

Marino allegedly told the victim, "I'm gonna take this," referring to the money while holding a knife in his hand, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The two fought for the phone in the front seats and Marino instructed the 14-year-old, who was sitting in the back seat, to "poke" the victim, police said. When the victim turned his attention to the 14-year-old, Marino stabbed him in the torso, according to the affidavit.

The three then exited the car and the victim and Marino "traded blows" before Marino and the 14-year-old left the scene.

When investigators interviewed the victim in his hospital room on Monday, he told detectives he was certain Marino stabbed him. Investigators found a knife in the front passenger side floorboard during a search of the Lexus.

Police have not released the 14-year-old's name or residence because he's a juvenile. According to court documents, the 14-year-old knew the victim and introduced Marino as his "older brother."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A short time after the incident, Catholic Medical Center staff in Manchester reported that a stabbing victim with a knife wound to his arm arrived at their emergency room. The victim was identified as being involved in the incident in Salem, police said.

Salem detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in Londonderry related to the investigation and a vehicle seen fleeing the scene at the mall parking lot was found abandoned in Salem.

dpierce@unionleader.com
Officials at Duke Energy told Channel 9s climate reporter Michelle Alfini that their grid is ready for a stretch of below-average temperatures.

Millions across the Carolinas will rely on their furnaces or heat pumps to keep them safe and warm.

Were coming into the months where we typically see our highest energy usage, said Jeff Brooks, Duke Energy spokesman.

The utility company prepares well ahead of time to ensure they have enough power to meet the need, Brooks said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If Duke Energy doesnt do that, thousands could be left in the cold. It happened just over two years ago.

On the morning of Christmas Eve 2022, frigid temperatures caused failures in the both the generation and power delivery system.

Last Christmas Eve, Duke Energy turned off power to 500,000; could it happen again?

(It) was a very unique set of circumstances, because you had everywhere east of the Mississippi, essentially in extreme temperatures, Brooks said.

At the same time, a surge in energy demand meant customers needed more power than Duke Energy could provide. The utility wasnt able to purchase power from neighboring utilities, because many were experiencing the same pinch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a result, to prevent the grid from overloading, the company turned off power to its customers for hours.

In the years since, Brooks said Duke Energy has made adjustments to improve forecasting and maintenance to ensure theyre ready for the next cold snap.

We always have work that goes on at some of our plants and we try to schedule that so that we have as many resources available during the coldest months, Brooks said.

So far, Brooks said Duke Energy is not planning to request that customers conserve power.

For those concerned about high energy bills, he said efficient heat makes the biggest difference to the grid and your home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The closer you get that thermostat to the outside temperature, even just two or three degrees can make a big difference on how much heat youre using and generate some energy savings for you, he said. Certainly, keeping your air filters clean, opening up the blinds on the sunny side of the house during the day to let natural heat in.

Should energy demand rise, Duke Energy may ask customers to avoid high-energy tasks, which include running appliances or charging electric cars in the early morning hours. Need for power during cold months typically peaks between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. so shifting high energy tasks to midday could help moderate the energy load.

Customers who have voluntarily signed up for programs, such as EnergyWise, which allows Duke Energy to adjust their power usage during peak demand, may notice temporary changes to their thermostats.

VIDEO: Duke Energy takes next step to retire coal steam plants
Above the equator, winter officially begins in December. But in many areas, January is when it really takes hold. Atmospheric scientist Deanna Hence explains the weather and climate factors that combine to produce wintry conditions at the turn of the year.

How does the Earths orbit influence our daylight and temperatures?

As the Earth orbits the sun, it spins around an axis  picture a stick going through the Earth, from the North Pole to the South Pole. During the 24 hours that it takes for the Earth to rotate once around its axis, every point on its surface faces toward the Sun for part of the time and away from it for part of the time. This is what causes daily changes in sunlight and temperature.

There are two other important factors: First, the Earth is round, although its not a perfect sphere. Second, its axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees relative to its path around the Sun. As a result, light falls directly on its equator but strikes the North and South poles at angles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When one of the poles points more toward the Sun than the other pole, that half of the planet gets more sunlight than the other half, and its summer in that hemisphere. When that pole tilts away from the Sun, that half of the Earth gets less sunlight and its winter there.

Earths tilt as it orbits around the Sun puts that one part of the planet more directly exposed to the Suns rays. iStock via Getty Images

Seasonal changes are the most dramatic at the poles, where the changes in light are most extreme. During the summer, a pole receives 24 hours of sunlight and the Sun never sets. In the winter, the Sun never rises at all.

At the equator, which gets consistent direct sunlight, theres very little change in day length or temperature year-round. People who live in high and middle latitudes, closer to the poles, can have very different ideas about seasons from those who live in the tropics.

Theres an old saying, As the days lengthen, the cold strengthens. Why does it often get colder in January even though were gaining daylight?

It depends on where you are in the world and where your air is coming from.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earths surface constantly absorbs energy from the Sun and stores it as heat. It also emits heat back into space. Whether the surface is warming or cooling depends on the balance between how much solar radiation the planet is absorbing and how much it is radiating away.

But Earths surface isnt uniform. Land typically heats up and cools off much faster than water. Water requires more energy to raise and lower its temperature, so it warms and cools more slowly. Because of this difference, water is a better heat reservoir than land  especially big bodies of water, like oceans. Thats why we tend to see bigger swings between warm and cold inland than in coastal areas.

The farther north you live, the longer it takes for the amount and intensity of daylight to start significantly increasing in midwinter, since your location is tilting away from the Sun. In the meantime, those areas that are getting little sunlight keep radiating heat out to space. As long as they receive less sunlight than the heat they emit, they will keep getting colder. This is especially true over land, which loses heat much more easily than water.

As the Earth rotates, air circulates around it in the atmosphere. If air moving into your area comes largely from places like the Arctic that dont get much sun in winter, you may be on the receiving end of bitterly cold air for a long time. That happens in the Great Plains and Midwest when cold air swoops down from Canada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But if your air comes across a body of water that keeps a more even temperature through the year, these swings can be significantly evened out. Seattle is downwind from an ocean, which is why it is many degrees warmer than Boston in the winter even though its farther north than Boston.

How quickly do we lose daylight before the solstice and gain it back afterward?

This depends strongly on your location. The closer you are to one of the poles, the faster the rate of change in daylight is. Thats why Alaska can go from having hardly any daylight in the winter to hardly any darkness in the summer.

Even for a particular location, the change is not constant through the year. The rate of change in daylight is slowest at the solstices  December in winter, June in summer  and fastest at the equinoxes, in mid-March and mid-September. This change occurs as the area on Earth receiving direct sunlight swings from 23.5 N latitude  about as far north of the equator as Miami  to 23.5 S latitude, about as far south of the equator as Asuncion, Paraguay.

Whats happening on the opposite side of the planet right now?

In terms of daylight, folks on the other side of the planet are seeing the exact opposite of what were seeing. Right now, theyre at the peak of their summer and are enjoying the largest amounts of daylight that theyre going to get for the year. I do research on Argentinian hailstorms and Indian Ocean tropical cyclones, and both of those warm-weather storm seasons are well into their peaks right now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

[Over 140,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletters to understand the world. Sign up today.]

But theres a key difference: The Southern Hemisphere has a lot less land and a lot more water than the Northern Hemisphere. Thanks to the influence of the southern oceans, land masses in the Southern Hemisphere tend to have fewer very extreme temperatures than land in the Northern Hemisphere does.

So even though a spot on the opposite side of the planet from your location may receive exactly as much sunlight now as your area does in summer, the weather there may be different from the summer conditions you are used to. But it still can be fun to imagine a warm summer breeze on the far side of the Earth  especially in a snowy January.

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: Deanna Hence, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more:



Deanna Hence receives funding from NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Illinois Campus Research Board.
NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK)  A Nacogdoches man, accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death, was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Dec. 20.

James Edward Harris, courtesy of Nacogdoches County Jail

On Oct. 3, 2022, officers were called to a residence in the 2300 block of Elizabeth Street in reference to callers advising a family member was found deceased in the residence.

Upon arrival, officers found Rose Catherine Garner, 60 of Nacogdoches, dead from injuries caused by a a stab wound.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators obtained a homicide warrant for Garners boyfriend, James Edward Harris. He was arrested in Longview the following day and was taken to the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Center.

According to the Nacogdoches District Attorneys Office, Harris plead guilty to murdering Garner on Dec. 20 at the 420th District Court in Nacogdoches 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com.
The eastern German city of Chemnitz is due to kick off its year as European Capital of Culture on January 18 with an opening ceremony attended by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and other dignitaries in front of 700 invited guests.

Others attending include Federal Culture Commissioner Claudia Roth, Saxony Premier Michael Kretschmer and European Culture Commissioner Glenn Micallef, the city authorities announced on Friday.

Chemnitz is to receive the Melina Mercouri Prize worth 1.5 million ($1.55 million) during the ceremony, which is to be held in the city's opera house and to be broadcast live on public television.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An event is to be held at the Marx Monument, one of the city's best-known landmarks on the same day. The communist authorities renamed the city Karl-Marx-Stadt (Karl Marx City) in 1953, but the name reverted to Chemnitz in 1990 following a city referendum after the fall of the communist regime and German reunification.

The city, which lies in the state of Saxony across the border from the Czech Republic, is expecting tens of thousands of visitors during the year.
An easyJet flight was forced to return to Bristol Airport after just over one hour in the air after experiencing a technical issue.

EasyJet flight EZY2963 took off at 10.27am on Thursday 2 January for what was meant to be a three-hour flight to Marrakech, Morocco.

However, roughly 30 minutes into the flight, as the Airbus A320 was passing over northwest France, the plane diverted its course and turned back around.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The flight landed back in Bristol at 11.38am, just over an hour since departing from the UK.

EasyJet confirmed that the flight did return to its departure airport shortly after take-off due to a technical issue, however no further details were given as to what the issue was.

The aircraft landed normally and was met by emergency services as a routine and precautionary measure, a spokesperson for the airline told The Independent.

Passengers disembarked into the terminal where we provided refreshments and a replacement aircraft and crew were arranged to continue the flight that afternoon.

Data from FlightAware shows that an easyJet flight from Bristol to Marrakech departed at 3.24pm later that day, arriving in the Moroccan capital at 7.27pm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The safety of our customers and crew is easyJets highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers guidelines, the spokesperson added.

"We would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.

The incident comes one week after another easyJet flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Bari, Italy, after a teenage girl allegedly threatened cabin crew and tried to open the plane door.

Flight EZY8556 left Antalya, Turkey at 11.20pm local time on 27 December for a four-hour journey to London Gatwick, but just over two hours in it was diverted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A passenger who was on the flight claimed that the plane landed in Italy due to security reasons after a girl caused chaos onboard.

The passenger told The Sun that the girl had a series of outbursts before she tried to open the door and she broke the handle and threatened to stab a crew member.

EasyJet confirmed that its flight on 27 December was diverted to Bari and was met by police after landing due to a passenger behaving disruptively on board.

EasyJets cabin crew are trained to assess and evaluate all situations and acted quickly and appropriately to ensure that the safety of the flight and other passengers was not compromised at any time, it added.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
EasyJet is reducing the amount of paint it applies to each of its aircraft in a bid to reduce fuel consumption and cut carbon emissions.

The carrier said it has become the first airline anywhere in the world to trial a system that requires thinner layers of paint to be applied in order to achieve the same finish.

Rather than receive two full coats, planes will now get a thin grip layer followed by a full second coat. That will be sufficient to shave what the airline called a modest 27kg off the weight of each aircraft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While that is only a little more than EasyJets weight limit for one standard hold bag, which is 23kg, Lahiru Ranasinghe, the airlines sustainability director, said the new paint scheme forms a small part of a bigger strategy.

Once the paint has been applied across the entire fleet by 2029, the project will deliver annual savings of almost 1,300 metric tons of jet fuel and more than 4,000 tons of CO2.

Some 38 aircraft have already been turned out in the high-performance paint from German manufacturer Mankiewicz Aviation Coatings, with the whole fleet now set to get the same treatment.

EasyJet said the step is one of a number of incremental measures being adopted to make its aircraft lighter. This reduces fuel burn and cuts costs while at the same time minimising carbon emissions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Ranasinghe said the company was assessing every single part of our operation to find efficiency gains.

Airlines are resorting to increasingly desperate measures to reduce emissions as carriers scramble to fulfil a pledge to have net zero emissions by 2050.

The industry is an outlier in the race to decarbonise compared with sectors such as car manufacturing, where electric vehicles are already rolling off production lines.

Electric and hydrogen propulsion are still many years away for all but the smallest planes, leaving airlines reliant on the increased use of so-called sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce their emissions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

SAF, which is recovered from used cooking oil, must make up at least 2pc of all jet fuel used in flights from UK airports in 2025 by law, rising to 10pc in 2030. Airlines fear the targets may be unattainable given low production volumes and high costs for the fuel.

EasyJet said it had cut CO2 emissions per passenger for each mile flown by a third since 2000, largely by retiring older, less efficient jets and switching to newer models.

According to a blueprint set out in 2022 it aims to shrink its carbon footprint by 35pc by 2035 compared with pre-Covid levels. The company said in September that it had so far achieved a 5pc improvement.

Planned measures include further fleet renewal and operational efficiencies, together with higher SAF uptake. Gains from modernising air traffic control, which the Government has pledged to deliver, as well as currently unproven carbon-capture technology may also help.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

EasyJet has also partnered with aerospace manufacturers including Airbus, Rolls-Royce and GKN in their efforts to deliver fully zero carbon propulsion systems.

The Luton-based firms orange and white aircraft will receive the new coating at a Dutch paint shop run by Dublin-based maintenance specialist MAAS Aviation.

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.
Lake Michigan | Susan J. Demas

While many are using the new year as a motivator to set new goals and commit to positive change, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has shared resolutions of its own, laying out plans for protecting the Great Lakes in 2025 and onward in its annual state of the Great Lakes Report.

The report, released in late December, takes stock of 2024 victories for protecting the Great Lakes against threats like invasive carp while laying out additional plans for preservation, restoration and remediation, including efforts to address plastic pollution, decarbonize ports and taking the steps toward removing mine waste from shorelines in Lake Superior.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This year will also mark 40 years since the creation of the Office of Great Lakes by Democratic Gov. James Blanchard, with the report counting down key efforts across the past four decades to preserve the Great Lakes. Among the most recent is the states partnership with Illinois and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advance the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project, targeting a critical pinch point to keep invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes and establishing a breeding population.

The report also spotlights the establishment of the Great Lakes Compact  a deal between the Great Lakes States and Canadian provinces to prevent the diversion of Great Lakes water, which was signed into law in 2008  as alongside Michigans role as the second state with an approved aquatic invasive species state management plan and its efforts to address legacy contamination as well as emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, as other major accomplishments.

Report-2024-Standard

According to the report, the Office of the Great Lakes will be placing an increased focus on groundwater moving forward, pointing toward an ongoing Michigan State University Study, a new groundwater section within EGLE and progress toward a Groundwater Data Management System as efforts that will improve how decisions are made around Michigans underground aquifers, calling them the sixth Great Lake.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The office will also allocate $2 million for research and recommendations on how to address plastic pollution and microplastics in the Great Lakes in 2025. It will also support policy planning, development and stewardship efforts through the Great Lakes Protection Fund, including continued work on the Michigan maritime strategy, which looks to reduce carbon emissions in commercial shipping, ferries and recreational boating and address historical environmental harm.

Updates on efforts in the Great Lakes

Alongside updates from the Office of the Great Lakes, EGLE coordinators also summarized projects and environmental protection efforts in each of the Great Lakes bordering Michigan.

For Lake Superior, researchers gathered to review field work and set priorities for project planning in 2025 and field sampling in 2026, focusing on areas like algal blooms, rising temperatures, vulnerable species and habitats and groundwater mapping.

According to the report, members of the Buffalo Reef Task Force established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are planning to remove millions of tons of mining waste  called stamp sands  from miles of Lake Superior shoreline in the Keweenaw Peninsula as well as vital spawning ground for whitefish and lake trout.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The state has continued design work for a proposed jetty into the lake and a disposal site for the dredged stamp sands. The task force will investigate funding opportunities to complete the project once cost estimates come in.

For Lake Michigan, researchers met to prep projects for 2025, focusing on concerns like how big environmental changes prevent small, young fish from reaching older, larger life stages; trends in emerging chemical contaminants like PFAS; the amount of dissolved salts in the lake; the impact of wintertime processes like ice cover on nearshore habitats and the transport of sediment; and how the lake takes in materials from tributaries.

DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization looking to reduce the impacts of manmade light, also certified Beaver Island  Lake Michigans largest island  as the states first dark sky sanctuary, one of 20 in the world. The community on the island and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will now work to create and implement programming including stargazing events and education on outdoor lighting.

For Lake Huron, researchers shared their findings on various stressors impacting the lake, with plans to build on these newfound understandings of the lakes conditions and gaps in their knowledge through additional research in 2027.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For Lake Erie, as well as Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, members of the Lake Erie partnership planned monitoring topics for their 2024 field sampling year with topics ranging from phosphorus in sediments and cyanobacteria, PFAS dynamics in the food web and a lakewide assessment of invasive quagga mussels.

While questions remained on how algae can influence reservoirs of E. coli, a bacteria which can cause severe foodborne illness and close beaches, EGLE, alongside the DNR and the St. Clair, Macomb, and Monroe county health departments received funding for enhanced monitoring at nine beaches along the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, and Lake Erie, for the 2024 beach season.

The study is expected to improve the understanding of algal blooms  a common issue for Lake Erie  and bacterial pollution in order to keep Michiganders safe while enjoying Great Lakes beaches.

The report also featured an update from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development alongside the University of Michigan Water Center on efforts to combat harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie, as these blooms can pollute drinking water, poison pets, negatively impact human health, and harm fish and other aquatic plants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As part of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the U.S. and Canada, federal, state and Canadian provincial jurisdictions are required to develop domestic action plans to reduce phosphorus and nutrient pollution into Lake Erie, as excess nutrients can lead to an overgrowth of algae.

Michigans plan aims to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering the lake 40% by 2025 when compared to levels from 2008.



The team of state leaders charged with overseeing the plan has also partnered with University of Michigan (U-M) Water Center and the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation to form the Western Lake Erie Basin Community Advisory Group representing a wide range of local government, business, environmental and agricultural stakeholders.

These groups have pledged to continue working together to raise awareness about projects and programs to improve the condition of Lake Erie.

Restoration, rehabilitation and stewardship

In addition to the monitoring efforts along the Detroit River, the report also highlights continued community and state efforts to address pollution in the body, noting how Detroits industrial history has left behind a legacy of contamination.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Alongside cleanup efforts in Detroit, the report details efforts to restore Ox Creek in the Benton Harbor area, which has lost 72% of its existing wetlands and faces concerns with pollution and neglect. According to the report, a habitat restoration plan for the creek is nearly complete, seeking to improve habitat resilience, improve and manage water quality, create economic development opportunities and places for recreation alongside building community stewardship and putting an end to illegal dumping and littering.

Additional projects to manage stormwater, flooding and water quality are also underway.

Another effort is seeking to bring arctic grayling back to Michigan streams after habitat destruction, overfishing and the introduction of brown trout led to the loss of the species in 1936. While there have been multiple previous attempts to reintroduce the fish to Michigan streams, they were unsuccessful.

The report also notes the importance of arctic grayling to northern Michigans Native American tribes, with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and other Tribal Nations working to restore the fish to Michigan streams as part of the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative, which is made up of nearly 50 member organizations. The Little River Band has begun investigating streams in the Manistee River watershed where arctic grayling could be introduced.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the fish have been stocked at three Michigan lakes, they have yet to be introduced to streams in the state. The initiatives next step will be prioritizing streams where the fertilized eggs can be stocked. Partners are conducting fish community and habitat surveys, whose results could see select streams stocked with arctic grayling eggs this year.

Biologists from the Bay Mills Indian Community, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the DNR and The Nature Conservancy are also looking to reestablish lake whitefish spawning runs in Michigan rivers, with whitefish generating the greatest income for Great Lakes commercial fisheries.

Partners have conducted Fall surveys in Lake Michigan and northern Lake Huron tributary rivers since 2018 to identify remaining river populations of lake whitefish and find habitats where they could be reintroduced. Eggs have been introduced into select tributaries since 2022 to study if these sites are feasible for reintroduction and to monitor how the young fish fare.

Alongside updates on environmental protection efforts, pollution cleanups, and plans to reintroduce species to the states waterways, the report also provides additional information about the Michigan Maritime Strategy, wetland conservation and restoration efforts, and funding to support stormwater infrastructure and septic system upgrades.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The full report is available on EGLEs website through the Office of Great Lakes.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
The News

El Salvador recorded only 114 homicides in 2024, a record low, prompting the president to call it the safest country in the Western Hemisphere.

The new figures  lower per capita than the US, despite a major drop there too  mark a remarkable turnaround for the country that once had the worlds highest murder rate.

However critics say El Salvadors progress has come at a steep cost: Around 80,000 people  more than 1% of the countrys total population  have been jailed without due process, while at least 354 have died in government custody. Now President Nayib Bukele is facing pressure to boost the economy. While hopes are high, so are concerns, DW reported.
The top election candidate for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Alice Weidel, expects to hold a live online conversation with tech billionaire Elon Musk on January 9, Weidel announced on Friday.

Musk, a close adviser to US President-elect Donald Trump and a major political donor, recently created controversy by wading into German politics with a ful-throated endorsement of the AfD in an opinion piece in the Sunday edition of Die Welt newspaper.

Trump has also said that Musk will have an official role in the next US administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The conversation between Musk and Weidel will be hosted on Musk's X platform and is planned for 7 pm (1800 GMT) on January 9, Weidel said in a post on X.

"The main topics will be freedom of expression and the AfD's ideas for a sustainable Germany," Weidel's spokesman, Daniel Tapp, told dpa.

Two days later, Weidel is expected to be officially put forward as the party's top candidate at a national AfD party conference ahead of parliamentary elections on February 23.

An X user made the suggestion for the meeting with Weidel after Musk's controversial opinion piece endorsing the AfD.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The billionaire, who owns electric carmaker Tesla and private space firm SpaceX among other firms, later responded to a pro-AfD influencer: "Wait until Alice and I do an X-Spaces conversation. They will lose their minds" - accompanied by two laughing faces with tears.

Weidel's spokesman said that there has been regular contact between Musk's team and the AfD for months now, although there has not yet been a personal meeting between Weidel and Musk.

The AfD spokesman, however, rejected a rumour that Weidel might attend Trump's inauguration in Washington on January 20. He said that Weidel would be busy campaigning ahead of German elections.
Elon Musk was personally praised by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill on Thursday for his help in the aftermath of the deadly explosion outside of a Nevada luxury hotel owned by President-elect Donald Trump on New Years Day.

A rented Cybertruck, manufactured by the tech billionaires company Tesla, pulled up outside the Trump International Hotel at approximately 8.40am on Wednesday morning, began to smoke and then blew up in a hail of fireworks, with the driver  US Army veteran Matthew Livelsberger  ultimately found dead inside.

Seven more people were injured in the incident and the hotel had to be evacuated, with the drama unfolding just hours after another vehicle ploughed into a crowd in New Orleans, Louisiana, killing 15 people and wounding many more, leading to initial speculation that the two events might be linked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I have to thank Elon Musk specifically, Sheriff McMahill said during his press conference on Thursday.

He gave us quite a bit of additional information in regards to how the vehicle was locked after it exploded. He sent that directly to us, so I appreciate his help.

Musk sent a team of mechanics to Las Vegas to help investigators retrieve data and video from the smouldering remains of the truck on Thursday, The Washington Post reports, and was also able to provide footage from Tesla charging stations across the country that helped chart the vehicles journey west from Denver, Colorado, to the Nevada resort city.

Musk posted frequently on his social media platform X in the immediate hours after the blast, announcing that his Tesla team were investigating, moving quickly to deny that a technical fault had played a part, threatening lawsuits against media outlets over their reporting, suggesting terrorism had been the drivers motive and claiming that the robustness of the trucks design had greatly reduced the extent of the damage and devastation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack, he said during his posting on the disaster.

Tesla, SpaceX and X boss Elon Musk, the worlds richest man (PA)

Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken.

Sheriff McMahill agreed with that assessment, telling reporters: The fact that this was a Cybertruck really limited the damage that occurred inside of the valet [parking area] because it had most of the blast go up through the truck and out.

However, the law enforcement officers disclosures about the extent of Musks support only provoked further questions from the public on Reddit, with users posing questions in response to his comments via a CuratedTumblr thread entitled Asking some reasonable questions about Elon Musks help with the Cybertruck bombing case.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill at Thursdays press conference on the explosion (Getty)

The sheriffs revelation that the Cybertruck had been locked at the time of the explosion prompted one person to ask: How come the truck automatically locks when it blocks and bursts into flames [?]

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How come Elon Musk has access to security footage of your charging your car [?] asked another.

The investigation into precisely what happened on Wednesday is still ongoing and more details are likely to be disclosed as it proceeds.

The flaming Cybertuck outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Wednesday January 1 2025 (Alcides Antunes/Reuters)

But the answer to the second question is that modern vehicles carry ever-more sophisticated on-board technology, with Teslas in particular featuring a wealth of sensors, cameras and mobile transmitters that gather real-time diagnostic information and even driving footage to provide live updates on the health of the car in the greater interests of safety.

All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion, Musk reported in one of his X posts, meaning that his team had been able to determine that the Cybertruck in question was not experiencing a fault at the time of ignition, meaning the catalyst for the disaster lay elsewhere.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Teslas privacy policy declares that it collects readings from its vehicles in order to improve its products but adds that encrypted data can be accessed by its team to investigate safety events like Wednesdays explosion  or to comply with law enforcement and other government requests.

The extent of Teslas ability to collect data from drivers  even if it enables the company to aid the police, as in the present case  has been the subject of criticism on privacy grounds in recent years, with Professor Matthew Wansley of the Cardozo School of Law telling the Post this week: On the one hand, every business wants to have a good relationship with local law enforcement.

But on the other hand, you dont want consumers to think that youre just going to be sharing their data without a subpoena.
DRUMORE TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM)  A heads up for residents in part of Lancaster and York counties: a hydroelectric plant along the Susquehanna River is planning to test their emergency siren next week.

The Muddy Run Pumped Storage Facility will test its siren around 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9.

A brief tone will sound, followed by the statement This is a test, This is a test, and the test will last about two minutes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Six sets of loudspeakers are set up upstream and downstream of the facility in Drumore Township, Lancaster County, and in Lower Chanceford and Peach Bottom townships in York County.

Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here

The siren is tested every three months as another way to alert the public, especially cottage owners downstream, of an emergency.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The investigation continues Friday into who broke into a community staple on New Years Eve night.

It happened at Austins Coffee off of West Fair Banks Avenue, and according to staff, someone had smashed the front door open with a brick.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Inside the restaurant, the smell of java and the sense of a close-knit community surround the cozy space.

I like to affectionately refer to Austins as your favorite cousins garage that got turned into a cafe, Tristan Aguire, a barista and supervisor at Austins Coffee, said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read: Your air fryer may be spying on you

As the shop prepared to enter 2025 with an uncertain future after the city purchased its property in November, it wasnt prepared to be broken into and stolen.

They didnt steal money, they didnt damage any of the equipment, they didnt steal any of the other valuable things we have here, they just stole beer, Aguire said.

Aguire said security cameras didnt catch the break-in. Now, Winter Park Police are actively investigating and looking for leads.

Read: 50 hours, 33 ponds: how a sonar group closed a 10-year missing person case

They caused roughly $2,500 in damage to steal only about $200-$300 in beer, Aguire said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The economy and competition with name-brand establishments are reasons Aguire said it has been an uphill battle to keep Austins doors open.

He said while facing setbacks after setbacks, it would be a disadvantage to the community and small businesses for the more than twenty-year-old cafe to close shop.

Read: Florida bill aims to provide free school meals to all public school students

Its frustrating when theres a new day to start entirely clean, bring in friendly customers, and now it looks like were more closed than ever, Aguire said.

Employees told Channel 9 that community members have offered to donate to get the front door repaired.

For now, the owners ask everyone to come out and support the small business.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
EMPORIA (KSNT)  Emporia is ringing in the new year with the official opening of its brand new skate park in Whittier Park Thursday Jan. 2.

The city first announced its plans for the new skate park back in 2023. The park cost $500,000 to build and took nearly a year and a half to come to life. Emporia now has two skate parks, one at Whittier Park and one at Santa Fe Park.

Local skaters have already noticed some differences between the two parks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It has a lot more different obstacles, Emporia native, Symone Vongthega said. It turned out good.

One skater touched on the new parks overall visual appearance.

New Mexican restaurant coming to Topeka in January

Its more vibrant for sure, skater Dusty Stockton said. It will draw a lot more attention. Its really nice. I like it a lot. I love the colors, the flow of the park is really nice.

Stockton and his friends made the hour drive to Emporia from Wichita today to celebrate the opening. They plan to come back to the city to enjoy the park once warmer weather starts to hit.

I cant wait to come up here when we can get a nice warm session cause that cold definitely makes it a bit harder to commit to those scarier tricks, skater Jaden Zhilger said. Im excited for the summer to come back for sure.

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.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)  Coastal Carolina University continues to mourn the passing of one of the schools top executives.

Travis Overton, who died on Tuesday, served as the schools vice president for executive initiatives/chief of staff. He had worked at the school since 2007, and those who worked with him and knew him well said his big smile reflected his big heart.

Coastal Carolina President Michael Benson said Overton was someone truly special to work with. Having worked in higher education for 30-plus years, Benson said Overton was the kind of person who always went above and beyond to make everyone feel heard and seen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He engaged people, Benson said. He did it in a way that made you feel like youre the most important person in the world, and thats how Ill remember him.

Benson said Overtons passion for the school resonated with everyone he crossed paths with, especially his students. He added that 98% of the tributes on social media since Overtons passing have been from Coastal students, with post after post describing how caring of a mentor he was to every student on campus.

One of our trustees described him as our Swiss Army knife, Benson said. If there was a task to do and we needed somebody to do it, we asked Travis. When my wife, Debbie and I met him, we were immediately so impressed with him. He had just had this way with people, immediately set people at ease.

Screenshot

Tabitha D. James said she met Overton in 2009 after committing to CCU. From their first interaction, she said she could feel the energy and passion he had as a staff member working on the campus. His compassion for everyone he met is what she said set him apart.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I remember him losing his mom and us really talking through that, and he was there for me when I lost mine, James said, As a person who knew and loved him, I cant imagine what it would feel like as a family member, because, I mean, he feels like my family, like [a] brother, uncle, mentor, friend that I never ask for, dont know how I got but adored, and so I cant fathom how anyone elses even feeling.

James said seeing so many people from all walks of life come together and recognize how wonderful a person he was is a beautiful thing.

Everybodys just a person at a university, James said. You could just be, you know, be a number or just be another coworker. But with so many people being impacted, it speaks to his character. By individualizing his relationships with everyone, remembering your name or something from your conversations together or something about you, whether thats personally or professionally, things that they dont see in themselves.

Benson said Overtons dedication to his work didnt go unnoticed, adding that he did so with dignity and perseverance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As many other staff members continued to grieve Overtons death on Thursday, a slideshow of pictures played at the Edward M. Singleton Building on campus, giving everyone an opportunity to discuss the fondest memories they shared with Overton.

Benson said one of their last conversations came during a recent faculty staff meeting. Benson said Overtron was always the person who knew how to diffuse a situation that could potentially be combustible. He could also relate to people and hear their concerns while also addressing them and coming up with a solution.

With a void thats now left with Travis passing, weve got to kind of settle in and figure out what were going to do, Benson said, Strategically, Travis was the point person for our relations locally with Conway cty, with Myrtle Beach city, with the county, and well have to figure out how were going to tackling that.

James said Overtons lasting impact will always be remembered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You didnt have to be involved, she said. You didnt have to have some big title on campus or in the community, and he still gave you the respect and remembered something about you, and people dont do that. If I had any last words, I think Id keep it very simple to say thank you for the impact, for the time, for the dedication, and for the example of what it means to truly embody what it is that you do during your time here on earth.

* * *

Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
An unbridled environmental disaster is looming over the wildlife that call Oklahoma and northeast Texas home. Tucked away in southeast Oklahoma, heavily forested Pushmataha County is home to an astonishing array of biodiversity. But a proposed water reservoir and power transmission project is poised to drown nearly 1,500 acres of habitat that imperiled mussels, bats, birds and reptiles depend on.

Its frankly astonishing that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has let the development come this far. Through every step of the application process, tribes, residents and community groups have consistently opposed the project.

But so far, the Southeast Oklahoma Power Corp. and federal government have yet to heed those calls and instead proceeded with the hydroelectric power storage facility proposal. If completed, the project would send its electricity across state lines into Texas unregulated power markets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It's easy to see why the people directly hurt by this ruthless environmental exploitation oppose it.

More: Southeastern Oklahoma hydropower plant opposed by state and tribal leaders

The project would siphon off up to 15% of the water from the Kiamichi River, which more than 30 species of freshwater mussels and 100 fish species rely on. This includes three mussels that are protected under the Endangered Species Act. One protected mussel species thats culturally important to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma  the Ouachita rock pocketbook mussel  would likely be driven extinct by the project.

Beyond the reservoirs, the power corporation is proposing to build 76 miles of new transmission lines that would crisscross places where dozens of imperiled species live. Indiana and northern long-eared bats, American burying beetles, 34 species of amphibians, 20 aquatic reptiles and many migratory birds sit on the chopping block, as their homes would be bulldozed and clear-cut for construction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, residents within the Kiamichi River Basin, who rely on well water, could see their wells run dry if the headwaters of Long Creek are dammed to fill the projects massive reservoirs.

The United States has some of the worlds strongest laws designed to protect plants, animals and people. These ensure that our shared natural heritage is preserved for future generations. The Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act all require projects to take steps to protect species. But theres no indication that Southeast Oklahoma Power Corp. has taken any steps to meet the requirements of these laws.

To place so many animals and plants in harms way for profit is unconscionable. Thats one reason why the project is widely opposed by so many Texans and Oklahomans. In fact, local landowners have submitted over 1,000 letters in opposition to the project.

Both the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Chickasaw Nation oppose the project, along with agencies and cities in both Oklahoma and Texas and Republican U.S. Reps. Josh Brecheen (2nd District  Oklahoma) and Nathaniel Moran (1st District  Texas).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Americans learned hard lessons when the Tennessee Valley Authority was allowed to flood nearly a half-million acres for power projects. These projects displaced thousands of people from their homes and, had it not been for U.S. Supreme Court intervention, would have driven the endangered snail darter extinct.

Lets not repeat those same mistakes here. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should ensure that vulnerable plants, animals and communities arent harmed by energy projects. We urge the agency to stand with the people of Oklahoma and Texas and reject this impending catastrophe.

Tara Zuardo

Seth Willyard

Tara Zuardo is senior campaigner with the environmental nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity. Seth Willyard is a board member of the Kiamichi River Legacy Alliance and Oklahoma resident.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Power project in SE Oklahoma shouldn't be allowed to proceed | Opinion
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.)  The El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO) announced that the body of 37-year-old Stephen Walker has been found, and an arrest warrant has been issued for an individual allegedly involved.

EPSO said on Tuesday, Dec. 31, an arrest warrant was issued for 46-year-old Johnny Rankin Morris who was a suspect in the disappearance of Walker who went missing on Dec. 19, 2024.

Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriffs Office, photo is of Stephen Walker.

Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriffs Office, photo is of Johnny Rankin Morris.

On Dec. 19, EPSO deputies were called to a home in the 1800 block of Pima Road in the Cimarron Hills area. A missing persons report was filed for Walker and Morris after detectives found a large pool of blood in the home where Walker and Morris lived.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Dec. 24, Park County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) deputies obtained a Welfare Check request for Timmy Huston of Hartsel. During the Welfare Check, a deputy found Walkers car one and a half miles from Hustons home. Deputies found Huston dead in his home later on Dec. 24. Law Enforcement sent an alert for Morris and 43-year-old Hailey Cole, who were believed to be traveling to Mississippi in Hustons truck.

ARREST PHOTOS: Man, woman wanted in Colorado captured in Mississippi

According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Morris and Cole were arrested by the Pearl River County Sheriffs Office in Mississippi on Dec. 30.

The arrest warrants for Morris and Cole list the following felony counts:

First-Degree Murder  Intent/Deliberation

Aggravated Robbery

First-Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft

Tampering with Evidence of Felony Crime

Conspiracy

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday, Jan. 3, EPSO announced a body was found in a wooded area outside of El Paso County and was identified by the El Paso County Coroners Office as Walker. Morris is facing additional charges in El Paso County of First-Degree Murder, Tampering with a Deceased Human Body, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Morris is awaiting extradition from Mississippi.

I speak for my entire Office when I say our heartfelt prayers are with Mr. Walkers family and friends as they navigate this tragic situation, said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. Although there is no way to ease their broken hearts, we hope to ease their burden by holding the individual who senselessly took Stephens life accountable to the fullest extent of the 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 FOX21 News Colorado.
A report containing findings by the Office of Congressional Ethics, released Thursday, provides details of multiple campaign transactions and official government office activities by U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick that investigators said may have violated House rules and federal law.

The Broward-Palm Beach county Democrat, first elected in a January 2022 special election, has been under investigation for almost her entire time in Congress. An investigative subcommittee of the House Ethics Committee has been working on the case for more than a year, but has not taken any public action.

The document released on Thursday is the Office of Congressional Ethics findings of fact and citations to law about its investigation that prompted the Ethics Committee to begin its own inquiry and set up the investigative subcommittee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 576 pages of materials  including the findings of fact and copies of campaign finance reports, interview transcripts, bank statements and text message exchanges  were released because of a deadline in U.S. House rules.

Cherfilus-McCormick said through a spokesperson that the newly released document does not mean she has done anything wrong.

The findings, released along with supporting documents, said Cherfilus-McCormick did not cooperate with the Office of Congressional Ethics investigation. Neither did her campaign organization, her relatives, or Mark Goodrich, a political consultant described in the report as her de facto campaign manager in 2021 and 2022 and someone who did work for her congressional office after she was elected.

The Office of Congressional Ethics said it relied on information from interviews with and documents provided by others, along with text messages and emails to and from the congresswoman. Some of those interviewed were named; another eight were identified with labels such as Staffer 1 and Witness 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement, Cherfilus-McCormick said: As stated in the Committees public statement, the investigative subcommittee has not concluded its review of the allegations, and the release of OCEs Findings is simply a result of the House investigative process. The fact that the allegations were referred for further review does not indicate any violation has occurred. I plan on continuing to collaborate with the Committee and its Investigative Subcommittee.

Goodrich didnt immediately respond Thursday to an email sent to an address he used in 2022.

Findings

In its findings, the Office of Congressional Ethics indicated there is substantial reason to believe four allegations involving Cherfilus-McCormick, her campaign or her congressional office.

State PAC Payments. The office said there was substantial reason to believe she made payments to a state political action committee in connection with her campaign and failed to report these payments as contributions to her campaign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It said SCM Consulting Group, owned by Cherfilus-McCormick, made 30 payments totaling $269,424 during the 2021-2022 special election campaign to Leadership in Action PAC. The report described Goodrich as Leadership in Actions executive director and also said he appears to have been functionally responsible for the PAC.

During that time Leadership in Action made $116,794 in payments to Goodrich, the report said, and SCM Consulting accounted for the vast majority of Leadership in Actions contributions.

The report said Goodrich effectively served as her campaign manager and Leadership in Action also made payments to vendors on behalf of her campaign.

The office said the payments to the PAC may have violated federal reporting requirements and, if the money was not from her personal funds, could have violated limits on the size of campaign contributions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2021 and 2022, the Federal Election Commission website shows that individual contributions were limited to $2,900 for each primary or election.

Related Articles

Services received. The office said there was substantial reason to believe her congressional office received services related to franked communications and other official work from an individual who was not compensated with official funds.

Franked communications are the official, government-paid mass communication from a member of the House to constituents, often in the form of newsletters.

The findings said Goodrich was extensively involved in the preparation and placement of the franked communications, including multiple mailers and television and radio spots, which were considered official business, even though he wasnt on the government payroll.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Excessive contributions. The report said there was substantial reason to believe her campaign committee accepted and failed to report contributions exceeding contribution limits. The report said it couldnt determine the source of some political spending, whether it came from her personal funds or a business.

If they werent personal funds, the report said the contributions would have been subject to federal campaign contribution limits.

It said the timing, scale and sources of money warrant further review. The report, citing financial disclosures, said Cherfilus-McCormick reported her income increasing by more than $6 million between 2020 and 2021.

Unreported transactions. The report said there was substantial reason to believe her campaign committee failed to report transactions between the campaign committees bank account and Rep. Cherfilus-McCormicks business bank accounts. In a separate section, the report said the office found evidence of transactions between Rep Cherfilus-McCormicks campaign committee and her businesses that were not reported on federal campaign finance filings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The office said it identified three instances in which apparent transfers between Cherfilus-McCormicks campaign bank account and her business accounts were not reported on federal campaign finance reports, including a $25,294 payment from the campaign to EC Firm, a Florida limited liability company half owned by Cherfilus-McCormick with her brother as the registered agent and manager.

Edwin Cherfilus told the office that the money was withdrawn from her corporate equity account but that she opted to return the funds back to her equity account. The report said the campaign reported making a payment to the EC Firm  but didnt report receiving the money in the first place.

The office said it obtained documents showing $88,828 was transferred from the campaign committee to SCM Consulting, the limited liability company wholly owned by the future congresswoman, in June 2021. But it said the campaign didnt report an expenditure on that date to Cherfilus-McCormick or her firm.

It also cited one of the loans Cherfilus-McCormick reported making to her campaign, $10,000 on Aug. 17, 2021. On the same date, it said documents show a $10,000 transfer from the campaign to SCM Consulting but that the transfer wasnt reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

(Article continues after this document.)

Campaign manager

The office said that much of its review concerned conduct involving Goodrich. It described him as her campaign manager in 2021 and 2022.

Although an individual named Willis P. Howard officially held the title of campaign manager with respect to Rep. Cherfilus-McCormicks campaigns, Mark Goodrich appears to have actually managed the campaigns  Multiple witnesses understood Mark Goodrich  not Willis P. Howard  to be the campaign manager.

The activities the report cited included the payments from the limited liability company to the state PAC and services he provided to her official office after Cherfilus-McCormick was sworn in as a member of Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The report said after she was elected, Goodrich performed work for Cherfilus-McCormicks official office, including on the franked communications to constituents even though she did not report compensating him with official funds. At the same time Mark Goodrich was providing these services to Rep. Cherfilus-McCormicks congressional office, he was also overseeing her campaign for re-election.

During her 2022 reelection campaign, the report said a Florida corporation paid more than $150,000 for campaign mailers on behalf of the campaign apparently at Mark Goodrichs direction but her campaign did not report the payments as contributions, and the payments exceeded federal limits on campaign contributions.

The report said a Florida company, Truth & Justice Inc., made three wire transfers totaling over $150,000 to a graphics and printing vendor for mailers ordered by Cherfilus-McCormicks 2022 reelection campaign. It said Goodrich was executive director of Truth & Justice Inc. It said the payments to the vendor apparently directed by Mark Goodrich, came at a time when the campaigns cash on hand was highly variable.

That may mean, the report said, that the campaign accepted and failed to report contributions from Truth & Justice that exceeded federal campaign limits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The $150,288 in payments from Truth & Justice to the vendor, Image Plus Graphics, were made during a few weeks in July and August 2022. The report said documents filed with the Federal Election Commission reflect that the campaigns coffers were largely depleted by the beginning of July 2022 with cash on hand of $837 despite the numerous loans that Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick made to her campaign during this time.

Cherfilus-McCormick

Cherfilus-McCormick, 45, is the only Haitian American member of Congress, and has been outspoken about trying to find solutions to turmoil in the Caribbean nation.

She was first elected in a January 2022 special election to fill the vacancy created the year before by the death of the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings.

That victory came after she narrowly won a hotly contested Democratic primary in November 2022 by just five votes. She had never been elected before, but had previously run in primaries when Hastings was still in office.

The congresswoman was elected to a full term in November 2022. No Democratic primary challenger or Republican general election challenger came forward to run against Cherfilus-McCormick in 2024, making her the only one of Floridas 28 members of Congress returned to office without facing a primary or general election.

The congresswoman represents the 20th Congressional District, which takes in most of the African American and Caribbean American communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Before her election, she was CEO of Trinity Health Care Services, a home health-care agency owned by her family.

Ethics process

The unresolved ethics referral was released Thursday under House rules, which provide for a complicated process to deal with ethical questions about members.

The Office of Congressional Ethics refers complaints about representatives to the House Ethics Committee.

In this case, the Ethics Committee established an investigative subcommittee to look into the matter. Under the rules, if no action has taken place, a summary of the referral is publicly released if theres no resolution one year after the referral. The summary was released on Sept. 25, 2024.

If there is no action at the end of a congressional session, the entire set of findings is released.

A session lasts for two years. Under the Constitution the last full day of the 118th Congress was Thursday; the 119th Congress begins its two-year term at noon on Friday.

A second Office of Congressional Ethics referral about Cherfilus-McCormick was sent to the Ethics Committee on May 29, 2024. The Ethics Committee assigned the matter to the already established investigative subcommittee.

Under the rules  unless theyre changed by the newly sworn-in House  if there is no action one year after that referral, a summary would be released on May 29, 2025. If theres still no action, the entire referral would be released at the end of the 119th Congress, which concludes on Jan. 3, 2027.

The Ethics Committee, which includes Democratic and Republican members, conducts its business behind closed doors. Its public statements are typically brief. Thursdays statement accompanying the document release was four paragraphs and said that No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules.

The Office of Congressional Ethics has its own staff and is governed by an six-member board, plus two alternates, of private citizens who arent members of Congress and dont work for the federal government. Half the board is appointed by the House speaker and half by the minority party leader.

Anthony Man can be reached at aman@sunsentinel.com and can be found @browardpolitics on Bluesky, Threads, Facebook and Mastodon.
(Bloomberg) -- Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to work together on a multinational force battling Islamist insurgents, signaling a further reduction of diplomatic tensions between the neighboring countries.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Talks in Mogadishu on Thursday between senior government officials resulted in an agreement to collaborate on the so-called African Union Support and Stabilization Mission and strengthen bilateral relations, Ethiopias Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on X on Friday. It didnt provide details on how the nations would work together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Somalias minister of state for foreign affairs, Ali Balcad, didnt immediately respond to a text message requesting comment.

Under a previous accord, Ethiopia stationed 3,000 soldiers in Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission. In addition, as many as 7,000 Ethiopian troops were deployed in the Horn of Africa nation under a separate bilateral agreement.

Ethiopia has been one of the main contributors to the United Nations-backed force thats been fighting al-Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia for almost two decades. Mogadishu previously objected to Addis Ababas future participation in the mission after a yearlong dispute over Ethiopias offer to recognize Somaliland  a breakaway territory in northern Somalia  in return for access to a port in the semi-autonomous region.

The talks between the two countries took place as Somalia on Thursday assumed its role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council after a 54-year hiatus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Archives of Appalachia at East Tennessee State University will be able to better preserve the regions history for future generations thanks to grant funding.

According to a news release from ETSU, the Institute of Museum and Library Services Save Americas Treasures program awarded the Archives of Appalachia a grant for more than $170,000.

Sullivan County BOE appeals judges order to reinstate fired teacher

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Archives of Appalachia contains the following:

More than 1,000 oral history interviews and recordings of music performances

1,500 original photos of the area

100 linear feet of paper documents from the early 1900s through the 21st century

The ETSU Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services created and compiled the collection between 1983 and 2016. Various researchers and experts in anthropology acquired the records.

The grant will allow the documents, photos and interviews to be repackaged and digitally copied so they can be better preserved and their longevity extended.

This collection represents an unparalleled source of original materials that provide nuanced depictions of Appalachia, a region that is all too often reduced to one-dimensional stereotypes that obscure its vibrancy, beauty and depth, Dr. Jeremy Smith, director of the Archives of Appalachia, said in the release. I couldnt be happier that the Institute of Museum and Library Services has recognized what we at ETSU have long known: the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services is an American treasure, and the work it does is worth preserving for future generations.

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.
BRUSSELS (AP)  European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is ill with severe pneumonia and has canceled her appointments for the next two weeks, her office announced Friday.

Spokesman Stefan De Keersmaeker said her agenda had to be cleared of meetings in Lisbon and in Poland, which has just taken over the EU's rotating presidency of the 27-nation European Union.

She is dealing with severe pneunomia, De Keersmaeker said in a statement, giving no further details about her conditions or how she fell ill.

Von der Leyen, 66, only recently started her second five-year stint at the top of the EU's powerful executive office.
The foreign ministers from Germany and France visited the notorious Sednaya prison near Damascus on Friday, a symbol of the brutal rule under deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot were shown the prison at the start of their visit to Syria for talks with the transitional government formed by militant groups that drove al-Assad from the country about four weeks ago.

Members of the White Helmets, the Syrian civil defence organization, told the visiting European diplomats about conditions and atrocities committed by the al-Assad regime at the prison, popularly known simply as the "human slaughterhouse."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since 2011, human rights activists have documented systematic mass executions, torture and the disappearance of thousands of prisoners there during Syria's brutal civil war.

Following interviews with ex-prisoners, security guards, judges, lawyers and experts, human rights group Amnesty International came to the conclusion that crimes against humanity were committed in Sednaya under the orders of the al-Assad government.

Executions and torture were already documented during the reign of Bashar al-Assad's father, Hafez, who died in 2000. Father and son ruled Syria with an iron fist for more than 50 years.

The White Helmets were founded by volunteers in 2013 after the start of the civil war. The approximately 3,000 volunteers helped to rescue victims after airstrikes, but were also deployed after the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey in 2023.

Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, visits the infamous Saidnaya torture prison approximately four weeks after the overthrow in Syria. Baerbock makes a surprise visit to Syria following the fall of long-term ruler Bashar al-Assad. Jorg Blank/dpa

Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, visits the infamous Saidnaya torture prison approximately four weeks after the overthrow in Syria. Baerbock makes a surprise visit to Syria following the fall of long-term ruler Bashar al-Assad. Jorg Blank/dpa
Germanys foreign minister has warned Syrias new leaders that lifting sanctions imposed on the country will depend on them not establishing a new Islamist government.

During her visit to Damascus on Friday, Annalena Baerbock said that Europe will support Syria in its transition but will not finance new Islamist structures.

She added: This is not only in our own security interests but also what I have heard time and again from very many Syrians in Germany... and here in the region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the highest-level diplomatic visit by major Western powers since Bashar al-Assad was overthrown, Ms Baerbock met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrias de facto ruler, alongside Jean-Noel Barrot, her French counterpart.

The pair made the case for Syria to cut ties with Russia, which helped sustain the Assad regime and still retains two bases on the countrys Mediterranean coast.

Annalena Baerbock, the German foreign minister, and Jean-Noel Barrot, her French counterpart, meet with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrias de facto ruler in Damascus - Getty/AFP

Ms Baerbock also said she had made clear that womens rights are a yardstick for progress towards improvements in human rights in talks with Mr Sharaa and other officials.

She stressed that all Syrian groups, including women and Kurds, must be involved in the countrys transition if Damascus wants European support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Sharaa, formerly known under his nom de guerre Mohammad al-Jolani, leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)  an Islamist rebel group with former ties to al-Qaeda that led the offensive to overthrow the Assad regime last month.

Mr Sharaa has surprised observers with his pursuit of diplomacy, rejection of revenge against supporters of Assad and promises to protect Syrias minority groups.

The United States last month removed a $10 million bounty on Mr Sharaas head tied to his former terror links as Western leaders seek to build ties with Syrias new rulers and lure them into an alliance against Vladimir Putin.

Refusal to shake hands a scandal

Ahead of their meeting, Mr Sharaa greeted both foreign ministers in the presidential palace in Damascus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He shook the hand of Mr Barrot but placed his hand over his heart to welcome Ms Baerbock, a common gesture used predominantly by Muslim men towards women.

The move caused some anger in Germany, with Bild newspaper labelling it a scandal that her male counterpart was offered a handshake when she was not.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Ms Baerbock, who did not wear the veil during her closely-watched visit, said she hoped Syria would become a safe home for its people and a functioning state.

But she warned against excessively long deadlines for elections or steps to Islamise the justice or education systems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier this week, proposed interim changes to the countrys school curriculum caused controversy after they included the removal of a science unit on evolution, references to women in poetry and reclassified texts on a third-century queen as fiction.

Ms Baerbock reiterated her position after meeting Mr Sharaa, stating that Syria must avoid an exclusively Islamist government.

Annalena Baerbock did not wear the veil during her closely-watched visit - Khalil Ashawi/Reuters

Germany is home to the third largest population of Syrian refugees in the world, behind Turkey and Lebanon. It wants many of the one million Syrians living within its borders to return home.

Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief, said on X that the visiting ministers represented the EU on her behalf, adding: Our message to Syrias new leadership: respecting the principles agreed with regional actors and ensuring the protection of all civilians and minorities is of the utmost importance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

European leaders are also eager to press the case for a united front against Moscow, whose forces carried out brutal attacks on the opposition during the 2011-2016 civil war, which Assad eventually won.

Ms Baerbock said: Its time for Russia to leave its military bases in Syria

Despite withdrawing from much of Syria, Moscow has retained two key facilities: a naval port on the Mediterranean coast in Tartus, and a nearby air base at Khmeimim. They are considered vital to Russian influence in the Middle East and to managing military operations in Africa.

Talks are underway between Moscow and HTS to allow the Russian forces to stay, according to Bloomberg.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Aiming to encourage a severance of ties with Putin, Ms Baerbock accused the Russian president of massive bombings and human rights violations in a post on X. The Syrian people will not forget, she added.

Annalena Baerbock and Jean-Noel Barrot meet with members of the White Helmets rescue team inside the infamous Sednaya prison during the visit - Khalil Ashawi/Reuters

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Andrii Sybiha, Ukraines foreign minister  whose country is about to enter its fourth year of war with Russia and who visited Damascus earlier in the week  welcomed the EU foreign ministers visit as timely and strategic.

He said: During my talks in Damascus earlier this week, I saw a lot of potential for cooperation. It is time for all of Europe to work together to restore stability and normal life for Syria and the wider region.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has sent aid to Syria in the form of grain and said he is working to re-establish ties with the nation. Ukraine sees the removal of Russian presence as essential for Syrias security.

On Wednesday, Asaad Al-Shaibani, Syrias new foreign minister, travelled to Saudi Arabia for the authoritys first official overseas visit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The trip followed comments made by Mr Sharaa on Saudi state television, in which he said the kingdom would certainly have a large role in Syrias future.

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.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has cancelled all travel plans for the next two weeks as she is suffering from a severe case of pneumonia, dpa has learnt.

"The president has cancelled her external appointments for the first two weeks of January," a commission spokesman said upon request.

Among the cancelled appointments is a planned trip to the Polish coastal city of Gdansk on the occasion of Poland assuming the EU presidency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The visit is to be rescheduled for a later date, according to the spokesman.

Von der Leyen, a German conservative politician, is carrying out "official business" from the German central city of Hanover, he said.

"If all goes well, the president will be fully recovered by the middle of the month."

Von der Leyen will then return to work from her office in the commission building in Brussels.

Von der Leyen, 66 has been at the helm of the European Commission, since December 1, 2019.
The European Union has a daunting to-do list for 2025.

Closing the gap with economic competitors, continuing to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, maintaining a strong trans-Atlantic relationship and improving overall defence capabilities are the most pressing issues.

The EU faces the task of continuing its financial, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine, while at the same time bolstering its own defence capabilities. In February it will be three years since Russia began waging its full-scale war against the bloc's eastern neighbour.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The return to power of former US president Donald Trump in January could prove decisive, on several fronts. EU leaders fear he could upend European security and pull the plug on support for Ukraine while simultaneously unleashing a trade war with steep tariffs on European goods.

The trans-Atlantic relationship between the United States and Europe is expected to revert to the tensions that characterized Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021. The threat of tariffs could have brutal economic repercussions and undermine trust.

Another hot topic in the EU will be the competitiveness of its economy, with the bloc increasingly lagging behind the US and China, particularly in the areas of cutting-edge technology and innovation.

Strengthening the EU's economic muscle

Efforts to improve the EU's ailing competitiveness will largely draw on a report issued last September by former European Central Bank chief and former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The commission is expected to publish a so-called competitiveness compass on January 15, based on three pillars from Draghi's report: closing the innovation gap with the US and China; decarbonization; and increasing economic security while reducing dependencies.

In February, the commission is expected to unveil a plan aimed at merging climate protection with industrial policy.

For Europe's economy to compete with China and the US, additional investments of around 750 billion to 800 billion ($772 billion to $823.5 billion) annually are needed, according to Draghi's report. A key issue will be how to secure these funds.

This is closely linked to the question of the EU's next seven-year budget, for the period 20282034, with the commission due to present a proposal in the second half of the year.

Another year of decisive elections

Tackling these crucial economic and diplomatic challenges won't be made any easier by political uncertainty in Germany and France, the bloc's two largest member states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Paris and Berlin have long been regarded as the driving forces of European integration, but are currently suffering from a damaging leadership vacuum.

In Germany, the government led by Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz will remain in power until the early elections scheduled for February 23, although he is left with a minority coalition and parliament has been dissolved.

Currently favoured by the polls, Christian Democrat Friedrich Merz stands the strongest chance of becoming the new German chancellor, but it remains to be seen who his conservatives could govern with.

In France, political instability has followed last June's early parliamentary elections called by President Emmanuel Macron, after the French far right scored high in European elections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On December 13, Macron named centrist Francois Bayrou as prime minister, handing him the daunting task of hauling France out of months of political crisis. Bayrou is the sixth prime minister of Macron's mandate and France's fourth prime minister of 2024.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose country holds the rotating six-month EU presidency until June, is one of those seeking to fill the EU's Franco-German power vacuum.

So are the heads of EU institutions: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Efforts to rally joint European action are also being driven by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Other member states may also find themselves distracted by domestic politics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the midst of its EU presidency, Poland is set to hold presidential elections in May.

Romania faces electoral turmoil after the first round of its presidential poll was annulled amid reports of Russian interference - cancelling the surprise success of pro-Russian right-wing candidate Calin Georgescu. New elections are now expected for February or March.

Meanwhile Bulgaria is struggling to form a stable government, following two early parliamentary elections in 2024  on June 9 and October 27. Since 2021, Bulgarians have been asked to vote seven times.

Costa shakes up EU summits

Costa, a former Portuguese prime minister, took the helm of the European Council on December 1. It is the EU's highest political body, bringing together the bloc's 27 national leaders to set the overall political direction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One novelty he has introduced are seminars to replace the informal summits of EU leaders. The first will be held in Belgium on February 3, at a location to be determined. The topic will be Europe's role in defence.

Costa's seminars are designed as retreats where EU leaders can engage in brainstorming sessions to air their problems and try to find solutions together. For the first seminar, Costa has invited NATO's Rutte to breakfast and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to dinner.

The first formal EU summit of 2025 will take place on March 20-21 in Brussels.

The content of this article is based on reporting by the enr with AFP, ANSA, BTA, EFE and HINA as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project.
The official state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will take place on Jan. 9 in Washington, D.C., following days of services and ceremonies to honor the 39th President.

President Joe Biden declared Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning, and ordered all executive departments and agencies of the federal government to close out of respect for the former President, who died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. But ceremonies honoring Carter started before then, on Jan. 4, when a motorcade transported Carter through his hometown of Plains, Georgia. On Jan. 7, the former President will begin lying in state, which will last until the day of his state funeral.

Heres what to know about the tributes for the former President.

What has happened during the first two days of the funeral schedule?

On the morning of Jan. 4, the memorial services began as Carters remains were taken outside Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia. Former Secret Service agents who had protected the late President served as pallbearers. Locals gathered outside the hospital to honor him, while members of the Carter family looked on as the flag-draped coffin of the former President was moved to the vehicle.

Former and current U.S. Secret Service agents assigned to the Carter detail move the flag-draped casket of former President Jimmy Carter, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center on Jan. 4, 2025 in Americus, Georgia. Alex BrandonGetty Images

When Carter was taken through his hometown by motorcade, the procession took a brief pause at his boyhood home in front of his familys farm in Archery, Georgia. There, the National Park Service saluted and rang a historic farm bell 39 times. The home is now a part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the motorcade rode through Plains, Georgians lined the streets, waving U.S. flags to pay their respects. The shop windows were filled with memorabilia of Carter.

CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann spoke of how entrenched in the everyday life of the town Carter had previously been and how his former neighbours came to pay their respects.

Theyre the ones who would see Carter walking or riding his bike through town, and theyre the ones whowould call him Mr. Jimmy, not Mr. President, he said.

Locals gather as the hearse containing the casket of former President Jimmy Carter departs the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm in Archery, Georgia, on Jan. 4, 2025. Alex BrandonGetty Images

Read More: Jimmy Carter Was More Successful Than He Got Credit For

The motorcade then headed to Atlanta to pause at the Georgia State Capitol for a moment of silence led by Gov. Brian Kemp and other state and local officials. From there, Carters casket was carried into the Carter Presidential Center, where a service took place, allowing Carters family and loved ones to pay tribute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carters son, James Earl Chip Carter III, and his grandson, former Georgia State Senator Jason Carter, spoke at the service, honoring their patriarch.

Chip spoke about the work ethic his father instilled in the family, his dedication to helping him in school, and the love he shared with his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died on Nov. 19, 2023.

He was an amazing man, Chip said. And he was held up and propped up and soothed by an amazing woman. And the two of them together changed the world. And it was an amazing thing to watch from so close and to be able to be involved.

Jason paid tribute to his grandfather, as well as the legacy of The Carter Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While we mourn my grandfather's passing, I know in my heart, and you all do, that his legacy will live on not only because of the millions of people that he touched across the globe but very specifically because of your spirit and your knowledge and the work and the track record that you do every day, Jason said.

Mourners view the casket of former President Jimmy Carter as he lies in repose at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on Jan. 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alex Brandon-PoolGetty Images

Since the service, the former President has been lying in repose at The Carter Center, and members of the public have been arriving to pay their respects. They can continue to do so until 6 a.m. local time, on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Atlantas public transit system, MARTA, is offering free bus shuttle services to The Carter Center.

What happens when Carter lies in state?

In the afternoon of Jan. 7, Carter will be taken to the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. A horse-drawn caisson will then take him to the U.S. Capitol. There, members of Congress will be able to pay their respects during a service held in the Rotunda. Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune are scheduled to deliver brief eulogies and lay wreaths near Carters casket, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The former President will then lie in state, which will open to the public in the evening. Carter will lie in state until the morning of Jan. 9.

What will happen on the day of the funeral?

The morning of Jan. 9, a motorcade will take Carter from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington National Cathedral, where the national funeral service will run from 10-11 a.m. ET. The schedule released by the U.S. military task force didnt include details about the state service, but Biden previously said that Carter had asked him to deliver a eulogy at his funeral.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After the service, Carter will be flown back to Georgia, and a private funeral service will take place in Plains at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carter taught Sunday school and where a funeral service was held for his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in November 2023.

A motorcade will then take the former President and his family through downtown Plains for Carters final journey through his hometown. The motorcade will take Carter to his familys residence for a private interment next to his wife, according to the New York Times. Before the interment, the U.S. Navy will honor the former President with a missing man formation flyover.

Who will attend the funeral?

Biden will attend the state funeral, and is expected to speak at the funeral. President-elect Donald Trump has said that he plans to attend. Meanwhile, former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama are also reportedly expected to be in attendance.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
(NewsNation)  A Pennsylvania man who previously served in the U.S. Army has been indicted for attempting to support a terrorist organization after he traveled overseas to try to join Hezbollah, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday.

Jack Danaher Molloy, a dual U.S. and Irish citizen, was arrested in Chicago on Dec. 6 and brought to Pennsylvania on Monday to face charges, the DOJ said in a statement.

According to the indictment, Molloy traveled to Lebanon in August of 2024 and attempted to join Hezbollah, which is designated by the US as a terrorist organization. His efforts were rebuffed, and he traveled to Syria in October 2024 to attempt to join the organization there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New Orleans attack was very traumatic: Survivor

He returned to the U.S. in late 2024 and continued making attempts to join Hezbollah, according to the DOJ.

According to the DOJ, Molloy promoted violence against Jewish people on social media and said in a WhatsApp exchange with a family member that his master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews.

Molloy was formerly enlisted as an active duty soldier in the Army from mid-March to late April 2019.

He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of providing material support to a terrorist organization.

Editors note: Molloys name was previously misspelled.

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.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP)  Three former sheriff's deputies in Virginia have been charged with second-degree murder over the death of a man they restrained at a local jail last year, prosecutors announced Friday.

A special grand jury returned the indictments after meeting three times to hear evidence, said Colin Stolle, the Virginia Beach commonwealth attorney.

As in all cases involving the tragic loss of life, my office is committed to seeking justice for Rolin Hill, the prosecutor said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The local medical examiner found Hill, 34, died from positional and mechanical asphyxia due to restraint with neck and torso compression. The office ruled his death was a homicide.

Hill was arrested in June on charges of trespassing, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, the Virginia Beach Sheriffs Office said last year. The office said Hill was booked into the jail and deputies restrained him because he was uncooperative and combative. He experienced a medical emergency and was taken to the hospital, the office said.

Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb said last year that his office would investigate but had also asked the Virginia State Police to conduct an independent review. Following updates from state police in October, Holcomb said the deputies were no longer employed by his office.

The former deputies who've been charged are Eric G. Baptiste, 39, of Virginia Beach; Michael C. Kidd, 39, of Chesapeake; and Kevin B. Wilson, 34, of Virginia Beach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An attorney for Baptiste, Brian Latuga, expressed condolences to Hill's family in a statement to The Associated Press. But Latuga said Baptiste had an exemplary career dedicated to serving and protecting this community and has been wrongfully accused of a horrendous crime.

We ask the public to withhold judgment upon Mr. Baptiste as the legal process takes place, Latuga said. We are confident that the evidence will clear his name of any wrongdoing in the unfortunate death of Mr. Hill.

Lawyers for Kidd and Wilson did not immediately respond to emails from the AP seeking comment on their behalf.

Holcomb, the sheriff, said in a statement Friday he has faith in the criminal justice system to ensure justice is served for both Rolin Hill and the individuals involved in this incident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

WAVY-TV reported in June that the Virginia Beach chapter of the NAACP had raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Hills death.

The Virginian-Pilot newspaper reported in October that it had run Hills obituary, which said he was an Eagle Scout who loved surfing, skateboarding and hanging out with his family.

It also stated that mental health in America is still a major issue, and requested that any donations go to mental health foundations.

In the United States, police rarely face criminal charges when civilians die after officers use physical force.

An investigation led by the AP found that over a decade, more than 1,000 people died after police subdued them with physical force that is not supposed to be lethal. In hundreds of these encounters, officers broke multiple safety guidelines, including when they pinned people face down.
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC)  A former employee of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Henrico Doctors Hospitals in Virginia has been charged with malicious wounding and child abuse after an investigation into babies being found with unexplainable fractures at the NICU.

Twenty-six-year-old Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, of Chesterfield County, has been charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse in connection to an incident that occurred in November of 2024, according to the Henrico County Police Division.

Henrico County Commonwealths Attorney Shannon Taylor added that Strotman was a nurse at the hospital, and HCA Healthcare confirmed that she is a former employee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theyre harmless, theyre innocent: New father stunned after babies found with unexplainable fractures

This comes after the hospital said three babies were discovered with unexplainable fractures in late November and December of 2024, adding that these incidents were similar to an incident involving four babies in 2023.

According to online court records, the offense date for both charges is Nov. 10, 2024.

Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman (Courtesy of Henrico Jail West)

Due to these incidents and the ongoing investigation into their circumstances, the healthcare system said the hospitals NICU would not be accepting additional admissions until further notice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Currently, the Henrico County Police Division is utilizing all available resources to ensure a thorough investigation into this matter. This involves reviewing dozens of videos from inside the NICU, police said.

Finally: Father elated to find sons case of abuse at NICU has been reopened

In a statement to the public, Henrico Chief of Police Eric D. English explained that detectives combed through hundreds of hours of footage during the investigation and thanked the residents and affected families for their patience as the team continues investigating every piece of evidence in connection to these cases.

Due to the sensitive nature of these cases, police said updates will be provided when available so as not to compromise the investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The healthcare system, which says it is assisting law enforcement, also provided a statement in regards to Strotmans arrest. It reads, in part: We are both shocked and saddened by this development in the investigation and are focused on continuing to care for our patients and providing support to our colleagues who have been deeply and personally impacted by this investigation.

What happened at the Henrico Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in 2023

The hospital said any inquiries about the case should be directed to the police.

Anyone with questions or concerns related to the HCA Virginia Health System can contact the public relations department with the healthcare system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Henrico Police Det. M. Lynch at police@henrico.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Tiffany Woods spent her last moments running down the street in Hammond screaming for her life before her ex-husband Allen Oscar Woods shot her dead on Dec. 27, court records allege.

Court filings show he has not been apprehended. Hammond Police said he was last seen in Chicago, according to a news release. A spokeswoman for the Lake County Sheriffs Office was not immediately available Thursday night.

Woods, 39, of Hammond and formerly Houston, was charged Dec. 28 with her murder. A lawyer has not yet been assigned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was also charged twice in 2022 with stalking cases after a string of violent threats, following their early 2021 divorce, filings show.

We are committed to ensuring justice is served in this case, Hammond Police Chief William Short said in a statement. Our officers and detectives worked diligently to gather evidence and secure the necessary charges.

In the first stalking case, Allen told her in February 2022 that he would hop a flight from Texas to shoot up her Hammond home and kill everyone inside, an affidavit states.

I cant wait to get to you cause Im going to torture you, I cant wait to see you flat line, Im going to get someone to kidnap you and bring you to me, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On March 28, 2022, he got mad about texts at their daughters birthday party, ripped a picture off the wall, threw and shattered the TV screen, knocked a side table over, then kept slamming Tiffanys head into closet doors. Her mother called the cops, then tried to cancel when it appeared he calmed down.

He ripped another TV off the wall after the cops showed up. Several children were in the house.

Cops were called in May 2022 when Allen threatened Tiffany with a murder-suicide. Allens relative told police he threatened to shoot up both theirs and Tiffanys homes, later saying the relative was on Tiffanys side.

In one message, Allen wrote to Tiffany,  dont worry Ill make sure you make the 7 a.m. news all over the world, the document states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Allen allegedly Facetimed his daughter, telling her he was on a plane from Houston to kill Tiffany and himself, then showed a gun on the call, according to the affidavit.

Tiffany told investigators in 2022 Allen threatened her at least 20 times via text or Facebook and 200 times over the phone since they split and divorced. She was in constant fear.

Allen also allegedly texted her insurance policies he took out on her, so their kids had money after he killed her.

In the second stalking case, Tiffany told cops Allen chased her in a vehicle on Sept. 22, 2022 from Village Discount, 2706 165th Street, in Hammond before ramming her white Kia Optima into a pole on the 6700 block of Columbia Avenue. Allen laughed at her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After her Dec. 27, 2024 murder, a witness told investigators that Allen threatened to kill Tiffany multiple times because she wrecked his life, the affidavit states. Allen said it just the day before.

Hammond Police responded at 2:22 p.m. Dec. 27 to Cleveland Street and the Jackson Avenue alley.

Witnesses waved cops to Tiffany, 39, of Hammond, shot in the head, lying in the middle of Cleveland Street. Allen jogged to her white Kia parked in front of his relatives home and fled on Kenwood Street.

Allen called relatives and said he killed his ex-wife, according to the affidavit.

Witnesses said Allen ran, chasing her south while opening fire twice on the 6300 block of Jackson Avenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

HELP, Tiffany screamed.

They rounded east onto Cleveland Street where he shot at her again, records show. Witnesses said he stood over her and fired a couple more shots around 4 p.m.; it was an execution-style killing, Hammond Det. Michael Elkmann wrote.

Security cameras showed them running, but didnt capture the shooting. It recorded nine shots.

Cops obtained a picture showing a man standing over her with a red puffy jacket, grey sweatpants and red, white and black hightop sneakers.

Police feared Allen could have been holding children hostage in the relatives home before the shooting. They only found one man in the basement, who said he and Allen spent the night in a Munster hotel after Allen argued with his mom. Allen slept with a gun, according to the affidavit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ring videos showed Allen wore similar clothes to the shooter.

In November 2021, his father, Allen Woods, Jr., got probation for a shooting.

Trying to get his son  the younger Allen O. Woods  under control after a domestic incident on March 28, 2021 involving the sons ex-wife, the father fired off warning shots that struck his son and nephew.

The older man was at first charged with attempted murder, among other counts. At the sentencing hearing, the elder Woods family  including his sons ex-wife  showed up en masse to plead his case.

They told Judge Salvador Vasquez that the son was the problem that day. Several family members said Woods went to control his son that day who had been allegedly attacking his ex-wife after a birthday party for their 6-year-old daughter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After listening, Vasquez gave the elder Woods a break  probation. Just outside the courtroom, after it was clear the elder man would avoid prison, the woman appeared to make a prayer gesture in relief.

mcolias@post-trib.com
The above shows the space in the Department of Corrections' Columbia prisons complex for executions, as seen from the witness room. The firing squad chair (left) was added following a 2021 state law that made death by firing squad an option. The electric chair is under the cover. (Provided by the S.C. Department of Corrections)

COLUMBIA  Marion Bowman will be the third inmate to face the death chamber since the state restarted executions in September, according to a notice Friday from the state Supreme Court.

Bowman, 44, is slated for execution Jan. 31. By state law, executions take place four Fridays after a death warrant is issued. Bowmans warrant, initially expected in November, was put on hold for the winter holidays.

Marion Bowman. (Provided/S.C. Department of Corrections)

Bowman was convicted in May 2002 of killing a woman, then putting her body in the trunk of her car and setting it on fire. He is expected to be the third of at least six death row inmates executed in the coming months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For years, the state could not carry out executions because it couldnt get the drugs used for lethal injection. Legislators added death by firing squad as an option for inmates. Executions resumed after the Supreme Court ruled July 31 that firing squad and electrocution are constitutionally allowed.

Lethal injection is again an option after corrections officials found a supply of the drug pentobarbital in 2023, with the help of a new law keeping everything about the drug secret. The two inmates executed since September, Freddie Owens and Richard Moore, both died by lethal injection.

Bowman will have until Jan. 17 to decide his method of execution. If he doesnt make a choice, the default is the electric chair.

Ill soon be scheduled to be shot, electrocuted or drugged to death, Bowman wrote in a statement released by his attorneys last month.

Bowmans crime

On Feb. 16, 2001, Bowman stopped outside a house in Dorchester County to speak with 21-year-old Kandee Martin, according to court documents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bowmans sister, who had been driving him, later testified in court that Bowman accused Martin of owing him money. When Martin didnt respond, Bowman told her she would be dead by dark, his sister testified.

Later that day, Martin drove up with Bowman in the car to a house where many of Bowmans friends had been drinking. Bowman told his cousin, James Taiwan Gadson, to get in the car. Bowman directed Martin to drive to a remote area. She stopped, and he told her to get out of the car. As she did, Bowman told Gadson he believed Martin was wearing a wire and he was going to kill her, Gadson testified.

Martin turned around to get back in the car, and Bowman started shooting. Gadson heard three gunshots before Martin said, Dont shoot me no more, I have a child to take care of, Gadson later testified. Bowman shot twice more, Gadson said.

Bowman dragged Martins body into a nearby wooded area, then drove her car back to town. He drove the car around that evening, trying once unsuccessfully to sell it. Around 3 a.m., he asked a friend, Travis Felder, for help parking a car. Felder followed Bowman in his own car to the spot where Bowman had earlier killed Martin, Felder testified.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bowman retrieved Martins body from the woods, put her in the trunk of the car and lit it on fire, Felder testified. An autopsy revealed she had been shot to death, and a vaginal swab found traces of Bowmans DNA, according to court documents.

Bowman was convicted of murder and arson in 2002.

Statement

Bowman maintains that he didnt kill Martin.

Instead, he claims he wasnt involved in her death at all and that Gadson killed her. Bowman claims his only involvement was hearing Gadson confess to the crime, according to a statement his attorneys released Dec. 19.

Feb. 16, 2001, started like any other, Bowman wrote in the statement. He got up early and ran into his sister, who agreed to drive him to a friends house. While there with Gadson, who Bowman called by the nickname Gap, Martin arrived.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bowman said Martin bought crack from him, adding hed started dealing because he could never make ends meet, even when working manual labor jobs, he wrote.

Kandee was an addict, and I very much regret, and am sorry, for my part in contributing to that, Bowman wrote. She was a friend of mine, and I still took advantage of her addiction.

Martin gave Bowman her wristwatch in exchange for drugs, he wrote. Investigators would later use the watch to link Bowman to the crime, arguing he had taken it after killing her.

Bowman was married at the time. But he said he and Martin were having an affair, which explained why a forensic examination found his DNA on a vaginal swab, he wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gadson left the party alone with Martin, Bowman wrote, saying he went home alone. The next time he saw Gadson, he was driving Martins car and asking Bowman to go clubbing with him and some friends. Bowman wrote that he agreed and drove the group to the bar, assuming Martin had lent Gadson her car for the evening.

Among the friends was Hiram Johnson, who later testified that Bowman confessed to killing Martin that evening. In his statement, Bowman claimed it was Gadson who made the confession, waiting until everyone else had left the car to tell Bowman that Martin was dead.

I didnt believe him or know what to say, Bowman wrote. He got out of the car and got a ride home with Felder, the friend prosecutors claimed drove Bowman back to the crime scene, he wrote.

The next day, police arrested Bowman and charged him with kidnapping and killing Martin, then setting her body on fire. His attorneys repeatedly offered him plea deals, pointing out that he could avoid the death penalty if he signed on, but Bowman refused to admit to a crime he says he did not commit, he wrote in his statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I have done some things in life I regret, Bowman wrote. I regret the role I had in dealing to Kandee and know that her addiction probably led to her death. But I did not do this.

Arguments

In a last-ditch effort to get Bowman off death row, his current attorneys argued that prosecutors withheld evidence, his own attorneys during the trail were racist, and he has improved himself during his time in prison.

Allowing this execution to proceed despite significant and unresolved doubt about Marions conviction and the serious flaws in the original trial is unconscionable, Lindsey Vann, an attorney with Justice360, said in a statement Friday.

The petition, filed Dec. 16, points to a confession one inmate claimed Gadson made while in prison, saying he was the one to kill Martin instead of Bowman. An evaluation also raised questions about Gadsons mental health, potentially casting doubt on Gadsons credibility, the attorneys argued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those reports, which attorneys claim prosecutors did not provide to Bowmans legal team, could have swayed the jury in Bowmans favor, the petition reads.

Attorneys representing Bowman have raised the same concerns repeatedly, to no avail, attorneys for the state replied in their own filing Monday. The state Attorney Generals Office called on the state Supreme Court to abide by those earlier rulings.

In total, (Bowman) has attempted to litigate these claims for nearly two full decades, and he has been turned away on this issue by 20 different judges or justices over that timeframe, the filing reads.

The argument that Bowmans own defense team was racist lacks evidence to back it up, the states attorneys continued. Bowmans current lawyers cited several instances in which they said his original attorney referred to Martin as a little girl, or little white girl, implying her innocence to the jury, according to the petition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the court transcript doesnt support that the attorney called Martin a little white girl, and calling her a little girl is not enough to prove he was racist, the state argued. Neither is the fact that attorneys mentioned to Bowman before the trial that he may face an uphill battle as a Black man accused of killing a white woman, prosecutors wrote.

It is not racist to recognize and express concern for the potential racism of others, the response reads. Such was not an injection of racism into the trial, it was a warning to Bowman about the realities of our world and the potential pitfalls that may accompany his case beyond the substantial evidence the State was prepared to offer against him.

Focusing on Martins drug addiction and other shortcomings, which defense attorneys argued lawyers omitted out of racism, would have been an ill-advised strategy that, in light of the record, is just as bad as it sounds, the filing continues.

Defense attorneys arguments that Bowman is a changed man dont hold any weight in a legal appeal, the states attorneys added. The court should consider only the legal evidence surrounding his initial trial and sentencing, leaving the decision on whether to commute his sentence up to the governor, as is laid out in state law, the filing reads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The law does not permit (Bowman) to present a 20 years post-trial case in mitigation based upon his behavior in prison and this Court does not serve the role of a super-jury, the filing reads.

During his more than 22 years on death row, Bowman has garnered a reputation as a gentle giant, according to his attorneys filing. He received a job sweeping floors and collecting lunch trays, which is coveted among inmates because it means more time out of the cells. He talks often to his wife and his daughter, who was born six months after his arrest, as well as his young granddaughter.

Bowman reads the Bible daily and writes poetry, his attorneys have said.

Im still breathing, so this I know, he wrote in a poem his attorneys published online.

While I breathe, I hope, he wrote, which is the translation of South Carolinas official moto in Latin: Dum spiro spero.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
A handful of unredacted documents given to jurors has led to calls from former Sen. Bob Menendez to get a new trial. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

Jurors who convicted former Sen. Bob Menendez of selling his political power for gold bars and other riches last year saw a puzzling patchwork of black bars on evidence presented to them in court, hiding details the judge deemed prejudicial or otherwise objectionable.

But when they began deliberating, the black bars disappeared on at least a dozen exhibits prosecutors loaded onto a laptop jurors could consult, exposing material that federal Judge Sidney H. Stein had ordered redacted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So what did they see, and why does it matter?

Most of the exhibits in question contained details that defense attorneys successfully argued jurors shouldnt see because they pertained to legislative actions Menendez took  and members of Congress cannot be arrested, sued, or otherwise held liable for their official actions under the U.S. Constitutions speech or debate clause.

Prosecutors first revealed the problem in November, when they admitted they accidentally uploaded nine insufficiently redacted exhibits to the jury laptop  but had wiped it clean since the trial, making it impossible to tell if jurors had seen the exhibits in question. Since then, both prosecutors and defense attorneys have discovered a handful more. Defense attorneys demanded a new trial over the issue, which court observers say could torpedo the jurys guilty-on-all-counts verdicts. Stein has yet to rule on the matter.

Prosecutors have repeatedly downplayed their goofs, arguing that jurors likely didnt see the problematic few exhibits  amid more than 3,000 loaded on the laptop  during the roughly 13 hours they deliberated over three days in July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many of the improperly redacted exhibits reveal details prosecutors had deemed very critical evidence in their bid to show Menendez  who at the time chaired the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee  accepted bribes in exchange for approving military aid to Egypt.

One involves a January 2022 text exchange between Menendez and his wife, Nadine, in which the ex-senator sent her a CNN article about $2.5 billion in U.S. arms sales to Egypt. Nadine Menendez responded WOW and then forwarded the link to Wael Hana, the businessman who gave the couple cash, gold, and other gifts in exchange for helping him retain a lucrative monopoly on halal meat exports to Egypt, with the message: Bob had to sign off on this.

Stein had ordered the CNN link and Bob had to sign off on this message redacted, meaning jurors would have only seen Nadine Menendez reacting WOW to some unknown text obscured by a black bar. Instead, prosecutors uploaded the unredacted exchange and included the link, which contained the verbiage us-arms-sales-egypt, to the jurors laptops.

While the government now tries to downplay this evidence as of secondary relevance and meaningless, the Unredacted Exhibits are the only evidence specifically tying Senator Menendez to an actual, consummated provision of military aid to Egypt, Menendezs lawyers wrote in a brief asking for a new trial.

The black bars show redactions that hid material the judge found objectionable in email exchanges Nadine Menendez had with her husband and Wael Hana. Jurors instead saw an unredacted version of the exchanges. (Screenshot courtesy of U.S. Attorneys Office-Southern District of New York)

In another text exchange, an Egyptian government official in September 2019 texted Hana: Director office of Egyptian affairs in state department . . . told our DCM today that senator Menendize [sic] put an hold on a billion $ of usaid to Egypt before the recess !!!!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stein ordered that entire text message redacted. But prosecutors instead uploaded the message to jurors laptop with just Menendezs misspelled name and an hold redacted.

Any rational juror would readily conclude that behind the black redaction bar is Senator Menendezs name and/or some reference to an action taken with respect to a billion $ of usaid to Egypt, defense attorneys Adam Fee and Avi Weitzman wrote. As a consequence, the jury was exposed to evidence of the governments precluded theory that Senator Menendez took specific actions with respect to billions of dollars of military aid to Egypt in exchange for bribes.

Stein also had ordered redactions on several text messages written in Arabic, but those made it to jurors laptop.

And he told prosecutors to redact part of a text between a Qatari national and real estate developer Fred Daibes, who gave the Menendezes gold bars and cash so the ex-senator would help him secure a multimillion-dollar investment from a Qatari royal. In that text, Daibes mentioned a car he owned he called the Hitler car, because of its connection to the Nazi dictator. Stein ordered the word Hitler to be blacked out, but defense attorneys discovered it was unredacted in the exhibits uploaded to jurors laptop.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Of course, any reference by a defendant to Hitler in evidence provided to a jury in a criminal trial is highly prejudicial, Fee and Weitzman wrote.

Last month, prosecutors divulged additional failures in redactions on long message chains between Hana and Ahmed Helmy, an Egyptian spy; Hana and Daibes; and Hana and Nadine Menendez, who prosecutors say brokered the bribes between the ex-senator and Hana, Daibes, and co-defendant Jose Uribe.

Menendezs attorneys said prosecutors had no direct evidence showing Menendez forged a corrupt agreement with Egypt  and couldnt try to prove an agreement indirectly by introducing evidence of his military aid approvals since the speech and debate clause protects such legislative acts. The unredacted exhibits, consequently, filled a major gap in their case, they added.

If the government is going to charge a sitting senator with engaging in a multi-year bribery scheme with a foreign nation, a rational jury would expect that there would be something to show for it, Fee and Weitzman wrote. But absent the Unredacted Exhibits, the government had all of nothing  precisely why it panicked when this Court excluded them in the first place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Most of the exhibits in question werent mentioned during opening or closing arguments or in trial testimony, and so would have confused  and been disregarded by  jurors, prosecutors have argued.

The pertinent matter, in each case, appears deep in lengthy exhibits  on page 10 of a 51-page exhibit, page 66 of a 127-page exhibit, pages 72 and 166 of a 252-page exhibit, and pages 547-48 and 561-62 of a 636-page exhibit, prosecutors wrote in a Dec. 16 letter about the unredacted message chains. The plain reality is that the jurors obviously did not dive deeply into these unmentioned, scarcely-cited or wholly uncited documents and observe any of the excluded matter.

But prosecutors mounting confessions of wrongly admitted evidence demonstrate a pervasive pattern of constitutionally monumental mistakes that proves Menendezs conviction cannot stand, Menendezs attorney argued.

It is simply no longer tenable to defend the verdicts, Fee and Weitzman wrote. This episode has crossed the line from tragedy to farce. And our justice system cannot afford to become a farce. The Court must order a new trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stein last month rejected defense attorneys initial bid to toss the convictions  filed before prosecutors revealed their evidence error  saying the guilty verdicts were based on extensive witness testimony and evidence and were not unjust.

Last week, the judge also rejected requests by Menendez and his co-defendants to postpone their Jan. 29 sentencing. Nadine Menendezs trial, which Stein had postponed to accommodate her cancer treatment, is set to start Feb. 5.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  With a nation still reeling from the New Years Day attack in New Orleans French Quarter, a local expert who teaches safety for large gatherings looked at Daytons approach.

John DiPietro, the president of the Ohio Crime Prevention Association, said the movable bollards installed in the Oregon District are a great example of something that could prevent a ramming attack.

Man in Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion had gunshot wound to the head: sheriff

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said its important that law enforcement always have the plan and resources in place to prevent something like this from happening here.

The takeaway is this: Youve got to start planning better and youve got to realize that it wont be somewhere else or somebody else, said DiPietro. It could be right here at home.

The bollards were installed at key automotive entry points to the Oregon District in 2024. They are normally down, but raised when an event such as the weekly Out on Fifth is scheduled.

DiPietro said that when looking at the security of a place, one aspect law enforcement considers is vehicle ramming.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How to donate funds, blood after fatal Bourbon Street attack

A vehicle crashing into a building is usually accidental, caused by someone not paying attention, a medical emergency or absent-mindedly confusing the gas and brake pedals.

Thats why you see bollards, pillars or similar blockers around a building. (Though their color and shape tie into their brand identity, the red concrete balls you see outside Target stores serve the same purpose.)

DiPietro said that same approach is now needed when securing temporary events and mass gatherings.

He said its going to take support at the local, state and federal levels to address this issue of securing large events. This includes more resources, more training and more funding.

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 WDTN.com.
If you've ever suspected that social media influencers are actually changing peoples' minds, your suspicions have now been confirmed.

New research from nonprofit Global Witness has found that influencers are changing public opinion and spreading misinformation, particularly when it comes to the changing climate and global heating.

"Climate misinformation and disinformation spread unchecked on TikTok during [global climate summit] COP29, mostly in user comments on videos," Inside Climate News reported. "The users they identified denied man-made global warming and rebuked efforts to combat it, claiming that climate change is a 'lie' or 'hoax.'"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Far from it, numerous studies from many sources have linked human actions  namely, the significant burning of dirty energy in areas such as manufacturing and transportation  to the stratospheric rise in global temperatures. In turn, these warming temperatures have created a harmful effect called the greenhouse effect, which has resulted in everything from more severe weather events to a concerning loss of biodiversity.

Considering the massive presence of social media in society, many are concerned that the deliberate spreading of misinformation is a major threat to making progress in reducing pollution  particularly since brands recognize this as an opportunity.

Think Landscape reported that Big Oil is using influencers to slyly change peoples' minds and spread misinformation about the harms of their dirty fuels. It cited research from Harvard, which found that these distracting techniques  be it greenwashing or sportswashing, where a brand allies itself with misleading imagery and keywords  are aimed to distract from the core of the companies' missions.

In a similarly concerning pattern, Inside Climate News reported that after Hurricanes Helen and Milton wreaked havoc this past fall, many social media users circulated bogus theories that the government created the storms using so-called 'weather machines,' which do not exist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

James Marshall Shepherd, a former NASA weather scientist at the University of Georgia, told Yale Environment 360, "In the past, the harassment was over in a fringe element." But now, he says, "In this last episode, it was [a] bit more mainstream."

Similar debunked conspiracies included the devastating Maui wildfires being started by TV personality Oprah Winfrey as a land grab bid, NPR reported.

Do you worry about the quality of the air inside your home?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

Making an effort to fact-check and read closely on seemingly outlandish claims can prevent this troubling misinformation pattern from continuing  something that will benefit everybody on Earth.

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.
Jan. 3With public meetings scheduled this month to gather input on SpaceX's plans for Boca Chica/Starbase, the Federal Aviation Administration announced on Dec. 16 that all materials relevant to the meetings are now available online.

The agency in November announced the availability of a Revised Draft Tiered Environmental Assessment (EA), also available on the project page, for SpaceX's proposal to dramatically increase the number of Starship/Super Heavy launches and landing per year at Boca Chica.

Specifically, SpaceX wants permission to conduct up to 25 launches at Boca Chica of the combined Starship-Super Heavy booster, and up to 25 landings of Starship, and 25 landings of Super Heavy per year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In contrast, SpaceX launched from Boca Chica twice in 2023 and four times in 2024. It has succeeded one time so far (Oct. 13) in bringing the booster back for a launch-pad landing and "catch" by massive mechanized arms attached to the launch tower.

Other booster landings have been in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX has not yet attempted a Starship landing at Boca Chica, but rather has landed the vehicle in the Indian Ocean near Australia in recent tests.

The most recent suborbital test flight, Flight 6, took place on Nov. 19. The FAA said on Dec. 17 that it had issued the modified launch license allowing SpaceX to conduct multiple Starship/Super Heavy missions structured on the Flight 7 "mission profile and vehicle configuration."

"The Flight 7 mission profile involves launch of the combined Starship/Super Heavy vehicle from Boca Chica, Texas, a return to the launch site of the Super Heavy booster rocket for a catch attempt by the launch tower, and a water landing of the Starship vehicle in the Indian Ocean west of Australia," the agency said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In granting the license modification, the FAA said it had "determined SpaceX met all safety, environmental and other licensing requirements for the suborbital test flight."

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk last month indicated on social media a Jan. 10 launch date for Flight 7, though no date has been officially announced.

The FAA's page for the SpaceX's Starship/Super Heavy project at Boca Chica is at www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/spacex_starship.

Public meetings on the Revised Draft EA are scheduled for Jan. 7, 1-3 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m., at Texas Southmost College, Jacob Brown Auditorium, 600 International Blvd., in Brownsville; and Jan. 9, 1-3 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m., at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center, Queen Isabella Room, 309 E. Railroad Ave.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13, 5:30-7 p.m. To register, go to us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6f5su5mtTne_vBr8MqJOLA.

The toll-free dial-in number for the virtual meeting is (888) 0099. Webinar ID is 879 9253 6128. Pass code is 900729.

Comments on the Revised Draft EA can also be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov/commenton/FAA-2024-2006-0114, or by postal mail to Amy Hanson, FAA Environmental Specialist, SpaceX EA, c/oICF, 1902 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston, VA 20190. The deadline for written comments is Jan. 17.

Featured Local Savings
Jan. 2ROCHESTER  New members will hold a majority on the Rochester City Council in 2025 for the second time in a decade.

The newly elected council president and three ward representatives will be sworn in on Jan. 6, replacing four council members who served single four-year terms that began in 2020.

The new council members are four of six newly elected Rochester residents set to help make local government decisions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the incoming council president, Randy Schubring said he hopes the new council members bring insights with a focus on the city's needs.

"My initial goal as council president will be to lead our City Council meetings in a respectful and effective manner that facilitates robust dialogue and clear direction to our city administration on the policy aims that the Council wants to pursue," he said, adding he also wants to ensure opportunities for open community engagement continue.

As Schubring, along with incoming council member Nick Miller in Ward 2, Andy Friederichs in Ward 4 and Dan Doering in Ward 6, prepared for their new roles following the Nov. 5 election, they participated in training sessions that introduced them to a variety of behind-the-scenes operations and gave them the opportunity to see city services first hand.

While three of the new council members were endorsed by Faith in Minnesota Action , a nonprofit organization designed to support political initiatives and candidates, Schubring said he doesn't expect that to mean he's part of a voting block with Miller and Doering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Everybody has their own perspective on all these issues, and I think part of the navigation, and in particular for the city council president, is to find where those common threads are," he said following the election. "That's what I'll be focusing on."

Friederichs, who is facing a court challenge to his qualifications as a council candidate , said the training council members have received has helped deepen his understanding of what it takes to run the city.

"I knew we had qualified people working in the city of Rochester," he said. "I have witnessed this throughout our years working within the city. To witness the level of care and expertise behind the curtain was very encouraging."

Miller also cited learning more about how local government operations serve the growing community, as well as the role he will serve as an elected official.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I also learned about the complexity of balancing immediate needs with long-term impacts," he said. "The scale of decisions we make in the next four years, particularly with an annual city budget of roughly $700 million, will affect residents and tax levies a generation from now."

Doering, who's been a regular meeting attendee in recent months, said he researched the expectations of the job before running for office but continues to learn.

"As I prepare to take my seat, I am eager to deepen my understanding of the logistics of council service and to develop a clear work plan that will allow me to effectively represent the residents of Ward 6 and the entire city of Rochester," he said. "I recognize there will be a steep learning curve, but I am ready to embrace the challenge."

The step learning curve has been cited by council members the newly elected officials are replacing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition to the four City Council members, newly elected Olmsted County commissioner Bob Hopkins will be a new face in local government after being elected to complete the last two years of Sheila Kiscaden's term as the Sixth District commissioner.

During her final meeting as a commissioner, Kiscaden said one of Hopkins' first assignments will be to the county's Housing, and Human Services Committee, which the new commissioner said will take some of his focus in seeking ways to contribute to discussions about affordable housing and homelessness.

As he wraps up preparation to take the seat, he said his expectations for training have been exceeded and he's looking forward to opportunities to address public safety, economic development and cannabis implementation during the coming year.

"I feel very fortunate to be joining the board and to be working with county staff and look forward to a very productive year ahead," he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Also on the list of newly elected local officials for 2025 is Stephanie Whitehorn , who is the sole new member of the Rochester Public Schools board. Like Hopkins, she will join a board filled with members who have at least two years of experience.

Whitehorn won the Nov. 5 election to replace board member Jess Garcia, who did not file for re-election.

During her campaign, Whitehorn said she wanted to help the district foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment to help students thrive. She also said she wanted to address educational inequities that hinder marginalized groups.

As she begins her term, however, she said it's important to learn the system thoroughly to be as effective as possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I do feel (a) responsibility to do this job well," Whitehorn said. "It's good to have a lot of thoughts and ideas, but I want to actually be effective in this role for my community, for the students ... and for the underserved communities that don't normally get an opportunity to be at the table."

Reporter Jordan Shearer contributed to this story.
(Reuters) - The U.S. Surgeon General called on Friday for alcoholic drinks to carry a label warning consumers about their cancer risks.

Here are some guidelines and recommendations by governments on alcohol consumption:

BRITAIN

National Health Service guidelines recommend consuming no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. The service, which is publicly funded, advises "there's no completely safe level of drinking, but sticking within these guidelines lowers your risk of harming your health."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The NHS guidance states that lower risk of cancer is one of the long term benefits of drinking less alcohol.

FRANCE

France's public health agency, Sante Publique France, recommends adults limit alcohol consumption to a maximum of two standard drinks per day and not to drink every day, according to its official alcohol recommendations last updated in 2022.

The agency states that alcohol-related health risks increase with the quantity consumed over a lifetime and advises consuming no more than 10 standard drinks per week while observing alcohol-free days each week.

The agency does not explicitly state that moderate drinking can be safe and warns on its website about cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption. It states that alcohol is a known carcinogen and the risk of developing certain forms of cancer increases from just one drink per day, regardless of the type of alcohol consumed. Seven types of cancer are proven to be linked to alcohol consumption, it says, citing mouth, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectal, and breast tumours.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

GERMANY

The German Center for Addiction Issues recommends that women drink no more than 12 grams of alcohol per day, equivalent to a small beer or a small glass of wine, and that men drink no more than 24 grams of alcohol per day, equivalent to two small beers or a large glass of wine. The Center also recommends at least two alcohol-free days per week.

A government website advising the public on responsible drinking warns there is no such thing as risk-free alcohol consumption, pointing to mounting scientific studies showing that even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to physical illness.

Alcohol consumption is a cause of various forms of cancer, most commonly bowel cancer and cancers of the mouth and throat, liver, oesophagus and breast, according to a German government-funded 2022 study.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

IRELAND

Under new rules coming into force next year, all alcohol products sold in Ireland face a legal requirement to carry health labelling, including warning of the links to cancer, liver disease and the risk of drinking while pregnant.

Setting out the plan in 2023, health Minister Stephen Donnelly hailed Ireland as "the first country in the world to take this step."

The World Health Organization welcomed the move then, saying Ireland will be the first country with comprehensive health labelling on all alcohol products.

LITHUANIA

Lithuania's strict alcohol control laws prohibit any public encouragement to drink alcohol, including any advertising of alcohol or advertising price reduction of alcoholic beverages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A spokeswoman for Lithuania's governmental Narcotics, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Board said she was not aware the Board was issuing any specific warnings linking alcohol to cancer.

The link between cancer and alcohol is mentioned, in passing, in at least one press statement on the Board's website.

NORWAY

Norway's Directorate of Health says there is no safe level of alcohol consumption and recommends that the intake should be "as low as possible". "Alcohol consumption is associated with the development of cancer, especially breast cancer and cancer of the gastrointestinal tract," it said in guidelines released in 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

SPAIN

The Spanish Health Ministry says that alcohol consumption always involves a risk, adding that "the less alcohol the better".

Low-risk drinking limits are set at half a glass of wine a day or a small glass of beer for women and a glass of wine or two small beers for men.

The Spanish Health Ministry considers a risky consumption when the person drinks at least twice the recommended amounts.

The ministry defines a risky consumption as one that increases the probability of having health problems in the future (such as cancer or mental health), including social and economic consequences for the person who drinks or others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

UNITED STATES

Alcoholic beverages in the United States currently carry a health warning label, introduced in 1988, which advises pregnant women to not drink them and that their consumption impairs a person's ability to drive a car or operate machinery.

(Reporting by Tassilo Hummel, Rachel More, William James, Andrius Sytas, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez and Muvija M; compiled by Rafal W. Nowak and Alessandro Parodi; Editing by Susan Fenton)
UPDATE: This scene is clear and the roadway has been reopened, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

PREVIOUS REPORTING

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Fairhope road is closed due to a death investigation in the area, according to the police department.

Family of Mobile man killed Christmas Day hopes for swift arrest

Prospect Avenue, between Hospital Drive and Ingleside, was closed starting around 9 a.m. Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said they were responding to an incident involving a deceased individual.

There is no threat to public safety, according to officials.

South Alabama offensive coordinator Rob Ezell leaves for same position at Wake Forest

This story is developing. News 5 will update this article 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 WKRG News 5.
The town of Plains is preparing to say its first of two goodbyes to its favorite son, Jimmy Carter.

His funeral procession will travel through his hometown on Saturday morning.

Everyone in Plains will be out to see it.

Jan Williams sat on her front porch in Plains on Friday afternoon and spoke with Channel 2s Richard Elliot.

Her home is not even one block from where Carters motorcade will pass Saturday morning and again next week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think hes happier. Hes been living pretty much in isolation. Thats not Jimmy Carter, Williams told Elliot.

Shes known Carter all her life and even taught his children in school.

RELATED STORIES:

Williams said she believes hes in a better place because the last few years were tough.

I was just so thankful that although his body was getting tired, he continued to have a good mind and keep up with whats going on. Go Braves, he always said, Williams said.

Williams works at Maranatha Baptist Church where the former president used to attend and teach Sunday school until his health just prevented him from doing anymore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She reminded Elliot that Carters last Sunday School lesson was about dying.

He always said in church when gods ready, hes ready, and that was always a comfort for anybody that has a loved one thats facing death. He talked about it. He wanted other people to be ready, Williams said.

Like so many others in Plains, Williams will go down the street to watch the funeral procession on Saturday morning and when he makes his final journey back to his home next week.

Its very ironic that hell be carried away from a place that he loved so much and was allowed to be buried in this town he loved so much. God is good, Williams said.

The motorcade will also pass by Carters boyhood home where he will get a salute from the National Park Rangers who work the site.
Family members of the Menendez brothers plan to meet with newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Friday, Jan. 3, to push for a reduced sentence for the pair.

Following a 1993 mistrial, Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted in 1996 of shooting and killing their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez in their $5 million Beverly Hills home in 1989, when they were 21 and 18, respectively.

They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the first trial, their attorneys argued that the brothers killed their parents after years of sexual and emotional abuse from their father, which they claimed their mother ignored. The brothers also claimed they feared for their lives when they committed the murders.

This fall, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon supported resentencing the brothers, which would enable them to be immediately eligible for parole.

But Gascon was voted out of office, and the new district attorney said he wanted to review the evidence before making any decisions.

Related: D.A. Shares Letter Written by Erik Menendez Alleging Dads Sex Abuse as He Mulls Resentencing for Brothers

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ahead of Fridays meeting with Hochman, The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition  a group of family members who support the brothers  released a statement about what they hope to accomplish.

As we prepare to meet with DA Hochman, our family is hopeful for an open and fair discussion, the family members said in a statement.

Despite the abuse they endured as children and the unfairness of their current sentence, Erik and Lyle Menendez have spent the last three decades taking responsibility for their actions and contributing positively to their community through leadership and rehabilitation.

During our meeting with DA Hochman, we look forward to sharing our perspective on Erik and Lyles immense personal growth over the last 35 years and the ways in which we plan to support them in their next chapters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: The Surprising Reason Why the Menendez Brothers Went on a $700K Shopping Spree After Murdering Their Parents

We hope that this meeting will put us a step closer to spending next Christmas reunited as a family.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The meeting with Hochman will include more than 20 members of Jose and Kitty Menendezs family who are all united in their support for a resentencing process that reflects Erik and Lyles abuse, trauma, and demonstrated rehabilitation over the last 35 years, the statement said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Netflix documentary The Menendez Brothers, which began streaming last October, and featured recorded interviews with the brothers from prison, as well as Ryan Murphys Netflix show Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, starring Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny, spurred renewed interest in the sensational case.

The brothers could possibly be resentenced at their hearing later this month.

During Gascon's tenure as DA, he announced that he would recommend the brothers be resentenced to 50 years to life, which would make them immediately eligible for parole.

Gascon also said he supported their request for clemency from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. But the governor has said he would wait for the recommendation of the newly-elected Hochman, who defeated Gascon in the November election, before making a decision on clemency.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: Menendez Brothers Won't Be Home for Holidays as Judge Postpones Hearing, Citing '17 Boxes' of Evidence

On the coalition's website, the family writes that Hochman "has claimed that the Menendez brothers' second trial sufficiently addressed the abuse they suffered. This is not true. While Erik testified about the abuse for hours, key evidence and corroborating testimonies were excluded."

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



Read the original article on People
Zelig Williams, a beloved Broadway dancer, is still missing after disappearing three months ago. The dancer was first reported missing after leaving his mothers house on Oct. 3, 2024, in his home state of South Carolina, per WIS 10. Twenty-four hours later, a deputy discovered Williams car abandoned in the Palmetto Trail Parking lot off Bluff Road with no trace of the entertainer.

Family members arranged official search parties throughout December 2024 for the dancer to no avail. On Thursday (Jan. 2), Williams cousin, Mieoki Corbett-Jacobs, posted an update on the search for Zelig, confirming that he hasnt been found and shared that they believed Zeligs disappearance was a result of something far more sinister.

2025 is here and tomorrow will mark the 3rd month since Zelig Williams left his home heading out with a portfolio in his hand possibly to drop it of or meet with someone briefly, Mieoki Corbett-Jacobs typed on Facebook. On behalf of Kathy Williams, Christine Mclaughlin Barber, Caroline Lewis Jones and our family we thank you for your unwavering support. That being said we want to provide some updates and understanding: The search will continue, but not in the areas that weve searched before (stay tuned for additional dates and locations in the next week or two), We do not believe that Zelig is in the water and we ABSOLUTELY believe that there is foul play related to his disappearance.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott previously held a news conference in the wake of Williams disappearance in October. Early in the investigation, Lott and his department stated that they were not ruling out foul play.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additionally, around this time, the family stated that Zelig Williams could have possibly stopped taking his medication for his mental health around the time of his disappearance.

For those who may have information regarding Zelig Williams and his whereabouts, his family is urging the public to contact the Richland County Sheriffs Department at (803) 576-3000 or Crime Stoppers at crimesc.com.

so theres a broadway dancer who has been missing for over a a week now named Zelig Williams pic.twitter.com/jSVaW2feAj  ????? (@heyyitsjanea) October 16, 2024

More from VIBE.com

Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Judge Timothy M. Tymkovich, a member of the federal appeals court based in Denver, spoke last month about his 20-year tradition of taking ski trips with his clerks  some of whom have since become judges themselves  and of amassing commemorative gifts from attendees.
This article was featured in the One Story to Read Today newsletter. Sign up for it here.

In September 2016, the CIA sent a classified memo to the FBI, which was investigating Russian interference in the presidential election. According to Russian intelligence sources, Hillary Clinton had approved a plan to publicly tie Donald Trump to the countrys hack of the Democratic National Committee. The Russians reportedly said that Clinton wanted to distract the public from the scandal over her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.

As secret tips from spies go, this one was not earth-shattering. FBI agents didnt need the CIA to tell them that Clinton was painting Trump as an ally of the Kremlinher campaign chair was on CNN saying just that. Trump was also making Clintons case for her: In late July, he had publicly encouraged the Russians to hack her email, which they then tried to do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The CIA memo may have been obvious and not particularly useful. But it did contain sensitive information that could be source revealing, its authors cautioned, so the information was limited to those with a need-to-know status and should not be released in any form. Exposing human sourcesspiescompromises intelligence gathering and can sometimes get them killed. For four years, the documents stewards complied and kept it secret. Then it caught the attention of John Ratcliffe, President Trumps director of national intelligence.

[Read: Clinton: Just trust me on this one]

Ratcliffe had been a divisive pick for the nations top intelligence adviser, made late in Trumps term. His critics said he lacked sufficient national-security experience and was a partisan warrior. As a freshman Republican representative from Texas, he had risen to national prominence by suggesting a theory, during committee hearings and television appearances, that Clinton had engineered the FBIs investigation into the Trump campaigns possible connections to Russian interference. (Ratcliffe surely knew that she had not, because this had been exhaustively established by multiple investigations, including one led by Senate Republicans.)

In late September 2020, weeks before voters would choose between Trump and Joe Biden, Ratcliffe declassified and released the CIA memo, along with some notes from an intelligence briefing given to President Barack Obama. He claimed that he was responding to requests from Congress to shed light on the FBIs Russia investigation, but the documents didnt provide much new information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Intelligence officials were appalled. History had repeatedly, painfully, shown that politics and intelligence were a dangerous mix, and as the DNI, Ratcliffe was expected to avoid partisan behavior and safeguard sources and methods. Also, officials warned, the Russians might have wanted that memo to be released; even four years on, anything mentioning Clinton, Russia, and Trump was politically combustible and potentially disruptive to the election. Gina Haspel, then the director of the CIA (a Trump appointment), opposed the documents release. So did officials at the National Security Agency.

But to Trump and some of his advisers, the memo had a certain expedience. The president seized on it as new evidence of Clintons hidden hand in the Russia hoax, a subject that reliably caused him to rage against his supposed enemies inside the intelligence agencies.

[Read: Trump vs. the spies]

It is imperative that the American people now learn what thenVice President Joe Biden knew about this conspiracy and when he knew it, the Trump campaigns communications director said in a statement at the time. Biden must give a full accounting of his knowledge and his conversations about Clintons scheme, which was known to the highest reaches of his administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump himself made passing reference to the intelligence in his first debate with Biden, accusing Clinton of a whole big con job and the intelligence community of spying on my campaign.

Ratcliffe had cherry-picked just the thing to feed Trumps fixation on deep state chicanery and malfeasance. The act was nakedly political. And it surprised no one.

Ratcliffes appeal to Trump has always been clear: Hes a political operator willing to push the boundaries of a historically apolitical position in a manner that serves the presidents interests. In November, Trump nominated Ratcliffe for an even more important job than the previous one: CIA director. The question likely to hang over his tenure is how much further he will go to enable Trumps attacks on the intelligence community.

When Trump nominated Ratcliffe as the DNI in 2019, he gave him marching orders to rein in the forces that the president believed were undermining him. As I think youve all learned, the intelligence agencies have run amok, Trump told reporters. Ratcliffe would get them back in line. But lawmakers were wary of appointing such a staunch partisan, and amid concerns about his experience, Democrats and key Republicans questioned whether he had exaggerated his credentials, something Ratcliffe denied. After only five days, Ratcliffe (who declined to be interviewed for this article) withdrew his candidacy. Trump nominated him again in 2020, and he was narrowly confirmed along party lines, 4944. He received more votes in opposition than any DNI in the offices 15-year history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

[Read: Ratcliffes withdrawal reveals Trump still doesnt understand appointments]

When Trump named Ratcliffe as his pick for CIA director, he again made his expectations clear: He praised Ratcliffe for exposing alleged abuses by the FBI and former intelligence officials, and for showing fake Russian collusion to be a Clinton campaign operation. But this time, the response in Washington has been muted.

Having served as the DNI for eight months, Ratcliffe is now better qualified to run an intelligence agency. He also benefits from comparison with Trumps other choices for top national-security positions: at the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, who has been accused of sexual assault and alcohol abuse (he has denied the allegations); at the FBI, Kash Patel, a fervent Trump supporter who has threatened to investigate the presidents critics, including journalists; and for the DNI, Tulsi Gabbard, a former representative who has expressed sympathy for some of the worlds most notorious anti-American dictators, including Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad.

Compared with these selections, Ratcliffe looks like an elder statesman, and he has essentially been anointed: The Senate will almost certainly confirm him, which will make Ratcliffe the only person ever to have served as both the DNI and the director of the CIA. Several U.S. and allied intelligence officials told me that they would welcome this development, given the alternatives. Patel had been on Trumps shortlist to run the CIA, some reminded me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

[Read: Trumps deep state revenge]

But the question of where Ratcliffes limits lie is even more salient in Trumps second term. Though the DNI technically ranks higher than the director of the CIA, the latter is the more powerful post. The DNI is largely a managerial job; the CIA director is operational. From Langley, Ratcliffe would control covert intelligence activity. He could learn the locations and identities of spies. The CIA is also the primary interlocutor for foreign intelligence services, which share information that could implicate their sources if exposed. Several foreign intelligence officials have recently told me that they are taking steps to limit how much sensitive intelligence they share with the Trump administration, for fear that it might be leaked or used for political ends.

Some U.S. officials fear that Trump could direct the CIA to undertake illegal activities, such as aiding paramilitary forces inside the United States to secure the border, or clandestinely spying on Americans, knowing that the president would enjoy criminal immunity for official acts thanks to a recent Supreme Court opinion. These are extreme examples, and Trump would surely face internal resistance. But Ratcliffe has demonstrated that hes willing to break norms and traditions. How would he respond if the president askedor orderedhim to do something more drastic than declassify documents?

Though Trump has turned to Ratcliffe twice to rein in the deep state, his political origin story is actually rooted in the security states expansion. After graduating from Notre Dame in 1986, when he was only 20, Ratcliffe went to law school and then into private practice in Texas. But something was missing, he told senators at his DNI confirmation hearing. On September 11, 2001, Ratcliffe said, he was at work in a high-rise office building in Dallas that looked a whole lot like the ones in New York that were under attackand he wondered, in the months that followed, how he might devote his time to more meaningful work.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ratcliffe had gotten to know Matt Orwig, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas and a George W. Bush appointee. Orwig needed someone to run a joint terrorism task force, one of the dozens set up after the attacks to coordinate federal and regional security efforts. The goal was not only to prosecute terrorism crimes but to prevent them from happening. Ratcliffe took the job in 2004.

The whole law-enforcement structure was being remade, Orwig told me. There was a lot of information flooding in from different authorities. It was a really big job. In 2007, Orwig stepped down, and Ratcliffe became U.S. attorney for 11 months. Afterward, he returned to private practice, running the Dallas office of a firm he co-founded with John Ashcroft, Bushs first attorney general.

Ashcroft became Ratcliffes political mentor, an association that seems ironic in retrospect. Ashcroft was in many ways an architect of the powerful national-security bureaucracy that Trump and Ratcliffe now rail against. After 9/11, the attorney general oversaw and approved controversial applications of the PATRIOT Act and other new authorities, including secret wiretapping of phone calls involving Americans. Such counterterrorism measures enhanced the powers of the Justice Department and the intelligence community, and occasionally encroached on civil liberties that Americans had long taken for granted.

Ratcliffe and Ashcroft shared a deeply conservative political outlook, and Ashcroft admired the younger attorneys commitment to community service. Ratcliffe was also serving as the mayor of Heath, Texas, a bedroom community where he lived with his wife and two children. Ashcroft thought Ratcliffe was suited for national leadership. We decided he should run for Congress, Ashcroft told me, and in 2014, Ratcliffe did.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

[Read: The case of John Ashcroft]

Getting to Washington would test Ratcliffes budding political skills. Ralph Hall, a conservative Democrat who switched to the GOP in 2004, had reliably represented the fourth congressional district, where Ratcliffe lived, since 1981. At 91, Hall was the oldest-ever member of the House of Representatives, and his voters seemed in no mood to replace him with a young upstart. But the Tea Party was elevating a new generation of conservatives who were suspicious of entrenched power, and in a bid for change that avoided taking aim at Halls age, Ratcliffe promised to bring energetic leadership to the district. Itll be up to the voters to decide whether or not a candidate is too old, Ratcliffe, who was 42 years younger than Hall, told reporters at the time.

Ratcliffe picked up endorsements from conservative groups, including the Club for Growth, and eventually defeated Hall in a runoff. He was the first primary challenger to beat a Republican incumbent in Texas in 20 years. His political acumen was now beyond dispute, according to Todd Gillman, a reporter for The Dallas Morning News. Affable. Discreet. Knife fighter, Gillman wrote in a recent column for The Washington Post. All of it was there to see when Ratcliffe took down the oldest member of Congress ever without coming off like a jerk.

In Washington, Ratcliffe discovered the full extent of his talents, which included a lawyerly facility for constructing political narratives that appealed to Republicans. He fell in with fellow conservatives who were also new to Congress. Trey Gowdy, another former federal prosecutor, introduced him to his fellow South Carolinian Tim Scott. The three spent many evenings together, eating dinner and talking about their lives and political ideas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gowdy helped Ratcliffe raise his national profile and get Trumps attention. At a hearing in September 2016, the representative grilled James Comey, the FBI director, about the investigation of Hillary Clintons private email server, questioning whether officials had already decided that there was no prosecutable crime when they sat down to interview the presidential candidate. Ratcliffe was aggressive but not hectoring. His questions were clearly prepared, but his delivery seemed unrehearsed. He corrected Comeys account of a chain of events in the FBIs investigation, prompting the director to admit that he might have been misremembering. It wasnt exactly a gotcha moment, but Ratcliffe showed that he could confuse an adversary with a blizzard of facts.

After Ratcliffe finished with Comey, Gowdy passed him a handwritten note: 100 percent A+.

That was really a moment for me where I thought, You know, Im really where Im supposed to be, Ratcliffe recalled in 2021 on a podcast that Gowdy hosts.

Ratcliffe credited Gowdy with steering his career. You said to me, Johnny, focus on what you do well, get better at it, and shut up about the rest. And I literally followed that advice. In other words, only go on TV to talk about things that you know about. Dont try and be a master of all trades. Do the things that you do really well and people will notice, and it will serve you well. And it did.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gowdy helped make Ratcliffe a go-to interrogator when congressional committees wanted to quiz the FBI or poke holes in the Russia investigation. Ratcliffe stuck to a theme of pernicious bias against Trump. He suggested that political animus, not genuine concern about foreign-intelligence threats, was the impetus behind the Russia probe. He also suggested that the CIAthe agency he is about to leadmay have kicked off the investigation. (It did not, and this is among the fringiest views that Ratcliffe has flirted with.)

[Read: Dont let the Russia probe become the new Benghazi]

Ratcliffes performances impressed Trump. But although he, Gowdy, and Scott are deeply conservative, they are not MAGA Republicans. They seem to share Trumps antipathy toward the federal bureaucracy. But their political ideas were shaped by forces that gave rise to Trump, not by the man himself. Gowdy, who left Congress in 2019, got on Trumps bad side for not embracing his conspiracy theories about Democrats spying on his campaign, and Scott competed against Trump in the GOPs 2024 presidential primary.

As for Ratcliffe, he has more fiercely defended Trump as a victim of an unfair system than championed him as a hero sent to fix it. In one of the most-watched hearings of the Trump era, Ratcliffe lit into Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the language of his final report, which stated that although the investigation does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him. That was an unfair standard no American should face, Ratcliffe insisted. Donald Trump is not above the law, he thundered. But he damn sure shouldnt be below the law.

It was a principled position, and perhaps a reflection of sincere disquiet about the politicization of law enforcement and the intelligence community. Ashcroft told me that he shares such concerns and speaks with Ratcliffe four or five times a year about reforming the system. But when Ratcliffe takes these stances, he also gives credence to Trumps refrains about Crooked Hillary and the deep state. And he makes little effort to distinguish Trumps critique from his own.

Jim Jordan speaks to Ratcliffe during a House Judiciary Committee hearing, December 9, 2019. (Zach Gibson / Getty)

[Read: Republicans take their shot at Muellerand narrowly miss]

Ratcliffe probably wouldnt have become the director of national intelligence if not for another pro-Trump partisan, Richard Grenell. The then-ambassador to Germany was also serving as the acting intelligence director when Trump nominated Ratcliffe for the second time, in 2020. The president essentially forced the Senate to choose between the two. Grenell had long been loathed and even feared in some quarters of Congress for his heated rhetoric and vicious social-media attacks. Suddenly, Ratcliffe seemed like the less political option.

Ratcliffe took office less than six months before the 2020 election. The intelligence agencies he now led were on guard against foreign governments trying to skew political contests with misleading social-media posts and divisive propaganda. Russia, once again, was a top concern.

Nothing angered Trump like talk of Russia trying to help him win an election. His aides had learned to avoid the subject. The president had identified China as the biggest strategic threat to the United States, an assessment that many Democrats and Republicans shared, Ratcliffe among them. But career intelligence analysts doubted that China intended to disrupt the election. What Beijing really wanted was stability in its relationship with Washington, they argued. Trying to help one candidate win, as Russia had in 2016, could backfire.

[Read: Trumps intelligence war is also an election story]

In August 2020, the intelligence community produced a classified assessment of election threats. Then Ratcliffe intervened, analysts have said, and inserted a warning about China that was an outrageous misrepresentation of their analysis, according to a later report by an intelligence ombudsman.

The DNI typically does not help write intelligence assessments, because he is a political appointee, and so his involvement could present a conflict of interest. But Ratcliffe argued that although his intervention was unusual, it was not unprecedented, nor was it inappropriate. He maintained that the analysts were thinking too narrowly: Chinas well-documented efforts to lobby state and local officials, and to steal corporate intellectual property and classified government information, were aimed at achieving political outcomes. That made them, in effect, a kind of election interference. The ombudsman also found that the analysts working on China and the ones working on Russia used different definitions for influence and interference. Ratcliffe argued that such discrepancies could create the false impression that Russia was trying to affect the U.S. election but China was not.

I know my conclusions are right, based on the intelligence that I see, he said, according to the ombudsman. Many analysts think I am going off the script. They dont realize that I did it based on the intelligence.

Ratcliffes defenders say that his role as the DNI obligated him to speak up, even if that meant straying into red-hot political topics. What I saw was him reflecting a value of transparency and informing the public, said one U.S. intelligence official who worked for Ratcliffe when he was the DNI and asked not to be identified by name. Sometimes he would challenge assessments and assumptions, I think in the interest of seeing if they would hold. He is an attorney by trade. You kind of have to keep that in mind when you brief him.

Ratcliffe wasnt the only one to gauge the threat from China more broadly: Two senior intelligence officers also expressed views on Chinas interference activities that were in line with Ratcliffes assessment. But Ratcliffe didnt raise the same level of concern about Russia, which many analysts thought posed the more direct threat to the election. He framed the issue, not for the first time, in a way that lent support to Trumps political argument. And because the DNI was making that case, the ostensibly objective work of intelligence now had a partisan gloss.

Ratcliffe leaving a meeting with Senate Minority Whip John Thune after being nominated to be the CIA director, December 4, 2024 (Andrew Harnik / Getty)

[Read: Trump calls out election meddlingby China]

When announcing Ratcliffes nomination for CIA director, Trump indicated what he valued most in his pick: From exposing the Russia investigation as the alleged handiwork of the Clinton campaign to catching the FBIs abuse of Civil Liberties at the FISA Court, John Ratcliffe has always been a warrior for Truth and Honesty with the American public, Trump wrote in a social-media post. The reference to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court was shorthand for one of Trumps elastic theories about how Democrats had spied on his 2016 campaign.

He also lauded Ratcliffe for publicly refuting 51 former intelligence officers who had claimed in a letter that the 2020 discovery of emails on a laptop purporting to belong to Joe Bidens son Hunter had all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation. Ratcliffe was right about that one: No evidence linked Hunter Bidens laptop to a Russian plot to harm his father. But the letter by the former officials was an act of free speech and an expression of opinion by former officials and expertsnot something that the DNI traditionally makes his business.

In the four years he has been out of government, Ratcliffe has remained an enthusiastic critic of the intelligence community. He co-authored a September 2023 op-ed in The Wall Street Journal with a former aide, reflecting on a dangerous trend inside the CIA to politicize intelligence on China, and to suppress dissenting views that stray from the company line. He was particularly worried about resistance to investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. The once-fringe view that the virus likely originated in a laboratory in China, which Ratcliffe believes, has gained more respectability thanks in part to U.S. intelligence.

[Read: The coronavirus conspiracy boom]

Tim Scott told me that Ratcliffes controversial positions have aged well. Some of the time he stood alone or in the minority and took a scathing rebuke from the intellectuals in our country, the senator said. I think the truth of the matter is, he was rightabout the origins of COVID, the Biden laptop, and Russiagate.

In other scenarios, howeverthe memo about the Clinton campaign and Russian hacking comes to mindRatcliffe conducted himself less like an intelligence adviser, who is supposed to help the president make a decision, and more like a litigator doing his best to help his client win an argument, or a political pugilist eager to score points.

Still, unlike some others in Trumps orbitmost notably Kash PatelRatcliffe has shown that he does have limits. Shortly after the 2020 election, Trump offered Ratcliffe the job that he had long wanted, and that his friend Trey Gowdy had said he was perfect for: attorney general. The president was prepared to fire Bill Barr, whod rejected Trumps baseless notions of widespread voter fraud. According to an account in Michael Benders book, Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost, Ratcliffe had privately told Trump that no intelligence suggested that foreign governments had hacked voting machines or changed the outcome of the election. If he became attorney general, hed be expected to advocate for an idea he knew wasnt true. Ratcliffe declined Trumps offer.

In this respect, Ratcliffe might seem like one of the so-called adults in the room during the first Trump administrationthe officials who slow-rolled orders or even tried to block them as a check against what they considered to be the presidents worst impulses. But people who know Ratcliffe told me that this was not his profile. He is on board with Trumps policies and doesnt believe that regulating the president is his job. He wont cross his boss, either. To this day, nearly eight years after the CIA, FBI, and NSA reached a unanimous, unclassified assessment on Russian election interference in 2016, Ratcliffe has never said publicly whether he agrees with one of its key findings: that the Russians were trying to help Trump win.

[Read: The U.S. needs to face up to its long history of election meddling]

If he disagrees with that position, he surely would have said so, just as he has disputed other intelligence judgments he finds lacking or wrong. But his silence is telling. If he does agree, and says so publicly, he will not be the next director of the CIA.

At his confirmation hearing, senators are likely to ask Ratcliffe whether he plans to further Trumps interests. Not the presidents policiesall CIA directors do thatbut his political preferences, prejudices, and vendettas. Only Ratcliffe knows the answer to this question. But alone among Trumps picks to head the national-security agencies, he comes with a clear track record in the role.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
A 300 kroner tax per ton of carbon dioxide is the new cost of agricultural living for Danish farmers, at least until 2035 when it jumps to 750.

The figures, which translate to about $43 and $106 in the United States, are believed to be the world's first "belch and manure" tax targeting cow emissions, The New York Times reported. While other countries have made similar approaches toward applying capitation to bovine flatulence, it appears Denmark is the first to succeed.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, farmers will get more than half the tax back in the form of rebates, the Times said  a necessary measure, since those in the agricultural industry can't completely stop cow flatulence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The more farmers directly target the windiness of their livestock, the more those rebates increase. For instance, there are several consumable products, either in the testing phase or on the market, that reduce flatulence.

Red seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis) is the most effective and is being tested for mass-market production. Bovaer, Agolin, green tea, and oregano are also popular alternatives.

The new tax is calculated to target cleanup efforts in Denmark's agricultural industry, the Times reported. Over two-thirds of the country is farmland, with 215 pigs for every one person and a cow for every four.

"I think it's good," Copenhagen resident Rasmus Angelsnes told the Times. "It's kind of a nudge to make different choices, maybe more climate-friendly choices."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Restoration of Denmark's peatlands is priority No. 1 thanks to the topography's ability to absorb planet-warming pollution. Peatland is a type of wetland, and Denmark's is essentially gone, the Times said, along with roughly 35% of peatlands throughout the world.

Peatlands are capable of storing two times the amount of carbon that regular forests do, which makes them essential for combating greenhouse pollution in Denmark. It's difficult for them to be essential, however, if they hardly exist.

Do you think gas stoves should be banned nationwide?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

While no other countries are reported to have enacted such a tax yet, many are actively promoting other forms of sustainable farming practices. Spain emphasizes agroforestry, organic farming, and mingling solar energy with crop production.

India engages in permaculture farming practices, while regenerative businesses are popping up in South Africa. Brazil, the European Union, and the U.S. are either using feed additives or working toward approvals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Denmark's case, the food industry is mostly on board with the farmers. "They understand they need to do it; they want to do it," Arla Foods CEO Peder Tuborgh told the Times. "They know it is protecting their reputation, and they're still producing."

Kristian Hundeboll, the CEO of DLG Group, wants more agricultural businesses in Europe to join the effort as well. "Neither the climate, agriculture, nor the ancillary industries benefit from Denmark acting unilaterally," Hundeboll said.

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.
Republican sources on Capitol Hill warn that President-elect Trumps nominees may be delayed because of paperwork holdups and the slow start of FBI background checks, creating obstacles for the speedy confirmation of Trumps national security team.

Senate Republican leaders called on colleagues to swiftly confirm Trumps national security team in the wake of the suspected terror attack in New Orleans on New Years Day, but those pleas for fast action are running up against procedural thickets in the Senate, where even routine business can take days or weeks to get done.

As of Thursday evening, only Pete Hegseth, Trumps nominee to head the Defense Department, had the date of his confirmation hearing announced  Jan. 14.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other nominees, including two of Trumps most controversial picks  Tulsi Gabbard, who is nominated to serve as director of national intelligence, and Kash Patel, who is nominated to serve as FBI director  are in limbo at the moment.

Senate Republican aides and strategists say Gabbards nomination to head the nations intelligence agencies faces a rocky road in the upper chamber.

Meanwhile Patel appears to have enough momentum to win Senate confirmation, but his nomination will wait while the Senate Judiciary Committee moves first to process former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondis nomination to head the Justice Department.

Theres been a challenge in getting completed background checks and getting the Office of Government Ethics 278 form done for nominees, and thats slowed things down for a number of committees, a Senate GOP aide said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The aide said the Trump transition teams tardiness in signing memorandums of understanding with the Justice Department to pave the way for FBI background checks and its reluctance to sign an agreement with the General Services Administration to gain access to government office space, email accounts, phones and computers have slowed down the process.

You got to get the ethics paperwork and the FBI background check done and thats taken longer than it should have, the source said. They should know better. This has a lot to do with the way the transition team has set itself to operate. Its created some of these delays. These are self-inflicted delays.

A Senate Democratic aide confirmed that the FBI background checks had been delayed for key national security nominees as of shortly before Christmas.

A senior Republican strategist working with the transition team, however, defended the handling of Trumps high-profile nominees, pointing out that they are in the middle of FBI background checks and working directly with the Office of Government Ethics and departmental ethics officers to work through potential conflicts of interest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The strategist said the late start date of the FBI background checks posed less of an obstacle to Trumps nominees moving through the Senate quickly, arguing the length of those investigations will be more relevant to the nominees timelines for confirmation.

A spokesperson for the Trump-Vance transition team defended Trumps nominees as highly qualified and said the Senate hearings would be scheduled promptly.

President-Elect Trump has made brilliant decisions on who will serve in his second Administration at lightning pace. Hearings are being scheduled promptly, and dates will continue to be announced by their respective committees, the spokesperson said.

Several Republican senators, including Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, say they want the FBI to complete full and thorough background checks of high-level nominees  especially those who would fill key national security positions  before they come up for votes in committee and on the floor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But pressure is building on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to bring Trumps national security nominees up for votes quickly after a high-profile attack this week on revelers in New Orleanss historic French Quarter.

A second incident jolted the national New Years Day when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

Thune denounced the rampage that left 14 people dead in New Orleans as a senseless terror attack and called for clear answers from the administration.

The threat posed by ISIS will outlast this administration, and this is a clear example of why the Senate must get President Trumps national security team in place as quickly as possible, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senate Republican Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) echoed that call.

The U.S. Senate must confirm President Trumps national security team as soon as possible. Lives depend on it, he posted on the social platform X.

A second Republican strategist who is helping Trumps nominees move through the Senate said Trump advisers are leery of how the FBI and Office of Government Ethics (OGE) will handle Trumps nominees while they are still under the influence of the Biden White House.

From the Trump perspective, until theyre in charge of OGE, theres concern about what OGE is going to do under a Biden administration. That was the big problem of FBI background checks. Theyve been skeptical of this FBI with this director being [in] charge of vetting Trump noms, the source said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The strategist also warned that Gabbard, a former Democratic lawmaker from Hawaii who sponsored legislation to repeal the Patriot Act and Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, faces strong skepticism from Republican and Democratic senators.

The strategist said if Republicans try to derail Gabbards nomination, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) could lead the charge.

I dont think Republicans are as concerned about Kash, the source said. Theres going to be a lot of pressure to move on [the Department of Justice], the FBI, [director of national intelligence] and the CIA.

Trumps nominee to head the Central Intelligence Agency, former Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas), is expected to move through the Senate without major opposition. He previously served as director of national intelligence from May 2020 to January 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A lot will depend on how Gabbard does at her one-on-one meeting with Sen. Mark Warner (Va.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. That meeting is scheduled to happen Monday.

The strategist said that the Trump transition team and the Senate committees do not appear to be in a hurry to move Trumps domestic nominees given the greater focus lawmakers are putting on national security- and Homeland Security-related picks.

There does not seem to be a rush in the HELP or Finance for the domestic nominees. I think the priority are national security nominees, the strategist said, referring to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the Finance Committee.

The Senate Finance Committee has not yet announced the dates of its confirmation hearings for Trumps picks to head the Treasury and Health and Human Services departments and to serve as U.S. trade representative.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president-elect has tapped hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, public health advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and trade lawyer Jamieson Greer to head those agencies.

Republican aides point out that other potential problems could delay Trumps nominees.

The Senate committees cant do business without unanimous consent until Thune and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) agree on an organizing resolution to lay the groundwork for the incoming 119th Congress.

And even once nominees testify at their confirmation hearings, any one senator can delay the committee vote on the nominee by a week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Democrats can further delay the proceedings by refusing to yield back procedural time on the floor.

But Schumer pledged in a letter to Thune last year that Democrats are willing to work in a bipartisan way to process the nominees as long as they undergo a full vetting.

Senate Democrats stand ready and willing to work with Senate Republicans to provide advice and consent as we evaluate all of the incoming presidents nominations, Schumer wrote.

In particular, we commit to working in a bipartisan fashion to process each nominee by reviewing standard FBI background-investigation materials, scheduling hearings and markups in the committees of jurisdiction, and considering nominees on the Senate floor, he pledged.

Updated at 2:27 p.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.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday said that the perpetrator of the deadly car-ramming attack in New Orleans on New Year's morning acted alone.

"As we're being transparent, unfortunately, there is some information that we have to go back and correct," Christopher Raia, FBI deputy assistant director, told a press conference. "We're confident at this point that there are no accomplices."

The police had previously said they were looking for possible collaborators. The FBI also revised the number of people killed in the attack from 15 to 14.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said late on Thursday in an update on the incident that the attacker had a remote detonator for explosives in his vehicle.

Biden said the FBI had told him that the assailant acted alone and that he was the one who placed explosives in coolers at other locations in the French Quarter, a popular nightlife district renowned for its Mardi Gras celebrations, a few hours before the terrorist act.

Dozens were injured after the suspect intentionally drove into a crowd of New Year's revellers in New Orleans's French Quarter.

The FBI also emphasized that there is currently no connection between the attack in New Orleans and the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas, which also occurred on New Year's morning. The incidents occurred a few hours apart.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However both the pickup truck in the New Orleans ramming and the Tesla Cybertruck had been hired through the major US car hire company Turo, police said.

The two men behind the New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks had both been in the military. The New Orleans attacker served in the US Army and was subsequently retained as a reservist for years, while the Las Vegas suspect, who died in the explosion, was an active soldier.

"This does not necessarily establish a connection between the two events," said US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in an interview with CNN when asked about the parallels. "I think we don't yet know enough."

Biden also emphasized this, but said the investigations would continue to determine if there is any connection between the incidents.

Las Vegas Sheriff: "I'm comfortable calling it a suicide"

In the Las Vegas incident, Las Vegas Municipal Police Department (LVMPD) Sheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters that the man who drove the Cybertruck bore a gunshot wound to the head and a pistol was found in the footwell of the car.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I'm comfortable calling it a suicide," media quoted McMahill as saying at a press conference on Thursday.

It was difficult to identify the person because he was burnt beyond recognition, he said.

However, there are numerous indications that it is Matthew Alan L - a US soldier who also served in Germany, according to the sheriff. Final confirmation that he really was the occupant of the car could only be given after a DNA test.

Citing security circles, several US media outlets had previously reported that the dead man in the car was the person named by McMahill and that he had also rented the car.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The US Army published information about the man, but made no reference to Las Vegas. According to the information, L was a member of the Green Berets special unit and was on leave at the time of his death.

McMahill said the 37-year-old had spent most of his time at the Fort Carson base in the US state of Colorado and in Germany. He had returned from Germany on an authorized leave, he added. L is originally from Colorado Springs.

According to the US Army's website, the special Green Berets unit are elite soldiers who specialize in guerrilla warfare and unconventional tactics in foreign missions.

However, one of the investigators in the case said that the level of the explosive materials handling was not what we would expect from a person with this kind of military experience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Cybertruck is an electric pick-up with a distinctive stainless steel body, built by the US electric car manufacturer Tesla, whose chief executive is Elon Musk.

The tech billionaire, who also owns the internet platform X, is considered a close adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, whose company owns the Las Vegas hotel.

New Orleans suspect was a Texas native

In the car-ramming incident in New Orleans, the suspect, who was a US citizen born in Texas, allegedly engaged in a gunfight with officers before being killed in the confrontation, investigators said.

The FBI categorized the attack as an act of terrorism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Emergency services found possible explosives and a flag from the extremist group Islamic State in the vehicle. The group is categorized as a terrorist organization by several governments.

According to the FBI, there were also weapons in the pickup truck. Possible explosive devices were also discovered inside and outside the car.

Lack of security barriers before deadly rampage

New Orleans reportedly lacked bollards that could have stopped the driver from going on the deadly rampage, with the perpetrator driving around a police car that was intended to block access, authorities have said.

The bollards were scheduled to be replaced. Construction began in November and was set to continue until February, when the city is set to host the Super Bowl.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Apart from the police car parked as a replacement, other barriers and police patrols were also deployed to protect pedestrians, authorities said.

"We did indeed have a plan, but the terrorist defeated it," New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Exactly how the perpetrator managed to drive a pickup truck past the safety precautions and into the crowd is being investigated.

Investigations are ongoing for both incidents.

An FBI agent is seen outside a house on mandeville street, where bomb-making materials were found in connection with the New Orleans terror ramming attack. A fire broke out and bomb-making materials were found in a short-term rental property, where the man who killed at least 10 people in New Orleans early on New Year's Day may have stayed before ploughing his pickup truck into a crowd. Kyle Mazza/TheNEWS2 via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is inquiring about threats made against SpaceXs Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in Brownsville, the San Antonio Express-News reported. According to the bureau, several individuals have threatened to blow up a Starship rocket near the facility.

The agencys San Antonio field office confirmed it is examining possible bomb threats in South Texas in recent weeks.

What is the FBI saying about the SpaceX threat?

The San Antonio Express-News stated that a witness near the SpaceX launch site mentioned discussions about the threats taking place on Christmas Eve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement, the FBI asked people to be aware of suspicious behavior.

While we are working to carefully vet and investigate the information we have received, we want to reiterate that the safety and security of the American people is the FBIs highest concern, the agency said in a statement. The bureau also said it's working with law enforcement and private sector partners to address such threats.

The FBI is investigating apparent threats to SpaceXs Starbase

near Boca Chica Beach after a report that individuals had threatened to blow up a Starship rocket. https://t.co/RIJzXvog5U  Brandon Lingle (@Brandlingle) January 3, 2025

This marks at least the second reported bomb threat against Starbase in recent weeks. On Dec. 27, 2023, a bomb threat was reportedly made to SpaceX from a nonemergency Brownsville Police Department phone line, a sheriffs deputy reported. The caller allegedly stated, the bomb was on a rocket, and then advised it was on a spaceship. That incident was referred to the FBI for further investigation.

The FBI has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI by calling 800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submitting tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

When is the next SpaceX launch?

On Friday, Jan. 3, a SpaceX Falcon 9 is set to launch Space42s Thuraya-4 geostationary telecommunications satellite, as noted in a Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory. Additionally, SpaceX aims to launch its next Starlink broadband satellite on Sunday afternoon from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, according to the FAA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The next launch out of Starbase, Texas, could come as early as Jan. 10 with a Starship test flight.

Who owns SpaceX?

President-elect Donald Trump affiliate and multi-billionaire Elon Musk owns an estimated 42% stake in SpaceX, according to Forbes. SpaceX, founded in 2002, is worth $350 billion.

 San Antonio Express-News contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: FBI investigates threats to SpaceX rocket at Texas launch site
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The FBI said Thursday it is still looking for a man suspected of placing pipe bombs near the headquarters of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) nearly four years ago.

On Jan. 5, 2021, the suspect placed pipe bombs in the Capitol Hill neighborhood near the RNC and DNC between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The FBI noted that the incident happened the night before the riots at the U.S. Capitol.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump to host victory rally at Capital One Arena day before inauguration

The bombs fortunately did not detonate, but the viable pipe bombs  could have seriously injured or killed innocent bystanders, the FBI wrote.

An image of the suspect and his height. (Courtesy of the FBI Washington Field via X/@FBIWFO)

As part of a renewed call for tips, the FBI released new videos and photos of the suspect placing one of the bombs near the DNC. Its believed he is about 57 tall. He also wore Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes.

Photos of the suspect, the shoes he was wearing and the pipe devices. (Courtesy of the Federal Bureau of Investigation)

Over the past four years, a dedicated team of FBI agents, analysts, data scientists, and law enforcement partners has visited more than 1,200 residences and businesses, conducted more than 1,000 interviews, reviewed approximately 39,000 video files, and assessed more than 600 tips about who may have placed pipe bombs on Capitol Hill in January 2021. David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office

A reward of up to $50,000 is available for information leading to the suspects arrest and conviction. Tips can be submitted to the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or online at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pipe-Bomb-Update-Jan2023Download

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ATLANTA (WJBF)  The FBI is combating how to lower human trafficking in Georgia this year.

Last year, Governor Brian Kemp signed several bills into law to toughen penalties for people who recruit minors into trafficking.

A report released last fall shows the south has the highest cases of trafficking in the country.

FBI investigators say 80% of the victims were teenage girls. 60% of the victims were white and 25% were African American.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FBI says there are nearly 100 task forces across the country to investigate sex trafficking cases. FBI ranks Atlanta as one of the top 14 cities for traffickers and more than 12-thousand men exploit young women in Georgia every month.

Georgia is always right up there due to population if not anything else. There is large population here, big cities, nice weather and a lot of people who come down here and theres a lot of conventions here in the south and interstates that transgress the south. Those are all factors that increase factors in our region, said FBI spokesperson, Tony Thomas.

First Lady Marty Kemps Grace Commission and the FBI says there are red flags when it comes to trafficking. If you notice someone not making eye contact, having prepaid credit cards, visible bruises, traveling with older individuals and not wearing appropriate clothing, you should report it to authorities.

You can download the See Something Send Something app to document and alert authorities on potential trafficking cases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FBI says you can report suspicious activities and crime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the FBI Atlanta at 770-216-3000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A federal appeals court on Thursday dealt a blow to President Biden's Federal Communications Commission, striking down the agency's hard-fought and long-debated open internet rules.

The FCC had sought to reinstate a sweeping policy established under President Obama that was designed to treat internet service as an essential public service, similar to a water or power utility.

Under the so-called net neutrality rules, internet service providers would have been subjected to greater regulation. A Republican-led commission repealed the rules in 2017 during President-elect Donald Trump's first term.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Early last year, the FCC  then back under Democrat control  voted to formalize a national standard for internet service to prevent the blocking or slowing of information delivered over broadband internet lines. The core principle of open internet meant that internet service providers couldn't discriminate among content suppliers.

The order also would have given the FCC increased oversight to demand that internet providers respond to service outages or security breaches involving consumers' data. The FCC cited national security, saying increased oversight was necessary for the commission to effectively crack down on foreign-owned companies that were deemed to be security threats.

But on Thursday, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Cincinnati, ruled that the five-member commission lacked the authority to reclassify broadband internet as a telecommunications service. The decision dismantles one of Biden's major technology initiatives.

Read more: Column: After a years-long pause, the FCC resurrects 'network neutrality,' a boon for consumers

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In its ruling, the 6th Circuit referred to the FCC's net neutrality order as a "heavy-handed regulatory regime."

The court said a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling had removed a judicial framework that allowed courts to interpret rules with deference to the federal agency that created them. The 6th Circuit said the FCC did not have the statutory authority to change the classification of broadband internet to a telecommunications service. That role rests with Congress.

The case was brought by the Ohio Telecom Assn., a trade organization representing internet service providers.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, who has long championed the net neutrality rules, called on lawmakers to take up the mantle in the wake of the court decision. She had shepherded the move to reinstate them during her tenure leading the agency and led the 3-2 party-line vote last year to restore the net neutrality rules.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Consumers across the country have told us again and again that they want an internet that is fast, open, and fair," Rosenworcel said in a statement. "With this decision it is clear that Congress now needs to heed their call, take up the charge for net neutrality, and put open internet principles in federal law."

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel speaks during a Senate committee hearing to examine the agency in 2020. (Jonathan Newton / Pool Photo)

The regulatory climate has changed dramatically in recent years and is expected to shift again after Trump moves back into the White House. Trump's pick for FCC chairman, Brendan Carr, wrote a chapter on the FCC in the conservative policy blueprint Project 2025. Companies expect the commission under Carr to be more business-friendly.

"President Bidens entire plan rested on the Chicken Little tactic of persuading Americans that the Internet would break in the absence of these so-called net neutrality regulations," Carr said in a statement. "The American people have now seen through that ruse."

The net neutrality dispute hinged on the degree to which the FCC could regulate broadband internet service providers under the authority the commission received from Congress in the landmark Communications Act of 1934 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We hold that Broadband Internet Service Providers offer only an 'information service' ... and therefore, the FCC lacks the statutory authority to impose its desired net-neutrality policies through the 'telecommunications service' provision of the Communications Act," 6th Circuit Judge Richard Allan Griffin wrote in the 26-page ruling.

Read more: California's net neutrality law is upheld, a blow to telecoms

Consumer groups, which lobbied for more than a decade for net neutrality regulations, lamented the decision.

Today's decision represents a major setback for consumers, competition, and the Open Internet," John Bergmayer, legal director at Public Knowledge, said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"In rejecting the FCCs authority to classify broadband as a telecommunications service, the court has ignored decades of precedent and fundamentally misunderstood both the technical realities of how broadband works and Congress' clear intent in the Communications Act."

Read more: How Trump's FCC chief pick could make life more difficult for media companies

Net neutrality has been a seesaw battle for more than 15 years.

In the early days of broadband penetration, major companies lined up on opposing sides. Google, Netflix and other tech companies joined with consumer groups calling for net neutrality rules to level the playing field with internet service providers such as AT&T, Verizon, Comcast Corp. or Charter Communications.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Supporters of net neutrality wanted those providers to be regulated under Title II of the landmark communications act, which would have given the FCC a greater enforcement role.

"Recall that the markets initial concern over Title II reclassification never had anything at all to do with net neutrality," cable analyst Craig Moffett wrote in a note to investors. Instead, investors in telecommunications stocks were worried that such reclassification would open a door "to broadband price regulation," Moffett wrote.

But that didn't happen.

"That risk is now put to bed," Moffett wrote.



Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  FDNY EMS Local 2507, the union representing New York Citys emergency response teams, is calling for its members to transfer out of Midtown and Lower Manhattan ahead of the states launch of congestion pricing.

Union representatives say the $9 peak congestion fee will have a significant financial impact on their members, who make $18.94 per hour. They urged the 270 members to submit transfer requests immediately.

More Local News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At their current pay scale, EMS members are opposed to this added toll that will eat into their already low wages, read a statement from Local 2507 representatives.

The congestion pricing toll would cost firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel about $45 a week to get to work, according to the union.

Although the MTA has offered a low-income tax credit for residents in the congestion pricing zone, the credit has not been extended to people who work in the area but live outside of it.

There are multiple goals for the congestion pricing zone, including easing traffic in the most crowded area of the city, reducing emissions, and raising money for the MTA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work 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 PIX11.
The Court of Appeals cautioned it may not be feasible for a judge to decide now whether the defendant was competent to stand trial originally in 2010
Jan. 3A federal court has ruled that a Dayton man's lawsuit against a sheriff's deputy that shot him at Possum Creek MetroPark may move forward, though the court dismissed several of the allegations.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Rose ruled on Nov. 12, 2024 that the court would not dismiss allegations from Cory Driscoll that deputy Jennifer Smiley had unreasonably used deadly force on the basis that the deputy was protected by qualified immunity, saying that a jury could potentially find that her use of deadly force was unreasonable.

However, the court dismissed all the allegations against Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck and Montgomery County, as well as allegations that Smiley, the sheriff and the county had infringed on Driscoll's ability to freely exercise his religion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The case centers on May 10, 2020, when a group of people at the park called a non-emergency dispatch number to ask for assistance for Driscoll. According to court documents, Driscoll was making loud noises in his vehicle two times that the people passed by, and did not respond when they tried to speak to him.

Driscoll said in court documents that the loud noises, which he continued throughout the incident, were his way of praying by speaking in tongues.

After the bystanders called dispatchers, Driscoll left the vehicle with a one-gallon jug headed for a pond in the park. The bystanders followed but lost sight of Driscoll as he reached the water.

Smiley responded to the call.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After she arrived on scene, Driscoll returned with the jug full of discolored water and Smiley drew her pistol, court documents said.

During the ensuing confrontation, Driscoll would drink from the jug, pour water out, toss it aside and pick it back up. He would also continue to speak loudly in tongues and briefly comply with Smiley's orders to stop coming toward her a few times, but did not follow orders to get on the ground, documents said.

Court documents said that Smiley believed the liquid Driscoll was drinking was gasoline, and radioed dispatchers to say so and call for a medic.

As the confrontation continued, Smiley kept her gun pointed at Driscoll, documents said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At one point Driscoll threw his water jug to the side, outstretched his arms at his sides and said, "shoot me," then resumed speaking in tongues. Shortly after he picked the jug back up and "I'm drinking gasoline" with a tone that the court said could be argued to be as if he was asking a question.

Finally, court documents said the interaction ended when, although Driscoll wasn't moving, Smiley said she would shoot him if he stepped toward her. He responded by saying "shoot me then," spread his arms and took two strides toward the deputy.

Smiley fired her weapon, shooting Driscoll in the abdomen, and Driscoll immediately dropped to the ground, documents said. He was taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where he was treated and survived the shooting.

Smiley said that she believed Driscoll to be covered in gasoline and had a lighter, so she assumed he might try to light himself or her on fire when he reached her, court documents said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A grand jury would later decline to charge Smiley for shooting Driscoll, and the sheriff's office decided her use of lethal force complied with their policies.

Driscoll filed a lawsuit in October 2022 against Smiley, the sheriff, and the county claiming excessive use of force, violations of his religious freedom and infliction of emotional distress.

He argued that he was unarmed, participating in religious practices, clearing experiencing a mental health crisis and never threatened anyone. Instead, he argued the deputy escalated the situation.

In a discussion of the case, Rose shortly dismissed all the allegations against Streck and the county, saying they couldn't be held liable for Smiley's use of force.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"In short, neither Sheriff Streck nor the County shot Driscoll," he said.

Similarly, the judge dismissed Driscoll's allegations that Smiley was interfering with his religious freedom by shooting him while he was speaking in tongues, saying, "there is no version of the facts in this case which would suggest that Deputy Smiley even knew Driscoll was praying, much less that she showed his religiosity some form of hostility under color of law."

He ultimately decided that the only issues that could proceed to trial were whether Smiley used excessive force and whether she committed false arrest and battery against Driscoll, as well as a claim that she inflicted severe emotional distress on Driscoll.

The deputy's main defense was that her actions were covered by qualified immunity, the documents said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The judge said that the claim turns on whether Smiley reasonably believed that Driscoll had gasoline in the jug, an allegation that is disputed by Driscoll and by each independent witness.

"None of this is to suggest that Deputy Smiley would not have been justified in using any degree of force against Driscoll. Though, a reasonable juror viewing these facts in Driscoll's favor could find Deputy Smiley's use of deadly force unwarranted," court documents said.

Smiley has since appealed this decision, and the case is pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The federal courts will not refer allegations that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas may have violated ethics laws to the Justice Department, the judiciary's policymaking body said Thursday.

Thomas has agreed to follow updated requirements on reporting trips and gifts, including clearer guidelines on hospitality from friends, the U.S. Judicial Conference wrote to Democratic senators who had called for an investigation into undisclosed acceptance of luxury trips.

Thomas has previously said he wasnt required to disclose the many trips he and his wife took that were paid for by wealthy benefactors like Republican megadonor Harlan Crow because they are close personal friends. The court didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Supreme Court adopted its first code of ethics in 2023 in the face of sustained criticism, though the new code still lacks a means of enforcement.

Its unclear whether the law allows the U.S. Judicial Conference to make a criminal referral regarding a Supreme Court justice, U.S. District Judge Robert Conrad wrote. He serves as secretary for the conference, which sets policy for the federal court system and is led by Chief Justice John Roberts.

A referral in this case isnt necessary, Conrad said, because two Democratic senators called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a special counsel over the summer. No such appointment has been publicly made.

Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said that the judiciary appears to be "shirking its statutory duty to hold a Supreme Court justice accountable for ethics violations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Conrad also sent a similar response to a separate complaint from a conservative legal group, the Center for Renewing America, in regard to Justice Ketanji Brown Jacksons reports on the source of her husband's consulting income. Jackson has since amended her disclosures and also agreed to updated reporting requirements, Conrad wrote.

A spokesperson for the group, Rachel Cauley, said it was a sad commentary that the liberal justice's omission would not have been noticed and corrected without their complaint.
A 2015 view of the Pactola Reservoir in the Black Hills. (Courtesy of Black Hills National Forest)

The federal government approved a 20-year ban on new mining-related activity in a portion of South Dakotas Black Hills.

The ban, issued on Dec. 26, covers 32 square miles of federally owned land located about 20 miles west of Rapid City. The boundaries encompass the Pactola Reservoir and areas upstream that drain into the reservoir via Rapid Creek.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lilias Jarding, executive director of the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, hailed the action as an expression of the will of the people.

It definitely shows that when people get active in their communities that we can influence what happens, Jarding said.

Advocates for the ban rallied against a proposal from Minneapolis-based F3 Gold to conduct exploratory drilling. The projects location is in the Jenney Gulch area of the Black Hills National Forest, within a mile of Pactola Reservoir. The man-made mountain lake is the largest and deepest reservoir in the Black Hills. Its also a popular recreation destination and a drinking-water source for Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base.

The boundaries of a ban on new mining-related activity encompassing the Pactola Reservoir and part of the Rapid Creek watershed. (Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service)

F3 won draft approval of its drilling plan from local Forest Service officials in 2022. Then, last year, the national offices of the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management announced they were considering a ban on new mining-related activity in the Pactola area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Federal officials conducted a meeting about the proposed ban last year in Rapid City, where public sentiment was overwhelmingly against the drilling project and in favor of the ban. The Black Hills Clean Water Alliance said more than 1,900 people filed written comments on the ban, with 98% in support of it.

The ban is formally known as a mineral withdrawal, because it withdraws the area from eligibility for new mineral exploration and development. A 20-year ban is the maximum allowed by federal law, although the ban could be renewed after that. Only Congress can enact a permanent ban.

Decision comes from Interior Department

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland was the decision-maker on the mineral withdrawal, because the departments Bureau of Land Management administers mining claims on federal land.

Im proud to take action today to withdraw this area for the next 20 years, to help protect clean drinking water and ensure this special place is protected for future generations, Haaland said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She also mentioned the areas clean air, its recreational and ecological benefits, and the Black Hills sacred status in the traditional spiritual beliefs of many Great Plains Native American tribes. Haaland is a member of the Pueblo and Laguna tribes in New Mexico.

Tom Vilsack, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which includes the Forest Service, issued a statement praising Haalands decision.

The Pactola ReservoirRapid Creek Watershed provides so many benefits to the people and communities we serve, from clean water to world-class recreation, from livestock grazing to the spaces our Tribal communities consider sacred, Vilsack said.

F3 Gold did not immediately return a message from South Dakota Searchlight. Jarding said F3s Pactola project is negated by the 20-year ban on new activities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The only exception to that is if someone has already proved there is a mineral reserve, and without drilling, theres no proving theres a mineral resource, Jarding said.

The company has another exploratory drilling project near Custer, outside of the Pactola ban area. The Custer project has final approval from the Forest Service.

Interest in Black Hills gold dates to its 1874 discovery by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custers Black Hills Expedition. The discovery set off a gold rush that ultimately led to the development of the Homestake Mine near Lead, which was the largest and deepest gold mine in North America prior to its closure in 2001. Today, the only active, large-scale gold mine in the region is the Wharf Mine, also near Lead. Theres a large abandoned gold mine in the Lead area, the Gilt Edge Mine, that is undergoing a massive cleanup and water-treatment project supported by the Environmental Protection Agencys Superfund.

Mining industry responds

Larry Mann, a retired South Dakota lobbyist who formerly represented F3, said the companys project was treated unfairly. He said exploratory drilling would not damage the Pactola watershed, and that if drilling results justified developing a mine, the proposal would go through a rigorous permitting process that would probably take 10 to 15 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

F3 was willing to go through a lot of different things to accommodate concerns, Mann said.

Mann wonders if the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump could seek to alter Haalands decision. Whether or not the new administration could do that, Mann expects Trumps pick for secretary of the Interior Department  Republican former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum  to be more supportive of mining on federal land.

I think that theres a possibility now with a change of leadership that the pendulum could start swinging the other way, Mann said.

An official working for Burgums transition team did not immediately return a message from Searchlight. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Land Management responded by email to Searchlight, saying only that were not going to speculate about decisions of a next Administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

F3 Gold is not a member of the South Dakota Mineral Industries Association, but the association issued a statement Thursday in response to Searchlight questions about the Pactola ban. The statement describes the ban as federal overreach. The association also alleged that the decision conflicts with federal mineral laws and policies and fails to recognize the significance of critical minerals  such as antimony, used in batteries  that the association said are present in the area covered by the ban.

The secretarys rushed decision on the withdrawal of over 20,000 acres proves this administration is desperate to complete executive actions before the new administration takes over on January 20th, the associations statement said, in part.

South Dakota Searchlight originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
A gray wolf is seen on Feb. 15, 2013. (Eric Cole/USFWS/CC BY 2.0)

Federal wildlife officials announced Thursday they are seeking information related to what they called the illegal killing of a gray wolf reintroduced to Colorado as part of the states voter-mandated restoration program.

The wolf, an adult male known as 2309-OR, was captured in August as part of the Copper Creek pack, which was rounded up by state wildlife officials following a series of attacks on livestock in Grand County. Several days later, the wolf died in captivity from preexisting injuries unrelated to the capture, state officials said at the time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials ordered a necropsy, which subsequently revealed that a gunshot wound initiated the poor condition of the wolf and ultimately led to the cause of death, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a press release Thursday.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

The USFWS investigation is the first of its kind following the first release of 10 wolves captured in Oregon in Grand and Summit counties in December 2023. The releases marked the beginning of Colorados gray wolf reintroduction program, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife pursuant to a ballot initiative narrowly approved by voters in 2020.

Though the program mandates compensation for livestock lost to wolf predation, it has been bitterly opposed by Colorado ranchers. The capture of the Copper Creek pack followed the loss of at least 17 cattle and nine sheep in and around Grand County in 2024, though industry groups claim that their undocumented losses are higher.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Colorados reintroduced gray wolf population is protected under the Endangered Species Act, making it illegal to harass, harm, or kill them in most circumstances. The USFWS said its offering an unspecified monetary reward for information about 2309-ORs killing. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477), by sending an email to FWS_TIPS@fws.gov, or by visiting the agencys website.

Wildlife advocates previously launched an anti-poaching reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to formal charges against anyone who illegally kills a wolf in Colorado. A second reintroduced wolf, known as 2307-OR, died in Grand County as a result of a fight with another wolf, but USFWS necropsy also found the animal had an old, healed gunshot wound to its rear leg.

The USFWS investigation comes as the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission is set to weigh a request from livestock industry groups to pause the wolf reintroduction program. The commissions 11 voting members will take up the petition at its Jan. 8 meeting; agency staff have formally recommended denying the petition and proceeding with the release of another 10 to 15 wolves sourced from Canada this winter.

A spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife declined to comment Thursday, referring questions about the investigation to USFWS representatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ultimately, this illegal activity illustrates why Colorado must proceed apace with releasing more wolves over the coming months and years, the group Rocky Mountain Wolf Project said in a press release Thursday. We must ensure the success of our wolf restoration program.

Editors note: This story was updated at 8:44 p.m., Jan. 13, 2025, to correct the number of cattle and sheep killed by wolves.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
EAU CLAIRE  Felony cases in the Chippewa Valley remain at a five-year low, and have dropped significantly from their peak levels less than a decade ago.

Eau Claire County had almost an identical number of felony filings, going from 1,326 in 2023 to 1,328 in 2024. However, the number of felony cases peaked in 2018 at 1,926 and fell to 1,849 in 2019.

Eau Claire County District Attorney Peter Rindal said hes pleased to see the steady decline in felony cases, saying its a good reflection on the number of violent crimes committed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It indicates to us that crime rates are down, Rindal told the Leader-Telegram. Violent crimes across the country are down. And we see that in the reduction of felonies in our office.

Rindal said it was a combination of factors that are leading to the decline.

Our law enforcement partners are doing a great job in recognizing if something can be resolved on the street, and what warrants an arrest, Rindal said. Obviously, wed like to see our numbers decreasing. Its a positive message; we are pleased these numbers are moving in the right direction. That said, the cases that do come through are more serious.

Rindal said his office has seen a decline in homicide cases, but he added they are still wrapping up some cases from 2022, and his office is working on a new homicide case from a few weeks ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dunn County had 451 felony filings in 2024, down slightly from 479 in 2023, with a five-year average at a steady 464 cases.

However, Dunn County District Attorney Andrea Nodolf is currently working on an unresolved 1974 murder, as well as a case where a person has been convicted of assisting in hiding the corpses of four homicides. She also had several significant sex assault cases go to trial in 2024.

In 2024, we had more cases go to trial than I ever had before, Nodolf said.

Nodolf noted that there is just more paperwork in these cases now, from cell phone data to DNA.

They take more time, she said. I feel our workload was higher in 2024 with more cases going to trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both Rindal and Nodolf have one assistant DA vacancy. Along with Rindal, he has 11 full-time assistant district attorneys. Nodolfs entire office is five attorneys. Filling a position is proving to be a challenge, even with the state increasing wages.

One person down, we all feel it, she said. You can work for corporation counsel and not have the stress of going to a trial. Im basically trying to get a new grad to come to Menomonie.

Rindal agreed that filling a vacancy is a big problem.

Competition from the private sector is probably the biggest reason, he said, agreeing with Nodolf.

In Chippewa County, there were only 605 felonies filed last year, down from 692 in 2023. Prior to 2023, the last time Chippewa County had fewer than 700 felony cases was in 2016; the countys five-year average is still 737 felony filings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell noted that cases peaked a few years ago.

In 2018, there were hundreds more referrals than any other year, Newell said. That would account for high filed cases in 2018 and 2019.

Newell agreed with Nodolf that some of the bigger cases are taking more time, so he isnt feeling the decline in cases. He noted that just a few ongoing homicide cases put a serious strain on the workload resources of the DAs office.

Newell added he didnt have a good explanation for why cases and referrals from law enforcement have dropped.

Including Newell, he has six attorneys in his office, with no vacant positions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

National decline in murders, violent crime

ABC News reported this week that 5,000 fewer homicides were recorded in 2024 compared to 2023, a decline of about 16%. Violent crime nationwide also declined 3%.

Philadelphia saw a 40% decline in homicides in 2024, while New Orleans fell 38%, Washington D.C. fell 29%, and Baltimores murders dropped 24%. Both Chicago and New York City reported 7% declines.

It is the third consecutive year of a decline in murder cases nationwide.{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}{/div}
On the evening of 21 December 1988, Jim and Jane Swire were preparing for Christmas in the warm glow of their home in the sleepy Worcestershire village of Finstall. They had just waved goodbye to their 23-year-old daughter Flora, who was jetting off to New York to visit her boyfriend for the holidays. Shortly after 7pm, a newsflash appeared on the Swires television, announcing that a plane had gone down over the Scottish town of Lockerbie. From that point on, their lives were never the same again.

Flora was one of 270 people killed in what remains, to this day, the deadliest terror attack ever to have taken place in Britain. Thirty-eight minutes after Pan Am flight 103 took off from Heathrow on its journey to New York, a bomb on board exploded, killing every passenger and crew member as well as 11 people on the ground below.

Now, just over 36 years on, a new Sky Atlantic drama, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, tells the story of Jims search for answers to what happened that night  a quest that for the former GP, now 88 years old, continues to this day. Colin Firth, who plays Jim, his face permanently crumpled in anguish, has said he was just overwhelmed by the relentless sadness of Jims journey. The show, which has been years in the making and spans several decades, co-stars Catherine McCormack as Jims wife Jane, who has remained by her husbands side even when his obsession with the case threatened to tear what was left of their family apart.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The case of the Lockerbie bombing continues to throw up more questions than answers. Only one man has ever been convicted of the attack  the Libyan national Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, in 2001. But several concerns have emerged in the years since the trial. We now know that the US government paid two central witnesses millions to give evidence in court. And a fragment of electronic circuit board, a key piece of forensic evidence in the case, has also been discredited by electronic experts  with theories that it was actually planted by the CIA even being raised in the Commons, and an anonymous Scottish police chief claiming the evidence was fabricated.

Megrahi  who served eight and a half years of his life sentence in prison before he was released back to Libya on compassionate grounds in 2009  maintained his innocence until his death in 2012 from prostate cancer. While in prison, he developed an unconventional (and controversial) friendship with Jim, who had taken to visiting him, and as a result Jim slowly became convinced that Megrahi had been framed. Jim had initially been instrumental in securing Megrahis extradition to the UK  even flying to Libya to persuade Colonel Gaddafi to send Megrahi to trial  but as his doubts grew, he ended up campaigning for the Libyans retrial and release.

Jims hypothesis (regarded by some as a conspiracy theory) is that it was Iran that was really behind the attack, planting the bomb at Heathrow in revenge after a US missile cruiser in the Gulf shot down an Iranian commercial plane full of innocent civilians earlier that year during the Iran-Iraq war. He believes Megrahi was used as a political pawn, by the US and the UK; it has been speculated that, back then, it suited both countries to lay the blame on Libya in order to take the heat off Iran, which each government needed on side during the conflict with Iraq.

To this day, American and British governments maintain that the bomb originated in Malta and was flown to Heathrow as part of a Libyan plot, potentially in retaliation for the US bombing of Libyas capital, Tripoli, in 1986. Another Libyan national, Abu Agila Masud, who is alleged to have helped make the bomb, is to go on trial in the US in May 2025 facing three charges, which he denies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Firth, speaking at a screening for the series, said the script instantly had an emotional impact on him. It was less the legal investigation or thriller element of it, and far more how it made me feel, seeing this representation of Jim and Jane and their family, and their journey of having carried this for so long, and still carrying it.

Firth was stunned by how many twist and turns there were in the story the drama presents; how many times Jim would be going down one line of inquiry only to be diverted and have his theory flipped on its head, having committed himself so completely to the pursuit of a solution. He was in awe of Jims courage and integrity in allowing that diversion to take place, and not to cling to his original theory... He let evidence and facts speak to him, even if that meant profoundly changing course. That really struck me.

Firth as Jim Swire, who became obsessed with the case (Graeme Hunter Pictures)

The actor met with the Swires at their home, where he realised the extent of Jims alertness and intellectual agility and what a huge thing to live up to this was going to be. You always feel a bit out of your depth when you start a job, but this really felt way out of my depth, he says.

Jims relentlessness was inspiring to Firth, but its also the characteristic that nearly broke his grieving family. In the drama, he becomes increasingly fixated and isolated, holed up in his office, perpetually unravelling a spiders web of information, and is practically absent for the big milestones in his other childrens lives. At one point, McCormacks Jane announces she wants to move out of the Finstall home where they found out Flora had died. I want to be around life, not death, she says. Not death, every single minute of the day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And its not only Jims family who want to move on. In one scene, journalist Murray Guthrie (Sam Troughton), whos been helping Jim dig deeper into the case, tells him: Most people think [Megrahi] did it, and want to forget.

Screenwriter David Harrower made sure to portray the anger many of the bereaved families felt towards Jim, and the fact that many of them saw him as a crank conspiracy theorist. Its important to say that there are other beliefs, he says. Were not just following one man or one family who believe a certain thing. Weve got other people in it, and it was important to show that there are other sides to this. Were not just propagating one way of thinking.

The drama, which is based on Jims book, Lockerbie: A Fathers Search for Justice, has already been condemned by the US-based campaign group Victims of Pan Am Flight 103, who raised concerns that it will promote a false narrative.

Jim Swire pictured in 2007: his quest continues to this day (Getty)

This division between the Swires and the other bereaved families has meant that their grief has been lonelier than it might have been had Jim just accepted Megrahis conviction. We see Jane experience terrifying flashbacks and nightmares. And theres an extraordinarily potent scene where she painstakingly counts out the 15 seconds for which Flora might have been aware that she was falling through the sky to her death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jane would read up about the disintegration of aircraft, says McCormack, and the last moments, potentially, of someones life if they were conscious. And so I kept that with me.

Firth says the counting moment changes the scene on a sixpence because, up to that point, my character is getting quite overwrought and frustrated... and it just cuts through that. McCormack watched lots of footage of Jane in news clips and documentaries from over the years, in an attempt to capture her dignity, grace, strength and, of course, vulnerability.

Lockerbie, says Harrower, left a real scar on the Scottish psyche. Newborn babies fell from the plane. One 14-year-old Lockerbie boy lost both his parents and his little sister when the wreckage landed on their home. But still, there is a danger of it being forgotten. At one point in the drama, when it enters the 2010s, we watch Jim jolt with the realisation that a young Scottish woman he comes across, working at a cafe, has no idea what the Lockerbie disaster was.

But the creators of this series hope that telling this story through the medium of drama will put Lockerbie, and the search for the truth, back on the agenda. Its airing exactly a year and a day after 2024s Mr Bates vs The Post Office, after all, which has become one of the most influential British TV series of all time. I feel that there has been endless discussion about this topic, but somehow with drama, you can find a fresh perspective on something, says executive producer Gareth Neame. We would like to feel that we have shone a light on this murky, murky subject, in a way that has never been adequately done before.

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth airs at 9pm on Sky Atlantic on 2 January
The Cannabis Control Commission assembles for its first meeting of 2025 on Jan. 2. From left to right are Robert Jacquard, Chairperson Kimberly Ahern, and Olayiwola Oduyingbo. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission met Thursday afternoon for the first time in over two months, spending most of its first meeting of 2025 behind closed doors.

Absent from the agenda was a staple item for most meetings: public comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The hiring of a chief public affairs officer, however, dominated the meeting. The commissions three members spent 15 minutes in executive session where they voted to extend a job offer to a candidate.

The announcement was made upon the commissions return to open session. Then the commission adjourned. The meeting  the first since Oct. 15, 2024  lasted 23 minutes.

Chairperson Kimberly Ahern would not disclose the name of the candidate the commission selected to the crowd of seven members of the public who attended the meeting.

There are layers of things to do before we can share anything, Ahern told Rhode Island Current.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A total of 76 people applied for the chief public affairs officer job by the Oct. 12, 2024, application deadline. The job was posted Oct. 3 with a 10-day application period. The position is tasked with handling media inquiries and coordinating with the General Assembly about cannabis-related legislation.

It was a very robust applicant pool, Ahern said. People are very excited about the commissions work, I think.

The annual salary for the position is $110,585, said Matthew Touchette, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Commerce Corp. and Department of Business Regulation, which has overseen the states cannabis rules as the commission sets up the governing rules for Rhode Islands recreational cannabis market.

Im going to be bummed that Im not going to be working with Kim as much anymore, Touchette said. I am the only person whos been with her since day one  shes just been awesome to work with.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The commission will next meet on Wednesday, Jan. 8, when it is scheduled to vote to post its inaugural draft regulations for the states budding cannabis industry for public comment, as is required under the states Administrative Procedures Act.

Over the summer, draft regulations for labeling requirements and how licenses will be awarded were conditionally approved. Commissioners wanted to get all regulations for the states recreational cannabis market finalized by the end of 2024 but fell short of that goal.

Weve been doing a lot of work, as last year demonstrated, breathing life through the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, Ahern said. That means following a number of statutory mandates, working across different agencies and the Cannabis Advisory Board.

And so we worked through all those and now were hyperfocused on getting these regulations done, she added.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
(Bloomberg) -- Finland is allowed to keep detained the shadow-fleet tanker that damaged a power link and four data cables in the Baltic Sea last week, a court ruled.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The tanker, Eagle S, was detained by the police on Dec. 28 and seabed investigations have uncovered extensive signs the vessel was dragging its anchor when the damage occurred. Its the third incident in just over a year in which a ship anchor has ruptured underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Helsinki District Court on Friday rejected a petition from United Arab Emirates shipping company Caravella LLC to end the detainment, according an emailed response to questions.

The vessel, sailing under the Cook Islands flag, has been identified as a member of the so-called shadow fleet transporting Russian petroleum products, and is now detained at a port in southern Finland. Its under investigation for aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference of communications.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
LONDONDERRY  The town has two temporary leaders after the fire chiefs resignation led the town manager to also resign.

Bo Butler, the former fire chief, decided to retire on Oct. 7 due to budget concerns. According to a statement from former Town Manager Michael Malaguti, Butler would have been more than $200,000 over budget for overtime pay.

According to Chris Schofield, the president of the towns firefighter union Local 3160, Malaguti and Finance Director Justin Campo mandated that Butler reduce staffing and threatened the fire chief with disciplinary action if he did not comply.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In March, voters approved a warrant article to allow the hiring of four additional firefighters and designated $495,000 for their salaries. The new hires would bring the department to 13 firefighters for each shift, making it safer for crews responding to emergencies.

Members of the public, along with members of Local 3160, the Londonderry firefighters union, demanded an explanation from the Town Council on Oct. 21 about Butlers resignation, and also to call for Malagutis resignation.

We sacrificed this young man, thats what we did, said resident John Grennon. We look terrible and everybody should be ashamed that he had to make the decision that he made on behalf of his members and on behalf of the residents in this community.

Malaguti released a statement, saying these claims are false and that he and Campo met with Butler to draft a plan to handle the departments overtime budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Oct. 24, Malaguti submitted his own resignation in response to the criticism from residents.

While I believe I have enough support on the Town Council to continue my service, I have decided that clinging to a job I love would come at too great a personal cost, Malaguti wrote in the letter. This is the right moment for me to move on.

Historic barn to be demolished

LONDONDERRY  Property owner Richard Flier prevailed in his request to the Heritage Commission for demolition of a red barn at 2 Litchfield Road, one of the oldest structures in town.

Flier and his attorney, Laura Gandia, approached the board because the barn is in complete disarray, and has been deemed unsafe by Zoning Administrator Nick Codner and Assistant Building Inspector Brad Anderson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Only 17% of the building is viable according to the town, Flier said. Seventeen percent is physically viable and not rotted. It would cost about $700,000-plus to replace or restore that barn properly and theres no income that would support it.

Flier was told by the commission to have a licensed architect or engineer look at the building and compile the report.

In October, Flier and his lawyer Laura Gandia submitted the report to the commission, saying the findings were extremely similar to what Codner and Anderson had previously submitted to the commission.

He said, because of these issues, any attempt at remedial work would be unsafe for those involved due to the existing deterioration in structural instability and is not recommended, Gandia said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The report noted several major areas of concern, including the stone foundation being reduced to rubble, the majority of the roof being rotted, and roof beams sagging to the point of imminent structure failure.

Commission member Jim Butler said he agreed the building needed to be demolished, and knew that he could not speculate on what the property would be used for, but hoped that Flier would not use the vacant land to build commercial property.

That intersection is extremely dangerous and Im concerned about having that barn taken down, Butler said. Im concerned that if we take that barn down, something could go in there that would create more traffic for that intersection.

Brewery cited for withholding tips

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LONDONDERRY  Pipe Dream Brewing was found to have illegally withheld wages and tips of 44 employees, along with other damages, which amounted to $912,000.

The brewery kept its workers credit card tips and denied overtime wages to incorrectly exempted salaried workers, including brewers, bartenders, cooks and administrative staff, when they worked more than 40 hours in a work week, according to a statement from the U.S Department of Labor in July.

The U.S. Department of Labor found Pipe Dream Brewing violated federal law that forbids managers, supervisors and employers from participating in tip pools or pocketing any portion of employees tips for any purpose, Wage and Hour Division District Director Steven McKinney said.

Pipe Dream Brewing was fined an additional $5,148 for the tip-related violations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

John Bacheller, who owns the brewery at 49 Harvey Road with co-owner Jon Young, said the term tip was being input in its payment system when they should have used service charge.

What we did was wrong, but it wasnt malicious, Bacheller said. It was for lack of a better word, just ignorance. We didnt know that we couldnt use the word tip.

Veteran-owned Pipe Dream Brewing was founded in 2016. It is co-owned by Bacheller, of Tewksbury, and Jon Young of Kingston The West Coast-inspired taproom serves 28 beers made on site.

A federal investigation by the Wage and Hour Division recovered $456,297 in back wages and withheld tips for the employees of the brewery and taproom at 49 Harvey Road. It also yielded an equal amount in liquidated damages.

Pipe Dream never intended to mislead any customers or employees, and for this, we sincerely apologize, the companys statement read. And now, we are using the right words.
A fire destroyed a multi-unit apartment building in the Allegany County town of Friendship Thursday afternoon.

The fire resulted in the partial collapse of the building, according to an Allegany County emergency official.

Officials said everyone inside the complex was evacuated, with some taken by ambulance for medical treatment.

No life-threatening injuries were reported. A Jones Memorial spokesperson said the Wellsville hospital treated four patients with minor injuries. All four were released, the hospital said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The blaze at 4-6 Depot St. was reported at about 12:30 p.m. and triggered responses from more than two dozen fire and emergency outfits in Allegany County, including several law enforcement agencies, according to officials.

The initial report stated that there was heavy smoke in the building and that there were numerous occupants inside the structure.

Eight apartment units were destroyed by the fire, said W. Brooke Harris, chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators. Harris said the American Red Cross and Love Thy Neighbor are assisting displaced families.

As firefighters took on the blaze, emergency officials asked residents to stay away from the area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An official said a portion of the building collapsed as a result of heat and fire damage.

An investigation into the cause is underway.

The nearby Friendship Fire Department went to the scene, Allegany County emergency officials said, as did FAST Team 3 from Wellsville and fire departments from Scio, Andover, Belfast, and many others.

More: Local business, restaurant openings that made headlines in 2024

Allegany County Sheriff's Office Lt. Timothy J. Hand said in an email Thursday afternoon that additional information will be released by the Friendship Fire Department or the county fire coordinator's office when "details are confirmed and information has been vetted."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Harris said, "On behalf of the citizens of Allegany County, I would like to recognize and thank the many dedicated first responders whose quick actions and tireless efforts helped to minimize the devastation this tragic fire caused."

The following emergency and government agencies responded to the fire:

Friendship Fire Department, Cuba Fire Department, Medical Transport Ambulance, New York State Police, Allegany County Sheriffs Office, Allegany County Fire Service, Belfast Ambulance, Wellsville Ambulance, Cuba Ambulance, Scio Fire Department, Olean Fire Department, County Medics, Allegany County FAST Team, Wellsville Fire Department, Allegany County fire investigators, Richburg Ambulance, Independence Ambulance, Andover Ambulance, Angelica Fire Department, Belfast Fire Department, New Hudson Fire Department, Belmont Fire Department, Richburg Fire Department, Clarksville Fire Department, Allegany County DPW Amity Rescue, New York State Department of Transportation, Friendship Town Highway Department and the Friendship Police Department.

How to help fire victims

The United Church of Friendship, 31 E. Main St., is accepting donations of clothing and relief items for residents impacted by the fire. Families can stop in or contact Pastor Bill Beck to schedule pick-ups.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Friendship Free Library, 41 W. Main St., is also serving as a donation drop point.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Fire destroys apartment building in Allegany County town of Friendship
The six district seats on the Colorado Springs City Council will be up for election in April. City Council candidates can apply to run for office through Jan. 21.
ORANGE, Mass. (WWLP)  Fire crews in Orange were called after a passerby noticed flames coming from a chimney on a house along Main Street.

The Orange Fire Department said firefighters inspected a chimney on Thursday night after a concerned citizen reported seeing flames coming out of it. When crews arrived, the fire appeared to be out however they still assessed the chimney.

Hawk found trapped under solar panel rescued in Springfield

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

High wind gusts were still prevalent, making the work on the ladder a bit interesting!! (The ladder was extended about 80 and approx 40high), said the fire department.

The fire department thoroughly inspects all chimney-related fires by accessing the source such as the fireplace or wood stove and clean it out. They also utilize a thermal imaging camera to check inside the home for any fire that may have extended beyond the chimney. Any blockage within the chimney is cleaned to prevent further backup.

They say the last resort is using water to put out any fire in the chimney in an effort to prevent unnecessary damage. The department is reminding residents to contact a chimney sweep and cleanout company for inspections. A qualified mason should inspect the chimney and flue before the stove is used and annually. Cracks in the flue or mortar joints can allow flames and heated gases to get into living spaces.

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.
VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  Firefighters responded to structure fire in southern Vigo County Thursday afternoon.

It happened on South Trueblood Place around 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Pierson Township Fire Chief J.C Gummere told our crew on the scene that the family made it out of the home and no one was hurt, but he said some pets were lost in the fire.

He added that the home is a total loss and said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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 MyWabashValley.com.
Jan. 2Numerous firefighters and first responders are on the site of a house fire in Albert Lea.

The fire, at 1814 Viking Ave., reportedly started at about 3 p.m. Smoke could be seen billowing into the sky from a distance near the house.

Authorities stated all of the occupants were accounted for and were being taken to a local church for shelter.

Check back for more information as it becomes available.
Its been more than 16 months since North East firefighter Shawn Giles was struck and killed by a speeding car while redirecting traffic at the scene of an accident.

Thursday, the man responsible for his death was sentenced. Dawann Simmons, 42, will spend nine to 18 years behind bars and family and friends of Giles said its a relief to see the result.

Simmons and Adele Burnette-Giles, the victims widow, faced each other with heavy hearts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sixteen months and 12 days. Thats how long family and friends of fallen North East firefighter Shawn Giles have been waiting for justice to be delivered.

Erie man sentenced to 9-18 years for killing North East firefighter Shawn Giles

Court appearances and trial dates were rescheduled four times before 42-year-old Dawann Simmons was sentenced on Thursday for Giles death.

Emotionally, its exhausting. Absolutely exhausting because you never know when is this going to happen and you start to wonder, is this ever going to happen? Burnette-Giles said.

Simmons was given nine to 18 years in prison for charges including homicide by vehicle and accidents involving death or injury while not licensed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And a massive sea of blue showed up to the courthouse in support of their fallen brother.

Family, friends of Shawn Giles make the trip honor him and other fallen firefighters

While today closes the official proceedings of the crime that was committed, the ongoing loss of shawn is going to be felt until the day I retire from service, said Chris Skrekla, president of Fuller Hose Company #1. Its not been the same, it never will be the same, and everyone has to learn to move forward.

Before the sentence was delivered, both the prosecution and defense brought people to speak.

Some were called on Simmons behalf, who spoke to Judge Daniel Brabender on his character, Simmons even speaking himself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Simmons pleaded with Burnette-Giles in court, begging for her forgiveness. But she said if he was truly remorseful, he should have been more so on day one.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily News

I feel like if he was truly sorry, he wouldve apologized from day one but he never did. So were 16 months and 12 days into this and now Im hearing youre sorry? To me, its a little too late, she said.

Burnette-Giles said every action Simmons made on August 20, 2023, were conscious choices he made.

And after reviewing body cam footage from the scene, that was even more clear to her with Simmons allegedly asking police if his cost of insurance would go up, if he would be dropped from coverage, or if he would lose his job.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The prosecution stated that not once in that video did Simmons ask about the health of the man he struck.

Family of Shawn Giles, North East businesses partner to light the town red in his memory

With this case closed, the Shawn Giles Advocacy Group will be pushing lawmakers for steeper penalties for reckless driving around people working on Pennsylvania roads.

Id like to tell you that since Shawn got hit, things have gotten better but honestly, things have gotten worse. It just seems like you can only go a few calls before youre dealing with another near-miss situation, Skrekla said.

Despite Simmons tears in court and apologies, Judge Brabender said a lack of remorse was reflected in sentencing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im happy to know now that he is in jail, that we can give some justice for Shawn, and hopefully now he can rest in peace. . . Because I feel like Im more at peace, Burnette-Giles went on to say.

Simmons will be sent to a Pennsylvania state prison immediately.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Fireworks casualties from New Years celebrations extended beyond the Keaka Drive tragedy in Aliamanu that killed 3 women and injured more than 20 other people. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services and other first-responder agencies and health care facilities across the islands reported scores of incidents.

The Queens Health Systems Punchbowl, West Oahu and Wahiawa emergency departments received and cared for nearly 40 people with fireworks-related injuries from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, an official said. Many were victims of the Aliamanu blast.

Here are a few of the more serious cases reported statewide. Further details and victim updates were not immediately available.At 9 :51 p.m. Tuesday, a 14-year-old boy suffered burns to his hand from an apparent fireworks blast at Mayor Wright Homes, 606 N. Kukui St. He was transported in serious condition to a trauma center.A 19-year-old man suffered multiple traumatic, fatal injuries, including a severe arm injury, from a suspected fireworks blast at 11 :04 p.m. Tuesday on Lukela Lane in Kalihi.A 34-year-old man suffered a traumatic hand injury from a suspected fireworks blast around 11 :27 p.m. Tuesday at an undisclosed location. The man was transported to a hospital in serious condition.

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.A 25-year-old man was transported in serious condition to a trauma center after suffering an extensive hand injury from an apparent fireworks explosion around 12 :04 a.m. Wednesday on Linapuni Street in Kalihi.At 12 :06 a.m. Wednesday, two people suffered minor leg burns in a fireworks-related incident on Kuhia Place in Ewa Beach. The 59-year-old woman and 72-year-old man were taken to an area hospital for treatment.Maui Fire Department crews responded to 22 fires from 6 p.m. New Years Eve to 6 a.m. New Years Day. The vast majority of the incidents involved trash bin fires and small, early stage brush fires, and all were quickly extinguished. MFD also reported that a person suffered an eye injury as the result of fireworks and was transported to a hospital.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  At 3:23 p.m., New Years Day, the first baby of 2025 was born at Intermountain Health St. Marys Regional Hospital.

Olive Arnold was welcomed by her parents Taylor Ferraro and Joshua Arnold of Rifle. Olive was 19.5 inches and weighed 7 pounds.

According to St. Marys, Ferraro said they didnt think they would have the first baby of the year. She was scheduled to be induced on Monday but was rescheduled twice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Olive will join her 2-and-a-half-year-old sister, Iris.

Intermountain Healths five hospitals in Colorado combined to welcome 8,838 babies 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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka Public Schools (TPS) is watching the weather closely Friday as a possible winter storm approaches the area, potentially threatening the first day of school in 2025.

27 News reached out to USD 501 on Jan. 3 to see how the district is planning ahead of a winter storm for the weekend of Jan. 4-5. Students are scheduled to return to the districts classrooms on Monday, Jan. 6 for their first day of classes in 2025. TPS spokesman Aarion Gray said school officials are keeping an eye on the weather situation.

Topeka Public Schools will be closely monitoring weather conditions throughout the week and into the weekend, Gray said. Weather and school closure announcements will be made through School Messenger and posted on media outlets by 5:30 AM in the event of a weather-related school closure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Topeka teen hospitalized in crash near Lecompton

People are encouraged to keep up with updates from the district regarding possible closures by signing up for TPSs text message service, which can be reached by texting Y to 67587, or by downloading the schools mobile app. You can follow TPS on its Facebook, X or Instagram accounts. You can find the 27 News closings and delays page by clicking here.

Gray did not answer how many snow days the district has to use for the current semester. For more information on how to keep up with updates from TPS regarding the weather and possible closings, click here.

Much of northeast Kansas is under a winter storm warning for this weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Meteorologists are forecasting sleet, ice and snow accumulations of up to 12 inches in some parts of the state along with strong wind gusts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Topeka braces for possible winter storm this weekend

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.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A fisherman in San Francisco hid fillets of salmon behind a false wall on their boat docked at Pier 45 in an attempt to deceive authorities, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced Monday. In all, officials said the commercial trawl boat owner was caught with over 2,000 pounds of unlawfully caught fish not declared for retail sale.

The angler was under surveillance by CDFW when wildlife officers said they watched them unload a number of burlap sacks off of the boat and into a vehicle. After the fisherman left the scene, authorities found them at a restaurant where they attempted to hide their fish and flee, according to officials.

The boat owner had several halibut, sole, sanddabs and filleted salmon in their possession, which had not been declared as commercial catch as required, CDFW said. Officials found and seized an additional 2,365 pounds of halibut in the investigation.

More than 2,000 pounds of halibut was seized in the investigation (California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

Wildlife officers said they also found fillets of salmon behind a false wall on the trawl boat. All recreational and commercial salmon fishing in California has been prohibited since 2023 as part of an effort to help populations recover.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials said the seized halibut was sold by CDFW, and the proceeds were donated to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund.

Santa Cruz Wharf to reopen Saturday after section collapsed

A formal complaint in the case was submitted to the San Francisco District Attorneys Office, CDFW said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
HARTFORD, CT. (WWLP)  Police are investigating after a car crashed into a fire truck in Hartford, Connecticut.

Driver crashes into Connecticut daycare, no injuries reported

The crash happened Thursday night on Main Street, sending four members of the fire department and one person to the hospital, according to NBC Connecticut.

The fire department says no one was trapped or needed to be taken out of the vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Everyone sent to the hospital is recovering from their injuries. The Hartford Police Department is investigating.

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.
WORCESTER, Mass. (WWLP)  Five students from Assumption University in Worcester are facing charges of kidnapping and assaulting a man for a TikTok trend inspired by To Catch a Predator.

West Springfield man charged under new Massachusetts law, revenge porn

The students allegedly used the dating app, Tinder, to lure the man to meet a teenage girl at the university. The man did show up and was beaten up by a mob of nearly 30 students. That mob reportedly chased the man and assaulted him as he got back into his car and drove away, according to NBC Boston.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police are saying that the man did nothing wrong, as court documents state the man went to meet a woman who was listed as 18 years old online.

The school would not say what disciplinary action it may take, if any, against the students. All 5 students are scheduled to be arraigned on January 16th.

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.
A Green Beret, who authorities said shot himself inside a Tesla Cybertruck on New Year's Day seconds before the vehicle exploded in front of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel in Las Vegas, was a Colorado Springs resident who had spent the majority of his 19-year military career at Fort Carson and on assignment in Germany, according to the U.S. Army and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Master Sgt. Matthew Alan Livelsberger was on approved leave from the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson, when the electric truck he rented in Denver on Dec. 28 exploded in the valet drive-through of the Trump International Hotel, Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Thursday at a news conference.

Livelsberger, 37, enlisted in January 2006 as an 18X, or a candidate for Special Forces, a statement from the Army said. He was active duty until 2011 when he joined the National Guard. He spent a little more than a year in the guard, from March 2011 to July 2012, and he served in the Army Reserve from July 2012 to December 2012.

Electric-charging station tracking shows Livelsberger charged the vehicle in Monument on Monday and also picked up two semi-automatic handguns that day he had legally purchased . He stopped in Trinidad, Las Vegas, N.M., Albuquerque and Gallup, N.M., on Tuesday to charge the truck. His route took him to Holbrook, Flagstaff and Kingman, Ariz., before being videoed on Las Vegas Boulevard early Wednesday morning.

He pulled into the Trump hotel valet area around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, and within 17 seconds the truck exploded while parked at the valet pull-up, McMahill said.

Livelsberger's body was "burnt beyond recognition," the Las Vegas sheriff said, but tattoos on an arm and stomach, surveillance video and electric-charging station tracking shows he was the only driver of the truck.

"We still have only ever seen him in this vehicle," McMahill said. "We are not aware of any other subjects involved in this particular case."

Investigators found a military ID, a passport, two semi-automatic firearms, an iPhone, a Smart Watch and several credit cards in his name.

The Las Vegas coroner's office found one single bullet hole in the head of the body and "a handgun found at his feet inside the vehicle," McMahill said.

Authorities believe the fatal wound was self-inflicted, since he was the only person in the vehicle and it occurred prior to the truck blowing up.

"Im comfortable calling it a suicide with a bombing that occurred immediately thereafter," said Spencer Evans, FBI special agent in charge.

In the truck bed were fireworks, mortars, arterial shells and accelerants including racing fuel, authorities said.

Seven people nearby had minor injuries and several were taken to a hospital, according to officials.

Livelsberger's motivation is unknown at this time, and FBI and ATF officials said they are investigating hundreds of tips worldwide.

"We are following international and domestic leads with search warrants, witness interviews and investigative activity literally taking place around the globe," Evans said.

"We don't believe there's any further threat from this subject or anybody related to that."

What we know about the bombing suspect

Vehicles with the FBI arrived on Thursday morning at a townhouse complex in northeast Colorado Springs connected to Livelsberger, as the investigation into the Las Vegas explosion continued.

At around 7:30 a.m., Gazette reporters saw multiple FBI vehicles at the 5400 block of Carvel Grove, near the corner of Stetson Hills Boulevard and Marksheffel Road.

Records show Livelsberger was connected to multiple Colorado Springs addresses, including that residence.

He was known as Matt Berg in many places, including an online profile, and as an alias when he appeared in a 2013 war-game TV series, "Ultimate Soldier Challenge," which featured Livelsberger as one of two Green Berets who were pitted against a pair of Norwegian Special Forces commandos.

It's unclear whether Livelsberger was an active-duty soldier when he participated in the 43-minute movie, but he was billed as a United States Special Forces soldier. The Norwegians were actually actors playing the part of members of the Forsvarets Spesialkommando, or FSK. In a made-up battle scenario, Livelsberger and his partner shot assault rifles at targets, fought in hand-to-hand combat and went door-to-door in the hunt for combatants in a fake village in what was billed as a "showdown of elite strength and skill."

Livelsberger was also a drone hobbyist who posted about his projects in a Facebook group online. The 10th Special Forces Group has been developing small drones in-house to gather information and carry weapons, according to previous Gazette reporting.

Since November, Livelsberger has been working as a remote and autonomous systems manager for the Army, his LinkedIn page states.

He registered to vote as unaffiliated at his current address in July, according to voter registration records.

Comments from people who knew Matthew Livelsberger paint a Jeckyll-and-Hyde picture.

Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

One neighbor in the northeast Colorado Springs neighborhood who asked not to be identified described Livelsberger as quiet but polite.

Another neighbor, Cindy Helwig, said she's known Livelsberger and his current wife, who recently had a baby, for two years.

She said she was shocked to learn the bombing suspect was her neighbor.

He seemed like a normal guy, Helwig said Thursday morning. His wife is awesome, too. I never expected anything like that. I would never have thought it would have been him.

Helwig describes the neighborhood as usually very quiet and peaceful.

This is a good neighborhood; you never have issues, she said. Im a little worried now. I hope things get better.

Keni Mac and her fiance, who live directly behind Livelsberger's home, said they were in shock after seeing all the police activity happening overnight and into the morning.

She said she would see Livelsberger, his wife and their newborn at HOA meetings.

"Just to know if it was that family, if it is, is really heartbreaking," she said. "They seem like good people. They're a normal young couple with a family. They always have their windows open, they're in and out with their dog. Doesn't seem like they're hiding anything."

In a different take on the suspect, a close friend of Livelsberger's ex-wife told The Gazette she was stunned when she woke up Thursday to learn that the soldier she knew as "bizarre and unhealthy" was the person who planned and carried out the Las Vegas explosion.

Stacie Wilssens, who lives in Manitou Springs, knew Livelsberger through his former wife, Sara Livelsberger.

The two women hit it off as friends around 2012 after the Livelsbergers moved to Colorado Springs for Matthew Livelsberger's job with the military. The couple divorced in 2018.

Wilssens said that Sara Livelsberger was often alone when her husband was deployed overseas, which left her struggling and depressed.

Livelsberger had a long career of overseas assignments, deploying twice to Afghanistan and serving in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, the Army said. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor.

Wilssens mostly hung out with Sara when her husband was not around because Wilssens disliked being around him. The two were "polar opposites," her friend said.

"She was trying to get healthy, and he would mock her," said Wilssens. "He preyed on her."

Wilssens said she and Sara were staunch Bernie Sanders supporters during the 2016 election, and Matthew Livelsberger, whom she described as a conservative thinker, supported Donald Trump, which she believes was a major ideology disconnect.

Wilssens said that she hasn't spoken with Matthew Livelsberger for years. Sara, she said, left Colorado after their divorce and has since remarried.

Documents obtained by The Denver Gazette indicate that Sara Livelsberger started divorce proceedings in July 2017, and the couple's split was final almost exactly a year later.

"Nothing ever felt stable or steady between the two of them," Wilssens said.

As an active-duty soldier, Livelsberger, would have been required to go through an annual mental health screening, according to a 2024 Congressional report.

He would have been screened for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol use and suicide risk. The Gazette was unable to confirm on Thursday whether such yearly exams had been conducted.

Connection unknown

The Las Vegas explosion came hours after 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar 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 incident is being investigated as a terrorist attack. Authorities said on Wednesday they did not think he acted alone but updated that statement Thursday, saying they now believe he was a lone attacker.

Whether the bombing in Las Vegas and the mass attack by the truck in New Orleans are connected or not is unknown, nor is the question of whether the attacks were politically motivated, authorities said at Thursday's press conference in Las Vegas.

"It's not lost on us that it's in front of the Trump building," Spencer Evans, the FBI agent leading the investigation, said during the press conference. "We don't have evidence showing it was because of ideology."

There are some similarities between the violent acts, McMahill said.

Both suspects, who are deceased, served in the military at Fort Bragg, N.C. However, "We have no record they served in the same unit or even the same years at Fort Bragg," McMahill said. Both served in Afghanistan in 2009, however, "We don't have any evidence they were in the same province, location or even the same unit."

Gazette reporters Mary Shinn, Zachary Dupont, Carol McKinley, O'Dell Isaac, Natasha Lynn and Debbie Kelley contributed to this report.
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  A Florence woman allegedly kidnapped a 1-year-old Thursday evening and then abandoned the baby about two hours later in near-freezing temperatures outside a home on Cale Yarborough Highway in the Timmonsville area, authorities said.

Macie Deeanna Eaddy was arrested at about 7 a.m. Friday by authorities in Sumter County, not long after a homeowner found the child abandoned outdoors and still restrained in a safety seat, Florence police said. The temperature overnight fell to about 33 degrees, but police said the child was in good health and taken to McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence to be examined.

Eaddy, who was arrested after being found in a car belonging to the childs mother, is being charged with kidnapping, grand larceny and driving under suspension after the incident, which prompted an overnight Amber Alert. She was taken to the Sumter County Detention Center after her arrest and could also be facing charges filed by the Florence County Sheriffs Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said the people in the home where the baby was found were not believed to have any connection to the child, its mother or the Eaddy. SLED said the homeowner reported hearing a car horn blow multiple times at about 8:30 p.m. and then saw a car leaving their driveway.

That incident began at about 6 p.m. Thursday when Eaddy drove off in the mothers car and drove off with the child after they had been shopping together, police said. The childs mother reported the incident to Florence police at about 8:55 p.m.

Florence police said Friday that the department contacted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division at about midnight to begin the process of requesting an Amber Alert. SLED manages Amber Alerts in South Carolina.

Police said the mother told officers they had been shopping and that Eaddy told her at about 6 p.m. that she was going to wait outside and asked if she wanted her to take the baby to the car, police said. The mother said she gave Eaddy permission to take the child to the car but that when she finished shopping and went outside she discovered that Eaddy had left with the child.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said there is surveillance video that shows Eaddy leaving with the child and getting into the mothers car and driving away.

After being notified about the abduction by Florence police, SLED said its agents worked overnight with police and the FBI before issuing the Amber Alert at about 5:50 a.m. The homeowner found the child at about 6:50 a.m. Friday, SLED said.

This is a developing story. Count on News13 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 WBTW.
MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA)  A 10-year-old girl was struck by stray bullets and killed while celebrating on New Years Day, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department.

A post on the departments social media said Yaneliz Munguia, 10, was near NW 27 Avenue and NW 21 Street when the gunshots hit her.

Credit: Miami-Dade Police Department

This heartbreaking incident serves as a devastating reminder that what goes up must come down, MDPD said. Bullets fired into the air can take innocent lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone with information about this case should contact Miami-Dade & The Florida Keys Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

Any tip leading up to an arrest is eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are among the social media apps that may be required to delete the accounts of anyone under the age of 14 years old. Thats the intent of a new Florida law now in effect.

Mental health specialists claim social media leads to higher rates of depression, self-harm, and even suicide for younger users.

A lot more body image issues, a lot more disordered eating. Were seeing a lot of anxiety, more depression, and definitely more social media dependence and technology dependence than perhaps we were seeing before. That being the primary medium with which kids were using to connect with their peers, The Therapy Room Adolescent Services Director Megan Sanders said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Operation Spay Bay kicks off the new year with a new location

The bill aims to ban anyone 13 and younger from having a social media account. 14 and 15-year-olds can make an account but will need parental consent for it.

Opposers of this bill say it takes away from a parents right to choose whether their child has access to social media. But professionals say completely taking away from teenagers isnt a fix-all to the problem.

It could be a swift decision that seems very clear-cut. But I think were missing the opportunity to educate here. I think its doing a bit of a disservice to providing safe and structured access and understanding of what the benefits are, but what we need to look out for too, you know, kind of like having no driving lessons and all of a sudden youre put on the highway, it could backfire very strongly, Sanders said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But it isnt all bad; Sanders says social media gives teenagers a platform to make positive connections with people from around the world.

Its a great space for regulated areas for people who are from marginalized groupsI think weve seen a huge explosion of that as well over the last five or so years of seeking that connection, with people that you may not be able to authentically find in your surrounding areas.

Walton County Fire Rescue responded to vehicle fire on Hwy 331

The law may have gone into effect on January 1st, but Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said the state will not enforce it until the court challenge is decided. If the state wins the lawsuit, social media companies could face thousands of dollars in fines for violating it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The courts next hearing is in February.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Florida driver intentionally slams into FHP patrol car: FHP

PALM COAST, Fla. (WFLA)  A man was arrested in Flagler County on Wednesday after intentionally crashing into a Florida Highway Patrol car, the agency said.

On Interstate 95, a trooper spotted a car driven by Joseph Guerrisi, 18, which was the subject of a BOLO (be on the lookout) alert due to the driver of the vehicle making suicidal threats.

Florida man killed by apparent stray bullet after sharing New Years kiss with boyfriend

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The trooper tried to pull the vehicle over, but eventually lost sight of it and called off the chase. Another trooper later spotted Guerrisi as he exited the interstate onto US-1 and continued the pursuit down Old Kings Road.

Guerrisi came across a stopped FHP vehicle and drove the wrong way down the road to intentionally crash into it, according to FHP. The two troopers inside the car were taken to the hospital and have since been released.

State Troopers put their lives at risk in defense and protection of our state 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner said in a statement. This incident and arrest highlights the immense courage Floridas Finest and our Auxiliary Troopers display daily.

Guerrisi was arrested and charged with two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement.

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.
An HVAC contractor in South Florida is facing felony charges after identifying himself as a CIA operative to police, who saw through the ruse and seized a trove of guns, drugs, bulletproof vests, and bogus federal credentials from the mans pickup truck  which had been outfitted to look like a law enforcement vehicle, according to authorities.

Jorge Alberto Alfonso, 61, was driving a white Ford F-150 on New Years Day, with red and blue emergency lights flashing, when he was spotted by the Florida Highway Patrol, states an arrest report filed Thursday and reviewed by The Independent.

Although the truck, at first glance, looked quasi-official, a trooper monitoring traffic from the median of I-75 became suspicious upon spotting a woman in the front passenger seat waving her arms, appearing upset or distressed, the arrest report goes on. It says the trooper pulled the truck over and was explaining the reason for the stop when Alfonso interrupted, claiming his K9, seated in the back, accidentally activated the red and blue lights.

Jorge Alberto Alfonsos pickup was fitted with an array of bogus emergency lights, according to police (Florida Highway Patrol)

According to the arrest report, Alfonso then identified himself as a federal agent, providing a CIA Counter Terrorism Unit ID, a CIA emblem coin in a badge wallet, and an MI-6 [sic] ID, referring to the UKs foreign intelligence service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Apparently confused by the unorthodox array of documentation, the trooper asked Alfonso for his specific affiliation, to which Alfonso replied, simply, federal, the arrest report continues.

The trooper took a closer look at the IDs Alfonso handed over, and immediately became skeptical, the report states. For starters, Alfonso was wearing a skullcap in the ID photos, which the trooper knew were prohibited for law enforcement IDs, it contends. Further, the format and design of the IDs didnt match known federal standards, and instead of a badge, a challenge coin was affixed, according to the report.

Troopers say they discovered a cache of weapons and fake IDs in Jorge Alberto Alfonsos truck, along with bottles of unlabeled prescription drugs (Florida Highway Patrol)

Based on the fraudulent IDs, emergency lights in a personal vehicle, and Jorges inability to verify his agency, I arrested him for impersonating a law enforcement officer, the report says.

During a follow-up inspection of Alfonsos truck, which was impounded, troopers found at least a half-dozen firearms; assorted passports, including blank ones; federal agency badges; bulletproof vests; money; jewelry; and pills in unmarked bottles, according to the report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Alfonso was booked into Collier Countys Naples Jail Center on false personation of a law enforcement officer, a felony, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, a misdmeanor. The arrest report says the Florida Highway Patrol contacted the FBI, Border Patrol, and the Diplomatic Security Service, each of which initiated their own investigations.

Jorge Alberto Alfonso is facing felony and misdemeanor charges over the January 1 incident (Collier County Clerk of Courts)

Alfonso, who remains detained, does not have a lawyer listed in court records. A call on Friday to his personal cell phone went straight to voicemail, and a number listed for his office was disconnected. His company, Air-Source International Corporation, was founded [t]o foster a sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm in a culture of proud people.

We demand honesty and integrity from our employees so clients are assured of predictable and conscientious building services, the Air-Source International website tells prospective customers.

Alfonso is scheduled to be arraigned on January 27, booking records show.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WFLA)  A South Florida man was shot and killed just after the clock struck midnight on New Years Eve.

Police are investigating whether Angel Nunez was struck by a stray bullet after sharing a New Years kiss with his boyfriend outside his Fort Lauderdale home.

Florida 10-year-old killed by New Years Eve celebratory gunfire

I grabbed the back of his head, and he grabbed the back of my head, and forcefully had the most beautiful kiss. It was so beautiful, backed off, I said I love you, he said I love you, and then he fell, Nunezs boyfriend, Chris Dillon, told NBC affiliate WTVJ.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dillon said he tried to get Nunez to stand up, but he was unresponsive, so he called 911. He then discovered a wound on his boyfriends stomach.

I lifted up his T-shirt and about the size, not even an inch, was a slit, Dillon told WTVJ.

Just hours later, Nunez was dead.

I cried, I started sobbing on the floor, Dillon told WTVJ.

Fort Lauderdale police said they are investigating whether he was struck by a stray bullet.

Another South Florida death this week was attributed to a stray bullet. A 10-year-old girl was struck and killed Wednesday morning near Allapattah.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida  Florida is poised to see a rush of new medical marijuana companies, after Gov. Ron DeSantis administration recently issued 25 long-delayed licenses to operate in the state.

But industry experts say that the market to grow and sell marijuana has changed significantly as the states growing stockpile of available licenses sat dormant for years  giving new companies only a narrow opportunity to break into the entrenched, $2 billion industry in the Sunshine State.

The ever-increasingly difficult path faced by the new licensees is a welcome consolation prize for the big medical marijuana companies already operating in Florida, which just lost a bruising fight with DeSantis over legalizing recreational marijuana use for adults in the nations third-largest state. Had they won, existing pot companies would have been at the front of the line to sell non-medicinal products in a potential $6.1 billion dollar industry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its going to be really difficult for any of these licensees to even put a dent in the current industry, especially in the way of prices, said Michael Minardi, who led a previous pot legalization ballot initiative. And after so many years I think people are sick of the quality and prices, if they can find something better on the black market.



DeSantis warred with the Amendment 3 campaign  which was primarily bankrolled by Trulieve , the states largest medical marijuana company  warning voters that the measure was backed by a cartel of wealthy medical marijuana companies that wanted to create a monopoly .

In response, the campaign behind the measure told DeSantis that he could break up the so-called cartel by finally issuing more than a score of licenses that businesses are required to hold in order to sell and grow pot in Florida. But the Office of Medical Marijuana Use, which DeSantis office oversees, only began issuing new licenses after Amendment 3 had failed.

The 25 new licenses, which were issued late last year, were well overdue. They were meant to be distributed gradually as the states population of medical marijuana patients grew over the years, to almost 892,000 patients as of December. Instead, they sat with the Office of Medical Marijuana Use amid ongoing litigation that ended three years ago. Two lists of winning recipients of the licenses had been completed nearly two years ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Three of the licenses were designated by the Legislature for a group of black farmers who were part of a landmark class action discrimination lawsuit against the federal government. Another 22 licenses had attracted 74 applicants that included accounting firms and hemp companies.

The new licenses still face several steps before Florida will finally hand over the credential, but they could ultimately double the 25 pot companies that were already operating in Floridas medical marijuana program. More licenses may seem like a solution to the cartel described by DeSantis, but a former lawmaker and two marijuana industry experts fear the new licensees will also face sky-high overhead costs and diminishing returns as the states oldest licensed pot companies continue to grow every day.



Former state Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican who advocated for both legalizing pot and looser controls for medical marijuana before he was term-limited out of office, said DeSantis and the Legislature have no interest in addressing tight regulations that have led most of more than $2 billion in revenue to be collected by a handful of the oldest licensees.

It became convenient for them to argue about it against the amendment, and now they want to put the genie back in the bottle, Brandes said, adding he believes how companies are required to organize themselves will also limit the industrys growth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Floridas vertically integrated licenses call for each company to be self-contained. Each licensee grows its own pot, and then uses those crops to manufacture products, and then sells those products in company-owned dispensaries. Wholesale purchasing of raw marijuana is prohibited, unless a sale is authorized by the state due to crop loss.

They like the control and leverage that it provides, Brandes said.

In other words, a new marijuana company would need to build facilities to grow marijuana and manufacture products, open at least one dispensary, and hire employees, before it can go into business. Zack Kobrin, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer who helps companies apply for the Florida licenses, said startup costs, depending on the growth strategy of the company, can easily reach $15 million. And the company will likely have to cover another $30 million in operating costs for the first two years.

Also unlike the first few years of the medical marijuana program, the number of investors has gone down, and other potential sources of cash have become limited, especially after Amendment 3 failed.Its so capital intensive, and because the capital markets are dry it makes it hard to raise enough money so you can scale competitively, Kobrin said. Vertical is absolutely driving up the cost and making it harder to do business in Florida.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kobrin said he advises his clients that the licensure process can take a while, but the winning recipients did not anticipate waiting since April 2023 or longer, when application periods were finalized. Still, the licenses could be worth the costly wait, since they have no caps on the size of a companys overall canopy of growing marijuana, or opening dispensaries.

Also without recreational marijuana, thousands of patients who left the medical marijuana program are now getting new recommendations from a doctor. The state has seen a surge of about 10,000 new patients since the election, and doctors offices are booked for weeks.

You have the ability to essentially scale up or as little as you want, Kobrin said. Thats what gives a license value.

One of the recipients of the licenses is an Alachua County farmer who said he is ready to get into the market. Randy Rembert is the owner of the Hawthorne-based Rembert Family Farms, which became the first black-owned cannabis company in the state in more than 80 years after it began making hemp products.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said he has watched as pot companies from outside Florida spent millions of dollars on building infrastructure and buying unnecessary equipment and supplies. Hes yet to take steps to build a grow room, but even with companies like Trulieve, which has opened 29 dispensaries in 2024 alone, Rembert said he is confident he can compete.

A lot of people are going to run to buy a bunch of useless stuff that they don't need because they never actually cultivated cannabis before, Rembert said. If you don't have a farmer's mentality of buying what you need and keeping away from the stuff that you don't need until the right time, then no, some people would not be successful.

And there is still the chance for expansion for the marijuana industry in the future. Amendment 3 earlier in November only narrowly missed the 60 percent threshold needed for passage. And an overwhelming 71 percent of voters legalized medical marijuana in 2016 in the first place by supporting a ballot initiative financially backed mostly by high profile Orlando lawyer John Morgan.

As Floridas self-proclaimed Pot Daddy, Morgan said it would be challenging for new companies to get off the ground. He predicted that the states medical marijuana program may someday look like the states retail pharmaceutical industry, with a few companies handling most of the business. Still the licenses will remain in demand, Morgan said.

They would be gobbled up in a minute, Morgan said. Theres never a shortage of fools to chase fools gold.
Gainesville wildlife enthusiast and social media star David Humphlett is recovering at UF Health Shands Hospital after being bitten in December by an eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

Humphlett, 25, was bitten on Dec. 18 while searching for snakes with friends in Shired Island in Dixie County.

The 4-foot snake bit Humphlett on his right shin after he picked up a piece of loose tree bark.

Within seconds I felt an intense pain, Humphlett said. The pain felt like I stepped on a bear trap.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was immediately life-flighted to the hospital.

Humphlett has been receiving treatment for the past two weeks in UF Health's intensive care unit where he has received 88 vials of antivenom.

The swelling has went down tremendously, Humphlett said.

Humphlett's next challenge will be to regain his ability to move his ankle.

Im hoping theres pressure in the nerve somewhere, but I fear the venom may have damaged the nerve. Im praying that the Lord will heal me, and that physical therapy can help me.

Gainesville native David Humphlett prepares for physical therapy at UF Health Shands Hospital after being bitten by a rattlesnake in Dixie County.

The second-generation Gainesville native said he was inspired by adventurers like Austin Stevens and loved watching Animal Planet when he was growing up. It motivated him to share his interest in wildlife on social media and allow the world to join him on his journey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ive always wanted to travel the world, Humphlett said.

Humphlett has more than 1 million followers on Instagram. His handle @adventorin is a unique way of saying "adventuring because his middle name is Orin. Humphlett uses the handle @davidorin on TikTok and YouTube.

Local news: Gainesville man surveilled in Tallahassee, later charged with planning attack

He said he began sharing his journey in 2016 and views began to increase in 2020 on TikTok.

Humphlett said he appreciates the support of his wife, his family, his friends, members of his church, and social media supporters for keeping his spirits uplifted during this difficult time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The support has been outrageous, Humphlett said. Everybody has been here to support me in a sweet way from the GoFundMe and to my church providing meals.

Humphlett said he will lean on God to regain his strength during his recovery.

God is faithful, Humphlett said. I will be relying on him a lot and looking forward to building my relationship with Him in the coming months.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: David Humphlett recovering at UF Health Shands after rattlesnake bite
Colorado Springs police completed their investigation on Terry Lee Simerly, 69, who was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on an 8-year-old girl, a 7-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy.

Simerly, of Colorado Springs, was arrested Dec. 26 and taken to the El Paso County jail, where he is being held on a $75,000 bond.

On Dec. 17, it was reported to police that Simerly had allegedly sexually assaulted a 7-year-old boy. When interviewed at the Safe Passage Children Advocacy Center, the boy told detectives it happened multiple times, beginning when he was 2-years-old.

One of the girls told detectives every time she was left alone with Simerly in his apartment he would sexually assault her, beginning when she was 4 years old and living with him.

Featured Local Savings

The girl told detectives she hadn't told anyone about this for three years because Simerly said he would kill her if she did.

Simerly is being charged with three counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust and three counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust with a pattern of abuse. His next appearance in court will be 8:30 a.m. Jan. 7.

Detectives with the Crimes Against Children Unit believe there could be additional victims and are asking for the public's help in the case.

They ask anyone with information to contact Colorado Springs police at 719-444-7000 or the Pikes Peak Area Crimes Stoppers at 719-634-7867.
The body of a woman who disappeared 10 years ago has been found in a minivan submerged in a Florida pond.

Yekaterina Katya Belaya, a mom of three, was last seen heading to a store in 2014, Fox affiliate WOFL, CBS affiliate WKMG-TV and NBC affiliate WESH reported.

Ten years later, the Melbourne woman's body was found inside her white Honda Odyssey, which was discovered upside down in a retention pond, according to the reports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sunshine State Sonar said in a Facebook post that its team located the vehicle on Friday, Dec. 20, off Viera Boulevard, about 1.6 miles from her home.

We hope this finding can offer her loved ones some solace after years of grieving her mysterious disappearance, the team said.

Brevard County Sheriff's Office Katya Belaya, the woman who was found dead inside a submerged minivan on Dec. 20, 2024. Katya Belaya, the woman who was found dead inside a submerged minivan on Dec. 20, 2024.

Mike Sullivan, owner of Sunshine State Sonar, said the team learned about the case after someone messaged them and showed them some of the heartbreaking messages posted online by Belayas daughters, according to WESH.

Sunshine State Sonar, a private company, said in its post that their team reached out to Belayas family and authorities on Thursday, Dec. 19, and requested additional information about the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sullivan said the team received cellphone ping data that led them to the vehicles location, WOFL reported.

Related: Man Vanished from Michigan Music Festival in 2018. His Remains Were Just Found, but Cause of Death Remains Unknown

More than 30 bodies of water were searched before finding Belayas minivan in the retention pond in Melbourne, Sunshine State Sonar said in the Facebook post.

I was a little surprised we were able to actually get her that quick, just because theres probably 500 bodies of water in that area, Sullivan said, according to WKMG-TV.

Sullivan said he has been in contact with Belayas daughters, who expressed their gratitude to Sunshine State Sonar, WESH reported. I think they were still in shock," he added.

Sunshine State Sonar/Facebook The minivan where Katya Belaya's body was found on Dec. 20, 2024. The minivan where Katya Belaya's body was found on Dec. 20, 2024.

The Brevard County Sheriffs Office has confirmed the remains belong to Belaya, according to WKMG-TV.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An investigation into Belayas death is ongoing, according to WKMG-TV and WOFL.

Were running down some other leads, Brevard County Sheriff Public Information Officer Tod Goodyear told WKMG-TV.

Related: 2 Oregon Men Die in Forest After Going Missing While Looking for Sasquatch: Police

He added, Theres a lot still to be done. But as I said, it does bring closure to the family.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Brevard County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.



Read the original article on People
Mark Vargo, right, shakes hands with members of the Wambli Ska Society on Sept. 13, 2022, in Pierre. (Courtesy of SD Attorney General's Office)

Former South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo will serve as assistant attorney general for the states police commission, after a rotation of staff members formerly advised the commission.

Attorney General Marty Jackley appointed Vargo to the position on Dec. 31, Jackleys office said Friday. Vargo, who was appointed attorney general in 2022 after former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborgs impeachment and removal from office, will advise the states Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission on training requirements and certification hearings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former Attorney General Vargo understands the importance of law enforcement certification when it comes to protecting the public, Jackley said in a news release. Law enforcement that the public can trust is vital, and former Attorney General Vargo will provide the advice for the commission to make informed decisions.

Vargo previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney for South Dakota from 1996 to 2011 and as Pennington County states attorney from 2013 until 2023, taking a leave of absence to serve temporarily as attorney general. He resigned from the county position shortly after his six-month stint as attorney general to take a 20-month, non-governmental job in Thailand establishing the rule of law in southeast Asia, Vargo told the Rapid City Journal upon his resignation.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  A former Connecticut senator received an award from President Joe Biden this year.

Sen. Blumenthal applauds law that expands Social Security benefits

Chris Dodd, who is the longest serving U.S. Senator in Connecticut history, got the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second highest civilian award from the president. Dodd is among 20 people who will receive the award.

Others include Americans who fought for marriage equality, like Mississippi Congresswoman Bennie Thompson and former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dodd, 80, was a congressman before serving 30 years in the senate, elected in 1980 and re-elected four times. He also ran for president in 2008.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Former German justice minister Marco Buschmann has voiced his opposition to a possible nationwide ban on private fireworks, amid ongoing debates over New Year's Eve celebrations.

In comments published on Friday by the RND media group, Buschmann, the general secretary of the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), described such a ban as "inappropriate" and "collective punishment." Buschmann holds the second highest position in the FDP, behind party leader Christian Lindner, the former finance minister.

The debate about stricter rules on fireworks or a possible nationwide ban has intensified following another New Year's Eve marked by scores of injuries and five deaths from fireworks explosions across Germany.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Buschmann argued that while people may not necessarily enjoy the fireworks, they should still "have the freedom to maintain this tradition."

Jochen Kopelke, national chairman of the police union, supported a ban, saying that banning bangers and regulating sales are steps that could improve safety on New Year's Eve.

However, Buschmann urged personal responsibility, noting that severe penalties, including multi-year prison sentences or hefty fines, already exist for the use of illegal fireworks.

"If people still expose themselves to the danger of such fireworks, it is a case of voluntary self-endangerment," he said.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Former Home Improvement star Zachery Ty Bryan was arrested this week on a domestic violence charge in Myrtle Beach, online jail records show.

Bryan, 43, was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center just after 2 p.m. on Thursday. He was charged with second-degree domestic violence and remains in jail as of this writing on a $10,000 bond.

He was released just after 7:45 p.m. Friday, according to intake records.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bryan has had multiple run-ins with the law in the past year. He was arrested in October on suspicion of DUI for the second time in 2024, according to Nexstar-affiliate KTLA. Dashcam footage showed Bryan being taken into custody by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, where he told the trooper Im sorry I like to drink.

Home Improvement aired for eight seasons from 1991 until 1999 and starred Tim Allen. Bryan played Brad Taylor.

No additional details about Bryans Myrtle Beach arrest were immediately available. News13 has requested the warrant and report from Myrtle Beach police.

Count on News13 for updates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Former Home Improvement star Zachery Ty Bryan was arrested this week on a domestic violence charge in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, online jail records show.

Bryan, 43, was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center just after 2 p.m. on Thursday. He was charged with second-degree domestic violence and was being held on a $10,000 bond.

Bryan has had multiple run-ins with the law in the past year. He was arrested in October on suspicion of DUI for the second time in 2024, according to Nexstars KTLA. Dashcam footage showed Bryan being taken into custody by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, where he told the trooper, Im sorry I like to drink.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Man sues Myrtle Beach Mall after 2023 mob assault in parking lot

Home Improvement aired for eight seasons from 1991 until 1999 and starred Tim Allen. Bryan played Brad Taylor.

Zachery Ty Bryan (J. Reuben Long Detention Center)

No additional details about Bryans Myrtle Beach arrest were immediately available. Nexstars WBTW has requested the warrant and report from Myrtle Beach police.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Robert Peterkin wanted to change Milwaukee Public Schools, worked to move power away from the central administration, brought in fresh ways of connecting with and teaching students, and aimed to launch new programs and develop strong leaders throughout the citys schools.

But did he push reform as much as he should have as superintendent of MPS from 1988 to 1991? Asked that question during a forum at Marquette Law School almost 20 years after he left Milwaukee, Peterkin said, We should have done it twice as much, twice as fast and twice as deep.

One of the intriguing what-if questions about Milwaukee education history is this: What if Peterkin had stayed on as superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools past 1991?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the views of some of the people who worked with him then, Milwaukee as a whole  not just MPS  likely would be a better place.

Peterkin died at age 79 on Dec. 23 in Boston. More than a decade after his retirement from Harvard and more than three decades after he left Milwaukee, his death brought tributes both nationally and in Milwaukee. In the view of some key figures involved in Milwaukee education while Peterkin was with MPS, Peterkin left beneficial and lasting impacts.

Peterkin's tenure was brief, but came at a pivotal time in Milwaukee education

Peterkin served at a pivotal time in Milwaukee education, a period when the school integration initiatives that began in 1976 were losing steam but the need for better outcomes for low-income children was urgent. Milwaukees population was changing, with the white population declining sharply while the Hispanic population grew quickly.

It was also the last period in which almost all Milwaukee students who were getting publicly funded education were going to MPS (except for a few thousand going to suburban schools). There were no charter schools, and the voucher program that now allows almost 30,000 students to use tax dollars to go to private and religious schools was in its birth stages.

A jubilant school board named Robert S. Peterkin Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent in 1988. Ten months after former superintendent Lee R. McMurrin resigned to become school superintendent in Beachwood, Ohio, Peterkin, 43, stood before the board and said he would seek to make the Milwaukee district one of the best in the nation.

Peterkin was also the first Black superintendent of MPS appointed after a full-scale job search. (Hawthorne Faison, the interim superintendent from 1987 to 1988, was the first Black person to serve as superintendent.) Peterkin came to Milwaukee after serving as an education leader in the Boston area. He was a deputy school superintendent in Boston and, immediately before coming to Milwaukee, was school superintendent in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Peterkin was 'willing to take risks ... not afraid to challenge the status quo'

Janie Hatton, who served in numerous leadership positions in MPS both during Peterkins time and afterward, said Peterkin was truly an enlightened people person who made things matter. He created. She added, He stood for change, for developing talent among students, teachers and administrators. Hatton said Peterkin taught her leadership is the essence of any change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hatton said that if Peterkin had stayed longer in Milwaukee there would have been some very creative outcomes. She said he and the deputy he brought to Milwaukee, Deborah McGriff, could have brought people together to work on getting better outcomes for students. We would have made a turn where the instruction would have been more responsive and the curriculum would have been more innovative, Hatton said. I think he would have had a diversified set of post-secondary schools and pathways across the county (that were) connected to MPS. Busing would have been reduced, and there would have been more partnerships with the community aimed at creating jobs.

I think race relations would be significantly different, even in Milwaukee, if Peterkins ideas had been realized, Hatton said.

Howard Fuller, who succeeded Peterkin as MPS superintendent in 1991, said, Bob did a lot of really good things. He said MPS was coming out of an era in which its leaders were doubtful that a lot of kids could learn because of their life circumstances. Bob came in and reframed the discussion and said, 'yes, these kids can learn. Fuller said. That alone was a big moment for our city.

Outgoing Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Robert S. Peterkin, right, talks with his successor, Howard L. Fuller, before a School Board meeting in 1991. Fuller, Milwaukee County director of health and human services, was unanimously selected by the School Board to take Peterkin's position at the head of MPS. Peterkin left MPS after receiving an offer from Harvard, where he went on to lead the Harvard Urban Superintendents Program for two decades.

Joyce Mallory was on the Milwaukee school board from 1983 to 1993 and was a strong supporter of Peterkin. He was willing to take risks; he was not afraid to challenge the status quo at all, she said. He was committed to high-quality, equitable education, and he interacted well with all the communities that were involved in Milwaukee education, she said.

Peterkin left MPS to lead Harvard Urban Superintendents Program

Peterkin encountered resistance and slow movement from the School Board, teachers union leaders and the general Milwaukee political situation, some of his allies said. His standing with the School Board was good, but it is clear he didnt feel he was accomplishing enough. In 1991, the combination of that and an attractive offer from Harvard University led him to resign.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He led the Harvard Urban Superintendents Program for two decades, training particularly women and members of minority groups for work in school and school system leadership. A lengthy list of school leaders nationwide learned from and was mentored by him, including former MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver and former Madison Superintendent Jen Cheatham.

In this file photo from 1988, Robert S. Peterkin, the new Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent, talks with Mayor John O. Norquist in the mayor's office after being sworn in at City Hall.

His early departure really stopped some pretty good things in Milwaukee, Mallory said. We intended for him to stay much longer than he did because we knew we had some tough problems.

In the 2010 forum at Marquette Law School, Peterkin said Milwaukee is a town that loves politics as a blood sport. He said, I had a plan for building schools since I was a teacher. ... I never got a chance (in Milwaukee) to dismantle what was in the way of building my vision for running schools.

Fuller said, I think Bob realized he couldnt do what he wanted to do as a superintendent.

Peterkin: Good superintendent must 'commit to a vision,' 'have the wherewithal to get it done,' as well as courage

When he retired from Harvard in 2010, he was interviewed for the Harvard Graduate School of Education magazine. The interviewer asked what makes a good superintendent. Peterkin answered, First, someone has to commit to a vision of equitable education for all. And I mean a real commitment, like Im willing to get fired over this. The second is a theory of change. Its not enough to talk a good game and inspire a community. You have to have the wherewithal to get it done. Both of these take a third.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The interviewed asked: Which is?

Courage, Peterkin answered.

Could Peterkin have had a bigger and more lasting impact on Milwaukee if he had been given a clearer path to change and if he had stayed longer? Maybe, as some admirers suggest. But it was a time when polarization in education was increasing, the rise of school choice was beginning, opposition to change was strong  and so was inertia. It was a tall order for even a strong leader with vision to tackle.

'The time has come to let the superintendent  call him the czar or not  to let him go for broke'

If anything, the need to come together to change things has become more urgent in Milwaukee since Peterkins time, while the prospects for that to happen seem more daunting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Darienne Driver, who learned from Peterkin at Harvard, said in an interview on her last day as MPS superintendent in 2018 that Milwaukee needed to unite if education outcomes were going to improve. I dont think we have a choice. But I think that the outcomes in this city are in our reach and in our hands. And the people are going to have to figure out where they can find common ground. And if we cant figure it out, then no, there isnt hope. ... Our inability to come together around some kind of a common issue has really hurt us as a community.

At Marquette in 2010, Peterkin pointed out that there are some schools serving challenging student bodies that are more successful than others. Im sorry, there are just too many places where kids are succeeding, he said, to believe kids coming from such circumstances are destined to fail. If you dont believe such kids can succeed, he said, why are you teaching?

And he said something that resonates now as the MPS board is searching for a new superintendent: The time has come to let the superintendent  call him the czar or not  to let him go for broke.

Peterkin pushed for change, but he didnt go for broke. What if had stayed? What if the landscape had been more conducive to what he wanted? Part of his legacy is to wonder what can be learned now from his time in Milwaukee.

Alan Borsuk

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Alan J. Borsuk is senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette Law School. He can be reached at alan.borsuk@marquette.edu.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent Robert Peterkin dies
The former attorney general of South Dakota is objecting to a proposed six-month suspension of his Iowa law license due to his involvement in a 2020 traffic fatality, the Iowa Capitol Dispatch reported.

In September, the South Dakota Supreme Court suspended for six months the South Dakota law license of Jason Ravnsborg, who served as that states attorney general from 2019 until his impeachment and removal from office in 2022.

Because Ravnsborg is licensed to practice law in Iowa, he was recently notified that his Iowa license may also be subject to a six-month suspension based on South Dakotas actions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ravnsborg recently filed a written response to that notice, arguing that an identical suspension in Iowa would be too severe. In his response, he cites the fact that he was born on an Iowa farm in Cherokee County and later served three military deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

In his response, Ravnsborg also says he believes that South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, whom he had been investigating at the time of the fatality, did everything she could to intimidate, interfere and influence what he calls the automobile investigation. He adds that he still believes she had to get me, otherwise she would be exposed for her actions.

Both Noem and Ravnsborg are Republicans.

How South Dakotas minimum wage increase stacks up

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ravnsborg also says resigning would have been the easier path for him to take but he opted to remain in office to serve my client, the state of South Dakota, who repeatedly shows up on lists as one of the most corrupt states.

Ravnsborg has also informed the Iowa Supreme Court that he is willing to sit before the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board and answer questions or appear at a hearing before the Iowa Supreme Court. He adds that he believes he should be given no more than a private reprimand so he can move forward after four years of dealing with the matter.

The Iowa Supreme Court has yet to issue a decision in the case, but a hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2025.

The death of Joe Boever

Court records indicate Ravnsborg graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2001 and was later admitted to the bar in both South Dakota and Iowa. In 2018, he was elected to serve as South Dakotas attorney general, and he took office in early 2019.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

About 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2020, according to court records, Ravnsborg was driving from a political event in Redfield, South Dakota, to his home in Pierre, South Dakota, when he struck and killed a man, 55-year-old Joe Boever, who was walking on the shoulder of the road near the town of Highmore.

According to court records, Ravnsborg slowly brought his vehicle to a stop and called 911, telling the operator, Im the attorney general. And I am  I dont know  I hit something. The operator asked whether he had hit a deer or something, and he allegedly replied, I have no idea, yeah, it could be, I mean it was right in the roadway.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KCAU 9 Morning Update

Hyde County Sheriff Mike Volek was dispatched to the scene but couldnt locate anything Ravnsborg struck. Because Ravnsborgs car was so damaged it could not be driven, Volek then offered Ravnsborg the use of his personal vehicle to complete the drive home to Pierre.

Court records indicate that the next day, Ravnsborg returned to Highmore with his chief of staff to return the sheriffs vehicle. On the way, they stopped at the site of the crash and found Boevers body lying just off the side of the road. They then informed Volek of their discovery, and Volek advised Ravnsborg to go back home to Pierre. The sheriff then contacted the South Dakota Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

State officials later revealed that within two days of the accident, Ravnsborg received a text message about Boever from an unnamed consultant saying, Well, at least the guy was a Democrat.

When he was interviewed by investigators, Ravnsborg denied having consumed any drugs or alcohol on the night of the accident  which, according to court records, was confirmed by a blood test. Investigators also concluded that excessive speed was not a factor in the accident and while Ravnsborg had been on his phone for some of his commute between Redfield and Highmore, both of his phones were locked at the time of the accident.

Ultimately, investigators concluded Ravnsborg had been driving outside the lane of travel, just off the roadway, when the accident occurred. Ravnsborg pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor offenses  operating a vehicle while using a cell phone and improper lane driving  and a charge of careless driving was dismissed.

Ravnsborg then entered into a confidential civil settlement with Boevers estate. In June 2022, he was impeached by the South Dakota Senate, removed from office and barred from ever holding public office again in South Dakota.

Board cites lack of apology and condolences

The Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of South Dakota subsequently investigated the matter and recommended a 26-month suspension of Ravnsborgs law license.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The board noted that in the immediate aftermath of the accident, the South Dakota governor publicly asked Ravnsborg to resign or take a leave of absence, which Ravnsborg refused to do. The board also alleged that when responding to questions by investigators, Ravnsborg did not appear to be forthright, and (was) only willing to acknowledge certain conduct after being confronted with evidence by the investigators.

DPS releases videos of AG Ravnsborgs interviews in crash investigation

The board also alleged that Ravnsborg frequently identified himself as the attorney general when encountering law enforcement for minor traffic violations, such as speeding, running a stop sign, and when making a 911 call from the highway shortly after killing Joe Boever.

In its written findings, the board also stated that Ravnsborg was not sincere in his remarks concerning how badly he felt for Boevers family and bluntly stated, And Im going down the road and my life changed, and that, I had no idea, to be clear, until the next morning when I found the body and it changed my life forever.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The board also noted that from the night of the accident and continuing throughout his service as attorney general, Ravnsborg made no public or private apology, never expressed his condolences to the Boever family, and he never acknowledged any culpability.

Ravnsborg, the board concluded, was more concerned with the impact of the incident on his political and military careers than the victim, the victims family and the public he served.

Ravnsborg challenged those findings and the matter went before a retired circuit judge to act as referee in resolving the dispute.

The referee concluded Ravnsborg had not been dishonest or misleading and that he had conducted himself in a manner befitting of an attorney. He did, however, recommend that Ravnsborg be censored for identifying himself as the attorney general when dealing with the police in order to win favorable treatment from officers.

Court settles on six-month suspension

In opting for a six-month law license suspension, the South Dakota Supreme Court stated that several of Ravnsborgs statements after the accident raise questions about his honesty and truthfulness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The court noted that Ravnsborg had repeatedly denied using his phones during his drive from Redfield to Highmore.

Sanford Health Plan facing lawsuit from Mayo Clinic for $700K

According to the court, the metadata on one of Ravnsborgs phones showed that minutes before he called 911, he had unlocked his phone, checked his Yahoo email account, accessed the Dakota Free Press website, and clicked on a political news article.

It was only after investigators informed him of that evidence, the court said, that Ravnsborgs story took another turn and he admitted looking at stuff on his phone before the accident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ravnsborgs responses demonstrated a concerted effort to avoid criminal liability through dishonesty and misrepresentations, the court concluded.

The court also made note of Ravnsborgs decision to conceal himself from the public eye in the aftermath of the accident, even while refusing to take a leave of absence. Each decision he made was influenced by personal aspirations and political survival rather than his responsibility to serve the public and uphold the integrity of his office, the court stated.

The court also noted two instances of Ravnsborg being stopped for minor traffic offenses  once in Nebraska and once in Iowa  and informing the officers that he was the South Dakota attorney general. In both cases, he was released without a citation being issued, the court stated.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the locations of Ravnsborgs deployments.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter.

This story was republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A former state senator from Meriden died Thursday, according to Governor Ned Lamont.

Lamont took to X to express his condolences, saying: Im very saddened to learn the news of the passing of former State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams. She was a passionate advocate on issues related to public health & education and dedicated to the people of Meriden. My condolences go out to Jim and all of their family and friends.

Former Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell dies at 78

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Abrams served as senator to the 13th district.

The City of Meriden offers our most sincere condolences to the family of special education teacher and former State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams, who has passed away following a three year battle with brain cancer. May she rest in peace, Meriden city officials said in a statement.

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said Connecticut has lost a treasured public servant known for her infinite compassion, kindness, and empathy.

Mary devoted her life to the service of others, first as a special education teacher and then as a state senator serving the diverse communities of Meriden, Middletown, Middlefield, Rockfall, and Cheshire. I had the pleasure of working with Mary during her time in the Senate and was constantly inspired by her work to address disparities in our health care system and make it more affordable and accessible to all, she 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 WTNH.com.
The Fort Mill School District said a crossing guard who was killed on the job knew about the risk of death, according to reports from the Rock Hill Herald.

Stanley Brucker died after being hit by a car in March of last year.

It happened near the entrance of Fort Mill Middle School and Fort Mill Elementary School.

PREVIOUS STORIES:

According to the Herald, lawyers from the school district said Bruckers actions caused him to be hit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The district, however, did not elaborate, according to the Herald.

Bruckers family filed the lawsuit claiming the area of the crash was unsafe.

The driver in this case has not been charged.

VIDEO: Family sues school district, driver after Fort Mill crossing guard hit and killed




New homicide charges have been filed against a man and woman who went missing from Colorado, having been linked to one dead body and the suspicious disappearance of another man.

Public records reveal homicide cases have been filed against Johnny Rankin Morris and Hailey Cole, who are connected to the missing person case and a death.

Morris' case is in El Paso County while Cole's is in Park County.

Morris also has an open homicide case that was filed on Jan. 31, 2024 in El Paso County in which he is listed as a defendant, according to court records. Law enforcement has yet to arrest Morris on charges related to the open case. The arrest affidavit in the 2024 case is sealed.

On Monday, law enforcement in Picayune, Miss., the Pearl River County Sheriffs Office and the Picayune Police Department, found and arrested the pair after a call came in about an attempted car break-in.

At the time of writing, both remain in custody at the Pearl River County jail and each face a $5 million bond to be released from custody.

Morris and Cole faced new charges upon their arrest for both commercial and attempted residential burglary after law enforcement said they were camping in someone's shed.

Featured Local Savings

According to prior Gazette reporting, both had outstanding Mississippi warrants from the Mississippi Department of Corrections for failure to appear, as well as other county-level charges of receiving stolen property and contempt of court-failure to appear.

A third person, Stephen Walker, 37, who went missing from El Paso County at the same time as Morris on Dec. 19, remains missing.

He is described as 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds and has black hair, brown eyes and tattoos on his right arm. His family has asked through social media for anyone with any information about his whereabouts or well-being to contact authorities.

Police initially filed missing persons reports for Morris and Walker after deputies found large quantities of blood throughout a house associated with the pair. The residence is in the 1800 block of Pima Drive in Cimarron Hills.

The case became a death investigation days later on Dec. 24 when a check the welfare call resulted in the discovery of 65-year-old Timmy L. Huston, who was dead upon officer arrival. Public records indicated that Cole and Huston were listed as residents of the same residence.

It was not initially clear whether the new homicide charges related to the death of Huston or the potential death of Walker.
FORT SCOTT, Kan.  The Fort Scott School District makes an agreement with an anticipated solar farm in the county, hoping to help bring in more funds for local schools.

Coming to Bourbon County, there are going to be the construction of solar farms, said Terry Mayfield, USD 234 Fort Scott School District business and operations assistant superintendent.

USD 234, or the Fort Scott Board of Education, signed an agreement with KingBird Solar Energy LLC. This comes after the solar farm company reached out to the school district to contribute an annual amount back into the school district.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They want to be good financial or good stewards, business partners coming into the community, into Bourbon County. So theyve agreed to provide some financial contributions, said Mayfield.

According to a Kansas 2023 state statute that deals with properties exempted from being taxed, properties used to produce or generate electricity utilizing renewable energy resources are tax-exempt for ten years of the project.

So, for those ten years, the solar farm company agreed to direct around $135,000 a year back into the school district.

The agreement is based on the size of the solar farm, I know with in particular the KingBird Solar, based on the megawatts that its going to produce, said Mayfield.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mayfield is hoping this funding will help support programs across the district.

Expand programs, especially looking at programs for our elementary schools and middle school and even looking at expand in our career technical ed programs, said Mayfield.

The board also signed an agreement with another company to help bring in more funds towards potential expansions and school programs across the district per year.

So projecting, you know, it could be as much as five hundred thousand dollars a year for the district for the next ten years. So youre looking at the potential of five million dollars in additional funding, said Mayfield.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If we can find ways to use this additional revenue source to continue to provide adequate materials and supplies and equipment for that, for those buildings and those students, thats what were going to do.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President Joe Bidens decision to bestow a prestigious award on former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney left one Fox News host completely outraged.

Jason Chaffetz, a former GOP congressman and frequent network contributor who hosted Thursday nights broadcast of Hannity, told his guests he was frankly offended by the outgoing premiers decision to grant the former congresswoman the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Biden also granted the medal, which is the second-highest honour a president can bestow upon a citizen, to Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, who like Cheney sat on the Jan. 6 Committee set up to investigate Donald Trump supporters riot at the Capitol in 2021. President-elect Trump has said Cheney and others on the panel should be jailed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Addressing his guest, Florida GOP Rep. Byron Donalds, Chaffetz said on Thursday: I dont know how you feel, but I was offended that President Biden gave the second-highest medal of honor its not called the Medal of Honour, but a medal honouring these two congressmen ... Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson. Whats your reaction to that?

My reaction is Im highly offended, but Im not surprised, Donalds responded. Joe Biden and his White House have lived in the bizarro land where no Americans really exist. Thats why the presidency under Joe Biden has been an abject disaster. This is just one of the last pieces of icing on that cake.

He then went on, Look, everybody knows that the fake January 6 committee, the only purpose was to basically put a lot of propaganda out into the information stream to go after and attack Donald Trump. It failed, completely backfired.

President Joe Biden presents former Rep. Liz Cheney the Presidential Citizens Medal during a ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im

Donalds fellow guest, Kentucky GOP Rep. James Comer, was swift to agree. Its a slap in the face to all the good Americans who actually deserve to be recognized for their public service or for their sacrifice or for their community activism, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Comer added: You think about all the first responders that risk their lives every day, all the military frontline soldiers who risk their lives every day, all the people that run charitable organizations and do good things at church. And none of them got recognized by Joe Biden, but he recognized Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson.

The Jan. 6 Committee, which interviewed more than a thousand people and reviewed more than a million documents, unanimously voted in December 2022 to refer Donald Trump for prosecution over his role in the Capitol riot.

Cheneys participation in the committee, and her criticism of Trump, have repeatedly seen the Republican president-elect take aim at the former representative, even publicly fantasizing about her being shot in the face.
President-elect Donald Trumps incoming border czar was insistent that investigators would find a connection between a pair of apparent New Years Day terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegasbut also admitted he was basing it all on a gut feeling.

Speaking with America Reports host Sandra Smith on Fox News Thursday, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan speculated that the explosion that injured seven in Nevada and the truck attack that killed 14 on New Orleans iconic Bourbon Street had too many similaritiesbut admitted that the assessment wasnt based on any evidence.

I just feel that theres going to be something down the road. And I could be wrongits just a gut feeling I have, Homan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, law enforcement in both Las Vegas and New Orleans have yet to find any connection between the two suspects. Both of them died during the respective incidents.

In a news conference on Thursday, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said they tracked the Las Vegas suspect, Matthew Livelsberger, on his journey from Colorado to Nevada by Tesla charging stations.

Weve only ever seen him in this vehicle. We are not aware of any other subjects in the particular case, McMahill said. The sheriff did acknowledge that there were a number of similarities between the suspects in both cases, but said these connections were still under investigation.

A top FBI official also said echoed the sentiment about the suspect in New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who they believe acted alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We do not assess, at this point, that anyone else is involved in this attack except Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the subject youve already been briefed on, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said at a press conference in Louisiana.

We are following up on all potential leads and not ruling everything out. However, At this point there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas.

During the press conference, Raia also stressed that the investigation was still in its early stages.

During the interview, Smith pressed Homan on whether or not he had any evidence that would override law enforcements assessment of both incidents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Do you have any other information, have you been privy to any other information, other than what we just directly heard from the police there in Las Vegas?

No I dont, this is a gut feeling, Homan admitted. Ive done this for three and a half decades. I think theres too many similarities, too much coincidence. I think something down the road, theyre going to show theres some sort of connection. Whether some same network or where they got the tools to pull these terror attacks off. I just feel that theres going to be something down the road. And I could be wrongits just a gut feeling I have.
Fox News Jessica Tarlov called out Jeanine Pirro, co-host of The Five, on Thursday after Republicans tried to blame the deadly New Orleans vehicle attack on undocumented immigrants.

After Pirro called Joe Biden an embarrassment over his response to the New Years Day attack, Tarlov urged her colleague to listen to all of the presidents remarks including his call to make sure we have the right facts on the incident.

And the right facts were that the guy in New Orleans was an American. He wasnt an illegal crossing , Tarlov said of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the suspect that authorities have identified as a U.S. citizen from Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nobodys saying he wasnt, Pirro said.

Thats not true, Tarlov replied.

The on-air clash came after President-elect Donald Trump, in a post to his Truth Social platform on Wednesday morning, suggested that immigration policies were to blame in the attack.

Prior to Trumps post, Fox News aired a since-retracted report that the vehicle used by the suspect crossed the U.S.-Mexico border two days before the attack.

When you say, Im embarrassed watching Joe Biden, Im not embarrassed seeing someone stand up there and saying, Lets wait for some facts here, because Donald Trump went out there and he said , Tarlov said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No, he assured Americans all was well, Pirro interjected.

You guys know exactly what he said, no, Tarlov continued.

On Thursday, Republicans, including Trump, used the attack to go after the Biden administrations immigration policies, The president-elect criticized OPEN BORDERS in a Truth Social post and declared that theres been a violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy in America.

With the Biden Open Borders Policy I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe, he wrote in a separate post. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), in a Fox Business appearance on Thursday, knocked the Biden administration for trying to convince us that the greatest threat to the homeland was racially motivated extremism.

When we all looked at the wide-open border and thought logically that that might lead to terrorist attacks in the future, he continued.

On Thursdays episode of The Five, Tarlov said that Republicans have been on TV talking about how this was an open border problem and trying to demonize undocumented immigrants.

Yeah, it is a demonization, and we havent even , Pirro chimed in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But these arent undocumented people; these are Americans, Tarlov replied.

Seventy-five percent of the arrests in New York City are illegals. Lets stop playing games, Pirro said.

Move the goalposts, move them as far as you want. Sugar Bowl-wide. Whatever, Tarlov said.

H/T Mediaite

Related...
A pair of Fox News co-hosts got into a heated argument Thursday after one claimed that nobody had suggested the terrorist in the New Orleans attack was an illegal immigrant.

Jessica Tarlov, a Democratic Party political strategist, got into the spat with Jeanine Pirro on The Five about the New Years Day attack, which saw 14 people killed and dozens more injured. Authorities say a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas was to blame.

Tarlov told Pirro: When you say, Im embarrassed watching Joe Biden, Im not embarrassed seeing someone stand up there and saying, Lets wait for some of the facts here, because Donald Trump went out there and he said

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She was quickly interrupted by Pirro, who said No, [Biden] assured Americans [that] all was well.

Tarlov then went on, No, listen to all of the comments that he made and the statements which said we need to make sure we have the right facts, and the right facts were that the guy in New Orleans was an American. He wasnt an illegal.

Pirro then protested, No ones saying he wasnt, to which Tarlov snapped back: Thats not true! There have been Republicans who have been on TV today talking about how this was an open border problem.

Several prominent GOP figures were quick to link the attack to border security. President-elect Donald Trump responded to the incident with a Truth Social post lamenting criminals coming in to the U.S.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

House Speaker Mike Johnson also referred to the wide open border while discussing the attack in his own Fox News interview this week, while Trumps pick for national security adviser, Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL), used his time on the network Thursday to say the U.S. should close our border to prevent attacks in the future.

Several takes connecting the tragedy to illegal immigration cited Fox News reporting on the incident, which initially claimed the attack had been carried out by a suspect whod crossed into the country from Mexico. The network later corrected its coverage.
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old suspected driver in the New Years truck attack in New Orleans, was a U.S. citizen and U.S. Army veteran.But within hours of the attack  which killed 14 people and is being investigated as an act of terrorism  President-elect Donald Trump, Republican leaders and social media influencers speculated that Jabbar entered the U.S. illegally.

Citing Fox News, social media accounts on Jan. 1 said Jabbar "crossed the U.S.-Mexico border at the Eagle Pass crossing just two days ago" and that there was "blood on the hands of the Biden administration."U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., shared a 38-second Fox News clip and wrote on X that Jabbar "is said to have come across the border in Eagle Pass TWO DAYS AGO!!! Shut the border down!!!" Donald Trump Jr. said on X that Bidens "parting gift" to the U.S. was "migrant terrorists."The president-elect referenced the attack on Truth Social the morning of Jan. 1, writing that "the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country."

Around 3 a.m. in New Orleans on New Years Day, law enforcement officials say that Jabbar rammed Bourbon Street crowds with a rented Ford F-150 pickup truck before he died in a police shootout.At least one Fox News broadcast Jan. 1 reported that the truck had crossed the U.S. southern border two days before and was driven by Jabbar, citing "federal sources."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reporters walked this back within minutes on air. The network issued a correction within an hour saying that the truck entered the country in mid-November and it wasnt driven by Jabbar.

But it was too late to contain false claims that Jabbar was in the U.S. illegally. PolitiFact contacted Fox News but did not hear back by publication.Heres how misinformation about the suspect spread.

Fox News reporting timeline

As officials worked to confirm details about the attack, Fox News reported that the pickup truck Jabbar rented came into the U.S. at the Eagle Pass, Texas, border crossing.

At 10:40 a.m. ET on Jan. 1, a Fox News reporter said federal sources had license plate data placing the suspect and the truck at the southern border days before the attack:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"According to federal sources, the suspect drove a truck with that Texas license plate  OK, so this is just coming into our newsroom, this is from Griff Jenkins and David Spunt working their federal sources on this, the suspect drives that truck with the Texas license plate right through Bourbon Street. According to their sources, to Spunt and Jenkins, this person came through Eagle Pass, Texas, two days ago."

Around 10:47 a.m. ET, Fox News correspondent David Spunt made clear that reporters didnt know whether Jabbar was driving the truck.

"Were hearing that the vehicle was traced to coming across from Mexico into the United States at Eagle Pass, Texas, two days ago. To be clear, we dont 100% know that this man, and we do know the suspect is a man, was the person driving that across the border. That is unclear at this point," Spunt said. "We just know that the actual license plate was picked up by a reader at a border crossing. This is per two federal law enforcement sources to Fox News  that it was picked up crossing at that border station at Eagle Pass, Texas, two days ago. I know that raises more questions than answers but we are providing information to our viewers as we get it, the most accurate information, so thats what we know right now."

Trump sent his Truth Social post about "the criminals coming in" at 10:48 a.m. ET.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At 11:55 a.m. ET, Fox News corrected the timeline on air, saying that the truck crossed the border in mid-November and confirmed that it wasnt driven by Jabbar.

"Our sources now tell Fox that that truck from Eagle Pass, Texas, did not cross two days ago. It crossed on Nov. 16, and the identification of the driver that crossed the border does not appear to be the shooter," Fox News correspondent Bryan Llenas said.

PolitiFact did not find instances of Fox News on-air personalities repeating the original erroneous report in subsequent segments throughout the day.Despite Foxs correction, many of these erroneous posts remain online without clarification.

Trump continued to fan the inaccurate immigration angle in another Truth Social post Jan. 2, long after law enforcement confirmed Jabbar was a U.S. citizen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"With the Biden Open Borders Policy I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe," Trump wrote. "That time has come, only worse than ever imagined."

In a Jan. 2 press briefing, Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI's counterterrorism division, said Jabbar picked up the F-150 in Houston on Dec. 30 and drove to New Orleans on the evening of Dec. 31.

Our sources

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How a Fox report fueled false claims about the New Orleans suspect
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has pledged support to Syria while on a joint visit with Germany's Annalena Baerbock to Damascus.

"A few weeks ago, a new hope was created, the hope of a sovereign Syria, a stable Syria and a peaceful Syria," Barrot said.

This hope was down to the determination and mobilization of the Syrian population, Barrot said. "It is a fragile hope, but a realistic hope, and for that reason France will stand by the Syrians," he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Following a visit to the notorious Sednaya prison north of Damascus, Barrot asserted French determination to assist in investigating the crimes committed there. France had supported the work of Syrian civil society organizations in documenting crimes committed there by the recently ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad since 2011, he said.

In Damascus, Barrot also visited the premises of the French embassy, which has been closed since 2012. France's diplomatic representation would gradually be reopened depending on the security and political situation, he said.
This story was originally published by ProPublica and The New York Times Magazine.

On the 911 call, Nick Flannerys voice was frantic as he tried to revive his infant son. Come on, buddy, he pleaded with the 2-month-old, who had gone limp. Come on, buddy. Breathe.

Nick, who was on paternity leave from his IT job, had been caring for his two boys while his wife, Felecia, was at a doctors appointment. Not long before he called 911, on Sept. 7, 2023, his baby, Arlo, vomited while being given a bottle. Nick, who was cradling him, turned him over to ensure that he did not choke, then changed him into fresh clothes and put him in his bouncy seat. Suddenly, Arlos eyes rolled back and his body stiffened. Then he went still.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Paramedics rushed to the Flannerys house in Blue Ash, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. They revived the infant, but his breathing remained shallow. Felecia, who returned home to find emergency medical workers swarming her driveway, staggered across the front yard toward her family, uncomprehending.

In the emergency room at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, the Flannerys looked on as doctors worked to save their son. Soon, a social worker took them aside. She explained that a CT scan revealed the presence of subdural hematomas, or bleeding between the brain and the skull: a symptom, she said, commonly seen in abuse cases. Nick and Felecia were dumbfounded.

More tests still needed to be run, she told the Flannerys, but mandatory reporting laws required that the police and child welfare officials be alerted. Nick and Felecia, upset but certain that any concerns would be allayed once doctors gathered more information, said they understood.

Detectives arrived, and the attending physician told them that subdural hematomas could indicate an underlying medical condition  or that the baby had been shaken. It was the latter scenario that Felecia remembers the doctor mentioning to her that evening. Ill never forget him telling me, You would probably know this as shaken baby syndrome, she says. Felecia, having once listened to a podcast that characterized the diagnosis as controversial, grew alarmed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No outward signs suggested Arlo had endured harm. (Arlo is a nickname his parents asked that I use to protect his privacy.) He had no bruises, scratches or cuts. No external evidence of head trauma, like a scalp injury or a skull fracture. No broken bones. No symptoms of neglect or malnutrition. Nick and Felecia were his sole caregivers, and neither of them had any prior interaction with child protective services or a criminal history.

The next day, as they sat at their sons bedside in the pediatric ICU, they were visited by two doctors with the hospitals child abuse team. Dr. Steven Pham, who was halfway through a three-year fellowship in child abuse pediatrics, and Dr. Pratima Shanbhag, a child abuse pediatrician, each examined Arlo. Child abuse pediatrics is a relatively new subspecialty whose practitioners work closely with police officers and social workers to investigate potential cases of intentional harm. These physicians are entrusted with a profound responsibility: deciding whether a childs symptoms indicate abuse or are due to an unrelated medical issue. Their findings often determine whether parents face criminal charges and whether children are separated from their families.

Pham asked the Flannerys whether anything had happened to their son  a fall? a car accident?  that might account for the bleeding on his brain. More tests still needed to be performed, he said, but the absence of any reasonable explanation for Arlos symptoms suggested that the infant had suffered abusive head trauma.

Pham was using the term that the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended physicians employ since 2009 instead of shaken baby syndrome. That year, the AAP endorsed the use of the more comprehensive term abusive head trauma to describe not only brain, skull and spinal injuries that result from shaking but also those resulting from blunt impact or a combination of the two.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The name change came amid controversy over whether shaken baby syndromes signature symptoms  brain swelling and bleeding around the brain and from the retina  were always evidence of abuse. Once believed to be proof of shaking, the symptoms had by then been shown to have other causes, including accidental falls, illness, infection and congenital disorders. The courts took notice, and in 2008, a Wisconsin appeals court held that a shift in mainstream medical opinion raised questions about the diagnosiss core assumptions.

It was in the wake of the Wisconsin decision that the AAPs Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, a small group of child abuse specialists, spearheaded the name change. The committees work came at a time when confidence was eroding in a diagnosis that the child protection community saw as vital to safeguarding children. The new name, abusive head trauma, was not only more precise, according to its 2009 consensus statement on the matter, it would also shore up credibility in the courts. Legal challenges to the term shaken baby syndrome can distract from the more important questions of accountability of the perpetrator and the safety of the victim, the statement read.

Fifteen years later, the diagnosis is still shaping criminal prosecutions and child welfare investigations. Child abuse pediatricians say they do rigorous workups to rule out the possibilities of both natural and accidental causes before they settle on the diagnosis. But doctors  and the police, prosecutors and judges who look to them for guidance  dont always get it right. Thirty-five people whose convictions rested on the diagnosis are currently listed on the National Registry of Exonerations. Not yet counted is Joshua Burns, whose wrongful conviction was vacated by a Michigan court in November.

This year, convictions that hinged on the diagnosis were overturned in California, Minnesota and Kentucky. In Texas, doubts about the guilt of a death row inmate, Robert Roberson, galvanized a bipartisan group of lawmakers to call for a wholesale reappraisal of the evidence; the legal battle that followed succeeded in postponing his scheduled execution in October. In a similar case in Arkansas, another father, Cody Webb, was acquitted of capital murder. Some judges, meanwhile, have started looking at the diagnosis with more skepticism. Last year, a New Jersey appellate court backed a lower-court judge who pronounced the diagnosis akin to junk science.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That tension  between child abuse pediatricians who stand by their ability to identify abuse from telltale symptoms and a mounting number of criminal cases that point to the fallability of the diagnosis  leaves families like the Flannerys vulnerable. The rebranding of shaken baby syndrome preserved the diagnosis and allowed it to live on with less scrutiny, says Randy Papetti, an Arizona trial attorney and author of the 2018 book The Forensic Unreliability of the Shaken Baby Syndrome. Shaken baby syndrome is alive and well but mostly operates under an alias.

Nick and Felecia had been together ever since they were juniors in high school in Troy, Ohio  he, earnest and mild-mannered, with chunky black glasses that channeled Buddy Holly; she, warm and unguarded, with a mane of red hair. They were strivers, intent on muscling their way out of what Nick called the bottom end of the lower middle class. He enlisted in the Army to pay for college, serving a combat deployment to Afghanistan, and Felecia worked her way into management at a national retail chain. They were intentional about starting a family, waiting until they were financially secure enough, in their late 20s, for Felecia to stay at home when they had their first child, Arlos older brother, in 2021. They built a house in a good school district, with room for a big family, and painted it a cheerful lavender.

The Flannerys did not hire a lawyer when the specter of abuse was first raised by doctors. They remained singularly focused on their infant son, who lay intubated in the pediatric ICU, his tiny body dwarfed by medical machinery. Before his hospitalization, they had told his pediatrician how he slept so much that Felecia often had to wake him for feedings, but their pediatrician had not been overly concerned; Arlo was meeting all his milestones and appeared to be thriving. Three days after he arrived at the hospital, he underwent surgery to relieve the excess fluid that had been building up inside his head. Nick and Felecia were relieved to see that he gradually improved with each day that followed.

In a report that Pham forwarded to the Blue Ash Police Department a week after the operation, he wrote that Arlos symptoms  which a recent exam had shown included retinal hemorrhages  raised a concern for abusive head trauma. Further testing, he noted, had not turned up any evidence of a genetic condition or a bleeding disorder that could explain his symptoms. Though it was not a definitive diagnosis, it was enough to set in motion a chain of events that would upend the Flannerys lives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two days later, on Sept. 20, 2023, a social worker came to their home to inform them that Hamilton County Job and Family Services, which oversees child protective services for the area, was filing for temporary custody of their children. Moments later, Blue Ash police detectives served a search warrant, demanding that the Flannerys allow them entry and turn over their phones.

Police body cameras captured the Flannerys anguish: Nick buckled, nearly falling to his knees. Felecia, wide-eyed, stared back at the officers hardened expressions.

What followed was a grinding bureaucratic journey that stripped them of everything they had worked so hard to build. They were forbidden from bringing Arlo home when he was released after a two-week stay at the hospital; a court order mandated that he and his brother live with Felecias aunt. Limited to supervised interactions with their children, Nick and Felecia did everything they could to maintain a sense of normalcy, arriving at the aunts house each morning before dawn, so they could be there when the boys awoke, and caring for them throughout the day, until Felecia nursed Arlo to sleep. Barred from spending the night, they returned home each evening to an empty house.

Desperate to be a family again, and hoping that voluntarily submitting to an extra degree of scrutiny might convince the authorities they had nothing to hide, the Flannerys had cameras installed in every room of their house. At a hearing in Hamilton County Juvenile Court that October, Magistrate Nicholas Varney offered a tentative path forward: The children could return home, but under strict conditions. Nick and Felecia were barred from being alone with them, and the boys grandmothers, who had come to court and volunteered to help, agreed to take turns and maintain a constant presence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The threat of losing their children never went away. A caseworker would appear unannounced, entering their home and probing whether the Flannerys had deviated in any way from the court order. Their original caseworker, and then her replacement, often sought to get Felecia alone, pressing her to accept that her husband was an abuser. I was not seen as protective of my children because I did not believe that Nick hurt our son, she told me. In a November hearing, a prosecuting attorney put the countys objectives plainly: We maintain that the Flannery children would be at imminent risk of harm were they to continue to reside in their parents home today and were custody not to be granted to Job and Family Services.

Then, on Jan. 3, Blue Ash police detectives made an unannounced visit, arresting Nick on assault and child endangerment charges. Nick, who was handcuffed in front of his older son, was careful not to react. I knew they wanted to see me as this horrible, violent person with a hairpin trigger, he says. From that moment onward, the Flannerys found themselves in parallel legal battles: one in juvenile court over custody of their children, and another in criminal court, where Nick faced prosecution.

Two days after his arrest, when he was set to be released on bond, the Flannerys caseworker arrived at the house without warning. Though Nick was within his rights to return home  the court had not imposed a no-contact order  the caseworker removed the infant and toddler that afternoon.

Felecia hurriedly nursed Arlo before he was taken away. I was sitting on the stairs, just crying and crying, Felecia told me. My toddler started wiping my tears away, and I remember thinking, I have to get it together, because this might be the last time I ever see them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The boys were not placed in foster care, as she had been told was a possibility  they went to her aunt  and they were returned home the following week at the direction of the juvenile court. But the knowledge that her children could be taken from her at any moment left her unmoored. Stalked by the fear of what might happen if one of the boys fell or hurt themselves, she rarely left home, trusting the cameras she had installed to document her every interaction with her children. She and Nick scrupulously followed the courts order to have an approved family member present around the clock, but she began losing sleep over any possible breach  even imagined  that could cost them custody. I started having nightmares, she says, where the nightmare was that I was found alone with my children.The Flannerys felt certain there was a logical explanation for Arlos symptoms, and they began to piece together what they knew, starting with his difficult delivery, which had ended in an emergency cesarean section. More than 24 hours of labor  augmented with Pitocin, to make contractions stronger  had left a deep hollow above his forehead. The Flannerys had been assured that this was a normal consequence of a challenging delivery, and the indentation, though conspicuous, had eventually gone away. In retrospect, they wondered if this had anything to do with the bleeding on his brain.

Also notable, looking back, was the dramatic increase in Arlos head circumference in the weeks after his birth. By one month, his medical records showed, he had leapt from the 81st percentile for head size to the 99th, which was a possible cause for concern. The Flannerys had been told that his head growth would have to be monitored, and that if it continued to expand at the same rate, that he would be referred to a specialist for evaluation. (His next head measurement was scheduled to be taken the day after Nick called 911.)

As their questions multiplied, the Flannerys consulted three doctors: a pediatrician who was qualified to testify in court as a child abuse expert, a pediatric neurologist and a radiologist. After studying Arlos medical records and imaging, they each concluded that he had not suffered a sudden trauma just before he was rushed to the ER. In written reports, and later testimony given in juvenile court by two of the experts, they laid out their findings. Arlo, they determined, had a preexisting health condition: the bleeding on his brain was chronic, likely originating at birth. Fluid had then collected between his brain and skull, and pressure built, eventually triggering seizures. This explained Arlos rapid head growth and the excessive sleepiness that the Flannerys had reported to their pediatrician.

In his report, Pham dismissed the idea that Arlos birth was to blame, pointing to the babys sudden collapse a full two months after he was born. Pham made no mention of the details in Arlos medical records that noted the babys head circumference at one month or the unusual rate of growth that his pediatrician had flagged for further monitoring.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But several facts in the medical record suggested an ongoing condition: In addition to his quickly expanding head circumference, there was his pronounced sleepiness  possibly a symptom of seizures related to fluid around the brain. There were also the post-operative notes of Arlos neurosurgeon, which described the subdural hematomas as chronic, suggesting they had been present for an indeterminate period of time. The blood on the infants brain was straw-colored, the surgeon had observed, not the pink or red typically associated with acute trauma. During a 2023 juvenile court hearing, Pham acknowledged speaking with the neurosurgeon and reviewing the surgical notes, but he said he did not include them in his report because he focused on other indicators, such as Arlos rapid decline. The thing that I focused on is his acute presentation, Pham said.

I wanted to better understand Phams perspective and that of the pediatrician who had examined Arlo with him, Shanbhag. The Flannerys agreed to provide a letter authorizing the doctors to talk to me about their sons protected health information, but a spokesperson for Cincinnati Childrens declined to make them available for an interview. The hospital also did not respond to a detailed list of questions.

The Flannerys believed the new expert opinions provided by the three doctors would exonerate Nick. I thought investigators would consult the doctors we were talking to, and this whole misunderstanding would be swept away, Felecia says.

But the suspicion of abusive head trauma, once raised, is hard to undo. Kristina Kerlus, a Las Vegas mother I spoke with, whose 2-month-old, Jocai Davis, was rushed to the hospital in 2018 in cardiac arrest, told me that doctors developed tunnel vision after finding that her son had the diagnosiss signature symptoms. Jocai died three days later, and she was charged with murder. It took years of legal wrangling  during which her three other children were removed from her custody  for Kerlus to be vindicated. Prosecutors dropped charges in 2022 after the defenses medical experts determined that Jocai had died from complications of sickle cell trait, an inherited blood disorder.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even if accused parents challenge an abusive head trauma diagnosis with medical experts of their own, prosecutors tend to view these witnesses cynically. Their distrust stems from a core belief among some child advocates that physicians who question the diagnosis  whom some dismiss as denialists  are bad actors. Denialists persist in generating false controversy against the diagnosis of AHT and unwarranted skepticism about shaking being an important mechanism of AHT, states an opinion piece co-authored by three prominent child abuse experts that appeared last year in JAMA Pediatrics, a journal of the American Medical Association. Misinformation generated by science denialists may harm children.

Dr. Cindy Christian, a lead author of the American Academy of Pediatricss 2009 statement, called it cynical to suggest that the shift to abusive head trauma was made to evade scrutiny of the diagnosis. Rather, she wrote in an email, the name change ensured that physicians were using correct terminology in medical records and in courts. The controversy around shaken baby syndrome, she added, is largely contained to the legal arena. The diagnosis is not controversial in childrens hospitals around the world, she wrote. The courtroom is not designed to be the arbiter of scientific truth.

In its most recent policy statement about the diagnosis, the AAP said in 2020 that the name change to abusive head trauma was misinterpreted by some in the legal and medical communities as an indication of some doubt in or invalidation of the diagnosis and the mechanism of shaking as a cause of injury. The AAP continues to embrace the shaken baby syndrome diagnosis as a valid subset of the AHT diagnosis.

The antipathy for physicians who challenge the diagnosis was hard to miss at the International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma, held in Salt Lake City this September. The conference  which draws child abuse pediatricians, social workers, police and prosecutors  featured multiple presentations that cast doctors who testify for the defense as both ill-informed and mercenary. During a keynote presentation, a Milwaukee prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Matthew Torbenson, questioned whether doctors operate in good faith when they rebut an abusive head trauma diagnosis. Is that practicing medicine, he asked a sympathetic crowd, or is that providing reasonable doubt for sale?

The expert opinions of doctors from outside the field of child abuse pediatrics who weigh in on these cases  including radiologists, neurologists and pathologists  are rarely given the same deference by the courts, one reason most legal efforts to counter the diagnosis fail. In July, I chronicled the efforts of prosecutors at the Nashville DAs office to overturn the 2004 shaken-baby conviction of Russell Maze; though seven medical experts concluded that his sons death was the result of natural causes, the presiding judge refused to grant a new trial.

For the Flannerys, having three physicians who provided an alternate explanation for Arlos symptoms did not prove to be enough. During a hearing in juvenile court in March, Shanbhag took the stand to dismiss the notion that a birth injury could explain the infants presentation at the ER, emphasizing that abusive head trauma was the only possible cause. There was no other medical condition that could account for those injuries, she said.

After hearing from both sides, Varney, the magistrate, handed down a ruling late this summer in which he leaned heavily on Shanbhags testimony, finding that the infant had been abused. Still, the magistrate was careful to state that due to doctors differing opinions, both the origin and cause of the injuries remained unknown. The attorneys whom the Flannerys retained to represent them in juvenile court, James Whitfield and Aaron Rapier, criticized this conclusion as logically inconsistent with a finding of abuse and the equivalent of claiming there may be abuse without any abuser. The guardian ad litem  the attorney appointed by the court to represent Arlos interests  opposed the magistrates ruling that abuse had occurred, noting that such a conclusion was not supported by the manifest weight of the evidence.

Protective orders remain in place, requiring the Flannerys to keep living under the watchful eyes of family members, cameras and caseworkers. They have done everything the court has asked  taking parenting classes, submitting to mental health evaluations, complying with the safety plan  but more than a year after their boys were returned home, they are still living in limbo. Weve asked our caseworker, So what comes next? Felecia says. And the answer is that they are still pursuing custody. They offer us no plan  just that we need to say that Nick harmed Arlo. (A spokesperson for Hamilton County Job and Family Services declined to comment on pending litigation.)

Felecia longs for their old life, unencumbered by the quiet terror of an abuse investigation. She looks at other mothers at the grocery store  mothers who are unaware that their lives can be turned upside down in an instant  and she feels like a different species, like an alien, she told me. Nick speaks of what feels like a primal wound: the shame and stigma of being called an unfit parent.

Still, the Flannerys know they are lucky. Unlike other parents who have faced the same kinds of accusations, they had the means to post bond and get Nick out of jail. They had family members who were able to serve as caregivers, which prevented Arlo and his brother from being put in foster care. Their friends stuck by them. Nick did not lose his job. And they did not suffer the worst possible outcome: Their baby lived. Arlo, now a healthy 1 1/2-year-old, has enjoyed a full recovery; ever since the surgery that relieved the excess fluid on his brain, he has not needed any medical interventions.

Yet the future is filled with uncertainty. Nick, who is expected to stand trial next year, faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted. Felecia once wanted to fill their lavender house with children, but she no longer thinks beyond the present. We used to have plans and dreams, she told me. And now our future is a huge question mark.

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as theyre published.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Shaken baby syndrome lives on in courts as abusive head trauma
The News

France and Germanys foreign ministers used a high-profile diplomatic visit to Damascus Friday to set out the European Unions demands for Syrias new Islamist leaders, as they seek to reestablish relations with the war-shattered country.

Europe will not fund new Islamist structures, AFP reported the German foreign minister as warning after the meeting with Syrias de factor leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, while French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said chemical weapons belonging to the Assad regime must be destroyed.

Barrot also called for a settlement to be reached with Syrias semi-autonomous Kurdish administration  which is allied with France  that controls parts of the countrys northeast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The ministers said prior to their visit that they wanted to forge a new diplomatic relationship with Syria after the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad in early December, urging a peaceful transition of power, Reuters reported.

Know More

Diplomatic channels between Syria and other nations have gradually begun to open in recent weeks: The countrys new foreign minister visited Riyadh on Thursday to discuss humanitarian aid and investment.

Western nations have been slower in their response to the countrys new leaders, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is still designated as a terrorist organization by the UN and the US over its past links to al-Qaida.

HTS has appeared keen to demonstrate flexibility and openness in its approach to leadership, vowing to protect the many minorities that make up Syrias population.

Western leaders are discussing removing the groups terrorist designation and lifting sanctions that were set in place during Assads rule, Reuters reported.
French people now drink more beer than wine at home for the first time on record, according to a new study.

Beer represented 45 per cent of alcohol sales for at-home consumption in France between 2019 and 2023, according to the national agricultural products office. That is 5 per cent more than sales of still and sparkling wine during the same period.

French households also buy more volumes of beer, purchasing an average of 26 litres per year, compared with 24 litres a year of wine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It marks a significant shift in alcohol consumption in France where the wine industry has suffered a steady decline.

Between 2007 and 2011, still and sparkling wine made up 58 per cent of alcohol sales, meaning it has seen an 18 per cent drop in the last 14 years.

Meanwhile, beer sales rose by 16 per cent over the same period, fuelled largely by younger demographics who have displayed greater economic and health concerns.

Wine, on average, contains between 12 and 14 per cent alcohol, while beer averages four to six per cent.

Beer is also the cheaper choice, with the average price for a litre costing 2.60 (2.16) compared to 5 (4.14) for a litre of still wine, or 12 (10) for a litre of sparkling wine between 2019 and 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

France has also experienced a surge in micro and craft breweries.

The country is now the leading European country for small and medium-sized craft and microbrewers, with 2,500 producers across the country, according to the National Union of Independent Breweries.

Health ministers Dry January

Last week, Yannick Neuder, Frances new health minister, risked the ire of Emmanuel Macron by announcing his plans to join the estimated 17 million French citizens who will partake in Dry January.

The French president reportedly previously told winemakers the alcohol-free movement would receive no public funding while he is president as the wine industry continues to decline.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, Mr Neuder  a cardiologist  became the first minister to publicly support the movement.

It comes after he opposed a plan to increase sales tax on alcohol and defended the wine industry.

Its not because you raise the price of a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape by seven cents that youre going to reduce the mortality rate among young people, the Republican MP said at the time.

I dont think young people are getting drunk on Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We need to stop attacking our winemakers.

Mr Macron, meanwhile, is a known wine enthusiast. The French president claims to drink two glasses a day and was voted Personality of the Year by wine publication La Revue du Vin de France 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.
The Green Beret who shot himself and blew up a Cybertruck in Las Vegas on Wednesday displayed no concerning behavior prior to the bombing, according to Army public affairs. Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger was on personal leave from Fort Carson when he rented a Cybertruck in Colorado and drove to Las Vegas. There, the truck  laden with fireworks and camping fuel  exploded.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Two days following a deadly terror attack in the French Quarter, the New Orleans Police Department announced that the city has returned to normal operation.

On Wednesday, Jan. 1, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed a Ford F-150 pickup truck, he had rented in Texas, into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street claiming lives and injuring others.

As a result, 14 victims have died and dozens more were hospitalized with a range of injuries. Jabbar was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire with officers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was unreal, Bourbon Street hotel guests describe aftermath of New Years terror attack

On Thursday, Jan. 2, New Orleans City officials reopened Bourbon Street after Mayor LaToya Cantrell called for the streets cleaning following the investigation.

As of Friday, Jan. 3, the entire French Quarter has fully reopened to the public for area businesses and residents.

In light of the tragic events on New Years Day, we are increasing our security presence in partnership with other law enforcement agencies. This enhanced safety effort will continue daily, not just during large events, said NOPD officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As normal, Bourbon Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day to ensure pedestrian safety. Additional side street closures will happen as needed.

The tragic incident happened on the eve of the 91st annual Sugar Bowl but as the Superbowl and Mardi Gras approaches, officials will provide updates on traffic, closures and security measures.

To protect the integrity of our security efforts, we wont be sharing specific details about operational plans. Rest assured, we continuously evaluate and adjust these plans to keep the community safe. Gov. Landry, state officials to provide latest update on Bourbon Street deadly terror attack We ask everyone to stay alert and help us protect our city. If you see something, say something  your vigilance plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe. NOPD Director of Communication Officer Reese Harper

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

Latest Posts

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  Months after Hurricanes Helene and Milton left St. Petersburg buried under piles of debris; the city is finally preparing to wrap up its cleanup efforts. But for some residents, the process has been anything but quick.



While significant progress has been made, some residents have been waiting since September. Lisa Golightly said sitting on her front porch was a retreat, but now its a front row seat to a mountain of debris.



Upset yes, disgusted yes, Golightly said.



She lives in the Northeast Park neighborhood in St. Petersburg. Golightly, along with her neighbors, said they have been waiting since Hurricane Helene hit Tampa Bay.



They did come by, and my daughter came out and asked them why they werent going to pick it up and they said because of the trees, Golightly said.



She said she collected the enormous pile of debris after Hurricane Helene because trash pickup hadnt collected it in time before Hurricane Milton.



They said they put in an incident report and that it would be picked up soon, and that was before Thanksgiving, she added.



Golightly said shes hoping the county will take care of the problem soon, but shes been getting conflicting information whenever they come to pick it up.



I wasnt sure if they were coming back out, she said. If there was an incident report, they should of come back out.



The city said the final debris clean up starts on Friday as they work to tackle an unprecedented amount of storm related debris. However, homeowners said the wait is frustrating.



We didnt get to decorate this Christmas because of all this, Golightly said. It wasnt worth it.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
After Jimmy Carter passed away at age 100 in late December in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, plans were put into action for his state funeral.

To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country, President Joe Biden wrote in a statement.

Wally McNamee - Getty Images

Today, Carter will receive two funeralsa state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and a private funeral at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. After, he will be laid to rest in Plains. There are many ways to tune into Carter's funeral, including a livestream by the Associated Press on YouTube:

Last week, the full details of Carter's funeral were shared by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (JTF-NCR/USAMDW), which details how Carter will travel from Georgia to D.C. and back again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Per the JTF-NCR/USAMDW, The Carter Family invites the public to honor and celebrate the life of former President Carter by paying their respects during either of the public viewings; the funeral procession in Washington; in the downtown area of Plains, Georgia; or along the motorcade routes in Georgia and Washington.

Here, the full day-by-day breakdown of Carter's funeral.

All times are in eastern standard time, and are subject to change.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

10:15 a.m.  The Carter Family arrives at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia.

10:20 a.m.  Carters remains are carried to the hearse by current and former Special Agents in Charge from the United States Secret Service  Carter Protective Division.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

10:30 a.m.  The motorcade departs Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and travels through Carters hometown of Plains, Georgia.

10:50 a.m.  Carter and his family arrive at his boyhood home for a brief pause in front of the familys farm. During the pause, the National Park Service will honor the late president with a salute and ringing of the historic farm bell 39 times.

10:55 a.m.  The late president officially begins his final journey to Atlanta.

3 p.m.  The motorcade arrives in Atlanta and pauses at Georgias State Capitol for a moment of silence by Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens, members of the Georgia Legislature, and Georgia Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens, members of the Georgia Legislature, and Georgia State Patrol Troopers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

3:05 p.m.  The motorcade departs for the Carter Presidential Center.

3:45 p.m.  Carters remains are carried into the Carter Presidential Center during an arrival ceremony.

4 p.m.  A private service at the Carter Presidential Center.

7 p.m.  Lying in Repose begins. Mourners are invited to come and pay their respects.

Sunday, January 5, 2025

The late president continues to lie in repose at the Carter Center.

Monday, January 6, 2025

The late president continues to lie in repose at the Carter Center.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

6 a.m.  Lying in Repose concludes.

9:30 a.m.  A departure ceremony from the Carter Presidential Center.

10 a.m.  The motorcade departs for Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

10:40 a.m.  The late president and his family arrive at Dobbins Air Reserve Base and board Special Air Mission 39 after an arrival ceremony.

11:15 a.m.  Special Air Mission 39 departs for Washington.

12:45 p.m.  Special Air Mission 39 arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and Carters remains are transferred with ceremony to the hearse.

1:15 p.m.  The motorcade departs for the U.S. Navy Memorial.

2 p.m.  The motorcade arrives at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Carters remains are transferred from a hearse to a horse drawn caisson with ceremony.

2:15 p.m.  The funeral procession begins marching up to the U.S. Capitol via Pennsylvania Avenue, turning left onto Constitution Avenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

2:40 p.m.  Upon arrival at the U.S. Capitol, the late president is carried up the stairs by military body bearers and into the Rotunda.

3 p.m.  Congress pays their respects during a service in the Rotunda.

3:45 p.m.  Carter begins lying in state while the military maintains a guard of honor.

7 p.m. to midnight  Lying in state opens to the public.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

The late president continues to lie in state while the military maintains a guard of honor. The public is invited to pay their respects from 7 a.m. on Jan. 8., 2025 until 7 a.m. on Jan. 9, 2025.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

7 a.m.  Lying in State concludes.

8:45 a.m.  The Carter Family departs from Blair House by motorcade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

9 a.m.  A departure ceremony from the U.S. Capitol.

9:15 a.m.  The motorcade departs for Washington National Cathedral.

9:30 a.m.  Carter and his family arrive at the Washington National Cathedral.

9:55 a.m.  Carters remains are carried into the cathedral during a brief arrival ceremony.

10 a.m.  National Funeral Service

11 a.m.  A departure ceremony from Washington National Cathedral.

11:15 a.m.  The motorcade departs for Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

11:45 a.m.  The late president and his family arrive at Joint Base Andrews and board Special Air Mission 39 after a brief departure ceremony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

12:15 p.m.  Special Air Mission 39 departs for Lawson Army Airfield, Fort Moore, Georgia.

2 p.m.  Special Air Mission 39 arrives at Lawson Army Airfield and Carters remains are transferred with ceremony to the hearse.

2:30 p.m.  The motorcade departs for Maranatha Baptist Church, Plains, Georgia.

3:30 p.m.  An arrival ceremony at Maranatha Baptist Church.

3:45 p.m.  Private funeral service.

4:30 p.m.  A departure ceremony from Maranatha Baptist Church.

4:45 p.m.  The late president and his family travel by motorcade through downtown Plains. The public is invited to line the motorcade route as Carter makes his final journey through his beloved hometown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

5:20 p.m.  The motorcade arrives at the Carter residence for a private interment. Prior to interment, the U.S. Navy will conduct a missing man formation flyover in honor of former President Carters naval service and time as commander-in-chief shortly after the motorcades arrival at the residence.

You Might Also Like
The U.S. Department of Justice and Fulton County Sheriffs Office announced that they have come to an agreement for steps to correct issues at the Fulton County Jail.

In November, the USDOJ released its report on conditions inside the facility on Rice Street, highlighting multiple constitutional violations and failures to meet the needs of those being detained inside.

On Friday, the Fulton County Sheriffs Office agreed to a court-enforceable consent order to make sure conditions no longer violate the 8th and 14th Amendments, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This consent order is a roadmap to a better future for our facility, staff, and the individuals entrusted to our care. Together, these opportunities will build meaningful and long-lasting change, Sheriff Pat Labat said in a statement.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners will hold a news conference later this afternoon.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

An investigation into civil rights violations at the Rice Street Jail began in July 2023, in the wake of inmate LaShawn Thompsons death due to severe neglect and an infestation of bed bugs in his cell, as well as multiple other incidents at the facility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thompson died in 2022. The Georgia Senate also opened an investigation into the jail. Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat also sked four of the top jail officials to resign and committed thousands of dollars to addressing issues with infestations at the jail, but trouble kept coming.

In 2023, 10 inmates died at the jail, prompting lawmakers to push the Department of Justice to work faster.

Now, the USDOJ says theyve proposed a consent decree with the Fulton County Sheriffs Office to resolve claims of conditions in the jail violating the U.S. Constitution.

RELATED STORIES:

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said that the proposed consent decree serves as a cooperative measure to address the grievous pattern of inhumane  and frequently violent  treatment of people in custody, along with the filthy and unsanitary living conditions they endure while awaiting formal charges or trials at the Fulton County Jail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Buchanans statement went further to add that an independent monitor would be appointed to oversee the jail and that the systemic deficiencies revealed in the USDOJ report in November would be remedied through the steps in the consent decree. The U.S. Attorney also said regular oversight of the progress at the jail would be performed by both the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the Fulton County Sheriffs Office.

In a statement released by the sheriffs office, FCSO released some of the steps theyd be taking to address the concerns of the USDOJ. Those steps include:

housing assignment changes

a new jail management system

upgraded technology at the facility

new staffing analysis to optimize deployment and to help hire and retain qualified employees

more use of technology to monitor contraband entering the facility and investigate inmate violence and criminal acts

an updated training program for staff

new inmate orientation procedures and enacting the process to renovate the jail facility to handle structural integrity needs

The USDOJ released their own proposed steps, which include the following:

Improve supervision and staffing;

Maintain doors and locks in working order;

Require staff to abide by constitutional standards when using force;

Take steps to protect incarcerated people at risk of suicide and to afford incarcerated people adequate medical and mental health care;

Develop and implement a comprehensive housekeeping plan and pest management system to keep the Jail clean, sanitary, and free of pests;

Stop use of isolation or restrictive housing of vulnerable people who are at substantial risk of self-harm or other negative mental health outcomes, absent specific and significant protections; and

Facilitate the provision of adequate special education services to children with disabilities in the Jail.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners told Channel 2 Action News that they, and the County Administration, will collaborate with the Department of Justice, the Fulton County Sheriffs Office, and other appropriate partners to ensure that the terms of this agreement are implemented.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
UPDATE (1/6/2025):

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  On Saturday, a Canoo spokesperson told News 4, after seeing this report, the company realized it had made a mistake in how it calculated its employees paychecks prior to furloughing them last month.

The spokesperson said Canoo will pay the affected employees the proper amount Canoo owes them within three business days.

ORIGINAL REPORT (1/2/2025):

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A furloughed Canoo employee, speaking exclusively to News 4, claims the company has not paid employees thousands of dollars it owes them for expensed purchases and did not pay salaried employees their full, final paychecks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The employee hopes someone in the legal profession can help affected workers get what they believe Canoo still owes them.

For a now-furloughed Oklahoma City-based Canoo middle manager, who asked News 4 to keep his identity anonymous, New Years Day 2024 came with a new opportunity, full of promise.

It was kind of extremely tempting for me to come on board when [Canoo] approached me, the furloughed employee told News 4. I was excited to go work for a company doing something cutting edge, new.

Former employee with Canoo prior to Oklahoma relocation says state leaders missed signs company was bad investment

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The opportunity with Canoo came with compensationworth all the long days the employee found himself working.

The benefits were awesome, the furloughed employee said.

It brought optimism.

I was strongly under the belief that we were moments away from pumping vehicles out of the doors, he said.

But 12 months later, the furloughed employee is beginning his 2025heartbroken.

Its disheartening, he said. And demoralizing is the best way that I could describe it.

Heartbroken, the hard work he and his team put into Canoo doesnt appear to have mattered.

If you were in there during the day and saw the maintenance team, you know, moving whole steel structures and, you know, installing the robots and training them, you would have never believed that wed be where we are, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was the Oklahoma City warehouse Canoo rented out to serve as its main vehicle factory.

It was inside that warehouse where the employee learned on December 18, 2024, he and everyone else would be furloughed indefinitely.

They called everybody down in waves and had everybody sit in the conference room, the furloughed employee said. Leadership didnt even have the audacity to drive three hours from Texas to meet us in person They basically just told us that youre being furloughed effective immediately.

Canoos chief administrative officer followed up with furloughed employees in an email two days later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

News 4 obtained a copy of the email.

Former employee: Canoo never built vehicles in Oklahoma, most employees never moved to Oklahoma

It said the furlough would be effective December 23, that affected employees would remain employed with Canoo, and their benefits would stay active through the end of 2024.

It also noted, for security reasons, furloughed employees would all lose access to their employee accounts by close of business that day.

That posed a problem for the furloughed employee News 4 spoke with.

You know how when you leave a company or when you let go from a company, you still have access to your benefits and your time sheets and your paystubs? We have zero access to any of that, the furloughed employee said. No one can get any access to any of their old paystubs or any of their information in or their banking or to change an address for their W-2s.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Canoos chief administrative officer ended his email to furloughed employees telling them that if they had any problems or questions, they could email HR and get help.

But the furloughed employee News 4 spoke with said that didnt bear out to be true.

Theres nobody on the other line answering us on our HR emails, he said. I have dozens upon dozens of employees who have worked for the company that know me, that have reached out to me and asked me, hey, do you have anybodys phone number? Hey, how can I get ahold of somebody I cant get? I need paystubs. I need information for unemployment, I need X, Y, Z, and nobody can get it.

More problems came when final paychecks went out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

None of us got our full pay, the furloughed employee said.

The furloughed employee says he was a salaried, full-time employeenot hourly.

Were paid twice a month, the 15th and the last day of the month, he said.

He told News 4 Canoo paid him a full paycheck on December 15.

Hed worked three days into the next pay cycle when he got furloughed on December 18.

I know for salary employees, we worked a portion of our next pay cycle, he said. So by law, were required to be paid our full salary.

Canoo reportedly places remaining employees on mandatory unpaid break

The law hes referencing is the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FLSA says, essentially, that it doesnt matter if a salaried employee worked every day in a week or pay cycle or not; if an employee worked even a second into the next week or pay cycle, their employer must pay them for that entire week or pay cycle.

But the furloughed employee says, Canoo didnt do that.

They just kind of prorated, he said. So instead of, say, a $4,000 check, people got a $500 check or a $600 check. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, thats illegal.

Thats not all he says Canoo still owes him.

Im personally owed some money for expense reports, he said. I was paying for things to keep things afloat

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He says hes not alone in that department.

I know that there was a maintenance manager that had a building permit that was pulled on the building that he had paid on that he wasnt paid for, the furloughed employee said. I know that theres a couple of directors that have left the company that have thousands owed to them on expense reports that havent been paid out to them.

A former Canoo employee, who left the company several months ago, told News 4 his job required him to drive back and forth across the state.

I was having to drive to Pryor twice a week every week in my personal vehicle, and I was supposed to be reimbursed for that, the former employee said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Canoo furloughs workers, idles factory

The former employee said Canoo even had a written company policy requiring Canoo to reimburse him for mileage.

But several months after leaving Canoo, he says hes still waiting.

They have not paid me that, the former employee said. And its close to $5,000.

With their emails to HR going unanswered, the employees arent sure where to turn.

At least pay us what you owe us, you know, the furloughed employee said. Im just hoping that theres, you know, theres maybe an attorney or a lawyer out there, and in Oklahoma, that wants to defend a group of people that deserve to get paid their rightful salaries.

For now, the furloughed employee is beginning his 2025reflecting on what was.

There were those times where its, youre gassed, he said. Youre on your 60th hour of the week, you know, everybodys kind of, you know, tired and wiped out.

Hes reflecting on what could have been.

And you got that last rah! rah! moment where youre congratulating them and pointing out all the accomplishments and telling them that their thumbprint is going to be on, you know, every vehicle that comes out the door, he said.

And, unfortunately, hes also reflecting on the reality of what is.

And lo and behold, youre not sending any out, he said. Im just praying for all the people that were furloughed and that they, you know, find something, something else. A closed door always leads to another new open door. So Im just praying for my colleagues.

Furloughed Canoo workers say more broken promises from company

News 4 has been unable to reach Canoo since the company announced it would be idling its Oklahoma facilities and furloughing its workforce last month.

At that time, Canoo issued the following statement:

We regret having to furlough our employees, especially during the holidays, but we have no choice at this point. We are hopeful that we will be able to bring them back to work soon.

This week, News 4 also learned Canoo is now auctioning off some of its equipment from its Torrance, California, facility.

Right now, it does not appear any equipment from its Oklahoma facilities is being sold.

On the topic of Canoos Oklahoma facilities, the furloughed employee told News 4 there are some interesting financial connections between the company Canoo was leasing its Oklahoma City factory from, and high-level Canoo employees, including Canoos CEO.

News 4 will share more of those details in an upcoming report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A bloody Wednesday night shooting outside a Queens nightclub that left 10 injured was at a memorial for a teenager gunned down in Brooklyn in October  and may have been a gang-related hit, sources said.

More than 100 people, most of them teenagers, lined up outside the Amazura nightclub in Jamaica to remember 16-year-old Taearion Mungo, who was shot dead at the Walt Whitman Houses public housing complex in Fort Greene on Oct. 26 when gunmen opened fire, police said.

According to law enforcement sources, Mungo may have been affiliated with the FNO street gang  or the For Ners Only crew  and Wednesdays shooting may have been linked.

Ten people, mostly teenagers, where shot and wounded outside Amazura nightclub in Jamaica on Wednesday night. ZUMAPRESS.com

The gunplay comes as violence has spiked this year within the confines of the NYPDs 103rd Precinct  which includes the nightclub  with murders, felony assaults and shootings up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police stats show that there were seven murders in the 103 as of Sunday, up from just two last year, while assaults jumped to 780 over the same span compared to 653 over the same time span in 2023.

Meanwhile, gunshot victims more than doubled, with 25 victims over that span compared to 12 in 2023.

We go through this every weekend, an MTA employee who works across the street from Amazura told The Post on Thursday. Bullets go crazy. We have to come to work, we dont know if we are going to go back home. It makes me afraid.

Police said all of the victims shot outside the club suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Amazura nightclub in Queens was hosting a memorial for slain teen Taearion Mungo, who was killed in October. Brigitte Stelzer

An evening of celebration ended with senseless violence overnight at a venue in Queens, Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday. I want to be clear this incident has no connection to the terrorism investigations elsewhere in our country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As we have said, there is no room for this criminal behavior in our city and we are determined to bring these dangerous individuals to justice and get illegal guns off our streets, the mayor said.

According to sources, Mungos family invited 120 people to the teens memorial, but many had to wait outside because the club has a capacity of only 90  leading to a spillover crowd out front.

Wednesday would have been the teens 17th birthday.

There were about 15 people outside around 11:20 p.m. when four gunmen opened fire from the corner of 144th Place and 91st Avenue, the sources said, hitting 10 people before fleeing.

The Wednesday night shooting at Amazura nightclub in Queens may have been gang-related, sources said. SG For NY Post

It lasted about 10 seconds and then there was silence, neighborhood resident Juan Alulema said. I saw people screaming. I saw one woman running into the club. She was screaming someones name. There were cars in front of the club so I couldnt see what she was looking at.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After the shooting I heard two cars, the 25-year-old restaurant worker said. They took off very fast.

Others on the block agreed that things are too rowdy too often.

It usually happens on the weekend thats when they get crazy, said one 75-year-old neighbor. When they have parties, they fight. Theyd be fighting in the street in front of the club.

People get drunk, they said. Its been like that since 1992.

Another local called the club a bad place.

The gangs are not from here. They come here from other places and they fight, the man said. The police is always there. The same thing is going to happen again  four to six months. Theyll do the same thing again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cops are probing gang affiliation as one of the avenues for the shooting, the sources said.

There have been no arrests.

The shooting drew condemnation from Big Apple pols.

A bullet hole at Amazura nightclub, where 10 people were wounded in a mass shooting, according to police. Brigitte Stelzer

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Violence like this has no place in our communities, and we must come together to address the root causes and ensure the safety of our neighborhoods, said Councilwoman Natasha Williams (D-Queens), whose district includes the club.

I am in close contact with law enforcement and community leaders to support their efforts and will work tirelessly to advocate for the resources we need to prevent tragedies like this, she said.

Councilman Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island) blamed the states soft-on-crime justice reforms.

Will any wokesters bet against me that the suspects all have lengthy rap sheets and have been the beneficiaries of bail reform or raise the age in the past couple of years? he said. Of course not, they wont want to lose money, but Im sure theyre fine betting with our lives.

Four gunmen opened fire on about 15 people outside Amazura nigthclub on Wednesday night, police sources said. Robert Mecea

Meanwhile, neighborhood resident Vishal, 28, said security may have been lax at the nightclub.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Usually when they have events they have security and police and lots more vehicles parked outside, Vishal said. I came in at 9:30 p.m. and I didnt see the usual police.

First day of the year, he added. What is the rest gonna look like?
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said theyre investigating the death of someone whose body was found in the morning on New Years Day in Macon County.

According to the GBI, hunters discovered the body in the woods near the Flint River in west central Georgia.

The body was found on Jan. 1 around 9 a.m. and was sent to the GBI Crime Lab for a medical examiner to perform an autopsy, the GBI said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The dead person was not identified and the investigation remains active.

Anyone with information about the death is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439 or to call the Macon County Sheriffs Office in Oglethorpe at 478-472-6447.

Tips can be submitted anonymously at 1-800-597-8477 or online.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Generation Alpha has been dethroned as the newest generation.

Babies born on Jan. 1 of this new year, and for the next 14 years, will make up Generation Beta. This new surge of young people will likely live into the 22nd century.

What is Generation Beta?

Generation Beta is the next generation, said to be defined by artificial intelligence and constant connectivity. It follows Generation Alpha, in line with the Greek alphabet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Members of Gen Beta, for short, will be the children of younger millennials and older Gen Zers and by 2035, they are estimated to make up at least 16% of the global population, according to McCrindle, an Australian social researcher led by generational analyst Mark McCrindle.

How long will Generation Beta last?

Members of Gen Beta will be born between 2025 and 2039, according to McCrindle.

Who were the first Generation Beta Florida babies?

At 2:29 am on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, Cleotilde V. Perez gave birth to her 6 lb.,11.9 oz. baby girl making the infant the first newborn of the new year in Lee County. The mother of 8 children was happy for her healthy baby whom she named Candy Ruby Bol Vasquez. Perez was cared for at Healthpark Medical Center in Fort Myers.

From Naples to Tallahassee, here are some of the first Florida babies born on Jan. 1, 2025:

Collier County - Vladimir made his entry into the world at 4:13 a.m. at The BirthPlace at NCH North Hospital.

Duval County - Eleanor arrived at 12:18 a.m. at Baptist Medical Center; Azriel was born at the Family Birth Place, Ascension St. Vincent's Southside, at 12:21 a.m.; Ariel was born at 8:25 p.m. at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital.

Lake County - AdventHealth Waterman welcomed Travis right at midnight on Jan. 1.

Lee County - Healthpark Medical Center saw the arrival of Candy at 2:29 a.m.

Leon County - Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare welcomed Timothy at 3:57 a.m.; HCA Florida Capital Hospital's first baby of the year was baby Kycen. He came into the world at 10:55 a.m.

Melbourne County - Betty-Rose arrived at Viera Hospital at 12:24 a.m.

Sarasota County - Sarasota Memorial Health Care System welcomed Isaiah at 3:36 a.m.

Generation names for the past 100 years

The start and end of a new generation are sometimes vague, but these generation group names are often used for individuals born between the following years:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Greatest Generation: 1901-1927

Silent Generation: 1928-1945 (age 80+)

Baby Boomers: 1946-1964 (age 61-79)

Generation X: 1965-1979 (age 46-60)

Millennials: 1980-1994 (age 31-45)

Generation Z: 1995-2009 (age 16-30)

Gen Alpha: 2010-2024 (age 15 and younger)

What will the next generation be called, after Gen Beta?

If naming conventions continue following the current trend, McCrindle believes Generation Gamma will likely be the next generational group after Gen Beta. This generation will likely represent those born between 2040 and 2054.

Contributing reporting: Greta Cross, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Generation Beta is here. What to know about 2025 babies in Florida
Notes found on the phone of a Green Beret and Colorado Springs resident who died by suicide after blowing up a Tesla Cybertruck on New Year's Day outside President-elect Donald Trump's hotel in Las Vegas suggest his actions were intended as a "wake-up call" to America.

Details of the possible motivations of 37-year-old Master Sgt. Matthew Alan Livelsberger emerged on Friday afternoon, when the Las Vegas Metro Police Department released more information about the attack.

"This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake-up call. Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives?" read a message that authorities say were found on the active-duty military member's phone.

"Why did I personally do it now? I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers I've lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took," read an excerpt of the notes found on Livelsberger's phone, according to Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

In a second excerpt shared with media Livelsberger described the United States as "terminally ill and headed toward collapse."

Hours after the press conference, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department released the full notes found on Livelsberger's charred phone.

The Las Vegas police and FBI had found a message titled "WAKE UP" in the notes application on Livelsberger's charred phone. The message called on called on Americans and veterans to stage a revolution. Investigators verified the notes had come from Livelsberger.

"Military and vets move on DC starting now," he wrote.

"Militias facilitate and augment this activity," he said.

In his call-to-arms, he wrote, "Occupy every major road along fed buildings and the campus of fed buildings by the hundreds of thousands. Lock the highways around down with semis right after everybody gets in. Hold until the purge is complete."

The Green Beret sounded a rallying cry to be prepared to fight to throw "Dems" out of political office and out of the military "by any means necessary."

In a nod to Trump, he said that there is too much attention paid to Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity.

"Thankfully we rejected the DEI candidate and will have a real President instead of Weekend at Bernies," one line from the note on Livelsberger's phone read.

Finally, he begged for people to rally around Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Robert Kennedy to save the country from what he called "feckless leadership."

He was adamant that the country would collapse if this doesn't happen. The message was signed: MSG Matt Livelsberger 18Z, 10th Special Forces Group.

Officials on Friday added that there is no evidence of additional suspects in this case; nor any evidence that Livelsberger was working in coordination with Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man accused of killing at least 14 people in New Orleans just hours before the explosion in Las Vegas.

At the news conference Spencer Evans, the FBI special agent in charge, stated that it's "likely" Livelsberger suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and that there were family and personal matters that "may have been contributing factors."

A psychiatrist familiar with Special Forces treatment said mental health services for those units include an embedded behavioral health team and funding for residential treatment outside of the military.

The challenge is getting Special Forces soldiers to come forward, he said.

The screening tools used during the deployment cycle are also flawed because they were developed for people seeking help.

We apply these screening tools to presumably healthy young men, hoping that if they're having problems they'll be honest in the way that they answer the questions, but they're not always honest, he said.

According to ABC, Livelsberger was kicked out of the home by his wife around Christmas over "allegations of infidelity."

An ex-girlfriend of Livelsberger spoke with The Gazette on Thursday and claimed that he suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2019 during a tour in the Middle East. Alicia Arritt, Livelsberger's ex-girlfriend, said she believes that the depressive symptoms he showed went untreated because its not acceptable to seek treatment when someone is in Special Forces.

Before the Las Vegas trip

Featured Local Savings

Days ahead of his suicide, Livelsberger contacted Sam Shoemate, a former Army intelligence officer, who has a large social media following, insisting he had important information that needed to reach the media and the potential new Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth.

Shoemate said on a podcast hosted by Shawn Ryan, a former Navy Seal, that he hesitated to do anything with the email because he couldnt verify it. Shoemate decided to make it public after the explosion.

Livelsbergers email raised an alarm about the national security risk posed by Chinese unmanned aircraft that use gravitic propulsion systems, a form of propulsion in the experimental stages.

He called the aircraft the most dangerous threat to national security that has ever existed.

In a text message to an ex-girlfriend on Dec. 29 that he wrote while driving the Cybertruck to Las Vegas, he told her "I'm building drones in. my new position. You would love it."

He refers to the Chinese aircraft as balloons.

A Scottish professor had run a successful experiment in 2020, propelling a balloon by gravity using an onboard compressor to change the pressure inside the balloon, Aerospace America reported.

In the email, Livelsberger went on to claim he was being followed by Homeland Security or the FBI.

Evans stated that the FBI did not have information on Livelsberger prior to the explosion.

Livelsberger said that he was part of an airstrike in the Nimruz province of Afghanistan in 2019 that killed hundreds. In the email Livelsberger claimed the airstrike was a "war crime" and that government agencies attempted to cover it up. He went on to describe involvement in attacks on 65 buildings in Afghanistan in 2019 that he helped target. The attacks killed hundreds of civilians, he said.

A United Nations report on American attacks in 2019 in Afghanistan said UN workers received reports of 40 to 200 civilian deaths during airstrikes on drug labs. The report said 68 labs were hit. UN workers verified 39 civilian casualties and credible information to substantiate the deaths of 30 children and two women, the report said.

The U.S. said it targeted labs controlled and operated exclusively by the Taliban.

In 2019, the 10th Special Forces Group lost four soldiers in Afghanistan, according to previous Gazette reporting.

At Friday's news conference Evans said there is "strong evidence" to suggest that the email posted by Ryan on social media was sent by Livelsberger, but that he could not confirm nor verify it.

The U.S. Department of the Army did not immediately respond to a Friday request for comment on Livelsberger's email and the security risk he described.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh did not have information Friday to share about whether Livelsberger showed warning signs, and referred reporters to investigators.

Although answers about Livelsberger's motives began to take form at Friday's news conference, many questions still remain.

Las Vegas Metro Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated that it was still unclear why Livelsberger chose to conduct the suicide and explosion at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Confusion about the choice of location lingered  especially since Evans stated during the news conference that it's believed Livelsberger had "no animosity towards the president-elect."

McMahill stated that the notes recovered from Livelsberger's phone included other possible locations, including the Grand Canyon.

Livelsberger was on approved leave from the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson when the electric truck he rented in Denver on Dec. 28 exploded in the valet drive-through of the Trump International Hotel on New Year's Day, McMahill said at Thursday's news conference.

Seven people were injured in the explosion but only Livelsberger was killed.
ATLANTA, Ga. (WSAV)  Georgia Power is encouraging customers to beware of scams in 2025. They are telling individuals to be aware of those threatening power disconnection unless immediate payment is made and attempts to have customers update their billing information to steal personal information.

In addition, various tech-scams continue to evolve and include:

Tech Scam  Georgia Power Payment Through Unauthorized Apps: The company continues to hear of scammers requesting funds from customers via mobile and online means like Cash App, asking customers to pay an account that looks like Georgia Power, including illegal use of the companys logo. Georgia Power does not accept payments via Cash App. Valid Georgia Power payment options include Venmo, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal  learn more here.

Tech Scam  Fake Digital Ads: Georgia Power is receiving reports of digital ads on Google and other platforms that direct customers to non-company websites to pay their bills, which then request personal or financial information. Customers should always ensure that the webpage is the official Georgia Power website, with correct spelling: www.GeorgiaPower.com. Dont be fooled by ads that lead to fake websites.

Customers are encouraged to report scams here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The company offers these additional tips and guidelines to avoid becoming the victim of a scammer:

Georgia Power:

Does not call to ask a customer to provide a credit card or pre-paid debit card number over the phone.

Does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment option. Scammers often demand Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, or demand use of money transfer apps for immediate payments.

Does not call customers to set up automatic payments, to update credit cards or other sensitive account information or to ask customers to pay for a new meter.

The company also does not send employees into the field to collect payment in person or to pay anywhere other than an Authorized Payment Location (APL).

Tips to #StopScams:

If a customer receives a suspicious call from someone claiming to be from Georgia Power and demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection, the customer should hang up and log-on to their account at www.GeorgiaPower.com to confirm the status of their account.

As scammers have tried to promote the use of fraudulent 800 numbers, customers should direct-dial the companys customer service line using the number on their bill (888-660-5890), which can be verified at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ContactUs. Do not trust Caller ID identifications.

Customers are also asked to report any scam attempts online at www.GeorgiaPower.com/ReportAScam.

Delete all emails that demand immediate payment or personal information or that are from a company that is not Georgia Power.

If an account becomes past due, Georgia Power will contact the customer via a pre-recorded message to the primary account telephone number or by letter requesting that the customer call the number on their bill to discuss the account. Georgia Powers pre-recorded message will not ask customers to remain on the line or press a number to speak to a representative immediately.

In the rare event that an employee needs to visit a customers home or business for a service-related issue, they will be in uniform and present a badge with a photo, their name and the companys name and logo. They will also be in a vehicle marked with the company logo.

To learn more about how to defend yourself against scammers and avoid common mistakes, 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 WSAV-TV.
German customs officers have found 153 kilograms of cocaine aboard a freighter arriving from Colombia at the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven, Hanover customs and Oldenburg police reported on Friday.

Investigators from Hamburg were also involved in the search, which took place over several days. A sniffer dog was used.

The drugs were found in 150 parcels in five packages wrapped in fishing net. The value is put at several million dollars.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Oldenburg prosecutors have taken over the case with the aim of ascertaining the precise circumstances and the identity of those responsible.

Large quantities of cocaine are smuggled into Europe via North Sea ports. A man along the beach of the German holiday island of Sylt this week found a parcel of cocaine, reported to contain 25 kilograms of the drug.

During December, around 175 kilograms of the drug were found in total along the beaches of Fohr, Amrum and Sylt, all islands off the north-west German coast.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has arrived in Syria for a surprise visit, some four weeks after the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad.

The Green Party politician landed on Friday morning at the airport in the capital Damascus in a German military A400M propeller transport aircraft.

In the Syrian capital, Baerbock is scheduled to hold talks on behalf of the European Union with representatives of the Islamist-led transitional government, alongside her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot.

The visit by Baerbock and Barrot marks the first by EU foreign ministers to Syria since al-Assad's ousting.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is travelling to Syria on a previously unannounced visit, some four weeks after the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Baerbock is travelling from Cyprus to Damascus on Friday morning.

In the Syrian capital, the German foreign minister planned to hold talks on behalf of the European Union with representatives of the rebel-formed transitional government, alongside her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baerbock and Barrot's visit marks the first by EU foreign ministers to Syria since the ousting of al-Assad.

The transitional government is led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto ruler and leader of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Al-Sharaa was previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Joulani.

At the start of her journey, Baerbock set conditions for the de facto rulers for resuming relations with Germany and the European Union.

She asserted that, among other things, women and men of all ethnic or religious groups must be given a place in the political process, granted rights, and offered protection.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who is travelling to the Syrian capital Damascus on Friday on an unannounced visit, is setting conditions for Syria's new de facto rulers for a resumption of relations with Germany and the European Union.

"A political new beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible," the Green Party politician said about her visit to Damascus.

She said she was arriving with her French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, and on behalf of the EU "with this outstretched hand, but also with clear expectations of the new rulers."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some four weeks after the overthrow of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad, Baerbock and Barrot are the first EU foreign ministers to visit Syria since al-Assad's overthrow. They, on behalf of the EU's foreign representative Kaja Kallas, plan to hold talks with representatives of the rebel-formed transitional government.

De facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa heads the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and was previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Joulani.

Baerbock is flying to Damascus from Cyprus on Friday morning. Barrot had celebrated the New Year with Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and the French troops stationed with the UN observer mission UNIFIL in nearby Lebanon.

Baerbock demands protection for women, minorities

"A new beginning can only happen if the new Syrian society grants a place in the political process to all Syrians, women and men, of every ethnic or religious group, and provides rights and protection," Baerbock demanded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She added that these rights must be preserved and must "not be undermined potentially by overly long deadlines until elections or moves towards the Islamisation of the judicial or education systems."

Al-Sharaa recently stated that it could take around three years to present a new draft constitution, and another year until elections. The Arab country remains fragmented and sectarianly divided after more than a decade of civil war. Even after Assad's fall, hostile militias are fighting for power.

Baerbock said they wanted to support Syria in a peaceful transition of power, the reconciliation of society, and reconstruction - in addition to the humanitarian aid that has been provided for the people in Syria over the past years.

"A new beginning can only happen if the past is addressed, justice is established, and retaliatory acts against population groups do not occur," Baerbock insisted. She added that extremism and radical groups should have no place.

Scepticism over the rebels' past

"We know where the HTS ideologically comes from, what they have done in the past," Baerbock stated. But she said there is also a desire for moderation and understanding with other key players. The initiation of talks with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is a significant sign in this direction, she noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

HTS emerged from the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of the terrorist network al-Qaeda. Al-Sharaa had disassociated from al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, considered a terrorist organizations by many Western countries. However, there are still reports suggesting that the HTS leadership maintains contact with al-Qaeda.

Baerbock: We will judge HTS by their actions

Given this, Baerbock stated, "We will continue to judge the HTS by their actions. Despite all scepticism, we must not miss the opportunity now to support the people in Syria at this crucial crossroads."

Germany is also working to ensure that the intra-Syrian process is not disrupted from outside, the foreign minister explained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This, she noted, includes respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity by all neighbouring states. Though she did not mention Turkey and Israel by name, those countries have been accused of pursuing their own interests in Syria.

Additionally, it is time for Russia to leave its military bases in Syria, she said. Moscow has been one of al-Assad's most important allies for years.

More than 16 million Syrians rely on humanitarian aid

Syria has been largely destroyed after nearly 14 years of civil war and is contaminated with landmines and other ordnance.

The country lacks labour and skilled workers, the economy is contracting, and the currency has lost more than 90% of its value since 2020. Public services have collapsed. More than 16 million people rely on humanitarian aid.

Nearly 1 million Syrians in Germany

In Baerbock's discussions in Damascus, the potential return of Syrian refugees from Germany, as supported by the transitional Syrian government, is likely to be a topic.

Around 975,000 Syrians currently live in Germany, according to the German Interior Ministry. Most arrived in the country since 2015 as a result of the civil war.
Syria's new de facto ruler and leader of the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) received an EU delegation led by German Foreign Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday.

Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted the ministers in the former palace of toppled long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in the capital Damascus. Al-Sharaa's HTS led a coalition of armed groups who drove al-Assad from power around four weeks ago.

Al-Sharaa received Baerbock and Barrot at the entrance to the palace. The hard-line Islamist did not greet Baerbock with a handshake, a gesture he has consistently avoided when meeting women, but he extended his hand to Barrot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After the Frenchman had initially placed his right hand on his heart in greeting, he then briefly took al-Sharaa's hand.

The diplomats, whose travel plans were not announced in advance, are expected to outline conditions for a resumption of relations between Syria's new de facto government and the European Union.

"A few weeks ago, a new hope was created, the hope of a sovereign Syria, a stable Syria and a peaceful Syria," Barrot said after arriving in Damascus.

Baerbock said they traveled to Damascus "with this outstretched hand, but also with clear expectations of the new rulers."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"A political new beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible," Baerbock said.

Baerbock and Barrot are the first EU foreign ministers to visit Syria since al-Assad's overthrow.

They, on behalf of the EU's foreign representative Kaja Kallas, held talks with representatives of the rebel-formed transitional government.

Al-Sharaa was formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. The HTS group emerged from the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of the al-Qaeda network, and was previously affiliated with Islamic State.

The group has since broken away from both organizations, and al-Sharaa has sought to portray himself as a moderate in recent months, although HTS continues to be designated a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States, among others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baerbock had stated at the beginning of her visit to Syria that she would continue to judge the HTS by its actions.

'Unimaginable' horrors at al-Assad prison

Both foreign ministers toured the notorious Sednaya prison near Damascus on Friday, a symbol of the brutal rule under deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Members of the White Helmets, the Syrian civil defence organization, told the visiting European diplomats about conditions and atrocities committed by the al-Assad regime at the prison, popularly known simply as the "human slaughterhouse."

Since 2011, human rights activists have documented systematic mass executions, torture and the disappearance of thousands of prisoners there during Syria's brutal civil war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While touring the prison, Baerbock said that efforts to support rights groups in Syria must continue and that the international community must support efforts to bring members of the deposed al-Assad regime to justice.

Barrot also asserted French determination to assist in investigating the crimes committed there.

"You simply can't imagine the horror of some places," Baerbock said, expressing her shock. "But people have gone through hell here near the Syrian capital Damascus. They were killed using methods that are unimaginable in a civilized world."

Executions and torture were already documented during the reign of Bashar al-Assad's father, Hafez, who died in 2000. Father and son ruled Syria with an iron fist for more than 50 years.

Baerbock demands protection for women, minorities

"A new beginning can only happen if the new Syrian society grants a place in the political process to all Syrians, women and men, of every ethnic or religious group, and provides rights and protection," Baerbock said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She added that these rights must be preserved and must "not be undermined potentially by overly long deadlines until elections or moves towards the Islamization of the judicial or education systems."

Al-Sharaa recently stated that it could take around three years to present a new draft constitution, and another year until elections. The Arab country remains fragmented and divided along sectarian lines.

Even after al-Assad's fall, hostile militias are fighting for power, and the HTS-backed transitional government does not hold control over large parts of the country.

Troops from several foreign powers, including Turkey, the US, Israel and Russia, are also stationed in different parts of the country.

Scepticism over the rebels' past

"We know where the HTS ideologically comes from, what they have done in the past," Baerbock stated. But she said there is also a desire for moderation and understanding with other key players. The initiation of talks with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is a significant sign in this direction, she noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Given this, Baerbock stated, "We will continue to judge the HTS by their actions. Despite all scepticism, we must not miss the opportunity now to support the people in Syria at this crucial crossroads."

Germany is also working to ensure that the intra-Syrian process is not disrupted from outside, the foreign minister explained.

This, she noted, includes respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity by all neighbouring states. Though she did not mention Turkey and Israel by name, those countries have been accused of pursuing their own interests in Syria.

Additionally, it is time for Russia to leave its military bases in Syria, she said. Moscow has been one of al-Assad's most important allies for years.

More than 16 million Syrians rely on humanitarian aid

Syria has been largely destroyed after nearly 14 years of civil war and is contaminated with landmines and other ordnance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The country lacks labour and skilled workers, the economy is contracting, and the currency has lost more than 90% of its value since 2020. Public services have collapsed. More than 16 million people rely on humanitarian aid.

Nearly 1 million Syrians in Germany

In Baerbock's discussions in Damascus, the potential return of Syrian refugees from Germany, as supported by the transitional Syrian government, is likely to be a topic.

Around 975,000 Syrians currently live in Germany, according to the German Interior Ministry. Most arrived in the country since 2015 as a result of the civil war.
During her visit to Damascus, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock outlined clear conditions for European support of Syria's new leadership and emphasized that Germany and the European Union are committed to fostering a peaceful and free future for Syria.

However, speaking at the conclusion of a joint trip with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on behalf of the EU, Baerbock acknowledged that such an outcome remains uncertain.

"A new beginning can only happen if the new Syrian society grants a place in the political process to all Syrians, women and men, of every ethnic or religious group, and provides rights and protection," Baerbock said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said a political dialogue involving all ethnic and religious groups, especially women, is now needed. Baerbock noted that Europe would support Syria, but would not become a sponsor of new Islamist structures.

No handshake for Baerbock

Syria's new de facto ruler and leader of the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) received an EU delegation led by the German foreign minister and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday.

Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted the ministers in the former palace of toppled long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in the capital Damascus. Al-Sharaa's HTS led a coalition of armed groups that drove al-Assad from power around four weeks ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The hard-line Islamist did not greet Baerbock with a handshake, a gesture he has consistently avoided when meeting women, but he extended his hand to Barrot.

After the Frenchman had initially placed his right hand on his heart in greeting, he then briefly took al-Sharaa's hand.

The diplomats, whose travel plans were not announced in advance, were in Syria to discuss potential conditions for resuming relations between Syria's new de facto government and the European Union.

Baerbock said later when asked by a journalist that she had already realized when she arrived that there would be no handshake.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the conversation with al-Sharaa, however, she then made it very clear that women's rights were an indicator of how free a society was.

Baerbock and Barrot are the first EU foreign ministers to visit Syria since al-Assad's overthrow.

They, on behalf of the EU's foreign representative Kaja Kallas, held talks with representatives of the rebel-formed transitional government.

Al-Sharaa was formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. The HTS group emerged from the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of the al-Qaeda network, and was previously affiliated with Islamic State.

The group has since broken away from both organizations, and al-Sharaa has sought to portray himself as a moderate in recent months, although HTS continues to be designated a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States, among others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baerbock had stated at the beginning of her visit to Syria that she would continue to judge the HTS by its actions.

'Unimaginable' horrors at al-Assad prison

Both foreign ministers toured the notorious Sednaya prison near Damascus on Friday, a symbol of the brutal rule under deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Members of the White Helmets, the Syrian civil defence organization, told the visiting European diplomats about conditions and atrocities committed by the al-Assad regime at the prison, popularly known simply as the "human slaughterhouse."

Since 2011, human rights activists have documented systematic mass executions, torture and the disappearance of thousands of prisoners there during Syria's brutal civil war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While touring the prison, Baerbock said that efforts to support rights groups in Syria must continue and that the international community must support efforts to bring members of the deposed al-Assad regime to justice.

Barrot also asserted French determination to assist in investigating the crimes committed there.

"You simply can't imagine the horror of some places," Baerbock said, expressing her shock. "But people have gone through hell here near the Syrian capital Damascus. They were killed using methods that are unimaginable in a civilized world."

Executions and torture were already documented during the reign of Bashar al-Assad's father, Hafez, who died in 2000. Father and son ruled Syria with an iron fist for more than 50 years.

Warning against Syria turning away from moderate course

Baerbock told Syria's transitional government in Damascus that Europe would support the country as long as the political dialogue includes all of Syria's ethnic and religious groups.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even after al-Assad's fall, hostile militias are fighting for power, and the HTS-backed transitional government does not hold control over large parts of the country.

Troops from several foreign powers, including Turkey, the US, Israel and Russia, are also stationed in different parts of the country.

Baerbock was non-committal when asked whether she would support the lifting of sanctions against Syria in the near future. Such a step would depend on how the political process proceeds, she said.

Baerbock said she and Barrot travelled to Damascus "to discuss whether such an inclusive political process is possible and whether human rights can truly be guaranteed. The entire question of lifting sanctions is tied to this."

Scepticism over the rebels' past

"We know where the HTS ideologically comes from, what they have done in the past," Baerbock stated. But she said there is also a desire for moderation and understanding with other key players.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The initiation of talks with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is a significant sign in this direction, she noted.

Given this, Baerbock stated, "We will continue to judge the HTS by their actions. Despite all scepticism, we must not miss the opportunity now to support the people in Syria at this crucial crossroads."

Germany is also working to ensure that the intra-Syrian process is not disrupted from outside, the foreign minister explained.

This, she noted, includes respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity by all neighbouring states. Though she did not mention Turkey and Israel by name, those countries have been accused of pursuing their own interests in Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additionally, it is time for Russia to leave its military bases in Syria, she said. Moscow has been one of al-Assad's most important allies for years.

More than 16 million Syrians rely on humanitarian aid

Syria has been largely destroyed after nearly 14 years of civil war and is contaminated with landmines and other ordnance.

The country lacks labour and skilled workers, the economy is contracting, and the currency has lost more than 90% of its value since 2020. Public services have collapsed. More than 16 million people rely on humanitarian aid.

Nearly 1 million Syrians in Germany

In Baerbock's discussions in Damascus, the potential return of Syrian refugees from Germany, as supported by the transitional Syrian government, is likely to be a topic.

Around 975,000 Syrians currently live in Germany, according to the German Interior Ministry. Most arrived in the country since 2015 as a result of the civil war.
The foreign ministers from Germany and France arrived in Damascus on Friday morning for talks with the transitional government formed by the militant groups that drove former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad from the country.

The diplomats, whose travel plans were not announced in advance, are expected to outline conditions for a resumption of relations between Syria's new de facto government and the European Union.

"A political new beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria, is possible," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She arrived with her French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, and on behalf of the EU "with this outstretched hand, but also with clear expectations of the new rulers."

The visit comes some four weeks after a rapid rebel advance finally toppled al-Assad from power following more than a decade of brutal civil war. Al-Assad fled Damascus for Russia.

Baerbock and Barrot are the first EU foreign ministers to visit Syria since al-Assad's overthrow. They, on behalf of the EU's foreign representative Kaja Kallas, plan to hold talks with representatives of the rebel-formed transitional government.

De facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa is the leader of the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group that is designated as a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States, and was previously known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baerbock flew to Damascus from Cyprus on Friday morning on a German military A400M propeller transport aircraft. Barrot had celebrated the New Year with Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and the French troops stationed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Baerbock demands protection for women, minorities

"A new beginning can only happen if the new Syrian society grants a place in the political process to all Syrians, women and men, of every ethnic or religious group, and provides rights and protection," Baerbock said.

She added that these rights must be preserved and must "not be undermined potentially by overly long deadlines until elections or moves towards the Islamization of the judicial or education systems."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Al-Sharaa recently stated that it could take around three years to present a new draft constitution, and another year until elections. The Arab country remains fragmented and divided along sectarian lines.

Even after al-Assad's fall, hostile militias are fighting for power, and the HTS-backed transitional government does not hold control over large parts of the country. Troops from several foreign powers, including Turkey, the US, Israel and Russia, are also stationed in different parts of the country.

Baerbock said they wanted to support Syria in a peaceful transition of power, the reconciliation of society, and reconstruction - in addition to the humanitarian aid that has been provided for the people in Syria in the past.

"A new beginning can only happen if the past is addressed, justice is established, and retaliatory acts against population groups do not occur," Baerbock insisted. She added that extremism and radical groups should have no place.

Scepticism over the rebels' past

"We know where the HTS ideologically comes from, what they have done in the past," Baerbock stated. But she said there is also a desire for moderation and understanding with other key players. The initiation of talks with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is a significant sign in this direction, she noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

HTS emerged from the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of the terrorist network al-Qaeda. Al-Sharaa had disassociated from al-Qaeda and Islamic State, which have both repeatedly claimed responsibility for deadly terrorist attacks in a number of Western countries.

However, there have been reports suggesting that the HTS leadership maintains contact with al-Qaeda.

Baerbock: We will judge HTS by their actions

Given this, Baerbock stated, "We will continue to judge the HTS by their actions. Despite all scepticism, we must not miss the opportunity now to support the people in Syria at this crucial crossroads."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Germany is also working to ensure that the intra-Syrian process is not disrupted from outside, the foreign minister explained.

This, she noted, includes respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity by all neighbouring states. Though she did not mention Turkey and Israel by name, those countries have been accused of pursuing their own interests in Syria.

Additionally, it is time for Russia to leave its military bases in Syria, she said. Moscow has been one of al-Assad's most important allies for years.

More than 16 million Syrians rely on humanitarian aid

Syria has been largely destroyed after nearly 14 years of civil war and is contaminated with landmines and other ordnance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The country lacks labour and skilled workers, the economy is contracting, and the currency has lost more than 90% of its value since 2020. Public services have collapsed. More than 16 million people rely on humanitarian aid.

Nearly 1 million Syrians in Germany

In Baerbock's discussions in Damascus, the potential return of Syrian refugees from Germany, as supported by the transitional Syrian government, is likely to be a topic.

Around 975,000 Syrians currently live in Germany, according to the German Interior Ministry. Most arrived in the country since 2015 as a result of the civil war.
German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck warned US billionaire Elon Musk against meddling in the upcoming German election, and criticized Musk's recent outspoken support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

"Hands off our democracy, Mr. Musk!" Habeck told the news magazine Spiegel when asked whether Musk was a threat to Germany.

"The combination of immense wealth, control over information and networks, the use of artificial intelligence and the will to ignore rules is a frontal attack on our democracy," Habeck continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said that Musk, an advisor to US President-elect Donald Trump who is expected to have a prominent role in the upcoming US administration, is doing everything he can to push through his interests.

Musk, who is known for his provocative postings on his social media platform X, has been causing unrest in German politics for days.

At the weekend, he endorsed the AfD with a lengthy opinion piece published in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper ahead of elections on February 23.

Habeck described the statements in the guest article as "awful" and warned against underestimating Musk's attempts to exert influence in German politics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The richest man in the world, who owns one of the most powerful communication platforms, openly supports a party that is partly right-wing extremist. We should not make the mistake of dismissing this," said Habeck.

Germany's BfV domestic intelligence agency is monitoring the national AfD party as a suspected right-wing extremist group, and several state-level party organizations have already received that designation.

Trump's incoming vice president, JD Vance, also recently waded into the upcoming German elections.

Although Vance said he would not support any party in the campaign "as it's not my country and we hope to have good relations with all Germans," he went on to denounce the portrayal of the AfD as a "Nazi-lite" extremist party as "slander."

The AfD is currently polling between 18% and 20% ahead of the election.
A German man who went on a rampage with a stolen excavator on New Year's Day before being fatally shot by police had been in a bitter dispute with his ex-employer over money, prosecutors told dpa on Friday.

The 38-year-old man stole an excavator from the construction company where he once worked in the small southern German town of Grunsfeld, destroyed property there and then drove the excavator to a nearby car dealership also owned by the same ex-employer.

He led police on a chase that lasted just under an hour, during which he damaged several police vehicles and injured several officers, before he was fatally shot by police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The man had brought a case in labour court alleging unpaid wages from his former employer, a spokesman for the public prosecutor's office leading the investigation said.

The perpetrator had won at least part of the dispute and, according to the court decision, was entitled to back pay.

The man's last known address was in the central German state of Thuringia, according to the spokesman.

Prosecutors are investigating the handling of the incident, including whether police were justified in fatally shooting the man.

According to the spokesman, officers fired a large number of shots during the incident, although many were warning shots not aimed directly at the man. An autopsy has confirmed that the man was killed by gunshots fired by police.

The police had requested assistance from local road maintenance crews to set up roadblocks, which did not happen.
Alicia Arritt had no inkling that her ex-boyfriend was planning to blow up one of the swankiest hotels on the Las Vegas strip.

In the days before the explosion and apparent suicide, Matthew Livelsbergers texts to her were playful, almost like a kid with a new toy.

I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. Its the s***, he wrote her at 9 a.m. on Sunday from Denver. He continued to text her until New Years Eve, sending photos and music videos of the vehicle.

"I feel like Batman or halo," he texted at 9:07 a.m. on Sunday.

It sounded like conversation between old friends, but, according to Arritt, it was strange to hear from him out of the blue. The two had stopped talking and moved on after a painful 2021 breakup.

Livelsberger married and had a baby daughter. Arritt is a single mother who works 12-hour shifts.

She was glad to hear from him.

It's been reported that Livelsberger left his Colorado Springs home the day after Christmas after an argument with his wife. Neighbors said they hadn't seen him for days.

"I'm building drones in my new position," he wrote. "You would love it."

How fast is it? Arritt asked of the Cybertruck. He texted back: Ungodly.

Authorities in Las Vegas on Thursday said Livelsberger, a Green Beret, shot himself inside a Tesla Cybertruck on New Year's Day seconds before the vehicle exploded in front of President-elect Donald Trump's hotel in Las Vegas.

Livelsberger was a Colorado Springs resident who had spent the majority of his 19-year military career at Fort Carson and on assignment in Germany, according to new information from the U.S. Army and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

'Kindest man I ever knew'

I just want everyone to know that Matt was the kindest man I ever knew, Arritt told The Denver Gazette. He got me through a difficult time.

When Livelsbergers mother became ill, he bought her a house. He had two back surgeries from his days as a paratrooper.

Arritt said Livelsberger was an honorable man who loved his country. She does not understand why he did it, she said.

Politically, she knew him as a conservative, but she wondered why he would pack explosives in a truck created by Elon Musk and park it in front of a hotel owned by the Republican president-elect.

One neighbor of Livelsberger in their northeast Colorado Springs townhome complex was shocked to learn the bombing suspect was him.

Featured Local Savings

Cindy Helwig said she's known Livelsberger and his current wife, who just recently had a baby, for two years.

"He seemed like a normal guy, she said after talking to other neighbors on Thursday morning. His wife is awesome, too. I never expected anything like that. I would never have thought it would have been him.

Arritt cried when she realized investigators could only identify him by the World War II plane tattoo on his right arm.

A three-year relationship

The two met in 2018 after Livelsberger and his first wife, Sara, divorced. They had military service in common. Arritt was an Army nurse at one time, stationed at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and he was in Special Forces.

In one photo taken on a mountain hike, she has a wildflower in her hair and hes standing behind her smiling. The picture was taken during a government trip for spy school in Washington state.

Arritt said that Livelsbergers behavior changed in 2019 after he returned from a tour in the Middle East with a traumatic brain injury. He became isolated. She believes that the depressive symptoms he showed went untreated because its not acceptable to seek treatment when someone is in Special Forces.

The relationship did not last, partly because he wanted to focus on his career, Arritt, of Colorado Springs, said in a phone interview on Thursday.

On Wednesday, New Years Day evening, the FBI knocked on Arritts door. They had tracked her from the text messages they found on Livelsbergers account. She was at work.

Agents circled back on Thursday morning and arranged to meet her at around 9.

She showed them that, on Dec. 29, Livelsberger sent photos of the gold-hued Tesla Cybertruck he rented.

It matches my Kobe 2 shoes I had when I was little, he wrote. Google them.

There was no clue in the sporadic text check-ins that Livelsberger was planning to blow up the hotel and possibly end his life.

The FBI told Arritt that she was not the only old girlfriend Livelsberger contacted in those last few days.

Still, she feels guilty.

I dont know if I could have stopped him," she said.

The Gazette's Emily Moyer contributed to this story.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told Syria's makeshift transitional government in Damascus that Europe would support the country as long as the political dialogue includes all of Syria's ethnic and religious groups.

The hard-line Islamist policies long championed by the militant groups at the heart of the de facto government would endanger that backing, Baerbock said, as the European Union will not become a sponsor of new Islamist structures in Syria.

Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot arrived in Damascus on Friday morning to meet with the forces that toppled former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad about four weeks ago, after more than a decade of bloody civil war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baerbock made her comments after meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's new de facto ruler and the leader of the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Al-Sharaa was formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani but has sought to portray himself as a political moderate in recent months. His group, HTS, remains designated as a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States, among others.

Baerbock was non-committal when asked whether she would support the lifting of sanctions against Syria in the near future. Such a step would depend on how the political process proceeds, she said.

Baerbock said she and Barrot travelled to Damascus "to discuss whether such an inclusive political process is possible and whether human rights can truly be guaranteed. The entire question of lifting sanctions is tied to this."
Germany should not rule out deploying Bundeswehr troops to Ukraine after the war ends, Roderich Kiesewetter, a lawmaker from the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said on Jan. 3, Schwabische Zeitung reported.

Kiesewetter's remarks come amid reports that the U.K. and France are considering sending troops to monitor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Proposals for European states to deploy millitry personnel to Ukraine are reportedly included in U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's peace plan.

Kiesewetter argued that as Europes largest economy, Germany has a responsibility to contribute significantly to European security and peacekeeping efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said that Germany must be ready to intervene in Ukraine "at the appropriate time with well-equipped troops" and warned against dismissing such a possibility.

Kiesewetter noted that any German peacekeeping involvement would need to occur under joint EU and NATO frameworks to ensure operational effectiveness and align with existing European security structures.

"A peacekeeping force is effective and realistic if integrated into NATO, as the nuclear umbrella would extend to Ukraine," he said.

Friedrich Merz, the CDU/CSU alliance's chancellor candidate, said on Dec. 28 that Germany could join a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine but only with Russias consent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Merz underscored the necessity of a clear international legal mandate for German participation in such operations.

During a Dec. 9 visit to Kyiv, Merz pledged a more assertive stance on arming Ukraine and highlighted Germanys potential role in peacekeeping.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine would only consider foreign peacekeepers if it secures a clear timeline for NATO membership.

Ukrainian officials maintain that NATO membership is essential for lasting peace. While full membership is unlikely amid the ongoing war, Kyiv has urged NATO allies to extend an invitation as a signal of support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: Ukraine aims to raise over $1 billion for Danish model of defense industry funding in 2025

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Riham Alkousaa

DAMASCUS (Reuters) -All Syrian groups, including women and Kurds, must be involved in the country's transition if Damascus wants European support, Germany's foreign minister said after a closely-watched first meeting with the new de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Friday.

In talks also attended by her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, Germany's top diplomat Annalena Baerbock said she had stressed the need to include all ethnic groups in the transition to democracy while ensuring that potential European funds did not fall into the hands of "new Islamist structures".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We discussed this in a very detailed and very clear manner," Baerbock told reporters after meeting Sharaa in the People's Palace in Damascus.

The foreign ministers of Germany and France, visiting Damascus on behalf of the European Union, said they wanted to forge a new relationship with Syria and they urged a peaceful transition.

Baerbock and Barrot were the first European ministers to visit Syria since rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his family's decades-long rule.

Their trip is intended to send a message of cautious engagement to the Islamist rebels led by Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), acknowledging their status as Syria's new rulers while also urging moderation and respect for minorities' rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Our message to Syria's new leadership: respecting the principles agreed with regional actors and ensuring the protection of all civilians and minorities is of the utmost importance," Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, wrote on social media platform X about the trip.

SANCTIONS

Asked if the EU could soon start lifting sanctions imposed on Syria, Baerbock said this would depend on political progress. She cited "some positive signs", adding it was too early to act.

"The last few weeks have shown how much hope there is here in Syria that the future will be one of freedom... Free for everyone, regardless of their ethnic origin, gender or religion. But it is far from certain it will come this way," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since ousting Assad, Syria's new rulers have sought to reassure the international community that they will govern on behalf of all Syrians and not export Islamist revolution.

Western governments have begun to gradually open channels with Sharaa and HTS, a Sunni Muslim group previously affiliated with Al Qaeda and Islamic State, and are starting to debate whether to remove the group's terrorist designation.

A host of questions remain about the future of a multi-ethnic country where foreign states including Turkey and Russia have strong and potentially competing interests.

Baerbock said before the talks she was travelling to Syria with an "outstretched hand" as well as "clear expectations" of the new rulers, who she said would be judged by their actions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We know where the HTS comes from ideologically, what it has done in the past," she said in a statement.

France's Barrot similarly expressed hopes for a "sovereign and safe" Syria that would leave no room for terrorism, chemical weapons or malign foreign actors, during a meeting with representatives from Syrian civil society organisations.

Germany and France plan to offer technical help and advice to Syria as it drafts a new constitution, Barrot told reporters, saying hope for a democratic transition was "fragile but real".

He called for a political solution for Kurdish fighters in Syria to be integrated into the Syrian state, adding that a permanent ceasefire must be achieved. He did not respond when asked when the EU might lift sanctions on Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Barrot also visited the French embassy, which has been closed since 2012, where he said France would work towards re-establishing diplomatic representation in line with political and security conditions, diplomatic sources said.

During their visit, the two ministers took a tour of Syria's most notorious prison, the vast Sednaya complex.

(Reporting by Riham Alkousaa in Damascus, Tassilo Hummel in Paris and Miranda Murray in Berlin, writing by Tassilo HummelEditing by Gareth Jones)
Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), a key GOP vote who previously suggested she would not back Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), minutes before the vote signaled shed back him.

I appreciate @SpeakerJohnsons public commitment to the American people to deliver on President Trumps agenda and drain the swamp, Spartz wrote on the social platform X.

Separately, a source in Spartzs office said she would vote for Johnson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Spartz was responding to a post from Johnson in which he made a number of commitments to GOP lawmakers over how he would lead the House.

In his post, Johnson wrote: The American people have demanded an end to the status quo, and a return to fiscal sanity. Thats why the citizens of our great country gave President Trump the White House and Republican control of both chambers of Congress.

If we dont follow through on our campaign promise for fiscal responsibility, we dont deserve to hold power.

Johnson described the debt, a key issue for Spartz and other conservatives, as a grave issue to national and economic security, and committed to creating a working group comprising independent experts  not corrupted by lobbyists and special interests  to work with the Department of Government Efficiency panel set up by Trump to reduce spending.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He also wrote that he would task that working group with reviewing existing audits of federal agencies and entities created by Congress  and issuing a report to my office for public release.

Finally, he said he would request that House committees undertake aggressive authorizations and appropriations reviews, including providing additional resources where needed, to expose irresponsible or illegal practices and hold agencies/individuals accountable that have weaponized government against the American people.

Johnsons commitments line up with several demands Spartz laid out in a letter earlier this week.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is expected to vote for another candidate. If he does, Johnson cannot afford another GOP defection, assuming Democrats are all present and vote for their favored candidate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That makes a Spartz vote for Johnson a key development that could put him over the top.

Whats unknown is whether a handful of other GOP lawmakers might decide to withhold their support from Johnson.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
First DEI and now the southern borderRepublicans have been remarkably quick to blame the attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans this week on their favorite bogeymen. It came from the top first. The president-elect took to Truth Social Thursday morning to rail against Joe Bidens immigration policy.

With the Biden Open Borders Policy I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe, Trump wrote. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined. Joe Biden is the WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA, A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER. What he and his group of Election Interfering thugs have done to our Country will not soon be forgotten! MAGA.

Matthew Livelsberger and Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, recently named by law enforcement as the suspects in the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion and New Orleans fatal truck attack, respectively, were both U.S. citizens and military veterans. Livelsberger was even a Green Beret. The southern border has seemingly nothing to do with the attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even still, the GOP focused on border policy after two natural-born American citizens committed acts of terror. I dont know if enough attention is being paid to this, but we all know that for the last four years, the Biden Administration has been completely derelict in its duty, Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News on Thursday. Congressional Republicans, we here in the House and the Senate, have repeatedly asked the DHS under the Biden administration about the correlation, the obvious concern, about terrorism and the wide-open border, the idea that dangerous people were coming here in droves and setting up potential terrorist cells around the country; we have been ringing the alarms.

Incoming border czar Tom Homan also joined in on the misinformation campaign, telling Fox News that border patrol continues to release people into this country without proper vetting.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Gov. Josh Green presented the States 2025 Biennial budget during a Dec. 16 press conference at the Capitol. Green plans to spend much of next week in Washington, D.C., trying to dissuade U.S. senators from confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Gov. Josh Green presented the States 2025 Biennial budget during a Dec. 16 press conference at the Capitol. Green plans to spend much of next week in Washington, D.C., trying to dissuade U.S. senators from confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Gov. Josh Green plans to spend much of next week in Washington, D.C., trying to dissuade U.S. senators from confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Greens office announced today that the governor is scheduled to leave Hawaii for the nations capital on Sunday to discuss Kennedys nomination with Senate members, and return to the state four days later on Jan. 9.

The governor intends to provide critical insight  into the implications of Kennedys nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Health and Human Services secretary, according to Greens office.

Green, a medical doctor, in 2019 as lieutenant governor helped lead a team of 76 health care workers and support staff from Hawaii that participated in an international effort to immunize Samoas population of nearly 200, 000 against a measles outbreak that infected over 4, 000 people and killed more than 80.

In a November interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Green said Kennedys views on vaccines and promotion of vaccine misinformation would likely foster vaccine skepticism and promote the use of unproven medications if the Senate confirms Kennedy to lead HHS.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Green, a Democrat, also has expressed concerns that Kennedy could cut Medicaid or Medicare budgets, depriving people of essential health care, or halt funding for clinics that administer vaccines.

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.

Putting someone with zero experience in public health in charge of the largest public health institute in the world is insane,  Green said in the interview. Nobody who is being serious about the process would recommend that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kennedy campaigned to be the next president initially as a Democrat and then as an independent before withdrawing in August and endorsing Trump, a Republican. Kennedy has met with and received support from some Republican senators in his effort to win confirmation later this month.

159 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 ? .
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The state of Hawaii is still in shock over the tragic beginning of the new year, in which dozens of people were injured and at least 3 people were killed in a fireworks explosion in Aliamanu, while another man was killed in Kalihi.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Governor Josh Green says that people need to take a pause in using illegal fireworks and is offering amnesty for people who turn them in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I would just ask everyone humbly, please pause on shooting any of these fireworks off until the firefighters get a better grip on how they can contain the risk, Green said. Please make sure you take us up on our offer to go through amnesty programs. Well take them back and take them off peoples hands even if they got them illegally. Thats okay. Well probably do that on January 11th.

Lawmakers are currently pondering what can be done to help stem the saturation of illegal explosives in Oahus neighborhoods. Many of them have come to the conclusion that public behavior will have to change.

At the end of the day, its gonna have to be a personal decision that members of the community will have to decide, Green said. Well only do these kind of, large firework shows in public places with supervision and support from experts, from pyrotechnic specialists, from firefighters.

State Senator Glenn Wakai is a proponent of civil penalties including seizure of property for those found guilty, while former Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor Megan Kau is advocating for possession to be a felony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Illegal fireworks cause mass casualty event in Hawaii: Enough is enough

As far as protecting entrance points for possible shipments of illegal fireworks, Governor Green points to common sense and new tools.

We have to do what we can with some technology so that theres not as much import of these, fireworks. A lot of times also, people put the illegal fireworks in with the legal fireworks, and so its very hard.

State House Public Safety Chair Della Au Belatti says the ports are where a lot of things are coming in, from invasive species to illegal drugs, and fireworks.

We have to get better and smarter with how we are handling this and be accountable, hold ourselves accountable. Look, the task force seized hundreds of thousands of pounds of fireworks last year. So we need to keep doing that, but then we need to pursue the prosecutions, she said. And thats a very important part, and thats where the conversations perhaps with the federal government, with, our our city resources, with the with the prosecutors office, how can we make sure that we can hold people accountable?

The legislative session begins January 15th.

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.
Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed legislation late Thursday that would have barred state health regulators from infringing on medical free speech.

The measure was part of House Bill 315, a "Christmas tree" bill passed by lawmakers earlier this month that contained a hodgepodge of policy changes. DeWine was allowed to issue line-item vetoes on the package, meaning he could pick and choose which provisions became law.

The vetoed section of the bill would have prohibited the Ohio Department of Health, Board of Pharmacy and State Medical Board from disciplining health care professionals who express a medical opinion that doesn't align with their views. DeWine said that would gut the state's ability to regulate providers and ensure they don't abuse their authority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It is not in the public interest and instead could lead to devastating and deadly consequences for patient health," DeWine said in his veto message to lawmakers Thursday night.

DeWine approved other measures backed by medical freedom advocates:

Note the World Health Organization doesn't have jurisdiction in Ohio.

Bar state and local governments from issuing public health guidelines that ban the prescribing of off-label drugs.

Ensure hospitals can't deny nutrition or fluids to patients unless requested or necessary for a medical procedure.

The legislation axed by DeWine came after the Ohio Medical Board fined and suspended the license of a doctor who falsely claimed that COVID-19 vaccines cause people to become magnetized. Dr. Sherri Tenpenny's 2021 testimony before a House committee made national headlines and became fodder for late-night comics.

The board dinged Tenpenny for failing to cooperate with an investigation, which began after officials received over 350 complaints about her, and reinstated her medical license earlier this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An early version of the off-label drug bill would have required pharmacists to fill those prescriptions and barred licensing boards from disciplining providers based on their use of off-label drugs. The issue got increased attention during the pandemic because of claims that the deworming drug ivermectin could treat COVID-19.

The Food and Drug Administration still has not authorized ivermectin for COVID-19 and said studies indicate it's not an effective treatment option. Stock said the original bill, opposed by hospitals and pharmacists, was intended to support Ohioans who said they lost loved ones because providers denied the patients different treatment options.

Haley BeMiller covers state government and politics 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: Gov. Mike DeWine vetoes protections for medical free speech
A close friend of Matthew Livelsberger's ex-wife said she was stunned when she woke up to the news Thursday morning that the career Army man she knew as "bizarre and unhealthy" was apparently the person involved in the Las Vegas explosion at a Trump hotel.

Stacie Wilssens, of Manitou Springs, knew Livelsberger through his former wife, Sara Livelsberger. The women hit it off as friends around 2012 after the Livelsbergers moved to Colorado Springs for Matthew Livelsberger's job with the military. The couple divorced in 2018.

Wilssens said that Sara Livelsberger was often alone when her husband was deployed overseas, which left her struggling and depressed. Wilssens said she mostly hung out with Sara when her husband was not around because Wilssens disliked being around him.

"She was trying to get healthy and he would mock her," said Wilssens. "He preyed on her."

Wilssens added that the two were "polar opposites."

Wilssens said that she and Sara were staunch Bernie Sanders supporters during the 2016 election, and Matthew Livelsberger, whom she described as a conservative thinker, supported Donald Trump, which she believes was a major ideology disconnect.

Wilssens said that she hasn't spoken with Matthew Livelsberger for years. Sara, she said, left Colorado after their divorce, has since remarried, and is healthy.

Documents obtained by The Gazette indicate that Sara Livelsberger started divorce proceedings in July 2017 and the couple's split was final almost exactly a year later. "Nothing ever felt stable or steady between the two of them," Wilssens said.

One neighbor in the northeast Colorado Springs neighborhood who asked not to be identified described Matthew Livelsberger as quiet but polite.

Featured Local Savings

Another neighbor, Cindy Helwig, said she's known Matthew Livelsberger and his current wife, who just recently had a baby, for two years, said she was shocked to learn the bombing suspect was her neighbor.

He seemed like a normal guy, she said after talking to other neighbors Thursday morning. His wife is awesome, too. I never expected anything like that. I would never have thought it would have been him.

Helwig describes the neighborhood as usually very quiet and peaceful.

This is a good neighborhood; you never have issues, she said. Im a little worried now. I hope things get better.

Keni Mac and her fiance, why live directly behind Matthew's home, said they were in shock after seeing all the police activity happening overnight and into the morning.

She said she would see Matthew, his wife, and their newborn at HOA meetings.

"Just to know if it was that family if it is is really heartbreaking," she said. "They seem like good people. They're a normal young couple with a family. They always have their windows open, they're in and out with their dog. Doesn't seem lie they're hiding anything."

Gazette reporter Carol McKinley contributed to this report.
Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order on Jan. 3, 2025, to create a centralized fraud unit within the BCA and enact other measures to combat fraud. Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer.

Gov. Tim Walz on Friday signed an executive order and proposed legislation to catch and stop the theft of public money from safety net programs  many intended to help children, low-income residents and the elderly  after numerous audits, prosecutions and investigations uncovered massive fraud schemes that have misappropriated hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars.

Walzs executive order creates a fraud investigation unit within the states Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Fraud investigators from the Department of Commerce will move to the new BCA unit. The governors plan would also add nine staff members to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellisons Medicaid fraud unit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Walz is also proposing legislation to give state agencies greater authority to stop payment from going to those suspected of fraud. Also, hes proposing agencies use artificial intelligence to detect patterns of fraud and flag them for state employees to investigate. (Lower tech methods like visiting food sites might have been just as effective during the so-called Feeding Our Future scandal, when some entities claimed to be serving thousands of children per day out of an apartment building and townhome, for instance.)

These are not just financial crimes against the state and the taxpayers of Minnesota. These are crimes against children, and what weve seen in Minnesota is these crimes have basically targeted programs that either feed children or help children in need  Its simply unacceptable, Walz said at a Friday press conference.

The governor is proposing legislation to enact stiffer penalties for those convicted of fraud, including a new theft of public funds statute that increases criminal penalties by 20% compared to the existing theft law. Walz is also proposing making kickbacks a state crime, in an attempt to deter state employees from conspiring with bad actors for profit.

Walzs fraud package comes about one month after FBI agents served search warrants at two autism providers. The feds in their search warrant alleged the autism providers massively overbilled for services they didnt deliver.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The autism investigation is linked to the Feeding Our Future scandal, the $250 million theft of federal money intended to feed hungry children during the pandemic. Some of the autism centers were also part of the food aid program, and the FBIs autism provider search warrant states that at least a dozen of the defendants charged for their role in the Feeding Our Future scheme owned, received money from, or were associated with autism clinics.

Walz said that Minnesota has a culture of helping those in need, which may have created more opportunities for fraud.

I think its probably a culture of generosity. I think its a culture of being a little too trusting on this, Walz said. I dont think those are bad character traits, but I dont think theyre necessarily as effective in a time where were seeing fraud increase.

The governor would need bipartisan support to pass any fraud legislation, as the Senate is tied 33-33 between Republicans and Democrats after Sen. Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, died from cancer last week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

House Republicans also currently have a 67-66 majority, at least for now, after a judge ruled that a Democratic candidate was ineligible to hold the seat.

House speaker-designate Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, called Walzs proposal smoke and mirrors.

We need real change to crack down on fraud, and that starts with a process that is truly independent of the leadership that allowed fraud to run rampant over the last five years, Demuth said in a statement. House Republicans will be unveiling a comprehensive fraud package that treats this as the serious problem it is, and includes meaningful accountability for fraudsters and agencies who have failed to protect Minnesotans tax dollars.
(Bloomberg) -- Since winning the US election, Donald Trump has taunted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by calling him governor of a 51st US state, threatened 25% tariffs, and vented that the US is getting ripped off by its northern neighbor because of a trade deficit.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Pierre Poilievre  the Conservative leader who is the front-runner to beat Trudeaus party in the next election  says he could increase Canadas exports to the US and strike a great deal with Trump anyway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Poilievre sketched out an elevator pitch to the US president-elect during an interview with right-wing Canadian influencer Jordan Peterson, posted online Thursday. If elected, Poilievre said he plans to speed up approvals to build oil refineries, liquefied natural gas plants, nuclear facilities and hydro power. Canada has the ability to grow its electricity surplus with the US, helping to run the data centers that are essential to its booming artificial intelligence sector, he added.

If you look at the history of President Trump, he negotiates very aggressively and he likes to win, but in the end, he doesnt appear to have a problem if his counterparty also wins, Poilievre said. And so I think that we can get a great deal that will make both countries safer, richer, and stronger.

But Trump should also be aware that Canada currently sells its oil and gas to the US at enormous discounts, Poilievre told Peterson.

Yes, it is a ripoff  Canada is ripping itself off, the Conservative politician said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The US trade deficit in goods with Canada was $50.5 billion through the first 10 months of the year. It would be larger, but Canadian crude is sold cheaply to US refineries, particularly in the Midwest.

The discount exists because Canada has few alternatives. Theres only one oil-export pipeline that goes to an ocean port in British Columbia, and the country is only now developing a liquefied natural gas industry with the capacity to ship large quantities of gas to Asia. So most of the fuel goes south.

That is the true story  its the pathetic story  of our trade surplus, is that were actually handing over our resources, stupidly, Poilievre said. Its not the Americans fault, its our fault, were stupid. And were going to stop being stupid when Im prime minister.

Poilievre argued that Trump has reason to be annoyed with US deficits with China and Mexico  from a mercantilist point of view  because they siphon away American jobs. But the trade gap with Canada is different, the Conservative leader said, because its driven by the sale of commodities that Canada has and the US needs, and actually supports American jobs where theyre processed downstream.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The last thing he should want to do is to block the underpriced Canadian energy from going into his marketplace, he continued, appealing to Trump. In fact, what I would encourage him to do is to approve the Keystone pipeline, he added, referring to a long-running Keystone XL project designed to ferry some 800,000 barrels a day from Albertas oil sands to southeast Nebraska, where it would link up with existing pipelines.

President Joe Biden revoked a key permit for that project after taking office in 2021, effectively killing it. Trump is in favor of Keystone XL, but there has been no sign yet that South Bow Corp., owner of the Keystone system, would want to revive it.

Lost Jobs

If Trump somehow stopped Canadas trade surplus with the US immediately, American workers at refineries would lose their jobs and consumers would pay higher prices, Poilievre said. He argued that Canada should instead ramp up extraction of resources such as critical minerals that so both countries can get richer while weaning themselves off supplies from unfriendly states like China.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Poilievre added that hes held talks with the conservative leaders of hydrocarbon-rich provinces Alberta and Saskatchewan, asking them to be ready to expedite resource project approvals.

Poilievre said he would address US concerns about border trafficking and military spending, adding that a Conservative government would invest the planned gains of his energy-exporting strategy in Arctic security. Trump has long complained the US is being shortchanged by allies, and Canada is currently far short of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization goal to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense.

I can fund a more robust military and continental defense if I have more free trade with the greatest economy the world has ever seen  and we can both win, he said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
GREECE, N.Y. (WROC)  Throughout the town of Greece can be found small black cameras attached to electrical poles. These are equipped with license plate recognition software, and the Greece Police Department plans to install more of them in the next week.

Greece Police Chief Michael Wood told News 8 when looking at the successes other towns have had with this technology, it made sense to discuss implementing these cameras locally.

The cameras are pretty broadly used, but its all about public safety and allowing us to do our jobs better, Chief Wood said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Similar to what can be found across the New York State Thruway for toll billing, the cameras in Greece are capable of capturing photos of a vehicle and its license plate as it passes by.

They use optical character recognition technology to come up with the identifiable license plate, and then that information is uploaded into a database, Chief Wood said.

The database can then be used to match the vehicles photos to vehicles that have been reported stolen, belong to a missing person or person of interest, or are suspected to be connected to a crime.

Since the cameras first went up in October, Chief Wood said theyve been widely effective.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even in the last couple of days, weve had multiple stolen vehicles that weve been able to recover, Chief Wood said. Weve especially made many apprehensions at Greece Ridge Mall with stolen vehicles.

Chief Wood also mentioned some Greece residents expressing privacy concerns regarding the technology, which he responded to.

In the end, when you weigh the factors such as public safety, policing and what were entrusted to do for the community, I think it helps us to do our jobs better, Chief Wood said. Its meant to keep people safer.

An estimated 50 cameras are set to be active once mounting is complete. The Greece Police Department purchased them by securing funding from the New York State Law Enforcement Technology Grant. If there is funding leftover, Chief Wood said the department will consider expanding its UAV Program, which encompasses their use of drones.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Greece residents with concerns regarding the new cameras are encouraged to contact the Greece Police Department directly.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
German Green Party politician Robert Habeck urged a major increase in military spending in a new interview with the Spiegel news magazine published on Friday.

Habeck, the current vice chancellor who is campaigning as his party's top candidate in early elections on February 23, said the threat to the NATO alliance from Russian aggression means the defence spending target of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) is not enough.

"We need to spend almost twice as much on our defence so that Putin does not dare to attack us. We must secure peace and prevent further war," Habeck said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Habeck said he agreed with some expert forecasts that called for Germany to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence in the coming years.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, a member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), also believes that an increase in defence spending beyond the 2% target is necessary.

According to the latest public NATO figures, the German government has reported defence spending of around 90.6 billion ($93.3 billion) for the coming year.

According to estimates, this could correspond to a GDP share of around 2.1%. Last year, only five of the 32 NATO states, including the United States, are likely to have reached the 3% mark.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Germany is currently meeting the NATO target with spending from a 100 billion special debt-financed fund created to rebuild the country's military in the wake of Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The money from this special fund is expected to be spent by the end of 2027, and it remains unclear how the German government plans to finance increased military spending in the long term.

Major shortfalls in the German government budget helped bring down Scholz's fractious three-party coalition government.
Greenlands prime minister has reiterated his call for independence from Denmark after Donald Trump suggested the US could acquire the Arctic territory.

It is about time that we ourselves take a step and shape our future, also with regard to who we will cooperate closely with, and who our trading partners will be, Mute Egede said in his new years speech.

Copenhagen announced in December it would boost defence spending in Greenland, the worlds largest island, by 1.3 billion (1.04 billion) - just hours after Mr Trump said that Washington establishing ownership and control of the territory was an absolute necessity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, when it was redefined as a district of Denmark, and established an independent parliament in 1979. However, Copenhagen continues to enact control over its foreign and defence policy.

Calls for independence in Greenland have grown in recent decades, partly due to revelations of misconduct by Danish authorities during the 20th century, including an involuntary birth control campaign launched in the 1960s.

Donald Trump has been rejected twice by Greenlands government on his offers to buy the island - Cheney Orr

In 2023, Greenlands government presented its first draft constitution, with Mr Egede saying work had already begun to create the conditions for an independent Greenland.

It is now time for our country to take the next step. Like other countries in the world, we must work to remove the obstacles to cooperation  which we can describe as the shackles of colonialism  and move forward, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The prime minister added that it was up to the 57,000 people of Greenland to decide on independence but did not specify when a referendum could be held.

Greenlands government has twice rejected offers by Mr Trump to purchase the island, in 2019 and again last month when Mr Trump said the US needed to buy Greenland for the purposes of national security and freedom throughout the world.

Mr Egede insisted at the time Greenland was not for sale. Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom, he said.

There are 57,000 people living in Greenland - Arctic-Images

He did not specifically reference Mr Trump or his comments in his latest speech.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Greenland, a mineral-rich Arctic territory, is considered to hold vital strategic value for Washington given that it hosts a US military base. Greenlands capital Nuuk is also closer to New York than the Danish capital Copenhagen.

Despite its natural resources, Greenlands economy remains fragile, heavily dependent on fishing and annual grants from Denmark.

The country is due to hold parliamentary elections before April 6.

Mr Trump in December also threatened to retake control of the Panama Canal and suggested Canada could become the 51st US state, mocking the countrys prime minister, Justin Trudeau, by calling him a governor.

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.
Jan. 2The new year got off to a tragic start with the death of a Greensburg man as the result of injuries suffered in a traffic accident.

According to the Greensburg Police Department, at approximately 11:12 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, the Decatur County Communications Center received reports of a single-vehicle accident on Ind. 3 near the I-74 overpass.

Initial reports indicate the vehicle, a Ford pickup truck, was northbound on Ind. 3 when it struck the concrete median, rolled over, and came to rest in the southbound lane of travel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The driver, identified as Raymond J. Lecher, 64, of Greensburg, was transported from the scene to Decatur County Memorial Hospital where he died from injuries he suffered in the incident.

The Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team and the Decatur County Coroner's Office were contacted to assist in the investigation.

Also assisting at the scene were personnel from the Decatur County Sheriff's Department, Greensburg Fire Department, Decatur County EMS and TDS Wrecker Service.

No additional information about this fatality were available at the time of this writing.
Filmmaker Steffen Hou (left) talks with Jasen Barker (right) in the documentary "Face of Hate" which details Barker's journey away from white supremacy. Submitted photo

An anti-extremist group plans to host the U.S. theater premier of a documentary next month detailing the journey out of white supremacy of a former KKK leader and Nazi sympathizer from Livingston County.

Face of Hate tells the story of Jasen Barker, who made headlines when he and a cousin were sentenced to prison after assaulting a Black Michigan State Police trooper at a bar in Brighton in 2001. Over the course of the film, Barkers path takes him deeper into white supremacy, including becoming a leader with a Kentucky-based Ku Klux Klan group, taking on pro-Nazi ideology and eventually receiving a second prison term for multiple firearm offenses related to illegally possessing guns and explosives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Slowly, however, Barker begins to explore his overt racist ideology and question its origins, eventually seeking redemption and forgiveness from his children after accepting the pain his white supremacy had caused.

Stand Against Extremism Livingston County, which goes by the name SAGE, plans to host a free screening of the documentary on Feb. 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Historic Howell Theater.

I think that the first thing what makes me happy about a showing like this is that its no secret that in the U.S. media landscape and in the U.S. in general, there is some kind of scaredness, if I can put it that way, to actually touch base on this topic, Danish author and filmmaker Steffen Hou told Michigan Advance.

Hou, whose interactions with Barker form the basis for the documentary, plans to attend the free screening in Howell, along with Barker, and take part in a Q&A session afterward facilitated by Christian Picciolini, a former skinhead extremist turned peace advocate and author.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I hope that with the screening and showing like this then I can just add a bit of debate and awareness, said Hou. I hope that we can actually bring a different perspective to the debate.

Promotional photo for Face of Hate documentary. Submitted photo

The film, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, begins in 2017 when Hou visits Barker at his farm property near Fowlerville and is immediately inundated by Barkers deeply-held white supremacist beliefs.

In one notable scene, Barker shows Hou his pig enclosure which he has named Dachau, after the infamous Nazi death camp used in the Holocaust. When Hou questions why he would use such a name, Barker matter-of-factly lays out his rationale.

There was just a lot of documentation that Im coming across and that Ive been turned on to you that just kind of disproves a lot of (the Holocaust) and theres a lot of people, famous people, for instance, I know Mel Gibson, he doesnt believe the concentration camp stories, says Barker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So you dont believe in what is a fact to most people that actually six million Jews were killed in World War II?, questions Hou.

Yeah, I believe some were killed, but six million? That number I think is very far fetched, said Barker.

But it doesnt matter whether it was six million people or if its actually six people, said Hou.

I guess not to the Jewish race it doesnt, responded Barker. I guess the higher the number, the better.

But when Hou notes that members of his own family, who he notes were white Christian Danes also died in the Holocaust, Barker seems surprised, at which point Hou convinces Barker to not only remove the Dachau sign, but forgo naming another enclosure after the Auschwitz death camp.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hou tells the Advance that moment was actually a hinge point in their relationship.

I decided out of the blue more or less to confront him with my background and how my family have been involved in World War II and I took a deep breath, and then I confronted him, not knowing if he would actually attack me physically because I had at that time been witnessing a very violent environment that was his everyday life, he said, noting that he had witnessed Barker and several like-minded friends firing off weapons in mock training drills preparing for what they believed would be a racial holy war.

I did not know how he was going to respond and then probably anticipated that it could be in an angry, aggressive way, said Hou.

But to his surprise, Hou says Barker thoughtfully considered the request and began to open up about his past, including hearing stories from his uncles of the cross burnings at the farm of notorious KKK Grand Dragon Robert Miles, whose Cohoctah Township property north of Howell hosted Klan events in the 1970s and 80s, one of which Barker claims to have attended with an older cousin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The facts of this documentary bring to question our local leaders narrative that racists arent from LivCo / not our problem; which is why we feel strongly it needs to be seen by as many community members as possible, stated a press release by SAGE.

Graphic promoting the screening of Face of Hate documentary in Howell. Submitted photo

The group has been active in pushing back against several recent white supremacist incidents in Livingston County, including a march through Howell in July, which prompted a symbolic scrubbing away of hate by SAGE members. SAGE also held a counter protest rally on the steps of Howell City Hall after white supremacists with Nazi flags protested in November outside a production of the play The Diary of Anne Frank.

According to SAGE, volunteers and supporters of the group raised the funds to make the screening free to the public with a primary goal of education.

This event and its crucial follow up conversations are the start of moving forward from a validated history of racism with LivCo at the active center, stated the group.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

By the end of the documentary, Barker discusses some of the deep trauma from his childhood, including his mothers death, that led him down a path towards hate, but then how his desire to be in his childrens lives ultimately motivated him to come to terms with his past.

Hou says the transformation he saw in Barker through the years really was amazing.

I found Jasen extremely despicable over the first years. There was something in him that I felt sorry for and that I felt like was trapped in his beliefs and in the violence that he has conducted, he said. But I very much sympathize with him today because I have no doubt that he generally has changed and that he has gone from being an evil, hateful man to one who actually does good, that is grateful and then wants to keep changing himself.

SAGE asks that anyone interested in attending the free screening of Face of Hate should sign up through this link as seating will be limited.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Brain Cipher is the international cybercriminal group that has claimed responsibility for hacking Rhode Islands IT system for health and benefits programs, potentially exposing the personal data of hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders.

Some of the information was posted on the dark web after the hackers negotiated with Deloitte, the company that maintains the RIBridges system.

Cybersecurity expert Patrick Laverty told 12 News its unclear exactly who is behind the group.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They are a yet another group of many, many that are online that use this type of malware to encrypt the data, he explained.

RELATED: Will my January benefits be delayed due to the RI data breach?

Malware, or malicious software, is used to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and networks to steal sensitive information.

Laverty said the group is believed to have first come onto the scene in June when they went after the government in Indonesia using similar tactics as the data breach in Rhode Island.

They also went after some museums in France, he said. A little bit later, they went after the French Olympics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Groups like Brain Cipher often demand companies or governments to pay up either through ransom or extortion.

Laverty said he has seen the group demand money in exchange for not releasing data that was stolen. That payment has varied from $8,000 to as much as $20 million, according to Laverty.

If the victims dont pay up, the group will then release the information on the dark web for anyone to download, leaving people vulnerable to scams in the future.

LEARN MORE: How to protect your personal data after RI cyberattack

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.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A Hartford man who trafficked cocaine and guns  including one that was used in a Middletown homicide  will spend 12 years in prison, according to an announcement Friday from Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Jacquerie Labronze Gibson, 44, has been sentenced to 144 months in prison, which will be followed by three years of supervised release.

Law enforcement uncovered in August 2021 that Gibson was trafficking guns that had been bought in North Carolina. He was also trafficking cocaine and converting cocaine into crack cocaine in his apartment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A search warrant of his home found a loaded handgun, ammunition, a bulletproof vest, 90 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package drugs, and $860 in cash.

He had previously been convicted on drug charges, burglary offenses and for attacking a woman with a knife. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 31, 2023 to possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

He was sentenced in North Carolina in 2023 to 127 months in prison for charges 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 WTNH.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A hawk has returned to the wild with the help of firefighters in Springfield on Thursday.

Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte said firefighters were called to 5 West Hill Road for an animal rescue. Upon arrival, they found a red-tailed hawk entangled in netting beneath a rooftop solar panel.

Owl rescued on New Years Eve in Williamsburg after being struck by vehicle

(Springfield Fire Department)

The firefighters had to cut the netting to be able to free the hawk. The hawk was released and flew away unassisted.

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.
Syria's new de facto ruler and leader of the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) received an EU delegation led by German Foreign Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Friday.

Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted the ministers in the former palace of toppled long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in the capital Damascus. Al-Sharaa's HTS led a coalition of armed groups who drove al-Assad from power around four weeks ago.

Al-Sharaa received Baerbock and Barrot at the entrance to the palace at the beginning of a long red carpet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The hard-line Islamist did not greet Baerbock with a handshake, a gesture he has consistently avoided when meeting women, but he extended his hand to Barrot.

After the Frenchman had initially placed his right hand on his heart in greeting, he then briefly took al-Sharaa's hand.

Al-Sharaa was formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. The HTS group emerged from the al-Nusra Front, an offshoot of the al-Qaeda terrorist network, and was previously affiliated with the terrorist group Islamic State.

The group has since broken away from both organizations, and al-Sharaa has sought to portray himself as a moderate in recent months, although HTS continues to be designated a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States, among others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baerbock had already stated at the beginning of her visit to Syria that she would continue to judge the HTS by its actions.

She said that, despite all the scepticism, the opportunity to support the people of Syria at this important crossroads should not be missed.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Friday repeated its criticism of a bill before the Israeli parliament that will prevent it from operating in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

"The clock is ticking fast towards the implementation of the Knesset bill. If implemented, it will ban UNRWA from operating in the occupied Palestinian territory," the organization's head, Philippe Lazzarini, posted on X.

He termed the bill "part of broader efforts to erase Palestinian history and identity" and noted it was due to go into force in under four weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Our teams meanwhile are committed to stay and deliver," Lazzarini said.

Israel accuses UNRWA, which has supported Palestinians since 1949, of employing staff who participate in terrorist activity.

Observers fear that the law will make providing for the Palestinian civilian population more difficult, while Israel wishes to provide humanitarian aid through other organizations.

Noting that UNRWA health teams have provided millions of consultations since the current war began, vaccinated 560,000 children against polio, provided food assistance to almost 2 million people and provided shelter to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, Lazzarini posted: "No other UN agency does such work."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"UNRWA can be replaced only through a functioning Palestinian state which would address the plight of Palestine refugees," he said.

An UNRWA spokeswoman denied a report in the New York Times to the effect that UN officials had said they were preparing to shutter UNRWA operations in both Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Idaho Supreme Court Justices Robyn Brody, left, and Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan, right, listen to oral arguments in court from attorneys on a lawsuit by Babe Vote and the League of Women Voters targeting an Idaho law that removed student identification cards as acceptable voter registration documents. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)

Alleging Idahos long-critiqued public defense system has worsened despite the states reform effort, the ACLU of Idaho asked the Idaho Supreme Court to intervene.

Following the ACLU of Idahos 2015 lawsuit that alleged Idahos public defense system violated low-income peoples right to counsel guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Idaho passed a law to centralize county-level public defenders into a statewide agency, called the Office of the State Public Defender.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In October, Idaho officially transferred public defense from Idahos 44 counties to that agency.

Since then, some public defenders quit, citing new pay cuts; an Owyhee County judge ordered the new public defender agency head, Eric Fredericksen, to appear in court to explain why the rural county near Boise had two hearings without a public defender present; and the Idaho Supreme Court required the State Public Defenders Office to pay for appeal transcripts.

Citing statements in court and written testimony from attorneys and people deemed legally indigent, ACLU of Idaho alleges in its Dec. 23 emergency motion that mass resignations have left public defenders with large workloads and that countless indigent defendants have appeared in courts across Idaho without representation from the State Public Defenders Office, and that some struggled for weeks, if not months, to have any communication with their counsel.

ACLU of Idaho asked the Idaho Supreme Court to order the state to release from custody legally indigent people who havent communicated with attorneys within seven days of a public defense agency appointment, or if attorneys for them havent appeared to assist at bond arguments, preliminary hearings, trials, or sentencings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Idahos public defense system is headed for a disaster that was not just predictable, but actually predicted, attorneys for ACLU of Idaho write in the motion.  Because the executive and legislative branches have repeatedly failed to quell the crisis, it will persist if the judiciary does not intervene.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

ACLU of Idaho asks court to require regular updates on State Public Defenders Office

ACLU also asked the court to rule in an injunction that Idaho must create and implement a plan to remedy its alleged constitutional violations; to remand the case to district court to appoint an independent monitor to oversee Idahos progress; and asked the court to require weekly, monthly and quarterly reports by the Idaho State Public Defenders Office.

The Idaho State Public Defenders Office could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday. Agency officials have defended the transition as a complicated overhaul that officials are still working to improve. Officials have acknowledged staff turnover, but said many vacant positions had been filled and that most public defenders actually saw a pay raise under the new system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Attorneys representing Idaho in the lawsuit on Tuesday requested more time to reply, Idaho Reports reported.

In the months since Idahos transition to the statewide public defense system, attorneys for ACLU of Idaho write in their motion, the States ongoing failure to provide the most basic and fundamental services has only hastened, spread, and aggravated the constitutional injuries that the certified class of tens of thousands of Idahoans continues to endure. In just the short time that Plaintiffs have been observing and investigating the (State Public Defenders Office) implementation, it has been consistently clear that the States failures are significant and statewide, and that their impact is only making the delivery of public defense in the State worse.

In February, when an Idaho district judge dismissed the ACLU of Idahos lawsuit, he wrote time will tell if the State will live up to the promises it made or if those are mere empty promises.

Mass resignations in Idaho leave public defense attorneys with impossible caseloads, ACLU alleges

ACLU of Idahos lawsuit claims mass resignations during the switch to Idahos State Public Defenders Office have left public defense attorneys with impossible caseloads, and put others in incredibly difficult situations where they have to show up not knowing that they would be expected to defend the client they ended up representing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

About a quarter of attorneys in Ada Countys institutional office have resigned since mid-August, at least some due to pay cuts under the new system, the lawsuit says. Kootenai Countys public defense office only has 11 of the 26 public defenders it needs, the lawsuit says, while Canyon County is down to 23 defenders from 32 before the transition.

The public defender in Idahos First Judicial District handles all Shoshone County public defense cases. That workload, estimated at 275-300 active cases, would typically be a full-time docket for two attorneys, the lawsuit says.

One day in Kootenai County, the lawsuit claims, no defendants in 17 misdemeanor arraignments had counsel. One day in Ada County, counsel with the State Public Defenders Office appeared on behalf of four defendants but barely had time to speak with any of them.

The lawsuit includes written testimony from attorneys and defendants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In one, a Kootenai County defendant says they showed up in court three times without their attorney in October and November, even though they called the State Public Defense Office every other day after their arraignment, the lawsuit states. In another, a defendant said they made the eight-hour drive from Boise to Bonner County three times over a couple of months  only to have proceedings repeatedly continued because (the State Public Defenders Office) counsel withdrew from his case, the lawsuit says.

Overstretched defenders  with inadequate access to client files  also struggled to make adequate bond arguments on behalf of their clients, the lawsuit says. Clients without counsel, or unprepared defenders, are now put in the position of having to either waive their right to speedy trial or move forward with their defense effectively alone.

And since some public defenders left their jobs, some worry that their former clients havent heard from the State Public Defenders Office about which attorney will represent them, the lawsuit says.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

emergency_filing_tucker_dec_2024
(WKBN)  Winter is the time when owls are the most vocal, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife

Barred owls, great horned owls, and species such as the eastern screech owl can be found in Ohios woodlands.

Owls are very vocal in winter as they find mates and establish territories. You hear them best at dusk and many times see their silhouettes in bare trees, according to ODW.

Locally, ODW says West Branch State Park hosts several owl species along with the Woodland Trails Wildlife Area (Preble County) and Woodbury Wildlife Area (Coshocton County).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Before making it to the new year, rapper Trae Tha Truth had been looking for his daughter for more than four months.

In August, shortly after a parental court granted Trae full custody of his 6-year-old daughter, Truth, he took her to see her mother for a 2-day visitation. Unfortunately, that would be the last time he saw her for a while because her mother constantly moved the girl from various homes to avoid Trae, according to TMZ.

For the next four months, Trae urged anyone to help him find his young daughter, pleading that the public share any information about her whereabouts. He even hired a private investigator to assist with the search.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Then on the morning of the new year, Trae received a call that his daughters mother had been arrested in El Centro, California, on child endangerment charges.

As a result, the Old School rapper caught the next flight to San Diego and drove to a small town near the U.S./Mexico border where he was finally reunited with his daughter.

On Thursday, in a post on Instagram, the Houston rapper said, Never Let No One Tell You GOD Aint Real!!!! The First Day Of 2025 I Received A Call That I Couldnt Believe (THEY SAID SHE WAS FOUND) I Know GOD is the ONLY REASON I Held On when I wanted to Give Up. I Had To Let Go And Trust Him, Tho it was Hard in these Last Past Months I was Completely Broken and Empty I Learned To Have Faith

He continued, Tho i didnt know where Truth Was , I Knew God Was Protecting Her so that was The Beginning Of My Understanding Faith. I Have to let tha world Know GOD IS THE ONLY REASON IM REUNITED WIT MY TWIN AND HEART!! God put the Right People In Place, GOD Place the Right Eyes To See, GOD Put it on Peoples Heart To Assist And GOD Aligned Every Person That Prayed and Heard They Cry!! Thank You God!!

Traes ex will now be extradited to Texas, where she will face child endangerment charges, according to TMZ.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
In the mid-1960s, at the age of 16, Gary Hay was ripped away from his parents and sent to the Arthur G Dozier School for Boys, in Marianna, Florida. A boyish error of judgment  scrawling graffiti on a wall in Tallahassee  resulted in two years of incarceration, now seared into his memory for eternity as a period during which he endured weekly beatings (via leather belt and wooden sticks) and psychological abuse that left him a shadow of his former self.

I believed in God until I spent two years of my life in that place, Hay says. My faith, my love of life and people, was beaten out of me one day at a time. The 76-year-old is speaking to me over the phone from his home in New Orleans, and with every sentence uttered about what he suffered comes a break in his voice, a sense that he is still struggling to make sense of it all.

Dozier was opened in 1900 as a reform school for juvenile delinquents, some of whom were as young as eight when they arrived on site. At its peak, between the 1950s and the 1970s, about 600 boys a year were being admitted to the school: some had been arrested  often on juvenile charges, such as truancy and theft  while others were orphans or wards of the state, entrusted to the care of the schools staff. However, Dozier became Floridas epicentre of institutional child abuse, and far from being nurtured and supported, many of the boys were beaten, raped and allegedly even murdered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The institution inspired Colson Whiteheads Pulitzer Prize-winning 2019 novel The Nickel Boys, in which Dozier becomes the Nickel Academy: a hellhole where two teenagers, Elwood and Turner, find themselves trapped; the former, studious and inspired by civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr; the latter, a cocky, savvy kid unfazed by his terrible everyday reality. In the book, the establishment is named after a former director of the school (as with the real Dozier), but according to the boys incarcerated there, its name really refers to the fact that their lives are worth less than pennies.

The novel has now been adapted into a Hollywood film, directed by RaMell Ross, which is already being tipped as an Oscar frontrunner. Shot entirely from a first-person viewpoint, we see Nickel first through the eyes of Elwood (Ethan Herisse), still clinging onto his idealistic innocence, then Turner (Brandon Wilson), his close friend. Elwood has been sent to Nickel after making the mistake of hitching a ride in a stolen vehicle; Turner, on his second stint at the school, has been charged with throwing a brick through a bullying white boys car window.

Set during the Jim Crow era, we see the schools divided living quarters, where the black boys are separated from the white, forced to wear tattier clothes and endure regular taunts and beatings from racist staff. The film keeps most of the abuse off-screen, but a scene in which Elwood is flogged so hard that he wakes up in hospital brings home the regimes brutality.

Hay, who is African-American, interacts with other former inmates online, but is yet to see the film or read Whiteheads novel  he fears they could be too triggering. He saw the reality of Doziers horrors first-hand: his friends being sent to the infamous White House  an outbuilding where much of the abuse, predominantly against black boys, took place  and coming back beaten and bleeding; and boys taken away for beatings, never to return, explained away by the staff as runaways, though their peers suspected they had been killed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If the teachers thought you were answering back or being clever, youd be beaten. If you were caught laughing with your brothers, youd be beaten, says Hay. The thing I always remember is how hot it was. Wed be outside all day  digging, sweeping, scrubbing floors  and your skin would be blistered from the sun. This is Florida, remember, its like 90F in summer. Then youd get whupped with a belt or a stick in the outhouse, and your skin would feel like it was being ripped off your body.

The Arthur G Dozier School for Boys, in Marianna, Florida - Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images

In the schools early years, there were reports of children being chained to walls, whippings, boys forced to work long hours on the land, and to entertain the staff, with black children goaded into fighting one another. A campaign group of about 400 survivors of Dozier, known as the White House Boys, prompted a full investigation into the school in 2010.

Dozier closed in 2011, but it was in 2012, when Erin Kimmerle, a researcher at the University of South Florida, decided to excavate the school grounds  with permission from the state  that the horrors came to light. Kimmerle and her team identified 55 burials, including in unmarked graves outside the sites official cemetery. The number of recorded deaths was 100; three times as many of the dead were black as white, with the cause of death ranging from disease to blunt-force trauma and gunshot wounds. Last year, the Florida senate finally approved a plan to grant $20 million in compensation to the survivors.

To the schools former inmates, Kimmerles findings confirmed what they already knew: Florida, and the federal government, had failed to protect them when they were young and vulnerable (many of the children came from poor backgrounds, and a large proportion were African-American). Since the schools closure, the White House Boys have taken their accounts of abuse to the press and the White House.

Thirty-one metal crosses marking the Boot Hill cemetery at the Dozier School - Reuters/Edmund D Fountain

Hay says the regular beatings have left him with premature arthritis, as well as PTSD: For years, I flinched whenever somebody shouted near me, I was left with this real fear of violence. Even on TV, if I saw someone being beat, Id find myself fidgeting, like it was gonna happen to me all over again. None of us deserved what we got in there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some of the Doziers pupils became too scarred by their experiences to lead a normal life. One was subsequently imprisoned seven times because he developed a penchant for the violence fostered in the schools brutal environment. You either turned into someone who beat, or you got beaten. I went in there a normal kid and I came out angry at everyone. Its a tragic story of young people who deserved protection being victimised by a system that cared little about human decency, just as is still happening in the USs various private tough love residential schools where parents send troubled children today.

The crimes committed at the Dozier school leave a dark stain on Americas history and prompt uncomfortable questions around complicity. As Elwood thinks to himself in Whiteheads book, If everyone looked the other way, then everybody was in on it. If he looked the other way, he was as implicated as the rest.

Nickel Boys is in cinemas 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.
At a hearing in the summer, San Diego County Superior Court Judge John Thompson wrestled with the decision before him.

There are very few things that I find now after sitting on the bench for 36 years that are difficult. This is one of them, he said, according to a June 26 court transcript. Every fiber of my being tells me I should deny this request.

At question was the fate of Paul Carl Tomasini, who was convicted of brutally murdering Mary Shojai in 2012. According to prosecutors, Tomasini bludgeoned 66-year-old Shojai, a disability rights advocate, at least 17 times with a mallet in her San Diego home after she broke off their romantic relationship that developed at church.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Twelve years later, Tomasini was eligible for early release under California's newest compassionate release law because of a prostate cancer diagnosis. According to court documents, 78-year-old Tomasini's cancer had metastasized, and he is facing "an end-of-life trajectory." He now resides in a healthcare facility that offers palliative care, paid for by taxpayers.

Tomasini is among the first to benefit from a law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom that went into effect in 2023, designed to allow more people who are seriously ill to live out their final days outside a prison cell as long as they are not deemed a threat to the public.

Read more: Newsom has approved three California prison closures but resists pressure to shutter more

The legislation is an example of California's progressive criminal justice reform laws meant to end mass incarceration and give offenders a chance at redemption, a hallmark of the Democratic-led state that has recently been called into question. Voters in November repealed part of a decade-old law that softened some criminal penalties and ousted two progressive district attorneys who championed such reforms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For people such as Mina Moynehan, it has little to do with politics. She grew up in a family of "deep blue" Democrats and believes in mercy for some prisoners, but is forever shaped by the shocking loss of Shojai  her mother.

Moynehan said she can still see in her mind the crime scene at her mother's home: spots of blood and flecks of brain matter strewn on carpet and furniture even after the police had cleaned up.

Advocates for compassionate release point to research that shows older people with advanced illness are unlikely to commit acts of violence, and releasing them is one way to cut down on California's costly prison bills. But Shojai's case shows how complicated those decisions can be, and how profoundly they affect the families left behind.

Mina Moynehan holds her favorite photo of her mother, Mary Shojai. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Although the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation recommended Tomasini for early release, describing a frail man living in pain, at times dependent on a walker, that's not enough for Moynehan, who was shaking as she begged the judge to not release him that day in court. She said that she and her family are afraid of him, and that caregivers who will be in charge of him should be too.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a parole hearing, Tomasini said that he was "remorseful beyond words" for killing Shojai and that if released, he would commit the rest of his presumably short life to "the service of others" as repayment.

Both Thompson, a veteran judge who called Shojai's death a "horrific" crime, and the San Diego County district attorney's office questioned prison officials' assessment of Tomasini's public safety risk. They wondered whether he could still harm someone with a weapon despite his worsening illness and peppered his attorney with questions about just how capable he is. Can he shower on his own? Can he catch a bus?

It didn't matter. California law requires a presumption in the prisoner's favor when it comes to those deemed at the end of their life, and gives anyone outside the state prison system and their medical providers little discretion over the matter.

Despite his apparent trepidation, Thompson said Tomasini was unlikely to commit a "super strike" felony such as homicide or sexually violent crimes if released  the key test he has to pass to be released early.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The Legislature has made it clear: good, bad or indifferent, that the court must consider this petition," the judge said at the hearing in the summer.

He ultimately signed off on Tomasini's freedom, ending his years at Amador County's Mule Creek State Prison and sending him to a nursing home.

A daughter's grief transforms

Although Tomasini initially pleaded not guilty to the crime, he later admitted to murdering Shojai.

In a 2022 parole hearing where Shojai's family was present, he said that he remembers some of that day  including bludgeoning her multiple times with a mallet after she was "critical" of him  but other moments are blurry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I take full responsibility for all of it. I just don't remember it," Tomasini said, according to a transcript obtained from the California Board of Parole Hearings.

He said that at the time of her murder, he was struggling financially and mentally, battling an extreme bout of depression. When Shojai declined his marriage proposal, and tried to be just friends instead of romantic partners, it pushed him to do something "totally out of character"  an act that police officials later described as one of the most heinous murders they had ever seen.

According to a police report, the handle of the mallet broke during the attack, which led Tomasini to switch his weapon to a candlestick. That broke too. Shojai's blood was found across three rooms, and her skull was shattered.

Tomasini stabbed himself before he called the police to report "a struggle," but he has denied in parole hearings that it was an attempt to make it appear that an intruder was to blame for Shojai's death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It was a building level of anxiety," he told parole board officials. "I resented Mary for rejecting me. I guess that built up over time."

Read more: Newsom freed elderly and sick prisoners during COVID, but he's grappling with risks of more mercy

Shojai was the director of student disability services at San Diego State University, helping hundreds of young people with special needs get the support they need.

When she died in 2012, friends and co-workers described her as an elegant leader with "a gentle strength"  a hugger who never forgot a name and a beacon of her community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She was an organist at her church on the brink of retirement and looking forward to a new kind of life, full of family time and relaxation after decades of working as a single mother. She never got to meet some of her grandchildren  Moynehan was pregnant at the time of her murder.

Since her death, Moynehan's grief has oscillated among sorrow, fear and anger.

Over the summer, that grief transformed into something new when Tomasini was released from prison: activism.

Moynehan has attended Tomasini's court and parole hearings and railed against legislation such as Assembly Bill 960, which led to his compassionate release. She's also questioning other policies that make up California's approach to criminal justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Along with family members of other crime victims, Moynehan, a healthcare expert from San Diego, is suing the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation over Proposition 57, a ballot measure approved by voters in 2016 that allowed more prisoners a chance at parole.

Paul Carl Tomasini served more than a decade at Mule Creek State Prison. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The lawsuit questions the legality of the ballot measure, which allows prisoners to earn early release through good behavior credits, and alleges that it has given prison officials "unchecked power" to shorten sentences for even violent felons against the intentions of voters who approved it nearly a decade ago.

Moynehan, 47, believes that it helped Tomasini, who already had a college degree before he entered prison, to work toward early release by taking academic courses behind bars  something that does not prove his remorse or reform, she said.

She wants to see a ballot measure to overhaul Proposition 57, just as a measure was overwhelmingly approved by voters last year repealing some of Proposition 47, which had lessened criminal penalties for some nonviolent crimes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Moynehan's plight comes at a time when Californians are grappling with the states history of sentencing reform. She's second- guessing some of the policies crafted by Democratic lawmakers in the state where she has lived most of her life.

"The person who murdered my mother has been released. That tells me something is very, very wrong in California," she said. "I don't think someone who is nonviolent or made a bad choice when they were younger or is now clearly off of the drugs they once were on should be punished forever and ever. But I think the people we need to be more careful with are people like Tomasini."

His release, she said, has returned her family to a "state of hellish angst."

Moynehan's grandfather, Shojai's father, lived until 105. She wonders whether that could have been Shojai, too, if not for Tomasini.

"Nothing can bring my mother back," she said. "But the state needs to do its job."

Tomasini's attorney did not return a request for comment for this article. A message left at the healthcare facility where he resides also was not returned.

The case for compassionate release

California's compassionate release laws can lead to uneven and unexpected enforcement, as prison officials consider several factors for each case. Parole officials use a formula to determine who should be released, based on physical abilities and threat to public safety.

People charged with far less serious crimes than murder, some sicker than Tomasini or wheelchair-bound, remain in prison, struggling to navigate compassionate release eligibility.

Even though Judge Thompson said the state forced his hand in the Tomasini case, others have been denied compassionate release. In 2023, 89 people were recommended for compassionate release under AB 960, and of those, 15 were denied, according to a 2024 report by the Judicial Council of California.

For every case such as Tomasini's, there are several more in which people who advocates believe pose no threat to the public are unwell and kept behind bars, said Su Kim, senior policy manager for Uncommon Law, an organization that supports prisoners and sponsored AB 960.

In 2021, 306 people were referred for compassionate release, but 95 died before the process could be completed, according to state data.

The bill that benefited Tomasini was meant to streamline a compassionate release process that was failing to do what it was meant to, Kim said, and prisons aren't designed to provide end-of-life care.

"Obviously there was something that was not working," Kim said.

Federal data show that as few as 3.5% of people who are awarded compassionate release later commit crimes.

"From all the work that we do with our clients, we feel that committing harm to people is the last thing on their minds at that point," Kim said. "They want to go back to their families. They want to make amends. They want to have some sense of meaning in the remainder of their life."

Read more: Newsom told 123 California prisoners they could get out early. Many remain behind bars

Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) took the lead on AB 960 after Rob Bonta, who originally authored the bill, left the Legislature to become California's attorney general.

During bill hearings in 2021, Ting said the legislation was needed to "expand the criteria" of medical parole not just for those at the end of their lives but also those in debilitating pain. He pushed a "more thoughtful" approach to compassionate release eligibility, which he called "a very difficult process to get through," and said it could also save the state a lot of money.

"They're some of our most expensive inmates to care for," Ting said. He declined to comment about how the law was used in Tomasini's case.

Whereas lawmakers including Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) voted against the measure, questioning whether the expanded criteria was too "vague," a long list of people spoke in support of the bill, including the late Dr. Ron Lewis, a former physician in California prisons and member of the state medical board.

"It is not serving incarcerated people in the way that this body intended," Lewis told lawmakers in 2021. "The process is ineffective. It takes far too long and involves multiple steps."

In a reflection of how divisive the issue is, critics of the bill, such as the California District Attorneys Assn., made a polar opposite argument to lawmakers. State laws are already "generous" to dying prisoners, the group said.

"Any expansion of existing law hurts public safety, undermines the criminal justice system and destroys truth in sentencing," the association said in a statement. "Enough is enough."

In its final hurdle in the Legislature after a years-long process, the bill passed the Assembly with 46 "yes" votes, five more than the minimum needed, over the objections of a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Newsom signed it in September 2022. Tomasini was one of the first to benefit when it went into effect the next year.

Tomasini, a handyman who worked odd jobs in construction, was described by neighbors as a quiet, unassuming man, according to court documents.

For Shojai's family, his ability to murder someone in his already "diminutive" state gives them pause about making cancer the reason he can leave prison. They point out that he has survived his cancer since 2017.

"He was capable years ago, and I still think capable here today," Melissa Diaz, a San Diego County deputy district attorney, argued in court in the summer. "I don't know, and I don't think this court knows, that he's at end of life for this particular condition."

In court, both sides went around and around about whether Tomasini deserves freedom. But because of his medical condition, Tomasini's attorney reminded prosecutors and the judge of the law.

The new law, San Diego County Public Defender Katie Belisle said, "really limits the court's discretion in compassionate release."

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 119th Congress convenes on Friday amid a huge shift of power in Washington as Republicans take control of both chambers of Congress ahead of President-elect Donald Trump being sworn in on Jan. 20.

The first order of business in the House will be to elect its speaker -- a process that has created high drama in recent years.

Republicans maintained control of the House in the November elections, but will hold a historically narrow margin. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana appears to have the support of the majority of his conference -- and the endorsement of Trump and Elon Musk, the billionaire donor who has been advising the president-elect. But it's not necessarily locked in that Johnson will secure the gavel on the first ballot. GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has said he will vote against Johnson, meaning Johnson can only afford one more defection from his conference. At least 17 Republicans say they are undecided, by an ABC News count.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MORE: Johnson meets with Republicans undecided on whether he should remain speaker

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said Democrats won't help Johnson get elected.

PHOTO: House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to the media, following a meeting with fellow Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, Dec. 20, 2024. (Richard Pierrin/AFP via Getty Images)

How is the speaker elected?

Johnson will need a majority of those present and voting to remain speaker. That means the number starts at 218. The official majority will be determined after the opening of Congress; the clerk reads the official number of certificates of election received and that is used to determine a majority and members record their presence during a quorum call.

The simple majority can change depending on any absent members or if members vote "present" -- which would lower the threshold needed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned from Congress in November after Trump picked him to be his attorney general before later withdrawing, is the most intriguing wild card.

Gaetz has toyed with the prospect of returning to the Capitol to participate in the speaker's vote and create one last dose of congressional chaos. The House Ethics Committee released a report on its investigation into Gaetz over violations of House rules after he left the House, but he was reelected in November before resigning.

If Gaetz doesn't return on Friday, which is the likely scenario, then the total number of the House will be 434 members with 219 Republicans and 215 Democrats. This means, Johnson cannot afford to lose more than one defection -- a second would block him from getting the gavel.

Democratic Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who underwent hip replacement surgery in December, posted on X that she will be at the Capitol for the speaker vote.

PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson talks to President-elect Donald Trump as they attend the 125th Army-Navy football game Dec. 14, 2024, in Landover, Maryland. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

What happens if Johnson loses the vote?

The House will continue to vote until a speaker is elected because without one, it can't conduct any business, like certifying Trump's presidential election results on Monday. The House could vote on a resolution to approve a speaker by plurality -- the most votes of any given candidate. But this could be dangerous for Republicans and is unlikely. All Democrats are expected to vote for Jeffries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Normally, the opening day in the House lasts roughly 2 1/2 hours. However, after the way things went two years ago when it took Kevin McCarthy 15 rounds of voting to become speaker, anything is possible.

MORE: Trump endorses House Speaker Mike Johnson amid Republican infighting

Here are other times the House has struggled to elect a speaker:

2023: McCarthy was elected on the 15th try. Months later he was ousted by Gaetz and seven other Republican members.

1923: Fredrick Huntington Gillet became speaker after nine rounds of votes. That may sound like a lot, but the longest running contest was

1856: Nathaniel Prentice Banks of Massachusetts had served just one term in Congress. Upon reelection as a member of the American Party, he was elected speaker after 133 ballots -- a process that took nearly two months, according to the House Historian.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

1849: The House was in session 19 days without being able to elect a speaker, with no candidate having received a majority of the votes. Finally, after the 59th ballot, the House adopted a resolution declaring that a speaker could be elected by a plurality.

Does the speaker have to be a member of Congress?

No. The Constitution does not dictate that the speaker be a member, either current or former. In fact, the speaker is supposed to lead the whole House, not just one party. Some Republicans have suggested Musk as speaker.

Today's schedule in the House

Noon: House gavels in, holds a recorded quorum call.

12:45-1 p.m.: Speaker election begins.

TBD: Swearing-in of members and delegates after a speaker is elected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

TBD: Adopting rules package of 119th Congress.

PHOTO: Sen. John Thune talks to reporters about the proposed budget continuing resolution that would avoid a looming government shutdown at the U.S. Capitol, Dec. 18, 2024, in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

On the Senate side

Unlike the House, Senate leadership is already set ahead of Friday. And though the new Congress is certain to bring with it a host of big moments -- a new Republican majority, spearheaded by a new Republican leader, as Sen. John Thune of South Dakota replaces Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Friday's schedule in the Senate

Noon: The Senate is gaveled in.

Opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance: Led by the Senate Chaplain. The current Chaplain, Barry Black, was hospitalized in mid-December due to a brain bleed. It's unclear whether he or another designee will lead the opening prayer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Swearing-in of senators: Typically any senator who won election in November will be sworn in to a new term -- whether a newly elected member or a returning incumbent. They typically take the oath in groups of four. Each senator who is being sworn in will have an escort with them, who is typically a current or retired senator. Many senators will choose their fellow home state senator as an escort but this is not required -- some choose friends or mentors.

Signing of the oath book: After the senators take the oath, each will sign their name in the oath book at a designated place.

Establishment of a quorum and adopting organizing resolutions: After the members are sworn in, you'll hear a request from the majority leader to establish a quorum. We expect this to be Thune in his capacity as party leader. The clerk will read the roll of the entire new Senate.

MORE: John Thune elected as Senate Republican leader to succeed McConnell

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The first order of business is typically the adoption of a resolution that informs the president that the Senate is in a quorum and ready to receive any communications from him. A similar resolution is issued to the House. Next, the president pro tempore is appointed via a resolution. The longest-serving member of the majority party typically receives this honorary role, in this case Grassley. After the resolution is adopted, we expect Grassley to take over from Harris to guide the Senate through the adoption of additional organizing matters.

Then there will be a unanimous consent request to pass a block of organization resolutions. Among those is a resolution establishing committees and another establishing operating rules of the Senate. Because these things are worked out between the party leaders beforehand, these resolutions are almost always swiftly unanimously adopted with little fanfare.

Leader speeches: We will hear speeches from both party leaders  Thune, for the first time, and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

Ceremonial swearing-in: After the officially swearing in on the floor, senators will head to the old Senate chamber to reenact the swearing in for a photo op with the vice President. Their families typically join them.

PHOTO: Republican Senator from Iowa and incoming Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley meets with Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Attorney General, at the US Capitol, Washington, Dec. 2, 2024. (Will Oliver/epa-efe/shutterstock/WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some highlights in the Senate

History-making Black women: When Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks are sworn in, they'll be the first two Black women to serve in the Senate at the same time.

More history: After he's sworn in, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina will become the longest-serving Black senator. Scott will also become the first Black chairman of a Senate standing committee when he assumes the chair of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. Scott will be serving his third term.

And yet more history: The 119th Congress will see the first time five Black senators have served concurrently  Alsobrooks, New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker of New Jersey, Blunt Rochester, Scott and Democrat Raphael Warnock of Georgia.

Kamala Harris' final functions: As the current vice president, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee will be responsible for the swearing-in of the new members. It will be one of Harris' last responsibilities as VP, aside from Jan. 6 and the inauguration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chuck Grassley resumes role as President Pro Tempore: Chuck Grassley is 91 years old and with Republicans back in control will return to the role he served in from 2019 to 2021. Grassley was first elected to the Senate in 1980 and has been reelected seven times.

No Jim Justice (or Babydog, for that matter): Sen.-elect Justice announced at a press conference last week that he will resign as West Virginia's governor on Jan. 13, just before Gov.-elect Patrick Morrisey is sworn in to maintain continuity in his home state. We'll have to wait a bit longer for him and his famous bulldog to take the oath.

Adam Schiff and Andy Kim get re-sworn in: Unlike the rest of the freshmen class, Sens. Andy Kim and Adam Schiff were sworn in on Dec. 9 after having won election to fill seats that were previously occupied by governor-appointed placeholders. We expect both to be re-sworn in.

Who's in, who's out?

Here are new senators and who they'll replace:

Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., replaces Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin, who retired.



Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., replaces Republican Sen. Mike Braun, who retired.

Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, replaces Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, who retired.



Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., replaces Democratic Sen. Tom Carper, who retired.



Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., replaces independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who did not seek reelection.



Jim Justice, R-W. Va., replaces independent Sen. Joe Manchin, who retired.



Former Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., replaces Sen. George Helmy, who completed former Sen. Bob Menendez's term after he resigned. Helmy did not seek election.



David McCormick, R-Penn., replaces Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, who lost his reelection bid.



Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, replaces Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who lost his reelection bid.



Former Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., replaces Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler, who was appointed to finish former Sen. Dianne Feinstein's term. Butler did not seek election.



Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., replaces Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, who lost his reelection bid.



Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., replaces Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who retired.

What to expect as the 119th Congress is sworn in amid speakership uncertainty originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
DES MOINES, IOWA  The American Red Cross is looking for heroes, and they need your help finding them. Nominations are now open for the 2025 Heroes of the Heartland celebration.

Who are they looking for? The Red Cross defines a Hero of the Heartland as: 

An ordinary person who has made an important impact in our community

Someone who recognized a need and acted

It may be: someone who has responded to a medical emergency; a volunteer at a community organization or faith community who makes an impact every day a first responder or service member who far exceeded expectations.



Nominees are being sought to be recognized for their heroism. An award ceremony will be held on March 25th, 2025. Follow the link below to nominate a worthy hero today.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Heroes among us reflect what is best in our community. They leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of our community.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 2A subsidiary of Hilcorp Alaska is asking state regulators to approve a gas storage facility in the Cook Inlet region that could help prevent a gas shortfall in winter in Southcentral Alaska.

A newly formed company, Hilcorp Alaska Gas Storage, filed an application on Monday with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska for permission to own and operate the storage facility at the Kenai Gas Field, south of Kenai.

It would be the second commercial facility of its kind in the region, allowing utilities to store gas in a depleted gas field, similar to Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska that's also on the Kenai Peninsula.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The regulatory commission would regulate gas prices at the proposed facility.

"Hilcorp is happy to be collaborating with the utilities and regulatory agencies to make our gas storage assets available for commercial use," said Matt Shuckerow, a spokesperson for Hilcorp, the major gas producer in Cook Inlet.

The head of the Alaska House Resources Committee and an official with Chugach Electric Association said the extra storage is needed.

The 91-page filing says a second reservoir is in the public's best interest.

It points out that utilities that are customers of Hilcorp Alaska have asked for additional gas storage options in the region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The storage could be important if there's another cold snap like the one in January 2024, when two of five wells at the CINGSA storage reservoir failed to deliver gas as expected.

The incident pushed the region close to running short of deliverable natural gas and entering a conservation status that would have called on residents to take specific measures to reduce energy use.

The filing also comes as utilities scramble to find new energy sources amid a looming long-term shortage of natural gas from Cook Inlet that surfaced in 2022. That's when Hilcorp told utilities it lacked enough reserves to supply gas for new contracts in the coming years.

In one key solution, utilities are considering importing liquefied natural gas, which is expected to lead to higher costs for heat and power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

[Regulators, advocates warn of utility inaction as Alaska gas shortfall looms]

"Southcentral Alaska is facing a potential shortage of deliverable natural gas for heating and electric generation in the next few years or perhaps even sooner," the filing says.

The gas-storage facility would provide "diversity in storage options, additional capacity to provide a sufficient buffer against an extended cold snap, and future capacity for the types of long-term solutions that will be needed, including but not limited to supporting the potential future importation of liquified natural gas (LNG). This will support Alaska's economy and benefit all residents and businesses of Southcentral Alaska and beyond," the filing says.

The "near miss" in January 2024 shows that more than "one option for gas storage is needed to mitigate the risk of deliverability loss due to mechanical failure when deliverability is most critical," the filing says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Julie Hasquet, a spokeswoman with Chugach Electric Association, which provides power in Anchorage and other areas, said the utility cannot comment on the regulatory filing.

But she said that additional natural-gas storage is needed in the region for operational challenges that can cause supply disruptions, such as production and pipeline issues.

The gas capacity of CINGSA is fully booked by Chugach and other utilities, and other storage space is needed, she said.

Additional storage is also needed if utilities import liquefied natural gas, she said.

"The fluctuating nature of LNG supply, combined with the need for continuous service, requires sufficient storage to manage both local and imported gas effectively," she said. "Storage also allows utilities to store surplus gas during warmer months and release it when demand peaks, ensuring a stable supply. That is, it provides another mechanism to balance supply and demand."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anchorage Republican Rep. Tom McKay, chair of the state House Resources Committee, praised the effort in an interview Tuesday. He said the storage utility would provide a critical backup supply of gas to prevent a winter gas crisis, among other benefits.

He said two new wells have been drilled at CINGSA, which is owned by TriSummit Utilities. TriSummit owns Enstar, the natural gas utility for Anchorage and the surrounding region.

But McKay, a petroleum engineer, said various problems can develop that hurt the gas deliverability of wells.

That makes a second reservoir important, he said.

"It's just really good common sense," McKay said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A second gas reservoir can also provide flexibility to help with the looming shortage of Cook Inlet gas, McKay said.

If companies can turn the gas shortfall around and produce more gas than necessary, the storage facility could hold some of their excess gas, McKay said. If utilities import liquefied natural gas to resolve the long-term gas shortfall, the reservoir could also store that gas, he said.

"The storage is one piece of the puzzle, but it's a really strong one," McKay said.
LENEXA, Kan.  Neighbors living near one busy Johnson County corridor complain that elected officials are being too stubborn.

Opposition to the Kansas Department of Transportations plan to build a new interchange at K-10 and Lone Elm Road is mounting up, and homeowners want something done. Theyre upset because Lenexa city councilmembers have told them these plans have been in place since 1988, and theyre staying the course.

KDOT has a broad plan to make improvements and updates along K-10, where thousands of cars travel east from Lawrence to Olathe every day. Owners of homes near Lone Elm Road arent pleased, because they dont believe this area can support an interchange from K-10, and that too much traffic presents a danger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kansas Highway Patrol to tow abandoned cars ahead of winter storm

Lenexa city leaders have set aside almost $11.5 million for the construction of an interchange, which would serve traffic from Lenexa to the north of the highway and Olathe to the south. Many neighbors there have attended public meetings, including the one held on Dec. 12, where traffic around four nearby schools was a topic of discussion.

Its an issue that its not necessary. Nobody in the area wants an interchange, Whitney Royer, who lives nearby with her family, said on Thursday.

Manchester Park Elementary School is nearby as well, its one of four nearby schools. Olathe Northwest High School is also close by, sitting south of K-10. Royer and other neighbors are worried the interchange would bring too much traffic near those children, as well as big trucks going to and from the logistic and trucking centers nearby.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An interchange would present a native safety issue for those kids in having to cross an interchange to get to school. I know I would not personally let my kids walk or bike across an interchange to get to school, Royer said.

Neighbors like Mike Carr have also attended the public meetings. He believes this area of Johnson County has changed a lot since 1988, and plans need to be updated.

All the safety talk weve heard so far is just vague platitudes, like, Were going to design it the best we can so its as safe as possible. Well, whats that mean? Carr asked.

On Thursday, a Lenexa City spokesperson said that the citys leaders are looking forward to working with KDOT on this project. However, Olathes mayor opposes this plan, expressing concern for safety near those schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The City of Olathe has a strong partnership with the Kansas Department of Transportation. We look forward to continued collaboration regarding the Lone Elm and K-10 interchange and ensuring the safety of our school communities and our neighborhoods, Mayor John Bacon said via email.



Homeowners on Thursday said they would support an overpass here, but not a full interchange. That would connect Lenexa and Olathe, and provide a way to reach both without using K-10.

KHP reports fewer DUI arrests for New Years reporting period

On Thursday evening, KDOT spokesperson Delaney Tholen sent the following statement regarding this proposed project.

For the past two and a half years, KDOT has been conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA), required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to understand the future needs along the 17-mile K-10 segment, from I-35 to the Douglas County line.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Recommended improvements include a potential new interchange at K-10/Lone Elm Road. KDOT understands there are some in favor and some opposed to the addition of this interchange. The Environmental Assessment is currently under review by the FHWA and a decision about the recommended improvements is expected in the spring of 2025. KDOT is working with the City of Lenexa and the City of Olathe to determine the next steps and schedule for construction of the K-10/Lone Elm Road interchange.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP)  Honduras President Xiomara Castro s comments earlier this week threatening to stop her countrys cooperation with the U.S. military if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on promised mass deportations have generated political heat at home, even as the U.S. government has remained silent.

In a New Years Day speech on a national television channel, Castro said that if Trump goes ahead with massive deportations, Honduras would reconsider military cooperation with the U.S.

Faced with a hostile attitude of mass expulsion of our brothers, we would have to consider a change of our cooperation policies with the United States, especially in the military realm, Castro said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said the U.S. had maintained a presence in Honduran territory for decades without paying a cent and if Hondurans are expelled en masse that presence would cease to have any reason to exist in Honduras. She added that she hoped the Trump administration would be open to dialogue.

It was just the latest response in the region to early pronouncements from Trump.

His threat to impose tariffs on Mexico if it didnt do more to stop illegal migration and drug trafficking was met with a suggestion of retaliatory tariffs from that government. More recently Trump criticized charges to transit the Panama Canal and suggested the U.S. could take it back, something Panamas president emphatically rejected.

The main U.S. military presence in Honduras is at Soto Cano Air Base outside the capital. While it is a Honduran base, the U.S. has maintained a significant presence there since 1983 and it has become a key U.S. launching point for humanitarian and anti-drug missions in Central America.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is home to Joint Task Force Bravo, which the U.S. Defense Department has described as a temporary but indefinite presence.

The U.S. Defense Department declined to comment, noting that it pertains to campaign statements and not policy. U.S. Embassy in Honduras did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Castros political opposition, however, has been quick to denounce the presidents comments.

Jorge Calix, a probable presidential aspirant for the Liberal Party in Honduras Nov. 30 elections, said Castro had put Honduras in grave danger for personal and ideological reasons.

Olban Valladares, a political analyst contemplating his own run for office for the Innovation and Unity Party, panned Castros threat.

She knows we dont have the ability to threaten the United States in any way, that the damages it would cause Honduras would be terrible, Valladares said. He said the threat could make Honduran migrants even more of a target for the Trump administration.
A December 2021 flood that allegedly caused extensive damage to an East Oahu home later resulted in a lawsuit against the City and County of Honolulu.

Filed in 1st Circuit Court in November 2023, the lawsuit by plaintiffs Michael Sklarz and Jo Frasier claimed their residence at 158 Hanapepe Loop in the Portlock neighborhood of Hawaii Kai was severely damaged after contaminated floodwater, wastewater, and debris  overflowed from a nearby storm drain onto their property and into their home.

The lawsuit blamed the flooding on what it said was the citys failure to inspect, control and maintain the waterways of East Oahu in order to prevent and mitigate damages due to flooding and stormwater.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The plaintiffs sought relief by way of monetary damages from a court trial. The city, in turn, sought to stop the civil action altogether.

To that end, the Honolulu City Council on Dec. 11 adopted the city administrations request for authorization to settle the complaint.

The Mayors Office this week confirmed the case was settled.

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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In exchange for the release of all claims, the city will pay plaintiffs $75, 000,  Ian Scheuring, deputy communications director for Mayor Rick Blangiardi, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Plaintiffs primary allegation was that their property was damaged as a result of flooding that occurred on Dec. 6, 2021, due to a clog in a city storm drain.

The city denies liability for the incident,  he added, and the settlement of the disputed claims by the city is not an admission of liability.

But for the plaintiffs attorney, Eric Seitz, the Councils vote and the settlement of the lawsuit were equally surprising.

First of all I didnt know that we settled,  he told the Star-Advertiser by phone. Nobody got back to us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Seitz confirmed his clients had made a settlement offer of $75, 000 to the city two or three months ago. And they kept telling us well get back to you,  but they never got back to us.

Regardless, Seitz said the city has had lots of problems with drains in East Oahu.

Thats very well-documented,  he added. There were repair issues and construction issues.

As the lawsuit states, the city, as the owner, operator and easement holder, is tasked with and responsible for planning, designing, and constructing (facilities ) and improvements to plan for, detect, mitigate and prevent loss of life and property due to flooding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The complaint further noted the city is also tasked with inspecting and maintaining all waterways, facilities, and improvements in East Oahu including, but not limited to all streams, channels, and drainage ways that traverse or affect Hanapepe Loop.

In addition, the city is responsible for inspecting, managing, maintaining, and reporting to the state Department of Health, which had been delegated the responsibility for the application, oversight, and management of the citys National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES, permit  by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the lawsuit states.

Since 1987, the city has not planned, designed or implemented a written storm prevention or mitigation plan for any streams, channels or waterways on the island of Oahu,  the complaint alleges. In 2010, the city purportedly planned, designed, and implemented a system to inspect, maintain and report the inspection, maintenance, and reporting of drainage basins in East Oahu to secure an NPDES permit from the EPA.

Despite making these representations to the state and federal government, the city has either failed, neglected, or refused to provide any such maintenance reports or records in violation of the NPDES permit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The city has testified that due to a change in computer software that it is unable to produce any maintenance records before 4 or 5 years ago,  the lawsuit contends.

The city has testified that every summer up until 2009, a full crew from the city Department of Facility Maintenance would physically go into the streams and waterways with heavy equipment to clean and maintain the streams and waterways,  the lawsuit states. This maintenance would go on for several weeks during the summer when the streams and waterways were at their lowest flow.

It adds that the city had testified that because of a 10-year dispute with the federal government over the use of heavy equipment for waterway and stream maintenance, maintenance was severely curtailed from 2009 up to the 2018 storm, causing an extensive build-up of debris and clogging.

The city has produced the only maintenance records that it has,  the suit says, showing less than two weeks worth of maintenance once every two or three years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Scheuring said the Mayors Office could not immediately respond to claims the city failed to provide maintenance reports on inspections of the drainage systems to the EPA or DOH.

We need additional time to investigate the answer to this question,  he said.

The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, Seitz asserted his clients lawsuit was based, in part, on the catastrophic Hahaione flood of 2018.

On April 13, 2018, the next inevitable storm occurred, which predictably caused flooding across East Oahu leaving hundreds of tons of debris on roads and inside homes, businesses, and schools,  the complaint states. Hundreds of homes were damaged and approximately 180 families received serv ices at disaster recovery centers on Oahu that were set up in the weeks after the event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Following the April 2018 Hahaione Flood, residents reported that sewers overflowed with raw sewage backing into drains and sewage-laden water running into streets, neighborhoods, and living rooms,  the lawsuit states. Water backed up and drains and infrastructure were blocked and clogged due to being under-designed and not maintained.

Although not as destructive an event, Seitz said similar damage occurred at his clients Portlock residence over three years later.

There was damage to their floors. There was damage to furniture in their house. They lost time working because of the fact that they had to redo significant portions of their house,  he said. Their damages were probably a little over $120, 000,  though he noted that figure could have easily risen to $150, 000.

However, Seitz claimed his clients agreed that at this stage in their lives they did not want to spend a lot of time litigating this.

So, if we could settle the case, we would take $75, 000,  the lawyer said, which is an adequate amount of money to compensate them for what it actually cost them out of pocket.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Honolulu councilmembers said the deadly New Years incident is tragic and we must all learn from it to prevent it from happening again.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

First, all of use can take responsibility, taking to our family, talking to our neighbors about how to have safe holidays and just the dangers of fireworks, said Matt Weyer, vice-chair of the Honolulu city council.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theyre just tired of it, said Radient Cordero, Honolulu city Councilmember. People are tired of the illegal fireworks, aerials going on beyond New Years, beyond the holiday season, and they wanna see that enforced heavily.

Councilmembers realize enforcement is easier said than done. Illegal aerial fireworks can be seen all over Oahu. And how do you cover an island with a police force thats already short staffed.

Well theres huge gaps in enforcement that we already know, but what I talked about needing support the team that keeps the city running, we need more people on our police force, we need more people at the judicial level, everywhere, said Cordero.

Wilcox Medical Center nurses vote in favor of striking

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We heard about increasing the penalties for fireworks, bringing up to maybe a C-class felony, I think thats appropriate, said Weyer.

So until we can enforce the law, and punish the people that breaking the law, then we gonna have to deal with situations like we dealt with this past weekend, said Augie Tubla, Honolulu city Councilmember.

The council actually passed a fireworks bill last year that wouldve brought back small consumer fireworks. But the mayor vetoed it. And the council couldnt get enough votes to override the veto.

Cordero said she has spoken to other councilmembers about fireworks, and talked about possibly collaborating on some ideas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Councilmembers did not get into specifics. But when it came to the fireworks issue, they all said its gonna take a team effort. City, state, even the public to come up with a good solution.

If we pull together that way, and I care deeply about all these councilmembers and they convey the same message, were gonna be good, said Gov. Josh Green.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The councils first meeting is January 29.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Saturday will begin a six-day funeral schedule to honor the legacy of the 39th president.

Jimmy Carter was a peanut farmer, a Sunday school teacher, a Georgian and the longest-living president. He died at the age of 100 and leaves behind a life dedicated to decades of service.

Throughout the next week, his funeral will make many stops.

The funeral will begin Saturday morning in Americus, Georgia, with a motorcade to ride through his hometown of Plains, Georgia. This will also include a pause at the family farm where Carter grew up. Following that, the motorcade will travel to Georgias State Capitol in Atlanta, where Gov. Brian Kemp and other officials will be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There will be moments of silence and public viewings in Atlanta from Saturday evening to Tuesday morning at the Carter Presidential Center. Carters body will then travel to Washington D.C. where he will lie at the U.S. Capitol, followed by a national funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday. President Joe Biden will deliver a eulogy at Carters funeral service.

Afterward, Carters body will return to Plains for a private service and burial, but the public is invited to line the motorcade route for his final journey.

He was a real underdog campaigning when you study the presidency, he came from really a long, long way, from nowhere. He had no national contacts, what he was able to accomplish in 1976, if I were running for office, I would study it and figure out exactly what he was able to do, said Stan Deaton, who works for the Georgia Historical Society.

If you are in or traveling to the Atlanta area, the viewing will be held at the Carter Center from Saturday at 7 p.m. through Tuesday through 6 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Washington D.C., on Tuesday, mourners can pay their respects from 7 p.m. to midnight at the U.S. Capitol and from 7 a.m. on Wednesday to 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Carters private funeral will be held where he taught Sunday school classes for decades.



Jimmy Carters funeral schedule:

Jan 4-7: Public viewing in Atlanta

Jan 7-8: Lying in state at U.S. Capitol

Jan 9: National funeral service at Washington National Cathedral

Final resting place: Plains, Georgia  public invited to line the motorcade route

The Carter Center suggests that instead of sending flowers, people could donate to the Carter Center, which the former president established in the 1980s after he left office. It was established to monitor elections globally, eradicate illnesses and restore peace.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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?
PARIS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) After almost four decades of serving as President and CEO, Ollie Smith has announced his retirement.

Horizon Healths Board of Directors has approved Jay Carmichael as their new President and CEO and will take his position on January 20th. Carmichael brings with him over 10 years of experience in rural health. Carmichael said he wants to continue Horizons history of high-quality care with a positive patient experience.

Rural health is often overlooked and needs to continue to be a beacon of hope, he said. It provides an opportunity to know people on a first-name basis. Horizon Healths know-your-neighbor growth over the last several years shows a passion to serve people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Horizon Health employee honored for saving womans life

Carmichael was previously serving as Vice President and COO of Southwell, a rural health system out of southeastern Georgia. During this role, he served as the on-site administrator for Southwell Medical in Adel, Georgia, a building consisting of a 20-bed rural hospital and a 95-bed nursing facility. Southwells network however spanned 240 licensed beds, over 30 physician clinics, and had over 2,700 employees serving a 12-county region. Under his leadership, Southwell even earned a 2024 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Patient Perspective from the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The award recognizes top-quartile performance among rural hospitals in quality, outcomes, and/or patient perspective.

Carmichael also served as a business development leader for the southern part of Oracle Health prior to Southwell. Oracle Health is a US-based global provider of health information technology platforms and services. Carmichael also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Georgia. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 2Certain visitors, including young children and people presenting symptoms of a respiratory illness, will soon be restricted from visiting patients at area hospitals due to the uptick in influenza in the area.

During influenza season, all hospitals that are part of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) make every effort to protect their patients from flu and other infectious diseases, GDAHA's influenza season visitor restriction policy says.

GDAHA hospitals will be implementing that policy starting Friday, said Sarah Hackenbracht, GDAHA's president and CEO.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Due to the increase in influenza-like illnesses, area hospitals will collectively implement visitation restrictions on January 3, 2025," Hackenbracht said.

Visitors will be asked to follow the guidelines below when visiting patients at GDAHA hospitals:  No children under 14 years old should come to the hospital unless they need medical care. If you feel you have special circumstances, please talk to one of the nursing supervisors.  All visitors should be healthy. Do not visit if you feel sick or have symptoms of a cold, flu or another illness.  Cover your cough. Please request a mask if you are coughing frequently. Otherwise, when you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.  Wash your hands frequently.

GDAHA represents 29 member hospitals and health organizations serving 11 counties  Auglaize, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby and Warren.

"With visitation restrictions, the goal is to limit the spread of infections within area hospitals to keep patients and their families safe," Hackenbracht said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Influenza activity in the state is "high," as Ohio Department of Health data showed a recent 116% increase in flu hospitalizations. Outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms also increased 41%.

In Montgomery County, influenza is on the rise but still under the five-year average, according to Public Health  Dayton and Montgomery County's flu report. The report says 3% of visits to the emergency department are due to fevers and flu-like symptoms and 11.3% of visits to the emergency department are for constitutional symptoms, which are general symptoms like fatigue, malaise, muscle aches, headache, nausea and so on.

"This early in the winter season, we are also focused on preventing the spread of infection among staff and employees so they remain healthy and able to provide care to the communities we serve," Hackenbracht said.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine recently signed the Never Alone Act, which becomes law 90 days after his signing. The Never Alone Act entitles patients to a designated advocate and likely would not interfere with GDAHA's visitation restriction policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Within the Never Alone Act, an advocate means an individual who advocates on behalf of a congregate care setting patient or resident. Such an individual may include, but is not limited to: the patient's or resident's spouse, family member, companion or guardian; for underage patients, the minor's parent or guardian; someone appointed by a court to be a patient's guardian; or the patient's power of attorney.

Automatic disqualifications for being a patient's advocate includes if the care setting has determined that the individual poses a serious risk to the patient's or resident's physical health, according to the bill's analysis.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The 119th Congress will begin Friday and already theres talk of gridlock.

Speaker Mike Johnson wants to remain the speaker but may not have enough votes to hold onto the gavel.

Republicans have a lofty agenda: such as tackling immigration, tax reform and spending cuts.

Republicans will likely enter the new Congress with 219 seats in the House.

Democrats will have 215 meaning if Speaker Mike Johnson wants to hold onto the gavel, he can likely only lose one Republican.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Well be unified, and well get all this done, said Johnson.

Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie posted his opposition, Weve seen Johnson partner with the Democrats to send money to Ukraineauthorize spying on Americansand blow the budget.

Another big question mark is Indiana Republican Congresswoman Victoria Spartz.

President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Mike Johnson.

We need to stay unified so we can save the country, said Johnson.

Nebraska Republican Congressman Don Bacon said on The Hill on NewsNation most Republicans are frustrated with the few opposed to Speaker Johnson.

These people undermine our leadership and the vast majority of us who want to get things done, said Bacon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two years ago, House Republicans took 15 votes to elect Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Ten months later they voted to oust him over a deal he made with Democrats.

A three-week fight vaulted the relatively unknown Mike Johnson to the speakership.

Republicans will control the House, the Senate and the White House.

Senators have already chosen their leader, Senator John Thune from South Dakota.

The House needs a speaker before they can do anything: pass legislation and set up their district offices.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
If you know their names and faces, theyre probably not all that important  so says outgoing congressman Patrick McHenry, who tells Politico in an exit interview that his House GOP colleagues most prominently featured on TV and social media are the least powerful internally  almost to a person.

McHenry, who has served North Carolina since 2005, came in as a 29-year-old firebrand conservative and exits two decades later as a paragon of pragmatism, in Politicos terms. In a lengthy interview, the site asked McHenry what has changed about his GOP colleagues in the House in that time.

Its the dynamic of, youre leaving the concert, and everyones trying to go out one door, and youre trying to go out the other door, McHenry began. Youre going upstream from the traffic. Thats what it feels like.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He explained that during his first and second terms, some people never pivoted away from that, because they thought, Thats how youre effective. And youre spending your time on the outside rather than anything internal.

McHenry didnt name names, but anyone who follows politics would easily be able to crack off a small handful of Republican House members  Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace  while perhaps being more hard-pressed to come up with others.

The people that are outside of positions of authority in the House  theyre the most frequent guests on media, your most ample quotes and most active online  are not meaningful players internally, almost to a person, in this institution, he said. The rewards, the incentives, have shifted in my 20 years to attention and people assuming that this place is a platform for that attention.

McHenry, not a major media figure himself in recent years, set aside the brawling ways of his first couple of terms and decided to get serious. His new focus led to the chairmanship of the House Financial Services Committee and a three-week turn as Speaker of the House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McHenry announced in December 2023 that he would not seek re-election and would retire at the end of his current term.

The post House GOP Media Darlings Are Not Meaningful Players Internally, Outgoing Congressman Says appeared first on TheWrap.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Pass The Popcorn, I Guess?

If you trace the current era of Republicanism to the tea party era that started in 2010, then were 14 years into the kind of chaos being demonstrated again today on the Hill, where the GOP is unable to govern itself let alone a country.

I suppose that if Speaker Mike Johnson pulls out a re-election win, you could argue no harm/no foul. But the structural incentives that create this kind of recurring chaos will remain. Its a mix of things weve talked about for years: a close margin in the House that gives the hard-right members more clout; performative destruction as a form of politics that eventually eats its own; extremism both collectively and individually that is rewarded with high media profiles and adoration from the right-wing base.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If Johnson does manage to make his way to victory without a complete debacle it will be because he threaded a very tight needle, helped along by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans controlling all of DC, and not because those structural problems have ebbed.

What You Need To Know About The Speaker Vote

The House begins its work at noon ET.

How the math works

Combine a dozen GOP members who are uncertain votes for Johnson with the sure No vote of Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), and you can see why a first-ballot win isnt a sure thing for Johnson.

Johnson is avoiding the kind of side deals to win todays vote that crippled the speakership of Kevin McCarthy.

If Johnson is forced out, theres no obvious viable alternative to him for speaker.

At TPM Today

With TPMs Kate Riga on the Hill, well be liveblogging the speaker vote today,

TPMs Josh Kovensky will be in federal court today in the Southern District of New York for Rudy Giulianis contempt hearing. Stay tuned for his report later today.

Rudy Gs Turn In the Wringer

A federal judge in Manhattan today will consider holding former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for failing to turn over his assets in a timely fashion to satisfy the $148 million defamation judgment against him by Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss.

End Of Congress House-Cleaning

The Office of Congressional Ethics referred campaign finance allegations against Reps. Andy Ogles (R-TN) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) to the House Ethics Committee for further review.

Good Catch

Over at Just Security, David Luban shows how the House GOP omitted an essential part of a DC Bar rule it cited in order to gin up a bogus criminal referral of Liz Cheney for her work on the Jan. 6 committee.

FBI Releases New Video Of Jan. 6 Pipe Bombs Suspect

Just ahead of the four-year anniversary of the still-unsolved Jan. 6 pipe bombs case, the FBI released new details and security footage of the suspect:

New Orleans Truck Attacker Was A Lone Wolf

Investigators believe the U.S. Army veteran who drove a pickup truck into a New Orleans crowd acted alone, and they have found no link between that terrorist attack and the deadly explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas that was driven by another servicemember.WSJ

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who was shot and killed by New Orleans police officers after opening fire, had posted videos to social media on his way to New Orleans, proclaiming his support for ISIS, said Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBIs counter-terrorism division.NOLA.com

Five years before a man in a pickup mowed down dozens of New Years revelers in New Orleans, a confidential security report warned that the iconic Bourbon Street tourist strip was vulnerable to a vehicular ramming attack.NYT

Vegas Truck Explosion Ruled Suicide

The highly decorated Army soldier inside a Tesla Cybertruck packed with fireworks that exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas shot himself in the head just before detonation, authorities said Thursday.AP

Matthew Livelsberger, who died Wednesday according to the Army, was an active-duty Green Beret and had served in the Army for 19 years.  Livelsberger had been a soldier during the peak of U.S. combat in Afghanistan and Iraq and had numerous combat deployments, according to the Army. Livelsberger was a highly decorated combat soldier who was awarded the Bronze Star with valor among several commendations.USAToday

Livelsberger, who had ties to Colorado Springs, Colo., had been on vacation leave from his base in Germany when the explosion occurred and was due back on Jan. 4.WSJ

Good-BYE, Net Neutrality

Appeals court uses the Supreme Courts Loper Bright decision to strike down the FCCs net neutrality rules.

Good Read

Michael Schaffer uses (ironically) a new think tank report to peel back the curtain on DC think tank world.

South Korea Update

South Korean investigators arrived at the presidential residence with a warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law, but faced resistance from presidential security staff as hundreds of Yoons supporters gathered outside vowing to protect him.AP

South Korean investigators failed to arrest the countrys impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, thwarted by his armed Secret Service bodyguards in another tense showdown resulting from his short-lived martial-law decree last month.WSJ

The agency, accompanied by some 2,700 law enforcement officials on Friday, abandoned its five hour-long effort to arrest Yoon after it was blocked by a security team that includes a military unit designated with guarding the South Korean leader. Clashes ensued during that standoff, the CIO said, and it will demand Yoons head of security appear for questioning on Saturday.Bloomberg

Extra Incentive For Dry January

Surgeon general calls for cancer warnings on alcohol as growing body of research shows risk of even moderate drinking.

How Extreme Car Dependency Drives Unhappiness

A new study  found that while having a car is better than not for overall life satisfaction, having to drive for more than 50% of the time for out-of-home activities is linked to a decrease in life satisfaction.The Guardian

Visualization Of The Day

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise partly blamed the deadly truck attack in New Orleans on law enforcement agencies being too woke.

Scalise (R-LA) claimed in an interview Thursday that too much emphasis was being put on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the expense of security.

He was asked what Homeland Security might have missed in the tragedy on Bourbon Street that led to the deaths of 14 people, with many more injured, when a terrorist drove his truck into New Years Eve revelers. Authorities say a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas was responsible for the attackhe was killed by law enforcement at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some of these agencies have gotten so wrapped up in the DEI movementcall it wokeness, call it whatever you wantwhere their main focus is on diversity and inclusion as opposed to security. And theyre two very different things. Weve got to get back to that core mission, Scalise said in an interview with WWL talk radio in New Orleans.

And this has happened in the DoD as well, he continued. We have pointed that out in DoD, weve pointed it out in Homeland, weve pointed it out in the FBI. If nothing else, lets get back to these agencies focused on keeping America safe, period.

Scalise said hed been in touch with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to make sure they have everything they need.

The disappointing thing is that its after the fact. You dont want to look back and see what we missed. Clearly, there were things we missed here, he told radio host Tommy Tucker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tucker asked Scalise if he had any proof that diversity, equity, and inclusion contributed to missing this guy, or if he was just speculating.

I mean, each agency has a mission, Tommy, and when you move away from your main missionHomeland Security, Ill start there, their mission is to keep Americans safe in our homeland, and they have started to move away from that. And we have pointed that out for years now, he continued. At some point if youre moving away from that mission, then youre missing out on what youre supposed to be doing. And thats when things get missed.

Steve Scalise claims law enforcement agencies took their eye off the ball before the New Orleans attack. / Michael DeMocker/Getty Images

It seems the further away we get from September 11th, the closer we are to September 10th. Its the attitude of, It cant happen again. It just didI think they let their guard down and are focused on things other than keeping our homeland safe... When they lose focus lives are lost, added Scalise.

Scalise claimed in the interview that there had not previously been a terror attack in the U.S. in a decade. Tucker pointed out that an ISIS terrorist used a vehicle to kill eight people in New York in 2017.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Just to be clear, on October 31, 2017, a guy drove a rented pickup truck into cyclists and runners for about a mile on Hudson River Parks bike path, he said.

That was during the Trump administration. So, to throw the Homeland Security Department under the bus and say there was no attack prior to this, I dont think is completely accurate and I hate when politics enters into this Lets clear up what happened here, before we start making partisan political points.
WASHINGTON  Some members of the House of Representatives cheered Friday when the acting House clerk announced former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) wouldnt be taking his seat in the new Congress.

The clerk is in receipt of a letter from the Honorable Matt Gaetz of the state of Florida indicating that he will not serve in the House in the 119th Congress, the clerk said.

Some members on both sides of the room, many of whom loathe Gaetz, applauded the news. (See video of the moment above.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gaetz won reelection, but resigned from Congress in November after President-elect Donald Trump announced he planned to nominate Gaetz to be his attorney general.

Several Republican senators balked at the prospect of Gaetz, the subject of both a federal investigation and a congressional ethics probe into alleged sexual relations with a minor, and he wound up withdrawing himself from consideration.

Gaetz could still have taken his seat this month, since he won reelection in November, but he has instead launched a new career as a media personality on the far-right cable channel One America News Network.
Matt Gaetzs absence in the House of Representatives on Friday led to cheers from his Democratic peers. The 119th session, highlighted by the contentious speakership election, started with an announcement of new members from House Clerk Kevin McCumber. Once he got to Gaetz, he stopped.

The clerk is in receipt from the Honorable Matt Gaetz of the state of Florida indicating he will not serve in the House in the 119th Congress, McCumber told the floor. Clapping ensued, while Republicans looked on.

Gaetz was reelected for another two-year term in November. He then resigned his seat, however, when Donald Trump announced him as pick for attorney general, amid a House Ethics Committee investigation that found Gaetz had engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift, in violation of House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct. Republican senators balked, and the nomination was scrapped. There had been some speculation that Gaetz might show up to the speaker vote on Friday.
Speaker Mike Johnson is the most conservative leader of the House of Representatives since Newt Gingrich in the 1990s.

Conservatives against virtually everything, or CAVE people for short, should look at the makeup of the House, put a sock in their mouths, and support Johnsons bid for speaker.

Being correct on policy and having a plan to achieve it are two different animals. Republicans must stop applauding leaders who are directionally loud and functionally useless at governing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How do I know the current CAVE people in Congress arent effective? Were spending 14% of our federal budget on net interest payments, and Congress hasnt run an annual surplus since 2001. If nothing else, we should be able to agree that reining in the federal government is conservative bedrock.

Conservatives have not only failed on their cornerstone issue, but they have failed spectacularly.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as he meets with House Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 13, 2024. REUTERS/Brian Snyder REFILE - QUALITY REPEAT

Why is President-elect Donald Trump calling to suspend the federal debt ceiling or abolish it altogether if he intends to cut spending and reduce federal deficits? Surely the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will find enough savings to offset any tax cuts, right?

Johnson critic's MIT degree isn't helping him do basic math

Rep. Thomas Massie is an exceptionally intelligent CAVE member of Congress who has gone so far as to compare Johnson to a starchy vegetable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For months Democrats ignored the fact that Joe Biden was a potato, Rep. Thomas Massie posted on X. Republicans are doing the same thing by keeping Speaker Mike Johnson.

I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan, Massie further clarified. We've seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget.

For months Democrats ignored the fact that Joe Biden was a potato.



They convinced themselves that keeping him around was the pragmatic way to win the day. Too late did they admit the emperor had no clothes.



Republicans are doing the same thing by keeping Speaker Mike Johnson.  Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) December 30, 2024

Massie seems to believe that Johnson should be able to work with only Republicans and secure the Kentucky congressmans preferred results. Even with a masters degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massie cant seem to count.

If Republicans intend to govern without House Democrats, they can afford exactly one defection at the moment. The vote for speaker is a perfect example.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Opinion: Fiscally conservative Republicans told Trump to pound sand on shutdown bill

If Massie refuses to vote for Johnson to retain his role as speaker, all remaining Republicans must support Johnsons bid.

So how exactly is this supposed to work?

Let Johnson lead then have robust debates on principles

Take one issue where Republicans reasonably differ. If Johnson commits to putting a vote to support Ukraine on the House floor, he will lose Republican support. If he refuses to put such a measure up for a vote, he will lose Republican support.

The GOPs governing coalition simply isnt a monolithic ideological block. Every significant vote in the upcoming Congress will be held hostage by either CAVE people or Republicans in name only (RINOs), and both camps will almost certainly be representing their respective constituencies effectively.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Heres a radical idea. Give Johnson the speakers gavel and expect him to put meaningful, conservative legislation up for consideration. Let the votes fall where they may.

Conservatives who demand rational fiscal policy must convince their colleagues to either emulate Argentinas President Javier Milei in radically cutting federal spending or endure lesser financial pain over an extended period of time. Governing involves the art of persuasion, and the GOPs CAVE people have forgotten the skill entirely.

Ineffective politicians should be replaced by conservatives who want to govern

Screaming stop when faced with a high-stakes continuing resolution or omnibus to fund the federal government isnt a plan. The CAVE people end up getting rolled by most of their Republican colleagues and just enough Democrats.

Then, they whine insufferably about the RINOs and swamp critters before holding themselves out on social media as a dwindling bulwark against fiscal insanity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

High drama and repeated failure isnt what Republican voters supported in the last election.

If House conservatives cant convince more than 30 to 40 members in a body of 435 to tax and spend responsibly, then they are, by definition, ineffective politicians. We should replace them with conservatives who actually demonstrate policy wins.

Cameron Smith, columnist for The Tennessean and the USA TODAY Network Tennessee

Republicans shouldnt turn the speakers vote into yet another spectacle. Support Johnson and come up with an actual plan to reduce the federal bureaucracy, rein in spending, and keep taxes low. Work with Trump and Senate Republicans to make it happen this Congress.

Americans need leaders like Johnson who can make conservative policy progress instead of CAVE people waxing poetic about the reasons they cant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

USA TODAY Network Tennessee Columnist Cameron Smith is a Memphis-born, Brentwood-raised recovering political attorney who worked for conservative Republicans. He and his wife Justine are raising three boys in Nolensville, Tenn. Direct outrage or agreement to smith.david.cameron@gmail.com or @DCameronSmith on X, formerly known as Twitter. Agree or disagree? Send a letter to the editor to letters@tennessean.com

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Speaker Johnson's Republican foes don't want to govern | Opinion
WASHINGTON D.C. (NewsNation)  With 218 votes, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., retained his position as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Friday amid backlash from conservatives unhappy with his leadership style.

After an initial deficit, lawmakers changed votes last minute to push Johnson to the required number of votes to win House Speakership on the first ballot.

Johnson retained his position after receiving three more votes than Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY., who was nominated by his fellow Democrats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before winning the vote, it appeared Johnson was going to fail to secure the required votes in the first round.

New Orleans attack was an act of terror: FBI

A second round wasnt necessary after Reps. Keith Self, R-TX., and Ralph Norman, R-SC., flipped their respective votes to Johnson after initially voting for other candidates.

NewsNation sources confirmed Rep. Nancy Mace, R-SC., called President-elect Donald Trump and had Reps. Norman and Self talk to him following their votes against Johnson. Sometime after that call, they changed their votes.

Norman confirmed to NewsNation that Johnsons direct words to him off the House floor today were, If I fail to deliver, remove me via the vacate the chair process. Thats what led to his change of vote, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Capitol Hills newest faces ready for bipartisan collaboration

The only Republican to vote against Johnson in favor of another candidate was Rep. Tom Massie, KY. Massie was responsible for Rep. Tom Emmers, R-MN., sole vote.

Trump congratulated Johnson on winning the speaker vote via his Truth Social account on Friday afternoon.

Congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson for receiving an unprecedented Vote of Confidence in Congress, Trump said. Mike will be a Great Speaker, and our Country will be the beneficiary.

The People of America have waited four years for Common Sense, Strength, and Leadership. Theyll get it now, and America will be greater than ever before!

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.
President-elect Donald Trump will take a victory lap at a campaign-style rally in Washington, D.C., a day before he is sworn in for his second term, four years after losing re-election.

The Make America Great Again Victory Rally at the Capital One Arena is just one of the many events celebrating the incoming administration. It will also be Trumps first major speech in Washington since he urged his supporters to march on January 6, 2021.

Freezing cold weather is gripping much of the northeastern U.S., so the inauguration ceremony on Monday has been moved inside to the Capitols rotunda. The last time this happened was at Ronald Reagans second inauguration in 1985.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president-elect, Melania Trump, and their son, Barron Trump, arrived in the D.C. area on Saturday evening and traveled to Trump National Golf Club in Virginia, to watch a fireworks display.

Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters marched to the Lincoln Memorial echoing the demonstrations when Trump first assumed office.

The Independent has learned that Trump will begin his term with only one-quarter of the staff he needs  a notable failure of the Project 2025 plan to fill all roles from day one.

Key Points

Watch LIVE: Trump holds victory rally in Washington DC ahead of presidential inauguration

EDITORIAL: The world awaits promise and peril with Trumps second act

Trump inauguration moved inside to avoid frigid temperatures

Exclusive: Trump will only have a quarter of the staff he needs in place when he enters office

TikTok thanks Trump for intervening as it begins process of restoring service

Exclusive: UK PM warned not to cosy up to Trump as poll shows voters favor EU ties

Watch: Justin Quiles says he loves Trump because hes not a puppet

21:18 , Oliver O'Connell

Quiles: I always say I love President Trump because he's not a puppet, you know? pic.twitter.com/IumGgXxEqq  Acyn (@Acyn) January 19, 2025

Watch: Opening prayer at Trump victory rally

21:04 , Oliver O'Connell

Every tongue that rises up against you in judgment will be condemned...

Opening prayer at the Trump rally: President Trump, we set the name of the lord upon you and we declare that no weapon formed against you will prosper. That every tongue that rises up against you in judgement will be condemned. pic.twitter.com/fJA0ajkE2X  Acyn (@Acyn) January 19, 2025

Kid Rock kicks of this afternoons performances

20:54 , Oliver O'Connell

Kid Rock performs during a victory rally for President-elect Donald Trump (REUTERS)

Elon Musk among scheduled speakers at todays Trump victory rally  heres who else is coming up...

20:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elon Musk is set to speak at President-elect Donald Trumps Washington, D.C., rally on Sunday alongside Hulk Hogan and Dana White, according to NBC News.

Trump family members will also speak at the rally at Capital One Arena  which kicked off at 3:30 p.m.  heres who else is speaking and performing:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elon Musk is set to speak at Trumps pre-inauguration rally. Heres who will join

Watch the rally in full here.

Watch live: Donald Trump hosts Washington DC rally ahead of presidential inauguration

GOP leaders briefed on Trumps first executive orders

20:44 , Oliver O'Connell

The Wall Street Journal reports that Stephen Miller, Donald Trumps incoming White House deputy chief of staff for policy, briefed Republican leaders earlier this afternoon about the executive orders the new president is expected to issue after being sworn in tomorrow.

That includes declaring a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border, rescinding Biden administration directives on diversity, equity and inclusion, and unwinding President Joe Bidens limits on drilling offshore and on federal land.

TikTok back online and thanks efforts of President Trump

20:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

TikTok credited President Trumps efforts with getting the social media app back online on Sunday following a brief shutdown.

President-elect Donald Trump intervened on Sunday by announcing he would issue an executive order on Monday to give TikToks parent company, ByteDance, a reprieve after the ban on the Chinese-owned app came into effect.

Rhian Lubin has been following developments today.

TikTok in process of restoring service and thanks Trump for intervening after ban

Nelly responds to backlash over performance at Trump inauguration ball

20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Rapper Nelly has responded after facing backlash for his decision to perform at one of Donald Trumps inauguration balls on Monday (January 20).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Citing sources, CBS reported on Friday that the Dilemma star was set to perform at the Inaugural Liberty Ball in Washington D.C.

Tom Murray has the story.

Nelly hits back at rampant criticism over performance at Trump inauguration ball

Watch LIVE: Trump holds victory rally in Washington DC ahead of presidential inauguration

20:14 , Oliver O'Connell

As he returns to the White House, Trump will begin two year race to change America and the world

20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump and his team will be in a two-year race to change the US - and the world - from the moment he is inaugurated inside the Capitol on Monday.

Sources close to the 47th president of the United States of America have privately noted that he has until the midterm elections in November 2026 to fulfill his policy agenda while the Republicans still have control of the Congress and Senate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

David Maddox, The Independents political editor, reports from Washington, D.C.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump to start two year race to change America and the world as he returns to power

Was the whole TikTok ban drama a bait-and-switch to make Trump look good?

19:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Skeptics have highlighted how Trump was the one who initially called for the controversial Chinese-owned social media app to be banned in 2020. But since Trumps following on TikTok grew  he has now amassed 14.8 million followers  and he hinted it helped to clinch the election, the president-elect has changed his tune.

Rhian Lubin and John Bowden report.

Was the whole TikTok drama a bait-and-switch to make Trump look good?

EDITORIAL: The world awaits promise and peril with Trumps second act

19:25 , Oliver O'Connell

President-elect Donald Trump is not someone who plays down expectations, whether about himself or the United States. And he raises the expectations of others accordingly. His re-entry onto the world stage after his victory in last years election prompted urgent shifts in international dynamics on the part of national leaders around the world, simply in anticipation. From midday on Monday, Mr Trumps power is real. With it comes promise  and peril.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Continue reading...

The world awaits promise and peril with Trumps second act

Vance met with Chinese counterpart this morning

19:22 , Oliver O'Connell

Vice President-elect JD Vance met with his Chinese counterpart, Vice President of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng this morning.

Vance met with the vice president of china. pic.twitter.com/MV6yf7qGLe  Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) January 19, 2025

In pictures: Crowds of Trump supporters gather for victory rally at Capitol One Arena

19:19 , Oliver O'Connell

Supporters of President-elect Donald Trump crowded the streets of Washington, D.C. on Sunday lunchtime as they waited to get into the Capitol One Arena for the Make America Great Again Victory Rally, which gets underway at 3 p.m. ET.

Decked out in red, white, and blue, or with t-shirts, flags, and hats emblazoned with Trumps name, the crowd remained jubilant, even in the cold and damp weather.

Supporters of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump gather outside Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., for a rally a day before he is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term (REUTERS)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fans of the president-elect came decked out in MAGA merchandise (Getty Images)

My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell got a cheers from the crowd as he arrived at the arena (REUTERS)

Some came prepared for the freezing rain (Getty Images)

There are all manner of hats... (Getty Images)

...and then theres one hat to rule them all. (REUTERS)

Whats next for the Bidens?

19:00 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are leaving the White House on January 20, marking the end of the presidents 50 years in politics.

But Biden, 82, insists hes not quite ready to retreat into a slow retirement just yet. In interviews, the president has indicated hes still got work to do to improve Americans lives. Jill Biden, 73, has similarly dedicated her life to others through education, but she has kept quiet about her next chapter after the White House.

What is certain is that Bidens will almost certainly return to their homes in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where they spend time with family.

Here is what else could be in store for Joe and Jill Biden.

Whats next for Joe and Jill Biden?

In pictures: Trump and Vance lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery

18:49 , Oliver O'Connell

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance (L, rear) participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (AFP via Getty Images)

Melania Trump and Usha Vance watch the ceremony (AP)

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were also in attendance along with her brothers and sister, and their spouses (AP)

US Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio (L) and Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth (R) were among the incoming Trump administration officials in attendance (AFP via Getty Images)

Trump and Vance will now head to the Capitol One Arena for their victory rally, at which they are both scheduled to speak (AFP via Getty Images)

Exclusive: UK PM warned not to cosy up to Trump as poll shows voters want closer EU ties instead

18:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned not to cosy up to the White House as a new poll shows nearly two in three Labour voters believe he should build closer economic and security ties to Europe as Donald Trump returns to power.

The same proportion of Labour voters, 67 per cent, say they are worried about the impact of Mr Trumps presidency. The findings will pile pressure on Sir Keir to accelerate talks to improve UK-EU relations as the world braces for Mr Trumps second term.

Kate Devlin, The Independents Whitehall Editor, reports from London.

Starmer warned not to cosy up to Trump as Labour voters back closer EU ties instead

Sen. Cotton goes against Trump on return of TikTok

18:34 , Oliver O'Connell

Republican Senator Tom Cotton is pushing back on the return of TikTok after it went dark in the U.S. for less than a day, going against President-elect Donald Trump.

He also challenged the legality of Trumps call for joint U.S. ownership, a 90-day extension, and legal cover for companies that bring it back online via their app stores

In response to the companys statement that it was restoring service, the senator wrote on X: Any company that hosts, distributes, services, or otherwise facilitates communist-controlled TikTok could face hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability under the law, not just from DOJ, but also under securities law, shareholder lawsuits, and state AGs. Think about it.

Any company that hosts, distributes, services, or otherwise facilitates communist-controlled TikTok could face hundreds of billions of dollars of ruinous liability under the law, not just from DOJ, but also under securities law, shareholder lawsuits, and state AGs. Think about https://t.co/XamZ1qAk2K  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) January 19, 2025

Heres his earlier statement from when the app went offline:

My statement with @SenatorRicketts on TikTok being removed from app stores. pic.twitter.com/RwLcKBOxBw  Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) January 19, 2025

This morning, the president-elect wrote on Truth Social:

Im asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the laws prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.

Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations.

I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. Without U.S. approval, there is no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars - maybe trillions.

Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose.

18:22 , Oliver O'Connell

Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, both of whom voted to convict Trump, both attended. https://t.co/FXV4SUusJ7  Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) January 19, 2025

Dave Chappelle issues plea to Trump in last SNL before inauguration

18:20 , Oliver O'Connell

Dave Chappelle, a three-time Saturday Night Live host, returned to the Studio 8H stage for a fourth time less than 48 hours before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

Chappelle began his monologue by discussing the Los Angeles fires before moving on to his absence from Sean Diddy Combs freak offs  and giving Trump advice for returning to his old gig on Monday.

Michelle Del Rey has the story.

Dave Chappelle issues plea to Donald Trump in last SNL before inauguration

Biden says four more women hostages to be released by Hamas in seven days

18:18 , Oliver O'Connell

President Joe Biden tweeted:

Following the ceasefire, hostages are starting to be released. Three Israeli women held for 470 days. Four more women in seven days. And three hostages every seven days thereafter including at least two Americans in this first phase. We pray for their long recovery ahead.

Following the ceasefire, hostages are starting to be released.



Three Israeli women held for 470 days.

Four more women in seven days.



And three hostages every seven days thereafter including at least two Americans in this first phase.



We pray for their long recovery ahead.  President Biden (@POTUS) January 19, 2025

Watch: Times new (animated) inauguration cover

18:13 , Oliver O'Connell

Hes Back.

BREAKING: TikTok thanks Trump for intervening as it begins process of restoring service

18:08 , Oliver O'Connell

TikTok has announced it is in the process of restoring its service in the U.S. and thanked President-elect Donald Trump for intervening following a ban on the Chinese-owned app.

In a statement released on Sunday, TikTok said it had reached an agreement with its service providers after Trump said he would issue an executive order on Monday giving ByteDance, its parent company, an extension to find a buyer.

Rhian Lubin reports from New York.

TikTok in process of restoring service and thanks Trump for intervening after ban

Exclusive: Trump will only have a quarter of the staff he needs in place when he enters office

18:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The second Donald Trump administration will start with fewer key staff in place than when Trump entered the White House for the first time eight years ago, with just a quarter of the political appointments made and ready to go when he is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday.

The Independent has learned that only 1,000 people have been hired to fill a fraction of the 4,000 important presidentially appointed roles atop the federal bureaucracy, many of which can be put in place without the need of Senate confirmation.

David Maddox and Andrew Feinberg report from Washington, D.C.

Trump will only have a quarter of the staff he needs in place when he enters office

Watch LIVE: Trump lays wreath at Arlington National Cemetery ahead of presidential inauguration

17:44 , Oliver O'Connell

Watch: Trump lays wreath at Arlington National Cemetery ahead of inauguration

President-elect met with Senate GOP over breakfast at Blair House

17:14 , Oliver O'Connell

President-Elect Trump met with Senate Republicans this morning over breakfast across the street from the White House inside the Blair House. https://t.co/7WXmVxaM3z  Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) January 19, 2025

Watch: Biden delivers remarks on ceasefire in Gaza

17:18 , Oliver O'Connell

President Biden on ceasefire in Gaza: "After so much pain, destruction and loss of life, today the guns in Gaza have gone silent." pic.twitter.com/QLm8jmXNyJ  CSPAN (@cspan) January 19, 2025

Bannon mocks Musk, Zuckerberg and Bezos as Trump supplicants

16:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Steve Bannon has intensified the MAGA civil war by comparing the sudden support for Donald Trump from tech titans Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos to the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II.

Trumps one-time White House chief strategist fired his latest broadside against Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk in an interview with ABC News the weekend before his former boss is sworn in for a second term.

Phil Thomas reports from Los Angeles.

Bannon calls Musk, Zuckerberg and Bezos supplicants before Trump

National Park Service removes Jumbotron screens from Mall

17:16 , Oliver O'Connell

With the inauguration ceremony moving inside because of the intense cold, the National Park Service has removed the Jumbotron screens from the National Mall to discourage people from congregating there and endangering their health.

The request came from Donald Trumps inaugural committee.

HEADS UP: If you were planning to go to the National Mall to watch the indoor inauguration from the Jumbotrons- those have been removed.



The National Park Service says they were taken down at the request of the Presidential Inaugural Committee  Simone De Alba (@Simone_DeAlba) January 19, 2025

Nigel Farage proclaimed Britains future PM at Trump celebration party

16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

David Maddox and Andrew Feinberg report from Washington, D.C.:

Nigel Farage was proclaimed as the next prime minister of Great Britain at a huge party overlooking the White House to celebrate the upcoming inauguration of his friend and ally Donald Trump.

The Stars and Stripes Union Jack reception on the rooftop of the Hay Adams hotel on Friday night became a gathering of the glitterati of the US and UK political right, with Maga Republicans rubbing shoulders with Reform UK, senior Conservatives, and Brexiteers.

Read on...

Farage proclaimed Britains future PM at champagne fuelled Trump celebration party

EDITORIAL: Global politics will become noisier on Monday when Donald Trump takes office

15:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The mood surrounding Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday is very different from the first time round. In 2017 there were liberals in the United States and around the world who behaved as if we were in the end times. They braced themselves for all manner of wickedness  and then the world continued to turn on its axis; nothing much changed.

Mr Trump did not impose tariffs on imports from other countries. He did not build very much of the wall on the southern border of the US. Mexico did not pay for the 47 miles that he did build. He did not shut the USs borders to Muslims. He did not withdraw from Nato.

As a result, the anticipation of Mr Trumps presidency is calmer this time  as the president-elect himself has noticed: In the first term everybody was fighting me. In this term everybody wants to be my friend.

The danger is that the world is making the opposite mistake of underestimating the risks of the great disruptor.

Continue reading...

Global politics will become noisier on Monday when Donald Trump takes office

1985 was the last time an inauguration was indoors. Ronald and Nancy Reagan felt they had no choice

14:30 , AP

First lady Nancy Reagan, center, looks on as President Ronald Reagan is sworn in during ceremonies in the Rotunda beneath the Capitol Dome in Washington, January 21, 1985 (AP)

Ronald and Nancy Reagan were disappointed.

Thats what White House press secretary Larry Speakes told reporters on Jan. 18, 1985, after the Republican president and first lady decided to hold his second inauguration indoors because of an unusually cold weather forecast.

They really felt they had no choice, Speakes said two days before the ceremony, according to archived transcripts of press briefings housed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in California.

President-elect Donald Trumps decision to take the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, when below-freezing temperatures are again expected, recalls the last time cold weather prompted a similar decision.

The transcripts from 1985 shed light on the Reagans considerations.

There was high-level medical and military consultation and it was just a very serious problem for health and safety, Speakes said, according to transcripts provided Friday by the Reagan library. We would have had probably some very serious problems for some of the participants.

Like what, reporters asked.

For a day when the temperature reached 7 degrees Fahrenheit (-14 Celsius) in Washington, the medical people told them that exposed areas would freeze in less than five minutes, with wind-chill factors like this, Speakes said.

Speakes waved off concerns for Reagans own health as a man taking office a second time at nearly 74 years old. (Trump turned 78 in June and will become the oldest person to start a presidential term. President Joe Biden, who will be in the audience while Trump takes the oath of office, is 82.)

Reagans box on the west steps of the Capitol would have been heated, so no, I dont think that was ever voiced to the president, Speakes said.

It was the thousands of people participating in the parade, standing along the parade route and huddled on the National Mall who, Speakes said, concerned the president and first lady more.

The Reagans looked at it ... knowing parade participants might be out there for four hours, if not longer, he said. So, it was just obvious, knowing that  what the medical people told them  that they would have had severe frostbite, if not some conditions that could have been worse.

Trump considering rejecting Lord Mandelson as UK PMs nominee for ambassador to the US

13:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump is considering rejecting Sir Keir Starmers nominee for UK ambassador to the US in what would be an extremely rare move.

Sources within the Trump team have told The Independent that it is still not certain Peter Mandelsons credentials will be accepted by Mr Trump after he becomes president.

David Maddox, The Independents political editor, reports from Washington, D.C.

Trump considering rejecting Mandelson as Starmers nominee for ambassador to the US

Snoop Dogg fans appalled by his performance at Trump inauguration party

12:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Snoop Dogg has upset a wide portion of his fan base after performing at the first-ever inaugural Crypto Ball in celebration of Donald Trumps imminent inauguration as U.S. president.

Snoop (real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.) was filmed performing his classic track, Nuthin but a G Thang at the party hosted by David Sacks, former PayPal COO and the incoming White House AI and Crypto Czar.

After previously mocking the president-elect, Snoop switched allegiances last year to praise Trump and claim he has done only great things for him.

Tom Murray reports.

Snoop Dogg fans appalled by rappers performance at Trump inauguration party

Stressed about Trumps return? Youre not alone...

11:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Richard Hall writes:

Therapist Paula Carino describes Donald Trumps presence in the lives of her clients as an ambient sinister fuzz.

The returning presidents unique ability to dominate the airwaves and invade the headspace of the country has been a daily torment to his detractors for years, whether through his screaming tweets, rambling press conferences or occasional threats to democracy. And as he returns to the White House for his second term, therapists across the country are hearing about it.

Hes very triggering for people, Carino, who is based in Brooklyn, tells The Independent.

Read on...

People are panicking to their therapist about Donald Trumps return

Ramaswamy reportedly announcing campaign for Ohio governor

10:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Vivek Ramaswamy, the billionaire biotech entrepreneur joining Elon Musk to recommend drastic cuts to federal spending in Donald Trumps administration, reportedly plans to run for governor of Ohio.

Ramaswamy  who was reportedly considering a run for J.D. Vances open U.S. Senate seat, with Trumps encouragement  is expected to announce a campaign to replace the states term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine, according to The Washington Post.

Alex Woodward reports.

DOGE co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy reportedly announcing campaign for Ohio governor

Bill Gates reveals details of lengthy meeting Trump at Mar-a-Lago

09:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Bill Gates has revealed he had a lengthy dinner with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where the pair discussed global health.

The Microsoft co-founder, 69, told The Independent he met with President-elect Trump at his Florida residence shortly after Christmas to discuss the work his Gates Foundation is doing to prevent the spread of HIV and polio, and to urge Trump to continue U.S. funding for research in those areas.

Kevin E G Perry reports.

Bill Gates speaks out on three-hour sit-down with Trump at Mar-a-Lago

Recap: Trump to head indoors for inauguration bucking outdoor ceremony to avoid frigid temps

08:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The cold weather has thrown President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration into chaos, as Mondays ceremony will be moved inside due to frigid temperatures.

High temperatures are expected to be in the low 20s in the nations capital on Monday. Its projected to be the coldest inauguration in 40 years, when Ronald Reagans swearing-in ceremony was also moved indoors.

Kelly Rissman reports.

Trump to head indoors for inauguration bucking outdoor ceremony to avoid frigid temps

National Guard troops will wear a special patch at Trump's inauguration to make it clear they aren't police

07:45 , AP

When thousands of National Guard forces and law enforcement officers locked down Washington during racial protests and the Jan. 6 riot four years ago, the blur of camouflage and helmets made it nearly impossible to tell the difference between cops and troops.

This years inauguration will be different.

Read on...

Guard troops will wear a special patch at Trump's inauguration to make it clear they aren't police

Report: Trumps first major deportation operation will target Chicago

05:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to begin its promised campaign of unprecedented mass deportations with a series of raids in Chicago.

The raids will begin the day after the Republican is inaugurated, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Josh Marcus reports.

Trumps first major deportation operation will hit Chicago, says report

Inside the scramble to move Trumps inauguration indoors

03:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The plans for President-elect Donald Trumps second inauguration had been in the works for months  but officials are now scrambling to figure out new options as freezing temperatures have forced proceedings to move inside for the first time in 40 years.

Trump confirmed his inauguration would be moving inside on Friday as temperatures are forecast to plummet to the low 20s and said he didnt want to see people hurt or injured due to the cold.

Rhian Lubin reports.

Inside the scramble to move Trump inauguration indoors as MAGAworld caught off guard

Trumps to be treated to fireworks display at Trump National Golf Club

03:25 , Michelle Del Rey

The president-elect and former first lady arrived at their hotel shortly after touching down in Dulles, Virginia around 7 p.m. ET. The pair were treated to an Elvis impersonator at the hotel and are scheduled to watch a fireworks display.

Recap: Timeline of Trumps dramatic return to White House

02:45 , Oliver O'Connell

All the key dates from Trumps election victory until he becomes the next president.

Timeline of events  from Trump winning the election to becoming the 47th president

Who is singing the national anthem at the inauguration?

01:45 , Oliver O'Connell

As President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office once again at his second Inauguration ceremony on January 20, he will be serenaded by a host of performers, but who is singing the national anthem?

Inga Parkel reports.

Who is Christopher Macchio, the singer performing at Trumps inauguration?

Trump reveals the three themes of his inauguration speech and hints at two early trips

00:50 , Michelle Del Rey

Donald Trump has reportedly said the three main themes of his inaugural speech on Monday will be unity, strength and fairness.

The president-elect, who will be sworn in for his second term at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., has also said that he will sign around 100 executive actions on his first day, with the focus on immigration.

He has previously promised action on at least 59 topics on his first day in office, including the largest deportation in US history, ending the war in Ukraine and pardoning the January 6 rioters. The new administrations deportation efforts are expected to begin in Chicago, with some 200 ICE agents targeting scores of migrants, including those with low-level criminal histories that wouldve been deemed low priority by the Biden administration.

Read more from Phil Thomas.

Trump reveals the three themes of his inauguration speech

Who pays for the presidential inauguration?

00:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The fundraising for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump has beaten all records, with an unprecedented $170 million raised.

Tech executives and big donors have donated massive sums of money to curry favor with the incoming president. The donations are usually spent on events surrounding the inauguration, such as the oath of office ceremony, a parade, and several inaugural balls.

The fundraising sum was initially reported Wednesday by The New York Times.

Gustaf Kilander reports.

Who pays for the presidential inauguration? These are some of the major donors

Trump arrives in D.C. shortly after 7 p.m. ET

00:31 , Michelle Del Rey

President-elect Donald Trump has arrived in the D.C.-area less than 48 hours away from his swearing-in ceremony inside the Capitol. Both Melania and Barron Trump accompanied him on the journey.

TikTok threatens to go dark on Sunday  as Trump dangles a 90-day reprieve once hes sworn in the following day

00:26 , Michelle Del Rey

President-elect Donald Trump is likely to give TikTok a 90-day reprieve as the app says it will go dark Sunday after the Supreme Court upheld a federal law banning it this week.

Trump made the comment in a phone interview with NBC Newss Kristen Welker a day after the ruling was issued.

I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at, he said. The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate. You know, its appropriate. We have to look at it carefully. Its a very big situation.

Read more from Michelle Del Rey here.
In some high-stakes political drama, the House of Representatives on Friday voted to reelect House Speaker Mike Johnson to lead the 119th Congress by a razor-thin margin.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican who ascended to the leadership post in 2023 after the historic ouster of Kevin McCarthy, had secured President-elect Donald Trump's support as he sought a second term.

But Johnson's handling of the government spending fight just before Christmas angered some of the GOP's right flank. Three Republicans initially defected from Johnson during the vote, but two ultimately changed their votes to hand him the gavel.





Latest Developments





Jan 3, 3:24 PM

Trump called GOP holdouts during vote, sources say

President-elect Trump started working the phones following the no votes from GOP Reps. Ralph Norman and Keith Self.



Trump spoke to both Norman and Self, according to sources familiar with the conversations, and shortly after those conversations occurred the two men changed their votes.



Self confirmed he spoke with Trump when he was meeting with Johnson off the floor as the vote was stalled. Self called it a "lively discussion," when asked if Trump was angry.



Self said his objections were over government spending. He said he changed his vote after the speaker "shored up" the negotiating team for upcoming negotiations on federal budget legislation, which is also expected to include a number of Trump's legislative priorities.



"And so that's all I wanted to do today, was to make this Congress successful."



-ABC News' Jay O'Brien and Katherine Faulders





Jan 3, 3:59 PM

Johnson handed speaker's gavel

After nearly 20 minutes of remarks, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries passed the gavel to Johnson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I'm grateful for this election, the confidence that this chamber has placed in me," Johnson said. "It is the great honor of my life to serve this body with all of you."

PHOTO: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries shakes hands with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson after presenting him with the gavel during the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: Rep. Mike Johnson holds the gavel after being presented it by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries after being re-elected as Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)





Jan 3, 3:41 PM

Jeffries says Democrats want bipartisanship but will fight 'far-right extremism'

Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, addressed the chamber just after Johnson's victory.



Jeffries began by urging bipartisanship in the new Congress to address issues top of mind for Americans like high prices on everything from groceries to childcare costs.



But Jeffries said at the same time, Democrats would "push back against far-right extremism whenever necessary."

PHOTO: Rep. Hakeem Jeffries speaks after Rep. Mike Johnson was re-elected as Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

Democrats frequently cheered during his remarks, though Republicans broke out in applause when he said the American people elected Trump as the 47th president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Thank you for that very generous applause," Jeffries said before taking a swipe at some of his GOP colleagues. "It's okay. There are no election deniers on our side of the aisle."





Jan 3, 2:55 PM

Johnson wins speakership on 1st round after last-minute vote changes

Johnson staved off a failure in the first round of voting to win a second term as speaker.



After nearly two hours, Johnson secured the 218 necessary votes.

PHOTO: Rep. Mike Johnson shakes hands with Representatives after he re-elected as the Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At first, he appeared on track to lose with three Republicans voting for someone else.

But after leaving the chamber to huddle with defectors, two lawmakers changed their votes to hand him the gavel.

House Republicans stood and gave Johnson a standing ovation as his win was announced.

PHOTO: Rep. Mike Johnson is applauded after he was re-elected as the Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)





Jan 3, 2:33 PM

Two GOP defectors change their vote to Johnson

Reps. Ralph Norman and Keith Self changed their votes to Johnson, which would bring him to the 218 needed to be speaker.









Jan 3, 2:15 PM

Johnson exits chamber as vote remains open

As lawmakers waited for the final House vote to be called, Johnson was seen huddling with various lawmakers, including Reps. Dusty Johnson, Tim Burchett, and Nancy Mace.

PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson talks to Rep. Dusty Johnson during the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the Capitol Jan. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

He also was spotted talking with other GOP leaders like House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain, who nominated him for speaker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He ultimately walked out of the chamber before the vote closed.

PHOTO: Rep. Mike Johnson leaves the floor after the House failed to elect a Speaker of the House in the first vote on the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the Capitol, Jan. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)





Jan 3, 2:23 PM

Johnson appears on track to lose 1st round

With three defections so far, Johnson appears on track to lose this first round of voting.

PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson sits on the House floor during the vote for the Speaker of the House at the start of the 119th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Keith Self, a Texas Republican, is the third Republican to vote for another candidate. He cast his ballot for Florida Rep. Byron Donalds.

However, members can still change their votes as the roll call is ongoing.





Jan 3, 1:28 PM

Another Republican defects from Johnson

South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman just voted for Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.



Norman is the second Republican to vote for someone else besides Johnson.





Jan 3, 1:23 PM

Rep. Thomas Massie is 1st Republican to not vote for Johnson

As expected, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky did not vote for Johnson.



Instead, Massie cast his ballot for Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, who currently serves as the House majority whip.

PHOTO: Rep. Thomas Massie arrives for the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
Members of CASA rally in Annapolis in support of housing bills and other legislation on March 14, 2024. Photo by Danielle J. Brown

State housing officials, lawmakers and advocates say they hope to build off of legislative successes from last session to move bills across the finish line in the 2025 General Assembly that didnt make it last year.

Along with talks to increase Marylands affordable housing supply and provide further renter protections in 2025, advocates and housing-focused lawmakers agree that the big-ticket item this year will be a renewed effort to ensure that landlords who evict tenants have a good reason to do so, whats known as a just cause eviction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats probably going to be the headline bill from a tenant perspective  100%, Del. Vaughn Stewart (D-Montgomery) said in a recent interview. Stewart backed several housing bills in the last session, including the just cause bill that would have let local jurisdictions adopt such eviction requirements.

Just cause eviction restrictions, sometimes called good cause evictions, is the top priority in the upcoming session for Montgomery County Renters Alliance Executive Director Matt Losak and other renter advocates.

Fundamentally, we believe that no one should ever be evicted from their home without a good reason, he said. A landlord, especially an abusive landlord, can force someone out of their home without having to justify it.

Members of CASA, Progressive Maryland and other groups advocate for renter protections on Lawyers Mall in April 2024. Photo by Danielle J. Brown

That loophole in renter protections allows for all types of abuse from racial discrimination to retaliation for pursuing promised or required services and maintenance, to forming tenants association, Losak said. Theres no more important piece of legislation this year or any year to protect renters than just cause evictions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the 2024 session, just cause got further than it had in previous years. It passed the House, but died in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, where chair Sen. Will Smith (D-Montgomery) never brought the issue to a vote.

(The House) has passed it already, so our view is that all eyes are on the Senate, Losak said.

Landlords objected to the law that they said would essentially give their tenants life tenancy in the property.

In written testimony to the House Environment and Transportation Committee in the last session, the Maryland Multi-Housing Association said the bill legislates an unconstitutional imbalance in the landlord-tenant relationship. It also said the proposal would force some tenants to live next to harassing or even dangerous residents while a drawn-out eviction process went on.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But Losak said that several demographics who tend to struggle with housing instability would benefit from the just cause legislation if it passes this year, including racial minorities, low-income families, and increasingly, seniors on fixed incomes.

This is not a modest piece of legislation. This is a piece of legislation that will impact hundreds of thousands of Maryland residents, Losak said. This is something that is going to the heart of stable homes, and right now we continue to be in a highly unstable time for housing.

In addition to just cause legislation, Stewart says that there is talk of reviving other bills that were popular among advocates last year.

That includes legislation to protect the possessions of renters who face eviction. Currently, landlords can leave an evicted tenants possessions on the sidewalk or the side of the road, where they are subject to theft or weather-related damage before the tenant can retrieve them. Another proposal being eyed for next session would limit opportunities for landlords to reject a potential tenant due to a criminal history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But protecting tenants also means creating safe and affordable housing options, Stewart said. He said that if more new housing goes up, there will be pressure on existing landlords to ensure their properties are safe and clean so they dont lose tenants to another landlord.

Thats an important piece of this, he said. Were never going to be able to solve the habitability problems we have here by just building more and more housing  but I do think that having more housing that is new and clean and is safe, puts pressure on the monopolistic landlords.

Moore housing priority sneak peak

Part of Gov. Wes Moores (D) legislative priorities last year included a bill that aimed to incentivize new affordable housing in exchange for increased building density for developers. The goal is to cut down on a 96,000 unit housing shortage in Maryland.

Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day said the administrations main housing priority in 2025 will be to continue increasing new housing by making it easier for developments to get approval from county officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The governor is a national leader on housing affordability, and this not is an issue that is resolved by one piece of legislation last year, Day said in a recent interview. It was a step in the process toward making Marylands economy competitive again, and making Maryland affordable  and increasing housing production.

Increasing housing production is a fundamental part in how we get there. The legislative efforts in 2025 will further that cause, Day said.

Day previewed the governors upcoming housing legislation at a Maryland Association of Counties conference in early December. While the exact language was still in the works, Day said the high-level overview of the administrations upcoming housing plan will assess the housing infrastructure gap of the state of Maryland by region.

Maryland Housing Secretary Jake Day at his confirmation hearing in Annapolis. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

What happens now  with many developments, the discretionary part of the process is what gums up the works  and what stops housing that is allowed under the black-and-white of our zoning regulations from ever moving forward, Day said during a housing panel at the conference on Dec. 11.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Project timelines draw out, project denials stack up on various aspects of the approval process and we end up exactly where we are  which is a state that isnt growing, an economy thats not growing, and housing unaffordability, Day said. And that burden affects all of us for a long time to come.

He said the administration plan is aimed squarely at that problem by looking at the different regions of the state to look at the jobs-to-housing ratio where there is a mismatch.

There will be an affirmative obligation to approve housing development within those areas to reduce that gap  but it offers good reasons, six of them, good reasons to deny. That could be inadequate water and sewer infrastructure, that could be countywide school overcrowding.

As the details on the legislation get ironed out, Day promised that the 2025 session would be another year of housing.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded millions in grants to tackle health and safety hazards in West Michigan homes.

On Friday, HUD announced more than $16 million in grants across the state of Michigan, including a $1.5 million Healthy Homes Production grant for the city of Muskegon and a $1.75 million Healthy Homes Production grant for Community Action of South Central Michigan, which is based in Battle Creek.

The city of Muskegon intends to address health and safety hazards in 150 units that house low-income families, according to project descriptions released by HUD. Community Action of South Central Michigan plans to do the same for 176 housing units across Kalamazoo, Branch, Barry, St. Joseph and Calhoun counties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, which serves Van Buren, Cass and Berrien counties, has been awarded a $1 million Older Adults Home Modification Program grant. The grant will fund modifications and repairs for 124 low-income senior homeowners and renters, according to HUD. The goal of the program is to help seniors continue to live safely at home.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A huge fire that erupted at a clothing market in Ghanas capital Accra has destroyed hundreds of livelihoods and businesses.

The fire at Kantamanto Market  one of the worlds largest secondhand clothing markets  has since been fully extinguished with no reported injuries or fatalities, Ghanas National Fire Service said on Facebook on Friday, adding that an investigation to determine the cause of the fire is underway.

I was at home when one of my workers called, telling me to come to the market quickly. By the time I arrived at 3 a.m., everything was burnt, secondhand shoes dealer Kwabena Charles told Ghanas state-run Ghana News Agency (GNA).

People try to salvage items after the fire at the Kantamanto Market, which destroyed a large part of the area and displaced thousands of traders. - Nipah Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

We tried to save what we could, but it was impossible, he said, adding that he had lost goods worth a lot of money.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Videos posted to Facebook by the countrys fire service in the early hours of Thursday show swathes of market stalls engulfed in flames.

According to GNA, the director of inspectorate at the National Disaster Management Organization, Richard Amo Yartey, visited the site on Thursday, expressing sympathy to the traders.

An aerial view shows the burned-down secondhand clothing market on January 2, 2025. Fire service investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. - Nipah Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Its quite unfortunate that this happened at a time when we should be celebrating the New Year, but this is not the end of life. We are doing our best to support those affected and ensure they get back on their feet, he said, according to GNA.

Environmental group Greenpeace estimates at least 30,000 people work at the market, processing millions of secondhand items of clothing, mostly from the West.

There have been several previous fires at the market.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Major changes are affecting Humana members in Central New York as St. Josephs Health is no longer part of their network. In contrast, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield struck a deal just hours before the deadline to keep St. Josephs in the network.

Yet, Medicare Advantage Plan members who were concerned about losing access to their trusted providers are wondering if there is any recourse for them to return to their previous plan.

So, heres what you need to know about these new deals and your options going forward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If youre a Humana Member:

Starting January 1, 2025, St. Josephs Health and all of its facilities are no longer in-network with Humana plans. After months of negotiations, no deal was made between both parties, resulting in no agreement.

What Can You Do? Contact Humana:

Use the customer service number on the back of your insurance card

Ask about continuity of care if youre in the middle of a treatment. You may qualify for temporary in-network coverage for ongoing care at the different St. Josephs Health Facilities.

2. Contact your Providers:

Reach out to your health care providers at St. Josephs Health to confirm whether or not they remain in-network.

See if they can help you through this transitional period, even if it means going to another provider that accepts Humana.

3. Find In-Network Providers:

Use Humanas online provider search tool or call the customer service line on the back of your insurance card to help with finding a new provider that takes Humana.

Now remember, emergency care at St. Josephs Health will remain unaffected due to laws that are put into place allowing ANY patient to seek emergency care at their facilities despite their insurance provider.

If you have any questions, you can go to St. Josephs Health website.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (Can you return to your previous plan?)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The answer is yes! Medicare Advantages Open Enrollment Period has begun and runs until March 31, 2025. During this time period, you can:

Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan

Drop your current Medicare Advantage plan and return to your orginal Medicare.

Enroll in a separate Medicare drug plan if you are returning to original Medicare

Special Enrollment Period:

If you have faced certain life changes, you could qualify for a Special Enrollment Period which includes circumstances such as

Moving to a new address

Losing your current coverage

Qualifying for Medicaid or other assistance programs through the government

This program period allows you to switch Medicare Advantage plans, join a new drug plan or return to your original Medicare outside of the initial period.

For more information, you can visit Medicare.gov or contact your plan provider.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A Lake City couple is dead after a single-vehicle wreck Thursday. The accident occurred after 3 p.m. at SW Baya Drive near SE Perry Avenue, a Lake City police news release states.

The couple was identified as Charles Fails, 51, and his wife, Tracy Fails, 49.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The investigation revealed that a vehicle traveling east on SW Baya Drive, approaching SE Perry Avenue, apparently lost control, veered onto the sidewalk, and struck a utility pole, the news release states. Both the driver and the passenger sustained fatal injuries

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Read: DCPS says its had no contact with Texas group promising to send uniformed security to Duval schools

Read: Palatka residents demand action after fatal Christmas night triple shooting

[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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohioans had a lot to say in 2024  on their personalized license plates, and some thoughts were too racy to be approved.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles rejected almost 1,000 license plate requests last year.

Hundreds of people tried to put profanity on their personalized plates. The Ohio BMV rejected the highest number of license plate requests since 2021: 939, up 163 from 2023.

See some of the rejected Ohio license plates applications

Many went for a joke, others tried to sneak profanity in and some talked about drugs. Someone tried to put HEROIN on their license plate. Others tried CRAKDLR and KOKANE.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There were attempts at references to violence and crime, MVRDER and KIA GIRLZ, a reference to a name associated with teenagers stealing Kia cars in the area.

Even if its just the letter f the BMV didnt let it fly, especially if it was before the letters u and k or after the letters m and a.

Around 320 applications were rejected for having a curse word or reference to one in it. Thats about a third of all 2024 applications.

See all rejected applications from the past 12 months (content warning)

New Jersey got some heat, with one plate using the letters f and u to describe their feelings about the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Others focused on Ohio, with the plate IH8OH1O getting rejected.

There were quite a few references to private parts, bathroom jokes and adult activities.

Some were pretty easy to figure out: SCAMMER, I SCAM, YT PRVLG and I HT PPL. A few people expressed their dislike of The Team Up North. Others may have needed a search to figure out.

People got political too, with a few referencing President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

There were fewer political-themed personal license plate applications in 2024. The Ohio BMV rejected almost 50 political messages in 2021. Last year, it was fewer than 10.

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.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  A new law now in effect aims to bring major reforms to the funeral home industry.

The Integrity in Death Care Act creates a more thorough system for tracking remains from when someone dies to what happens to their body afterwards. People who violate the law could face penalties.

The law is in response to an investigation Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon opened into Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville more than a year ago after his office discovered the funeral home gave families the wrong cremated remains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Allmon encouraged families to call his office if they were concerned they had the wrong remains. And to this day, his office still gets those calls.

A lot of families are curious that utilized that funeral home and whether or not they have their loved ones, Allmon said. And believe it or not, there are still some families that havent heard about what happened and they just recently have heard about it and still reach out.

Allmon said his office confirmed nearly 80 families received the wrong ashes. His office has also been able to reunite some families with their loved ones remains.

They were in a position where they needed to grieve appropriately and the last thing that they thought would happen was that they would be given the wrong cremains, Allmon said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But thats not the case for everyone, Allmon said some families may never know if they have the right ashes.

Because the tag that was supposed to be affixed to the cremains was no longer there or they had spread their loved ones ashes, Allmon said.

The news of Allmons investigation caught the attention of lawmakers in the Capitol, eventually passing legislation to make sure this doesnt happen to other families.

We had some obstacles when this transpired because there wasnt anything in place that said, If you do this, this could happen or youre not supposed to do this, Allmon said.

The law went into effect at the start of the new year. It requires a unique identification tagging system for all human remains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If someone knowingly breaks the law, they could be charged with a Class 4 felony. That carries a sentence of one to three years behind bars.

A lot of the families that Ive spoken to really want some accountability, so I think that fixing a penalty to this and saying, Look, not only is this against the law, but if you knowingly do this, there is going to be a penalty, Allmon said.

Allmon said his office currently has around 20 unclaimed remains because they didnt have a tag connected to them identify the ashes, and in some cases, he said families didnt take the ashes because theyre not sure if its actually their loved ones.

Allmon plans to put the remains in a crypt at Oak Ridge Cemetery which his office has done before for unclaimed remains.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In August, Illinois State Police (ISP) finished up an investigation into the funeral home. They gave the case to the Macoupin County States Attorney.

At the time his office said they were determining if there were any charges that applied to the case.

WCIA reached out to the states attorneys office for an update, but they havent responded.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Towing companies across the state have new rules to follow when handling stolen or hijacked cars thanks to a new Illinois law.

State Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) said the inspiration behind the law came from a resident of his district that had their car stolen. Law enforcement recovered the car and towed it. The towing company holding the car contacted the owner a week after it was located. The company also charged a $1,500 fee and would not let the owner get their hearing aids from their car.

New year brings hundreds of new laws to Illinois: What to know

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I was furious to find out that car owners cannot recover their personal medical devices, like hearing aids, from their vehicles  even if their vehicle is stolen and later towed, the senator said. Holding medical devices hostage is going way too far, and punitive tricks to maximize profits just give people another reason not to trust the towing industry.

Now, towing companies cant charge storage fees for stolen vehicles reclaimed in the first seven days. They are also required to notify owners of stolen cars they are in possession of within two business days through certified mail, return receipt requested.

New Illinois law prohibits family caregiver discrimination, begins Jan. 1, 2025

The law also ensures car owners can get their personal medical devices, social security cards and college textbooks back before paying towing companies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The law passed both chambers unanimously and was signed into law in August. It went into effect Wednesday.

Imagine if your vehicle was improperly towed and the towing company is shaking you down for a thousand bucks before theyll give you your hearing aids, Cunningham said. Im glad that we have ended this practice here in Illinois.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The movement of skilled professionals is an important part of India-U.S. ties and benefits both countries, New Delhi said on Friday amid a debate over H-1B visas on which President-elect Donald Trump and his backer Elon Musk commented recently.

India, known for its massive pool of IT professionals, many of whom work across the world, accounts for the bulk of such visas issued by the United States.

Late last month, Trump said he fully backed the H1B programme for foreign workers opposed by some of his supporters after Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, vowed to go to "war" to defend it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

India said such visas provided mutual benefits.

"Our countries have a strong and growing economic and technological partnership and within this ambit, mobility of skilled professionals is an important component," India's foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, told a press conference when asked about the H1B visa discussions in the U.S.

"India-U.S economic ties benefit a lot from the technical expertise provided by skilled professionals, with both sides leveraging their strengths and competitive value. We look forward to further deepening India-U.S economic ties which are to our mutual benefit."

India received about 78% of the 265,777 H1B visas issued by the United States in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The country is keen to strengthen ties under Trump, Jaiswal said, noting that India's foreign minister and foreign secretary recently visited the United States and held meetings with Trump's transition team.

(Reporting by Krishna N. Das in New Delhi; Editing by Christina Fincher)
The number of people injured in the attack on a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg two weeks ago has risen to 299 from the previously reported 235, the state Interior Ministry said on Friday.

The new figure includes injured people who had previously not been recorded or only reported to the authorities in the aftermath of the attack.

Twelve of those injured are foreign nationals or have dual nationality, it said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On December 20, a 50-year-old man drove his car into the Christmas market on a central square in the central German city, the capital of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Five people died in the attack.

The driver, a Saudi national only identified as Taleb A in line with Germany's strict privacy laws, had previously come to the attention of the German security authorities. He is in custody as investigations proceed.
Content warning: The following article contains disturbing descriptions of abuse.

A Texas foster mother is facing serious criminal charges after the teenaged girl in her care died weighing just 78 lbs. while the woman cashed the childs disability checks.

On Dec. 30, 2024, Tracy Gonzales, 48, was arrested and charged with injury to a disabled person with serious bodily injury in connection with the March 25, 2024 death of Nayeli Perez, 16, the Houston Police Department said in a release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On March 25, 2024, officers responded to a home on E. 32nd St. in Houston about a report of a deceased person.

Inside the home, officers found an unresponsive girl, later identified as Perez, in her bedroom, suffering from unknown injuries, the department said in a release.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police began investigating her death after the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled Perezs death a homicide.

Following further investigation, Gonzales, who acted as Perez's caretaker, was arrested on December 30 and subsequently charged for her role in the victim's death, the HPD said in the release.

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.

Gonzales is being held on $200,000 bail at the Harris County Jail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Perez had disabilities, and court documents obtained by PEOPLE show an allegedly disturbing picture of the girls life before she died.

According to the Personal Bond/Bail Order, Gonzales was granted custody of Perez and received disability payments for the girl, who had the math and reading level of a first grader.

It is unclear when Gonzales began caring for Perez.

According to the order, Gonzalez failed to contact authorities regarding Perezs declining status because she was afraid she would lose custody of her children.

Gonzales was allegedly abusive to the girl. According to the order, Gonzales allegedly admitted to disciplining Perez with a belt. The woman said she would close her eyes and didnt know where she struck (Perez), it alleges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gonzales said she would strike Perez because of her inability to use the bathroom and eat food, it alleges.

When officers found Perez, she was only wearing a diaper because all of her other clothes were soiled, the order claims.

The autopsy showed that Perez had suffered stab wounds to her genitals, as well as malnutrition and dehydration.

Gonzales said she was gone all day and returned home to the (foster child) being a little hard, it alleges.

Additionally, a criminal complaint against Gonzalez goes on to allege that on or about March 25, 2024, Gonzales did knowingly cause serious bodily injury to Perez by failing to provide adequate fluids, adequate food and nutrition, adequate medical care and adequate supervision to the teen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Neighbors told ABC 13 Eyewitness News that they were shocked by Gonzaless arrest.

"She actually went to school with my daughter," Frank Rodriguez told ABC 13. He said he believed Perez had a learning disability and had been diagnosed with autism.

"She was just a normal girl. Going to school," Rodriguez told ABC 13.

Perez stopped attending school about a year ago, Rodriguez said, ABC 13 reports.

In February 2022, medical records show Perez weighed 40 lbs. more than what she weighed when she died, ABC 13 reports.

Gonzaless public defender did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 7.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



Read the original article on People
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has released details  and imagery  of a dramatic commando raid into Syria, which targeted an underground missile production facility, back in September. The raid, codenamed Operation Many Ways, was deemed an outstanding success, with the facility destroyed and none of the 120 Israeli special forces troops involved being injured. Until now, however, very few details of how the raid took place had emerged.

The raid was carried out on Sept. 8 by members of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), specifically its elite Shaldag unit and Unit 669. Shaldag is a clandestine outfit that specializes in long-range penetration operations, including commando-style raids. Unit 669 is tasked primarily with combat search and rescue (CSAR), a key requirement of missions carried out in or close to hostile territory.

The target of Operation Many Ways was, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say, an Iranian-run missile manufacturing site, codenamed Deep Layer by the Israeli military  part of the Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) network.

A satellite image of the Deep Layer facility. IDF

What the Israeli Ministry of Defense described as precision-guided missiles and long-range rockets were planned to be made at the facility and then supplied to Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as to the Assad regime in Syria. In terms of Iranian support for Hezbollah, Deep Layer was Irans flagship project, according to the IDF.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The IDF says the target was surveilled with extensive intelligence gathering and monitoring, and a plan for its destruction reportedly started to take shape months ahead of the operation.

Fascinating, apparently the Masyaf site was an underground facility for producing and casting solid propellant rocket motors. First such site I have seen, apart from some more primitive Hamas ones. https://t.co/nQEtI75UQf pic.twitter.com/X62kY5rmMs  Fabian Hinz (@fab_hinz) January 2, 2025

Fitting its name, Deep Layer was located deep underground, buried within a mountain in the Masyaf area of Syria, west of Hama. Reportedly situated between 230 and 430 feet below ground, the facility was considered more or less impregnable by IAF airstrikes. But destroying it using a commando raid was also a huge challenge since its location was more than 124 miles north of the Israeli border, and around 28 miles from Syrias western coastline.

IAF personnel oversee the raid from a command center in Israel. IDF

As to the layout of the facility, the IDF says it was horseshoe-shaped, with an entrance in the side of the mountain where raw materials went in, and an exit nearby from where the completed missiles emerged. There was also a third entrance used for logistics and to reach offices inside the facility. Along the horseshoe were at least 16 rooms where missile and rocket motor assembly took place.

A rendering of the underground tunnel network. IDF

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the time of the raid, the facility was not yet working at full capacity, construction work began here in late 2017. However, according to the IDF, at least two missiles had been successfully manufactured as part of testing, and rocket engines were already being mass produced. Ultimately, it was expected that the facility would be able to produce between 100 and 300 missiles of various kinds annually.

A satellite image of the facility, with details of the buildings overlaid using computer-generated imagery, in a graphic released by the IDF. IDF

The soldiers involved in the operation, 100 members of Shaldag and another 20 members of Unit 669, were transported into and out of Syria aboard four CH-53D helicopters, locally named Yasur. Official pictures that have now been released, like the one below, show that military working dogs were also part of the force. Reconnaissance and fire support were provided by undisclosed Israeli fighter jets, as well as vessels of the Israeli Navy.

IAF personnel disembark from a CH-53 after the raid. IDF

According to the Israeli media, the CH-53s were escorted by a pair of AH-64 attack helicopters while other air assets included 21 fighters, 14 reconnaissance aircraft, and five drones, among others. Meanwhile, 30 more aircraft were on standby in Israel to respond if the operation began to go wrong.

The six helicopters flew over the Mediterranean Sea far off the coast of Lebanon, before crossing into Syria above its own coastline, The Times of Israel reports. The choppers flew unusually low in order to evade Syrian radars and air defense systems.

IAF personnel discuss the raid after returning to Israel. IDF

The Syrian air defense systems around the facility were, the IDF determined, the second-most densely concentrated in Syria, surpassed only by Damascus, although at least some had already been knocked out by IAF airstrikes and had not been repaired or replaced.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reportedly, it took the helicopters only 18 minutes to reach the facility after they had crossed the Syrian coastline, and none were detected. Concurrent with their arrival, IAF fighters and drones along with missile-armed Israeli Navy vessels hit targets both related to the facility and elsewhere in Syria. The strikes on other targets were intended to serve as a deception to mask the objective of the commando raid, were it to be detected.

Although the helicopters were apparently not detected by local air defenses, Israeli reports indicate that dozens of Syrian soldiers began to head to the facility, suggesting that they must have been alerted to the operation, although perhaps only after the commandos had landed. To hamper any Syrian response, strikes also targeted roads in and out of the facility.

The first of the CH-53s put troops down very close to the entrance to the facility, and once all four had dropped off troops the helicopters moved to landing zones nearby and waited for the mission to be completed. The Unit 669 members remained on the aircraft, waiting for the call to action if any of the commandos were injured.

The view out of the rear ramp of one of the CH-53s involved in the raid. IDF

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The operation is said to have involved the first team of commandos securing the area while a second team advanced toward the entrance, killing two guards. Meanwhile, another team took up a position on a nearby hill, from where they operated a small drone. This drone was reportedly equipped not only for surveillance, but was also armed so it could eliminate anyone approaching the facility.

Within an hour, the first team of commandos had broken through one of the entrances, which were protected by heavy doors. Further internal doors were opened using nearby forklifts. Indeed, at least some of the commandos underwent forklift driver training, for just this eventuality.

As well as forklifts on site, the commandos used a quad bike they had brought with them to move explosives around the tunnels. In all, 50 commandos were involved in planting explosive devices, while the other 50 waited outside to provide surveillance and offer covering fire. Meanwhile, IAF fighters continued to hit targets, dropping 49 munitions in total during the raid, although not all were around the facility.

IAF commandos in one of the tunnels at the facility during the raid. IDF

After around 660 pounds of explosives had been rigged up, a remote detonator was planted at the site entrance, and the 100 commandos moved to the original landing site where the same helicopters picked them up. As they boarded, the explosives were triggered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In all, the IDF assesses that its soldiers killed 30 guards and Syrian soldiers during the operation, while Syrian media reported 14 dead and 43 wounded.

According to the IDF, the operation was completed with the commandos involved having spent a little more than 2.5 hours on the ground in Syria.

Members of the IAF leadership discuss the outcome of the raid with some of the commandos involved. IDF

During the operation, the forces reached critical machinery for manufacturing precision missiles, including a planetary mixer, numerous weapons, and intelligence documents, which were transferred for investigation, the IDF disclosed. The soldiers destroyed the compound and safely returned to Israeli territory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the operation in Syria: I salute our heroic fighters for the daring and successful operation deep in Syria. This was one of the most important preventive operations that we have taken against the efforts of the Iranian axis to arm itself in order to attack us; it attests to our boldness and determination to take action everywhere to defend ourselves.

IAF commandos after their return to Israel from the Syria raid last September. IDF

Israel destroyed a secretive missile production facility in northwest Syria in September 2024, in an attack that included inserting special operations forces by helicopter to retrieve equipment and documents. IDF IDF

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Operation Many Ways took place when Syria was still ruled by Bashar al-Assad and before Israel launched its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

After the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, it seems that Israel has decided that it can publicize details of the commando raid. This will also serve as a warning of potential further operations directed against Iran and its proxies in the region. The fact that the operation demonstrated Israeli willingness and capacity to launch such raids against deeply buried and highly defended bunkers sent a signal to Iran, which is a key takeaway we highlighted when the first mention of the special operations raid emerged. While executing a similar operation against an underground target in Iran would be far more complex and risky, this has always been a real possibility and Israel has proven itself more than capable of operating within Irans borders.

More recently, Netanyahu spoke of a changing order in the region, with two of Irans key proxies there, Hamas and Hezbollah, deeply degraded and the Assad regime eliminated, stating:

After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Houthis are almost the last remaining arm of Irans axis of evil. The Houthis are learning, and will learn the hard way, that those who strike Israel will pay a very heavy price for it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (second from right) visits the peak of Hermon Mount (Jabal al-Sheikh) on the Syrian side of the border after the fall of the Baath regime in Syria on Dec. 17, 2024. Photo by Mayan Toaf / Israel GPO / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images Anadolu

While disclosing details of Operation Many Ways, the IDF said it will continue to act strategically and professionally with various methods and tactics to remove threats directed at the citizens of Israel. This clearly includes special operations raids against very hardened underground facilities well beyond Israels borders.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Jan. 2The city of Albuquerque's Office of Inspector General has concluded that a group of city employees, including some top administrators in the city's Family & Community Services Department, received more than $280,000 in improper bonuses using money intended to sustain child care providers during the COVID pandemic.

The OIG, acting on an anonymous tip, found the "questionable expenditure" of federal grant funds to 27 employees between 2021 and 2023, according to its report. More than 10 recipients, including top managers, received nearly $20,000 each.

The Family & Community Services Department now operates under the umbrella of the city's Youth and Family Services and Health, Housing and Homelessness departments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Youth and Family Services director Katarina Sandoval, who is Mayor Tim Keller's former chief of staff, did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. Sandoval took over the department in 2023.

In response to the OIG report, the city contends it wasn't intentionally misusing funds and did not have direction on where to appropriate the funds.

City Council President Dan Lewis told the Journal in a statement on Thursday, "My office is referring this investigation to the U.S. Attorney due to allegations of federal crimes involving the abuse, misuse, and theft of federal funds allocated to high-ranking members of the Keller administration."

"These funds, approved by the Council, were intended exclusively for early childhood programs as outlined in the grant's description. However, they appear to have been unlawfully redirected as cash bonuses for the Mayor's staff," Lewis continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A spokesperson for Keller called Lewis' comments "a grossly inaccurate overreaction."

The OIG's oversight committee took the unusual action of voting not to approve the OIG report released Thursday. The Accountability in Government Oversight Committee, which is comprised of community members appointed by the mayor and City Council, met on Nov. 14 to review and consider the investigative report. But it found the OIG "lacked sufficient jurisdiction under the city's Inspector General ordinance to investigate one or more of the allegations." The report does not explicitly recommend disciplinary action.

Inspector General Melissa Santistevan did not respond to multiple requests for comment Thursday.

The committee voted 5-0 against approval, stating in a "cautionary statement" attached to the investigative report that "readers are advised to review this published report and its content with the understanding that the Committee did not approve this report."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Associate Chief Administrative Officer Carla Martinez, released the statement, "Once again the OIG is submitting subjective opinions that were unanimously rejected by her own oversight committee comprised of legal and accounting professionals. This grant provided necessary overtime funding for critical early childhood caregiver programs and management during the Covid crisis."

Among its findings, the OIG reported bonuses, also called premium payments, of up to that $22,498 were paid to employees who earned $32,469 to $123,490 annually.

The grant money was supposed to assist in keeping child care providers' doors open during the pandemic. But, according to the OIG, the money also went to higher-ranking city staff that included the division's deputy director, fiscal manager and the child and family development division manager. Additionally, two fiscal officers, two payroll specialists and seven fiscal analysts received bonuses.

Twenty-three of the 27 employees received a July 2022 bonus of either $8,533 or $3,878, then in December of the same year, 14 employees received bonuses ranging from $5,400 to $13,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The highest bonus of $22,498 went to the Child and Family Development division manager. The position made $88,000 annually before "premium pay."

"Twenty-three out of the 27 employees who received premium pay had annual salaries greater than Preschool staff. Five of those salaries were more than double the Preschool staff's highest paid salary with one almost tripling the salary of the highest-paid Preschool staff," the OIG report states.

In its recommendations, the OIG recommended the city should determine if the extra pay should be recouped or if the city's general fund should be tapped to repay the amount improperly disbursed.

The money came via the the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 signed on March 11, 2021, for child care stabilization grants to help give financial relief to child care providers and defray unexpected business costs associated with the pandemic and to help stabilize their operations "so that they may continue to provide care." The federal funding was administered by the state of New Mexico.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But a city division director was quoted in the OIG report as saying that the understanding was that "all employees who conducted work on behalf of the division" would receive bonuses.

Julia Sclafani, spokesperson for the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department, who administered the funds did not respond to a request for comment.

During one interview, the OIG asked "if there were others in the management chain who approved the list of disbursements. In response, one top ranking department officials said a spreadsheet of proposed bonuses ultimately went to the 11th floor" of City Hall. The OIG noted that is the location for the city's executive staff.

Asked if anyone considered "that maybe teachers and direct support staff for the centers should have received more than the other support staff, the unidentified division manager stated no, 'it did not come up,' and they wanted to be consistent across the board."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The OIG learned in one interview that all payments went through top-ranking directors "and then got signed off by the CAO (chief administrative officer)." But the report didn't identify the name of the CAO. The CAO position changed hands in 2022 from Sarita Nair to Lawrence Rael, who retired in 2023.

Another top administrator in the Family & Community Services department told the OIG that no one raised any red flags on who was to get the bonuses, and that official thought "it was a good opportunity to do something good" for the employees.

That administrator was quoted as saying that officials "thought they were protected with the guidance on allowable expenses and having key City Management overseeing and approving the disbursements."
Members of the North Dakota State Investment Board hold a meeting in Bismarck on Feb. 23, 2024. On. Jan. 3, 2025, the board hired an interim executive director and named Gov. Kelly Armstrong board chair. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

The North Dakota State Investment Board on Friday named former Land Commissioner Jodi Smith as interim executive director of the Retirement and Investment Office.

On Friday, board members also elected Gov. Kelly Armstrong as chair. The position has historically been delegated to the lieutenant governor, but Armstrong chose to serve on the board.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Smith is currently director of lands and compliance at the Metro Flood Diversion Authority for Fargo-Moorhead. She was land commissioner from 2017 to 2021, a role which included serving on the State Investment Board.

She has done an outstanding job as a board member  so she has legislative experience, which we feel is obviously necessary coming into the next legislative session, Robert Lech, chair of the executive director search committee, said of Smith.

Jodi Smith was named interim executive director of the Retirement and Investment Office on Jan. 3, 2025. (Photo provided by the Retirement and Investment Office)

Smith will replace Jan Murtha, who announced her departure in late November. Murtha, who served as executive director for more than two years, is leaving the Retirement and Investment Office to pursue philanthropic and private sector opportunities.

The board hopes for Smith to start in the position on Jan. 20 or earlier, if possible. She will receive the same salary as Murtha, roughly $19,784 a month, the board said Friday. Thats equal to an annual salary of about $237,408.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We have a great individual who was willing to step up, and Im very supportive of this recommendation, State Treasurer Thomas Beadle, who sits on the State Investment Board, said during the meeting.

The search committee will hire a firm to field candidates for a permanent director, the board decided Friday.

RIO administers investments of the Legacy Fund, which last year topped $11 billion, as well as other state funds like the Teachers Fund for Retirement.

Armstrong during his campaign for governor was critical of how the Legacy Fund is managed, arguing that the state should be more transparent about its holdings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During a debate against former Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, previous chair of the State Investment Board, Armstrong said the public shouldnt have to file an open records request to understand where North Dakota taxpayer dollars are invested.

Murtha has said previously the state already publishes a wealth of information on the Legacy Fund, though some information is kept secret in order to safeguard the states ability to invest.

At least one bill expected to be introduced during the legislative session would mandate all of the funds investments to be made public.

Murtha, whose last day was Friday, took a moment to thank the board at the end of the meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I have really appreciated the opportunity to learn in this role, she said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
UPDATE: The Des Moines Police Department announced that a suspect is dead following an officer-involved shooting Thursday evening.

According to Sgt. Paul Parizek with DMPD, officers responded to a home in the 2100 block of Meadow Court for a wanted check on an individual who had felony warrants. Responding officers encountered the individual inside the home.

Sgt. Parizek said two officers fired their weapons inside the home and the suspect died at the scene. The officers were not injured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A firearm that didnt belong to officers was found inside, Sgt. Parizek said. Information about what led to the shooting has not been released.

Two hospitalized in Pomeroy shooting, charges filed

An investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

ORIGINAL STORY:

DES MOINES, Iowa  An investigation is underway following an officer-involved shooting on the southeast side of Des Moines Thursday evening.

According to the Des Moines Police Department, an officer-involved shooting occurred in the 2100 block of Meadow Court. Police said the scene is secure and theres no ongoing danger to the community.

No additional information has been released. Check back to www.who13.com for updates.

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 who13.com.
South Korean investigators have suspended efforts to enforce an arrest warrant for embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, hours into a standoff in which authorities tried to detain the leader following his short-lived martial law declaration.

Some 80 police and investigators had entered the presidential compound in Seoul in the early morning to take Yoon into custody for questioning, the CIO said  deepening what had already been a weeks-long showdown with the defiant and embattled leader.

Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) approached within a couple hundred meters of Yoons residence, but were blocked by a human wall of around 200 soldiers and members of the presidential security detail, CIO said Friday afternoon. There were also several altercations of varying intensity, the office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators called off the arrest warrant enforcement Friday afternoon citing the safety of the people on the ground, according to a statement. The warrant, which is valid until January 6, remains in effect and could be extended.

The atmosphere in the streets around the compound was heavily charged, with police flanking streets near Yoons residence and hundreds gathering to support the leader, who plunged the nation into political chaos with his swiftly overturned declaration one month ago.

Yoon, who was stripped of presidential powers after lawmakers voted to impeach him last month, is wanted for questioning in multiple investigations, including accusations of leading an insurrection  a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

A court earlier this week approved the warrant to detain him  the first time such action has been taken against a sitting president. In response, the presidential security team said that security measures will be taken in accordance with due process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yoon, himself a former prosecutor, has refused to answer three summonses by investigators in recent weeks asking for his cooperation, according to the CIO.

After suspending efforts to detain Yoon, the CIO expressed deep regret at the suspects attitude of not following the process by law.

The CIO said it is virtually impossible to execute a warrant at Yoons residence while security there remains in place. It said it will strongly request that the acting President Choi Sang-mok orders his security comply with the arrest warrant.

Yoons declaration of marital law a month ago was met with widespread public backlash, with members of his own party turning on him to support the impeachment vote following his refusal to resign.

Supporters back a defiant Yoon

Crowds of diehard supporters were gathered near the presidential residence despite frigid temperatures, with some camping there overnight to express their opposition to the warrant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many of those backing the leader  widely seen as a conservative firebrand and staunch US ally tough on China and North Korea  held signs with the phrase Stop the steal printed in English, while others waved American flags.

Other supporters held placards describing his arrest as treason, while some shouted that they should push through the barricade set up by police and chanted: Arrest the CIO.

Supporters of suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered near his residence in Seoul on January 3. - Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images

Yoons backers have insisted that the actions being taken against him are contrary to South Korean law. His lawyer reiterated in a statement Friday the arrest warrant was an illegal, invalid warrant and vowed to take legal action against its execution.

Yoons defense team on Tuesday filed an injunction with the Constitutional Court to suspend the warrant, as well as a separate objection filed to a lower court over the order.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If taken into custody, Yoon can be held for up to 48 hours for questioning with the existing warrant issued by the court in relation to charges of abuse of authority and leading an insurrection. The CIO would need to apply for a secondary warrant within that period to detain him further.

The suspended president has remained defiant in the face of investigations and an impeachment trial underway by one of the countrys highest courts.

He vowed in a letter to supporters gathered outside his residence Thursday that he would fight to the end for the country. It was his first public comment in weeks after he largely stayed away from public view during the fallout from his widely condemned decree.

The main opposition party on Friday, meanwhile, released a statement urging the presidential security team to cooperate and firmly refuse any unlawful orders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Democratic Party called on Yoon to walk out of your residence, where you are cowardly hiding, and be obedient with the execution of your arrest warrant.

All members of the Republic of Korea need to abide by law and order, the statement said.

Investigations and trials

Yoon declared martial law in a surprise late-night address on December 3, claiming opposition lawmakers had paralyzed state affairs and that the move was necessary to safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by anti-state elements.

Members of the National Assembly, including some from Yoons own party, voted to reverse the declaration some six hours later. Yoons order faced fierce backlash from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the countrys authoritarian past.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the weeks since, the country has been in political disarray with parliament also voting to impeach its prime minister and acting president Han Duck-soo, just weeks after it voted to impeach Yoon. The finance minister, Choi Sang-mok, is now acting president.

Police officers stand in front of suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence on January 3. - Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

The move to detain Yoon follows the emergence of new allegations about what exactly happened during those hours before the motion was rescinded.

As CNN has reported, Yoon ordered troops to South Koreas parliament as lawmakers scrambled to block the martial law order with a parliamentary vote. As soldiers attempted to enter the main hall of the National Assembly, lawmakers erected barricades using chairs and other furniture to stop them from entering.

In a 10-page summary from the former defense ministers prosecution indictment report on Friday, Yoon had allegedly instructed the military to use firearms to break the doors, if necessary, to remove lawmakers gathering inside the main chamber.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun was arrested last month and was indicted for abuse of power and serving as a key figure in the insurrection operation, the statement said.

Yoons impeachment proceedings are being handled in a separate Constitutional Court trial, which will begin on January 14. That trial, which could take up to six months, will decide whether he will be formally removed from the presidency or reinstated to office.

The Constitutional Court has vowed to take the case as a top priority along with other impeachment cases the opposition has pushed for against members of Yoons administration, including the justice minister, prosecutors and other senior officials.

This is a developing story. CNNs Mitchell McCluskey and Alex Stambaugh contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  There were scary moments for a Warren family that escaped an early morning fire. Now, investigators believe it was set on purpose and are asking for the publics help in the case.

Don Wilson is thankful his family is alright.

I definitely thank God that he was watching over us last night, Wilson said.

Wilson was staying with his daughter and son-in-law overnight when investigators say someone tried setting the house on fire early Thursday morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Firefighters arrived, determined that it was intentionally set, said Warren Fire Chief Ken Nussle. They found a couple of Molotov cocktails in different areas, there was the obvious smell of gasoline in at least three different areas.

It was a scary experience, but Im just thankful it wasnt the house  it was actually in the driveway, Wilson said.

An arson sign is posted on the front yard of the home on Belmont Street NE. Wilson says in total 10 people, including six children, were inside at the time.

I dont understand why somebody would want to do something like this, Wilson said. It makes no sense to me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators sent us video, as seen in the player above, which shows who theyre calling a person of interest in the case.

If you happen to know the person in the video, investigators ask you call either the Warren City Police, fire department or the Ohio State Fire Marshals Office.

A release from the state fire marshal says the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

We dont know what the motive was, we dont know if there was any connection, did he [person of interest] know the people in the house, so its very important to get him off the street, Nussle 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 WKBN.com.
STATE LINE, Miss. (WKRG)  The more investigators look into a robbery that left three dead at a State Line, Mississippi, gas station, the more they believe its more than just a robbery gone bad.

Greene County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Brad Warrick has received over 100 calls and tips since the shooting happened at around 6 a.m. on New Years Day. He said each tip paints a clearer picture of a potential motive.

New details in sex abuse of Robertsdale 11-month-old  alleged assailant denied bond

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are some things that dont make sense right now to us, Warrick said.

Everyone at Clarks gas station on Saint Peter Street complied with the masked gunmans demands, but they were all killed anyway, according to Warrick.

Jason Thornton, a customer who was gunned down in the parking lot, was stripped of his wallet. Rhonda Denson, the gas station manager, opened the register, yet she was still shot to death. Densons boyfriend, Lester Campbell, was shot and killed soon after grabbing a coffee from inside the store, according to Warrick.

Most people pull up, walk in, rob a store and walk out. This seems more personal to me, Warrick said, not ruling out previous relationships the victims may have had.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

WATCH: Pensacola Blue Angels accidentally photobomb gender reveal in viral video

In all, Warrick estimated 16 to 20 shots were fired.

Warrick said the suspect likely didnt act alone. He said the suspect could have approached the store from the woods behind the building and waited around the corner for the store to open.

After the shooting, Warrick said the suspect stole a black Toyota Camry. It was found four miles down the road. Deputies used K-9 units to pick up the suspects scent, but they did not find a scent.

Mobile police share arrest, incident data from downtown New Year celebration

Its common sense, Warrick said. He had to have somebody drop him off and pick him up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If caught, Warrick said the suspect would face capital murder. The suspects alleged accomplice would face accessory to capital murder charges.

Greene County does not want him nowhere in Greene County. And were going to do everything we can do to make sure he never comes back to Greene County, Warrick said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two outdoor pickleball courts under construction in Milton

Warrick said each tip is being investigated thoroughly. Warrick said investigators have narrowed in on a suspect.

We have two names on both of the tips that we are actively looking into, Warrick said.

The suspect is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. However, Warrick said the citizens of Greene County are not under an immediate threat.

The public is worried, and I understand that, Warrick said. Im not saying hes not dangerous because obviously hes one of the most dangerous people Ive dealt with since Ive been in law enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fairhope police tie New Years Eve bomb threat to swatting prank

Surrounding counties, state officials from Alabama and Mississippi and the feds are assisting the Greene County Sheriffs Office in this investigation.

The help  we have just been overwhelmed with law enforcement assistance and stuff like that, and I do appreciate that, Warrick said.

People with information can submit tips via Mississippi Crimestoppers or by calling the Greene County Sheriffs Office.

If I get a tip on my phone, I can read it, and I dont have a clue who sent it. So, whatever information you give, you can remain anonymous, Warrick said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New info revealed about mysterious substance damaging cars in Baldwin County

As investigators work to pin down a suspect, Densons cousin, Shunita Banks, demanded justice.

[Denson] was well known, Banks said. She was well known in the community. Shes a very giving and loving person.

Campbells daughter, Bianca Campbell, also pleaded for closure.

He was family oriented, she said. He was a handyman, a businessman.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Jonathan Landay and Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As investigators learn more about the man who pledged allegiance to Islamic State and killed 14 people with a truck on New Year's Day in New Orleans, a key question remains: How did a veteran and one-time employee of a major corporation become radicalized?

FBI Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia said on Thursday that videos made by Shamsud-Din Jabbar just before the attack showed the 42-year-old Texas native supported Islamic State, claimed to have joined the militant group before last summer and believed in a "war between the believers and nonbelievers."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the FBI was looking into his path to radicalization, evidence collected since the attack showed that Jabbar was 100 percent inspired by ISIS, said Raia, using an acronym for Islamic State.

Jabbar, who authorities said acted alone, was killed in a shootout with police.

His half-brother, Abdur Jabbar, said in an interview that Jabbar, who had worked for audit firm Deloitte, abandoned Islam in his 20s or 30s, but had recently renewed his faith.

Abdur Jabbar told Reuters in Beaumont, Texas, where Jabbar was born and raised, that he had no idea when his half-brother became radicalized.

Ali Soufan, a former FBI agent who investigated terrorism cases and is on an advisory council to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, said Jabbar did not fit the typical profile of those radicalized by Islamic State.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jabbar served for 10 years in the U.S. Army and was in his 40s, Soufan noted, explaining that people who fall prey to Islamic State recruitment are typically much younger.

This is a guy who  went from being a patriot to being an ISIS terrorist, said Soufan.

Attackers responsible for a range of deadly strikes have claimed a link to Islamic State and other jihadist groups.

They included the lone survivor of the Islamist squad that killed 130 people across Paris in 2015, the man who killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Florida in 2016, and the man who drove a truck into a crowded bike path in 2017 in New York City, killing eight people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some attacks, like those in 2015 in Paris, were carried out by trained Islamic State operatives. But investigators found no evidence of a direct role for the terrorist group in others.

ONLINE RECRUITMENT

It is still unclear what contact Jabbar might have had with overseas extremist groups.

U.S. officials and other experts say Islamic State conducts most of its recruiting in online chatrooms and over encrypted communications apps since losing the caliphate it overran in 2014 in Iraq and Syria to a U.S.-led military coalition.

Even as the coalition continues hitting the group's remaining holdouts, Islamic State has stepped up operations in Syria while its Afghanistan- and Africa-based affiliates have kept recruiting, expanding their networks and inspiring attacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. officials say Islamic State has used the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Israels war in Gaza to boost its recruitment.

Nate Snyder, a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) counterterrorism official, said both international and U.S.-based extremist groups follow a similar playbook to draw in new recruits.

The groups use social media to push their message and then move discussions to encrypted app such as Telegram, which could evolve into one-on-one conversations, Snyder said.

"Then people feel like they're part of a community," said Snyder, who left DHS in December and joined the race to chair the Democratic National Committee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Recruits could either receive direct orders or self-radicalize to take action, Snyder said.

Individuals susceptible to recruitment might have lost their jobs, might have had a mental health crisis, might have just concluded that however hard theyve tried, they never belong," said Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former British diplomat who led a U.N. team that monitors Islamic State and al Qaeda.

The main appeal of Islamic State is its determination to establish a Sunni Muslim caliphate ruled by Islamic law, unlike the Taliban, which has sold out to Afghan nationalism, or al Qaeda, members of which have cooperated with Irans Shiite Muslim-run government, he said.

People that are carrying out those attacks may never in their lives have actually met somebody who is a member of ISIS, said Fitton-Brown, a senior adviser to the Counter-Extremism Project, a policy and research organization. But that doesnt mean they cant carry out an ISIS-inspired attack."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Crashing cars into crowds or staging stabbing rampages are unsophisticated, very low-budget attacks (that) are almost impossible to defend against, he continued. If you are determined enough to kill unsuspecting public, you are going to be able to do it."

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Ted Hesson and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Arathy Somasekhar in Beaumont, Texas; Editing by Don Durfee and Lincoln Feast.)
Corn growing in a western Iowa field in August 2023. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Corn farmers in Iowa, and across the country, will have full and fair access to markets in Mexico after a United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, panel found Mexicos bans on genetically engineered corn were against USMCA commitments.

The U.S. brought forward seven claims under the trade agreement in 2023 and on Dec. 20, 2024, the USMCA panel sided in favor of the U.S. claims, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Under a 2023 presidential corn decree, Mexico initiated a ban on GE corn in dough and tortillas and called for the gradual elimination of GE corn from other food sources and from animal feed.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig called the bans baseless and rooted in politics rather than science, according to a news release.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

This dispute resolution case reinforces the value of securing free trade agreements with key partners around the globe, Naig said in a statement. These agreements not only secure markets for Iowa-grown products, they also outline a fair, transparent and binding dispute resolution process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to USDA, Mexico is the largest corn export market for the U.S. and accounted for nearly $5 billion worth of exported corn from January through October in 2024.

Iowa Corn Growers Association President Stu Swanson called Mexico a key trade market for corn growers, in a press release from Iowa Corn that said farmers and leaders must work with the incoming administration to enforce the ruling.

Iowas farmers rely heavily on trade and corn exports to Mexico, Swanson said in the statement. Thats why we joined other state and (National Corn Growers Association) grower leaders in pushing USTR to challenge this ban.

USDA data on genetically engineered crops in the country show 95% of Iowa corn planted in 2024 was genetically engineered, which is consistent with rates in other corn production states across the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in a statement the USMCA panel decision affirms U.S. allegations that Mexicos policies were counter to decades worth of evidence.

This decision ensures that U.S. producers and exporters will continue to have full and fair access to the Mexican market, and is a victory for fair, open, and science- and rules-based trade, which serves as the foundation of the USMCA as it was agreed to by all parties, Vilsack said.

According to USDA, Mexico has 45 days from the final report (issued Dec. 20) to comply.

The panel, in its final report, acknowledged Mexico was seeking to address genuine concerns in good faith but it recommended the country do so instead with measures based on scientific principles and in dialogue with USMCA parties.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart is seeking the role again, which is a two year term, after first winning the internal election in 2023.

Iowa Democrats are coming off an election cycle where the party lost its already thin numbers in both the Iowa House and Iowa Senate. The party failed to flip any of the four Iowa congressional seats from red to blue.

I will tell you that it is really hard to envision what is next for Iowa Democrats, said Chair Hart in a statement after the November 2024 losses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The party is holding a meeting on Saturday in Ankeny to have the Iowa Democrat Central Committee vote on who should be the party spearhead. Based off of recent election performances, there are some challengers for the spot.

Iowa Nice on full display as community helps reunite lost dog with owner

One is Alexandra Nikolas-Dermody from Davenport. Nikolas-Dermody has been involved in organizing political campaigns in multiple states. She is currently the Vice Chair of the Iowa Democratic Progressive Caucus, which means she is on the central committee that votes for a new chair.

I had been mulling over the decision to run for IDP chair since the beginning of November, said Nikolas-Dermody. I do greatly appreciate the work Chair Hart has done. I dont agree with everything and, I do, there there has been a lot left to be desired.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nikolas-Dermody said there needs to be an investment again in young voters and getting them engaged in the party. She also doesnt like the lack of democratic candidates running in every corner of the state, regardless of how conservative of an area may be.

We need to invest in every election, and we dont do that right now  there is no one running for any of these down ballot offices, said Nikolas-Dermody. Theyre [IDP] repeating the same mistakes again and again. And its time for change. Its time for a different perspective. I mean, you can only beat a dead horse so long before theres nothing left.

Iowa 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 who13.com.
Editors Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly named the animal rescue Paws of Hope. The story has since been corrected.

CLIVE, Iowa  A lost dog is now home safe after being on the loose for days, and its all thanks to the community.

Security footage showed Gus, a Labrador Dane mix, scaling a seven-foot fence at 4 Paws Unleashed in Clive on Monday.

It didnt surprise me, he is a fence hopper, but not a seven-foot fence hopper. So, I rushed to 4 Paws and they were frantically looking for him, keeping me up to date, and we have been on a chase since, said Jillin Looman, Gus owner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I know it was a freak accident, and I dont think any wall was going to keep him in, but as a business owner he was in my care and as the owner of a dog daycare and boarding facility this is anyones worst nightmare, said Corrine Graves, owner of 4 Paws Unleashed.

Iowa snowfall totals and what you need to know about snow squalls

The search for Gus spanned far beyond Jillian and 4 Paws. Gus escape became popular on social media after Jillian created a post asking for help finding him.

Jillian received hundreds of comments online showing Gus sightings, dozens of messages from individuals physically out searching for him, a DoorDash driver even called Jillian to let her know he was actively chasing after Gus. It all led to his safe return home on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This was beyond nice, this was a mission, and everybody acted like it was their dog. They were very concerned about him and if they didnt hear any update within 20 to 30 minutes they were reaching out to me for updates. So, its beyond nice, said Jillian.

Amongst 4 Paws, Jillian, and the community, Paws of Hope was a major contributor to the search for Gus.

Currently, Gus is at the vet and is recovering from an infection, but other than a few scratches, he is expected to be just fine.

Metro 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 who13.com.
This article was originally published in Iowa Capital Dispatch.

A science class for middle school students at Panorama Middle School commonly involves a trek out to the prairie behind the school, a sketch of native seeds under the microscope or a homework assignment to track the progress of a backyard bluebird from its birdhouse.

Teacher Mark Dorhout created an outdoor education program at the middle school in Panora to connect (students) to the natural world, foster environmental stewardship, and give students a real-world application to the science they learn in the classroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dorhout, who has a degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences, spent the majority of his career teaching or administering at middle schools and has been teaching sixth through eighth grade science at Panorama Middle School for four years.

Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

He started the outdoor education program by taking students out to a recently restored prairie behind the school, and using the schools backyard in his lessons as much as possible.

Related

4 Eclipses & Counting  How a Ballooning Project Lifts U.S. Students in STEM

This has been a long-standing passion of mine that has become more and more apparent as we move along in this society, Dorhout said. And really the main thrust to that is that kids are out less and less into this environment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now the class and its non-traditional classroom has a reputation among the middle schoolers  all of whom will go through the project, make a birdhouse, and get to meet Dorhouts Labrador retriever, which never misses a field day.

Dorhout said hes thankful the school district has been very supportive of the program and works with him to supply materials and promote the course in newsletters to parents.

They get it, Dorhout said of his district. They understand the value of a program like this.

Dorhout said the 11-acre prairie behind the school has been there for over 20 years but really fell out of use until seven or so years ago when the local members of the Izaak Walton League worked to grub out some of the trees that had overtaken the area, and replant it to prairie.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Each grade has a different project. Seventh graders build either a bluebird or a wren box that they take home, hang on a tree, and monitor through the rest of their time in middle school.

Related

High School 2.0: These Teens Build Drones, Research Cancer & Try Out Careers

They never knew that there was the whole other thing going on  and then all of a sudden theyve started paying attention to the birds in the neighborhood, Dorhout said.

Eighth grade students get to work in the greenhouse as part of their curriculum on genetics and climate change. Last year he added sixth graders to his docket and uses the prairie for their lessons in water quality and chemistry.

Dorhout said going out and conducting water quality tests gives the students a real life application of the chemistry they learn in the classroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And all of the students get about 50 field days over the course of their time in middle school. Throughout the program, Dorhout has his students gather seeds, add plants into the prairie and analyze what makes one section of the prairie better than another. All of it leads to pretty rich conversations around soil quality and biodiversity.

Related

Elementary School Kids Get Just 18 Minutes of Science a Day. That Has to Change

Kids that you wouldnt think would like doing prairie work, just totally get into it, Dorhout said.

Brody Steenblock, a ninth grade student at Panorama High School who went through Dorhouts program, grew up hunting and farming and said he considered himself outdoorsy, but that Dorohouts class was a next level of outdoors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Steenblock said he persuaded his parents to plant multiple acres of the prairie grasses he learned about in the class, as part of the Conservation Reserve Program on their farm.

I dont think we probably would have planted it, if it wasnt for the outdoor ed, Steenblock said.

Steenblock said the class sparked a lot of interest in him and he recalls that it was the favorite class for many of his peers as well.

There was just a whole bunch of kids that either just were not doing the best in school, and couldnt pay attention in school, and then, you get to Mr. Dorhouts class, and  kids were just like a whole different person, Steenblock said.

Cross curricular

Dorhout spoke about his class during a Watershed Talk with the Iowa Division of the Izaak Walton League of America Dec. 17.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mike Delaney, a member of the league and a prairie advocate who lives near Dorhout, called the outdoor education program phenomenal.

Ive been thinking about prairie as a teaching tool, and Im not sure theres any limits to what you can get into, Delaney said. Anything you want to do you can use prairie as an example, and thats what youre doing.

Dorhout doesnt teach just science in his classroom, but engages students across disciplines.

Related

Many Americans Think K-12 STEM Ed Lags Behind Peer Nations. Theyre Half-Right

The middle schoolers each keep a journal where they take down field observations and are encouraged to draw diagrams and doodles of what they study.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dorhout has also posted the cardinal directions on each of the four walls of his classroom with a corresponding theme. The north wall, for example, faces the prairie and is labeled with environment, the east wall faces town and says community, South is recreation and West is legacy. He has students write notes about each of these elements and post them up on the wall.

I always try to get them to understand where were at in this world, Dorhout said.

Students also get about 25 minutes of moderate exercise every time they walk to the prairie, and on days where the school has an unusual schedule, hell take his classes to do longer hikes at Lake Panorama, which is walking distance from the school.

Dorhout has also been known to turn a blind eye to some of the fun  like perhaps a friendly snowball fight  that inevitably takes place between 20-30 middle schoolers in the open air.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Just enough organization so we can have a meaningful lesson, and just enough goof around time that the kids think that its awesome, he said.

Lasting impact

Dorhout said one of the coolest things about the prairie is its visibility from the school and to the community. This means as the students get older, they can still see it and remember the work they did to improve that land.

I just see that as a really powerful thing, when you look at the life of a prairie and what it looks like now compared to what it did six years ago when you guys first started this reconstruction, Dorhout said.

This was also Steenblocks favorite part of the class.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He started seeds in sixth grade and throughout his time in middle school he got to watch them develop through the prairie.

We can still go back to this day and then see what we had done because we were part of that, Steenblock said.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com.
PANORA, Iowa (KCAU)  A science class for middle school students at Panorama Middle School commonly involves a trek out to the prairie behind the school, a sketch of native seeds under the microscope or a homework assignment to track the progress of a backyard bluebird from its birdhouse, the Iowa Capitol Dispatch reports.

Teacher Mark Dorhout created an outdoor education program at the middle school in Panora to connect (students) to the natural world, foster environmental stewardship, and give students a real-world application to the science they learn in the classroom.

Dorhout, who has a degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences, spent the majority of his career teaching or administering at middle schools and has been teaching sixth through eighth grade science at Panorama Middle School for four years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He started the outdoor education program by taking students out to a recently restored prairie behind the school, and using the schools backyard in his lessons as much as possible.

Iowa DOT trains for winter driving before it arrives

This has been a long-standing passion of mine that has become more and more apparent as we move along in this society, Dorhout said. And really the main thrust to that is that kids are out less and less into this environment.

Now the class and its non-traditional classroom has a reputation among the middle schoolers  all of whom will go through the project, make a birdhouse, and get to meet Dorhouts Labrador retriever, which never misses a field day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dorhout said hes thankful the school district has been very supportive of the program and works with him to supply materials and promote the course in newsletters to parents.

They get it, Dorhout said of his district. They understand the value of a program like this.

Dorhout said the 11-acre prairie behind the school has been there for over 20 years but really fell out of use until seven or so years ago when the local members of the Izaak Walton League worked to grub out some of the trees that had overtaken the area, and replant it to prairie.

Each grade has a different project. Seventh graders build either a bluebird or a wren box that they take home, hang on a tree, and monitor through the rest of their time in middle school.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They never knew that there was the whole other thing going on  and then all of a sudden theyve started paying attention to the birds in the neighborhood, Dorhout said.

Eighth grade students get to work in the greenhouse as part of their curriculum on genetics and climate change. Last year he added sixth graders to his docket and uses the prairie for their lessons in water quality and chemistry.

Perry school shooting vigil, scholarship announced ahead of one-year anniversary

Dorhout said going out and conducting water quality tests gives the students a real life application of the chemistry they learn in the classroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And all of the students get about 50 field days over the course of their time in middle school. Throughout the program, Dorhout has his students gather seeds, add plants into the prairie and analyze what makes one section of the prairie better than another. All of it leads to pretty rich conversations around soil quality and biodiversity.

Kids that you wouldnt think would like doing prairie work, just totally get into it, Dorhout said.

Brody Steenblock, a ninth grade student at Panorama High School who went through Dorhouts program, grew up hunting and farming and said he considered himself outdoorsy, but that Dorohouts class was a next level of outdoors.

Steenblock said he persuaded his parents to plant multiple acres of the prairie grasses he learned about in the class, as part of the Conservation Reserve Program on their farm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I dont think we probably would have planted it, if it wasnt for the outdoor ed, Steenblock said.

Steenblock said the class sparked a lot of interest in him and he recalls that it was the favorite class for many of his peers as well.

What new laws will affect Siouxland in 2025?

There was just a whole bunch of kids that either just were not doing the best in school, and couldnt pay attention in school, and then, you get to Mr. Dorhouts class, and  kids were just like a whole different person, Steenblock said.

Cross curricular

Dorhout spoke about his class during a Watershed Talk with the Iowa Division of the Izaak Walton League of America Dec. 17.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mike Delaney, a member of the league and a prairie advocate who lives near Dorhout, called the outdoor education program phenomenal.

Ive been thinking about prairie as a teaching tool, and Im not sure theres any limits to what you can get into, Delaney said. Anything you want to do you can use prairie as an example, and thats what youre doing.

Dorhout doesnt teach just science in his classroom, but engages students across disciplines.

The middle schoolers each keep a journal where they take down field observations and are encouraged to draw diagrams and doodles of what they study.

Dorhout has also posted the cardinal directions on each of the four walls of his classroom with a corresponding theme. The north wall, for example, faces the prairie and is labeled with environment, the east wall faces town and says community, South is recreation and West is legacy. He has students write notes about each of these elements and post them up on the wall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I always try to get them to understand where were at in this world, Dorhout said.

Students also get about 25 minutes of moderate exercise every time they walk to the prairie, and on days where the school has an unusual schedule, hell take his classes to do longer hikes at Lake Panorama, which is walking distance from the school.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KCAU 9 Afternoon Update

Dorhout has also been known to turn a blind eye to some of the fun  like perhaps a friendly snowball fight  that inevitably takes place between 20-30 middle schoolers in the open air.

Just enough organization so we can have a meaningful lesson, and just enough goof around time that the kids think that its awesome, he said.

Lasting impact

Dorhout said one of the coolest things about the prairie is its visibility from the school and to the community. This means as the students get older, they can still see it and remember the work they did to improve that land.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I just see that as a really powerful thing, when you look at the life of a prairie and what it looks like now compared to what it did six years ago when you guys first started this reconstruction, Dorhout said.

This was also Steenblocks favorite part of the class.

He started seeds in sixth grade and throughout his time in middle school he got to watch them develop through the prairie.

We can still go back to this day and then see what we had done because we were part of that, Steenblock said.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter.

This story was republished under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
LEWISTOWN, Ill. (WMBD)  An Ipava man was handing off his two daughters to his wife in Downtown Lewistown when he allegedly shot and killed a man on New Years Eve.

Nicholas Pratt, 33, was charged Thursday in Fulton County Circuit Court with charges of murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm and endangering the life or health of a child in connection with the shooting that occurred just before 7 p.m. in the 500 block of South Main Street.

UPDATE: Fulton County Coroner released the ID of man shot in Lewistown

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Killed was Levi Blair, 39, of Canton who was shot in the head.

During an early afternoon hearing, Judge Thomas Ewing ordered Pratt, who faces up to life in prison if convicted of all charges, to be held in custody at the county jail pending the outcome of his case.

Ewing explained his ruling, saying Pratt represented a danger to both himself and to the community

Prosecutors told the judge and a packed courtroom that Pratt had met up with his wife, Annabelle, to hand off the two girls to her. The two have a pending divorce.

Blair was also present in her pick-up truck. When the wife got out of the truck, she left the drivers side door open, according to prosecutors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blair was filming the exchange when, for an unknown reason, Pratt walked over and allegedly shot him. Pratt then fled the scene but was arrested a short time later based upon what was found on the cell phone, according to prosecutors.

Pratt told Ewing he planned to hire his own attorney. A hearing for Jan. 13 was set as review to give Pratt, a veteran of both the U.S. Marines and the Army, a chance to find one.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Pratt had PTSD but was not taking medication to help with that. It was also revealed that Annabelle had taken out two prior orders of protection this year but online court records indicate both were later dismissed or not active.

Blair was a former member of the Farmington Community Fire Protection District where he worked as an EMT, according to a post on the districts Facebook page.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience and helped make us better, the post said. Even after he moved out of the district, he still served as a paramedic with the Fulton County EMA. Our thoughts are with them and this family as they deal with this tragic loss.

This story will be updated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's foreign ministry summoned the Italian ambassador on Friday over the detention of an Iranian national wanted by the United States for his alleged role in a deadly drone strike against U.S. forces, Iranian state media reported.

The summons came a day after a similar move by Italy over Iran's arrest of Italian reporter Cecilia Sala, who was seized in Tehran on Dec. 19 while working under a journalist visa.

An Iranian foreign ministry official "urged Italy to reject America's hostage policy - which is contrary to international law, particularly human rights - and provide for Mr. (Mohammad) Abedini's release as soon as possible and prevent damage to bilateral ties", state media reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, the Iranian embassy in Rome said Sala was being given all the humanitarian care necessary, and for the first time, linked her case to that of Abedini.

Iran's said on Monday that Sala had been arrested for "violating the laws of the Islamic Republic". It gave no further information.

Sala was detained three days after Abedini, an Iranian businessman, was arrested at Milan's Malpensa airport on a U.S. warrant for allegedly supplying drone parts that Washington says were used in a 2023 attack that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan.

Iran has denied involvement in the attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Abedini is currently being held in prison and a court is due to decide this month whether to grant him house arrest while judges consider the U.S. extradition request.

In recent years, Iran's security forces have arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals, mostly on charges related to espionage and security. Rights groups have accused Iran of trying to extract concessions from other countries through such arrests. Iran denies this.

(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Alison Williams)
ROME (AP)  Iran warned Italy on Friday that it risked harming good bilateral relations if it bows to the political and hostile goals of the United States by detaining an Iranian engineer on a U.S. warrant in connection with a drone attack in Jordan last year that killed three American troops.

Tehran issued the warning to the Italian ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei, who was summoned to the foreign ministry, the official IRNA news agency reported. The meeting took place a day after Italy summoned the Iranian ambassador over the detention of an Italian journalist in Tehran.

The back-to-back diplomatic summonses underscored how a three-nation tangle over the fates of the two prisoners was getting ever more complicated for Italy, which is a historic ally of Washington but maintains traditionally good relations with Tehran.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mohammad Abedini was arrested by Italian authorities at Milans Malpensa airport on Dec. 16 on a U.S. warrant. The U.S. Justice Department accused him and another Iranian of supplying the drone technology to Iran that was used in a January 2024 attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan that killed three American troops.

Three days later, an Italian reporter for the Il Foglio daily, Cecilia Sala, was detained in Tehran. She had arrived in the country on Dec. 13 on a journalist visa and was arrested on charges of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic, IRNA said.

Italian commentators have speculated that Iran is holding Sala as a bargaining chip to ensure Abedinis release, and both governments have linked their fates to one another in public statements.

According to IRNA, a foreign ministry official, Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, told Amadei that Rome's continued detention of Abedini was an illegal act that is done based on the U.S. demand and in line with the political and hostile goals of the country to hold Iranian nationals hostage in various points in the world."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nili demanded the release of Abedini as soon as possible to prevent damage to the Tehran-Rome bilateral relations by the U.S.

As a result, all eyes will be on the Milan court of appeals, which scheduled a hearing for Jan. 15 to decide whether to keep Abedini at Milans Opera prison or grant him house arrest pending the start of the lengthy extradition process to the U.S.

The U.S. government hasn't commented publicly on Abedini's petition, but in the past it has complained to Italy's justice ministry about a half-dozen cases of suspects wanted by the U.S. who escaped from the Italian justice system before they could be extradited.

On Friday, Abedini's lawyer, Alfredo De Francesco visited his client in prison and said he had asked him about Sala. He said Abedini had heard about Salas case inside the prison and didnt understand any connection to him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He asked me if she had been arrested and how she had been arrested, and why in some way they wanted to connect her to him, the lawyer said. I explained the situation to him, even what is said on television, because it is useless to deny it, but I explained to him.

The lawyer stressed that on the surface the two cases are separate but said Abedini was emotional in hearing about her plight.

He asked me to write the name of Cecilia Sala on a piece of paper we had with pen, so that he could correctly pronounce her name, De Francesco told reporters outside the prison. He was very moved by this thing, to know that she is a woman in prison right now, and so he prays for her, for him.

U.S. federal prosecutors charged Abedini and his co-defendant with export control violations after FBI specialists analyzed the drone navigation system used in the Jordan attack and traced it to them. U.S. prosecutors said Abedinis Tehran-based company manufactures navigation systems for the military drone program of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Irans embassy to Italy has connected Salas fate to that of Abedini, saying in a statement posted to X that it will respect Salas rights and expects Italy to do the same for Abedini.

The delicate diplomatic triangle poses something of a headache for the government of Premier Giorgia Meloni, which is still stinging from the embarrassment of having lost track of another high-profile target wanted by the U.S.

Russian businessman Artyom Uss, wanted by the U.S. on alleged sanctions violations, escaped from Italy in 2022 after he was granted house arrest, despite warnings from the U.S. that he was a flight risk.

Uss, the son of a Russian regional governor, later resurfaced in Russia. Meloni acknowledged at the time that there were grave anomalies in the handling of his case and ordered an investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Milans general prosecutor, Francesca Nanni, has opposed Abedinis motion for house arrest, saying hes a flight risk and that not even guarantees from Irans consulate in Milan were sufficient to ensure he wouldnt disappear.

The issue could come up next week when Meloni hosts President Joe Biden on his final foreign trip before leaving office.

Traditionally, Iran has enjoyed calm diplomatic relations with Italy compared to other European nations such as Britain, France and Germany. Those countries routinely accuse Tehran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia and producing weapon-grade uranium, charges Iran denies.

___

Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi contributed from Tehran, Iran.
ORANGE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  Update: According to Indiana State Police, the man accused of shooting an Orange County Sheriffs Deputy near French Lick has been shot and killed.

ISP says the two day manhunt ended when Austin Schepers, 33, was confronted by police in Louisville, Ky. on Saturday, Jan. 4.

Schepers is accused of shooting Deputy Zach Andry multiple times following a traffic stop in the early morning hours of January 3 near French Lick. ISP says Deputy Andry is listed in critical but stable condition at University of Louisville Hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Update: According to Indiana State Police, The suspect vehicle has been located in the Orangeville area. If you notice a vehicle missing or someone walking in the area, please notify police. Please keep doors and windows locked. Schepers is still at large and still should be considered armed and dangerous.

Indiana State Police has issued a statewide Blue Alert seeking the publics help locating a suspect.

The Blue Alert was issued for Austin Schepers who is wanted for the involvement of injury to a law enforcement officer.

Schepers is described as a 33-year-old white male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 150 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a cross tattoo under his left eye and multiple tattoos around his neck. He was last seen driving a silver 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with Indiana license plate CRT921.

WANTED: Austin Schepers : 33-year-old white male 5 feet 7 inches tall 150 pounds brown hair hazel eyes cross tattoo under the left eye multiple tattoos around neck

Last seen driving: 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix Indiana License Plat: CRT921



Local officals offer tips ahead of winter weather

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the release, an unidentified individual also occupied the suspect vehicle at the time of the incident.

The suspect(s) was last seen on Friday, January 3, 2025. The suspect(s) last known location was in West Baden, Indiana. West Baden is approximately 85 miles southeast of the WTWO station in Farmersburg and 104 miles southwest of Indianapolis.

The suspect(s) are believed to be armed and dangerous. If seen, DO NOT APPROACH and contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411 or 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 MyWabashValley.com.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly acquired a version of the 6.8x51mm M250 light machine gun that Sig Sauer developed for the U.S. Army, but chambered to fire the NATO-standard 7.62x51mm round. Sig Sauers design may now be in line to supplant at least a portion of Israeli Negev light machine guns 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm, variations of which are current in IDF service.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported yesterday on the IDFs purchase of the 7.62x51mm version of what Sig Sauer currently markets commercially just as its Light Machine Gun (LMG). The outlet cited anonymous sources, as well as a video that emerged last month, seen in the social media post below that indicates the guns are intended as Negev replacements.

 The latest  American machine guns M250 (NGSW-AR) caliber 6.851 mm in service with the  Israeli Army pic.twitter.com/yEKq9TrJm7   MilitaryNewsUA  (@front_ukrainian) December 23, 2024

The video shows four LMGs, three of which are equipped with ROMEO8T non-magnifying red-dot type optics paired with a Juliet-series magnifier  both also Sig Sauer products. The fourth gun has an EOTech EXPS-series holographic sight, which is non-magnifying. What looks to be a night vision or compact thermal optic is also visible in the foreground at the beginning of the clip. The guns with the ROMEO8T optics also have aiming lasers mounted on accessory rails on the front left side of the handguard. All four LMGs have suppressors fitted, as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.S. Army is also fielding its M250 versions of the LMG with ROMEO8T optics. The service announced back in 2022 that it had chosen Sig Sauer to supply the core components of its Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) family, which includes the M250 and the M7 rifle, the latter of which also fires the 6.8x51mm round.

Per Sig Sauer, there is no difference dimensionally between the 6.8x51mm and 7.62x51mm versions of the LMG, or a third variation chambered for the 6.5mm Creedmoor round. All of them have 16-inch barrels and 37-inch overall lengths with the guns buttstock in its collapsed position. No empty or loaded weights are provided in the companys publicly available defense catalog, but the U.S. Army says its variant tips the scales at 13 pounds unloaded and 14.5 pounds with a sound suppressor fitted.

The page on the Light Machine Gun from Sig Sauers publically available defense products catalog. Sig Sauer

Overall, Sig Sauers LMG was designed with modularity in mind, as well as with ergonomics intended to mimic those found on AR-15/M16-pattern rifles that U.S. and Israeli military personnel, and many others around the globe, are already familiar with.

The IDFs acquisition of at least some 7.62x51mm LMGs does not come as a complete surprise. Sig Sauer notably displayed a placard detailing Major Global Contract Wins at the official opening of its expanded ammunition plant in Jacksonville, Arkansas, in October 2024. Included in the 2024 column were depictions of the LMG and the .338 Norma Magnum version of the companys new Medium Machine Gun (MMG), along with the ROMEO8T optic and linked .338 ammunition, all with Israeli flags alongside them. The MMG has yet to emerge publicly in IDF service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Israeli personnel are also known to have had the opportunity to fire the M250, as well as the M7 rifle, while getting close looks at those guns by invitation of the U.S. Army.

XM7 and XM250 in the hands of XM7 and XM250 in the hands of Israel & Polish soldiers. https://t.co/FN2kegUByn pic.twitter.com/phgymi4EJV   (@lfx160219) April 19, 2024

To what extent the IDF may plan to field Sig Sauers LMG, or MMG, remains unknown. There is a possibility that the guns seen in the video earlier in this story are part of small batch for test and evaluation. Both the [Israeli] Defense Ministry and the IDF declined to comment on whether the LMG specifically was intended to replace one or both versions of the Negev light machine gun, according to Haaretz.

Though very likely to be heavier than the M250 to some degree, the 7.62x51mm LMG could still be significantly lighter than the existing 7.62x51mm Negev NG7 in its standard configuration with a 20-inch long barrel that has an empty weight of around 17.5 pounds. Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) also offers a short-barrel version of the NG7 that is marginally lighter and an ultra-light derivative that is just 14.5 pounds empty. Despite its smaller caliber, the standard 5.56x45mm version of the Negev is around 16.5 pounds before any ammunition is loaded.

A member of the IDF with a Negev NG7 during operations in the Gaza Strip in November 2023. IDF

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The NG7, which was unveiled in 2012, already reflected a broader global trend of interest in lighter-weight machine guns chambered in 7.62x51mm and similar calibers. Guns in this broad category offer greater range and terminal performance in a handier package compared to light machine guns chambered to fire smaller rounds. These were key factors that led the U.S. Army to field versions of the 7.62x51mm Mk 48 light machine gun, a scaled-up derivative of the 5.56x45mm M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) originally developed for the U.S. Navy SEALs, and then the M250.

A member of the US Army with a Mk 48 machine gun. US Army

For Israel, a 7.62x51mm version of Sig Sauers LMG also allows for the use of existing ammunition stocks. With the U.S. Army planning to buy thousands of M250s, there is set to be a robust overall supply chain for the companys light machine gun family for decades to come, as well.

The IDF more broadly adopting Sig Sauers LMG, as well as its MMG, would be another major win for the company, which has been making steady inroads in the global small arms market for years now. Acquisition decisions by Israels armed forces often have trend-setting impacts around the world.

It will be interesting to see how widely the IDF fields the new guns from Sig Sauer and how that might impact further purchases in Israel and elsewhere worldwide.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
The News

Israeli negotiators set off for Doha in a potentially final effort to secure a truce in Gaza before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

The renewed push comes as Israel ramped up airstrikes on the enclave, killing more than 110 people in two days, according to the Gaza health ministry on Friday.

Trump has said there will be all hell to pay if Palestinian militants do not release the hostages still in Gaza before he returns to the White House, but major hurdles remain to a ceasefire.

The Palestinian territory has remained under huge pressure even as regional attention has shifted to Israels operation in Lebanon, where a fragile truce holds, and the ousting of Syrias dictator: The UNs Palestinian aid agency faces the threat of closure by Israel this month.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and James Mackenzie

CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel has carried out airstrikes on dozens of Hamas targets in Gaza over the past 24 hours, it said on Friday, in attacks that Palestinian health authorities said had killed more than 110 people in two days.

The surge in operations and casualties comes amid a renewed push to reach a ceasefire in the 15-month-old war and return Israeli hostages before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Israeli mediators were dispatched to resume talks in Doha brokered by Qatari and Egyptian mediators and on Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration, which is helping to broker the talks, urged Hamas to agree to a deal. Hamas said it was committed to reaching an agreement but it was unclear how close the two sides were.

The Gaza health ministry said more than 40 people were killed on Friday after 71 were killed a day earlier including in Al-Mawasi, an area in central Gaza previously declared a humanitarian safe zone by Israeli authorities.

The Israeli military said it had hit around 40 Hamas gathering points as well as command and control centres. It said it had taken numerous measures to reduce the risk of harming civilians, including using precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and other intelligence.

It accused Hamas, the Islamist movement that formerly controlled Gaza, of placing fighters in civilian areas including buildings formerly used as schools, where it said troops had found a number of weapons. Hamas rejects accusations it deliberately uses the civilian population to shield fighters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday, the military told civilians in the area of al-Bureij in central Gaza to evacuate ahead of an operation it ordered following rocket attacks from the area. It said residents should move to the humanitarian zone for their own safety.

Elsewhere, Israeli troops have been battling Hamas fighters holding out in towns around the northern end of the enclave for the past month and continued to find weapons stores and underground infrastructure, the military said.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, in which militants stormed border communities from Gaza, killing around 1,200 people and seizing around 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies.

Its military campaign, with the stated goal of eradicating Hamas, has levelled swathes of the enclave, driving most people from their homes, and has killed 45,658 Palestinians according to the Gaza health ministry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Severe winter weather has caused bitter hardship to hundreds of thousands who are sheltering in makeshift tent encampments.

STALLED DIPLOMACY

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have been trying to mediate a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release for a year with no success and are making another push this month before Trump's inauguration.

Ceasefire efforts have continually stumbled on a fundamental disagreement over how to end the conflict. Hamas says it will accept an agreement and release the hostages only if Israel commits to ending the war. Israel says it will agree to stop fighting only once Hamas is destroyed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Friday, Hamas said it wanted "a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip" and the return of displaced people to their homes in all areas of the enclave.

U.S. President Joe Biden has repeatedly called for a ceasefire agreement. Trump has said that if there is not a deal to release the hostages before his inauguration, "all hell is going to break out".

Israel's military has entered nearly every part of Gaza but is still fighting Hamas militants who are waging guerrilla warfare across the ruins of the tiny enclave.

Over the autumn, Israel's military resumed intense combat in northern Gaza, which it has repeatedly told all civilians to leave, while still continuing heavy strikes in the south.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In late December single-day death tolls announced by the Gaza health ministry included 48 on Dec. 28, 58 on Dec. 22 and 77 on Dec. 20. The toll rose by 1,124 in December, compared to 1,170 in November and 1,621 in October according to ministry figures.

Israel's military said strikes on Thursday targeted Hamas militants in the southern city of Khan Younis and the Mawasi camp for displaced people, which it designates as a humanitarian zone.

Asked about Thursday's reported death toll, a spokesperson for the Israeli military said it followed international law in waging the war in Gaza and that it took "feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm".

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Ali Sawafta in Ramallah; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by James Mackenzie, Alison Williams, Frances Kerry and Hugh Lawson)
A human rights group has filed a petition with Israels top court demanding to know the whereabouts of a prominent Palestinian hospital director detained by the Israeli military.

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya has not been seen publicly since he was arrested during an Israeli raid last week that closed Kamal Adwan Hospital  the last major functioning health facility in northern Gaza.

Recently released former detainees told CNN on Monday that Dr. Abu Safiya is being held along with other medics from the hospital at Sde Teiman  a notorious military base in Israels Negev desert that doubles as a detention facility.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Physicians for Human Rights - Israel (PHRI) said in a statement Thursday that it filed the petition with the High Court after receiving a response to an inquiry from the Israeli military claiming that it had found no indication of the arrest or detention of the individual in question.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has since told CNN that Dr. Abu Safiya was apprehended for suspected involvement in terrorist activities, and for holding a rank in the Hamas terror organization, while hundreds of Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists were hiding inside the Kamal Adwan Hospital under his management. He is currently being investigated by Israeli security forces.

It made similar allegations about the hospital and its director around the time of the raid on the facility, without providing evidence for the claims.

PHRI said Sunday that it had requested a lawyer meet with Dr. Abu Safiya, so that the lawyer, named Nasser Ouda, could assess his condition and the circumstances of his detention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to PHRI, the Israeli military said that Ouda, who regularly visits Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons, was prohibited from meeting with Dr. Abu Safiya until January 10. The IDF has also not provided any official information regarding Dr. Abu Safiyas location, PHRI said Sunday.

CNN has reached out to the IDF for comment.

Israeli forces launched an aerial and ground incursion in several parts of northern Gaza in early October, saying they were targeting Hamas renewed presence there. The onslaught has razed streets into carpets of debris, killed entire families, and severely depleted food, water and medical stocks.

Before the raid on December 27, the Israeli military had fired on Kamal Adwan Hospital on a daily basis, and raided the facility at least six times since October 5, Dr Abu Safiya told CNN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the months prior, the Palestinian doctor was in regular contact with CNN, and issued updates about impact of attacks on patients and medical workers at Kamal Adwan Hospital. Dr. Abu Safiya repeatedly called for the protection of health care facilities in Gaza.

In another development, the Israeli military on Friday ordered patients and staff members inside northern Gazas Indonesian Hospital to evacuate, despite the fact that many patients cannot walk, a nurse at the hospital told CNN.

The Indonesian Hospital, which is out of function according to the World Health Organization, opened its doors to 23 people including patients and staff who were forced out of Kamal Adwan Hospital.

The nurse, Rawiya Hussein Tamboora, told CNN, the group were being forced out of hospital again, including elderly patients and people with broken legs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Israeli military is around us burning homes and houses all day there is gunfire hitting the windows and walls, the nurse said.

CNN has reached out to the IDF for comment.

Great risk of torture

On Thursday, UN experts said they were gravely concerned about the fate of Dr. Abu Safiya, and called on Israeli authorities, as the occupying power in Gaza, to respect and protect the right to life.

The heroic actions of Palestinian medical colleagues in Gaza, teach us what it means to have taken the medical oath. They are also a clear signal of a depraved humanity that has allowed a genocide to continue for well over a year, the experts said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More than 1,057 Palestinian health and medical professionals have been killed in Gaza, according to the statement.

PHRI said it had highlighted (to the High Court) that this case is part of a broader pattern of non-disclosure and unreliable information provided by the Israeli military and prison authorities regarding Palestinian detainees.

Amnesty International secretary general Agnes Callamard said on X on Thursday that the rights group is extremely alarmed by the latest information we have received regarding the whereabouts of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyyah.

She added that he is at great risk of torture and ill-treatment, demanding that Israel reveal where he is.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An Arab Knesset member has sent a letter to Israels Minister of Defense Israel Katz, calling on authorities to disclose Dr. Abu Safiyas whereabouts and asking on what charges he is being held.

Dr. Ahmed Tibi asked to visit the Palestinian hospital director as soon as possible in light of numerous reports of torture in detention facilities, and the dozens of detainees who have died in recent months.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Ibrahim Dahman and Catherine Nicholls contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has defended US billionaire Elon Musk against criticism from other European capitals, describing him as a "brilliant man" in an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera published on Friday.

"He is a major figure of our time, an extraordinary innovator who always has the future in mind," she said.

The leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party also spoke about her personal relationship with the Tesla founder, saying: "We are definitely two people who have a very good relationship.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"He is a brilliant man and it is always very interesting to engage with him."

Since Trump's victory in the US presidential election, Musk has increasingly attempted to influence politics in Europe with statements on various channels.

His comments have included calling German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier a "tyrant" and Chancellor Olaf Scholz a "fool."

There are now calls from various quarters to limit his influence.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella has resisted advice from outside, but Meloni, who maintains a friendly relationship with Musk, defended him.

Musk, purportedly the richest in the world, gave a laudatory speech for Meloni last year when she received an award in the US.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Italian prime minister is currently considered by the heads of the major EU states as having the best connections to the Trump camp.

In the interview with the weekend supplement of the daily newspaper published online on Friday, Meloni further stated that there are, of course, areas where she and Musk "are further apart."

But some people had praised Musk as a genius until yesterday and now portray him as a monster just because he has chosen the "wrong" camp, she pointed out.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Jackie Arroyo Butler will be sworn in as El Paso Countys newest commissioner for Precinct 1 on Friday morning, Jan. 3.

Judge Lisa Soto of the Texas Eighth Court of Appeals will administer the oath of office at a ceremony at 10 a.m. on Jan. 3, at the Montana Vista Fire Rescue Station located at 13978 Montana Ave., El Paso County said in a news release.

Democrat Arroyo Buttler was elected in the Nov. 5 general election after defeating two other challengers in the race.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arroyo Butler will succeed Commissioner Carlos Leon, who retired after 12 years on Commissioners Court.

Arroyo Butler will be an advocate for investing and upgrading infrastructure for the Eastside, fostering economic and business development, as well as promoting sustainable and quality development for Eastside neighborhoods, according to the news release.

The El Paso County Commissioners Court includes the county judge and four commissioners who oversee the management and operation of county government, including budgeting, tax rates, land use and infrastructure maintenance, and public services, the County said.

Precinct 1 represents the fast-growing Eastside and includes everything north of I-10 and Loop 375 from McRae to Montana Vista and Hueco Tanks.

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 KTSM 9 News.
San Pablo Road has long been one of Jacksonvilles busiest roads.

Residents from Jacksonvilles Intracoastal West area have long complained about traffic congestion between Alimciani Elementary School and the River City Science Academy.

I get tons of calls on Tuesdays and I would say about 80% of them were about what was happening right here between the two schools, Jacksonville City Councilman Rory Diamond, who oversees the area, said Friday morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Read: St. Augustine man selling boat for $1 after beaching it

Jacksonville city leaders are hoping that is all about to change. They celebrated the completion of a $22.8 million overhaul of the roadway with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. The project has been 25 years in the making.

The project includes a lane expansion to the major artery, aiming to address those hefty traffic concerns in the area.

There was a great deal of backup in terms of this corridor, Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nathaniel Ford said. By widening the corridor, putting in the turn lanes, and then adding in the sidewalks as well as the bike lines, weve made it much safer, weve made the traffic flow much easier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read: JSO burglary call turns into major drug, weapons bust, arrest, nearly 200 pounds of marijuana seized

However, with the project also including five miles of new sidewalk, nine new pedestrian crosswalks and 89 new streetlights, Ford said the hope is the project will also do wonders to address pedestrian safety.

That was part of our design from the very beginning, Ford pointed out. Make it safer; make it shared; shared amongst bikers, pedestrians, and automobiles; and to be able to have free flow in terms of traffic.

The project also includes a repaving of five miles of roadway along San Pablo Road and 11,000 feet of brand new storm drainage - looking to make a smoother commute for the drivers of San Pablo Road for the future to come.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read: Sheriff: Driver arrested after deputies find hollowed out dictionary containing fentanyl, meth, coke

[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.
Former WWE paralegal Janel Grant has indicated that she plans to modify her blockbuster lawsuit against the wrestling company, its CEO Vince McMahon and former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis.

The changes are expected to be made by January 15, almost exactly a year after they were filed in federal court in Connecticut on January 25, 2024, according to Post Wrestling.

The original lawsuit, which contains graphic details, alleges that McMahon and John Laurinaitis violated the Trafficking Victims Prevention Act and inflicted years of sexual and emotional abuse upon Grant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It remains unclear what specific changes Grant plans to make in her amended complaint. She joined WWEs legal department in 2019, after befriending McMahon.

In the suit, Grant alleges that in June 2021 she was locked in an office in the WWE HQ where McMahon and another executive took turns in raping her.

The original lawsuit, filed by Janel Grant in January 2024, alleges that Vince McMahon and another WWE executive sexually assaulted her in 2021 (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Behind a locked door, the two men cornered her and pulled her in between them, forcibly touched her, before ultimately putting her on top of a table in between them, the lawsuit reads, per the Associated Press.

She begged them to stop, but they forced themselves on her, each taking turns restraining her for the other, while saying No means yes and Take it, b****.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The suit also claims that McMahon used sex toys named after other WWE employees, wrestlers and performers to sexually groom Grant for trafficking to those same people.

Grant claims she suffered bruising and bleeding from the toys and that during the alleged sexual assault, in a moment of "extreme depravity, McMahon defecated on her.

In March 2020, McMahon was also accused of sharing nude content of Grant with other employees including "a world-famous athlete and former UFC Heavyweight Champion with whom WWE was actively trying to sign to a new contract (and ultimately did sign that contract), according to the suit.

During these negotiations, Grants phone number was given to the star who was told "shell do anything upon request. The star asked Grant, who was by this point numb, for a video of herself urinating, which she sent.

McMahon has vigorously denied the allegations, but resigned from the WWE two days after the lawsuit was filed (Getty Images)

That same month McMahon had expressed a desire to meet Grant for sex but a snowstorm reportedly prevented the two from ever meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The experience left Grant "experiencing increasingly severe physical, mental and emotional symptoms, including sleep disruption, dizziness, exhaustion, rashes, weight loss, hair loss and migraines." McMahon then referred Grant to his own celebrity doctor and paid $20,000 to a surgeon for her.

Grant signed an NDA in January 2022 following constant pressure from McMahon, who claimed that his wife Linda had learned of the relationship.

However, the $3 million payments that Grant had agreed to ultimately stopped being paid to her after just $1 million.

At the time of the original lawsuit, a spokesperson for McMahon said: This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth. He will vigorously defend himself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Laurinaitis issued a similar statement via his lawyers.

McMahon stood by his comments but announced he was resigning from the WWE just two days after Grant filed her lawsuit.

During a press conference on September 19, Callis said: Janel is a human being who deserves justice. She deserves her day in court. Thats our bottom line. Shes a victim and a survivor. Shes not a WWE storyline.

The Independent has reached out to representatives of McMahon and WWE for comment on the planned amendment to the lawsuit.
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  A popular retail chain known for its Japanese-inspired items is expanding to New Mexico.

Daiso, which was founded in Japan, will open a new store on Jan. 11 at Plaza Santa Fe, located at 3553 Zafarano Dr. in Santa Fe. The shop will sell home decor, kitchenware, beauty products, stationery, snacks, and other items.

Santa Fe Public Utilities director arrested, accused of stealing box of gifts at airport

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were excited to bring the Daiso experience to New Mexico, John Clarke, chief development officer for Daiso USA, stated in a press release. Weve received strong interest from customers in this region, and were 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.

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 entered the U.S. market in 2005 and has since expanded into multiple states. The companys U.S. headquarters is in Anaheim, California.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A New York City judge on Thursday granted Jay-Zs request to file a motion for dismissal of a lawsuit that accuses the rap titan of raping a 13-year-old with Sean Diddy Combs in 2000.

Judge Analisa Torres of the Southern District of New York said Jay-Zs lawyer, Alex Spiro, can file the motion by Feb. 6, according to court documents shared on X by legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff.

Lawyers for the anonymous accuser, identified only as Jane Doe, would have until the end of February to file opposition papers and Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, would then have until mid-March to reply.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Doe alleged in a lawsuit filed in October which was refiled last month to name the Brooklyn-born star  that she was raped by Jay-Z and Combs, both 55, at an after-party for the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2000.

The alleged assault took place before New Yorks Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act came into effect in December of 2000. As a result, Spiro argued in a Dec. 30 letter that Does claims could not be made under that law as it doesnt apply retroactively, according to documents obtained by TMZ earlier this week.

Both Carter and Harlem-born Combs deny the allegations against them.

The lawsuit is one of many similar sexual assault allegations against the Bad Boy Records founder, who has been in lockup at MDC in Brooklyn since his mid-September arrest for federal sex trafficking and racketeering. Hes been denied bail three times while he awaits trial, currently scheduled to start in May.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Spiro requested in mid-December that Carter be dismissed from the suit after Doe herself acknowledged some mistakes and inconsistencies in her recollections of the alleged assault.

Doe is represented by Tony Buzbee, who also represents more than 100 additional Diddy accusers.

Last month, Buzbee sued the moguls Roc Nation, which he says tried to get his firms clients to sue the firm. Buzbee also accused the company of impersonating state officials. Jay-Z subsequently added defamation to his extortion lawsuit against Buzbee.
Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says the nations terror threat is at a heightened level following the vehicle attack in New Orleans on New Years Day that killed more than a dozen people, urging the current and incoming administrations to not take our eye off the ball.

Well, no matter who the president is, no matter whose administration it is, I believe there needs to be an intense focus among counterterrorism officials in multiple agencies right now on this evolving, heightened threat picture that we see right now, no matter who the president is, said Johnson, who led the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under former President Obama, in an interview Friday morning interview on Fox & Friends.

We saw a spate of these in 2014, 2015, 2016, when I was in DHS. And that threat has not gone away, and Im concerned that its at a heightened level right now, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities said that Shamsud-Din Jabbar was responsible for plowing a rented Ford pickup truck in a crowd on Wednesday, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens more.

Jabbar, a Texas man who served in the Army from 2007-20, was killed by law enforcement in the aftermath. Authorities then said they found an ISIS flag in the suspects vehicle and posts on social media where he expressed sympathy for the transnational militant organization.

During the interview, Johnson stated that ISIS feels emboldened after the New Orleans car attack and the recent fall of Bashar Assads Syrian government in early December.

With more major events coming up, including the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Trump and the Super Bowl, Johnson said he would advise the current DHS staff to not just respond to the last attack. Anticipate the next one, which may be of a very different character.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now, weve known for some time that the possibility of an attack with a vehicle, a vehicle is a weapon, or a mass shooting, is something to anticipate and prepare for, the former DHS secretary said. We should not believe that weve seen the last of this type of vehicle attack.

But I always encourage my people, be vigilant and think about what could come next, he added. Dont just plug the last hole.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $2 million penalty Friday against JetBlue Airways for multiple chronically delayed flights, the first time the agency has penalized an airline for persistent flight delays.

The Transportation Department defines a flight as chronically delayed if it is flown at least 10 times a month and arrives more than 30 minutes late more than half of the time. DOT investigators found JetBlue operated four chronically delayed flights at least 145 times between June 2022 through November 2023, with each flight delayed for five or more consecutive months.

The DOT said it is currently investigating other airlines for unrealistic flight schedules that cause chronic delays.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers. Todays action puts the airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

The department will enforce the law against airlines with chronic delays or unrealistic scheduling practices in order to protect healthy competition and ensure passengers are treated fairly.

Half of the penalty will compensate JetBlue customers affected by the chronic delays as well as any disruptions caused by the airline within the next year, the department said, while $1 million will go directly to the Treasury Department.

JetBlue said in a statement that the airline works very hard to operate our flights as scheduled and has invested tens of millions of dollars over the past two years to reduce flight delays.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DOT estimates  based on data provided by JetBlue  that the airline was responsible for more than 70 percent of the disruptions for the four chronically delayed flights. JetBlue said flight delays are particularly related to air traffic control challenges in its largest markets in the Northeast and Florida.

While weve reached a settlement to resolve this matter regarding four flights in 2022 and 2023, we believe accountability for reliable air travel equally lies with the U.S. government, which operates our nations air traffic control system, JetBlue said.

JetBlue urged the incoming administration to prioritize the modernization of air traffic controller technology and address a chronic air traffic controller staffing shortage, which was exacerbated by a training backlog during the pandemic.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JetBlue may be feeling a bit, well, blue today.

The airline has been fined $2 million by the Department of Transportation for chronic delays, The New York Times reported on Friday. Its the first such penalty levied by the government agency, and it takes aim at four East Coast routes operated by JetBlue that saw regular delays in 2022 and 2023.

More from Robb Report

Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement cited by the Times. Todays action puts the entire airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Transportation Department defines chronic delays as flights flown at least 10 times a month that arrive more than 30 minutes late more than 50 percent of the time, The New York Times wrote. From June 2022 to November 2023, four JetBlue routes were delayed five months straight: JFK to Raleigh-Durham, JFK to Fort LauderdaleHollywood, JFK to Orlando, and Fort LauderdaleHollywood to Connecticuts Bradley International Airport. More than 70 percent of the delays were caused by JetBlue, according to estimates from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics cited by the Times.

In response to the fine, a spokesperson for JetBlue told the newspaper that the company has spent tens of millions of dollars on improving the delay issue over the past couple of years. He added that there have been significant operational improvements, and that problems with air traffic control had contributed to the disruptions in Florida and the Northeast.

The $2 million will be split between affected passengers and the government, The New York Times wrote. JetBlue passengers who experienced the delays will get at least $75 each, and $1 million will be given in cash to the U.S. Treasury.

The penalty adds to JetBlues woes over the past couple of years: Since the pandemic, the airline has had a difficult time returning to profitability, the Times noted, and in the past few months its cut routes performing below expectations. As it tries to court passengers, JetBlue is planning to add first-class service to domestic trips and open lounges at airports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While those perks may be nice, they dont help all that much if you cant get to your destination in a timely manner.

Best of Robb Report

Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
The federal government gave JetBlue Airways (JBLU) an ignominious distinction Friday, announcing that it was the first-ever airline to be penalized for frequent runway tardiness. The carrier will have to pay the Department of Transportation $2 million as punishment.

Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers. Todays action puts the airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality, outgoing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement accompanying the announcement. The department will enforce the law against airlines with chronic delays or unrealistic scheduling practices in order to protect healthy competition and ensure passengers are treated fairly.

The consent order laying out the how and why of JetBlues penalty explains that the company operated four chronically delayed flights between June 2022 and November 2023, meaning a route operated at least 10 times a month and arrives more than 30 minutes late (including cancelled flights) more than 50 percent of the time during that month. One of the flights, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Windsor Locks, Connecticut, fit that definition for six consecutive months between June and November 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement provided to Quartz, JetBlue said we appreciate how important it is to our customers to arrive to their destinations on-time. The company also sought to push some of the blame on the government itself:

We believe accountability for reliable air travel equally lies with the U.S. government, which operates our nations air traffic control system. The U.S. should have the safest, most efficient, and advanced air traffic control system in the world, and we urge the incoming administration to prioritize modernizing outdated ATC technology and addressing chronic air traffic controller staffing shortages to reduce ATC delays that affect millions of air travelers each year.

The development is slightly ironic given that the aviation analytics firm Cirium said JetBlue was the seventh-most on-time airline in North America in 2024. That said, its planes arrived to their destinations on-schedule just 74.5% of the time.

The Department of Transportation, which also monitors on-time arrival performance, said in November that between January and September last year JetBlues planes landed on schedule just 71.3% of the time. May was its worst month in 2024, when that figure dropped to just 60.4%.

In a move heavily criticized by the airline industry, the Biden administration instituted new rules requiring airlines to compensate passengers when their flights are heavily delayed or cancelled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Half of the JetBlue penalty will go to the Treasury, the other half will go into a compensation fund for passengers harmed by either the chronically delayed flights covered by the DOTs order or any future flight cancellations or delays of three hours or more caused by JetBlue within the next year. The payouts from said fund will be $75 per customer at minimum.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Hundreds of JetBlue passengers say that they were treated like "animals" after a flight from Turks and Caicos to Boston was delayed for more than 24 hours, and the airport kicked them out onto the streets.

Speaking with Boston 25 News, a couple of those passengers recalled their ordeal, in which they were left scrambling to find accommodations for their families last Saturday night with virtually no notice. One man named Marty said that the flight had already been delayed for several hours, and that his children were already "exhausted" when they were informed that it wouldn't depart until the following day. And by that point, all the local hotels were fully booked.

"To put people out on the streets like animals was definitely something I will never forget for the rest of my life," Marty said. "This was far beyond a delay, this was sending people to the streets in the wee hours of the night and asking them to fend for themselves with no solutions."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Just very unsettling, traumatizing experience you have three young kids all looking to you for an answer, a wife looking at you for an answer, for the first time as a husband and as a father and as a man I had no idea how I was going to shelter my family for a night," he continued.

Martys travel agent was eventually able to find his family a small hotel room to spend the night. But another passenger named Brett said he had to shell out $1,000 for an Airbnb for his family of 10 in a "sketchy" neighborhood.

"We just kept saying where do you want us to go? What are we supposed to do? How are you kicking us to the street like dogs in a foreign country?" Brett recalled. "It was in a horrible, sketchy area, the actual Airbnb itself was OK, but the area was like something out of a horror movie, wild dogs were chasing the cab as we were driving by like very sketchy neighborhood and kids are freaking out like What are we gonna do?'"

To make matters worse, when Brett and his family arrived back at the airport the next morning they saw that dozens of cots had been brought outside for those who couldn't find anywhere to stay. The rescheduled flight was then delayed for an additional four hours.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement, Jet Blue said that the flight had experienced a "significant delay" after the inbound aircraft was forced to divert to Fort Lauderdale due to heavy Air Traffic Control (ATC) congestion and extended holding at the airport.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this delay caused and understand this was a frustrating situation," the statement continued. "While the delay was created by circumstances beyond JetBlues control, we understand the impact this disruption had on our customers plans."

The airline said that it has provided instructions for affected customers to submit reimbursement requests any eligible out-of-pocket expenses, and that it was also issuing $200 in travel credit for future JetBlue flights to those passengers "as a gesture of goodwill."
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  In 1978, there were about 100 breweries that controlled most of Americas beer output. That year, President Jimmy Carter signed a law that legalized homebrewing and paved the way for the craft beer revolution.

Prohibition ended in 1933, but homebrewing was still off-limits, allowing breweries like Yuengling, Anheuser-Busch, Miller, Schlitz, Pabst, and Coors to dominate the market, controlling around three-quarters of Americas beer volume.

Carter signed HR 1337, which allowed homebrewing for personal use, allowing Americans to brew up to 100 gallons per person and 200 gallons per household.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those homebrewers eventually started small breweries that transformed the industry. Many craft brewing operations, such as Boston Brewing Co. and Sierra Nevada, began as microbrew operations.

Now, there are over 10,000 breweries nationwide, and that number is growing.

Some of those are located in the Rockford area.

In 2013, Reed Sjostrom opened Prairie Street Brewing Co., at 200 Prairie Street, a building that once housed the Rockford Brewing Company.

I kind of kicked around some ideas and it kind of dawned on everybody that, hey, this was a brewery here in Rockford, so why not lean into that and kind of lean into the history and make it a brewery again, Sjostrom said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tom Morgan started Cheezhead Brewing, at 414 Pleasant Street, in Beloit, just five years ago.

I think the thing that draws people here is were about a half destination [attraction], where people come because they like to go to brew pubs and breweries. And then were half like Cheers, where people come in sometimes by themselves or not knowing exactly who theyre going to meet, Morgan said. But if they dont know each other when they come in, they tend to know each other by the time they leave.

The irony of Carters revolutionary law was that the President himself was a Southern Baptist and did not drink much alcohol at all.

Cheers, and thank you to an American homebrew hero, President Jimmy Carter, the American Homebrewers Association said in a statement on Sunday.

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.
President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday, is remembered as a humanitarian and a champion of human rights around the globe. His legacy, though, includes supporting a military regime in El Salvador during the beginning of the Salvadoran Civil War, including the assassination of Saint Oscar Romero.

The United States sent military and economic aid to the government of El Salvador during its bloody 12-year civil war, and trained military leaders. A reminder that the Cold War was not always cold, 75,000 people were killed in the war, most at the hands of the military and death squads. Some consider it less of a civil war and more of a proxy war; Americas justification for its involvement was that communism was spreading from the Soviet Union, Nicaragua, and Cuba. But in reality, the leftist guerrillas were motivated more by the material conditions within their own country  extreme economic inequality  than by any kind of international movement. Some experts speculate that the guerrillas would have won were it not for U.S. involvement.

The country never fully recovered from the war, as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of people who have fled El Salvador for the U.S. in recent years. The country has been plagued with gang violence and previously had the highest murder rate in the world; now it has the worlds highest incarceration rate, as its current government has jailed tens of thousands, including many thousands of innocents, under a state of exception suspending basic civil liberties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the beginning of the civil war, Archbishop Oscar Romero took an active role in arguing for human rights and an end to the violence in the country in his weekly homilies that were broadcast on the radio. While he viewed himself as apolitical, Romeros pro-human rights stance naturally placed him in opposition to the Salvadoran military. Originally something of a centrist, he became radicalized when his friend, Father Rutilio Grande Garcia, a Jesuit priest, was killed. The junta, Romero said repeatedly, was killing innocent people. He endorsed agrarian reform, a program to redistribute large areas of land to the campesinos, or peasants.

The Carter administration was paying attention. In January 1980, the U.S. reached out to Pope John Paul II about Romero. In the letter, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Carters national security adviser, noted a shift in Romeros rhetoric. The archbishop, he wrote, has strongly criticized the Junta and leaned toward support for the extreme left. The extreme left, he wrote, was responsible for the violence in the country  not the junta, or the death squads.

Brzezinski wrote: We have cautioned the Archbishop and his advisors strongly against support for an extreme left which clearly does not share the humanitarian and progressive goals of the church. He asked that the Pope intervene. Romero met with the Pope in Rome shortly thereafter.

But Romero kept pushing. In February, he reached out to the U.S. with great concern. He wrote to President Carter expressing his misgivings about the possibility of the U.S. sending aid to his country. The U.S. was thinking about giving military aid  a $49 million aid package with up to $7 million in military equipment  to El Salvador. Romero wrote: the contribution of your government, instead of promoting greater justice and peace in EI Salvador, will without doubt sharpen the injustice and repression against the organizations of the people who repeatedly have been struggling to gain respect for their most fundamental human rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He continued: For this reason, given that as a Salvadoran and as archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Salvador I have an obligation to see that faith and justice reign in my country, I ask you, if you truly want to defend human rights, to prohibit the giving of this military aid to the Salvadoran government. Guarantee that your government will not intervene directly or indirectly with military, economic, diplomatic, or other pressures to determine the destiny of the Salvadoran people.

The U.S. decided to send the aid, and Carter did not respond personally. Instead, Secretary of State Cyrus Vance responded to Romero, writing: We appreciate your warnings about the dangers of providing military assistance given the traditional role of the security forces in El Salvador.

We are as concerned as you that any assistance we provide not be used in a repressive manner, Vance continued, adding that any assistance would thus go toward enhancing the armed forces professionalism so they would be able to maintain order while using a minimum level of lethal force.

Romero knew he was putting himself at risk. Two days after he sent the letter to Carter, the Catholic radio station that broadcast his weekly sermons was bombed. But he had to keep going. I would be lying if I said I dont have an instinct for my own preservation, he said, but persecution is a sign we are on the right road. He added, We are now in the middle of a current that cannot be stopped, even if one dies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In March 1980, the day before his assassination, Romero addressed the Salvadoran National Guard, police, and the military in his sermon. I would like to make an appeal, especially to the men of the army, and concretely to the National Guard, the police, and the troops. Brothers, you are part of our own people. You are killing your own brother and sister campesinos, he said. The Church defends the rights of God, the law of God, and the dignity of the human person, and there cannot remain silent before such abominations  In the name of God, then, and in the name of this suffering people, whose laments rise more each day more tumultuously to heaven, I beg you, I beseech you, I order you in the name of God: Stop the repression!

The next day, while he was giving communion at the chapel of the cancer hospital where he lived, a gunman pulled up in a Volkswagen. The man entered the room, shot Romero, and fled.

According to a nun, on the way to the hospital, Romero said: May God have mercy on the assassins. He was 62.

Carter called Romeros assassination a shocking and unconscionable act. He said the archbishop spoke for change and for social justice, which his nation so desperately needs, and demanded that the Salvadoran government bring the archbishops assassins to justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We still dont have all the answers about Romeros killing, but the Carter administration got an inkling in November 1980, when a Salvadoran National Guard officer told a U.S. embassy political officer that Major Roberto DAubuisson organized a meeting a day or two before the assassination where participants drew lots to see who would carry out the killing. DAubuisson had been trained by the U.S. at the Defense Departments notorious School of the Americas. In other words, the Carter administration had reason to believe that a U.S.-trained military officer orchestrated the killing of a future saint, and  with this knowledge  continued working with that military.

Thats not to say the Carter administration didnt care about human rights. When DAubuisson visited the U.S. in mid-1980, the Carter administration was embarrassed by his open presence in the country, writes human rights attorney Matt Eisenbrandt in Assassination of a Saint: The Plot to Murder Oscar Romero and the Quest to Bring His Killers to Justice. One example of the Carter administrations commitment to human rights is that it cut direct aid to Guatemala in 1977 during the Guatemalan genocide.

Debbie Sharnak, assistant professor of history and international studies at Rowan University, describes the line that Carter walked in his foreign policy: By according the broad notion of human rights such a prominent place in his administration, Carter raised expectations without clearly defining the limitations of human rights and the reach of its policy. This vagueness, combined with his inability to articulate the limited capacity of U.S. influence, hampered his policy and the publics perception of his effectiveness.

I have been researching the Salvadoran Civil War for years. In February, I asked staff at the Carter Center whether the former president wished to answer some of my questions about Romeros assassination. A spokesperson wrote back: As you know, President Carter entered hospice care on Feb. 18 last year, and since then he is not providing interviews or commenting publicly on events and issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president following Carter, passionately anti-Communist Ronald Reagan, made El Salvadors civil war his own. When he took office in 1981, aid increased exponentially. By the end of 1981, the Salvadoran military was employing a scorched earth strategy inspired by tactics from the Vietnam War.

In December, between 700 and 1,000 people  including children, elderly people, and disabled people  were killed at El Mozote by the elite U.S.-trained Atlacatl Battalion. The battalions leader, Domingo Monterrosa, attended the School of the Americas, like DAubuisson. When U.S. newspapers broke news of the massacre, the Reagan administration went to great lengths to convince the public and Congress that the story of the massacre was guerrilla propaganda.

But major human rights violations happened under Carters watch, as well. In May 1980, Salvadoran soldiers, alongside Honduran troops, killed at least 300 civilians trying to escape across the river in what is known as the Sumpul River massacre.

Human Rights Watch alleges that earlier that year, officials at the U.S. Embassy even worked with a death squad in the disappearance of two law students. Salvadoran National Guard troops arrested Francisco Ventura and Jose Humberto Mejia after a political demonstration. With permission, they brought the men to the property of the U.S. Embassy. From there, men dressed as civilians put Ventura and Mejia in the trunk of a private car. They were never seen again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was more violence against members of the church. Maryknoll Sisters Maura Clarke and Ita Ford, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, and lay missionary Jean Donovan had been working with the poor of El Salvador when they were raped and shot at close range in December 1980. Especially after Romeros killing, this event drew outrage. Carter stopped aid briefly, but he soon brought it back.

Ambassador to El Salvador Robert White, committed to improving conditions in the country, said there was no evidence the Salvadoran government was investigating the murders of the churchwomen. White was, not surprisingly, removed when Reagan took office, and the new administration went to lengths to cover up the crime.

Ultimately, while Carter demonstrated an interest in protecting human rights  and would champion the cause in his post-presidency  he funded a country committing mass atrocities. In fact, sending lethal aid to El Salvador was one of the Carter administrations final decisions.

The New York Times reported at the time: Among its last acts, the Carter State Department disclosed last week that it had sent El Salvador lethal military aid for the first time since 1977. Transfused with a quick fix of $5 million in rifles, ammunition, grenades, and helicopters, the junta seemed to have little trouble containing the guerrilla offensive, although hit-and-run strikes continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pope Francis declared Romero a saint in 2018.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Events for Jimmy Carters state funeral will begin on Saturday with the former president lying in repose at the Carter Center in northeast Atlanta.

To help with the preparations, the Atlanta Department of Transportation announced key road closures around the Carter Center have already started.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

East John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE and North Highland Avenue NE are now closed around the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, so the Carter Center staff can prepare for the crowds expected this weekend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The road closures are also to help with Carters procession from Plains, Ga. to Atlanta on Saturday morning.

The road closures will last until Tuesday at 12 p.m. after Carter finishes lying in repose at the Carter Center. The state funeral events will move to Washington D.C. where Carter will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol.

His funeral is set for Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral before the Carter family returns him to Plains for a private burial.

The public is invited to pay their respects to Carter at the Carter Center through Tuesday morning. You will be able to walk or bike and MARTA is also offering a free bus shuttle from the King Memorial Station.

TRENDING STORIES:

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
The state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter is an attractive target "for violent extremists to attack," especially after the vehicle ramming in New Orleans that killed 14 people, though there are no known threats to the funeral, according to a new security assessment obtained by ABC News.

"State funerals are considered no-notice events that significantly reduce planning timelines for potential hostile actors," the document said. "However, state funerals still present attractive targets due to the large gathering of senior US government officials, foreign dignitaries, and heads of state, as well as the symbolic nature of the venues and media attention expected."

PHOTO: U.S. flags, backdropped by the U.S. Capitol, fly at half-staff following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, in Washington, Dec. 30, 2024. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

MORE: Events scheduled around Jimmy Carter's state funeral in Washington

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100, will be honored with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday. President Joe Biden will deliver a eulogy and President-elect Donald Trump is expected to attend.

The memorials for Carter begin on Saturday when he's transferred from his hometown of Plains, Georgia, to Atlanta. A ceremony will be held at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon.

Carter's remains will be transferred to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and he will lie in state at the Capitol from Tuesday to Thursday. After the service at Washington National Cathedral, Carter's remains will return to Plains.

PHOTO: The official Presidential portraits of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter hang at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park in Plains, Georgia, Dec. 30, 2024. (Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Former President Jimmy Carter, celebrated champion of human rights, dies at 100

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The assessment also noted other specially designated security events this month, including the certification of the Electoral College on Jan. 6 and Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. The simultaneous events "may increase the perception of a target-rich environment for a variety of threat actors," the document said.

"Targets could include the planned special events and ceremonies related to the State Funeral and associated First Amendment-protected activities around these ceremonies," the assessment said. "While there is no indication that the intersection of these two events will lead to an increased threat picture, the potentially large crowds for both may provide an attractive target to threat actors."

Law enforcement officials said there are no known threats to Washington, D.C., but the city will remain on a heightened threat environment throughout the month.

MORE: New Orleans attack latest: Bidens to visit New Orleans on Monday

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The D.C. National Guard said it's been activated and the Secret Service said it's deploying agents and specialists from field offices across the country to supplement staffing. The local D.C. police department has also been fully activated and will have nearly 4,000 additional officers from across the country assisting with policing for the special events.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that the Department of Homeland Security and federal law enforcement have been preparing for months to ensure the security of the events and the safety of those attending, with "well established" protocols in place.

The document also specifically mentioned the New Year's attack in New Orleans, noting "the use of vehicle-ramming alone or in conjunction with other tactics has become a recurring tactic employed by violent threat actors in the West."

The document added that "large crowds gathering in publicly accessible locations to observe or participate in State Funeral events could become targets of opportunity for a vehicle attack."

PHOTO: A street performer flips over a line of people on Bourbon street, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, after the area reopened to the public following a deadly attack in New Orleans . (Jack Brook/AP)

Fourteen people were killed and dozens were hurt when a man drove a truck through crowds on Bourbon Street early on New Year's Day. The suspect, who also died in the attack, posted several videos online "proclaiming his support for ISIS," and mentioning he joined ISIS before this summer, according to the FBI.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

ABC News' Beatrice Peterson contributed to this report.

Jimmy Carter's funeral attractive target 'for violent extremists to attack': Security assessment originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
John Gilmore Ford, an interior designer and South Asian art collector, died of heart failure on Dec. 21 at his North Baltimore home. He was 95.

John had a brilliant eye. He found magnificent pieces in the 1960s, said Gary Vikan, former Walters Art Museum director. He also had the courage as a collector to go into unfamiliar areas, specifically, the arts of the Himalayas. 

Mr. Ford donated his works to the Walters in 2001, and it is the most important art gift given to the museum after its original collection amassed by William and Henry Walters, Mr. Vikan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of Marian Mainhart, a secretary, and John Gilmore Ford Sr., a Buick dealer. A Baltimore City College and Johns Hopkins University graduate, he earned a bachelors degree in fine art at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

In 1962 he established John Ford Interior Design at 2601 N. Charles St. in Charles Village and retired in 2002.

He was initially mentored by his godfather, Edward ODell, an Asian snuff bottle collector. In 1963, he and Mr. ODell traveled to India and Nepal, visiting museums, temple sites and dealers. Mr. Ford acquired numerous objects and used a letter of credit from his familys banker to win the confidence of antique dealers.

Several years later he joined an international group touring India. Indira Gandhi, then prime minister, offered a former maharajas luxury sleeper train at the groups disposal and her personal chef to provide on-board meals. Mr. Ford again made numerous purchases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr. Fords collection of Indian, Tibetan and Nepalese pieces was exhibited at the Walters Art Museum in 1971. The Indian ambassador attended and it was at this reception that Mr. Ford met his future wife, Berthe Hanover.

They were an inseparable couple, said Mr. Vikan. They loved music as well and you would see them at the Baltimore Symphony at 3 p.m. and again, the same day, at the Shriver Hall Concerts at Hopkins at 5:30. The next day they would be off to Hong Kong. They had an energy I could not figure out.

Mr. Ford founded the Friends of the Asian Collection at the Walters Art Museum. He was named a museum trustee in 1986.

In 2001 the John and Berthe Ford collection of 200 objects from India, Nepal and Tibet was exhibited at the Walters Art Museum in a show entitled, Desire and Devotion: The Art of India, Nepal and Tibet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The collection subsequently traveled to other museums in the United States and Hong Kong. When the objects returned to Baltimore, the Fords presented the collection to the Walters where part of the collection is on permanent view in the Ford Gallery.

Mr. Ford was also a past trustee of the Freer-Sackler Museums in Washington, D.C.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Berthe Hanover, a retired languages teacher at St Pauls, Roland Park Country and Bryn Mawr schools; and a nephew, John Degele of Upperco in Baltimore County.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Jan. 11 at Grace United Methodist Church. 5407 N. Charles Street.

Have a news tip? Contact Jacques Kelly at jacques.kelly@baltsun.com and 410-332-6570.
Leadership in both houses of the General Assembly have asked legislators to refrain from filing a wealth of bills during the short session that starts Tuesday to keep the focus for the session streamlined.

But while State Rep. D.J. Johnson, who represents part of Daviess County, appreciates the intent of the request, he said he plans to do what is needed to best serve his 13th District constituents.

Here is my philosophy on bills that I file; my job is to serve my constituents, he said. If a constituent comes to me with an issue that cant be resolved in any other way than a change to statute, I feel its my responsibility to take that action, my responsibility to file a bill and try to resolve the issue. If the General Assembly agrees with that, were going to change the statute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Having said that, I do my best not to file frivolous bills.

Johnson said he believes the short session still allows enough time to address numerous issues, but that there needs to be a greater focus on consistently moving bills along the legislative path.

I guess what I would say is I want us to be as efficient as we possibly can for the entire session, he said. Sometimes the reason we have a logjam (of bills) at the end of a session is that were not as intentional about moving bills early in the session as I would hope that we could be. It is a short session. We have to prioritize our bills. But that doesnt mean we should ignore issues that our constituents have that require legislation.

Johnson anticipates four issues getting the most attention during the session: lowering the income tax rate to 3.5%  which he said is probably the No. 1 priority  determining guidelines for artificial intelligence, housing issues, and family services and child care, with an emphasis on protecting and caring for children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnson said he is comfortable with only dropping the income tax rate .5%  from 4% to 3.5%  as opposed to taking bigger cuts in an effort to ultimately get it to zero.

I like the triggers that we have in place, said Johnson of the decrease. I think we need to have a long view of this. The goal is to get to zero percent, but we want to get to zero% at the same time that we dont destroy services that were providing for people, and I think the methodology we have in place provides a good balance between lowering that tax rate and making sure we provide services that were supposed to.

Johnson believes the General Assembly needs to take a cautious approach with artificial intelligence.

Were treading in new waters (with AI) every day, literally, the landscape changes with AI every day, he said. And government is not real fast. Government isnt exactly efficient  and rightfully so. When were doing things that are going to impact every citizen in Kentucky, we need to be deliberate about it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But AI is anything but deliberate. Its every day there is something new. Well do what we can (with legislation). My position is to do all we can, but be cautious and not overstep and create more of a problem than we fix.

Johnson said a big focus for him during the session will be trying to reduce the amount of red tape involved in the areas of child care facilities and the adoption of foster children.

Its a cumulative effect, said Johnson about how regulations become overbearing. The desire is to make things better. I honestly think every regulation we put in place, someone wants it because they think its going to make things better. But over time, these regulations just build on top of each other to the point where sometimes we strangle both public sector agencies and private sector agencies trying to do their thing.

Were trying to reduce some of the regulations that have built up over year after year after year and give (child care facilities) the freedom to operate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnson is also working on legislation to streamline foster parents being able to adopt foster children.

Over time weve put so many checks and balances in place that it literally takes years for a foster parent who is already taking care of the child to adopt that child, so Im looking at some things to try and streamline that, he said. We have put in protections for the birth mother and birth father, but over time we put layer upon layers of requirements into the process where its taking years for someone keeping the child to adopt the child.

Johnson said hell continue to file any bill that he deems the correct course of action to address constituents issues.

Hopefully Im not going to overload the system, he said. But people come to me, theyve got legitimate issues, they feel like theyve tried every other course of action, and if I agree with them, we get to the point where we need to change the statute, and thats where the bill requests come in.

I have a responsibility to the people.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO/AP)  A new Congress will start in Washington on Friday, and with it comes a question: can Republican Mike Johnson of Louisiana stay on as speaker? South Dakotas Dusty Johnson leaves no doubt about who has his support.

Clearly, Im going to support Speaker Johnson for the same reasons that Donald Trump came out and supported him, the Republican from Mitchell, S.D. said. Were in a difficult environment. It is a deeply divided country and a deeply divided House, but Mike Johnson knows how to navigate these waters.

That vote for House speaker is set for Friday. Meanwhile, its a new era in Washington; the presidency and Senate will both flip from blue to red while the House stays Republican.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Clearly, if we dont secure the border, roll back regulations and push back against the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, shame on us, Dusty Johnson said. I mean, what in the world do we think people voted for in November if not for that kind of focused action to actually get things done.

SFPD: driver arrested, 5 times over legal limit

President-elect Donald Trump will once again take the oath of office on Jan. 20, and Johnson doesnt hesitate to praise the returning commander-in-chief.

Anytime you talk to President Trump, its kind of exciting, Dusty Johnson said. Hes a force of nature. He has strongly held opinions, and yet hes far more collaborative than most people realize.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnson is also sharing his reaction to an ongoing story which has grabbed the countrys attention: a deadly truck attack in New Orleans that left 14 people dead.

We need to get a handle on, in this country, on what motivates hatred, he said. We can have sharp disagreements, but hatred does not make our country stronger.

Come Friday, Johnson will have begun his tenure as South Dakotas only member of the U.S. House exactly six years ago.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
House Democrats are reportedly planning to hold their full caucus 215-member-strong line during the speakership election on Friday, as incumbent Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) vies to re-secure his place as head of one arm of the incoming Republican trifecta.

With at least two members of the House Democratic conference experiencing health issues, there was some speculation that even one or two missing Democrats might give Johnson  and his historically tight margins to be elected speaker  a bit of breathing room. But according to Politico, Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA), who hasnt voted since May due to a health issue, is set to return to D.C. tomorrow. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi also posted a video Thursday on board a flight back to D.C., returning to Washington following hip replacement surgery after she fell while traveling in Luxembourg last month.

That means that Johnson can only lose one vote and still secure the speakership. We already know who that one vote is likely to come from  Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has been very vocal about his disdain for Johnson, specifically that the speaker has at times worked with Democrats to pass basic funding bills to keep the government open while his own party engages in theatrics or is mired in dysfunction. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN), a known weirdo and wild card, has already indicated she is unsure how she will vote on Friday, and there are other members of the Republican conference who arent exactly thrilled to vote for Johnson, like Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX). But its been speculated that those members may carry out their rebellion in creative ways that wont actually tank Johnsons speakership bid  like voting present in order to lower the threshold for Johnson to reach a simple majority (though, with all 215 Democrats present and voting for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) theres a limit to how effective that maneuver will be).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There were some headlines Thursday afternoon that signaled members of the Republican conference have been engaged in concessions talks with Johnson. The suspense may be over before voting begins. But the drama is an early test of President-elect Donald Trumps ability to unify his party and bend it to his will. Trump endorsed Johnson for speaker over the holiday.

Johnson, for his part, is at least projecting confidence that tomorrows vote wont go the same way his predecessors did. During an interview with Fox and Friends Thursday morning, Johnson stressed the importance of a smooth election, given a few key dates coming up on the calendar.

Were going to get this done, Johnson said. Im humbled and honored to have President Trumps endorsement for the role again.

We have got to get the Congress started, which begins tomorrow, and we have to get immediately to work, he said. We have to certify the election of President Donald J. Trump on January 6, on Monday, and we have many important things pressing on us right now, so theres no time to waste. We have to stay unified.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As Trumps allies already signaled during the last few weeks of his transition before the holidays, the president-elect is not above threatening those who dont fall in line with primary challengers.

The Best Of TPM Today

ICYMI: Ron Wydens Fight For Free Tax Filing Is A Blueprint For Future Democratic Battles Against Trump

Trump Traffics In Racist Disinfo After New Years Day Attack

Yesterdays Most Read Story

The Reprobate Review: Announcing The Winners Of The 2024 Golden Duke Awards

What We Are Reading

The Rise Of Big Potato

The Speakership Election in the 119th Congress

Elon Musk Calls for Fresh UK Elections in Latest Starmer Attack
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Thursday that House Republicans will investigate the disbanded House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Johnson hit President Biden in a post on the social platform X for awarding the Presidential Citizens Medal to former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), both of whom were Jan. 6 committee members.

Responding to another post from the New York Post about Cheney and Thompson, the Louisiana Republican said the president is foolishly giving an award to members of Congress who intentionally and repeatedly lied to the American people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Jan 6 Select Committee manipulated AND destroyed evidence  created a fake, phony narrative all to try and hurt Trump, Johnson added. They even hired a TV producer from the legacy media in a desperate attempt to legitimize what Americans knew was a total hoax and complete waste of time.

Be assured of this: House Republicans WILL continue our investigation into this corrupt committee and it will be FULLY FUNDED so it can continue next Congress, he continued.

In mid-December, Republicans released a report evaluating the failures and politicization of the Jan. 6 committee, rounding off their investigation by recommending a criminal investigation into Cheney.

Speaker [Nancy] Pelosis multimillion-dollar Select Committee was a political weapon with a singular focus to deceive the public into blaming President Trump for the violence on January 6 and to tarnish the legacy of his first Presidency, the report stated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The report reiterated multiple claims spread by Republicans since the committees formation, protesting that the select committee was improperly made and unfairly blamed President-elect Trump for the days events. The conclusion of the report called for an FBI investigation into Cheney, accusing her of witness tampering due to her being in contact with former White House aide and star witness Cassidy Hutchinson.

Cheney has pushed back against the suggestion and the larger report.

January 6th showed Donald Trump for who is really is  a cruel and vindictive man who allowed violent attacks to continue against our Capitol and law enforcement officers while he watched television and refused for hours to instruct his supporters to stand down and leave, Cheney said in a previous statement.

The Hill has reached out to Thompsons office and a spokesperson for Cheney for comment.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- Republican Mike Johnson won reelection as House speaker, overcoming resistance from a small but pivotal group of conservative hardliners after a flurry of last-minute talks and with the help of a critical endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Johnson won a majority of the votes necessary after nearly all of the dissident ultra-conservatives acquiesced to his continued leadership. The Louisiana Republican initially fell short of the threshold and the vote was kept open as he conferred with lawmakers in a side room just off the House chamber.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnsons narrow 218-215 win allows him the chance to lead a House with the slimmest margin of control either party has held post-election in nearly 100 years. It also underscores the difficulty Republicans may face advancing their own legislative priorities despite universal governing control in Washington.

Still, Johnson successfully navigated the divisions among Republicans in his first major test of the new Congress. Two Republicans, Keith Self of Texas and Ralph Norman of South Carolina, who initially voted for other candidates, switched their votes to Johnson after talks with the speakers allies.

Norman said on Fox News that he switched his vote after Johnson assured him that he would fight for hardline conservative causes in legislation. Self said he would not get ahead of the speaker on specific agreements Johnson made. Both congressmen said Trump also called them to urge they drop their opposition to Johnson.

The speaker said he told the holdouts he would involve members at every level but otherwise made no promises.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even so, one conservative hardliner who voted for Johnson warned in a social media post that the speaker still faces discontent in his own party.

There are many members beyond the three who voted for someone else who have reservations, Texas Republican Chip Roy said on X.

Thomas Massie of Kentucky was ultimately the only Republican to vote for someone other than Johnson.

Trump has claimed a mandate and has pledged to secure passage of bold priorities, including a crackdown on undocumented migrants and, eventually, extensive new tax cuts. Thats on top of plans for deep cuts to US government spending being driven by Trumps billionaire backer, Elon Musk, and basic needs like funding the government at all or extending the US debt limit, for which House Republicans have had to rely on Democratic votes in recent years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The vote, which was held open for more than 30 minutes after the roll call, fulfilled Johnsons prediction a day earlier of a one-round vote with just one Republican holdout.

Johnsons victory was not assured. Disenchantment with Johnsons leadership intensified in December after a bipartisan government spending deal he negotiated was torpedoed by Trump, prompting chaos just ahead of a government shutdown deadline. The president-elect demanded the House include a provisions to suspending US government borrowing limits for at least the first two years of his term.

A revised proposal which included lifting debt ceiling was then rejected by 38 Republicans and nearly all Democrats, even as Trump threatened to challenge Republicans who defied him in their next elections.

Lawmakers were able to agree a last-minute passage of a spending deal before the shutdown deadline. It didnt include that debt limit lift, an issue which Johnson and Trump will have to confront again later this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The party will have to grapple with an even narrower majority this year. Republicans hold 219 seats in the House, while Democrats have 215.

That is the slimmest margin of control either party has held following any election since 1930, according to the US House of Representatives Office of the Historian.

--With assistance from Steven T. Dennis.

(Updates with lawmakers comments on assurances Johnson made to holdouts beginning in fifth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson narrowly won the House speakership on Friday, overcoming a far-right-led effort to challenge his leadership in the first round of voting.

Representatives Keith Self, R-Texas, and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., initially threw their support behind another candidate. The preliminary count had three members of the GOP defecting, including Johnson critic Rep. Thomas Massie. This left Johnson shy of a necessary majority due to his party's paper-thin advantage in the lower chamber.

But Self and Norman, both members of the far-right Freedom Caucus, flipped their votes before the first ballot concluded, delivering Johnson the 218 votes needed for the speakership. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries received 215 votes, essentially a headcount of Democrats in the chamber, while Massie held firm and backed Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is unclear whether Johnson struck a deal with Self and Norman, though their Freedom Caucus has requested a prominent position on the House Rules Committee for Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, in addition to commitments to slash government spending.

It's not the first time that the fight over who should hold the gavel has revealed deep rifts in the Republican Party. The chaotic start to the 119th Congress resembled a contentious battle Republican leadership faced in the previous session, in which former Speaker Kevin McCarthy won the seat after a long fight that included 15 rounds of voting in the chamber. Johnson replaced McCarthy after he was ousted by representatives of the party's right fringe.

The row highlights a crucial issue for the Republican delegation in this session: a hyper-slim majority. Johnsons 219 members constitute the smallest majority in nearly 100 years. President-elect Donald Trumps nomination of two members to his Cabinet is expected to shrink the caucus even further.
The News

Mike Johnson pulled off a feat on Friday that few in Washington expected, winning re-election to the House speakership on the first ballot. It was probably one of his easiest tasks this year.

After Johnson successfully flipped two conservative opponents into his corner, winning the gavel with the bare 218 votes he needed, House Republicans are now hoping to move on to prioritizing President-elect Donald Trumps policy goals. Extending tax cuts, beefing up border security and expanding oil and gas development are at the top of the list.

That all depends on how skillfully the Louisiana Republican can manage a fractious majority whose right flank nearly turned on him before the 119th Congress began, despite his public endorsement from Trump. Johnson initially appeared to have lost two more votes than the single one he could spare, but quick talks on the House floor with holdout Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Keith Self, R-Texas, turned a likely defeat into a last-second victory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Perhaps the biggest winner in Johnsons first-ballot triumph, however, was Trump  who spoke with Norman and Self just before they changed their positions. According to a source familiar with the interaction, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., put the president-elect on the phone with Norman before he switched his vote to Johnson, from Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

Trumps successful lobbying in the speakers race followed his stumble in late December, when he urged GOP lawmakers to address the expiring US debt ceiling as part of a year-end spending deal only to get rebuked by more than three dozen of them. And it marks, perhaps, a return to his firm grip on the party just 17 days before his inauguration.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., told Semafor that he harbored some concerns about House colleagues struggling to elect a leader that the vast majority of Republicans want and how it might affect the agenda.

I do worry about that, although I worry about it less when Donald Trump is sitting in the Oval Office, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lawmakers were optimistic about re-electing Johnson eventually, but many seemed prepared to go beyond one round of votes. The House nearly had a case of deja vu from 2023, when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy needed 15 ballots and a flurry of concessions to win over his conservative critics and win the gavel that they later stripped from him.

Johnson will have a bigger cushion than McCarthy did for any future internal rebellion against him; the House is set to change its rules later Friday to require nine Republicans to force a vote to oust the speaker, up from a single member during the last two years. Even so, the high number of Republicans initially unwilling to say Johnsons name during the balloting indicates that his skeptics have the power to force that vote if they become disenchanted enough.

Eleven conservatives released a letter after Johnsons re-election stating that they backed him because of our steadfast support of President Trump, making clear that their allegiance to the speaker was meager at best.

We have a majority that is very, very thin. So when you have a very thin majority, [that] makes things difficult, Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., told Semafor, adding that he now wants to move on to the agenda items that are so important.

Know More

The speaker race is one of the easier humps for Republicans to clear this year. Their House majority will be reed-thin, falling to a single vote for the first few weeks of the year, and their Senate control is only slightly firmer. Despite those limitations, in the next six or so months theyre planning to confirm Trumps Cabinet, roll back Biden administration regulations, fund the government, lift the debt ceiling, act on border security and extend expiring tax cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Failing to elect a speaker on Friday would have had implications that go beyond today to the Republican agenda, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota.

The sooner we have a speaker of the House, the quicker we can go on [January] sixth to certify the election of Trump as the next president of the United States, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., told Semafor. Then the Senate will hold committee hearings on top Trump nominees, with the goal of confirming some on Inauguration Day.

Johnson and House Republicans are set to huddle on party-line spending legislation addressing the border and taxes over the weekend, a sign that the hard work is already beginning. Senate Republicans are planning one border security bill and a subsequent tax bill, both of which can avoid a Democratic filibuster through the so-called budget reconciliation process.

House Republicans are still not locked in on how to proceed, and some prefer one large, catch-all bill  a key topic of discussion with the Senate, because theres not much time to waste. Barrasso said GOP leaders are working with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the incoming Budget Committee chairman, to potentially pass a budget before Trump is inaugurated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Once that budget is passed, Republicans can act fast on the border bill, as long as they stay united.

Acknowledging the tasks ahead dont get easier, Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said that now is the time for us to come together.

Ahead of Fridays vote, Trump spent time calling holdouts and told CNN he had no backup speaker option. Leaving aside his frustrations that the spending bill drama did not end with action on the debt ceiling, Trump endorsed Johnson on Monday; many inside his network saw the move as strategic, rather than a sign of loyalty to Johnson.

Trump, after all, needs a House speaker to be installed for Congress to certify his election on Monday.

The View From GOP Leadership

Within the House Republican leadership ranks, the uncertainty that surrounded Fridays speakership election is seen as a one-of rather than an omen of tough times ahead for the partys shrinking majority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, a member of leadership, said the speakers race has no bearing on the next two years.

We take things one day at a time, he added.

Notable
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  On his second day in office, newly minted North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced additional help for Hurricane Helene victims.

Stein signed five executive orders. While they do not contain any big promise of multimillion or multibillion aid packages, Stein said they will help speed up the recovery in western N.C.

I pledge to do everything in my power to as Governor to accelerate recovery and rebuilding of a more resilient region for the long haul, he said during a Thursday press conference in Asheville.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Former Attorney General Josh Stein sworn in as North Carolinas 76th governor

Stein is waving some state regulations to expand the supply of temporary and mobile housing and increase the speed of rebuilding private roads and bridges that were destroyed. The governor also ordered the creation of a new office within his administration, GrowNC. It will focus solely on the recovery effort in the hard-hit western part of the state.

Stein estimates some 10,000 were displaced by Helene. He said state officials should now have interview as a many of the 10,000 as possible.

The devastation remains in Asheville more than three months after Hurricane Helene.

The Department of Commerce will establish a new division focused on housing needs and state employees will be given 16 additional hours off work to use for volunteering in storm-impacted areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ben Williamson, owner of Pisgah Fitness, near the French Broad River in Asheville, agreed housing assistance and the rebuilding of private infrastructure is essential. But he also stressed that help is still needed for small business.

New NC laws in effect lower income tax, provide Helene relief

He has reopened, but says hes still down 30 percent in revenue.

Having lost our busy season and moving into you know a slower time in the winter, Williamson said. So when I talk to business owners, what theyre really asking for are grants. What theyre really asking for is money that doesnt have to be repaid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For Steins credit, he agreed Grants may be the better solution for those already carrying debt. The question now is when additional grant money would come.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A print copy of the Central ND News, a conservative and pro-fossil fuel publication with unclear origins, was sent to some Mandan residents this fall. Environmental advocacy group Greenpeace has voiced concerns the mailer could influence jurors in its legal battle with pipeline company Energy Transfer. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

A judge has denied a request by environmental group Greenpeace to gather evidence on a right-wing, pro-fossil fuel mailer that may have targeted potential jurors in its legal battle with Energy Transfer, the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Some Morton County residents in October reported receiving a 12-page direct mailer called Central ND News containing material complimentary of Energy Transfer as well as stories that highlighted criminal activity by anti-Dakota Access Pipeline protesters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Greenpeace is one of many activist groups that backed the demonstrations in 2016 and 2017. Protesters camped in rural south-central North Dakota for months in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which says the pipeline is a tribal sovereignty and environmental threat.

Energy Transfer filed suit against Greenpeace in Morton County District Court in 2019, accusing the group of coordinating a misinformation campaign against the company and of engaging in criminal acts during the demonstrations.

The pipeline developer seeks tens of millions of dollars in damages from Greenpeace.

Greenpeace says its role in the protests was limited, that it did not spread misinformation about Energy Transfer and that it never participated in or endorsed criminal activity. The case is scheduled for trial before a nine-person jury beginning in February.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In court documents, Greenpeace expressed concerns that the direct mailer was written specifically to give Energy Transfer the upper hand when the suit goes to trial. It requested permission from Southwest Judicial District Court Judge James Gion to conduct discovery into a Texas company that printed and distributed the Central ND News.

We should have the right to figure out who sent it, when they did and why, Everett Jack, an attorney representing Greenpeace, said in a hearing in December.

Energy Transfer has disputed this claim, arguing theres no meaningful evidence the mailer was intended to prejudice the jury. Trey Cox, representing the pipeline developer, last month called Greenpeaces motion a thinly veiled attempt to delay the trial and move the case to a different court.

In a Dec. 17 order, Gion seemed to agree with Greenpeace that the mailer may have been an effort to sway jurors.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Court takes an extremely dim view of attempts to influence a jury panel before the trial, he wrote.

Still, the judge found it would not be appropriate to approve the discovery request without further evidence the mailer has had a measurable impact on the jury pool.

There is only one way to determine if such an attempt is successful, and unfortunately the Court agrees with Energy Transfer that way is through the jury questionnaires and jury selection, he wrote in the order. If the Court cannot empanel a jury in Morton County, there will obviously be a delay in the trial and the Court can revisit this issue at that time.

The direct mailer resembles a print newspaper. Its distribution in Morton County residents was first reported in a joint article by the North Dakota News Cooperative and climate news publication Floodlight. The article identifies the owner of the publication as Metric Media, which has launched hundreds of conservative-leaning local news outlets that rely heavily on algorithmically generated content.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Rudy Giuliani attempted Thursday to dodge appearing in person at a defamation case hearing for medical reasons, including lung issues attributable to being at the World Trade Center on 9/11. But a judge shot down his request.

Giuliani defamed a pair of election workers, resulting in $150 million in damages awarded to the women that drove him to declare bankruptcy. After the bankruptcy case was dismissed, mother-and-daughter poll workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss are now attempting to collect his assets for the damages, including his Mercedes Benz, Manhattan penthouse, and luxury watches.

The former New York City mayor is now scheduled to appear at a contempt hearing Friday, when District Judge Lewis Liman will hear why Giuliani believes he should not face severe sanctions for what the election workers have complained is his failure to comply with court orders and skipping deadlines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, Joseph Cammarata, a lawyer for the man once hailed as Americas mayor, requested that his client be permitted to appear via Zoom at Fridays hearing because he is experiencing medical issues with his left knee and breathing problems due to lung issues discovered last year attributable to Defendant Rudolph W. Giuliani being at the World Trade Center site on September 11, 2001.

Long before he became Trumps personal lawyer, Giuliani was lauded for his leadership in the aftermath of 9/11, even visiting ground zero on the day of the attacks and in the chaotic days that followed.

Judge Liman rejected Giulianis request.

Rudy Giuliani gestures during a hearing in his case over the handover of property to two Georgia election workers he was found to have defamed, in New York City on November 26, 2024 in this courtroom sketch. (REUTERS)

Defendant does not assert he is unable to travel. He submits no medical evidence. He has appeared in person at two prior hearings in this matter .... He has previously asked for an adjournment of the trial so that he could travel to Washington, D.C. this month, the judge wrote in his order.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Giuliani cant ask the court both to consider his out-of-court signed declarations as to why he should not be held in contempt and at the same time deprive Plaintiffs of the opportunity to cross-examine him on his statements in open court, the judge said. If he wants to withdraw his statements, then he may appear at the hearing virtually; if he wants to submit his statements, then he must appear in person, the judge ordered.

Its not immediately clear how he will appear. The Independent has reached out to a representative for Giuliani for comment.

Judge Liman said in a December 27 filing that he would be prepared to announce his decision on whether to hold Giuliani in contempt at Fridays hearing.
Attorneys in the corruption trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan came to court Thursday expecting a drag-out fight about the implications of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on the federal bribery statute, including a dispute over how jurors should define the word corruptly.

But toward the end of the five-hour jury instruction conference, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey told lawyers for both sides that as far as he could tell, the high courts decision had limited bearing on Madigans case.

In fact, the justices in Snyder v. U.S.  a bombshell case involving the the former mayor of Portage, Ind.  offered no actual guidance on how to define corruptly, Blakey said, leaving attorneys beholden to long-established precedent established by the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Snyder case is not controlling on the issue at all, Blakey said. It does not interpret, much less reinterpret, the term corruptly  That doesnt mean its irrelevant, but the fact of the matter is that the 7th Circuit authority remains intact in its definition of corruptly.'

Madigans attorneys had argued that the Snyder decision recast what the word corruptly means in the federal bribery statute known as 666, asking the judge to define it for the jury in Madigans case as acting with knowledge that the persons conduct is unlawful.

Madigan lawyer Lari Dierks said such a definition would help jurors delineate between a citizens right to petition government officials and a criminal scheme to influence a public official.

The question is, when does that influence cross the line into an illegal bribe? Dierks said. What (the word) corruptly does is draw that line to make sure that innocent conduct doesnt get swept in.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But Blakey cited two 7th Circuit opinions from the past decade that he said offered the clearest guidance. The first says an agent acts corruptly when he understands that the payment given is a bribe, reward, or gratuity, though the judge said the term gratuity would have to be removed because of the Snyder ruling.

The second case says corruption entails the payees knowledge that the payor expects to achieve a forbidden influence or deliver a forbidden reward, Blakey said, quoting directly from the opinion.

Blakey also said that from his understanding of the law, prosecutors have to prove a defendant knew he was partaking in a bribe  but they dont have to prove the defendant knew the bribe was illegal.

The government must prove a corrupt factual awareness that the exchange was a bribe, not a subjective legal awareness that such exchange is prohibited by law, Blakey said, acknowledging that the difference is nuanced.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That means Madigans defense team likely will not be allowed to use whats known in legal parlance as a mistake-of-law defense, arguing that the former speaker simply didnt know his actions were illegal.

Blakey said that if Congress meant to include an ignorance-of-the-law defense in the 666 statute, it would have used the traditional term willfully instead of the more nebulous corruptly.

And, the judge noted, all the lawyers said in court in November that they had no basis to make a mistake-of-law argument.

I dont see the view of any of the parties in this case that a mistake-of-law defense is available, and I dont see how I can rewrite the statute and add in some otherwise prohibited or wrongful (language) that doesnt have any kind of definition to it, the judge said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blakey added that the circuits pattern instructions that theyre working off of are the same instructions that have convicted multiple governors and other people under 666 for a generation, and none of them have a mistake-of-law (defense).

The judge held off making any final rulings on the issue, giving the attorneys a chance to confer among themselves and make alternate proposals.

Everything I just said is not an opinion, its a thought process, he said. Why dont you guys look at that, and then Im happy to talk more about it.

The trial, which began Oct. 8, is expected to head to closing arguments later this month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Though jury instruction conferences are typically tedious, this one has taken on added importance in Madigans case after the Snyder ruling in June raised the bar for what prosecutors have to prove.

In its decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that gratuities  or gifts given as a thank-you for actions a public official has already taken  are not criminalized under the federal statute and that prosecutors must prove there was an agreement ahead of time.

A jury appeared to be struggling over that very issue before deadlocking in September in the trial of former AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza, who was accused of bribing Madigan in an alleged scheme that also is part of Madigans case.

Last month La Schiazzas attorneys lost a bid to throw out the charges, and the case is now set for retrial in June.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blakey, meanwhile, declined to dismiss any of the bribery counts against Madigan, saying the indictment clears the hurdle set in the Snyder case by alleging Madigan performed official acts in exchange for various things of value, including ComEd jobs for his associates.

Still, the high courts ruling is likely to significantly influence the language the Madigan jury receives in the legal instructions, which will lay out what prosecutors need to prove on the five counts in the indictment that relate to the 666 statute.

Despite the lack of guidance on the term corruptly, some of the proposed jury instructions are clearly influenced directly by the Snyder case, including the inclusion of the word exchange when defining what is an illegal bribe.

If the bribe is to be paid after an official action occurs, then the government must prove that the bribery agreement existed before the official action was to take place, the proposed instructions read.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blakey had hoped that by the time the trial wrapped, the 7th Circuit would have new pattern jury instructions that would deal with the Snyder ruling. But last month the judge told the parties the new pattern instructions would not be ready in time.

Madigan, 82, a Southwest Side Democrat, and his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, 77, of downstate Quincy, are charged in a 23-count indictment alleging Madigans vaunted state and political operations were run like a criminal enterprise to amass and increase his power and enrich himself and his associates.

In addition to pressuring developers to hire the speakers law firm, the indictment accuses Madigan and McClain of conspiring to have utility giants Commonwealth Edison and AT&T Illinois put the speakers associates on contracts requiring little or no work in exchange for Madigans assistance on key legislation in Springfield.

ComEd allegedly also heaped legal work onto a Madigan ally, granted his request to put a political associate on the state-regulated utilitys board and distributed bundles of summer internships to college students living in his Southwest Side legislative district, according to the charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both Madigan and McClain have denied wrongdoing.

After an extended holiday break, jurors are expected to return Monday to hear from more witnesses in Madigans defense.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com
New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan has set a date for sentencing in President-elect Donald Trumps hush money case. The judge ruled on Friday that Trump would be sentenced on January 10, under two weeks before hes set to assume the presidency.

The planned sentencing hearing comes more than six months after a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The scheduled date brings to an end the indefinite postponement in sentencing following Trumps November election win.

In the 18-page order, Merchan tipped his hand and shared that he had no plans to sentence Trump to jail time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While this Court as a matter of law must not make any determination on sentencing prior to giving the parties and Defendants opportunity to be heard, it seems proper at this juncture to make known the Courts inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration, a sentence authorized by the conviction but one the People concede they no longer view as a practicable recommendation, he wrote.

While denying Trump's request to vacate the verdict, he shared that he would likely sentence the president-elect to an unconditional discharge." This sentence without consequences seemed the most viable solution to Merchan, granting Trump an opportunity to appeal his conviction without having to face prison time or fines.

Sentencing has been postponed multiple times since Trump's conviction, once after the Supreme Court established a broader presidential immunity and again as Merchan pushed a hearing until after Election Day to avoid the appearance of political meddling.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg suggested in December that sentencing be held until after Trumps term ends, an idea Trumps team rejected. Trump will have the option to appear virtually or in person for sentencing just over a week before he is slated to hold a victory rally at a D.C. arena.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nearly all other criminal proceedings against Trump evaporated in the weeks after his election win. Special Counsel Jack Smith suspended cases concerning Trump's role in the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol and handling of classified documents. Still, Merchan said the sentencing must move forward to protect citizens' belief in the "rule of law."

"To vacate this verdict on the grounds that the charges are insufficiently serious given the position Defendant once held, and is about to assume again, would constitute a disproportionate result and cause immeasurable damage to the citizenry's confidence," he wrote.
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 judge overseeing the criminal case against Donald Trump in his home state of New York has ordered the president-elect to appear before him on January 10 to be sentenced on the 34 felony counts he was convicted of last year.

In a stunning, 18-page ruling released on Friday, Acting Justice Juan Merchan said he would not sentence Trump to a term of incarceration but would instead impose a sentence of unconditional discharge  meaning a sentence of no jail time, probation or fines  as the most viable solution and permit Trump to continue to appeal the case.

Sentencing, which Trumps lawyers tried to fight on the grounds of immunity, will occur just 10 days before the president-elect is inaugurated.

Donald Trump, pictured in Manhattan criminal court, will face sentencing on January 10 for falsifying business records in New York (AP)

A jury of 12 New Yorkers found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in May after a six-week-long trial.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Prosecutors said Trump covered up hush-money payments that he made to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election to buy her silence over a story about an alleged affair. Trumps former lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid Daniels, and then the president-elect reimbursed him over several months, recording the payments as legal expenses

Trump denied all wrongdoing as well as the affair with Daniels.

Sentencing in the New York criminal trial was originally supposed to take place in July but it was postponed until September after the Supreme Court issued a decision on presidential immunity, which awarded presidents immunity from criminal prosecution so long as a potential crime was committed under an official act while in office.

Then, sentencing was indefinitely postponed after the 2024 presidential election, giving the defense and prosecution time to weigh in on how the case should be handled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Justice Merchan said that the Supreme Courts decision on presidential immunity for sitting presidents does not preclude him from sentencing  an argument Trumps lawyers tried to make. Citing precedent, Justice Merchan said president-elects are private citizens with no ability to take official actions.

Trump expressed outrage after being found guilty of covering up hush-money payments to an adult film star before the 2016 presidential election (via REUTERS)

Continuing, he said that the threat of public stigma from prosecution against Trump has long passed, citing Trumps own arguments that courts should defer to the will of the cinzenry who recendy re-elected him to the Office of the Executive, norwithstanding an actual guilty verdict in this case.

Thus, whatever stigma that might have existed, will most certainly not interfere with Defendants ability to carry out his duties  both as President-elect and as the sitting President, he said.

Justice Merchan noted that Trump had asked for the sentencing to be put on hold until after the election and called the claim that his win in that election changed the circumstances of the case disingenuous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Defendant has always pronounced, since the inception of this case, confidence and indeed the expectation, that he would prevail in the 2024 Election  confidence that has proven well-founded. That he would become the President-elect and be required to assume all the responsibilities that come with the transition were entirely anticipated. Thus, it was fau for this Court to trust that his request to adjourn sentencing until after the election carried with it the implied consent that he would face sentence during the window between the election and the taking of the oath of office, he wrote.

Acting Justice Juan Merchan presided over Trumps case and faced an onslaught of attacks from Trump and his allies (AP)

In ordering Trump to appear  either in-person or virtually  for sentencing, Merchan said the need to respect the jurys verdict against the former president turned president-elect makes it even more important that Trump be sentenced on the charges on which hes been found guilty.

He wrote that the sanctity of a jury verdict and the deference that must be accorded to it is a bedrock principle of American jurisprudence.

The conviction initially held the possibility that Trump could serve up to four years in jail or thousands of dollars in fines.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Steven Cheung, Trumps communications director, said in a statement that Justice Merchans sentencing order deeply conflicted and a direct violation of the Supreme Courts immunity deicsion. He indicated Trump would fight sentencing.

This lawless case should have never been brought and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed, Cheung said.
This article was originally published in Chalkbeat.

A Cook County Circuit Court judge ruled Tuesday that the Chicago Board of Education may not block schools chief Pedro Martinez from doing his job and may not attend teachers contract negotiations without his approval.

Judge Joel Chupack granted Martinezs request for a temporary restraining order in a Christmas Eve ruling from the bench, marking another dramatic turn in the power struggle between the CEO and Mayor Brandon Johnsons hand-picked board members.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The board fired Martinez without cause on Friday, meaning he will stay on the job for another six months and collect more than $130,000 in severance pay. As part of that vote, the board said it would modify Martinezs powers without specifying how.

Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

But on Tuesday, the judge ruled that the Board of Education members are barred from obstructing Martinezs performance of his job duties. They also cannot attend the districts high-stakes contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union  as three did on Monday  without first getting permission from Martinez, the ruling said.

Board members also cannot attempt to manage any of Martinezs staffers, the ruling said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another court date has been set for Jan. 9.

Pedro Martinez is still the CEO, and theres no question about that, said Bill Quinlan, Martinezs attorney. They dont have the right to restrict his duties and limit his statutory obligations.

Jeremy Glenn, an outside attorney representing the Chicago Board of Education, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesdays ruling.

At least three school board members took the unusual step of attending contract negotiations Monday without an invitation from the CEO or the mayor. Martinezs lawyer responded with a letter demanding board members cease and desist from attending, describing it as unlawful interference with Martinezs authority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After Tuesdays ruling, Martinez told reporters that the current board  picked by a mayor who is a close ally of the teachers union  could force a contract down our throats, and that CPSs negotiating team considered resigning en masse when board members showed up to Mondays negotiations and attempted to interfere, Fox 32 reported. For his part, board President Sean Harden said he and others attended simply to support CPSs team.

During a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates acknowledged that no one but Martinez is in charge  and that he should be ready to take the blame if the recent progress stalls in contract negotiations.

People get to say that this contract is being bargained with the Chicago Teachers Union and Pedro Martinez, so we look forward to finally seeing him on Thursday, Davis Gates said.

Martinez has not attended negotiations. Typically, school district CEOs and superintendents leave contracting negotiations for district bargaining team members with rare exceptions, such as when a deal is nearly at hand.

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.
Jay-Z has moved one step closer in his legal effort to dismiss a lawsuit accusing him of the 2000 rape of a 13-year-old girl.

In a recent development, Judge Analisa Torres of the Southern District of New York granted Jay-Zs attorney, Alex Spiro, permission to file a motion to dismiss the case on procedural grounds.

The ruling, made on Thursday, January 2, sets a timeline for the next steps in Jay-Z's high-profile legal battle.

Jay-Z's Lawyer Argues For Dismissal Of Rape Accuser's Lawsuit

MEGA

As The Blast reported, in a letter submitted to the court on Monday, December 30, Spiro argued that the plaintiffidentified only as "Jane Doe"cannot pursue a claim under New York Citys Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act (GMVPA) because the law was enacted after the alleged assault took place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jane Doe alleges that she was raped by Jay-Z and Sean Diddy Combs at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in September 2000 when she was just 13 years old. Both Jay-Z and Diddy have categorically denied the allegations.

What Did The Letter To Judge Torres Say?

MEGA

The GMVPA law offering civil recourse to survivors of gender-motivated violence came into effect in December 2000, months after the alleged incident. However, an amendment in December 2022 temporarily reopened a two-year window allowing victims to file lawsuits for historical claims that would have otherwise been barred by the statute of limitations.

Plaintiff cannot recover for her sole claim under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act (the GMV Law), as a matter of law, because the statute does not have retroactive effect, Spiro's letter to Judge Torres said.

Plaintiff asserts a violation of the GMV Law for conduct that purportedly occurred in September 2000. But the GMV Law was not enacted until December 19, 2000, three months after the FAC claims the conduct occurred, and cannot apply retroactively to create a cause of action unavailable to Plaintiff at the time in question.

Jane Doe's Attorney Opposes Jay-Z's Request To File

MEGA

Doe's attorney, Tony Buzbee, submitted a letter to Judge Torres on Tuesday, December 31, opposing Jay-Z's request to file for dismissal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the letter, Buzbee argued that Defendants argument as to the GMVA is unpersuasive, as it is contrary to the laws primary intention: to make it easier for victims of gender-motivated violence to seek civil remedies in courtnot, as Defendant would have it, make it harder, according to court documents shared by Meghann M. Cuniff on Thursday.

Jay-Zs Request To File For Dismissal Granted By Judge

MEGA

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, January 2, Judge Analisa Torres of the Southern District of New York approved a request from Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, allowing him to file a motion to dismiss the case on procedural grounds, according to court documents shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, by legal affairs journalist Meghann M. Cuniff.

Under Judge Torres' ruling:

Jay-Z's legal team must file their motion to dismiss by February 6.

Jane Does attorneys have until February 28 to submit their opposition papers.

Jay-Zs lawyers then have an opportunity to reply by March 14.

The outcome of the motion will determine whether the case proceeds to trial or is dismissed on procedural grounds.

Jay-Z Reportedly Distancing Himself from Diddy As Rape Lawsuit Intensifies

MEGA

Last month, it was reported by The Daily Mail that Jay-Z is reportedly prepared to take any measures necessary to defend himself against rape allegations, even if it means severing ties with fellow rap mogul Diddy, who is also named in the lawsuit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A source revealed to the outlet that the Roc Nation founder has "zero loyalty" to Diddy and wouldnt hesitate to throw him "under the bus" if it helps protect his reputation.

The insider noted that Jay-Z had already begun distancing himself from Diddy following the rapper's arrest on sex crime charges in September. They emphasized that Jay-Zs legal actions are purely self-serving, aimed at securing his own protection. "The moment Diddy was arrested, Jay-Z scrubbed him from his existence. He is going after [lawyer Tony] Buzbee for himself and not for anyone else," the source shared.

They continued, "The only thing that he cares about is him never stepping foot inside a jail cell and his family being safe. Jay-Z is extremely powerful and will deploy any tactic necessary."
The federal judiciarys policymaking body will not refer allegations that Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Ketanji Brown Jackson violated federal ethics laws to the Justice Department.

In identical letters sent Thursday to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), who requested investigations into Thomas over ProPublica reports about free trips he accepted, the Judicial Conference raised questions about whether it even had the legal authority to make the referrals.

Judicial Conference Secretary Robert Conrad said the Thomas request also largely became moot when Democrats asked Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a special counsel to investigate the conservative justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Justice Thomas has filed amended financial disclosure statements that address several issues identified in your letter, Conrad wrote.

In addition, he has agreed to follow the relevant guidance issued to other federal judges, which would include the guidance mentioned above, he added. We have no reason to believe he has done anything less. That provides one answer to your referral request.

In a third letter sent to the Center for Renewing America  a conservative group founded by Russ Vought, President-elect Trumps nominee for director of the Office of Management and Budget  the conference declined to refer Jackson, President Bidens sole appointee to the high court, to the attorney general.

Jackson did not originally disclose income from her husbands medical malpractice consulting work. The group in its ethics complaint also took aim at the unknown private funding source for Jacksons investiture ceremony at the Library of Congress, arguing it shouldve been disclosed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its a sad commentary that the media does not care about liberal justices not following the ethics disclosure rules and a think tank needs to file a complaint to get it covered and effect change, Rachel Cauley, spokesperson for the Center for Renewing America, said in a statement.

Conrads letter noted Jackson amended her disclosure to list the omitted income from her husband. The letter went on to question whether the conference has authority to refer justices to the attorney general and indicated the conference will study the issue in the months ahead.

There is reason to doubt that the Conference has any such authority. Because the Judicial Conference does not superintend the Supreme Court of the United States and because any effort to grant the Conference such authority would raise serious constitutional questions, one would expect Congress at a minimum to state any such directive clearly, Conrad wrote.

But no such clear directive appears in this provision, he continued. The provision in fact contains a suggestion to the contrary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Supreme Court became embroiled in an ethics firestorm in 2023 after ProPublica revealed Thomas accepted luxury trips and gifts from Harlan Crow, a billionaire and GOP mega-donor. Thomas has said the trips did not need to be disclosed under previous guidance that has since changed.

Justices appointed by both parties have since faced their own ethics controversies, spurring increased calls from Democrats for stricter rules. The efforts have stalled amid firm opposition from Republicans, who have cast the push as intended to tear down the conservative-majority high court.

The court has resisted Democrats calls for an outside intervention, instead releasing a new statement of ethical principles that all nine justices subscribe to. But Democrats have criticized the new statement for not including any binding enforcement mechanism.

Whitehouse, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committees subcommittee on federal courts, and Johnson, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committees subcommittee on courts, have become some of Congresss loudest critics of the court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thursdays responses came after the duo sent multiple letters over the past two years encouraging the federal judiciary to refer Thomas for alleged willful violations of financial disclosure requirements.

The judiciarys response contains a number of inconsistencies and strange claims, and ultimately doesnt address the only real question the Judicial Conference shouldve been focused on for the nearly two years it spent on this matter: Is there reasonable cause to believe that Justice Thomas willfully broke the disclosure law? Whitehouse said in a statement.

By all appearances, the judicial branch is shirking its statutory duty to hold a Supreme Court justice accountable for ethics violations, he added.

The Hill has reached out to Johnson for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Updated at 9:55 a.mm 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.
Have you ever wanted to see a dinosaur in real life? This weekend in Wisconsin youll get your chance  sort of.

Jurassic Quest is coming back to Wisconsin, this time to the State Fair Park. Attendees will be able to dig for fossils, do crafts, ride and walk alongside the many animatronic dinosaurs and more.

Heres everything you need to know:

When is Jurassic Quest?

Location: Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Date: Friday, Jan. 3 to Sunday, Jan. 5

Time: Times vary by date.

How much is admission to the event?

General admission tickets are $22. For access to the rides and other activities, attendees can purchase tickets on site. Individual activity tickets are $6, according to its website.

The Kids Ultimate Admission ticket is $36 and includes general admission and access to dinosaur rides and other activities.

Children under 2 have free admission.

To purchase tickets, click here.

What attractions are at the event?

Jurassic Quest, which is the worlds largest dinosaur event, has life-sized dinosaurs, including a T.rex, Apatosaurus and Spinosaurus. The event also has baby dinosaurs that are available for meet and greets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition to being able to walk amongst the dinosaur animatronics, Jurassic Quest has more than a dozen activities, including:

Raptor Training

Walking and stationary dinosaur rides

Bounce houses

Fossil digs

Crafts

For more information on Jurassic Quest:

To find out more about Jurassic Quest, you can visit its website here.

More: Things to do in Milwaukee the first weekend of 2025

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jurassic Quest Milwaukee: What to know about the 2025 event
LONDONDERRY  The criminal case against a driver who allegedly hit a New Hampshire state troopers cruiser on Interstate 93 in Londonderry will move to trial in the spring.

The first day of jury selection at Rockingham Superior Court is set for 8:30 a.m. on June 2 for Michael Shanahan, 37, of Chelmsford.

Shanahan is facing two felony counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, as well as two violations for negligent driving and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before going to trial, there will be a hearing to show cause Feb. 5 and a final pretrial hearing May 14, both at Rockingham Superior Court.

Shanahan was released without bail at his arraignment June 26, with conditions of not contacting Sgt. Anthony Pratt, the trooper who was inside the cruiser at the time of collision, not have access to a gun or explosives, and not drink alcohol or take any illegal substances.

Shanahan allegedly hit Pratts cruiser on Oct. 11, 2023 when Shanahan was traveling on Interstate 93 northbound in Londonderry, just north of exit 4.

Pratt was working the construction detail at the Exit 4A construction project when Shanahan reportedly drove in the breakdown lane, crashing into the cruiser.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shanahan was told by medical professionals to not drive a motor vehicle due to his risk of having a seizure before the accident, according to the indictment. Despite the warning, he continued to drive and had a seizure when he allegedly hit the troopers cruiser.

Shanahan is also not allowed to drive until he is cleared by both the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles and the Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles.

If found guilty, Shanahan could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of $4000 for both felonies as well as a fine of $1000 for both violations.
DADEVILLE, Ala. (WRBL)  A Dadeville jury sentences Derek Hightower of Columbus, Georgia, to death for the brutal murders of Willie and Barbara Tidwell on April 17, 2020. This sentence marks the first death penalty imposed in Tallapoosa County since 1998. The jury returned their sentencing decision on January 2.

In accordance with Alabama law updated in 2018, the death penalty can only be imposed if at least 10 of 12 jurors vote in favor. The jurys recommendation in this case is the first death penalty verdict in the 5th Judicial Circuitwhich includes Tallapoosa, Chambers, Macon, and Randolph countiesunder the revised guidelines that eliminated judicial override.

The murders occurred in the early morning hours at the Tidwells Dadeville home. Hightower was found guilty on December 18, 2024, of four counts of capital murder following a trial beginning December 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Assistant District Attorney Lakisha Abercrombie led the prosecution, supported by Chief Deputy Robbie Treese and District Attorney Mike Segrest. Presiding Circuit Court Judge Isaac Whorton oversaw all phases of the trial.

This case represents a collaborative effort from law enforcement, the court system, and the citizens of our community, Segrest stated. We are especially grateful to the family and friends of Willie and Barbara Tidwell, who displayed unwavering strength and support throughout the month-long trial.

Kentrice Hill, 26, of Birmingham, was indicted separately on the same charges  she has not gone to trial.

Hill

The Georgia man, who police say killed four during a murderous two-day crime spree in 2020, is back in Lee County, where investigators say he claimed his first victim, 54-year-old grandmother Nancy Nash. Prosecutors in Lee County say Hightower has not yet gone to trial for the Nash murder. Police say in April 2020, Nash was shot and killed by Derrick Lee Hightower at Creative Habitats Landscaping just off US Highway 280 West in Auburn. Nash worked at the landscaping company, and police believe Hightower and his accomplice, Ketrice Hill, shot and killed Nash during a burglary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After Nash was killed, investigators say Hightower and Hill traveled to Tallapoosa County, where they broke into the home of the Tidwells. Police say Hightower shot and killed the couple, who had been married for 20 years.

Hightower then traveled to Birmingham, where police say he murdered Antione Harris inside a Birmingham home and got into a shootout with Birmingham police.

All four of Hightowers alleged victims were killed between Friday, April 17, 2020, and Saturday, April 18, 2020.

In August, Hightower, 36, pleaded guilty to the capital murder of Harris and attempted assault for shooting at a Birmingham police sergeant during an arrest attempt.

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 WRBL.
Metas top policy executive, Nick Clegg, is stepping down from the post just as President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office. His replacement: one of the companys most prominent Republicans.

Clegg, the former UK deputy prime minister, joined the company in 2018 and was elevated to president of global affairs in 2022. He will hand the reins to his No. 2, Joel Kaplan, a longtime policy executive with deep Republican ties.

As a new year begins, I have come to the view that this is the right time for me to move on from my role, Clegg said in a Facebook post Thursday, adding that the company he joined, then known as Facebook, was very different to what it is today. Clegg said he will remain at Meta for a few months to support Kaplans takeover before leaving the company, but the leadership transition is effective immediately.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The public affairs chief has become one of Metas most important jobs  Clegg helped the company navigate everything from concerns about its products risks to young people to crackdowns on the platform by the Russian government at the outset of its war in Ukraine, often distancing CEO Mark Zuckerberg from more public scrutiny over such issues. Kaplans rise comes as Zuckerberg has sought to cozy up to Trump before he retakes the White House this month.

Kaplan held several key roles, including deputy chief of staff for policy, in President George W. Bushs White House before joining Meta in 2011  he once also took heat for attending the Senate confirmation hearing of his friend and former colleague Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. And he may be better poised than his predecessor to help the company navigate a Republican-controlled White House and Congress.

Joel is quite clearly the right person for the right job at the right time  ideally placed to shape the companys strategy as societal and political expectations around technology continue to evolve, Clegg said in his post.

In a comment on Cleggs post, Zuckerberg said hes grateful for everything youve done for Meta and the world these past seven years youve made an important impact advancing Metas voice and values around the world, as well as our vision for AI and the metaverse. He added: Im excited for Joel to step into this role given his deep experience and insight leading our policy work for years to come.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kaplans current role as vice president of global policy will be filled by Kevin Martin, a former chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission under Bush who joined the company in 2015.

Meta has said Zuckerberg wants to take an active role in tech policy conversations with the incoming Trump administration. Like other CEOs, Zuckerberg met with Trump at the president-elects Mar-a-Lago resort following the election and Meta donated $1 million to his inaugural fund.

In recent years, Meta has rolled back some election-related content moderation efforts, such as allowing users to post claims of voter fraud and political ads that question the outcome of the 2020 election  a move welcomed by Republicans who had accused the company of censoring conservative voices. In a letter to the House Judiciary Committee over the summer, Zuckerberg also stated that the Biden administration had pressured Meta to censor content during the pandemic, a statement that was quickly used by Trump to once again promote the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen.

For Zuckerberg and Meta, improving what has a rocky relationship with Trump may be crucial. In a book released this summer, Trump accused the Meta chief of plotting against him and threatened Zuckerberg with life in prison if he did anything illegal during the election.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Biden administration has hardly been friendly to Big Tech, with several major antitrust lawsuits waged against Metas peers, including Google, Apple and Amazon. Trumps administration is expected to weigh in on key tech issues, too, like whether and how to regulate artificial intelligence and how to handle the ongoing antitrust cases, including against Meta.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
ATLANTA (AP)  The U.S. Justice Department announced Friday that it has entered into a court-enforceable agreement with Georgia's most populous county after finding that violence and filthy conditions in county lockups violated the constitutional rights of people held in jail.

The Justice Department has filed a complaint and proposed consent decree in federal court, and the agreement must still be approved by a judge, the agency said in a news release.

Our topline goal with this consent decree is to bring the Fulton County Jail within compliance with the U.S. Constitution and federal law, U.S. Attorney Ryan Buchanan said in an interview Friday. He added that compliance would result in increased safety for the folks who live in Fulton County or folks who are arrested and wind up in custody in the Fulton County Jail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In July 2023, the Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into jail conditions in Fulton County, citing violence, filthy living quarters and the in-custody death of a man whose body was found covered in insects. That investigation found that jail officials failed to protect detainees from violence, used excessive force and held them in unconstitutional and illegal conditions.

The Fulton County Sheriffs Office said in a news release that it had anticipated the Justice Departments filing and has been working with the department and the county attorneys office. The agreement to enter into a consent decree came after extensive negotiations, the release says.

This consent order is a road map to a better future for our facility, staff, and the individuals entrusted to our care, Sheriff Pat Labat said. Together, these opportunities will build meaningful and long-lasting change.

Under the proposed agreement with the county and sheriff, officials will develop plans and policies to keep detainees safe from violence, improve supervision and staffing, ensure doors and locks work and require staff to adhere to constitutional standards when using force. They will also take steps to protect detainees who are at risk of suicide and to give detainees adequate medical and mental health care. And they will develop a housekeeping and pest control plan to keep the jail clean and sanitary.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The jail will also stop using isolation for vulnerable people at risk of self harm and will facilitate the provision of adequate special education services to children with disabilities held in the jail, the consent decree says.

The proposed consent decree provides for an independent monitor, who is to be agreed upon by the parties, to be appointed for an initial period of two years to assess the jails implementation of its requirements and to provide a public report every six months. The agreement doesn't include a timeline but says it will end once the county has achieved compliance with its conditions and maintained that compliance for a year.

If there are problems, the Justice Department can turn to the court for help enforcing the agreement. But Buchanan said that the county has shown a willingness so far to cooperate.

As of right now, we're proceeding in a way that's positive, toward a positive goal, as opposed to avoiding a negative consequence," he said. We're really hopeful that this momentum can continue and we can get the jail safe as quickly as possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The county's main jail has long been plagued by problems, and Labat, who was reelected in November, has been calling for the construction of an expensive new jail since taking office in January 2021. A lengthy report released in November that details the Justice Department findings said that although Labat and other county leaders were aware of the problems and have spoken publicly spoken about them, they have failed to take adequate action to address the crisis.

When the Justice Department announced its findings in November, Labat and county Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts said they had already been working to address structural and programming concerns at the jail.

In a statement released Friday, Pitts said the county will continue its work to improve the jail. He noted that the board had already committed to investing up to $300 million for improvements.

The report detailed a crisis of violence," including stabbings, sexual assaults and killings. It also said vulnerable populations, including people who are gay, transgender, young or who have serious mental illness, were particularly at risk from the violence, which causes physical injury and long-lasting trauma.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jail officers do not receive adequate training and guidance on the use of of force and were found to engage in "a pattern or practice of using excessive force against people in county custody, the report said.

Fulton County has a main jail and three annexes, and investigators found that the main jail is hazardous and unsanitary, citing flooding from broken toilets and sinks, infestations of cockroaches and rodents, and filthy cells with dangerous exposed wires. There isnt enough food for detainees and the distribution services are unsanitary, exposing detainees to pest infestation, malnourishment and other harms, the report said.

People held in Fulton County custody receive inadequate medical and mental health care in violation of their constitutional rights, leaving them open to risk of injury, serious illness, pain and suffering, mental health decline and death, investigators found.

When the Justice Department launched its investigation, officials cited the September 2022 death of 35-year-old Lashawn Thompson in a bedbug-infested cell in the main jails psychiatric wing, noting that an independent autopsy conducted at his familys request found that he died of severe neglect. Photos released by attorneys for Thompsons family showed that his body was covered in insects and that his cell was filthy and full of garbage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Michael Collins, senior director of racial justice organization Color of Change, has been vocal about the problems at the jail and critical of Labat. He said Friday that he applauds the Justice Department's actions but that he's hesitant to be too hopeful as long as the sheriff is involved.

He's definitely part of the problem, Collins said of Labat. I think what remains to be seen is how much can the Department of Justice implement the changes they want to implement, which we agree with, with the sheriff there.
When the 119th Congress convenes on Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris will be tasked with swearing in new senators, including three Republican members of the upper chamber who mispronounced her name on the campaign trail last year.

Harriss role as vice president includes duties performed as president of the Senate, including breaking ties and presiding over impeachment trials not involving a sitting president. It also includes swearing in new senators-elect so they can begin their terms.

While that task is traditionally accomplished quickly on the Senate floor, later photo ops will give the newly minted senators some up-close and personal time with the vice president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This could prove awkward for some of the Republicans who shell swear in, such as Pennsylvanias Dave McCormick and Tim Sheehy of Montana, both of whom made a point of mispronouncing her name while campaigning last year, including during their respective speeches at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, as Time reported Friday.

Harris swears in Arizona Senator Mark Kelly during a ceremony in the old Senate chamber in the US Capitol (Getty Images)

Another GOP member who will take the oath for another term is Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who spent much of last year falsely accusing Harris and Democrats in general of importing non-white migrants to use them as illegal voters as a way of stealing last years presidential election.

Yet another returning Republican, Senator Rick Scott of Florida, accused Harris of short-changing the Sunshine States hurricane recovery and not caring about Florida residents.

But not all of the incoming Republican senators will be taking their oath on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

West Virginia Republican Jim Justice, who currently serves as the Mountain States governor, announced last week that hed be putting off his swearing-in until his gubernatorial term ends on January 13 to avoid the chaos of having the state cycle through several acting governors in a period of days due to quirks in state law.

Another few incoming senators identities arent yet known  those who will be hailing from Ohio and Florida after incumbents J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio resign their seats to become vice president and  pending his own confirmation  secretary of state in the new Trump administration.
While winter break ends next week, not all classes at Greater Albany Public Schools may be ready for students to return.

Thats because some schools could be shorthanded.

The situation is fueling tension between the school district and its nonteaching employees, whose union filed a state complaint against GAPS earlier this week.

Staffing shortage?

In a message to families Monday night, Dec. 30, Superintendent Andy Gardner said the district would review the number of trained staff expected to be on hand for special education classrooms on Monday, Jan. 6, the first day back for students.

If the district is unable to operate a specific classroom (i.e., special education classrooms) in a safe manner, the district will inform parents that there will be no school for students served in highly specialized classrooms, Gardner wrote.

He added the district would keep a record of the lost educational time and plan for makeups when school is out in June.

The district would review numbers on Thursday, Jan. 2 and Friday, Jan 3, Gardner said.

Reached Thursday, Gardner estimated around 80 nonteaching staff will be absent on Jan. 6, though there were no specifics on which classes would be canceled.

All schools are expected to open next week, but parents would be notified about any changes to programs or classes, Gardner said by phone.

Before the break, the nonteaching employees, also called classified workers, launched an online petition, calling to extend winter break by a day. That's because, according to union officials representing both classified and teaching employees, there wouldnt be enough staff to keep them running safely on Jan. 6.

The classified union represents educational assistants, behavioral specialists, bus drivers and other noncertificated teaching staff.

Makeup days

Th situation stems from a settlement agreement the district struck with teachers at the end of November, ending their three-week strike and adding a total of eight makeup days to the school calendar.

That was achieved by switching a number of in-service days to full student-contact days, adding another day to the end of the school year and nixing early release schedules.

The teachers' settlement agreement, however, said those added days would be subject to reaching agreement with classified staff" on the additions.

But classified union President Liz Craig has said the district didnt consult with staff about those makeup days before they were announced, and she estimates around 350 classified employees are seeing a total of six days added to their schedules, more than dictated in their own separate contract with the district.

Anticipating certain days off  including Jan. 6, originally an in-service day for teachers  many staffers made plans, such medical appointments and vacations, Craig said.

Craig has heard from staff that certain schools would lack 90% of their classified staff on Jan. 6, many of them in specialized classrooms, she said.

Labor complaint

GAPS Communications Director Becca Mallery said in a statement last week that the district was working hard to ensure schools run as smoothly as possible, and that the added school days were optional for classified staff in case they had made prior commitments.

She also said staff who chose to work those days would get full days pay, plus a $35 bonus. That came about through discussions between staff and district officials last month, which Gardner made clear weren't considered contract bargaining.

Classified staff previously requested a $125 bonus, Craig said, but she is skeptical that would even be a sufficient incentive for employees who had made previous plans.

The union has since taken its case to the state, filing an unfair labor practice complaint with the Employment Relations Board on Monday, Dec. 30.

The complaint alleges the district unilaterally changed the union's work year by announcing the schedule changes directly to members without engaging in bargaining.

Special education

The prospect of special education students missing classes next week, while other students dont, is another concern.

This doesnt seem equitable, Craig said.

Dana Lovejoy, a former South Albany High School teacher and president of the Albany's teacher union, said in a phone interview that she expected families to file complaints if certain classes were canceled next week.

Recent legislation has pushed schools to ensure students with disabilities have access to the same amount of class time as other students. Districts, under state rules, must obtain written consent from a students parent before placing them on a shortened or abbreviated schedule.

Under current law, according to Oregon Department of Education spokesperson Marc Siegel, a student is placed on an abbreviated schedule when the district provides fewer instructional hours than the majority of their peers in the same grade for more than 10 days.

In a statement, he said any temporary cancelations of school due to staff shortages would not automatically trigger the law's requirements, if GAPS did not exceed 10 school days in total.

In a phone interview, GAPS school board Chair Pete Morse said he also is concerned special education students would miss class time. He added the district was trying to recover as much time as possible lost to students during the strike, which cost the district 10 school days.

The situation wasnt perfect, Morse said.

But as soon as we went on strike, it wasnt perfect, he added.

Morse also said classified staff should have known about the planned makeup days from their teachers union counterparts as they hashed out their settlement with the district in early December.

Thats because, Morse said, they share a representative with the Oregon Education Association, the two groups parent union, who has sat in for negotiations.

Additionally, Morse said he had been informed classified staff were told not to come to work on Jan. 6 by their union.

Gardner too said building administrators had heard reports" that staff had planned not to come in to work.

Lovejoy and Craig pushed back against those claims.

Craig said union leadership had encouraged staff to make their own decisions about those makeup days, though she had heard groups of employees at some schools had planned not to come in for work.

The school district, she added, is the staffs employer, not their OEA representative, and was the responsible party for consulting with employees about the makeup days.

Lovejoy had a similar response, saying the two unions share a consultant, but not a contract.

They can use that as an excuse, but theyre still breaking the law, she said, referencing the unfair labor practice complaint.

At a community listening session and school board meeting earlier in December, Gardner acknowledged classified staff were left out of the discussion about the makeup days.

Ian and Courtney Normand, GAPS parents with two students at Meadow Ridge Elementary, had their own frustrations about receiving what they described as short notice from the district about classes next week.

The biggest thing for us is to tell us more than a week in advance, or more than a day in advance, Ian Normand said by phone.

Courtney Normand said she felt it was inconsiderate for the district to throw this on parents, in reference to the superintendents message. The strike, she added, was inconsiderate to families, particularly for those who needed to find child care.

In his message to families this week, Gardner said the district would continue to work with the classified union to to find the best solutions to provide as many make-up school days as possible.

Editor's note: Watch for updates at democratherald.com and gazettetimes.com.

Related stories:
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch that will be in effect from Saturday evening through late Sunday night.

To prepare for the upcoming weekend winter storm, the Kansas Highway Patrol said it will be towing abandoned vehicles from the shoulders of interstates and highways.

FOX4 Forecast: Winter Storm Warning

The removal of abandoned vehicles will begin Friday, Jan. 3, at 6 p.m., according to KHP.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

KHP said abandoned vehicles inhibit the Kansas Department of Transportations ability to completely clear the roadway of snow. Towing the vehicles will help KDOT with the snow removal process.

Troopers and motorist assist technicians will continue to remove vehicles from roadways until KDOT has completed their snow removal process, according to KHP.

KHP said people whose vehicles have been towed can call *47 to speak with KHP to determine where their vehicle was taken.

FOX4 Newsletters: Sign up for daily forecasts and Joes Weather Blog in your inbox

The towing of vehicles will be at the owners expense, according to KHP.

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.
RILEY (KSNT)  A meat producer based out of Riley County lost tens of thousands of dollars this week in an alleged internet scam.

The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) said on Jan. 2 that Meatworks of Kansas, located at 315 Main Street in Riley, was the victim of scam. The business allegedly lost $60,000 after it was deceived via email for the purchase of 15,000 pounds of ground beef by a scammer.

27 News spoke with the owner of Meatworks of Kansas who said the thief posed as a legitimate buyer of the beef. However, the scammer managed to get away with the meat without paying the $60,000 the business was owed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kansas wildlife officials ask hunters to hand over 50 muskrats. Heres why

Police are working with Meatworks of Kansas to identify who is responsible for the theft. If you have any information to share with police, you can call the RCPD at 785-527-2112 or get in touch with Manhattan-Riley County Crime Stoppers by calling 785-539-7777 or by clicking here.

You can report a scam to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) by clicking here. You can also file complaints and seek help from the Office of the Kansas Attorney General by clicking here.

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.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Kansas wildlife officials are asking the states trappers to pitch in and help save the declining population of muskrats in the state and the nation.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) posted to social media on Jan. 2 asking trappers participating in the 2024-2025 fur harvesting season to turn over 50 muskrats. This is to help complete a multi-state health assessment of the species.

Can hunters use drones to take wildlife in Kansas?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The KDWP is looking to acquire 50 muskrats from across the state with a maximum of two per county. Biologists will send samples of the muskrats to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Lab for testing in the first large-scale health assessment of the species. If you want to participate, the KDWP asks that you follow these instructions:

Skin the animal.

Download a carcass tag using this link or by clicking here.

Freeze the carcass with the skull within a day of capture.

Place the carcass in a plastic sandwich bag and or place it inside another bag.

Trappers can send the specimens to the KDWP by contacting Wildlife Research Biologist Matt Peek to arrange a pick-up. He can be reached at 620-342-0658 or matt.peek@ks.gov.

What were the top Kansas wildlife stories of 2024?

Muskrats are one of more than a dozen species trappers can look for in Kansas, according to the KDWPs website. They are typically found in marshes, swamps, bogs and other aquatic environments where they eat vegetation and occasional snails, mussels and fish. Muskrats are known as one of the most important fur-bearing species in North America historically.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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.

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.
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been requested to investigate a deadly shooting that happened as deputies were executing a search warrant Friday morning.

The Knox County Sheriffs Office said the shooting happened shortly after 7:20 a.m. as deputies were conducting a search warrant in the 7800 block of Sevierville Pike in South Knox County.

A split-second decision: How officers are trained to use deadly force

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

TBI said preliminary information shows deputies with Knox Countys SWAT team made contact with Daevon Montez Saint-Germain, 18, inside the home. While attempting to take him into custody, deputies fired shots, hitting Saint-Germain. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

TBI is working to determine what caused the situation to escalated, saying the shots were fired for reasons still under investigation.

Previously, KCSO said Saint-Germain refused to follow commands and displayed a firearm.

Child airlifted from Smoky Mountains on New Years Eve

TBI confirmed to 6 News that it was requested to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting by Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen. The findings will be shared with Allen after the TBIs agents complete their investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Knox County Schools shared with 6 News that Saint-Germain was a student at South Doyle last semester.

This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.

Per sheriffs office policy, the officers involved in the shooting will be placed on 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 WATE 6 On Your Side.
A sovereign nation must control its borders, or it is no country at all. This is obvious to me, as Im sure it is to Telegraph readers. But the Prime Minister does not appear to agree.

Since Labour came to office, well over 20,000 illegal immigrants have crossed the channel - despite no one needing to flee from France. Small boat crossings since the election are 29 per cent up compared to the same period last year. Shockingly, 1,500 illegal immigrants crossed in the last week of December alone - including hundreds on Christmas Day. Labour has lost control of our borders.

Yet Sir Keir Starmer didnt even list tackling immigration as one of his governments top priorities. Instead he pontificates about smashing the gangs . This is not a new idea - it wasnt long ago that Labour voted against higher prison sentences for these very same gangs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Uncontrolled mass immigration puts a strain on public services. It makes it more difficult for people to put a roof over their head, get school places for their children or see a family GP. It also puts strains on community cohesion.

I know that when Conservatives were in government they made mistakes - which they have honestly acknowledged. Following Brexit and the pandemic, migration was too high. It needs to be a lot, lot lower.

Thats why towards the end of their time in office Conservatives closed visa loopholes and cracked down on boat crossings leading to real results - legal migration is now coming down as a result of these steps and Conservatives cut boat crossings by a third in 2023. But more has to be done.

At the same time as Conservatives were doing this, Sir Keir Starmer was doing everything in his power to encourage migrants to our shores. In Opposition, Starmer actively campaigned for foreign murderers and rapists to stay in the UK, some of whom then went on to reoffend. Starmer thinks the human rights of foreign criminals are more important than protecting the British public. And he Labour voted against Conservative measures to tackle illegal migration 134 times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Given the sheer number of broken promises since getting into Downing Street, its hard to know what Keir Starmer really believes. But, when it comes to immigration, his policies in Government are a continuation of his weak approach in Opposition.

Starmer cancelled the Conservatives Rwanda deterrent before it even started with nothing to replace it - contrary to the advice of the National Crime Agency who said we need a deterrent. Starmer suspended the Conservatives planned increase to the family visa salary threshold which would have brought numbers down even further. And Starmer has increased the number of illegal immigrants in hotels by over 6,000, despite his election pledge to end hotel use. Another broken promise.

This is all shocking, but not surprising, given Starmer once described all immigration law as racist.

As well as it being unfair on British people, a former human rights lawyer should know better than to make it easier for despicable criminal gangs to peddle their trade in human misery. But Sir Keir is known as the friendly one in the migrant camps in Calais, so it is inevitable that migration will surge on his watch.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For too long Governments have failed to tackle immigration. Numbers cannot be left to climb and climb. Kemi Badenoch and I recently put forward a number of measures that would help to stop this. We would introduce a hard, legally binding cap on legal migrant numbers, have zero tolerance for foreign criminals by expelling them and allow in only those who will genuinely contribute by pivoting towards hard-capped very low numbers of high-skilled legal migrants.

We would also introduce a Rwanda-style removals deterrent. If illegal immigrants knew they would be rapidly removed upon arrival then they wouldnt bother crossing in the first place.

If the Prime Minister was serious about gripping the twin issues of illegal and legal migration, he would urgently adopt these common-sense policies. It is in the national interest, and it is the only way numbers are going to come down.

Our country needs and deserves a government that will get numbers down. Unfortunately, we currently have one which is both unwilling and unable to do so.

The Rt Hon Chris Philp MP is the Shadow Home Secretary

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.
NewsNations Kellie Meyer joins The Hill with the latest of whats to come on Capitol Hill, including the upcoming swearing-in of the 119th Congress and President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. Meanwhile, Trump plans to have one last rally in D.C. the day before his inauguration.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is reminding drivers in the commonwealth that vision screenings are now required to renew a drivers license.

New Kentucky law requires vision screening for drivers license renewal

In a post to Facebook, KYTC says clear vision is essential for safe driving, and this new step ensures a safer driving experience for all.

There are two ways a driver can have their vison screened. A driver can take the vision test at a Driver Licensing Regional Office at the time of the renewal, or provide a completed and signed vision screening form from a KYTC Credentialed Medical Specialist.

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).
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  The General Assembly will meet for the 2025 session starting on Tuesday. One major issue thats still on the table is access to affordable childcare. Kentucky leaders on both sides of the aisle have recognized theres a problemthat its either too expensive or too far of a distanceleaving some parents with no other option but to stay home.

University of Kentucky releases statement after rape survivor calls for change

This should be, and I think it will be moving into 2026, the number one ask for businesses, Gov. Andy Beshear told FOX 56 in a year-end interview in December. FOX 56 conducted a similar sit-down with Senate President Robert Stivers.



We firmly believe, and I think most people believe, that one of the impediments to get back into the workforce is childcare, Stivers said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In October, childcare industry stakeholders told a panel of lawmakers that more than 76,000 adults in Kentucky are not working right now because they are caring for a child.

Gov. Beshear has long made universal preschool a part of his platform, but attempts at getting the proposal through the Republican-led legislature have not budged. His budget proposal for 2024 asked for $172 million a year for the program. Beshear said he believes its one way to keep the state competitive.

Georgia has universal pre-K that they pay for in part through lottery proceeds. So if we want to keep up, this is something we have to do. Its also the single fastest way we can improve our workforce. And over half our kids arent kindergarten-ready, Beshear said.

Education policy group The Prichard Committee reports Kentuckys preschool enrollment is at 41% and kindergarten readiness at 44%. Sen. Stivers shared that he believes the best solution is much more localized. He explained how hes hoping to model a public-private approach he observed in northern Kentucky in other communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They have a model where public sector, private sector people come together to fit what they need. And its really an after-school model, not an all-day model because people who want to work their children are in school now. And then from that 4:30 to 6 or 4 to 6, their model is to do something collaboratively between multiple entity, multiple agencies, multiple private sectors, Stivers said. So were going to continue to do that. Were working on one in Corbin to kind of fit the Corbin model of trying to create over 100 spaces. So thats going to still be a continuing talk.

Beshear said he believes if a universal pre-K proposal were to ever pick up traction with lawmakers, the interest would have to come from the business community.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

And what Im hearing from businesses all over Kentucky is were in. Were ready to make the ask. And thatll ultimately be how the legislature hears about it and where the real demands come from, Beshear said.

You can watch the complete Red, White, and Bluegrass interviews with both Gov. Beshear and Sen. Stivers on the FOX 56 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 FOX 56 News.
A Kentucky electric cooperative plans to build new natural gas-fired units, and convert some of its coal-fired units to burn natural gas, as part of an expansion of its power generation fleet. East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) also has received the go-ahead from state regulators to build two new solar power facilities as it seeks to add 757 MW of new renewable energy resources. EKPC recently announced it wants to add a new 745-MW natural gas combined cycle unit at Cooper Station in Pulaski County. Cooper Station has operated since the 1960s as a two-unit, coal-fired power station with 344 MW of capacity. The utility also said it plans to convert the coal-fired Unit 2 at Cooper to burn natural gas. EKPC also plans to build a new 214-MW gas-fired power plant near Liberty in Casey County. That plant, on a 100-acre site, would feature 12 natural gas-fueled engine/generator sets (gensets), with the ability to function as a peaker plant during times of peak demand for power. The gensets could quickly ramp up and down depending on the demand for electricity, and also would be available to provide power during periods of lower production from the utility's solar power installations. EKPC said that facility is expected to come online by late 2028.

Convert Coal Units at 1.3-GW Station to Burn Gas

The utility also plans to convert four coal-fired units at the 1,300-MW Spurlock Station in Maysville in Mason County to burn natural gas. The utility in a recent news release said that converting units at the Cooper and Spurlock stations to natural gas would help EKPC "ensure continued compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's greenhouse gas rule and protect its most dependable electric-generating resources." The utility said that without the conversions, the coal-fired units would have to close by 2032. EKPC said, "The co-firing projects will protect nearly half of EKPC's existing generating capacity while reducing carbon dioxide emissions." The units at Spurlock were commissioned in 1977, 1981, 2005, and 2009. The utility said its plans for new generation come after EKPC in the past two winters has set peak demand records during extreme cold events, with large amounts of electricity used for heating. The utility also said the new unit at Cooper will support the regional transmission grid in southern Kentucky. "EKPC is blazing a bold path to ensure reliable, cost-competitive and sustainable electricity for rural Kentucky in coming decades," said Anthony "Tony" Campbell, president and CEO of EKPC, in a recent news release. EKPC provides electricity to 16 electric cooperatives that serve 1.1 million Kentucky residents in 89 counties. "EKPC is building for the future, protecting reliable plants, hedging against high energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Campbell. The Kentucky Public Service Commission in late December granted the utility Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for the construction of two proposed solar power facilities: the 96-MW Northern Bobwhite Solar Project in Marion County, north of Lebanon, and the 40-MW Bluegrass Plains Solar Project in Fayette County. "Over the next few years, EKPC will take steps to meet Kentucky's energy needs for decades to come, said Don Mosier, the utility's COO and executive vice president, in a recent news release. "We are taking a comprehensive approach that safeguards reliability and cost-competitiveness, while boosting sustainability. Greater fleet diversity means access to low-cost energy when it is available, along with reliable, flexible power plants to keep electricity flowing when it is needed the most." EKPC has a goal to reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide emissions by 35% by 2035. Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
The amount of oil spilled in the Kerch Strait by two Russian oil tankers is "significantly less than the initial estimate," Russia's Transport Ministry claimed on Jan. 2.

Two Russian oil tankers,Volgoneft 212 and Volgoneft 239, suffered severe damage during a storm on Dec. 15. Both vessels were reportedly carrying a total of 9,200 tons of fuel, which began leaking into the Black Sea.

Russian state news outlet RIA Novosti initially reported that some 3,700 tons of low-grade fuel oil have spilled into the Kerch Strait, forcing Russia to declare a federal state of emergency in response to the spill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russian scientist Viktor Danilov-Danilyan said in a press conference on Dec. 25 that about 200,000 tons of soil along the Black Sea coast have been contaminated, while Greenpeace Ukraine warned on Dec. 16 that the destruction of the Russian oil tankers could cause "significant" environmental damage.

On Jan. 2, Russia's Transport Ministry claimed that only about 2,400 metric tons of oil had spilled, citing a skewed account "of one of the tanker captains." The Transport Ministry added that the M100-grade fuel oil spilled into the sea solidifies at a lower temperature, thus sinking to the surface instead of remaining at the surface.

The Kyiv Independent cannot verify claims made by Russian officials.

The Kerch Strait separates mainland Russia from Russian-occupied Crimea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In October, the Kyiv School of Economics Institute warned that Russia's "shadow fleet" of old and poorly insured tankers pose significant environmental risks, as these vessels increase the danger of oil spills.

Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine has caused massive environmental damage, including the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka Dam and subsequent flooding, widespread forest fires, and the devastation of wide stretches of farm land.

Read also: Russia declares state of emergency due to oil spill in Kerch Strait









-



Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
After the killing of a black bear in September was deemed justified under Connecticut law, officials urge caution before shooting the protected animals except in extreme circumstances.

Under Connecticut law, you can kill a bear in self-defense if you reasonably believe its about to cause serious harm to you or someone else or if its entering a building with people inside, according to officials with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

In addition, a bear may be killed if it is injuring or killing ones pet. But if a bear were shot and killed, it must be reported to DEEP, and law enforcement would investigate each case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Black bears were once common throughout the state before being nearly exterminated by the mid-1800s due to hunting and the clear-cutting of forests, according to DEEP. Decades of activism and protected status have seen the animals make a comeback. Black bears are now seen throughout much of the state.

In 2023, bears were reported from 165 of the states 169 towns and cities with a population estimate between 1,000 and 1,200, according to DEEPs The State of the Bears. The animals have been illegal to hunt in Connecticut since the 1960s.

Efforts in recent years to establish a bear hunting season in Connecticut have been met with widespread opposition. A new law passed in 2023 outlined their protective status but allows special permits in some circumstances to kill the animals for the first time in decades.

The law allows individuals to request permits to kill bears when they are damaging agricultural crops, livestock or apiaries and if non-lethal responses are deemed unreasonable or ineffective. It also bans the intentional feeding of potentially dangerous animals including bears and establishes the right to use deadly force to defend oneself, other people and ones pets if attacked in certain circumstances, according to the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the bear population increases in Connecticut, interactions with humans including bear killings are becoming more frequent, according to DEEP spokesperson Will Healey.

We would need more time to give an accurate accounting, but generally speaking, the number of serious conflicts involving bears is rising each year. Reports of home entries, livestock attacks, apiary and other agricultural damage, damage to vehicles and structures, as well as physical altercations with pets and people are following a long-term upward trend, Healey said.

Some of those interactions involve people shooting bears, and in some cases, killing them. For any such incident that DEEP is aware of, DEEPs Environmental Conservation Police investigate the incident and determine, often in consultation with the States Attorneys Office, whether or not charges are merited, he said.

In defense of one of his pets

In a report filed in September, DEEP officials said a property owner was justified in fatally shooting a black bear after the animal killed the mans pet miniature donkey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The incident occurred on Sept. 22 around 7:30 a.m., when Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police were dispatched to a residence on Ballyhack Road in West Cornwall on the report of a black bear that was killed on the night of Sept. 21, according to officials. The shooting occurred after the bear allegedly killed one of the owners miniature donkeys and was then attempting to re-enter the paddock where his other miniature donkey and horse were located.

EnCon Police said a paddock was observed in the rear of the property and inside the paddock there appeared to be an area of fresh dirt where a donkey was presumed to have been buried. The owner of the property told police that he set up a trail camera after seeing a bear on his property and believing a bear killed his donkey.

According to the report, the owner said that while standing outside of the paddock closer toward the house, he shined his flashlight along the wood line where the donkey was found deceased and observed a bear standing on his rear legs with its front paws on the top of the fence. The owner said that in fear for his other animals that were now loose in the same paddock where the donkey was killed hours earlier, he grabbed a 12-gauge shotgun and fired two shots at the bear, killing the bear.

A necropsy performed on the bear showed stomach contents of the bear revealed hair and meat that were said to be consistent with that of the deceased donkey. In addition, bullet wounds were found to be consistent with the description the owner gave showing the bear to be on his hind legs when he was shot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a result of the investigation and the findings discovered, it was determined that there was no criminal aspect regarding the shooting of this bear. The property owner was found to have acted in defense of one of his pets and killed the bear as means to prevent further animals from being killed, according to the report.

Other recent incidents of bear killings include a 2022 incident where a Newtown man was found justified for shooting a habituated and food accustomed bear, meaning it had lost its fear of humans and had learned to associate humans with sources of food. In 2023, state officials made it illegal to intentionally feed black bears.

Generally speaking, its very important for residents to be mindful of the important role they play in preventing conflicts with bears. Not having bird feeders up from March-November, properly securing trash and putting it out the morning of pick-up, keeping pets supervised and leashed when outside, and taking steps to protect livestock, apiaries and crops by installing electric fencing and moving livestock inside at night if possible, are all helpful steps toward minimizing the likelihood of a conflict with a bear, Healey said.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
Question : I heard on the news that pedestrian fatalities rose in 2024. Do you know how many of those involved homeless people who were lying in the road ? I wont drive much at night after hearing about a traumatic incident and wonder how common it is. A friend almost ran over someone whose legs were protruding into the road near the intersection of Lunalilo and Pensacola streets. The man was mostly on the sidewalk. He was wearing dark clothing, and my friend didnt see him until the last second. Luckily, he did not hit him.

Answer : Statewide, 12 of the 37 pedestrians fatally struck by vehicles in 2024 were homeless, according to data posted by the state Department of Transportation. It does not say how many of those victims were prone in the street, but lying in the road  is listed among contributing factors in a summary of fatal crashes for the year.

Pedestrian fatalities rose 61 % from 2023, the DOT said, a main reason for the overall 10 % increase in traffic fatalities from the year before. Overall, 102 people died in traffic crashes statewide in 2024, compared with 93 in 2023, it said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Of the 102 people killed, 31 were motor vehicle occupants (passengers or drivers ); 37 were pedestrians ; 26 were operating motorcycles, mopeds or scooters ; six were bicyclists ; and two were operating all-terrain vehicles, according to the DOT table, 808ne.ws /4gYAaaB.

Homeless pedestrians were killed in every Hawaii county in 2024, according to the table, which shows five such deaths on Oahu (of 19 total pedestrian fatalities ), two (of seven ) in Hawaii County, three (of seven ) in Maui County and two (of four ) in Kauai County.

To help reduce traffic fatalities, the DOT urges motorists to :

Don 't miss out on what 's happening !

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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.Drive at or below the speed limit.Put away cellphones and other distractions before driving.Be bold and caring  by arranging a sober ride home for impaired friends or family.While driving, especially at night, be prepared to stop for pedestrians and provide at least three feet of space as required by law for bicyclists.

The Makiki intersection you mentioned, near where westbound motor vehicles can exit and enter the H-1 freeway (at different points ) is known for traffic gridlock and for panhandling by homeless people, some of whom set up tents or tarps along the sidewalk.

Q : While shopping after-Christmas sales at Ala Moana, I was surprised to see so many dogs walking around or being pushed in strollers. Are they allowed now ?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A : Ala Moana Center is a pet-friendly Center, though individual store policies may vary,  according to the malls website.

Q : Does the DMV still have weekend hours ?

A : Certain locations will open on select Saturdays in 2025, according to the website for Honolulus Department of Customer Services. Appointments for Saturday service will become available online by 4 :30 p.m. the Wednesday prior, on the following dates at the following locations, the website says.Kapalama Drivers Licensing Center : Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and March 8Kapahulu Road Test Office : Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and March 8Kapolei DLC : Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 22Wahiawa DLC : Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 15 See for more information and additional dates if they become available later this year.

Auwe Auwe to thoughtless, reckless people who keep shooting off firework bombs even after the governor asked to pause  this dangerous practice after four people died and many were grievously injured. The true cultural tradition is burning firecrackers at midnight on New Years, not launching huge aerial shows from dense, crowded neighborhoods. We suffer from incessant noise and smoke and the risk of serious fires or explosions whether we participate in the celebration  or not.A reader------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Ukraine's incursion in Russia's Kursk Oblast is a "very strong trump card in any negotiations," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview on Ukrainian television released on Jan. 2.

"Especially with countries that are very important for us, the countries of the Global South," Zelensky said.

"I never thought it would have such a big impact on them because they were so influenced by the idea of 'invincible Russia.'"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia has been ramping up its efforts to push Ukraine out of the embattled Kursk Oblast as Kyiv continues to hold on to a piece of Russian territory in the hopes of leveraging it in possible negotiations.

There are growing expectations of possible peace talks in 2025 as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on Jan. 20, pledged to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

Ukrainian forces launched the unprecedented Kursk invasion in early August, achieving initial tactical success and marking the first time Russia was invaded at a significant since World War II.

In recent months, Ukraine has been on the defensive as Russia reportedly recaptured almost half of the lost territory and deployed reinforcements, including North Korean troops.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The strategic impact of the Kursk incursion has been hotly debated. Critics have pointed out that despite its stated goal of drawing away Russian forces from their offensive in Donetsk Oblast, Moscow's advance in Ukraine's east has only picked up pace since the incursion began.

In the interview, Zelensky called the deployment of North Korean soldiers in the region a "tactical mistake."

"And that's why there are 12,000 (North Koreans) who came with weapons, and the North Korean soldiers also couldn't do anything. All this works against Russia and is a strong argument for us."

The White House said on Dec. 27 that North Korean soldiers suffered over 1,000 casualties in Kursk Oblast over the past week alone as they carried out "human wave" assaults with little effect.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: Ukraine today is in the strongest position ever, ex-foreign minister Kuleba says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Rep. Lindsey Burke and her son, Ewan Mancillas, during a break in the action on the House floor, Jan. 12, 2024. (Photo by LRC Public Information)

Lexington Democrat Rep. Lindsey Burke is under no delusion that Kentuckys Republican-controlled legislature will hear, much less pass, a bill to reinstate abortion access.

But, during the 2025 legislative session, shes going to file it anyway. It will mark her third annual attempt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Most Kentuckians lost abortion access when, in June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe. V. Wade, which had established the constitutional right to abortion. Kentuckys trigger law went into effect immediately, which bans abortion except when the mothers life is at risk.

Burke is pairing her abortion bill, which is verbatim the one she filed in 2024, with a bill to protect medical records of those who leave the state for abortions and another to expand the Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program to make sure new parents in the state can learn about mental health following birth.

The bills were filed as House Bills 428, 429 and 430 in 2024. During that session, Burke went public with her own complicated journey to motherhood, marked, in part, by infertility and an expensive pursuit of in vitro fertilization (IVF). She shared her story to appeal to friendly faces across the aisle, she said at the time.

She intends to continue appealing to those lawmakers in 2025, she told the Lantern.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are more moderate, traditional Republicans who are interested in having this conversation, and I continue to try and work with him, she said. The bad news is that there arent enough of them.

Republican Reps. Ken Fleming and Majority Whip Jason Nemes, in recent sessions, have filed bills seeking exceptions to the states near-total abortion bans for cases of rape and incest. Both were unsuccessful.

Im curious to see if any of those more moderate Republicans are going to file any bills like the ones weve seen over the last couple sessions that also didnt move, Burke said.

She also hopes more people are softening their stances on the issue, she said, and that they realize they know people who need access for whatever reason and cant get it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, a Louisville woman is suing the state over her inability to get an abortion in Kentucky. She traveled out of state for the procedure, which she described as a burden that left her overwhelmed and frustrated. Her case is in Jefferson Circuit Court.

Georgia, Texas: a warning

Burke also pointed to cases in other states of women who died after being denied emergency abortions as a warning to Kentucky. Georgias abortion ban kept Atlanta doctors from giving Amber Nicole Thurman a dilation and curettage, and she died, ProPublica reported. Texas abortion laws put doctors in a position to deny routine care as well, ProPublica has found.

I hope that we dont have to have a rising death toll the way some other states, like Texas or Georgia, do before we finally choose to take action, Burke said.

Shes motivated, she said, by the Kentuckians who, like her, faced difficulties in trying to bring a child into the world.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A lot of people who desperately want to be parents email me and tell me about their heartaches and their struggles, and they thank me for seeing them and sort of acknowledging them in the public space, she said. And so Ill keep on filing these bills, because there are a whole bunch of people who feel unseen and unrecognized. Its in grief and struggle and pain, for whatever reason, that they are seeking this kind of care. And by continuing to fight for this and stand for this and acknowledge them, were keeping their hope alive, that other people wont have to experience these things.

Burke hasnt lined up co-sponsors for her 2025 bills yet, she said. Last year, only fellow Democrats signed onto the bills.

Were just going to keep putting this forward until the people of Kentucky get what they need, Burke said. However long it takes.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
The owner of the Los Angeles Times reportedly considered launching a conservative version of the daytime talk show The View and met with comedian and anti-vaccine advocate Rob Schneider and the wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., actor Cheryl Hines, to discuss it.

Patrick Soon-Shiong, the pharmaceutical businessman, met with the two celebrities  both known for their ties to conservatism  last month, according to journalist Oliver Darcy, who reported the news in his newsletter Status.

The meeting arrived after Schneider pitched the idea of creating an all-women talk show that would be the opposite of The View, the daytime talk show known for its political commentary.

Schneider previously suggested creating a daytime talk show that would compete with The View (Getty Images)

He told Fox News, his media company, No Apologies Media, was going to compete with [The View].

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Schneider, a comedian best known for his role on Saturday Night Live in the 90s, has become a figure in conservative media. He espouses anti-vaccine rhetoric and health-related content similar to RFK Jr., president-elect Donald Trumps pick for US health secretary. He has also been criticized for making anti-LGBT+ comments in his comedy and on social media.

Hines, best known for her role on Curb Your Enthusiasm, has recently risen to political prominence for being married to RFK Jr.

Hines pictured with husband, and president-elect Donald Trumps pick for health secretary, RFK Jr. (Getty Images)

Though nothing official has been announced yet, the move to collaborate on a more conservative form of content aligns with Soon-Shiongs recent push for the LA Times to become less liberal.

Last year, Soon-Shiong blocked the editorial board from formally endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to controversy. Several staff members resigned in protest and thousands of readers canceled their subscriptions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In November, Soon-Shiong announced his intent to overhaul the newspapers editorial board to make it more balanced.

Then in December, he announced the LA Times would begin putting an AI-powered bias meter on articles.

His decisions have caused outrage at the newspaper and according to Darcy, when rumors spread that the LA Times may collaborate with Schneider some staffers became alarmed.

The Independent has reached out to Schneider and Hines for comment.
Labor groups applauded while businesses leveled sharp criticism Friday at the decision by the Biden administration to block the acquisition of steelmaker U.S. Steel by Japanese rival Nippon Steel over national security concerns.

Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel said they were dismayed by the decision and said the administration didnt present any evidence that the deal would have harmed national security.

Instead of abiding by the law, the process was manipulated to advance President Bidens political agenda. The Presidents statement and order do not present any credible evidence of a national security issue, making clear that this was a political decision, the companies said in a joint release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Biden administration said trade and national security experts in the executive branch found that the proposed sale would place one of Americas largest steel producers under foreign control and create risk for our national security and our critical supply chains.

The United Steelworkers (USW) labor union called the decision the right move for its members and national security.

With responsible management, U.S. Steel will continue to support good jobs, healthy communities and robust national and economic security well into the future, the group said in a statement.

USW Local 2911 President Mark Glyptis told The Hill his membership believed the incentives for the proposed sale were unfairly weighted toward management and that it was better for national security to keep the company American-owned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The amount of money that [would have gone] to the people at the top was enormous  millions and millions of dollars if this transaction had occurred, going into the pocket of the top management people, he said. They had an incentive at the top to make this transaction happen.

Meanwhile, business trade groups said blocking the deal sends a negative message to American allies, whose economies are intertwined with the U.S.

Japan is one of Americas strongest allies and Japanese companies have reinvested more into the U.S. economy and workforce than any other nation, Jonathan Samford, president of the Global Business Alliance, a trade group that represents dozens of multinational corporations, said in a statement.

I am concerned that todays decision sends a powerful and negative signal to the rest of the world, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Chris Deluzio (D), who represents a traditional stronghold of the U.S. steel industry in western Pennsylvania, gave a thumbs up to the decision, arguing on social media Friday morning that steelworkers should have been included in the negotiating process.

From the beginning, the workers who power this company should have had a seat at the negotiating tabletheir livelihoods hung in the balance, he said.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) blasted the decision, calling U.S. Steel a struggling company.

Blocking the sale of a struggling company to a stronger company simply steals value from whats left of US Steel and hurts its remaining workers by blocking the billion dollar infusion of cash Nippon Steel promises, he wrote on social media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Steel reported net earnings of $895 million or $3.56 per diluted share in 2023. The company authorized a stock buyback program for the repurchase of up to $500 million shares in 2022. It repurchased $175 million worth of stock throughout 2023.

The Biden administration blocked the sale on national security grounds, citing economic practices as well.

The purchasers and U.S. Steel shall take all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the proposed transaction no later than 30 days after the date of this order, the White House said in a statement.

U.S. Steel stock dropped more than 5 percent on the news in Friday morning trading, falling to $30.65 a share as of 11 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., an interdepartment agency that analyzes the national security implications of foreign investments in the U.S. economy, kicked the decision about whether to allow the sale up to the White House in December.

This is a transaction that should be approved on its merits, and one that should be a model for friendshoring investment, U.S. Steel said in a December statement.

On Thursday, the State Department approved a $3.64 billion sale of air-to-air missiles to Japan.

The Defense Department said the sale would [improve] the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.

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.
Chiswick is one of the areas likely to suffer as a result of higher school fees - Alexey Fedoren/iStockphoto

Labours private school tax raid will push down house prices in affluent areas of London, experts have warned.

Higher school fees are expected to drive overstretched homeowners out of the capitals leafy boroughs in search of more affordable properties and schools.

Estate agents and mortgage brokers warned that housing demand would take a hit as a result.

The average price of a home in prime central London is 4.6m but this is expected to fall by 4pc in 2025, according to agency Savills. In real terms, it means a drop of 184,000.

In outer prime London, property values are expected to remain flat at their current price of 1.8m. By comparison, housing hotspots outside the capital will rise by 2pc, Savills said.

The trend is driven by a perfect storm of higher taxes and mortgage rates and the winding down of the non-dom tax regime favoured by wealthy international taxpayers  many of whom reside in central London.

But, Lucian Cook, head of residential research at Savills, said higher private school fees were also likely to suppress house prices in residential areas such as Islington, Hampstead and Chiswick.

He added that other regional markets would benefit from displaced demand as families move away from the capital.

Mr Cook said: People who over the past 12 or 18 months have seen their mortgage costs increase will put their plans on hold to move up the property ladder, and deal with school fees instead.

Others for whom financial pressures are more acute may relocate to take advantage of lower house prices and to get into cheaper private schools or good state schools

Private schools raised their fees this term following Sir Keir Starmers decision to apply 20pc VAT from January 1.

Analysis by The Telegraph shows the average private school fee increased by 14pc, the steepest annual hike in over 40 years.

This rise 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, based on the current average annual fees from the Independent Schools Council, which represents 1,200 private schools.

Karen Noye, mortgage expert at wealth manager Quilter, said: The introduction of VAT on private school fees is set to place considerable strain on family finances, particularly in prime central London, where private education often goes hand in hand with high property values.

This financial pressure is likely to prompt some parents to reconsider their living arrangements, potentially releasing equity in their properties by selling and moving to more affordable areas.
A man who was charged with sexually abusing a minor for several years pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday.

Pedro Castro, 40, was charged with sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child who is 10 years old or younger, continuous sexual abuse of a child, lewd acts with a child under the age of 14, incest and oral copulation with a child between the ages of 10 and 14.

Castro was accused of sexually assaulting a minor from Dec. 12, 2017 to Nov. 12, 2024, according to the complaint filed by the Kern County District Attorneys Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to a probable cause statement filed by the Kern County Sheriffs Office, the victim, who was a located missing juvenile, told deputies that Castro had inappropriately touched her on numerous occasions. She also said Castro had forced her to engage in sexual intercourse with him several times when she was between the ages of 7 and 13.

The victim said these incidents occurred monthly, according to the report.

Castro allegedly admitted to three specific incidents in which he inappropriately touched the victim and, in one incident, he said the victim touched his genitals. Castro told deputies that there was skin-to-skin contact during these incidents, the report said.

At Thursday's arraignment, Castros attorney entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Castro, who was assisted by a Spanish language interpreter.

Castros trial is set for Feb. 18. Castro is currently being held in custody with no bail.
At the Los Angeles Police Department's weekly crime briefings this fall, its leaders tracked what seemed to be a troubling rise in robberies in police divisions such as Southwest and Rampart. The numbers showed an increase in stickups  if only on paper.

Upon closer inspection, department records obtained by The Times indicate that most of the incidents may have started as shoplifting.

Under LAPD metrics, hundreds of thefts in which a suspect uses force or fear in the commission of a crime are counted as robberies  even if no weapons were used and no injuries occurred.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It's a common scenario: A shoplifter, arms full of merchandise they didn't pay for, makes a beeline for the exit, only to have their escape blocked by a security guard. A struggle ensues, and the thief knocks the guard over or merely threatens to do so, triggering a potential felony charge.

Through the first week of October, there were more than 1,200 such incidents across L.A., according to department statistics released through a public records request. This accounted for roughly 1 in 8 robberies, down slightly compared with the same period in 2023.

Read more: Ghost stops: Lieutenant claims LAPD officials were warned about troubled gang unit

Some officials wonder whether the data reflect a shift by business owners toward more aggressive loss prevention strategies, leading to more in-store confrontations with security guards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Faced with plunging profit margins, more companies  from mom-and-pop shops to big box retailers such as Target  are making "stopping people at the threshold" a priority, said LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, who noted that shoplifting is still a crime, although not the serious type the term "robbery" conjures.

The broad classification, he acknowledged, is potentially muddying the department's numbers.

You can do what you want as a business, but youre not necessarily going to get an accurate crime picture, said Hamilton, who runs the LAPD's detective bureau.

Shoplifting incidents that escalate are sometimes referred to as Estes robberies, after a legal standard that dates to the early 1980s, when a man named Curtis Estes tried to walk out of a Sears store in Vallejo wearing a down vest and corduroy coat he hadnt paid for. When confronted by an armed security guard in the parking lot, Estes pulled a knife out and threatened to kill the guard, before eventually surrendering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Estes was convicted of felony robbery, which was upheld under appeal with the court ruling that "a store employee may be a victim of a robbery even though he does not own the property taken."

In the decades since, law enforcement has used the Estes robbery standard to charge shoplifters with robbery even if they didnt have weapons. Although some incidents can be downgraded by prosecutors to misdemeanors or dismissed due to lack of evidence, the LAPD counts each case it refers as a robbery.

Of the top 10 locations citywide for Estes robberies, the majority occurred at WSS, a Southern California chain formerly known as Warehouse Shoe Sale.

Read more: LAPD investigates scores of bomb threats a year. Was one sent by the deputy mayor?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The top location was the company's store at Sunset Boulevard and Western Avenue in Hollywood, which had 22 Estes robberies, followed closely by its location near MacArthur Park, which had 20. Other clusters were reported at a WSS store in the Southwest Division and, separately, downtown's FIGat7th shopping center.

A WSS representative on Tuesday referred The Times to the company's corporate office, which didn't respond to an email seeking comment.

Hamilton, the deputy chief, said the department occasionally meets with businesses to discuss emerging crime trends. Retailers such as WSS, he said, will station guards around their stores to act as a visible deterrent, but also can "harden" themselves against theft by, for instance, keeping only one of every pair of shoes on display.

He added that police typically discourage store employees from physically detaining anyone to avoid turning a nonviolent crime into something more dangerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It absolutely concerns me, he said. Ill take a theft over an Estes any day, because if you have an Estes you always have the potential for catastrophe."

Stores also can face liability if someone is injured or killed, and the risk of incurring hefty legal costs might not justify trying to wrestle a thief to the ground. There have been numerous instances of confrontations that turned deadly, including a high-profile case in 2023 in San Francisco in which a security guard at a local Walgreens shot and killed an unarmed man he suspected of shoplifting.

LAPD statistics show that assaults on security personnel have risen in the last five years. On Monday night in downtown L.A., a man suspected of stealing shot and wounded two security guards who confronted him outside the Target store at the FIGat7th shopping mall.

The suspect was arrested a day later after an hours-long standoff with police who raided an apartment in the nearby Westlake District.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some experts said the private security industry is shifting toward nonconfrontational approaches, mostly to avoid injuries to employees and disruptions in service.

Loss prevention specialists and security guards are increasingly being trained to observe, identify, and document the situation as best as possible and not to necessarily apprehend," said Geoff Kohl Sr., director of marketing for the Security Industry Assn., a trade group in Maryland.

Read more: Mayor and LAPD chief tout double-digit drop in homicides compared with last year

Establishments such as jewelry stores that have high-value merchandise may still take forceful measures to prevent losses, but Kohl said the continued growth of the multibillion-dollar private security industry has been driven more by expansion of in-store surveillance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"You're gonna see probably less and less weapons being carried and more of a reliance on technology, he said.

The classification of some minor thefts as Estes robberies raises questions about the reliability of the LAPD's crime figures, which have come under scrutiny in years past.

Inside the numbers-obsessed department, crime counts still dictate staffing decisions and serve as a benchmark for supervisors, who are still largely judged by their successes and failures in lowering serious crimes  such as homicides, robberies and burglaries  in their divisions.

Released publicly, the LAPD numbers also influence public opinion and become fodder for political debate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even though reliable data are scant, the perception that retail theft is out of control statewide helped lead to the passage of Proposition 36 in November, which created stiffer penalties for certain types of thefts and drug crimes.

After a dragged-out political fight in Sacramento over the summer, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills to address the rise in organized retail theft, making it easier for police to arrest shoplifters and disrupt larger retail crime rings.

Critics warn that the more punitive approaches could cause more harm than good by rolling back laws aimed at reducing the state's prison population.

The LAPD has created several task forces to crack down on organized retail theft, and occasionally deploys "blitz operations" that involve sending teams of both undercover and uniformed officers to popular shopping areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jeff Asher, a crime analyst and consultant based in New Orleans, said that outside of homicides and auto theft, most crime categories are notoriously unreliable and prone to underreporting.

Retail theft, in particular, is not well tracked, which makes it very difficult to say what is an increase and what is an increase in the change in reporting."

That said, he added, the most reliable data available show that, with few exceptions, shoplifting is lower today than it was before the outbreak of the pandemic.

Overall in Los Angeles, you're seeing a decline in both theft and robberies," he said.

Read more: Jury awards $3 million to ex-SWAT sergeant who alleged 'mafia' culture in LAPD unit

Beyond potentially distorting the city's crime numbers, subjecting shoplifters to felony charges has life-altering consequences, according to longtime defense attorney Greg Hill.

Instead of being charged with a misdemeanor or diverted to treatment, a person can suddenly face years in prison if convicted of a felony that is counted as a "strike"  greatly affecting their future job, housing and education opportunities, Hill said.

"Basically, it's shoplifting with a push, he said. "And it's usually because the loss prevention people don't properly identity themselves and they're usually not wearing uniforms so it's not obvious to a shoplifter, so it's somebody just grabbing their arm."

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.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)Las Cruces Police is accepting applications for the 2025 Citizens Police Academy, which will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 18. There is room for 20 students.

The academy is a tuition-free, four-week program designed to introduce community members to the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD), the department said in a news release.

LCPD said the academy is designed to teach citizens about the philosophy, policies, and guiding principles of law enforcement and ethical conduct governing police services in our community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Students will receive classroom instruction and scenario-based training exercises by personnel for topics including, but not limited to:

Search and seizure

Criminal law

Use of force

Human performance

Crisis intervention techniques

LCPD said some of the exercises may require light physical activity and induce stress.

During and after training is completed, students are given the opportunity to complete an eight-hour ride-along with a police officer.

This ride-along is usually an eye-opening experience for many students as they get to see the real day-to-day activities of the police, LCPD said.

Student requirements:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age

Applicants can not have any felony convictions

Applicants can not have any misdemeanor or DWI arrests within the last three years before the application date

Applicants must pass a background check conducted by LCPD

It is preferred applicants be a resident of Las Cruces

Please do not let these requirements keep you from applying. We do not automatically eliminate candidates from attending the Citizens Police Academy based on the above requirements. All applications are individually reviewed, and attendance decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, read the news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LCPD said applications can be turned in at the East Mesa Public Safety Complex, 550 N Sonoma Ranch Blvd., or the LCPD main station, 217 E. Picacho Ave., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday  Thursday or from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

All applications are due by noon on Friday, Jan. 17.

The academys class schedule is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the East Mesa Public Safety Complex. The first session is set to begin on Feb. 18, and the last session/graduation will be held on March 13.

Upon successful completion of the academy, participants attend a graduation ceremony and are awarded a certificate for completing the program, LCPD 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 KTSM 9 News.
Who is Las Vegas explosion suspect Matthew Livelsberger?

(NewsNation)  Police said the driver of a Cybertruck that exploded in front of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas has been preliminarily identified as Matthew Livelsberger.

Investigators said they are waiting on DNA to provide 100% identification.

How did authorities identify Matthew Livelsberger?

Investigators said a military ID, passport and credit cards found in the vehicle belonged to Livelsberger and were used to identify him.

New Orleans attack was an act of terror: FBI

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They said there are also photos of Livelsberger driving the Cybertruck from Colorado to Las Vegas. Police also used remnants of tattoos visible on the burned body to make the preliminary identification.

Who is Matthew Livelsberger?

Livelsberger was a master sergeant in the Army, most recently serving in Stuttgart, Germany, with the 10th Special Forces Group. He was also deployed to Afghanistan in 2009.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that all the components of the improvised bomb were made from items that can easily be purchased, including consumer fireworks, fuel enhancers and exploding targets.

The two firearms found in the truck were also purchased legally, the ATF said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He has no criminal record, and no information about his background prior to joining the military or his personal life has been released.

Matthew Livelsbergers military service

Livelsberger enlisted as an 18X and served in active duty from January 2006 to March 2011, according to an Army spokesperson. He then joined the National Guard from March 2011 through July 2012. After that, Livelsberger was in the Army Reserve until December 2012, when he entered active duty as an Army Special Operations soldier.

New Orleans attack was an act of terror: FBI

Livelsberger was assigned to the command and on approved leave at the time of his death. USASOC is in full cooperation with federal and state law enforcement agencies, but as a matter of policy, will not comment on ongoing investigations, the spokesperson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Livelsberger received a number of awards during his service, including multiple Bronze Stars, Army commendation and achievement medals and a Meritorious Service Medal.

What do officials think motivated the attack?

Investigators have said they have not ruled anything in or out when it comes to the motivation behind the explosion.

Las Vegas police did deem the attack a suicide and said the driver had a gunshot wound to the head that occurred immediately prior to the explosion and was believed to be self-inflicted.

Is Matthew Livelsberger connected to New Orleans suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar?

Both Livelsberger and the suspect in a New Orleans attack on New Years Day, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, served in the Army.

Two stabbings at two NYC subway stations occurred New Years Day

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both men were stationed at Fort Bragg during their careers, and both were stationed in Afghanistan in 2009.

At this time, authorities say there is no evidence the two men were in the same unit at Fort Bragg or that they were even there during the same years. Investigators have also not uncovered any information to indicate the two men were in the same unit or location in Afghanistan during their deployments.

NewsNations Travis Harrison and Kellie Meyer contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Authorities are continuing to search for a missing Minnesota 17-year-old last seen more than a year ago.

On Thursday, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reissued a missing persons alert for Trinity Fisher, now 17. Fisher was last seen in Andover on Dec. 20, 2023. She was 15 years old at the time she disappeared.

Fisher is described as 57 and 130 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Fisher may still be in the local area, but she may have traveled to surrounding cities, according to the alert.

Anyone with information on Fishers location is encouraged to call NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678 or the Anoka County Sheriff's Office at (763) 427-1212.
A GOP state senator wants to nix Floridas merit pay requirement for teachers, unwinding the first-in-the-nation policy pushed into law by Republicans, but fiercely opposed by most teachers, more than a decade ago.

Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral, filed the bill (SB 136) to be considered in the upcoming March legislative session. The bill would give local school districts the discretion to implement their own performance-based salary increases but would delete the requirement for such a system.

This legislation addresses key challenges in our education system. It ensures fair compensation for teachers and instructional personnel at every stage of their careers while empowering school districts to recognize and reward exceptional performance, Rodriguez said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Florida Educators Association, the statewide teachers union, said the bill, if it passed, would be a huge step in the right direction for public education.

Republicans passed the merit-pay bill, which also ended tenure for teachers, in 2011, and Gov. Rick Scott signed it into law. The sweeping law tied teachers pay in part to student performance on tests and put all newly hired teachers on one-year contracts, ending their ability to earn multi-year ones that provided more job protections.

The controversial law prompted lawsuits from teachers unions, which tried unsuccessfully to get courts to throw it out, but praise from GOP leaders who said it would improve Floridas teaching force and its public schools.

In recent years, some Republicans have shifted their views, however. Last year, a GOP senator filed another bill to alter the merit-pay law by again allowing teachers to get multi-year contracts. It unanimously passed the Senate but was not taken up by the House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We would definitely support this bill, said Andrew Spar, president of the statewide union. It matches one of our priorities, which is to allow us the flexibility to negotiate fair pay raises for everyone.

Under the law, some teachers hired prior to 2011 still get paid under old plans that did not consider performance as much as experience. But their raises have to be smaller than those paid under the new merit-pay plans districts had to adopt.

So the law led to stagnant wages, especially for veteran teachers, as has Gov. Ron DeSantis focus on boosting starting teacher pay, Spar and other union officials say.

Rodriguezs bill could help boost pay and tackle the states teacher shortage, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Floridas average teacher pay is $53,098 and ranks it 50th in the nation, according to the National Education Association. Average starting teacher pay in Florida is $47,178 and ranked 16th.

Clinton McCracken, the president of Orange Countys teachers union, said he supports the bill and feels optimistic about its ability to get through the Legislature.

We are in favor of anything that allows us to negotiate fair pay for all teachers at the local level, he said. This bill proposes to remove onerous laws that interfere with our ability to negotiate fair pay. Our pay has always been low, but the laws that govern teacher pay are also unfair and this bill would begin to correct that.
(NewsNation)  Following a deadly attack in New Orleans on New Years Day after a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, lawmakers have been receiving information from the FBI.

Members of Louisianas congressional delegation, as well as members of the House Intelligence Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee, heard from the FBI about the investigation into what is being called a terror attack.

Some lawmakers are frustrated by the number of questions that remain unanswered, while others are giving the FBI grace at this early stage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sugar Bowl security to equal Super Bowl: New Orleans police

The New Orleans attack and another incident in Las Vegas, where a Cybertruck exploded in front of a Trump hotel, have led to questions about whether the two attacks are connected, something investigators say they havent found any evidence of so far.

Another question is whether suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar was just inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, aka ISIS, or if he actually worked with the terror group to plan the attack.

Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., told NewsNation that he understands the FBI is still investigating, but as the work continues, hes going to expect to hear more answers from the agency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a representative from a state that is familiar with dealing with terror attacks, LaLota said he believes that with big events like the Sugar Bowl approaching, people should be alert.

I come from New York. 9/11 is on many of my constituentss minds every day, especially when we go to big cities like New York, and were always vigilant, he said. Theres a saying: If you see something, say something. That inspires us to be vigilant, to respect law enforcement, to communicate with law enforcement if somethings out of place and we should always continue to do so.

Vegas Cybertruck explosion driver IDd as Army soldier from Colorado: Source

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., posted on X, reassuring Americans that people at the Sugar Bowl will be safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Added security precautions were already being put in place at the Capitol ahead of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, including extra fencing and a heavier police presence.

The attack could also color how lawmakers are thinking as the new Congress is set to be seated just days after this major terror attack.

That includes pressure from Trump allies to have Congress confirm his nominees more quickly, especially those in national security roles in agencies like the Defense Department and the Department of Homeland Security.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The House Chambers inside the Roundhouse on Jan. 10, 2024. (Photo by Anna Padilla for Source NM)

The start to the 2025 New Mexico legislative session is still several weeks away, but some lawmakers have already introduced proposed changes in state laws.

Legislators started putting forward proposals known as prefiles Thursday, the first day they file bills before the opening gavel on Jan. 21. Three state senators filed five bills on the opening day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Proposed bills would develop a state and tribal schools partnership, amend the constitution on retired public workers health care funds, and expand eligibility for a state program for youth aging out of foster care.

Sen. Benny Shendo (D-Jemez Pueblo) introduced legislation to expand tribal and pueblo governments ability to enter into agreements with the states education authority for cultural and language schools, and allow schools to access public funding. The schools would develop the curriculum and agree not to charge tuition. Schools would report enrollment, and receive funds like any other public school, and could apply for state grants.

There would need to be a public rule-making process for how the process would work, if the law is passed.

Sen. Roberto Bobby Gonzalez (D-Ranchos de Taos) introduced a state constitutional amendment, which would have to be approved by voters. The bill would require the state to create a trust fund for health care programs for retired public employees, and prohibit spending and investment of that money outside of the needs of the retirees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sen. Micheal Padilla (D-Albuquerque) introduced three bills on opening day. Two related to public works construction, by requiring projects to offer minimum wage to specific workers and increase financial support for apprenticeships. Padillas third bill expands eligibility to youth held in state custody into a state program supporting foster youth who have aged out of state support.

The House released 14 prefiled bills on Friday. Some bills would make small changes such as motorcycle licence designs, or removing deductions for tips paid with a credit card.

This story was updated at 1:36 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3 to include House prefiled bills.

Rep. Kathleen Cates (D-Rio Rancho) introduced a bill to protect libraries from losing funding for refusing to ban books based on the subject or an authors sexuality, race or gender, countering a rise in book bans across the nation. This law wouldnt impact the right of individuals to challenge specific materials in a librarys collection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque) introduced a bill to make a shooting or bomb threat a fourth degree felony, raising it from the current penalty of a misdemeanor. The law also adds a provision putting the person who made the threat on the hook for costs incurred because of a threat  loss of business or lost wages, among others.

Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-Galisteo) put forward two state constitutional amendments, requiring voter approval. One to make all legislative sessions 45 days in length, rather than alternating between shorter and longer sessions. The second would remove the governors pocket veto power, which means any bill that goes unsigned by a certain deadline after a session dies. The bill would also require the governor to send an explanation for any veto, which has not applied because of the pocket veto.The last day lawmakers can put forward bills before the start of the session is Jan. 17.

Prefiles only contain the language of the proposed legislation, and dont have official numbers yet. No analysis or actions such as committee assignments are made until the lawmakers convene officially.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Lawrence-based pizzeria Papa Kenos has closed its Overland Park location, but another pizza shop will soon replace it.

Papa Kenos at 14850 Metcalf Ave.  the last remaining spot in the Kansas City area  announced that it had closed permanently.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and loyalty over the years, the announcement on the website reads. It has been a pleasure serving you.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its only spot open in the area is at 837 Massachusetts St. in Lawrence.

An employee with Papa Kenos confirmed that the Overland Park spot closed a few months ago. The owners could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday afternoon.

While Papa Kenos has vacated the Heatherwood Village space, its pizza ovens will begin cooking fresh pies again soon.

Topeka-based Glory Days Pizza will open its second Kansas City area location in the former Papa Kenos spot. Kimberly Tranbarger, a real estate agent representing the landlord, said Glory Days hopes to open its location in the spring.

Glory Days other restaurant in the metro is at 13107 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Shawnee. It opened in 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The chain also has four spots in Topeka and one in Lawrence. The original location opened in 1985, near the College Hill shops close to Washburn University.

Glory Days Pizzas Baked Potato pizza with ranch dressing, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, bacon garnish and topped with sour cream and chives.

Glory Days specialty pizzas include its baked potato pizza (ranch dressing, lattice-cut potato, mozzarella, provolone and cheddar cheeses, topped with hardwood and smoked bacon, then dressed with sour cream and chives), taco pizza (taco sauce, beef, onion, mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar cheeses, dressed with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and more cheddar) and bacon cheeseburger pizza (beef, red onion, pickles, blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then topped with bacon).

Before it left, Papa Kenos struggled in the Kansas City area.

The chain was founded in 1991 and entered Overland Park a few years later, with the opening of a downtown Overland Park location at 7901 Santa Fe Drive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It then opened short-lived locations in the River Market, Waldo and Westport. When new owners purchased the company in 2012, they reopened the 415 Westport Road location three years after it had closed.

Papa Kenos ruffled feathers in the Crossroads in 2017 when it rented a billboard next to its competitor, Pizzabella. An arrow patrons to its 1815 Wyandotte St. restaurant.

My employees are upset. They said, What can we do? But it isnt our billboard. We cant do anything, Pizabella owner Shari Boles told The Star at the time.

Then-co-owner Philippe Lechevin defended the competitive advertising choice, saying it was meant to spread the word about his new shop on a busier street and wasnt targeting Pizzabella.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2020, Papa Kenos sued Lechevin for breach of license agreement and breach of contract after the Crossroads locations social media accounts and signage changed to Buffalo State Pizza & Co. The menu changed as well.

A sign inside 1815 Wyandotte  formerly Papa Kenos Pizzeria  directed customers to the Buffalo States menu.

Papa Kenos downtown Overland Park location also became Buffalo State Pizza sometime later.

Its 14850 Metcalf Ave. location opened in 2020 but shut down in 2022 due to a lack of staffing. It reopened in 2023 under new management.

But now, with Glory Days on the way, Papa Kenos days in the Overland Park spot appear to be over.
A U.S. military veteran killed 14 people in New Orleans in another homegrown terrorist attack. MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell says that when Donald Trump sees the type of terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans, he doesnt remember the deadly terrorism suffered at the hands of people like Timothy McVeigh, instead he blames the criminals he imagines are crossing the southern border.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The parents of a man who was serving a life sentence for murder when he was stabbed to death have filed a lawsuit against North Kern State Prison, alleging prison staff ignored his requests to be placed in protective custody after receiving threats from other inmates.

The wrongful death lawsuit filed last month by the parents of Josafat Bonifacio seeks damages in an amount to be determined. A hearing is scheduled later this year.

Both the prison and the state of California are named as defendants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Sept. 28, 2023, Bonifacio, 32, was attacked in a common area, suffering multiple stab wounds inflicted by a makeshift weapon, according to court filings. He died while being transported to a medical facility.

Highway 58 reduced to one lane in eastern Kern County next week: Caltrans

The suit says Bonifacio had repeatedly asked to be placed in protective custody, letting multiple staff members and his counselor know he feared for his safety.

They did not move him to a protective custody unit, isolate him from the known threats, or take any other precautionary measures, the suit says of prison officials. Instead, they kept Mr. Bonifacio in general population and allowed other inmates to learn of his request for protective custody.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The suit also alleges staff failed to immediately stop the attack, or quickly provide medical aid.

Andrew Arturo Jimenez, 32, and Anthony Gabriel Rivera, 29, are charged with murder in Bonifacios death.

Both defendants were already serving life terms for murder in separate cases  as was Bonifacio.

A trial date is set for next month.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 2A long-running lawsuit involving claims that Poland Spring water has been falsely labeled and deceptively marketed will continue after a Connecticut judge this week denied the parent company's latest request to throw out the case.

In a detailed and often technical 61-page ruling issued Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer rejected some claims in the class action suit originally brought by 11 plaintiffs in August 2017. But Meyer said the issue of whether Poland Spring qualifies as "spring water" under laws in several states, including Maine, remains unsettled.

It wasn't immediately clear Wednesday what would happen next with the case. Lawyers for both sides did not respond to messages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

View this document on Scribd

The suit was filed against Nestle Waters North America, Inc., the former parent company of Poland Spring, which sold that brand and others for $4.3 billion three years ago. The popular brand founded in Maine more than a century ago is now owned by Tampa, Florida-based Primo Brands, but the water is still sourced from numerous locations in western Maine, according to the company.

The company employs hundreds of workers at bottling plants in Poland, Hollis and Kingfield but has sometimes faced local criticism about its business practices.

In the original lawsuit, plaintiffs alleged that "not one drop" of Poland Spring's bottled water came from a natural spring, and that the actual Poland Spring in Maine "ran dry" long before Nestle bought the brand in 1992. The water, plaintiffs alleged, was nothing more than "ordinary groundwater" from wells. Further, they said the company was deceiving them into overpaying with labels that claimed its bottles contained "100% Natural Spring Water."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nestle Waters has called the lawsuit "meritless" from the start and has filed motions for summary judgment to dismiss the case on three separate occasions. In each, the judge has sided with the company on some points but has refused to dismiss the case fully.

Following this week's ruling, Judge Alker said there are still several claims pending alleging violations of state fair trade practices acts in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

According to Alker's ruling, geologists hired by Nestle in each of the states argued that the company complied with a U.S. Food and Drug Administration rule defining spring water and concluded that each state authorized its sale as "spring water."

Experts hired by the plaintiffs, meanwhile, said Nestle appeared to use man-made springs and extracted pond water and other surface water, rather than true spring water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The remaining plaintiffs are seeking damages, but also an injunction that would prevent the company from marketing Poland Spring water as "spring water" in the future.

Nestle Waters faced a similar lawsuit in 2003 when consumers alleged that the company's advertising suggested that the water in Poland Spring came from a source deep in the woods of Maine when, in fact, the principal source was located near a parking lot.

That suit was settled with Nestle offering about $8 million in consumer discounts and more than $2 million in charitable donations.

Copy the Story Link
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israeli strikes killed at least 42 people in Gaza, including children, overnight and into Friday, hospital and emergency response workers said, as health workers and Israel's military traded claims over reported evacuation orders for two hospitals in the territory's largely isolated north.

The assertions over Al-Awda and Indonesian hospitals occurred as stalled ceasefire talks to end nearly 15 months of war were set to resume in Qatar.

Staff at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said that more than a dozen women and children were killed in strikes in central Gaza, including in Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al-Balah. Dozens of people were killed across the enclave the previous day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We woke up to the missile strike. We found the whole house disintegrated, Abdul Rahman Al-Nabrisi said in the Maghazi refugee camp.

Later Friday, officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said that an airstrike killed three people in a car in Zawaida in central Gaza. And the Civil Defense, first responders affiliated with the Hamas-run government, said that an airstrike killed seven people, including four children and a woman, in the Shijaiyah neighborhood outside Gaza City, and another strike killed two people at Al-Samer junction in Gaza City.

The Israeli army said in a statement that during the past day it had struck dozens of Hamas gathering points and command centers throughout Gaza. And it warned people to leave an area of central Gaza, saying that it would attack following launches toward Israel. The military said that a few projectiles entered from central and northern Gaza, with no injuries reported.

Freelance journalist Omar al-Derawi was among those killed Friday. A press vest was placed on his shroud. The Committee to Protect Journalists said last month that more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed in the war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Israelis also woke up to attacks. Israel said that missiles were fired from Yemen, setting off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and central Israel and sending people scrambling to shelters. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen often claim responsibility.

Concerns about hospitals in northern Gaza

While the U.N. Security Council met Friday to discuss the war's effects on hospitals in Gaza, a hospital in the north, Al-Awda, said in a statement that Israels military had told staff and patients to immediately evacuate. It didn't give details.

And a nurse at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza told The Associated Press they had received orders to evacuate. Speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly, the nurse said that they were still there with 19 people, including eight patients, and staffers had asked for ambulances.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Israel's military said that it wasn't operating to evacuate Al-Awda or Indonesian hospitals.

Messages were sent to reiterate to officials in the health authorities that there is no need to evacuate the hospital, it said of Indonesian.

Neither side's statements could be immediately verified. The Israeli military heavily restricts the movements of Palestinians in Gaza and has barred foreign journalists from entering the territory throughout the war, making it difficult to verify information.

The war's effect on hospitals has been a contentious issue as the health system has been largely devastated. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of operating out of hospitals and said that the military tries to protect the facilities. The military has carried out raids on several hospitals, including Al-Awda and Indonesian, during the war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk told the Security Council on Friday that a recent report by his office documented at least 136 strikes on at least 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities in Gaza, which caused significant death and injury among doctors, nurses, medical staff and other civilians and damaged or destroyed many of the buildings targeted. He said both sides must protect the facilities.

More talks in Qatar

Hamas said in a statement that indirect ceasefire negotiations would resume Friday, a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said that he authorized a delegation from the Mossad intelligence agency, the Shin Bet internal security agency and the military to continue the talks in Qatar.

The U.S.-led talks have repeatedly stalled. Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed. But the militants, while greatly weakened, have repeatedly regrouped, often after Israeli forces withdraw from areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The war was sparked by Hamas-led militants attack into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. They killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead.

Israels offensive in retaliation has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory's Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the dead. The ministry doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants in its tally.

Israel's 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 about 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, many of them multiple times. Winter has now arrived, and hundreds of thousands are sheltering in tents near the sea.

___

Fatma Khaled reported from Cairo, and Sam Mednick from Jerusalem.

___

Follow AP coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Nashvilles LGBTQ+ community is mourning the loss of a man who gave them a safe space to have fun and find their chosen family.

Darek Tanner, beloved owner of Canvas in East Nashville, has died. Those who knew Tanner told News 2 he was a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community not just in Nashville, but Tennessee as a whole.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

He opened Canvas, pretty much, on a dream. He just wanted a place to hang out with his friends, Canvas co-owner, Jon Byrne, said. He didnt want money. It wasnt about that. It was more about the love.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Canvas first opened in 2011 on Church Street before relocating to Fatherland Street in 2022. Canvas has hosted everything from dance parties and drag shows to partnerships with local non-profits like Nashville CARES, a clinic offering healthcare and free HIV testing for LGBTQ+ people.

Canvas has always been a bar for misfits in the community. Its also a safe haven and thats what Darek really did more so than anyone else in the city, Byrne said. A lot of people wouldnt have any of their chosen family if he wasnt in the picture.

Star Maye is one of those people who found a chosen family through Canvas. Maye moved to Nashville nearly 15 years ago and was recently by Tanner to lead Canvas kitchen operations.

Canvas was one of the very first bars I went to see when I moved to Nashville trying to find a home  trying to find a place for people who are marginalized such as myself, said Maye. I think that Canvas has been able to find a special place, and I think people truly appreciate it.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Dareks legacy is love  loving each other and being supportive of one another, Maye added. As Canvas we will continue to do that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A memorial for Tanner has been scheduled for Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a celebration of life will follow at Canvas. Flowers can be sent to Canvas between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Were going to continue doing what weve always done. Its not going to go anywhere, Byrne added. Darek will continue to live on through the brand that he created, so well make sure that this place stays.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LONDONDERRY  Gathering toys to donate to families is something the Londonderry American Legion Post 27 does every year, and has for the last 25 years, with good success.

Commander Bob Stuart said this year, the donations raised for Toys for Tots were bigger than he expected them to be.

I guessed it was $3,500 to $4,000, Stuart said. It was well in excess of $5,000, between what we bought and what we had donated. It was flooding the front of our Post. It was bigger than I can remember in the last five to 10 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stuart said he had expected it to be in the thousands, but was reminded by the fundraisers organizer, Trish Reilly, that they had raised a lot of money through not only the members of the Post, but also from the fundraiser dinner the first Sunday in December, with a donor who gave $1,000, and others coming through with toys.

Stuart said the $1,000 donation was used to purchase 10 bicycles in all different sizes for kids. Thats how the organization handles the cash donations, he said. The donation went to Reilly, who, along with some elves at the Post, will go on a shopping spree to get as many gifts as they can.

This event highlights the strength and kindness of our community, Reilly said. We are honored to partner with Toys for Tots each year and appreciate everyone who contributed to making this years drive a success.

While the Post donates the majority of the toys to Toys for Tots, Stuart said there have been a few instances when theyve let parents who missed the application deadline come through and pick out toys for their kids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This year, Stuart said a friend in Derry mentioned some of her relatives from Woburn, Massachusetts would not be able to afford any presents for their 9-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son. The family had lost their home in a fire earlier in the year and has been living in a hotel for the last six months.

Stuart said they invited the parents to come up to Londonderry to pick out toys, and gave them $200 they had reserved for instances like this.

At the holidays, we dont ever want to see little kids go without toys, Stuart said. The world is a hard enough place sometimes, but when youre able to help out people less fortunate than you, it feels good.

The toys were picked up on Dec. 18 by the Marines of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines based in Londonderry. Stuart, who served in the Marines, said he was proud to see members of his branch shocked by the amount of toys raised by a smaller community.

When I was a Marine, it was about accomplishing the mission, Stuart said. With Toys for Tots, the mission is to put toys in kids-in-needs hands. Its why people were donating to us in the first place.
BOSTON (WWLP)  The 194th General Court kicked off on Wednesday, with the swearing-in of new and returning legislators and the announcement of this sessions priorities.

New Governors Council sworn in

Quincy Democrat Ron Mariano was unanimously reelected as speaker of the house. He said his priorities are to repair the public image of the legislature and brace for losing federal funding due to the incoming Trump administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It will once again be our responsibility to step up when we can in the face of federal management changes and decreased federal support. It will be imperative that we rise above the infighting and partisan politics that continue to plague Congress, said Mariano.

Ashland Democrat Karen Spilka was reelected as Senate President, and she says her priorities include reexamining how the state funds education and reforming primary health care.

Spilka joined Mariano in calling for unity and increased transparency.

It is a critical time for us to prove to people that the government is working for them. And that we really are working together as a team, said Spilka.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both House and Senate leadership expressed interest in rule reform that would allow the lawmakers to continue to pass controversial bills after the end of the formal session in July 2026.

Minority leadership in the House and the Senate both said they are willing and excited to work on rule changes with their Democrat counterparts.

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.
Dan Leingang, acting Bismarck State College president. (Contributed/State Board of Higher Education)

Dan Leingang was appointed acting president of Bismarck State College Thursday by North Dakota University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott.

Leingang will take over the role after BSC President Doug Jensen left the position effective Thursday, according to a news release from the State Board of Higher Education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Leingang, BSCs vice president of academic affairs, is expected to lead the college until the board holds a special meeting Jan. 9 to appoint an interim president.

Our highest priority is focusing on the students at Bismarck State College and ensure a smooth transition of leadership to sustain the work that BSC has done to position itself as North Dakotas only Polytechnic institution, said Tim Mihalick, chair of the SBHE, in a statement.

Leingang, a Mandan native, joined BSC in 2000 as an assistant professor of mathematics. He was appointed to be dean of academic affairs in 2014. Leingang has served as vice president of academic affairs since 2017.

I am honored to step into this temporary role at Bismarck State College and look forward to supporting the entire campus community as we remain focused on fostering student success, Leingang said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He holds a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, a masters degree in mathematics and a doctorate of philosophy in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota.

The board approved a separation agreement with Jensen on Dec. 20 after meeting in a closed-door executive session. Jensen said in an email to campus he requested early retirement due to medical issues and other personal issues.

The caption was updated to correct an error.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
LENOIR  The North Carolina Division of Water Resources recently honored the city of Lenoir for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards in 2023, according to a press release from the city.

The DWR's Public Water Supply Section gave Lenoir the prestigious N.C. Area Wide Optimization Award. The award recognizes outstanding turbidity removal, according to the press release.

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness or haziness of water. High turbidity water is harder to sanitize and can allow microbes to grow in water, according to the press release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Achieving the turbidity levels necessary for this award requires extra vigilance from our operators and investment from our City leaders," Water Treatment Plant superintendent Kevin Matheson said. "Our customers and our community benefits from super safe and clear drinking water.

The city's Public Utilities Department runs the water treatment plant. Water plant staff operate the plant 24/7 to provide clean drinking water to city of Lenoir and town of Hudson customers. The city also sells bulk water to Baton Water Corporation, Caldwell County, Joyceton Waterworks, and the town of Sawmills, according to the press release.

Water plant staff can treat up to 12 million gallons of water per day, and the plant can store 13.4 million gallons of water.

The award winners for 2023 are:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 City of Lenoir Water Treatment Plant

 Appalachian State University Water Treatment Plant

 Broad River Water Authority Water Treatment Plant

 Brunswick County Northwest Water Treatment Plant

 Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - Wilmington - Sweeney Water Treatment Plant

 Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility

 Charlotte Water - Lee S. Dukes Water Treatment Plant

 Charlotte Water - Vest Water Treatment Plant

 Chatham County Water Treatment Plant

 City of Asheboro - W.L. Brown Water Treatment Plant

 City of Asheville - Mills River Water Treatment Plant

 City of Asheville - North Fork Water Treatment Plant

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 City of Asheville - William DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant

 City of Belmont Water Treatment Plant

 City of Burlington - Ed Thomas Water Treatment Plant

 City of Concord - Coddle Creek Water Treatment Plant

 City of Eden - Robert A. Harris Water Filtration Plant

 City of Goldsboro Water Treatment Plant

 City of Hendersonville Water Treatment Plant

 City of Hickory Water Treatment Plant

 City of High Point  Frank L. Ward Water Treatment Plant

 City of Kannapolis Water Treatment Plant

 City of King Water Treatment Facility

 City of Lincolnton Water Treatment Plant

 City of Marion Water Treatment Plant

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 City of Morganton-Catawba River Water Treatment Plant

 City of Mount Airy - F.G. Doggett Water Plant

 City of Mount Airy - S.L. Spencer Water Plant

 City of Mount Holly Water Treatment Plant

 City of Newton Water Treatment Plant

 City of Raleigh - D.E. Benton Water Treatment Plant

 City of Raleigh - E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant

 City of Rockingham Water Treatment Plant

 City of Sanford Water Filtration Facility

 City of Statesville Water Treatment Plant

 City of Thomasville Water Treatment Plant

 City of Waynesville-Allens Creek Water Treatment Plant

 Cleveland County Water

 Davie County Water System - Sparks Road Water Treatment Plant

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 Fontana Dam Water Treatment Plant

 Franklin Water Plant

 Glenville Water Treatment Plant

 Greenville Utilities Commission - Charles Horne Water Treatment Plant

 Harnett County Water Treatment Plant

 Harris Nuclear Plant Water System

 Hoffer Water Treatment Plant

 Johnston County Water Treatment Plant (East)

 Johnston County Water Treatment Plant (West)

 Kerr Lake Regional Water System

 Lincoln County Water Treatment Plant

 Maggie Valley Sanitary District Water Treatment Plant

 Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority Water Treatment Plant

 Orange Water & Sewer Authority

 Pender County Utilities Surface Water Treatment Plant

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority - John F. Kime Water Treatment Plant

 Richmond County Water Treatment Facility

 Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District Water Treatment Plant

 Salisbury-Rowan Water Treatment Plant

 Spruce Pine Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Blowing Rock - Thomas G. McRary Water Plant

 Town of Boone - Ricky L. Miller Water Treatment Facility

 Town of Burnsville Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Carthage Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Dobson Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Granite Falls Water Treatment Facility

 Town of Hillsborough Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Madison Water Treatment Plant

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

 Town of Mayodan Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Mooresville Water Treatment Plant 2

 Town of Norwood Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Pittsboro Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Robbinsville - Rock Creek Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Southern Pines Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Tarboro Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Weaverville-Ivy River Water Treatment Plant

 Town of Wilkesboro Water Filtration Plant

 Two Rivers Utilities

 Western Carolina University Water Treatment Plant

 Woodfin Water District Treatment Facility
Philipp Plein has become the latest global brand to fall under the litigious scrutiny of Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.).

In the complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on Dec. 16, the heritage denim brand claims Swiss-based Phillip Plein has misappropriated its famous Tab trademark as a symbol for their own apparel products. Levis goes on to claim that the willful trademark infringement has been committed with the intent to cause confusion, mistake, deception or harm to Levis and consumers.

More from Sourcing Journal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Levis includes several photos of Phillip Plein crystal-embellished jeans, denim jackets, button-down shirts and miniskirts with Pleins black tabs in the complaint. The heritage brand notes that its tab trademark is often displayed in red, but appears in all colors including in white, blue, black, silver, gold, and orange. It also highlights how it uses the tab in connection with many collaborations with other designer brands including Valentino, Kenzo and Miu Miu.

Images from Levis lawsuit against Philipp Plein.

Despite attempts to resolve the dispute short of litigation, Levis says Phillip Plein has ignored its requests. In the complaint, it is requesting that Philipp Plein permanently cease manufacturing, producing, sourcing, importing, exporting, selling, buying, offering for sale, distributing, licensing, advertising, or promoting any goods or services, using any words, symbols or designs that resemble the Tab trademark

Additionally, Levis is requesting that Philipp Plein immediately delivers to the LS&Co. counsel their entire inventory of infringing products, packaging, patterns and other material for producing such items and provide a complete list of individuals and entities from whom or which they purchased, and to whom or which they sold, distributed, advertised or promoted the infringing products.

Without restraint by the court, Levis said Philipp Plein will cause great and irreparable damage and injury to LS&Co. The company goes on to say the infringing product depraves Levis its rights to use and control its trademark and maintain its reputation with consumers, licensees and collaborators and allows others to believe the distinctive features of the Tab trademark may be misappropriated for their use.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Philipp Plein is familiar with court cases, especially ones filed by brands that want to distance themselves from the lavish and loud lifestyle its namesake founder promotes on social media. In 2020, Ferrari won its case against Philipp Plein claiming the fashion brand used its cars for promotional purposes. In 2018, Philipp Plein was ordered to pay a monetary settlement to luxury leather accessories brand Perrin Paris for copying its patented clutch bag design.

Levis has waged similar trademark infringement claims against FullCount Co., Hammies, Yves Saint Lauren, Vineyard Vines and more. Last year, Levis settled a lawsuit accusing the Italian luxury label Brunello Cucinelli of infringing on its trademarked rectangular pocket tab.
As I witnessed the despair and incomprehension of liberals worldwide after Donald Trumps victory in Novembers U.S. presidential election, I had a sinking feeling that I had been through this before. The moment took me back to 1989, when the Berlin Wall came down, signaling the beginning of the end of Soviet Communism and the lifting of the Iron Curtain that had divided Europe since the end of World War II. The difference was that the world that collapsed in 1989 was theirs, the Communists. Now it is ours, the liberals.

In 1989, I was living within a Warsaw Pact nation, in my final year of studying philosophy at Bulgarias Sofia University, when the world turned upside down. The whole experience felt like an extended course in French existentialism. To see the sudden end of something that we had been told would last forever was bewilderingliberating and alarming in equal measure. My fellow students and I were overwhelmed by the new sense of freedom, but we were also acutely conscious of the fragility of all things political. That radical rupture turned out to be a defining experience for my generation.

But the rupture was even broaderon a greater global scalethan many of us realized at the time. The year 1989 was indeed an annus mirabilis, but one very different from the way Western liberals have framed it for the past three decades. The resilience that the Chinese Communist Party demonstrated in suppressing the pro-democracy movement in Tiananmen Square turned out to be more consequential than the fall of the Berlin Wall. For Russians, the most important aspect of 1989 was not the end of Communism, but the end of the Soviet empire, with the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan. It was thus the year that Osama bin Laden proclaimed the jihadists victory over the godless U.S.S.R. And 1989 was also when nationalism began to reclaim its political primacy in the former Yugoslavia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The return of Trump to power in the United States may prove another such instance in a period of enormous political rupture. If liberals are to respond effectively to the challenge of a new Trump administration, they will need to reflect critically on what happened in 1989, and discard the story theyve always told themselves about it. The means of overcoming despair is to be found in better comprehension.

[Tom Nichols: Stalins revenge]

From a liberal point of view, comparing the anti-Soviet revolutions of 1989 with the illiberal revolutions today might seem scandalous. In Francis Fukuyamas famous phrase, 1989 was the end of history, whereas Trumps victory, many liberals assert, may portend the end of democracy. The year the Berlin Wall fell was viewed as the triumph of the West; now the decline of the West dominates the conversation. The collapse of Communism was marked by a vision for a democratic, capitalist future; that future is now riddled with uncertainty. The mood in 1989 was internationalist and optimistic; today, it has soured into nationalism, at times even nihilism.

But to insist on those differences between then and now is to miss the point about their similarities. Living through such moments in history teaches one many things, but the most important is the sheer speed of change: People can totally alter their views and political identity overnight; what only yesterday was considered unthinkable seems self-evident today. The shift is so profound that people soon find their old assumptions and choices unfathomable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Translated to this moment: How, just six months ago, could any sane person have believed that an aging and unpopular Joe Biden could be reelected?

Trump captured the public imagination not because he had a better plan for how to win the war in Ukraine or manage globalization, but because he understood that the world of yesterday could be no more. The United States postwar political identity has vanished into the abyss of the ballot box. This Trump administration may succeed or fail on its own terms, but the old world will not return. Even most liberals do not want it back. Few Americans today are comfortable with the notion of American exceptionalism.

In the aftermath of Trumps victory, some political commentators grimly looked back to the 1930s, when fascism stalked the world. The problem is that the 1930s are beyond living memory, whereas the 1990s are still vivid to many of us. What I learned from that decade is that a radical political rupture gives the winners a blank check. Understanding why people voted for Trump will be little help in apprehending what he will do in office.

Political ruptures are achieved by previously unimaginable coalitions, united more by their intensity than a common program. Politicians who belong to these coalitions typically have a chameleonlike ability to suit themselves to the momentnone more so, in our time, than Trump. American liberals who are gobsmacked that people can treat a billionaire playboy as the leader of an anti-establishment movement might recall that Boris Yeltsin, the hero of Russias 1990s anti-Communist revolution, had been one of the leaders of the Communist Party just a few short years earlier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

[Read: How China made the Tiananmen Square massacre irrelevant]

Like the end of the Soviet era, Trumps reelection victory will have global dimensions. It marks the passing of the United States as a liberal empire. America remains the worlds preeminent power, yes, and will remain an empire of sorts, but it wont be a liberal one. As Bidens spotty record of mobilizing support to defend the liberal international order in the face of Russias invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated, the very idea of such an order was for many critics always a Western fiction. It existed as long as the U.S. had the power and political will to impose it.

This is not what Trump will do. In foreign policy, Trump is neither a realist nor an isolationist; he is a revisionist. Trump is convinced that the U.S. is the biggest loser in the world it has made. Over the past three decades, in his view, America has become a hostage, rather than a hegemon, of the liberal international order. In the postwar world, the U.S. successfully integrated its defeated adversaries Germany and Japan into democratic governance, international trade, and economic prosperity. This did not apply to China: In Trumps view, Beijing has been the real winner of the post-1989 changes.

Trumps second coming will clearly be different from the first. In 2016, Trumps encounter with American power was like a blind date. He didnt know exactly what he wanted, and American power didnt know exactly who he was. Not this time. America may remain a democracy, but it will become a more feral one. Under new management, its institutions will likely depart from the safety of consensual politics and go wild. In times of rapid change, political leaders seek not to administer the state, but to defeat it. They see the state and the deep state as synonymous. Illiberal leaders select their cabinet members in the same way that emperors used to choose the governors of rebellious provinces: What matters most is the appointees loyalty and capacity to resist being suborned or co-opted by others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Trumps first administration, chaos reigned; his second administration will reign by wielding chaos as a weapon. This White House will overwhelm its opponents by flooding the zone with executive orders and proclamations. He will leave many adversaries guessing about why he is making the decisions he does, and disorient others with their rapidity and quantity.

[George Packer: The end of Democratic delusions]

In 2020, Biden defeated Trump by promising normalcy. Normalcy will no longer help the Democrats. In the most recent example of an antipopulist victory, Donald Tusk triumphed in Polands 2023 parliamentary elections and returned to be prime minister, not because he promised business as usual but because his party, Civic Platform, was able to forge a compelling new political identity. Tusks party adopted more progressive positions on such controversial issues as abortion rights and workers protections, but it also wrapped itself in the flag and embraced patriotism. Tusk offered Poles a new grand narrative, not simply a different electoral strategy. Civic Platforms success still depended on forming a coalition with other parties, a potentially fragile basis for governing, but it offers a template, at least, for how the liberal center can reinvent itself and check the advance of illiberal populism.

The risk for the United States is high: The next few years could easily see American politics descend into cruel, petty vengefulness, or worse. But for liberals to respond to this moment by acting as defenders of a disappearing status quo would be unwise. To do so would entail merely reacting to whatever Trump does. The mindset of resistance may be the best way to understand tyranny, but it is not the best way to handle a moment of radical political rupture, in which tyranny is possible but not inevitable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Back in 1989, the political scientist Ken Jowitt, the author of a great study of Communist upheaval in that period, New World Disorder, observed that a rupture of this type forces political leaders to devise a new vocabulary. At such moments, formerly magic words do not work anymore. The slogan Democracy is under threat did not benefit the Democrats during the election, because many voters simply did not see Trump himself as that threat.

As the writer George Orwell observed, To see what is in front of ones nose needs a constant struggle. The challenge of apprehending the new, even when the fact of its arrival is undeniable, means that it may come as a shock to liberal sensibilities how few tears will be shed for the passing of the old order. Contrary to what seemed the correct response in 2016, the task of Trump opponents today is not to resist the political change that he has unleashed but to embrace itand use this moment to fashion a new coalition for a better society.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Lil Durks murder-for-hire trial has been rescheduled. According to new court documents, Durkios trial, which was initially set to begin on Tuesday (Jan. 7), has now been moved to Oct. 14. Legal reporter Meghann Cuniff reported that the high-profile case now involves approximately 230 GB of digital evidence such as audio/video recordings and surveillance footage, and approximately 20,000 pages of reports concerning murder and other violent acts, photographs, witness statements, and medical documents.

The legal stipulation documents explain that due to the number of defendants and the nature of the prosecution, the case is so unusual and so complex that it is unreasonable to expect adequate preparation for pretrial proceedings or for the trial itself within the Speedy Trial Act time limits. Cuniff also shared documents stating that Deandre Dontrell Wilson, 33, a Durk associate, had requested a pre-plea sentence report for his portion of the case via a lawyer.

Federal prosecutors have maintained that Lil Durk, ne Durk Devontay Banks, previously explained via lyrics how he wanted the hit on Saviaya Robinson, Quando Rondos cousin, to be done. The feds pointed to Durks verse on Babyface Rays song Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy, where Durkio raps, Told me they got an addy/ Got location, green light/ Look on the news and see your son/ You screamin, No, no.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

https://twitter.com/meghanncuniff/status/1874239526677471499

The murder took place in 2022, and Babyface Rays track was released that same year. Federal prosecutors have surmised that the murder-for-hire plot was laid out and followed through as the track served as a call to action and alleged recollection of the hit.

In early November, Banks was hit with a series of new charges from the Department of Justice, in his case, including, one count of conspiracy, one count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.

The Chicago Tribune recently reported that, despite Durks attorney offering up 3.3 million in cash and property, the rapper has been denied bond and remains in custody.

More from VIBE.com

Sign up for Vibe's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.,  An Arkansas man was on Bourbon Street celebrating the start of 2025 and his birthday when a terror attack happened on New Years Day.

Ben Weaver, a Little Rock native and student at Louisiana Tech, said its a day he will never forget.

If we were to walk out of that bar 30 seconds earlier, who knows if we wouldve been in it or seen the whole thing, Weaver said.

Investigation is underway in deadly New Orleans attack

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A day for new beginnings and celebration changed in the blink of an eye to destruction and carnage for thousands on Bourbon Street on Jan. 1.

Hanging out with friends, Weaver was at Beach On Bourbon ringing in the new year before walking out to chaos around 3 a.m.

I see about 15 cops just running toward the left away from Canal, so I peek my head out and we just see thousands of people running our way toward Canal, Weaver said.

Then he watched as the street went from jam-packed to bare.

We saw a dead body on the ground, thats when your mind just starts to race, and we look to the right and there are just two right there, Weaver said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators say New Orleans attacker acted alone

They got pushed back into the bar, waiting for a while, not knowing until several hours later what happened just feet away.

Youre walking past it all, youre still seeing the bodies, seeing everything that has unfolded, Weaver explained.

Weaver said hes thankful he and his friends are safe, but noted others cant say the same.

Of course, Im happy that me and all of my buddies made it out, but there are some people who cant say that, Weaver said.

Now hes headed back to the place where it all happened and going to the Sugar Bowl, something that wasnt originally planned, but perhaps needed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think this is a little thing that will kind of take the edge off, and sit there and enjoy, Weaver said.

Pelicans players, coach grieve those killed in New Orleans attack as they play in Miami

Coping with what happened, he says God was with them that day and is praying for everyone involved.

Were the United States, we are America together, and at the end of the day we are all together, Weaver 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 KARK.
Editors note: This story was updated to correctly represent which National Guard branch is assisting.

DENVER (KDVR)  A large police presence will be seen at a Littleton middle school on Friday, but Littleton police advised residents not to worry about the increased activity.

The Littleton Police Department is conducting a training event at Euclid Middle School, 777 W Euclid Ave.

Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The training is in partnership with Littleton Public Schools, South Metro Fire Rescue and the Colorado Army National Guard.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Seven Liverpool High School students have been arrested and charged following a six-week investigation.

In early November, the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office began looking into the case after it was brought to their attention by school officials.

The seven were arrested on Dec. 19, 2024, following an investigation. Five were charged with felony computer trespass and computer tampering, and the other two were charged with a misdemeanor of unauthorized computer use.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The sheriffs office said no grades were changed within the portal, but discipline files were accessed for multiple students, and data was changed.

NewsChannel 9 will update you when 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 WSYR.
The way you feel about former Republican U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney is directly tied to how you feel about truth.

President Joe Biden, for example, has one view, which is why on Thursday he presented Cheney with the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nations second highest civilian award.

President-elect Donald Trump, on the other hand, wants to put Cheney in jail.

Seeking the truth, as Cheney did, can make a person a hero to some. A villain to others.

Liz Cheney tried to protect the Constitution

Id guess it surprised Cheney when she became a pariah within the Republican Party for doing something she grew up believing the Republican Party stood for: Protecting the Constitution.

Advertisement Advertisement

She believed it was the responsibility of everyone in Congress  and of all Americans  to thoroughly investigate and understand what happened when the U.S. Capitol was attacked on Jan. 6, 2021.

It seemed like the moral and the practical thing to do. After all, Republicans in Congress quickly and forcefully condemned Trump for his role.

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, for instance, said, Theres no question, none, that President Trump is practically, and morally, responsible for provoking the events of the day.

Other Republicans joined in.

Jan. 6 was not 'legitimate political discourse'

Cheney became the co-chair of the committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

For this, she and Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who also served on the committee, were censured by the Republican National Committee.

The censure reads in part (I am not making this up): WHEREAS, Representatives Cheney and Kinzinger are participating in a Democrat-led persecution of ordinary citizens engaged in legitimate political discourse 

Truth?

Would you consider using bear spray on law enforcement officers legitimate political discourse? Because that happened on Jan. 6.

Is defecating in the Capitol and spreading feces in the hallways legitimate political discourse? Because that happened as well.

Republican Party failed the moral test

Is doing $1.5 million in damage or stealing government property legitimate political discourse?

Advertisement Advertisement

Is pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence to, as he said, essentially overturn the election, legitimate political discourse?

It depends upon how you feel about the truth, I suppose, or if you believe truth matters.

Opinion: Trump stole his deportation plan from Arizona

A few years back Cheney said, This moment is a moral test for the Republican Party because of the mortal threat we face  and right now, there are too many in my party who are failing it.

We probably should have seen this coming. One of the Founding Fathers, John Adams, who understood our sometimes foolish and capricious nature, predicted it.

Advertisement Advertisement

He said, I fear that in every elected office, members will obtain an influence by noise, not sense. By meanness, not greatness. By ignorance, not learning. By contracted hearts, not large souls.

Truth.

Very hard truth.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

For more opinions content, please subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Liz Cheney controversy depends on how you view truth | Opinion
As millions took to the streets in June 2020 to protest racial injustice following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon decided that it was time for his company to take a stand.

We want to ensure continued internal movement for Black, African American, and other diverse associates through the talent pipeline, he wrote in a statement. We will be focused on listening, learning and elevating the voices of our Black and African American associates, ensuring that we drive changes that will lead to creating a Walmart where everyone feels included, valued, and has the equal opportunity for growth.

The statement, titled Advancing Our Work on Racial Equity, was published on June 12, 2020. It was hardly uniquethere were dozens of similar statements from companies like Walmart released throughout the summer of 2020, nearly all of which involved the adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusionor DEIframeworks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Walmart donated $5 million to North Carolina A&T, a historically Black university, via its Equity in Education Initiative. The company launched a Supplier Inclusion Advisory Council and created Shared Value Networks. And it implemented diversity training at all levels. The crown jewel of Walmarts DEI commitment was the Center for Racial Equity, a nonprofit Walmart launched in 2020 with a $100 million investment.

A year later, McMillon took a victory lap. To date, 95% of our officers have participated in two-day racial equity workshops, he wrote on the first anniversary of Floyds death. Weve partnered with McKinsey & Co. to deliver one of the most comprehensive studies on Race in the Workplace  we must continue to address systemic racism and the structural inequities that are rooted in this nations history of slavery and that persist today.

McMillon is still Walmarts CEO. But hes done celebrating his companys progress on diversity and inclusion efforts. Last month, Walmart became the largest company to announce massive cuts to all of the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives launched in the wake of Floyds murder. The $700 billion retailer joins Ford, Boeing, Harley-Davidson, Nissan, and others in retreating from such efforts after Trumps victory in November.

Walmart will no longer participate in the corporate equality index, will stop selling some LGBTQ marketed books and other items, and will phase out supplier diversity initiatives, which are meant to offer help to women, veterans, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. On top of all of that, Walmart will eliminate diversity from its corporate lexicon entirely, changing titles like chief diversity officer to chief belonging officer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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 in a statement announcing the transition to chief belonging officer.

This is a significant shift from a company whose own CEO was effusively proclaiming that Black lives mattered less than five years ago. It is also a reflection of a larger reactionary shift: Companies are no longer even making overtures to diversity. Instead, theyre retreating from politics altogetherand, in doing so, handing a huge victory to the right.





The DEI push that took root in corporate and collegiate America at the start of the decade sprouted from good intentions. Another wave of Black American extrajudicial slaughterGeorge Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Arberymoved many white Americans to think about race, police, and protest in ways they hadnt before. The rise of DEI sprang from the recognition that there was a real need to correct long systemic harms and destructive cultural norms that specifically harmed Black people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Good intentions, however, do not necessarily lead to good results. The recognition that structural change was necessary often led to flawed, insufficient programs that offered cosmetic fixesand a vague sense that something was being donerather than the difficult work of making the country more equal and just. Not only that, but these programs may have doomed the movement for racial equality from the start.

Corporations, Democrats, and universities alike quickly skewed too far away from clear, accessible language and policies and favored vapid, overly symbolic actions. DEI programs were intended to correct long-standing problems but too often were safe and insufficient. Not only that, they were often of a piece of larger symbolic gestures, like Democratic politicians taking a knee in Kente cloth in the Capitol, making people recite Native American land acknowledgments before events, forcing employees to go through unengaging check-box racial bias training, or reading antiracist books by gurus like Robin DiAngelo and Ibrahim X. Kendi.

While some real progress was undoubtedly made, and some Black people belatedly received opportunities that they had long deserved, DEI in the corporate world was predominantly gestural rather than corrective And yet, the very existence of these gestures and programseven those that made little difference at allimmediately made them a target for culture warriors on the right. People like former New York Times editor Bari Weiss and conservative activist Christopher Rufo immediately set their sights on DEI hires as a means of blocking any form of progress in corporate and political institutions and, by extension, of ensuring that existing, unequal power structures remained entrenched. Over the last half-decade, theyve been remarkably successful at attacking the DEI initiatives because, for companies like Walmart, those initiatives often werent that serious to begin with.

Walmart never really cared that much about racial justice, and there is a raft of lawsuits to prove that; the companys larger aim is to protect its status as one of the countrys most powerful and profitable corporations, not to build a better or more just Walmart (or, for matter, a better or more just America). For that company and its competitors these efforts were always predominently about ensuring that they wouldnt be targeted by activists or critics. Making heartfelt statements and pledging $100 million to a racial equity center are positive optics, and awarding grants and implementing racial justice workshops allows companies to maintain good public standing while also retaining talent. But there has been little evidence to suggest that those policies have brought about real, lasting change.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The result is a near total reversal of all of the nominal progress that had been made in the wake of Floyds murder. But corporations dont deserve all of the blame. Democrats, both for structural and political reasons, have also failed to advance much meaningful legislation on racial justice issues over the last half decade. There were, to be fair, attempts to advance real and reasonable policy, but they all stalled or failed. The George Floyd Act, which would have ended qualified immunity for police officers, created a national police misconduct database, and banned chokeholds, has been in congressional limbo more or less from its inceptiontalks between Republicans and Democrats collapsed in September 2021 and have never restarted. During the 2020 election, racial justice and police reform were galvanizing issues for Democrats even before Floyds murder: Both rarely came up during the 2024 election. Even if Democrats were to make legislative progress on these issuesan unlikely prospect, given that Republicans currently boast a trifectathey would likely be blocked by conservative judges.

And so, corporate progress has been the most likely and visible avenue for changeand, at the moment, corporations are signaling that they want to steer away from anything that could prove controversial, particularly if it aligns with liberal priorities. Walmarts retreat from DEI is a lesson in what corporate social responsibility actually is: political statements designed not to offer meaningful change but to placate consumers and employees and, perhaps above all, avoid bad press. Five years ago, the statements and shifts offered by Walmart were designed to keep the company from being made a target by liberal activists. Now that conservative activists have targeted DEI measures, theyre retreating.

In a political climate defined by conflict and inertia, corporations making minor, symbolic changes were also celebrated. But Democrats and activists alike too often confused symbolic progress with actual progress, allowing a successful movement to curdle. As my colleague Alex Shephard wrote back in 2018: If that brandings working, its not because corporations are filling a void left by politicians, but because our standards for meaningful action are so low. At the same time, when those efforts were successful, they made companies a target for conservative activists, who have made significant progress in demonizing DEI since 2020.

The DEI programs that are currently being abandoned were never enough. But they were something to build off ofthe start of something, rather than the end. They were, however, often treated as an end in and of themselves. The inability to make these programs both material and digestible to most Americans is why they failedits also, relatedly, why theyve become such a potent Republican talking point.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now Democratic leaders have all but abandoned police reform and companies are throwing out diversity initiatives because Trump is going to be president again and the general sense is that the country has shifted to the rightin part because of fumbling on issues like diversity. Trump, meanwhile, is expected to go fully scorched earth against anything that could be considered remotely DEI-adjacent, including important institutions like the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division.

DEI was insufficient and deeply flawed, but whats coming will surely be far worse. After George Floyds death, the country took a small step forward. Now we may be taking 10 steps back.
TRANSFER, Pa. (WKBN)  Local bird watchers will have a chance to learn about and view bald eagles during the annual Eagle Fest event next weekend.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District, in partnership with the Shenango River Watchers, will host the fifth annual event at Shenango River Lake on January 11.

The event takes place at the Chestnut Run Swim Beach at 5500 Saranac Drive (SRSR 846), in Transfer. The event begins at 9 a.m. with a group welcome, followed by presentations by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Tamarack Wildlife with a Wings of Wonder program and other childrens activities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For the first time, Eagle Fest will include a food truck on site with food and beverages available for purchase. Scheduled events will run until 2 p.m., but visitors are welcome to stay longer to spot and photograph eagles typically visible around the lake in January.

Event organizers say eagles have been known to nest around Shenango River Lake, and when the lake freezes, open water becomes prime fishing for bald eagles.

Park rangers will be available to answer questions and help locate bald eagles.

For more information, contact the Shenango River Lake ranger station at 724-646-1124.

Another popular place to spot bald eagles is at Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area in Trumbull County, Ohio which the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recently listed as an excellent bald eagle area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A viewer in Cortland near the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, captured this photo of an eagle Friday.

Madison Meeker contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL)  Local police departments shared tips on Thursday regarding how to stay safe in large crowds after more than a dozen people were fatally injured during a New Years Day celebration in New Orleans.

Bristol Tennessee Police Department (BTPD) Patrol Captain Jimmy Dillard said that clear signage, traffic alerts and exit plans are crucial for ensuring crowd safety.

The main thing is safety, he said. We want people to come out and have a good time and be safe, enjoy time with their loved ones and not have to worry about something tragic like what happened in New Orleans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Kingsport Police Department (KPD) advised event-goers to find an officer if you see something that just doesnt seem right.

There is always police close by; approach one of them tell and them what you saw. Thats one of the best ways that we combat threats or any kind of violence or anything, said KPD Lieutenant Micah Johnston.

An evil act: Louisiana officials, FBI say suspect in NOLA attack acted alone

The KPD and BTPD said the departments implement several safety measures and use city resources at events like Kingsports FunFest and Bristols Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

Typically, any time we have a big event, well have a meeting a few months prior to the event that will consist of us and several other department heads across the city, Dillard said. And also well invite Bristol, Virginia when its something downtown, and well discuss safety measures, the needs to be taken to secure the perimeter of that event. We typically employ a strategy that uses meridian barriers, dump trucks and water barriers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnston said the KPD has been doing the hard block barrier method for several years, but its a fairly newer tactic for them.

When I started police work, you know, 20 plus years ago, the thought of somebody driving a car or a vehicle through a barricade into a crowd of people wasnt something that we ever thought of, Johnston said. Unfortunately, with events in later years, thats obviously changed our approach and our tactics.

Johnston also said anytime a tragic event in a mass crowd happens nationally, they review their protocols.

We always look at things from other places to see if theres something we can do different or something we can learn from. Does it change anything we currently do?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dillard said the BTPD makes sure plenty of officers are working during large events.

Some of the bigger events we have here in the city, such as Rhythm & Roots, we have what nobody is allowed to take off during that time, Dillard said. Its all hands on deck. We use everybody we can.

Johnston said KPD presence at events has doubled for them in the last decade.

Both departments warned people to stay alert and be mindful of their surroundings when entering large crowds.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Local school police department receives a perfect score

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Fort Smith Public Schools Police Department earned a gold star for 2024.

According to a release, FSPS PD received an exceptional audit report and a Certificate of Recognition for 100% compliance with 2024 standards from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Standards and Training Commission.

The Certificate of Recognition and audit report came with a personal note from Director Chris Chapmond with the ALESTC expressing appreciation to the FSPS PD for its dedication and professionalism during the audit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fort Kids Childrens Museum surpasses $2 million with gift from NBA player

This recognition is a testament to our departments hard work and dedication, said FSPS PD Chief Eric Huber. I am especially proud of Sheri Furhman and Lt. Joe Love, whose meticulous attention to detail and commitment to upholding high standards played a crucial role in this achievement. Their efforts exemplify the core values of our department.

Fort Smith Public Schools Police Department serves 27 campuses. According to its website, the department works in unison with school administrators to cultivate a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A local security expert has weighed in on the early morning New Years Day attack in New Orleans, which killed 14 people and injured scores of others.

Roger Stephenson of Stephenson and Associates Security, who has 40 years experience in law enforcement and security consulting, said that, as horrific as the events were, he didnt want to go so far as to call it a shortcoming in preparation by law enforcement.

New Orleans police superintendent said the city had a plan, but the terrorist defeated it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I should not necessarily say shortcoming because you plan to block vehicles, said Stephenson, who was in charge of security at the Norfolk Patriotic Festivals, worked on the Something in the Water festival and oversaw security for high-profile concerts in California and Tennessee. You dont plan to necessarily block pedestrians on a sidewalk, so he had the wherewithal to go around the actual prevention that was in place.

Stephenson said that, although you can plan for an attack like what happened in New Orleans, someone who is determined to carry one out will figure out a way to navigate around your planning at that point. The most you can do as a professional is to try to mitigate or minimize any injuries, fatalities or deaths.

Stephenson said it could have been worse if Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, and a U.S. citizen, had acted at the stroke of midnight rather than waiting until after 3 a.m. After midnight, officers had started to disperse.

I guarantee you the assailant knew that the peak of the event was over, Stephenson said. Yet people will still be milling about. People will still be enjoying themselves, and he took that opportunity to do what he did when he did it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Local officials say at the time of the attack, protective barriers known as bollards were under repair and not up to protect pedestrians.

A bollard is a poll that is fixed to prevent any vehicle from running into equipment and damaging it, Stephenson said.

There are bollards outside the generator area at the Attucks Theater in Norfolk, and next to the natural gas lines too. Bollards can also protect people.

The outer perimeter prevented him from getting to the inner perimeter, Stephenson said. Once the outer perimeter softened, he could get to that inner perimeter, which was what the bollards were there for to protect people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stephenson also worked with the city of Norfolk to conduct risk assessments, deploy visible security personnel, use crowd management strategies for safety, employ surveillance technology and ensure medical teams.

In a statement, the city of Norfolk said that ensuring safety at large events is always a top priority.

Ensuring public safety at large events is always a top priority. While we cannot comment on the specific measures taken during events the City of Norfolk hosts, we can share that security planning for such events involves close coordination with local law enforcement, emergency management, fire rescue, numerous City departments and private sector partners. And in some cases, state and federal partners. For every event, we conduct numerous planning meetings with all involved departments and private sector partners to ensure every aspect of safety and logistics is thoroughly reviewed. This includes: Conducting risk assessments in advance to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Deploying visible security personnel throughout the event area to deter any incidents.

Using crowd management strategies to ensure safe movement of attendees, i.e. physical barriers, law enforcement personnel, communications (mass notifications and social media), and volunteer assistance.

Employing surveillance technology, such as cameras, for real-time monitoring.

Ensuring medical teams are on-site to respond to emergencies. We also emphasize public awareness, encouraging attendees to report anything unusual. For larger events, we operate under a Unified Command structure. This approach brings together representatives from all relevant agencieslaw enforcement, fire-rescue, emergency management, communications, and private sector partnersinto a single command center. By working side-by-side, these teams can share information in real time, coordinate resources efficiently, and respond to any incidents quickly and effectively. Unified Command ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on priorities and that decision-making is streamlined during the event. We grieve with those impacted by the tragedy in New Orleans. Events like this remind us how vital it is to stay vigilant and proactive in our efforts to ensure community safety.  city of Norfolk statement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
(WKBN)  A Girard man is among those who received a Medal of Honor Friday during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Read next: Live updates of Valley snowfall totals

Surrounded by his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth David during a special ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Former Trumbull County Veterans Services Director Herm Breuer is there to support David.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To see someone awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor is the closest thing we have to American royalty, Breuer said.

Courtesy: U.S. Army

David was honored for his actions during the Vietnam War in 1970. While working as a radio-telephone operator on May 7, 1970, Davids company came under attack. He took up a position to draw fire away from the others and was injured.

Imagine that courage  come get me, come get me. Dont get those folks. Thats selflessness. I want to say to you that I wish I could say to every man were honoring today. Youre a hero, President Biden said.

Off the battlefield, David still helps fellow veterans as an active member of the veteran community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He has continued to work with the disabled American veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. And he has continued to give back even though he has already given so much for his country, Breuer said.

David has received several awards for his heroism, including the Distinguished Service Cross.

David retired from York Mahoning Mechanical in Youngstown and was inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor and Military Bravery on May 7, 2010. He was also inducted as a Distinguished Member of the Regiment of the 1-506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Fort Campbell, according to the U.S. Army.

David is the only member of the armed services receiving Fridays award who is still alive; the other awards were presented posthumously.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Medal of Honor is given to members of the armed service who distinguish themselves during combat.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  After what is being called a terror attack on Bourbon Street, New Orleans tourists and locals said the city atmosphere doesnt feel the same.

On our way here, like you can see all these peoples suitcases, it just felt like people were in like a rush to leave, like everybody in our hotel lobby. It was just like it just seems like theres a panic to like, kind of get out, said tourist Annie Aime.

Aime came with her friend Kyen Clore-Byrd from Washington DC to celebrate New Years in New Orleans. After the deadly mass incident in the French Quarter on Wednesday, they feel uneasy but are trying to make the best of the trip.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its so weird, said Clore-Byrd. Im not hearing music today at all, and I usually always hear it.

New Orleans local Axel Rosa has worked in the French Quarter and has lived in the city his whole life, after what happened he feels pain.

People were taken advantage of, the city was taken advantage of, said Rosa. You know, we were having a good time, it was New Years Eve into New Years Day. Weve got so much happening in our city, you know, this year. So, you know, we were celebrating and the bad guys took advantage of that moment and took it as a moment of weakness. And they did what they did.

Rosa said he is certain New Orleans will recover and hopes this doesnt shy people away from visiting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I know we will be able to recover and I feel like the locals will still be there for the tourists that still want to come support and visit our city, he said.

New Orleans barriers to prevent vehicle attacks were in the process of being replaced

And for Aime and Clore-Byrd who are not from New Orleans and love to visit, they send love to families affected and hope justice is served.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families. I hope they catch all involved with this, said Aime.

The people that died, they matter more to their families. So lets make sure that all the evidence, everything that they need to collect that to get them some type of closure and their family some justice thats most important, said Clore-Byrd.

Latest News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.
Children who were born during lockdown and started school this year are unable to respond to their own names, experts have warned.

A survey of teachers in England by four leading charities highlighted major concerns about development levels among children who entered reception in September.

In a joint report shared with The Telegraph, four charities  Save the Children, Child Poverty Action Group, the Childrens Rights Alliance for England, and the Centre for Young Lives  polled more than 350 reception teachers about children born during the pandemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Almost three-quarters of teachers said Covid babies born in 2020 showed more pronounced difficulties than previous year groups, including 44 per cent who said they were much less school-ready.

Speech and communication issues were flagged as by far the biggest problem, with 90 per cent of teachers saying they witnessed language problems among struggling pupils.

Jane Harris, the chief executive of Speech and Language UK, said some children were arriving to class unable to respond to their own name.

As far as were concerned, we have got the highest number ever of children who are struggling with speech language, and we really think there should be a bigger wake-up call than there currently is  both [for] the Government and schools and nurseries across the country Frankly, were just idiots if we dont invest early and sort this out, she added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its hard enough to toilet train a child when theyve got decent speech development. If they havent, its really, really difficult  even things like tooth brushing are really difficult.

Dan Paskins, the policy director at Save the Children, said it was a stark reminder that although the pandemic is over, children are growing up with the long-term consequences.

We are now seeing a sharp rise in speech and language delay among children who are starting primary school, he said.

Services ground to a halt during the pandemic, meaning many babies went without usual health visits, external stimuli and social interaction, according to experts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The delayed development coincides with broader concerns that smartphones and tablets are increasingly being used as digital dummies.

Experts also raised fears that speech problems among young children have likely had a knock-on effect, sparking other issues, including unruly behaviour and dwindling attention spans.

The report showed that 85 per cent of reception teachers reported self-regulation challenges among struggling pupils, which can include children being unable to manage their emotions.

A vast majority  84 per cent  said children who started school this year were displaying poor attention spans and concentration difficulties, while just under three quarters said pupils showed development challenges such as lack of toilet training.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A separate survey published in February by early-years charity Kindred showed that one in four children starting school in England and Wales in 2023 were not toilet-trained  a figure that is thought to have worsened this year.

Juliette Rayner, the chief executive of Eric, a charity that specialises in childrens bowel and bladder health, said the pandemic had exacerbated a steady increase in children arriving at school in nappies.

It seems to be a general trend in delayed potty training, but this cohort of children that have started school this year is the worst its been  ever, she said.

Were getting calls from parents who are upset because their schools arent happy that their children arent toilet-trained, and calls from exasperated schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Save the Children and the three other charities that produced the survey are calling for greater government funding to help children catch up following the pandemic.

Ministers have invested 180 million into the Early Years Education Recovery Programme up until March 2025, alongside specific programmes, including The Nuffield Early Language Intervention scheme.

However, the charities are calling for the Government to commit to extending those measures.

Fears for a generation

The groups also hope that an upcoming Covid Inquiry module focusing on the pandemic impact on young people will prompt formal recognition of the disruption unleashed by national lockdowns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More than 600,000 children were born in England and Wales in 2020, and there are fears that an entire generation could fall behind their peers without tailored recovery support.

Recent research has shown that early development problems often snowball as children get older. A study by the Centre for Young Lives suggested that children who are not school-ready are almost 2.5 times as likely to be persistently absent, and three times more likely to end up not in education, employment or training.

Sir Keir Starmer announced a 45 per cent uplift to the early years pupil premium earlier this month, meaning childcare providers will receive 570 for each of the most vulnerable children from next year.

The Prime Minister said it would help the Government achieve its new target for 75 per cent of children to be classed as school-ready by 2028. Last year, 67.7 per cent of five-year-olds in England met the threshold.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anne Longfield, the former childrens commissioner and executive chair of the Centre for Young Lives, said that while she welcomed the target, it would take greater investment and determination to achieve.

Growing up during Covid and post-Covid has cast a long shadow that is still really very visible in childrens lives. I think there was a hope early on that it was a blip  that actually children would go back to school, everything would become normal. But I think were seeing the depth of impact that that period had on children and families, she added.

Services continue to be stretched. Covid decreased the level of support and that hasnt yet built back. My view is that none of this will happen of its own accord  we have to intervene.

Increase recovery funding

Mr Paskins, from Save the Children, said: The best long-term investment we can make as a society is to help Covid babies flourish and fulfil their potential.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The best time to have made significant investment in catch-up support was as soon as the lockdowns ended. The second-best time is right now and we hope to see the UK Government increase education recovery funding as soon as possible.

A spokesman for the Department for Education said: A lack of action to support the next generation with the legacy of lockdown is having dire consequences  with our own data showing hundreds of thousands of children are not ready for school, taking teachers focus away from supporting every childs learning.

Thats exactly why this Government is committed to breaking the link between childrens background and what they can go on to achieve, and have set a clear milestone through the Governments Plan for Change to make sure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn.

We have already started the necessary work to change that, by extending early language support, investing 15 million to deliver the first phase of school-based nurseries, and improving training and guidance for early educators to better support and assess children with special educational needs.

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.
Jan. 2The News-Sentinel is looking back at some of the top local stories of 2024. Today's review covers September through December. The dates listed are when the stories appeared in the News-Sentinel, followed by the headline that accompanied the respective stories and a brief summary.

Tuesday, Sept. 3

Sunday Firestorm

An arrest has been made in one of two destructive fires on Sunday that started less than 12 hours apart at commercial businesses in Lodi and are being investigated as arson in a joint effort between the Lodi Police and Lodi Fire departments and the San Joaquin County Fire Investigation Unit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lodi detectives identified Francisco Castillo, a 41-year old Stockton resident, as the suspect in an arson fire at Pacific Coast Producers on Sunday, the City of Lodi announced late Sunday night on Facebook.

Castillo was arrested with out incident in the 00 block of South Stockton Street, according to the announcement. He faces charges of arson, loitering, and possession of drugs and has been booked into the San Joaquin County Jail. The motive for the fire is still under investigation.

On Sunday afternoon, fire crews responded to a blaze in the pallet yard of Pacific Coast Producers on 700 block of South Stockton Street.

The wooden pallets and a mild breeze made for an extremely combustible combination, and required a large amount of resources 16 fire engines and nearly 70 firefighters from multiple agencies  to contain the blaze. Three firefighters were treated for heat-related injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An early morning blaze also flared up Sunday at San Joaquin Sulphur Co. on the 700 block of North Sacramento Street, destroying an 8,000-square foot warehouse, according to Lodi Fire Chief Ken Johnson. The two businesses are located about 1 1/2 miles apart.

At a press conference across the street from the Pacific Coast Producers pallet yard on Sunday, Johnson, joined by Lodi Police Chief Ricardo Garcia, said the fires are suspicious, noting the close proximity between them and the timing. As of Sunday evening, it was unknown if the two incidents are related, he added.

Tuesday, Sept. 10

Visit Lodi names new president and CEO

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Visit Lodi Board of Directors announced this week that Wes Rhea will be come Visit Lodi's new president and CEO on Oct. 1.

Rhea, currently CEO of Visit Stockton, will succeed Nancy Beckman, who will retire this fall after 23 years.

Rhea has spent 19 years as Visit Stockton's CEO, spear heading several initiatives and events, expanding the city's tourism profile, and cultivating strong relationships with business and government partners. The Visit Lodi Board said his experience, passion, and strategic vision made him the perfect choice to build on the organization's achievement.

Tuesday, Sept. 17

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arrest made in triple homicide near Lodi

More than three months after authorities discovered the bodies of three men in a home near Lodi, San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office deputies on Saturday arrested a man for their murders following a lengthy investigation.

On June 8 at about 6:33 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 1500 block of East Mettler Road, south of Lodi, to conduct a welfare check. Concerned family members told deputies they had not been able to reach the residents for over a week. Upon arrival, deputies found three adult residents dead from gun shot wounds, reports state.

An investigation immediately led detectives to believe that the murder was a targeted incident, and they obtained evidence leading them to a suspect. The incident was not reported at the time in an effort to not jeopardize the investigation, the Sheriff's Office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Detectives arrested 25-year old Steven Guerrero Jr. on Sept. 14 and booked him into San Joaquin County Jail. He is being held without bail on suspicion of murder, burglary, and a weapons charge, and he is scheduled to appear in San Joaquin County Superior Court today at 1:30 p.m.

The San Joaquin County Coroner and Medical Examiner identified the victims as 60-year-old Joe Pena, 69-year-old Kim Huynh and 45-year-old Alfred Nguyen, all of Lodi.

Thursday, Sept. 19

False alarm, frantic lockdown at Lodi High

Hundreds of parents flocked to Lodi High School's front gate on Pacific Avenue Wednesday morning after receiving texts from their students that the campus had been locked down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Lodi Police Department responded to an alarm at the high school at about 10:42 a.m., and spent an hour investigating the campus.

Parents waiting outside received frantic texts claiming officers were looking for four suspects, and that at least two had been detained. Rumors spread that at least one of the alleged suspects had been hiding in a restroom or closet.

But at about 11:40 a.m., officers emerged from inside the locked gate, stating the incident was a false alarm.

"It looks like an absolute accident," school resource officer Gerald Bahr told parents. "It looks like an alarm button was pushed, we don't know which one. But we searched the entire campus and there was no danger."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The district issued a statement on social media at 11:46 a.m. stating a substitute secretary had pushed an alarm button by accident.

The lockdown comes two days after police arrested a Lodi teenager for making online threats against a local school. Schools and police departments across the nation have been on high alert for nearly a week as threats of violence toward schools make their rounds on social media.

Friday, Sept. 27

Deceased infant found in Lodi parking lot

Lodi detectives are investigating the death of an infant found in the area of Tokay and Sacramento streets on Thursday morning, according to the Lodi Police Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

David Franco, an employee at Commissary Azteca on Sacramento Street, said he discovered the infant's body while eating lunch.

Franco said he typically eats lunch in the parking lot on the southeast corner of Sacramento and Tokay streets, and was sitting under a tree for shade.

He said he just happened to look behind him at about 11 a.m., and noticed something laying on the ground between two cars parked against a nearby wall.

Franco brought coworkers back to the parking lot to con firm his suspicions, and then they called police.

Wednesday, Oct. 9

Citizens weigh in on homelessness at Lodi town hall

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several residents chastised the Lodi City Council and city staff this week for the way in which the homelessness crisis has been handled over the last year.

The city hosted a town hall at Hutchins Street Square Monday evening to discuss what steps to take in removing the unsheltered and unhoused from streets in the wake of a recent Supreme Court decision that ruled cities enforcing anti-camping bans are not violating the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

The nearly five-hour meeting featured presentations from the city, San Joaquin County and the State of California highlighting what agencies have done to combat homelessness.

Thursday, Oct. 17

More might in the mosquito fight

The San Joaquin County Mosquito Control and Vector District broke ground on a new state-of-the-art facility Tuesday that will improve its research and surveillance efforts.

Although construction on the 5,659-square foot structure at 7759 S. Airport Way in Stockton began last month, the district's board of trustees wanted to memorialize the milestone with a formal ceremony. The new laboratory will replace the district's existing 1,632-square foot building, allowing for more mosquito samples to be analyzed and more staff to be able to research.

The new structure, he said, will allow the district to have advanced equipment and resources that will match the high level of work staff puts in every day.

Wednesday, Oct. 30

Eastside access

Lodi's underprivileged residents no longer have to travel across town or to Stockton for health care access.

Community Medical Centers officially opened its "Lodi East" medical center on Tuesday, a nearly 27,000-square-foot facility providing primary health care, dental services, behavioral health resources, recovery and pharmacy services in one location.

It was a project years in the making, CEO Christine Noguera said, as plans were first drafted before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Stockton-based organization broke ground on the 1150 S. Cherokee Lane site last year, making the location the fourth in Lodi.

The Lodi East facility will serve some 20,000 patients annually, Noguera said, offering 24 exam rooms, seven dental operatories and four counseling rooms for its broad range of services.

Friday, Nov. 1

A tragic mystery

A Lodi family is looking for answers after their teenage son was shot and killed near Acampo last week. Jamaria Rodgers said San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office deputies initially told her family that her nephew Kenton Bluitt-Ealy was involved in an automobile accident around midnight on the evening of Oct. 25 near Jack Tone and Collier roads.

Bluitt was pronounced dead at the scene, and the family was told he sustained injuries as a result of the collision.

However, Rodgers said detectives disclosed earlier this week that Bluitt had actually been shot, and that was determined to be his cause of death.

An investigation is ongoing.

Friday, Nov. 8

Will pay bump entice more council candidates?

The Lodi City Council gave itself a pay increase for the first time in more than 16 years Wednesday night, citing compliance with a state law that took effect Jan. 1.

Last year, the California Legislature enacted Senate Bill 329, which increased compensation for council members across the state, according to population.

Under the bill, staff said, council members could be paid $950 a month in cities with populations of 35,000 or fewer residents, while council members in cities with populations of more than 250,000 would be paid $3,200 a month.

Council members in cities with populations between 50,000 and 75,000 would be compensated $1,600, staff said.

Lodi's population, as of the last U.S. Census in 2020, was 66,348.

Council members are currently compensated $860 a month, along with benefits, and have not received a stipend increase since 2008.

Wednesday, Nov. 13

'She's missed every day'

ACAMPO  Last year, the Oak View Elementary School community lost one of its longest-serving members.

Terry Delaney, who passed away on Nov. 10, 2023, spent 25 years as a teacher's aide, bus driver and librarian at the school. On Tuesday, faculty and staff unveiled a mural dedicated in Delaney's memory, located on the front exterior wall of the campus library.

"It's the perfect embodiment of everything she stands for," Principal and Superintendent Beverly Boone said. "I think it's just going to be a beautiful addition to the front of the library for the kids."

The mural, commissioned by Lodi artist Tony Segale, features renderings of the books "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss and "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak, as well as a yellow rose, all set on a "Seussical" back ground.

Sarah Delaney said her mother-in-law loved being a librarian, and loved Oak View, adding she always shared stories of the library with her family.

Delaney said her moth er-in-law kept countless numbers of notes, letters, drawings and knick-knacks from students during her 25 years at the school. She hoped the mural would re mind students of the love and laughter they shared with the librarian over the years.

Wednesday, Nov. 20

Temporary basis

Three years after the idea to build a place to help the homeless get back on their feet, the City of Lodi is ready to break ground.

During a special meeting Tuesday afternoon, the the Lodi City Council voted 4-0 to award a $9.86 million contract with Bobo Construction, Inc. of Elk Grove to build the permanent access center at 712 N. Sacramento St. A temporary center has been operating at the site since July of 2022.

Bobo Construction was one of seven to bid on the long-awaited project, beating out DL Falk Construction, Inc. of Hayward, which bid a $9.89 million.

The access center will be 23,000 square feet in size, housing 106 individuals a day, with the ability to add as many 102 beds as needed to meet the original plan of 208 beds, staff said.

The project also includes a commercial kitchen and space for as many as four classrooms that will benefit clients while they transition back into society. The estimated cost for the project was $13 million, and the city has $10.6 million in capital funding available, staff said.

Wednesday, Nov. 27

City of Lodi parts ways with deputy city manager

In a surprising move, the City of Lodi is looking for a new deputy city manager.

Andrew Keys, who held the position for seven years, served his final day on the job Tuesday, according to City Manager Scott Carney.

"I announced to staff that today is his last day," Carney said. "I appreciate Mr. Keys' professionalism during the transition. Work to fill the position will begin immediately."

Keys worked for the City of Elk Grove for a decade before arriving in Lodi in 2017. He began as Elk Grove's finance analyst and worked his way up to revenue manager, accounting manager and budget manager before serving as interim city manager for one year.

He served as Lodi's interim city manager for eight months following Steve Schwabauer's retirement in October of 2023, and applied for the permanent position. Carney was hired as Schwabauer's replacement and began in June.

Thursday, Dec. 5

Luck of the straw draw

The race for one of two seats on the Galt City Council came down to the wire Tuesday night as two candidates participated in an unusual way to determine victory.

Former Galt Herald publisher Bonnie Rodriguez and former Galt Joint Union High School District trustee Mathew Pratton both received 3,882 votes by the time the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters certified ballots this week.

Rather than ask for taxpayers to fund a special election, the council asked the pair to draw straws during its Tuesday night meeting.

A city resolution calls for a straw drawing competition, and Galt city clerk Tina Hubert said that a special election could cost $165,000.

Pratton ultimately drew the longer straw, and he and Tim Reed will replace Kevin Papineau and Jay Vandenburg on the council, both of whom decided not to seek re-election this year.

It was the first time in the city's history that an election was decided with a tie-breaker that did not involve a special election.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Lodi salon owner shot dead in Woodbridge

A man is in custody on murder charges after a deadly shooting in Woodbridge early Friday morning. San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Heather Brent said deputies responded to a shooting in the 900 block of Academy Street just after mid night and found a woman with a fatal gunshot wound.

The suspect was found immediately on scene and arrested on suspicion of murder, she said. Brent said investigators are not disclosing the suspect's name at this time out of respect to the families involved.

Hilda Loza, a hairdresser at Salon Envy, 200 N. School St., said the victim was her employer Nicole Winans.

Loza said she had known Winans for five years, and that she had been going through a divorce.

According to San Joaquin County Jail inmate record posted on social media Friday morning, Shane Winans was booked on murder and willful cruelty to a child with possible injury or death charges at 8:46 a.m. Friday.

Shane Winans, the owner of Anchors Away Tattoo and Body Piercing Parlor, located at 8 N. School St., is being held with out bail.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

Shake, rattle and roll: Temblor ripples through Lodi

Lodi was a little shaken up Monday afternoon after residents reported feeling an earthquake centered in western Nevada.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 5.5-magnitude temblor centered 14 miles from Yerington struck at 3:08 p.m., some 138 miles from Lodi.

Lodians commenting on the News Sentinel's Facebook page shared what they experienced as the quake hit.

"Wow, that was scary," said Dianna Garcia, adding "that was my first time ever feeling an earthquake." "I was feeding my baby and the bed was shaking so we ran to the doorway," Amber Neyrick said. "Sitting on my bed and felt it strongly and my hanging lantern was swaying," Kelly Marzolf Hampel said. "That's my telltale earthquake sign."

"It shook me and my husband as we sat at the kitchen table," Sandra Acox Jackson said.

Monday's temblor was four days after a 7.0 quake rattled much of Northern California. That quake, centered 45 miles south west of Eureka in the Pacific Ocean, triggered a 45-minute tsunami warning Thursday morning.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Health officials: Two human cases of avian flu in SJ County

STOCKTON  Two human cases of the H5N1 virus, also known as avian flu, have been confirmed in San Joaquin County, according to local public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control. Officials said the cases occurred in farm workers with known exposure to infected animals, and both have had mild symptoms and are recovering.

There have been 34 confirmed human cases of avian flu in California this year.

"We have an abundance of dairy farms in our county and want to en sure that these farm workers can do their important work as safely as possible by using (personal protection equipment)," said Dr. Maggie Park, San Joaquin County's public health officer. "We are also encouraging the public to avoid consuming raw milk or raw eggs and not to handle any dead birds. Our agency is working closely with numerous county and state partners to continue monitoring the status of H5N1 cases."

Health officials are actively monitoring ex posed farm workers for symptoms, providing flu vaccinations, and distributing PPE and educational resources.

Friday, Dec. 10

'Hire them young'

When he was first elected to the Lodi City Council two years ago, Cameron Bregman made history as the youngest resident to serve at the age of 22.

On Wednesday night, he made history once again, becoming the youngest Lodian to serve as mayor. The city council unanimously voted for Bregman to lead the city in 2025, and chose Ramon Yepez to serve as vice mayor, also with a unanimous vote.

"While I would never say I would do a better job than Lisa (Craig-Hensley)  because she's sitting right next to me and within hit ting distance  I would say I'd do a different job," Bregman said Wednesday night. "The goals and strategic vision of this city will move forward. The path already exists, and we need to continue to move forward, not back."

As for his age, Bregman said he had always been told to "hire them young while they know it all, lest that knowledge be forgotten later."
(Bloomberg) -- Thailands Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared assets worth $400 million, including two properties in London, investments in several companies and a collection of luxury watches and handbags.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The 38-year-old scion of the wealthy Shinawatra clan also listed 1.09 billion baht ($31.6 million) of cash and deposits in more than two dozen bank accounts among her 13.85 billion baht worth of assets. She disclosed her wealth to the National Anti-Corruption Commission as part of the requirements for Thai holders of public offices, and the agency made the record public on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of billionaire politician Thaksin Shinawatra, became the third member of the Shinawatra family to lead Thailand in August after her predecessor Srettha Thavisin was ousted by the Constitutional Court in an ethics violation case. The Shinawatras are among the countrys wealthiest families with Thaksin striking it rich in the technology boom of the 1980s and 1990s by setting up companies that offered mobile phone services, data networks and satellites.

READ: Ruling Thai Political Clan Faces New Threats to Power: QuickTake

The prime minister previously transferred her 24% stake in the family-controlled property developer SC Asset Corp Pcl in November to a fund manager. Paetongtarn has about 11 billion baht of investment in companies and she reported an income of more than 265 million baht last year, the document showed. Among her other assets are 217 handbags, 108 rings, 205 pairs of earrings, and nine designer art toys, called Bearbrick.

The London properties include an apartment on Montpelier Street thats on a 992-year lease, the declaration showed. She also owns nine properties and a dozen plots of land across Thailand. She also co-owns a parcel of land in Hokkaido in Japan along with her husband.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

READ: What to Know About Thailands Youngest Prime Minister: QuickTake

Pidok Sooksawas, Paetongtarns spouse and a former commercial pilot, reported assets worth 147 million baht and an income of 5.13 million baht last year that included gains from crypto currency trading. He is the co-chief executive officer at Rende Development Co., part of the Shinawatra familys business empire that spans real estate, hospitality and telecommunications.

Paetongtarns coalition government has pledged to boost Thailands $500 billion economy, which has been lagging behind Southeast Asian peers over the past decade, and slash the cost of living for its 66 million people. The government has relied on a mix of cash handouts, ramped-up state spending and attracting fresh foreign investments in areas such as data centers and electric vehicles manufacturing to prop up growth.

While Thailand has made rapid progress in poverty reduction over the past two decades, it has the highest level of income-based inequality in East Asia and the Pacific with a Gini coefficient of 43.3% in 2021, according to the World Bank.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Big news broke in Kern County in 2024, some of it sad and some disastrous. But there was also good news with the potential to brighten horizons in the years ahead.

ZACK SCRIVNER DEPARTS DISTRICT 2

An investigation is still open into former District 2 Supervisor Zack Scrivner, with no charges filed almost seven months after the state Attorney Generals Office took the case.

Kern County Sheriffs deputies were called to Scrivners Tehachapi home April 23 in response to a call saying the supervisor was suffering a possibly suicidal mental health episode. The call to Sheriff Donny Youngblood was placed by Scrivners aunt, county District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At a news conference two days later, Youngblood said Scrivner was accused of sexually assaulting one of his children, and that he had been stabbed by another child in defense of the sibling. Scrivners attorney promptly rejected those accusations, saying the mental health episode may have been caused by the supervisors ongoing divorce. Scrivner went on medical leave on May 8 but didnt resign from the board until Aug. 1, just two weeks before the candidate filing deadline.

Six candidates got on the ballot but the race was handily won by former Bakersfield City Councilman Chris Parlier, who was sworn in Dec. 17.

Scrivner has appeared virtually in court for his divorce case. He has enrolled in a masters program at Cal State Bakersfield but has otherwise made no public appearances or comment.

The case was picked up by the Attorney Generals Office because of the relationship between Scrivner and Zimmer. The AGs office has declined to comment on the status of the investigation for months, even as it says the case remains open.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MR. FONG GOES TO WASHINGTON

Following his ouster as speaker of the House in 2023, former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, resigned his seat in December 2023, leaving a vacancy in Californias 20th Congressional District. Fong, a former protege of McCarthys, was serving in the California Assembly and had already filed for re-election to that office. Secretary of State Shirley Weber argued that should disqualify Fong from running for Congress, but Fong sued and won. He was subsequently elected to fill out the remainder of McCarthys term.

But Fongs name was still set to be on the ballot for his old Assembly seat, and Weber said state law prevented her from removing his name from that ballot. So, Fongs name appeared under two different contests on the November ballot, once for Assembly and once for Congress.

Bakersfield City Councilman Ken Weir, who launched a last-minute write-in campaign, was able to make it through the primary to get his name on the November ballot, but Fong ended up winning both races. Fong declined his Assembly seat, and a special election has been set for March with two Bakersfield residents  Republican businessman Stan Ellis and Democratic educator Chris Cruz-Boone  have thrown their hats in the ring for a district that also covers portions of Tulare County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

PROTESTERS DISRUPT CITY HALL

In March, tensions came to a head between city officials and protesters calling on the Bakersfield City Council to adopt a local cease-fire resolution in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Protesters repeatedly disrupted council meetings and were cleared from the chamber.

Protesters clashed with Bakersfield police officers in the lobby of City Hall South on March 27 after Mayor Karen Goh cleared council chambers in response to ongoing chanting by protesters. Several protesters were arrested.

At the councils next meeting on April 11, protester Riddhi Patel was arrested and charged with 16 felonies after she made threatening statements to city officials during public comments.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You guys want to criminalize us with metal detectors, Patel said, referring to newly installed security measures. Well see you at your house. Well murder you.

Patel was arrested without incident at the meeting. Her trial is set to begin Jan. 27. She faces 24 counts of threatening or attempting to threaten multiple city officials.

BOREL FIRE DESTROYS HAVILAH

There were several wildfires in Kern County this year but it was the Borel Fire that grew to nearly 60,000 acres and devastated the historic town of Havilah. The largest fire in Kern Countys history, according to local fire officials, the Borel Fire would end up destroying over 200 structures, including 150 homes, and it displaced dozens of families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fire began July 27, when a vehicle ran off Highway 178 in Kern Canyon near Borel Road. It wouldnt be fully contained for weeks. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and visited the site of the fire in August. State and local officials have since been working with local residents to clear their properties.

Tensions were at times high between residents and fire officials, with some residents of Havilah critical of the states firefighting efforts. An Aug. 4 community meeting at Woodrow Wallace Middle School in Lake Isabella saw a mix of praise and criticism being leveled at local firefighting efforts.

Several local organizations have been working for Borel Fire victims. United Way of Central Eastern California has raised at least $46,000 for families affected by the blaze.

KERN AEROSPACE TAKES OFF

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was a good year for Kern Countys aerospace industry, a sector many local officials would like to see grow. In April, Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic established a working relationship with Edwards Air Force Base to develop and test emerging commercial capabilities with critical applications to air and space military operations.

Mojave-based Stratolaunch made strides in its efforts to develop hypersonic technology for the U.S. military. The company has conducted multiple tests of its hypersonic Talon A-2 test vehicle, including a successful test earlier this month.

In August, Kern's B3K Prosperity economic collaboration announced a $2 million, federally funded partnership expected to build a "tech transfer" aerospace innovation hub that would link the region's two military bases with local industry.

HIGHWAY UPGRADES

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another leg of the Centennial Corridor project opened this year connecting drivers going northbound on Highway 99 to westbound Highway 58. The Bakersfield City Council approved a $27 million contract for the next leg, which will not use city money but will instead spend money from other sources held by the Kern Council of Governments to connect eastbound 58 to northbound 99.

The Centennial Corridor project began in 2006 with federal money meant to connect Highway 58 with Interstate 5.

The next phase isnt set to begin construction for another three years, and theres a final piece  connecting southbound Highway 99 to westbound Highway 58  thats still in its early stages.

That wasnt the only major highway upgrade completed in Kern County this year: Portions of Highway 46, known as "Blood Alley, were widened. The portion of Highway 46 in San Luis Obispo County remains two lanes, but several miles of Kern highway were widened and improved with better lighting, drainage and onramps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

WATER CONTAMINATION

Crude oil and natural gas contaminated Bakersfields municipal water system in late spring, disrupting businesses and racking up financial liabilities for the Ventura County-based company accused of accidentally causing the problem.

On June 4, the city and California Water Service Co. warned businesses south of Lake Truxtun against using tap water. Cal Water later said the contamination happened during a botched test of an oil pipeline.

The company accused of causing the problem, Griffin Resources LLC, had a history of regulatory problems, and its actions in early June were part of an effort to come back into compliance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The city sued Griffin a month later, accusing it of creating a public nuisance that incurred financial losses. Then, in October, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

A CLOSE RACE IN DISTRICT 5

District 5 Supervisor Leticia Perez was the only sitting supervisor not to win over 50% of the vote in the 2023 primary, meaning she was the only incumbent to face a challenger in the November election.

It was a close race and as results came in challenger Kim Salas, a staffer in Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains office, was for a brief moment leading the incumbent.

But when the final results came in, Perez, who has been in office since 2013, was ahead by 133 votes. Salas conceded the race shortly thereafter.

The race, between two Democratic women, was at times contentious with Perez accusing supporters of Salas of working to publicly undermine her.

At a supervisors meeting on Oct. 21, Perez said officials with the county District Attorneys Office had tried to search her office without a warrant in response to a claim her chief of staff, Christian Romo, had conducted Democratic party business while on county property, a violation.

Perez noted at the time the Kern County Prosecutors Association, the union representing attorneys in the DAs office, had endorsed Salas. Several days later Perezs campaign accused Salas of campaigning while working as a representative for Assemblywoman Bains, also a violation, but the DAs office said those complaints were unfounded.

KERN RIVER COMES BACK, FOR A TIME

Water was flowing in the Kern River through Bakersfield this year, the result of an ongoing lawsuit, but those flows dried up in late summer after agricultural districts exercised their own rights to the rivers waters.

A group called Bring Back the Kern filed a lawsuit against the city in 2022 arguing the contracts and agreements the city has with other water districts come second to the Public Trust Doctrine, which holds that the state owns all natural resources in trust for the public.

The trial in the case was pushed back until Dec. 8, 2025.

CARBON PROJECT

Among the biggest local business stories of the year was the progress oil producer California Resources Corp. made toward its vision of turning western Kern County into a hub for carbon removal.

The company's Carbon TerraVault I project, planned for construction at its Elk Hills power plant site, won approval Oct. 21 by the county Board of Supervisors.

Conservation and environmental justice groups have objected to the projects, and a month after the board's unanimous vote the county was hit by a lawsuit alleging the underlying environmental assessment violated the California Environmental Quality Act.

Long Beach-based CRC said it has full confidence in the county's review and said it looks forward to the suit's resolution as it moves forward with six other investments for capturing carbon dioxide from industrial plants and burying them permanently underground.

CDCR COUNSELOR'S KILLERS SENTENCED

The two men convicted of shooting and killing California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation corrections counselor Benny Alcala Jr. were each sentenced to life in prison.

Roberts and Parra killed Alcala in the Target parking lot on Stockdale Highway Aug. 24, 2022. The shooting occurred one day after Alcalas wedding anniversary with his wife, Valerie.

Roberts was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and Parra was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

The Bakersfield Californian was ordered by the 5th District Court of Appeal to turn over the unpublished notes from a jailhouse interview with Parra to a defense attorney on Nov. 7, 2023, after an eight-month-long legal dispute that cost The Californian more than $100,000.

UNION FIGHT

A fight broke out in 2024 between two of the biggest names in Kern County agriculture, and the clash appears far from over.

The trouble started around the time state officials determined in March that the United Farm Workers labor union successfully unionized more than 600 local employees of Los Angeles-based farming giant The Wonderful Co.

Wonderful protested, saying the UFW had tricked many of the companys nursery workers in Wasco in what it said amounted to an abuse of a new card-check law. The union denied the charge and countered that Wonderful had put undue anti-union pressure on its workers.

The dispute soon became the subject of hearings by the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board, which raised new allegations against the company.

After Wonderful sued the agency in May, a Kern County judge handed an initial victory to Wonderful, calling the card-check law likely unconstitutional and nullifying the UFWs organizing victory.

In October, though, a state appellate court set aside the victory, allowing the state hearings to continue. The case is still pending.

CRC BUYS AERA

Two of the biggest oil producers in Kern County joined on July 1 to form the biggest company of its kind in California.

Long Beach-based California Resources Corp. acquired Bakersfield-based Aera Energy LLC in a stock-only transaction.

The $3.86 billion deal came after Aera co-founder Royal Dutch Shell signaled it wanted out of its nearly three-decade partnership with Exxon Mobil Corp. The two sold Aera to a German-based energy asset management company that quickly brought aboard a Canadian pension investment organization as a minority owner.

Besides marrying two of the states leading oil producers, the acquisition combined the companys assets in carbon removal.

Observers including state lawmakers quickly objected to the way regulators handled the deal. They said the Newsom administration looked the other way and saved CRC $1 billion or more instead of applying a new California well-bonding law designed to protect taxpayers and public health.

The administration countered that the acquisition transferred stock but not any of Aeras assets or wells, and that the bonding law did not explicitly apply to stock transfers.

GREYHOUND BUS SHOOTING

A Texas man was sentenced to 200 years to life in prison for shooting six people on a Greyhound Bus in transit while it was driving over the Grapevine in February 2020.

Anthony Devonte Williams was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder, six counts of attempted murder and six counts of assault with a firearm on a person.

One person was killed and five others were injured in the shooting. Prosecutor Stephanie Taconi said during the trial that although only six people were hit by bullets, there were 40 people who were present during the shooting.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Williams got off the bus after the shooting and the victims were taken to a local gas station. CHP officers found Williams walking on the side of the highway.

KASON GUYTON MURDER SENTENCING

Seven years after 5-year-old Kason Guyton was shot and killed, the two defendants charged with his death were sentenced.

Jonathan Knight and Jeremy King were charged with the murder as well as shooting Kason's 7-year-old brother in the leg in a drive-by shooting. Kason and his brother were in the car to go pick up their mother from college with their mothers boyfriend, Davon Vercher, driving the car.

Vercher was a member of a rival gang to Knight and King, prosecutor Eric Smith said. He said the shooting was gang-related as Knight and other members of the gang had an altercation at Valley Plaza Mall earlier on the day of the shooting.

King pleaded no contest to first-degree murder and his other seven charges were dismissed. King took a plea deal and, as part of the deal, testified against Knight in Knights jury trial, saying he didnt know Knight was going to shoot. King was sentenced to six years in prison but was credited with 2,141 days served. He will be released today.

TOUCAN BUILDING FIRE

A man was charged on suspicion of starting the fire that burned down the beloved Toucan Building downtown in September. He pleaded no contest Dec. 11.

Michael Leon Webber, 48, was arrested Sept. 6 on suspicion of arson for the fire that tore through the distinctive building on Labor Day.

According to a police report, Webber told firefighters with the Bakersfield Fire Department that he did not start the fire and that he went inside to retrieve some items.

Despite the damage, the buildings co-owner, Tomas delToro-Diaz, and business partner Branden Dailey said the plan to turn the Toucan Building into a co-working space operated by International Workplace Group  with additional space for a tenant such as a coffee shop or a bar inside  still remains the same.

Webbers sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 9. He currently remains in custody.

WOOLWORTHS PROJECT GETS CITY GRANT TO HELP REACH FINISH LINE

Someone once said great cities have great downtowns, and great downtowns have great buildings.

The partners who purchased the historic Woolworths building in downtown Bakersfield announced in January 2024 that they had become the recipients of a grant administered by the city of Bakersfield worth nearly a quarter-million dollars  funding expected to help the partners in their plan to remodel the interior of the late moderne architectural style building.

They intend to make use of the landmark structures underutilized potential, they told The Californian, while maintaining its exterior charm and preserving its much-loved and historically significant Woolworth's luncheonette, the last functioning Woolworth's lunch counter in America.

But the partners respect for preservation doesnt mean everything will stay the same.

For example, the original paint on the exterior was not the green and tan color scheme that has decorated the building for years. By the time the project is done  the partners hope sometime this year  the exterior will be back to its original white and black color combination.

A COMMUNITY PARTY ON WHEELS AT CENTENNIAL CORRIDOR

There were mountain bikes, road bikes, beach cruisers and touring bikes. There were tandem bicycles, e-bikes, recumbent bikes and tiny children's models carrying  what else?  tiny children.

Each of them, all of them, had one thing in common: They were among an estimated 2,500 humans traveling over miles of new concrete and asphalt at a special event dubbed Cycle Centennial. Organized by Blue Zones Project Bakersfield and the city of Bakersfield, the event offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the bicycle-riding public to legally pedal a stretch of Bakersfield's long-awaited, billion-dollar freeway connector known as Centennial Corridor  even before motor vehicle drivers got a crack at it.

The views were great as the raised ribbon of concrete soared over the Kern River and provided perspectives no one had seen before. Even motorists below seemed to be in on the fun as they honked their horns as the people up above waved and cheered.

It felt like everybody wanted to be on a bike atop this never-explored chunk of transportation infrastructure.

EXPANSION OF PEDIATRIC SURGICAL SERVICES COULD BE GAME CHANGER

There's no telling exactly how many children and their families in Kern County are forced to travel out of the area each year to receive pediatric medical services.

But that stressful reality may soon be changing with the construction of a new children's surgery center at Dignity Health Memorial Hospital in Bakersfield.

"Once this is complete, (we) will have a comprehensive pediatric program to take care of all children here in Bakersfield and within Kern County," Ken Keller, president and CEO of the hospital, said at an event held Feb. 16 to celebrate a milestone in the construction.

Leaders of the hospital, the hospital's foundation and dozens of supporters watched as construction crews topped off the highly anticipated pediatric surgical suites project at the hospital's Lauren Small Childrens Center.

The final beam, placed with the help of a large crane, carried the signatures of hospital employees, donors and board members.

"Today we placed the last beam in the structural component for our brand-new pediatric operating department," said Dr. Crystal Carney, chair of pediatrics at the hospital.

"The reason this is significant," she said, "is we probably only have about a year to go before we have the very first solely pediatric O.R. in all of Kern County."

FOUND! TROUTS SIGN RECOVERED AFTER MISSING FOR SEVEN YEARS

It was May 2017 when the Trouts sign went missing. The familiar image of a thrashing fish and the lure of cocktails and dancing, had drawn customers for decades into the interior of the Oildale honky-tonk.

Also missing was Allan Thomas Rockwell, the man who had operated Trouts Nightclub for years. In 2022, Rockwell was found guilty in Tuolumne County for stealing more than $30,000 from his disabled, elderly uncle.

Despite searching, despite tips and rumors from well-intentioned residents, despite public pleas and an offer of a reward  and despite a fire that destroyed Trouts in 2022  the whereabouts of the sign remained a mystery.

Then in early November, at a news conference held at Kern County Museum, an elated Mike McCoy, executive director of the museum, told reporters the Trout's sign had been located in rural Tuolumne County, where Rockwell had surfaced years before.

"The sign is our property, legally," McCoy said.

While restoration of the sign will be extensive and will take several months, it is finally home again.

(Editor's note: This story has been changed to clarify the sources of money being used to complete the Centennial Corridor highway project.)
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  The new year will bring new laws for the state of North Carolina.

As part of the 2023 budget bill, the individual income tax rate is set to decrease from 4.5 percent to 4.25 percent this year and further to 3.99 percent in 2026.

There is also the controversial Senate Bill 382, which provides funding for Hurricane Helene relief efforts, but strips power from incoming Democrats, including new Gov. Josh Stein. Before Stein took office, the bill was vetoed by Gov. Roy Cooper, but the Republican-controlled General Assembly overrode the veto.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stein and Cooper have taken legal action over the bill, alleging it is unconstitutional.

Steven Greene, a political science professor at North Carolina State University, said SB 382 is one of the big talkers entering the new year.

Would Republicans have changed these laws had Republicans won these offices? Green said. I think the answer is no. If thats the case, you have to consider whether its the right approach for these offices.

Another change this year is Senate Bill 452, which will change auto insurance.

Under the new law, there are significant changes to auto insurance coverage. The minimum liability limits will increase to $50,000 for one person and $100,000 for two or more people per accident. Property damage coverage will also rise to $50,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senate Bill 452 also changes how underinsured motorist coverage is calculated, ensuring that the total damages sustained by an individual are considered. These updates are intended to provide better financial protection for drivers and accident victims.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: mikroman6 via Getty Images

Researchers may have finally identified the site where Alexander the Great fought the Battle of the Granicus against the Persian Empire .

The site is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of the city of Biga in northwest Turkey. In 334 B.C. Alexander's forces defeated the Persians at the battlefield, which enabled them to establish a foothold in Persian territory and push deeper into the Middle East.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The Battle of Granicus was not only one of the most significant turning points in Alexander's life, later earning him the epithet 'the Great,' but [was] also a pivotal moment in world history," team leader Reyhan Korpe , an archaeology professor at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, told Live Science in an email.

The discovery is not entirely new. Korpe noted that Heinrich Kiepert, an archaeologist who worked in the region in the 19th century, had suggested that the same area could be the location of the battlefield. But Korpe's team has now uncovered additional evidence supporting the suggestion.

Notably, the team identified the remains of the ancient city of Hermaion, which ancient records indicate was the location of Alexander's last encampment before the battle. The researchers then conducted geomorphological tests to reconstruct what the nearby landscape looked like when the battle was fought. They found that the path of the Granicus River had changed little since Alexander's time. They also found that some areas were marshy in Alexander's time and therefore don't match the description of the battlefield, enabling the team to rule out these locations.

Related: What if the Persians had defeated Alexander the Great?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Image 1 of 3

A photo of a grassy field

The battlefield as seen from a hill used by Greek mercenaries.

Image 2 of 3

A photo of a grassy field

The Granicus battlefield, near where Alexander himself may have been positioned.

Image 3 of 3

a series of views and artifacts from the remains of the city of Hermaion

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Remains from the city of Hermaion, which was the last place Alexander the Great's troops camped at before the battle of Granicus.

Ancient records say that Alexander stationed Persian Greek mercenaries on a hill, and the team identified a promising hill site where local farmers had found graves with weapons that may date to Alexander's time. For example, in 2024, farmers uncovered the remains of human bones during plowing near the southern slope of the hill. The researchers examined the bones and found that they are from an adult male.

RELATED STORIES

2nd-century Alexander the Great statue with lion's-mane hairstyle unearthed in Turkey

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Did Alexander the Great have any children?

AI is deciphering a 2,000-year-old 'lost book' describing life after Alexander the Great

"The lack of typical grave markers or artifacts indicated these were not part of a formal cemetery," Korpe said. However, more tests need to be done to determine when this individual dates to and how they died.

Live Science contacted scholars not involved with the researchers to get their thoughts. Graham Wrightson , a history professor at South Dakota State University, said that the team's finds are interesting. "It is exciting that they believe it has been identified," Wrightson told Live Science in an email. "We'll have to wait more years now to see what artifacts come out of the annual digs."

Korpe said that the team plans to conduct geophysical surveys and excavations to get a better idea of what lies beneath the ground.
LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS)  Louisiana saw a temporary increase to state sales tax a few years ago to cover deficits in the budget. Starting January 1st, the state sales tax will increase from 4.45% to 5%.

Given the current economic outlook, and the fact that were going to be lowering personal income tax, that was a sense that maybe we needed to make sure that the sales tax would come in and fill in some of the losses that would occur with the lowering of the income taxes, said State Senator Sam Jenkins for District 39.

The state sales tax will be on top of local sales tax. Senator Jenkins says prescription drugs, groceries for home use, and home utilities, will be exempt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bossier Parish property tax payment deadline extended; find out when

Bossier City for example would have a 10% total sales tax, while Shreveport would have a 9.6% total sales tax.

I would agree that it was necessary to look at sales taxes and maybe some increase of sales taxes to try to stabilize the budget and make sure that were able to deliver those services that our constituents are needing, said Senator Jenkins.

However Jenkins said that he hopes sale tax can be revisited and potentially lowered based on how the economy performs.

He also clarified the change in personal income tax.

Youre going to see a reduction in personal income tax. The brackets are going to be substituted for a flat 3% across the board rate for personal income tax. With that reduction, you also are going to be looking at a reduction in income that will be coming into the state, said the senator.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Corporate income tax will be a 5.5% rate, and the legislature voted to do away with corporate franchise tax for businesses.

Theres no need to just tax just to open a business up or do business in our state. So I think that decision was long overdue and Im glad that we did address it, said Jenkins.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  Louisiana officials are praising Representative Mike Johnson (R-La.) following his reelection as Speaker of the House on Friday. Johnson, the 56th Speaker, secured his second term on the first ballot during a vote by the 119th Congress.

Johnson, who was first elected Speaker by the 118th Congress in October 2023, received widespread support among Republicans, though the vote saw some early opposition. Representatives Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Keith Self (R-Ohio) initially withheld their votes before switching to support Johnson after negotiations. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to vote against him.

Mike Johnson clinches Speakership in stunning first ballot

Louisiana Leaders React

Following Johnsons reelection, prominent Louisiana leaders, including U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, Governor Jeff Landry, Representative Steve Scalise, and Attorney General Liz Murrill, shared their congratulations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senator Bill Cassidy highlighted Johnsons ability to unite people:

Mike Johnson brings people together to achieve a shared goal. He is deeply committed to conservative values and advancing a pro-America agenda. He is making Louisiana proud. Americans trust Mike to lead the House effectively and with integrity this Congress. I do too!

Representative Steve Scalise expressed enthusiasm for working alongside Johnson:

Congratulations to my friend! Were fired up and ready to work with President Trump to Make America Great Again!

Senator John Kennedy called Johnson the perfect leader for the job:

Congratulations to my friend! Any fair-minded person sees that he leads effectively, intelligently, and humbly. Hes not just the right man for the job, hes the only man for the job as we put America back on track.

Attorney General Liz Murrill kept her message brief:

God bless the Speaker of the House. Congratulations on your re-election.

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.
(Photo: Hugh Jackson/Nevada Current)

The embattled Las Vegas Realtors is under new leadership according to an email to members and a video posted by broker George Kypreos, who identified himself as the associations 2025 president.

Kypreos makes no mention in the video of Joshua Campa, whose elected term as president began Wednesday.

Campa and immediate past president Merri Perry have resigned from their positions on the LVR Board of Directors and all committee (sic) effective immediately, says an email from LVR sent Thursday to members.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The development comes days after the release of an investigative report commissioned by the association that was requested by members who had alleged election tampering.

Im shutting down the side show for good  the neon lights, cheap tricks, endless distractions. Its all coming down from now on, Kypreos said in the video, which was posted on YouTube. We will invest time and resources to guarantee that small factions cant dominate leadership positions.

Campa has refused to address allegations that he interfered in the election of board members by notifying a candidate that she was behind while voting was underway and advising her to get out the vote.

He did not respond when asked Thursday if he was resigning. Perry and Barrett have also not responded to requests for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Current reported in December that at least two members of LVR filed complaints with Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, asking him to investigate the allegations of interference. Fords office has not responded to requests for comment.

Under Nevada law, non-profit organizations such as the Realtors association are subject to examination by the Attorney General to ascertain the condition of its affairs and to ensure an organization has not departed from the purposes for which it was formed.

Im speaking to you now because our entire membership, our entire community, is owed an apology, Kypreos said in the video..This past year, our association was rocked by allegations of election tampering, breaches of confidentiality, suspensions, resignations. Our failure is not about mistakes made by individuals. Its about an institution falling short of the promise it makes to the people it serves.

In the video, Kypreos says the association should never be used for personal gain and acknowledges LVR failed to protect the collective reputation of its members.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Instead, we got entangled in scandal and lost our sight of the core values that bind us  professionalism, trust. Instead of highlighting the ethics and transparency, the personal agendas clouded our judgment, instead of nurturing strong community ties, we put our credibility on the line. And lost.

Im sad to hear about what has happened to the Realtors, Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman, a member of LVR, said when reached by phone Thursday night. We need to be transparent. And ethical.

Reached by phone Thursday evening, Kypreos declined to comment.

I am not commenting on this with you, he said, despite his recorded pledge of transparency. Ill give my members all the transparency that they need.
In the aftermath of the deadly attack in New Orleans, a variety of prominent Republican voices pointed fingers in unfortunate directions, but itd be an overstatement to suggest everyone in the party avoided constructive ideas. Some GOP officials, for example, tried to connect the violence to the cabinet confirmation process. Punchbowl News reported:

The suspected ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans is fueling GOP calls to expedite Senate confirmation of President-elect Donald Trumps national security nominees. ... Senate Republican leaders said the attack underscored the need to quickly confirm Trumps nominees for national security positions, with incoming Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso saying in part: Lives depend on it.

The Wyoming Republican was hardly alone. Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune issued a related statement, pointing to the New Orleans attack as a clear example of why the Senate must get President Trumps national security team in place as quickly as possible. Around the same time, Republican Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida, wholl soon give up his congressional seat to become the White House national security adviser, appeared on Fox News, pointed to the New Years attack, and said, This is why getting President Trumps Cabinet in is so important.

Republican Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno of Ohio added that in the wake of the New Orleans attack, its even more vital that we quickly confirm all of President Trumps nominees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The underlying point, obviously, was to suggest that the president-elect has chosen highly qualified, well-vetted, and widely respected professionals who are prepared to take office and address national security challenges. The sooner these prospective nominees are confirmed, the argument goes, the safer the public will be, so its incumbent on the Senate to move quickly.

There is reason, however, to question the premise.

If, hypothetically, Trump really had chosen highly qualified, well-vetted and widely respected professionals for his second-term Cabinet, the pitch would probably be more persuasive. But lets not forget the folks wholl soon face difficult confirmation hearings:

My point isnt that the cabinet confirmation process should necessarily be delayed in the aftermath of the New Orleans attack; my point is that in the aftermath of the New Orleans attack, the incoming administration has an opportunity to replace some or all of his most controversial personnel choices with more qualified, better vetted, and more serious nominees.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
House Speaker Mike Johnson has reason to celebrate. The Louisiana Republican worked hard to win another term with the gavel, and he prevailed. He wanted Donald Trumps backing, and he received it. He set out to keep several GOP factions united on the first day of the new Congress  a task made more difficult in the wake of a recent intraparty backlash  and the fissures were kept to a minimum.

But as the dust settles on an unexpectedly dramatic process on the House floor, the emerging image isnt as clear as it might seem at first glance. The good news for Johnson is that hell lead the Republican-led House in the new Congress. The bad news for Johnson is that hell lead the Republican-led House in the new Congress.

The just-completed 118th Congress was, to a historic degree, a cover-your-eyes embarrassment. As the 119th Congress gets underway, the House GOP majority will be even smaller than it was last year  and its poised to shrink further.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As things stand, Republicans have 219 seats, four more than the 215 House Democrats. In the very near future, however, two House GOP members  Elise Stefanik of New York and Michael Waltz  are poised to give up their seats to join the Trump administration.

Yes, there will be special elections to fill those vacancies, as well as the vacancy left by former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and GOP officials like their chances of keeping those seats. But as a practical matter, in the first few months of the new Congress, the balance of power will be 217-215.

As a matter of arithmetic, on key votes in which Democrats are united in opposition, that means the House GOP conference will have to be completely united to succeed. If even one Republican member balks, it will be enough to derail the partys legislative endeavors. (A 216-216 vote constitutes failure. Bills need a majority to advance.) Or as an NBC News report summarized:

In other words, House Republicans will have a zero-vote margin for defection in the crucial early months of Trumps presidency. Even when the party returns to full strength, the House majority could have trouble passing party-line legislation if a handful of members fall ill, have scheduling conflicts or experience weather delays preventing them from getting to Washington in time for key votes.

Whats more, the legislative math isnt the only problem: House Republicans in recent years have become even more hostile toward compromise, more disdainful of bipartisan cooperation, more inviting of crises such as government shutdowns and debt ceiling showdowns, and more indifferent to the needs of GOP members from competitive, blue-leaning congressional districts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnson struggled badly to lead his conference last year, routinely leaning on members of the House Democratic minority to conduct routine governance, and theres no reason to believe his challenges will be any easier in 2025. On the contrary, with a smaller majority, his odds of legislative success are worse.

In recent weeks, Johnson has repeatedly appeared on conservative media outlets and boasted about his partys prospects in the near future. Look, were excited about this, the Louisiana Republican declared three weeks ago. Weve demonstrated already that we can govern with a small majority.

The available evidence points in the opposite direction: The House Republican majority had effectively no accomplishments to speak of in the last Congress, and while the broader circumstances are clearly different  the GOP will lead the Senate and White House in 2025, which was not the case in 2024  Johnson still hasnt demonstrated that he and his team can govern with a small majority.

To be sure, the House speaker had reason to celebrate his unexpected success when his members agreed to let him keep his gavel, though its tough not to wonder whether hell be equally pleased when his conference tries its hand at governing again.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The night before the official start of the 119th Congress, Mike Johnson appeared on Fox Business and expressed optimism about his prospects of retaining the House speakership. Asked if he expected to be re-elected on the first ballot, the Louisiana Republican replied, I think its going to be okay. ... Well have maybe one no vote, I think. He added, I think we get it done on the first round.

The next morning, just hours before the start of proceedings on the House floor, Johnson was asked again whether hed win on the first ballot. I think so, he said.

As it happens, the incumbent's optimism proved correct: Following a highly unusual process, Johnson prevailed by the narrowest of margins, receiving 218 votes  the bare minimum for success  three more than the total for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Based on the initial tally, it appeared that the speaker had come up short: He could only afford to lose two of his own members, and three House Republicans  Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Rep. Keith Self of Texas  threw their support behind other GOP lawmakers.

It was at that point when a series of press releases went out responding to Johnson's first-round failure.

They proved premature. While congressional clerks reviewed the initial balloting, several House Republicans, including Johnson, huddled with Norman and Self. (Massie was apparently deemed unreachable.) We'll learn soon enough what was said behind closed doors, but the message proved persuasive: Before the gavel came down on the first ballot, the Texan and South Carolinian agreed to change their votes, giving Johnson the support he needed.

This is, of course, the outcome Donald Trump was hoping for: The president-elect not only endorsed the Louisianan, he also invested political capital, making direct appeals to individual members in the run-up to the vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If recent history is any guide, Trump will likely claim credit for the outcome fairly soon. What's more, Johnson, whose fate was closely tied to the president-elect's wishes, will likely feel indebted to the incoming White House.

Exactly two years ago, then-Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., became the first House speaker nominee in 100 years to fail to win the gavel from his fellow party members in the first round of balloting.

It briefly appeared as if this was poised to happen twice in successive Congresses, but to the GOP's relief, Johnson eked out an unexpected victory.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Within hours of the New Years attack in New Orleans, Donald Trump made series of claims that were false and ugly in equal measure, simultaneously flunking tests of accuracy, decency and credibility. Indeed, the president-elect offered the public a timely reminder that when tragedy strikes, Americans just cant count on the Republican for reliable and trustworthy information.

But the political party he leads didnt exactly cover itself in glory, either.

On the contrary, GOP officials spent much of Thursday crafting a list of people, policies and institutions the party wanted to blame, at least in part, for the deadly violence. Over the course of the day, Republicans ended up blaming:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Immigrants: Far too many GOP voices suggested that the suspect wasnt an American, despite the fact that Shamsud-Din Jabbar was a U.S. Army veteran born and raised in Texas.

Border policies: On Thursday morning, House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared on Fox News and tried to connect the dots between terrorism and the wide-open border, despite the fact that the border clearly isnt open  a detail the Louisiana Republican really ought to know  and the suspect was a native-born American citizen. Nevertheless, Johnson wasnt alone: I lost count of how many GOP officials referenced the open border in the hours after the attack, reality be damned.

DEI: In a bit of a surprise, Republican Rep. Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania appeared on Fox News after the attack and turned his attention to, of all things, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The priority of the last four years has been DEI, not IEDs, the congressman said. You talk to anyone whos willing to speak within these agencies, thats what their focus has been. I have no idea why Meuser believes this, though the point was echoed by a variety of conservative media personalities.

President Joe Biden: Within hours of the attack, Donald Trump Jr., the president-elects eldest son, declared, Bidens parting gift to America  migrant terrorists. But the suspect wasnt a migrant, and the president wasnt responsible for the violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

School teachers: Arguably the strangest argument of all came from Ryan Walters, Oklahomas superintendent of public instruction, who posted a video to social media that began with a misguided call to shut down the border, before adding, We also have to take a look at how are these terrorists coming from people that live in America? And, you know, you have schools that are teaching kids to hate their country, that this country is evil, you have the teachers unions pushing this on our kids, the radical left wants people to hate this country.

And look, this is a real uncomfortable truth, and I know the left is going to lose their mind, but listen: We cannot allow our schools to be terrorist training camps, Walters concluded. We cannot allow our schools to teach our kids to hate this country. We cannot allow our kids to teach [sic] that this is an evil country.

Those looking for wisdom and constructive ideas in the wake of the deadly violence had reason to avoid Republican commentary.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As he prepares for his second inauguration, Donald Trump faces a great many challenges, but responding to the deadly attack in New Orleans shouldnt have been one of them. On the contrary, this could have been, and should have been, incredibly easy.

In the world of presidential politics, theres an obvious script to follow in the aftermath of such a tragedy: Leaders extend their sympathies, honor the victims and their loved ones, thank first responders, and vow to stand with the community as it takes steps to recover.

The president-elect apparently prefers a very different kind of script.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the public first started learning the details of what happened in New Orleans, the Republicans first instinct was to tell Americans how right he was, falsely suggest that the suspected terrorist  a U.S. Army veteran born in Texas  was an immigrant, followed by some demonstrably untrue claims about the national crime rates. By flunking tests of accuracy, decency and credibility, Trump reminded Americans that we just cant count on him for reliable and trustworthy information in the wake of a tragedy.

Some of the Republicans defenders have suggested that the misinformation he touted wasnt entirely his fault: Fox News reported that the suspect had crossed over the border from Mexico earlier this week. The network soon after walked back its reporting, but Trump  relying on conservative media instead of intelligence briefings  left his original statement intact.

And then he decided to stick with the misinformation, apparently preferring it to reality. NBC News reported:

Despite Foxs clarifications, Trump doubled down on his message Thursday in posts on Truth Social, saying that the Biden administrations handling of the nations borders has led to a violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy.

In the runup to Election Day 2024, the Republican pushed a closing message that was rooted, to a surprising degree, in a fundamentally dystopian vision: The United States, Trump insisted, was a garbage can. Americans live in a failing nation and a nation in decline, he declared. Told in October that America is a great country, the then-GOP candidate said  out loud and on the record  that he disagreed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The day after the attack in New Orleans, Trump picked up on the same sentiment, telling the public by way of his social media platform that the United States is a disaster and an international laughing stock. He added that federal law enforcement agencies, as well as many state and local prosecutors, are incompetent and corrupt.

In case that werent quite enough, in the same online missive, the incoming president added that violent SCUM has infiltrated all aspects of our government, and only strength and powerful leadership will stop it  the kind of rhetoric one generally expects from those with inherently authoritarian intentions.

Hours later, the president-elect published yet another message, condemning the Biden Open Borders Policy, despite the fact that (a) the New Orleans suspect was a U.S. Army veteran from Texas; (b) the border clearly isnt open; and (c) there is no apostrophe in the word borders.

Trump went on to describe President Joe Biden  whos been nothing but gracious toward his successor since the election  as the WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA and a COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER. The Republican concluded, What he and his group of Election Interfering thugs have done to our Country will not soon be forgotten!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Something MSNBCs Chris Hayes told viewers last night continues to resonate: It absolutely sends a chill up my spine to imagine what [Trumps] response will be if we have the misfortune of having another major crisis  like another pandemic or financial panic or massive terrorist attack.

This shouldve been such an easy task for the incoming president, but he just cant seem to pass simple tests.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Immigration hawks believe they won an important first battle in their skirmish with billionaire Elon Musk over specialty foreign worker visas. But they remain privately worried about their ability to retain the upper hand in the broader war within the GOP given the rising influence of tech moguls as Donald Trump returns to the White House.

The bitter clash that spilled out in public over the holidays between MAGA activists who favor tighter restrictions on a program designed to attract high-skilled immigrant workers and corporate leaders who rely on their labor ended with Musk conceding in a post on X that the H-1B visa program he previously extolled is broken and needs major reform.

But the spat has groups that push for cuts to legal immigration lowering their expectations for the incoming Republican trifecta as the partys attempt to build a bigger tent brings new ideological divisions. The America First camp now has to face off against both the traditional business sector of the GOP that favors cheap labor but also the tech industry that only recently has aligned with Republicans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Youve got to understand, even if you're the most MAGA of MAGA people, these guys helped Trump get elected, and he owes them, Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank that pushes for less legal immigration, said of Musk and his ilk. I personally think immigration should be reduced dramatically, but youve got to operate in reality, and the H-1B program isn't going anywhere, if only because Congress would have to do something on it, and Congress can't even pass a budget.



Its an acknowledgement that underscores an inherent tension within this new big-tent GOP between the populist base and longstanding corporate interests, now boosted by high-profile tech entrepreneurs like Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency co-leader Vivek Ramaswamy. Its one of the biggest policy hurdles facing the incoming Trump administration  and at least for now, the corporate interests appear to be winning. But even as immigration restriction activists concede that a significant overhaul of the H-1B program, a visa designed for workers in skilled or specialty occupations, by Congress is unlikely, they are counting on allies in the federal government to make administrative changes that curb legal as well as illegal immigration.

Krikorian told POLITICO that as many as three of his staffers will soon be working for the Trump administration, a sign of the kind of influence groups that push for less legal immigration will have over the next four years. Krikorian declined to name them, though one  CIS director of investigations Jon Feere  is already serving on Trumps landing team, the cadre of officials tasked with getting the new administration up to speed ahead of inauguration day, at the Department of Homeland Security. Feere did not respond to a request for comment.

Jack Posobiec, an influential MAGA podcaster critical of the H-1B program, expects Trump to reinstate executive orders from his first term  some of which were blocked by courts for procedural violations  that aimed to make it more difficult for U.S. companies to hire foreign workers and raise the wages they must be paid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I would not be surprised to see them return, he said.

A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), a close Trump ally, predicted that changes to the H-1B visa program wont be a priority for the GOP majority this year.

It may get into a package this year or not, who knows, he said of a potential H-1B visa overhaul. The number-one focus we have is going to be on actually securing the nation's borders, repatriation of illegal immigrants to their home countries, getting our economy on track."

Other Republicans, including Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), downplayed the GOP rift over the issue and argued that the pro-business wing of the party far outnumbers the immigration restriction advocates. "Weve got President Trump, Elon Musk, myself and just about every other Republican on one side, and, I think, just a handful of people on the other," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Similar divisions are roiling the Democratic Party as it attempts to chart a path forward in the wake of Kamala Harris November loss and balance its more elite and corporate interests with its longtime base of racially diverse working-class voters who have drifted to the right.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Thursday had a rare moment of alignment with the MAGA movement when he blasted the H-1B visa program and argued that it is being used not to hire the best and the brightest, but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad.

Though Sanders has voiced similar critiques in the past, some immigration restrictionists on the right saw his comments as a sign of a larger shift in the zeitgeist. Steve Bannon, the former top Trump aide, told POLITICO they underscored the birth of a new politics.

Labor groups also see the recent flareup as a sign there may be an opening  and bipartisan support  for H-1B reforms under the new administration. But they worry that narrow window may close if Trump continues to side with those who want to leave the program untouched or expand it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I actually met with him personally on this issue in 2020and Trump basically said, Americans need American jobs first, said IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson, who represents tens of thousands of engineers. And what's confusing to me is it sounds like now he's listening to tech billionaires and tech employers on how the visa program ought to work, and saying the opposite of what he was thinking then.

The H-1B visa program has long been a flashpoint in both the Republican and Democratic parties, with politicians either touting the program for expanding the skilled labor pool and encouraging innovation in the U.S. or criticizing it for taking high-value jobs away from American workers.

Federal agencies have repeatedly warned of high levels of fraud and abuse in the programs, including companies trying to game its lottery system by requesting more workers than they need. And a 2023 poll by Gallup that found that 73 percent of Republicans wanted overall immigration levels decreased, while a Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey in September 2022 that found that two-thirds of Republicans who expressed a favorable view of Trump wanted to see legal immigration reduced.

Groups that push for less legal immigration and stricter enforcement of immigration laws think they sent an effective shot across the bow over the holidays by generating a fierce online backlash to Musk and Ramaswamys calls for expanding the H-1B program.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They didn't appreciate how intensely felt this concern for immigration was among Trump's voter base, Krikorian said. The tech people do not understand the politics of this issue. And over Christmas week, they got a lesson. And Trump himself, I think, got a lesson.

But Trump came out in apparent support of the H-1B program in the wake of the skirmish, saying that the country needs smart people and that he has many people with such visas working at his properties, calling it a great program, though he appears to lean primarily on a different group of immigrants, unskilled workers with H-2B visas. It represented a significant reversal for the president-elect, who has previously called the program unfair and very bad for American workers.

In his first term, Trump tried to restrict the H-1B visas, with his top adviser Stephen Miller pushing behind the scenes to limit them. Trump named Miller as his incoming deputy chief of staff for policy  one of several immigration hawks set to hold prominent roles in the new administration. Vice President-elect JD Vance has also been critical of H-1B visas.

Still, immigration restrictionist groups like the Federation for American Immigration Reform fear those voices may be drowned out by Musk and other tech moguls who have Trumps ear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If they have an outsized influence, you have a case of the fox guarding the hen house, said Ira Mehlman, the media director for FAIR. Look, these are vital industries. We should listen to what they have to say. But there's also the concerns of American workers that need to be taken into account.

Brakkton Booker contributed reporting.
Maggie Haberman on Thursday predicted Donald Trump will continue to manipulate the New Orleans truck attack into a narrative that supports his anti-immigration agenda in the coming weeks as he takes office.

Whats behind it, Pam, is that Trump has a pretty firm anti-immigrant box in which he fits most things, and this is no exception, the prominent New York Times reporter told CNNs Pamela Brown on The Source.

Theyre tripling down. His communications director, Steven Cheung, sent me a statement ... loosely tying this incident to examples where immigrants have crossed the border who had ISIS ties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They were relatively small in number compared to the number of border crossings there are daily, she added.

But you are going to, I suspect, see President-elect Trump continue to push this, because he has said ... that on day one, he is going to seal the border, and I think you are going to see him use this as a reason why.

The journalist said she was not surprised with the direction Trump took, despite there still being so much we dont know about the attacker who killed at least 14 people by plowing through Bourbon Street in a truck on New Years Day.

The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Wednesday, before the FBI had identified its suspect publicly, Trump linked the attack to immigration failures.

But when the suspect was identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas, Trump did not back down, continuing his tirade against OPEN BORDERS.

Cheung, Trumps spokesperson, provided a statement to HuffPost on Thursday akin to the one Haberman described when asked if the president-elect intended to amend his misleading comments following the identification of the suspect.

President Trump rightfully highlighted that criminals crossing the border have committed some of the most heinous crimes this country has witnessed in its history. That is a factual statement, he said in part, adding, It is also true that radical Islamic terrorism and its warped ideology have crossed into our country and infected those looking to spread hate and violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Elected Republicans have also seized on the violence as an opportunity to criticize the Biden administrations border policies and tout the incoming administrations immigration plans.

Trump, who made undocumented immigration a core issue of his election campaign, has vowed a sweeping mass deportation effort and immigration crackdown when he takes office.
A 35-year-old Mahanoy City man was jailed in Schuylkill County Prison after he allegedly assaulted a police officer.

Diego Ruben Cruz, of East Mahanoy Street, was charged by Mahanoy City police after police said he acted aggressively toward officers and spit blood in one officers face while being taken into custody Tuesday.

Police said they were dispatched to a home for a report of a threat involving a protection from abuse order. The woman who lived there reported that Cruz was sending her threatening messages and stating he was going to come to her house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The woman showed police text messages that showed the defendant violated the PFA order, as well as voice messages of Cruz threatening to kill himself and the woman if he went to jail. Officers then went to Cruzs home to take him into custody.

When they knocked on the door, Cruz swung the door open and exited in an aggressive manner, police said. The defendant was placed in handcuffs and taken into a patrol vehicle.

While en route to the police station, Cruz smashed his head on the glass partition of the patrol vehicle, which left a laceration on his forehead and caused it to bleed, according to police.

When attempting to escort him out of the vehicle, Cruz refused to cooperate, curled himself into a ball and would not let officers take him, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police ultimately succeeded in removing the defendant, but he threw himself on the ground headfirst. Police walked him toward the station and requested assistance from EMS due to the possible head injury from earlier.

Just before they entered the station, police said, Cruz spit blood in an officers face.

Cruz faces a felony charge of assault of a police officer and a misdemeanor charge of terroristic threats.

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, and jailed in county prison, unable to post $50,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 25 in Kilkers office.
Jan. 2Lawmakers gathering in Augusta next week to start the 132nd Legislature will make more money than their predecessors, who voted last session to increase compensation by 61%.

A bill inserted into Gov. Janet Mills' budget increased pay for members of Maine's part-time Legislature to $45,000 for a two-year term, up from just under $28,000.

Lawmakers also voted to increase the governor's annual salary from $70,000  the lowest in the nation  to $125,000 a year. They also quadrupled the governor's expense account to $40,000 from $10,000. Mills won't benefit from the changes, however. Those increases  the first since 1987  will take effect when a new governor takes office in 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Maine's Constitution prevents lawmakers and governors from increasing their own salaries, which is why they apply to future Legislatures and governors. Lawmakers who served in the last Legislature and were reelected in November will get the increased pay.

The proposal to increase legislative salaries drew bipartisan support from lawmakers who described their roles as full-time jobs that demand a lot of time away from their families and workplaces. Increasing pay, they argued, would allow more people to consider serving.

House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, told the Press Herald last year that salaries were "way too low."

"If we want a better representation of the public, we need to increase salaries so working-class people can serve in these positions," Faulkingham said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was one spending priority on which Republicans and Democrats agreed.

Rep. Laurie Osher, D-Orono, said low pay presents "a structural barrier for young people, people of color, and low-income and working-class Mainers."

"Because of this, the Legislature does not accurately reflect the Mainers who elect us," Osher said. "There are vital perspectives that are underrepresented or even missing from the conversation because too many Mainers cannot afford to serve."

The pay increases are projected to cost nearly $1.7 million this year.

Lawmakers will earn $25,000 for the first regular session, scheduled to end on June 18, and $20,000 for the second regular session, scheduled to end on April 15, 2026.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lawmakers also receive an annual cost of living adjustment to their salary, as well as allowances for meals and lodging.

And because Maine has a part-time legislature and most lawmakers commute from all corners of the state to Augusta during the sessions, lawmakers have the option of receiving a $150-a-day meals and lodging allowance to defray hotel or apartment costs, or getting reimbursed for mileage for their commutes.

Maine's 186 lawmakers received a combined $1.7 million in reimbursements during the 2023 legislative session.

Copy the Story Link
Jan. 2The Maine Warden Service is warning people to check for thin ice after a man was rescued at a pond in Industry on New Year's Day.

A game warden and an ice fisherman averted tragedy when they teamed up to pull 68-year-old David Beaudoin, of Industry, out of Clearwater Pond on Wednesday, according to Mark Latti, spokesperson for the Warden Service.

Game Warden Cody York was checking in with fisherman Miles Pelletier around 11 a.m. when they both heard a man yelling for help across the pond. Initially unable to see anything unusual, the men drove to Moes Cove Road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There, they saw Beaudoin, who had broken through the ice about 15 feet from shore and was in the water over his head. York and Pelletier used a rope to get to Beaudoin and drag him to shore.

Beaudoin was extremely hypothermic and unable to move or speak after being in the water for an extended time, Latti said. York and Pelletier put him in the warden's truck to warm up until an ambulance arrived to take him to MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington.

York later talked to Beaudoin's family and was told he was fully alert and eating, Latti said.

Game wardens say people should check the ice before venturing out on any frozen body of water.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ice that is light gray to dark black and melting is not safe to walk on. White to opaque indicates water-saturated snow that froze on top of ice that can lead to air pockets, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Mottled and slushy  or "rotten"  ice can be deceptive because it may appear thick on top, but is rotting away at the center. This condition is most prevalent in spring.

The safest ice will appear blue to clear and has a high density that makes it very strong, according to the department.

People should not walk on ice that is less than 4 inches thick and should not drive a snowmobile or ATV on ice until it is 5 to 7 inches thick. Ice must be 8 to 12 inches to support most cars or small pickup trucks and over a foot before it will hold a medium-sized truck.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials warn that ice is never 100% safe and that while new ice is stronger than old, it never forms uniformly. Ice can be 12 inches thick in one spot, but only 2 or 3 inches 20 feet away, according to the department.

Copy the Story Link
The Social Security Fairness Act, co-written by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, received bipartisan support in the U.S House and Senate last year. (Photo illustration by iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Colin Bushnell, who teaches English at Sanford High School, became a teacher in his early 30s. At the time, he didnt realize that his career change would mean losing a large portion of the money he had previously paid into Social Security.

Thats because of a provision in federal law that severely limits the amount of Social Security money public service employees who earn a pension can receive. Millions of public service employees across the country lose hundreds of dollars a month in their Social Security benefits, and Maine is one of the states disproportionately impacted by this statute, called the Windfall Elimination Provision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I couldnt even believe it was a real thing, to be honest. It seems so ridiculous and unfair, Bushnell said.

Firefighters, teachers, policemen; a lot of us could probably do a lot better in the private sector, but have made a choice to dedicate our lives to these professions. We should be the last people to be penalized for it.

But in late December, Congress passed reforms to Social Security that if signed into law will reverse provisions that have stifled retirement benefits for thousands of Mainers.

The Social Security Fairness Act, co-written by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, received bipartisan support in the U.S House and Senate last year. It proposes eliminating two separate provisions that severely limit Social Security benefits for retired teachers and public service employees who receive pensions, and the benefits their spouses can receive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, Collins sent a letter to Acting Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Carolyn Colvin requesting that the agency swiftly implement the act following President Joe Bidens expected signing of the bill on Jan. 6.

The Windfall Elimination Provision was cited in a 2024 Educate Maine report as a significant barrier for entering the educator workforce. A teacher from Knox County said teachers are moving away because of it, according to the report.

As of 2023, more than 21,000 Maine residents, most of whom are retired, were affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision.

Another 8,200 Mainers were also impacted by the Government Pension Offset that reduces Social Security benefits for spouses and widows or widowers of people who receive pensions not covered by Social Security.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The law could double the amount of pensions that teachers and other public service retirees receive, depending on how much Social Security money they were losing out on.

For example, Tony Gonzales of Milo worked in the private sector for 20 years, during which time he paid into Social Security, and then for the Maine Department of Transportation for 25 years.

When he retired in 2018, his Social Security benefits statement said he would receive $1,000 a month. But because of the Windfall Elimination Provision, he could only get 40% of that.

I have paid a $600 monthly penalty now for going on seven years, he said. The $600 a month that I paid for but that I currently dont get would make my life easier.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several unions, including the Maine Education Association, the Maine Service Employees Association and the Maine School Boards Association applauded Congress for supporting the reform, which some Maine unions have lobbied for for decades.

For 30-something years, weve been trying to fight this, said Steven Bailey, president of the Maine School Boards Association, about the two provisions.

The [Social Security Fairness Act] is a very positive thing for educators as well as government workers in the state.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
The news media is the least trusted group among 10 U.S. civic and political institutions involved in the democratic process, the polling firm Gallup concluded in a 2024 analysis.

Despite news organizations pledges to provide fact-based reporting, and ongoing investments to build trust, people across the political spectrum in the U.S. are unconvinced of mainstream medias self-described credibility.

The category mainstream media refers to flagship national newspapers like The New York Times, cable news channels like CNN and Fox News and news networks like ABC or NBC and their local affiliates. Despite deepening partisan divides in the U.S, Pew Internet Research has found that this definition is consistent across Republicans and Democrats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mainstream medias credibility has been diminishing for years. But the trend has attracted renewed attention from news leaders and analysts since the 2024 presidential election, when many outlets again misjudged the electoral chances of President-elect Donald Trump.

I am a professor of journalism and media, and I believe my research offers a way forward for journalism to build credibility: solidarity journalism.

What is solidarity journalism?

Solidarity, as I define it, is a commitment to peoples basic dignity that translates into action.

Since 2014, my academic research has focused on the role of solidarity in journalism that represents marginalized communities  like people who are homeless, face food insecurity or are the targets of violence. These are groups who cannot simply opt out of the conditions placing their survival and safety at stake.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Journalists who cover these populations and topics accurately, I find, approach their reporting in ways that set them apart from the majority of news coverage. Specifically, when reporting in solidarity, journalists use newsworthiness criteria, sourcing tactics and framing styles that are distinct from those typically used by mainstream media.

Few journalists, by the way, use the label of solidarity to describe their practices. Instead, my research shows, solidarity emerges in how some journalists do their reporting.

What is newsworthy?

The first question journalists are trained to ask themselves before proceeding is: Is this news? In other words, what makes a topic worth covering right now?

Journalists usually know their editors will be looking for a few simple criteria. A strong story pitch usually includes novelty and people with institutional power. It feels important when weighed against other events happening at the same time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Often, a political leaders comments are what make an issue newsworthy, such as when President Joe Biden apologized in October 2024 for the inhumane conditions in Native American boarding schools run by the U.S. federal government until the 1960s.

When reporting in solidarity, however, journalists find stories newsworthy because peoples basic survival and safety are at stake.

A story published by Outlier Media on March 8, 2023, illustrates this approach. Headlined Detroit tenants are organizing and making bigger demands, the piece focuses on tenants struggles for simple needs like functioning sewage systems, hot water and electricity.

The president may never issue an apology for a city neglecting its poorest residents. And journalists reporting in solidarity dont wait for elite recognition. They believe that when peoples basic dignity is at risk, its a topic worth reporting.

Handling of sources

Sources are the people, institutions and data that journalists use to provide evidence in reporting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the worst cases, marginalized sources describe reporters as hostile, transactional and extractive. Such journalists parachute in to cover a big story and grab quotes and wrenching photos of tragedies. Then, they disappear as abruptly as they arrived.

Journalists reporting in solidarity do their jobs differently.

They show up on the scene of an unfolding issue not only for the story but for the people affected. They spend time listening to people experiencing the issue and return after a story has run to continue the conversation  particularly when the struggles persist.

Reframing the narrative

Framing in journalism refers to how a story is told. It isnt possible for journalists to include every possible source or every aspect of an issue. Frames shape who and what fits into a story.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Commonly, news framing focuses on how officials define an issue.

Take, for example, an ABC7News story about homelessness from July 25, 2024. Headlined Bay Area mayors respond to Gov. Newsoms order to remove homeless encampments, it is framed around how officials reacted to a mandate to remove homeless encampments from city streets  not on the residents of those camps.

Solidarity journalists center the perspectives of the people living the news, like residents of razed homeless encampments. AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli

Solidarity framing prioritizes the people who are living an issue that places their basic dignity at stake due to factors beyond personal circumstance or bad luck. Solidarity framing defines issues based on what people experiencing these struggles know  and know they need  through firsthand experience.

A solidarity framing of California Gov. Gavin Newsoms order to remove homeless encampments sounds like this: We gotta be somewhere: Homeless Californians react to Newsoms crackdown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This story, published in CalMatters on Aug. 12, 2024, accounts for what people affected by tent bans are experiencing firsthand. It illustrates the impossible situation facing people who have nowhere else to go.

In solidarity framing, official sources arent judge and jury. Instead, marginalized peoples direct accounts shape coverage of what they are going through.

True public service

My interviews and interactions with journalists since 2014 find that a subset of mainstream journalists quietly do solidarity reporting already. They tell grounded stories of marginalized peoples struggles and prioritize those firsthand accounts over the messaging promoted by people in power.

I believe this model should be central to how journalism envisions its purpose and public service. And Im not alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Black people have for centuries called for more factual reporting that reflects their actual lives, because mainstream news has long criminalized and dehumanized their communities. Trans people have similarly called for more on-the-ground reporting as a way for journalism to improve its credibility.

Many other groups, from progressive activists to conservatives, have indicated that they would find a solidarity reporting approach more credible than current reporting practices.

Mainstream media could do a way better job of bringing in  folks who are actually on the ground experiencing this in real time and who were fighting to stop this in the first place, one social justice activist told me in 2023.

Conservatives, meanwhile, object to what they see as distorted coverage of their communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres a lot of different kinds of conservatives, and they just lump them all together as the right-wing extremists, said one conservative news reader in a study by the Center for Media Engagement.

Through solidarity practices, mainstream media has a chance to achieve what it has always claimed to contribute to society: truthful reporting based on what is happening on the ground, to real people, in real time  and with real impact.

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: Anita Varma, The University of Texas at Austin

Read more:



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anita Varma receives grant funding from Democracy Fund for research on solidarity journalism.
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's coastguard said on Friday it was doubling patrols in its waters to locate boats carrying undocumented Myanmar migrants, after almost 200 were detained on an island in the northwestern Malaysian state of Kedah.

The coastguard said police had detained 196 undocumented Myanmar migrants in the early hours of Friday after their boat came ashore on a beach on the resort island of Langkawi.

"Based on information the coastguard received, there are two more boats carrying undocumented Myanmar migrants at sea but their exact location is still unknown," the coastguard said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Malaysian coastguard director-general Mohd Rosli Abdullah said authorities were patrolling the northern waters off Langkawi and border areas, and had arranged for air surveillance to be conducted to locate the boats.

The coastguard is also in contact with Thai authorities to identify the movement of the boats carrying the migrants, Mohd Rosli said.

Earlier on Friday, local English daily The Star reported about 200 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar had come ashore on Langkawi. The Rohingya are a mainly Muslim minority in majority Buddhist Myanmar.

The coastguard did not specify in its statement whether the migrants were Rohingya.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Around one million Rohingya have fled, mostly to neighbouring Bangladesh, to escape a Myanmar military offensive launched in August 2017, a campaign that U.N. investigators have described as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Mynamar's military rulers deny the allegations.

Malaysia, which does not recognise refugee status, has long been a favoured destination for ethnic Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar or the refugee camps in Bangladesh.

But in recent years, Malaysia has turned away boats carrying Rohingya refugees and rounded up thousands in crowded detention centres as part of a crackdown on undocumented migrants.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Between 2010 and 2024, Malaysian authorities detained 2,089 undocumented Myanmar migrants attempting to enter the country by sea, the coastguard said.

(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by Gareth Jones)
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  The man accused in a bomb threat that shut down several miles of Interstate 85 in Greenville County appeared in bond court Friday.

28-year-old Ahmad Jamal Khamees Alhendi, of Oak Lawn, Illinois, went before a judge on charges of breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, conveying false information about a bomb threat, and operating an unregistered vehicle.

Alhendi was arrested Thursday following a traffic stop on Interstate 85 near mile marker 44.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, a State Transport Police officer pulled over a tractor trailer due to a missing license plate.

During the traffic stop, Alhendi told the officer that an explosive device was inside the commercial vehicle, officials said.

All lanes of the interstate were closed and bomb squads from the Greenville County Sheriffs Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division responded to the scene.

No explosive devices were found and the interstate reopened about five hours later.

The tractor trailer was registered to Globe Transportation of Illinois, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Alhendi is being held in the Greenville County Detention Center on $20,238 bond.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a hold on Alhendi, a Jordanian national.

The agency said Alhendi entered the United States legally in 2018 but failed to comply with the terms of his legal admittance.

He is scheduled to appear before an immigration judge with the Justice Departments Executive Office for Immigration Review on August 6, 2026, according to ICE.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A man accused of long hiding a stolen pair of sequined ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz plans to plead guilty, his attorney confirmed Friday.

The slippers were stolen in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Their whereabouts remained a mystery for nearly 13 years until the FBI recovered them in 2018. They fetched a record price for movie memorabilia when they were auctioned off for $32.5 million last month, according to Heritage Auctions, which conducted the sale. The buyer still has not been revealed.

Jerry Hal Saliterman, now 77, of Crystal, Minnesota, was charged last March with theft of a major artwork and witness tampering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hes expected to plead not guilty when hes arraigned Monday before a federal magistrate judge, a formality because magistrate judges cant accept guilty pleas in felony cases in Minnesota. But the district judge overseeing the case on Friday scheduled a change of plea hearing for Jan. 10.

Saliterman's attorney, John C. Brink, confirmed to The Associated Press that his client will change his plea then to guilty, but he declined to give details about any potential plea agreement. The U.S. Attorney's Office for North Dakota, which is prosecuting the case, declined to comment.

The man who stole the slippers, Terry Jon Martin, now 77, pleaded guilty in 2023 to theft of a major artwork, admitting to what his attorney said was an attempt to pull off one last score after turning from a life of crime. He was sentenced last January to time served because of his poor health.

The indictment against Saliterman says that from August 2005 to July 2018, he received, concealed, and disposed of an object of cultural heritage, and that Saliterman knew the slippers were stolen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Saliterman is also in poor health. He was in a wheelchair and on supplemental oxygen last March during his first court appearance.

Authorities have not said how Martin and Saliterman might have been connected. Martin, who lives near Grand Rapids, said at his plea hearing in October 2023 that he hoped to sell what he thought were real rubies from the shoes. But a person who deals in stolen goods, known as a fence, informed him the rubies werent real, he said. Martin said he then got rid of the slippers, but declined to say how he did so.

Garlands character, Dorothy, wore several pairs while filming the classic 1939 musical, but only four pairs are known to remain. Hollywood memorabilia collector Michael Shaw had loaned his pair to the museum before Martin stole them. Shaw eventually got them back, and had them auctioned last month.

Garland was born Frances Gumm in 1922. She lived in Grand Rapids, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of Minneapolis, until she was 4 years old. She died in 1969. The Judy Garland Museum says it has the worlds largest collection of Garland and Wizard of Oz memorabilia.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  A man was hospitalized on Thursday after a shooting in Laurel County.

The Laurel County Sheriffs Office said at 2:45 p.m., authorities responded to a shooting off Hopper Creek Road about 9 miles southeast of London to find a 43-year-old man who was shot in the hip.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

The sheriffs department said the man was airlifted to the UK Medical Center in Lexington.

Authorities said investigators are working to determine a possible suspect in the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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.
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  A Baton Rouge man was arrested after allegedly entering a local school to confront a teacher he believed was pursuing his wife, also a teacher at the school.

Brandon Burrell, 31, was charged with assault on a school teacher following an incident at GEO Prep Academy, located at 2311 N. Sherwood Forest Drive, on Oct. 25, 2024.

According to an affidavit from the Baton Rouge Police Department, Burrell entered the school through an unlocked door and wandered the hallways searching for the teacher, visibly angry. The school principal intervened, hid the teacher in the gym, and asked Burrell to leave the premises.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The teacher, whose wife works in the same classroom as Burrells wife, told investigators that Burrell believed the two were having an affair. The teacher denied any inappropriate relationship, stating he had occasionally purchased lunch for his wife and asked Burrells wife if she wanted food as well.

Baton Rouge police investigate two deadly shootings, stabbing to start new year

Two months prior to the school incident, Burrell allegedly called the teacher, accusing him of being too nice to his wife and threatening to harm him. The affidavit states Burrell warned the teacher that he would bat him in his mouth if he did not stop interacting with his wife.

On the day of the incident, Burrell was on FaceTime with his wife while the teacher was in the same classroom. The teacher greeted Burrells child, who was present in the room, which reportedly angered Burrell. Burrell then threatened the teacher over the phone and arrived at the school shortly after.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While inside the school, Burrell allegedly made verbal threats against the teacher in front of students, causing a disruption.

Burrell was arrested on Dec. 31 and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. He faces one count of assault on a school teacher, a felony charge.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  One man is now arrested in connection to a homicide from nearly two weeks ago. Oklahoma City police said they found a man shot to death and laying by the curb.

The new arrest comes just a few weeks after police gave a public plea for help to find the person who committed the crime.

LOCAL NEWS: Police investigating after man found dead in NW OKC

Were hoping that somebody may have seen something we just havent heard from yet, said MSGT. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On the last day of the year, Richard Hawkins, was arrested in connection to the December 20 shooting near 4th Street and Kentucky.

As officers arrived, they found one person who was lying outside on the on the street just right by the curb. That person appeared to have been shot to death, said Knight.

Newly filed court papers show the victim was shot in the chest.

Detectives also interviewed a witness who claimed they heard three gunshots.

People in the area, from what they told detectives, it sounds like some type of altercation or argument was taking place when the victim was shot and killed, said Knight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The witness told police that the person arguing with the victim was nicknamed Pac-Man.

LOCAL NEW: Firefighters respond to fire at NW Oklahoma City housing complex

Court papers explain two weeks later that officers learned Pac-Mans real name is Richard Hawkins.

According to the affidavit, another witness talked to police on New Years Eve. They said Hawkins was talking to the witness, saying, He had to go, he had shot the guy.

The witness also told police Hawkinss name, birthday, and the Pac-Man nickname.

A newly filed arrest report shows Hawkins was found sitting at a bus stop in Edmond and was placed into custody 13 days after the initial shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hawkins is in the Oklahoma County Jail on a $10 million bond. Court papers show he has a prior felony conviction from California.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 2RITZVILLE  An Ocean Shores man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a law enforcement officer after an altercation at a Ritzville service station Monday.

Kenneth Curtiss, 42, allegedly got into an altercation with Adams County Sheriff's deputies and Washington State Patrol troopers after two reports of an unidentified man causing a disturbance, according to an ACSO statement.

The first report came from a truck stop in the 2000 block of North Durry Drive near Tokio, according to the statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"A male subject had reportedly assaulted an employee and fled in a vehicle described (as having) distinctive flags on its bumper," the statement said.

While deputies were on their way to that, a second incident was reported at the Ritzville business on West First Avenue. The unidentified man allegedly assaulted a patron at the service station; his truck allegedly had the same distinctive flags on the bumper, the report said. Deputies and the WSP found him still at the service station.

"The male escaped to his vehicle where a short scuffle took place with a deputy being assaulted," the statement said. "(The man) fled on foot. He was captured a short time later with a taser being used to safely take him into custody."

The man, identified as Curtiss, was taken to a local hospital for a medical assessment, then booked into jail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Corrections staff members placed Kenneth in a full body restraint (WRAP device) due to his behavior and to prevent any injury," Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner said in the statement.

A passenger in the vehicle was found not to be involved and was released, the post said. Curtiss's dog was taken into custody by Adams County Pet Rescue.

The case is still under investigation and additional charges may be pending, the release said.
DENVER (KDVR)  A man has been charged with first-degree murder related to a deadly shooting that happened in Commerce City earlier this week.

On Sunday around 4 a.m., the Commerce City Police Department responded to the area near East 62nd Avenue and Jasmine Court. Gunfire detection technology had alerted police that shots were fired in the area.

When police arrived on the scene, they found a man dead inside a parked vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

Police began searching the ground and used drones to search the area. CCPD said they found a man hiding in a backyard near the scene, and he was taken into custody as a person of interest.

Friday, the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office announced that it filed a first-degree murder charge against 30-year-old Fabian Benitez in connection to the case.

Benitez is set to appear in court on Friday morning.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A Manchester man turned himself into police on Thursday after a shooting that left a woman in critical condition, according to authorities.

33-year-old Francisco Garcia was charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and reckless conduct.

Officers responding to a reported shooting in the area of Central and Maple Streets around 6:30 p.m. found a group of people yelling for help outside 341 Central Street.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Once inside, officials say they found a 55-year-old woman hemorrhaging severely from a serious gunshot wound to her arm.

She was transported to an area hospital with injuries considered to be life-threatening.

Investigators determined Garcia knew the victim and also shot at another person before leaving the scene of the crime. He showed up at the Manchester Police Department shortly thereafter to turn himself in.

Police say Garcia had an active bench warrant and a warrant for another agency. Details of those warrants were not immediately available.

Garcia will be arraigned in Manchester District Court on Friday.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
MARKHAM, Ill.  The man accused of murdering a grandmother and her daughter in Park Forest one day after Christmas had recently threatened one of the victims with a gun and complained about his living situation, prosecutors revealed Thursday.

WGN News was in court as Coleman Franklin, 50, faced a judge for the first time on two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of 51-year-old Lillian Brown, whom he was dating, and her 30-year-old daughter, Sabrina McCain.

Franklin appeared slightly smug as he entered the courtroom, but his expression turned to one of no visible emotion as prosecutors revealed graphic allegations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Judge Luciano Panici ordered Franklin detained until trial and said he could not be certain, given the suspects criminal history, that he would not make attempts to harm a child who witnessed the crime or others in the community.

He is an absolute danger to this community. The only people he is no longer a danger to are his victims that he murdered, Cook County Assistant States Attorney Bridget OBrien told the court.

Park Forest shooting victims remembered as the life of the party and an amazing mom

Prosecutors said it was McCains 9-year-old son who called 911 and brought police to the home on the 300 block of Miami Street in Park Forest around 6 p.m. on Dec. 26. On the call, the boy told the operator that he heard gunshots and then saw his play grandad Cole with a weapon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to OBrien, who described the 911 call as chilling, the boy can be heard saying Mama is dead on the ground. She got shot. He reported seeing Franklin standing over his mothers body, trying to pick up bullets, and reload the gun, prosecutors said.

Responding officers found the 9-year-old boy and his 2-year-old sister in the room with their mom, and found their grandmother in another room, while the suspect had already taken off.

Both victims had been shot at close range, according to results of an autopsy.

Sabrina McCain (L) and Lillian Brown (R)

In court Thursday, prosecutors detailed a conversation the boy had with responding officers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He asks the police if they would be able to take care of him because he cant take care of his 2-year-old sister, said OBrien.

Franklin allegedly escaped from the home through a back door before police arrived, but prosecutors said authorities were able to confirm his movements in the days after the crime using cell phone location data. In phone conversations with his relative after the slayings, Franklin allegedly denied being involved, implicated Browns husband, and said the 9-year-old witness was going to lie to police.

Browns husband, who prosecutors in court said is in divorce proceedings with his separated wife, denied having any contact with his wife for six months, was home all day and never went to the victims Park Forest home, prosecutors said.

Franklin was arrested following a New Years Eve phone call with his relative, who urged him to turn himself in and later called police after finding him at the Harvey Metra station.

This image, captured from Harvey police body camera footage provided Thursday, shows Franklin Colemans Dec. 31, 2024 arrest at the Harvey Metra station.

Prosecutors said investigators questioned a friend of the victims who reported that McCain had to get between Franklin and Brown 10 days before the killings after Franklin pulled a gun on Brown. The friend told authorities that McCain felt the family members were unsafe in the home and that she would call police if Franklin did anything like that again, according to a court document.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Court records show Franklin was convicted of three crimes between 1991 and 2000 in Cook County, including attempted murder, for which he served nine years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

It is not clear where he obtained the gun he allegedly used to murder Brown and McCain.

Franklins next court date was scheduled for January 24.

A GoFundMe account for the victims seeks $10,000 to cover funeral arrangements.

REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS

My mother was an amazing woman. She did everything she could to provide for me and my siblings. She was very kind and funny. She had a way about her that would make people comfortable. My mother was loved and it truly breaks my heart that this happened. The last day I saw her was Christmas, wrote Tianna McCain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tianna said she has a small sense of relief knowing Franklin was arrested in connection with their deaths.

My sister was a quiet woman but if she was comfortable around you, she could make you laugh nonstop. We always had these weird conversations that no one else would understand. But she did. She was a great mother. She worked hard to provide for her children. And she loved them unconditionally. My sister was my best friend. I talked to her a couple hours before she passed, Tianna shared with WGN News.

Neighbor Dyrece Boyd echoed the same sentiments and said she is going to miss her friend, she affectionately remembers as Lil, dearly. She called her a hard worker and said she loved to garden.

She was a very happy-go-lucky person, always smiling, always got something sweet to say. She was a good person. She really was, Boyd said. She loved them kids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She also expressed concern for the children and said her heart goes out to the family impacted by this tragedy.

I hope justice is served. I really do, Boyd said. I feel really sorry, and I pray the family can get through this and from this point on, I hope they can make Christmas something, because it wont be the same.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Nearly two weeks after a Masury woman was murdered, the man charged in connection to her death was in court for the first time.

Read next: Woman arrested after stripping and spitting incident

Andrew Reedys first court appearance followed his release from the hospital. He pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder and aggravated burglary. A judge ordered he be held without bond.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The charges stem from the December 20 shooting death of Jane Payton and a subsequent standoff. Investigators say he had been evicted from the home on Lucy Street earlier that day.

He immediately went back to the house where he broke into the house and killed the victim with a shotgun. He then led a standoff of approximately 22 hours with Brookfield police and local law enforcement  during that time period he then shot himself, said Assistant Trumbull County Prosecutor Chris Becker.

Reedy is scheduled to be back in court for a pretrial hearing on 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 WKBN.com.
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A York County man was charged with murder on New Years Eve after police say he threw the fatal blow in a bar fight nearly two years ago.

Aaron Wright, 34, of Hanover, faces charges of murder of the third-degree and aggravated assault stemming from the bar fight at The Circle in Hanover that killed another man, according to court documents.

The victim, who was not identified in court documents other than the initials B.S., was knocked out but they were awake and alert, being looked at by an off-duty medical personnel at the time police arrived at the bar, which was a little after 10:30 p.m. on March 15, 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Witnesses said while Wright was sitting at the bar, the victim bumped into him, which made Wright upset. According to the Hanover Borough Police, the victim walked away but shortly returned, and pushed a person, who was sitting next to Wright, to the bar.

Wright then punched B.S. in the head, knocking out the victim who then fell to the ground, the charges show.

Police said in the criminal complaint, that the victim did not want to be treated by EMS, would not discuss the incident, and wanted to go home.

The next day, the victim was found awake, covered in blood on the bathroom floor by his wife who then called 911, police said. After first responders arrived, the victim was rushed to the hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The criminal complaint shows the man later died at UPMC Harrisburg, with an autopsy showing he suffered multiple fractures and bleeding in his skull. His cause of death was from a Traumatic Brain Injury and was ruled a homicide.

Wright claimed that he threw the punch in self-defense, however, through numerous interviews and from watching surveillance video inside the bar, police said they saw the victim back away after pushing the person next to Wright at the bar, when Wright hit them, according to the charges. Police also noted that Wright asked for his bar check and did not render aid to the victim.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Severe Weather Alerts

At the request of the York County DAs Office, Dr. W.R. reviewed the facts and evidence related to this case and concluded that the defendants punch caused the series of events that ultimately led to the death of B.S., and the death of B.S. was directly related to the punch thrown by the defendant, police wrote in the charges.

Wright is locked up in York County Prison with bail denied. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHICAGO  A 38-year-old man has been charged with murder in the death of a woman on New Years Day.

Reginald Freeman, 38, of Chicago, faces one felony count of first-degree murder.

According to police, a 43-year-old woman was fatally shot around 3 a.m. Wednesday on the 1200 block of South Sawyer Avenue in the North Lawndale neighborhood.

The identity of the woman, and the details surrounding the shooting, have not yet been released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Came to my house like the mob: East Chicago principal among 3 placed on leave after charges

Freeman was arrested by police, just minutes after the shooting occurred, on the 3200 block of West Roosevelt Road.

He is scheduled to attend a detention hearing Friday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
POMEROY, Iowa (KCAU)  A man faces charges in a Tuesday morning shooting in Pomeroy, Iowa while two people remain in the hospital after being shot.

The Calhoun County Sheriffs Office said that charges have been filed against Nicholas Benedict in connection to the New Years Eve shooting in Pomeroy.

Benedict has been charged with willful injury causing serious injury, a class C felony; reckless use of a firearm resulting in serious injury, a class C felony; going armed with intent, a class D felony; assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, an aggravated misdemeanor; and obstruction of prosecution, another aggravated misdemeanor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Benedict was booked into the Carroll County Jail on a $29,000 bond.

Sioux City Dunhams Sports set to close Jan. 11

The sheriffs office said the two victims are expected to survive.

Officials said in a Tuesday release that there was an altercation inside an apartment that escalated into gunfire exchange.

Calhoun County Attorney Ben Smith said there was a standoff in Manson Tuesday morning that is linked to the shooting investigation in Pomeroy.

The sheriffs office and Iowa DCI are continuing to investigate the incident.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Authorities said Thursday that their investigation into an explosion that rattled the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas and killed one person had narrowed in on a decorated U.S. Army soldier, but that key details including a motive for the incident remained elusive.

At a news conference, officials said that identification belonging to the soldier, Matthew Alan Livelsberger, was found at the scene, where a Tesla Cybertruck burst into flames after an improvised explosive was detonated in the truck's bed. Livelsberger had rented the Cybertruck through the online platform Turo.

Before the news conference, two senior law enforcement officials told NBC News that it was Livelsberger who had died.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Clark County/Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill acknowledged speculation on social media surrounding Livelsberger, 37, a master sergeant in the U.S. Armys elite special forces unit and resident of Colorado Springs, but said there was no immediate indication that he was working as part of a larger operation.

We dont believe theres any further threat or anyone associated with him in Las Vegas, McMahill told reporters.

Authorities said a military ID, a passport and credit cards found at the scene were in Livelsberger's name, but that the body in the Cybertruck was burned beyond recognition. Investigators are still awaiting DNA or medical record confirmation of the bodys identity, but had other evidence indicating Livelsberger had died, including tattoos on the bodys stomach and arms. Authorities also recovered two handguns, including a .50-caliber Desert Eagle and a semiautomatic pistol.

The body recovered from the Cybertruck sustained an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, McMahill said, adding that one of the weapons was found at the body's feet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the guns were traced back to Livelsberger, who lawfully purchased them on Dec. 30. ATF officials said they are still investigating the explosive device and sifting through debris, but the components appear to include consumer-grade fireworks, mortars and aerial shells.

The incident was being investigated as a possible terrorist attack, three senior law enforcement members said Wednesday.

Spencer Evans, a special agent in charge of the FBI's Las Vegas field office, said Thursday that officials have been vetting tips, one of which was "alluding to this person's experiences related to his time in the military."

An Army spokesperson said Livelsberger was assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and on approved leave from his base in Germany. He first entered the Army in 2006, re-entered active duty in December 2012 and was a Green Beret candidate after serving in the National Guard and the Army Reserve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier Thursday, federal law enforcement agents began searching a residence in Colorado Springs connected with the case and were expected to be on-site for several hours, the agency said in a statement.

This activity is related to the explosion in Las Vegas, the FBI said on X, declining to provide further details.

The blast in Las Vegas came just hours after a driver plowed a pickup truck into New Year's Eve revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 14 and injuring more than 30 others before being shot dead by police. A flag of the Islamic State terrorist group was found in the back of the pickup truck.

The driver in New Orleans was identified Wednesday as a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, and officials said they believe he acted alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Livelsberger's long military career included deployments to the Republic of Congo in 2014, Ukraine in 2016, Tajikistan in 2016 and Afghanistan in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

The military gave him several honors, including multiple Bronze Star medals, at least one with valor, meaning he saw combat and was considered to have served with valor or individual merit.

Officials said Wednesday that the pickup truck and the Tesla in the Las Vegas explosion were rented from the same company, Turo.

The company said in a statement it is assisting 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 statement said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Federal officials also said Thursday they had not found any association between the two events.

"At this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas," Chris Raia, the deputy assistant director of the FBIs counterterrorism division, told reporters during a news conference updating on the investigation into the New Orleans attack.

Still, the fact that the incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas came just hours apart and both appeared to involve military members with somewhat similar backgrounds has been noted by officials.

"If these turn out to be similarities, very strange similarities to have," McMahill said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities said Livelsberger rented the Tesla in Denver three days after Christmas and charged the electric vehicle near Colorado Springs on Monday. He charged it again in towns along Interstate 40 in New Mexico and Arizona before arriving in Las Vegas early Wednesday.

The Cybertruck ignited within 17 seconds of arriving at the valet at the Trump International Hotel, McMahill said. The explosion was reported at about 8:40 a.m. local time; seven bystanders were hurt, but their injuries were considered minor.

The Tesla Cybertruck that was involved in an explosion outside a Trump Hotel in Las Vegas.

In videos circulating online, sirens can be heard in the Trump International Hotel lobby as the vehicle just outside the doors is engulfed in flames. A person on social media said they were near the front door when the vehicle exploded and they were forced to leave their luggage by the door.

Other posts showed smoke filling the air around the building and first responders racing to the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McMahill said Tesla CEO Elon Musk helped to track the route of the vehicle and provided video showing the Cybertruck at Tesla charging stations.

Musk, who is also a part of President-elect Donald Trump's inner circle, said on X that the vehicle itself did not cause the explosion.

"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 wrote. "All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion."

Trump's son Eric Trump thanked local law enforcement for their "swift response."

"The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority," Eric Trump said in a statement.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A Chicago man faces multiple counts of child sex trafficking in a case involving a 17-year-old teenage girl performing sex acts in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Scottsdale police arrested George Mosley on Dec. 10.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the grand jury indictment of Mosley on Dec. 30. The 31-year-old faces 14 counts of child sex trafficking, two counts of sexual conduct with a minor and one count of illegal control of an enterprise.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

From May to July 2024, a teenager whom Mosley contacted through Instagram arranged paid sexual encounters reportedly at Mosleys request, according to court documents.

Mosley had cold messaged the teen on Instagram and had her pay $2,000 to travel to Phoenix from Michigan, the court records read.

According to police, at first, Mosley believed the teen was 19 but even after learning she was 17, he had her have sex for money and also had sex with her himself, the court records read.

The teen returned to her parents in Michigan and told detectives that Mosley has tried to convince her to drop the charges, court records said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mosley was born in Chicago, and his last known location was known to be there. Mosley had been staying in hotels while he was in Phoenix and Scottsdale, according to court records.

Mosley is being held on a $400,000 bond with a trial date set in April.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Chicago man facing 14 counts of child sex trafficking
KAYSVILLE, Utah (ABC4)  A 68-year-old man was arrested on Thursday on 33 felony counts of voyeurism after an investigation linked him to a camera found in a tanning room at the Kaysville VASA gym.

Kevin Dee Petersen, 68, is facing third-degree felony voyeurism charges after police analyzed VASA customer logs and surveillance footage that allegedly showed him placing the small camera in the tanning room, according to court documents.

ORIGINAL STORY: Camera found in tanning room at Kaysville VASA gym

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

VASAs information technology (IT) department assisted police in the investigation, allegedly finding that the first time the camera was connected to the gyms WiFi was on Dec. 9. The camera was found by a customer using the tanning room on Dec. 11 and immediately removed by a staff member.

Unfortunately, 33 people used the tanning room during that period of time in which his camera was constantly communicating with the gyms network, court documents state.

Kaysville police said at least one of the customers who used the tanning room was under the age of 18, meaning if the camera recorded them undressed it could lead to additional charges.

While Petersen is currently in custody, police are still working to get search warrants to review the content on the camera. Police said the camera was a home monitor and therefore did not have a storage feature. Instead, the camera would have provided real-time video to the owner through an app or sent the content to a cloud.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The charges could be much more severe if certain evidence is discovered, documents say.

When police confronted Petersen, they said he gave them a range of responses, initially denying the accusations and later saying he knew what he did was wrong, according to documents. He said he did not have videos from the tanning room on his device or a cloud.

Kaysville Police would like to express their gratitude for the publics patience and cooperation during this process. Please be advised that this investigation remains ongoing, the press release read.

When the camera was first discovered, VASA told ABC4 that staff have increased surveillance of this area and will be conducting more frequent sweeps of not only the tanning areas but also locker rooms to help prevent future issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At VASA, member and team member safety and privacy is our top priority, the letter read. We ask for your help in notifying a VASA team member immediately should you notice anything out of the ordinary or suspicious in one of these areas.

Petersen was booked in the Davis County Jail on Thursday, Jan. 2.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A man was hurt in a shooting that happened in Southeast D.C. on Thursday night, police confirmed.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it received a call about the shooting just after 9:50 p.m. A man had been shot in the 5200 block of Just Street NE.

Meet the Maryland couple that went viral for their Cheez-It Bowl wedding

MPD said he was in and out of consciousness, but breathing as of 10:05 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was no lookout or suspect information available.

This is a developing 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC.
TOOELE COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  A man facing charges for the alleged kidnapping and murder of three people in Salt Lake and Tooele Counties has now been linked to a fourth homicide after police found human remains in the same general area where the other victims were found.

According to court documents, Cesar Matias Sevilla-Aleman, 27, is now facing four counts of aggravated murder and four counts of aggravated kidnapping after additional felony charges were released on Thursday, Jan. 2.

Sevilla-Aleman, also known as Taliban, was charged in the killing of Rocio Bustamante-Banuelos, Carlos Carlitos Sepulveda, and Zamir Cumbias Sanchez in early 2024. He is now also being accused of kidnapping and killing Jose Angel Castaneda-Lopez shortly after.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bustamante-Banuelos, Sepulveda, and Sanchez had gone missing on March 28, 2022. Witnesses told police they believed Sepulveda owed Sevilla-Aleman money, which later was discovered to be a debt of $2,400, court documents said.

PREVIOUS STORY: Charges filed for deaths of three Utahns found buried in Tooele County

In 2023, cadaver dogs from Rocky Mountain Cadaver Search and Rescue Group were training in Tooele County near Mercur Trailhead.

During the training, the dogs located three human remains which were later identified through DNA and fingerprint testing as the bodies of Bustamante-Banuelos, Sepulveda, and Sanchez.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Almost exactly a year after the three bodies were discovered, a detective with the Utah County Sheriffs Office found a human rib bone and numerous scattered bones near Mercur Trailhead. The remains were exhumed, and located with them was a passport for Jose Angel Castaneda-Lopez. DNA confirmed the human remains belonged to Castaneda-Lopez.

According to the National Crime Information Center, Castaneda-Lopez had been missing since April 2022. Police say he was shot sixteen times and the shell casings found at the site were the same as the ones located near the other three bodies.

During the investigation, police said they found Sevilla-Aleman had called Castaneda-Lopez the day before he went missing and told a witness he was furious with Angel and that he believed Angel was going to rob him.

Sevilla-Aleman is now accused of murdering all four victims. It is not known at this time if police are investigating Sevilla-Aleman for any other crimes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sevilla-Aleman has been in custody since he was arrested in September 2022 in an unrelated non-fatal shooting at a Lincoln Beach rodeo in Spanish Fork, to which he has since pleaded guilty. He is currently in the Utah State Correctional Facility.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A man from Mexico was sentenced to 117 months in prison and ordered to pay a $600 special assessment for shooting at an Albuquerque Police drone and drug trafficking, according to the Department of Justice.

According to court documents, officers from the Albuquerque Police Department tracked Rogelio Rodriguez-Salas, 29, who had previously been deported and was illegally present in the United States, by using a drone while he was in possession of a stolen vehicle. Police said Rodriguez-Salas shot at the drone to damage and disable it. Following this incident, he was arrested but subsequently released into the community, according to the DOJ.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On July 21, 2023, deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Department encountered Rodriguez-Salas again. He was found in possession of a revolver while engaged in drug trafficking activities and driving another stolen vehicle. Officials said Rodriguez-Salas had more than four grams of fentanyl intended for distribution when stopped by deputies.

On July 15, 2024, Rodriguez-Salas pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including attempting to damage, destroy, disable, and wreck an aircraft; being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition; re-entering the United States as a removed alien; possessing with intent to distribute four grams or more of fentanyl; and possessing a firearm to further a drug trafficking scheme.

Upon his release from prison, Rodriguez-Salas will be subject to three years of supervised release and to deportation proceedings.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 2A man has pleaded guilty and another was sentenced to prison for breaking into a Harrison Twp. house and stealing guns with a third man in September 2024.

Steve McCubbins, 50, plead guilty to one count of complicity to commit burglary in a plea agreement filed Tuesday in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

That charge could bring a prison term of nine months to three years and fines of up to $10,000, followed by up to five years of parole. As part of the plea, McCubbins agreed to pay $5,603 in restitution and to have no contact with the victim.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McCubbins is currently in the Montgomery County Jail. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 15, court documents said.

Jerry Knight Sr., 45, was sentenced by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Steven Dankof on Wednesday to five to seven and a half years in prison, with credit for 66 days spent in jail, followed by two to five years of parole.

Knight was also ordered to pay $5,603 in restitution to the victim.

The prison term will be served concurrently with an 18-month sentence that Knight received from the same judge in a separate case where Knight pleaded guilty to a charge of receiving stolen property.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The third man charged in the break in, 50-year-old Steven Schroyer, was indicted on aggravated burglary, safecracking, complicity to commit grand theft and having weapons while under disability charges. He has a motion to suppress hearing scheduled for Jan. 31, and was not in the Montgomery County Jail at the time of writing.

On Sept. 23, 2024, the three men reportedly broke into a house in the 5500 block of Brantford Road. The homeowner said that multiple guns were stolen, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

The next day, deputies were called back to the house for a reported shooting, where the homeowner said he confronted two suspects and shot at one of them.

Deputies found Shroyer with a gunshot wound to his arm, and later found McCubbins at the Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall at 1161 Bartley Road, according to Vandalia Municipal Court records. Both were arrested along with Knight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In an interview, Schroyer admitted to going to the house with Knight and McCubbins to take scrap metal, with McCubbins acting as the lookout, according to an affidavit.

"Knight admitted to breaking into the residence multiple times over the past couple days and taking multiple items from inside," the affidavit said. "After a search warrant was conducted at Knight's house, several firearms had been located and he admitted the firearms were taken from the house on Brantford Road."
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  A man has pleaded guilty to two level 6 felonies after leaving the scene of a fatal crash caused after he pulled out in front of another car.

According to the Prosecuting Attorney of Vigo County, Terry Modesitt, on July 22, 2021, Ethan Kelsheimer drove a truck through an intersection pulling out in front of another vehicle, killing Alex Rodie and his wife Victoria Donna-Rodie.

After the crash, Kelsheimer left the scene and walked to his nearby home, according to Modesitt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Once located, Modesitt said, Kelsheimer agreed to take a blood test that was then analyzed by the Indiana State Department of Toxicology. The report showed he was clean at the time of the crash.

Kelsheimer was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, leaving the scene of an accident with moderate or serious bodily injury, and operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.

On January 1, 2025, Kelsheimer pleaded guilty to two counts of leaving the scene of an accident with moderate or serious bodily injury, level 6 felonies, according to Modesitt.

Kelsheimer received a two-year sentence to be served on home detention followed by two years of probation. According to Modesitt, additional conditions include the completion of 100 hours of community service, alcohol and drug evaluation, random alcohol and drug screens, and restitution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If Kelsheimer completes all terms of the sentence, his convictions may be modified to misdemeanor convictions.

This crash resulted in a tragic outcome, and our condolences go out to the family and friends of Alex Rodie, said Modesitt. Had the defendant remained at the scene, there would not have been a criminal case arising out of the crash. Because he consented to the blood draw, we know this was not the result of impaired driving. But this outcome stresses the importance of remaining at the scene of a crash and meeting the legal responsibilities required of every driver.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who pleaded guilty Friday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to shooting at a car in Struthers in 2023 was sentenced to five to seven years in prison.

Read next: Police identify suspects in 3 local robberies

Austin Beatty, 25, of Youngstown, received the sentence from Judge Anthony DApolito after pleading guilty to charges of felonious assault, a second-degree felony, and improper discharge of a firearm at or into a habitation, a third-degree felony, along with a firearm specification.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The charges stem from a shooting incident when police were called at 4:50 p.m. Dec. 30, 2023, to a home in the 500 block of Ninth Street, where a man told officers he was unloading groceries when he heard several gunshots and saw the back window of his car was shot out.

Reports said police found six 9mm casings in the street and the SUV that was said to have the shooter inside was spotted fleeing west on Maplewood Avenue by several surveillance cameras.

Reports said the victim told police his girlfriend, who used to date Beatty, was in an argument with Beatty earlier in the day and that Beatty threatened to shoot up the victims home.

A car in a nearby drive was also hit by gunfire. Police never did say where or how they arrested Beatty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No one was hurt.

Defense attorney Mike Yacovone said his client would not be speaking because of potential litigation in another case but he did say his clients actions were regrettable.

I dont think Austin is proud of his conduct, Yacovone said.

Judge DApolito told Beatty he was lucky no one was injured, but he said a prison sentence was necessary because Beattys actions put another person in danger of being seriously harmed.

Despite the passion  despite whatever it was  you cant do this, Judge DApolito said.

Beatty will get credit for 333 days served in the county jail while awaiting the outcome of his case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN)  One of two men arrested last Friday during an investigation of the armed robbery of a cell phone store in Columbiana entered a plea and was sentenced.

Kenneth Littlejohn appeared in a Canfield court on Friday, where he pleaded guilty to an amended charge for receiving stolen property, a first-degree misdemeanor. A felony possessing criminal tools charge was dropped, according to court records.

Following his plea, Littlejohn was sentenced to probation and fines, court records state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His co-defendant, Trey Bell, had his case bound over to a Mahoning County grand jury. Bell faces charges of aggravated robbery, kidnapping, obstructing official business, receiving stolen property and possessing criminal tools.

Police arrested Littlejohn and Bell at a motel in North Lima after tracking phones stolen during the armed robbery of a store in Columbiana.

Police searched the room the two were in and found phones, smart watches and other electronics, reports said. Police got a warrant to search further and found gloves and masks they believe were used in the robbery.

Bell was also wanted in Allegheny County in connection to an investigation of an armed robbery of a T-Mobile store in Crafton, Pa.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A city man who pleaded guilty Dec. 20 to beating a pregnant woman was sentenced today to 10 years in prison.

Rayvon Parker, 26, received the sentence from Judge Anthony DApolito in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court after he entered guilty pleas to charges of domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor; receiving stolen property, a fourth-degree felony; being a felon in possession of a firearm, a third-degree felony; and two second-degree felony counts of felonious assault.

The attorneys in the case recommended the sentence, and the recommendation was followed by Judge DApolito.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Parker has been in the Mahoning County jail since he was arrested about 11:50 a.m., Jan. 17 by Boardman police, more than 12 hours after a woman who told police she was pregnant with Parkers child was assaulted at her apartment in the area of Mathews Road and Applecrest Court.

Police were called to her apartment at about 7:55 p.m., Jan. 16, where the woman told police Parker came to visit the four children they share. Reports said she told police Parker suddenly became angry, punched her, kicked her in the stomach several times and dragged her around the apartment by the hair before taking her car keys and fleeing with her car.

Police found clumps of the womans hair in her apartment, and she had redness on her face like she had been punched, reports said. Reports said she was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center Boardman where her fetus was examined. Reports said the baby was injured, but the woman was kept in the hospital overnight

Police returned to the apartment that evening but did not find Parker. They then received a call the next day that he was back at the apartment and when officers arrived, they saw him outside. Reports said Parker put his hands behind his back when ordered to but then pushed up against an officer, punched him in the head and knocked him down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the struggle, a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun fell out of Parkers waist and he ran away. He was tracked with a police dog on Meadowbrook Avenue, reports said. When he was caught, he had to be tackled and stunned to be taken into custody when he refused to get on the ground and reached towards his waist like he had a gun.

A grand jury indicted Parker in March.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The remains of a Michigan man who went missing in 2018 have been found, state police confirm.



Days after announcing that human remains had been found in a wooded area near Rothbury, where the annual Electric Forest music festival is held, Michigan state police confirmed the remains belong to Kevin Graves.

Detectives from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Hart Post have confirmed that human remains located Monday, December 30, 2024, are that of Kevin Graves, of Highland Township, Oakland County, Michigan State Polices Sixth District tweeted Thursday, Jan. 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A cause of death has yet to be determined.

Related: Woman Finds Bone of Missing Man She Knew as a Child: 'He Still Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him'

"Thanks to everybody for the support they gave us and the prayers they've given us and all the help they gave us, his father, Gary Graves, 80, told Fox 17 after the update. Not much more we can say except that at least now we can have a little peace."

In an interview published by MLive earlier that day, Gary shared an update from the Oakland County Sheriffs Office regarding Kevins disappearance.

Kevin, who would've been 34, was last seen at the Electric Forest music festival in Oceana Countys Rothbury on July 1, 2018, before his then-girlfriend reported him as a missing person on July 3, 2018.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Gary, police were 99 % sure that the remains discovered by two hunters on Monday, Dec. 30, on private property near the festival grounds belonged to Kevin.

Help Us Find Kevin Graves/Facebook Kevin Graves missing poster Kevin Graves missing poster

They said they found his wallet, his phone and he had a (festival) wristband on, Gary told the outlet Wednesday, Jan. 1. They just got to do an autopsy and dental records and everything and then theyll get back with us.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard added, If there is a confirmation that it is indeed (Kevin Graves), we will begin to work on further information to determine how he ended up there from where he was last seen and what was the manner and cause of death.

During an investigation after his disappearance, a couple told police they saw Kevin arguing with his girlfriend, and that he walked off crying before he went missing, per MLive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since then, his family has placed billboards near the festival grounds calling for information, and have also provided DNA samples and access to Kevins dental records to help authorities with the case.

Related: Skeletal Remains Found in Remote Utah Mountain Range Identified as Man Missing Since 2019

On Dec. 31, Gary and his wife Kathy Graves, 67, received a visit from lead detective Sgt. David Bach of the Oakland County Sheriffs Office with the new information.

All of a sudden, he said what he said and my wife collapsed, Gary told MLive. And I grabbed her and then went over and sat on the couch and (Bach) got down on his one knee trying to comfort us and explain what they found.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Searches for Kevin were previously conducted, but were deemed unsuccessful until the two hunters came across the remains while clearing a path recently.

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.

With the dogs and everything they claim they had running around there looking, I cant see how we missed him, Gary said. But I cant say for sure until I know exactly where it was at.

The grieving father said he hopes the next steps will bring closure to the family.

Im hoping that theyre going to find something thats going to help figure out what happened to him, he said. We didnt really want that answer."



Read the original article on People
Well over a quarter of a million Germans have signed an online petition calling for a total nationwide ban on fireworks for private use after yet another New Year's Eve marred by deaths and injuries.

By Friday midday, around 270,000 people had backed the petition, which was launched by the Berlin branch of the GdP police union two years ago.

"By December 30, we had around 90,000 signatures," a spokesman said, adding that the figure had then risen sharply over the turn of the year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At least five people were killed and scores injured during New Year celebrations in Germany, where unlike in many other countries fireworks can be purchased in the days prior to New Year's Eve for private use.

"There's no way round a nation-wide firecracker ban any longer," the GdP said. "What we experienced this past New Year's Eve is beyond the bounds of what is acceptable," it added.

The petition calls for an end to violence perpetrated on police and emergency services staff. It also calls for organized fireworks events to replace private use.

"For that reason, we are calling for a comprehensive ban on firecrackers in private use, as is the case in many countries. This includes a corresponding ban on sales on all those not professionally involved," it says.
Well over a quarter of a million Germans have signed an online petition calling for a total nationwide ban on fireworks for private use after yet another New Year's Eve marred by deaths and injuries.

By Friday midday, around 270,000 people had backed the petition, which was launched by the Berlin branch of the GdP police union two years ago.

"By December 30, we had around 90,000 signatures," a spokesman said, adding that the figure had then risen sharply over the turn of the year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At least five people were killed and scores injured during New Year celebrations in Germany, where unlike in many other countries fireworks can be purchased in the days prior to New Year's Eve for private use.

"There's no way round a nation-wide firecracker ban any longer," the GdP said. "What we experienced this past New Year's Eve is beyond the bounds of what is acceptable," it added.

The petition calls for an end to violence perpetrated on police and emergency services staff. It also calls for organized fireworks events to replace private use.

"For that reason, we are calling for a comprehensive ban on firecrackers in private use, as is the case in many countries. This includes a corresponding ban on sales to all those not professionally involved," it says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jochen Kopelke, national chairman of the police union, supported a ban, saying that banning bangers and regulating sales are steps that could improve safety on New Year's Eve.

Chancellor Scholz urges 'clearrules' after NYE chaos

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz weighed in on Friday about a possible ban on fireworks in the country, saying that clear new regulations are needed following injuries and deaths from explosives over the New Year's holiday.

"We must have clear rules on what pyrotechnics can be used and take tough action against all those who do not comply with the law," said Scholz during a visit to the local fire brigade in the Berlin suburb of Kleinmachnow. "That's the right way to go."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chaos on New Year's Eve in many German cities has repeatedly prompted debate about fireworks restrictions in recent years, with property damage, injuries, environmental concerns and issues for animals all being raised.

More politicians adds their voices to debate

Berlin's interior minister, Iris Spranger, called for major new nationwide restrictions on fireworks that would allow local governments to limit detonations to specifically designated "pyro permit zones."

Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, from Scholz's Social Democratic Party, continues to push for stricter regulations and firework-free zones but she opposes a general fireworks ban, a spokesman said in Berlin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the former German justice minister Marco Buschmann has voiced his opposition to a nationwide ban on private fireworks.

In comments published on Friday by the RND media group, Buschmann, the general secretary of the pro-business Free Democrats, described such a ban as "inappropriate" and "collective punishment."

Buschmann urged for personal responsibility, noting that severe penalties, including multi-year prison sentences or hefty fines, already exist for the use of illegal fireworks.

Buschmann holds the second highest position in the FDP, behind party leader Christian Lindner, the former finance minister.

"If people still expose themselves to the danger of such fireworks, it is a case of voluntary self-endangerment," he said.
JACKSON, Miss (WJTV)  Following President Joe Bidens commutations of 37 men sentenced to death, some renewed focus is now on Mississippis death row.

According to the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), 35 prisoners are on Mississippis death row. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, there are 157,504 prisoners in jail. MDOC data indicates there are 21,704 prisoners in Mississippi. Before Bidens December commutations, Mississippis ratio of prisoners on death row was more than six times higher than the federal system.

The current makeup of death row inmates is 60% Black and more than 34% white; there is just one Asian and one Latino man. Only one woman is on death row. The oldest and longest-serving death row inmate is Richard Jordan. The 78-year-old has been on death row for 47 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

How common are prison escapes in Mississippi?

Historically, death was the punishment for every felony. In Mississippi, however, it now only applies in cases related to capital murder. The last execution for something other than murder in Mississippi was in 1962 for a rape conviction. All executions occur at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. The last one occurred in December 2022.

Though a death row commutation similar to Bidens is unlikely to occur, Mississippi has certainly turned heads in recent years related to inmate clemency.

In 2011, a state representative introduced legislation to put a moratorium on the death penalty to study its impact within the state. The bill died in committee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One moment in recent memory analogous to Bidens commutations is former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbours (R-Miss.) nearly 200 pardons or early releases days before he left office in January 2012. This included pardoning four convicted murderers and one robber who worked in a governors mansion inmate trustee program. Barbour did not pardon anyone on death row.

The following governor dissolved the controversial program.

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.
Baker County is one of many rural places in states that protect abortion rights where access to prenatal and birthing care is considered by locals to be an urgent medical need. (Lillian Mongeau Hughes for KFF Health News)

BAKER CITY  In what has become a routine event in rural America, a hospital maternity ward closed in 2023 in this small Oregon town about an hour from the Idaho border.

For Shyanne McCoy, 23, that meant the closest hospital with an obstetrician on staff when she was pregnant was a 45-mile drive away over a mountain pass.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When McCoy developed symptoms of preeclampsia last January, she felt she had the best chance of getting the care she needed at a larger hospital in Boise, Idaho, two hours away. She spent the final week of her pregnancy there, too far from home to risk leaving, before giving birth to her daughter.

Six months later, she said it seems clear to her that the health care needs of rural young women like her are largely ignored.

For McCoy and others, figuring out how to obtain adequate care to safely have a baby in Baker City has quickly eclipsed concerns about another medical service lacking in the area: abortion. But in Oregon and elsewhere in the country, progressive lawmakers attempts to expand abortion access sometimes clash with rural constituencies.

Oregon is considered one of the most protective states in the country when it comes to abortion. There are no legal limits on when someone can receive an abortion in the state, and the service is covered by its Medicaid system. Still, efforts to expand access in the rural, largely conservative areas that cover most of the state have encountered resistance and incredulity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its a divide that has played out in elections in such states as Nevada, where voters passed a ballot measure in November that seeks to codify abortion protections in the state constitution. Residents in several rural counties opposed the measure.

Paige Witham is the mom of two young children and a member of the Baker County health care steering committee. (Lillian Mongeau Hughes for KFF Health News)

In Oregon, during the months just before the Baker City closure was announced, Democratic state lawmakers were focused on a proposed pilot program that would launch two mobile reproductive health care clinics in rural areas. The bill specified that the van-based clinics would include abortion services.

State Rep. Christine Goodwin, a Republican from a southwestern Oregon district, called the proposal the latest example of urban legislators telling rural leaders what their communities need.

The mobile health clinic pilot was eventually removed from the bill that was under discussion. That means no new abortion options in Oregons Baker County  and no new state-funded maternity care either.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think if you expanded rural access in this community to abortions before you extended access to maternal health care, you would have an uprising on your hands, said Paige Witham, 27, a member of the Baker County health care steering committee and the mother of two children, including an infant born in October.

A study published in JAMA in early December that examined nearly 5,000 acute care hospitals found that by 2022, 52% of rural hospitals lacked obstetrics care after more than a decade of unit closures. The health implications of those closures for young women, the population most likely to need pregnancy care, and their babies can be significant. Research has shown that added distance between a patient and obstetric care increases the likelihood the baby will be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU.

Witham said that while she does not support abortion, she believes the government should not legislate it away completely. She said that unless the government provides far more support for young families, like free child care and better mental health care, abortion should remain legal.

Conversations with a liberal school board member, a moderate owner of a timber company, members of Baker Citys Republican Party chapter, a local doula, several pregnant women, and the director of the Baker County Health Department  many of whom were not rigidly opposed to abortion  all turned up the same answer: No mobile clinics offering abortions here, please.

The tiny Baker County health department offers lots of services, including home visits by a nurse for new moms and infants. (Lillian Mongeau Hughes for KFF Health News)

Kelle Osborn, a nurse supervisor for the Baker County Health Department, loved the idea of a mobile clinic that would provide education and birth control services to people in outlying areas. She was less thrilled about including abortion services in a clinic on wheels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its not something that should just be handed out from a mobile van, she said of abortion services. She said people in her conservative rural county would probably avoid using the clinics for anything if they were understood to provide abortion services.

Both Osborn and Meghan Chancey, the health departments director, said they would rank many health care priorities higher, including the need for a general surgeon, an ICU, and a dialysis clinic.

Nationally, reproductive health care services of all types tend to be limited for people in rural areas, even within states that protect abortion access. More than two-thirds of people in maternity care deserts  all of which are in rural counties  must drive more than a half-hour to get obstetric care, according to a 2024 March of Dimes report. For people in the Southern states where lawmakers installed abortion bans, abortion care can be up to 700 miles away, according to a data analysis by Axios.

Nathan Defrees grew up in Baker City and has practiced medicine here since 2017. He works for a family medicine clinic. If a patient asks about abortion, he provides information about where and how one can be obtained, but he doesnt offer abortions himself.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres not a lot of anonymity in small towns for physicians who provide that care, he said. Many of us arent willing to sacrifice the rest of our career for that.

He also pointed to the small number of patients requesting the service locally. Just six people living in Baker County had an abortion in 2023, according to data from the Oregon Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, 125 residents had a baby that year.

A doctor with obstetric training living in another rural part of the state has chosen to quietly provide early-stage abortions when asked. The doctor, concerned for their familys safety in the small, conservative town where they live, asked not to be identified.

The birth center at St. Alphonsus Baker City closed in summer 2023. A few babies have since been born in the emergency room. (Lillian Mongeau Hughes for KFF Health News)

The idea that better access to abortion is not needed in rural areas seems naive, the doctor said. People most in need of abortion often dont have access to any medical service not already available in town, the doctor pointed out. The first patient the doctor provided an abortion for at the clinic was a meth user with no resources to travel or to manage an at-home medication abortion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It seemed entirely inappropriate for me to turn her away for care I had the training and the tools to do, the doctor said.

Defrees said it has been easier for Baker County residents to get an abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

A new Planned Parenthood clinic in Ontario, Oregon, 70 miles away in neighboring Malheur County, was built primarily to provide services to people from the Boise metro area, but it also created an option for many living in rural eastern Oregon.

Idaho is one of the 16 states with near-total bans on abortion. Like many states with bans, Idaho has struggled to maintain its already small fleet of fetal medicine doctors. The loss of regional expertise touches Baker City, too, Defrees said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For example, he said, the treatment plan for women who have a desired pregnancy but need a termination for medical reasons is now far less clear. It used to be those folks could go to Boise, he said. Now they cant. That does put us in a bind.

Portland is the next closest option for that type of care, and that means a 300-mile drive along a set of highways that can be treacherous in winter.

Its a lot scarier to be pregnant now in Baker City than it ever has been, Defrees said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

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.
Joseph Jorgenson on Thursday pleaded guilty to the murder and dismemberment of two women less than two years apart.

The 41-year-old from Maplewood accepted an agreement with Ramsey County prosecutors that saw him plead guilty to two counts of intentional 2nd-degree murder in the killing of Manijeh Starren in April 2023 and Fanta Xayavong in September 2021.

As part of the agreement, Jorgenson will serve two concurrent sentences of 40 years (480 months), the maximum allowed under state law for 2nd-degree murder, with the dismemberment and concealment of the victims' bodies considered aggravating factors.

Mani Starren and Fanta Xayavong.

"These heinous acts of cruelty took the lives of two young women and forever altered the future of their friends and family," said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We commend the diligent work of those in law enforcement as well as our staff who worked tirelessly to bring about charges leading to convictions supported by the available evidence and, ultimately, a measure of closure for each victim. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to their surviving family and friends."

Jorgenson was the boyfriend of Manijeh "Mani" Starren, 33, whose dismembered remains were found in June 2023 in a Woodbury storage. Police believed she was killed by Jorgenson in her St. Paul apartment in April, after which she was reported missing by her father.

Police found evidence that Jorgenson, who had a history of abusive behavior toward Starren, had killed Starren in the apartment, with other residents of the building having complained about a smell emanating from the unit during May, with Jorgenson observed removing bulky items in duffel bags after being told to clean up the apartment by the landlord.

Ramsey County Jail

Forensic investigation was able to locate a substantial amount of blood not visible to the naked eye as it had been cleaned, with police also finding keys from Jorgenson's apartment that led them to the storage unit where her body was found in two separate coolers and a large bag.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While police were investigating Starren's death, attention turned to Jorgenson's involvement in the July 2021 disappearance of Fanta Xayavong, 33, who had been in a relationship with Jorgenson, and whose remains were found in a storage unit on the 9100 block of University Ave NW in Coon Rapids in early July 2023.

A missing persons report was filed concerning Xayavong in May 2023, with a citizen calling the Minnesota BCA human trafficking tipline reporting their concerns about Xayavong's safety. The caller mentioned Xayavong was in an "abusive relationship" with 40-year-old Joseph Jorgenson, and had lost contact with her.

Evidence tied Xayavong's death to Jorgenson's former home in Shoreview, with Jorgenson then admitting his guilt.
A U.S. Marine who sent an ominous letter home before he went missing in action during World War II has been accounted for over eight decades after he was killed in the Pacific, the Defense Department announced Thursday.

In November 1943, Marine Corps Sgt. Robert F. Van Heck, 25, of Chicago, was part of a force that tried to secure the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Japanese-held Gilbert Islands, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. During several days of intense fighting, Japanese forces were decimated, and about 1,000 U.S. Marines and sailors were killed. Van Heck died on the first day of the battle, Nov. 20, 1943.

According to a newspaper clipping shared by U.S. officials, Van Heck had sent a letter to his family warning that he would not be returning home. The young Marine had written: "Don't count on me coming home this spring as we had planned."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The message  and its timing  proved prophetic.

According to the newspaper article, about a half an hour after reading the letter, the family received a telegram announcing "the death of Sgt. Robert Van Heck who was killed in action."

Marine Corps Sgt. Robert F. Van Heck, / Credit: DPAA

Years after Van Heck's death, the remains of all U.S. soldiers found on Tarawa were sent to Hawaii for analysis. Remains that could not be identified, including Van Heck's, were buried as "unknowns" at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu.

In 2017, one set of remains  labeled as Tarawa UnknownX-265  was disinterred for analysis. Scientists were finally able to identify Van Heck's remains through anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA. Van Heck was officially accounted for on April 13, 2023, and his family was recently briefed on his identification, the DPAA said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Van Heck will be buried Jan. 7, 2025, in Hillside, Illinois. According to a separate newspaper clipping shared by the DPAA, Van Heck was awarded several military medals, including a Purple Heart.

A newspaper story about a letter sent by Marine Corps Sgt. Robert F. Van Heck. / Credit: DPAA

According to the DPAA, the remains of nearly 1,700 previously unidentified U.S. soldiers killed in World War II have been identified, but over 70,000 remain unaccounted for.

Of the roughly 1,000 U.S. service members killed during the Battle of Tarawa, about 350 remain unaccounted for. The DPAA says that over the decades, storms and construction projects on the island have uncovered isolated remains associated with Americans killed during the Battle of Tarawa. Those remains were turned over to the U.S. Government.

Tiger Bech's family on his final moments after New Orleans attack

ATF head warns that the Trump administration's funding cut plans could risk lives

Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum director on his life, impact
Despite being a revered leader of the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was actually conflict avoidant, says biographer Jonathan Eig.



In an interview published by NPRs Book of the Day podcast on Jan. 3, the author, who penned the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography King: A Life, looked back on the activists renowned life and legacy, as well as his inclination to avoid problems when he could.



One of the interesting things about King is that he's a protest leader who really does not like conflict, Eig told NPR. He is always going out of his way to avoid conflict with people who are his elders, who seem to be his superiors in some ways, people like Roy Wilkins at the NAACP or A. Philip Randolph, and that plays out too when he becomes a negotiator with presidents, and he really doesn't like conflict.

'King: A Life' by Jonathan Eig

He has to push himself, really, out of his comfort zone to argue, to debate, to really challenge some of the leaders of this country, the author added.



Eig noted that King Jr.'s father, pastor Martin Luther King Sr., often clashed with his son, throughout his childhood and beyond. King Jr. "always wanted to exceed his father," the author said, and didn't approve of the "emotionalism" in his father's preaching.

Related: Remembering Martin Luther King Jr. with 15 of His Most Powerful Quotes

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was a very difficult man, Eig said of King Sr., who died in 1984. He was very stubborn. He was violent at times. He used the belt to spank his children in public, sometimes out in the yard, and if one of the neighbors came by and yelled, he'd spank that kid too. So he was a difficult man who set very high standards for all three kids, and he also really was overly protective.



Eig said that when King Jr. rose to prominence as a civil rights leader, his father disapproved of the decision, out of that sense of protectiveness.

Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968

When Martin Luther King Jr. became the leader of the Montgomery bus boycott and his home was bombed, Martin Luther King Sr. was there the next day saying, You're coming home with me. I'm not letting you stay here in this kind of risk your life in this danger, Eig said. It was very difficult for Martin Luther King Jr. to stand up to his father. He struggled with that all his life.

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.

King: A Life, which was published in May 2023 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, is a 600+ page biography that extensively details King Jr.s multifaceted legacy, including his complicated relationships with his family and work prior to his assassination in 1968.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: What Is My Legacy? Martin Luther King III's New Book Offers a Path to Fulfillment  Read an Excerpt (Exclusive)

King Jr.s son, Martin Luther King III, will also publish a book about his fathers life. What Is My Legacy?: Realizing a New Dream of Connection, Love and Fulfillment, written with King IIIs wife, Arndrea Waters King, as well as Marc Keilburger and Craig Keilberger, will hit shelves on Jan. 14.

Read the original article on People
This article was originally published in Capital News Service.

Maryland is set to examine their current method of evaluating poverty in schools throughout the next year, potentially opening up a pathway to boost funding for schools with students in need.

A new study is meant to help address the undercounting of poverty in Maryland public schools according to Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman. The Board of Public Works approved funding for the study at its Dec. 4 meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This issue is exacerbated for undocumented students or citizen children of undocumented parents, Lierman said at that meeting.

Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

The current method of tabulating poverty really penalizes schools with large numbers of immigrant students, Lierman said.

The state currently uses proxy measures, such as eligibility for national programs like Medicaid and SNAP, to calculate aid for public schools, according to the proposal for funds from the Department of General Services.

According to the Governors Office for Children an accurate count of students in poverty is important to ensure that they get adequate resources. The office also told CNS that the Blueprint for Marylands Future created several new school funding streams that rely on counts of low-income students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Schools currently rely on applications for the free and reduced meals program and enrollment in social programs like Medicaid as methods of calculating students in poverty. According to the Governors Office for Children, not all low income families participate in these programs.

The office also said that districts that provide free school meals to all students under the federal community eligibility program do not collect that data.

In the case of immigrant families, some may not qualify or, as the office told CNS, may be hesitant to enroll and reveal their citizenship status.

Other data the state might rely upon is out of date. According to Lierman, the Maryland State Department of Education recently proposed using data from 2013 to calculate school poverty in Baltimore City. Lierman said that many public schools have been shuttered in the city since that data was collected.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a Baltimore City Public School mom, Lierman said, Ive got a lot of strong feelings about this.

The board approved the DGS request for $48,000 monthly for modeling, analysis and providing a presentation on findings.

According to the Office for Children, a recommendation based on the results of the study will be made to the Maryland General Assembly by Dec. 1, 2025.

This story was originally published on Capital News Service. Capital News Service is a student-staffed reporting service operated by the University of Marylands Phillip Merrill College of Journalism.
BEVERLY, Mass. (WPRI)  A man in Massachusetts solved a mystery that washed up on a beach in Beverly.

After finding a bottle filled with messages in the sand, Douglas Turnbull was on a mission to connect the letters to their owners.

The bottle was filled with messages from various family members who were writing to a man named Ken, who had passed away.

He took to social media where people helped him find answers, including one commenter who found an obituary of someone in North Carolina that may have matched the names involved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After reaching out to the family, they said the bottle was thrown in the water off Marblehead and they do it every year in Kens memory.

ALSO READ: Dog pulled from icy waters on Christmas reunites with rescuers

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.
A huge, red-hot object fell from the sky into a Kenyan village on Monday afternoon according to local residents cited by the countrys national broadcaster, prompting an immediate investigation by the national space agency.

The object has since been identified as a fragment of a space object, the Kenya Space Agency said in a statement Wednesday.

The KSA said it has taken custody of the object that landed in the remote village of Mukuku, in the southern county of Makueni, describing it as apparent space junk measuring 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) wide and weighing 500 kg (about 1,100 pounds).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Agency wishes to clarify that the object, a metallic ring measuring approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighing about 500 kg is a fragment of a space object, the KSA said.

Preliminary assessments suggest it is a separation ring from a rocket, the agency said, noting that space debris more typically falls into the ocean or burns up before entering the earths atmosphere.

The fallen object is likely an isolated case and is still under investigation, it added.

Julius Rotich, Mbooni Sub County Police Commander, told the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation that the object was still hot when officers arrived Monday, and that residents had to be cordoned off from the area until it cooled down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The broadcaster showed images of police tape wrapped around the ring, which had fallen into some trees and brush, as residents gathered around.

The KSA is analyzing the object and working to confirm where exactly it came from, it said.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz debuted his eponymous show Thursday night on One America News Networkbut much of the attention wasnt on what the MAGA figure had to say.

Instead, many viewers reacted by asking some variation of, What happened to his face?

Some placed blame on the network.

Yall need to fire your makeup artist immediately, wrote Turning Point USAs Savanah Hernandez.

Fire that makeup artist! another X user echoed. They can do better or are they purposefully making you look like a villain? The lighting and makeup make such a huge impact, this isnt the best that can be done.

Nick Fuentes, a far-right white supremacist podcast host who was charged with battery last month, commented simply, Yeesh.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Others mentioned how Botox may have factored in. Gaetz hasnt said whether he has ever used it.

At the Republican National Convention last July, the then-congressmans appearance spurred similar reactions, and experts on the cosmetic surgery were asked to weigh in.

Board-certified dermatologist Corey Hartman told Esquire then that Gaetzs look was due in part to an overly heavy hand and poor placement of neuromodulators.

I see Matt Gaetz went in to ask for the Wayne Newton Face before his OAN debut tonight. pic.twitter.com/s5ivK0tCOP  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) January 3, 2025

Its too heavy in the forehead and not lateral enough to prevent Spock Eye, Hartman told the outlet.

Plus, he added, the glabellar injections [the vertical lines between the eyebrows] use an older technique that pushes the brow down and makes him look more menacing than usual.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

All the speculation over Gaetz appearance aside, a bit of political news did manage to be made during Gaetzs show, which largely focused on a crucial congressional vote Friday that will determine whether House Speaker Mike Johnson will get to keep the gavel.

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie told Gaetz that he would not cast his ballot for Johnson, even if his colleagues physically tortured him.

You can pull all my fingernails out, Massie said. You can shove bamboo up in them. You can start cutting off my fingers. I am not voting Mike Johnson tomorrow. And you can take that to the bank.

Massie added that there could be up to five others who might buck President-elect Donald Trump, who endorsed Johnson for the position last month.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz also told Gaetz Thursday that she was undecided.

Johnson can only afford to lose one vote in the closely divided House.

Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert joined Gaetz to make her case for Texas Rep. Chip Roy to chair the House Rules Committee, saying if Johnson agrees to appoint him to that post, that would secure enough votes for his reelection.

The move would almost certainly spur a rebellion in the opposite direction from more moderate members of the House Republican caucus.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has a new target in mind for 2025: New Zealand. Its latest investigation alleged abuse against sheep on farms throughout the multicultural South Pacific nation.

The animals are not ours to wear advocates first expose of New Zealand wool production is a bit unlike its previous endeavors, considering one farm in question is owned by Matt Lauer. The disgraced journalists affiliation has led to multiple investigations, though PETA is still focusing its efforts on the brands making garments with ZQ wool.

More from Sourcing Journal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weve brought all this evidence to the brands so many times, Ashley Byrne, a director at the animal rights organization, told Sourcing Journal. At this point, they cannot claim ignorance.

Specifically, PETA called out Allbirdsas well as Fjallraven, Smartwool, Loro Piana and Helly Hansenfor using ZQ-certified wool. Only one of the accused responded to Sourcing Journals request for comment.

If the brands were actually committed to producing a product that isnt cruel, they would be confirming whats going on, right? The thing is, either theyre doing that and giving it a pass, or theyre just being negligent, Byrne said. Theyre not living up to their responsibility; theyre feeding their customers a false narrativebased in dishonesty or based in ignorance.

New Zealandwhich has a 4.6 sheep per person ratiois the third-largest wool producer globally. It produces whats called ZQ-certified wool, marketed as the most ethical option on the market. Since 2007, the New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) has worked with wool growers to supply the industry with this wool under the ZQ brand.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

ZQ is a third-party audited standard that requires growers to thoroughly understand key animal health, environmental and social issues and adhere to a range of best farm management practices, NZM said in 2020 before launching its ZQRX platform. ZQ is already the leading ethical wool in the world, but we know our growers are doing work that goes above and beyond this already high bar.

Its subsequent ZQ Standard represents the wool of choice for world-class brands that are serious about producing amazing, natural products, according to the integrated sales companys website. The ZQRX wool platform provides brands with a comprehensive index of hundreds of regenerative farmers. Smartwool and Allbirds were founding brands when it launched in 2021. Now, the regenerative agriculture platform has 20-plus partners, including Everlane and Fjallraven.

The New Zealand Merino Company has been made aware of the distressing footage circulated by PETA showing several instances of animal abuse, NZM said in a statement. PETA says it has investigated 11 farms and shearing sheds around New Zealand. It is unclear how many properties feature [sic] in the PETA footage.

One of the investigated propertiesHunter Valley Stationis located on property owned by former television news host Matt Lauer, infamously ousted from NBC in 2017 for allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. Lauer reportedly bought the pastoral lease in 2017 for just over $9 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The former Today show host leased out a portion of his land to its former inhabitants, Digby Cochrane and his wife, Hannah Carter. Lauer is allegedly not affiliated with the operations of Cochranes farm, Hunter Valley Farming. The farm currently runs half-bred Merino sheep Hereford/Angus cattle, according to the Hunter Valley Station website.

PETA entities have found widespread abuse on nearly 150 wool operations in seven countries on four continents. The evidence is overwhelmingcruelty is rampant in the wool industry, Tracey Reiman, PETAs executive vice president, wrote in a letter to Lauer. The farm on your Hunter Valley Station property is one of the offenders.

Notably, the station provides the single gateway to the Hawea Conservation Park, an unspoilt fishing and hunting paradise along the culturally significant lake.

According to the New York Post, Lauer had absolutely no knowledge of any alleged problems at his alleged 27,000-acre property, which reportedly requires him to invest over $1 million into the farms operating infrastructure over five years. Per PETA, Lauer pledged to invest at least $400,000 more specifically intended to increase the cattle stock.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Matt Lauers New Zealand getaway is hell for scared sheep who are flung about, pinned down and cut up, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said. PETA wants Lauer to wash his hands of the bloody wool businessand asks that anyone upset by the cruelty we have uncovered in the sheep sheds choose only vegan materials.

Sourcing Journal could not reach Lauer to confirm.

We can confirm that the one property named by PETA to the New York Post is not and has never been a supplier to the ZQ program, NZMs statement said, seemingly in reference to Hunter Valley Station. We are committed to investigating all allegations and urge PETA to provide us more detail about filming locations and the timing of the recordings.

Cochrane and his wife have operated Hunter Valley Farming for several decades, according to Otago Daily Times, a local publication. Another New Zealand pub, RNZ, reported that Taff and Pene Cochrane sold Lauer the lease, with their son, Digby, running the show.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2018, Cochrane was accused of making his land deliberately difficult to access, with Cochrane very selective over who was permitted access, alleged independent conservationist Peter Wilson, the then-president of the Federated Mountain Club, a New Zealand-based organization advocating for outdoor recreation since 1931.

The statement spurred government intervention. Cochrane, in turn, told RNZ his home had become like the Gaza Strip. Shortly after, an agreement stipulating public access through Hunter Valley Station was signed by New Zealands Department of Conservation and Orange Lakes, Lauers company holding the pastoral lease.

The Hunter Valley Farming Company takes animal welfare very seriously and the company and its independent contracts must adhere to standards and procedures under New Zealand law and as administered under the Ministry of Primary Industries, Compass Agribusinessaka, Australasias leading agribusiness investment and client partnership specialist, per its websitetold Sourcing Journal in a statement prepared on behalf of Cochrane.

Orange Lakes is also carrying out an investigation into PETAs claims, though Sourcing Journal could not reach Graeme Todd, director of the company as well as Lauers lawyer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are currently investigating the allegations we have received from PETA with the independent contractors undertaking the shearing activity and are seeking advice from the Ministry of Primary Industries, Compass Agribusiness said. This will include our full cooperation with any further enquiries that the Ministry wishes to undertake. We have also made Mr. Lauer aware of this situation and continue to keep him updated.

The footage shared by PETA shows workers whipping and beating sheep with various objects, including the metal tip of a ski pole. Another scene seemingly showed a crowded enclosure where sheep are sheared before being smothered.

The images shared by PETA are confronting and upsetting. NZM does not tolerate breaches of animal welfare guidelines, per the organizations statement. Should any ZQ accredited farms be identified during the investigation, alongside the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries and our third-party audit body Control Union, we will take all necessary and appropriate action, up to and including expulsion from the program.

This specific scrutiny (between November 2023 and last October) was part of PETAs larger investigation of the wool industry at large. Currently, that project yielded 15 exposes of over 150 wool industry operations in seven countries on four continents, per Byrne.

The problem is across the board; even beyond these wool investigations, weve done such extensive investigations into farms that say theyre producing humane [goods] and every time, it couldnt be further from the truth, Byrne continued. We find that its constantly just about making people feel better about buying the, essentially same, products.
MAURY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  One Maury County elementary school has dedicated two Buddy Benches to a beloved teen killed in a 2023 camper fire.

NOVEMBER 2023: Community remembers Maury County teen killed in camper fire

In a Facebook post, J. E. Woodward Elementary School announced that over the break, two Buddy Benches were installed on the playground and dedicated to beloved teen Will Spiess. Spiess was an 11th grader with special abilites at Columbia Central High School (CHS) who died in a camper fire at the Natchez Trace campground in Lewis County in 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Spiess was a part of the Maury County Public School system since preschool. His mother worked as a school nurse. His loss was felt across the county and J. E. Woodward Elementary School dedicated one of their fundraisers to honor him with the benches.

On Thursday morning, the school invited Spiess family to see the benches in person.

Some student data compromised in Rutherford County Schools data breach

It was a deeply moving moment for all of us, a social media post from the school reads, in part. Will touched countless lives with his kindness, warmth, and friendship. He was truly a friend to everyone, and his spirit will always have a place here at Woodard Elementary. We look forward to a more formal unveiling of these benches in the near future as we honor the legacy of an extraordinary individual whose name and impact will forever live on our campus.

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.
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  Pierres mayor says he expects word soon about when South Dakota can expect to have a new governor.

KELOLAND News asked Mayor Steve Harding what he knows about an inauguration ceremony for Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden.

Executive Board ratifies Revenue subpoenas

The South Dakota Constitution calls for the lieutenant governor to succeed to the office and powers of the governor when the office of governor becomes vacant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Governor Kristi Noem is the choice of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to be the next federal homeland security secretary. The U.S. Senate will consider her confirmation, possibly as soon as later this month.

The mayor of Pierre has traditionally appointed an inauguration committee each time that a new governor is preparing to take office.

There is nothing planned at this time, according to Mayor Harding.

I have talked to the Governors office and they are discussing it and will get back to the city. Should hear something next week, he said.

Rhoden and Noem are Republicans. The next primary elections for governor are in June 2026. So far no one has formally filed as a candidate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres been no official word from the governors office about the transition. Noem meanwhile appears to be packing up. Three of her four most-recent weekly columns have been written by other members in her administration.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas argued it is not fair to say that the city of New Orleans ignored the bulletin on the risks of attacks by drivers plowing cars into crowds of people.

I dont think thats fair  to say, Wolf, that wouldnt be a fair conclusion to draw, Mayorkas told CNNs Wolf Blitzer in a Thursday evening interview. That was not our first bulletin with respect to the threat of the lone offender, the perpetrator of the terrorist attack yesterday in New Orleans was an army veteran, a U.S.-born citizen.

Blitzer asked Mayorkas about a Dec. 6 Department of Homeland Security bulletin and a critical incident note, both obtained by CNN, that were sent out to federal, state and local law enforcement, warning them of threats of violence from lone offenders and the potential of using vehicles to ram into crowds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials warned in the memo, circulated among law enforcement agencies before the holidays kicked into full gear, that the risks are even higher during the winter to soft targets, according to CNN.

We have spoken now for about 10 years about the phenomenon of an individual resident in the United States radicalized to violence by a foreign terrorist ideology or other ideologies, Mayorkas said. Were speaking of a veteran here.

Local officials do the best they can in securing the well-being of their residents. We work very closely with our state and local partners, he added.

His words come after a Texas resident drove a rented Ford pickup truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans Wednesday, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The driver, Shamsud-Din Jabbar  who served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2020  was shot and killed by law enforcement after he opened fire on the officers. A pro-Islamic State flag was found in the vehicle during the investigation, and officials later discovered social media posts from Jabbar showing support for the U.S.-designated terrorist group.

The New Years Day incident  paired with an explosion in Las Vegas by an active-duty service member that authorities say was intentional  has sparked fears of military extremism and potential political violence.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
UPDATE (Jan. 3, 2025, 2:49 p.m. ET): This post has been updated to reflect the results of Fridays voting for House speaker.

Delaware Democrat Sarah McBride is set to be sworn in Friday to the House of Representatives, where shell be the first openly transgender member of Congress amid a climate of heightened anti-trans animosity among Republicans  including from her own soon-to-be colleagues.

McBride was widely celebrated for her history-making election to the House in November, after an ugly election season in which GOP candidates embraced anti-trans sentiment in their campaigns. Her win was met with hostility by House Republicans as well. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced a resolution to ban trans women from using womens restrooms in the Capitol, a measure she said was absolutely in response to McBrides impending arrival. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., backed Maces resolution and suggested that shed be willing to get physical if McBride uses the womens bathrooms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The GOP congresswomens vitriol against their incoming colleague found institutional support as well. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., who narrowly prevailed to win re-election as House speaker on Friday, had thrown his support behind Maces bathroom ban, saying: A man cannot become a woman.

Maces measure was meant to be incorporated into the House rules package for the next Congress. But the proposed package does not appear to include the resolution. The House was set to vote on the proposal after a speaker is elected.

Other Republicans have been similarly disrespectful of McBride. According to Politico:

Interviews with more than a dozen House Republicans as the bathroom debate played out revealed that many GOP members are either uncomfortable talking about transgender issues or are openly hostile to them. Most Republicans interviewed also misgendered McBride. Youre a dude. You want to wear a dress, its a free country, but at the end of the day youre still a dude in a dress, said Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), who added that hed welcome grabbing a drink or coffee with her.

McBride has largely tried to steer clear of Republicans attempts to politicize her identity. She called the bathroom ban push a blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists to distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to what Americans are facing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ahead of her swearing-in, she told The Associated Press that she relishes the opportunity to serve in Congress.

I am simply there to do the job just like anyone else, she said.

This is a blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists to distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to what Americans are facing. We should be focused on bringing down the cost of housing, health care, and child care, not manufacturing culture wars.



Delawareans  Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 19, 2024

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
COURTESY GOFUNDME The Honolulu medical examiner today identified Nelie Ibarra as one of the three fatalities in the New Years illegal fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

1 /2 COURTESY GOFUNDME The Honolulu medical examiner today identified Nelie Ibarra as one of the three fatalities in the New Years illegal fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

COURTESY GOFUNDME The Honolulu medical examiner today identified Jennifer Van, 23, as one of the three fatalities in the New Years illegal fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

2 /2 COURTESY GOFUNDME The Honolulu medical examiner today identified Jennifer Van, 23, as one of the three fatalities in the New Years illegal fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

COURTESY GOFUNDME The Honolulu medical examiner today identified Nelie Ibarra as one of the three fatalities in the New Years illegal fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

COURTESY GOFUNDME The Honolulu medical examiner today identified Jennifer Van, 23, as one of the three fatalities in the New Years illegal fireworks explosion in Aliamanu.

The Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner today identified two of the three people killed in the at an Aliamanu home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They are Nelie Ibarra, 58, and Jennifer Van, 23.

The medical examiner said the cause and manner of death in both cases are pending and no additional information is available at this time.

Officials said the identity of the third woman killed has not yet been confirmed, according to a news release from the department.

Authorities on Wednesday said that two women were found dead at the scene just after the explosion and a 23-year-old woman died later from her injuries at a hospital.

A verified Gofundme page, set up by Vans sister, Tammy Van, said, Jennifers infectious and outgoing personality touched many people, especially with her loud mouth and kindness. She was a devoted sister, daughter, and friend who selflessly supported our family financially and emotionally, especially through our most difficult times.

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.

Van was an assistant manager at Central Pacific Banks Wahiawa Branch, according to a statement from the bank.

We were deeply saddened to learn of Jennifers passing,  Arnold Martines, CPBs chairman, president & CEO. Her kindness, dedication, and vibrant energy positively impacted everyone who had the pleasure of working with her. The entire CPB ohana joins me in expressing our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Van had been an employee at the company since 2019.

A neighbor told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Wednesday that the two women who were found dead at the scene were sisters.

A verified Gofundme page for Nelie Ibarra, created by her stepdaughter, said, My stepmom had the biggest heart. She was very loved by many, including me & my dad. Her infectious laughter and boundless generosity touched everyone she met. She will be missed. This sudden tragedy hurts our hearts forever.

Another verified Gofundme page, created by the niece of the two sisters, identified the third woman who died as Lita.

On New Years Eve, our family was struck by an unimaginable tragedy when a series of events during the fireworks display claimed the lives of my two aunties and left many others in critical condition, including their daughters Charmaine and Cherwyn, their sons gf (girlfriend ) and their son,  the post said. As we try to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, we are also focused on supporting those who survived the incident and recovering from their injuries. The emotional, physical, and financial toll on our family is overwhelming as we navigate this difficult and painful time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In another news release this afternoon, the Department of the Medical Examiner also identified the 20-year-old man who died in a separate New Years Eve fireworks-related incident in Kalihi as Jayson Ramos.

The cause of death was listed as blast injuries involving the head and right hand  and the manner was ruled as an accident, according to the office.

Honolulu police earlier said that at 11 :04 p.m. on Dec. 31, a 20-year-old man suffered fireworks-related injuries. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 12 :30 a.m.

84 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 ? .
Donald Trump promises he will not cut one penny of Medicare, but like most elected Republicans hes a strong proponent of Medicare privatization. During his first administration, Trump issued an executive order that said Medicare Advantage, the privatized version of Medicare, delivers efficient and value-based care through choice and private competition. Mehmet Oz, the TV doctor Trump nominated to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, disparages traditional Medicare and has called for massive expansion of Medicare Advantage. By remarkable coincidence, as of 2022 Oz owned a reported stake of $550,000 in UnitedHealth, Medicare Advantages largest participant.



There are many things the private sector does better than the federal government, among them enriching shareholders like Oz. But the private sector does not provide health care more efficiently than the public sector. Thats been demonstrated over and over, yet nobody wants to believe it. A report published Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal summarizing a years worth of its investigations indicates that where Medicare Advantage really excels is in the filing of fraudulent claims.

Congress created Medicare Advantage in 1997 to demonstrate for good and all, damn it, that the market economy could be more cost-effective at delivering doctor and hospital care. The privatization program succeeded in winning over the public: 54 percent of the Medicare-eligible population chooses Medicare Advantage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Medicare Advantage looks to people over 65 like a better deal because it covers things traditional Medicare doesnt, such as visits to the dentist or the eye doctor. Some plans even cover acupuncture! But if you get seriously ill and need to be referred to a specialist, Medicare Advantage isnt so great. An April 2022 study by the Health and Human Services Departments inspector general found that 13 percent of the referrals denied under Medicare Advantage would have been approved under traditional Medicare.

Medicare Advantage also shows that health care privatization is a lousy deal for taxpayers. Medicare Advantage costs the federal government 7 percent more per enrollee than traditional Medicare, according to an August 2024 study by the fiscally conservative Peter G. Peterson Foundation. For enrollees with similar health profiles, Medicare Advantage costs 22 percent more, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.

Perhaps thats because, as the Journals investigations found, Medicare Advantage insurers routinely pad their government reimbursement requests with spurious diagnoses. For example, an astounding 66,000 Medicare Advantage patients were diagnosed with diabetic cataracts even after these patients had surgery to correct them, making that diagnosis, in the Journals words, anatomically impossible. In other instances, patients whom Medicare Advantage insurers reported as HIV positive received none of the recommended treatments. If a doctor failed to furnish a desired diagnosis, insurers dispatched a nurse to the patients home to find one. Medicare Advantage insurers also conned veterans into enrolling in the program even though they were already covered adequately by the Veterans Administration health system, which has repeatedly been demonstrated to be superior to private hospital care (something else the public is reluctant to believe).

UnitedHealth, the parent company of United Healthcare, whose chief executive, Brian Thompson, was assassinated last month, is, according to the Journal, a particular offender, furnishing doctors with checklists of possible diagnoses. Looking at Medicare data between 2019 and 2022, the Journal found that patients who moved from traditional Medicare to UnitedHealths Medicare Advantage plans got 55 percent sicker, on paper during their first year in Medicare Advantage. (UnitedHealth replied in a written statement that it provided more accurate diagnoses and alleged, without providing evidence, that the Journals reporting method was flawed.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So, OK, Medicare Advantage charges the federal government more. Dont I want, as a patient, more money to be lavished on my health care? The sickest customers do not. People in their final years of life left Medicare Advantage for traditional Medicare at double the rate of other enrollees between 2016 and 2022, the Journal reported in November. This exodus of expensively dying patients saved Medicare Advantage $10 billion during this period.

The trouble with the market is that, just as it extracts more money from people who buy a lot of expensive jewelry or clothing or dinners at fancy restaurants than from people who dont, it wants to extract more money from people who spend two months in the hospital than from people who dont. You can correct this bias somewhat, but you cant correct it entirely because thats just how market forces work. Burdening people who are seriously ill is one way the private sector is more efficient than the government; bilking the government is another. But neither efficiency is what were looking for in the Medicare program.

The challenge with all privatization schemes is that the private sector doesnt aspire to save the government money. Why should it? Sometimes the market can be induced to do so in spite of itself through virtuous corporate management or vigilant government oversight. But its uniquely foolish to expect the market not to maximize profit on a commodity that people need as desperately as health care. Someday the public will grasp this truth, and well get socialized medicine. Until that happens, private insurers will take every conceivable advantage, and Republicans like Trump and Oz will manage not to notice, because that would be anti-business.
Washington state Capitol (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)

The upcoming legislative session will see high levels of turnover among Washington state lawmakers.

Following the retirements of longtime legislators, a few redistricting switch-ups, and some departures for higher office, there will be new faces in 29 seats.

Some are familiar, as many new senators are former House members. Some are returning after a term or two off. Others are completely new to the process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And there may be up to four more.

Sen. Patty Kuderer is leaving this month to become insurance commissioner, opening up at least one more vacancy. If a member of the state House of Representatives fills that spot, someone new will have to be appointed to fill the House vacancy. A replacement will also need to be chosen for Rep. Tana Senn, who is exiting the Legislature to lead the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. And yet another replacement will be needed for Sen. Joe Nguyen who was picked to lead the Department of Commerce by Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson.

Heres a look at every new member in order by legislative district.

House of Representatives

Rep. Matt Marshall, R-McKenna, is joining the House representing the 2nd Legislative District, which stretches east of Olympia to Mount Rainier National Park. Marshall is an Army veteran and a medical professional, working as a physician assistant. He ran on a platform to defend parental rights, enhance public safety and support small businesses.

Rep. Natasha Hill, D-Spokane, is the first Black woman to represent the Spokane areas 3rd Legislative District. Hill is an attorney who has also served as interim editor for a Spokane community newspaper, The Black Lens. She ran on a platform to support investments in housing, child care and substance abuse treatment.

Rep. Rob Chase, R-Liberty Lake, is rejoining the House representing the 4th Legislative District, which is northeast of Spokane along the Idaho state border. Chase was elected as a state representative in 2020 but lost his reelection bid in 2022. He was previously the Spokane County treasurer and spent the last three years collecting signatures for the Lets Go Washington initiatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Victoria Hunt, D-Issaquah, joins the House from the 5th Legislative District. Hunt has served on the Issaquah City Council since 2018 and is a scientist who holds a doctorate in ecology. She ran on a platform to support environmental stewardship, affordable housing and education. The 5th District spans areas south and east of Issaquah.

Rep. Andrew Engell, R-Colville, represents northeast Washingtons 7th Legislative District. He ran on a platform to support law enforcement, enhance parental rights and protect Second Amendment rights. Engell worked as the deputy district director for outgoing eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Colville, joins the House representing the 7th Legislative District. Abell is an attorney and U.S. Navy veteran. He ran on a platform to support law enforcement, rural communities and gun rights.

Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, represents the 12th Legislative District, which sprawls over the Cascades, covering towns along the Highway 2 corridor and the area around Lake Chelan. Burnett has had a long career in law enforcement and served as the Chelan County Sheriff. He ran on a platform to increase public safety, protect property rights and help small businesses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Gloria Mendoza, R-Grandview, joins the House from the newly drawn 14th Legislative District in the Yakima Valley region. Mendoza has served as a city councilmember and mayor in Grandview. She bills herself as a conservative, who is prepared to oppose new taxes and regulation and support religious freedoms and gun rights.

Rep. Deb Manjarrez, R-Wapato, is joining the House from the newly drawn 14th Legislative District. Manjarrez is an accountant and has been a Yakima County Republican precinct committee officer for 16 years. As a lawmaker, shes said she wants to rein in state spending and protect agricultural interests.

Rep. Jeremie Dufault, R-Selah, is rejoining the House representing south-central Washingtons 15th Legislative District. Originally elected in 2018, he stepped down in 2022 after redistricting left him outside the district. Dufault is a real estate developer and serves as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Hes said hell fight for lower taxes and smaller government and has previously backed programs to assist homeless veterans.

Rep. David Stuebe, R-Washougal, joins the House from southwest Washingtons 17th Legislative District. Stuebe is a city councilmember and mayor of Washougal and retired Marine Corps colonel. Hes said he wants to prioritize public safety, promote community policing efforts and improve emergency response capabilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, represents southwest Washingtons 18th Legislative District. Ley was previously a U.S. Air Force pilot and a commercial airline pilot. He has voiced support for parental rights in public schools, opposition to the states cap-and-trade law, and hed like to see property taxes reduced.

Rep. Lisa Parshley, D-Olympia, was elected to serve the House from the 22nd legislative district. Parshley is a city council member in Olympia and a veterinarian. Shes said she wants to focus on homelessness, combatting opioid addiction and climate-related issues.

Rep. Adam Bernbaum, D-Port Angeles, joins the House representing the 24th Legislative District on the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula. Bernbaum previously worked as a field organizer for outgoing Congressman Derek Kilmer and legislative assistant to former state Sen. Kevin Van De Wege. Hes said hell push for investments in rural broadband, expanding child care access and programs to assist older state residents.

Rep. Michael Keaton, R-Puyallup, represents the 25th Legislative District. Keaton served in the Air Force for over 20 years and on the Puyallup School Board for eight years. During his campaign, he said he wants the state to do more to combat crime and improve government transparency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Adison Richards, D-Gig Harbor, was elected to the House from the 26th Legislative District. Richards is a lawyer who has worked with people facing housing crises and victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. He ran on a platform to lower child and health care costs, fund more police officers and expand career and tech education.

Rep. Joshua Penner, R-Orting, represents the 31st Legislative District, which extends north and west of Mount Rainier, over to areas around Tacoma and Puyallup. Penner is the current mayor of Orting and a Marine Corps veteran. Hes said he wants to focus on improving schools and public safety.

Edwin Obras, D-SeaTac, was appointed to fill Sen. Tina Orwalls seat in the 33rd Legislative District. He has worked for Seattles Human Services Department for 16 years and is the board president of the Filipino Community of Seattle.

Rep. Shaun Scott, D-Seattle, represents the 43rd Legislative District. Scott will be taking over former House speaker Rep. Frank Chopps seat after he decided to not seek reelection. Scott is the policy lead at Statewide Poverty Action Network and ran on a platform that called for new taxes targeting the states wealthiest residents and corporations.

Senate

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, is moving to the Senate after 12 years in the House. Riccelli is taking over the 3rd Legislative Districts Senate seat from former Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig who retired this year. He also works for the Community Health Association of Spokane.

Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley, was elected to the Senate after serving one term representing the 4th Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. He also served a partial term after being appointed in 2014. He is a real estate broker and served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years.

Bill Ramos, D-Issaquah, was elected to the Senate after three terms in the state House representing the 5th Legislative District. He is the outgoing chair of the State Government and Tribal Relations Committee. He is a former Issaquah City Council member and previously worked as a community planner for the Federal Transit Administration.

Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, is entering the Senate after serving three terms in the House representing the 12th Legislative District. He served four terms on the Chelan County Commission and was an elected member of the Peshastin-Dryden school board. He is a former teacher and a third-generation orchardist.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, is joining the Senate after seven terms in the House representing the 17th Legislative District. He is a former elected director of Evergreen Public Schools and is the owner of a Vancouver-based company that does sales, marketing, consulting and public relations work.

Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground, was elected to the Senate following the closest legislative race in the 2024 elections in southwest Washingtons 18th Legislative District. He is in his second term as a member of the Battle Ground City Council and is a special education teacher at Camas High School.

Jessica Bateman, D-Olympia, enters the Senate following two terms in the House for the 22nd Legislative District. She previously served on the Olympia City Council and its planning commission. She works as a policy advisor for community health centers in Washington.

Mike Chapman, D-Port Angeles, joins the Senate after four terms representing the 24th Legislative District in the House. He is an ex-law enforcement officer and served four terms as a Clallam County commissioner. He is the outgoing chair of the House Rural Development, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deb Krishnadasan, D-Gig Harbor, was appointed to fill a vacancy left by Emily Randall in the 26th Legislative District. Krishnadasan served six years on the Peninsula School District Board of Directors, including two as its president.

Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, was appointed by the King County Council to replace retiring Sen. Karen Keiser in the 33rd Legislative District. Orwall served as a state representative since 2009. She spent 20 years working in the mental health system and most recently worked for Seattles Office of Housing.
Elon Musk is a genius who has been wrongly portrayed as a monster because of his political alignment with Donald Trump, Giorgia Meloni has claimed.

Italys prime minister said she was a friend and admirer of the billionaire tech entrepreneur, who is poised to play a key role in the new US administration when Mr Trump is sworn in as president on Jan 20.

In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Ms Meloni said: We are certainly two people who have a great rapport. Elon Musk is a gifted man and it is always very interesting to meet him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He is a great figure of our times, an extraordinary innovator who has always had his gaze fixed on the future.

It makes me laugh a bit that there are people who used to praise him as a genius but today depict him as a monster, just because he has chosen the wrong political camp, as they see it.

Her remarks about the Tesla and X owner will fuel speculation that she could play a unique bridging role between Europe and the new US government.

Since being elected Italys first woman prime minister two years ago, Ms Meloni has shown herself to be a shrewd political operator, earning plaudits from mainstream political leaders in the West for her staunch support of Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the same time, she has established warm relations with hard-Right sovereignists such as Mr Trump and Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister.

Her diplomatic manoeuvres suggest she is one of the few leaders who can balance hobnobbing with Brussels establishment heavyweights such as Ursula van der Leyen one day and hardline Eurosceptics like Mr Orban the next.

Mr Musk denied last year that he was in a romantic relationship with Ms Meloni - FILIPPO ATTILI/US PALAZZO CHIGI PRESS OFFICE HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Some have predicted Ms Meloni could fulfil a similar bridging role between Europe and the new Trump administration.

Like the Republican, she is a Right-winger who wants to crack down on illegal immigration and has no time for woke ideology.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ms Meloni has struck up a close rapport with Mr Musk, who will play a key role under Mr Trump as head of new entity the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE.

Mr Musk also thinks highly of the Italian leader and in September even went as far as to deny that they were in a romantic relationship.

He has also previously lauded her as someone who is even more beautiful inside than outside.

Lew Eisenberg, a former US ambassador to Rome, recently told Italian media that Ms Meloni could emerge as a favoured interlocutor between the Trump government and Europe.

He added: I think the possibility exists, because of the clear political affinities, particularly compared to other European leaders. But she must expect that she will be asked to contribute more resources, from defence to trade.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, Italy is one of the countries that Trump has berated for not spending at least 2 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence. The country currently spends 1.49 per cent of its GDP on the sector, according to Nato figures.

Donald Trump told reporters last month that Ms Meloni was a fantastic leader and person - Instagram

Francesco Galietti, an Italian political analyst, also said he was not convinced that Ms Meloni would end up playing a special bridging role between Washington and European capitals.

He said: Her avenue towards Trump is through Musk  but are we 100 per cent sure that the bromance will last? I have very big reservations.

They are two giant egos, and they stand for different things. One is a protectionist, the other a globalist. Trump is opposed to migration, Musk is not. Musk is a friend of China, Trump is certainly not.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The list of things that they diverge on is longer than the list of things on which they agree. Meloni has chosen Musk as an intermediary but that exposes her to a lot of risk when the Trump-Musk relationship turns sour.

When asked what he thought about Ms Meloni, the US president-elect told reporters last month: Shes fantastic. Shes a fantastic leader and person. Mr Trump also said that he looked forward to working with her.

However, Mr Galietti the founder of think tank Policy Sonar, said even those gushing sentiments may not count for much in the long run.

He added: Trump is utterly unpredictable. Theres nothing stable or fixed in his relations. One day you are a star, the next you are out of the picture. Theres great volatility in his Rolodex of friends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the interview, Ms Meloni also said she was keen to better collaborate with Britain in attempting to block irregular migration to Europe.

She said her rapport with Sir Keir Starmer was very good  as it was with his predecessor Rishi Sunak.

The Italian prime minister insisted she was in agreement on many themes with Sir Keir Starmer - Andrew Medichini/AP

Ms Meloni added: We are in agreement on many themes  Im thinking, for example, of the management of migratory flows and the fight against mass illegal immigration. Its a phenomenon that affects the whole of Europe.

We agree with Starmer that we need to intensify the fight against traffickers, work towards greater cooperation between our police forces, reinforce the commitment to voluntary, assisted repatriation [of migrants] and not be afraid of exploring innovative solutions, such as the accord that Italy drew up with Albania to process asylum requests on non-EU territory.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ms Melonis government has blocked nearly 200,000 migrants from crossing the Mediterranean to Italy since coming to power two years ago, the countrys interior minister said this week.

Much of its success has been attributed to accords drawn up with transit countries such as Libya and Tunisia, with Italy and the EU pledging hundreds of millions of euros in aid, trade and investment in return for migrant boats being blocked from departing the shores of North Africa.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the world awaits the inauguration of Mr Trump for his second term as president, it is not just Italy trying to forge better relations with the mercurial billionaire.

In a softening of his previous rhetoric, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, described Mr Trump as strong and unpredictable, and said his qualities could be an advantage when it came to attempting to end the war with Russia.

Speaking during a television interview on Thursday, he said: The hot stage of the war can end quite quickly if Trump is strong in his position.

However, Mr Zelensky added it would not be possible to bring the conflict to an end in one day, as had been claimed by Mr Trump during his recent campaign for president.

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.
It took less than 48 hours for the mass killing in New Orleans to be pulled into the partisan debates that are roiling the nation.

In the process, some of the political rhetoric ran roughshod over the facts.

President-elect Trump, for example, quickly took to social media to imply that lax immigration policies were responsible for the carnage on New Orleanss Bourbon Street, where a man in a rented truck mowed down revelers at around 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, killing 14 people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

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 contended.

Trump may have been basing that assessment in part upon early reports that the suspect had driven the vehicle in question across the southern border this week. Those reports were wrong.

More to the point, the suspect, who was killed in a shootout with police, was a U.S. citizen who had been raised in Beaumont, Texas.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, was a U.S. Army veteran who had joined up in 2007 and had been deployed to Afghanistan around 2009, though he is not believed to have seen direct conflict. He later transferred to the Army Reserve, in which he served until 2020.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump, characteristically, did not back down from his original point even when contrary facts became known. In a Thursday morning social media post, he contended that President Bidens open border policy had set the stage for an explosion of Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime.

Trump adviser Stephen Miller offered a different rationale for how immigration policy could be to blame for a mass murder apparently committed by a Texan.

Miller, a noted immigration hardliner who will be homeland security adviser in the incoming Trump administration, wrote on social media that Islamist terrorism is an import. It is not homegrown. It did not exist here before migration brought it here.

Jabbar is believed to have expressed support for the Islamic State (IS) in videos he posted to his Facebook account shortly before the mass killing. The FBI has said that an IS flag was found in the vehicle. The FBI also stated that weapons and a potential improvised explosive device were discovered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Attacks in the American homeland by those harboring radical Islamist sympathies have happened sporadically, with grisly results, for years  though the extent to which they can be attributed to any specific U.S. president or policy is far more questionable.

In 2009, U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan killed 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas, having apparently become increasingly radicalized over several years.

In 2015, a husband and wife in San Bernardino, Calif., killed 14 people. James Comey, then the FBI director, described them as homegrown violent extremists.

And in June 2016, gunman Omar Mateen killed 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. Mateen had declared an allegiance to IS and expressed revulsion of Western lifestyles he considered decadent. The Pulse nightclub catered primarily to an LGBT crowd.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This weeks New Orleans mass killing was followed within hours by the explosion of a Tesla cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The driver of the vehicle is believed to have shot himself in the head shortly before detonating the vehicle.

He has been identified as Matthew Livelsberger, a highly decorated Green Beret, who was on approved leave at the time. Much else about the incident remains shrouded in uncertainty.

Republicans beyond Trump have sought to connect the events in New Orleans, in particular, with what they see as a lack of leadership from Biden.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who faces a difficult battle to retain the gavel in a vote expected Friday, told Fox News Fox & Friends on Thursday that he cannot wait for Trump to take office on Jan. 20 because the president-elect will be restoring real law and order in this country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnson further contended that the Biden administration had been derelict in its duty and that there was obvious concern about terrorism and the wide open border.

On the same show, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) called for Trumps controversial nominees to national security-related posts to be quickly confirmed because this is a moment in transition of vulnerability and called Trump a leader of strength.

Few people believe that it is possible to create a situation where the U.S. is somehow immune from acts of domestic terrorism, under Trump or any other president, however. In the event that some tragedy takes place under his watch, the promise of strength could seem exaggerated.

In the meantime, Democrats are jabbing back at GOP claims over the New Orleans atrocity. Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) told CNN on Thursday it was unfortunate that both the president-elect and Speaker Johnson has chosen to make this a partisan issue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But it also seems likely that Trump and his allies will use the attack to press the case against Biden  and to perhaps open the door to more aggressive use of immigration and law enforcement powers once the former president is back in office.

The USA is breaking down  A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation, Trump asserted on social media moments past midnight on Thursday.

The CIA must get involved NOW before it is too late, Trump wrote.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez are set to meet with new Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman Friday to support resentencing the brothers who are currently serving life in prison for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents in Beverly Hills.

The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, described as a family-led initiative, issued a statement ahead of the meeting.

As we prepare to meet with DA Hochman, our family is hopeful for an open and fair discussion. Despite the abuse they endured as children and the unfairness of their current sentence, Erik and Lyle Menendez have spent the last three decades taking responsibility for their actions and contributing positively to their community through leadership and rehabilitation, a portion of the statement read.

FILE  Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit with defense attorney Leslie Abramson, right, in Beverly Hills Municipal Court during a hearing, Nov. 26, 1990. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File) Menendez brothers, Erik, left, and Lyle on the steps of their Beverly Hills home in November, 1989. (Getty Images) Erik Menendez, left, and is brother Lyle, in front of their Beverly Hills home. They are prime suspects in their parents murder. (Getty) FILE  An Oct. 31, 2016, photo provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shows Erik Menendez, left, and a Feb. 22, 2018, photo provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shows Lyle Menendez. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation via AP, File) Erik and Lyle Menendez are pictured, on August 12, 1991 in Beverly Hills. (Getty Images) Erik Menendez (L) and his brother Lyle (R) listen during a pre-trial hearing, on December 29, 1992 in Los Angeles after the two pleaded innocent in the August 1989 shotgun deaths of their wealthy parents, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez of Beverly Hills, Calif. It took 40 months for the Superior Court arraignment after prosecutors and defense attorneys battled over the admissibility of taped confessions the brothers allegedly made to their psychotherapist. (Photo by VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images) FILE  Lyle Menendez looks up during testimony in his and brother Eriks retrial for the shotgun slayings of their parents, Oct. 20, 1995 in Los Angeles. (Steve Grayson/Pool Photo via AP, File) Erik and Lyle Menendez appear in court in Los Angeles on March 9, 1994. (Getty Images) Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon speaks during a news conference regarding the Menendez brothers, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at the Hall of Justice in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

More than 20 family members of Jose and Kitty Menendezs family are expected to attend Fridays meeting to advocate for a resentencing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, not all members of the Menendez family feel the brothers should be released.

Milton Andersen, the brother of Kitty Menendez, believes Erik and Lyle werent molested by their father and that justice was served, NewsNation reported in October.

Mr. Anderson believes, based on the evidence, that it was only when they learned that their father was going to take them out of the will, essentially because they wouldnt get a job, the attorney representing Andersen said during an appearance on Elizabeth Vargas Reports. Erik and Lyle then went to purchase guns under someone elses name.

Former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced he supported resentencing the Menendez brothers in October.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I strongly support clemency for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are currently serving sentences of life without possibility of parole. They have respectively served 34 years and have continued their educations and worked to create new programs to support the rehabilitation of fellow inmates, said Gascon.

Gascon however was voted out as district attorney in November and Hochman has not announced where he stands on the controversial issue.

Heres my approach, whether its the Menendez case or quite honestly any case: you have to do the hard work, Hochman told KTLA in November. You have to look, in that case, at thousands of pages of confidential prison files, you have to review thousands of trial transcripts from months-long trials, and you have to speak to the prosecutors, law enforcement and the defense counseland the victims families.

California Gov. Gavin Newson has said that he would defer his decision on the Menendez brothers clemency until Hochman reviews the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lyle Menendez, then 21, and Erik Menendez, then 18, admitted to fatally shooting their father, Jose Menendez, and their mother, Kitty Menendez, claiming they feared their parents were about to kill them to stop people from finding out that Jose had sexually abused Erik for years, according to the Associated Press.

They were convicted in 1996.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Twenty members of the Menendez family will meet Friday with Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman to urge him to consider fair and just resentencing for Erik and Lyle Menendez in light of their abuse, trauma, and demonstrated rehabilitation over the last 35 years.

The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, which includes relatives of the incarcerated brothers, issued the following statement ahead of their scheduled meeting:

As we prepare to meet with DA Hochman, our family is hopeful for an open and fair discussion. Despite the abuse they endured as children and the unfairness of their current sentence, Erik and Lyle Menendez have spent the last three decades taking responsibility for their actions and contributing positively to their community through leadership and rehabilitation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During our meeting with DA Hochman, we look forward to sharing our perspective on Erik and Lyles immense personal growth over the last 35 years and the ways in which we plan to support them in their next chapters. We hope that this meeting will put us a step closer to spending next Christmas reunited as a family.

Erik and Lyle are serving life sentences for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

New evidence that supports the brothers allegations of sexual abuse, including an additional victim and a letter written by Erik before the killings, were detailed in the 2023 documentary Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed and Netflixs Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story series, which premiered in September.

A public wave of support for the brothers following Monsters, which included statements from celebrities Kim Kardashian and Rosie ODonnell, was boosted by former Los Angeles D.A. George Gascon to begin the resentencing process and to petition Californias Governor Gavin Newsom to grant clemency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both legal avenues have been stalled with the election of Hochman, who campaigned on reversing many of Gascons more liberal policies. Hochman has stated he will handle each brothers case separately.

Per the coalitions statement, the majority of the family is united in their support for a resentencing process that reflects Erik and Lyles abuse, trauma, and demonstrated rehabilitation over the last 35 years.

However, at least one family member, Milton Andersen the brother of Kitty Menendez, is opposed to the brothers early release.

In a recent letter to Hochman, Menendez family lawyer Bryan Freedman expressed concern that the new D.As process has been unfair.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Freedman added that instead of wanting to meet with the victims family members that can share their own personal experiences of years watching and speaking directly with Lyle and Erik, you chose to meet with Milton Andersons attorney first  It does not make any sense to my client.





The post Menendez Family Urges LA D.A. to Consider Reduced Sentence for Erik and Lyle appeared first on TheWrap.
NEW YORK (AP)  Lawyers for former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez are urging a judge to be lenient at his sentencing later this month for his conviction on bribery charges, saying the ordeal has made him a national punchline despite a lifetime of good deeds that have saved lives.

Late Thursday, the lawyers wrote to the judge who will sentence him to say that the Democrats positive actions through an unusual life spent overcoming hardships should weigh in his favor. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 29.

The 71-year-old Menendez was convicted in July of 16 corruption charges brought by prosecutors who asserted that he used his power in the Senate to do favors that benefited three New Jersey businessmen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two of the businessmen were convicted along with him while a third pleaded guilty to charges and testified at the trial.

His wife faces trial next month on many of the same charges after her case was delayed so she could be treated for breast cancer.

The lawyers told Judge Sidney H. Stein that Menendez has fallen on hard times since he was charged in the case in 2023, losing the Senate seat he held for 18 years, along with most of his once broad circle of friends and political allies.

Unsurprisingly, Senator Menendezs conviction has rendered him a national punchline and stripped him of every conceivable personal, professional, and financial benefit, they wrote. "Bob is now 71, with his long-built reputation in tatters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He has suffered financial and professional ruin. And he now is helping his wife battle a life-threatening cancer diagnosis in the midst of her upcoming trial in this case. We respectfully submit that, notwithstanding his conviction, Bob is deserving of mercy because of the penalties already imposed, his age, and the lack of a compelling need to impose a custodial sentence, the lawyers added.

They noted that the Probation Department calculated federal sentencing guidelines as calling for a sentence as high as 24 years to 30 years behind bars, although Probation recommended a dozen years in prison, which the Menendez lawyers characterized as draconian.

They said properly calculated federal guidelines would actually call for a roughly two-year prison term and even that would be too much punishment.

Federal prosecutors were scheduled to submit their own sentencing recommendations later this month.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that the scheduled sentencing date is Jan. 29, not July 29.
Lawyers for former Sen. Bob Menendez are seeking a drastically more lenient sentence for his 16-count corruption conviction than federal guidelines call for, citing his destroyed reputation and a life now in shambles.

Unsurprisingly, Senator Menendezs conviction has rendered him a national punchline and stripped him of every conceivable personal, professional, and financial benefit, reads the legal filing by Menendez attorney Avi Weitzman, which includes letters from about 120 of the senators former constituents, family, staffers and others urging leniency.

Menendezs sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 29. U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein last week rejected an attempt to delay it pending his wife Nadines corruption trial on many of the same charges. Her trial was severed from her husbands last year so she could undergo breast cancer treatment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Federal guidelines call for a sentence of at least 24 years, which Weitzman called preposterous, though the Probation Department has only recommended 12 years. Weitzman is seeking 21 to 27 months.

Menendez, who turned 71 on Wednesday, plans to appeal his conviction and is seeking a new trial after prosecutors admitted the jury had access to some evidence Stein ruled they should not see.

Following a lengthy trial, Menendez  who had a 50-year career in New Jersey politics as a Union City mayor, state legislator, House member and senator from 2006 to 2023  was found guilty in July of bribery, acting as a foreign agent for Egypt and Qatar, obstruction of justice, extortion and conspiring to commit those crimes. The case  including the use of gold bars to bribe the senator and his favors for foreign officials  drew international headlines.

It was Menendezs second corruption trial, after he beat bribery charges in 2017 thanks to a hung jury. Menendez was tried along with also-convicted co-defendants Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, and former co-defendant Jose Uribe, who pleaded guilty and became a prosecution witness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Menendez, once one of the most powerful figures in New Jersey, lost Democratic support almost immediately following his indictment  a contrast to 2017, when most powerful New Jersey Democrats stuck with the senator and even showed up to his trial. Menendez filed petitions to run for reelection as an independent in 2024 but abandoned the bid following his conviction.

If his conviction is upheld, he will lose his federal pension.  His law license has been suspended and will be revoked if his conviction stands. His state pension and government provided insurance are at risk, too. And illustrative of the countless minor indignities he now faces, his name has been stripped from an elementary school in New Jersey, Weitzman wrote.

His once broad circle of friends and political allies have largely disappeared," he added. "While all defendants suffer inevitable personal and professional consequences if convicted of serious federal crimes, Senator Menendez in many important respects has already been punished relatively more harshly due to his position.

Those writing letters urging leniency for the senator included his son, Democratic Rep. Rob Menendez; Passaic Mayor Hector Lora; former West New York Mayor Felix Roque; former Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades; Rabbi Aaron Kotler of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood; Peter Degast, the owner of a New Jersey IHOP franchise Menendez frequented for decades; and Mark Anderl, whose son was killed by an assassin targeting his wife Esther  a federal judge  at their home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senator Menendezs personal commitment to ensure the safety and independence of the men and women who proudly serve our federal judiciary resulted in a two-plus year endeavor to see the enactment of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act on December 23, 2022, wrote Anderl, who was wounded in the attack. During this years-long endeavor, Senator Menendez exhibited selflessness by putting the safety and protection of the federal judiciary before himself.

Rob Menendez wrote that he understands the trial you presided over and the outcome thereof will color that career in a certain light."

But what I believe is important for the Court to know is that the stories and accounts of my father's dedication, support, and advocacy that others will speak of came at a sacrifice, he wrote.

Menendezs Jan. 29 sentencing is scheduled just eight days after Nadine Menendezs trial is expected to begin.

Bob is now 71, with his long-built reputation in tatters. He has suffered financial and professional ruin. And he now is helping his wife battle a life-threatening cancer diagnosis in the midst of her upcoming trial in this case, Weitzman wrote. We respectfully submit that, notwithstanding his conviction, Bob is deserving of mercy because of the penalties already imposed, his age, and the lack of a compelling need to impose a custodial sentence.


Meta has tapped Joel Kaplan, a former deputy chief of staff for George W. Bush and a friend of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, as the companys global head of policypromoting one of the social media companys most prominent Republicans just as Silicon Valley leaders pursue closer ties with the incoming Trump administration.

In a public announcement on Facebook, Nick Clegg, Metas president for global affairs, announced he would step down in the upcoming year, and confirmed that Kaplan, the companys vice president for global public policy, would take his place.

Joel is quite clearly the right person for the right job at the right time - ideally placed to shape the companys strategy as societal and political expectations around technology continue to evolve, Clegg wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kaplan, a Harvard Law School graduate and marine veteran who once clerked for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, was first brought on at the company in 2011 to work on policy in Washington, according to a 2022 profile in Wired .

But Kaplan found himself at the center of a controversy after he was spotted sitting behind Kavanaugh during one of his confirmation hearings, showing support for his fellow Bush administration alumnus as he faced allegations of sexual assault from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.

Joel Kaplan courted controversy when he was spotted sitting directly behind Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his contentious confirmation hearings. / Getty Images

Kaplans prominent position behind his friend sparked outrage among hundreds of Facebook employees , prompting the company to host a town hall meeting to discuss the incident.

Ive talked to Joel about why I think it was a mistake for him to attend given his role in the company, former chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg said in an internal post to employees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kaplan later apologized in his own note circulated to employees, The New York Times reported in 2018. In other posts obtained by the paper, Kaplan said he was standing by his friend and took a personal day to attend the hearing.

I have known Brett and Ashley Kavanaugh for 20 years, Kaplan wrote. They are my and my wife Lauras closest friends in D.C. I was in their wedding; he was in ours. Our kids have grown up together.

Despite the apologies, Kaplan and his wife still hosted a party for supporters after Kavanaugh was confirmed, Politico reported at the time.

The new appointment comes as Zuckerberg and other Silicon Valley leaders look to shore up support in the incoming Trump administration. The Meta founder made the pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago in November, and reportedly donated $1 million to Trumps inaugural fund weeks later.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Clegg was Britains deputy prime minister from 2010 to 2015, when his Liberal Democrat Party formed a coalition government with the Conservatives. The coalition ended after the Liberal Democrats lost most of their support in the 2015 election, and Clegg lost his own seat in parliament in 2017.

In a post announcing his departure, Clegg said he was simply thrilled that Kaplan would be his successor.

Current and former Meta executives sounded off in the comments of Cleggs post, praising his over-six-year tenure at the company and his chosen successor.

Joel brings decades of experience both at Meta and in government to this job, as well as enormous talent, skill, vision and creativity, wrote Sandberg, who has since left the company. There is no one more capable of leading this team during this time of innovation and opportunity for Meta. Joel - congratulations and we all cant wait to see what you do!

I am honored to follow in your footsteps and am grateful for your continued partnership as I ramp up, Kaplan said in his own post praising his predecessor.
DARKE COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN)  A traffic stop led to a drivers arrest and the seizure of methamphetamine and other pills.

According to a release from the Darke County Sheriffs Office, deputies made a traffic stop on a Dodge Truck after noting the drivers inability to maintain the lane he was traveling in.

Deputies spoke with the driver and observed indications of criminal activity present based off the interaction. A K-9 officer of the sheriffs office conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle, which turned a positive alert.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deputies began a search of the truck and proceeded to find suspected methamphetamine and other pills.

The driver was arrested for possession of methamphetamine (a second degree felony) and obstructing official business (a second degree misdemeanor).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Carrie Elizabeth Brown, who was reported missing by the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office, has been found as of Friday morning, the office confirmed.

On Thursday, Browns family reported her missing. They say she was last seen leaving the Hickory Flat Area and Weathen Drive area of Cherokee County.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Law enforcement officials believe she may be traveling in a black Honda Odyssey, with Georgia license plate  YAI192 at 12 p.m. on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brown is 5-feet-5 inches tall and weighs 135 pounds. Officials say Brown may be in the Cartersville area.

TRENDING STORIES:

If you know of her whereabouts, youre asked to contact the CCSO.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  David Ortega is the owner of Mens Wellness of Oklahoma. He also thought he was a homeowner, but fears he may be a victim of real estate fraud.

Ortegas NW OKC home courtesy KFOR

Ortega said he purchased his northwest Oklahoma City home from a private mortgage company, Home Masters LLC, based out of Edmond back in 2009.

I put $7,000 down, purchased for $70,000. Ive been paying $665 a month for the last 15 years. When I did the calculations, its about $126,000 total that Ive paid into this home, Ortega said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On December 26, Ortega was served with court papers from the Oklahoma Court Clerks Office. The documentation stated his home was in foreclosure.

Woman terrified after no funding available to reimburse stolen SNAP benefits

Ortega said when the court representative for Oklahoma County mentioned the foreclosure, he instead named the owner of Home Masters LLC.

Im like, well this is my house, so they dont actually live here. They live in Edmond, Ortega said.

Ortega showed News 4 a document from 2009 when he agreed to purchase the home. For the past 15 years, he said he was paying his mortgage each month to the home address of the companys owner.

Ortegas purchase agreement with Home Masters LLC. Photo courtesy KFOR

Home Masters LLC is owned by the same man who owns the home Ortega has been living in and paying for all these years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When we looked at the ownership documents for Ortegas home, we can see the company owners wifes name listed as the owner on a completely different mortgage.

Apparently, Ortegas mortgage hasnt been paid by Home Masters LLC since March 2024. The mortgage company, now wanting the entire balance to be paid in full.

According to the paperwork, Home Masters LLC still owes them $44,000, Ortega said.

Court records show the exact amount as $43,217.59

This means someone appears to have been collecting Ortegas monthly payments, but not actually paying the mortgage. This now leaves the home in foreclosure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two arrested for alleged identity theft scheme

Ortega said his monthly payments went to an address in a gated community in Edmond.

News 4 went to the location, no one answered the door.

We also tried calling the company owners cell phone and got no response.

News 4 noticed a van in the company owners driveway for another company named Pipe Doctors. We called the number on the van, but the person who answered hung up as soon we mentioned the name of the man who lives at the home where the van was parked.

I never thought Id be a fraud victim myself, Ortega said.

He says hes just a father and family man trying to make it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I dont have that much money. I put everything into my business and Im really not sure what to do, Ortega said.

In order to pursue legal action, Ortega must hire a real estate attorney, which he said he cant afford at the moment.

This afternoon, News 4 tried reaching the man whos been collecting Ortegas payments all these years. Although he didnt confirm his identity, he told us Ortega had Nothing to worry about.

He said he is working with a bank to resolve the situation. However, when we asked which bank, he said Dont worry about it.

We will keep following 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Jan. 2An extra-small chipmunk found in southern New Mexico mountains will gain endangered species status and a critical habitat designation, boosting its chance at survival.

The Penasco least chipmunk lives in the shade of ponderosa pines and in meadows in the White Mountains. It will officially be listed as endangered on Jan. 9. The chipmunk will get three designated critical habitat areas, a total of 4,385 acres, all located within the Lincoln National Forest. The critical habitat range overlaps with critical habitat for the Mexican spotted owl.

Improving the chipmunk's situation will require "significant and long-term conservation actions," according to a Species Status Assessment Report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The chipmunk's historic range also includes the Sacramento Mountains, but it has not been spotted there since 1966, according to the status assessment.

The chipmunks were abundant in the early 1900s. But in the early 20th century, industries like logging and cattle ranching changed the forests in the Sacramento Mountains, making them less favorable to the chipmunks over time, according to Michael Robinson, senior conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, which petitioned to list the species.

"The vast majority of the large ponderosas in the Sacramento's were logged, and the whole structure of the forest was changed through livestock grazing. As grass became eliminated in large areas, there were thickets of small trees and those proved over the long-term to be very susceptible to fires," Robinson said.

The White Mountains Wilderness Area within the Lincoln National Forest will stay closed to grazing to help recover the chipmunks, according to the rule listing the chipmunk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are relatively low numbers of Penasco least chipmunks in the White Mountains. In 2018, 12 to 17 of the chipmunks were captured over 1,683 trap-days in the area of Lookout Mountain, according to the status assessment.

The Penasco chipmunks also have a lower level of genetic variation compared with the eight other least chipmunk subspecies in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado, according to the status assessment.

A small population is the primary hurdle to the chipmunk's survival, according to the rule listing the chipmunk. Diseases like plague and nonnative species like feral hogs also pose risks to the chipmunks. The Ski Apache Resort opening and operations are "the most significant recreational, development, and land use activities likely to affect the Penasco least chipmunk in the White Mountains," according to the rule.

The critical habitat designation is 2,189 acres smaller than the habitat range in the proposed rule from 2021. In 2023, Fish and Wildlife got a request from the Mescalero Apache Tribe to exclude an area on reservation land and the Ski Apache Resort, which is located in the Lincoln National Forest. The ski resort is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and operated by the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Excluding the two areas supports Federal Indian Trust obligations and "effective collaboration" to conserve the species, according to the rule.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.S. Forest Service has been restoring habitat features that benefit the chipmunk on the Ski Apache Resort since 2019, and Fish and Wildlife is collaborating with the Mescalero Apache Tribe to enhance habitat for the chipmunks on the reservation.

The June 2024 Salt and South Fork fires happened within the chipmunk's historic range, so U.S. Fish and Wildlife will conduct a survey to see how the subspecies was affected by the wildfires, according to the agency's December announcement of the endangered species listing.

The nearby village of Ruidoso was significantly impacted by the fires.

"The Penasco least chipmunk's final listing and critical habitat designation will not hinder or impact any community recovery and rebuilding efforts in response to the fires," according to the announcement.
Jan. 2Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said Thursday her office "is neither authorized nor equipped to investigate the veracity of the address" former state Rep. Harry Garcia listed as his home after he changed his voter registration in November.

In response to an inquiry from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is weighing whether to appoint the former House member to a vacant seat in a district neighboring his old one, Toulouse Oliver wrote state law is clear on residency requirements amid ongoing questions about whether Garcia is eligible to fill the vacancy.

"Mr. Garcia's permanent residence is determined by the address listed on his voter registration, which he has signed under sworn attestation," Toulouse Oliver wrote in a letter to the governor, adding falsifying any information on a certificate of registration constitutes a fourth-degree felony. Her letter cites a 1990 state Supreme Court that held someone wishing to contest someone's residency "has the burden of showing that the residence relied upon by the candidate as his qualifying residence is a sham."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Garcia represented House District 69 for four terms until newcomer Michelle Abeyta beat him in the Democratic primary election in June. After state Rep. Eliseo Alcon, D-Milan, announced his resignation from House District 6 to focus on his health, the Grants Democrat changed his voter registration to Alcon's district the same day and then applied to fill the vacancy.

"I didn't just go buy a house to change my voter registration," he said in an interview Tuesday. "I've had that property [in House District 6] 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."

House District 6 covers Cibola and McKinley counties, and county commissioners in both recommended Garcia for appointment to the vacant seat.

On Tuesday, the governor wrote a letter to Toulouse Oliver to "express [her] concerns" regarding Garcia's appointment to House District 6, citing news media interviews in which Garcia acknowledged he changed his voter registration "with the specific intent of obtaining the nomination to replace the former legislator" and claims he has residences in both districts.

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 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 to conduct any due diligence within your authority to determine whether former Rep. Garcia does, in fact, now 'reside' in House District 6."

Toulouse Oliver's letter, however, notes such due diligence isn't her responsibility.

"The sworn attestation of the registrant is accepted unless a contestant bears the burden of showing otherwise," she wrote.

Follow Daniel J. Chacon on Twitter @danieljchacon.
The top diplomats from Germany and France were in Syria on Friday to send what the German minister called a clear signal that Europe and Syria can have a political new beginning" after Islamist insurgents ousted Bashar Assad.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot met with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and representatives of civil society.

Baerbock said all Syrians  regardless of ethnic or religious group  must have a place in the political process as well as rights and protection. Al-Sharaa has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria because of the need for political dialogue and rewriting the countrys constitution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli strikes killed at least 42 people including children overnight and into Friday, hospital staff said, as often-stalled ceasefire talks to end the Israel-Hamas war were set to resume in Qatar. Sirens sounded across Israel for missiles fired from Yemen.

Israel's bombardments and ground invasion of Gaza has killed more than 45,600 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who say women and children make up more than half the fatalities. The officials do not distinguish between civilians and combatants in their tally.

The war was sparked by Hamas-led militants' attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and around 250 abducted. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza; at least a third are believed to be dead.

___

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Here's the latest:

Palestinian health workers and Israeli military dispute whether 2 hospitals in Gaza are ordered to evacuate

CAIRO  Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza said in a statement Friday that Israels military told staff and patients to immediately evacuate. The hospital didnt give details.

A nurse at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza said the facility also received orders to evacuate.

The nurse said they were still in the hospital with 19 people, including eight patients, and that staffers had asked for ambulances to evacuate people who couldn't walk. The nurse spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss the situation publicly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Israels military said that it wasnt operating to evacuate either the Al-Awda or Indonesian hospitals.

Messages were sent to reiterate to officials in the health authorities that there is no need to evacuate the hospital, the military said about the Indonesian Hospital.

Neither sides statements could be immediately verified. The Israeli military heavily restricts the movement of Palestinians in Gaza and has virtually sealed off the towns where the hospitals are located as it wages an blistering offensive there.

Last week, Israeli soldiers expelled wounded Palestinians from another northern Gaza hospital. Patients who were forced out of Kamal Adwan Hospital described harrowing conditions where Israeli soldiers made them strip to their underwear for hours in the cold winter weather. Israel said Hamas had been using the hospital as a base.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

___

Associated Press writer Fatma Khaled contributed to this report.

UN Security Council discusses wars devastating effect on Gaza hospitals

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. Security Council is meeting to discuss the wars effect on hospitals in Gaza, a contentious issue as the health system has been largely devastated.

U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk addressed the Security Council on Friday.

He said a recent report by his office documented at least 136 strikes on at least 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities in Gaza, which caused significant death and injury among doctors, nurses, medical staff and other civilians and damaged or destroyed many of the buildings targeted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of operating out of hospitals and claims that Israeli forces try to protect the facilities. Last month, the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders accused Israel of systematically attacking Gazas healthcare system and restricting essential humanitarian assistance.

Gaza ceasefire talks resume in Qatar

CAIRO  Hamas said in a statement that indirect ceasefire negotiations would resume Friday, a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said that he authorized a delegation from the Mossad intelligence agency, the Shin Bet internal security agency and the military to continue the talks in Qatar.

The U.S.-led talks have repeatedly stalled. Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed. But the militants, while greatly weakened, have repeatedly regrouped, often after Israeli forces withdraw from areas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that the Israelis sending another team to Doha for ceasefire talks is a good step. We think a new deal is both urgent and possible, he said on Friday afternoon.

Israeli strikes kill at least 10 more people in Gaza

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed at least 10 people in areas across the Gaza Strip, health officials said.

A strike killed three people in a car in Zawaida in central Gaza, health officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said.

An airstrike killed seven people, including four children and a woman, in the Shijaiyah neighborhood of Gaza City, according to the Civil Defense first responders who are affiliated with the Hamas-run government. The organization said another Israeli strike targeted a group of people at Al-Samer junction in Gaza City, killing at least two and wounding others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Associated Press video shows over a dozen people gathered at the entrance of Al-Aqsa Hospital where those killed in Zawaida were transferred on three-wheeled vehicles with trailers. One man is seen screaming and crying as he holds a corpse, calling the dead man's name.

An ambulance rushed to the hospital entrance carrying an unconscious man on a stretcher along with a person trying to revive him. At the scene of the airstrike, people stood around the burned vehicle with shattered windows and bloodstains on its doors.

Freelance journalist Omar al-Derawi was among those killed on Friday. AP reporters saw friends and colleagues mourning over his body, with a press vest laid on his white funeral shroud.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said last month that more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasnt allowed foreign journalists to enter Gaza except on military embeds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

German and French foreign ministers meet with Syria's new leaders

DAMASCUS, Syria  As they met with Syrias new leadership on Friday, the German and French foreign ministers pressed for an inclusive political transition that includes women and all ethnic and religious groups.

Annalena Baerbock said she and Frances Jean-Noel Barrot made clear that Europe will support a new Syria, but Europe would not be a financier of Islamist structures.

The pair met Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the former insurgent group that is now the de facto rulers in Syria. HTS has for years sought to move away from past affiliation with al-Qaida and get off Western terrorism lists.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baerbock said she has heard from Syrians often that womens rights are a yardstick for the future for everyone in a free society. Not only us but many Syrians will therefore judge the new rulers by their actions.

Gunbattles break out the Lebanon-Syria border, wounding at least 5 Lebanese soldiers

BEIRUT  Lebanon's army said Friday that gunbattles erupted on the Lebanese-Syrian border when Syrians attempted to reopen an illegal border crossing using a bulldozer, wounding at least five Lebanese soldiers.

The Lebanese army said its personnel fired warning shots, prompting the Syrians to open fire, wounding one soldier. After the shooting, army units in the area implemented strict security measures and the episode was under investigation, the army said.

Later Thursday, the Lebanese army said there were renewed exchanges of fire and four more army personnel were injured.

Meanwhile, Syrias de facto leadership under the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announced new entry regulations for Lebanese citizens. Lebanese travelers must secure a residence permit or a Syrian sponsor and provide proof of funds worth $2,000 and a hotel booking. Previously, Lebanese citizens were allowed to enter with just a Lebanese ID card.

French and German foreign ministers visit their long-shuttered embassies in Syria

DAMASCUS, Syria  The French and German foreign ministers visited their countries' long-shuttered embassies in Damascus on Friday as part of the first visit to Syria by top diplomats from European Union countries since rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad last month.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also met with Syria's de factor leader and members of civil society.

It was with great emotion that I am today at the site of the French Embassy in Damascus, Barrot said as he inspected the damage that occurred at the embassy during 13 years of closure.

A little less than a month ago, new hope was born thanks to the mobilization of Syrians, the hope of a sovereign, stable and peaceful Syria, he said. "It is a real hope, but it is a fragile hope.

Barrot earlier visited the Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma and met with Patriarch John Yaziji.

Death toll rises after more Israeli airstrikes on Gaza

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  At least 30 people, including children, were killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes overnight, hospital staff said Friday.

Staff at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said that 10 women and seven children were among those killed in strikes on various locations in central Gaza, including Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al-Balah.

The strikes come a day after Israel killed dozens of people across the enclave, bringing the total of fatalities since Thursday to 56.

The Israeli army, which didn't immediately comment on the strikes, says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths.

Israel says missile fired from Yemen set off sirens in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says a missile fired from Yemen has set off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and central Israel.

The attack early Friday woke millions of people and sent people scrambling to air raid shelters.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, though a faint explosion, likely either from the missile or from interceptors, could be heard in Jerusalem.

The Israeli Defense Forces later reported that a missile launched from Yemen into Israeli territory was intercepted. A report was received regarding shrapnel from the interception that fell in the area of Modiin in central Israel. The details are under review.

Israel has carried out a number of long-range airstrikes in Yemen, about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) away. But the strikes have failed to stop the attacks. The Houthis have pledged to continue striking Israel until the war in Gaza ends.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Giving public schools across the Volunteer State the choice to post the Ten Commandments is the goal of a Middle Tennessee lawmaker. Critics say the idea crosses the line of religious freedom, but supporters say the Ten Commandments are a founding historical document of our country. News 2 spoke with all sides.

The fact is, if we lived by those Ten Commandments, we could pretty much shut down our jails and wed all be in a lot better place as a country and as a state, said state Rep. Michael Hale (R-Smithville).

Thats one reason Hale would like public schools to have the opportunity to post the Ten Commandments, if they so choose.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We dont need to punish children: Republican-sponsored bill would exempt Tennessee SROs from immigration status reporting requirement

The big thing is were not forcing anybody to do anything, said Hale.

Hales legislation, House Bill 0047, allows local school boards and public charters to display other documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the federal and state Constitutions, and the Bill of Rights, among others. However, according to religious experts, the Ten Commandments can get tricky.

Its been adopted in other states, and, of course, quickly subjected to court challenges, said Professor James Hudnut-Beumler, who teaches American religious history at Vanderbilts Divinity School.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hudnut-Beumler said the courts have set precedent that allows the Ten Commandments to be displayed in a public setting like a state capitol, but not necessarily in schools with children. In fact, a similar Ten Commandments case in Louisiana is stuck in court.

Judge blocks Louisiana Ten Commandments law

Of course, the Supreme Court is free to rule otherwise, but from the 1940s onward, there has been a concern about coercing children into doing something that their parents religiously might not approve of, said Hudnut-Beumler.

As head of Professional Educators of Tennessee, J.C. Bowman represents many of the Volunteer States teachers. He has his concerns about this idea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ten Commandments are not bad. I dont think anybodys saying that. I do think that what were saying is that, how much more can we continue to put on schools before we lose our focus on education? said Bowman.

Catholics and Protestants have different versions of the Ten Commandments, which raises a new question  which one would be put up in schools?

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

The legislative session starts Jan. 14.

The roughly 70,000 people that I represent that they would be glad to have this opportunity to be able to place these, but yet were not trying to cram something, I guess you would say, down somebodys throat, said Hale.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools violates the First Amendments Establishment Clause, but the court has recently swung more conservative.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YouTube/@aliali-cm7mt

When night falls over the ancient city of Herat, Jamals hotel buzzes with nervous energy.

From the outside, it looks like an ordinary, old building  a tired structure with a peeling sign and cracked windows.

But inside its sprawling hall, dozens of people stir, gathering possessions as whispered prayers fade to tense silence.

They are about to embark on a perilous journey.

I gather them here and get a commission from the people I hand them over to, Jamal says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He is the first link in a smuggling network The Telegraph infiltrated, which stretches from a desert on the Iran-Afghanistan border to the heart of Milan in Italy, and up to the English Channel.

First, the people will be sent from the Afghan city to the border, where smugglers will transfer some to Iran. Others will continue further west, on to Istanbul then across the sea into Europe.

From there, some head north to Germany, while many continue to France and then Calais to cross the Channel.

The process includes bribing the Taliban with opium and Iranian forces with Scottish whisky, before evading the Greek coastguards and cramming people into a Peugeot 405.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before heading towards the Iranian border, each person must decide how much money they want to or can spend and which route they intend to take, Jamal explains.

Once the group grows to more than 30 people, he appoints a leader to manage them and arranges for bus tickets to western Nimroz province, a key hub for human and drug trafficking in Afghanistan.

They cannot afford a visa, they just want to leave by any means possible, find work and send money back to their struggling families, Jamal says.

At times, he runs into trouble with the Taliban, Afghanistans new rulers. However, he has cousins within the Taliban who help him navigate these issues, or he bribes them, sometimes with opium.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Once the soon-to-be migrants arrive in Zaranj, the provincial capital of Nimroz province in Afghanistan, they are presented with various options to reach Iran, ranging from 70 million Iranian rials (72) to 240 million rials  largely determined by the distance they will need to walk.

The next link in the network is managed by both Afghans and Iranians. Human traffickers, speaking to The Telegraph, said there were at least three ways to enter Iran.

The cheapest and most popular route is to cross like a flock of sheep, during which they will be smuggled in a group of hundreds.

My people take them from Zaranj to Pakistan in groups of 200 in the flock route, then on to Kalagan and Iranshahr, explains Haj Reza, an Iranian smuggler of the network.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If they opt for the premium service, they wont need to switch transport until Iranshahr, he adds Otherwise, theyll have to change several times in the desert, he adds.

The journey is punishing.

Once two dozen people are crammed into a Toyota pickup truck, a convoy of up to 10 vehicles speeds in a desert between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran  a non-stop, day-long journey.

When youre there, it feels like doomsday, says Fereydoon, who crossed the border earlier this year. No one cares about you  its all dust and sand, some people who had drugs or smugglers with them would pay less.

If someone falls from the car, they wont stop, he adds. If they dont, one person might die, but if they do, everyone will be at risk.

Migrants are crammed in for the desert drive

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the Iranian border, after walking for at least six hours following the long drive, smugglers cram up to 14 people into a Peugeot 405.

Convoys of vehicles from various rival networks then race toward Kalagan  the village of smugglers. Upon arrival, the passengers are handed over to new groups before continuing to Iranshahr.

A less common but more expensive route is to cross directly from Zaranj into Iran.

You pay more then we will bribe Iranian border forces for you, who will then allow you to cross through a designated area without a visa, Reza, the smuggler says.

Credit: Instagram / omid_omi1_ / farhamesmaeilii

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

From Iranshahr, the next stop is Kerman before finally arriving in Tehran.

We bribe the police, but sometimes these annoying patrols spot the convoys, says Reza. When that happens, the drivers push their speed to 200km/h to evade them, all while having 14 people in each car.

Most of the time, the patrols start shooting at the vehicles, and weve had many instances where people in the boots were injured by bullets, he recalls.

After arriving in Tehran, some stay to work in Iran, while some set their sights on reaching Europe. The migrants then contact the next link in the network  Turkey.

Telegram/mohajratbasalar

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Scottish whisky smooths the next step.

I have two ways of getting you to Turkey, says Hossein, a trafficker in Tehran. One will cost you $2,200 (1,890), and the other $2,800  but I guarantee youll reach Istanbul.

Migrants are required to pay $500 upfront, with the remainder due upon arrival in Istanbul. They must gather at midday near Tehrans iconic Azadi Square to begin their journey to the border.

There, the smugglers pack at least a dozen men into another Peugeot 405 for a nine-hour drive to the north-western city of Urmia, where the checkpoint officers are all on our side.

Hossein explains: Theres no need to worry about them, we know exactly when to cross each checkpoint. The officers are paid in pure Scottish whisky  they just look the other way when the car passes by.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The whisky is smuggled in from Iraqi Kurdistan, as the production and consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly banned in the Islamic Republic.

One way is through near a customs office at the Turkish border, he says. We wait until midnight when the guards change shifts  it takes 10 to 15 minutes and you run to the other side.

The other route goes through the mountains, with Turkish smugglers leading the way on horseback, followed by hundreds of people.

These smugglers are all a bunch of untrustworthy b------s, says Javid, who attempted to cross last year.

Anxious looks on a migrant boat

They told me theyd take me through the customs office route, which is easier and requires less walking, he adds. But when we arrived at the border, they said it wasnt possible at that moment and moved us to the Maku border.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He and dozens of other Afghan migrants spent two weeks at a house in Maku as the smugglers were waiting for the right moment to head them towards Turkey.

At the end of week two, they moved us to a village where hundreds of others were gathered, he recalls. The smugglers instructed us to walk in a single line toward a mountain, they had batons for anyone who fell out of line.

The Iranian border forces spotted them after eight hours of walking in the mountains and began shooting, causing the migrants to flee while some were arrested.

But thousands make it every year, arriving in the Turkish city of Van, where they are then handed over to Turkish smugglers who transport them to Diyarbakir, Samsun and, ultimately, Istanbul.

In Turkey, three Afghan nationals control the operations for transferring Afghans into Europe, charging up to 6,000 per person, The Telegraph understands.

From Istanbul to Italy, they call it a game, suggesting a mix of risk and strategy.

When we reached a hundred people, they moved us from a guesthouse to a forest near the sea in Istanbul, recounts Ghafor, who made the journey late last year.

The smugglers packed everyone into a lorry after midnight and then onto a wooden boat, where they were on the water for six days.

The Greek coastguards chased our boat in a very violent way, and everyone was praying and crying, fearing we would sink, Ghafor recalls. Once they were sure we werent heading to Greece, they left us.

Their boat broke down before reaching Italy and it took a day for the Italian coastguards to spot them. They were then transferred to a camp in Reggio Calabria.

Small boat crossings are risky  and it shows

The group escaped the camp at nighttime when the guards were sleepy and got on a train to Milan  all coordinated by an Afghan national nicknamed the commander and known to smugglers in Istanbul.

He paid 400 to some Swiss students in a heaven-like beautiful town, managed by the commander to help him reach Germany, while some other members of his group headed west to France to cross the Channel.

After arriving in Calais, the easiest job is to find a smuggler for crossing the Channel.

There are lots of ways to find a smuggler in Calais, says an Iranian woman who crossed the Channel in September and now lives in a Home Office hotel in Liverpool.

People who had already crossed told me to hang around the train station, and the smugglers would find me, she adds.

While I was there, many people approached me, asking if I wanted to go to Britain  I spoke to a few of them and eventually reached a deal with one, she recalls.

She paid 2,500.

The price varies depending on how many people are on the boat  if migrants pay less, the smugglers would pack 60 to 80 people onto a small boat.

Once youre on the boat, they treat you like sheep and cows  you can only pray youll see the shore again.

In the afternoon, they put 13 of us on a boat. After three hours, the British coastguards spotted us, and a police boat brought us to Britain, she says.

Packed in for a perilous journey

Another migrant, an Afghan national, who recently crossed the Channel and now lives in Glasgow says after arriving in Dunkirk, the smuggler took him to the Jungle refugee camp, and three days later, he was on a boat.

There were around 50 people on the boat. My uncle in Britain found the smuggler on Telegram, and we started from Dunkirk, he says.

They began their journey at 2pm, but after a few hours, the boat ran out of fuel. Then, around 10pm, a British coastguard ship found us and took us to Dover.

There were no police on the beach in France. We arrived, and the boat was ready, he recalls.

It was very dangerous, and if they told me to do it again, I never would, he adds.

Being on that boat in the middle of the sea with no fuel was the scariest moment of my life  I lost hope and thought we would drown, and the fish would eat me.

Back in the western Afghan city of Herat, people continue to arrive at Jamals hotel, ready to take the journey and willing to take any risks.

Nobody leaves for pleasure, Jamal says. They are driven by sheer desperation.

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.
MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A Meriden elementary school is now part of an elite group.

On Friday morning, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona elevated Israel Putnam School to a National Blue Ribbon School. The schools choir put on a show to welcome Cardona back, but he was the one singing the schools praises.

You know the Oscars? The award you get when youre a great actor? Cardona said. Well, you got the Oscars for schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The recognition of being a National Blue Ribbon School goes to schools that excel in academic performance and closing the achievement gap. There are three of them in Connecticut, and only 356 in the country.

I love Putnam, because the teachers are the best and try to make the school fun, student Leiliana Castro said.

It is also the school where Cardona started his education career teaching fourth grade.

Superintendent Mark Benigni praised the current teachers.

Your dedication and commitment to your students and their success deserves our praise, and todays recognition, Benigni said.

Cardona remembered that when he first taught there, he put up on his bulletin board a sign that read, Let the Journey Begin. He meant it for his students, but his own journey is about to take a turn. He only has a couple more weeks left as secretary of education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Connecticuts own Linda McMahon to succeed Cardona. Trump seems to be encouraging his cabinet to make big changes to their departments.

I never bet against public schools, Cardona said. I do recognize some of the policies that are being promoted would damage public education.

What to know about Linda McMahon, Trumps pick for Education secretary

Cardona said he does not think that will actually happen. As for what he will do next, if he knows, he would not give it away.

Five years ago, if you had asked me, Where are you going to be? Id say Id be working in Meriden, he said. So, Im smart enough now not to think I know what the next step is, but just follow gods path for me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Which, he said, will mean continuing to serve the public.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
The first order of business for the new House of Representatives, which will meet on Friday to begin the 119th Congress, is to elect a speaker.

The current holder of the gavel, Speaker Mike Johnson, looks to be in better shape than former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was at the start of the 118th Congress, when it took 15 rounds of voting before the Californian was able to get through. He was booted just nine months later, making room for Johnson after weeks of chaos.

Mike Johnsons conundrum

Things appeared to be going Johnsons way until Elon Musk, Donald Trumps financial supporter and First Buddy, attempted to sabotage a spending agreement as the president-elect pushed for his requirement that the debt ceiling be increased.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Instead, Johnson did what he and McCarthy mostly did during the 118th Congress, and turned to the Democrats for help in order to pass a temporary spending bill and avoid a government shutdown.

As the Republicans and Democrats head back to the House Friday, the GOPs majority is slim  219 seats to the Democrats 215  which gives Johnson less leverage. Meanwhile, several Republicans have shared their reluctance to make Johnson speaker once more.

But one of Johnsons top calling cards is that he has been endorsed by Trump, who has said hed be willing to make calls for Johnson. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who headed the effort to block and subsequently remove McCarthy, is no longer part of the calculations. He resigned from his post when he attempted to become Trumps attorney general and has said that he wont be taking his seat in the 119th Congress.

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) talks with members of the media while walking to his office on January 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. It may take several rounds of voting for him to retain the speakership (Getty Images)

But even with the full-throated endorsement of Trump, the Louisiana Representative can only afford one Republican rebellion against his re-election bid when the lower chambers members cast their votes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has already stressed his objections to Johnson, telling One America Newss Matt Gaetz Show on Monday evening that he would not back the incumbent.

Elsehwere, Texas Rep. Chip Roy and Kentucky Rep. Thomas Mackey have both defied Trump previously, endorsing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary. They also voted to certify the 2020 election on January 6, 2021.

Roy said on Steve Bannons War Room podcast last month that he wanted to be the chair of the House Rules Committee, which decides what legislation moves on to the full House floor. The Texas representative was one of the 20 Republicans who initially blocked McCarthys nomination and subsequently stopped Majority Leader Steve Scalise from becoming speaker.

Johnson can place Roy in charge of Rules and do what he has done in the past  work with Democrats to get a two-thirds majority and bypass the rules.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the Republicans small majority also means any member can go to Johnson with a list of demands and he essentially has to listen to them. In 2023, McCarthy allowed just one member to call for a motion to vacate, which prompted a no-confidence vote in the speaker. While McCarthy said this had been the case before the Democrats got the majority, it led to the end of his speakership when he managed to enrage eight Republicans and every single Democrat. The new rules package would require nine members to push for a motion to vacate.

But with an incoming Trump administration, Republicans have an incentive to get this done fast.

How the voting process works

The election of a speaker happens before members are even sworn in. If every lawmaker shows up and votes, Johnson can only afford to lose a single vote. The stakes are high as the House cannot conduct any business before a speaker is elected and the chamber is set to vote to certify Trumps election victory Monday.

To be elected, a speaker must win a majority of the votes. If all 435 members show up and vote, 218 votes are needed for a majority. With Gaetz out of the chamber, if all 434 members vote, 218 votes are still needed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That means that Johnson can only lose a single vote, with Massie already committed to opposing him.

Theres no rule stating that the speaker be a member of the House, meaning that members can vote for anyone they want, regardless of whether they have been officially nominated. Members can also simply abstain from voting by saying present instead of backing a candidate. The number of votes needed to secure the gavel decreases with the number of absences and present votes.

What happens if Johnson doesnt get the votes

Allies of Johnson are concerned that it may take several rounds of voting for Johnson to get the gavel. In 2023, McCarthy needed 15 rounds of voting before he became speaker.

If Johnson doesnt get the votes on the first ballot, Republican leaders can move ahead with a second round right away or they can break and try to win over those in their party opposing Johnson. Members may also put forward motions, such as a motion to adjourn the House.

Following the removal of McCarthy in 2023, several other members were nominated and voted on before Johnson was finally elected.
Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson was narrowly reelected as House speaker on Friday, Jan. 3, after his initial vote tally came up short.

During the first round of voting, House representatives weren't immediately able to come to a consensus on who to elect as House speaker, which would have put the congressional body at a standstill until a nominee could secure the majority of votes.

But the vote was not formally gaveled shut after each member made their voice heard, allowing Johnson time to lobby for additional votes before the count was made official. The long shot plan worked, allowing him to break the deadlock rather than forcing a second round of voting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: Republicans Narrowly Keep House Majority, Completing a GOP Trifecta in Washington

Following standard practice, the House GOP nominated their leader, Speaker Johnson, for the role and Democrats nominated House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

If this were a typical year, each House member would vote along party lines  choosing either Johnson or Jeffries based on their affiliation  and the candidate who hails from the majority party would win the speakership with ease.

But a small handful of Republicans complicated the process on Friday by refusing to back Johnson, instead voting for other GOP lawmakers to prevent him from earning more than 50% of votes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The act of rebellion appeared to result in a rare deadlocked House speaker election, which would last as long as necessary for a round of voting to prove successful. Then, at the last second, two House Republicans who opposed Johnson's speakership asked to flip their votes in his favor, delivering him a victory.

Related: 118th Congress Was Historically Unproductive amid House GOP Turmoil

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty House Speaker Mike Johnson House Speaker Mike Johnson

House Republicans reelected Johnson to lead the House GOP in November, but only a few weeks later, Elon Musk and Donald Trump put him in a tough spot by urging Congress to kill the speaker's spending bill just days before the government ran out of funding.

The scramble to compile a new spending bill at the last minute put a spotlight on some of the deals that Johnson had struck with Democrats in order to reach a bipartisan funding agreement, which upset some hardline Republicans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Given that House Republicans have only a razor-thin majority in the new 119th Congress  there are 219 Republicans, 215 Democrats and one vacancy  the criticism of Johnson sparked doubts about whether he could hold onto the gavel in the upcoming term.

Only two Republicans needed to oppose him on Friday in order to stand in the way of him becoming the House speaker again.



Related: How Mike Johnson, One of Congress' Staunchest Religious Conservatives, Became Second in Line to the President

Win McNamee/Getty Kevin McCarthy rallies votes during the tense January 2023 House speaker election

Johnson's predecessor, former California Rep. Kevin McCarthy, battled similar headwinds in January 2023, when his candidacy caused the first deadlocked House speaker election in 100 years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McCarthy refused to withdraw his candidacy for speaker, leading to a contentious 15 rounds of voting that spanned four days.

In McCarthy's case, he ultimately won the gavel by making major concessions to far-right members of his caucus, including agreeing that at any time, any one representative could call a vote to remove him from his position. That deal came back to bite him fewer than nine months later, when then-Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz filed a "motion to vacate" that made McCarthy the first House speaker in history to be ousted from the role.

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.

McCarthy's unprecedented removal as speaker effectively shut down Congress for three weeks as Republicans struggled to agree on his replacement. Johnson eventually earned the title.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two months after McCarthy was removed as speaker, he resigned from Congress altogether.

Related: Kevin McCarthy Allegedly Caught in Physical Altercation with Republican Who Ousted Him  Then a Chase Ensued

President-elect Trump tried to help Johnson from meeting the same fate as McCarthy before Friday's speaker election began, publicly announcing his "complete & total endorsement" on Monday, Dec. 30.

Read the original article on People
Update: After leaving the floor with Mike Johnson, Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., and Keith Self, R-Texas changed their votes to support the incumbent speaker. As a result, Johnson won the speakership on his first ballot after an extended pause in the proceedings.

Original story continues below.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., seeking to retain his post for two more years, appears to have lost in the first round of voting to decide who will preside over the House of Representatives for the next Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Republicans, down a member after the departure of Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., hold 219 seats in the House to the Democrats' 215 seats. With Democrats voting in unison for their leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and expected to keep doing so, Johnson, who needs a majority of votes (218 if all 434 members vote) to win re-election as speaker, can afford almost no margin of error.

The Louisiana Republican failed to meet the threshold in a roll call vote that took place early Friday afternoon. Three Republicans voted for a different member of the caucus  Thomas Massie, R-Ky., Ralph Norman, R-S.C. and Keith Self, R-Texas, cast their ballots for House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., House Freedom Caucus chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio and Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Florida, respectively. Five other Republicans critical of Johnson in the past did not vote when their name was called, perhaps in a show of protest, but ended up picking him in the end to avoid a disaster scenario in which Jeffries could win the election.

With the return of the five hardliners to his camp and the backing of the notoriously fickle President-elect Donald Trump, Johnson is hoping to avoid the same fate as his predecessor Kevin McCarthy, who struggled through fifteen rounds of voting at the start of Congress in 2023, only to be forced out by a motion to vacate the chair in October that year due in large part to Republican defections. Like McCarthy, Johnson faces pressure from both the hard-right Freedom Caucus and more traditional Republicans, all while seeking to please Trump.

To placate the right, Johnson released a list of commitments shortly before voting took place, promising to "aggressively" cut federal spending and work with Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" to pare down the government bureaucracy.

Unless Johnson or someone else can muster the majority of votes necessary to become speaker, the House will be essentially frozen in place, with no other option but to vote for a speaker ad infinitum, vote to recess or vote to adjourn. Certification of Trump's victory is due to take place on Jan. 6  in the absence of a speaker and a working House, Johnson allies have warned, that process cannot take place. If Johnson can't get the votes by then, the House could delay it or choose a temporary speaker to oversee certification.
House Speaker Mike Johnson won reelection on the first ballot Friday after the Republican leader wrangled final support from a few reluctant right-wing hardliners.

Johnson, who enjoyed the support of President-elect Trump, won the vote by 218-215, with only one GOP lawmaker, Rep. Tom Massie of Kentucky, voting against him.

He proclaimed his win as a victory for Trumps America first agenda and declared a sweeping mandate from the 2024 election that gave Republicans unified control of the House, Senate and White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The American people have called on us to reject business as usual and throw out the status quo, Johnson said Friday. We must and we will heed their call.

Johnson ticked off MAGA legislative goals like securing the southern border, reducing prices, cutting taxes and slashing red tape.

Those aims dont have an R or a D next to them, Johnson said, referring to the two rival parties. They have a U.S.A. Thats what we are about.

Trump wasted little time giving Johnson a strong vote of confidence, declaring that the affable Louisiana Republican would make a great speaker.

The people of America have waited four years for common sense, strength and leadership, Trump wrote on his social media platform. Theyll get it now, and America will be greater than ever before!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The win amounted to a big victory for Trump, who gave Johnson a boost as he faced the tricky vote for reelection in the narrowly divided Congress.

Trump, the undisputed Republican leader, had wished Johnson good luck ahead of the tight vote in which he needed to win nearly every single GOP lawmaker and overcome lingering opposition from far right-wingers.

A win for Mike (is) a big win for the Republican Party, Trump said before the vote.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn handed Johnson the speakers gavel with a wide smile after delivering a speech in which he congratulated Republicans on their election win and vowed to work together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The American people need us to put down our partisan swords and pick up bipartisan plowshares, Jeffries said, quoting from the Bible. Its time for us to come together not as Democrats and Republicans, but as Americans to get things done.

Jeffries, who stands to become the first Black speaker if Democrats win back the chamber, said he would work with Johnson to secure the border and fix our broken immigration system.

But he warned that Democrats would fight tooth and nail to block cuts to social programs like Social Security and Medicare.

No means never, he said. Keep your hands off Social Security and Medicare.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Republicans hold a 219-215 edge over Democrats in the incoming House, meaning Johnson could only afford to lose one GOP vote to keep the majority he needed to win the speakership.

Massie, a right-wing hardliner, had already pledged not to back Johnson. Several other ultra-conservatives said they were still considering their options ahead of the vote.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina) and Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) initially voted against Johnson, leaving his path to victory unclear. But they flipped and supported him after about an hour of backroom horse-trading.

Johnson insisted he didnt make any concessions to the rebels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A handful of other far right-wing Republicans, including House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Andy Harris (R-Maryland) stayed silent as their names were called, suggesting they might not back Johnson, before all of them eventually voted for the GOP leader.

All Democrats voted for Jeffries.

Republicans were in a tight spot because of their unexpectedly anemic showing in House races during the recent election, when they underperformed Trumps popular vote and electoral college wins.

They won 220 seats compared to 215 for Democrats, who pulled back three seats in New York that had flipped to the GOP in the previous midterms. But ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) resigned his seat in November in a failed bid to become Trumps attorney general and did not return for the coming Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That left the speaker needing the votes of all but one of the remaining Republicans, including Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz, who said she would no longer caucus with the GOP amid spending disputes. She voted for Johnson.

Right-wing Republicans remain angry at Johnson because he regularly cut deals with Democrats to fund the government and avert shutdowns, and also agreed to push forward with defense aid to embattled Ukraine.

But there was no obvious alternative to the good-natured Louisiana lawmaker, especially since he has Trump in his corner for now.

Trump wanted the House speaker drama to be done and dusted by Monday when Congress acts on Jan. 6 to certify his election win, a date thats set by the Constitution.
After a whipsaw couple of hours, Mike Johnson remained speaker of the House of Representatives with the help of some pressure from President-elect Donald Trump. The move shows that the mild-mannered Louisianan is a far more deft politician than his predecessor Kevin McCarthy, who had to go fifteen rounds before he became speaker two years ago.

But Johnsons speech afterward did not set the tone, nor did the speech of House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain.

Rather, it came when House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar nominated Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and called Democrats the governing majority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On the surface, it might sound daft to hear with Democrats failing to flip the House. Republicans also gained four Senate seats, securing them the majority, giving Trump his trifecta. Trump also won the popular vote, which he didnt do in 2016, meaning he does have a mandate, though not as large as he may like to claim.

But just last month, Democrats bailed out Johnson and other Republicans when a handful of Republicans opposed a stopgap spending bill after Elon Musk and Trump tanked the bill.

It seems to be that that's the MO for this Congress, just like we saw with the speaker vote, a small group of extreme Republicans holding up Congress for the American people, Aguilar told The Independent.

This pattern repeated itself throughout the last two years of Joe Bidens presidency. And it will likely have to repeat itself throughout the next few years when it comes to government spending fights and legislation to raise the debt ceiling, given conservative opposition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jeffries laid out how he was willing to work with Republicans in his acceptance speech.

The American people need us as their elected representatives in this season to put down our partisan swords and pick up bipartisan plowshares, he said.

He laid out that they are going to have to come to the table if they actually want to govern, and he focused on governments, that's who Democrats are, Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas told The Independent.

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, who in the past has had a good working relationship with Republicans as the top Democrat on the China committee, said Johnson will have no choice based on todays results.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They had to basically flip two votes with last-minute deals in order to elect their speaker, he told The Independent. It just goes to show how slim the margin is and how much they're gonna have to rely on Democrats to actually govern.

To be certain, Republicans will still have plenty of power. Republicans took control of the Senate on Friday, all but guaranteeing that Senate Majority Leader John Thune will turn the upper chamber into Trumps personal judicial confirmation factory as Mitch McConnell did during his first presidency.

Republicans will also be able to sidestep a filibuster to pass much of their legislative agenda using the process of budget reconciliation, which allows legislation to pass with only 51 votes as long as it remains germane to the budget. Johnson and Thune will also determine which bills make it to the floor.

But by conservatives continuously rebuffing any legislative package that Johnson proposes, no matter how conservative, he will need to lean on Democrats. Ironically, this means that Republicans will not get the type of steep cuts that conservatives desire because they are never going to be enough.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This means that Johnson might need to rely on Democrats with good relationships with Republicans. Democrat Jared Moskowitz chatted with his fellow Floridian Anna Paulina Luna, who called Johnson MAGA Mike when she voted for him.

For Moskowitz, its about simple math

It's not about leverage, he said. At the end of the day, it's a divided Congress. If they want to pass things, they got to work together.

During the vote, Moskowitz tried to have his son cast his vote for Jeffries, but it didnt count. Dealing with House Republicans might be slightly harder than wrangling youth around the Capitol complex.
Republicans reelected House Speaker Mike Johnson Friday, as representatives and members-elect of the 119th Congress approved him on a narrow 218-215 vote.

Republicans backed Johnson on the first vote after he engaged in some last-minute lobbying and a couple of lawmakers flipped their votes.

Johnson originally looked like he would lose the vote 216-215, with three members voting for candidates other than Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic nominee for speaker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At first, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., voted for Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., cast his ballot for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, supported Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla. But Norman and Self changed their votes, bringing the final tally to 218-215.

Reports indicate it was Trump who called and changed the two lawmakers minds.

Several members of Congress were holding children or grandchildren as they voted. Families often join lawmakers on the first day of the session.

We have to get this job done and unify the Congress, Johnson, who has held the job since October 2023, told reporters ahead of the vote. Im here for the long haul.

Utah reps support Johnson

All four Utah representatives supported Johnson, as the Deseret News previously reported, including Utahs newest congressmen, Rep.-elect Mike Kennedy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, the vice chair of the House Republican Conference, said forcing Johnson out would be nothing short of dishonest.

Being Speaker of the House against an opposing senate majority leader and White House is the most difficult job in American politics, and Johnson has done a superb job handling every angle, Moore said.

What are Speaker Johnsons promises?

Johnson is the 56th Speaker of the House of Representatives. He addressed the lower chamber following the vote after Jeffries handed Johnson the gavel as a symbol of a peaceful transfer of power. The two representatives shook hands.

Johnson called for a moment of silence for the recent tragedy that occurred in his home state of Louisiana, where a pickup truck drove into a crowd, killing 14 people and injuring dozens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Of course, these are difficult days in our home state of Louisiana, where I come from, Johnson said in the House. We all know about the terrorist attack in New Orleans and its really shaken our state. People are reeling from that attack.

He was joined by his wife, Kelly, and their four children. Johnson said hes observing a really remarkable political moment in our modern history as voters across the country showed they are interested in putting America first. And we will, he said.

This Congress will renounce the status quo, and we will listen to the voices of the people. We will act quickly, and we will start by defending our nations borders, the speaker said. Thats the number one goal.

After reading Thomas Jeffersons Prayer for the Nation, Johnson said, We will not fail. We cannot fail. We are all in this together. Our nation is counting on us to band together and solve these problems and get this done, as CNN reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ive said before that I believe God has elevated each one of you, that is my belief, to your positions of leadership and its an act of providence that youve all been placed in your specific roles in this specific moment at this historic time.

Trump congratulated Johnson on Truth Social. The People of America have waited four years for Common Sense, Strength, and Leadership, Trump wrote. Theyll get it now and America will be greater than ever before.

In a post in X ahead of the vote, Johnson made three commitments as speaker. He promised to create a working group of independent experts to work with the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and House committees to implement recommendations on reducing government spending. The working group will also audit existing federal agencies and issue a report that will be released by the speakers office, he added. Lastly, Johnson said he would request House committees to tackle the misuse of taxpayer funds.

Along with advancing President Trumps America First agenda, I will lead the House Republicans to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, hold the bureaucracy accountable, and move the United States to a more sustainable fiscal trajectory, Johnson said.

Johnson overcame tough challenge

In recent weeks, many in Congress voiced their concerns about whether Johnson was the right person to be speaker, especially during an opportunistic time when the Senate, the House and the White House are under GOP control. They questioned his ability to further Republican priorities without giving in to too many demands from Democrats.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

President-elect Donald Trumps endorsement of Johnson calmed some doubts, while his phone calls to certain members helped solidify unified support behind Johnson. But a question still loomed: Would Trumps backing be enough for Johnson to win the speakership in the first round?

In a post on Truth Social Friday, Trump said, Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support.

A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgment of our 129 year most consequential Presidential Election!! he added.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned from the 119th Congress ahead of the vote, lowering the GOP majority to 219-215. Johnson needed at least 218 votes to retain his gavel, so he could only lose one Republican vote without any Democratic support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Massie didnt budge from his criticism of Johnson, and was the lone Republican vote against the speaker.

You can pull all my fingernails out; you can shove bamboo up in them; you can start cutting off my fingers, Massie told Gaetz, who is now a host for One America News, in an interview Thursday, as The Guardian reported. I am not voting for Mike Johnson tomorrow, and you can take that to the bank.

Correction: An earlier version of this story said Johnson won on a second ballot. He won on the first ballot after two Republican lawmakers changed their votes to support Johnson.
(UPDATE: After seeming to come up short in his bid to be named speaker of the House, Rep. Mike Johnson (RLa.) won support from a majority of members on Friday afternoon. Two RepublicansRep. Ralph Norman (RS.C.) and Rep. Keith Self (RTexas)changed their votes to support Johnson after initially voting for other members. This story has been updated throughout.)

After a delay, members of the House of Representatives supported Johnson in his bid to return to the top post in the chamber. He secured 218 votes, the bare minimum to have a majority in the chamber.

With 434 members seated on Friday as the new session beganMatt Gaetz, who was reelected to his Florida seat won't serve the termany potential speaker needed 218 votes to seize the gavel. Johnson got 216, while Rep. Hakeem Jefferies (DN.Y.) got 215, on the initial round of balloting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Thomas Massie (RKy.) voted for Rep. Tom Emmer (RMinn.), Rep. Ralph Norman (RS.C.) voted for Rep. Jim Jordan (ROhio), and Rep. Keith Self (RTexas) voted for Rep. Byron Donalds (RFla.), all apparently as protest votes. None of those members had been nominated for the speakership prior to the floor vote.

After a delay, Norman and Self changed their votes and backed Johnson. That's all he needed to secure a majority.

Some of Johnson's Republican critics circulated a letter in the hours before the speakership vote urging their colleagues to reject his reelection bid. The letter called attention to debt and spending issues, as well as Johnson's support for military aid to Ukraine and his willingness to court Democratic votes to pass various spending bills.

Johnson took an unlikely path to becoming speaker in the aftermath of former Rep. Kevin McCarthy's unprecedented ousting from the post. For now, he appears to have avoided falling victim to the sort of chaos that unseated his predecessor.

The post Mike Johnson Is Speaker of the House. Again. appeared first on Reason.com.
Republican Mike Johnson won his re-election as speaker of the US House of Representatives, by a razor-thin margin, in the first round of voting on Friday.

Two Republican members of the House - the lower parliamentary chamber - initially voted against Johnson in the roll-call vote, creating the impression that the faction leader might face a setback.

However, the vote was not formally concluded immediately, and discussions took place with party dissenters on the sidelines of the plenary hall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These dissenters subsequently changed their votes at the last minute, sparing Johnson a public humiliation.

Johnson, a loyalist of President-elect Donald Trump, remains in the third most powerful position after the US president and vice president.

Johnson reportedly had to worry about his re-election due to a narrow Republican majority and tensions within his faction. The Republican faction in the House of Representatives is fragmented and often engages in intense power struggles.

Johnson rose to the most powerful position in the US parliament in October 2023 after radical Republicans ousted his predecessor Kevin McCarthy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McCarthy had managed to hold the position for less than a year and needed 15 rounds of voting to ascend to the post in January 2023.

Republican representatives from the right wing of the faction regularly go rogue and refuse to follow the leadership.

Johnson also struggled to unite the faction behind him. He hoped for the support of Trump, who has immense influence over his party.

Trump praised Johnson before the vote as a "good, hard working, religious man" who would "do the right thing."

Johnson, a lawyer and former radio host from Louisiana, has been in the House of Representatives since 2017. The father of four is an evangelical Christian.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before his rise to Speaker, Johnson was part of the extended Republican leadership but was largely unknown on the national stage.

Only after taking his top position did he make a name for himself, needing to rapidly gain experience in holding a fragmented faction together.
The first major drama of the new Congress took place as the House of Representatives sought to elect a new speaker, with Mike Johnson managing to secure a majority after finally winning over two holdouts.

The vote was 218 for Johnson and 215 for Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. All Democrats voted for Jeffries. After two Republican holdouts initially voted for other candidates, denying him a majority, Johnson huddled with them and, after a protracted period in which the first ballot was held open, they changed their votes for the Louisiana Republican.

More from Deadline

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Had no speaker been in place, House members cannot be sworn in and, technically the House could not conduct the business of certifying the results of the presidential election on Monday. Trump had endorsed Johnson, hoping to stave off the confusion of a January 6th without an elected speaker.

With C-SPAN cameras allowed independent access to the chamber to capture candid moments, the vote was a bit of a deja vu of two years ago. Thats when Kevin McCarthy failed to capture the speakership on the first vote, and ultimately went through 14 more rounds before taking the gavel. But he was voted out later that year, and replaced by Johnson after a protracted, intra-party battle.

Johnsons wrenching process of convincing the holdouts is a signal of the tough challenge he will have in achieving unity in Congress with little room to spare. As it became clear that he would not have the votes during the roll call, murmurs could be heard on the Democratic side of the aisle, as they already have been warning of the chaos of the last Congress to continue, even with Donald Trump returning to office for another term.

This time around, the Republican majority is even smaller, 219-215, and the GOP could afford to lose no more than one vote to another choice for speaker.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) voted for Tom Emmer, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) voted for Jim Jordan and Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) voted for Byron Donalds. After the roll call was finished, it looked as if the House would head to a second ballot, but no official tally was announced.

But after about 45 minutes of talks on the floor and in the GOP cloakroom, Norman and Self appeared before the rostrum and, standing by Johnson, changed their votes.

Massie (R-KY) said last month that he would vote against Johnson, while Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) was a visible holdout. After not responding to the initial roll call, he ultimately voted for Johnson, standing in the aisle stone faced.

Roy arrived in the chamber about a half hour before the session began, seated along the main aisle. He was close to the seat where former Rep. Matt Gaetz sat as he held out on McCarthy in his speaker battle two years ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the roll call, Trumps endorsement did not initially sway holdouts, upset over a deal that Johnson reached with Democrats last month on a new government spending plan.

In his speech to the chamber, Jeffries, returning as House Minority Leader, said that it is time for us to come together, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans to get things done for the American people.

In his speech, Johnson said that the election showed that the people want an America-first agenda, as he ran through a series of topics spotlighted by Trump throughout the campaign. He vowed to roll back the totalitarian fourth branch of government known as the administrative state.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
House Speaker Mike Johnson won reelection on the first ballot Friday after the Republican leader wrangled final support from a few reluctant right-wing hardliners.

Johnson, who enjoyed the support of President-elect Donald Trump, won the vote by 218-215, with only one GOP lawmaker, Rep. Tom Massie of Kentucky, voting against him.

Two other GOP lawmakers, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-South Carolina, and Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, originally voted against Johnson, leaving his path to victory unclear. But they flipped and supported him after about an hour of backroom horse-trading.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A handful of far right-wing Republicans, including House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Andy Harris, R-Maryland, stayed silent as their names were called, suggesting they might not back Johnson, before all of them eventually voted for the GOP leader.

The win amounted to a victory for Trump, who gave Johnson a boost as he faced the tricky vote for reelection in the narrowly divided Congress.

Trump, the undisputed Republican leader, wished Johnson good luck ahead of the tight vote in which he needed to win nearly every single GOP lawmaker and overcome lingering opposition from far right-wingers.

Speaker Mike Johnson (is) a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support, Trump wrote on his social media platform. A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president-elect told CNN that he had called some Republican holdouts and said a win for Johnson would cement his presidential victory.

That would just be a big beautiful exclamation point, Trump said.

Republicans hold a 219-215 edge over Democrats in the incoming House, meaning Johnson could only afford to lose one GOP vote to keep the majority he needs to win.

Massie, a right-wing hardliner, had already vowed not to back Johnson. Several other ultra-conservatives said they were still considering their options.

All Democrats voted for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn.

Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz had been another wild card because she has said she will no longer caucus with the GOP amid spending disputes. She voted for Johnson

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Republicans were in a tight spot because of their unexpectedly anemic showing in House races during the recent election, when they underperformed Trumps popular vote and electoral college wins.

They won 220 seats compared to 215 for Democrats, who pulled back three seats in New York that had flipped to the GOP in the previous midterms. But ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, resigned his seat in November in a failed bid to become Trumps attorney general and did not return for the coming Congress.

That left the speaker needing the votes of the remaining 217 other Republicans, plus Spartz, to win the gavel if Democrats as expected all show up and vote against him.

Right-wing Republicans were angry at Johnson because he regularly cut deals with Democrats to fund the government and avert shutdowns, and also agreed to push forward with defense aid to embattled Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But there is no obvious alternative to the affable Louisiana lawmaker, especially since he has Trump in his corner for now.

Trump wanted the House Speaker drama done and dusted by Monday when Congress acts on Jan. 6 to certify his election win, a date that is set by the Constitution.

_________
House Speaker Mike Johnson won reelection on the first ballot Friday after the Republican leader wrangled final support from a few reluctant right-wing hardliners.

Johnson, who enjoyed the support of President-elect Donald Trump, won the vote by 218-215, with only one GOP lawmaker, Rep. Tom Massie of Kentucky, voting against him.

Two other GOP lawmakers, Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Rep. Keith Self of Texas, originally voted against Johnson, leaving his path to victory unclear. But they flipped and supported him after about an hour of backroom horse-trading.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A handful of far right-wing Republicans, including House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., stayed silent as their names were called, suggesting they might not back Johnson, before all of them eventually voted for the GOP leader.

The win amounted to a victory for Trump, who gave Johnson a boost as he faced the tricky vote for reelection in the narrowly divided Congress.

Trump, the undisputed Republican leader, wished Johnson good luck ahead of the tight vote in which he needed to win nearly every single GOP lawmaker and overcome lingering opposition from far right-wingers.

Speaker Mike Johnson (is) a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support, Trump wrote on his social media platform. A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president-elect told CNN that he had called some Republican holdouts and said a win for Johnson would cement his presidential victory.

That would just be a big beautiful exclamation point, Trump said.

Republicans hold a 219-215 edge over Democrats in the incoming House, meaning Johnson could afford to lose only one GOP vote to keep the majority he needed to win.

Massie, a right-wing hardliner, had already vowed not to back Johnson. Several other ultraconservatives said they were still considering their options.

All Democrats voted for Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn.

Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz had been another wild card because she has said she will no longer caucus with the GOP amid spending disputes. She voted for Johnson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Republicans were in a tight spot because of their unexpectedly anemic showing in House races during the recent election, when they underperformed Trumps popular vote and electoral college wins.

They won 220 seats compared with 215 for Democrats, who pulled back three seats in New York that had flipped to the GOP in the previous midterms. But ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., resigned his seat in November in a failed bid to become Trumps attorney general and did not return for the coming Congress.

That left the speaker needing the votes of the remaining 217 other Republicans, plus Spartz, to win the gavel if Democrats as expected all show up and vote against him.

Right-wing Republicans were angry at Johnson because he regularly cut deals with Democrats to fund the government and avert shutdowns, and also agreed to push forward with defense aid to embattled Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But there is no obvious alternative to the affable Louisiana lawmaker, especially since he has Trump in his corner for now.

Trump had wanted the House speaker drama done and dusted by Monday when Congress acts on Jan. 6 to certify his election win, a date that is set by the Constitution.

_________
House Speaker Mike Johnson won reelection on the first ballot Friday after the Republican leader wrangled final support from a few reluctant right-wing hardliners.

Johnson, who enjoyed the support of President-elect Trump, won the vote by 218-215, with only one GOP lawmaker, Rep. Tom Massie of Kentucky, voting against him.

He proclaimed his win as a victory for Trumps America first agenda and declared a sweeping mandate from the 2024 election that gave Republicans unified control of the House, Senate and White House.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The American people have called on us to reject business as usual and throw out the status quo, Johnson said Friday. We must and we will heed their call.

Johnson ticked off MAGA legislative goals like securing the southern border, reducing prices, cutting taxes and slashing red tape.

Those aims dont have an R or a D next to them, Johnson said, referring to the two rival parties. They have a U.S.A. Thats what we are about.

Trump wasted little time giving Johnson a strong vote of confidence, declaring that the affable Louisiana Republican would make a great speaker.

The people of America have waited four years for common sense, strength and leadership, Trump wrote on his social media platform. Theyll get it now, and America will be greater than ever before!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The win amounted to a big victory for Trump, who gave Johnson a boost as he faced the tricky vote for reelection in the narrowly divided Congress.

Trump, the undisputed Republican leader, had wished Johnson good luck ahead of the tight vote in which he needed to win nearly every single GOP lawmaker and overcome lingering opposition from far right-wing representatives.

A win for Mike (is) a big win for the Republican Party, Trump said before the vote.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn handed Johnson the speakers gavel with a wide smile after delivering a speech in which he congratulated Republicans on their election win and vowed to work together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The American people need us to put down our partisan swords and pick up bipartisan plowshares, Jeffries said, quoting from the Bible. Its time for us to come together not as Democrats and Republicans, but as Americans, to get things done.

Jeffries, who stands to become the first Black speaker if Democrats win back the chamber, said he would work with Johnson to secure the border and fix our broken immigration system.

But he warned that Democrats would fight tooth and nail to block cuts to social programs like Social Security and Medicare.

No means never, he said. Keep your hands off Social Security and Medicare.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Republicans hold a 219-215 edge over Democrats in the incoming House, meaning Johnson could only afford to lose one GOP vote to keep the majority he needed to win the speakership.

Massie, a right-wing hardliner, had already pledged not to back Johnson. Several other ultra-conservatives said they were still considering their options ahead of the vote.

Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Rep. Keith Self of Texas initially voted against Johnson, leaving his path to victory unclear. But they flipped and supported him after about an hour of backroom horse-trading.

Johnson insisted he didnt make any concessions to the rebels.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A handful of other far right-wing Republicans, including House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., stayed silent as their names were called, suggesting they might not back Johnson, before all of them eventually voted for the GOP leader.

All Democrats voted for Jeffries.

Republicans were in a tight spot because of their unexpectedly anemic showing in House races during the recent election, when they underperformed Trumps popular vote and electoral college wins.

They won 220 seats compared with 215 for Democrats, who pulled back three seats in New York that had flipped to the GOP in the previous midterms. But ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., resigned his seat in November in a failed bid to become Trumps attorney general and did not return for the new Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That left the speaker needing the votes of all but one of the remaining Republicans, including Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz, who said she would no longer caucus with the GOP amid spending disputes. She voted for Johnson.

Right-wing Republicans remain angry at Johnson because he regularly cut deals with Democrats to fund the government and avert shutdowns, and also agreed to push forward with defense aid to embattled Ukraine.

But there was no obvious alternative to the good-natured Louisiana lawmaker, especially since he has Trump in his corner for now.

Trump wanted the House speaker drama to be done and dusted by Monday when Congress acts on Jan. 6 to certify his election win, a date thats set by the Constitution.

_________
(KRON)  A Hayward man was arrested for sexually assaulting a woman during a massage therapy session, according to the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies were notified of a sexual assault that occurred in a Millbrae business in the 900 block of Broadway on Dec. 22. Authorities said a woman during a massage therapy session received unwanted, inappropriate and sexual touching by the male massage therapist. The sheriffs office said they provided resources to the victim before beginning its investigation.

Deputies identified 47-year-old Hayward resident Guosheng Chen as the assailant and obtained a $400,000 warrant for his arrest on Dec. 31.

Photo: Guosheng Chen

Manager allegedly embezzled more than $141K from Benicia business

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chen was charged with oral copulation, sexual penetration and sexual battery involving an unconscious person. On Thursday, he was arrested by the Hayward Police Department and booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility.

According to authorities, Chen has worked as a massage therapist in multiple counties, including Alameda County, Contra Costa County, San Diego County and San Mateo County.

The sheriffs office said there may be more victims. The San Mateo County Sheriffs Office is asking anyone with information on this assault or Chen to contact Detective Pitts at 650-363-4060 or by email at npitts@smcgov.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 KRON4.
CHIPPEWA FALLS  A Milwaukee man accused of grabbing a woman by her throat in February, then later slamming his own head while in police squad vehicle, has been convicted of battery and bail jumping.

Michael E. Southern, 25, entered the guilty pleas in Chippewa County Court. A more serious charge of strangulation and suffocation, as well as possession of marijuana, were read-in and dismissed.

Judge James Isaacson ordered Southern to serve 18 months on probation and serve an additional 10 days in jail. Isaacson ordered 60 total days in jail, but gave Southern credit for 10 days already served. Southern must pay $1,101 in court costs and fines, must submit a DNA sample, and he cannot have any contact with the victim in this case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the criminal complaint, Chippewa Falls police responded to a residence in the city on Feb. 10 for a report of a domestic abuse incident. A woman told police she had told Southern to pack his belongings and leave.

However, he became upset and put his hand around her throat which caused her not to breathe, the complaint reads.

The woman told police that a few days earlier, Southern had struck her on the side of her face a couple times that day, causing her confusion because she was not expecting it.

She said that after he told him to move out, Southern began slapping and striking her with a closed fist on both sides of her face. Southern then pushed her on a bed and choked her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The officer observed she had a raspy voice and had scratches on her neck.

Southern was not in the residence; police located him outside. He denied physically assaulting her.

After being arrested, Southern spontaneously slammed his forehead into the side of the squad car, putting an approximately four-inch long by three-inch wide dent into the C pillar, the complaint reads.

Police searched Southern and located marijuana.

During the search, Southern became agitated and started to kick the window bars with both of his feet so hard that officers could see the window flexing with each kick, the complaint reads.

Southern is a convicted felon. In 2018, he was convicted of driving a vehicle without consent in Milwaukee County Court and was sentenced to 10 months. He also was convicted of misdemeanor-level theft.
On October 25, 2024, 14-year-old Peyton Schulz focuses intently as he works through his class assignment in Mr. Loy's algebra class, at Braham Area High School in Braham, Minnesota.

Republished with permission from The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit news outlet focused on education.

BRAHAM, Minn.  It was fourth-period Basic Algebra 8 class on a gray October morning at Braham Area High School. Teacher Rick Riccio had assigned an exercise on converting large integers to scientific notation, but fifteen minutes in, some students had lost focus. Two girls at a back table sang, their worksheets empty. Two boys pulled up games on their laptops, as two other girls discussed what theyd name their children someday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Riccio tried to reel them in as he walked around answering questions. Youre a little too crazy today, he said to the girls in the back. You gotta settle down and get this done.

Not all eighth graders are ready for the abstract concepts  like variables, linear functions, slope  that come with Algebra I, some experts and teachers say. Those more complex ideas also require extended concentration, which is difficult for many middle schoolers.

Eighth grade, theyre just in full-on puberty, hormones, said Zach Loy, another math teacher at the high school, an hours drive from Minneapolis. Are they capable of sitting down and focusing on one thing for two, three minutes at a time without getting distracted? I see that as being the hardest barrier.

But under a 2006 Minnesota law designed to boost the number of students going into math and science careers, all eighth graders were required to take Algebra I. At the time, legislators argued that getting more kids through algebra before starting high school would ensure they were on a path to graduate having taken calculus, often seen as a gateway for entry to selective colleges and to well-paying jobs in fields like engineering and medicine.

Eighth grade algebra teacher Rick Riccio helps students with a problem at Braham Area High School in Minnesota. Photo by Patience Zalanga for The Hechinger Report

There was a logic behind that: In a traditional course sequence, finishing calculus is easier if students take Algebra I by eighth grade since they can continue on to geometry, Algebra II, precalculus or trigonometry, and then calculus their senior year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But a Hechinger Report analysis of federal data shows Minnesotas law hasnt worked out as planned. Between 2009 and 2017, the share of the states students taking calculus did rise modestly, from 1.25 to 1.76%. But other states saw far larger gains, and Minnesota dropped from sixth to 10th place among states for calculus enrollment as a share of total enrollment. (2017 is the latest year for which there are compiled federal data on calculus enrollment, according to U.S. Department of Education spokesperson Alberto Betancourt.)

On the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a national test done every two years, Minnesota fell from second place among the 50 states in 2009 on eighth grade math scores to eighth place in 2022, the latest year of available data.

Braham and other districts report that theres been no change in the number of their students taking calculus, in part because many students just arent interested in STEM-heavy careers, administrators say. In addition, state education leaders responded to the 2006 mandate by introducing a policy in 2007 that enabled students to take Algebra I over two years instead of one, neutralizing the effect of starting the course earlier.

In many school districts around the country, algebra has become a hot button issue, with some parents pushing their kids to take it in eighth grade  and school districts to offer it then  because of the opportunities it may unlock in high school and beyond. But the share of students in eighth grade algebra who are Black or Hispanic has remained low. A few districts have tried eliminating the eighth grade algebra option altogether as a way to increase equity and get rid of separate advanced and standard math tracks, stirring parent opposition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Minnesota went the opposite route, effectively giving students the same opportunities by placing everyone on an accelerated track. Its experience suggests early universal algebra isnt a cure-all for boosting the share of students in advanced math.

That replicates what most of the studies have found, said Scott Peters, senior research scientist at educational assessment organization NWEA. Early algebra does appear to slightly boost enrollment in advanced math courses in the short term  for example, more 10th graders taking Algebra II  but the effect fades as students get older, he said.

And there could be a downside. A 2015 study found that a brief experiment by California to enroll all eighth graders in algebra backfired, lowering test scores in large districts, though it had little effect on small and mid-sized ones. If you push a kid too far, too fast, they might be either less interested or feel defeated or it hurts their self-efficacy and confidence in math, study co-author Andrew McEachin said.

The roots of universal eighth grade algebra go back to the late 1990s, when policymakers began promoting it to get more students through calculus in high school. That, in turn, would boost their college and career chances  especially for Black and Latino students and those from low-income households  and help U.S. competitiveness, went the thinking. Between 2000 and 2005, the share of U.S. eighth graders enrolled in algebra shot up from 27% to 42%, according to the Brookings Institution. (By 2020-21 it was less than 24%, according to the U.S. Department of Education.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Minnesota legislators took notice. In 2006, a state education bill required for the first time that the states eighth graders take Algebra I, starting in the 2010-11 school year. I remember people saying they wanted to make sure students could complete algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus in high school, said former state Sen. Steve Kelley, the bills co-author. To do that, we needed to have them take Algebra I in eighth grade.

Many math experts warned against the move. This whole idea is a very naive belief that if we just kind of make it for everybody, everyone will learn, Brookings education researcher Tom Loveless told the Pioneer Press in 2008. That same year the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommended against mandating Algebra I at a prescribed grade level. Exposing students to such coursework before they are ready often leads to frustration, failure, and negative attitudes toward mathematics and learning, the group wrote.

But Minnesota kept universal algebra in eighth grade and to date is the only state thats adopted and stuck with the policy. California mandated its plan in 2008 but reversed course in 2010 after a court-ordered postponement and pressure to adopt the Common Core standards, which recommended that eighth graders take pre-algebra, not algebra. About 6.4% of school districts around the country, most of them in Minnesota, report having policies mandating algebra in eighth grade.

At Braham and other Minnesota districts, the algebra-to-calculus pipeline hasnt materialized. In some districts, not many students head into careers that require calculus, and thats been true both before and after the mandate, said district leaders. Most students pursue fields in which calculus isnt needed, like nursing, education, business, or dental hygiene, said district social worker and career advisor Staci Kuhnke. Isanti County, where Braham is located, has about 70 manufacturers, an energy company headquarters, a hospital and a community college.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This year, in a senior class of 47 students, just one is taking calculus, through an arrangement with a local community college, she said. Most students do not take a math course their senior year.

Braham ninth grader Savannah Gudilias, 14, said she wished shed waited till ninth to start Algebra I. She struggled so much that it hurt her confidence in math. I didnt understand it and still dont, she said. She wants to be a nurse. Actually, that takes too much math, she said. Maybe a teacher. But not a math teacher.

Within the classroom of Braham Area High School in Braham, Minnesota, students immerse themselves in algebra problem-solving, using the interactive Savvas platform on October 25, 2024.

Caden Rivera, a 16-year-old junior, said middle school was the beginning of a math slide for her. She got As in elementary school math but her grades fell once she hit algebra in eighth grade. I was just really immature and didnt pay attention, she said. And I needed more time  some people learn slower and others faster. After high school she wants to get a culinary degree and knows shell need more math, but she has no interest in calculus.

Others are doing well in the course. Sean Oldenburg, an eighth grader, wants to someday get a job at the BNSF Railway Company, where four generations of his family have worked. He thinks hell pursue an engineering degree, which would mean hed take calculus in high school. Algebra I in eighth grade has been a stretch. I could do multiplication tables, all that stuff great, he said. Then you started adding these symbols, and I didnt get it. But hes confident hell master it. It just takes time, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When it comes to math, Brahams leaders have worries that are more basic than getting students to calculus. District scores on state eighth grade math tests have lagged behind the state average most years since 2010. The district, which at fewer than 800 students is small, is 87% white and has a poverty level in the low-to-middle range, with 44% of students getting free and reduced-price lunch.

Ken Gagner has been Brahams superintendent since 2015. Gagner, trim and graying, is mostly neutral on eighth grade algebra for all  he said its good for students to be exposed to increased rigor but worries those who arent ready for the course could be turned off to math completely. What the district really needs to address its math gap, he and other administrators said, are more certified math teachers, math tutors to help those struggling and smaller class sizes. Gagner said when the district advertises for math teachers he would be happy if we would get four applicants.

At Pillager Public School District, 100 miles northwest of Braham in another rural town, eighth grade Algebra I has played out much the same way. Ryan Krominga, the district director of curriculum and instruction, said the mandate came with little direction from the state. So districts simply took their ninth grade algebra textbook and content and started using it in eighth grade, he said.

Many eighth graders arent developmentally ready for the more complex concepts involved in algebra, he said. They dont get enough time with the concrete elements of math, such as multiplication and division, because theres pressure to get to algebra so quickly, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In my experience, it hasnt worked out, he said of the requirement. I havent seen that kids have this huge understanding of mathematics or that theyve increased their algebraic thinking. And the district has seen no increase in the number of students taking calculus, he said. Some years they dont offer the class because they dont have enough students who want it.

Not all districts dislike the policy. Jeremy Larson, assistant superintendent of learning and accountability at Moorhead Area Public Schools in the states far west, said two years of algebra gives the district flexibility to slow down eighth graders who may have been accelerated too fast into Intermediate Algebra, the second part of the districts two course Algebra I sequence. If theyre in Intermediate Algebra as an eighth grader and its just kind of difficult, we say, Hey, lets just take a step back, said Larson.

And unlike the other two districts, Moorheads calculus numbers have increased, though not by much: An average of 1.3% of students in the district were enrolled in calculus in the three years before the eighth grade requirement took effect in 2010. Today its about 1.5%, or 13 more students per year in a district with total enrollment of about 6,200.

The Minnesota Department of Education contends that the states drop in calculus enrollment and eighth-grade math scores compared to those of other states isnt representative of its larger efforts. These are two of many measures of student success that MDE looks at to guide our support of school communities, said spokesperson Anna Arkin in an emailed response to Hechingers findings. We are invested in every student receiving a world class education and thriving in school.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres been no pressure to change the mandate. Thats in part because of the 2007 revision legislators made to the state education standards, enabling schools to stretch algebra over two years, said Mike Weimerskirch, associate professor at the University of Minnesotas School of Mathematics. Weimerskirch said the issue didnt come up during the latest state committee revision of the math standards. Its been long enough now that its just kind of become accepted, become part of the culture, and weve learned to deal with it, he said.

Back in Riccios eighth grade algebra class a day later, slowing down made a difference. Riccio decided that it would be a catchup session because so many students struggled with scientific notation the day before. Looking at some of these papers that you guys handed in, a lot of you have not gotten this concept, he said. He went through the procedures again and put up an integer on the whiteboard. So what is our number then? he asked.

Would it be 5 times 10? offered one student. Why is it 5? No, said Riccio, as students started cross-talking. Everybody pay attention. Everybody quiet. Focus. He wrote another large integer on the whiteboard. What if I give you something like this? Any volunteers?

Can I try it? said James Belland, a tall 14-year-old in a red T-shirt. Jimmy, take a stab at it please, said Riccio. Belland came to the whiteboard and wrote the conversion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You got it Jimmy, said Riccio. Everybody give him a round of applause. The kids clapped and cheered. Riccio put up another problem and asked whether anyone else wanted to try. Ten hands shot up.

Its nice when these kids start getting it, said Riccio afterward.

This story about eighth grade algebra was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter.
It's time to crown a new Miss America.

On Sunday, Jan. 5, women from every U.S. state, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, will compete for the revered title of Miss America and its $50,000 scholarship.

Younger women, ages 13 to 18, will take the stage one day prior on Saturday, Jan. 4, for the opportunity to earn the Miss America's Teen title and an equal scholarship.

It's a more than 100-year-old annual competition. Miss America originated in 1921 in Atlantic City as the "bathing beauty revue," according to Miss America. The first woman to win was Margaret Gorman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Soon, another deserving woman will wear the iconic four-point crown, representing her qualities of service, style, scholarship, and success.

Here's how to watch this year's competition.

When is the Miss America pageant?

Miss America finals will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5. A coronation party is set to follow the event, according to the Miss America schedule.

When is the Miss America's Teen pageant?

Miss America's Teen finals will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4. A coronation party is set to follow the event, according to the Miss America schedule.

How to watch Miss America

The final round is set to air live across all time zones globally on YouTube as well as on PageantVision.com.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Replay videos of the preliminary rounds and talent competitions are also available for streaming on PageantVision through 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 5.

Where is the Miss America 2025 competition?

The Miss America organization hosts its scholarship competition at the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida. The preliminary rounds of the competition began on Dec. 31, 2024.

Who is Miss Tennessee?

Carley Vogel, formerly Miss Music City, was crowned Miss Tennessee in June of 2024. She is a student at Middle Tennessee State University, majoring in music business with a minor in musical theater. Vogel is also a sister of Zeta Tau Alpha.

She is a Donate Life Ambassador, where she helps to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation, according to Donate Life Tennessee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Already in the Miss America competition, Vogel won the Preliminary Talent award for her vocal performance of Climb Every Mountain.

Who is Miss Tennessee's Teen?

18-year-old Leela Beaty is the current Miss Tennessee's Teen titleholder.

Her community service initiative is "Lean on Us," encouraging people to embrace their differences, according to Miss Tennessee.

Before being crowned as Miss America's Teen, Beaty held the title of Miss Central Tennessee's Teen.

Which previous Miss America winners are from Tennessee?

Kellye Cash is the only Miss Tennessee to win the Miss America title. She won Miss Tennessee in 1986 and was crowned Miss America in 1987, according to Miss Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Miss America 2025: Where to watch and who is Miss Tennessee?
Authorities are asking the public for help Friday in finding a young woman from Los Angeles County who is missing again just one day after a previous search for her concluded.

Sarah Powell, 21, was last seen shortly before 1 a.m. Friday on Fellowship Street and Griffith Avenue in the City of Industry, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department stated in a special bulletin.

Ms. Powell has a mental capacity of a 12-year-old and requires daily medication, the Sheriffs Department stated in the bulletin.

Sarah Powell, a 21-year-old resident of L.A. County, is seen in a photo provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Powell previously disappeared near the 15700 block of Fellowship Street in the community of Valinda on Dec. 25, before she was located eight days later on Jan. 2.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities did not provide further details regarding how or where Powell was found.

She was described in Fridays bulletin as a white female standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds with black straight hair and blue eyes. Authorities also updated the spelling of her first name from Sara to Sarah.

She was last seen wearing a brown beanie, blue hoodie, black dress with yoga pants and brown heels.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriffs Departments Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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 KTLA.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A 12-year-old is reported missing from Dayton and local police are asking for your help with the search.

Nehemiah Richardson, 12, was reported missing on Thursday evening, Jan. 2, according to the Dayton Police Department.

Richardson has been missing since Dec. 31 and is reported to be in the Five Oaks area.

The Dayton police Department asks that anyone with pertinent information contact the department at 937-333-2677 or Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP or via their 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 WDTN.com.
A surfer who went missing at an Australian beach is now believed to have been the victim of a shark attack, according to authorities.

On Friday, Jan. 3, South Australia Police said in a news release that Police and Emergency Services crews will continue searching waters at Westall for the body of a man, believed to be the victim of a fatal shark attack.

The mans body is yet to be found and an air, land and water search will be conducted early this morning with resources from Police, SES and local volunteers assisting, police added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Alamy Stock Photo Granites Beach Granites Beach

Related: How to Avoid a Shark Attack and What to Do If Bitten? An American Lifeguard Association Expert Weighs In

The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Lance Appleby  who was surfing at Granites Beach in Streaky Bay on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 2. according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He vanished after he was attacked by a shark, eyewitnesses reportedly told police.

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.

Speaking with the outlet, senior constable Rebecca Stokes said that all signs point to Appleby being killed in the attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: Teenage Boy Killed in Shark Attack in South Australia: 'It's a Tragic, Tragic Incident'

"There was just no sign of this young man," Stokes said.

She told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that a "brave" good Samaritan used a jetski "immediately after the attack" and recovered the victim's surfboard.

Granites Beach will remain closed to the public" and any witnesses are asked to contact police, authorities said in the release.

The department noted that they are preparing a report for the local coroner.

Related: Surfer Who Lost His Leg in Shark Attack Wants to Return to the Water: 'I'm Lucky'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to ABC, the District Council of Streaky Bay released a statement offering condolences to Appleby's loved ones.

"In times like these, it is important to remember that the individual was not only a valued member of our community but also a cherished son, family member and friend," officials said.

They added, "We are hurting and we ask for understanding as we collectively grieve and support one another."

Read the original article on People
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP)  A surfer missing in Australia is believed to have died in a shark attack, authorities said Friday, as they searched the waters where the man disappeared.

The 28-year-old was in the sea at a popular surf beach in South Australia where another man was killed by a white shark in 2023.

A witness who saw the shark attack on Thursday evening at Granites Beach, near the coastal town of Streaky Bay, rode into the sea on a jet ski and retrieved the mans surfboard, Senior Constable Rebecca Stokes told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But there was just no sign of this young man, theres just been no sign of him, Stokes told the ABC. From witnesses descriptions were pretty confident that sadly hes been killed by this shark.

The beach was known to be frequented by sharks, Stokes said. She did not specify what species of shark was believed to be involved.

Emergency responders and volunteers were searching offshore on Friday for the local man and the beach was closed to the public. Police were preparing a coroners report, a statement said.

Shark attacks in Australia are rare, with 255 fatal bites recorded since 1791 in the country of 27 million people, according to the Australian Shark Incident Database.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the state of South Australia has registered more episodes in the past two years than usual. There were five shark attacks of the states coast in 2023, three of them fatal and one at the same beach as Thursdays incident.

Scientists at the time said they did not know the reason for the cluster. There was one non-fatal shark bite off South Australias coast in 2024.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Police are investigating after a missing woman was found shot and killed Thursday afternoon, just one day after disappearing on New Years Day in Kansas City.

According to the Kansas City Police Department, at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 48-year-old Brandi Crout disappeared from the area of 45th Terrace and Willow Avenue in her black 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe with Missouri license plate EH7-V9E.

2 children and a man shot and killed in Kansas Citys Northland Thursday night

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One day later, on Thursday afternoon, KCPD reported finding a woman who had been shot and killed inside a car near East 35th Terrace and Stadium Drive. The remains of the woman were eventually identified as Crout Friday morning.

Although the case is a confirmed shooting, KCPD has not determined the circumstances that led up to Crouts death. At this time, this is an active crime scene and an ongoing investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
LORMAN, Miss. (WJTV)  You dont get your name mentioned from the floor and Congress and written up in the Congressional Record just on a whim or for nothing. You have to be either pretty famous or pretty infamous.

Mr. D, the proprietor of the Old Country Store in Lorman, is pretty famous, partly for his singing but mostly for his friend chicken. Its his grandmothers recipe.

I dont know what happened. But my grandmother was pretty particular. I dont know if something was wrong, because she put this ingredient on her chicken that Saturday. And when she cooked it and took it to church, everybody raved, Mr. D said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hes never told me what the secret ingredient is, but I fell in love with it the first time I tasted the fried chicken. Thousands of other people have wandered through the buffet line at the Old Country Store in the past 25 years Mr. D has been there.

The Busted Biscuit in Raymond

As the word spread about his chicken, so did the fame of Mr. D. Southern Living and the Food Network have stopped by the restaurant.

Mr. Ds latest honor includes being recognized before the U.S. Congress and being recorded in the Congressional Record.

It really scared me when I got it. Big package in the mail. I thought it was some kind of lawsuit or something. And then it said, Congressional Record. And it really scared me. Oh Lord, wonder whats done happened to me? Then when I opened it up and began to read and realized an honor had been bestowed upon me. And the next day I came running to make sure that my chicken was good, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr. D came to Mississippi one weekend 25 years ago from Florida to visit his son at Alcorn State. He saw a building for sale in and bought it with the idea of fixing it up and flipping it. That was a quarter century ago, and hes still here.

I just want to thank Mississippi for accepting me, cause they adopted me and really changed my name and made me love it. Thank you Mississippi. I love you, he said.

Mr. Ds chicken is available in 22 different outlets in four states.

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.
One of Washingtons beloved Southern Resident Orcas is breaking hearts across the world again. In 2018, Tahlequah garnered global attention for carrying her dead calf for 16 days in what was called a tour of grief. This week she was spotted doing the same, just more than a week after researchers announced she had birthed a new female calf.

Researchers from the Center for Whale Research and the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration ventured out on the Sound Wednesday, capturing video and pictures of Tahlequah when they discovered a surprisein addition to spotting Tahlequah and her dead calf, they spotted another young orca that wasnt seen when they confirmed Tahlequahs young a week ago.

What a mix of tragedy and joy, Howard Garrett said, the co-founder and board president of the Orca Network.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brad Hanson, of NOAA, and Michael Weiss, with the Center for Whale Research, were both on the water Wednesday. Hanson said during a press call Thursday there were signs for the first calf, number J61, looking frailer, even by newborn standards. J62, the calf discovered this week, he said was more robust especially when they have seen it surface above water.

These are some small signs, Hanson said. We try to get input from other researchers in terms of what theyre seeing and whether or not this is normal or abnormal behavior.

Weiss says for calves they have documented, around 70 percent survive through their first year. That number has a caveat however, because he acknowledges there are countless calves they never are able to document so the Center for Whale Research estimates the true survival rate is around 50 percent.

Our research shows that for females that have more sons who they are taking care of are less likely to produce a calf that survives that past year. Weiss said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Weiss notes that Tahlequah, number J35, has two sons, the most recent of which was born in 2020. That timing has researchers theorizing that Tahlequah may not have had enough time between pregnancies to recover before her 18-month gestation period began with the most recent calf.

The odds are not necessarily in her favor there, Weiss said.

To get a full idea of why J61 died, researchers would need to perform a necropsy but say they will not interrupt Tahlequahs grieving to do so.

While researchers are still trying to figure out J62s sex and family tree, they say it appears she has an older brother and a grandmother, the latter of which helps its chances of surviving its first year. Weiss says he is cautiously optimistic. Garrett has a similar perspective.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ill be about 50% reassured in a month if that baby is still looking good and about 80% reassured in six months. But, itll really be a year or more before I can feel confident, Garrett said. Its going to be a long, cautious wait to make sure that that baby does all right.

Tahlequahs two sons, Garrett notes, have shown some slightly concerning conditions when recently spotted. Really, the hope is that more female Orcas are spawned in the pod to help the viability of future Orcas.

Southern Resident Orcas are a distinct species of Orca that are biologically diverse from their ocean-dwelling relatives. They have cultural and genetic differences that are unique to the three pods: J, K, & L. Garrett says J pod has had the most recent success of calves making it past the first year, but not enough to overcome the whales that have died. 73 whales were counted in the most recent census of the pods, though one of the orcas has been considered missing since that count.

From 2012 through 2020, the Center for Whale Research documented 17 births with six calves missing or dead. During that same time, 26 other orcas went missing or died. Federal regulations require a population growth of nearly 2.3 percent every 28 years to delist an animal. Southern Resident Orcas are on the very of their population drastically decreasing without more viable calves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theyre just not getting enough nutrition to bring their young into the world, Garrett said. Chinook [Salmon] are their selected prey and theres just not enough of them in their habitat.

Chinook Salmon populations are one of three great threats to the Puget Sounds Orcas. The other, collisions and noise with ships and other water vessels, and contaminants and pollution to their environment, like PFAS forever chemicals.

As 2025 began, a new law went into effect requiring ships, boats, and water vessels to stay 1,000 yards from Southern Resident Orcas. While the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife is still crafting its education policy for the law, Garrett says the move will make a marginal difference that will help whales find their prey with less noise from the man-made machines.

It is valuable. Its helpful to the whales, but it really misses the big point that what they need is more fish in their habitat, Garrett said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If theres one thing about the new law that encourages Garrett, its the ability for people and government to mobilize and create action to help their water-bound neighbors. Its that kind of action he says is needed to remove four damns along the Snake River that would help increase the size and health of the salmon population that feed the Orcas. The damns have created lakes with warm, stagnant water that hurts the fishs ability to switch from living in a freshwater environment to a salt-water environment. Garrett notes a significant amount of the salmon that feed Southern Resident Orcas spawn upriver in the Snake, that feeds into the Columbia and its tributaries.

Thats what needs to be done. If we want to take care of these whales, weve got to look at those dams. Garrett said.




KYIV (Reuters) -Moldova faces a security crisis, Prime Minister Dorin Recean said on Friday after its separatist pro-Moscow Transdniestria region, cut off from supplies of Russian gas, closed factories, restricted central heating and imposed rolling power blackouts.

Flows of Russian gas via Ukraine to central and eastern Europe were halted on New Year's Day after a transit agreement between the warring countries expired, and Kyiv rejected doing further business with Moscow.

Recean said government-controlled Moldova would cover its own energy needs with domestic production and imports but noted the separatist Transdniestria region had suffered a painful hit despite its ties with Moscow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"By jeopardising the future of the protectorate it has backed for three decades in an effort to destabilise Moldova, Russia is revealing the inevitable outcome for all its allies  betrayal and isolation," Recean said in a statement.

"We treat this as a security crisis aimed at enabling the return of pro-Russian forces to power in Moldova and weaponising our territory against Ukraine, with whom we share a 1,200 km (745-mile) border."

The official Telegram news channel of separatist Transdniestria said rolling power cuts had gone into effect on Friday evening. It listed districts where power would be cut for an hour or more between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

"As the Ministry of Economic Development notes, this is in connection with the fact that residents at this time are consuming more power than the system can generate," the channel said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The news channel said a sanatorium, fully heated and with hot water, was sheltering orphans and residents of nursing homes. It accused Moldova's central government of failing to understand or tackle the difficulties facing the region.

"Moldovan authorities are completely out of touch with reality and continue to talk about 'the price of freedom from Russian gas,'" the channel said.

Transdniestria's residents had already lost hot water and

central heating, and all factories except food producers have

been forced to stop production.

The enclave's self-styled president, Vadim Krasnoselsky, had earlier said power cuts were inevitable. He said the region had gas reserves to cover 10 days of limited usage in the north and twice as long in the south

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia denies using gas as a weapon to coerce Moldova, and blames Kyiv for refusing to renew the gas transit deal.

DISPUTE OVER ARREARS

Russian gas giant Gazprom had separately said on Dec. 28 that it would suspend exports to Moldova on Jan. 1 because of what Russia says are unpaid Moldovan debts of $709 million. Moldova disputes that, and has put the figure at $8.6 million.

The southeast European nation of about 2.5 million people has been in the spotlight since Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine at a time of mounting tensions between Moscow and the West.

Its pro-European President Maia Sandu won a second term in an election last year and has pledged to accelerate reform and consolidate democratisation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Moldova plans to hold a parliamentary election this summer.

Mainly Russian-speaking Transdniestria, which split from Moldova in the 1990s, received Russian gas via Ukraine.

In turn, Moldova used to receive the bulk of its electricity from Transdniestria. But, with Kyiv making clear it would stop gas transit from Russia, the Chisinau government prepared alternative arrangements, with a mixture of domestic production and electricity imports from Romania, Recean said.

He said the Moldovan government remained committed to helping the enclave.

"Alternative energy solutions, such as biomass systems, generators, humanitarian aid, and essential medical supplies, are ready for delivery should the breakaway leadership accept the support," the government said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The head of Moldova's national gas company Moldovagaz, Vadim Ceban, said Transdniestrian authorities had turned down an offer to help purchase gas from European countries because the enclave believes Russian gas supplies could still be resumed.

Such purchases would be more costly. Gazprom has long supplied gas to the region without demanding payment.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash; Additional reporting by Alexander Tanas; Editing by Jason Neely, Alison Williams, Ron Popeski, Cynthia Osterman and Sandra Maler)
When Congress authorized the creation of the Space Force in December of 2019, the services leadership viewed its small size as an asset.

Gen. Jay Raymond, its inaugural chief of space operations, likened the newest military branch to a startup company, telling lawmakers the service would leverage its size to move fast and stay nimble.

We are establishing a Space Force that is lean, agile and mission-focused, Raymond said in a March 2020 House Armed Services Committee hearing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since then, the services budget has doubled to around $30 billion in fiscal 2025, and todays leaders have called for even more resources in the coming years to strengthen the militarys defenses against adversaries in space, build an arsenal of offensive-capable systems and take on new missions.

That budget is going to need to double or triple over time to be able to fund the things were actually going to need to have, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told Defense News last summer. Somebodys going to have to make some decisions about whether to give us a bigger budget overall for this or do some internal trades.

The path to a larger Space Force budget isnt clear  even as former President Donald Trump, who oversaw the creation of the service, prepares to begin his second term in the coming weeks. Despite his administrations past emphasis on space policy, analysts and former defense officials told Defense News Trumps enthusiasm for space doesnt necessarily portend a larger budget for the Space Force.

Todd Harrison, a senior defense policy fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said its unlikely Trump will get directly involved in the ins and outs of the Space Forces budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We know that Trump is obviously very supportive of the Space Force, Harrison said in an interview. When it comes down to actually proposing big increases in the Space Forces budget, Id say what matters more is the Secretary of Defense.

Trump plans to nominate Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, to lead the Pentagon. Harrison noted theres no indication of Hegseths posture toward the Space Force  whether hed be willing to go along with a larger space budget at the expense of another service.

I think hes walking into it with basically a clean slate, Harrison said. So, then I would think it would be up to the Space Force leadership to get in early and make their case.

Trump has yet to reveal who he plans to nominate as Air Force secretary, or SECAF in Pentagon parlance, a role that provides civilian oversight of the Space Forces budget. Were the president to choose a secretary with a space background, that could drive more investment, Harrison noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That would be revolutionary, he said. If you had a SECAF that was very supportive of space, you could very well see them go forward with a [proposal] that significantly increases the Space Forces budget, either using a higher overall topline or using offsetting cuts within the Air Forces budget.

Doug Loverro, a consultant who has held key space leadership roles in DOD, NASA and the National Reconnaissance Office, said regardless of who fills the leadership role, the Space Force will have to make a strong case to the new administration that it needs more funding.

That task, according to Loverro, will likely be an uphill battle. While the service has made plans for new architectures and has worked to speed up its acquisition programs through organizations like the Space Rapid Capabilities Office and the Space Development Agency, he said it hasnt proven it can field operational capabilities on faster timelines.

I think when the new administration comes in, they are going to look at that and theyre going to say, What the heck have you been doing with all the money, Loverro said.

Strength in numbers

Loverro said he expects the incoming class of Pentagon leaders to put more of an emphasis on fielding new systems than on demonstrating concepts  an approach that features heavily in Project 2025, a 900-page conservative blueprint for the second Trump administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the president-elect sought to distance itself from Project 2025 during his campaign, he has since acknowledged he supports some of its policy recommendations. The document includes a section on needed Space Force reforms that calls for the service to end the current study phase of concept development and fielding of offensive systems. It also specifically mentions the Space Development Agency, or SDA, recommending the organization adhere to more aggressive timelines for fielding satellites.

SDA is on a path to launching hundreds of spacecraft to support the Space Forces missile tracking and data transport missions, but its first few launches are largely focused on demonstrating the capability and have been delayed by several months. The agency expects to have its first tranche of operational satellites in orbit by 2026.

They want them to stop being experiments. They want them to be operational capability, Loverro said.

Project 2025 also recommends the Space Force restore architectural balance between offensive and defensive capabilities, advocating for an approach to deterrence that includes protecting assets and fighting back against adversaries that threaten its systems.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That approach could drive more investment in so-called counterspace systems, most of which are funded through the Space Forces roughly $6 billion classified budget. While the service has been talking more about the need for offensive weapons, much of its public-facing strategy for dealing with threats in space has centered on proliferated architectures like those SDA is launching.

The idea is, essentially, strength in numbers  having enough satellites in orbit that if an enemy destroys a few, the military can still perform its mission with the remaining spacecraft.

Sam Wilson, director of strategy and program support at the Aerospace Corporations Center for Space Policy and Strategy, said that while the first Trump administration supported proliferation as a method for deterrence, the next four years could expand on that approach. Whether that will include a more open discussion about fielding the types of space weapons China and Russia are demonstrating, or pursuing new operational approaches like sustained maneuver, is yet to be seen, he told Defense News.

Based on the unclassified budget, the Space Force, to me, has largely thought about protecting its spacecraft using proliferation, Wilson said. But these other approaches could get attention to resources as well in the new administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A strategy that centers on large fleets of small satellites could carry with it a hefty price tag, he added, especially if the Space Force continues to expand that approach beyond SDAs missile tracking and data transport constellations to other mission areas like positioning, navigation and timing and space domain awareness.

Its expensive, Wilson said. Weve seen it in several missions, and I think we may see it in more, but the degree to which that continues to be a point of emphasis is something to observe.

Loverro said a greater focus on counterspace systems could come as soon as the fiscal 2026 budget request, which the White House traditionally releases in February or March but is often delayed during a presidential transition.

Its always in the conversation, but we havent really demonstrated that were fielding anything or that we intend to, he said. And we havent really talked about whats the true intent of our counterspace ambitions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That shift could come with more funding attached, but Harrison noted that the Space Force can demonstrate its dominance in space without a larger budget. For example, he said, if Moscow continues jamming and spoofing GPS signals over Ukraine  as it has been doing since the start of the war  the U.S. could turn off GPS access over Russia.

There are things you could do that would be fairly immediate that wouldnt even cost anything, but it would show a lot more strength, he said. If Trump is trying to be buddy-buddy with Putin, maybe he wouldnt do that. But if he wants to show strength when our space systems are being attacked, that would be one way of doing it.

Favorite child?

At the White House, Trump has named Russell Vought as his pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget, a position he also held during Trumps first administration.

OMB is responsible for coordinating a yearly federal budget proposal that reflects the presidents policy objectives. Given Trumps likely interest in seeing the service he helped create succeed, that could bode will for the Space Force.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I suspect youre willing to spend more money on your child than you are to spend money on somebody elses child, Loverro said. So, there will be a natural tendency for Trump to want to save the Space Force because its his child, or at least he perceives it as his child.

However, because the president doesnt typically get involved in the details of the budget process, Vought will likely be the gatekeeper for significant program increases.

Vought was a co-author of Project 2025 and is known for being a fiscal hawk. During the first Trump administration, Vought played a central role in budget fights between the president and Congress. His office helped devise a plan to pull billions of dollars from the defense budget to pay for the presidents plan to build a wall on the southern U.S. border.

Harrison said its not clear what stance OMB would take in a Space Force funding debate, but Voughts reputation as a budget hardliner makes a major increase unlikely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I dont think the prospects look good right now unless Trump is able to change the politics around the budget, he said. His OMB choice is very much a fiscal conservative wanting to cut government spending.

Another area to watch for signs of Space Force budget growth is Congress.

A Republican majority in both the House and the Senate traditionally means a funding boost for defense initiatives. But current divisions in the party over defense spending could change that narrative.

On the Senate side, Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has called for a $55 billion increase in defense spending. In a 52-page paper outlining his proposal, he advocated for more funding to protect U.S. space systems and target Chinas growing arsenal of space weapons.

The U.S. Space Force has enjoyed real budgetary growth since its inception, but that does not mean it cannot do more. Classified programs in development must be procured at scale, he said. Chinas over-the-horizon kill chains are all deeply reliant on space. Without these capabilities, the bubble shrinks, he added, referring to the notional radius in which Beijing operates its forward defenses.

In the House, the chances of a seeing larger defense budget in the near term are not good, Harrison said, especially as the House Freedom Caucus  a small group of budget hawks with outsize influence due to the Republican partys narrow majority  proposes aggressive cuts to government spending.

They are pushing for such a high level of spending cuts that theres no way to get what they want without at least capping defense, if not cutting, he said.

Loverro also predicted a decreased stomach for major budget increases, particularly the tripling proposed by Kendall.

Obviously nobodys going to take $60 billion away from the Navy or the Army to give it to the Space Force, he said. So, unless Congress is willing to raise the budget by $100 billion, I think the likelihood of seeing a large increase in the Space Force budget of the kind of numbers theyre talking about is extremely low.

Trumps wild card

While its unclear whether leaders within the Pentagon, Congress and the White House will support more funding for the Space Force, experts pointed out that Trumps outward aversion to the status quo could uproot many of their assumptions about the next four years.

In fact, they noted, the Space Forces establishment came amid major resistance within the Pentagon and with the support of small cadre of powerful advocates in the House Armed Services Committee, including Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and now-retired Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn.

All of those senior leaders had come out publicly said, No, this is a bad idea, Harrison said. Trump came in separately after that . . . and said, Yeah, were going to create it.

One known wild card in Trumps second term is Elon Musks role as an advisor to the president-elect. The billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla is set to co-lead a new government efficiency office and could influence the White Houses space policy priorities.

SpaceX has billions of dollars in government contracts with NASA and the Pentagon and is one of the top providers of military space launch services for the Space Force. The firms Starlink and Starshield communication satellites are also in high demand from commercial and government customers, including the military.

While Musks proximity to Trump could have implications for the Space Forces budget, Harrison and Loverro suggested his influence is more likely to affect policies, particularly those that affect SpaceX.

Unless Musk goes to Trump with requests to increase funding for specific programs, Loverro noted, its unlikely hell drive decisions at that level.

If [Trump] gets the bit in his mouth that he wants to get something done and somehow hes convinced that we need to double the Space Force budget, that could happen, he said. But that kind of detail typically flows below him.
Gov. Greg Gianforte listens to Office of Budget and Program Planning Director Ryan Osmundson introduce the work of the Governor's Property Tax Task Force on Aug. 15, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Gov. Greg Gianforte may have legitimate legal reasons to withhold documents that could shed light about which legislation he supports or opposes, but that he cant refuse to turn those over without having a district court judge review them. Furthermore, the court said that state law doesnt confer any special privileges to withhold documents just because hes the governor.

The narrow 4-to-3 decision comes just a few days before the beginning of the 2025 Montana Legislature, but the lawsuit that spurred the appeal centers on Agency Bill Monitoring forms Gianforte was using to gather feedback and keep track of bills during his first session as governor in 2021.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Plaintiff Jayson ONeill had originally asked to review the forms, but was denied access, citing an executive privilege that the majority said only exists in very limited cases, and on a document-by-document basis.

Attorneys for Gianforte argued that a federal executive privilege entitled the governor to withhold the documents, and also claimed that if they were to become public, it would chill the open dialogue the governor needs to have with state staff.

In the majority opinion, authored by Justice James Jeremiah Shea, three fellow justices agreed that Gianforte likely has a few very narrow privileges, like an attorney-client privilege, but dismissed the notion that governors or other elected leaders have the right to withhold public documents based on an exception in federal law. Court documents suggest that the agency bill tracking forms were shared with more than Gianfortes attorneys, calling into question if the attorney-client privilege even applied in the case.

That means the bill-monitoring forms will be reviewed privately by Lewis and Clark District Court Judge Kathy Seeley in her chambers, legally termed an in camera review. It will be up to her to decide whether the tracking forms should be made public, fall under an exception and withheld, or be partially released.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Previously, Seeley had ruled that Montana recognized no special executive privilege for the governor, which the Supreme Court upheld. However, the state Supreme Court also said that before the documents are released, she must review them to ensure no other exceptions apply.

Little else is known about the bill-tracking forms because Gianfortes own counsel, Anita Milanovich, has argued in court filings that even disclosing the topics or the people involved would create a chilling effect that would inhibit honest communication between the governor and other state staff.

The states highest court has long maintained that the publics right to know is only hemmed in by certain privileges, like the attorney-client relationship, or when an individuals privacy clearly outweighs the publics right to know.

After Seeley makes her determination, either ONeill or Gianforte could challenge those decisions, meaning the dispute is far from over.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, both the majority and minority decisions lean on state history and Montanas expansive public records rights enshrined in the Montana Constitution, which are broader than and distinct from similar provisions in the federal Constitution.

We conclude that the governors claims of privilege in the Agency Bill Monitoring (forms) are not precluded as a matter of law, but must be evaluated by the district court upon in camera review of the documents for which the privilege is claimed, the majority said. On remand the district court may consider in tandem which, if any, privileges apply to which portions of each document.

Minority opinion: Same result, different conclusion

The minority opinion, written by Justice Laurie McKinnon and joined by Justice Ingrid Gustafson as well as District Court Judge Leslie Halligan, who heard the case in place of Chief Justice Mike McGrath, agreed with the majority that the bill-monitoring forms should be reviewed by Seeley.

There is no question that the governor must turn over the (Agency Bill Monitoring) forms for in camera review, it said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the minority said that the documents should be released because they were part of another Montana Constitutional right  the right for the public to access information pertaining to the deliberation process of government officials and leaders.

In that context, McKinnons dissent emphasized the Constitutions right-to-know provisions were created to protect the people from governmental abuses, not to protect the government from the people.

The governors argument that he needs protection from the public disclosure so as to provide himself a strategic advantage against another branch is illogical, given the context, the dissent said. The governors decision to veto a bill must be made for the benefit of Montanans, not for the benefit of himself or his branch. It strains credulity to suggest that the governor should be afforded the right to remain free from public intrusion while making determinations which have unequivocally been determined the publics business.

ONeill ruling
By Stevo Vasiljevic

PODGORICA (Reuters) -Hundreds of Montenegrins protested in the capital Podgorica on Friday against what they see as a lack of action by authorities to prevent a mass shooting in which a gunman killed 12 people and seriously wounded four.

In one of the Balkan nation's worst mass killings, 45-year-old Aco Martinovic went on the rampage on Wednesday afternoon after drinking heavily in the small town of Cetinje and managed to evade the police for many hours.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those he shot included his own sister. He later turned his gun on himself, dying early on Thursday of his wounds.

The protest coincided with an ongoing session of the country's National Security Council which adopted a set of tougher weapons controls.

After the session, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said that registered gun owners will now have a year to pass medical and psychological tests as a precondition for renewing their licences.

"Whoever fails to pass tests ... (gun) permit will be revoked and weapons seized," Spajic told a press conference in Podgorica.

He also said that authorities would initiate a two-months-long gun amnesty, allowing those who have illegal weapons to hand them over without fear from prosecution, or face "draconian punishment" if caught afterwards.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Those who fail to surrender them (illegal weapons) will face draconian punishment ... they will end up in jail," he said.

Many Montenegrins are angry over what they see as slow reform of an understaffed and under-resourced police force and bureaucratic and political wrangling within the government.

To bolster police's depleted ranks, the government also plans to hire an additional 200 police officers, Spajic said.

DEMANDS FOR RESIGNATIONS

The protesters in Podgorica first stood in silence to commemorate the victims of the shooting and then hurled insults at police who cordoned off the government building in the city centre. Some protesters tried to break through a security fence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Protesters held banners that read "Your system is rotten" and "Your hands are bloody". They attached roses with black ribbons to the fence in a gesture of mourning.

They are demanding the resignation of top officials, including Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic and police director Lazar Scepanovic.

Scepanovic said on Thursday that the police response to the shooting had been delayed by misleading information which sent the first patrol to a wrong location.

"As honourable men, you should come out and tell (us) what is going on in your system ... or tomorrow such a tragedy may knock on the doors of all of us," one protester yelled.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was the second mass shooting in less than three years in Cetinje, 38 km (24 miles) west of Podgorica. In August 2022, a gunman killed 10 people, including two children, before being shot dead.

Spajic said the interior ministry will now be tasked to form a rapid reaction airmobile team to improve response to such emergencies.

Montenegro, a small Adriatic republic of only 633,000 people, has a deeply rooted gun culture.

Like other Western Balkan countries - Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia - Montenegro is also awash with illegal weapons, mostly from the bloody wars of the 1990s.

(Writing by by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Gareth Jones and Andrea Ricci)
PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP)  A top-level meeting in Montenegro on Friday promised tough measures to curb illegal weapons after a gunman fatally shot 12 people in a second such tragedy in less than three years in the small Balkan country.

An emergency session of Montenegro's National Security Council announced a new, strict gun law and urgent actions to confiscate what are believed to be abundant illegal weapons in possession of Montenegro's 620,000 citizens.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said that holders of registered guns will undergo new security and psychological checks while draconian punishment is planned for those who hold weapons illegally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There will be no mercy for these people, Spajic said at a news conference after the council session. They will end up in prison.

Spajic specified that authorities would give people a period of two months to surrender illegal weapons without facing any consequences. After that, he said, the law will be explicit and even minimal sentences handed by judges will be drastic.

The Adriatic Sea nation has a deeply-rooted gun culture. State television broadcaster RTCG reported that Montenegro is sixth in the world when it comes to the number of illegal weapons per capita.

The gunman who killed a dozen people in a shooting rampage in the western town of Cetinje on Wednesday did so with an illegal 9 mm gun. Police have said they found 37 casings at the shooting locations, and more than 80 additional pieces of ammunition in the gunman's possession.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 45-year-old man, identified as Aco Martinovic, eventually shot himself in the head and died shortly after. He is believed to have snapped after a bar brawl, and went home to get his weapon before launching a bloody rampage at several locations late Wednesday afternoon.

Martinovic's victims included seven men, three women  among them his sister  and two children, born in 2011 and 2016. Four more people were seriously wounded and remain hospitalized.

Police Commissioner Lazar Scepanovic has described Wednesdays shooting as one of the biggest tragedies in the history of Montenegro.

The shooting has fueled concerns about the level of violence in Montenegrin society, which is politically divided. It also raised questions about the readiness of state institutions to tackle the problems, including gun ownership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hundreds of people throughout Montenegro lit candles in silence on Thursday evening in memory of the victims, while also calling for answers as to why the shooting happened. Many were angry at the authorities for not doing more to prevent such tragedies.

About 200 people protested outside government headquarters in Podgorica on Friday, demanding the resignations of top security officials over the tragedy and chanting murderers.

Mira Skoric, a retiree from Podgorica, said that I cant believe that we failed so much as a society. We failed as people too.

In a separate massacre in August 2022, an attacker killed 10 people, including two children, before he was shot and killed by a passerby in Cetinje, which is Montenegros historic capital located about 30 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of the capital, Podgorica.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The shootings require a serious examination of the responsibility and preparedness of the security system," the Human Rights Action and Womens Rights Center groups said in a statement. What has changed in the security system in Cetinje since 2022?"

Police have said that Martinovics actions weren't planned and were impossible to predict and prevent, though he had been convicted in the past for violent behavior and illegal weapons possession, and had received psychiatric treatment.

Vesna Pejovic, a Cetinje resident who lost her daughter and two grandchildren in the shooting back in 2022, said police had to do more to protect the citizens after the first killing.

What kind of state and system is this where children are getting killed? Are we at war? she asked. "Where were the police?

___

Jovana Gec and Dusan Stojanovic contributed to this report from Belgrade, Serbia.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A federal judge recently rejected a Montgomery County Sheriffs deputys claim of qualified immunity in a May 2020 shooting of a man at Possum Creek MetroPark.

U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose ruled that Cory Driscolls lawsuit against Deputy Jennifer Smiley can proceed.

Smiley has appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit.

The deputy responded to a call to Possum Creek MetroPark on May 10, 2020, for a mental health check after a group of passers-by called 911, concerned he was suffering distress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities initially said Driscoll appeared to be drinking gasoline and walking toward Smiley, repeatedly asking her to shoot him. After ordering him to stop more than 30 times, authorities said Driscoll lunged at Smiley, prompting her to fire.



Attorneys representing Driscoll said investigators later learned he had been drinking water, not gasoline.

Attorneys representing Driscoll said he was severely injured in the shooting and is now permanently disabled.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WILSON, La. (KLFY)  A Morgan City man was killed Thursday evening when he was hit by a car while walking in East Feliciana Parish, authorities said.

The crash claimed the life of Herman Kilbourne III, 50, of Morgan City.

Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop A began investigating a single-vehicle crash just before 6:30 p.m. Thursday involving a pedestrian on Main Street (La. 19), north of Carruth Road in Wilson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators said Kilbourne was walking northbound on Main Street when a 2016 Infiniti Q60 was traveling southbound. For reasons still under investigation, the Infiniti struck Kilbourne in the northbound lane.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

KLFY Daily Digest

Kilbourne was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the Infiniti was uninjured.

This crash remains under investigation, authorities said.

State Police urges pedestrians and motorists to remain vigilant while on roadways and pay close attention to their surroundings. Pedestrians must assume that approaching motorists cannot see them, especially at night. Pedestrians should cross roadways in well-lit, designated areas and always walk facing traffic.

Latest news

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
By Mark Trevelyan, Lucy Papachristou and Filipp Lebedev

(Reuters) -The severing of one of Russia's last gas export routes to Europe is being felt most painfully in a small, mainly Russian-speaking breakaway region of Moldova that has for decades looked to Moscow for protection.

Russian-backed separatists split from Moldova as the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, winning de facto independence for the region of some 450,000 people known as Transdniestria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia maintains about 1,500 troops there and long provided free gas. That ended on New Year's Day when Ukraine, nearly three years after Moscow's full-scale invasion, refused to extend a transit deal letting Russia pump gas across its territory to central and eastern Europe.

The blow to Transdniestria was immediate. Households' central heating and hot water were cut off on Wednesday. On Thursday, the government said all industrial enterprises apart from food producers had been forced to cease production.

When the gas was cut to his multi-storey apartment complex in Tiraspol, the main city, Boris, 54, dragged out a Soviet-era electric stove from his garage. It provides just enough heat to cook meals and warm the kitchen, while an electric heater warms his and his wife's bedroom.

"My wife and I have a stable income, and our children will help out, but what about the old pensioners?" Boris, who declined to be identified by his full name, told Reuters. "What will happen to them if their gas stoves turn off?"

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another Tiraspol resident said there was no sense of panic but people were queuing, sometimes by the dozen, to buy electric heaters and stoves.

Some locals told Reuters they were concerned that prices for essential goods such as bread and pasta - as well as blankets - had shot up since Wednesday.

PAYMENT DISPUTE

Russia had been pumping about 2 billion cubic metres of gas per year to Transdniestria - including a power plant providing energy for all Moldova, a country of 2.5 million people that wants to join the European Union.

Separately from the gas transit dispute with Ukraine, Russian energy company Gazprom had said on Dec. 28 that it would stop supplying gas to Moldova on Jan. 1 because of $709 million in unpaid gas debts that Russia says Moldova owes it. Moldova disputes that, and has put the debt at $8.6 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jonathan Eyal, international director at the RUSI think tank in London, said Russia's objective was to squeeze Moldova, foment trouble between the central government and Transdniestria, and turn an energy crisis into a political one.

He said it was in Moldova's interest to help the separatist region, whose self-declared independence is not recognised by any country and whose people it regards as its own citizens. But it would have to charge for any gas it could send to Transdniestria, and this could fuel further disputes.

"There is no question that the government would want to help. The question is whether the separatists will want to accept the help, and whether this could be a prelude to a much bigger tussle instead of being the beginning of a potential cooperative relationship," he said in an interview.

"There is no question in my mind that Moscow now is banking on the possibility that the crisis would merely accentuate the separatist movement inside Moldova."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia blames Ukraine for the halting of gas transit and says the United States will benefit - by selling more gas to Europe. Moscow denies using gas as a weapon to coerce Moldova but said last month, as the gas cut-off loomed, that it would take steps to protect its citizens and troops in Transdniestria and "react adequately to any provocations".

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean said on Friday the cutting of Russian gas to Transdniestria had created a crisis for his country.

"We treat this as a security crisis aimed at enabling the return of pro-Russian forces to power in Moldova and weaponising our territory against Ukraine, with whom we share a 1,200 km border," he said.

'RUSSIA WILL NOT ABANDON US'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Transdniestria, authorities are eking out their remaining reserves of gas and some is still being pumped to apartments so people can cook food. The main power plant has switched from gas to coal.

In Rybnitsa, a city of about 50,000 in northern Transdniestria, 52-year-old Alla said she had lit a fire in one room of her home and that only "the will of God" would turn her gas back on.

In Bender, a city of 90,000, Maria Zolotukhina, 32, said her employer had told her to stay home, where she was using an electric heater.

She did not know whether she would continue to be paid, but said she was counting on Russia to come to the rescue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We are allies of Russia, no matter what. And we hope that Russia will not abandon us," she said.

(Additional reporting by Olena Harmash in Kyiv, Writing by Mark Trevelyan and Lucy Papachristou, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Moscow has categorically rejected Germany's aspiration for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Russia's UN representative Vasily Nebenzya said during an interview aired on Friday on Russian state television.

If the council were to be reformed, some countries would never become permanent members, even if they aspired to it, the Russian diplomat said.

"In particular, we are talking about Germany and Japan," he said. Discussions about a reform of the Security Council have been ongoing for years within the UN.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

India and African nations hope primarily for a permanent seat on the body. However, the German government has also long been striving for this.

For a while, Russia was even considered a possible supporter of such a reform, but tensions between Moscow and the West have escalated dramatically in recent years, following the invasion of Ukraine ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The likelihood of any change occurring is therefore deemed low. Each of the five permanent members - China, France, Britain, Russia and the United States - possesses veto power, which can be used to block any expansion.
A baby girl in Maryland died on New Year's Eve, and now her mother has been charged in connection to her death.

Detectives from the Harford County Sheriff's Office learned about the 5 1/2-month-old on Sunday, Dec. 29, after responding to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in regards to a report from Child Protective Services of suspected child abuse, a press release from the department states.

After speaking with hospital staff, detectives allegedly learned that the infant had arrived at the hospital by ambulance with "multiple skull fractures, brain bleeds, a fractured leg, and numerous other life-threatening injuries."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to WBAL-TV, the baby girl had been in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) since birth and had just gone home on Monday, Dec. 23 before being taken back to the hospital on Saturday, Dec. 28. She died from her injuries on Tuesday, Dec. 31, per the press release.

The press release states that an investigation was launched into the incident that included a court-ordered search of the childs home and "multiple interviews of potential witnesses and suspects" that resulted in "inconsistent accounts of how the infant victim sustained her injuries."

Related: 3-Year-Old Girl Mauled to Death by Family Dogs 2 Days After Christmas

Getty Stock image of police sirens Stock image of police sirens

The baby's mother, Maya Dennis, 32, told police when asked about the injuries that "one of her children was running in the home and accidentally fell on the victim," WJZ reported, citing charging documents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When issuing a search warrant on Dennis' two phones, authorities allegedly found text messages in which she claimed the injuries were from her stay in the NICU, per WJZ.

Detectives also questioned a man who was seen entering the family's home for nearly an hour before the infant was taken to the hospital. Dennis and the man denied she had contact with the child when being interviewed by police.

The Harford County Sheriff's Office stated that during the investigation, however, detectives developed information that indicated Dennis had "sole care and custody of the child when her injuries were inflicted," per the press release.

Related: Girl, 10, Killed by Celebratory Gunfire in Florida During New Years Eve with Family, Say Police

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Dennis has been charged with 1st degree murder, 1st degree child abuse, after making statements indicating she was responsible for the now fatal injuries," the press release states.

Dennis was arrested without incident and transported to the Harford County Detention Center, per the release. The release notes that the investigation is ongoing, and no further information is being released.

Online records reviewed by PEOPLE show that Dennis was denied bail while appearing remotely in court on Thursday, Jan 2.

Prosecutors argued during the hearing that the baby's injuries were not accidental, per WBAL-TV. "Her left femur and tibia were broken. She had multiple skull fractures, bleeding on the brain and around her eye sockets. The baby had irreversible brain damage," they said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A preliminary hearing for Dennis has been scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 30, per online records.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



Read the original article on People
Jan. 2WILKES-BARRE  A Wilkes-Barre woman charged with strangling her 10-year-old son after the boy received a warning at his elementary school was sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Wilkes-Barre City police detectives charged Ashley R. Tunnell, 36, last known address as Stanley Street, in March after school officials within the Wilkes-Barre Area School District took the boy to a hospital for injuries to his eye in December 2023, according to court records.

The boy was reprimanded but not suspended by school officials for pushing a girl.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After a meeting between the school principle and Tunnell, court records say she struck her son in the face with a wooden back scratcher and strangled him.

The boy did not attend school for a week after he was strangled, court records say.

When the boy returned to school on Dec. 7, 2023, the homeroom teacher noticed injuries to the boy's eyes and contacted authorities.

Court records say the boy was questioned by a forensic interviewer at the Luzerne County Children's Advocacy Center in Wilkes-Barre.

During the interview, the boy revealed Tunnell struck him with a back scratcher and a belt and strangled him. A medical examination revealed bruises on the boy's arms and shoulders, court records say.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Luzerne County Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. sentenced Tunnell to one-to-two years at the county correctional facility on charges of endangering the welfare of children and strangulation. Tunnell pled guilty to the charges Nov. 12.

Tunnell was also sentenced to 10 years probation.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Two more family members convicted in the killings of eight members of an Ohio family received lengthy prison terms on Friday for their roles in the 2016 shootings, as prosecutions near completion in what has been described as the most heinous crime in modern Ohio history.

Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein sentenced Edward Jake Wagner to life in prison with the chance of parole in 32 years  after 12 years on gun charges and then 20 for the murders of five of the eight victims.

It was a surprising turn, given that Wagner had pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and other charges and agreed earlier to serve eight consecutive life sentences with no chance of parole. However, Hein said he took into account other participants' sentences in the case, as well as Wagner's cooperation with authorities in solving the murders of seven adults and a teenager from the Rhoden family in southern Ohios Pike County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hein sentenced Wagner's mother, Angela Wagner, to 30 years including credit for six years served. She had pleaded guilty to her role in helping plan the slayings.

Angela's mother, Rita Holcomb, was also sentenced, receiving five years of probation, a $750 fine and a suspended 180-day jail sentence, seven days of which she's already served, for lying to investigators.

Each generation has its own people who can prove the depths of depravity of human nature, and thats what this case did, the judge said before handing down the sentences in a Waverly courtroom, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) south of Columbus. It showed the boundless depravity of people who have no respect for others, only their own self-interest in mind.

During the emotional hearing, Andrea Shoemaker, the mother of shooting victim Hannah Gilley, scorned Jake Wagner as the spawn of Satan and his mother as evil. A group of the victims' supporters later walked out of the packed courtroom in protest as Wagner went on at length about Christian forgiveness during his final statement to the judge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wagner told the courtroom that two or three weeks after the murders, he prayed the most sincere prayer of his life.

I asked God, I said, Put me and my family back on the straight and narrow path, by any means necessary," he said. "I can tell you today I am not sorry that I got caught. I am sorry for what I've done, but I'm glad I got caught. I 100% believe that it was Jesus who made me get caught to answer my prayer.

George Wagner IV, who is Angelas son and Jakes brother, was sentenced in June to eight consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. The judge said he wanted to distinguish Jake's sentence from his brother's, since Jake had cooperated with authorities while George chose to go to trial. Hein said he also took into account that Angela was facing a maximum sentence of 30 years, even though she had the power to put an end to the vicious murder plot with a single phone call and chose not to.

According to prosecutors, George Wagner, his brother and their parents plotted the killings amid a dispute over custody of Wagners niece, whose mother was among those slain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The April 2016 shootings at three mobile homes and a camper near Piketon terrified residents in that part of rural Ohio and initially prompted speculation about drug cartel involvement. The resulting multimillion-dollar investigation and prosecution is among the states most extensive.

The victims were 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr. and his ex-wife, 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; their three children, 20-year-old Clarence Frankie Rhoden, 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden and 16-year-old Christopher Rhoden Jr.; 20-year-old Hannah Gilley, who was Clarence Rhodens fiancee; Christopher Rhoden Sr.s brother, 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; and a cousin, 38-year-old Gary Rhoden.

The patriarch of the Wagner family, George Billy Wagner III, is the last of four family members facing charges in the case. Hein recently agreed to move his trial out of Pike County, a small rural community intimately familiar with the case.

__

This story has been updated to correct Edward Jake Wagner sentence to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 32 years, not 32 years in prison.
DENVER (KDVR)  A motorcyclist suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries in a crash after a driver failed to yield while turning left in front of them Thursday afternoon, according to the Thornton Police Department.

The driver of the vehicle also crashed through a fence into a nearby backyard, police said.

Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather

The crash happened on Colorado Boulevard in the area of East 115th Avenue. The roadway near the crash was closed for several hours during the investigation but has since reopened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thornton police said as of Thursday afternoon, there was no suspicion of drugs or alcohol being involved in 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.
TRIAD  The latest annual report from a major company renting moving trucks and trailers underlines a recent U.S. Census Bureau report on the major force driving North Carolinas population growth  people moving to the state from other places.

North Carolina ranked as the No. 3 growth state of 2024, U-Haul said Thursday in a press release on its annual U-Haul Growth Index.

U-Haul ranks growth states according to each states net gain or loss in a calendar year of one-way moving equipment from customer transactions. The 2024 U-Haul Growth Index was compiled from more than 2.5 million one-way U-Haul truck, trailer and U-Box portable moving container transactions across the U.S. and Canada.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Only South Carolina and Texas had a higher net gain of one-way moving equipment.

Texas had ranked No. 1 in 2023, and South Carolina had ranked No. 4. Florida was No. 2 that year, and North Carolina was No. 3.

Most of the top 15 N.C. cities with the highest net gain of one-way moving equipment in 2024 were in regions that the Census Bureau has reported previously as the fastest-growing in the state: the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington areas. Also among the top 15, though, were Winston-Salem, Statesville and Hickory.

U-Hauls report came out a little more than a week after a U.S. Census Bureau report that said North Carolina had the fourth-highest population growth in the country from mid-2023 to mid-2024 when measured in pure numbers, gaining nearly 164,000 people. The total population as of July 1 was estimated to be just under 19.9 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The only states that gained a greater number of people than North Carolina were the much more populous states of Texas, Florida and California.

Nearly all of North Carolinas growth was due to people moving into the state, the Census Bureau said. Births within the state outnumbered deaths by fewer than 13,000, accounting for just 7.6% of the states population growth.
One person is in custody and officials are searching for two more suspects who were in a car that allegedly sped through traffic Friday before crashing in Brockton.

Massachusetts State Police say they first began uprising a vehicle that failed to stop for police on Route 24 South near exit 35. The car was seen traveling at more than 100 miles per hour in moderate traffic, according to MSP.

The vehicle got off the highway at Exit 33, where police stopped the chase.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After taking the exit, the vehicle struck another car and crashed at the first intersection at North Pearl Street.

Three men then exited the vehicle and ran from the scene of the crash.

After a short foot chase, State Police caught one of the men and placed him into custody. Police are still searching for the other two people in the car.

State Police personnel from Troops H and D, the Air Wing, K9 Unit, and Gang Unit have been deployed to assist with the ongoing search.

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
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Grab your coats and get those snow shovels ready, we could have snow on the ground as soon as this weekend in the Wasatch Front valleys.

After a day of warm weather that feels more like late March rather than early January, a winter storm will be moving into the Beehive State on Saturday morning. This storm is expected to bring snow to northern Utah and temperatures more typical for a Utah winter, according to the National Weather Service.

So how much snow can we expect? Just as most things with Utah weather, it really depends on where you are.

According to some experimental data from the National Weather Service, the Salt Lake valley is likely to only see about an inch of snow accumulate over the weekend. The Utah valley is expected to see about the same amount. However, moving further north will see a greater chance for more snow.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Davis County valleys, for example, are expected to receive about two to four inches of snow, according to National Weather Service forecasts. The Ogden area could see about one to two inches and Logan is predicted to recieve about an inch.

Naturally, the higher elevations could get a healthy dose of fresh powder, perfect for those looking to hit the slopes next week.

Alta is expected to receive about 14 inches of snow while Brighton is expecting 10 inches. Deer Valley could see about five inches or more and Snowbasin could receive about eight inches of new snow.

The National Weather Service said snow will be at its heaviest on Saturday morning as the cold front moves into the state. Snowfall rates are expected to be in excess of two inches per hour with periods of lighter snow continuing into Sunday morning.

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.
ST. LOUIS  A winter storm system will move into the St. Louis area this weekend, delivering up to eight inches or more of mixed precipitation in three waves. The system is expected to begin late Saturday night and continue through late Sunday, impacting Monday mornings commute.

The metro area is caught in a critical transition zone. Areas north of I-70 face 8-10 inches of snow, with isolated amounts reaching 12 inches. The I-70 corridor and metro St. Louis region expect 4-8 inches of mixed snow and sleet, while southern areas brace for an ice storm with up to 2/3 inch of accumulation.

St. Louis radar: See a map of current weather here

Expected Accumulations

The first wave arrives late Saturday night with snow transitioning to sleet and freezing rain, with accumulations from 1-3+ inches. Wave two brings freezing rain, sleet, and snow Sunday morning through the afternoon. The final wave Sunday evening returns to all snow, delivering an additional 2-4+ inches, depending on where it falls in the region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The last portion of the storm Sunday night will be accompanied by increasing winds of 2025 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Not only will this result in blowing and drifting snow where it is snowing, it could very well result in power outages. This may be from and downed tree limbs in the ice storm portion of the storm south of metro St. Louis.

Gusty winds will also drive wind chills down into the single digits. Behind the snow will come very cold air through the middle of the week, with sub-zero wind chills and near zero overnight lows possible.

Download our app for weather alerts: Android  Apple

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

FOX 2 Weather

Winter Storm Warning

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the greater St. Louis region. The National Weather Service has issued a warning about the icy precipitation that could create wintry conditions from Saturday evening through late Sunday night.

The combination of heavy snow and substantial ice accumulation raises concerns about power outages and tree damage throughout the affected areas. Travel conditions are expected to become hazardous, with officials warning that road travel could become nearly impossible during the height of the storm. The Monday morning commute is likely to be significantly impacted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The storm is still moving across the U.S. to Missouri. The timing and impact of the weather may change over time. Check back to see the latest forecast as it develops.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The number of murders is expected to drop for the third year in a row  despite President-elect Donald Trump railing that the nation is suffering from high crime rates.

Although Trump declared in a Truth Social post Thursday that the U.S. is breaking down with violence, blaming the current administrations open borders, data shows that rates of violent crime and murder actually plummeted in 2024.

Data from the Real-Time Crime Index from January through October 2024, collected from over 300 law enforcement agencies across the country, reveals that murder rates have dropped by nearly 16 percent from 2023 and by nearly 25 percent from 2022 in the same periods. Overall violent crime also dropped by 3.3 percent in 2024 from 2023, according to the index.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although there is still more data from the end of the year to be accounted for, experts predict that these trends will persist.

Considering where we were just three or four years ago (soon after Trumps stint in the White House), were basically looking at 5,000 fewer murder victims than in 2020, 2021 and 2022 having occurred in 2024, Jeff Asher, co-founder of AH Datalytics and a former crime analyst for the CIA and the New Orleans Police Department, told ABC News.

President-elect Donald Trump looks on during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center last month. Despite warnings about the nations alleged crime surge, rates of violent crime and murder have actually dropped, data shows (Getty Images)

This positive news comes amid a string of recent high-profile murder cases, including the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO in New York City, the woman fatally set ablaze on the subway, and the driver who fatally plowed into a New Orleans crowd on New Years Day.

In the wake of the New Orleans attack, which left 14 dead and dozens of others injured, many online  and even Fox News  speculated that the suspect was a migrant, but the FBI identified the driver as Shamsud Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, the president-elect linked the mass murder to immigration. On Wednesday in the hours after the attack, Trump wrote on Truth Social: 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.

On Thursday, he also blamed immigration when claiming the country is breaking down.

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, killing and injuring a number of people, early New Years Day. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Our Country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World! This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership, the 78-year-old Republican wrote. The USA is breaking down - A violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation.

Jabbar was killed after exchanging gunfire with police, the FBI have said. The federal agency is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism and noted that the suspect had been carrying an ISIS flag.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump alluded to these details in a separate post on Thursday, once again placing blame the Biden administrations immigration policies. Throughout his 2024 campaign, Trump has made unsubstantiated claims about the nations crime rate, at one point claiming that the crime wave going on at levels nobody has ever seen before, which is not supported by data.

He wrote: With the Biden Open Borders Policy I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined.

Statistics show that immigrant crime rates are consistently lower than those of American citizens.
Blaze Bernstein was a 19-year-old pre-med student at the University of Pennsylvania in January 2018. During winter break from college, meeting a former high school classmate ended in a deadly encounter.

In July 2024, Samuel Lincoln Woodward, 27, was convicted of first-degree murder with a hate crime enhancement for the killing of Bernstein, who was gay and Jewish, in Foothill Ranch, California. In November, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole .

An all-new "20/20" episode, "The Last Text," which airs Friday, Jan. 3, at 9 p.m. on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu, features exclusive interviews with the Bernstein family and detectives involved in the case.

Woodward's parents, Blake and Michele, did not respond to an interview request from ABC News. However, they submitted a letter to the court at sentencing.

PHOTO: Blaze Bernstein was a bright student, loyal friend and passionate culinary aficionado who spent the fall of 2017 as a sophomore taking pre-med courses at the University of Pennsylvania. (Gideon Bernstein)

"In the past, you could look into Sam's eyes and be surprised at the level of sensitivity and warmth -- it's one of his best traits," the letter read, in part. "Now, he's too vulnerable to let you look him in the eyes. He committed a crime, but he is not a person without value, unworthy of respect."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blaze grew up in Lake Forest, an upper-middle-class community of approximately 90,000 located about an hour south of Los Angeles. According to friends, Blaze was creative, thoughtful and enthusiastic. He was bright and interested in everything, they said.

"A Renaissance young man," Arnie Rachlis, rabbi emeritus at University Synagogue who has known the Bernstein family for decades, told "20/20."

The 19-year-old pre-med college student attended the University of Pennsylvania and returned home to Southern California for winter break excited to see his family. Sadly, the reunion would leave the Bernstein family with lasting wounds and sorrow. On Jan. 3, 2018, just before Blaze was due to return to school, he went missing.

"My dad called me and was like, 'Hey, have you heard anything from Blaze? He's not picking up the phone,'" Beaue Bernstein, Blaze's sister, told "20/20." " 'It's really weird. Like, we -- just let us know if you hear anything.' " And I'm like, 'That doesn't sound right.' "

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Blaze left his glasses, wallet, keys and bags packed for his return to college. Panicked and confused, the Bernsteins told "20/20" they called everyone they could think of to see if anyone had seen or heard from Blaze in the previous 12 hours. Unfortunately, nobody knew where he was.

One of the first things the Bernsteins considered was using the iPhone "Find My" app, which allows users to share their location with others. However, according to Blaze's mother Jeanne Pepper Bernstein, the location services were turned off.

PHOTO: Jeanne Pepper Bernstein, Blaze Bernsteins mother, reads a letter left at her sons memorial at Borrego Park in Foothill Ranch, California. (ABC News)

The Bernsteins confirmed with Verizon that Blaze hadn't made any recent phone calls. A quick check on his computer revealed no messages on iMessage or Facebook.

The family then turned to the Orange County Sheriff's Department and says an officer initially tried to reassure them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"He was adamant that 100% of the time, these kids are out on a 'booty call,' or doing something," Jeanne Pepper Bernstein told "20/20."

Desperate for any information, the Bernsteins decided to search Blaze's social media accounts for any possible leads.

"I told my parents, I'm like, 'I can try and help you find everything that you need,' " Beaue, who was 14 at the time, told "20/20." "I am really good with Snapchat. I knew the names of a lot of his friends, so I was able to, like, text them and ask them if they knew what was going on."

Snapchat is a free mobile messaging application that allows users to share photos, videos and text messages. What sets the app apart is that everything shared, including text messages, disappears from the recipient's screen after just a few seconds.

PHOTO: Beaue Bernstein, Blaze Bernsteins sister, said she recovered her brothers sweatshirt from his university apartment after his death. The shirt shows a cooking whisk, which symbolizes Blaze Bernsteins passion for cooking. (ABC News)

The Bernsteins were fortunate because Blaze's username and password were saved on their iCloud keychain. While exploring his Snapchat account, the family discovered that Blaze had sent his address to someone. They didn't know this person, but discovering his name on Blaze's Snapchat account would turn their desperate search for their son upside-down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gideon Bernstein, Blaze's father, sent a direct message to Samuel Woodward, asking that Sam call him.

When Woodward called Gideon Bernstein, his daughter Beaue, recorded the conversation. "20/20" obtained a copy of the recording from the Orange County Superior Court.

"We haven't heard from him all day," Gideon Bernstein told Woodward on the phone. "He missed an appointment today, and then we started getting concerned, and I've been trying to figure things out. So, you're the first real clue to the puzzle here."

Woodward's response initially made him seem sympathetic to the Bernsteins' plight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Yeah, I feel like [expletive] ... honestly, I'm sorry," he said. "I want to find Blaze as much as you do."

During that call, Woodward told Gideon Bernstein that Blaze suggested they drive to a nearby park to meet yet another one of his friends, but never mentioned that friend by name.

"He got out of the car, and I got out the car too, and I just asked him, you know, 'Who is this guy?' " Woodward said. "And he was just like, you know, 'You'll find out in a little bit, you know. He's a friend of mine.' And then so I was just like, 'OK, Blaze.' And I just waited there by the bathroom, and he, I didn't see where he went."

It was a disturbing phone conversation that created more questions than answers for the Bernsteins. The family found out that Woodward briefly attended high school with Blaze and grew up only 30 minutes away in the wealthy coastal town of Newport Beach. With this information, the Bernsteins went to the police, who then looked into Woodward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Jan. 4, 2018, Orange County Sheriff's Department investigators brought Woodward in for questioning. During his interview with police, Woodward said that after he picked Blaze up at his house, they drove around for a while and eventually stopped at Borrego Park.

Woodward told officers that Blaze was meeting another friend at the park that night, saying he stayed behind as Blaze walked away and disappeared from sight. After several hours of questioning, Woodward was not charged and allowed to leave.

The police remained suspicious, so they decided to put Woodward under surveillance.

PHOTO: Gideon Bernstein and Jeanne Pepper Bernstein speak with ABC News Matt Gutman about their son, Blaze Bernstein. (ABC News)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"There was a large team that was deployed into the field," Sgt. Dylan Jantzen told 20/20. "And we followed him anywhere that he went."

As concern for Blaze grew, the media was alerted and the public became aware of his disappearance.

"There was an immediate firestorm of attention to this case," Jantzen said. "We were absolutely inundated with tips from the public. There were hundreds in the first week, and that grew exponentially."

There was immense pressure for investigators to make progress on the case, according to Jantzen. On Jan. 9, when Blaze had been missing for seven days, investigators returned to Borrego Park after obtaining cellphone data showing that he and Woodward were there together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was a torrential downpour, Jantzen said. It was cold, it was raining, everything was wet, everything was muddy.

Police found Blaze's body covered with dirt and a tree branch. They also located a broken cellphone approximately 6 to 8 inches below the body.

PHOTO: In this Jan. 17, 2018, file photo, Samuel Lincoln Woodward, 20, of Newport Beach, a suspect in the murder of 19-year-old Blaze Bernstein, appears in court at the Orange County Central Justice Center, in Santa Ana, Calif. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, FILE)

"The autopsy revealed injuries, which I believe were a result of an extremely violent encounter," Jantzen said. "Blaze was stabbed 14 times in the left side of his neck and five times in the right side of his neck. He was stabbed in the knee. He had defensive wounds all over his fingers."

After further investigation, police had enough evidence to determine Woodward acted alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When Woodward was charged in 2018, the Orange County District Attorney's office evaluated the evidence against him and decided to charge Woodward for a hate crime because Blaze was gay, but not because he was Jewish. Woodward pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At trial, prosecutors argued that Woodward fatally stabbed Blaze while they were alone in Borrego Park because Woodward was driven by a hatred for gay people. They cited evidence that Woodward was affiliated with an anti-gay, neo-Nazi extremist group, and they said he lured Blaze to a park and stabbed him to death in a premeditated act of hate.

In a shocking twist, Woodward's defense attorney conceded that his client killed Blaze, but said that it was not a premeditated hate crime. Woodward's attorney claimed he joined the extremist group because of isolation and loneliness.

The defense said that Woodward himself was struggling with his sexuality, although Woodward denied that characterization when he took the stand to testify in his own defense. Woodward claimed that he fell asleep while at the park with Blaze and alleged that he awoke to discover Blaze photographing or video recording their encounter with his cellphone.

Woodward claimed that he was horrified at the idea that Blaze might publicly share a compromising picture of him and that this alleged discovery provoked him to stab Blaze repeatedly. However, investigators from the Orange County Sheriff's Department told "20/20" that they found no photographs or videos from that night on Blazes phone.

At the conclusion of the trial, Jeanne Pepper Bernstein made a statement to the assembled media.

"We are thrilled with the verdict, which holds Samuel Woodward accountable for the brutal, violent, painful murder of our son," she said, in part. "Justice has been served."

Murdered Ivy League student's family reflects upon the days after his disappearance originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A trio of major music publishers suing Anthropic over the use of lyrics to train its AI system have reached a deal with the Amazon-backed company to resolve some parts of a pending preliminary injunction.

U.S. District Judge Eumi Lee on Thursday signed off on an agreement between the two sides mandating Anthropic to maintain existing guardrails that prevent its Claude AI chatbot from providing lyrics to songs owned by the publishers or create new song lyrics based on the copyrighted material.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement, Anthropic said Claude isnt designed to be used for copyright infringement, and we have numerous processes in place designed to prevent such infringement. It added, Our decision to enter into this stipulation is consistent with those priorities. We continue to look forward to showing that, consistent with existing copyright law, using potentially copyrighted material in the training of generative AI models is a quintessential fair use.

Universal Music Group, Concord Music Group and ABKCO, among other publishers, sued Anthropic in Tennessee federal court in 2023, accusing it of copyright infringement for training its AI system on lyrics from at least 500 songs from artists such as Katy Perry, the Rolling Stones and Beyonce. One example: When asked the lyrics to Perrys Roar, which is owned by Concord, Claude provided an near-identical copy of the words in the song, according to the complaint.

At the heart of the lawsuit were allegations that theres already an existing market thats being undercut by Anthropic pilfering lyrics without consent or payment. The publishers pointed to music lyric aggregators and websites that have licensed their works.

The lawsuit marked the first legal action taken by a music publisher against an AI firm over the incorporation of lyrics in a large language model.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Under the agreement, Anthropic will apply already-implemented guardrails in the training of new AI systems. The deal also provides an avenue for music publishers to intervene if the guardrails arent working as intended.

Publishers may notify Anthropic in writing that its Guardrails are not effectively preventing output that reproduces, distributes, or displays, in whole or in part, the lyrics to compositions owned or controlled by Publishers, or creates derivative works based on those compositions, the filing states. Anthropic will respond to Publishers expeditiously and undertake an investigation into those allegations, with which Publishers will cooperate in good faith.

Anthropic has maintained in court filings that existing guardrails make it unlikely that any future user could prompt Claude to produce any material portion of the works-in-suit. They consist of a range of technical and other measures  at all levels in the development lifecycle  that aim to prevent users from simply prompting Claude to regurgitate training data, said a company spokesperson.

The court is expected to issue a ruling in the coming months on whether to issue preliminary injunction that would bar Anthropic from training future models on lyrics owned by the publishers.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Elon Musk should focus on US politics, a Labour minister has said in the wake of the tech billionaires attacks on Sir Keir Starmer and his government over the grooming scandal.

Andrew Gwynne, a health minister, argued Mr Musk should focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic after he made fresh criticisms of the Labour Government.

The Tesla owner, who will have a major role in Donald Trumps incoming administration, led criticism of Jess Phillips, the safeguarding minister, refusing to launch a public inquiry into historic sexual abuse by gangs in Oldham.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Writing on his social media platform X, Mr Musk claimed Ms Phillips deserves to be in prison over the disgraceful decision before also personally criticising the British Prime Minister.

Asked about the Tesla owners comments, Mr Gwynne told LBC: Elon Musk is an American citizen and perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic. But, look, the grooming issue is a very serious issue.

Weve already had inquiries into Telford, into Rotherham. Weve had a local inquiry commissioned by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, into the situation here in Greater Manchester, which includes Oldham.

A Rochdale and Oldham grooming gang that targeted children

Mr Gwynne noted a national inquiry into child sexual exploitation reported in 2022 and said the Government was seriously considering its recommendations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He added: There comes a point where we dont need more inquiries, and had Elon Musk really paid attention to whats been going on in this country, he might have recognised that there have already been inquiries.

What we need is justice for the victims, and we need to make sure that the criminal justice system follows up and make sure that these atrocious things are never able to happen again.

Mr Musk will have a prominent role in the White House under Mr Trump, acting as a co-chairman of his new Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which aims to reduce the size of the state.

He had described the Prime Minister as two-tier Keir, claiming there was no justice for severe, violent crimes but prison for social media posts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In several more posts on his X account overnight, he said the grooming gangs scandal was a massive crime against humanity and amounted to state-sponsored evil.

Elon Musk, pictured on stage during the Trump campaign, said the refusal of another inquiry is a crime against humanity - JIM WATSON/AFP

Responding to a post that asked why his comments had prompted more outrage than rape gangs, Mr Musk said it was the perfect question.

The row came to prominence after Ms Phillips said it was for Oldham council to decide whether an independent investigation was necessary, while insisting she would be supportive of its work.

In a letter first revealed by GB News, she said: It is for Oldham council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The previous Conservative government also refused to throw the backing of the Home Office behind an independent inquiry when the council made the same request in 2022.

While a review of abuse in Oldham has already taken place, covering the response between 2011 and 2014, councillors have argued that a fuller investigation is needed.

Labour defended its decision on Thursday, with a spokesman saying: Child sexual abuse and exploitation are the most horrendous crimes, and the Home Office supports police investigations and independent inquiries to get truth and justice for victims.

We have supported both the national overarching inquiry into child abuse, which reported in 2022, and local independent inquiries and reviews including in Telford, Rotherham and Greater Manchester. This Government is working urgently to strengthen the law so that these crimes are properly reported and investigated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Young girls were abused in the most cruel and sadistic way. Victims and the community need to know that all steps are taken to deliver justice and protect children properly in the future.

The party said it would welcome and support any independent investigation by Oldham council which puts victims voices at its heart.

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.
LONDON (AP)  A senior British politician pushed back Friday on Elon Musk's criticism of the government's handling of a historic child grooming scandal.

In recent days, Musk has shared and reacted to posts on his X platform that have been critical of the British government after it rejected a call for a public inquiry into the grooming scandal in the north of England town of Oldham.

Though Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Musk's views were was "misjudged and certainly misinformed, he urged the world's richest man and close confidant of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to work with the government on tackling the issue of child sexual exploitation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The government has argued that Oldham must follow in the footsteps of other towns and commission its own inquiry into the historical abuse of mainly girls.

A 2022 report into safeguarding measures in Oldham between 2011 and 2014 found that children were failed by local agencies, but that there was no cover-up despite legitimate concerns that the far-right would capitalize on the high-profile convictions of predominantly Pakistani offenders across the country."

Musk has also targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who he claimed had failed to bring what many term rape gangs to justice when he was the director of public prosecutions between 2008 and 2013. The scandals, Musk said Friday, represent a massive crime against humanity.

Streeting told ITV News that the government took child sexual exploitation incredibly seriously and that it was supportive of an inquiry into the Oldham scandal, but that it should be led locally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some of the criticisms that Elon Musk has made, I think are misjudged and certainly misinformed, but were willing to work with Elon Musk, who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform to help us and other countries to tackle this serious issue," Streeting said. "So if he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, wed welcome that.

Musk has been, it seems, taking a keen interest in the U.K. political scene since the left-of-center Labour Party won a landslide election victory in July 2024, to bring an end to 14 years of Conservative rule.

Musk has retweeted criticism of Starmer and the hashtag TwoTierKeir  shorthand for an unsubstantiated claim that Britain has two-tier policing, with far-right protesters treated more harshly than pro-Palestinian or Black Lives Matter demonstrators.

Musk has also compared British attempts to weed out online misinformation to the Soviet Union, while during summer anti-immigrant violence across the U.K. he tweeted that civil war is inevitable.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Musk also backed calls Friday for a U.K. general election, barely six months after the last one. The people of Britain do not want this government at all. New elections, he wrote.

He has also recently expressed his support for Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, the founder of the far-right English Defense League, who is better known as Tommy Robinson and who is serving an 18-month jail term for contempt of court.

As well as offering his thoughts, Musk is apparently interested in putting his money where his mouth is by funding Reform U.K., a right-wing party led by Nigel Farage, who is Trumps highest-profile British champion, to the tune of 100 million pounds ($124 million).
BANGKOK (AP) 

Military-ruled Myanmar, already notorious for cracking down on free speech, has enacted a new cybersecurity law with wide-ranging controls on the flow of information, according to a text of the measure published Friday in state-run newspapers.

Existing restrictions on freedom of expression under the ruling military have generally involved charges under broadly defined national security laws concerning online content.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There have also been actions to block websites and apps at the network level, keeping end-users from accessing content the army doesnt want them to see. Technology from China and Russia, the ruling militarys top allies, is used for monitoring and censorship purposes.

The new law, which came into effect on Wednesday, has extensive provisions mainly targeting means of communications and providers of services such as virtual private networks  VPNs  that can help evade network blockages. VPNs connect users to their desired sites through third-party computers, effectively masking from internet service providers and snooping governments what content they are accessing.

Many otherAsiannations also have cybersecurity laws with restrictive aspects that free speech advocates charge are meant to silence dissenting voices.

The military government that took power in Myanmar in February 2021 after ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi has made several previous attempts to throttle traffic on the internet, especially in the months immediately after their takeover.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Resistance to the takeover relied heavily on social media, especially Facebook, to organize street protests.

As nonviolent resistance escalated into armed struggle and other independent media were shut down or forced underground, there was an expansion of online content about and by the f orces resisting military rule. The Telegram chat and social networking app is particularly active.

The new law calls for sanctions including warnings, fines, suspensions and blacklisting for digital platform service providers who fail to comply with rules to prevent, remove, and cease circulation of disinformation and rumors that might cause hate or destroy unity or disrupt stability. Posting any information that might violate existing law, and incite violence, also is subject to penalties.

The law also requires digital platform service providers to keep the names and other personal data and records of their users for up to three years, and to disclose them to the authorities if asked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It says the authorities can investigate, control, block and shut down digital platform services and electronic information if necessary for the public good and states security, and that action will also be taken against Myanmar citizens abroad who violate any of the law's provisions.

It also says those who establish a VPN or provide VPN services without obtaining the permission of the ministry shall be imprisoned for one month to six months or a fine of 1 million kyats ($476) to 10 million kyats ($4,760).

Any equipment used in violating provisions of the law is subject to seizure.

Users of most free VPN services already found themselves unable to connect in May last year, and there were reports that people stopped by security forces whose phones were found to have VPN apps were fined and detained.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Operators of Myanmars top telecom companies and internet service providers told The Associated Press at the time that access to Facebook, Instagram, X, WhatsApp and VPN services was banned nationwide at the end of May on the order of the Transport and Communications Ministry.

The new law also says anyone who builds an online gambling system without obtaining official permission shall be imprisoned for six months to one year or a fine of 5 million kyats ($2,380) to 20 million kyats ($9,520) or both. Online gambling has been connected with organized crime in Myanmar and other Southeast Asia countries, sometimes linked to online scam centers that are staffed by victims of human trafficking.
Nancy Maces hopes of banning transgender women from sharing a bathroom with her on Capitol Hill appear dashed for now.

The South Carolina Republicans controversial bathroom ban was not included in the GOPs House rules package unveiled this weeka surprise omission less than two months after Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly assured Mace it would be included.

The resolution was all the rage in November, with Mace pulling out different theatrics to drum up support for the ban. That included her using a bullhorn to read Miranda rights to sit-in protesters and using anti-transgender slurs to reference them.

Heres what @RepNancyMace was using her bullhorn for  reading the Miranda warning for the protesters who showed up to the Capitol today to protest her bathroom bill



Im told there is now a demonstration outside Maces office as well pic.twitter.com/Hn67i7Bg5o  Cami Mondeaux (@cami_mondeaux) December 5, 2024

Mace admitted her ban was to target the newly elected Rep. Sarah McBride, a transgender Democrat from Delaware. Maces office did not respond to questions texted by the Daily Beast on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnson announced on Nov. 20 that all single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings [...] are reserved for individuals of that biological sex. This suggested he backed Maces proposal even if he was not as fervent in his public comments, but it is unclear why the ban didnt make into the latest rules package.

We welcome all new members with open arms who are duly elected representatives of the people, Johnson said the day prior. I believe its a command that we treat all persons with dignity and respect.

Mace doesnt appear to have any bad blood over the omission. She posted Friday morning that Johnson still had her vote to remain House Speaker.

A vote for @SpeakerJohnson is a vote for President Trumps America First agenda, she wrote. After the last few days of chaos weve seen in these tumultuous times, we need steady leadership and continuity. We need to stick together and get to work. We dont have any time to waste.

Rep. Sarah McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, is the first openly transgender member of Congress. / Bill Clark/Getty Images

While McBride was the resolutions target, the ban would have applied to any trans person in the Capitol, including staffers and visitors

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McBride, the first openly trans member of Congress, has not commented on the bans omission. Back in November, she did not try to go toe-to-toe with Mace on the matterinstead asserting that she would follow whatever the House rules were.

Im not here to fight about bathrooms, she wrote in a statement. I will follow the rules as outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them.
The Covenant School, where seven people, including the shooter, died in a mass shooting in Nashville, Tenn. on Monday March 27, 2023. (Photo: John Partipilo)

President Joe Biden on Friday will present the nations highest award for valor by a public safety officer to five Metro Nashville Police officers for their actions during the March 2023 shooting at The Covenant School.

Sergeant Jeffrey Mathes, Officer Rex Englebert and Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle and Zachary Plese will receive the Medal of Valor during a ceremony at the White House.

Metro Nashville Police Detective Rex Engelbert. (Photo: Metro Nashville Police Department)

As law enforcement arrived at the Christian school following reports of an active shooting situation on March 27, 2023, the five entered the building, cleared classrooms and ran towards the sound of gunfire where they encountered the shooter, a White House press release said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Engelbert and Collazo subsequently shot and killed the 28-year-old shooter, who killed six people  three elementary students and three staff members.

While in the U.S. Senate, Biden co-sponsored the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, allowing the president to present the award to a public safety officer for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty.

The nominees were recommended by the U.S. Attorney General and the Medal of Valor Review Board, whose members are appointed to four-year terms by the President, the Senate majority and minority leaders, the Speaker of the House and the House minority leader.

The medal recipients have exhibited exceptional courage  disregarding their own personal safety  in attempting to save or protect human life, according to the press release.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX






NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11)  Flags are flying at half-staff across the country to commemorate former President Jimmy Carter  except for in one New York county.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has refused to lower flags at government buildings in his district, according to a county legislator.

More Local News

Whether its pettiness, laziness, or pure ignorance, Nassau deserves a county executive who understands that honoring a former president transcends partisan politics, said Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow in a statement on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

PIX11 News reached out to Blakemans office for a statement but did not receive a response.

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation ordering all flags at federal buildings and grounds to be lowered to half-staff for 30 days following Carters passing.

More Long Island News

This is the longest period possible for the flags to fly at half-staff, reserved for the death of the sitting president or former presidents, according to a proclamation signed in 1954.

President Carter was a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history, Biden said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This story comprises reporting from Nexstar Media Wire and Emily Rahhal.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work 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 PIX11.
BOSTON  A detention hearing for a Natick man accused of conspiring to send sensitive U.S. technology to Iran has been delayed.

Madi Mohammad Sadeghi, 42, was scheduled to appear Thursday in U.S. District Court in Boston. But his lawyer, Jessica Thrall, asked that the hearing be rescheduled.

In a motion, Thrall told Chief Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell that she is discussing possible terms of release with the probation department in hopes she can "address any concerns regarding flight risk."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Until those discussions are completed, a detention hearing would be premature," Thrall wrote in her motion.

Earlier: Natick man pleads not guilty to charges linked to fatal drone attack in Jordan

Prosecutors agreed to the postponement, and Cabell set the new detention hearing for Jan. 14. Sadeghi remains held in federal custody without bail.

Cabell also set dates for several other hearings on Thursday.

Federal authorities link Natick man to attack in Jordan

Initial discovery, where both sides turn over evidence to one another other, is scheduled for Jan. 27. A final status conference is scheduled for July 31. Cabell previously set Feb. 12 for the first status conference.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sadeghi is charged with four counts of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Iranian transactions and sanctions regulations.

'Material support of terrorists': FBI accuses Natick man of exporting technology to Iran

Federal authorities allege that Sadeghi had conspired with another man, Mohammad Abedini, since 2016 to illegally leak U.S. technology, including materials used in unmanned drones. Abedini, authorities say, owns a company in Iran that has ties to terrorism.

That technology, federal authorities allege, was used in part in an attack last Jan. 28 at a U.S. military base in Jordan. The attack killed three U.S. Army soldiers and injured 47 others. Investigators were able to track parts from a destroyed drone to Abedini's company in Iran.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both men were arrested on Dec. 16  Sadeghi at his home in Natick and Abedini in Milan, Italy. Authorities said they plan to extradite Abedini to the United States.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Detention hearing delayed for Natick man linked to fatal drone attack
Jan. 2JAMESTOWN  The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's prioritization plan could affect the Stutsman County Correctional Center if it goes on for a long period of time, according to Chad Jackson, jail administrator.

"I wouldn't say near future, but without question, it potentially could affect housing within the county," Jackson said. "If this goes out for a long period of time, individuals are staying longer and longer, and then it consumes our bed space we need for new arrests or other contractual agreements. We have numerous contracts out with counties around us that need our assistance as well to house these individuals."

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) implemented a prioritization plan on Oct. 28.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The DOCR said in a news release it exceeded its operational capacity of 1,624 for incarcerated men since July 1, 2023.

"The prioritization plan allows the DOCR to refuse to admit inmates sentenced to its custody when the admission of inmates will exceed the maximum operational capacity of DOCR and affiliated facilities and result in the department exceeding its appropriation for contracting for housing inmates in other correctional facilities," the DOCR's website says.

The DOCR has a maximum operational capacity of 1,624 men and 224 women. The DOCR's operational capacity includes the North Dakota State Penitentiary, James River Correctional Center, Missouri River Correctional Center, Dakota Women's Rehabilitation and Correctional Center, contractual treatment, transitional/community housing facilities and contract beds in county and regional correctional facilities.

Offenders convicted of violent Class AA, A and B felonies will get first priority to be admitted into the DOCR. Offenders convicted of nonviolent AA, A and C felonies will get second priority.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jackson said the Stutsman County Correctional Center has a maximum operational capacity of 92 inmates. The correctional center had 58 total inmates as of Monday morning, Dec. 30.

"That's not our goal to operate that way, because it's very difficult to have new intakes," he said, referring to the correctional center at a maximum operational capacity of 92 inmates.

Jackson said the inmate numbers at the Stutsman County Correctional Center are low right now.

"That in part has to do with a few local numbers are down a little bit, but also our contract numbers are down a little bit, U.S. Marshal service in particular," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jackson said correctional center tries to house a certain number of inmates to help offset some of its operational costs.

Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser, who is in charge of the jail administrator, said the DOCR will pay the Stutsman County Correctional Center for holding the inmates sentenced to DOCR.

"But, they're not paying what we get typically on a contract base," he said.

He said the correctional center gets about $100 per day on a contractual basis from counties or U.S. Marshals Service to hold state inmates.

"That is lower than operational cost," Jackson said.

He said the correctional center contracts with surrounding counties and the U.S. Marshals Service to house their inmates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Individuals sentenced to the DOCR are initially housed at the Stutsman County Correctional Center for the county and surrounding counties.

"You would stay here until DOCR tells us we can bring them there," Jackson said.

Kaiser said the Stutsman County Correctional Center housing inmates for surrounding counties also holds up the correctional center's beds to admit other inmates.

He said the Stutsman County Correctional Center can request the DOCR to admit an inmate being housed at the facility.

"They are flexible with that but there is no guarantee with that," Jackson said. "There are some special circumstances where we can expedite that once in a while upon request."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jackson said the DOCR might reach out to the Stutsman County Correctional Center if the DOCR's facilities get really full.

If an inmate sentenced to the DOCR is being held in the Stutsman County Correctional Center, the individual still gets credit for time served.

Jackson said the Stutsman County Correctional Center has a prison population plan by statute.

"Every jail is required to have a plan," he said. "We do have one ... that would incorporate using other alternatives, more EHM (electronic home monitoring) type stuff. Right now we utilize the 24/7 program. That helps alleviate a lot of individuals that come in with some alcohol-related offenses."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For law enforcement, Kaiser said he doesn't have any concerns right now that the DOCR implemented the prioritization plan.

"If we have to start doing that electronic home monitoring or picking and choosing who we're bringing into the correctional facility, then it will," he said.

If an individual can serve time through electronic home monitoring, Jackson said the Stutsman County Correctional Center works with the courts if additional assistance is needed.

"They may be able to be flexible with some sentences and/or pretrial situations," he said.

As an example of what could happen to the Stutsman County Correctional Center if the prioritization plan is in place for a longer period of time, Kaiser said the Cass County Jail already has a housing shortage for inmates.

"They only bring people in that they have to and that's it," he said. "So some of their people, they're turning away. So anytime an officer arrests somebody in Cass County, they have to call the correctional center to see if they'll take them."
Residential house construction is impacted by federal regulation. (Getty Images)

Nebraska, Utah, Texas and a dozen other states have teamed up to fight the federal governments energy efficiency standards that officials there say make affordable housing more expensive. Some resisting the standards have called them radical.

Filed Thursday in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas, the attorneys general are suing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, arguing that a section of the Cranston-Gonzalez Act  a 1990 law designed to help families afford down payments on their homes and keep housing affordable  is unconstitutional.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The complaint takes issue with the Acts Energy Efficiency Standards section, which imposes regulations when constructing new public housing and single-family and multifamily residential housing. The standards often dictate the types of lighting, ventilation systems, roofs and heat pumps used in construction.

Calling that provision well-meaning, Outgoing Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and other attorneys general say the statute is now being stretched to the breaking point to support a green agenda that Congress never enacted.

According to the complaint, that section delegates efficiency standards to two private organizations, the International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. That should be unconstitutional, the lawsuit alleges.

The regulations set by the law add on an extra $8,345 to the cost of the new home, according to the federal government. But the lawsuit claims the real price is far higher, citing estimates by industry professionals that put an added cost of up to $31,000 for each new home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, those up-front costs are a worthy investment  over a 30-year mortgage, a more efficient home can save the average single-family homeowner an estimated $25,100 in energy bills, producing a net savings of an estimated $15,000 per household.

The standards make homes more comfortable and resilient to heat waves or extreme cold, the department says. Plus, they can reduce carbon emissions by nearly 6.35 million metric tons over 30 years, the equivalent of taking 46,000 cars off the road.

According to court documents, more than 161,000 new single-family housing units, and more than 17,000 new multifamily housing units, are impacted by the policies each year.

The agencies concede the new standards will drive down production of affordable housing at a time when middle-class families are finding homeownership out of reach and homelessness is at an all-time high, Reyes office said in a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The lawsuit marks one of Reyes final actions as Utahs attorney general. Reyes did not run for reelection this year, making the announcement after his relationship with embattled anti-trafficking activist Tim Ballard came to light. On Jan. 6, he will be replaced by Derek Brown, a former U.S. Senate staffer, state lawmaker and Utah Republican Party chairman.

Even as our nation prepares to transition to a new administration, the outgoing HUD and USDA offices are committed to inflicting unwanted and unneeded cost increases on Americans who are already struggling to pay their bills, provide for their families, and secure a brighter future for their children, said Reyes in a statement. As one of my last actions as AG, I am grateful for another chance to lead this fight to protect hard-working Utahns and all Americans.

In addition to deeming the Energy Efficiency Standards section of the Cranston-Gonzalez Act unconstitutional, the lawsuit asks the court to prevent the federal government from adopting new versions of regulations set by the International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Nebraska, Utah and Texas are joined by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The National Association of Home Builders also signed on to the lawsuit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We have an affordability crisis in the home market, said Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers. These codes will only make things worse by inflating costs and decreasing production of needed housing. Nebraskans didnt elect these groups to make these decisions, and they should not be allowed to push the dream of owning a home further out of reach.

This article first appeared in the Utah News Dispatch, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Residential house construction is impacted by federal regulation. (Photo via Getty Images)

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird joined Texas and 13 other GOP-led states to fight the federal governments radical energy efficiency standards that they say make affordable housing more expensive.

Filed Thursday in the U.S. Courts Eastern District of Texas, the attorneys general are suing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, arguing that a section of the Cranston-Gonzalez Act  a 1990 law designed to help families afford down payments on their homes and keep housing affordable  is unconstitutional.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The complaint takes issue with the Acts Energy Efficiency Standards section, which imposes regulations when constructing new public housing and single-family and multifamily residential housing. The standards often dictate the types of lighting, ventilation systems, roofs and heat pumps used in construction.

Calling that provision well-meaning, the attorneys general say the statute is now being stretched to the breaking point to support a green agenda that Congress never enacted.

According to the complaint, that section delegates efficiency standards to two private organizations, the International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. That should be unconstitutional, the lawsuit alleges.

The regulations set by the law add on an extra $8,345 to the cost of the new home, according to the federal government. But the lawsuit claims the real price is far higher, citing estimates by industry professionals that put an added cost of up to $31,000 for each new home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, those up-front costs are a worthy investment  over a 30-year mortgage, a more efficient home can save the average single-family homeowner an estimated $25,100 in energy bills, producing a net savings of an estimated $15,000 per household.

The standards make homes more comfortable and resilient to heat waves or extreme cold, the department says. Plus, they can reduce carbon emissions by nearly 6.35 million metric tons over 30 years, the equivalent of taking 46,000 cars off the road.

According to court documents, more than 161,000 new single-family housing units, and more than 17,000 new multifamily housing units, are impacted by the policies each year.

For many Iowans, the American Dream is owning a home to raise their family in, Bird said in a news release. But because of the Biden-Harris radical, green mandates, many families will be priced out of homeownership completely. I am suing to protect affordable homes and help Iowa families make their American Dream a reality.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition to deeming the Energy Efficiency Standards section of the Cranston-Gonzalez Act unconstitutional, the lawsuit asks the court to prevent the federal government from adopting new versions of regulations set by the International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

The lawsuit was also joined by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. The National Association of Home Builders also signed on to the lawsuit.

We have an affordability crisis in the home market, said Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers. These codes will only make things worse by inflating costs and decreasing production of needed housing. Nebraskans didnt elect these groups to make these decisions, and they should not be allowed to push the dream of owning a home further out of reach.

This story was originally published by Utah News Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor McKenzie Romero for questions: info@utahnewsdispatch.com.
Jan. 2Located in the heart of the Chickasaw Nation, Murray County and its neighbor to the north, Garvin County, have played crucial roles in the progress of the Chickasaw Nation.

The natural springs and healing waters of what is now Sulphur, the county seat of Murray County, drew people to the area. Chickasaws, who arrived in Indian Territory following forced Removal from their historic Homeland in the 1830s, revered the area for the springs and natural beauty.

The first residence in Sulphur was on a ranch south of Pavilion Springs by Noah Lael, son-in-law of former Chickasaw Nation Governor Cyrus Harris. He sold the ranch in 1882 to a Chickasaw family. Lael's wife, Lucy Harris Lael, daughter of Governor Harris, is interred at Oaklawn Cemetery in the Garvin County community of Wynnewood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Settlers moved into the Sulphur area in the late 1800s and began developing the land around the springs into a resort. Soon, hotels and bathhouses dotted the landscape in this area, now called "Sulphur Springs."

By 1900, Sulphur Springs had about 1,200 residents and was home to two newspapers, a telephone service, two schools, and enough hotels and boarding houses to accommodate another thousand visitors.

To protect and preserve the mineral springs, the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations ceded 640 acres of land in 1902 to the federal government to create the Sulphur Springs Reservation. At the tribes' insistence, a promise was added to the agreement by the government that all people would have free access to the springs for all time.

In 1906, the area was named Platt National Park, the first national park in Oklahoma. In 1976, the park was joined with the 2,350-acre Lake of the Arbuckles and additional lands to form the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Built adjacent to the park in 1906, the original Artesian Hotel served as an elegant destination for park tourists until a fire destroyed the grand hotel in 1962. A 72-unit motor lodge-style structure, the Artesian Motor Hotel, was built in its place in 1965 and fell into foreclosure in the early 1970s.

The Chickasaw Nation purchased the Artesian Motor Hotel on Sept. 1, 1972, which marked the first business owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation and proved to be one of the most successful tribal ventures of that era.

Promptly renamed the Chickasaw Motor Inn, the business served as tribal headquarters until 1977, when it moved to Ada.

In 1972, when the Chickasaw Nation purchased the Motor Inn, there were a little more than two dozen tribal employees. Today, the Chickasaw Nation employs more than 14,500 workers worldwide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After more than three decades of serving throngs of guests, the inn, later renamed the Chickasaw Motor Lodge, was demolished in 2006 to make way for the new Artesian Hotel.

Groundbreaking for the new hotel was in 2010, and the hotel opened with great fanfare on Aug. 1, 2013.

The Artesian Hotel is designed in homage to the original hotel and features 81 rooms, a restaurant, a banquet room, swimming pools and a full-service spa. The hotel complements other tourist destinations in the Murray County area, including the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, the Chickasaw Cultural Center, ARTesian Gallery & Studios, the Chickasaw Visitor Center, Bedre Fine Chocolate and the Chickasaw Welcome Center.

Garvin County

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Garvin County, named for Samuel J. Garvin, married First American Susan Muncrief in 1870. He operated a mercantile business in Pauls Valley.

Garvin County's most populated city, Pauls Valley, was founded by Smith Paul, a North Carolinian. Three of Paul's descendants, Samuel Paul, William G. Paul and Homer Paul, were inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame.

Another notable Garvin County Chickasaw is Fredrick Tecumseh Waite. Born in 1853, Waite was the grandson of Elatecha, or Ellen Brown McClure Paul, who was the wife of Smith Paul and mother of Samuel Paul.

As a politician, Waite was elected as a representative and senator from his home district for the Chickasaw Nation, elected as speaker of the House, elected as attorney general of the Chickasaw Nation and appointed by Governor William Guy as national secretary for the Chickasaw Nation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During his political career, Waite strongly advocated for tribal sovereignty while battling the federal government's attempts to dismantle his people's government.

Throughout the decades, many notable Chickasaw citizens have called Murray and Garvin County home and made a lasting impact on the Chickasaw Nation's progress.
The names of Nazi collaborators have been published online in the Netherlands for the first time.

The archive, consisting of 32 million pages, includes about 425,000 mostly Dutch people who were investigated for collaboration with German occupiers during the Second World War.

The law restricting public access expired on New Years Day and a Dutch project called War in Court digitally released the names.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The decision has drawn fierce criticism from both descendants of the accused as well as families of victims.

Only a fifth of those listed ever appeared before a court, and most cases concerned lesser offences such as being a member of the Nationalist Socialist movement.

But concerns are mounting that the move could reignite old tensions and stigmatise individuals linked to the dark history of Dutch collaboration.

Heinrich Himmler and Sepp Dietrich (German military figures during the Nazi regime) decorate a Dutch chief - Gamma-Keystone

To address some of these concerns, the Dutch government has decided not to publish the full case files of the accused online.

Instead, these detailed records can only be accessed at the National Archive in The Hague.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The registry reveals personal details, including names and even addresses, as well as references to police and court cases against the individuals.

It also provides file numbers indicating what crimes the accused were charged with, though the contents of the files remain offline.

Critics have argued that publishing names without full context risks unfairly stigmatising families and communities.

German troops stationed along a Dutch street - HUGO JAEGER/GETTY

According to a survey by public broadcaster NOS, one in five Dutch citizens would prefer not to see descendants of collaborators in public office, such as mayors or parliamentarians.

The study also revealed that many children and grandchildren of alleged collaborators continue to suffer from the weight of their family history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Victims families and descendants of the accused alike fear that the release of these names could tear open emotional scars that have barely healed.

Supporters of the decision see the publication as a necessary step toward transparency and confronting historical truths.

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 newborn has been found dead inside a "thermal cradle" left for abandoned babies at a church in Italy, according to multiple news reports.

On the morning of Thursday, Jan. 2, the baby boy's lifeless body was discovered at the San Giovanni Battista Church in Bari in the Puglia region, per Italian news agency Ansa.

Ansa reported that it's thought the person who left the baby didn't close the door to the room where the cradle was located  meaning the alarm wasn't triggered like it was meant to to let parish priest, Father Antonio Ruccia, know he was there.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ruccia told Ansa he was in Rome, "but my cell phone, which is connected to the cradle, did not ring."

"Maybe he could have been saved, but we must forgive," the priest said, per local outlet La Repubblica. The Italian newspaper and CNN reported the boy was around 1 month old.

Google Maps A photo of the San Giovanni Battista Church in Bari, Italy A photo of the San Giovanni Battista Church in Bari, Italy

Ruccia did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

The newborn was reportedly found by a local funeral home director who was passing the baby box door, which is located on the outside of the church for privacy purposes, according to CNN.

Sasaneli/ROPI via ZUMA Press A baby boy was found dead at the San Giovanni Battista Church in Bari, Italy A baby boy was found dead at the San Giovanni Battista Church in Bari, Italy

An investigation is underway and Bari police have said it's unclear if the baby was already dead before being taken to the church, Ansa reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An autopsy will now be carried out on the baby to determine how and when he died, a police spokesperson told CNN. (Bari police did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.)

Sasaneli/ROPI via ZUMA Press A newborn was found dead in a baby box at the San Giovanni Battista Church in Bari, Italy A newborn was found dead in a baby box at the San Giovanni Battista Church in Bari, Italy

The church's baby box was said to have been successfully used in two cases prior to this one: once on July 19, 2020, and again on Dec. 23, 2023, per La Repubblica.

The cradle was added at the church after a dead baby was discovered on a beach in the nearby town of Monopoli in 2015, Ansa reported.

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.

Baby boxes were introduced in Italy in 2006 to "allow mothers to abandon their newborn babies with no questions asked," according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.



Read the original article on People
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  This week on Newsmakers: Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi discusses his recent reelection victory, the funding crisis in the city schools, new housing construction, the airport and more; then, Target 12s Eli Sherman joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to discuss the cyberattack on a state IT system.

Prefer your Newsmakers on the go?

Subscribe to our podcast!

Apple | Spotify

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Friday attempting to limit access to ultra-processed foods, a directive he cast as a continuation of California's "nation leading" nutrition and health standards.

The food we eat shouldnt make us sick with disease or lead to lifelong consequences," Newsom said in a statement. "California has been a leader for years in creating healthy and delicious school meals, and removing harmful ingredients and chemicals from food. Were going to work with the industry, consumers and experts to crack down on ultra-processed foods and create a healthier future for every Californian.

The order directs state agencies to develop recommendations to limit the health harms of ultra-processed foods and calls for proposals to reduce the purchase of candy, soda and other unhealthy foods made with synthetic dyes or additives by recipients of government food benefits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The move comes weeks before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office for his second term, with iconoclastic former environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy still needs to be confirmed by the Senate, but he has been a vocal critic of ultra-processed foods and promised to radically overhaul the countrys food system. Food dyes, pasteurized milk and seed oils are among the common items he has criticized, sometimes making health claims that are not backed up by science.

Though Newsom didnt mention Kennedy, the Democratic governor of California is planting a preemptive flag around the issue and signaling his refusal to concede the terrain to the incoming Trump administration. His executive order included a long list of steps the state has taken to improve nutrition.

Processed foods are foods altered from their natural form, like frozen vegetables, whereas ultra  or highly processed foods are foods that have been significantly altered from their natural state, like packaged chips or soft drinks. Ultra-processed foods make up the vast majority of the U.S. food supply, research shows.

"Part of why people want change in the food system is because the regulatory system has been very lax," said Charlotte Biltekoff, who researches the cultural politics of food and health and serves as the Corti Endowed Professor in Food, Wine and Culture at UC Davis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.S. regulatory framework is much more lenient than the framework in Europe, where many additives are banned that are still allowed in the U.S.

"This is actually a contest between different kinds of authority: Who gets to decide, and based on what kind of knowledge, what good food is," Biltekoff said, suggesting that Newsom's order would likely receive blowback from the food industry.

In years past, the soda lobby has killed proposals in Sacramento to put health warnings on sugary beverages, and associations representing candy makers, snack food companies and convenience stores have lobbied against efforts to limit dyes and additives. They've argued that food safety is sufficiently regulated and that making a patchwork of rules in different states is untenable for business.

The Golden State has been a national leader in banning food additives, with Newsom signing a 2023 bill that made California the first state in the nation to prohibit four additives found in popular cereal, soda, candy and drinks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The California Food Safety Act was colloquially referred to as the Skittles ban before its passage because an earlier version of the bill also targeted titanium dioxide, which is used to color Skittles and several other popular candies. But the final law was amended to remove reference to the substance, solely banning brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye No. 3.

Read more: Why RFK Jr. nomination sets off alarms among many public health specialists

Last year, Newsom signed a separate bill into law that bars snack foods containing a number of synthetic food dyes from California public schools. That law will prevent popular snack foods like Flamin Hot Cheetos from being stocked in school vending machines or cafeterias when it goes into effect on Dec. 31, 2027.

Laws to protect students from sugary drinks go back decades: In 2009 California banned all K-12 schools from offering soda.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The governor's order cites the link between "ultra-processed foods" and cancer, obesity, diabetes and other health problems. The order says the U.S. allows more than 10,000 chemicals in food, color additives or ingredients, compared to 300 that are allowed in the European Union.

Newsom is requiring the California Department of Public Health to provide recommendations by April 1 to limit the harms associated with ultra-processed foods and food ingredients that pose a health risk, which may include warning labels. He tasked the Californa Department of Social Services to issue recommendations to reduce the purchase by California food-stamp users of soda, candy other ultra-processed foods, or foods made with synthetic food dye or additives on the same timeline.

Among several health directives, his order also requires state agencies to identify areas to increase standards for healthy school meals and to investigate the negative health consequences of food dyes.

Read more: California bill requiring warning labels on sodas, sugary drinks is shelved

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ultra-processed foods will likely be at the forefront of the national discourse in the coming weeks as Kennedy prepares for his Senate confirmation hearing.

Kennedy, a prominent anti-vaccine activist, has promoted a number of false health claims and fringe conspiracy theories. But his positions against food additives have also brought support from unlikely bedfellows who have criticized other parts of his Make America Healthy Again agenda.

Yes, there are some things that he supports that we would agree with, but they feel more like the stopped clock thats right twice a day, Dr. Peter Lurie, president and executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said in an earlier interview with The Times  citing food additives as one example.

Lurie characterized Kennedys potential appointment more broadly as a dangerous choice because of his inability to discern the difference between good and bad science.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Food and Drug Administration  the agency perhaps most publicly in Kennedys crosshairs  could be significantly impacted by his leadership if he is confirmed by the Senate.

The agency, which falls under the the Department of Health and Human Services, has a massive purview, regulating about 77% of the U.S. food supply and overseeing the safety of nearly $4 trillion worth of food, tobacco and medical products, according to federal data.

Kennedy has said he would clear out "entire departments" at FDA, such as those overseeing nutrition, arguing that the agency hasn't been "protecting our kids." Kennedy has called for banning ultra-processed foods from school lunches and criticized the impacts of food dyes. He has also made some assertions about the food supply that experts say are incorrect, such as alleging that Americans are "being unknowingly poisoned" by seed oils.

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 next Ramstein-format summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will take place on Jan. 9, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on Jan. 3, citing the U.S. Air Force.

The meeting will be the first since the leader-level summit in Germany was postponed in October 2024 after U.S. President Joe Biden canceled his foreign trips to handle Hurricane Milton.

No further details about the upcoming Ramstein summit have been provided.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The meeting will take place as Russian troops continue to push forward in Donetsk Oblast, advancing near the key town of Pokrovsk. Ukraine's General Staff recorded 138 clashes on the battlefield over the past day.

The U.S. is ramping up its military aid to Ukraine before Donald Trump takes office later this month. The latest security assistance package announced by the Biden administration in December was worth nearly $2.5 billion.

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group is a U.S.-led group consisting of over 50 countries, including all 32 NATO members, that convenes at the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The last Ramstein meeting on Sept. 6 was the group's 24th gathering since its establishment in April 2022.

Read also: Trump can be decisive in ending war  Zelensky on Ukraines outlook for 2025

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BEAVER DAM, Wis. (WFRV)  The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) revoked the wholesale dealer licenses of nine Dodge County businesses for violating state law.

According to a release, the multiple Dodge County dealers are located in the 1600 block of North Spring Street in Beaver Dam and officials say they allegedly failed to properly follow administrative requirements.

Unsustainable to continue: Craft brewery in Wisconsin to shut down, thanks community for its support

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The DMVs Dealers and Agent Section reportedly determined that each of the affected dealers violated state law when they allegedly failed to maintain a licensed business facility. The decision to revoke the licenses was affirmed by a hearing examiners decision on November 20, 2024.

After a 30-day appeal period, the revocations were finalized on December 20, 2024.

The nine businesses reportedly include:

A&W Auto Mart LLC

EZ Auto Brokers LLC

Hollywood Motors LLC

Master Plan Autos LLC

PM Motor Sportz LLC

R & L Ward LLC

Royals Way Auto LLC

State 2 State Auto LLC

Wilson Auto LLC

6th generation Pine River Dairy forced to raise ice cream scoop prices for first time in 47 years

In recent years, Wisconsin has seen a dramatic increase in the number of wholesale dealer licenses and consumer complaints resulting in investigations. Under Wisconsin law, a wholesale dealer license allows businesses to only sell vehicles between dealer to dealer. Wholesaler dealers may not sell vehicles to the public. Among the business requirements, they must also maintain a permanent building and office inside, a display area for vehicles, and signage. Wisconsin Department of Transportation

No additional information was 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The victim of an early Thursday stabbing in Sioux City will not be pressing charges, officials said.

Sgt. Thomas Gill with the Sioux City PD told KCAU 9 that the victim allegedly signed a document to not press charges against the one who stabbed him. As such, the alleged attacker will not be charged.

Yankton victim found beheaded, court documents say

The stabbing victim, identified as a 42-year-old transient man, is in stable condition after being moved from the ICU. He signed the document when investigators went to speak to him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the victim faces charges from outstanding warrants not related to the recent incident.

Thursday at 2:40 a.m., police were called to a stabbing in an apartment at the 1000 block of Pierce Street. The victim was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
By Timour Azhari

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria's new rulers have not yet decided when to hold a landmark national dialogue conference that is meant to bring together Syrians from across society to chart a new path for the nation after the fall of the Assad dynasty, according to five sources.

Holding the conference has been a key pledge of the rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who took control of Damascus on Dec. 8 in a stunning offensive that prompted then-president Bashar al-Assad to flee to Russia, ending more than 50 years of Assad family rule.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several members of political opposition groups who sought to counter Assad during Syria's 13-year civil war have expressed reservations about what they said was a lack of transparency in how the conference was being prepared.

The sources who spoke to Reuters included two Syrian information ministry officials, another member of Syria's new ruling administration and two diplomats briefed on ongoing efforts to plan the conference.

They said that official invites for the conference had also not yet been sent out, although some people have been contacted by authorities informally.

Some Syrian media organizations had previously reported that the conference would take place on Jan. 4-5 and would aim to bring together around 1,200 delegates from across Syria's religious, ethnic, geographic and political spectrum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

STRETCHED THIN

Since taking control, HTS has consolidated its place in power and installed a caretaker government tasked with managing basic services until March 1.

But the rebel group-turned-rulers have been stretched thin as they try to secure the state and run basic services while also fielding a steady stream of foreign delegations and attempting to organise a political transition.

The national dialogue is meant to convene before March 1 to address issues including the suspension of parliament and the constitution and to kickstart the process of drafting a new constitution, according to officials.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several members of the opposition groups have told Reuters or publicly stated over the past week that they have not yet received invites.

Ahmed Sharaa, the head of HTS and Syria's de facto ruler, has said there would be an inclusive political process to draft a constitution, which he said could take up to three years, and then hold elections, which he said could take four years.

Bassam Al-Kuwatli, president of the Syrian Liberal Party, a small Syrian opposition group, told Reuters: "The new administration is still a military group that won power and doesn't feel a need yet to share that power."

"Maybe that will change; we don't know."

(Reporting by Timour Azhari in Beirut; Additional reporting by Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Editors Note: This story was originally published in CNNs Meanwhile in America, the email about US politics for global readers.

Things could be a little frosty inside the presidents armored limo on the morning of January 20.

President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, his predecessor and successor, have never been friendly. The current commander in chief thinks the president-elect is a mortal threat to Americas soul. Trump has long insulted Sleepy Joe Biden and claims he ordered his multiple indictments, despite a lack of evidence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The atmosphere between the two men is worsening by the day as the inauguration nears.

Biden keeps landing jabs seemingly calculated to get under Trumps skin. And the president-elect has been taking his lumps on social media.

On Wednesday, Biden warned that no one should jump to conclusions about the terror attack in New Orleans  hours after Trump had done exactly that by implying on social media that the suspect was a foreign terrorist who recently crossed over the southern border. In fact, he was from Texas and a natural-born US citizen. The president-elect appeared to be basing his claim on an erroneous media report.

On Sunday, Biden was asked what Trump should take away from the life of Jimmy Carter after the 39th presidents passing. Decency. Decency. Decency, he replied.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Can you imagine Jimmy Carter, walking by someone who needs something and just keep walking? Biden asked. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk? I cant. In what appeared to be an implicit criticism of Trumps character and leadership style, Biden said this of Carter: The rest of the world looks to us  and he was worth looking to.

In another repudiation of Trump, Biden on Thursday awarded one of Americas highest civilian honors to Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman from Wyoming who split with Trump over his refusal to accept the result of the 2020 election. She was the vice chair of the bipartisan congressional committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, mob attack on Congress. Cheney, who lost her House seat to a Trump-backed primary challenger, got a prolonged standing ovation at the White House when she received the Presidential Citizens Medal for putting the American people over party.

Capitol Hill Republicans are threatening to investigate Cheney over her role in probing Trump. And there is speculation that Biden could offer her a preemptive pardon to shield her from criminal prosecution by the incoming Justice Department  even though there is no indication that she broke the law.

The next day, Trump bashed Cheney and Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, who chaired the January 6 committee and also received the award from Biden. The people of Wyoming understood how bad for our Country she was, but Biden rewarded her only because she hated TRUMP, the president-elect wrote of the former congresswoman on Truth Social, calling her totally corrupt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump isnt holding back on other issues either.

After praising Carter after his death on Sunday, the president-elect soon injected himself and his upcoming inauguration into the national mourning of the 39th president, complaining that American flags will still be lowered when hes sworn in on January 20.

Because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday while waiting for the House to elect a speaker.

Asked if the Biden administration was reconsidering lowering the flags, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said no.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And despite Bidens implicit rebuke, Trump again sought to blur the truth about the New Orleans truck terror attack in which 14 people were killed. With the Biden Open Borders Policy I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe, Trump wrote on his Truth Social network. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined. Joe Biden is the WORST PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICA, A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER.

Trump isnt wrong to raise the possibility that terrorists could infiltrate the US over the southern border. Bidens own Homeland Security Department warned of this exact scenario earlier this year. But the president-elect is also misleadingly implying that the attack on New Orleans is such an example. In fact, its a sign of something that worries the FBI even more  an attack carried out by an American citizen who appears to have been inspired by ISIS to carry out carnage of his own volition.

Biden and Trump officials say the incoming and outgoing administration have worked well together on key national security questions and that US adversaries should not try to exploit the transition. But the two presidents have never been more estranged.

Still, Biden is paying Trump the compliment of providing the one, vital thing that the 45th president didnt offer him: an uncontested and peaceful transfer of power after a democratic election.

This story has been updated Friday with additional developments.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  No people  or pets  were injured in a Sioux City kitchen fire.

Firefighters got a call around 6:40 p.m Thursday of a house fire in the 2100 block of Grandview Boulevard. Sioux City Fire Rescue assistant fire chief Frank Fulton says the address wasnt confirmed until a police officer pointed out the residence to firefighters, where they saw flames through the window.

Sioux City police unveil crime statistics for New Years

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A small fire was found in the kitchen, and firefighters quickly put it out. Officials say no one was inside the house, though a couple of dogs and a rabbit were taken out of the home. They were taken to a veterinarian clinic and are expected to be all right.

Inside the kitchen, the cabinets and a part of the ceiling sustained substantial damage. However, the residence is not red-tagged at this time.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
ASHLAND Thanks to community effort and anonymous donors, the first baby box in northeastern Kentucky officially opened on Friday afternoon at the Ashland Central Fire Department, providing the city a designated spot for the safe surrender of infants.

The baby box, located on the 11th Street side of the fire station, is exactly as it sounds  a temperature-controlled vault fit with a blanketed bassinet, automatic locks and motion sensors that will send an automatic and silent dispatch to first responders, if triggered.

To allow for secrecy, the baby will be retrieved by a trained fireman or first responder after a minimum of 50 seconds, allowing time for a parent in crisis a silent entrance and exit, if desired.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The box contains several safety features, including automatic locks; once the outside door is open and closed, it cannot be reopened.

According to Kentucky law, a baby can be legally surrendered to the box, a hospital, medical providers or police stations within 30 days after birth without fear of prosecution for neglect or abandonment, as long as the child is free of signs of abuse and severe neglect.

The new box also includes a packet of information for those handing over their child, including after-birth services available for mothers, sex trafficking hotlines for victims and space for medical information for the surrenderer to provide about the infant, if desired.

Ashland Fire Chief Steve Alley said its one of those services thats hopefully not utilized often, but its a win-win for everyone. It gives you that option, compared to the alternative of emergency services or citizens dealing with the discovery of an abandoned infant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The addition to the Carter Avenue fire station marks the 301st baby box to be installed in the nation and 48th in the state of Kentucky, according to Safe Haven Baby Box representative Jessi Getrost, allowing parents to safely surrender babies directly to first responders without judgment or legal repercussions.

The SHBB organization ensures anonymity for those wishing to surrender a baby, all in an effort to combat the illegal abandonment of newborns.

Since adding the first baby box in Indiana in April 2016, SHBB said there have been more than 100 safe, hand-off surrenders and boxes have been utilized in the state approximately 50 times.

Since then, there has not been a single dead abandoned infant in the state, according to SHBBs website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We just want to let parents know that they now have an anonymous option, should they choose it, to safely, legally surrender their infant, Getrost said. We hope that one day we can end infant abandonment in this country.

On Friday, several community members, firemen and elected officials gathered in the fire station to pray over and officially announce the baby box open for use.

Today we come together to bless and place in service a safe haven baby box, Chief Alley said. We are humbled as a department at the trust placed in our department in the monitoring and operation of this baby box.

As commissioner, Amanda Clark takes the credit for driving the initiative for a baby box within the City of Ashland on the local government front.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After conversations with Sam Howard with Trace Creek Construction on the need for a safe surrender spot and through collaboration with former Ashland Fire Chief Greg Ray, Clark said the commission agreed to put the plans in motion.

Clark said without community donations and funds gathered through fundraisers by Two Hearts Pregnancy Center, this wouldnt be possible.

It is a true partnership between the city government and the community, Clark said, adding Trace Creek Construction donated the materials and labor for installation.

Heidi Smithers, board chairman of Two Hearts Pregnancy Center, was emotional throughout the dedication of the baby box, thanking all hands that went into the project.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are all so blessed and honored to be a part of this dedication and we pray it will be a blessing to the City of Ashland and the surrounding communities, Smithers said.

Sam Howard, previously mentioned with Trace Creek Construction, said the companys contribution to the project was personal for him, as four of his nine grandchildren were adopted.

Howard shared scripture from the book of Matthew, believing what you do to the least of these, you have done unto me, is often thought as referring to the treatment of children.

Thats really not true; its what you do for everyone in your community, Howard said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now this baby box is for babies, but guess what, its also for a grieving parent that doesnt know what to do; its for a grieving parent that maybe cant put a roof over their own head, let alone an infant.

Maybe theyre at their last wits end and they dont know what to do, Howard continued. Without saying it specifically, does anyone know what typically happens when a parent gets to that point?

If just one child, just one, is saved by all 300 (boxes nationally), its worth the effort, Howard said.

Commissioner Marty Gute gave closing remarks and prayer before the box was opened for service.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This box offers no shame, no blame and no name, Getrost said.

Prior to the recent opening in Ashland, the nearest baby boxes were located as far as Pikeville, Hazard or St. Albans, West Virginia.

For questions or for parents in crisis, SHBBs 24-hour hotline can be reached at 1-866-99BABY1 via call or text message.

The City of Ashlands baby box is at 1021 Carter Ave.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  Another deadline for completion has come and gone for Hotel Royer in Urbana. This time, developers are paying the price.

Hotel Royer, formerly the Lincoln Hotel, formerly Jumers, has been under renovation for years. The Urbana City Council set Dec. 31, 2022 as its first deadline for completion. More than two years later, its still not open.

Its been a dream years in the making for Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nobody wants this done more than I do, Marlin said.

Person detained in connection to theft of Urbana womans handicap van

She and many others are anxiously awaiting the opening of Hotel Royer. Businesses on Main St. said it could be a gamechanger for local stores.

Its been years in the coming, said Owner of Bohemia Milea Hayes.

I think it will happen, said Heel to Toe Manager Meg Giles. I think, too, its frustrating.

Dec. 31, 2024 was the fourth deadline the city council set for the hotel. Developers did not meet it, and now theyre losing money.

The city doesnt own the property, Marlin said. Were not in charge of the schedule.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Snow routes in effect in Rantoul, Charleston starting this weekend

The most recent deadline was the first that came with a financial penalty. $150,000 has been taken away from the $5.5 million the city put up to reimburse developers, and that price could just be the start.

Jan. 1 was the first marker, Marlin said. If [developers] dont open by April 1, another $150,000 will be deducted from the overall reimbursement and so on.

Bohemia and Heel to Toe are two long-time businesses in downtown Urbana. Employees said they have long been anticipating the foot traffic the hotel could bring to their shops.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Would I like it up and running next week? Yes of course, Giles said. It would be lovely. It would be a wonderful driver of commerce, but we cant control those things.

Theyre eager to see how their downtown will transform once its up and running.

Bringing more people to the downtown Urbana area is a great thing, Hayes said. Itll bring more businesses down here as well, so were excited to see all the people.

Urbana Garden Restaurant to transform after 30 years

Theyre holding out hope, saying even with the extended timeline, things could be worse.

As a business down here, having that building derelict, having it unused and running down further and turning into a ghost town over there is more frustrating to me than the delays, Giles said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Marlin said it will be worth the wait. She got a tour of the hotel weeks ago and said its sure to take guests down memory lane while staying current to the times.

Ive seen so much that makes me optimistic in terms of how the owners have preserved the historic features of the hotel, Marlin said. But theyre adding all the modern amenities that travelers expect, and thats the combination that will attract people and get them back again and again and again.

She said she met with developers last month. They have no set deadline, but the hotels website says they are accepting bookings starting Feb. 24.

Thats less than two months away from April 1  the next time developers would have to give up another $150,000.

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 WCIA.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The norovirus, or stomach flu, is on the rise across the country including an increase in Massachusetts cases.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported wastewater data shows a significant spike in the norovirus in the last few weeks. Baystate Health Medical Director of Infection Control Jacob Smith told 22News he has seen an increase within the network.

The norovirus is seen more often in the winter so it is not uncommon to see levels rise. Back in early December, at least 91 outbreaks were reported in one week, more than double compared to the last several years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes stomach illness. It is commonly spread through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Symptoms develop 12 to 48 hours following exposure to the virus.

Most people get better within 1 to 3 days. Smith said you can go from feeling fine to pretty ill within just a few hours, and then within a few more days, it goes away for the vast majority of people.

Tips to prevent Norovirus

Norovirus is a disease that needs the run its course, but there is one big step you can take to prevent getting the illness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom and before eating. (Hand sanitizer is not effective)

Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, especially in high-traffic areas.

Avoid close contact with anyone who is ill.

Stay home if sick. Children should remain at home if they exhibit symptoms of norovirus, and should only return to school after being symptom-free for at least 24 hours.

Norovirus is an infection that spreads hand to mouth which means often it is on something either on our hands that we are touching or in the food that we are eating, usually bring it to our mouth and that thats how it gets into our body, explained Smith. So, the way to prevent that is, what your parents or grandparents may have told you, which is wash your hands.

Smith said to stay home while you are sick and wash your hands regularly. It is important to note that while hand sanitizer contains alcohol to kill germs, it does not have the ability to kill the norovirus germs.

Smith mentioned he is more worried about the increasing cases of the flu around the country.

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.
St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna is currently managing a norovirus outbreak at St. Paul Home, our long-term care community. Additionally, early signs of the virus spreading to St. Paul Villa, an assisted living community, have been identified. This outbreak is impacting both residents and associates.

Our top priority is the health and safety of everyone at our campus. To help control the spread, we are encouraging frequent handwashing for associates and residents. We have made staffing adjustments to guarantee consistent care for our residents.

We are not restricting visitation, but we strongly discourage visits until further notice to protect the health and safety of our residents, associates, visitors, and the community. Additionally, although masks do not prevent norovirus transmission, we recommend visitors wear masks to help prevent the spread of any respiratory illnesses, which could compound the current situation.

Preventing illness outbreaks in living settings like ours is highly challenging, especially when the virus is also widespread in the broader community. We deeply appreciate the communitys patience and support as we work through this challenging time.
Norovirus spreads easily through contact with an infected person or through touching infected surfaces. Though unpleasant, it is rarely deadly, unlike some viruses in this illustration. (Getty Images)

There have been more cases of the highly infectious norovirus this season than totals in the past several seasons, but Kentuckians need not panic.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Mark Burns, an associate professor at the University of Louisville and a medical doctor with UofL Health, said norovirus has been around forever, and the uptick in cases this year is likely because people are returning to more normal activities following years of isolation during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from Aug. 1 to Dec. 11, there were 495 cases of norovirus reported in the United States. Thats an increase from 363 during that same period in 2023. Its also higher than the same period from 2012-2020 and 2021-2024, the CDC says.

I believe a lot of it is the fact that  weve come out of lockdown, basically, Burns told the Lantern. And for all intents and purposes, thats over. So, were doing things that we were normally doing prior to the last three-four years.

Given that return to normality, he said, its not too surprising to see an increase in cases of easily-transmitted illnesses.

While norovirus is unpleasant, its rarely deadly, Burns said, meaning it isnt pandemic material.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Heres what to know about norovirus:

What is norovirus, and how does it spread?

Casually called the stomach bug or stomach flu, norovirus causes gastrointestinal issues, leading to vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Norovirus spreads easily through contact with an infected person or through touching infected surfaces.

It also spreads through certain foods, including unwashed vegetables and fruit and raw oysters, Burns said.

The virus, in of itself, its not really deadly, but its just more of a virus of  inconvenience, Burns said. If theres any good part about this, it is that people are not usually symptomatic that long. After about 48-72 hours, people are usually over their symptoms.

How can I protect myself from norovirus?

Burns recommends the following precautions, which can help protect against norovirus spread:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dont share eating utensils with another person.

Wash hands with soap and water for 20-30 seconds. Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus.

Dont eat raw oysters.

Wash all produce like fruits and vegetables before eating them.

If you are sick, stay home. Even once a person feels better, they can still spread norovirus to others for up to two weeks.

People who have norovirus can usually manage their symptoms at home, Burns said, including resting and drinking a lot of fluids.

Stay home, make sure youre drinking fluids, because dehydration is an issue that can occur with the vomiting and the diarrhea, so make sure youre hydrated, Burns said. You can take things like Tylenol for fever and just basically rest.

No need to panic

Norovirus has been around for a long time, and tried and true preventative measures can help reduce its spread, Burns said.

The norovirus  the older people in the room will remember the old Norwalk virus  its the same virus, very same one, Burns said. There are outbreaks, but nothing on the pandemic level that we just experienced.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Data isnt yet available for how many cases are in Kentucky, though Burns said it would be reasonable to assume the state has more cases than previous years. Between 2018 to 2022, Kentuckys highest number of norovirus outbreaks was in 2019, with 20 outbreaks, according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The CDC defines an outbreak as two or more similar illnesses resulting from a common exposure that is either suspected or laboratory-confirmed to be caused by norovirus.

Its not good, Burns said. But: its not nearly as bad as our other enemy, COVID, guaranteed.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
North Dakotas population hit a record high of 796,568 people in July, according to new statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau  indicating another year of steady growth for the state.

The states population has increased by roughly 1% since 2023, the data show. North Dakota experienced larger year-over-year population growth than 35 other states.

Population-wise, North Dakota is still the fourth-smallest state in the country.

People gather at Happy Harrys RibFest in Fargo on June 7, 2024. North Dakotas population grew to an estimated 796,568 in 2024, with much of the growth concentrated in urban areas including Fargo.

More: New bookstore opens in Aberdeen Novel Ideas: New Aberdeen bookstore brimming with bestsellers plus games, puzzles and more

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

County estimates published by the North Dakota Department of Commerce indicate the states population growth is concentrated in urban centers like Bismarck, Fargo and the Bakken oil region in western North Dakota.

State data indicate that Cass County this year grew to 200,945 people. Burleigh County, meanwhile, was estimated to have a population of 103,107 residents.

Williams and McKenzie counties, located in the Bakken, grew more than other counties between 2023 and 2024. Williams County grew by 1,459 residents, representing a 3.7% population increase, while McKenzie gained 500 residents, representing a 3.5% population increase.

The Census Bureau will release county-level population estimates in the spring. Nigel Haarstad, state demographer, said he expects the county estimates from the Bureau to be very similar to the Department of Commerces numbers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Department of Commerce anticipates the states steady growth to continue in coming years.

In a February report, the North Dakota Department of Commerce estimated that the state would by 2030 reach a population of 831,543. It also projected that the state would grow to 890,424 by 2040, and 957,124 by 2050.

In contrast to other states experiencing an influx of retirees  like Florida and Arizona  the Department of Commerce speculates that North Dakota is seeing mostly working-age adults and children, Haarstad said.

Based on an informal analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, he said that generally, most of North Dakotas newcomers appear to be migrating from Minnesota, Illinois, South Dakota, Montana and Texas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

North Dakota Monitor is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: North Dakota population grows 1% since 2023, hits new record
(FOX40.COM)  On the evening of New Years Day, deputies in Shasta County shot and killed a man who allegedly confronted the two officials.

According to the Shasta County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a call of a man under the influence of narcotics at a residence in a rural area north of Redding, about 180 miles north of Sacramento, after 6 p.m.

New California laws target sideshows

The emergency call reportedly informed that the man was with his elderly parents and that he was threatening to blow up a vehicle and was allegedly trying to harm himself, the sheriffs office said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When deputies arrived, they spoke with the mans parents outside of the residence.

Soon after, the man exited. He was identified by the sheriffs office as William Clark Littlefield, 52.

California Department of Water Resources conducts first snow survey of the season

The agency said that Littlefield forced a violent confrontation and that two deputies were forcedto discharge their weapons.

Deputies provided medical aid, but Littlefield died soon after being attended by medical staff. The deputies were not injured.

The sheriffs office said that the deputies involved in the shooting were put on paid administrative leave and that the Officer Involved Critical Incident Response Team was investigating the shooting.

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.
Almost the first words on Reforms website are about a rival. Join us as we consign the failed Conservative Party to the history books, the site proclaims. Advertising the opposition is an unusual marketing ploy.

Then again, it is all of a piece with Nigel Farages plan to bamboozle the Tories into a nervous breakdown. The boasts of bigger membership, the hints of tens of millions from Elon Musk, the social media snaps of the Reform leader with young people  all are crafted to send a message: out with the old party, as 2025 opens, and in with the new. The Conservatives, like last years Christmas turkey, are history.

However, there is a problem with this well-ventilated claim: namely, that there isnt a word of truth in it. Indeed, the latest evidence suggests that Reform, rather than being a hindrance to the Tories is, strangely, a help  a prop as they begin the long walk back towards power. And that the party which Reform threatens most is Labour, not the Conservatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Consider three pieces of evidence.

First, what people say they would do. There have been some 23 opinion polls since Kemi Badenoch became Tory leader. Labour has averaged 27 per cent, the Tories 26 per cent and Reform 20 per cent of the vote. The percentages each gained at the last general election were 34 per cent, 24 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

Yes, those findings conceal churn between these parties and others. (And please note, by the way, that the polls have a recent history of overstating Labour and Reform, and understating the Conservatives.) But the lesson is unambiguous: Reform is garnering more votes from Labour than the Tories.

Second, turn from what people say they would do to what they are actually doing. In the 80 seats in which Reform has fielded a candidate in local government by-elections since last June, it has won almost 10 per cent of the vote  pushing the Conservative share down by 3 per cent and Labours by 9.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Again, the same pattern.

Finally, consider the parliamentary constituencies in which Reform is second. There are 98 of these. Labour holds 89 of them. The implication is obvious.

Mind you, being the runner-up in a constituency only tells one so much. Consider, for example, Barnsley South, Makerfield, Hull East and Rotherham  the four Labour-held seats among all those in which Reform won its highest vote share last June. Labours share of the vote in each respectively was 47, 45, 44 and 45 per cent. Constituencies like these are formidable mountains for Reform to climb. Are there easier ones to scale? I believe so.

To work out which these might be, put oneself in Farages shoes, and ask: in which seats are Reform best placed?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Begin with those in which the party gained, say, a fifth of the vote last July  a promising platform from which to build. Then calculate a target ambitious enough to be feasible, but not so demanding as to be impracticable. As a start, you might settle on constituencies in which Reform took that 20 per cent of the vote and the victorious party won, say, 40 per cent.

There are 90 such constituencies  49 held by Labour, 41 by the Tories. Twenty-five of them are in the Midlands, stretching north and east from the old Enoch Powell country  Dudley, Tipton and Walsall  through Warwickshire into Staffordshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. This clump of seats almost touches a second cluster: most of rural Lincolnshire.

Then, in the south, two Reform-friendly corridors of constituencies run from the sea towards London on either side of the Thames estuary. The first begins in Farages Clacton seat, drops through south Essex, and bends west before petering out in Romford, and Hornchurch and Upminster. The second starts in Sandwich and turns west through north Kent to Dartford, Bexleyheath and Crayford, and Old Bexley and Sidcup.

The constituencies in Essex are all blue, those in Kent largely red. Many tend to be what James Kanagasooriam, the political pollster, has called elastic seats  in other words, exceptionally volatile constituencies that have flipped back and forth from the Conservatives to Labour in recent elections. They hold exactly the kind of eruptive voters who, feeling that theyve tried everything else without result, may give Farage a go in 2028.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Apply those recent opinion poll and council elections trends to those seats, and what do you find? More or less what two big MRP surveys discovered recently: namely, the Conservatives winning back many of these constituencies as Labour slumps, Reform surges  and their own vote remains static.

In short, Reform drags Labour down below the winning line. All in all, Labour drop down to 250 seats or fewer, the Conservatives rise up to 220 or fewer  and Reform surge to 70 seats or so, with the Liberal Democrats similarly placed.

I know, I know: the next general election may be over four years away, and anything can happen in politics, especially in these times. Perhaps the AfD will enter government in Germany, Marine Le Pen will win in France, J D Vance will succeed Donald Trump in the White House  and Farage will break through the electoral glass ceiling altogether, smashing the 30 per cent opinion poll barrier.

In the meantime, Reform will surely win the Runcorn by-election and advance spectacularly in South Wales, even if postponements deny it a clear breakthrough in Englands local elections this May. But the picture that the polls paint is scarcely surprising.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

England and Wales now have a continental party system and a British electoral one  in other words, Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, Reform, and the Green/Islamist coalition are competing for votes under first-past-the-post. Hung Parliaments are the most likely outcome. Through the mists, one can vaguely glimpse the outline of two eventual parliamentary alliances: one red, yellow and green, the other blue and turquoise.

If I can work this out, then so can Reform  which is why its real plan will be as follows. First, to pile as much pressure on the Conservatives as possible. Then, if they fail to fold, to mount a reverse takeover  perhaps after the next election, if the Right fails to form a government, and Tory and Reform activists become so maddened with Labour that they are willing to put up with each other.

For all his braggadocio, Farage knows the score. And he understands that the next election will be his best  and probably last  chance to gain ministerial office. For come the one after next, he will be in his mid-70s. But will the Commons numbers ever be right for a reverse takeover?

Isnt the opposite more likely: that the Conservatives eventually swallow up Reform, as they once did the Liberal Unionists and the National Liberals?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Interrogating the richest man in the world is above my pay grade. None the less, I wonder if Musk knows how long the odds are on the Conservatives collapsing altogether, as the Italian Christian Democrats did during the 1990s.

But whether he does or doesnt, the message from cold, hard, present electoral facts is clear: for all Reforms bluster, reports of the death of the Conservative Party are greatly exaggerated.

Lord Goodman of Wycombe is a senior fellow at Policy Exchange

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.
Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Bratislava on Jan. 3 to protest Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's pro-Russian policies, the Slovak news outlet Aktuality reported.

The demonstrations began less than two weeks after Fico visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and just days after Ukraine stopped the flow of Russian gas to Europe via its territory. Fico lambasted Kyiv for halting gas transit, threatening to cut off energy supplies to Ukraine and end aid to Ukrainian refugees amid the ongoing full-scale war.

Approximately 4,000 people assembled in Bratislava to protest Fico's Kremlin-friendly stance, Aktuality reported. Demonstrators waved the flags of Slovakia and the European Union, chanting "We are not Russia."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Protesters played the EU anthem and carried posters labeled "We are Europe."

"Fico, go to Moscow, leave Slovakia in peace," one banner reportedly read.

The Slovak artist Rudolf Sikora, one of the lead speakers at the protest, called on opposition parties to unite with activists and civil associations against the threat of Russian influence.

"I beg you, opposition politicians, come together sensibly," he said.

Fico, a pro-Russian populist, won Slovakia's parliamentary elections in September 2023. It is his fourth time at the helm of the Slovak government.

Before Fico's return to power, Slovakia had been a staunch supporter of Ukraine. It was the first country to send Kyiv fighter jets after the full-scale invasion and a reliable supplier of military aid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fico's government initiated a stark policy reversal, halting weapons deliveries to Ukraine and adopting rhetoric blaming the West for Russia's war. Fico also has close ties to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, another Central European populist leader with friendly attitudes toward Putin.

Tensions between Bratislava and Kyiv have escalated due to President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to allow a pre-war agreement on Russian gas transit via Ukraine to expire without renewal on Dec. 31, 2024.

Ukraine terminated the transit deal on Jan. 1, after repeatedly warning it would not renew gas transit in order to avoid financing Russia's war machine.

In retaliation, Fico on Jan. 2 threatened to reduce aid to Ukrainian refugees living in Slovakia. He has also threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Kyiv.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: It really is insane: Ex-defense minister on Slovakias pro-Russian turn

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
With the start of 2025, some people are busy working on their New Years resolutions. Whether its hitting the gym, cutting back on caffeine or making new friends, its time to get to work making the new year amazing.

In recent years, an increasingly popular resolution in multiple countries is the concept of having a dry January, designating the month as a time to cut out alcohol.

There are references to intentional breaks from drinking throughout history, but the New Years resolution movement wasnt officially referred to as dry January until 2013. That year, Alcohol Change UK solidified the concept as an official campaign, and the effort has been growing ever since.

If youre taking part in dry January this year, here are some tips and tricks for your success, plus a reminder of the health benefits of giving your body a break from alcohol.

Benefits of dry January

To understand the health benefits of a dry January, Ryan Burk with a Kadlec primary care clinic in Kennewick said in a prior interview that its important to understand the impacts alcohol has on the body. Alcohol is a toxin that can be a massive strain on the body when consumed in excess.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When you consume alcohol, much of your body engages in the process of expelling the toxin. Your liver does most of the work, but your entire digestive system is impacted.

Excessive amounts of alcohol for excessive periods of time can do a lot of damage to the liver and the body as a whole, Burk told McClatchy. Taking away that toxin gives the body a break.

Rotonya Carr, head of gastroenterology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, notes that there is a general feeling of improved wellness.

People simply report that they just feel better, Carr stated in a UW Medicine press release. Stopping drinking for just 31 days gives people more energy. Theyre just not as fatigued. They sleep better. Their blood pressure improves, their cholesterol panels improve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carr said that many people also experience weight loss.

How much is too much alcohol?

So, what is an excessive amount of alcohol? The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. The different limits are because male and female bodies process alcohol differently, according to the Institute.

Going beyond two standard drinks in a day can be considered excessive.

A standard drink, according to the NIAAA, contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol. This means the average 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits are all considered one standard drink.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Research shows there are numerous health benefits from long periods of sobriety. It can be helpful for self-evaluation and to determine any dependency you may have on alcohol. Experts say that even social drinkers can form habits that keep the body dependent. You may not even notice a dependency as it forms, which is why a scheduled break can raise awareness.

The objective of dry January is not long-term sobriety  its long-term control, Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, previously told the Washington Post. Its about understanding your subconscious triggers, overcoming those, and learning how good it is to not drink. It gives you the power of choice for the rest of the year.

Even if you arent dependent on alcohol, there are health benefits that have been observed in many participants of dry January, including:

Weight loss

Improved sleep

Improved mood

Better mental health

Clearer skin

Improved hydration

Increased energy and focus

Stronger immune system

Decrease in factors that contribute to cancer, liver inflammation, insulin resistance, blood pressure and other health concerns

A reduction in liver fat and blood sugar

Kadlecs Burk clarified that abstaining from alcohol for a month doesnt guarantee your liver will be saved, but it will likely benefit your health in the long run.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said he has seen hospital patients in end-stage liver disease and cirrhosis. You cant be put on a list for a liver transplant if you continue unhealthy drinking habits. Unfortunately, some people arent ready to change their drinking habits until its too late, Burk said.

Thats why medical professionals try to catch excessive drinking earlier, by measuring liver enzymes in standard labs. Someone with elevated enzymes might be asked to pull back or cut out drinking for four to six weeks to determine if drinking habits are the cause. In most cases, Burk says patients return with normal levels, showing the difference a month can make.

Tips for a successful dry January

With all of the potential health benefits in mind, how can you ensure a successful dry January? Experts have shared many tips and tricks. One of the most important is to expect bumps in the road  a slip-up doesnt mean an unsuccessful dry January. Do your best to abstain for the month, but see the progress even if it isnt a perfect attempt.

Another common suggestion is to make it social, invite others to take part and go through the month along with you. The Try Dry app allows you to track your progress and the money you save from staying sober, while also sharing updates with friends. Sharing the experience with those around you can also decrease chances of alcohol being offered to you.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Burk suggests replacing the unhealthy habit with a new healthy habit. When beginning dry January, drink a healthy juice or another drink each time you want alcohol. You may find yourself craving the juice before long. Or you can replace the habit with something more distracting, like a gym routine, practicing a sport or learning a new skill.

Other tips suggested include:

Find a new favorite non-alcoholic drink.

Create a non-alcoholic mocktail thats similar to a favorite.

Avoid temptation by removing alcohol from your home.

Determine your triggers and manage them.

Set goals for yourself and take notes regarding progress.

Track money saved by abstaining from alcohol.

Find new hobbies or interests to take up the time.

Make a plan for denying drinks at events/social settings or bring your own options.

Ease back into drinking once the month is over  dont binge drink.

It is important to know the possibility of alcohol withdrawal is present whether or not you have a dependency. Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly if not properly responded to. Know the signs as you, or those around you, cut out alcohol during January.

Burk said withdrawal can occur in anyone whose body is used to getting excessive amounts of alcohol that suddenly stops.

Signs of alcohol withdrawal:

Abdominal cramping

Anxiety, agitation, irritability

Dizziness

Nausea

Headaches

Shaking, elevated heart rate

Sweating

Vomiting

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These symptoms can be very dangerous and potentially lead to seizures. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect symptoms are related to alcohol withdrawal.

Dry-ish or damp January options

If youre worried about alcohol withdrawal, not quite ready to commit to dry January or cannot completely cut out alcohol for whatever reason, there are still options. Just trimming back your alcohol consumption can have health benefits, and may make it easier to attempt dry January in the future.

In these cases, Burk suggests consulting with your primary care provider to create a plan for cutting back your alcohol consumption. Depending on your individual health background, they may suggest incremental cutbacks, a medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, or more supervised efforts. Know yourself and your habits to best advocate for what you need to accomplish this goal.

In recent years, there has been rising popularity in damp January or dry-ish January efforts. These allow participants to manage their own terms  whether they want to stop drinking on weekdays, drink only after 5 p.m., drink only low-calorie options or another goal, committing to the goal can make a difference.

You can track any goals you make with the Try Dry app or the Sunnyside app.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team has not presented anything "interesting" to Moscow regarding ending the war in Ukraine, Russia's envoy to the U.N., Vasily Nebenzya, said on Jan. 3 in an interview with the state-controlled Rossiya-1 TV channel.

Earlier reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated that Trumps team is considering a plan to delay Ukraines NATO membership by at least 20 years in exchange for continued Western arms supplies and the deployment of European peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire.

Nebenzya dismissed these ideas as "unformed, vague signals" and reiterated Moscows position against freezing the conflict.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"President (Vladimir) Putin last outlined our conditions for ending the conflict on Dec. 19. So far, nothing from the incoming U.S. administration suggests anything of interest to us," Nebenzya said.

On Dec. 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his willingness to engage in dialogue with Trump but upheld Moscows demands, including the desire to fully occupy four Ukrainian regions  Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson  and a rejection of Ukraines NATO membership.

Nebenzya also claimed to have received "signals of agreements" from Ukraine, though he rejected them as unserious.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed dissatisfaction with Trumps reported peace deal proposals on Dec. 29, saying that Moscow rejects any plan that fails to meet its demands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite Trumps claims of achieving peace "within 24 hours," his team has yet to provide an official roadmap for ending the war.

Read also: Germany should not rule out peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, CDU lawmaker says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
When it comes to the forthcoming memorial honoring the life and legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth, Nothing is off the table, according to the committee behind the project.

The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Committee has a budget of up to $57 million for a permanent monument, The Times reported, adding that its design could include digital technology. The monument will be located in St. Jamess Park.

Related: New Monument of Queen Elizabeth Will Be Unveiled on What Would Have Been Her 100th Birthday in 2026

Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage Queen Elizabeth II attends The Ceremony of the Keys at The Palace Of Holyroodhouse on June 28, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland

We do not want to be prescriptive about this, said Baroness Amos, the former leader of the House of Lords who is on the memorial committee. There are a set of guidelines and principles that we have set out. And we are then looking to those artists, those designers, to come up with the best ideas.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We want a memorial that is beautiful, that speaks to that legacy, but is also fit for the future, Amos added.

Queen Elizabeth served a history-making 70 years, taking the throne and serving up until the day she died  Sept. 8, 2022, when she died at 96 years old on her beloved Balmoral estate in Scotland.

The committee is chaired by Lord Robin Janvrin, the late Queens former private secretary, and was formed 18 months ago, according to The Times. Since then, members of the committee have visited various parts of the U.K., canvassing public opinion about how to commemorate the Queens historic reign  the longest in British history.

Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II watches from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022 in London, England Queen Elizabeth II watches from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade the Trooping the Colour parade on June 2, 2022 in London, England

Nothing is off the table, said Alex Holmes, a member of the committee and deputy chief executive of The Diana Award, the only award named in honor of Princess Diana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a committee we are looking into how digital has revolutionized some of the [U.K.s] attractions, and whether thats AI or AR [augmented reality]  [were] really fascinated by that, Holmes added.

The memorial committee will discuss the plans with not just the government but also King Charles and other senior members of the royal family.

I think its unlikely to end up being a sort of metal spike, said Anna Keay, a historian and member of the committee. But equally, I think the Kings got much broader taste in terms of design than hes often given credit for.

Euan Cherry/Getty King Charles III attends at The 2024 Mey Highland Games at John O'Groats Park on Aug. 3, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland King Charles III attends at The 2024 Mey Highland Games at John O'Groats Park on Aug. 3, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland

Related: Queen Elizabeth Statue Unveiled on What Would Have Been Her 98th Birthday  with a Corgi Gathering!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The monument is set to be unveiled on April 21, 2026  what would have been Queen Elizabeths 100th birthday.

Were really thinking about whats going to best do justice to the subject matter, to the age, to the contribution that she made, Keay said, adding the committee wants to come up with something thats really going to live up to the stature of the person that were celebrating.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Queen Elizabeths statue will join iconic landmarks like the Queen Victoria Memorial outside of Buckingham Palace; the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens; a bronze sculpture of King George VI on The Mall unveiled by Queen Elizabeth herself in 1955, just three years after his death; and a statue of his wife, The Queen Mother, unveiled in 2009, seven years after she died in 2002 at 101 years old.

Read the original article on People
Around 38% of Ukrainians are open to conceding some of the territories while preserving independence in order to end the war with Russia as fast as possible, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) survey published on Jan. 3.

The poll comes amid growing expectations of possible peace talks in 2025 as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table.

The responses, collected between Dec. 2 and 17, 2024, show a moderate increase since October, when 32% of the respondents were willing to compromise on territorial integrity for a faster peace deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Only 19% agreed with the statement in December 2023 and 8% in December 2022, making the December 2024 figures the highest since the KIIS began the measurements in May 2022.

The all-out war, which will mark its third anniversary in less than two months, has put a massive strain on the Ukrainian state, society, and the military, while the Russian offensive has picked up pace in recent months.

Comparatively, 51% of respondents in December 2024 said that Ukraine should not give up any of its territories "under no circumstances... even if this would prolong the war and threaten the preservation of independence."

This is a drop from 58% in October 2024, 74% in December 2023, and 85% in December 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The question did not specify which territories could be given up nor whether they should be officially recognized as Russian territory or "merely" remain temporarily under Russian occupation. The survey involved 2,000 respondents across Ukraine-controlled territories who were interviewed via phone.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine currently lacks the military strength to retake all of the occupied territories and that some regions, like Crimea, will have to be liberated through diplomacy.

Ukraine's head of state also acknowledged the possibility of Ukraine's "gradual" accession to NATO, with Article 5 initially not extending to occupied territories but strictly rejected recognizing Russian occupation as legitimate.

The Ukrainian military finds itself increasingly on the back foot as Russian forces continue pushing forward in Donetsk Oblast and Moscow occupies around 20% of Ukrainian territory in the east and south of the country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: Trump can be decisive in ending war  Zelensky on Ukraines outlook for 2025

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Jan. 2More than half a million chickens in San Joaquin County have been infected with the H5N1 virus in the last two months, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

According to the agency's bird flu detection database, some 627,800 chickens at a commercial table egg laying facility contracted the virus on Christmas Eve. Another 13,000 at a commercial duck meat facility were determined to be infected on Dec. 5, and 29,100 at a commercial broiler facility were determined to have the virus on Nov. 13.

In all, there have been seven outbreaks of the virus among 676,078 over the last two years, the CDC reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Neighboring counties have also been hit with bird flu outbreaks. In Sacramento County, some 360,390 chickens have been determined to be infected.

Most recently, a commercial broiler reported 153,800 chicken infected on Dec. 27, and a commercial turkey meat facility reported 61,200 infections on Dec. 4.

Another 48,300 at a commercial turkey meat facility were reportedly infected on Nov. 2.

The CDC said Sacramento County has had seven outbreaks of the virus.

Stanislaus County has been hit the hardest, with officials reporting nearly 2.1 million birds determined to be infected in 13 outbreaks.

The largest reported infection incident was at a commercial table egg layer facility, where 720,800 birds were infected, according to the CDC.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some 60 birds in Contra Costa County have reportedly been infected, and only 20 in Calaveras County have been infected. Both counties have only reported one outbreak, the CDC said. Two human cases of the virus were confirmed in San Joaquin County on Dec. 13, according to local public health officials and the CDC. Officials said the cases occurred in farm workers with known exposure to infected animals, and both have had mild symptoms and are recovering.

People who handle birds, poultry or cattle are at higher risk for H5N1 and should implement safety precautions such as wearing recommended PPE when working in close contact with these animals, officials said. Recommended equipment includes N95 masks, face shields or safety goggles, and gloves. It is also recommended farm workers receive a seasonal flu vaccine to help mitigate exposure. Currently, officials said there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus.

Health officials are actively monitoring exposed farm workers for symptoms, providing flu vaccinations, and distributing PPE and educational resources.

People exposed to infected animals should look for the following symptoms within 10 days after their last interaction: Eye redness (conjunctivitis); cough; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; diarrhea; vomiting; muscle or body aches; headaches; fatigue; difficulty with breathing; fever. If one starts to feel sick, they should immediately isolate, notify PHS and work on getting testing and treatment. Exposed workers can call PHS at 209-468-3400 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekday, or 209-468-6000 outside normal working hours. You can also email sjcdiseasereporting@sjcphs.org.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Health officials said the risk to the general public is low, and are recommending the public not consume raw milk, raw milk products, or raw eggs at this time.

Cows infected with bird flu can shed the virus in their milk, but pasteurization makes dairy products safe to consume because it neutralizes the H5N1 virus, officials said.

To view the CDC's detection database, visit tinyurl.com/AvianFlu2024.
COURTESY HNA Unionized nurses, in June 2024, held a March on the Boss  event to call for fair bargaining practices during negotiations with The Queens Health System. The Hawaii Nurses Association this morning informed management at The Queens Health System of the official start date of its collective three-day strike on Jan. 13.

COURTESY HNA Unionized nurses, in June 2024, held a March on the Boss  event to call for fair bargaining practices during negotiations with The Queens Health System. The Hawaii Nurses Association this morning informed management at The Queens Health System of the official start date of its collective three-day strike on Jan. 13.

The Hawaii Nurses Association this morning informed management at The Queens Health System of the official start date of its collective three-day strike on Jan. 13.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

HNA said Queens was given its official 10-day advance notice that the strike is scheduled from 11 a.m. Jan. 13 to 6 :59 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Queens Punchbowl and West campuses.

The union had initially intended to start the strike at 7 a.m. on Jan. 13, but adjusted the time after filing an updated strike notice.

After months of negotiations and efforts to secure a fair contract and better working conditions, we are standing together to take a vital step toward ensuring our voices are heard,  said HNA in a social media post.

HNA, which represents more than 1, 900 nurses at Queens, added, This action is not taken lightly. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safe staffing ratios, competitive wages, and the resources we need to provide the highest standard of care for our patients.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Over the New Years holiday, union nurses at both Queens on Oahu and Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai protesting unfair labor practices.

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 nurses at Queens have been working without a contract since June 30, and in negotiations for a new one since mid-April.

HNA President Rosalee Agas-Yuu said safer nurse-to-patient ratios remain a top priority for the union, and that talks broke down in the last session over them. The union has filed a complaint of regressive bargaining.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Queens has turned healthcare into a money-making operation that compromises the quality of care for our community,  said Agas-Yuu in a news release after the post. Studies show the hospitals can be vastly improved with better staffing ratios. This is especially important for Queens which operates the only hospital and emergency department on the west side of Oahu.

She added, We dont take the impact of a strike lightly. We also hope Queens takes their responsibility to properly staff and care for patients during the strike and try to avoid a strike altogether.

HNA said during the upcoming strike, experienced nurses will not be available to provide adequate post-operative care for patients recovering from their surgeries.

Queens responded today, saying it is disappointed by the strike vote but that it has contracted with staffing agencies to provide a sufficient number of licensed, and experienced temporary replacement nurses should a strike take place.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Queens Chief Nursing Executive Linda Puu said despite 43 bargaining sessions with HNA, we still do not have clarity on what the union truly wants.

She said nurses have been offered pay raises of 13 % over three years, making them the highest paid in the state. A nurse with five years of service would earn more than $144, 000 annually for a three-day workweek.

Additionally, she said safe staffing is already a priority, and that Queens has offered to include its staffing templates  similar to what the union agreed to with Kapi olani Medical Center for Women & Children.

Jason Chang, Queens President and CEO, told the Star-Advertiser, Weve always believed in safe staffing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We follow ANA (American Nurses Association ) guidelines,  he said. Weve been applauded by Joint Commission, Magnet, other national accreditation organizations, so we feel very comfortable with our staffing.

Mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in California have not necessarily yielded better safety outcomes, he said, and in acute hospital settings, theres a need to adapt to fluidity.

So when a patients more acute, we add more staff,  he said. And if patients are less acute we always drop to a minimum level. It never gets to a place thats unsafe. So I stand extremely firm behind the fact that we are safely staffed at all times.

The question is how to memorialize that into a document, he said, and he hopes to be able to reach a resolution with HNA at the next bargaining session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another session between the two parties is scheduled for this Tuesday, and a strike could still be averted should they agree on a new, three-year contract.

43 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 ? .
President-elect Donald Trump will face no legal penalties for his conviction in the hush money case, a New York judge ruled Friday.

Judge Juan Merchan, however, upheld Trumps conviction in the case, rejecting the president-elects effort to throw out the jurys verdict because of his reelection in November. This ensures that Trump will be the first convicted felon to become president.

Merchan set sentencing for January 10, but indicated the case is essentially over. The court hearing will be held 10 days before Trump is inaugurated for a second term  a reminder of the prominence that his legal issues have played in his return to power in Washington.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Merchan in his ruling referenced Trumps plans to appeal and said that imposing no penalty would bring finality to the case while allowing Trump to continue pursuing an appeal of the conviction. Such an appeal will lack urgency since Trump will face no punishment that risks interfering with his duties as president.

A sentence of an unconditional discharge appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow Defendant to pursue his appellate options, Merchan wrote.

The judge also said that he would allow Trump to appear to the sentencing virtually, to assuage the president elects concerns about the mental and physical demands during this transition period.

It was a smart move by Judge Merchan to announce in advance that he is going to impose no punishment, and hold the proceeding remotely, because that undermines any effort by Trumps team to argue in federal court that sentencing imposes some major burden, said CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In his ruling Friday, Merchan repeatedly referenced internal US Justice Department opinions  which are not binding in court, but has applied to the federal governments conduct  that say that a sitting president cannot be subject to prosecution. He said he considered the points made by the DOJ in those opinions and raised by Trump in his arguments to the New York court. and that he had found that those concerns did not justify putting off the sentence.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records over payments to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen to reimburse a $130,000 hush money payment made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, in order to keep her from speaking out about an alleged affair before the 2016 election. (Trump has denied the affair.)

Trump was first set to be sentenced in July

Trump was scheduled to be sentenced in July, but that was postponed twice as a result of the Supreme Courts immunity ruling.

Trumps lawyers initially pushed to dismiss Trumps conviction on the basis of the Supreme Courts decision on presidential immunity, arguing that prosecutors relied on evidence from Trumps official conduct in the White House. After the election, Trumps lawyers filed a new motion to dismiss the case, arguing that his status as president was a legal impediment to further criminal proceedings based on both the Supreme Courts presidential immunity doctrine and the Constitutions Supremacy Clause that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last month, Merchan said the conviction should not be tossed out because of the high courts July ruling. In that decision, Merchan said that the Supreme Court ruling that Trump should receive broad immunity for official acts during his time in office did not mean the conviction should be dismissed, ruling that the evidence presented by the Manhattan district attorneys office was not related to Trumps official conduct as president.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had argued that Trumps conviction should be upheld. The district attorneys office said in legal filings that the sentence could be delayed or modified as a result of Trumps reelection, but that dismissing a jurys conviction would be an extreme remedy that was unwarranted. A spokesperson for the office declined to comment Friday.

Trump spokesman Steven Cheung called the Friday ruling is a direct violation of the Supreme Courts immunity decision.

President Trump must be allowed to continue the presidential transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the Witch Hunts. There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead, Cheung said.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Its a lose-lose for Big Apple commuters.

A top labor boss slammed the Manhattan congestion toll on drivers set to start Sunday, saying the subways are too dangerous to give commuters another option.

To put congestion pricing in now is atrocious, disgusting  a real slap in the face, Phil Valenti, head of the 1,600-member Transport Workers Union Local 106, told The Post Thursday. The subway system is unsafe right now. Give me a break.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New Yorkers have been forced into a terrible and unfair position, said Valenti, whose union represents bus and subway supervisors. You can pay $9 to enter the congestion pricing zone or take the subway, where violent crime is soaring. At least some drivers will be afraid to take the subway, undermining the entire purpose of congestion pricing. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and Gov. Kathy Hochul are to blame for this absolute mess.

The NYC subway has experienced numerous violent crimes over the past two weeks.

The Big Apple subway system has been wracked by five straight days of violence amid a spike in transit crime  despite the NYPD, National Guard and even the crimefighting Guardian Angels on patrol, The Post reported earlier Thursday.

The horrifying Dec. 22 torching death of a New Jersey straphanger on a Brooklyn F train was only the beginning of the latest underground crime spree, which has seen five people stabbed or slashed and a 45-year-old straphanger thrown under a Manhattan subway train since Sunday.

Valenti rattled off NYPD stats showing that the 10 subway murders in 2024 was double 2023s totals. It was also a 233% increase from the pre-COVID period five years ago and the highest in a generation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There were 573 felony assaults last year through Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024  a 51% increase from five years ago.

The 10 subway murders in 2024 mark the highest in a generation. Obtained by the NY Post

The MTA loses $700 million a year from subway and bus fare cheaters, which should be more of a priority than soaking drivers with another toll, he said.

With Gov. Hochuls policies of New York state being a wide-open sanctuary state, we now have the mentality ill from all over the world, who are homeless, walking our streets, taking our subways and killing people randomly, Valenti said.

Riders and workers are not safe.

A $9 fee will apply to all passenger vehicles going into Manhattan below 60th Street. New York Post

The MTA defended subway safety.

The NYPD has reported the attached full-year crime numbers for 2024, reflecting serious crime down 5.4% for the full year and down 12.6% over 2019, prepandemic, MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan said. The numbers speak for themselves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MTA chief security officer Michael Kemper said in a statement to The Post, Thousands of NYPD Transit officers are working every hour of the day and night to make the subway safe, and the record reflects they are making an impact.

The MTA loses $700 million annually from fare evaders. Robert Miller

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I know firsthand that to suggest otherwise disrespects the commitment to transit workers and riders, and real results delivered by those officers.

Hochuls office said the governor is focusing on affordability and subway crime.

Governor Hochul cut the congestion pricing toll by 40%, squashed a potential 25% surge fee, and is fighting every single day to make the subways safer for commuters and transit workers, a Hochul spokesman said.

The governor deployed an additional 1,250 uniformed law enforcement personnel to support NYPDs efforts to protect subway passengers, and shell continue working to fight crime and improve public safety.
A woman is in custody for the fatal stabbing of a postal worker following a dispute over sandwiches at a Manhattan deli on Thursday, law enforcement sources told the Daily News.

The 36-year-old mailman was on duty for the U.S. Postal Service when he stopped at Joes Grocery on Lenox Road near W. 118th St. to order a sandwich around 2:30 p.m., cops said.

When the postal worker placed his order, a woman there became enraged, claiming he had cut her in line and the two began shouting at each other, a witness told The News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was over a sandwich, said Janet Rich, who was in the deli buying coffee when the fight broke out. It was, I was next. No, I was next. It was for nothing.

Rich said that she and another woman inside the store attempted to intervene, but that neither party appeared willing to stand down.

I got in between them  twice, said Rich. There was another woman with dreadlocks [who] said, Dont do this, you have a good job. Let this go.'

The postal worker took off his coat and said, You want to stab me? I picked up his coat and put it back on. I was trying to prevent the fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rich described the woman as huge at about 6 5 tall and said she appeared to be high on drugs, as she was literally foaming at the mouth.

The argument ended when the woman drew a small steak knife and stabbed the postal worker at least three times, Rich said.

She started stabbing him and the next thing you know blood was everywhere, Rich said.

Cellphone footage recorded by Rich shows the wounded postal worker lying on the deli floor in a pool of blood as a man attempts to help him.

Medics rushed the victim to Harlem Hospital, where he died.

The suspect fled to her apartment located on W. 118th St. just a few doors down from the deli, sources said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A knife could be seen lying next to a pool of blood beyond police tape on Thursday.

Rich said she witnessed cops cuffing the woman and taking her into custody Thursday evening.

Charges were still pending Thursday night, cops said.

In a bizarre coincidence, Rich, who works as a hoist operator, was working at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan Thursday when another worker fell 40 feet to his death, and said she rode the elevator with medics to a third-floor ballroom where they would pronounce the man dead at the scene.

What a day, said Rich. You cant make this up.
Police on Friday have released images of the gunman suspected of shooting a 17-year-old Brooklyn boy on his way to the first day of school after winter break, officials said.

The teen was outside Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School in Fort Greene, when he was approached by a man asking if he was a specific individual, according to authorities.

The student denied being that person but was shot in the stomach anyway at N. Oxford St. and Park Ave. at about 8:25 a.m., cops said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim ran across the street into the school and collapsed at the safety agents desk. Reps for the school system did not immediately confirm if the victim attends McKinney.

Students and teachers briefly sheltered within the building, according to school officials.

The incident occurred just hours after 10 young people ages 16-20 were wounded in a mass shooting outside a Queens nightclub on Wednesday night during a celebration of life for 17-year-old TeaArion Mungo, who was shot to death outside NYCHAs Walt Whitman Houses in Brooklyn during a spate of October violence that claimed the lives of five teens in Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx in as many days.

Mungo lived near the McKinney school. Detectives were investigating the possibility that Thursdays shooting and the bloodshed in Queens were related, police sources said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While this incident took place off campus, this display of gun violence is deeply concerning, Jenna Lyle, a spokeswoman for the public schools, said Thursday. We are grateful to our dedicated school staff and NYPD school safety agents who provided critical support to this young person.

EMS rushed the teen to New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where doctors listed him in critical but stable condition.

The gunman ran off. No arrests have been made.

Police scoured the area for surveillance footage of the shooter, who was described as Black with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black North Face coat, a multi-colored hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants and brown boots.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators released the images of Thursdays shooter in the hopes someone recognizes him.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.
LAS VEGAS, Nev.  A lot of new information is emerging about the suspects in both the Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans and the Cybertruck explosion outside of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas.

Both Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, the New Orleans suspect, and Matthew Alan Livelsberger, the man identified in Las Vegas, served in the U.S. military and spent time in North Carolina. Officials also say they used the Turo App to rent the vehicles involved in the crimes. However, investigators at this time say theres no evidence the two crimes are related or that the suspects even knew each other.

Now I would like to acknowledge a couple of things because I know whats going on in the social media world, and there are a number of things in this case that are similar to the attack in New Orleans, said Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at a press conference Thursday. We do know that our subject here served in the military. In fact, he is a current member of the military. Both of the subjects served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What we do know about that is its a very large military base and we have no record that they served in the same unit or even in the same years at Fort Bragg, something that continues to remain under investigation, said McMahill. I also know that they both served in Afghanistan in 2009. We dont have any evidence that they were in the same province in Afghanistan, the same location, or the same unit. Again, something else that remains under investigation.

Both crimes were committed on New Years Day. CBS 17 searched for information on both suspects and found possible a possible Fayetteville address for Livelsberger in 2013. We also found two Fayetteville addresses possibly linked to Jabbar in 2012 and 2013, along with a divorce filing in Cumberland County in 2012.

We also now know Jabbar attended classes at Campbell Universitys Fort Bragg (Liberty) campus in 2012 to 2014. However, a university official says he did not receive a degree from the institution.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  New numbers are out when it comes to homelessness. Although the news isnt great, there is one bright spot.

The number of people without a home is up. But veterans are doing better.

Central Illinois warming centers open this season

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urbana Development releases a report every year. It showed an 18% increase from 2023 to 2024 in people experiencing homelessness on any given night. But the number of veterans without a place to stay is the lowest its ever been  and is down almost 8% from last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These two trends are nationwide  but are we seeing the same in Champaign County?

Officials at the Housing Authority of Champaign County said the total number of homeless is up. The executive director said Champaign County got more HUD emergency housing vouchers than almost any county in the state. But  she isnt sure if the number of homeless veterans is going down. She said special housing vouchers targeting retired military have been working well  which could explain the dip.

I think the cost of housing is through the roof, HACC Executive Director Lily Walton said. Its insane right now. And so, a lot of families were finding they cant afford to stay where they are, where theyre currently residing, or they cant afford the cost to get housed. Sometimes some landlords and property management companies are requiring three times the rent as the security deposit, depending on your credit score.

Walton said the Housing Authority has services that help pay for things like a security deposit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They also are partnered with CU at Homes mid-barrier shelter and United Ways family emergency shelter. Shes not sure when C-U at Homes will be up and running  but the emergency shelter should be open by the spring of this year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
A field of coal is seen near the Gavin Power Plant in Cheshire, Ohio. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Environmental activists have been pressing the company buying an Ohio coal plant said to be the nations deadliest to retire the facility. But that seems unlikely, given statements it made in a regulatory filing that it provided to the Ohio Capital Journal.

The buyer, Energy Capital Partners, has boasted of helping plants make the transition away from coal. It hasnt answered questions about its plans for Gavin, but in a Dec. 11 filing before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, it expressed no such plans for the Gavin Plant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As with any electric generation facility, (Energy Capital Partners) and Javelin expect that the Gavin facility will continue to operate for so long as they are legally able to do so on an economic basis, it said.

Energy Capital Partners, or ECP, and Javelin are private-equity firms that are in the process of buying the 50-year-old plant from another private-equity firm, Blackstone. The 2,600 megawatt plant along the Ohio River near Cheshire has stirred controversy for years.

To settle lawsuits in 2002, a former owner, American Electric Power, bought out residents around the plant for more than three times the value of their property.

The generating facility had been dumping toxic coal ash into unlined pits, creating worries that it would contaminate groundwater. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2022 ordered it to stop, and now its owners face a $40 million cleanup liability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And a 2023 analysis by the Sierra Club looked at coal-plant emissions and weather patterns. It concluded that because it sends a plume of toxins over populous areas in the eastern United States, the Gavin plant is the deadliest in the country, killing an estimated 244 people a year.

Many investors have been turning away from fossil fuels  and especially coal  as a method of powering electricity generation. But private-equity investors have been taking up some of the slack, with nearly 80% of their power plant investments being in those fueled by coal or gas.

Private equity has been stigmatized over claims that it practices one of the harshest forms of capitalism. They often buy assets in deals that quickly recoup their investments, then frequently sell off the most valuable parts of an enterprise, and then walk away either by selling or declaring bankruptcy. Whether people needlessly lose jobs or consumers lose choices is not a consideration, critics say.

That has left environmentalists and private-equity critics worried that Gavins owners will continue to operate it as a polluting coal plant, then close it, and find a way to stick taxpayers with any cleanup costs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, Energy Capital Partners bills itself as a company that helps utilities convert from using coal.

Energy Capital Partners (ECP) is a leading credit and equity investor across energy transition infrastructure, with a focus on investing in electricity and sustainability infrastructure, providing reliable, affordable clean energy, its website says.

The company last week declined to respond to questions, other than to send the Dec. 11 filing it made in a FERC proceeding. In it, ECP made several statements that seem to indicate the company plans to keep the Gavin plant operating as it is.

Notably, the Gavin facility has an existing long-term contract for coal supply with a supplier unaffiliated with Javelin, and ECP and Javelin have no intention of altering those arrangements, it says.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The filing also said that its just speculation that the new owners plan to retire the plant.

 regarding a secondhand, unnamed sources speculation regarding plans to retire the Gavin facility, ECP and Javelin confirm that there are no such plans, it said. Notably, even the post cited by the Joint Protesters for the proposition that Gavin may be retired in the coming years simply states (again, based on an unnamed source) that the facility may close or be converted to run on a different fuel by 2031, which is well outside of the forward-looking view on which the Commission relies in reviewing Section 203 applications.

A group critical of the practices of private-equity investors asked what it would take to close the Gavin Plant

Whether owned by Blackstone or ECP, every day that private equity firms continue to operate the deadly Gavin coal plant is another day that private equity executives are choosing to put communities at greater health risk, Alissa Jean Schafer, Climate Director of the Private Equity Stakeholder Project said in a statement. Gavin is one of the worst polluting power plants in the nation, and as emission plumes travel downwind, these negative health impacts reach far beyond Ohio. How many more premature deaths will be linked to Gavin before this plant is shut down?
Ohioans may soon lose easy access to public police and jail footage after a controversial provision crept into the outgoing legislature's expansive bill package at the end of the session.

Late Thursday night, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed H.B. 315 into law, a roughly 450-page omnibus bill that  among other things  will allow law enforcement agencies to charge the public for access to police videos, including body cameras, dash cams and jail surveillance footage.

With the new law, agencies are now permitted to charge an "estimated cost" of up to $75 per hour of footage to help reimburse for the labor of processing the video, according to News 5 Cleveland and Dayton Daily News. The fee will be charged before footage is released, and must be capped at $750 per request.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: Protests Erupt in Akron, Ohio After Body Cam Footage Showing Black Man's Shooting Death Released

Amid pushback for approving the provision, DeWine told News 5 that he is a "strong proponent" of police cameras and does not intend to impede access to footage, which is public record.

"Law enforcement-worn body cameras and dashboard cameras have been a major improvement for both law enforcement investigations and for accountability," he said in a separate news release on Thursday night.

"However, I am sensitive to the fact that this changing technology has affected law enforcement by oftentimes creating unfunded burdens on these agencies, especially when it comes to the often time-consuming and labor-intensive work it takes to provide them as public records."



Related: Ohio Police Sergeant Seen on Video Repeatedly Punching Woman in Face After Dispute at McDonald's

Tony Dejak/AP/Shutterstock Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks about COVID-19 preparedness efforts on Feb. 17, 2020

Republican state Rep. Bill Seitz, who sponsored the bill, previously told News 5 that the provision "only applies if you want the public office to make a copy of a video record, and only if it relates to law enforcement, and only if the public office opts to charge."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He clarified that people can still "inspect the records for free and make your own video of the video with your own phone or camera."

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.

Still, one Republican state lawmaker, Niraj Antani, told the outlet that he is "deeply concerned" that the fee to put footage into public record will be "burdensome."

When I sponsored HB 425, which established public record law for police worn body camera videos, our goal was to ensure the public and news media had clear access to body camera videos of public concern," Antani told News 5. "Certainly, the cost of properly blurring out the videos and storage was something we discussed at length with our law enforcement partners."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Case Western Reserve University Law Professor Jonathan Entin previously explained how the provision could have a practical effect on whether police footage sees the light of day.

People are talking about how its hard to afford groceries these days, or clothing or the car or your medicines, right? Entin told News 5 when the bill was first passed by the legislature. If youve got all those things, having to pay $75 an hour for video  even for one hour  might bust your budget and therefore, you might not ask."



Read the original article on People
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed part of a bill late Thursday that state lawmakers cast as protecting the medical free speech of doctors and other health professionals but that the Republican governor says would totally gut the states ability to regulate misconduct.

DeWine left in place another provision of the bill that will alow law enforcement agencies to charge up to $75 an hour for police body camera video, despite objections raised by open government groups including the American Civil Liberties Union and NAACP.

DeWines veto of the health-related language comes as Republican President-elect Donald Trump prepares to appoint anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the nations health agencies and with national divisions over medical science still festering in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DeWine said in a veto message that the medical oversight language added to a the bill could have had "devastating and deadly consequences for patient health.

Ohios medical licensing boards exist to protect patients and the public from bad actors in the medical field, he wrote. He said health professionals who give harmful medical care shouldn't get a legal shield to avoid accountability by "saying there was a difference of medical opinion.

Ohio lawmakers passed House Bill 315 at around 2 a.m. on the final night of their lame duck session last month. That was after they turned it into a Christmas tree bill, loaded with controversial items from other pending legislation. DeWine also vetoed to other provisions of the 325-page bill that would have established new ethics law exemptions and dealt with clerks of court.

The Ohio Ethics Commission praised his veto of the ethics exemptions, which Executive Director Paul Nick said in a statement would have significantly weakened the state's ethics law by allowing mayors and other executive officers to have interests in public contracts held by public agencies they serve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, the medical freedom section would arguably have had the most sweeping impact. It called for prohibiting the Ohio Department of Health and the states pharmacy and medical boards from disciplining any pharmacist or other licensed health care professional for publicly or privately expressing a medical opinion that does not align with the opinions of any state, county or city health authority.

DeWine nonetheless left in place a provision in the bill that declares Ohio outside the jurisdiction of the World Health Organization, the U.N.'s health agency.

DeWine was among three Republican governors who did not sign onto a letter that their 24 GOP colleagues sent to the Biden administration in May opposing the WHOs draft proposal for responding to the next worldwide pandemic. They argued the pandemic treaty would strip governors of their health authority and give the WHO unprecedented powers on U.S. soil. Those claims were debunked, but a backlash of various sorts ultimately sunk the global deal.

Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom, a nonpartisan group that's been working for years to advance a constitutional amendment limiting vaccine mandates imposed by businesses, health care providers and governments, backed the vetoed medical free speech provision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its campaign coincided with DeWine twice vetoing legislation during the pandemic that he said would have handicapped the states ability to issue emergency health orders. Lawmakers failed in December 2020 to override his first veto, but they managed to restore a weaker version of the law the following March.

The medical freedom group has downplayed any role that the case of Sherri Tenpenny played in driving the latest medical free speech proposal.

Tenpenny, an Ohio osteopathic doctor, drew national attention when video of her June 2021 testimony before state legislators that COVID-19 vaccines made people magnetic was posted to the internet. She suggested that vaccines against the coronavirus might be making people interface with cell towers and interfering with womens menstrual cycles.

The state medical board, which regulates physicians and can discipline them for making false or deceptive medical statements, launched an inquiry into the matter after receiving some 350 complaints. The panel suspended Tenpenny's medical license in 2023 after she refused to cooperate, including declining to meet with investigators, answer written questions or sit for a deposition.

Tenpenny has since agreed to pay a $3,000 fine and cooperate with investigators. Her license was restored earlier this year.
Ohioans will now likely have to pay hundreds of dollars to see police videos after Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed a large bill into law late Thursday night that includes a provision allowing police departments to charge for dashboard, jailhouse surveillance, and body camera footage.

DeWine declined to exercise his line-item veto power over the provision, citing the burden on small police departments inundated with time-consuming requests for body camera footage. However, media organizations, civil liberties groups, and transparency advocates argue that the amendment to Ohio's Sunshine Law, which was tucked into a last-minute omnibus bill and never received any public debate, will make police oversight prohibitively expensive.

Gunita Singh at the Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) tells Reason that the amendment is "a step backwards when we need to be moving forward on the issue of greater sunlight over body worn camera footage."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The public and the press rely on Ohio's access provisions to timely receive important government documents, including those of police departments; nothingespecially costly, unnecessary feesshould stand in the way of fostering the transparency and accountability that our public records laws are designed to facilitate," Singh says.

Under Ohio's new law, departments can charge requesters up to $75 per hour of footage in labor costs for reviewing, redacting, and uploading it. Total fees are capped at $750, and agencies can choose to release the footage for free.

In a press statement, DeWine said, "Law enforcement-worn body cameras and dashboard cameras have been a major improvement for both law enforcement investigations and for accountability."

"However, I am sensitive to the fact that this changing technology has affected law enforcement by oftentimes creating unfunded burdens on these agencies, especially when it comes to the often time-consuming and labor-intensive work it takes to provide them as public records," DeWine continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DeWine called the bill "a workable compromise to balance the modern realities of preparing these public records and the cost it takes to prepare them."

But Singh and the RCFP argue that shifting those fees onto the public will have an inevitable chilling effect. In fact, a coalition of government watchdog and press freedom groups convinced the California Supreme Court of just that in 2020, when the court ruled that agencies must bear the cost of redacting body camera footage.

"The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press submitted a friend-of-court brief in that case and explained that allowing the government to charge for editing such footage threatens public access to crucial electronic records, because those fees serve as a deterrent," Singh says. "So too, here."

Such footage has become incredibly important in the public debate over policing and criminal justice. As Cleveland's ABC News 5 noted, its investigative reporters "routinely break stories with footage obtained by police. Many of them have to deal with police shootings, such as the 2022 death of Jayland Walkerwho was shot nearly 50 times by eight Akron officers."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite their great promise, body cameras only work as a tool for accountability when there is meaningful public access to footage. The North Carolina legislature, for instance, made body camera footage off-limits to public records requests, releasable only through a judge's order.

Excessive costs can have the same practical effect as an outright ban. For example, Reason recently filed public records requests with the City of Miami for police body camera footage of two arrests made during sweeps of homeless encampments. It received an invoice for more than $300. A media outlet can probably afford to pay that, but how many times? Would an individual concerned citizen be willing to shell out that money to see whether police were respecting the civil rights of vulnerable residents?

DeWine and other lawmakers who supported the amendment also said the target of the legislation wasn't citizen watchdogs and local news outlets, but social media influencers and for-profit internet streamers, who were flooding departments with requests for body cam footage.

"My response to that was, well, don't sneak it into a bill and pass it at the last minute without hearings," Gary Daniels, chief lobbyist with the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, told the Columbus Dispatch. "Let's have this proceed as legislation typically does. That gives an opportunity for people, for stakeholders, for law enforcement to come in and talk about the impact and ramifications of doing this."

The post Ohio Lawmakers Sneak In a New Law to Charge Public for Police Body Camera Videos appeared first on Reason.com.
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted is the frontrunner to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the U.S. Senate, according to sources familiar with the appointment process.

Gov. Mike DeWine will select a Republican to join Sen. Bernie Moreno, who was sworn in Friday after defeating former Sen. Sherrod Brown in the Nov. 5 election. DeWine has not announced his decision, but sources said the Senate seat is likely Husted's if he wants it  a decision the lieutenant governor is still mulling.

Stay informed: Sign up for The Scoop, our weekly Ohio politics newsletter

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I don't know what he's going to do," one source told this newspaper's statehouse bureau. "I think Jon is really struggling. Jon is a state guy, he's never been a D.C. guy."

DeWine and Husted visited President-elect Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort last month, according to their offices. Spokespeople did not provide details about the purpose of the trip, first reported by WEWS in Cleveland, or with whom they met. Husted and his family went to Washington Friday for Moreno's swearing-in, as did DeWine and other Ohio Republicans.

DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney declined to say whether Husted is the governor's top choice.

"I have no updates on any of that that I can provide you," Tierney said.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, center, speaks with electors at the Ohio Statehouse on Dec. 17 before the electoral college certifies the 2024 election results.

Whoever DeWine selects will serve in the Senate through 2026 and must run that year if he or she wants to keep the job. Per Ohio law, the winner of the November 2026 election will fill out the remainder of Vance's term, which ends in 2028.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Several other Republicans have expressed interest in the Senate seat, including former Ohio Republican Party chair Jane Timken, Secretary of State Frank LaRose and U.S. Rep. Mike Carey.

If DeWine chooses Husted, the decision would shake up another hotly contested 2026 campaign: The fight to replace a term-limited DeWine as governor. Husted was gearing up for a run with support from DeWine, but the Senate appointment could clear a lane for Attorney General Dave Yost and other Republicans who want the job.

Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, a suburban Columbus resident and Cincinnati-area native, has also been floated as a potential candidate for governor. Ramaswamy will co-head the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk, but the group is expected to conclude its work by July 2026.

The timeline for DeWine's announcement remains unclear. The governor previously said he's waiting for Vance to resign his Senate seat, which could happen any time before the Jan. 20 inauguration.

Who is Jon Husted?

Husted became lieutenant governor in 2019.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During his tenure, he has championed economic development and helped DeWine persuade Intel to build a $28 billion semiconductor plant in central Ohio. He enjoyed a moment in the national spotlight last year when he gave the vice-presidential nomination speech for Vance at the Republican National Convention.

Husted initially challenged DeWine for governor in the 2018 election and cast himself as the best choice for Republicans who support access to firearms. He dropped out of the race to join DeWine's ticket, and they defeated Democrat Richard Cordray in a year when Democrats won big nationally.

Prior to that, Husted served as secretary of state, speaker of the Ohio House and state senator from the Dayton area.

If Husted heads to Washington, DeWine would need to appoint someone to serve as lieutenant governor for the next two years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

(This story was updated with additional information.)

Haley BeMiller and Laura Bischoff cover state government and politics 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: Jon Husted emerges as frontrunner for JD Vance's Ohio Senate seat
More than 200 corrections officers stood at attention on Friday, saluting as the hearse carrying their co-worker Andrew Lansing passed by Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe.

It was a somber tribute to Lansing, who was brutally beat to death while working a Christmas shift as a corrections officer.

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction staff members comfort each other as the hearse of officer Andrew Lansing prepares to pass by the Ross Correctional Institution where he was killed. Lansing, 62, was killed on Christmas Day by an inmate at the prison. The funeral procession was held January 3, 2025.

Lansing's funeral was held Friday at Chillicothe High School. It was closed to members of the media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cars and trucks carried more than 1,000 mourners in a procession that wound its way from the high school, past the prison and through downtown Chillicothe to Grandview Cemetery.

The state patrol is investigating the homicide. Rashawn Cannon, 27, is accused of fatally attacking Lansing, 62, in a prison yard shack used by employees to eat meals or write reports.

More: Last fatal attack on Ohio prison employee before Andrew Lansing's death was 28 years ago

Lansing started his career as an officer at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in 1985 for a brief stint. He returned to the state prisons system, working at Ross Correctional from 1994 to 2007 and again from 2013 until his death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More: Who was Andrew Lansing? More on the Ohio prison guard killed Christmas Day

Lansing leaves behind his wife of more than two decades, Chun Wong Lansing, their son Edward, Lansing's daughter Kimberly Cooper and his six siblings.

Mike Lansing said his brother was known as "fair and firm" inside the prison. To his friends and family, "he was a great guy who'd do anything for anybody."

State Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Chillicothe, said Lansing's death has hit the entire community. "Our town is tore upside down. Our town is grieving."

Family, friends, co-workers and supporters of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction officer Andrew Lansing gathered for his graveside service at Grandview Cemetery in Chillicothe.

The last time a state prison employee was killed at the hands of an inmate was 28 years ago. Case manager Bonita Haynes was murdered at Lima Correctional Institution in 1996.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In lieu of flowers, Lansing's family requested contributions made to the Shriners Children's Hospital in Dayton.

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.

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.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Hundreds pay tribute to Ohio prison guard fatally attacked on the job
I have a niece who has been taught by parents to respect authority. They instill an understanding that with every circumstance, there has to be an order; otherwise, the ensuing chaos would endanger the safety of everyone involved. Authority is the accountability and is burdened under that accountability.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond has undermined all of that.

It is impossible to justify Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson's extreme actions against 71-year-old Lich Vu. It is even more impossible when one hears Drummond declare that police officers are not obligated to mitigate circumstances, let alone apply rationale to understanding. Rather, he has advocated that brute force is the logical default reaction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What a demeaning and caricaturing insult to men and women in law enforcement everywhere.

After Drummond dropped charge against cop, Vietnamese community asks city for justice

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond at the "Wisdom of the Nations" luncheon presented by Oklahoma Watch at Oklahoma City Community College Oct. 31, 2024.

Not that Drummond was alone. The police union did an incredible disservice to all of its members, esteeming a bullys actions and pairing his exoneration with the integrity of the shield. How much better of an advocate they may have been for their community.

What do you tell a child who is on the violent end of abuse in his or her home? Certainly, the legal guardian carries the mantle of authority in such a situation. How is that person not the policeman of his home, meriting all deference?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Opinion: Oklahoma lawmakers have cut preschool funding. Its time to reverse that trend.

Wait. Are you tempted to suggest this is too big of a leap? Fine. Just tell me which societal authoritarians warrant unlimited power to act violently versus those with some outside restriction? Then, show me how youre not a hypocrite in your assessment.

Police should experience an incredible community backlash, but thanks to AG Drummond, law enforcement doesnt have to care, let alone listen. In fact, they may exhibit retribution with impunity. In Drummonds shameful assessment, uncertainty, circumstance, and reason never have to play a part in judgment.

 Wayne Hull, Oklahoma City

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OK AG Drummond response validates brute force in Lich Vu case | Letter
Jan. 3BYRON, Minn.  A body was found in a "burnt-up" vehicle on New Year's Eve, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Friday, Jan. 3.

Deputies found a car with significant fire damage and a deceased person in the driver's seat on Dec. 31, 2024, near the 8000 block of Country Club Road West, according to the release. The car was registered to Uong Ong, a person reported missing by the Rochester Police Department on Dec. 3.

According to the release, the damaged car appeared to have been in the area for some time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An autopsy was performed, and the person's identification is pending.

OCSO investigators, the Rochester Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Southeast Regional Medical Examiner's Office responded to the incident.

"The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office is working in cooperation with the Rochester Police Department throughout the investigation. As this case is ongoing, no further information can be released," the release said. "Olmsted County Sheriff's Office extends sincere condolences to the friends and family of the deceased person."
The boundaries of the Omaha Inland Port Authority. (Courtesy of City of Omaha)

OMAHA  Omahas Inland Port Authority board on Thursday approved the release of nearly $7.4 million in state funds to help a development team assess if a long-sought $90 million business park project near Nebraskas largest airport is viable.

The action breaks a logjam on a grant announced a year ago by Gov. Jim Pillen. The funds at the time were awarded to a team led by the Omaha Economic Development Corporation for creating a shovel-ready site intended to be a major industrial and job hub for North Omaha.

Community member Cheryl Weston speaks at the Omaha Inland Port Authority monthly board meeting. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

Funding, however, has been held up by the Inland Port Authority, which governs a 300-acre site where the business park would rise. Some members of the nine-person port board believed the OEDC-led group hadnt provided the board enough financial and other details for its plan that targets a 160-acre site west of Omahas Eppley Airfield and north of Carter Lake.

Compromise meant to move forward

Thursdays green light on the nearly $7.4 million allotment was seen as a compromise of sorts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Board members said the money would pay for pre-development research  including an assessment of whether enough contiguous private property can be assembled voluntarily to prepare the site expected to lure new jobs and industry to one of the most neglected areas of the state.

The remainder of the nearly $90 million grant will be on hold until the Inland Port Authority reviews the research done over the next six months to a year.

Controversy over the development groups proposal has swirled for more than a year  in part because of uncertainty early on over whether some homeowners in the area might be forced out by eminent domain.

OEDC executive director Michael Maroney, whose development team for the park includes Burlington Capital and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, has said more recently that the power of eminent domain would not be used. About 140 property owners are in the target area site, including homeowners, businesses and those who own lots, Maroney said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im just glad to finally be able to start, Maroney said following Thursdays vote.

Said Burlingtons George Achola: Now well do the hard digging.

Some have zero faith

State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha chairs the Inland Port Authority board. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha, who chairs the nine-member port board, was the lone vote against disbursing the first multimillion installment. Vice Chair Davielle Phillips abstained; six other board members present supported the move.

McKinney said Thursday he wont beat a dead horse, but that he remained opposed to the developer and supportive of the business park.

I have zero faith theyre going to do the right thing, McKinney said of the OEDC-led partnership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McKinney has said the group previously received $400,000 to research and create a plan for a business park  the largest single project funded from roughly $400 million appropriated by the Legislature for North and South Omaha economic recovery initiatives following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding stream for the business park effort has since shifted from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to state funds, a move that allowed more flexibility in the timeline to prepare the site.

George Achola of Burlington Capital is part of a team seeking to prepare a shovel-ready site for industry and jobs near Eppley Airfield. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

Joe Higgins, a neighborhood leader, said that while he and others remain wary of how the project might gel, he saw Thursdays action as positive. He said the results could bring clarity for homeowners who have been on edge about what might come of their homes and neighborhood.

People are tired of the indecision, Higgins said, saying that many area residents have disengaged and stopped participating in community meetings as discussions have dragged out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Community member Cheryl Weston spoke in opposition to releasing funding, calling the development teams proposal out in the air.

A historical view

The business park idea has a history.

While a focal point of 2022 legislation, talk about such a project to spark revitalization in North Omaha goes back farther.

Around 2012, under the administration of Mayor Jim Suttle, the City of Omaha eyed a site as a potential home for companies that would get rare access to big industrial work space within a short drive from the citys downtown commercial district.

It's a complex project we're dealing with.

 George Achola, vice president of Burlington Capital

That potential site  west of Carter Lake and bounded by Locust Street on the south and 16th Street on the west  was eventually abandoned in light of environmental remediation costs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A year ago, Pillen and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert held a media event to announce the nearly $90 million grant award to the OEDC-led team.

The OEDC, in a 47-page master plan outlined the 160-acre site west of Eppley and north of Carter Lake as a preferred site. It also identified the site that was earlier abandoned by the city, though the development team said it was a second choice.

Shown here is a 160-acre site of a business and industrial park envisioned west of Eppley Airfield and north of Carter Lake. This tract is included within the larger boundaries of Omahas Inland Port Authority district. (Courtesy of Lamp Rynearson)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Legislature later passed legislation requiring a letter of support from the Omaha Inland Port Authority before the business park project could move forward within the Authoritys boundaries. The citys first-ever Inland Port Authority board, which was created under a new state law, was assembled last summer to guide development in that swath of northeast Omaha.

The board members, appointed by Omahas mayor, provide more local oversight and have various powers, including the ability to issue revenue bonds for construction.

Last August, the Inland Port Authority denied a letter of support to the OEDC-led group and has since discussed whether to release an installment for pre-development work.

Achola said Thursdays vote breaks a logjam. He said the nearly $7.4 million allows the development team to assess the viability of sites outlined in the 47-page master plan, which he described more as a conceptual plan. Achola called the interim step prudent.

Its a complex project were dealing with, he said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
SMYNRA, Tenn. (WKRN)  Authorities took one suspect into custody following a barricade situation related to a shots fired call in a Smyrna neighborhood Thursday morning.

A spokesperson with the Smyrna Police Department said officers and SWAT were sent to the area of Avery Park Drive at approximately 10 a.m. to respond to a shots fired call.

 Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

There have been no injuries reported, officials added. However, a suspect barricaded themselves inside a home along Avery Park Drive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At about 3:30 p.m., Smyrna police posted to Facebook that because of police activity on Old Nashville Highway, all southbound traffic has been diverted to Stewart Valley Drive and to Baker Road. Drivers can make a left to get back on Old Nashville Highway at Baker Road.

As of 4:30 p.m., Smyrna city officials told News 2 one person had been taken into custody related to this incident. Later, a Facebook post from Smyrna Police said the suspect exited his residence of his own accord.

No additional details were immediately released. News 2 has a crew on the scene to learn more.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
From the Jan. 8, 1887 edition of The Daily Morning Astorian:

Pilot Neill reports that while the schooner Norway was being towed out (to the Columbia River Bar) about 9 oclock last Thursday morning, and while the vessel and tug were abreast of the upper end of Sand Island, the captain of the schooner fell overboard.

The tug immediately slowed down, and the crew manned a boat to rescue him; the schooners boat also put off (to help). The captain was flung a hen coop, which buoyed him up till a boat got to him and took him aboard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The schooner was then towed back about two miles, when the captains wife, who had assumed charge, said everything was all right, and to take the vessel to sea, which was done.

Note: A fortunate outcome, indeed. Why someone had a hen coop aboard that saved the day, and the captain, was not explained.
One person was hurt after a vehicle crashed into a pedestrian before hitting a building in downtown Boston Friday afternoon, according to police.

Officers responded to the reported crash with a pedestrian struck in the area of Summer and Kingston Street just before 2:00 p.m.

After colliding with the pedestrian, the car continued on and hit a building at the intersection.

One person was hospitalized after the crash. Boston police were not able to say immediately if the person transported was the driver or the pedestrian involved in the crash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The crash is actively being investigated by Boston police.

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
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Little Rock authorities have released more information after an apartment fire on New Years Eve.

Little Rock Fire Department officials said one of the victims of a fire at Midtown Apartments on Markham Street has died.

No information about the victim has been released at this time.

Eleven people were taken to the hospital after the fire and three of those people are still critical, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Little Rock Fire Department responds to apartment complex fire near Park Plaza Mall

Officials said the fire started around 4 p.m. on Dec. 31. LRFD crews put the fire out within an hour and the lower floors of the complex were evacuated.

There is no word yet on a possible cause of the fire.

The Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter for those displaced by the fire at Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 left the nation at a pivotal juncture. Today, Afghanistan faces an acute humanitarian crisis and increasing influence from China, Russia and Iran. Amid these challenges lies an unparalleled opportunity for the incoming Trump administration to reassert itself as a partner for stability and progress.

For all the hardships endured by Afghans during two decades of American involvement, many still prefer engaging with the U.S. over adversarial powers. China, Russia, and Iran primarily approach Afghanistan to extract; the U.S., at its best, comes to empower.

Recalibrating U.S.-Afghan relations requires bold, pragmatic initiatives. Reopening the consulate in Kabul, for example, could serve as a pivotal step to rebuild trust and foster cooperation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While this would entail some security concerns and a level of diplomatic recognition for the Taliban  a prospect fraught with challengesthis is a moment for strategic realism. Limited recognition does not equate to endorsement, but could unlock avenues for collaboration.

Another bold initiative would be to focus on bilateral agreements for humanitarian assistance, rather than traditional multilateral frameworks. Multilateral organizations in Afghanistan have struggled to align with the de facto government, leading to frustration on both sides, program inefficiencies, and diminished donor confidence.

Concerns over aid inadvertently benefiting Taliban officials have further complicated the situation. Direct partnerships with Afghan organizations and coordinated engagement with local authorities could improve efficiency and foster transparency. This pragmatic shift would also align aid delivery more closely with local needs.

Finally, addressing immediate humanitarian challenges, such as acute hunger and systemic poverty, through bilateral agreements would stabilize vulnerable populations while creating an environment for incremental reforms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The stakes remain high. Afghanistans economic instability fuels migration and extremism, with groups like ISIS-K maintaining a concerning presence. Its strategic location and untapped resources further underscore Afghanistans strategic value as an important piece on the geopolitical chessboard.

To fully realize this potential, the U.S. could engage not only with Afghan officials but also with influential regional partners such as Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Education stands as a cornerstone of Afghanistans long-term stability. Reengagement efforts should prioritize reopening schools for girls, improving access to quality education and supporting educational initiatives that benefit all Afghans. Education is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic investment that can counter extremist ideologies and promote economic growth.

Reengagement, however, must be pragmatic and tied to clear, measurable outcomes. Initiatives such as expanding healthcare access and addressing systemic poverty could showcase U.S. goodwill while advancing core American values. Crucially, aid and collaboration could be tied to enforceable conditions, ensuring accountability from the de facto authorities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

What would make this different now? The 20 years of U.S. involvement were often marked by a top-heavy, externally driven approach that struggled to adapt to Afghan realities.

A recalibrated strategy focused on smaller, locally grounded initiatives  led by Afghan organizations and communities, with Western oversight  could yield better results. By leveraging lessons learned, this new engagement would emphasize efficiency, transparency, and measurable outcomes, avoiding the pitfalls of past overreach and bureaucracy.

The approach could also include a counterterrorism lite component, leveraging intelligence-sharing partnerships that require no U.S. troops. Funding for these efforts could be sourced by reallocating existing resources, avoiding additional taxpayer burdens. Such efforts would reflect Americas unfinished business in Afghanistan  addressing the abruptness of the withdrawal and its fallout without granting political legitimacy to the Taliban.

The Talibans leadership is not monolithic, offering opportunities for engagement. The Kandahari factions rigid governance contrasts with the Haqqani networks pragmatism and broader popular support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While engagement with the Haqqanis carries historical baggage, they have signaled a willingness to talk and it could yield incremental progress in areas like education and healthcare. Targeted collaboration could leverage these internal divisions to promote reforms while maintaining U.S. principles.

Additionally, reopening the U.S. consulate in Kabul would symbolize renewed diplomatic relations and provide a platform for engagement. Framed as a mutual opportunity rather than a concession, this initiative could lead to:

Consular Services : Offering Afghans a reliable, accessible hub for navigating visa and consular requirements.

Economic Collaboration : Easing select sanctions and unlocking Afghanistans financial markets in exchange for commitments to transparency and economic stability. Transforming Bagram Airfield into a commercial hub could spur economic development while countering Chinese investments.

Humanitarian and Social Progress : Negotiating bilateral programs to reopen schools for girls, expand access to healthcare, and address systemic poverty, demonstrating U.S. goodwill.

Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and Clearance : Prioritizing efforts to reduce the deadly legacy of unexploded ordnance. This issue has caused friction between the de facto government and multilateral organizations but remains critical to protecting Afghan lives and fostering trust.

Security Cooperation: Facilitating counterterrorism efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, contingent on commitments to rein in extremist factions like ISIS-K.

This blueprint avoids past mistakes by focusing on initiatives with tangible, measurable impacts. It balances engagement with accountability, ensuring that U.S. efforts align with strategic interests and moral responsibilities.

Afghanistan represents more than a humanitarian challenge; it is an opportunity for America to redefine its leadership.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

By focusing on initiatives that directly benefit Afghan communities, the U.S. can counter adversarial influence while advancing its global position. When donor fatigue and skepticism about multilateral frameworks are at an all-time high, a recalibrated approach would show that U.S. engagement offers a brighter future for Afghans.

Through timely action, the incoming administration can prevent Afghanistan from becoming a breeding ground for extremism and a geopolitical stronghold for adversaries like China and Russia.

Within the first 100 days, reopening the U.S. consulate in Kabul and initiating direct bilateral aid agreements could stabilize the region, protect American interests and project renewed American global leadership.

Arman Nuri is a pseudonym for an official who has worked with a humanitarian organization in Afghanistan for more than 30 years. He is writing under a pseudonym to avoid potential retribution from the Afghan government. Ron MacCammon is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces colonel and former political officer for the Department of State. He provided on-site management and oversight for the State Departments largest and oldest humanitarian demining program and has worked on conventional weapons destruction programs in Afghanistan and Africa.

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.
South Korean President vs martial law declaration on Dec. 3 shocked the world. How could a vibrant, advanced democracy like South Korea revert so suddenly?

To stop the decree, 190 of the 300 members of parliament battled their way past gun-bearing soldiers to enter the National Assembly and vote to repeal martial law as thousands of citizens joined in protest. Yoon reversed his decree within six hours, but he defiantly resisted calls for his resignation and impeachment. Although Yoon survived the first impeachment attempt, pressure mounted for his removal. On Dec. 14, the National Assembly voted 204 to 85 to impeach the president.

The free world hailed the outcome as a win for democracy. Some cited South Korea as a teachable moment for America, with one commentator dubbing the episode as the reverse Jan. 6.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The same optimism abounded almost exactly eight years ago, when over 1 million candlelight protesters called to oust South Korean President Park Geun-hye on corruption charges. In what appeared to be a textbook case of democratic institutions at work, a successful impeachment and peaceful power transition ensued.

South Koreas democracy has many merits. Its remarkable transition from a military dictatorship to a consolidated democracy in 30 years is one of the greatest democratic success stories in the post-World War II era. Democracy appears strong, as attested by high voter turnout, free and fair elections and a vibrant protest culture. South Koreas 2024 Freedom Index score is 83 out of a 100, the same as the United States.

What belies this success, however, is the fact that South Koreans are living through near back-to-back presidential impeachment processes in under a decade. This is not an emblem of a strong democracy but the symptom of a deeply troubled one. As our research shows, the root of the crisis lies deeper than the political failings of Yoon or his party.

As in the U.S., a particular form of partisan polarization has intensified in South Korea  one that centers competing nationalisms. Party factions in South Korea are still divided along the lines of the Cold War eras nationalist conflict, with the left espousing an ethnonationalist One Korea reunified with North Korea and the right championing a Global Korea aligned with the U.S.-led liberal order.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Any us vs. them dynamic can be dangerous for democracy. But when that divide centers on mutually exclusive visions of a nation, the effects are uniquely detrimental.

Nations are inherently state-seeking: they are political communities that pursue self-rule through exclusive and total ownership of the state. When political parties are consumed by nationalist pursuits, the rules of the democratic game are distorted. The end goal is not representation, but state capture; the opposition is not a valid competitor, but an existential threat to be eliminated. Nationalist polarization encourages party elites to violate the norms of forbearance and mutual tolerance, which function as the informal guardrails of democracy.

Such violations have long been rampant in South Korean politics. Yoon claimed that the opposition-controlled National Assembly motioned to impeach 22 of his appointments, including the minister of the Interior and chairperson of the Communications Commission. The opposition also moved to investigate Yoons wife, Kim Keon Hee, on corruption charges three times, which Yoon vetoed each time. Conversely, the ruling conservative party has put the opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung through the ringer, indicting him for various corruption charges and finally convicting him of election law violations to sentence him to prison. Such vicious retribution cycles have followed every presidential turnover.

Political leaders and their families are not above the law, and, if found guilty, should be held accountable. But nationalist polarization has turned South Korean politics into a blood sport as political elites seek not to compete with, but destroy, the other side in the name of our nation. President Joe Bidens controversial pardon of his son Hunter and possibly more in his inner circle  a preemptive measure against feared retribution from the incoming Trump administration  presents an America parallel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yoons action is a setback to South Korean democracy. It is also a harbinger for what can happen when nationalist polarization goes unchecked. The lesson for Americans who wish to safeguard democracy is not to praise South Koreans swift resistance, but to work to prevent the conditions that demanded it. Finding the core national values that still unite us despite growing disparities is key for democracys survival.

Andrew Yeo is the SK-Korea Foundation Chair at the Brooking Institutions Center for Asia Policy Studies and professor of politics at the Catholic University of America. Aram Hur is the Kim Koo Chair in Korean Studies and assistant professor of political science at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. They are co-authors of the article Democratic Ceilings: The Long Shadow of Nationalist Polarization in East Asia.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Officials say that the Ford 150 Lightning pickup truck used in the New Years Day terrorist attack in New Orleans and the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas were separately rented by the men responsible for those crimes through the vehicle-sharing app Turo. The man who drove that truck into the New Orleans French Quarter killed 14 people before officials say police shot him dead. The person inside the Cybertruck was discovered dead inside the vehicle with a self-inflicted gun wound.

When police usually run the license plates of vehicles used in illegal activities, the information connects them to the owners. The owners who rented out those vehicles via the app must have been gobsmacked to start the new year by learning they were tangled up in federal investigations into the deadly attacks.

Officials have not found any link between the attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Aside from the coincidence that both the New Orleans attacker and the man who drove the Cybertruck served in the Army, the only known similarity is that the men rented the vehicles in question through Turo.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For many people, the crimes in New Orleans and Las Vegas may be the first theyve heard of the peer-to-peer method of renting vehicles. But law enforcement officials have been paying attention.

These vehicle-sharing applications have, for the past few years, been garnering the wrong kind of attention from the wrong kinds of renters. Some vehicles offered on these apps, such as Getaround, and now defunct Karshare, have been stolen, used in homicides, drug dealing or human trafficking.





The pickup truck drove into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing and injuring a number of people, early New Year's Day.

Reports suggest peer-to-peer rentals are more likely to attract criminals and be used by criminals than those from vehicle rental companies and that, if they are used in a crime, can take investigators more time to distinguish those who own the vehicles from those who committed the crimes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For example, according to a May 2024 report in the Houston Chronicle, federal prosecutors there said a man in that area paid people to rent cars through Turo that he then sold in Mexico. Turo cooperated with that investigation. Turo has a message to those with criminal intent: We will stop at nothing to see you brought to justice, the company said in a statement.

According to a statement the company released Wednesday, It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that this mornings horrific attack in New Orleans and this afternoons Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas both involved vehicles rented on Turo." The company added: Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

Turo is one of several companies that seek to provide consumers with an alternative to the brick-and-mortar rental vehicle behemoths we most often see at airports. Its too bad that companies trying to make renting a vehicle cheaper for the renter, and safe and lucrative for the owner, have to contend with people using their service to commit crimes. The companies put systems in place that are meant to prevent that. A vehicle owner looking to make some extra income applies for approval to post it on the app; the company screens the owner, learns about the vehicle and, if all goes well, permits the owner to post it. Would-be renters are similarly screened and subjected to a criminal background check.

In these cases, Turo said in its Wednesday statement that the two renters had valid drivers licenses, clean background checks and both had been honorably discharged from the military.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

So, why would this attract criminals?

First, the owner and renter mutually decide either to schedule an in-person exchange of the keys or to have the owner leave the vehicle at a prearranged location. Vehicles posted for rent are often left at locations with keys inside, for easy, contactless pickup by a renter. Someone browsing one of the apps could determine its location, break into it and steal it without ever renting it. Similarly, people could, and have, rented it for the express purpose of stealing it  perhaps because its a highly sought after vehicle.

The Turo app on a phone.

When a law enforcement agency, such as Border Patrol, focuses on a vehicle because of suspected crimes, such as human or drug smuggling, they run its license plate, which comes back to the owner. The driver may or may not have any identification on them. In contrast to how easy it would be to trace a car rented from a traditional company, when its a peer-to-peer app, the police cant always quickly determine that the car was rented or, if it was rented, who rented it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With a traditional rental company, the police can typically make one phone call to the company to get the information they need.

A Tucson, Arizona, news station sought comment from Turo in 2023 after a man whod offered his vehicles on the app said Border Patrol had impounded an SUV he owned after determining it had been used in human smuggling. The company responded, We are aware of incidents where guests violated our policy by giving their vehicles to unauthorized individuals. We acted promptly by restricting their access to our platform and collaborating with the host and law enforcement to recover the vehicle while covering the hosts associated expenses.

More than a few owners have been told their car has been impounded in connection with a crime they had nothing to do with. The whole process is a giant speed bump for police who may be rushing to get to the bottom of a crime. Time is especially of the essence during investigations of apparent terrorism.

Peer-to-peer car-sharing apps can be a convenient low-cost method to rent a vehicle and even try out an exotic, expensive one. But easy to rent can mean easy to steal, and easier to elude investigators who have to burn precious hours trying to learn where a vehicle came from and who is the person theyre really pursuing.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Democrats have introduced 20 versions of a DREAM Act that would make lawful status available to undocumented immigrants who were brought here by their parents when they were young children. None of their DREAM Acts got the Republican support needed to make it through the legislative process.

Was the problem that Republicans didnt want to help DREAMers? I dont think so.

Democrats could have passed a DREAM Act without a single Republican vote during Barack Obamas first term in office, and they didnt do it. From January 2009 to January 2011, they held a large majority in the House, and until Scott Browns special election in 2010, they had enough votes in the Senate to stop a GOP filibuster. Even then, they only needed one Republican vote to stop a filibuster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They have a new opportunity now. Donald Trump wants to help the DREAMers, and he will be sworn in as our president later this month.

Trump offered a legalization program for 1.8 million DREAMers during his first presidency. And in a recent Meet the Press interview, he said he is open to working with Democrats on legislation that would permit DREAMers to remain in the United States.

FALSE HOPE ACTS

The DREAM Acts the Democrats have been introducing have had little, if any, chance of being passed. They go too far and dont include meaningful border security measures. Republicans historically have opposed legalization bills that dont include effective border security provisions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The DREAM Act of 2021 is a good example. It would provide legalization for undocumented immigrants who have been physically present in the United States since Jan. 1, 2021; were under the age of 19 when they entered the United States; and have continuously resided in the United States since their entry. This would make lawful status available to approximately 2.7 million undocumented immigrants, not counting the family members they would sponsor.

However, it would have been more appealing if it had limited legalization to DREAMers who were brought here when they were young children. Moreover, it shouldnt have provided legalization for immigrants in other programs that were just intended to provide temporary status; it would make lawful status available to 393,000 Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure participants, and 190,000 Legal Dreamers (migrants brought here legally as children who are aging out of their lawful status).

Furthermore, it doesnt offer meaningful border security measures.

If I were writing a DREAM Act, I would start with the four-pillar framework that Trump proposed when he offered a legalization program for DREAMers during his first presidency. These are:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Border security. Provide funds for a border wall and other border security improvements.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Provide legal status for DREAMers who were DACA participants or were eligible for DACA status but did not apply for it.

Diversity lottery. Eliminate the Diversity Visa Program and reallocate the 55,000 visas apportioned to the program.

Eliminate chain migration. Limit family-based visas to spouses and children.



[NOTE: It would better just to prohibit conferring an immigration benefit on the parents who brought the DACA participants here illegally, which can be done by creating a place for DACA participants in the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program instead of creating a new legalization program for them. The SIJ provisions prohibit participants from conferring immigration benefits on their parents.]

PROVISIONS TO ATTRACT REPUBLICAN SUPPORT

Flores Settlement Agreement (FSA). Terminate the FSA, which sets forth a nationwide policy for the detention, release, and treatment of minors in immigration custody. Let the Department of Homeland Security Secretary establish the immigration detention policies, but require quarterly reports on detention practices to appropriate congressional subcommittees.

The legislative branch should be overseeing the executive branchs detention policies, not the federal courts. Congress does not have to wait until someone who meets the technical requirements for a lawsuit files a complaint. It has inherent power to oversee the executive branch, and it can provide funds for more humane detention practices  or change the detention laws if the current ones are inadequate.

Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). Amend the TVPRA to limit its provisions for unaccompanied children to children who are trafficking victims, and mandate returning those who arent trafficking victims to their own countries or to a Central American Minors processing center if they have persecution claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The TVPRA provides that an unaccompanied child in government custody should be transferred to the Department of Health and Human Servicess Office of Refugee Resettlement within 72 hours. The Refuge Settlement Office provides a number of services, including an opportunity to apply for asylum. This has encouraged foreign parents to send their children here in the care of smugglers. Border Patrol has apprehended more than 130,000 unaccompanied children a year since fiscal 2021. This has to be stopped.

Former DHS President Obamas DHS Secretary, Jeh C. Johnson, warned parents not to do this in an open letter: Children in Central America  must be  discouraged from the unlawful, dangerous path through Mexico, in the hands of a criminal smuggling organization. Last summer I personally saw hundreds of children who made that journey. It brought tears to my eyes. No child should ever face that ordeal; it is not for children.

Obama established the program that permits unaccompanied children to have persecution claims processed close to where they live instead making the dangerous journey to the United States, and President Biden expanded it.

Credible fear determination. Migrants in expedited removal proceedings who succeed in establishing a credible fear of persecution are given an asylum hearing before an immigration judge. The current credible fear standard just requires the migrant to establish a substantial and realistic possibility of success on the merits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This isnt working. Over the last 10 years, only 61 percent of the asylum seekers who establish a credible fear file an asylum application, and only 22 percent of the filed applications are granted. A higher standard is needed.

I think that Democrats can succeed in passing a DREAM Act if they are willing to make the kinds of concessions I am suggesting. But thats a big if.

Nolan Rappaport was detailed to the House Judiciary Committee as an Executive Branch Immigration Law Expert for three years. He subsequently served as an immigration counsel for the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims for four years. Prior to working on the Judiciary Committee, he wrote decisions for the Board of Immigration Appeals for 20 years.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Amid all the speculation and introspection over what factors were decisive in the 2024 election, one thing is clear: More and more Americans sense that our democracy isnt working or delivering for them. Trust in government is near historic lows, and nearly half of Americans say that democracy doesnt do a good job representing them.

Our democratic system requires the faith of the people. So this loss of confidence in our system is dire. Americans across party and ideology see a Congress that seems unrepresentative of their communities and values and has become increasingly partisan, dysfunctional and unproductive. Its easy for those of us in Congress to deflect blame or throw up their hands. But we have a responsibility to listen to the calls for change, take them seriously and offer reforms that can restore faith in our democracy.

Thats why we have proposed several pieces of legislation to begin breaking down the barriers to good governance. These obstacles prioritize partisanship, stoke division and make it harder for members to work together on behalf of their constituents. Our proposals are rooted in the recognition that Americans share meaningful bonds of place, history and culture with our neighbors. We face the same daily challenges. But we are bombarded with partisan agendas that are engineered to drive us apart and drown out local concerns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Effective representative governance requires members of Congress to bring those concerns to the forefront  because theyre the only ones who can. Look at the two of us: one uniquely attuned to the impacts of flooding in the Chehalis River Basin and sea lions on the Columbia Rivers fish populations, the other to the importance of sled dog racing and post office closures in rural Maine.

But there are structural obstacles to that kind of old-fashioned place-based representation. For example: Increasingly extreme gerrymandering has made districts deeper red and blue. In the 2022 midterms, less than 10% of House races were competitive. Most incumbents fear a party primary more than the general election. This disincentivizes compromise and makes it easy for election winners to believe they have a lifetime tenure if they want it  a recipe for unaccountability.

If our politics is too disrespectful, unrepresentative and ideologically rigid to function, then the antidote must be a politics that is respectful, reflective and effective.

So how do we get there?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

First, we must prioritize the voice of regular Americans in the policymaking process. Too many faraway experts make decisions that affect our livelihoods without adequate consideration for local realities. Congress needs to hear from fewer professional witnesses and from more folks who have to schedule a committee appearance around finding child care. Our BRIDGE to Congress Resolution would allow witnesses to appear remotely without requiring the committee chairs approval. By expanding remote testimony, Congress can hear from more voices who dont have the ability or resources to leave their families and their jobs to fly to D.C. for a day.

Speaking of broadening the range of perspectives, we should remove rules that penalize voters who identify as independent, a group that outnumbers both self-identified Republicans and Democrats. We can open primaries to independent voters, stopping the table from being set before independents have an opportunity to participate. Our states both successfully opened our primaries to unenrolled voters, and our bipartisan Let America Vote Act would do the same across the country.

Realistically, theres not one easy trick to fix our electoral process. Our challenges will require thinking outside the box. So we introduced a resolution to establish a Select Committee on Electoral Reform to bring together an evenly split bipartisan group of lawmakers to study our electoral methods, conduct public hearings and submit recommendations to reduce polarization and strengthen our representative democracys effectiveness.

The committee will examine a series of reforms to improve our electoral system, such as independent redistricting commissions to push back against gerrymandering, instant-runoff voting (also known as ranked choice voting) to ensure an election winner represents a majority of voters, and multimember districts to increase proportional representation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Finally, the committee would look at expanding the size of the House for the first time since the Great Depression. In the first Congress, the average House member represented roughly 57,000 people; today, that number stands at 768,000. Increasing the number of House seats would bring representatives closer to their communities and return local concerns to more prominence in Congress.

Our nations founders understood our democracy is a work in progress. By hearing from voices reflective of America and weighing the benefits of different approaches, we can forge consensus on a path forward. The outcome of this election provides an opportunity to embrace our American tradition of reform and build a bipartisan coalition that can get it done.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The situation in Syria has reached a critical juncture, with United States resolve and leadership tested once again. Following the overthrow of the Assad regime by Turkish-backed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Turkeys plans to destroy the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are now underway.

In December, Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) forces took control of the Manbij area and, together with Turkey, have amassed forces to attack Kobani  a city symbolic of resistance against ISIS. It was in Kobani that the United States and Kurdish forces forged an alliance that ultimately reversed ISISs expansion.

Turkey, which controls the Syrian National Army and has been the main backer of HTS  the two main power holders in Syria after the Assad regimes fall  seems unwilling to allow Syrians to address the numerous issues they face. Instead, Turkey is moving rapidly to build on its allies victory over Assad to achieve its strategic goal, as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has stated is the elimination of the SDF and control of northeastern Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Militarily, the SDF, though one of the most effective fighting forces in the region, is under immense pressure. It faces multiple fronts opened by Turkey and its allies, coupled with relentless Turkish airstrikes. The battle is no longer an even contest.

The so-called rebels have seized much of the Syrian army and enjoy full support and coordination with NATOs second-largest military  Turkey  which provides them with both ground forces and air support. On the other hand, the United States has limited its involvement to counterterrorism operations, and no other country or power is directly supporting the SDF.

There is no doubt that the SDF will resist with all its might. However, while SDF fighters have displayed extraordinary courage and effectiveness on the battlefield, they are now up against a coalition with air power, heavy artillery, and advanced military resources.

The battle for northeastern Syria will not be as easy for Turkey and its Syrian militant allies as it was against Assads exhausted and under-resourced army. However, without air support or air defense systems, it would take nothing short of a miracle for the SDF to achieve victory in an open war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The consequences of Turkeys and its Islamist allies potential takeover of northeastern Syria are profound, with significant implications for U.S. national security interests.

Thousands of ISIS members currently detained in northeastern Syria could be released, providing the conditions for the resurgence of ISIS 2.0. Such a development would enable ISIS to regain control of territory and pose a renewed threat to the United States and its allies in the region. The recent attack in New Orleans shows the continued risk.

This takeover would also deal a severe blow to the United States image as a reliable partner. The SDF has proven to be one of the most trusted and effective allies the U.S. has had in decades. An American retreat, similar to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, would signal to the world that the United States cannot be relied upon to see its commitments through to the end.

Geopolitically, if the U.S. loses its partnership with the SDF, it will have little leverage over HTS, which evolved from Jabhat al-Nusra and is a designated terrorist organization, or over SNA. Without the two thousand boots on the ground, the United States will lose its ability to influence Syrias future, aside from additional sanctions, which could mean another crisis and another lost opportunity for both the United States and the people of Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.S. has outlined several key demands regarding the future of Syria  including the protection of minorities and ensuring Syria does not become a haven for terrorism or instability. Without a physical presence in the region, Washingtons capacity to enforce these demands will be significantly diminished.

Religious minorities in the region will be among the top targets of the radical groups now empowered by the Turkish-backed forces and more so if ISIS is to resurge and control territory once again.

The precedent is clear. Following the takeover of Afrin in 2018 by the SNA and Turkey, Yazidis, Christians and Kurds faced direct persecution, displacement, and, in some cases, severe human rights violations, such as forced conversion, and other crimes akin to the atrocities committed by ISIS.

If Turkey and its allies seize control of northeastern Syria, Yazidis, Christians, Kurds and other minority groups will face severe threats to their safety, potentially including mass displacement, persecution, or even enslavement, as witnessed during ISISs reign of terror. Minorities under the SDF are not only protected but involved in self-governance and treated as equal members of society, the opposite of conditions under Turkey and the SNA. 

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We call on the United States to undertake a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to defend the SDF and the people of northeastern Syria. This effort should include supporting legislation introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to impose comprehensive sanctions on Turkey if it proceeds with its current plans.

Furthermore, the U.S. should provide direct military aid to the SDF, including air defense systems, to give them a fighting chance in this asymmetrical war. Americas credibility, the fate of its most trusted allies, and the stability of an entire region are at stake.

Murad Ismael is the president of the Sinjar Academy and co-founder and former executive director of Yazda. Nadine Maenza is the president of IRF Secretariat, a global fellow at The Wilson Center, and former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Will President-elect Donald Trumps vow to launch the largest deportation program in American history truly keep millions of immigrants out of the country? My research on deportees over the last five years suggests it wont.

Heres why: Theyll come back.

One of the migrants I interviewed was deported to a perilous town in northern Mexico, where he found himself in immediate danger on arriving at a bus terminal. Members of a criminal group demanded that he provide a contrasena  a password he didnt have  or face kidnapping. He ultimately borrowed $1,500 from a friend to pay them off, remain free and make his way back to the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His experience is an example of the risks deportees face in their countries of origin. Those dangers  and the relative safety of the only homes they have  often motivate them to undertake harrowing journeys back to the United States.

Read more: Opinion: It's time to tell the truth about how immigration affects the U.S. economy

Although data on deportees is somewhat limited, the evidence we have shows that people re-immigrate after deportation more frequently than many might expect. In fiscal 2020, for example, the federal government classified 40% of deportations as reinstatements of removal, meaning the deportees had reentered the United States after being removed or ordered to leave. A 2019 report by the American Immigration Council, a pro-immigration advocacy group, similarly noted that such reinstatements of removal generally make up 40% of deportations annually. From 2011 to 2020, approximately 1.3 million deportations affected people who had been deported before.

Thats because deportation policies are at best blunt instruments that take little account of the human lives they ensnare. Those who view mass deportation as a solution to unauthorized immigration ignore the deep roots, sense of belonging, family ties and resolve that drive people back to the country they call home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Undeterred by deportation, people Ive interviewed have found ways to return to the United States with or without permission. Their stories reveal the rarely discussed truth that deportation is not necessarily the end of migration; it is often a temporary, futile interruption.

Read more: Abcarian: This is why Donald Trump just doubled down on mass deportation of millions of immigrants

I spoke to another man who was born in Mexico but raised in the United States, served in the military and struggled with post-traumatic stress. Because of a minor cannabis possession charge, he was deported to a country he barely remembered. In 2021, more than a decade after his exile, he returned to the only land he considers his own, the United States.

You can travel the world, he told me, but eventually, your heart and spirit will call you home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another Mexican-born, U.S.-raised military veteran I interviewed was also deported over a marijuana charge. Feeling erased from existence, he risked his life to return less than a month later.

I dont need a paper to tell me Im an American, he told me.

These stories expose a fundamental flaw of mass deportation. In contrast to the cyclical migration patterns of earlier decades  when migrants, mostly men, moved back and forth between the United States and Mexico with relative ease in response to the labor market  todays cycle is driven by government coercion and unbreakable bonds. Forced departures lead to inevitable returns as deportees are pulled back by connections that no amount of enforcement can sever.

The coyotes who smuggle them have become part of what the anthropologist Jason De Leon calls a border-security-industrial complex. If their illicit businesses were publicly traded, their stocks would be soaring on renewed demand. Meanwhile, border enforcement policies push migrants into treacherous terrain where they face dehydration, hypothermia and death in the desert.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For deportees, returning is an act not just of determination, but of survival. Some are lucky enough to make it back, but as the Spanish saying goes, Tanto va el cantaro al agua hasta que se quiebra: The pitcher goes to the well until it finally breaks. Deportation policies push people to take increasingly greater risks to return to the only homes theyve ever known. The next attempt could always be their last.

Deportation may well become the defining issue of our era if we continue down this punitive path. When mass deportations fail, what will follow? Will we see modern-day versions of Franklin D. Roosevelts executive order authorizing forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans, complete with relocation centers?

Under a very different executive order signed by President Biden in 2021, the Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs departments prioritized the return of deported U.S. military members and their families. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, similarly sought to recognize longtime residents ties to the country and restore their place in the American communities they call home.

Such policies live up to American ideals of justice and inclusion by embracing those who, in every meaningful way, already belong. Mass deportation would betray those values, put even more lives at risk and very often fail on its own terms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Saul Ramirez is a fellow at Harvard Law School and a doctoral candidate in sociology at Harvard.

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.
The Summary

An orca that carried her dead calf with her for days in 2018 appears to be repeating the behavior with a newly deceased baby whale.

Scientists think the killer whale is likely to be expressing grief.

The orca is part of a critically endangered subpopulation known as southern resident killer whales.

Nearly six years ago, an orca mother drew international attention when she carried her dead calf for 17 consecutive days. Now, sadly, the whale seems to be repeating what researchers say is a show of grief with another newborn that has died.

The mother whale, known as J35 and also as Tahlequah, was first spotted with a new calf on Dec. 20. But on Wednesday, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration photographed her off West Seattle with the baby whales carcass on her head.

We were able to confirm J31 had lost the calf and she was pushing it around on her head, Brad Hanson, a research scientist with the NOAA Fisheries Northwest Fisheries Science Center, said at a news conference Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He added that when the calf appears to sink, it looks like shell do a high arch dive to go down and recover the calf, and whether or not shes pushing it at that point or grabbing it, were not real sure.

Scientists said they think Tahlequah is most likely carrying the deceased calf as an expression of grief. Joe Gaydos, the science director of the SeaDoc Society, a marine research organization, said at the news conference that whales have hardwiring similar to that of humans and other large, social mammals that live for a long time.

We have the same neurotransmitters that they have. We have the same hormones that they have. Why shouldnt we also have the same emotions that they have? We dont have the market cornered on emotions. And so I think its fair to say that she is grieving or mourning, Gaydos said, adding that similar behavior has been observed in dolphins and nonhuman primates.

Tahlequah, also known as J35, with her dead calf.

J35 is part of a critically endangered subpopulation of whales known as southern resident killer whales. With the death of Tahlequahs calf and the recent birth of a different orca, the groups number is at just 73.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Over the years, Tahlequah has had two calves that survived, both males, one of them born in 2020.

The southern residents are given tracking numbers by the Center for Whale Research and are closely observed by researchers, photographers and whale watchers  particularly when theyre near communities along Puget Sound, like Seattle.

Scientists have been following the deceased calfs story for several weeks. Hanson said that after citizen scientists first noticed the female calf, called J61, NOAA researchers spotted her themselves on Dec. 23. They were concerned about the calfs health at that time, he said, because it appeared to be struggling and surfacing abnormally.

Its not uncommon for killer whale calves to die shortly after birth. Michael Weiss, the research director at the Center for Whale Research, said the first year of life is the biggest hurdle for survival.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

About 70% to 80% of calves that researchers are able to document and give identifying numbers survive their first years.

We dont know exactly what the survival rate is, because so many calves are probably being born and dying before theyre ever photographed and documented, Weiss said. Its likely closer to, you know, 50% of calves are born that make it through that first year.

NOAA researchers said they are now concerned about Tahlequahs own health, because pushing the calf creates a lot of drag in the water and requires a lot of energy.

One of the things that shes probably not having time to do is forage, Hanson said. It is a concern that shes expending a lot of energy to try to take care of this calf that she has lost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is the typical calving season for southern resident whales. Hanson said the researchers were encouraged by the birth of the other orca, called J62, which was first spotted by observers on Dec. 30 and confirmed by the Center for Whale Research on New Years Day.

It would appear to be very robust, Hanson said.

Southern resident killer whales have been a target of conservation efforts for decades. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and were listed as critically endangered in 2005.

The whales typically spend several months each year along Washingtons coastline in Puget Sound. They live in three pods  called J, K and L  and have evolved to eat mostly fish, including prized Chinook salmon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Beginning in the 1960s, many southern resident killer whales were killed or captured, with some survivors put on display at marine parks. By 1974, surveys found just 71 left in the wild. The population fluctuated after that  it reached a high of 95 in 1995 but has since been declining.

The whales are struggling primarily because the quality and quantity of their prey have diminished and because of pollution from industrial chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which contaminate their prey and accumulate in their bodies. In addition, noisy vessels can disrupt the whales and hamper communication.

Research suggests the southern residents are on a path toward extinction unless more aggressive action is taken. Already, Washington state and federal agencies have invested more than $1 billion in programs to reduce the threats to the whales. But the bottom line remains: The southern residents simply dont have enough food.

Key streams that once produced ample salmon  including the lower Snake River  are dammed, which restricts access to and survival of the fish.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are not doing enough on Chinook recovery and salmon recovery, Gaydos said.

For the struggling southern residents, the loss of a female calf is a devastating blow not only to her mother but also to the trajectory of the entire subspecies.

The real limitation is the number of reproductive-age females and how capable they are of actually successfully rearing the calf. So we definitely want to see more females in the population, Weiss said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Attorney General Dan Rayfield was sworn in New Year's Eve. (Campaign photo)

Oregons new attorney general took office a few days early on New Years Eve, repeating his oath of office before the same federal judge who presided over his criminal mischief and reckless endangerment case nearly three decades earlier.

Democrat Dan Rayfield, elected in November with 53.5% of the vote, replaced retiring fellow Democrat Ellen Rosenblum, who chose to step down earlier than planned. Newly elected Secretary of State Tobias Read and Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, both Democrats, are set to take office Jan. 6.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rayfield, a 45-year-old civil attorney from Corvallis, has spent the past 10 years in the state House, including a stint as speaker in 2022 and 2023. He also spent four years as co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee.

But before he found his way to public service and practicing law in a courtroom, Rayfield spent time as a teen on the wrong side of the law. He was cited at 18 for reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and driving under the influence of intoxicants in two separate incidents. All charges were ultimately dismissed.

Senior U.S. District Judge Marco Hernandez, who administered his oath of office on Tuesday, was the Washington County District Court Judge who presided over the 1997 case for criminal mischief and reckless endangerment, which Rayfield previously acknowledged stemmed from shooting BB guns at cars.

I am a firm believer that your worst moments in life dont have to define who you can become, Rayfield said in a statement. 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.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After his first encounter with Hernandez, Rayfield went on to graduate from Western Oregon University and earned his law degree from Willamette University. He primarily worked on consumer protection cases after joining the Oregon Bar in 2006.

Oregons attorney general advocates for residents on consumer protection and against scam artists and leads the Oregon Department of Justice, with nearly 1,500 workers and an annual budget of about $444 million. The attorney general is also responsible for defending state agencies against lawsuits and choosing whether to sue companies or the federal government to protect Oregon laws  the latter is expected to garner more attention as President-elect Donald Trump returns to White House later this month with a suite of initiatives on immigration, the environment and reproductive health that conflict with Oregon laws.

Rayfield last month named a dozen prominent Oregon advocates, health care professionals, labor leaders and environmentalists to his federal oversight cabinet, a panel that will advise his office on how to respond to potential threats from the Trump administration. He also appointed a top Justice Department attorney to a special counsel position leading the departments federal litigation efforts.

And Gov. Tina Koteks proposed budget for the next two years includes an extra $2 million for Justice Department attorneys to defend state laws against federal regulations, as well as an extra $2 million for Oregons Bias Response Hotline, run through the Justice Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The significance of this responsibility could not come at a more meaningful time in our states and our nations history, Rayfield said. There is no other job Id rather have the opportunity to take on. As Oregons Attorney General I 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.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An Oregon law pushing restaurants to use eco-friendly takeout containers is now in effect.

Approved by the Oregon Senate and House in 2023, Senate Bill 543 was officially enacted on Jan. 1. The legislation bans food vendors from giving customers prepared dishes in polystyrene foam containers, commonly referred to as Styrofoam.

Salvation Army to operate 200 lifesaving winter shelter beds in Portland

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Food vendors who violate this law could face a penalty of up to $100 penalty for each day of the violation. Other people who sell the foam containers, or use them to distribute food, would also face a penalty of up to $500 for each day of violation.

Although Oregons Styrofoam container ban has just gone into effect, residents in nine cities throughout the state are no strangers to the ban. Portland City Council enacted an ordinance against the containers in 1990. Eugene leaders approved a similar ordinance nearly three decades later in 2019.

According to the City of Portland, the measure aims to prevent litter and protect wildlife.

Wanted Portland graffiti vandal allegedly behind GIMER tag arrested

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Products made of polystyrene foam are difficult to recycle and often end up as litter in our open spaces, rivers and oceans, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability said. The foam breaks down into small pieces that harm wildlife and aquatic animals when they eat it, thinking its food.

Washington banned polystyrene foam containers for similar reasons in June 2024. Washington, D.C., Colorado, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont have prohibited the containers as well.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 recent Georgia court ruling appears to be helpful news for an Orland Park pastor indicted in 2023 with now President-elect Donald Trump for allegedly tampering in the 2020 presidential election results in that state.

The Georgia Appeals Court in December disqualified the prosecuting attorney in the case, which charges Trump and several others with trying to overturn the results in Georgia.

The Rev. Stephen Cliffgard Lee, pastor at Living Word Lutheran Church in Orland Park, was indicted in August 2023 on felony charges that include racketeering, influencing a witness and conspiracy to solicit false statements and writings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Fani Willis, the Fulton County, Georgia, district attorney who had brought the charges, on Dec. 19. The appeals court did not dismiss the indictments, however, which was something Trump and some co-defendants had sought.

In a post to the Illinois Family Institute, Lee said he had been contacted by his Atlanta attorney, David Oles, about the ruling.

My attorney in effect says that, although not dismissing the case, this appellate decision means no other Georgia prosecutor will want to touch this can of worms with a ten-foot pole, which amounts to an eventual case collapse, Lee wrote.

The Illinois Family Institute pointed out the ruling did not dismiss the indictment, and that the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia will be tasked with the decision to pursue the case and find another prosecutor to replace Willis.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, theres also the possibility that the Council will not act at all. With Willis disqualified, the case could be reassigned to another prosecutor, but this process is likely to cause further delays, the family institute said. Given Trumps upcoming inauguration in January 2025, the cases continuation during his presidency is uncertain.

Messages left for attorneys representing Lee in Georgia and the Chicago were not returned.

Trump, due to be sworn in Jan. 20 as president, and co-defendants sought to disqualify Willis from the case, which a Fulton County judge declined to do, resulting in an appeal.

The appeals court, in overturning the lower court ruling, said Willis was being disqualified due to a significant appearance of impropriety, but did not take the addition step of dismissing the indictment entirely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump and other defendants said that a relationship between Willis and the lead prosecutor Willis named in the case made her unfit to try the case.

Some defendants have subsequently entered guilty pleas, and attorneys for Lee had been trying to get the pastors charges tried separately from the rest of the remaining defendants.

At a November 2023 fundraiser for Lee at a Channahon church, Lee was adamant he would not follow the lead of some fellow defendants and attempt to secure a plea deal that could bring a less-severe penalty. He said he is facing a minimum of five years in a Georgia state prison if convicted.

I am not going to plead out to a lie, he told a crowd of about 70 supporters. Im not going to cooperate with evil. This is bigger than me.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

David Shestokas, a former Cook County assistant states attorney, is working on the case with Georgia-based lawyer David Oles.

At the fundraiser, Shestokas said many of the alleged criminal acts Lee is accused of are actions protected by the First Amendment, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion.

Shestokas said at the fundraiser that what his client is being subjected to is extortion, and he doesnt deserve it.

Whats at stake here is not just Pastor Lee, Shestokas said. Its an attack on all the rights in the First Amendment of our Constitution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lee has been interim pastor at Living Word since 2019 and was pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Burbank from 2012 to 2019, according to a biography.

Before attending seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 1988 through 1992, Lee had an extensive law enforcement background, including working as a sheriffs police officer in California and special agent with the Naval Intelligence Service, also while living in California, according to his biography.

Lee was living in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the time of the April 20, 1999, shootings at Columbine High School, when 12 students and a teacher were slain, and was lead chaplain at the scene for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation agents have confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that they have spoken with the ex-wife of Shamsud-Din Jabbar in Georgia.

While they did not identify his ex-wife, the FBI says they spoke with her in the Augusta area. Agents say both she and her family have been cooperative with law enforcement.

Jabbar, 42, has been named the suspect in a deadly terror attack in New Orleans on New Years Day. The FBI and police say Jabbar sped down Bourbon Street, killing 14 other people and injuring more than 30 more.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

When officers approached Jabbar, he opened fire and shot two officers. Police returned fire, shooting and killing Jabbar.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, the FBI said that while Jabbar drove to New Orleans, he posted five videos on his Facebook account pledging his allegiance to ISIS and sharing his last will and testament.

Georgia State University confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that Jabbar attended the school from 2015 to 2017 and graduated with a degree in computer information systems.

RELATED STORIES:

Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln has been digging into Jabbars background and discovered financial troubles and messy divorce settlements.

His most recent divorce included a year-long fight with his ex-wife over financial difficulties. Jabbar acknowledged in Texas court documents from Fort Bend County that he couldnt afford his mortgage because he was behind more than $27,000 in 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Documents also indicate he was ordered to pay more than $3,500 in child support for his three children from his first and third marriages.

She also found that he married his second wife in 2013 in Dekalb County. Court documents show they got a divorce in 2016, citing the marriage was irretrievably broken.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
By Erin Banco, Jonathan Landay and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Army veteran who flew a black Islamic State flag on a truck that he rammed into New Year's revelers in New Orleans shows how the extremist group still retains the ability to inspire violence despite suffering years of losses to a U.S.-led military coalition.

At the height of its power from 2014-2017, the Islamic State "caliphate" imposed death and torture on communities in vast swathes of Iraq and Syria and enjoyed franchises across the Middle East.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its then-leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, killed in 2019 by U.S. special forces in northwestern Syria, rose from obscurity to lead the ultra-hardline group and declare himself "caliph" of all Muslims.

The caliphate collapsed in 2017 in Iraq, where it once had a base just a 30-minute drive from Baghdad, and in Syria in 2019, after a sustained military campaign by a U.S.-led coalition.

Islamic State responded by scattering in autonomous cells, its leadership is clandestine and its overall size is hard to quantify. The U.N. estimates it at 10,000 in its heartlands.

The U.S.-led coalition, including some 4,000 U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq, has continued hammering the militants with airstrikes and raids that the U.S. military says have seen hundreds of fighters and leaders killed and captured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yet Islamic State has managed some major operations while striving to rebuild and it continues to inspire lone wolf attacks such as the one in New Orleans which killed 14 people.

Those assaults include one by gunmen on a Russian music hall in March 2024 that killed at least 143 people, and two explosions targeting an official ceremony in the Iranian city of Kerman in January 2024 that killed nearly 100.

Despite the counterterrorism pressure, ISIS has regrouped, "repaired its media operations, and restarted external plotting," Acting U.S. Director for the National Counterterrorism Center Brett Holmgren warned in October.

Geopolitical factors have aided Islamic State. Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza has caused widespread anger that jihadists use for recruitment. The risks to Syrian Kurds who are holding thousands of Islamic State prisoners could also create an opening for the group.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Islamic State has not claimed responsibility for the New Orleans attack or praised it on its social media sites, although its supporters have, U.S. law enforcement agencies said.

A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there had been growing concern about Islamic State increasing its recruiting efforts and resurging in Syria.

Those worries were heightened after the fall in December of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the potential for the militant group to fill the vacuum.

'MOMENTS OF PROMISE'

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Islamic State will try to use this period of uncertainty to re-establish capabilities in Syria, but said the United States is determined not to let that happen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"History shows how quickly moments of promise can descend into conflict and violence," he said.

A U.N. team that monitors Islamic State activities reported to the U.N. Security Council in July a risk of resurgence of the group in the Middle East and increased concerns about the ability of its Afghanistan-based affiliate, ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), to mount attacks outside the country.

European governments viewed ISIS-K as the greatest external terrorist threat to Europe, it said.

In addition to the executed attacks, the number of plots disrupted or being tracked through the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Levant, Asia, Europe, and potentially as far as North America is striking, the team said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jim Jeffrey, former U.S. ambassador to Iraq and Turkey, and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat Islamic State, said the group has long sought to motivate lone wolf attacks like the one in New Orleans.

Its threat, however, remains efforts by ISIS-K to launch major mass casualty attacks like those seen in Moscow and Iran, and in Europe in 2015 and 2016, he said.

ISIS also has continued to focus on Africa.

This week, it said 12 Islamic State militants using booby-trapped vehicles attacked a military base on Tuesday in Somalia's northeastern region of Puntland, killing around 22 soldiers and wounding dozens more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It called the assault "the blow of the year. A complex attack that is first of its kind."

Security analysts say Islamic State in Somalia has grown in strength because of an influx of foreign fighters and more revenue from extorting local businesses, becoming the group's "nerve centre" in Africa.

'PATH TO RADICALIZATION'

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas native and U.S. Army veteran who once served in Afghanistan, acted alone in the New Orleans attack, the FBI said on Thursday.

Jabbar appeared to have made recordings in which he condemned music, drugs and alcohol, restrictions that echo Islamic State's playbook.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators were looking into Jabbar's "path to radicalization," uncertain how he transformed from military veteran, real-estate agent and one-time employee of the major tax and consulting firm Deloitte into someone who was "100 percent inspired by ISIS," an acronym for Islamic State.

U.S. intelligence and homeland security officials in recent months have warned local law enforcement about the potential for foreign extremist groups, such as ISIS, to target large public gatherings, specifically with vehicle-ramming attacks, according to intelligence bulletins reviewed by Reuters.

U.S. Central Command said in a public statement in June that Islamic State was attempting to reconstitute following several years of decreased capability.

CENTCOM said it based its assessment on Islamic State claims of mounting 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first half of 2024, a rate which would put the group on pace to more than double the number of attacks claimed the year before.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

H.A. Hellyer, an expert in Middle East studies and senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, said it was unlikely Islamic State would gain considerable territory again.

He said ISIS and other non-state actors continue to pose a danger, but more due to their ability to unleash "random acts of violence" than by being a territorial entity.

"Not in Syria or Iraq, but there are other places in Africa that a limited amount of territorial control might be possible for a time," Hellyer said, "but I don't see that as likely, not as the precursor to a serious comeback."

(Reporting by Erin Banco, Jonathan Landay and Idrees Ali; Writing by Michael Georgy and Tala Ramadan; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
The military ties of the man who carried out an attack in New Orleans on New Years and another who died in an explosion in Las Vegas the same day highlight the increased role of people with military experience in ideologically driven attacks, especially those that seek mass casualties.

In New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a veteran of the U.S. Army, was killed by police after a deadly rampage in a pickup truck that left 14 others dead and injured dozens more. Its being investigated as an act of terrorism inspired by the Islamic State group.

In Las Vegas, officials say Matthew Livelsberger, an active duty member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, shot himself in the head in a Tesla Cybertruck packed with firework mortars and camp fuel canisters, shortly before it exploded outside the entrance of the Trump International Hotel, injuring seven people. On Friday, investigators said Livelsberger wrote that the explosion was meant to serve as a wake up call and that the country was terminally ill and headed toward collapse.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Service members and veterans who radicalize make up a tiny fraction of a percentage point of the millions and millions who have honorably served their country. But an Associated Press investigation published last year found that radicalization among both veterans and active duty service members was on the rise and that hundreds of people with military backgrounds had been arrested for extremist crimes since 2017. The AP found that extremist plots they were involved in during that period had killed or injured nearly 100 people.

The AP also found multiple issues with the Pentagons efforts to address extremism in the ranks, including that there is still no force-wide system to track it, and that a cornerstone report on the issue contained old data, misleading analyses and ignored evidence of the problem.

Since 2017, both veterans and active duty service members radicalized at a faster rate than people without military backgrounds, according to data from terrorism researchers at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, or START, at the University of Maryland. Less than 1% of the adult population is currently serving in the U.S. military, but active duty military members make up a disproportionate 3.2% of the extremist cases START researchers found between 2017 and 2022.

While the number of people with military backgrounds involved in violent extremist plots remains small, the participation of active military and veterans gave extremist plots more potential for mass injury or death, according to data collected and analyzed by the AP and START.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More than 480 people with a military background were accused of ideologically driven extremist crimes from 2017 through 2023, including the more than 230 arrested in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection  18% of those arrested for the attack as of late last year, according to START. The data tracked individuals with military backgrounds, most of whom were veterans, involved in plans to kill, injure or inflict damage for political, social, economic or religious goals.

The APs analysis found that plots involving people with military backgrounds were more likely to involve mass casualties, weapons training or firearms than plots that didnt include someone with a military background. This held true whether or not the plots were carried out.

The jihadist ideology of the Islamic State group apparently connected to the New Orleans attack would make it an outlier in the motivations of previous attacks involving people with military backgrounds. Only around 9% of such extremists with military backgrounds subscribed to jihadist ideologies, START researchers found. More than 80% identified with far-right, anti-government or white supremacist ideologies, with the rest split among far-left or other motivations.

Still, there have been a number of significant attacks motivated by the Islamic State and jihadist ideology in which the attackers had U.S. military backgrounds. In 2017, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran whod served in Iraq killed five people in a mass shooting at the Fort Lauderdale airport in Florida after radicalizing via jihadist message boards and vowing support for the Islamic State. In 2009, an Army psychiatrist and officer opened fire at Fort Hood, Texas, and killed 13 people, wounding dozens more. The shooter had been in contact with a known al-Qaida operative prior to the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the shadow of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol  led in part by veterans  law enforcement officials said the threat from domestic violent extremists was one of the most persistent and pressing terror threats to the United States. The Pentagon has said it is committed to understanding the root causes of extremism and ensuring such behavior is promptly and appropriately addressed and reported to the proper authorities.

Kristofer Goldsmith, an Army veteran and CEO of Task Force Butler Institute, which trains veterans to research and counter extremism, said the problem of violent extremism in the military cuts across ideological lines. Still, he said, while the Biden administration tried to put in place efforts to address it, Republicans in Congress opposed them for political reasons.

They threw, you know, every roadblock that they could in saying that all veterans are being called extremists by the Biden administration, Goldsmith said. And now were in a situation where were four years behind where we could have been.

During their long military careers, both Jabbar and Livelsberger served time at the U.S. Army base formerly known as Fort Bragg in North Carolina, one of the nations largest military bases. One of the officials who spoke to the AP said there is no overlap in their assignments at the base, now called Fort Liberty.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Goldsmith said he is concerned that the incoming Trump administration will focus on the New Orleans attack and ISIS and ignore that most deadly attacks in the United States in recent history have come from the far right, particularly if Trumps nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is confirmed.

Hegseth has justified the medieval Crusades that pitted Christians against Muslims, criticized the Pentagons efforts to address extremism in the ranks and ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration in the weeks after the Jan. 6 attack was himself flagged by a fellow National Guard member as a possible insider threat.

-

AP reporter Tara Copp contributed from Washington, D.C.

-

Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Even as many new details continue to emerge about the terror attack in New Orleans early on New Years morning, the new, additional information is prompting investigators to seek even more evidence about both the deadly attack and the accused attacker.

Meanwhile, the NYPD has increased security at some locations here that attract large crowds.

More Local News

On Thursday morning in New Orleans, a day after the attack, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, and New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell joined with law enforcement leaders to talk about new developments in the investigation. FBI Counterterrorism Assistant Director Christopher Raia presented most of the new information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We do not assess at this point that anyone is involved in this attack except Shamsud-din Jabbar, Raia said, confirming that agents and other investigators are convinced that the 42-year-old alleged attacker acted alone. It was a reversal from the agencys assessments on Wednesday.

Investigators said that Jabbar mowed down people with his Ford F-150 pickup that carried the flag of the terror group ISIS. The attack killed 14 people, and injured at least 35 others. Shamsud-din Jabbar was killed at the scene by police officers who shot at him after hed shot at them.

Agents also believe that before the attack, Jabbar planted two improvised explosive devices, that were in coolers. The coolers attracted revelers interest on the scene, which ended up being part of the reason why investigators first thought that people whod approached the coolers may have been accomplices to Jabbar.

It turns out, Director Raia said, that was just patrons on the street looking inside the coolers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New Orleans terror attack: NYC financial worker among victims

Prior to arriving in New Orleans on New Years Eve, Jabbar had driven from his home in the Houston area and recorded a series of five videos while driving, according to Raia.

In the videos, said the FBI manager, Jabbar had said that hed first intended to kill family members and friends, but felt that if hed done so, it would detract from the war between the believers and the disbelievers.

Jabbar stayed at a short-term rental in New Orleans, on Mandeville Street, prior to the attack, according to the FBI. There, and at his home in Houston, law enforcement was on scene Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Among other things they were trying to figure out is why a fire had broken out at the short-term rental.

Joshua Jackson, an ATF Special Agent supervising the agencys efforts in New Orleans, spoke at the late morning news conference about what may have caused the fire. He said that it had ignited after Jabbar was killed at the attack scene, but he still may have set it with the intent to do harm.

You could have different timed devices, Jackson said, you could have a long cord that extended that time, you could also have pressure cookers that were put on the stove, filled with gasoline. 

Its still being looked into, as is background information about Jabbar, his motive, and the timeline leading up to the 3:15 a.m. attack on New Years Day. Its why law enforcement say they are eager to hear from more people, in relation to the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Whether you know Jabbar personally, worked with him, served in the military or saw him in New Orleans or Texas, said FBI Assistant Director Raia, we need to talk to you.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The brother of the late assailant who killed more than a dozen people in a vehicle attack New Orleans on New Years Day says there were no significant warning signs ahead of the terror attack.

Sham believed his Islamic faith taught him that partying in places like New Orleans wasnt righteous, Shamsud-Din Jabbars younger brother Abdur Rahem Jabbar said in an interview with KPRC 2 that was published Thursday. But he never gave any red flags leading up to this.

Abdur Rahem Jabbar told the Houston outlet that he understands people want answers, but were just as puzzled as the rest of the world.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shamsud-Din Jabbar was confirmed by authorities to be the person who drove a rented Ford pickup truck into a group of people Wednesday on Bourbon Street, killing at least 14 and injuring dozens more. He was killed in the aftermath by law enforcement.

Authorities said they discovered an Islamic State flag in Jabbars rented car and posts on social media platforms sympathizing with a transnational terrorist organization.

The Texas native served in the Army from 2007 to 2020. He also deployed to Afghanistan.

His brother offered condolences to the victims and families impacted by the attack.

Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts go out to those families, the victims, and those who witnessed this tragedy, Abdur Rahem Jabbar said in the interview This wasnt the man I knew. This isnt any representation of Islam or Muslims or the Muslim community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Abdur Rahem Jabbar said his older brother worked in the tech industry in Texas after leaving the military. He went through two divorces, the more recent in 2022, his brother 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 The Hill.
The man who plowed a truck into a crowd of people in New Orleans on New Year's Day posted audio recordings online in early 2024 expressing his religious beliefs and describing music as the "voice of Satan." He made no mention, however, of plans for violence or affiliations with extremist groups in the recordings.

Eleven months prior to the Bourbon Street attack, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who killed 14 people, posted three recordings on SoundCloud, including a recitation from the Quran and a separate message warning that music could draw people toward "forbidden" behaviors such as using marijuana, consuming alcohol and engaging in violence.

Basharat Saleem, executive director of the Islamic Society of North America, a nonprofit organization, told CBS News that many of Jabbar's statements in the recordings reflect a misinterpretation of Islamic law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"These are his personal, misguided conclusions," Saleem said, emphasizing that Jabbar's actions in New Orleans contradict the teachings of Islam.

Jabbar's younger brother, 24-year-old Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, told CBS News that in the year leading up to the attack, his brother seemed to grow increasingly devout. He observed changes in Jabbar's lifestyle, noting that he adopted more modest attire, removed his tattoos and gave up alcohol.

Abdur-Rahim said none of the changes seemed concerning and he saw no indication that his brother was being radicalized.

Authorities are investigating the timeline and circumstances of Jabbar's radicalization. Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBI's counterterrorism division, said Jabbar posted videos to Facebook in the hours before the attack, saying he joined ISIS before the summer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the videos, Jabbar said he had initially planned to target friends and family but chose a larger attack to draw attention to the "war between the believers and the disbelievers."

Muslim scholars and leaders have consistently condemned violence in the name of Islam, rejecting extremist ideologies like those promoted by ISIS. Azhar Azeez, a board member of the Islamic Society of North America, told CBS News that "this extremism has no place in our community."

In a statement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations denounced the attack, calling it the latest example of why extremist groups "have been rejected by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim world."

SoundCloud did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

3 killed in Hawaii explosion caused by illegal fireworks display

Judge rules out prison time for Trump in "hush money" case

Trump ordered to appear for sentencing in New York "hush money" case | Special Report
BEAUMONT, Texas  Shamsud-Din Jabbars high school friends knew him as Sham  a good student with a quiet disposition and a bright future. He went on to become a model soldier in the Army, where his work ethic and attitude impressed his commander during a tour in Afghanistan.

He was a great soldier, someone who showed discipline and dedication, the commander, Rich Groen, posted on social media.

But over the past few years, as Jabbar worked to climb the corporate ladder, his life began to deteriorate. He faced severe money problems and a third divorce. At some point, he fell under the sway of the Islamic State, the terrorist group known as ISIS.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On New Years Eve, Jabbar, 42, drove a rented truck from Houston to New Orleans, authorities said, posting videos online along the way in which he professed his support for ISIS. Once he reached Bourbon Street, he planted two improvised explosive devices and then got back into his truck and plowed into revelers, killing 14 before police shot and killed him in a gunbattle.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar.

In some ways, Jabbar, with his personal life and finances in shambles, fits the profile of those who experts say are most likely to turn to extremist groups to find meaning and a sense of purpose.

The attack has stunned and confused his friends and family members. How could someone so kind and unassuming, some have said in interviews and social media posts, end up carrying out such a heinous act of terrorism?

Its a complete surprise, a shock, to everyone, Jabbars half-brother, Abdur-Rahim Jabbar IV, 24, said in an interview.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There werent any moments leading up to this that were apparent or red flags to show that hes been radicalized or changed in any way from the loving brother and father and son that we all know, he said.

Investigators are trying to identify Jabbars path to radicalization. At a news conference Thursday morning, law enforcement officials conceded that they had little insight into his transformation.

A lot of questions were still asking ourselves, said Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBIs Counterterrorism Division. What I can tell you right now is that he was 100% inspired by ISIS. Were digging through more of the social media, more interviews, working with some of our other partners to ascertain a little bit more about that connection.

Time is of the essence

Jabbar grew up in Beaumont, a city in eastern Texas near the Louisiana border. He attended Central High School, where he was known for his polite, easygoing way and polished appearance. He tended to wear button-up shirts and polos, former classmates said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was very grounded, reserved, quiet, said Chris Pousson, who attended middle school and high school with Jabbar.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar.

After he graduated in 2001, Jabbar sought to serve his country. He initially tried to enlist in the Navy in 2004, according to three U.S. defense officials, but he left after only a month. He then joined the Army, working as a human resource specialist and information technology specialist from 2007 to 2015.

His unit deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010.

Groen, Jabbars commander, wrote on social media that he worked quietly and professionally as a human resources officer and mail clerk in Afghanistan, ensuring the little things that kept us all connected to home were done with care and precision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To think that the same individual who once embodied quiet professionalism could harbor so much hate, leading to such unspeakable atrocities, is incomprehensible and heartbreaking, added Groen, who declined an interview request.

After his time in the military, Jabbar attended Georgia State University and majored in computer information systems, a university spokesperson said.

He was quoted in an article for the student newspaper in 2015 about the challenges military veterans face navigating college life.

The culture isnt too much different but once you get out of the military theres so many different acronyms youve learned, Jabbar said. And as you transition out ... you dont know how to speak without using these terms and youre not sure what terms are used outside the military.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He also said veterans have to be extremely diligent to ensure they receive payments through the GI Bill.

Its such a large agency, he said, referring to the Department of Veterans Affairs. You have to do your due diligence, make sure you have your paperwork together.

Jabbar looked back fondly on his time in the service and encouraged his half-brother to follow in his footsteps.

It set him straight, Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said, referring to a period after high school when Jabbar was partying and had some minor run-ins with the law. It gave him some discipline and grounded him.

Staff Sgt. Shamsud-din B. Jabbar Nov. 16, 2013 at then-Fort Polk, La.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After he graduated in 2017, Jabbar tried his hand in real estate. In a promotional video posted to YouTube in 2020, he said his time in the military helped him learn the meaning of great service and what it means to be responsive.

But his real estate career was short-lived. He began working for the Deloitte consulting firm in 2021, a company spokesperson said.

By then, his life was already beginning to fray. He was in divorce proceedings with his third wife  his first marriage ended around 2012 and his second in 2016  and in deep financial trouble, according to court records.

The company he formed, Blue Meadow Properties, lost $28,000 in 2021 and he had $16,000 in credit card debt, he wrote in an email to his then-wifes attorney.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Time is of the essence, Jabbar wrote. I cannot afford the house payment. It is past due in excess of $27,000 and in danger of foreclosure if we delay settling the divorce.

Jabbar made about $58 an hour at Deloitte and worked 40 hours a week, taking home a net income of $7,876.70 a month, according to documents he filed with the court.

But his monthly expenses totaled around $9,000. In August 2022, he had only $2,012 in his bank accounts, according to the filings.

Despite his financial troubles, Jabbar still showed up for his family. His half-brother said that their father had a stroke in 2023 and that Jabbar frequently came by to help take care of him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He helped me bathe him, change him, feed him, Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said.

Prays at home

It remains unclear when Jabbar first became attracted to ISIS. His half-brother said that their father was Muslim and that Jabbars mother was Christian but converted when they married.

Jabbar was open about his Muslim faith. He made it clear that he wasnt into drinking or partying, but he didnt talk about it in a strident way, his half-brother said.

They rarely discussed religion, but the war in Gaza did come up in a conversation last year.

He was upset about whats happening in Palestine, Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said. He remembered his brother saying it was genocide on both sides.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jabbar seemed to become more devout after his most recent divorce, Abdur-Rahim Jabbar said, but he never discussed ISIS or any radical ideologies.

He was trying to find himself, he said.

Jabbar posted audio messages about Islam to a SoundCloud account in early 2024. In one titled Satans Voice, he describes music as the voice of Satan.

It is a gentle, gradual luring into the things that God has made forbidden to us  the intoxicants like marijuana, alcohol, sedatives, opioids, stimulants and others, he says. Then there is the way that music entices us to elicit sex, vulgarity, violence, betrayal, arrogance, burglary, cheating.

Pousson, his high school friend, said Jabbar frequently posted about his Islamic faith on Facebook but gave no hint of radicalization.

It was always positive  peace be with you, uplifting type of stuff, Pousson said. Nothing that he posted online that I saw was negative.

I didnt see this coming from a mile away, he added.

One of Jabbars neighbors in Texas said he never saw him at the local mosque. He says he prays at home, said the neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous.

The neighbor said Jabbar was nice and quiet and largely kept to himself.

On the morning of New Years Eve, the neighbor said, he saw Jabbar loading a white truck outside his home. The neighbor went over to see whether he needed a hand, and Jabbar said he was moving to Louisiana.

He said he got a job over there, the neighbor recalled.

It was sometime on New Years Day that the neighbor learned Jabbar had traveled to New Orleans for a very different reason.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) criticized President-elect Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for their remarks in the aftermath of the deadly New Orleans truck attack, saying this is time that we should be united.

Brianna, its unfortunate that both the president-elect and Speaker Johnson has chosen to make this a partisan issue. This is an American attack, Carter, who represents Louisianas 2nd Congressional District, comprised of nearly the entire city of New Orleans, said Thursday in an interview on CNN. This is an attack on our democracy. This is an attack on our freedoms.

This person was radicalized, but he was an American citizen, a citizen of Texas, and someone who was honorably discharged from the United States Army, he told anchor Brianna Keilar. And we should not play games with the American people to try and imply that it was something that it wasnt, which is somehow suggest that this was a Democrat or Republican issue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carter added, And we have to be a more mature and more direct and fair and honest with the American people. This is not the time to play political brinksmanship or gamesmanship.

His remarks came as both Trump and Johnson were critical of the Bidens administrations handling of the U.S.-Mexico border following the attack that killed at least 14 people and injured dozens more. The president-elect pinned the blame on President Bidens Open Borders Policy.

With the Biden Open Borders Policy I said, many times during Rallies, and elsewhere, that Radical Islamic Terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe, the president-elect wrote on Truth Social.

That time has come, only worse than ever imagined, Trump added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The suspect behind the attack was Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old born and raised in Texas who served in the Army from 2007-20. Jabbar plowed a rented Ford pickup truck into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street in on New Years Day. He was later shot and killed by law enforcement after he opened fire on the officers.

Officials said they found an ISIS flag in the vehicle, and posts on social media sympathizing with the U.S.-designated terrorist group. The FBI said Thursday it believes he acted alone.

The Pelican State Democrat said the country should stand united and push back against terrorist threats to showcase that the American people will use every resource to combat these kind of hateful and heinous acts.

No time for political games or trickery to suggest somehow that one party or the other may be responsible? The families of the loved ones who have died and those who are in the hospital fighting for their lives, and our law enforcement agents from the federal, local and state deserve better, Carter said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And I would call on all of our leadership to stand firm and recognizing that we are Americans, and we are better than this, he 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.
New Orleans had access to effective anti-vehicle barriers ahead of the Bourbon Street attack on New Years Eve revelers that killed at least 14 people and wounded dozens more, but the city did not deploy those barriers until a day after the carnage unfolded, and the head of the local police department said she had been unaware of them.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said Thursday while reopening Bourbon Street that the city had added more protections, including heavy trucks and Archer barriers that would be preventive if someone had, or if this particular terrorist, went around up on the sidewalk.

Thats what authorities say occurred just after 3 a.m. Wednesday, when a Texas man inspired by the Islamic State group drove a pickup truck onto a sidewalk filled with people on Bourbon Street, mowing down pedestrians before opening fire on police, wounding two officers and dying in the shootout.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The L-shaped Archer barriers that were installed one day later are portable, reusable and designed to stop a car that is careening toward a pedestrian-only area. The 700-pound steel barriers, which are certified by the Department of Homeland Security, were credited with preventing casualties in a similar incident last year in California at the Rose Parade.

Archer barriers were installed on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on Thursday.

When asked about where the Archer barriers came from, Kirkpatrick told reporters: Actually, we have them. I didnt know about them, but we have them, and so we have been able now to put them out.

New Orleans bought the Archer barriers in 2017 from Meridian Rapid Defense Group, which manufactures them, according to Peter Whitford, the companys CEO. He confirmed that the barriers that appeared on Bourbon Street on Thursday looked the same as the ones from eight years ago.

They bought them from us and I dont know where they were on that day  so I cant answer that question, he said of the New Years Day attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The barriers helped protect central New Orleans during the Mardi Gras parade in 2017, according to a news release Meridian put out that year. Painted a festive canary yellow, the barriers allowed free pedestrian flow and emergency vehicle access, through the streets while providing a solid perimeter to unwanted vehicles, the release said.

The New Orleans mayors office and police department did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday afternoon.

Ahead of Wednesdays attack, the city had recently removed security barriers known as bollards from Bourbon Street because they were malfunctioning, and the citys Department of Public Works was in the process of installing new ones. On New Years Eve, Bourbon Street was protected by patrol cars, other barriers and a large law-enforcement presence, but they werent enough to stop the attacker, Kirkpatrick said at a news conference Wednesday.

The terrorist just went all the way around up onto the sidewalk, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When asked Thursday about whether she was upset she hadnt known about the Archer barriers, Kirkpatrick demurred.

This is not a matter of pointing blame anywhere  a terrorist is hell-bent on destruction. This man was going to do his best, and if it hadnt been on Bourbon, he was going to go somewhere else, she said. We have this. Were going to implement it. End of story.

The Archer barriers played a key role in preventing a similar tragedy last year at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, when a woman rammed into one of the barricades protecting the crowd at the packed New Years event, according to Lisa Derderian, a Pasadena spokesperson.

The city uses a tiered approach to keep people from driving into the parade route, including public works trucks filled with sand, bollards and the Archers. When the woman drove into one of the Archers, it stopped her, Derderian said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If those barriers were not up  she could have more than likely killed people in her path, Derderian said.

Pasadena has rented the barriers to protect the Rose Bowl parade for the last five years, costing the city $110,000 a year, according to Derderian.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
New Orleans city leaders were warned in a 2019 confidential physical security assessment that tourist-packed Bourbon Street was vulnerable to a vehicle-ramming attack because some of the existing blockade mechanisms were inoperable.

The warning proved painfully real five years later on New Years Day when a Texas man, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove through pedestrians on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people and injuring dozens of others in a truck-ramming and gunfire attack. Jabbar, who had proclaiming his support for ISIS, was shot and killed by New Orleans police at the scene.

PHOTO: Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after at least ten people were killed when a person drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Year's Day in New Orleans, La., Jan. 1, 2025. (Michael Democker/Getty Images)

MORE: New Orleans attack suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar's divorce filings point to financial difficulties

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New Orleans first installed metal security barriers on Bourbon Street in 2017 following the 2016 truck terror attack on Bastille Day in Nice, France. That same year, a report prepared by the infrastructure consulting firm AECOM noted that Bourbon Street "is often densely packed with pedestrians," presenting "a risk and target for terrorism."

Two years later, a security assessment prepared for the French Quarter Management District by the security firm Interfor International faulted the bollards that had been installed.

"Some of the bollards were inoperable for a number of reasons," Don Aviv, president of Interfor International, said. "Some were broken and some were kept down for ease of use."

The existence of the 2019 assessment was first reported by The New York Times.

PHOTO: Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Jan. 1, 2025. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

MORE: FBI releases timeline of suspect Shamsud-Dim Jabbar's New Orleans attack

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the city had been in the process of renovating the malfunctioning bollards before hosting the Super Bowl in February.

"Bollards were not up because they are near completion, with the expectation of being completed by Super Bowl, Cantrell said. "Because the City of New Orleans is hosting Super Bowl this year, it gave the City of New Orleans an opportunity to go further and deeper with infrastructure improvements."

PHOTO:Members of the National Guard and police look on at a blocked off street, a block from Bourbon Street, after at least 15 people were killed in New Orleans, La., Jan. 1, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: 'So beautiful and full of life': What we know about the victims of the New Orleans attack

New Orleans police parked a cruiser to block Bourbon Street on New Year's Eve.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We did indeed have a plan, but the terrorist defeated it," New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said.

PHOTO: A barrier is seen on Royal Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon streets, Jan. 1, 2025. (George Walker IV/AP)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MORE: Music brings New Orleans' French Quarter back to life

Video of the attack shows the suspect's truck moving along Canal Street and making a right turn, moving around the police cruiser by driving onto the sidewalk. Aviv suggested it should not be so simple.

"For the type of environment the French Quarter is, there should be a systemic process to control traffic and to protect pedestrians," Aviv said.

The French Quarter Management District told ABC News in a statement that it's always focused on public safety.

"In 2019, the Board commissioned a study on Safety and Security in the French Quarter. This study was shared with our partners in the City of New Orleans, and its recommendations were made public," the statement said. "The strength of our ongoing partnership with the City and NOPD allows open communications of resident and business concerns and the results of any studies or reports completed."

ABC News' Jared Kofsky contributed to this report.

New Orleans officials were warned in 2019 that Bourbon Street was vulnerable to car-ramming attack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Members of the Orthodox Jewish community were among protesters who marched to Times Square on New Years Day, protesting the war in Gaza, footage shows.

An account named Voice of Jews posted several videos to X, showing protesters marching through the streets holding signs, and chanting slogans while gathered in Times Square.

The Palestinian Youth Movement, one of the organizers, said the protest was held to recommit to a permanent ceasefire, arms embargo, and an end to the US-backed genocide on Gaza.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jewish Community Relations Council of New York CEO Mark Treyger criticized the protest.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
More than 50,000 inquiries have been submitted by Russians seeking missing soldiers through Ukraines "I Want to Find" project, Bohdan Okhrimenko, head of the Coordination Center Secretariat, said in an interview with ArmyInform on Jan. 3.

"These numbers only reflect those unafraid to contact us," Okhrimenko said, adding that there actual number of Russian soldiers missing in action can be much higher.

Initially part of the "I Want to Live" hotline  launched in September 2022 by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) to help Russian soldiers surrender  the separate "I Want to Find" project was created to handle inquiries from Russian families about missing soldiers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Okhrimenko criticized Russias lack of effort in recovering or identifying the missing, saying, "Many remain scattered in Ukrainian fields, their remains carried by stray animals. Russia shows no interest in identifying them."

Earlier, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anna Tsivilyova disclosed on Nov. 26 that her ministry received 48,000 DNA test applications from relatives seeking information about missing soldiers.

Speaking at a Duma roundtable, Tsivilyova revealed that relatives' DNA data had been collected and stored in a database, inadvertently providing a rare glimpse into the scale of troops missing in action.

Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma's defense committee, warned against publicizing such figures, saying, "This is sensitive information. When we finalize the documents, we must ensure these figures do not appear publicly."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Jan. 3 that Russia has lost 793,250 troops since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

Read also: Russia plans to redeploy some arms, equipment from Syria to Libya, Ukraines intel claims

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
COMPANY NEWS: The climate crisis is no longer a distant warningit is impacting our daily lives, demanding immediate attention and action. With an array of indigenous innovations and diverging technologies emerging worldwide, achieving a sustainable, net-zero future requires collective effort; no country, company, or community can do it alone.

To drive this momentum, IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), Indias leading deep-tech innovation and startup incubation ecosystem in association with India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), is set to host Envision 2025 for its third edition from January 30 to February 1, 2025. With the theme for this edition, Ground Zero for Net-Zero, the event will bring together grassroots initiatives and global stakeholders in a united call to action.

Building on the success of Envision 2024, which attracted over 500 attendees and featured more than 50 expert speakers across 12+ technology focus areasincluding the launch of the Zero to Green Alliancethis years conference aims to amplify its impact. Envision 2025 will highlight Indias collaborative potential in addressing climate challenges and advancing climate tech solutions, with a focus on the following technological areas:

Green Buildings

Solar and Wind Energy

Electric Mobility

Energy Storage

Nuclear Energy

Climate Finance

Heating & Cooling

Climate Policy

Circular Economy

Green Hydrogen

With rapid advances in AI, electric vehicles, and related technologies, Indias per-capita power energy consumption is expected to increase rapidly. To transition to a developed economy and fulfil this energy requirement, we must be self-sufficient and enhance clean energy generation by creating a roadmap for moving toward a $300 billion industry. This will require a robust strategic, expert-oriented, and industrial approach with risk funding, collaboration, and replication of IITM Research Park models to facilitate an ecosystem to push the movement from labs to markets, said Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-Founder of Infosys, while speaking at the last EnVision conference in 2023.

The three-day event will feature expert sessions, panel discussions, deep-dive workshops and technology showcases, empowering stakeholders to turn climate commitments into actionable strategies. This years conference will also host the second edition of Pitch to Win inviting innovative climate tech solutions from startups.

Envision 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to shape a sustainable, economically viable, and socially inclusive energy future for the nation. IIT Madras Research Park encourages everyones participation in this crucial dialogue to advance climate action.

To know more and register, visit https://10x.respark.iitm.ac.in/envision2025

ABOUT IIT MADRAS RESEARCH PARK

IIT Madras Research Park is Indias first University-based Research Park and a Section 8 Not-for-Profit Company home to 250 research-focused companies and labs, and 11 Centres of Excellence. Envisioned to Bringing unlike minds together, the Research Park primarily focuses on pioneering Industry-Academia interaction leading to commercialization of scalable and unique technology-based solutions, several of which have found wide market reach. The IITM Research Park & Incubation Cell has in the coming decade undertaken the challenge towards achieving mammoth technological goals for India through its flagship project- 10X.

For more information about IIT Madras Research Park visit: https://respark.iitm.ac.in/
As cats across Southern California die from consuming human and pet food contaminated by the H5N1 bird flu virus, one pet owner has decided to fight back  using legal recourse to obtain financial restitution for the tens of thousands of dollars he says he spent trying to save the lives of his three pet cats.

On Wednesday, lawyers for Joseph Journell  a San Bernardino resident who said two of his four cats died and a third was hospitalized for more than week after consuming raw milk containing the H5N1 virus  sent a letter to Mark McAfee, owner of Fresno-based Raw Farm LLC, demanding McAfee "cease all communication with Mr. Journell and reimburse him" for the money Journell spent on veterinary services, lost wages and "other out-of-pocket expenses."

Since Dec. 1, at least 11 California house cats have died as a result of consuming contaminated raw milk and raw pet food. Seven have been reported in Los Angeles County, two in Santa Barbara County and Journell's two in San Bernardino County.

Joseph Journell says his cats Alexander, 14, left, and Tuxedo, 4, right, died in November of H5N1 bird flu after drinking raw milk from Raw Farm LLC. Cleopatra, center, did not drink the milk and did not get sick, he said. (Joseph Journell)

Experts say this is likely a vast undercount, as many veterinarians and pet owners are unaware of the connection of raw milk and meat to H5N1 bird flu and the unique sensitivity of cats to this particular virus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since the latest iteration of the virus first appeared in North America in 2021, wildlife officials estimate that hundreds of cats  wild and domesticated  have died as a result of infection, including 20 animals at a big cat sanctuary in Washington State in December.

Indeed, since the virus was first reported in dairy cows in March 2024, one of the sentinel signs that a farm has been infected is the presence of dead barn cats that drank contaminated raw milk.

In late November, Santa Clara County health officials detected the virus in commercial samples of Raw Farm raw milk. The finding was confirmed by state public health officials and a voluntary recall quickly followed. Over the next week, more samples tested positive, and on Nov. 29 the California Department of Food and Agriculture suspended sales of raw milk products from the Fresno-based dairy.

It was before the first recall was announced that Journell said he purchased the contaminated milk  two gallons on Nov. 20 from Vitamin City Health Food in San Dimas  that made his cats ill. He has photos of the recalled milk containers and lot numbers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Journell said he believes that raw milk has unique health benefits  including immune system enhancers and helpful probiotics  and until the incident with his cats, he regularly consumed about three gallons per week. He said he started sharing it with his cats last year, when the oldest  Alexander, 14  began losing weight. He thought the raw milk might help.

Journell said it did: Alexander gained three or four pounds after several weeks of drinking the milk.

Journell said his 14-year-old cat Alexander died on Thanksgiving Day of H5N1 after drinking raw milk. (Joseph Journell)

Journell then began giving it to all of his cats. All but one  a shy, young female named Cleopatra  took to it.

For months, everything was going just fine. But in the days following his Nov. 20 purchase, he noticed that Alexander was "off."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"He wasn't doing too good," said Journell, noting that Alexander drank much more of the milk than the other cats. "He'd jump on the bed and just put his head down. I thought, what's wrong?"

So the following week, Journell brought the cat to a veterinarian, who diagnosed Alexander with pancreatitis and sent him home with antibiotics. The next day, Alexander grew sicker, so Journell took him to an emergency vet clinic about an hour south in Perris, where the cat's temperature had dropped alarmingly and he was placed in an incubator. He died from heart failure on Thanksgiving Day.

It was at this point that Journell considered the raw milk as the possible culprit  although he suspected a bacterial infection, not H5N1.

He brought his two other milk-drinking cats to the vet to get them checked, and was sent home with antibiotics and fluids.

Journell and Big Boy on Thursday in San Bernardino. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

On Nov. 30, one of his other cats, a young black-and-white named Tuxedo, began vomiting frequently and profusely. Alarmed, Journell raced him to the emergency vet clinic  one hand on the steering wheel, the other in the carrier, petting Tux to keep him calm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"He started convulsing, and I was petting him and trying to calm him down," recalled Journell. "Then he stopped. His body relaxed. I thought he had calmed down. I thought he was alive. But he had died."

Journell returned home and took the third raw-milk-drinking cats temperature; Big Boy had a fever. This time, Journell went to a specialist in Ontario who was able to diagnose and effectively treat the cat.

Journell said his 4-year-old cat Tuxedo died on the way to the emergency vet. (Joseph Journell)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Journell said he reached out to McAfee on Dec. 3, to see if he might be able to help.

It was McAfee who first mentioned the virus, said Journell, who had believed the illnesses were related to bacterial infections, such as listeria or salmonella. And according to Journell, McAfee assured him via text that his cats couldn't get the bird flu virus from the milk.

"He said the avian flu cannot survive in raw milk, that within a couple hours of refrigeration the bioactives in raw milk will kill any virus. That by the time it gets to the store, it's already been refrigerated for a day or two, so there should be no virus," recalled Journell of the exchange. "He also said his cats drank the raw milk all the time, and never got sick."

The Times requested to review the text exchange from Journell; he declined, citing his counsel's advice.

Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm LLC in Fresno, holds a container of milk. (Tomas Ovalle/For The Times)

Journell said he told the veterinarians caring for Big Boy about the conversation he had with McAfee, and they told him there was no evidence to support McAfee's statements. Nevertheless, they said they would treat Big Boy for both avian flu and for a bacterial infection. The cat was given Tamiflu (a treatment known to be effective for bird flu in felines) and antibiotics. Big Boy eventually recovered  he spent eight days in the hospital  but lost control of his hind legs for several weeks and his vision was, and still is, impaired, Journell said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Journell said he had to get the cat a "wheelchair"-type device for Big Boy, and had to hire caretakers to tend to him while Journell was at work.

In addition to treating Big Boy for the flu, veterinarians took urine samples on Dec. 4 and sent them to Cornell University's diagnostic laboratory. On Dec. 6, the sample tested positive for H5N1 bird flu. A second test conducted by a U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory confirmed the presence of the virus on Dec. 18.

Asked about the test results and letter sent by Journells lawyer, McAfee said there was no way to prove Journells cats had consumed Raw Farm milk. In an email, he suggested that it was possible the cats "were fed Monarch pet food which is confirmed to be making cats sick"  a reference to a recall involving the San Jacinto-based pet food company.

Journell said his cats eat only Blue Buffalo-brand wet and dry kibble.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And he noted that his fourth cat  the young, shy female who never drank the milk  didnt become ill.

A barn cat hangs around Mark McAfee's feet in front of his dairy barn. (Tomas Ovalle/For the Times)

McAfee cited the low viral count found in the test samples conducted at Cornell as a reason to dismiss the findings. The Cornell research found cycle thresholds, or Ct levels, higher than 35 in the sample, which indicates low viral levels; typically, experts look for levels under 20 as conclusive evidence that the virus is circulating.

However, Jane Sykes, professor of medicine and epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, reviewed the test results for The Times and said while viral levels were low in the sample, there was no doubt about its presence.

"They've tested multiple genes, and they're all positive. It's clearly positive, and it's clearly H5N1 and not another influenza virus based on the test," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Richard Webby, director of the World Health Organizations Collaborating Center for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds., who reviewed the tests for The Times agreed that while the numbers showed low viral amounts, and that urine isn't the best sample medium, "I would not conclude they are too low to be meaningful."

The tests also specifically looked for and found the dairy version of the virus  or B3.13.

Journell and Big Boy at home on Thursday. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

McAfee also said that PCR tests used to identify H5N1 bird flu in milk or those used to test the cat's urine do not show whether the virus is active or dead  it just shows there are viral fragments of RNA in the sample. It's one of the issues health officials are dealing with while monitoring wastewater for the virus: Positive H5N1 samples could be showing nothing more than inactivated virus from pasteurized milk, not necessarily live virus from another source.

Sykes agreed with McAfee that the tests do not show whether the virus is alive or dead, but said, "When you've got it in the urine of a cat, you know the cat's infected."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, she said, the cats' symptoms all track with what one would expect with H5N1 infection in a feline: lethargy, loss of motor control, vomiting and seizures. The disease manifests as largely neurological in cats; necropsies show viral buildup in their brains. And cats everywhere are getting sick from the virus.

Despite a request by public health officials, Journell decided not to donate the bodies of his two deceased cats for further testing. He said thats because when he asked the officials what would happen to the bodies, "they said they'd cut them up and then throw the pieces away. I couldn't do that. I wanted them cremated."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WKBN)  A former Pittsburgh-area man was indicted Thursday, accused of lying to the FBI and attempting to join the foreign terrorist organization Hizballah.

Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, who has dual citizenship in Ireland was arrested in Chicago on Dec. 6 and transferred to the U.S. Marshals office in Pittsburgh on Dec. 30.

Molloy is accused of attempting to provide material support and resources to Hizballah. According to investigators, Molloy previously served on active-duty status in the U.S. Army and traveled to Lebanon in August 2024 in an attempt to join Hizballah.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While in Lebanon, investigators say Molloy was told by multiple individuals that the time was not right, and that he needed to take other steps before he could join the terrorist organization. Molloy then traveled from Lebanon to Syria in October 2024 in an effort to fight for Hizballah in Syria.

After returning to the United States, Molloy resided in Upper St. Clair near Pittsburgh, where he continued to try to join Hizballah through internet communications.

Molloy expressed his hatred toward Jews, investigators said, through multiple images and videos and anti-Semitic usernames on his social media accounts. Investigators said Molloy told a family member that his goal was to join the terrorist group and kill Jews. He also is accused of visiting a website detailing the possible incarceration location of Robert Bowers, who carried out the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue shooting that claimed the lives of 11 Jewish worshippers.

If convicted, Molloy faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The case against Molloy was filed in U.S. Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
[Source]

On Dec. 18, 2024, Ja'Ronn Alex, a television news reporter of Pacific Islander descent, was attacked outside his news station by a man who allegedly questioned his citizenship and made xenophobic remarks.

Trumps America: Police say Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was driving a taxicab, first encountered Alex at a stoplight in Delta, Colorado, aggressively questioned Alex's citizenship, shouting, "This is Trump's America now! I'm a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!" Fearing for his safety, Alex alerted his manager and returned to his news station, KKCO/KJCT in Grand Junction. Egan pursued him for 40 miles and attacked him in the station's parking lot, tackling and strangling him until station employees intervened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

About the victim: Alex, a 22-year-old Detroit native, told authorities that the attack was racially motivated, noting that he believes he was targeted because of his Pacific Islander heritage. Surveillance footage and witness accounts corroborate Alexs claims, with bystanders noting that he appeared to struggle for breath during the assault. He is currently recovering from the incident and has since returned to work.

About the alleged attacker: Egan, who is being held at the Mesa County Jail on a $20,000 bond, was officially charged with second-degree assault, harassment and bias-motivated crimes on Dec. 28. If convicted on the assault charge alone, he faces up to six years in prison.

Trending on NextShark: Pacific Islander journalist in Colorado strangled by man invoking 'Trump's America'

Broader context: This attack highlights the growing threat of racially motivated violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing anti-immigrant rhetoric. Data from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism shows hate crimes in major U.S. cities rose 16% in 2023, with AAPI individuals disproportionately affected. According to a 2023 poll by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 1 in 3 AAPIs experienced racism, including verbal harassment, slurs, physical threats and cyberbullying.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Community reaction: The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) condemned the attack, describing it as an example of the dangers faced by journalists of color. This act of violence underscores the ongoing threats to individuals from marginalized communities, fueled by racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric, the organization said in a statement. AAJA went on to call for newsrooms to support AAPI journalists and those experiencing discrimination.

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Trending on NextShark: Got the holiday blues? Heres how you can deal with them.

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

Subscribe here now!

Trending on NextShark: Why 'A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas' deserves to be on your holiday watch list

Download the NextShark App:

Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Allison Herrera

MPR News

Jim Hallum grew up on the Santee Sioux Reservation in Nebraska not knowing anything about the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

Now, 162 years later, he and 30 others are on a nearly 300-mile ride from the reservation to southern Minnesota to mark one of the most tragic periods in Minnesota history  the hangings in Mankato of 38 Dakota warriors at the wars end, the largest single-day mass execution in American history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hallum is one of the organizers of the Dakota Exiles ride, a journey through frozen fields and open country covered in snow on horseback. They rode once before in 2020. Theyll meet up with another group of riders to commemorate the Dec. 26, 1862 hangings ordered by President Abraham Lincoln that led to a mass exile of Native people from Minnesota.

The ride is meant to honor those hanged in Mankato along with two others later executed; it also honors the thousands of people later forced from their homelands, Hallum said. Riders also want to preserve this painful history of the Dakota in the hope of helping heal the intergenerational trauma it created, he added.

Following the war, Congress abrogated treaties between the United States and the Dakota. Three months later, thousands of Dakota were loaded onto steamboats and sent to Crow Creek in what is now present day South Dakota.

We ride for 38 plus two but we ride for our grandmothers in Crow Creek, Hallum said, referring to many of the women and children who starved or succumbed to disease after their removal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After their exile, Dakota people were concentrated in several areas outside of their homelands in Santee, Neb., Sisseton, S.D., and Devils Lake, N.D., as well as Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada.

The Exiles Ride will meet up with riders from the Mankatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride. This ride closely follows the original route of the Dakota 38 + 2 Memorial Ride, which ended in 2022. That journey was started by Dakota Spiritual leader Jim Miller in 2008, who had a dream about the Dakota returning to Minnesota. Miller died from cancer in 2023.

The Dakota Exiles ride started on Dec. 14. The group has been on horseback on what Hallum jokes are rez ponies that can withstand the harsh cold and conditions.

Every night, they stop to rest and feed the horses. Hallums brother Kermit Miner, and his niece Jennifer Hallum are accompanying him. Hallum said they prefer to camp outdoors in the teepees theyve been hauling in the back of his more than 20-year-old truck, which is decorated with ponies painted by his granddaughter. He joked that the poles jutting up from his truck make them look like the Beverly Hillbillies.

Perry Little prepares to ride the next leg of the Dakota Exiles ride on Dec. 16, 2024, between Vermillion, S.D., and Alcester, S.D. (Jon Stenenga for MPR News)

Miner said he was inspired to ride by the return of Chief White Dogs pipeseveral years ago to the Prairie Island Indian Community after it had been auctioned off. He heard about the pipe from relatives and thought it was lost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During their first year, Miner cooked for all the riders. This year, Hallum said people have donated food for most of their trip and theyve been welcomed at nearly every stop by people providing dinner and a place to warm up.

In Alcester, S.D., Hallum said one woman heard they were coming and gave them banana bread. The local fire department brought fresh hay and water for the horses.

Its all been really good, Hallum said. They were truly amazed that we were doing this in wintertime.

Jennifer Hallum also grew up on the Santee Sioux Reservation in Nebraska and is now the tribal nations historic preservation officer. The U.S.- Dakota War and its aftermath was part of her upbringing and was talked about in her home.

I feel like Im giving back by being here, she said. Never stop learning about yourself and your history.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Search warrants obtained by Target 12 show police used cellphone data to help identify and charge suspects in an Aug. 2024 homicide in Providence, and that a pair of sandals left near the crime scene helped detectives identify one of the accused.

On Aug. 25, Providence police officers found Darmani Balbuena, 18, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at a Rhodes Street apartment complex. Balbuena died a short time later.

Two spent shell casings were seized by investigators at scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Court documents show multiple witnesses told police they saw people dressed in all black who jumped a fence behind the complex. They then ran away toward Borinquen Street shortly after shots were heard.

Police found two men, later identified as Julien Santiago, 20, and Jalen Santiago, 18, acting suspicious in an empty lot nearby. Both men were detained after police said they couldnt provide a logical reason for their presence there.

In the empty lot, detectives found a firearm with two live rounds and one spent shell casing, in addition to a set of keys that would later match a gray Honda Accord witnesses reported seeing casing the neighborhood hours before the shooting.

Witnesses told police they had tried to dissuade the victim from leaving the apartment as a result of the suspicious car, but Balbuena had planned to go to a recording studio that evening.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police also found the right sandal from a pair of Nike slides with a distinctive pattern that would later be crucial in the case.

On Rhodes Street, police found the other Nike sandal near the car of interest. An iPhone discovered in the back seat of the Honda was later determined to belong to Jose Diaz, according to police. The car had been reported as stolen on June 3.

Police wrote in an affidavit they were able to tie Diaz to the crime, in part, using the sandals, which they believed had fallen off when he ran from the scene.

According to police, surveillance video showed Diaz wearing the Nike slides just prior to the shooting, and additional footage from a Rhode Island Hospital parking lot appeared to show him only wearing socks after the shooting had occurred.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police noted Diaz was responsible for a shooting on Cranston street in late June, and that both Julien and Jalen Santiago were also charged in that incident.

Police learned the Honda had been seen parked in front of the known residence of Julien and Jalen Santiago just ten days before the shooting.

Since it was not actively registered and was parked on a public right of way, court documents show police towed it at the time. During that encounter, body-worn camera footage showed Julien Santiago wearing the same distinctive sandals that were seized in the homicide investigation.

In October, all three suspects were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the Balbuena killing, and ordered held without bail. No pleas were entered at their arraignments, as is typical with felony charges in district court.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An exact motive was not provided in the court documents, though a witness told police it was known that the victim had issues with gang members from another part of Providence.

Police have served over a dozen search warrants in the case so far.

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.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  The City of North Charleston held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for Neighborly, a new retail store in Park Circle.

Jamee Haley opened the store on Small Business Saturday, which was back in November. She and Reggie Burgess, mayor of North Charleston, cut the ribbon outside her new small business. Neighborly adds to the few retail stores that exist on East Montague Avenue.

Ive lived in Park Circle for a while now and Ive seen the changes. Then to actually be a part of owning a business here really means a lot to me, Haley said. I think it helps me to be further invested in this community and Im meeting so many new people that I didnt realize lived here. So, thats been really fun.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Burgess said he welcomes this new business as he believes being able to shop local is important to his community.

Its great, we need to have a mix. You know we have a lot of eateries in this area, but we need to get more retail, the mayor said. Its great that they invested to come down here and the things that you see inside, its amazing. I mean you can get anything youd like to get in there.

Since being opening, Haley has seen locals and visitors come in. She said its been a positive experience.

Good, its been great. People are curious and they want to see whats been going on and people have been very supportive, Haley said. I mean its sort of given me a new hope for humanity because everyone has so thoughtful and kind when they come in. So, its been lovely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additionally, J. Stark has relocated inside Neighborly. This comes as the popular King Street shop was looking to expand somewhere for their retail and workshop business, as well as making a cost-effective decision.

Oh my gosh, as soon as we got up here when we were moving in, you could immediately feel more of a community vibe. I didnt have neighbors when we were on King Street, there werent people we said hi to and ran into everyday, and smiled and waved at. Jess Nicoles, owner of J. Stark, said. I feel like we will be able to become friends with the people around us, and Im so excited about that because its so cool to lean on people around you.

Nicoles added she hopes she J. Stark will get its own place within Park Circle.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Long lines and limited terrain have plagued popular Utah ski resort Park City as a ski patroller strike continues to stretch into its seventh day.

The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association officially went on strike on Dec. 27, demanding higher wages and better benefits ahead of the busy holiday period following what they said was months of stalled negotiations. As a result, visitors to the Vail Resorts-owned mountain have since been greeted with heavy crowds, long lift lines, and limited openings.

Deirdra Walsh, the COO of Park City Mountain, told Travel + Leisure on Friday the resort was committed to reaching an agreement with the patrol union, but admitted in an Instagram post earlier this week the mountain has not been able to open as much terrain as we would like to  and I know that resulted in delays in operations and longer-than-usual lift lines, blaming it on a combination of the strike and not enough snowfall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The comments for that specific post have been turned off, but skiers have commented on previous posts on Park City's Instagram expressing their disappointment in the situation.

However, not every Park City ski patroller is currently on strike and Vail Resorts said many of the most experienced patrol leaders are still working.

But the limited terrain and union disagreement has resulted in long lift lines with one guest warning travelers to Stay away from Park City, posting a photo ahead of New Years on X of a huge crowd in front of a lift and adding the Mountain is a disaster! Lift lines over 40 minutes and limited terrain. Dont waste your money here!



@PCski @VailResorts Stay away from Park City. Mountain is a disaster! Lift lines over 40 minutes and limited terrain. Dont waste your money here! pic.twitter.com/gkQoMWB90w  Chuck Moore (@tdmaker10) December 31, 2024

Currently, Park City has opened 24 of its 41 total lifts and just 80 of its 350 runs  or just over 20 percent of the mountain. That number includes the 30 runs the mountain opened this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Walsh added to T+L: We are incredibly grateful for our team of highly experienced patrollers from Park City and our other mountain resorts, plus our thousands of other team members, who are working hard each day to deliver the experience and open the terrain we can safely open.

The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association is demanding a $2 per hour increase in their base wage from $21 per hour to $23 per hour. However, a spokesperson for Vail Resorts told T+L that average seasonal patroller at Park City Mountain makes $25 per hour on average, and the average entry level wage is $22.40 per hour.

Ski patrollers are responsible for safety on the mountain, monitoring both slow zones and high traffic areas as well as leading avalanche mitigation, responding to medical and safety incidents, and monitoring conditions on the mountain, among other duties.



Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Jan. 2NEW YORK  The street where a gunman shot and killed a health-care chieftain three weeks before Christmas now bustles with foot and car traffic.

The Hilton in midtown Manhattan, a sprawling structure on 6th Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets where United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson died early in the morning on Dec. 4, is busy, too. People lounge in stuffed chairs in the lobby, chatting amiably, passing time and enjoying their days not far from the spot where someone put several bullets into Thompson's back, the casings decorated with words"deny" and "defend"associated with health-care refusals and profiteering, before disappearing on an electric bicycle into vast Central Park just a few blocks north.

Law enforcement officials arrested a young man in Pennsylvania five days later. A graduate of prestigious private and Ivy League schools, he apparently had distanced himself from family and friends in recent months. Investigators say they found evidence in his private writings of an increasing animus toward corporate Americaand the healthcare industry, in particular.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In one scrawled sentence, he wrote that such parasites "had it coming."

The young man studied computer science in college and was a good student, so he likely had some idea that his movements would and could be tracked by the armada of cameras and other observational devices in Manhattan and most other major cities. The messages on the shell casings also suggest he wanted to send a message.

And maybe even get caught.

Prior to the shooting, police say he stayed in a youth hostel about 50 blocks north of the killing site.

The massive brick building at the southeast corner of 104th Street and Amsterdam Avenue wasn't always a hostel. Built in the 1880s, it originally was the "Association Residence for Respectable Aged Indigent Females."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Designed in the Victorian Gothic style by Richard Morris Huntone of America's most renowned architects in the last half of the 19th centurythe reddish brick building extends almost halfway down the block on Amsterdam.

It is both artifact from and monument to the Gilded Age, another era in which plutocrats reigned and saw their ability to leverage a system rigged in their favor as evidence not just of their good fortune but also as a sign of their divinely ordained entitlement.

The robber barons, then and now, saw providing the people they had exploited with basic necessitiessuch as housing and health careas acts of benevolence rather than matters of inherent ethical and social obligation.

Then, also as now, the mainstream entertained ideas that at other times would be considered morally repugnant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The striking-looking West End Presbyterian Church just one block up Amsterdam from the hostel that once was a poor woman's refuge also had its birth in the Gilded Age.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a trailblazer among established churches. It created a nursery school and built a gymnasium, entwining itself more completely in the lives of the community and its congregants.

But the church also entertained a long and spirited debate about the supposed virtues of eugenic marriageof saying that only genetically superior men and women should be allowed to partner and reproduce.

One wonders if the alleged shooter, a young man of acknowledged if troubled intelligence, took note of his surroundings while he passed his nights in the hostel.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Did he choose this place specifically because of its pastits historic connections with privilege and ignored or obscured social responsibility?

Did he walk around this neighborhood, which struggles in comparison with the tony, commercial blocks to the east and west of it, and ponder how often a nation that created itself by declaring "all men are created equal" has attempted to enshrine systems of privilege?

The Gilded Age in popular memory was a time of opulent languor, its innate corruption cloaked in the garb of luxury.

In reality, it was an angry, often violent era, a period marked by riots, bombings and other acts of violence by people who felt the nation's institutions had failed them. It was a time when spurious and abhorrent notions often were treated as accepted facts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The greatest American writer of that echoing era was Mark Twain.

"History doesn't repeat itself," he supposedly once said, "but it often rhymes."

John Krull is director of Franklin College's Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The views expressed are those of the author only and should not be attributed to Franklin College.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  Peace On Purpose is an initiative by the City of Greensboro thats pushing for less violence and more community action.

The Office of Community Safety held a peace declaration on Lawndale Drive in Greensboro near the scene of a deadly shooting that took place on the morning of New Years Day.

We have a young man who was on the pavement here  Him being on the pavement is one thing but what about back home? Greensboro City Council Member Hugh Holston said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Less than 90 minutes into the new year, an act of violence took the life of 29-year-old Shakeem Latif Peterson-Brock on Lawndale Drive in Greensboro.

Thats going to hurt that entire family relationship. What we want to do is make sure that were providing the resources so that groups like the Office of Community Safety can continue to do the work to mitigate these types of things, Holston said.

Director for the Office of Community Safety in Greensboro Latisha McNeil said the gathering for Peace on Purpose couldnt wait.

When we address these things immediately, and we address them from multiple angles, we address them with our law enforcement partners, our community partners, our school partners  thats when we can really make an impactful change, McNeil said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said the community as a whole needs these resources.

What we see is its not just young people who are committing acts of violence. Its older people as well. Its people having basic disagreements that are escalating into acts of violence, McNeil said.

This means its going to take everyone joining together to see change.

Avery Williamson with the Rapid Response Prayer Team For City Help Of The Triad believes if programs show community members where their potential lies then the change could be more achievable.

You can live a different way. You dont have to embrace that lifestyle. There are other options. A drug dealer is really an entrepreneur if you think about it, right? Hes an entrepreneur, but his gift is in the wrong place, Williamson said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Holston said he is committed to focusing city dollars in the budget on the people for the positive in 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 FOX8 WGHP.
CLINTON, Miss. (WJTV)  Clinton police are working to identify a pedestrian who was hit and killed by a vehicle near Mississippi College.

The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on January 2 in the downtown area.

Mississippi authorities search for triple homicide suspect

The womans identity is unknown. Police described her as a slim woman, appears to be over 60-years-old and has long silver or gray hair.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone with information about her identity can contact the Clinton Police Department at 601-924-5252.

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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A man was rushed to a hospital after they were struck by a vehicle Thursday morning on Ming Avenue.

The collision happened at around 11:20 a.m. on Ming Avenue near Pinon Springs Circle in southwest Bakersfield. An initial investigation revealed the male subject ran into traffic while suffering a mental health crisis, police said.

Woman pleads not guilty to igniting Rosamond blaze that destroyed mobile homes

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A man was rushed to a hospital with major injuries and is in critical condition, according to BPD. Police briefly blocked eastbound lanes of Ming Avenue.

The driver remained on scene and is cooperative with the investigation.

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 KGET 17.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she is en route to Washington after recently undergoing a hip replacement surgery in Germany following a fall in Luxembourg last month.

I am on my way to Washington to proudly represent the people of San Francisco in Congress. Im honored to do so to share our San Francisco values, Pelosi said in a video posted Thursday on the social platform X. Thank you for giving me that honor.

Pelosi, 84, traveled alongside 17 other lawmakers to Luxembourg last month for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The California veteran lawmaker sustained an injury after falling down. She was hospitalized in Luxembourg.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The former House Speaker was then transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where she underwent a successful surgery, according to her spokesperson.

The update from Pelosi comes as all House Democrats are expected to be in attendance in the Capitol on Friday for the vote to choose the next Speaker of the lower chamber, according to the Democratic whips office.

Democrats presence on Capitol Hill on Friday will be of significance, as the Republican Party has a razor-thin majority and some members of the GOP caucus have made threats to not support Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to retain his position in the 119th Congress this year.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said he would not back Johnson on Friday, meaning that one more Republican Party no vote would deny Johnson the gavel, assuming that all Democrats are on the floor and vote for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If one Democratic lawmaker is absent, then Johnson can have two defections in his party and still secure the Speakership.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 2 (UPI) -- A Pennsylvania man has been indicted on charges of attempting to support the foreign terrorist organization Hezbollah, the Justice Department reported Thursday.

Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, a former resident of Pittsburgh, attempted to provide material support and resources to the terrorist group from August 2024 through December 2024, in Lebanon, Syria, the Western District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, the Justice Department said in a statement.

Molloy undertook these actions "knowing that the organization was a designated terrorist organization and that the organization had engaged in and was engaging in terrorist activity and terrorism, " a release from the Justice Department said in a criminal complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Molloy, a citizen of both the United States and Ireland, previously served on active duty status in the U.S Army, traveled to Lebanon in August 2024 and attempted to join Hezbollah but was told by "multiple individuals that the time was not right, and that he needed to take other steps before he could join the terrorist organization," the Justice Department release said.

Molloy continued to try to join Hezbollah while living in Upper St. Clair, Pa. and allegedly continued to communicate with members of the organization online and in Lebanon. He also expressed his hatred toward, and promoted violence against, Jewish people," documents show.

"Molloy's alleged animus toward Jews was also evidenced by multiple images and videos on his electronic devices and the usernames he chose for his social media and email accounts, including the username "KIKEKILLER313" on the social media platform X. In one alleged WhatsApp exchange with a family member, Molloy agreed that his 'master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews,'" Justice Department documents show.

He is also alleged to have visited a website that showed the possible incarceration location of Robert Bowers, the man who carried out the 2018 Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue shooting during which he murdered 11 Jewish worshippers. It is thought that Molloy was a Bowers sympathizer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The indictment also says Molloy lied to FBI investigators at the Pittsburgh International Airport in October, 2024 about his contact with members of Hezbollah. He said had no current or future plans to become involved with the organization and that he had no business in, nor was he meeting with anyone, in Syria.

"These statements and representations were false because Molloy knew at that time that (1) he did have current and future plans to become involved with Hizballah and (2) Molloy travelled to Syria in furtherance of his attempts to join Hezbollah, and while in Syria, set up a meeting with an individual there," the Justice Department release said.

Molloy faces up to 28 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted on the material support and false statement charges.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WHTM)  A Pennsylvania man is facing federal charges after authorities say he traveled overseas to support a foreign terrorist organization and lied about it.

Jack Danaher Molloy, 24, of Upper St. Clair, was indicted and arrested on Dec. 6, authorities said Thursday.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Molloy is a dual U.S. and Irish citizen and previously served on active duty status in the U.S. Army.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He traveled to Lebanon in August of 2024 and attempted to join Hezbollah and was told that the time was not right and that he needed to take other steps before he could join.

Molloy then went to Syria in October and attempted again. When he returned stateside, he again continued attempts to join the organization, according to the Justice Department.

Authorities said that he had expressed hatred and promoted violence against Jewish people via social media, noting that hed told a family member that his master plan was to join Hezbollah and kill Jews.

Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here

He is also accused of lying to federal authorities in October, telling FBI agents at the Pittsburgh International Airport that he had no plans of joining Hezbollah and that he had no business in, nor was he meeting with anyone, in Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If convicted, he could face 20 years in 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 ABC27.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  A Pensacola man was sentenced to 20 years in prison as a habitual felony offender following an arrest in April 2024, according to the First Judicial Circuit of Florida State Attorney.

WATCH: Pensacola Blue Angels accidentally photobomb gender reveal in viral video

According to a news release from State Attorney Ginger Bowden Maddens office, Honorable Judge John F. Simon sentenced Christian Isaiah Carter on Dec. 4, 2024, for fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers.

Christian Isaiah Carter. (Courtesy: Escambia County Sheriffs Office)

The release said the State argued during sentencing that Carter was a danger to the community, and his actions warranted severe punishment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Judge Simon took note of Carters extensive criminal record and his lack of regard for the law.

Pensacola police catch pig on the interstate

Escambia County deputies attempted to stop Carter in 2024, and he fled from them at a high rate of speed. The release said Carter drove over 80 miles per hour through busy streets and intersections.

Carter failed to make a turn, crashed his vehicle and fled on foot before deputies arrested him and booked him into the Escambia County Jail.

The Escambia County Sheriffs Office investigated the case.

Assistant State Attorney Robert Little prosecuted the case on Maddens behalf.

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 WKRG News 5.
Penske Media Vice Chairman Gerry Byrne received the U.S. Navys top civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Award, on Friday in New York City, in a ceremony attended by Byrnes colleagues, friends and fellow veterans. He was also joined by his wife, Liz, and his daughter Megan, an actor currently appearing on Broadway in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

While presenting Byrne with the award, Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, hailed the media executive as an extraordinary human being and praised him for his philanthropic work, his energy [and] his passion.

More from Variety

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Byrne, who served as a Marine officer in Vietnam and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V, has found myriad ways to give back to the community. At PMC, he helped establish the Salute to Service events at Variety and Rolling Stone, that highlights the contributions of veterans and military families, while helping to launch an affinity group for veterans. He has also served on the boards of numerous not-for-profits including Fisher House, the Intrepid Museum and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

Byrne said that his experience in the Marines and his Jesuit education at Fordham University helped shape his values, as well as his desire to make a difference. That belief system led, Byrne said, to his role at PMC, which he helped guide during its two-decade-long history.

When I [sat down] for a small dinner in Los Angeles with [PMC founder] Jay Penskehe was searching for what he really wanted to do, and he had this vision to create this media company, Byrne remembered. Our conversation was all about integrity and leadershipThose are unique words and assets to find in the environment that we live in.

Byrnes career in media has included stints as the publisher of Variety and Crains New York Business, along with leadership roles at organizations such as Norman Lears ACT III Communications. In addition to creating shows such as Happy Days and All in the Family, Lear flew 52 combat missions as a gunner during World War II. Their shared military service gave Lear and Byrne a special connection. Byrne said he once asked Lear how he managed to balance his busy professional life with his philanthropic work for organizations like People for the American Way, a left-leaning non-profit that the TV guru founded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He said, Gerry, life is not a rehearsal,' Byrne remembered. When you think about it, the moment that were sharing todayThis aint gonna happen again. Its this moment. So just think about the opportunities that each and every one of you have to make a difference.

Established in 1951, the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award is presented by the U.S. Secretary of the Navy to civilians for specific courageous or heroic acts or exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long-term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps or Department of the Navy as a whole. It is the highest recognition that the Secretary of the Navy can pay to a civilian not employed by the Department of the Navy.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
As we learn more about the suspect in the New Orleans terrorist attack, were now hearing from a terrorism expert about how people become radicalized.

Right now, the FBI is looking into whether this was a case of homegrown terrorism.

We know Shamsud Din Jabbar was a veteran from Texas and attended Georgia State University.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Authorities want to know if Jabbar had any links to terrorist groups after officials say they found an ISIS flag in the back of his truck.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities said Jabbar used that truck to plow through a crowd of people down busy Bourbon Street.

Professor Anthony Lemieux with Georgia State University told Channel 2s Audrey Washing even though, Jabbar was an Army veteran, it is possible he was radicalized by a terrorist organization.

RELATED STORIES:

Groups like ISIS and terrorist groups across the board, international or domestic, look for people with military background and capabilities, so they can have the capability to act on these bad intentions, Lemieux said.

The professor said those who become radicalized often have personal disruptions that lead them down a dark and dangerous path.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities said Jabbar was in debt and going through a divorce.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

They move towards these groups because there is an appeal that they can right some of the wrongs or address their grievances, Lemieux said.

Lemieux said terrorists often choose public spaces for violence to send a broader message.

The goal is to get the attention. The goal is to do something shocking and outrageous, Lemieux said.

Investigators said Jabbar posted videos on social media indicating that he was inspired by ISIS.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  With a winter storm set to hit central Illinois this weekend, the public works department for the city of Peoria is preparing to keep the roads safe for drivers.

Nick McMillion is the communications specialist for Peoria Public Works, and said snow is something the department prepares for.

Its a matter of when, not if, the snow will fall. We know the snow always does come and we are ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at us in the coming days, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Peoria area is being hit with snow Thursday evening, but McMillion anticipates it will be minor compared to the weekend storm. Salt trucks will cover the main roads, making sure they dont become icy.

McMillion said the freezing temperatures can lead to a decreased pavement temperature. When that happens, the potential for black ice and other hazards increases.

Once that pavement temperature really drops, no matter how much salt or brine or calcium chloride that we put on the streets, theres only so much effectiveness that those applications can offer once those temperatures are so cold, he said.

The plows will cover the main and arterial roads in the city, while residential roads will only get plowed once 2 inches or more of snow has fallen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McMillion said drivers should give themselves more time to make their commutes and also be knowledgeable about the types of roads youll be driving on. He said rural and urban roads are very different to drive on.

If driving over a patch of ice, McMillion recommends being calm and driving cautiously. If your car begins sliding, dont slam on the brakes. Rather, turn your car into the direction of the slide and avoid oversteering.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MIAMI, Okla.  The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma announced the tribes Business Committee is holding a special meeting on Jan. 6 to discuss possibly removing an elected official.

The press release does not identify the elected official. A call to the tribes administrative offices seeking more information about Mondays meeting was not returned.

Chief Craig Harper said the special meeting centers on discussion and approval of the removal of an elected official. The meeting will begin at the Peoria Community Center at 6 p.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Of the 3,713 enrolled tribal members, 777 members live in Oklahoma. Harper is serving a four-year term.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 2For the next two weeks, state lawmakers can file bills early for the 2025 Legislature.

The prefiling period began on Jan. 2 and goes until Jan. 17. Legislators can also file during the first month of the Legislature, with a deadline of Feb. 20.

The 2025 Legislature begins on Jan. 21 and runs to March 22.

Sessions on odd-numbered years are 60 days long, as opposed to 30-day-long sessions on even years, and allow for bill consideration of any topic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the most recent 60-day session in 2023, lawmakers introduced more than 1,000 bills. Not all of the bills make it past committees or full floors, and even less get signed into law.

Legislators also introduce what are known as "dummy bills" before the final legislation filing deadline. These bills, initially introduced under the legislation name Public Peace, Health, Safety and Welfare, are a way policymakers can continue pushing for failed legislation later in the session.

For example, after lawmakers in the 2024 Legislature tabled a priority bill from the Governor's Office that included the Strategic Water Supply, it appeared again in the final days of the session via a dummy bill.

Any filed legislation can be found online, at www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation_List.

What policies or laws do you want to see written about in Business Outlook? Send an email to mgleason@abqjournal.com.
(WHTM)  A man who purchased human remains from a Midstate man who made national headlines in a human trafficking scheme involving body parts has been sentenced to more than a year in jail.

Matthew Lampi, 50, of Minnesota, was sentenced by Chief Judge Matthew Brann to 15 months in prison for interstate transport of stolen human remains, according to the Department of Justice.

Prosecutors say Lampi bought the remains from Cumberland County resident Jeremy Pauley, the man who was sentenced to probation for selling body parts that were stolen from Harvards Medical School.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Morning Weather Forecast

The remains were stolen from a mortuary and crematorium in Little Rock, Arkansas by a woman who sold them to Pauley over Facebook.

Lampi, prosecutors say, paid Pauley more than $100,000 for human remains that he bought over a period of time. A stillborn babys corpse that was supposed to be cremated was one of the remains sold to Lampi.

Lampi will also have to pay a fine of $2,000 and restitution.

The case is part of a multi-year investigation into the interstate trafficking of stolen human remains.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President-elect Donald Trump announced in late November that Sean Duffy, a former Republican congressman and Fox Business host with a long record of opposing LGBTQ + rights, will replace Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation if confirmed. Buttigieg, the first out gay Cabinet secretary confirmed by the U.S. Senate, brought visibility and progress to the role, championing clean energy initiatives and equitable infrastructure development during his tenure under President Joe Biden .

Duffys nomination marks a stark reversal in tone and policy direction. A reality TV personality who first gained fame on MTVs The Real World: Boston, Duffy transitioned into politics with a conservative platform defined by opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedoms.

During his eight years in Congress, Duffy voted in favor of Trumps ban on transgender people serving in the military , opposed marriage equality , and abstained from voting on the Equality Act, which would have provided federal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans. He even introduced legislation banning fetal genetic testing for sexual orientation despite no scientific basis for such testing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Where Buttigieg made headlines for deftly navigating contentious issues like supply chain disruptions and advocating for electric vehicles, Duffy is best known for his controversial takes on green energy and his steadfast opposition to climate-conscious transportation initiatives. As a Fox Business host, Duffy regularly criticized the push for electric vehicles, a cornerstone of Buttigiegs efforts to modernize the nations infrastructure.

Buttigieg prioritized inclusivity and equity, ensuring that underserved communities were considered in transportation projects and that the country moved toward a cleaner, greener future.
Cops took a bite out of this crime.

A saucy vandal who plagued a Westchester town with chronic graffiti of pepperoni slices for more than a year has finally been arrested.

Daniel Henderson, 42, of Yonkers, was busted Dec. 27 for allegedly tagging at least 13 spots around New Rochelle in connection to the One Slice Please graffiti trend, police said in a press release.

A graffiti artist spray painted a depiction of a pepperoni slice on over one dozen pizzerias in Westchester County, according to police. instagram/onesliceplease

Hendersons alleged vandalism spree plagued the city and surrounding areas, the New Rochelle Police Department said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The millennial allegedly tagged the outside of pizzerias and other sites with a depiction of a pepperoni slice, topped with green lines that are presumably meant to represent oregano and gooey cheese hanging off the edge.

The graffiti vandal was charged with three counts of making graffiti. newrochelleny

An Instagram profile with the username OneSlicePlease posted over a dozen photos of the trademark slice spraypainted on various pie shops.

A screengrab of a news report covering the unsavory exploits was also posted on the social media account.

One Slice Please also has a website, where those who prefer to eat with their eyes  and have some extra dough  can purchase a $3,000 framed painting of the branded depiction of pizza the accused allegedly obsessively creates.

The movement is allegedly the work of one determined man who loves pizza more than he hates

being considered a vandal. instagram/iatecornflakes

New Rochelle police called the arrest a culmination of a year-long investigation that was of interest in part because of the traction the movement gained on social media, local media outlets, and influencers in Westchester County, the release states.

Henderson is charged with three counts of making graffiti and additional charges are pending, cops said.
Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, speaks to attendees during a Sept. 25, 2024, campaign rally in Mint Hill, North Carolina. Trumps victory in Tuesdays election could set the stage for wide-ranging changes to policy. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Donald Trumps second administration is poised to soon do a great deal of damage in several important areas. Whether its health care, education, the federal courts, reproductive freedom, immigration, foreign policy or the economy, millions of people will suffer needlessly if Trump follows through on all of his campaign promises.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That said, when it comes to the damage that will be truly irreparable, no pledge looms darker or more ominous than Trumps plan to scuttle efforts to combat climate change.

As Katharine Hayhoe  a scientist and lead author of the National Climate Assessment under the last Trump administration  put it in a recent interview, quote the situation is dire on many fronts [and its] already getting worse.

In other words, theres absolutely no time to waste. Even a mere four years of backtracking will greatly worsen results for our children and grandchildren.

The bottom line: No problem poses a greater threat to the near and long-term wellbeing of Americans than climate change. And no matter what hes said previously, Trump simply must listen to the experts and act.

For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield.
Jan. 3WILKES-BARRE  A Plains Township man who was apprehended in South Korea on an arrest warrant charging him with sexually and physically abusing a woman in 2018 backed out of a plea agreement in Luzerne County Court.

James C. Meininger, 40, formerly of Skidmore Street, was charged by Plains Township police in December 2018, after investigating an incident that allegedly occurred inside a vehicle on Sept. 22, 2018.

Court records say Meininger was inside a vehicle being driven by a woman when they engaged in an argument. The woman told police Meininger told her to stop the vehicle and when she did, he strangled her, court records say.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meininger allegedly punched the woman in her head, ribs and legs as she fought back.

The woman fled the vehicle and was chased by Meininger. When the woman made it back to her vehicle, Meininger returned before she was able to lock the doors, court records say.

Meininger forced the woman to a parking lot on East Mountain Boulevard where he sexually assaulted her, according to court records.

Police in court records say a surveillance camera recorded the sexual assault.

During a court proceeding before Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr., state Deputy Attorney General Angela Sperrazza said a plea agreement was previously agreed upon but Meininger opted not to fulfill the agreement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sklarosky said he will scheduled a trial date at the conclusion of a federal case against Meininger.

Meininger was captured in South Korea in May 2020, and deported to the United States where he was taken into custody by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Los Angeles, Calif. Meininger returned to Luzerne County in June 2020.

Meininger is facing charges of aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, sexual assault and strangulation in Luzerne County.

In an unrelated case, Meininger in September pled guilty to a federal charge of mailing a threatening letter to General Mark A. Milley at The Pentagon in October 2021. Milley was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when Meininger was indicted by a federal grand jury of sending the threatening letter. Meininger has not been sentenced on the federal charge.
Jan. 2The Platte County Sheriff's Office in Missouri is asking for the public's help in finding a suspect involved in damaging county and private property.

According to the Sheriff's Office post on social media on Thursday, Jan. 2, they are looking for individuals they believe to be involved in damaging both county property and private property on Dec. 22, just days before the Christmas holiday.

The property damage occurred in the area of the 136th Street and Humphries intersection, along with property in the neighborhoods south of the intersection.

The Platte County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to contact them at 816-858-2424 or via the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477 (TIPS).
Former rapper and popular podcast host Joe Budden has been charged with lewdness in connection to an incident in early December at his apartment building in Edgewater, New Jersey.

Budden, 44, was charged on Dec. 4 after a neighbor reportedly saw the internet personality standing naked in the hallway of their building at about 7 a.m., according to a news release from the Edgewater Police Department cited by Billboard magazine.

Joe Budden, shown here at an April 2022 event in New York City, was accused by a neighbor of standing naked in their apartment building's hallway. Shareif Ziyadat /Getty Images

The incident was recorded on the neighbors doorbell camera and showed Budden trying to enter numbers onto the keypad several times before heading back to his home, according to the news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Buddens attorney, Nima Ameri, called the Edgewater police announcement inflammatory and slanderous, adding that the incident stemmed from the rappers long history of sleepwalking, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

The lawyer accused Police Chief Donald Martin of racial bias after he issued a news release before Buddens court date.

Had Mr. Budden not been a prominent Black voice for his community, we do no believe such a press release would have been issue over these mediocre accusations, Ameri wrote. In his rap career, Buddens top hit was 2003s Pump It Up.

Budden addressed the charge in a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, saying, I just slept-walked somewhere that I shouldnt have slept-walked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Budden has filed cross-complaints against his neighbor, Ameri told TMZ. Buddens complaints against his neighbor include substantially more serious charges and possible felony charges, Ameri said, though he did not specify what those charges were.

Instead of focusing on these more serious matters, the Chief has chosen to exploit this incident for what we perceive as his personal gain, thus compromising Mr. Buddens constitutional right to a fair trial, Ameri said in the Wednesday news release.

The Edgewater Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from HuffPost.

Related...
Poland has not invited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Hungary's ambassador to the opening event of Warsaw's presidency of the EU Council on Jan. 3, Reuters reported, citing Polish Deputy European Affairs Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka.

The reason is Budapest granting political asylum to former Polish Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski, who is investigated at home for suspected misuse of funds.

Though close partners under Poland's previous conservative government, Hungary and Poland have been increasingly at odds since the coalition of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took office in December 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"When we invited guests to our gala almost a month ago, we invited the entire diplomatic corps," Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said.

"But after the situation with Minister Romanowski, (Polish Foreign) Minister (Radoslaw) Sikorski decided that the Hungarian ambassador is not a welcome guest in the theater today."

Stark differences on key policy issues also aggravate the mounting tensions between Warsaw and Budapest.

While Poland has supported Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression throughout the full-scale war and took a pro-EU turn under Tusk, Orban's Hungary has opposed military aid to Kyiv and repeatedly clashed with Brussels over the rule of law issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Poland began its sixth-month rotating presidency of the EU Council on Jan. 1, taking over the role from Hungary. Tusk said that security would be a "top priority" for Poland's presidency and pledged continued support for Ukraine.

The Hungarian chairmanship was seen as controversial, namely due to Orban's visit to Moscow in July, which led to EU officials and leaders boycotting some of the Hungary-hosted EU events.

Read also: Citing Orbans corruption, Hungarian opposition leader calls for early elections in video address

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Bloomberg) -- Poland withdrew an invitation for Hungarys ambassador to a European Union-themed gala after Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government granted asylum to a fugitive Polish opposition lawmaker.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The snub widens a rift between two EU countries that were ideologically aligned under Polands previous nationalist government. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who took office after Polands election in 2023, has become one of Orbans fiercest critics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

All EU ambassadors were initially invited to the gala at Warsaws Grand Theater marking the start of Polands six-month EU presidency, but Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski sent a note to Hungarys envoy saying he isnt welcome, Polish Deputy Minister for European Affairs Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka told broadcaster TVP Info.

Hungary has placed itself on the margins of European politics, she said.

Poland has previously protested Hungarys decision to offer political asylum to former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski, who is wanted on Polish fraud charges. A court investigating mismanagement at a fund that compensates victims of the judicial system has issued a warrant for his arrest.

Sikorski has called Hungarys asylum decision a hostile act against a country thats seeking to bring to justice former officials for alleged corruption and fraud. Orban has said Hungarys decision wasnt politically motivated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are two terms competing with each other to describe the decision of the Polish foreign minister: pathetic and childish, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told the HGV news site.

--With assistance from Marton Kasnyik.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Poland removed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other top officials from his administration from the guest list for a gala event Friday to mark the handover of the rotating Presidency of the European Union from Budapest to Warsaw.

The Polish government was said to have issued the snub over a decision by Orban's administration to grant political asylum to Polish Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski for whom there is an outstanding European Arrest Warrant in connection with 11 misuse of public funds charges.

"We invited the entire diplomatic corps, but after the situation with Mr. Romanowski, Foreign Minister [Radoslaw] Sikorski sent a note to the Hungarian ambassador that he was not a welcome guest at the [Grand] Theater," said Polish Deputy European Affairs Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said the administration of Prime Minister Donald Tusk did not want Orban to attend either and were waiting to hear if a "lower ranking representative" would be sent their place.

Hungary's Foreign Ministry condemned the move as feeble and immature.

"According to Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, two terms are competitive in connection with the decision of the Polish Foreign Minister's colleague: pathetic and childish," it told Politico.

Relations between the two neighbors, which both share a border with Ukraine, have seen a sharp deterioration since Tusk's centrist coalition came to power in December 2023 over diverging stances on the war in Ukraine, with Tusk strongly backing Kyiv and Orban cozying up to Moscow.
By Marek Strzelecki, Lili Bayer and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk

WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland launched its presidency of the Council of the European Union on Friday mired in a diplomatic row with Hungary that underscored a deepening sense of political disunity across Europe just as it confronts a raft of major global challenges.

Saddled with a sluggish economy, the EU is bracing for the return of Donald Trump to the White House this month on an "America First" platform and the possible imposition of U.S. tariffs on European exports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It also faces deteriorating trade relations with China and Russia's grinding war in Ukraine, all at a time when the EU's two leading powers, France and Germany, are distracted by domestic political upheaval.

Against this gloomy backdrop, Poland is seeking a leading role in shaping European policy, especially on security.

"If Europe is powerless, it will not survive... Let's do everything so that Europe and Poland do not have to pay the highest price for freedom, for strength, for sovereignty. Let's do everything to make Europe strong again," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during a gala in Warsaw.

He was joined by the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa who stressed the importance of continued support for Kyiv.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This year we must continue to stand with Ukraine  as much as necessary, for as long as it takes, to win a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," Costa said.

"For that, we must continue to see defence as a strategic priority for the European Union."

POLISH AMBITIONS

Tusk hopes "to lead a realignment in the EU when it comes to building a coalition around support for Ukraine and meaningful peace that benefits Kyiv, not Moscow", said Edit Zgut-Przybylska, an assistant professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology in the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Tusk, a former president of the European Council who previously also served as head of the centre-right European People's Party, is a well-connected figure on the EU stage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But as European capitals face tough decisions on issues such as how to bolster and finance defence spending, analysts say Warsaw is unlikely to be able to lead on its own.

Piotr Buras, head of the European Council of Foreign Relations' Warsaw office, said the challenges facing the EU surpass the capacity and time horizon of any one six-month presidency.

"This is a key moment for Europe above all due to Trumps arrival and the situation in Ukraine but also issues related to the broader economy, competitiveness and possibly the trade war with a simultaneous weakness of leadership and a transition moment within the EU itself," Buras said.

Regarding Europe's collective security and support for Kyiv, some analysts said Germany, Europe's biggest economy, could take on a bigger role after its Feb. 23 national election, which the conservatives are currently tipped to win.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The only hope is that the new German leadership will decide to take a much more active and assertive stance," said Peter Bator, a former Slovak ambassador to NATO who is now chief analyst at the opposition Progressive Slovakia party.

DIPLOMATIC SPATS

The Polish government said Hungary's envoy was not welcome at the ceremony to mark Warsaw taking on the EU's rotating, six-month presidency, a very public snub that follows months of political barb trading between the two countries' leaders.

Hungary infuriated Poland last month by granting political asylum to a former Polish deputy justice minister who is under investigation at home for alleged misuse of public funds, which he denies. Warsaw called the move a "hostile act" contrary to EU principles and recalled its ambassador to Budapest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto described Friday's snub as "childish", news website HVG.hu reported. The Polish move just added to multiplying signs of European disharmony.

Slovakia, which along with Hungary has sought to maintain some ties with Russia, threatened retaliation on Thursday against Ukraine after it halted the transit flows of Russian gas, while on Friday negotiations on forming a new government in Austria suffered a blow when a key party quit the talks.

(Reporting by Marek Strzelecki and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk in Warsaw and Lili Bayer and Gergely Szakacs in Budapest; Editing by Gareth Jones and Cynthia Osterman)
PADUCAH, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentucky State Police is asking for help identifying a person of interest in an ongoing investigation.

On Friday, KSP released an image of a man from a camera in Paducah. The man is described as a white male last seen wearing camouflage overalls with a purple fedora hat near the southside of Paducah.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Police said he was seen driving a purple moped with wings on the sides.

The investigation is ongoing.

(Kentucky State Police)

Anyone with information about the identity of the person in the picture is encouraged to contact KSP Post 1 at 270-856-3721. People can also report tips confidentially through the KSP website Tip Form.

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.
DENVER (KDVR)  Authorities have released new details about the Colorado man who was the suspected driver of a Tesla Cybertruck involved in an explosion in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in front of the entrance to President-elect Donald Trumps hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven other people.

1 dead, 7 injured in Tesla fire, explosion at Las Vegas Trump International Hotel in intentional act

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said during a press conference Thursday that the suspect has not been completely confirmed as his body was burnt beyond recognition. However, McMahill said investigators tracked Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active-duty Army soldier from Colorado Springs, in numerous photos showing that he was the driver of the Cybertruck. Authorities also said that his military identification, passport and credit cards in his name were found on the body.

In the news conference, McMahill said the coroners office found that Livelsberger had suffered what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head before the explosion, and a handgun was found at his feet. He added that authorities believe the act was intentional as they also found a bed full of gasoline canisters, firework mortars, a second firearm, fuel enhancers, explosive targets, an iPhone and a smartwatch inside the truck.

On Wednesday morning, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded in front of the entrance to President-elect Donald Trumps hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven other people. Investigators believe the Tesla Cybertruck explosion that happened in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025 was intentional as they found a bed full of gasoline canisters, firework mortars, two firearms, an iPhone and a smartwatch inside the truck. Investigators believe the Tesla Cybertruck explosion that happened in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025 was intentional as they found a bed full of gasoline canisters, firework mortars, two firearms, an iPhone and a smartwatch inside the truck. Investigators believe the Tesla Cybertruck explosion that happened in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025 was intentional as they found a bed full of gasoline canisters, firework mortars, two firearms, an iPhone and a smartwatch inside the truck.

Notably, McMahill said investigators are unsure how the ignition happened as they did not find anything that would have been used to ignite the explosion.

In a post on X Wednesday afternoon, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the explosion was caused by fireworks or a bomb in the bed of the truck and was unrelated to the vehicle itself. He also said the truck frame remained strong and directed the blast upwards, minimizing damage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McMahill added that Musk has provided information to help the investigation.

Cybertruck rented in Denver

Livelsberger rented the Tesla Cybertruck in Denver on Saturday, Dec. 28 through Turo, an app that allows vehicle owners to rent out their cars, according to the sheriffs office.

The sheriff showed a map plotting the vehicles route, showing that it had been charged in Monument, near Colorado Springs, on Monday. On Tuesday, New Years Eve, the vehicle was charged in cities along the Interstate 40 corridor in Trinidad, Colorado, Albuquerque, Gallup, New Mexico and Las Vegas, New Mexico.

NYPD presence increased at Trump Tower, Times Square after attacks in New Orleans, Las Vegas

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before the explosion Wednesday, the sheriffs office said the vehicle was charged in Holbrook, Flagstaff and Kingman in Arizona. The vehicle was seen in surveillance video on the Las Vegas Strip around 7:30 a.m.

A map shows the route of the Tesla Cybertruck that traveled from Denver to Las Vegas before exploding in front of President-elect Donald Trumps hotel on Jan. 1, 2025, killing the driver and injuring seven other people. A Tesla Cybertruck is seen at 7:34 a.m. traveling on Fashion Show Drive in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025 before the truck exploded in front of the entrance to President-elect Donald Trumps hotel in Las Vegas, killing the driver and injuring seven other people.

McMahill said investigators found camera footage of the truck driving up and down Las Vegas Boulevard for about an hour before pulling into the Trump Hotel entrance and exploding seconds later around 8:40 a.m.

What we know about Matthew Livelsberger of Colorado Springs

Though the suspects body was burnt beyond recognition and his identity has not been 100% confirmed, the sheriff said investigators are confident that the driver was Matthew Livelsberger from Colorado Springs thanks to identifying features like tattoos and a passport and military ID found on the scene.

There are two tattoos, one of which was on the stomach and one of which is on the arm and we can see bits and places of it as in comparison to what we know he had on his body that has given us a lot of confidence that this is in fact the same person, McMahill said.

Though the suspects body was burnt beyond recognition and his identity has not been 100% confirmed, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators are confident that the driver was 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger from Colorado Springs thanks to identifying features like tattoos and a passport and military ID found on the scene. Though the suspects body was burnt beyond recognition and his identity has not been 100% confirmed, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators are confident that the driver was 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger from Colorado Springs thanks to identifying features like tattoos and a passport and military ID found on the scene. Though the suspects body was burnt beyond recognition and his identity has not been 100% confirmed, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators are confident that the driver was 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger from Colorado Springs thanks to identifying features like tattoos and a passport and military ID found on the scene. A townhome (center) in Colorado Springs, Colorado believed to be connected to the suspect in an explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside of the Trump hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. (KDVR)

Thursday morning, FBI Denver said in a post on X that the agency, along with the Colorado Springs Police Department and the Denver Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, is conducting law enforcement activity at a residential address in Colorado Springs related to the explosion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

FOX31 spoke to a law enforcement expert on how Colorado and Colorado Springs, in particular, are going to play a big part in this multi-state investigation.

From a difficulty standpoint, it actually makes it a lot easier when youve got some of these multi-jurisdictional investigations going on. Weve got several different scenes that need to be analyzed fairly quickly, to see what kind of evidentiary value there is going to be found at the residence here in Colorado Springs, where he was stationed at, obviously, our primary scene is whats going on there in Las Vegas, said James Allbee, a law enforcement expert.

Allbee also spoke about what the next steps of the investigation may look like.

Theyre going to want to be talking with family, friends, associates, commanders within the military, looking to those records, everything down to how they were spending their money and pulling credit card records and those types of things, said Allbee. How were spending our money in the days prior to something like this could be very, very telling to how much thought went into this. Then, youre going to have your data forensics, getting into computers, seeing what was Google searched and what kind of information is contained within their telephones and their computers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

FBI presence in Stetson Hills related to Las Vegas explosion

Many people who live in the Colorado Springs neighborhood where the search took place were shocked to hear their neighbor had been identified as the suspected bomber. They told FOX31s Vicente Arenas he was often seen walking with his wife, baby and dog.

When we found out what it was potentially, our mouths (dropped) to the floor shocked. We didnt know what to do, neighbor Keni Mac said.

McMahill said the Department of Defense confirmed that Livelsberger was a Green Beret special operations master sergeant. The Green Berets are described as highly trained special forces who work against terrorism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An Army spokesperson said that he was on active duty from January 2006 to March 2011 and joined the National Guard from March 2011 to July 2012. Then he was in the Army Reserve until December 2012 when he became an active-duty Army Special Operations soldier.

McMahill said that he spent much of his time at Fort Carson in Colorado and in Germany. He was serving with the 10th Special Forces Group in Germany and was on approved leave in Colorado Springs at the time of the explosion.

Spencer Evans, special agent in charge of the FBIs Las Vegas division, said the motivation behind the attack is unknown, and added that the the investigation extends both domestically and internationally.

Its a bombing that certainly has factors that raise concern its not lost on us that its in front of, you know, of the trump building, that its a Tesla vehicle, but we dont have information at this point that definitively tells us or suggests it was because of this particular ideology or that, you know, any of the reasoning behind it, McMahill said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McMahill said investigators do not believe there is any further threat related to the incident.

Similarities, but no definitive link to New Orleans terrorist attack

Also on Wednesday morning, a driver plowed a rented pickup truck through a crowd in New Orleans, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens of others. The driver was identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen from Texas. The FBI believes the act was intentional and that Jabbar acted alone. The FBI said an Islamic State flag was found inside the truck and the incident is being investigated as a terrorist attack.

An evil act: Louisiana officials, FBI say suspect in NOLA attack acted alone

FBI Deputy Assistant Director Chris Raia said during the press conference Thursday that there is no definitive link between the two incidents, although McMahill acknowledged similarities between the two.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are a number of things in this case that are similar to the attack in New Orleans. We do know that our subject here served in the military, in fact, he is a current member of the military. Both of the subjects served at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, McMahill said.

The sheriff said Fort Bragg is a very large military base and there is no record that Jabbar and Livelsberger served in the same unit or at the same time, but those details are still being investigated. Additionally, Livelsberger and Jabbar both served in Afghanistan in 2009. However, McMahill said there is no evidence that they were in the same place or same unit, and those details are also under investigation.

The sheriffs office confirmed that both Livelsberger and Jabbar rented the vehicles through the rental company Turo which released the following statement after the 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

What we know about the New Years Day attack in New Orleans

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When asked how they will rule in or rule out connections to the incident in New Orleans, McMahill said investigators will work through every tip and every piece of evidence that comes in.

Its an interesting thing during these kinds of investigations, that if these turn out to be simply similarities  very strange similarities to have and so were not prepared to rule in or rule out anything at this point, theres lots more for us to do in this investigation, he said.

Multiple agencies are involved in the investigation. The FBI asks anyone who may know anything about the suspect or the incident to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  Police released the identity of a U.S. Postal Service worker who was stabbed to death at a deli in Manhattan on Thursday.

The NYPD identified the postal worker as 36-year-old Bronx resident Ray Hodge. He was a letter carrier and was on duty when he was fatally stabbed, according to the United States Postal Inspection Service.

More Local News

The incident happened at Joes Grocery at 168 Lenox Ave. in Harlem around 2:30 p.m., according to the NYPD.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An employee who was inside the deli at the time of the stabbing said Hodge was attempting to buy a sandwich. When Hodge went to the counter to pay for the sandwich, he and another person got into an argument over who was next in line.

The argument turned violent and the other person stabbed Hodge multiple times, according to police. Hodge was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators said a witness at the scene identified the suspect in the vicinity of where the stabbing happened.

Jaia Cruz, a 24-year-old Harlem resident, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A spokesperson for the United States Postal Inspection Service released a statement about the incident.

The Postal Inspection Service takes matters involving the safety and well-being of postal service employees as a top priority. We are working diligently with the New York City Police Department on this investigation, the spokesperson said.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than six years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma City Police have released more information regarding an officer-involved shooting on New Years Day.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to a domestic call involving a gun around 1:30 a.m. at a home in the 1400 block of SW 30th St. The person who called said the suspect, Miguel Hernandez, had broken a window and was outside firing shots.

LOCAL NEWS: Man arrested after December Oklahoma City homicide

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials say when officers arrived, Hernandez ran off with the gun. During a foot pursuit, Hernandez turned towards the pursuing officer, leading to Hernandez being shot by the officer.

Police say Hernandez received non-life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital before being booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a complaint of possession of a forearm after adjudication.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The Rowan County Sheriffs Office is investigating a house fire that killed an elderly man and his dog Thursday night.

ALSO READ: 3-alarm blaze at apartments under construction was incendiary, officials say

Police said around 10:30 p.m., they were notified by crews at the scene on Log Barn Road in Salisbury that 88-year-old Riley Vester Robinson had died in the fire.

RCSO and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are working to determine the cause of the fire.

This is a developing story; check wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte Fire called to Family Dollar store three times in a month)




Update: The Broome County Sheriffs Office announced one of the victims involved in the shooting Friday morning was pronounced dead at the scene.

BCSO says officers responded to the scene around 10:45 a.m. for a shooting incident involving a handgun. The second victim involved was sent to UHS Wilson Medical Center with serious injuries.

This homicide investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released as the investigation concludes, BCSO said.

CONKLIN (WIVT/WBGH)  Dozens of New York State Police and Broome County Sheriffs Officers are investigating a shooting Friday morning that sent multiple victims to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar tells News 34.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police tape and cop cars currently surround 58 Leslie Avenue in the Town of Conklin as the investigation into what took place Jan. 3 is in its infancy stages, Sheriff Akshar said. Akshar mentioned that a suspect is already in custody at this time.

Watch Sheriff Akshars full interview below:

At this time, Sheriff Akshar believes there is no ongoing threat to public safety. As a precaution, the Broome County Sheriffs Office worked with nearby school officials and other public locations to instill a shelter in place while the incident resolved.

The areas of Leslie Ave between Suncrest Drive and Inamour Drive have been shut down as well.

While not much detail has been provided, Sheriff Akshar described the incident as an incredibly hectic situation, as multiple people, who he believes were known to the suspect in custody, were transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay with News 34 as more information is revealed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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)  The Boulder Police Department said it is on the scene investigating, the agency said in a post on X.

Denver chosen for NWSL team, womens sport record $110 million expansion fee

They are in the area around 30th Street and Mapleton Avenue.

Police said to avoid the area as they investigate.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A man accused of shooting someone after a minor car crash in Mount Echo Park last week was arrested and charged with murder Thursday, police said.

Rasu Amir Salaam, 25, is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center. Cincinnati police say he fatally shot Limber Gomez Rivera, 27.

Court documents state Rivera was involved in a "minor collision" with a vehicle registered to Salaam just before 8 p.m. on Dec. 28. Police say Rivera drove to another area of the park and where he was shot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Salaam drove away from the park, stopped a short distance away where he exited the vehicle to examine the damaged area of his vehicle, and then proceeded to drive home," police said.

More: Man killed in shooting in West Price Hill

Witnesses saw the shooting and called 911, the documents said. Rivera was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he died the next day.

When Salaam was arrested, police said they recovered a gun. Investigators reported that there is video surveillance evidence and other physical evidence that was recovered in the park and at Salaam's home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Salaam is scheduled to appear in court Friday on the charges. He has a prior weapons conviction from 2018.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police: Man shot to death in Mount Echo Park after 'minor collision'
Jan. 2A 50-year-old Warsaw man was arrested and jailed by Elkhart County deputies at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, driving while suspended-prior, possession of a hypodermic needle, no insurance with a prior conviction, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated under the influence of a controlled substance. Police initially stopped him after a concerned citizen reported him as possibly impaired while driving. No location for the arrest was listed.

OTHER ARRESTS

A 27-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 1:01 a.m. Wednesday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and never obtaining a license after he was stopped in the 400 block of Elkhart Road for driving left of center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A 19-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 1:05 a.m. on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment and illegal consumption of alcohol after he was stopped following a crash near the intersection of River Vista and Woodward Place.

A 22-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 3:46 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with priors after a crash near the intersection of Elkhart Road and Bashor Road.

A 39-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Elkhart County deputies on Tuesday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated following a traffic stop near Ind. 15 and Ind. 120.

HIT-AND-RUN

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A 24-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 3:59 p.m. Wednesday that her vehicle was crashed into overnight in the 61000 block of C.R. 17.

A 54-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 4:19 p.m. Tuesday that her vehicle was struck while she was inside Chalet Party Shoppe, 245 Chicago Ave.

A 46-year-old man reported to Elkhart County deputies at 10:53 a.m. Tuesday a vehicle struck his Dodge Ram near Ind. 120 and C.R. 17 in Elkhart.

POSSIBLE GUNFIRE
WASHINGTON, Mo.  Students returned to class Thursday at Washington Middle School, but their school resource officer did not.

Officer Matt Cooper, 39, is recovering at home after he and five others were struck by a vehicle outside The Ted Drewes custard stand on Chippewa the evening of Dec. 22, 2024.

Cooper was off-duty and with his family at the time. He had jumped in to help others to safety when the vehicle hit him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The teen driver has been charged.

Timing the winter storm: When will the St. Louis area see snow and ice?

Cooper went into surgery for a broken knee and had several stitches to his head. While he is back home, his recovery will be a long one. His next doctors appointment is in two weeks, and from there he will learn whether he can proceed to physical therapy or require more surgery.

The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation, named in honor of the fallen Hermann officer who died in the line of duty in 2023, is helping with Matt Coopers medical expenses. So far, it has raised a little more than $20,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The foundation will host a fundraiser next month to provide continued support for Officer Cooper as he recovers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
A Utah man who was pulled over for a traffic stop is now facing murder charges, after the body of his former girlfriend was found in the back seat of his car.

Police in Herriman  located about 30 miles outside Salt Lake City  confirmed to local outlets ABC4 and KSL-TV that Jacob Johnson, 40, was pulled over by the Saratoga Springs Police Department on Tuesday, Dec. 31, for a suspected DUI.

Johnson pulled into the parking lot of a gas station in Saratoga Springs and officers found the body of 30-year-old Summer Roney in the back seat, Sgt. Greg Shaver told the outlets. Court documents obtained by ABC4 and CBS affiliate KUTV state that Roney's body had "significant injuries and trauma that would be consistent with homicide."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During an interview with investigators, Johnson stated that he and Roney were previously in a relationship and that they had lived together in Herriman, court documents obtained by the outlet state, but that it was "over with their relationship."

Google Maps The gas station where Johnson was pulled over, in a Google Images photo taken before it was constructed. The gas station where Johnson was pulled over, in a Google Images photo taken before it was constructed.

Roney's family members also told KSL-TV that the former couple were not living together when her body was found.

Johnson also told police he had been arguing with Roney and that it had turned physical, but didn't give any more information, the documents state, per KUTV. Per ABC4, which cites court documents, Johnson told investigators that Roney had some physical trauma, but would still not elaborate when asked by investigators. He then allegedly admitted to putting her body in the back seat of his car.

Roney's sister, Michelle Tischner, told KSL-TV that she had last seen her sister on Christmas Day and that Roney had missed her Monday afternoon shift at work. Roney's body was discovered in Johnson's car about 10 hours after her shift was supposed to begin.

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.

Roney's family released a statement to the outlets through their attorney Christopher Ault on Wednesday Jan. 1. They called the 30-year-old "a vibrant, kind, and loving soul," and Ault added that her family was "heartbroken by her tragic and untimely loss."

Summer Tatiana Roney/Instagram Roney in an Instagram post. Roney in an Instagram post.

"Summer was a vibrant, kind, and loving soul who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was deeply loved by her friends, family, and coworkers, who will always remember her infectious personality and the joy she brought into their lives," the statement reads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This senseless act has left an unfillable void in our hearts," it adds. "We ask for privacy during this difficult time as we grieve and remember the incredible person Summer is."

Inmate records show that Johnson is facing a first-degree felony murder charge. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and is being held without bail.

Herriman police are continuing to investigate the case, they told KUTV.



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
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake up call, a note found on a phone inside the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded on New Years Day outside the Las Vegas International Trump Hotel said, according to police.

At a news conference Friday, law enforcement officials gave additional details on the events that led up to Matthew Livelsberger, 37, driving a Tesla Cybertruck to the hotel and detonating explosive materials inside it.

Livelsberger died from a gunshot wound to the head just before the explosion, the coroners office ruled Thursday. LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Livelsberger was positively identified by several things, including tattoo comparisons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the body was still in the vehicle, we were unable to identify those specific tattoos until we were able to remove some of it, McMahill said.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense provided Livelsbergers dental records to the LVMPD and the Clark County coroners office used both to positively identify him. Livelsbergers family also provided DNA to the LVMPD, which also positively matched him to the body, McMahill said.

A surveillance photo showed Livelsberger in Colorado wearing a distinctive jacket, which police matched to a surveillance video in Las Vegas, law enforcement added.

WARNING: The following photos are graphic and may be disturbing. Discretion is advised. Photos provided by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department are shown comparing the tattoos of the person found at the scene of the explosion at Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, and those of Matthew Livelsberger. Photos provided by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department show the tattoos of the person found at the scene of the explosion at Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. Photos provided by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department are shown comparing the tattoos of the person found at the scene of the explosion at Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, and those of Matthew Livelsberger.

Investigators used video from public areas, call data records, financial records and Tesla charging station records to determine the route Livelsberger took from Colorado to Las Vegas, officials said. At no point does another person drive the vehicle.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its evident that [Livelsberger] considered, planned, and thoughtfully prepared for this act alone, FBI Special Agent In Charge Spencer Evans said.

Evans added that despite the public nature of the incident, it ultimately appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a heavily decorated combat veteran who was suffering with PTSD and other issues.

Matthew Livelsberger is shown in a screen capture from a security camera video provided by Metro police. (LVMPD)

Livelsberger likely suffered from PTSD and police said they were aware of potential family issues or personal grievances that might have been contributing factors, Evans said.

Law enforcement recovered two cell phones from the vehicle with data available from one as of Friday, McMahill said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said as of Friday, there was a lot of data to go through on the cell phones and an additional laptop recovered, as well as outstanding search warrants, subpoenas, and interviews around the world.

A note-taking application on the phone revealed a document titled surveillance log, which contained a journal of activity started around 10 days before the bombing, LVMPD Asst. Sheriff Dori Koren, who oversees the LVMPD counter-terrorism unit, said.

In the note, police were able to identify locations on the route Livelsberger took to Las Vegas as well as activity police saw on surveillance video, such as Livelsberger purchasing firearms and camping equipment.

In the app, police found two letters, which contained a variety of grievances and issues, some political, some personal, Koren said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police shared the following excerpt from the first letter: Fellow servicemembers, Veterans, and all Americans. TIME TO WAKE UP! We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves.

Screenshots provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department show excerpts of documents found in Matthew Livelsberger devices. Screenshots provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department show excerpts of documents found in Matthew Livelsberger devices. Screenshots provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department show excerpts of documents found in Matthew Livelsberger devices.

Evans said Livelsberger held no animosity toward President-elect Donald Trump.

An excerpt from the second letter read: This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake up call. Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives? Why did I personally do it now? I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers Ive lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took.

Late Friday afternoon, Las Vegas Metro police released the full letters, which included a line for Americans to rally behind President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Even with those statements in the letters, Evans said there was no indication why Livelsberger chose the Trump hotel and used a Tesla Cybertruck in the bombing as it did not appear Livelsberger disliked either man.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

PO-003a-01-03-25-Livelsbergers-Letters-1Download

Law enforcement added that they were very well aware of a podcast involving a letter possibly sent from Livelsberger. That podcast, The Shawn Ryan Show, hosted by a former Navy SEAL, released an interview Friday with a former intelligence analyst who said he received an email from Livelsberger in the days before the explosion. The analyst said Livelsbergers letter was about Chinese drones and national security.

Evans said they had not verified the validity of that email as of Friday.

Tesla engineers helped Las Vegas police extract a chip from the truck and learned that the vehicle was not in self-driving mode at any time during the incident.

A photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows Matthew Livelsbergers wallet as it was discovered at the site of the explosion in Las Vegas. A photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows Matthew Livelsbergers wallet after is was recovered at the site of the explosion in Las Vegas. A photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows Matthew Livelsbergers phone after is was recovered at the site of the explosion in Las Vegas. A photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows the contents of Matthew Livelsbergers wallet, recovered at the site of the explosion in Las Vegas. A photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows Matthew Livelsbergers phone as it was discovered at the site of the explosion in Las Vegas. A photo provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department shows Matthew Livelsbergers phone as it was discovered at the site of the explosion in Las Vegas. A photo of a gun almost burnt beyond recognition found in the aftermath of the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025. (LVMPD) A photo of a gun almost burnt beyond recognition found in the aftermath of the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025. (LVMPD)

There is no evidence that the bombing in Las Vegas and the terrorist attack in New Orleans are connected, Evans said. The only things connecting the two events are coincidental similarities, he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those similarities include the vehicles rented from the same company and both subjects served in the military.

Weve identified no telephonic or emails between the subjects, Evans said. No information that they knew each other, that they were assigned in the same unit, that they were ever assigned at the same place at the same time.

He added that there was no connection between Livelsberger and any other terrorist organization.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK (AP)  It took police more than a week to publicly identify Debrina Kawam, 57, as the woman who was fatally set on fire in a New York subway train last month. But on the internet, it took just hours for a false name to begin spreading.

In posts that circulated widely on social media after Kawam's death on Dec. 22, users claimed without evidence that the victim was a 29-year-old named Amelia Carter. These posts ricocheted across platforms, often accompanied by an image of a young woman that experts say may have been generated by artificial intelligence.

It's not clear who first made up the claim or why. But many sharing it highlighted the immigration status of the man charged in Kawams death  federal immigration officials say he is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally  while accusing the media of refusing to name the beautiful young white woman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nathan Walter, an associate professor at Northwestern University who studies misinformation, said the story was manna from heaven for anti-immigration narratives and that it became a framing war while the public sought information that was not yet available.

It spreads quickly because it just fits so well, he said of misinformation about the victims identity. And when something fits so well, we typically just tend to nod along and we dont really question it.

Graphic footage of Kawam engulfed in flames spread widely online soon after the Dec. 22 attack, boosting curiosity about her identity. But while a suspect, Sebastian Zapeta, was arrested later that day, scant details were available about the victim in the following days as authorities worked to identify her through forensics and video surveillance.

Instead, users filled the void with false claims about Amelia Carter. Posts called for officials and the media to say her name." Some claimed she was on her way to visit her grandmother in Queens, despite the fact that the victim was set alight at the opposite end of the subway line in Brooklyn.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some posts compared it to the February 2024 killing of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley by a Venezuelan man in the country illegally, which became a political rallying point for Republicans during the presidential race in support of increased border security.

As the falsehood spread, some began sharing a photo of a real Amelia Carter, who then had to post on X that she was alive and well.

But the initial image that was shared in many of these posts had signs" of being created by a generative adversarial network  a type of AI that can be used for creating images of fake people that are difficult to distinguish from the real thing  said Hany Farid, a digital forensics and misinformation expert at the University of California, Berkeley.

Farid pointed to the nondescript nature of the headshot and the alignment of the eyes as indications that the image may have been AI generated, though he acknowledged that its low quality made it difficult to analyze properly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In an age when many have come to expect immediate answers, Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, executive director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education, noted that many people have lost patience for that uncomfortable moment where we dont have all the information.

Bad actors often take advantage of this, she said, preying on the publics desire to find out whats going on and promote their own agendas.

Authorities finally revealed the victim of the subway burning on Tuesday, saying Kawam was from New Jersey and had briefly been in a New York homeless shelter after moving to the city recently.

Zapeta, whose address matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support, has been indicted on murder and arson charges, according to prosecutors. He is yet to enter a plea, and his attorney has declined to comment.
Polish farmers launched a protest in Warsaw on Jan. 3 against agricultural imports from Ukraine and the EU policies they claim are threatening their livelihoods, the RMF24 news outlet reported.

The protest follows a series of demonstrations by Polish farmers against Ukrainian agricultural imports after the EU lifted tariffs on goods from Ukraine in 2022.

The most recent rally, which coincides with the inauguration of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU, is held under the slogan "Five times STOP."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The five issues that sparked the protest include Ukrainian imports, the European bloc's trade deal with the Mercosur group of South American countries, the Green Deal, the EU policies on forests and hunting, and the perceived "extinction of the Polish economy."

The protests began at 2 p.m. local time in front of the European Commission representation building on Jasna Street. Approximately two hours later, the farmers will hold a march through the city and conclude the event at 11 p.m.

"All agricultural organizations in our country will protest against the harmful policies of the European Union, against (European Commission President) Ursula von der Leyen, who is imposing policies that will force closure of our farms," said Tomasz Obszanski, chairman of the Independent Farmers' Trade Union Solidarnosc (Solidarity).

Polish farmers and truckers launched their largest protests in late 2023 and early 2024, blocking off cargo traffic at the Polish-Ukrainian border. Most recently, on Nov. 23, 2024, farmers staged a blockade at the Shehyni border crossing with Ukraine, which lasted just over a day and restricted truck traffic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Warsaw has already implemented import bans on certain Ukrainian products, such as grain, citing negative impacts on Polish agriculture.

The Polish government has expressed support for farmers concerns, highlighting challenges posed by the EUs trade policies while also seeking to maintain solidarity with Ukraine during the ongoing war.

Read also: Poland prepared to increase energy exports to Ukraine in place of Slovakia, Bloomberg reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The numbers are inand it seems that Mike Johnson is the favorite to become the next Speaker of the House, at least according to political betting markets.

And its not even close.

On widely popular prediction market platform Polymarket , the vast majority of political bettors have cast their wages in favor of Johnson, who was estimated as a 90.1% as of Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, other candidates, including Reps. Tom Emmer, Steve Scalise, and Jim Jordan, barely scratched the surface, averaging a little more than 1% each.

Polymarket

Johnson is the current Speaker of the House and is hoping to win reelection in a vote scheduled for Friday around noon. In November, he won unanimous support from House Republicans. The Louisiana Republican also received President-elect Donald Trumps endorsement on Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post earlier this week. 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!!!

Trumps right-hand man Elon Musk also vouched for Johnson earlier this week, writing that he feels the same way as the president-elect on X and telling Johnson that he has his full support.

Musk and Trump spearheaded a crusade two weeks ago against a bipartisan package Johnson carefully constructed to keep the government funded. A new bill staving off a shutdown was eventually passed, however, seemingly putting Johnson back on the pairs good side again.

(L-R) Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Vice President-elect JD Vance attend the 125th Army-Navy football game at Northwest Stadium on December 14, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Republicans currently hold a razor thin majority with a total of 219 seats in the House, while Democrats hold 215. In order to win, Johnson can only risk losing one Republican vote if all members are present and participating.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And despite Trumps endorsement, several of Johnsons fellow GOP members and colleagues have come out against him, deeming him unfit for the role.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky told The Cincinnati Enquirer Thursday: Ive decided that life is too short to play along with fake fights and to play along and take votes that people know are wrong.

Almost all of my colleagues know that Mike Johnson is not equipped to be speaker, but nobody wants to say the emperor has no clothes, he added.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump listens as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a press conference at Mr. Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate on April 12, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. / Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana also voiced her apprehension toward Johnson in an X post Monday, writing, I understand why President Trump is endorsing Speaker Johnson as he did Speaker Ryan, which is definitely important. However, we still need to get assurances that @SpeakerJohnson wont sell us out to the swamp.

Donald Trump endorses Paul Ryan, John McCain. President Trump will be able to save America only if we have a speaker with courage, vision and a plan - also public commitment to the American people how he will help deliver President Trumps agenda to drain the swamp, she concluded.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville published a piece in the New York Times on Thursday about why he thinks Kamala Harris lost the presidential election and what Democrats should do next. His take: In order to win back voters who are dissatisfied with the status quo, the party needs to get more populist on economics.

We must be on the offensive with a wildly popular and populist economic agenda, the countrys leading liberal Cajun writes. This year the Democratic Party leadership must convene and publish a creative, popular and bold economic agenda and proactively take back our economic turf. Go big, go populist, stick to economic progress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carvilles analysis lines up with that of former White House chief of staff and mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel, who wrote last month in the Washington Post that the Dems have squandered years of opportunities to leverage populist anger and convey to voters that the party was on their side vis-a-vis elites from, for instance, Wall Street.

A handful of years later, liar loans and unchecked greed led to the collapse of the global financial system, with homes and small businesses lost and livelihoods destroyed. Not only was no one held accountable, but the same bankers who engineered the crisis were aggrieved at the suggestion of diminished bonuses and government intervention. It was a mistake not to apply Old Testament justice to the bankers during the Obama administration, as some called for at the time.

Emanuel also specifically highlights the online cheerleading for the killer of a health-care insurance CEO in New York City as more evidence of the populist anger that Democrats have been blind to. Talk about missing the moment, he writes.

Centrist columnist David Brooks wrote something similar in the New York Times the week of the election, arguing that maybe the Democrats have to embrace a Bernie Sanders-style disruptionsomething that will make people like me feel uncomfortable.

So why did Democrats nominate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in succession instead of going in a more populist direction? Brooks, Carville, and Emanuelin these pieces and in other forumstend to put the blame on woke, self-obsessed elites in universities, affluent suburbs, and hipster urban cores, to use Brooks words. These people were so wrapped up in their trans pronouns and their Latinx language policing, the argument goes, that they failed to register the raw anger about economic inequality that was growing out there in real America.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Which is interesting, because there was an economic populist in the past two competitive Democratic presidential primaries. Brooks even names him: Bernie Sanders. Another inequality-obsessed Wall Street critic, Elizabeth Warren, ran in 2020 as well. So were David Brooks, James Carville, and Rahm Emanuel, at the time, putting in work to boost Sanders and Warrenand economic populism in general?

Well, none of them were on Sanders side in 2016, but thats not entirely surprising, because at the time he was a relatively unknown long-shot candidate. But how about in 2020, after hed spent four years building a national base of support behind his attacks on [Bernie Sanders accent] millionaires and billionaires and a populist economic program of universal access to health care and education?

Well, David Brooks wrote a column in February 2020 called No, Not Sanders, Not Ever. It described Sanders populism as a program of rage and bitter and relentless polarization that would destroy the Democratic Party and possibly the entire national project of the United States. To his credit, Brooks post2024 election column makes clear that Sanders style of politics doesnt appeal to him personally. To listen to Carvilles present-day advocacy of populism, though, you wouldnt have any idea that in 2020 he called Sanders an ideologue and a communist, denounced his plan for making postsecondary education free, and said that nominating him for president would be a disaster for the partys chances downballot.

During his time in the White House, meanwhile, Emanuel worked to convince Barack Obama to nominate someone besides Warren to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In 2020, he conducted a press tour to try to undermine Sanders, denouncing the Vermont senator and his supporters for making pledges that will never, ever be realized in peoples lives. In the course of doing this, Emanuel repeatedly attacked the idea of replacing private health insurance with a Medicare for All system, calling it a pipe dream and writing, Im mystified as to why, at a moment when 90 percent of Americans already have insurance, our presidential debates are focused so exclusively on expanding coverage rather than containing costs. Later, after his term as mayor in Chicago endedhe was historically unpopular, by the way, arguably because he focused more on bringing investment into already affluent parts of the city than helping voters who were struggling economicallyEmanuel took a job with the Wall Street advisory firm Centerview Partners, from which he eventually earned $16 million.

Huh. Who exactly missed the moment, here?
Jess Phillips is only the latest in a long line of ministers who probably regrets the relatively quiet news schedule of the festive season.

Thats not to say that her refusal to authorise a national inquiry into the rape gang scandal is not news that is worth reporting. But its a story that would have risked being shunted down the news agenda had it occurred outside the holiday period. We should be grateful, therefore, that it has received as much coverage as it has.

At its root, the rape gang scandal excites interest and condemnation because of a sense that Muslims are treated differently from the followers of other religions. The suspicion that the two main parties have colluded in covering up the details of the rape scandal, in which thousands of mostly white, vulnerable girls became the victims, over decades, of gangs of mostly Muslim and Pakistani men, is one frequently dismissed as based on racism and bigotry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yet in recent years we have been presented with ample evidence that Islam does receive special treatment, particularly from our police, social workers and politicians. This is no conspiracy theory; it is not founded on bigotry or racism  it is founded on fact.

The obvious example is the case of the Batley Grammar school teacher who in 2021 was forced to go into hiding, along with his family, for his own safety after he showed a class of students some cartoons of the prophet Mohammed.

He did nothing illegal. He did nothing that was remotely wrong from an ethical point of view. He was teaching a class about free speech  ironically  and as a consequence had to flee the scene because of threats from religiously-inspired extremists.

The police response was to call for calm. It should have been to arrest and charge anyone guilty of aggravating the situation, particularly those who made threats of violence against the teacher. Instead it was the teacher who was investigated. He was not considered by the police to be a victim of crime, even though he and his family suffered massive upheaval because of the threats against him.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He remains in hiding to this day.

Take also the case of the 14-year-old schoolboy in West Yorkshire who in 2023 dropped a copy of the Koran on the floor, where it was scuffed. The incident was unimportant. Books get damaged all the time. This one was actually owned by the boy in question and as far as I know, we are still allowed to treat any object that we own in any way we like.

But not as far as the local police were concerned. In what was undoubtedly one of the biggest overreactions ever perpetrated by the boys in blue, a full investigation into the incident  if it can even be called an incident  was held and the inevitable non-crime hate incident was recorded. The police even hosted a press conference at which a senior officer apologised to the community and the school boys mother was filmed apologising to members of the same community for the damage, revealing that her son had been left petrified by death threats.

A simple question: would the dropping of a copy of the Bible on a dusty dining room floor have provoked a similar reaction? Dont bother answering: it was a rhetorical question.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Then, most disturbing of all, was the death of Conservative MP David Amess in 2021 at the hands of an Islamist terrorist. It was a repulsive act of violence but it was entirely in line with the principles of Islamism  as distinct from Islam, I hasten to point out  which seeks to create a worldwide caliphate under Sharia law and sees non-Muslims as unworthy of human rights.

Yet when the Commons met to pay tribute to one of their own, barely any reference was made to the dire threat of Islamism, a creed that has claimed the lives of nearly 100 innocent UK residents in the last 20 years. Instead, MPs clumsily avoided the issue altogether, focusing instead on the bizarre and irrelevant issue of social media and the need to be more courteous to each other on Twitter.

It was an insult to David and his family, not to mention all the other victims of Islamism here and across the world.

So yes, Islam is regarded in our country in a different light from any other religion. We all know the reason for this but are usually too afraid to say so. So allow me: were afraid of violence. When French journalists dared to mock Muhammed on the cover of Charlie Hebdo magazine, gunmen massacred the staff in its Paris offices. A French teacher was beheaded for showing those same cartoons to his class. No wonder the Batley Grammar teacher feared for his life!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The establishments capitulation to such clerical bullying goes at least as far back to 1988 when British author Salman Rushdie was condemned to death by the Iranian government for writing a book. In response, intellectuals and politicians fell over themselves not to condemn this appalling act of intimidation and instead sought to reach some sort of compromise with Tehrans demented religious leaders.

But capitulation hasnt worked. How many times must we point out that the only way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them before our politicians take note?

No one has the right to threaten anyone who doesnt show the appropriate amount of respect to their religion: the Church of England found that out in 1979 when Monty Pythons Life of Brian was released in the cinemas. And we are a better country for it. Dont make the mistake of imagining that it is only deep respect for Islam that has prevented any subsequent film director from making The Life of Mohammed since then. But in a free, secular, democratic, liberal society, why shouldnt he?

I was about to ask the question, why cant our political leaders stand up for the principles of free speech and defend our liberties against any threats of bullying and violence? But again, that would be no more than rhetorical.

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.
MILWAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV)  A popular brewery with four locations in Wisconsin is changing ownership, with the founders sharing a heartfelt goodbye in a social media post.

Good City Brewing, which has four locations in Milwaukee County, announced that The Explorium, another Milwaukee-area brewery, will take over its operations.

Unsustainable to continue: Craft brewery in Wisconsin to shut down, thanks community for its support

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Changes often come with a mix of emotions, founders David Dupee and Dan Katt said in a joint statement. While that is certainly true for David and me, the predominant emotion for us today is one of gratitude.

Founded in 2016 with the mission to Seek the Good, Good City Brewing became a significant part of Milwaukees craft beer scene. The founders expressed pride in their role and credited their employees, guests, friends, and family for the brewerys success.

The craft beer industry has experienced seismic shifts, and its future will require strategic alliances, the statement continued. Mike and Joan Doble, the new owners, are fantastic operators who will help advance the taproom experiences we envisioned.

Green Bay Metro Fire Department completes Holiday Wreath Program, put out 11 fires

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The founders said they are excited about the new opportunities for their staff and are working closely with the Dobles to ensure a smooth transition. Good Citizen loyalty memberships will continue to be honored at the brewerys locations.

Thank you for an amazing nine-year run, the founders said. Heres to seeking the good in all that we do in 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
A popular local eatery is warning its customers that it was spoofed by someone who created a fake website using its name. Catullos Italian said the website was created using its name in an attempt to scam people who order from it.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

... Do not use this site, it is in no way affiliated with us. It is a phishing scam, the restaurant posted on it Facebook page Thursday. When people search for Catullos online, the fake link pretending to be the restaurant pops up in Google. The fake site eve has pictures of dishes and address information for Catullos.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Catullos is warning customers that the site, catullos-italian.club is a phishing scam and theyre trying to get it removed from Google. Catullos operates two restaurants, one in Jacksonville, the other in Nocatee.

Catullos online ordering is currently disabled and theyre asking customers to place their orders by calling the restaurant directly.

BEWARE!!!! PLEASE SHARE! DO NOT USE THIS SITE, IT IS IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH US. IT IS A PHISHING SCAM. DO NOT USE... Posted by Catullo's Italian on Thursday, January 2, 2025

Read: DCPS says its had no contact with Texas group promising to send uniformed security to Duval schools

Read: Palatka residents demand action after fatal Christmas night triple shooting

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
The Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (POST) announced the suspension of a Boston Police Officers law enforcement license on Friday for his alleged role in a domestic disturbance on Christmas Day.

The Commission said they received sufficient evidence to suspend Officer Terrence Murrays license following an investigation.

He is ordered to immediately surrender any agency-issued credentials and equipment, including his gun, badge, cruiser, uniform, and use-of-force instruments until the POST Commission makes a final ruling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Murray, a four-year department veteran assigned to Boston Police Department District 3, was charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member, one count of improper storage of a firearm, one count of vandalizing property, and two counts of Class E drug possession stemming from an incident on December 25.

According to court documents, Murray pushed the victim to the ground following an argument around 6 a.m. at his Hull residence. He is also accused of driving around with an unsecured department-issued firearm, along with steroid possession.

Murray pleaded not guilty on December 5 to the charges. He will return to court in February 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




Jan. 2MORGANTOWN  Electric power had returned to Morgantown and the surrounding area Thursday afternoon following Tuesday afternoon's New Years Eve storm that took down trees and power lines.

At 4 p.m Thursday only one Morgantown customer remained without power, according to Mon Power. That was the only remaining outage in Monongalia County. Marion County had three remaining outages, all in Fairmont.

Across Mon Power's West Virginia footprint, 305 customers  out of a total 543, 222  were still without power.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mon Power told The Dominion Post on Thursday that 24, 911 customers were impacted by Tuesday's weather, and 99 % of those were restored by Wednesday evening.

In Morgantown's First Ward, the Church of the Brethren was offering a warming center on Tuesday, posting on social media about it. Mon Power said that on Tuesday afternoon a double-circuit pole in the First Ward area was destroyed by a tree, resulting in an outage that impacted more than 3, 000 customers.

"While we were able to restore service to the majority of those by connecting them to a backup power feed that day, 137 customers remained without service until Wednesday evening, when our crews completed the pole replacement."

The Dominion Post reported on Tuesday afternoon, while the storm was still ripping across the area, that Mon Power reported 8, 407 customers without power in Monongalia County  the most customer outages of any county in Mon Power's footprint. The vast majority of outages were in Morgantown  8, 294.
TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA)- Organizers have been busy preparing for the 119th Annual Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs scheduled for Jan. 6.

The Epiphany is one of the most important celebrations for the Greek community as it commemorates Christs baptism.

Apple agrees to $95M settlement over Siri eavesdropping claims: Who could get payments, if its approved

For us, Orthodox Christians, its an important holiday because this is our opportunity that we celebrate the baptism of Christ. Its the first time that the Holy Trinity was revealed to man, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Michael Kouskoutis said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, several dinghies were set up in Spring Bayou and dozens of young men gathered.

Youll start to see that their adrenaline starts to go up from when they do this, Kouskoutis said.

Kouskoutis has been organizing the more than 65 young men who will participate in the ceremonial cross dive.

This is something that they will remember the rest of their life, they always do. I remember the day I dove, he said.

Local business owners have also been preparing for the thousands of visitors who will be in town for the festivities on Monday.

Several shops and restaurants experienced significant damage from this years hurricanes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We were closed for approximately nine weeks, a lot of the shops and restaurants near here were affected and homes, Antonias Boutique & Gifts Owner Michael Tsombanidis said. But were a pretty tough Greek, resilient, American community and we bounce back.

The Epiphany celebration in Tarpon Springs will be held on Jan. 6 starting at 8 a.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 WFLA.
President Joe Biden on Friday announced his decision to block the $14 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Japans Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns. The move could have serious implications in Gary, where U.S. Steels Gary Works plant remains a key employer and economic anchor and where local leaders had strongly supported the deal as vital to the plants operations.

Bidens decision marks an extraordinary use of executive power and reflects his administrations stance on maintaining domestic control over critical industries like steel.

Steel production  and the steel workers who produce it  are the backbone of our nation, President Joe Biden said in a White House statement. A strong domestically owned and operated steel industry represents an essential national security priority and is critical for resilient supply chains. That is because steel powers our country: our infrastructure, our auto industry, and our defense industrial base. Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For Gary, a city historically intertwined with U.S. Steel, the decision has raised questions about the future of its largest employer and the thousands of jobs tied to it.

While most national and industry leaders opposed the sale, Gary leaders, including Mayor Eddie Melton, strongly supported it. Last month, Melton held a press conference inside City Hall with Gary Works employees and Nippon Steel executives, publicly endorsing the deal as essential for preserving jobs and securing critical investment for the plant.

Melton warned that without the merger, U.S. Steel might not have the capital to maintain its facilities, putting jobs at risk. His concerns only deepened after Bidens announcement on Friday, which he described as a missed opportunity for Garys steel industry and its workers.

As mayor, my job is to protect and build the future for my citizens, and I believe strongly that this transaction was the best deal on the table for steel-making families in cities like Gary, Melton said Friday afternoon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Initially skeptical of Nippon Steel, Melton said he shared the concerns of many stakeholders but came to fully support the deal after conducting extensive due diligence.

According to Melton, Nippon Steel had recently pledged to ensure key positions would be held by U.S. citizens, prohibit the transfer of jobs and production overseas, and maintain production capacity at U.S. Steel facilities in states including Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Alabama for at least ten yearspromises he believes were overlooked in the decision.

The potential sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel represented a significant opportunity for Gary and the American steel industry to grow and prosper, Melton said.

Now, we face an uncertain future, with Gary Works potentially losing investment and jobs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Echoing the national security concerns expressed by President Biden, U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan reiterated his long-standing opposition to the deal in a statement following Fridays breaking news.

Since the initial announcement, I have expressed my sincere distrust of handing over the strength of our Northwest Indiana steel industry and the abilities of our national security and defense manufacturing base to a company that has a proven record of violating our trading laws, Mrvan said.

Mrvan emphasized the strategic importance of U.S. Steels operations in Gary, framing the company as a critical asset for the region and the nation.

We now know we have this tremendously valuable asset in the City of Gary, and I will continue to do everything I can to build on its success and ensure that everyone in our region benefits from its essential work for years to come.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

United Steelworkers Local 1066, the union representing Gary steelworkers, declined to comment at this time.

In a joint statement issued Friday, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel expressed dismay over Bidens decision, calling it a violation of due process and accusing the administration of using the review process to advance political aims. The companies argued that the sale would have revitalized steel communities in Pennsylvania and Indiana while providing job security for American steelworkers.

Nippon Steel is the only partner both willing and able to make the necessary investments  including at least $1 billion to Mon Valley Works and approximately $300 million to Gary Works as part of $2.7 billion in investments that it has already committed  to protect and grow U.S. Steel as an iconic American company for the benefit of the communities in which it operates and the entire American steel industry, the companies said.

Blocking this transaction means denying billions of committed investment to extend the life of U.S. Steels aging facilities and putting thousands of good-paying, family-sustaining union jobs at risk. In short, we believe that President Biden has sacrificed the future of American steelworkers for his own political agenda.

A city forged in steel

Garys identity has been inseparable from U.S. Steel since its founding in 1906. Established as a company town, Gary was named after Elbert Henry Gary, the steel companys founding chairman. During its peak, U.S. Steel employed nearly 30,000 workers in the city, powering its prosperity and making it a symbol of industrial strength.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, as the American steel industry declined in the latter half of the 20th century, so did Garys fortunes. The citys population has plummeted to less than half of what it was during its 1970s heyday, losing nearly 100,000 residents. Despite these challenges, U.S. Steels Gary Works plant remains a cornerstone of the local economy. With an estimated 4,300 employees, it is still one of the citys largest employers and a vital source of tax revenue for a community striving to rebuild its economic foundation.

Micah Pollak, an associate economics professor at Indiana University Northwest, highlighted the unique relationship between Gary and U.S. Steel.

Gary was literally built to support U.S. Steel, Pollak told Capital B Gary in September. Even today, the company remains a major fixture in the city, but its not the same as when most of the population worked there.

This story has been updated.

The post President Biden Blocks U.S. Steel Sale, Raising Questions for Garys Future appeared first on Capital B Gary.
On Feb. 15, 1951, Army Pvt. Bruno R. Orig was returning from a mission when he found his fellow soldiers under attack in whats now known as the Battle of Chipyong-ni.

The infantryman provided first aid to his comrades wounded in the Korean War attack and began helping move those men to safety. He then took over a machine gun post and allowed a friendly platoon to pull back without a casualty. When the ground was recaptured later that day, Orig was found dead beside the machine gun, surrounded by enemy combatants he had killed.

Orig is among the Medal of Honor recipients being recognized Friday by President Joe Biden in one of his last opportunities to officially acknowledge acts of selflessness and personal bravery in times of war.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Biden will bestow the medal posthumously to six men and one living recipient at a White House ceremony.

During the Korean War, Pfc. Wataru Nakamura destroyed an enemy machine gun nest and recaptured several bunkers. He exhausted his ammunition but resumed his attack after being rearmed, and he was ultimately killed by an enemy grenade and buried in Los Angeles.

Army Cpl. Fred B. McGee is being recognized for his gallantry and intrepidity near Tang-Wan-Ni, Korea, on June 16, 1952, when he assumed command of his squad, neutralized an enemy machine gun and then sent his squad back while he helped rescue the wounded. The Ohio native died in 2020, according to news reports.

Army Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, from Millbrook, New York, was killed on June 12, 1953, after holding off Chinese forces during the Korean War. His actions saved the lives of as many as 10 soldiers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After multiple raids on an entrenched enemy in the area of Sagimak during the Korean War, Army 1st Lt. Richard E. Cavazos stayed behind alone to evacuate five battle casualties to safety. Cavazos served more than three decades in the service, eventually attaining the rank of four-star general. The Texan died in 2018 at age 88. Fort Hood was renamed in honor of him on May 9, 2023.

After an armed helicopter crashed during the Vietnam War on June 5, 1966, Army Capt. Hugh R. Nelson Jr. from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, pulled two specialists from the aircraft, shielding one of them from enemy gunfire at the loss of his own life.

While fighting in Vietnam on May 7, 1970, then-Army Pfc. Kenneth J. David drew enemy fire away from injured comrades and onto himself, becoming wounded by a satchel charge. But David kept fighting and pulled fire away from landing Medevac helicopters, getting evacuated himself after the last helicopter landed. The Ohioan is still living.

In a separate Oval Office ceremony closed to the news media, Biden will award the Medal of Valor to eight first responders who put their own lives at risk to save others.
Jan. 3 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden officially announced on Friday he has blocked Nippon Steel's $14.1 billion purchase of U.S. Steel, setting up a likely federal court battle and leaving the domestic steel producer in a wake of uncertainty.

Biden, however, cited steps his administration has taken to strengthen the steel industry in the United States while warning that national security concerns if such a prominent steel company was owned by foreigners.

"This acquisition would place one of America's largest steel producers under foreign control and create risk for our national security and our critical supply chain," Biden said in a White House statement. "That is why I am taking action to block this deal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It is my solemn responsibility as president to ensure that, now and long into the future, America has a strong domestically owned and operated steel industry that can continue to power our national sources of strength at home and abroad; and it is a fulfillment of that responsibility to block foreign ownership of this viral American company."

Biden touted steps his administration has taken to make the steel industry more competitive in the United States, from tripling tariffs on cheaper Chinese steel imports to investments in manufacturing that have allowed more than 100 new still and iron mills to open.

"U.S. companies are producing the cleanest steel in the world," Biden said. "Today, the domestic steel industry is the strongest it has been in years."

He complained that U.S. steel companies face unfair trade practices overseas with foreign companies "dumping" cheap steel on the global market at artificially low prices. He said those actions have led directly to job losses in the U.S. steel industry.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While political leaders have mostly lined up against the deal, prospects of the Nippon-U.S. Steel falling through became real when the Committee of Foreign Investment in the United States last month failed to make a recommendation on it.

The CFIUS is made up of departments of the Treasury and Justice and other critical agencies make recommendations to the administration on such large international transactions. Instead, the committee voiced concern over national security and the threat to domestic steel production.

Nippon, however, said the billion-dollar agreement has been caught up in election-year politics and both parties have promised legal action if Biden or Trump follow through with threats to nix the deal.

If the purchase falls through, U.S. Steel's dilemma may be just beginning because it will still need a buyer to help it financially. Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., which lost out to Nippon in its bid to purchase U.S. Steel, has since purchased a Canadian steel producer.

That has lessened its appetite to chase U.S. Steel again and there are few interested parties beyond them.
Jan. 3 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden will visit New Orleans on Monday in response to the terrorist attack on the iconic French Quarter that killed 14 people and injured roughly 35 more early on New Year's Day.

The White House said the president and first lady Jill Biden "will grieve with the families and community members impacted by the tragic attack on Jan. 1 and meet with officials on the ground."

Biden is set to meet with officials and authorities on the ground to learn the latest details about the investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities said they believe Shamsud-Dim Jabbar, 42, drove a rented pickup truck onto Bourbon Street before he was shot and killed by police. Jabbar is a Texas native and a U.S. Army veteran.

"The people of New Orleans are sending an unmistakable message: They will not let this attack or the attacker's deluded ideology overcome us," Biden said. "None of us should fear it. We're going to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organizations where they are, and they'll find no safe harbor here."

Crosses with flowers and gifts stand along Canal Street as a memorial for the victims of the New Year's Day truck attack in New Orleans on Friday, January 3, 2025. Early January 1, Shamsud Din Jabbar, a 42 year-old US Army veteran who pledged loyalty to ISIS, drove a truck into a crowd at the edge of the French Quarter, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

The FBI has been leading the investigation into the French Quarter attack with assistance from Homeland Security, and state and local officials. The FBI finished their probe of Bourbon Street and turned the area back to the City of New Orleans, which reopened the tourist destination on Thursday afternoon.
On Monday, Congress will vote to certify the 2024 presidential election, but unlike four years ago, Republicans won't contest the results.

That's, of course, because their candidate President-elect Donald Trump won this time. When President Joe Biden won in 2020, weeks of unsuccessful legal battles ensued, followed by a deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol instigated by a mob of Trump supporters who nearly derailed the solemn ceremony.

When the congressional members' votes were counted last time, all of Tennessee's Republican House members voted to object to one or more state vote counts and not to accept the will of the majority of the states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty threatened to do the same prior to Jan. 6, 2021, but after the attack, they experienced a change of heart.

It should not have taken an assault on Congress to bring them to their senses.

Kamala Harris won't face chants like 'Hang Mike Pence'

On Nov. 5, 2024, Trump won 312 electoral votes to Democratic opponent Vice President Kamala Harris's 226 tally.

I will be shocked if any Republican member of Congress brings up objections. They will vote "yes, "and Harris will do her duty as President of the Senate to affirm the will of the senators and confirm Trump as president-elect and her successor, JD Vance, as vice president-elect. Some Democrats may object, but they won't have much of a leg to stand on.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unlike four years ago, Harris will likely not endure the threats her predecessor faced with rioters' demands to "Hang Mike Pence," and Americans will be able to breathe a sigh of relief that a peaceful transfer of power is coming on Inauguration Day Jan. 20.

It's sad, but the recent collective acceptance of election results is as much a victory for democracy as it is a reminder of how fragile democracy is.

Opinion: I haven't gone full MAGA, but we need a mindset change for the second Trump term

I write this because we cannot ever pretend that Jan. 6, 2021, never happened and yet in the unremarkable, but so important, American ritual to affirm the transfer of power, this infamous date may forever be buried like tomes in a school library that become victims of book bans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Let it be a lesson we never repeat again.

Look to Benjamin Franklin's wisdom on keeping a republic

After the approval of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, prominent Philadelphia resident Elizabeth Willing Powel famously asked Founding Father Benjamin Franklin: "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"

"A republic, if you can keep it," Franklin replied.

Since then, the republic has endured more than 237 years with 46, soon-to-be 47, presidents at the helm and no shortage of tumult.

Despite the fearmongering on social media and the polarization in our politics, the American republic will survive another four years if we are willing to keep it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. He hosts the Tennessee Voices videocast and curates the Tennessee Voices and Latino Tennessee Voices newsletters.. Call him at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or find him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jan. 6 anniversary must be peaceful and serve as a reminder | Opinion
A Pierce County Sheriffs Department probationary corrections deputy who allegedly drove over his ex-girlfriends head in Tacoma was charged Thursday with vehicular assault, court records show.

Cameron Boucher was purportedly intoxicated when he backed his Toyota Tacoma over the womans head on New Years Day in a parking lot behind a bar in the area of South 11th and Market streets, according to a Tacoma police report.

The victim suffered facial fractures and bleeding, the report said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Boucher, 22, joined the Sheriffs Department on Aug. 5 and is currently on a standard probation for all new hires, department spokesperson Carly Cappetto told The News Tribune. Hes still employed by the department, Cappetto said, adding that any employment decisions must be preceded by an internal review.

A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf during an arraignment Thursday in Pierce County Superior Court. Bail was set at $75,000.

Tacoma police officers were called to scene shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday, where they were flagged down by a large crowd of people, the police report said. A person who reported to have witnessed the incident told an officer that the victim and Boucher had both been at the same bar.

Upon leaving, the victim approached Bouchers truck to speak with him and  as Boucher was sitting in the drivers seat  the victim appeared to suddenly slump over, the witness said. Boucher allegedly started the engine, turned the steering wheel and backed up, striking (the victims) head with the front driver-side wheel, according to the report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A witness yelled and punched the trucks window in an attempt to intervene as Boucher allegedly continued to back up over the victims head, according to the report. A witness told an officer they were confident Boucher knew that the victim was underneath the vehicle but unsure if Boucher had caused her to collapse or if she did so because she was intoxicated.

Its not entirely clear if there was more than one witness who reported information to authorities because names were redacted in the police report.

A bystander eventually pulled the victim away from the vehicle. A physical altercation between a witness and Boucher ensued. Two people held Boucher down until officers arrived, the report said.

Police were unable to learn anything about the incident from the victim or immediately photograph her injuries due to her condition, according to the report. It noted that police had scheduled a follow-up appointment to document her injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Boucher, whose eyes were allegedly bloodshot and watering, had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of over 0.19, according to the report. The legal limit for drivers in Washington state is 0.08.

There must be an internal review before any employment decisions can be made regarding any employee who is convicted of a crime or alleged to have committed a crime or violated policy, according to Cappetto. Any felony conviction is a disqualifying factor for employment with the department, she added.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  News 3 will be airing special CBS coverage of Former President Jimmy Carters services this weekend.

The coverage is scheduled to begin at 10:20 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4.

Carters funeral motorcade starts at Phoebe Sumter in Americus on Saturday morning. The public is invited to pay respects along the motorcade route  from the Highway 280 entrance road, to Phoebe Sumter.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Phoebe Sumter says Georgia State Patrol plans to close Highway 280 in that area at 9 a.m. Members of the public should arrive to the parking area before that 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 WRBL.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A joint committee on Property Tax Review and Reform at the Ohio Statehouse released its more than 800-page report on Thursday, six months later than it was originally scheduled to come out.

The committee met eight times throughout the first five months of 2024 to hear testimony from nearly 50 interested parties. This committee was started after lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said they heard growing concerns from their constituents about being taxed out of their homes.

Though the report is 865 pages long, most of it is testimony. The first 31 pages talk about the history of property taxes, previously passed legislation, and provides context for the committees findings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The goal of the commission was to identify a number of different ideas that would lead to a much fairer and simpler property tax system in Ohio. And we worked very, very diligently to do that, Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield), co-chairman of the committee, said. We want to look at overhauling the system, increasing transparency, because right now, very, very few people know really where their property taxes are going.

After that come 21 recommendations  two and a half pages worth  from the committee.

What the report does is highlight a tremendous number of recommendations that we believe will make property taxes more efficient and manageable for our constituents, Roemer said. While Roemer said a significant amount, of Democratic members requests also made it into the report, some said it is not enough.

IH8OH1O? See Ohios rejected license plate applications for 2024

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After that come 21 recommendations  two and a half pages worth  from the committee.

What the report does is highlight a tremendous number of recommendations that we believe will make property taxes more efficient and manageable for our constituents, Rep. Bill Roemer (R-Richfield), co-chairman of the committee, said.

This report only had final input from the majority members on the committee, committee member Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) said. It is possible that we will be looking at writing our own minority report because like many things in life, there are some good things, some bad things and some things missing within that [report].

This report does not actually provide tax relief; instead, it offers possible solutions for lawmakers to pursue. Many of the ideas have already been introduced, but Republican leadership of the last general assembly said they were waiting for the report to come out before taking any action despite nearly two dozen bills  some of which were bipartisan and in the list of recommendations  being introduced throughout the past two years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some of the recommendations include:

The Ohio General Assembly should consider expanding the traditional Homestead Exemption and an enhanced exemption for disabled veterans including a means-tested increase in the benefit.



The homestead exemption was expanded in the state budget at the start of 2023. Since then, several more bills have been introduced to continue that work, which did not ultimately pass, including House Bill 274, which was just one vote away from the governors desk.

The Ohio General Assembly should consider increasing the number of public meetings required to be held by a taxing authority prior to levying a tax to promote transparency to taxpayers.

The Ohio General Assembly should consider authorizing a property tax circuit breaker as proposed in Senate Bill 271 and other bills pending before the Ohio General Assembly.



Senate Bill 271 is a bipartisan bill that failed to make it across the finish line before the end of 2024.

The Ohio General Assembly should consider eliminating replacement tax levies.



A Republican-led bill to eliminate replacement tax levies was introduced and ultimately failed in the 135th General Assembly.

Roemer pointed out a recommendation that reads temporarily revising the Sexennial Reappraisal and Triennial Update schedule so that there are an equal number of counties or parcels being reassessed each year. He said while it is a small change, it could end up having a large impact.

Right now, well over half of the properties are on one cycle in the state of Ohio, he said. We think you get a more accurate and more reasonable reappraisal when its balanced throughout the state. So, its things like that that arent going to be huge headlines. But in totality, these recommendations provide a lot of positive motion toward better property tax policy in Ohio.

But Sweeney said her priority is the circuit-breaker legislation, to allow the state to pick up some of the slack for homeowners who cannot pay the full amount of their property taxes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is something that we see in red states, blue states, and its just making sure that nobodys basically being taxed out of their house, Sweeney said.

The circuit breaker recommendation would cost the state, in an estimate by the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, just under $1 billion. Roemer said while the idea is good in theory, whether the state has the money will be a big factor.

The issue always, though, is who pays for this? And as weve said, property taxes raised billions and billions of dollars across the state of Ohio. And the expectation is that the budget this year is not going to be as rich as it has been in the past, he said. I dont believe the general assembly is going to have the flexibility it did in the past when we set billions of dollars of tax reductions.

The reason why we are going into a tighter budget was because of decisions made by this body to put us into this position. And those decisions can be unmade, Sweeney said about the last general assemblys $90 billion budget. Its about priorities and who we want to put first. Do we want to put the regular Ohioan first or do you want to keep working for special interest? The money is there and if its not, its because the majority party has decided not to.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

$450,000 settlement for Ohio teacher who refused to use students pronouns

Another recommendation said, The Ohio General Assembly should consider adopting a property tax deferral program for homeowners. Roemer said while methodology needs to be figured out, this recommendation essentially would create a program where Ohioans are means and age-tested, and then will be able to defer some of their taxes.

And at some future time, it would be recouped by the state when the taxpayers home was sold, he said. So that way, taxpayers could stay in their homes and pay minimal to no interest on their property taxes.

As for when this will get done? Roemer said many provisions will likely end up in the state budget, which typically passes in late June.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

[We will have] many standalone pieces of legislation and as you know, our Ways and Means Committee in the House works really, really hard, he said. Well try to get through those so that they have public hearings and are vetted and then if the speaker and the president choose to put those in the budget, that historical context and vetting has already been done.

Sweeney said while she is hopeful that this is a positive step, she encourages every Ohioan to keep calling their legislator and demand change.

This isnt a new problem per se, she said. Were just seeing the result of a legislature that has continued to kick the can down the road. High property taxes are a choice, and its a choice solely been made by the majority party in Columbus and whats giving me such hope is that the solutions that help most people do have bipartisan support. What we need is the actual courage to do it.

Ohio lawmakers and new leadership will be sworn in on Jan. 6. Lawmakers will need to introduce any property tax bill from scratch this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The full report from the Property Tax Review and Reform Committee can be read below.

Final-Report-Joint-Committee-on-Property-TaxDownload

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Newly proposed legislation would place a limit on the amount of medical marijuana that can be purchased from an Oklahoma dispensary.

The bill is one of several filed in advance of the legislative session that begins in February. Lawmakers have until Jan. 16 to file new bills.

Marijuana flowers are pictured at Likewise Cannabis in Edmond. A Senate bill would limit the amount of cannabis a customer could buy.

State could limit weekly purchases of marijuana

As written, Senate Bill 320 would cap purchases at 2.5 ounces, or 70.9 grams of cannabis, in a single week. The author is state Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

State law already limits the amount of marijuana that a licensed patient can possess at 3 ounces, but this would be the first cap on how much a person can buy.

More: After six years, Oklahoma's cannabis industry faces steep plunge in numbers

The bill doesn't include guidance on how purchases will be tracked between dispensaries, or whether dispensaries would be responsible for enforcing the restriction.

The same section of law requires the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to "ensure that all medical marijuana patient and caregiver records and information are sealed" to protect privacy.

Proposed law targets dispensary advertising

Another bill filed just weeks before lawmakers return to the state Capitol would place limits on how dispensaries can advertise their business.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senate Bill 191 by state Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, puts guardrails on claims made about medical marijuana and limits the type of outdoor advertising that are common outside of dispensaries.

The bill prohibits medical marijuana advertising from claiming that ingesting it "is safe or harmless." It also would prevent the marketing of cannabis products in a way that suggests flavored varieties are healthier alternatives to medical marijuana.

As part of the law protecting children from marijuana advertising, Deevers' bill also bans the use of "flashing signs, flags, banners, or tube men" on dispensary grounds.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Legislature proposes bill to limit weekly marijuana purchases
JASPER COUNTY, Mo.  Prosecutors dismiss one of the charges filed against the former Carthage Parks and Recreation director, Mark Peterson.

In January 2023, prosecutors charged Peterson with leaving the scene of a crash after a patron at Roscoes Bar and Grill reported damage to their vehicle while it was in the bars parking lot. Authorities say Peterson was identified on surveillance video from the bar.

Prosecutor Theresa Kenney says the property damage was minimal and that Peterson paid for all the damage done to the vehicle. Kenney also stated there was a question about proving whether Peterson knew he caused damage when he left the bar that night. She added that the victim in the case was in agreement with dropping the charge.

Peterson is still awaiting trial on two counts of money laundering and three counts of stealing, all felonies. Hes accused of stealing at least $142,000 from the city of Carthage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Peterson resigned as the citys Parks and Recreation director after a dispute with city leaders about purchasing land from Precious Moments.

A hearing on those felony charges is set for later this month. The Missouri Attorney Generals office is assisting with the prosecution of that 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
The Owyhee Canyonlands are in remote southeastern Oregon and include Leslie Gulch Tuff, which is rhyolite ash that erupted 15.5 million years ago. (Bob Bush Photo/Getty Images)

A proposal to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands in southeast Oregon did not make it through Congress at the end of the year but members of Oregons delegation said theyll try anew in 2025.

The proposed Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act would have put more than 1.1 million acres of federal public land in the canyonlands and a 15-mile stretch of the Owyhee River under the protection of the National Wilderness Preservation System and the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill also would have transferred 30,000 acres of federal and private land into a trust overseen by the Burns Paiute Tribe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The canyonlands have significant health, economic and cultural value to the Northern Paiute, Bannock and Shoshone tribes. They are a source of tourism dollars in Malheur County and are home to threatened sage grouse, as well as bighorn sheep, elk and deer. The animals and their habitats face growing risks from wildfire due to invasive grasses and juniper while Owyhee River fish face challenges from poorly preserved riparian areas and cattle grazing.

The latest iteration of the bill was proposed in 2023 by Oregons U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden. It marked the third such proposal by Wyden and Oregons other Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley to pass a bill protecting the area known as Oregons Grand Canyon from overdevelopment and overgrazing, while maintaining access for area ranchers and livestock. It passed the Senate almost unanimously Dec. 20, but died in the House before politicians recessed for the year. Oregons Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz, who represents the area in Congress and who proposed a similar bill of his own for the first time in November, will collaborate on a proposal in the new year, according to a statement from Bentz and Wyden.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has called on President Joe Biden to exercise his executive authority and protect the Owyhee under the Antiquities Act, designating the area a National Monument, but Biden has not yet done so. Hell leave office on Jan. 20.

While Congress can protect areas under the National Wilderness Preservation System and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Antiquities Act allows the president to designate areas national monuments if they hold cultural, natural or historical significance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wyden and some Owyhee supporters wanted congressional protection rather than a national monument designation, which could be challenged by lawsuits, especially if the President-elect Donald Trump moves to upend monument designations as he did in his first term.

You cannot get an acre of wilderness, an ounce of tribal protection, or any meaningful grazing reforms for ranchers in the Owyhee without black-letter law passed by Congress, Wyden said in a statement.

Hopes for this year

Ryan Houston, executive director of the Oregon Natural Desert Association, said he and supporters of protecting the canyonlands were deeply disappointed in the U.S. Houses failure to vote on Wydens bill.

It is frustrating that our elected leaders in Washington, D.C. have chosen not to act on the opportunity in front of them, but we will continue working as long as it takes to secure the protections that the Owyhee Canyonlands deserves, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In an email, Wyden said the bills passage in the Senate could make it easier to get the bill passed again in the Senate and hell have help from Bentz in the House.

Wyden and Bentz said in a joint statement it would be a priority for them both in 2025 to get something passed.

We want Oregonians to hear us loud and clear: We will continue in 2025 to push for legislation that accomplishes those objectives until they are the law of the land, the statement said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
We appreciate the work by Robinson et al.,1 published in JASN, and we read it with great interest. The authors conducted the study on a population-based, propensity scorematched cohort involving 4173 hospitalized pediatric AKI survivors and 16,337 matched hospitalized comparators without AKI. Over a median 10-year follow-up, their noteworthy findings indicated that pediatric AKI survivors had significantly higher risks of long-term major adverse kidney events, long-term KRT, CKD, hypertension, and subsequent AKI, but not death. The authors provided new insights into the management of pediatric AKI patients' prognosis; however, several concerns warrant attention.

Primarily, when the authors calculated the propensity scores for AKI, the model included baseline sociodemographic characteristics, index hospitalization characteristics, preexisting comorbidities, and other potential confounding factors that might affect the relationship between AKI and long-term major adverse kidney events. However, we believe that future studies on AKI should not overlook the effect of certain nephrotoxic drugs or those that may cause kidney damage, such as chemotherapeutic agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, and antivirals, on the development of AKI.2

Furthermore, the authors redefined AKI based on serum creatinine in the sensitivity analysis, and the results remained consistent. Notably, for neonates (accounting for 16.8% of this study), neonatal serum creatinine initially reflected the maternal values and decreased in the subsequent several weeks.3 A previous study has demonstrated that serum cystatin C was a more robust and sensitive biomarker than serum creatinine for detecting neonatal AKI.4 Therefore, we call for more studies in the future that define neonatal AKI on the basis of cystatin C and explore its long-term prognosis.

In addition, because AKI was defined using Canadian health administrative diagnostic codes in this study, they only briefly explored the association between the presence of AKI and long-term outcomes. However, stratifying AKI by severity could provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between different AKI stages and their long-term outcomes, which will better align with the principles of precision medicine. Additional research is needed to elucidate these differences.

Overall, the findings are highly constructive and insightful, and we believe that future studies can further address the aforementioned limitations and validate these findings.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A highly decorated Army soldier who fatally shot himself in a Tesla Cybertruck just before it blew up outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas left notes saying the New Year's Day explosion was a stunt to serve as a wake up call for the countrys ills, investigators said Friday.

Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old Green Beret from Colorado Springs, Colorado, also wrote in notes he left on his cellphone that he needed to cleanse his mind of the brothers Ive lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took. Livelsberger served in the Army since 2006 and deployed twice to Afghanistan.

This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake up call. Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives, Livelsberger wrote in one letter found by authorities and released Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The explosion caused minor injuries to seven people but virtually no damage to the Trump International Hotel. Authorities said that Livelsberger acted alone.

Livelsberger's letters covered a range of topics including political grievances, societal problems and both domestic and international issues, including the war in Ukraine. He said in one letter that the U.S. was terminally ill and headed toward collapse.

Tesla engineers, meanwhile, helped extract data from the Cybertruck for investigators, including Livelsbergers path between charging stations from Colorado through New Mexico and Arizona and on to Las Vegas, according to Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren.

We still have a large volume of data to go through, Koren said Friday. Theres thousands if not millions of videos and photos and documents and web history and all of those things that need to be analyzed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The new details came as investigators were still trying to determine whether Livelsberger sought to make a political point with the Tesla and the hotel bearing the president-elects name.

Livelsberger harbored no ill will toward President-elect Donald Trump, law enforcement officials said. In one of the notes he left, he said the country needed to rally around Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Musk has recently become a member of Trumps inner circle. Neither Trump nor Musk was in Las Vegas on Wednesday, the day of the explosion. Both had attended Trumps New Years Eve party at his South Florida estate.

Although this incident is more public and more sensational than usual, it ultimately appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a heavily decorated combat veteran who was struggling with PTSD and other issues, Spencer Evans, the FBI special agent in charge in Las Vegas, said Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Livelsberger died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. Investigators have not yet explained how Livelsberger shot himself inside the Cybertruck while simultaneously igniting fireworks and camp fuel packed inside, causing the explosion.

Among the charred items found inside were a handgun at Livelsbergers feet, another firearm, fireworks, a passport, a military ID, credit cards, an iPhone and a smartwatch. Authorities said both guns were purchased legally.

In recent years Livelsberger confided to Alicia Arritt, a former girlfriend who had served as an Army nurse, that he faced significant pain and exhaustion she attributed to traumatic brain injury.

He opened up to Arritt, 39, whom he met and began dating in Colorado in 2018, about exhaustion, pain that kept him up at night, and reliving violence from his deployment in Afghanistan, Arritt said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My life has been a personal hell for the last year, he told Arritt in text messages during their early days of dating that she shared with The Associated Press.

The Green Berets are highly trained U.S. Army special forces who specialize in guerrilla warfare and unconventional fighting tactics. Livelsberger rose through the ranks and deployed twice to Afghanistan and served in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo, according to the Army. He recently returned from an overseas assignment in Germany and was on approved leave when he died.

He was awarded five Bronze Stars, including one with a valor device for courage under fire, a combat infantry badge and an Army Commendation Medal with valor.

Authorities searched a townhouse in Livelsberger's hometown of Colorado Springs Thursday as part of the investigation. Neighbors said the man who lived there had a wife and a baby.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Across-the-street neighbor Cindy Helwig said she last saw him when he asked to borrow a tool to fix an SUV.

He was a normal guy, said Helwig.

The explosion came hours after 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar rammed a truck into a crowd in New Orleans famed French Quarter early on New Years Day, killing at least 14 people before being shot to death by police. The FBI says they believe Jabbar acted alone and that it is being investigated as a terrorist attack.

___

Copp, Richer and Long reported from Washington. Contributing were Associated Press journalists Ken Ritter and Ty ONeil in Las Vegas; Colleen Slevin in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles.
BALTIMORE  The defense team representing Victor Martinez-Hernandez motioned for a change of venue out of Harford County Circuit Court in a Monday filing, stating their client cannot receive a fair trial there.

Martinez-Hernandez, 24, of El Salvador, is charged with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree rape, third-degree sex offense and kidnapping for the August 2023 death of Rachel Morin, 37, on the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air.

Assistant public defenders Marcus X. Jenkins, Tara LeCompte and Sawyer Hicks wrote in the filing that their client has been the subject of nationwide public hatred and vilification after the case has been the subject of numerous inflammatory and prejudicial reports in both legacy and social media.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Because of this vilification, the Defendant believes that in impartial jury cannot be empaneled in Harford County, and that as a result, he cannot receive a fair trial in Harford County, the motion states.

The motion also states the prosecution has filed a document saying they will seek a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

The Defendants motion to change venue is a procedural step often seen in high-profile cases. While the judicial process must ensure fairness, we trust the court will weigh all factors carefully, including the rights of the victims family and the importance of a transparent legal process, wrote Randolph Rice, who represents Morins family, in an email to The Baltimore Sun.

The Morin family remains steadfast in their faith that the judicial system will deliver justice for Rachel. We are confident that the court will make a decision that upholds the integrity of this case and serves the interests of justice, he continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Martinez-Hernandezs team declined to comment.

Police believe there were signs that Morin has been beaten to death and sexually assaulted, according to charging documents. DNA recovered from her person led to a relative of Martinez-Hernandez, the documents state.

Martinez-Hernandezs family members told police he had stayed with them in Maryland between December 2023 to May 2024, charging documents state. Additional DNA evidence swabbed from belongings he left at the family home matched the DNA from the crime scene, police wrote.

A motion hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 31. Should the case proceed in Harford County, the trial is scheduled to begin April 1.

--------
A challenging 2024 is now behind us, but dont fall for the idea that Rachel Reeves has done her worst and we will have an easier time in 2025.

There are many reasons Reeves can still do great damage to the economy and as a direct and indirect consequence, our personal finances.

As respected economists and commentators reviewed the last year, the consensus was that  thanks in the main to her own errors of judgement  the Labour Chancellor will have to hold a spring Budget statement if she is to achieve anything that resembles a growing economy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dont just take it from me, the Treasury has refused to rule out further tax rises in the spring and leading commentators have warned that the first Budget of Rachel Reeves has created serious harm that she will inevitably have to address.

We are no doubt already in a significant and possibly sustained period of economic contraction due to Labours record rises in taxation that take us back to a level not experienced since 1948.

The biggest impact will be from the employers National Insurance hike, which has undermined business confidence and reduced investment.

The lower growth that is resulting will inevitably lead to lower tax revenues  demanding Reevess intervention.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The unanticipated consequences of tax rises can be highly damaging. The combined impact of introducing VAT on independent education and ending non-dom tax status goes beyond just the domestic impact on schools and tax revenues. The latest wealth migration figure from Henley & Partners estimates 9,500 millionaires left the UK in 2024, the largest outflow globally apart from China. Meanwhile, 6,700 are set to head to the United Arab Emirates, making the Gulf state the worlds most popular destination.

Reuters has reported separate data supporting the outflow trend, explaining how GEMS Education, one of the biggest operators of UAE private schools saw its numbers for the next academic year swell by 6,000 more pupils than expected.

A great majority came from the UK, implying thousands of families had left.

The latest S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI figures, just released in 2025, tell how: A stalling domestic economy, weak export sales and concerns about future cost increases led to the steepest contraction of UK manufacturing production for almost a year in December.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To paraphrase M&S claims to exceptionalism: This will not just be a Labour recession, this will be a Reeves recession. As well as lower than estimated tax revenues we can expect higher than anticipated borrowing costs. Some analysts anticipate that the Government may need to sell more gilts in the financial year ending March 2025 than the current forecast of 278bn.

This increased debt issuance could put further upward pressure on yields, potentially creating a vicious cycle of rising borrowing costs. Again, the impact of escalating borrowing, resulting in higher deficits adding to the 2.7 trillion UK debt, will demand our hapless Chancellor explain her remedy to the Commons.

The findings of an independent study for Family Business UK by the CBIs economic consultancy division, CBI Economics, estimated that over the term of the Parliament, Reevess decision to cap Business Property Relief (BPR) at 1m could lead to 125,678 job losses and reduce the value of goods and services produced (GVA) across the economy by 9.4bn.

The report stated: Taken together, these reductions could mean that capping BPR at 1m could result in a net fiscal loss to the Exchequer of 1.3bn between 2026/27 and 2029/30. This is significantly lower than the 1.4bn gain in revenues estimated by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) over the same period from the policy change to BPR alone.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Reeves effect on the UK economy resembles a slow-motion induced motorway pile-up with no signs of ending. Only a spring Budget can give her the chance to regain some semblance of control, but on past experience theres more reason to believe she could make matters worse.

What then can we expect and prepare for? Further revenue-raising measures will likely seek to maintain the pretence that Labour isnt raising taxes on working people. By omission, Reeves already claims landlords are not working people, so she may well impose National Insurance liabilities on rental income, a policy long advocated by Labour think tanks.

The effects on the rental market would be catastrophic, with higher rents and reduced property availability, but that doesnt seem to bother the Labour leadership, who have difficulty in grasping such simple economic concepts.

Our pension investments represent a huge potential source of funds for Labour to try to fund its pet projects and therefore tax.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Already pensions have been made subject to inheritance tax. The Labour-aligned Resolution Foundation advocates taxing pensions more, extending employers NI contributions to pensions, and cutting or even eliminating the 270,000 cap on tax-free pension withdrawals.

And Reeves could cut annual pension investment allowances, or restrict pension investment tax relief, a policy Labour was likely considering before the last Budget.

This of course would have a disastrous impact on the motivation to work, as many invest in pensions to reduce the impact of sky-high marginal tax rates. Without having pensions as a means to legitimately shelter earnings many would simply up sticks and leave or choose between reducing and stopping work altogether.

With the pensions maze becoming ever more intolerably complex, if there are many more changes to the UK pension tax regime many will simply stop saving through pensions, reducing funds available for investment and shifting more of the burden of old age provision to the state.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another consideration is how Labour has already used VAT changes as a means to raise revenue. Starmer, Reeves & Co show no attachment to protecting people from the bitter cold and it would be fully in line with Ed Milibands net zero religion to make domestic heating fully subject to VAT at the standard rate.

Likewise, we should not be surprised if Reeves were to make more purchases associated with wealth liable to VAT, no matter how low the revenues it would raise. More discretely we may expect measures to allow local authorities to raise more revenue, such as authorising cruel domestic tourist taxes in England, as has already been done in Scotland, to help cover municipal staff pensions that already consume 25pc of council tax.

Labour has shown itself to be wholly unreliable when it comes to tax commitments. The fiscal uncertainty and instability have caused grave economic damage that now looks like an unstoppable trend. Unless there is a swift change of course that damage will only get worse.

A spring Budget is a necessity, not a luxury and the change we need cannot happen soon enough.

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.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A new addition could be coming soon to South Knoxville, trading train tracks for biking paths and a walkable greenway.

The railroad company Gulf and Ohio Railways recently announced they have applied for abandonment and plan to donate a 3.8 mile stretch of tracks to the Legacy Parks Foundation.

Going down and back will be a wonderful six miles. Either you walk it, you run it, bike it, you push a stroller down it, you can do all those things, said Legacy Parks Foundations executive director Carol Evans. It just makes it a much better experience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Over 400 pounds of food tossed after inspector finds broken fridge at Crossville restaurant

Stretching from Kerns Food Hall to Ijams Nature Center, Evans said the proposed rail-to-trail greenway would be connecting South Knoxville in a new way.

People want to be able to walk and enjoy these experiences, but you also are connecting neighborhoods, she said. I think thats whats unique, its not just the retail restaurants side of that. Youre going to you have all these neighborhoods that now will have a nice, walkable way to walk down, experience a restaurant or evening, and then walk back.

Evans also said they plan, and already have the funding to add an Art Walk on the trail, concentrated between Kerns Food Hall and Island Home Park neighborhood.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the greenway will link neighbors to neighbors, business owners in the area say it could also bring more customers. Angry Dumplings and Tea owner Jason Chou said it could boost the already growing business district off Sevier Avenue.

Within this last even six months, theres a lot more traffic, a lot more activities going on, and what we notice being a newcomer that everybody works really well, supporting each other, said Chou. With a new trail it is going to probably bring more activities, and when the weather gets nicer, its going to make this place really, you know, boom and expand in so many ways.

Snow, wintry mix possible throughout the weekend: Heres where

For Alliance Brewing Companys Adam Ingle, he said the greenway also coincides with their mission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think its great, our tagline has always been active beer culture, so anybody who rides a bike in gets a discount anyway, said Ingle.

Along with getting more active customers, Ingle said it could also make South Knoxville more accessible.

Having an alternate route for the people who can use it, its going to be great, said Ingle. Especially with [the Gay Street bridge] closed itll be nice to have some alternate modes of transportation.

Block of Market Street to close ahead of Pryor Brown Garage demolition

While Legacy Parks Foundation is already making plans, they say the abandonment of the railroad must first be approved by the Surface Transportation Board to begin removing the railroad. However, they hope to complete the project within a year.

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.
A rapper sued the Arts Council for racial discrimination after she was asked to repay unauthorised purchases she made on a company card.

Corynne Elliot, known as Speech Debelle, said the organisation was bugging her when they asked for the repayment of four months worth of spending on the card.

The tribunal heard how the 41-year-old had used the procurement card to buy takeaways, taxis and renew her driving licence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now Ms Elliot has been ordered to pay the Arts Council 9,870 after her claims were dismissed, with the employment judge telling the tribunal that her false discrimination allegations were dreadful and unacceptable .

The tribunal, held in central London, heard that Ms Elliot started working for Arts Council England as a relationship manager in August 2017.

Ms Elliot previously won the Mercury Prize in 2009 for her debut album, Speech Therapy, and a remix of the lead single Spinnin was an official anthem for the London 2012 Olympics.

In December 2020 the arts charity began trying to recover money from Ms Elliot for the unauthorised use of her procurement card, it was heard.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Over a period of four months she had used the work card to pay for takeaways, taxi journeys and a driving licence renewal.

Ms Elliot claimed she had been using the wrong card in her Apple Pay wallet and told the tribunal that the councils pursuit of the issue was racial discrimination and harassment.

Ms Elliot made numerous unauthorised purchases with a company card - Shirlaine Forrest/Wireimage

But employment Judge Garry Smart found that an email she had sent, in which she described the council as bugging her for the return of the money, showed Ms Elliot believed she was entitled to keep the money until it was convenient for her to pay it back, if at all.

The rapper alleged the discrimination started in late 2019 after her performance at work had been questioned, but an internal grievance process did not uphold her claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She claimed the first incident occurred when her senior manager, Claire Toogood, asked for a meeting with Ms Elliot in November 2019 about time-sensitive work she had not completed.

The senior manager politely interrupted a conversation between Ms Elliot and another relationship manager to tell her she was ready to meet.

During the meeting Ms Elliot tried to ask for another colleague to complete the work she had not yet finished, but when Ms Toogood said this was not possible the rapper laughed at her before abruptly leaving the meeting.

But Ms Elliot told the tribunal that Ms Toogoods behaviour was an example of violence towards diverse people alleging that she had been hostile and angry during the meeting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The judge concluded that the interaction had nothing to do with race and that Ms Elliot did not genuinely believe this was discrimination.

Ms Elliot also claimed that her line manager, Huey Walker, who is mixed-race, knew about wider racism concerns at the arts organisation and did nothing about them.

This included an alleged division between black and white employees in the music team, which she based on a series of text messages from 2019.

Ms Elliot won the Mercury Prize in 2009 - Dave Hogan/Getty

However, Judge Smart found that Ms Elliot did not know if any action had or had not been taken after these messages and that they were not direct discrimination against the rapper.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two years later, in 2021, Ms Elliot also alleged that during a meeting, Mr Walker told her she needed to prove her worth to employees who believed black staff dont work.

However, the judge said he was not persuaded that Mr Walker had said this.

Ms Elliot also claimed that a co-worker had harassed her after they allegedly said they wanted to learn more about hip-hop music and culture from Ms Elliot.

In August 2021, Miss Elliot resigned from Arts Council England and her employment ended the next month.

All claims made by Ms Elliot were dismissed by the tribunal.

Judge Smart said: Bringing any allegations of discrimination against a colleague, when you personally know the circumstances are not motivated by or related to any protected characteristic is dreadful and unacceptable behaviour.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Discrimination allegations are damaging to people emotionally, physically and reputationally, after all, any serious allegations are unpleasant and can result, even if the allegations has been disproven beyond any doubt, in the accused becoming stigmatised just as much as the accuser might be.

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.
South Korea's spy agency said Friday it was analyzing rare state media footage showing the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with two children -- saying they could be hers.

Key regime spokeswoman Kim Yo Jong was spotted with two youngsters -- a boy and a girl -- while attending North Korea's New Year art performance.

She was seen holding the boy's hand as the three walked together.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The isolated North has never officially disclosed any information about Kim Yo Jong's marital status or children, but Seoul's spy agency said it was examining whether the children in the state media footage were hers.

"We are conducting a detailed analysis while keeping the possibility open," it said in a statement.

March 2019 file photo shows Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. / Credit: Jorge Silva / AP

The National Intelligence Service said they had previously detected that Kim Yo Jong might have children, and the ones she was photographed with were in the correct age range.

Seoul's unification ministry told AFP that the art performance event in Pyongyang is understood to be one where participants are expected to accompany their family members, but said it was "unusual" to see Kim Yo Jong with children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

State media footage also showed leader Kim with his teenage daughter, known as Kim Ju Ae.

Seoul-based specialist site NK News said the release of the images might be part of a "propaganda effort to humanize regime officials."

"It also follows a trend that started earlier in 2022 of showing elite officials in Kim Jong Un's inner circle arriving at special events or donating disaster relief with their spouses and family members," it said.

Kim Yo Jong has long been among her brother's closest lieutenants and one of the most influential women in the isolated regime.

Born in 1988, according to the South Korean government, she is one of three children born to Kim's father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, and his third known partner, former dancer Ko Yong Hui.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She was educated in Switzerland alongside her brother and rose rapidly up the ranks once he inherited power after their father died in 2011.

In April 2015, Seoul's spy agency said that Kim Yo Jong was presumed to be giving birth the following month.

Later, in 2018, the spy agency in the South said it was understood that Kim was pregnant during her visit to South Korea in February of that year for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

This summer, the National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that Kim Jong Un had regained weight and appeared to have obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Kim, known for heavy drinking and smoking, comes from a family with a history of heart problems. Both Kim's father and grandfather, who ruled North Korea before his 2011 inheritance of power, died of heart issues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kim's health is the focus of keen attention outside North Korea since he hasn't formally anointed a successor who would take charge of the country's advancing nuclear arsenal targeting the United States and its allies if he was incapacitated.

The National Intelligence Service has assessed that Kim's preteen daughter is bolstering her likely status as her father's heir apparent. However, the agency said it cannot rule out the possibility that she could be replaced by one of her siblings because she hasn't been officially designated as her father's successor.

3 killed in Hawaii explosion caused by illegal fireworks display

Thune says Trump's picks deserve a fair confirmation process

Mike Johnson reelected as House speaker | Special Report
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Just months after losing his license to practice law in South Dakota, former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg is fighting to keep his license to practice law in Iowa.

Ravnsborg has filed an appeal with the state supreme court and has a hearing scheduled for later this month.

KELOLAND News is taking a closer look at the claims in court documents and where the former attorney General has been for the past year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In his appeal filed with the Iowa Supreme Court, former South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg admits killing a man, while also blaming Governor Kristi Noem for the consequences he now faces.

He wrote that Noem did everything she could to intimidate, interfere and influence the investigation and hearings, despite a judge and attorneys asking her to stop.

He also wrote that he remained in office because of ongoing criminal matters involving the governor and a prominent South Dakotan.

He claimed it was his obligation to protect the state even if it caused political loss and attacks.

Auditor: More tabulators wouldnt equal faster election results

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the appeal, Ravnsborg claimed those so-called crimes have since been quote swept under the rug.

He appears to be referring to investigations into the Governors state plane use and her actions involving her daughters real estate appraiser license.

However, Ravnsborg didnt file a complaint about the state plane until the year after his crash and it was later dismissed.

A state ethics board did determine that Noem may have engaged in misconduct in connection with her daughters appraiser license but faced no public consequence.

The Governors spokesman has called both investigations political.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The prominent South Dakotan the filing refers to may have been T. Denny Sanford, who Ravnsborg later determined committed no prosecutable offenses.

Ravnsborg does not believe he should lose his license to practice law in Iowa, because facing the same discipline in two states would be too severe.

In 2021, Ravnsborg entered no contest pleas to two misdemeanors and did not have to serve time behind bars.

In 2022, he was impeached.

According to his letter to the Iowa Supreme Court, Ravnsborg has been on active duty with the military in South Korea for the past 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 KELOLAND.com.
RAPID CITY, S.D.  Rapid City Police are increasing patrols in areas of the city following increased calls reporting gunshots.

In a press release, the RCPD said that they are going to make active and focused efforts to bolster the number of officers in hotspot areas throughout the city. Police intend to identify and apprehend those responsible by standing ready.

We are putting forth all appropriate resources to focus on this issue, said Rapid City Chief of Police Don Hedrick. Your Rapid City police officers are committed to ensuring this reckless behavior is not normalized, nor tolerated in our community.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

KELOLAND Investigates: Massage therapist loses license

The RCPD is seeking the publics help to be proactive in preventing these incidents and reporting them when they happen.

Car owners are asked to lock their vehicles and not store firearms inside them where criminals can steal them. In addition, RCPD is asking parents to ensure they know their childrens whereabouts and activities.

Were confident these extra resources will ensure we have the best chance at addressing these calls, and ensuring those who choose to engage in dangerous activities are caught and brought to justice, said Captain Andy Becker, Commander of the RCPDs Patrol Division.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
In a recent study published in JASN, Tabcheh et al. conducted an intriguing study investigating the influences of arteriovenous (AV) access creation on the slope of eGFR decline in patients with advanced CKD from the Chronic Kidney DiseaseRenal Epidemiology and Information (CKD-REIN) cohort.1 They demonstrated that the inflection point in the eGFR slope occurred 8.1 months before AV access creation, suggesting that factors other than AV access creation contributed to retarding kidney function deterioration. We believe that their findings are noteworthy and wish to provide our thoughts on plausible contributors to this phenomenon in those with advanced CKD.

First of all, the process of ESKD life planning can influence patients' eGFR trajectory. ESKD life planning aims to establish a strategy for patients to manage life before and after ESKD by introducing treatment modality choices and subsequent arrangements within the patients' foreseeable lifespan through shared decision making.2 This planning considers patients' individual medical conditions, functional status, preferences, family and social support background, and life goals. Existing literature shows that shared decision making improves CKD patients' motivation, satisfaction, and adherence to treatments, which helps to prevent CKD-related complications and further kidney function worsening.3 Moreover, when patients with CKD are motivated to monitor their physical and mental health, they may emphasize mitigating adverse influences from detrimental phenotypes such as sarcopenia and frailty, both of which can aggravate kidney outcomes. As ESKD life planning is frequently initiated during late CKD stages (45), there may be a lag between the start of planning and its indirect outcome benefits. This is partially supported by the approximate eGFR level (approximately 17 ml/min per 1.73 m2) when patients are at the inflection point in the study by Tabcheh et al.1

In addition, the involvement of multidisciplinary members during shared decision making, including surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and pharmacists, also assists in preserving kidney function in these patients with CKD. Medication reconciliation is associated with a lower risk of polypharmacy, which increases drugdrug interactions and aggravates patients' health.4 This can be another pathway through which the eGFR decline rate is ameliorated.

In conclusion, we commend Tabcheh et al. for their insightful study and suggest that ESKD life planning and multidisciplinary care may play significant roles in the observed inflection point in eGFR decline among patients with advanced CKD.
This year, your travel plans will need to include a new requirement for identification. Without a REAL ID, you won't be able to get on a plane.

As of May 7, 2025, every traveler over the age of 18 must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card (or a valid passport or passport card) to board a commercial aircraft within the United States. If you don't have one, you won't get through the TSA checkpoint.

Fortunately, you probably already have one. If you've received a new or renewed Florida driver's license or ID since January 2010, you're already good to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Here's what you need to know.

What is REAL ID?

It used to be easier to get a driver's license in some states than in others. In 2005, after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government set standards for identification, such as driver's licenses, Congress passed the Real ID Act. The act established minimum security standards for getting a license anywhere across the country and prohibited some federal agencies from accepting anything less.

The Real ID Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008. Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials after Jan. 4, 2010.

REAL ID-compliant credentials are already required to enter checkpoints at federal facilities, military facilities and nuclear power plants.

How can I tell if I have a REAL ID in Florida?

Example of a REAL ID compliant driver license featuring the gold star in the upper right hand corner.

Check your driver's license or state-issued identification. If it has a gold star in the top right, it's REAL ID compliant.

How do I get a REAL ID in Florida?

If you don't already have a REAL ID card or your existing ID is not REAL ID compliant and you aren't up for renewal before May 7, 2025, or if your name has changed since the last time you got a card, you'll need to make an appointment at a local driver's license service center or tax collector office to get a new card. Locations can be found here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A Class E license can be renewed up to 18 months prior to the cards expiration date.

How much is a REAL ID card in Florida?

The fee for an initial Florida Class E license (including a learners permit) is $48 and a commercial driver's license (Class A) license is $75. The fee for an ID Card is $25. Most local tax collector offices also charge a $6.25 service fee.

What do I need to get a REAL ID card in Florida?

Youll need to bring original copies of primary documents to prove your identity, legal residence, Social Security status and date of birth. You can find the list of accepted documents here.

NOTE: Birth certificates must be issued by a county health department or the CDC Bureau of Vital Statistics. Hospital birth certificates are not considered a certified document and will not be accepted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are different document lists for immigrants, non-immigrants, and Canadians wanting a REAL ID card.

How many Floridians already have a REAL ID?

The Florida REAL ID compliance rate was "over 98%" by December 2023, according to FDHSMV Director of Communications Molly Best.

When will REAL ID be enforced?

The Department of Homeland Security started enforcing REAL ID requirements at semi-restricted areas in federal facilities, nuclear power plants and military facilities by October 2015.

As of May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification or a valid passport or passport card will be required for any adult U.S. resident to board a federally regulated commercial aircraft. Originally the deadline was May 3, 2023, but during the COVID-19 pandemic the deadline was extended two years forward.

Did Florida change driver's license numbers in 2024?

For many years the 13 numbers on your driver's license encoded personal details such as your name, birth year and gender. However, a concern arose that this could lead to identity theft if someone else could deduce your DL number based on your personal information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A new statute passed by the Florida Legislature this year to improve security and prevent fraud now requires that all distinguishing numbers assigned to a driver's license or ID card must include at least four randomly generated numbers, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

It went into effect July 31.

Contributing: Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida REAL ID deadline is coming up in 2025. What to know
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  As the calendar turns from 2024 to 2025, there are a number of rules and regulations that go into effect in the new year.

One of those new changes that will officially impact all Americans but wont come until May. That being the official implementation of REAL IDs.

RELATED l Vision screenings are now required to renew drivers licenses in Kentucky: How to schedule yours

In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, which in part set minimum security standards for various forms of ID including drivers licenses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These new security requirements and thus being needed to have a REAL ID will allow you to board most domestic flights, access federal facilities such as a military base, as well as access nuclear plants in the U.S.

While the most common form of REAL ID is a drivers license with the proper markings, there are several other forms of REAL ID, including a passport or military ID.

Now you may be sitting at home and thinking to yourself, I dont fly and dont ever see myself going to a military base, so I dont need a REAL ID.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials caution against that line of thinking.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To begin the process of getting a REAL ID, visit drive.ky.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 3A Olde Towne apartment resident told Middletown dispatchers on Christmas Eve people were fighting at a neighboring residence and the smoke alarm was sounding. Minutes later, a 50-year-old man was fatally shot by a police officer when he allegedly opened the door holding a gun.

Christopher Gorak died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to a preliminary autopsy report. The manner of death is listed as "pending investigation," according to the Butler County Coroner's Office.

"Two men are fighting, and their fire alarm keeps going off," the 911 caller told dispatchers about 7:04 p.m., according to the call obtained by the Journal-News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The woman said she could smell smoke.

"He said it was his fireplace when I went out there. He was on the balcony. They were out there arguing," she said.

But the caller said the argument had turned physical.

"We can hear somebody hitting the other," the caller said. "There were just yelling back and forth then started getting physical. They are still yelling."

Dispatchers determined the incident was happening on the second floor of 1004 Park Lane, based on information from the caller.

Officers arrived at about 7:08 p.m. and a shots-fired call went out at 7:18 p.m. CPR was started a minute later, according to a police report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officers knocked on the apartment door and identified themselves when Gorak allegedly opened the door and displayed a gun. In response, one officer shot the suspect, according to police.

Dan Hils, president of Frontline Advisors who represents the Middletown police FOP, said he believes multiple shots were fired by one officer.

"My belief is four officers were there. One officer knocked on the door and at least three times identified himself as a Middletown police officer," Hils said.

Requests for body camera footage had not been met as of Thursday afternoon. Middletown Police Chief Earl Nelson said the footage would not be released until the investigation is completed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and reviewed by the county prosecutor' office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigation ongoing

The Middletown Division of Police directed all additional questions to BCI. Steve Irwin, spokesman for BCI, said the investigation could take several weeks.

Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser said BCI was called to investigate right away and his office was contacted. As is his policy, the investigation result will get grand jury consideration.

"I will go to the grand jury, regardless of how apparently justifiable the shooting incident is, because that is my policy," Gmoser said.

Middletown Police Chief Earl Nelson said the department is not releasing any information on the officers involved, but only one officer is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the BCI investigation that is standard department policy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This is the third police-involved shooting in Middletown since February 2023.

In April 2023, Middletown police responded to the same apartment complex when they were shot at by a suspect. They returned fire and hit the suspect, wounding the man. Kyle Kellum recovered, was indicted for felonious assault involving a police officer, but found to be not guilty by reason of insanity following a bench trial in common pleas court.

In February 2023, Middletown police shot and killed a man who pointed a weapon at them in the parking lot of the Walmart on Towne Boulevard.

No charges were filed against the two Middletown officers in the deadly shooting.

The officers' use of deadly force in the Feb. 25 shooting of 47-year-old Victor Lykins was deemed reasonable by the Warren County Prosecutor's Office, Prosecutor David Fornshell announced after reviewing investigation results.
Channel 9 uncovered that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department detectives have a person of interest in the mysterious death of this young woman near SouthPark.

Police said they found Whitney Hurd, 32, stabbed to death on July 14, 2024, inside her SouthPark townhome along Weburgh Street.

Its been nearly six months since police said they found Whitney Hurd, 32, stabbed to death inside her townhome.

READ MORE: Community shaken after missing woman found dead in south Charlotte townhome

Channel 9s crime reporter Hunter Saenz has uncovered new court documents in the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Saenz received multiple messages from people worried and wondering about the case.

He, along with investigative producer Michael Praats, looked into it and obtained eight search warrants that named a person of interest and details about how police are trying to solve the brutal stabbing.

Hurd was a realtor who lived at the Magnolia Park townhome community in SouthPark just off Tyvola Road and Park Road, where she was found stabbed to death and wrapped in blankets in July 2024.

READ MORE: CMPD upgrades south Charlotte death investigation to homicide case

According to search warrants, her family said she never showed up to their house on July 4, 2024.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They reported her missing on July 11, 2024, and hired a private investigator who found her body three days later.

Her stolen BMW was found days after that.

Channel 9 spoke with concerned neighbors the week it happened.

It was a little bit of a concern, obviously, so close to home, said Mike Zeinemann, who lives two doors down from Hurds townhome. Not sure if someone broke in. There wasnt a lot of information that was being told that day.

In the newly obtained search warrants, police said they have a person of interest thanks to fingerprints collected at the scene.

Channel 9 is not identifying him because he is not yet a suspect.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, detectives were able to get DNA samples from him.

On Friday, Channel 9 learned hes currently in the Mecklenburg County jail after he was arrested Thursday for a different crime.

Police said he stole a womans cash at the First Watch restaurant in Ballantyne.

Court records for that incident say an alert was put out for him due to random acts of violence occurring the past two days, including assaulting random individuals.

The search warrants in Hurds case say detectives got access to her Hinge app to investigate whether she had previously met her killer.

Her mother told them, She was talking to several different men on the app.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They also searched data from her Ring cameras, laptop, her Facebook and Instagram accounts, and cellphone.

The person of interest has been arrested before on separate charges, including in October 2024, nearly three months after Hurds killing.

He was able to bond out of jail on that charge.

Saenz asked police if the person of interest had been questioned about the homicide yet but CMPD would not give him an answer.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  State Rep. Matt Soper is apologizing for a social message in which he celebrated the recent death of former President Jimmy Carter.

Soper said in the now-deleted post, Opened a bottle of Champagne tonight! The world is rid of a despot! Thank God he finally called Carter home! The worst president in the history of the U.S. We are still recovering! He destroyed the U.S. in such a way that even the (fourth) generation is still suffering!

Carter passed away on Sunday at the age of 100.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a shared statement sent to WesternSlopeNow, Soper said that he quickly deleted the post and that it was tasteless and heartless.

My tweet/X was in poor taste and while I am not a fan of (former President) Carter, expressing the sentiments I did I am very sorry for and apologize to the people of Colorado. Ive also sent an apology to the Carter family and made a donation to the Carter Foundation, Soper said in a statement sent to WesternSlopeNow.

Carter was elected in 1976, becoming the 39th U.S. president. He would later lose the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan.

After losing the election, Carter become known for his diplomatic work. His efforts included brokering the Camp David Accords, a set of treaties between Israel and Egypt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The former president was also known for his humanitarian involvement with Habitat for Humanity. He and former first lady, Rosalynn, first volunteered in the 1980s and built over 4,300 homes in 14 countries.

Sopers full statement can be seen down below:

To all my followers, friends, colleagues:

I want to apologize for a Twitter/X post. It was tasteless, heartless, and Im deeply sorry. I attempted to quickly delete the post and issued an apology. Im very sorry for the harassment family, friends, colleagues, and followers have received as a result.

My tweet/X was in poor taste and while I am not a fan of (former President) Carter, expressing the sentiments I did I am very sorry for and apologize to the people of Colorado. Ive also sent an apology to the Carter family and made a donation to the Carter Foundation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Today is New Years Day and the start of a new year. My vow to everyone is to be a better person. My commitment is less social media, including not returning to X. Praying more to be a better person each hour and each day. This was my greatest lapse in judgment, and I cannot say how truly sorry I am.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A new Office of the Inspector General report accuses Mayor Tim Kellers Administration of misusing COVID-19 federal grant money. A city councilor is now calling for a federal investigation.

The report released on Thursday points out that federal money meant to help childcare providers went to more than 27 city workers bonuses, which ranged from almost $4,000 to $22,000.

In 2021, the city applied for 21 federal grants to help facilities offering early childhood education, and the city council approved them.

Story continues below

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the report states that out of almost $9 million, $288,000 went toward bonuses to city workers who were not qualified providers or employees at childcare centers; this included two bonuses totaling almost $20,000 to a fiscal manager making $97,000 a year and a $10,000 bonus to a deputy director with an annual salary of $123,000.

The report also points out that five of the city salaries were double what the preschool staff made  the employees who the funding was initially meant for.

In employee interviews during the inspector generals investigation, employees stated the bonuses were for recruitment and retention. They couldnt provide a formula of how they decided how much to pay each employee or who would get the bonuses.

In response to the report, the city mentioned they will reevaluate funding applications in the future and deciding who is eligible for them. However, the city stands by the payments, saying the grant was to compensate employees performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Keller Administration said, Once again, the OIG is submitting subjective opinions that were unanimously rejected by her own oversight committee.

The oversight committee said they didnt approve the report because they found that it lacked sufficient jurisdiction to investigate some of the allegations.

City Council President Dan Lewis released the following statement Thursday night in response to the report:

My office is referring this investigation to the U.S. Attorney due to allegations of federal crimes involving the abuse, misuse, and theft of federal funds allocated to high-ranking members of the Keller administration. These funds, approved by the Council, were intended exclusively for early childhood programs as outlined in the grants description. However, they appear to have been unlawfully redirected as cash bonuses for the Mayors staff. Albuquerque City Council President Dan Lewis

An associate chief administrative officer with the city, Carla Martinez, released this statement:

Once again the OIG is submitting subjective opinions that were unanimously rejected by her own oversight committee comprised of legal and accounting professionals. This grant provided necessary overtime funding for critical early childhood caregiver programs and management during the Covid crisis. Carla Martinez, CABQ Associate Chief Administrative Officer

A spokesperson in the mayors office responded to President Lewis:

Dans comments are at best, a grossly inaccurate overreaction; and worst another in a long line of bitter rants against the Administration since losing his own election bid.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Allie Friesen speaks to news reporters after a Contingency Review Board meeting Oct. 8, 2024, at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  A federal report released Friday slams the state, Oklahoma City and its police department for how the entities deal with people experiencing mental health issues.

The report comes after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice following a Nov.17, 2022, complaint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Oklahoma unnecessarily institutionalizes, or puts at serious risk of unnecessary institutionalization, adults with behavioral health disabilities in the Oklahoma County area in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the report.

Oklahoma City and its police department discriminate against people with behavioral health disabilities when providing emergency response services in violation of federal law, the report said.

The state doesnt provide sufficient services to prevent unnecessary hospitalization, the report said.

As a result, many people with behavioral health disabilities never receive treatment until they are in crisis, when they instead end up needlessly hospitalized or in contact with law enforcement, according to the report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

About 30,000 adults in Oklahoma County, the states most populous, have a serious mental illness, according to the report.

Police are sent instead of behavioral health professionals when responding to many residents with mental health needs, the report said.

When officers respond, they sometimes fail to help, escalate crises, or even unnecessarily resort to force. People do not get the help they need and then are taken to the hospital to begin the cycle again, the report said.

Oklahoma City officials said in a statement Friday that they were reviewing the findings, but remained focused on providing the best services to residents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Oklahoma City Police Department did immediately respond to a request for comment.

State officials though were critical of the findings.

Gov. Kevin Stitt said the findings were another Biden administration overreach and that state officials are working hard to reform the mental health system.

They cant do that if theyre burdened with heavy handed, out of touch mandates from the federal government, Stitt said.

Allie Friesen, who leads the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said she also disagreed with the reports adverse findings.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond said while he strongly supports reforming the mental health system, hes wary of yet another top-down approach in this 11th hour report by the Biden Administrations Department of Justice. We will closely review the findings, but the DOJ report appears to be an attempt to bully Oklahoma into compliance with ever-changing and undefined targets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The report comes after officials in November agreed to resolve a high-profile federal lawsuit over competency restoration services.

Filed in March 2023, the lawsuit alleged the state violated the rights of mostly indigent defendants declared incompetent to stand trial and being held in county jails.

Tulsa attorney Paul DeMuro represented the plaintiffs.

He said the reports findings should be of no surprise to anyone. He said he hopes it leads to meaningful reforms.

We need to be doing a hell of a lot better to take care of this population of people, DeMuro said.

Oklahoma needs to dedicate more funding to the problem, he said. Leadership needs to focus more on the problem, he said.

Oklahoma is not alone in these struggles, he said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
There have been at least 42 fatalities following several Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since early Friday morning, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

Among the victims is a journalist, as well as women and minors, WAFA reported, citing medical sources.

The Israeli military initially did not comment on the report. However, it stated that on the previous day, it had hit around 40 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip with airstrikes, including command centres of the Palestinian militant organization.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some of the Hamas posts were located in former school buildings, the military said.

The Israeli military always emphasizes that it takes measures to minimize the risk to civilians.

The information from both sides could not be independently verified.

Meanwhile, in southern Israel, there was another rocket alert due to a projectile fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. There were initially no reports of injuries or damage.

Recently, there has been more frequent rocket fire from the Palestinian territory.

Palestinians mourn over the bodies of relatives killed in an Israeli strike, outside a hospital in Deir al-Balah, amidst the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas movement. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians inspect the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in the Al-Maghazi Refugee Camp, amidst the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas movement. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians inspect the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in the Al-Maghazi Refugee Camp, amidst the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas movement. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians inspect the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli strike in the Al-Maghazi Refugee Camp, amidst the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas movement. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Advertisement Advertisement
The insurance sector is already suffering because of a warming atmosphere and its associated ripple effects. But a new report suggests that the worst is yet to come, as insurers still don't comprehend the true "urgency of the crisis," Forbes wrote.

What's happening?

The rapid acceleration of global temperatures due to human-caused air pollution is well documented, and one of the many areas that have seen massive impacts is weather. With increasingly severe weather causing everything from heat waves to hurricanes, droughts, and storm surges, the damage has been tremendous.

In fact, according to Forbes, human-caused climate change has been behind one-third of weather-related insurance claims in the 21st century.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But while those losses had been estimated at approximately $600 billion, a new analysis from nonprofit network Insure Our Future found that the actual number may be closer to $720 billion  with nearly $52 billion occurring in 2023 alone.

"The impact of climate change is not just a present and future problem," Ilan Noy, a Victoria University of Wellington researcher, told Forbes. "It has already been driving up risks and causing major losses throughout this century."

Why is this so concerning?

What worries scientists is that the industry has yet to adapt to this new reality  or work to change it. Insure Our Future reported that, while 28 of the world's major insurers lost a collective $10.6 billion because of climate-related losses in 2023, they simultaneously invested $11.3 billion into underwriting corporate fossil fuel clients.

This, many argue, is the same as encouraging the generation of more planet-heating air pollution, and it's not going to work out well for anybody involved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The "true costs and risks of the climate crisis" are going to "overwhelm insurers and economies," Noy warned.

"Because insurance impacts are mounting and because we don't have an insurance system built for the way that climate change is evolving, this dynamic is only going to get much worse," Laurie Laybourn, with Strategic Climate Risks Initiative, told Forbes. She called the current understanding "a fundamental misunderstanding of causality."

When was the last time you weatherized your home?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

What's being done to prevent further losses?

The new report suggested seven specific actions that could "safeguard communities and to ensure a future for the insurance sector."

They include integrating true climate cost into actuarial models, mandating data transparency, developing  and adhering to  transition plans to reduce emissions, and taking steps to ensure that the corporations and governments causing the harm are the ones paying for it instead of the innocents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Forbes cited the report, which stated that the insurance industry "must embrace its power and accelerate the transition to clean energy, stop underwriting new fossil fuel projects, and rapidly align with credible 1.5 degrees Celsius transition pathways."

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.
(WPRI)  A new report is shedding light on the number of people experiencing homelessness across the United States and in Southern New England.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report: Part 1: Point in Time Estimates last week.

The report is a snapshot, showing the number of individuals who were in shelters, temporary housing or an unsheltered setting on a single night in January.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MORE: Families facing eviction from Massachusetts overflow shelters

The report found that 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States, which is an 18% increase from 2023.

Massachusetts saw a 74% increase in family homelessness. The report notes that many communities attributed this dramatic rise with the states right-to-shelter law and the influx of arriving migrant families, refugees and asylum seekers who dont have living arrangements yet.

ALSO READ: Record number of deportations seen in Massachusetts

Of the people in Massachusetts who were experiencing homelessness at the time, the report said that 76% were doing so in families with children.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Crossroads Rhode Island CEO and President Michelle Wilcox told 12 News Rhode Island does not have an influx of migrants, but the state is also seeing an uptick in families experiencing homelessness.

Were really seeing people experiencing homelessness, people entering homelessness, as folks who are already here, she noted.

Wilcox believes the uptick in Rhode Island is an unintended consequence of COVID-era funding coming to an end.

When folks no longer had those supports, they found themselves entering homelessness for the first time, Wilcox said.

RELATED: Its now unaffordable to buy a home anywhere in RI

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The HUD report found that Rhode Island had one of the highest rates of people experiencing chronic patterns of homelessness in 2024.

HUD has a definition of chronic homelessness, Wilcox explained. It refers to a person who has a disabling condition, and who has been homeless for 12 months consecutively, or who has experienced four or more episodes of homelessness over the course of three years.

The report said of those experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island, 48% of people were in a chronic pattern of homelessness. Washington was the only state with a higher rate at 49%.

Wilcox said many of the people Crossroads assists have multiple jobs and have never been homeless before.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"If there isn't enough housing available that they can afford, there is no other option," Wilcox explained.

Right now, Crossroads is in the process of building apartments off of Summer Street in Providence. Once completed, the complex will have 176 "permanently affordable" apartments. The project is set to be completed in September 2025.

SEE ALSO: Crossroads RI holds tour of new apartment complex for homeless

Wilcox said Crossroads may also break ground later this month on a brand-new health and housing facility.

"We need to continue to invest in [affordable housing] because every day that goes by, the problem is potentially getting worse," Wilcox said. "We're going to see the numbers start to trend down ... but that is only going to happen when we've increased the supply of housing."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

NEXT: RI renters struggle as cost of typical apartment nears $2,000

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.
Members of Congress applauded Matt Gaetz absence on Friday after a clerk announced that the former U.S. Rep from Florida will not serve in the House in the 119th Congress.

Gaetz resigned his position in Congress on Nov. 13 after President-elect Donald Trump tapped him for Attorney General, an appointment that was met with universal criticism. Gaetz had been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and removed himself from consideration for the cabinet post the following week. Trump named Pam Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, in his place.

The ethics report (which was released on Dec. 23 and which you can you can download here) found that Gaetz paid a 17-year-old girl and other women for sex and also purchased and used illegal drugs in his Capitol Hill office.

Acting clerk: The clerk is in receipt of a letter from the honorable Matt Gaetz indicating that he will not serve in the House in the 119th Congress



*applause* pic.twitter.com/UWSVQOpxWu  Acyn (@Acyn) January 3, 2025

Watch the moment when Congress applauds in the video embedded above.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress, the report reads.

On the day the report was released, Gaetz filed an unsuccessful lawsuit in federal court to block it, arguing that he was now a private citizen.

The post Representatives Cheer as Matt Gaetzs Exit From Congress Is Made Official on House Floor | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
The House Republican caucus kicked off the 119th U.S. Congress with what is becoming a regular source of drama: a contentious speaker election.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) barely won reelection as House Speaker in the first ballot cast by representatives to determine who will lead the lower chamber in the next congressional cycle. The House GOPs first attempt to elect a leader was almost foiled by defecting votes by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), and Keith Self (R-Texas), who voted for Reps. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and Bryon Donalds (R-Fla.), respectively.

But during an extended delay in which the House clerk held open the vote  and during which Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer conceded that he expected a second ballot  GOP leadership scrambled to flip two of their holdouts. They ultimately succeeded by convincing Norman and Self to vote for Johnson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ahead of the vote, Johnson faced a paper-thin margin to secure his reelection, any two no-votes (or one no and two abstentions) would tank the ballot.

Massie publicly insisted he was voting no on Johnson ahead of the first ballot, while several Republicans would not commit to voting for him. A larger contingent of GOP members have been publicly critical of Johnson over the course of his 14-month tenure in the position.

When asked on Friday what it would mean if Republicans cant elect Johnson on the first ballot, Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.) told CNN: That were not ready to govern. The people of America have given us this opportunity and were not prepared for it.

Johnson does have Trump behind him, though. The president-elect has long backed Johnsons position as GOP House leader. Las week, the president-elect reiterated his support for the speaker after Republicans  led by billionaire Elon Musk  revolted against a proposed funding package negotiated by Johnson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man, Trump wrote. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN.

The relationship between the two men seems to remain positive. On Friday, Trump wished Johnson the best in the vote. Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, a fine man of great ability, who is very close to having 100% support, he wrote on Truth Social. A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, and yet another acknowledgment of our 129 year most consequential Presidential Election!!  A BIG AFFIRMATION, INDEED. MAGA!

Johnson is hoping the endorsement from Trump will help him over the finish line, telling Fox News that Republicans cannot afford any palace drama. But the opposition to Johnsons leadership is based less on his relationship with Trump, and more with GOP rancor over messy funding battles throughout the course of his tenure, and accusations that Johnson frequently capitulates to Democratic appropriations demands.

For months Democrats ignored the fact that Joe Biden was a potato, Massie wrote on X last week. They convinced themselves that keeping him around was the pragmatic way to win the day. Too late did they admit the emperor had no clothes. Republicans are doing the same thing by keeping Speaker Mike Johnson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Thursday, Rep. Massie told One America News that you can pull all my finger nails out, you can shove bamboo up in them, you can start cutting off my fingers, I am not voting for Mike Johnson. In a separate post on X, Massie argued that the caucus has seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget.

Johnson ultimately won on the first ballot, despite Massies vote. Regardless, the House GOP has kicked off 2025 by continuing its tradition of dysfunction.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Democrats  stung by an election that in part repudiated the partys approach to immigration  are changing their approach as they prepare to deal with an emboldened second-term Donald Trump.

Its a shift thats been building for years. And its emerging as a prime example of how Democratic leaders are finding that the resistance strategies of Trumps first term are no longer practicable in the political climate of early 2025.

Democratic governors have decried Trumps mass deportation plans and pledged to bar state law enforcement from involvement in major roundups  but they have signaled a willingness to work with him to remove criminals. Some blue city mayors have fortified so-called sanctuary laws, but others have shied away from highlighting that status. And some Democratic leaders have argued the party must take a harder line on immigration after tacking to the left under Trumps first administration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This more nuanced response is the partys effort to strike the right chord politically and position itself for the midterms and a presidential primary in 2028. Its an approach they believe will bolster their argument when its time to push back.

President-elect Trump is talking about deporting criminals. We should be for that. Everybody should be for that. And I think that the incoming administration should really be working with Democrats that want to work on this. Id be willing to work with them, said Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) in an interview.



But there are going to be problems that arise, he continued. Youre going to have some ICE agents knocking down the door of somebodys house where a criminal used to live, and now that person has moved, and theres another family there. There are going to be stories about people getting deported for low-level offenses, and the dad being taken away from the children, or the mom.

Deciding whats a red line  and how to confront Trump on it  is the coming challenge for Democratic leaders. And since much of this dynamic will play out at the state and local level, Democratic governors and attorneys general must decide when to denounce Trumps actions and when to escalate with legal challenges, as they look to both cooperate with Trump when they can and protect their jurisdictions from federal overreach or any infringement on civil rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those divisions are already playing out in blue cities with laws limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Los Angeles strengthened its sanctuary laws post-election. But in Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle Parker is rebuffing calls to reaffirm similar policies there.

Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said it speaks to the shift in Democrats approach since 2017.

Democrats have been very good right now about not taking the bait and not letting him set the agenda, Lake said.

The shock and awe of 2017 was were going to resist, were going to resist, Lake added. I think this year, its more, were going to be calm. Were going to be looking for places to work together. Were going to pick our moments, and were going to try to shape not just opposition, but try to shape alternatives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But, given the recent provocations from incoming border czar Tom Homan  who has threatened to prosecute Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson if he impedes deportations and to jail Denver Mayor Mike Johnston over the same  its unclear how long Democratic leaders can sit back. Trump could also use key outliers like New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who suggested the Trump administration could play a role in reshaping the citys sanctuary laws, as a wedge.



The division in approach among sanctuary-city mayors comes as Democratic leaders grapple with the increasingly charged politics around the term itself, which Republicans have framed as jurisdictions protecting undocumented immigrants who have broken the law  a description Democrats insist is misleading.

Theyre trying to create a narrative that certain cities are shielding undocumented immigrants from criminal prosecution, which is not true. And theyre also trying to paint a narrative that the vast majority of this immigrant community is somehow connected to violence and crime, which is also not true by any measure of the facts, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, whos also been targeted by Homan, recently told POLITICO.

But Bostons law is quite clear: Its about local law enforcement staying focused on local public safety priorities, and we dont cooperate when it comes to civil immigration detainers and we dont ask about immigration status in encounters around public safety with residents, she said. We clearly are working together with every level of law enforcement to tackle child exploitation, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cyber crimes and more.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The political challenge has been brewing for decades, intensified in recent years by the collision of a worsening global immigration crisis and both parties politicization of the issue. In the aftermath of the election, some Democrats have blamed the partys downfall on its left flank. But Republicans, too, have ceded ground to their base, pouring money into framing immigration as a national security threat and amplifying false narratives around immigrant crime, invasions and Democrats open border policies.

President Joe Biden vowed to fix the countrys immigration system after four years of Trump, but he was stymied by a worldwide surge in migration and GOP opposition that pounced on scenes of a chaotic border. He embraced some Trump-era policies, while also opening up parole pathways for some immigrants to come to the country legally. The issue ballooned across the country as Republicans bused migrants to blue states, and Democratic leaders pressured Biden to help them manage an influx of people in their communities.

This pressure contributed to the political shift in 2024, culminating with the White House striking a bipartisan border deal agreement on the Hill  only for Trump to help kill it. Biden unilaterally cracked down on asylum, and Democrats across the country called for stronger border security.



The last year offers clues for how Democrats will continue to sharpen this message. Party leaders hope to continue pushing for what they call common-sense solutions to address the border, while identifying the right moments to hammer Trump. Democrats say family separation is an area ripe for attack, particularly if the president-elects deportation effort leads to the separation of mixed-status families.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Polls show Americans are also sympathetic to undocumented spouses of American citizens, as well as people enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program who were brought to the U.S. as children by their parents. Those are areas where Democrats will be able to sharpen their message not only on border security but also on policies like the lack of pathways to citizenship for immigrants who have long resided in the U.S.  Dreamers, farmworkers and others who are now married to U.S. citizens or have U.S. citizen children. But it will take more than just a disciplined message, said Beatriz Lopez, co-executive director of the Immigration Hub, an immigration advocacy group.

The takeaway shouldnt be that we should be moving to the right on immigration, or trying to out toughen Trump on immigration, Lopez said. People just need to hear from Democrats on this pragmatic vision, and not only do they have to say it, they have to put money behind it.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Goodbye, 2024, another year filled with money and personal information lost to scams, according to the Better Business Bureau.

As 2025 begins, the BBB recommends making some resolutions to help keep you free from fraud this new year.

Resolve to be cautious with emails.

This holds especially true for emails from unknown senders and any links they may contain.

You know, in general, we say, Dont click on links that are unfamiliar or unsolicited, that they come to you, youre not looking for the information, said Judy Dollison, president of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio. Because a lot of time, those unsolicited links to emails, through text message, do contain malware or spyware.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Resolve to never send money to strangers.

This is especially true if youve never met a person face-to-face, or if someone asks you to transfer funds using a gift card, a pre-paid debit card, or apps like Zelle and Venmo. Those forms of payment are untraceable. Once the money is sent, theres no getting it back.

Resolve to do your research before you buy.

Make sure the retailer youre shopping with  especially online  actually exists, and that whatever deal theyre offering is, in fact, real.

You want to look at the website to make sure there are no misspellings in the URL, Dollison said. Thats a very popular way that scammers will take a well-known brand and just change a letter or add a space or add a dot, and they use that to make you think youre on the website. The website looks professional. We always say, If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. So, if you see a really good price on something, if it just doesnt seem right, I would avoid it.

Resolve to use your best judgment before sharing any personal information.

Giving your bank account information, Social Security number, or Medicare number to an unsolicited caller opens the door to identity theft.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You know, scams are designed to steal your money, said Dollison. And with identity theft, theyre designed to steal your identity and later steal your money. So, really you want to stay vigilant and monitor your accounts on a regular basis. Look at your credit card statements, and make sure theres no charges that dont sound right to you, you dont recognize the name.

The BBB offered some additional steps you can take to help keep you safe in the New Year here. If you become the victim of fraud, help others avoid the same problem by reporting your experience.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A retired sergeant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is facing felony charges after a crash in which hes accused of leaving the scene and driving with a blood-alcohol content three times the legal limit.

Bail for Arnulfo Ryan Valverde was reduced Thursday from $700,000 to $45,000 on conditions including he immediately report to the probation department and be placed on an alcohol-monitoring device. He is to have no alcohol in his system.

A prosecutor opposed the change, telling a judge Valverde poses a public safety risk and should remain in custody.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Driver in fatal Ming Ave crash says passenger grabbed wheel; police say driver was impaired

The prosecutor noted Valverde had a BAC of 0.24% after the Nov. 26 crash that injured two people  requiring one victim to get surgery on both wrists. A bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey was found in his car.

Valverde was arrested in the 10100 block of Stockdale Highway, which police said in a probable cause declaration was in the nearby area of the collision.

Defense attorney Mark Anthony Raimondo said Valverde will comply with all conditions of release. He said the former sergeant had a distinguished career and has no prior criminal record.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An on-the-job injury resulted in issues including mental health conditions, Raimondo said.

Valverde is charged with two counts of DUI causing injury, and hit-and-run causing injury. A preliminary hearing is scheduled Feb. 3.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The multi-agency response to Wednesdays Tesla Cybertruck bombing at the Trump International Hotel was a joint effort from law enforcement and private security in the Las Vegas resort corridor.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Departments headquarters is also home to the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center. It fuses local and federal agencies like the FBI and Department of Homeland Security to prevent targeted attacks.

(KLAS)

In situations like Wednesdays bombing, one of the fusion centers objectives is to make sure there isnt a widespread threat. Once its determined to be an isolated incident operators change gears.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Youre going to switch it more to the investigative mode of kind of digging up and finding out everything you can about the incident, and then working hand in hand with the security chiefs along the Las Vegas Boulevard, Ashton Packe, retired LVMPD Counterterrorism Sergeant, said.

Packe served in the valley for 23 years. Hes Las Vegas born-and-raised  the son of a casino executive. Packe knows the strength of the relationship between law enforcement and the Strips security.

(KLAS)

All the security directors are going to know almost in an instant that something is happening in the valley, he said.

Packe says the Security Chiefs Association for Las Vegas resorts have instant communication with Metro police. These private security teams are made up of experienced professionals.

(KLAS)

Most of the security chiefs and people who work in the security industry are retired law enforcement. Lots of former federal law enforcement, FBI agents, special agents, Packe said. You have lots of retired Metro supervisors and Metro executive leadership that also step into those roles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Packe says the relationship between Metro and the resort corridor has been strong for decades, citing his fathers casino experience in the 80s.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Retired military are reacting to the New Orleans attack that killed 14 people and injured at least 35 others on New Years Day.

Retired Air Force Col. Scott Grant and retired Army Col. Mike Ford said terror attacks like the one in New Orleans are always top of mind for the military.

Col. Ford said the attack should have never happened. With the FBI still investigating the attack and the suspect deceased, Ford believes there are different aspects of the investigation that should take place that may provide more answers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Who is Las Vegas explosion suspect Matthew Livelsberger?

Do a multi-agency after action review of this whole thing, and in parallel to that do a congressional investigation, said Ford.

Retired Air Force Col. Scott Grant said throughout his time in the Airforce, terror attacks were always a thought and says there are ways to address it, like risk management which includes traveling in groups, preparing an exit plan at large events, and avoiding large stagnant groups of people.

The thing is you do things to minimize your risk. We call it risk management, said Grant.

Grant said its never wrong for people to have a plan in action.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I would say dont be scared. Be vigilant, be smart. Make sure that you have a plan, so that if something goes wrong, even if you get lost from one of your loved ones, that you have a rally point, said Grant.

Both Grant and Ford say if you see something say something, saying law enforcement can do their job with something as simple as a tip.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM)  A $5,000 reward is being offered for information regarding the disappearance of a woman in Cumberland County more than three decades ago.

Pennsylvania State Police Tips says Karen Wells, 23, was traveling from Oklahoma to New Jersey in April 1994 when she stopped at the Pike Motel on the 1100 block of Harrisburg Pike in Carlisle.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe Now

This Week in Pennsylvania

Wells called her friend from the motel at 7 p.m. on April 12 saying she was going to eat at McDonalds before returning to her room. Wells asked the desk clerk for directions to the McDonalds and left in a rented 1993 Plymouth Acclaim with Oklahoma license plates.

This is the last time Wells was reported being seen. Shortly after midnight on April 13 a friend attempted to enter Wells room but had no response. A motel employee opened the room to find Wells belongings still inside, but no sign of her.

Seinfeld, Ace Ventura actor John Capodice passes away

Wells abandoned car was found in a rural area on Route 274 in Perry County near Tuscarora State Park, about 35 miles from the motel. Both the drivers and passenger side doors were wide open, the vehicle was out of gas, the hazard lights were switched on, and the battery was dead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was also noted there were about 600 to 700 miles that were unaccounted for on the cars odometer and that the car was mud-splattered and scratched, indicating it was driven off-road.

Empty soda bottles, a pair of shoes, maps, and trash from a Hardees meal were found inside. There was also a small amount of marijuana in the car and other unspecified indications of criminal activity.'

Restaurants are adding merchant fees on bills; What are they?

Officials noted that Wells purse containing a small amount of cash was found in a nearby ditch.

Wells was described as being 56 with blonde hair and blue/green eyes. She went by her middle name, Denise, and had a quarter-inch scar on her forearm.

Any persons with information regarding this incident are asked to contact PSP Carlisle at 717-249-2121, PSP Tips at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477), or online at the PSP Tips website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those who provide information leading to an arrest, the solving of the case, or the location of those involved could be eligible for the cash reward.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
New homes are under construction in Spanish Fork on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Outgoing Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes is teaming up with Texas and 13 other states to fight the federal governments radical energy efficiency standards that they say make affordable housing more expensive.

Filed Thursday in the U.S. Courts Eastern District of Texas, the attorneys general are suing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, arguing that a section of the Cranston-Gonzalez Act  a 1990 law designed to help families afford down payments on their homes and keep housing affordable  is unconstitutional.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The complaint takes issue with the Acts Energy Efficiency Standards section, which imposes regulations when constructing new public housing and single-family and multifamily residential housing. The standards often dictate the types of lighting, ventilation systems, roofs and heat pumps used in construction.

Calling that provision well-meaning, Reyes and other attorneys general say the statute is now being stretched to the breaking point to support a green agenda that Congress never enacted.

According to the complaint, that section delegates efficiency standards to two private organizations, the International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. That should be unconstitutional, the lawsuit alleges.

The regulations set by the law add on an extra $8,345 to the cost of the new home, according to the federal government. But the lawsuit claims the real price is far higher, citing estimates by industry professionals that put an added cost of up to $31,000 for each new home.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, those up-front costs are a worthy investment  over a 30-year mortgage, a more efficient home can save the average single-family homeowner an estimated $25,100 in energy bills, producing a net savings of an estimated $15,000 per household.

The standards make homes more comfortable and resilient to heat waves or extreme cold, the department says. Plus, they can reduce carbon emissions by nearly 6.35 million metric tons over 30 years, the equivalent of taking 46,000 cars off the road.

According to court documents, more than 161,000 new single-family housing units, and more than 17,000 new multifamily housing units, are impacted by the policies each year.

The agencies concede the new standards will drive down production of affordable housing at a time when middle-class families are finding homeownership out of reach and homelessness is at an all-time high, Reyes office said in a news release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The lawsuit marks one of Reyes final actions as Utahs attorney general. Reyes did not run for reelection this year, making the announcement after his relationship with embattled anti-trafficking activist Tim Ballard came to light. On Jan. 6, he will be replaced by Derek Brown, a former U.S. Senate staffer, state lawmaker and Utah Republican Party chairman.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Even as our nation prepares to transition to a new administration, the outgoing HUD and USDA offices are committed to inflicting unwanted and unneeded cost increases on Americans who are already struggling to pay their bills, provide for their families, and secure a brighter future for their children, said Reyes in a statement. As one of my last actions as AG, I am grateful for another chance to lead this fight to protect hard-working Utahns and all Americans.

In addition to deeming the Energy Efficiency Standards section of the Cranston-Gonzalez Act unconstitutional, the lawsuit asks the court to prevent the federal government from adopting new versions of regulations set by the International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Utah and Texas are joined by attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The National Association of Home Builders also signed on to the lawsuit.

We have an affordability crisis in the home market, said Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers. These codes will only make things worse by inflating costs and decreasing production of needed housing. Nebraskans didnt elect these groups to make these decisions, and they should not be allowed to push the dream of owning a home further out of reach.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
China welcomes global businesses to operate in Hong Kong: FM spokesperson

Xinhua) 08:24, January 03, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes businesses from across the world to operate in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and share the dividends of both the region's development and the policy of "one country, two systems," a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a related query at a daily news briefing.

Mao said that with the support of the central government, the HKSAR government in 2024 had forged ahead with a keen sense of responsibility and a pragmatic attitude, remained focused on economic development, strengthened exchanges and cooperation with the outside world, and continued to consolidate its sound momentum of stability and development.

The HKSAR was ranked as the world's freest economy and rose to the third place globally in Global Financial Centres Index in 2024, while total assets under management in this region last year had topped 4 trillion U.S. dollars, she said.

Mao also revealed that the HKSAR had recorded 44 million tourist arrivals in 2024, up 30 percent year on year. In addition, the HKSAR had attracted around 170,000 talents through its talent admission schemes last year. By the end of 2024, the total number of companies from China's mainland and overseas based in the region had amounted to nearly 10,000 while the number of startups was close to 4,700 -- both hitting new highs.

"We have full confidence in a better future for Hong Kong," Mao said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Rockford Police arrested Daniel Brown, 31, for allegedly attacking a woman and a teenage boy among other accusations.

On New Years Day, around 6 a.m., officers responded to the 1200 block of Fairview Avenue for a domestic altercation. The woman told authorities the suspect punched her in the ribs and pushed her to the floor.

A teenage boy became involved when he attempted to stop the altercation, but Brown started strangling him, according to court documents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The suspect admitted to police he strangled the teen but denied attacking the woman.

The woman told officers Brown had a handgun earlier that night. The suspect was in the process of moving a safe with ammunition inside when officials arrived, according to court records.

He also gave authorities a stun gun he had without being asked, police reported.

Brown is charged with possession of a firearm while not being eligible for a FOID, illegal possession of ammunition while not being eligible for a FOID, domestic battery and aggravated domestic battery causing strangulation.

If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, visit our Stateline Strong page for resources.

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.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The 50-year-old Roderick Ireland Courthouse could soon see major improvements.

Springfield felon faces firearm and drug charges after traffic stop

The building is known for dust, and mold, and has caused severe illness over the years. Five people who have worked in the courthouse died of ALS and 60 cases of cancer were linked to those working in the building.



First of all, are we sure that the timeline that was presented is the most expedient timeline because that looks like another year before we get anywhere with that? shared Mark Zawistowski, a family member of a court staff employee.



The Healey/Driscoll administration and the Commonwealths real estate service, DCAMM, are calling this project urgent.



Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno fully supports a relocation for the courthouse with the new spot anticipated to be in the North End riverfront area. The location is set to bring economic development adding restaurants, shops, and a marina. The mayor also anticipates hundreds of jobs added to the city.



Mayor Sarno told 22News in a statement, I have made it very clear; I am in full support of relocating a new Roderick Ireland Courthouse to the north riverfront area. This would be a game changer for the City of Springfield. It brings to light development in the north end of our riverfront and most importantly, it brings with it some additional housing to the city, which is desperately needed. I will continue to advocate for the project that is in the best interest of our Springfield.



If the courthouse relocates that project could take three to four years to complete versus seven to ten years to improve at the current site.



To submit a written comment on the proposed project, email kendra.howes@mass.gov. The deadline for submission is Saturday, January 11th at 4 p.m.

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.
Authorities in Russian-occupied Transnistria began rolling blackouts on Jan. 3 after Russias suspension of gas exports caused emergency power outages, the so-called economic development ministry announced.

Russias state-controlled energy giant Gazprom halted gas deliveries to Moldova on Jan. 1, citing alleged unpaid debts by Moldovagaz. Moldovan officials dispute the claim, noting an international audit failed to verify the debts.

While a transit agreement for Russian gas through Ukraine also expired on the same day, Gazprom maintains that Moldovas debts, not transit issues, prompted the suspension.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The blackouts, aimed at reducing energy consumption, will last an hour in the evenings across main cities  Tiraspol, Rybnitsa, and Bender  and several villages.

Read also: Moldova prepares for harsh winter, as Russian-occupied part of country runs out of gas

Transnistria, home to approximately 370,000 residents, has been heavily affected, with widespread heating outages reported. In January, the average temperature in Transnistria can drop to -5 C (24F) at night.

Sergey Obolonik, the first deputy chairman of the Transnistrian administration, called the crisis "grave," saying that shortages have left nearly 75,000 households without gas and another 116,000 with reduced supply.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Prolonged disruptions could cause "irreversible damage" to the regions industrial capacity, he warned.

Moldova has offered to help Transnistria purchase gas through European platforms. Vadim Cheban, head of Moldovagaz, said on Jan. 2 that Chisinau is ready to assist Transnistrian authorities in securing energy resources on market terms to mitigate the crisis.

Russian troops have occupied Transnistria since the early 1990s.

Read also: Transnistria faces industrial collapse after Russian gas suspension, senior official says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  Clevelands beloved St. Patricks Day Parade, a tradition deeply rooted in the citys history, is facing a significant challenge.

For nearly two decades, Superior Avenue has hosted this vibrant celebration, drawing thousands of spectators to experience its floats, bagpipes, and Irish cheer. However, a new city infrastructure project could force the parade to find a new route.

I-TEAM: Listen: New Years Eve gunfire leads to frantic calls for help  again

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Every March, Superior Avenue transforms into a sea of green, becoming the epicenter of Clevelands St. Patricks Day celebrations. But the Cleveland Midway Project, a $25 million plan to revamp Superior Avenue with a raised landscaped median and bike paths, has complicated this long-standing tradition.

Parade organizer Patrick Murphy expressed concerns over the impact of the changes, stating, This is the largest annual single-day event in Cleveland, period. And they arent going to make any changes for that one day of the year.

City officials, including Calley Mersmann, a senior strategist for the Superior Midway Project, emphasize that the upgrades are designed to enhance safety and accessibility. While they have explored ways to accommodate the parade, Mersmann explains that incorporating the parade into the new design is not feasible.

What we found, based on their recommendations, is that it would be best to accommodate the parade on a different road rather than adjust the Superior Midway project, Mersmann said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Faced with this challenge, organizers are now scouting alternative routes in downtown Cleveland. Yet, Murphy fears moving the parade away from Superior Avenue could diminish its accessibility and vibrancy.

If that happens, we will move away from Public Square, from RTA transportation, and from a commercially viable street, Murphy said. We are afraid that will negatively impact the parade in Cleveland.

City officials, however, remain optimistic about finding a compromise.

Man believed responsible for Vegas bombing has NE Ohio ties

The parade has evolved with the times and moved locations throughout its history, Mersmann noted. We have many streets that could accommodate the parade, and we plan to continue working with organizers to find a solution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For many, the St. Patricks Day Parade is more than a yearly celebrationits a symbol of Clevelands identity and community spirit. Generations of Clevelanders have cherished this event, and its potential relocation underscores the tension between preserving traditions and embracing progress.

As Murphy puts it, We want to stay in Cleveland. This is our home. This is who we are, and we dont want that to be disturbed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Ruben Gallego in August 2024. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

Arizonas first Latino U.S. senator, Ruben Gallego, says hes willing to work with Donald Trumps administration on border security, echoing the Democratic Party line of tentative cooperation that emerged after an election marked by Republican wins and voter concerns over immigration. Gallego was sworn in as a senator on Friday.

Were not going to automatically just knee-jerk reject anything that comes from the White House. Were not going to run to the barricades when they use words like mass deportation, because even now, to this day, they have not really qualified what their plans are, Gallego said, during a Thursday news conference previewing his policy goals before his Friday swearing-in ceremony. Were going to wait and hear what their actual goals are, see if we can work together to really fulfill what Arizonans asked of me to do.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump ran on the promise of overseeing a mass deportation campaign, making it a cornerstone of his campaign. There are an estimated 11 million undocumented people currently living in the country who could be at risk of removal. Trump has alternated between vowing to order the expulsion of those with criminal records or rejected asylum bids and promising to deport everyone.

Gallego pointed out that exact details about Trumps plan have not yet been released, and said Arizona voters elected him to strengthen the states southern border. He added that he would be in favor of deporting criminal aliens, but said Arizonans dont support plans like Trumps notorious 2018 Zero Tolerance Policy that resulted in the separation of nearly 3,000 children from their parents and minors being placed in detention facilities alone.

What Arizonans talked to me about is that they want more border security; they want more customs police officers; they want  where necessary  border walls, Gallego said. And, yeah, they want a certain type of illegal immigrant deported. What I didnt hear is family separations, and I didnt hear about jailing kids or anything of that nature.

Concern over the U.S.-Mexico border colored voter priorities during the 2024 election. For the first time since 2019, voters ranked immigration at the top of the list of problems facing the country. That concern arose from record-high immigration rates in late 2023, and in Arizona it led to the easy passage of a ballot initiative aimed at empowering local police officers and state judges to arrest and deport migrants. A whopping 61% of Arizonans cast their ballots in favor of making it a state crime to cross the southern border into the Grand Canyon State.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a bid to respond to that concern, Gallego sought and was granted a spot on the U.S. Senates Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. He said he hopes to use his time on that committee to push for increased border security funding and to explore the possibility of immigration reform.

Gallego also celebrated his election as historic, and highlighted his mothers identity as an immigrant from Colombia.

When Im sworn in, itll be for so much more than me, he said. Itll be for my mom  an immigrant, a strong woman, a Latina who raised four kids on her own.

Along with his appointment to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Gallego will also sit on the Banking; Energy and Natural Resources; and Veterans Affairs committees. The Chicago native said he chose those committees as a reflection of the needs of Arizonans, including access to affordable housing, a secure water supply, sufficient energy capabilities and resources for veterans.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
On Friday, Ruben Gallego will be sworn in as the next U.S. senator from Arizona, a state with a 370-mile border with Mexico.

That proximity to our neighbor to the south puts Arizona at the top of Donald Trumps plans to feast off border security and everything that comes with it.

The president-elect and his border hawks are itching to kick-start mass deportations and go after human smugglers and drug traffickers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Its what voters told Trump to do, and they, apparently, dont care how he does it.

Ruben Gallego touts more border security

Gallego is among the few Democrats who understood that sentiment early on, prompting him to moderate the more liberal impulses that he displayed during his stint as a member of the House of Representatives.

Instead of blazingly defending the migrant surge, which reportedly netted some 8 million encounters under the Biden administration, Gallego took a tougher approach talking about border security.

It paid off for him. He defeated Kari Lake, one of Trumps loyalists who looked invincible when she first entered politics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Gallego is now heading to Washington where Trump is King of the Hill, quite literally, and facing a weakened and bruised Democratic Party.

Trump and his supporters control everything. They have the White House, both chambers of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court and Americans backing  at least half the country, anyway.

It is, therefore, reassuring to see that Gallego appears confident of his ability to work in that kind of environment.

Dont expect him, though, to come out batting for migrants or pronounce himself part of the resistance that characterized Democrats and many others during Trumps first presidential term.

It's the right approach. But it's disappointing

Unfortunately, that resistance is gone, and now the approach is to work with MAGA on whatever Democrats can find common ground.

Advertisement Advertisement

My heart sinks every time I hear Gallego speak of the need to hire more agents, more immigration judges, more of everything to secure the U.S.-Mexico border.

My dismay has nothing to do with going after drug and human traffickers. Of course, that must be done. The flow of fentanyl is killing too many, and that has to be stopped.

And, of course, Gallego is right to join the border security chorus and work to hire a lot more judges to expedite asylum applications.

I just wish he would find the political courage to also speak against human suffering. Otherwise, we would be doomed.

Trumps immigration plan isnt limited to mass deportations. It also incudes eliminating some visa categories and diversity visa lotteries and ending birthright citizenship.

Gallego, other Democrats must navigate MAGA

I get that Gallego must begin his six-year Senate term with a practical approach to MAGA because he doesnt have much of a choice  at least, until the 2026 midterm election, when voters get to decide again who controls Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Gallego joins fellow Arizona Democrat U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly in the mostly Republican congressional delegation. Both are competent with crossover appeal and a deep understanding of Arizonas needs.

Kelly has a record of working behind the scenes on everything from infrastructure and microchip production funding to attempts to advance immigration reform.

Opinion: Fight over visas reveals MAGA's hypocrisy

No doubt, then, that Gallego, Kelly and others in the Arizona congressional delegation, including Democratic U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton and newcomer Yassamin Ansari, will do their best to navigate MAGAs Washington.

Advertisement Advertisement

Its a tough job that requires tactical maneuvering every step of the way. I just hope they dont forget to also speak up for the most vulnerable, the poor, the immigrants and the working men and women who stand to lose the most.

Like or not, Gallego carries a greater burden than the rest as the first Latino from Arizona to get elected to the U.S. Senate.

Will he speak up when Latinos are suffering?

Gallego has a duty to represent all Arizonans, regardless of party affiliation, race, or economic and immigration status.

But as the son of immigrants who defied poverty and much more, Gallego is keenly aware that Latinos wont take their eyes off him.

Advertisement Advertisement

And many will do it while handcuffed in the back of a van on their way out of the country or sitting in a tent city or private prison somewhere in the desert.

Its important to recognize Democrats political limitations and the need to work with the tools available.

But history has taught that in the face of mass human suffering, speaking up is as important as lending a hand to anyone about to fall off a cliff.

I hope Gallegos voice doesnt dim at the edge of this precipice.

Elvia Diaz is editorial page editor for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Reach her at 602-444-8606 or elvia.diaz@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, (formerly Twitter), @elviadiaz1.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Immigration will be a key testing point for Ruben Gallego | Opinion
NEW YORK  Rudy Giulianis legal problems are about to get even worse.

Two federal judges are mulling whether to hold him in contempt  a punishment that could potentially include throwing him in jail  for defying court orders. And the former New York City mayor is facing a trial later this month about whether he must turn over his Palm Beach condo to two Georgia women who won a $148 million defamation verdict against him in 2023.

Giuliani also remains under criminal indictment in Arizona and Georgia for his efforts to help Donald Trump subvert the 2020 election. He has been disbarred in New York and Washington, D.C. But so far, his biggest legal burdens have stemmed from the civil judgment in the defamation case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The women who won that judgment  former election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss  have already taken possession of much of Giulianis property, including watches, a ring and a vintage Mercedes-Benz convertible. The former New York City mayor is in the process of turning over his Manhattan apartment, too. But he has fought the collection efforts tooth and nail, and he has even continued to denigrate Freeman and Moss.



Along the way, he has frustrated two federal judges, who have repeatedly chafed at his resistance to their commands, and who now have the power to punish him for his intransigence  with fines, jail or other efforts to legally coerce his compliance.

First up is a hearing in Manhattan federal court on Friday in which Judge Lewis Liman will weigh a request by Freeman and Moss to hold Giuliani in contempt and impose severe sanctions on him. The Georgia women  who are mother and daughter  won the nine-figure defamation judgment against Giuliani when a jury found that he falsely accused them of election fraud after the 2020 election. They say Giuliani has repeatedly thwarted Limans orders related to the transfer of his assets as they seek to collect the judgment.

In particular, they say, he has failed to turn over even a single document in response to court orders requiring him to share information about his Palm Beach condo, which Freeman and Moss are trying to seize.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Giuliani has a second contempt hearing on Jan. 10  this time in Washington in front of Judge Beryl Howell, who presided over the defamation trial in December 2023. Freeman and Moss are asking Howell to hold Giuliani in contempt for violating an agreement not to make new defamatory claims about them. They say Giuliani renewed his false attacks during two recent podcast appearances.



Freeman and Moss have not explicitly asked for jail time, but they have said that any fine would be an insufficient punishment, because Giulianis debt to the two women already far exceeds his assets.

In Limans courtroom, they have urged the judge to impose whatever coercive sanction he deems appropriate. One punishment they proposed is a formal ruling from Liman that Giulianis failure to produce documents about the Palm Beach condo amounts to an admission that he didnt intend to live in it before he claimed it was his primary residence and that he didnt live there full time. Such a ruling would essentially resolve the main issue set to be determined at a trial set for Jan. 16, and it would render Giuliani in jeopardy of having to forfeit the condo to the women.

In court filings, Liman has appeared dismissive of Giulianis explanations and arguments regarding his failure to provide documents. And the judge has already signaled that Fridays contempt hearing may not go well for Giuliani.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For his part, Giuliani has done little to win Limans favor. In a court hearing in November, Giuliani erupted at Liman after the judge questioned his efforts to turn over the required property. And his lawyers suggested in court documents that the judge  a Trump appointee  might be biased against Giuliani because 29 Republicans voted against Limans confirmation.

On Thursday afternoon, Giuliani asked Liman to let him appear at Fridays hearing by Zoom, rather than in person, saying that he was dealing with knee issues and a cough that stemmed from his presence at the site of the World Trade Center attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

Giuliani, notably, has made multiple TV and podcast appearances over the last few days, including Wednesday evening when he spoke at length on Newsmax about the mass attack in New Orleans. He also recorded a two-hour podcast on the subject the same day.

In an order Thursday evening, Liman said Giuliani will have to come to court in person if he wants to testify in the proceeding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Giulianis pain wont end with the New York hearing. A week later, hes scheduled for the contempt hearing before Howell  another judge whom Giuliani has repeatedly antagonized. He has attacked her as biased because of her handling of dozens of cases stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, and he has claimed that he struggled to find a lawyer willing to represent him in her courtroom.

Howell, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, has rapped Giuliani repeatedly over the past two years for defying her orders  a history that could come back to haunt him during the contempt hearing.

Both contempt hearings could be a prelude to Giulianis Jan. 16 trial before Liman on the status of the Palm Beach condo  and whether that condo qualifies for a so-called homestead exemption from collection efforts.

The trial is also set to cover the fate of his beloved New York Yankees World Series rings. Giuliani claims he gifted them to his son Andrew years ago, making them off limits to Freeman and Moss. And he has produced photos and text messages to back up his claim. The trial could force both Giuliani and his son onto the witness stand to spell out the details of the transfer.

Orden reported from New York. Cheney reported from Washington.
Ruidoso elk entangled with stool was freed

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  An elk in Ruidoso, who got tangled with a chair stuck on its head, has been freed, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish on Thursday, Jan. 2.

Elk with chair on head in Ruidoso is able to move, eat

As KTSM previously reported, a cow elk with a metal stool hanging from her neck was found in Ruidoso, but the department said the animal was able to move around, eat and drink.

Elk with a chair on its head near Ruidoso. Photo courtesy of Ruidoso Police

Officers from the department found the animal and tried to give the elk time to free itself from the stool, before taking more drastic measures, according to the department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the department, after giving the animal time and space, the elk did not remove it herself. Agents, with the help of local law enforcement, sedated the animal and quickly removed the stool.

The elk appeared in good health after the ordeal and by Thursday morning, was up and walking with her herd  stool-free, the department said.

According to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, elk becoming tangled in lawn furniture or other foreign objects has become a recurring issue in Ruidoso.

The department said in January 2024, officers captured and removed furniture from three other elks in the course of one week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since then, the number of entanglements has slowed but is still somewhat common.

The department is encouraging Ruidoso residents to take in loose furniture for the coming winter season.

Residents are also asked to refrain from feeding or encouraging elk to spend time near homes to reduce the chances wild animals will come in contact with similar hazards.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KYIV (Reuters) - Russia launched a barrage of drones in an overnight attack on Ukraine on Friday, killing one civilian and injuring four others in the Kyiv region, the military and regional officials said.

Ukrainian air defences shot down 60 out of 93 Russian drones, the air force said. It also said that 26 drones were "lost", in reference to Ukraine's use of electronic warfare to redirect Russian drones.

One Russian drone was still in the air, the air force added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mykola Kalashnyk, acting governor for the Kyiv region, said that a truck driver was killed by drone debris. The debris also damaged several private houses, injuring four people, including a 16-year-old boy, he said.

The air force said that the Russian drones targeted nine Ukrainian regions across the country. Residential houses and commercial buildings were damaged in the Donetsk region in the east and the Chernihiv region in the north, the military said.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by David Goodman and Toby Chopra)
Russia is planning to ship some military equipment and weapons from the Tartus naval base in Syria to Libya, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) claimed on Jan. 3.

Rebels overthrew the Russia-backed regime of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in early December. Amid the fall of Assad's rule, Russia has reportedly begun withdrawing its naval and military assets from Syria.

Some mercenaries of Russia's Africa Corps are stationed at the Tartus base on the Mediterranean coast, HUR said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia's Africa Corps reportedly emerged in 2023 and consists of over 2,000 soldiers and officers, as well as experienced mercenaries, many of whom previously served in the Wagner Group.

Africa Corps, sharing the name with Nazi World War II-era units in Africa, was likely previously deployed in Syria, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

According to the agency, Russian large landing ships Ivan Gren and Alexander Otrakovsky, as well as the dry cargo ship Sparta, are scheduled to arrive in the Syrian port on Jan. 5.

Two more Russian vessels  the universal cargo vessel Sparta II and the tanker Ivan Skoblev  are expected to arrive on Jan. 8.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Russia plans to use the Sparta and Sparta II cargo ships to transport military equipment and weapons from Syria to Libya," HUR said.

Another Russian warship, the frigate Admiral Golovko, is reportedly planning to refuel.

Armored personnel carriers, presumably taken from Syria, had already been relocated to one of the airfields in Russia's Vladimir Oblast, the agency noted.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

Earlier, HUR said that losing the Tartus and Khmeimim bases would significantly damage Russia's presence in the Middle East and solidify its defeat in the region.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: Fall of Assads regime disrupts Russian army recruitment in Syria

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia has recruited 140,000 to 180,000 prisoners to fight in a full-scale war against Ukraine as of November 2024, Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) said on Jan. 2.

Moscow has been recruiting convicts for its war since summer 2022, first under the auspices of the Wagner mercenary company and then directly under the Russian Defense Ministry.

There were about 300,000-350,000 prisoners in Russian prisons in 2024, which is half as many as in 2014, according to the Ukrainian intelligence agency.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The reason is the Russia-Ukraine war," the statement read.

The Kyiv Independent could not immediately verify all the claims.

A Russian government decree abolishing the one-time payment of $3,524 to prisoners for signing a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry to participate in the war against Ukraine came into effect on Jan. 1.

"The legislative abolition of the one-time payment is evidence of the deepening crisis in the Russian economy and the shortage of financial resources," Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service claimed.

Prisoners and their relatives are deprived of a number of payments and benefits received by members of volunteer formations. Salaries of prisoners are also two to four times lower than that of other Russian soldiers, the agency said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Dozens of men convicted of violent crimes were allowed to return to Russia following their service. In some cases, these ex-convicts were accused of new crimes.

Read also: Inside Ukraines prison recruitment efforts to bolster front-line troops

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia is planning to move military gear from its naval base in Syria, Ukrainian intelligence says.

It comes amid uncertainty around Russia's role in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad.

Ukraine said the military equipment was headed for Libya, where Russia has a strong influence.

Russian ships are preparing to transport military equipment from a naval base in Syria to Libya after the fall of Bashar Assad late last year, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

Defense Intelligence of Ukraine wrote on Telegram on Friday that two cargo ships, the Sparta and the Sparta II, were headed toward the Syrian port of Tartus, with the first set to arrive on January 5.

It said they will be used to transport military equipment and weapons to Libya.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DI Ukraine also said that three other ships  the Alexander Otrakovsky, an Ivan Gren-class large landing ship, and the tanker Ivan Skobelev  are scheduled to arrive in Tartus in the coming days.

Ukraine did not say how it obtained the information, which Business Insider was unable to independently verify.

The flurry of movement comes around a month after the fall of Bashar Assad, the longtime ruler of Syria who was considered a close Russian ally.

Assad's ousting, following a rapid two-week campaign by rebel groups, was seen as a sign of the weakening of Russia's grip on the region.

Last month, Ukraine said that Russia was sending vessels to evacuate weapons and military equipment from Tartus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia's lease on the Syrian naval base, as well as its air base at Hmeimim, gave it sweeping abilities to conduct military activity across Africa and the Mediterranean.

Its hold on those bases is now unclear, although in a recent interview Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said, "We don't want Russia to exit Syria in a way that undermines its relationship with our country," Radio Free Europe reported.

In its Telegram post, Ukraine said that Africa Corps troops  Russian mercenaries previously under the control of the now-defunct Wagner Group  were also gathered at Tartus.

It added that a Russian naval brigade commander, Davityan Yuriy Albertovich, was reportedly on board one of the ships.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia's Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Libya, where Russian equipment is said to be headed, is a major hub for Russian activities in Africa, according to a July 2024 Atlantic Council report.

"Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, it provides Russia with a gateway to its operations in Sudan, Chad, Niger, and other Sahel and Central Africa countries, eventually projecting power and influence across these regions," it said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said it is readying to increase its involvement with Syria, which is under the effective control of rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he planned to re-establish diplomatic relations with the country "after years of Russian interference," adding that "I really hope that post-Assad Syria will respect international law."

He also said he is readying to supply Syria with grain, according to RBC-Ukraine.

Read the original article on Business Insider
One person has been killed and four injured, including a 16-year-old teenager, as a result of a Russian attack in Kyiv Oblast.

Source: Mykola Kalashnyk, Acting Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration; Ukraine's State Emergency Service

Details: A lorry driver was fatally injured by wreckage from a downed target in one district, dying at the scene.

The State Emergency Service specified that this happened in the Brovary district. The 25-year-old driver was killed.

A driver killed in the Russian attack.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Photo: State Emergency Service

Debris from a downed UAV fell on a house in another district, causing a fire on the roof.

Three people were injured. A 67-year-old woman suffered an acute stress reaction; a 16-year-old boy sustained a cut and was taken to a childrens hospital and his father suffered lacerations to his legs.

Rescue workers inspecting the roof of the damaged building.

Photo: State Emergency Service

The State Emergency Service reported that this happened in the Bila Tserkva district. Four houses and one outbuilding were also damaged here. A fire broke out in one of the houses, which was extinguished at 05:02.

A rescue worker and a firefighter at the scene.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Photo: State Emergency Service

A 22-year-old woman was injured by falling wreckage in the Fastiv district. She is currently receiving medical care at the district hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast.

Photo: State Emergency Service

Support UP or become our patron!
Russian attacks against Ukraine killed two people and injured at least 13 others over the past day, regional authorities said on Jan. 3.

Ukrainian forces downed 60 out of 93 drones, including Shahed-type ones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Another 26 drones were "lost," it added.

The wreckage of downed Russian drones killed a truck driver born in 1999 in Kyiv Oblast overnight, acting Governor Mykola Kalashnyk said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Debris also damaged a house near the town of Bila Tserkva, causing a fire and injuring two people, including a 16-year-old boy, according to State Emergency Service. One more woman suffered injuries from the attack near Fastiv in the region.

One person was killed in the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 39 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson. Ten people were injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Russian forces also carried out an air strike on a residential area in the city of Sumy on the morning of Jan. 3. No casualties have been reported so far. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv strikes Russian command post in Kursk Oblast, General Staff claims

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Moscow court ordered Russia's most popular search engine Yandex to remove photos of an oil refinery in one of the Russian regions from online maps due to the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks, Russian state-controlled TASS news agency reported on Jan. 2, citing documents.

According to the court's decision, Yandex must "exclude information access" to the refinery's infrastructure.

Over the past year, Ukraine has launched a series of drone strikes targeting Russia's oil industry, which is a driver of Russia's economy and the main source of revenue for the Kremlin's war machine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The lawsuit was filed by an unnamed "supervisory agency," which found information about all the refinery's facilities in the public domain. The facility's location was not disclosed.

This is the first court decision that obliged the Russian tech giant to remove from public access photos and maps of a strategically important facility for the defense industry, according to TASS.

The oil refinery plant "operates in an uninterrupted mode, providing the needs of the Russian army and navy" during the all-out war against Ukraine and was attacked four times by Ukrainian drones in 2024, resulting in damage to the company's infrastructure, the lawsuit said.

The court ruled that open access to maps and photos of the refinery "undermine the defense capability of the state" and "have a negative impact on the timely supply of materials" to the Russian army, TASS wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: Google removed photos of Ukraines military sites from its map, Ukrainian official says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Chernihiv on Jan. 3, killing one person and injuring four others, Chernihiv Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Chaus said.

The attack targeted a residential area on the outskirts of Chernihiv, causing significant damage to multiple apartment buildings, Chaus said.

Ukraine's Air Force had warned of the incoming ballistic attack earlier in the day. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chernihiv Oblast, situated on Ukraine's northern border with Russia, was partially occupied during the early stages of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Although Russian forces withdrew from the region in April 2022, Chernihiv remains under near-daily attack due to its proximity to the border.

Read also: Over 50,000 Russians seek MIA through Ukraines project, representative says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraines National Resistance Center has reported that the Russians have taken 119 Ukrainian high-school students from the temporarily occupied city of Mariupol to Russias Saint Petersburg for so-called "re-education".

Source: Ukraines National Resistance Center (NRC)

Quote: "Another batch of students from temporarily occupied Mariupol has been taken to Russia by the Kremlins henchmen. This time it is 119 Ukrainian high-school students who will be 're-educated' during propaganda meetings with Russian propagandists."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Details: The NRC noted that these systematic relocations of Ukrainian children are aimed at assimilating young Ukrainians into a Russian identity.

Quote: "Young people are being forced to belong to Russia and the Russian world and to be intolerant of Ukraine and everything Ukrainian."

Details: The NRC added that there were instances where children have been unable to return home after such "school excursions" during holidays.

Background:

Russian leader Vladimir Putin recently "opened" a branch of the Nakhimov Naval School in temporarily occupied Mariupol via video call.

Previously, Putin "opened" a school in Mariupol, where a child was brought in to thank the dictator for "taking care" of the city. In addition, the Russians also "enrolled" a stolen raccoon from Kherson into a university in occupied Melitopol.

Support UP or become our patron!
In a video posted on whats labeled as his personal account on social media platform X, state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters is trying to connect teachers unions  groups he long has railed against  to the recent terror attack in New Orleans.

At least one lawmaker, and one of Oklahomas teachers unions, have responded, saying Walters rhetoric is shameful.

The FBI said that early on New Years Day on Wednesday, 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, rammed his truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the famed French Quarter of New Orleans and killed 15 people.

This is an uncomfortable truth, we cannot allow our schools to be terrorist training camps. pic.twitter.com/BmRXZKlRDE  Superintendent Ryan Walters (@RyanWaltersSupt) January 2, 2025

Wearing an America First hat while sitting inside his vehicle and filming his video, Walters said, We also have to take a look at how are these terrorists coming from people that live in America?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He then attempts to answer that question: You have schools that are teaching kids to hate their country, that this country is evil. You have the teachers unions pushing this on our kid (sic). The radical left wants people to hate this country. Theyve completely destroyed the integrity of the FBI by making them more concerned about DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) than about protecting Americans.

This is a real uncomfortable truth. I know the left is going to lose their mind. But listen, we cannot allow our schools to become terrorist training camps. We cannot allow our schools to teach our kids to hate this country. We cannot allow our kids to teach that this is an evil country (sic).

A news release issued Friday from the Oklahoma State Department of Education  which Walters leads as state superintendent  that touted the video said, After multiple terror attacks this week, State Superintendent Ryan Walters published a video on his X account with a warning against the radical left and teachers unions teaching students to hate their country.

State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters is trying to connect teachers' unions to the New Orleans terror attack earlier this week.

Neither in the video, nor in the news release, did Walters provide any example of Oklahoma schools or teachers who have taught children to hate the United States or have expressed that the nation is evil.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On X, state Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, declined to repost the video but did reference it in a post: Didnt think this dude would stoop any lower (who am I kidding? Yes, I did), but his recent car video (meant to start a firestorm, because thats all this bloviating clown can do) is reprehensible.

Ryan Walters' history of rhetoric against teachers' unions

Its not the first time Walters has verbally attacked teachers unions. In May 2023, during a state Board of Education meeting, he aired a provocatively edited video that interwove speeches by national union leaders. He said the video was part of a "public awareness" campaign. The production of the video was paid for using taxpayer dollars.

That came just a few weeks after he called teachers unions a terrorist organization during a meeting of the Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

The Oklahoma Education Association issued a statement after Walters most recent video.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Our compassion is with those who lost their lives and the loved ones from which they were stolen, the statement said. Using this tragedy as yet another political stunt to attack American public school educators is shameful.

Walters did receive praise from others concerning the video. Steve Deace, a conservative radio host and author, said, Wish we had more like my man here, when commenting on the video. Walters placed Deace on a 10-person executive committee to oversee an ongoing update of Oklahomas social studies standards for schools, even though Deace has never lived in Oklahoma.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters tries to connect teachers' unions with New Orleans attack
A Massachusetts tourist hub is weighing adding more bollards and security in the wake of the devastating New Years attack in New Orleans.

In a joint statement, Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo and Chief of Police Lucas Miller said that it would be short-sighted to not recognize that the Witch City is a potential target for terrorists.

The starkest lesson seems to be that while New Orleans enacted very similar measures to Salem to keep people on the street safe, the assailant was able to simply drive around barriers, either because mechanical bollards were out of service or because he drove on the sidewalk. Another lesson is that while Mardi Gras would be the most likely event for an attack in New Orleans, any well-attended event is a target. Salem also has events throughout the year, the statement read.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Salem city leaders said they have discussed installing additional bollards, both mechanical and fixed, to better secure pedestrian areas. The city will also seek to acquire additional mobile vehicle barriers and more concrete Jersey barriers. Planning for pedestrian-only areas will have to be more rigid and enforced more completely this October. 

City officials also plan on reexamining police staffing levels in October, when tens of thousands flood the city each year for Halloween festivities.

This may necessitate bringing in more additional officers from other communities and agencies. And, to help us plan effectively and appropriately, we will seek outside specialist review of our existing Haunted Happenings public safety plans. This conversation is not over, and we will continue to evaluate information from New Orleans to better learn from that terrible attack and improve on our own safety operations here in Salem, the statement read.

While we are thinking about Salem, today we also grieve with the City of New Orleans and with the families and loved ones of those killed yesterday, Pangallo and Miller continued. We hope for a full recovery for all who were injured, and we stand in admiration for the NOPD officers who ended the threat and saved additional lives.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Video above: This Nexstar Media video explores violent crime statistics.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  From suspected kidnappers to terrorists and cold-blooded killers, the FBI San Diego Field Office has a target on the back of several at-large fugitives.

With the New Year in full force, agents are tracking several people who have been named to the federal agencys Most Wanted list due to allegations of criminal activity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Heres a look at the top fugitives wanted by the San Diego FBI in 2025 as of Jan. 3:

Newsom issues executive order to crack down on ultra-processed foods, dyes

(Editors note: All cases featured below relate to the FBI San Diego Field Office.)

Juan Laureano-Arvizu

(Courtesy of FBI)

Known to go by aliases like Miguel Angel Castro-Aguayo, Jorge Esparza, Chaquetin and others, the FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to this mans arrest.

Laureano-Arvizu is being sought in San Diego for a series of violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder of a police officer, kidnapping for ransom, robbery, attempted kidnapping, shooting at an inhabited occupied structure, attempted robbery, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping for ransom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Laureano-Arvizu was an alleged member of a drug cartel enforcement crew known as Los Palillos, according to the FBI. This gang originally operated under the Arellano Felix Organization (AFO), a drug-trafficking organization in Tijuana, Mexico.

Rene Arzate-Garcia

Golden ring found near Arctic Circle helps Poway woman connect with late father

Known to go by aliases like La Rana, General, Apa and Rene Garcia Arzate, the FBI is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to this mans arrest.

Arzate-Garcia is being sought in San Diego on drug charges. According to the FBI, reports allege he is a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel in charge of the drug trade in Northern Baja California. He is also suspected of coordinating and enforcing violent operations on behalf of the cartel, including multiple murders and kidnappings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Arzate-Garcia allegedly conspired with other persons to import a large amount of drugs into the U.S., according to the FBI. He has been indicted for his alleged role in the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel.

SDSU student among those injured in deadly New Orleans attack

Yousef Kurdy

With no known aliases, Kurdy  a man from Syria  has ties to his home country as well as Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the FBI.

Kurdy is being sought in San Diego for allegedly submitting claims for more than 35,000 office visits with Medicare and Medi-Cal patients, submitting hundreds of fraudulent claims when office visits never took place, billing for treating patients during times when he was not present, and failing to pay federal taxes for three years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kurdy has been charged with health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, receipt of kickbacks for patient referrals, income tax evasion, aiding and abetting, and criminal forfeiture, the FBI noted.

Body found in freezer identified

Jose Juan Chacon-Morales

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Known to go by aliases like Camello, El Primo and Guillermo Ramirez-Dorantes, the FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to this mans arrest or location.

As explained by the FBI, Chacon-Morales is being sought in San Diego for his role in the July 23, 2009, murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Robert W. Rosas, Jr., in Campo  which is a short distance from the U.S./Mexico international border.

Out of five men charged in the incident, the FBI said Chacon-Morales is the only one who remains outstanding. He was allegedly the boss of the group on the night of the murder and remained as an armed lookout at the fence in Mexico while some of his co-conspirators entered the U.S. where they robbed and murdered Agent Rosas.

Jehad Serwan Mostafa

Trumps deputy chief of policy sends letter to San Diegos Vargas over sanctuary policies

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Known to go by aliases like Emir Anwar, Ahmed Gurey, Ahmed, Anwar and others, the U.S. Department of State  through the Rewards For Justice Program  is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to this mans arrest.

Mostafa is believed to be the highest-ranking U.S. citizen fighting with al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based terrorist organization. Hes been charged with conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

According to the FBI, Mostafa may have visited, or is likely to visit, the following areas: Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia, Kenya, and other African countries. Additionally, Mostafa was raised in and graduated from college in San Diego.

Francina Dacanay Fernandez

(Courtesy of FBI)

According to authorities, this woman has ties to California and the Philippines. She has no known aliases.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Fernandez has been charged with international parental kidnapping. This came after a very lengthy and aggressive custody-visitation dispute in the San Diego Family Court, the FBI noted. Ultimately, a judge ruled that she nor her estranged ex-boyfriend could take their three children out of the country.

It was later reported that Fernandez abruptly left her job and the FBI said a relative filed a missing persons report for her. Authorities believe she may have fled with her children to the Philippines, which prompted a state warrant for her arrest on suspicion of child abduction.

Anyone with information related to any of these most wanted suspects, is advised to contact the FBI San Diego Field Office by phone at (858) 320-1800, or submit an anonymous tip online.

More information can be found on the San Diego FBIs webpage.

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.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KRON)  The Santa Cruz Wharf will reopen to the public on Saturday January 4, city officials said,13 days after a section of the century-old pier collapsed into the ocean.

About 150 feet collapsed within seconds on Dec. 23, 2024 when huge waves battered pilings beyond their breaking point. A construction project to repair the end of the wharf was not completed fast enough to save it from a powerful winter swell. Three construction workers and heavy equipment tumbled into the waves below.

The damaged Santa Cruz Wharf is seen after the section of the pier fell into the ocean during high surf the previous day, in Santa Cruz, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

The majority of the wharf has been deemed safe to reopen based on a recently-completed sonar and engineering assessment, city officials announced Thursday. A portion of the pier that was damaged by the collapse will remain closed to the public.

A section of the Santa Cruz Wharf that collapsed into the Pacific Ocean is seen at a nearby beach on Dec. 24, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

An engineering assessment conducted by an infrastructure firm did not observe any damage to the wharfs structural capacity beyond the area affected by storm damage, and noted that it has the same strength it did before the storm, said Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Director Tony Elliot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials reveal reasons why Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed

A narrow section at the end of the wharf is heavily damaged and will remain closed off. Vehicles will not be permitted to go beyond Marinis Candies store. Cars can turn around at the east parking lot.

A construction crane is still on the seafloor. Wharf contractor Power Engineering Construction worked with Pioneer for an ocean sonar scan to locate their heavy equipment that fell into the ocean, said City Manager Matt Huffaker.

The Santa Cruz Wharf is seen after the section of the pier fell into the ocean during high surf the previous day, in Santa Cruz, Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

A skiff washed up on the beach and is secured, and the crane and a skid steer are currently in the ocean at a safe distance from the wharf, Huffaker said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

100-foot wave? Surfer at NorCals Mavericks may have broken world record

Francis Schiano of the United States Coast Guard Sector San Francisco said, The crane was located approximately 160 feet southeast of the collapsed face of the wharf, which is a safe distance away. The crane is stuck at this time and not moving around.

Big pieces of the broken wharf and pilings are still scattered across Santa Cruz County beaches.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Venezuelas exiled former presidential candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, returns to South America Friday in a show of defiance as Caracas prepares to inaugurate current President Nicolas Maduro, who has been in office since 2013.

Gonzalezs first stop: a meeting with Argentinas far-right President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires on Saturday. Milei has been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan regime, calling Maduro a criminal after Venezuela expelled Argentinas diplomats in the aftermath of the contentious election, which was marred with allegations of vote rigging.

The meeting with Milei marks the start of Gonzalezs international tour, according to a statement from his press team, who told CNN en Espanol Friday that he will also visit Uruguay and the United States.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Uruguayan government told CNN en Espanol that Uruguays President Luis Lacalle Pou and Foreign Minister Omar Paganini will meet Gonzalez on Saturday at the presidential residence in Montevideo.

It is unclear where else Gonzalez plans on going during his tour; he has previously pledged to return to Venezuela to inaugurate his own government.

The former diplomat fled the country in September and sought asylum in Spain after a warrant was issued for his arrest by Venezuelas public prosecutors office, amid a crackdown on the countrys opposition movement.

The warrant capped off a fractious few months, which saw Venezuelas National Electoral Council (CNE), a body stacked with Maduro allies, formally declare the longtime strongman the winner of the July 28 election - without providing voting tallies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The official results attracted widespread skepticism from abroad as the opposition insisted that it had won, releasing tens of thousands of voting tallies gathered from across the country, that they said proved Gonzalez won by a landslide.

The United States and Argentina, among others, have gone on to recognize Gonzalez as Venezuelas rightful president-elect.

But Maduro has repeatedly dismissed claims that the vote was stolen, and says he is ready to begin a new term on January 10.

For Gonzalez, returning to Venezuela would be filled with risk. On Thursday, Venezuelas Scientific, Penal and Criminal Investigation Corps (CICPC) offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to Gonzalezs arrest, it said on Instagram.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The CICPC said Gonzalez is wanted for several crimes, including conspiracy, complicity in the use of violent acts against the republic, usurpation of functions, forgery of documents, money laundering, disregard for state institutions, instigation to disobedience of the law and criminal association.

CNN en Espanol has reached out to Gonzalezs team for comment.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Savannah College of Art & Designs president Paula Wallace started the new year with a visit to the White House Thursday.

As one of this years 20 recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal, she made her way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to accept the honor from President Joe Biden. The honor recognizes U.S. citizens, who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or fellow citizens. President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice, according to a statement issued by the White House.

More from WWD

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In that statement, Wallace was described as a lifelong educator and trailblazer of the arts, who dreamt of a school that would transform how we think about professional education. By establishing the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design and serving as its president, she has guided thousands of students into creative industries.

The Savannah College of Art and Design 2023 fashion show.

The other recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal are attorney and activist Mary Bonauto; former New York Knick and former U.S. senator Bill Bradley; Navy Seal and pioneering innovator in dive medicine Frank Butler Jr.; former congresswoman and vice chair of the committee on the Jan. 6 attack Liz Cheney; lawyer, diplomat and former congressman and senator Christopher Dodd; Vietnam Womens Memorial Foundations founder Diane Carlson Evans; former senators Nancy London Kassebaum and Ted Kaufman; former congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy; photographer Bobby Sager; womens rights advocate Eleanor Smeal; Civil Rights advocate and Congressman Bennie Thompson; Fulbright University Vietnam founder Thomas Vallely; National Breast Cancer Coalition president Fran Visco, and marriage equality advocate Evan Wolfson.

The SCAD president at the White House.

In addition, civil rights advocate Louis Lorenzi Redding, soldiers reporter Joseph Galloway, former state judge Collins Seitz, and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who fought to end the incarceration camps that imprisoned Japanese Americans in World War II, were honored.

After the ceremony, Wallace said in a statement how profoundly humbled it had felt to sit alongside the other honorees: innovators and pioneers of medicine and healthcare, lifelong public servants, and dauntless civil rights champions. President Biden and the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden (a lifelong educator herself), personally select each recipient, and their overwhelming respect for each honoree shone through the entire event.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The school was founded in 1978 by Richard Rowan, Wallace, May Poetter and Paul Poetter to provide college degree programs not previously available in southeast Georgia and to create a specialized professional art college to attract students from the U.S. and abroad. The curriculum was established with two goals in mind  creating an excellent arts education and effective career preparation for students. SCAD is an accredited, nonprofit, degree-granting university. The school now has multiple locations such as campuses in Savannah and in Lacoste, France, and online distance education offerings. Before becoming president, Wallace served as SCADs provost, vice president, and academic dean.

The reception for the Lesprit de SCAD exhibition in Lacoste in 2019.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The school also stages exhibitions at the SCAD Museum of Art and at the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film with current ones being Dan Flavin: Works From the Dia Art Foundation on view in Savannah and Sandy Powells Dressing the Part: Costume Design for Film being shown in Atlanta. Through the years, Wallace has attracted top-shelf talent like Andre Leon Talley, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, Zac Posen and Oscar de la Renta among others to visit the school and connect with SCAD students.

Editors Note: This story was updated on Jan. 3 at 5:45 p.m. EST.

Best of WWD

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The unfinished Unit 2 nuclear reactor pictured Sept. 12, 2024, at VC Summer nuclear site near Fairfield. (Provided by S.C. Nuclear Advisory Council)

COLUMBIA  A former top executive at SCANA wont go to prison after all for helping perpetuate a doomed nuclear power project that cost South Carolinians billions. A federal judge reduced his sentence Thursday.

Stephen Byrne, the companys chief operating officer during the debacle, pleaded guilty in July 2020 to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for lying to state regulators in 2016 about the project being ready to complete on time, despite knowing it was delayed and over budget.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was sentenced in 2023 to 15 months in prison but never served any time, as prosecutors prepared to use his testimony against other people charged for their roles in the V.C. Summer plant failure. Ultimately, however, Byrne never testified.

Instead of 15 months in prison, Byrne will spend 15 months in home detention to start his three years of probation, U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis ordered Thursday.

While on home detention, Byrne will not be allowed to leave his house except to go to work, church, court hearings, doctors appointments and other pre-approved outings, according to the ruling.

He will still have to pay the $200,000 fine and $1 million in restitution ordered in 2023, the order continues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This sentence fairly recognizes the substantial assistance Byrne provided before and after sentencing, as well as the cost of his cooperation, and is sufficient but no longer than necessary to promote respect for the law, provide adequate deterrence, and reflect the seriousness of his offense, Lewis wrote.

Part of Byrnes plea deal stipulated that he would cooperate with the governments investigators, which he did by sitting for about a dozen interviews and preparing to testify at hearings for the other men charged, attorneys for the U.S. Attorneys Office wrote in a motion to reduce his sentence.

His careful note-taking during meetings with other executives and project contractor Westinghouse shaved years off the investigation, The Associated Press reported prosecutors said during his sentencing hearing.

At all times, Byrne has been forthright, level-headed, and candid, and he would have played an invaluable role had his testimony been necessary, prosecutors wrote in their motion to reduce his sentence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

All three of the other executives charged for their roles signed guilty pleas of their own, meaning Byrne did not have to take the stand during a trial. But his cooperation still helped prosecutors build those cases and negotiate plea deals, Lewis wrote.

She had to balance that with the severity of his crime, which deceived regulators and customers to maintain financing for the V.C. Summer project and to financially benefit SCANA, Lewis wrote.

His actions were estimated to have cost ratepayers more than $64 million, after his deceit led to a 2016 rate hike to fund the project. For that reason, she declined Byrnes attorneys request for him to serve six months of probation, she wrote.

Indeed, Byrnes misrepresentations, along with those of his conspirators, allowed the project to continue, ultimately culminating in billions of dollars in total loss, the order reads.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

SCANA CEO Kevin Marsh spent two years in federal prison for his involvement, of which he served 17 months.

Jeff Benjamin, a top executive for Westinghouse Electric Co., was sentenced in November to one year in prison, though he will be eligible for parole after 10 months.

Carl Churchman, who worked as head of the V.C. Summer project under Benjamin, received six months of home detention after pleading guilty to lying to an FBI agent on the case.

South Carolina Electric & Gas, a subsidiary of SCANA, and state-owned utility Santee Cooper, were partners in the nuclear plant expansion but abandoned the project in July 2017 after collectively spending $9 billion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Virginia-based Dominion Energy bought out SCANA, but its South Carolina customers are still paying off more than $2 billion spent for reactors that never generated power.

Jessica Holdman contributed to this report.
HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  A 24-year-old woman is accused of fatally stabbing a USPS mail carrier over a dispute about who was next in line at a deli, police said.

Jaia Cruz, a 24-year-old from Harlem, is accused of stabbing Ray Hodge seven times, police said. She was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, police said.

Update your E-ZPass before congestion pricing starts, MTA warns: Heres why

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hodge, 36, of the Bronx, was working his normal postal route when he went to get lunch. As he was waiting to pay, a dispute erupted and quickly turned deadly, police said.

Hodge was rushed to an area hospital but couldnt be saved. Police found a knife at the scene.

Its scary, the man is doing his job, they come to my building every day, Harlem local Uzo Guchisschi told PIX11 News.  I know the guys who deliver mail, and just like that hes gone.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

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.
It was not easy for Dr. Kevin Trenberth to leave the United States. An esteemed climate scientist who has published more than 600 articles on climatology, Trenberth spent more than four decades of his life in America, first teaching at the University of Illinois before joining the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), where he eventually became a distinguished scholar.

Yet by September 2019, the New Zealand native decided to return home because hed had enough of America under President Donald Trump. Trenberth has long been a fierce critic of Trump, but now things were impacting him personally.

I cannot go to NSF [the National Science Foundation] for research funds because NCAR is base funded that way, Trenberth wrote in a note to himself at the time. Nor has it been fruitful to garner funds internally, and the external grants, especially with NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] dried up after 2012 when NOAA put forward a proposal for a climate service but thoroughly messed it up, and Lamar Smith [R-Texas, then-chair of the Science Committee in the House] not only killed it but cut research funds for climate by 30%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Americas lack of support for climate science poses a serious problem for the survival of our species, according to Trenberth. Because the United States is both a leading world power and major contributor to climate change (along with China, the European Union and the United Kingdom), Trenberth says it must do its part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As human activity dumps carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gases and water vapor into the atmosphere, the overheating planet will cause sea levels to rise, hurricanes to become more extreme and droughts and heatwaves to become more frequent and more intense.

It made Trenberth think of Nevil Shutes 1957 science fiction novel On the Beach, in which a nuclear war wiped out the Northern Hemisphere, forcing survivors to flee to southeast Australia and New Zealand. In that fictional scenario, humanity barbecued itself; in reality, Trenberth describes our species demise as more of a slow boil. As the temperature rises both figuratively and literally, the question for many scientists is whether they should stay to fight in a nation whose politics make it increasingly hostile to climate science.

By leaving during Trumps first term, the emeritus Trenberth found one drastic but simple solution to the problem, which was to simply no longer reside in America. Thirtysomething Rose Abramoff, who started as a forest ecologist and also studies climate change, biogeochemistry and land management, arrived at the same conclusion as Trenberth, but with a critical difference: She later came back.

During the first Trump administration, I was working at a large national laboratory based on the West Coast as a postdoc, Abramoff recalled, referring to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Alameda County, California. When Trump won the presidency, however, Abramoff saw that scientists were self-censoring. It became a professional necessity.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We, researchers in general, were doing a lot of anticipatory obedience, Abramoff said. This anticipatory obedience is partially based on memories from Trumps first term, which other scientists have reported to Salon. An anonymous EPA official who left during Trumps first term described how a lot of their work pretty much stalled during all four years when he was in office. We kind of had to talk about the work differently, they explained. No one used the word climate. Everybody kind of just talked about, What are the outcomes of climate work? and not necessarily name climate just as it is, if that makes sense.

Those who did not comply, like air pollution expert Dan Costa, found that they had a bullseye on us, adding that people objected when I felt that this administration coming in would number one, go after that regulatory program, and number two, because climate was in there, that it was just going to paper over the whole situation.

Abramoff experienced a similar demand for anticipatory obedience as she pursued her ecology studies. In our new proposals we would say things like we study climate variability rather than climate science or soil health rather than climate impacts on the carbon cycle in soil, which is my area of study, Abramoff said.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

When Abramoff saw a Make Our Planet Great Again scholarship subsidized by French President Emmanuel Macron, she thought the name was hilarious and applied; to her delight, she got the job, moving to France from 2018 to 2021, working for the Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de lEnvironnement. During the COVID-19 pandemic she began to miss her family, however, and eventually decided to move back to the United States. By that time Trump was out of office, having lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, but Abramoff says this was not why she chose to come back.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yet even though Trump won the 2024 presidential election and will soon return to power, Abramoff does not plan on fleeing this time. She believes she can do more good in this country.

When I was in France I wasn't as politically effective as I could have been in the United States, Abramoff said. I didn't understand the political system as well. I didn't have the same level of connections and understanding of how to make social and political change.

According to Abramoff, America is where the action is because the United States is the single greatest historical emitter of fossil fuels and the Trump administration is going to exacerbate our responsibility. The Trump administration is going to make the climate crisis worse, not better. I feel like I have a personal responsibility to stay here and push against that.

Today Abramoff does this through her work at the Wintergreen Earth Science based in Kennebunk, Maine. Trenberth, by contrast, prefers to stay with his family in New Zealand. Indeed, that was a big reason why  unlike Abramoff  Trenberth ultimately decided to leave America for good.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My daughter was born in New Zealand but left at age three, Trenberth said. She became quite successful and was a vice president at OppenheimerFunds. She too was upset with Trump and especially the associated misogyny, since she has two daughters, now five and seven years old, my grandchildren. Very courageously, she quit, just before Oppenheimerfunds folded, and found a position in Auckland, New Zealand.

Between that and Americas gun violence epidemic, which Trenberth blames on poor regulations, the climate scientist felt his best option was to replant himself in New Zealand. At the same time, this does not mean he lacks any hope that things could improve in the country he once called home.

The funding under the Biden administration was a real shot in the arm, but the Trump years are looming, Trenberth said. The issues relate to how much scientists can pursue things that may not have an immediate payoff, and how well it is all communicated.

Abramoff also urged climate scientists and those who support them to not let themselves be scared into suppressing the truth.

Don't comply in advance, Abramoff said. Don't comply without being asked. Don't censor yourself before you've even been asked to censor yourself. Because I think a lot of regimes that desire to be authoritarians and desire to control public discourse, they use fear to silence us. They don't even necessarily have to lift a finger."
In 1831, somewhere on Earth's surface, a portal to the underworld appeared.

A massive volcano opened wide its jaws and belched forth so much ash and smoke that the skies dimmed, cooling the Northern Hemisphere.

Crops failed. People starved. Yet for all the devastation, the volcano's location remained a mystery.

Now, through the careful analysis of ash from the eruption that had been trapped and preserved in the Greenland ice sheet, a team led by volcanologist William Hutchison of the University of St Andrews in the UK has found the culprit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The world-changing event has at last been linked with the Zavaritskii volcano on Simushir of the Kuril Islands, an uninhibited strip of land barely 59 kilometers (37 miles) in length located between Russia and Japan.

Hutchison and his colleagues compared the chemistry of microscopic shards of ash extracted from Greenland ice cores with samples from the Zavaritskii caldera, and found a perfect match.

The rim of the Zavaristkii caldera shows striking red layers of deposits from past eruptions. ( Oleg Dirksen

"Finding the match took a long time and required extensive collaboration with colleagues from Japan and Russia, who sent us samples collected from these remote volcanoes decades ago," Hutchison says.

"The moment in the lab when we analyzed the two ashes together, one from the volcano and one from the ice core, was a genuine eureka moment. I couldn't believe the numbers were identical. After this, I spent a lot of time delving into the age and size of the eruption in Kuril records to truly convince myself that the match was real."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Today in the 21st century, humanity has access to a suite of tools that allows us to identify the sites of geological activity, from global seismic monitoring stations, to a swarm of Earth-monitoring satellites in low orbit. Back in 1831, nearly 200 years ago, these tools didn't exist; so a volcanic eruption on a remote, uninhabited island could easily evade identification.

One eruption thought to be responsible for the global cooling event from 1831 to 1833 was attributed to Babuyan Claro in the Philippines.

This, a 2018 paper discovered, never actually happened.

Another theory, based on the sulfur belched during the eruption, suggested that the volcano may have been on Graham Island, a disappearing-reappearing volcanic mass in the Strait of Sicily. Hutchison and his colleagues found that the sulfur in the ice cores confirmed an 1831 eruption in the Northern Hemisphere, but did not match this location.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Instead, their work found evidence of what is known as a Plinian eruption, one that is similar to the eruption of Vesuvius. A closer examination of microscopic volcanic glass shards recovered from the Greenland ice showed an exact match to samples from Simushir.

The Zavaritskii caldera, as photographed from the International Space Station. ( NASA

And we have a crater to prove it. Today, Zavaritskii is dominated by a caldera  the hollow basin that remains when a volcano explodes. This caldera likely formed during that 1831 eruption, the researchers say.

The team's estimates for the volume of volcanic matter spewed forth from Earth's guts would cause cooling of around 1 degree Celsius  comparable to the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines.

Volcanoes on Earth often continue to remain active for eons; and one that catastrophically erupts once can do so again. The team's findings suggest that remote volcanoes need to be studied and monitored more closely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"There are so many volcanoes like this, which highlights how difficult it will be to predict when or where the next large-magnitude eruption might occur," Hutchison says.

"As scientists and as a society, we need to consider how to coordinate an international response when the next large eruption, like the one in 1831, happens."

The research has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Related News
When a pregnant woman had her blood sampled back in 1972, doctors discovered it was mysteriously missing a surface molecule found on all other known red blood cells at the time.

After 50 years, this strange molecular absence finally led to researchers from the UK and Israel describing a new blood group system in humans. In September, the team published their paper on the discovery.

"It represents a huge achievement, and the culmination of a long team effort, to finally establish this new blood group system and be able to offer the best care to rare, but important, patients," UK National Health Service hematologist Louise Tilley said, after nearly 20 years of personally researching this bloody quirk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While we're all more familiar with the ABO blood group system and the Rh factor (that's the plus or minus part), humans actually have many different blood group systems based on the wide variety of cell-surface proteins and sugars that coat our blood cells.

Our bodies use these antigen molecules, amongst their other purposes, as identification markers to separate 'self' from potentially harmful not-selves.

( InvictaHOG/Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons ) Blood type (or blood group) is determined, in part, by the ABO blood group antigens present on red blood cells. Antibodies in our blood plasma detect when a foreign antigen marker is present.

If these markers do not match up when receiving a blood transfusion, this life-saving tactic can cause reactions or even end up being fatal.

Most major blood groups were identified early in the 20th century. Many discovered since, like the Er blood system first described by researchers in 2022, only impact a small number of people. This is also the case for the new blood group.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The work was difficult because the genetic cases are very rare," explained Tilley.

Transfusion reactions can be severe. ( Africa images/Canva

Previous research found more than 99.9 percent of people have the AnWj antigen that was missing from the 1972 patient's blood. This antigen lives on a myelin and lymphocyte protein, leading the researchers to call the newly described system the MAL blood group.

When someone has a mutated version of both copies of their MAL genes, they end up with an AnWj-negative blood type, like the pregnant patient. Tilley and team identified three patients with the rare blood type that didn't have this mutation, suggesting that sometimes blood disorders can also cause the antigen to be suppressed.

"MAL is a very small protein with some interesting properties which made it difficult to identify and meant we needed to pursue multiple lines of investigation to accumulate the proof we needed to establish this blood group system," explained University of the West of England cell biologist Tim Satchwell.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To determine they had the correct gene, after decades of research, the team inserted the normal MAL gene into blood cells that were AnWj-negative. This effectively delivered the AnWj antigen to those cells.

The MAL protein is known to play a vital role in keeping cell membranes stable and aiding in cell transport. What's more, previous research found that the AnWj isn't actually present in newborn babies but appears soon after birth.

Interestingly, all the AnWj-negative patients included in the study shared the same mutation. However, no other cell abnormalities or diseases were found to be associated with this mutation.

Now that the researchers have identified the genetic markers behind the MAL mutation, patients can be tested to see if their negative MAL blood type is inherited or due to suppression, which could be a sign of another underlying medical problem.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These rare blood quirks can have devastating impacts on patients, so the more of them we can understand, the more lives can be saved.

This research was published in Blood.

An earlier version of this article was published in September 2024.

Related News
The search continues for Zelig Williams three months to the day after the Broadway dancer went missing in a heavily wooded area in his home state of South Carolina.

The 28-year-old dancer, whose Broadway credits include MJ The Musical and Hamilton, had recently moved back to Columbia, South Carolina, where he was living in the home of his mother Kathy Williams and working as a dance teacher. He was last seen by his mother leaving the house on October 3. A day later his car was found abandoned but undamaged in a parking lot near Congaree National Park about 20 miles southeast of Columbia.

More from Deadline

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite extensive searches of the wooded area, which includes a river and streams, by family members, the Richland County Sheriffs Department, local volunteers and the national volunteer organization We Are The Essentials, the case remains unsolved.

A new update posted on Facebook by cousin and family spokesperson Mieoki Corbett-Jacobs begins, 2025 is here and tomorrow will mark the 3rd month since Zelig Williams left his home heading out with a portfolio in his hand possibly to drop it off or meet with someone briefly.

After thanking the familys supporters, Corbett-Jacobs continues, The search will continue, but not in the areas that weve searched before (stay tuned for additional dates and locations in the next week or two). We do not believe that Zelig is in the water and we ABSOLUTELY believe that there is foul play related to his disappearance. We will continue to work with RCSD, We Are The Essentials and any other organizations willing to help us find Zelig.

We know someone knows something and may be too afraid to come forward, we pray that the Creator will touch their heart and mind and move them to help us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said early in the investigation that foul play had not been ruled out, no determination along those lines has since been publicly disclosed. Deadline has reached out to the Richland County Sheriffs Department for any updates.

The family has also noted that Williams might have stopped taking his medications, which were prescribed for his mental health, around the time he went missing.

Williams disappearance made national headlines in October after Hugh Jackman posted an Instagram message appealing for the publics help in finding him. Williams had been a dancer on the 2019 tour of Jackmans The Man. The Music. The Show. Zelig we love you and are praying for your safe return, Jackman wrote.

Anyone who may have seen Williams or has information is urged to call the Richland County Sheriffs Department at (803) 576-3000 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimesc.com.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A second suspect has been arrested in connection to the parking lot shooting outside Clackamas Town Center last month, authorities said.

Gresham resident Carlos Raul Hererra-Medrano, 20, was arrested on Tuesday and accused of multiple charges, including attempted murder, related to the Dec. 20 shooting, the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said.

Wanted Portland graffiti vandal allegedly behind GIMER tag arrested

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Herrera-Medrano was arrested in Gresham with assistance from our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Marshals Service, the sheriffs office said in a press release. Detectives executed a search warrant at an apartment in Gresham and located evidence related to the incident, including a firearm.

Herrera-Medrano was booked into the Clackamas County Jail and faces charges that include second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault.

On Dec. 20, one person was detained and one person was sent to the hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound following the shooting in a parking lot outside of Clackamas Town Center mall, authorities said.

Gresham resident Pedro Anthony Cornejo-Morales, 18, was later arrested in connection to the incident and accused of second-degree attempted murder, and other charges, related to the shooting of a 15-year-old who was shot in the hand, officials said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Clackamas 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 KOIN.com.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A second Department of Homeland Security agent has been charged in federal court with using a confidential informant to sell illicit drugs that were seized as evidence.

Nicholas Kindle, a special agent in Utah tasked with investigating illegal narcotics trafficking, was arrested three weeks after his alleged co-conspirator, special agent David Cole. Both face a felony drug distribution conspiracy charge, and Kindle faces an additional charge of conspiracy to convert property of the U.S. government for profit.

On Thursday a magistrate judge set Kindle's initial court appearance for Jan. 21 in Salt Lake City. If convicted he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An attorney has not yet been listed for Kindle in court records.

Unlike Cole, who was indicted last month by a grand jury, Kindle was formally charged in an information document from the U.S. Attorney's Office, which does not require grand jury approval to initiate criminal proceedings.

Federal prosecutors say Kindle and Cole abused their positions to acquire illegal drugs known as bath salts from Homeland Security evidence and from other law enforcement personnel, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, under the false pretense that they would use them for legitimate investigations.

Prosecutors say Kindle and Cole began stealing drugs from evidence and lying to fellow agents about their purpose in 2021. They are also alleged to have stolen thousands of dollars in cash, a diamond ring and a Peruvian antiquity from evidence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

From 2022 to 2024, the agents allegedly sold the drugs to a person identified in court documents only as a source of information for the department, prosecutors. They let that person resell the drugs and did not arrest the customers, according to charging documents.

The FBI says the scheme brought in between $195,000 and $300,000.

The agents later are said to have compelled a confidential informant recruited to conduct controlled buys from suspected dealers after his release from prison to become the new middleman.

Kindle and Cole used an encrypted messaging app to give the informant meeting locations, which ranged from a Panera Bread restaurant to a Nike store, according to an FBI affidavit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The FBI began investigating in October 2024 after the informant's lawyer contacted the U.S. Attorney in Utah to report that Kindle and Cole had required him to engage in potentially unlawful acts, according to the affidavit. Investigators began tracking them and recorded eight transactions in which drugs were illegally sold to the informant.

On one occasion, authorities say, the informant handed over to the FBI a plastic foam cup containing a granular substance that tested positive for drugs. He said the agents left it for him in a parking lot trash can.

Ingestion of synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, can lead to bizarre behavior such as paranoia and extreme strength, according to authorities. The drug is said to be similar to methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy, and is unrelated to actual bath products.

Kindle and Cole had their Homeland Security credentials suspended but have not been fired, according to court documents.

Cole has pleaded not guilty to his drug distribution conspiracy charge and will stand trial the week of Feb. 24. He faces a maximum of 20 years if convicted.
Jan. 2The Metropolitan Detention Center is investigating the second death of an inmate in the past week.

MDC spokeswoman Candace Hopkins said Raymond Mills died Thursday morning after being booked into the facility less than 24 hours earlier.

Court records show the 41-year-old was arrested after allegedly stealing from an AutoZone store and threatening an employee with a knife on New Year's Day.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hopkins said Mills was moved to "medical housing" after being booked into the jail Wednesday afternoon. Hopkins said around 8:16 a.m. on Thursday, Mills had "a medical emergency."

She said MDC staff and the medical team with University of New Mexico Health Systems, which oversees care at the jail, "swiftly responded and began administering life-saving measures." Hopkins said at around 8:50 a.m., Albuquerque Ambulance Service and Bernalillo County Fire Rescue "arrived to assist with ongoing efforts to stabilize Mills."

She said Mills was pronounced dead 20 minutes later.

Both the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and MDC's Office of Professional Standards are investigating the death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The incident marked the second death in the past week. On Saturday, Violet Denetso, 44, died at University of New Mexico Hospital 12 hours after falling ill while behind bars at the jail.

An attorney said other inmates alleged Denetso had been complaining of stomach pain for days and was getting no help. Relatives said doctors told them she died from complications of a ruptured intestine.

Mills was the seventh person to die at the jail or die after being injured or falling ill at the facility since Jan. 1, 2024.

MDC has had 33 inmates die since 2020 as it shuffled and reshuffled two for-profit medical providers before University of New Mexico Health Systems took over health care at the jail in July 2023.

Ten inmates have died since UNM took over.
Thirty years after Tejano icon Selena Quintanilla-Perez was murdered in her native Texas, her killer, 64 year-old Yolanda Saldivar, is under review for parole.

Saldivar is currenly serving a life sentence at the Patrick L. ODaniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas  nearly five hours away from the scene of Selenas death in Corpus Christi. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice records, Saldivar will be eligible for parole on March 30.

More from Variety

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Saldivar was the president of Selenas fan club and the manager of her line of boutiques, Selena, Inc., when she shot her in the back on March 31, 1995. She was 23 at the time of her death. Selena was meeting with Saldivar in the latters hotel room to collect missing bank statements.

Her intent was to regain control of her finances as the business relationship between herself, her family and Saldivar were beginning to sour. The Quintanilla family accused Saldivar of embezzling funds.

In the years that followed, Saldivar maintained the shooting was an accident and that she really meant to shoot herself. As part of an interview for Selena and Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them, a docu-series that premiered in 2024, Saldivar also refuted the allegations of embezzlement.

Under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Saldivars review process will require letters of support and protest. An institutional parole officer will review these files and interview Saldivar before preparing a case summary for the board voting panel. The board is scheduled to vote on the case just prior to the parole eligibility date.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The woman convicted of killing Grammy Award winning Selena Quintanilla has filed for parole nearly three decades after the murder.

Yolanda Saldivar, who was the 23-year-old's business associate and president of her fan club, killed Quintanilla on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Saldivar was convicted in October of that year and sentenced to life, with the possibility of parole in 30 years.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to online records from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Saldivar has applied for parole, for which she will become eligible on March 30.

The parole review process in Texas is initiated six months before the parole eligibility date. Saldivars next parole review date is on March 30, one day shy of the 30th anniversary of Selena's murder.

Saldivar has reportedly claimed there is a bounty on her head in jail, according to ABC 13.

Related: Where Is Yolanda Saldivar Now? All About the Prison Sentence of Selenas Killer

Arlene Richie/Getty Selena Quintanilla

During Saldivar's trial in 1995, Quintanilla's widower Chris Perez said the pop star had fired Saldivar earlier that year after learning that the woman had allegedly embezzled money from her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Following the confrontation, Saldivar applied for a license to purchase a revolver in San Antonio. Then, on March 31, when Quintanilla met Saldivar in a hotel room retrieve several documents from her, Saldivar shot Quintanilla in the back.

Saldivar had pleaded not guilty to murder during her arraignment, with her lawyer claiming the shooting was not intentional and Saldivar was actually trying to shoot herself.

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.



At the time of her killing, Quintanilla was soaring in popularity, building on a career that started in her childhood when she performed with her brother A.B. Quintanilla and sister Suzette Quintanilla in their band Selena y Los Dinos.

Months prior to her murder, Quintanilla had a historic performance at the Houston Astrodome Livestock Show & Rodeo with a record-breaking audience of almost 67,000.

Read the original article on People
Elon Musk, Sen. Mike Lee and others have taken to X to call for Tommy Robinsons release from solitary confinement in the U.K., engaging in whats become a larger debate about free speech and censorship.

In late October 2024, Robinson, founder of the English Defense League and an anti-immigration activist, was arrested and later sentenced to 18 months in prison after releasing the documentary, Silenced, per CNN.

The film referenced false accusations against a Syrian schoolboy who was attacked in a widely shared video on social media in 2018 and spread false allegations accusing him of being a violent thug, CNN and BBC reported. Robinson paid the videos subject, Jamal Hijazi, 100,000 in damages and was ordered to not repeat the accusations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Robinsons documentary also discusses issues of grooming and abuse in the U.K., and he continued to share it after its initial release in 2023.

In late July, 2024, Robinson played the documentary at a large rally in Trafalgar Square in London. When he traveled to the border of the U.K. the next day, he was arrested in Kent under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act.

In an interview with Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson in August, Robinson described what happened. They seized my phone, they can seize all electric devices, then they sit me down for six hours under interrogation where you do not have the right to remain silent, he said. So I sit there under an interview for six hours, answer the most absurd questions about why there cant be a two-state solution in Palestine and what my opinion is about that.

When the officers asked who helped organize the late-July rally and what they were planning next, Robinson explained how the questions were absolutely no business of the British state, but here they are infringing on our rights and my rights, and especially my rights as a journalist. When they asked for Robinsons phone password, he refused.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

BBC reported, Robinson has been separately charged with failing to unlock his phone for police when he was stopped and questioned at a port under counter-terrorism powers.

British authorities say Robinson was sent to prison because he defied a court order by posting the documentary.

Aidan Eardley, representing the solicitor general, told the court that this is not a case about Mr. Yaxley-Lennons political views It is a case about the disobedience to a court order, and the undermining of the rule of law that goes with that, CNN reported.

Robinsons time in solitary confinement has stirred a larger debate on free speech among American politicians on X, including Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Elon Musk. Responding to Musks post calling to free Robinson, Lee wrote, Free Tommy Robinson!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Musk asked, Why is Tommy Robinson in a solitary confinement prison for telling the truth?

Similarly, Lee responded Wednesday evening to a post about Petersons interview with Robinson, writing, What @jordanbpeterson exposes in this interview is breathtaking. This is the UKour mother countryimprisoning a man for speaking the truth.

Robinson has recently gained attention among other politicians as well, including Australian Sen. Ralph Babet, who has asked for permission to meet and interview him.
In his maiden floor speech as Senate majority leader, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota used his first few minutes of floor time to make a commitment to defend the filibuster rule, which requires at least 60 votes to pass legislation in the Senate.

"One of my priorities as leader will be to ensure that the Senate stays the Senate," Thune said. "That means preserving the legislative filibuster, the Senate rule that today has perhaps the greatest impact on preserving the founders' visions of the United States Senate."

Thune's comments came just after the Senate gaveled in to begin its new session.

PHOTO: John Thune speaks to reporters following the weekly Senate luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on December 17, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

During the opening of the new Congress, Vice President Kamala Harris swore in all 32 Senators elected in November, including 12 freshman members, some of whom helped to deliver a new Republican majority in the upper chamber.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In this new Senate, Republicans have 53 seats, a three-seat majority that gives them a comfortable edge in confirming President-elect Donald Trump's nominees to his Cabinet and the federal bench since these nominations only require 50 votes for confirmation.

But the Senate rules currently require 60 votes to pass legislation. If Thune holds true to his commitment to uphold this rule, that means the majority of legislative matters will require the buy-in of at least seven Senate Democrats or independents who caucus with Democrats. It keeps compromise front and center in the upper chamber.

MORE: Video Mike Johnson addresses the 119th Congress following speaker vote

Thune's speech Friday afternoon is not the first time that he has made a commitment to uphold the Senate's 60-vote threshold, which Democrats unsuccessfully attempted to sidestep to pass voting rights legislation in 2022. Thune made the protection of the filibuster part of his campaign to become majority leader and has since spoken on the floor to the same.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the fact that Thune, who will no doubt undergo scrutiny from Trump for any failure to move his legislative agenda across the finish line swiftly, chose to use his first moments on the Senate floor as Republican leader to affirm his commitment to the 60-vote threshold is notable.

Trump attempted to pressure Republicans to put the legislative filibuster rule aside in 2018, when Trump was in office for the first time and Republicans controlled the Senate. It was then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who prevented the Senate from taking that step. Democrats similarly signaled last year that they were interested in exploring a revision of the rule if they managed to keep control of the Senate, which they did not.

Thune's comments on the floor today signal that he won't cave to Trump if the president-elect grows frustrated by the Senate's inability to swiftly move legislation that does not have any Democratic support and once again mounts a pressure campaign to change the rule.

"Unfortunately, today there are a lot of people out there who would like to see the Senate turn into a copy of the House of Representatives, and that is not what our founders intended or what our country needs," Thune said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MORE: Tim Scott becomes longest-serving Black senator in US history

Republicans will have the ability to attempt to implement major policy changes without any Democratic support using a procedural tool called budget reconciliation, which only requires a simple majority of votes to pass the chamber. But the razor-thin GOP majority in the House means a reconciliation package will also be a challenge to cobble together.

All other legislation will require 60 votes to pass.

Thune said the Senate will have a laundry list of things it hopes to accomplish during the 119th Congress, including border security, tax reform, defense spending changes and larger government funding discussions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer, who is now the minority leader in this new Senate, said Democrats will do their part to try to work with Republicans where possible, citing a string of bipartisan wins in previous years.

PHOTO: Chuck Schumer speaks during an event in the State Dining Room at the White House, Jan. 2, 2025, in Washington. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

"I want to work with the new Republican leader to keep that bipartisan streak going in the new year," Schumer said. "I don't expect we will agree on everything or even many things, but there will still be opportunities to improve the lives of the American people if we are willing to work together."

Schumer, who spoke out repeatedly against Trump prior to the 2024 election, said Democrats are ready to move forward from the election.

"For first time in a long time, the next president will be someone we've seen before: President-elect Trump will return to the Oval Office," Schumer said. "In the first day of the 119th Congress, I'd like to take a moment to talk about how Senate Democrats will approach the next two years. It can be summarized like this: Democrats stand united not because of who we fight against but because of who we are fighting for -- the American people."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He also congratulated Thune on his assumption of the role as majority leader.

Thune fills the role of McConnell, who stepped down from leadership after 18 years at the helm of the Senate Republican Conference. Friday was Thune's first day as party leader despite winning an election to the position in November.

Thune said he will "work every day" to be worthy of the trust his party members have put in him as their new leader.

As new Senate gets underway, Thune vows to uphold Senate filibuster originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Senate President Pro Tem Elect Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, pictured Dec. 11, 2024, in his Capitol office. (Photo by Barbara Hoberock/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  The Oklahoma Senate expects to take up tax cuts and judicial reform when lawmakers return to the Capitol in February, said Senate President Pro Tem Elect Lonnie Paxton.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has already announced he will be seeking a .25% income tax cut.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think it is time to do an income tax cut, Paxton said.

But it has to be done in the right way, he said, adding that he was in the Senate when taxes were cut and the state later experienced an unexpected budget downturn.

Judicial reform is also generating interest with the unprecedented decision by voters not to retain former Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger, he said.

He said the Oklahoma Supreme Court has been too political and a lot less judicial. The states high court has tossed out numerous bills passed by lawmakers, often citing a rule against putting more than one subject in a bill, also called logrolling.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Paxton hasnt ruled out any legislative topic, saying he doesnt draw lines.

He prefers that lawmakers discuss issues.

But those discussions, he said, must be cordial and deliberative.

Paxton said it is important to have an open mind and listen to different viewpoints.

Realize there are different ways to look at an issue than what you think exists right now, Paxton said.

A very honest lawmaker

Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, describes Paxton, 56, as very honest and up front.

He has respect for Senate rules and fairness to the body and that is very important to us, Kirt said.

Paxton, R-Tuttle, got involved in politics as his wifes solution for yelling at the television set.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He rose from the ranks of a volunteer for his county Republican Party to its chairman, then senator and now as leader elect of the Oklahoma State Senate.

During his first run for office, he said he got clobbered. But years later, he was successful.

A man of many interests

The Senates incoming leader is a man of many vocations.

Paxton operates an insurance agency in Tuttle, where he served on the city council and as mayor.

He is a farmer and rancher and has rental properties.

The married father of four is also a volunteer firefighter, serving his community in that capacity for more than three decades.

Paxton, R-Tuttle, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in law enforcement administration and had planned on going into that field.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After graduation, he returned home to help on the farm and decided he wanted to go into the industry, but still wanted to serve his community.

He joined the volunteer fire department, an experience he said has shaped him. One of his children, Ethan, would later join as well.

To say its been rewarding for me is an understatement, Paxton said.

Tuttle is a small town, he said. It is not uncommon for him to know people on the other end of the call.

Youve been there in peoples worst times, Paxton said. And I held a hand before somebody passed away in a car wreck.

But there are silver linings.

One familys house burned down. The family dog was believed to be dead, but was found safely under the porch steps and recovered, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You think that sounds like it is not a big deal, Paxton said. It was huge for that family All they lost was stuff, but they didnt lose their pet, which is like family.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Following reports of alleged impropriety by Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Defense, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee have quietly made a request for additional information from the veterans organization Hegseth once ran, as well as the district attorney in Monterey County, California, according to communications reviewed by ABC News.

The committee appears to be looking deeper into recently reported accusations of a 2017 sexual assault as well as allegations of financial misconduct on Hegseth's part, both of which Hegseth has denied.

The allegations have created an uphill climb for the former Fox News host, who can only afford to lose the votes of three Senate Republicans when his confirmation comes up for a vote in the coming weeks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

MORE: Pete Hegseth, Trump's embattled Pentagon pick, appears to be gaining GOP support

The committee's requests, which were made in early December, ask that documents be provided to the Senate Armed Services Committee no later than Monday, Jan. 6, just over a week before Hegseth is scheduled to appear before the panel for his public confirmation hearing on Jan. 14.

The requests, reviewed by ABC News, show that the top Republican on the committee, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and the top Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., sought additional information from the Monterey County district attorney concerning allegations of sexual assault that were levied against Hegseth in 2017 and first reported in November, following Trump's announcement of Hegseth as his DOD pick.

The Monterey Police Department released a report last month detailing how a woman told investigators in October 2017 that she had encountered Hegseth at an event afterparty at a California hotel where both had been drinking, and claimed that he sexually assaulted her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When police approached Hegseth as part of their investigation, he denied the accusation and "stated that the engagement ... was mutual," the police report said.

PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrives for a meeting with Senator Tommy Tuberville on Capitol Hill, Dec. 2, 2024, in Washington. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

No charges were filed, although Hegseth subsequently paid the woman as part of a settlement agreement, which Hegseth's attorney said was only because Hegseth feared his career would suffer if her allegations were made public. The agreement stated that Hegseth made no admission of wrongdoing in the matter.

Though the police report was made public in November, sources said members of the Senate Armed Services Committee were seeking any evidence beyond what was included in the report, as well as any documents containing legal analysis or recommendations.

The Monterey County District Attorney responded to the committee's request on Dec. 20, informing the committee that the office did not have any additional evidence in the case beyond the publicly available police report, according to a letter from the DA's office to the committee obtained by ABC News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The DA did note, however, that -- while they possess only a case summary and a memo declining to prosecute Hegseth -- some of the other records the committee requested contain protected work by attorneys, and they declined to provide some of them due to their protected status.

A lawyer for Hegseth, Tim Parlatore, told ABC News that in November Hegseth asked the DAs office for the records they are withholding to be released. In a response to that request, reviewed by ABC News, the DA's office told Hegseth's team that the records were exempt from disclosure.

Spokespeople for both Wicker and Reed declined to comment to ABC News.

MORE: Hegseth says he's 'completely cleared' in sex assault case. The police report doesn't say that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In an interview with conservative media personality and former Fox News host Megyn Kelly in early December, Hegseth admitting to being in a hotel room with the woman but denied raping her.

"Absolutely not. Absolutely not. I've been honest about that encounter, starting with law enforcement," he said when asked if he had raped a woman.

"I may have been drinking, but I was cognizant enough to remember every single detail," he said. "And I'm not here to say that my conduct was good -- you know, being in a hotel room with someone that's, you know, not the person you're with is not OK. I own up to that, and I've had to own up to that, and that's been difficult."

The senators are also seeking information from Concerned Veterans for America, a veterans organization for which Hegseth was once CEO, after a New Yorker story contained allegations that Hegseth engaged in financial mismanagement and sexist behavior while at the helm of that organization. Hegseth has broadly denied the allegations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The committee has requested all documents related to Hegseth's employment, any financial records and tax returns related to his management position at the organization, and any written documentation alleging wrongdoing or misconduct by Hegseth.

MORE: Trump shows public support for embattled defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth

A representative for Concerned Veterans for America did not respond to requests for comment from ABC News.

Parlatore, Hegseth's attorney, maintained that his client is innocent and said that Hegseth is "cooperating fully with any requests for information from the committee."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump publicly endorsed Hegseth last month after the allegations of misconduct initially got Hegseth a rocky reception on Capitol Hill.

"Pete Hegseth is doing very well. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!"

Wicker, who will oversee Hegseth's nomination hearing before the Armed Services Committee, has repeatedly signaled that he's interested in a thorough vetting of the candidate.

In early December, amid speculation that Hegseth might not submit to a traditional FBI background check, Wicker told ABC News that it would be his preference to see such a background check carried out.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Republican said the committee was, at the time, "looking at the way it's been done traditionally and getting information about that, as to who actually orders the FBI background check."

MORE: Why most of Trump's Cabinet picks will get confirmed by the Senate

When pushed by ABC News about a background check on Hegseth, Wicker said, "I would prefer a full background check, yes."

Hegseth has since been submitted for a full FBI screening, according to his attorney.

He's also met with several senators on Capitol Hill, including Wicker, and recently appeared to be gaining support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wicker has not yet publicly endorsed Hegseth, but following their meeting he said he thought Hegseth would be in "pretty good shape" regarding his confirmation.

Senate panel quietly seeking more info on Pete Hegseth ahead of confirmation hearings: Sources originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Senators who will decide on the fate of Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps pick as Defense Secretary, are probing allegations of sex assault and financial impropriates made against the former Fox News host.

The top Republican and Democrat members of the Senate Armed Services Committee have requested more information about the sex assault allegation made against Hegseth in 2017, according to ABC News. Hegseth denies the claim.

Senators on the committee have also reportedly asked for financial records and tax returns relating to Hegseths time as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The proposed Pentagon chief has denied any wrongdoing.

ABC News said the committee is looking deeper into the much-publicized allegations with Hegseth only able to lose three GOP senator votes to be confirmed to the key Cabinet post in the new Trump administration.

The senior Republican on the committee, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat, reportedly requested further documents from the Monterey County district attorney about the allegations made against the DoD nominee.

A woman claimed she was sexually assaulted after meeting Hegseth at a California hotel, but he has insisted the encounter was consensual and no charges were filed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hegseth paid the woman as part of a settlement but did not admit any fault his attorney explained Hegseth entered into the agreement out of concern his career could be damaged if the claims were made public.

The ABC News report said the Monterey DA responded on December 20, saying there was no additional information other than the public police report.

The senators are said to have also asked for more information from the veterans advocacy group following a New Yorker article that contained allegations of financial mismanagement.

Donald Trump has maintained his support for Hegseth, who has met with senators on Capitol Hill in an attempt to shore up support before the confirmation hearing scheduled for January 14.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The site of the former Club Marcella has a new owner.

Seneca Gaming Corporation bought the property at 106 Michigan Ave. President and CEO Kevin Nephew said it was a strategic buy because of its proximity to the casino.

The nightclub was shut down by the the city last year after four shootings. A Buffalo man was sentenced to 22 years to life after fatally shooting a man at the club and injuring two others in 2023.

Nephew says Seneca Gaming is now considering next steps for the 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 News 4 Buffalo.
Several dogs, including a new litter of puppies, died in a mobile home fire Friday morning.

Crews from the Phoenix Fire Department extinguished a fast-moving mobile home fire near South 40th Street and East Baseline Road. There was a large column of smoke and fire coming from within the home.

The homeowner was outside alerting fire crews there were numerous family dogs still inside the home, Phoenix Fire Department Captain Rob McDade said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Phoenix fire, firefighters were able to rescue four of the dogs. Unfortunately a new litter of puppies and "several other dogs" died in the fire.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigators were on location. According to Phoenix fire, crews noticed multiple space heaters in the home.

Several dogs were killed in a mobile home fire in South Mountain on Friday morning.

Members of the Phoenix community assistance program are providing support to the homeowners. No injuries were reported and crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mobile home fire in Phoenix leaves several dogs dead
Severe thunderstorms are once again roaring across parts of the South this weekend just a week after over 90 tornadoes touched down from Texas to South Carolina.

While we are not expecting another widespread tornado outbreak this weekend, some strong to severe thunderstorms could produce wind damage and a few tornadoes from Louisiana to Mississippi, and possibly eastward to Alabama, Sunday evening.

Current Radar, Watches And Warnings

Unlike last week, this storm system is expected to focus its severe potential primarily along a line of severe thunderstorms. While a few isolated storms will likely form ahead of this line, the primary threat will lean toward damaging wind gusts rather than tornadoes, although a few tornadoes are possible along and ahead of that squall line.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A few strong storms will also be possible on Monday along the Southeast coast, including northern Florida and southern Georgia.

(192-hours: Further beef up your forecast with our detailed, hour-by-hour breakdown for the next 8 days  only available on our Premium Pro experience.)

The setup for this threat is a familiar one.

Winter Storm Blair is speeding eastward from Oklahoma to Virginia, picking up moisture, some modest heat and humidity from the Gulf of Mexico.

A dip in the jet stream is plunging southeastward in tandem with Blair, providing robust upper-level wind support.

(MORE: 4 Weather Stories We Typically Watch In January)

The limiting factor this go around  a common one in January  is the amount of instability available for storms to work with. Spots in the threat zone depicted above will only have a few hours to bake in a diminished mid-winter sun before the storms arrive. This means that efficient atmospheric simmering isn't expected, but wind shear and moisture will be plentiful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This will all lead to an eastward-moving line or broken line of thunderstorms.

Jonathan Belles has been a graphics meteorologist and writer for weather.com for 8 years and also assists in the production of videos for The Weather Channel en espanol. His favorite weather is tropical weather, but also enjoys covering high-impact weather and news stories and winter storms. He's a two-time graduate of Florida State University and a proud graduate of St. Petersburg College.
A week after a severe weather outbreak swept across the southern United States killing four people, another round of severe weather is expected this weekend. AccuWeather meteorologists say the same potent storm is set to blast a wide swath of snow and ice from the Plains to the Ohio Valley and is forecast to produce severe weather farther south also.

As a storm moves from the Plains into the Tennessee Valley through Sunday night, it will be the meeting point between a clash of cold air in the Plains and warm moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, helping to fuel the severe weather.

"A line of thunderstorms is expected to develop across eastern Texas, which will strengthen as they move into Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama through Sunday night," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Gwen Fieweger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+

The surge of warm air, with highs in the 70s - well above the historical average for January, is expected ahead of the storms in cities like Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi.

Many of the most powerful storms are expected between the Interstate 10 and 20 corridors and could bring damaging wind gusts, hail and flooding downpours. Thunderstorms could be potent as far north as Little Rock, Arkansas, and as far south as Gulf Coast cities like Houston and Pensacola, Florida.

Fieweger also warned that many of the thunderstorms could be rotating, making them capable of producing a few tornadoes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some of the same states are still reeling from last weekend's deadly severe weather that produced over 80 tornadoes. The thunderstorms also generated over 150 damaging wind reports and caused both building and tree damage.

Noticeably colder air is expected to filter into the Southern states behind these thunderstorms, which may make cleanup from both rounds of severe storms even more challenging.

Temperatures Sunday night from Texas to Alabama are expected to dive below the freezing mark, and they could stay that way for several nights.

Several more rounds of Arctic air are likely to keep the colder conditions around through at least mid-January.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On Monday, storms are expected to advance eastward along the Southeast coastline into the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia. Forecasters warn that localized damaging wind gusts in storms can reach speeds of 50-60 mph with the AccuWeather Local StormMax of 70 mph.

By Monday evening, moisture will shove offshore to the east, allow for the threat for severe weather to diminish.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Martha Shimkin, director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Chesapeake Bay Program Office, speaks at the Chesapeake Executive Council meeting in Annapolis on Dec. 10, 2024. Photo by Dave Harp/Chesapeake Bay Journal.

By Karl Blankenship

The Chesapeake Bay Journal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Chesapeake Bay Program Office, which coordinates regional efforts to restore the nations largest estuary, will be under new leadership in 2025 as it crafts another cleanup plan for the Bay.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Martha Shimkin, who has directed the office since December 2023, retired at the end of the year.

It has been such an honor and privilege to lead this office and partnership, Shimkin said in her December announcement. But, she said, it is time to enjoy the life part of the work-life balance.

Lee McDonnell, who heads the offices Science, Analysis and Implementation Branch, is serving as its interim director.

Shimkin has been with the office for four years, serving the first three as its deputy director before stepping up to the top position.

The past year has been a challenging one for the Bay Program partnership as state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and others have worked to decide what should happen with Chesapeake restoration efforts after 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That is the deadline for many restoration goals established in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement. It sets goals for a range of restoration activities, such as restoring oyster habitat, promoting environmental education and improving passages for migratory fish.

But many critical goals are far off track, including those for restoring wetlands, planting streamside forest buffers and expanding urban tree canopies. Next year will also mark the third time the Bay Program set and missed goals for reducing nutrient pollution, which has been a cornerstone of work to improve Bay water quality.

This year, Shimkin was co-leader of a Beyond 2025 effort that conducted dozens of meetings and extensive outreach to determine what should come next. That resulted in a recommendation that the 2014 agreement be reviewed and updated next year, with all of its goals re-examined to determine whether they should be kept, dropped or updated with new objectives and timeframes.

The recommendation was endorsed at a Dec. 10 meeting in Annapolis of the Chesapeake Executive Council, which includes state governors, the EPA administrator, the mayor of Washington, D.C., and the chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, representing state legislatures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With the first phase of the Beyond 2025 effort completed and its recommendations endorsed by the Bays top policymaking body, Shimkin said she was ready to leave the next phase to others.

Its good timing, she said. Its been a lot to lead that and manage the overall office.

The EPA Bay Program Office coordinates restoration work among its partners and provides grants to support their efforts. It also helps maintain key operations such as water quality monitoring and the development of sophisticated computer models.

Its budget has swelled from $90 million to $140 million in recent years, thanks largely to an influx of money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, though that money will soon be exhausted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shimkin, who has more than 30 years of federal service, said she was pleased that in the past year strategies have been developed to increase the pace of restoring wetlands, planting forest buffers and expanding tree cover in urban areas. The Executive Council also approved the creation of a new Agricultural Advisory Committee, which is intended to help accelerate nutrient control efforts on farmland.

Its been the honor and a privilege of my life, of my career, to be able to be at this office, and I leave it with pride, she said. Im never fully leaving. Ill always have a little bit of my heart in this program.
In a rare move, a shooting suspect pleaded guilty to murder Thursday during one of his first formal appearance in a Tri-Cities courtroom.

Isiah N. Rodriguez, 28, faces up to 24 1/2 years in at state prison after admitting to the second-degree murder of a homeless man at Richlands Uptown Shopping Center in November.

The Tri-Cities man entered the plea at his arraignment in Benton County Superior Court, about a month after he was brought back from Portland to face the charges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He wont be sentenced for several weeks. Prosecutors plan to ask for a 22-year sentence and three years of probation. Under state guidelines, he faces a minimum of 16 years.

Rodriguez was caught on camera shooting Michael Perkins, 36, about 4:10 a.m. on Nov. 16 in a breezeway outside the Uptown center in Richland.

The shooting happened after Perkins defended a woman being threatened by Rodriguez, court documents said.

Rodriguez and another man, Troy A. McCowan, 34, fled after the shooting. Federal and local police arrested Rodriguez near Portland days later, and he didnt fight extradition back to Washington.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

McCowan is charged with first-degree rendering criminal assistance and is in the Benton County jail with bail set at $500,000.

Murder suspect Isiah N. Rodriguez makes his preliminary appearance Dec. 5 in Benton County Superior Court via a video link from the Benton County jail. He admitted to fatally shooting a man at the Uptown Shopping Center in November.

Argument in shopping area breezeway

Court documents say security video at the shopping center shows Rodriguez approached three people, including a woman in a light-colored coat and a man in a hoodie.

Rodriguez was carrying a M48 tactical war hammer, a modern version of the medieval weapon with a hammer head and a spike.

Michael Perkins was at a nearby picnic table in the breezeway near Lees Tahitian restaurant, court documents said.

Perkins suffered from mental health issues and was known to sometimes sleep in the breezeway, his brother Steaven Perkins previously told the Tri-City Herald.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Witnesses described Rodriguez as being hostile when he spoke with the woman and man for less than a minute before trying to take the womans coat.

Michael A. Perkins, 36, was shot and killed in November in the breezeway of Lees Tahitian Restaurant at the Uptown Shopping Center in Richland.

Perkins stepped in and stripped the war hammer away from Rodriguez, said the documents.

McCowan then arrived. And Rodriguez is seen taking items, including possibly a phone, from the man in the hoodie, said the documents.

The documents said the video shows Rodriguez and Perkins yelling at each other, and another person trying to get between them.

Perkins tossed the hammer on the roof of the shopping center but Rodriguez pulled out a gun and shot him three times, said court documents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its not clear whether Rodriguez had the gun the entire time or if someone else handed it to him.

After the shots were fired, Rodriguez and McCowan could be seen running away, and Perkins was on the ground.
Police in Cambridge are investigating a shooting near an apartment building Friday morning.

Police were called to an apartment complex on Magazine Street around 2:10 a.m. after someone reported hearing an argument followed by a gunshot.

Although officers could not locate a victim inside the apartment building, they eventually found a victim with a gunshot wound in Central Square.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cambridge police say they have not found a specific crime scene but are investigating around Magazine Street.

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
The holidays came with a side of flu for many Americans, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the latest government health data.

A lot of flu out there, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Carrie Reed.

Of course, there are a number of bugs that cause fever, cough, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms. One is COVID-19. Another is RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and the elderly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The most recent CDC hospitalization data and other indicators show that the flu virus is trending higher than the other germs, Reed said. Several seasonal flu strains are driving cases, with no dominant one, she added.

Pediatric hospitals have been busy since November with RSV, but influenza has now joined the party, said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Now were really starting to roll, he added. Our hospitals are busy.

Where flu illnesses are the highest

One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctors office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. That level last week was about equal to the peak of last winters respiratory virus season  which occurred at the same time of year. Reed noted that most people avoid medical appointments over the holidays if they can help it, so the data in late December might be skewed by people who came down with sudden illnesses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last week's flu activity was particularly intense in the South, Southwest and western U.S. The states reporting lesser amounts of suffering were mostly in the northern Great Plains and in New England.

So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths  including at least 11 children.

Its not clear if this winter respiratory virus season will be any worse than others. So far it seems relatively typical, at least for kids, Newland said.

How to protect yourself from seasonal illnesses

U.S. health officials recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination, and they say its not too late to get a shot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way, health officials say. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Other germs are being watched

The CDC also has been keeping its eye on a rise of illnesses from norovirus, a nasty stomach bug, with 91 outbreaks reported early in December.

Investigators also have been closely watching another kind of influenza virus, the Type A H5N1 version of bird flu. The CDC says 66 human U.S. cases of that were reported last year, but none of them in the last week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The cases are fairly sporadic and the overall risk to the public remains low, Reed said. Almost all have been traced to direct contact with infected animals, with no proof of spread between people.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Siloam Springs experiences an uptick in copper wire thefts.

The culprits enter unauthorized construction sites and climb power poles.

Though copper theft is common, part of the increase in thefts is linked to the construction the city faces as it expands.

There is so much construction all over town that the police officers just simply cant be everywhere at once, said Deputy Chief Derek Spicer with the Siloam Springs Police Department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The thieves normally wear dark clothing, making them difficult to spot at night. Finding them afterward is just as hard.

Theyll take it to a scrap yard and, technically, they are supposed to be identified, so it can be easier to track these people down. But, that doesnt always happen, said Spicer.

Siloam Springs receives almost $11.6 million federal grant for East Main Street project

Which makes it hard to know who committed the crime and harder to get the copper back.

The fast cash from selling copper does not measure up to the risks of getting it.

Its the difference between a few dollars, with copper at $1.20 to $2.50 a pound, and coming into contact with 69,000 bolts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some have even gone so far as to scale power poles, cutting cables and risking a 35-foot drop.

It can cause issues with the electric system itself. It could cause voltage imbalances, and could really disrupt power in certain areas, said Glenn Severn, Siloam Springs electric department superintendent.

Culprits could imbalance electric voltage, cut the wrong wire, and cause power outages that affect the city.

Copper for us is relatively expensive, but the thing is sending a crew out to re-install all of it, said the superintendent.

Severn said that the latter costs much more in the grand scheme of the aftermath.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The electric and police departments ask construction supervisors to consider adding lights to their sites and locking down the area firmly to help prevent thefts.

If you have information about the copper wire thefts or witness suspicious activity, call the Benton County Sheriffs Office or 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 KNWA FOX24.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A Sioux City woman will serve over eight years in federal prison after giving meth to a person working with police.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Amy Parks, 57, was sentenced Thursday on one count of conspiracy to distribute meth and one count of possession of a firearm while engaged in drug trafficking. She was given 102 months (eight and a half years) of prison time.

Man charged in Pomeroy shooting; Two remain hospitalized

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Parks distributed 10 pounds of meth between Jan. 2023 and June 2023, according to a release. This included distributing meth seven times in 2023 to a person working with law enforcement.

Police arrested Parks on June 19, 2023, and searched her residence. There, they found two ounces of meth and other drug-related items such as scales. Among the items found was also a loaded gun, which Parks would later admit she owned to help with drug trafficking.

The federal justice system does not allow for parole. After her prison sentence, Parks will also have to serve three years of supervised release.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Sir Fraser Stoddart, who has died aged 82, was a phenomenally inventive Scottish-born scientist who shared the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with the Frenchman Jean-Pierre Sauvage and the Dutch scientist Bernard Feringa for their design and synthesis of molecular machines.

Molecular machines or nanomachines are tiny structures a thousand times thinner than a strand of hair, built out of molecules with controllable movements, which can perform a task when energy is added. These machines have many potential applications, including the development of new materials, sensors and energy storage systems. Another application could be delivering drugs within the human body, for example by applying them directly to cancer cells.

The first step towards building a molecular machine was taken by Sauvage in 1983, when he linked two ring-shaped molecules together to form a chain. Stoddart took the second step in 1991, when he was head of the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham: there, he developed a mechanically interlocked molecule called a rotaxane.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This was achieved by threading a tiny molecular axle through a ring-shaped molecule. Heating the result caused the ring to slide between the ends of the axle, producing a molecular shuttle.

In 1999 the third member of the trio, Feringa, developed a molecular rotor blade that could spin continually in the same direction.

Based on his work on rotaxanes, Stoddart, who moved to the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1997, and later to Northwestern University in Illinois, went on to develop other nanomachines, including an atomic-scale lift, artificial muscles and even a simple mechanical computer made of molecule-sized components.

In later life he diversified still further. In 2017 he cofounded Cycladex, a start-up company which is developing new non-polluting technologies for the isolation of valuable metals including gold, silver and lithium. Then in 2019, in what was perhaps his most potentially lucrative venture, he cofounded Noble Panacea, a skincare product company whose products are based on his patented invention of Organic Super Molecular Vessel (OSMV) technology, a nano-transportation system 10,000 times smaller than a human skin cell which gets ingredients exactly where and when they need to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stoddart never stopped working, and in 2021 he co-founded another startup, H2MOF, dedicated to solving the challenges involved in hydrogen storage and transportation.

Stoddart, with his grandchildren, showing the chair he signed during the traditional Nobel laureates chair-signing ceremony at the Nobel museum in Stockholm, December 2016 - JONAS EKSTROMER/TT/AFP via Getty Images

James Fraser Stoddart was born in Edinburgh on May 24 1942, the only child of Tom and Jean Stoddart, and brought up on a tenant farm in Midlothian. As a boy he learnt basic mechanics through helping to mend farm vehicles.

The farm had no electricity, and when it was eventually hooked up to the national grid, he helped the electrician to wire up the family house. There was no health and safety in those days, just hard work on a farm, coming out of the Second World War and something needed fixing every week, he recalled.

From Melville College (now Stewarts Melville College) in Edinburgh, in 1960 Stoddart went up to the University of Edinburgh where he initially read chemistry, physics and mathematics. After graduating with a First in Chemistry in 1964, he took a PhD in 1966 with research on natural gums in Acacias, supervised by Sir Edmund Hirst and DMW Anderson. Hirst then arranged for him to go to Queens University in Canada as a National Research Council postdoctoral fellow, sending him on his way with the words Identify a big problem, Stoddart.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After Canada, in 1970 Stoddart moved to Sheffield University and from 1978 spent three years at the ICI Corporate Laboratory in Runcorn, where he first started investigating molecular machines. He then returned to Sheffield where he was promoted to a Readership in 1982.

In 1990, aged 48, he was appointed to the Haworth Chair of Chemistry and as head of the School of Chemistry at Birmingham University. His move to UCLA as the Saul Winstein Professor of Chemistry in 1997 came about after his wife developed advanced breast cancer.

We found the NHS was not able to provide the treatment that she needed at the level that could be attained here in the US, he explained later. She went from feeling that she had a death sentence to someone who felt as though she had many more years to live. In fact, she lived for another seven years.

From 2002, Stoddart served as acting co-director, later director of the California NanoSystems Institute. In 2008 he was appointed Board of Trustees Professor in Chemistry at Northwestern University where he established the Mechanostereochemistry Group and became director of the Center for the Chemistry of Integrated Systems. Last year he was appointed Chair Professor of Chemistry at the University of Hong Kong.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stoddarts scientific achievements were recognised by numerous awards apart from the Nobel Prize, including the King Faisal International Prize in Science and the Albert Einstein World Award of Science. Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1994, he was knighted in 2007 for services to chemistry and molecular nanotechnology.

Over the course of his career, Stoddart authored more than 1,000 publications and mentored more than 500 students, but he used the occasion of his Nobel award to warn that Brexit would be bad news for aspiring British scientists. Anything that stops the free movement of people is a big negative for science, he declared: I would have a plan B if I was a young scientist in Britain. [Brexits] not going to be good news for British science.

In 1968 Stoddart married Norma Agnes Scholan, a biochemist he had met as a student and who helped him in his research career. After her death from cancer in 2004, the University of Edinburgh established the Sir Fraser and Norma Stoddart Prize, awarded to PhD students every year.

He is survived by two daughters.

Sir Fraser Stoddart, born May 24 1942, died December 31 2024

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.
FLORENCE, S.C. (WSAV)  The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has canceled the AMBER ALERT for a missing little girl. They say she has been safely located.

Dylan Saige Cooper, 1, was abducted by Macie Eaddy, 32. Eaddy may be driving a white 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with a SC temporary license plate XWR0804H.

The woman and child were last seen at a Roses store at 1508 South Irby Street in Florence, SC, at around 6:00 p.m. on January 2, 2025.

Eaddy has brown hair and brown eyes. She is 55 and 140 pounds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

CALL 911 immediately if you see them or have any 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 WSAV-TV.
ST. LOUIS  Authorities have identified a man fatally shot by an off-duty officer while armed outside a downtown St. Louis bar during a brawl on New Years Day.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reports that Kobie Davis, 25, of Urbana, Illinois, died in the shooting.

SLMPD officials previously told FOX 2 that multiple officers from other jurisdictions were working security at The Wheelhouse bar for New Years Eve. Police say, at some point, people who were inside the bar went outside into the streets for a fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

List: St. Louis area school, church and business closings

SLMPD officials say an off-duty officer from the Leadington (Missouri) Police Department, who was working security for the event, shot and killed Davis.

Davis refused to drop his weapon when asked, and in response, the officer shot him in the chest, according to SLMPD. A second person was grazed by a bullet. The officer was not injured.

SLMPD reports that the off-duty officer involved has 18 years of law enforcement experience. FOX 2 has since learned that officer is on leave from the Leadington Police Department.

The Force Investigation Unit with SLMPD, which handles officer-involved shooting within city limits, is leading the investigation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, speaks at the Michigan Democratic Party's election night watch party in Detroit on Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

U.S. Senator-elect for Michigan Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) will be officially sworn in to office Friday afternoon in Washington D.C. as the mid-Michigan Democrat says shes committed to lowering the cost of living, bringing jobs and economic growth to Michigan, increasing public safety and maintaining democracy.

That last point, given the political climate following a turbulent election year, is existential to the continuing of American governance, Slotkin told members of the media on a Zoom call ahead of her swearing in. Michigan, ever the purple state, was the backdrop to several close and impassioned races, including Slotkins, where the three-term congresswoman defeated Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) in November by about 18,000 votes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While Slotkins victory maintained Democrats hold on the Senate seat left open by the retirement of longtime U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Republicans flipped the majority in the chamber. The 2024 election marked banner triumphs for Republicans with the country sending former President Donald Trump back to the White House. He will officially take office on Jan. 20.

But wheels continue to turn in Michigan as Slotkin says she stands ready to introduce legislation to help support Michiganders and protect democratic processes from those who would seek to pull back fundamental rights and silence the voices of citizens.

Ive sworn an oath many times to protect and defend the Constitution, but nothing means as much as this day for me and to be here in front of my family, to watch my dad get to experience this. Its just, its an honor, Slotkin said.

Coming from a national security background, joining the Central Intelligence Agency after the 9/11 terrorist attack and serving three tours in Iraq as a CIA analyst, Slotkin says one of her main priorities entering into the U.S. Senate is national security. Following her time in the CIA she served on then-President George W. Bushs National Security Council and then served as acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for National Security Affairs for then-President Barack Obama.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Slotkin will serve on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, as well as the Armed Services Committee alongside Michigans other U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.). Additionally, she was given a seat in the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, having served on the U.S. House of Representatives versions of all three of those committees.

But truly securing national security means recognizing all the areas threats to democracy and safety come from and being mindful to include the safety of the countrys youngest residents, Slotkin said.

Protecting our country, for me, is job number one. It always has been. But then theres also protecting our kids from things like school shootings, protecting our kids from despair and not feeling like they couldnt achieve what their parents achieved, Slotkin said.

Slotkins fourth committee assignment is on the Senate Agriculture Committee where her predecessor Debbie Stabenow served as the Chair.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senator Stabenow is the queen of agricultureso Ive had a great teacher, Slotkin said. Ive been on the House Ag Committee for two years, but for me, my job is to make sure that the small and medium sized farmers of cherries apples, mint and dairy, I mean, you name it, corn, soybeans, all of our farmers dont get lost in the shuffle, and so Im really happy to be continuing that legacy.

On the campaign trail, the Senator-elect reiterated that shes stepping into some pretty big shoes following Stabenows retirement as Slotkin is taking over a seat Stabenow has held since 2001, when the Lansing native became the states first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate after trailblazing other firsts in the state.

But shes a different person than Stabenow, and thats a positive thing in government, Slotkin said. Coming from her national security background she says she understands not just the economic value of supporting the states agricultural heritage, but also so the U.S. can stand on its own two feet no matter the national political climate.

I really see food security as national securityNothing is more essential than always being able to feed ourselves by ourselves. Thats just imperative, Slotkin said. And so I really think of it as a national security issue, and I want to elevate it as a national security issue. Its not just for farmers, its for all of us.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Michigan was built by the automotive industry and debate over electric vehicles and mandates for clean energy standards were top line issues in Slotkins race, with her opponent often asserting that Slotkin and her allies want to force everyone to have to buy a new electric vehicle.

But Slotkin said she will likely not be buying an electric vehicle any time soon, as like plenty of Michiganders, her home is on a dirt road, away from the electric vehicle infrastructure that makes such vehicles make sense for residents.

However, Michigan automakers should be empowered to be on the cutting edge of innovation and growth in ushering in an electric vehicle economy, Slotkin said.

President Trump has said a lot of things, buthis closest advisor right now is the head of a big electric vehicle company, so Im hoping that part of their conversations is that electric vehicles, you dont have to drive one, but we want to make them, Slotkin said pointing at Trumps alliance with Tesla Founder Elon Musk. China is eating our lunch on electric vehiclesif I have a choice, its Team America over team China, any day of the week.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Slotkin told media members to expect to hear about legislation shes introducing soon as she plans on pursuing issues that will make the U.S. more self-sufficient and resilient to an ever changing world. And as she begins her tenure, Slotkin hopes that Michiganders, whether they voted for her or not, will soon feel more supported by having more adults in the room in Washington.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Elissa Slotkin is neither a congresswoman nor a senator-elect any longer, having been sworn in as Michigan's newest U.S. senator Friday afternoon with the installation of the 119th Congress.

Across the Capitol, two new members of the U.S. House from Michigan  Tom Barrett, a Republican from Charlotte, and Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Democrat from Bay City  were also sworn in, joining 11 incumbent congressmen and women from the state who were reelected to new two-year terms in November.

Before that happened, however, the House had to reelect Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, his having received a key endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump and having the support of the vast majority of Republicans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At what initially seemed to be the end of the first ballot, Johnson appeared to have 216 GOP votes, two shy of the 218-vote majority he needed with three Republicans backing other members-elect, compared with 215 for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. About 50 minutes later, after Johnson huddled with two of those supporting other GOP nominees, both switched their votes to Johnson, giving him the speakership.

All of Michigan's members-elect voted for their party's speaker nominee. A short time later, Johnson gave his acceptance speech and was sworn in by the longest-serving current member of the House, Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Kentucky. Then, Johnson officially swore in all of the House members together (with unofficial one-on-one ceremonies to follow).

Johnson's nomination was placed before the members-elect by U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township, who has become the fourth highest-ranking member of her party in the chamber as the new chair of the House Republican Conference.

"The American people gave us a great opportunity to get back on the right track," McClain said in nominating Johnson on behalf of the GOP caucus, referring to the fact that Republicans on Friday took over majority control of the Senate, having already controlled the House, and with Trump set to take office when inaugurated Jan. 20.

MichiganOs 10th Congressional District Rep. Lisa McClain of Bruce Township speaks before Donald Trump takes the stage at Macomb Community College on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.

Barrett replaces Slotkin in the House; McDonald Rivet won a district previously represented by former U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, who decided not to run for a seventh term.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the Senate, Slotkin  a former CIA officer and acting assistant Pentagon secretary who served three two-year terms in the House  received her oath of office from Vice President Kamala Harris, serving in her role as titular president of the Senate. Harris will continue in that role until she and Democratic President Joe Biden leave office on Trump's inauguration day.

Slotkin was joined walking to the Senate rostrum by the woman she replaces  U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat and Michigan's first female U.S. senator who, in early 2023, decided she would not run for a fifth six-year term  and U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, who now becomes the state's senior senator.

Slotkin, who beat former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers by about three-tenths of a percentage point or 19,006 votes in November, continued a string of Democratic wins in U.S Senate races in Michigan. No Republican has won a U.S. Senate race in Michigan since Spence Abraham in 1994. Abraham lost a close election six years later to Stabenow.

In taking the oath, Slotkin responded in the affirmative as Harris asked her, "Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that you take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that you will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which you am about to enter, so help you God?"

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, raise their hands in the air after Slotkin won the nomination for Stabenows seat at Slotkins election night watch party at the Detroit Regis Hotel in Detroit on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024.

The language of the oath is set by law, an oath being required by the U.S. Constitution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Speaking earlier in the day to members of the media, Slotkin recalled how, at age 12, she visited the Capitol with her father and met the late Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich.

"It was impossible to wake up this morning and not feel the gravity of the moment," Slotkin said, adding that she will be looking to protect the nation and deliver help to working families while also seeking common ground with Republicans who now control the U.S. Senate. "This is the most important thing Ive ever done," she said.

Slotkin said the voters of Michigan delivered a mandate by electing both her and Trump in November but added that poses no worries for her, given that her former district was one that had backed Trump in previous elections.

"Im no stranger to being a Democrat representing a Republican-leaning district and in this case a Republican-leaning state that elected Donald Trump," she said. "I'm ready to get to work."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Slotkin also said that she agrees with Trump's aides and supporters who want the Senate to move quickly to act on his nominees  though she also said they need to be appropriately vetted.

"Those jobs are deeply connected to keeping Americans safe and secure," she said. "They (the nominees) have to take really important life and death decisions in the middle of the night. They should be people of competence and character."

Slotkin noted that she becomes just the 64th woman ever elected to the Senate and the fourth Jewish woman to join the chamber. She also said she believes she becomes just the first former CIA officer to become a senator and, at age 48, she becomes the youngest Democratic female senator. (Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, is the youngest woman in the chamber at 42.)

Slotkin is set to join the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, both of which Peters also serves on, as well as the Senate Agriculture and Veterans' Affairs committees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Slotkin joins Senate, new House members sworn into 119th Congres
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said his country could cut support for Ukrainian refugees.

It comes after Kyiv shut off a Russian natural gas pipeline supplying central Europe.

Fico said Slovakia would lose 500 million euros in transit fees as a result of Ukraine's decision.

Slovakia could substantially cut its support for Ukrainian refugees in response to Kyiv's recent decision to shut off a Russian pipeline supplying natural gas to central Europe.

In a video posted on Facebook, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to stop electricity exports to Ukraine and "significantly reduce" financial support for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia following Kyiv's move.

The United Nations Refugee Agency said there were just over 130,000 Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia as of December 8.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It comes after Kyiv on Wednesday said it would not renew a five-year deal allowing the transit of westbound Russian gas through Ukraine.

In his statement, Fico  who held surprise talks on energy and gas with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in December  labeled the situation "extremely serious" and "worthy of a sovereign response" by Slovakia.

"The only alternative for sovereign Slovakia is the restoration of transit or the introduction of compensatory mechanisms that will compensate for the shortfalls in public finances of almost 500 million euros," he said.

While Ukraine has justified its decision on national security grounds, Fico has argued that the move would create a "drastic impact" on EU nations while leaving Russia relatively unscathed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

EU members have been moving away from Russian gas in recent years.

Russian gas accounted for over 40% of the EU's gas imports in 2021, but that figure fell to about 8% in 2023, according to the bloc.

Some regions of Europe have still relied heavily on Moscow's supplies, however.

Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, has faced heating cuts and has been forced to halt almost all industrial production after Ukraine halted the transit of Russian gas.

Transnistria's first deputy prime minister, Sergei Obolonik, said it was "too early" to say how the situation would play out but that the region risked "irreversible" changes if the problem wasn't resolved quickly, per Reuters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The problem is so extensive that if it is not resolved for a long time, we will already have irreversible changes - that is, enterprises will lose their ability to start up," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Slovakia could take retaliatory measures against Ukraine after Kyiv halted the flow of Russian gas through its territory, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned.

In a video message posted to Facebook Thusday, Fico suggested his Smer party could cut its electricity supplies to Ukraine, as well as reducing aid to Ukrainian refugees.

Slovakia exported 2.4 million megawatt hours of electricity to Ukraine in the first 11 months of 2024, Reuters reported, citing data from the countrys grid operator, helping the war-torn country meet shortages caused by Russian bombing of its energy infrastructure.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On New Years Day, Ukraine made good on its promise to halt the transport of Russian gas to Europe through its territory after a key deal with Moscow expired. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as one of Moscows greatest defeats.

Fico described the ending of Russian gas flows as sabotage by Zelensky and said a Slovak delegation would discuss the situation in Brussels next Tuesday. After that, he said, his ruling coalition would consider retaliation.

I declare (my Smer-SSD party) are ready to debate and agree in the coalition on halting supplies of electricity and on significant lowering of support for Ukrainian citizens in Slovakia, Fico said.

The only alternative for a sovereign Slovakia is renewal of transit or demanding compensation mechanisms that will replace the loss in public finances of nearly 500 million euros.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tensions between Kyiv and Bratislava have escalated in recent days, with Fico warning on Wednesday that the halting of Russian gas flows via Ukraine would have a drastic impact on the European Union but not on Russia.

Fico had previously argued that the end of the deal would lead to higher gas and electricity prices in Europe.

After putting an end to Russian gas flows to Europe via its territory, Ukraine now faces a loss of some $800 million a year in transit fees from Russia, while Kremlin-owned gas giant Gazprom will lose close to $5 billion in gas sales, according to Reuters.

On December 22, Fico was hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, marking a rare visit to the Kremlin by an EU leader since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ficos views on Russias war on Ukraine vary greatly from those of the majority of European leaders. Since returning to power in 2023, Fico has ended his countrys military aid to Ukraine and pledged to block Ukraine from joining NATO. He has also been critical of EU sanctions on Russia.

CNNs Kosta Gak, Alex Stambaugh and Anna Cooban contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Angered by Ukraine's transit stoppage for Russian gas, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico is threatening to take measures against Ukrainian refugees.

Speaking in the capital Bratislava on Thursday, Fico said he would discuss with his coalition the possibility of reducing support for Ukrainians in Slovakia. He did not specify details.

Fico also repeated the threat that Slovakia could stop electricity deliveries to neighbouring Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

War-torn Ukraine, attacked by Moscow in February 2022, allowed its contract with the Russian energy giant Gazprom for the transit of Russian gas westward to expire at the end of 2024. Slovakia is among those affected, though most other EU countries are prepared for the long-announced move.

Fico: Slovakia loses 500 million annually

Slovakia incurs a loss of 500 million ($513 million) in transit fees annually due to the halt, Fico said in a Facebook video. His country is demanding compensation. Fico calculated that EU states would have to pay 60 billion to 70 billion more annually without Russian gas, in the form of higher gas and electricity prices.

The Slovakian leader accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of sabotage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Russia is practically unaffected by this. Only the United States will benefit from President Zelensky's decision due to increased gas exports to Europe," Fico asserted. Slovakia will first discuss solutions in Brussels, and then internally within the coalition and government.

The left-populist head of government has repeatedly criticized Ukraine's pro-Western policies. Before Christmas, he caused outrage in Ukraine with a visit to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Slow Down Sacramento hosts vigil for lives lost

(FOX40.COM)  A Sacramento group is shining a light on a tragic issue affecting families across the city. Slow Down Sacramento hosted its first vigil, Sacramento Remembers, to honor lives lost to traffic accidents and push for safer streets.

The vigil was held at Fremont Park on Thursday, January 2, 2024, featuring dozens of candles lit in memory of the 32 people who lost their lives in traffic accidents in Sacramento this past year.

Pedestrians hit by pickup truck in San Joaquin County: 1 dead, 1 injured

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are here to remember these individuals because they are not just statistics, they are people, said Isaac Gonzalez, founder of Slow Down Sacramento.

The group is advocating for the Sacramento City Council to fund recommendations aimed at making streets safer, including better pedestrian crossings, lower speed limits, and improved infrastructure.

Among those in attendance was Erika Pringle, who lost her brother Andrew to a distracted driver in April 2023. She brought personal items belonging to Andrew, including his skateboard and a keepsake bear made from his t-shirts, as a tribute to his memory.

Andrew was a free spirit, an animal lover, and a family man. The world is darker without him, Pringle shared.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Advocates hope this vigil will become an annual tradition, reminding the community of the importance of traffic safety.

For more information about Slow Down Sacramento and its efforts, visit slowdownsacramento.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 FOX40.
AUSTIN (Texas Tribune)  A multi-year fight over whether Southern Methodist University can separate itself from the United Methodist Church is heading to Texas highest court this month.

The Texas Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in a lawsuit between the 12,000-student private university in Dallas and the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church on Jan. 15.

In 2019, SMU leadership changed its articles of incorporation and declared that its board of trustees was the ultimate authority over the university, not the United Methodist Church. The universitys articles of incorporation detail how the university is governed and by whom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The universitys decision to update the documents and assert the boards sole control over the school came during a tumultuous time in the Methodist churchs history. In 2019, members endorsed a ban on LGBTQ+ clergy and prohibited pastors from performing same-sex unions. It sparked a massive clash within the church, prompting thousands of conservative churches who were tired of the fight to disaffiliate and start their own more conservative church, now called the Global Methodist Church.

SMU President R. Gerald Turner told The Dallas Morning News at the time the university was trying to break away before the church made any decisions about how to divide so it could continue to educate everybody from all Methodist denominations and from other denominations, and people who dont believe at all. He added that he did not want the universitys Perkins School of Theology to be only associated with one sect of Methodism.

Shortly after the boards decision, the Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church sued the SMU, arguing that the university didnt have the authority to update the language in the articles of incorporation and that the conference had to approve the schools departure.

The Methodist Church says it founded SMU in 1911 when it designated 133 acres of land for the university. In their original lawsuit, church officials argued that the articles of incorporation permanently grant the church various rights, including the ability to block amendments to the documents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Put simply, the trustees of SMU had and have no authority to amend the Articles of Incorporation without the prior approval and authorization of SCJC, the lawsuit stated.

The churchs South Central Jurisdiction covers eight states, including Texas. According to its website, it owns SMU, Lydia Patterson Institute, a K-12 school largely serving Hispanic students in El Paso and Saint Paul School of Theology.

In 2021, a district judge ruled in favor of SMU, dismissing the churchs claims. In 2023, Texas Fifth Court of Appeals reversed the decision, agreeing with the conference that it was in charge of SMU and had standing to sue.

A spokesperson for SMU said the university does not comment on pending litigation. Jeffrey Parsons, a lawyer representing the conference, did not respond to a request for comment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier this year, the congregations that remained in the United Methodist Church after the split passed measures to remove some of its anti-LGBTQ+ policies, including the ban on LGBTQ+ clergy and a ban on pastors who perform same-sex unions.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Who doesnt, on a cold Tacoma day, want to say, screw it, Im moving to Hawaii. Cats might, too, if they could figure out how to buy an airline ticket.

One Tacoma cat has almost done that.

A black and white house cat moved into W.W. Seymour Conservatory on Monday and staff there arent sure how to get it out.

Or even if they want to.

The Victorian greenhouse at Wright Park was closed Monday, but the doors were left open for a few minutes while new poinsettias were delivered. Metro Parks Tacoma grew 2,600 of the plants this year, according to horticultural specialist Joseph Gabbamonte.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Monday is also when Gabbamonte first noticed something amiss in the otherwise quiet conservatory,

I was watering in the dome area and it startled me at first, because we were closed, he said of a sudden movement of foliage. I just thought, oh, someones in here and then I saw the cat actually run by. And then it took me a good hour and a half to find it.

The cat was clearly not into making human friends and still isnt. Most visitors didnt even see it on Thursday, the first day the 1908 greenhouse was opened since Sunday. Gabbamonte thinks the feline is getting a little less nervous around people but it still spends most of its day watching visitors from behind tropical leaves.

The staff have been setting out water and food for it.

Black and white

While the open door theory is leading the speculation of how the cat entered the building, Gabbamonte isnt totally convinced.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Whats really strange is two people the day before both said, you guys really need a cat in here, he said. And another lady came in, you guys should really get a cat.

The black and white cat has a distinctive toothbrush mustache, making it look like a feline Charlie Chaplin. A darker mind might liken it to Adolf Hitler. Gabbamonte suggests a likeness to Marilyn Monroe. For her beauty mark, he explained.

The cat likes to explore the space, he said, but mostly it hides in the foliage. And the foliage, from banana trees to orchids, is thick. Its easy to see why people get pounced on by hungry tigers in a real jungle.

The W.W. Seymour Conservatory, on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Tacoma.

Lost and found

Seymour staff have been looking for missing cat posters in the area and scouring the internet. But, so far, no one has reported a missing mustached cat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gabbamonte realizes anyone could come in and claim the cat was theirs but the shy cat will have, presumably, the final say in that reunion.

Until then, the cat is staying put.

I wouldnt mind having a cat here, he said. I think a lot of people would enjoy it.

So would the cat, apparently. Its usually pretty warm in here, places in the sun, Gabbamonte said.

Several visitors to the conservatory Thursday agreed with Gabbamonte.

Were 100 percent pro cat, no matter where you are, said Shelly Sherwood of Tacoma.

Some people will say, Im allergic, but if you dont tell them, they wont even know, said her friend, Heidi Asplund of Burien.

Jungle dangers

Its not all a bed of roses inside Seymour for the cat. Poison dart frogs watch from inside a secure vivarium. But even if they did escape, the frogs wouldnt be a danger to the urban jungle cat because they dont eat the native flora that make them toxic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The conservatorys fish pond could give the feline an unanticipated dunk but cats are known for their four-legged deftness. Any fishing expedition would probably end in a stand-off. The koi are as big as the cat.

Some visitors voiced a concern for the cat living in an environment with potentially toxic plants. But theres not much to worry about, Gabbamonte said. The most dangerous plants to cats  lilies  arent grown in Seymour. And cats arent dumb. They know which plants to avoid.

I have a cat and I have 200 house plants, he said.

If the cat ends up staying, it wont be the greenhouses first. At least two cats lived there for several years in the past few decades. The most recent was eventually adopted by a Metro Parks employee when the conservatory underwent a renovation in 2003, according to manager Tyra Shenaurlt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Seymour allows both cat and dog visitors, she said. Shes open to having a resident cat although she harbors one fear.

This cat might have found its way in to have babies in the conservatory, she said. When we had juncos take up residency every year for four years, it caused us so much anxiety, especially when the little suckers started fledging.
ABILENE, Texas (KRBC/KTAB)  As we approach colder weather next week, the likelihood of winter precipitation remains low, but temperatures will drop significantly, making winter weather safety a top priority.

Here are some essential safety tips to remember as we prepare for these frigid conditions. Well focus on the 4 Ps protection for you, your pets, your pipes, and your plants.

1. Protect Yourself: In extreme cold, minimizing time outdoors is crucial to avoid frostbite or hypothermia. Be sure to dress in layers and wear hats, gloves, and scarves. If you have vulnerable loved ones, especially the elderly, check on them to ensure they stay warm and safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

2. Protect Your Pets: Our pets are just as susceptible to the cold as we are, so its important to keep them indoors when possible. If they must go outside, limit their exposure to the cold and ensure they have a warm, dry place to retreat. If you have pets outdoors, consider bringing them inside during extreme cold spells.

3. Protect Your Pipes: Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst. To prevent this, ensure outdoor pipes are insulated and leave cabinet doors open indoors to expose pipes to the warmth of your home and allow them to drip. If you have an irrigation system, disconnect the hoses and turn off the water supply to your sprinklers.

4. Protect Your Plants: If you have outdoor plants, know their temperature thresholds and take action to protect them from the cold. Cover plants with frost blankets or other coverings to help retain heat and shield them from freezing temperatures.

While all this happens during the week, travel will still be a priority as kids head back to school and many people go about their daily routines. While the chance of precipitation is still low, if any does occur, the roads may be icy in the mornings as the overnight freeze defrosts. Here are some tips for safer driving:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Monitor Road Conditions: Monitor local news and weather reports for the latest updates and stay informed through the Texas Department of Transportation for real-time road conditions.

Drive Cautiously: If roads look wet, proceed with caution. Slow down, avoid using cruise control, and leave extra space between your vehicle and others to allow for stopping distance. Also, be aware of black ice, which can be disguised by dark pavement.

Following these safety tips can help protect yourself, your family, and your property during these colder temperatures. To stay updated on the latest, download the BCH-To-Go App, where you can find more information.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yesterday, we shared the exciting possibility of snow in our forecast. If you missed it, you could check out that update here. Since then, new data has continued to roll in. Lets dive into whats changed and what to expect now.

Recap of Yesterdays Forecast

The previous update discussed how an arctic front and incoming moisture might team up to develop snowflakes across the Big Country. At that time, the temperatures were the key uncertainty.

Todays Update: Whats New?

Timing: The cold air is still expected to reach portions of the Big Country as early as Sunday evening, January 5; however, the moisture, if willing, is expected to arrive on Wednesday, January 8, and Thursday, January 9.

Snow or Rain? According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are trending to be below normal, but there is still uncertainty on how cold they will drop. There is about a 65% chance that moisture will not be present. If that happens, we will see neither rain nor snow. On the flip side, there is a 35% chance that moisture will become more evident; however, if that happens, there is still a 50/50 chance we see snow or rain.

Whats Next?

As always, winter weather forecasts can evolve and change very rapidly. Be sure to stay tuned for further updates. Well continue to analyze new data and model runs as they get released. Stay warm and stay informed.

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.
Cold fronts are heading for Florida, bringing a blast of arctic temperatures to the region. But will there be snow and could it affect one of the state's top tourist destinations?

Many forecasters currently don't think it is likely that snow will fall in the Sunshine State as multiple cold fronts move through the region in the next week or so.

However, some forecasters believe there is a slight chance for some Florida residents to see snowfall, should conditions be favorable enough.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"If the blast is intense enough during the second week of January, then its possible some people in Florida can see some snowflakes," said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Michael Doll, according to USA Today.

Related: Polar Vortex to Bring 'Frigid' Temperatures to the U.S.  How Cold Could It Get in Your Area?

The first cold front moves in on Friday, Jan. 3, triggering a rapid, but short, cooling trend leading into Saturday, Jan. 4, according to the National Weather Service.

A second strong cold front will move in around the middle of next week. But the NWS said they believe conditions will remain mostly dry across South Florida.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is possible that some of the coldest temperatures to date could be experienced if this were to fully materialize and follow current model trends, the agency said.

Cold temperatures could last in Florida through Saturday, Jan. 11, and Sunday, Jan. 12, according to The Palm Beach Post. Temperatures in some areas could dip into the teens in northern parts of the state and 20s in central communities.

The cold temperatures and possibly snow could even cause some parks at Walt Disney World to shut down, according to fan site Inside the Magic.

Meteorologists are reportedly unsure if it will snow in Central Florida, but it hasn't been ruled out. If it did snow, it would mark the first time since 1977 that snow fell (less than 1 inch) in the Orlando area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: Stranded Heart Transplant Patient Rescued in N.Y. Snowstorm and Flown to Cleveland Clinic: Thats My Mom You Saved!

Though unlikely, snow could form during the latter part of the cold snap. A low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico could muster up enough moisture to help bring snow to the region, according to CW affiliate WJXT.

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.

But with a week until the chance for snow, meteorologists warn there is still time for the forecast to change.



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Related: Hawaii Faces Extreme Cold Front and Winter Storm Warnings Weeks After Mauna Loa Eruption

What is certain, however, is that these cold fronts will usher in what "will likely be the coolest in terms of low temperatures that South Florida has experienced thus far this winter to date, according to the NWS.

Snow is not unheard of in the Panhandle and North Florida. Snow fell in the Panhandle almost exactly a year ago, according to Fox affiliate WOFL.

The last measurable snow fell in Florida in January 2014, USA Today reported.

Snow has not fallen in South Florida since 1977, when snow was measured there for the first time, according to The Palm Beach Post and WOFL.

Read the original article on People
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The tranches of RIBridges data released onto the dark web this week included several databases of peoples personal information tied to Social Security Administration programs, a review by Target 12 has discovered.

The databases included the names of hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders, along with what appear to be Social Security numbers, employment details, financial data and even family relations dating back until at least 2017.

One file alone contained the names and other personal information of more than 118,000 people, although there appeared to be some duplicates on the list. Gov. Dan McKee has said the hack affected 650,000 people overall, equivalent to more than half the states population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The cybercriminal group Brain Cipher has taken responsibility for hacking RIBridges, a state IT system for health and benefits programs built and maintained by an outside contractor, Deloitte Consulting.

12 RESPONDS: How to protect your data after the cyberattack

The 10 gigabytes of data that Target 12 obtained and independently analyzed represented about 1% of the data Brain Cipher claimed to have stolen last month and then released on Monday. The group suggested it had 1 terabyte of material.

In a post on its website, Brain Cipher ridiculed the states and Deloittes IT security.

The only reason we did this is the fact that the time it took us to penetrate the infrastructure, and in particular the domain controller, was 5 minutes! the group wrote. How not to take advantage of such a moment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The databases reviewed by Target 12 were almost exclusively tied to Social Security, and they contained information thats collected and shared between governments to help determine eligibility for multiple programs, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid and cash assistance. (State officials have said the hack shouldnt affect peoples ability to receive their benefits.)

(Story continues below video.)

One database is designed to help the government determine whether noncustodial parents living out of state need to pay child support. Another included a list of inmates and is designed to help the government determine whether peoples benefits need to change once theyre behind bars.

Target 12 has learned the hackers were initially demanding a $23 million ransom in exchange for not releasing the data, which state leaders have said was a focus of negotiations between Brain Cipher and Deloitte.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It seems that it was easier to pay and calmly fix everything, Brain Cipher wrote on its website.

Its unclear whether any money changed hands. McKees office has referred all questions about the ransom to Deloitte. Company spokespeople have not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Generally, law enforcement and cybersecurity experts advise against paying ransoms.

You should never pay, said Patrick Laverty, a local cybersecurity expert. Ransoms help finance cybercriminals next attacks, and theres no guarantee after the money is paid that criminals wont end up posting the information anyway, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They say they wont release the data  I dont trust them, Laverty said.

The Target 12 review of databases shows peoples names, addresses, Social Security numbers, bank accounts, family members demographic information, income levels and employment details.

Although state officials have said the IT system at the R.I. Department of Labor and Training wasnt compromised as part of the hack, it appears some labor-related data was exposed.

One of the databases appears to include information shared between DLT and the National Directory of New Hires, which federal officials say includes the personal and financial data on every working American as well as those receiving unemployment insurance benefits.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The database is designed in part to identify any noncustodial parents living in other states to determine whether their wages should be garnished for child support.

Spokespeople for DLT and McKee declined to comment on any specific dataset exposed as part of the hack.

Other databases included the Low-Income Subsidy, which helps determine whether people are eligible for subsidies through Medicare. That database comprised names, spouses names, Social Security numbers, income levels, addresses and other personal details.

Also exposed was the Public Assistance Reporting Information System, which federal officials describe as being used to ensure program recipients arent also receiving public benefits in others states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other exposed databases used to help determine eligibility for different programs included the State Data Exchange, the Interim Assistance Reimbursement program, the SSA Prison Match, the State Verification and Exchange System, and Third-Party Liability for Medicaid Eligibility.

Third-Party Liability, or TLP, includes data showing whether beneficiaries have any third-party funding sources that might be legally required to pay out medical bills before money is spent by Medicaid or other needs-based programs, such as SSI. The review suggests peoples names, addresses and what appears to be private insurance numbers were exposed in the TPL database.

The Target 12 review didnt expand to other programs state officials have said were exposed as part of the hack. Those include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), HealthSource RI health insurance, Rhode Island Works, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), and AT HOME cost-sharing among others.

State leaders are urging Rhode Islanders to protect their personal data. 12 News has a full breakdown on what steps can be taken here.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook.

Tim White and Ted Nesi contributed to this report.

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Breaking News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
In my research focused on early farmers of Europe, I have often wondered about a curious pattern through time: Farmers lived in large dense villages, then dispersed for centuries, then later formed cities again, only to abandon those as well. Why?

Archaeologists often explain what we call urban collapse in terms of climate change, overpopulation, social pressures or some combination of these. Each likely has been true at different points in time.

But scientists have added a new hypothesis to the mix: disease. Living closely with animals led to zoonotic diseases that came to also infect humans. Outbreaks could have led dense settlements to be abandoned, at least until later generations found a way to organize their settlement layout to be more resilient to disease. In a new study, my colleagues and I analyzed the intriguing layouts of later settlements to see how they might have interacted with disease transmission.

CC BY-SA Modern excavations at what was once Catalhoyuk, where inhabitants lived in mud-brick houses that werent separated by paths or streets. Murat Ozsoy 1958/Wikimedia Commons

Earliest cities: Dense with people and animals

Catalhoyuk, in present-day Turkey, is the worlds oldest farming village, from over 9,000 years ago. Many thousands of people lived in mud-brick houses jammed so tightly together that residents entered via a ladder through a trapdoor on the roof. They even buried selected ancestors underneath the house floor. Despite plenty of space out there on the Anatolian Plateau, people packed in closely.

Homes at Catalhoyuk were so tightly packed that people entered through the roof and even buried some ancestors beneath the floor. Illustration by Kathryn Killackey and The Catalhoyuk Research Project

For centuries, people at Catalhoyuk herded sheep and cattle, cultivated barley and made cheese. Evocative paintings of bulls, dancing figures and a volcanic eruption suggest their folk traditions. They kept their well-organized houses tidy, sweeping floors and maintaining storage bins near the kitchen, located under the trapdoor to allow oven smoke to escape. Keeping clean meant they even replastered their interior house walls several times a year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These rich traditions ended by 6000 BCE, when Catalhoyuk was mysteriously abandoned. The population dispersed into smaller settlements out in the surrounding flood plain and beyond. Other large farming populations of the region had also dispersed, and nomadic livestock herding became more widespread. For those populations that persisted, the mud-brick houses were now separate, in contrast with the agglomerated houses of Catalhoyuk.

Was disease a factor in the abandonment of dense settlements by 6000 BCE?

At Catalhoyuk, archaeologists have found human bones intermingled with cattle bones in burials and refuse heaps. Crowding of people and animals likely bred zoonotic diseases at Catalhoyuk. Ancient DNA identifies tuberculosis from cattle in the region as far back as 8500 BCE and TB in human infant bones not long after. DNA in ancient human remains dates salmonella to as early as 4500 BCE. Assuming the contagiousness and virulence of Neolithic diseases increased through time, dense settlements such as Catalhoyuk may have reached a tipping point where the effects of disease outweighed the benefits of living closely together.

A new layout 2,000 years later

By about 4000 BCE, large urban populations had reappeared, at the mega-settlements of the ancient Trypillia culture, west of the Black Sea. Thousands of people lived at Trypillia mega-settlements such as Nebelivka and Maidanetske in whats now Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If disease was a factor in dispersal millennia before, how were these mega-settlements possible?

This time, the layout was different than at jam-packed Catalhoyuk: The hundreds of wooden, two-story houses were regularly spaced in concentric ovals. They were also clustered in pie-shaped neighborhoods, each with its own large assembly house. The pottery excavated in the neighborhood assembly houses has many different compositions, suggesting these pots were brought there by different families coming together to share food.

This layout suggests a theory. Whether the people of Nebelivka knew it or not, this lower-density, clustered layout could have helped prevent any disease outbreaks from consuming the entire settlement.

Archaeologist Simon Carrignon and I set out to test this possibility by adapting computer models from a previous epidemiology project that modeled how social-distancing behaviors affect the spread of pandemics. To study how a Trypillian settlement layout would disrupt disease spread, we teamed up with cultural evolution scholar Mike OBrien and with the archaeologists of Nebelivka: John Chapman, Bisserka Gaydarska and Brian Buchanan.

Simulating socially distanced neighborhoods

To simulate disease spread at Nebelivka, we had to make a few assumptions. First, we assumed that early diseases were spread through foods, such as milk or meat. Second, we assumed people visited other houses within their neighborhood more often than those outside of it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Would this neighborhood clustering be enough to suppress disease outbreaks? To test the effects of different possible rates of interaction, we ran millions of simulations, first on a network to represent clustered neighborhoods. We then ran the simulations again, this time on a virtual layout modeled after actual site plans, where houses in each neighborhood were given a higher chance of making contact with each other.

Simulations of disease spread at Nebelivka, for three different levels of cross-neighborhood interaction. On the map at bottom, the houses are colored by neighborhood. The parameter q captures how often household members visit neighborhoods outside their own (from left to right, rarely to frequently). More mixing results in more spread of infection. Simulations by Simon Carrignon, CC BY-SA

Based on our simulations, we found that if people visited other neighborhoods infrequently  like a fifth to a tenth as often as visiting other houses within their own neighborhood  then the clustering layout of houses at Nebelivka would have significantly reduced outbreaks of early foodborne diseases. This is reasonable given that each neighborhood had its own assembly house. Overall, the results show how the Trypillian layout could help early farmers live together in low-density urban populations, at a time when zoonotic diseases were increasing.

The residents of Nebilevka didnt need to have consciously planned for their neighborhood layout to help their population survive. But they may well have, as human instinct is to avoid signs of contagious disease. Like at Catalhoyuk, residents kept their houses clean. And about two-thirds of the houses at Nebelivka were deliberately burned at different times. These intentional periodic burns may have been a pest extermination tactic.

CC BY Re-creation of a Trypillian house-burning, with additional straw and wood necessary to burn hot enough to match archaeological evidence. Arheoinvest/Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

New cities and innovations

Some of the early diseases eventually evolved to spread by means other than bad foods. Tuberculosis, for instance, became airborne at some point. When the bacterium that causes plague, Yersinia pestis, became adapted to fleas, it could be spread by rats, which would not care about neighborhood boundaries.

Were new disease vectors too much for these ancient cities? The mega-settlements of Trypillia were abandoned by 3000 BCE. As at Catalhoyuk thousands of years before, people dispersed into smaller settlements. Some geneticists speculate that Trypillia settlements were abandoned due to the origins of plague in the region, about 5,000 years ago.

The first cities in Mesopotamia developed around 3500 BCE, with others soon developing in Egypt, the Indus Valley and China. These cities of tens of thousands were filled with specialized craftspeople in distinct neighborhoods.

This time around, people in the city centers werent living cheek by jowl with cattle or sheep. Cities were the centers of regional trade. Food was imported into the city and stored in large grain silos like the one at the Hittite capital of Hattusa, which could hold enough cereal grain to feed 20,000 people for a year. Sanitation was helped by public water works, such as canals in Uruk or water wells and a large public bath at the Indus city of Mohenjo Daro.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These early cities, along with those in China, Africa and the Americas, were the foundations of civilization. Arguably, their form and function were shaped by millennia of diseases and human responses to them, all the way back to the worlds earliest farming villages.

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: R. Alexander Bentley, University of Tennessee

Read more:



R. Alexander Bentley 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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Miami County man is behind bars after allegedly shooting and killing his father.

Daniel H. Davis, Jr. | Miami County Sheriffs Office

Around 6:54 p.m. on Dec. 31, Miami County sheriffs deputies were called to the 5000 block of Monroe-Concord Road in Union Township, Miami County. Deputies were reportedly sent to the location in reference to a shooting, according to the Miami County Sheriffs Office.

When officials arrived at the scene, they reportedly found a Daniel H. Davis, 54, who allegedly had been shot with a handgun. A medical helicopter flew Davis to a hospital in Montgomery County, where he died from his injuries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A preliminary investigation allegedly showed Davis had an argument with his son, Daniel H. Davis Jr., 22. Davis Jr. is accused of shooting his father and surrendered himself to arriving deputies without incident.

The 22-year-old has been charged with aggravated murder.

The sheriffs office reports the case will be handed to the Miami County Prosecuting Attorney for review. The investigation remains 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 WDTN.com.
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  It didnt take long for Rhode Island to welcome the states first baby of the new year.

A South County Hospital spokesperson told 12 News a baby boy was born there at 12:03 a.m. on New Years Day.

The baby boy, who weighs approximately 8 pounds, is the couples first child, according to a hospital spokesperson.

It was also the first time that the midwife who delivered him had ever done so for the states first baby of the new year, despite being on the job for more than 30 years, the spokesperson added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Close

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

This Week in Good News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
(Bloomberg) -- South Korean anti-corruption investigators failed to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after a nearly six-hour standoff with his security team on Friday, showing tensions remain high even after he has been suspended from his duties.

Most Read from Bloomberg

On a frigid day in Seoul, a team from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials backed by some 2,700 police officers surrounded Yoons residence in Seouls Yongsan district. His security team blocked investigators from executing the arrest warrant for insurrection related to Yoons brief imposition of martial law a month ago.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

With about a thousand protesters gathered outside his residence, the investigators called off their efforts at 1:30 p.m. local time due to safety concerns for personnel on site. Yoons representative called the arrest attempt illegal and vowed to take legal action. He had previously sought an injunction from the Constitutional Court, which is separately hearing his impeachment trial, to block the warrant.

Execution of the arrest warrant was virtually impossible due to the continued standoff, the Corruption Investigation Office said in a statement on Friday. Future measures will be decided after a review. We express our deepest regret over the suspects refusal to comply with legal procedures.

The attempt to arrest Yoon came after he refused multiple requests to appear for questioning over his actions on Dec. 3, when he declared martial law for roughly six hours in an episode that shocked the nation and the world. While the Constitutional Court is proceeding with hearings on whether to confirm his impeachment and kick him out of office, a process expected to take weeks or months, authorities are concurrently investigating criminal charges for insurrection.

The CIO will review the situation and decide whether to try arresting Yoon again, YTN reported, citing a briefing by the agency on Friday afternoon. The court-issued warrant will expire by the end of Monday, after which investigators can decide if they want to apply for a new one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police had earlier deployed about 2,700 officers near Yoons residence, according to Yonhap News, as his supporters gathered to block the countrys first-ever attempt to arrest a sitting president. Police estimates put the number of demonstrators at around 1,200, Yonhap said.

Protesters were chanting Disband CIO in reference to the investigating agency. Some were shouting Arrest Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader seen as a top contender to take power if Yoon is removed from office.

Yoons lawyer said in a statement that the CIO doesnt have the authority to investigate insurrection and that its trying to forcefully execute arrest and search warrants by mobilizing police troops. The lawyer accused investigators of trespassing and attempting an unlawful arrest and detention.

Yoons representatives have been challenging the investigators authority based on the CIO act that regulates the watchdogs operation. Insurrection is not included in the list of crimes that the corruption agency can investigate under the law but a clause says that it can look into crimes related to abuse of power. The CIO has said it will investigate Yoons insurrection case based on the clause.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We have legitimate court-issued arrest and search warrants over allegations of abuse of power and insurrection. I understand debate over our investigation right has ended with that court decision, Oh Dong-woon, head of the CIO, earlier said, referring to the warrants issued by the Seoul Western District Court.

South Korean criminal suspects can seek a review after they are arrested but there are no legal grounds to appeal the courts initial decision before the arrest warrant is executed.

Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, urged the CIO to attempt Yoons arrest again immediately. He said that anyone obstructing law enforcement should be arrested on the spot for hindering their duties.

South Korea has been in a political crisis since Yoons martial law declaration, which he swiftly repealed after lawmakers raced to parliament and voted to overturn the measure. The move rattled financial markets, hurt the local currency and disrupted diplomatic efforts. Its also weighed on the economy, prompting the government to cut its 2025 growth forecast to 1.8% from 2.2%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But financial markets largely ignored Fridays drama, with the benchmark Kospi stock index rising 1.8% on Friday, following five consecutive sessions of declines. The won, which rose as much as 0.5% against the dollar during the day, was trading little changed at 5:56 p.m.

After Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who briefly stepped in as acting president, was impeached as well. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is now the interim leader.

The impact of the martial law and the presidents impeachment are already fully priced in, Jung In Yun, chief executive officer of Fibonacci Asset Management Global, said in a Bloomberg TV interview. Korean stocks, he said, are very cheap right now.

Yoon has signaled his intent to fight in court to stay in office, saying his martial law decree was within his constitutional powers. Hes facing a trial that will decide whether he will be reinstated or permanently removed from office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Constitutional Court, which has until June to make a ruling, said the impeachment trial will officially start on Jan. 14. Choi has appointed two new judges, increasing the likelihood of a decision to finalize Yoons removal.

Lawmaker Jung Chung-rai of the Democratic Party, who is representing parliament at the impeachment trial, said Yoons resistance to abide by the law shows his insurrection attempt is still ongoing.

Were experiencing once again today that arresting and detaining insurrection suspect Yoon Suk Yeol and removing him from office through a swift trial at the Constitutional Court is absolutely necessary to stabilize the country, Chung told reporters as he arrived at the Constitutional Court in Seoul.

As the political turmoil deepens, the country is dealing with the aftermath of a Jeju Air flight crash over the weekend, which killed all but two of the 181 people onboard. Choi has declared a week-long mourning period until Jan. 4.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

--With assistance from Shinhye Kang, Adrian Leung, Shadab Nazmi, Youkyung Lee, Abhishek Vishnoi and Jaehyun Eom.

(Adds background on debate over investigation rights)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
By Hyunjoo Jin

SEOUL (Reuters) -GE Aerospace, whose joint venture made the engines of the Boeing airplane that crashed in the deadliest aviation disaster on South Korean soil, joined the investigation as Seoul extended by a week special inspections of all 101 Boeing 737-800 jets.

The transport ministry extended to Jan.10 its inspections following the crash of a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air that killed 179 people, Joo Jong-wan, the deputy transport minister for civil aviation, told a press briefing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Investigators are in the process of probing the cause of the accident by piecing together a puzzle," Joo added.

The inspections had initially been set to wrap up on Friday, but another ministry official said further checks would look into matters such as whether airlines spent sufficient time on maintenance and secured parts for repairs.

Video images on social media appear to show smoke emerging from the plane's right engine in the lead-up to the crash.

Sunday's flight from Bangkok to the southwestern county of Muan belly-landed and overshot the runway at the regional airport, exploding into flames after hitting an embankment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The ministry has said it would examine engines, maintenance records and landing gear on all 737-800s, with serious violations leading to suspension of an airline's operations.

The plane's engines are produced by GE Aerospace's CFM International joint venture with Safran. A media representative for GE Aerospace did not immediately respond to Reuters' emailed question about the investigation.

The addition of a GE representative takes to 23 the size of the investigation team, including 12 Korean investigators and U.S. representatives from Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

While the cause of the disaster is still unclear, the crash could add to headaches faced by Boeing as the planemaker battles to restore the trust of customers following two fatal 737 MAX crashes, a mid-air panel blowout, and a seven-week strike.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unanswered questions include why the aircraft did not deploy its landing gear and what led the pilot to apparently rush into a second attempt at landing after telling air traffic control the plane had suffered a bird strike and declaring an emergency.

South Korea's investigation team said two of its members would leave for the United States with the flight data recorder recovered on Monday to analyse the critical data with the NTSB.

Joo expected investigators to finish transcribing the cockpit voice recording from the doomed aircraft in the next several days, making a decision later on disclosure of the transcript.

The ministry also held an emergency meeting with the chief executives of 11 airlines, including top-ranked Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines, to discuss ways to beef up aviation safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok urged investigators on Friday to work swiftly to collect evidence from the crash scene and analyse data from the cockpit voice recorder.

On Thursday, police said they were searching Jeju Air and the operator of Muan International Airport. They banned the airline's chief executive, Kim E-bae, and an unidentified official from leaving the country.

Investigators also plan a special inspection of the location and materials of the airport landing system at airports elsewhere in South Korea by Jan. 8.

Safety experts said the embankment, designed to prop up the navigation system that helps pilots make safe descents, was too rigid and too close to the end of the runway.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators will analyse data on 107 mobile phones recovered from the crash site, including text messages, for clues to what happened before the crash, Yonhap News said.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, Additional reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Sonali Paul and Clarence Fernandez)
South Koreas presidential guards and military troops prevented authorities from arresting Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president, on Friday in a tense six-hour stand-off inside his compound in the heart of Seoul.

Mr Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection over his Dec 3 martial law bid that stunned South Korea and led to the first arrest warrant to be issued for a sitting president.

It was judged that it was virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant due to the ongoing standoff, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said in a statement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The CIO officials and police evaded hundreds of Yoon supporters who gathered in the pre-dawn hours near his residence on Friday, vowing to block the arrest with our lives.

Some chanted president Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people, and called for the head of the CIO to be arrested.

Officials from the CIO, which is leading a joint team of investigators into possible insurrection charges related to Mr Yoons brief declaration of martial law, arrived at the gates of the presidential compound shortly after 7am (10pm GMT on Thursday) and entered on foot.

Aerial pictures taken over the compound showed that the gates had been blocked by a coach parked across the road.

Once inside the compound, the CIO and police were outnumbered by cordons of Presidential Security Service (PSS) personnel, as well as military troops seconded to presidential security, a CIO official told reporters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More than 200 PSS agents and soldiers formed several layers of human chains to block the CIO and police, the official added. While there were altercations and PSS agents appeared to be carrying firearms, no weapons were drawn in the stand-off, the official said.

Investigators arrive at Mr Yoons home in Seoul - GETTY IMAGES

Security personnel block the road with vehicles inside the compound of the presidential residence in Seoul - AFP

Mr Yoon, who has been isolated since he was impeached and suspended from power on Dec 14, was not seen during the stand-off, he said.

South Koreas ministry of national defence said the troops were under the control of the PSS.

The CIO called off the effort to arrest Mr Yoon around 1.30 pm because of concerns over the safety of its personnel because of obstruction and said it deeply regretted Mr Yoons attitude of non-compliance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The CIO said it would consider its next steps. The police, who are part of the joint investigation team, have designated the PSS chief and the deputy as suspects in a criminal case for obstruction of official duty and issued summons for them to appear for questioning on Saturday, Yonhap news reported.

Insurrection is one of the few criminal charges from which a South Korean president does not have immunity.

Vehicles carrying CIO staff try to get through the congested streets outside Mr Yoons house - AP

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Yoons arrest warrant, approved by a court on Tuesday after he ignored multiple summons to appear for questioning, is viable until Jan 6.

In a statement after the arrest effort was suspended, Mr Yoons legal team said the CIO had no authority to investigate insurrection and it was regrettable that it had tried to forcibly execute an illegal and invalid arrest and search warrant in a sensitive security area.

The statement warned police against supporting the arrest effort.

The interim head of Mr Yoons People Power Party welcomed the suspension and said the investigation must be carried out without detaining Mr Yoon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The current warrant gives investigators only 48 hours to hold Mr Yoon after he is arrested. Investigators must then decide whether to request a detention warrant or release him.

Mr Yoon sent shockwaves through Asias fourth-largest economy and one of the regions most vibrant democracies with his late-night announcement that he was imposing martial law to overcome political deadlock and root out anti-state forces.

Thousands of Mr Yoons supporters turn out - GETTY IMAGES

Anti-Yoon protesters clash with police - Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS

Within hours, however, 190 lawmakers had defied the cordons of troops and police to vote against Mr Yoons order. About six hours after his initial decree, Mr Yoon rescinded it.

He later issued a defiant defence of his decision, saying domestic political opponents are sympathetic to North Korea and citing uncorroborated claims of election tampering.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two South Korean military officials, including army chief Park An-su who was named martial law commander during the short-lived declaration, have been indicted after being detained by prosecutors investigating insurrection charges, Yonhap reported on Friday.

Protesters shout during a rally - Lee Jin-man/AP

Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned as Mr Yoons defence minister after playing a major role in the martial law decree, has been detained and was indicted last week on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

Separate from the criminal investigation, his impeachment case is currently before the Constitutional Court to decide whether to reinstate or permanently remove him. A second hearing in that case was held on Friday and the court set the first oral arguments for Jan 14.

Bae Jin-han, one of the lawyers for Mr Yoon, told reporters that Mr Yoon may not appear for the first arguments but will likely do so at a future hearing to argue his position.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
SEOUL, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- South Korean anti-corruption officials and police withdrew from an attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence Friday after an hours-long standoff with the presidential security detail.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials arrived early Friday morning to execute an arrest warrant for insurrection and abuse of power allegations following Yoon's short-lived declaration of martial law on Dec. 3.

However, the CIO said that it suspended efforts at roughly 1:30 p.m. after failing to gain access to the residence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We judged that it was virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant, and we stopped the execution due to concerns about the safety of on-site personnel," the CIO said in a message to reporters. "We will decide on future measures after review."

"We deeply regret the attitude of the suspect who did not comply with the procedures in accordance with the law," the statement added.

Protesters have echoed Yoon's unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, with many carrying "Stop the Steal" signs alongside U.S. and South Korean flags. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI

A CIO official later told reporters that a team of 20 CIO personnel and 80 police officers were unable to pass a blockade of vehicles and roughly 200 members of the Presidential Security Service.

"I understand there were scuffles big and small at each stage," the official said, according to news agency Yonhap.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The opposition Democratic Party, which led the successful impeachment motion against Yoon on Dec. 14, called suspending the execution of the arrest warrant "very regrettable."

"[Yoon's] statement that he would fulfill his legal and political responsibilities was a blatant lie," floor leader Park Chan-dae said in a statement. "The most urgent task for overcoming the crisis facing our country is to quickly arrest the leader of the rebellion. The longer we delay, the more the damage will snowball."

A South Korean court authorized a warrant Tuesday for Yoon's arrest, and officials said they planned to take him to the CIO's headquarters in Gwacheon for questioning before detaining him at the Seoul Detention Center.

The CIO has until Monday to execute the warrant before it expires. If the deadline passes, they can apply for a new warrant.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Large crowds of conservative supporters have gathered near Yoon's residence in Seoul's Hannam-dong neighborhood since the warrant was issued. Late Wednesday night, Yoon sent a defiant message to the crowd, vowing to "fight to the end to protect this country."

"The Republic of Korea is now in danger due to the forces of encroachment on sovereignty and anti-state forces both inside and outside the country," Yoon wrote in a letter. "I will fight to the end to protect this country with you."

Yoon claimed that he declared martial law to protect the public from the "pro-North Korea anti-state forces" in the Democratic Party that have obstructed his agenda and paralyzed the government. He has also frequently repeated unsubstantiated election fraud claims and recently said that there was evidence of a North Korean hacking attack on the National Election Commission.

Supporters have echoed Yoon's claims, with many carrying "Stop the Steal" signs alongside South Korean and American flags. Protesters, whose numbers swelled Friday afternoon into the thousands, cheered after news of the CIO's withdrawal broke.

Anti-Yoon counter-protesters, led by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, announced an overnight vigil Friday calling for the impeached president's arrest.
The News

South Korean police were forced to abandon an attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday after a six-hour standoff with his security guards and supporters.

The 150 police officers involved were dramatically outnumbered, first by backers of Yoon who had gathered outside the former presidents residence and then by a human wall of security inside the building, the BBC reported. Law enforcement officials said that Yoons refusal of the legal process is deeply regrettable, and next steps will be decided after a review.

Yoon had already ignored three police summonses as part of an investigation into his brief declaration of martial law in December. Since then, South Korea has been in political freefall: Yoon and his acting successor were both impeached, and the countrys reputation as a stable democracy in East Asia has been damaged.

SIGNALS

Failed arrest attempt raises questions about South Korean leadership

Source: BBC

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

South Korean politics is in uncharted territory the BBC wrote. Its the first time that a sitting president has faced arrest, and police officers failure to do so raises serious and uncomfortable questions about whos in charge here. Some analysts argued that Yoon anticipated his current situation and prepared for it: The president had appointed several allies into positions of power, including the head of the presidential security service who joined in September. Acting President Choi Sang-mok could now order the presidential security service to step down. But a failure to do so will likely lead to his impeachment as well, one Korea expert told the BBC.

Seoul tries to maintain diplomatic ties

Sources: Reuters, Yonhap News Agency

Choi emphasized South Koreas unwavering commitment to long-time ally the US on Friday. He also reiterated Seouls interest in strengthening ties with Japan: An improvement in this long-strained relationship in recent months was seen as a top foreign policy success for both the Yoon and the Biden administrations. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is likely to visit Seoul next week, a diplomatic source told Yonhap News Agency, and the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia will be high on the agenda. Concerns have grown that South Koreas domestic turmoil could undermine Seouls policy coordination with Washington on issues such as the threat from Pyongyang, the agency wrote.
SEOUL, South Korea  South Korean authorities tried and failed Friday to carry out an unprecedented arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched attempt to declare martial law in a dramatic standoff at the presidential residence where Yoon has been staying since he was impeached last month.

Investigators and police officers began leaving Yoons official residence in central Seoul around 1:30 p.m. local time (11:30 p.m. Thursday ET), more than five hours after they first passed through the steel gates.

They said they had suspended the execution of the arrest warrant for the day because we have concluded that it is impossible to execute it today, citing safety concerns as they were blocked by Yoons presidential security detail.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is to our extreme regret that the suspect did not respond to the legal proceedings, a joint team of investigators said in a statement.

The warrant, which a court issued on Tuesday, does not expire until Monday and officials could try to execute it again before then.

They are seeking to detain Yoon for questioning on possible charges of insurrection, one of the few crimes for which South Korean presidents do not have immunity. Officials would then have to apply for a separate court warrant in order to formally indict and continue to hold him.

Thousands of police officers arrived at the compound on Friday, a month to the day after Yoons short-lived declaration of martial law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition to Yoons security detail, they faced a growing crowd of Yoons conservative supporters outside the residence who were trying to form a human shield to protect him from arrest, some of whom waved American flags in a show of support for the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

Inside the compound, investigators said, they faced resistance from about 200 security service agents and soldiers who were guarding the area in layers. They said Yoons lawyers reiterated their position that the warrant was illegal and that the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which is leading the joint investigation team, does not have authority over the police.

The Presidential Security Service, which has also blocked investigators from searching Yoons office and residence in recent weeks, told NBC News that it was required by law to protect the president, including from anyone entering the premises to execute warrants.

Yoon supporters near the presidential residence in Seoul on Thursday.

South Koreas Joint Investigation Headquarters said Friday afternoon that presidential security chief Park Jong-joon had been summoned for questioning over obstruction of special official duties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The main opposition Democratic Party criticized the actions of the presidential security detail and said Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas second acting president since Yoons impeachment on Dec. 14, should take decisive action to ensure Yoons arrest.

Anyone who stands in the way of Yoons arrest should be considered accomplices in the insurrection, said Park Chan-dae, the partys floor leader.

Though Yoon, 64, is not the first South Korean president to be impeached, he would be the East Asian democracys first sitting president to be arrested. He has been suspended from presidential duties since his impeachment pending a Constitutional Court trial to determine whether it should be upheld.

The court, which held a second hearing Friday, said that oral arguments would begin Jan. 14. The court has 180 days to make a ruling on Yoons impeachment, which if confirmed would trigger a presidential by-election within 60 days.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yoons lawyers said Friday that he is ready to abide by the law as long as it is the rightful due process of law.

Yoon, who took office in 2022 for a single five-year term, has struggled to advance his legislative agenda against the opposition-controlled parliament.

In a surprise late-night address on Dec. 3, he accused anti-state forces of paralyzing the government and sympathizing with communist North Korea and declared emergency martial law, which included a ban on all political activity.

He lifted the order about six hours later after lawmakers voted unanimously to reject it.

Though Yoon has apologized for the martial law declaration, he has repeatedly defied summonses to appear for questioning in the criminal investigation, saying it was within his power as president to issue the order, South Koreas first since 1980.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The episode has deeply shaken South Korea, which has a long history of military-authoritarian rule but has since transitioned into one of Asias most vibrant democracies and the worlds 10th-largest economy.

A Gallup Korea poll released Dec. 13 found Yoon had an approval rating of 11%, down from 19% before the martial law declaration.

Yoon still has some supporters, however, thousands of whom have gathered outside the presidential residence in recent days. Some waving American flags argued that Yoon and his conservative People Power Party are more supportive of the U.S. alliance than the liberal Democratic Party, which they accused of being friendlier toward China and North Korea.

Others held signs adopting a slogan associated with President-elect Donald Trumps false claims of election fraud in 2020, Stop the Steal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kang Minwoo, a 30-year-old office worker, said the suspension of the arrest warrant on Friday was a victory for Yoon supporters like him.

We need to continue to protect the president because it is not over yet, said Kang, whose voice was hoarse from shouting at the protest all night. I am planning to stay here over the weekend.

In a letter to the protesters late Wednesday, Yoon said he had been watching their efforts via YouTube.

Thank you so much and I feel sad, he wrote, adding that he worried for their health in the bitterly cold weather.

Yoon, who was once the countrys chief prosecutor, said South Korea was in danger because of efforts by anti-state forces inside and outside the country to steal the sovereignty of this nation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I will fight until the end standing with you to protect our country, he said. Our country belongs to each and every person in South Korea and not a government or a party.

Police officers removing Yoon supporters outside the presidential residence in Seoul on Thursday.

The Democratic Party said Yoons message to supporters was highly inappropriate and demonstrates that he remains trapped in his delusions.

Most concerning is his incitement of extreme conflict and chaos among his supporters through this message, Cho Seung-rae, the partys chief spokesperson, said Thursday. As if orchestrating a rebellion was not enough, he is now stirring his followers to provoke extreme clashes and disorder.

State media in North Korea, which technically remains at war with the South, said Friday that the crisis in South Korea had resulted in paralysis of its state administration and spiraling socio-political confusion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was initially acting president after Yoons impeachment, he was in the job for less than two weeks before he was also impeached on Dec. 27 after he refused to immediately appoint three justices to fill vacancies on the Constitutional Court.

Choi, the former deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, became the new acting president two days before a Jeju Air plane crashed in the southwest city of Muan, killing 179 of the 181 people on board in the worlds deadliest aviation disaster of 2024.

Stella Kim, Steve Patterson, Stephanie Fuerte and Beomsu Jo reported from Seoul and Jennifer Jett from Hong Kong.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Jack Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces the greatest threat to his brief but chequered political career as he struggles to thwart an unprecedented arrest attempt in a criminal probe alleging he led an insurrection.

A tough political survivor who has become increasingly isolated halfway through his five-year term, Yoon, 64, has been dogged by personal scandals, an unyielding opposition and rifts within his own party.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since narrowly winning election in 2022, Yoon has become embittered by continual battles that have drawn out a recklessness that a former rival said is his defining trait.

By the time Yoon briefly imposed martial law on Dec. 3, he was badly bruised politically. He was suspended from his duties after being impeached by parliament on Dec. 14 for his martial law attempt. His political fate is in the hands of the Constitutional Court as his legal peril mounts, with prosecutors trying unsuccessfully to arrest him on Friday.

Blockaded inside his official residence this week, he issued a message to supporters that he would "fight until the end", rallying hard-core supporters to join him in a fight to save the country from "anti-state forces".

The one-page letter, signed "President Yoon Suk Yeol", and earlier messages of defiance asserting he was acting out of "burning patriotism" to save democracy, drew alarm that he might have become unhinged. Some feared his judgment was so damaged that he had become a danger to South Korea, a global industrial powerhouse and one of the most powerful success stories of democratic resilience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An opposition Democratic Party member said Yoon has proven that he is "delusional". Even those more sympathetic said he had buckled under extreme pressure from endless political attacks, some of which he probably took personally.

"I hope we remember how the opposition party has incredibly and viciously pushed the president and his family into the corner with threats of special prosecutors and impeachment," said Ihn Yohan, a member of parliament for Yoon's People Power Party.

SCANDALS, THREATS OF PROSECUTION, 'AMERICAN PIE'

The past year of Yoon's presidency has been overshadowed by a scandal involving his wife, who was accused of inappropriately accepting a pricey Christian Dior handbag as a gift, and his refusal to fully own up to it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yoon apologised after the scandal was blamed as a major reason for a crushing parliamentary election defeat the PPP suffered in April. But he continued to reject calls for a probe into the scandal and into an allegation of stock price manipulation involving his wife and her mother.

The prosecutors office that investigated the allegations decided not to press charges against the first lady.

Yoon's struggles at home have overshadowed the relative success he has had on the international stage.

His bold push to reverse a decades-long diplomatic row with neighbouring Japan and join Tokyo in a three-way security cooperation with the United States are widely seen as his signature foreign policy legacies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Yoon's ability to bond on a personal level, seen as the trait that gave him his early success, was on full display at a White House event in 2023, when Yoon took the stage and belted out the 1970s pop hit "American Pie" for an astounded President Joe Biden and a delighted crowd.

SHAMANS, HIGH SCHOOL BUDDIES

Born into an affluent family in Seoul, Yoon was an easygoing youth who excelled at school. He entered the elite Seoul National University to study law, but his penchant for partying led him to repeatedly fail the bar exam before passing on the ninth try.

Yoon shot to national fame in 2016 when, as the chief investigator probing then-President Park Geun-hye for corruption, he was asked if he was out for revenge and responded that prosecutors are not gangsters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Three years earlier, Park suspended Yoon, then fired him from a team investigating a high-profile case against the nation's spy agency. That move was widely considered punishment for challenging her authority.

The role he played in jailing the sitting president and his dramatic comeback as head of the powerful Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office marked the start of a dizzying rise to power.

Two years later, he became South Korea's prosecutor general, spearheading a corruption probe of a close ally to the next president, Moon Jae-in. That made him a darling of conservatives frustrated with Moon's liberal policies, setting Yoon up to be a candidate for the presidency in 2022.

But his presidency got off to a rocky start when he pushed ahead with moving the presidential office out of the Blue House compound to a new site, sparking questions whether it was because of a feng shui belief that the old presidential compound was cursed. Yoon denied any involvement by himself or his wife with a shaman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When Yoon refused to fire top officials after a 2022 Halloween crowd crush killed 159 people, he was accused of protecting his "yes men". One was Safety Minister Lee Sang-min, a fellow graduate of Yoon's high school.

Another alumnus of the Choongam High School in Seoul was Kim Yong-hyun, the man who spearheaded the presidential office move, became the presidential security service chief and then was appointed defence minister in September.

Kim was one of the two people who recommended that Yoon declare martial law, a senior military official said. Lee was the other.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Michael Perry and William Mallard)
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WKRG)  Jackson-George Regional Library officials have announced that all of their locations will be closed on Jan. 20 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Investigators believe State Line triple homicide might be more than a robbery

A JGRL news release said although the branches will be closed, the book drops will remain open for people to return items.

Online services including renewals and placing holds will still be available on the JGRLS website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The library branches will reopen on Jan. 21.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic school building to be demolished

We invite you to take this day to honor and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through learning and community engagement, read the release.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A year after closing its doors, the Southwest Branch of the Kern County Library is finally ready to reopen its doors to the community.

The library will re-open on Monday Jan. 6. The library was shut down Jan. 2, 2024 for what county supervisors called life-safety and critical maintenance improvements, along with security enhancements.

GET bus expands weekday services for multiple routes

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Funds for the improvement project were sourced from the Building Forward Library Infrastructure Grant.

Over $800,000 dollars went into improving the aging infrastructure, but the work took twice as long as expected to complete.

A grand opening celebration will be held Wednesday Jan. 15.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A man was arrested Thursday after allegedly attempting to rob a bank in Duncan.

According to the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to Truist Bank on East Main Street at 9:15 a.m. after getting reports of a robbery.

Witnesses and bank employees told officials of a description of the suspect and his car. Officials added that the man did not show a weapon or suggest that he had one.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deputies said they identified the suspect as Marvin Nathaneil Moorer, 65, of Duncan.

Investigators found Moorer at an apartment complex near the bank wearing some of the clothing he had on during the attempted robbery.

Deputies said Moorer confessed to the attempted robbery in custody, saying he was trying to support his drug habit.

Moorer was arrested and charged with entering a bank with intent to steal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Marek Strzelecki, Lili Bayer and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk

WARSAW (Reuters) -Poland launched its presidency of the Council of the European Union on Friday mired in a diplomatic row with Hungary that underscored a deepening sense of political disunity across Europe just as it confronts a raft of major global challenges.

Saddled with a sluggish economy, the EU is bracing for the return of Donald Trump to the White House this month on an "America First" platform and the possible imposition of U.S. tariffs on European exports.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It also faces deteriorating trade relations with China and Russia's grinding war in Ukraine, all at a time when the EU's two leading powers, France and Germany, are distracted by domestic political upheaval.

Against this gloomy backdrop, Poland is seeking a leading role in shaping European policy, especially on security.

"If Europe is powerless, it will not survive... Let's do everything so that Europe and Poland do not have to pay the highest price for freedom, for strength, for sovereignty. Let's do everything to make Europe strong again," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during a gala in Warsaw.

He was joined by the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa who stressed the importance of continued support for Kyiv.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This year we must continue to stand with Ukraine  as much as necessary, for as long as it takes, to win a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," Costa said.

"For that, we must continue to see defence as a strategic priority for the European Union."

POLISH AMBITIONS

Tusk hopes "to lead a realignment in the EU when it comes to building a coalition around support for Ukraine and meaningful peace that benefits Kyiv, not Moscow", said Edit Zgut-Przybylska, an assistant professor at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology in the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Tusk, a former president of the European Council who previously also served as head of the centre-right European People's Party, is a well-connected figure on the EU stage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But as European capitals face tough decisions on issues such as how to bolster and finance defence spending, analysts say Warsaw is unlikely to be able to lead on its own.

Piotr Buras, head of the European Council of Foreign Relations' Warsaw office, said the challenges facing the EU surpass the capacity and time horizon of any one six-month presidency.

"This is a key moment for Europe above all due to Trumps arrival and the situation in Ukraine but also issues related to the broader economy, competitiveness and possibly the trade war with a simultaneous weakness of leadership and a transition moment within the EU itself," Buras said.

Regarding Europe's collective security and support for Kyiv, some analysts said Germany, Europe's biggest economy, could take on a bigger role after its Feb. 23 national election, which the conservatives are currently tipped to win.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The only hope is that the new German leadership will decide to take a much more active and assertive stance," said Peter Bator, a former Slovak ambassador to NATO who is now chief analyst at the opposition Progressive Slovakia party.

DIPLOMATIC SPATS

The Polish government said Hungary's envoy was not welcome at the ceremony to mark Warsaw taking on the EU's rotating, six-month presidency, a very public snub that follows months of political barb trading between the two countries' leaders.

Hungary infuriated Poland last month by granting political asylum to a former Polish deputy justice minister who is under investigation at home for alleged misuse of public funds, which he denies. Warsaw called the move a "hostile act" contrary to EU principles and recalled its ambassador to Budapest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto described Friday's snub as "childish", news website HVG.hu reported. The Polish move just added to multiplying signs of European disharmony.

Slovakia, which along with Hungary has sought to maintain some ties with Russia, threatened retaliation on Thursday against Ukraine after it halted the transit flows of Russian gas, while on Friday negotiations on forming a new government in Austria suffered a blow when a key party quit the talks.

(Reporting by Marek Strzelecki and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk in Warsaw and Lili Bayer and Gergely Szakacs in Budapest; Editing by Gareth Jones and Cynthia Osterman)
ST. LOUIS  The new St. Louis City Sheriff accuses former Sheriff Vernon Betts or his deputies of taking documents from the office.

Today were spending our entire day figuring out whats missing, Sheriff Alfred Montgomery said.

Sheriff Montgomery described a hectic start to the new year as he takes office. He alleges papers and furniture are missing and was never given important credentials when he took office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Access codes we dont have to evidence, so its prolonging the courts process. Theres a possibility a mistrial could happen. Anything could happen, Sheriff Montgomery said.

On New Years Eve, Montgomery filed for a temporary restraining order against the outgoing sheriff. In the days leading up to Montgomerys oath of office, Betts or his deputies are accused of intimidating deputies, denying Montgomery access to the property room, and taking documents and file cabinets from the building.

Files to deputies. We dont know if theres files to citizens. We dont know. Thats a huge concern, Montgomery said.

List: St. Louis area school, church and business closings

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He and his team coming up with a whole lot of hocus pocus, Betts said.

Betts said Sheriff Montgomery can just simply look at the security tape if he thinks someone took something.

Theres no way you can go in or out with anything like a cabinet. Now, of course, I had stuff in my personal file and just a whole lot of papers, Betts said.

The request for the restraining order was heard on Thursday. Before that hearing took place, a judge ordered the property room to be closed and locked until Sheriff Montgomery took office. But in Thursdays hearing, Montgomerys attorney still had not filed a proper petition, saying they are still taking stock of everything that might be missing. When FOX 2 asked, Montgomery admitted their motion was premature.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We had to think of something to do in an emergency stance and we did that to the best of our ability with the timing that we had, Montgomery said.

He said the temporary restraining order was important to stop betts from hindering the transition. But Betts said Sheriff Montgomery did not need access to the property room prior to taking office.

This isnt the White House. We dont have all those offices that you gotta have people. All Mr. Montgomery had to do was win the election, which he did, and then wait for Jan. 1, Betts said.

The court motion was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice, as both attorneys agreed they would continue to work together on any missing documents. Sheriff Montgomery said he could refile if the issue is not resolved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  A St. Petersburg man was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly attacked a woman in her home, police said.

Deputies said they responded to a call regarding a burglary at around 3:39 a.m., finding suspect Sean-Michael Cooper, 20, covered in blood standing outside the home.

Inside, the officers found a 22-year-old woman suffering from significant injuries. The victim told deputies that she had returned home to find Cooper waiting inside the dark house.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office, Cooper then struck her in the head with a large glass pipe before hitting her multiple times with a metal frying pan and dousing her with pepper spray.

Credit: Pinellas County Sheriffs Office

Detectives said that Cooper allegedly choked the victim and instructed her to remove her clothes. When she refused, he threatened to kill the victim and continued to strike her, causing her to become unconscious, a PCSO release stated.

Deputies noted that Cooper had injuries to his face and neck consistent with the victims statement.

Detectives arrested Cooper and took him to the Pinellas County Jail on charges of attempted murder and burglary with battery.

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.
The industrys plastic/polyester paralysisprimarily made with fracked ethaneis a not-so-fun fact that the majority of shoppers are oblivious to. Adding fuel to the (literal) fire, brand-published sustainability reports typically gloss over this reliance, alleged Stand.earth Research Group (SRG).

When investigating the link between fashion and fracking, specifically within the Permian basin in Texas, the environmental nonprofit called out 100-plus heavyweight brands as (possibly indirectly) reliant on raw materials linked to fracked oil and gas (NGLs) for polyester production.

More from Sourcing Journal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fashion industry is on track to become a major player in driving the expansion of fracking, said Dr. Devyani Singh, an investigative researcher at SRG. Consumers often purchase apparel without knowing the connection to fracking behind the fabricespecially when brands market themselves as environmentally friendlyand this investigation puts a spotlight on the gap between what apparel companies say and what apparel companies actually do.

The international nonprofit presented its harmful symbiosis findingsderived by analyzing various data sets, 10-K filings, supplier disclosure agreements and investor presentationsvia an interactive fracked fashion map, that connects the supply chain from Texas to multiple countries, to the conversion of ethane to polyester, production of the garment before reaching the brands.

The disclaimer that appears before users can use the supply chain visualizer

Inditex was clocked as one of the largest purchasers of synthetic fibers by volume. Lululemon, a brand of particular interest to the climate group, reportedly used synthetic-fiber-born-from-fossil-fuel in nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of its apparel and footwear products.

I could understand if Lulu said theyre aiming to do less harm than other brandsthat sounds reasonable, Rachel Kitchin, senior corporate campaigner at Stand.earth, told Sourcing Journal. But to claim that your products are restorative to the earth or contribute to a healthy environment, is factually incorrect.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The maps interactive visualizer demonstrates all offending brandsand their parent companiesas well as complete supply chain data and source references.

Screenshot

Each individual connection is not absolute proof that any one brand uses polyester made from fracked NGL from the Permian basin, SRG prefaced in a slide deck. But that many brands are very likely sourcing polyester thread made from NGLs fracked in the Permian basin, contributing to the expansion of global oil and gas industry.

Within the 107 brands, 57 have explicit (see: public) policies to phase out or reduce reliance on virgin polyester. Most of that 53 percentincluding the likes of Puma, Lululemon, Levi Strauss & Co., Adidas and H&M, among otherstend to predominantly focus on using recycled polyester from plastic (like ocean waste). SRG, however, argues that this false, short-sighted solution is an insufficient effort.

This is not a solution, Kitchin said of rPET. Recycled polyester from bottles is still feeding, supporting and sustaining the oil and gas industry. Its just in a slightly less direct way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Petrochemicals are on track to become the No. 1 driver of global oil and gas consumption, per the group formerly known as ForestEthics. Synthetic fiber productionmade with fossil-fuel-derived chemicalscontributes 15 percent to overall plastic production, bestowing the textile sector with third place as the biggest offender.

For context, Textile Exchange found that more than two-thirds of garments were made of synthetic fibers in 2023.

Once again, synthetic clothing is linked to contentious sources that threaten both people and the planet, said Urska Trunk, senior campaign manager at Changing Markets Foundation. Alarmingly, global fashion brands are increasing their reliance on plastic- based materials, with synthetic fibers set to dominate 73 percent of global production by 2030.

The grassroots organization chose the Permian basin as its starting point, considering the 75,000 square mile site is colloquially known as a carbon bomb that would result in over one gigaton of carbon emissions (if its reserves were totally extracted and burnt).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the end of the day, the fact that its coming from the Permian basin isnt the issue, Kitchin said. This is about making it real. Its about saying this doesnt come out of nowhere, its coming from real places that have real impact on real people. One of those places is here.

Now, the list.

Listedare companies with explicit, time-bound policies to phase out or reduce the use of virgin polyester, but continue to rely on fracked oil and gas in the Permian Basin in Texas to source their fabrics, SRG said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

SRG connects brandsincluding Adidas, Bestseller, H&M Group, Inditex, J.Crew Group, Levi Strauss & Co. and Patagonia, among othersto fracked fibers. How deep that connection is, however, is not made clear.

When a Changing Markets Foundation report from 2021 made similar allegationsaka being friendly with frackingAdidas, for one, told SJ that six out of 10 of its products are made with sustainable materials, reaching nine out of 10 by 2025. That said, fellow repeat offenders include Gap, Lululemon, Patagonia Primark, Uniqlo, VF Corp. and Walmart, which the Dutch nonprofit dubbed the dirtiest.

Notably, Hugo Boss was the only brand on the list reportedly committed to phasing out virgin polyester altogether.

Screenshot from Hugo Boss website, which states that the company will use zero polyester and polyamide materials by 2030if its available.

None, per SRG, have explicit, time-bound targets to increase the use of recycled textile waste.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Because its cheap, fashion brands are making more and more and more; the sheer volume of garments produced increases exponentially every year and thats due 100 percent to cheap polyester, Kitchin said. But thats the oil and gas industry, thats the fracking industry: pushing cheap products in any direction that theyll go. And its the fashion industry saying yes.

A few of the besmirched brands had something to say (when prompted, at least).

For Everlane, SRGs research is based on outdated supplier data and a flawed methodology that wrongly links Everlaneand, presumably, othersto incorrect upstream suppliers based solely on assumptions made about finished good factories. It is unclear if anyone on the SR

Of the two factory suppliers that are connected to Everlane in this research, only one remains an active supplier, Katina Boutis, Everlanes director of sustainability, told Sourcing Journal. That supplier does not manufacture products containing polyester for Everlane.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Puma, meanwhile, highlighted the publicly available clear-cut pathway the sportswear giant has in place in pursuit of reaching 100 percent recycled polyester fabric in its products by 2030. Notably, Puma said it ranked at the top of SRGs 2023 Fossil Free Fashion Scorecard for its increased supply chain transparency regarding clean energy efforts, including those supporting suppliers in the transition to renewables.

None of the fibers for our materials come from fracked oil from Texas, a spokesperson for Patagonia told Sourcing Journal. We source recycled materials for our synthetics, such as used fishing nets that would otherwise go to waste.

Fast Retailing highlighted its efforts with recycled materials, as detailed in the Uniqlo parents data book, which tracks against its goal of incorporating 50 percent of either recycled materials or those with lower GHG emissions across all items by 2030. Currently, 47.4 percent of polyester used is derived from recycled materials.

Adidas deflected to rPET as well, stating it has phased out virgin polyester almost completely.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Last year, the percentage was already at 99 percent recycled polyester, which means Adidas was on track to use only recycled polyester by the end of 2024, per an email from the brand. This makes Adidas a pioneer when it comes to sustainability.

When asked to comment specifically on the allegations of using fabrics derived from fracking, the sportswear giant replied, Since we use 99 percent recycled polyester, this is not a topic for Adidas.
Sir Keir Starmer is as guilty as anyone over failures to address grooming gangs, the whistleblower who helped expose the scandal has said.

Maggie Oliver, the former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) detective, who helped uncover widespread abuse in Rochdale, said she had no faith that the Prime Minister wanted to get to the truth and it was time for those responsible to be held fully accountable.

Labour has blocked a national public inquiry into the grooming scandal in which thousands of vulnerable girls were raped and sexually abused by gangs of mainly British Pakistani men.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Previous reports have been published into the failures of the police and local councils to prevent abuse in towns such as Rotherham, Rochdale and Telford, with officers and prosecutors avoiding taking action for fear of being called racist or Islamophobic.

But there are growing calls for a statutory national investigation to examine wider failings, including by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) where Sir Keir was director of public prosecutions (DPP) between 2008 and 2013.

Elon Musk, the US billionaire and ally of Donald Trump, accused Sir Keir of failing to prosecute child rapists, suggesting that safeguarding minister Jess Phillips had rejected Oldham councils calls for an inquiry in order to protect him.

Sir Keir has addressed the CPSs failings over the scandals, admitting that the vulnerable girls were let down while he was in charge when a case was dropped against a rape suspect despite overwhelming evidence pointing to their guilt.

Credit: BBC

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ms Oliver, who now runs a foundation supporting abuse victims, said that, while previous inquiries had led nowhere, she did believe it was now time for a fresh independent investigation into grooming.

She added that as a former DPP, Sir Keir had to bear some responsibility for the widespread failure to bring those responsible to justice.

Writing on X, she said: Those leading these enquiries have always wanted to cover up the truth, to hide it. And Id say its become even worse in recent months with those who dare to speak out finding themselves in prison within a couple of days when victims wait 6/7/8 years for a trial! Corrupt and just wrong.

I firmly believe we need totally independent people who will ensure its not just another attempt to delay and hide the truth.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Radical change and overhaul of all our public bodies. And bring in criminal accountability for all our senior police and public officials who have turned a blind eye.

Those with vested interests who pop up when this hits the headlines then fade away again when it all dies down will not bring change. Theyre in it for themselves, I believe.

Conservatives and Labour are all equally to blame [in my opinion], and Keir Starmer as former DPP is perhaps as guilty as anyone I know in where we find ourselves today.

We all know whats going on, but I dont trust a single one of those who to date have been entrusted with keeping our children safe and prosecuting serial rapists. Theyve failed. Repeatedly. Knowingly. Criminally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She was responding to Nazir Afzal, the former chief crown prosecutor for the North West, who charged dozens of men with grooming offences and rejected calls for a national inquiry.

He claimed he and Ms Oliver were in agreement that another lengthy investigation would be a waste of time when previous recommendations had not been implemented.

Where is the international uproar?

The Government is under growing pressure to grant an inquiry, with further calls coming from senior Trump allies in America.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman urged Mr Trump to consider appropriate sanctions against the UK over its handling of the grooming scandal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The former Democrat donor, who endorsed Mr Trump in the wake of the first assassination attempt against him, shared a Telegraph story about Labour blocking the inquiry into Sir Keirs conduct as the head of the CPS while investigating the Oldham child abuse ring.

The outspoken hedge fund manager questioned why the scandal had been able to continue while those who raised alarms about it were accused of stirring up racial unrest.

Accusing Sir Keir and King Charles of doing nothing to stop this madness, Mr Ackman added: Where is the international uproar? What are the UK and international rape victim groups doing to stop these horrendous acts?

Why wouldnt Donald Trump consider appropriate sanctions against the UK until these concerns are addressed?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It comes after Mr Musk, who has been a vocal critic of Sir Keir and his Government in recent months, said that Ms Phillips deserved to be in prison over her decision.

He wrote on X: Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 20082013.

Who is the boss of Jess Phillips right now? Keir Stamer [sic]. The real reason shes refusing to investigate the rape gangs is that it would obviously lead to the blaming of Keir Starmer (head of the CPS at the time).

On Friday, Wes Streeting branded Mr Musks comments misjudged and certainly misinformed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Asked about the row, Mr Streeting told ITV: This Government is committed to implementing the recommendations of the inquiry into child sexual abuse. We will do that in full.

We will get on with the job. And some of the criticisms that Elon Musk has made, I think, are misjudged and certainly misinformed.

The Health Secretary also said the entrepreneur should roll his sleeves up to help tackle child sexual exploitation, as he said that social media firms have got a big part to play.

He added: Were willing to work with Elon Musk, who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform to help us and other countries to tackle this serious issue so if he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, wed welcome that.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It came after Andrew Gwynne, a health minister, suggested Mr Musk perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic rather than intervene in British politics.

Meanwhile, the father of one of the victims of the Rochdale scandal backed calls for a national public inquiry into Britains untouchable grooming gangs.

Girl A told police she had been raped following her arrest for smashing up the counter of an Indian takeaway in the town in August 2008.

But despite identifying her attackers and even giving detectives her underwear containing her rapists DNA, the CPS dropped the case after concluding she was not a reliable witness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two years later, after reviewing the case, the men were successfully prosecuted, and prosecutors were forced to apologise to Girl A.

Speaking to The Telegraph, her father claimed the police and the Government were continuing to turn a blind eye to the topic of Asian grooming gangs because it undermined their notions of social cohesion.

He said: A public inquiry is long overdue because we desperately need to know the reality of whats happening on our streets.

At the moment, we seem to have returned to the same sort of denial that existed back in 2012 when my daughter was raped and groomed. Back then, people refused to accept that it was going on, and today were no further forward.

Police are more interested in investigating so-called hate crimes than the reality of young girls being attacked. Its scandalous because its effectively added another layer of political correctness  and that can only feed the far-Right and Nigel Farage.

Whether its true or not, theres certainly an impression that theres a cover-up and that ordinary people arent being told the truth.

He went on: The last thing I want is for other kids to go through what my family went through with our daughter. Rather than have the authorities keep covering things up, we need as a nation to be told the absolute truth. Thats why I think victims of grooming will be 100 per cent behind the setting up of a new inquiry.

The father believes that any new inquiry should focus not only on historical grooming but also  and more importantly  on the crime as it exists today.

Yes, an inquiry might answer once and for all whether Keir Starmer and the CPS held back on stopping the gangs because they were more concerned with social cohesion, but it would also shine a spotlight on whats happening now.

You cant tell me that there arent still grooming gangs in places like Oldham, Bradford, Leeds, London and Birmingham. Just because its not centre stage any more doesnt mean its not happening.

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.
Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd has filed paperwork to run for lieutenant governor in 2026.

"I filed the registration form with the Ethics Commission to run for Lt. Governor as a formality that is required," Byrd told The Oklahoman in an email.

"I still have important audits to complete in my role as State Auditor," Byrd said, "and will continue to work hard for Oklahoma taxpayers to perform my responsibilities and hold all levels of government accountable."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She said campaign plans, including a kickoff, will be announced later this year.

Byrd was first elected as the auditor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. She is the states first woman to serve in that roll. She and her office conduct several audits a year for all levels of government, from small towns to state agencies.

Be the first to know Sign up for breaking news email alerts

Byrd has overseen several high-profile audits in recent years.

In 2024, Byrd released an audit that questioned former Oklahoma Recreation and Tourism Director Shelley Zumwalts oversight of spending by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, which she led through much of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report questioned how Zumwalt approved $8.5 million in contract payments to Phase 2, a firm where her husband is employed. A few months later, Zumwalt announced her retirement from her position as director.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In 2023, Byrd released a scathing audit blaming state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters  without naming him  for failures that resulted in the misspending of federal funds meant to help children during the pandemic.

Byrd's office also looked into the Oklahoma State Department of Health's spending on personal protective equipment during the pandemic. The auditor's office found the state had paid $5.4 million for PPE that was never received.

Byrd also released an audit of Epic Charter Schools and its management company, which she called the "largest abuse of taxpayer funds in the history of the state." The co-founders were arrested on embezzlement charges in 2022. Byrd's office also conducted a forensic audit of the financial records of Allan Grubb, the former district attorney for Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties.

Recently, an audit by Byrd's office showed that the city of Lindsay lost out on more than $1 million in grant funding and it underbilled commercial customers by about $1.5 million during a three-year period.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Byrd started her career as a certified public accountant in 1997, according to her biography.

If elected, she would be the third female lieutenant governor of Oklahoma. The lieutenant governor serves as the president of the Senate and can cast a vote to break a tie. Lieutenant governor candidates also run separately from governors candidates.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Cindy Byrd files paperwork to run for Oklahoma lieutenant governor
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  Interstate 85, near mile marker 44, was shut down for almost five hours on Thursday, as South Carolina State Law Enforcement worked to assess the scene of the bomb threat.

The State Department of Public Safety said Thursday afternoon that State Transport Police pulled over a tractor trailer, due to missing license plate. A short time later, law enforcement was made aware of a possible bomb threat by the driver of the vehicle.

All six lanes of I-85 were then immediately shut down.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Governor Henry McMaster was briefed on the incident and his office sent out a statement.

I-85 near mile marker 44 is temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution due to a bomb threat issued during a routine traffic stop this afternoon by SC Transport Police. SCDOT and state law enforcement are on the scene, and normal I-85 traffic will resume once the tractor trailer is swept and cleared by sleds bomb squad.

Over the next several hours, Highway Patrol, SLED, the Greenville County Sheriffs Office and the FBI investigated the scene, eventually clearing the area and reopening the interstate a little before 8 p.m.

Governor McMaster said he was proud of the work of state law enforcement and his office issued a statement on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I have always believed South Carolina is home to the finest Law Enforcement in the country, and yesterdays efforts were yet another example of that.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  On Jan. 7, the Hawaii State Legislature will hold a joint informational briefing between the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment to discuss the proposed Oahu landfill and its potential impacts.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The Honolulu Department of Environmental Services and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply will provide presentations to the joint committees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Protecting Hawaiis precious water supply is essential for sustaining life and preserving our environment, said Rep. Nicole E. Lowen, chair of the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection. We aim to fully understand the implications and potential impacts of the proposed location for the new landfill.

Controversy looms over potential sites for Oahu landfill

Senator Mike Gabbard, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment, echoed the need to protect the environment.

Choosing the site of Oahus next landfill affects everyone island-wide, not only now, but for generations to come, he said. Its important that we gather all the facts from the City and County, the Board of Water Supply and other experts before we make a final decision.

The meeting can be streamed live starting at 9 a.m. on Jan. 7 on YouTube.

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.
Illinois State Police honored and helped lay to rest one of their own in Orland Park Friday morning.

Hundreds attended the private funeral service of State Trooper Clay Carns at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park as well as the previous nights visitation. A procession followed from the church to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip for Carns internment.

Today, and every day going forward, we honor Illinois State Police Trooper Clay Carns for his sacrifice, and the sacrifice made by his family, State Police Director Brendan Kelly said in a news release Friday. 

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kelly spoke at Carns funeral along with Lt. Col. Jason Bradley, State Trooper Patrick Manno and siblings Chad Carns and Erica Raciak.

Following the funeral, three rows of at least 20 law enforcement members honored Carns in starting the procession in the Parkview Christian Church parking lot. Bagpipers played Amazing Grace and Going Home, and Chicago Police Department helicopters flew over the church.

Mourners stood quiet and alert in the frigid cold until Carns casket was placed inside a black Cadillac SUV. Carns, 35, was married to Meghan Carns and father to two children, ages 2 and 3.

Carns was hit and killed by a vehicle while on duty, cleaning up debris on Interstate 55 north of Blodgett Road near Channahon on the night of Dec. 23, police said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After activating his emergency lights, Carns pulled over to the right shoulder. He was standing in the lane with the debris when the driver, 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, allegedly struck him with his Chevrolet Silverado, police said.

Fleet was charged with a Class 4 Felony under the Move Over Law, or Scotts Law, ISP said, as well as given multiple citations, police said. Scotts Law, named after Lt. Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department, was enacted in 2001 after Gillen was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

State police said that in all of 2024 before Carns death, their department was affected by 26 crashes resulting in Scotts Law charges. Twelve troopers were injured and one other trooper died.

Kelly said that in Carns absence, the Illinois State Police will preserve and uphold that which he stood for  integrity, service and pride.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While ISP is hurting as we lay to rest the second trooper killed on Illinois highways in just three months, we will not falter, he said. Trooper Carns will remain in our hearts and in our sacred work of protecting public safety and pursuing justice.

Carns family released a statement through the State Police last week saying Carns was a treasured husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend who became a hero when he was killed.

Our world has been shattered, and we will never be the same, the statement said. But we take comfort in knowing that he lived his life with such purpose, he loved his family and friends fiercely, and he took great pride in his work.

The family said people who want to help can donate to the family via GoFundMe.com. As of Friday afternoon, they had raised almost $280,000.

ostevens@chicagotribune.com
A Pennsylvania state representative from Philadelphia, Jared Solomon, is pushing for the creation of county-based gun violence task forces in response to the alarming rise in gun-related deaths. Last year, 450 people died from gun violence in the state, prompting calls for coordinated action.

The proposed bill, developed along with CeaseFirePA, seeks to establish task forces that would include law enforcement, prosecutors, local government officials, victim services, and other stakeholders. The goal is to bring together key players to combat gun violence, much like Philadelphias long-standing model, which has seen success for decades.

This is a county-based task force that includes everyone with a stake in the problem, said Adam Garber, executive director of CeaseFirePA.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Garber believes every county with a significant number of gun homicides should have access to the same resources and coordination already available in Philadelphia. Under the proposal, the task forces would fall under the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office, which would provide support and require counties to submit annual reports on gun-related arrests and weapons collected.

Nate Bible, District Attorney for Beaver County, expressed optimism about the plan and his hope that Beaver County would qualify. We would be happy to receive any help we can get, but we need a clearer understanding of the specificswhat the bill entails, the funding process, and how quickly we can get started, Bible said.

Solomon is currently working to gather co-sponsors for the bill and plans to introduce it to the State House in the coming weeks.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
John Greene and his counselor Emily Georgia at Family & Childrens Counseling Services in Cortland, New York. (Celia Talbot Tobin for KFF Health News)

This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

In the past few years, state and local governments across the U.S. have begun spending billions in opioid settlements paid by companies accused of fueling the overdose crisis. But where is that money going, who is getting it, and is it doing any good?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

KFF Health News, partnering with researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on addiction, undertook a yearlong investigation to find out.

Dozens of interviews, thousands of pages of documents, an array of public records requests, and outreach to all 50 states resulted in a first-of-its kind database that catalogs more than 7,000 ways opioid settlement cash was used in 2022 and 2023. Its the most comprehensive resource to date tracking some of the largest public health settlements in American history.

Among the findings:

States and localities received more than $6 billion in opioid settlement funds in 2022 and 2023. According to public records, they spent or committed about a third of that amount and set aside about another third for future use. The final third was untrackable, as many jurisdictions did not produce public reports on the funds.

Reports of spending tracked the minuscule to the monumental, from $11.74 to buy postage in Yavapai County, Arizona, to more than $51 million to increase the addiction treatment workforce in California.

States allotted, on average, about 18% of their funds for addiction and mental health treatment; 14% for recovery services such as housing, transportation, and legal aid; 11% for harm reduction efforts such as overdose reversal medications; and 9% for prevention programs that aim to stop people from developing substance use disorders. States committed, on average, about 2% for syringe service programs, through which people can get sterile needles. (A variety of entities received this money, from law enforcement to nonprofit organizations to government agencies.)

Governments reported spending more than $240 million on purposes that did not qualify as opioid remediation. (Most settlements allow states to spend up to 15% of their funds this way.) Most of this tranche went to legal fees, but several jurisdictions funneled money to their general fund. One county even sent funds to its road and bridge department.

Several cities and counties reported expenditures they said addressed the overdose crisis but that would leave an average person scratching their head  such as $33.07 to an anti-abortion pregnancy center in Sandborn, Indiana, and $30,362 to screen first responders for heart disease in Oregon City, Oregon.

When people know that people arent watching and theres no accountability, then they can kind of do what they want, said Tonja Myles, a community activist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who is in recovery. Thats why we have to have some kind of database and accountability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite the recent decline in overall overdose deaths in the U.S., more than 90,000 people still died in the 12 months ending July 2024 and rates are rising in many Black and Native American communities.

We cant mess up or miss this moment, Myles said.

Opioid settlement payouts are expected to total about $50 billion over nearly two decades, paid by more than a dozen companies that made or distributed prescription painkillers, including Johnson & Johnson, Walgreens, and Walmart. Although its a large sum, its dwarfed by the size of the crisis, making each dollar thats spent critical.

KFF Health News and its partners reviewed hundreds of settlement spending reports, extracting expenditures line by line, and developed a methodology to sort the expenditures into categories like treatment or prevention. States were given an opportunity to review the data and comment on their spending.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To be sure, the database does not capture the full picture of opioid settlement spending nationwide. Some places do not publish spending reports, while others declined to engage with this project. The data presented here is a snapshot as of the end of 2023 and does not account for further spending in 2024. The differences in how states control, process, and report on the money make apples-to-apples comparisons nearly impossible. Still, the database helps fill a gap left by a lack of national reporting requirements and federal government inaction.

It is a tool for those who want to objectively measure whether everything that can be done is being done, said Matthew Myers, a former president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which compiles similar annual reports on tobacco settlement money.

Treatment a clear winner

The top priority to emerge from early opioid settlement spending was treatment, with more than $416 million spent or committed to residential rehabs, outpatient counseling, medications for opioid use disorder, and more.

The state of New York  which spent the most on treatment  allocated about $22 million of that for programs that make the gold standard for care as easy as possible for patients: providing same-day prescriptions for buprenorphine, a medication that decreases cravings for opioids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The result was a program that John Greene said changed his life.

Greene, 57, used to live in the woods down the street from Family & Childrens Counseling Services in Cortland, New York. He cycled through jails and hospitals, overdosing half a dozen times and trying rehab just as many.

But now he has four months of recovery under his belt  the longest stint since he started regularly using drugs at 14.

Greene is four months into recovery and he credits a new program that Family & Childrens Counseling Services started with opioid settlement money. (Celia Talbot Tobin for KFF Health News)

He said its because the counseling centers new program  funded by a mix of state and local opioid settlement dollars  has a different approach. Counselors arent didactic and judgmental. They dont force him to stop smoking marijuana. Several staff members have experienced addiction themselves. They drive Greene, who doesnt have a car, to doctor appointments and the pharmacy for his buprenorphine prescription.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now Greene lives and works with his brother, looks forward to weekly counseling sessions, and is notching small victories  such as buying his nephew toy cars as a stocking stuffer.

It made me feel good to do something for somebody and not expect nothing back, Greene said.

Emily Georgia, one of Greenes counselors, said the center has worked with nearly 200 people like him in the past year. Without the settlements, the program probably wouldnt exist, she said.

Across the country, the money supports other innovative treatment approaches:

$21 million for a new program in Kentucky that diverts people with mental illness or addiction who face low-level charges away from incarceration and into treatment, education, and workforce training

More than $3 million for, in part, three new mobile methadone programs in Massachusetts, to bring the medication to rural and underserved areas

Tens of thousands of dollars each in Iowa and Pennsylvania to cover out-of-pocket treatment costs for people without insurance or those with high deductibles

Philip Rutherford, an expert on substance use disorder at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, said these efforts are really positive and many have been historically difficult or impossible to achieve with federal or state funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But some funds are also flowing to treatment approaches that defy best practices, such as denying people medications for opioid use disorder.

Some in the recovery community consider methadone and buprenorphine a crutch. But study after study show that the medications help people stay in treatment and reduce the risk of overdose and death. Research even suggests that treatment without these medications can be more harmful than no treatment at all.

Although not everyone will want medication, settlement funds shouldnt prop up a system that doesnt allow people to have that choice, said Regina LaBelle, a professor of addiction policy at Georgetown University.

Babies, forgotten victims of the epidemic

While treatment received a windfall in early opioid settlement spending, another aspect of the crisis was neglected: neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition in which babies exposed to drugs in the womb experience withdrawal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nationwide, more than 59 newborns a day are diagnosed with it. Yet only about $8.4 million in settlement money was committed to the issue  less than 0.5% of all funds publicly reported as spent or committed in 2022 and 2023.

Experts in public health and addiction, as well as affected families, say its due to stigma.

A mom using drugs and being a parent is a very uncomfortable reality to face, said Ashley Grant, a 38-year-old mother of three in Mesa, Arizona. Its easier to just push it under the rug or let them fall through the cracks, as sad as that is.

It almost happened to her.

Grant learned she was pregnant with her third child last year. At the time, her partner was in jail and she was using drugs after an eight-year period of recovery, was estranged from her family, and didnt know how shed survive the next nine months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During a visit to a methadone clinic, she saw a booth about Jacobs Hope, a specialty nursery that cares for substance-exposed newborns and their moms. Nursery staff connected her with a therapist, helped her enroll in parenting classes, and dropped off diapers and a playpen at her home.

Registered nurse Ashley Beikmann checks over an infant who recently arrived at Jacobs Hope, a specialty nursery in Mesa, Arizona, that helps care for substance-exposed newborns and their parents.(Ash Ponders for KFF Health News)

After delivering at the hospital, Grant and her baby boy stayed at Jacobs Hope for about a week. Nurses showed her how skin-to-skin contact calmed his withdrawal symptoms and more frequent feedings and burpings decreased gastrointestinal discomfort, which is common among substance-exposed newborns.

Today, Grant has roughly five months of recovery. She got certified as a peer recovery specialist and hopes to join Jacobs Hope one day to help moms like her.

But the nurserys future is uncertain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After opening in 2019, Jacobs Hope nearly shut down this summer due to low reimbursements and delayed payments from insurers, said Lyndsey Steele, its associate director. Community donations kept the nursery afloat, but its still hanging on by a thread, she said.

Shes hoping opioid settlement money can help.

Jo Jones (left) is the founder of Jacobs Hope and Lyndsey Steele (right) is the nurserys associate director. (Ash Ponders for KFF Health News)

In 2022, Jacobs Hope received about $250,000 from Arizonas opioid settlements. But this year, the legislature captured the states share of remaining funds and, in a controversial move, gave it to the Department of Corrections.

Jacobs Hope has now turned to local governments, which control their own settlement dollars. Its home city of Mesa said a first round of grant applications should open in the spring.

Steele prays it wont be too late for babies in need  the epidemics forgotten victims, she called them.

Heart disease screening, robot ambulances and more

Some opioid settlement expenditures have sparked fierce disagreement. They generally fall into three buckets: money for law enforcement, funding for youth prevention programs, and purchases unrelated to the opioid crisis.

Settlement dollars nationwide have bought body scanners, K-9 units, bulletproof vests, patrol trucks, and laptops and printers for police and sheriffs.

Some spending strayed even further from the spirit of the settlement. In Oregon City, Oregon, more than $30,000 was spent on screening first responders for heart disease. Police Chief Shaun Davis said his staff respond to opioid-related emergencies and experience trauma that increases their risk of heart attack.

But some people question if settlement funds should be footing the bill.

This looks to me like youre trying to defray other costs from the police budget, said Stephen Loyd, chair of Tennessees Opioid Abatement Council. I dont think that theres any way that this opioid money was earmarked for stuff like that.

A second area of contention is youth prevention.

Although most people agree that stopping children from developing addictions is important, the execution is tricky.

Nearly half a million settlement dollars have gone to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, commonly known as D.A.R.E. Decades of research suggest its original curriculum is ineffective.

Robeson County, North Carolina, spent about $10,000 in settlement money to buy Andy the Ambulance, a robot ambulance with big eyes and an audio system through which a human operator can discuss the dangers of drugs. EMS Director Patrick Cummings said his team has taken the robot to churches and elementary schools.

We dont have any studies that show its working, he said, but educating kids seems like a good investment because if they never try it, they dont get addicted.

Then theres the chunk of money  up to 15% of each states funds  thats a free-for-all.

Flint, Michigan, spent nearly $10,000 on a sign for a community service center. The city reported that the expense did not qualify as opioid remediation. In other words, its unrelated to addressing the crisis.

But Caitie ONeill, a city spokesperson, said that the building sign makes it possible for residents to find the center, which houses city services, including Narcan kits, fentanyl testing strips, and substance abuse referrals.

Jurisdictions across 29 states reported non-remediation spending in 2022 and 2023. Most opioid settlements require such reports but operate on an honor system. No one is checking if the other 21 states and Washington, D.C., were truthful.

Jackie Lewis, an Ohio mother whose 34-year-old son, Shaun, died of an overdose in October 2022, finds that hard to stomach.

This is blood money, she said. Some people have lost sight of that.

Jackie Lewis lost her 34-year old son, Shaun, in October 2022 to an opioid overdose. She is raising Shauns daughter, now 9 years old, on her Social Security payments. Lewis wants officials in charge of settlement funds to help families like hers. We still exist and were still struggling, she says. (Maddie McGarvey for KFF Health News)

Lewis is raising Shauns daughter, ensuring the 9-year-old receives counseling at school and can attend the hip-hop music classes she enjoys  all on Lewis Social Security payments. This year they moved to a smaller town with lower costs.

As settlement funds continue flowing, she wants officials in charge of the money to help families like hers.

We still exist and were still struggling, she said.

KFF Health News Henry Larweh and Megan Kalata, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Healths Sara Whaley and Vivian Flanagan, and Shatterproofs Kristen Pendergrass and Sahvanah Prescott contributed to this article.

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has taken a leading role in providing guidance to state and local governments on the use of opioid settlement funds. Faculty from the school collaborated with other experts in the field to create principles for using the money, which have been endorsed by over 60 organizations.

Shatterproof is a national nonprofit that addresses substance use disorder through distinct initiatives, including advocating for state and federal policies, ending addiction stigma, and educating communities about the treatment system.

Shatterproof is partnering with some states on projects funded by opioid settlements. KFF Health News, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the Shatterproof team who worked on this report are not involved in those efforts.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

Subscribe to KFF Health News free Morning Briefing.
Press Release

January 3, 2025 2024 Highlights: Senator Legarda's Milestones in Legislation, Diplomacy, Cultural Heritage, and Inclusive Development As we step into 2025, let us carry with us the light of hope and the strength of unity. The past year challenged and inspired us, reminding us of the extraordinary courage and compassion that define the Filipino spirit. Together, we turned obstacles into opportunities, reached new milestones, and renewed the promise we hold in our hearts--to build a future filled with purpose and possibility. Protecting our people has always been at the heart of my work since I began my journey as a young senator in 1998, and I remain committed to this cause. This year, we achieved significant legislative milestones, including the enactment of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Accounting System (PENCAS), the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act, and the Bacoor Assembly of 1898 Act. Notably, the Blue Economy bill and the Aklan Pina bill successfully passed the third reading in the Senate, marking crucial strides in environmental sustainability and cultural heritage preservation. As Co-Chairperson of the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum and Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, I remain committed to building bridges of collaboration and dialogue for lasting peace and education reform. This new year inspires us to alleviate poverty through sustainable livelihood programs, ensure access to quality education and healthcare, and foster job creation that empowers individuals and families. We have also successfully defended the FY 2025 budgets of key government agencies to ensure the continued delivery of vital services: the Department of Labor, to uphold workers' rights and sustain and expand livelihood programs; the Department of Foreign Affairs, to strengthen international relations and represent the Philippines in our responsibilities in the community of nations; the Department of Tourism, to promote our tourism industry, celebrate Filipino culture and hospitality, and drive economic growth; the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, to preserve and promote our rich cultural and artistic heritage; and the Presidential Communications Office, to enhance government communication, combat misinformation, and inform every Filipino about their rights and the services they can obtain from their government. These efforts uplift and transform lives, nurture hope, foster national pride, and build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous nation for the Filipinos Recognizing the critical importance of strengthening foreign relations, I had the distinct honor of facilitating the Senate visit of the eighth UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon. His leadership at the United Nations has left an indelible mark on the international community, particularly in advancing global peace, climate action, and human rights. I also joined my colleagues in welcoming the French Senate's Interparliamentary Friendship Group for France-Southeast Asia, led by Senator Olivier Henno. Adding to the significance of this year, I was humbled to be conferred the esteemed title of "Officier dans l'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur" by the French Government, a recognition that follows my earlier distinction as Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 2016. I also had the privilege of delivering a Foreign Policy Address at the Department of Foreign Affairs, where I emphasized the transformative potential of soft power through climate action and cultural diplomacy in advancing our foreign policy goals. Hence, beyond legislation, our projects this year embodied the richness of our culture and the resilience of our communities. We celebrated the global recognition of our heritage by showcasing Filipino artistry at the Venice Biennale 60th International Art Exhibition and the launching the Aklan Pina traveling exhibition in UNESCO's Paris headquarters, following the inclusion of the Aklan pina handloom weaving in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We have also been working tirelessly to prepare for the Philippines' momentous role as the Guest of Honor at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, the world's largest books trade fair to showcase the depth and diversity of our literary and cultural heritage to the world. It is also with great pride that I share the success of this year's inaugural international conference on Philippine Studies, Dialogo: Philippine Studies Goes Global, organized by the University of the Philippines (UP) Asian Center in partnership with the Office of Cultural Diplomacy of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). What began as a vision in 2016 - to deepen global understanding of Filipino culture and history - has now flourished into a vibrant program extending to over 20 universities worldwide. This year, we also marked significant milestones in our climate action agenda, spearheading impactful initiatives that reinforce our commitment to resilience and sustainability. Following the passage of the Blue Economy bill at the Senate on third reading, I supported the French Embassy's Blue Nations Initiative alongside other vital activities I funded through the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs. These efforts are integral to our participation for the UN Oceans Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France this coming June 2025. Equally significant to note was the visit of Dr. Sylvia Earle, a renowned marine biologist and founder of the Mission Blue, where we discussed the vital need to preserve the Verde Island Passage, one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. Recognizing the importance of protecting our waters and in alignment with our commitment to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030 under the High Ambition Coalition, I have advocated for the country's ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty or The High Seas treaty. While pending in the Senate, I commit to push for the body's concurrence to the treaty to ensure the long-term preservation of our oceans and their biodiversity, safeguarding them for generations to come. In collaboration with CCC and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), we launched the Sustainable Leadership Learning for Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction (SLL-CDRR), a scholarship program designed to empower climate and disaster resilience leaders through AIM's prestigious Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) program. I also supported the launch of the "Journey to Climate Resilience: The Philippines' Story," a powerful narrative that highlights the work we do to confront and adapt to the challenges of climate change. Complementing these efforts, the Philippine Resilience Awards 2024 celebrated our kababayans' relentless efforts in advancing climate action and strengthening community resilience. As I emphasized during my speech at the 2024 Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, the path to a resilient and sustainable future for all must be inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind as this is a call to action that we must all answer. In consistent to this call for inclusivity and in recognition of the powerful women play role, I supported the launching of the Filipina Changemakers Documentary, featuring inspiring leaders like Nida Collado of Palawan, who champions forest protection in her community, and Mila Bongalbal of Albay, who fosters resilient agricultural practices. I also supported a forum and panel session titled "Filipina Changemakers: Champions for Climate Resilience" which highlighted the important role of women in driving climate action and building community resilience. Building on this vision of female leadership, at the 2024 International Conference for Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), I emphasized during a roundtable with women parliamentarians from across the globe that gender-responsive budgeting must be mainstreamed across the national budget to bolster our initiatives in eliminating barriers that prevent women from shaping our futures. Similarly, in my address at the Foreign Service Institute's Partners' Lecture Series, I focused on "Technology, Evolution, and Gender to Inform and Prioritize Policy", where I underscored that technology and gender equality are not mere concepts - they are the driving forces behind policies that will shape a future where progress and inclusivity are synonymous. Let 2025 be a year of meaningful action. Let it be a year where we continue to work tirelessly to confront injustice with courage and compassion, both within our borders and beyond. Together let us create a world where every individual enjoys the full measure of their human rights and dignity. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, every bold step toward development, and every bold decision we make will bring us closer to a Philippines that is sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous for all. May the year ahead be filled with blessings, opportunities, and the unbreakable bond of solidarity that unites us as one people.
John Greene and his counselor, Emily Georgia, at Family & Childrens Counseling Services in Cortland, N.Y. Greene is four months into recovery for the first time since he started regularly using drugs at age 14. He credits a new program that the counseling center started with opioid settlement money. (Photo by Celia Talbot Tobin for KFF Health News)

This article first appeared on KFF Health News.

In the past few years, state and local governments across the U.S. have begun spending billions in opioid settlements paid by companies accused of fueling the overdose crisis. But where is that money going, who is getting it, and is it doing any good?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

KFF Health News, partnering with researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on addiction, undertook a yearlong investigation to find out.

Dozens of interviews, thousands of pages of documents, an array of public records requests and outreach to all 50 states resulted in a first-of-its kind database that catalogs more than 7,000 ways opioid settlement cash was used in 2022 and 2023. Its the most comprehensive resource to date tracking some of the largest public health settlements in American history.

Among the findings:

States and localities received more than $6 billion in opioid settlement funds in 2022 and 2023. According to public records, they spent or committed about a third of that amount and set aside about another third for future use. The final third was untrackable, as many jurisdictions did not produce public reports on the funds.

Reports of spending tracked the minuscule to the monumental, from $11.74 to buy postage in Yavapai County, Arizona, to more than $51 million to increase the addiction treatment workforce in California.

States allotted, on average, about 18% of their funds for addiction and mental health treatment; 14% for recovery services such as housing, transportation and legal aid; 11% for harm reduction efforts such as overdose reversal medications; and 9% for prevention programs that aim to stop people from developing substance use disorders. States committed, on average, about 2% for syringe service programs, through which people can get sterile needles. (A variety of entities received this money, from law enforcement to nonprofit organizations to government agencies.)

Governments reported spending more than $240 million on purposes that did not qualify as opioid remediation. (Most settlements allow states to spend up to 15% of their funds this way.) Most of this tranche went to legal fees, but several jurisdictions funneled money to their general fund. One county even sent funds to its road and bridge department.

Several cities and counties reported expenditures they said addressed the overdose crisis but that would leave an average person scratching their head  such as $33.07 to an anti-abortion pregnancy center in Sandborn, Indiana, and $30,362 to screen first responders for heart disease in Oregon City, Oregon.

When people know that people arent watching and theres no accountability, then they can kind of do what they want, said Tonja Myles, a community activist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who is in recovery. Thats why we have to have some kind of database and accountability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite the recent decline in overall overdose deaths in the U.S., more than 90,000 people still died in the 12 months ending July 2024 and rates are rising in many Black and Native American communities.

We cant mess up or miss this moment, Myles said.

Opioid settlement payouts are expected to total about $50 billion over nearly two decades, paid by more than a dozen companies that made or distributed prescription painkillers, including Johnson & Johnson, Walgreens and Walmart. Although its a large sum, its dwarfed by the size of the crisis, making each dollar thats spent critical.

KFF Health News and its partners reviewed hundreds of settlement spending reports, extracting expenditures line by line, and developed a methodology to sort the expenditures into categories like treatment or prevention. States were given an opportunity to review the data and comment on their spending.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To be sure, the database does not capture the full picture of opioid settlement spending nationwide. Some places do not publish spending reports, while others declined to engage with this project. The data presented here is a snapshot as of the end of 2023 and does not account for further spending in 2024. The differences in how states control, process and report on the money make apples-to-apples comparisons nearly impossible. Still, the database helps fill a gap left by a lack of national reporting requirements and federal government inaction.

It is a tool for those who want to objectively measure whether everything that can be done is being done, said Matthew Myers, a former president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which compiles similar annual reports on tobacco settlement money.

Treatment a clear winner

The top priority to emerge from early opioid settlement spending was treatment, with more than $416 million spent or committed to residential rehabs, outpatient counseling, medications for opioid use disorder and more.

The state of New York  which spent the most on treatment  allocated about $22 million of that for programs that make the gold standard for care as easy as possible for patients: providing same-day prescriptions for buprenorphine, a medication that decreases cravings for opioids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The result was a program that John Greene said changed his life.

Greene, 57, used to live in the woods down the street from Family & Childrens Counseling Services in Cortland, New York. He cycled through jails and hospitals, overdosing half a dozen times and trying rehab just as many.

But now he has four months of recovery under his belt  the longest stint since he started regularly using drugs at 14.

He said its because the counseling centers new program  funded by a mix of state and local opioid settlement dollars  has a different approach. Counselors arent didactic and judgmental. They dont force him to stop smoking marijuana. Several staff members have experienced addiction themselves. They drive Greene, who doesnt have a car, to doctor appointments and the pharmacy for his buprenorphine prescription.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now Greene lives and works with his brother, looks forward to weekly counseling sessions, and is notching small victories  such as buying his nephew toy cars as a stocking stuffer.

It made me feel good to do something for somebody and not expect nothing back, Greene said.

Emily Georgia, one of Greenes counselors, said the center has worked with nearly 200 people like him in the past year. Without the settlements, the program probably wouldnt exist, she said.

John Greene at Family & Childrens Counseling Services in Cortland, N.Y. (Photo by Celia Talbot Tobin for KFF Health News)

Across the country, the money supports other innovative treatment approaches:

$21 million for a new program in Kentucky that diverts people with mental illness or addiction who face low-level charges away from incarceration and into treatment, education and workforce training

More than $3 million for, in part, three new mobile methadone programs in Massachusetts, to bring the medication to rural and underserved areas

Tens of thousands of dollars each in Iowa and Pennsylvania to cover out-of-pocket treatment costs for people without insurance or those with high deductibles

Philip Rutherford, an expert on substance use disorder at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, said these efforts are really positive and many have been historically difficult or impossible to achieve with federal or state funding.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But some funds are also flowing to treatment approaches that defy best practices, such as denying people medications for opioid use disorder.

Some in the recovery community consider methadone and buprenorphine a crutch. But study after study show that the medications help people stay in treatment and reduce the risk of overdose and death. Research even suggests that treatment without these medications can be more harmful than no treatment at all.

Although not everyone will want medication, settlement funds shouldnt prop up a system that doesnt allow people to have that choice, said Regina LaBelle, a professor of addiction policy at Georgetown University.

Babies, forgotten victims of the epidemic

While treatment received a windfall in early opioid settlement spending, another aspect of the crisis was neglected: neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition in which babies exposed to drugs in the womb experience withdrawal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nationwide, more than 59 newborns a day are diagnosed with it. Yet only about $8.4 million in settlement money was committed to the issue  less than 0.5% of all funds publicly reported as spent or committed in 2022 and 2023.

Experts in public health and addiction, as well as affected families, say its due to stigma.

A mom using drugs and being a parent is a very uncomfortable reality to face, said Ashley Grant, a 38-year-old mother of three in Mesa, Arizona. Its easier to just push it under the rug or let them fall through the cracks, as sad as that is.

It almost happened to her.

Grant learned she was pregnant with her third child last year. At the time, her partner was in jail and she was using drugs after an eight-year period of recovery, was estranged from her family, and didnt know how shed survive the next nine months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During a visit to a methadone clinic, she saw a booth about Jacobs Hope, a specialty nursery that cares for substance-exposed newborns and their moms. Nursery staff connected her with a therapist, helped her enroll in parenting classes, and dropped off diapers and a playpen at her home.

Jo Jones, left, is the founder of Jacobs Hope, a specialty nursery in Mesa, Ariz., that cares for substance-exposed newborns. Lyndsey Steele is the nurserys associate director. (Photo by Ash Ponders for KFF Health News)

After delivering at the hospital, Grant and her baby boy stayed at Jacobs Hope for about a week. Nurses showed her how skin-to-skin contact calmed his withdrawal symptoms and more frequent feedings and burpings decreased gastrointestinal discomfort, which is common among substance-exposed newborns.

Today, Grant has roughly five months of recovery. She got certified as a peer recovery specialist and hopes to join Jacobs Hope one day to help moms like her.

But the nurserys future is uncertain.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After opening in 2019, Jacobs Hope nearly shut down this summer due to low reimbursements and delayed payments from insurers, said Lyndsey Steele, its associate director. Community donations kept the nursery afloat, but its still hanging on by a thread, she said.

Shes hoping opioid settlement money can help.

In 2022, Jacobs Hope received about $250,000 from Arizonas opioid settlements. But this year, the legislature captured the states share of remaining funds and, in a controversial move, gave it to the Department of Corrections.

Jacobs Hope has now turned to local governments, which control their own settlement dollars. Its home city of Mesa said a first round of grant applications should open in the spring.

Steele prays it wont be too late for babies in need  the epidemics forgotten victims, she called them.

A certified nursing assistant comforts an infant who recently arrived at Jacobs Hope, a specialty nursery in Mesa, Ariz., that helps care for substance-exposed newborns and their parents. (Photo by Ash Ponders for KFF Health News)

Heart disease screening, robot ambulances and more

Some opioid settlement expenditures have sparked fierce disagreement. They generally fall into three buckets: money for law enforcement, funding for youth prevention programs and purchases unrelated to the opioid crisis.

Settlement dollars nationwide have bought body scanners, K-9 units, bulletproof vests, patrol trucks, and laptops and printers for police and sheriffs.

Some spending strayed even further from the spirit of the settlement. In Oregon City, Oregon, more than $30,000 was spent on screening first responders for heart disease. Police Chief Shaun Davis said his staff respond to opioid-related emergencies and experience trauma that increases their risk of heart attack.

But some people question if settlement funds should be footing the bill.

This looks to me like youre trying to defray other costs from the police budget, said Stephen Loyd, chair of Tennessees Opioid Abatement Council. I dont think that theres any way that this opioid money was earmarked for stuff like that.

A second area of contention is youth prevention.

Although most people agree that stopping children from developing addictions is important, the execution is tricky.

Nearly half a million settlement dollars have gone to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, commonly known as D.A.R.E. Decades of research suggest its original curriculum is ineffective.

Robeson County, North Carolina, spent about $10,000 in settlement money to buy Andy the Ambulance, a robot ambulance with big eyes and an audio system through which a human operator can discuss the dangers of drugs. EMS Director Patrick Cummings said his team has taken the robot to churches and elementary schools.

We dont have any studies that show its working, he said, but educating kids seems like a good investment because if they never try it, they dont get addicted.

Then theres the chunk of money  up to 15% of each states funds  thats a free-for-all.

Flint, Michigan, spent nearly $10,000 on a sign for a community service center. The city reported that the expense did not qualify as opioid remediation. In other words, its unrelated to addressing the crisis.

But Caitie ONeill, a city spokesperson, said that the building sign makes it possible for residents to find the center, which houses city services, including Narcan kits, fentanyl testing strips and substance abuse referrals.

Jurisdictions across 29 states reported non-remediation spending in 2022 and 2023. Most opioid settlements require such reports but operate on an honor system. No one is checking if the other 21 states and Washington, D.C., were truthful.

Jackie Lewis, an Ohio mother whose 34-year-old son, Shaun, died of an overdose in October 2022, finds that hard to stomach.

This is blood money, she said. Some people have lost sight of that.

Lewis is raising Shauns daughter, ensuring the 9-year-old receives counseling at school and can attend the hip-hop music classes she enjoys  all on Lewis Social Security payments. This year they moved to a smaller town with lower costs.

As settlement funds continue flowing, she wants officials in charge of the money to help families like hers.

We still exist and were still struggling, she said.

Jackie Lewis lost her 34-year old son, Shaun, in October 2022 to an opioid overdose. She is raising Shauns daughter, now 9 years old, on her Social Security payments. Lewis wants officials in charge of settlement funds to help families like hers. We still exist and were still struggling, she says. (Photo by Maddie McGarvey for KFF Health News)

KFF Health News Henry Larweh and Megan Kalata, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Healths Sara Whaley and Vivian Flanagan, and Shatterproofs Kristen Pendergrass and Sahvanah Prescott contributed to this article. Data visualizations by Lydia Zuraw.



The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has taken a leading role in providing guidance to state and local governments on the use of opioid settlement funds. Faculty from the school collaborated with other experts in the field to create principles for using the money, which have been endorsed by over 60 organizations.

Shatterproof is a national nonprofit that addresses substance use disorder through distinct initiatives, including advocating for state and federal policies, ending addiction stigma, and educating communities about the treatment system.

Shatterproof is partnering with some states on projects funded by opioid settlements. KFF Health News, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Shatterproof team who worked on this report are not involved in those efforts.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF  an independent source of health policy research, polling and journalism. Learn more about KFF.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Bans off our bodies balloons decorated the Protect Kentucky Access election night watch party on Nov. 8, 2022, in Louisville after Kentuckians defeated an anti-abortion amendment to the state Constitution. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes)

Heading into the third year since Roe v. Wade was overturned, states will continue to introduce and consider legislation to expand or restrict access to reproductive health care and abortion as legislative sessions begin.

In anticipation of President-elect Donald Trumps return to the White House in January, states with broad reproductive rights protections have introduced bills to shield patients and doctors if the incoming Republican administration overturns protections implemented under President Joe Biden. States with strict bans, meanwhile, have started floating fetal personhood bans, abortion pill punishments and other restrictions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Most legislatures will convene during the second week in January or later and adjourn midway through the year.

California tries to protect abortion pills and medical privacy

On the campaign trail, Trump insisted he would not sign a federal abortion ban and even criticized some strict state laws. But the fate of a host of federal abortion-related policy and lawsuits now rests with Trump and his appointees.

National anti-abortion groups are lobbying the incoming Trump administration to implement a long list of regulatory measures, including revoking a Biden-era rule that requires emergency health workers to stabilize pregnant patients even if treatment involves an abortion procedure.

Anti-abortion leaders told States Newsroom they are especially focused on lobbying the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to restrict medication abortion and prohibit its use via telemedicine. Trumps nominee for HHS secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has previously defended abortion rights, but anti-abortion activists are trying to appeal to Kennedys outspoken skepticism of pharmaceuticals, arguing that negative health and environmental side effects of abortion drugs were insufficiently tested, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has disputed. Kennedy recently signaled he is open to restricting the medications.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ahead of the new year, California Democrats introduced several bills to safeguard medication abortion and enforce the states Reproductive Privacy Act, which ensures the right to make reproductive care decisions without government interference.

Assembly Bill 40 would include emergency abortion and reproductive health services in the definition of emergency services and care; Assembly Bill 45 would prohibit providers from releasing patients abortion-related medical information to other states; and Assembly Bill 54 would shield abortion-pill manufacturers and distributors and health professionals from legal and professional liability.

Bills to restrict abortion drugs

In Texas, where abortion was banned in 2021, Republican lawmakers and law enforcement officials have signaled they are cracking down on abortion drugs, which are often mailed from states with so-called shield laws to states with abortion bans. Texas set up an interstate legal battle in December, when Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton sued a New York doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills to a Texas woman via telemedicine.

In November, Republican Texas Rep.-elect Pat Curry introduced House Bill 1339, which would classify mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances, despite the FDA determining the drugs are safe.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The bill is similar to a Louisiana law enacted last year, over which health care providers have sued, saying the measure requires stricter storage and documentation that could delay care for patients in emergency situations. It was sponsored by Republican Louisiana Sen. Thomas Pressly, whose pregnant sister was given abortion-inducing medication against her knowledge by her ex-husband.

Anti-abortion groups have been building the narrative that more state legislation targeting abortion drugs is needed to address coerced or unwanted abortions. The Charlotte Lozier Institute, an anti-abortion research think tank behind retracted abortion-pill research, claims unwanted or coerced abortion is a hidden epidemic, based in part on their 2023 study of surveyed women. Their finding that nearly 70% of abortions are coerced, unwanted or inconsistent with womens preferences lumps in women who said their abortion was unwanted or coerced (24%) with women who said their abortions were accepted but inconsistent with their values and preferences (43%).

The Heritage Foundation, the conservative group behind a set of policies known as Project 2025, has gathered several examples of abortion pills given to pregnant women without their consent. To combat the problem, they recommend states ban telemedicine and mail-order abortion pills and strengthen or enact laws targeting abortion coercion. Kansas passed a law in 2024 making it a felony to force a woman to end a pregnancy, overriding the governors veto.

Lawmakers push bills to establish fetal personhood

In 2025, states with abortion bans are expected to push for explicit fetal rights in the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Oklahoma, abortion is banned under a 1910 criminal law that calls for two to five years in prison. House Bill 1008, introduced by Republican Rep. Jim Olsen, would grant protections for fetuses and make abortion a felony crime for health care providers, punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and/or 10 years imprisonment. The proposed bill only allows abortions if the provider judges the birth of the baby to be a threat to the life of the pregnant woman.

Tennessee already has a strict abortion ban with some health exceptions. But House Bill 26, introduced by Republican state Rep. Gino Bulso, would take the law much further. It declares human life begins at fertilization, says an unborn child is entitled to the full and equal protection of the laws that prohibit violence against any other person, and makes it a federal crime under the Comstock Act  punishable by up to $5 million  to mail or deliver abortion pills. Bulso also introduced House Joint Resolution 7, to amend the state constitution to affirm equal protection rights for every human being from fertilization to natural death.

Legislation to expand, protect and restrict abortion access following ballot initiatives

As ballot initiative organizers have told States Newsroom, beliefs about abortion rights in America dont neatly align with partisan leanings.

There was no better demonstration of that phenomenon than during the 2024 presidential election, when voters in states that favored Trump also voted to protect abortion access, some by overwhelming margins.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Policy questions related to abortion were on the ballot in 10 states in November, and seven states voted to pass them. The three states where measures failed were Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota. Though 57% of Florida voters favored the side to restore access, the state constitution requires 60% for an amendment to pass.

In Nebraska, a competing amendment to keep abortions limited to the first trimester, roughly 12 weeks gestation, triumphed over an amendment that would have protected abortion access until fetal viability in the state constitution. But Nebraskas abortion-rights measure did not fail as miserably as South Dakotas effort to enshrine abortion access in the first trimester, rejected by nearly 59% of the states voters.

But in Arizona, voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to restore abortion access, and a slim majority in Missouri did the same, although clinics are still waiting for the courts to determine whether they can start offering abortion care again. In Montana, where abortion access has been largely uninterrupted since the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision, the electorate approved a measure spelling out the right to an abortion as part of reproductive health care, prohibiting government interference before viability. Similarly in Nevada, 63% voted to add the right to their constitution, although it wont become official unless voters approve it again in 2026.

In all of those states, Trump took the electoral college vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

States that already had broad abortion access, including Colorado, Maryland and New York, passed measures expanding it further. Colorado will require insurers to pay for treatment, Maryland added the right to its state constitution, and New York prohibited discrimination because of pregnancy.

At least one state will attempt to qualify an abortion ballot question for the 2026 midterms. Idahoans United for Women and Families launched in April and filed its ballot titles for approval in August. Melanie Folwell, the groups spokesperson, told States Newsroom that signature gathering will likely begin in late January, and the group has already raised $321,000. Folwell said more than 500 people have signed up to volunteer and help collect signatures.

Legislation to return some access in states with abortion bans

North Dakota is in limbo after a district judge struck down the states abortion ban in a September ruling, calling the law unconstitutional. The state quickly appealed to the North Dakota Supreme Court, which recently heard arguments to determine whether abortions can legally take place while they consider the appeal. The ban made all abortions illegal, with exceptions for serious health risks or cases of rape or incest, but only if the person had been pregnant for less than six weeks.

Amid the legal wrangling, medical school professor and Republican state Rep. Eric Murphy proposed a bill that he says would offer a middle ground based in science for abortion access in the state, North Dakota Monitor reported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The legislation would allow abortions for any reason through 15 weeks of pregnancy, since most people dont know theyre pregnant for several weeks and should have time to decide whether they want to continue the pregnancy, Murphy said. Between weeks 16 and 26, abortions would be permitted if a committee of three doctors determined it was medically necessary. The bill would allow doctors to perform abortions for emergency health reasons at any time without the committees approval.

This type of model is in place in other states such as Alabama, but the exception is rarely utilized by medical professionals for fear of their decision being questioned or prosecuted, threatening their medical license or freedom. Although the Monitor noted a recent poll showed 55% of North Dakotans oppose the states abortion ban, fellow Republican lawmakers say Murphys bill is likely going nowhere in the upcoming legislative session.

Efforts to improve maternal health, pregnancy rights

While some states remain focused on abortion restrictions, others are turning attention to maternal health care, particularly for people of color and those living in rural areas, and extra protections for individuals in states with abortion access.

Lawmakers in Michigans Senate advanced a package of eight bills called Momnibus, a play on omnibus, aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and decreasing racial disparities in health outcomes during pregnancy, Michigan Advance reported. Among them, Senate Bill 819 would require a government agency to take reports of obstetric violence or racism. The legislative body is also pushing through a bill to protect reproductive health care data.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Virginia lawmakers are also preparing to consider maternal health care bills that would include remote monitoring services for some high-risk patients in rural areas, as well as an expansion of Medicaid, according to Virginia Mercury. In Kentucky, a state with a near-total abortion ban, there is also a push to establish special insurance coverage periods two years postpartum, recruiting more people of color to medical teams, hiring more doula workers for care teams and more, Kentucky Lantern reported. In California, theres a proposal to reimburse alternative birth centers under state Medicaid.

Texas legislators may also debate passage of a package of proposals aimed at addressing maternal health care in rural areas. Almost half of all Texas counties offer no maternity care services, according to Texas Tribune, and living in a maternity care desert contributes to delayed prenatal care, increased pregnancy complications and worse delivery outcomes.

New Jersey Monitor reported a bill that would allow workers to take between seven and 21 days of leave for the death of a child, miscarriage, stillbirth or other related reproductive losses faces one more hurdle in the state senate before it may become law.
STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV)  Statesboro Police Department (SPD) arrested and charged one man with fentanyl trafficking Wednesday, recovering enough of the drug to potentially kill the population of Statesboro twice over.

Police said they found marijuana, pills, and trafficking amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in a home on Catherine Drive, located off Fair Road, near Georgia Southern Universitys (GSU) campus.

When youre talking about dosage and potency of it, 6 ounces to us is an awful lot of that, said Capt. Jared Akins of the SPD.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), 2 milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose. Doing the math, the amount recovered from the home was enough to kill about 79,000 people.

You have really no idea what youre actually buying, and it doesnt take very much of that fentanyl for a lethal result, Akins said. Were glad to have that amount off the street.

Police were initially at the home to arrest another resident on battery charges when they noticed evidence of drug activity. After obtaining a search warrant, they discovered the drugs and arrested Otis Flores-Tirado on charges of drug trafficking and distribution.

So many drugs now are adulterated, said Akins. We almost never see anything thats pure. Meth, cocainethey can all be adulterated with fentanyl and often are because its a cutting agent in a way, and it also amplifies some of the effects. But thats where you get your overdoses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Akins told News 3, the neighborhood, located just a few hundred yards from Georgia Southerns campus, is typically quiet and was once used as faculty housing for the university. Akins emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying drug activity.

Anybody that does have those drug complaints, just give us a shout, he said. You can call the main number here; you can submit an anonymous tip those are completely anonymous. We cant run you back down later on, so we encourage people to call and make those reports, and well follow up on every one of them.

The two men from the home are being held at the Bulloch County Jail.

One is facing his initial battery charge that the arrest warrant was for, while the other is charged with multiple felonies for drug trafficking and distribution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Under one of the few significant mandates of the controversial 2021 SAFE-T Act that was backed by both advocates for police reform and law enforcement, every police officer in Illinois as of New Years Day is required to wear a body camera while on duty.

Police departments are required to report their use of bodycams, but whether all of the states roughly 1,000 law enforcement agencies were in compliance with the law, which gave smaller departments and state agencies more time to get equipped with the technology, remained unclear at the Jan. 1 deadline.

The most recent report from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is from 2023, before many small departments were required to comply, and falls short of giving a full picture. Only about 180 departments provided information about body cameras to the ILETSB. Of the roughly 170 departments from that group which reported using cameras in 2023, 20 didnt explain their review process for camera footage and 15 failed to report how many cameras they had on hand, according to the 2023 report. Another 25 were missing the numbers of officers in the department using body-worn cameras. All three elements are required to be reported under the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Departments that failed to provide full information contacted by the Tribune shared the number of cameras in use and said they were in compliance with the law. Arlington Heights Deputy Chief Greg Czernecki said his department submits reports to the ILETSB so I am not sure why the information regarding the number of cameras and officers using the cameras was not included in the report.

Some departments reported to the ILETSB that they had far fewer cameras than officers. Agencies contacted by the Tribune said they had worked out a checkout system or otherwise found a way to be in compliance with fewer cameras.

Updated information on body camera programs likely wont be collected until this summer, as law enforcement agencies are required to provide reports about body camera use by May 1 annually, and the ILETSB must analyze those reports by the end of July, according to the law.

Kenny Winslow, executive director at the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, said he thinks most departments are in compliance with the law, though some departments struggled with funding issues and manufacturing delays. There are probably a couple of departments that have been unable to comply, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police body cameras have become more common over the last decade as pressure increased to improve transparency and trust in light of controversial uses of force by officers across the nation, especially in situations where video contradicted the official version of events. That was the case in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald by Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke in October 2014, when police dash camera footage, released more than a year later, provided a scenario contrary to the narrative officers on the scene provided to investigators.

Chicago police began a body camera pilot program several months after a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, fatally shot Michael Brown, an unarmed Black man, in 2014, sparking riots and generating national outrage. Chicagos program began with one patrol district, and had been expanded to include all officers assigned to patrol districts by the end of 2017.

After the murder of George Floyd by a Minnesota police officer in 2020, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus advanced sweeping criminal justice reforms known as the SAFE-T Act. The act eliminated cash bail, made it easier for the public to file complaints against law enforcement and required all police officers in the state to be equipped with body cameras by Jan. 1, 2025.

The largest departments for municipalities and counties with more than 500,000 people needed to be in compliance by 2022, while midsize departments had deadlines in 2023 and 2024. The final deadline of Jan. 1 was for departments serving jurisdictions with fewer than 50,000 people, as well as state agency law enforcement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the SAFE-T Act was criticized by many in law enforcement, the body camera requirement met with general approval. Criminal justice advocates see the devices as crucial tools for protecting civil rights and holding officers accountable. Many in law enforcement view bodycams as another means of gathering evidence as well as a way to protect officers against unfounded accusations of misconduct.

Bartlett police Chief Geoffrey Pretkelis, whose northwest suburban department has a little more than 60 sworn police officers for a town of about 40,000 people, said his department has used body cameras for more than two years.

We dont get a lot of complaints. But the few complaints that we have, have been able to be really resolved with the body-worn cameras, which we might have had some difficulty if we didnt have those particular cameras, Pretkelis said.

Chris Beachler, police chief of Glasford, a central Illinois town of about 1,000 people, said his department of four or five officers started using body cameras about 10 years ago. The cost of purchasing and maintaining cameras and storing electronic footage is an issue for many departments. Beachler said his departments six body cameras and accompanying storage carried an initial cost of around $18,000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But the state has set aside millions of dollars in grants for police departments wanting body or squad car cameras. About 325 agencies had received some kind of camera grant from the ILETSB as of last August, Executive Director Keith Calloway said in an email.

Agencies that comply within the laws timeline are set to receive preference in camera grant funding from the ILETSB, according to the statute. Separately, the Illinois criminal code notes that individual officers who dont comply with certain sections of the law on camera use are engaging in misconduct, a Class 3 felony.

The Effingham County sheriffs office didnt get body cameras until 2024 because it was testing different brands and trying to figure out how it was going to store footage, said Sheriff Paul F. Kuhns. The agency has about 30 officers, including those who work in corrections.

Kuhns said one added element was the potential cost to departments for having employees spend time fulfilling open-records requests on anything related to the cameras.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We are so used to unfunded mandates. They pass a law, we have to have certain training. And Im all for training. We have smarter, better officers now than weve ever had in our countrys history, Kuhns said. But all that stuff comes at a cost and oftentimes its just the only thing they do is demand that it be done, and then were left struggling to figure out how to pay for it.

Axon, a main supplier of body cameras to law enforcement agencies in Illinois and around the country, said the company has had no problem meeting customer demands for equipment.

We are confident that our supplier network and manufacturing capabilities can reliably meet customer needs, including providing body-worn cameras for Illinois agencies, an Axon spokesperson said.

Several department leaders who were included in the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board 2023 report said bringing in the cameras had been helpful for training, public trust and media questions while a few said the sheer amount of data generated by the cameras posed a new challenge.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It does create a significant workload, including in Freedom of Information Act requests for videos that might require a lot of redactions, Lake County Sheriffs Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said.

Still, he said, the overall good outweighs that.
Theyre making a list. Theyre checking it twice. Theyre gonna find out if youre bowing to ICE.

Two days before Christmas, America First Legal Foundation  the organization founded by former Trump White House adviser Stephen Miller  sent letters to dozens of officials across the country, warning that so-called sanctuary jurisdictions could face serious consequences if they run afoul of the incoming administrations immigration policies.

Miller, whos been tapped to serve as Donald Trumps deputy chief of staff for policy after crafting bigoted policies during the president-elects first term, has used America First Legal as the MAGA movements litigative attack dog. And this letter does a whole lot of woofing. (You can read the letters here.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

San Diego Countys Board of Supervisors, for example, recently voted to forbid local law enforcement from aiding federal immigration agencies (such as U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) unless theres a judicial warrant. And Millers group isnt happy about it.

As CalMatters reported:

In the Dec. 23 letter, America First Legal Foundation wrote: We have identified San Diego County as a sanctuary jurisdiction that is violating federal law. The conservative legal nonprofit that day announced that it had identified 249 elected officials in sanctuary jurisdictions who it said could face legal consequences over immigration policies.

Trump and his allies have repeatedly tried  and failed  to use the courts to shut down sanctuary city policies. For years, theyve portrayed these cities as hotbeds of crime, despite research  like this 2017 report from the Center for American Progress  showing crime rates being lower in sanctuary cities than in non-sanctuary cities.

Nonetheless, America First Legals letter warns that anyone who abides by the sanctuary policies in question could face a civil racketeering case  and five years in prison per immigrant involved. (Its worth noting that the group joins Trumps incoming border czar, Tom Homan, in threatening to incarcerate officials who dont comply with the MAGA movements immigration demands.)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This effort by Millers organization seems pretty suggestive of the cruelty that Trumps incoming administration has planned for immigration enforcement. And the fact that the group is pre-emptively threatening officials with financial devastation and prison time shows how desperate Trump and his allies are to act on his vile vow to deport immigrants en masse.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
UPDATE: The suspect, Jordan Franklin, is charged with two counts of evading arrest, theft of property $2,500-$10,000, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, and possession of a controlled substance  marijuana.

Franklin is held in jail on a $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday morning.

***

SOUTHAVEN, Miss.  One person is charged and two are in a hospital after a stolen car fleeing police from Southaven into Memphis crashed on Airways on Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Around 8:30 a.m., the West Memphis Police Department says they were called to a passenger motor vehicle theft in the 3000 block of East Service Road in West Memphis, Arkansas.

The victim told police her vehicle was missing from her home and that she did not permit anyone to use her car.

Children charged with carjacking grandmother

Southaven Police say they spotted the stolen vehicle on Swinnea Road near Stateline Road a little before 2 p.m. They tried to pull it over, but the driver sped away, driving recklessly on Goodman Road, then on Airways.

Southaven Police say they did not pursue the vehicle but deployed stop sticks on Airways at Stateline. The driver made contact with the stop sticks and then drove north into Memphis.

When it crossed the city limits, police say the driver lost control and hit a southbound vehicle. Two suspects got out and ran.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Memphis Police found one of them hiding in a nearby neighborhood and took him into custody.

Southaven Police identified that suspect as Jordan Franklin, 21, of Memphis. Franklin is being charged with felony fleeing and receiving stolen property. Police say Franklin was found with a green leafy substance which tested positive for marijuana.

Two people, a male and a female, were taken to St. Francis Hospital after the crash, and are in non-critical condition, Memphis Police said.

All southbound traffic on Airways was blocked and two northbound lanes were also blocked during 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 WREG.com.
Norovirus is back and hitting hard.

More than 80 people got sick after eating oysters at a Los Angeles County event in early December.

Passengers on back-to-back cruises on Cunard's Queen Mary 2 got sick with norovirus. Among 2,565 guests, 326 reported being ill, along with 65 crew, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

According to the most recent numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, there were 91 outbreaks of norovirus reported during the week of Dec. 5. That's almost double the number of outbreaks from prior years.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It is sometimes called the "stomach flu" or the "stomach bug." However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines.

You can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses, the CDC said.

Are norovirus outbreaks common?

The CDC reported there are about 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the United States every year.

Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April.

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, the CDC said. It causes 58% of foodborne illnesses acquired in America.

How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways, the CDC said. You can get norovirus by:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Having direct contact with someone with norovirus.

Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.

Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.

You can spread norovirus for two weeks or more after you feel better.

Most norovirus outbreaks happen when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact, the CDC said.

What is a 'norovirus outbreak'?

A norovirus outbreak occurs when there is an "occurrence of two or more similar illnesses resulting from a common exposure that is either suspected or laboratory-confirmed to be caused by norovirus," according to the CDC.

Florida norovirus data

The NoroSTAT network  which lists norovirus outbreaks from state health departments  includes Alabama, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Florida is not included on the list.

State, local, and territorial health departments are not required to report individual cases of norovirus illness to CDC.

The most recent data available shows 24 outbreaks of norovirus in Florida between Sept. 1, 2023, and Oct. 31, 2024, based on data sent to CDC's CaliciNet.

Symptoms of norovirus, or stomach bug

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus.

Most common symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain

Other symptoms: Fever, headache, and body aches

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States, according to the CDC.

Most people with norovirus illness get better within one to three days, can can still spread the virus for a few days after.

Are outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships increasing?

The CDC has logged 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruises that met its threshold for public notification in 2024. In 13 of those, norovirus was listed as the causative agent. The others were caused by E. coli, salmonella, or listed as unknown.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Norovirus outbreaks do tend to take place in congregate settings, particularly where people consume food and beverages, Dr. Dean Winslow, a professor of medicine and pediatrics at Stanford Medicine, told USA TODAY.

He noted a cruise ship is a closed environment where people cannot as easily distance themselves from others.

I look at a cruise ship as really kind of a perfect storm for a number of environmental factors, Winslow said.

Eating raw shellfish could put you at risk for norovirus. See recalls

Anyone who consumes raw shellfish is at risk of contracting norovirus, the CDC said.

Cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The United States Food and Drug Administration issued multiple advisories in December for oysters and clams it said could be contaminated with norovirus.

The recalled oysters came from British Columbia, Canada, with a recall first being issued in California.

Another recall was also issued by the FDA on oysters from Washington state and Manila clams. The administration said these recalled seafood products could be contaminated with the norovirus.

How to prevent spread of norovirus, stomach flu

The CDC offered several suggestions to help prevent the spread of norovirus:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially: After using the toilet or changing diapers. Before eating, preparing, or handling food. Before giving yourself or someone else medicine



Immediately remove and wash clothes or linens that may have vomit or poop on them. Wear rubber or disposable gloves. Handle items carefully without shaking them. Wash the items with detergent and hot water at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dry them at the highest heat setting. Wash your hands after with soap and water.

Be aware noroviruses are relatively resistant to heat and can survive temperatures as high as 145 degrees.

Carefully wash fruits and vegetables well.

Will hand sanitizer help prevent norovirus?

Don't count on hand sanitizer to prevent norovirus, the CDC said.

"Hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"You can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing, which is best."

Contributing: Nathan Diller, USA Today Network

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Stomach flu highly contagious norovirus. Symptoms, prevention
Snow and icy roads are in the forecast for Sunday, Jan. 5 and Monday, Jan. 6, prompting many parents to wonder when their children will return to school after the winter break.

For many students, that call was made months ago when school districts passed their 2024-2025 calendars.

Many schools have already planned teacher work days. Those districts will likely make the call on whether to require teachers to come to school as the storm draws closer.Other districts, like Indianapolis Public Schools and Perry Township Schools, are scheduled to return on Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In most area school districts, including Marion County and Hamilton County, superintendents make the final call about whether to close or delay classes after weighing a variety of factors like road safety and weather predictions.

Here's a look at schools that are still on vacation Monday when Indianapolis is expected to be in the throes of a winter storm that could dump more than 10 inches of snow in some parts.

Click here to find school announcements on Twitter/X.

School closings and delays: It's freezing outside, who makes the call to close Central Indiana schools?

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Teacher work day. No school for students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Some Indianapolis area schools already closed ahead of winter storm
Patchy fog will be possible in western Kansas this morning, with a Dense Fog Advisory in effect through 10 AM. It will also be well below freezing, so a slick spot or two will be possible from fog settling onto elevated surfaces.

Today will be chilly for most, but fairly typical weather for early January. Gentle winds with highs in the 30s and 40s, while southwest Kansas may sneak in a few 50s.

Dropping to the teens and 20s tonight as clouds begin to build.

Winter weather is expected over the weekend. Winter Storm Watches and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued, covering 12 PM Saturday through 6 PM Sunday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Drizzle begins to develop Saturday morning, and the afternoon may see travel conditions deteriorate as temperatures hover near or below freezing. Areas north of Wichita will be more likely to have temperatures below freezing by Saturday afternoon.

The storm system will ramp up Saturday night into Sunday morning. Colder air crashes into western Kansas and switches any moisture over to snow quickly, while we hover near freezing closer to Wichita.

In the wintry mix zone, freezing rain and sleet will dominate and bring the possibility of accumulating ice which could lead to black ice and power outages. This is most likely in a corridor near and just north of Wichita.

Sunday morning, the cold front will reach Wichita and heavy snow begins in earnest near daybreak. Snow persists through the afternoon and will be heavy at times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The heaviest snow will favor the northern half of Kansas, but there will be accumulations likely as far south as the Oklahoma state line. Travel will be treacherous and should be avoided Sunday, with power outages possible

After the storm passes, snowpack and arctic air will bring some bitter cold with highs in the teens and 20s for the first half of the coming week.

A few more flakes may fly for western Kansas on Tuesday, but this will be on the lighter side.

KSN Storm Track 3 Forecast from Meteorologist Jack Maney:

Wichita:

Today: Partly cloudy. Hi: 42 Wind: NE/E 5-15

Tonight: Partly to mostly cloudy. Lo: 27 Wind: E 8-18

Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy to cloudy. 60% chance of rain and freezing rain. Hi: 36 Wind: E 10-20

Tomorrow Night: Cloudy. 90% chance of rain and freezing rain. Lo: 26 Wind: E 10-25

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wichita Weekly

Sun: Hi: 34 Lo: 5 Cloudy, windy. 80% chance of rain, freezing rain and snow.

Mon: Hi: 19 Lo: 3 Partly cloudy, breezy.

Tue: Hi: 22 Lo: 5 Partly cloudy.

Wed: Hi: 27 Lo: 12 Mostly sunny.

Thu: Hi: 33 Lo: 16 Mostly sunny.

Fri: Hi: 35 Lo: 17 Partly cloudy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Download the KSN Storm Track 3 Weather app for the latest weather 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 KSN-TV.
A Strong Vincent graduate was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Joe Biden Thursday.

Born in Ashtabula, Ohio, Eleanor Smeal led massive protests and galvanized womens votes in the 1970s.

Cobblestone Hotel & Suites on Bayfront Parkway has new owners

She helped steer progress for equal pay and helped the Violence Against Women Act become law.

The Biden Campaign credits Smeal with forcing the nation to not only include women in political discourse but to value them as power brokers and equals.

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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  In mid-December, an auction webpage with the logo of the hacker group Rhysida was posted on the dark web, asking for 20 Bitcoin  which is worth about $2 million  in exchange for data stolen from Rutherford County Schools. When nobody paid for exclusivity, the hackers shared the data publicly, including Social Security cards.

Rutherford County Schools said it experienced a network and systems disruption on Nov. 25, 2024. The district has been working with national experts and law enforcement to investigate the matter.

On Dec. 11, 2024, officials announced some files pertaining to certain employees were obtained in the hack, but they said their investigation didnt find that any students personal data had been obtained. However, the director of schools, Dr. Jimmy Sullivan, has since revealed that some student information was also compromised.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Cyber experts weigh in following network interruption affecting Rutherford County Schools

The president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, Robyn Householder, said data breaches are far too common, but parents have several options to keep kids safe.

Her first recommendation is checking your childs credit report and possibly freezing their credit. This will alert you if someone tries to use their Social Security Number.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is your next step if youre concerned that your identity or your childs identity has been stolen. Officials recommend visiting identitytheft.gov, which will allow you to create a recovery plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hackers appear to sell data stolen from Rutherford County Schools

It is an amazing website that has tons of information to help them navigate, and there is a specific section about childrens personal information, said Robin Spector, an attorney with the FTC.

As the Rutherford County data breach remains under investigation, experts urge parents to avoid sharing any personal information online and monitor your kids social media accounts.

According to Householder, that information includes birthdays, middle names, club involvement, etc. Oversharing details like that can help hackers set up passwords and impersonate their targets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Hackers ask for cryptocurrency in apparent ransomware attack on Rutherford County Schools

Rutherford County Schools posted the following statement on Dec. 27, 2024, about the hack:

As you are aware, Rutherford County Schools experienced a network and systems disruption on November 25, 2024. Our team has been investigating this matter, with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity specialists, to determine the nature and scope of the event. The cybersecurity specialists have informed us that some employee personal information was subject to unauthorized acquisition. We do not believe it includes all of our employees, but we are conducting a thorough investigation. In addition, some student information was subject to unauthorized acquisition. The investigation will include a thorough review of the data that was potentially impacted. Once our review is complete, we will notify affected individuals in accordance with applicable laws. Jimmy Sullivan, Director of Schools for Rutherford County Schools

No additional details have been released about the investigation into this hack.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis.  A student at a Waukesha County school suffered fatal injuries on Thursday morning after they were hit by a bus.

According to Waukesha County deputies, the crash unfolded in the parking lot of Silver Spring Intermediate School, near Silver Spring Drive in the Village of Lisbon.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Deputies said the Waukesha County Communications Center was notified about the incident just after 8:30 a.m. and students were on board the bus at the time of the crash.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The child, who was a 4k student at Willow Springs Learning Center, was at Silver Spring to transfer to a shuttle bus that would take them to their school.

Currently, it is unclear what led to the crash and authorities have not identified the victim.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Our thoughts are with the students family, friends, and the entire community during this heartbreaking time. The Waukesha County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the City of Pewaukee Fire Department, Lieutenant Nicholas Wenzel, from the Waukesha County Sheriffs Office, said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An investigation is ongoing and deputies said the driver of the school bus is cooperating fully.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CORTLAND, Ohio (WKBN)  The City of Cortland expressed its gratitude Thursday for studies being done on a local state park.

Through the Water Resources Development Act, studies will be conducted on Mosquito Creek Lake State Park to evaluate its environmental health and safeguard its future.

In a press release Thursday, Cortland Mayor Deidre Petrosky said these studies are critical in preserving and improving the areas natural assets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Petrosky says the well-being of Mosquito Creek Lake State Park is integral to the local economy, residents and visitors.

Mosquito Creek Lake State Park is an invaluable resource for both the City of Cortland and Trumbull County, Petrosky said. These studies will equip us with the data necessary to preserve and enhance this vital asset for future generations.

According to the parks website, Mosquito Lake is one of the largest lakes in Ohio and the surrounding parkland covers 2,483 acres of woodlands and marshes which are home to many different species.

Recently, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources also listed Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area as a great place to spot bald eagles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, and Beth Carmichael, Director of the Trumbull Tourism Bureau, supported the Water Resources Development Act.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Salidas 3,383-acre expansion plan is finally under environmental review to study traffic impacts, basic infrastructure needs, effects on wildlife, and the feasibility of city incorporation.

In 2007, the Salida Community Plan was an initiative proposed for a countywide vote, but county supervisors in a 3-2 decision that August approved the contents of the initiative, rather than putting it on the ballot. The plan included land use areas just north of Modesto capable of producing 27,800 jobs and 5,000 homes, possibly adding 15,000 residents.

By December 2007, the nation was in the grips of the Great Recession and a home mortgage crisis. The Salida Community Plan remained on the books during the recovery years. Today, theres renewed interest in development, such as the 145-acre Scannell Properties project, proposing 2.5 million square feet of warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing at the northwest corner of Kiernan Avenue and Dale Road.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

County leaders agreed early last year that a programmatic environmental study was needed to consider the overall impacts of the Salida plan, before individual projects like Scannell can move forward.

In July, county supervisors approved a $900,000 agreement for Sacramento-based Ascent Environmental to prepare the overarching environmental study and also include a feasibility analysis on city incorporation of Salida. One purpose of the 2007 initiative was a larger tax base for Salida and fiscal self-sufficiency for the unincorporated town of 14,800 residents.

Questions of conflict of interest have arisen because Ascent also is preparing an environmental study looking at the specific impacts of the Scannell project.

County Counsel Thomas Boze said Tuesday there is no conflict. Ascent is capable of doing objective work for both studies. When a county hires outside consultants to prepare an EIR under the California Environmental Quality Act, the consultants are essentially assisting county staff members in completing the work, Boze said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The developer is paying for costs of the study, but the county retains control over the document, Boze said. The document is ours, Boze explained. The report has to be approved by the Board of Supervisors.

In another legal question, the county contracted with Ascent for the Salida Plan EIR without first requesting proposals from consulting firms. A county staff report justified the decision, noting that overlapping technical assessments are needed for both the Salida Plan and Scannell project environmental studies, and Ascent was already conducting some of that work.

It is not time or cost effective to bring in another consultant that will be duplicating work already being performed, the county report said.

Sean McMorris of Common Cause California, a nonprofit focused on promoting accountability in government, said the downside of the RFP process for local governments is it takes more time. But the process serves to build trust with the public.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The upside is: They can get the best deal and also can set parameters for participants in the RFP, said McMorris, the transparency, ethics and accountability program manager for Common Cause.

McMorris said he didnt think its illegal for the same consulting firm to prepare the programmatic EIR while handling the environmental work for a project in the Salida development area. But the public may think something is awry.

We hope that people who do EIRs are ethical and dont have predisposed outcomes before they come in, McMorris said. For the people who do these EIRs, it is a business. They want to have happy clients so the clients use them over and over again.

Jessica Babcock, senior project manager for Ascent, said at a Salida Municipal Advisory Council meeting in late September the project EIR is being prepared under a three-party agreement with the county, Scannell Properties and Ascent Environmental. She said both of the environmental studies will contain unbiased information.

Study considers a variety of issues

The programmatic EIR is looking at larger planning considerations and ways to address overarching issues of developing the 3,383-acre Salida expansion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Babcock said theres no clear picture on whether to expand the wastewater treatment plant of Salida Sanitary District or build new facilities to serve Salidas expansion area. The study also will consider needs such as a Sheriffs Department satellite office combined with a fire station.

A number of sub-consultants are working on the program EIR, including: Fehr & Peers, doing traffic modeling; West Yost Associates, looking at water and wastewater infrastructure; and Economics & Planning Systems, analyzing incorporation feasibility.

County Supervisor Terry Withrow has said the Salida Community Plan could be a possible location for an innovation campus supporting the countys bioindustrial initiative.

The Salida Plan, situated along the Kiernan Avenue traffic corridor, between Sisk and Dale roads, also could attract proposals for distribution centers, raising issues of air pollution and whether the lower pay scale of that industry is desirable for the county.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The community plan includes land designated for 5,000 homes and about 1,260 acres for industrial development, 490 acres for business parks and 280 acres of commercial uses.

Timeline for completing EIR

A draft environmental report should be ready for release in the spring. That will trigger the start of a 60-day period for public comments on the studys findings. The final EIR, with responses to public comments, will be completed roughly a year from now.

The final study requires approval from the Board of Supervisors.

Katherine Borges, a Salida resident, said at the September Salida MAC meeting that new projects should not use septic tank systems because of the high water table in Salida.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Brad Johnson, a Salida municipal council member, asked skeptically if any other area of the county has a plan for 27,800 jobs.

To cover costs of the program EIR, the county will pull $682,785 from the General Fund, $291,220 from the Salida Planning Fund and $75,000 from the Salida Incorporation Study fund balance. As the Salida plan is developed over time, the county will collect fees from individual development projects to reimburse for the General Fund money.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Whether youre in Bridgeport, West Virginia or Bridgeport, Connecticut, youve probably realized that its not all that uncommon for two cities to share a name. But what names are so out of the box that you cant find them anywhere else in the United States?

A recent study from Preply used ChatGPT to determine the most and least used names for towns, cities and census-designated areas to see which states had the highest percentage of unique, or least reused names in the country.

West Virginia did not place particularly high on the list and was ranked 35th out of 50 states with 46.55% of names being unique to West Virginia. Hawaii was in first place by a large margin, followed by Alaska.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ironically the town of Volcano was named Hawaiis most unique name, but shares its name with Volcano, West Virginia, an old oil boom town in Wood County that burned down under mysterious circumstances in 1879.

This particular study declared Nitro was the most unique name in West Virginiabut is it really the most unique name in West Virginia when there are names like Booger Hole, Bean Settlement, Cucumber and Flipping to contend with?

Some of the unique town names in other states include Lizard Lick, North Carolina, Hell, Michigan, Flippin, Arkansas (not to be confused with Flipping, West Virginia), and Unalaska, Alaska.

Other Strange West Virginia Place Names

You can read about more than a dozen weird and wacky West Virginia place names in West Virginias weirdest town names and Where the heck is Flipping, West Virginia? and other strange WV place names.

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 WBOY.com.
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  Of all the citys subway lines, one train crawled the slowest in 2024.

The B train, which runs from the Bronx to Brighton Beach, was New York Citys most delayed in 2024, according to MTA data from January to November.

Discounted restaurants, shows, and hotels in NYC: How to grab deals

The on-time performance of the B train was, on average, 64% in 2024, representing the number of daily trips that arrived at the lines last stop within five minutes of schedule, according to MTA. Trains that were canceled or skipped stops were also considered not on time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its far below the systemwide average of 82% on-time delivery.

Things were particularly bleak in September when an average of 52% of B trains were on time.

Straphangers spent, on average, one minute and four seconds longer than scheduled on the B train, data show.

The B train was not alone in its slow roll. The C and F trains also topped the list of New York Citys slowest lines, averaging 69% and 70% on-time delivery respectively, according to the MTA.

Across the subway system, the number one cause for delays was planned work, followed by police stops and medical issues.

Some changes are coming to the B line in 2025, including accessibility improvements to the Church Avenue station that will adjust the lines route.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Sullivan County Board of Education voted Thursday night to appeal a judges decision to reinstate fired teacher Matthew Hawn.

In 2021, the school board approved terminating Hawn, who was a teacher at Sullivan Central High School, after a parent complained about materials used in his contemporary issues class. Hawn was reprimanded after using an article about white privilege and showing a video of a spoken word poem called White Privilege that included profanity.

The boards decision was upheld by an impartial hearing officer later that year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police: 2 found dead with gunshot wounds in Kingsport

Hawn appealed to the Sullivan County Chancery Court, which determined last month that Hawn was not insubordinate nor unprofessional in his conduct and ordered that he be reinstated and paid his full salary for the time he was suspended and dismissed.

On Thursday night, the school board agreed to appeal the courts ruling.

I know theres two sides to every story and different opinions, Director of Schools Chuck Carter told News Channel 11. I think were looking out for the best interests of our schools, our students, and our administrators and our school system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ballad Health sets visitor restrictions as flu spreads rapidly

Carter said the case will now move to an appeals court.

Hawn declined to comment to News Channel 11 about Thursdays 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Stay up-to-date on the latest headlines in todays Sunrise Smart Start for Friday, January 3, 2025.

Lake effect snow continues to fall for areas east of Lake Ontario, but it has not quite met Rochester. It will take a shift in winds over the next 24 hours to kick snow south into Monroe 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 RochesterFirst.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  On Thursday, 39-year-old Patrick Egan appeared in court for a formal filing of charges. Egan allegedly assaulted KKCO reporter JaRonn Alex.

In the formal filing of charges Egans friends spoke to the court telling them that he is like family to them, claiming that the incident on Dec. 18 its not Patrick,

The defense also argued for a lower bond stating Egans time served in the United States Marines  so he will follow all orders given.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The people argued that because of the threats thrown at Alex in December, this could be a concern to the community.

In the affidavit Egan was quoted saying, Im a Marine and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!

The judge ruled to keep the set bond of $20,000 because of concerns for the communitys safety combined with similar charges against him back in California.

Egan will appear in court again on Jan. 16

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 3SUPERIOR  Superior High School's graduation rates have jumped in recent years. Administrators say one of the critical links behind the success is creating connections.

Getting a diploma in the hands of a student is a process that starts the day that child walks in the door, as early as 4-year-old kindergarten, said Superior School District Administrator Amy Starzecki.

"Everybody has an impact on whether kids walk across that stage," she said, from teachers and aides to bus drivers and custodians.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the high school level, that focus kicks into high gear.

"We have a spreadsheet of every single student in our building and who has a connection with that student," said Superior High School Principal Aaron Fezzey. "When we see gaps  nobody seems to know this student yet really well  I put it on my list (and) I'm going to reach out to that student. Our dean is going to reach out to that student. We're going to start checking in with them, you know.

"So we want to make sure that everybody feels safe, has a person, has a connection to our building and what's going on. There's a lot of reasons students don't come to school or struggle in school, and it's not usually a learning disability or a challenge that way, it's something within those basic needs of what ... students and humans need, that connection."

The district's focus on each student's individual needs has led to a three-year increase in graduation rates, according to numbers provided by Kate Tesch, director of continuous improvement and assessment.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Superior's graduation rate for all students was 85.5% in 2021, putting it in the lower 15% of Wisconsin school districts. The 2021-22 school year closed with a 94.2% graduation rate, higher than the state average of 90.4%, according to the Wisconsin Department of Instruction. Superior's 2022-2023 graduation rate was 94.5%.

The official 2023-2024 numbers have not yet been released, but Starzecki told Wisconsin Public Radio in November that about 98% of students are graduating from Superior High School.

The change is even more dramatic for students with disabilities.

"It's hard to read this because it was so significant, but in 2021 when I gave you the 85.5% that was for all students, if you just look at the subgroup of students with a disability, we had a 48.6% graduation rate," Tesch said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That increased to 79% in 2023.

"Gradually, over the last three years, we have reduced the gap each year. We're closing in where it is definitely less significant. ... We are outperforming the state with the gap," Tesch said.

A podium in the Superior High School commons area served double duty Dec. 14. It was used to announce that Assistant Principal Matt Amerson was named Wisconsin High School Assistant Principal of the Year. Later, it was part of a graduation celebration.

With a handshake and hugs, Melodie Dolsen capped off her high school career a little later than the rest of her classmates. The diploma in her hands, however, was the same.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Tesch said a handful of Superior High School students, less than 10, are recognized each year at these individual graduation ceremonies.

"It's great to see," Fezzey said. "That's why we're here, is to prepare them and maybe for some it takes another year or two to get there. But I think it's kind of a nice celebration, a reminder of why we do what we do."

The ceremonies include a cap and gown, cupcakes and family.

"I think the ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate has really become kind of a special piece," Tesch said.

Earning a diploma or equivalent puts students on a positive trajectory, school district officials say.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"A high school graduate is more likely to have housing. A high school graduate is more likely to have health care. A high school graduate is more likely to contribute to the local economy," Starzecki said. "And all of those pieces help make our community a healthier community."

The pandemic and its aftermath introduced new ways to help students succeed. The district introduced virtual school, a blended model of virtual and in-person classes and used federal pandemic funds to launch a credit recovery program.

"When those funds went away, we understood that credit recovery was still crucial to what we do," Fezzey said. "While we're not able to staff it every hour of the day or five hours of the day like we were with those additional teachers, we made it a priority to make it work within our current teaching staff. We have credit recovery two or three hours a day in all of our core content areas."

Staff go into every school year knowing which students are at risk of not being on track toward graduation, at all grade levels, said Superior High School Assistant Principal Heidi Sigfrids.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We look at student grades every single week as a leadership team. And if a student is not passing, we're connecting counselors, deans, principals, teachers, we're connecting with those students to say here's where we're at, here's what you're missing, here's what we need to work toward in trying to address them on the front end," Fezzey said. "... What's happened historically and continues to happen is, as soon as you fall behind a little bit, you're trying to play catchup. ... We try to get them to the finish line every semester, but the more removed you are from recovering that credit, completing it, the more difficult it gets."

Credit recovery and after-the-fact support are parts of the puzzle, he said, but much more of the work is on prevention versus reaction.

The work starts at the elementary level with equitable multi-level systems of support, or EMLSS, interventionists. These teachers intervene so the learning gap doesn't keep growing. Tesch said their current focus is reading.

"Because if we can keep our kids on track in elementary and middle school, they come into high school with a better chance of staying on track. And so just recognizing that everybody has a really, really important role," Sigfrids said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) program was launched for freshmen in 2019. The program components allow teams of educators to look at the needs of each student and set up plans to support them. It's since been implemented at Superior Middle School and they're seeing a lot of success, Starzecki said.

Those connections can span years and grade levels, something that can be seen when Spartan athletes pick a teacher or staff member

to honor on senior night

.

"The hope is that any kid that is struggling has someone that they feel connected to and that person might be able to be the bridge," Sigfrids said. "That person can be the one that can encourage them to hang in there, to not give up, or to not quit, or to come back to school if they've been gone."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Creating programs that appeal to students and connecting them to real-life experiences, like Spartan Manufacturing, and offering the option for students to earn elective credits on the job are additional pieces to the graduation puzzle.

"District-wide and at the high school we have made intentional efforts with a variety of different strategies and techniques to be able to better meet the needs of kids, and that we haven't lowered our expectations for students," Starzecki said. "We continue to increase our expectations for students, but as a district we've been very, very intentional in making sure every kid walks that stage."
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called for alcohol to carry warning labels for cancer, saying it causes nearly 100,000 cancer cases and approximately 20,000 cancer deaths every year.

In a Jan. 3 report, Murthy noted that the current warning label  which cautions against drinking during pregnancy, operating heavy machinery or a car, or causing health problems  hasnt been updated since it was first introduced in 1988.

Although he did not share language for the updated label, Murthys report points out that alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of at least seven types of cancer: breast, colon and rectum, liver, mouth, throat, larynx, and esophagus.

Slaven Vlasic/Getty U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

Related: Denzel Washington Reflects on Past Drug and Alcohol Use: 'I've Done a Lot of Damage to the Body'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are 47 countries that carry warning labels on alcohol, the report says; South Koreas labels specifically mention the cancer risk, and beginning next year, Ireland will carry a cancer-specific warning label.

Scientific evidence has demonstrated that prominent, pictorial, and rotating messages, compared to less conspicuous, text-only, and static messages, are more effective for influencing awareness and behavior, Murthys report said. However, it will take an act of Congress to change the label.

Incoming President Donald Trump does not drink, The New York Times noted, and his choice for head of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after giving up drugs and alcohol years ago.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

silverlining56/Getty Stock image of bottles of alcohol at a bar. Stock image of bottles of alcohol at a bar.

Related: Lucy Hale Is 'Deeply Grateful Every Day' as She Celebrates 3 Years Sober: 'You Are Not Alone'

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many people out there assume that as long as theyre drinking at the limits or below the limits of current guidelines of one a day for women and two for men, that there is no risk to their health or well-being,Murthy said, according to the Times. The data does not bear that out for cancer risk.

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.



Read the original article on People
NEW ORLEANS  Jeremi Sensky was returning to his hotel after meeting friends in the early hours on New Years Day when he heard a massive noise  the last thing he remembers before ending up facedown on the ground with his wheelchair smashed around him.

Sensky survived the fatal terror attack on Bourbon Street on Wednesday morning, where a Texas man inspired by ISIS rammed a truck into a crowd of revelers celebrating in New Orleans French Quarter. He spoke to NBC News from his hospital room, where he is recovering with two broken legs.

Im assuming I got hit by the truck, but honestly, nobodys ever told me that, so I dont know, Sensky said. But my wheelchair was completely bashed and the pieces were all over the place, so something hit me.

Read the full story on NBCNews.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 WFLA.
CUMBERLAND, Md. (DC News Now)  Officials made an arrest on Thursday almost a month after a tree was set on fire outside a Cumberland church.

The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) said in a news release that just after 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, someone found a tree on fire at Radiant Life Church on Park Street. The Cumberland Fire Department responded and put the fire out.

Later, the Cumberland Fire Marshals Office determined that the fire was set intentionally and asked for help from the OSFM.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Investigators found surveillance footage of the suspects actions as well as an image of him but could not identify him.

Person critically injured after house fire in Fairfax County

As the investigation continued, Deputy State Fire Marshal Adam Rounds discovered a crucial lead when he coincidentally observed the suspect on the local Facebook page, BCPF Reality News, a news release stated.

Rounds worked with law enforcement agencies, and Pennsylvania State Police arrested 32-year-old Dalton Richard Eugene Gates on Jan. 2.

While it may have been a tree, any fire set intentionallyregardless of the property involvedposes a significant danger to public safety. Through collaboration and careful investigative work, Deputy Rounds was able to link Gates to the arson. The Office of the State Fire Marshal takes every fire seriously and remains committed to investigating and holding individuals accountable for reckless actions, Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said in the release.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Gates was charged with malicious destruction of property and second-degree malicious burning. He is being held at the Bedford County Correctional Facility awaiting extradition.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 suspect is dead, and two officers were injured after the suspect allegedly rammed a vehicle into an Ohio police cruiser on Friday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The suspect hit into a Columbus Police cruiser at around 4:45 a.m. in the 2900 block of Sullivant Avenue, according to our news partner WBNS in Columbus.

TRENDING STORIES:

Police pursued the suspect and the chase ended at a middle school, according to dispatchers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Medics transported the suspect to an area hospital and was pronounced dead just before 6 a.m.

Both officers were taken to two different hospitals. They are in stable condition, WBNS said.

We will update this story.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]




DES MOINES, Iowa  The Des Moines Police Department released more information about a deadly officer-involved shooting that happened Thursday evening.

According to DMPD, officers responded to a home in the 2100 block of Meadow Court on a report of an individual wanted on multiple charges, including Domestic Abuse Assault and Felon in Possession of A Firearm, at the home. Police said when officers entered the home they encountered the suspect, identified as an adult male, who attempted to flee.

Iowa Democratic Party to vote on party chair this weekend

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bodycam footage showed that as officers were yelling at the suspect to stop and show his hands, the suspect fired a handgun at one of the officers, police said. Two officers returned fire and shot the suspect. Despite lifesaving measures the suspect died at the scene.

A third officer was at the scene, but didnt fire a weapon. None of the officers were injured in the shooting.

Police said the officers involved have been put on administrative assignment per department policy. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation will be leading the investigation into the shooting.

Metro 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 who13.com.
(KRON)  The Berkeley Police Department is investigating an attempted kidnapping Thursday morning in the area of Ninth and Addison Streets. Police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the community.

Man dies, woman and toddler injured in SF Bernal Heights shooting

Berkeley PD said it received the report at 7:25 a.m. The parent told police she was walking with her son when she was approached by a man and woman in a large white van at around 6:55 a.m. The mother said the female suspect tried to grab her son, but the parent and child were able to get away.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said there were no injuries reported during this incident and no arrests have yet been made.

Berkeley PD said responding officers were not able to locate the suspected van, but confirmed investigators have begun collecting evidence.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Berkeley Police Department at 510-981-5742.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

Days after announcing she was leaving the Democratic Party, state House Republican leadership elevated Rep. Hillary Cassel to the post of vice-chair of the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee.

The decision by House Speaker Danny Perez this week arguably now makes Cassel one of the most powerful voices on insurance and tort-related issues in the Legislature for the 2025 Session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In an interview with the Florida Phoenix Friday, Cassel, a South Florida trial attorney, said she intends to focus on property insurance and revisiting the sweeping changes that the Legislature made in 2022 and 2023  which, she said, have failed to lower insurance costs for homeowners or bring needed stability to the states brittle homeowners insurance market.

Cassels comments mirrored recent remarks by Perez, who said more work needs to be done on homeowners insurance to bring consumers relief.

The reality is, consumers of Florida do not want their insurance bills written by insurance lobbyists and, by [my] switching parties, the Republican Party now has a voice that has always been consumer-focused while recognizing that we need a robust, available, and reliable insurance market, Cassel said.

Some history

The Legislature met in a special session in December 2022 and passed SB 2A, which was championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill made significant changes to how lawsuits can be filed against insurance companies, including that a court must find breach of contract before a policyholder can sue a property insurer for bad faith based on how the company settled the claim.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The 2022 bill repealed the long-standing one-way attorney fee provisions related to property insurance claims, meaning each party is now responsible for its own attorney fees. Previously, Florida law allowed policyholders who successfully sued their insurance companies to recoup these costs. The bill prohibited the assignment of residential or commercial insurance policies to third parties like contractors.

During the 2023 session, the Legislature passed HB 837, which made another round of changes protecting insurers from bad faith lawsuits and limited attorney fees. HB 837 was championed by insurance and business lobbyists who blamed the soaring costs of insurance on non-meritorious lawsuits.

In addition, the Legislature set aside $3 billion in taxpayer dollars to insurance companies to help offset the costs of reinsurance, a move that lawmakers also thought would lower homeowners costs. Most of the money went unclaimed.

Getting the governor on board

I think the focus has to be on finding ways to ensure consumers have access to the courts, which, quite frankly, they dont have right now, to hold those insurance companies accountable but finding what the right balance is. And now I have the ability to be at the table to have those conversations to figure out what the balance is, Cassel said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While theres enthusiasm in the House for action, any changes would need to be embraced by the Senate and perhaps more importantly DeSantis.

Were going to have to get the governor on board, she acknowledged. If you want to connect with people, youve got to deliver for the people.

(Screenshot from Florida Channel)

Other Republicans, notably President-elect Donald Trump, also have been critical of the changes made to Floridas insurance laws. Trump himself called it a bailout when DeSantis was challenging him during the Republican presidential primary. In recent months, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who has been floated as a possible 2026 contender for governor, also faulted the Legislature for making changes sought by the insurance industry.

In addition to being elevated to vice chair in Banking and Insurance, Cassel sits on the House Judiciary Committee. Its the first time the attorney legislator has served on the powerful committee.

What about PIP?

While property insurance is her top priority, its not the only issue that will come before the subcommittee during the 2025 session.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Florida Justice Association, representing trial attorneys, has in the past targeted for elimination the personal injury protection (PIP) mandate for automobile insurance. Every Florida driver is required to carry PIP coverage to legally drive in Florida.

PIP is a no-fault system that pays 80% of medically necessary care up to $10,000, 60% of lost wages, and a $5,000 death benefit.

There is no recovery for pain and suffering in PIP, a reason trial attorneys have opposed the mandate.

PIPs been an issue for years in the Legislature. Is this the year that we solve it? I dont know. Last year, we solved an 18-year battle between the mortgage companies and the credit unions. Whos to know what this year has in store? But PIP has always been a hot topic.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria's new administration has imposed restrictions on Lebanese crossing their shared border into Syria, a Lebanese security official and a Syrian official said on Friday.

The restrictions, which come as Lebanon is seeking better ties with its neighbour under the new rulers, mean Lebanese who do not have a residency or family inside Syria will not be able to cross, the Lebanese security official said, though he noted that some exceptions were being made for those with other business inside Syria.

The Lebanese official described the measures as "temporary" and said they were the result of a dispute between the two sides over the apparent mistreatment by Lebanese authorities of Syrians entering or leaving Lebanon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lebanon's interior minister, who oversees border crossings, could not be reached for comment.

The Lebanese army separately said that five soldiers were wounded in clashes that broke out between soldiers and unidentified Syrians as the army tried to shut down an illegal border crossing near Baalbeck in the Lebanon's northeast.

There are thought to be dozens of informal crossings along the porous, rugged 370-km (230-mile) border between the two countries.

Lebanon has said it is looking forward to having the best neighbourly relations with Syria after rebels forced Bashar al-Assad from power on Dec. 8, opening a new chapter after ties that have often been fraught since the two countries became independent states in the 1940s.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Iran-backed Lebanese Shi'ite Islamist group Hezbollah played a major part in propping up Assad during Syria's civil war, fighting the Sunni Islamist insurgents who finally toppled him last month and appointed the new Damascus administration.

Before that, the Syrian state led by the Assad dynasty dominated Lebanon for 15 years after the end of the Lebanese 1975-90 civil war, effectively controlling Lebanese politics until 2005 - an influence many Lebanese opposed, though others supported Syria's role.

The assassination of Lebanese former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in Beirut in 2005 prompted mass protests in Lebanon and Western pressure that forced Syria's withdrawal from its neighbour.

An initial international probe implicated senior Syrian and Lebanese figures in the killing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While Syria denied involvement, former Syrian Vice President Abdel-Halim Khaddam said Assad had threatened Hariri months earlier - an accusation Assad denied.

Fifteen years later, a U.N.-backed court convicted three Hezbollah members in absentia over the assassination. Hezbollah denies any role.

(Reporting by Timour Azhari; Editing by Frances Kerry)
By Clauda Tanios

DUBAI (Reuters) - Syria's foreign minister has told Saudi Arabian officials that the new leadership in Damascus wants to set up a government involving all parts of Syrian society following the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad last month.

Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani was making the first foreign trip by a member of Syria's new administration as Western and regional powers seek signs on whether it will impose strict Islamic rule or show inclusivity in government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Al-Shibani and Syria's defence minister met with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh on Thursday.

"Through our visit, we conveyed our national vision of establishing a government based on partnership and efficiency that includes all Syrian components, and working to launch an economic development plan that opens the way for investment, establishes strategic partnerships, and improves living and service conditions," Al-Shibani said in a post on X.

Since ousting Assad on Dec. 8, Islamist rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have sought to reassure Arab countries and the international community that they will govern on behalf of all Syrians and not export Islamist revolution.

HTS was al Qaedas Syrian affiliate until it broke off ties in 2016.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Saudi Arabia backed the rebels who fought Assad at the onset of the Syrian civil war.

More recently, Riyadh had embarked on a path of normalising ties with the Assad government, paving the way for Syria to return to the Arab League in 2023, in an effort to reduce Iranian influence in the country and to stem the flow of drugs including the methamphetamine captagon.

A Saudi source close to the government told Reuters the kingdom was committed to safeguarding the peace in Syria and that fostering stability was a top priority.

"At this critical juncture, our focus is on delivering essential humanitarian aid to the people of Syria, and we are exploring opportunities for expanded assistance in collaboration with regional partners," the source added.

(Reporting by Clauda Tanios, Editing by William Maclean and Angus MacSwan)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Weekend storms are paving the way for freezing temperatures which could possibly lead to dangerous road conditions.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation says they are sticking to their normal routine of making sure our roadways are ready, but the City of Memphis has a new plan. It kicked off on January 1 and may come in handy next week.

Weekend storms pave way for freezing temps

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We load our trucks with salt and tanks up with salt brine then we hit those trouble spots, said Nicole Lawrence with TDOT.

And now that winter weather is near, TDOT is already along I-40 pretreating roadways.

In the Memphis area, we are monitoring all the bridges and overpasses and flyovers. Well be hitting those spots as a precautionary measure today, said Lawrence.

Meanwhile, the City of Memphis is taking a new route when snow and ice hit.

This map shows all city-treated roadways in red.

Map of roadways treated by the city of Memphis and TDOT (Photo courtesy of the City of Memphis)

Starting this month, crews will clear one lane in each direction, instead of only treating inclines, declines, overpasses, and bridges. Plus, instead of a salt/sand mix, crews will treat the streets with straight salt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Preparing for winter weather is really a year-round event, said Lawrence.

For those still concerned, when Monday hits, call 511 or check the TDOT Smart Way Map.

The city says to be patient, Stay alert, and be prepared.

WREGs Weather Experts will keep you up to date as storms roll in and temperatures drop. Download the WREG weather app and stay aware of rapidly changing conditions.

Check the latest forecasts from WREG Weather

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  The FOX 8 I-TEAM has uncovered new fallout from wild gunfire with people ringing in the New Year.

Holiday gunfire has become a chronic problem every New Years Eve, and this year in Cuyahoga County, bullets even flew into homes.

Man believed responsible for Vegas bombing has NE Ohio ties

And, this comes, with a pledge from local lawmakers to make another attempt to change the law allowing the gunfire.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the clock struck midnight to bring in 2025, 911 lines in Cuyahoga County lit up with complaints about people celebrating the new year by shooting off guns.

Theres a lot of shooting going on, and I got a 1-year-old daughter, one caller told a dispatcher.

Another caller reported some people were shooting guns up into the air.

The FOX 8 I-TEAM also obtained Euclid Police body camera video showing officers responding to a call on the morning of New Years Day. And, on that video, you can hear the sound of gunfire as an officer got out of his cruiser.



The I -TEAM has shown you before, Ohio law allows you to shoot a gun on your own property. And, again, some NE Ohio lawmakers want to make celebratory gunfire illegal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A Cuyahoga County 911 center took in about 100 calls for this in the first ten minutes of 2025 from the City and the suburbs. So many calls poured into Cleveland Police, that some callers got a recording telling them that all operators were handling other emergencies.

Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer says three homes and one car were damaged by the celebratory gunfire.



We want to send a message this type of activity wont be tolerated and it is dangerous, Meyer said.

No one hurt. Still, the chief added that his officers are investigating. However, it may be tough to build cases to press charges.

Now, the investigations are a little bit complicated because were usually called there after the fact, said Meyer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

LeBron James youngest son Bryce reveals college choice

Another 911 caller said,Please, send the police. Theres a party, and theyre shooting.

And, in one call a dispatcher asked:

Do you have an emergency?

Then, a caller said:

Yes, its about the celebratory gunfire

State Senator Casey Weinstein and State Representative Darnell Brewer are leading the push to change the law and restrict holiday gunfire. They brought it up in the legislature last year, but it didnt gain traction and move forward. They plan to try once more in 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Artificial intelligence harms, problematic social media content, data privacy violations  the issues are the same, but the policymakers and regulators who deal with them are about to change.

As the federal government transitions to a new term under the renewed leadership of Donald Trump, the regulatory landscape for technology in the United States faces a significant shift.

The Trump administrations stated approach to these issues signals changes. It is likely to move away from the civil rights aspect of Biden administration policy toward an emphasis on innovation and economic competitiveness. While some potential policies would pull back on stringent federal regulations, others suggest new approaches to content moderation and ways of supporting AI-related business practices. They also suggest avenues for state legislation.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I study the intersection of law and technology. Here are the key tech law issues likely to shape the incoming administrations agenda in 2025.

AI regulation: innovation vs. civil rights

The rapid evolution of AI technologies has led to an expansion of AI policies and regulatory activities, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The federal governments approach to AI regulation is likely to undergo notable changes under the incoming Trump administration.

The Biden administrations AI Bill of Rights and executive order on AI established basic principles and guardrails to protect safety, privacy and civil rights. These included requirements for developers of powerful AI systems to report safety test results, and a mandate for the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create rigorous safety standards. They also required government agencies to use AI in responsible ways.

Unlike the Biden era, the Trump administrations deregulatory approach suggests a different direction. The president-elect has signaled his intention to repeal Bidens executive order on AI, citing the need to foster free speech. Trumps nominee to head the Federal Trade Commission, Andrew Ferguson, has echoed this sentiment. He has stated his opposition to restrictive AI regulations and the adoption of a comprehensive federal AI law.

With limited prospects for federal AI legislation under the Trump administration, states are likely to lead the charge in addressing emerging AI harms. In 2024, at least 45 states introduced AI-related bills. For example, Colorado passed comprehensive legislation to address algorithmic discrimination. In 2025, state lawmakers may either follow Colorados example by enacting broad AI regulations or focus on targeted laws for specific applications, such as automated decision-making, deepfakes, facial recognition and AI chatbots.

Data privacy: federal or state leadership?

Data privacy remains a key area of focus for policymakers, and 2025 is a critical year to see whether Congress will enact a federal privacy law. The proposed American Privacy Rights Act, introduced in 2024, represents a bipartisan effort to create a comprehensive federal privacy framework. The bill includes provisions for preempting state laws and allowing private rights of action, meaning allowing individuals to sue over alleged violations. The bill aims to simplify compliance and reduce the patchwork of state regulations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These issues are likely to spark key debates in the year ahead. Lawmakers are also likely to wrestle with balancing regulatory burdens on smaller businesses with the need for comprehensive privacy protections.

In the absence of federal action, states may continue to dominate privacy regulation. Since California passed the Consumer Privacy Rights Act in 2019, 19 states have passed comprehensive privacy laws. Recent state privacy laws have differing scopes, rights and obligations, which creates a fragmented regulatory environment. In 2024, key issues included defining sensitive data, protecting minors privacy, incorporating data minimization principles, and addressing compliance challenges for medium or small businesses.

At the federal level in 2024, the Biden administration issued an executive order authorizing the U.S. attorney general to restrict cross-border data transfers to protect national security. These efforts may continue in the new administration.

Cybersecurity, health privacy and online safety

States have become key players in strengthening cybersecurity protections, with roughly 30 states requiring businesses to adhere to cybersecurity standards. The California Privacy Protection Agency Board, for example, has proposed rulemaking on cybersecurity audits, data protection risk assessments and automated decision-making.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, there is a growing trend toward strengthening health data privacy and protecting children online. Washington state and Nevada, for example, have adopted laws that expand the protection of health data beyond the scope of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Numerous states, such as California, Colorado, Utah and Virginia, have recently expanded protections for young users data. In the absence of federal regulation, state governments are likely to continue leading efforts to address pressing privacy and cybersecurity concerns in 2025.

Social media and Section 230

Online platform regulation has been a contentious issue under both the Biden and Trump administrations. There are federal efforts to reform Section 230, which shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content, and federal- and state-level efforts to address misinformation and hate speech.

While Trumps previous administration criticized Section 230 for allegedly enabling censorship of conservative voices, the Biden administration focused on increasing transparency and accountability for companies that fail to remove concerning content.

With Trump coming back to office, Congress is likely to consider proposals to prohibit certain forms of content moderation in the name of free speech protections.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On the other hand, states like California and Connecticut have recently passed legislation requiring platforms to disclose information about hate speech and misinformation. Some existing state laws regulating online platforms are facing U.S. Supreme Court challenges on First Amendment grounds.

In 2025, debates are likely to continue on how to balance platform neutrality with accountability at both federal and state levels.

Changes in the wind

Overall, while federal efforts on issues like Section 230 reform and childrens online protection may advance, federal-level AI regulation and data privacy laws could potentially slow down due to the administrations deregulatory stance. Whether long-standing legislative efforts like federal data privacy protection materialize will depend on the balance of power between Congress, the courts and the incoming administration.

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: Sylvia Lu, University of Michigan

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more:



Sylvia Lu 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.
(KTLA)  A teen girl who reportedly suffered an overdose in the area of Devils Gate Dam reservoir in Pasadena had to be airlifted out of the canyon Thursday, officials announced.

At around 3:15 p.m., first responders with the Pasadena Fire Department were dispatched to the dam on reports of a female patient who needed assistance. The girl was located on the south side of the reservoir below the dam, between the 210 Freeway and Linda Vista Avenue.

Details are limited and its unclear exactly how the teen got to the location, but according to a news release from Pasadena fire officials, she was unable to walk or move without assistance.

First responders seen airlifting a teenage overdose victim out of Devils Gate Dam in Pasadena on Jan. 2, 2025. (Pasadena FD)

The patient was non-ambulatory, and her extraction from the canyon was complicated by the dams high walls and the surrounding topography, necessitating helicopter hoist assistance, the release noted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

High-tech scam targets these kinds of California motorists, officials warn

Medical personnel with Pasadena FDs Engine 38 were first on the scene and requested the technical rescue and provided the teen with treatment while a helicopter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department was en route.

Video of the air rescue released by PFD shows the chopper hovering over the canyon not far from the 210 Freeway where traffic was still moving as the teen and a tactical medic were hoisted up to the aircraft.

The teen was rushed to Huntington Hospital where her condition was not immediately available.

No further details regarding the incident were provided.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Devils Gate Dam, built in 1920, is the oldest dam constructed by the Los Angeles Control District, to provide flood protection to the cities of Pasadena, South Pasadena and Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 group of teens huddled outside the Amazura Concert Hall in Jamaica, Queens, were shot at and some were injured, officials say. CBS News New York's Christina Fan has the latest confirmed details.
In December the Tehama County Superior Court handed down several prison sentences to suspects found guilty of the crimes they were accused of.

Following is a list of prison sentences:

Mary Ann Sunshine Medina  sentenced to 3 year, 4 months in state prison having been convicted of felony escape from jail, resisting an executive officer, bringing contraband into jail, failure to appear on felony charge and vandalism.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Medina, who was wearing a court-ordered ankle monitoring device, reportedly failed to obey the rules of her post release community supervision, allowing the monitoring device to die and leaving her allowed jurisdiction.

She also refused orders given by jail deputies while in custody and physically struck a deputy.

Medina reportedly provided methamphetamine to other inmates in the Tehama County Jail.

Matthew Lyle Milliman  sentenced to 10 years, 8 months in state prison having been convicted of possession of firearm by felon and lewd act upon a child under age 14 years.

Red Bluff police officers received a citizen report of a man in a parked car with a gun. Police ordered Milliman, who was in possession of a 12 gauge sawed-off shotgun, to exit the vehicle, which he refused. After 45 minutes of negotiations, Milliman finally complied.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Milliman was reported to have been repeatedly sexually abusing a child under 14 years old.

Scott Michael Huber  sentenced to 2 years in state prison having been convicted of two counts fleeing a pursuing peace officer while driving recklessly.

Corning police attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle Huber was driving leading the officers on a pursuit reaching speeds of 113 mph on two separate incidents.

Benjamin Alexander Dannecker  sentenced to 2 years in state prison having been convicted of battery with serious injury.

Dannecker and another person were working on a road crew when the got into an argument. When another co-worker attempted to stop the fight, Dannecker punched the man in the face. The man fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement knocking him unconscious.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Daniel Hamilton Graham  sentenced to 2 years in state prison having been convicted of receiving stolen property.

Following a tip, sheriffs detectives located a stolen tractor on Grahams property. Graham had reportedly purchased a replacement tractor key the day before the tractor was stolen to use to steal the farm equipment. While investigation the property, detectives also located a stolen flatbed trailer and utility trailer.

Brandon Wade Garry  sentenced to 5 years in state prison having been convicted of grand theft, second degree burglary and carrying a dirk or dagger.

Garry took a cell phone the victim left at Grocery Outlet in Red Bluff. When officers contacted Garry about the phone he through it at the officers and attempted to flee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In another incident in Corning, Garry broke the glass window at a restaurant and stole or destroyed $400 worth of merchandise. He did the same thing in another incident at a beauty salon and Olive City Auto Repair. Garry reportedly attempted to evade officers, but when taken into custody was found to be in possession of two concealed knives, methamphetamine, burglary tools, stolen merchandise and counterfeit cash.

Kenneth Michael Fredrickson  sentenced to 4 years in state prison having been convicted of three counts identity theft, failure to appear in court and possession of forged drivers license.

Fredrickson stole a wallet from a vehicle and immediately used the credit cards found inside the wallet to withdraw a large sum of money. He did the same thing a second time, however, the credit card in his incident was declined.

When taken into custody, Fredrickson was found to be in possession of 40 identification cards not his own, drug paraphernalia, a credit card reader, typewriter with a blank check and check written to other people.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jonathan David Abbott  sentenced to 4 years in state prison having been convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and vandalism.

Abbott was convicted of smashing another persons vehicle with a pipe. He then attacked the victims home with the pipe, breaking windows and then striking the victim threatening to kill him.

Jose Luis Rodriguez  sentenced to 4 years in state prison having been convicted of arson of property of another with a special allegation of a prior strike.

Rodriguez lit a small grass fire by Red Bluff High School.

Justin Wayne Siebels  sentenced to 4 years, 4 months in state prison having been convicted of burglary, robbery and carrying a dirk or dagger.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Siebels broke into a home and while there stole the homeowners truck to flee the scene. He was located and arrested in Oregon.

In addition, Siebels stole merchandise from Walmart. When store security tried to stop him from leaving the store, Siebels reportedly pulled a knife on the security.

Siebels attempted to steal food from Little Caesars Restaurant, where he pulled a fixed blade knife on on of the stores employees who tried to stop him.

Jaxon Lennon Bryant  sentenced to 3 years, 8 months in state prison having been convicted of smuggling a controlled substance into jail and failure to appear in court.

When arrested and brought into jail, Bryant admitted to having a small bag of methamphetamine in his sleeve. He was also found to be hiding meth in his underwear.
A Tennessee representative has filed a bill to allow the Ten Commandments, along with other texts, to be displayed in public schools across the state.

Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, filed HB047 in December that would allow the Ten Commandments, as well as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution of Tennessee and other historically significant documents to be displayed in public schools and public charter schools.

The bill says the documents should be displayed in a prominent location to educate students on the historical significance and common cultural heritage the documents represent for the students, schools, state or country.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The bill notes schools who choose to participate will be given hard copies free of charge.

"Local communities and officials know whats best for their students and families," Hale said in a statement to The Tennessean. "House Bill 47 reinforces this by giving local school boards and charter schools the option, not the requirement, to display historically significant documents like the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, and the state Constitution. The bill empowers communities and elected officials to make decisions for their schools and protect their authority to do so."

Hales legislation largely mirrors efforts in other states, including Louisiana and Oklahoma, which require, rather than allow, schools to display or use the Ten Commandments inside classrooms.

The Louisiana law, which passed in May and requires the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, was struck down in court after a federal judge found the law was impermissible under current court precedent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The judge specifically referenced a previous U.S. Supreme Court case, Stone v. Graham, which struck down a similar Kentucky law in 1980. In the case, justices found that the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms violated the First Amendments establisment clause.

Louisiana has appealed the decision. 18 states attorneys general, including Tennessee, have backed the appeal, stating their profound interest in a proper interpretation of the separation of church and state.

In Oklahoma, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters issued a mandate requiring immediate instruction of the Bible and Ten Commandments in all 5th-12th grade classrooms, calling the Bible a historically significant book.

A lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma in October, with more than 30 plaintiffs pushing back against the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The USA TODAY Network - Tennessee's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Ten Commandments in schools: Tennessee bill would allow display
Update at 2:36 p.m.: U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson was elected House speaker Friday afternoon after two Republicans changed their initial votes.

Kentucky's Thomas Massie, who vocally opposed Johnson for the role, remained the only Republican to vote against him. Massie voted for Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota.

Update at 2:23 p.m.: Three Republicans have held out on voting for Mike Johnson as speaker of the House. Kentucky's Rep. Thomas Massie, who openly said he'd vote against Johnson over the past few days, voted for Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota. Rep. Ralph Norman, of South Carolina, voted for Rep. Jim Jordan, of Ohio. Rep. Keith Self, of Texas, voted for Rep. Byron Donalds, of Florida.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Republicans are now holding a second ballot in the hopes of selecting a speaker.

Original story:

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie doesn't place bets on what he calls "the swamp."

But he said Friday morning that if he and just one more Republican vote against House Speaker Mike Johnson, it would likely spark a domino effect that will oust him from the position.

"I'd say there's a 70% chance Mike Johnson is going to be speaker  that everybody but me will eventually vote for him, even though they know he's the wrong guy, because that's just the way the swamp works," Massie said on the The Glenn Beck Program" Friday morning.

433 members of Congress are being sworn in today



Im being sworn at.  Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 3, 2025

Donald Trump pushes for Mike Johnson

Johnson, of Louisiana, has the endorsement of President-elect Donald Trump and most of the GOP. But roughly half a dozen conservative lawmakers have publicly said they're undecided on the vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnson can only lose one vote, which presumably will be Massie's, and still become speaker of the House.

If just one other person votes no, Massie said other GOP colleagues will be emboldened to not support Johnson in the subsequent votes.

He joked, "My colleagues are going step on each others' backs trying to get to the top of the heap once Mike Johnson pulls out of the race."

More: 'Mike Johnson is not equipped to be speaker.' Thomas Massie on his Friday vote

Why Thomas Massie opposes Johnson

Massie told The Enquirer in an interview Thursday that he hasn't been trying to persuade undecided lawmakers to vote against Johnson. But the firebrand lawmaker, who represents Northern Kentucky, has been loud and public about his own "no" vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Massie, who isn't afraid to go against the GOP grain, has called Johnson out for his votes to: spend billions of dollars on military aid in support of Ukraine; approve a controversial domestic spying bill; and team up with Democrats to keep his position as speaker in May despite opposition from some GOP members.

Massie added that Trump needs a fighter in the House who will lead the charge in support of his policies.

That fighter is not Massie, who told The Enquirer he doesn't think he could get enough votes to be elected speaker of the House. But he said on the radio program that he's mulling a vote for three other qualified candidates, the identities of which he has kept secret even as of Friday morning.

"We'll see who gets the votes. But it's ridiculous to say that Mike Johnson, out of 219 Republicans, is the only one who can be elected to speaker and that's why we should elect him," he said.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Thomas Massie on speaker vote: Another 'no' will cause 'domino effect'
BROUSSARD, La. (KLFY)  Three Broussard firefighters are recovering from injuries after being struck by debris from a collapsed wall while battling a house fire in Milton on New Years Day.

The Broussard Fire Department said firefighters were providing mutual aid to the response efforts of a house fire at 115 Santa Cruz Drive in Milton just after 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

According to a news release, Broussards Capt. Erick Mannting, engineer Cole Champagne and firefighters Nicholas Stancliff and Juston Chretien were struck by debris from an exterior wall that collapsed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mannting and Stancliff were initially trapped by debris and called for help, the fire department said. They were both taken to an area hospital.

The Broussard Fire Department said Mannting suffered serious neck and leg injuries. Stancliff was evaluated and later released. Chretien suffered minor leg injuries. Champagne was evaluated at the scene and was not injured.

Firefighters constantly face danger and unexpected circumstances when containing a house fire, said BFD Fire Chief Bryan Champagne. We hope all three firefighters will make a full recovery.

Firefighter Nicholas Stancliff

Firefighter Juston Chretien

Capt. Erik Mannting

This report will be updated as information becomes available.

Latest News

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Three former Virginia Beach Sheriffs Office deputies were indicted for the in-custody death of Rolin Hill that occurred in June 2024.

Previous Coverage: Man dies after suffering medical emergency in Virginia Beach Sheriffs Office custody

Commonwealths Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, Colin D. Stolle, announced Friday that Kevin B. Wilson, Michael C. Kidd and Eric G. Baptiste were charged with second degree murder. Baptiste was additionally charged with five counts of assault and battery, while Kidd was charged with two counts of assault and battery.

Kevin B. Wilson

Michael C. Kidd

Stolle requested that a Special Grand Jury be impaneled to ensure the incident received a complete and thorough investigation. Over the course of several weeks, the Special Grand Jury met on three separate occasions and heard evidence pertaining to Hills arrest and booking into the Virginia Beach Correctional Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the conclusion of their meeting Friday, the Special Grand Jury returned the aforementioned indictments.

My most heartfelt sympathies are with the Hill family as they mourn the tragic loss of Rolin, Stolle said. I continue to ask for the publics patience as this case moves through the court process. As in all cases involving the tragic loss of life, my office is committed to seeking justice for Rolin Hill.

Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb released a statement following the indictment, which can be read in full below:

I have faith in the criminal justice system to ensure justice is served for both Rolin Hill and the individuals involved in this incident. For that reason, I requested an independent, third-party investigation by Virginia State Police immediately upon being notified of what occurred and cooperated fully with that investigation. That investigation ultimately led to the charging decision announced by the Virginia Beach Commonwealths Attorneys Office today. I remain committed to transparency and accountability with the community. However, due to the pending criminal proceedings and the need to protect the integrity of those proceedings, I cannot release additional information about this incident at this time. My heart continues to be with the family of Mr. Hill and I send them my sincerest condolences and support as they seek healing and justice. Rocky Holcomb

The Commonwealth Attorneys Office is prohibited from commenting further on the Special Grand Jury proceedings or the actions of those charged in Hills death.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Virginia Beach NAACP has been very vocal about the details surrounding Hills death. President Eric Majette says the indictment is a start but he hopes justice is the finish.

Weve been following this case for quite a minute right and were committed to obtaining additional information to ensure justice is served but we also stand with the family as we said before and the community affected by this tragedy, Majette said.

He says his hope now is in the court process. The Commonwealths Attorneys Office says state police is working with the suspects attorneys on their surrender. Once in custody, they will be held at the Chesapeake city jail due to their affiliation with the Virginia Beach Sheriffs Office.

There is a prayer vigil in Hills honor happening Saturday, Jan. 4. at Mount Trashmore. The community is welcome to attend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  Three Illinois State Police squad cars were struck within two days in violations of the states Move Over Law, even as troopers mourn the death of Trooper Clay Carns, who was killed in a similar crash on December 23rd.

On December 31st, at 1:57 p.m., an ISP trooper was outside of their squad car, with emergency lights activated, investigating a crash on Interstate 55 near Woodward Avenue in Chicago when a Hyundai sedan failed to move over and crashed into the parked squad car.

Police said the squad car blocked three troopers who were on the scene from injury. The driver of the Hyundai, Alyssa Ceballos, 23, of lockport, was arrested and charged.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On January 1st, at 3:09 a.m., two ISP troopers were assisting with a crash on Interstate 57 at 107th Street in Chicago when a Hyundai Sonata struck the passenger car on the left shoulder and then struck both ISP squad cars.

Officials said both troopers were outside the squad cars at the time and were not injured.

Kashawn Walker, 34, of Matteson, the driver of the Hyundai, suffered injuries in the crash and was taken to a local hospital. He faces charges in the incident.

Police said there were 27 Move Over Law crashes involving ISP troopers cars in 2024, with 12 troopers injured and 1 death.

Around 9:42 p.m. on Monday, December 23rd, Trooper Carns had observed debris in a lane on southbound I-55 and pulled over on the right shoulder with his emergency lights activated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A Chevrolet Silverado driven by John Fleet hit Carns. He died at a hospital in Joliet at 10:45 p.m.

Fleet faces felony charges in Carns death.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
WAVERLY, Ohio (WCMH)  Three members of the Wagner family learned their fate on Friday for their involvement in the Rhoden family massacre.

Judge Jonathan Hein issued sentences for Angela Wagner, her son Edward Jake Wagner and her mother Rita Newcomb, in Pike County Common Pleas Court on Friday morning. The hearing is set to be followed by another during the afternoon for George Billy Wagner III, the husband of Angela Wagner, to discuss his upcoming trial.

Angela Wagner was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Factoring in the about six years she has already served, she will spend a remaining 23-plus years in prison. Upon release, she will be face two to five years of adult supervision and be required to register as a violent offender.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After citizens vote to overhaul city government, Nelsonville takes legal action

Jake Wagner was sentenced to life in prison with the chance of parole after 32 years, throwing out an earlier agreement that would have imprisoned him for the rest of his life with no eligibility for parole. Since he has credit for time served, he will have the chance to face the parole board in 26 years. The judge said he granted him parole eligibility because he helped the states case. He will be required to register as violent offender and a sex offender if released.

Jake Wagner asked the judge if he could address the Rhoden family, then spoke for more than 10 minutes, a longer duration than the judge allowed the family members to speak all together. He said he is sorry for what he did, but not sorry he got caught. He also addressed specific family members, telling them Hate will not heal you. At that point, several family members got up and walked out.

How greedy are you Jake Wagner. You killed your granddaughters mother. You are evil. You are the spawn of Satan and Satan is Billy Wagner, Andrea Shoemaker, mother of murder victim Hannah Gilley, said. I pray your grandchildren and your children never want anything to do with you. And I hope they never do that. I hope your daughter hates you with the passion and as much heart as I hate you Jake Wagner.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Newcomb was sentenced to five years of adult supervision, will pay a $750 fine and could serve 83 days in jail if she breaks rules outlined by the court.

The Wagners Friday court appearances mark the first time they have been in the same location on the same day since their 2018 arrests.

All three family members sentenced pleaded guilty to charges connected to the killing of eight members of the Rhoden family, most of whom were shot while they slept. Three young children, including a baby, were found unharmed. Billy Wagner is accused of helping his sons, Jake Wagner and George Wagner IV, kill the family members across four homes on April 22, 2016.

Prosecutors claimed the murders stemmed from a custody dispute over the daughter of Jake Wagner and Hanna May Rhoden, one of the victims. The other victims were Gilley, Christopher Rhoden Sr., Dana Rhoden, Clarence Frankie Rhoden, Christopher Rhoden Jr., Gary Rhoden and Kenneth Rhoden.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Bill to protect Ohio patients from abuse by medical professionals signed into law

Billy Wagner, Angela Wagner, Jake Wagner and George Wagner were arrested in 2018 and faced the death penalty. All originally pleaded not guilty, but Angela Wagner and Jake Wagner switched their pleas to avoid the death penalty.

George Wagner pleaded not guilty and took the case to trial. He was convicted on 22 charges, including eight aggravated murder charges, but the judge dropped the death penalty consideration against him. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Newcomb was accused of forging custody documents related to the case and lying about it to a grand jury and investigators. She pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing official business.

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.
Three people inside an SUV were taken to a hospital after the vehicle crashed through the side of an office building in Waltham Thursday night.

The three people inside the SUV are believed to only have minor injuries, the Waltham Fire Chief told Boston 25.

The car was driving on Waverly Oaks Road when it first collided with a flag pole littering the grounds with debris before continuing on and lodging itself inside the office building.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The cause of the crash is under investigation.





This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Voters in the North Charleston area will head to the polls this month for a special election primary that will effectively decide who replaces former Rep. Marvin Pendarvis in the South Carolina House.

A special election will be held in March to replace Pendarvis, who resigned from the District 113 seat  which covers a large swath of North Charleston and a small portion of Summerville  in September amid an ongoing investigation into his law practice.

But, the North Charleston Democrat never officially removed his name from the Nov. 5 ballot, and he won re-election with over 97% of the vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shortly after the election, Pendarvis informed the Charleston County Board of Elections and House Speaker Murrell Smith that he would not accept the seat, and a special election was ordered.

The special election is scheduled for March 25, leaving the seat open for much of the 2025 legislative session.

Three women are on the ballot for the Jan. 21 Democratic primary, and whoever wins is slated to run unopposed in March. No Republicans filed for the seat.

Early voting begins Monday for SC House District 113 special election primary

Heres who is in the race:

Courtney Waters

Courtney Waters entered the race in early November promising to build on lessons she learned as a Charleston County School Board member.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ive been serving for the last four years as a trustee on the Charleston County School Board, and I really see this as a necessary next step, because of just all that I saw and came to understand about how systems in South Carolina function, she said.

Waters opted not to run for another term on the school board, instead setting her sights on affecting education policy on a larger scale.

I got to spend a lot of time doing something thats very close to my heart, she said. I started out as a classroom teacher, and I currently run an education nonprofit as my day job, but I really started to realize that economic mobility is the number one determinant of success, and education plays a great role in that.

I think that if theres an opportunity to work with others to start to push more funding, more opportunities to access funding to people in District 113, then I want to play a role in that because that translates to them being even greater advocates for their children as theyre in our schools, she continued.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Along with education, Waters pointed to access to affordable childcare and home ownership as primary challenges district residents face. According to RedFin, the median sales price of a home in the North Charleston area was $386,000 in November, a nearly 12% increase from the previous year.

Were getting to a point where homes, even in North Charleston, are approaching above $400,000 a year, and thats not really attainable for someone making $90,000 a year or less, Water said.

More workforce housing  housing reserved for middle-income workers who dont qualify for traditional subsidies  could be a viable solution, Waters argues, but providers face too many barriers.

Theres so many programs and so many great organizations that work, but they come against challenges, she said. So I think the person serving in this seat is there to help remove those structural barriersand figure out exactly how to sort of untangle the web that stands in peoples way.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

She further suggested that the district has historically not received enough state funding to meet the communitys needs, a trend she aims to reverse.

District 113 is a seat where so many folks get up and go to work every day to grind the gears of commerce for this state and very little gets distributed toward this district, she said.

Waters also vowed to fight against the push for book bans in schools and champion womens reproductive rights.

Democrats will face an uphill battle in Columbia this session as Republicans now hold veto-proof supermajorities in both chambers, but Waters says she is prepared for the fight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I have no qualms about the fact that there is a Republican supermajority in the House, but that doesnt mean that theres not space for new ideas to enter there, she said. That does not mean that there is not space to work with folks and help them understand things a different way, and where they dont want to come to the middle again, I always rely on data and experience that informs what I do.

Michelle Brandt

Michelle Brandt is no stranger to South Carolina politics.

The former House candidate mounted an unsuccessful bid for neighboring District 114 in 2022 and currently serves as the state Democratic Partys Third Vice Chair, overseeing efforts to mobilize young voters across the state.

Brandt and her husband moved to North Charleston in January after being priced out of their West Ashley home  a decision that put affordable housing at the top of her priority list, especially with more than half of the districts residents being renters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres so many people that I know that live in this district that are struggling, and when you combine that with student loans and childcareit can be really tough for working families to just get by, she said.

She specifically mentioned pursuing a renters tax credit and creating incentive programs for developers to build more affordable housing. She contended that building more housing would raise the median income and in turn, help alleviate another problem  Park Circle (the south end of the district) being a food desert.

Brandt, a former stay-at-home mother, highlighted the need for childcare reform, including expanding the states scholarship program to help middle-income earning parents.

To push these initiatives through the Statehouse, Brandt said she would lean on connections developed through her work with Planned Parenthood, the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I understand there is a supermajority of Republicans in the state House, so thats why I plan on coming at them from an economical approach because these two issues impact workers and businesses, she said. I already have connections with a lot of the representatives on both sides of the aisle, and I think thats my breakthrough, to get through to them talking about our economy, boosting our economy, and just making sure that they see it from the business side.

Brandt is also pushing for reforms to address the epidemic of gun violence in North Charleston neighborhoods, specifically tighter storage laws.

I do think that there is some commonality that [Democrats and Republicans] have when it comes to at least securing firearms, she said. A lot of crime happens in the district because firearms are left in vehicles and unfortunately, thats how people can get ahold of weapons. And then also really making sure that we invest in our after-school programs for our kids and teens.

Brandt conceded that getting people to turn out for a March election will be difficult as local elections already see much lower turnout compared to national elections. But, she has a plan to activate voters.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ive already been out in the community, meeting people, listening to people, she said. Its just going to be more of that, just continuing to meet people where they are and to really just keep pounding on the message.

Kim Clark

Kim Clark, a North Charleston realtor, is also running for the open seat.

She attended Academic Magnet High School and graduated from Charleston Southern University with a bachelors degree in psychology, according to her LinkedIn profile.

She currently works for the Community Development Institute, a national training program that offers professional organizations and their staff an opportunity to build skills, learn from peers and connect to existing state, regional and national resources, according to the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Clark did not return News 2s requests for an interview.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - TikTok has long known its video livestreams encourage sexual conduct and exploit children yet turned a blind eye because it "profited significantly" from them, according to newly unsealed material in a lawsuit by the state of Utah.

The accusations were made public on Friday, ahead of a scheduled Jan. 19 ban on TikTok in the United States unless its China-based owner, ByteDance, sells the popular social media app.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

President-elect Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to put that ban on hold. TikTok, for its part, has said it prioritizes safe livestreaming.

Utah's original lawsuit accusing TikTok of exploiting children was filed last June by the state's Division of Consumer Protection, with state Attorney General Sean Reyes saying the TikTok Live streaming feature created a "virtual strip club" by connecting victims to adult predators in real time.

Citing internal TikTok employee communications and compliance reports, Friday's largely unredacted complaint said TikTok learned of the threats Live posed through a series of internal reviews into the feature.

It said a probe known as Project Meramec uncovered in early 2022 how hundreds of thousands of 13-to-15-year-olds bypassed Live's minimum-age restrictions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It said many children were then allegedly "groomed" by adults to perform sexual acts, sometimes involving nudity, in exchange for virtual gifts.

The complaint also said a probe launched in 2021, Project Jupiter, found that criminals used Live to launder money, sell drugs and fund terrorism including by Islamic State.

In addition, an internal December 2023 study "documented what TikTok admits is 'the cruelty' of maintaining Live with its current risks for minors on the app," the complaint said.

USER SAFETY

TikTok had fought the disclosures, citing confidentiality concerns and its interest in "preventing potential bad actors from getting a roadmap" to misuse the app.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A Utah state judge, Coral Sanchez, ordered the release of much of the previously redacted material on Dec. 19.

"This lawsuit ignores the number of proactive measures that TikTok has voluntarily implemented to support community safety and well-being," a TikTok spokesperson said on Friday.

"Instead, the complaint cherry-picks misleading quotes and outdated documents and presents them out of context, which distorts our commitment to the safety of our community," the spokesperson added.

In October, a bipartisan group of 13 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., separately sued TikTok for allegedly exploiting children and addicting them to the app.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Social media is too often the tool for exploiting America's young people," Reyes said in a statement on Friday.

"Thanks to Judge Sanchez's ruling, more of TikTok's shocking conduct will now be public through this unredacted complaint," he added. "(The) full extent of its culpability can be demonstrated at trial."

President Joe Biden signed a law authorizing the TikTok ban last April, addressing concern TikTok could gather intelligence on American users and share it with the Chinese government.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether to put the ban on hold on Jan. 10. It is expected to rule quickly.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
OWEGO, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  The Tioga County Legislature is seeking applications for an Elected Coroner.

The Tioga County Medical Examiners Office announced on Friday that it has a vacancy for a coroner.

The coroner responds to deaths wherever they may occur in Tioga County. They provide certification of the death and coordinate transportation for the deceased while communicating directly with medical professionals, family members, law enforcement personnel, and funeral directors. The use of electronic computer technology and equipment is required.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those who apply must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per as the position is on-call.

All interested Tioga County residents are asked to send a letter of interest as well as a resume to the Tioga County Legislature by January 24 at 3 p.m. Resumes should be sent to Cathy Haskell, Legislative Clerk at 56 Main Street, Owego, New York, 13827 or emailed to haskellc@tiogacountyny.gov.

After the deadline, the Legislature will interview the qualified parties before appointing an individual to the position for the elected term.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WAVERLY, Ohio  Throwing out an earlier agreement that would have imprisoned Edward "Jake" Wagner for the rest of his life without parole, the judge in the 2016 Pike County massacre case on Friday sentenced him to life in prison with a chance of parole after 32 years.

In a stunning reversal that set off tears in a packed Pike County Common Pleas Courtroom, visiting Judge Jonathan Hein said he could not give Wagner the same sentence as his brother, who was convicted in a lengthy 2022 trial and sentenced to life without parole.

Wagner, 32, had earlier agreed to serve eight consecutive life sentences without the chance of parole, along with up to 160 more years on other charges. Wagner admitted his guilt and provided key evidence to the prosecution, Hein said, and therefore deserved less time than his older brother George Wagner IV.

Advertisement Advertisement

"So 32 years out, you get your chance," Hein said. "Because you cooperated, because you did something to acknowledge the responsibility of the crime. That's not a deal, that's as close as I can come to solving the problem that was handed to me by these ancient plea agreements."

The surprise sentence followed a sermon-like statement from Wagner, directed to members of the Rhoden family in which he spoke about his faith and how it shaped his decision to admit his central role in the crime.

Jake Wagner, 32, enters the Pike County Courthouse on Friday for his sentencing in the eight murders of Rhoden family members and Hannah Gilley in April 2016.

"Forgiveness is a powerful thing," he said.

He told members of the Rhoden family that "Jesus has a cost," ending a nearly 10-minute address with "I do pray for you all."

Advertisement Advertisement

When arrested with the rest of his family, Jake Wagner entered a not guilty plea. He admitted his guilt on the fifth anniversary of the Pike County homicides, admitting to shooting and killing Dana Manley Rhoden; her children, Frankie, Hanna and Chris Jr. Rhoden; and Frankie's future wife, Hannah Hazel Gilley. Wagner's father, who will soon face trial in the case, has been implicated in the remaining deaths  those of brothers Chris and Kenneth Rhoden, and their cousin, Gary Rhoden.

Before sentencing Jake Wagner, Hein sentenced his mother, Angela Wagner, to 30 years without parole for her participation in the crimes, with credit for 2,244 days already served. She earlier admitted to helping prepare for and cover up the crimes.

While Hein stuck to an earlier agreed-on sentence for Angela Wagner, he also admonished her for not intervening to stop the killings. She stayed in the family home when her husband and sons left to kill the Rhodens, witnesses said in her older son's 2022 trial.

"You were the only one who could have shut it down," he told her.

Andrea Shoemaker, mother of Hannah Gilley, who was 20 when she was killed in April 2016, gives a victim impact statement during the sentencing of Jake Wagner, his mom, Angela Wagner, and grandmother, Rita Newcomb, on Friday. She held up five fingers: one for each time her daughter was shot in the head.

Hein also sentenced Angela Wagner's mother, Rita Newcomb, on a misdemeanor charge in the case. She earlier admitted to assisting in creating false custody documents for Angela Wagner's two grandchildren. She received a 90-day sentence, with credit for seven days served and the rest suspended; five years of probation; and a $750 fine, subject to her ability to pay.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Jake Wagner sentenced in Pike County murder case
Damascus  The European Union backs a peaceful, inclusive transition in Syria, top French and German diplomats said Friday as they visited Damascus to meet with new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock were in the Syrian capital for talks on behalf of the European Union, in the highest-level visit by major Western powers since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last month.



One of their first stops was the notorious Sednaya prison, not far from the capital.

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visits the Sednaya prison north of Damascus, accompanied by members of Syrian rescuers known as the White Helmets, Jan. 3, 2025. Baerbock and top French diplomat Jean-Noel Barrot visited Syria's Saydnaya prison, an emblem of abuses under deposed leader Bashar al-Assad, in the highest-level visit by major Western powers since the Syrian president was ousted. / Credit: ANWAR AMRO/AFP/Getty

Accompanied by White Helmet rescuers, Barrot and Baerbock toured the cells and underground dungeons of Sednaya, which for decades stood as a fearsome symbol of the atrocities committed against Assad's opponents.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The prison was the site of extrajudicial executions, torture and forced disappearances. An advocacy group said more than 4,000 people were freed from the detention facility when rebel forces took Damascus on December 8. Countless other inmates  both criminals and Assad opponents  simply vanished after being incarcerated there.

In 2017, the U.S. State Department said the Assad regime was using a crematorium at Sednaya to dispose of dead bodies in an effort to "cover up" the mass murders it was carrying out there.

"Fragile hope" for a "stable and peaceful" Syria

Sharaa, head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led the offensive that toppled Assad. The HTS-dominated interim authorities now face the daunting task of rebuilding state institutions, with growing calls to ensure an inclusive transition and guarantee minority rights.



Barrot, in Damascus, expressed hope for a "sovereign, stable and peaceful" Syria.



It was also a "hope that the aspirations of all Syrians can be realized," he added, "but it is a fragile hope."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a statement, Baerbock said Germany wanted to help Syria become a "safe home" for all its people, and a "functioning state, with full control over its territory."



She said the visit was a "clear signal" to Damascus of the possibility for a new relationship between Syria and Germany, and Europe more broadly.

The European diplomats' closed meeting with Sharaa on Friday lasted about an hour and a half, and they did not give formal statements to journalists afterward.



Earlier, in a post in X, Barrot said: "Together, France and Germany stand alongside the Syrian people, in all their diversity."



He added that the two European powers wanted to promote a "peaceful transition" to a new government in the country.



Despite "skepticism" about HTS  which was previously the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda and remains designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and numerous other governments  Baerbock said that "we must not miss the opportunity to support the Syrian people at this important crossroads."

Sharaa has distanced himself and HTS from al-Qaeda in recent years, and the group's public statements have suggested plans to respect Syria's myriad religious groups.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (left) meets with new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (center), and her French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, in Damascus, Syria, Jan. 3, 2025. / Credit: Jarg Blank/picture alliance/Getty

The Biden administration said after Assad fled to Russia that the U.S. could recognize a new Syrian government under certain conditions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the new leadership and the transition process must ensure the protection of Syria's minority groups, a flow of humanitarian aid into the country, prevent Syria from being used as a base for terrorist organizations, and help ensure that any chemical and biological weapons are secured and destroyed.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Baerbock said Friday that Berlin stood ready to support "an inclusive and peaceful transfer of power" as well as social "reconciliation" in Syria.



She also asked the new regime to avoid "acts of vengeance against groups within the population," to avoid a long delay before elections, and to avert any attempts at the "Islamization" of the judicial and education systems.



Since Assad's ousting, a bevy of foreign envoys have travelled to Damascus to meet with the country's new leaders. France and Germany had both already sent lower-level delegations last month.



At the start of his visit, Barrot met with representatives of Syria's Christian communities. Diplomatic sources said Barrot told the Christian leaders that France was committed to a pluralistic Syria with equal rights for all, including minority groups.

Syria's civil war  which started in 2011 with the Assad government's brutal repression of pro-democracy protests  saw Germany, France and a host of other countries shutter their diplomatic missions in Damascus.



The conflict killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions and left Syria fragmented and ravaged.



The new authorities have called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria under Assad to allow for reconstruction.



Paris is due to host an international summit on Syria later this month, following a similar meeting in December in Jordan.

Suspect identified in deadly New Orleans truck attack

3 killed in Hawaii explosion caused by illegal fireworks display

Truck used in New Orleans attack was flying large black flag from rear bumper, authorities say
In 2024, the Canadian commercial transportation industry witnessed everything from one of the largest trucking bankruptcies in the countrys history to work stoppages at ports to Trumps tariff threats.

With 2024 coming to an end, FreightWaves has compiled the five biggest stories that shaped the Canadian transportation industry this year.

Pride Group files for bankruptcy protection

In March, the Pride Group filed for creditor protection in Canada, making it one of the biggest trucking companies to file for bankruptcy in the countrys history.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials for the Pride Group filed for bankruptcy after lender Mitsubishi HC Capital America filed a lawsuit seeking $100 million.

After Mitsubishi HC Capital America filed its lawsuit against the Pride Group, other lenders quickly filed additional claims totaling $637 against Pride Group.

Mississauga, Ontario-based Pride Group was a North American truckload carrier that had assets that included 50 locations across Canada and the U.S. It controlled a fleet of 20,000 tractor-trailers.

The Pride Group empire included domestic and cross-border transportation services in Canada and the U.S., as well as truck dealerships and service centers in both countries.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While some assets belonging to Pride Group continue to be sold to creditors, the trucking and logistics entity known as Pride Group Logistics was sold back to its founders, Sulakhan Sam Johal, president and CEO, and Jasvir Johal, vice president, in September for $56 million.

Pride Group, one of Canadas largest carriers, filed for bankruptcy protection after one of its lenders filed a lawsuit seeking $100 million. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)



Labor dispute shuts down Canadas 2 largest railroads

In an unprecedented shutdown of Canadas largest rail networks, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City both locked out union rail employees at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 22.

Two days later, the Canada Industrial Relations Board forced binding arbitration on all parties, forcing union workers to return to work.

Labor issues between CN (NYSE: CNI) and CPKC (NYSE: CP) and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) had been brewing since February.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

TCRC, which represents 9,300 union workers, is seeking higher pay and improved benefits for its members.

For now, mediation meetings between the railroads and the TCRC are scheduled for March. If a mediated settlement is not reached in that time, arbitration will be scheduled to take place in April. The arbitrator will then have 60 days to rule.

Port of Montreal strike

Dockworkers at the Port of Montreal held several strikes beginning Oct. 31, hurting business at Canadas second-busiest import gateway.

In response, the Association of Maritime Employers (MEA) on Nov. 10 locked out union workers at the Port after members of the Union of Longshoremen rejected a final contract offer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Montreal contract dispute centers on pay and automation issues.

The lockout capped months of intermittent work stoppages by the union. Operators at the Port of Montreals four container terminals said the work stoppages had hurt business to the point they were forced to lay off some employees.

On Nov. 25, the MEA and the union mutually agreed to mediation in their contract negotiations.

Following the decision of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) on Nov. 14, the union of Longshoremen of the Port of Montreal (CUPE 375) and the Association of Maritime Employers (MEA) have agreed, by consensus, to undertake a mediation process for a period of 90 days, the sides said in joint releases.

British Columbia ports faced shutdown amid labor contract dispute

On Nov. 4, over 700 workers represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 514 were locked out of terminals represented by the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The lockout was a defensive move after the ILWU 514 workers earlier had called for an industrywide strike the same day.

The lockout affected operations at the Port of Vancouver, Canadas busiest container hub, and the Port of Prince Rupert.

British Columbia ports typically handle $800 million worth of freight each day. Both CN and CPKC suspended rail services to the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

On Nov. 12, federal authorities asked the CIRB to order an end to the BCMEA lockouts of union employees and restart operations at the ports.

Trump plans for 25% tariffs on Canadian goods

President-elect Donald Trump said he would impose import tariffs on all three of the United States largest trading partners on his first day in office on Jan. 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The measures would include 25% tariffs on all products coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on all goods originating from China.

President-elect Donald Trump said he will impose 25% import tariffs on all Canadian goods coming into the U.S. beginning on Jan. 20. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Trump said the tariffs are aimed at stopping drugs and illegal migrants from crossing into the U.S.

As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders.

Trump recently referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the governor of Canada. In social media posts on Christmas, Trump also suggested the U.S. could annex the country as its 51st state.

The post Top US-Canada supply chain stories of 2024 appeared first on FreightWaves.
William Pope's self-edited mugshot appears at the end of a Dec. 25, 2024, federal court filing in his case, which arose from his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol building. (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)

TOPEKA  A Topeka man who blocked officers in the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, pleaded with a federal court to attend President-elect Donald Trumps swearing-in ceremony later this month and offered haunting Christmas wishes.

William Pope, who is representing himself in the U.S. District Court for Washington D.C., asked a judge on Dec. 28 to allow him to travel to Washington to attend Trumps Jan. 20 inauguration. The request came after he successfully delayed his trial with the expectation of receiving a presidential pardon once Trump takes office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a separate filing from Dec. 25, Pope quoted scripture and Charles Dickenss A Christmas Carol, marking his cases fourth Christmas spent without resolution.

For four years you have crushed the lives of peaceful Americans, Pope said in the Dec. 25 filing. In doing so, you have attacked our Constitutional rights. Putting me in chains was your biggest mistake. You will be haunted by these chains you have forged for yourselves.

William Pope captioned this self-edited mugshot: I AM YOUR GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)

At the end of the document, Pope attached an edited copy of his mugshot from his February 2021 arrest, with superimposed images of a Santa Claus hat, sunglasses, a chain necklace and a marijuana joint. The photos caption read, I AM YOUR GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE.

A federal judge put Popes long-awaited trial on hold in November, citing a desire to conserve resources for the cases parties, the court and any potential jurors or witnesses, according to a court transcript.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pope requested the delay following the 2024 election, and argued his jury was the entire American public, and voters favored Trump. He also expressed concern that he wouldnt receive a fair jury because most D.C. residents voted for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Pope has traveled twice to Washington for case-related matters, according to the court record. After his indictment and arrest, he was not required to post bond, but he does have to comply with pretrial supervision terms, including a restriction on possessing firearms.

Allowing William Pope to return to Washington, D.C., specifically the Capitol building, could put him face to face with the officers that he resisted four years ago and place him in the same circumstance in which he already demonstrated a disregard for the law, said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves in a response to Popes request to attend the inauguration.

Graves wrote in the Thursday filing that the most compelling reason to deny Popes request to travel was to prevent potential danger to the community and Capitol police officers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Popes second of two filings on Thursday, he pointed to a similar federal case involving a Missouri man, Eric Lee Peterson, who pleaded guilty to charges related to his actions at the Capitol and was permitted to attend the inauguration.

A judge hadnt filed a decision on Popes request to travel as of Friday afternoon.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  There were 72 confirmed homicides in Kern County in 2024, the lowest total of homicides in a decade, but Governor Gavin Newsom says Kern County is still a dangerous place to live.

Bakersfield and Kern County consistently remain the most dangerous parts of our state, said Newsom. The last 5 or sothe last 5 out of 6 years within a margin, I believe Im accurate. The murder capital of California.

Southeast Bakersfield was the deadliest zip code in 2024 with 13 homicides. 10 are linked to domestic violence including murder-suicide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nine happened at Kern County prisons including: Seven at Kern Valley State Prison, one at North Kern State Prison, and one at Wasco State Prison.

Five people were killed in officer involved shootings.

The youngest homicide victim was two years old, the oldest was 71.

March had four homicides, all shootings that included: An officer involved shooting that killed 53-year-old and father of six, Cole Jackson Hughes. Hughes was armed with a pellet gun and an axe.

His wife, Lynn Hughes said, Hed been drinking a little bit. We were having a yard sale and he got a little mouthy. Hes done it before and the police got called out here and it escalated into something it never shouldve escalated into.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Burger Hut is good, but go somewhere else, owner says: Hes already too busy

There were eight homicides in April including a 59-year-old woman found dead with her hands tied behind her back, inside a boarded up apartment on Universe Avenue in Oildale.

There were five homicides in May including 47-year-old Robert Eugene Robinson. He was killed in an officer involved shooting after firing his weapon at officers.

Neighbor Cheryl Miller said, The Sheriffs Department was telling them to just come out. Were not gonna hurt you.

Robinson was killed on the 10000 block of Shellabarger Road.

There were four homicides in September including a 71-year-old woman who was stabbed to death in Wasco.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

October was the deadliest month in 2024 with 12 homicides.

There were 10 shootings including a man being gunned down by police after he broke into a 21-year-old womans home on Blomquist Drive.

She was taking a shower.

He tried to go in the bathroom, said Alyssa Buxbaum. He just banged on the door like twice, and I was just dead silent on 9-1-1, texting 9-1-1.

Two veterans who were brothers died in a murder-suicide on Cresson Court Oct. 29.

November had six homicides. One was a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed at The Marketplace and nobody has been charged.

December had four homicides including two women who were killed in a suspicious fire at a mobile home in the community of Edison.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since 2000, more than 1,000 people in Kern County have been shot, beaten or strangled to death and that number continues to climb.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WINDHAM  Shortly after being reelected and sworn into office, Windhams town clerk officially resigned her position.

Meeting on April 1, selectmen discussed a letter of resignation they received from longtime Town Clerk Nicole Merrill.

Board Chairman Heath Partington said it came as a surprise to everyone on the board that Merrill was stepping down. Partington said the board had just sworn her in on March 13.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think everyone recognizes this is a big loss here for the town, Partington said. She did an admirable job for the last 15 years for the town. She was always moving the bar toward service for the residents and I think they recognized that. Shell be missed.

Merrill cited her health as the main reason for her resignation. She went on to say the vital town position requires someone with high energy and high level functionality. Following an accident on Jan. 12, Merrill said shes been limited in her ability to perform duties associated with being town clerk.

The town has faced scrutiny over its handling of the 2020 presidential election after an audit found discrepancies in the vote count with folded ballots and other shortcomings.

Subsequent elections have been subjected to oversight by state election monitors following allegations of election misconduct by Windham citizens.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A report published by the New Hampshire Secretary of States Office on Feb. 22 found town officials failed to properly follow election procedures during the presidential primary a month earlier even though election monitors were in Windham.

Town celebrates tower restoration project

WINDHAM  After five years of planning, renovation, and restoration, the Searles School and Chapel tower project was completed in September.

Trustees Chairman Peter Griffin said the project at 3 Chapel road would never have been completed without the $300,000 bond Windham residents had allowed the trustees to take out to complete the restoration.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The majority of the money went to fixing the leaking roof, the stone facade peeling away from its brick supports, and rotten internal wooden structures.

A portion of damage came from years of well-intentioned stop-gap measures that only masked the real problems, said trustee Michael Mazalewski.

The Searles School and Chapel was built in 1909, as a gift to the town after philanthropist and architect designer Edward Searles bought the old Windham school house.

The building was used as a school until the early 1970s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Now, the building is a space people can rent for weddings, memorials, business meetings, campaign events and other functions. Griffin and Mazalewski both said the trustees pride themselves on being able to pay for most projects through the income the building generates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We pay for as much of the restoration as possible out of income from renting the building, said Mazalewski. Thats really our charge as trustees is to be the caretakers of the building and produce the funds for the restoration.

Beach gets an emergency call box

WINDHAM  Selectmen voted unanimously to put a police emergency call box on Windham Town Beach, 45 Cobbetts Pond Road.

Town Administrator Brian McCarthy said Joseph Roark, the town administrator for Pelham, offered to donate the box to Windham.

He knew Id been wanting to have one of these for a while, McCarty said. He met with his board, they voted unanimously to donate it to the town of Windham, if the town of Windham was interested in receiving it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The selectmen approved the emergency call box on May 30, and it was ready to be used by the public on June 26.

McCarthy first brought the idea of an emergency call box at the town beach in 2022. At that time, it would have cost approximately $7,000. The donated box only needed about $3,500 to repair it.

The call box can address both emergency and non-emergency situations, said Police Chief Michael Caron.

We only have a pull station for medical emergencies, said Caron. To have this box for everything down there is well worth it.
FARMVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  The Town of Farmville has received a neighborhood revitalization grant to enhance community growth.

Farmville was awarded $950,000 out of the $25.8 million in neighborhood revitalization grants distributed across 20 North Carolina communities. McDavid Associates in Farmville has been influential in the process receiving the grant.

Mayor Moore and the commissioners have always felt extremely important to every opportunity that we had to provide improvements over time, like improvement for the citizens to take advantage of those, Project Manager at McDavid Associates Michael Barnett said. This is one weve been able to take advantage of since COVID-19 was over.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The funding will go toward improving housing, public facilities and fostering a strong and vibrant community.

The grant is aimed to create lasting benefits for residents that support infrastructure projects.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TALLADEGA, Ala. (WIAT)  The 34th annual Ice Bowl is underway at the Talladega Short Track. Despite the cold, fans are seated and excited for the first races of 2025, and for some, the Ice Bowl is best race of the year.

Over 350 drivers came from all across the country to race in the Ice Bowl.

I call it the Woodstock of dirt-track racing, said Adam Stewart, owner of the Talladega Short Track. Its sort of a hodge podge of people coming here and get to get their year started off.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For people at the Ice Bowl, racing runs through their veins.

I dont think Ive ever missed an Ice Bowl, and Ive raced in a bunch of them, Talladega resident and former racer Jim Clark said. Just been a family tradition, I guess you could say.

Youve got years and years of history of racing, said Ernie Hill, visiting from Tennessee for the races. A lot of good racers have been on this track, and I just hope it never dies out.

Birmingham Stallions announce 2025 season schedule

For some drivers, racing is in their blood.

Middle of last year, we ran a heat race here on a weekly show, and I had all three of my grandsons in the same race as me, said Red Farmer, Alabama Gang member and NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee. Now that was quite a thing. Im sitting here racing, and I got three grandsons chasing me, and I outrun them all.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For Farmer, racing is so engrained in his family that his grandson, Lee, is racing in the Ice Bowl in his old car.

I wanted to put him in there when I quit racing, Farmer said. He had his own racecar, so he decided to park his car and drive mine.

It seems no matter where you turn, the Ice Bowl is full of tradition.

Im actually a racer myself, and Im trying to carry on the tradition with [my son], so just kind of bringing him out, letting him see what I do, Hill said.

My husband is from here, and he introduced me to it, so I hadnt been out here before he introduced me to it, Talladega resident Caitlin Carney said. He was raised in Talladega, and I guess came out here growing up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Heats kicked off Thursday with races scheduled to continue through 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 CBS 42.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Sioux Falls man accused of killing a woman with his car, dragging her body and not reporting appeared in court Thursday for his first appearance.

Ali Hassan is charged with hit and run resulting in a death or injury after police found a womans body near North Career Ave. and Innovation St. in Sioux Falls back on December 14.

Murder charges pending in Windom New Years stabbing

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to court documents, the woman had been sitting on Russell Street near the PREMIER Center when she was allegedly hit by Hassan driving his SUV.

Documents allege that Hassan kept driving, with prosecutors saying it was caught on camera. The prosecutor in court today said, It was clear he (Hassan) was having difficulty operating the vehicle, but he still did not stop.

She went on to say there is no chance Hassan did not know was a human being stuck under his vehicle for nearly two miles.

Hassans attorney told the judge hes lived in Sioux Falls for 20 years and has never been arrested, that he was not speeding and that he was neither under the influence or driving recklessly. Instead, she stated that it had been foggy, and that Hassan had just finished working a 10-hour shift.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The judge, Magistrate Judge Wade E. Warntjes, heard from both sides and called the case a tragedy in every definition of the word and informed Hassan that if he had only stopped the vehicle, he would not have been charged with any crime at all.

The judge in court said Hassan did not turn himself in, and was not honest with police, opting to set the bond at $10,000 cash only.

Hassan faces a maximum of two years in prison if found guilty.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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)  Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza was sworn in for his second term in office Thursday morning at the 450th District Court by Judge Brad Urrutia, according to a news release from Travis County.

Garza will continue to stand with crime survivors, lead on gun violence prevention and deliver fair and equal justice, per the release.

Travis County DA Jose Garza projected to be re-elected

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After Garza was projected to win back in November, he told KXAN his office would continue to try to reduce violence in the community and treat sexual assault survivors with respect.

Last month, Garza unveiled a remembrance space honoring the courage of sexual assault survivors, which was made into a mosaic piece by the community.

Travis County District Attorneys Office unveils remembrance space mosaic to honor sex assault survivors

When we listen to the people, partner with the community, and defend everyones right to be safe, regardless of income, race, or walk of life, we ensure that justice belongs to all in Travis County, Garza said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Avery Travis contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
BULLARD, Texas (KETK)  The Bullard Independent School District is in mourning after a high school student died in a motor vehicle crash on Wednesday.

Missing mother, daughter found safe in Chandler; man arrested

Madison Nelson, a 9th grader, passed away in the crash, according to a statement released by the district. She represented the 2024 freshman class as a homecoming duchess in this past fall semester.

2024 Bullard ISD Homecoming Court members, Nelson is on the right end. Photo courtesy of Bullard ISD.

I am deeply saddened to inform you that Madison Nelson, a 9th-grade student at Bullard High School, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in a motor vehicle accident. Madi was a shining star who consistently excelled in the classroom. She was regularly looked up to by other students and represented the Freshman Class as one of our homecoming duchesses earlier this fall semester. Please keep Madis family, friends, and teachers in your thoughts and prayers. Dr. Jack Lee, Bullard ISD Superintendent

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The district said theyll have counselors available starting on Jan. 7 and that its important for students to express their feelings to someone they can trust after this tragic loss.

We want every student to receive the support and assistance he or she needs to cope with this tragedy. Please do not hesitate to seek our support. Together, we will help and care for one another as we move through this difficult time, said Lee. The loss of any young person is a tremendous tragedy. As a school district, we will do everything possible to support our students and staff. Once again, please keep Madis family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
EAU CLAIRE COUNTY, Wis. (WTVO)  A Rockford man accused of decapitating another man in 2022 will stand trial in Wisconsin beginning on July 29.

Forty-eight-year-old Brandon Gaston is charged with first-degree intentional in the death of 79-year-old Dennis Schattie, of Altoona, Wisconsin.

Schatties body was found on April 12, 2022, wrapped in a tarp near the Fordham Dam in downtown Rockford. Along with the body, police found a plastic bag containing a saw, butchers knife, hammer, and broken dentures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Authorities alleged that Gaston and an accomplice killed Schattie at his home in Altoona as part of a plan to acquire his house, car and money.

Gastons co-defendant, 57-year-old Tracey Clark, is also charged with first-degree intentional homicide and is expected to enter a plea later this month in Eau Claire County. They both currently face life in 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
TALIAFERRO COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF)  Crews in Taliaferro County responded to the scene of a vehicle crashed into a house, early Friday morning.

First Responders and the Fire Department responded to the unoccupied home on Sparta Road just before 4 a.m.

In a post on Facebook, the Taliaferro County Sheriffs Office says that a pickup truck traveling on Highway 22 left the road and crashed into the home.

The driver was reportedly injured and had to be removed from the truck by deputies after the vehicle caught fire. He was transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment. No word yet on his condition.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Georgia State Patrol has been called in to investigate the crash.

Courtesy Taliaferro County Sheriffs Office Courtesy Taliaferro County Sheriffs Office Courtesy Taliaferro County Sheriffs Office Courtesy Taliaferro 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 WJBF.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Celebrations to start off 2025 were dampened by two deadly incidents on New Years Day: an attack on a New Orleans crowd and a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas.

Although the FBI has said there is no definitive link between either the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas explosion, there is at least one common denominator.

Both trucks in these incidents were rented using the San Francisco-based app Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing company. Turo released a statement, saying it does not believe that either renter had a criminal background that would have deemed them a security threat. Read the companys full statement below.

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

What is the Turo car rental app used in New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks?

The New Orleans attack, which killed at least 15 people, is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, allegedly used a rented Ford pickup truck to drive into the crowd on Bourbon Street before being shot to death by police. Jabbar was an Army veteran.

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, killing and injuring a number of people, early Wednesday morning, Jan. 1, 2025. The FBI said they recovered an Islamic State group flag, which is black with white lettering, from the vehicle. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Authorities said the Cybertruck was packed with explosives before bursting into flames in front of the Trump International Hotel. One person died and another seven were injured. The potential suspect was identified as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, a highly decorated active Army soldier from Colorado.

How to donate funds, blood after fatal Bourbon Street attack

This image provided by Alcides Antunes shows a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside President-elect Donald Trumps Las Vegas hotel early Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. (Alcides Antunes via AP)

Who is Las Vegas explosion suspect Matthew Livelsberger?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Livelsberger loaded up the truck with fireworks before shooting himself in the head, according to Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill. The Cybertruck was rented through Turo in Colorado, but authorities have not confirmed if it was rented under Livelsbergers name.

Turo, which operates in the United States, Canada, Australia and France, markets itself as an alternative to traditional car rental services, allowing users to skip the rental car counter and choose from various vehicles, including luxury and exotic cars, per Newsweek.

It has a similar renting platform to Airbnb but for cars. Turo was founded in San Francisco in 2010. Its headquarters is located at 111 Sutter St.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, youre encouraged to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Associated Press and NewsNations Damita Menezes contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Donald Trump has urged Sir Keir Starmer to open up the North Sea and get rid of windmills, as the president-elect attacked the UK Governments energy policy.

In an outburst published on social media, Mr Trump said the UK was making a very big mistake by retreating from oil and gas, which clashes with his pledge to drill, baby, drill.

The criticism comes amid an exodus of operators from the North Sea, which are ditching the UK in protest against the Governments windfall tax.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This includes US oil and gas producer Apache, which Mr Trump referred to in his post on Truth Social early on Friday.

Fears over the future of the North Sea have increased since Labour was elected, as Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has prioritised achieving clean power by 2030.

However, the Governments focus on renewables such as offshore wind has put Britain on a collision course with Mr Trump, who has vowed to expand US and oil and gas production once he re-enters the White House later this month.

In his post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said: The UK is making a very big mistake. Open up the North Sea. Get rid of windmills!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

His criticism will increase scrutiny of the Governments green energy policies, which critics have said are pushing the North Sea towards game-over territory.

A tax raid launched by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, in her October Budget pushed the headline rate to almost 80pc for oil and gas companies, squeezing their profits further.

Meanwhile, Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has blocked new drilling licences in the North Sea, as he champions an accelerated push towards wind and solar power by 2030.

Critics including the Labour-supporting GMB union have claimed this focus on net zero risks dismantling domestic oil and gas production and leaving Britain increasingly reliant on costly imports.

The differing stance on energy may also strain ties between the US and UK administrations, with Mr Trump having campaigned on a platform to drill, baby, drill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He has described the switch to green energy as a scam and suggested that wind turbines, which he describes as windmills, are driving whales crazy.

Following Mr Trumps post, Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, said: I agree 100pc with Donald Trump.

The boss of Apaches parent company APA said in November that it planned to exit the North Sea by the end of 2029 because the windfall taxes imposed on its UK profits made drilling uneconomic.

This followed Octobers Budget when the Chancellor announced plans to increase the windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas producers from 35pc to 38pc, and to extend the levy by a year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This led to several North Sea producers warning that the higher tax rate could lead to a sharp drop in investments, while others are exiting the basin altogether.

Harbour Energy, the biggest producer in the North Sea which provides roughly 15pc of Britains oil and gas, blamed the tax burden for halting its investment in the UK.

The company said last year that it was hit with an effective tax rate of 102pc because of the windfall tax, pushing it from a near $1bn (810m) profit to an $8m loss.

Meanwhile, US oil giant Exxon completed its exit from the North Sea in July last year.

Deltic Energy also announced in October that it would sell some of its North Sea assets after concluding Britain is no longer attractive enough to invest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The slowdown in the North Sea has emerged as companies are also reconsidering their investments in offshore wind.

rsted, which operates 12 wind farms in the UK, recently cut hundreds of jobs after posting around 2.2bn worth of losses for 2023.

It also emerged in December that British bill payers had spent 1bn to temporarily switch off wind turbines throughout the year as the grid struggled to cope with excess power.

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, said: The net zero obsession with unreliable wind and solar power is increasing our vulnerability to international markets and prices.

Reform would reverse all this, and make the UK energy independent again, using our own energy treasure under our feet.

British bill payers spent 1bn to temporarily switch off wind turbines last year - Ben Birchall/PA

The amount of wind power curtailed in the first 11 months of 2024 stood at about 6.6 terawatt hours (TWh), according to official figures, up from 3.8 TWh in the whole of last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Curtailment is where wind turbines are paid to switch off at times of high winds to stop a surge in power overwhelming the grid. Households and businesses pay for the cost of this policy through their bills.

Energy campaigners opposed to the use of natural gas said Mr Trumps comments would make bill payers blood boil.

Caroline Simpson, Warm This Winter spokesman, said: Lets be clear: UK bill payers are spending over 700 more on energy than they did before the energy crisis, thanks largely to volatile fossil fuel prices, while just 20 companies have made 483bn in profits since it started three years ago.

Tessa Khan, executive director at renewable energy campaign group Uplift, added: Ill-informed attacks on the UKs efforts to become a clean energy superpower will not change reality  the nation has burnt most of its gas, and whats left of our oil is mainly exported.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Trump is clearly looking after the interests of US oil and gas firms who have made billions during the recent energy crisis, while millions of households in the UK have struggled with soaring bills because of volatile gas prices.

The Government was contacted 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.
(Bloomberg) -- House Speaker Mike Johnson will soon learn how much weight President-elect Donald Trumps endorsement carries with rebellious ultra-conservatives unhappy with the Louisiana Republicans job performance and his dealmaking with Democrats.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Johnsons political future is on the line when the new Congress convenes Friday and the House conducts its first order of business: electing a speaker. Republicans, whove skillfully used speaker votes to extract promises and execute revenge, hold a four-seat majority, giving Johnson scant margin for error.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump bolstered Johnsons chances with his Complete & Total Endorsement in late December. Trump offered Johnson encouragement Friday hours before the vote but stopped short of putting public pressure on dissenters to drop their opposition.

Good luck today for Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump posted on Truth Social, adding Johnson is very close to having 100% support.

The speaker still must navigate factions within his own party, particularly those on his right flank who resisted an ultimately unsuccessful effort last month to suspend the debt ceiling.

Trump led that push, but it was Johnson who put it to a vote, prompting outcries from fiscal conservatives like Chip Roy of Texas and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who oppose suspending or raising the nations borrowing limit without deep spending cuts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Massie, a libertarian, has been immovable in his opposition to Johnson, saying on X that hes not up to the job. Roy is among the lawmakers who remain undecided.

Several of these holdouts met in Johnsons office on the eve of the vote. Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina emerged from that meeting saying the speaker was saying the right things. Trumps endorsement, he added, was a big deal.

I think this is going to go well, Johnson told reporters after the meeting. He later said on Fox Business that he hopes to win the speakership on the first round.

Still, theres a risk of multiple ballots before a speaker is elected, a drawn-out affair that would be reminiscent of the 15 rounds it took to elect the previous speaker, Kevin McCarthy, to win the job.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After less than 10 months as speaker, McCarthy, a California Republican, was ousted, enabling Johnsons surprise ascension. Yet Johnson, 52, has since faced his own difficulties in satisfying the various and competing interests in the GOP ranks.

Difficult Math

Republicans enter the new Congress with a narrow 219-215 seat edge, which means Johnson will need at least 218 votes to gain the required majority support if all members are present and voting for a candidate.

Yet the 218-vote threshold can be lowered by a number of factors, including member absences, and others who choose to simply vote present, potentially giving Johnson more than a one-vote swing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Still, with Massie almost certainly a no, Johnson has very little wiggle room. Democrats are expected to unify behind their leader, Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

Other undecided Republicans include House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andrew Harris of Maryland and Victoria Spartz of Indiana.

Some of these members say they want certain commitments from Johnson. Many have openly opposed his deals on spending measures with Democrats to keep government operating.

Are we there yet on everything? No, Norman said.

Johnson, who spent New Years Day at Trump Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, suggested hes open to meeting at least some of the lawmakers demands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

People are talking through process changes they want, and those kinds of things. And Im open to that, Johnson said.

--With assistance from Alicia Diaz.

(Updates with Trump social media post in third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Donald Trumps incoming border czar, Tom Homan, claimed that there was likely a terrorist connection between Wednesdays Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas and the deadly truck attack in New Orleans on New Years Evebut then admitted hes just going off a feeling.

Fox Newss Sandra Smith pressed Homan for information during an interview Thursday where he repeatedly referred to a connection between the two incidents. Smith told Homan that law enforcement had presented no evidence tying them together.

You said you believed as this investigation carries out in Las Vegas  they will find a connection. Do you have any other information? Or have you been privy to any other information, other than what we just directly heard from the police there in Las Vegas? Smith asked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

No, I dont. This is a gut feeling, Homan explained. Ive done this for three and a half decades, I just think theres too many similarities, too muchtoo much coincidence.

I think something down the road, theyre gonna show, theres some sort of connection. Whether some same network, or where they got the tools to pull these terrorist attacks off. I just feel like theres gonna be something down the road. And I could be wrong, just a gut feeling I have, Homan said.

pressed on Fox News explain why he thinks the Las Vegas explosion has a "terrorist connection," incoming Trump border czar Tom Homan admits he's working with nothing but "a gut feeling" pic.twitter.com/i0vlbufhJv  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 2, 2025

So Homans got nothing, and his appearance was simply an opportunity to politicize the deaths of 14 people in New Orleans; to fearmonger ahead of Trumps administration and its plan to enact draconian mass deportations.



Homan warned that the threats arent over, quickly switching the subject to the southern border, even though neither event seems to have been related to immigration at all. Homan continued to insist that the Cybertruck explosion was a terrorist attack, despite Las Vegas authorities suggesting it was a suicide.

Homan also ranted about the insider threat from members of the military and federal service, because both Matthew Livelsberger, the Cybertruck driver, and Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabba, the driver in New Orleans, served in the U.S. military.
US President-elect Donald Trump called on Friday for the United Kingdom to dismantle its wind turbines in the North Sea in response to a decision by a US oil company to leave the oil-rich region.

"The UK is making a very big mistake. Open up the North Sea. Get rid of the windmills!" Trump posted on his online platform, Truth Social.

The post included a link to Scotland's Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, which in early November detailed a decision taken by the Apache oil firm to exit the North Sea. Apache said the UK's windfall tax on oil operations had made operation "uneconomic."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During his election campaign, Trump, a staunch backer of fossil fuels, also criticized Germany for its pursuit of renewable forms of energy, predicting that if it continued to pursue these policies, it would soon be bankrupt.

A spokesman for the environmental protection organization Greenpeace said that Trump's statements betray his "total ignorance of the realities." Whether the future US president likes it or not, the industry he supports is in decline, said senior Greenpeace scientist Doug Parr.

The UK's Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which was elected in July, is backing wind and solar power, along with nuclear power. No new drilling licences for oil or gas are to be issued for the North Sea.

During his first term in office between 2017 and 2021, Trump lowered environmental and climate protection standards, taking the United States out of the 2015 Paris climate change accord, a deal signed by most countries in an effort to minimize the output of gases that contribute to climate change.

His successor, President Joe Biden, who leaves office this month, reversed that decision.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump complained on Friday that American flags would still be lowered to half-staff in honor of the late President Jimmy Carter during Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration.

President Joe Biden ordered flags lowered to half-staff for 30 days from the day of Carter's death on Dec. 29, as is custom when a U.S. president dies.

Trump, who has announced plans to attend Carter's memorial service in Washington on Jan. 9, took issue in a Truth Social post on Friday with the flags remaining in the mourning position during his swearing-in ceremony.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The Democrats are all 'giddy' about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at 'half mast' during my Inauguration," Trump said, employing a term frequently used for the lowered position when the flag is on a ship.

"They think its so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they dont love our Country, they only think about themselves," Trump said.

Trump said that due to Carter's death last week the American flag would "for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast."

"Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said the White House had no plans to reconsider the decision.

(Reporting By Steve Holland; additional reporting by Gabriella Borter; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Three years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine has cut off Russian natural gas supplies to Europe, not only blocking a major customer of Russia's gas but eliminating a point of leverage Russia could use against Europe in discouraging assistance to Ukraine. Meanwhile, the world waits to see how Donald Trump's influence will reshape the conflict. Tim Snyder, author and Yale history professor, discusses why Trump's approach is wrong-headed, and what it means that some former Sov
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump has been ordered to appear for sentencing in his hush money criminal case on Jan. 10, though the New York state judge signaled that the president-elect wouldnt face time behind bars.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Justice Juan Merchan in Manhattan set the date in a ruling Friday denying Trumps request to throw out the conviction on presidential immunity grounds. No such immunity exists for a president-elect, the judge said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Binding precedent does not provide that an individual, upon becoming President, can retroactively dismiss or vacate prior criminal acts nor does it grant blanket Presidential-elect immunity, Merchan said in his written opinion.

The decision is a blow to Trumps effort to put the case behind him and sets the stage for a potentially explosive court appearance just 10 days before his inauguration. Merchan gave Trump until Jan. 5 to decide if he wants to appear for his sentencing in person or virtually.

With jail off the table, Merchan said a sentence of an unconditional discharge was the most viable solution, meaning the 78-year-old incoming president would face no real penalty other than having the conviction remain on his record. In theory Trump could have faced up to four years in prison, though the judge said prosecutors already conceded that wasnt a practicable recommendation.

This court has painstakingly considered the respective arguments of the parties and finds that setting aside the jury verdict is not the best or only way to reconcile the competing interests, Merchan said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A Manhattan jury in May found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal payments to an adult film star before the 2016 election. Trump used the case and three other criminal prosecutions to portray himself as a victim of biased Democratic prosecutors.

A spokesman for Trump, Steven Cheung, criticized the decision on Friday, saying the case should never have been brought.

Hoaxes

President Trump must be allowed to continue the presidential transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the Witch Hunts, Cheung said in a statement. There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In his ruling, Merchan also rejected a request by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg that Trumps sentencing be put on hold until after he finishes his term in office in four years, which would have left the case hanging over Trumps second term in office.

A spokesman for Bragg declined to comment on the ruling.

Merchan blasted Trumps lawyers for arguing that the judge is biased and conflicted as a result of his daughters ties to Democrats  a claim that Trump has made several times in earlier motions. The judge said the lawyers had come dangerously close to crossing the line and that their rhetoric has no place in legal pleadings.

The judge noted that Trump had lost three previous appeals over the same arguments and that the courts advisory committee on judicial ethics cleared Merchan to handle the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump campaigned to return to the White House while battling four criminal prosecutions, though the hush-money case was the only one that made it to trial before the election. Two of the cases have already been dismissed as a direct result of his election win. Another state case in Georgia, over Trumps attempt to overturn the result of the 2020 election, is in limbo after an appeals court removed the prosecutor.

Last month, Merchan rejected a separate request to dismiss the hush money case, based on Trumps arguments that the trial was tainted by testimony and other evidence that wouldnt have been allowed under a new US Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity that was handed down in a different case last year. Fridays decision addressed broader claims that the case couldnt move forward in light of his win in the November election.

Trump has largely benefited from long-standing doctrines barring prosecution of sitting presidents. The two federal cases were voluntarily dropped by US Special Counsel Jack Smith after Trump won, citing a Justice Department policy on the issue.

Sentencing Already Delayed

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Merchan reminded Trump in the ruling that the sentencing had been delayed until after the election at his own request, with the implication that the sentence would be handed down before he took office.

Any claim defendant may have that circumstances have changed as a result of defendants victory in the Presidential election, while convenient, is disingenuous, Merchan said.

Trump denied wrongdoing in all of the criminal cases, claiming that they were part of a coordinated witch hunt intended to undermine his bid to return to the White House.

Merchan rejected each of Trumps arguments for dismissal, including that allowing a criminal conviction to hang over a sitting president would undermine his authority. The judge noted that Trump won the election even after he was convicted in the case.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Whatever stigma that might have existed, will most certainly not interfere with defendants ability to carry out his duties  both as president-elect and as the sitting president, Merchan said.

(Updates with Braggs office declining to comment. An earlier version of the story was corrected to indicate the judge planned to unconditionally discharge Trump.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
President-elect Donald Trumps plans for a perfect inauguration are being foiled by former President Jimmy Carter, who died last week at the age of 100.

As is standard practice in memorializing dead former presidents, American flags displayed at federal buildings, grounds, and on naval vessels will be flown at half mast for a 30-day period of national mourning. While 30 days may seem like a long time, its a decades-long tradition reserved for sitting and former presidents  one that Trump will theoretically be granted upon his passing. But for the president-elect, the notion that the death of a predecessor could interfere with the aesthetics of his return to power is unconscionable.

Because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast, Trump wrote Friday on Truth Social. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president-elect also criticized Democrats for feeling giddy over the prospect of the capitals flags being at half mast during his inaugural ceremonies. They think its so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they dont love our Country, they only think about themselves, he added.

When asked if the White House would consider breaking with mourning protocol and raising D.C.s flags to their full height on Inauguration Day, White House Press Secretary Karinne Jean-Pierre responded with an emphatic: No.

Its not the first time Trump has fixated on the spectacle of his political events  particularly his inauguration. In 2017, the president-elect falsely raved for weeks that the crowd of attendees that witnessed his swearing in was the largest in American history, and that the media had lied about the attendance of the event out of spite.

It looked like a million and a half people, Trump said of the event. In reality, the attendance was much lower, with estimates ranging from 300,000 to 600,000 people. By contrast, former President Barack Obamas 2009 inauguration drew a record-breaking crowd of 1.8 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Theres no pleasing the guy. But former President Carter  who once called Trump a disaster  managed to get under his skin one last time.

Carters funeral will be held at the National Cathedral in Washington on Thursday. Trump is expected to attend.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In dramatic fashion, President-elect Donald Trump reportedly aided Mike Johnson in winning the Speaker of the House vote. Johnson was not originally forecast to secure enough votes for the win, with three Republicans choosing to oppose him and Johnson needing no more than one GOP defection. However, as he mentioned earlier, Trump wielded his influence to push Johnson over the edge for the victory.

How did Donald Trump secure Mike Johnsons win as House Speaker?

Donald Trump assisted Mike Johnson by flipping representatives Ralph Norman and Keith Self, according to multiple sources to CNN.

On the first ballot, there were three GOP defections, with Norman voting for Jim Jordan, Self voting for Byron Donalds, and Thomas Massie voting for Tom Emmer. Johnson needed to speak with the three holdouts in hopes of changing their support. Johnsons ally, Stephanie Bice, stated that he was meeting with Norman and Self before the gavel brought the first vote to a close.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To assist, Nancy Mace reportedly called Trump, who then spoke directly to the two representatives. The President-elect stated to reporters at Mar-a-Lago on New Years Eve, per The Independent, that he would make phone calls to Republicans who planned on opposing Johnson as speaker. Trump endorsed Johnson for speaker earlier in the week despite them splitting over an issue involving the debt ceiling.

Moreover, Johnson said he didnt need to make any promises to Self and Norman for their support. Thomas Massie did not change his opposition.

Trump later congratulated Johnson for his victory, posting on social media that his win was unprecedented and that he would be a Great Speaker. In his first remarks after keeping the speakership, Johnson said that the number one priority of Congress would be securing the border in coordination with President Trump.

That said, Johnson faces a tough challenge in Congress with the Republicans holding a narrow House majority. With Matt Gaetz opting not to return to Congress and representatives Elise Stefanik and Mike Waltz potentially becoming a part of Trumps cabinet, the 119th Congress would have 217 Republicans and 215 Democrats. Thus, a majority would require 217 votes, meaning that Johnson would not be able to afford to lose a single Republican in the House for a vote along party lines.

The post Heres How Trump Helped Mike Johnson Win Speaker of the House appeared first on Mandatory.
Mike Johnson initially failed his first test to retain power over a super-slim GOP majority on Friday after three Republicans voted against Donald Trumps chosen candidate for speaker of the House.

But after about an hour of backroom cajoling that morphed into hugs on the House floor, Johnson emerged victorious and retained his gavel after all.

A second round of voting was averted.

Rep. Thomas Massie declared Thursday night that he couldnt even be tortured into supporting Johnson. He voted instead for Rep. Tom Emmer to become speaker of the new 119th Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Johnson initially lost three Republicans in all. Rep. Ralph Norman voted for House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan for speaker -- but then changed his vote to support Johnson. And Rep. Keith Self initially voted for Rep. Byron Donalds. But after at least a half hour of backroom talking, he changed his vote to support Johnson.

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, appearing on Fox News during the vote, called the current House Republicans who voted against Johnson insanely destructive.

This will go to multiple rounds.  Tim Burchett (@timburchett) January 3, 2025

Rep. Lisa McClain, the new Republican Conference Chair, officially nominated Johnson for speaker of the new Congress, saying, No speaker is perfect, and no one will ever be, however, achieving perfection requires incremental gains and hard decisions along the way. None of us will get exactly what we want.

She praised Johnson as an honest broker who is the same kind and caring person he was before he was chosen in late 2023 to replace Kevin McCarthy after his ouster.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Honest, kind and caring or not, Johnson faced a similar fate as McCarthy on Friday, with hardline conservative rebels angry with him for his decisions regarding government spending. Governing such a slim House Republican Conference, which has been marred by infighting among warring factions, has proven a nearly impossible task for the past two speakers.

Trump threw his weight behind Johnson in the hours leading up to the vote. Sources warned Trump would likely take aim at defectors if a drawn-out speaker race delayed the certification of the presidential election and the incoming administration to hit the ground running on legislative goals.

Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus who huddled on Friday morning ahead of the vote signaled they were warming to backing Johnson to avoid delaying President-elect Trumps agenda.

Lawmakers were in a festive mood on the House floor Friday, which marked the first day of the 119th Congress. Many brought their children, posed for photos with Johnson and other leaders, hugged and huddled with each other.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While conservatives pushed for a number of concessions from Johnsonwith some calling for Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) to be appointed as Rules chairman, which would effectively undercut Johnsons ability to control what bills come to the floorthe speaker opted against striking ant backroom deals in contrast to his predecessor.

And leadership allies noted that critics of the speaker failed to put forth a viable alternative ahead of the vote, with the coup less energetic than what was seen during the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)

The House was expected to proceed with several more rounds of voting, which was avoided in the end.

The start of the 118th Congress previously got off to a chaotic start, with it taking 15 ballots before McCarthy was able to lock down the gavel.

The Daily Beast Podcast episodes are released every Thursday. Like and download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. And click here for email updates as each new episode drops.
President-elect Donald Trump went on a social media rant Friday over American flags being flown at half-staff during his inauguration, both complaining about the situation and blasting his opponents for laughing about it.

The Democrats are all giddy about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at half mast during my Inauguration, Trump wrote. They think its so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they dont love our Country, they only think about themselves.

He continued: Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In recognition of the life of late Democratic President Jimmy Carter, who died earlier this week at age 100, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other government locations for a period of 30 days from the day of his death. The proclamation is in line with a policy from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.

That means flags will be flown at half-staff through Jan. 28  more than a week after Trumps scheduled inauguration at the U.S. Capitol. The twist of fate has fueled social media fodder in recent days, with jokes about Carter leaving one last gift for Trump and the half-staff flags signifying not just the death of Carter, but also the death of democracy.

Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a town hall meeting at La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on Aug. 29, 2024. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI via Getty Images

Trump also suggested multiple times throughout his post that the half-staff flags during his inauguration were only a possibility. Lets see how it plays out, he wrote.

He also wrongly asserted Friday that the flags would be flown at half-staff for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President. In 1972, President Richard Nixon took the oath of office while flags were flown at half-staff in memoriam of President Harry Truman.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump, a famously image-focused president, has lost his cool before when events didnt go his way. At a rally days before Novembers election, he fumed over technical issues with his mic.

Youve got to be kidding. Do you want to see me knock the hell out of people backstage? he said, adding later: I get so angry. Im up here seething. Im seething. Im working my ass off with this stupid mic. Im blowing out my left arm. Now Im going to blow out my right arm and Im blowing out my damn throat, too, because these stupid people.

Hes also gotten worked up about a malfunctioning teleprompter, not looking slim in photos, having to walk down stairs at his events and jurors not smiling at him during his hush money trial.

Related...
The New York judge overseeing President-elect Donald Trumps hush money trial has ordered him to appear for his long-delayed sentencing hearing on Jan. 10, more than seven months after he was convicted on all 34 felony counts against him.

The unprecedented hearing will take place 10 days before Trump is to be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States.

He is not likely to face incarceration, however. Judge Juan Merchan wrote in his Friday order that he agreed with prosecutors that time behind bars was no longer practical, and signaled that he may choose to impose no punishment at all.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump may also appear in court by videoconference, if he chooses, Merchan said.

The judges decision will preserve Trumps status as a felon  a first for any president.

His attorneys argued in the wake of his November victory that the case should be dismissed entirely. Prosecutors floated several options for his sentencing, which had already been delayed by a Supreme Court decision stating that presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted for official acts.

Merchan said last month that the charges against Trump did not involve any conduct relating to his duties as president.

He wrote in his Friday order that a sentence of an unconditional discharge appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow Defendant to pursue his appellate options.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unconditional discharge is a rare sentence that allows a defendant to walk free with no strings attached.

In his 18-page order, Merchan indicated that he was trying to balance the interests of justice with the Trump teams claim that any threat of jail time would distract from his duties as president. Once Trump takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, his right to presidential immunity kicks in, meaning that even if he received jail time, it would likely have to be completed after his second term.

Trump verbally attacked the judge and prosecution team on his Truth Social platform.

Acting Justice Merchan, who is a radical partisan, just issued another order that is knowingly unlawful, goes against our Constitution and, if allowed to stand, would be the end of the Presidency as we know it, he wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Over multiple posts that were littered with falsehoods, Trump reiterated his claim that the charges were fake and that President Joe Bidens administration had been somehow involved in the state-level case.

There has never been a President who was so evilly and illegally treated as I, he said.

The case against Trump centered around a $130,000 payment made shortly before the 2016 election to the porn actor Stormy Daniels, who took the money by agreeing not to tell the public she and Trump had sex. At the time, Trumps candidacy was teetering in the wake of the Access Hollywood tapes release, which revealed he once made crude comments about assaulting women.

Trump denies the affair with Daniels and has maintained that he did nothing wrong.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The payment was wired by his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, who detailed at trial how he was repaid by Trump in installments over the course of a year. Each of the charges against Trump corresponds to a New York state business record that prosecutors said had been falsified in order to cover up the hush money scheme.

Cohen said on social media that Merchans order seemed both judicious and appropriate.

Trump has said he intends to nominate two of his attorneys from the trial, Emil Bove and Todd Blanche, to positions at the Justice Department in his second administration as he seeks to surround himself with loyalists.

Related...
Donald Trump and Mike Johnson need each other desperatelyso one can coast to a peaceful transfer of presidential power, and the other remain House speaker.

But heading into a fateful House floor vote on Friday, it wasnt at all clear that Trump could save Johnsons gavel despite endorsing the Louisiana Republican and urging potential GOP rebels to follow his lead.

The more Johnson leaned on Trump Thursday to save his speakership at the 11th hour, the angrier free-thinking conservatives became. At least 15 to 20 GOP lawmakers remained uncommitted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Thomas Massie was more direct in his opposition, telling his former colleague Matt Gaetz during the right-wing firebrands debut show on One America News Network Thursday night that he wouldnt cast a vote for Johnson if fellow Republicans tortured him.

You can pull all my fingernails out, Massie said. You can shove bamboo up in them. You can start cutting off my fingers. I am not voting Mike Johnson tomorrow. And you can take that to the bank.

Tonight @RepThomasMassie joins @mattgaetz to discuss the upcoming Speaker vote: "I'm a 'Hell No' on Speaker Johnson"



Click the link to watch tonight's show at

9PM ET | 6PM PT https://t.co/Bgm0eOgOZi pic.twitter.com/HBkaKz5Lk4  One America News (@OANN) January 3, 2025

Several other holdouts told the Daily Beast Johnson likely wont win on the first ballot scheduled for noon on Friday.

But then again, Republicans are worn out from two years of internecine chaos; and pickings are slim to none.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think the point is there is no alternative, a source close to the House GOP leadership told the Daily Beast Thursday evening. Delaying the speaker is just delaying the Trump agenda.

There are two options, another senior House Republican told the Daily Beast. Either Trump gets angry and retaliates against the House Republicans who dont follow his orders or he dumps Johnson. And the first seems more likely.

The GOP source noted that a delay in installing a speaker is a significant setback not just on passing bills on the floor, but getting committees staffed and organized.

Johnson told Fox News Thursday evening that he was confident he had the 218 votes necessary to easily maintain his leadership title.

JOHNSON says he thinks he will win the speakership on the first ballot.



"I think it's going to be okay, Larry. We'll have maybe one no vote. I think we get it done on the first round. Certainly hopeful for that." https://t.co/ZhUi8jwHv2  Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) January 2, 2025

Earlier in the day, he told Fox News that fractious Republicans cannot afford a palace drama as they did in January 2023 with the votea-rama to elect short-lived speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the GOPs paper-thin majority, Johnson cannot afford to lose the support of more than two House Republicans, with Democrats vowing unified opposition to Johnson and hoping, instead, to install their own top leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Only one Republican, Massie, has publicly vowed to oppose Johnsons bid.

Rep. Thomas Massie plans Friday to vote against handing the gavel back to House Speaker Mike Johnson, a step that threatens Johnsons speakership https://t.co/3Iz6cQHCML  The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) January 2, 2025

Trump on Thursday spoke to at least one potential defector, Rep. Chip Royurging him to rally behind Johnson and, in turn, ensure a smooth inauguration for himself. Roy, however, remained uncommitted as of Thursday evening.

Roy is among several rabble-rousing fiscal budget hawks who are furious at Johnson over what they view as his embrace of wasteful government spending. The Texas Republican began his rant against Trump and others before Christmas, and hasnt let up since.

I am absolutely sickened by a party that campaigns on fiscal responsibility and has the temerity to go forward to the American people and say you think this is fiscally responsible. It is absolutely ridiculous, Roy said last month after Trump demanded House Republicans support raising the debt limit.

The Daily Beast Podcast episodes are released every Thursday. Like and download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. And click here for email updates as each new episode drops.
President-elect Donald Trump ushered in the new year in familiar fashion  using a news event in an attempt to build his case for tougher enforcement of the nations southern border, a change he said is crucial to stop violent criminals from flooding into the U.S.

After a pickup truck driver mowed down dozens of people in New Orleans, killing 14, in the first hours of New Year's Day, Trump quickly issued a statement that implied the perpetrator had come into the country illegally.

He did not correct that assertion, and even escalated his rhetoric against the open border" with Mexico, after it soon became clear that an initial news report that depicted the attacker as an immigrant was wrong.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The driver, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, has been identified as an American raised in Beaumont, Texas, who served in the Army and who authorities said acted alone when he drove into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street. The FBI said Jabbar was inspired by the Islamic State, a Sunni Muslim extremist group behind multiple terrorist acts over more than a decade.

Trumps rhetoric and verbal salvos followed a familiar pattern, according to analysts who track his public pronouncements  combining hyperbole and false assertions to bolster his campaign against illegal immigration, a cause that he and his most ardent followers depict as crucial to Americas security.

Read more: New Orleans attacker had suspected bomb materials at home, reserved truck weeks ago, officials say

This is his way of previewing what hes been running on since his first race in 2016  that hes going to take extreme measures to defend the border, said Jennifer Mercieca, a professor of communication and journalism at Texas A&M University. Hes giving himself a permission structure based on these threats, which he is suggesting are not just imaginary but have now come to pass. And hes using that as a way of saying, 'Things are about to become very extreme. 

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Trump described recent immigrants as criminals far worse than those already living in America. That stance amounts to rhetorical ammunition, to provide the grounds by which he makes a case for doing what he wants to do anyway, said Mercieca, author of Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump.

A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Two advisors to Trump's presidential campaigns also did not respond.

Fox News initially reported Wednesday morning that the rental truck used in the New Orleans attack had crossed the border from Mexico two days before the Bourbon Street carnage.

Minutes later, Trump issued his first statement on the attack. 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 statement read, in part. The crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Donald Trump Jr. quickly posted on the social media platform X: Bidens parting gift to America  migrant terrorists. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) posted: Shut the border down!!!

Not long afterward, Fox News joined other outlets in reporting that the truck attack had been launched by an American citizen, Jabbar, not an immigrant. That correction did little to temper Trumps fervent rhetoric.

Our Country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the World! the incoming president wrote on X on Wednesday night. This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership.

In what may have been one concession to the new information about Jabbars status as an American, not an immigrant, Trump went on to fault law enforcement for not protecting Americans from outside and inside violent SCUM.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Statements by Trump and his followers in the aftermath of the attack focused on Jabbar's otherness and added disdain for the media and others who noted that Jabbar was an American citizen, said Robert Rowland, a communications professor at the University of Kansas.

In Trumps mind, although that person is an American citizen, he seems to reject Christianity and to reject the military, and in turning away from those things that makes him un-American, Rowland said.

A photo released by the FBI showing Shamsud-Din Jabbar an hour before he drove a truck down Bourbon Street. (FBI via Associated Press)

Many of Trumps core followers are white working-class people who have expressed a pronounced unease with demographic shifts in the country, with newcomers perceived to be unlike those who arrived before them, said Rowland, author of The Rhetoric of Donald Trump: Nationalist Populism and American Democracy.

There is an extreme discomfort with the pace of social and cultural change, Rowland said. And the core group that has that sense is, broadly speaking, the working class and, specifically, the white working class.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One X user sounded agitated when mainstream news outlets reported that Jabbar was an American citizen, suggesting the media recoiled from naming the true threats to the country. Phew, wrote the X critic, because we all would hate to think a non-citizen, or an illegal immigrant, could ever harm innocent people.

Trump and his team have not hesitated in the past to stoke fear about immigrants.

In his September debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump repeated a claim  debunked by government officials and others  that Haitian migrants were eating dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio.

The Republican presidential candidate never backtracked on that claim. And his vice presidential running mate, JD Vance, soon suggested that first-hand accounts of my constituents gave him reason enough to repeat the assertion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Although the pet-eating stories were untrue, Vance said they brought attention to the issue of U.S. communities being overwhelmed with migrants. The Haitians in and around Springfield predominantly are legal residents.

The American media totally ignored this stuff until Donald Trump and I started talking about cat memes," Vance said in an interview with CNN. "If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that's what I'm going to do."

Statements about dangerous immigrants are all part of a very crass political calculation designed to turn them into hate objects so they can then be attacked and ostracized, Mercieca said. She acknowledged that other people might have a more charitable read on the Republicans intentions.

Republicans did not hesitate to amplify Trump's words and to say they justified an immigration crackdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) went on Fox News on New Year's Day to protest the "wide-open border," and "the idea that dangerous people were coming here in droves and setting up potential terrorist cells around the country."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read more: Tesla Cybertruck attacker in Las Vegas identified as decorated Green Beret: What was his motive?

Johnson, reelected speaker Friday, suggested that the House might try to again raise a bill similar to the one it approved in 2023. That legislation  killed by the Democratic-controlled Senate  would have extended the wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, reimposed a policy of keeping migrant asylum-seekers either in Mexico or in detention facilities in that country and sped up deportation of unaccompanied children.

A day after the attack, Trump refocused his social media attack on "Radical Islamic Terrorism," saying that it and "other forms of violent crime, will become so bad in America that it will become hard to even imagine or believe. That time has come, only worse than ever imagined."

He suggested during his campaign that he would resurrect a controversial travel ban on five Muslim-majority nations. The plan was modified after facing legal challenges. But Trump defended it on national security grounds and said he would now use it to ban refugees from the war in the Gaza Strip.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many of us were hoping he would act as president, rather than continue to exploit a tragedy to divide Americans and advance his anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant agenda, said Hussam Ayloush, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations' office of Greater Los Angeles.

He is fueling bigotry, fueling anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant sentiment," said Ayloush, "which we have seen again and again lead to violent attacks on people presumed as Muslim and immigrant."

Stephen Miller, a senior Trump advisor, promoted the idea that the act was connected to migration.

Islamist terrorism is an import. It is not 'homegrown,' " Miller posted on X after the attack. "It did not exist here before migration brought it here."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The judge overseeing Donald Trumps hush money trial has upheld his historic criminal conviction and scheduled his sentencing for 10 days before his inauguration.

Justice Juan Merchan denied Mr Trumps motion to dismiss the case in light of his election victory but suggested he give him an unconditional discharge  a rare and lenient alternative to jail or probation.

Mr Merchan said Mr Trump could appear for the sentencing on Jan 10 either in-person or virtually, a move that will cement Mr Trumps status as a criminal weeks before he is sworn in as the 47th US president.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A sentence of an unconditional discharge appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow defendant to pursue his appellate options, Mr Merchan wrote in an 18-page decision released Friday.

The sentence would contrast with a conditional discharge, which allows defendants to walk free if they meet certain requirements, such as maintaining employment or paying restitution.

Responding to Mr Merchans announcement, Mr Trump said on Truth Social that the judges decision was an illegitimate political attack that was nothing but a Rigged Charade.

Steven Cheung, Mr Trumps incoming communications director, said: Todays order by the deeply conflicted, Acting Justice Merchan in the Manhattan DA witch hunt is a direct violation of the Supreme Courts immunity decision and other longstanding jurisprudence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This lawless case should have never been brought and the constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed. President Trump must be allowed to continue the presidential transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the witch hunts.

There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead.

The president-elect was found guilty in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

It was the first time a US president  former or sitting  had been convicted of or charged with a criminal offence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Falsifying business records is punishable by up to four years in prison., but before his election victory, legal experts said it was unlikely Mr Trump would be sentenced to prison, although not impossible.

His sentencing, which had initially been scheduled for July, has been pushed back several times due to a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity and Mr Trumps election victory.

In Mr Trumps legal teams second motion to dismiss the case, his lawyers argued that having the verdict hanging over him during his presidency would impede his ability to govern.

Mr Trumps first motion  which argued that the case ran afoul of the highest courts immunity ruling  was unsuccessful.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A sentencing date of Nov 26 was pushed back indefinitely after Mr Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the election.

Prosecutors with Manhattan district attorney Alvin Braggs office, which brought the case, said there were measures short of the extreme remedy of overturning the jurys verdict that could assuage Mr Trumps concerns about being distracted by a criminal case while serving as president.



They suggested several options to Mr Merchan, including delaying the sentencing until Mr Trump, 78, leaves the White House in 2029, or guaranteeing a sentence that would not involve prison time.

Justice Juan Merchan seen in a sketch at the time of the trial - Reuters/Jane Rosenberg

The prosecutors also said the judge could simply terminate the case with a notation that Mr Trump was never sentenced and that his conviction was neither affirmed nor reversed on appeal. They said a similar approach was used in cases where a defendant dies after being convicted but before being sentenced.



The case stemmed from a $130,000 payment that Mr Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen made to Ms Daniels. The payment was for her silence before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she has said she had a decade earlier with Mr Trump, which he denies.



Mr Trump pleaded not guilty in the case and continues to insist it was a witch hunt and election interference.



On Dec 16 Mr Trump lost a separate attempt to dismiss the conviction in light of the US Supreme Courts decision that presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted over their official actions, and that evidence of their official actions cannot be presented in criminal cases over personal conduct.



In denying Mr Trumps motion to dismiss, Mr Merchan said the prosecution over decidedly personal acts of falsifying business records poses no danger of intrusion on the authority and function of the executive branch.



Mr Trump was charged in three other state and federal criminal cases in 2023: one involving classified documents he kept after leaving office and two others involving his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss.



He pleaded not guilty in all three cases. The Justice Department moved to dismiss the two federal cases after Mr Trumps election victory.

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.
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former State Department spokesperson and one-time Tennessee congressional candidate Morgan Ortagus as deputy special presidential envoy in the Middle East.

Trump announced the pick on Friday.

The former Fox News national security commentator is a Florida native who moved to Nashville in 2021. She currently hosts a Sirius XM radio show. Ortagus worked in both the Obama and George W. Bush administrations, serving as spokesperson with the U.S. Agency for International Development before moving to the Treasury Department as an intelligence analyst.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Months after she moved to Tennessee, she launched her campaign for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District. Trump backed her for the seat, but her candidacy sparked months of intraparty fighting among Tennessee Republicans. Some Republicans in the legislature quickly moved to enact residency requirements that would require candidates to live in their district for at least three years before running for office.

Though the legislation ultimately didn't impact Ortagus's candidacy, the Tennessee Republican Party eventually booted her from the ballot for failing to meet its "bona fide" candidate requirements, which include voting in three of the last four previous Tennessee GOP primaries.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, eventually won election to the seat.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump picks Morgan Ortagus as deputy Middle East peace envoy
Jan. 2When immigration agents raided chicken processing plants in central Mississippi in 2019, they arrested nearly 700 undocumented workersmany of them parents of children enrolled in local schools.

Teens got frantic texts to leave class and find their younger siblings. Unfamiliar faces whose names weren't on the pick-up list showed up to take children home. School staff scrambled to make sure no child went home to an empty house, while the owner of a local gym threw together a temporary shelter for kids with nowhere else to go.

In the Scott County School District, a quarter of the district's Latino students, around 150 children, were absent from school the next day. Chalkbeat reports that when dozens of kids continued to miss school, staff packed onto school buses and went door to door with food, trying to reassure families that it was safe for their children to return. Academics were on hold for weeks, said Tony McGee, the district's superintendent at the time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We went into kind of a Mom and Dad mode and just cared for kids," McGee said. While some children bounced back quickly, others were shaken for months. "You could tell there was still some worry on kids' hearts."

Massive workplace raids have occurred in the past, with enforcement also targeting employers in an effort to deter unauthorized immigration. If President-elect Donald Trump enacts the hardline immigration policies he campaigned on, what happened in Mississippi could become a much more common occurrence affecting millions of children and their schools.

Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, tapping every resource at his disposal from local police to the National Guard and the military. Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, have repeatedly refused to answer questions about whether they would deport the parents of U.S. citizen children.

But any such plan inevitably would sweep up parents of school-age children, leaving educators with the responsibility of providing food, clothing, counseling, and more to affected students. Educators who have been through it before say schools that serve immigrant communities should prepare now. It's estimated some 4.4 million U.S.-born children have at least one undocumented parent.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On top of that, it's unclear if Trump would seek to undermine the "sanctuary school" policies that some districts enacted during his last presidency in an attempt to protect immigrant students and their families on school grounds.

Trump has shown willingness to target immigrant children

Trump frequently aims his rhetoric and policy proposals at the children of immigrants.

Last year, he said he would seek to end automatic citizenship rights for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents, and he has defended his policy that separated immigrant children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. He has not ruled out deporting women and children as part of his mass deportation plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We're gonna look at it very closely," he said in an interview earlier this fall, even as he acknowledged that images of families being loaded on buses would make it "a lot harder."

Both Trump and Vance have characterized immigrant children as being burdens on schools who are overcrowding classrooms and taxing teachers with their language needs. Top aides to Trump tried for months during his first administration to give states the power to block undocumented children from attending public school, Bloomberg News reported, and an influential conservative think tank is seeking to revive that idea now that Trump has won a second term.

Immigrant rights advocates worry that Trump would seek to end a decades-old federal policy that has treated schools as "sensitive" or "protected" areas where immigration agents are not supposed to surveil families or make arrests, except in extraordinary circumstances, so as not to deter children from going to school.

"Enforcement actions undertaken in these locations have a ripple effect," said Heidi Altman, the director of federal advocacy at the National Immigration Law Center. "It's very frightening for communities when we think about the possibility of a Trump administration, both in terms of enforcement at and near protected areas, like schools, but also the impact on schools and access to education."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Trump campaign did not respond to questions sent in October about whether he would seek to carry out immigration enforcement activities at or near schools as part of his mass deportation plan. But Project 2025, a policy playbook written by several former Trump White House officials, calls for rescinding any memos that identify "sensitive zones" where immigration action should be limited.

And even when immigration enforcement happens off campus, it can still have far-reaching effects on children and schools.

Kheri Martinez was just 13 when her mother was swept up in the 2019 Mississippi raids. She was one of around 1,000 children whose parents were arrested that day. A family friend picked Martinez up early from school, and she later learned from her dadwho was working out of state on a construction jobthat her mother had been detained.

The seventh grader bottled up her own fears and told her two little sisters, who were a toddler and early elementary schooler at the time, that their mom was working overtime. For dinner, they ate pizza dropped off by worried family friends. That night, Martinez climbed into her parents' bed with her sisters, hoping the blankets that smelled like their mom would comfort her.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Even though I don't know if Mom is going to come home today," she told herself, "at least I'd have something closer to me, I'll feel like she's here."

Her mom came home crying at 4 a.m.immigration officials had released some parents of small children on humanitarian grounds while their cases proceededand Martinez finally felt like she could breathe.

At school the next day, there were whispers that the school would be targeted for violence and that the government was going to come back and take kids away. It felt like everyone at school was "on alert."

"The Hispanic kids, we were just kind of out of it," Martinez said. "We weren't us for a little bit."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Immigration raids take heavy emotional toll on kids

What Martinez experienced is not uncommon among children whose parents have been caught up in immigration raids. Multiple studies have documented the sweeping psychological, emotional, and financial toll that such operations have on children and their families.

Researchers from the nonprofit Center for Law and Social Policy found that the Mississippi raids were especially traumatic for the children whose schools were located within sight of a poultry plant. Many saw their parents handcuffed and shoved into white vans on their way home from school, prompting screams and uncontrollable crying.

Children "continued to suffer emotionally" for weeks and months, the research team wrote, and even kids who'd been reunited with their parents showed signs of post-traumatic stress and separation anxiety. Some kindergartners started wetting the bed again, and toddlers regressed in their speech. It was common for kids to come home from school, drop their backpacks, and spend the rest of the day sleeping. Older kids often took on more housework, child care, and paying jobs so they could contribute to their households.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Similarly, researchers for The Urban Institute documented how earlier immigration raids in three states affected some 500 children whose parents were arrested.

Those children were most likely to experience emotional distress, but fear also spread to children who worried their parents would be "taken" next. Story time often turned to talk of the raids and got emotional, teachers said. Some kids internalized their parents' disappearance as an abandonment. Some children ate less and lost weight, while others started acting out or had trouble sleeping.

"Some parents said that, months after the raids, their children still cried in the morning when getting dropped off at school or day care, something that they rarely used to do," the report found. "Children were said to obsess over whether their parents were going to pick them up from school."With breadwinners in detention, many families fell behind on rent. Three-quarters of the parents said they struggled to buy enough food after the raids. Housing instability forced some kids to change schools multiple times. The experience "sapped the attention of some children and affected their academic performance," researchers found.

For Martinez, it took a year for school to feel normal again. She often felt like she was on edge, "on the lookout" for another raid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"It hurt me for a while," Martinez said.

How schools and families can offer support to kids

School leaders say it's difficult to plan for an immigration raid. Agents usually do not give schools any prior warning. But schools that serve immigrant communities can take certain steps in advance.

"We practice for fire drills and tornado drills, bus evacuations, and sad to say nowadays we practice for active shooters. There's not many drills for ICE raids," McGee, the former Scott County superintendent, said. When "families are separated, and you're responsible for how these kids get home and who takes care of them, it helps to have a little insight that: Hey, you need to be prepared."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

School staff who've experienced raids in their communities say it's especially important to develop an emergency protocol for how children should be signed out at school if their approved caretaker is not available to pick them up. Identifying a potential temporary shelter for students whether at a school, a local church, or a community centeris also helpful.

McGee and his team met daily with the principals of schools where many children were affected by the raids to ask how teachers and students were doing. The district also provided materials to help teachers talk about the raids in class and explain to kids who weren't affected how their classmates may be feeling.

"We didn't get into the political struggle of why this happened, or why that happened, should it happen, should it not happen?" McGee said. "Our job is to care for kids."

For Martinez, the care two teachers showed her was especially helpful. They each pulled her aside to talk about what happened, and told her to let them know if she needed more time to complete assignments.

"I was very appreciative of that," Martinez said. "It made me feel like: 'Oh, they understood.'"

Her family also came up with a plan for exactly what they would do and where they would go if another immigration raid happened, which helped to ease some of the anxiety. Martinez knows, for example, that if her family has to sell their belongings and move back to Mexico that she would stay in the U.S. to finish her college degree.

"You're going to carry something that is not yours, but we don't have any option," Gabriela Uribe Mejia said she told her daughter. "She said: 'Don't worry, I understand, I know what to do.' But she's a young girl."

Still, immigrant rights advocates worry about the long-term effects on children and families.

Lorena Quiroz, who directs the Mississippi-based Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity, was among the community organizers who went door to door asking families if they needed food, legal assistance, or other support in the wake of the Mississippi raids.

Quiroz knows affected families who were torn apart by drinking and fighting, and teens who dropped out of school. Mothers still feel ashamed of the weeks they spent wearing an ankle monitor, visible for everyone to see under their traditional Maya skirts. Adults still tear up when they drive past the poultry plants.

People talk about it "like it's yesterday," Quiroz said. "Imagine that happening everywhere."

How to create a family plan in case of an immigration raid

* Identify an organization or attorney who provides free legal support and write down their name and contact information. This could be through an immigrant rights group, a church, a legal aid organization, or a workers center.

* Identify at least two willing caregivers for your children and write down their contact information. You can also add these caregivers' names to the approved pick-up list at your children's school.

* Collect important documents for your children and keep them together in a safe place. This could include passports, birth certificates, school records, and medical records.

* If possible, start an emergency savings fund and write down instructions for how a trusted person could access it.

* Consider establishing a power of attorney to authorize an adult caregiver to care for children under the age of 18.

* Keep your own identification, immigration, and financial documents organized in a binder or folder. Store it in a place that would be easy for a trusted relative, child, or friend to find in case of an emergency.  Source: Immigrant and Refugee Children: A Guide for Educators and School Support Staff

This story was produced by Chalkbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is strong and unpredictable, and those qualities can be a decisive factor in his policy approach to Russias invasion of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

However, Zelenskyy said it wont be possible to end the almost three years of war in one day, as Trump claimed during his election campaign that he could do.

The hot stage of the war can end quite quickly, if Trump is strong in his position, Zelenskyy said in a Ukrainian television interview late Thursday, referring to fighting on the battlefield.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I believe (Trump) is strong and unpredictable. I would very much like President Trumps unpredictability to be directed primarily toward the Russian Federation, Zelenskyy said.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, hasnt publicly fleshed out his policy on Ukraine, but his previous comments have put a question mark over whether the United States will continue to be Ukraines biggest  and most important  military backer.

Zelenskyy is eager to guarantee that Washingtons support keeps coming, and he met with Trump in New York even before the U.S. presidential election in November.

With the war about to enter its fourth year next month, and with Trump coming to power, the question of how and when Europes biggest conflict since World War II might end has come to the fore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russia controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, and capitalized last year on weaknesses in Ukraines defenses to slowly advance in eastern areas despite high losses of troops and equipment. The wars trajectory isn't in Ukraines favor. The country is shorthanded on the front line and needs continued support from its Western partners.

Trump responded favorably to the possibility raised by French President Emmanuel Macron of Western peacekeepers being deployed in Ukraine to oversee an agreement that stops the fighting, Zelenskyy said. He met with Trump and Macron in Paris last month.

But I raised an issue, saying we didnt hear what specific countries will join this initiative, and whether the U.S. will be there, Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader is determined for his country to become a NATO member. The alliances 32 member countries say that Ukraine will join one day, but not until the war ends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The deployment of European troops (to keep the peace in Ukraine) should not rule out Ukraines future in NATO, Zelenskyy said in the television interview.

Zelenskyy described the incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russias Kursk border region as a very strong trump card in any future peace negotiations.

In a bid to counter glum news from the front line, Ukraine seized part of Kursk last August in what was the first occupation of Russian territory since World War II.

But the incursion didnt significantly change the dynamic of the war, and military analysts say Ukraine has lost around 40% of the land it initially captured.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Nevertheless, Zelenskyy said that the achievement impressed countries in Asia, South America and Africa, and tarnished Russias military reputation.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
US president-elect Donald Trump's unusual request to the US Supreme Court that it halt a looming ban on TikTok until after he takes office has legal analysts questioning whether the court will consider or even acknowledge it.

Trump's request last week came in the form of an amicus brief as the nation's highest court prepares to consider the constitutionality of a law that requires ByteDance, the Chinese owner of the app, to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer by January 19 or face its ban in the US.

The law asserts that TikTok, a short-video app with some 170 million users in the US, poses a national security risk because its personal data files can be shared with Chinese governmental agencies. The court agreed to take the case following an emergency appeal by TikTok on First Amendment free-speech grounds. Oral arguments are scheduled for January 10.

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.

Trump is to take office on January 20, but in directly requesting a hold on any action, legal analysts said, he was asking the court to step beyond its constitutional role.

In the brief, drafted by John Sauer, Trump's nominee for solicitor general, Trump is described as "the right constitutional actor to resolve the dispute through political means".

It argues that only Trump possesses the "consummate deal-making expertise" necessary to broker a resolution that addresses both national security concerns and TikTok's future.

ByteDance must divest its TikTok American subsidiary by January 19 or face a ban in the United States. Photo: Dreamstime/TNS alt=ByteDance must divest its TikTok American subsidiary by January 19 or face a ban in the United States. Photo: Dreamstime/TNS>

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The brief states that Trump takes no position on whether the law - passed by Congress, signed by President Joe Biden and upheld by a lower court - violates the free speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment, nor on whether TikTok constitutes a national security threat that justifies such legislation.

But legal analysts noted that the Supreme Court cannot block the TikTok ban without first addressing the law's constitutionality.

They also said that Trump's argument lacked a solid legal foundation and posed an unprecedented dilemma for the court, which traditionally defers to the legislature and executive branches on national security matters.

Some also said that if the court goes against Trump, he might instruct his administration not to enforce the law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mark Jia, a transnational law professor at Georgetown University, said that "the constitutional issues are now squarely before the court, and any speculation that those issues might at some point become moot is not sufficient justification for the court to enjoin a law duly enacted by Congress and signed by the president".

To block a law, Jia noted, the court must first address the constitutional question in the case before it.

"It can't simply do so out of the prudential consideration that an incoming administration will render the issues moot eventually ... and even this is uncertain, given Trump's promise of some sort of negotiated political settlement, which can rarely be relied on."

The request puts the court in a difficult position, he added - caught between enforcing a law passed by Congress and signed by the current president, while also considering the possibility that an incoming executive might take a different approach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"I am not aware of any cases or authorities that permit the court to enjoin a law simply because a not-yet empowered future president wants to find an alternative solution," Jia said.

He noted that Trump believes he can resolve the issue early in his tenure and has cautioned against the court acting too swiftly to prevent the app's shutdown, which could have widespread effects on free speech.

"The problem is that he has very little legal basis to ask for this at this stage in litigation, and his brief does not cite any cases squarely on point," Jia said.

Jack Goldsmith of Harvard Law School said Sauer's brief "publicly kisses the ring" and that it diminished Sauer's "credibility before the court even before assuming office".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The first of many self-defeating actions that will plague the Trump 2.0 DoJ," Goldsmith, a former US assistant attorney general in the George W. Bush administration, posted on X, referring to the US Department of Justice.

Alan Morrison, a constitutional law professor at George Washington University, said it was "hard to know what to make of Trump's brief, other than it shows that he has changed his position once again on TikTok".

As president in 2020, Trump signed an executive order to force TikTok's sale or face a ban in the US, but that move was blocked by a federal court.

During his election campaign last year, though, Trump publicly changed his stance, saying TikTok provided an alternative to platforms like Facebook. Political observers noted his reversal came after meeting with Republican Party megadonor Jeffrey Yass, a leading investor in TikTok.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the weeks following his election, Trump acknowledged TikTok's role in expanding his reach among young voters, suggesting he might be open to allowing the platform to continue operating.

Morrison contended that the court would not "pay much attention" to Trump's request to halt the ban, "especially because he will not be president until after the crucial January 19 date".

In a Substack post, Stephen Vladeck, a Supreme Court scholar also of Georgetown Law School, said he doubted that Trump's brief would come up during the oral argument.

"To argue for a pause without any constitutional determination is not merely to inject politics into a legal dispute; it's to ask for the law to take a back seat to the politics altogether," he wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Misty Marris, a legal analyst for CNN, said that under Trump, the US Justice Department was "going to be very different" and that any decision not to enforce the law would pose a "practical concern".

"As soon as the Trump administration takes over, will there be a directive saying, 'OK, this law is on the books, Congress has passed it, it's signed into law, but don't enforce it, because enforcement is left up to the Department of Justice in this instance'?" she asked.

In his annual report on the US court system this week, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts warned against such considerations, calling contemplation of defying court rulings "dangerous" and stressing the crucial role of an independent judiciary.

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.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  Peterson and Schriever Space Force Base along with the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station said it is suspending its Trusted Traveler program due to recent deadly national incidents.

The Space Force Bases said the changes come out of an abundance of caution after the Jan. 1 suspected terror incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas. While there are no known threats to the bases, the changes are to ensure the safety and security of their personnel.

With the indefinite suspension of the Trusted Traveler program, all visitors will be required to get a base pass, even when traveling with a military ID card holder. Details on getting a base pass are detailed on the bases website.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Those looking to register visitors are encouraged to come to the Visitor Control Center during normal operating hours Monday through Friday to avoid delays in processing. Customers can preregister their guests through the DBIDS Visitor Enrollment System.

Official Visitors such as government contractors and non-DoD guests of an organization who are visiting for an official purpose will need to contact the host organizations designated official base access sponsor.

Unofficial Visitors will need to request an Unofficial Visitor Base Pass from the Visitor Control Center for the base. Two options are available, one requiring a sponsor to be present during normal duty hours for an in-person pickup at the Visitor Center. The other option is preregistering through the DBIDS Visitor Enrollment System.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
To tube or not to tube, thats the question Georgia lawmakers spent months studying in 2024.

Georgias waterways are complicated when it comes to who can swim, float, tube or fish on them. Currently, there is a split between public and private water in the state, and the tens of thousands of miles of water reeled in plenty of public comments as lawmakers got to work.

In December, the Georgia House of Representatives Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters released a report on the various legal issues and challenges of the publics right to access state waterways.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The committee itself was formed in June 2024 as lawmakers worked to determine what the rights of Georgians were on the states rivers and creeks and property rights.

After a series of public meetings, with testimony from residents, businesses, landowners and state agencies, the committee found that Georgias more than 70,000 miles of rivers and streams were in need of clearer legal codes when it comes to who can access the water, and where.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

At the center of it all was navigability, particularly when it came to the rights of landowners where rivers and streams run through their property.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Navigability is a key factor when determining the publics right to access particular waters and the rights of adjoining landowners, the committees report said, citing Georgia law from all the way back to 1863. To determine navigability, and thus the publics right to access particular streams, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has relied on a variety of sources and factors: state and federal law; court cases; Georgia Attorney General opinions; research and historical documents on traditional use; presence of state-owned boat ramps, and multiple other factors.

One issue lawmakers examined was the ability for Georgia fishermen and trappers to use public was ters. Current law prevents trappers from working on public waters, which the committee found inhibit[ed] their ability to manage key wildlife species along those waterways.

For state needs, the report said it has an impact on both the economy and the states environmental sustainability.

Failing to manage nuisance wildlife could present risks to the livelihoods of trappers and risks to communities in the form of ecological damage, the report said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the property rights of private citizens are also deeply protected in the State of Georgia, which the committee noted was enshrined in the Georgia Constitution.

In some cases, Georgia law allows landowners to completely bar access to the area, should they so choose, while in other cases, they may not. Part of it comes down to how long the rights have been traced back via landowner titles. State law defaults to landowners choice, when the navigable stream and submerged land is bordered on both sides by owned land.

If a river or stream has only one side of the banks, or stream beds, Georgia law stipulates that the state owns the part underwater and therefore access to the water itself would be public.

For areas with titles traceable to 1863 or earlier, though, if the owner can prove titling that far back, they own the land even if it would otherwise be a state-owned area.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In terms of use, the landowners have exclusive fishing rights to any non-navigable streams, according to the committee report.

While this is normally settled, a lack of clarity on water rights can lead to confrontations, lawmakers wrote. Sometimes, that can lead to risks and danger for civilians and rangers from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Lawmakers said in the report that there are challenges when ti comes to crossing waterways, especially when certain parts of a river or s stream are public, and other parts pass through private property deemed non-navigable.

While some landowners are amenable to letting people through, state law does not have a specific statute for floating across. Instead, only one case really dove into the topic at length, Young v. Harrison in 1849.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Due to the age, the study committee also swam through the next centurys legal precedent with the Givens v. Ichuaway, Inc case of 1997, when advocates tried to differentiate between navigable streams and passable streams, relating the public access rights to an easement, similar to whats used for roadways and private property for vehicle travel on land.

So, can you tube?

Short answer? Its complicated and it depends on how far youre going with the flow.

If the currents carry you onto private property, it can get fishy as to what happens next.

The committee of lawmakers made a series of recommendations about how to proceed, but did not say they wanted to make a legislative solution.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Here are their recommendations:

Maintain the definition of navigability set forth in O.C.G.A. 44-8-5(a) and the right of passage for navigable streams as found in O.C.G.A. 52-1-31

Refrain from a statutory delineation of navigable and non-navigable streams

Incentivize and strengthen tools to foster collaboration and partnerships between landowners, nonprofits, and local/state government that increase opportunities for public access and conservation of Georgias waterways

Preserve the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program

Urge the Department of Natural Resources to further publicize and fund new technologies that assist in tracking and resolving disputes on waterways

Protect Georgias fishing, hunting, trapping, and outdoor recreation traditions, as well as those reliant on waterways such as logging and farming, by carefully analyzing the impact of any potential legislation on these sectors.

The main takeaway? Lawmakers said there need to be more resources to let Georgians settle it amongst themselves, rather than wade into new legislation to make new rules for it.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
ISTANBUL  The Turkish navy has begun the new year by announcing the construction of three warships based on domestic designs: a submarine, an aircraft carrier and the lead ship of the highly anticipated TF-2000 air-defense destroyer series.

The shipbuilding programs are closely linked to the political and naval ambitions of Turkey, honing the countrys long-range force projection and strike capabilities, in particular.

The new work brings the total number Turkish naval ships under construction to 31, according to service officials. The additions are meant to bolster the countrys local shipbuilding chops, a key element in the governments preference for building weapons at home, versus importing them.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The first weld for the National Submarine (MILDEN) was completed at Golcuk Naval Shipyard. Due to the general secrecy surrounding submarine operations, the Turkish Navy has shared only limited details about the project.

The MILDEN is a diesel-electric submarine with a displacement of approximately 2,700 tons and a length exceeding 80 meters. It features an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, enabling extended submerged endurance compared to existing submarines. The submarine is equipped with domestically developed weapons, systems and sensors designed to increase payload capacity and diving depth.

Initial steel-cutting ceremonies for the surface vessels were held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard in Istanbul.

When fielded, the TF-2000 ships are meant to detect and intercept guided and ballistic missile threats while offering traditional naval combat capabilities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Work on the project began in 2017, and the design has evolved through several iterations. The current configuration features a ship measuring 149 meters in length, 21.3 meters in width, and a draft of 5.75 meters, with a displacement of 8,300 tons.

The TF-2000 is powered by a CODOG propulsion system, allowing it to achieve speeds of 26 knots or more. It is armed with a 127mm main gun, two 25mm remote-controlled weapon stations, and a 35mm Gokdeniz close-in weapon system. The ships air defense capabilities consist of a combined 96-cell vertical launch system developed under Turkeys own MIDLAS program.

Loaded into the VLS cells are Siper and Hisar air defense missiles, with the addition of Gezgin cruise missiles. The main sensor suite includes the CAFRAD phased array radar system, which provides a detection range of 450 km.

According to information from the Turkish Navy, the National Aircraft Carrier (MUGEN) will measure 285 meters in length, 75 meters in width, and have a draft of 10 meters, with a projected displacement of 60,000 tons  more than twice that of Turkeys largest current warship, the TCG Anadolu. The MUGENs dimensions closely resemble those of the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The aircraft carrier will feature a short take-off and barrier arrested recovery (STOBAR) configuration with a single runway and a ski jump angled at approximately 1214 degrees.

The design includes a single island on the starboard side, with one aircraft elevator positioned forward of the island and another aft. Preliminary plans indicate three take-off spots: one for the TB-3 UCAV combat drone near the bridge level, another diagonally across the port side for the Hurjet manned aircraft, and the third at the port quarter for the Kzlelma unmanned jet. The ship will have three arresting wires and an angled deck for landings.
Following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and its international network will host a tribute next week to remember Carter and his long-time support of the organization.

From Tuesday to Thursday, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will display two walls that can be signed by visitors during open-house style events in St. Paul and New Brighton, according to a press release. The two walls will include doors in them to symbolize the doors of opportunity that Carter helped create through his service work, according to the press release.

The St. Paul location will be open for wall signings from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday to Thursday at the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanitys home office at 1954 University Avenue W. The second location will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day from Tuesday to Thursday at the New Brighton ReStore Home Improvement Outlet at 510 County Rd. D West.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, along with his wife Rosalynn, for more than 40 years.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity hosted the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in 2010 and the fall of 2024, which celebrated Carters 100th birthday.

Thousands of volunteers built 30 homes at The Heights on St. Pauls Greater East Side, with nearly 150 homes expected to be developed.

During the 2010 visit, the former president helped build or rehab a dozen homes in a corner of North Minneapolis hard-hit by the foreclosure crisis at the time.

The Carters were the inaugural honorees of the organizations Habitat Humanitarians in 2016, the organizations highest honor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Carters brought international attention to the need for decent, affordable housing, said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International CEO in a press release following Carters death.

We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy lives on in every family we serve around the world, Reckford said.

Messages can also be left online in the organizations virtual memory book.

Related Articles
TWIN TIERS (WETM)  With the new year beginning, Salvation Army Corps locations around the Twin Tiers are sharing results from the 2024 Red Kettle Campaigns.

Local Salvation Army branches seeking more success this holiday season

The Corning Salvation Army surpassed its red kettle goal of $46,000 after raising $47,000. Major Anita Stewart mentioned they began raising money last summer, in July of 2024, to help bring in more donations after they were unable to meet their limit in 2023. She is hopeful they will raise $50,000 by Friday, Jan 10.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We did reach the goal. Were about $1,000 over, and money is still coming in, so were excited about that, said Stewart. We wont have to turn people away or give them referrals, well be able to help those that come to our doors for back-to-school supplies, for going to camp, for our existing after-school program, and also helping people with rent, utilities and the pantry.

Twin Tiers Salvation Army locations need donations

According to Major Leo Lloyd of the Elmira Salvation Army Corps, it raised $120,000 but was short of reaching its mark of $140,000. This past holiday, it raised its goal from $80,000 to 140,000 and the money will be used to support families with food, shelter, and utility assistance.

Sayre Salvation Army told 18 News on Thursday, Jan, 2, it met its goal of $34,000. As of the publication of this article, 18 News has not yet heard from the Hornell Salvation Army.

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.
(FOX40.COM) Two out-of-state fugitives were arrested on Thursday morning in Nevada County.

According to a Facebook post by the Nevada County Sheriffs Office, one of their patrol sergeants conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had an expired tag.

Three-vehicle crash in Sacramento County results in major injuries

The incident occurred on Rough and Ready highway near Harvest Lane around 1:15 a.m.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Officials said the male driver was identified as 40-year-old Michael Joseph Gunter of Portland, Oregon, and the female passenger as Laura Ashely Adams, who is the age of 35, of Auburn.

The two are wanted in the State of Nevada on felony warrants, police said.

When police arrested the suspect they searched the vehicle and found numerous stolen properties such as mail and identification of 15 other people, burglary tools including shaved keys, and approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine.

As of today, Gunter and Adams have been booked into the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility on the following charges:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Possession of Stolen Property

Possession of Burglary Tools

Identity Theft, Transportation/Sale of Methamphetamine

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Warrants from the State of Nevada.

At this time the investigation into the stolen properties and mail theft remain active and 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 FOX40.
Two people from the Bay State were given the White Houses second-highest honor this week.

Mary Bonauto, an attorney who fought for same-sex marriage at the state and national levels, and Bobby Sager, a Malden philanthropist and photographer who widened the aperture of the human spirit were both awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden Thursday. The honor is awarded to citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.

Mary Bonauto was the key litigator in the 2003 landmark case in Massachusetts that gave gay and lesbian couples the legal right to marry. She also argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2015 decision that codified same-sex marriage nationwide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sagers foundation set up micro-lending banks for small businesses in Rwanda, teacher training in Pakistan and medical training in Afghanistan.

The two received sustained standing ovations from the room as they were recognized.

Youre all, and I mean sincerely, youre all incredible. Incredible. Your activists who turned pain into purpose, forced open the doors of equality and justice. Attorneys who changed not just the laws, but society and brought america closer to our highest stated ideals, Biden remarked.

A total of 20 people were honored at the event, including former congresswoman Liz Cheney and Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson. They both led the House committee that investigated the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Biden honored four people posthumously: Joseph Galloway, a former war correspondent who wrote about the first major battle in Vietnam in the book We Were Soldiers Once  and Young; civil rights advocate and attorney Louis Lorenzo Redding; former Delaware judge Collins Seitz; and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi, who was held with other Japanese Americans during World War II and challenged the detention.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
With congestion pricing set to begin Sunday, New Jersey officials have made one final attempt to stop the plan. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Another hearing in the Murphy administrations legal fight to stop congestion pricing is set for Friday afternoon, just 33 hours before the controversial toll to enter Manhattan is scheduled to start.

Federal Judge Leo Gordon is weighing whether to agree with Gov. Phil Murphy that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority cannot begin collecting congestion tolls until federal officials address what Gordon in a ruling earlier this week called disparate treatment they gave to New Jersey when approving the tolling plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-05) gathered with labor leaders and elected officials in Fort Lee Thursday to repeat his opposition to the plan, which he says will overburden New Jersey towns with air pollution and traffic.

Its a new year and yet New York is up to the same old congestion tax strategy, doing everything they can to find cash to address their shocking mismanagement at the MTA, even if it puts the health of our children and families at risk here in northern New Jersey, said Gottheimer, who is running to be the Democratic nominee in this years gubernatorial race.

When congestion pricing begins, most drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays will be charged $9.

The Murphy administration sued the federal government in July 2023 over the tolling plan, alleging federal officials had not given it proper review. Gordon on Monday issued a 72-page ruling largely seen as a victory for New York, though he ordered federal officials to address what he called deficiencies in the plans efforts to mitigate the environmental effects it will have on New Jersey. In response, New Jersey on Tuesday asked Gordon to issue an injunction barring the start of congestion pricing until the federal government addresses Gordons order.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority noted in a brief it filed late Thursday that Gordons Monday decision rejects the vast majority of New Jerseys claims.

New Jersey is dissatisfied with that outcome because its true purpose is to kill congestion pricing no matter what and however it can. That, of course, is no reason for the Court to revisit its Decision, or to issue an injunction, the brief reads.

The two sides are scheduled to meet in a Newark federal courtroom at 3 p.m.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Two Springfield teenagers were arrested during a police investigation over several weeks of a suspect with an illegal firearm.

The Springfield Police Department said that the Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) received information that a 13-year-old boy who had an active arrest warrant had an illegal firearm on Thursday afternoon. Detectives began surveillance in the area of Lombard Street and saw the suspect with two other people on the 600 block of Main Street.

AR-15 found inside car after shots fired in Springfield

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As detectives watched, they observed a boy, later identified as a 14-year-old, allegedly pulled a firearm out of his jacket pocket. The three then walked into a parking lot on the 600 block of Main Street when detectives attempted to stop them. The 13-year-old suspect ran from police and allegedly threw a gun over a fence before he stopped. Police recovered the firearm on Niagara Street and arrested the suspect.

The 14-year-old boy who was seen with a gun, also ran away and was arrested on Dwight Street Extension. Police found the firearm on Adams Street.

The Springfield Police Department did not publically release the names, mugshots, or charges due to their age.

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.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Two males with prior arrests for stolen vehicles were arrested again and accused of the same crime.

Shreveport police say that James Cawthon, 16, and Nicholas Dinkins, 20, were arrested on December 30 after SPD VCAT officers responded to 641 W. 72nd Street after SPD K-9 units located two stolen vehicles at the address.

Police seize firearms, arrest two during stolen vehicle investigation

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police said one vehicle was parked in a vacant lot just east of the address, and two firearms were found inside. The second vehicle was found in the front yard of the property. Dinkins and Cawthon were reportedly hiding behind one of the stolen vehicles, a Kia, and arrested.

Both accused face charges of illegal possession of stolen things. Dinkins faces additional counts of resisting an officer and possession of narcotics.

Police also searched the home where the second vehicle was parked as part of this ongoing investigation.

Both men were arrested previously for alleged involvement in other stolen vehicle cases, according to Shreveport police. Dinkins was arrested in May 2024, and Cawthon on November 1, 2024.

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.
Press Release

January 3, 2025 Legarda pushes for action on Triple Planetary Crisis as 2025 begins PASAY CITY - Senator Loren Legarda calls for concerted and decisive action to tackle the mounting environmental crises facing the Philippines as the new year begins. As part of her 2025 agenda, Legarda reaffirms her long-standing commitment to addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis (TPC), a term encompassing the interconnected environmental challenges of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. According to Legarda, these crises are deeply interwoven, with each issue worsening the others--climate change accelerates biodiversity loss, pollution harms ecosystems, and the destruction of natural habitats diminishes the planet's ability to absorb carbon emissions. Legarda, a staunch advocate for environmental protection, emphasized that the TPC is not a future threat, but a present reality that demands urgent attention. The UNDRR Global Champion for Resilience and Climate Vulnerable Forum Ambassador for Parliaments has repeatedly raised the issue of TPC in her speeches, noting that the interlinkage between climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss creates a vicious cycle that is particularly devastating for developing countries like the Philippines. "As we enter 2025, and as I have said before on numerous environmental discussions before, we must recognize that the triple planetary crisis--climate change, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity--is no longer an abstract concern. It is happening now, and it is deeply interconnected with our daily lives and future prospects," she said. In particular, Legarda pointed to the alarming levels of plastic pollution in the Philippines, where each Filipino consumes an average of 20 kilograms of plastic annually. Of that, 15.4 kilograms ends up as waste, making the country the leading contributor to ocean plastic waste globally, accounting for a staggering 36% of the total pollution. The country's poor waste management infrastructure exacerbates the issue, as seen in the increasing amount of hazardous waste produced--over 253,000 tons in 2022 alone. Further, in Metro Manila, over 80% of wastewater is discharged untreated, contributing to widespread health and environmental risks. These are just a few of the stark realities that Legarda believes must be addressed with greater urgency. In addition, the senator also highlighted the Philippines' persistent struggle with air pollution. The country ranked 79th out of 134 nations in air quality in 2023. "The effects of pollution and climate change are visible across the country. From intensified typhoons and flooding in Metro Manila to prolonged droughts in the provinces, these are not isolated incidents, but consequences of our environmental degradation," she warned. She further stressed the need for comprehensive policy changes that not only address these crises individually but also recognize their interconnected nature. According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Philippines is recognized as one of the world's 18 mega-biodiverse countries, harboring a significant portion of the planet's biodiversity. It is home to approximately two-thirds of Earth's species and about 70% to 80% of global plant and animal varieties. Notably, the country ranks fifth in terms of plant species diversity and accounts for 5% of the world's flora, highlighting its critical role in global biodiversity conservation. "Addressing the triple planetary crisis is not an easy task--it is complicated and requires a whole-of-society approach. But it is a challenge that we must take on if we want a sustainable future for the generations to come," Legarda stressed. She called for stronger collaboration between the government, businesses, and communities, urging Filipinos to be proactive in protecting their environment. Legarda emphasized that while there are existing laws, more must be done at the national level to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainability. "As we welcome 2025, we must resolve to make this year a turning point. The challenges of the triple planetary crisis are immense, but so too is our capacity to make a difference," Legarda concluded. She urged her fellow Filipinos to work together and take concrete steps toward environmental stewardship, stressing that the future of the planet--and the survival of future generations--rests on their shoulders.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The medical examiners office has released the identities of two women who were killed in the explosion in an Aliamanu neighborhood on New Years Day.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Fifty-eight-year-old Nelie Ibarra and 23-year-old Jennifer Van were identified on Friday.

The cause and manner of their deaths are still pending.

Cultural tradition or deadly risk? Hawaii grapples with illegal fireworks after tragic blast

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Loved ones remember Nelie Ibarra as having an infectious laugh and boundless generosity that was felt by everyone she met.

Her stepdaughter in California said her stepmom had the biggest heart and was loved by many. She said she was the most angelic person and said this sudden tragedy hurts our hearts forever.

Loved ones identified Nelies sister Lita as another victim, both women were killed at the scene.

Relatives said Litas daughter Charmaine Benigno and son Junior remain in critical condition at the hospital. KHON2 has been told the three-year-old grandson has the most extensive injuries with most of his body burned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A family friend told KHON2 he ran into the carport to rescue the 3-year-old.

Many family members live on Keaka Drive and most of the critical injuries were from the same family or had ties to the family.

Governor Josh Green said six of the most critical victims will be transferred to the mainland on Saturday.

Six souls who had such terrible burns plus trauma will have to go to the mainland, he said on Wake Up2Day. He said he has authorized the use of a C17 military plane to transport the victims.

Queens and Straub were incredible, the medics were incredible, Dr. Jim Irelands team was amazing, hey saved so many lives that night. But right now, Straub has 10 or more critically injured burn victims that they are tending to, and Queens has many trauma victims, but some of these individuals have 90 plus percent of their bodies burned, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Some of them have penetrating injuries to their spleen or to their liver and thats why they may very well need to be transferred because of the combo, it will cost them, if not their lives, they will be tragically injured and disfigured, Gov. Green added.

The Medical Examiner also identified 23-year-old Jennifer Van on Friday.

Her sister wrote on a GoFundMe page, we are heartbroken to share that my beloved sister, Jennifer Van passed away at the young age of 23 due to a tragic firework explosion.

Jennifers infectious and outgoing personality touched many people, especially with her loud mouth and kindness. She was a devoted sister, daughter, and friend who selflessly supported our family financially and emotionally, especially through our most difficult times.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jennifer Van was the assistant manager at the Wahiawa Branch of Central Pacific Bank.

The CPB Chairman, President and CEO, Arnold Martines said in a statement:

We were deeply saddened to learn of Jennifers passing. Her kindness, dedication, and vibrant energy positively impacted everyone who had the pleasure of working with her. The entire CPB ohana joins me in expressing our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Family and friends gathered in Aliamanu on Thursday to pay tribute to the three women who were killed after fireworks exploded at a home.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The Texas Department of Transportation has announced the beginning of the $1.9 million Lamesa Road Culvert Reconstruction Project.

The project includes the reconstruction of the bridge culvert, adjacent roadways and intersections, rail, pavement markings, signage, as well as new traffic signals. Lamesa Road and Scharbauer Drive will both be closed as a result. TxDOT said this project looks to enhance the operation of the intersection and improve roadway safety.

TxDOT said the project is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 6 and is anticipated to be completed by June 2025. During this time the City of Midland recommends using Fairgrounds Road, Big Spring Street, and A Street as alternate routes.

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 Yourbasin.
U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles faces further scrutiny from a House Ethics panel. (Photo: John Partipilo)

A House Congressional Ethics panel is recommending further investigation of U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles after finding he likely violated federal campaign finance laws, mainly by reporting an inflated personal loan to make his bid for office look stronger.

In his first run for Congress representing the newly-drawn 5th Congressional District in 2022, Ogles reported receiving a $320,000 personal loan for his campaign. The Culleoka Republican said in an April 2022 press release that he raised $450,000, including the six-figure infusion to his campaign. His first report with the Federal Election Commission showed he raised only $250,0000.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In May 2024, he amended campaign finance reports for the previous two years, acknowledging he made only a $20,000 loan to his campaign and saying the additional $300,000 was in a joint account he shared with his wife. Still, Ogles and his campaign manager were unable to definitively confirm the source of the $20,000 to ethics board investigators.

The ethics board voted 6-0 to call for a closer look at Ogles finances because there is substantial reason to believe that Rep. Ogles omitted or misrepresented required information in his finance disclosure statements or FEC candidate committee reports, the boards report says. It also says more review is necessary because of the likelihood that Ogles campaign committee accepted excessive contributions reported as personal loans and contributions from him.

The Office of Congressional Ethics started its review in February 2024 following media reports about Ogles finances and whether he had enough income to lend his campaign $320,000. Ogles refused to cooperate, declining to produce documents and participate in an interview.

On the last day of the panels review, Ogles attorney provided a letter stating that while he had identified $320,000 in personal funds available for the campaign, only $20,000 was transferred.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Addressing his amended report, Ogles said the $320,000 was a pledge to his campaign from assets such as bank and retirement accounts.

The ethics board, though, said Ogles refusal to cooperate hindered its ability to assess his intent in overreporting the loan and cash on hand in his account. But it says he was responsible for the inaccurate reporting.

Nashville car dealership magnate Lee Beaman served as Ogles treasurer early in his campaign before being replaced by Thomas Datwyler.

The report also says Ogles apparently exercised control over his campaign finances, to the exclusion of his campaign treasurer and manager, and provided improper documentation to his treasurer. He also failed to take advantage of several opportunities to correct them on the real amount of the loan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ogles campaign manager, who is not identified in the report, speculated to the ethics board that Ogles might have overreported the loan amount to make his campaign look stronger and buy the primary. He defeated former Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell and former Brigadier Gen. Kurt Winstead.

This $300,000 difference was not inconsequential  or overlooked, the ethics board found.

Ogles campaign manager told the board the campaign didnt seem to be operating in a cash crunch at the time but that in hindsight it was tighter than they thought.

The report says Ogles had significant control over the campaigns finances and that neither his treasurer nor manager had access to the bank account and depended on him for information. A treasurer told the ethics board that Ogles provided misleading documentation about the $320,000 loan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ogles campaign manager told investigators that press releases dealing with campaign finances were merely regurgitated information from Ogles.

A 2023 U.S. House finance disclosure form filed in September 2024 lists a loan worth between $500,001 and $1 million from FirstBank in September 2022. He failed to disclose it previously.

It came up after the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan watchdog organization, filed a complaint claiming Ogles had nearly $1 million in finance discrepancies between his House disclosure form and campaign finance reports.

Ogles attorney confirmed he had a $700,000 line of credit opened in September 2022 that wasnt included in his candidate or member financial disclosures. He didnt indicate whether it was used to finance the $20,000 loan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After Ogles Republican primary victory last August, FBI agents searched his property and seized his cell phone as part of a fraud investigation.

OCE-Report-and-Findings

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX






By Erin Banco, Jonathan Landay and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies are concerned about copycat vehicle-ramming attacks following the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans by a U.S. Army veteran, according to a U.S. law enforcement intelligence bulletin published on Friday.

The bulletin was issued a day after the FBI said Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas native, was "100 percent inspired" by the Islamic State militant group to drive a truck into New Year's Day revelers in New Orleans, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens of others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jabbar, who flew an Islamic State flag from the rear of the truck he had rented, subsequently was killed in a shootout with police.

The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center "are concerned about possible copycat or retaliatory attacks," said the intelligence bulletin published by the three agencies and reviewed by Reuters.

Such attacks "are likely to remain attractive for aspiring attackers given vehicles' ease of acquisition and the low skill threshold necessary to conduct an attack," said the bulletin issued to U.S. law enforcement agencies.

The bulletin noted that as of Thursday, Islamic State had not claimed responsibility for the New Orleans attack. But the group's online supporters celebrated it and a Dec. 20 vehicle-ramming in Germany even though that incident did not appear to have been Islamic State-inspired, it said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Other online users have cited those attacks to make "general calls for violence against specific groups, such as immigrants or Muslims," the bulletin continued.

Islamic State has continued promoting its propaganda and recruiting adherents online despite suffering serious losses to a U.S.-led military coalition that recaptured the "caliphate" the militants overran in Syria and Iraq in 2014.

The bulletin urged law enforcement personnel and private security firms to be aware that in many previous cases attackers who rammed vehicles into crowds were armed and continued their attacks with guns or edged weapons.

CALLS FOR ATTACKS

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Jan. 1 incident in the packed French Quarter of New Orleans was the seventh attack in the United States since 2001 that was inspired by a foreign extremist organization, the bulletin said.

The use of "edged weapons" and firearms has been more common in such attacks but vehicles could present a growing threat, it said.

U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations and "supporter media groups" had released videos, posters, and chants calling for attacks "during the winter holidays generally and New Year's celebrations specifically," the bulletin noted.

On Dec. 30, "a pro-ISIS media unit" encouraged attacks against New Year's Eve celebrations in the U.S. and coalition countries by "posting videos highlighting past ISIS attacks and instructing supporters to further incite violence," it said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

President Joe Biden's administration is keeping President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team apprised of the investigations into the New Orleans attack and an explosion the same day outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, a source familiar with the discussions said.

A lack of security clearances among transition team members was not an issue, said the source, noting that much of what is known has been made public.

Marco Rubio, Trump's nominee for Secretary of State and Mike Waltz, his incoming national security adviser, already have clearances as members of Congress who served on key intelligence committees.

Trump's incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles also has a clearance and can be briefed, according to a source familiar with the matter.

(Additional reporting by Ted Hesson and Andrea Shallal; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Nick Zieminski and David Gregorio)
Jan. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Treasury Department Friday announced sanctions on Chinese cybersecurity company Integrity Technology Group for computer intrusions against U.S. victims.

Treasury said the incidents were publicly attributed to Flax Typhoon, which Treasury described as "a Chinese malicious state-sponsored cyber group that has been active since at least 2021, often targeting organizations within U.S. critical infrastructure sectors."

According to the Treasury Department, Chinese malicious cyberactors continue other pose one of the most active and most persistent threats to U.S. national security.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The United States will use all available tools to disrupt these threats as we continue working collaboratively to harden public and private sector cyber defenses," Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said in a statement.

Flax Typhoon, the Treasury Department said, has targeted organizations within U.S. critical infrastructure sectors and has also worked since 2021 to compromise computer networks in North America, Europe, Africa and across Asia.

Treasury alleged that Flax Typhoon used infrastructure tied to Integrity Technology against multiple victims between summer 2022 and fall 2023.

"The actors maliciously used virtual private network software and remote desktop protocols to facilitate this access," Treasury said in a statement. "In summer 2023, Flax Typhoon compromised multiple servers and workstations at a California-based entity."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In September 2024 FBI Director Christopher Wray said a China-backed botnet operated by Flax Typhoon was disrupted, freeing hundreds of thousands of infected devices.

Wray said then that Flax Typhoon was using the botnet to attack critical U.S. infrastructure and overseas targets, including public and private entities in academia and media.

According ot the Treasury Department Flax Typhoon exploits publicly known vulnerabilities to gain access to victims' computers and then uses legitimate remote access software to maintain lasting control over their networks.
The Biden administration's move on Friday to block Nippon Steel's proposed purchase of U.S. Steel raises questions about the once iconic American company's future, with industry sources saying the manufacturer could struggle to energize growth or attract rival acquisition bids.

President Biden stopped the $15 billion deal over national security and supply-chain concerns.

U.S. Steel CEO David B. Burritt blasted the decision, calling Mr. Biden's action "shameful" and "corrupt" in a statement to CBS News.

"He gave a political payback to a union boss out of touch with his members while harming our company's future, our workers and our national security. He insulted Japan, a vital economic and national security ally, and put American competitiveness at risk," Burritt said.

Burritt added that the proposed deal "is what guarantees a great future for U. S. Steel, our employees, our communities and our country."

Limited options

Industry experts said that without outside investment from Japan, the U.S-based steel manufacturer's path forward is murky.

"With foreign ownership seemingly off the table, we see limited avenues moving forward," Bill Peterson, metals and mining analyst for JPMorgan said in a research note.

U.S. Steel leaders had warned that without an infusion of capital from Nippon Steel, it would be forced to curtail its legacy blast furnace investments and shift to cheaper nonunion electric arc furnaces. Additionally, executives said U.S. Steel could move its headquarters out of Pittsburgh.

The company could still entertain bids from domestic rivals, said Peterson, noting that U.S. Steel's mini-mill assets could be attractive to peers like steel products company Nucor Group, which considered buying parts of U.S. Steel before dropping out over price concerns.

Others see rival bids as unlikely.

"No one was ready to follow Nippon Steel and Cliffs above [$50 per share] a year ago," BNP Paribas analysts said in a report, referring to Nippon Steel's $55 a share offer, which offered a hefty premium to U.S. Steel shareholders. "Cliffs no longer has enough firepower while foreign interested parties are now likely to stay well put given the backlash Nippon Steel had to face."

Should U.S. Steel choose continue to operate as an independent company, it could focus on growing its Big River steel plant in Arkansas, which it acquired in 2021 and which produces 70% to 80% fewer emissions than typical steel-making processes, according to JPMorgan analysts. In that scenario, the company could simultaneously trim its legacy blast furnace assets over time, they said.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  Months after pro-Palestinian protests and counter-protests erupted into chaos on the UCLA campus, new insights have emerged into the decision-making process and pressures that unfolded behind the scenes.

KTLA filed a public records request with UCLA on April 30 as the encampment was growing, seeking any emails from former Chancellor Gene Blocks office or his support staff related to the protests. KTLA wanted to know what was happening behind the scenes during those critical days in late April and early May, believing that understanding the internal conversations might be key to that process.

This initiated a back-and-forth that lasted more than six months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Two months later, on July 29, UCLA responded to the public records request, stating, Please note that it may be the case that these records are not directly responsive to your request. They werent.

A large encampment of pro-Palestinian protestors gathered on the UCLA campus on May 1, 2024. (KTLA)

KTLA again approached UCLA, asking for the records request to be fulfilled.

On September 12, UCLA stated, We confirm that our office is still working on this matter and will soon produce the next batch of records once the legal review of them has been completed.

On October 15, UCLA said, Records are still under review and are not available at this time. Please know, though, that we are aiming to produce records to you as soon as possible.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On November 27, UCLA provided another update: This is a further update regarding your attached records request. Please accept our sincere apologies, but the review process has not yet been completed on the remaining records.

UCLA said KTLA would receive further communication by December 18. Then, on the Friday before Christmas week, after the close of business, an email arrived from UCLA with a link to 455 pages of documentssome heavily redactedrelated to those critical days during the UCLA protests.

On April 28, with protests growing at campuses across the country, physical altercations broke out between pro-Palestinian groups and counter-protesters. Vice Chancellor Mary Osako emailed senior leadership at UCLA, saying, Its been a day and discussed UCLAs communication strategy, emphasizing transparency and humanity. Chancellor Gene Block replied, I think the right message. Bruin values.

On April 29, the Chancellor emailed UCLA BruinAlert about additional security being added due to the physical altercations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On April 30, Chancellor Block emailed the university and alumni, discussing the encampment on Royce Quad, calling it unauthorized and describing some tactics as shocking and shameful. He stated that UCLA supports peaceful protest but not activism that harms the ability to carry out UCLAs academic mission.

Los Angeles, CA  April 30: Barricades surround the encampment for the Pro-Palestine group as a member, right, is punched by a pro-Israel group member, left, at UCLA on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

A faculty director emailed the Chancellor, Gene, good message reaffirming our values for peaceful protest thanks for your leadership during these difficult times. The Chancellor replied, Thank youvery discouraging week. Hopefully we can heal.

That same night, UCLA declared the encampment illegal, setting the campus administration and university police on a course that would include a violent attack by counter-protesters and days later an overnight encampment takedown by police.

In the meantime, people on all sides of the issue were messaging UCLA leadership: faculty and staff, parents and students, dozens of emails:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its ridiculous you are allowing a small group to disrupt the learning of 30+ thousand students who want to learn

This is blatant anti-Semitism being allowed to erupt why no consequences? Enough is enough.

How much more violence do you need on campus to shut it down?

We are all very worried that what lies ahead is another Kent State where peaceful protests were met with lethal police violence.

Shameful! Take control of your university or let the police do it. Never again is now.

I know Palestine is a very complicated issue. But I think youre threading the needle very well.

I write as a deeply troubled and angry faculty member who is at the moment ashamed to be associated with UCLA. Your moral cowardice and appalling failure of leadership is profoundly disturbing.

Your inability to find a peaceful way through this makes you abysmally unqualified for your job.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA  MAY 02: A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer detains a protestor while clearing a pro-Palestinian encampment after dispersal orders were given at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, on May 2, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Some went even further.

On April 29, a UCLA alumnus and donor emailed the university regarding its handling of the protests.

We as donors have amended our Living Trust by removing UCLA as a financial recipient. UCLA has now lost our multi-million dollar bequest, the donor told the university.

KTLA contacted that donor, who confirmed they had indeed amended their family trust.

A letter from Judea Pearl on May 2, a notable UCLA educator, stated, Dear Gene I am not really sure whether you are under pressure to make concessions to the encampment movement but, regardless, I would like you to know that you have the backing of over 400 UCLA professors supporting your refusal to yield to their demands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Many correspondences concerned the decision to move classes to remote learning as the protests continued on campus. Just what decision-making was going on behind the scenes isnt knownor wasnt included in this batch of documents related to our public records request. The documents also include KTLAs own requests to UCLA, saying the public had a right to hear from the Chancellor on such important matters.

Still, very few personal correspondences between the Chancellor and his staff are included in these documents. UCLA cited a common line in public records requests: Additionally, where the public interest served by not disclosing a record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure, such records may be withheld.

A Pro-Palestinian protestor clashes with a pro-Israeli supporter at an encampment at UCLA early Wednesday morning. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Of course, that is very subjective, so the public may never know what the senior leadership at UCLA was discussing in those days. However, the fallout from the protests was clear, and in the weeks that followed, UCLA remained under scrutiny for its handling of the protests.

In the meantime, Chancellor Gene Block retired. In the release from UCLA, the school said, This position at the helm of one of the worlds greatest research universities will surely be a coveted one, and I am certain we will have many excellent candidates for the role.

In November, a scathing independent audit suggested a series of steps needed to be taken by UCLA to address shortcomings, performance failures, systems breakdowns, and campus safety issues that emerged from the campus events of April and May 2024.

In December, UCLAs Police Chiefwho was criticized over his departments handling of the protestswas also out. The interim Chief stated, The men and women of the UCLA Police Department proudly serve this community with a firm commitment to our Core Values: ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPECT, INTEGRITY, SERVICE, and EXCELLENCE.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- Senior politicians on the UK right have privately contacted Donald Trumps allies, urging the US President-elects team not to endorse British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, after billionaire Tesla boss Elon Musk called for him to be released from prison.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Several prominent Brexit-supporting politicians with links to Trump spent Thursday warning their Republican counterparts against following Musks endorsement of Robinson, saying it was a step too far, according to people familiar with the views of both the Conservative and Reform UK parties, who requested anonymity discussing behind-the-scenes communications. They declined to publicly name the British politicians involved.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Musk  who is set to play a key role in Trumps incoming administration  began 2025 with a volley of posts on his social media platform X stating that Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, should be freed from jail, where he is serving a sentence after pleading guilty to contempt of court last year.

The purpose of the conversations was to provide additional information to senior Republicans about why Robinson, an anti-immigration activist who has a string of criminal convictions, was not supported by more mainstream British right-wingers including the Tories and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the people said.

The Conservatives and Reform declined to comment.

Farage, a personal friend of Trump whose own political career has been built on an anti-immigration stance, has sought to portray himself as the acceptable face of the British right, repeatedly distancing himself from Robinson. In 2018, he quit his former party UKIP saying it had an obsession with supporting Robinson, who he condemned as entirely unsuitable for party politics.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Robinson is currently in prison after admitting breaching a court order by repeating false claims about a Syrian refugee. He has previously been convicted of a range of other offenses from mortgage fraud to assault and traveling to the US on another persons passport.

Farage, who Musk has also repeatedly endorsed, would not benefit from being linked to Robinson, the British politicians told their US counterparts, according to the people familiar. The Reform leader in July finally secured a seat in the UK House of Commons at the eighth attempt, and has promised to mount a credible challenge at the next vote, due by mid-2029, in order to break up the historical stranglehold that Labour and the Conservatives hold as the UKs parties of power.

The outreach by British politicians to their US counterparts was triggered by the latest foray by Musk into British politics. Since Prime Minister Keir Starmer won the UK general election last July, the close Trump adviser has regularly criticized the new Labour government, called for a new election and urged Britons to back Reform.

This week, Musk sent a string of posts about a child sex abuse scandal in British towns in which many of those convicted were of Pakistani origins, including stating that a Labour minister should be jailed over the governments handling of the issue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the talks between British right-wingers and their Republican contacts shows Musks posting is not just becoming a headache for Starmer.

Many on the British right were sympathetic with much of what Musk had to say about the child abuse scandal and his wider criticisms of the Labour government, but endorsing Robinson was beyond the pale, one of the people involved in the outreach effort said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Ukraine is planning to raise more than $1 billion in 2025 to develop the so-called Danish model of funding for Ukraine's defense production, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Jan. 3.

Denmark became the first country to offer to donate arms to Ukraine via direct purchases from the Ukrainian defense industry, as Kyiv's defense budget does not match the capacities of domestic weapons production.

Shmyhal also said that Ukraine aims to expand its domestic defense production capacity to $30 billion next year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The Danish model of cooperation is not only solidarity but also determination to support our struggle for freedom and sovereignty," said Deputy Defense Minister Dmytro Klimenkov.

Last year, Ukraine produced 18 domestically-developed Bohdana self-propelled howitzers financed by Copenhagen.

Kyiv has so far received over 150 million euros ($156 million) in funding from Denmark, France, and Lithuania to bolster its defense industry, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in late December.

Read also: Ukraines largest steelmaker launches production of Patriot system armor

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Ukrainian company is producing steel armor for the country's Patriot air-defense batteries.

The armor consists of small plates that wrap around the exterior of the Patriot's control unit.

It is intended to protect the highly valuable systems from Russian missile shrapnel and debris.

A Ukrainian defense initiative is making steel armor for the country's inventory of American-made Patriot batteries, providing the air-defense systems with extra protection against shrapnel.

The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile system that has been a critical part of Ukraine's air-defense umbrella. Several Western nations, including the US, have sent Patriot control systems, launchers, and interceptor missiles to Kyiv to help it fend off massive Russian bombardments, but it only has a few Patriots, making protection key to maintaining Ukraine's defenses.

Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front, a Ukrainian initiative that has built protective screens for tanks and armored fighting vehicles, announced on Friday that engineers from Metinvest, the country's largest steel producer, have developed new armor for the Patriot.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The heavy armor consists of around 200 steel plates, each around 8 millimeters thick, that wrap around the exterior of the Patriot's control unit, where the crew sits to operate the system. The protective plates are designed to shield the control unit from missile shrapnel and blast fragments.

Oleksandr Myronenko, the Metinvest Group's chief operating officer, said the company developed the project from scratch in under two months. "Air defenders also need reliable protection," he stressed in a statement. The total weight of the armor is 2.6 metric tons, but, the company said, it doesn't impact mobility or functionality.

Mass production of the armor is underway, but the first of the plates has already been installed on an undisclosed number of Patriot control units. Business Insider has reviewed video footage of the steel plates on one such unit.

A Patriot control unit at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Screengrab via Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front defense initiative

A close-up of the steel plates on the Patriot control unit. Screengrab via Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front defense initiative

Steel plates on a Patriot control unit at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Screengrab via Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front defense initiative

The Patriot is a workhorse for the Ukrainian military and has been since the first air-defense battery arrived in April 2023. Kyiv has relied heavily on the system to defend its skies from Russian missiles and warplanes. It operates them alongside other Western-provided and Soviet-era air defenses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Patriot has specifically received praise for its success against the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, a Russian air-launched ballistic missile that Moscow has said is impossible to intercept.

Beyond protecting the Patriots, Steel Front has also produced screens for various armored vehicles in service with the Ukrainian military, including Soviet-era tanks like the T-64 and T-72 and American-made systems like the M1 Abrams tank and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle.

These welded screens are designed to protect these highly vulnerable vehicles from threats like the small, exploding first-person view (FPV) drones that have wreaked havoc on the battlefield, destroying armored vehicles sometimes worth millions for a tiny fraction of that cost. Cage armor has become increasingly common as the drone threat has become more prolific, but the designs vary significantly in both quality and sophistication.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation has launched a probe into suspected desertion and abuse of authority in the French-trained 155th "Anne of Kyiv" Mechanized Brigade, the bureau confirmed for Suspilne on Jan. 2.

The statement comes following a media investigation that claimed that soldiers of the unit, now deployed near Pokrovsk, have suffered losses and went AWOL (absent without leave) in large numbers due to poor command and organization on Ukraine's side.

The brigade is a flagship project under which Kyiv's partners will help train new Ukrainian military formations and provide heavy equipment. The training of the 155th Brigade, named after an 11th-century Kyiv Rus princess and spouse to French King Henry I, was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in June.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The unit has about 5,800 troops, fewer than 2,000 of whom have undergone training in France. It is armed with French AMX10 armored vehicles, Caesar howitzers, and German Leopard 2A4 tanks, among other weapons.

France fulfilled its obligations regarding training and arms, said Yurii Butusov, the chief editor of the Censor.net outlet, in the media investigation, putting the blame for the unit's problems on top Ukrainian military and political leadership.

According to the journalist, the unit's founding was an "organizational chaos" since the very beginning. Even before the training in France began, 2,500 service members were reportedly sent to other units, thus removing many of the most qualified personnel from the brigade.

Of the 1,924 soldiers eventually sent to France, only 51 had more than a year of military service, while 1,414 had served for less than two months, Butusov wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The unit was also plagued by large numbers of soldiers going AWOL  about 50 deserted in France, in addition to hundreds who left their posts even before the unit was deployed at the front, according to the journalist.

Between March and November, over 1,700 soldiers had gone AWOL, Butusov claimed without providing evidence. Though the unit was replenished with new recruits, these often did not undergo "proper selection process," the journalist added.

The military laid the blame for desertions in France on the brigade's commander, Dmytro Riumshin, who was dismissed in early December alongside several other top officers. The new commanders were unaware of the problems plaguing the unit, adding to the confusion, Butusov wrote.

The 155th Brigade did not reportedly receive drones or electronic warfare equipment from the Ukrainian command. This, in addition to poor organization and insufficient training, is said to have contributed to the losses the unit suffered once deployed in combat in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

The French Defense Ministry declined to comment on the investigation when approached by the media.

"The investigation is ongoing. It is too early to talk about any preliminary results," the State Bureau of Investigation told Suspilne.

The news comes amid growing calls for reform in the Ukrainian military leadership as Kyiv finds itself increasingly on the back foot in the war with Russia.

Read also: Ukraine to conduct review of Ground Forces command, defense minister announces

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's investigators are probing the 155th Mechanized Brigade, a unit partially trained by France.

Nicknamed "Anne of Kyiv," the highly publicized brigade was an effort by France to bolster Ukraine's defenses.

But it's come under scrutiny after a Ukrainian reporter said 1,700 of its troops had deserted.

Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation is probing a brigade specially trained to use French weapons after reports that hundreds of soldiers deserted the unit.

Tetyana Sapian, a spokesperson for the investigative agency, told Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday that authorities had launched a criminal investigation into abuse of power and desertion at the 155th Mechanized Brigade.

"The investigation is ongoing. It is too early to talk about any preliminary results," she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The infantry brigade, named "Anne of Kyiv" after an 11th-century Kyiv princess who became a queen of France, has about 5,800 soldiers. Around 2,000 of them underwent months of training in France in 2024.

There, they enjoyed a relatively high profile; French President Emmanuel Macron personally met several of 155th's battalions during a public visit to a French base in October.

In October, Macron visited Ukrainian units being trained by France, including the 155th, which is now reportedly burdened by desertions and sudden personnel changes. THIBAULT CAMUS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Paris armed the brigade with its own weaponry, including 18 AMX 10 armored vehicles, 18 truck-mounted Caesar howitzers, and 128 armored troop carriers. The unit also fields some of Germany's prized Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks.

By November, the 155th was set to hit the front lines, with French officials saying these Ukrainian troops were now equipped to fight with Western battlefield training.

1,700 desertions, war reporter says

But a report last week by Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov said the brigade has been buckling from desertion and leadership issues, even before it was deployed to Pokrovsk.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Before the brigade fired the first shot, 1,700 servicemen left it voluntarily," wrote Butusov.

He did not provide evidence for his claim, but published a tally of the unit's strength over time that said hundreds of men deserted monthly from March to November, forcing the 155th to keep replenishing personnel.

A key factor in the desertion rate, Butusov wrote, was that many in the unit had been forcibly recruited off Ukraine's streets. About 50 men also went AWOL while the unit was training in France, Butusov added.

Uncertainty also hangs over the 155th's leadership. Days into its deployment on the front line, the brigade's commander, Col. Dmytro Ryumshin, abruptly announced that he would step down. Ryumshin, a seasoned officer with experience commanding two other brigades, thanked his troops in a Facebook post, saying that the 155th had undergone a "tough but significant journey."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He was replaced by Col. Maksimov Taras Viktorovych, a former commander of the 14th Mechanized Brigade.

Troops divvied up for other units

The 155th has also been moving soldiers to other units in need of replenishment, and according to Butusov, it's dealt with at least seven significant personnel changes since March.

Drone-jamming specialists in the 155th, for example, had to fill infantry roles amid a manpower shortage, he wrote.

Mariana Bezuhla, a controversial Ukrainian member of parliament known for criticizing military leadership, said in early December that the 155th was being "torn to pieces, seconded to others."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Even the fact that the French tried to make the brigade specialized did not save it from the stupid military decisions of our generals and tore the unit apart," she said.

Butusov's report has since drawn outcry among Ukrainian figures, such as Lt. Col. Bohdan Krotevych, who serves as chief of staff in the Azov Brigade.

"Perhaps it's sheer idiocy to create new brigades and equip them with new technology while existing ones are undermanned," he wrote on X.

Serhii Sternenko, a well-known Ukrainian lawyer who provides crowdfunded drones to military units, said his organization was assisting the 155th because the brigade lacked officially provided drones and jammers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Why create a new brigade when existing brigades are critically understaffed, only to later divide it and transfer personnel to the old brigades? What's the point?" he wrote on Tuesday on his Telegram channel.

The brigade's fate threatens to mar the legacy of Macron's efforts to position France as a staunch ally of Ukraine. Paris has pledged some $3 billion in military aid to Kyiv, and Macron has been one of the most vocal European leaders pushing for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

He's also floated the idea of sending French troops to Ukraine if Russia were to score a massive breakthrough.

In October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Paris for the fifth time since the war began. Remon Haazen/Getty Images

The French and Ukrainian Defense Ministries did not respond to requests for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When contacted by BI, the 155th Mechanized Brigade's communications service said: "Until the official investigation is completed, the brigade commander will not provide any comments."

Overall, the "Anne of Kyiv" brigade is just one of several training projects that France and Europe have been working on with Ukraine. Since late 2022, over 63,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained under the European Union Military Assistance Mission, a EU-funded program that gets member states to teach and equip Kyiv's forces.

The program has a $420 million budget for the next two years ending in November 2026.

January 3, 2025: This story was updated to reflect a response from the 155th Mechanized Brigade.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Key developments on Jan. 3:

Over 50,000 Russians seek MIA through Ukraines project, representative says

'Nothing interesting'  Russian envoy dismisses Trumps reported peace deal proposals on Ukraine

Germany should not rule out peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, CDU lawmaker says

'We would violate Ukrainian legislation on behalf of Putin'  Zelensky again rejects elections under martial law

Ukraine investigating French-trained brigade after reports of desertions, mismanagement

Number of Ukrainians open to territorial concessions rises to 38%, poll shows

More than 50,000 inquiries have been submitted by Russians seeking missing soldiers through Ukraines "I Want to Find" project, Bohdan Okhrimenko, head of the Coordination Center Secretariat, said in an interview with ArmyInform on Jan. 3.

"These numbers only reflect those unafraid to contact us," Okhrimenko said, adding that there actual number of Russian soldiers missing in action can be much higher.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Initially part of the "I Want to Live" hotline  launched in September 2022 by Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) to help Russian soldiers surrender  the separate "I Want to Find" project was created to handle inquiries from Russian families about missing soldiers.

Okhrimenko criticized Russias lack of effort in recovering or identifying the missing, saying, "Many remain scattered in Ukrainian fields, their remains carried by stray animals. Russia shows no interest in identifying them."

Earlier, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anna Tsivilyova disclosed on Nov. 26 that her ministry received 48,000 DNA test applications from relatives seeking information about missing soldiers.

Speaking at a Duma roundtable, Tsivilyova revealed that relatives' DNA data had been collected and stored in a database, inadvertently providing a rare glimpse into the scale of troops missing in action.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma's defense committee, warned against publicizing such figures, saying, "This is sensitive information. When we finalize the documents, we must ensure these figures do not appear publicly."

The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Jan. 3 that Russia has lost 793,250 troops since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

Read also: Russia plans to redeploy some arms, equipment from Syria to Libya, Ukraines intel claims

'Nothing of interest'  Russian envoy dismisses Trumps reported peace deal proposals on Ukraine

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's team has not presented anything "interesting" to Moscow regarding ending the war in Ukraine, Russia's envoy to the U.N., Vasily Nebenzya, said on Jan. 3.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated that Trumps team is considering a plan to delay Ukraines NATO membership by at least 20 years in exchange for continued Western arms supplies and the deployment of European peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire.

Nebenzya dismissed these ideas as "unformed, vague signals" and reiterated Moscows position against freezing the conflict.

"President (Vladimir) Putin last outlined our conditions for ending the conflict on Dec. 19. So far, nothing from the incoming U.S. administration suggests anything of interest to us," Nebenzya said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed dissatisfaction with Trumps reported peace deal proposals on Dec. 29, saying that Moscow rejects any plan that fails to meet its demands.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite Trumps claims of achieving peace "within 24 hours," his team has yet to provide an official roadmap for ending the war.

Read also: Ukraines largest steelmaker launches production of Patriot system armor

Germany should not rule out peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, CDU lawmaker says

Germany should not rule out deploying Bundeswehr troops to Ukraine after the war ends, Roderich Kiesewetter, a lawmaker from the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said on Jan. 3.

Kiesewetter's remarks come amid reports that the U.K. and France are considering sending troops to monitor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Proposals for European states to deploy millitry personnel to Ukraine are reportedly included in U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's peace plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kiesewetter argued that as Europes largest economy, Germany has a responsibility to contribute significantly to European security and peacekeeping efforts.

He said that Germany must be ready to intervene in Ukraine "at the appropriate time with well-equipped troops" and warned against dismissing such a possibility.

Kiesewetter noted that any German peacekeeping involvement would need to occur under joint EU and NATO frameworks to ensure operational effectiveness and align with existing European security structures.

"A peacekeeping force is effective and realistic if integrated into NATO, as the nuclear umbrella would extend to Ukraine," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Friedrich Merz, the CDU/CSU alliance's chancellor candidate, said on Dec. 28 that Germany could join a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine but only with Russias consent.

Read also: Ukraine aims to raise over $1 billion for Danish model of defense industry funding in 2025

Zelensky rejects elections under martial law

Ukraine will not hold elections under martial law even if Russia puts it forward as one of the pre-conditions for negotiations, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview on Ukrainian television released on Jan. 2.

Ukraine was scheduled to hold a presidential election in March or April 2024, concluding Zelensky's first five-year term. The vote was postponed as the country's constitution does not permit elections under martial law, which was declared on Feb. 24, 2022, at the onset of Russia's all-out invasion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to use the delay to portray Zelensky as "illegitimate," saying that the authority should pass to Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, a claim rejected by Kyiv as a distortion of the constitution.

In the interview, Zelensky reiterated that presidential and parliamentary elections are not possible under martial law and that the elected officials continue to legally perform their duties until the next vote.

After Ukraine manages to end the hot stage of the war, maintains a strong army, and secures powerful security guarantees, martial law can be lifted, and the parliament can set a date for the elections, the president said.

"After martial law ends, there is no need to wait years for the elections," Zelensky added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: Trump can be decisive in ending war  Zelensky on Ukraines outlook for 2025

Ukraine investigating French-trained brigade after reports of desertions, mismanagement

Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation has launched a probe into suspected desertion and abuse of authority in the French-trained 155th "Anne of Kyiv" Mechanized Brigade, the bureau confirmed to Suspilne on Jan. 2.

The statement comes following a media investigation that claimed that soldiers of the unit, now deployed near Pokrovsk, have suffered losses and went AWOL (absent without leave) in large numbers due to poor command and organization on Ukraine's side.

The brigade is a flagship project under which Kyiv's partners will help train new Ukrainian military formations and provide heavy equipment. The training of the 155th Brigade, named after an 11th-century Kyiv princess and spouse to French King Henry I, was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in June.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The unit has about 5,800 troops, fewer than 2,000 of whom have undergone training in France. It is armed with French AMX10 armored vehicles, Caesar howitzers, and German Leopard 2A4 tanks, among other weapons.

France fulfilled its obligations regarding training and arms, said Yurii Butusov, the chief editor of the Censor.net outlet, in the media investigation, putting the blame for the unit's problems on top Ukrainian military and political leadership.

According to the journalist, the unit's founding was an "organizational chaos" since the very beginning. Even before the training in France began, 2,500 service members were reportedly sent to other units, thus removing many of the most qualified personnel from the brigade.

Of the 1,924 soldiers eventually sent to France, only 51 had more than a year of military service, while 1,414 had served for less than two months, Butusov wrote.

The unit was also plagued by large numbers of soldiers going AWOL  about 50 deserted in France, in addition to hundreds who left their posts even before the unit was deployed at the front, according to the journalist.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

Read also: Polish farmers protest in Warsaw against Ukrainian imports, EU policies

Around 38% of Ukrainians open to territorial concessions, poll shows

Around 38% of Ukrainians are open to conceding some of the territories while preserving independence in order to end the war with Russia as fast as possible, according to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) survey published on Jan. 3.

The poll comes amid growing expectations of possible peace talks in 2025 as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table.

The responses, collected between Dec. 2 and 17, 2024, show a moderate increase since October, when 32% of the respondents were willing to compromise on territorial integrity for a faster peace deal.

Only 19% agreed with the statement in December 2023 and 8% in December 2022, making the December 2024 figures the highest since the KIIS began the measurements in May 2022.

The all-out war, which will mark its third anniversary in less than two months, has put a massive strain on the Ukrainian state, society, and the military, while the Russian offensive has picked up pace in recent months.

Comparatively, 51% of respondents in December 2024 said that Ukraine should not give up any of its territories "under no circumstances... even if this would prolong the war and threaten the preservation of independence."

This is a drop from 58% in October 2024, 74% in December 2023, and 85% in December 2022.

The question did not specify which territories could be given up nor whether they should be officially recognized as Russian territory or "merely" remain temporarily under Russian occupation. The survey involved 2,000 respondents across Ukraine-controlled territories who were interviewed via phone.

Read also: Vladimir Putins 25-year-long reign over Russia in photos

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview that President-elect Trump is capable of stopping Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he will be a key factor in the outcome of the war in Eastern Europe, which has been ongoing for nearly three years.

Trump can be decisive. For us, this is the most important thing, Zelensky said in an interview with Ukrainian TV that aired Thursday, according to Reuters.

His qualities are indeed there, he added when discussing the incoming U.S. commander in chief. He can be decisive in this war. He is capable of stopping Putin or, to put it more fairly, help us stop Putin. He is able to do this.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Zelensky has previously said that one of Kyivs priorities is getting security assurances from allies, including having Ukraine join NATO and the European Union. The country was formally approved as an EU candidate in June 2022, months after Russias invasion.

Naturally, any security guarantees without the United States are weak security guarantees for Ukraine, the Ukrainian leader said in the interview.

Trump, who on the campaign trail said he could end the conflict in one day, has not released any proposal for ending the conflict but has said more recently he would not abandon Ukraine.

I want to reach an agreement, and the only way youre going to reach an agreement is not to abandon, Trump said in an interview with Time magazine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The president-elect has tapped retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Russia-Ukraine. In a report from earlier this year, Kellogg outlined that he would look to push both sides to the negotiating table. He would try to bring Russia in with threats to continue sending weapons to Ukraine and pledges to postpone Ukraines NATO membership while offering security guarantees to the war-torn country. To bring Ukraine to the table, he wrote that aid to Kyiv should be conditioned on the countrys willingness to participate in talks that could lead to peace.

Ukraines president said he is in favor of Frances peacekeeping troops being present in Ukraine if the idea is part of a hypothetical peace deal with the Kremlin. But Zelensky emphasized the development should be a stepping stone for the country to join the international military alliance.

We support this initiative, but France alone is not enough, Zelensky said in the TV interview, according to Agence France-Presse. We would not want it to be one or two countries if it comes to this initiative. It should definitely be on the way to NATO.

With Russian troops making gains in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky stated his military goals are to at least stabilize the front this month as soldiers deal with exhaustion.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They are putting pressure on our boys, who are exhausted and that is a fact, he said. We will do everything to at least stabilize the front in January.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have observed that Ukraine's enhanced offensive capabilities in the Black Sea, highlighted by the destruction of two Russian helicopters in Crimea, will pose challenges to Russia's hold over the occupied peninsula.

Source: ISW

Details: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has revealed fresh details about a 31 December naval drone operation that struck Russian Mi-8 helicopters in the Black Sea "as Ukrainian strikes continue to degrade Russian operations in occupied Crimea".

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

DIU noted on 2 January that a Ukrainian Magura V5 uncrewed surface vessel (USV) had destroyed two Russian Mi-8 helicopters with missiles and damaged one in the Black Sea on 31 December.

Ukrainian intelligence initially reported that the drone strike had destroyed only one helicopter and damaged another.

Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, questioned Russian reports that the helicopters had eight crew members on board, though he noted that the loss of highly qualified helicopter crews was significant.

Pletenchuk also pointed out that Ukrainian strikes on occupied Crimea have disrupted Russian logistics in the region, targeting key infrastructure such as the railway on the illegally constructed Crimean Bridge and ferries transporting railway wagons and fuel tank wagons.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, a Russian military blogger (milblogger) claimed that Russian warships were seeking refuge in bays and ports to evade Ukrainian naval strikes. The blogger also added that Russian forces could only repel Ukrainian missile-equipped naval drones with the assistance of jet and fighter aircraft.

Quote: "ISW assesses that increased Ukrainian offensive capabilities in the Black Sea will most likely threaten Russian control over occupied Crimea."

To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 2 January:

Ukraine's decision to not renew its contract to transport Russian gas through Ukrainian territory will likely significantly impact Russian gas revenues despite Kremlin posturing to the contrary.

Gazprom is likely attempting to exploit the cessation of gas transits through Ukraine to create an artificial energy crisis to destabilise Moldova.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signalled that Ukraine will increase drone and missile strikes against Russia in 2025 as part of efforts to bring Russia to accept Ukraine's demands for a "just peace" in future negotiations.

Russia intends to issue Russian licences for the operation of all six of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant's (ZNPP) reactors by 2028 as part of Moscow's long-term efforts to legitimise its illegal occupation of the plant and exploit Ukraine's energy supplies.

Ukrainian forces conducted a missile strike in Kursk Oblast, reportedly against a Russian military command post.

Ukraines Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) specified new details about the 31 December Ukrainian naval drone strike against Russian Mi-8 helicopters in the Black Sea as Ukrainian strikes continue to degrade Russian operations in occupied Crimea.

Russian forces recently advanced near Siversk, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove and Vuhledar and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to inadequately supply Russian military personnel with basic equipment and ammunition, forcing soldiers to provide their own materiel.

Support UP or become our patron!
Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 93 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones of other types on the night of 2-3 January. Ukrainian air defence units have destroyed 60 Shaheds, with hits recorded in two oblasts. Wreckage from Russian UAVs damaged houses and cars and claimed the life of a person in Kyiv Oblast.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force Command on Telegram

Quote: "As of 09:00, 60 Shahed loitering munitions are confirmed to have been shot down in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Details: The Air Force noted that a further 26 Russian decoy drones had disappeared from radar due to the active counteraction from Ukraine's defence forces (causing no adverse effects).

At the same time, the Russian drone attack resulted in several UAVs hitting the premises of businesses and apartment blocks in Donetsk and Chernihiv oblasts.

The Air Force reported that the downed Shaheds had also dealt damage in Kyiv Oblast, damaging houses and cars in several districts and causing a fatality and injuries.

Background: On the night of 2-3 January, a Russian airstrike left one person dead and four, including a 16-year-old teenager, injured in Kyiv Oblast. In the Brovary district, a lorry driver, around 25 years old, was struck by wreckage from a downed target and died instantly, as reported by Ukraine's State Emergency Service.

Support UP or become our patron!
The Ukrainian Navy facilitated the safe passage of 9,061 civilian vessels through its sea corridor in 2024, Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa said on Jan. 3.

Following Russia's termination of the grain deal in July 2023, Ukraine opened a new corridor in August, initially aimed at evacuating ships stranded since the start of the full-scale war. It has since evolved into a critical trade route.

Neizhpapa said that 4,651 vessels arrived in Ukraine, while 4,410 departed for other ports, enabling the export of over 74.4 million tons of cargo, including agricultural products.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"This is vital for Ukraines economy and global food security, as nearly 80% of goods are transported by sea," he said.

Navigating the route remains dangerous due to persistent threats of Russian attacks and drifting mines. Neizhpapa credited the Navys continuous efforts, including destroying numerous mines and escorting cargo ships, for maintaining safety.

"Not a single sea mine explosion occurred in ports, thanks to our personnel and divers," he said.

Ukraines maritime trade route has been targeted by Russia, including a Sept. 12 missile attack on a cargo ship carrying Ukrainian wheat to Egypt.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The vessel was hit while sailing in Romanias exclusive economic zone, 55 kilometers from the Romanian port of Sfantu Gheorghe, according to Romania's Coast Guard.

The Ukrainian Navy continues its efforts to ensure safe navigation and uphold Ukraines position in the global maritime market.

Read also: Polish farmers protest in Warsaw against Ukrainian imports, EU policies

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An inside look at the life of a Ukrainian Su-27 Flanker fighter pilot in the countrys war with Russia is the focus of a recently released video from the Ukrainian Air Force. The interview with the Su-27 pilot, callsign Viking, is a rare opportunity to hear about some of the challenges  and successes  of the Ukrainian Air Forces fighter fleet, which, despite the recent introduction of F-16s, is still dominated by the Soviet-era Su-27 and MiG-29 Fulcrum.

Viking starts the interview with some reflections on the very first days of fighting after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. His experiences sound very similar to those of the late MiG-29 pilot Juice, who was interviewed several times by TWZ before his death in a training accident in August 2023. The loss of Juice has also meant opportunities for these kinds of interviews are now much reduced.

Viking was not at his normal base in the Zhytomyr region when the war started, he was in Kyiv. His race to Zhytomyr was frustrated by a lack of rail services out of the capital and ended with a walk between 25-30 miles to get to the air base, still in civilian clothes. Once there, he was very quickly in the thick of action, and from Feb. 25 on he flew air defense missions that he described as deterrence, first flown in daylight and later at night, over the Kyiv region.

Viking straps into the cockpit of a Ukrainian Su-27. Ukrainian Air Force screencap

We held them back, Viking explained. If their aircraft had come here and worked freely, everything would have been completely different.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Viking and his fellow 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade (39 BrTA) pilots faced a significant disadvantage in terms of radars and missiles compared to the Russians. While Ukrainian fighters could occasionally track enemy aircraft, getting within missile-launch range was rarely possible.

The Ukrainian Air Force began the war with around 32 Su-27s operational within two brigades, the 39 brTA at Ozerne in the Zhytomyr region of northwestern Ukraine and the 831 brTA at Myrhorod in the Poltava region of central Ukraine. At least 15 Ukrainian Flankers have been visually confirmed as destroyed but, in the meantime, additional examples have also been returned to airworthiness after overhauls. The aircraft are also regularly moved around between different operating locations, some of them austere in nature, making it harder for the Russians to target them.



www.twz.com This Su-27 landed in Romania on the first day of the conflict, for unknown reasons, and was later returned to Ukraine . via Xwww.twz.com

Like many pilots and other Ukrainians, it took time for Viking to grasp the reality of the war, with the feeling that Ill wake up and everything will be over characterizing what he described as a difficult period in his life. The resilience of Ukrainian non-combatants was also plain for him to see: his girlfriend chose to stay in Zhytomyr, with their cat, rather than leave the country; his parents also stayed at home, and his mom sent a photo of a basket of Molotov cocktails with the message that she planned to use at least one on the invaders.

They were in a fighting mood, and I was also in a fighting mood, but it was hard Viking reflected. The most difficult thing was misunderstanding. [Due to] the instability of the front, there was a minimum of information.

The view through the head-up display of a Ukrainian Su-27 after a missile is launched. Ukrainian Air Force screencap

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As an example, in these early days, Vikings available intelligence on Russian air defenses was scrawled on a piece of map that hed torn off, with information vital for survival being exchanged by word of mouth between pilots. The map simply showed the best route into a given area, with circles showing the approximate engagement ranges of hostile air defenses.

The primary job at this time was attempting to blunt the advance of Russian tactical aircraft flying from Belarus. We were the only ones here, to put it bluntly. We were the first line of defense, and they were constantly trying to sneak their Su-34s and Su-35s in at night, at extremely low altitudes.

Viking dons his helmet before a sortie in a Su-27. Ukrainian Air Force screencap

Complicating their job was the fact that, according to Viking, the avionics and missiles of the Ukrainian Su-27s, at this time, were two generations behind those of the Russians. Within these parameters, the battle was reduced to trying to get closer to [the Russians]. But even if that was possible, the Ukrainian Su-27 pilots were rarely able to get within the launch parameters of their missiles, with the Russian jets always having the opportunity to launch weapons first.

Even though our [missile] launches had short ranges, we still tried something, we launched missiles, we held the Russians back, and we repelled these attacks every night, Viking explains. Almost every pilot flew two, sometimes three sorties each night.

Russian Su-35S fighters from Dzyomgi Air Base arrive in Belarus in January 2022. ahead of the full-scale invasion. Russian Ministry of Defense Su-35S fighters from Dzyomgi arrive in Belarus, in January 2022. Russian Ministry of Defense

One particular sortie that Viking recalls involved a very, very difficult hour-and-a-half air battle at night, during which six missiles were launched against his Su-27: four launches from aircraft, two launches from the ground.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Vikings second flight that night, March 1, 2022, involved a failure of his navigation instruments, in worsening weather, with gathering clouds and fog. He had to be guided by a ground controller to land at Starokostyantyniv Air Base in western Ukraine.

I lost my spatial orientation, he says. Its scary, you dont understand where you are, you dont understand where you are heading, in what attitude you are in.

Inside the cockpit of a Ukrainian Su-27. Ukrainian Air Force screencap



Every new day of this war posed new challenges, all our training, all our vision, was based on rather outdated experiences and our weapons were quite outdated. This was especially the case when going up against more modern Russian air defense systems, some of which work at a crazy range as well as being highly mobile, in the case of the Buk and Tor (SA-11 Gadfly and SA-15 Gauntlet) especially.

Russian air defenses made it impossible for the Ukrainian Air Force to drop conventional unguided ordnance, making the arrival of Western-supplied precision-guided weapons an absolutely critical factor. These new weapons allowed Ukrainian jets to operate a little further from the front line, thanks to the standoff range of the new weapons. Now the Su-27 began to flex from its air-to-air specialism to more offensive strike duties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Vikings first experience using the AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile, or HARM, resulted in a claimed 90% success rate against Russian ground-based defense targets, demonstrating the incredible effectiveness of the weapon. Other milestones included Vikings first downed drone, a challenging target for a fast-moving relatively low-tech jet, as we have discussed before.

Armorers attach an AGM-88 HARM under the wing of a Ukrainian Su-27. Ukrainian Air Force screencap



Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Viking noted that Russian media reports were highly skeptical about how U.S.-supplied weapons would be used on Ukraines Soviet-era aircraft, and even if this was possible. Some Russian accounts predicted that the HARMs would more likely be launched from the ground, off the back of adapted trucks, rather than from the air. The innovative approach to integrating Western weapons on Soviet-era fighters eventually involved a combination of new tactics, specially designed pylons that can pass targeting information to the missiles, as well as tablet-based cockpit interfaces.

A Ukrainian Su-27 armed with a pair of infrared-guided R-73 air-to-air missiles. Ukrainian Air Force screencap



Russian doubts played into our hands, Viking says. We destroyed a lot of [air defense] complexes, damaged them, suppressed them, and forced them to retreat. This gave us space to come a little closer [to the front lines]. This, in turn, allowed Ukrainian airstrikes to reach further, bringing critical Russian military targets in Ukraine within range. Even the main command post of the Russian Ground Forces was hit, Viking explains. They were, lets say, punished for their insolence.

Today, the HARM is mainly used as a support weapon, Viking says, meaning that they provide defensive escort for other Ukrainian aircraft, dealing with pop-up Russian air defense threats that might be encountered en route to other objectives.

After the HARM, Vikings brigade received the Joint Direct Attack MunitionExtended Range (JDAM-ER) and the GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB).



A Ukrainian Su-27 using the BRU-61/A rack , designed to hold up to four of the 250-pound-class Small Diameter Bombs. Ukrainian Air Force screencap

While he considers the 500-pound JDAM-ER to be relatively efficient, even in the face of intense Russian electronic warfare countermeasures, he singles out the SDB for particular praise, confirming that a single Su-27 can carry eight of these bombs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Remarkable cockpit footage of a Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 Flanker launching a salvo of four US-supplied GBU-39 SDB glide bombs at a Russian target.



The Ukrainian Flanker tosses the glide bombs while in a 60+ degree climb. pic.twitter.com/EBhPsFjQyc  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) December 13, 2024

Not only is the range of the SDB a little longer than that of the JDAM-ER, but Viking considers it to be harder for Russian air defenses to deal with due to its small reflective surface providing a trickier radar target, combined with the fact that it can be dropped in bigger salvoes.

The purported destruction of a Russian-occupied building by a Small Diameter Bomb strike. Ukrainian Air Force screencap



Despite the fact that its quite small, its quite a powerful bomb, Viking says of the SDB, noting that it can penetrate around six feet of reinforced concrete. The design philosophy behind the SDB is also in stark contrast to Soviet-era aerial bombs, which always prioritized size and weight  the main thing for them is that there should be a big explosion, rather than accuracy. However, more explosive doesnt necessarily translate to greater destructive power, as the SDB has shown.

The difference in approach is also seen in Russian tactics. Viking says the Russians frequently use at least 10 times as many munitions in one single area of the front lines than Ukraine does across the entirety of the front lines in a month. Viking suggests that, while Ukrainian munitions might achieve an accuracy as high as 85%, Russian equivalents might only attain 15-20% on target, hence the need for more and heavier weapons to compensate.

Viking also warns again about the particular threat posed by Russias relatively recently developed low-cost precision-guided glide bombs  a menace that has frustrated Ukrainian air defenses since they first began to appear in early 2023.

The first known photo of the Russian UMPK glide bomb kit, based on a FAB-500M-62 bomb, carried by a Su-34, and published in January 2023. Fighterbomber Telegram channel

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To treat the symptom, its necessary to drive away the carriers of these glide bombs, but this is a difficult task, and it requires a complex approach. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand to drive them away. It needs a complex approach, including both the aviation component and the ground component, as well as the necessary air defense radars, and air-to-air missiles that have the ability to hit, at least at medium altitudes, targets at a range of 100 kilometers [62 miles], Viking says, referring to the need for beyond-visual-range missiles to target the aircraft launching the glide bombs.

Without all these means, if the Russians continue to throw glide bombs, then the consequences will be terrible, they will simply squeeze us out, no matter how incredible our infantry is.

The Russian glide bomb problem became one of the main arguments for accelerating Ukrainian F-16 deliveries, although it remains to be seen how effective these might be in pushing back the Russian jets launching glide bombs from across the border.

Ukrainian F-16s were presented during a Ukrainian Air Force Day event attended by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug. 4, 2024. Photo by Ukrainian Presidency/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images Anadolu

As the war approaches its three-year anniversary, Viking reflects that while physically tired, his morale remains as high as ever. The war requires 100% of your effort, he says. Even when you go on leave for 15 days, you come back and you dont quite understand why already everything has changed: we are working in a new way, in new areas, the enemy has come up with a countermeasure, and we have come up with some kind of countermeasure ourselves.

Viking adds a morale-boosting slogan to a Small Diameter Bomb under the wing of a Su-27. Ukrainian Air Force screencap



Despite limited F-16 deliveries so far and continued losses to the Soviet-era fleet of tactical jets, Viking says there is no shortage of trained manpower or aircraft at this point. Instead, what the Ukrainian Air Force lacks is air-launched weapons. Only greater numbers of these, he says, will be able to achieve some kind of parity with Russian airpower capabilities.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Ukrainian men living in Poland have begun receiving fake military draft notices, threatening them with legal repercussions if they evade service, the Polish RMF24 news outlet reported on Jan. 3.

Poland's Office for Foreigners, which the letter falsely attributes as the author, stressed that it did not issue the document and that its content is fake. Ukraine's Embassy in Warsaw also denied the document's authenticity.

Almost 1 million Ukrainian refugees remain in Poland after they fled Russia's all-out invasion that broke out in February 2022.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The Office for Foreigners emphasizes that it is not the author of such letters," the Polish government agency said, publishing a scanned copy of the letter written in Polish.

The authors impersonating the Polish authorities threaten the recipients with visits to the place of residence between Dec. 17-31 to bring the Ukrainian men to the relevant "mobilization point in connection with the obligation to perform military service in Ukraine's Armed Forces."

The letter goes on to threaten the recipients with criminal reliability, including extradition, in case of draft evasion.

It remains unclear who the real author of the letter is or how many Ukrainian men have received it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Polish authorities previously signaled a willingness to help Kyiv bring military-age men back to their home country as Ukraine struggles to replenish its Armed Forces' ranks.

The EU rejected the idea of forcibly deporting Ukrainian men, and no member country has put forward such a proposal. Instead, Warsaw proposed ending social benefits for fighting-age Ukrainian men.

Ukraine has also launched the new Ukrainian Legion in Poland, a volunteer unit manned by Ukrainians living in Poland and trained by the Polish Armed Forces. The unit's members can return to Poland after completing their service.

Read also: First Ukrainian Legion unit trained in Poland deployed to Ukraine, ambassador says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A suspected undocumented immigrant is facing firearm and drug trafficking charges after a bust at a state-run emergency family shelter in Revere.

Leonardo Andujar Sanchez, 28, originally from the Dominican Republic, is being held without bail after being deemed dangerous by a Chelsea District Court judge.

Authorities said Sanchez was caught with an AR-15 rifle at the Quality Inn on Morris Street off Route 1.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A search warrant reportedly led investigators to five kilos of fentanyl and cocaine, bricks, and smaller amounts packaged for sale inside a hotel room on the third floor.

There is zero tolerance for criminal activity in EA shelters, said Noah R. Bombard with the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities. We took immediate action to terminate this individual from the EA system, and we confirmed with federal immigration officials that they have lodged a detainer.

Law enforcement sources told Boston 25 News that the drugs that were seized have an estimated street value of at least $750,000.

Large-capacity magazines and ammunition were also recovered.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Andujar is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on 11 felony charges in February.

This individual was preying upon vulnerable people while threatening the safety and wellbeing of our entire community. The City of Revere and the Revere Police Department will continue to uphold the laws of the Commonwealth and work to protect every person that calls Revere home, said a statement from Revere Mayor Patrick M. Keefe, Jr.

Some neighbors who live behind the Quality Inn told Boston 25 News that they signed a petition to try to stop the hotel from turning into an emergency shelter that houses migrants due to safety concerns.

A father of a 1-year-old said hes been thinking about moving because of late-night activity and believes this drug bust validates his familys concerns.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Quality Inn in Revere is among 128 hotels and motels that have been used as emergency shelters across the state of Massachusetts since September 2022.

The state has vowed to phase out the use of hotels and motels for emergency shelter over the next 18 months.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
A Heartfelt Thank You from City Lights Brewing Company

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the closing of City Lights Brewing Company. After years of brewing incredible beers, serving delicious food, celebrating, and creating memories together, the time has come to close our doors for the last time this Saturday, 1/4. This decision was gut-wrenchingly difficult and comes after numerous challenges have made it unsustainable to continue.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to our loyal patrons, our incredible staff, our valued suppliers and vendor partners, our cherished and supportive community, and all of you who have been part of our journey. Your love for great beer, your smiles, and your unwavering support have made our brewery more than just a placeit has been a gathering spot, a hub of connection, and a home. From the first pour to the final round, weve cherished every moment spent with you, whether it was during quiet afternoons or lively events, anniversaries, or simply sharing stories over a pint.

We are especially thankful for the dedicated team who worked tirelessly behind the sceneswithout your passion, creativity, and camaraderie, none of this would have been possible.

As we turn the page on this chapter, we hold onto the incredible memories weve made together. The friendships, the laughter, the moments of joytheyll forever be etched in our hearts.

Though City Lights is closing its doors, we are incredibly grateful for every person who made our brewery a special part of their lives. Our story doesnt end here, and we hope to carry forward the spirit of what weve created in new ways in the future.

We urge you to share the patronage, love and support that we so cherished at City Lights with the many fine local breweries that that continue to brew delicious beer and serve up memorable times that help make Milwaukee such a special and vibrant city.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of City Lights Brewing Company.

We hope to see you Friday or Saturday.

Cheers



With gratitude and warmth,

The City Lights Team
Jan. 3GRANTS  Treading a familiar footpath volunteers are still working to carve out, Les Gaines stopped for a moment, not to catch his breath but to look at the two crows soaring above the quiet mountainous hillsides.

"I'm blessed to be here," he said multiple times hiking around Cibola County. The 68-year-old cancer survivor won't be stopped from making it outdoors multiple times a week and is looking to share the joy with others who don't live there  something he thinks could majorly help Cibola County's economic base.

Gaines helped develop a recent report from Montana-based research institute Headwaters Economics. It highlights the significant potential for outdoor recreation in two New Mexico counties  Cibola and McKinley counties  and the direct economic impact the industry has on the rural communities.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We were able to compile this data that is just phenomenal, really, of how much activity we're getting," Gaines said. "But I think it shines a light on how much better we can be."

The report found that, from June 2023 to May 2024, Cibola and McKinley counties had more than 114,000 annual trail trips  more than 300 trips per day and amounting to more than the combined population of both counties.

It resulted in $1.7 million in visitor spending, $249,000 in labor income and $127,000 in local and state tax revenue, according to the report.

"It's a matter of helping to tell that story and get the word out and get more folks in the community on board with this vision of outdoor recreation, not just as a fun thing for the folks who live there but a really valuable thing for their economy as well," said Megan Lawson, author of the Headwaters Economics report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Throwing a big rock off a trail as he hiked on the warm December afternoon, Gaines said he tries to get outdoors three times a week, though he hopes to bump that up after retiring as the acting interim executive director of the Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce and the Mining Museum. He also participates with Cibola Outdoors and the Cibola Trail Alliance.

Gaines has a love for Grants that's kept him there for nearly his entire life. Rito Canyon may be his favorite trail to travel, but Cibola County is better known for other major trails like the Continental Divide Trail, or CDT, the Great Divide Trail and the Trail of the Ancients.

"We have so much to offer," Gaines said.

Lawson said having concrete data from Economics Headwaters' report gives Cibola County credibility to seek growth for its high-potential outdoor economy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Without that, it might be easy to dismiss this as just sort of a pie-in-the-sky aspiration," she said.

She said the report also helps make a case for funding with local, state and federal government agencies.

"We don't need the whole pie," Gaines said. "We just need a piece of the pie."

Economically desperate for it

Cibola County has struggled to increase, even maintain, its economic base over the past decade. Gaines said the community is economically desperate for a new source of income.

The county's per capita income and median household income are expected to increase slightly, by 3% and 2%, respectively, from 2024 to 2029, according to Cibola Counties Economic Development Foundation, while the population continues to trickle down slowly.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, those incomes were higher a decade ago than they are today.

In 2014, Cibola County had about 9,960 jobs, according to New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center. In 2024, the county had 8,776 people employed. That's a nearly 12% employment decrease over the past decade.

Similarly, per capita income took a hit, decreasing 7% from 2014 to 2024  going from $25,920 to $24,022.

Getting more residents and visitors to take advantage of outdoor recreation doesn't necessarily equate directly to higher per capita or household income. But it could boost the local tax base and jobs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Industries like retail, accommodation and food service employed some 2,400 people in Cibola County in 2024, dwarfed by other industries like health care or social assistance and public administration, according to the Economic Development Foundation. Outdoor recreation has the potential to improve tourism-based industries, translating to economic benefits through local employment and taxes, according to Headwaters Economics.

"As trail use grows, so will the outdoor recreation economy," the Headwaters Economics report states.

Nearly one-third of trail visitors to Cibola and McKinley were made by people coming in from out of town, mainly Albuquerque, according to the report. With that in mind, Lawson said the county could consider capitalizing on tourism.

"When folks are coming in from out of town, how do we make sure they stay for a burger and an ice cream afterward? Or maybe spend the night, and have a couple of days of hiking or horseback riding or riding bikes?" she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There are also outdoor recreation businesses that can grow as the industry does. One developing business is Rinconada Adventures, which aims to eventually provide guided tours, offers "bikepacking" trips and rents outdoor gear.

Cofounder Michael Brown said he and his wife don't particularly excel at any outdoor sports, but Grants has many trails and activities anyone can participate in, areas accessible to newcomers and other spots that are challenging for pros. The unique landscape could be an outdoor hotspot, he said.

"At the risk of getting a little more traffic out here, it'd be a very different experience than some of the current attractions outside of Santa Fe or Colorado," he said. "There's lots of room for us to expand without still feeling overcrowded."

Aiming to open up Rinconada Adventures in late spring or early summer, with the additional hiring of a general staffer, Brown said he's excited to get things underway in a more official capacity, on top of behind-the-scenes work he and his wife do to boost the community's outdoor recreation economy.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

'You can only do so much'

Every Thursday evening, save for winter nights, the Cibola Trail Alliance meets to work on the trails  shoveling dirt, stacking rocks, that sort of thing, Gaines said. For every hour of work, the alliance gets matching funds it can use to leverage other additional grant funding and resources for trail construction and maintenance.

That's because Grants was chosen as a participant in the federal Recreation Economy for Rural Communities planning assistance program in 2019.

The volunteers work within parameters marked by the U.S. Forest Service, such as a certain window between trees to carve out a path or crafting a trail that goes up and down to consider water flow impacts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As a spin-off from that work, Gaines met Lawson to work with Headwaters Economics to set up infrared trail counters  something key in accurately measuring trail counts, according to Headwaters Economics. Trail usage had previously relied on periodic, single-point data collection, according to the nonprofit, as opposed to the updated approach used in its New Mexico report using on-the-ground counters and data sources like fitness-tracking apps as well as considering factors like geography and weather.

Lawson said clear interest and passion driven by a "small but mighty group of volunteers" is what drew Headwaters Economics to include Cibola County in her report's scope. She described the volunteer work as admirable and inspiring, something that could benefit from having more concrete outdoor recreation statistics.

But are volunteers enough to fully build up the outdoor recreation industry?

Lawson said an important part of the story in Cibola County is that volunteers working hours in exchange for in-kind match funds can only get so far. For example, she said, if Grants sought out a $1 million grant for trail building, it would take 60 years of volunteer hours to come up with the match.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There needs to be other models or programs to support these kinds of grassroots efforts, she said.

"You can only do so much with volunteers and some chainsaws," Lawson said.

Walking along a path full of pinons with traces of snow lingering in the shadows, Gaines said he doesn't really like to travel. Why would he, he said, when he has everything he wants here? He wants to help others realize the outdoor potential Cibola has, but it takes time to get work done, not only in getting the word out but also in physically creating the trails.

The Cibola Trail Alliance recently lost its excavator, which was a major blow, Gaines said. The donation-based organization pulled together about $12,000 to purchase the construction tool but police seized it after discovering the dealership that sold the excavator to the alliance had stolen it, he said.

Gaines said the group never really recovered from that. Members raised about $3,000 through a GoFundMe drive and bought a small dozer, he said, but the whole committee was discouraged after that.

Gaines took a moment to look over the serene landscape before him, flags marking volunteers' trail construction progress.

"It would be cool to get this done before I die," he said.
By Alexandra Alper

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday followed through on his pledge to block Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, citing concerns the deal could hurt national security.

The move, long expected, cuts off a critical lifeline of capital for the beleaguered American icon, which has said it would have to idle key mills without the nearly $3 billion in promised investment from the Japanese firm.

It also represents the final chapter in a high profile national security review, led by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which vets investment for national security risks and had until Dec. 23 to approve, extend the timeline or recommend Biden block the deal.

The proposed tie-up has faced high-level opposition within the United States since it was announced a year ago, with both Biden and his incoming successor Donald Trump taking aim at it as they sought to woo union voters in the swing state of Pennsylvania, where U.S. Steel is headquartered. Trump and Biden both asserted the company should remain American-owned.

The two companies had sought to assuage concerns over the merger. Nippon offered to move its U.S. headquarters to Pittsburgh, where the U.S. steelmaker is based, and promised to honor all agreements in place between U.S. Steel and USW.

The merger appeared to be on the fast-track to be blocked after the companies received an Aug. 31 letter from CFIUS, seen by Reuters, arguing the deal could hurt the supply of steel needed for critical transportation, construction and agriculture projects.

But Nippon Steel countered that its investments, made by a company from an allied nation, would in fact shore up U.S. Steel's output, and it won a 90-day review extension. That extension gave CFIUS until after the November election to make a decision, fueling hope among supporters that a calmer political climate could help the deal's approval.

But hopes were shattered in December when CFIUS set the stage for Biden to block it in a 29-page letter by raising allegedly unresolved national security risks, Reuters exclusively reported.

JAPANESE ENTREATIES

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in November urged Biden to approve the merger so as to avoid marring recent efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries, Reuters exclusively reported.

A spokesperson for Ishiba could not be reached for comment on Friday prior to Biden's statement. Japan is a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific, where China's economic and military rise has raised concerns in Washington, along with threats from North Korea.
Donald Trump's return to the White House is expected to cast a cloud over the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), but Washington's bipartisan consensus on countering China will ensure the grouping's continuing importance, observers said.

The framework - between the US, Australia, Japan and India - which flourished during Joe Biden's presidency, could be overshadowed by Trump's policy focus in his second term but the Quad allies would remain close to Washington, one expert noted.

The Quad began as a loose partnership to provide humanitarian and disaster assistance after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and was formalised in 2007 by then Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.

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.

The grouping ceased in 2008 when Australia withdrew during Kevin Rudd's tenure as prime minister. It was resurrected in Trump's first term as a security grouping, in response to China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific.

It became a pillar of Washington's Indo-Pacific strategy under Biden, who turned the framework into a head-of-state level mechanism with an annual summit focusing on maritime security and freedom of navigation - with China as the elephant in the room.

On Tuesday, the US State Department published a joint statement with its Quad counterparts to mark the grouping's 20th anniversary and reaffirming its vision of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and its support for regional stakeholders.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Beijing was not mentioned, nor were the continuing disputes in the South China Sea, in the statement which also pledged to continue cooperation on multiple fronts, from security and climate change, to health, technology and education.

According to Josef Gregory Mahoney, professor of politics and international relations at East Normal University, the Quad statement should be read "as a polite effort to accommodate the uncertainties everyone faces with a second Trump presidency".

Trump will not make a solid promise for the framework like his predecessor, Mahoney said. Instead, he may use the Quad as "a bargaining chip" in further deals with China and "it might ... limp along until someone decides to kill or revitalise it".

Former PLA instructor Song Zhongping said that the Quad and other US multilateral blocs could face a challenging time in the Trump era because of his isolationist approach.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Trump will undermine the Quad ... because he will ask the other three nations to serve US interests more and even pay for his country. His isolationism will indeed cause more trouble. And [Washington's] allies will suffer rather than benefit from it," he said.

Zhu Feng, executive dean of Nanjing University's School of International Studies, expects the mechanism to remain at head-of-state level during Trump's presidency, but said that the Quad's development path remains uncertain.

"The Quad summit will continue under Trump because it is ... a crucial pillar of the US Indo-Pacific strategy. It not only strengthens US-Japan-India-Australia cooperation on security issues, but is also important for [cooperation] on intelligence gathering."

People should not assume that Trump will make a pivotal policy shift in the next four years from the alliance system, "but we have to wait and see how far the bloc can advance, and whether it can become a so-called Asian version of Nato", Zhu said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite the Quad's rising prestige, its value has been questioned even during Biden's presidency because of its lacklustre practical operations and loose organisational nature.

The Quad's limited cohesion has also been tested, with India's ambiguous attitude towards Russia casting a shadow on the bloc, along with Japan and Australia's improving ties with China.

According to Collin Koh, a researcher from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the Quad will continue to hold up during Trump's second term, with at least its current slate of cooperation initiatives.

"We would expect the member states ... to spruce up their bilateral and multilateral engagements, perhaps as much as a strategic hedge as for practical reasons of efficacy," he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Koh added that despite India, Japan and Australia pursuing closer bilateral ties with both Washington and Beijing, their close alliance with the US would remain stable, and they would be seeking only a practical cooperation with China.

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.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Transportation Department imposed a $2 million penalty on JetBlue Airways for operating four chronically delayed flights on domestic routes - the first time it has imposed such a fine on an airline for the prohibited scheduling practice.

USDOT said on Friday that as part of a consent agreement with the airline, JetBlue will pay a $1 million fine and the remainder will go to compensate customers affected by its chronic delays or any future disruptions within the next year.

As part of the settlement, JetBlue has agreed to provide vouchers worth a minimum of $75 for passengers for future flight cancellations or delays of three hours or more caused by the airline within the next year.

"Today's action puts the airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality, said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

JetBlue, which did not admit liability, said in a statement it appreciates "how important it is to our customers to arrive to their destinations on-time and work very hard to operate our flights as scheduled."

It criticized USDOT for a persistent lack of adequate air traffic control staffing. "We believe accountability for reliable air travel equally lies with the U.S. government, which operates our nations air traffic control system," the airline said.

USDOT said at various points in 2022 and 2023 JetBlue operated chronically delayed flights between New York and Raleigh-Durham, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando along with a flight between Fort Lauderdale and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

"Regardless of the cause of the delay (carrier, weather, national airspace, security) for any specific flight, JetBlue had adequate time to act to avoid the chronic delays," USDOT said.

The airline said it spent tens of millions of dollars to address issues with air traffic control especially in the U.S. Northeast corridor to as much as reasonably possible prevent any chronic delays and made significant improvements last year in cutting travel disruptions.

USDOT said there were 395 delays and cancellations across four chronically delayed flights in total, defined as U.S. flights that are canceled or arrive more than 30 minutes late more than 50% of the time over a month.

The department estimates JetBlue was responsible for over 70% of the disruptions for the four chronically delayed flights.

USDOT last month sought comment on whether it should mandate cash compensation for lengthy delays or cancellations caused by airlines.
Mike Johnson clung onto his position as House speaker in a nail-biting vote after rebellious hardline Republicans switched their votes to support the Louisiana congressman at the 11th hour.

Mr Johnson initially failed to secure enough support to win a simple majority after a handful of Republicans defied Donald Trump to vote against him.

The Republican needed to win 218 votes in the lower chamber, where the party has a razor-thin majority of 219-215.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Three Republican Congressmen initially voted against the 52-year-old, who would have faced a second round of voting.

But, after a tense huddle and direct intervention from Mr Trump, Congressmen Ralph Norman and Keith Self strode into the centre of the chamber and flipped their votes, giving Mr Johnson the 218 he needed to win the gavel.

Mr Johnson said he did not make any promises to Mr Self and Mr Norman. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who voted for Tom Emmer, Mr Johnsons whip, retained his position.

Shortly after the vote was secured, Mr Trump congratulated Mr Johnson for receiving an unprecedented vote of confidence in Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mike will be a great speaker, and our country will be the beneficiary. The people of America have waited four years for common sense, strength, and leadership. Theyll get it now, and America will be greater than ever before, he wrote on Truth Social.

Hakeem Jeffries hands over the gavel to Mr Johnson following the vote - Elizabeth Frantz

Mr Johnson in his first speech vowed to reject business as usual as Republicans take charge.

Were going to drastically cut back the size and scope of government, he promised.

Mr Trump is understood to have spoken directly to South Carolina politician Mr Norman and Mr Self, of Texas, to convince them to flip their votes and support Mr Johnson.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Self said Mr Johnson agreed to involve Freedom Caucus members more deeply in crafting key legislation.

We know that this will be a heavy lift to get the Trump agenda across the line in the reconciliation package, so we shored up the negotiating team, Mr Self told reporters. Thats all we did.

Mr Self said Mr Trump called him after he initially voted against Mr Johnson for a lively discussion. He then changed his vote. He said Mr Trump has the same agenda I do.

Mr Johnson told CNN following the vote that he is ready to get to work.

The House speaker had provoked ire from some fellow Republicans for crossing the aisle to cut deals with the Democrats, while fiscal hawks lined up to attack him for what they saw as weakness on the deficit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Johnson sought to appease conservatives in the hours before the vote by pledging to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, hold the bureaucracy accountable, and move the United States to a more sustainable fiscal trajectory.

If the vote had failed, the fallout would have been an embarrassment for Mr Trump and revealed the limits to his influence over Republicans on Capitol Hill, where a handful of party members have already shown a willingness to defy him.

Without a speaker, the House would have been in a state of flux. It would have been unable to swear in new members or complete the certification of Mr Trumps election victory on Monday.

Mr Johnson also risked losing Mr Trumps support had he lost and the vote dragged out to further rounds.

Mr Johnson swears-in members of the 119th Congress - Kent Nishimura

The lack of unanimous support for Mr Johnson lays bare the deep divisions that still remain within the GOP. He was elected as speaker after the party ousted his predecessor Kevin McCarthy in the middle of his term. The conservative Christian lawyer emerged as a consensus pick, but has since struggled to keep his party unified.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fractured House went through 15 rounds of voting over four days in 2023 before electing Mr McCarthy as speaker.

Texas Congressman Chip Roy, who was among the holdouts who eventually voted for Mr Johnson, made his lack of confidence in the Louisiana lawmaker apparent.

Everything we do needs to set the Congress up for success and to deliver the Trump agenda for the American people, he wrote on X.

Speaker Johnson has not made that clear yet, so there are many members beyond the three who voted for someone else who have reservations.

Mr Johnson commands one of the slimmest majorities in modern times, having lost seats in the November election. With the sudden resignation of Rep. Matt Gaetz, the tally dropped to 219-215.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That leaves Mr Johnson relying on almost every Republican for support in the face of Democratic opposition, though the typical 218 majority of 435 members needed could shift with absences and others voting only present.

On Friday evening the House voted to adopt a rules package to protect Mr Johnson from a potential ouster.

The new rules mean a vote on removing the speaker can only be brought if at least nine Republicans support what is called a motion to vacate, a significantly higher bar than the previous Congress when a single member of either party could force such a motion.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged lawmakers to put down partisan swords and pick up bipartisan plowshares as he introduced Mr Johnson

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its time for us to come together, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans, to get things done for the people, Mr Jeffries said.

Republicans were also sworn into their new 53-47 Senate majority on Friday with Senator John Thune as their new leader, succeeding long-serving Senator Mitch McConnell, who is stepping aside from leadership but remaining in office.

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.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill will vote for their next House Speaker as the 119th Congress convenes on Friday.

ALSO READ: Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to save his job as a new Congress convenes

President-elect Donald Trump said he wants Louisiana Representative Mike Johnson to keep the gavel, but he may not have the additional support he needs.

Without the help of Democrats, Johnson can only receive at most three votes of present, or one vote for another candidate and one present vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Well have maybe one no vote, I think. I think we get it done on the first round, certainly hopeful for that because, as we noted, weve got to stick together, Johnson told reporters on earlier this week.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, from left, President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance attend the NCAA college football game between Army and Navy at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Lawmakers can hold multiple rounds of speakership votes, but without an interim speaker lined up, that would essentially leave the House paralyzed until it had a new speaker.

(WATCH BELOW: Stein signs 5 Helene recovery executive orders in first action as governor)
By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The state of Oklahoma is violating federal law by unnecessarily committing people with mental illness and drug abuse disorders to psychiatric hospitals, the U.S. Justice Department concluded in a report released on Friday.

The report, from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, also found that Oklahoma City, the state's largest city, defaults to sending police officers to deal with mental health crises even when there is no public safety threat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Police sometimes "fail to help, escalate crises or even unnecessarily resort to force," according to the report.

People with behavioral health disabilities in the Oklahoma County area are not receiving the support they need, Kristen Clarke, the head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said in a statement.

The report found that the state of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City violated a provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act and that police routinely discriminated against people with behavioral health disabilities.

The report marks the latest police oversight investigations completed by the Justice Department before the Trump administration takes charge on Jan. 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The department has now released findings in nine of the 12 police department probes that began under Democratic President Joe Biden's administration. It has wrapped up five such investigations since President-elect Donald Trump won the Nov. 5 election.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, a Republican, said he supported reform of the mental health system, but criticized the publication of the report in the final weeks of the Biden administration.

"We will closely review the findings, but the DOJ report appears to be an attempt to bully Oklahoma into compliance with ever-changing and undefined targets," Drummond said in a statement.

Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy said the department is examining the Justice Department's findings, adding that police "will continue to work with our community partners to provide the best available resources to our residents."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Justice Department in Trump's first term curtailed the use of "pattern-or-practice" investigations that assess any patterns of misconduct in state and local police departments.

Also on Friday, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said it reached a court agreement with Georgia's Fulton County to enforce reforms to the county jail. The department in November found that the county, which includes the city of Atlanta, systematically violates the constitutional rights of the people it incarcerates.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Jan. 2 that it would explore how to secure the technology and supply chain of drones from foreign adversaries, including China and Russia.

The department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) said in a statement that it was seeking public consultation "to inform the potential development of a rule to secure and safeguard the information and communication technology and services (ICTS) supply chain for drones."

The agency added that the involvement of foreign adversaries in "supply chains, including acute threats from China and Russia  may offer our adversaries the ability to remotely access and manipulate these devices, exposing sensitive U.S. data."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.S. and China  which produces a majority of the world's drones  have a frosty relationship, exacerbated by opposing views on foreign policy, including China's stance on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and U.S. support for Taiwan. The U.S. blacklisted 37 Chinese companies due to security concerns on May 9.

"Securing the unmanned aircraft systems technology supply chain is critical to safeguarding our national security. This (advance notice of proposed rulemaking) is an essential step in protecting the United States from vulnerabilities posed by foreign entities," U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Jan. 2.

If implemented, the proposed rule change may restrict or ban drones from countries the U.S. deems as foreign adversaries.

In March 2024 the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill requiring TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance to sell its stakes in the company within six months or lose access to U.S. markets.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.S. is increasingly becoming more watchful of its own national security amid high-profile incidents such as foreign interference in U.S. elections.

Ukraine previously announced a ban on the use of software and websites from Russia and other sanctioned countries on Aug. 16, following high-profile cyber attacks that threatened Ukraine's national security.

Read also: Chinas Xi tells Putin two countries always move forward hand in hand

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11)  A U.S. Postal Service worker was stabbed to death at a deli in Manhattan on Thursday, police said.

The incident happened at Joes Grocery at 168 Lenox Ave. in Harlem around 2:30 p.m., according to the NYPD.

More Local News

An employee who was inside the deli at the time of the stabbing said the postal worker was attempting to buy a sandwich. When the postal worker went to the counter to pay for the sandwich, he and another person got into an argument over who was next in line.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The argument turned violent and the other person stabbed the postal worker multiple times, according to police. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators said a witness at the scene identified the suspect in the vicinity of where the stabbing happened.

Jaia Cruz, a 24-year-old Harlem resident, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, police said.

The NYPD identified the postal worker as 36-year-old Bronx resident Ray Hodge. He was a letter carrier and was on duty at the time of the incident, according to the United States Postal Inspection Service. His postal cart could be seen sitting outside the deli.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Postal Inspection Service takes matters involving the safety and well-being of postal service employees as a top priority. We are working diligently with the New York City Police Department on this investigation, a spokesperson for the United States Postal Inspection Service said.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than six years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
(Reuters) - - U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory on Friday calling for alcoholic drinks to carry a label that warns consumers about their cancer risks.

Following are key recommendations and conclusions of fact contained in the 21-page advisory, along with page references.

Key recommendations

* Update the existing surgeon generals health warning labelon alcoholic beverages to include a warning about the risk ofcancer associated with alcohol consumption (Page 17). * Reassess recommended limits for alcohol consumption toaccount for the latest evidence on alcohol consumption andcancer risk (Page 16). * Strengthen and expand education efforts to increasegeneral awareness that alcohol consumption causes cancer (Page16). * Inform patients in clinical settings about the linkbetween alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk (Page 16). * Highlight alcohol consumption as a leading modifiablecancer risk factor and incorporate proven alcohol reductionstrategies into population-level cancer prevention initiativesand plans (Page 16).

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Factual Conclusions

* Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable causeof cancer in the United States, contributing to nearly 100,000cancer cases and about 20,000 cancer deaths each year (Page 3). * Scientific evidence demonstrates a causal relationshipbetween alcohol use and increased risk for at least sevendifferent types of cancer, including breast (in women),colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box (Page3). * The risk of cancer increases with the level of alcoholconsumption, with higher risk at higher levels of consumption.For certain cancers, like breast, mouth, and throat cancers,evidence shows that this risk may start to increase around oneor fewer drinks per day (Page 12). * Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde in the body, ametabolite that causes cancer by binding to DNA and damaging it.When DNA is damaged, a cell can begin to grow uncontrollably andcreate a cancerous tumor. (Page 10) * Alcohol generates reactive oxygen species, which increaseinflammation and can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in thebody through a process called oxidation. * Alcohol alters hormone levels (including estrogen), whichcan play a role in the development of breast cancer. * Carcinogens from other sources, especially particles oftobacco smoke, can dissolve in alcohol, making it easier forthem to be absorbed into the body, increasing the risk for mouthand throat cancers. * The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifiesalcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the highest level ofclassification for substances that can cause cancer in humans,alongside tobacco, asbestos, and formaldehyde, among others(Page 8).

(Editing by Mark Bendeich and Susan Fenton)
(Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration is considering a rule that could limit or ban Chinese drones in the US, the latest in a series of measures aimed at addressing national-security concerns linked to the countrys largest geopolitical rival.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Commerce Department on Thursday said its seeking comments from companies about the possible impact of the proposed rule for drones from China and Russia, with a deadline of March 4 for submissions. That means any decision will ultimately be left to the Trump administration, which takes office on Jan. 20.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The agency cited the concern that the countries could leverage their political and legal frameworks to co-opt private entities for national interests, and that those companies have a dominant hold on the supply of drones globally.

Securing the unmanned aircraft systems technology supply chain is critical to safeguarding our national security, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement on Thursday. The proposed rule is an essential step in protecting the United States, she said.

Drones have captured national attention in recent weeks, with people across the eastern US, especially in New Jersey, reporting mysterious sightings. Those incidents prompted federal officials to make the unusual announcement that any such cases dont pose a threat to national security or to public safety, attributing the sightings to people spotting drones flying lawfully or misidentifying planes and helicopters.

Drones also became a focus for lawmakers in Congress last year, with House Republicans asking the Biden administration to declassify information about risks from the aircraft. Two Chinese firms based in Shenzhen  Da Jiang Innovations (DJI) and Autel Robotics  control about 90% of the worldwide drone market, the lawmakers said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Commerce Department has been at the lead of actions to counter China on technology. Last year it unveiled proposed rules that would ban Chinese- and Russian-made hardware and software for connected vehicles. China is one of the leading countries in the world for hacking and cybercrimes, with the US Treasury Department revealing on Monday that it was hacked by a Chinese state-sponsored actor through a third-party software service provider.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
The state of Utah released a new unredacted filing that suggests TikTok executives may have known the company was profiting off children being sexually exploited on the platform.

This new filing comes after Utahs long legal battle against the social media platform. In late 2022, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued an executive order banning TikTok from all state-owned devices.

Later, Utah issued a lawsuit against a feature on the app called TikTok Live. The state alleges this feature takes 50% commission on every transaction where adults pay young users to dance, pose provocatively, or strip on camera, per the Deseret News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This unredacted filing claims TikTok knew that hundreds of thousands of minors were accessing their LIVE product and its age restrictions were ineffective. Further, it claims the companys investigation recognized that children were being sexually exploited, and TikTok decided not to stop anything because of the financial profits it was raking in.

When asked for a comment about the lawsuit in June, a TikTok spokesperson described the apps industry-leading policies and measures to help project the safety and well-being of teens, asserting that creators must be at least 18 years old before they can go LIVE, and their account must meet a follower requirement.

The spokesperson added, We immediately revoke access to features if we find accounts that do not meet our age requirements.

The now unredacted complaint was initially filed in June 2024 and alleges, TikTok coupled its livestream feature with monetization to create an environment built on exchanging TikToks virtual currency for sexual and illegal acts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the lawsuit against TikTok does not end at accusing the company of child sexual exploitation, but it also references Project Jupiter, a blockchain encryption feature that enables use of virtual currency, which has enabled criminals to launder money, sell drugs, and fund terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.

Outgoing Attorney General Sean Reyes commented on the new findings: For my 11 years in office, Utah has led nationally to protect our children from violence and victimization in all forms but particularly from online predators. Sadly, social media is too often the tool for exploiting Americas young people.

Online exploitation of minors has exploded, leading to depression, isolation, and other tragedies such as suicide, addiction, and trafficking. It would be outrageous enough to endanger our kids the way TikTok has even if it was unintended. But the fact that it serves up minors on TikTok Live, knowing the danger, understanding the damage, and still monetizing the exploitation of our kids is unconscionable. And that doesnt even address the money laundering aspects of our case, Reyes said.

If a TikTok Live receives virtual currency gifts, it is boosted and favored, according to the complaint. The filing alleged those feeds with a high currency exchange involved money laundering, sexual content, or both, which results in the dangerous content being prioritized and easily found with no warning to new young users.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Since the States first complaint against TikTok, we have had to fight tooth and nail to get this information from them, Utah Department of Commerce Executive Director Margaret Woolley Busse said. Now that the court has allowed us to make more of the Divisions complaint public, it shows just how TikTok has been lacking in any moral guardrails and how they have knowingly put our kids at risk.

On Friday, a TikTok spokesperson acknowledged the unredacted filing, claiming, This lawsuit ignores the number of proactive measures that TikTok has voluntarily implemented to support community safety and well-being.

The spokesperson added, The complaint cherry-picks misleading quotes and outdated documents and presents them out of context, which distorts our commitment to the safety of our community.

In April 2024, Congress passed a law that President Joe Biden signed giving TikToks mother company, China-based ByteDance, until Jan. 19 to either be bought by a U.S.-approved buyer or be shut down.

On Jan. 10, the Supreme Court will hear attorneys arguments and decide whether to put the ban on hold.
Will this be the year Utah eliminates state income taxes on Social Security?

Its too soon to say what action the 2025 Legislature will take on Gov. Spencer Coxs proposal to end the states taxing of Social Security income, but last month the legislative leaders who serve on the Executive Appropriations Committee set aside a total of $231 million for the later consideration of an unspecified tax cut during the upcoming session.

In recent years, the Utah Legislature has focused on lowering the individual and corporate state income tax rate. Last session, the rate was reduced from 4.65% to 4.55%, a $170 million cut. This time around, the Tax Reduction Set-Aside includes $66 million from funds designated for one-time expenditures along with $165 million in ongoing revenues.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The price tag for getting rid of the tax on Social Security benefits is $143.8 million. Cox has called eliminating the tax that directly affects some 150,000 Utahns a cornerstone of his $30.6 billion budget, saying its an embarrassment that we are one of eight states that still does that.

Support for eliminating Utahs tax on Social Security benefits

Senate Budget Chairman Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, said hes hearing a lot of support for the governors proposal.

If I look at what my constituents are saying, and what other legislators are when I talk to them, theres a lot of momentum to remove the income tax on Social Security, Stevenson said. Hes predicting thats what will happen this session, even though the Legislatures Republican supermajority has yet to take a formal position.

My guess  and this is just me speaking, so Im not speaking for leadership or Republicans or anyone else  I think there is enough momentum behind this income tax cut on Social Security that that will go through, the longtime lawmaker said. Additional tax cuts are less certain, however.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Stevenson said another reduction in the income tax rate would be a possibility, but you have to be careful, and you have cut it strategically. He said legislative leaders set aside more money than needed to cover the elimination of the tax on Social Security benefits so we could move that back into the budget to cover a shortfall.

The 2025 Legislature is facing a second year of budget shortfalls, with revenue collections falling below projections. After being told in December theres a $2.3 million deficit for fiscal year 2024 and nearly $24.5 million less in the current budget years general fund, the Executive Appropriations Committee also tucked away more money into the states Rainy Day funds.

Asked about the governors expectations for how lawmakers will use the money set aside for a tax cut, his spokesman, Robert Carroll, reiterated what was spelled out in the budget. The governors proposal is to eliminate the tax on Social Security, and that will be his priority, Carroll said.

The governor has said slicing the state income tax rate to 4.5% this session wouldnt mean as much to seniors on a fixed income as doing away with the tax on Social Security. Eligibility for a state income tax credit for Social Security approved in 2021 has been expanded in previous years, but stops at $45,000 in income for single filers and $75,000 for joint filers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Now, we could do another five-basis-point increment and save you and me $15 a year, or we could save my grandma $1,000. I think its an easy call, Cox said after the release of his budget in early December. I think giving everybody a tiny cut versus giving our seniors a very big cut, I think its a no brainer.

How much can Utah lawmakers cut taxes next session?

House Budget Chairman Val Peterson, R-Orem, said theres been no discussion yet among representatives about what this years tax cut will look like, but made it clear the amount available for a further reduction in the rate or another type of ongoing cut is a little less than last year, $165 million.

There are limits, he said, on what could be done with the $66 million in one-time money also set aside for a tax cut.

You couldnt use it for an ongoing tax cut. It would have to be something thats one time. Otherwise you create a structural imbalance in the budget and we dont want to do that, Peterson said, meaning lawmakers would have to come up with some type of one-time tax break.

That happened in 1988, when lawmakers agreed mail out $80 million in rebate checks to Utah taxpayers to return a budget surplus that resulted from a tax increase. The one-time payment, which averaged $148, added up to 12.5% of the total state income taxes paid in Utah in 1987.
Wherever you go, the experience is usually the same.

You enter a church or a cathedral, and an ecclesiastical hush descends. You admire the architecture, the artworks, the centuries of history and of faith that have stood the test of time.

And then you enter a special chapel or museum, where the holiest of items resides. Behind a glass case stands the stuff of legend: the Holy Grail.

Or is it? What makes this cup the Holy Grail  but not another?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Europe alone, there are said to be around 200 cups, each thought to be the Holy Grail  the cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper.

Believers flock to see them and pray over them. But which is the real grail  and does it even exist?

A religious or cultural reality?

In "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," the Holy Grail was a simple "cup of a carpenter" with miraculous healing powers. - Lucasfilm Ltd/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock

One things for certain  the Holy Grail is embedded deep into our collective imagination. The idea of a quest is a constant theme in literature, art and movies, while we routinely refer to what would be our ultimate goals  but usually lie tantalizingly out of sight  as the holy grail. Major medical breakthroughs are often called the holy grail for the disease in question.

Its part of pop culture, too. Dan Brown made millions off his interpretation of the Holy Grail in the Da Vinci Code, in which he posited that the grail was not in fact an object, but a secret  that Jesus Christ had fathered children with Mary Magdalen. And who can forget Harrison Ford reaching out for the cup of a carpenter in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Even stories that have nothing to do with Christianity are often centered around quests  from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings.

Strip away those modern connotations, though, and were left with a simple explanation. The Holy Grail is, supposedly, the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper.

The goblet that Christ drank from before his arrest, sentencing and crucifixion would of course be of interest to Christians around the world. And the fact that, over the centuries, legends have arisen of grails producing miracles, has only added to the enthusiasm.

Theres just one problem, says Joanne Pierce, professor of religious studies at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I honestly do not think that the actual cup from the Last Supper still exists, she says.

Jesus certainly used a cup at the Last Supper, but if you look at some Gospel accounts, the room was already prepared by someone else [before they arrived]. So it may not have been his cup.

For Pierce, a Catholic, the idea of the Holy Grail is more symbolic than realistic  in her words, a cultural reality rather than a religious reality.

But for many people, the grail is a real object  and one that its possible to see if you go to Valencia. Or Leon. Or Genoa. Or any of the many places where, tradition says the Grail resides.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

You might even be able to feel the mystical power of the Grail if you visit one of the many places it is said to be hiding, just out of site. Up the mountain of Montserrat, outside Barcelona, for example. Or in the Polish countryside, where the shadowy Knights Templar might have hidden it. Or around Glastonbury Tor, the mysterious hill in southern England where, medieval legend declared, Joseph of Arimathea brought the Grail shortly after Jesus death.

At Valencia, in eastern Spain, enter the cathedral, and to the right is a chapel, built expressly to house the Santo Caliz, or holy chalice.

Tradition reveals that it is the same cup that the Lord used at the Last Supper for the institution of the Eucharist, says the cathedrals website about the Holy Chalice of the Lords Supper.

They believe that St. Peter took it to Rome, from where it was sent to Spain in the third century CE.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Valencias tourist board website also describes the cup as the Holy Chalice used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. Announcing that you have the Holy Grail is, of course, a tourism draw. It has been since the medieval period, when Europeans taking part in the Crusades would bring back relics from Jerusalem.

From worship to tourism

Relics are commonly used during worship in Christianity. This lance, which supposedly pierced Jesus' side, can be found in Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia. - Dean Conger/Corbis/Getty Images

In fact, relics have been central to Christianity since the start, says Pierce.

When early Christians were martyred, other believers would pray at their graves. The martyr acted as a patron or intercessory for their prayers to be lifted up to heaven  a practice taken from ancient Rome, where the patronage system was an important part of society. That idea of saints intensifying prayer, or flagging it to the right place, persists in Christianity today.

But it wasnt just the graves of martyrs that became holy; it was anything to do with their body, or things they had touched. Objects they might have handled were considered to have that same grace  a connection with the holy, says Pierce.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Of course, the cup held by Jesus with which he showed the disciples how to perform the eucharist, on the table as he announced that he was soon to be betrayed, would be the holiest of holy objects.

Little wonder that so much effort has gone into finding the Grail.

During the time of the Crusades, interest in Jesus life on Earth increased, says Pierce. People were going back and forth between Europe and the Holy Land, looking for artifacts that could have been related. Thats why most of the supposed Holy Grails around Europe first arrived on the continent during those centuries.

Its similar to the interest in the paranormal we have now, says Mathew Schmalz, founding editor of the Journal of Global Catholicism and professor of religious studies at Holy Cross.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the Middle Ages, it reached a public consciousness that it didnt have before.

But over the centuries, collecting relics hasnt purely been about getting closer to God, says Schmalz. There were various economic interests related to pilgrimage, he says.

Relics were taken away from tombs and widely dispersed. You have a variety of places becoming pilgrimage sites which was a very lucrative business for those who had the relics. Religious tourists would make pilgrimages to these places, boosting the local economy as they did so.

Relics were also political in the time of the Crusades. Finding items like the lance that pierced the side of Christ was considered affirmation of the divine mission to liberate the Holy Land, says Schmalz.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Thats one of the reasons that some relics are so numerous that they couldnt possibly be true.

You could construct a city with the wood thats claimed to be the true cross, he says.

Jesus or  King Arthur?

In the Medieval period, the Holy Grail legend was linked to the mythology of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Galahad, seen here, was supposed to have found it. - Apic/Getty Images

The Holy Grail may have started out as a sacred relic for Christians, but over the centuries, it has also come to have relevance to others. For starters, it has been linked to the legendary King Arthur since the Medieval period  thanks to chivalric poetry, says Pierce.

A ninth-century French poem posited that Joseph of Arimathea had caught the blood of Christ in the Grail during the crucifixion and had later taken it to Glastonbury in whats now England.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This was conflated with Celtic, Irish, Welsh and pre-Christian narratives about objects imbued with power, she says.

A graal or grail in English originally referred to a deep dish, serving platter or even a cauldron belonging to early British kings, according to ancient myth.

In the 12th century, Chretien de Troyes poem Perceval, the Story of the Grail is a romp including King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, a chivalrous quest, a bloody lance  and a glittering grail, a serving dish with magical healing powers.

By the 15th century, Perceval had become Galahad, the son of Arthurian knight Lancelot, who goes on a quest for the grail, finds it, and chooses to die on the way back after a heavenly vision. Galahad, by the way, was able to heal the sick and perform miracles.

Sound familiar?

How one woman found the Holy Grail

The Basilica of San Isidoro in Leon, Spain, is home to what historian Margarita Torres Sevilla believes is the Holy Grail. - Raquel Maria Carbonell Pagola/LightRocket/Getty Images

So what is it like to have a Holy Grail in your city? Representatives from the Cathedral of Valencia didnt reply to request for comment from CNN. Neither did anyone from the Italian cathedral of Genoa  home to the Sacro Catino, a beautiful glass bowl, once thought to have been the Grail, made of emerald, but now seen as more likely to be crystal, and work of Islamic art from the 9th or 10th century, brought to Italy in the 11th.

But someone who is convinced she has the grail in her hometown is Margarita Torres Sevilla, professor of medieval history at the University of Leon in Spain.

In fact, Torres was the one to discover that what was thought of as a mere medieval chalice in her city was  she believes  the Holy Grail.

In 2010, she and colleague Jose Miguel Ortega del Rio were working at the Basilica of San Isidoro, a church in Leon that doubles as the burial place for the royal dynasty of Leon and Castile. They were looking at items in the basilicas museum of medieval history.

Some objects came from Islamic countries but didnt have the correct references, she says. Among them was the chalice of Dona Urraca  an onyx chalice that had been adorned in a gold casing and encrusted with precious jewels. It had come to Spain from Egypt in the medieval period, apparently as a diplomatic present.

Torres and Ortega del Rio delved deeper into its provenance, asking a colleague in Cairo to look for documents that could explain this gift to the Spanish. What they found astonished them.

In the middle of the 11th century, there was a great famine in Egypt and the caliph had asked for help from other Islamic countries, she says.

In the library of Cairos Al-Azhar university were two medieval parchments from the 14th century. One  apparently a historical account  recounted that the taifa (ruler) of Denia had sent a boat full of food to Egypt. Denia, near modern Valencia, was under Muslim rule at the time.

The parchment goes on to say that in return for the help, the taifa made a request: for the cup that the Christians call the Cup of the Messiah  used during the celebration with his disciples.

Around 200 places in Europe alone claim to have the Grail. From left are three contenders: the Santo Caliz from Valencia, the Sacro Catino from Genoa and the Caliz de Dona Urraca from Leon. - Alamy Stock Photo

The cup had been found in one of the small churches that are on the outskirts of Jerusalem and possessed extraordinary medicinal powers according to Christians, said the document  which also gave the caveat that men of science and doctrine disregard it.

Ali bnu Muyahid ad-Danii, the ruler of Denia, requested it so that he could send to the King of Leon  to strengthen their alliance, the document continued.

The previous year, Leon had attacked Valencia  war was getting too close to comfort for those in Denia, and it appeared that the taifa wanted to placate Ferdinand I, the king of Leon. Ferdinand suffered from the disease of the stones and the taifa thought that the miraculous cup might help.

The other parchment, also from the 14th century, purports to be a copy of a letter from Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub (known as Saladin), the 12th-century sultan of Egypt and Syria, recounting how he had asked to be sent the fine shard of the holy stone or cup that had been chipped off during its journey to Denia, for his sick daughter.

She was healed by the piece of stone placed upon her body, and the shard had been kept carefully in the Islamic public treasury, states the document.

They went back to the cup in the church in Leon.

We checked  it had a cut in it, as the parchment suggested, says Torres. We knew we had a hot potato in our hands.

The pair claim to have dated the onyx cup to the first century, and believe that Dona (princess) Urraca, Ferdinands daughter, melted down all her jewelry to cover the chalice in riches. Theyve even identified what they think is the onyx cup in a painting of the Last Supper at San Isidoros royal pantheon, where the dynasty is buried. They believe that is a hint about the cups identity.

Of course, not everybody believes them. One Oxford professor memorably said it was idiotic to claim that the cup must have belonged to Jesus, even if its of Roman origin.

Torres  proving that the Grail has penetrated culture like no other  likens her situation to that of Hollywoods Indiana Jones taking his leap of faith before finding the Grail.

He closes his eyes and starts with a step. Our sensation was the same, she says.

Im a Christian, but my colleague is not. My mother was a historian; his father was a journalist. They were not the type to get carried away.

The idea that a princess would have donated her jewelry to cover a broken cup in gold is, she says, Like the daughter of Bill Gates melting down her jewelry to cover a broken toy.

Torres claims are certainly persuasive  and although she was Leons city councilor for tourism from 2015 to 2019, she says she put a line between being a politician and a historian.

Can she guarantee its the cup of Christ? I can offer that the cup venerated in Jerusalem from the fourth century to the 11th century is the same as you see in the chalice of Urraca, she says.

But Im not sure what happened from the first to the fourth century, because I was not in Jerusalem, not with Jesus Christ, and neither were you.

My faith doesnt depend on this

In Valencia, there's a whole chapel dedicated to the Santo Caliz. - Hemis/Alamy Stock Photo

For Pierce, who doesnt believe that the Grail exists anymore, items like the chalice of Urraca are still worthwhile as a cultural phenomenon.

Im very skeptical  but whats important is the fact that these items were venerated  theyre literary objects and cultural reality, she says.

My faith doesnt depend on [this]. To believe in Jesus Christ doesnt necessarily mean that there are actual physical remnants of his [life].

She compares the quest for the Grail to the Shroud of Turin. Ive seen it, it was fascinating, but analysis shows its from a later period. That doesnt threaten my belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at all  someone believed in it so much that they fabricated it, she says.

Schmalz, whos doubtful about whether the Grail still exists, agrees about the shroud.

Not that hes against all relics. He used to wear a piece of Pope John XXIIIs vestment around his neck. I mysteriously lost it and many people said it was the result of a demonic attack, he says.

I believe it was more a result of my carelessness. But I do believe relics are important  they connect us not just with holy people but with God.

His best bet about what the Grail would look like, if it exists? Id agree with the Indiana Jones vision of it as a simple cup  the cup of a carpenter who was at a local inn. In some ways, thats the religious meaning  that something so simple and worldly could hold the blood of Christ.

Is that the Holy Grail sitting in Leon? Or Valencia? Or any of the other 200 places that claim to be home to it? Well never know.

But one thing is for sure. The idea of that simple cup of a carpenter looks set to stay in the public consciousness for another 2,000 years.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  Traffic on Interstate 10 westbound in Mobile County is starting to move again as authorities finish working to put out a vehicle fire.

Investigators believe State Line triple homicide might be more than a robbery

According to the Alabama Department of Transportations website, the vehicle fire was on I-10 westbound near McDonald Road.

Officials said the vehicle fire happened around 1 p.m. on Friday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mobile County firefighters responded to the fire that appears to have impacted a white truck towing an RV. Smoke is visible on cameras, but the fire itself looks to have been put out.

2 arrested after dogs thrown off bridge: Mobile PD

There is no word of whether the driver of the vehicle was injured in the fire that originally blocked off both westbound lanes of I-10.

Cameras currently show traffic is moving after the fire.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 United States of America and the Russian Federation have agreed to cut the number of nuclear warheads they have by between 3,000 and 3,500.

US President George Bush, who leaves office this month, and his Russian counterpart Boris Yeltsin, signed the second Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty  Start II  in Moscow.

Currently each side has about 10,000 warheads and Start II marks the biggest reduction ever agreed.

In addition, sea-based weapons will be cut to 1,750 each and all land-based multiple-warhead missiles will be eliminated.

Mr Bush said the treaty offers for parents and children, a future free from fear, and Mr Yeltsin called it a treaty of hope.

The treaty means that by 2003, three-quarters of the nuclear warheads possessed by both countries at the start of the 1990s will have been destroyed.

Mr Yeltsin believes Start II shows that Russia has abandoned the arms race.

I think it important for Russias might as a great power to be determined not by the quantity of missiles but by the living standards of its citizens, the development of culture, education and national traditions, he said.

Mr Yeltsin admitted the treaty will meet opposition before it is ratified in the Russian parliament.

The US Congress also has to agree to Start II, as well as the parliaments of the former Soviet republics of Byelorussia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan where nuclear weapons are still held.

Mr Yeltsin has been criticised for making too many concessions to the US, by relinquishing all of Russias land-based SS-18 missiles with multiple warheads  the core of its strike capability.

By contrast the US appears to have kept a tactical advantage by agreeing to halve its submarine-based warheads, which form the heart of its nuclear arsenal.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

By 2001, the two countries had met the criteria set out in Start I.

Start II was ratified by the US Congress in 1996 and Byelorussia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan transferred warheads in their territory to Russia and destroyed the accompanying delivery vehicles.

In 1997, US President Bill Clinton and Russian President Boris Yeltsin had to extend the treatys deadline to 2007 and set out to begin negotiations on a Start III treaty for further reductions.

The Russian parliament eventually agreed to Start II in 2000, but it, and Start III, were abandoned.

Instead, in 2002, US President George W Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty  better known as the Treaty of Moscow.

By 2012, the treaty aims to cut the nuclear warheads of each side from levels of between 6,000 and 7,000, to between 1,700 and 2,200 each.

But measures outlined in Start II to destroy the methods of delivering nuclear weapons  such as bombers, submarines and launchers  were not addressed in the Moscow Treaty.
Atlanta city leaders describe the work they do as controversial and say it is riskier than ever.

It is disturbing, councilman Michael Julian Bond told Channel 2 Action News.

Councilman Bond described death threats clogging city hall voicemails at times.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

For someone to directly threaten your life or to harm someone in your family, it is very unnerving, and it is very threatening, Bond said. You must then question why you are doing what you are doing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

More than 40% of city and county office holders in the U.S. said an alarming increase in threats made them less willing to work on controversial topics, according to a new Brennan Center for Justice Survey.

So we are talking to legislators and advocates now to make sure they have the tools the resources necessary to keep themselves and their families safe, Jessie Ulibarri with State Innovation Exchange said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Advocates and lawmakers from across the U.S. met for a conference in downtown Atlanta and one topic was a freezing effect that threats can have on democracy if left unchecked.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

They really are going to have to start to develop new safety solutions during this time, said Muthoni Wambu Karaal of the Womens Democracy Lab.

Her team shared a tool kit of new ideas  like RSVP requirements  so elected officials know who will be at certain events.

We are still in the process of looking at what are the best solutions what are the lessons learned, Sen. Natalie Murdock, also of the Womens Democracy Lab said.

Bond says he reminds newcomers of the weight of their decisions and the effect it could have on their constituents.

The good you can do for others outweighs all the traps and snares outweighs all the threats, he said. It outweighs all the acrimony because this is public service.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The suspects in the New Orleans and Las Vegas attacks have ties to the Carolinas.

Both were soldiers who served at Fort Liberty, the U.S. Army base near Fayetteville.

Reading headlines about how a veteran and an active service member are accused of carrying out possible terrorist attacks on the first day of the new year can be triggering to those whove spent their lives serving our country. Even so, for some, the news doesnt come as a shock.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

U.S. Army veteran responsible for deadly New Orleans attack was stationed at NC base

So many people have lost their lives over these alleged terrorist attacks, and it is sad, but not surprising to me that there seems to be some military connections here, said Kristofer Goldsmith, a veteran.

Goldsmith now runs Task Force Butler, an organization tracking domestic extremists.

Kristofer Goldsmith.

Extremist organizations target veterans for recruitment and radicalization for the same reasons that Fortune 500 companies target veterans for recruitment and that is because we are great members of a team, he said.

In the case of the man accused of ramming a truck through New Years Eve crowds in the French Quarter of New Orleans, investigators believe he had ties to ISIS.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There seems to be a radical religious element to that, said Goldsmith. Because of something that they experienced while deployed or while in the military, they may have witnessed or engaged in something that kind of created a massive moral injury which separated them from what would have been a normal set of values and ethics.

Security measures to be added to Dukes Mayo Bowl in Charlotte in wake of New Orleans attack

As for the Army soldier thought to be behind the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion, its not clear whether hes connected to any extremist groups.

With the use of a Cybertruck and parking in front of Trump Tower, that seems clear to send a message, said Goldsmith.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Both men were deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 but as of now, investigators are working to figure out if they knew each other and if the attacks are linked.

Despite the new information coming out, Goldsmith wants to make it clear veterans are not inherently violent.

Were more likely than our peers to graduate from college with a higher GPA, he said. Were more likely to run successful businesses. Were more likely to run for office, [and] more likely to volunteer. That is what veterans should be known for. We shouldnt be known for the very small handful of the worst of the worst.

Goldsmith believes part of the way people can prevent tragedies like these from happening is to make sure theyre funding and supporting organizations, like the VA, which help veterans get the care and help needed when they return home.

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.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  A person has life-threatening injuries after a shooting in Greensboro, according to the police.

At about 4:58 p.m. on Thursday, Greensboro police responded to a report of a shooting on the 3800 block of Central Avenue.

At the scene, officers found one person suffering from life-threatening injuries.

Police described the case as an aggravated assault and say an investigation is underway. No other details have been released at this time.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000. Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to P3tips.com to submit a web tip. All tips to Crime Stoppers are 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 FOX8 WGHP.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Families in the Hamilton School District community are grieving as details remain unclear on how a 5-year-old boy died after being struck by a school bus in the Silver Spring Intermediate School parking lot before the school day Thursday morning.

The bus was carrying students when the 4K student was struck in the parking lot at about 8:30 a.m., the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said Thursday in a news release. The student was at the school to transfer to a shuttle bus to be taken to Willow Springs Learning Center, according to the department.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The sheriff's department confirmed Friday to the Journal Sentinel that the student was a 5-year-old boy, but said no further information was available due to the ongoing investigation.

The boy was identified as Finn Edward Katona by Kelly Katona, the sister of the child's father, Zach Katona, in a text to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter. Kelly Katona declined an interview on behalf of the parents Zach and Ally.

In a letter to parents Thursday, Hamilton School District superintendent Paul Mielke said the incident took place before the start of the school day and that the district would not share more information out of respect for the family.

"We understand (this) tragedy is sure to raise many emotions, concerns and questions for our entire school community, especially our students," Mielke said in the letter.

Christ Our Savior became reunification space for families

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, which is across the street from Silver Spring Intermediate School, became a reunification space for families and students after the incident, according to the church's lead pastor, the Rev. Matthew Rose. He said there were "a number of counselors" at the church, including school counselors from Templeton Middle School and crisis counselors from Waukesha County.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rose said that when he arrived at the church Thursday, he saw police officers and buses "all over at the school." He said he visited with some parents who were in the parking lot wondering what was going on.

"I didn't know. No one knew. It was within 15 minutes of when it happened," Rose said.

After visiting with the parents, Rose went into the church, shortly before two busloads of students arrived. While he didn't know the exact number, Rose estimated there were about 40 to 50 elementary school students on each bus. The students spent the day at the church.

"We created a safe spot for them to be and figure out what was going on and take care of them," Rose said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rose said he did not learn the full details of what happened until the last child left the church at about 2 p.m.

"I wanted to be able to meet the kids where they were at because they didn't have all the information. To not know the information was good so we could take care of them the way they needed to be taken care of," he said.

Rose said most of the students knew something had happened but did not know specifics or what the meaning of it was and did not know how to process what was happening.

"The questions of 'do we get to go back to school today?' an adult would try to answer," Rose said. "We would find out a half-hour later that answer wasn't right, so we tried to sit with the questions of 'you don't know, and we don't know, so we're going to be in this together.' That was the space we tried to provide."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rose said there was worry consistently throughout the day at the church from parents who came to pick up their children. He said at the beginning, there was worry about a possible school shooting because of the large police presence at the school and not knowing what was going on. It was less than three weeks ago that a shooter opened fire at a private Christian school in Madison.

"It (the mood) wasn't angry. It wasn't frustrated. They just all cared, and they wanted to see their kids," Rose said.

Rose said Thursday's accident has been hitting the community hard," saying the church received "a number of phone calls and emails," along with people stopping by.

That sense of pain is just very real in the community, Rose said.

Candlelight vigil planned for Friday night

The church, N59 W22476 Silver Spring Drive, Sussex, will host a vigil at 7 p.m. tonight. Rose organized the vigil with other faith leaders that are a part of the Cooperating Churches of Sussex, a collaboration of multidenominational churches.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The hope is that people wont feel alone in the midst of this. For those of us with faith, we know that we have God with us, and part of that is having the community around us, as we see God reflected around us as well," Rose said. "So to be able to come together in a space where no one needs to feel alone in this moment so that we can acknowledge that this is broken and that this isnt OK, but as a community, God walks with us, that we can walk together and that we can find that first step of what recovery for this community looks like.

The candlelight vigil will include Bible readings, prayers led by representatives from several churches and prayers from the community. People will have the opportunity to write their prayers on cards to be read aloud, according to Rose.

Help from the community

Kelly Katona established a meal train to help the family. But according to a post on the Merton Schools PTO Facebook page Friday, monetary donations were being requested, saying there were no meals needed at this time.

By Friday evening, the website had raised over $43,000, well above the $5,000 goal that had been set.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Unity Lutheran Church's Christ the King campus, 4600 Pilgrim Road, Brookfield, invites parents and their children to gather there from 3 to 5 p.m. today. Staff and childcare will be on hand, and there will be centers for coloring and making banners of support, snuggling or just playing, along with opportunities for parents and children to talk. Juice and snacks will also be available, according to a Facebook post from the church.

Sheriff's department is investigating; few details have been released

The Wisconsin State Patrol and city of Pewaukee Fire Department assisted the sheriff's department at the scene Thursday morning; the bus driver is "cooperating fully," according to the sheriff's department's news release.

Dairyland-Hamilton Bus Co., the company used for busing children in the district, did not respond to questions about the incident but emailed a statement to the Journal Sentinel on Friday.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the students family, friends, and the Hamilton School community. Dairyland-Hamilton is fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate this tragic accident, and we are in ongoing communication with our District partners," the statement said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the company's website, Dairyland-Hamilton drivers receive annual training that includes classroom learning and behind-the-wheel instruction.

"The Wisconsin Department of Transportations Division of State Patrol conducts annual, spot check and presale inspections on school buses that operate in the state and maintains records of recent inspections," according to an email from the DOT. "Additionally, DOT maintains a crash records database for the state of Wisconsin." Information about Dairyland-Hamilton's record was not immediately available.

Parents of the school community shared their sadness for the family of the child who died in Facebook posts after the incident. Others said the incident could have been prevented if the district and bus company had listened to parents' frustrations over the current busing process, which requires some students to transfer to a second bus. A representative of the Hamilton School District did not respond to a call or email from a reporter regarding the bus transfer protocol.

Later Thursday, the scene at Silver Spring Intermediate School was quiet. Just before 6 p.m., there was no memorial set up, and no crowds. Cars in the parking lot appeared to be parents picking up their children from after-school activities. Silver Spring Intermediate is close to both Hamilton High School and Templeton Middle School and less than 2 miles from Willow Springs Learning Center.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Hamilton School District serves much of north-central Waukesha County, including Butler, Lannon, Sussex, Lisbon, Menomonee Falls and Pewaukee. It has eight schools: Willow Springs Learning Center; Woodside, Marcy, Maple Avenue and Lannon elementary schools; Templeton Middle School; Silver Spring Intermediate School and Hamilton High School.

Drake Bentley contributed to this report.

Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @AlecJohnson12.

Contact reporter Bridget Fogarty at bfogarty@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sussex church to host vigil for Hamilton School District student killed by bus
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Three Virgin Australia [IPO-VIR.AX] staff are not being detained by Fijian police investigating an alleged sexual assault and theft during a layover, said the Fiji government, but added they had been advised by their headquarters to stay in their hotel.

The Fiji government said in a statement that international media reports that the crew are being detained were incorrect.

"The crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated at a local hotel which is the nominated crew accommodation for layovers," said the statement by Fijian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The three crew members were also advised by their Headquarters to remain within the hotel vicinity to ensure contactability and assist with police investigations; they should return home before the end of this week."

Virgin declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

The Fiji government has said police are investigating separate incidents involving the Virgin crew in the city of Nadi in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The Virgin employees were a male and a female, the Australian Broadcasting Corp reported, adding the female was the victim of an alleged sexual assault and the male was the victim of an alleged theft outside a nightclub they had attended.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Virgin flew out additional staff to crew the return aircraft flight instead of the staff involved in the alleged incidents manning the plane, Australian media reported.

The ABC named the nightclub near where the alleged incidents took place as Bar One, which did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Friday. Fiji Police also did not respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Michael Perry)
Russian President Boris Yeltsin officially resigned on Dec. 31, 1999, anointing Vladimir Putin, then prime minister, as his successor.

Partially due to his hardline stance against terrorism and the successful conduct of the Second Chechen War, Putin won the March 26, 2000 presidential elections. He has held on to power ever since.

Putin's rise to power was marked by apartment bombings and a brutal war in Chechnya, while his first term as president saw him crushing the opposition, taking hold of nationwide TV outlets, and allowing the illicit enrichment of his allies and friends.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Read also: From Bucha to Kursk: 1,000 days of Russias full-scale war (Photos)

Putin's second term in office saw terrorist attacks on Russian soil and the killings of prominent opposition figures.

Putin's third, fourth, and fifth terms as Russia's president were marked by Russia's war against Ukraine and the descent of his country into totalitarianism.

This photo story lists 25 major events that define Putin's 25-year-long rule over Russia.

Sign up for our newsletter

WTF is wrong with Russia?

Sign up

1999-2000 Battle of Grozny

In the summer of 1999, Chechen militias conducted a raid into neighboring Dagestan, effectively launching the Second Chechen War. Three days later, Putin was appointed as the country's prime minister and de facto Yeltsin's successor.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before being appointed acting president and immediately after, Putin oversaw the bombing and ground assault on Grozny, the capital of the Chechen Republic.

According to Amnesty International, 25,000 civilians were killed in Chechnya during the Second Chechen War, while the city of Grozny was said to be the most bombarded and destroyed city in Europe at that time. Russia installed a Chechen government headed first by Akhmat Kadyrov and then by his son Ramzan, who established an oppressive regional dictatorship infamous for torturing and executing those seen as unreliable.

Russian soldiers roll through the bombed city of Grozny, Russia, after intense fighting in the Second Chechen War on Feb. 15, 2000. (Antoine Gyori / Sygma via Getty Images)

The last of the Chechen civilians flee the town, taking their belongings with them from Grozny, Russia on Feb. 15, 2000. (Antoine Gyori / Sygma via Getty Images)

Then-acting Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with a Russian officer as he presents an ornamental hunting knife during an awarding ceremony in Gudermes, Russia, 30 kilometers east of Grozny, on Jan. 1, 2000. (AP Pool / AFP via Getty Images)

2000 Kursk submarine

On Aug. 12, 2000, Russia's Kursk submarine sank in the Barents Sea, with all 118 personnel on board being killed. Putin faced criticism for failing to pay attention to the disaster initially and for the authorities' incompetence and mishandling of the botched rescue efforts.

Putin's interview with U.S. TV anchor Larry King summed up the president's response. When asked by King what happened to Kursk, Putin responded "it sank" with a smile.

The wreck of the Russian submarine Kursk (K-141) is seen in a floating dock at Roslyakovo, Russia, on an unknown date. The nuclear-powered submarine sank when a torpedo exploded on board during naval exercises in the Barents Sea off northwestern Russia on Aug. 12, 2000, killing all 118 personnel on board. (Reddit)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A Russian boy stands by portraits of victims of the Kursk submarine disaster in their barracks during a first-anniversary memorial ceremony at the Kursks home base of Vidyayevo, Murmansk Oblast, Russia, on Aug. 12, 2001. (Sergey Karpukhin / AFP via Getty Images)

In September 2000, just months after his inauguration, Vladimir Putin was in a New York studio across from legendary TV anchor Larry King. When asked, "What happened with the submarine?" about the Kursk disaster that killed all 118 crew members, Putin responds with a smile, "It sank." (Screenshot / Social Media)

2000 Putin's takeover of NTV channel

On July 20, 2000, the Russian authorities struck a deal to acquire NTV, the largest TV channel independent from the Kremlin, from billionaire Vladimir Gusinsky in exchange for dropping a criminal case against him.

In the early 2000s, criticism of the Kremlin was eliminated on NTV, with Putin later destroying all independent media in the country.

Director Victor Shenderovich poses with life-size puppets of Russian political leaders on the set of the popular satirical television show "Kukly" (Puppets) in Moscow, Russia, on June 29, 2000. "Kukly" mocks the Russian political scene on the independent channel NTV. (Oleg Nikishin / Newsmakers)

Atmosphere in one of the newsrooms in Moscow, Russia, on April 4, 2001. Journalists who work for NTV go on strike to protest against the acquisition of the TV channel by Gazprom. (Antoine Gyori / Sygma via Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Protesters cheer in support of the independent Russian NTV television station during a rally in Moscow, Russia, on April 7, 2001. Thousands of people gathered in the rain to show their support for Russia's only national independent television station in its fight against new owners. (Oleg Nikishin / Newsmakers)

2002 Nord Ost

On Oct. 23, 2002, Chechen terrorists took 912 hostages at Moscow's Dubrovka theater. A total of 132 hostages and 40 terrorists were killed. Most of the hostages died due to poison gas used by Russian security forces.

Russian Special Forces remove bodies from a besieged theater where Chechen guerrillas were holding hundreds captive in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 26, 2002. More than 100 captives died from an unspecified gas the special forces used to knock out the attackers before storming the building. (Anton Denisov / Itar Tass / Getty Images)

Relatives of hostages held by Chechen rebels in a Moscow theater hold banners reading "Stop the war in Chechnya" and "Do everything to save our children" during a demonstration in front of St. Basil's Cathedral near Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 25, 2002. (Kommersant / Getty Images)

Kristina Kurbatova's mother (CL) is comforted during the funeral of her 14-year-old daughter in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 30, 2002. Kristina was a member of the cast of the Nord-Ost show and one of 118 hostages killed during the storming of the theater captured by Chechen rebels. She died later at a hospital. (Alexander Nemenov / AFP via Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Russian soldiers stand in front of a theater where hundreds of hostages were held by Chechen rebels in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 26, 2002. (Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images)

2003 Khodorkovsky's arrest

On Oct. 25, 2003, Russian billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a political opponent of Putin, was arrested by Russian law enforcement officers.

The move was the beginning of a more authoritarian stage in the evolution of Putin's regime. Later Khodorkovsky, the owner of oil company Yukos, and many of his subordinates and associates were jailed.

Khodorkovsky was pardoned, released from jail and forced to move abroad in 2013.

Imprisoned former head of Yukos oil company Mikhail Khodorkovsky stands in the defendant's box during his trial at a courthouse in Moscow, Russia, on July 15, 2004. Khodorkovsky is standing trial with a top associate, Platon Lebedev, whose arrest the previous July heralded the start of the so-called Yukos affair, widely seen as a political witch-hunt. (Tatyana Makeyeva / AFP via Getty Images)

Protesters hold pictures of former Yukos chief and Kremlin opposer Mikhail Khodorkovsky as they demonstrate against his arrest and imprisonment outside a courthouse in Moscow, Russia, on Dec. 22, 2003. A Moscow court is set to decide whether to extend Khodorkovsky's imprisonment for another three months. (Maxim Marmur / AFP via Getty Images)

2004 Beslan

On Sept. 1, 2004, Chechen terrorists took 1,000 hostages at a school in Beslan, North Ossetia. As a result, 334 hostages and 31 terrorists were killed.

The Kremlin used the Beslan hostage crisis as an excuse for a series of authoritarian reforms  including the cancelation of gubernatorial elections  that enabled Putin to further centralize and monopolize power.

This TV grab image taken from Russia's NTV channel on Sept. 7, 2004, shows a gunman walking as hostages sit in the gymnasium of the Beslan school in North Ossetia, Russia. Russia's NTV television aired a tape it said was made by the hostage takers, showing what appeared to be the first hours of the three-day-long crisis that ended in the deaths of 334 hostages and 31 hostage takers. (NTV / AFP via Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A soldier covers the roof as volunteers survey the area after special forces stormed the school seized by Chechen terrorists in Beslan, Russia, on Sept. 3, 2004. (Oleg Nikishin / Getty Images)

People try to identify their relatives among the bodies of victims of the Beslan hostage crisis in the yard of a morgue in Vladikavkaz, Russia, on Sept. 5, 2004.(Viktor Drachev / AFP via Getty Images)

A woman cries in the ruins of the school gymnasium in Beslan, North Ossetia, Russia, on Sept. 5, 2004. (Viktor Drachev / AFP via Getty Images)

2006 Politkovskaya's murder

Investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, a vehement critic of Putin's regime and that of Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, was shot dead in her building's elevator on Putin's birthday on Oct. 7, 2006.

Several Chechens have been convicted as perpetrators of the murder but the organizers have not been identified.

Independent Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, a highly respected and tireless investigative reporter and author, is pictured at work in this undated file photo. Politkovskaya, who was murdered on Oct. 7, 2006, devoted much of her career to exposing human rights abuses and other atrocities of the war in Chechnya, as well as the plight of Chechen refugees. (Novaya Gazeta / Epsilon / Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Mourners place flowers on the grave of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya at Troekurovskoe Cemetery in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 10, 2006. Politkovskaya was shot four times in the elevator of her apartment building. (Fyodor Savintsev / Epsilon / Getty Images)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Green Vault in Dresden, Germany, on Oct. 10, 2006. Putin said the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya "must not go unpunished," as he sought to deflect growing criticism of his commitment to press freedom and human rights. (Jose Giribas / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

2006 Litvinenko's murder

Former Russian intelligence officer Alexander Litvinenko, who accused Putin of orchestrating the 1999 Moscow apartment bombings, was poisoned in the U.K. on Nov. 1, 2006 with polonium-210, a radioactive element.

The British police charged Andrei Lugovoi, a former KGB officer and current pro-Kremlin lawmaker, and businessman Dmitry Kovtun with murdering Litvinenko.

In 2016, a British court concluded that Putin and Nikolai Patrushev, the former head of Russias Federal Security Service (FSB), probably ordered Litvinenkos assassination.

Alexander Litvinenko is pictured in the Intensive Care Unit of University College Hospital in London, U.K., on Nov. 20, 2006, in this image made available on Nov. 25, 2006. The 43-year-old former KGB spy, who died on Nov. 23, 2006, accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of poisoning him. Litvinenko died after radioactive polonium-210 was found in his body. Russia's foreign intelligence service denied any involvement in the case. (Natasja Weitsz / Getty Images)

2008 Georgia war

As Putin reached his term limit, he picked his ally Dmitry Medvedev to take over the presidency. Under Putin and Medvedev, Russia invaded Georgia on Aug. 1, 2008 following deteriorating relations with pro-Western Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A ceasefire was concluded on Aug. 12 but Russian troops still occupy Georgia's Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions, which account for over 20% of Georgia's territory.

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili addresses the nation from the president's office in Tbilisi, Georgia, on April 29, 2008, in this TV grab from Georgian Rustavi-2 channel. Saakashvili called on all the peoples of Georgia  Georgians, Abkhazians, and Ossetians  to unite into one nation and resist the influence of what he called "black" forces, a likely reference to Russia. (Rustavi-2 / AFP via Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A convoy of Russian troops moves through the mountains toward Georgian troops in the South Ossetian village of Dzhaba, Georgia, on Aug. 9, 2008. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili declared a "state of war" as his troops clashed with Russian forces over the breakaway province of South Ossetia. (Dmitry Kostyukov / AFP via Getty Images)

Firefighters attempt to extinguish fires in an apartment building after the area was bombed by Russian jets in Gori, Georgia, on Aug. 9, 2008. After declaring a ceasefire, Georgian forces withdrew from South Ossetia, leaving Russian forces in control of the region. (Cliff Volpe / Getty Images)

Georgian women watch a convoy of Russian armored vehicles escorted by Georgian police on the road from the flashpoint city of Gori to Tbilisi, near the village of Savsvebi, Georgia, on Aug. 15, 2008. (Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP via Getty Images)

2011-2013 protests

In 2011-2013, tens of thousands of Russians protested against rigged parliamentary and presidential elections and Putin's increasing authoritarianism. These protests  led by Alexei Navalny, Boris Nemtsov, Ilya Yashin and others  were the largest opposition rallies in Russia since the 1990s.

The protests didn't achieve the intended results. Nemtsov was killed in 2015 near the Kremlin, Navalny was killed in prison in 2024, and Yashin was imprisoned and later released as part of the 2024 East-West prisoner swap.

Demonstrators gather on Bolotnaya Square in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 4, 2012. Protesters gathered during temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius exactly one month before the presidential election to oppose Vladimir Putin's bid to return to the Kremlin for an unprecedented third term as president. (Harry Engels / Getty Images)

Opposition leaders Boris Nemtsov (L) and Alexei Navalny attend a 'March of Millions' protest rally against Vladimir Putin's return in Moscow, Russia, on May 6, 2012. More than 250 people, including opposition leaders, were arrested. (Oleg Nikishin / Epsilon / Getty Images)

Russian police detain opposition supporters during a 'March of Millions' protest rally against Vladimir Putin's return in Moscow, Russia, on May 6, 2012. More than 250 people, including opposition leaders, were arrested. (Oleg Nikishin / Epsilon / Getty Images)

2014 annexation of Crimea

Following the EuroMaidan Revolution in Ukraine and the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, Russian troops invaded Ukraine, effectively beginning the Russo-Ukrainian War, now in its 11th year.

Russian troops invaded Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula on Feb. 27, 2014. Later, Russia held a sham referendum and illegally annexed Crimea on March 18. It occupies the peninsula to this day.

Ukrainian activists rally in front of the Crimean parliament in Simferopol, Ukraine, on Feb. 26, 2014. (Vasiliy Batanov / AFP via Getty Images)

Russian soldiers, wearing no identifying insignia, patrol Simferopol International Airport after a Russia-backed crowd gathered near Simferopol, Ukraine, on Feb. 28, 2014. (Sean Gallup / Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a celebratory rally at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on March 18, 2014, following the Russian annexation of Crimea, Ukraine. (Sasha Mordovets / Getty Images)

2014 invasion of Donbas

On April 12, 2014, fighters led by former Russian intelligence officer Igor Girkin captured the city of Sloviansk in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast.

Later Russian proxies seized a number of other cities in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts with active support from Russian troops that shelled Ukraine from across the border.

In August 2014, Russian regular troops launched a ground invasion of Ukraine's east, forcing Kyiv to sign the first Minsk Agreement on Sept. 5.

Portraits and uniforms of Ukrainian prosecutors burn outside the local Prosecutor's Office as Russia-backed militants attempt to capture the city and other parts of Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on May 1, 2014. (Alexander Khudoteply / AFP via Getty Images)

Russian proxies rip apart a Ukrainian flag outside a regional state building in Donetsk, Ukraine, on May 29, 2014. (Viktor Drachev / AFP via Getty Images)

2014 MH17

On July 17, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down by Russian forces over Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast, with all 298 people on board being killed.

A Dutch court has established that the plane was downed by a Russian Buk surface-to-air missile. Two Russians and one Ukrainian proxy working for Russia were convicted for the murder in absentia in 2022.

Debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 smolders in a field in Hrabove, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on July 17, 2014. (Pierre Crom / Getty Images)

Members of the Ukrainian State Emergency Service search for bodies in a field near the crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 near the village of Hrabove, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on July 26, 2014. (Bulent Kilic / AFP via Getty Images)

Lawyers attend the judges' inspection of the reconstruction of the MH17 wreckage as part of the murder trial, ahead of the beginning of a critical stage, in Reijen, Netherlands, on May 26, 2021. (Piroschka van de Wouw / Pool / Getty Images)

2015 Nemtsov's murder

Opposition politician Boris Nemtsov was shot dead in front of the Kremlin on Feb. 27, 2015.

Nemtsov was a critic of both Putin and the Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov. A Russian court has convicted Zaur Dadayev, ex-top commander of Kadyrovs Sever (North) police battalion, and several other Chechen fighters as part of the Nemstov murder case.

The identity of the person who ordered the assassination was not disclosed.

Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov in Moscow, Russia, on March 29, 2010. (Dmitry Korotayev / Epsilon / Getty Images)

A tribute to Boris Nemtsov, who was murdered on Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge near the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 27, 2015. (Richard Radford / Getty Images)

2015 intervention in Syria

On Sept. 30, 2015, Russia launched its military intervention in Syria to prop up the regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad. Russian troops actively conducted air raids against the opposition and terrorists from the Islamic State.

Russia was able to keep al-Assad in power until December 2024, when his regime collapsed following an offensive by the country's opposition.

Smoke rises after Russian warplanes strike the opposition-controlled town of Daret Ezza near Aleppo, Syria, on Oct. 13, 2015. (Mamun Abu Omer / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

People gather around the rubble of a hospital supported by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) near Maaret al-Numan in Idlib Province, Syria, on Feb. 15, 2016, after suspected Russian airstrikes. MSF confirmed the hospital was "destroyed in airstrikes." (Ghaith Omran / Al-Maarra Today / AFP via Getty Images)

Several hundred people gather near the Russian embassy in Damascus, Syria, on Oct. 13, 2015, holding up portraits of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin to express support for Moscow's air campaign in Syria. Two missiles struck the embassy compound during the demonstration, sparking panic among the crowd. (Louai Beshara / AFP via Getty Images)

2018 Skripal poisoning

Former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia survived after being poisoned on March 4, 2018 in Salisbury, U.K., with Novichok, a nerve agent produced by the Russian government.

Dawn Sturgess, a British citizen, accidentally came into contact with the poison and died as a result. The British authorities identified Russian military intelligence agents using the passports of Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Bashirov as suspects in the murder case.

Sergei Skripal (R), 66, and his daughter Yulia (L), 33, are seen in an undated photo. The two were found ill in Salisbury, U.K., in March 2018 after being poisoned with a nerve agent. (Social media)

Military personnel in protective suits cover two ambulances with tarpaulin before removing them from Salisbury ambulance station in Salisbury, England, on March 10, 2018. Sergei Skripal was granted refuge in the U.K. following a 2010 'spy swap' between the United States and Russia. (Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images)

2020 constitutional amendments

From June 25 to July 1, 2020, Russia held a rigged vote on constitutional amendments that eliminated limits on Putin's presidential terms, effectively making him dictator for life.

According to Russian-born election expert Alexander Kireyev, the vote was the most falsified one in Russian history up to that point. Based on a mathematical analysis of official data, he estimated the number of rigged votes to be 20 million.

The 2020 vote was surpassed by the 2024 presidential election, in which between 22 million and 31.6 million votes were rigged, according to election analysts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin enters the hall during a meeting with a group discussing amendments to the Constitution at the Novo-Ogaryovo State residence outside Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 13, 2020. A constitutional referendum was scheduled to take place in Russia by April 2020. (Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images)

A voter casts a ballot at a polling station in Moscow, Russia, on June 30, 2020. Approval in the vote concluding on July 1 will allow Vladimir Putin to seek two more six-year terms after his current one ends in 2024, potentially staying in power until 2036, when he would be 83. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

2020-2021 poisoning and imprisonment of Navalny

On Aug. 20, 2020, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned while traveling across Russia. After days of protest by his friends and family, he was flown for treatment to Germany while in a coma.

German doctors, as well as several independent labs in Europe, said that he had been poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent  a chemical weapon produced by the Russian government.

A joint investigation by The Insider, Bellingcat, CNN, and Der Spiegel revealed that Navalny had been poisoned by agents of Russias Federal Security Service.

Despite the poisoning, Navalny decided to return to Russia on Jan. 17, 2021 and was jailed upon arrival on trumped-up charges.

German army emergency personnel load a portable isolation unit into their ambulance after transporting Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny to Charite Hospital in Berlin, Germany, on Aug. 22, 2020. Navalny arrived in Germany for treatment following a government-sponsored poisoning. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny sits upright in a hospital bed, wearing a gown, as he is hugged by his wife Yulia and flanked by his two children, in a photo posted on Navalny's Instagram account from Berlin, Germany, on Sept. 15, 2020. Navalny shared the image from Berlin's Charite hospital, where he was being treated after being poisoned with a nerve agent. (Instagram)

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny appears on a screen via video link from Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina detention center during a court hearing of an appeal against his arrest, in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow, Russia, on Jan. 28, 2021. Navalny, 44, was detained on Jan. 17 after returning from Germany, where he recovered from a near-fatal poisoning, and was later jailed for 30 days for violating a suspended sentence from 2014. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images)

2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine

On Feb. 24, 2022, Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which became the deadliest war in Europe since World War II.

Russia's war against Ukraine led to hundreds of thousands of people being killed and even more injured.

In their initial push, Russian troops failed to take Kyiv, eventually pulling out of some of the occupied territories. After Russian troops withdrew, atrocious war crimes were uncovered by Ukrainian and international law enforcement.

The Bucha Massacre, mass graves in the liberated part of Kharkiv Oblast, torture chambers in Kherson, executions, and rape of the civilian population across Ukraine's north, east, and south was what Russia left behind.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his address to the nation at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 21, 2022. (Alexey Nikolsky/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

Inhabitants of Kyiv leave the city following first missile strikes by the Russian Armed Forces against Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 24, 2022. (Pierre Crom/Getty Images)

Russian forces shot at a residential building during the siege of Mariupol, Donetsk Oblast. (Facebook)

People cross a destroyed bridge as they evacuate the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, during heavy shelling and bombing, 10 days after Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, on March 5, 2022. (Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images)

(Graphic content) Bodies of civilians lie on Yablunska Street in Bucha, northwest of Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 2, 2022, after the Russian army withdrew from the city. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)

2022 first mobilization in Russia since World War II

On Sept. 21, 2022, Putin launched the first mobilization of conscripts in Russia since World War II.

The decision followed Russia's rapid withdrawal from parts of Kharkiv Oblast due to a lack of manpower. The mobilization was completed on Oct. 28 but Putin's mobilization decree is still in force, allowing him to keep those already drafted on the front line in Ukraine.

More than 200,000 people reported for service under partial mobilization in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 4, 2022. (Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

2023 ICC arrest warrant for Putin

On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian official overseeing the forced deportations of Ukrainian children to Russia.

Over 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia from the occupied parts of Ukraine.

This warrant is the first attempt to bring Putin to justice.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) meets with Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova outside Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 16, 2023. (Mikhail Metzel/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images)

2023 Prigozhin's rebellion and death

Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, launched a rebellion against Putin on June 23, 2023.

Several thousand Wagner mercenaries took over the city of Rostov-on-Don and marched northwest toward Moscow. Short of reaching Moscow, Prigozhin concluded a deal with Putin on June 24 and halted the mutiny.

Two months later  on Aug. 23  a private jet with Prigozhin on board crashed not far from Moscow, killing him and his associates. Independent analysts point to Putin as the most likely organizer of Prigozhins killing.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, leaves the Southern Military District headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023. (Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

A view of the site after a private jet, allegedly carrying Wagner mercenary group head Yevgeny Prigozhin and other passengers, crashed in Tver Oblast, Russia, on Aug. 23, 2023. (Wagner Telegram Account/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

2024 Navalny's death

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on Feb. 16, 2024 at the Polar Wolf penal colony in the town of Kharp, Yamal Nenets Autonomous District.

Independent experts and Western politicians say that Putin is personally responsible for Navalny's death. Some argue that Navalny was killed intentionally, while others believe he died due to harsh conditions and a lack of medical treatment.

A view of a spontaneous memorial in memory of the deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, organized at the monument to victims of political repression on Voskresenskaya Embankment, St. Petersburg, Russia on Feb. 16, 2024. (Artem Priakhin/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with workers at the AO Konar plant in Chelyabinsk, Russia, on Feb. 16, 2024, a few minutes after his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that President Putin had been informed about Alexey Navalny's death. (Contributor/Getty Images)

(L) Zahar Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya, Maria Pevchikh, Odessa Rae, and Dasha Navalnaya attend the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, on March 12, 2023, less than a month after Alexei Navalny death. (Cindy Ord/VF23/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

2024 Crocus Hall terrorist attack

On March 22, 2024, a group of terrorists attacked the Crocus City Hall, a concert venue in the Moscow suburb of Krasnogorsk, shooting people and setting the hall on fire.

At least 145 people were killed, making it the deadliest terrorist attack in Russia since 2004. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the shooting.

A photo alleging to show the Crocus City Hall on fire in Moscow, Russia, on March 22, 2024. (Stringer/AFP/Getty Images)

People light candles in honor of the victims of the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk, Russia, on March 23, 2024. (Contributor/Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin lights a candle to commemorate those killed in the Crocus City Hall concert hall terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia, on March 24, 2024. (Mikhail Metzel/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

2024 First invasion of Russian territory since World War II (Kursk operation)

Following setbacks on the eastern front, Ukrainian troops entered Russia's Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6, 2024  the first major invasion of Russian territory since World War II.

Ukraine still controls part of the region's territory.

Ukrainian servicemen operate an armored military vehicle on a road near the border with Russia, in the Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, on Aug. 14, 2024. The Ukrainian army entered Russia's Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6, capturing dozens of settlements in the biggest offensive by a foreign army on Russian soil since World War II. (Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images)

A damaged statue of former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin stands in front of a building damaged during Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast in Sudzha, Kursk Oblast, on Aug. 16, 2024. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

A Ukrainian drone unit commander with the call sign Boxer (R) stands in front of Ukrainian vehicles parked at a Ukrainian military position and former Russian military position in the Ukrainian-controlled territory of Sudzha, Kursk Oblast, Russia, on Aug. 18, 2024. (Ed Ram/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

A Ukrainian military vehicle drives from the direction of the border with Russia carrying blindfolded men in Russian military uniforms, in the Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, on Aug. 13, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images)

Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with military chiefs in Moscow, Russia, on Nov. 22, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov/POOL/AFP/Getty Images)

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In Damascus, the streets were buzzing with excitement earlier this week as Syrians welcomed in a new year that seemed to many to bring a promise of a brighter future after the unexpected fall of Bashar Assads government weeks earlier.

While Syrians in the capital looked forward to a new beginning after the ousting of Assad, the mood was more somber along Beiruts Mediterranean promenade, where residents shared cautious hopes for the new year, reflecting on a country still reeling from war and ongoing crises.

War-weary Palestinians in Gaza who lost their homes and loved ones in 2024 saw little hope that 2025 would bring an end to their suffering.

The last year was a dramatic one in the Middle East, bringing calamity to some and hope to others. Across the region, it felt foolish to many to attempt to predict what the next year might bring.

In Damascus, Abir Homsi said she is optimistic about a future for her country that would include peace, security and freedom of expression and would bring Syrian communities previously divided by battle lines back together.

We will return to how we once were, when people loved each other, celebrated together whether it is Ramadan or Christmas or any other holiday  no restricted areas for anyone, she said.

But for many, the new year and new reality carried with it reminders of the painful years that came before.

Abdulrahman al-Habib, from the eastern Syrian city of Deir el-Zour, had come to Damascus in hopes of finding relatives who disappeared after being arrested under Assads rule. He was at the capitals Marjeh Square, where relatives of the missing have taken to posting photos of their loved ones in search of any clue to their whereabouts.

We hope that in the new year, our status will be better  and peace will prevail in the whole Arab world, he said.

In Lebanon, a tenuous ceasefire brought a halt to fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group a little over a month ago. The country battered by years of economic collapse, political instability and a series of calamities since 2019, continues to grapple with uncertainty, but the truce has brought at least a temporary return to normal life.

Some families flocked to the Mzaar Ski Resort in the mountains northeast of Beirut on Tuesday to enjoy the day in the snow even though the resort had not officially opened.

What happened and whats still happening in the region, especially in Lebanon recently, has been very painful, said Youssef Haddad, who came to ski with his family. We have great hope that everything will get better.

On Beiruts seaside corniche, Mohammad Mohammad from the village of Marwahin in southern Lebanon was strolling with his three children.

I hope peace and love prevail next year, but it feels like more (challenges) await us, he said.

Mohammad was among the tens of thousands displaced during more than a year of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Now living in Jadra, a town that was also bombarded during the conflict, he awaits the end of a 60-day period, after which the Israeli army is required to withdraw under the conditions of a French and U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

Our village was completely destroyed, Mohammad said. His family would spend a quiet evening at home, he said. This year was very hard on us. I hope 2025 is better than all the years that passed.

In Gaza, where the war between Hamas and Israel has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians, brought massive destruction and displaced most of the enclaves population, few saw cause for optimism in the new year.

The year 2024 was one of the worst years for all Palestinian people. It was a year of hunger, displacement, suffering and poverty, said Nour Abu Obaid, a displaced woman from northern Gaza.

Obaid, whose 10-year-old child was killed in a strike in the so-called humanitarian zone in Muwasi, said she didnt expect anything good in 2025. The world is dead, she said. We do not expect anything, we expect the worst.

The war was sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in which militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted some 250 others.

Ismail Salih, who lost his home and livelihood, expressed hopes for an end to the war in 2025 so that Gazas people can start rebuilding their lives.

The year that passed was all war and all destruction, he said. Our homes are gone, our trees are gone, our livelihood is lost.

In the coming year, Salih said he hopes that Palestinians can live like the rest of the people of the world, in security, reassurance and peace. GHAITH ALSAYED, WAFAA SHURAFA & LUJAIN JO, DAMASCUS, MDT/AP
SCOTT COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  A suspect has been indicted in relation to the November fire that destroyed Stateline Tire in Scott County, Virginia.

According to a Virginia State Police (VSP) spokesperson, a grand jury has indicted Tristan Sexton, 24, of Gate City, with one count of arson.

PREVIOUS: Weber City VFD responds to Stateline Tire fire

Firefighters responded to the blaze on Highway 23 early on the morning of Nov. 4. It reignited the next morning, prompting further response.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition to destroying Stateline Tire, the fire also led to officials warning people and businesses in the area to stay inside and turn off their HVAC units.

The VSP told News Channel 11 that as of Thursday, Sexton was being held in the Hawkins County Jail on other charges from 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
As four helicopters left an undisclosed Israeli airbase in the dead of night on September 8, the 100 elite commandos onboard braced themselves for a mission that would etch itself into the annals of Israeli military history.

Their destination was a mountain in the Masyaf area in western Syria, roughly 125 miles from Israels northern border.

The choppers carrying the troops from the Shaldag special forces unit flew at an unusually low altitude over the Mediterranean to evade the Assad regimes air defences and radars as they crossed over Lebanon and into Syria.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the same time, Israeli warplanes, navy missile ships and drones launched a major wave of strikes at the target  an Iranian missile manufacturing site cut into a large mountain.

As the elite troops landed on Syrian soil, the sounds and sparks of gunfire and explosions surrounded the troops.

They killed some 30 Syrian soldiers and guards before storming the underground facility which had been under Israeli intelligences watchful gaze since 2017.

Codenamed Deep Layer by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the compound sits 70-130 metres underground and is almost impossible to destroy from the air.

IDF | X/@ConflictDISP

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

It was a flagship project for Irans efforts to arm Hezbollah on Israels northern border, according to the IDF, which revealed the first footage of the operation on Thursday night.

At the time, Israel had not yet invaded southern Lebanon but was conducting airstrikes against Hezbollah as well as Iranian targets in Syria.

The horse-shoe-shaped facility included advanced assembly lines designed to manufacture hundreds of precision-guided and long-range missiles and short-range rockets every year.

It was not yet complete at the time of the raid, but was in the final stages of being declared operational by Tehran, the IDF said. The first missiles had been manufactured and rocket engines were already being mass-produced.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

After clearing the facility for any threats, the soldiers embarked on a two-fold mission: gathering intelligence and then destroying the site.

The troops systematically searched the huge compound, with its towering and thick cement walls, using explosions and forklifts already inside the facility to destroy its heavy doors.

Bodycam footage from the elite commandos, navigating through the labyrinthine corridors, showed cars, machines producing parts for the missiles, troves of documents, missile engines and planetary mixers.

After gathering all intelligence possible, the commandos rigged up 300kg of explosives ready to be remotely detonated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As soon as the troops reached the waiting helicopters, the bombs were set off.

The sound of a huge blast equivalent to a one-ton bomb ended the three-hour-long mission which saw Israel suffer no casualties.

The operation - which was seven years in the making  is considered one of the most complex in Israels history, with 21 fighter jets, 14 transportation planes, five drones and six helicopters taking part in the raid.

This was one of the most important preventive operations that we have taken against the efforts of the Iranian axis to arm itself in order to attack us; it attests to our boldness and determination to take action everywhere to defend ourselves, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, said as the mission was revealed on Thursday.

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.
Vice President Harris opened the Senate for the 119th Congress Friday afternoon, swearing in members as the GOP prepares to take control of the upper chamber.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is poised to take the reins as majority leader, after the Senate was flipped red during the 2024 elections. GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) announced in February that he would step down from his leadership post.

On the Democratic side, Sen. Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) will stay on as leader.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The swearing-in ceremony came as the House prepares for a contentious Speakership vote Friday.

The event was scheduled to begin at noon EST.

Watch the video above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre briefed reporters Friday as the House held its Speakership vote.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is fighting to keep his gavel as at least a dozen conservatives have been tight-lipped on whether they will support him. At least one lawmaker has already openly voiced his opposition for Johnson.

The briefing also came after the New Years Day attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas have left the U.S. reeling with fear of military extremism and potential political violence.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The attack in Louisiana left 15 dead, including the suspect  a former Army soldier from Texas  who drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. Law enforcement found a pro-ISIS flag in his vehicle and past social media posts that were sympathetic to the Islamic State. The man who died in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas was identified as an active service member.

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden are set to travel to New Orleans next week.

Biden also announced Friday that he will block the sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese-owned Nippon Steel following a yearlong review.

The event was scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m. EST.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Watch the video above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The first meteor shower of the year peaked Thursday into Friday morning, according to astronomers, but there is still plenty of time to catch a glimpse of it!

The Quadrantids peak during early January each year and are considered to be one of the best annual meteor showers, NASA says. Usually, 20 to 30 meteors travel per hour under clear, dark skies during its peak.

The peak visibility is much shorter than most meteor showers, lasting only a few hours compared to a typical two-day span.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Things to do in San Diego this weekend

Quadrantids are also known for their bright fireballs, according to NASA, which can last longer than an average meteor streak.

Although the Quadrantids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere, they can still be caught streaking across the sky during the nighttime and predawn hours in Southern California, away from bright city lights.

To catch a glimpse of the astronomical spectacle, NASA advises people to lie flat on their back with their feet facing northeast and let their eyes adapt to the darkness as they stare up at the sky.

In San Diego County, areas in the back country or desert are likely going to give people the best view of the meteor shower.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Heres your 2025 guide to the night sky and other celestial wow moments

Stargazers can find an interactive map of the shower that shows the best viewing times based on ones surrounding area on the website, TimeAndDate.com.

According to the American Meteor Society, the Quadrantids have been active since Dec. 26, 2024 and will continue until Jan. 16. The average weather conditions for January may make meteors difficult to see this time of year, NASA says.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 3FOSSTON, Minn.  Police detained an 11-year-old after a gun was located at the elementary school in Fosston, Minnesota.

According to a report from the Fosston Police Department, the incident occurred on Thursday, Jan. 2. Fosston is a town in northwest Minnesota, approximately 45 miles west of Bemidji and 70 miles east of Grand Forks.

When police arrived at the school, a weapon was located and seized and the male suspect was detained.

The release said the incident is under investigation.
Grieving relatives of the victims of the South Korea plane crash gathered at the site to pay respects to their loved ones on New Years Day, as officials said theyve extracted data from one of the retrieved black boxes to find the exact cause of the crash.

All but two of the 181 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air died when it crashed at Muan International Airport, in southern South Korea, on Sunday.

Video showed the aircraft without its landing gear deployed landing on its belly at high speed and then skidding off the end of the runaway into a concrete fence and bursting into flames. The footage showed the plane was experiencing an apparent engine problem in addition to the landing gear malfunction.

Investigators say the pilot received a warning from air traffic controllers of possible bird strikes and the plane issued a distress signal before the crash.

The Transport Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that it has completed works to extract data from the cockpit voice recorder  one of the two black boxes recovered from the wreckage. It said the data would be converted into audio files. A damaged flight data recorder will be sent to the United States for an analysis, the ministry added.

All of the victims were South Korean, except for two Thais nationals, with many returning from Bangkok after Christmas holidays.

The bereaved families visited the site on Wednesday for the first time since the crash for an emotional memorial service. They were bused to the site where they took turns laying white flowers. Many knelt and bowed deeply before a memorial table laid with food, including ddeokguk, a Korean rice cake soup eaten on New Years Day.

The Transport Ministry said authorities have completed the complicated process of identifying all 179 victims. It said the government has so far handed over 11 bodies to relatives.

The country is observing seven days of national mourning following the deadliest disaster in South Koreas aviation history in decades.

The government has begun safety inspections of all 101 Boeing 737-800s operated by the countrys domestic airlines. On Tuesday, a team of U.S. investigators, including representatives from Boeing, examined the crash site.

Officials have said they will consider whether the airports localizer  a set of antennas housed in a concrete fence at the end of the runway designed to guide aircraft during landings  should have been constructed with lighter materials that would break more easily upon impact. HYUNG-JIN KIM, SEOUL, MDT/AP
Governor Greg Gianforte rides in the morning parade during Crow Fair in Crow Agency on Aug. 19, 2023.

Well, that didnt take long.

President-elect Donald Trump wont even take office for another two weeks, but Montanas Gov. Greg Gianforte has already filed a lawsuit against the federal Department of Interior and the National Park Service over the newly-revised Interagency Bison Management Plan for Yellowstone National Park.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Gianforte, who is listed as a plaintiff, and his attorneys at the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Department of Livestock, Yellowstones managers and the Park Service havent addressed the states concerns over expanding the bison population from 3,000 as agreed to in the 25-year old management plan to more than 5,000 in the new 2024 version.

Among many other things, Gianforte also threatens to reduce the states slightly expanded tolerance zone for bison that roam outside Yellowstones boundaries in search of food when the snows get too deep in the park.

One of the supreme ironies here is the governors claim that a shortened public comment period didnt give the State sufficient time to respond to the draft management plan. Yet, the governors own agencies  and particularly the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks  have cut public review and comment periods down to a mere two weeks for most of their projects and plans.

So seems like its OK for Gianforte to exclude Montanas citizens from timely participation in the decisions of state government, but its not OK for the federal government to do that to the state. Whats good for the goose is apparently not good for the gander.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Likewise, although its known that the parks elk carry brucellosis and have transmitted it to cattle, there has never been a documented case of bison infecting cattle. Yet, while the elk have no such restrictions on their range, the bison are slaughtered by the thousands as soon as they step over the park boundary.

But heres the rub  what Gianforte has filed could be referred to as a form of friendly or collusive lawsuit in which one party sues not to engage in a court battle as adversaries, but to receive a favorable settlement or decision from the friendly defendants, perhaps without even going to trial.

In plain language, Gianforte, the Republican governor of red-state Montana isnt suing the outgoing Biden Democrat administration, hes suing the incoming Trump administration with the very viable expectation that they will look favorably on his concerns, dump the new plan, reduce the carrying capacity back down to 3,000 bison, and accede to each and every one of his demands, including that park bison be vaccinated against brucellosis.

Moreover, since Cam Sholly, the Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, is specifically named as a Defendant, its not a stretch to assume the suit is intended to have the incoming Trump administration decide its time for Superintendent Sholly to go.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The outcome will once again prioritize the states 2 million cattle over the future of the few thousand remaining wild bison. But what might one expect when Christy Clark, Gianfortes new Director of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, is a Choteau rancher who was formerly his Director of the Department of Agriculture? Toss in the fact that Lesley Robinson, the new Chairwoman of the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission, is also the President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association  and the future is anything but bright for the buffalo.

Unfortunately, this is unlikely to be that last of the friendly lawsuits between GOP-led states and the federal government. With Trump in the White House and his cronies running the Department of Justice and agencies, for red states wanting to gut federal regulations itll be like shooting bison wandering out of the park.
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4)  The couple found dead in their West Valley City home  and their adult son who was shot by police during the encounter  were publicly identified by police on Friday.

Kerry Bertelsen, 67, and Terri Bertelsen, 63, were identified as the male and female victims found dead in their home near 3330 W Enterado Avenue in West Valley City on Wednesday, Jan. 1.

PREVIOUS STORY: Police fatally shoot man suspected of killing parents in West Valley City home

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At approximately 5:12 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a 911 call from inside the residence. Police located the deceased couple and encountered Kerry and Terri Bertelsons adult son, fatally shooting him.

WVCPD identified the adult son as Erik Bertelsen, 35, and said he is the suspect in his parents homicides.

West Valley City police respond to a 911 call on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, locating the bodies of a male and a female who lived at the residence. (Credit: West Valley City Police Department) West Valley City police respond to a 911 call on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, locating the bodies of a male and a female who lived at the residence. (Credit: West Valley City Police Department) West Valley City police respond to a 911 call on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, locating the bodies of a male and a female who lived at the residence. (Credit: West Valley City Police Department) West Valley City police respond to a 911 call on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, locating the bodies of a male and a female who lived at the residence. (Credit: West Valley City Police Department)

Kerry, Terri and Erik Bertelsen all resided in the Enterado Avenue home. The details surrounding their deaths have not yet been released.

The officer-involved shooting that led to Erik Bertelsens death is currently being investigated by the Salt Lake County Officer Involved Critical Incident Protocol team. The alleged homicides are also under investigation at this time. West Valley City police said they currently do not have a motive for the killings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to court documents, Erik Bertelsen has a history of violent crime. He pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault in 2009, was found guilty of kidnapping in 2011, and was found guilty of attempted assault by a prisoner in 2012.

Most recently, documents say Erik Bertelsen was booked into jail for intoxication on Dec. 23 after he allegedly told an officer outside his home that he was on a lot of meth.

While Erik Bertelsen is currently being investigated as the suspect in his parents deaths, the investigation is still ongoing and authorities have not made any determinations of guilt.

Sorina Trauntvein contributed to this report.

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.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  Its been three months since Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, destroying numerous homes and businesses.

Life is slowly turning back to normal in Asheville, although the effects of the storm are long lasting.

Its obviously been a really challenging financial picture for a lot of businesses, said Devin Deholl, Co-Owner and Founder of Asheville Adventure Company. We had a really complicated problem in front of us when we lost so many locations. We thought, How could we possibly put this back together again?

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deholl operates several rock climbing gyms. He had three facilities open with two under construction at the time of the storm, but because of Helene only one facility is now open.

I think after the storm, everybody had to learn to adapt and put on a lot of different hats. My business partner and our general manager cleaned up the mud from the facility and did a huge amount of legwork to get everything out of there, said Deholl.

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners like Deholl said their livelihoods have been disrupted by the storm.

For me personally, I had to look at some work elsewhere just to continue to be able to keep the lights on at cultivate, said Deholl.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I think everyones pretty concerned about having difficult winter months, said Deholl. I think that Im also concerned about what happens to Asheville when the summer season comes back around.

Helene wiped away a large number of homes and businesses, but United Way Asheville and Buncombe County has spent the past three months helping the community see the light at the end of the tunnel.

To date we have raised over $5 million and weve distributed almost $2 million of that dollars to relief efforts and we have another $3 million that well be distributing for long term recovery efforts over the next year, said Dan Leroy, President and CEO of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County.

United Way Asheville and Buncombe County said the communitys greatest need right now is financial assistance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
If all political careers end in catastrophe, tech careers end in exclamation marks. When Sir Nick Clegg lost his Sheffield Hallam seat to Labour in the 2017 General Election, two years after he resigned as Lib Dem leader, he was sanguine.

In politics, he said as he conceded the result, you live by the sword and die by the sword. Dramatic phrasing for a Lib Dem, perhaps, but you knew what he meant. It had been a bruising night.

Now Cleggs time at Meta has come to an end, six years after he joined the firm. As a new year begins, I have come to the view that this is the right time for me to move on from my role as President, Global Affairs at Meta, he wrote in a post yesterday on  naturally  Facebook. It truly has been an adventure of a lifetime!

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Clegg will be replaced by his deputy, Joel Kaplan, a Republican, reflecting a move by tech companies to align themselves more closely with the incoming Trump administration before the president-elects inauguration on January 20. No matter that you sense Clegg might have come to the view in the same way a doomed sailor might have come to the view it was time to move on from the end of Blackbeards plank; his exit marks a respectable end to one of the more interesting recent post-political careers, a period that has expanded his horizons and made him stinking rich.

Silicon Valleys big tech companies seek to align themselves with the incoming Trump administration

So, what next for Sir Nick? He is only 57, hardly a great age for a man with two high-profile careers under his belt. Yet he might find his options surprisingly limited, so decisively has the mood turned against his view of the world.

In the normal course of things he would have his pick of other Silicon Valley postings. There are few higher profile tech-policy jobs than the one he has just done. He has been in post for a tumultuous time for Metas public relations, including during the 2016 Cambridge Analytica scandal, and was instrumental in setting up Facebooks independent Oversight Board, designed to handle content moderation issues. It was under Cleggs watch that Donald Trump was suspended from Metas platforms after the Capitol riots in 2021. More recently, Clegg has used his European experience  he speaks English, Dutch, French, German and Spanish  to help advocate for more favourable AI regulation.

Just as he did in his political career, in Silicon Valley Clegg urged engagement and compromise. Until November, he would have been an obvious choice for any other tech companies seeking to maintain reasonable governmental relations. That was before Donald Trumps landslide election victory, which turned Silicon Valley on its head. During Trumps first presidency, tech companies were more or less united against him, removing him from their platforms and siding with his Democratic opponents, to the point that Trump started his own platform, Truth Social. Cleggs boss, Mark Zuckerberg, was outspoken in his criticism of Trump, banning him from Facebook and Instagram and donating more than $400m towards election infrastructure through his charity. Trump responded in kind, threatening that Zuckerberg would spend the rest of his life in prison if he did anything illegal in the election.

Clegg was closely involved in the decision to ban Mr Trump from Facebook and Instagram in 2021 - AP

Things could not be more different this time around. As well as having Elon Musk as his number one cheerleader, Trump has other leading tech bosses, including Mark Andreessen and Peter Thiel, behind him. Zuckerberg has struck a conciliatory tone. After a failed assassination attempt on Trump earlier this year, which saw the then-presidential candidate urge his supporters to fight, the Meta founder and CEO said Trumps response was one of the most badass things he had ever seen. More recently, he has dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, congratulated him on his win and donated $1m to an inauguration fund. Replacing Clegg with Kaplan, a former deputy chief of staff for George W Bush, is seen as another olive branch. In such a Trump-leaning climate, another tech firm hiring Clegg would be seen as an act of defiance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jamie Bartlett, an author specialising in technology and politics, says: At Meta, Clegg was kind of Mr Reasonable, Mr Compromise, Mr Lets-Work-On-Content-Moderation-So-Everyones-Happy, which seems slightly out of tune now.

He may have a happier time in Europe, where battling with regulators is still the order of the day for tech firms. I expect hell take a long time out and chill, says one former No. 10 colleague. But it will either be another tech job in Europe or an international public service job of some kind. He is very connected in Europe, so I can see him being hired by a tech firm to deal with the new European Commission.

Clegg resigned as Liberal Democrat leader in 2015 - Getty

How about frontline politics? Compared to the near wipeout he presided over, which saw them reduced to just eight seats in 2015, the Lib Dems are in fine fettle, with 72 seats. Between Rishi Sunak making David Cameron Foreign Secretary in the Lords, and Keir Starmer appointing Peter Mandelson US Ambassador, there are plenty of examples of eminences grises being given another shot at high office. But not everyone is convinced Clegg has the right reputation.

I just dont think there is a political home for him now, says Steven Fielding, emeritus professor of politics at Nottingham University. He was a complete failure and completely discredited as Liberal Democrat leader. He had that golden moment after the first televised debate in 2010, but it only lasted as long as the formation of the coalition. Then, after that fatal decision to endorse [increasing] student fees, even though he went into the election saying he would get rid of them, he was a dead politician walking.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Lib Dems wont put him forward for the House of Lords because it will remind everyone of the things he did as leader, he adds. I think any political cause, in Britain at least, that he attached his name to, hed be an embarrassment.

Fittingly for the equivocal Lib Dem, there is a third option: none of the above. It might be the most likely. Clegg enjoyed an excellent second career and hes a man of genuine substance, says James Frayne, chairman of policy research agency Public First. He will make a success of something but politics isnt going to happen. Theres a great mass of English swing voters who are incandescent about politicians perceived policy betrayals and specifically about their failures to control borders, cut crime and fix the NHS. The answer to their prayers is not someone associated with policy U-turns and squishy principles. Clegg is the centrists centrist but the reality is theyre tiny in number.

Clegg: Im just going through a classic, paunchy 50-year-old phase of my life

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Clegg seemingly need not worry about money. In 2022 alone, he reportedly received a bonus of shares worth 10m, on top of a hefty basic salary of more than 2.8m. It has been reported that he has sold almost $19m in shares since he joined, on top of another $21m worth that he still holds. Quite a turnaround for a man who in politics described bankers bonuses as gratuitiously offensive. Now he has time, as well as cash, on his hands. Perhaps it is time to hang out with his wife and three sons and resume the midlife crisis he hinted at in a 2017 interview, before he took the Meta job.

Im just going through a classic, paunchy 50-year-old phase of my life, he told The Sunday Times. Ive tried to learn to surf, Ive failed, but I am learning to play the drums. He had also been thwarted by his wife, Miriam, in his attempts to get a tattoo. Perhaps Zuckerberg  another recentish convert to surfing  can give him some pointers before he leaves.

In his farewell message, Clegg said he would spend a few months handing over the reins before heading off to new adventures. He concluded, of course, with an exclamation mark. To Mark, and to everyone at Meta  my enduring and heartfelt thanks!

Whichever path Clegg chooses, there is one he ought to resist. It may seem tempting, like a good use of his skills, a chance to share what he has learnt with the world. But please, Sir Nicholas, on the off-chance you see this: whatever you do, do not start a podcast.

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.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  While mandatory safety inspections are a thing of the past for most vehicles in Texas, more than a dozen counties still require annual emissions testing.

Seventeen counties in Texas still require emissions tests, which are designed to evaluate the level of pollutants and greenhouse gases emitted from a vehicles exhaust. The counties still requiring this kind of testing are concentrated in Texas largest metros where the populations are more densely concentrated.

RELATED: Texas officially does away with mandatory vehicle inspections

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Central Texas, Travis and Williamson counties will continue to require these inspections from certain vehicles. Beginning in 2026, Bexar County will also follow suit with this mandate.

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.

So where, exactly, should you go for emissions testing? Texas DPS runs an inspection locator map, where vehicle owners can search by city, county or ZIP code to find a testing site closest to them. The locator also breaks down locations by the types of testing they conduct; for emissions testing, thats an on-board diagnostic test, signified by the acronym OBD.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A full list of Travis County testing locations is available here. Texas DPS also breaks down which specific elements of a vehicle will be tested as part of the emissions test.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The state Capitol. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

 Where is Virginias Imagination Library program?  VPM

 Gerald Massengill, former state police superintendent who oversaw Virginia Tech shooting report, dies.  Cardinal News

 Is there potential for wintry weather in Central Virginia this weekend, next week?  WRIC

 Family of missing Virginia attorney trying to solve the mystery of where he went.  KUTV

 The last days of Arlingtons bizarre, glorious and outdated underground mall.  The Washington Post

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
About a dozen lawmakers remain major question marks in Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) quest to win a floor vote for the gavel Friday.

While specific interests of the holdouts vary, those declining to support Johnson generally want him to commit to spending cuts and give them assurances that rank-and-file members will be involved in negotiations for high-stakes legislation moving forward, multiple sources told The Hill.

The House clerk will call on lawmakers in alphabetical order when the vote starts early Friday afternoon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Assuming all members of the House are present and voting for a candidate, Johnson can afford to lose only one Republican.

Here are lawmakers to keep an eye on in the Speaker vote, the majority of whom were in meetings with Johnson on Thursday:

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.): Biggs, a former chair of the House Freedom Caucus, has historically taken a more aggressive stance in key Speakership matters than some of his Freedom Caucus colleagues. He voted present on the 15th Speaker ballot in January 2023 that handed former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) the gavel, and he was one of eight Republicans who ousted McCarthy nine months later.

There are some issues I think that need to be worked out, specifically dealing with the budget issues, Biggs said on Fox News shortly after President-elect Trump endorsed Johnson on Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.): The firebrand conservative and Freedom Caucus member told former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Ga.) in an interview on his new show on One America News Network that a commitment from Johnson to making Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) chair of the House Rules Committee would secure the vote on the first round with no significant battle.

Roy is one of several members seeking to lead the powerful panel but is seen as an extreme long shot for the job given his history of voting against Republican procedural votes, called rules, on the House floor. The decision on the chair rests solely with Johnson.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.): Burchett, one of the eight Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy, has said Trumps endorsement will likely deliver Johnson the votes he needs to secure the Speakership.

I think the die has been cast, Burchett told Fox News on Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But as of Thursday morning, Burchett told The Hill he was uncommitted on supporting Johnson.

Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.): Burlison had called Johnsons handling of a December short-term spending bill a total dumpster fire, a sentiment echoed by a number of those refusing to commit to reelect the Speaker.

Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas): Cloud said coming out of Johnsons office Thursday that getting to a yes on Johnson has been the goal all along and that the meeting was productive. But shortly after in a post on the social platform X, Cloud was more cryptic.

There are concerns that a delay in electing a Speaker could lead to a brief delay in enacting President Trumps agenda. This a legitimate concern that I share. The other option on the table is maintaining the status quo, which will undoubtedly fail Trumps agenda. Im working to help find a third option. We must ensure the House is structured to enact the America-First agenda in a way that has permanence, Cloud, a Freedom Caucus member, said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.): Clyde left Johnsons office Thursday declining to say if he had gotten to a yes, joking: We were working on Project 2025.

There will be a Republican Speaker, Clyde said.

Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.): Crane, who was spotted leaving Johnsons office Thursday, told The Hill in December that the spending bill panned by hard-line conservatives affected how he was thinking about his vote for Speaker. Crane was one of the Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy.

Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.): Harris, the newly reelected chair of the House Freedom Caucus, had a key role in negotiating an internal House GOP deal to raise the threshold to trigger the motion to vacate the Speaker to nine members, helping Johnson get unanimously renominated as Speaker in November.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

And even as Johnson was facing backlash on an initial short-term funding bill, Harris said he still supported Johnson. But that changed a few days later, when Harris said he was undecided on what leadership should look like in the 119th Congress, citing concerns about new spending not offset by cuts.

Multiple sources said Harris has aired annoyance about how funding for the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was handled in Decembers spending bill. Harris wanted the bill to prevent renaming of the bridge  something activists had called for because Key owned slaves  and wanted a project labor agreement to not be required, but allowed.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.): Massie is the only lawmaker who has said he will vote for a candidate other than Johnson, and is widely seen as immovable. He has extensively criticized Johnsons handling of spending matters and working with Democrats to pass legislation over the last year.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.): Norman left Johnsons office Thursday saying he was very happy with the discussions, but that he would not make any announcement on how he would vote on the floor before the actual vote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Donald Trump, his endorsement carries a lot of weight, and we want to see him succeed. We want to be a part of that, as Mike Johnson does. But it boils down to concrete steps and things that Mike can put into action as only a Speaker can do, Norman said.

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.): Ogles left Johnsons office Thursday declining to say how he would vote in the Speaker election, but that he plans to continue talking to Johnson.

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas): Roy was a key figure in negotiating agreements that eventually resulted in McCarthys election, such as increasing representation of hard-line conservative members in key committee posts and lowering the threshold to force a vote to oust the Speaker.

He has already faced a primary threat from Trump in December, blaming the Texas congressman for getting in the way of a push to raise the debt ceiling as part of the spending bill.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Roy said Tuesday on Fox Business that he remained undecided 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. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.): The Ukrainian-born congresswoman is considered the biggest wild card in the Speaker vote, given her history of odd positions and flip-flopping that keeps members guessing.

Spartz met with Johnson on Thursday, telling reporters after the huddle that she would decide her vote Friday  the day of the election.

We had a good conversation, I think hes agreeing with a lot of stuff, but its tough to deliver, Spartz 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 The Hill.
Sen. Whitney Westerfield speaks on the Senate floor, Feb. 14, 2024. (LRC Public Information)

Former state Sen. Whitney Westerfield, who did not seek reelection, has a new job.

Westerfield, an attorney, will become director of legal and government affairs for LifeSkills, a nonprofit community mental health center based in Bowling Green, on Jan. 5, the company announced Friday.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of Kentucky in the legislature, Westerfield said in a statement. As I leave the Senate, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our Commonwealth in a new capacity, advancing mental health and substance use recovery efforts that are vital to our communities. I look forward to working as part of the exceptional LifeSkills team to expand access to care, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that every Kentuckian in our service area has the resources they need to thrive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to LifeSkills, Westerfield will manage relationships with Medicaid managed care organizations, provide guidance on internal legal matters and lead LifeSkills government relations efforts. Westerfield said he will not be lobbying the legislature, citing a state law that prohibits former lawmakers from lobbying their former colleagues for two years after leaving office unless they are lobbying for a public agency.

Whitneys appointment represents a significant strategic addition to our leadership team, Joe Dan Beavers, LifeSkills president and CEO, said in a statement. His exceptional understanding of Kentuckys legislative and regulatory landscape, combined with his proven ability to build consensus on complex issues, will be invaluable as we continue to grow our services and impact across Western Kentucky.

LifeSkills serves 18 Kentucky counties.

Westerfield, who lives in Christian County, was first elected to the Senate in 2012 and served through the end of last year. He was the Republican nominee for state attorney general in 2015 when Democrat Andy Beshear won the office.
On the last day of 2024, the deputy general counsel for the House of Representatives formally accepted the delivery of a civil summons for two congress members from Northern California. More than 600 constituents of Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson have signed on as plaintiffs in a class action accusing them of helping to arm the Israeli military in violation of international and federal law that prohibits complicity in genocide.

Whatever the outcome of the lawsuit, it conveys widespread anger and anguish about the ongoing civilian carnage in Gaza that taxpayers have continued to bankroll.

By a wide margin, most Americans favor an arms embargo on Israel while the Gaza war persists. But Huffman and Thompson voted to approve $26.38 billion in military aid for Israel last April, long after the nonstop horrors for civilians in Gaza were evident.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Back in February  two months before passage of the enormous military aid package  both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International found that, in the words of the lawsuit, the Israeli government was systematically starving the people of Gaza through cutting off aid, water, and electricity, by bombing and military occupation, all underwritten by the provision of U.S. military aid and weapons.

When the known death toll passed 40,000 last summer, the UNs high commissioner for human rights said: Most of the dead are women and children. This unimaginable situation is overwhelmingly due to recurring failures by the Israeli Defense Forces to comply with the rules of war. He described as deeply shocking the scale of the Israeli militarys destruction of homes, hospitals, schools and places of worship.

On Dec. 4, Amnesty International released a 296-page report concluding that Israel has been acting brazenly, continuously and with total impunity  with the specific intent to destroy Palestinians, engaging in prohibited acts under the Genocide Convention.

Two weeks later, on the same day the lawsuit was filed in federal district court in San Francisco, Human Rights Watch released new findings that Israeli authorities are responsible for the crime against humanity of extermination and for acts of genocide.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Responding to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Thompson said that achieving peace and securing the safety of civilians wont be accomplished by filing a lawsuit. But for well over a year, to no avail, the plaintiffs and many other constituents have been urging him and Huffman to help protect civilians by ending their support for the U.S. pipeline of weapons and ammunition to Israel.

Enabled by that pipeline, the slaughter has continued in Gaza while the appropriators on Capitol Hill work in a kind of bubble. Letters, emails, phone calls, office visits, protests and more have not pierced that bubble. The lawsuit is an effort to break through the routine of indifference.

Like many other congressional Democrats, Huffman and Thompson have prided themselves on standing up against the contempt for facts that Donald Trump and his cohorts flaunt. Yet refusal to acknowledge the facts of civilian decimation in Gaza, with a direct U.S. role, is an extreme form of denial.

Over the last 14 months I have watched elected officials remain completely unresponsive despite the publics demands to end the genocide, said Laurel Krause, a Mendocino County resident who is one of the lawsuit plaintiffs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another plaintiff, Leslie Angeline, a Marin County resident who ended a 31-day hunger strike when the lawsuit was filed, said: I wake each morning worrying about the genocide that is happening in Gaza, knowing that if it wasnt for my governments partnership with the Israeli government, this couldnt continue.

Such passionate outlooks are a far cry from the words offered by members of Congress who routinely appear to take pride in seeming calm as they discuss government policies. But if their own childrens lives were at stake rather than the lives of Palestinian children in Gaza, they would hardly be so calm. A huge empathy gap is glaring.

In the words of plaintiff Judy Talaugon, a Native American activist in Sonoma County, Palestinian children are all our children, deserving of our advocacy and support. And their liberation is the catalyst for systemic change for the betterment of us all.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

As a plaintiff, I certainly dont expect the courts to halt the U.S. policies that have been enabling the horrors in Gaza to go on. But our lawsuit makes a clear case for the moral revulsion that so many Americans feel about the culpability of the U.S. government.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To hardboiled political pros, the heartfelt goal of putting a stop to the arming of the Israeli military is apt to seem quixotic and dreamy. But its easy for politicians to underestimate feelings of moral outrage. As James Baldwin wrote, Though we do not wholly believe it yet, the interior life is a real life, and the intangible dreams of people have a tangible effect on the world.

Organizing together under the name Taxpayers Against Genocide, constituents served notice that no amount of rhetoric could make funding of the campaign against Gaza anything other than repugnant. Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson are the first members of Congress to face such a lawsuit. They wont be the last. In recent days, people from many parts of the United States have contacted Taxpayers Against Genocide (via classactionagainstgenocide@proton.me) to see the full lawsuit and learn about how they can file one against their own member of Congress.

No one should put any trust in the court system to stop the U.S. government from using tax dollars for war. But suing members of Congress who are complicit is a good step for exposing  and organizing against  the power of the warfare state.
The new year is supposed to bring new blessings, new energy, and a fresh start. But for Black Americans, 2025 is already sizing up to bring the same ol problems from the year before.



Just think about it. Were only three days into the new year, and already the country has been ravaged by multiple terrorist attacks, political upheaval, and continuous forms of violence.

And we all know that Black folks get the brunt of it all.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If that wasnt enough, in just a couple weeks, President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the Oval Office. And a second Trump term is set to include his plans of mass deportation, the horrifying Project 2025 (which he unconvincingly denied affiliation with), and abolishing DEI projects. Many Black Americans are frustrated at the state of the nation. Many of us are scared for the future. Some even think itll all be downhill from here.

So What Do We Do?

The most important thing to remember is that the Black community has survived any and everything thats been thrown our way. From slavery and Jim Crow to mass incarceration and a first Trump presidency, weve seen and experienced it all. And despite the challenges, the Black community remains strong.



Black Americans are resilient. Its in our genetic makeup. So now, its time to buckle up for the rollercoaster that will be 2025 and get to work. Yes, the United States has problems, but now is when we fight to resolve them. In the meantime, find joy in the little things, and support each other when you can.

The community has four years to regroup and bounce back. Vice President Kamala Harris presidential campaign was a start, but she said it best in her concession speech. The fight for our freedom will take hard work. But, like I always say, we like hard work. Hard work is good work. Hard work can be joyful work. And the fight for our country is always worth it.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The candidates who were excluded from running in the Legislative Assembly (AL) elections in 2021 are still not eligible for this years elections, the new president of the Electoral Affairs Committee for the AL elections (CAEAL), Seng Ioi Man, said on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony for the president and members of CAEAL.

Questioned by the media on the topic, Seng clarified that the previous ban on such candidates was valid for five years and has not yet expired. This means that all the excluded candidates who were part of the pro-democracy camp will not be able to run in the summer elections this year.

Seng noted that, according to the amendments made to the electoral laws aimed at better protecting national security, all candidates who have been banned for being considered disloyal to the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) or the Peoples Republic of China cannot participate in any decision-making posts related to the MSAR.

The CAEAL president also noted that in the last review of the election law, clear qualification standards were established that all candidates must possess to be eligible.

Back in 2021, the CAEAL excluded 15 candidates from the election run after an evaluation classified them as ineligible due to having performed activities or expressed opinions that were against the national rules and, thus, not being considered patriots.

The AL comprises 33 lawmakers; 14 of them are elected by universal suffrage, 12 are chosen by indirect suffrage (as representatives of sectorial groups), and the remaining seven are appointed directly by the Chief Executive.

At the moment, the 14 lawmakers elected by universal suffrage are Si Ka Lon, Zheng Anting, Wong Kit Cheng, Leong Sun Iok, Leong Hong Sai, Ron Lam, Ma Io Fong, Jose Maria Pereira Coutinho, Ella Lei, Song Pek Kei, Che Sai Wang, Lo Choi In, Ngan Iek Hang, and Nick Lei.
Sunrise light hits the U.S. Capitol dome on Thursday, January 2, 2025, as the 119th Congress is set to begin Friday. Credit - Bill ClarkCQ Roll Call/Getty

Today, the 119th Congress begins and one of its top objectives will be to produce a long overdue budget. One of Congress highest priorities, a new defense appropriations bill, was passed late last year. But challenges to the wellbeing of Americans today go beyond military threats, as important as these are. Under current conditions, we also require a bold and comprehensive strategy, and significant new funding, to counter the real and urgent threat of a new pandemic.

Five years ago, we underestimated the dangers of COVID-19. Now, in light of potential dangers from the threat of H5N1otherwise known as bird fluwe cannot afford to be complacent or make a similar mistake again.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Indeed, public health funding is an issue of the utmost importance to our national security.

Public health is part of our national security

During the Cold War, the U.S. developed military plans, and devoted significant resources for security in anticipation of a possible confrontation that many feared could engulf this country in a cataclysmic war.

The U.S. today faces security challenges in various parts of the world that require steady advances in military capacity, intelligence skills, technologically advanced weapons, and highly innovative information technology. Budgetary resources must be devoted to addressing this.

However, serious threats to the American people now come from other sources which can be devastatingly lethal. They can likewise be highly damaging to our economy and cost millions of jobs. This type of threat comes not from a military confrontation with other countries, but from small, unseen microbes.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The number of microbe-borne cases, such as the H5N1 virus, that we are now seeing in cattle, poultry, and now humans, should be a stark reminder of this danger.

There are already well-documented cases of significant amounts of non-human transmission of bird flu, H5N1. And the growing number of new cases of transmission of the H5N1 virus from birds and other animals to humans has raised new alarms. This has caused the growth of human infections incurred from animal sources so far.

However, there is no room for complacency. The prospect of large-scale human-to-human transmission is concerning enough that the CDC is already monitoring the threat carefully, and highly respected scientists, who have seen how quickly the COVID-19 virus spread have raised urgent concerns.

What Congress can do to address bird flu

With the budgetary season upon us in Washington, Americas leaders in the White House, Congress, and various agencies have a timely opportunity to get ahead of this threat by taking bold measures to immediately and significantly boost funding for public and private research, as well as funding for our hospitals and other health related institutions, to enable them to adequately address potentially dangerous viruses.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The moment for urgent precautions and preparations is now. The spread of H5NI among animals, both in the wild and in domestic settings, and more cases of transmission to humans, is but one element of the concern. Another is that the viruses have begun to contain mutations that allow increased prospects for replication in human cellsincreasing the potential for a widespread threat to humans. Such potential threats, in the worst of scenarios, can accelerate the rate at which diseases spread.

Before COVID-19, numerous highly respected medical experts wrote about a looming pandemic catastrophe. Several scientists issued thoughtful reports on the risk of a pandemic. The issue was that the U.S.and much of the world definednational security only as protection from a military threat from abroad. Few paid much attention to the dangerous health threat that we now know COVID-19 poses.



We paid a high price for this neglect including well over one million American lives and many more hospitalizations. Not to mention a seriously damaged economy and a huge number of job losses. These devastating impacts occurred on a scale that likely equal that of a massive war.

This should be a powerful signal that we need to rethink and broaden what national security in the 21st century entails. And we should devote the necessary resources and political support to addressing both our medical and military needs.

What we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

While we have learned a lot from our experience from COVID-19, we so far have failed to fully address the possibility of emerging lethal dangers from new viral transmissions. Many of the resources once committed to COVID-19 have been used, while the serious threat of H5N1 looms.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One encouraging development has been that during the pandemic the medical and scientific communitieswhich, for some time had been given insufficient weight in the policy process and relatively little visibility or fundingplayed leading roles both in the fight against the pandemic and in forging the kinds of policies that our country needed to curb the impact of threatening viruses.

But as memories of the COVID-19 pandemic fade, so too has the governments and publics attention, as well as the resources needed to support advanced medical research and strategic anti-pandemic development efforts for the future.

The indispensable role of scientists and medical professionals, and world class research, mobilized in fighting COVID-19 should underscore their central role in addressing future medical threats. But tragically, some institutions that were supported during the COVID-19 pandemic are now receiving less support. This could lead to a more dangerous future for all Americans.

And bipartisan political cohesion to support pandemic prevention efforts has declined as well. Groups such as the CDC, the National Institute for Allergic Infections Diseases (NIAID), and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) need more funds. And such support must be complemented with more private sector funds as well.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We must ensure that significant and elevated levels of research are underway in full force today for immunizations and drugs to be available when we need them. And to be ready, these organizations must be adequately funded now.

We must work with other countries to combine our medical knowledge, resources, and brain power in this effort. As we know, borders are no barrier to pandemics. To the extent that American and foreign scientists can work together on preventative and therapeutic measures to address future pandemics worldwide, the more secure and healthier Americans will be.

Fortunately, progress is being made in this area through the Pandemic Research Alliance led by doctors and research scientists from several countries including the U.S., Australia, China, and Singapore, led by the eminent Columbia University scientist Dr. David Ho. This and similar efforts merit strong financial and governmental support as well. In an increasingly fragmented world, such an effort can be at least one major multinational source for protecting the wellbeing of humanity.

The scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic may be behind us. But it cannot be forgotten. It must trigger a major, sustained, and urgent effort, especially in the current budgetary process, to dedicate larger sums for medical research. Both public and private efforts can help us to avoid the devastating effects of another potential pandemic. As the coming debate over the federal budget heats up, our leaders must bear this in mind. While paying for this set of programs may be expensive, it will not be nearly as expensive as failure to do so in the event of a new pandemic.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There is a high probability that we will suffer serious consequences in the future unless our leaders in the public and private sector work together and take bold measures now to prevent the next pandemic. As Congress reconvenes, pandemic prevention must be a top priority for bipartisan leadership.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  Flags in Illinois are flying at half-staff today both in honor of a fallen Illinois State Trooper and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker issued two orders, for flags to be flown half-staff. One, in honor of Illinois State Police Trooper Clay Carns, 35, who was hit and killed by a driver in violation of the states Move Over law on December 23rd, 2024.

Carns had served 11 years in the Illinois State Police.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Flags were ordered lowered from Saturday, December 28th, 2024, to sunset on Friday, January 3rd, 2025.

Then, following the passing of President Carter on December 29th, 2024, at the age of 100, Pritzker ordered all U.S. and State flags be lowered from sunrise on Monday, December 30th, 2024, until sunset on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025.

A funeral is planned for January 9th in Washington D.C. following days of services and ceremonies to honor the former president.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
The News

Republicans officially take over the US Senate today as the new Congress begins with members swearing-in, with one exception.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice wants to avoid a messy succession before Gov.-elect Patrick Morrisey is sworn in on Jan. 13, so hell wait a few days before giving Republicans the 53rd seat in their new majority.

Justices absence, which will impact his seniority ranking, shouldnt hurt Republicans too much on the floor given how short its expected to be. But it does reinforce lingering GOP questions about how present Justice will be on a day-to-day basis.

As he prepares for a big adjustment from the lifestyle of a governor to a senators, Justice is fully committed to the job, including attendance at critical votes, a campaign source told Semafor, adding that hes currently staffing up his DC office.
The U.S. surgeon general wants to make a major change to the way alcohol is sold across the nation.

On Friday, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, released a new advisory on the link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer, recommending a change to the existing warning label on alcoholic beverages, which hasn't been updated since 1988.

Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States  greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S.  yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk, Murthy shared in a press release. This Advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohols cancer risk and minimize harm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This would add to the current labels, which warn against the hazards of drinking while pregnant and state that "consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems."

Related: A Beef Industry Leader Called the USDA's 2025 Proposed Dietary Guidelines 'Elitist'  Here's Why

The advisory noted, the link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer is "well-established" for several types of cancers. It specifically noted that 16.4% of total breast cancer cases are "attributable to alcohol consumption," while those who drink alcohol are also at risk for colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, and voice box cancers. This is supported by data presented in the 2024 Cancer Progress Report by the American Association for Cancer Research.

And it's not just a bigger risk for heavy drinkers. "For certain cancers, like breast, mouth, and throat cancers, evidence shows that the risk of developing cancer may start to increase around one or fewer drinks per day," the advisory states. "An individual's risk of developing cancer due to alcohol consumption is determined by a complex interaction of biological, environmental, social, and economic factors."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As the New York Times reported, only Congress has the power to mandate new warning labels. The paper noted that while it's unclear if the incoming administration would support this move, it wouldn't be out of character, as President-elect Trump has never been a drinker (nor has outgoing President Biden).

The current guidelines by the USDA state that "drinking less alcohol is better for health than drinking more. Individuals who do not drink alcohol should not start drinking for any reason." But note that if you are over 21, you should limit yourself to two drinks or fewer in a day if you're a man and one drink or less in a day if you're a woman. Still, to Murthy, that isn't far enough.

Many people out there assume that as long as theyre drinking at the limits or below the limits of current guidelines of one a day for women and two for men, that there is no risk to their health or well-being, Murthy shared with The Times. The data does not bear that out for cancer risk.



Read the original article on Food & Wine
A victory hailed as one of Moscows biggest defeats by Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, was not won on the battlefield.

This week Ukraine closed off the last route allowing Russia to sell gas to Europe through its territory.

With the expiry of a deal to use the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhhorod pipeline for transit, Vladimir Putins war machine was dealt a blow that will cost billions of euros per year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But it also creates fresh supply headaches for a handful of European countries that remain dependent on the Kremlin, pushing up gas prices across the whole Continent  including in Britain.

On Thursday the benchmark European gas price hovered at around 50 (41) per megawatt hour, the highest level since October 2023.

There were quite a few people in the market who still thought a deal would be done last minute, says Jack Sharples, a gas market expert at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

That was despite repeated warnings from Ukraine that it was unwilling to renew any deal that would boost Moscows coffers.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sales via the UrengoyPomaryUzhhorod, which is also known as the Brotherhood pipeline, were thought to be worth up to $6.5bn (5.3bn) per year to Gazprom, the Russian state gas company.

Ukraine itself is thought to make around $1bn in transit fees, while Slovakia, the arrival point for the Ukrainian pipeline, also made significant amounts of cash from forwarding on gas to its neighbours.

In recent months, the prospect of the deals collapse had prompted a frantic round of diplomacy by Slovakia and Hungary to keep it from closing.

On Thursday, Robert Fico, Slovakias prime minister, demanded compensation from Kyiv and warned he could retaliate by cutting off electricity exports to Ukraine.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ukraine has clearly made a calculation here that they need to inflict as much pain on the Russians as they can, regardless of any backlash, says John Lough, a Russia expert and associate fellow at Chatham House.

The Ukrainians were clear that they were going to do this and I think it was understandable that they wanted to turn off this additional source of revenue, he adds.

The closure of the pipeline on Jan 1 has not actually created an immediate supply crisis thanks to high levels of storage.

However, it has cut Russias remaining pipeline flows to Europe in half, Oxfords Sharples says, forcing those countries that have remained its customers to find alternative supplies in the medium to long term. This supply crunch will put pressure on prices.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Following the earlier closure of the Nord Stream and Yamal pipelines, the only way Gazprom can now pipe gas to Europe is via Turkey, using the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines under the Black Sea.

Were in the end game, Sharples says. It really is an unwinding of European imports of pipeline gas from Russia.

The countries most affected by the pipeline closure are Austria, Slovakia and Moldova, as well as breakaway Moldovan region Transnistria.

Barring an extended severe cold snap, Austria and Slovakia are expected to be able to weather the winter using their gas storage facilities. They have said they are prepared to rejig supplies and can trade with neighbours including Poland, Czechia, Germany and Italy to plug any gaps.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But in response to the closure, Transnistrias government has declared a state of emergency and has had to temporarily cut off gas supplies to peoples homes.

It means the main impact of the Ukraine pipeline closure overall is likely to be a tightening of the European gas market, rather than a disastrous blow.

That reflects the dramatic drop in Russias influence over European gas supplies amid efforts to wean the Continent off Moscows supplies in the wake of the war in Ukraine.

Before the war, in 2021, Europe was still importing around 140bn cubic metres of gas from Russia via pipeline  a number that is thought to have crashed to around 30bn cubic metres in 2024. That figure is now expected to fall further, to around 15bn cubic metres.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In effect, the worst has already happened, and this is an aftershock, adds Sharples.

The situation leaves Europe more reliant on expensive supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) that countries have been forced to buy in huge quantities from suppliers such as the US and Qatar.

How severe any future price rises are will depend on a number of factors, not least how full European storage facilities are by the end of this winter.

Storage across the bloc stood at 72pc on Thursday, according to transparency data.

But if the current chilly weather continues, they could end up emptier than hoped. That would mean there is more competition for refills over the summer of 2025, with EU member states required to get to 90pc by Nov 1 of each year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

For the rest of the winter period, theyre fine, Sharples says. Slovakia has very large underground gas storage facilities relative to the size of its domestic market.

I think theres certainly a possibility that Europe will import more LNG in 2025 to offset this. And so then its a question of where that supply comes from. Some of it might come from Qatar, some of it from the US.

There could yet be political ramifications for Ukraine as well, Chatham Houses Lough says.

Viktor Orban, Hungarys prime minister, has remained a thorn in the side of Kyiv within the European Union, frustrating its efforts to join the bloc and threatening to torpedo financial aid packages.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He has hewed closer to Putin, expanding Hungarys dependence on Russian oil and gas, and has a close relationship with Donald Trump, who will return as US President later this month.

That is something that could work against Zelensky as he seeks to navigate a difficult relationship with the American leader, who has said he wants to strike a Russia-Ukraine peace deal as soon as possible  potentially on terms unfavourable to Kyiv.

Hungary and Slovakia can cause considerable problems for Ukraine, but to an extent that situation existed already, says Lough.

Orban has got his relationship with Trump, and Im sure that one of his agenda points will be about how badly the Ukrainians have behaved.

Some analysts have suggested Russia could attack Ukraines gas network infrastructure in the wake of Kyivs decision to halt Russian pipeline supplies.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Lough is sceptical of this, however, arguing that Russia still sees this infrastructure as potentially useful to its own forces should they make further territorial claims in Ukraine.

You could also ask, why havent they so far attacked the railway system as well? he points out.

There is a scenario where you could say they have much less to lose now. But I suspect they actually want to preserve that infrastructure in the belief that it can be used again.

He believes the most lasting effect of the latest pipeline closure, which has also been cheered by Poland, will be symbolic rather than financial.

This is, for now, the complete termination of Gazproms direct relationship with Europe through these pipelines, Lough says.

Russia had established this very strong market presence in Europe, which gave it significant political clout in a number of capitals and in the European Union as a whole.

As a result of this war, that position of great advantage has simply been thrown away. Strategically, that is a big loss for Russia.

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.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. (Matthew Perschall for Louisiana Illuminator)

The U.S. Supreme Court hasnt set a date for when it will hear the challenge against Louisianas majority-Black 6th Congressional District as an illegal racial gerrymander, but one invested onlooker has made it clear where she stands on the case in the meantime.

In doing so, she claims Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, whos defending the map, is content to lose the case because it will lead to the removal of the states second majority-Black district in Congress.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Its an allegation Murrill firmly refutes, despite having strenuously defended a prior map in federal court that had just one majority-Black district.

Marina Jenkins, executive director for the National Redistricting Foundation, told reporters in a teleconference her groups friend of the court brief (as an outside party to the case), filed Dec. 26, calls on the Supreme Court to keep the current map in place.

Her organization, which is aligned with the Democratic Party, maintains politics, not race, factored into the crafting of the new 6th District. Specifically, Louisianas Republican leaders decided who would be sacrificed among their GOP congressional incumbents, she said.

Also, Jenkins suggested that Murrills heart might not be in the task of defending the current map.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Even though Louisiana wants the court to keep the current map in place, she said Murrill and state Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga are trying to undermine the portion of the federal Voting Rights Act that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, Section 2.

The state of Louisiana has presented outlandish arguments intending to undermine precedent on Section 2 claims, going as far as to say that the state has no obligation to comply with federal law and vote dilution claims, she said, referencing prior cases when Murrill stood behind maps that watered down Black voting strength.

Murrill firmly rejected Jenkins claims.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We absolutely disagree with everything that she said, the attorney general said in an email from her spokesman. We have vigorously defended this map, and we look forward to continuing to defend the map at the United States Supreme Court.

Louisiana filed its own brief Dec. 19 that explains why it supports the map, Murrill said.

Our brief urges the Supreme Court to uphold [the map] and provide clarity to states that, like Louisiana, are forced into endless litigation every time a new census requires redistricting, the attorney general wrote.

A group of non-Black 6th District voters sued in February to throw out the new version of the 6th District state lawmakers had approved the month before. A federal district judge ruled in the plaintiffs favor, and the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeal upheld that decision.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal but gave its OK to use its boundaries for the Nov. 5 election. State Sen. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, won his way back to Congress in that race, having previously represented the 4th District from 1993-97. Coincidentally, the federal courts rejected that version of the 4th District because it was deemed an illegal racial gerrymander.

This is not the first time Murrill and the National Redistricting Foundation have crossed paths.

The group, founded in 2017, filed one of its very first lawsuits a year later against Louisiana for its congressional map that had just one majority-Black district out of its six U.S. House seats. The case timed out with the 2020 Census, which required a new round of congressional reapportionment anyway.

The foundation, with the NAACPs Legal Defense Fund leading the way, successfully challenged a congressional map approved in 2022  one thats Murrill job to defend as attorney general  with just one majority-Black U.S. House seat in Louisiana. Before that decision could be appealed, its fate became clear in 2023 when the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Alabamas congressional map that also shorted the states Black population.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the time, legal analysts said the case for a second Black congressional district in Louisiana was even stronger than Alabamas. So when Republican Gov. Jeff Landry took office in January, he and Murrill conceded the court fight over the 2022 map, and state lawmakers then convened for a special session to update the lines for the 6th District.

When state legislators were given options in January, the NAACP and NRF backed a bill that created a more compact majority-Black seat out of the 5th District anchored in Northeast Louisiana and held by U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Start. The GOP-dominated Legislature instead chose to create a 6th District that stretches awkwardly between Baton Rouge and Northwest Louisiana, largely keeping intact Letlows district and the 4th District U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Shreveport, represents

Jenkins was asked why her organization is now defending the new 6th District rather than suing to revive the revised 5th District it originally supported. She said its more important for justices to issue a ruling that ends a federal court pattern of moving the goalposts on the Voting Rights Act.

This has been sort of a nonstop attack against enforcement of voting rights, protections for voters of color, she said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Republican attorneys general in other states have followed Louisianas redistricting court saga closely. Fourteen of them filed an amicus brief in a separate NAACP LDF lawsuit that argues state lawmakers underrepresented Black voters when they redrew districts for the Louisiana House of Representatives.

Murrill defended the Louisiana House map and didnt join her Republican peers in the brief.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund attorney Jared Evans said at the time the stakes in that case extend well beyond Louisiana.

They know that if Section 2 is upheld, there are a lot of states that need to have additional  Black districts in their [state] house maps, but also in the congressional map, in the state school board maps and all of the other political boundaries, Evans said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Jenkins highlighted another common thread between Louisiana and other states where Republicans have fought to constrain Black voting strength. The outside law firm Murrill has hired to assist the state in its defense, Holtzman Vogel, also defended what Jenkins called egregious gerrymanders in political maps for North Carolina and Ohio.

Drew Ensign, the Holtzman Vogel attorney working on Louisianas case, previously worked with Landry and Murrill when they led 24 states in a challenge of the Biden administrations rejection of Trump-era immigration policy.

Jenkins argues further that race and politics are intertwined. While drawing district lines based on racial makeup is illegal, she noted lawmakers are allowed to take politics into account  making the existing 6th District legally sound.

She contends that the Republican-led Louisiana Legislature and Landry steered the redistricting process to sacrifice Congressman Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge from the 6th District.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Graves had fallen out of favor with Landry after choosing to back business lobbyist and longtime friend Stephen Waguespack in the 2023 governors race. He had also lost support from Louisianas hardcore GOP sect who viewed Graves as insufficiently supportive of Rep. Steve Scalises failed bid for U.S. House speaker.

The Legislature had multiple pathways to create a  compliant map, but testimony from legislators showed that the boundaries of the new district were designed with political interests top of mind, specifically the uniquely partisan goal of favoring one incumbent, Jenkins said, referring to Letlow.

With Republicans gaining control in Congress, the outcome of this case isnt likely to affect whatever momentum the incoming Trump administration builds for at least a couple of years. But if historical election patterns hold true and Democrats attain House control in the 2027 midterms, Louisianas two majority-Black seats could be key to that swing.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Kuai (KHON2)  Three Hawaii Hospitals are being put on notice. Their nurses may go on strike. Theyre not walking off the job yet, and the hospitals said theyre hoping for a resolution.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

More than 75% of nurses at Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai voted in favor of authorizing a strike on Wednesday.

The guilt that you have when youre not able to provide the care that you want to provide, thats huge, stated Natalie Arriola, a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse at WIlcox. It might seem like were making more money, but when you put it into perspective with the cost of living, were actually the 49th out of all the states. Were at the lowest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The nurses will have 30 days to make a decision on a strike.

We are disappointed in the Hawaii Nurses Associations decision. We are focused on the negotiations set for Jan. 9 and 10, and remain committed to reaching an agreement Wilcox Medical Center

Memorial grows at site of deadly firework explosion

Nurses like Arriola stated patients are having to wait longer for treatment due to a lack of nurses. Additionally, healthcare officials said work conditions and cost of living have resulted in low retention.

They dont stay, stated Arriola. They dont like whats happening here. They see how hospitals are run on the mainland and they know that they could be run a lot better and more safely and then they leave because theyre like, its not worth it to stay.

On Oahu, nurses at Queens Medical Center also voted in favor of a strike.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Queens Medical Center remains committed to reaching an agreement with HNA. We do not want a strike and remain hopeful a contract that both Queens and our nurses can be proud of can be reached. Queens Medical Center

The Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH) continues working with the legislature to help pay off debts for healthcare workers.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

We are working with the governor to support his ask for an additional 15 million for each of the next two years, said Hilton Raethel, HAH President & CEO.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 a deep winter chill begins to take over the northern half of the country, blizzard warnings were issued in three states -- harbingers of another major winter storm.

Around 60 million Americans in 18 states, from the Dakotas to Delaware, were under winter weather alerts as of Sunday afternoon, with many expecting the storm to linger until Monday, spreading from Kansas to the East Coast.

By Monday morning, millions will be seeing snow falling, from St. Louis and Washington, D.C., to the entire states of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. Even New York City may have light snow or flurries early Monday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile, showers and thunderstorms are forecast to start rolling through North Carolina, from Charlotte and Asheville, and they may pass into Athens, Georgia, on Monday morning.

PHOTO: Firefighters with Louisville Fire Department Quint 9 shovel snow in front of their station on Jan. 5, 2025 in Louisville, Ky. (Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)

Blizzard warnings were in effect Sunday for parts of Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri, including Kansas City, as the massive storm was ramping up. Winter storm warnings extend to the mid-Atlantic, with cities including Baltimore, Washington and Richmond, Virginia, facing significant travel impacts by Monday morning.

PHOTO: A snowplow passes through Lowville, New York, Jan. 4, 2025. (Cara Anna/AP)

Snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are expected across the cities of Washington and Baltimore. Up to 18 inches of snow is possible in the Appalachian regions of eastern Maryland and West Virginia.

Southern Ohio, including Cincinnati, is expected to get 6 to 10 inches of snow and a glaze of ice. Pittsburgh is forecast to get 3 to 5 inches of snow, and Philadelphia could see 2 to 4 inches of snow and southern New Jersey could get up to 8 inches.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

An ongoing lake-effect snow event has dumped 3 feet or more of snow on parts of upstate New York and continues for places near and north of Utica.

PHOTO: winter weather graphic (ABC News)

The storm follows Interstate 70 to St. Louis, where heavy snow and ice may strike through Sunday.

A number of cities from the Ohio Valley to the mid-Atlantic were confronting hazardous travel on Sunday as the ice and snow moved east, causing numerous spinouts on roadways and freeways.

Roads in Nebraska and Kansas became icy throughout Saturday, and snow was forecast to fall on top of that Sunday.

PHOTO: A UPS Boeing 747 cargo jet sits parked in the snow at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Jan. 5, 2025 in Louisville, Ky. (Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As of 5:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, airlines had canceled at least 1,510 flights within, into or out of the U.S., according to flight tracker FlightAware. About 836 flights have been cancelled for Monday as the storm moves toward the Northeast.

The Kansas City International Airport temporarily closed its airfield Saturday afternoon due to ice accumulation.

The airport reported that roughly 72% of its departure flights had been canceled. Several airlines were beginning to cancel flights for Monday.

MORE: How to stay safe in the cold

PHOTO: snow and ice graphic (ABC News)

Power outages can be expected where ice and snow are greatest.

In addition, damaging winds and tornadoes, along with some hail, are possible in Louisiana, Mississippi and southern Arkansas. Tornado watches are in effect for parts of Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas until 9 p.m. CT on Sunday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A portion of the polar vortex will likely trigger temperatures 10 to 25 degrees below normal for the eastern half of the U.S. by the middle of next week.

A blast of Arctic air is also expected to set in and be a stronghold from the Midwest to the East for the remainder of the week.

Kansas City, Missouri, could dip into the negative teens on Tuesday morning. Potentially sub-zero wind chills will be felt Thursday morning in Washington, D.C..

PHOTO: snow and ice potential (ABC News)

Even Dallas, Texas, will feel like the teens early this week. Sub-freezing temperatures are also forecast as far south as Florida.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency late Friday before the storm's expected arrival.

PHOTO: arctic blast graphic (ABC News)

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also declared a state of emergency on Saturday and began to open warming centers throughout the state. The governor said there was concern over power loss because of the ice and snow accumulation on trees.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"If we lose power, beginning on Tuesday, especially for some of our most vulnerable Kentuckians, it's going to get cold enough to where you may well need one of these warming centers," he said.

MORE: Polar vortex 2025: Extremely cold temperatures headed to the eastern US

"If you find yourself needing to be on the roadways, please heed any warnings and make sure you are keeping yourselves and others safe," the governor added. "Our pre-treating preparations are underway, and substantial state and local resources will continue to actively monitor the forecast and respond through the weekend."

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore issued a state of preparedness on Saturday evening in preparation for the storm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Maryland, avoid travel if possible, follow local forecasts, and stay prepared for winter storm hazards," Moore said in a statement.

PHOTO: A snow-covered stretch limousine sits parked on Jan. 5, 2025 in downtown Louisville, Ky. (Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Additionally, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser held a press conference Sunday evening along with local government officials to declare a snow emergency for the nation's capital

"This will cause slow and dangerous travel late tonight and all day tomorrow, and we ask that you stay off the road where possible," said Clint Osborne, director of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, advised during Sunday's press conference with Bowser.

"Just as importantly, we're also going to experience dangerously low temperatures until the end of this week," he added.

Bowser specifically noted that the week's upcoming events would continue as planned.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We have been talking for many weeks about the national special security events happening in the District. This week, we will have two: the counting and certification of the 2024 presidential election will occur during the joint session of Congress tomorrow, and the state funeral for President Jimmy Carter will happen from Tuesday through Thursday," she said, before asking the public to "pay attention to closures related to those events" even though "we expect that they will happen as planned, and we will support the federal government in all of their efforts with that."

ABC News' Kenton Gewecke and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report.

Over 60 million Americans under heavy snow, blizzard, ice alerts as winter storms slam Midwest originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Peoria, Ill. (WMBD)  A winter storm is expected track across the country this weekend bringing accumulating snow from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast.

Key Takeaways

Snow continues to spread north across Central Illinois throughout the day Sunday

Sharp gradient in snow totals from north to south centered along I-74

Slick and snow-covered roads expected Sunday afternoon and night

Storm Timeline

Snow will arrive south of I-74 Sunday morning then gradually shift north throughout the afternoon. Snow will continue Sunday night and end by sunrise Monday.

The track of the system has shifted has made a slight jog north which will result in some higher totals south of I-74. The heaviest snow is still expected to remain south of our area. Winds will become a bit gusty Sunday afternoon and night with gusts up to 30 mph possible. So any snow that does fall could be susceptible to some blowing and drifting.

Winter Weather Alerts

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings for Fulton, McDonough, Mason and Logan Counties where confidence in heavier snow accumulations is highest. Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for areas along I-74.

Snowfall Forecast

A very sharp northern cut-off to the snows is expected to setup through the region, so any subtle shift in the track will make a big difference in who sees little to no snow versus several inches. Since Friday night there has been a subtle shift north in the axis of heavier snow which results in an increase in snowfall totals across the area. The biggest change in amounts came along and south of I-74 where the snowfall gradient is expected to be the steepest.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the event has gone on there was a large area of dry air preventing snow for much of the day. Areas south of I-74 were still able to see snow but there was still a sharp cut off in just a 30 mile distance. With snow lasting into Monday morning most of us will see a decent amount but not quite the totals that were initially predicted.

Winter Storm Impacts

The Winter Storm Severity Index shows minor impacts expected along I-74 with moderate impacts south of a Macomb to Champaign line. Moderate impacts are described as the following:

Expect a few disruptions to daily life.

Hazardous winter driving conditions.

Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur.

Along and south of I-72 moderate to major impacts are expected and travel could become difficult with a greater risk of power outages. For southern portions of Illinois, sleet and freezing rain will be a big concern. Travel will be heavily impacted Sunday all across southern and central Illinois, especially along and south of I-74.

Be sure to remain prepared to alter your plans and avoid travel on Sunday, especially if you plan to travel south. If you must travel make sure you have a winter prep kit that includes blankets, snacks, water, shovel, and a cell phone charger in your vehicle.

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.
Macau casinos closed the year with an accumulated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of MOP226.78 billion. The final figures released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) show the result to be some 5% higher than initially forecasted.

The figure obtained in 2024 also represents an increase of 23.9% compared year-on-year with 2023, when the GGR was MOP183.06 billion.

Despite the final results of the year proving to be almost 5% higher than forecasted, December was eventually the month with the poorest results of the year when compared year-on-year with the equivalent month of 2023, registering a drop of 2% from December 2023 and being the only month of the whole year in the red.

Still, the monthly result, reaching MOP18.2 billion, was just the third-lowest monthly result of 2024 behind September (MOP17.25 billion) and June (MOP17.69 billion).

On average, in 2024, the local casinos earned revenues of MOP18.90 billion.

Analysts from several entities, including JP Morgan and Citigroup, have pointed out that the three-day visit from President Xi Jinping to Macau from Dec. 18 to 20 was the main factor contributing to the result of December, noting a significant slowdown around this period.

According to the current government forecast for 2025, the sector is expected to be worth some MOP240 billion, or an average of MOP20 billion per month, which is 5.83% higher than in 2024.

A month ago, when the 2025 forecast was presented, it elicited mixed feelings from lawmakers, with some considering the amount very conservative, while others expressed fears that the government could be overestimating receipts while underestimating threats to the sector, such as regional competition and other external factors.

Although the industry has been experiencing a rapid recovery post-Covid, the results of Macaus gaming industry remain very far from those reached back in 2013, when the GGR was MOP370.75 billion, which was almost 63.5% higher than the 2024 result.

One-month salary bonus to be distributed by all gaming concessionaires

All six gaming concessionaires have announced plans to distribute discretionary financial bonuses to their workers. The bonuses, worth one months salary, will be paid later this month before the Lunar New Year, they announced in separate press statements.

Additionally, Sands China Limited (SCL) has announced a salary increase for 99% of its employees, effective from March this year.

SCL pay adjustments vary by income level, with lower-salaried staff (below MOP16,000/month) receiving a higher percentage increase, while those earning wages above MOP16,000 will see their salaries increase at a fixed percentage of 2.5%.

For the time being, no other gaming concessionaire has announced salary increases for 2025, but as this practice becomes the norm after such an announcement by one of the competitors, others usually follow suit.
A storm emerging from the Rockies is forecast to bring ice, snow and rain to a large portion of the country beginning this weekend, possibly affecting millions of Americans.

According to AccuWeather, more than a dozen states are in the path of the storm. Ice and snow are forecast in the middle of the country, and rain and thunderstorms are expected across the South.

The National Weather Service said early Friday that cold high pressure will slowly move eastward to the the Southeast and Central Appalachians by Sunday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The cold air and upper-level energy over the Great Lakes and Northeast will create lake-effect snow downwind from Lakes Erie and Ontario through Sunday," the weather service said. "In addition, moderate to heavy lake-effect snow will develop downwind from the Upper Great Lakes through Sunday, too."

Moderate to heavy upslope snow also was expected over parts of the Central Appalachians on Friday, the weather service said.

AccuWeather said snowflakes could fly as far south as northern Oklahoma, and there could be enough snow to shovel and plow from central Nebraska to Ohio through early Monday.

"The accumulating snow, which could approach or exceed a half a foot, is expected to bring travel to a standstill in places like Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Cincinnati," said AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham.

Here is the latest on the winter storm that is likely to produce widespread heavy snow and ice from the Central Plains to the Mid-Atlantic this weekend into early next week. pic.twitter.com/8THzbCx4CP  NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 3, 2025

Storm to move to the Southern Plains by Saturday

Additionally, the weather service said, the lead front is expected to move to the Southern High Plains by Saturday afternoon and to the Southern Plains by Sunday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"The storm will produce significant wintry weather, with impacts over the Central Plains by late Saturday and the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys on Sunday," the weather service said. "Additionally, the storm will create severe travel disruptions."

Forecasters said areas in the Central Plains and Central Mississippi Valley, especially along and north of Interstate 70, are "likely to experience heavy snowfall," with a high chance of at least 6 inches of snow from late Saturday into Sunday.

Furthermore, sleet and freezing rain are expected from eastern Kansas and the Ozarks extending eastward to the Tennessee and lower Ohio Valleys going into Sunday, the weather service said.

"A major freezing rain event is expected to unfold, making for dangerous ice accretions across the northern Ozarks, middle Mississippi Valley and Ohio Valley this weekend," Buckingham said. "Power outages, extensive tree damage and lengthy travel days will be a concern in the worst-hit areas."

Thunderstorms expected in southern US

The weather service said rain is expected to develop over parts of the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley overnight Saturday, with some areas of showers and thunderstorms developing by Sunday morning.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"A line of thunderstorms is expected to develop across eastern Texas Sunday afternoon, strengthening as they move into Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama through Sunday night," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Gwen Fieweger.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winter storm weather forecast: See which areas could get snow, ice
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Starting January 1, new laws are taking effect in Wisconsin, bringing changes that will impact state park visitors, electric vehicle (EV) owners, and healthcare professionals in the state. Heres a closer look at a few of the key changes for 2025.

State Park Passes: A Year-Round Benefit

One of the most anticipated changes is to the Wisconsin State Park pass system. Starting this year, when you purchase an annual state park sticker, it will be valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase rather than expiring at the end of the calendar year.

Previously, no matter when you bought the sticker, it would only be valid until December 31. This new system provides more flexibility and ensures you get a full year of access.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As park ranger Nathan Jacques explained, As in the previous multiple years weve been doing a calendar year, you can buy the sticker from January, and its good all the way until December 31. With the new sticker type, you can buy it in May of 2025, and it will be good all the way until May 202612 months from the day that you purchase it.

Another benefit of the new system is for those who purchase the sticker later in the year. Right now, we have people purchasing them in January, and obviously, its going to be good until January 2026. But its a 12-month sticker. Its a rolling sticker instead of just a calendar year, so its a little more convenient for people who buy their sticker in the summertime or fall. You can get a whole year out of it instead of just three to four months, said Jacques.

EV Charging Tax: A New Cost for Electric Vehicle Owners

Electric vehicle owners in Wisconsin will face a new cost starting this year. A new excise tax of three cents per kilowatt-hour will apply to all public electric vehicle charging stations. However, this tax will not affect charging stations at private homes.

This law is designed to generate revenue to support the growing demand for EV infrastructure in the state. The tax will help fund improvements and ensure that public charging stations remain accessible for drivers across Wisconsin.

Addressing the Healthcare Shortage: Provisional Licenses for International Physicians

To address the states healthcare shortage, Wisconsin is introducing a new law that will allow physicians who have trained or practiced outside the U.S. to apply for a provisional license. This change aims to open the door for international physicians to practice in Wisconsin without having to repeat U.S. residency requirements.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

This law provides a pathway for foreign-trained doctors to help meet the states growing healthcare needs, offering much-needed support to medical facilities across Wisconsin.

As these new laws take effect, they are expected to provide benefits ranging from increased park access for outdoor enthusiasts to new opportunities for healthcare workers, all while addressing the changing needs of Wisconsins residents.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jan. 2All five members of the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents intend to resign following pressure from the governor amid the recent approval of a multimillion-dollar severance package for university President Joe Shepard, who is stepping down Jan. 15 under a cloud of ethics investigations.

Faculty Senate President Phil Schoenberg said during a Faculty Senate meeting Thursday that he spoke to Board Chair Mary Hotvedt, who told him the board intended to follow Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's direction and step down, which the university later confirmed. The board consists of Hotvedt; former Cabinet secretary Daniel H. Lopez; private attorney Dal Moellenberg; WNMU student Trent Jones; and nonprofit executive Lyndon Haviland, who already announced her resignation.

Schoenberg's remarks came ahead of the Faculty Senate's unanimous vote of no confidence in the board, which on Dec. 20 unanimously approved stripping Shepard of his contract and replacing it with a new one that entitles him to a $1.9 million payout and a full professorship to the School of Business making $200,000 per year. The board's decision quickly drew criticism from faculty members, including Assistant Professor Jorge Romero-Habeych, who said the business school was not consulted in the drafting of the agreement.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The agreement came after Shepard agreed to step down as president, a post he had held since 2011. He had intended to serve until 2027. Shepard, his wife, ex-CIA Agent Valerie Plame, and members of the board had faced questions over the last year for allegedly spending over $360,000 on lavish foreign business trips and furniture for the president's residence between 2018 and 2023. Shepard and the board have denied the allegations.

Following State Auditor Joe Maestas' findings in November, the allegations faced inquiry from numerous state entities, including the Ethics Commission, the Higher Education Department and most recently the attorney general, Raul Torrez, who accused the board of approving a "golden parachute" for Shepard. The university is also conducting its own audit into the allegations.

Lujan Grisham on Tuesday 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."

On Thursday, Hotvedt issued a two-sentence letter to Lujan Grisham stating her intent to resign that day, adding that she knew her term was complete Jan. 1, and she was only serving until replaced. Hotvedt, who last month said she was staying in her position throughout a presidential search and said the board and Shepard were being treated unfairly in the court of public opinion, did not mention the wasteful spending allegations. Hotvedt was the second known board member to resign; Haviland was the first.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Schoenberg responded to the developments in his own letter to colleagues prior to the Faculty Senate meeting, stating he was "grateful" for the governor's request and that the university owes "a debt of gratitude" to Haviland, who did not respond to the Journal's multiple requests for comment Thursday.

During Thursday's Faculty Senate meeting, faculty approved a vote of no confidence in the board and demanded they all resign or be forced to by lawmakers, who approve the governor's nominations of members of all the state's higher education governing boards. The Faculty Senate's declaration also demanded lawmakers do anything they can to prevent the separation agreement from going into effect.

During discussion about Shepard's contract prior to the vote, faculty senators said that the board's granting of tenure to the president without consulting the appropriate academic department was a violation of faculty policies. Romero-Habeych raised questions over the ethics of the contract and whether it would hurt the university financially.

Schoenberg said the no confidence vote was not motivated by personal attacks and each faculty senator voted representing their department, not themselves.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Following the vote, Schoenberg said the vote "was not motivated by any desire to make a personal attack, or to shame, or to humiliate the regents."

"We now look to the governor and our other elected officials with the hope that something can be done before Jan. 15, when the president's severance agreement becomes effective," he said.

Hotvedt issued a statement saying, "this symbolic vote underscores the university's commitment to upholding the integrity, transparency and collaborative decision-making processes essential to the institution's continued success."

Romero-Habeych told the Journal following the meeting that the Staff Senate intends to consider a no confidence vote in the board. A staff representative could not be reached Thursday and a Friday meeting notice was not listed on the Staff Senate's website.

The Faculty General Assembly, which has the power to enforce  or reverse  the senate's actions, will meet Jan. 9 to consider a no confidence vote in the board.
DENVER (KDVR)  Federal officials are seeking information in the illegal deadly shooting of one of the reintroduced gray wolves that died in Grand County in 2024.

The wolf, one of three that died in 2024, was the adult male wolf of the Copper Creek pack Colorado Parks and Wildlife captured in 2024 that repeatedly attacked livestock, prompting the whole packs capture. The male wolf died less than a week after his capture, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said at the time.

CPW plans to release 15 wolves in January from Canada, amid fight by stakeholders

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Parks and Wildlife staff found the wolf already in poor condition, with several injuries to his right hind leg and a body weight nearly 30 percent lower than when he was released.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a Thursday news release stated a necropsy revealed a gunshot wound led to the wolfs poor condition at capture and later death.

I think fingers are going to be pointed at producers and Ive said this before, weve had opportunities to do it, and we havent done it, Tim Ritschard with the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association told FOX31s Gabby Easterwood. Were law-abiding citizens were not going to do something like that. We know what the risk was.

The federal Endangered Species Act lists gray wolves in Colorado as a threatened species, making harassing, harming or killing them without authorization illegal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Anyone with information can contact the services wildlife crime hotline using the number 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477), emailing FWS_TIPS@fws.gov or on their tips webpage.

Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather

Federal officials are seeking any information that can further the investigation into the wolfs death and offering a monetary reward.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Clair County, Illinois, woman is accused of working with others to carjack a man just days before Christmas in south St. Louis.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments probable cause statement, the robbery took place on Dec. 23 at the Conoco gas station in the 4300 block of South Broadway, located in the citys Mount Pleasant neighborhood.

Police met with the victim, who said hed just picked up Mya J. Reagan, 19, who asked that he stop at the gas station.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The victim pulled into the gas station, parked at a pump, and went into the store while Reagan waited inside the car.

Travel conditions impossible: MoDOT urges drivers to stay off the roads on Monday

When the victim left the store, two armed men approached and demanded the victims keys.

The victim handed over his keys, and the armed suspects got into the vehicle and drove off, with Reagan still in the car.

Police said the robbery was recorded on gas station security video.

Following her arrest, police said Reagan admitted that she knew the two armed suspects and that theyd asked her to help set someone up.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

There was no mention of how or why the victim was chosen.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) A woman was arrested with a level-five felony after a shot went off at a Brazil gas station.

According to the Clay County Sheriffs Office, deputies received a call about a possible domestic dispute at the Petro gas station located at the intersection of State Road 42 and 59. When the deputy arrived on scene he discovered a male subject holding a firearm in the air. According to the release the deputy then secured the firearm from the subject and called in the Clay County Detectives.

UPDATE: Man arrested following I-70 police chase

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The release states that during the investigation, it was discovered that a woman identified as 45-year-old Crystal Colbert of Fair View Heights, Illinois, and the male subject had been arguing in a parked semi at the gas station. Deputies state that during the course of the argument Colbert had pulled a gun from her pocket and began to wave it around. The release stated that the male subject pushed the gun away fearing that it might go off. In doing so the firearm did discharge and go through the male subjects pant leg grazing his leg.

The male was treated at the scene and released with non-life-threatening injuries. Colbert was arrested and taken to the Clay County Sheriffs Office and charged with a level-five felony of criminal recklessness with a firearm. She is currently 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.
A British woman and her South African fiance have been found dead at a villa in Vietnam, according to reports.

Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Quinton Els, 36, had been staying at the Hoi An Silverbell villa in Hoi An before staff found them dead in separate rooms when they came to clean the property on Thursday, Dec. 26, according to U.K. newspaper The Times.

Otteson was found in her bed in room 101, while her fiance Els was discovered in room 201, per the outlet.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The pair's bodies were found at approximately 11:18 a.m. local time, according to Vietnam News and The Guardian. Several empty alcohol bottles had reportedly been found at the scene, per Vietnam News.

There were no signs of ransacking at the scene. The victims belongings and phones were untouched, The Times reported, citing a provincial police spokesman.

The Hoi An Silverbell villa did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Quang Ngoc Nguyen/Getty A photo of Hoi An in Vietnam A photo of Hoi An in Vietnam

Quang Nam Provincial police confirmed an investigation was underway following the death of the couple, who were said to have "registered for long-term temporary residence" at the villa starting from July 4, 2024, per Vietnam News.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The outlet stated that "initial findings showed no signs of scratches or external force on the bodies."

A spokesperson for the U.K.'s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Vietnam and are in contact with the local authorities.

Gonzalo Azumendi/Getty A photo of the Thu Bon River in Hoi An, Vietnam A photo of the Thu Bon River in Hoi An, Vietnam

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to Otteson's Facebook profile, she was the founder and social media manager of a company called Not Sorry Socials, while Els had jobs including as a stand-up comedian, per his Facebook page.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In a video posted on the Red Eye Studios YouTube page in December 2024, the couple  who Els said had met in the Middle East before moving to Vietnam  spoke about their engagement as they prepared to surprise family and friends with the news.

"We're just two people from opposite ends of the world, living in Asia, doing it together, which is quite precious," Els said in the video.



Read the original article on People
SALINE COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW)  A man is in custody after he allegedly injured a woman and fired shots at law enforcement officers overnight.

The Saline County Sheriffs Office says it started just before midnight Thursday. Someone called 911 from a home a few miles east of Salina and near Magnolia Road. Dispatchers could hear a disturbance in the background but nothing else.

Sheriffs deputies went to the home, and an injured woman ran out. The deputies also heard gunshots. The sheriff said that although the woman was injured, she did not require hospitalization.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A short time later, deputies said the person still inside the home fired more shots at them.

3 injured in wrong-way head-on crash on I-70 near Salina

The sheriffs office called for help from the Salina Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. They brought in armored vehicles and response teams.

Officials say more shots were fired toward officers during the overnight hours, and the armored vehicles were hit several times.

The sheriffs office says no law enforcement officers fired any weapons during the standoff.

After law enforcement officers got a search warrant for the home and an arrest warrant for the 57-year-old owner, response teams used irritants, such as tear gas, to get into the house and arrest the man.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Wichita, Salina, and Hutchinson preparing for winter storm impacts

He was taken to a hospital. When he is released, the sheriffs office says it plans to book him into jail on suspicion of attempted murder and kidnapping of the woman, six counts of aggravated assault of law enforcement officers, and a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery.

The sheriffs office has asked the KBI to assist in processing the crime scene.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEAVER DAM, Wis. (WFRV)  A 29-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene of a house fire in southcentral Wisconsin early Friday morning as authorities begin an investigation into its cause.

A release provided by the Dodge County Sheriffs Office states that deputies were called to assist with a fire at a home in the N8000 block of Kellom Road near Beaver Dam around 1:50 a.m. on January 3.

Oshkosh PD looking for 23-year-old man who has been missing for roughly 5 months

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deputies arrived within three minutes of the call and found the home fully engulfed in flames. The Beaver Dam Fire Department worked to put out the fire.

One of the residents, a 29-year-old man, made it out safely. However, another resident, a 29-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Dodge County Medical Examiners Office.

Multiple pets also were found dead as a result of the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriffs Office and the State Fire Marshall.

Multiple crews respond to fire at building in Appleton, estimated damages around $120,000

Assisting agencies included:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Beaver Dam Fire Department

Beaver Dam Paramedics

Beaver Dam Police Department

Burnett Fire Department

Hustisford Fire Department

Juneau Fire Department

Randolph Fire Department

Watertown Paramedics

Waupun Fire Department

No additional information was provided. If more details are released, Local 5 will provide an updated article.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A woman from the Natural State is starting her year off grand after winning $200,000 in a game from the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery.

According to a release, Judi D. of Sevier County won $200,000 playing Multiplier Mania and claimed her prize at the ASLs claim center on Dec. 31.

Judi said that she purchased two tickets that day at B & B Store in Lockesburg, but neither ticket had a prize. She said that she purchased a third ticket that day and scratched it off in her car, discovering the winnings.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I need you to tell me if we see the same thing, Judi said after sending her daughter a photo of the ticket.

Arkansans rush to buy Mega Million tickets as jackpot nears $1 billion

Although Judi said she plays daily, the win surprised her after her previous biggest wins were $500 and $5,000.

You always dream about it, she told lottery officials. You think, What if this happens?

Since 2009, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has sold over $7.7 billion and returned more than $1.4 billion for scholarships to benefit Arkansas students. More than 770,000 college scholarships distributed by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education have been awarded to Arkansans.

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 KARK.
* In favor of the odds

 Casinos surpass govt expectations, closing 2024 with an impressive GGR of MOP226.78 billion, buoyed by record-breaking border movements

* GBA Views | Greater Bay Area turns into dynamic growth engine for new quality productive forces

* Taste of Edesia

* A survey shows that while nearly 56% of respondents aged 18 to 35 express a desire for marriage, only 38% are willing to have children

* New Year: President Xi, Macau leadership outline vision for high-quality development

* The world welcomes 2025 with light shows, embraces and ice plunges

DOWNLOAD PDF

Friday, January 3, 2025  edition no. 4634
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The first meeting of 2025 for Woodbury Countys supervisors provided new leadership for the group.

The Board of Supervisors opened the New Year with the election of a new chairperson and vice-chair. Dan Bittinger was selected as the new chair on a 4-1 vote, while Mark Nelson was unanimously voted as vice chair. Bittinger was the vice chair last year and says hes thankful to former chairperson Matthew Ung for helping prepare him for the new role.

How the Iowa Department of Transportation prepares for snow storms

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chairman Ung has taught me in a lot, a sense of being diligent to the details, planning ahead and thinking what is coming down the road that we have to get ahead of, Bittinger said. And then also making sure to know your craft, knowing the ins and outs, making sure youre doing the readings, following up with the department heads and elected officials to know, what is their job? What does it entail? So that we can make informed decisions.

One of the new department heads is Laura Sievers, who is the new county engineer. Shes replacing Mark Nahra, who recently retired after serving for nearly two decades. Sievers says that while she has a lot of experience, being able to work with Nahra for the last three months really helped with the transition.

Sanford Health Plan facing lawsuit from Mayo Clinic for $700K

The transition has been good, she said. Coming in from having an overlap with Mark was great. I was formerly at the [Iowa Department of Transportation], so I have experience with that, and then I was also a county engineer up in Lyon County. So I have a lot of history also and got good experience, but again, the overlap was great with Mark.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Sievers is the first-ever women for be appointed as county engineer in Woodbury 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has affirmed the state Board of Dentistrys decision to suspend a Woodbury dentist accused of incompetence after putting two patients through elaborate implant surgeries that failed, leading to painful infections.

In the course of two years, Dr. Marko Kamel of Woodbury Dental Arts placed at least 12 traditional and deep-set dental implants into a womans jawline and cheekbone, only to have at least seven of them fail, according to the board. Thats a failure rate of nearly 60%, compared to the industry average of 1% to 2%. The woman returned repeatedly for care for loose teeth, sinus concerns, gum and jaw soreness, as well as a screw that had fallen out, according to the judicial record.

Experts later determined that Kamel repeatedly inserted implants into spaces where the previous ones had failed, without allowing proper time for the tissue to heal.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A second patient went to the University of Minnesota  despite Kamel encouraging her not to  complaining of unmanageable pain after his treatments. Surgeons there again discovered evidence he had added a number of implants into infected tissue, and the infections were rapidly progressing toward sepsis and tissue necrosis, or localized tissue death.

The judicial records show that Kamel, in a voicemail, encouraged the patient not to seek their help: I see that . . . there is some complications going on, but I definitely do not recommend going to the University of Minnesota, ah, E.R.  We can take care of it. The way that the University of Minnesota is dealing with . . . any complications . . . is not something that I would approve  they are not qualified to take care of such a case.

Both patients later filed complaints with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, which accused Kamel of gross ignorance or incompetence in the practice of dentistry and personal conduct that brings discredit to the profession of dentistry.

An evidentiary hearing featuring testimony from expert witnesses, one of the two patients and Kamel himself was held in December 2023 before an administrative law judge, who found sufficient evidence to support the boards claim of gross ignorance or incompetence, though not the claim of bringing discredit to the profession.

An indefinite license suspension

Based on the judges findings, the board then suspended Kamels license to practice dentistry for an indefinite period of time, but allowed him the opportunity to petition to have his license suspension lifted after one year, provided that he satisfied certain conditions. It also barred him from practicing two types of deep jawline or cheekbone implant surgeries known as zygomatic and pterygoid implants for a period of at least five years.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kamel appealed the boards decision to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, arguing that the boards decision to suspend his license was not supported by substantial evidence, and that the judges recommendation virtually ignores the entirety of Dr. Kamels experts testimony without explanation.

On Dec. 23, a three-judge panel from the Court of Appeals affirmed the boards decision with a non-precedential opinion. They noted that the record showed the implants failed in one particular area of the first patients teeth on three separate occasions: Most concerning about these implant-failures is evidence that Dr. Kamel replaced the dental implants after the first two failures  without allowing the site to heal. Expert testimony presented at the hearing reflects that such conduct constitutes a violation of professional best practices.

The experts also noted a failure rate of 58.3% is substantially higher than the average failure rate of 1% to 2%. Although the expert witnesses agreed that any dentist or oral surgeon who performs dental implants has or will experience implant failures at some time, the experts generally agreed that it is extremely rare to have two implant failures in a single patient.

With regard to the voicemail Kamel left for the second patient discouraging her from seeking help at the University of Minnesota, the judicial panel noted at least one expert witness testified that this voicemail was inappropriate and a violation of the standard of care in the dental industry because the documented infection that (was) found . . . can rapidly progress to very serious.

Woodbury Dental Arts closed

The Minnesota Board of Dentistry was represented before the Court of Appeals panel by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellisons office. Kamel was represented by attorneys with the Minneapolis law office of Meagher and Geer.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Reached by phone, attorney Julia Nierengarten said she had not spoken with Kamel about making comments to the media and would have nothing to say at this time.

A call and email to Woodbury Dental Arts were not immediately returned on Friday.

Kamel closed Woodbury Dental Arts abruptly in March, telling KSTP News at the time his office had run out of money and he could not afford to pay his employees. The news station reported that patients, some of whom were still in the midst of procedures, had not been informed of his legal problems and were unaware of any issues until they attempted to seek follow-up care from his practice.

Related Articles
By Alexandros Avramidis

MOUNT ATHOS, Greece (Reuters) - The Ukrainian soldiers arrived in Greece with marks of war - one with a head scar, another with both legs amputated above the knee, some with invisible mental wounds from a three-year conflict that has ravaged their homeland.

The men, 22 in all, had taken a bus more than 1,000 km (620 miles) from the Ukrainian city of Lviv to a monastery built on a cliff on the mountainous Athos peninsula in northern Greece, where they hoped to escape haunting memories of the battlefield.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In their four-day stay, part of a psychological support programme organised by Ukrainian authorities, the soldiers made a pilgrimage to some dozen monasteries on the slopes of Mount Athos, a spiritual centre since the 10th century.

"A lot of servicemen suffer from the events that took place over the last three years. A lot of them suffer from different illnesses  they are wounded, and we have to rehabilitate them," said Father Mykhailo Pasirskyi, a Ukrainian Orthodox priest who accompanied the men on their trip.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 started the deadliest war on European soil in more than 70 years. By August 2024, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine had documented nearly 12,000 civilians killed and more than 24,000 wounded in Ukraine. Russia denies targeting civilians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in December 2024 that 43,000 Ukrainian service members had been killed and 370,000 wounded. He added Russia had lost almost 200,000 troops. Moscow has not disclosed its losses, but has said such estimates are vastly exaggerated.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ivan Kovalyk was taking a break on the front line in September 2023 when the soldiers who relieved him asked him to bring a radio, food and water. As he fetched the belongings, a shell exploded nearby. Kovalyk, 22, lost both legs below the knee and now walks on prosthetic limbs.

Fellow soldiers carried him across the uneven cobblestones and up the narrow staircases of the Athos monasteries. But generally he walked without aid and remains positive about his condition.

"Of course, it helped a lot, because it helped me to relieve stress," he said of the visit to Athos, which he plans to repeat.

"There was always support from relatives, from friends, brothers-in-arms, support from the state, without that it would not have been possible."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Athos has been a spiritual home of the Orthodox Church since Byzantine times. The area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988. Some ancient customs abide: to this day, only men are allowed to visit.

The Russian Orthodox Church has long ties with Athos and in 2016 President Vladimir Putin visited to mark 1,000 years since Russian monks first settled there. But NATO member Greece has backed Ukraine in the war, souring relations with Moscow. The Ukrainian soldiers only visited Greek Orthodox sites.

To reach the imposing cliffside monasteries, the soldiers drove the winding lanes of the peninsula, up and around the tree-lined mountains that slope into the Aegean Sea.

They took communion shoulder to shoulder in small chapels with thick stone walls, whose narrow windows allowed enough light to pierce the thick incense. They made lists on rectangular pieces of paper of loved ones they wanted to pray for. Between services, they talked, smoked and took photos from balconies overlooking the sea.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"We already see that these five days spent on Athos will replace at least a year of rehabilitation in Ukraine, in hospitals or other medical centres," said Orest Kavetskyi, a Lviv regional official who helped organise the trip.

"When I visited Athos, I felt God's grace, God's blessing, the greatness of Athos."

(Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey addresses the media during a news conference Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, where he announced several officials slated to take positions in his gubernatorial administration. (West Virginia Prosperity Group livestream photo)

With less than two weeks until his inauguration day, Gov.-elect Patrick Morrisey on Thursday announced the names of officials who will help lead his administration.

Morrisey in total announced 15 people that will fill executive staff roles and cabinet positions. They include longtime Republican operatives, individuals who worked with him in the states attorney general office and current and former state lawmakers, among others.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Morrisey said his picks  several of which will need to be confirmed by the state Senate as they are cabinet positions  represent where he wants to see changes most in the states leadership. A full list of these officials can be found at the bottom of this story

Im just thrilled that these folks have agreed to be such an important part of the team going forward, because they know there are great challenges ahead for West Virginia, Morrisey said of his picks. Certainly theres been progress in some areas in recent years, but we know that there are a lot of big things ahead of us.

Among the governor-elects top concerns is right-sizing the state government, he said, which will be done through performing audits to see where certain systems and services can be performed more efficiently.

I think youre going to see that theres going to be an emphasis on efficiency, on accountability, on growth, by fixing the underlying challenges facing the state  and there are significant ones, Morrisey said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A majority of the incoming administration will be people already in the state, but at least three positions are going to be filled by those new to West Virginia.

Look, I mean, Im going to take talent wherever it comes, Morrisey said. I want to send a message across the country. If youre the best at your position, you have a place in West Virginia.

Notable among those new to the Mountain State is Alex Mayer, who Morrisey named to take over as the Secretary of Human Services, a position currently held by Cynthia Persily.

Mayer will come to West Virginia from South Dakota. According to a bio provided via news release, Mayer has over a decade of experience holding multiple leadership positions with agencies related to health and human services. A veteran, he most recently served as the head of Children and Family Services at the South Dakota Department of Social Services.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Morrisey said he knows that DoHS is a difficult agency to manage and while he thanked the service of those who have worked there under Gov. Jim Justices administration, he said a change was needed.

I wanted to send a message that we have someone whos been very successful in this area, who knows foster care issues, who knows the importance of treating families with great respect, and knows these programs, Morrisey said.

DoHS has faced scrutiny this year for how it handled a high-profile child death in Boone County and for its lack of response to questions about childrens issues, including the decision to close a long-standing childrens home in Elkins. Lawmakers have been frustrated about the agencys murky spending on child care subsidies and services for people with disabilities.

Lawmakers last year created DoHS after deciding to break up the massive West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Morriseys leadership for the Department of Health Facilities and the Department of Health  also created in the DHHR split  hasnt yet been announced.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Morrisey also said that Sen. Eric Nelson, R-Kanawha, will be leaving the Senate to serve as the new revenue secretary. His departure from the Legislature means that an appointment will be expected in coming weeks to fill the now vacant seat.

Morriseys inauguration will be held on Jan. 13. For a complete list of the days events or to buy tickets, visit http://wvwins.com.

Morrisey said more announcements will be made in coming weeks regarding other positions and news on his transition.

Here is a complete list of those Morrisey named to his administration on Thursday:

The executive team:

Chief of staff  Tom McCaffery, who served as assistant secretary for Health Affairs and the principal deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Defense under former President Donald Trump.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Senior advisor  Douglas P. Buffington II, who served as chief deputy attorney general under Attorney General Morrisey, where he assisted with the oversight and management of attorneys and the office.

Deputy chief of staff and chair of Energy, Infrastructure, and Competitiveness Council  A. Todd Johnston, who most recently worked as vice president and managing director of ConservAmerica, a rightwing environmental and energy nonprofit.

General counsel  Sean M. Whelan, who served as a deputy attorney general and the division director for the West Virginia attorney generals tax and revenue division under Morrisey.

Director of policy  Curtis R. A. Capehart, who served as deputy attorney general in the attorney generals main office division under Morrisey.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Director of operations  Marissa Findlay, a lifelong Republican operative who serves as the president of the West Virginia Federation of Republican Women.

Director of intergovernmental and political affairs  John L. Findlay, who served as the convention delegate selection director for Trumps 2024 campaign and who was previously the executive director of both the Republican Party of Virginia and the West Virginia Republican Party.

Director of budget  Mike McKown, who worked as West Virginias director of the state budget office from 2006-2018.

Press secretary  Crescent Gallagher, who is returning to state government after working as the deputy state director for Americans for Prosperity-West Virginia, which heavily supported Morriseys election campaign. Gallagher previously worked in the Department of Agriculture, filling numerous roles.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Deputy general counsel  Katie Franklin, who has served as an assistant attorney general under Morrisey since 2021.

Cabinet positions:

Secretary of Revenue  Sen. Eric Nelson, R-Kanawha, who was elected to the state senate in 2020 after serving five terms in the House.

Secretary of Administration  Eric Householder, who served in the House of Delegates from 2010 to 2024, when he did not seek reelection and instead ran a failed campaign for state auditor. Householder chaired the House Finance Committee for three years and served as House majority leader during his final term.

Secretary of Human Services  Alex Mayer, who comes to the state from South Dakota, where he worked as the head of Children and Family Services at the states Department of Social Services, overseeing the divisions of child support, child protection, and economic assistance.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection  Harold Ward, who held this position under Justice and who will keep it through the transition.

Commissioner of Bureau of Senior Services  Dianna Graves, a former Republican member of the House who lost her reelection in 2022. Graves most recently served as the executive director of the Bob Burdette Center, where she led an education non-profit in Charleston that provided free afterschool education programs.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Manna Meal will move its food preparation operations to the former Shape Shop location in Charleston, W.Va. It is the capital city's only soup kitchen. (Lori Kersey | West Virginia Watch)

After initially planning to take its kitchen operations completely mobile on three food trucks, Charlestons only soup kitchen has reached an agreement with a nonprofit that will allow it to rent space from the agency on the citys West Side.

Manna Meal, which has been housed at St. Johns Episcopal Church on Charlestons East End in West Virginia since its inception, will do its food preparation and store food and equipment at the former Shape Shop Cafe building at 706 Central Ave. The former cafe closed in November after nearly 50 years in business. Owner Millie Snyder donated the restaurant space to West Virginia Health Right, a free and charitable clinic based in Charleston that serves patients in 34 counties, according to a news release from the organizations.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Manna Meals lease with the church where it began in 1976 ended Dec. 31, 2024. The organization last year purchased two additional food trucks, bringing the fleet to three, with the anticipation that it would do all its food preparation from two trucks and use the third for a mobile food pantry while continuing to serve meals from the former Garnett Career Center.

Manna Meal and Health Right have partnered on testing and vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and on HIV and hepatitis C testing, the organizations leaders said.

It seemed like a perfect way to help them and the community when Millie granted us this wonderful gift with the Shape Shop, Health Right CEO Angie Settle wrote in a text message to West Virginia Watch. They now have this kitchen to prep their food and they have a fleet of trucks and routes in places where they can serve those in need.

Manna Meal CEO Amy Wolfe said having the permanent location will make it easier on the organization to prepare food and will allow the soup kitchen to expand its footprint.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Once the organization gets on its feet in the new space, Wolfe said, it plans to resume serving breakfast on the West Side, something it did during an extended gas outage there in late 2023.

Having the two food trucks that are fully able to cook, we can take them to some of more underserved places, not just in the city of Charleston, but in the county, Wolfe said. We get a lot of calls from Sissonville, Cabin Creek, Campbells Creek. So we want to sort of make ourselves at home at the Shape Shop, and then look at really serving some of those areas as well.

Indoor meals will continue to be served at the former Garnet Career Center, where its been for more than a year after it stopped serving meals at St. Johns following two incidents involving clients of the soup kitchen. The Shape Shop space will not be used for meal distribution.

Wolfe added that she will look for additional sources of funding to continue to support renting the space at Garnet, but that renting both spaces would be tough.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The truth of the matter is, were now putting out a lot of money in rent that we were not before, and so its really hard to find funding for stuff like that, Wolfe said. Im going to put forth a lot of effort into trying to raise the funds for that because indoor dining, we fully believe in. We believe everyone should have a safe space. It offers a sense of community. But its also, how long can we sustain that without getting help?

Wolfe said the soup kitchen will make minor adjustments at the kitchen at the suggestions of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department.

Were working on doing that [and] a nice little fresh coat of paint, and were going to be up and running, Wolfe said. Theyre going to hopefully come out to approve it the middle of next week, were hoping.

She added that a snow storm in the forecast early next week may require changing the schedule.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Im incredibly grateful for [Health Right CEO] Angie [Settle] and the board of Health Right to work with us, Wolfe said. Weve always worked very well with them. Think the world of them.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Jan. 3A woman is accused of shooting a man at a New Year's party in Clearcreek Twp.

Olivia Marie Clendenin, 28, is in the Warren County Jail on suspicion of felonious assault and multiple weapons violations.

Clearcreek Twp. police were dispatched around 5 a.m. Wednesday to a house in the 5500 block of Dearth Road for a report of a drive-by shooting. The location is about a mile south of Springboro High School and a mile west of Ohio 741.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When officers arrived, they found a 36-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He is expected to recover, Clearcreek Lt. Wallace Stacy said Friday.

The party was at the home of Clendenin's boyfriend, who invited several people for a New Year's Eve party, including Clendenin's estranged husband, Stacy said.

When Clendenin showed up, Stacy said she was apparently angry with both men. When she left the party, "she drove through the front yard and fired shots toward the house."

Clendenin then crashed her 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee a short distance away on McLean Road, according to police. The Warren County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

The shooting remains under investigation, and Stacy said detectives are still trying to determine motivations in the case.
A child who had been missing for five days was found alive this week in a vast game park inhabited by big cats and other wild animals in northern Zimbabwe, officials said.

The young boy was reported missing from his home in a rural village on Dec. 27, according to a statement from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), which did not identify the child by name but said he was 7 years old. A joint search operation involving park rangers, police officers and members of the local community was immediately launched, but heavy rainfall hindered the effort, ZimParks said.

Human footprints were discovered in an area of the Matusadona National Park on Dec. 30 and the boy was successfully located during the early morning hours of Dec. 31, according to ZimParks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"Remarkably, it is estimated that he walked through the harsh terrain of the lion infested Matusadona National Park for 49 kilometers (30 miles) from his village to the point where he was found," ZimParks said. "During this period, he survived on wild fruits and would dig a small hole along the dry river bank to access underground water to drink, a technique that is well known in drought prone areas."

MORE: Missing for over 5 weeks, man miraculously found alive deep in Canadian wilderness

PHOTO: A young boy who had been missing for five days was found alive in Zimbabwe's 'lion-infested' Matusadona National Park, officials said. (Mutsa Murombedzi/X)

The boy has since been reunited with his family. He was taken to a local clinic for preliminary examinations and later transferred to an area hospital for further medical evaluations, according to ZimParks.

Mutsa Murombedzi, a member of the Zimbabwean Parliament for Mashonaland West province, which encompasses the Matusadona National Park, wrote in a post on X that the boy, whom she said was 8 years old, "was very frail when he was rescued" and "had to be put on [an IV] drip."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

"What saved him is the technique learnt from a young age in dry [and] drought prone areas of drawing water from a dry river bank  digging a mufuku," Murombedzi added.

MORE: 'Lions are on the menu now': Inside the legal lion bone trade

PHOTO: Stock photo of a male lion in Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe, southern Africa. (Guenterguni/Getty Images)

The lawmaker thanked everyone who helped find the child, including the "brave park rangers" and the "tireless" members of the local community who "beat night drums each day" hoping the boy would hear the sounds and head back in the direction of his home.

"This is a testament to the power of unity, hope, prayer and never giving up," she wrote.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The Matusadona National Park, which covers an area of about 1,470 square kilometers (570 square miles), once "supported the highest density of lion in Africa, and was an incredible stronghold for elephant and black rhino," according to the nonprofit African Parks.

"Yet, despite the challenges in the past," African Parks writes on its website, "a healthy variety of mammal species still occurs within Matusadona, including lion, leopard, buffalo, zebra, elephant, hippo and an impressive variety of antelope species."

Young boy survives 5 days in 'lion-infested' game park in Zimbabwe: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Youngstown is getting some special recognition ahead of Americas 250th birthday.

State Representative Lauren McNally announced Thursday Youngstowns designation as an America250-Ohio city, celebrating Ohios contributions to the countrys history.

America250 is an initiative working to engage Americans in the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Itll allow Youngstown to apply for up to $5,000 in grants for activities complementing America250-Ohio activities, plus access to resources for growth.



Everywhere I go in the state, you hear unique stories about people from Youngstown and where they are now. I am so proud to be from the Mahoning Valley, and they are too. Youngstown has an incredibly rich history from everything to art and manufacturing, and Im thrilled the state is honoring that history with this designation, said McNally.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Press Release

January 3, 2025 Tolentino calls for probe into submarine drone found in Masbate Senator Francis TOL N. Tolentino pushed for an investigation into the submersible drone discovered off the waters of Masbate recently, citing the potentially serious concerns of its presence on Philippine maritime security and legal compliance. Tolentino is set to file a Senate resolution for a comprehensive investigation into the incident where fishermen discovered the drone off the coast of Brgy. Inawaran in San Pascual town in Masbate. "This inquiry aims to explore the origins and implications of the drone's presence in Philippine waters. It is urgent that we understand the drone's origin and intent," he stressed. Fishermen reported finding the six-foot drone, believed to be of Chinese origin, floating vertically at sea. The drone, which appeared deactivated when it was found, appeared to be constructed from PVC and metal. Initial assessments indicated it is a remote-controlled electronic device, likely used for communication and navigation. Philippine National Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) Director P/BGen. Andre Dizon said in an interview on DZRH radio that preliminary research suggests the drone is a Chinese underwater navigation and communication system. "While surveillance efforts are expected, a thorough investigation is essential," Tolentino emphasized, even as he expressed confidence in the ability of Philippine engineers to reverse-engineer the device if needed. Tolentino also highlighted the importance of compliance with maritime laws, referencing the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064) and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law (RA 12065), which require foreign vessels to use designated sea lanes when entering Philippine waters. "We need to determine if unmanned submersibles, like this drone, fall under these regulations," he said. Under Section 7 of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from its baselines, encompassing the rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources within these waters. This includes the jurisdiction over artificial islands, marine scientific research, and the vital protection of the marine environment. For any marine scientific research, particularly involving drones, compliance with the provisions of UNCLOS and local laws is mandatory. Section 10 of the law ensures that such research must benefit the Filipino people and requires appropriate government authorization, while Section 11 emphasizes the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment, applying to all research activities, including those utilizing drones. Violations of these rights may incur heavy penalties including fines of $600,000 to $1 million, as outlined in Section 15. If a drone is confirmed to be of foreign origin, it must comply with Philippine law and will be subjected to examination by Philippine authorities to ensure compliance with these regulations. "Drones used for marine scientific research within Philippine maritime zones must comply with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, " Tolentino said. Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad noted that the drone's color could indicate its purpose. "Bright colors like yellow, red, or orange are typically used for scientific research or tracking schools of fish. They are designed to be visible from the air," he said. Meanwhile, Tolentino appealed to the public and authorities to remain vigilant about maritime security, and ensure that all foreign devices comply with Philippine regulations.
BYD, a front-runner in the global new energy vehicle (NEV) market, set a new record last year, with October marking a milestone sales achievement of 500,000 NEVs sold in a single month.

In the first 11 months of 2024, BYD sold 3.75 million vehicles, over 40 percent higher than the same period in the previous year. The NEV sector is the epitome of the rapid development of strategic industries in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), where BYD was born.

Covering an area of 56,000 square kilometers, which is less than 0.6 percent of the countrys total land area, the GBA generated an economic output exceeding 14 trillion yuan (about 1.95 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2023, roughly one-ninth of the national total.

It stands as one of Chinas most open and economically dynamic areas, and is also among the regions with the highest economic development quality.

PACESETTER IN HIGH-QUALITY GROWTH

Eyeing high-quality sustainable development, Guangdong Province, in recent years, outlined action plans for 20 strategic industry clusters, ranging from the automotive industry, new-generation electronic information technology, green petrochemicals, to intelligent home appliances and advanced materials.

Statistics reveal that in 2023, the 20 strategic industry clusters in Guangdong saw a 5.2 percent year-on-year increase in value-added, contributing to 40 percent of the provinces total GDP.

Among them, the three mainstay industries  namely, computers, communications and other electronic equipment manufacturing; electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing; and the automotive manufacturing industry  saw value-added growth rates of 3.6 percent, 8.8 percent, and 11.2 percent, respectively, serving as the stabilizers for Guangdongs manufacturing sector.

Shenzhen in particular, as a pioneer in Chinas reform and opening-up drive, has established specialized teams to aggregate expertise in three key industries  pharmaceutical and medical devices, NEVs, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

These initiatives aim to further promote the development of these industries, cultivate more new pillars, and stimulate stronger new dynamics. Huang Ming, an official with Shenzhens Industry and Information Technology Bureau, stated that Shenzhen is capitalizing on the historic shift in the global automotive industry.

The city has set a strategic aim to expedite the growth of a world-class, next-generation automotive hub. Without the strong support of the Guangdong provincial authorities and Shenzhen authorities, there would be no BYD as it is today, said Wang Chuanfu, chairman and president of BYD.

INNOVATION-DRIVEN

2024 marks the fifth anniversary of the release of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA.

From the reform and opening-up, to new quality productive forces, the success of the GBAs economic miracle has been a testament to how innovation prompts impetus to drive growth. Science and technology constitute a primary productive force.

To get prepared for future industries, the GBA has established two national laboratories, 30 national key laboratories, and 430 provincial key laboratories, forming a tiered, diverse, and distinctive laboratory system and laying a solid foundation for innovation, noted Gong Guoping, an official with Guangdongs department of science and technology.

With consumption becoming a more significant driver of economic growth, the GBA is actively developing new consumption patterns. It is utilizing new technologies like big data, cloud computing, AI, the Internet of Things, and blockchain to enhance consumer experiences, stimulate cross-border consumption, and foster the integrated development of the region. In the first half of 2024, a total of 44.66 million trips were made by Hong Kong residents to Shenzhen.

Given that Hong Kong has a population of 7.5 million, this means on average, each Hong Kong resident traveled to Shenzhen six times, which is roughly once a month per person.

By September 2024, the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, located just across the river from Macau, has seen a total of 6,461 Macau-invested companies established.

The number of Macau residents living in the zone had reached 16,539, marking a 19.1 percent increase year on year. The Greater Bay Area isnt just about economic growth, its about connecting markets, said Fu Tang Long, a Macau entrepreneur. From flying taxis to streamlined multi-entry travel permits, the GBA continues to pioneer innovative initiatives, establishing a benchmark for robust regional economic integration.

PRO-BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Boosting global allure hinges on a business-friendly environment. Over the recent years, the GBA has striven to align with global benchmarks, fostering a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment.

Guangdong, for instance, has enacted a package of regulations to enhance the business environment, safeguard the interests of foreign investors, manage social credit, and protect intellectual property rights.

These measures are instrumental in bolstering the GBAs reform, innovation, and development efforts.

These efforts yielded tangible results. The Global Investment Promotion Conference for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA last year resulted in 1,933 projects, with a combined investment totaling 2.26 trillion yuan. Guangdong has been rated as the province with the best business environment reputation for four consecutive years, noted Zhu Yonghui with the GBA development office in Guangdong.

Zhu added that by aligning with international high-standard economic and trade rules and continuously deepening business environment reforms, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA is facilitating the convenient and efficient cross-border flow of people, goods, capital and information, and is becoming one of the most promising growth poles globally. MDT/Xinhua
President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed the hope that US President-elect Donald Trump's unpredictability will work to Ukraine's benefit in an interview broadcast by Ukrainian television.

"I see him as strong and unpredictable," Zelensky said in the interview broadcast on Thursday.

"I would very much like President Trump's unpredictability to be directed primarily towards the Russian Federation," he added.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Zelensky said he thinks that Trump was genuinely interested in concluding peace and that Russian President Vladimir Putin feared the US president-elect.

Zelensky repeated that all Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia since 2014 would be returned to Ukraine, and he insisted on firm security guarantees, rejecting a demand from Moscow for the Ukrainian army to be reduced in size before peace is agreed.

"We understand that he (Putin) will destroy us," with an army of 40,000 to 50,000 and there would no longer be an independent Ukraine, he said.

The Ukrainian president acknowledged that Russian forces were making advances in eastern Ukraine, attributing this primarily to a lack of reserves. Ukraine would do all in its power to stabilize the front in January, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Zelensky said the number of Ukrainian deserters had declined since October. He was speaking after news that a more than a third of a new brigade of more than 1,700 troops largely being trained in France had gone absent without leave.

Last year up to the end of November, Ukrainian prosecutors opened almost 70,000 cases relating to desertion or absence without leave, many times the figure in previous years.

Ukraine has been resisting the Russian full-scale invasion with Western assistance for almost three years.

Kiev fears that when Trump takes office on January 20, US aid will be sharply reduced. During his New Year's address, Zelensky issued an appeal to Washington not to cut aid to Ukraine.
Amazon will be forced to face the music in an antitrust suit brought by resurrected e-commerce competitor Zulily.

A Washington judge refuted Amazons plea to dismiss a case brought by the online retailerwhich shuttered in December 2023 and relaunched in September 2024 following an acquisition by Beyond, Inc.alleging that the company has created an illegal monopoly and used its dominance to snuff out competition.

More from Sourcing Journal

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Zulily (which, like Amazon, sells a products from a variety of categories, from apparel and footwear to books, electronics and home goods), the e-tail behemoth has developed a monopoly over the industry through price-fixing agreements with third-party vendors and wholesalers.

Amazon requires sellers on its site to set their off-Amazon prices equal to or higher than Amazon prices, ensuring that the marketplace will have a competitive advantage over competitors. Amazons current Fair Pricing Policy indicates that the company routinely monitors and compares the prices of items sold on its platform with sellers off-Amazon e-commerce operations and their sales on other marketplaces.

Such practices, along with others designed to hem in wholesalers, discourage brands and other third-party sellers from working with other platforms, Zulily argued. The company alleged that Amazons illegal conduct bars entry and forecloses competition, making it very difficult for would-be competitors to enter and/or expand in the Online Superstore Market.

Judge John Chun of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on Dec. 31, 2024 ruled that the antitrust case against the company may proceed, confirming that Zulilys claims that the companys anti-discounting practices qualify as anticompetitive under federal antitrust laws. He did grant the e-commerce titans motion to dismiss several elements of the case, including a claim that Amazon is spearheading a conspiracy with retailers and wholesalers, as well as a deceptive practices claim under Washington state law.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Chun is also overseeing the Federal Trade Commissions (FTC) antitrust case against Amazon, and in October denied much of the companys motion to dismiss the government complaint.

Slated to go to trial next year, the case alleges that Amazon regularly engages in anticompetitive behavior both on its marketplace and through its service offerings to third-party sellers, like logistics, fulfillment and advertising. Key to the complaint, first brought in September 2023, is the allegation that Amazon degrades product selection and search quality for shoppers.

The Washington judge did dismiss parts of the complaint, including several allegations filed by individual states regarding breaches of state laws.

Amazon and Zulily did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
Mother orca Tahlequah is carrying her dead calf just as she did in 2018. She was photographed near Vashon Island Wednesday. (Ashley Whitman)
On the agenda

The metro and intercity rail network in Guangzhou, located in Guangdong province, is set to expand significantly in 2025 with the addition of 10 new metro and intercity lines, which will span a total of 173 kilometers, as reported by the citys metro operation company.

Recently, the city inaugurated its first subway loop line, Line 11, measuring 44.2 kilometers and serving key urban districts including Tianhe, Baiyun, Yuexiu, Liwan, and Haizhu.Liu Zhicheng, Party chief and chairman of Guangzhou Metro Group, emphasized that this new line enhances efficient circulation and seamless connectivity within the city, thereby improving travel for local residents.

The design of the stations along Line 11 is inspired by intangible cultural heritage, featuring elements from Cantonese opera, embroidery, porcelain, lion dance, carving, and traditional Chinese medicine.

This integration aims to showcase Guangdongs cultural identity and establish a cultural corridor within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Additionally, the northern extension of the Guangzhou-Qingyuan intercity railway was also launched recently, contributing to a combined metro and intercity network that now exceeds 1,000 kilometers.

According to company data, Guangzhous metro network encompasses 705.1 kilometers of metro lines alongside 338.3 kilometers of intercity railways.

Guangdong Province, Chinas economic powerhouse, handled a record-breaking 600 million passenger trips in 2024, including a surge in trips to and from Hong Kong, according to Guangzhou Railway Group.

Passengers made over 27 million trips between Guangdong and Hong Kong via the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed railway in 2024 as of last Saturday, a yearly increase of 37 percent, according to the railway group.

With increasing train routes connecting cities in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, more passengers are using this high-speed railway for tourism, business and visiting relatives, among others.

Zhang Zhe, director of the passenger transport department of the railway group, said the huge passenger flow reflects the continuous progress of the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the vitality of thriving economic development. MDT/Agencies
If you think your Spotify playlist is getting a little too long, consider the one shared by the members of Khruangbin. Its got 51 hours of songs.

Im trying to listen to as many different things as possible before they all start to sound kind of the same, says Mark Speer, the trios guitarist and musical explorer, capturing interesting sounds from Thailand to the Middle East.

We lose Mark sometimes for a small period of time because hes on an anthropological dig, says bassist Laura Lee. Drummer Donald DJ Johnson finishes her thought: For the quintessential Chinese funk.

The mainly instrumental Khruangbins sonic explorations have paid off of late, with a warmly received 2024 album, A La Sala, that reached the top 40 of the Billboard 200 and a Grammy Award nomination for best new artist. Not that any of that is going to their heads.

I think were just going to keep leaning in what we do and keep trying to be more the silhouette version of ourselves as much as we can and let the music speak for itself, because thats who we are. We dont like the spotlight in that way, says Lee.

The Texas trio makes music thats hard to describe, a mix of soul, surf rock, psychedelic and funk that creates a melodic, Afro-pop-inspired, reverb-heavy sound with nods to other cultures. The bands name is appropriately travel-related  Khruangbin is the Thai word for airplane.

Marks storytelling feels like words, even though there are no words. And my storytelling feels like math even though there are no numbers necessarily. And D.J. is the translator between my language and Mark somehow, says Lee.

They are highly collaborative, working in the studio and performing live with Leon Bridges on two EPs, Paul McCartney, Vieux Farka Toure, Wu-Tang Clan, Childish Gambino, Toro Y Moi, Men I Trust and more.

For A La Sala, Khruangbin focused on the trio, realizing that they didnt need anyone else in the studio. They say that was empowering.

I think because we had just been through a process of collaborating quite a lot, it felt important for us to just huddle, just the three of us, says Lee. When its just the three of us, its like a deep breath and a collective sigh.

Most of their music is instrumental, but vocals  either ghostly or a full-on lyric song  have been employed, like on May Ninth from the new album, with the lyrics Memory burned and gone/A multicolored gray.

The music comes first, says Johnson. And when we finish putting everything together, if we feel that it needs one more thing, something missing, or we just want a vocal texture, then usually we go down the path of adding that. MARK KENNEDY, MDT/AP
Washington does enjoy a spy story. It seems that a frisson of excitement spreads through the political circle in the US capital at the thought of peepers prying into their guarded intimacies. So what better way to step into the New Year and greet a new administration than with the recounting of another tall tale of being voyeuristically viewed.

This time the storyteller is Assistant Treasury Secretary Aditi Hardikar, who, in a letter to the leaders of the Senate Banking Committee, outlined the hackneyed trope of Chinese hackers remotely accessing United States Treasury Department workstations and unclassified documents via a China state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat actor.

Likewise in US media accounts, as in a string of similar scaremongering thrillers in recent years, this was another intrusion attributed to hackers linked to the Chinese government/state, or simply one of Chinas intelligence agencies. All said with certainty, without any elaboration, let alone any evidence, to support the claim.

The response from Beijing, which is by now well-versed in the United States sensationalized narratives in which it plays the villain, revealed how tiresome it finds such groundless accusations that lack evidence.

Beijing has always opposed all forms of hacker attacks, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. We are even more opposed to the spread of false information against China for political purposes.

Her counterpart at the Chinese embassy in the US denounced the letter as an effort to smear Chinas reputation, and urged Washington to stop slandering China.

As in similar previous exchanges, Beijings diplomatic envoys pointed to the fact that China is a constant target of hacking, with the US a regular perpetrator of such snooping.

It all seems very familiar. And so, as we enter a new calendar year and brace for a new chapter in bilateral ties with a new US administration in weeks, since there is nothing new, or unusual in an episode like this in todays China-US relationship, perhaps the opportunity should be taken to rethink this pattern of exchanges.

Except for adding additional chill to the already frosty bilateral ties, what can such a blame game do? Assigning China a malicious role may serve some parties need for an insidious national security threat. But after all the hoopla surrounding the alleged cybersecurity threats from China, has the US actually publicly verified any of them? Is it less secure? If so, why, given the money it pumps into national security?

The Treasury accusation is concerning because it is the latest freshly-baked anti-Beijing narrative that has been cooked up and delivered straight out of the oven by the previous and current US administrations.

In March, Washington charged seven Chinese nationals with a hacking operation that had allegedly lasted at least 14 years. The White House recently claimed at least nine US telecommunications companies, including AT&T and Verizon, were hacked. The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency even accused actors affiliated with the Peoples Republic of China of targeting US general elections. The hackers allegedly targeted the phones of president-elect Donald Trump, vice-president-elect JD Vance, and people working for Vice-President Kamala Harris campaign. The hysteria has gone to such an extent that US authorities have told China Telecom Americas it is a national security threat.

There are malicious cyber actors at work. And with artificial intelligence making picking virtual locks easier, the constructive engagement of Beijing and Washington on cybersecurity would undoubtedly be of great practical value. [Abridged]

Editorial, China Daily
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:
Macaus birth rate has continued to decline in recent years, posing significant challenges to the regions sustainable development.

According to the latest data, the number of babies born in Macau last year dropped by 3.2% to 3,603, a trend that has drawn concern from policymakers and community leaders.

Lawmaker Wong Kit Cheng, chairman of the Womens General Association, highlighted that the Year of the Dragon, which was expected to boost the birth rate, did not significantly influence residents willingness to have children. Wong emphasized that the long-term low birth rate will present severe challenges to Macaus social sustainability.

In response to the declining birth rate, Wong suggested that Macau should learn from mainland Chinas recent policies, which aim to accelerate the improvement of the childbirth support system and promote a more family-friendly social environment. Specifically, the concept of cost-sharing in terms of implementing various maternity leave arrangements could help support enterprises in adopting more family-friendly measures, an approach that Macau could potentially adopt.

Looking ahead, Wong called for the SAR government to take a more proactive and leading role in addressing the issue. She recommended the establishment of a comprehensive and systematic mechanism to encourage childbirth, including the integration of various policies related to marriage, childcare, and housing support. Wong also suggested the implementation of immediate administrative measures, such as providing bonuses and subsidies for parents with newborns and young children, as well as supporting businesses in offering additional family-friendly benefits.

As Macau addresses the declining birth rate, lawmakers highlight the need for a coordinated, multi-pronged approach involving the government, social enterprises, and businesses. Experts believe that creating a more child-friendly environment and implementing targeted policies and incentives is essential to tackling the issue effectively. Victoria Chan
With this 18th instalment of Jazz Showcase, one of Europes most important jazz talent exchanges is coming of age. The free event, which starts at 4.30 pm on each of the three days, will once again bring to the stage six extremely promising up-and-coming bands selected by a preliminary jury from a host of applicants.

Each of these 50-minute concerts will be preceded by a discussion led by Laszlo Jazzkovacs to help us get to know these young talents better, and anyone who finds themselves unable to attend this invariably unforgettable event will also be able to follow it online. Apart from the prizes awarded by the international jury made up of renowned professionals, the audience can also vote for their favourites, with winners gaining valuable opportunities to perform.



The evening concerts will once again shift the spotlight to familiar established artists. On Friday, 7 February, Junior Artisjus, Junior Prima and Creative Art award-winning multi-instrumentalist Petra Varallyay will open the series with her brand new material Circles in Motion.



Usually performing alone  supplying vocals, violin and keyboards  with the help of a looper, at this concert she will be accompanied by musicians who have never been on stage together before. On Saturday the 8th, pianist/composer Zsigmond Gerloczy, who has attracted the attention of several world-famous artists, will present his album Future Sounds, recorded in Los Angeles, in the company of French guitarist Antoine Boyer, who himself is celebrated throughout Europe.



The two will also perform some new songs for the first time, as well as joint compositions of theirs. Taking the stage on Sunday will be the musicians of Frances Underground Canopy, joined by figures from the Budapest improv scene, including Fanni Zahar and Adam Klausz, as well as Dombeats and Mukunda Papp, who are regular guests of Jazzbois.



Admission to the afternoon events is free of charge.



Detailed program an tickets available here:

mupa.hu


New Delhi: In a humorous yet thought-provoking way, Indian billionaire and business magnate Gautam Adani has contributed his voice to the ongoing conversation about work-life balance. By stressing the value of individual satisfaction over social expectations, the chairman of the Adani Group discussed the uniqueness of balance. He said it is up to the individual to determine whether they are content with spending quality time with their family. And if someone was spending eight hours at work, "toh biwi bhaag jaegi," he joked. His remarks coincide with the heated debates triggered by the advocacy for a 70-hour workweek by Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys.

Adani's viewpoint on balancing work and life

Gautam Adani discussed his thoughts on successfully managing one's personal and professional lives in a video shared by news agency IANS on December 26. Speaking candidly the businessman said, "If you enjoy what you do, then you have a work-life balance. Your work-life balance should not be imposed on me, and my work-life balance shouldn't be imposed on you."

Adani emphasized that people should choose what makes them happy, highlighting the significance of personal choice. "You should decide if you are happy with spending, say, four hours with your family. And if someones spending eight hours, toh biwi bhaag jaegi (the wife will run away)," he joked.

Adani believes that shared satisfaction is the real meaning of work-life balance. "If it brings you happiness and the other person is also happy, then thats the true definition of work-life balance," he added.

Adani's comments come amid a debate triggered by Narayana Murthy's advocacy for a 70-hour workweek for the younger generation. Adani's approach promotes personal balance over societal norms, emphasizing the significance of individuality in achieving work-life harmony.
New Delhi: Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty buckled under selling pressure to settle nearly 1 per cent lower on Friday as investors pared exposure to bank and IT stocks ahead of the earnings season starting next week.

A depreciating rupee against the US dollar further weighed on sentiment, traders said. The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 720.60 points or 0.90 per cent to close at 79,223.11 despite a positive beginning. During the day, it slumped 833.98 points or 1.04 per cent to 79,109.73.

The NSE Nifty tanked 183.90 points or 0.76 per cent to 24,004.75.

From the Sensex pack, Zomato, HDFC Bank, Tech Mahindra, Adani Ports, Tata Consultancy Services, ICICI Bank, Sun Pharma, Larsen & Toubro, HCL Tech and ITC were the major laggards.

On the other hand, Tata Motors, Nestle, Titan, Hindustan Unilever and Reliance Industries were among the gainers.

In Asian markets, Seoul and Hong Kong settled in the positive territory while Shanghai ended lower. Japanese markets were closed for the New Year holiday.

Markets in Europe were trading lower. US stocks were in the negative territory on Thursday.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) turned buyers on Thursday after remaining net sellers for the past many days. They bought equities worth Rs 1,506.75 crore, according to exchange data.

The rupee dropped 3 paise to close at a record low of 85.78 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude declined 0.43 per cent to USD 75.60 a barrel.

In the previous session, the BSE benchmark jumped 1,436.30 points or 1.83 per cent -- its best single-day gain in more than a month -- to settle at 79,943.71. The Nifty surged 445.75 points or 1.88 per cent to 24,188.65.
North India has been experiencing dense fog, severely affecting visibility and transportation. At Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, 50 flights were delayed as a result of zero visibility.

The dense fog caused delays in both arrivals and departures, with the average delay for departing flights being 47 minutes, and 6 minutes for incoming flights, according to FlightRadar24 data.

Several airlines, including SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India, were impacted, especially on routes connecting Delhi to cities like Amritsar, Guwahati, and Lucknow.

SpiceJet reported that flights to and from Amritsar and Guwahati were directly affected by the bad weather conditions. IndiGo also issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to verify flight schedules before traveling and informing them that further delays or cancellations could occur due to the poor visibility.

Both Palam and Safdarjung airports reported significantly reduced visibility levels, with Palam airport at zero meters and Safdarjung airport at 50 meters, making them unsuitable for commercial operations during the morning hours.

Weather Conditions and Temperature in Delhi

The dense fog is expected to persist until January 8, with light rain predicted on January 6. As per the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 16C, which is three degrees below the normal temperature for this time of year.

The minimum temperature stood at 7.6C, contributing to an ongoing cold spell, with Friday mornings temperature at 9.6C. This marks the fifth consecutive cold day in the national capital.

Train Services Disrupted

In addition to air travel, train services were also impacted by the thick fog. At least 24 trains departing from Delhi were delayed due to the adverse weather conditions.

The delays varied, with notable disruptions including the Ayodhya Express, which was delayed by four hours, the Gorakhdham Express, which was running over two hours late, and the Bihar Kranti Express and the Shram Shakti Express, both delayed by more than three hours.

Air Quality Concerns

The dense fog and cold temperatures have also worsened the air quality in Delhi. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) at the Lodhi Road station reached 309, categorizing it as 'Very Poor'.

Residents are advised to take precautions against air pollution, which could worsen due to the lack of visibility and low temperatures.

Extended Fog Conditions Across North India

Apart from Delhi, dense fog is expected to continue affecting other major cities such as Lucknow, Amritsar, Guwahati, and Bengaluru. The IMD has issued a Nowcast warning for dense to very dense fog in various regions, including parts of Rajasthan (Kota, Bundi, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu, Sri Ganganagar, and Tonk), Punjab (Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, and Kapurthala), and Haryana (Kurukshetra, Ambala, Panchkula, and Yamunanagar).

While dense fog is expected to remain in the affected regions through Friday, light rain and snow are anticipated in parts of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Travelers are urged to stay updated on weather forecasts and check their flight and train schedules in advance to avoid further disruptions during the ongoing foggy conditions.
Land records play a vital role in property ownership and dispute resolution, ensuring transparency and ease of access for citizens. Bihar Bhumi and UP Bhulekh are two prominent land record portals designed to cater to the needs of residents in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these portals, their features, and how users can access land records through them.

Bihar Bhumi Portal

The Bihar Bhumi Portal is a government initiative aimed at digitizing land records in Bihar. This portal simplifies the process of accessing and managing land records, making it convenient for property owners, buyers, and legal professionals.

Key Features of Bihar Bhumi Portal

Land Record Search: Users can access Jamabandi (land records), Khata, and Khasra details.

Mutation Application: Property mutation requests can be submitted online.

Revenue Payment: Facility to pay land revenue online.

Online Certificates: Obtain digitally certified land record documents.

Dispute Details: Check details of disputes related to land parcels.

How to Use the Bihar Bhumi Portal

Visit the official Bihar Bhumi website at biharbhumi.bihar.gov.in.

Select the service you wish to access, such as Jamabandi details or mutation status.

Enter the required details like district, block, and Khata number.

View or download your land records.

UP Bhulekh Portal

The Bhulekh UP Portal is the official land record portal for Uttar Pradesh, offering a wide range of services to simplify property management for residents. The portal eliminates the need for manual searches and visits to revenue offices by providing instant access to digital land records.

Key Features of UP Bhulekh Portal

Land Record Search: Access Khasra, Khatauni, and Khata details online.

Map Viewing: View and download village land maps.

Certified Documents: Obtain certified copies of land records.

Court Case Status: Check the status of land-related court cases.

Real-Time Updates: Regularly updated land records for accuracy.

How to Use the UP Bhulekh Portal

Visit the official UP Bhulekh website at upbhulekh.gov.in.

Navigate to the desired service, such as Khatauni search or map viewing.

Provide details like district, tehsil, and village.

Access and download your land record information.

Benefits of Using Bihar Bhumi and UP Bhulekh Portals

Time-Saving: Access land records online without visiting government offices.

Transparency: Accurate and updated records reduce disputes and fraud.

Ease of Access: User-friendly portals with multilingual support.

Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for intermediaries or additional fees.

Conclusion

Both Bihar Bhumi and UP Bhulekh portals are revolutionary steps in modernising land administration in India. By providing easy access to land records and related services, these platforms empower property owners and ensure transparency in land dealings. Whether you're a resident of Bihar or Uttar Pradesh, utilising these portals can save time and effort while ensuring that your property-related tasks are handled efficiently. For more information or detailed guidance on accessing these portals, visit their respective official websites.

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
PATNA: Protests intensified on Friday over the demand for cancellation of the recent Bihar PSC exam, as agitators disrupted rail and vehicular movement in Patna, while police stopped a few Left-leaning students' organisations from marching to the CM's residence. A day ahead of fresh tests for a select group of candidates, Independent MP Pappu Yadav led his supporters in blocking rail and road traffic in several areas of Patna as well as other parts of the state, including Araria, Purnea and Muzaffarpur, officials said.

In the morning, protesters gathered at Sachivalaya halt railway station and squatted on the tracks for a brief period, causing a delay in train movement, they said. Yadav's supporters also burnt tyres on roads in Purnea and Patna, the officials said. "The agitators stopped the Buxar-Fatuha passenger train at Sachivalaya halt station around 9 am. The train was stopped for 20 minutes," East Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Sarswati Chandra told PTI.

A case was registered by the Railway Police against Yadav and his supporters for creating disruption in train movements and also taking out an unauthorised procession in Patna. Members of some Left-leaning students' organisations also clashed with police upon being stopped from marching towards the chief minister's residence in the state capital, the officials said.

Several MLAs and leaders of the Congress, CPI-ML (Liberation), CPI(M) and CPI also joined the protest march. They were stopped by Police at Dak Bungalow, Golumber. Left parties will also organise state-wide protests in support of students on January 6. Patna Police registered a case against MLAs of Congress and Left parties on the charges of taking out a procession, creating law and order issue and also disrupting traffic.

MLAs against whom a case was registered include Shakil Ahmad, Gopal Ravidas, Mahboob Alam, Suryakant Paswan, Sandeep Saurav, Satyadev Ram, Ajeet Kushwaha, Amarjeet Kushwaha, Satyendra Yadav and Sriprakash Ranjan, among others, a statement issued by the district administration said. Later, in the evening, Left-leaning students' organisations also took out a candle march in support of the protesting BPSC aspirants in Patna.

Besides, Bihar Youth Congress workers, led by Uday Bhanu Chib, chief of the Indian Youth Congress, took out a 'Mashal Julus' (torch procession) from Sadaqat Ashram (Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee office in Patna) to Rajendra Udyan at Bansh Ghat in the state capital in support of protesting BPSC aspirants.

Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor continued with his fast-unto-death that he began on Thursday to press for the demand for cancellation of the 70th Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13. Mocking Kishor, Pappu Yadav likened the former political strategist to conman Natwar Lal.

"He is Natwar Lal who sits on fast-unto-death in the evening after having lunch. Please don't talk about him," Yadav told reporters. The Independent MP, along with his supporters, also took out a march from Sachivalaya halt railway station to JP Golumber, where police stopped them from proceeding further.

"We know that the government is not going to listen to us right away. After all, the question papers were leaked in connivance with the high and the mighty. But we must draw inspiration from the recent farmers' agitation and brace for a long fight," Yadav asserted. The administration has termed Kishor's fast-unto-death at Gandhi Maidan "illegal" as it is not the designated site for holding such protests, an official said.

The district police had on Thursday registered an FIR against Kishor and others for the demonstration at the restricted site. A complaint was also filed against Kishor before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (Muzaffarpur) on Friday on the charges of instigating BPSC aspirants and holding a protest at the restricted site on December 30, 2024.

Later in the day, officials of the district administration met Kishor at Gandhi Maidan and urged him to withdraw his dharna or shift it to Gardani Bagh, the dedicated site for protests in the state capital. Kishor, however, refused to accept the officials' request. Later, speaking to reporters, Kishor said, "Officials of the district administration requested me to withdraw the protest... I categorically told them that it was not possible because a large number of people have expressed their trust in me... I told them that I would not withdraw the protest under any circumstances. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should meet the protesting students and listen to their grievances. After that whatever protesting students decide, I will do that."

The Combined Competitive Examination held on December 13 has been in the eye of a storm over allegations of question paper leak, which has been denied by the BPSC, though a fresh test was ordered for 12,000 candidates, who had appeared for the exam at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre here. These candidates have been asked to appear on January 4 at 22 newly designated centres across the city. The district administration has made all arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the examination.

"The reexamination will be held in a single shift from noon to 2 pm for the aspirants who had taken the exam at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre," a senior official of the district administration said.
Chhattisgarh Shocker: A tragic case has come to light from Chhattisgarhs Bijapur where a YouTuber Journalist was murdered days after allegedly exposing corruption by a local contractor. The body of YouTuber Mukesh Chandrakar was recovered from the septic tank of the accused contractor Suresh Chandrakar. According to reports, Mukesh went missing on January 1 following which his brother lodged a missing complaint with the police.

The police formed a team and started investigating the matter. The police traced the last mobile location of Mukesh and visited the premises which belonged to the contractor against whom Mukesh had done a story. When the police searched the premises, it did not find him but a newly cast septic tank cover led to suspicion. Following this, the septic tank was broken and a body was recovered from the tank. The body had started to decompose. The YouTuber's family identified the body with the t-shirt, said reports.

The police stated that while the contractor is currently the primary suspect in the case, his exact involvement in the crime, if any, is yet to be determined. The body has been sent for a postmortem examination, said reports.

Mukesh was well-known for his impactful reporting on the state of healthcare facilities and hospitals in Bijapur. He also gained recognition for his coverage of violence in the Naxal-affected regions, including reports from Naxal camps and remote villages.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar from Bijapur and extended his condolences to the bereaved family. Additionally, the Chief Minister has ordered an investigation into the incident. He remarked that the news of Mukesh Chandrakar's murder is both shocking and heartbreaking. Mukesh, a young and dedicated journalist from Bijapur, was an invaluable asset to journalism and society, and his loss is irreparable. The culprits responsible for this crime will not be spared under any circumstances, said reports.

              :   



             



                       Vishnu Deo Sai (@vishnudsai) January 3, 2025

In recent days, Mukesh Chandrakar had reported on irregularities in the construction of a road between Gangloor and Nelsonar in Bijapur. Currently, the police are actively investigating the case. Authorities have revealed that more than half a dozen suspects are being interrogated. When Mukesh was initially reported missing, IG Sundarraj P stated that the police had promptly mobilized teams upon receiving information. A few leads have been uncovered, and one individual has been detained for questioning. Furthermore, a police team has been dispatched to Delhi as part of the ongoing investigation.
Delhi and northern India remain in the grip of a severe cold wave. The chill reached extreme levels on Friday, with dense fog blanketing the region. Roads were difficult to navigate due to poor visibility.

The Meteorological Department predicts the cold wave will intensify in the coming days. Wind speeds may reach up to 11 km/h in Delhi and the NCR, worsening the biting chill. Rain is also expected in the region on January 6.

Temperatures have dropped significantly. On January 3, the morning temperature in Delhi was 2C below normal. Safdarjung recorded 7.6 degree Celsius, while Palam saw 6.5 degree Celsius. The maximum temperature is also expected to fall, bringing colder days ahead.

"We anticipate a western disturbance becoming active from tomorrow, with the possibility of another one following it. Temperatures in east, central, and north India are likely to rise over the next 3-5 days, IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy told ANI.

The western Himalayan region is expected to see heavy rain and snowfall due to an approaching western disturbance.

These disturbances will impact the plains too. Jammu and Kashmir experienced freezing temperatures, with parts of Dal Lake frozen. Rain and snowfall are forecast for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh over the next three days. Northwestern plains, including Delhi-NCR, may also see rain.

Dense fog and low temperatures continue to disrupt daily life. While intermittent rain offers brief relief, the fog soon returns, worsening conditions. Authorities have issued a cold wave alert as the region braces for harsher weather.
Marcus Im, rector of Macao Polytechnic University (MPU), addressed the Times Higher Education (THE) Global AI Forum, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary education in shaping future talent. The forum, themed Higher Education in the AI Era, brought together leading scholars to explore innovations and partnerships in academia. Im pointed out MPUs commitment to integrating AI across diverse fields, including drug discovery and environmental management.

Related
BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said there is no change of guard in the offing in the state and also ruled out any cabinet reshuffle. Rumours were rife about some major political developments in the state after Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi hosted a dinner for Siddaramaiah and his cabinet colleagues at his residence on Thursday.

There were also speculations that the state would get a new Congress state president replacing Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is holding the post for the past five years. "What can I do if you speculate about our gathering over dinner as a meeting?" Siddaramaiah told reporters here. When asked what the purpose was behind the gathering, Siddaramaiah said, "to have meals." To the question whether the meeting was for a change of the chief minister or cabinet reshuffle, he said, "No. Those are all lies. No such change is happening." A few ministers met Siddaramaiah at the dining table on Thursday night.

About 18 to 20 ministers and MLAs were present at the dinner, Congress sources said. Since the event happened in the absence of Shivakumar, who was abroad, rumours started making round that the dinner was being hosted to discuss the next Congress president in Karnataka. Shivakumar has been holding the Congress state president post since March, 2020.

The BJP MP and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar on Friday said there was a strong infighting in the Congress and this dinner party in the absence of Shivakumar was its reflection. "While Shivakumar is trying to remove the chief minister, whose image has taken a beating due to the MUDA scam, the chief minister is now trying to cut down on Shivakumar's stature by removing him from the KPCC president's post," Shettar told reporters.

He said the infighting would finally lead to the fall of the government. State Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa dismissed these speculations, saying that it was just a dinner which he had attended. "We just had our dinner. We did not discuss any politics," he said.

Shivakumar has been holding the Congress state president post since March, 2020. Under his leadership, the party stormed to power with 134 seats in 224-member Karnataka legislative Assembly in 2023. The Congress also increased its tally in the Lok Sabha election in Karnataka from just one out of 28 seats in 2019 to nine in 2024. Further, the party swept in the assembly bypolls by winning all the three seats recently.

The party high command often considered Shivakumar as its troubleshooter.
Bangalore, known as the Silicon Valley of India, is home to a large population of professionals, entrepreneurs, and students. With the pressures of career growth and personal goals, people in Bangalore often turn to astrology for clarity and guidance. Acharya Indravarman, one of the best astrologers in Bangalore, is renowned for his exceptional knowledge of Vedic astrology and his ability to provide actionable remedies.

Role Of Astrology In Bangalore

In a city where people are constantly striving for success, astrology serves as a source of wisdom for making crucial life decisions. Whether you are facing career challenges, relationship issues, or health concerns, astrology offers insights that guide individuals in the right direction.

Meet Acharya Indravarman: The Best Astrologer in Bangalore

Acharya Indravarman has earned a reputation as the Most Famous and Best Astrologer In Bangalore due to his accurate predictions, deep knowledge, and spiritual approach to astrology. His detailed horoscope analysis helps clients understand their strengths and weaknesses, while his remedies offer practical solutions to their problems.

Services Offered by Acharya Indravarman

Horoscope Analysis

Acharya Indravarman offers a detailed analysis of your horoscope, providing insight into various aspects of your life. His predictions are not only accurate but also provide you with the knowledge to plan and avoid obstacles.

Marriage Compatibility & Solutions for Harmony in Love

Astrology helps in understanding relationship dynamics, and Acharya Indravarman uses this knowledge to match horoscopes for marriage compatibility. He offers practical solutions for Love & relationship issues and helps you maintain harmony in your personal life.

Career and Business Consultation

Whether you are an entrepreneur or a professional, Acharya Indravarmans career consultations provide you with the right direction to succeed in your field. His guidance is invaluable for anyone looking to make important career decisions.

Health and Well-being Predictions

Acharya Indravarman predicts potential health issues based on your birth chart and provides remedies to improve your health. His holistic approach ensures that you remain physically and mentally healthy.

Spiritual Healing

For deeper spiritual healing, Acharya Indravarman offers mantras and rituals that help in removing negative energies and restoring balance in your life. These remedies are designed to address specific life issues and bring peace and harmony. For Complicated troubles he picks selected rituals based on his Shakta Tantra and Kaula Tantra knowledge.

Financial Astrology

Acharya Indravarman offers astrology-based solutions for financial success. His predictions help individuals make informed decisions regarding investments and wealth-building, ensuring long-term financial stability.

Why Choose Acharya Indravarman as the Best Astrologer in Bangalore?

Acharya Indravarmans expertise in Vedic astrology, combined with his ability to offer practical, life-changing solutions, makes him the best astrologer in Bangalore. His compassionate approach and accurate predictions have earned him the trust of clients across the city.

Conclusion

Astrology can guide you through lifes challenges, offering valuable insights and solutions. Acharya Indravarman is a trusted astrologer who can provide clarity and direction. As the Best Online astrologer in Bangalore, his services are designed to help you achieve success, happiness, and peace in every aspect of your life.

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
NEW DELHI: India and Iran on Friday carried out a comprehensive review of their ties including the joint development of the Chabahar port, ways to boost trade and economic engagement and possible cooperation in agriculture and some other sectors. At the 19th India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations held in Delhi, the Iranian side is learnt to have requested New Delhi to explore ways to resume procurement of Iranian crude oil.

India stopped the procurement of crude oil from Iran in mid-2019 following sanctions imposed on the Persian Gulf nation by the United States. The Iranian delegation at the talks was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi while the Indian side was headed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Ravanchi met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the discussions focused on bilateral matters and current regional challenges. "Discussed our bilateral ties, progress in Chabahar port and regional developments. Confident that the Foreign Office Consultations will give a momentum to our partnership," Jaishankar said on X.

Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich Iran's southern coast, the Chabahar port is being developed by India and Iran to boost connectivity and trade ties. On the Foreign Office Consultations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two sides "reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relationship, including Chabahar Port, agricultural cooperation, trade and economic issues, as well as cultural and people-to-people ties".

It is understood that the Iranian deputy foreign minister underlined the need for boosting tourism between the two countries as part of enhancing people-to-people ties. The discussions also covered current regional and global developments, including the situation in Afghanistan, West Asia, and the South Caucasus, the MEA said in a statement.

"The foreign secretary highlighted the significance of Chabahar Port in supporting Afghanistan's reconstruction and economic development," it said.

The sides also reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the United Nations, BRICS (Brazil-Russia- India-China-South Africa) and the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), the MEA said.

Though the BRICS originally derived its name from the early members, it now includes Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. Ahead of the Foreign Office Consultations, a senior Iranian official said Tehran is looking at ways to resume supplying crude oil to India and is keen on expanding the overall trade basket including in the petro-chemical sector through the Chabahar port.

The official had said the development of Chabahar port has offered significant opportunities for India and Iran to boost trade and economic engagement. The port is outside the purview of US sanctions against Tehran.
India has reacted sharply to China's aggressive moves including that of building a large dam on Brahmaputra and creation of two new counties which include parts of Indian territories. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson on Friday said India has lodged a protest with China over the creation of two new counties in Hotan prefecture and has also conveyed its concerns to Beijing over the construction of a dam on the Brahmaputra river.

India On Chinese Hydropower Project

"We have seen the information released by Xinhua on 25 December 2024 regarding a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory," said Jaiswal.

He further said that India has reiterated its concerns, along with the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries, following the latest report. "The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas. We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests," he said.

Concerns have been raised that the dam could negatively affect the ecological balance of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, through which the Brahmaputra River flows. On December 25, China announced plans to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near its border with India. The project, estimated to cost approximately USD 137 billion, will be situated in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region. According to available information, the dam will be constructed at a massive gorge in the Himalayan stretch where the Brahmaputra makes a sharp U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh and later flowing into Bangladesh.

Amid concerns, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning played down the apprehensions about the project last week. "The project will not negatively affect the lower reaches," she said.

MEA On Hotan Counties

Reacting to the creation of two new counties in the Hotan Prefectures of China, Jaiswal said that such moves would not lend legitimacy to Beijing's "illegal and forcible" occupation in the region. China's announcement on establishing the two counties came days after Special Representatives of the two nations resumed boundary talks that was stalled for almost five years.

"We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in India's Union Territory of Ladakh. We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area. Creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India's long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China's illegal and forcible occupation of the same," said the MEA, adding that India has 'lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels'.
As Jammu and Kashmir grapples with bone-chilling winter, the lives of people have been disrupted in the region due to dense fog early in the morning leading to low visibility and causing problems for commuters. Following the prediction of snowfall in Kashmir and Ladakh, dense fog has been witnessed following chilly nights in almost every area of the valley.

In the early morning, people were forced to use fog lights to drive. Flight operations at Srinagar International Airport were also disrupted due to poor visibility in the valley, officials said. Airport officials said that the visibility was very low due to dense fog, resulting in disruption of flight operations, and all flights in the morning have been delayed.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Kashmirs Shopian was the coldest place at -8.5C. Other districts like Anantnag (-7.7C) also witnessed severe cold. Srinagar recorded -2.5C, while Qazigund and Pahalgam recorded -7.3C and -4.5C. Budgam (-3.2C), Baramulla (-4.8C), Pulwama (-6.1C), Ganderbal (-4.3C), Kulgam (-6.8C), and Bandipora (-2.5C) Kokernag -5.5C and Gulmarg -4.5C experienced biting cold.

Meanwhile, Ladakh also battled intense cold conditions, with Drass recording -8.6C, Kargil -6.9C, and Leh -4.4C. The cold wave is expected to decrease as wet weather is possible in the coming days. It is pertinent to mention that Jammu and Kashmir is expected to witness another spell of snow and rain from the evening of January 4 onwards.

IMD Scientist in the Kashmir Metrology department, Mukhtar Ahmad, said, Two WDs are coming to Jammu Kashmir back-to-back. The first western disturbance started today, north Kashmir hilly and plain areas will have light to moderate snowfall it will remain active till tomorrow morning. And the second western disturbance will be active from 4rth night till 6th January main impact will be on 5th and 6th January Kashmir will have widespread moderate to heavy snowfall in hills and plains and in hilly area of Jammu also and after 6th afternoon weather will improve.

Snowfall Advisory Issued

Meanwhile, a snowfall advisory has been issued by authorities in view of the forecasted snowfall from January 4 to January 6, 2025, as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). As per the advisory, people have been urged to follow safety guidelines provided by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and avoid unnecessary travel during this period to ensure their safety.

The advisory also instructed key departments, including the Mechanical Engineering Department (MH&ED), Public Works Department (PWD), Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Jal Shakti, and Health & Medical Education, to be prepared for snow clearance and related tasks. Field staff from these departments are required to stay at their respective headquarters to provide immediate assistance when needed.

For any emergencies or assistance, the public can reach out to the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) and other concerned departments through the helpline numbers issued by every District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC).
Kerala Lottery Results Friday 03-01-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Nirmal NR-413" Lucky Draw Result today Nirmal NR-413, January 03, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Nirmal NR-413" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Nirmal NR-413 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 70 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Nirmal NR-413 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 03-01-2025 January: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR NIRMAL NR-413 Draw

LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 70 LAKHS IS: NU 827858

LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKHS IS: NW 502115

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 Lakh ARE:

1) NN 800335

2) NO 359047

3) NP 887009

4) NR 541608

5) NS 672289

6) NT 153943

7) NU 214862

8) NV 645216

9) NW 591674

10) NX 146770

11) NY 525548

12) NZ 210700

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE:

Consolation Prize Rs.8,000/-

NN 827858

NO 827858

NP 827858

NR 827858

NS 827858

NT 827858

NV 827858

NW 827858

NX 827858

NY 827858

NZ 827858

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0033 0108 1428 1997 2703 4014 4162 4454 4779 4893 5561 6559 7728 8136 8684 9098 9127 9702

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0161 0557 0655 0678 1136 1299 1462 1897 2130 2204 2237 2697 3416 3573 3797 4383 4401 5247 5447 5516 5756 6189 6215 6454 6537 6862 7001 7020 7123 7250 7277 7965 8308 8775 9319 9455

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0009 0371 0448 0460 0614 0667 0737 0957 1061 1176 1451 1516 1630 1937 2241 2470 2526 2684 2690 2888 3192 3237 3424 3453 3478 3701 3994 4119 4121 4164 4168 4248 4325 4496 4644 4683 4882 4922 5032 5066 5134 5393 5546 5674 5949 6019 6021 6116 6229 6281 6386 6510 6635 6680 6700 7256 7473 7514 7537 7753 7823 7849 8051 8433 8482 9154 9189 9249 9379 9441 9486 9578 9674 9768 9835 9837 9852 9882 9897

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0184 0209 0224 0298 0378 0623 0852 0894 1242 1322 1994 2036 2329 2436 2548 2553 2645 2711 2909 2981 2986 3032 3195 3199 3322 3357 3358 3411 3490 3660 3730 3747 4066 4129 4137 4235 4271 4327 4351 4437 4515 4648 4680 4694 4820 4848 4954 5160 5165 5252 5300 5311 5369 5451 5499 5616 5809 5833 5888 5907 6139 6156 6214 6224 6262 6297 6330 6419 6438 6455 6656 6676 6698 6802 6915 6973 7105 7110 7112 7211 7439 7466 7502 7513 7693 7711 7893 7915 8017 8211 8216 8262 8278 8317 8320 8327 8339 8411 8541 8644 8664 8761 8777 8821 8852 8883 8978 9008 9050 9086 9253 9303 9340 9409 9498 9616 9639 9671 9782 9846 9925 9958

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY 03-01-2025 January: NIRMAL NR-413 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

1st Prize: Rs 70 Lakhs

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakhs

3rd Prize: Rs. 5,000

4th Prize: Rs. 2,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 200

8th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

(NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.)
NEW DELHI: The Maldives is a "very concrete" expression of India's neighbourhood first policy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, pledging New Delhi's support the Indian Ocean archipelago as its economy is reeling under some stress. In his opening remarks at the meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, Jaishankar noted finalisation of a framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross border trade between India and Maldives and listed New Delhi's financial assistance to Male to help it deal with economic issues.

Both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of high impact community development projects under phase-III in Maldives through grant assistance from India. In his comments, Khaleel reaffirmed President Mohamed Muizzu's firm commitment to work closely with New Delhi in realising the joint vision for India-Maldives comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership.

Khaleel arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to explore ways to bolster bilateral ties in several key areas including trade and investment.

The Maldives has been reeling under some financial stress. "I see that the framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross border transactions has been signed," Jaishankar said.

"We have increased our engagement in various sectors and I do want to say that India has always stood by Maldives. For us, you are a very concrete expression of our neighbourhood first policy," he added. Jaishankar noted the assistance extended by India last year to help the Maldives deal with a debt crisis. This included the resubscription of treasury bills and currency swap lines of USD 400 million and 3,000 crore rupees.

"We have also facilitated the export of essential commodities to Maldives. That has been very much a tradition in our relationship," he said. "We certainly hope that our relationship has helped you to navigate through these difficult times," he added. The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Jaishankar and Khaleel took stock of progress made on the understandings reached during the visit of President Muizzu to India in October. "External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed the importance India attaches to its bilateral ties with Maldives and assured continued support to Maldives, under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision SAGAR," it said.

SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region. The ministry said Khaleel, on his part, appreciated the timely emergency financial assistance extended by India to Maldives in times of need, reflecting India's role as the "First Responder" of Maldives. "Foreign Minister Khaleel reaffirmed President Muizzu's and the Government of Maldives' firm commitment to work closely with the Government of India in realizing the Joint Vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership," the MEA said in a statement.

The visit of Khaleel provided an opportunity to further deepen the bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of two countries and the Indian Ocean Region, it said. The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain after Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November 2023.

Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians. However, there was a thaw in the relations as Muizzu vowed to boost the bilateral ties with India during his visit to Delhi in October.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over corruption allegations, saying he could have built a 'Sheesh Mahal' for himself but prioritized housing for the poor instead. Speaking at an event in Delhis Ashok Vihar, Modi emphasized the importance of providing permanent homes for all citizens and announced the allocation of 3,000 additional flats for economically weaker sections (EWS) in the city. The term 'Sheesh Mahal' has been used in Delhis political circles to refer to alleged irregularities in the renovation of AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence.

PM Modi handed over keys to 1,675 newly constructed flats in Ashok Vihar, built as part of an in-situ slum rehabilitation project by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). He described the homes as a reflection of the beneficiaries new expectations and dreams.

While interacting with residents, Modi recalled his underground days during the Emergency in 1975, stating, Coming to Ashok Vihar today has revived memories of that time. He also visited the Swabhiman Apartments, interacted with children, and encouraged them to work hard for a brighter future, envisioning India as a developed nation by 2047.

Residents expressed gratitude for the flats, which include modern amenities such as lifts and playgrounds. Modiji has not only given us a roof over our heads but also a new future for our children, said one beneficiary.

In addition to the flats, PM Modi inaugurated multiple development projects, including urban redevelopment projects at Nauroji Nagar and Sarojini Nagar.

The World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar, built on the site of 600 old quarters, now offers 34 lakh square feet of premium commercial space with eco-friendly features like solar energy generation, rainwater harvesting, and a zero-discharge concept.

The General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar feature 28 towers with over 2,500 modern residential units. The project incorporates rainwater harvesting, solar-powered waste compactors, and other sustainable practices.

PM Modi also inaugurated the CBSE Integrated Office Complex in Dwarka, a Rs 300 crore eco-friendly project with state-of-the-art facilities including an auditorium and advanced data systems.

Highlighting the governments commitment to education, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for three projects at Delhi University worth over Rs 600 crore. These include the Eastern Campus at Surajmal Vihar, the Western Campus at Dwarka, and the Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh, all equipped with advanced educational facilities.

The Ashok Vihar flats were part of the DDAs second in-situ rehabilitation project, aimed at providing slum residents with healthier living conditions. For every Rs 25 lakh spent on a flat, beneficiaries pay just Rs 1.42 lakh as a nominal contribution, along with Rs 30,000 for five years of maintenance.

The Prime Minister also addressed the future of housing initiatives, assuring residents that all citizens would soon have pucca houses. I could have built a Sheesh Mahal for myself, but homes for the countrymen are more important, he remarked.
The Punjab government on Thursday dismissed the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Gursher Singh Sandhu for his role in Lawrence Bishnoi's interview during custody at the Central Investigation Agency (CIA), Kharar, in March 2023. The dismissal orders issued by the Department of Home Affairs charged the suspended DSP for denting the image of the police department.

The dismissal orders, approved by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)the appointing authority for Punjab Police Service cadre officialswere issued by Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs.

The order highlighted that Sandhu's misconduct and negligence during Bishnoi's interview in CIA Kharar's custody tarnished the department's image.

Punjab Government has dismissed Deputy Superintendent of Police Gursher Singh Sandhu for "denting the image of the police department" by facilitating a video interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi during his custody at the Central Investigation Agency (CIA), Kharar.



The pic.twitter.com/2FZ81j4Kr7  ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025

On December 26, 2024, the Punjab Public Service Commission approved the state government's proposal to dismiss Sandhu under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution. Article 311 allows authorities to dismiss or demote officers without a formal inquiry when such proceedings are deemed impractical.

The dismissal order stated, "It is not reasonably practicable to hold an inquiry into the chargesheet issued to Gursher Singh Sandhu, PPS (under suspension), given the non-cooperative attitude of the officer."

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, found that Sandhu, suspended since October 25, 2024, played a role in facilitating Bishnoi's interview recording while in CIA Kharar's custody.

Sandhu was suspended and issued a chargesheet, which was forwarded to the Commandant of the 9th Battalion, Punjab Armed Police (PAP) in Amritsar for delivery.

"After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances, the state government is satisfied that Gursher Singh Sandhu has severely dented the image of the Punjab Police through his actions. His failure to perform his duties properly constitutes a gross violation of the Punjab Police's discipline and conduct rules. Therefore, under Article 311 of the Constitution of India, Gursher Singh Sandhu, PPS (under suspension), is dismissed from the post of DSP in Punjab Police," the order said.

Sandhu, along with six other officers, was suspended over their involvement in the case. After his suspension, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau launched an inquiry into allegations of disproportionate assets and questionable property dealings against him.

(With IANS inputs)
Bengaluru: A Deputy Superintendent of Police was arrested and suspended after a video, which allegedly showed him sexually harassing a woman who approached him with a complaint, went viral on social media, police said on Friday.

The 58-year-old officer, identified as Ramachandrappa, was posted as DSP in Madhugiri, they said. In the purported video, the senior police officer can be seen misbehaving with the woman and acting inappropriately.

According to police, the alleged incident occurred on Thursday when the woman visited Ramachandrappa's office in Tumakuru to complain about a land dispute. The woman has alleged that he took her to a room and misbehaved with her, touching her inappropriately.

A woman went to the office of Madhugiri DYSP Ramachandrappa in Pavagada under @SPTumkur of Karnataka to file a complaint regarding a land dispute. The Dy SP allegedly took her to his restroom inside the office and engaged in sexual act with her on the pretext of doing favour to pic.twitter.com/QAEC5dIjrN  NCMIndia Council For Men Affairs (@NCMIndiaa) January 3, 2025

However, the incident was recorded by a person from outside the window and later went viral on social media platforms.

Stating the incident as a serious matter, a senior police officer said the department will not tolerate harassment or violence against women.

"We have registered a case under sections 68 (sexual intercourse by a person in authority), 75 (sexual harassment), and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and have arrested the DYSP. He has also been suspended from service," he said.

The case is being investigated by an officer of the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police, police added.
As Macau ushers in the new year of 2025, the Chief Executive (CE), Sam Hou Fai, delivered a New Year speech. In his remarks, Sam reflected on the profound significance of 2024, which marked the 25th anniversary of Macaus return to the motherland.

He highlighted President Xi Jinpings visit to Macau late last year, where the President outlined his vision for Macaus future development.

Echoing such directives, the CE emphasized the importance of upholding national interests and leveraging Macaus institutional strengths to drive high-quality development.

Looking ahead, Sam pledged that the new-term government would take the initiative to reform and innovate to usher in a new chapter of progress for Macau. He called on all sectors of society to unite their efforts, asserting that the future of Macau will surely be more brilliant and splendid with the support of the Central government.

In a separate address, President Xi reflected on Chinas remarkable progress over the past year while also looking ahead to the countrys continued high-quality development. The President noted that Chinas economy had rebounded and was expected to exceed RMB130 trillion in GDP, with impressive growth in new industries and technologies.

Recounting his visits to various localities, Xi expressed his ongoing concern for peoples livelihoods, stating, I have always been concerned about the employment and income increase, the old and the young, education and medical care that everyone cares about. Xi also emphasized Chinas role as a responsible major country on the global stage.

Looking ahead to 2025, Xi pledged that China would implement more proactive policies, focus on high-quality development, promote high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, and maintain the good momentum of economic and social development. He expressed confidence in overcoming any challenges.

Resounding the sentiments shared by the CE and the President, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macau SAR, Liu Xianfa, also delivered a New Years message reflecting on the citys remarkable progress over the past 25 years since its return to the motherland. Liu highlighted the significance of 2024 and noted Xis high affirmation of Macaus achievements.

The Commissioner also emphasized that under the guidance of President Xis diplomatic strategy, China has expanded and deepened its all-round diplomatic layout, firmly defended its core national interests, adhered to international fairness and justice, and promoted the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

He pledged that the diplomatic work related to Macau would continuously enhance its global influence and attractiveness, and create a more favorable international environment for continuously creating a new situation for high-quality development.

He pledged that the diplomatic work related to Macau would thoroughly practice the concepts of diplomacy for the people and diplomacy for the benefit of Macau, to continuously enhance its global influence and attractiveness, and create a more favorable international environment for continuously creating a new situation for high-quality development of the one country, two systems cause. Victoria Chan
Delhi, the capital city of India, is known for its diversity, culture, and busy lifestyle. In a city that never sleeps, people often seek answers to lifes burning questions, whether its related to career, love, health, or family. As people turn to astrology for clarity, Acharya Indravarman, one of the best astrologers in Delhi, has become a beacon of light for those searching for accurate and insightful guidance.

Why Astrology Matters In Delhi

Astrology plays a significant role in helping people understand their destiny, navigate obstacles, and find solutions to their problems. With the pressure of a high-paced lifestyle, many Delhiites are seeking astrological consultations for guidance in personal and professional matters. From horoscope analysis to relationship issues, astrology offers a valuable tool for clarity and peace of mind.

Meet Acharya Indravarman: The Best Astrologer In Delhi

Genuine Vedic astrologer Acharya Indravarman is widely regarded as the Best Astrologer in Delhi due to his vast knowledge of Vedic astrology and his ability to provide accurate, actionable insights. He has helped numerous individuals from various walks of life overcome challenges and achieve success. Known for his deep understanding of planetary positions and their influence on human life, Acharya Indravarman combines his spiritual wisdom with practical astrology to offer solutions that transform lives.

Services Offered by Acharya Indravarman

Horoscope Readings

Acharya Indravarman offers comprehensive horoscope readings that go beyond basic predictions. His in-depth analysis of your birth chart identifies key planetary influences and life patterns, helping you understand your life's purpose and navigate challenges.

Marriage Compatibility & Solutions For Issues in Love Relationship

Looking to get married? Acharya Indravarman offers expert matchmaking services based on horoscope analysis. His marriage compatibility services ensure that your partnership is harmonious and that any astrological issues are addressed early on to avoid future challenges. His potential remedies can remove problems in Love & Relationships.

Career Counseling

Choosing the right career path can be overwhelming. Acharya Indravarman provides astrology-based career counselling that takes into account your strengths, weaknesses, and favourable planetary influences. Whether youre considering a job change or starting your own business, his insights will help you make the right decisions.

Health Predictions and Remedies

Your health is influenced by the alignment of the planets, and Acharya Indravarman can identify any potential health issues through detailed horoscope analysis. Based on his findings, he offers simple yet effective remedies to maintain physical and mental well-being.

Spiritual Healing and Remedies

Sometimes, people need more than just practical advice. Acharya Indravarman specializes in spiritual healing, offering mantras, rituals, and pujas that are tailored to your specific needs. These remedies help to balance your life and overcome obstacles. For Complicated troubles he picks selected rituals based on his Shakta Tantra and Kaula Tantra knowledge.

Astrology-Based Solutions for Business and Finance

Financial prosperity and business success are often dependent on favorable planetary alignments. Acharya Indravarman offers guidance on investments, business ventures, and financial management. His insights will ensure that you make informed and profitable decisions.

Why Choose Acharya Indravarman as the Best Astrologer in Delhi?

Acharya Indravarmans ability to combine traditional astrology with modern-day solutions makes him the best choice for astrology consultations in Delhi. His accurate predictions, personalized remedies, and deep knowledge of Vedic astrology have made him a trusted name for anyone seeking guidance in life.

Conclusion

Astrology is an ancient science that helps us understand our lives and shape our futures. As the Best Online Astrologer in Delhi, Acharya Indravarman offers clarity, insight, and practical solutions to help you lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Whether youre looking for career advice, relationship counselling, or spiritual healing, Acharya Indravarman is your go-to expert.

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
Mumbai: Television actress Pooja Banerjii has responded to being falsely accused in a money laundering case, expressing her disappointment over the recent allegations.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Pooja clarified that she had been wrongfully blamed for the case, with her name, picture, and credentials circulated by several media outlets.

Banerjii, who was in South Africa with her family when the allegations were made, shared her frustration with how the media handled the situation. She revealed that many media outlets did not cross-check the information with her or her team before publishing the false news. Despite reaching out to several journalists to clarify the truth, Pooja claimed that some ignored her, while others were reluctant to retract the story due to their egos.

In a note on her Instagram handle, she wrote, Hello my dear well-wishers, A Very Happy New Year to all of you. I wouldnt have wanted to put this up as my first post of 2025 but sadly the last few days have been rather disappointing and filled with remorse. I was recently falsely blamed for a money laundering case, sadly the news was circulated by almost all the media pages and outlets with my name, picture and my credentials. I wasnt aware of this news as I was in South Africa with my family when the false allegations were made without any comment from me or my team.

My family members were extremely distressed with such a huge false allegation being spread all over the news that we have decided to go the legal route in order to clear my standing that no such breach of law was done by me and to all my family, friends and well-wishers Im sorry if this false news has hurt you but I will stand against lies and make sure that this doesnt happen with anyone and the media who still didnt believe me, Definitely do a double cross-check on such baseless reports. I request for everyones support in my cause.. #satyamevajayate to all the media people, you have real power to change the world and I truly believe in it, my request is that the faith of such people shouldnt waiver, the post further read.

Take A Look:

Last month, actress Mallika Sherawat and Kumkum Bhagya star Pooja Banerjee were questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding their alleged involvement with a Pakistani betting portal, Magicwin.
Mumbai: Filmmaker Sajid Khan has been open about the struggles he has faced since being accused during the #MeToo movement in 2018, a period that drastically impacted both his career and personal life. In a candid interview with Hindustan Times, Sajid spoke about the emotional toll he experienced, revealing that there were multiple instances where he contemplated ending his life.

Sajid Khan, known for directing films like Heyy Babyy and the Housefull series, faced serious allegations of sexual harassment from multiple women during the #MeToo movement. Despite being cleared by the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA), the accusations led to a significant loss of work. He shared that his professional life took a severe hit, leading to financial struggles that forced him to sell his house to make ends meet.

In the interview, Sajid confessed, "| thought of ending my life many times in the last 6 years. It's been extremely bad, in the sense that I've been out of work." He explained that the impact of losing his career and dealing with public scrutiny created overwhelming stress.

Sajid also reflected on his past behaviour, acknowledging that his brash attitude and penchant for making sensational statements contributed to his fall from grace. "I used to say sensational things just to make headlines. Because I was so brash, I rubbed people the wrong way. I would apologise whenever / realised it, but when work stops, you start questioning your life," he admitted. He expressed regret over his actions and the consequences they had on his career.

The director mentioned that his past experiences had led him to mellow down and reassess his priorities. "I've mellowed down. I just want to work to survive now," he said, emphasising that he now understands the importance of humility and professionalism in his work and life.
Mumbai: Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha recently shared a personal story about his sons, Luv and Kush Sinha, during an interview with Lehren TV. The actor opened up about an incident that highlighted their respect and sincerity, leaving him beaming with pride. However, the revelation has also sparked a wave of online trolling, with netizens comparing his sons to his daughter, actress Sonakshi Sinha, amidst ongoing controversies surrounding her personal life.

Shatrughan Sinha shared that when his sons were young adults, either 18 or 25 (he wasnt certain of their exact age), they were offered beer while socializing with friends. Instead of deciding on their own, they called him to seek his permission.

The actor expressed his pride in their thoughtfulness, recalling how he advised them against drinking. Its your wish, but if you are seeking approval from me, then it would be a no, he told them. Respecting their fathers advice, both Luv and Kush chose not to drink.

I felt very proud when my sons called me for permission. It showed their respect and consideration for me, Sinha remarked, adding that he continues to admire their values.



While many applauded Sinhas story as an example of good parenting, a section of the internet used the moment to compare his sons to his daughter, Sonakshi Sinha.

The trolling stems from Sonakshis interfaith marriage with Zaheer Iqbal and the absence of her brothers at the wedding. Critics have judged her for her personal choices, with one comment reading, At least his sons are better than his daughter.

Shatrughan Sinha stood by his daughter over her decision to get married to Zaheer Iqbal, and today they are the happiest couple in tinsel town.
New Delhi: Vodafone Idea (Vi) is all set to start the tariff war with Reliance Jio and Airtel with the launch of its 5G mobile broadband service in March this year, as per a report in the Economic Times.

Economic Times, quoting multiple sources familiar with the matter said that Vodafone Idea could aggressively price its tariff plans, that could be 15% cheaper than Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel's offerings.

Vi may initially launch 5G across Indias top 75 cities in its 17 priority circles, the ET report said.

Telco may increase its payouts towards dealer commissions and promotional spends to lure back high-value 5G prepaid users from its bigger rivals, ET said quoting analyst.

Earlier, in August last year VIL CEO Akshaya Moondra at the company's Q1 earnings call said the company it is witnessing an efflux in subscribers port-outs to BSNL following the recent tariff hikes announced by the company. Moondra said that the company is closely monitoring the situation.

"One of the trends we have seen is that the port out to BSNL has generally risen from pre-tariff increase levels which is a space we are watching...And the reason for that is because they (BSNL) has not increased their tariffs so there is a fair amount of arbitrage," he said.

Moondra viewed the quick decisions to port out as being taken purely on the basis of tariff action and may not eventually sustain, given the 4G coverage offered by VIL.

"We are watching this space - our expectation is that customers who are used to having good coverage and experience of 4G coverage, probably current offering of BSNL may not be to that extent...As people who may have taken a quick decision in terms of tariff actions...May most likely come back. But we will keep on watching this space and see what needs to be done," he said.

Major telecom operators Airtel, Jio announced tariff hikes In July. Vodafone Idea raised tariffs by 11-24 percent. State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), however, has not increased its tariffs.
Nick Booker, a 43-year-old British man from Somerset, is a social media sensation known for his videos highlighting Indian culture, history, and traditions. Having lived and worked in India for over a decade, Nick has a deep connection to the country.

As Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, prepares for Maha Kumbh 2025, one of Nick's videos is gaining significant attention online. The video, shared on Instagram, shows Nick explaining the Maha Kumbh Mela using an intricate sand model he created on a beach in Goa. So far, the video has garnered 10.6k likes.

In his Instagram caption, Nick wrote, Explaining Maha Kumbha Mela using a sand model I made on the beach in Goa. Please share this reel with anyone who is coming or interested.

The sand model includes a depiction of the Samudra Manthan, a pivotal event from Hindu mythology described in the Puranas. Nick also illustrates how the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna merge to form the Sangam and provides a detailed explanation of the Triveni Sangam's creation as the video unfolds.

In the caption, Nick shared, Ive been researching Prayagraj and Kumbha Mela for weeks  reading the Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana (and Prayagraj Tirtha), Mahabharata and Ramayana, along with several academic papers and books. Over the coming weeks, Ill share what Ive learned leading up to Makar Sankranti when Ill arrive in Prayagraj.

Nick's post revealed his plans to visit Prayagraj on Makar Sankranti, further building excitement among his followers.

Netizens are impressed with the video and appreciated Nick for his depth of knowledge and beautiful visual presentation. A user said, "You deserve Aadhar card bro..." Another added, God bless you nick. You're more indian than I am. Cheers Nick. Several users called him more Indian than them. Users added comments like "Hope to catch up with you in kumbh", Waahgreat effort to explainthanksyou are son of Bharat Maa.
Washington: Three weeks ahead of Trump's inauguration here on January 20, the debate on foreign guest workers visas for highly skilled professionals, the H-1B, has intensified which has literally created divisions in both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

Indians are the main beneficiaries of the H-1B visas, which bring in the best of the talent and brains from across the world. Highly skilled professionals from India walk away with the overwhelming number of H-1B visas  which is Congressional mandated 65,0000 every year and another 20,000 for those who received higher education from the US.

President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20 in front of the US Capitol, has come out in support of the H-1B, so has two of his close confidants, Tesla owner Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, both of whom have been tasked to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.

Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. Thats why we have them, Trump told the New York Post over the weekend.

I've 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. We're going to have jobs like we've never had before," Trump told reporters at a New Years Eve party hosted by him at Mar-a-Lago.

Both Musk and Ramaswamy have argued that H-1B visas are essential to attract the best of the talent, as the US falls short in many of the specialised fields.

They have been joined by Indian American Democratic lawmakers including Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar who have come out in support of H-1B visas, after a sudden backlash against it as soon as Trump appointed Sriram Krishnan as his Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence.

Such a backlash initially came from the supporters of Trump who argued that this is eating away at the jobs of Americans. Both Musk and Ramaswamy immediately weighed in and supported the H-1B visas. On Thursday, influential Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders asserted that the two close confidants of Trump are wrong.

Elon Musk and a number of other billionaire tech company owners have argued that this federal programme is vital to our economy because of the scarcity of highly skilled American engineers and other tech workers. I disagree.

"The main function of the H-1B visa programme and other guest worker initiatives is not to hire the best and the brightest, but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad. The cheaper the labour they hire, the more money the billionaires make, Sanders said on Thursday.

His own party colleague Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi disagreed on Monday.

The number one competitive advantage America has is our workforce. The H-1B programme attracts the best and brightest talent from around the world and strengthens that advantage as we also invest in American workers, he told CNN as he supported Musk and Ramaswamy in the debate.

The reason Im in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B. Take a big step back and FxxK YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend, Musk had said in a post on X as a portion of the MAGA crowd started attacking Krishnan on his appointment which soon expanded to the debate on H-1B visas.

The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born and first-generation engineers over native Americans isnt because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy and wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the C-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers and if were really serious about fixing the problem, we have to confront the TRUTH, argued Ramaswamy.

Indian American Congressman Khanna told Newsweek that America is a magnet for the world's brightest talent.

To compete with China, we want to attract the best engineers and technologists. But the H-1B programme has been abused. That's why I have been co-leading the bipartisan H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act to make sure American workers are never replaced and that H-1B workers aren't paid below market wages that hurts the compensation of American employees, he said.

All Americans make America great, including immigrants. We must increase H1B tenfold and eliminate country quotas. Make it easy to check immigration status, give EAD to all green card applicants, and quadruple the USCIS staffing budget to expedite legal immigration. This is how you make America the greatest ever, Indian American Congressman Thanedar said.
Jerusalem: Israel's military revealed that around 100 of its troops conducted a raid in Syria in September last year to dismantle an underground missile factory allegedly funded by Iran.

In a rare admission of its activities in Syria, the military confirmed in a statement that the September 8 operation targeted and "destroyed an underground compound for manufacturing precision missiles" in the Masyaf area, near Syria's Mediterranean coast, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Israeli military claimed that the facility housed "advanced assembly lines designed to manufacture precision-guided missiles and long-range rockets." These weapons, it said, would have significantly bolstered supplies to Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups in the region.

The operation involved a coordinated assault by helicopters, drones for intelligence support, fighter jets, and naval vessels. Israeli forces destroyed the facility, seizing equipment, weapons, and intelligence documents. These materials were brought back to Israel for further analysis. No Israeli troops were injured in the raid.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, reported in September that the raid resulted in 27 fatalities.

Since the onset of Syria's civil war in 2011, Israel has carried out numerous strikes in the country, claiming to target Iranian-linked sites and weapon shipments to Hezbollah.

In December, Israeli troops entered a United Nations-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights and seized Syrian territory in the area. The move drew widespread international condemnation. Israel described the incursion as temporary and defensive.
United States President-elect Donald Trump on Friday launched a fiery attack on outgoing President Joe Biden, calling him "the worst President in the history of the United States" while criticising his administration's Open Border Policy. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Trump described the current state of the country as a "disaster" and "a laughing stock" on the world stage, blaming President Biden for the decline in national security, safety, and leadership.

Trump's scathing remarks centered on what he perceives as the disastrous consequences of President Biden's 'Open Border Policy'. He warned that the policy would lead to worsening levels of radical Islamic terrorism and violent crimes in America, saying, "The time has come, only worse than ever imagined."

In his post, Trump further condemned President Biden, stating, "What he and his group of Election Interfering thugs have done to our country will not soon be forgotten!" The President-elect also accused various US institutions, including the Department of Justice (DoJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Democratic state officials, of failing in their duties.

According to Trump, these agencies and officials have been "incompetent and corrupt," focussing instead on politically attacking him rather than safeguarding the country from internal and external threats.

"Our country is a disaster, a laughing stock all over the world!" Trump wrote. "This is what happens when you have OPEN BORDERS, with weak, ineffective, and virtually non-existent leadership."

He further added that the DOJ, FBI, and local prosecutors have spent their time unlawfully attacking him, instead of tackling violent elements that have infiltrated the US government and the nation. Trump also called for immediate action from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), urging them to intervene before the situation deteriorates further. "The USA is breaking down  a violent erosion of Safety, National Security, and Democracy is taking place all across our Nation," he said.

"Only strength and powerful leadership will stop it," he added. In a final message to his supporters, Trump promised that his administration would restore the countrys strength, stating, "See you on January 20th. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN." Trump, who is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, will take office amid a turbulent political climate.

In addition to his criticism of Bidens policies, Trump also voiced support for the H-1B visa programme, which has been a point of contention in US immigration debates. Notably, his close allies, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, have both endorsed the programme and are set to take on roles in the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency under Trumps administration.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday the government is committed to eliminating the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) outfit to ensure the country's socio-economic development. Pakistan has recently witnessed an uptick in terror activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Terror attacks have increased since the TTP broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government. With at least 685 members of security forces losing their lives amid a total of 444 terror attacks, 2024 turned out to be the deadliest year for the civil and military security forces of Pakistan in a decade, Dawn News reported.

Equally alarming were the cumulative losses of civilians and security personnel with 1,612 fatalities, accounting for over 63 per cent of the total recorded the past year. The overall fatalities recorded last year were a record nine-year high, and over 66 per cent more than in 2023. On average, nearly seven lives were lost daily.

Addressing a meeting of the National Action Plan Apex Committee, Shehbaz said: The agenda of Pakistan's progress and prosperity that we discussed yesterday can only be [realised] when all of us not only improve law and order across Pakistan but also the time has come to completely wipe out the TTP. The prime minister stressed that the government, the provinces, and relevant stakeholders should make a comprehensive plan in collaboration with the security forces.

The premier pointed out that the government was aware that some terrorists were living in the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, to disturb the peace. He said the government was also aware as to which countries were supporting those terrorists. Referring to the weekend's skirmishes with Afghan forces at the border, he said a befitting response was given.

In July, the government, through an official notification, designated the TTP as Fitna al Khawarij, while mandating all institutions to use the term khariji (outcast) when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
Residents living close to several major tourist sites have complained that the large number of visitors who visited Macau in 2024 is not respecting those who live in those areas and that there is excessive crowding and noise in many surrounding areas, Che Mei Leng, president of the Macao Sam Pa Mun Residents Mutual Aid Association, said in an interview with public broadcaster TDM.

Che said that residents living near the Ruins of Saint Pauls have made several complaints over the year due to the excessive noise caused mostly by the use of megaphones by tourist guides.

She added that this happens when the number of tourists is particularly high, and the tour groups are large.

The same resident representative also noted that the guides are not following the routes created by the Macao Government Tourism Office and that they often detour into streets that are not part of these routes, causing further disturbance.

In the past, there were also many complaints from the residents living in these major tourist areas, including the entry of tourists into private residential buildings to sit on the staircases, eat, and even urinate.

In another interview with TDM, Lam Sao Chan, head of the Macao Tourist Guides Union, acknowledged that there are very specific rules and instructions that the guides must follow while performing their activities, which include the disclosure of the route and some details to the visitors even before they leave the buses.

Lam said that the association has also called on guides not to use their microphones and speaker systems too much while commuting on foot, using them only at specific locations where presentations and explanations are necessary.

The same official noted that tourists are a necessity for the survival of Macaus economy and also called on residents not to exaggerate their complaints.
From Sydney to Mumbai to Paris to Rio de Janeiro, communities around the world welcomed 2025 with spectacular light shows, embraces and ice plunges.

The New Years Eve ball dropped in soggy Times Square, where thousands of revelers 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. 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.

Conflict muted acknowledgements of the start of 2025 in places like the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine.

American Samoa will be among the last to welcome 2025, a full 24 hours after New Zealand.

Earliest fireworks

A few hours after Auckland, fireworks blasted off Australias Sydney Harbor Bridge and across the bay. More than a million people gathered at 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.

American traditions, old and new

In New York City, crowds cheered and couples kissed when the ball weighing almost 6 tons (5.4 metric tons) and featuring 2,688 crystal triangles descended down a pole in Times Square. The celebration included musical performances by TLC and Jonas Brothers.

The revelry culminated with a dance party and a carpeting of soggy confetti as attendees left singing along to Frank Sinatras version of New York, New York.

Angie Cuadradu, from Virginia, said she hopes 2025 is going to be great. Were sending positive vibes everywhere, she said.

Las Vegas pyrotechnic show will be on the Strip, with 340,000 people anticipated as fireworks are launched from the rooftops of casinos. Nearby, the Sphere venue will display for the first time countdowns to midnight in different time zones.

In Pasadena, California, Rose Parade spectators were camping out and hoping for prime spots. And some 200,000 people flocked to a country music party in Nashville, Tennessee.

Asia prepares for Year of the Snake

Much of Japan shut down ahead of the nations 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 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 canceled during a period of national mourning following Sundays crash of a Jeju Air flight in Muan that killed 179 people.

China and Russia exchange goodwill

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 two leaders who face tensions with the West.

Xi told Putin their countries will always move forward hand in hand, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

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.

Seaside celebrations and beyond

In India, thousands of revelers 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.

A Holy Year begins

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.

On Tuesday, Francis celebrated a vespers at St. Peters Basilica. During Mass on Wednesday he is expected to again appeal for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Jan. 1 is a day of obligation for Catholics, marking the Solemnity of Mary.

In Saint Paul, Minnesota, about 400 Catholics joined the archbishop for a rare 11 p.m. Mass followed by a champagne reception in the citys monumental cathedral.

People have the tradition to stay up and toast the new year, so we said, Ok, lets build on that, said the Rev. Joseph Johnson.

Paris recaptures the Olympic spirit

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 had transformed the city into a site of joy, fraternity and astonishing sporting achievements.

Wintry weather, for good and bad

London rang in the New Year with a pyrotechnic display along the River Thames. With a storm bringing bitter weather to other parts of the United Kingdom, however, festivities in Edinburgh, Scotland, were canceled.

But in Switzerland and some other places, people embraced the cold, stripping and plunging into the water in freezing temperatures.

Millions revel in Rio

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 2 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 the stage.

Its so magical. Its an incredible thing, Alejandro Legarreta, a tourist from Puerto Rico, said after diving into the ocean. MELISSA GOLDIN, CEDAR ATTANASIO & CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY, MDT/AP
Assyrians: the First Gynecologists

The first diagnosis to handle infertility was made 4,000 years ago as depicted on an ancient Assyrian clay tablet that was discovered by Turkish researchers in central Kayseri province. The research was led by Sanlurfa's Harran University along with various other participating universities examined a 4,000-year-old Assyrian tablet that contained a prenuptial agreement. They found that the first infertility diagnosis was made in central Kayseri province's Kultepe district. The clay tablet written in cuneiform script detailed infertility and a solution for the inability of a person to reproduce through natural ways, as published in the journal Gynecological Endocrinology.

The inscription was meant for the Assyrian families of the time. The clay record stated that the wife should allow her husband to hire a female slave to act as a surrogate if the couple could not conceive within two years after the date of their marriage, according to Daily Sabah. The location of the find was home to a settlement and trade colony of the Old Assyrian Empire from 2,100 BC and 1,800 BC. Professor Ahmet Berkz Turp from Harran University's Gynecology and Obstetrics Department said, "The female slave would be freed after giving birth to the first male baby and ensuring that the family is not left without a child."

Knewz.com noted that the Assyrian contract was written in a wedge-shaped cuneiform script which was one of the earliest forms of writing. Regarding the steps of the process, it emphasized that the hired slave, known as a hierodule, should be freed after the birth of the first boy. It was now on display at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum as the earliest known evidence of human infertility. The Assyrian Empire was a complex Mesopotamian civilization that dated back to the 25th century BC, as per Newsweek. Mesopotamia was where people first gathered in large cities, created governments, and learned to write the first script.

The Assyrian Empire was among one of the earliest civilizations in world history. It was also the site where over 1,000 Old Assyrian tablets were found in 1925, known as the Cappadocian tablets. The inscription of the Hierodule, based on the situation, was variously translated as surrogate, slave, prostitute, or some combination as such. They might have been described as being 'married' to the husband, but the implications of sexual slavery were nonetheless the same. Their 'function,' concerning how they were used by other human beings was specific to situations like the ones that were described in the tablet, which was an odd catch-and-release form of relationship, according to MailOnline.

The prenuptial agreement added to an enormous trove of Old Assyrian records that were previously found in the area in 1925 by F. Hrozny. A fire eventually destroyed the settlement where the tablets had been found by archaeologists, according to Ancient Origins. It must have occurred suddenly as the excavations revealed that many of the tablets were still in their clay envelopes which indicated that the merchants did not have time to send out their recently written letters or open the newly received ones. The cuneiform tablets provided an original resource for the fascinating study of the pre-Hittite (circa 1940 BC to 1740 BC) network of Assyrian merchant colonies in Bronze Age Anatolia.
Siquijor Island has emerged as the fastest growing destination for attracting international travelers visiting the Philippines, according to digital travel platform Agoda.

The travel platforms New Horizons list further reveals Bohol to be the top trending destination for Filipino domestic travelers and Hanoi, Vietnam to be emerging among Filipinos traveling abroad.

- Advertisement -

Agodas New Horizons ranking, which is released annually, compares the accommodation booking ranks of the two previous years to identify the highest climbers in both domestic and international travel.

Siquijor Island is a hidden gem located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines with growing appeal for international travelers, particularly from China, South Korea, the United States, Australia, and Germany. Known for its mystical reputation, pristine beaches and lush natural beauty, the island sets itself apart from its more widely known counterparts like Boracay, Siargao and Palawan.

Travelers can experience the islands unique healing therapies and local shamanic practices, including during the annual Healing Festival held during Holy Week, or enjoy its many white sand beaches, dramatic sunset views, enchanting caves and waterfalls, and breathtaking coral reefs and marine life.

Meanwhile Bohol, also located in the Central Visayas region, is gaining popularity among domestic travelers. Known for its stunning natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and unique wildlife, Bohol offers a blend of adventure and relaxation. Travelers can marvel at the iconic landscape of the Chocolate Hills, enjoy the beaches in Panglao, cruise along the Loboc River, and encounter the islands tarsiers, one of the worlds smallest primates.

For Filipino travelers traveling abroad, Hanoi is rising in popularity. With the first direct air route between Vietnam and Philippines launched earlier this year as well as increased flight routes between Manila and Hanoi, Filipinos can enjoy increased connectivity when traveling to Vietnam. Hanois historic landmarks, colonial architecture and thriving food scene offers a unique blend of the traditional and modern.

Rising interest from Filipino travelers offers a positive uptick for tourism in Hanoi following the floods and typhoons in Northern Vietnam this year.

Michael Hwang, Country Director Philippines at Agoda said, The rising popularity of Siquijor and Bohol opens up new horizons for travelers to experience the charm of the Philippines lesser-known destinations. Agoda is proud to support efforts to promote these secondary destinations. Its exciting to also see Filipino travelers showing more interest in Hanoi, especially with the increased flight connectivity in Vietnam. Wherever their journey takes them in 2025, Agoda is committed to helping travelers see the world for less.

Looking at the top emerging destinations for Asian travelers combined, it is Shanghai that tops the New Horizons list. The Chinese metropolis is followed by Jeju (South Korea), Paris (France), Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Fukuoka (Japan).

Travelers preparing for their travel plans for 2025 are encouraged to check out Agodas great value deals on over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform. The latest deals are available in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.
In Burundi, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) rejected the candidacy of Agathon Rwasa, a prominent opposition figure, along with around ten members of A Burundi for All, a coalition, for the upcoming legislative elections in June 2025.

The announcement, made on Tuesday, December 31, marks a significant setback for Rwasa, who came second in the 2020 presidential elections and was ousted from the National Congress for Liberty (CNL) in March 2024.

Rwasa had planned to run under the A Burundi for All coalition, which comprises four opposition parties. However, the CENI disqualified his candidacy, citing inconsistencies with the electoral code and laws prohibiting candidates from representing more than one party. Rwasa and his close associates, Euphrasie Mutenzinka and Anatole Karorero, currently sit in the National Assembly under the suspended CNL banner but were attempting to contest the elections under the coalitions label. The CENI argued that their actions violated legal restrictions, although Rwasa maintains that he no longer belongs to the CNL and disputes the grounds for his rejection.

Compounding the challenges for opposition candidates, President Evariste Ndayishimiye issued a decree in December tightening eligibility requirements. The decree mandates that individuals who leave a party must wait at least a year before running for office, with the period extended to two years for party leaders. Analysts suggest the measure was specifically designed to block Rwasas candidacy.

While Rwasa had 48 hours to appeal the CENI decision to the Constitutional Court, he dismissed the process as futile, condemning what he described as a corrupt electoral system favoring the ruling party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy  Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD). He also criticized the exclusion of independent candidates, underscoring the significant challenges faced by opposition figures in Burundis political landscape.
During the weekly press conference on Wednesday, January 1, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that Egypt has received the first installment of the European Unions 7.4 billion ($8 billion) financing package. The 1 billion tranche was deposited into the Central Bank of Egypt last Friday December 27, marking the start of the financial assistance aimed at bolstering the countrys fiscal stability and supporting its ongoing reform efforts.

This funding is part of the EUs Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) program, following the European Commissions approval in December to release the loan after Egypt met specific policy conditions. The aid is intended to help Egypt address a portion of its financing needs for the 2024/2025 fiscal year and to support the countrys reform agenda in line with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.

Madbouly acknowledged the significant economic challenges Egypt faced in 2024, attributing the difficulties to both internal and external factors. However, he noted that the government had effectively responded with a range of policies and proactive measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of these challenges.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Egypts success in repaying $39 billion in 2024, fulfilling all financial obligations despite the global economic pressures. Looking forward, he expressed optimism that the financial burden would ease in 2025, with the government already working on a comprehensive plan to address upcoming commitments.

In addition to the 1 billion received, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the approval of a second tranche of 4 billion. This is part of a broader EU-Egypt partnership aimed at strengthening Egypts economic stability and addressing regional challenges exacerbated by geopolitical issues.
On Thursday, January 2, a two-year prison sentence was requested against Guinean opposition leader Aliou Bah, who is being tried in Conakry for insult and defamation of General Mamadi Doumbouya, head of the junta that overthrew President Alpha Conde in 2021. Bah, leader of the Liberal Democratic Movement (MoDel), was arrested on December 26 and imprisoned on December 30. The prosecutor in Kaloum, Conakrys administrative and business district, made the request during the trial.

Bah denied the accusations, and his defense team called the charges false. His lawyer, Me Houleymatou Bah, argued in court that the case was a trial of freedom of opinion.

Bahs arrest is part of a broader crackdown on dissent under the junta, which has imposed severe restrictions on freedoms. Besides Bah, two opposition figures have been missing since their detention by armed men in July. Additionally, two officers, including the former chief of staff of the army, as well as a doctor, have died in custody under unclear circumstances. On December 4, journalist Habib Marouane Camara, who runs the Lerevelateur224 website, was also arrested by armed men in Conakry, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

In his New Years address, General Doumbouya stated that 2025 would be a crucial election year for restoring constitutional order in Guinea, though he did not provide a specific date. Initially, the junta had pledged to transfer power to elected civilians by the end of 2024, but it has not honored that commitment.
On December 23, Mozambiques Constitutional Council (CC), the highest authority in electoral disputes, declared Daniel Chapo the winner of the presidential election with 65.17% of the vote. Chapo, backed by the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), will succeed Filipe Nyusi as President. His inauguration is scheduled for January 15, 2025, as confirmed by a resolution issued by the CC.

Chapos election marks a historic milestone as he will be the first president born after Mozambiques independence, assuming office during the countrys 50th independence anniversary. Despite his victory and Frelimo retaining its parliamentary majority in the October 9 general elections, the results have sparked widespread unrest. Protesters, supporting Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos party, who officially secured 24% of the vote but claims electoral fraud, have taken to the streets demanding electoral truth. Demonstrations have escalated into violence, including barricades, looting, and clashes with police, leading to nearly 300 deaths and over 500 injuries, according to civil society organizations.

The protests are the most significant challenge to electoral outcomes since Mozambiques first democratic elections in 1994. Meanwhile, Mondlane, currently abroad, continues to rally supporters through social media, vowing to take office on January 15 and promising further details of his movement, dubbed Ponta de Lanca (Spearhead), in early January.

In addition to Chapo and Mondlane, the October 9 elections included Ossufo Momade of Renamo, the main opposition party, who garnered 6.62%, and Lutero Simango of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), who secured 4.02%. The CCs confirmation of Chapo as president has only intensified tensions, leaving the nation in a volatile state as the inauguration date approaches.
Mali has rejected Algerias meddling in its domestic affairs and reiterated accusations saying Algiers was using terrorist groups to gain a foothold in the Sahel.

In a foreign ministry statement, Bamako denounced the persistence of interference acts by Algeria in Malis internal affairs.

The statement came in response to remarks by Algerian foreign minister Ahmed Attaf who criticized the sovereign decision of Bamako to withdraw from a deal that was brokered by Algeria in 2015.

Algeria has been offering a rear base for the Azwad separatists and their Al Qaeda allies led by Iyad Ag Ghali, since the Wagner-backed advance of the Malian army , following the takeover of the military of power in the country

The Malian foreign ministry reiterated its denunciation of the proximity and complicity of Algeria with the terrorist groups that destabilize Mali and to whom it has provided shelter and support.

Mali strongly condemns this new interference by Algeria in Malis internal affairs, reads the statement.

The statement recalls that it is up to Malian authorities to decide how to confront terrorism and urges Algeria to stop using Mali to advance its international agenda.

Algeria had better focus on its own challenges such as the Kabylie independence movement, the statement said.

Since Mali left the Algeria-brokered deal, it has been accusing Algeria of manipulating terrorism to pressure its Sahel neighbors.

The Malian statement shows the scale of isolation suffered by Algerias diplomacy since the advent of the military-civilian duo Chengriha/Tebboune, with near state of war with Morocco, tense ties with Haftar in Libya, deteriorating ties with Niger and Mali and a Mauritania that is distancing itself from Algiers.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A study led by researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that many cases of high-risk nonmetastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer may be more advanced than previously thought.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that nearly half of high-risk prostate cancer patients previously classified as nonmetastatic by conventional imaging actually have metastatic disease when evaluated with advanced prostate-specific membrane antigenpositron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) imaging, suggesting that traditional imaging may underestimate how far the cancer has spread in many cases.

"Our study demonstrates the critical role of PSMA-PET in accurately staging prostate cancer, which can significantly impact treatment decisions and outcomes," said senior author of the study Dr. Jeremie Calais, director of the Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division's clinical research program and associate professor at the department of molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

This advanced imaging technology plays a critical role in redefining how prostate cancer is staged. PSMA-PET imaging uses tiny amounts of radioactive "tracers," called radiotracers, that binds to prostate cancer cells, making them visible on PET scans.

Unlike conventional imaging, which provides only anatomical details, PSMA-PET offers functional imaging that reveals the cancer's biological activity, which can significantly improve the accuracy of disease staging.

The clinical adoption of PSMA-PET has changed the landscape of prostate cancer imaging, yet treatment decisions often rely on clinical trials that did not incorporate this advanced imaging technique for patient selection.

To better understand the advantages of PSMA-PET over conventional imaging, researchers conducted a post-hoc, retrospective cross-sectional study using data from 182 patients with high-risk recurrent prostate cancers who were thought to have disease limited to the prostate and were eligible for the EMBARK trial.

This clinical trial previously demonstrated that adding enzalutamide, a type of hormone therapy, to androgen deprivation therapy significantly improves metastasis-free survival. However, the trial relied on conventional imaging to classify patients, which researchers believe might have underestimated the disease's extent in some cases.

In the cohort of patients, the researchers found PSMA-PET detected cancer metastases in 46% of patients, even though traditional imaging had suggested no evidence of cancer spread. Based on PSMA-PET, 24% of the patients even showed five or more lesions that had been missed by conventional imaging.

"We anticipated that PSMA-PET would detect more suspicious findings compared to conventional imaging. However, it was informative to uncover such a high number of metastatic findings in a well-defined cohort of patients resembling the EMBARK trial population that was supposed to only include those without metastases," said Dr. Adrien Holzgreve, a visiting assistant professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine and first author of the study.

These results challenge the interpretation of previous studies, like the EMBARK trial, and support the inclusion of PSMA-PET for patient selection in clinical and trial interventions in prostate cancer in future major industry-sponsored clinical trials.

It also highlights the need to reevaluate treatment strategies and opens the door to potentially curative options for some patients, such as targeted radiotherapy, while raising important questions about integrating new imaging technologies into standard care.

While the current findings underscore PSMA-PET's potential, researchers are continuing to explore its broader applications through additional studies. More research is needed to understand its impact on long-term patient outcomes and how it can best guide therapy, noted Calais.

"We have good rationales to assume that it is helpful to primarily rely on PSMA-PET findings," said Holzgreve. "But more high-quality prospective data would be needed to claim superiority of PSMA-PET for treatment guidance in terms of patient outcome. However, we are confident PSMA-PET will continue to advance prostate cancer staging and guide personalized therapies."

Ongoing efforts at UCLA include analyzing follow-up data from four UCLA trials to assess how PSMA-PET findings influenced treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Additionally, as part of an international consortium studying over 6,000 patients, the team is investigating the prognostic value of PSMA-PET.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a prevalent characteristic of glaucoma and often the reason behind disease progression. Now, a team of researchers has utilized AI to identify a RIPK3 inhibitor with neuroprotective properties. Findings can shape the future of glaucoma treatment. Credit: Dr. Yuanxu Gao from Macau University of Science and Technology

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disorder characterized by fluid buildup inside the eye, causing ocular hypertension. By 2040, it is estimated that 111.8 million people worldwide will be affected by glaucoma, potentially leading to blindness if left untreated. Currently, there are treatments available to manage ocular hypertension, but a cure for glaucoma remains elusive.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are crucial for transmitting visual signals from the eyes to the brain, and their degeneration leads to optic nerve damage, which is a hallmark of glaucoma. In recent years, scientists have focused on developing neuroprotective drugs that can rescue RGCs and restore the optic nerve pathways.

Necroptosis, a pathway responsible for programmed cell death, plays a significant role in the loss of RGCs. Unlike other forms of cell death, necroptosis shares features of both apoptosis (natural cell breakdown) and necrosis (injury-related cell damage). Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), a key signaling molecule, is known to play a critical role in necroptosis, making it a promising target for therapeutic intervention.

To identify potential RIPK3 inhibitors, a team of researchers from different research facilities and medical centers in China came together to conduct an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug screening technique and identify the potential target compounds of RIPK3. The study, led by Dr. Yuanxu Gao from Macau University of Science and Technology and Professor Zhang Kang from Guangzhou National Laboratory, appears in the Chinese Medical Journal.

"AI provides reliable tools and methods for drug discovery, such as virtual screening, quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling, and de novo drug design," says Dr. Gao.

The team utilized advanced AI models, including a large language model and graph neural network models, to identify RIPK3-targeting molecules. Even though the command "small-molecule compounds targeting RIPK3" was the same throughout numerous engagements with ChatGPT 3.5, the team got a randomized AI-generated list. The team also used multiple AI models, including DynamicBind, to predict the drug-RIPK3 affinity and interaction pattern.

Complex-conformation prediction using molecular dynamics simulation along with in silico analysis of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) of the molecules was also performed. To validate these findings, the team conducted biological experiments, including cell viability assays, immunofluorescence, histological analysis, and protein quantification.

Using AI, the team identified HG9-91-01, dabrafenib, AZD5423, GSK840, and HS-1371 as the most potent small-molecule compounds that can effectively target RIPK3. According to affinity-score prediction models, HG9-91-01 was considered to be the most promising candidate for targeting RIPK3. The suitability of HG9-91-01 was confirmed by molecular simulations, demonstrating that it formed a more stable complex with RIPK3 compared to other options. The compound also exhibited good results in safety and drug-related tests as per the ADMET predictions.

The compound's efficacy was validated through laboratory experiments. In an in vitro model mimicking optic nerve damage, RGCs exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) showed higher survival rates when treated with HG9-91-01 compared to other candidates. The compound also reduced the presence of gasdermin D (GSDMD)-positive cells, a marker of pyroptosis, a type of inflammatory cell death.

Highlighting an interesting aspect of this study, Prof. Kang says, "Although numerous studies have focused on anti-apoptotic, anti-necroptotic, and anti-pyroptotic drugs for treating acute ocular hypertension (AOH), strategies targeting PANoptosis, including cell-cell communication and cascade reactions of cell death, are rarely mentioned. In this study, we investigated potential drug treatments targeting RIPK3 to prevent RGC death and explored their role in preventing PANoptosis."

In vivo experiments involving mouse models also showed positive results. Retinal thinning is often associated with glaucoma and increased ocular pressure. However, treatment with the HG9-91-01 molecule prevented the loss of retinal thickness. It also reduced the activation of signaling molecules associated with apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis, suggesting its potential in preventing PANoptosis.

The findings of this study provide interesting insights into the combination of AI algorithms and traditional drug screening methods that might lead to a logical and data-driven drug development model. Biological research investigating drug-target interaction necessitates a substantial amount of time and resources. AI-based prediction models simplify and expedite this process.

"AI technologies are useful for handling computationally intensive tasks and making rational decisions based on complex multimodal knowledge. However, possible concerns such as data privacy, transparency, and bias should be addressed with caution," concludes Dr. Gao.

In order to confirm that HG9-91-01 can protect the retinal structure in patients with AOH, the team plans on conducting further confirmatory retinal assessments. With AI-driven breakthroughs on the horizon, the future of glaucoma treatment looks brighter than ever.

More information: Xing Tu et al, Artificial intelligence-enabled discovery of a RIPK3 inhibitor with neuroprotective effects in an acute glaucoma mouse model, Chinese Medical Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000003387

Provided by Chinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.
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

A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows that clinical alerts driven by artificial intelligence (AI) can help doctors identify patients at risk for suicide, potentially improving prevention efforts in routine medical settings.

A team led by Colin Walsh, MD, MA, associate professor of Biomedical Informatics, Medicine and Psychiatry, tested whether their AI system, called the Vanderbilt Suicide Attempt and Ideation Likelihood model (VSAIL), could effectively prompt doctors in three neurology clinics at VUMC to screen patients for suicide risk during regular clinic visits.

The study, reported in JAMA Network Open, compared two approachesautomatic pop-up alerts that interrupted the doctor's workflow versus a more passive system that simply displayed risk information in the patient's electronic chart.

The study found that the interruptive alerts were far more effective, leading doctors to conduct suicide risk assessments in connection with 42% of screening alerts, compared to just 4% with the passive system.

"Most people who die by suicide have seen a health care provider in the year before their death, often for reasons unrelated to mental health," Walsh said. "But universal screening isn't practical in every setting. We developed VSAIL to help identify high-risk patients and prompt focused screening conversations."

Suicide has been on the rise in the U.S. for a generation and is estimated to claim the lives of 14.2 in 100,000 Americans each year, making it the nation's 11th leading cause of death. Studies have shown that 77% of people who die by suicide have contact with primary care providers in the year before their death.

Calls to improve risk screening have led researchers to explore ways to identify patients most in need of assessment. The VSAIL model, which Walsh's team developed at Vanderbilt, analyzes routine information from electronic health records to calculate a patient's 30-day risk of suicide attempt. In earlier prospective testing, where VUMC patient records were flagged but no alerts were fired, the model proved effective at identifying high-risk patients, with one in 23 individuals flagged by the system later reporting suicidal thoughts.

In the new study, when patients identified as high-risk by VSAIL came for appointments at Vanderbilt's neurology clinics, their doctors received on a randomized basis either interruptive or non-interruptive alerts. The research focused on neurology clinics because certain neurological conditions are associated with increased suicide risk.

The researchers suggested that similar systems could be tested in other medical settings.

"The automated system flagged only about 8% of all patient visits for screening," Walsh said. "This selective approach makes it more feasible for busy clinics to implement suicide prevention efforts."

The study involved 7,732 patient visits over six months, prompting 596 total screening alerts. During the 30-day follow-up period, in a review of VUMC health records, no patients in either randomized alert group were found to have experienced episodes of suicidal ideation or attempted suicide. While the interruptive alerts were more effective at prompting screenings, they could potentially contribute to "alert fatigue"when doctors become overwhelmed by frequent automated notifications. The researchers noted that future studies should examine this concern.

"Health care systems need to balance the effectiveness of interruptive alerts against their potential downsides," Walsh said. "But these results suggest that automated risk detection combined with well-designed alerts could help us identify more patients who need suicide prevention services."

More information: Risk ModelGuided Clinical Decision Support for Suicide Screening, JAMA Network Open (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52371 Journal information: JAMA Network Open
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

For many nursing home residents, a trip to the hospital can be a jarring experienceone that leaves them confused and stressed. Yet avoidable transfers happen far too often, not only disrupting a resident's routine but also costing the U.S. health care system $2.6 billion annually.

When researchers at the University of Missouri recently looked at the decision-making process for whether or not to transfer nursing home residents to the hospital, they quickly discovered that it's complicatedparticularly for residents with cognitive impairment who may not be able to communicate their preferences.

"Untangling the complex web of avoidable nursing home-to-hospital transfers of residents with dementia" was published in Alzheimer's & Dementia.

Kimberly Powell, an assistant professor in the Sinclair School of Nursing, led a recent study that found nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias were more likely to have avoidable transfers to the hospital compared to residents without dementia. These transfers often stemmed from a mismatch between the care provided and the residents' personal preference.

Powell pointed to the increasingly popular Age-Friendly Health System Initiative, which focuses on aligning care with what matters most to patients, emphasizing patients' wishes and minimizing trauma and risk.

"Not all residents with dementia can tell the nursing home staff they don't want to be transferred to the hospital, so our research highlights the importance of documenting advanced care planning for residents ahead of time," she said. "Having those conversations early and oftenideally when a resident might be in an earlier stage of disease progression and better able to communicate their desires and valueshelps us honor them through the rest of their life."

For the study, Powell and her team analyzed data from the Missouri Quality Initiative, a program that embedded advanced practice registered nurses full-time into 16 Missouri nursing homes with higher hospitalization rates than the national average.

"For those with a progressive disease like Alzheimer's or dementia, we often find that they value having dignity later in life and being in a place that is comfortable while surrounded by people they know and love," Powell said.

"We also found that increasing nursing home staff support, training and resources can help residents receive the care they need as they age while remaining in the nursing home. We ultimately want to better support the staff who work in nursing homes."

Ashley Woods, a doctoral student in the Sinclair School of Nursing and nurse practitioner at a hospital in New Mexico, has encountered the issue firsthand.

"Sometimes, the patients' forms are marked 'do-not-transfer,' so there seems to be a disconnect about the best course of action," she said.

"Those with dementia may experience a temporary episode of agitation in the nursing home, but by the time I see them in the hospital, everything looks good. Still, the transfers are often a traumatic and stressful experience for the residents and they don't often align with the priorities and goals of the patient."

Mentored by Powell, Woods' research builds on the findings by exploring how frequently nursing home care teams address pain in residents with dementia.

"The work Ashley is doing around pain is so important and clinically meaningful," Powell said. "Two-thirds of nursing home residents have cognitive impairment, and that number is only projected to grow in the years ahead, so this will become an increasingly relevant topic to monitor going forward. At the end of the day, we want the nursing home residents' goals, values and preferences to be put ahead of anything else."

More information: Kimberly R. Powell et al, Untangling the complex web of avoidable nursing hometohospital transfers of residents with dementia, Alzheimer's & Dementia (2024). DOI: 10.1002/alz.14292 Journal information: Alzheimer's & Dementia
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

Interactions with friends and family may keep us healthy because they boost our immune system and reduce our risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.

Researchers from the UK and China drew this conclusion after studying proteins from blood samples taken from over 42,000 adults recruited to the UK Biobank. Their findings are published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

Social relationships play an important role in our well-being. Evidence increasingly demonstrates that both social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health and an early death. Despite this evidence, however, the underlying mechanisms through which social relationships impact health remain elusive.

One way to explore biological mechanisms is to look at proteins circulating in the blood. Proteins are molecules produced by our genes and are essential for helping our bodies function properly. They can also serve as useful drug targets, allowing researchers to develop new treatments to tackle diseases.

A team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, and Fudan University, China, examined the proteomesthe suite of proteinsin blood samples donated by over 42,000 adults aged 4069 years who are taking part in the UK Biobank. This allowed the team to see which proteins were present at higher levels among people who were socially isolated or lonely, and how these proteins were connected to poorer health.

The team calculated social isolation and loneliness scores for individuals. Social isolation is an objective measure based onfor examplewhether someone lives alone, how frequently they have contact with others socially, and whether they take part in social activities. Loneliness, on the other hand, is a subjective measure based on whether an individual feels lonely.

When the researchers analyzed the proteomes and adjusted for factors such as age, sex and socioeconomic background, they found 175 proteins associated with social isolation and 26 proteins associated with loneliness (though there was substantial overlap, with approximately 85% of the proteins associated with loneliness being shared with social isolation). Many of these proteins are produced in response to inflammation, viral infection and as part of our immune responses, as well as having been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and early death.

The team then used a statistical technique known as Mendelian randomization to explore the causal relationship between social isolation and loneliness on the one hand, and proteins on the other. Using this approach, they identified five proteins whose abundance was caused by loneliness.

Dr. Chun Shen, from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge and the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, said, "We know that social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer health, but we've never understood why. Our work has highlighted a number of proteins that appear to play a key role in this relationship, with levels of some proteins in particular increasing as a direct consequence of loneliness."

Professor Jianfeng Feng from the University of Warwick said, "There are more than 100,000 proteins and many of their variants in the human body. AI and high-throughput proteomics can help us pinpoint some key proteins in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in many human diseases and revolutionize the traditional view of human health.

"The proteins we've identified give us clues to the biology underpinning poor health among people who are socially isolated or lonely, highlighting why social relationships play such an important part in keeping us healthy."

One of the proteins produced at higher levels as a result of loneliness was ADM. Previous studies have shown that this protein plays a role in responding to stress and in regulating stress hormones and social hormones such as oxytocinthe so-called love hormonewhich can reduce stress and improve mood.

The team found a strong association between ADM and the volume of the insula, a brain hub for interoception, our ability to sense what's happening inside our bodythe greater the ADM levels, the smaller the volume of this region. Higher ADM levels were also linked to lower volume of the left caudate, a region involved in emotional, reward, and social processes. In addition, higher levels of ADM were linked to an increased risk of early death.

Another of the proteins, ASGR1, is associated with higher cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while other identified proteins play roles in the development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis ('furring' of the arteries) and cancer progression, for example.

Professor Barbara Sahakian from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge said, "These findings drive home the importance of social contact in keeping us well. More and more people of all ages are reporting feeling lonely. That's why the World Health Organization has described social isolation and loneliness as a global public health concern. We need to find ways to tackle this growing problem and keep people connected to help them stay healthy."

More information: Plasma proteomic signatures of social isolation and loneliness associated with morbidity and mortality, Nature Human Behaviour (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-02078-1 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour
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:

You're gathering with friends or family and something's just a bit off in conversation with a loved one.

It could be new-onset hearing loss, said Dr. Angela Peng, an otolaryngologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Some of the telltale signs that someone's hearing might be failing include:

The person simply nods and smiles when listening to others, rather than fully engaging in the conversation

They choose to sit off by themselves, rather than join in conversations like they used to

They decline invitations to large gatherings because they can't hear individuals' speech in loud, crowded rooms

When folks gather, there's often "a lot of people talking around you and background noise, whether that is with music or conversations, and people with hearing loss have a hard time listening when there is a lot of noise," Peng explained. She's an assistant professor of otolaryngologyhead and neck surgery at Baylor.

Especially among seniors, none of this is unexpected, because hearing does tend to decline as people age.

If a loved one appears to have trouble hearing, you can gently bring up the subject, Peng said.

Asking them if they've seen an audiologist and/or an ear, nose and throat physician for a hearing check might be warranted, she said.

Typically, an audiologist performs hearing tests that gauge the person's ability to hear sounds and clearly differentiate words. If a person performs poorly on the test, they might be referred to an ENT specialist, just to check if any underlying conditions are related to the hearing trouble.

Luckily, solutions are easily found, Peng said.

"Hearing aids are appropriate for the first signs of hearing loss, but if the hearing worsens, we might consider a cochlear implant, which requires surgery. With this, a more thorough discussion is needed," Peng said in a Baylor news release.

In the meantime, she offered up tips to communicating with people experiencing hearing loss.

If it's at a gathering, move your conversation to a quieter area for any one-on-one talk. Raising your voice won't always help, but talking a bit more slowly and enunciating words carefully can.

"If a person's hearing loss is related to clarity or the understanding of words, no matter how loud you talk, the message to them will still sound garbled," Peng explained.

 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003271

Research has found that over a quarter of surveyed firefighters who attended the Grenfell Tower fire are now suffering from long-term health disorders.

The research, independently carried out by the University of Central Lancashire with assistance from the Fire Brigades Union, analyzed available data from 524 of the 628 firefighters who attended the disaster.

As published in the Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, 26% of the firefighters reported adverse health outcomes, with 301 adverse outcomes reported overall. In many cases, firefighters suffered from more than one health disorder. These include 66 cases of digestive diseases, 64 respiratory diseases, 22 neurological diseases, and 11 cancer diagnoses.

The research has been published in two papers: "Grenfell Tower Fire: Firefighters' Activities and Their Exposure to Fire Smoke and Heat" and "Grenfell Tower Fire: Toxic Effluents and Assessment of Firefighters' Health Impacts."

Authored by Professor Anna Stec, an expert in fire chemistry and toxicity, the study found that a majority of the 136 firefighters reporting health disorders had not worn respiratory protection at some point during their activities. They were unable to follow safety protocols due to the severity of the incident.

Firefighters were exposed to smoke with gases and particulate matter at far higher levels than the limit set by the Health and Safety Executive, with many experiencing immediate symptoms including choking, difficulty breathing and vomiting on the night.

Over three times as many firefighters who were exposed to smoke during the incident reported digestive and respiratory diseases in the three years following, compared to those who were not exposed.

Scientists warn that the full health impact of the Grenfell Tower fire is still unknown, with many cancers and diseases taking years more to develop.

Firefighters who attended Grenfell report similar health symptoms to the firefighters who responded to the collapse of the World Trade Center. Following 9/11, a life-long health monitoring program was set up for emergency responders and the local community, which has enabled early diagnosis and treatment of cancers and other diseases, saving lives.

However, no established regular health monitoring program has been implemented for cancers and other diseases among the firefighters and residents affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said, "As ever, our thoughts are with the bereaved, survivors and residents of the Grenfell Tower fire. On that tragic night, firefighters went above and beyond to save lives from an inferno that should never have happened. This new research shows that many of the firefighters who risked their own lives are now suffering serious health effects.

"We now have powerful evidence that firefighters were exposed to extreme levels of toxic smoke at the tower, many without any respiratory protection. The figures are stark, with 136 of those attending in the first 20 hours now living with one or more diseases associated with smoke exposure.

"We must learn from the aftermath of 9/11, which made it clear that enhanced health testing is vital to protecting the lives of firefighters and residents. Regular health monitoring must be rolled out across the fire and rescue service to ensure that diseases can be treated in their early stages."

Professor Anna Stec, Professor of Fire Chemistry and Toxicity at the University of Central Lancashire, said, "Our latest research finds that firefighters who worked inside the Grenfell Tower fire report significantly higher rates of gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological, and other diseases compared to those who worked outside the building.

"We know that firefighters are exposed to toxic contaminants in fire throughout their careers, and that preventative measures are needed to protect their health. Although it is not possible to definitively trace any disease back to a single incident, it is alarming that a high proportion of the firefighters who were exposed to very high smoke levels that night are now falling ill.

"Given that firefighting is classified as a carcinogenic occupation by the World Health Organization and is associated with higher mortalities from rare cancers, introducing regular health monitoring for UK firefighters is essential."

More information: Anna A. Stec et al, Grenfell Tower Fire, Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003271 Anna A. Stec et al, Grenfell Tower Fire, Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003223
This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows a view outside a Tesla store in San Mateo, California, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla delivered fewer cars in 2024 than it did in 2023, marking its first year-on-year drop.



The company announced Thursday it delivered 1.77 million vehicles globally in 2024, down 2.2 percent from 1.81 million in 2023. Just 85,133 of those vehicles delivered were what Tesla refers to as "other models," which include Model S sedan, Model X SUV, and the Cybertruck.

The drop in 2024 is the first time annual sales actually declined since Tesla started delivering its first mass-market car, the Model S, in 2012.

Tesla warned investors at the beginning of last year that growth may be "notably lower" in 2024, and claimed it was a company in between "two major growth waves."

In April, Tesla laid off more than 10 percent of its workforce in a restructuring that was meant to re-focus on Tesla CEO Elon Musk's long-promised idea of making a fully functioning robotaxi, according to a report by TechCrunch.
With the start of the first academic term, the Ministry of Education has emphasized the progress made to ensure a smooth transition into Grade 9 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Key initiatives include infrastructural improvements, learning material distribution, and teacher recruitment. The following highlights capture these developments in detail.

The construction of additional classrooms has been a priority to accommodate the shift to Junior Secondary Schools (JSS). Here are the critical milestones so far:

Classrooms completed: 13,200 10,100 built by the Ministry of Education. 3,100 financed through the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).

13,200

Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, highlighted that while significant progress has been made, nearly 2,800 classrooms are still under construction.

Challenges such as slower approval processes for NG-CDF funding have contributed to delays in some areas. Nevertheless, the ministry expects 11,000 classrooms to be fully functional as schools reopen, ensuring immediate needs are met effectively.

Providing adequate learning resources has been a cornerstone of the CBC implementation since 2017. Significant advancements in this area include:

9.9 million Grade 9 textbooks dispatched to schools.

85% of these textbooks have already been delivered, with the remaining en route.

Assurance of learning materials for all students from Grade 1 to Grade 9.

According to Dr. Kipsang, the availability of these materials has been non-negotiable and reflects the governments commitment to uninterrupted learning.

A remarkable 93% of Kenyans support the placement of Junior Secondary Schools within primary school compounds, according to a survey by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform. This preference is attributed to the continuity and familiarity it offers to young learners. However, the integration has not been without challenges, including additional strain on existing resources. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Education is addressing these issues with strategies to create conducive learning environments.

Recognizing the critical need for adequate teaching staff, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has significantly intensified recruitment efforts. The results include:

46,000 intern teachers promoted to permanent positions.

20,000 new teaching hires.

Despite these gains, the current 80,000 teachers in Junior Secondary Schools fall short of the ideal teacher-to-student ratio. Dr. Kipsang stated that a further 140,000 educators are required to address the demand fully. Efforts are underway to bridge this gap and maintain a seamless continuity in education delivery.

The transition to Grade 9 has been described as smooth despite initial challenges by Dr. Kipsang. The strides made in classroom availability, learning materials, and teacher recruitment highlight the Ministry of Educations dedication to advancing CBC implementation.

However, ongoing collaboration and adaptability remain essential to overcoming persistent hurdles and ensuring the success of junior secondary education.

Looking ahead, parents and educators can expect sustained momentum throughout the school year. The governments resolute commitment to completing classroom construction and addressing teacher shortages reflects a solutions-driven approach to education.

While challenges remain, the groundwork laid so far indicates a promising trajectory for learners growth and development under the CBC framework.
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results will be released within the next ten days. Dr. Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, made this announcement during an education tour in Mombasa, addressing concerns about possible delays.

He assured stakeholders, saying, We are on trackjust as weve been in the past two years. Our focus remains clear: delivering credible results. Dr. Kipsang also emphasized that examiners have been given sufficient time to perform a thorough grading process.

This years KCSE saw a record-breaking number of candidates sitting for the exams, making it the largest cohort in Kenyas history. This increase naturally requires more time for grading and analysis.

At the same time, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is managing another significant task: finalizing results for Grade 6 learners who recently completed the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) as they prepare for junior secondary school.

A KNEC official stated that the council remains committed to accuracy and is taking incidents of irregularities seriously. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba described the reported cases of misconduct as minimal and assured the public that all measures are being taken to ensure that the examination process remains credible.

The Ministry of Education has been working on reforms to maintain the integrity of national exams. Since 2016, stricter measures have been implemented to prevent cheating and ensure timely release of results. Dr. Kipsang remarked, We now have systems in place to ensure that every students results honestly reflect their efforts over their four years of study.

Organizations like the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) have expressed their support for these reforms. However, KESSHA National Chairman Willy Kuria emphasized the need for broader changes in education.

He suggested shifting focus from ranking schools solely based on exam performances to include a more balanced evaluation of overall student development. Additionally, he encouraged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to reconsider how teacher promotions are tied to exam results.

Despite ongoing reforms, cases of malpracticesuch as collusion and use of unauthorized materialswere reported during the 2024 KCSE exams. This has led the Ministry to reinforce efforts to curb such activities, including ensuring that national exams remain free from political interference.

The Ministry assured the public that recent security measures have significantly reduced external meddling and strengthened the fairness of the examination process.

Kenyas education system has witnessed remarkable advancements over the years. Much of this progress is attributed to reforms initiated by former Education CS Fred Matiangi, which restructured exam administration and result release processes.

Reflecting on these developments, Dr. Kipsang stated, These reforms built a strong foundation for transparency and fairness, and they continue to guide us today.

With just days remaining until the results are released, the Ministry has committed to delivering credible results that reflect the hard work of every candidate. Once the process is finalized, KNECs meticulous analysis and heightened scrutiny will ensure trusted results. As the country waits eagerly, all indications point to a smooth and successful outcome.

For now, students, parents, and teachers can momentarily relax, confident that the next chapter in Kenyas evolving education system will begin with results that uphold integrity and accountability.
Kenya has taken delivery of six Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to bolster its fight against terrorism and other forms of organised crime. Manufactured by Turkish defence firm Baykar, these drones will also be deployed for surveillance missions.

According to Turkish media reports, the acquisition marks a deepening defence collaboration between Nairobi and Ankara. Bayraktar TB2 dronesalready battle-tested in conflicts such as Libya, Syria, and Ukrainehave become highly sought-after worldwide, particularly across Africa.

Officials say the models effectiveness, affordability, and adaptability make it a suitable choice for nations operating on constrained defence budgets. Each unit costs about $5 million, which means Kenya spent close to KSh4 billion for them.

The countrys move reflects a broader trend on the continent, where countries like Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger, Nigeria, and Morocco have either acquired or shown interest in the Bayraktar TB2. In Kenyas case, the drones are expected to strengthen operations against militant groups, notably al Shabaab, while also enhancing border protection and national security measures.

Bayraktar TB2 systems come equipped with Aselsans Aselfl ir-500 EO/IR/LD cameras, greatly improving their surveillance and targeting capabilities. Kenyan trainees completed their operational training at Baykars Flight Training Center in Kesan on August 23 last year, paving the way for swift integration of the TB2s into the countrys military framework.

Officials maintain that the deepening partnership with Turkiye, coupled with the capabilities of these combat drones, will significantly boost Kenyas counterterrorism efforts and secure its borders against emerging threats.
As Kenyan families gear up for the start of another school term, parents of Grade 9 students under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) face significant challenges due to textbook shortages. The issue has fueled frustration and confusion just as schools prepare to reopen.

What is usually a busy but manageable shopping season has turned into an exhausting task for many parents. Despite days spent searching bookstores, many families are unable to find the necessary textbooks. Booksellers have blamed delays in publishing and distribution, while schools have added to the confusion by failing to clearly specify which materials are required.

One bookseller in Nairobi explained the dilemma: Parents dont know whether to buy older editions or the new curriculum books. Many parents, uncertain of what to do, are holding off on purchases out of fear they might accidentally buy outdated textbooks.

An exasperated parent voiced their concerns, stating, I honestly dont know whos at fault herethe government for delays or the schools for listing books that arent even available yet.

The Ministry of Education has stepped in to calm the situation, assuring families that progress is being made. Officials claim that over 9 million Grade 9 textbooks are already printed, with 85% of public schools having received their allocated books. However, logistical challenges, such as schools being unprepared to receive shipments, have delayed the distribution for the remaining schools.

Ministry officials are asking parents to be patient, promising that every student will have the necessary books by the start of the term. However, for many parents, trust in these assurances is wearing thin as the uncertainty persists.

In contrast to the textbook chaos, uniform shopping this year has been an easier experience for most families. Uniform sellers have observed a slower pace, attributing this to a drop in new Form One enrollments. This has eased the usual back-to-school frenzy in uniform stores.

One Nairobi shopper shared her relief: Its so much calmer this timeno endless lines, no stress. Its definitely a nice change.

With only days left until schools reopen, the pressure is mounting for educators and booksellers to resolve these textbook supply issues. Parents remain both concerned and hopeful, eager to ensure their children are prepared for the demands of the evolving CBC.

This new term represents another opportunity for growth under the CBC, but it also highlights the challenges of transitioning to this system. For now, the focus remains on whether the government and schools can deliver on their promises to provide essential learning materials before the clock runs out.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has unveiled ambitious plans to modernize and expand its facilities in 2025, as it anticipates a sharp rise in operations at the Port of Mombasa.

According to KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto, the Terminal Operating System (TOS) is already being upgraded and will enter a new phase of work in January 2025. The goal is to boost efficiency and accommodate a growing volume of cargo.

Data released in the third quarter of 2024 indicates that Mombasas container terminals one and two currently handle a combined 2.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per annum. To address the increased demand, KPA has awarded a tender for the construction of Berth 19B. The Authority has awarded a tender for the construction of Berth 19B, which has a design length of 240 metres and 300,000 TEU capacity, said Ruto.

As part of the ongoing Mombasa Port Development Project (MPDP), KPA is also engaging the Japan International Development Agency (JICA) for the third phase of constructionBerth 23, which will have a 300-metre design length and a yard capacity of 500,000 TEUs.

This initiative complements other infrastructure improvements, such as the completion of a KSh500 million modern tug jetty at the marine dockyard to streamline port operations.

The Port of Mombasa remains a vital gateway for landlocked countries in the region, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Recent enhancements have revolved around mega-infrastructure investments, technology upgrades, and modern equipment.

Notable projects include the KSh32 billion Phase Two of the second container terminal, the KSh40 billion Kipevu Oil Terminal (KOT), and the KSh1 billion Cruise Ship Terminal.

In addition, KPA has constructed a KSh2 billion, 1.2-kilometre, six-lane concrete road at Kipevu to ensure the speedy evacuation of sea cargo from the port. Early last year, the facility purchased gantry cranes worth USD 31,493,808 (KSh4.1 billion) as part of the state corporations commitment to manage the premier ports efficiently.

Ruto noted that operational demands are on the rise, citing a record-breaking performance in May 2024, when more than 176,000 TEUs were handled. He further stated that during a 14-day festive season, the port was scheduled to receive 41 vessels, with that figure expected to grow as major shipping lines add six feeder vessels to link regional ports with global shipping networks.

KPA maintains that these large-scale infrastructure developments are aimed at solidifying the Port of Mombasas position as one of the most efficient and modern ports in the region. Despite increasing competition from Tanzanias Port of Dar-es-Salaam, KPA is confident that the ongoing expansion projects will reinforce Mombasas status as a critical transport and logistics hub in East Africa.
A potential legal showdown is looming for the government following a petition by two Kenyan lobby groupsKituo Cha Sheria and Mathare Social Justice Centrewho moved to court on Thursday. The activists want Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor compelled to refer Kenyas cases of abductions and enforced disappearances to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

MSJC, together with Kituo cha Sheria, through the firm of Khaminwa and Khaminwa Advocates, have today filed a petition to the High Court praying for a Declaratory order that the Attorney General do refer to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, that the abductions and enforced disappearances occurring in the Republic are Crimes Against Humanity and should be investigated, the Mathare Social Justice Centre stated in a statement.

The lobbyists claim Kenyan police are either unwilling or unable to halt or investigate the alleged crimes. They argue that the High Court is empowered to compel the respondentin this case, the Attorney-Generalto contact the ICC as provided under Article 14 of the Rome Statute. This court has the power and authority to command the respondent herein to refer what is termed as a crime against humanity to the International Criminal Court as allowed under provisions of Article 14 of the Rome Statute, the lobbyists stated through veteran lawyer Dr John Khaminwa.

Khaminwa pointed to Article 7(1) of the Rome Statute, which categorizes enforced disappearancewhen used broadly for political suppressionas a crime against humanity. He further cited Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanjas acknowledgement that police officers were not involved in the abductions, with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) currently investigating the matter.

It appears that the National Police Service is incapable of conducting investigations. This court has the duty to protect and defend the people of the republic by referring the matter of enforced disappearances to the ICC, Khaminwa added.

High Court Judge Chacha Mwita heard the case in Nairobi and is expected to issue further directives within the week. The petition comes as the government faces separate High Court proceedings demanding the production of six Kenyans allegedly abducted during the festive season. Those reportedly taken and illegally detained are named as Gideon Kibet, Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti, Billy Mwangi, Rony Kiplangat, and Steve Kavingo.

Should the court endorse the lobbyists request, it could ignite a legal crisis for the government, setting the stage for international scrutiny of abductions and enforced disappearances reported across the country.
Nairobis urban poor may see their hopes of owning affordable houses remain out of reach, following a new report that indicates most units in the city are controlled by private developers. The Nairobi County Assemblys Land Committee surveyed two major projectsJevanjee and Panganiand uncovered that the public only has access to a small portion of the available housing.

When the concept of affordable housing was introduced by the previous administration under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, it was heralded as the long-awaited solution to the citys slum crisis.

The public sector provided incentives, including public land and project funding, in the belief that once completed, most units would be affordable and earmarked for ordinary citizens. President William Rutos government went further by introducing a housing levy tax to bolster public stakes in these projects, making it mandatory for salaried Kenyans to contribute.

The reality on the ground, however, tells a starkly different story. In Pangani, which has 1,562 units, only 333 belong to the public through the county. The rest are owned by the private developer. The breakdown shows that of the 128 one-bedroom unitsoriginally all county-ownedevery single one has already been sold.

There were 248 two-bedroom units, and except for two belonging to the county, all were developer-owned; 32 of these have also been sold. Out of 576 three-bedroom units, 373 belong to the private developer, leaving 203 to the county.

Jevanjee estate paints a similar picture. Out of 1,830 total units, only a handful are reserved for the county. Of 180 one-bedroom units, five belong to the county; all are now sold. The remaining 175 are in private hands and also sold out.

With 718 two-bedroom units, the developer owns the majority, leaving 133 to the county; all of these have also been sold. Among 318 three-bedroom units, the county retains 58, and likewise, they have all been snapped up.

These findings, according to the Land Committee report, cast doubt on whether ordinary Nairobi residents will ever realize the dream of home ownership through such developments. The document also delves into the reasons behind project completion delays.

It cites COVID-19 restrictions, flooding incidents, political unrest in the city, the Russia-Ukraine warwhich impacted supply chainsand currency fluctuations as principal factors.

With regards to the current status of the project and the expected date of completion as per the contract, the committee was informed that the Jevanjee estate is at 46 per cent completion and it is expected that project is completed by September 2026, it reads. In the same estate, affordable housing units should be ready by December 2025, while the market-rate units are slated for September 2025.

The report notes that, This to a great extent affected the programme for delivery of the project since targets could not be achieved as per plan, pointing to how COVID-19 measures curtailed man-hours and disrupted the supply of materials.

Another significant issue is that the title deeds for these estates are not clearly accounted for. In Jevanjee, the land (LR. No 209/5458) was transferred to Nairobi Bachelors Jevanjee Estate Limiteda special purpose vehicle created to implement the projectunder a lease.

For Pangani, however, the committee could not establish the location of the title deed. The county executive reported that the whereabouts of the custody of the Pangani title deed was unknown as at the time of the meeting, the document states.

As these revelations emerge, the hope that Nairobis underprivileged populations will benefit from an affordable housing revolution seems to be steadily waning.

While billions in public funds and incentives have poured into such projects, the majority of units now appear firmly in the hands of private investorsleaving many aspiring homeowners on the outside looking in.
Phishing is ranked among the most serious online crimes today because it is now possible for cyber criminals to use complex social engineering techniques for tricking individuals into disclosing their personal information.

This is because through phishing, one can lose his or her identity or money; this can occur when they use emails, social media posts, or texts. But there are ways to protect yourself as long as you know what to look out for and remain cautious. Read below on how you can identify phishing frauds and stay safe.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a cyber-attack technique designed to trick individuals into revealing confidential information through emails or fake websites. This kind of fraud is mostly found in emails, texts (SMS phishing or smishing), or internet sites posing as trustworthy sites, with the aim of gathering passwords, credit card numbers and social security numbers.

Exploiting human psychology such as fear, urgency, or curiosity is aimed at driving impulsive behavior. If you disclose sensitive data or follow malicious URLs, identity theft criminals will be able to steal your money or even sell information on the dark web.

Thats why its essential to check sources like moonlock.com for more information about cybersecurity and ways to protect yourself from online threats.

Common Signs of a Phishing Scam

Urgency or Fear Tactics. Many phishing emails or texts create a sense of urgency. For example: Your account will be locked in 24 hours if you dont verify your details.

Suspicious activity detected on your account. Click here to resolve immediately. Scammers use fear to force quick decisions, preventing you from thinking critically. Suspicious Sender Addresses. Check the senders email address carefully. While the display name might seem legitimate, the actual email address could be off, such as: Legitimate: [email protected]

Fake: [email protected] Generic Greetings. Phishing emails often avoid addressing recipients by name and instead use phrases like: Dear Customer

Hello Valued User Legitimate organizations, especially those you have accounts with, typically personalize their communications. Poor Grammar and Spelling. Many phishing messages contain noticeable spelling errors or awkward phrasing. Professional organizations rarely send out poorly written messages. Unusual Attachments or Links. If an email includes an unexpected attachment or a link, think twice. Scammers use malicious links to direct you to fake websites or install malware on your device. Always hover over a link to see its true destination before clicking. Requests for Personal Information. Reputable companies will never ask for sensitive detailslike your password, PIN, or Social Security Numbervia email or text.

How to Verify if a Message is Legitimate

In case you think that a message is a phishing one, there is no need for alarm. Initially, steer clear from clicking on links or opening attachments. Instead, get in touch with the organization through their official website or customer service hotline and inquire whether the message is authentic or not. Just by doing this, you will stop many phishing attempts from being successful.

Moreover, one should hover over a link and check its destination (without clicking!). If you come across a website URL that appears odd or does not match with the one provided by the organization, then it might spell trouble.

For added security, type the web address into your browser to access your accounts and refrain from clicking on links from emails or text messages.

What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attempt

Avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails or messages. Clicking on malicious links or downloading files can lead to malware infections. Report the Scam Forward phishing emails to [email protected] (Anti-Phishing Working Group).

Report phishing texts to your mobile carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). Run a Security Scan. If you accidentally clicked a link, run an antivirus or anti-malware scan on your device immediately. In case you think someone has hacked into your account, change your passwords to ones that are both strong and unique. To help remember them all, make sure you use a password manager.

Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams

To effectively combat phishing scams, one must take a proactive approach. Keeping yourself informed on the typical phishing strategies and always being inquisitive with these kinds of emails or messages can be an important practice towards this.

It is also important to utilize some security measures like spam filters, antivirus programs, and multi-factor authentications for an additional layer of security for both your accounts and devices.

Furthermore, updating software is important. Many phishing attacks take place because some individuals still use the outdated software with known vulnerabilities. Make sure you update your systems regularly to protect them against new threats.

Final Thoughts

Human emotions such as urgency, fear, or curiosity are what phishing scams take advantage of. If you learn how to spot potential threats and follow good online safety tips, you will be able to outsmart any potential attacker.

Remember: When in doubt, pause and verify. Being cautious is better than being scammed.
Heres some great news for Kenyan educators: the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has officially transitioned 46,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms. Starting January 2025, these teachersmany of whom have been hoping for job securitycan finally breathe a sigh of relief.

This move is a significant milestone, especially for those working in junior secondary schools, whove long been advocating for better working conditions. And its not just about job titlesthis change brings real financial and professional benefits for thousands of hardworking teachers across the country.

This progress aligns closely with President William Rutos Kenya Kwanza agenda, which has been prioritizing education reforms since 2022. Under his administration, the government has facilitated the recruitment of over 56,000 teachers on permanent termsa big step in addressing staffing shortages in schools while improving teachers livelihoods.

Whos Benefiting?

So, who are the lucky teachers? Out of the 46,000:

21,550 are junior secondary school teachers.

are junior secondary school teachers. 4,000 are primary school teachers hired back in February 2023.

are primary school teachers hired back in February 2023. 18,000 are junior secondary interns.

are junior secondary interns. 2,000 are primary school interns brought on board in September 2023.

For these educators, this isnt just a promotionits a game-changer. Theyll now enjoy job security, better pay, and a host of additional benefits.

Speaking of pay, heres a breakdown:

Primary school teachers will see their salaries jump to around KSh 32,000 .

will see their salaries jump to around . Secondary school teachers will now earn KSh 47,000 a month.

And thats just the beginning. Along with a solid paycheck, these teachers now get medical insurance, access to loans, and paid leavebenefits they didnt have as interns, when their monthly stipends ranged from KSh 13,000 to KSh 17,000.

TSC also made sure the recruitment process recognized the contributions of its interns. Teachers with internship experience were awarded 50 bonus marks, giving them a well-deserved edge over other applicants. This emphasis on merit has raised the bar for future hiring practices, making internships an important stepping stone into full-time teaching careers.

And the reforms dont stop there. To ensure schools are fully equipped for the upcoming academic year, TSC has been working to replace 8,707 teachers who left the profession through natural attrition. This is all part of a larger plan to stabilize Kenyas teaching workforce and maintain top-notch education standards.

Theres no denying that motivated teachers create better learning environments. Stakeholders have embraced this change, praising its potential to boost teachers morale and improve classroom performance.

Kenyas teacher shortagesespecially in junior secondary schoolsremain a big challenge. But moves like this provide a glimmer of hope. By reinforcing the teaching workforce and showing teachers theyre valued, TSC is setting the stage for positive changes in education across the country.

Its a clear message: when educators are supported, students thrive. And with this landmark decision, Kenya is taking a bold step toward better outcomes for everyone involved.

This is more than just a win for teachersits a win for the entire country.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for efforts to ensure the effective implementation of policies and secure a good start for this year's economic development during his inspection in the city of Jinan in east China's Shandong Province.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a home appliance store in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 2, 2025. Li made an inspection tour in Jinan on Thursday. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

While conducting this inspection tour on Thursday, Li also stressed the need for efforts to implement policies as early as possible, seek fast progress with projects and ensure that measures yield tangible results.

During a visit to a home appliance store, the premier said the government's consumer goods trade-in scheme is of great significance to meet the needs of people for high-quality life, unlock consumption potential, promote industry upgrades and facilitate economic circulation.

China will continue to implement this initiative with greater support, Li said, adding that procedures will be optimized to facilitate consumer spending.

Li also visited a charging and battery-swapping station in Jinan. Noting that the number of intelligent connected new-energy vehicles has continued to grow in the country, Li encouraged exploratory and innovative efforts in developing charging and battery-swapping services and related areas.

Measures should be taken to deepen reform of the energy management system, transform the energy sector and foster new drivers of growth, Li said.

While inspecting local infrastructure projects, he stated that stadiums and modern water networks are not only significant infrastructure projects, but also important for public welfare, and called for efforts to strengthen supply of resources such as funds and land.

Concerning urban renewal, it is important to stress the planning and layout of drainage networks and maintain strict oversight throughout the entire construction process to ensure that the project quality is able to stand the test of time, Li added.

Efforts should be made to attract more private investment to participate in the construction of infrastructure and public services, he said.

As a major economically-developed province, Shandong should promote various policy measures and work arrangements to take effect as early as possible, thereby contributing more to the overall development of the country, Li said.
You are here: China

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Thursday condemned Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te for deliberately obstructing media exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the office, made the remarks after Taiwan authorities announced the suspension of a Fujian-based newspaper and its parent organization from stationing reporters in Taiwan for "engaging in united front work."

Chen said the Lai authorities have been restricting and obstructing cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation since taking office. Now they are making baseless accusations against a mainland media outlet.

For over 20 years, the mutual stationing of journalists has significantly enhanced cross-Strait understanding and contributed to peaceful relations, Chen said, calling the Lai authorities' move a "regression" in media cooperation.

He denounced the move as "a deliberate sabotage against cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation," urging the Lai authorities to immediately cease their political manipulation.
China launches emergency response to earthquake in Ningxia

Xinhua) 08:32, January 03, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have activated a level-four disaster-relief emergency response after a 4.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Yongning County in Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on Thursday.

A work team has been dispatched to aid local relief operations in the affected areas, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a latitude of 38.4 degrees north and a longitude of 106.22 degrees east, striking at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center.

No casualties have been reported.

At 4:43 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Thursday, another earthquake -- this one with a magnitude of 4.6 -- jolted Jinfeng District in Yinchuan, the center said.

The epicenter of the second quake was located at a latitude of 38.41 degrees north and a longitude of 106.26 degrees east, according to the center.

Many residents were evacuated to public squares, playgrounds and other open areas following the aftershock, according to local sources.

The first earthquake collapsed the outer walls of multiple old residential buildings, causing injuries to passersby, and damage to several cultural relics has been reported. The second earthquake caused the collapse of components of multiple old buildings.

Since 2024, Yinchuan has experienced at least seven earthquakes of magnitudes ranging from 2.2 to 3.6.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, has raised concerns about India's high fiscal deficit, stating that it is much more than other developing countries and hampering private investments. In an interaction with ANI, Ahluwalia emphasized the urgent need for the government to make a clear roadmap for reducing the fiscal deficit of both central and state governments to enable the economy to achieve its growth ambitions. He flagged off the need for a clear roadmap to reduce the fiscal deficit. Referring to the government's fiscal targets, he said, "The finance minister has indicated a target of 4.5 per cent for the coming year, but reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio substantially, as initially planned, would require even greater cuts. I'm unsure what the government's plan is on that front." He said, "India's fiscal deficit is significantly higher than other developing nations, which squeezes resources away from private investment." Combining the central and state fiscal deficits, the total deficit is estimated to be close to 8 per cent of GDP, more than twice that of other developing nations. He added "So if you want a private investment-led economy, then I think that's the only way you're going to get 8 per cent growth. You have to cut down the fiscal deficit. It isn't just the deficit of the centre. Most people talk about the centre. It's also the fiscal deficit of the states. And the states have been running higher fiscal deficits" Ahluwalia pointed out that the state governments often disguise their deficits by borrowing under the guise of public sector enterprises, which adds to the fiscal burden. Ahluwalia also called for a review of state expenditures, particularly politically motivated freebies and subsidies. While acknowledging that some expenditures are essential, he suggested reallocating funds from less critical areas to more productive uses. For instance, he criticized the fertilizer subsidy, arguing that it benefits the fertilizer industry more than farmers, while excessive fertilizer use harms soil health. He said "I mean for example a lot of economists will tell you that the amount of money that we are spending today on fertilizer subsidy is only helping the fertilizer industry. As far as the farmer is concerned excess use of fertilizer is only kind of damaging the soil". On India's economic growth, he observed that the current growth rate hovers around 6.5 per cent, with international forecasts predicting a similar trajectory. However, for India to achieve its "Viksit Bharat" vision by 2047 and transition from a middle-income to an upper-income country, the growth rate needs to rise to 8-10 per cent. He urged the government to outline and implement strategies to meet these ambitious targets. Ahluwalia's remarks highlight the need for fiscal prudence and strategic economic planning to steer India towards sustained high growth. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], January 3: The Vice President's House became the epicenter of spiritual enlightenment as it hosted the grand Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, a historic event that brought together faith, devotion, and timeless wisdom for many. Organized under the divine guidance of Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India, and his wife, Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, the multi-day event was narrated by the revered spiritual orator and much loved amongst the youth, Shri Pundrik Goswami Ji Maharaj. Adding to the grandeur, renowned actress, politician, and ardent devotee Hema Malini Ji graced the occasion. Her presence elevated the event's spiritual significance and delighted attendees, who enjoyed the divine ambiance and the profound messages shared during the Katha. It seemed as if the Vice President's residence was transformed into a sacred space, echoing with the teachings of dharma, bhakti, and gyan. Every face was experiencing moments of joy, unity, and spiritual awakening, making this event a milestone in India's cultural and spiritual history. Highlights of the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha 1. Raas Mahotsav A mesmerizing enactment of Raas Leela symbolized universal harmony and interconnectedness to the event. The divine dance captivated the audience, teaching lessons in love and unity while bridging the gap between individuality and collective consciousness. 2. Rukmini Vivah The poignant retelling of Rukmini and Krishna Vivah showcased the sanctity of marriage as a bond rooted in dharma, mutual respect, and eternal love. The celebration emphasised the spiritual essence of this sacred union. 3. Yagya Purnahuti The event concluded with the sacred Yagya Purnahuti, marking the successful culmination of this spiritual journey. The Vice President and his wife led prayers for universal peace and prosperity, showcasing the strength of devotion in leadership. Adding to it was a memorable moment during the Rukmini Vivah celebration when the Vice President and Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar exchanged garlands, symbolizing love and unity. This heartwarming act, coupled with Hema Malini Ji's presence, left the audience spellbound. The Essence of the Katha The Shrimad Bhagwat Katha is a timeless scripture that serves as a guide for living a righteous life. Through Lord Krishna's divine stories, it teaches the principles of dharma (righteousness), bhakti (devotion), and gyan (knowledge), offering profound insights into leadership, ethical living, and collective well-being. Pundrik Goswami Ji Maharaj's narration addressed modern challenges, emphasizing ancient wisdom to foster harmony, unity, and compassion. His teachings, encapsulated in the prayer Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah--"May all beings be happy"--resonated deeply with the audience. His love for the youth and the admiration of the new generations for him is impeccable! A Spiritual Legacy This historic Katha has left an indelible mark on India's cultural and spiritual landscape. By hosting this transformative event, Jagdeep Dhankhar and Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar showcased the unifying power of faith and devotion. As the Katha concluded, attendees departed with hearts full of joy and minds enlightened by Lord Krishna's wisdom. May the teachings of this sacred scripture continue to guide us toward a harmonious, virtuous, and compassionate future. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
SMPL Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], January 3: Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies marked Kisan Diwas 2024 with an inspiring event at their Chafi, Bhimtal facility to honor farmers and promote collaboration between farmers and students. Celebrated under the "Unnati-Apple Initiative," the event highlighted farmers' invaluable contributions and emphasized innovation and knowledge sharing. CEO & Founder Dr. Sudhir Chadha virtually addressed the gathering, urging youth to stay rooted in agriculture, stating, "Do not leave your land; agriculture has a future." Director Sushant Chadha led interactive brainstorming sessions, discussing real-world agricultural challenges and opportunities with students. Distinguished faculty members from Graphic Era Hill University, including Dr. Deepa Nainwal (HOD) and Dr. R. S. Rawat (Senior Professor), joined 14 agriculture graduates in "Chaupal - The Farmers Talk," a unique knowledge exchange platform. The event brought together 15 successful "Unnati-Apple farmers" from the Kumaon region and 14 horticulture graduates as part of a Community Learning Program, creating a melting pot of inspiration, innovation, technology, and tradition. It began with a soulful Saraswati Vandana by children from Ghingharani Primary School, setting a serene tone. The inaugural lamp lighting was led by Graphic Era Hill University's HOD, farmers, and students. Honoring the Heros : Director Sushant Chadha inaugurated the program by honoring the farmers with "Proud to Be Farmer" badges, acknowledging their dedication & Adoption to advancing agriculture in the region. 15 Unnati Farmers named Ajay K.Pande, Kundan Singh, Prakash Chandra, Santoksh S. Bisht, Devendar Chousali, Arjun Bora, Mukesh Singh, Kishor Singh, Birendar Singh, Naveen S. Bisht. Chandan Singh, Bhaskar Tiwari, Raghuvar Singh, Narayan Singh, Vijay S. Bisht from the Kumaon Region of Bhedapani, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Pangot, Ramgarh were honored. Farmers' Journeys of Transformation A key highlight was the "Chaupal - The Farmers Talk" session, where eight "Unnati-Apple" growers shared their inspiring journeys, challenges, and triumphs. These farmers have adopted Ultra-High Density Plantation (UHDP) Apple Technology under the "Unnati-Apple" a joint initiative of Coca-Cola India (CCIPL) and Indo-Dutch Horticulture Technologies (IDHTPL). Their stories exemplified resilience and innovation. Ajay K. Pande shared his transition from a 14-year pharmaceutical career to apple farming in Ramgarh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Within two years under the Unnati-Apple Initiative, his efforts bore fruit. His quote, "Soch ka farq hai, Kaafi akela hoon, aur akela hi kaafi hoon," resonated deeply with the audience, symbolizing determination and inspiring others to embrace agriculture. Santoksh S. Bisht, a YouTube content creator and apple farmer from Pangot, overcame local skepticism to successfully cultivate apples at a lower elevation. Inspired by IDHTPL demo orchard, he established his own orchard, showcasing the endless possibilities for innovative young farmers. Devendra Chousali highlighted remarkable yields of nearly 10 kg of apple fruit per tree within a year of planting, fetching Rs. 150-200 per kg price of apple in Haldwani Mandi, in comparison to Rs. 20-45/kg Traditional Apple fruit, in Just 1 year of plantation. Farmers from regions like Bhedapani, Ramgarh, Bhimtal, and Mukteshwar have now become role models, proving that apple cultivation in Uttarakhand is both feasible and profitable. Engaging Student Perspectives Students in their final year of B.Sc. Agriculture explored technical and commercial farming aspects during the sessions. Inspired by discussions on generating incomes of up to Rs. 10 lakhs per acre, Director Chadha encouraged them to collaborate with local farmers for hands-on learning. He emphasized scientific practices like soil analysis, reducing pesticide use, and improving fruit quality to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. Student-Farmer Interactions: Pratham, a fourth-year student, asked about challenges farmers faced before adopting apple farming. Jagjit shared tips on organic fruit and vegetable cultivation. Aastha raised questions about on-field challenges, while Dr. Deepa Nainwal encouraged integrated farming techniques and eco-friendly pesticide use. Dr. R. S. Rawat stressed promoting self-employment and curbing youth migration from Uttarakhand. Discussions also delved into critical issues like carcinogenic pesticide use, the need for organic farming, and the importance of authentic plant materials and fertilizers. Farmers proposed the establishment of a "Plant Health Clinic," an idea Director Chadha suggested developing together with university students. Closing Remarks and Future Directions In his closing remarks, Sushant Chadha shared how his SELP Landmark Community Learning Project has enabled him to work with school and university students, bringing farming closer to them through an experiential learning program to help them "connect with their roots". He highlighted the critical role of the farming sector in ensuring a sustainable future and emphasized the importance of clean, healthy, and pest-free produce for future generations. He underscored the potential of young horticulture graduates to elevate the sector and introduced the "Grow-Together, Sell-Together" concept within university campuses, where students not only cultivate crops but also engage in commercial selling, paving the way for future startups. Chadha presenting appreciation certificates to the farmers, honoring their dedication and contributions, He also reiterated the potential of young horticulture graduates to elevate the agricultural sector, fostering innovation and progress through collaboration with farmers. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), on Friday partnered with the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), a reputed industry organisation representing India's leading new-age companies, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated in a release. As part of the celebrations for National Startup Week, the SPF Baithak, a meeting of founders and policymakers, will be held here at Bharat Mandapam from January 15-16, according to Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT. The event will offer a meaningful platform to announce new collaborations between DPIIT and SPF members. Additionally, SPF will partner with DPIIT to organize specialized immersive programs, enabling global investors to engage with Indian startups and witness firsthand the groundbreaking innovations emerging from across the country.Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv Joint Secretary, DPIIT and Startup India said that this strategic collaboration with SPF underscores DPIIT's unflinching commitment to create a congenial atmosphere where startups could thrive and contribute immensely to India's mission of becoming a global innovation hub. Adding further he said the SPF members represent the essence of India's entrepreneurial spirit and their participation in this mission will play a crucial role in achieving the goal of developed India by 2047.Unfolding the perspective of this out of the box initiative, Director Startup India Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal said the collaboration aims to amplify innovation, drive technology adoption, and boost manufacturing capabilities in India. By forging partnerships amongst DPIIT and SPF members, the alliance seeks to promote the Indian startup ecosystem globally on the centre stage and facilitate relationship with international stakeholders and ecosystem enablers, mentioned Dr JarangalMeanwhile, Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President & CEO, Startup Policy Forum, remarked , "This alliance reflects the shared aspirations of DPIIT and SPF to build a resilient and thriving startup ecosystem. By facilitating useful collaborations amongst SPF members and DPIIT, we aim to ensure India's position on the global innovation map and empower entrepreneurs to unlock their full potential."SPF is an industry alliance for India's new-age companies. SPF's members include many of India's most successful and valuable startups including Razorpay, CRED, Groww, Zerodha, Pine Labs, OYO, Acko, Swiggy, Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Livspace, Cars24, Cardekho, Mobikwik among others. (ANI)
 Flash

A shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro, on Wednesday killed 12 people, including two children, with the perpetrator, Aco Martinovic, later dying by suicide.

The killings occurred at five separate locations, with the shooter taking his own life at a sixth, said Prosecutor Andrijana Nastic. "We conducted on-site investigations at all six locations, collecting evidence to understand the circumstances of this tragic event."

The killing spree began at a local restaurant, where four men were fatally shot. Four more victims were killed at a nearby site, followed by the murders of two children at a third location. The rampage continued with single fatalities at the fourth and fifth sites, and Martinovic ended the spree by attempting suicide at the sixth.

Minister of Interior Danilo Saranovic stated that Martinovic initially survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound but later died from his injuries while being transported to the Clinical Center of Montenegro.

The motive for the attack remains unclear, although police sources suggest that the shooter was reportedly a socially isolated individual, and police said that the victims included the shooter's friends and close acquaintances.

In response to the tragedy, the Montenegrin government pledged immediate action. "This cannot be tolerated. From tomorrow, we will introduce urgent measures to prevent such heinous acts," Saranovic said.

Four additional individuals sustained injuries, three of whom remain in critical condition, said Health Minister Vojislav Simun, noting that medical teams worked through the night to treat the injured, with one patient undergoing late-night surgery.

"Psychological support will be provided to affected families and the broader community in the days ahead," Simun added.

The mass shooting has left Cetinje and Montenegro at large in three days of mourning, marking one of the nation's darkest moments in its recent history. Authorities continue to investigate, working to uncover the events leading up to the tragedy.

A similar tragic incident occurred in Cetinje in August 2022, when an armed assailant killed 10 people before being fatally shot by a local resident.
With a speed of up to 180 kilometres per hour, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains will soon run on tracks to give commuters a world-class travel experience. Sharing a video of the successful trial of the Vande Bharat sleeper train in the Kota division, Union minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnav mentioned the speed of the train on social media "X". "The Vande Bharat sleeper train has achieved a peak speed of 180 km per hour in its multiple trials in the last three days. The trails will continue till this month end before this world class travel for long distance travel is made available to the rail commuters across the nation." Mentioned the minister The video posted by the minister shows a nearly full to brim glass of water adjacent to a mobile on a plain surface inside a Vande Bharat sleeper train. The Water level remaining static can be seen in the video as the moving train achieves near constant peak speed of 180 km per hour exhibiting the element of comfort in the high-speed rail travel. The post came after 3 days of successful trials, which concluded on 2nd January, in which a Vande Bharat sleeper train in its loaded condition touched the peak speed. On Thursday, during a 30 km long run between Kota & Laban in Bundi district of Rajasthan, the train reached a peak speed of 180 km/hour. A day earlier, on the first day of 2025, in a 40 km long trial run between Rohal Khurd to Kota, Vande Bharat sleeper train touched the peak of 180 km per hour. On the same day, peaks of 170 km/hr and 160km/hr were achieved on Kota-Nagda and Rohal Khurd-Chau Mahla sections. These trials will continue for the month of January before the commercial launch of the train. Once these trials are over, the train will be evaluated by the Railway Safety Commissioner at the maximum speed. Only after passing the final stage, Vande Bharat trains will be officially certified & handed over to Indian Railways for induction & regular service. These Vande Bharat sleeper trains are designed with features like automatic doors, ultra comfortable berths, on board WiFi & an aircraft-like design. Passengers in India are already enjoying reclining seats and world-class travel experience through 136 Vande Bharat trains running across the country on medium and short distances. The Vande Bharat sleeper trains is expected to be launched later this for long haul journeys. (ANI)
PNN New Delhi [India], January 3: In an age where social media presence is crucial to personal and business success, GrowPopularity is revolutionizing Instagram growth with a promise of real, active engagement. With a focus on providing genuine followers, likes, comments, and views, GrowPopularity is quickly becoming the trusted platform for influencers, small businesses, and individuals aiming to enhance their social media credibility. As the demand for authentic social media growth continues to rise, platforms offering quick, bot-based engagement are being met with skepticism. GrowPopularity differentiates itself by offering real, active users, delivering results within 5 to 10 minutes. This commitment to quality and instant delivery ensures users see tangible results without compromising authenticity. Instant Results, Real Engagement: GrowPopularity's Winning Formula GrowPopularity's unique selling point lies in its ability to provide fast results backed by a customer-centric approach. Whether you're an aspiring influencer, a startup, or a well-established brand, GrowPopularity offers affordable, customizable packages tailored to your needs. The platform prioritizes safety, offering secure services with a money-back guarantee, ensuring complete customer satisfaction. "We believe in delivering real value to our users," says a spokesperson from GrowPopularity. "Our services help clients gain authentic engagement and build social proof, which is essential for standing out in today's competitive social media environment. We've witnessed a growing demand from individuals and businesses looking to enhance their credibility, and our platform ensures they can achieve that effortlessly." A Reliable Partner for Small Businesses and Influencers As social media platforms like Instagram continue to shape brand visibility and marketing strategies, having a robust online presence is crucial. GrowPopularity offers a reliable and secure solution for businesses looking to grow their social media engagement quickly.A Reliable Partner for Small Businesses and Influencer. For small businesses and influencers, GrowPopularity's services provide a much-needed boost. Social proof, such as follower counts, likes, views, comments, and engagement rates, plays a significant role in Instagram's algorithm, influencing visibility and reach. By increasing likes, views, followers, and comments, GrowPopularity helps users build a credible and impressive presence, enhancing their chances of attracting organic growth With these services, users can improve their social proof, foster better engagement, and create opportunities for long-term success on Instagram. For more info: growpopularity.com/buy-instagram-followers Supporting Clients with Round-the-Clock Assistance In addition to offering real results, GrowPopularity also focuses on customer satisfaction. The platform ensures its users have access to 24/7 support, addressing any concerns or queries they may have. With a team dedicated to assisting clients, GrowPopularity emphasizes its commitment to a seamless user experience. Empowering the Future of Social Media Growth Looking ahead, GrowPopularity has exciting plans for expansion. In addition to Instagram growth solutions, the platform is set to launch growth services for other social media platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn, offering influencers and businesses the opportunity to broaden their digital reach across multiple channels. "Instagram is just the beginning for us," the spokesperson adds. "As social media continues to evolve, we are committed to empowering our users with the tools and services they need to thrive on various platforms." Customer Testimonials: Real Stories of Instagram Growth Many users of GrowPopularity have seen impressive results with the platform. One satisfied customer, a fashion influencer, shares, "I've tried other services, but GrowPopularity is the only one that delivered real engagement and helped me grow my Instagram organically. Within just a few minutes, I saw a noticeable increase in followers, and my posts started gaining more traction." Another small business owner shares, "We were able to boost our brand's visibility with GrowPopularity. Their services were not only fast but also secure, which is something I really value. The customer support team was fantastic, and I've already seen more engagement from our target audience." Why Choose GrowPopularity? * Instant Results: Real followers, likes, and engagement delivered within 5-10 minutes.* Affordable Packages: Customizable solutions designed for influencers and businesses of all sizes.* Security & Satisfaction: Safe services with a money-back guarantee.* 24/7 Customer Support: Always ready to assist you and ensure a smooth experience. Conclusion: Unlock Your Instagram Potential Today GrowPopularity is redefining social media growth by providing a fast, secure, and affordable solution to increase your Instagram engagement authentically. With real, active users, instant delivery, and exceptional customer support, the platform is becoming the go-to choice for individuals and businesses looking to boost their social presence. To experience real Instagram growth today, visit www.growpopularity.com and explore our range of packages designed to help you unlock your full potential on social media. (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)
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Limited, addressing employees in Jamnagar on the occasion of celebrating 25 years of its flagship Jamnagar refinery, said that the Gujarat city sets a platform for growth for the next many decades, for all of Reliance family and their children. "Jamnagar is not only the best oil refinery in the world, it has the biggest gigafactory in the world, the biggest solar energy and fourth is the world's artificial intelligence infrastructure. Besides, the digital factory will also be in Jamnagar," Mukesh Ambani told the employees. "It sets a platform, which will be a platform for growth for the next many decades, for all of you, for your children," Mukesh Ambani added. Reliance is developing AI infrastructure in Jamnagar, a city considered a Jewel of Reliance family, in a short span of 24 months. Mukesh Ambani also said Jamnagar is a source of nature and conservation of the Reliance Foundation through its Vantara initiative. Vantara programme, an umbrella initiative to focus on rescue, treatment, care and rehabilitation of injured, abused and threatened animals, both in India and abroad, was launched in February 2024. Spread over 3000 acres within the Green Belt of Reliance's Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, Vantara aims to be one of the leading contributors to conservation efforts globally. Reliance's Jamnagar refinery, which happens to be the conglomerate's first, turned 25 years old last week. Twenty-five years ago, on December 28, 1999, Reliance launched its first refinery at Jamnagar. Jamnagar has become the world's refining hub - an engineering marvel that is India's pride. Intially, many experts had said that it would be impossible for an Indian company to set up the world's largest refinery in three years. But Reliance managed to achieve that in a record time of just 33 months, notwithstanding the lack of infrastructure and a severe cyclone that had hit Jamnagar then. Leading world-class project consultants advised Dhirubhai Ambani against investing in the desert-like region that did not have roads, electricity, or even sufficient drinking water. They had warned that mobilising manpower, materials, technical experts and every other input in such wilderness would require extraordinary efforts. Dhirubhai Ambani defied all the naysayers and went ahead with his dream. He wanted to create not just an industrial plant but a Nandanwan. Between 1996 and 1999, he and his highly motivated team went on to create an engineering marvel at Jamnagar. Today, the Jamnagar refinery complex houses some of the world's largest units such as the Fluidised Catalytic Cracker (FCC), Coker, Alkylation, Paraxylene, Polypropylene, Refinery Off-Gas Cracker (ROGC), and Petcoke gasification plants. (ANI)
After making her Instagram appearance after nearly five years, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has now surprised her fans by announcing her lifestyle show. Tiltled 'With Love, Meghan', the Netflix show will be out on January 15. The makers also unveiled the show's trailer Markle chilling at home with friends, making meals and sharing all sorts of homemaker tips. In the footage, Markle makes a vegetable platter, a multilayer cake and some focaccia bread as she harvests honey and laughs humbly at a compliment while hosting famous friends (such as Roy Choi, Mindy Kaling and Alice Waters), as per The Hollywood Reporter. Meghan's husband Prince Harry also marked his appearance at the end of the trailer. Sharing the link of the trailer, Meghan on Instagram wrote, "I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support - and fun! As ever, Meghan." https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVSsNfymUD/?hl=en On January 1, marking the arrival of 2025, Meghan launched her own Instagram account with the username @meghan. Her first post is a black-and-white video of herself at the beach. In the video, she can be seen writing "2025" in the sand before smiling and running back off-camera. She also updated her profile picture to a black-and-white shot of herself smiling. As per People, the update comes over two years after Meghan hinted that she was getting back on Instagram in conversation with The Cut. "Do you want to know a secret?" she said in a wide-ranging interview published in August 2022. "I'm getting back... on Instagram."Although Meghan "would relay she was no longer sure she would actually return to Instagram" later in the interview, she's maintained a presence on the platform in the past.Before she married Prince Harry in 2018, the Suits star had 3 million followers on an Instagram account under her own name as well as lifestyle blog The Tig. She shut down her beloved blog in April 2017, a few months before she and Harry got engaged, and deleted her social media pages the following January, according to PEOPLE.Meghan and Harry launched a separate Instagram page, @SussexRoyal, where they shared their own updates separate from those of William and Kate. The @SussexRoyal Instagram account stopped being updated after the couple stepped back from their royal roles in 2020. The page remains online, though comments have since been disabled. That April, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched what became The Archewell Foundation, the nonprofit arm of their larger Archewell organization, which would grow to include Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions, their production hubs. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit newly constructed flats for the dwellers of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project at Swabhiman Apartments, Ashok Vihar, Delhi, at around 12:10 PM, on Friday (January 3). At around 12:45 PM, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Delhi. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the 1,675 newly constructed flats for the dwellers of JJ clusters and also hand over keys to eligible beneficiaries at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar, Delhi. The inauguration of newly constructed flats will mark the completion of the second successful In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The objective of the project is to provide the residents of the JJ clusters in Delhi with a better and healthier living environment equipped with proper amenities and facilities. For every Rs 25 lakh spent on the construction of a flat by the government, 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. PM Modi will also inaugurate two urban redevelopments projects- the World Trade Centre (WTC) at Nauroji Nagar and the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar. The World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar has transformed the area by replacing over 600 dilapidated quarters with state-of-the-art commercial towers, offering around 34 lakh square feet of premium commercial space with advanced amenities. The project incorporates green building practices, with provisions such as a zero-discharge concept, solar energy generation, and rainwater harvesting systems. The GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar includes 28 towers that house over 2,500 residential units, offering modern amenities and efficient use of space. The project's design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems, sewage and water treatment plants, and solar-powered waste compactors encouraging eco-conscious living. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate CBSE's Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka, Delhi built at around Rs 300 crore. It includes offices, auditorium, advanced data center, comprehensive water management system among others. The ecofriendly building has been constructed to high environmental standards and was designed as per Platinum Rating standards of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of three new projects in Delhi University worth over Rs 600 crore. It includes Eastern Campus at Surajmal Vihar in East Delhi and Western Campus at Dwarka. It also includes building Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh, having state-of-the-art facilities for education. (ANI)
Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor on Friday expressed his continued support for the ongoing BPSC protest at Gandhi Maidan demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Civil Services (BPSC) examination over the alleged paper leak incident, stating that the protest will persist. "This protest will continue. I have been working in Bihar for the last two and a half years. If I don't do politics, what will I do?" Kishor said. He responded to accusations that his involvement was politically motivated, stating, "If you beat someone, and I am sitting here in support of them--and then you call it politics, then I am doing the politics." Kishor further criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, claiming that Kumar was more focused on maintaining power than addressing the needs of the people. "Nitish Kumar doesn't want to work; he wants to be in power only, and that's the reason he didn't help the people of Bihar during Covid times. He is not worried about other things but just about being in power," the Jan Suraaj chief added. Earlier on Thursday, Kishore launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding the cancellation of the BPSC examination over the alleged paper leak incident. Kishore joined the aspirants of the BPSC in their protest at Gandhi Maidan on Thursday and criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for not meeting the students. "This is against the egoistic government (of Bihar) whose leader CM Nitish Kumar did not consider meeting the students even when the students had agreed to withdraw the movement if the CM said that the exams couldn't be held... The students were beaten up by the authorities... There is only one way for people like us, Hence I am doing an indefinite hunger strike," he said. The protesting students in Patna are demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13. Meanwhile, earlier today, supporters of Purnea MP Pappu Yadav, who organised 'rail roko' at Sachiwalay Halt Railway Station to support the students' protest against BPSC, were dispersed by the police. (ANI)
Taking to social media X, Kharge said that Phule was a source of inspiration and a great educationist and poet.

"Study to live with self-respect, school is the true jewel of a human being."~ Savitribai Phule

Humble tributes on the birth anniversary of Kranti Jyoti, great educationist and poet, the first female teacher of the country and our source of inspiration, Savitribai Phule," the post read.

Further, Kharge wrote that the doors to women's education were opened by Savitribai Phule who also fought vigorously for the rights of the deprived Dalit, oppressed and exploited sections of the society.

"She opened the doors to women's education and fought vigorously for the rights of the deprived, Dalit, oppressed and exploited sections of society and made an unprecedented contribution to social justice," the post further read.

Savitribai Phule was an Indian social reformer, educationalist, and poet from Maharashtra. She is regarded as the first female teacher of India.

Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important role in improving women's rights in India. She is regarded as the mother of Indian feminism.

Phule and her husband founded one of the first Indian girls' school in Pune, at Bhide wada in 1848. She worked to abolish the discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender.

She is regarded as an important figure of the social reform movement in Maharashtra. A philanthropist and an educationist, Phule was also a prolific Marathi writer.

The reformer's birth anniversary is also recognized as the Women's Education Day to honor her contributions to women's education and social equality. The leader is also referred as the mother of Indian feminism. (ANI)
Union Minister of State Sanjay Seth on Friday launched a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Atishi over her recent statement on Union Agricultural Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, calling her words "those of a terrorist." Seth condemned Atishi's remarks against the Union Agricultural Minister, stating that it was inappropriate for a leader of her stature to use such language. "The words used by the Chief Minister of Delhi yesterday were those of a terrorist. Using bad words against a senior leader like Shivraj Singh Chouhan is not a good sign for this democracy. She is the CM, and she should use words in the right manner," Seth said, adding that calling someone a terrorist reflects poorly on the individual's mentality. Seth emphasised that such language and behaviour were reflective of one's character and style. "If you address any person as a terrorist, it shows your mentality... We all say that democracy is strong; now if someone says something, it is their mentality, their language, their style, their character, their face. We all are dedicated to the service of Mother India and the resolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a developed India in 2047," the Union Minister of State added. This came in the wake of Atishi's counterattack on the BJP government, where she stated that the condition of farmers has never been "as bad as" it was during BJP's rule after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused the AAP government of denying the benefits of central schemes to the farmers of the national capital. Chouhan, who had written a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, said the central government was ready to provide benefits of central schemes to the farmers, but the Delhi government had failed to meet the requirements. He said that the Centre "had not received any proposals" from the Delhi government, which was the reason farmers in the capital could not take advantage of these schemes. Chouhan, in his letter, further accused the AAP government in Delhi of blocking the Centre's welfare schemes for farmers in Delhi and called their policies "anti-agriculture" and "anti-farmer." The Union Minister further stated that he had earlier raised the issue of Delhi's farmers, but the Delhi government didn't "resolve the problems." Following this, Atishi slammed the BJP government, saying, "BJP talking about farmers is like Dawood preaching on non-violence." "The condition of farmers has never been as bad as it was during BJP's rule. Farmers in Punjab are on hunger strike, tell Modi ji to talk to them. Stop doing politics on farmers' issues. Bullets and lathis were fired on farmers during BJP rule," she added. (ANI)
Speaking to ANI, Chief Fire Officer Rahul Kumar said that all the residents had safely evacuated the flat, and the fire had been brought under control.

"Fire Station Vaishali received information in the morning about a fire in Aditya Mega City, Indirapuram. Four fire brigade vehicles reached the spot and found a fire in a flat on the sixth floor. All the residents had safely evacuated the flat. The fire brigade immediately started extinguishing the fire by opening the pipeline, and after one hour, the fire was completely controlled," Chief Fire Officer Rahul Kumar said.

"The cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained, and there has been no loss of life," he added.

Further information is awaited. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday extended his heartfelt greetings on the birth anniversary of Indian social reformer Savitribai Phule, the country's first female teacher and a pioneer of the women's liberation movement. Taking to X, Dhami praised Phule's contribution to society, stating that through education, she not only protected the rights of women but also worked towards equality for all sections of society. The Chief Minister also said Phule's work towards women's empowerment is unforgettable. "Heartiest greetings on the birth anniversary of the country's first female teacher, pioneer of the women's liberation movement, and great social worker, Savitribai Phule ji. Through education, you not only protected the rights of women but also led every section of society towards equality. Your work towards women's empowerment is unforgettable," Dhami said on X. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary today. Taking to X, Kharge said that Phule was a source of inspiration and a great educationist and poet. "Humble tributes on the birth anniversary of Kranti Jyoti, great educationist and poet, the first female teacher of the country and our source of inspiration, Savitribai Phule," the post read. "She opened the doors to women's education and fought vigorously for the rights of the deprived, Dalit, oppressed, and exploited sections of society and made an unprecedented contribution to social justice," it added. Savitribai Phule was an Indian social reformer, educationalist, and poet from Maharashtra. She is regarded as the first female teacher in India. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important role in improving women's rights in India. She is regarded as the mother of Indian feminism. Phule and her husband founded one of the first Indian girls' schools in Pune, at Bhide Wada in 1848. She worked to abolish the discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender. She is regarded as an important figure in the social reform movement in Maharashtra. A philanthropist and an educationist, Phule was also a prolific Marathi writer. The reformer's birth anniversary is also recognised as Women's Education Day to honour her contributions to women's education and social equality. The leader is also referred to as the mother of Indian feminism. (ANI)
 Flash

People gather at a building destroyed in an Israeli bombing in the center of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Jan. 2, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Mohammad al-Hindi, deputy secretary-general of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, said on Thursday that Palestinian factions are close to reaching a ceasefire deal with Israel.

"We are close to reaching an agreement, even if partial, for a prisoner exchange with the (Israeli) occupation and a ceasefire," al-Hindi told Xinhua.

"The factions need a week to prepare a list of Israeli hostages" at the request of Israel from the start of implementing the agreement to cease fire during the first phase, and then deliver the name list, al-Hindi said, noting that the Israeli side also seeks to "include 12 soldiers who do not meet the conditions for release at the first phase."

"Hamas has shown flexibility and agreed to add the names of these soldiers to the first-stage hostage release list, but it has set conditions in return for these concessions," he added.

Al-Hindi said the Israeli side wants to "obstruct" the talks with unreasonable demands, but "the resistance is working to end the suffering of the Palestinian people" in the Gaza Strip through negotiations.

Intensive talks are ongoing between Hamas and mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange deal amid ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a deadly conflict since Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people. Israel responded with a large-scale air and ground assault on the besieged Gaza Strip, resulting in more than 45,500 Palestinian deaths so far.
BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan slammed the Congress and Leader of Oppositionin Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to the lay foundation stone of Delhi University's Veer Savarkar College. Kesavan told ANI that it will be a "befitting" and "significant" tribute in our country's capital by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to one of Bharat's bravest patriots and staunchest nationalists, "Swatantrya" Veer Savarkar. "The daring manner in which he valiantly opposed British brutality and how he courageously fought against colonial injustice continues to serve as a sterling inspiration to coming generations, especially our youth," he told ANI. Responding to the criticism of the Congress to Savarkar, Kesavan said, "As far as the Congress Party's criticism of Savarkar ji and their demand to rename the college after Manmohan Singh Ji. The unprincipled Congress Party should ask two questions to Rahul Gandhi". "Rahul Gandhi usually spews venom-filled falsehoods about Savarkar ji...," he said, adding, "The people of the nation know the difference between Rahul Gandhi who's out on bail in the National Herald case with allegations of cheating and misappropriation compared to Veer Savarkar ji who spent 27 years in captivity...." Earlier, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain criticized DU's decision to name a college after Savarkar, calling it an attempt by the BJP to promote leaders who supported the British Raj. "There were many freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and freedom of the country. Had they named the college after either one of them, it would have been a tribute to them," Hussain said. PM Modi will visit newly constructed flats for the dwellers of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project at Swabhiman Apartments, Ashok Vihar, Delhi, at around 12:10 PM today. At around 12:45 PM, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Delhi. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday said they praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the Saamana editorial as the state government had done a "commendable job" by getting the Naxalites operating in Gadchiroli district to surrender. Raut hit out at the previous guardian minister of Gadchiroli, alleging that he appointed his agents and collected money that increased Naxalism. He said that Shiv Sena (UBT) appreciates that the Chief Minister has taken charge of Gadchiroli as the guardian minister. "We have praised Devendra Fadnavis because the government has done a good job. Maharashtra is our state and a place like Gadchiroli which is affected by Naxalism - if the Naxalites surrendered and opted for the constitutional path - we welcome that. The earlier 'guardian minister' could have done that - but instead, he appointed his agents and collected money that increased Naxalism... We have worked with Devendra Fadnavis - that relation goes on, but we are in the opposition and we will continue to raise the issues as well," Raut told reporters in a press conference. The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP further said that Gadchiroli's development will be "good" for the entire Maharashtra. Raut said that they have appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well when he has done good work. "I have seen the visuals of Naxalites, surrendering their arms and accepting the Indian constitution, so if someone does that it must be appreciated. If a district like Gadchiroli is developed it's good for the whole state and if it becomes the steel city of Maharashtra, nothing is better than that. If Devendra Fadnavis is taking such initiatives, it needs to be appreciated. We have criticised PM Modi also, but when he does something good, we do appreciate him," Raut said. He said that people only thought about extorting money from the industrialists who aspired to start work in the Naxal-affected district. However, the situation seems to be changing and it needs to be appreciated, Raut added. "To date, it was a pattern that whichever industry comes to Gadchiroli, people think only about extortion from the industrialist who was aspiring to start something in Gadchiroli, but now it seems the things are changing and that must be appreciated," the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP said. As many as 11 Naxalites, including Vimla Chandra Sidam alias Tarakka, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore, surrendered before the police in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli on Wednesday. The 11 Naxalites, including 8 women and 3 men, surrendered at Gadchiroli Police Headquarters. They had bounties totalling more than Rs one crore on their heads. Chhattisgarh government had also announced a bounty on them. Among those who surrendered were Tarakka Sidam, the head of the Dandakaranya Zonal Committee and wife of Bhupati, who had been involved in Naxalism for 34 years. The surrendered Naxalites included three division committee members, one deputy commander, and two area committee members. Each of them was provided with a financial aid package worth Rs 86 lakh to support their new lives. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was present during the surrender, expressed confidence that Naxalism would soon be eradicated from the state. (ANI)
Ahead of his visit to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah to offer the "Chadar" on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju visited the Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in Delhi on Friday to offer his prayers. The Union Minister was accompanied by the National President of the BJP Minority Morcha. Jamal Siddiqui to offer the chadar at the Dargah. Speaking to reporters, Rijiju explained, "Before departing for Ajmer Sharif to offer the chadar that PM Modi has given, I thought it would be good to visit Nizamuddin Dargah first; that's why I came here today. I prayed for everyone, for the future." Rijiju stated that he was going to Ajmer Sharif with PM Modi's message on brotherhood and peace in the country and confirmed that he would offer the chadar from Prime Minister Modi at Ajmer Sharif on Saturday at 11 am. "We are going there with PM Modi's message of brotherhood and for peace in the country... Tomorrow at 11 am, we will offer the chadar of PM Modi at Ajmer Sharif," he stated. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over a 'chadar' to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju that would be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the occasion of the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti--the 13th-century Sufi saint. The Union Minister will hand over the 'chadar' at the dargah on PM Modi's behalf on Saturday. 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. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to the social reformer Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary. Taking to social media X, the PM in a post wrote that Phule was a beacon of women empowerment and a pioneer in the field of education and social reforms. "Tributes to Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary. She is a beacon of women's empowerment and a pioneer in the field of education and social reform," the post read. Further, the PM said that the reformer's efforts inspired people as they worked to ensure a better quality of life. "Her efforts continue to inspire us as we work to ensure a better quality of life for the people," the post further read. Meanwile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to the reformer and said that she played an instrumental role in women's education and empowerment. "Salutations to a social reformer who played an instrumental role in women's education and empowerment, Savitribai Phule on her Birth Anniversary," the post read. Earlier today, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended his heartfelt wishes on the reformer's birth anniversary and praised her contributions to the society. ""Heartiest greetings on the birth anniversary of the country's first female teacher, pioneer of the women's liberation movement, and great social worker, Savitribai Phule ji. Through education, you not only protected the rights of women but also led every section of society towards equality. Your work towards women's empowerment is unforgettable," Dhami said on X. Savitribai Phule was an Indian social reformer, educationalist, and poet from Maharashtra. She is regarded as the first female teacher in India. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important role in improving women's rights in India. She is regarded as the mother of Indian feminism. Phule and her husband founded one of the first Indian girls' schools in Pune, at Bhide Wada in 1848. She worked to abolish the discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender. She is regarded as an important figure in the social reform movement in Maharashtra. A philanthropist and an educationist, Phule was also a prolific Marathi writer. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the courageous Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary on Friday. Taking to social media X, the PM wrote in a posted that she waged a heroic fight against the colonial rule and showed unparalleled valour and strategic brilliance. "Remembering the courageous Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary! She waged a heroic fight against colonial rule, showing unparalleled valour and strategic brilliance," the post read. Further, the PM wrote that she inspired generations to stand against oppression and fight for freedom. "She inspired generations to stand against oppression and fight for freedom. Her role in furthering women empowerment is also widely appreciated," the post further read. Actor and Politician Vijay who heads the TVK party also paid his tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar, " On the occasion of the birth anniversary of our principle leader Veeramangai Rani Velu Nachiyar, who fought against the British and reclaimed her native land and bravely fought on the battlefield as a pioneer for the country in the freedom struggle, I paid homage by showering flowers on her portrait at the headquarters secretariat of our party in Panayur, Chennai. On the birth anniversary of Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar, let us pledge to uphold women's rights, protect the interests of women, and always be a pillar of women's safety." Born in 1730, Rani Velu Nachiyar, the queen of the Sivaganga estate from 1780-1790, was the first Indian queen to wage war against the East India Company in India. She is known as Veeramangai by Tamils. Nachiyar took up arms when her husband and his second wife were killed by combined forces of British soldiers and the son of the Nawab of Arcot. Later, she escaped with her daughter, lived under the protection of Hyder Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During this period she formed an army and formed an alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali with the aim of attacking the British. In 1780 Rani Velu Nachiyar fought the British with military assistance of her allies and won the battle. The battle has been historically significant and introduced India to 'first ever instance of suicide bombing. A scholar in languages like French, English and Urdu, the queen is remembered as a symbol of courage (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) women's wing in Tamil Nadu on Friday staged a protest against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government to demand justice for a student who was sexually assaulted at Anna University in Chennai. The women members of the BJP leading the "Justice rally" from Madurai to Chennai were later detained by the police. "The DMK is frightened by this gathering. Everyone is protesting within the framework of the law, demanding justice for the woman who was subjected to sexual assault at Anna University. The DMK criticised us, claiming that our protests are for publicity. However, we do not need publicity. The BJP is already performing exceptionally well across India. In these four years, the DMK has achieved nothing. Many atrocities against women occur, why is Chief Minister Stalin remaining silent?" BJP leader Khusboo Sundar said. The BJP's state unit has escalated its criticism of the ruling DMK over a student sexual assault case, with plans for the rally from Madurai to Chennai to demand justice for the victim. Announcing the protest on 'X,' BJP state president K. Annamalai alleged that the accused is linked to the DMK and accused the government of attempting to "conceal the truth" in the matter. Condemning the incident and the alleged cover-up, the BJP's state Mahila Morcha, led by its president Umarathi Rajan, spearheaded the rally, which began in Madurai today. Earlier on Thursday, Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai attacked the DMK government over the state's deteriorating law and order situation, citing disturbing statistics on rising crimes. Speaking to ANI, Annamalai said, "Tamil Nadu has seen a 55% increase in the number of child marriages in the past year... Crime against women has increased by 8.3% according to NCRB 2022 State of Crime Data, rape cases increased by 31%... Crimes against children have increased by 8.5%. The systemic failure is hampering the police from delivering justice to the common public." The statements follow the alleged sexual assault of a second-year student of Anna University on the Anna University campus on December 23 night. The Madras High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three IPS officers to investigate the Anna University alleged sexual assault case. (ANI)
A group of people staged a protest against the shifting of toxic waste materials from Union Carbide Factory located in Bhopal to Pithampur in Dhar district for disposal on Friday, demanding to send back the containers carrying the hazardous waste. After four decades of the tragic incident, "Bhopal gas tragedy"- touted as the world's worst industrial disaster, the toxic waste materials from the Union Carbide factory site were transported to Pithampur for its safe disposal on the night of January 1. The Bhopal gas tragedy had claimed the lives of several thousand people after deadly gas leaked from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant on the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984. Among the protesters, a social worker Sandeep Raghuvanshi told ANI, "There is anger among the public and the local administration is presenting false reports at higher ups that there wasn't any anger but it is. We have only one request from the state government that the containers of the toxic waste should be sent back from Pithampur. My strike would be continued till the 12 containers of waste brought from Bhopal were sent back from here." Locals also called for a 'Bandh' and closed their shops to mark their protest against the incineration of the toxic waste in Pithampur. A local shopkeeper told ANI, "The reason for shutting down the shop is that the 40-year-old toxic waste from Bhopal has been brought here in Pithampur for its disposal. We will not let the waste be incinerated here. We are with the people of Pithampur. In order to protect our people, we have voluntarily shut down our shops to mark our protest. We want from the government that this waste should not be incinerated in Pithampur." Meanwhile, the police used lathi charge to disperse the protesters protesting against shifting of toxic waste. Earlier on Thursday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav clarified that the disposal of waste would have no impact on the environment at all. "For the last 40 years, the people of Bhopal have been living with this waste. Many of the Government of India's organisations were involved in the disposal of this toxic waste. Earlier, the 10 MT waste was incinerated in Pithampur as a trial run in 2015 and the report of it prepared in the presence of scientists was presented before the Supreme Court. It was revealed in the report that the disposal of the hazardous waste has no impact on the environment. After detailed analysis of the reports, the MP High Court directed to incinerate the remaining hazardous waste," the CM said. He added that the state government's attempt was to move forward by taking everyone and presenting information with transparency before them. He had instructed cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya to hold a meeting in Dhar with local representatives and make them understand about it with transparency. (ANI)
The 'Ahmedabad International Flower Show 2025' was opened to the public today at the Sabarmati Riverfront by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a press release said. Health Minister Rishikeshbhai Patel and Minister of State for Cooperation Jagdish Vishwakarma were also present on this inaugural occasion. After the inauguration, all the guests including the Chief Minister watched the various attractions of the flower show. Apart from this, the various flower sculptures were highly applauded by everyone including the Chief Minister. On this occasion, Patel launched the Tree Census and unveiled the Mission Three Million Tree coffee table book. On this inaugural occasion, Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibhaben Jain, Ahmedabad MLAs Darshanaben Vaghela, Amitbhai Shah, Amit Thakar, Kaushik Jain, Deputy Mayor Jatinbhai Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Dewangbhai Dani, Municipal Commissioner M Thennarson, Municipal Corporation officials, office bearers etc. were present. It is worth mentioning here that the confluence of Indian culture and the beauty of nature is the world-class flower show organized at Ahmedabad. Nature and culture lovers from all over India not only visit this annual colour festival but also take away countless memories. Because the forum and colours of the flowers are decorated with human artistry. It is surprising if the visitor is not mesmerized here. This flower show is not limited to a decorative display but also proves to be very effective in environmental awareness and sustainability. The city of Ahmedabad is also committed to strengthening biodiversity and eco-friendly systems. Apart from this, any citizens who are aware or spread awareness about the environment are also encouraged by making them partners in this flower show. As a result, the flower show has become a multi-purpose project rather than just a flower show. Here is the story of culture as well as the enrichment of nature. The flower show has planted the seeds of a greener India and is an excellent attempt to green the future as well. More than two million people are estimated to have visited the 2024 Flower Show. Considering this year's planning, more people are expected to visit. Last year, the Flower Show got a place in the Guinness Book of World Records with its 400-meter-long flower wall. 'Ahmedabad International Flower Show 2025' is divided into 6 zones this time. In which a total of more than 10 lakh flowers, more than 50 species and more than 30 sculptures have been placed. Zone 1 is on the growth and development of the country. In this zone, India's economic growth, development and green future are symbolically depicted through various statues. Elephants, lotuses, vibrant arches, canopy clusters, Konark Chakra, 23 years of good governance, fighting bulls and attractions for children make this zone even more beautiful. Zone 2 is all about Inclusivity and Sustainability. It showcases various exhibitions that showcase the spirit of unity in India's diversity as well as sustainability with diversity. Tigers, Peacocks, Greater Flamingos, Camels, Asiatic Lions and Canyon Walls are the main attractions of this zone. Zone 3 is on initiatives towards a sustainable future. India today is providing leadership to the entire world in addressing global issues like global warming and climate change as demonstrated in this zone. Butterfly, seagull, mermaid and flower fall walls make this zone special. Culture and Heritage in Zone 4. A beautiful display of India's rich cultural and historical heritage as well as unique overviews of India's contribution to it. Brihadishwar Temple, Nandi, Manastambha, UNESCO Globe and Garba reflect our golden history and culture. Flower Valley will be seen in Zone 5. Hornbill and Flower Valley are the special attractions of this zone which showcases the natural beauty of India. Zone 6 shows India's future path. India today is poised to become a world guru, ready to fulfil the aspirations of the people and lead the world. Such promising performances will be seen in this zone. Hosting the Olympics 2036, Gandhiji's three monkeys, Vasudhaiva Kutumkam - The Unity Blossom, Mission Three Million Trees - Ek Pad Ma Ke Naam, conjure up a bright India towards a bright future. The most special thing is that the idea of public participation has been implemented this year keeping in mind the suggestions suggested by Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi during his visit last year. As a result, many independent corporate and government units have become partners in this flower show. An audio guide has been specially created this year. Information about flowers, sculptures and zones can be obtained by scanning the QR code at various places in the flower show. A special souvenir shop has been set up this year, giving visitors a chance to take home a beautiful gift. Moreover, this year also like every year nursery, other and food stalls will be the center of attraction for visitors. ((ANI)
The Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday arrested another accused in connection with the violent incidents of stone pelting, burning of a police bike, and looting of magazines and cartridges of a police pistol that took place on November 24, 2024, near the Jama Masjid area of Sambhal district. According to a statement by the police, the accused was identified as Shahbaz, who accepted firing at the police with the intention to kill in the incident. The police further stated that they had recovered an illegal 12-bore pistol from the accused along with one empty cartridge and one live cartridge. The accused also accepted that he, along with his friends, attacked the policemen and also set fire to the policemen's motorcycles, the statement read. The accused stated that following the violence, he fled to Delhi as the police began searching for him. In Delhi, the police were raiding locations to capture the rioters, and it was there that his companion Adnan was arrested from Watla House. According to the statement, Shahbaz was arrested as he was appearing in court in connection with a case related to Adnan. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh police arrested 50 people in connection with the violence near the Jama Masjid area in Sambhal district on November 24. Sambhal Superintendent (SP) Krishnan Kumar Bishnoi said that 50 people have been arrested and the search is on for 91 people connected with the violence. He further added that some individuals are yet to be identified. "50 people have been arrested so far in the violence that took place in Sambhal on November 24. The search is on for another 91 people. Some people are yet to be identified," said SP Bishnoi. "The investigation is being carried out from all angles--the cause of the incident and the people behind it. The police have not concluded yet," he added. This development comes after recent violence in the area, during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of a Mughal-era mosque last month, which led to four deaths and injuries among police and locals. (ANI)
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the damages to the farmers will be covered under the 'Crop Insurance Scheme'. Speaking to ANI during a visit to Maharashtra's Trimbak town in Nashik district, Chouhan, who is the Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare, and Rural Development said "...I came here every New Year with my family to seek blessings. This new year is dedicated to the farmers... I want to assure farmers that the damage that occurred to the farmers' crops will be recovered under the 'Crop Insurance Scheme'." He also said some "historic" decisions were taken for farmers in a cabinet meeting held in Delhi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier in the day, Chouhan offered prayers at Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple, Trimbak in Maharashtra. 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. (ANI)
 Flash

Fireworks illuminate the sky over Victoria Harbour in celebration of the new year in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China welcomes businesses from across the world to operate in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and share the dividends of both the region's development and the policy of "one country, two systems," a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks in response to a related query at a daily news briefing.

Mao said that with the support of the central government, the HKSAR government in 2024 had forged ahead with a keen sense of responsibility and a pragmatic attitude, remained focused on economic development, strengthened exchanges and cooperation with the outside world, and continued to consolidate its sound momentum of stability and development.

The HKSAR was ranked as the world's freest economy and rose to the third place globally in Global Financial Centres Index in 2024, while total assets under management in this region last year had topped 4 trillion U.S. dollars, she said.

Mao also revealed that the HKSAR had recorded 44 million tourist arrivals in 2024, up 30 percent year on year. In addition, the HKSAR had attracted around 170,000 talents through its talent admission schemes last year. By the end of 2024, the total number of companies from China's mainland and overseas based in the region had amounted to nearly 10,000 while the number of startups was close to 4,700 -- both hitting new highs.

"We have full confidence in a better future for Hong Kong," Mao said.
Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh on Friday launched a scathing attack at the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing the party of deleting the names of voters from the voters list for the Delhi Assembly polls and said that the BJP wants to win the election through an "electoral scam." "BJP is running a campaign for the deletion of names of voters in the assembly constituency of Arvind Kejriwal. This is a scam," he said. The AAP Rajya Sabha MP, addressing some voters in the New Delhi assembly constituency, claimed that this effort targets people who have been living in the area for years and further stated, "If they can get their names deleted from the list, they can do anything with them." "I want you to check this (Voters List) to see how the BJP is intentionally running a campaign for the deletion of votes in Arvind Kejriwal's assembly constituency (New Delhi)--of those people who are living here for years...The Election Commission should take cognisance of it and an investigation must be done," Singh added. Singh further stated that the party has raised concerns with the Election Commission about the issue and demanded an investigation into the matter. "We have continuously complained about it in the Election Commission. BJP wants to win the election through an electoral scam," he said. Earlier on Monday, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate voters in Delhi, specifically in the Shadara constituency, where she claims BJP leader Vishal Bharadwaj submitted applications for the deletion of voters' names. Kakkar further alleged that BJP leader Parvesh Sharma distributed money for votes in the New Delhi constituency and submitted conflicting applications to the Election Commission for voter deletions and additions. "BJP wants to cut the votes of the many Purvanchalis living in Delhi. One Vishal Bharadwaj of BJP gave applications for the deletion of voters' names in the Shadara constituency. When we raised our voices against it, then he stopped it," Kakkar said. "In the New Delhi constituency, BJP leader Parvesh Sharma did the work of distributing money for votes. A BJP leader put an application in ECI for deletion of voters' names. There was another application to add names of voters. BJP is rattled," she added. Meanwhile, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva on Thursday accused the AAP of rigging the elections by double voting. He stated that AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh's name has been mentioned in the voter list of New Delhi and also Tilak Nagar assemblies for the upcoming assembly elections in the national capital. He further requested that the Election Commission and Delhi Police must take cognisance of such instances. The Delhi BJP President further slammed AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, saying that he does not intend to address major issues, which include dirty water, broken roads, etc. Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections in February 2025, the battle between the AAP and BJP has become intense, with these two parties levelling allegations against each other. (ANI)
Former Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla was sworn in as the 19th Governor of Manipur on Friday. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Raj Bhawan in Imphal. The ceremony was attended by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, his council of ministers and high-ranking government and police officials. Speaking after the swearing in ceremony Manipur CM Biren Singh said that by appointing Balla as governore the centre has shown its intent in resolving issues in Manipur. "Appointing one of the most intelligent and competent persons as the governor of Manipur during this time shows serious concern of the central govt in resolving Manipur issues. I know Ajay Kumar Bhalla, he is well-experienced and held many important positions in the central govt, mainly the Home Department. He knows about the Manipur issue very well," he said. "I extend my heartfelt best wishes for his successful tenure and look forward to working together towards a peaceful and prosperous Manipur under his leadership," the CM added. Ajay Bhalla succeeds Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who had assumed office as the Governor of Manipur on July 31 last year. Born on November 26, 1960, Bhalla is a retired IAS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, having joined the civil services in 1984. He served as the Union Home Secretary from August 23, 2019, to August 22, 2024. During his tenure as home secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla managed several critical national challenges and complex issues. He oversaw the implementation of changes following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 that grants special status to Jammu & Kashmir, managing the government's response to the nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and leading the country's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Before his role as union home secretary, Bhalla held various key positions in the government. Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his Council of Ministers, Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Satyabrata Singh, MP (Rajya Sabha) Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs, CLP leader O Ibobi Singh, Congress President, K Meghachandra, Chief Secretary, DGP, 3 Core General, IGAR South, IGAR, East, GIC 57 Mountain Division and senior officers of paramilitary forces attended the oath-taking ceremony in Imphal. Bhalla's appointment comes at a time when Manipur is grappling with ongoing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2024. The rally was held in response to the Manipur High Court's direction to consider granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community. (ANI)
A Delhi Court has recently granted regular bail to a man accused in a case of gang rape with a minor and sexual assault on her mother. The mother is dead. In this case there are nine accused alive. One accused died. A case was registered at the police station Khyala in 2022. Vacation Judge Aditi Garg at Tis Hazari Court on December 28 granted bail to one Ranjeet Singh on medical grounds. The Court granted him relief after considering the facts and circumstances of the case. The Court also considered the fact the accused is suffering from different ailments and he was admitted to the jail dispensary since December 18. The Court also noted that one co-accused Shamsher Singh has died in judicial custody due to non availability of better medical facilities. After considering the fact that the examination Chief of the prosecutrix (minor victim) has recorded, granted bail to accused on a personal bond of Rs 30,000 and two sureties in the like amount. Advocate Deepak Sharma appeared for accused and argued that there no evidence against the accused except the statement of complainant and prosecutrix recorded by the police and by the court. It was also argued that neither there is a corroborative evidence nor scientific evidence against the accused. Other accused persons are already enlarged on bail. In this case, an FIR was lodged after an order passed by the court on application filed by the complainant mother in 2022. The present accused had absconded and was declared a proclaimed offender in August 2022. He had surrendered on January 17, 2023 before the court and was arrested. (ANI)
Economist Montek Singh Ahluwalia on Friday spoke of the efforts former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took to convince the opposition parties during his second term for the Indo-US nuclear deal. Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, said that Dr Singh had to confide with then-President APJ Abdul Kalam, asking him to have a conversation with then-Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh who was opposing the nuclear deal with the left parties. The left parties had taken a vote of confidence and wanted to vote the government out of power, Ahluwalia said. "Manmohan Singh had to undertake the Indo-US nuclear deal while going against the opposition from within his party, strong opposition from the left. He had to do a lot of political maneuvering since the left had a vote of confidence and they wanted to vote the government out of power. He was able to avoid the problem because he brought in President APJ Abdul Kalam to persuade Mulayam Singh as a scientist. Mulayam Singh agreed after talking to President Kalam and ended up supporting the government," Ahluwalia told ANI in an exclusive interview. Ahluwalia said that for Manmohan Singh, India's forward movement could only happen if the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) restrictions were lifted and that was possible because of the relationship the former Prime Minister shared with then-US President George Bush, which ensured the removal of the NSG restrictions. "Manmohan Singh was concerned that part of India's forward movement should mean that these sanctions be removed. The Indo-US deal could only happen if the NSG restrictions were removed. For us, it was the relationship between Bush and Singh that ensured the removal of the NSG restrictions. If the US didn't agree, none of these other countries would have agreed (to lift the restrictions). This helped us in providing a basis for the much-expanded technology and military partnership between India and the US, which the present government has expanded on quite a bit," the renowned economist said. Ahluwalia further credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his realisation after the Pokhran-II explosion that the West needed to be persuaded they were wrong. He said that Vajpayee managed to restore the relationship. However, the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) sanctions still remained and India was unable to import Uranium to run its own nuclear reactors, he added. "When the Pokhran-II exploded under Vajpayee, the US imposed restrictions. Vajpayee realised that we must persuade the West that they are wrong and to his credit, he restored the relationship to what it was before the explosion, as the US removed extra sanctions. However, the NPT sanctions still remained. We couldn't even import Uranium for running our nuclear reactors without signing the NPT," Ahluwalia said. "I have said this in another context that it is wrongly focused on it being an India-US deal. It was that but the important thing is that it removed restrictions imposed by the NSG, which were imposed on any country that had a nuclear explosion and didn't sign the NPT. We didn't want to sign the NPT because it was an unfair treaty as it said that only five countries can have nuclear weapons and the others can't. That was not fair. We were quite willing to have a universal disarmament. We told these countries if you don't have nuclear weapons, we won't have them. However, if you want to keep them, we can't be without them since we are also a responsible country," he said. Meanwhile, Ahluwalia praised Dr Singh for his efforts to bring 138 million people out of the 'below poverty line (BPL)'. Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, said that India grew faster in terms of economic growth during Singh's tenure than it had ever done. He said that Singh's tenure must be judged in its entirety. The Indo-US nuclear deal that freed India from nuclear restrictions was the most important achievement during his second term, Ahluwalia added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 1,675 newly constructed flats for the dwellers of JJ clusters and also handed over keys to eligible beneficiaries at Swabhiman Apartments in Ashok Vihar, Delhi. Ahead of the inauguration, PM Modi also inspected newly constructed flats for the dwellers of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project. PM Modi also interacted with the beneficiaries who expressed their gratitude to PM Modi for receiving the keys to the newly constructed flats of Swabhiman Apartment. Quoting a beneficiary, the BJP in a post on social media platform X, said, "Modiji does what he says... Modiji had promised 'Jahan jhuggie wahin makaan' (house where there is a slum) and he fulfilled his promise!" Earlier in his post on X, the Prime Minister said, "A home is where dreams take root, and we are committed to ensuring proper housing for every Indian. During today's programme, 1,675 newly constructed flats under the In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation Project will be inaugurated. This will ensure better and healthier living for several people. I look forward to handing over the keys of their homes to some of the beneficiaries as well." The objective of the project is to provide the residents of the JJ clusters in Delhi with a better and healthier living environment equipped with proper amenities and facilities, a press release had said. For every Rs 25 lakh spent on the construction of a flat by the government, 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. PM Narendra Modi also virtually inaugurated two urban redevelopment projects - the World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar and GPRA Type-II Quarters at Sarojini Nagar, CBSE's Integrated Office Complex at Dwarka and also laid the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar College at Roshanpura, Najafgarh. On the occasion, Delhi's LG VK Saxena said, "Today PM Modi will hand over the keys of flats to the residents living in slums... All these houses have been built as per the vision of our PM... These flats have lifts, parks for children to play and all kinds of facilities..." (ANI)
Two people sustained burn injuries after some of the protestors attempted self-immolation during protests against the shifting of toxic waste materials from Bhopal Gas tragedy site to Pithampur in Dhar district for its disposal on Friday, according to eyewitnesses. After four decades of the tragic incident, "Bhopal gas tragedy"- touted as the world's worst industrial disaster, the toxic waste materials from the Bhopal's Union Carbide factory site were transported to Pithampur for its safe disposal on the night of January 1. The Bhopal gas tragedy had claimed the lives of several thousand people after deadly gas leaked from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant on the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984. One of the injured persons, Rajkumar Raghuvanshi told ANI, "I have done this (self immolation) against the toxic waste brought here." The crowd were staging the protest for their demand to send back the containers carrying the hazardous waste from Pithampur. After the incident, the police present on the spot immediately shifted some of the protestors and sent them to the hospital. Earlier, the police also used mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd staging the protest. Pithampur SDM, Vivek Gurjar said, "Currently, people are protesting in view of the waste materials at the Pithampur bus stand and we are trying to convince them that the process (incineration of waste) is being done scientifically. The entire process will be performed under full supervision and in a scientific manner. I appeal to the people to maintain peace and cooperate with the administration." Earlier, among the protesters, a social worker Sandeep Raghuvanshi demanded that they had only one request from the state government that the containers of the toxic waste should be sent back from Pithampur. "There is anger among the public and the local administration is presenting false reports at higher ups that there wasn't any anger but it is. We have only one request from the state government that the containers of the toxic waste should be sent back from Pithampur. My strike would be continued till the 12 containers of waste brought from Bhopal were sent back from here," Raghuvanshi told ANI. Locals also called for a 'Band' and closed their shops to mark their protest against the incineration of the toxic waste in Pithampur. A local shopkeeper told ANI, "The reason for shutting down the shop is that the 40-year-old toxic waste from Bhopal has been brought here in Pithampur for its disposal. We will not let the waste be incinerated here. We are with the people of Pithampur. In order to protect our people, we have voluntarily shut down our shops to mark our protest. We want from the government that this waste should not be incinerated in Pithampur." Earlier on Thursday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav clarified that the disposal of waste would have no impact on the environment at all. "For the last 40 years, the people of Bhopal have been living with this waste. Many of the Government of India's organisations were involved in the disposal of this toxic waste. Earlier, the 10 MT waste was incinerated in Pithampur as a trial run in 2015 and the report of it prepared in the presence of scientists was presented before the Supreme Court. It was revealed in the report that the disposal of the hazardous waste has no impact on the environment. After detailed analysis of the reports, the MP High Court directed to incinerate the remaining hazardous waste," the CM said. He added that the state government's attempt was to move forward by taking everyone and presenting information with transparency before them. He had instructed cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya to hold a meeting in Dhar with local representatives and make them understand about it with transparency. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said "Those who have been in power in Delhi for the last 10 years - have damaged school education". Addressing a public meeting in Ashok Vihar's Ramlila Ground, PM Narendra Modi said, "A new college in the name of Veer Savarkar is going to be built in Najafgarh... Those who have been in power in Delhi for the last 10 years - have damaged school education. The money that the central government has given to Delhi - the current govt of Delhi hasn't even spend half of that money in education..." "...Even after Independence, such works (New Education Policy) were not done, 'lekin aapke sevak ne kar diya'...," PM Modi said. PM Modi also attacked AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and said, "In the last 10 years, Delhi has been surrounded by an 'Aapda'. By keeping Anna Hazare at the front, a few 'kattar beimaan' people have pushed Delhi towards 'Aapda'. 'AAP aapda bankar Delhi par toot padi hai'..." PM Modi continued his attack: "...Ye AAP, ye 'aapda', Delhi par aayi hai', and hence the people of Delhi have waged a war against 'aapda'. Voters of Delhi have made up their minds to free Delhi from this 'aapda'. Every voter of Delhi is saying, 'aapda ko nahi sahenge, badal ke rahenge'..." PM Modi also attacked the AAP over pollution in the Yamuna river and said, , "Every resident of Delhi can see the situation of Yamuna. Look at their (AAP) shamelessness, what kind of 'aapda is this, they say that cleaning Yamuna won't get them votes - will you leave Yamuna like this if it doesn't get you votes?... This 'aapda' has handed over the lives of people of Delhi in the hands of tanker mafia..." Hitting back, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said that BJP has no agenda for the assembly polls. "BJP has no agenda for elections. BJP has been in power at the centre for 10 years, they have a budget of lakhs of crores, they should tell one thing they have done for the people of Delhi, they have not done any work. Today they have no vision for Delhi, they have no CM face. AAP has worked for the people of Delhi for 10 years...," Atishi told reporters. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the self-styled Godman and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others on a plea of CBI challenging the judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitting them in the 2002 murder of sect's former manager Ranjit Singh. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna and Sanjay Kumar sought a response from Ram Rahim and others and tagged the matter with another pending appeal filed by the complainant who had also challenged the acquittal. The bench posted the matter for hearing before a bench headed by Justice Bela Trivedi which had issued a notice in the appeal filed by the complainant- the father of the deceased. "Our attention has been drawn to the office report dated September 9, 2024, of the order passed by the bench of Justice Bela Trivedi, issue notice and tag with... the SLP be listed before the bench presided by Justice Bela Trivedi," the bench ordered. The other convicts who were sentenced to life imprisonment by the trial court on October 18, 2021, along with Ram Rahim were Avtar Singh, Krishan Lal, Jasbir Singh, and Sabdil Singh. One of the accused, Inder Sain, had died during the trial in 2020. The Dera manager, Ranjit Singh, was shot dead when he was working in his fields in his native village in Kurukshetra district of Haryana on July 10, 2002. On November 10, 2003, the High Court ordered a CBI investigation into the case, earlier registered at Police Station Sadar, Thanesar, Kurukshetra. When the matter reached the High Court against the trial court order, it found that the CBI failed to establish the motive of the crime and rather, the prosecution case was "shrouded in doubts". Ram Rahim is lodged in Sunaria jail in Rohtak, Haryana, and serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples. According to the CBI chargesheet, Ram Rahim suspected Ranjit Singh of circulating an anonymous letter among the dera followers accusing Ram Rahim of sexually exploiting female disciples at the dera. It was based on this letter that a rape case was registered against Ram Rahim in 2002. (ANI)
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies, according to Official sources "We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly," official Sources said. This development follows recent reports of an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. "The data from December 16-22, indicates a recent rise in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), however, the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year is lower than last year. A seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected in the northern hemisphere, particularly during the winter period," sources said after an update from WPRO. Dr Arjun Dang, CEO, Dr Dangs Lab, said that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China highlights the need for heightened surveillance and early detection mechanisms to curb its spread. "The resurgence of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) underscores the ever-evolving challenges posed by respiratory viruses, particularly in high-density populations. HMPV, a relatively underrecognized pathogen, has been a silent contributor to seasonal respiratory illnesses globally. At Dr Dangs Lab, we have routinely reported cases of HMPV during flu seasons, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. This outbreak in China highlights the need for heightened surveillance and early detection mechanisms to curb its spread," Dr Arjun Dang said. Dr Dang said that HMPV usually shows symptoms similar to other respiratory viruses and if the outbreak isn't quickly controlled, it can put a lot of strain on the healthcare system. "HMPV commonly manifests with symptoms akin to other respiratory viruses, including fever, cough, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Severe cases can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in high-risk groups. The burden on the healthcare system can be significant if the outbreak is not swiftly contained," Dr Arjun Dang added. Dr Dang highlighted that "Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing remains the gold standard for diagnosing HMPV." Dr Arjun Dang said there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, so prevention is the cornerstone of controlling its spread. He added that simple measures such as washing hands regularly, covering mouth while coughing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help reduce its spread. "Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, and management is primarily supportive, focusing on hydration, fever control, and oxygen therapy in severe cases. Therefore, prevention becomes the cornerstone of controlling its spread. Simple yet effective measures such as frequent hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes), and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals can significantly mitigate transmission. Government authorities must ensure robust public awareness campaigns emphasizing these preventive strategies," Dr Dang said. (ANI)
Two Bangladeshi nationals illegally residing in Delhi since 2012 were apprehended by the Safdarjung Enclave Police Station during a verification drive in the South West District on Thursday. The Bangladeshi nationals who are husband and wife were identified as 54-year-old Liyacat and his 39-year-old wife, Nasreen, and were deported to Bangladesh through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The couple, who were residents of Kalakabadi village in the Bagerhat District of Bangladesh, were detained during the drive in Green Park, where their documents were verified. Earlier, two Bangladeshi nationals who had been illegally residing in the national capital were apprehended and deported by the Delhi Police during two separate verification drives by the South West District Police. One of the illegal immigrants was identified as Lovely Khatoon Islam, a resident of Shankar Pur, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, who had been living here in Delhi for the past four years. Meanwhile, in another drive launched by the staff of the Vasant Kunj South Police Station, another illegally residing Bangladeshi national was apprehended and deported to Bangladesh. The illegal immigrant identified as Md Bablu, a resident of Demra village in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was deported to Bangladesh through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Notably, 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. Special Commission of Police 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, the 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 said. This operation underscores the South West District Police's zero-tolerance approach to illegal immigration and commitment to upholding the rule of law. (ANI)
Tarsem Singh, the father of 'Waris Punjab De' Chief and independent MP Amritpal Singh, said on Friday that they are going to launch a political party on January 14. "The party will be launched on January 14 in Sri Muktsar Sahib on the occasion of Maghi. A working committee will be announced which will decide on the party constitution and other things... I appeal to the people of Punjab to support the party and save Punjab from various issues like drugs, conversions, farmers," Tarsem Singh told ANI on Friday. Amritpal Singh, who won the 2024 Lok Sazha elections from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency as an independent candidate, is originally a resident of Jallu Kheda village in Amritsar and is currently lodged in jail in Assam's Dibrugarh district. He used to live in Dubai prior to his return to Punjab in 2022, after the death of Punjabi actor Deep Sidhu. After his return, he became the chief of Deep Sidhu's pro-Khalistani organization, Waris Punjab De. He was arrested from Moga's Rode village after he and his supporters on February 23, 2023, staged a protest at the Ajnala police station and clashed with police personnel in an attempt to free one of his aides, who was taken into custody for making inflammatory and pro-Khalistan statements. In the 2024 parliamentary elections, Amritpal Singh won from the Khadoor Sahib seat. He was also granted a four-day custody parole and brought to Delhi for taking oath as a Lok Sabha member. (ANI)
Reacting to protests against the transportation of toxic waste from the Bhopal gas tragedy site to Pithampur for disposal, Dhar district administration authorities on Friday assured that no action would be taken without taking public consent. Officials emphasized that all concerns raised by the public would be addressed and urged protesters to refrain from breaking the law. "The police and administration are maintaining the law and order in response to the protest at Pithampur bus stand against the waste brought here from Bhopal's Union Carbide India Limited site. I want to tell everyone that no action will be taken without taking people into confidence. All processes are being carried out following scientific measures and directives from the Madhya Pradesh High Court," Dhar Collector Priyank Mishra told ANI. Mishra issued a warning to the protestors, saying that strict action would be taken if the situation escalated into a serious law and order issue. "Public concerns will be heard, and discussions will continue as they always have. We will clear all the doubts of the public. There is nothing to hide. Everyone is urged to not take the law into their own hands at any cost. There should not be any kind of loss at any cost. Pithampur is an industrial area with schools and other establishments. It is important that neither we suffer any loss nor harm anyone else. If the situation worsens, strict action will follow," the collector said. The protests took place a dramatic turn earlier in the day when two persons sustained burn injuries, reportedly as part of a self-immolation attempt. The protesters demanded the immediate removal of containers carrying hazardous waste from Pithampur. One of the injured, Rajkumar Raghuvanshi told ANI, "I have done this (self-immolation) against the toxic waste brought here." The police team, present on the spot, immediately shifted the injured to a hospital for treatment. Responding to the incident, Dhar Collector Mishra said, "We received the information about the incident, and the injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment. We urge everyone to ensure their own safety and the safety of others." Dhar Superintendent of Police (SP) Manoj Kumar Singh said that the state government has made its stand clear about the waste being brought to Pithampur and that no action will be taken without taking the common people into confidence. He also urged people to not break the law. "People need not to worry or to take the law into their own hands. Civilians' security is the priority of the government," SP Singh said. The toxic waste, which originated from the Union Carbide factory site in Bhopal, was transported to Pithampur for safe disposal on the night of January 1, nearly four decades after the Bhopal gas tragedy. The Bhopal gas tragedy considered the world's worst industrial disaster, occurred on the intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984. A gas leak from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant claimed thousands of lives. (ANI)
Shah's direction came while reviewing the progress of ongoing development initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep during the meeting.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration and Lakshadweep Administration made comprehensive presentation on various development projects, including enhancements in digital connectivity, air connectivity, and port development.

The Home Minister underscored the importance of advancing solar and wind energy initiatives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. He emphasized achieving the goal of 100 per cent renewable energy generation through solar panels and windmills in these regions.

Shah also directed the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to implement the 'PM Surya Ghar' scheme by installing solar panels in all households across both island groups.

The Minister said, "Even though these islands are far from Delhi, they are close to our hearts, development of infrastructure and increasing tourism facilities here is the priority of the government."

Pointing that the PM Modi government is preserving the culture and heritage of these islands and accelerating the development works, Shah emphasized the need for a holistic approach to infrastructure projects in both island groups and called on all concerned central ministries to collaborate on initiatives related to tourism, trade, and other key sectors.

He also issued clear directives to address pending issues and expedite the completion of ongoing projects.

The meeting was attended by Admiral (Retd.) D K Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Praful Patel, Administrator of Lakshadweep, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and secretaries from various union ministries, along with other senior officials. (ANI)
The Uttar Pradesh Government will be issuing six different types of vehicle e-passes to ensure safety of devotees in the upcoming Mahakumbh 2025 mela, according to an official statement. White coloured passes will be issued for VIPs, saffron for Akharas, yellow for institutions, sky blue for media personnel, blue for police and red passes for emergency vehicles, read a statement by the government. Additionally, extensive vehicle parking arrangements have been made to ensure convenience, smooth management and security of devotees. A quota will be determined on the basis of each category of pass holders, with each department nominating a nodal officer for approval of vehicle passes. "Six coloured e-passes are being issued for the convenience, smooth management and security of devotees in Mahakumbh. Different coloured e-passes are being issued for police, Akharas and VIPs. Quota is being determined on the basis of category. Nodal officers are also being nominated at the departmental level so that devotees coming from the country and abroad do not face any kind of inconvenience," read the statement. White coloured e-passes will be issued for VIPs, foreign ambassadors, foreign nationals and non-resident Indians along with the central and state departments. Saffron coloured e-pass is being provided to Akharas and institutions. At the same time, yellow coloured e-pass is being issued for working agencies, vendors, food courts and milk booths. Sky blue e-pass is being provided to the media, blue to the police force and red coloured e-pass for emergency and essential services. The e-pass system will be implemented through UPDESCO, the nodal state agency for providing various IT related services to the government. The statement read, "For smooth functioning of the system, nodal officers of various departments, fair police, will verify the applications for vehicle passes of all institutions on the basis of the prescribed quota." Meanwhile, some devotees have started participating in morning Ganga 'aartis.' The 'aartis' are not only limited to the renowned ghats of Prayagraj but can be witnessed all across the flood plains of the Sangam. Women participated in a special Ganga Aarti at the Triveni Sangam in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj earlier. The ritual also served as a rehearsal for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years and a huge turnout of devotees is expected in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. The main bathing rituals, known as the Shahi Snan (royal baths), will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). (ANI)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday chargesheeted four members of the banned CPI (Maoist) terrorist organisation for the abduction and brutal killing of a youth in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli. According to NIA press release, the accused, identified as Doba Wadde, Ravi Pallo, Sattu Mahaka and Komati Mahaka, have been charged with abduction and murder of Dinesh Pusu Gawade in November 2023. "They had kidnapped and killed Gawade on suspicion of being a police informer and a member of RSS," NIA said. In its chargesheet filed before the NIA Special Court, Mumbai, Maharashtra, in case RC-03/2024/NIA/MUM, the agency has stated that the accused were active members of CPI (Maoist) and had committed the crime in furtherance of the outfit's conspiracy to spread terror in the minds of the local villagers. Their act was also aimed as a threat to the villagers against sharing any information about Naxal activities/movements with the security forces. The case was initially registered at P.S Dhodraj by Gadchiroli Police, which arrested the accused and seized a Bharmar gun, along with explosives and incriminating materials at their instance. NIA, which took over the case from Gadchiroli Police in October 2024, has chargesheeted the accused persons, all residents of Gadchiroli district, under sections 302, 341, 364, 143, 147, 148, 149 and 120B of IPC, Section 3 r/w 25(1B)(a) of Arms Act, and sections 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 38 & 39 of UA(P) Act. Further investigations is underway. Earlier on December 31, NIA announced a record-breaking achievement for 2024, boasting a 100 per cent conviction rate with the conviction of 68 accused in 25 cases, a feat that underscores the agency's commitment to delivering justice and strengthening national security. Officials attributed this success to rigorous investigations and meticulous legal strategies. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the NIA, further solidifying its reputation as one of the country's most effective investigative agencies. As per the agency, a total of 210 accused were arrested across key categories of crimes in 80 cases registered by the NIA in 2024. Of these cases, Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and North East insurgency topped the list at 28 and 18 cases respectively. (ANI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday held a meeting with the housing department and said that reviving the stalled projects and providing affordable housing and rental options to the people is the responsibility of the government. Speaking to the media after attending the meeting, Deputy CM Shinde said, "A meeting was held today with the Housing Department, where discussions took place about moving forward with projects that have been stalled for several years. Providing affordable housing is the responsibility of our government. We also plan to offer affordable renting options." "All of our agencies, whether MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) or BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation), will work together to take over and advance these delayed projects. The entire policy will be prepared and presented to the Chief Minister. Our intention is that the Housing Department and Urban Development are closely linked, and therefore, there will be no difficulty in formulating the policy," Eknath Shinde added. The Maharashtra Deputy CM further asserted that their government is for the common people. "Our government is for the common people. A house is a dream for everyone, and providing a home for each individual is the Prime Minister's vision. We will certainly fulfil this," Shinde said. Earlier on Thursday, Eknath Shinde announced that 4,800 hectares of land which was in the possession of the state government will be returned to the farmers. "In the state cabinet meeting, a big decision has been taken in the best interests of farmers. Almost 4,800 hectares of land which was in the possession of the government will be returned to the farmers...This is a historic decision and will benefit the farmers a lot," Shinde told reporters after the cabinet meeting held in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Thursday that the state government is implementing a security system for the safety of the Mantralaya, the secretariat. "We are creating a security system for the safety of the Mantralaya... Under this, every person who comes to the Mantralay will be given a pass. When the person leaves, he/she will have to return the pass," CM Fadnavis told reporters. (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi projects ranging from yoga to longevity have been implemented in the state to keep the society healthy. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided health protection cover to the poor and middle class by giving Ayushman card under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, projects ranging from yoga to longevity have been implemented to keep the society healthy," Patel said while speaking at the Bharat Medical Excellence Award ceremony here. The doctors of Gujarat who achieved special achievements and performed special work in the medical field were honoured by the Chief Minister and Health Minister Rishikesh Patel. "Today, we are being noticed at the global level under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Our heritage and culture are being enriched. Today government hospitals have high-quality health facilities available. The Prime Minister aims to make a developed India through a healthy society and a healthy nation," the Chief Minister added. The Chief Minister said that many doctors are serving selflessly in society. Also, he requested all those present to adopt a sensitive approach towards the needy persons. Health Minister Rishikesh Patel said that during the difficult times of the epidemic, many doctors served the people selflessly day and night. During the covid epidemic, DNS Talks were done to spread awareness in society through social media. He added that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the medical facilities and medical infrastructure in the state are continuously developing. "In the PMJAY scheme, the assistance in the state has been increased from 5 lakhs to 10 lakhs. The scheme has more than 2500 empanelled hospitals, due to which people even in poor and remote areas get free treatment for critical illnesses," Rishikesh Patel said. Also, he provided details about the state government's health services and initiatives including dialysis centres, cochlear implant services, newly opened medical colleges, malnutrition eradication programmes, services available in civil medicare and innovative projects, 108 services. Indian Medical Association President-elect, Dr Anil Nayak said on this occasion that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state is achieving all-round development. "This event to honour eminent doctors of the state who have achieved distinguished achievements in the medical field is another attempt to appreciate their contribution to the medical field and society," he added. On this occasion, the founder of DNS Talks, Dr Nehal Sadhu in his welcome address gave detailed details about the inception of DNS Talks, its functioning and today's award ceremony. On this occasion Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Shah, well-known Gynecologist Dr Mukesh Bavisi, media person and event organiser, Riya Gajjar, eminent doctors and representatives of organisations associated with the medical world and other dignitaries were present. (ANI)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted one more accused in a 2020 narco-terrorism case relating to the seizure of 17 kgs of heroin along with cash in Jammu and Kashmir. Syed Saleem Jahangir Andrabi alias Saleem Andrabi has been charged under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, IPC and UA(P) Act in the third supplementary chargesheet filed by NIA before the agency's Special Court in Jammu, said the agency in a press release. The accused, a resident of district Kupwara, was arrested in July 2024 after evading arrest for the last four years in the case. With this, a total of 16 accused have so far been chargesheeted in the case. The Handwara police had registered the case originally in June 2020 when, during the checking of vehicles at Kairo Bridge, accused Abdul Momin Peer was intercepted while coming from Baramulla in his vehicle. A search of the vehicle had led to the seizure of around Rs. 2 crore in cash and 2 kgs of heroin. Peer's questioning had led to further recovery of 15 kg of heroin and Rs. 1.15 crore in cash. NIA, which had taken over the case in June 2020, found during the investigation that accused Syed Saleem Jahangir Andrabi was part of a deep-rooted conspiracy to procure and sell narcotics drugs and generate funds in J-K and other parts of India. He was working in close association with operatives of Pak-based banned terrorist outfits, Lashkar-E-Taiba (LeT) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM). The funds so generated were used for the furtherance of terrorist activity in the UT of J-K through a network of over-ground workers (OGWs), as per the NIA investigations. (ANI)
Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor has vowed to continue his indefinite fast until the Bihar government meets the demands of protesting BPSC students. "There is no question of withdrawing my fast, not until the demands of the students are met. We suggested from our end that the CM should meet the students and together they should bring out a solution. If that happens then I have no problem stopping the fast," he told ANI. The students are calling for the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024, conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13, due to alleged question paper leaks. Kishor emphasized that he won't withdraw his fast until the students' demands are heard and met. He suggested that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should meet with the students to find a solution. "Till the student's demands are met, who have come here leaving everything to protest in the cold, till then the fast and protest cannot stop, I have said this to the administration," said Kishor. He also responded to allegations made by MP Pappu Yadav, who claimed that Kishor was secretly consuming food while on a hunger strike. Kishor stated that he's open to criticism, but emphasised that his focus remains on supporting the BPSC students' demands "If someone criticises me, but still supports the students, I have no problems with that. I even told Tejashwi Yadav, that he is the leader of the opposition (in Bihar Assembly), he should lead and we will be behind him. If he comes here, even Rahul Gandhi comes here, then the student's problems will be solved," he said. Doctor Rajeev Ranjan also visited Kishor to check his health during the protest. He said that there seemed to be no complications and advised him to protect against the cold waves. "For now, whatever I have seen, he is fit. As for protecting against the cold, there is only one solution, to cover oneself. As the cold wave comes, then one has to stay protected against that dangerous cold wave. In all parameters, it can be said that there is no danger to him (Prashant Kishor), I think his immunity might be good from before itself that is why he is okay now," the doctor said. (ANI)
US President Joe Biden on Thursday (local time) informed that the New Orleans attacker had a remote detonator in his vehicle to set off Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that he planted in the ice coolers in the French Quarter before ramming his car into the crown on Bourbon street. The FBI has recovered the two IEDs that the attacker, Shamsud Din Jabbar, placed in the coolers, CNN reported. "They've established that the attacker is the same person who planted the explosives in those ice coolers in two nearby locations in the French Quarter just a few hours before he rammed into the crowd with his vehicle. They assessed he had a remote detonator in his vehicle to set off those two ice chests," Biden said. Biden has also told reporters gathered in the White House's East Room that he'll try to travel to New Orleans, CNN reported. Meanwhile, the US President informed that 15 people, including the attacker, have been killed in the New Orleans attack on New Year's night. FBI has established that the attacker, who carried out this "act of terrorism," was an ISIS supporter. An ISIS flag was found in his vehicle and the suspect had admitted his support in a series of videos he posted online. Biden reassured that the US will relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organisation. "We are going to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organisations where they are and they will find no safe husher here," Biden said. Moreover, speaking about the possible connection between the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion, Biden said that the investigation is still going on, however, no evidence of such a connection has been found thus far. A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas killing one person and injuring seven others. The vehicles used in both incidents were rented from a car rental site, 'Turo', prompting authorities to look for links between the two events, CNN reported. (ANI)
Investigators seeking to arrest South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his attempted martial law declaration faced a standoff with the Presidential Security Service (PSS) outside the presidential residence on Friday, Yonhap News Agency reported. Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) presented warrants for Yoon's arrest and a search of the residence. However, PSS chief Park Chong-jun blocked their entry, citing security restrictions on the premises. "CIO prosecutors and investigators are in a standoff with the Presidential Security Service in front of the residence after moving past the first and second barriers," a police official said. The CIO has until Monday to execute the arrest warrant linked to Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3, Yonhap reported. Observers had said that arresting Yoon on Saturday and Sunday poses a greater risk of confronting Yoon's supporters while executing the warrant on Monday will be too close to the deadline. A Seoul court on Tuesday 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. 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)
Israel is set to send a delegation to Qatar's capital Doha today to resume negotiations regarding a hostage agreement in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported. The delegation will include officials from Mossad, the country's intelligence agency; Shin Bet or the Israeli Security Agency, the intelligence, technological, and operational organisation of Israel; and Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). On Thursday, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office had announced that the Prime Minister had approved the delegation's visit to Qatar to discuss a potential hostage-ceasefire arrangement. In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said, "Netanyahu authorised a working-level delegation from the Mossad, Shin Bet and IDF to continue negotiations in Doha." Meanwhile, The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a civil, volunteer-based organisation, representing the families of the hostages, welcomed the decision by Netanyahu and said that "window of opportunity" cannot be missed. In a rough translation of the post on X, the organisation said, "The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomes the decision to send the Israeli delegation to Qatar. We must not miss the window of opportunity! We demand that the prime minister give the negotiating team a mandate to reach an agreement that will see the return of every last hostage -- the living to rehabilitation and the murdered for an honorable burial." https://x.com/BringThemHome23/status/1874887523861930476 Earlier in November 2024, Qatar had said that it halted its role as a ceasefire mediator due to a lack of willingness by Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement. According to a CNN report, Israel and Hamas blamed each other for talks stalling when Hamas said Israel had set "new issues and conditions" on the terms of a deal and Netanyahu accused Hamas of "reneging on understandings." However, sources within Hamas and Israel have voiced cautious optimism in December about the prospects of reaching a deal. On October 7, 2023, Hamas, the largest militant group in Palestine had carried out a massive terror attack on Israel. Over 1,200 people including foreign nationals were killed by Hamas, 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. (ANI)
Jamaat-i-Islami's Maulana Hidayatur Rehman introduced a resolution criticising Pakistan Railways for depriving Balochistan of safe and affordable travel. The resolution urged the federal government to restore daily train services such as the Akbar Bugti Express, Chiltan Express, Abbasine Express, and Balochistan Express.

National Party member Mir Rahmat Saleh Baloch presented a resolution calling for the restoration of 4G internet services in Panjgur, which have been suspended for three years. The resolution emphasised that the lack of internet has adversely impacted education, business, and communication.

Another resolution, moved by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam's (JUI-F) Mir Zabid Ali Reki, proposed dividing the district of Washuk into two constituencies for the next provincial assembly elections. The resolution emphasised that Washuk's large geographical size and dispersed population necessitate equitable representation for effective governance, Dawn reported.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan cabinet approved key initiatives, including policy guidelines for carbon market trading, funding for water resource development under a World Bank loan, and projects to improve education in remote areas.

In the education sector, it approved the Balochistan Foundational Learning Policy, which aims to implement reforms, enhance standards, and boost literacy rates. A USD 100 million five-year project, in collaboration with the World Bank, was also approved to improve educational quality, enroll out-of-school children, and address accessibility issues in remote areas.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the Regularity Act 2024, which legalises the temporary recruitment of teachers. Under this act, teachers hired at the union council and local levels will not be transferred to other locations, ensuring stability in the education sector, Dawn reported. (ANI)
In a fresh escalation of trade tensions between the United States and China, Beijing on Thursday announced new export control measures targeting 28 US companies and placed 10 of them to a list, barring them from conducting business in the country, the Voice of America reported. The group of 28 companies primarily consists of defence contractors, including Lockheed Martin and five of its subsidiaries, General Dynamics and three of its subsidiaries, three subsidiaries of Raytheon, one subsidiary of Boeing, and over a dozen other firms. Chinese companies are now prohibited from selling "dual-use" goods -- items with both military and civilian applications -- to any of these entities. In an announcement, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said the sanctions were put in place "in order to safeguard national security ... interests and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation," VOA reported. In a separate announcement, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce designated 10 companies, all subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Raytheon, as "unreliable entities." This designation imposes stricter sanctions. The sanctions include bans on importing and exporting goods to and from China, restrictions on new investments, and revocation of any work or residency permits held by the companies' executives. Executives are also prohibited from travelling to China. The ministry justified the measures, citing the companies' involvement in arms sales to Taiwan. It emphasised that the restrictions were intended to "safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests." Earlier in December 2024, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers had proposed three bills designed to address China's involvement in the US fentanyl crisis. The proposed legislation included the creation of a US task force to combat narcotics trafficking and provisions that would enable sanctions against Chinese entities, the Voice of America reported. The legislation proposed aimed to hold China's ruling Communist Party (CCP) responsible for "directly contributing to the fentanyl crisis by subsidizing precursor chemicals," according to the House of Representatives Select Committee on China, which includes all the bill sponsors. (ANI)
South Korea's anti-corruption agency halted its attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday over his failed martial law bid, following a prolonged standoff with the Presidential Security Service (PSS), Yonhap News Agency reported. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) announced that it suspended the execution of the detention warrant at 1:30 pm, approximately five hours after investigators arrived at the presidential residence. The CIO in a press release said, "We determined that executing the detention warrant would be practically impossible due to the continued confrontation, and suspended the execution out of concern for the safety of on-site personnel caused by the resistance. We plan to decide on the next steps following a review." It added, "We express serious regret over the behavior of the suspect who refused to comply with legally set procedures," Yonhap reported. Earlier in the day, over 1,000 pro-Yoon protesters gathered near the residence, with slogans such as "Illegal warrant! Completely invalid!" and "Arrest the CIO." Around 2,700 police officers were deployed to maintain order. Investigators presented court-issued warrants to detain Yoon and search the residence but were blocked by PSS chief Park Chong-jun, who cited restrictions on secured areas. The CIO sought the detention warrant after Yoon failed to respond to three summonses for questioning. The agency also obtained a warrant to search the presidential residence. Yoon's legal defence team has called the warrants "illegal and invalid" and filed an injunction to block their execution. Investigators had planned to arrest Yoon and take him to the CIO's headquarters in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, for questioning before detaining him at the Seoul Detention Center in nearby Uiwang, according to Yonhap News Agency. 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)
Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement has strongly condemned the enforced disappearance of a Baloch student and his cousin by the Pakistan security forces. Paank identified the victims as Sakim Feroz, a student of Political Science at the University of Turbat and his cousin, Anayat Sawali. In a post on X, Paank stated, "We are deeply concerned about the enforced disappearance of Sakim Feroz, a student of Political Science at the University of Turbat, and his cousin, Anayat Sawali, by Pakistani security forces at the Pidrak checkpoint during their travel from Turbat to Jamak." https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1874868978234904986 The rights wing further highlighted, "Such incidents are a grave violation of fundamental human rights and international law, including the right to liberty, security, and protection from arbitrary detention." The disturbing rise in enforced disappearances in isolated and underserved regions like Jamak and Gowerkop underscores the ongoing culture of impunity in Balochistan. These acts cause profound anguish for the affected families and erode the rule of law and human dignity. Paank called on Pakistani authorities to urgently reveal the locations of Sakim Feroz and Anayat Sawali, guarantee their safety, and hold accountable those behind these unlawful actions. They urged human rights defenders, civil society organisations, and the global community to raise their voices against these human rights violations, demanding justice and accountability for the people of Balochistan. Paank further emphasised that the continued impunity for such crimes must be challenged to uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of the affected individuals while ensuring that those responsible for these atrocities are brought to justice. On the other hand, the Balochistan Post reported that Pakistani security forces detained and forcibly disappeared an elderly man in the Awaran district of Balochistan on Thursday. The person has been identified as Allah Bakhsh, son of Khan Muhammad, who was abducted after a raid. (ANI)
Taiwan's government on Thursday strongly condemned a New Year's propaganda video released by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), in which President Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing's long-standing claim over the democratic island. According to Radio Free Asia, the video, which featured Chinese warships, fighter jets, and dramatic imagery, sought to assert China's dominance over Taiwan, warning of the military readiness to "safeguard the reunification of the motherland." Set to the song "Chinese People" by Hong Kong pop icon Andy Lau, the video included footage of a Chinese fighter jet flying near a US P-8 Poseidon aircraft, which regularly conducts reconnaissance flights through the Taiwan Strait. A Weibo post accompanying the video said, "The officers and soldiers in the war zone are ready to fight at any time and resolutely safeguard the reunification of the motherland," RFA reported. In a televised address on January 1, Xi reiterated his long-term goal of unifying Taiwan with mainland China. He described the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait as "one family" and asserted that "no one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us." Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung quickly responded, calling the video part of China's ongoing "United Front" propaganda campaign aimed at intimidating Taiwan's 23 million people, RFA reported. Lin described it as a form of psychological warfare designed to create an "illusion" of inevitable unification. "It's an attempt by the People's Liberation Army to intimidate Taiwan," he said, stressing that Taiwan's people remain resolute in preserving their democratic way of life. Despite Beijing's constant threats of force, including the potential use of military action to enforce its claim, the majority of Taiwanese citizens remain opposed to any form of unification under Communist Party rule. Taiwan has never been governed by Beijing, having formed its independent government, the Republic of China, after the 1949 Chinese Civil War. In response to China's aggressive rhetoric, Taiwan maintains that Beijing has no jurisdiction over its citizens and continues to reject any threats to its sovereignty, reaffirming its commitment to democracy and freedom. (ANI)
Chairperson John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, alongside Rep Andy Barr (R-KY), has introduced new legislation to limit US investments in Chinese sectors that contribute to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) military growth, technological advancements, and human rights violations. The bill, named the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security (COINS) Act, seeks to protect American savings and retirement funds while cutting off financial support to sectors critical to China's national security and economy. The COINS Act sets up clear guidelines for US investments, ensuring that Americans' retirement and savings funds will not be channeled to companies in China that contribute to military threats or human rights abuses. Along with the House version, a companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tim Scott (R-SC), with Cornyn being a leading advocate for restricting US investments in China since 2016. Chairman Moolenaar stressed the importance of the bill, stating, "Every American has the right to expect their savings and retirement funds to be invested responsibly, and not be used by the Chinese Communist Party to build weapons that threaten the United States. For the last two years, the Select Committee has articulated a clear red line America must stop the channelling of billions of dollars to Chinese companies blacklisted by the US government for helping the CCP's human rights abuses, strengthening its military, and developing the next generation of national security threats from China." Barr emphasised the need for a strategic response to China's growing ambitions, saying, "This legislation establishes a comprehensive framework to protect American innovation, strengthen national security, and ensure transparency in critical economic and technological sectors. Congress is sending a clear message that the United States will not stand idle in the face of CCP threats." The introduction of the COINS Act follows a series of investigations by the Select Committee into US financial institutions' involvement in investments that contribute to China's military and human rights violations. One year ago, the Select Committee published the Reset, Prevent, Buildeconomic report, which recommended a strategy to address outbound investments in China. This report's findings directly influenced the COINS Act's creation. In one notable investigation, the Select Committee revealed that American venture capital firms had funneled over USD 1.9 billion to Chinese AI companies tied to military modernization and human rights abuses. An additional USD 1.2 billion went into China's semiconductor industry, furthering Beijing's military ambitions. Another investigation found that US asset managers and index providers had allowed the passive investment of more than 6.5 billion dollars into 63 Chinese companies blacklisted by the US government for their role in supporting the CCP's military and human rights violations. The COINS Act represents a significant step in restricting the flow of American capital into sectors that directly undermine US national security, with lawmakers sending a clear message to China that the US will not allow its investments to fuel the growth of the CCP's military capabilities or its human rights abuses. (ANI)
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad approved bail for 250 individuals on Friday in relation to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests held on November 26, according to a report by The Express Tribune. The bail approvals were granted in 13 cases registered across 10 police stations in the federal capital. The court instructed the individuals granted bail to provide surety bonds of Rs 5,000 each. Meanwhile, the court dismissed the bail pleas of 150 other suspects linked to the same protests. Notably, the PTI, while demanding the release of Imran Khan, had started a protest on November 24. During the protest, the PTI caravans moved from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Islamabad and the protesters reached D-Chowk by November 26, where security personnel carried out a late-night crackdown to disperse the people and end the protest. Earlier on December 26, the District and Sessions Court had granted interim bail to PTI founder Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi until January 13 in cases related to the November 26 protest. Duty Judge Shabeer Bhatti presided over the hearing of her interim bail petitions. Bushra Bib appeared in court accompanied by her legal team to seek interim bail in four cases filed at Tarnol police station and three at Ramana police station. The court had approved her bail upon submission of surety bonds worth Rs. 50,000 for each case. Earlier on December 21, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi had granted interim bail to her in 32 cases until January 13, her counsel said. According to reports, Bushra Bibi had appeared before the ATC alongside her lawyers and sought bail in a total of 32 cases, including 23 linked to the May 9 violence. She received interim bail in cases registered across Rawalpindi, Attock, and Chakwal. Her counsel, Faisal Malik had argued that the cases registered against Bushra Bibi are "politically motivated and aimed at vengeance." Speaking to the media, Faisal Malik said that the former first lady surrendered herself to the ATC, adding that she was nominated in 23 cases in Rawalpindi alone, ARY News reported. (ANI)
China has been increasingly being viewed with scepticism by American businesses, with many scaling back their operations or shifting investments elsewhere, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The change in sentiment comes as both Beijing's economic troubles and US government policies make it harder for American companies to succeed in China. According to the Wall Street Journal, During Donald Trump's first term, US companies, including tech giants like Apple and Nike, voiced concerns that a trade war with China could hurt American consumers through higher tariffs and retaliatory trade barriers. However, as Trump prepares for his second term, the mood has shifted. Many American businesses, once eager to tap into China's vast consumer market, are now reassessing their positions, as stated by the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. In a post on X, the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party stated," If a business goes to the government and says our investment in China generates income... the counter is: you should just invest that in the US. End of conversation." "The promise of China's market has faded as its economy faces mounting challenges," said Anja Manuel, executive director of the Aspen Security Forum. "US companies are increasingly wary about doing business in China," she added, noting this trend spans across all industries. In 2023, China was still the third-largest buyer of US exports, totalling USD 147.8 billion, but that figure represented a 4 per cent decrease from the previous year. The US trade deficit in goods with China also remains a major point of concern, hitting USD 245 billion in the first ten months of 2024, the Wall Street Journal reported. While US companies like General Motors and IBM still have significant stakes in China, many have begun to scale back. The American Chamber of Commerce in China noted that its members are increasingly looking to invest in other countries. IBM, for example, recently shut down its China research-and-development division, affecting over 1,000 employees, due to rising competition and a challenging business environment. The shifting landscape underscores a broader trend where US businesses are no longer viewing China as an indispensable market, but as a challenging and unpredictable environment, prompting them to explore opportunities elsewhere. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held a meeting with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel and emphasised the strong bilateral ties between India and the Maldives. Jaishankar during his opening remarks noted key developments such as the signing of a framework to facilitate local currency use for cross-border transactions and increased collaboration across various sectors. Jaishankar said, "Let me welcome you and your delegation to India on your first official visit. I extend my greetings for the new year, and I must say you are my first official visitor, diplomatic visitor for this year, so you are doubly welcome. I think we have some important developments to report, positive developments to report, and certainly there is much more that we need to do. I see that the framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions has been signed." Jaishankar further reaffirmed India's commitment to the Maldives, and described the country as a "concrete expression" of India's Neighborhood First policy. "We have increased our engagements in various sectors. I do want to say that India has always stood by Maldives. For us, you are a very concrete expression of our neighbourhood's first policy," Jaishankar said. He added, "We have also facilitated the export of essential commodities to Maldives that has been very much a tradition in our relationship. So we certainly hope that our relationship has helped you to navigate through these difficult times..." Notably, Khaleel arrived in Delhi on Thursday on a three-day official visit to India. This is his first official visit to India. In October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu held extensive bilateral talks, aiming to forge a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership. Both leaders had acknowledged the shared challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. They committed to enhancing maritime and security cooperation, with India pledging to provide expertise, boost capabilities, and engage in joint measures to help the Maldives address both traditional and non-traditional maritime threats. These include piracy, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, and terrorism within their Exclusive Economic Zone. Both nations also agreed that India would support the timely completion of the Maldives National Defence Force's (MNDF) 'Ekatha' harbour project at Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF). (ANI)
Nepali record-setting climber Mingma G Sherpa received a heroic welcome as he returned home after achieving the successful ascend of the highest peaks on all seven continents. Last year, Sherpa set the incredible feat of becoming the first Nepali to successfully summit all eight 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. Hailing from Rolwaling of Dolakha District bordering the Tibetan side of Nepal, Sherpa on October 4, stood atop Shishapangma (8,027 meters) in Tibet becoming the first climber from Nepal to scale 14 of the 8,000-meter peaks without the use of supplemental oxygen. Mingma G climbed Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Everest in 2022 without using supplemental oxygen. The IFMGA guide scaled Manaslu in 2021, Gasherbrum-II in 2019, Lhotse and Broad Peak in 2018, K2, Makalu and Nanga Parbat in 2017, Gasherbrum-I in 2016 and Annapurna in 2015 without using bottled oxygen. "I am very happy, that I could climb all the highest peaks in seven continents across the globe. I had that dream of taking Nepal's name to the top of the world and becoming an expert. On October 4, 2024, I completed my forte to climb all 14 peaks above the altitude of 8,000 meters without supplementary oxygen and my latest ascends comes as a continuation of that forte to climb the 7 highest mountains of seven continents," Mingma G Sherpa told ANI as he received a heroic welcome. Mingma has been mountaineering since 2006 with accomplishments including 5 summits of Everest, 4 summits of Mt Manaslua, as well as summits on Mt Kanchenjunga, Annapurna, Lhotse, Dhaulagiri Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-I & II, Broad Peak, a solo ascent Nepal on Mt Chobuje, and a new route on Chobuje. "All these ascends that I am making are not to break or set the records. I am driven by the determination that Nepali should explore the mountains in series which hasn't been achieved till now. We (Sherpa's) have a very long climbing history associated with the expedition and I feel that we should have that ability to climb the mountains that exist out there in the world no matter the country. I would continue to work on the betterment of the climbing sector and continue working on it. I aim to bring the highest award- the Golden Ice Award here to Nepal for climbing," Mingma explained. The record-holding climber was honoured with the Honorary Goodwill Ambassador for 'Nepal Tourism Year 2011', the Tenzing Hillary Award 2021, and the National Award by former Nepali President Vidya Devi Bhandari in 2021. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held a meeting with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel where the latter appreciated India's efforts towards Maldives in time of need. Khaleel said that Maldives appreciated India's efforts towards Maldives as a part of India's neighbourhood first policy. "As a beneficiary of India's neighbourhood first policy, the government of Maldives deeply values the significant importance India plays in its relationship with the Maldives. We have many examples where the government of India has consistently stood by the Maldives as an immediate responder in times of need. We always appreciate India for its timely assistance, particularly through grant and concessional loans," he said. Khaleel said that Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu looks forward to working with India to strengthten their partnership. Khaleel also appreciated India's 'transformative' assistance to Maldives. "On the development front, assistance from India has been transformative. The Greater Mali Connectivity Project is a shining example that is set to transform the economic landscape of the Maldives. Honourable Minister Mr President, Dr. Muizzu looks forward to working closely with the government of India to strengthen the partnership. Even further, I am today here to reiterate the President's message to further strengthen Maldives in their friendship and relationship," he said. Khaleel also expressed his elation on having his first bilateral engagement of this year in India. "This is my first bilateral engagement of the year. I wanted it to be India. I look forward to having an open and constructive discussion. With you as we plan a dynamic and meaningful agenda for the year ahead. It is an important year for the Maldives-India relations. We are celebrating 60 years of establishment of formal diplomatic relations. Our partnership dates back to centuries. Our partnership is built on mutual understanding, respect and a shared commitment. Rooted in decades of trust and friendship, it will continue to thrive propelled by people-to-people connections," he said. Khaleel arrived in Delhi on Thursday on a three-day official visit to India. This is his first official visit to India. (ANI)
Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that Indians must keep in mind the regulations of Mexico so as to avoid unpleasant experience at their airport. Jaiswal said that travellers to Mexico must go through all advisories before planning travels there. "This is to inform Indian travelers going to Mexico that they must follow, keep these countries in mind or follow all the regulations that are there in place so that they are not discomforted when they are traveling to Mexico. So I would urge from this podium that Indian nationals who desire to travel to Mexico must look at these travel advisories as you're planning your travel to Mexico," he said. Speaking on the issues faced by Indians upon arrival to Mexico, Jaiswal said that Indians must carry relevant documents while traveling to Mexico. "A number of Indian nationals with Visa has gone to Mexico and they have faced problems for lack of documentation or lack of satisfactory answers to immigration authorities," Jaiswal said. A statement by Indian Embassy in Rome said, "Mexico has been following strict immigration policies and checks at the border immigration entry points. Many Indian nationals are facing very strict immigration checks upon their arrival in Mexico. They are being detained for several days at the airports in Mexico and thereafter deported to India, resulting in immense hardship and economic loss to the distressed travellers. As their mobile phones are taken away, the detained persons cannot be reached by anyone, including their family and friends causing further distress. In cases of arrivals from third countries or travellers holding visas other than Mexican visas, Indian travellers are subject to even stricter scrutiny by the Mexican Immigration Authorities, and instances of detention/deportation are much higher. "Indian nationals are hereby advised to keep the above in mind before undertaking any kind of travel to Mexico, so as to avoid unpleasant and unfortunate incidents at the Immigration entry points in Mexico," the statement added. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs has strongly refuted the media reports claiming India's 'interference' in the domestic politics of Maldives, stating that the articles have "no credibility" and the reporter and newspaper have a "compulsive hostility" towards India. This comes after a Washington Post news report alleged that Maldives opposition sought USD 6 million from India to aid in a plot to impeach Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu. "Both the newspaper and the reporter in question appear to nurse a compulsive hostility towards India. You can see a pattern in their activities. I leave you to judge their credibility. As far as we are concerned they have none," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in the weekly briefing today. Earlier, former president and chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party and the country's largest opposition party, Mohamed Nasheed, dismissed the Washington Post report. Nasheed said he was unaware of any "serious plot" against President Muizzu and added that India would never support such a move. "I read with interest today's Washington Post article. I was unaware of any serious plot against the President, though some people always live in conspiracy. India would never back such a move, as they always support Maldives' democracy. India has never dictated terms to us, either," Mohamed Nasheed wrote on X. Meanwhile, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel is on a three-day official visit to India. This is his first official visit to India. He also held a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, where the two leaders noted key developments such as the signing of a framework to facilitate local currency use for cross-border transactions and increased collaboration across various sectors. In October 2024, Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu came on a visit to India. He held extensive bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to forge a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership.Both leaders had acknowledged the shared challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. They committed to enhancing maritime and security cooperation, with India pledging to provide expertise, boost capabilities, and engage in joint measures to help the Maldives address both traditional and non-traditional maritime threats. (ANI)
The Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Nimisha Priya, a Kerala nurse who has been sentenced to death in Yemen. "We are closely following the developments" said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal While addressing the weekly briefing on Friday , Jaiswal stated, " On Nimisha Priya case, we are closely following the developments...government is extending all possible help in the matter. We will see how this goes forward from here" Earlier, MEA confirmed its awareness of the death sentence handed to Nimisha Priya and assured that the government is providing all possible assistance. In response to media queries regarding the case of Nimisha Priya, MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are aware of the sentencing of Ms. Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that the family of Ms. Priya is exploring relevant options. The government is extending all possible help in the matter." Nimisha Priya, who is sentenced to death in Yemen, is a trained nurse and has worked in private hospitals in Yemen for a few years.Her husband and minor daughter returned to India in 2014 because of financial reasons and in that same year, Yemen was gripped by civil war, and they could not go back as the country stopped issuing new visas. Later in 2015, Nimisha joined hands with a Mahdi to set up her clinic in Yemen's capital city Sana. She sought Mahdi's support because, under Yemen's law, only nationals are allowed to set up clinics and business firms. In 2015, Mahdi accompanied Nimisha Priya to Kerala when she came for a month-long holiday. During the visit, he stole a wedding photograph of Nimisha, which he later manipulated to claim that he was married to her. A plea moved by mother of Nimisha Priya had stated, "After a while, Nimisha's clinic began, Mahdi manipulated the ownership documents of the clinic. He also began to take money out of her monthly earnings after telling everyone that Nimisha was his wife Nimisha had alleged that Mahdi had been harassing her and her family for years. Mahdi also seized her passport. This was done to ensure that she would not leave Yemen. He tortured her under the influence of drugs. He threatened her at gunpoint several times. He took all the money from the clinic and her ornaments." The plea further alleged that unable to cope with the torture, Nimisha complained to the police in Sana but instead of taking action against Mahdi, the police arrested her and put her in jail for six days. It was further alleged that on her return from jail, the severity of the torture increased manifold. In July 2017, Nimisha took the help of a warden of a jail located near her clinic. The warden suggested that she should try to sedate him, and then convince him to give her passport. However, sedation did not affect Mahdi, who was a substance abuser. She tried sedating him again, using a stronger sedative in order to retrieve her passport but he died within a few minutes due to a drug overdose. (ANI)
India has lodged a strong protest with China over the establishment of two new 'counties' in the region that includes the region under the Union Territory of Ladakh, and asserted that New Delhi has never accepted the "illegal occupation" of Beijing, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday. "We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in India's Union Territory of Ladakh. We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area," Jaiswal said in a press conference. He further emphasised that the creation of new counties will not affect India's stance on sovereignty over the area, nor will it legitimize "China's illegal and forcible occupation." "The creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India's long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China's illegal and forcible occupation of the same. We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels," he added. Last week, Chinese media Xinhua reported that the government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region announced the establishment of two new counties in the region: He'an County and Hekang County. The establishment of the counties, both administered by Hotan Prefecture, has been approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. The county seat of He'an is Hongliu Township, while the county seat of Hekang is Xeyidula Township, the report added. Speaking further, Jaiswal also reiterated India's concerns over China's hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Tibet Autonomous Region. "We have seen the information released by Xinhua on 25 December 2024 regarding a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory," he said. India has urged China to ensure transparency and consultation with downstream countries, emphasizing the need to protect the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra. Jaiswal added, "The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas. We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests." The proposed dam project has sparked concerns in India, as it may impact the water flow and quality of the Brahmaputra River, which is a vital source of water and livelihood for millions of people in India's northeastern states. Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised concerns over China's proposed dam in the Tibet region and 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 told reporters last week. 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. The Assam CM further said that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also raised this issue with the government. (ANI)
China's recent move to establish two new counties in the Hotan prefecture, incorporating Ladakh's territory, has sparked concerns among Indian officials. Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdeva stated that China is "increasing its hold in the Aksai Chin region" through this administrative mechanism, which includes creating two new counties in the Hotan prefecture. Speaking to ANI on Friday, Sachdeva emphasized that China's actions indicate a reluctance to improve relations with India, instead opting to maintain the conflict and gradually increase its presence. "China is increasing its hold in the Aksai Chin region. This is an administrative mechanism...in Hotan, there are 7 counties already and now two more have been made...they are making rearrangements in the Aksai Chin region which is in their hold," he said. "Now each county will have its administrative capital. China is increasing its hold and infrastructure. This also indicates that China is in no mood to improve its relations with India...China's overall attitude towards India is that they want to keep this conflict frozen and want to keep increasing it," he added. Notably, this move has significant implications for India, particularly regarding China's proposed dam project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the Brahmaputra River in India. Sachdeva stated, "India is rightfully and highly concerned about this dam on the river 'Yarlung Tsangpo' which in India, we call the Brahmaputra. This is a huge project and it has massive implications for the environment, the soil, and the amount of water we get to Arunachal and Assam." Sachdeva pointed out that the dam could give China control over the flow of water, potentially reducing the amount of water available for drinking and irrigation in India. "This dam is so big, it can cost USD 140 billion...a dam of this size can create various problems for India. One is that China will and could control the flow of water, we may get less water for drinking and irrigation...second is that it might impact underlying soil and terrain," he said. Earlier in the day, during the Ministry of External Affairs weekly briefing, India lodged a strong protest with China over the establishment of two new 'counties' in the region that includes the region under the Union Territory of Ladakh and asserted that New Delhi has never accepted "illegal occupation" of Beijing. "We have seen the announcement pertaining to the establishment of two new counties in Hotan Prefecture of China. Parts of the jurisdiction of these so-called counties fall in India's Union Territory of Ladakh. We have never accepted the illegal Chinese occupation of Indian territory in this area," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said. He further emphasised that the creation of new counties will not affect India's stance on sovereignty over the area, nor will it legitimise "China's illegal and forcible occupation." "The creation of new counties will neither have a bearing on India's long-standing and consistent position regarding our sovereignty over the area nor lend legitimacy to China's illegal and forcible occupation of the same. We have lodged a solemn protest with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels," he added. Last week, Chinese media Xinhua reported that the government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region announced the establishment of two new counties in the region: He'an County and Hekang County. (ANI)
US on Friday imposed sanctions on the Beijing-based cybersecurity company Integrity Technology Group, Incorporated (Integrity Tech), which has links to China's Ministry of State Security, for its role in multiple computer intrusion incidents against US victims, US State Department announced. According to the US State Department statement, "Integrity Tech is a large China government contractor with ties to the Ministry of State Security. It provides services to country and municipal State Security and Public Security Bureaus, as well as, other China cybersecurity government contractors." "China-based hackers working for Integrity Tech, known to the private sector as "Flax Typhoon," were working at the direction of the the China government, targeting critical infrastructure in the United States and overseas. "Flax Typhoon" hackers have successfully targeted multiple US and foreign corporations, universities, government agencies, telecommunications providers, and media organisations," it added. Further, the US State Department highlighted last year's September 18 incident, when the Department of Justice announced a court-authorised operation to disrupt a botnet consisting of more than 200,000 consumer devices infected by Integrity Tech in the United States and worldwide. Along with Five Eyes partners, the United States issued a public cybersecurity advisory outlining some of the tactics employed by China-linked cyber actors and providing technical information to network defenders to remediate these threats, according to the US State Department. Further, the US State Department has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country's critical infrastructure and citizens from cyber threats emanating from China, stating, "These multi-agency efforts reflect our whole-of-government approach to protecting and defending against China cyber threats to Americans, our critical systems, and those of our allies and partners." "The United States will continue to use all the tools at its disposal to safeguard US critical infrastructure and the American people from irresponsible and reckless cyber actors," the statement added. (ANI)
South Korea's spy agency spotted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister with two children and is open to the possibility of them being her offspring, Yonhap reported. A video of Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the North Korean leader seen walking with a boy and a girl next to her has sparked speculations. The video is of North Korea's New Year Art Performance, aired by Korean Central Television in which she could be seen holding the hands of the kids while walking out of the event venue, Yonhap reported. A precise analysis is underway with the possibility "open that the children could be Kim Yo-jong's," given "the already detected ages of her offspring," the National Intelligence Service (NIS) told Yonhap. According to Yanhop, a North Korean official has said that the New Year Art Performance is meant to be attended by the family. Kim Jong-un attended the performance with his daughter, known to be named Ju-ae. Reports of Kim Yo-Jong had surfaced earlier. In April 2015, NIA reported that the North Korean leader's sister was presumed to be giving birth. Later in 2018, a South Korean government source said Jong was pregnant during her visit to South Korea, Yonhap reported. No official information about her marriage, pregnancies and children has been released by North Korea. However, there are speculations that her husband is the second son of top official Choe Ryong Hae, a member of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, Radio Free Asia reported. The NIS had previously speculated that Kim Yo Jong's husband was a former classmate at Kim Il Sung University. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India's constant support for Maldives' progress and prosperity in line with New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy and vision SAGAR. In a post on X, Jaishankar informed that during his meeting with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, India signed agreements on implementing the next phase of High Impact Community Development Projects, which aim to push the growth of the Maldives and strengthen ties between both countries. "Discussed our development cooperation and economic, security, fintech and people-to-people ties. Also signed agreement on implementing the next phase of High Impact Community Development Projects #HICDP in Maldives. India will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Maldives' progress and prosperity, in line with our Neighbourhood First policy and vision SAGAR," Jaishankar wrote on X. India's Neighbourhood First policy guides its approach towards the management of relations with countries in its immediate neighbourhood by enhancing physical, digital and people-to-people connectivity across the region, as well as augmenting trade and commerce. The countries are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) was first articulated in 2015 and it envisages a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, one which is built on a rules-based international order. Under it, India is making contributions in connectivity, capacity building, disaster management, etc. Maldives FM Abdullah Khaleel appreciated India's "unwavering" support to Maldives and expressed his resolution to strengthen the partnership. "We reviewed the progress of our bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed our strong commitment to enhancing engagements across key sectors. I conveyed our appreciation for India's unwavering support and assistance to the Maldives throughout our long history of relations. We are resolute in strengthening our partnership based on mutual trust and respect, for the benefit and prosperity of our peoples," Khaleel wrote on X. Khaleel arrived in Delhi on Thursday on a three-day official visit to India. This is his first official visit to India. In the previous phase of HICDP, Jaishankar inaugurated six projects in the areas of street lighting, mental health, children's speech therapy and special education on August 10. He also confirmed the signing of the MoU between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives on the introduction of a digital payment system in the Maldives." This exchange of MoUs reflects India's strengthening relations with the Maldives. (ANI)
The former attorney general of South Dakota is objecting to a proposed six-month suspension of his Iowa law license due to his involvement in a 2020 traffic fatality.

In September, the South Dakota Supreme Court suspended for six months the South Dakota law license of Jason Ravnsborg, who served as that states attorney general from 2019 until his impeachment and removal from office in 2022.

Because Ravnsborg is licensed to practice law in Iowa, he was recently notified that his Iowa license may also be subject to a six-month suspension based on South Dakotas actions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ravnsborg recently filed a written response to that notice, arguing that an identical suspension in Iowa would be too severe. In his response, he cites the fact that he was born on an Iowa farm in Cherokee County and later served three military deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

In his response, Ravnsborg also says he believes that South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, whom he had been investigating at the time of the fatality, did everything she could to intimidate, interfere and influence what he calls the automobile investigation. He adds that he still believes she had to get me, otherwise she would be exposed for her actions.

Both Noem and Ravnsborg are Republicans.

Ravnsborg also says resigning would have been the easier path for him to take but he opted to remain in office to serve my client, the state of South Dakota, who repeatedly shows up on lists as one of the most corrupt states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ravnsborg has also informed the Iowa Supreme Court that he is willing to sit before the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board and answer questions or appear at a hearing before the Iowa Supreme Court. He adds that he believes he should be given no more than a private reprimand so he can move forward after four years of dealing with the matter.

The Iowa Supreme Court has yet to issue a decision in the case, but a hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2025.

The death of Joe Boever

Court records indicate Ravnsborg graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2001 and was later admitted to the bar in both South Dakota and Iowa. In 2018, he was elected to serve as South Dakotas attorney general, and he took office in early 2019.

About 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2020, according to court records, Ravnsborg was driving from a political event in Redfield, South Dakota, to his home in Pierre, South Dakota, when he struck and killed a man, 55-year-old Joe Boever, who was walking on the shoulder of the road near the town of Highmore.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to court records, Ravnsborg slowly brought his vehicle to a stop and called 911, telling the operator, Im the attorney general. And I am  I dont know  I hit something. The operator asked whether he had hit a deer or something, and he allegedly replied, I have no idea, yeah, it could be, I mean it was right in the roadway.

Hyde County Sheriff Mike Volek was dispatched to the scene but couldnt locate anything Ravnsborg struck. Because Ravnsborgs car was so damaged it could not be driven, Volek then offered Ravnsborg the use of his personal vehicle to complete the drive home to Pierre.

Court records indicate that the next day, Ravnsborg returned to Highmore with his chief of staff to return the sheriffs vehicle. On the way, they stopped at the site of the crash and found Boevers body lying just off the side of the road. They then informed Volek of their discovery, and Volek advised Ravnsborg to go back home to Pierre. The sheriff then contacted the South Dakota Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation.

State officials later revealed that within two days of the accident, Ravnsborg received a text message about Boever from an unnamed consultant saying, Well, at least the guy was a Democrat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

When he was interviewed by investigators, Ravnsborg denied having consumed any drugs or alcohol on the night of the accident  which, according to court records, was confirmed by a blood test. Investigators also concluded that excessive speed was not a factor in the accident and while Ravnsborg had been on his phone for some of his commute between Redfield and Highmore, both of his phones were locked at the time of the accident.

Ultimately, investigators concluded Ravnsborg had been driving outside the lane of travel, just off the roadway, when the accident occurred. Ravnsborg pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor offenses  operating a vehicle while using a cell phone and improper lane driving  and a charge of careless driving was dismissed.

Ravnsborg then entered into a confidential civil settlement with Boevers estate. In June 2022, he was impeached by the South Dakota Senate, removed from office and barred from ever holding public office again in South Dakota.

Board cites lack of apology and condolences

The Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of South Dakota subsequently investigated the matter and recommended a 26-month suspension of Ravnsborgs law license.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The board noted that in the immediate aftermath of the accident, the South Dakota governor publicly asked Ravnsborg to resign or take a leave of absence, which Ravnsborg refused to do. The board also alleged that when responding to questions by investigators, Ravnsborg did not appear to be forthright, and (was) only willing to acknowledge certain conduct after being confronted with evidence by the investigators.

The board also alleged that Ravnsborg frequently identified himself as the attorney general when encountering law enforcement for minor traffic violations, such as speeding, running a stop sign, and when making a 911 call from the highway shortly after killing Joe Boever.

In its written findings, the board also stated that Ravnsborg was not sincere in his remarks concerning how badly he felt for Boevers family and bluntly stated, And Im going down the road and my life changed, and that, I had no idea, to be clear, until the next morning when I found the body and it changed my life forever.

The board also noted that from the night of the accident and continuing throughout his service as attorney general, Ravnsborg made no public or private apology, never expressed his condolences to the Boever family, and he never acknowledged any culpability.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ravnsborg, the board concluded, was more concerned with the impact of the incident on his political and military careers than the victim, the victims family and the public he served.

Ravnsborg challenged those findings and the matter went before a retired circuit judge to act as referee in resolving the dispute.

The referee concluded Ravnsborg had not been dishonest or misleading and that he had conducted himself in a manner befitting of an attorney. He did, however, recommend that Ravnsborg be censored for identifying himself as the attorney general when dealing with the police in order to win favorable treatment from officers.

Court settles on six-month suspension

In opting for a six-month law license suspension, the South Dakota Supreme Court stated that several of Ravnsborgs statements after the accident raise questions about his honesty and truthfulness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The court noted that Ravnsborg had repeatedly denied using his phones during his drive from Redfield to Highmore.

According to the court, the metadata on one of Ravnsborgs phones showed that minutes before he called 911, he had unlocked his phone, checked his Yahoo email account, accessed the Dakota Free Press website, and clicked on a political news article.

It was only after investigators informed him of that evidence, the court said, that Ravnsborgs story took another turn and he admitted looking at stuff on his phone before the accident.

Ravnsborgs responses demonstrated a concerted effort to avoid criminal liability through dishonesty and misrepresentations, the court concluded.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The court also made note of Ravnsborgs decision to conceal himself from the public eye in the aftermath of the accident, even while refusing to take a leave of absence. Each decision he made was influenced by personal aspirations and political survival rather than his responsibility to serve the public and uphold the integrity of his office, the court stated.

The court also noted two instances of Ravnsborg being stopped for minor traffic offenses  once in Nebraska and once in Iowa  and informing the officers that he was the South Dakota attorney general. In both cases, he was released without a citation being issued, the court stated.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Former South Dakota attorney general fights suspension of Iowa law license
PROVIDENCE, R.I.  A Milford police officer is facing drug charges after he and a woman were arrested last week in Providence.

Officer Mark Castiglione, 36, of Milford, was arrested last Saturday, along with Renee E. Deans, 48, of Milford, by Rhode Island State Police.

Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino said he was aware of the arrest but could not comment. He added that Castiglione has been out on medical leave since September.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to a press release from Rhode Island State Police, troopers were monitoring a park on Admiral Street in Providence due to several reports of suspicious drug activity. During their investigation, troopers arrested Castiglione and Deans and charged each of them with possession of less than 10 grams of fentanyl; and possession of less than 10 grams of cocaine.

Milford officers honored: Department of Homeland Security honors four for assistance in federal sweep

The release did not say what led to the pair being arrested. Rhode Island State Police did not respond to calls or emails requesting additional information.

It is unclear how long Castiglione has been a police officer in Milford; salary records show he has worked for the town since at least 2017.

Milford officer awarded for saving three from burning car

Castiglione is a U.S. Air Force veteran. According to the Cape Cod Times, in 2015 he received the Lt. Col. Farris Posey Life Saving Hero Award from the American Red Cross of Cape, Islands and Southern Massachusetts. According to Capecod.com, he received the award after rescuing three people from a burning car in 2014 while on vacation in Cape Cod prior to a six-month deployment to Kuwait.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

'Same issues resurface': Milford police, Community Impact team up to start Family Services Unit

Castiglione and Deans appeared before a justice of the peace on Sunday before being released. They are both scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 17 in the Sixth Division Court in Providence.

Castiglione could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Milford police officer arrested in Rhode Island, faces drug charges
Editor's note: This is the seventh entry in an eight-part series previewing some of the most impactful legislation coming to the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session.

State lawmakers will in 2025 need to address legislative redistricting and judicial redraws thanks to court orders and the 2020 U.S. Census.

Some in Senate leadership are also considering throwing youth courts into the mix as the Legislature considers structural reform to the state youth court system.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Below is what you need to know.

Legislative redistricting

When the Mississippi Legislature gavels in on Jan. 7, lawmakers will have to come up with, lobby for and pass a redistricted map of state lawmakers.

In 2024, a federal court ruled the state's current lines dilute Black voting power, specifically in three districts (two Senate districts and one House district).

Legislative headliners for 2025: These are the key issues that will define the 2025 Legislative Session in Mississippi

Initially, the court ordered Mississippi to have the lines redrawn by 2025. The state election commission argued the Legislature would need more time, and the court then allowed the state to redistrict in 2025.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The state currently has a Black population of about 38%. As of 2024, there are 42-Black majority districts in the 122-member House (34.4%) and 15 Black majority districts in the 52-member Senate (28.8%).

Jim Rosenblatt, dean emeritus and professor of Law at Mississippi College, looks at one of the handouts provided during a public hearing concerning the state's legislative redistricting at the Capitol in Jackson on Aug. 23, 2021.

How does redistricting impact other political priorities

House Rules Committee Chairman Fred Shanks, R-Brandon, told the Clarion Ledger he believes lawmakers should wait until the end of the 2025 Session to address district changes, which according to court records, could impact more than 25% of the state's 174 districts.

"We have to have it done this session, of course," Shanks said. "I know (House Judiciary B Chairman) Kevin (Horan, R-Grenada,) has been working on it. I would say there are so many variables to it  I would wait until the end, and that's what we did when we redistricted (in 2022)."

Court allows 2025 redistricting: U.S. Court allows MS to wait until 2025 to establish new majority-Black districts

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Shanks said by ironing out the issue last, lawmakers can spend the rest of their time on other issues such as tax cuts, Medicaid expansion and criminal justice bills, to name a few.

Senate Accountability, Efficiently and Transparency Committee Chairman David Parker, R-Olive Branch, said he thinks the issue should be the first thing lawmakers take up in order to get it out of the way.

Despite the apparent disagreement on when, both committee chairmen said the redistricting could give pause to lawmakers on leaderships' priorities because of potential reelections due to the redraw.

"You could have 10-to-14 different senators who are up for reelection this year," Parker said. "When you have the potential for a primary and a race coming up, sometimes your attention gets shifted, whether you like it or not, a little away from the Capitol and more towards your district."

What if lawmakers don't redraw legislative lines

For decades, the federal government oversaw the state's redistricting plans. The 2022 redistricting was the first time in state history since the Voting Rights Act that the Legislature fully decided its own plan.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If lawmakers, for reasons yet known, cannot come to a solution on the redraw, it could be left up to the federal government to again redistrict the state.

Judicial redistricting

The Legislature will also be again working on a plan to redraw the state's chancery and circuit court districts.

The state is required by law to redistrict the courts five years following a United States Census survey, which was last done in 2020. If lawmakers do not redraw the districts, it will be left up to the Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph to redraw the map.

During the 2024 Session, Senate Judiciary A Committee Chairman Brice Wiggins, R-Pascagoula, got passed through the Senate a version of judicial redistricting, which would have left chancery districts with 55 judge seats, three more than now, and circuit districts with 54, a loss of one judge seat.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Before that bill's defeat, it was scrutinized by civil rights groups and a few Senate lawmakers for its alleged dilution of Black representation in some court districts in the Delta. It later died in conference.

Youth court system reforms

One issue that could be tied into the court district debate are youth courts.

Major reforms are needed to repair some of the foundational issues with the state's youth court system, as identified through a study of the system by a commission of youth court judges.

One of the recommendations offered to fix the system's issues would be to combine the courts with chancery courts. Wiggins said it is possible that youth courts could get wrangled into the court district redraw debate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Youth court reform needed in MS: Mississippi youth courts are broken, struggling with staff, funding. How can they be fixed?

"I think it is imperative that we look at our court systems, youth court, circuit, chancery court, for all the reasons that we've heard last year," Wiggins said earlier this year.

Grant McLaughlin covers the Legislature and state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS redistricting plans for 2025. See what they are
Nancy Pelosi made her post-surgery return to Congress without her signature stilettoswhich she switched out for a sensible pair of flats.

The 84-year-old San Francisco Democrat, whose second tenure as Speaker ended two years ago, broke her hip in a fall down a marble staircase in mid-December.

Because she was on a trip to Luxembourg with other House members at the time of the accident, Pelosi received hip-replacement surgery in Germany, where her spokesperson said she was well on the mend.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

A photo taken shortly before the fall showed Pelosi, in her stilettos, clutching the arm of her Republican colleague Rep. Michael McCaul.

We welcome @nasa Bill Nelson and Members of Congress to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in Luxembourg and Belgium. The sacrifices of brave #WWII soldiers echo from the past, reminding us that each generation must continue the fight for freedom and pic.twitter.com/ae50RVceWL  U.S. Embassy Luxembourg (@USEmbLuxembourg) December 13, 2024

She likes to wear high heels, very high, he told reporters after the incident, according to The Hill. She was on one of her last steps on this marble staircase that didnt have a railing, and she lost her footing and fell to the ground.

On Friday, however, the first day of the new Congress, the heels were nowhere to be seen. Pelosi stepped onto the house floor visibly limping, then received a standing ovation from her fellow lawmakers.

Pelosi was visibly limping on the House floor after undergoing hip-replacement surgery. / MANDEL NGAN / AFP via Getty Images

On Pelosis feet were a pair of muted light-blue flats, matching the sweater tied round her neck but in contrast to her bright-blue pantsuit.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pelosi told a Politico reporter on Friday that she was feeling fine.

As a political battle rages over who will be Pelosis replacement as Speaker, with Republicans holding a slim majority in the House, she stood to cast her vote for Rep. Hakeem Jeffriesto more ovation and hugs from her colleagues.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi votes for Rep. Jeffries for Speaker. pic.twitter.com/PyT9d4W0qw  CSPAN (@cspan) January 3, 2025

A representative for Pelosi did not immediately respond to a request for comment on her footwear switch-up from the Daily Beast.

Over her more than three decades in Congress, Pelosi was almost invariably seen on the House floor in her high heels.

In an appearance on comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast, which was taped before Pelosis accident but released shortly after it happened, the ex-speaker explained the reasoning behind her footwear choices.

Pelosi is known for wearing stiletto high heels. / picture alliance / dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Pelosi shared that unlike Louis-Dreyfus character on Veep, she does not kick off her stilettos when she returns to her private office.

She said that because most of her heels are suede, she doesnt find them uncomfortable. Theyre like bedroom slippers to me, she said. Theyre very soft.

Im not in my office long enough to take off my shoes, she added. You touch base, do whatever it is. And out the door.
A suspect has been arrested after a bomb threat shut down Interstate 85 and nearby roads for hours on Thursday.

Traffic is now being let through on Interstate 85 and White Horse Road after the driver of an 18-wheeler was arrested Thursday night, according to law enforcement.

The person's identity hasn't been released.

"I-85 has been reopened," according to Master Trooper M.R. Ridgeway with the SC Department of Public Safety. "Additional updates will be coming from SCDPS regarding todays incident and subsequent arrest of the driver."

No explosive devices located

On Thursday, at approximately 2:45 p.m., an SC State Transport Police officer initiated a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer on Interstate 85 in Greenville County due to a missing license plate on the trailer, according to Kyle McGahee with the SC Department of Public Safety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

During the traffic stop near mile marker 44, the driver, a man from Illinois, indicated that there was an explosive device inside the commercial vehicle, according to the report. All six lanes of I-85 were subsequently shut down as the threat was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, SLED, and the FBI.

No explosive devices were located, and all I-85 lanes were reopened at approximately 7:40 p.m., according to the report.

The driver was taken into custody without incident.

Additional details will be released Friday, including the driver's name and pending charges.

I-85 bomb threat halts traffic

The GCSO's SWAT and bomb team investigated the scene, which started Thursday afternoon and ended after 7 p.m., according to Lt. Ryan Flood with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Earlier, law enforcement agents said South Carolina FBI agents were investigating the scene on I-85.

According to SCDOT, White Horse Road was shut down as well.

Traffic was backed up on I-85 for miles, while White Horse Road was quiet during the closure. Afternoon commuters were being directed to side streets.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster released a statement Thursday afternoon on his website and X and said the closure was due to a "bomb threat."

"I-85 near Mile Marker 44 is temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution due to a bomb threat issued during a routine traffic stop this afternoon by SC Transport Police," according to a statement from McMaster's office when the closure first happened.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to Flood, the GCSO assisted the S.C Highway Patrol after a traffic stop just after 3:30 p.m.

According to McMaster's office, SCDOT and SLED agents were also on the scene.

"SC DOT and state law enforcement are on the scene, and normal I-85 traffic will resume once the tractor-trailer is swept and cleared by SLED's bomb squad," according to McMaster.

I-85 near Mile Marker 44 and White Horse Road in Greenville County is closed out of an abundance of caution due to a bomb threat on Jan. 2, 2025. South Carolina State troopers and local police are redirecting traffic in the area.

I-85 closed in Greenville, South Carolina

I-85 NB and SB in Greenville County was closed near Mile Marker 44 due to an active incident Thursday afternoon, according to Ridgeway.

Both sides of the interstate were closed. Road detours were posted, but the public was urged to avoid I-85 in this area until further notice.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, traffic was blocked in all northbound and southbound lanes.

Authorities directed northbound traffic to exit Interstate 85 at the 40-mile marker onto Highway 153 for a several-mile detour.

Southbound travelers exited at Mile Marker 46 onto Highway 291.

According to a release from SCDOT, the tolls on Interstate 185 were lifted to help keep traffic moving around the closure.

"Drivers - avoid the area if you can, significant delays continue near this area of the interstate while law enforcement works to safely respond to the active incident."

I-85 near Mile Marker 44 and White Horse Road in Greenville County is closed out of an abundance of caution due to a bomb threat on Jan. 2, 2025. South Carolina State troopers and local police are redirecting traffic in the area.

Suggested routes for drivers

The SC Highway Patrol offered these alternative routes for drivers:

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Interstate 85 Northbound Traffic will exit Interstate 85 @ 40 mm. Turn left turn onto SC 153. Travel SC 153 (Brown Road) to SC 20 (Piedmont Hwy). At SC 20 (Piedmont Hwy) turn left and travel SC 20 to Bracken Road. Turn Left on Bracken Rd and travel Bracken Road to US 25 ( August Rd). Turn left at US 25 (August Road) and travel north to SC 291. Travel SC 291 back to Interstate 85 North. The traffic will enter Interstate 85 @ 46MM

Detour from Interstate 85 South:

Interstate 85 Southbound traffic will exit Interstate 85 @ 46 MM ( SC 291). Traffic will turn left on SC 291 traveling south. Traffic will travel south to US 25 ( August Road). Traffic will travel south on US 25 (August Road) to Bracken Road. Traffic will turn right onto Bracken Road and travel Bracken Road to SC 20 ( Piedmont Hwy). Traffic will turn right onto SC 20 and travel to Brown Road (SC 153). Traffic will turn left on Brown Road ( SC 153) and travel SC 153 back to Interstate 85 at the 40 MM.

I-85 near Mile Marker 44 and White Horse Road in Greenville County is closed out of an abundance of caution due to a bomb threat on Jan. 2, 2025. South Carolina State troopers and local police are redirecting traffic in the area.

New Orleans, Las Vegas incidents make authorities extra cautious

Authorities are taking extra precautions after two incidents over the New Year's holiday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

On New Year's Eve, a Texas man, 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar, rammed his truck into a crowd of people in New Orleans, killing 15 and injuring 30.

Hours later, on New Year's Day, a Tesla truck exploded outside of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, leaving one dead and seven injured. Matthew Livelsberger, the sole person in the truck, was identified as the dead person.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Greenville bomb threat: New details released on suspect, no explosives
Kenyan officials examine a metallic ring that fell from space. Citizen TV via Reuters

Kenyan officials are investigating who owns a mysterious metallic object that fell from the sky.

The giant ring fell from space, crash-landing into Mukuku Village in Kenya on Wednesday.

No one was hurt, but space debris poses a serious threat to life on Earth and in space.

On Wednesday, Mukuku Village in Kenya got an unexpected visitor from space.

At about 3 p.m. local time, a large metallic ring weighing about 1,100 pounds and measuring 8 feet in diameter crash-landed in the village, the Kenya Space Agency said in a statement.

Space debris like this is designed to burn up in Earth's atmosphere. Citizen TV via Reuters

The agency said no one was injured, and that the space debris poses no immediate risk.

Maj. Alois Were, an officer with the Kenya Space Agency, told Citizen TV, a Kenyan news station, that the ring-like object is "possibly from a rocket separation stage."

Kenya officials collected samples of the debris for additional analysis. Citizen TV via Reuters

However, it's unclear whose rocket the ring might belong to. Officials said they had collected pieces from the impact site for further analysis to determine its origins.

The debris is under KSA custody. Citizen TV via Reuters

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were said that once they determine the owner, the space agency will use the "existing legal mechanisms under international law" to hold the person or organization accountable.

Space debris is usually designed to either burn up in Earth's atmosphere before reaching the ground or land in unpopulated areas, like the ocean. This doesn't always happen, though.

For example, in May 2024, a piece of SpaceX debris as large as a car hood crash-landed on a trail at a mountaintop resort just outside Asheville, North Carolina.

Debris from the Dragon Capsule landed in the middle of a trail at the Glamping Collective, a mountaintop resort in North Carolina. Photos by Brett Tingley, courtesy of the Glamping Collective

If it had landed on a person hiking the trail that day, it would have certainly killed them, Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and leading space debris expert, told Business Insider in July.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

To date, no one has died from space debris raining from the skies. Perhaps the closest call was in March, when a two-pound piece of debris slightly smaller than a soda can fell from the International Space Station, crashing through a family's roof in Florida . The family is suing NASA over the incident.

Ever since humans started launching objects into space in the late 1950s, there has been a risk that some might fall back to Earth in an unexpected place. As humans launch more objects into space, however, that risk is growing.

Space debris hit the space shuttle Endeavours radiator after one of its missions. The entry hole is about 0.25 inches wide, and the exit hole is twice as large. NASA

Between 2008 and 2017, global space organizations launched an average of 82 orbital rockets a year. That number jumped to an average of about 130 launches a year between 2018 and 2022, according to the US International Trade Commission. In 2024, there were about 250 launches  a new record.

This poses risks on Earth and adds to a long-existing problem in space: space clutter and collisions. There's a lot of trash in space, from dead satellites and astronaut gloves to tiny bits no larger than a grape.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

These millions of bits of debris are racing around our planet faster than a bullet. It's gotten so bad that about 1,000 warnings of possible impending collisions are issued daily to satellite operators, physicist Thomas Berger said in a press briefing at December's annual American Geophysical Union meeting.

Berger said a major collision could generate "an unstoppable chain reaction of further collisions, ultimately resulting in a completely filled-up space environment."

If that happens, it could make space unusable.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Like MIT, USC and Cornell, the University of Iowa is advising its international students to be aware of current travel rules that will apply until Jan. 20.

But unlike other universities cautioning about potential immigration changes under President-elect Donald Trump, the University of Iowa did not explicitly say that it encourages students to return before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20.

The University of Iowa International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) annually emails its 2,000 international students about office hours, scams, and documents needed to return to Iowa City if they travel internationally over break. But this year's email also said "ISSS has received many questions from students and scholars expressing uncertainty regarding travel over winter break."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

If there are changes made under the new administration after January 20, ISSS will alert you by email to any that affect F-1 and J-1 students or scholars, the email said.

University of Iowa students begin a new school year Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Iowa City, Iowa.

A week after Trumps first inauguration in 2017, he signed an executive order that immediately blocked immigrants and nonimmigrants from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the U.S.. According to insidehighered.com, more than 17,000 students were affected by the 90-day entry ban.

Trump has promised to expand the travel ban, notably during a campaign stop in Iowa in 2023.

"We aren't bringing in anyone from Gaza or Syria or Somalia or Yemen or Libya, or anywhere else that threatens our security," Trump told supporters at the event, declaring that "if you're coming from somewhere full of people who want to kill Americans, we will not let you in."

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That could include China and India, some universities have warned.

But in January last year, the former president also vowed to automatically give green cards to all foreign college students in America after they graduate, according to the New York Times. Campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the newspaper there would be an aggressive vetting process that would exclude all communists, radical Islamists, Hamas supporters, America haters and public charges." She added green cards would only be issued to the most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America."

In the email, ISSS reassured students about travel procedures while emphasizing the importance of having updated and valid travel documentation, which includes a travel signature that is less than one year old on their visas. Iowa reminded students that it could help students get an updated document through virtual advising if they left the U.S. without a signature.

F-1 students are those pursuing "a full course of study to achieve a specific education or professional objective at an academic institution in the United States," according to the University of Iowa. Most of the 2,000 international students at the University of Iowa are F-1 status students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

J-1 students or scholars are at the university for "research, teaching, observation, or other professional activities." The University of Iowa hosts nearly 400 J-1 scholars annually.

According to Open Doors, a data project partially funded by the U.S. State Department, more than 1.1 million students from outside the United States are enrolled in American universities in the 2023-2024 academic year. Students from China and India account for 54% of international students.

University of Iowa warns international students of scams

In the email, ISSS also warned students of scams that target international students, especially when traveling for winter break and during the spring semester, when many people file taxes.

The University of Iowa emphasized a common scam circulating where someone pretending to be a federal agent calls to tell a student something is wrong with their status and they must pay a fee to correct the issue. While the caller might have correct information about the student, like date of birth, these calls are not legitimate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The U.S. government does not conduct its business by phone, and these calls are just another high-pressure scam. If you ever receive a call or email like this or if you are contacted by anyone telling you that you need to pay money to fix your status, please contact an ISSS advisor as soon as possible to verify the information, the email said. We will swiftly let you know whether there are any issues with your immigration status or whether youve been contacted by a scammer.

The University of Iowa begins its spring semester Jan. 21.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: International students advised of travel rules before Inauguration Day
Sign for the Wisconsin Elections Comission. (Wisconsin Examiner photo)

The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted Thursday to investigate how nearly 200 absentee ballots cast in Madison were overlooked and not counted on Election Night.

This was such a serious oversight that I didnt want to wait for a complaint, the commission chair, Ann Jacobs, said at a special meeting the commission held Thursday.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The investigation findings will be summarized to commissioners, who will provide further direction at a future meeting.

The uncounted ballots didnt affect the outcome of any state or local elections, according to the elections commission staff.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said Thursday that the city welcomed the investigation.

I fully support this independent review, and look forward to WECs findings and recommendations, which will inform any changes we make to prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future, Rhodes-Conway said in a statement.

The Madison City Clerks office told the elections commission in a memo Dec. 20 about the overlooked Nov. 5 ballots in two Madison wards. A bag containing 68 unprocessed absentee ballots from two wards was found Nov. 12 in a tabulator bin, the memo stated. During reconciliation of ballots on Dec. 3, clerk employees found two sealed envelopes contained a total of 125 unprocessed absentee ballots from another ward.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The mayors office announced the unprocessed ballots Dec. 26. In a public statement the same day, the clerks office said that in future elections, every polling location will receive a list of absentee envelope seal numbers that will be verified as counted on Election Day.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
It may not come as a surprise to anyone who has gone on vacation this year, but the United Nations has made it official: global tourism returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

Amid stowaway passengers, creative efforts in the field of attempted contraband smuggling, and other aviation drama this year, there is some good news. Aviation analytics firm Cirium has compiled its annual ranking of the airlines and airports with the best on-time records.

Flying can be stressful for plenty of reasons, and having information about which flight gives you the best chance of making your connection can somewhat reduce the sense of pre-travel anxiety.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Ciriums data is broken down by region and size of the airport or airline (based on the number of passengers served in a typical year).

For its purposes, on time means that a scheduled flight arrives or departs within 14:59 of its scheduled arrival time.

Overall winners

Thinking about signing up for a loyalty program? All three of this years most punctual airlines are members of the SkyTeam alliance: Aeromexico, Saudia, and Delta Air Lines, in that order.

Aeromexico and Delta are both founding members of the alliance, having been part of it since SkyTeams inception in 2000.

Saudia, which is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is newer to the group. However, the airline has major ambitions to grow over the next decade as part of a bigger tourism strategy in the country. Earlier this year, Saudia placed an order for 105 Airbus planes, which will nearly double the airlines capacity.

According to Cirium, United had an on-time rate of 80.93% in 2024. - Ric Tapia/AP

Regional recognition

Japans two largest airlines landed in the top two positions for promptness in the Asia-Pacific region: Japan Air Lines (JAL) winning the gold and All Nippon Airways (ANA) getting silver. Just four-tenths of a percentage point separated the two.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Singapore Airlines came in third for the region. It has won the Best Airline in the World honor from Skytrax  considered the Oscars of the aviation industry  five times.

Safair, a South Africa-based low cost carrier, was crowned the most punctual airline in the MENA (Middle East and Africa) region, followed by Oman Air and Royal Jordanian.

In Europe, Madrid-based Iberia landed in second place, while its low cost subsidiary Iberia Express was in first.

And for North America, Delta took top honors, followed by United and Alaska.

In Latin America, Panama-based Copa was the most punctual airline, winning that honor for the second year in a row.

Airport standouts

In addition to ranking individual airlines, Cirium analyzes data about airports around the world.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH) took top honors in the large airport category as well as the overall title. Coming in second and third for the overall category were Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in Peru and Mexico Citys Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX).

Riyadh and Mexico City were ranked first and third for large airports, respectively, while Honolulu International Airport (HNL) in Hawaii filled out the list in second place.

For medium-size airports, the top three were Panama Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Osaka Itami International Airport (ITM) and Brasilia International Airport (BSB). In the small airport category, the most punctual ones were Guayaquil Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Intl Airport (GYE), Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and El Salvador International Airport (SAL).

While these statistics are impressive, there are a few things to keep in mind whenever it comes to rankings like the one Cirium puts together  namely, that many of the causes of delays are not the fault of individual airlines or airports. Weather can play a huge role, and higher temperatures caused by man-made climate change is likely to make it more difficult in the years to come.

The worlds most punctual airlines

1. Aeromexico

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

2. Saudia

3. Delta Air Lines

4. LATAM Airlines

5. Qatar Airways

6. Azul Airlines

7. Avianca

8. Iberia

9. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)

10. United Airlines

The worlds most punctual airports

1. Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH)

2. Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM)

3. Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)

4. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

5. Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL)

6. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

7. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

8. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

9. Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)

10. Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

A jealous husband has been reported to have stabbed a Bishop of a Church in Osogbo, Rapture Empowerment International, Dr Sina Olaribigbe for allegedly having an affair with his wife.

It was gathered that the jealous husband and his wife had a long misunderstanding which the deceased was trying to settle between them, but had not succeeded.

It was learnt that the deceased visited the wife, who lived separately with the husband early hours on Thursday and the husband got the hint and quickly trailed to the house.

Findings revealed that on getting to the house, located around BCGA area behind Olorunda local government Secretariat in Osogbo, Osun State capital, the jealous husband who had been getting hints of the Bishops affair with his wife descended on him and stabbed him severally on the chest.

A member of the Church, Isaac Oyeleye confirmed that the Bishop was stabbed to death on his Facebook page on Thursday, describing his death as unfortunate.

Confirming the incident, Osun Police Command spokesperson, CSP Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect and the enstraged wife have been arrested.

She said the couple were not living together and the deceased Bishop was an arbitrator trying to settle the dispute between the couple.

Her words, They are couple but not living together. They are not separated by law yet. The Bishop, (deceased) used to settle fight between the couple. We were told the pastor was at the wifes place today when the enstranged husband got there.

We were also told the husband stabbed the pastor. We were also told the deceased was on the wifes bed when the incident happened. The husband stabbed him severally and he died
Ghanas outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo Friday announced visa-free travel for all African passport holders from the start of this year, marking a step towards continental economic integration.

The announcement came during his final state of the nation address as he prepares to step down on January 6 after two terms in office.

I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, with effect from the beginning of this year, Akufo-Addo said in his speech to parliament.

This is the logical next step to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world, he said.

All these are essential elements to the realisation of the AUs Agenda 2063, which envisages an integrated and connected Africa by 2063, he added, referring to the African Unions development blueprint for a 50-year period.

Ghana joins Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia and Benin in offering visa-free entry to African travellers.

Ghana had previously allowed visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations and visas on arrival for travellers from 25 others, while only two African countries  Eritrea and Morocco  required a visa before entry.

The visa-free policy builds on Ghanas efforts to strengthen its international reputation, particularly through initiatives like the 2019 Year of Return, which celebrated the African diaspora and commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade.

The campaign attracted thousands of visitors, including celebrities, to Ghana and led to some receiving citizenship, bolstering the countrys global profile as a cultural and tourism hub.

Akufo-Addo also used his last address to trumpet economic progress under his leadership, citing an increase in Ghanas gross international reserves to $8 billion, from $6.2 billion in 2017, and significant GDP growth in 2024.

Economic growth has returned to the pre-Covid trajectory, he said, projecting a 6.3-percent growth rate for 2025.

I leave behind a Ghana that is thriving, one that has navigated significant global challenges with remarkable tenacity, whose economy is steadily rebounding, and whose institutions are operating effectively, he said.

The oil-and-gold-rich West African nation is one of the most stable democracies in Africa.

Since 2022, it has been battling one of its worst economic crises in decades and is currently under a $3-billion International Monetary Fund relief programme.

The outgoing president hands over power to John Mahama, who won the December elections.
Starting in early 2025, Ghana will allow citizens from every African country to enter without a visa, following a recent authorization by President Nana Akufo-Addo. The president first pledged this policy at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues, framing it as a means to forge stronger continental ties and boost tourism, trade, and travel.

Historically, Ghana permitted visa-free entry for residents of 26 African nations and granted visas on arrival for citizens of 25 others, with only two African countries requiring pre-arranged visas. By expanding visa-free access to the entire continent, Ghana joins Rwanda, the Seychelles, the Gambia, and Benin on a short list of African countries offering such inclusive travel policies.

Officials believe that liberalizing visa rules will alleviate a key obstacle to cross-border investment, pointing to previous analyses that link complex entry requirements to lower rates of tourism and commercial exchange. The government hopes the move will reinforce Ghanas longstanding position as a hospitable gateway to West Africa, attracting both business travelers and leisure tourists alike.

President Akufo-Addo envisions this policy shift as an opportunity to strengthen pan-African cooperation, deepen economic integration, and facilitate closer cultural ties among African nations. With younger generations across the continent increasingly invested in building a unified African identity, many observers see Ghanas decision as a concrete step toward realizing the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to broaden intra-continental trade and development initiatives.
The number of suicides among Tunisian migrants in Italian prisons has been rising, raising serious concerns. Former MP and civil society activist Majdi Karbai drew attention to this troubling trend end of December, following the death of a Tunisian migrant in Piacenza prison, located in northern Italy. Karbai, alongside Tunisian NGOs, has been sounding the alarm for years about the dire conditions in which Tunisian migrants are detained in Italy, and the severe mental health repercussions they face.

According to Karbai, the latest death marks the tenth suicide of a Tunisian migrant in Italian prisons in 2024. While the identity of the deceased remains unknown, Karbai criticized both Tunisian and Italian authorities for their silence on these deaths, which he considers suspicious. In November, Fadi Ben Sassi, a 20-year-old Tunisian, died in an Italian prison, allegedly by suicide. His family later buried him. Earlier in March, another Tunisian migrant, a 29-year-old father, also died in unclear circumstances while in detention.

Although these deaths are often reported as isolated incidents in Tunisia, both Tunisian and Italian organizations have long condemned the mistreatment of Tunisian migrants in Italian detention centers and prisons. A 2022 survey conducted by Lawyers Without Borders, following the deaths of two Tunisian migrants, found that 88% of returning migrants reported experiencing physical and psychological abuse, which may have contributed to instances of self-harm and suicides.

In June 2024, Mustapha Laouini, a Tunisian official at the National Confederal Institute for Assistance in Italy, revealed that about 3,000 Tunisian migrants were being held in Italian prisons, further highlighting the gravity of the issue.

In another tragic development, on January 2, 2025, a Tunisian Civil Protection official reported the recovery of 27 bodies and the rescue of 83 others after two boats sank off the coast of Tunisia while attempting to illegally reach Europe. The boats, carrying around 110 passengers, were primarily made up of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
Moroccan banks were busy treating requests by cash holders and owners of undeclared assets in exchange for a preferential tax of 5% only, in an operation that ended on December 31 with the injection of 100 billion dirhams or 10 billion dollars in the Moroccan banking system.

At least 5 billion dirhams went to the treasury through the preferential 5% tax deductions, according to preliminary estimates by le360.

The tax amnesty aimed at reducing the circulation of cash and the scale of the informal economy as well as encouraging individuals and companies to be transparent in terms of income declaration and tax payment.

President of the central bank had warned that the use of cash has grown exponentially to 400 billion dirhams, nearly a quarter of Moroccos GDP.

The new funds will boost Moroccos 2025 budget and help contain the deficit within the targeted 3.5% from 4% in 2024.
Algerias president Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his foreign minister have tried to belittle autonomy plan for the Sahara territory, in a context of growing support for this Moroccan initiative.

Tebboune called it a myth and insisted on holding a referendum for independence, an obsolete option that proved its unfeasibility and which was abandoned by the UN itself since 2007, the year Morocco put forward the autonomy plan.

Parroting Tebboune, foreign minister Ahmed Attaf rehashing the cold-war worn-out rhetoric of Algeria defending the Sahrawis to determine their fate.

These were rare remarks on the autonomy plan by the Algerian president, amid growing international support for Moroccos full sovereignty over the territory.

The recent French position, on the footsteps of the US, recognize Moroccos full territorial integrity including the Sahara territory, while at least 100 UN-member states consider the autonomy plan as serious and credible.

As the Polisario dissipates, Algeria ended decades-long policy of backstage acts to perform onstage, defending a separatist thesis that it has for long failed to sugarcoat as a self-determination issue.

Self-determination was practiced by the Sahraouis within the Sahara territory under Moroccan sovereignty where voter turnout is the highest in the country.

Meanwhile, Algeria had better apply self-determination at home in response to the growing demands of the seven-million strong Kabylie nation, which has all the assets of a nation attached to modern day Algeria by French colonialism.

Morocco has made it clear that no UN-process is possible without the participation of Algeria in good faith as the main party to the conflict.
The 39th president of the United States. Photo: Guy DeLort/Penske Media/Getty Images

There have been 14 official state funerals in Washington for presidents and ex-presidents since the first, for William Henry Harrison, was held in 1841. Until the 1930 funeral of former president (and sitting chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court) William Howard Taft, this particular honor was reserved for presidents who died in office. The upcoming January 9 memorial in Washington for the 39th president, Jimmy Carter, will be the fourth presidential state funeral of the 21st century, but the first ever to coincide with the transition of power from one president to another.

Though President-elect Donald Trump regularly mocked Carter as a failed chief executive, his reaction to his predecessors death was surprisingly gracious, and he quickly indicated that he would attend the funeral. And as Joe Biden first revealed back in March 2023, Carter asked him to deliver a eulogy. So potentially, this state funeral will mark President Bidens last big moment in the spotlight and a bit of a prequel to the second Trump inauguration. While Trump skipped Bidens swearing-in in 2021, Biden will be present on January 20 to formally relinquish the office to his bitter rival.

Perhaps it will be a moment of transition soon to be forgotten, but there are a number of symbolic implications that might be drawn from this crossing of diverging paths. This will be the first state funeral for a Democratic president since the one in 1973 for Lyndon Johnson, another Oval Office occupant who, like Biden, was pressured into withdrawing from a reelection bid. Could the 2024 election, like that of 1968, represent the beginning of an extended period of Republican domination of presidential elections? (The first was interrupted, as it happens, by Jimmy Carters one term in the White House.)

We cant know that for a while, but we can likely rule out another possibility: that Trump and Biden will use the occasion of the ceremony honoring Carter to bury recent partisan grudges. They could probably both find something nice to say about Carter without offering much of an olive branch to their contemporary political foes. For Trump, Carter was an outsider who tried to shake up the federal government and his own party, while Biden (who actually supported Carters 1976 presidential bid as a freshman U.S. senator) can rightly view himself as a fellow centrist Democrat who was nonetheless a fierce partisan warrior. But Biden will have the unique opportunity to stand behind the pulpit of the National Cathedral and pay tribute to his predecessor in a way that adds a punctuation mark to his own one-term presidency.

One thing both Biden and Trump (and, for that matter, the other living ex-presidents, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama) can agree on is to hope that they will enjoy a post-presidency that competes with Carters in length, distinction, and the approbation of his fellow citizens. The 39th president certainly left this world more appreciated  and loved  than he was when he left the White House.
Photo: Ken Cedeno/Reuters

Joe Biden will exit the White House with as little fanfare as any president in modern memory. Forever sandwiched between Donald Trump presidencies and unwilling, in his 80s, to engage with conventional media for any length of time  there are few interviews, televised or in print, for Americans to grasp on to  he will recede, lost in various Trump- and Musk-fired news cycles. It is hard, Peter Baker of the New York Times recently wrote, to imagine that he seriously thought he could do the worlds most stressful job for another four years.

This is now conventional wisdom, in the way opposition to the Iraq War, as the 2000s wore on and the Middle East immolated, became the new political consensus. Many pundits, journalists, and politicians who supported the war either recanted or pretended they were on the right side all along. Trump himself fell into the latter camp, blasting away at his war-supporting GOP rivals in the 2016 primary despite his own documented support for the invasion in 2003. If many politicians and media elites never had to pay much of a political price for getting history so wrong, they at least had to grapple, in some form, with their failure. Some, like Andrew Sullivan, were refreshingly candid about why they had trusted George W. Bush in the first place.

The conspiracy of silence around Bidens age-related decline does not rise to the level of the cognoscentis embrace of the Iraq War  it did not lead to the deaths of thousands of American troops and many more Iraqi civiliansbut it does, in its enforcement of a remarkably foolhardy groupthink, demand its own kind of reckoning. And its not at all apparent such a reckoning will ever come. As trust in the media plummets and the Democratic Party itself limps into a murky future, once again locked out of power in Washington, probing questions must be asked of how, for years on end, so many influential people insisted Biden was capable of not only campaigning again but governing for another four years.

Last month, The Wall Street Journal extensively documented how Bidens inner circle limited contact with other administration officials, politicians, donors, and journalists, privately acknowledging the elderly Biden could not perform the duties of a conventional president. At events, aides often repeated instructions to Biden, telling him where to enter or exit a stage. As early as his first year in the White House, aides were canceling meetings when Biden seemed off. He has good days and bad days, and today was a bad day so were going to address this tomorrow, a former aide recalled a National Security official saying, according to the Journal. Meetings, the newspaper reported, were started later in the day because Biden seemed to struggle early in the morning. Most members of Congress, meanwhile, couldnt talk to Biden at all. Staff locked him away. The implication was that the president simply wasnt able to sustain complex, one-on-one interactions.

Will 2024 be remembered for the assassination attempt on Trumps life and the fight fight fight photo? Or for Biden dropping out of the race after the worst televised performance in the history of presidential debates? Both, perhaps, but its the Biden chaos that might linger longer in history, since Americans have a habit of forgetting the would-be assassins  Thomas Crooks, in this case  who shoot at presidents and dont kill them. (Neither of the women who attempted to kill Gerald Ford are remembered, and John Hinckley only endures, vaguely, because he was deeply obsessed with Jodie Foster.)

Bakers report in the Times on Bidens diminishment reflects the retroactive consensus: Of course Biden could never really run again or theoretically govern the nation until he was 86. Except virtually every Democrat and left-leaning pundit insisted otherwise until the June debate between Biden and Trump, and much of the media was glad to portray age-related concerns as a right-wing disinformation operation. The Times, in the days before the debate, warned of a distorted, online version of himself, a product of often misleading videos that play into and reinforce voters longstanding concerns about his age and abilities. Dana Milbank of the Washington Post said he found the fretting over Bidens age tedious and blamed it on disinformation from the right portraying him as drooling and senile. Margaret Sullivan, the veteran journalist and media critic, dismissed chatter about Bidens cognition and performance as ageism. Joe Scarborough declared, infamously, that this version of Biden, intellectually, analytically, is the best Biden ever.

Democrats themselves were no less insistent on Bidens fitness. As late as July, Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, was calling Biden extraordinarily competent. You need to let Joe Biden be Joe Biden, Michigan representative Debbie Dingell insisted earlier that year. When Dean Phillips, a representative from Minnesota, launched a long-shot primary campaign against Biden, citing the presidents age as a central motivator for running, he endured resentment and rage from the Democratic Establishment. I dont understand what his goals are. I just dont understand, said Colorado senator John Hickenlooper. Pramila Jayapal, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, was no less dismissive. Im sorry, I have no idea what hes running on thats different from what President Biden is running on.

A retrospective narrative of the Biden years is that it took too long for the truth to come out but that Democrats shouldnt be blamed for not understanding Bidens deficiencies until the summer of 2024. After waving away criticisms of Bidens age-related stumbles, Matthew Yglesias wrote in February that zero information has leaked into the public domain suggesting that Biden is behind the scenes incapable of doing the job. Once Biden struggled to speak coherently on television with Trump, Yglesias noted, while calling for Biden to step aside, that it was correct to withhold judgment until we saw the debate. Yet this plainly was not correct. Yglesias shouldnt be singled out here, since he was one of many prominent Democrats who believed such a falsehood, but he is emblematic of a blinkered worldview that directly led to the return of President Trump.

I wrote, in September 2022, that Biden shouldnt seek another term. I was not a White House reporter, an elected official, or a special insider with great insights into the Biden administration. I simply used my own eyes and ears. Biden, by then, was already mangling basic statistics in public remarks and calling Kamala Harris the president. Soon after, he would claim his son, Beau, died in Iraq and not of brain cancer. He would ask whether a congresswoman who had recently died was at one of his White House events. It was obvious, if you consumed any amount of news and werent wilfully blinding yourself, that something was deeply amiss. (Baker himself, days before the 2022 midterms, noted these Biden stumbles  but the Times did not produce much in-depth reporting on his decline in the subsequent year and a half.)

What does it say about the Democratic Party and the media broadly that Bidens presidency was essentially ended by the simple act of showing up on television to debate his opponent? As cable-TV ratings crater and traditional media struggles to maintain the trust it has left, this question should haunt the many political elites who giddily lied to themselves and others for three and a half years. What is worse, ignorance or outright deception? Democrats and their allies in the media engaged in both. Now Trump will reign again. Whatever happens over the next four years, the Democratic Party certainly earned it.
The U.S. shale patch is unlikely to follow President-elect Donald Trumps campaign highlight drill, baby, drill as the industry is far more consolidated and disciplined than when Trump was first president at the end of the 2010s.

While welcoming a second Trump term, American oil and gas producers are expected to stick to their disciplined approach to capital expenditure and drilling operations.

Consolidation Keeps Drilling in Check

After the Permian saw several large mergers and acquisitions (M&A) waves during President Bidens term in office, the start of the second Trump presidency comes at a time when many of the private producers have already sold their operations to the large publicly traded companies.

These public firms have realigned their priorities after the 2020 crash in demand and prices, and now prefer higher earnings and shareholder returns to high growth rates in production.

As more drilling locations in the Permian are now in the hands of large listed firms, investor demands for high returns trump the high growth rates of oil production.

The U.S. shale patch is drilling, but it is drilling because it wants to distribute more of the profits to shareholders. It has made huge progress in capital discipline and efficiency gains and is getting more bang for its buck. Priorities are now returns to investors and financial frames capable of withstanding oil price volatility.

Related: Critical Minerals Race Heats Up as Battery Demand Wanes

As producers become bigger, they focus on shareholder returns and wouldn't be inclined to respond to every price spike with a major boost in drilling that ultimately floods the market with oil and depresses prices.

This relentless drilling for higher production has been the shale industry's modus operandi for a decade before Covid and the demand and market crash. Until 2020, many smaller producers sought to maximize output and price realizations whenever oil was heading higher.

But as the industry matured and balance sheets and market valuations strengthened after the record-high earnings of 2022, a wave of consolidation began in 2023. The big companies, which now control a much larger part of the U.S. shale patch, are looking to become bigger by adding premier assets of the takeover targets to their portfolios.

However, the key driver of the industry now is returning more to shareholders and preparing for inventory stacked up for years of production ahead, without the need to grow organically by investing too much cash flow into the drilling of new locations and wells.

Gone are the days of drill, baby, drill and producers drilling themselves into oblivion, as shale pioneer and tycoon Harold Hamm warned during Trumps first term in office, say companies and analysts alike.

No More Explosive Growth

Were not going to have the explosive growth that weve seen, Richard Dealy, who oversees the Permian business of ExxonMobil, told The Wall Street Journal last week.

This is not the first acknowledgment from the U.S. supermajor that drill, baby, drill is not on the minds of the top producers despite the imminent inauguration of a President who is openly and strongly supportive of Americas oil, gas, and coal sectors.

We're not going to see anybody in 'drill, baby, drill' mode," ExxonMobil Upstream President Liam Mallon said at the end of November.

A radical change (in production) is unlikely because the vast majority, if not everybody, is focused on the economics of what they're doing, Mallon added.

The other U.S. supermajor, Chevron, announced last month that its 2025 capital expenditure (capex) would be lower than in 2024.

Chevron expects its upstream spending next year to be about $13 billion, of which roughly two-thirds will go to develop its U.S. portfolio.

Permian Basin spend is lower than the 2024 budget and anticipated to be between $4.5 and $5.0 billion as production growth is reduced in favor of free cash flow, Chevron said.

After years of perfecting operations and expertise in drilling, the public companies operating in the Permian have boosted productivity and efficiency and are doing more with less.

Despite a decline in active drilling rigs over the past two years, increased rates of production from new completions are offsetting existing wells production declines and leading to higher crude oil and natural gas output, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says.

These productivity increases indicate significant efficiency gains and technological advancements in the drilling and completion process.

The Permian is headed for growth, albeit at lower rates compared to the recent past, according to Goldman Sachs.

Permian crude production growth is expected to have slowed to 6% in 2024 and is set to slow to 4% in 2026, analysts at Goldman Sachs Research said in July 2024.

Still, the growth of Permian production will remain robust through 2026 due to increased efficiency, the investment bank noted.

Efficiency and technological advancements will support growth in the U.S. shale patch in the near term.

However, for most producers, drill, baby, drill will depend on the oil price signals, drilling economics, and market fundamentals of supply and demand.

A friendly Administration that would ease energy infrastructure permitting would surely help U.S. producers. But this will not be enough to make companies abandon the discipline in production, capital allocation, and investor returnsthe new priorities they have learned the hard way.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Beijing's unique cultural identity draws record tourists in 2024

09:02, January 03, 2025 By Du Juan ( China Daily

Visitors capture the sunrise over the Beijing Central Axis from the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park on Wednesday. SHAN YIWEI/FOR CHINA DAILY

Beijing's tourism industry soared to new heights in 2024, enjoying record-breaking numbers of domestic and international visitors that were driven in part by the popularity of its newly listed UNESCO World Heritage Central Axis.

According to the "2024 Beijing Tourism Consumption Report" released by travel platform LY.com, Beijing has cemented its status as the top destination for inbound tourists in China.

From January to October, the city welcomed 3.17 million inbound tourists, a 198.8 percent year-on-year increase, according to data from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

LY.com's international flight booking data confirmed Beijing's top ranking for inbound travel, with the United States, Russia and South Korea among the leading source markets.

The surge in inbound tourism is partly attributed to the optimization of visa-free and transit visa-free policies, the report noted.

Countries with the highest growth in visitors included Spain, Malaysia, Vietnam, Italy and Indonesia, highlighting the impact of the streamlined procedures.

Beijing's cultural heritage remained central to its tourism appeal last year. The Beijing Central Axis, added to the World Heritage List in July, emerged as a must-visit attraction.

Stretching from Yongdingmen Gate to the Bell and Drum Towers, the axis links iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and Jingshan Park.

Previously visited as stand-alone sites, these landmarks now collectively draw crowds as part of the "Citywalk" experience, offering tourists a new perspective on Beijing's history and culture.

"One of our major goals with the Central Axis protection is to make it accessible for everyone to walk through," said Lyu Zhou, director of the National Heritage Center at Tsinghua University.

Zhang Yue, 31, a local travel enthusiast, described her walk along the Central Axis as "a special experience".

She revisited the route with a friend after its UNESCO recognition, reflecting the increasing interest in the area.

Arnold Geels, a first-time visitor from the Netherlands, shared his impression of the Drum and Bell Towers during a community park visit.

"This area is really beautiful with so many old buildings, and the atmosphere is chill and relaxing," he said.

As the new year begins, Beijing has unveiled plans for 203 public cultural activities, 226 performances and 10 heritage-themed travel routes centered around the Central Axis, aiming to further enhance its tourism offerings.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
CPS Energys Braunig Power Station is seen from the air in late July. The shutdown of three aging gas-fired generators there has the state grid operator looking for alternatives to keep juice flowing statewide. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

The state grid operator is finding no industry interest in providing alternatives to relocating a fleet of portable generators to San Antonio so it can allow some of CPS Energys aging gas-powered plants to shut down this year as planned.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas set a Dec. 30 deadline for market participants to submit questions ahead of making pitches to provide alternative power sources. None were filed. Typically, companies planning to submit a bid seek information before the final deadline, which is in mid-January.

ERCOT opened the bid process after back-and-forth with CenterPoint Energy and CPS over use of the Houston utilitys portable generators. The grid operators aim was to determine whether more cost effective options might be available.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

An earlier request for proposals also failed to draw interest but the industry then was being asked up to come up with a plan that could rival the costs of keeping the city-owned utilitys Braunig Power Station units running for two more years.

Whatever plan ERCOTs board approves will be paid for by customers of utilities across the state because the generation is needed to ensure the statewide grids stability. Chad Seely, ERCOTs general counsel, told commissioners last month the grid operator was still assessing how much it would cost to use the CenterPoint generators in San Antonio.



Already, ERCOTs board has approved keeping the largest of the three Braunig units open past its planned March retirement  and customers across the state are paying the tab for that, too.

CenterPoints generators  while technically mobile and acquired for use in emergencies  are not easy to set up. Thats made them the target of criticism since Hurricane Beryl tore through Houston in July, causing widespread power outages. Because the units cant be quickly deployed, they sat idle while Houstonians sat for days without power. State regulators have been eager to put them to use  and recently passed new regulations to prevent another utility from leasing such units without oversight.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The issue arose when CPS, which has more than enough generating capacity to serve its own market, proposed shutting down the Braunig units this spring. But ERCOT was leery of the utilitys plan because the plants location reduces stress on a transmission chokepoint that last year was blamed for taking the statewide grid closer to cascading outages than it had been since 2021.

The troublesome circuit is key to moving power from South Texas, where juice from wind farms and battery installations is plentiful, to North Texas, where generation has not kept pace with increasing demand. Without the Braunig units, which is north of the chokepoint, more power from South Texas would have to be pushed through the troublesome circuit, increasing the potential for overloads that ERCOT would have to manage through rolling blackouts.

While CPS is working to build new transmission lines to ease the problem, the CenterPoint generators could be used to help manage the transmission issues until that work is done in the next few years. The generators could be strategically located around San Antonio to reduce grid overcrowding, ERCOT said, and switched on quickly when needed.

Each of the 15 generators produce enough electricity to power 30,000 homes. They are also able to be operating more rapidly than the old Braunig units.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

If the generators are moved to San Antonio, CenterPoint would receive no revenue or profit from ERCOT for their use. But it would reduce the utilitys costs for the units that have been passed on to its customers. That would reduce their bills starting this spring.
The end of 2024 isn't just the end of a year. It's also the end of Russian gas flows through Ukraine, which brings to an end a decades-long chapter of Moscows dominance over European energy markets.

While the EU has, to a large degree, insulated itself from immediate falloutthanks to alternative supply deals in Slovakia and Austriathe move still carries weighty geopolitical consequences. Hungary remains reliant on Russian gas via TurkStream, but the real crisis has hit Moldovas breakaway region of Transnistria, where heating shortages have left residents scrambling for electric heaters and extra blankets.

For Ukraine, this is a strategic win.

President Zelenskiy hailed it as one of Moscows biggest defeats and called for greater U.S. gas exports to Europe to speed up the regions independence from Russian energy. Moldova now faces a critical test of European solidarity as it struggles to manage its energy shortfall.

Russias grip on Europes energy supply has been steadily weakening since 2022, but the EU isnt out of the woods yet. EU energy costs have achieved some stability. But energy costs are inextricably linked to the bloc's economic competitiveness. To protect itself, Europe will need to double down on infrastructure upgrades, expand LNG capacity, and support vulnerable neighbors like Moldova in weathering the energy transition. What Europe fears more than Moscow is higher and higher natural gas prices.

Moldova is the easiest
Oil markets have started the year with a renewed sense of optimism, driven by stock draws in the U.S. and China's attempts to stimulate its economy.

The gradual return of oil market participants from the New Years Eve holidays has been marked with tacit optimism as US stock draws tightened product availability just as cold snaps are threatening both Europe and the US. Meanwhile, Chinas vows to be more proactive with stimulus measures have lifted the spirits of those who gave up on more robust policy coming from Beijing, even if temporarily, pushing ICE Brent futures closer to $76 per barrel.

Biden to Ban Some US Offshore Drilling. Outgoing US President Joe Biden is reportedly preparing to issue a decree that would permanently ban offshore drilling in US coastal waters that are to be considered biodiversity-sensitive, under the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

Key African LNG Project Starts Up. The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim liquefaction terminal offshore Senegal and Mauritania achieved first gas this week, with the BP(NYSE:BP) operated 2.7 mtpa project expected to load its first cargo at some point in the first quarter of this year.

Norways LNG Hampered by Equipment Failure. Norways state oil firm Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) expects its 4.7 mtpa Hammerfest LNG export terminal to be shut down at least until January 9 following the failure of a key compressor this week, halting flows from the countrys only LNG facility.

Beijing Eyes Further Curbs on Battery Technology. Chinas Ministry of Commerce proposed additional export restrictions on battery and critical mineral processing technologies, with a particular focus on lithium processing in a move that could also hinder the overseas expansion of CATL or Gotion.

Indonesia Botches Biofuels Transition. Indonesian authorities have mandated a 40% mix of palm oil-based fuel in diesel sales starting January 1, but Jakarta has halted the nationwide rollout of the new biodiesel because theres still no government regulation specifying the pace of its roll-out.

Nigeria Tightens Upstream Mandates. Nigeria will from now on require that applicants for exploration blocks show evidence of lowering carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy in line with the countrys 2060 net zero emissions target, with enforcements starting from January 1, 2025.

Chinas EV Champion Posts Record Numbers. Sales of new energy vehicles from Chinas largest EV carmaker BYD (SHE:002594) reached all-time highs in 2024, rising by 41% year-over-year to 4.304 million units and accounting for exactly one-third of the countrys total electric vehicle sales.

European Major Boosts Libyan Exploration. Spains oil major Repsol (BME:REP) has resumed oil exploration in Libya after a 10-year hiatus, drilling an exploration well in the Murzuq basin across the countrys southwest regions, following in the footsteps of ENI and BP that resumed drilling in 2024.

Diamond King Builds Up Huge Inventory. De Beers, the worlds largest producer and distributor of diamonds, has reportedly built up its largest stockpile of diamonds since the 2008 financial crisis, with 2024 annual sales down 20% on the back of weaker Chinese demand and lab-grown competition.

Nippon Steel Fails to Persuade White House. US President Joe Biden is set to block the sale of US Steel Corp. (NYSE:X) to Japans Nippon Steel, putting an end to a proposed $14.1 billion deal, derailed because the sale of a storied American company to a foreign competitor was deemed a national security risk.

Russia Halts Pipeline Flows via Ukraine. Following the expiry of the 5-year gas transit contract between Russia and Ukraine, Russias gas giant Gazprom halted natural gas supplies through Ukraine, with the halt in pipeline supplies triggering an energy crisis in Moldova and the breakaway region of Transnistria.

Nickel Hits Four-Year Low Amidst China Gloom. Nickel prices hit their lowest level since 2020 with cash settlement quotes falling below $15,000 per metric tonne as the market still waits for Chinese stimulus measures to trickle into demand dynamics, with copper seeing similar negative pricing dynamics.

US Cold Snap Lifts Diesel Prices. The Nymex ULSD futures contract rose to $2.36 per gallon this week, hitting a three-month high as forecasts indicate a series of Arctic cold snaps across the United States that should lift diesel and heating oil demand beyond seasonal patterns over the course of January.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The supergiant West Qurna 1 oilfield in Iraq is expected to have its production capacity raised to 1.2 million bpd by 2035, the projects subsurface manager, Cai Kaiping, has said.

Oil production at the field has increased to 550,000 barrels per day (bpd) since China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) took over the operations a year ago.

At the beginning of 2024, CNPC officially took over from U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil as the lead contractor of the West Qurna 1 oilfield in Iraq, near Basra in the southern part of the country.

West Qurna 1 is one of the largest oil fields in the world, with reserves estimated at more than 20 billion barrels of recoverable hydrocarbons.

West Qurna 1 is located around 65 kilometers (40 miles) from southern Iraqs key oil and export hub of Basra and holds a considerable part of the estimated 43 billion barrels of recoverable reserves held in the entire supergiant West Qurna field.

By last year, the average yearly production at West Qurna 1 increased to 541,000 bpd, Iraqi officials and Chinese executives said this week at the opening of the new operation headquarters of the West Qurna 1 oilfield in Basra.

The fields oil production has now reached 550,000 bpd, Iraqs Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani said, as carried by China Daily.

Going forward, CNPC has planned major expansions to the fields production capacity.

We expect production capacity to reach 800,000 barrels per day by 2028 and 1 million barrels per day by 2030, and in the next phase, production capacity will reach 1.2 million barrels per day by 2035, China Daily quoted the projects subsurface manager Cai Kaiping as saying this week.

This year, the commissioning of four key projects at West Qurna 1 is expected to help raise production capacity by 200,000 bpd, according to the Chinese executive.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The EU needs to extend the cap on natural gas prices but set the cap at a much lower level, to avoid fresh shocks in energy bills, Italian Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin told a local radio station on Friday.

At this point, the EU needs to renew the price cap, but lower the ceiling, Pichetto Fratin told Radio Radicale.

The European Union set at the start of 2023 an emergency cap on natural gas prices. This cap expires at the end of January 2025.

The cap on gas prices, the so-called market correction mechanism, was introduced at the end of 2022 to shield industry and households from excessive spikes in gas and power prices after the record-high levels seen at the end of the summer of 2022, when Russia cut off most of its pipeline gas supply to Europe.

The market correction mechanism will be triggered if the month-ahead price on the Title Transfer Facility (TTF), Europes key benchmark, exceeds $185 (180 euros) per MWh for three working days, and the month-ahead TTF price is $36 (35 euros) higher than a reference price for LNG on global markets for the same three working days.

According to the Italian minister, the cap on natural gas prices needs to be lowered to $51-$62 (50-60 euros) per MWh.

For reference, Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures, the benchmark for Europes gas trading, traded at $51.61 (50.145 euros) per MWh as of 11:44 a.m. in Amsterdam on Friday.

Prices rose at the start of the new year after Russian flows to Europe via Ukraine stopped after decades of pipeline deliveries through the route.

At 0500 GMT on New Years Day, Russian gas giant Gazprom halted pipeline deliveries, and the last remaining EU members that were still receiving gas from Russia until December 31  Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary  lost this source of supply.

Hungary will continue to receive Russian gas via the TurkStream gas pipeline via Turkey and the Balkans, while Austria and Slovakia have arranged to have natural gas from other sources supplied.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Reduced supply of crude from Iran and Russia has prompted a rally in the prices of crude from the Middle East, where some grades have soared to rarely seen premiums over the global benchmark, Brent.

The Murban crude futures from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for example, have outperformed Brent over the past two months, traders have told Bloomberg.

In addition, the prices of Oman and Dubai crude jumped to a rare premium over Brent in recent weeks, as demand for Middle Eastern oil has increased in China and India, key Iranian and Russian buyers, amid lower supply from Iran and Russia.

Irans oil is increasingly finding its way into floating storage offshore Southeast Asia instead of at customers as a recent raft of U.S. sanctions on tankers shipping Iranian oil has made Chinese buyers more careful.

In October, the United States began ratcheting up sanctions on entities and vessels transporting Iranian oil. Two months ago, the U.S. Treasury and State Department designated several companies, based in Suriname, India, Malaysia, and China, for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran.

The new U.S. sanctions on Iran include measures against the Ghost Fleet that carries Irans illicit oil to buyers around the world, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.

Russian supply has dwindled, too, with Russian crude oil exports by sea dropping as Moscow has been under increased pressure to fall in line with its OPEC+ quota as part of the group that looks to support oil prices. Increased sanctions pressure on Moscows shadow fleet of tankers has also played a role in reducing Russian shipments.

Saudi Arabia has regained some market share from Russia in Asia as the Kingdoms exports rose, while Russias crude sales in the worlds most important oil-importing region fell amid lower purchases by Moscows two key markets, China and India.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Days after Russian natural gas stopped flowing to the breakaway region of Transnistria in Moldova, the area shut down all industrial production except food production, Transnistrias first deputy prime minister, Sergei Obolonik, said.

All industrial enterprises are idle, with the exception of those engaged in food production - that is, directly ensuring food security for Transdniestria, said the senior official, as quoted by Reuters.

Transnistria has also cut off the supply of heating and hot water to households after Russia suspended the transit of natural gas via Ukraine at the start of the year.

The move followed a declaration by Ukraine that the country would not renew the transit deal with Gazprom while the war continues.

Russia exported some 2 billion cu m of natural gas to Transnistria, where the gas is used to generate electricity that is then transmitted to Moldova.

Moldova has been trying to fend off Russian influence in the breakaway Transnistria region, a narrow strip of land between the Dniester River and the Ukrainian border, which isnt recognized by the international community.

Since 2022, however, Transnistria and the central government of Moldova have agreed that all natural gas sent by Russian giant Gazprom to Moldova flows to Transnistria. Following the reports that Ukraine will not renew the transit deal with Gazprom, the Moldovan authorities discussed alternative supply routes with Gazprom, which has agreed to consider these but only after the outstanding debt to Gazprom is paid.

Moldova, meanwhile, is trying to cut its energy consumption by at least 33% to cope with the end of gas deliveries from Russia. For the country, the only alternative to these are imports from neighboring Romania and, per plans, local wind and solar.

At 0500 GMT on New Years Day, Russian gas giant Gazprom halted pipeline deliveries to Europe via Ukraine, and the last remaining EU members that were still receiving gas from Russia until December 31  Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary  lost this source of supply.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
South Africas recently adopted tax breaks for electric vehicle production have already piqued the interest of three Chinese EV manufacturers to invest in new-energy vehicles in the African country, an official at the local automotive association told Bloomberg.

Three car makers from China have already signed non-disclosure agreements with the South African Automotive Business Council, its CEO Mikel Mabasa told the newswire in an interview published on Friday.

Mabasa did not elaborate on which these automakers are.

South Africa now has as much as a 150% tax deduction on investment in electric- and hydrogen-powered vehicle production.

Chinese EVs are already competing with the South African manufacturing bases of global giants such as Toyota and Volkswagen AG.

Despite the plans for the massive tax breaks  months in the works  no Western manufacturer has announced yet new investments in EVs or other zero-emission vehicles.

Earlier this year, Volkswagen and Isuzu Motors said they do not have immediate plans to make electric or hybrid vehicles in South Africa despite generous tax breaks in the country.

South Africa has said that companies that invest in the production of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country would be able to claim a 150% tax deduction on these investments, beginning in 2026. The country aims to attract EV manufacturing and incentivize its EV and hydrogen industries, which are relatively small and underdeveloped.

However, Volkswagen and Isuzu plan to remain focused on vehicles with internal combustion engines in South Africa, the respective regional heads of the two auto manufacturers told Bloomberg.

Stellantis, however, is weighing the possibility of expanding its South African production into the new-energy vehicles (NEVs), as EVs, plug-in hybrids, and traditional hybrids are known.

Stellantiss decision would depend on whether a market for these vehicles emerges in South Africa, the managing director of the companys South African unit, Mike Whitfield, told Bloomberg in an interview in June.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Natural gas and heating oil prices in the United States started the year with a spike as temperatures dropped amid a polar vortex that, according to forecasts, could bring the coldest weather in a decade to northern states.

Natural gas prices have gone up by 4% since the start of the week, the Financial Times reported today, adding that heating oil prices have added 5%. At the start of the week, natural gas futures briefly topped $4 per million British thermal units.

The market has been rather complacent as US production was surging and inventories were above normal, Price Futures Group analyst Phil Flynn told the publication. But at the same time, the market may have to face a winter challenge that it has not seen in a while.

Separately, Flynn told Fox News that the frigid weather could exert additional upward pressure on prices by curbing supply. When you get a cold event like this, not only do you see record demand, but then you have the possibility of infrastructure freezing up, Flynn told the network in an interview. They have to shut the wells down because it's too dangerous to produce.

Gas prices may yet go higher before the week is over after the Energy Information Administration publishes its weekly inventory report. Analysts surveyed by the Wall Street Journal expect inventories to have shed 131 billion cu ft in the last week of December.

We are not anticipating a significant market response to the data with the market primarily focused on some unusually strong supply draws beginning next week and possibly extending through the rest of this month if below normal temperature trends continue, Ritterbusch analysts said in a note.

Meteorologists have warned that this January could be the coldest since 2011, predicting winter storms across most of the country. The first large and long-tracking Arctic high pressure area will sink southward across the Plains and impacts Texas early next week, AccuWeather lead long-range expert Paul Pastelok said. This air mass will continue to follow the storm along the Gulf coast, Tennessee Valley and Southeast between Jan. 8-9.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Starship is seen on its launch pad early Nov. 19 behind an entrance to SpaceXs Starbase near Boca Chica Beach. The FBI and Cameron County Sheriffs Department are investigating apparent threats to SpaceXs Starbase facility. Brandon Lingle/Staff The sun sets behind Starship at Starbase near Boca Chica. The FBI and Cameron County Sheriffs Department are investigating after getting a report that several individuals threatened to blow up a Starship rocket. Eric Gay/Associated Press SpaceX is planning to launch its seventh Starship flight as soon as Jan. 10. Brandon Lingle/Staff SpaceX is planning to launch its seventh Starship flight as soon as Jan. 10. Eric Gay/Associated Press

The FBI is investigating threats against the SpaceX facility outside Brownsville after receiving a report that several individuals had threatened to blow up a Starship rocket there.

The bureaus San Antonio field office confirmed its investigating possible bomb threats in South Texas in recent weeks.

A witness near Starbase, the commercial space companys rocket development and launch facility at Boca Chica Beach, told authorities he heard several individuals discussing the matter on Christmas Eve.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

While we are working to carefully vet and investigate the information we have received, we want to reiterate that the safety and security of the American people is the FBIs highest concern, the bureau said in a statement Thursday night. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and private sector partners to respond to this  and all threats against any of our citizens.

The Cameron County Sheriffs Department didnt respond Friday to requests for information about the reported threats and investigation. On Thursday, Manuel Trevino was sworn in as the countys new sheriff, replacing former Sheriff Eric Garza.

The report was made by Calvin Wehrle of Galveston, who frequently camps along Texas 4 near the Starship launch site.

In an interview Friday, he said he was there on the afternoon of Christmas Eve when an SUV pulled up with five male passengers who rolled down their windows to converse. They said they were from the Middle East.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

I said something like, What are yall here for?  and the driver said, Oh, were here to blow (Starship) up,  Wehrle said. I just went stone cold, and he said, Oh, I got you. I was joking. 

As the conversation went on, though, Wehrles visitors said at least three times they were in South Texas to attack Starship. He reported the incident to SpaceX and the sheriffs office and said he was contacted later by an investigator.

The investigation comes as SpaceX is working toward a possible Jan. 10 test flight of its second-generation Starship, which is slightly taller than earlier versions. The lower-stage booster is on its launch pad, where testing has been underway since last month.

The company has faced increasing criticism from area residents and others for its environmental record and other practices around its rapidly developing Starbase.

In mid-December, a coalition of Rio Grande Valley organizations sued the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for allowing SpaceX to continue discharging wastewater from its launch platform without the proper permit. Its just the latest in a string of lawsuits over the companys operations.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

SpaceX sprays water onto its launch pad each time its Starship rocket takes off, both to protect the launch platform and suppress dust and debris. Most of the water, which is heated as it mixes with the rockets flames, is captured in retention basins or vaporized. But tens of thousands of gallons overflow into the nearby wetlands.

Starship, has launched six times since April 2023. The deluge system was used for five of those launches  and for some engine tests conducted before liftoff  despite SpaceX failing to receive the proper permit.

The recent threat is at least the second against Starbase since its development began about a decade ago. In late 2023, an unidentified person made a bomb threat in a Dec. 26 call to the Brownsville Police Department. According to a sheriffs department report on the incident, the suspect said, The bomb was on a rocket, and then advised it was on a space ship.

The investigating sheriffs deputy in that incident reported he contacted SpaceX, where an official said the companys security team was on the matter and would contact the FBI.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The commercial space companys South Texas operation has been thrust more broadly into the national spotlight recently as CEO Elon Musk has become a key adviser to President-elect Donald Trump. He joined Musk, other politicians and government officials at Starbase in November to watch Starships sixth flight.
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Oregon Governor Tina Koteks budget calls for hiring 1,200 new State government employees.

Governor Kotek will have to TAX THE JOBLESS to make it happen because companies are cutting:

Oregon Job Cuts:

Intel  1,300 cuts

NIKE  750 cuts

Wells Fargo  700 cuts

OHSU  500 cuts

Kotek and Oregon should live within their means and recognize that businesses are hurting.

 Was this helpful? 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

One of Portlands most wanted graffiti criminals, James Fischell, 40, was re-arrested this week.

He was previously arrested months prior for illegally growing 80-pounds of marijuana.

This is what an 80-pound marijuana haul looks like for comparison.

This just shows the revolving door of arrested criminals who end up back on the streets.

This guys house was raided previously, which had a stockpile of 1,500 spray cans (for which he resold to other vandals).

Removing graffiti has costed both Portland and the State nearly ten million dollars in extra costs.

The illegal marijuana farm industry that James produced has contributed to the wrecking of the legal market in Oregon and the proliferation of the illegal market which is tied to other crimes  local theft rings, tax evasion, gang shootings, auto theft, and selling drugs to minors in our schools. It is important to put criminals behind bars where they cant engage in their parade of criminality.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In 2025, the EU will set up a new polar research body that will operate from Sweden, while scientists drill deep into polar ice to study the Earth's climate history and help mitigate the effects of climate change on this fragile ecosystem.

German scientist Dr. Nicole Biebow is keenly aware of how important it is to research and protect the Earth's increasingly fragile polar regions.

The two poles are warming faster than any other area on the planet and are losing ice through increased melting. The Arctic, for example, is warming three times as fast as the global average, according to polar scientists. This affects local communities and wildlife, but also has broad socio-economic and climate impacts that extend across the globe, like rising sea levels.

"We always say that the poles are the canary in the coal mine," said Biebow, the project coordinator of the project named EU-PolarNet 2, which concluded in December 2024.

Biebow is the head of the international cooperation unit at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany and also a former chair of the European Polar Board (EPB). The EPB is an independent group of research institutes, funding agencies and ministries set up to advance the coordination of European polar research both in the Arctic and Antarctic.

The EPB and another key polar research body, the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO), will be operating out of Sweden's far north from 2025. This reflects Europe's determination to be the leading voice in studying these high-latitude regions.

EU-PolarNet 2 carried out much of the work to establish the EPCO, which will start work in January 2025, hosted by the Arctic Centre at Umea University, Sweden.

A sense of urgency

As global temperatures increase and the polar ice melts ever faster, unlocking the secrets of the polar regions is becoming increasingly urgent.

"A lot of work being done nowadays is about understanding, mitigating or adapting to future changes," Biebow said, noting that "we have EU Member States that have an Arctic coastline and people living in these areas."

As the EU-PolarNet 2 team prepares to launch EPCO, the researchers have put together a list of priorities for future research, including projects on sea ice, melting glaciers and thawing permafrost.

Biebow voiced hope that EPCO will considerably help research efforts in the polar regions.

"The poles, like the deep ocean, are still very, very sparsely investigated," she said. "It's an area which defines how our future weather and climate will be, and that's why it is so important."

Working with Indigenous communities

Dr. Annette Scheepstra, a researcher and member of the EU-PolarNet 2 executive board, is putting the focus on working with experts from local Indigenous communities who have deep knowledge of the polar regions.

Indigenous communities make up around 10% of the 4 million or so people living in the Arctic region. Until now, they have often been sidelined in polar research efforts.

"We work with rights holdersIndigenous communities or organizationsas well as with Indigenous scholars, Indigenous people who are researchers themselves at universities or institutes," said Scheepstra, a doctor of Arctic and Antarctic studies at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands.

"For many years, people have said it's important to include Indigenous knowledge holders or to work with them. But how? Often, that has not been addressed, and that's my interest," she said.

Cooperation with Indigenous people is now based on the principles of upholding their rights, respecting their culture and society, avoiding any harmful impact on their communities, and embracing their knowledge in shaping scientific ideas about the Arctic.

Scheepstra's work has included working with the Saami Council, an NGO representing the rights of the Saami people living in Finland, Norway, Russia and Sweden to set out a roadmap for research.

"It is really nice working with Indigenous knowledge holders because they often have quite a holistic perspective on things," she said. It is also a good way to ensure that the projects in the region can really succeed.

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.

Breaking the ice in the Antarctic

Out in the field, many researchers are focusing both on melting ice and threatened species. This is the case with a seven-year project named Beyond EPICA. It builds on a previous research project named EPICA, which used polar ice samples to reconstruct the Earth's climate going back 800,000 years.

This time, researchers coordinated by Carlo Barbante, a professor of environmental sciences at Ca' Foscari University in Venice, Italy, aim to extract ice in the Antarctic that is well over 1 million years old.

"That is a period of time in which the way the climate of our planet operates completely changed," said Barbante, who is also a member of the EPB. The project he coordinates runs until June 2026 and involves teams from 10 European countries.

His team's working conditions are extremely challenging.

At a sparse camp in eastern Antarctica, 16 members of the Beyond EPICA research project team have settled in for several weeks of living and working in a harsh environment.

Their temporary home is just a few tents and containers set in the dazzling-white deserted landscape.

Even though it is almost summer in Antarctica in early December, at 3,200 meters above sea level, temperatures at the Little Dome C Camp average around -52C and can drop to -60.

The team is there to drill down thousands of meters to extract and analyze samples of the Earth's oldest ice and, with them, the vital information they contain about how our planet's climate has evolved over time.

The climatologists' giant drill steadily makes progress down through the ice, passing the 1.8-kilometer mark already. The drilling process is electronically monitored every step of the way, and the hole has a diameter of only 10 centimeters, so environmental impact is minimal.

But why the drilling?

"The ice can give us information about the composition of the air and the temperature of the planet in the past, and help us better understand how the climate works," Barbante said.

This article was originally published in Horizon the EU Research and Innovation Magazine.
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:

Examples of Lapworthella fasciculata shells (under scanning electron microscope) from the Mernmerna Formation, Flinders Ranges, South Australia, showing holes made by a perforating predator. Scale bars represent 200 micrometers. Credit: R. Bicknell, et al (2025) Current Biology

A study led by researchers at the American Museum of Natural History presents the oldest known example in the fossil record of an evolutionary arms race. These 517-million-year-old predator-prey interactions occurred in the ocean covering what is now South Australia between a small, shelled animal distantly related to brachiopods and an unknown marine animal capable of piercing its shell.

Described in the journal Current Biology, the study provides the first demonstrable record of an evolutionary arms race in the Cambrian.

"Predator-prey interactions are often touted as a major driver of the Cambrian explosion, especially with regard to the rapid increase in diversity and abundance of biomineralizing organisms at this time. Yet, there has been a paucity of empirical evidence showing that prey directly responded to predation, and vice versa," said Russell Bicknell, a postdoctoral researcher in the Museum's Division of Paleontology and lead author of the study.

An evolutionary arms race is a process where predators and prey continuously adapt and evolve in response to each other. This dynamic is often described as an arms race because one species' improved abilities lead to the other species improving its abilities in response.

Bicknell and colleagues from the University of New England and Macquarie Universityboth in Australiastudied a large sample of fossilized shells of an early Cambrian tommotiid species, Lapworthella fasciculata, from South Australia.

More than 200 of these extremely small specimens, ranging in size from slightly larger than a grain of sand to just smaller than an apple seed, have holes that were likely made by a hole-punching predatormost likely a kind of soft-bodied mollusk or worm.

The researchers analyzed these specimens in relation to their geologic ages, finding an increase in shell wall thickness that coincides with an increase in the number of perforated shells in a short amount of time. This suggests that a microevolutionary arms race was in place, with L. fasciculata finding a way to fortify its shell against predation and the predator, in turn, investing in the ability to puncture its prey despite its ever-bulkier armor.

"This critically important evolutionary record demonstrates, for the first time, that predation played a pivotal role in the proliferation of early animal ecosystems and shows the rapid speed at which such phenotypic modifications arose during the Cambrian Explosion event," Bicknell says.

More information: Adaptive responses in Cambrian predator and prey highlight the arms race during the rise of animals, Current Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.12.007. www.cell.com/current-biology/f  0960-9822(24)01647-6 Journal information: Current Biology
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

ISRU system concept for autonomous construction on Mars. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Cracking the chicken-and-egg problem of utilizing resources in space has been a difficult challenge for over half a century. Getting enough infrastructure built up is necessary to collect those resources effectively, but doing so is too expensive without using the resources themselves.

Trying to crack that problem has been the focus of a variety of space exploration enthusiasts, and one of them, Don Barker, is currently the Gateway HALO Utilization & Visiting Vehicle Integration Lead at ARES Corporation. He published a paper in 2020 that detailed how the space exploration industry could use a modified version of a framework from the oil and gas industry, which he calls the Planetary Resource Management System (PRMS), to calculate where we should focus on settlement efforts.

PRMS is set up as a two-step process: finding resources and then developing the technology to utilize them. Ideally, those technologies would advance to a point where those resource processes would be commercially viable. Let's look at the process of finding the resource first.

The most basic level of resource finding is a remote sensing picture around 100 m or more per pixel. This can be done with a relatively good camera on board an orbiting spacecraft. Next up would be a remote image between 5 m and 100 m per pixel, combined with geophysical evidence that a resource is available. Importantly, this would be combined with a resource assessment that includes estimations like economic impact and technological availability.

A final step of the PRMS's "prospecting criteria" is a remote sensing image of less than 5 m per pixel resolution, geophysical evidence of a resource's presence, and proof that it is accessible using current technology. This would again be combined with an assessment of the economic viability of recovery to ensure that the effort would be supported in the long term.

Technology, such as surface miners or extraterrestrial drilling rigs, enables the accessibility of the resources the prospecting projects would find. Three categories of recoverable resourcespossible, probable, and provedgo along with the three categories of prospecting listed above. The framework also uses a metric called Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) to reflect how much of a potential resource deposit could ultimately be mined.

Calculating the various numbers for a deposit of a given material (such as water ice on the moon), the framework can be combined with overall mission architecture and human exploration goals to determine the importance of that particular deposit to "mission success." This is where things get tricky, as "mission success" is primarily defined by whoever pays for that mission.

NASA is the largest funder of these types of projects for now, but even they don't necessarily abide by this framework. Last year, they canceled one rover project, VIPER, which could have added to our prospecting knowledge of the lunar south pole. Such a lack of foresight frustrated Dr. Barker, who bemoans the lack of structured support for permanently implementing a human presence off the planet rather than scientific outposts similar to McMurdo station in Antarctica.

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.

For now, that is the best we can hope for in terms of a sustained human presence in spacethe main driving force behind Artemis, NASA's project to get humans back to the moonis to set up a scientific outpost rather than start utilizing resources to supply a permanent habitat. However, the agency has done some research on that topic.

VIPER would have been a great addition to that research, and the agency claims that other missions will cover its scientific objectives. But suppose it continues to cut funding to programs that could help implement the framework. In that case, a different organization will likely have to take on the mantle of utilizing resources in situ.

SpaceX seems to be the leader in that area, but it is currently focused, rightfully, on building bigger, better, and cheaper rockets. If and when it is able to more closely focus on its stated goal of making humanity interplanetary, then at least it will have a framework for utilizing the resources needed to do so.
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

New Orleans is still reeling from a terror attack that involved a 42-year-old Army veteran driving a pickup truck through a Bourbon Street crowd on New Year's Day, killing at least 15 and injuring dozens more before being shot and killed by police.

The driver, identified as Shamsud-Dun Bahar Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas man who had served in the U.S. Army for eight years before being honorably discharged, had posted videos prior to the attack in which he "pledged allegiance to ISIS." He had an Islamic State flag in his truck, as well as firearms, authorities say, and had planted explosives at two nearby intersections, neither of which went off, before driving into the crowd.

As details about the violence and the suspect have been revealed, there is still a major looming question: What, if anything, could have been done to prevent the attack?

Carey Rappaport, a distinguished professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern University, says protecting vulnerable "soft targets," i.e. hospitals, schools and public spaces like Bourbon Street, is an ongoing challenge but one that needs to be addressed.

"There are certainly political and ethical and privacy considerations that have to be thought of," says Rappaport, deputy director of SENTRY, Soft Target Engineering to Neutralize the Threat Reality.

"It is inherently in conflict with privacy and civil liberty aspects. That is, you can certainly make everybody secure by having an armed guard escort everyone everywhere, but that's silly. If you have a lot of video surveillance, that helps, but people don't like to be surveilled that much."

In a location like Bourbon Street, a 12-block stretch of highly trafficked pedestrian activity, there are some solutions. Police cars or larger vehicles, like dump trucks full of sand, are often used to block off sections of roadway during events. Bollards, steel posts embedded in the ground, are a more permanent and reliable form of physical security, although the bollards blocking Bourbon Street had been removed for repair prior to the attack.

"Bollards work," Rappaport says. "Maybe a tank can get by those, but regular cars will get smashed up trying to run into them."

Rappaport notes that in a situation like this, physical barriers are the most commonand cost-effectivesolution that cities tend to deploy. He wouldn't be surprised to see more police cars blocking Bourbon Street next New Year's Eve.

"It does seem like with a wall of barriers that's serious enough you can prevent vehicles from being weaponized," Rappaport says.

The problem is that vehicles are not the only threat in public spaces: "It does seem like you'd also need to stop people who are carrying concealed weapons under their clothing as well," he adds.

In most cases where security is a concern, portal-based detection systems, like metal detectors at entryways, and radar detection systems are the solution. But in a large public gathering place, it's not feasible or practical to send large crowds through security checkpoints without raising public concern and city budgets.

So, can anything be done to truly prevent another attack like this? Groups like SENTRY are hard at work to find new methods of protection, but there are other solutions that go outside the boxor build an entirely new box, Rappaport says.

"A lot of it is looking at it from an architectural point of view and making a way so that maybe there aren't too many people assembled and vulnerable in one place at one time," Rappaport says. "It's a little like Disney, where you have multiple rooms to go through before you actually get on the ride."

That doesn't necessarily mean completely redesigning Bourbon Street, he notes. Sometimes something as simple as stairs can make all the difference.

"You don't see a lot of vehicular trauma inside buildings up a staircase," Rappaport says. "It's hard to drive a car upstairs. So maybe you just need three steps across each end of Bourbon Streetthree steps up, three steps downand pedestrians might not even notice that and it would get rid of all the cars."

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
Blu Prime Steakhouse, rated one of the top 10 steakhouses in San Antonio, is now the subject of a dispute among the players who launched it in 2023. Mike Sutter/Staff Vanessa Turney and Juan "Carlos" Vargas Rodriguez allege they were ousted as owners of Blu Ventures LLC -- the investor group behind Blu Prime Steakhouse -- as part of a "corporate raid" orchestrated by the group's leaders so they could "line their own pockets." Mike Sutter/Staff Blu Prime Steakhouse lost $1 million in its first year, according to a lawyer for the restaurant's investor group. Mike Sutter/Staff

The public feud among the players behind Blu Prime Steakhouse is getting even more heated.

Vanessa Turney and Juan Carlos Vargas Rodriguez allege they were ousted as owners amid a corporate raid orchestrated by leaders of the San Antonio restaurants investor group so they could line their own pockets.

Turney and Rodriguez, who were sued last month by Blu Ventures LLC, leveled that and other allegations in a countersuit filed this week. The pair also sued San Antonio businessman Wayne Detmar, who helms the investor group, and his colleague Kenny Reneau.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Blu Ventures fired the first shot in the legal battle by alleging Turney and Rodriguezs mismanagement caused the restaurant to end its recently completed first year of operation in the red.

In their countersuit, the pair say the allegation is nothing more than a pretext deliberately designed by Detmar, Reneau and other unidentified investors to cover up the true conspiratorial, retaliatory, and fraudulent nature of their conduct. Blu Ventures wants a court ruling directing Turney and Rodriguez to turn over their 5% ownership interests.

When there was a hint of profitability, Detmar, Reneau, and the other Members cut out Turney and Rodriguez and filed this lawsuit seeking a forced forfeiture of Turneys and Rodriguezs ownership interests in the Company in order to secure a windfall for themselves, Turney and Rodriguez allege.

They say the acclaim the restaurant has garnered  San Antonio Express-News restaurant critic Mike Sutter rated it San Antonios best steakhouse  is the direct result of their unrivaled efforts. Turney is founder of San Antonio marketing agency Crane Creatives LLC, which also is a defendant in Blu Ventures lawsuit. Rodriguez formerly worked at J-Prime Steakhouse.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The pair accuse Detmar of shirking his fiduciary duties to Blu Ventures by directing his attention to other businesses and legal issues, including pleading no contest to a charge of driving while intoxicated last year in Guadalupe County. He owns the Tex-Mex restaurant chain Las Palapas, while Reneau is its chief operating officer.

Detmar was responsible for Blu Ventures financial operations but failed to properly maintain its books and records, Turney and Rodriguez say.

This a personal smear campaign, said David Prichard, a San Antonio lawyer for Blu Ventures. Turney and Rodriguez got caught red-handed and so now theyre going to resort to personal smears that have nothing to do with running a business. Theyre even bringing up something about a DWI as if that has something to do with running a fine-dining restaurant. Thats what theyre resorting to.

He accused Turney and Rodriguez of trying to get things in through the press that they otherwise wont get before a jury.

Blu Prime has had staff turnover of more than 200 employees under Turney and Rodriguezs reign of terror, including multiple general managers, bar managers and executive chefs, Prichard said. Turney and Rodriguez were terminated because Blu Prime lost $1 million in its first year.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

They talk about all the great sales, but if you have to spend $9.1 million to generate $8 million, how long are you going to be in business? he added. They werent business people. We trusted them and this is what we get in return.

Blu Ventures lawsuit accuses Turney and Rodriguez of giving out hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of free food and drinks, well more than industry standards.

Prichard said meetings were held in an effort to buy out Turney and Rodriguezs 5% interests but the parties couldnt reach an agreement.

San Antonio attorney Ricardo Cedillo, who represents Turney and Rodriguez, declined to comment.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In an email last month, though, Turney said Detmar and the other investors are themselves guilty of the accusations they allege.

Greed explains why Carlos and I were expelled from our ownership position with nothing to show for the 3 years of work we invested in the venture, she wrote. She and Rodriguez say in their filing that they received their 5% ownership interests in consideration for the sweat equity they put into the company.

Blu Ventures has 12 owners. Ten of the members signed an operating agreement that says managing members may only be removed upon unanimous vote of all members, Turney and Rodriguez say. But they say the document was altered to remove that language. The pair say they never would have agreed to be involved with Blu Ventures had they known about the altered document.

Prichard denied that claim.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
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 put the final countdown in the books for the Space Coast early Tuesday, adding one more to the record pace of launches for the year.

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites lifted off from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-A at 12:39 a.m.

The first-stage booster flew for the 16th time, having previously flown the Crew-6 mission among its 15 other flights. It made a recovery landing on the droneship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic.

It marked the 93rd orbital launch from either KSC or neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with all but five coming from SpaceX.

The pace of launches blew by 2023's total of 72 back in October but fell short of the forecast of as many as 111 predicted in January.

For SpaceX, it flew 26 missions from KSC, including two Falcon Heavy launches in 2024. It launched another 62 from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40.

United Launch Alliance flew the other five missions, sending up two of its new Vulcan rockets and two Atlas V rockets from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 while the final Delta IV Heavy launch took off from Space Launch Complex 37.

SpaceX also flew 46 from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base, setting a company record of 134 orbital missions for the year. It flew its in-development Starship and Super Heavy on four suborbital test flights from its Texas launch site Starbase.

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 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 Jan. 56 launch attempt during a window from 11:30 p.m. until 2:45 a.m. and a backup of Jan. 67 during the same window, but Blue Origin has yet to announce its target launch date.

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:

Despite the arrival of 11 chicks last year and five new adults, the keepers can recognise the Humboldt penguins individually.

With bunches of lettuce and bucketloads of nuts, London Zoo kicked off its annual animal count Friday, coaxing everything from goats to gorillas out of their enclosures for the celebrated stocktake.

The zoo, which is nearly two centuries old, performs the nearly week-long formal tallying early each January, with several new additions already proving to be the highlights.

"We've had some really successful breeding successes over the last year," animal operations manager Dan Simmonds told AFP, listing the 11 penguin chicks, three Asiatic lion cubs and two baby gorillas born in 2024.

The zoo also rescued from Chile 53 Darwin's frogs, which are among so-called Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species, and bred a number of Socorro doves now extinct in the wild.

The keepers in the various enclosures will be kept "very busy" over the coming days as they count more than 10,000 animals from over 400 species, Simmonds noted.

"We've been on the go since before six o'clock this morning, and we'll be going through 'til the end of daylight today, and then repeating for quite a few more days, until we've completed the entire count," he said.

Lemur yoga

But with morning temperatures close to zero degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit) in mid-winter London, some inhabitants required a little more encouragement to emerge from their heated cabins.

Four brown-nosed coatis are among the zoo's residents.

The zoo's eight ring-tailed lemurs, endangered primates that hail from the dry forests and bushy scrubland of Madagascar, were especially shy at sunrise.

A couple eventually wandered over to an outdoor heat lamp, where they happily perched in unison in yoga-like poses. The rest of the Lemuridae huddled for warmth under heaters inside.

"The lemurs will sunbathe and do their famous yoga poseit enables them to get the sun rays into the core of their body," noted Simmonds.

Over at Gorilla Kingdom, there was no trouble luring the seven-strong troop of western lowland gorillas from their pens for visual confirmation of their numbers.

Its two newest membersJuno and Venus, born in January and February last yearhung on to their mothers as the troop scrambled out to grab an assortment of mixed vegetables.

The resident squirrel monkeys also helped with the stocktake.

"We're really excited about the baby gorillas," said Glynn Hennessy, the zoo's lead keeper of primates.

"It's been a long effort to get a male in, for him to have courtship with the females and then produce two offspring for us.

"And we're seeing their characters come through every single day," he added of Juno and Venus.

"They're very different, but it's wonderful to see the family group really having a few more members in it now."

Western lowland gorillas live in the tropical and swamp forests of west and central Africa, where their numbers are threatened by deforestation, hunting and disease.

Memorising penguins

Elsewhere at the zoo, the Humboldt penguins, which come from Peru and Chile, were busy swimming or basking in some morning sunshine as the count got underway.

In addition to the birth of 11 chicks last year, five new adults arrived from other European zoos, increasing the colony to 65.

Eleven penguin chicks were born at London Zoo last year, with the colony of Humboldt penguins now numbering 65.

The seven-strong troop of western lowland gorillas includes two youngest born last January and February.

'We're really excited about the baby gorillas,' said Glynn Hennessy, the zoo's lead keeper of primates .

Despite the large tally, their keepers can recognize them each individually, according to Simmonds.

"It's amazingI certainly couldn't do that," he added, noting each had a small bracelet as a back-up to identify them.

"Think Taylor Swift friendship bracelets type of thing, so if you really need to, or if you've forgotten, then you can refer to the chart and formally identify them.

"But keepers don't generally need to do that. They can just do it all from memory."

The zoo's diverse array of invertebrates must also be accounted for in the stocktake, a requirement of its zoological license.

That includes a new thriving hive of honeybeeshappily counted as one to avoid trying to tally dozens of busy bees on the move.

Once complete, the count will be shared with other zoos worldwidevia a database called ZIMS Species360where it is used to help manage the global conservation breeding programs for endangered animals.

 2025 AFP
The Scott County Board of Supervisors has a new chair  John Maxwell.

The board held its first meeting of the new year Thursday morning, swearing in new elected officials and electing a new chair and vice chair.

The chair presides over the board's meetings and frequently serves as a point-person or contact for the county board.

The five-member board unanimously voted for Maxwell, a Republican and dairy farmer, to lead the board as chair. He'll take the reins from Ken Beck, who won reelection this fall but will step back from the chairmanship duties.

The board also unanimously voted for Supervisor Jean Dickson as vice chair. Dickson is a Republican and an attorney first elected to the board in 2022.

Scott County voters first voted Maxwell to the Board of Supervisors in 2018. Maxwell owns Cinnamon Ridge Dairy Farm and is a member of the North Scott School Board.

Maxwell asked meeting attendees for a round of applause for Beck, who, Maxwell said, did "a fantastic job."

"Thank you for guiding the county for the past four years," Maxwell said.

Beck responded with thanks and said, "Being the lead duck for four years, I think it's about time for me to go to the back and let somebody else take the headwind."

In an interview with the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus on Thursday, Maxwell said he's "not the guy that comes in and makes a whole bunch of changes."

"The county is running well," Maxwell said. "It would be silly of me to disrupt that momentum that we have."

Some important county business to tackle in 2025 will be crafting a budget, reviewing the results of a county space-needs study and keeping county employee wages and benefits up to attract and retain workers.

"We came out of COVID and realized even though we did a salary study, we were starting to fall behind," Maxwell said.

The countys employees have received several raises since then. Most recently, employees received an effective 6% raise starting July 1, 2024.

The space study will take stock of the county's properties, services and space needs, and make recommendations. Maxwell said the study was spurred by the construction of the new Youth Justice Rehabilitation Center, the new juvenile detention facility at 4715 Tremont Ave., Davenport.

In building at that location, the county demolished a county warehouse and moved what was there to a storage facility in Eldridge. Once the old detention facility, at 500 W. 4th Street, is vacated, Maxwell said there needed to be discussions on what the county should do with that building, which was once a car dealership.

The county also rents an office at a building behind the Village Shopping Center on West Kimberly Road in Davenport as a satellite office for the county treasurer for residents to access services for motor vehicle transfers, renewals and property tax payments.

The county shares part of the building with the Iowa Department of Transportation, which operates a driver's license renewal site there.

But, Maxwell said, the DOT is planning to move out of that building. With high rent, too much space and some problems with roof leaks and water line breaks, Maxwell said the county treasurer's satellite office, called the General Store, is looking to move too, and the study will help the county make a decision on where to go.

The board, in a split vote in May, authorized the purchase of a building at Paul Revere Square, 2322 E. Kimberly Rd., Davenport, for $360,000 to potentially house the county's General Store. Maxwell said it was a cheap price and county officials thought they needed to move quickly in case they were kicked out of their current building, which did not come to pass.

Maxwell said plans for the Paul Revere building were essentially on hold until the space needs study was done. The Iowa DOT also has not settled on a location to move to, he said.

"Do we want to keep it? We could sell it and it'd be a wash," Maxwell said of the Paul Revere property. "There's a lot of things up in the air."

Maxwell noted during the meeting that his grandfather was the chair of the board of supervisors from 1956 to 1958.

In addition to Beck, County Auditor Kerri Tompkins and County Sheriff Tim Lane were both sworn in on Thursday after winning reelection in November. Tompkins was appointed in 2021, and Lane was first elected in 2016.

New supervisor Maria Bribriesco, a Democrat, was sworn in November, as she was elected to a seat that was previously filled by appointment.
Eddie Sanchez, 26, of Stockdale, faces a federal charge of interference with flight crew members and attendants. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

A Stockdale man is facing up to 20 years in federal prison in connection with the assault of a flight attendant in May while on a plane headed to San Antonio from Utah.

Eddie Sanchez, 26, has been out on bail since November, according to federal court documents. He appeared Thursday afternoon with his attorney, Guillermo Lara Jr., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Farrer in a bond status hearing to confirm that Sanchez had been complying with conditions for his release that had been set by the court.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

A federal grand jury indicted Sanchez on July 24, about two months after he was arrested on a charge of interference with flight crew members and attendants.

On May 26, Sanchez was on Delta flight 570 traveling between Salt Lake City and San Antonio, and was talking on his phone while the plane was in the air, according to the indictment. A flight attendant  a man identified in the indictment by the initials C.L.  asked Sanchez to hang up the phone, and Sanchez punched him in the nose, the indictment alleges.

During Sanchez's arraignment in August, Assistant U.S. Attorney Karina O'Daniel told the court at Sanchez had to be restrained by others on the plane.

"The flight attendant indicated... he could tell that there was a presence of alcohol involved and the defendant was on the phone and they were in the air and the flight attendant asked that if the defendant could get off the phone, and the defendant got irritated with the flight attendant and as a result punched him in the face," O'Daniel told the court.

The incident "interfered significantly with the duties of the other flight attendants and caused a significant disturbance on the plane," O'Daniel told the court.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

She said there was talk of redirecting the flight, but Sanchez was "under control," and the plane was close enough to be able to land in San Antonio.

San Antonio airport police became involved in the incident once the plane landed, but O'Daniel said Sanchez "continued to be belligerent, and picked up additional charges of retaliation" when he threatened those officers.

The prosecutor told the judge Sanchez should stay in custody because at the time of the incident, he already was out on bail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. That charge was filed in Wilson County, where he lives on a family ranch as a horse trainer and jockey, according to court documents.

In 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration adopted a stricter unruly passenger policy following a spate of incidents on aircraft following restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. It is a federal offense for passengers to interfere with, physically assault, or threaten to physically assault aircraft crew or anyone else on an aircraft.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Offenders face stiff penalties, which include fines up to $250,000 and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
Michael George, 17, was charged with animal cruelty. He is accused of dragging a dog with a motorcycle and shooting it. He then buried the deceased dog, Bexar County investigators said. Bexar County Sheriff's Office/Facebook

A San Antonio-area teen accused of fatally dragging and shooting a dog has been arrested.

Michael Christopher George, 17, was charged with animal cruelty, which is a third degree felony.

George was arrested on Wednesday and booked into the Bexar County jail on Thursday. A judge set his bail at $15,000. He posted bond the same day and was released from jail.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

A video of the "horrifying incident" showed George dragging a dog behind his motorcycle on a gravel road, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office said.

The sound of multiple gunshots was also heard in the video.

ALSO READ: Toddler critically wounded in Montessori preschool crash near Boerne dies

George told investigators that he shot the dog on Dec. 29 because it had bitten one of his siblings. He also attempted to cover up his actions by saying he buried the dog in the woods.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Investigators later discovered the deceased dog with multiple gunshot wounds. Shell casings were also found nearby.
Cancun and Tulum top Mexico destination choices for international female travelers

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  Cancun and Tulum are two of the top Mexico preferences for international female travelers. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the two Quintana Roo cities were part of the countrys four favorite destinations during 2024.

Josefina Rodriguez Zamora, the Secretary of Tourism, says Tulum leads the national ranking with 59 percent of female travel preferences, while the city of Cancun follows behind closely with 53.7 percent.

The two cities were ranked highly for their friendly and safe travel experiences. According to Rodriguez, Tulum in particular stands out as the most popular destination with 59 percent of its international tourist made up of single female travelers.

Tulum was followed by Oaxaca with 53.8 percent and Cancun with 53.7 percent. Single female travelers heading to Mexico also favored Los Cabos with 53.4 percent.

Regarding the top positions of Cancun and Tulum, this confirms the growing trend of female tourism in the state, who seek not only relaxation, but authentic and safe experiences, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama said.

In this New Era of Tourism, Quintana Roo destinations have a more inclusive, responsible and women-friendly approach, Lezama said, in addition to offering experiences that range from well-being and relaxation to adventure and culture, all in a safe and respectful environment.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of Mexico, in the first 11 months of 2024, 10.2 million international female travelers arrived in Mexico by air, which represents an increase of 2.4 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

More than half of those travelers chose destinations in Quintana Roo, consolidating the state as one of the most visited places by female travelers. Josefina Rodriguez said that according to the Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB), women represent 51.1 percent of the total number of international tourists arriving in Mexico by plane.
Former Cancun commander of Investigative Police charged with aggravated homicide

Cancun, Q.R.  A former Cancun police commander has been officially charged with aggravated homicide. On Thursday, Miguel Angel N, alias El Tigre, former commander of the Investigative Police, was charged with a May 2023 homicide.

In a statement, the local authorities said the events for which he is being investigated occurred on May 23, 2023, when the victim arrived at a stable located very close to the Alfredo V. Bonfil delegation, at the same time that a white vehicle also arrived, driven by Alonso N, alias El 7.

In the passenger seat was Miguel Angel N, who got out of the vehicle to shoot the victim several times with a firearm, losing his life at the scene, while the occupants of the vehicle fled, later hiding the car in an irregular colony.

In their statement, authorities noted that the driver of the vehicle, Alonso N, had an outstanding arrest warrant also related to the May 2023 murder, but was killed in Mexico City in December of 2023.

Miguel Angel N held the position of Commander of the Investigative Police of Quintana Roo during the previous administration of former Governor Carlos Joaquin from 2016 to 2022. He was captured December 17, 2023 in the city of Pachuca, Hidalgo and returned to Quintana Roo to face charges.
Imoveqroo caravan issues more than 4,000 new drivers licenses in remote areas

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  More than 4,200 driving licenses were issued through the mobile van of the Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo) in four months. Since September 2024 when the mobile program began, the van scheduled appointments in 45 hard-to-reach Quintana Roo communities.

Rodrigo Alcazar Urrutia, who heads Imoveqoo, said they issued a total of 4,245 driving licenses through the Mobile Unit Caravans program that began operating on September 18.

The two mobile units, which are outfitted to issue licenses on the spot, visited 45 remote locations throughout the state.

Since mid-September, the Imoveqroo units provided licenses in the municipalities of Othon P. Blanco, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Jose Maria Morelos, Solidaridad, Puerto Morelos, Benito Juarez, Lazaro Cardenas, Tulum, Isla Mujeres and Bacalar.

Imoveqroo personnel visited areas located furthest from Imoveqroo offices where drivers licenses are normally issued. Since starting operations, the two mobile caravans set up 58 times in 45 communities in 10 of the states municipalities providing more than 4,200 drivers with new licenses.

We are very satisfied with the response of the citizens to this program. The Caravans of Mobile Units have proven to be an effective tool to bring Imoveqroo services to those who need them most, said Rodrigo Alcazar Urrutia.

Inside the vans, personnel carry out the full procedure for municipal residents to obtain a drivers license.

Violette Eljure, the Director of Licensing at Imoveqroo, said the first caravan was set up in the town of Leona Vicario in Puerto Morelos. On that first day, Imoveqroo issued 170 new drivers licenses.

She said people who used their service have been grateful to the state for taking the process to their locality.

I am thrilled that in the most remote villages in the Mayan area, for example, there were people who had never had a drivers license in their lives because it meant spending money and time to travel long distances to their municipal capital for a single procedure.

It is a great achievement of Imoveqroo to bring the procedure closer to them, she said.
Judge postpones Aguakan Amparo trial until February

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The Eighth District Court has again postponed the Aguakan hearing that could see the companys contract ended. On Thursday, the Court announced Aguakan case File 1323/2023 would be postponed until the morning of February 7, 2025.

This latest postponement came more than a year after Quintana Roo Congress approved Decree 195 to revoke the extension granted to Aguakan to operate the water and sewage service in four municipalities.

The constitutional hearing to resolve the Amparo trial filed in response by Aguakan has not yet taken place. On January 2, the Eighth District Court announced the February postponement.

The decree approved by the Seventeenth Legislature in late 2023 sought to revoke the 30 year concession granted to Aguakan during the government of Roberto Borge. However, the company filed an injunction in defense of its rights which has delayed the final resolution.

Currently, Aguakan continues to operate in the municipalities of Solidaridad, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres and Benito Juarez. The concession granted by the Borge government granted the company permission to operate privately in those four municipalities until 2054.

In November, President Claudia Sheinbaum signed the National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability for Mexico between the Government of Mexico and the National Water Commission (Conagua).

The Director General of the Comision Nacional del Agua (Conagua), Efrain Morales Lopez, says the Agreement is derived from the National Water Plan 2024-2030 and is to guarantee the human right to water in sufficient quantity and quality, ensure the sustainability of resources and promote proper management of water in all its uses.

Deputy Jorge Arturo Sanen Cervantes, President of the Governing Board and Political Coordination of the state Congress of Quintana Roo, said the new agreement involving the right to water will likely change circumstances for the Aguakan water company.
In this file photo, U.S. border agents and K-9 security dogs keep watch at a checkpoint station Feb. 22, 2013, in Falfurrias, Texas. Eric Gay/Associated Press

A U.S. Border Patrol agent accused of abusing her K-9 partner at a South Texas checkpoint was following protocol for disciplining the dog, according to the labor union.

Border Patrol launched an investigation this week after a traveler posted footage on Facebook of what appeared to be an agent driving her knee twice into a dog Wednesday afternoon at the Falfurrias checkpoint in South Texas.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Corpus Christi resident Jessica Pena, who captured and posted the now-viral video on Facebook, said agents told her the dog was choking and that handlers "discipline dogs in their own ways."

In a statement posted on social media Thursday, the labor union for agents in Border Patrol's Rio Grande Valley Sector said that Pena's social media post told only one side of the story.

"The video shows the agent utilizing proper corrective techniques as she was trained to do by the Border Patrol's own canine handler instructors," said the Rio Grande Valley chapter of the National Border Patrol Council.

There is "never an excuse" for abuse, the union said, but making corrections for disobedience and other K-9 behavior is part of the training agents receive to assert themselves as an "alpha" over the dog.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Agents are also trained to make corrections out of public view because the public perceives the K-9s as pets and not working dogs, according to the union.

The union's post drew over 280 angry reactions, along with over 200 positive reactions, in less than 12 hours.

"The agency has stated that an investigation is being conducted, and we are confident that once completed, the evidence will show that the agent utilized her training and that no violations of policy occurred," the union said.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

"We look forward to a full and fair investigation void of personal emotion," the union said.

In a letter to senior Border Patrol officials Thursday, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals requested the agency remove the K-9 from the handler's custody and reassign the handler to duties that do not involve animals.

"If a border patrol agent was bold enough to repeatedly knee a K-9 in full view of waiting cars, the thought of what could be happening to this dog out of public sight is truly chilling," says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch in a statement.

The animal rights organization also asked that the "full investigation" promised by Border Patrol be conducted by an external third party.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

After announcing an investigation into the incident Wednesday, Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez said that K9 mistreatment or abuse "will not be tolerated in any capacity."
Like the neorealists before her, Payal Kapadia is an urban film poet. In Sight and Sound in 1950, chafing against the neorealist tag, Vittorio De Sica argued that his real goal in films such as Bicycle Thieves (1948) was not simply to capture reality but to transpose [it] into the poetical plane. He did not see any future in neorealism unless it surmounted the barrier separating the documentary from drama and poetry. What swept away the audiences who saw All We Imagine as Light in Cannes was precisely this lack of separation. The meditative and lyrical manner in which Kapadia films Prabhas story during Mumbais monsoon season uncovers poetry in banal, everyday spaces and objects, from congested train carriages to hospitals to clothes on a rooftop washing line. The number of ways Kapadia finds to capture the colour blue alone demonstrates her remarkable talent, not to mention the way her film encompasses a plea for tolerance, a critique of rampant urban development and an ode to underappreciated labour while also savouring the delights of romance and friendship.

Isabel Stevens in her cover feature, an exclusive interview with Payal Kapadia for All We Imagine as Light.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

On the night of the U.S. election, I witnessed an interaction I havent been able to get out of my mind since.

It was a weird evening even for me, 4,000 miles away from the nearest poll. A friend had suggested that a bunch of us make an evening of it in central London and booked us a table at a hotel that was doing an all-night election party. It would be midnight or later before any states would be called, but no matter. We had been given a table in a smaller room off the main hotel bar, which we were sharing with three other groups. On our way in, my friend wondered aloud whether there might be any stealth Trump supporters here. This was the wrong question. As I walked to the toilet and counted one, two, five, eight MAGA hats, it became apparent that it wasnt just that there were a lot of Republicans at this partythe overwhelming majority of the attendees wanted the former president to win.

This was something we should have foreseen. It was a nice hotel, in a chichi part of town, with a bar called the American Bar. Of course there were Republicans there. We decided to stay on the basis that it would at least be more interesting than drinking beers on someones sofa in front of the television. It turned out that our smaller room off the main bar, whether by coincidence or some kind of clairvoyant insight by the hotel, contained only people hoping for a Harris win. When the first call was made for TrumpKentuckya woman spun around and eyeballed my group for our reaction, then seemed visibly relieved. She and her friends, all Americans working in London, said they needed to be together that night. I think were in a safe space here, one of the womans friends said to her, but the walk to the bathroom? Thats not a safe space.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

After 1 a.m., my friends began to peel off, with work to do in the morning. Around 2, bored of waiting for anything definitive and curious about what was going on in the main bar, I went exploring. Given the way that our roommates had been talking about the MAGA crowd, as if they were genuinely afraid of interacting with them, I felt strangely nervous. But the mood in the main bar was jolly. The Trump people were decidedly not worried. I hung out with two Republican guys in suits who live in Brussels; they merrily ribbed each other and spoke about the importance of freedom to the American spirit.

Advertisement

As 3 a.m. came and went, I sat at the bar with one of my last remaining friends and an espresso, thinking that the metaphor of the two factionalized rooms at this hoteltheir proximity but total separationfelt absurdly on the nose. Then my attention was drawn to raised voices elsewhere in the room. A British guy in a black velvet jacket and MAGA hat and an American woman in a pair of Gloria Steinemstyle glasses were arguing. The woman was gesticulating with carefully contained fury.

Advertisement

Can you point to any statistics about immigration? she was asking him. There are a lot of documented immigrants in New York who are not allowed to vote. Did you know that?

Their argument continued for perhaps 45 minutes, running in circles around all the big political talking points. Neither of them ceded any ground, no headway was made in any direction, and yet they carried on.

You cant engage in rational debate, the man told the woman eventually, but Trump deals in facts, facts, facts, and thats why hes gonna win. The woman snapped and stood up. There was a tense moment during which it seemed that one of the two combatants was going to have to leave the bar. But instead, they both stayed, studiously ignoring each other.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related From Slate Can Donald Trump Really Get Rid of Birthright Citizenship? Well ... Read More

A big, middle-aged Irishman sidled past my friend and muttered, I thought it was bad in Belfast.

Trump did, of course, win. But Ive been thinking about this concerted ignoring since then. I had started wondering, a few weeks before the election, why I hadnt had many conversations about it. Sure, here in the U.K. we all talked about the election after that guy tried to shoot Trump, and when Biden looked increasingly incapable of participating in the race. But in general, I felt as if my peers and I, a group usually pretty engaged in politics both at home and abroad, had been more tapped out than usual.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Its not that nobody in the U.K. cared about the U.S. electionfar from it. According to a recent poll, more Brits cared about who won the U.S. election than who won the Tory leadership race, although the context here is that every single person in contention for the Tory leadership was a clown. But theres been a deflated response to events in the U.S. compared with 2020, or even 2016. It may be that we just had a general election in July and people are generally trying to enjoy the sensation that the lesser of the two evils won ours, a first in my voting lifetime. But I think its also that, to many of us over here, a second Trump presidential term has seemed too dreadful to seriously contemplate. As one friend put it a few days before the election: From time to time, I remember that its happening and that the most powerful country in the world might have a mad fascist in charge again, and then I sort of recoil from paying attention.

Advertisement

With only a few weeks to go before Trumps inauguration, we still arent talking about Trump much, and we like it that way. I get the sense that over here, people are clinging to the last moments when it will be possible to ignore hima phenomenon Im told has taken hold of more than a few people in the States too.

Advertisement

Advertisement

But eventually we will have to care. What goes on in America becomes our business, one way or another. When America sneezes, the world catches a cold, as the saying goes, a phrase I had to Google because I misremembered it as When America shits its pants, the whole world smells it. Wrong, and gross, but maybe theres something to it. What were worried about catching off you guys come Jan. 20 feels less like a case of the sniffles and more like, I dont know, dysentery. We wont be able to ignore each other across the room for much longer.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250103/israel-to-send-negotiators-to-qatar-to-resume-deadlocked-gaza-ceasefire-talks---1121340980.html

Israel to Send Negotiators to Qatar to Resume Deadlocked Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Israel to Send Negotiators to Qatar to Resume Deadlocked Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Sputnik International

Israel is sending negotiators to Qatar to resume Gaza ceasefire talks.

2025-01-03T06:34+0000

2025-01-03T06:34+0000

2025-01-03T06:34+0000

world

palestine-israel conflict

israel

benjamin netanyahu

ceasefire

hamas

qatar

middle east

donald trump

palestinians

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/03/1121340400_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_529cdaa9b133313b3e9d81e4ddaa29e6.jpg

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sending a delegation to Qatar for talks on a Gaza ceasefire, his office announced on Thursday. Representatives from the Israel Security Agency (ISA), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and Israels foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, will travel to Doha, the statement said. This comes after a Hamas delegation met with mediators in Egypt, according to the groups spokesperson Jihad Taha, cited by Xinhua. As a result of the talks, a proposal was worked out that would be presented to Israel in a last-ditch attempt to secure a deal before January 20, a source told the outlet. Talks have stalled over issues such as demands for Hamas to provide a list of hostages for release before a ceasefire, Israels refusal to approve the release of some of the Palestinian prisoners requested by Hamas, and Tel Avivs desire for a deal that does not include stopping the war and withdrawing fully from Gaza, according to media reports.Hamas must either release hostages soon or suffer blows of a magnitude not seen in Gaza for a long time, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday. US President-elect Donald Trump has also threatened that there will be all hell to pay if Hamas doesnt release the remaining hostages before his inauguration. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has continued its assaults on Gaza, with attacks having already killed at least 45,581 Palestinians, according to the enclaves Health Ministry.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241225/hamas-accuses-israel-of-stonewalling-gaza-ceasefire-with-new-demands-1121268579.html

israel

qatar

egypt

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

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

Svetlana Ekimenko

israel is sending negotiators to qatar to resume gaza ceasefire talks, gaza ceasefire, palestinian movement hamas, gaza strip,
Rival camps of South Korean protesters faced off in chaotic scenes outside the presidential compound Thursday, some trying to protect the impeached president inside from arrest, as others called for his immediate detention.

President Yoon Suk Yeol was last month impeached by lawmakers over his ill-fated martial law declaration and investigators probing him over insurrection have a warrant to detain him which they have vowed to execute before Monday.

But hundreds of Yoon's die-hard supporters, including far-right YouTube personalities and evangelical Christian leaders, gathered outside his compound in Seoul, facing off with the anti-Yoon camp and riot police.

One woman threw herself in front of a police bus, spreading her arms across the windshield, while other Yoon supporters lay down in the street -- eyes closed, arms crossed in front of them -- when police attempted to move them.

,

"Impeachment invalid" the protestors yelled as they waved South Korean flags and red lightsticks.

"Yoon Suk Yeol, Yoon Suk Yeol, we protect! We protect!" they yelled.

Dozens of people were livestreaming the protests on YouTube channels, AFP reporters saw.

On Wednesday, Yoon sent a message to the hardline supporters outside his residence, telling them he was watching them on YouTube and urging them to help him "defend democracy" and "fight to the end".

The opposition and experts decried his move, claiming it was an attempt to weaponise his most extreme protesters, and warning it could lead to violence.

But Yoon supporters like Kim Sang-bae, 63, said they would not leave the area, as they were desperate to "stop the injustice" of the sitting president being arrested -- a first in South Korean history.

Yoon's lawyers have said they believe the arrest warrant is illegal and his security team has previously refused to honour search warrants.

The president himself has refused the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO)'s summons three times -- which is what prompted them to seek to detain him for questioning.

Local media reported that one pro-Yoon protester was arrested on charges of obstructing police.

Close by, hundreds of anti-Yoon protesters staged a rival rally, singing the national anthem as scores of riot police struggled to keep the opposing camps separated.

One anti-Yoon demonstrator Bae Hoon, 46, said that they "were struck on the head and assaulted repeatedly", by Yoon's supporters when they tried to hold a press conference.

"I felt that if we had stayed just five more minutes, a serious incident could have occurred," Bae added, saying police tried to help but were outnumbered.

"The pro-Yoon crowd was overwhelming, with around 500 to 600 people surrounding us, and more kept joining... leading to assaults and verbal abuse," Bae added.

Yoon is facing a final Constitutional Court ruling on his impeachment, plus jail time or even the death penalty on the insurrection charges.

One protester, No Seung-gap, 52, waved a huge flag that read: 'Execute Yoon Suk Yeol'.

"I couldn't sleep for days so I came out here in frustration," he said, adding that unless people took to the streets, the investigators probing Yoon seemed "ineffective".

"Please let the world know that the South Korean people won't stand for this ridiculous attempt to destroy our democracy," he added.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250103/russian-philosopher-dugin-2024-marked-turning-point-in-russias-favor-in-ukraine-special-op-1121343002.html

Russian Philosopher Dugin: 2024 Marked Turning Point in Russias Favor in Ukraine Special Op

Russian Philosopher Dugin: 2024 Marked Turning Point in Russias Favor in Ukraine Special Op

Sputnik International

2024 marked a turning point in Russias favor in the course of its special military operation in Ukraine, renowned Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin told Sputnik.

2025-01-03T15:26+0000

2025-01-03T15:26+0000

2025-01-03T15:26+0000

analysis

russia

ukraine

alexander dugin

donald trump

georgia

vladimir putin

hungary

video

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/03/1121343803_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_7d38b2e8e72c93038329a714c6cb65b1.jpg

2024 marked a turning point in Russias favor in the course of its special military operation in Ukraine, renowned Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin told Sputnik.He clarified that there had been fundamental infrastructural achievements on the front, with Ukraine forced to finally stop advancing, unable to adequately resist Russia's onslaught.In his opinion, Russia has demonstrated its determination to fulfil all the initially-set goals, adding:"No [peace] proposals that do not amount to the complete and unconditional surrender of the Kiev Nazi regime will be accepted by us. This is the absolutely clear will of our leadership, of our people, of our society, of our army, of all that Russia represents as a state and civilization."US Values Differ From Russias WorldviewDonald Trumps election for a second term signals serious talk about the end of wokeism, liberalism and globalism in America, said Alexander Dugin.Trump will not continue the policy line that persisted for the last 30 years in the US, except for his presidency in 2016 to 2020, speculated the philosopher. That policy has focused on promoting left-wing globalism, LGBT-related agendas, what's called wokeism, which is banned in Russia, the destruction of traditional values and promoting a unified, transnational world order with a world government, global liberal elites at the helm, based on the ideology of liberalism, he underscored.However, it is unrealistic to believe that Trump represents a worldview similar to Russias, Dugin said, adding:Georgia Elections SIgnal Rejection of Wests Liberal ElitesElection results in Georgia are part of a broader trend demonstrating that Europe is no longer willing to blindly follow the outgoing liberal elites of the West, said Alexander Dugin.The leaders of Georgia, Hungary and Slovakia "are the leaders of the future of the world, including the European world," according to Dugin, while the European globalists are still living in the past.Putins Strategy Should Be Turned Into IdeologyWe need to move from Putin to Putinism, precisely to hedge the risk associated with one man," emphasized Alexander Dugin."Putin is more than a person; he is a country, he is a vector, the Russian political philosopher said, addingthat the essence of Putins policies should be translated into some kind of ideology.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241228/russia-overwhelms-ukraine-and-nato-technology-in-special-op-1121245570.html

russia

ukraine

georgia

hungary

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2024 marked a turning point in Russias favor in its special operation in Ukraine - Russian philosopher Dugin Sputnik International 2024 marked a turning point in Russias favor in its special operation in Ukraine - Russian philosopher Dugin 2025-01-03T15:26+0000 true PT1M29S

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

us president-elect, donald trump, what will trump victory bring, what change will trump election victory bring, renowed russian philosopher alexander dugin
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250103/time-for-us-to-stop-using-taiwan-card---chinese-ambassador-to-russia-1121340163.html

Time for US to Stop Using 'Taiwan Card' - Chinese Ambassador to Russia

Time for US to Stop Using 'Taiwan Card' - Chinese Ambassador to Russia

Sputnik International

The United States must stop using the "Taiwan card" and destabilizing the region, as it will lose facing the "force of China," Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui told Sputnik.

2025-01-03T04:07+0000

2025-01-03T04:07+0000

2025-01-03T04:17+0000

world

taiwan

us

china

people's republic of china

taiwan strait

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/12/1119419748_0:280:2687:1791_1920x0_80_0_0_13ab00d115a3239d475fae277df3e3f4.jpg

"Playing with fire leads to self-immolation. It is high time for the US to stop using the 'Taiwan card,' which is destined to lose," Zhang said in an article written for Spuntik. Some high-ranking US officials "ignore facts and substitute lies for the truth," openly supporting Taiwan's independence, he added. Zhang also said that Washington supports the aspirations of Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te for independence "despite the risk to undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is completely contrary to their political promises."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230128/senior-us-general-predicts-war-with-china-in-2025-urges-airmen-to-prepare-to-come-home-in-body-bags-1106791710.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230329/china-urges-us-to-stop-all-forms-of-official-interaction-with-taiwan-1108927096.html

taiwan

china

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

one-china principle, taiwan, taiwan issue, chinese taiwan, one china policy, canada-china relations, china-canada relations, canada-china communication, canada-china communication, china-taiwan war, taiwan strait, potential conflict over taiwan
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250103/ukraine-loses-up-to-12455-troops-in-past-week-1121342462.html

Ukraine Loses Up to 12,455 Troops in Past Week

Ukraine Loses Up to 12,455 Troops in Past Week

Sputnik International

Ukraine has lost up to 12,455 soldiers and 17 tanks, including three German-made Leopards, in battles with Russian forces from December 28, 2024 to January 3, 2025, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.

2025-01-03T11:59+0000

2025-01-03T11:59+0000

2025-01-03T12:01+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

ukraine

kiev

russian defense ministry

multiple-launch rocket systems (mlrs)

high mobility artillery rocket system (himars)

kursk

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0a/0b/1120511820_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_4ad379bb68550ca0ac859985a2b40c2d.jpg

Kiev has lost over 3,175 servicemen, two tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, nine armored personnel carriers, including seven US-made M113s and four other armored fighting vehicles in clashes with Russias Zapad (West) group of forces, which also repelled 35 Ukrainian counterattacks, the ministry said in a bulletin. The Sever (North) group continued to repel Ukrainian military formations in the Kursk region, leading to over 3,130 Ukrainian soldier casualties and destruction of four tanks, five infantry fighting vehicles, seven armored personnel carriers and 51 armored fighting vehicles. Russias Tsentr (Center) group of forces has eliminated up to 2,750 Ukrainian soldiers and repelled 85 counterattacks, as well as destroyed seven tanks, including three Leopards. Russias Yug (South) group has continued advancing behind enemy lines, eliminating up to 1,745 Ukrainian troops, destroying four armored combat vehicles, including a US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, repelling eight counterattacks, and destroying three arms depots. Ukraine has lost over 1,155 soldiers and five US-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery systems in clashes with Russias Vostok (East) group of forces. Russias Dnepr group has eliminated up to 500 Ukrainian troops and destroyed five electronic warfare stations and five ammunition depots, according to the statement. Russian air defenses shot down 559 Ukrainian drones, a Su-27 fighter jet, 33 US-made HIMARS and Uragan MLRS projectiles, as well as three French-made Hammer precision-guided aviation bombs during the same period. In addition, the Russian armed forces launched one massive and 12 group strikes on Ukrainian military and industrial enterprises, as well as energy facilities, the ministry said. Up to 46 Ukrainian military personnel have been captured in the line of contact over the past week. In total, the Russian military has neutralized 651 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 39,207 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,208 tanks and other armored fighting vehicles, 1,505 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,163 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,832 units of support military vehicles since the start of the special military operation.Ukraine Loses Up to 225 Soldiers in Kursk Operation in Past DayThe Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 225 soldiers, two armored personnel carriers and three armored fighting vehicles in the offensive on the Russian border region of Kursk over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday."Over the past day, the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 225 troops, with two armored personnel carriers, three armored fighting vehicles, five vehicles and an artillery piece destroyed," the statement read.Since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk Region, Kiev has lost over 47,265 military personnel, 263 tanks, 204 infantry fighting vehicles, 146 armored personnel carriers, 1,393 armored fighting vehicles and 1,321 motor vehicles, as well as 340 artillery piece, 42 multiple rocket launchers, including 11 US-made HIMARS and six US-made MLRS, the ministry added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241228/us-officials-assess-kiev-may-lose-control-of-territory-in-kursk-in-months---reports-1121288784.html

russia

ukraine

kiev

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

ukraine losses during russian special military operation, russian special military operation, ukraine loses thousands of troops
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250103/us-approves-sale-of-missiles-to-japan-for-364bln---pentagon-1121340840.html

US Approves Sale of Missiles to Japan for $3.64Bln - Pentagon

US Approves Sale of Missiles to Japan for $3.64Bln - Pentagon

Sputnik International

The US State Department has approved a possible sale of advanced AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles and related equipment to Japan for $3.64 billion, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

2025-01-03T05:21+0000

2025-01-03T05:21+0000

2025-01-03T05:21+0000

military

japan

military & intelligence

us

us defense security cooperation agency

state department

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/15/1121229447_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_e5564c550f89b341ce2d3a3841f1d055.jpg

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.64 billion," the agency said in a statement on Thursday. Japan has requested the purchase of 1,200 AIM-120 missiles, the statement noted. By 2027, Japan plans to increase its total defense spending from 2023 to 43 trillion yen (about $273 billion). Thus, the defense budget is expected to increase every fiscal year. However, the Japanese government has yet to decide on the source of defense funding, as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has advocated raising corporate taxes, an initiative that has many opponents even within Ishiba's ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241225/japan-drafts-732bln-budget-for-2025-with-record-8bln-defense-spending---reports-1121264120.html

japan

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

the us state department has approved a possible sale of advanced aim-120d-3 and aim-120c-8 air-to-air missiles and related equipment to japan for $3.64 billion, the us defense security cooperation agency said.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250103/yemens-houthis-mobilize-to-fight-us-israel-prepare-to-welcome-enemies-to-great-hell-1121347327.html

Yemen's Houthis Mobilize to Fight US, Israel, Prepare to Welcome Enemies to Great Hell

Yemen's Houthis Mobilize to Fight US, Israel, Prepare to Welcome Enemies to Great Hell

Sputnik International

The militia, which gained control over wide swathes of Yemeni territory after a popular revolution in late 2014, has engaged in a missile and drone-based assault on Israel and Israeli-linked merchant shipping in the Red and Arabian Seas since November 2023, vowing to continue its operations until Tel Aviv halts the war in Gaza.

2025-01-03T18:13+0000

2025-01-03T18:13+0000

2025-01-03T18:13+0000

world

middle east

israel

yemen

houthi

houthis

israeli national security council

thaad

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/01/03/1121347170_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_f098024167d019cde1531a916569fd50.jpg

Yemenis are eager to engage the US and Israel on the battlefield, and prepared for a direct confrontation with the enemy, Zaid al-Gharsi, director of the Houthi-led National Salvation Governments Media and Cultural Affairs Department, said in a statement Friday.The Yemeni people are eager to engage in conflict with the nations enemies, and have been shouting the death to Israel slogan for the past 20 years, besides confronting the [military] equipment that would be deployed by the US and the regime against it, al-Gharsi said.We are in a state of readiness, and have prepared ourselves for all possible scenarios, al-Gharsi stressed. If the enemy thinks that it would stop Yemen [from supporting Palestine against Israel, ed.] we say this to them that they are suffering from an illusion.Yemenis will turn their enemies into ashes even if forced to fight them with their bare hands, the spokesman said.Furthermore, attempts to pressure the Houthis into submission by sponsoring mercenaries against them and targeting Yemens civilian infrastructure will fail, just as they have failed over the past nine years, al-Gharsi assured.Al-Gharsis remarks come amid a dramatic increase in the number of Houthi missile attacks targeting Israel in recent weeks, with the launches sowing chaos across wide swathes of the country amid the increasingly inexplicable failure of the country's sophisticated multilayered missile defense systems to intercept them before they reach Israeli airspace.The US deployment of a THAAD battery in Israel to protect its ally in October has apparently had little impact, aiding in the interception of a Houthi missile last week, but failing to handle projectiles fired on an almost daily basis in the days before or since.Millions of Israelis were awakened in the dead of night and forced to run for cover Friday morning after the latest Houthi missile penetrated Israeli airspace before being intercepted, with debris raining down on an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. Israels national emergency service said 12 people were injured on their way to shelters, with nine others treated for acute anxiety after the incident.Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree reported later in the day that a hypersonic ballistic missile had been launched at a power station in eastern Tel Aviv, presumably in a tit-for-tat response to Israels massive attacks on Yemeni infrastructure last week. In a separate operation, a drone was launched targeting a military site, Saree said.Houthi attacks will continue until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted, the spokesman vowed.The Houthis are more technologically advanced than perceived and should not be underrated, former Israeli National Security Council member Yoel Guzansky told the Washington Post on Friday in a piece underscoring the conundrum facing Israel and the US when it comes to confronting the Yemeni militia.Former Israeli defense and intelligence official Eyal Pinko told the outlet that unlike Hamas and Hezbollah, targeting Houthis in a ground maneuver isnt possible, while airstrikes are both costly and potentially limited in their effectiveness. Adding to difficulties is Israels limited intelligence penetration of the militia, Pinko said.Besides military and reputational risks, Houthi operations over the past year have taken a severe toll on the Israeli economy, with foreign airlines canceling flights into and out of the tourism-dependent nation, and the Eilat port bankrupted by the militias partial blockade of Israeli-linked shipping through the Red and Arabian seas.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250101/houthis-say-shot-down-us-mq-9-drone-over-yemen-1121327145.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241231/centcom-reports-precision-strikes-on-houthi-targets-in-yemen-1121323470.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241230/israel-declares-no-intent-to-attack-yemen-but-promises-retaliation-against-houthi-strikes-1121309251.html

israel

yemen

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60

2025

Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

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

Ilya Tsukanov

why can't israel stop houthis, why can't us stop houthis, can houthis be stopped, who are houthis, what are houthis
With holiday activities now completed and the new year officially rung in, Batavia Downs is ready for the return of live harness racing on Monday, Jan. 6 when the 2025 winter season kicks off the 85th year of the historic Genesee County oval in New York.

The eight-week, 15-day run will be held on a Monday-Thursday rotation with post time for all race days set for 3 p.m. The meet will run through Monday, Feb. 24.

Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at The Downs, is looking forward to the opening as the track is coming off another banner year.

Im very excited about the upcoming meet in view of the record numbers the track posted in 2024," said Hoover. "After showing a 10.5 per cent increase in our overall handle and realizing three one-day record handles in excess of $500,000 during our winter meet last year, I can only be optimistic about our product and ability to better those milestones this year. I cant wait to welcome back our loyal customers.

All of the top local horsemen and women will be on hand once again, including last years leading driver, Drew Monti, who posted a total of 136 wins that earned his connections $949,765 USD in purses, and trainer Sam Smith, whose horses won a total of 90 races and bankrolled $658,622 USD as a result of those efforts.

The local driver colony will have a new regular set of hands to contend with this year when Brett Beckwith makes Batavia his home twice a week for the next two months.

Beckwith raced sporadically at the Batavia winter meet last year and finished a close third for dash wins. This year as a regular, he will definitely be vying for the top spot on the leaderboard.

Beckwith is coming off a career-year in 2024 in which he won driving titles at both Saratoga Raceway and Plainridge Park. His combined 608 wins last year placed him third among all drivers in North America behind only Aaron Merriman and Jason Bartlett, and those wins helped his horses earn $6,271,414 USD in purses, while Beckwith himself earned a personal best UDR of .334. In December, Beckwith was named the United States Harness Writers Association's Dan Patch Rising Star for 2024, an award he will receive in February.

I like to keep busy and I get a lot of work at Batavia," said Beckwith. "The track itself is great since they redid it and they keep it in great shape. The driving colony there is very competitive and will keep you on your toes. But I get a lot of live drives from the trainers who use me and that makes for some exciting racing. Im looking forward to getting back to western New York.

Beckwith looks to get off to a fast start and has 10 drives on the 15 -ace card on Monday to help facilitate that.

The betting menu for each 15-race card features six Doubles, 15 Exactas, 15 Trifectas, 14 Superfectas, two Pick-3s, three Pick-4s, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five in the final race each day.

There are two promotions available for the tracks in-house customers on all live race days that add value to their wagers by providing free play on the gaming floor. The Early Bird Daily Double gives $10 back in free play when a minimum $10 is bet on the Early Daily Double between 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. and the Match Play Free Play Frenzy returns $25 in free play to anyone betting $25 at the same time on the same live Batavia Downs race. You must be a Players Club member to take part in both promotions and full rules are available at the track.

Fans on hand will also have food and drink options available to them each race day at the Homestretch Grill and the Clubhouse Rail Bar.

Free full past performance programs for all live racing days at Batavia Downs can be downloaded from the Batavia Downs website at bataviadownsgaming.com under the "Live Racing" tab and fans can watch all the live racing action as it happens for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube page @BataviaDownsGaming.

(Batavia Downs)
In Roman mythology, Neptune was the god of the freshwater and sea, frequently depicted commanding a seahorse-drawn chariot. For the first qualifier of 2025 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Neptune was victorious in equine form, driven by the reigning king of the Campbellville oval.

A six-year-old imported son of Bettors Delight, Neptune N was one of four entrants in the session of qualifiers at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday, Jan. 3. James MacDonald asked the pacer the cut the fractions and Neptune N obliged willing. After splits of :29.4, :59 and 1:27.3, Neptune navigated the conditions effortlessly, pacing home in :29 to trip the timer in 1:56.3 over a track with a one-second variant applied. Alabama Hannah was next across the wire for Anthony Haughan, just over a length back.

Trained by Harry Poulton for Thestable Neptune Group of Brunswick, Oh., Neptune N (Bettors Delight - Safedra) notched eight victories in his downunder racing career along with $63,718 in purses.

After a break for the month of December, driver Doug McNair made his return to competition at Mohawk in the third qualifier of the morning with a mile aboard father Gregg's pacer Volcanic. McNair is listed to drive in seven dashes on Monday, Jan. 6 at Mohawk and told Trot Insider that he's "ready to get back in the swing of things."

For results from the qualifying session, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers).

(Standardbred Canada; photo of Neptune N winning at Menangle Park)
LINCOLN  Nebraska lawmakers face an ambitious task in 2025 of balancing the state budget with an estimated $432 million shortfall, and fulfilling the governors continued goal of pushing for more property tax relief.

The first regular session of the Nebraska Legislature is the time when senators tackle the two-year state budget, with the next cycle lasting from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. Traditionally, lawmakers have passed the budget through three main bills that handle revenues, expenses and the cash reserve. Those bills must see floor debate no later than day 70 of the 90-day session, and receive final approval from lawmakers by day 80.

Given the expected shortfall, returning senators expressed differing levels of optimism when asked by The World-Herald about the feasibility of new tax relief in 2025. State Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood, the current appropriations chair, said in November that he didnt think there would be room for new relief, but other lawmakers said there will be creative ways to get it done.

Nebraskas Economic Forecasting Advisory Board will meet twice more before the budget is finalized. If forecasts shift, that work could make a difference in how the budget ends up.

Gov. Jim Pillen, who has made property taxes a cornerstone of his administration, said he is committed to passing more property tax relief, shortfall or no. He said he plans to accomplish this by doing something that has never been done before  pass a budget with negative spending compared to the previous fiscal year. For context, in the current fiscal year, lawmakers set general fund appropriations at just under $5.5 billion.

In the past two years of his administration, Pillen has claimed he maintained relatively modest spending increases. However, that largely relied on transfers from other cash funds like the Education Future Fund and the cash reserve. For example, during this summers special session on property taxes, lawmakers approved $200 million to be transferred out of the cash reserve to support new tax relief.

According to a Nebraska Examiner analysis in early December, including the cash transfers would push Pillens combined two-year spending increase to 22.5%, rather than the claimed 5.9%.

In an interview, Pillen listed several general ideas for how he plans to accomplish negative spending in the next budget, including prioritizing funding for what he considers needs over wants, pursuing more federal dollars, trimming down historic statutes and keeping an eye on unchecked spending in the Legislature.

The governor also reiterated his ideas to simplify the school funding formula, though he did not provide specifics on how he plans to do so. Pillens office recently released a report stating that 80% of the increase in school property taxes this year related to a drop in state aid.

The state needs to fund K-12 education, not run it, Pillen said.

Other lawmakers are eyeing adjustments to school aid as a way to ease the property tax burden, including Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward. Hughes is working with a bipartisan group of senators to develop a plan that will follow-up on a previous bill she brought during the special session to increase school aid and cut property taxes by lowering the maximum levy for schools.

During the special session, her bill, Legislative Bill 9, would have phased down the top levy from $1.05 per $100 of taxable valuation to 25 cents over nine years. The new bill would take a smaller bite, proposing a 10-cent drop to 95 cents, and set a minimum levy of 30 cents.

While Hughes said the governor has expressed interest in the state completely funding schools, she heard loud and clear from school officials during the special session that they dont want that, out of concern that it would eliminate local control.

Hughes said her hope is to bring school levies closer together across the state, so that taxes across district lines are more even. However, she said she is wary about the chances of her plan passing in 2025 given the shortfall. Early estimates show her new bill would cost around $360 million, she said.

Im a little bit pessimistic about what we can do, Hughes said.

Pillen also expressed continued interest in bringing up sales tax revenues as a way to offset property taxes. He said neighboring states like Iowa are slaughtering Nebraska in property taxes because they have higher sales taxes.

During this summers special session, this aspect of Pillens proposal was met with strong public opposition from residents who saw it as a tax shift, rather than a decrease. However, several senators have also expressed an interest in reexamining sales tax exemptions in 2025.

Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, whos part of the bipartisan group working with Hughes, said he plans to bring a bill next year proposing a list of 31 sales tax exemptions to possibly eliminate, including on pop and candy. He said he will also propose reviewing sales tax exemptions every five years.

Sen. Myron Dorn from Adams, another member of the group, said he was also open to discussing sin taxes, which would cover products like cigarettes, vapes, spirits, keno, games of skill and consumable hemp, although he did not say that he had a specific bill in the works.
Veteran Congressman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., was honored with one of the nation's highest civilian awards on Thursday as President Joe Biden presented him with the Presidential Citizens Medal.

"The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice," the White House detailed in a statement Thursday.

During a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Biden recognized Thompson, 76, for his more than three decades of service in Congress and his earlier contributions to local government. The award, coming as Biden's term approaches its conclusion on Jan. 20, celebrates Thompson's lifelong dedication to public service.

Thompson's role as the former chairman of the Jan. 6 House Select Committee and the first Black American to lead the House Committee on Homeland Security has garnered widespread acclaim on Capitol Hill. However, friends and colleagues emphasize that it is the entirety of his decades-long service as a public servant that truly underscores his deserving recognition.

"Long before he was the [Jan. 6] Select Committee chairman and chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Congressman Thompson fought for voting rights in Mississippi in the 1960s," said Hope Goins, who has worked as one of Thompson's top staffers for 18 years. "He's been defending democracy even before he was an elected official."

In a statement, Congressman Thompson said he was "honored" to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Biden.

"I have had an unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution and defending democracy," said Thompson. "Throughout my nearly six decades as a public servant, whether on the local or federal level, I have worked to ensure that democratic principles work for all Americans, not just a select few."

The White House announced that 20 individuals from across the nation would be honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Among them were Liz Cheney and Bennie Thompson, whom President Biden praised for their "intrepid" spirit and "steadfast commitment to truth."
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:

Human multi-object grasping strategy and the developed gripper : Humans can repeatedly grasp and store objects one by one using finger-to-palm translation, allowing multiple objects to be stored simultaneously. After moving multiple objects, they can retrieve and place them individually using palm-to-finger translation. Inspired by these motions, researchers at Seoul National University proposed a gripper capable of multi-object grasping in unstructured environments. Credit: Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.ado3939

A research team from Seoul National University has proposed a gripper capable of moving multiple objects together to enhance the efficiency of pick-and-place processes, inspired by humans' multi-object grasping strategy. The gripper not only transfers multiple objects at once but also places individual objects at desired locations. The study, which analyzed human motion principles and successfully applied them to a robotic gripper, is published in the journal Science Robotics.

This research was motivated by the human grasping strategy called "multi-object grasping," which involves transferring multiple objects at once. The team stated that the study began in 2019 after observing factory workers who, instead of moving objects individually, transferred multiple items simultaneously to enhance the efficiency of the pick-and-place process.

Professor Kyu-Jin Cho explained, "Unlike humans, conventional gripper designs have predominantly focused on transferring a single object at a time. While grippers for multi-object grasping have been developed, they typically consist of multiple small grippers arranged at the end of a robotic arm, restricting their use to highly structured environments."

Therefore, the research team analyzed the human multi-object grasping strategy, which is applicable in unstructured environments, and developed a gripper that mimics this capability. This gripper can sequentially grasp objects, store them, transfer multiple items simultaneously, and place them individually at desired locations.

Credit: Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.ado3939

To transfer multiple objects in unstructured environments, humans grasp individual objects with their fingers and translate them to the palm for storage. This action is known as finger-to-palm translation. Finger-to-palm translation frees the fingertips to grasp new targets and can be repeated to simultaneously store multiple objects in the palm.

After transferring multiple stored objects at once, humans use palm-to-finger translation to retrieve the stored objects one by one with their fingers and place them at desired locations. These in-hand translation motions are essential for multi-object grasping in unstructured environments.

Inspired by humans' strategy, the research team introduced a gripper with in-hand translation capability. The gripper features fingers that can translate objects and a conveyor palm for storing multiple items simultaneously. The fingers, powered by two motors, grasp objects and transfer them to the palm.

Decoupling links in the fingers kinematically separate the grasping and transferring motions, simplifying their control. The conveyor palm is designed as a pair of belts with elastic hairs embedded on their surfaces and actuated by a single motor. When the belts rotate, objects are inserted between the hairs, enabling the simultaneous storage and transfer of multiple objects.

Comparison between the single-object grasping method of conventional grippers and the multi-object grasping method of the developed gripper : Compared to the single-object grasping method, the multi-object grasping method can significantly reduce the travel distance of the robotic arm required for pick-and-place tasks, thereby decreasing the overall process time. Credit: Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.ado3939

The design of the developed MOGrip : The developed gripper consisted of four fingers and a conveyor palm. The belt-shaped palm was made up of two conveyor belts with elastic hairs embedded on their surfaces, allowing for the simultaneous storage of multiple objects. The fingers were designed to grasp and translate individual objects. By applying two decoupling links, the grasping and translating motions were separated, enabling simple control to grasp objects and transfer them to the palm. Credit: Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.ado3939

Efficiency comparison of multi-object grasping and single-object grasping in a lab-scale logistics environment : The developed multi-object grasping method reduced process time by 34% and the travel distance of manipulator by 71% compared to the conventional single-object grasping method. Credit: Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.ado3939

Home environment organization demonstration : The research team demonstrated that the developed MOGrip could store multiple objects, transfer them, and place them individually at desired locations. Credit: Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.ado3939

The research team demonstrated that the developed gripper (MOGrip) can be applied to various unstructured pick-and-place processes through lab-scale experiments. In a logistics environment, they showed that eight objects on a shelf could be transferred with just two reciprocating motions. Compared to single-object grasping, this reduced process time by 34% and the robotic arm's travel distance by 71%.

Additionally, in a domestic setting, the gripper successfully stored all objects on a desk and placed them individually at desired locations. MOGrip is expected to be applicable not only in logistics and home environments but also in other unstructured tasks, such as bin-picking processes.

Professor Cho, the senior researcher, stated, "The principles of nature provide inspiration for efficient robotic motion and actuation strategies. Finger-to-palm translation and palm-to-finger translations are a key component of the multi-object grasping strategy, and the developed gripper is the first example of applying this principle to a robot. It is expected to enable efficient pick-and-place operations in various unstructured environments, such as logistics and home settings."

Highlighting the significance of the study, he added, "The role of roboticists is not to simply mimic natural movements but to identify core principles and adapt them to robotic applications."

More information: Jaemin Eom et al, MOGrip: Gripper for multiobject grasping in pick-and-place tasks using translational movements of fingers, Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.ado3939 Journal information: Science Robotics
Tris head chef Austin Simmons. Cody Bahn, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Tris, one of the city's top steakhouses, has unexpectedly closed following chef Austin Simmons' departure.

Reservations platform OpenTable sent messages to customers with upcoming reservations that Due to Chef Austins resignation, we had to cancel your upcoming reservation(s). TRIS is now permanently closed.

On Instagram, the Tris account thanked the community for its support.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The post read: "With a heavy heart, TRIS, the acclaimed culinary destination in The Woodlands, announces its permanent closure following the resignation of Executive Chef Austin Simmons. After more than a decade of delivering exceptional dining experiences and forging deep connections with the community, TRIS will close its doors effective immediately."

The Chronicle has reached out to the restaurant and Simmons for additional details but did not hear back.

HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants

Since opening in The Woodlands in 2018, Simmons helped established Tris as not only a top restaurant in the northern suburb but also in the greater Houston area. It was a mainstay on the Houston Chronicles Top 100 restaurant list.

Tris, 24 Waterway, opened in 2018. The current address originally opened as Hubbell & Hudson Bistro, where Simmons also ran a tasting menu concept called Cureight inside the same space.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Austin Simmons is busy making his newly rebranded and remodeled restaurant a regional destination, wrote former Chronicle restaurant critic Alison Cook in a 2019 review. From opulent menu to intelligent beverage program, from stylishly reconfigured dining room to warm hospitality, Tris is operating tantalizingly close to a four-star level.

MORE FROM BAO ONG: Luxe steakhouse Georgia James debuts lunch and brunch menu as new ownership unveils revamped space

More recently, Tris operators Woodlands Hospitality Group also tapped Simmons to revamp the menus of Black Walnut Cafe. The casual restaurant has six locations in Houston and two in Dallas, according to the business website.

Simmons had been a fixture at food festivals and competitions in Houston during his time at Tris. The restaurants also welcomed podcaster Joe Rogan in 2023, who described his experience as one of the best meals Ive ever had in my life.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
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 Shamsur-Dinn 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 Goats are shown on 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. 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 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 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

Houston federal agents on Friday returned briefly to the home of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the man who drove his truck into a New Orleans crowd on New Year's Day.

Authorities declined to say what prompted the return to the property in the 12000 block of Crescent Peak Drive in north Harris County.

Law enforcement initiated the first search of the residence Wednesday. Officials with FBI Houston and Harris County Sheriff's Office said Thursday morning that they concluded the search.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The FBI officials confirmed to the Chronicle that "precursor chemicals" were found at the property. They did not say what chemicals were found nor their suspected purpose. Precursor chemicals can refer to chemicals used to make explosives, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency website.

Jabbar, 42, drove into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street, killing 14 and injuring more than 30 people, early Wednesday morning.

TERROR ATTACK: Shamsud-Din Jabbar of Houston acted alone in New Orleans terror attack

He drove a white F-150 Lightning truck through and around barricades into the crowd in the French Quarter. He also wounded two officers when he opened fire on police after the crash. Authorities said it was an intentional attack. Jabbar died in a shootout with police.

Samantha Petry places flowera at a memorial on Canal and Bourbon Street, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) George Walker IV/Associated Press

President Joe Biden confirmed reports that Jabbar had uploaded videos claiming to be inspired by ISIS before the attack. An ISIS flag was displayed from the truck Jabbar drove. The truck was rented through Turo, a peer-to-peer carsharing company.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In New Orleans, FBI special agent bomb technicians recovered two improvised explosive devices in coolers  one at the cross-section of Bourbon and Orleans streets and the other at the intersection of Bourbon and Toulouse streets, according to the FBI's Thursday statement.

"We did obtain surveillance footage showing Jabbar placing both devices where they were found," the agency's statement said.

Officials determined two other items of interest weren't IEDs.

Multiple law enforcement sources confirmed that Jabbar was from the Houston area after misinformation on social media claimed he was an immigrant or had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. Public records showed multiple addresses listed for Jabbar in north Harris County, and previous addresses in Texas cities including Beaumont.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Neighbors, old classmates and family members were shocked at Jabbar's actions. His brother, Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, described him as the "calmest and most gentle person you could possibly know." Jabbar served in the U.S. Army from March 2007 until January 2015, an Army spokesman confirmed.

FBI New Orleans is the lead agency for the ongoing investigation, according to the Houston office.
Reunification stressed amid challenges

09:04, January 03, 2025 By Zhang Yi ( China Daily

The Taipei 101 skyscraper commands the urban landscape in Taipei, Taiwan. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Chinese mainland will continue to combat "Taiwan independence" separatism and foreign interference, and make full preparations to deal with uncertainties in the Taiwan Strait in the new year, officials and experts said.

They made the remarks while predicting that the incoming administration of United States President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office this month, will intensify playing the "Taiwan card" in its competition with China, a strategy that US President Joe Biden has pushed to the maximum.

President Xi Jinping emphasized in his 2025 New Year message on New Year's Eve that no one can sever the bond of kinship between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and no one can stop China's reunification, which is a trend of the times.

Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, also stressed that the mainland will firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity in the new year.

Resolute actions will be taken to combat "Taiwan independence", separatism and foreign interference, and to safeguard the peaceful and prosperous homeland of the Chinese nation, Song said in a New Year message published on Thursday in the magazine Relations Across the Taiwan Strait.

Song mentioned that in 2024, the mainland had firmly grasped the initiative and leadership in cross-Strait relations, and extensively united with all sectors of Taiwan society to jointly maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

He highlighted that strong actions were taken to safeguard the common homeland of both sides, and to deter separatism and attempts by external forces to use Taiwan to contain the development of the mainland.

Experts said on a program on Tuesday on Fujian province-based Southeast Television that the outgoing Biden administration has frequently used the Taiwan question to interfere in China's internal affairs, hollowing out the one-China principle.

Over the past four years, two successive leaders of the Taiwan region made "transits" through the US, and the US openly challenged United Nations Resolution 2758, which was passed in 1971 and rightly recognized the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate representative of China to the UN.

During the Biden administration's tenure, there have been a total of 19 announcements of arms sales to Taiwan, with an estimated total value of more than $8 billion.

Zhu Weidong, director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Taiwan Studies, said there has been an escalation in the Biden administration's arming of Taiwan, while economically, there are demands for Taiwan, especially in the island's major semiconductor industry, to decouple from and cut ties with the mainland.

These have sent a wrong signal to Taiwan, stimulating the fantasies of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities to promote Taiwan separatism, and thus bearing undeniable responsibility for the continued tension and turmoil in the Strait, he said.

Tsai Cheng-yuan, a renowned Taiwan commentator, said the incoming Trump administration is likely to maximize the use of the "Taiwan card" in China-US ties.

"Trump has already set a price for Taiwan, requiring 10 percent of Taiwan's GDP to be allocated as a 'defense budget', which is essentially a 'protection fee'. He aims to drain Taiwan dry, not necessarily through monetary payments, but by moving Taiwan tech companies to the US," he said.

Lei Chien, a former lawmaker in Taiwan, said that Taiwan is not an ally of the US but rather its best card, and this card will be played at the most effective and powerful moment, with the inevitable result being disaster for Taiwan.

Li Peng, head of Xiamen University's Graduate Institute for Taiwan Studies, said that as the Taiwan question is the most important, sensitive and core issue in China-US relations, there will be no compromises or concessions by the mainland.

The DPP authorities in Taiwan should not misjudge the situation or assume that the mainland will not or will dare not take action, and regarding whether the US will help Taiwan if there is a conflict, the answer is already evident from numerous examples worldwide, Li said.

He also said that current US policy emphasizes that Taiwan should demonstrate "self-defense" determination, and that at most, the US will provide financial support and weaponry, urging Taiwan to engage in any conflict itself.

It is highly unlikely that the US would directly engage in a conflict against the mainland, Li said, adding that the mainland will maintain bottom-line thinking and be prepared to handle any challenges.

Looking ahead this year, Song, the Taiwan affairs official, said the Chinese people will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's recovery from Japanese occupation.

He called on compatriots on both sides to shoulder historical responsibilities and strive hand in hand for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the complete reunification of the motherland.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Elizabeth Sander is an Education Reporter at the Houston Chronicle. She covers K-12 schools across the Greater Houston area, with a focus on issues that impact the 500,000+ students enrolled in Houston's suburban ISDs, charter schools and private schools.

She can be reached at elizabeth.sander@houstonchronicle.com.

Previously, Elizabeth was a Hearst fellow covering education, local politics and breaking news for the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News.
Despite losing the building that housed her food and drink retail business, the equipment and raw materials that sufficed the business, in a fire at her business place on Higginson Street in Kingstown on Friday 20th December, sometime after 6:00 p.m., the resolute businesswoman said she will be okay.





The fire destroyed the two-story building from where she operated her business and she alleged that the fire was started by a man.





During an interview with the Vincentian Newspaper, the businesswoman, Gail Cumberbatch, related that she was at her business place that she has been operating for 15 years, when the fire started.





"We were in the building and two guys passed by the window and told us, Look the guy there setting the place on fire and saying he going to burn down the place, Gail recalled.





She stated that when her female worker looked outside, she realized that there was a lot of smoke coming from the building. "So, all I could of do was to grab my phone and my purse and run out. By the time we run out, the building was already engulfed in flames. It happened so fast, said Gail.





She admitted she is still coming to grips with her losses but saying, "I havent deal with all that yet. I am just trying to take this all in and then after I can deal with it, the businesswoman noted.

Gail, trying her best to remain upbeat and not to become immersed in grief, Gail, when asked about the impact of the fire on her Christmas season, claimed that despite the fire the, the Christmas season was not a bad one for her.





"Its not a bad Christmas. Unfortunately, things happened, it wasnt negligence or anything like that. It is someone who set the fire intentionally and thats the saddest part ... but it will be alright, things happened, and I will be good, the mother of two stated, adding that "I went through a lot of things in my life and this too shall pass.





When questioned about the fire-fighters response, the businesswoman said that she preferred not to say anything because it might hurt a few people, but added that, "There are a lot of people who were here and would say that it (the fire) didnt have to escalate like that.





The fire was live streamed on social media, and many people in response to those feeds express displeasure with the police operation. Others called for better equipment to be made available to the Fire Department.

The fire also caused substantial damaged and lost to Jax Enterprise warehouse, immediately to the north of Gails operation, as well as slight damage to the exterior of the Boyle Building to the south.
Glenroy Fraser, the 54th homicide in SVG for 2024, was said to be a fun-going and generous person.

A Vincentian/ Canadian male, who was on holiday in his homeland, was found dead a vehicle on Saturday 28th December in the West St. George community of Kelbourney, sometime after 1:30 am.





According to reports, the man was found in the backseat of a rented vehicle with gunshot injuries. His mouth was taped and his hands and feet bound. The vehicle was discovered over an embankment.





The deceased was later identified as Glenroy Fraser, originally from Spring Village but residing in Montreal, Canada.





The Police Public Relations and Complaints Department said that the police were informed at approximately 1:30 a.m., on Saturday that a vehicle had been spotted over an embankment in Kelbourney. Their response to that report led to the discovery of the body.

As news of Frasers death circulated, a report surface

d that he was at an event hours before he was killed. Police are said to be reviewing footage from surveillance camera from the event venue and surrounding areas to determine if Fraser left alone or in the company of someone.





A voice note has also been making the rounds, in which a female by the name of Becka and someone alleged to be Fraser, could be heard in a heated confrontation, resulting in the female accusing the man of physically hurting her.





Up to last Monday night, a woman was said to be providing assistance to the authorities in their investigation. Additionally, as part of their exhibits, the police were able to successfully acquire the rented SUV, as well as a shell that had been used in the crime.





Frasers death marked the 54th homicide for year, one short of the record homicides committed in the 2023.

In its investigation, THE VINCENTIAN encountered a friend of Fraser who described him "as a hard-working young man and once you and he good he will give you anything. He would spend and enjoy himself.

"A relative of the dead man said that he came home on vacation, but he was robbed and killed over jealous and apparently some kind of woman thing.





Promoters and friends paid tribute to Fraser on social media, with many describing him as a friendly person, who is always the life of the party.
Houston ISD state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles announcae the HISD's results on the unofficial Texas Education Agency 2024 accountability ratings at Hilliard Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Superintendent base salaries are often a target of criticism from taxpayers who believe public officials shouldn't earn six-figure salaries. But, superintendents usually earn far more than their base salaries suggest.

Little-known contract benefits totaling tens of thousands of extra dollars come in the form of retention stipends, retirement bonuses or unused vacation days.

STATEWIDE SALARIES: Here are the highest paid superintendents in Texas

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In the Houston area, superintendent benefits include cost-of-living stipends, monthly allowances and cell phone reimbursements. Salaries span from below $200,000 to more than $450,000, but when the value of benefits are factored in, total pay for some of the highest-paid leaders in the area exceed $600,000.

How to find a superintendent contract

Superintendent salaries and benefits are subject to change at any time, and school boards dont always have to disclose minor adjustments outside of an amendment. Although superintendent contracts are public documents, they can be difficult to locate online, and in some cases, have to be requested through the public information office.

Other places to find superintendent contracts include the annual Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) financial management reports, which generally have a superintendent contract or contract amendment from that fiscal year attached. Many districts post these reports publicly when they are released on an annual basis.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Also, superintendent base salaries can be found in the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) data reports, although it is important to note that the base pay is from the prior year and may not always be up-to-date. For example, the most recent PEIMS reports available online list salaries from October 2023, which could be lower than what superintendents are making in December 2024.

And the reports do not list superintendents hired since October 2023. For example, Ssuperintendent Christie Whitbeck is still listed as the leader of Fort Bend ISD, although she retired last December and has since sued the district claiming that she was defamed and her voluntary retirement agreement was violated by trustees. The superintendent is now Marc Smith, who is not listed in Fort Bend ISDs PEIMS data.

Fort Bend Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith attends a board meeting on Monday, August 26, 2024 in Sugar Land, TX. Meridith Kohut/Contributor

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

What are some of the benefits superintendents receive?

The Houston Chronicle analyzed the most recent contracts of some of the highest-paid ISD superintendents in the Greater Houston area.

Travel and mileage

It is common for superintendents to receive monthly allowances, stipends and reimbursements for job-related travel inside or outside the district, but not all leaders receive these benefits and they vary in specifics.

Alief ISD Superintendent Anthony Mays is not reimbursed for local travel within the district and county, and Smith in Fort Bend only receives mileage compensation if it is outside a 50-mile radius from the districts administration building.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Cy-Fair ISD Superintendent Douglas Killian receives a yearly mileage stipend of $24,000 in monthly payments. Katy and Spring Branch ISD Superintendents Ken Gregorski and Jennifer Blaine both receive $12,000 yearly car allowances.

Others receive additional stipends that pertain to their job duties. Conroe ISD Superintendent Curtis Null receives a $27,600 yearly allowance for travel, technology and other expenses, delivered in monthly payments of $2,300, per his contract. Klein ISD Superintendent Jenny McGown receives a slightly higher amount at $3,000 per month.

Klein ISD Superintendent Jenny McGown, Board President Cathy Arellano and trustee Ronnie Anderson pictured Monday, May 13, 2024. Courtesy of Klein ISD

Houston ISDs state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, who received a $125,000 performance bonus after his first year in the district, is reimbursed for his personal mileage but does not receive an allowance for it. Per his contract, Miles is allowed to use his own car or a district vehicle and can have a staff member drive him if needed.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Technology and cellphones

Killian and Gregorski both receive monthly cellphone allowances, totaling $1,200 a year, and Blaine receives a monthly technology allowance, totaling $3,600 per year.

In HISD, Miles is provided a laptop, printer and desktop computer for use in his district or home office, but he has to pay for his own cell phone, similar to Mays and McGown, who also have to pay for their own cellphone use.

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles is seen during a board of managers meeting at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, Thursday, Nov. .14, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Retirement bonuses

All superintendents whose contracts the Chronicle analyzed have retirement payments built into the benefits. Some leaders receive additional retirement payments over the typical Teacher Retirement System contribution.

In McGowns contract with Klein, she will receive an additional retirement payment of $40,000 if she stays employed until 2025, which will increase by $5,000 every year after that. According to a recent contract amendment, if she stays in her current position until 2029, she will receive a $65,000 retirement bonus.

In Spring Branch, Blaine will receive a $35,000 additional retirement payment for the first time in December, according to a recent amendment of her contract. Smith receives a $50,000 retention stipend yearly that is paid into a retirement account, alongside a $30,000 per year supplemental retirement bonus, according to his contract.

Conroe ISDs Superintendent Null receives a $42,000 annual supplemental retirement contribution beginning last June that will increase to $50,000 if Null is still employed in 2027.

Miles is slated to receive a $56,000 payment to a tax-deferred plan, per his contract.

Vacation and sick days

Vacation days and non-duty days, as they can also be called, range based on the employment contract for each superintendent. Some superintendents receive 20 vacation days that can accrue year-over-year, while others receive 40 or even 50, in McGowns case, to be used annually or paid at her rate of salary if unused. If McGown didnt use any of her vacation days, they could be worth as much as $86,000, according to a recent contract amendment.

Miles, like Null, has 40 days of leave, but his are separated into 25 vacation days, five days of state leave and 10 days of local leave.

Many superintendents also have clauses in their contracts stipulating that if their employment is terminated, they would be paid the total vacation days they had accrued. Mays, for example, would be paid for days he had accrued up to 30 days if his contract were to end.

Humble ISDs former Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen, who is amid an appeal process to challenge the Texas Education Agency hearing officers recommendation that her contract be terminated, would receive payment for any vacation days she had accrued, up to 20 days. During Fagens time in the district, she received 27 vacation days, and only 10 unused days could carry over to the next year.

Less common benefits

Fagens contract provided $20,000 per year to an educational savings account that she could use to hone her skill as a leader and educator. She also received a monthly cost-of-living stipend of $3,500, or $42,000 per year, the only leader out of those whose contracts the Chronicle analyzed to receive a cost-of-living stipend. Fagen also received a $15,000 yearly retention stipend for five years as of her July 2023 contract extension.

Miles, beyond having a staff member drive him, is also allowed personal security if necessary to be provided or reimbursed by Houston ISD. And while generally not allowed to perform consulting for a fee without board approval, like other superintendents, the state-appointed board allowed Miles to advise the Third Future Schools Board of Directors and the senior administrative staff during a transition period for the charter school district which Miles founded, provided that such advice shall not constitute an actual or potential conflict of interest, the addendum reads.

Miles was also allowed to conduct a keynote address for the leaders of Newark Public Schools and provide quarterly training for the senior leadership team during the 2023-24 school year.

In Cy-Fair ISD, Killian could be reimbursed for activities that align with his work in the district, but there was an added clause, not seen in other contracts analyzed by the Chronicle, that allowed him to be reimbursed on the behalf of his spouse while in conduct of and support of District business that are considered by the Board to be reasonable and necessary.

Less-common, but not obsolete benefits, are performance-based incentives. Mays, according to his contract with Alief ISD, is eligible to receive a performance incentive of $5,000 annually and additional compensation based on objectives made and measured by the board.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has once again challenged world leaders to desist from influencing conflict that will only rebound in disaster for other states.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the 153rd Member of the United Nations, has called for an end to the war in Ukraine that has been raging since February 2022.





The call was contained in a letter dated December 2, 2024, which the Prime Minister directed to Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine; Joseph Biden, President of the United States of America; and Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations.





Dr. Gonsalves said to the four distinguished gentlemen that he was writing "in a quest for global peace, justice, security, prosperity for all humanity, and he highlighted that the conflict "has recently entered a most dangerous phase of escalation, which he said was "a senseless war to all civilized men and women across the globe.





But Dr. Gonsalves had a particular interpretation of the conflict, when he referenced the men in question that Ukraine was "fully backed by the countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) led principally by the United States of America (USA), appear to the bulk of humanitys eight billion people to be gripped by an extreme condition of unreason .





That said, he summed up the obligation of the world leaders to whom the letter was addressed, as one of stopping the war, even as he acknowledged that, "It is evident to all persons of reason, who also apply their hearts to wisdom, that this war will not end with military triumph for one side or another.





He admitted to that while he was not positioned to prescribe what is likely to happen, he advanced the view that " neither side in this war would be completely satisfied with any terms of a peace settlement. Thus, each side must be prepared to arrive, in peace, in a mutually-agreed condition of dissatisfaction. In time, this agreed condition of dissatisfaction, which is preferable to continued war, may evolve, propitiously, into a more settled bundle of satisfactions.





He reiterated, in closing, his appeal to the four persons of influence that they "bring the war in Ukraine to a negotiated peaceful end now.. .
FORTY-EIGHT hours after a gang war led to the killings of six people in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the government advised the President to declare a state of emergency (SoE), out of concern over reprisals that could lead to more deaths an endanger the public, acting Attorney General Stuart Young said.





Young announced on Monday, December 30 that although there would be no curfew or restrictions on public gatherings, the police will have sweeping police powers of search and arrest during the period of the SoE.





In his address to the nation, the Attorney General said that the government has resorted to the measure after intelligence from the police indicated that there would be "increased and heightened brazen acts of criminal activity with the use of illegal firearms that is going to endanger public safety through reprisal attacks.





He added, Minister (of National Security) Fitzgerald Hinds informed the National Security Council that certain criminal gangs, and Ill leave out the places at this stage, but I can say throughout Trinidad and possibly Tobago, are likely to immediately increase their brazen acts of violence in reprisal shootings, with the expected use of high-powered calibre, high-velocity assault weapons, on a scale so extensive that it threatens people and will endanger public safety.





The SoE was proclaimed by the President on the morning of December 30.





Under the SoE the police service will be given powers to search premises without warrants; to search people without warrants who are suspected of carrying out criminal activities; to detain people for certain periods of time  48 hours in the first instance and another seven days on order by a magistrate or senior police officer.





The SoE was expected to be brought before Parliament in the next 15 days. Once approved and ratified, the SoE will last for three months with no further extension. A further extension may be sought, but the total duration cannot exceed six months. He said the SoE would be monitored daily and would be lifted if possible before the constitutional period was up.





"The government has had the option for an SoE for the last ten years and avoided it, but now given the information brought to us, we see it as fit and necessary to do so, Young said.





Additionally, under the SoE, the Defence Force will be put in a ready position to assist and co-operate with the Police Service. A member of the defence force will have the powers of a police officer.




(TBTCO) - Lai suat ngan hang ngay 14/3/2025, tiep tuc chung kien nhieu thay oi manh me. Sau ot ieu chinh lien tuc tu au thang, cac ngan hang a cong bo muc lai suat moi, ac biet la lai suat huy ong cho cac ky han tu 12 - 36 thang. Cac thay oi nay phan anh xu huong giam lai suat huy ong o nhieu ngan hang, nhung cung co nhung ngan hang ap dung cac chuong trinh lai suat ac biet cho cac khach hang co so du gui tiet kiem lon.
You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber.



Not a subscriber?



Subscribe today for access to:

Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles).


MD Anderson Cancer Center is seen, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

MD Anderson is one of the best cancer centers in the nation, offering cutting-edge treatments that attract patients from around the world. But that treatment is likely out of reach for millions of people covered by health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act.

MD Anderson for years has not accepted any individual health plans offered through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, meaning most patients who are not covered through their employer, and those who dont qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, likely would have to pay out of pocket for costly cancer treatment there.

LOSING ACCESS: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Medicare and Medicaid are leaving MD Anderson

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

About 3.4 million Texans were enrolled in a plan through the marketplace in 2024, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, and a record 21.3 million people chose marketplace coverage nationwide. So why doesnt MD Anderson take insurance for such a large swath of the population, which may include students and people who are self-employed?

The answer, experts say, boils down to the cost of treatment at MD Anderson  and how the health insurance market works.

A stalemate

There's two things going on, said Sabrina Corlette, founder and co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy.

One, she said, has to do with the aggressive competition among insurers to offer low monthly payments (also known as premiums) in the marketplace, which was originally developed to fill coverage gaps with more affordable options.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

One of the few ways to do that is to cut high-priced providers like MD Anderson out of their networks, said Corlette. In 2022, MD Anderson charged a total of $9.7 billion for their services, more than all but three hospitals in Texas that year, according to the National Academy of State Health Policys hospital cost tool.

The second factor also relates to competition. Insurers worry about the risk of taking on sicker, costlier patients who seek care at MD Anderson, she said, giving them more incentive to leave those specialty hospitals out of their marketplace networks. The federal government has developed policies to curb those incentives, but insurers feel theyre inadequate, she said.

That's actually something the federal government could fix," she said, by improving how they allocate risk between the plans.

Statements from MD Anderson and insurance industry representatives illustrate the stalemate that ultimately prevents millions from accessing care at the Houston hospital.

MD Anderson said it remains open to contracting with marketplace plans and individual plan offerings," but marketplace plans traditionally have not been willing to contract with specialized health care facilities. The hospital added that it arranges special agreements for some patients who may not be fully covered at the hospital.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

A spokesperson for the Texas Association of Health Plans, meanwhile, blamed the high rates that a small number of providers charge for their services.

In building these networks, we work to partner with providers who offer care at fair and reasonable prices, the spokesperson said. ...With Texas families and employers already feeling the strain of rising health care expenses, its critical that we examine these outlier prices to maintain both affordability and broad access to the care patients need.

Other cancer centers left out

MD Anderson isnt the only cancer center that health insurers leave out of ACA plans. A 2018 survey found that among 29 high-level cancer centers in 21 states, 93% were out of network for some or all ACA plans offered on the marketplace.

Bethany Lilly, executive director of public policy at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, understands both perspectives. I see insurers saying look, theres a cancer center 30 miles from MD Anderson that doesn't charge us as much, she said. And I see MD Anderson saying We are one of the best in the world. We should be allowed to charge the rates were charging.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

But patients, especially those seeking treatment that can only be offered at prominent cancer centers, are stuck in the middle with few options.
FOR nearly two years, one of the chief financiers of the Seven gang based in the United King
A Jeep with an American flag drives down Crystal Beach during the annual Go Topless Jeep weekend in Crystal Beach in 2019. New Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen has pledged to end "Jeep Weekend," the unofficial summer kickoff event on Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula that has ballooned in recent years to become what law enforcement previously described as a "free-for-all." Ryan Welch/The Enterprise

The newly-sworn-in sheriff of Galveston County has pledged to end "Jeep Weekend," the unofficial summer kickoff event on Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula that has ballooned in recent years to become what law enforcement previously described as a "free-for-all."

Sheriff Jimmy Fullen, who took office Wednesday, told reporters during his swearing-in ceremony the event was "too violent," and resulted in hundreds of arrests and injuries each year.

Jeeps, trucks and ATV's crowd Crystal Beach during the annual Go Topless Jeep weekend in Crystal Beach on Friday. Photo taken on Friday, 05/17/19. Ryan Welch/The Enterprise Ryan Welch/The Enterprise

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

"It's too violent," Fullen said, according to ABC 13. "You have officers out there getting hurt. You get civilians being hurt. You have people that are sexually assaulted. It's just not good for the community over there, period."

Fullen confirmed in a phone call with the Chronicle that he planned to end the event, but refused to answer any questions. He said his office will put out more information regarding his plan soon.

"Jeep Weekend,"which is traditionally held the week before Memorial Day weekend, began more than a decade ago as a casual gathering of Jeep owners and clubs. But it has long since lost its roots as a family-friendly event tailored toward Jeep enthusiasts and is now defined by the rowdy crowds of youths and party-goers who descend on the island by the thousands each year  many of them roaring into Galveston behind the wheels of trucks, ATVs and other vehicles.

Kelly Murphy, a bartender who works on Bolivar Peninsula, previously told the Chronicle while the Jeep enthusiasts were generally respectful, the recent crowds that have taken the ferry to the small coastal community have been anything but.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The Jeep clubs were respectful, and we got good business, Murphy said. I didnt see any Jeeps last year. While I was stuck in traffic, I saw cars, trucks, all kinds of vehicles, young people and alcohol.

The event's draw, and its impact on both the Bolivar and Galveston communities, has become a point of frustration for tourists and residents alike. In 2024, residents of Bolivar Peninsula were advised to shop early and stay indoors as the community braced itself ahead of "Jeep Weekend."

It's become a problem that county officials might have addressed earlier were it not for the Texas Open Beaches Act. The act, which became law after it was passed in 1959, guarantees public access to state-owned beaches bordering the Gulf of Mexico.

Maj. Ray Nolen with the Galveston County Sheriff's Office previously told the Chronicle the law puts law enforcement in a tricky situation when it comes to banning "Jeep Weekend."

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

"At the end of the day, its a public beach, and we dont want to violate public beach acts to stop a bunch of beachgoers," Nolen said. "This thing taxes our resources and everybodys energy, and morale. Its best we plan as best we can and handle it.
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.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

The Osage Nation is hoping to regain acknowledgement of its reservations continued existence through a federal civil lawsuit it lost on the issue 15 years ago, court records show.

A motion filed Thursday in Tulsa federal court asks a judge to vacate a 2009 decision that determined that the Osage Nation had been disestablished.

The ruling, later memorialized in the appellate court case Osage Nation v. Irby, should be overturned because it is inconsistent with the U.S. Supreme Courts 2020 McGirt ruling, which determined that the Muscogee (Creek) Nations reservation had never been disestablished by Congress, the Osage Nation claims.

Irby cannot be reconciled with the Supreme Courts subsequent decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, says the brief filed on behalf of the Osage Nation.

The Osage Nation claims in its filing that there are no material differences between the statutes pertaining to the Creek Reservation (or the other reservations in Oklahoma that have been held intact in light of McGirt) and the statutes pertaining to the Osage Reservation that could justify deeming the former intact but the latter disestablished.

The Osage Nation sued the Oklahoma Tax Commission in 2001 in federal court, alleging that tribal members who worked and lived within the historical boundaries of the Osage Nation Reservation, Osage County today, were exempt from state income taxes under federal law.

At the base of the claim was the assertion that Congress had never disestablished Osage County as a reservation, resulting in the states not having jurisdiction to tax tribal members who lived and worked within the reservation boundaries.

The claim is similar to one advanced by Jimcy McGirt in his successful claim that the Muscogee Nation Reservation had never been disestablished by Congress.

In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld McGirts claim that the state of Oklahoma had no criminal jurisdiction to try him in a Wagoner County child sex abuse case.

The resurrected Osage Nations lawsuit is also similar to one currently before the Oklahoma Supreme Court regarding state taxation of a Muscogee Nation tribal member.

In that case, a tribal member who works for the tribe and lives within its reservation is challenging the states authority to require her to pay state income taxes.

But unlike the Muscogee Nation tax case, both past and more recent legal jurisdictional challenges have resulted in courts finding that the Osage Nation Reservation no longer existed.

In a unanimous decision, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals in April turned away a challenge by a Barnsdall man, an Osage Nation member who claimed that the state of Oklahoma did not have criminal jurisdiction to try him in connection with the stabbing death of another man in Osage County in 2018.

That decision relied heavily on a 2009 decision by former U.S. District Judge James H. Payne, who threw out the Osage Nations lawsuit at the summary judgment phase after determining that the intent of various congressional acts in 1906 amounted to termination of the Osage Nation Reservation.

After the Osage Nation appealed the ruling, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver noted that while the congressional acts cited didnt include language that expressly terminated the reservation, the appellate court nevertheless found in favor of the Oklahoma Tax Commission, relying on the general history of the allotment process as a legal basis.

The U.S. Supreme Court in 2011 refused to consider the Osage Nations appeal of the appellate courts ruling.

Since the McGirt ruling, a state court has ruled that the reservations of the Cherokee, Choctaw, Seminole, Chickasaw and several Ottawa County-based tribes continue to have reservations that were never disestablished by Congress.

In its latest filing, the Osage Nation reasserts that its reservation was established by law on June 5, 1872, and that those reservation boundaries have never been disestablished by Congress.

The Osage Nation purchased our reservation with our funds in 1872, and an act of Congress has never disestablished it. In their opinion, the 10th Circuit wrote exactly that before going to some extrinsic sources of history, Osage Nation Attorney General Clint Patterson said in a statement. The McGirt decision highlights the flaws in the Irby decision, and this motion gives us a chance to fix those flaws.

When the lawsuit was first filed, the Oklahoma Tax Commission argued that the Osage Nation was disestablished via the Oklahoma Enabling Act of 1906 and the Osage Allotment Act the same year.

But the Osage Nation claims in its filing that it is entitled to have the judgment against the reservations continued existence vacated because the ruling is inconsistent with the law on disestablishment of Indian reservations as subsequently set forth in McGirt v. Oklahoma.

As a result, the Nation is impeded in its ability to regulate its own affairs within its sovereign territory, the Osage Nation claims. Its non-reservation status also severely limits the authority and resources available to the tribe for law enforcement on its reservation, the Osage Nation claims.

Most fundamentally, Irby is a stain on the integrity of the United States, which 150 years ago induced the Nation to cede its prior sovereign territory with a promise of a permanent Reservation where the Nation could exercise its sovereignty and govern itself, and it creates an anomalous exception to the consistent application of the rule of law, the filing says.

The Oklahoma Tax Commission declined to comment on the filing.

The Tulsa World is where your story lives
Caroline Wilburn is a breaking news reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Caroline worked as an election stringer for the Associated Press and as a breaking news fellow at the Texas Tribune. At the Tribune, she got a crash course in interpreting data, distilling complicated policy and following statewide trends on a tight deadline. Shes also a skilled video editor and podcast producer.

She won a first-place award for audio news production at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
The People's Committee of Binh Duong Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, on Thursday held a ceremony to grant investment approvals and registration certificates for various projects, including significant real estate, industrial park, and power infrastructure developments, with a total investment of approximately US$1.7 billion.

Among them, financed by domestic investment, were three grid infrastructure projects with a combined cost of some VND1.8 trillion ($70.6 million), including the Ben Cat 220kV transformer station and power transmission lines, the Binh My 220kV transformer station, and the Tan Dinh 2 220kV station project.

The expanded Rach Bap industrial park project, covering an area of 360 hectares and carrying a price tag of over VND1 trillion ($39 million), was also approved for investment.

The project will be implemented by a company under Vietnam Rubber Group JSC.

Despite several challenges facing the local real estate market, Binh Duong Province removed obstacles over procedures for a series of housing projects.

Accordingly, 16 commercial housing projects were granted investment approvals.

Vo Van Minh, chairman of the provincial administration, said that apart from attracting foreign investment, Binh Duong Province also attaches importance to the investment resources of domestic firms.

A total of 23 projects received investment approvals and registration certificates, with a view to unlocking the potential of local businesses and driving urban development, infrastructure growth, and commercial services in the province.

Binh Duong Province remains the second-largest recipient of foreign investment in Vietnam, hosting 4,400 projects with a total pledged capital of over $42 billion -- more than 8.5 percent of the country's total foreign investment.

Minh underscored that the province will continue to support investors.

Binh Duong will break ground on multiple key traffic projects to connect it with Ho Chi Minh City and the southern region in the near future.

After the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, or Tet due late this month, the province will start work on the Ho Chi Minh City - Thu Dau Mot - Chon Thanh expressway project and a section of Ho Chi Minh City's Beltway No. 4, which runs through Binh Duong.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The Vietnamese government has green-lighted a VND7.85 trillion (US$308 million) investment for phase two of Vinh Thanh Industrial Park in Can Tho.

The decision, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, was announced on Thursday by the Can Tho Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority.

Thanh Binh Phu My JSC has been chosen as the project investor.

Covering over 540 hectares across Vinh Trinh and Vinh Binh Communes in outlying Vinh Thanh District, the expansion aligns with a zoning plan approved in July 2024 by the municipal Peoples Council.

The industrial park is meant to serve diverse needs, including port logistics, storage, and multi-sector industries, creating jobs for up to 32,000 workers.

Phase one of Vinh Thanh Industrial Park, also called VSIP Can Tho, spans 293 hectares with a total investment of VND3.717 trillion ($145.8 million).

The first phase is currently under development, with land handover for factory construction scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The Cay Thi brand has successfully exported its second shipment of fresh porridge made out of ST25 rice to the United States.

Nguyen Thi Thu, general director of AK Food, said that the company shipped its first batch of Cay Thi rice porridge to the U.S. in November 2024, followed by a second shipment in December.

Most companies announce their first shipment right away, but I wanted to wait until we were confident the product was well-received, Thu explained.

She described the journey of using ST25 rice -- once crowned the world's best -- in rice porridge for global export as a significant challenge.

Cay This research and development team dedicated over 1,000 hours across three months to perfect a recipe that preserved the signature fragrance of ST25 rice while ensuring the porridges texture remained smooth and it was not overly clumpy or sticky.

Opting for ST25 rice made our task more demanding, but we believe the pursuit of top quality is always worth the effort, Thu added.

Cay This rice porridge exports to the U.S. include specialties like Nghe An eel porridge from north-central Vietnam, snakehead fish porridge from the Mekong Delta, and Da Lat vegetable porridge.

These dishes not only showcase Vietnams rich culinary traditions but also emphasize the unique identities of their respective regions.

Shoppers in the U.S. embrace Cay Thi's fresh porridge, made out of the globally renowned ST25 rice. Photo: N.A. / Tuoi Tre

The companys porridge products gained official export approval after meeting the strict standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are projected to account for 25 percent of its gross revenue in 2025.

Cay Thi is planning to expand its export markets to Australia and Canada.

C&T Produce Wholesale, Cay This U.S. import partner, praised the companys bold approach to a niche market.

Porridge made out of ST25 rice is in high demand in the U.S. and Vietnamese consumers are familiar with the exceptional quality of ST25 rice," C&T president Dziem Chinh.

"They are thrilled to see it used in fresh porridge.

Cay Thi rice porridge sells for US$2.5-3 per 240g bag -- significantly lower than similar imports from South Korea, which are priced between $3.5 and $4.5.

According to the director of a food export company in Ho Chi Minh City, the global recognition of ST25 rice, which was awarded the title of the worlds best rice in 2019 and 2023, has introduced Vietnamese rice directly to a broader consumer base.

Building on this success, ST25 is becoming a catalyst for Vietnamese agricultural products to penetrate demanding markets with items like porridge, fried rice, and rice cakes.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Brazil's Amazon rainforest experienced its highest number of fires in 17 years in 2024, government data published Wednesday showed, after the vast biome suffered months of a lengthy drought.

There were 140,328 fires detected by satellite imaging over the year, according to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

That was 42 percent more than the 98,634 fires recorded in 2023 -- and the most since 2007, when 186,463 forest fires were seen.

Despite the high number of blazes, however, there were indications that the total area that suffered deforestation could be the lowest in years.

In early November, INPE said deforestation in the region in the 12-month period up to August 2024 had fallen by more than 30 percent, year-on-year, and was at the lowest amount in nine years.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made preservation of the Amazon a priority for his government, which in November this year will host the UN's COP30 climate conference in the Amazonian city of Belem.

Europe's climate monitor, the EU's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, said last month that severe drought had stoked wildfires across South America in 2024.

Thick plumes of smoke at times clouded major cities including Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo last year, with choking pollution that lingered for several weeks.

Drought has parched the Amazon region since mid-2023, driven by human-caused climate change and the El Nino warming phenomenon.

This helped to create conditions for the massive blazes, but experts say that most fires were set deliberately by farmers to clear land for agriculture.

Scientists warn that continued deforestation will put the Amazon on track to reach a point where it will emit more carbon than it absorbs, accelerating climate change.
SEOUL - Authorities sought on Friday to execute an unprecedented arrest warrant for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, evading a crowd of protesters but facing off with security forces inside his residence.

Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection over his Dec. 3. martial law attempt that stunned South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy and one of the region's most vibrant democracies.

An arrest would be the first for an incumbent South Korean president.

Members of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials gather in front of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence, as Yoon faces potential arrest after a court on Tuesday approved a warrant for his arrest, in Seoul, South Korea, January 3, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is leading a joint team of investigators that include the police and prosecutors, had arrived at the gates of Yoon's compound shortly after 7 a.m. (2200 GMT Thursday), according to Reuters witnesses.

Media reports said the CIO vehicles did not immediately enter the compound, partly due to a bus blocking the driveway.

Some CIO officials later filed through an opened gate on foot and past the bus, but then briefly faced another bus and an armoured vehicle further up the driveway, before they were moved.

It was unclear whether the Presidential Security Service, which has blocked access by investigators with a search warrant to Yoon's office and official residence, would try to stop the arrest.

Yoon's lawyer said in a statement on Friday that execution of an invalid arrest warrant against Yoon is unlawful, and they will take legal action, without elaborating.

Protesters gathered in the pre-dawn hours near the residence, with the numbers swelling into the hundreds amid media reports that investigating authorities would soon try to execute the arrest warrant that was approved on Tuesday after Yoon refused summons to appear.

"We have to block them with our lives," one was heard saying to others.

Some chanted "President Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people," and called for the head of the CIO to be arrested.

Pyeong In-su, 74, said that the police had to be stopped by "patriotic citizens", a term Yoon used to describe those standing guard near his residence.

Holding a flag of the United States and South Korea with the words "Lets go together" in English and Korean, Pyeong said he hoped incoming U.S. President Donald Trump would come to Yoon's aid.

"I hope after Trump's inauguration he can use his influence to help our country get back on the right track," he said.

The current arrest warrant is viable until Jan. 6, and gives investigators only 48 hours to hold Yoon after he is arrested. Investigators must then decide whether to request a detention warrant or release him.

Once arrested, Yoon is expected to be held at the Seoul Detention Center, Yonhap News Agency said, citing the CIO.

Police officers stand guard in front of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence, as Yoon faces potential arrest after a court on Tuesday approved a warrant for his arrest, in Seoul, South Korea, January 3, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Members of the media await the arrival of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials in Gwacheon, South Korea, January 3, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Surprise Martial Law

Yoon sent shockwaves through the country with a late-night announcement on Dec. 3 that he was imposing martial law to overcome political deadlock and root out "anti-state forces".

Within hours, however, 190 lawmakers had defied the cordons of troops and police to vote against Yoon's order. About six hours after his initial decree, Yoon rescinded it.

He later issued a defiant defence of his decision, saying domestic political opponents are sympathetic to North Korea and citing uncorroborated claims of election tampering.

Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned as Yoon's defence minister after playing a major role in the martial law decree, has been detained and was indicted last week on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

Insurrection is one of the few criminal charges from which a South Korean president does not have immunity.

Yoon's lawyers have said the arrest warrant was illegal and invalid because the CIO did not have the authority under South Korean law to request a warrant.

Yoon has been isolated since he was impeached and suspended from power on Dec. 14.

Separate from the criminal investigation, his impeachment case is currently before the Constitutional Court to decide whether to reinstate or permanently remove him. A second hearing in that case is scheduled for later on Friday.
Eight more military officers will join United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic and South Sudan, bringing the total number of Vietnamese officers involved in UN peacekeeping activities to nearly 1,100, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

The eight officers attended State President Luong Cuongs announcement of the decision to second them at a ceremony held by the ministry in Hanoi on Thursday.

These officers include Lt. Col. Bui Thi Minh Nguyet, Lt. Col. Nguyen Huy Tuan, Major Duy Van Son, Captain Le Van Chien, Lieutenant Nguyen Huyen Anh, Sr. Lt. Phung Minh Cuong, Major Le Thi Bich Ngoc, and Captain Vu Nguyet Anh.

Lt. Col. Nguyet will join the mission as a training staff officer, while Lt. Col. Tuan will oversee equipment management.

Major Son will handle operations, and Captain Chien will focus on intelligence analysis.

Lt. Anh will manage communications, and Sr. Lt. Cuong will take on intelligence duties.

The six officers will replace their predecessors, while Major Ngoc and Captain Anh will take on roles as a staff officer and a military observer, respectively.

According to the Ministry of National Defenses Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, these officers were nominated and selected from the Navy, Air Defense - Air Force, Signal Corps, Hanoi Capital Command, Political Academy, and Army Officer School 1.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Defense Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien congratulated the eight officers on their new assignments.

He urged all officers to uphold the Party's policies, comply with state laws, and adhere to UN regulations as well as the legal frameworks of the host countries.

Major General Pham Manh Thang, director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, confirmed that preparations for the deployment of the eight officers were essentially complete and that they are ready to embark on their mission.

Since joining UN peacekeeping activities in 2014, Vietnam has seconded nearly 1,100 professional officers and soldiers to join missions as individuals and units, all of whom have fulfilled their assigned duties and responsibilities, according to the defense ministry.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
An inspection team uncovered on Thursday afternoon several food safety violations at Nguyen Ninh, a facility that produces banh com (sweet cakes) made of green sticky rice and green beans, including the presence of insects and animal feces in the production area.

The team launched an inspection into the facility, located at 11 Hang Than Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, as part of its efforts to ensure food safety during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, or Tet, which begins late this month.

At the time of the inspection, the owner of Nguyen Ninh and five workers were present.

The kitchen in the owners house was being used as the area for producing banh com, a local delicacy. The floor of the kitchen was peeling and moldy, with drains opened and clogged with waste.

Inspectors also found that clothing items were being air-dried within the production area.

Moreover, tools and equipment used for cake making were dirty, indicating a lack of regular cleaning.

A restroom was even located in the processing area.

Inspectors found many food safety violations at Nguyen Ninh facility in Hanoi. Photo: Thu Trang

As the facility was narrow, it had no storage area. As a result, bags of dried green sticky rice were placed on the entrance to the kitchen near a mossy wall.

The facility also failed to present health certificates and food safety training certificates for the owner and the five workers. The owner was unable to show proof of origin for its materials, food additives, and packaging.

The labels of its products were also inconsistent with the facility's product self-declaration and out of line with regulations on labeling.

The inspection team has required Nguyen Ninh to suspend its operations and take corrective action.

The team also tasked the Ba Dinh District food safety steering committee with continuing to work with the facility to handle its violations and reporting results to the inspection team prior to January 10.

The administration in Hanoi had earlier established four food safety inspection teams to monitor food safety in the capital city ahead of Tet.

The inspection teams are charged with checking food producing, processing, trading, and importing units, wholesale markets, supermarkets, trade centers, eateries, and food stands, focusing on products used widely during Tet, such as meat, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, confectionery, vegetables, fruits, and food additives.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Back from the Caribbean, DI Humphrey Goodman joins the police force in fiancee Marthas hometown of Shipton Abbott. 7:30pm Saturday on ABC.

R.Kelly: A Faking It Special

Grand Tours of Scotlands Rivers

Outlander

Good Game: Spawn Point

Movie: Sonic the Hedgehog
Visitors make their way to and from the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Mega Center, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Spring. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Texas drivers license offices reopened Thursday following an unspecified outage Monday at the Department of Public Safety that prompted state-wide closures.

DPS has not responded to the Houston Chronicles repeated requests for more information regarding the closures, and has not made any public announcement clarifying the outage. The department has not publicly shared any guidance for residents whose appointments were cancelled.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: DPS is currently experiencing an outage that is impacting driver license offices statewide.



Due to this outage, DPS driver license offices are now closed for the remainder of the day (12/30). Our staff is working with affected customers to reschedule their pic.twitter.com/aFgtYlceii  Texas DPS (@TxDPS) December 30, 2024

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Mondays closure led directly into a two-day holiday for state employees, which left impacted residents with a three-day wait before they could begin rescheduling their appointments. The delay sparked criticism from users on social media frustrated by the DPS lack of guidance.

Today I went to my local office as a walk in and was told I would have to make an appointment. I said I was happy to wait in case someone who had an appointment could not make it, said Carla Castillo in a comment on Facebook. I was told they still would not see me and I would have to make an appointment. This is the Aransas Pass office. Uurrggh!!!

Others criticized the departments closure on New Years Eve, which is not listed as an official federal or state holiday.

Yall need to keep offices open on New Years Eve, said Paiten Lopez in a Facebook comment. Yall make all these posts about safety and abiding by the law, but folks that need their license renewed or replaced are just out of luck on New Years Eve huh?
MEKONG DELTA  Eight Vietnamese rice enterprises have been awarded AUD200,000 (approximately VN3.16 billion) for their efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in rice production.

More than 27,000 tonnes of carbon emissions were saved by the companies, during the recent summer-autumn rice season, as the result of a project that supports the transformation of the rice value chain in the Mekong Delta  known as TRVC  supported by the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV).

The Vietnam Rice Company (Vinarice), one of the participants in the project, saw its emissions fall by a total of 4,226 tonnes across 997 hectares, equivalent to an average reduction of 4.1 tonnes per hectare.

Vinarice CEO Tran Truong Tan Tai said: "We will allocate the money from the award to farmers to improve their farming skills, provide support to female farmers, those with disabilities and offer additional subsidies to others."

The TRVC project has been implemented in An Giang, Kien Giang and ong Thap provinces, the three largest rice-producing areas in Viet Nam.

According to a report on the projects initial results, released on December 30, 2024, the economic efficiency and average profits for farmers reached 64 per cent in ong Thap, 56 per cent in An Giang and 54 per cent in Kien Giang.

The results significantly contribute to efforts to transition to a low-emission rice production system and develop one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation by 2030, a project approved by the Prime Minister in 2023.

The TRVC project will run until 2027, aiming to support ten enterprises linked to around 200,000 smallholder farmers and 50-60 cooperatives in the three provinces to develop 200,000 hectares of low-emission rice.  VNS
HA NOI  Standard Chartered demonstrates its support for education sector clients by leveraging its extensive suite of sustainable finance products, helping to accelerate their transition to a more sustainable future.

Standard Chartered has financed a VN120 billion green loan to support Phase 1 construction of Emasi Plus Waterpoint school in Long An Province.

Emasi Plus Waterpoint is part of a schools system developed by Khai Sang Corporation - the leading educational investment institution in Viet Nam. This loan was used to develop school buildings that incorporate more sustainable elements and is on track to obtain the globally recognised EDGE certification  a leading global standard for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)  and are also expected to receive a LEED Certificate at completion, denoting proficiency in today's sustainable design, construction and operations standards. During this transaction, the Bank facilitated the introduction of Khai Sang Corporation to EDGE, providing its client more flexibility and resources in their sustainability journey.

In another milestone, Standard Chartered partnered with KinderWorld Vietnam JSC, a leading provider of Singapore-based education programmes, operating in Viet Nam for over 20 years, to support it to build more sustainable school campuses. This involved the bank opening its first Sustainable Account proposition in Viet Nam for KinderWorld. Standard Chartered is helping KinderWorld digitise tuition fee collections and automate reconciliation by offering payers a seamless payment experience via VietQR scanning and 24/7 payment options through its Virtual Account and Straight2Bank Pay solutions. The cash from KinderWorlds operating accounts is placed in a Sustainable Account, offering them access to their cash, whilst enabling them to support sustainable development as their account balance is referenced against a portfolio of green and social loans and projects financed by Standard Chartered.

Standard Chartered Vietnams CEO and Head of Banking & Coverage Nguyen Thuy Hanh said: Standard Chartereds 120-year presence and expertise in Viet Nam has positioned us as one of the leading banks in helping clients seamlessly integrate ESG into their corporate and financing strategies.

"We remain committed to fostering sustainable growth in the education sector. Our goal is to assist clients in accessing more sustainable and transition financing, and through initiatives like green loans and sustainable cash management, we support our clients in making credible progress against their sustainability goals. I am proud that we are making meaningful impact in the education sector by raising ESG-awareness in an environment that supports the next generation."

Chairman of Khai Sang Corporation Nguyen Tuyen: "At Khai Sang Corporation, our vision extends beyond providing quality education to build a future where students and school communities are deeply committed to environmental responsibility.

"The development of EMASI Plus  Waterpoint Campus, with its focus on more sustainable design, accredited by international certifications like EDGE and LEED, is a testament to this commitment. This green loan marks not only a milestone for our school communities but also a broader movement towards embedding sustainability in Vietnams education sector. By aligning with like-minded partners such as Standard Chartered, we aim to inspire change and nurture a new generation of learners who value sustainability as much as academic excellence.

Standard Chartered is committed to delivering sustainable, inclusive growth and prosperity for the places it calls home, including by expanding the scale and reach of sustainable finance. It has already mobilised US$105 billion in sustainable finance against its target of $300 billion in sustainable finance by the end of this decade. Over the last two years, the Bank has offered a range of sustainable finance products to clients in Viet Nam, particularly in energy sectors, infrastructure, agriculture, food and packaging industries.

Chairman & CEO, KinderWorld Vietnam JSC Mr. Ricky Tan said: These financial products from Standard Chartered will support KinderWorld's projects to build school campuses with green architecture, aligning with KinderWorld's strategy in the field of sustainable development.

KinderWorld International Group (KinderWorld) started its education investment journey in 1986 and expanded into Viet Nam in 2000. At present, KinderWorld is the largest owner-operator of foreign invested international schools in Viet Nam, offering educational programmes from preschool to high school and university foundation. With a focus on long-term and sustainable development, KinderWorld actively explores the best aligned opportunities for education investments and aims for continued expansion not only in Viet Nam but across the region including Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.  VNS
HA NOI  Renee Deschamps, Charge d'Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Viet Nam, has affirmed that Viet Nam is an important country to Australia, not just a trading partner. In an interview granted to the Viet Nam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the New Year holidays, the diplomat noted the relationship has never been better.

Viet Nam and Australia celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties last year. How do you evaluate cooperation outcomes over the past more than five decades?

The Australia and Viet Nam relationship is one of mutual trust and the relationship has never been better. The upgrading of our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in March 2024 reflects the strategic and political trust between our countries and the ambition we both hold for the future here and for the region, one of stability and prosperity.

Viet Nam and Australia are different in many ways, but 50 years of cooperation has created a very strong and positive relationship. Australia delivered the first submarine cable, the first satellite links, the first north-south 500 KV powerlines and the first bridges over the Mekong. As Viet Nams standard of living rises and its economy modernises, there will be even broader opportunities for collaboration with Australia.

Viet Nam is an important country to Australia, and not just as a trading partner. A peaceful, prosperous and sovereign Viet Nam is essential for the stability and prosperity of our entire region. And while the challenges facing Viet Nam (and the world) may be significant, as comprehensive strategic partners we have the framework to forge ahead with optimism for future success.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese agreed to upgrade the Viet Nam-Australia relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership earlier this year. What are prospects of cooperation between the two countries, especially after the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership?

In October 2024, our Foreign Ministers met in Adelaide, Australia, and signed the Plan of Action to implement our CSP. In 2025, we will work together with Viet Nam to take the plan forward which means greater cooperation in six focus areas: Deepening Political, Defence Security and Justice Cooperation; Enhancing Economic Engagement; Building Knowledge and Connecting People; Strengthening Climate, Environment and Energy Cooperation; Supporting Science, Technology, Innovation and Developing Digital Transformation; and Reinforcing Regional and International Cooperation.

The Australian business community is excited by the potential of Viet Nams economy, and we anticipate continued reforms to improve the business environment for foreign investors and in the visitor economy. With the recent release of revised regulations for education cooperation in Viet Nam, we hope to see more Australian universities establish operations here to support Viet Nam with high-quality, industry-relevant human resource development. Two-way trade is also another shining light with further growth expected in line with Viet Nams overall rise in living standards.

How do you assess Viet Nam's achievements and its efforts to promote its role and position regionally and internationally over the past time?

From the very beginning of our relationship, Australia has been a vocal supporter of Viet Nams international integration. Our region and the international community are stronger because of Viet Nams engagement and we have been pleased to see Viet Nam playing an ever more active role on the global stage.

We acknowledge and support ASEAN centrality and recognise that ASEAN is central to regional stability and security. Australia was honoured to welcome ASEAN Leaders to Melbourne to celebrate our 50 years of dialogue partnership in March 2024 at the Australia-ASEAN Special Summit. The Melbourne Declaration signed at that Special Summit sets out a bright future for ASEAN-Australia relations, highlighting key areas of our cooperation, the importance of a rules-based Indo-Pacific region based on adherence to international law, and shared views on regional and international issues.

We are also strongly supportive of Viet Nam taking an ever-greater leadership role in ASEAN, such as through establishing and hosting the annual ASEAN Future Forum in Ha Noi, an excellent and important initiative for ASEANs future which Australia is proud to support.

Party General Secretary To Lam has outlined strategic directions to bring Viet Nam into a new era - the era of the nation's rise. How do you think about this, and how about Australia's support for Viet Nam during the process?

As an outside observer, there appears to be a broad consensus that a new period of renovation is necessary for Viet Nam to achieve its goals of becoming a high-income country by 2045. General Secretarys speech to the special conference of the Politburo on December 1, 2024 was particularly striking in its tone, calling for action to create the necessary conditions to make change happen. While change can bring uncertainty, we have seen in Viet Nam the positive outcomes of similar efforts in the past such as the oi Moi economic reforms.

Viet Nam Australia Centre (VAC) within the Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics has facilitated studies and exchanges on civil service reform. One of the most unique features of the bilateral development partnership is the prestigious leadership capability development delivered by the Viet Nam Australia Centre. The VAC demonstrates the prioritisation of both our countries on public sector leadership, including advancing women in leadership, research and knowledge exchange. We learn from each other to tackle the complex challenges Viet Nam and much of the rest of the world face.

The New Era is dawning at a time when global conditions are becoming more challenging. In the face of rising geopolitical competition, we expect that Viet Nam will continue to maintain its careful neutrality and Viet Nams engagement with the world to increase, in line with its interests, needs and ambition.  VNS
HA NOI  Some modern nuclear technologies are much safer than traditional power sources, making them ideal for Viet Nams diverse geography and energy needs, according to Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

Dien made the remarks at Thursday's conference on building the talent pool for nuclear power.

Minister Dien highlighted the Governments late-November decision to restart Viet Nams nuclear power programme. He described the move as timely and appropriate in light of global and domestic energy demands, as traditional energy sources become increasingly unsustainable.

"Modern nuclear technology has reached safety levels far beyond traditional energy sources," he said. "Its scalability and flexibility align perfectly with Viet Nams geography and energy needs."

He pointed out that the countrys long, narrow geography makes small modular reactors (SMRs) an ideal choice, especially in areas with abundant renewable energy potential. Combining SMRs with solar and wind energy could strengthen Viet Nams clean energy foundation while supporting its carbon neutrality goal for 2050.

The minister also highlighted the countrys favourable conditions for nuclear energy development, including its demographic advantages.

"Viet Nam is a populous nation with a young, tech-savvy workforce capable of quickly adopting advanced technologies, he added. However, the country faces a significant shortfall in nuclear energy professionals.

Ly Quoc Hung, Director of the Ministry's Department of Science and Technology, reported that Viet Nam lacks the quantity and quality of skilled personnel required for nuclear energy development.

Key areas such as reactor technology, nuclear physics and radiation safety remain underdeveloped, compounded by limited experience in educational institutions in training nuclear energy specialists.

In addition to fields directly related to nuclear power, more than half of the workforce required for a nuclear power plant involves expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, automation and environmental science.

The countrys current education system has yet to fully address these interdisciplinary needs.

An earlier Government initiative in 2010 aimed to train thousands of nuclear energy specialists by 2020. In six years, the Ministry of Education and Training has sent 429 students to study nuclear-related fields in Russia, while EVN sent 31 students to Japan and trained 24 engineers in nuclear energy.

However, the programme was curtailed in 2016 when the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project was suspended. Many trained professionals have since transitioned to other sectors or moved abroad.

The lack of a comprehensive review of these previously trained personnel further complicates efforts to revive the programme. Minister Dien called for an immediate reassessment of this workforce to determine how many could be retrained or redeployed.

International experts, including the IAEA and Frances EDF, estimate that operating a nuclear power plant with two 1,000MW reactors requires between 600 and 1,200 skilled workers. For Viet Nams planned Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 plants (2,000MW each), the total workforce demand would be 2,400.

The programme also requires advanced researchers, legal experts specialising in nuclear regulation and educators in nuclear sciences. Including personnel for state management, research institutes and academia, the total workforce demand rises significantly, with some critical roles taking up to 10 years to adequately train.

The conference highlighted the need for an integrated ecosystem to support nuclear power development. Key recommendations included expanding or establishing university training programmes with courses in nuclear engineering, radiation safety, nuclear physics and related fields, as well as sharing resources between research institutions and universities to optimise efficiency.

We must determine how many of our previously trained personnel can be redeployed and identify gaps in training. Collaboration between institutions is critical to maximise the use of existing facilities and resources, Minister Dien said.

He also emphasised the importance of cooperation among educational institutions, research centres, and government agencies. He suggested shared use of specialised laboratories and joint programmes between institutions like the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute and Dalat Nuclear Research Institute.

Moreover, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will propose policies to support nuclear education and training. Educational standards for nuclear programmes will be established in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training, ensuring nationwide consistency.  VNS
HA NOI  The natural disasters of 2024 were devastating and extreme, leaving 514 people dead or missing and causing estimated economic losses of over VN88.748 trillion (US$3.48 billion).

This catastrophic year highlighted the increasing severity of natural calamities in Viet Nam and underscored the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.

Hoang Phuc Lam, deputy director of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said that as of December 25, there were ten storms and one tropical depression in the East Sea, two fewer than the annual average.

Despite this lower number, the intensity and impact of these storms were staggering.

Four storms directly impacted Viet Nam, with storm No. 3 (Typhoon Yagi) being the strongest in the past 30 years.

Typhoon Yagi wreaked havoc across Quang Ninh and Hai Phong with winds of levels 10-12, gusting to levels 13-15.

These gale-force winds caused widespread destruction, particularly in the northeastern provinces and Ha Noi, where infrastructure, homes, and public services suffered extensive damage.

From September 6 to 12, heavy rains triggered by storm No. 3 inundated the northern region, with rainfall exceeding four to six times the annual average. Major rivers such as Thao, Lo, and Thai Binh rivers overflowed, surpassing danger levels and causing devastating floods.

Thousands of hectares of agricultural land were submerged and transportation networks paralysed, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.

The mountainous and midland areas faced the dual threat of landslides and flash floods. These natural phenomena obliterated entire villages, displaced thousands, and caused an untold loss of human lives and properties.

Beyond the storms, 2024 witnessed an alarming increase in extreme weather events. A total of 39 flash floods and landslides occurred across 32 provinces, with the northern and central regions bearing the brunt of the damage.

Provinces like Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Cao Bang were the most severely affected.

Adding to this, Viet Nam endured 18 cold spells and 19 heatwaves, a stark reminder of the unpredictability of climate change.

The Central Highlands and central regions suffered from acute water shortages, disrupting agricultural production and exacerbating socio-economic challenges.

Meanwhile, the Mekong Delta, a vital agricultural hub, faced an early onset of saltwater intrusion, threatening the livelihoods of millions dependent on rice farming and aquaculture.

Urban areas were not spared either.

Intense thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy rains, overwhelmed drainage systems in major cities, leading to severe flooding and widespread disruption of daily life.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Hoang Hiep described the natural disasters of 2024 as unprecedented in extremity and frequency.

Over 232 disaster events were recorded nationwide, including storms, floods, and landslides. Among these, Typhoon Yagi stood out as the most destructive.

The aftermath of Yagi was catastrophic: 345 fatalities or missing persons were reported, while agricultural production and infrastructure were devastated.

Roads, schools, and healthcare facilities were severely damaged, disrupting essential services for months.

The economic losses from this single storm alone reached VN81.7 trillion ($3.2 billion), a record figure highlighting the scale of destruction.

In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development coordinated with local authorities to address over 800 dyke-related incidents.

Despite these efforts, critical infrastructure remained vulnerable.

Emergency response teams worked tirelessly to evacuate affected populations, deliver relief supplies and repair damaged infrastructure.

However, these efforts were often hampered by the lack of adequate resources.

Nguyen Van Tien, deputy director of the ministry's Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention, noted that 2024 was the hottest year in global history.

Viet Nam experienced 21 of the 22 recognised types of natural disasters, ranging from severe droughts in the southern provinces to catastrophic floods and landslides in the northern and central regions.

The disasters emphasised the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction into socio-economic planning.

Efforts were underway to implement international commitments, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and to strengthen ASEAN cooperation on disaster management.

Tien said that by shifting focus from response to early action, the Government aimed to minimise damage, save lives, and protect livelihoods.  VNS
HCM CITY  The construction of the new international passenger terminal (Terminal 3 or T3) at HCM Citys Tan Son Nhat International Airport is nearing completion, with efforts being intensified to meet the April 30 deadline.

The project is 83 per cent complete and is expected to finish two months early, aligning with the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam.

The T3 terminal is designed to accommodate 20 million passengers annually, aiming to alleviate congestion at the overburdened T1 terminal and enhance passenger services.

Le Khac Hong, head of the project management board, said in order to inaugurate the terminal on April 30, the project must be completed by March 30.

The board is actively working to address any obstacles and mobilise all necessary resources to complete the installation of equipment and ensure the terminals safe operation, he said.

The construction of the new terminal, which has an investment of nearly VN11 trillion (US$431.8 million), commenced in December 2022.

The T3 terminal encompasses a total floor area of 112,500 square metres and is designed with a basement and four floors.

It will feature 90 check-in counters, 20 automated baggage drop stations, 42 check-in kiosks, 27 boarding gates, 16 baggage storage systems, and 25 security checkpoints.

The terminal will include eight exclusive security gates and a lounge designated for VIP, business-class, and priority passengers.

Tan Son Nhat airport currently operates both a domestic passenger terminal and an international passenger terminal.

The domestic terminal, designed for 15 million passengers annually, currently accommodates over 26 million passengers, which is 1.7 times its intended capacity.

The largest airport in southern Viet Nam has been facing heavy congestion over the years.

In response, Long Thanh International Airport is being constructed in ong Nai Province, some 30km from HCM City, with work starting in early 2021, with an aim to ease the congestion at Tan Son Nhat airport.

Once Long Thanh Airport is scheduled to open in September 2026, Tan Son Nhat will serve only domestic flights.

Recently, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged the expedited completion of Long Thanh International Airport by the end of 2025.

The Long Thanh airport spans 5,000 hectares in ong Nai Province and has a total investment of VN336.6 trillion ($13.4 billion).

In its initial phase, the airport will feature one runway, a passenger terminal, and supporting facilities, with a capacity to serve 25 million passengers annually.

Subsequent phases will expand the airports capacity to 50 million and ultimately to 100 million passengers per year.  VNS
HA NOI  Local police across Viet Nam conducted checks and handled 25,079 violations of traffic regulations on Wednesday and Thursday.

Authorities also seized 169 cars, 8,147 motorcycles and 245 other vehicles, along with revoking 4,261 driving licences.

The Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security said the move follows the enforcement of Decree No. 168/2024/N-CP, which stipulates administrative penalties for road traffic violations effective from January 1.

The police said that among the violations detected, 6,079 involved alcohol consumption, 5,405 were related to speeding, 515 involved overloading and 60 were related to oversized vehicles.

Another 60 cases involved suspected driving under the influence of drugs, while 682 instances were for failing to obey traffic light signals.

Additionally, 2,808 cases involved riders not wearing helmets.

The decree has introduced tougher penalties for certain violations, particularly those that are deliberate, pose significant risks and are direct contributors to traffic accidents.

For example, failure to obey traffic light signals or driving against the flow of traffic on one-way streets can result in fines of up to VN20 million (US$786) for car drivers.

Motorcyclists caught committing the same offence face fines of up to VN6 million ($236).

Drivers found with alcohol levels exceeding 50mg per 100ml of blood or 0.25mg per litre of breath can face fines of up to VN20 million ($786) for car drivers or VN8 million ($314) for motorcyclists.

Notably, those caught performing dangerous manoeuvres such as weaving or excessive speeding, or engaging in road racing, face fines of up to VN50 million ($1,963) for car drivers, while motorcyclists engaging in similar behaviour face fines of up to VN10 million ($392). VNS
The countrys coffee industry achieved success in the past year, with exports reaching 1.24 million tonnes. Coffee was the third most valuable agricultural product after vegetables and rice, with an export turnover exceeding $5.2 billion, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

There is still concern about demand for Vietnamese coffee, photo Le Toan

The main reason for the success was a significant increase in export prices. Coffee was the agricultural product with the highest price increase among key export items in 2024, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

In the first 11 months of the year, the export volume of coffee was over 1.2 million tonnes, a decrease of 14 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. However, the export turnover of coffee in the past 11 months increased by over 35 per cent thanks to record high prices.

In October, the average export price reached $5,720 per tonne, the highest in history, and increased by 59 per cent compared to the same period last year. In November, the price slightly decreased to $5,580 per tonne. On average, Vietnams coffee export price in the first 11 months of 2024 reached just over $4,000 per tonne, a 57 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Do Ha Nam, vice president of the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association (VICOFA), said that 2024 was an unprecedented year for the industry in Vietnam and globally.

The price of Vietnamese coffee is at a historic high, with robusta prices at times higher than arabica. On the London trading floor, the price of robusta coffee surpassed the $5,000 per tonne for the first time ever, Nam said.

Despite the benefits of price increases for coffee growers, Le Duc Huy, chairman of Dak Lak 2-9 Import-Export, pointed out that the coffee market experienced significant price fluctuations amid global political changes. Therefore, farmers should sell coffee regularly according to demand, avoiding speculation or borrowing to hoard goods.

Businesses also need to be more cautious in cost management and risk control. The coffee business today faces more challenges than before due to significant price fluctuations and increased financial costs. Companies need 2-3 times more capital to ensure inventory compared to previous years, Huy said.

He also expressed concern about the decrease in demand for roasted Vietnamese coffee compared to last year, as some companies have switched to using robusta coffee from Brazil. However, he said that he hoped that by the beginning of 2025, the demand for Vietnamese coffee in Asia would strengthen and companies would prioritise using home-grown robusta.

Vietnam exports coffee to more than 80 countries and territories. Its biggest markets include Germany, Italy, the US, Belgium, Spain, Japan, the Philippines, Russia, China, and the UK. Nam of the VICOFA believes there remains much room for exports, which could bring home up to $10 billion in revenue in the future.

To improve coffees added value, it is important to optimise free trade agreements with importing countries, step up advertising high-quality Vietnamese coffee, organise more trade promotion, and provide businesses with market information, said Nam.

In the coming years, Vietnam will have room to export coffee to the EU thanks to being ready to comply with international requirements, such as the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) set for December 2025.

The EU is now the biggest coffee importer in the world, accounting for 33-35 per cent of global market share. The consumption of the market in 2024 is expected to reach $48 billion, and the figure may escalate to $58 billion by 2029. Therefore, any significant policy on imports will have a prompt impact on the coffee price.

Under the EUDR, businesses wont be able to export certain agricultural products, including coffee, to the EU market if they cannot prove that their products do not cause deforestation. Vietnam will have an advantage in exporting coffee to this market because coffee companies in Vietnam are ready to export products meeting EUDR requirements, said To Viet Chau, deputy director of the International Cooperation Department under the MARD.

Vietnamese coffee industry sets new revenue record Crop yields between 2023-2024 marked a historic milestone for Vietnam's coffee industry, with export revenues reaching record levels despite a decline in production volume.

Processed coffee in export expansion Processed and instant coffee for export is experiencing robust growth in both quantity and value at a time when raw material prices are at record levels and exports are decreasing in volume.
In the draft Law on Digital Technology Industry presented to the National Assembly in November, the government, for the first time, addressed digital assets. According to the draft, these are intangible assets in the form of digital data, created, issued, stored, transferred, and authenticated through digital technology.

Digital assets now indispensable choice, Source: freepik.com

These assets are legally protected in accordance with regulations on civil law, intellectual property, and other related legislation. Digital assets include security tokens, tokenised securities, payment tokens, and assets with value and property rights as prescribed by law.

Phan Duc Trung, vice chairman of Vietnam Blockchain Association, stated at a seminar on digital assets hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communications and the association on December 6 that after many revisions, the Digital Technology Industry Law now provided clear definitions of digital assets but differentiated between digital assets and tokenised assets. These definitions are consistent with current legal frameworks and regulations in economies such as the US.

Trung asserted that the enactment of the law in May 2025 would fill a critical gap in Vietnams digital transformation. We already have digital government, digital economy, digital society, and digital citizens, so legalising digital assets as a connecting link among these elements will help complete the overall picture of digital transformation, he said.

When digital assets are officially defined and regulated under the Digital Technology Industry Law, they will significantly contribute to protecting user rights, minimising risks, promoting the digital economy, attracting investment, fostering innovation, and enhancing Vietnams position on the global stage.

Mai Huy Tuan, CEO of SSI Digital, told VIR that the new law could lay the groundwork for Vietnam to become a regional hub for digital assets in 2025.

However, Tuan acknowledged Vietnams greatest challenge lies in its incomplete legal framework, which creates a lack of clarity and transparency, eroding investor and business confidence.

The risks of cybersecurity and data breaches in digital asset transactions are significant, as criminal organisations can exploit anonymity to commit money laundering or fraud. Additionally, the limited availability of high-quality human resources and the insufficient adaptability of government agencies to the rapid pace of technological development pose further challenges, said Tuan.

To address these issues, he recommended establishing a regulatory sandbox for testing digital asset products and services in a monitored but innovation-friendly environment. The sandbox will enable Vietnamese tech and fintech companies to develop faster within a controlled legal framework, he said.

To manage risks, the legal framework should set basic requirements for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. Businesses participating in the sandbox must implement simple yet effective e-verification procedures and promptly report suspicious transactions to regulators. Deploying monitoring technologies such as big data analytics and AI will enhance fraud detection capabilities without disrupting business operations.

Una Fu, country director of digital asset trading platform MEXC, stated that the potential new law was not only a positive signal for the financial industry but also marked a milestone that would help Vietnam quickly align with financial trends.

With strict management and protection of domestic user rights, more citizens and investors are becoming confident in exploring and investing in digital assets, which already exhibit exceptional growth potential both now and in the future.

Fu also noted that the development of digital assets promises significant changes for the financial and banking sectors. They will upgrade and expand their services by introducing new solutions such as digital asset custody, tokenised asset trading, and asset ownership management. Additionally, digital assets will emerge as a new asset class, complementing traditional forms such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, she said.

Clear legal framework key to borderless digital assets At the Vietnam Tech Impact Summit 2024, hosted by securities company SSI and FPT Corporation on December 3 in Hanoi, Nguyen Duy Hung, chairman of SSI, highlighted the significant challenges facing Vietnams technology and digital asset sectors due to the absence of a clear regulatory framework.

Vietnam to become digital asset hub Vietnam is projected to become a second home for leading global tech corporations and a cradle for digital assets in the coming years.
Cooperation between government and corporations can lead to major tech breakthroughs, photo Le Toan

After announcing the establishment of two research centres in Vietnam in early December, US chip manufacturing giant Nvidia immediately announced recruitment for positions from testing engineers to senior managers working in Hanoi and the neighbouring province of Bac Ninh.

The cooperation agreement with Nvidia is an important push for Vietnam to make a leap forward in technology, and a big spillover effect, attracting the attention of other high-tech investors with investment in AI and semiconductors in Vietnam, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said at a government meeting on the issue in early December.

He emphasised that tech corporations such as Intel, Amkor, HanaMicron, and Qualcomm have plans to shift their supply chains to Vietnam, not only investing in production and business, but also building research and development (R&D) centres.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment has also worked with representatives of Google, Meta, AlChip, and Qorvo. Most of them have specific plans to shift their supply chains to Vietnam already, to develop R&D centres, or expand investment, production, and business here, Minister Dung stated.

Economic expert Nguyen Thuong Lang from the Institute of International Trade and Economics said that in 2018-2019, when the US imposed high tariffs on imported goods from China, there was a wave of foreign capital moving away from China or not expanding investment. Now is deemed a second similar opportunity that Vietnam must seize on.

The situation for capital movement is different today in that Vietnam has many special advantages in the semiconductor field, including the developments from Nvidia and the operation of large manufacturing plants from Foxconn, Compal, and Pegatron, Lang said. Vietnams global position has improved and now many corporations identify Vietnam as a destination for high technology, semiconductors, and AI.

Domestic groups push for progress

Amid this attention from foreign tech giants, Vietnamese enterprises are ready to accelerate the preparation and capacity to join the supply chain. Nguyen Dat, deputy general director of Viettel, said that the company has worked with Nvidia and committed to building and deploying the largest data centre in Vietnam.

In the first phase of building this centre, Viettel will pour about $100 million in 2025 to purchase equipment, while the infrastructure, electromechanics, and the general condition of this centre have been completed by Viettel, Dat said.

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said that one of the key tasks in 2025 to implement the semiconductor development strategy is the scheme of building a small-scale, high-tech chip factory for research, design, and production.

The minister requested Viettel to plan the implementation of the scheme. This will be the first Vietnamese chip factory in Vietnam and be a key initial strategic step, Hung said.

He said that special incentive mechanisms and financial support will be approved for building the factory, and a shared platform and tools are being built as infrastructure for the semiconductor industry as well as for startups and experts.

Elsewhere, FPT has also advanced in the semiconductor industry, with about 200 design engineers working with dozens of customers in Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

In education and training, FPT enrolled 1,500 students in 2024 and has partnered with Nvidia on building its first AI factory in Vietnam, as well as a centre in Japan.

To realise the dream of the Vietnamese semiconductor industry, we need a strategy to build Vietnamese human resources, and to rank first in ASEAN in the number of newly opened chip design companies, including startups and foreign R&D centres, an FPT leader said.

FPT proposed that the government continue to direct the creation of a semiconductor diplomatic environment, accompanying businesses as it does now. We have good relations with major countries and need to continue to maintain these relationships to create joint venture opportunities with major businesses in the semiconductor industry, he added.

Taking action

However, complexities still brew as companies aim to become key parts of semiconductor supply chains. Amkor Vietnam, a manufacturer in Bac Ninh province, had complained about domestic logistics, in that delivery from Bac Ninh to Bac Giang province took longer than from South Korea.

Some foreign investors reported that it took up to 48 hours to receive goods delivered across provinces, within a radius of 20km, while it only took 24 hours at most to import goods from South Korea. To attract this relocated capital, we must quickly remove the inherent bottleneck of delays and high costs in logistics. Semiconductor development is the task of the whole country, all industries, and localities, not just the technology sector, Lang said.

As a unit that has trained many specialised and interdisciplinary engineers for semiconductor technology for many years, Huynh Dang Chinh, deputy director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), said that the current challenge for the semiconductor field is quickly upgraded technologies and highly automated production, so the requirement for high-qualified personnel is a key factor.

The HUST needs a policy to quickly support technical schools and institutes to effectively organise human resource training and research in the semiconductor industry, Chinh said.

With the HUSTs training capacity in recent years, a semiconductor training facility has the capacity to train about 20 per cent of engineers. Of these engineers, around two-fifths are for both chip design engineers and AI, one-third is for packaging and testing, and the rest are for production. Additionally, the university has been conducting the training of about 200 lecturers and PhDs with foreign facilities.

Chinh urged quick deployment of a basic laboratory and shared semiconductor laboratory to match with the training programme, students, lecturers, and industrial needs.

Moreover, cooperation with enterprises and developing R&D also need to be promoted. For example, shared laboratories between enterprises and research and training institutions need to be prioritised in terms of procedures for imported equipment and operating mechanisms; as do quick procedures for receiving funding for scientific R&D and application from international funds, Chinh said.

According to Vietnams semiconductor development strategy to 2030 and beyond, the development of the industry is based on specialised chip production, growth of the electronics industry, and building a team of semiconductor engineers, enabling Vietnam to become a new destination for the global semiconductor supply chain.

The strategy clearly defines a three-phase development roadmap with some specific goals. In particular, by 2030, Vietnam aims to create at least 100 design enterprises, build a small-scale chip manufacturing factory, and establish 10 semiconductor product packaging and testing factories.

Pham Sy Thanh, director Centre for Chinese Economic and Strategic Studies There are currently three types of chips: logic chips, memory chips, and discrete optoelectronic devices. After being manufactured, the entire chip will be cut and packaged according to the design. With three operating segments like that, there will be various operating models of a semiconductor company, either focusing on only one segment or an integrated manufacturing model that performs the entire production process. Regarding the input of the value chain, the design and production of a chip is actually in the hands of a few centres. There may be millions of companies in this segment, but only 2-3 companies account for 85 per cent or more of the market. In that picture, the US and Europe hold most intellectual property and design. The US and Japan play an important role in chemicals and materials. Meanwhile, a series of policies from semiconductor giants in the US are redrawing the industry map and opening up great opportunities for Vietnam. China is also trying to move deeper into the semiconductor industry supply chain, but is facing fierce resistance from the US. This is why we cannot delay any longer to seize this opportunity. The world is moving forward at an unprecedented speed, and Vietnam has a relatively clear strategy for developing the semiconductor industry. If we do not act quickly, or effectively, we will lose the opportunities ahead.

Semiconductor workforce partnerships deliver industry-relevant training Training institutions and businesses are collaborating to provide practical solutions for semiconductor workforce development, aiming to ensure graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands.
Factories in Tan Uyen city, the southern province of Binh Duong (Photo: VNA)

According to the Industrial Insider 2024 released by Savills Vietnam in November, the manufacturing sector accounted for 48 per cent of the total newly registered foreign direct investment (FDI) for the first nine months in the northern region, focusing on high-value industries such as vehicles and electronics.

The north attracted seven of the 10 corporations in the semiconductor sector. Bac Ninh province leads with four: Samsung Electronics, Amkor Technology, Hanmi Semiconductor, and Victory Giang.

Big names such as Samsung, Foxconn, and Intel have established Vietnam as a leader in electronics manufacturing. Additionally, prominent Chinese electronics brands, including TCL, Haier, and Midea have expanded operations in the country, specifically in the north, bringing high-quality products to market while stimulating local supply chains.

Thomas Rooney, senior manager of Savills Hanois Industrial Services, said that the southern provinces mainly attracted tenants from processing industries such as rubber, plastics, food and beverage, while the north has become a hub of high value-added industries.

With the goal of positioning Vietnam as a high-tech manufacturing centre, the north is said to have greater resilience and become an attractive destination for investors. This provides momentum for industrial development, Rooney said.

Under the incoming US administration, experts believe Vietnams strategic position, resilient foreign investment flows, and role in supply chain diversification offer significant opportunities for economic growth.

Koh Eng Meng, deputy director of Investment and Asset Management of KTG Industrial, highlighted Vietnams strategic advantage in Southeast Asia, noting that the country has largely avoided the harshest penalties impacting Chinese exports.

Vietnams minor trade deficits with the US and its favourable position in Southeast Asia make it an essential destination for foreign investment, especially northern areas not far from China, he said.

Such positioning is supported by data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, which identifies Vietnam as a top reshoring destination, even surpassing Mexico. A report released in September highlighted Vietnams significant growth in reshoring-related sales, driven by domestic demand and exports. This aligns with the China+1 strategy, as companies diversify production to mitigate geopolitical risks, with Vietnam emerging as a top choice.

Typically industrial property areas in Vietnam are heading the charts in FDI results. Bac Ninh is the leading province with 16.2 per cent of total FDI, equivalent to just over $5 billion, tripling last years figure, followed by Quang Ninh with $2.23 billion, Ho Chi Minh City $2.28 billion, Haiphong $2.15 billion, and Hanoi $2.06 billion.

Savills said the northern provinces have advantages in abundant land and reasonable rents. In the first half of 2024, northern economic zones provided almost 13,000 ha of industrial land in 73 industrial parks, up 12 per cent over the previous year thanks to the expansion of parks in Haiphong, Hung Yen, and Hai Duong.

Moreover, the industrial land rental price in the north is 28 per cent lower than in the south. Northern provinces have an average occupancy rate of 78 per cent, with an average land price of $132 per sq.m.

Savills publishes annual whitepaper on industrial real estate sector Savills Vietnam has released its annual November whitepaper, Industrial Insider 2024: New Wave. John Campbell, director and head of Industrial Services at Savills, provided an in-depth analysis of the key trends influencing Vietnam's industrial sector in an interview with VIRs Bich Ngoc.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of Qualcomm Technologies growth and success, and the technology company has formed close relationships with its Vietnamese counterparts. Last November, Viettel announced the commercial launch of its Open RAN (O-RAN) 5G Network, utilising Qualcomm Technologies 5G RAN platforms. The commercial O-RAN deployment stems from a successful collaboration announced in May 2022 when Viettel announced Qualcomm Technologies as its partner.

The launch was the culmination of a collaboration between two companies that went beyond supplier and customer. For Viettel, which operates a mobile wireless service and builds networking equipment, the collaboration helped burnish its reputation as a global leader in telecommunications and set it up for expansion overseas. For Qualcomm Technologies, it represented the first O-RAN network running on its 5G RAN platforms.

Qualcomm partners with Viettel. Photo: Qualcomm

We are thrilled to collaborate with Viettel on the launch of the first commercial O-RAN network utilising Qualcomm Technologies cutting-edge 5G RAN solutions, said Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager of technology planning and edge solutions at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. This milestone underscores our commitment to driving innovation in the telecommunications industry and enabling operators to deliver enhanced 5G experiences. By leveraging advanced technology, Qualcomm Technologies and Viettel are empowering greater network flexibility, efficiency, and performance, ultimately transforming the way people connect and communicate.

Another mobile network operator, VNPT, has also formed a strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies. In October, VNPT launched a new generation internet service provider integrating advanced WiFi 7 technology (XGS-PON WiFi 7), and became the first network operator in Vietnam deploying this breakthrough technology with Qualcomm 10G Fiber.

Qualcomm partners with VNPT. Photo: Qualcomm

Ganesh Swaminathan, vice president and general manager of wireless infrastructure and networks at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said, "We are excited to partner with VNPT to launch the first customer home internet service provider, XGS-PON WiFi 7, in Vietnam using our Qualcomm 10G Fiber Gateway platform. This collaboration underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of broadband technology and providing great internet experiences. With the advanced capabilities of WiFi 7, customers in Vietnam will benefit from faster internet speeds, lower latency, and enhanced network reliability, setting a new standard for connectivity."

Elsewhere, VinAI has successfully integrated the smart mobility solutions, including Driver & Occupants Monitoring Systems and Advanced Driver Monitoring System, leveraging the Snapdragon Cockpit platform from Qualcomm Technologies. The platform enables smart, responsive vehicle control with AI-driven assistance, real-time data processing, and enhanced driver monitoring. The platform makes it easy for VinAI to integrate the in-vehicle infotainment system, giving the company an edge over its rivalries.

As the Vietnamese government is accelerating its digital transformation agenda towards a digital economy, Qualcomm Technologies is committed to helping Vietnam transform. The company has led a number of initiatives to foster digital savvy businesses in Vietnam. One of the most notable initiatives is the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge (QIVC) which is aimed at spurring the development of Vietnams emerging technology ecosystem.

Through the use of Qualcomm Technologies' state-of-the-art mobile platforms and technologies, QIVC identifies and nurtures creative small- and medium-sized businesses that are developing products in key technology areas like AI, 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and drones, smart cities, wearable technology, and multimedia.

Qualcomm QVIC 2024. Photo: Qualcomm

Since its inception four years ago, the QVIC has made a contribution to advancing Vietnams innovation ecosystem by creating a favourable environment for tech talents and home-grown startups to receive training, gain experience, and engage in solving global challenges. At QVIC 2024 in August, Vbee - Conversational AI platform, HSPTek - Anti-static real-time monitoring wearable device, and Met EV -Affordable smart E2W with an AI-powered battery swapping solution were named as the top three finalists, with awards of $100,000, $75,000, and $50,000, respectively.

In October, six startups backed by Qualcomm Technologies had the chance to showcase their innovative solutions for 5G, AI, IoT, and robotics at Qualcomm Technologies' booth at Innovate Vietnam 2024. The event was a platform for startups to introduce products to potential customers and connect with partners. By improving startups opportunities through its unique expertise, Qualcomm Technologies reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the local technology ecosystem.

Becky Fraser, vice president of global government affairs at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said, We honour Vietnams startup ecosystem and the meaningful contributions of local firms to accelerate the digital transformation journey. When we enter the era of 5G and AI, every industry will benefit, drive innovation, and create sustainable economies.

Future plans

Looking forward to 2025, Qualcomm will continue to support Vietnam in the nationwide 5G rollout with home-grown 5G Open RAN Technology. The company will also support Vietnamese partners to export "Made in Vietnam" 5G products to the global market.

Nam Thieu, country director of Qualcomm Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, told VIR, As Vietnam is building out AI infrastructure, we are working with the country's AI ecosystem such as system integrators, software independence vendors, and cloud data centre services providers to bring Qualcomm Hybrid AI solutions, AI PC powered by the Snapdragon X series to enterprises and consumers in Vietnam.

Our AI solutions will help reduce the cost of implementing AI by 30 per cent. We will work with AI software developers to optimise Vietnamese GenAI models to run more efficiently on Snapdragon-powered devices leveraging our AI Hub platform, he added.

Qualcomm's Industry IoT Technologies are helping to transform the business of big corporations around the world. It is excited to work with its partners in Vietnam to deploy Qualcomm end-to-end industrial IoT solutions in enterprises to accelerate the digital transformation journey, especially in the manufacturing, smart city, and urban planning, and development sectors.

We will continue to support Vietnam's tech startup community with the QVIC programme in 2025. The 2025 cohort is already open to applications, and we are excited to work with Vietnamese companies to turn their ideas into commercialisation. The programme is in its fifth year and is a testament of Qualcomm's long-term commitment to Vietnam, he noted.

Qualcomm strengthens partnerships to drive AI revolution AI capabilities appear to be a major driver for industries, and is breathing new life into the PC industry. ST Liew, vice president of Qualcomm, talked to VIR's Thuy Huong about the company's strategy to drive the AI revolution forward.

Viettel launches O-RAN 5G network utilising Qualcomm platform At a conference at Viettel High-Tech headquarters in Hanoi on November 13, Viettel announced the commercial launch of its Open RAN (ORAN) 5G Network, featuring key equipment developed in-house.
Edwin Tan, deputy CEO, Frasers Property Vietnam

Edwin Tan, deputy CEO, Frasers Property Vietnam

Vietnam projects economic growth of up to 7 per cent in 2025, driven by growing foreign investment, robust exports, and improving domestic demand as the country establishes itself as an important node in the global manufacturing and supply chain network. Off the back of this significant growth momentum, we aim to grow our industrial and logistics portfolio to nearly 800,000 square metres of net lettable area in key industrial hubs by 2030.

We plan to leverage our strong market presence and established local networks to address the continued demand for high-quality and sustainable industrial facilities. On the commercial front, Ho Chi Minh Citys office market is experiencing significant growth, with multinational companies driving demand. Our commercial portfolio is set to continue delivering stable performance from our proactive management approach.

By leveraging tech and active community engagement, we seek to future-proof properties and enhance the workplace experience. We also seek opportunities to unlock value from our assets by developing them to their optimal potential while addressing the evolving market needs in Vietnam.

Hardy Diec  COO, KCN Vietnam

Hardy Diec  COO, KCN Vietnam

KCN Vietnam remains optimistic about 2025, as we anticipate strong growth in the industrial real estate sector, fuelled by Vietnam's rising global position as a manufacturing hub. We are focused on scaling our green and sustainable land portfolio, with plans to develop one million square meters of leasable industrial space by the end of 2025. This includes ready-built warehouses and factories that meet the strictest environmental standards to align with global investor expectations and Vietnam's net-zero commitments.

In the face of global geopolitical volatility, real estate firms must maintain flexibility to quickly adapt to unexpected changes. Flexibility is at the core of our strategy, with projects designed to meet the diverse needs of high-tech, logistics, and multi-sector manufacturers. We are also focused on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs for our tenants through strategic locations and modern infrastructure.

Our goal is not just to entice investment, but to contribute to Vietnam's sustainable economic growth. With a strategic land portfolio, advanced facilities, and a commitment to green development, KCN Vietnam is well-positioned to contribute to the country's next wave of high-value overseas investment and industrial transformation.

David Jackson  Principal and CEO, Avison Young Vietnam

David Jackson  Principal and CEO, Avison Young Vietnam

Industrial and logistics real estate will continue to lead the market thanks to the trend of supply chain diversification and the 'China +1' strategy. Vietnam, with its favourable geographical location, improved investment environment, and relatively stable politics, has the potential to become an important production base. Demand is forecast to increase in areas such as industrial land, warehouses, ready-built factories, and high-tech industrial facilities.

The housing segment is expected to improve from mid-2025, mainly thanks to legal breakthroughs in several projects. Urbanisation, potential large urban suburbs, and satellite markets promote the development of mid-range commercial, affordable, and social housing. The expanded Ho Chi Minh City area (Cu Chi, Hoc Mon and Binh Chanh districts) and neighbouring areas such as Binh Duong and Dong Nai province will be hot spots. In the north, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, and Haiphong are also forecast to grow.

Other commercial real estate such as offices and retail are also forecast to be more vibrant with many new projects, creating competitiveness and excitement in the coming years.

Vietnam's real estate market still has a lot of room for development thanks to strong demand. However, some challenges remain, such as delayed legal procedures, unbalanced supply, and rapidly increasing prices.

Individual investors should update themselves on the latest legal frameworks, market trends, infrastructure development policies, and the financial background of any developer before considering any moves.

Liquidity will be a key issue in the negotiation process for both the seller and the buyer. Negotiation time may also be prolonged because the process of implementing and applying new laws takes time.
Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht speaking at the Texas Supreme Court in 2018. Spencer Selvidge for the San Antonio Express News / Spencer Selvidge for the San Antonio Express News

Theres some irony in Nathan Hechts distinction as the longest tenured Supreme Court justice in Texas history. If it were up to him, voters would never have had the chance to re-elect him six times because he didnt believe voters should elect judges at all.

Hecht, whose time on the Supreme Court expired at midnight on New Years Eve due to Texas mandatory retirement age for judges, always claimed to disdain politics. In recent years, his State of the Judiciary address included a section lamenting the partisan sweeps in general elections with judicial candidates at the mercy of the top of the ticket. He was firm in his belief that partisan elections erode judicial independence and public confidence in our justice system. He used this platform  in front of state lawmakers  to call for dramatic reforms such as eliminating judicial elections and replacing them with a system of merit selection followed by nonpartisan retention elections.

Hecht, a Republican, likely knew such proposals were a long shot to even get a floor vote in the Legislature, but whipping lawmakers was never part of his job description. At a time when too many powerful voices in Texas are either drowned out by hyper-partisans, co-opted by special interests or both, Hecht never lost sight of the immense responsibility that came with his influential perch.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

His willingness to push the envelope rhetorically is what made these biannual addresses cant-miss viewing. When Hecht spoke, people listened. And occasionally, when his words aligned with the political winds in Austin, they helped influence important criminal justice reforms.

After Damon Allen, a Texas highway state trooper, was murdered on Thanksgiving 2017 by a driver he pulled over during a traffic stop, Hecht honored his memory the right way. The man who shot Allen (he was later convicted) had recently been freed on a felony money bond for assaulting a sheriffs deputy, an example of public safety compromised by a broken cash bail system. Hecht invited Allens wife and daughter to his State of the Judiciary address in 2019 and urged lawmakers to pass the Damon Allen Act. We didnt agree with every provision in this bill, which took two legislative sessions to pass and was signed into law in 2021. Yet it included an important change that Hecht called for: giving judges access to a defendants full criminal history and requiring them to consider that information when assessing bail.

That law still didnt go as far as Hecht wouldve liked. In the same speech, he also pushed for a constitutional amendment giving judges the authority to deny bail for certain violent offenders. The state Constitution currently requires judges to set bail for most criminal defendants except those charged with capital murder. We imagine that Hecht will continue to champion the change in retirement, and well continue to do our part as well.

Hechts advocacy didnt stop at bail reform. In one of his speeches he called access to justice for Texas poorest citizens a righteous cause, and he meant it. He pushed the Legislature to increase funding for indigent defense. He spoke up for homeless veterans who desperately needed legal aid to apply for benefits they were entitled to. When federal COVID funds for rental assistance were drying up, he penned a powerful New York Times op-ed calling for courts to adopt eviction diversion programs similar to the one he helped start in Texas.

Speaking of COVID, Hecht was a crucial supporter of keeping the courts open virtually during the pandemic. He also presided over emergency responses to Hurricane Harvey, which decimated courthouses in Houston.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Of course we don't believe that Hecht is perfect; no one is. We certainly dont agree with many of the courts decisions under Hecht, most notably the rulings that affirmed the states draconian abortion ban. That comes with the territory when you sign 730 opinions over 35 years on the high court.



Too, though Hecht pushed for changes in the way judges are selected, detractors point out that he belonged to a party that disproportionately benefits from wealthy benefactors who wield significant influence over statewide elections. They note that, in certain cases, Hechts pro-business judicial philosophy may have even favored some of those political power brokers. In a rare instance of unethical behavior, he flip-flopped over hearing an age and discrimination lawsuit against Apache Corp. after the company dropped a whopping $250,000 donation to a political action committee supporting justices seeking re-election. Hecht initially declined to review the case, only to change his mind two weeks after the election, and after personally accepting a $15,000 campaign donation from Apaches law firm.

But make no mistake: Itll be hard to find a replacement who measures up to Hecht. Reasonable legal minds can disagree about interpreting state laws. No one should stomach the flagrant partisanship that is seeping into some of Texas most important courtrooms. Despite our many disagreements with Abbott, he does still seem to value competence in many of his appointments, and in choosing Hechts replacement, we cant see him following the example of fellow Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who loudly and vengefully supported two wholly unqualified justices for the states highest criminal court.

Few jurists can match Hechts experience, integrity and willingness to buck his own party when justice demands it. Hecht told the Dallas Morning News recently that he keeps his nose out of the governors business when it comes to Supreme Court appointments, so well weigh in for him. We urge Abbott, who served alongside Hecht on the Supreme Court for five years, to appoint a chief justice in Hechts mold, ideally from within the high court. At least two of the courts current justices, Debra Lehrmann and Jane Bland, both fair-minded jurists with seniority and sterling reputations, should be on his short list.

Hechts influence and institutional knowledge will be missed on the bench. We can only hope his clarion calls for judicial reform and independence will inspire generations of future jurists to follow his lead.
In a new advisory warning, Dr. Vivek Murthy said alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S.
Samantha Petry places flowers at a memorial on Canal and Bourbon Street, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in New Orleans. George Walker IV/Associated Press

New Year, same tragedies

Regarding "The Latest: The FBI now says the New Orleans truck attacker acted alone in an 'act of terrorism,'" (Jan. 2): I went to bed on New Years Eve at 11:30 p.m. after watching the wild and happy celebrations when the ball dropped in Times Square and woke up the next morning to CNN headlines screaming: "At least 10 killed in New Orleans after driver intentionally rams into crowd on Bourbon Street." I try not to be cynical, but nothing has changed except for the last digit on the calendar.

The sun came up as usual on the eastern sky. Suffering in Gaza and Ukraine and Sudan continues unabated. The media reports that little children are dying of hypothermia in Gaza due to the intense cold in their makeshift tents. There are no signs of unity among our elected officials in Washington, D.C. All my problems of yesterday still remain. Yesterdays leftovers from dinner wait to be cleared.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

In God we trust. Hopefully He will turn things around in the very near future to bring peace and goodwill among all, but I am not too confident if man will listen.

Narasimhan Kumar, Montgomery

Terrorism attack

Regarding "What we know about Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the Houston-area resident suspected in New Orleans massacre," (Jan. 1): In the immediate aftermath of the attack in New Orleans, Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, and that the crime rate in our country is at a level that nobody has ever seen before. The Chronicles story correctly reported that Trump was spreading false information about the alleged attacker on his social media platform but did so only as an aside. Trumps reaction should not be reported incidentally.

The man identified as the attacker is not an immigrant. He did not cross the southern border. He is from Texas, a U.S. military veteran, a U.S.-born citizen. Trumps crime comment is the opposite of what the crime data reported earlier this week showed: 2024 is expected to end with a nearly 16% drop in homicides nationwide and a 3.3% decline in overall violent crime. The 2024 data caps three consecutive years of declining homicides following a 30% jump in murders during Trumps first term. Trump presided over the largest single-year increase in murders in the past hundred years. Yet, he repeatedly said during the presidential campaign  and is still saying  that crime is out of control under President Joe Biden, when it is falling.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

To their credit, columnists, editorial boards and letter writers have routinely called out Trumps endless blizzard of lies. Unfortunately, news editors and headline writers have failed us over the past 10 years.

There will be no front-page headlines telling readers that Trump is lying about immigrants and violent crime. But there should be. It may be old news that Trump demonizes immigrants and lies whenever his lips or fingers are moving. But Trumps daily deceit should not be normalized again. Americans cant live in "crazy land" for four more years with the mad hatter (or hater) spewing nonsense and not being held to account in the most visible way possible.

Rand Nolen, Houston

Regarding "Firework mortars, gas cannisters stuffed inside Tesla that exploded outside Trump's Las Vegas hotel," (Jan. 1): Our hearts break for the victims of recent violent attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. These should be events that elicit from our leadership thoughtful, appropriate, accurate responses, regardless of whether the current administration is Republican or Democrat. In my 70-plus years, for the most part, that has been the case. However, the responses to these attacks from our president-elect and several Republican lawmakers raise my worry about how our democracy will fare in the next four years.

Soon after the event, despite these leaders having access to the latest law enforcement assessments, Mr. Trump, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, border czar nominee Tom Homan and other Republicans blamed the attack on migrants, continuing to do so even after it was documented that the New Orleans perpetrator was a U.S. citizen and army veteran, born and raised in Texas.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Thankfully, our current administration, including the FBI, reports facts as they verify them and corrects misinformation, but we will soon begin four years with a president-elect who is perfectly comfortable making up stories and insisting his subordinates do the same. Friends who support Mr. Trump have told me that his exaggerations were annoying but not deal-breaking in earning their vote. I truly dont know how the United States will effectively address attacks like those earlier this week, inevitable health crises and foreign affairs challenges when the entire administration lies incessantly, backed by a party that is happy to proliferate those lies.

Cathy Murphree, Richardson

I take exception to the description of the perpetrator of the senseless act in New Orleans as having "deep roots in Texas." It may be indisputable that Shamsud-Din Jabbar was born in Texas but the opening paragraph of the article is disingenuous at best. Allow me to give you examples of what I think are deep roots.

My neighbor across the street has a family line that runs to Spanish governors of colonial Texas. My wife, though from out-of-state, has a direct ancestor who was at the Battle of San Jacinto. While most of my Texas ancestors came here after the Civil War, I have a collateral ancestor of the same last name whose family were members of Austin's original 300. I am also a direct descendant of one of the few survivors of the ill-fated La Salle colony. These are what I call deep roots.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

If Jabbar could not compare with that, he does not have anything resembling "deep roots" and to give that impression borders on the use of subterfuge, to make him out as something he most certainly was not.
On the networks and streaming giants like Netflix and Prime Video, theres a whole new crop of comedies, dramas and documentaries in the pipeline for 2025. Heres what to look forward to in the coming months.

Members only

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (Peacock, Jan. 2)

In 1988, 270 died in the crash of Pan Am Flight 103 in little Lockerbie, Scotland, the worst terror attack in UK history. Colin Firth, 64, plays Jim Swire, whose daughter died that day  and who controversially claimed that the government covered up the truth about the tragedy.

American Primeval (Netflix, Jan. 9)

This gritty, six-part dramatic series from Emmy-nominated Friday Night Lights director Peter Berg, 60, explores how the American West was settled in the 1800s. The storyline revolves around a mother and son struggling to survive in the violent and lawless frontier, forming a new surrogate family of fellow pioneers along the way. The cast includes Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Jai Courtney, and Shea Whigham, 55.

On Call (Prime Video, Jan. 9)

Law & Order creator Dick Wolfs latest series follows a rookie cop (Brandon Larracuente from The Good Doctor) paired with a veteran officer (Pretty Little Liars alum Troian Bellisario) as they hit the streets of Long Beach, California. But Wolf & Co. shake up the genre with a visceral approach that mixes hand-held cameras, body cams, and dashboard footage to produce a verite look at modern policing.

The Pitt (Max, Jan. 9)

ER veteran Noah Wyle, 53, plays a Pittsburgh ER doc in a show by ER producer John Wells, 68. Despite a lawsuit by ER creator Michael Crichtons widow, who calls it an ER reboot, they say its not  Wyles character is Dr. Michael Robby Rabinavitch, not Dr. John Carter, and its more like 24, with each episode covering one hour of a 15-hour ER shift.

The Traitors, Season 3 (Peacock, Jan. 9)

Alan Cumming, 59, whos also the witty host of AARPs Movies for Grownups Awards on PBS Great Performances, Feb. 23, returns as host of the Peacock reality series where celebrities vie for a cash prize in a murder mystery game set in a castle in the Scottish Highlands.

SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night Live (Peacock, Jan. 16)

Get ready for the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live (on NBC and Peacock, Feb. 16) by watching this four-part docuseries with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with 60 castmembers, writers, and celebrities.
A Somali refugee who had been stuck in limbo after President Donald Trump temporarily banned refugee entries, walks with his wife and his 2-year-old daughter, who he met for the first time after arriving at Salt Lake City International Airport. Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

Im an enthusiastic supporter of Donald Trump. I voted for him three times, and I generally agree with his plans for a second term as president, with one notable exception: his policy on refugees.

He has promised to pause refugee resettlement in the United States on his first day in office, Jan. 20. Its unclear how long the pause would last, but even a temporary halt would make it difficult to restart the program later.

I voted for Trump because I think he can make a difference in the lives of ordinary Americans like me with his policies on abortion, illegal immigration, the judiciary, the economy, national security and foreign affairs. It wasnt a difficult decision.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

But if Trump really wants to make America great again, he should reconsider his refugee policy.

Refugees are people who are forced to leave their homeland because of war, violence, persecution or human-rights violations. They are subject to the highest level of security checks of any category of traveler to the United States, and must undergo an extensive screening process involving a constellation of U.S. agencies before coming here.

The Pew Research Center estimated in August that 47% of the worlds 280 million people living outside their birth nation as of 2020 are Christians. Of course, they arent all refugees; many of them chose to leave their home country in search of better opportunity elsewhere.

Refugees, on the other hand, dont have a choice.

Perhaps theyve had their homes  including everything they own  burned to the ground by militant extremists. Maybe theyve seen friends or family executed before their eyes. And theyre told, Leave or well do the same to you.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

So these refugees take their children and go, hoping to make it to a new country where they can start rebuilding their lives. Of the many refugees who enter the U.S. as religious minorities, nearly two-thirds are persecuted Christians.

No one wants to be a refugee.

I didnt want to be one when I left Iraq in 1982 because of the war with Iran and persecution of Christians like me. I didnt want to leave my family, my community or my country. I didnt want to start all over again in a foreign land. I didnt want to be alone and confused in a new culture.

No one does.

But thats the reality for people who have been forced to flee their homeland. In fact, I can imagine that the vast majority of newcomers to this country dont care about politics; they merely want to survive. They strive to live productive lives and dream of a better future for their children.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Thats my story, and I love America because of it. Im eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to come to this country when Ronald Reagan was president.

In 1981, his first year in office and only a year after the contemporary U.S. refugee resettlement programs inception, Reagan issued a policy statement on refugees and immigrants that said, in part:

We shall continue Americas tradition as a land that welcomes peoples from other countries. We shall also, with other countries, continue to share in the responsibility of welcoming and resettling those who flee oppression.

Oh, how things have changed.

The president sets the limit on refugee admissions every year. In 2020, Trump set the limit at 15,000 for fiscal year 2021. It was the lowest cap since the Refugee Act of 1980 gave the president the power to set the limit.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

And Trump seems intent on shutting down our borders when he takes office again.

Let me be perfectly clear: America should be able to protect its borders, limiting immigration to those who enter legally. Thats because preserving the blessings of liberty means taking security measures before allowing people into the country.

Yet refugees rarely represent a danger.

Statistics show that refugees are the least likely section of a population to get involved in violence  they are refugees because they fled violence and persecution, the UN Refugee Agency reported.

So I wish Trump and his advisors, particularly the Christian leaders who have his ear, would rethink their attitude toward refugees.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
Ecom Express Limited, Indias only pure-play B2C e-commerce logistics solutions provider as of the Financial Year 2024, have announced the appointment of Kammal Daas as Vice President of Operations, Last Mile. Kammal will play an important role in strengthening the companys operational capabilities and driving efficiency across its last-mile delivery process.

Kammal brings over 18 years of rich experience in operations, logistics, and supply chain management. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Operations at Licious, where he led mid-mile delivery operations and managed procurement logistics. His career highlights also include leadership positions at Flipkart and Walmart India, where he developed third party logistics and enhanced supply chain capabilities.

Vishwachetan Nadamani, Chief Operating Officer of Ecom Express, congratulating Kammal on his appointment, said, We are excited to welcome Kammal to Ecom Express. His expertise lies in leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, which will help the brand fortify its modular last-mile delivery capabilities. Kammals strategic approach will not only strengthen our operational efficiency but also position us to serve emerging business needs with greater agility and precision.

In his new role, Kammal will oversee Ecom Expresss last-mile delivery operations, focusing on enhancing customer experience and operational excellence.

His responsibilities will include optimizing delivery strategies to ensure efficiency and reliability. Kammal will leverage advanced technologies for real-time tracking and seamless operations while fostering a high-performance culture by mentoring and empowering his team. Ensuring safety and compliance across all operations will also be a key priority.

Commenting on his appointment, Kammal Daas said, I am thrilled to join Ecom Express at such an exciting time in its journey. With the companys commitment to innovation and customer-centricity, I look forward to contributing to its growth and operational excellence. Together, we will strive to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and partners.

Daas holds an advanced degree in supply chain and digital supply chain from the Indian School of Business and post graduate degree in Business Management. In his new role, he is expected to ensure delivery timelines and seamless coordination across teams to achieve the organizations objectives.

Also Read: Ecom Express unveils 'Halla Bol' rewards to boost festive workforce
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to restaurants and retailers about selling oysters harvested from a part of Washington state due to a norovirus outbreak.

Washington state is conducting a recall of shellstock oysters harvested from December 2, 2024 to December 17, 2024 by Rucos Shellfish from a portion of the states Hammersley Inlet area due to a norovirus outbreak. The oysters were distributed in Washington and Oregon and may have been distributed to other states as well, according to a Thursday advisory from the FDA.

The agency is advising restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell the oysters and to dispose of them. The FDA is also advising consumers not to eat the oysters.

The FDA is awaiting further information on the distribution of these oysters and will continue to monitor the investigation and provide assistance to state authorities as needed, the agency said.

The FDA says it will also update the safety alert if more information becomes available.

Norovirus, which is highly contagious, is one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the United States.

Oysters contaminated with norovirus can cause illness if eaten, and potentially severe illness in people with compromised immune systems. Food containing norovirus may look, smell, and taste normal. Consumers of these products who are experiencing symptoms of illness should contact their healthcare provider and report their symptoms to their local Health Department. Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever may be associated with gastroenteritis infections caused by norovirus.
Tom Holland said in a new cover story for Mens Health that he managed to break up a fight in a Los Angeles supermarket because hes Spider-Man, of course.

Holland has played the web-slinger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2016s Captain America: Civil War, and hes been at the center of three standalone Spider-Man movies.

Theyre like going at it, right behind me, Holland said of the supermarket fight, noting that he jumped into it to grab one of the men and pull him away.

I can see that hes recognized me immediately, and you could see the wheels turning, like, Im really angry, but Spider-Man is telling me to calm down. So, yeah, I go to the supermarket.

While Holland will go out to pick up some groceries, attending public events is a different story. He told the publication that he often avoids most non-mandatory events, as his attendance can cause quite the scene.

If hes trying to go watch a play in the afternoon, for instance, he calls ahead to ensure he can attend without much public fanfare (Its booked in advance, we sort it all out, we call ahead to the theater and make sure we can get somewhere private, he explained).

Holland is now gearing up for a busy 2025. He has appeared in three Spider-Man movies and will be filming a fourth this year. He will also shoot Christopher Nolans The Odyssey sometime in 2025. These projects will mark Hollands first movie gigs in over a year. His last major screen production was the Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room, which began shooting in May 2022.

There was quite a lot of animosity on that set, Holland recalled of making the series, which earned mostly negative reviews from critics. It was not a very harmonious place, and there was a lot of arguing and butting heads.

As for Spider-Man 4, Holland said on the Rich Roll Podcast last month that the pitch for the movie was excellent, adding: The writers are doing a great job. I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we at times were bouncing around the living room like this is a real movie worthy of the fans respect.

Head over to Mens Healths website to read Hollands latest cover story in its entirety.

 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Mobile is the latest library system to remove a teen sex graphic novel that was listed among the 10 most challenged books in the United States in 2023.

Its removal from one of the largest library systems in Alabama comes after a host of other libraries from Spanish Fort to Fairhope, have wrestled with whether to keep the 2021 book, Lets Talk About It: The Teen Sex Guide to Relationships and Being Human on their shelves.

We removed the book after reviewing it  a library decision, said Margie Calhoun, the library services director. She said the library board has to still approve its removal, and its unclear when that might happen.

We are making an effort to be proactive rather than reactive regarding the collection, Calhoun said.

Low readership

Mobile's Ben May Main Library. (File photo)bn

The action comes after Mobile Police Sgt. John Young, during Thursdays council meeting, praised the Mobile City Council for what he said was their action to ensure the book was removed from the teen section at the Ben May Main Library branch in downtown Mobile.

But Councilman Joel Daves immediately quipped that it wasnt the councils decision to police the books inside the library branches.

The City Council didnt do it, said Daves. I dont know who did but we didnt do it.

Councilman Ben Reynolds, who is Youngs council representative, later told the media that the councils oversight of the library books is based largely on their appointments to the library board. He said the elected council members, themselves, do not dictate what books can be displayed inside public libraries.

Reynolds said that Young made him aware of the book, adding that he wouldnt want his kids checking it out from a public library. But Reynolds said he has not had any conversations with anyone associated with the library system about the book.

Maybe it should not be in the general flow of books to be checked out, he said about of the book.

He added, Maybe there should be a removal altogether, or (relocate it) to a special area that is tagged and laid out in a certain way. There are a lot of ideas floating around about managing it. Its up to folks to figure out what is the best way forward.

Calhoun said the Mobile Public Library had the book in its circulation since April 2021. She said the library owned five copies of Lets Talk About It, and that it had been checked out just 32 times since 2021.

Not a lot of checkouts or circulation for an item in our collection, Calhoun said.

She said that three copies had been missing or were discarded already.

Amber Frey, with Read Freely Alabama  a group that opposes book censorship  said the books removal seems like an example of a librarian following the normal database weeding process that occurs when objective data shows there has been low usage of the book.

This is done based on professional best practices and not viewpoint discrimination, Frey said in an email to AL.com. We trust librarians to follow their long-standing professional training. We trust that they are following their collection guidelines and not because anti-library extremists are threatening their state funding.

Most banned books

But the books presence has stirred a range of viewpoints and outrage within the past couple of months, and it has received scrutiny in neighboring Spanish Fort amid attention from right-wing media outlets.

Young compared the books presence inside teen sections of libraries to youth violence. Young often speaks out against youth and community violence during council meetings and called the graphic novel pornography.

Angie Hayden, a founder of Read Freely Alabama, speaks during a town hall meeting about how censorship is affecting Alabama's libraries on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship in Fairhope, Ala. Seated next to Hayden is Elizabeth Denham, a writer and podcaster who fought against a book ban attempt in Spanish Fort.John Sharp

Read Freely Alabamas Frey and Angie Hayden recently posted a Tik Tok video briefly explaining the book and why groups want it banned from public libraries. Lets Talk About It was the No. 9 most banned book in the U.S. in 2023, according to the American Library Association. It was challenged 55 times based on claims that it is sexually explicit, provides sex education, and LGBTQ+ content.

Hayden and Frey, in their social media post, say the book is intended to provide information not only about the physical aspects of sex, but that it also covers relationships, the anatomy, and sexual consent.

It also, they said, protects teenagers from grooming and predatory behavior.

Young, though, said the book was filled with written references that were not allowed to be posted to Facebook.

We, as adults, should celebrate the removal of this book, he said. Is it really fit for teenage consumption without adult supervision that explains it? We have to remain diligent and fight the good fight.

The graphic novel has been the subject of scrutiny in recent weeks, and right-wing outlets and groups like Moms for Liberty have pushed to get it removed from libraries in South Alabama.

In Spanish Fort, city officials had the book removed from the citys library after, according to the website 1819 News, they brought the graphic novel to Mayor Mike McMillans attention.

McMillan said it will be up to the Spanish Fort Library Board to determine whether the book remains at the library. The board meets at 3 p.m. Monday inside the multi-purpose room at Spanish Fort City Hall.

We have a library board meeting to look at it and make a determination, said McMillan. My personal opinion is it does not belong our shelves. But Im not a library board member, and they get to make that determination.

There is also a risk of losing public funding for libraries that do not remove the book, according to the website. Alabama GOP Chairman and chairman of the Alabama Public Library Service John Wahl told 1819 News last month that the books authors were targeting teens.

Wahl was not immediately available for comment.

State guidelines

Mobile and other libraries are working to comply with state guidelines, instituted last year, that  among other things  includes selection criteria for minors that prevents the purchase or acquisition of any material advertised for consumers under age 18 which contain obscenity, sexually explicit or other material deemed inappropriate for children or youth.

Libraries are also required to have sections designated for minors under age 18 that are free of sexually explicit material.

We think we do a great job of curating materials for the librarys collection, Calhoun said. We select books based on reviews from professional journals. The selectors/librarians are seasoned professionals. Occasionally, an item may differ slightly from what the selections expected. Overall, they do a great job of building and managing the collection of over 572,000 physical items.

The move to remove the book from the library comes after Calhoun and other library officials met with the Mobile City Council in October, and vowed to make sure they adhere to the polices set by the Alabama Public Library Service, ensuring that children are not exposed to sexually explicit material.

Library officials in Mobile said that without taking action, they would be at risk of losing approximately $486,000 in state aid. Council members told Calhoun and the library officials that they felt it was really important that they comply.
China to operate 180,000 km of railway lines by 2030, with high-speed railway to hit 60,000 km

09:06, January 03, 2025 By Chi Jingyi ( Global Times

In 2025, the national railway system is expected to transport a total of 4.28 billion passengers, an increase of 4.9 percent year-on-year, and it forecasts it will transport 4.03 billion tons of cargo this year, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) said during an annual work conference on Thursday, setting major tasks for the coming year.

China Railway, the operator of the national railway network, said that it will strive to complete 590 billion yuan ($80.8 billion) of railway infrastructure investment and put 2,600 kilometers of new lines into operation in 2025. The total revenue from transportation is expected to reach 1.016 trillion yuan, an increase of 25.8 billion yuan or 2.6 percent year-on-year, according to a statement sent to the Global Times from China Railway on Thursday.

In 2025, China Railway will promote the test and assessment of the new CR450 high-speed train, which is designed for a maximum running speed of 400 kilometers per hour. The most advanced CR450 high-speed bullet train made its debut in Beijing on Sunday. According to the Xinhua News Agency, upon entering commercial service, it will be the fastest high-speed train in the world.

In a broader plan, the national railway operating mileage is expected to reach 180,000 kilometers by 2030, of which about 60,000 kilometers will be high-speed railways - unprecedented in the world, demonstrating that the "1-2-3 circles" for passenger trips and the transportation of goods will be fully formed, CCTV news reported.

That means travel time within cities and city clusters, and among metropolises will be cut to one hour, two hours and three hours, respectively. It will be possible for mail sent by express services to be delivered in as short a time as one day within China, two days when sent to neighboring countries, and three days when sent to major cities globally.

"In 2025, China Railway will increase the effective supply of railway transportation and strive to facilitate people's travel and reduce the logistics cost of the whole society, in response to expanded demand in service consumption and industrial transformation and upgrading," Zhang Zhaocheng, a representative of China Railway, told the Global Times on Thursday.

"The rapid development of railways will bring more convenience to people's travel, while injecting a strong impetus into economic development by facilitating logistics," Sun Zhang, a railway expert at Shanghai Tongji University, told the Global Times on Thursday.

This year, the focus of railway network construction seems to be on how to achieve high-quality development to better meet the changes in social demand and increase cost-efficiency in investment, Sun noted.

Zhang said that China Railway will establish and improve the product and standard system of tourism trains to help develop the tourism economy, snow and ice economy and the silver economy.

In 2024, a total of 1,860 trains dedicated to tourism promotion were operated, up 20 percent year-on-year, said China Railway.

"Such new railway products can better meet and boost customers' demand for tourism and commuting. Meanwhile, tourism trains can better serve inbound travelers," said Sun.

China's railway system carried 4.08 billion passengers in 2024, a year-on-year growth of 10.8 percent, and the number of passengers transported by railways in a single day reached a record high of 21.448 million. The number of passengers transported during the Spring Festival and other holidays repeatedly set historical records, according to China Railway.

Sun noted that new railway lines, in operation or planned, are more dedicated to meeting the specific demands of regional residents. He cited the Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou high-speed railway line - which was launched on December 26, 2024 - as an example, saying the new line precisely meets the travel demands of the region.

"It used to take a whole night to travel from Shanghai to Huzhou (in East China's Zhejiang Province) by ship. Then, with an expressway, the journey was shortened to about 2 hours by car. Now, with the new high-speed rail, it takes less than an hour at the fastest," said Sun.

In terms of the freight transport function of national railways, Zhang said that China Railway will accelerate the transformation of railway freight to modern logistics in 2025.

The results have begun to show that the national railway system has reduced the logistics cost of the whole society by about 60 billion yuan in 2024, according to China Railway.

The construction of railway-related logistical infrastructure also accelerated in 2024, with the construction of 44 special freight railway lines and 12 logistics bases along railway lines.

The improved freight transport network boosted the surge of cargo carried by railways in 2024, with a total of 3.99 billion tons completed in 2024, up 1.9 percent year-on-year, according to China Railway.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum gestures during her first morning conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on Oct. 2, 2024. Sheinbaums administration is prepared to work in coordination with federal, state and local authorities in the face of possible mass deportations after Donald Trump becomes U.S. president, the Mexico Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement. Alfredo Estrella/AFP/TNS

President-elect Donald Trump has made clear his intent to supercharge his America First approach to foreign policy in his second term  and Mexico looks set to be at the tip of the spear.

While many of Trumps predecessors have also followed a realist strategy that is, one in which relative power is at the forefront of international relations and diplomatic success is viewed through how it benefits ones own nation  the incoming president has displayed an apparent unwillingness to consider the pain that his plans would inflict on targeted countries or the responses this will engender.

Trumps proposed policies threaten Mexico in three key ways: First, his goal of deporting millions of migrants would put tremendous pressure on Mexicos economy and society as the country tried to absorb the influx. This would be exacerbated by his second threat, a sharp increase in tariffs, which could devastate the critical export sector of Mexicos economy. And third, Trump has floated the idea of using U.S. military power to confront narcotraffickers within Mexico  which would directly impinge on Mexicos sovereignty and could generate more violence on both sides of the border.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

But Mexico has several options to push back on Trump by imposing high costs on U.S. interests.

Indeed, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has already signaled how she may counter Trumps policies. The most obvious tools are ending cooperation on drugs and immigration and imposing tariffs of her own. She could also revoke some of the decades-old tax and labor privileges that have benefited U.S. businesses operating within Mexico. And finally, she could play the China card  that is, in the face of worsening U.S.-Mexico ties, Mexico could turn to Washingtons biggest economic rival at a time when Beijing is seeking to assert more influence across Latin America.

Sheinbaum has said she wants to avoid a trade war, but Trumps threats have led her nonetheless to talk about how a trade war would begin. This trade war, plus other costs Sheinbaum could impose on U.S. investors, would also likely foment a coalition of opposition within the U.S.

If Trump abrogates trade deals and imposes tariffs, he might convince investors to spend their next dollars in the U.S. But if Mexico imposes tariffs, business taxes or investment restrictions, what would happen to investors farms and factories already in Mexico?

Past experience suggests that any disruption to supply chains or U.S. export markets would awaken strong business opposition, as analysts and business groups have already recognized.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Trump is not immune to pressure from U.S. businesses. During his first administration, companies successfully opposed Trumps attempt to close the border, arguing that slowing the flow of immigrants also meant slowing trucks full of goods.

On the issue of border and immigration, while Trump has issued threats, Sheinbaum has stressed the importance of cooperation.

Currently the Mexican government expends significant resources to patrol its own southern border, not to mention dealing with the many potential migrants who gather in its northern cities.

Mexico could demand more support from the U.S. in exchange for this work plus the costs associated with welcoming back the estimated 4 million Mexicans who are currently in the U.S. without proper documentation.

The deportation of undocumented immigrants that Trump has repeatedly promised would require other types of cooperation, such as processing border crossings, and Mexico could slow-walk this process. Mexico has already signaled that it will withhold processing of non-Mexicans.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

The two countries have a history of collaboration in addressing the illegal drugs trade  but here too there have also been tensions. For example, toward the end of Trumps first term, a Mexican general was arrested in the U.S. on drug charges. After a diplomatic uproar, he was returned to Mexico and released.

In late November, Sheinbaum noted that she and Trump had discussed security cooperationwithin the framework of our sovereignty. But Trumps campaign rhetoric seemed less concerned with Mexicos sovereignty, floating the idea of sending troops to the border or even deploying them within Mexico to counter narcotraffickers. That would clearly enrage Mexico, with consequences that would extend far beyond a willingness to cooperate on the issues of drug trafficking.

One country that stands to benefit should U.S.-Mexican relations deteriorate is China  an issue that Mexico could exploit.

China is now the first or second trading partner with nearly every country in Latin America, including Mexico. The value of U.S.-Mexico trade is over $100 billion a year, but the growth of Chinese imports into Mexico has been limited somewhat by rules-of-origin provisions in the North American Free Trade Agreement and its Trump-era successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

A U.S.-Mexico trade war could weaken or end any incentive to keep Chinese goods out. Further, if the doors to the United States are narrowed through tariffs and hostile rhetoric, Chinas car parts and financial services would clearly become even more attractive to Mexican businesses. A U.S.-Mexican trade war, in short, would augment Beijings access to a market on the U.S. border.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to face some difficulties in his quest to retain the gavel on Friday, but hes not expected to face opposition from Alabamas GOP House delegation.

Republican Reps. Dale Strong of Huntsville; Robert Adherolt of Hayleyville; and Barry Moore of Enterprise plan to support Johnson for speaker, according to their spokespeople.

Responses were not immediately available from Rep. Mike Rogers of Saks and Gary Palmer of Hoover.

The two Republicans have been supportive of Johnson in the past.

Moore is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of about three dozen conservative lawmakers whose membership includes some Republicans who had not committed to backing Johnson in recent days.

One almost certain No vote is from Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who has said he doesnt believe Johnson is equipped to be Speaker.

President-elect Donald Trump is rallying Republicans to back Johnson. He endorsed Johnson as House Speaker in a social media post earlier this week.

Johnson can ill-afford many defections to receive the 218 votes need to win if all members are present and voting. There will likely be 219 Republicans and 215 Democrats voting Friday as the 119th Congress officially convenes on Capitol Hill.

Alabamas GOP congressional delegation was unified in its support of former California Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker despite friction within the Republican Party over his nomination. It took 15 rounds of voting to elect McCarthy as speaker in 2023, before he was eventually dumped by his party later in the year.

Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia campaigns for U.S. Rep. Barry Moore on Saturday, March 2, 2024, during a campaign stop at Steele Creek Lodge in Satsuma, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com

The House speaker vote will be the first major vote taken by Moore as the representative for Alabamas 1st congressional district. Moore defeated Republican U.S. Jerry Carl last March for the GOP nomination to the post before rolling to victory during Novembers General Election.

Moore had previously served as the 2nd district congressional representative, but opted to run in the 1st district after his hometown of Enterprise was drawn into it during redistricting.

U.S. Rep.-elect Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, will be sworn in Friday after winning the 2nd district seat that was redrawn by federal judges in 2023.

House Democrats are expected to cast votes for party leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Jefferies has said Democrats will not help save Johnson during Fridays voting.
An Alabama woman who was injured during the New Years Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans will receive full pay from her employer while she recovers.

Amazon, the online retail giant that operates a warehouse in Mobile, said in a statement Friday that it will provide full support, including pay, to 23-year-old Alexis Scott-Windham of Mobile.

Windham was injured in her right foot after being struck by the truck driven by the attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42. She also suffered a gunshot wound to the same foot during the attack.

Weve reached out to Ms. Scott-Windham to offer her our full support, including pay, as she recovers from this senseless act of violence, said Kelly Nantel, spokesperson with Amazon.

We wish her a fully recovery and look forward to welcoming her ack to work once shes able.

A story by NOLA.com on Thursday quoted Scott-Windham saying she was denied a leave of absence to recover. She also expressed fear of retaliation that will require her to find a new job.

Amazon learned Friday that Scott-Windham had mistakenly requested the wrong type of leave.

They called me this morning and cleared it up with me, she said. They called me and made sure Im getting paid time off through the recovery time.

Scott-Windham, an employee for the past three months at the Amazon sortation center in Mobile, also told AL.com that she will receive paid counseling by Amazon as well.

Scott-Windham narrowly escaped death in the terror attack that left 15 dead, and approximately 35 injured and shocked the nation as 2025 began. She was taken to University Medical Center in New Orleans where she spent Wednesday and was treated for injuries until she was released to her mother. Her injuries will require a return trip to the hospital within the next two weeks.
Apple has agreed to settle claims its virtual assistant tool Siri violated users privacy by recording conversations that were potentially overheard by employees and others.

The $95 million settlement would cover people who owned a Siri-enabled iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, iPod Touch or Apple TV between Sept. 17, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2024, Bloomberg reported. The settlement, which requires a judges approval, would pay U.S.-based Apple product owners up to $20 per device for up to five Siri-enabled devices. That figure could be smaller depending on how many people apply.

To be eligible for the settlement, users would have to wear under oath they accidentally activated Siri during a conversation meant to be confidential. A website to file claims will be activated once the settlement is approved.

The settlement would put an end to a five-year-old lawsuit that accused the tech giant of allowing Siri to be activated even without a voice command of Hey Siri, AP reported. That activation allowed conversations to be recorded and opened up the possibility confidential conversations were heard by Apple employees or others. According to the suit, some of the recorded conversations were sold to third parties, including advertisers.

Apple did not acknowledge any wrongdoing in the settlement.

The final hearing on the settlement is scheduled for Feb. 14 in Oakland, California.
The Utah-based low-cost carrier Breeze Airways will suspend service from the Mobile International Airport by the end of the month, the company said in a statement Friday.

Breeze had been the only commercial carrier operating flights from the downtown Mobile Airport.

Breeze Airways sees a lot of promise in Mobile and the surrounding area, according to the statement, but is offering no estimated timeline for resuming service from the airport. The suspension of service is effective on Jan. 31.

Breeze Airways began offering flights from Mobile to Orlando and Providence, R.I., in April. The company made their announcement about the new flights during a news conference from Mobile International Airport last January.

We are working with our Guests who have been impacted by this change to issue full refunds or serve them from one of our nearby airports in the meantime, the statement reads.

Breezes only presence in Alabama after this month will be at Huntsville International Airport, where its offering flights to Orlando (five times a week), Tampa (four times per week) and Las Vegas (twice weekly) in 2025. Breeze will also offer seasonal nonstop service to Los Angeles International Airport this summer.

Breezes exit from the Mobile airport comes after Houston-based Avelo Airlines suspended its Orlando-based flights from the downtown Mobile airport in March 2024.

Andy Wilson, executive director with the Mobile Airport Authority, told AL.com that discussions about Breezes exist have been going on for two months. He described it as a mutual parting.

Wilson said without an airline operating from the airport, it will allow for road closures to accommodate the ongoing construction of a new $381 million, five-gate commercial terminal that is under construction within the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. The new terminal, once it opens later this year or in early 2026, will replace the existing two-gate terminal where Breeze Airways had been flying out of.

We came to the agreement that it was not the best utilization of their aircraft, and not the best utilization of our airport incentive dollars, said Wilson.

He said approximately $1.5 million was allocated to support the Breeze Airways service.

With them suspending the work, we can close an access road, Wilson said. The access road leading to the two-gate terminal is located where the apron will be at to service the new five-gate terminal.

The new commercial airport at the Brookley Aeroplex south of downtown Mobile will allow the Mobile Airport Authority to complete a swap of services from Mobile Regional Airport. Three legacy airlines -- American Airlines, Delta, and United -- will begin flying from Mobile International Airport once the new terminal opens.

Supporters of the airport swap, including city officials and the Mobile Airport Authority, say they believe having the new commercial airport closer to downtown will allow for greater expansion of destinations from Mobile, and more competitive fares.

Elliot Maisel, chairman emeritus with the Mobile Airport Authority, recently told AL.com that Southwest Airlines is a No. 1 target. He also said he wants to bring in additional carriers to the new airport and is pushing to provide financial incentives to lure flights with competitive fares to the city.

This story was updated at 12:51 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2025, to include a statement from Andy Wilson, executive director with the Mobile Airport Authority.
A 51-year-old Dominos pizza deliveryman gunned down in Birmingham during an apparent robbery is being remembered as a model employee and a kind, compassionate man who was his mothers caretaker.

He was an ideal human being, Chris Daugherty, owner of the Roebuck Dominos, said of employee and friend Derek Marcus Burpo.

It doesnt seem possible that something like this would happen to someone like Derek. He was just good.

He was a super quiet, gentle soul that never bothered anybody, he said. Were just lost.

He was very kind, very hardworking, business-minded, said his first cousin, Daphne Ballard. He wanted to do something.

I had a soft spot for him, Ballard said.

Just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, Birmingham police were dispatched on a call of shots fired in the 400 block of Roebuck Drive on the citys east side.

Officers arrived to find Burpo, affectionately known by family as Dink, unresponsive outside of his car in front of a house on a private road. The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead on the scene at 9:42 p.m.

Burpos car contained pizzas he was set to deliver.

Police on Thursday said no arrests have been made.

This is one of the most heartbreaking homicides that we have witnessed in our city, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald.

Here you have a man thats out on the very first day of 2025 working to support his family and someone committed the worst robbery you could commit. They robbed a family of their loved one.

Birmingham police investigate the fatal shooting of a 51-year-old man who was delivering pizza to a home in Roebuck.(Carol Robinson)

Burpo graduated from Huffman High School in 1991 and then Alabama State University. He also had his MBA, and family said he was working toward a Ph.D.

His brother, 36-year-old Darryl Burpo, was killed in a 2004 Birmingham homicide.

Their mom has now lost both her sons, Ballard said.

After college, Burpo worked for car dealerships and then began selling insurance.

When the COVID pandemic slowed down sales, she said, he took a job with Dominos. That was about two years ago.

He worked six days a week, from 4 p.m. until closing, whether that was midnight or 2 a.m., Ballard said. He was old school. He was not afraid, but he didnt mess with anybody.

Daugherty said Burpo was a hard worker who was loved by him and the Roebuck Dominos team.

He was just a model employee, he said. He was awesome to be around.

Daugherty was called to the crime scene Wednesday night.

It doesnt seem real, Daugherty said. My heart is broken.

It is the worst nightmare, he said. Its just unfathomable.

Its also senseless.

As a policy, Dominos drivers carry less than $20 in cash, usually less than $15.

We already have pretty strict security, Daugherty said. I dont know what else to do except maybe go 100 percent cashless. I just dont know.

The Roebuck Dominos was closed on Thursday.

I couldnt act like today was another day, Daugherty said.

Derek Marcus Burpo, 51, was shot to death in Birmingham on Jan. 1, 2025, while delivering Domino's pizza.(Special to AL.com)

Ballard said Burpo lovingly took care of his mother, who will turn 82 years old on Friday.

It was just them two, she said. He recently surprised her with roses and perfume, and told her, I just want you to get better.

I said, Dink, Im going to tell the world you did that because that was so sweet,' Ballard said. It touched me so much.

His mom told me, I wouldnt be able to make it if it wasnt for him,' Ballard said.

Burpo lived not even one minute away from where he was killed.

His mama probably heard the shots, Ballard said.

When Burpo left for work Wednesday, he made sure his mother knew he was leaving.

He touched, shook her, and said, Im gone,' Ballard said.

Burpos mother was a longtime seamstress for department stores Parisian and Gus Mayer before she became a caretaker herself. She fully retired last year, amid health struggles.

She was preparing, putting Dinks name on everything, thinking she was going to leave him first, Ballard said. That was her baby. It just shocked the whole family that it was him.

Burpo, Ballard said, was soft-spoken and kind. He loved soft drinks and red apples.

He didnt deserve this, she said.

The family is now praying for justice.

As for the shooters, Ballard had this to say: Youve got to realize youre taking peoples lives, and you cant get them back.

If we can never put a face to what happened, I hope you know youve left people hurting, she said. People with a conscious dont do things like this. Youve got to be a miserable person to do this.

Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
A Georgia man was sentenced to death Thursday for killing an Alabama couple during a break-in five years ago that was part of a series of slayings and crimes he committed across the state, court records showed.

Tallapoosa County Circuit Court Judge William I. Whorton handed down the sentence after the jurys 10-2 recommendation to condemn Columbus, Georgia resident Derrick Hightower, 36, to death for the slayings of Willie Tidwell, 61, and his wife Barbara, 65, inside their Dadeville home.

Hightower was found guilty on four counts of capital murder: two counts of capital murder during a robbery; capital murder during a burglary; and capital murder for the killings of two or more people in one scheme.

He was also convicted of second-degree theft in connection with murdering the Tidwells.

Hightower also faced or is facing charges in two other slayings that occurred during a 2020 crime spree.

In 2023, Hightower pleaded guilty in the shooting death of 36-year-old Antione Harris inside a Birmingham home and to attempted assault for shooting at Birmingham police Sgt. Demarcus Brown during an arrest attempt. He also apologized to the victims family.

He avoided the potential death sentence by pleading in Jefferson County. It is not clear why he took the case to trial in Tallapoosa County.

The Columbus man was also charged with capital murder in Lee County for the slaying of 54-year-old Nancy Nash, who police believe was killed when she interrupted a burglary.

A trial date has not yet been set in that case.

All four of the victims were killed between Friday, April 17, 2020, and Saturday, April 18, 2020.

The first known victim in Hightowers alleged spree was Nash, a grandmother from Smiths Station.

Auburn police responded to the Farmville Volunteer Fire Departments call for assistance on a vehicle fire in the 9500 block of U.S. Highway 280 West around 6 a.m. that Friday.

When officers arrived, they found a white 2005 Chevrolet Silverado truck on fire and Nash dead nearby at Creative Habitats Landscaping. Nash had been shot several times.

Three shell casings were found inside the business, as well as one projectile that was lodge in an interior wall.

Investigators also discovered Nashs 2019 black Nissan Frontier missing. Evidence suggested that the suspect or suspects entered the building while Nash was alone inside and robbed her of her vehicle.

Next, Hightower carried out the double murder of the Tidwells. They were found that Friday night by a concerned family member.

Willie and Barbara Tidwell were shot to death in their Dadeville home Friday, April 17, 2020. (Contributed)

Hightower stole two guns from the couples home and was also convicted of theft of property.

Willie was a hard working man, with a heart of gold that could fix anything. He was an avid Alabama fan and he loved fishing, camping and anything Elvis, according to his obituary. Willies family was his world and he loved his grandchildren immensely.

Barbara loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren and was happiest when they were all together. She enjoyed sewing and doing crafts, her obituary read. Barbara enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved sitting on her back porch, reading and planting flowers.

The couple had been married for 20 years.

Kentrice Hill, 24, of Birmingham, is also charged with capital murder in the Auburn and Dadeville slayings. She remains held without bond in the Lee County Jail.

Hightower was taken into custody April 18, 2020, in Birmingham.

Birmingham police were notified about 11 p.m. Friday, April 17, that a vehicle being sought out of Auburn was spotted at the USA Economy Lodge on Crestwood Boulevard. That vehicle was taken during Nashs homicide.

Police also received reports that the suspect was seen in the area of the motel.

A silver sedan was seen leaving the area and Birmingham police tried to stop the vehicle. At that point, Hightower got out of the sedan and exchanged gunfire with Birmingham police. Officers lost sight of the suspect after the shooting.

Early that Saturday morning, as police continued their search, evidence led them to a home in the 100 block of Briar Grove Drive.

A resident in the area was letting his dogs out in the backyard to use the restroom when a Black male wearing all black  later identified as Hightower - appeared seemingly out of nowhere and said, Hey, you got a phone? the resident told AL.com. The resident asked that his name not be used for fear of retribution.

The resident said, no, and Hightower fled on foot toward the area of Briar Grove Road.

Police on Saturday, April 18, 2020, were searching for a suspect who is believed to have been wounded by police gunfire in east Birmingham.

It was then, investigators believe, that the suspect broke into the home where Harris was fatally shot. A nurse and her three children lived at the home but were not there when the home invasion and subsequent shooting took place.

A short time later, the resident who encountered the suspect said, he heard a barrage of gunfire. The next thing he knew, his neighborhood was flooded by SWAT.

Hightower had taken a vehicle from the house on Briar Grove and was in that vehicle when Birmingham police tried to stop him.

He got out of the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with officers before fleeing the scene.

Hightower fled on foot after crashing the stolen car. Police used the tag information on that vehicle to go to the home on Briar Grove Road where they found Harris dead.

A large perimeter was set up in the Crestwood Boulevard and Montevallo Road areas.

Police on Saturday, April 18, 2020, were searching for a suspect who was believed to have been wounded by police gunfire in east Birmingham.

About 4 p.m. that Saturday, Hightower walked out of the neighborhood that backed up to where police had set up their command post.

Authorities said all of the Alabama victims appeared to be random targets, crimes of opportunity. Many of their stolen belongings were found in Hightowers possession.

Hightower went to prison in Georgia in 2006 on cocaine charges and again in 2014 on an aggravated assault conviction. He was sentenced to 10 years in the assault case, but it wasnt clear how long he actually served.
President Joe Biden has rejected the nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel  affirming his vow in March to block the acquisition.

We need major U.S. companies representing the major share of US steelmaking capacity to keep leading the fight on behalf of Americas national interests, Biden said in a Friday morning statement.

His decision comes after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS, failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the deal last month, and sent a long-awaited report on the merger to Biden who had 15 days to reach a final decision.

The committee, chaired by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and made up of other Cabinet members, can recommend that the president block a transaction, and federal law gives the president that power.

A U.S. official familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press last month that some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks.

The decision, which comes just weeks before the Democratic president is set to leave office, could potentially damage relations between the U.S. and Japan, which is Americas biggest ally in Asia. Japan is also the largest foreign holder of U.S. debt.

Biden previously came out against the deal last March  and was backed by the United Steelworkers, concerned over whether the company would honor existing labor agreements or slash jobs as well as the firms financial transparency.

It is important that we maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers, Biden said in a March statement, while he was still seeking reelection to the presidency before dropping out of the race. 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.

President-elect Donald Trump has also opposed the acquisition and vowed in December on his Truth Social platform to block the deal and to use tax incentives and tariffs to grow the company. Steelworkers union President David McCall said last month that the union welcomed Trumps opposition to the sale and said its time for this deal to be rejected so we can all focus on the future.

Nippon Steel announced in December that it planned to buy the Pennsylvania steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash  and despite committing to keep the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh headquarters  its proposal raised concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security.

Still, the deal had many supporters, including lawmakers and business groups like the U.S. Chamber. Mike Pompeo, who served as Trumps first secretary of state called a potential rejection of the deal shortsighted in the Wall Street Journal.

The deal would strengthen U.S. Steels current operations and production capacity, benefit its workers and their communities, and enhance the competitiveness of the American steel industry, he wrote in December.
More than 3,000 families applied for education savings accounts with the Alabama Department of Revenue on Thursday, the first day that they could apply for ESAs under a new state law.

The CHOOSE Act allows parents to use up to $7,000 per child for private school tuition and other eligible education expenses, or $2,000 per child for home school (maximum $4,000 per family).

The CHOOSE Act, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature and a top priority for Gov. Kay Ivey, takes effect for the 2025-26 school year.

From the time applications opened, at 7 a.m. Thursday, until midnight, the ADOR received 3,042 applications for 5,182 students.

Parents can apply through April 7.

The first ESAs will be limited to specific groups of students. All students in the state will be eligible for ESAs at the start of the 2027-28 school year.

Also on Thursday, the ADOR appeared before the Legislatures contract review committee to add $385,000 to a contract with ClassWallet, a Florida company, to implement and promote the CHOOSE Act. The total of the contract, which runs through September, is now $1.7 million.

Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, chairman of the contract review committee, commended the ADOR for making great progress in implementing the CHOOSE Act.

Parents can apply and read more information about the CHOOSE Act here.

This story was edited on Jan. 3 to update the number of applications.
When the 119th Congress is sworn in Friday, House Speaker Mike Johnson will fight for his political life  again.

While the Louisiana Republican has the support of President-elect Donald Trump, it will be House Republicans who will decide whether to reelect him to his post as Speaker of the House.

Far-right Republicans have at times grown frustrated with Johnsons leadership and are prone to demanding concessions when their votes become essential.

A flop by Johnson could throw Mondays congressional certification of Trumps 2024 election victory into turmoil without a House speaker.

President-elect Donald Trump called the U.S. House speaker a fine man of great ability and wished him good luck on Friday, when the new Congress convenes and Republican lawmakers will decide whether to reelect Mike Johnson to lead their party.

Trump endorsed the Louisiana Republican earlier this week, but whether that support will be enough is unclear. Trump said Johnson is very close to having 100% support, but some members of the far right have grown increasingly frustrated with Johnsons leadership and his handling of funding fights such as the recent short-term spending bill.

A win for Mike today will be a big win for the Republican Party, Trump posted on Truth Social.

Johnsons weak grip on the gavel threatens not only his own survival but Trumps ambitious agenda of tax cuts and mass deportations as Republicans sweep to power in Washington.

A flop by Johnson could throw Mondays congressional certification of Trumps 2024 election victory into turmoil if there is no Speaker.

Johnson commands one of the slimmest majorities in modern times, having lost seats in the November election, leaving him relying on almost every Republican for support and with nearly no votes to spare.

The House cannot organize until it has a speaker because that person effectively serves as the Houses presiding officer and the institutions administrative head.

The House can elect a new speaker at any time if the person occupying that role dies, resigns or is removed from office.
The auto industry is bracing to see whether the incoming Trump Administration will follow through on a proposed 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada.

But Alabama might benefit from such a move, according to The Wall Street Journal. Mazda could move some vehicle production to its joint manufacturing plant with Toyota in Huntsville in response.

In November, President-Elect Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the two nations dont stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders.

The threat of duties that high prompted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fly to Florida on Friday to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club.

Tariffs that high would particularly impact automakers which have moved many vehicle and parts production lines to Mexico for cheaper labor expenses. Analysts say the tariffs would be passed on to buyers and would hit the most affordable cars and SUVs the hardest, and at a time when car prices are already at near-historic highs.

Wolfe Research, for example, estimates the tariffs could add about $3,000 to the average cost of every car sold in the U.S., as an estimated $97 billion worth of auto parts are imported to the U.S. from Canada and Mexico each year.

So how would automakers respond to a move that could hammer their bottom lines?

Tom Donnelly, CEO of Mazda North American Operations, told The Wall Street Journal that the company could consider building more vehicles in Alabama or importing them from Japan.

The company currently makes its Mazda3 and the CX-30 SUV in Mexico, which makes up about 30% of the companys U.S. sales volume.

No business can absorb immediately something like whats being proposed here, Donnelly told the paper.

Mazda currently makes the CX-50 in Huntsville. In November, the last month for which sales figures are publicly available, Mazda reported its best November sales of the CX-50, with 7,072 vehicles sold. By November Mazda reported a yearly increase in its overall sales of 18.6%.

About 4,000 people are employed at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA in Huntsville. The plant also manufactures the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and incoming Border Czar Tom Homan make remarks at a Thanksgiving lunch event at Forward Operating Base Eagle, a newly built military base serving Operation Lone Star near the Rio Grande River on Tues, Nov. 26, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer Texas Governor Greg Abbott and incoming Border Czar Tom Homan make remarks at a Thanksgiving lunch event at Forward Operating Base Eagle, a newly built military base serving Operation Lone Star near the Rio Grande River on Tues, Nov. 26, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

The man President-elect Donald Trump tapped to oversee mass deportations is a close ally of Gov. Greg Abbott who developed some of his hardline stances while working as an immigration enforcement officer in Texas.

Tom Homan has vowed to launch what Trump has cast as the largest deportation operation in the history of our country that will start day one of his presidency.

"Let me be clear: there is going to be a mass deportation because we just finished a mass illegal immigration crisis on the border," Homan said during a trip to the border with Abbott in November. He added the administration was "already planning" the operation.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

We're not waiting until January to secure this nation at the highest levels this nation has ever seen," Homan said.

Homan has yet to lay out many details. But experts say it would be expensive and next to impossible to carry out mass removals under the current immigration system.

Homan, who worked as a New York police officer before climbing the ranks of federal immigration enforcement, led Immigrations and Customs Enforcement during Trumps first term. He was an early proponent of separating migrant parents from their children to discourage border crossings and has cheered on Abbotts efforts to install floating barriers in the Rio Grande and line the banks with thick strands of razor wire.

Trump appointed Homan in an advisory role, meaning he won't need Senate confirmation to take the job.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Heres what else to know about the border czar set to guide Trumps border policies.

Texas shaped Homan's border security views

Starting in 1999, Homan oversaw investigations for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, an agency that would eventually be folded into the Department of Homeland Security, and did stints in San Antonio and Dallas.

Homan said an experience working a human smuggling case in Victoria helped shape his desire for stricter immigration enforcement.

In that 2003 case, a truck driver bringing migrants into the country illegally reportedly cut A/C to their tractor trailer to evade suspicion at a border checkpoint. In the stifling heat, 19 migrants died.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Homan was called to the scene, which he described in gruesome detail in a book detailing the decades he spent working for federal immigration enforcement.

If you saw what I saw that day, you would understand why Im so emotional about border security, illegal immigration and national policy, he wrote. Secure borders strangle human smugglers, drug traffickers and cartels Thats what this battle on the border is all about.

His opposition to so-called sanctuary cities also has roots in Texas, when his agency arrested undocumented immigrants in a raid on Austin nightclubs suspected to be involved in drug dealing and prostitution in the early 2000s.

Local police were uncomfortable assisting federal immigration authorities, he wrote in the book, and later the chief, whom he did not name, said the department would not be helping with immigration enforcement.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

I guess this was a sign of things to come in liberal cities, he wrote, pandering to certain voter constituencies while violating their oath and abandoning the most vulnerable in immigrant communities and the very citizens they're supposed to protect."

Homans work in Texas put him on the radar of the director of the then-newly formed Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and eventually led him to Washington.

During the Obama administration, Homan oversaw deportations when they ramped up to more than 2.5 million  setting records and leading immigrant groups to derisively refer to Barack Obama as Deporter in Chief.

Father of family separations

Homan has long been an advocate for separating migrant families, a practice used by Trump in his first term that his administration dropped amid intense public outrage.

Advertisement Article continues below this ad

Homan led ICE during Trumps zero tolerance policy that called for criminal charges against all migrants crossing the border without authorization, including parents traveling with children. The policy split up thousands of families.

But Homan pushed for separations even earlier, according to The Atlantic, which deemed him the intellectual father of the practice.

Homan advocated family separations during the Obama administration, when he served as executive associate director of enforcement and removal for ICE.

Most parents dont want to be separated, Homan told the outlet in 2022. Id be lying to you if I didnt think that would have an effect.

Immigration experts have said that Trumps planned mass deportations could easily split up families again, as many live in mixed-status households, meaning their children or partners are U.S. citizens or are otherwise living in the country legally.

Homan and Trump have both said mixed-status families could be deported together to avoid splitting them up  a move that would mean deporting U.S. citizens, and would almost certainly draw constitutional challenges.

Abbott, a close ally of Homans, said during a recent press conference that Homan has said family members can choose to leave the country if they want to stay with their loved ones who are being deported.

The family gets to choose: are they going to remain together and all go back together, or is the family going to make the decision that the family will have a separation of the family? Abbott said. That's a family choice, not a choice by the Trump administration.

Approach to mass deportations

Homan has offered few concrete details about his deportation plans, but he has been clear about a few things.

He has repeatedly said the operation will first target those seen as public safety and national security threats. Though he has also warned that anyone in the country without authorization shouldnt feel comfortable, absolutely not.

Homan is calling for a massive boost in ICE staffing and detention beds to house immigrants those agents arrest, both of which would have to be approved and funded by Congress.

He has said he wants to use the military as a force multiplier and to help with things like transporting migrants and building infrastructure.

He has also suggested the government could contract out similar work to private companies. The federal government already hires private prison companies to run immigrant detention facilities, which the Biden administration explored expanding in its final months.

Much of this is likely to happen in Texas. Homan has said the administration plans to use a 1,400-acre ranch in Starr County that Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham offered to house immigrants waiting to be deported.

That saves us from acquiring that land  the government never buys things real fast, and when we do we overpay for it, Homan said in an interview with Dr. Phil.

Asked how the land might be used, he said migrants would be moving in and out as the administration is able to schedule removal flights.

One day we may have a flight to the El Salvadoran nations, the next day we may have a flight to Asia, Homan said. So well be moving them through.

Homan has also said he plans to go to battle with Democratic-led cities, where leaders have vowed to resist the mass deportation operation.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has said immigration status shouldn't discourage someone from taking their kid to get health care, taking their kid to go to school, or driving themselves to work.

Homan went so far as to threaten to jail Johnston, if he impedes the deportation drive.
The Diversity Hoax was exposed as far back as 1999, but its a monster that grows exponentially in Americas institutions.

Sciences

Professor Efimov, a prominent biomedical engineer at Northwestern University, grew up in a small Siberian town built by GULAG prisoners to produce military grade plutonium and space satellites. He asserts that campaigns within the American higher education system to push diversity, equity and inclusion philosophies and policies in STEM are frighteningly similar to ones he once worked under in the communist country.

As Thomas Sowell pointed out in 2001, Sometimes it seems as if diversity is going to replace the as the most often used word in the English language. Yet the place where this word has become a holy grailacademiashows less tolerance for genuine diversity of viewpoints than any other American institution.

Diversity in academia is so overwhelming the conservatives have developed a scorecard to assist students, taxpayers and legislators to determine how embedded diversity, equity and inclusion principles and practices are at a given institution.

Image by Andrea Widburg using Grok AI.

Military

Michael R. Shevock gives an overview of the Coast Guard Academys (CGA) DEI initiatives. Shevock asserts that Stalin and Mao would laughingly recognize this demand for intellectual conformity, and it is evil. In fact, [m]andating that faculty candidates provide in advance a declaration of mental obedience absolutely guarantees well be hiring liars. Ultimately, the worst thing about the Coast Guards position on DEI is how it does not allow for discussion or examination.

In 2013, the Marine Corps lowered standards for women after none passed the Infantry Officer course.

In his book War on Warriors, Pete Hegseth writes,

DEI amplifies differences, creates grievances, and excludes anyone who wont bow down to the cultural Marxist revolution ripping through the Pentagon. Forget DEIthe acronym should be DIE or IED. It will kill our military worse than any IED ever could.

This is the end result of what a 2021 essay entitled A War between Diversity and Standards is coming for the Army warned about. It used to be that [a] level playing field for all qualified service members involved women meeting the same physical standards as the men in combat arms units. However, as women were put into these units with lowered physical standards, morale and unit cohesion suffered:

Men who had to meet a much tougher standard to get in would resent the women who served with them because they would have to over-perform physically to make up for the female members who werent meeting that standard. An 80 lb. ruck doesnt discriminate against anyone. No matter your race or sex, it still weighs 80 pounds and you have to carry it long distances.

Biden might be on his way out, but his legacy lives on in Executive Order 14035 dealing with the Army Corps of Engineers. Shawn Fleetwood explained,

A strategic plan produced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reveals how the branch intends to force neo-Marxism onto its members over the next three fiscal years. Titled USACE Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan, the 27-page document...outlines how the USACE plans to inject DEIA into the branch over the next three years (2023-2026).

Book Publishing

In 2022, Joanna Williams highlighted the assault on freedom of speech. Under Woke ideology,

[M]any who work in journalism, universities, or publishing are now more concerned to avoid offending than to test the limits of what can be said. Consequently, arguing for free speech often arouses suspicion. Defenders are said to be aligned with racists, transphobes, [and] deplorables. [snip] Back in the 1980s, woke was black American street slang for being alert to specific racist threats as well as prejudice and injustice more broadly. [snip] As woke gained in popularity, its definition narrowed. From challenging injustice in general, it has come to mean adopting a particular political stance. To be woke today is to view the world through an identitarian lens. People are not seen as individuals but as group members, with each group allotted a place in a hierarchy of privilege and oppression. Acknowledging this intersectionality demands that, rather than being colorblind, we focus on skin color and judge people accordingly.

Religious Freedom

It is no surprise then that DEI programs are a danger to Jews. The rabid antisemitism and overt hostility to Israel on college campuses is a direct outgrowth of DEI programming and personnel.

On campus, DEI bureaucracies are straightforward ideological enforcers. Their ideology views Jews as emissaries of (white) power. Thats why DEI officials arent merely indifferent to campus Jew-baiting, but its ringleaders.

Moreover, [i]n an atmosphere where DEI has great sway, merely to denounce anti-Semitic violence is to risk ones job, reputation, career, livelihood. And to express ones Judaism openly on college campuses in that atmosphere requires a dose of courage no one should be required to show just to live a day-to-day life.

D.E.I. truly needs to die.

Business

California leads the pack with equity programs [that] are simply destroying equality in the workplace:

In reality, policies aimed at achieving equitythe catch-all term for blatant discrimination against men, whites, Christians, heterosexuals, and oftentimes Asiansare really meant to wildly overrepresent certain groups.

Education

DEI isnt just for colleges and universities anymore. In fact, [o]n March 1, 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) signed bill A4454 into law, mandating sexual orientation and gender identity instruction for K12 schoolchildren. Instruction on these topics was set to begin in the classrooms by 2023. A sample NJ lesson plan says, You might feel like youre a boy even if you have body parts that some people might tell you are girl parts.

Academia, though, remains at the forefront. In 2022, Brown University barred white, and Asian students from a mindfulness-based stress reduction class.

At Cornell University, a rock-climbing class was offered for people who identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian, or other people of color.

Indiana University requires students to detail how their privilege causes oppression over subordinate groups.

Equity policies make it impossible for students to succeed. Competition is verboten. In fact, equity is an education jargon word that means lowering standards for students based on race.

Philanthropy

Goodwill is pushing critical race theory replete with implicit bias training and microaggressions. Its leadership says that DEI is at the core of Goodwills foundation...

Medicine

Wokeness M.D. is an absolute threat to medicine. One learns that the medical world sees nothing wrong with a psychiatrist stating that white people make her blood boil or ER providers assert that they are not going to treat that white guy, [theyre] going to treat the person of color instead because whatever happened to the white guy, he probably deserved it.

The corruption of medicine continues unabated.

In fact, the phrase Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) is found everywhere in federal legislation. This is a Marxist initiative that uses health as a rationale to centralize the entire economy.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) now writes about Strategies and Best Practices to Improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion among US Graduate Medical Education Programs.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) works to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles across the continuum of medical education. The goal is to work within this anti-racism framework.

The American Medical Association (AMA) is strengthening its efforts to address the climate crisis.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) is emphasizing social justice issues. This is despite genuine concerns about a decline in standards, i.e., waiving MCAT standards and eschewing rigorous science.

While an anti-DEI approach is beginning to emerge, Trump will have to fight back hard against the tyrannical odious, unconstitutional, racist and sexist destructive DEI.

The University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences would, on the surface, appear to be scaling back DEI initiatives but is a damaging DEI program hiding in plain sight at the University?

Once in office, Trump threatens funds and accreditation of universities and is determined to dismantle diversity offices across federal agencies, scrap diversity reporting and use civil rights enforcement to end these discriminatory programs.

Trump must hold all the DEI purveyors accountable and make DEI DOA.

Eileen can be reached at middlemarch18@gmail.com
As an amateur historian -- and probably not a good one -- I go nuts when I see amateurish fictions tendered as core premises. This is no more frequently found than in Hollywood; but do not kid yourself, it is not confined to Hollywood.

The following famous movie scene (based on the play) is a case in point, one worse than most:

Camelot is unique. And we have, by far and away, the most equitable climate in all England -- Camelot (1967)

A) The King Arthur stories hail back to the collapse of Celtic Briton, after the Roman garrison left in 410 AD. England did not exist at the time.

B) King Arthur might have been based on the life of a Celtic tribal chief, who fought the Anglo-Saxons (the proto-English). The English were not the heroes.

C) The Medieval castle in the far background of the movie scene would not have existed at that time.

D) South Britain rarely has hard freezes as the movie shows. The Gulf Stream usually keeps London above freezing in winter. Miserably raw, but rarely snow and ice buildup on the trees.

E) The only thing the movie got right -- probably by accident -- was casting Richard Harris, an Irishman and Celt, in the role. Especially since Artuir mac Aedan, a sixth-century Gaelic Scot, the grandson of an Irish king, is the best possible candidate for the real Arthur (that link is great, but it also erroneously shows medieval castles). And even that speculation about Artuir mac Aedan is questionable.

It is not just King Arthur. Historical idiocies have led civilizations to war.

In the 7th century, the Eastern Roman Empire (they did not call themselves Byzantine) went to war with Persia, one of the reasons being for possession of the true cross, as if it even still existed at that time.

Then there is the 16th century quote, credited to Luther, condemning the idiocies of relics and pilgrimages. Eighteen out of twelve apostles are buried in Spain.

And lest you think I am only picking on Catholic Tradition, the Anglican (Protestant) Church has opened up a pilgrimage center at Santiago de Compostela, where tradition has the remains of Saint James buried under the Catholic Cathedral, except that the Catholic Church admits that Saint James might not be buried there. Luther must be rolling over in his grave.

The authenticity of the sacred relic of Compostela has been questioned and is still doubted. -- New Advent (Catholic Encyclopedia)

Of course, there are other mistakes, but the grandest mistake of all is Islam.

It is now coming out into the popular realm that the historicity of Mohammed may be a total fabrication. Not merely a distortion, but a total fabrication. Robert Spencer has written a polemic questioning the whole historicity of Islams founder. And not just Robert Spencer, but Dr. Jay Smith.

As Dr. Jay Smith points out, in the 19th and 20th centuries, Christianity was subjected to higher criticism, in which much of its basic history was questioned. Though the academic assaults were brutal, in the end, Christianity held up, as one by one, its critics were shown wrong. For ex: The historicity of Pontius Pilate was doubted until 1961, when the Pilate Stone was discovered in Caesarea, Israel.

Not so with Islam.

When Western academics finally started applying higher criticism to Islam, unlike Christianity, Islam quickly folded like a deck of cheap cards. The Muslims cannot handle this.

The late Dr. Patricia Crone established the impossibility of Mecca being the ancient major city that Islam says it was.

Modern Mecca is completely missing from all maps, inscriptions, trade notes, graffiti, official documents and church records for the period up to the middle of the 8th Century... -- Did Mecca Exist At The Time Of Muhammad?

And not just Dr. Crone, but Dan Gibson has discovered the same problem.

The Quran does not even mention Mecca, but rather uses the term Bekkah.

Early mosques pointed to Petra -- a city hundreds of miles north -- not to Mecca.

The Quran describes Mecca with olive trees, which cannot grow in Mecca, but can grow in Petra.

This is not a minor issue. No one doubts that Jerusalem existed during the times of the prophets and Jesus. If Mecca did not exist as a city in the 7th century, the whole story of Islam collapses.

The original record of Mohammed was MHMD (ancient Arabic left out the vowels). This could mean anointed one; and as Dr. Smith points out, would be a title, not a name, and could actually be a reference to Jesus, not Mohammed.

[T]he Abbasids, who came to power in 749 AD pretty much destroyed all the records of the "hated" Umayyads, and with it any references to an evolving prophet named Muhammad. What we can say is that the Muhammad we know today is not the MHMD of the 7th century Jesus Christ, nor the MHMD of History, nor the Muhammad of the Umayyads, but was a creation of the Abbasids, post 750 AD. It was that Muhammad whom they then placed in a city called Mecca, who they say received a book called the Qur'an, and who then became the model and paradigm for every Muslim everywhere and for every place and time. - MHMD [09] Muhammad was JESUS' TITLE, then the Abbasids made him a PROPHET? (In the video description.

It turns out that originally the Arabs may have been following a dissident form of Christianity (Nestorianism).

A war among different Arab rulers led to the Abbasid dynasty taking over, which then erased Jesus altogether from the records and replaced him with a Mohammed created out of whole cloth. But on inspection, that whole story falls apart.

Even the Kaaba (the cube) seems to have been moved from Petra to Mecca. The Muslim practice of walking around the Kaaba seems to have been copied from the story of the Jews circling the city of Jericho. In fact, Islam is a plagiarized copy of Judaism and Christianity, not merely in text, but in practice. And a poor copy at that.

Our academics were quick to jump on the anti-Christian bandwagon when higher criticism was first applied. They were not so quick to admit their mistakes when evidence surfaced that Christianity held up. However, academia is quite silent as the enormous body of evidence is piling up against Islam. And this evidence is of a qualitative character worse.

The Bible was initially criticized for lack of evidence. Only slowly did the evidence for the Bible come in. Islam, however, fails -- not due to lack of evidence -- but due to contradicting evidence.

For ex: How could Mohammed have visited Al Aqsa mosque in his lifetime, when there were no mosques in Jerusalem during his lifetime? Jesus visited the temple in the Bible, but no one doubts the temple existed during Jesus lifetime. How could the Quran mention olives trees when they dont grow in Mecca?

Ancient geography, ancient grammar, ancient languages, and the archaeological records destroy Islam.

Our major institutions know this, and quietly keep silent. Why?

Because of fear.

Patricia Crone was threatened. She had to move to America. Because so many of our universities take money from Arab plutocracies, they are loathe to make an issue of this. In other words, academia is bought off. Even the BBC had to pull its documentary criticizing Islams origin story off the air -- after Muslims complained. One has to find it on the internet, now.

The story of Mohammed, if he even existed at all, is an Arabic version of King Arthur, greatly removed from whatever actually happened.

Was there a real King Arthur? Possibly, but not the medieval knight of legend, but rather a sixth-century Scottish tribal chief who died in battle. A failure. Was there a Mohammed? Likely not, not unless some otherwise forgotten cult leader was merged into Abbasid fabrications, but further removed from truth than King Arthur is.

At the start, I said that Hollywood was a major enabling contributor to historical fiction. It appears now that academia is as well.

Mike Konrad, who still struggles with Spanish, is a frustrated web designer and is presently trying to get a humorous short story of his published: The Pirate of Gaza.

Image: Davidchocron
So busy has the FBI been these past four years rounding up the terrorists who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021 -- nearly 1600 and counting -- that they have not had time to track guys like New Orleans lifetaker Shamsud-Din Jabbar.

Make no mistake: From the Feds perspective, the J6ers were terrorists. Reading the charging documents of those arrested shows just how much high-level time was frivolously spent identifying these citizens, charging them, arresting them, and making sure they were convicted. In the zero-sum game of law and order, the only ones who benefitted from the feds January 6 obsession were lethal clowns like Jabbar.

The seriousness of the fed J6 pursuit borders on self-parody. The person responsible for tracking great-grandmother Rebecca Lavrenz, for example, was a U.S. Army Counterintelligence Special Agent and FBI Task Force Officer assigned to the FBIs Colorado Springs Resident Agency (CSRA), National Security Squad 2, which is part of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Specifically, the agent was tasked with investigating terrorism activity, both foreign and domestic, in the CSRA area of responsibility.

Tracking a terrorist like Lavrenz took countless man-hours. Once multiple tipsters alerted the FBI that Lavrenz had entered the Capitol, Agent X (Im presuming a female) swung into action. She and her colleagues searched cellular telephone tower records and traced Lavrenzs phone to the Capitol during the January 6 brouhaha. Bingo!

FBI agents descended on Lavrenzs home on April 19, 2021. Lavrenz does not think the choice of days was a coincidence. April 19 is Patriots Day, the day set aside to remember the citizens who resisted the British world order in 1775 Massachusetts. Hearing a knock at the door of her semi-rural Colorado home, she opened it to find a man and a woman who had come to investigate.

Im sorry, said Lavrenz, Im in the middle of baking a cake for my sons birthday. She asked if they could reschedule their visit. To her surprise, they agreed. They apparently had plenty of time on their hands.

On April 26, 2021, the agents came back for an alleged consensual interview. Lavrenz had nothing to hide. She had driven by herself from Colorado Springs to pray for the nation. In her Statement of Facts, Agent X claimed that Lavrenz had gone to D.C. to attend the Stop the Steal rally. In fact, Lavrenz did not attend the Rally to Save America, as it was rightly called, and had had no intention of doing so.

Instead, Lavrenz joined others on a platform on the Capitols relatively peaceful east side to pray publicly about the 1620 Covenant, more commonly known as the Mayflower Compact. She believes the nation was consecrated to the glory of God and holds out hope that America will one day fulfill the covenants promises.

Agent X conceded that Lavrenz entered the Capitol through the open main doors. This occurred at 2:43 p.m., as Agent X confirmed by identifying the white-hatted Lavrenz amidst a crowd of protestors swarming in. To make her case, Agent X inserted into the Statement of Facts seven color images pulled from the surveillance video tracking Lavrenzs passage through the Capitol.

At 2:44 p.m., Lavrenz climbed the stairs to the Rotunda. From 2:45 to 2:47 p.m., she milled about in the Rotunda. Then, she briefly left the Rotunda for a few minutes, returning at 2:50 p.m. At 2:51, she left the Rotunda, descended the same stairs she had climbed minutes earlier, spoke briefly to a U.S. Capitol Police officer, and left the building at 2:53 -- ten minutes of prayer or, from the FBIs perspective, pure terror.

A few months after her April 2021 interview, Lavrenz heard back from the agents. They told her she had reason to be glad: she was only going to be charged with four misdemeanors. Glad? thought Lavrenz. I shouldnt be charged with anything.

Lavrenz was spared the shock and awe raids endured by many J6ers, but she was not spared the indignity of an arrest. On the chilly morning of December 19, Lavrenz surrendered. The authorities handcuffed the great-grandmother, fingerprinted her, took her mug shot, and put her in a cell awaiting the judge.

My heart was rejoicing, she told me, that I could stand up for my country. In the subsequent hearings and meetings with attorneys, Lavrenz, her resolve stiffened by her faith and the support of her family, refused to do the one thing that the authorities counted on her to do: take a plea deal.

Plea deals were essential to keep the tumbrils rolling in D.C. There were multiple thousands of citizens in and around the Capitol on January 6, and the Biden DoJ was hell-bent on arresting as many of them as possible. Trials, however, slowed the whole process down and drove expenses up.

Agent X saw fit to recommend four charges: entering a restricted building, disrupting the orderly conduct of government business, engaging in disorderly conduct, and parading or picketing in any Capitol building. The fact that the certification process had been postponed and members of Congress evacuated before Lavrenz entered the Capitol did not affect Agent Xs thinking.

After three years in time-consuming limbo, Lavrenz went to trial in late March 2024, charged with the four recommended misdemeanors. Lavrenz must have disappointed the jurors. Human nature being what it is, they were likely hoping for some fire-breathing Proud Boy or Oath Keeper, a trophy perp whose conviction they could dine out on until Armageddon. Instead, they got a prayerful, well-turned-out great-grandma who did nothing worse than enter the Peoples House through a door that had opened from within.

Lavrenz was predictably convicted on all four counts -- the D.C. jurors have convicted every J6er to face them. She received a stiffer sentence than Ray Epps but a lighter sentence than most J6ers who went to trial, specifically six months of home incarceration, probation to follow, and a $103,000 fine.

To understand the obscenely disproportionate time, effort, and expense wasted on pursuing the J6ers, first, multiply Lavrenzs case by 1600 and, second, recall that the Kavanaugh rioters got off with $30-$50 fines. Now, keep this calculus in mind next time you learn of a lethal attack on American citizens.

To learn more of Lavrenzs ordeal and others, please see Ashli: The Untold Story of the Women of January 6.

Image: TapTheForwardAssist
Don Lemon was big on dropping f-bombs in a foul-mouth podcast shortly before ringing in the New Year.

He left CNN in disgrace, but has the luxury of repeating past mistakes in his new job as a podcaster in a self-styled format called, the Don Lemon Show. His lack of self-control -- not that he ever possessed much -- was in full display, calling Trump supporters dumb f***ing idiots and mocked their stupid MAGA brains.

Gee, Don -- thats a little harsh, even by the absurdly biased standards of your former CNN colleagues. Lemon is in for a long four years, given what set him off in the first place. He was unloading on President-elect Donald Trump for having changed his position on a visa issue, now expressing support for issuing H-1B visas for highly-skilled workers.

Oh no, immigration, Lemons mocking narrative continued. We cant do the immigration because, you know, the immigration it triggers some people. While this brief detour into immigration politics appeared to give viewers a slight reprieve from a steady stream of expletives, it was short-lived. Youve been co-opted because youre in a f***ing cult. And you dont even realize it. In case viewers missed his main point, he added: How stupid and dumb are you?

Here's a more pertinent question. Didnt Lemon get the New Years memo on the loss of media relevance? Corporate media is sinking in perilous waters of low ratings, so dispiriting that many feel as if they are on the Titanic. They have learned at the cost of losing their audience that turning journalism into a cesspool of biased coverage fails to reach the masses.

Lemon would be well advised to take notes on the changing landscape in a post-election world. Living in an echo chamber can prove fatal to ones personal appeal and professional status. For instance, his colleagues at CNN must have felt shell-shocked watching their ratings plummet more than 40 percent to an all-time low of 488,000 daytime viewers, in November and fared little better with 700,000 evening viewers.

Newscasters for too long had relied heavily on outdoing one another with Trump-bashing. Newscaster Joy Reid, who still has a job at MSNBC, must have been concerned about her Trump-Hitler-comparisons falling flat given the frequency of the inane analogies. (She does deserve credit for resisting foul language.) As Trump gained momentum in 2024, she came up with a greater historic fantasy associating the Trump Jan. 6 protest being on par with Hitlers well-known historic revolt called the, Beer Hall Putsch.

Her colleague, Claire McCaskill, a political analyst, was left with little to surpass this verbal stink bomb. But, in a moment that will live in infamy (to quote one historical figure), she came up with the winning journalistic falsehood: She alleged that Trump was more dangerous than Hitler and Mussolini put together.

Another way to interpret McCaskills political insights can be found in the ratings: MSNBC primetime viewers numbered a record low of 465,000 in November.

The Don Lemon Show appears to be on course to meet the same fate as his position on CNN. It doesnt appear Lemon is taking into consideration the collapse of his professional sector including: massive layoffs (15,000 media jobs lost in 2024); corporate selloffs (Comcast reported to make MSNBC a separate entity), and salary reductions impacting such liberal luminaries as MSNBCs Rachel Maddow, who reportedly has agreed to reduce her annual salary from $30 million to $25 million over the next three years.

The $5 million reduction shouldnt cause Maddow any real upset in the grocery store line or gas pump, unlike those Trump supporters whom she vilifies as uneducated and white supremacists. She was one of the ultimate Trump critics, whose TDS condition (Trump Derangement Syndrome) had once protected her big-fat salary.

Such dire winds of doom havent impacted Lemons personal style of reporting. He was right back to dropping his f*** bombs when he was confronted by media critics in the aftermath of his online rant.

Lowering his standards, once again (which is saying something), his response to butthurt critics was that their objections were too f***ing bad. Its a good thing Lemon repeatedly refers to himself as both a black and gay man; otherwise, some may throw the h word (homophobic) at him for describing his critics as butthurt.

Regrettably Lemons vocabulary remains stuck in a rut: But that sophomoric approach to reporting cant compare to his abysmal lack of political insight and refusal to move beyond the echo chamber where blatantly unprofessional reporting has become tiresome and not worth watching for an American audience.

Image: At via Magic Studio
Pets are being disappeared across the nation as they always have been by angry neighbors or plain mean people. Some of these ugly types are so-called migrants as I witnessed when my neighbors cat was slaughtered in front of me as I walked up the block below my home a couple days prior to Trump being elected.

Graphic warning: This story is about a slaughtered cat that was killed with impunity by Bidens newcomers, a friendly and mild feline whose corpse was stolen, and whose likely entrails were left days later in a plastic sandwich bag along a trail in some woods across the street from me. That grisly find was discovered by a couple of adolescent dirtbike riders (I saw their cellphone pics of the bag with entrails), who reported it to police, who responded to the report and presumably gathered that evidence.

I heard Laddie the Cats piercing death-scream for about a half-minute as I was walking toward my hillside city neighborhood, full of old people. It aint so homey anymore, since globalized labor uglies came to town so that the rich could get even richer.

Laddie the Cat (my nickname for him, not his real name) was slaughtered by two Hispanic migrants driving a landscaping truck with a large trailer in tow. The company that owns that subsidiary company employs more than 4,000 employees nationwide. (Why does such a big company need foreign labor?)

I witnessed the end of the slaughter and reported it to two different police officers and the neighbor who owned the cat, and called the landscaping company whose truck the two dwarf-like killers were in (the driver looked like a 14-year-old kid); they intentionally ran over the cat backward and forward repeatedly, kicked Laddies corpse from being stuck on the undercarriage of the truck, threw it into the truck like trash, and drove away laughing.

When speaking to the company, I demanded these malhechores be fired. I dont know if they were fired, but I did talk to a manager about it and identified the vehicle, workers, and dates and locations of sighting the workersmore than once and in more than one location. They had a two-foot circular spot of blood and organ fluid stuck to the truck for several days after, it was easy to pick out.

When they snatch, torture or kill your favorite pet, even if its your neighbors animal, it doesnt matter after the fact if they actually ate it, since the torture and killing are what really matter. How many pets in Springfield, or Charleroi, or across the nation have been killed, stolen, or both by vindictive foreigners who hate their neighbors with third-world vendettas and an overweening desire for unearned respeto?

How many pets were disappeared by angry and envious migrants from nasty, third-world countries? Is it really possible it only happened to that one cat I knew?

I am more of a dog person. But I learned over the years that cats are really freelancers (as opposed to corporate-trained dogs), and so are rather worthy of respect in and of themselves. My next door neighbor used to have two catsa black-and-white one, and a white-and-black one, the latter of which is the now-dead one, Laddie. He was an outdoor cat, and a very friendly and lovable one.

The meme using Trumps line theyre eating the dogs, theyre eating the cats, is catchy, but its possible to downplay serious matters like neighborliness. Disregard for small matters fray our social fabric and destroy trust in a locality and its future.

American citizens and illegal migrant job thieves who have radically different cultures and value systems, where one is obviously superior and one is obviously inferior, are bound to rub each other the wrong wayand our government has empowered hotheaded foreigners to do dirty deeds because they believe theyll get away with them. For the record, no fracas preceded Laddies slaughter. I have been vocal in print about what I think of illegals around here, and some of these diminutive invaders know it, and have catcalled me in the past, trying to bait me.

Illegal alien dirtbagos can be vindictive and lowbrow. Theyll even slaughter and steal your neighbors cat for fun, or to try to get at you. It happened to me.

But the cops said Im not the victim and cant press charges. That cats owner is probably a leftist, in this town. Laddie was apolitical to the point of getting up to leave when Id start to sing Irish folk songshe had no time for it, whether I was tipsy or sober.

I am the victim, I witnessed it, I said to one officer with whom I spoke. And society is the victim.

He was a good cat. His killing wasnt an accident. Stealing his smashed corpse and his likely dissection and dismemberment isnt a joke, and shouldnt go unremarked. It was meant as a message, and we all need to get the message sent: You cant stop our invasion; were entitled to do what we will.

We sure as hell can stop it, and we will.

All images herein taken and provided by author.
The voters rejected him, his designated successor, and his radical left-wing agenda.

So now Joe Biden is trying to extend his rule by other means, particularly if means blowing the place up on his way out.

He's come up with this, according to JustTheNews:

President Joe Biden may take one more shot at the oil and gas industry before he departs the White House. According to Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, the president plans to issue a decree that would permanently ban new offshore oil and gas development within U.S. coastal waters. Joe Biden is again attacking American energy like hes done for the last four years, but todays action will do nothing but further enshrine failure as the biggest part of his legacy. President Trump should overturn this order on the first day and quickly usher Bidens green agenda into the dustbin of history, Daniel Turner, executive director of Power the Future, an energy advocacy group, said in a statement. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to overturn many of Bidens anti-fossil fuel actions, but he might not be able to reverse a permanent ban on offshore oil and gas development. The 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act gave presidents the authority to permanently protect U.S. waters from leasing, but it contains no specific provision to undo the protections.

That's funny. Two years ago, he told the American public he wouldn't dream of shutting down American oil production, and to the contrary, was all in for energy self-sufficiency, claiming in a speech from the White House in 2022:

... we need to responsibly increase American oil production without delaying or deferring our transition to clean energy. Let me  lets debunk some myths here. My administration has not stopped or slowed U.S. oil production; quite the opposite. Were producing 12 million barrels of oil per day. And by the end of this year, we will be producing 1 million barrels a day, more than the day in which I took office. In fact, were on track for record oil production in 2023.



And today, the United States is the largest producer of oil and petroleum products in the world. We export more than we import. And I still heard from oil comp-  and Ive heard from oil companies that theyre worried that investing in additional oil production today will  will  in case of the  in case demand goes down in the future, and theyre not going to be able to sell their oil products at a competitive price later.

Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming pointed out this past April that he was lying:

He knows he deserves zero credit for production records. For three years, he has attacked affordable, available and reliable American energy. The credit belongs to the innovators, entrepreneurs and roughnecks in places such as my home state of Wyoming. These individuals work hard and take enormous risks every day. Their vision and labor made the U.S. energy independent in 2019  for the first time in 70 years. Instead of celebrating their achievement, candidate Joe Biden threatened to throw them out of work. He guaranteed his administration would end fossil fuel. In his first days in office, he killed the Keystone Pipeline and cancelled federal lease sales and then existing leases. He has launched an unprecedented regulatory assault on the fuels that provide four-fifths of the nations energy. While oil output is at a record high, we could be producing even more but for the presidents whole of government effort to chill investment. The year before President Biden was inaugurated, the Energy Information Administration was forecasting oil output in 2023 of 14 million barrels a day. Actual output came in at 1.1 million barrels per day below that forecast.

He also was gaslighting. Barrasso noted just why these Biden claims were so phony:

Oil production hit a record in 2023 because more and more of our oil and natural gas production is occurring on private and state lands, where developers dont need permission from Washington to drill. In 2005, about 68 percent of our oil and 62 percent of our gas came from private and state lands.Today its risen to roughly 75 percent and 90 percent, respectively. Its also no accident that most of this production takes place in Republican-led states, including Wyoming. When it comes to production on federal lands, however, were living on borrowed time. Weve been able to maintain output thanks to production from wells drilled on leases issued before Biden became president. While the administration has issued drilling permits to existing leaseholders  as required by law  that hasnt stopped it from slow walking these permits.

That was noted several months ago, back when there was an election to win.

Now that Biden is on the way out, he's changed his tune, determined to extend his rule to well beyond his time in office.

He's taking advantage of a badly written law to destroy America's energy largesse, keeping it in the ground forever, no matter what our economy needs. He's nominally doing it in the name of a green energy transition, which as Power Line has noted, couldn't be fulfilled even if everyone in America wanted it, owing to the absence of necessary resources. Even Elon Musk, who runs Tesla, America's top electric car company, has stated that fossil fuels are critical to the global economy and should not be "demonized."

In reality, Biden's doing it to please his greenie donors, who contributed much to Democrat campaign efforts -- shutting down offshore drilling will be just the thing to boost their profits with oil production on the outs.

Worse still, he's doing it to Get Trump, unable to accept that he has lost the election and been repudiated by voters, and determined to backseat-drive the Trump presidency to a failure as resounding as his own. While he can (phonily) claim credit for increased oil production on his watch, he wants to make sure that Trump can't get the energy America needs as he shuts the door to energy production on the way out.

It's outrageous, and lawmakers had better get to work modifying that law. No sleazy bitter president, heading out of office, should have a right to determine the voters' energy future by executive order, just to Get Trump.

At a minimum, revoking what Biden decrees will put the Trump administration in courts with leftist lawsuits for possibly the duration of the presidency, and with a corrupted judicial system, could lead to any outcome.

Americans deserve better than that. Biden and his successor were thrown from power for this reason. The American people have the right to determine their leaders and their energy future, not the miserable smoking ruins of Biden's failed presidency.

Image: PxHere // CC0 public domain
It is difficult to pigeonhole Elon Musk. He has surprised me in the last several years. First, by purchasing and liberating Twitter, and later by offering Trump his whole-hearted support. My impression of him has favorably changed over time, much as my opinion of Trump has also evolved with time.

Recently, I penned an article lauding Elon Musk for his support of the AfD party in Germany. I thought it was a brave move, even for Musk. The AfD has been slandered by the European ruling class and media, so much so that it is hard for observers in the US to receive an unbiased view of it.

Over the weekend, Musk followed up his initial statement praising the AfD with a tract providing the reasons for his support. While most of his reasons were sound, his analysis of German energy policy is slanted in a way that distorts the true nature of Germanys energy transition, Energiewende. The following is what he wrote.

Energy and independence: The energy policy pursued by the current coalition is not only economically costly, but also geopolitically naive. Germanys decision to phase out nuclear energy and instead rely heavily on coal and imported gas, as well as volatile wind and solar power, without the battery storage necessary to maintain a stable power supply, has left the country vulnerable, especially to power outages. The AfD has a pragmatic approach to energy and is advocating a balanced approach. I hope they will consider the expansion of safe nuclear energy combined with battery storage to cushion major fluctuations in electricity consumption, because that is the obvious solution.

His message is cleverly worded. He lumps the blame for Germanys current precarious energy situation on its decision to phase out nuclear energy and lack of foresight in not providing enough battery storage to maintain a stable power supply with wind and solar power. Although, Germanys decision to shut down nuclear power was monumentally stupid, it was only one of several errors it made in pursuit of Energiewende. Germanys biggest mistake was to even start on a quest to power a modern economy with unreliable wind and solar power. That venture was doomed from the start. A simple back-of-the-napkin calculation would have told one that solar, wind and batteries made no economic sense. However, this is not the first time that German pride in accomplishing the impossible has driven them over the cliff. Therefore, when Musk implies that only if Germany had installed a few more of his batteries, its scheme might have worked, he is being less than candid.

His response should not surprise me. After all, he is the founder of Tesla, an EV and battery manufacturer. I must remind myself that Musk is a battery salesman and biggest booster of the industry. That is not a bad thing. That is just a reality that must be considered when accessing the man. The fact that he is promoting a vision of the future with renewables, batteries, and EVs that I believe is dumb-headed does not diminish my view of him. Battery salesman or not, his bravery in taking a stance against the Censorship-Industrial Complex cant be forgotten or diminishedthough he recently got himself into hot water regarding disagreements over the H-1B visa debateso I still consider Musk as an American hero.

Image generated by AI.
The last two days have been pure kabuki theatre for those of here in Lousiana, or call it 'Terrorism 101.'

The FBI has been demonstrably lying  and as one does when lying, changing the tune at every step, and reversing itself at every step; controlling if not blocking any decent investigative reporting at the scenes, ignoring/denying suspected evidentiary links between the car attack on a crowd in New Orleans, that left 15 dead, and the car attack on Trump Tower in Las Vegas, which produced injuries, but no deaths, given that police say the driver of the car was dead before the explosion.

New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) is one of Americas earliest and strongest and historically integrated metropolitan areas.. With a multi-racial and muti-ethnic and multi-cultural past, heavily influenced by France, Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Africa and all of the sea-going nations of the past four centuries, New Orleans is as strong as its remarkably peaceful, humorous and faithful citizens.

Is the federal government itself encouraging and abetting terrorism by its, at best, clumsy reactions and retractions in explaining these events to U.S. citizens?

Bidens outrageously limpid responses to the attacks this week, followed up by his staffs equally halfhearted revisions, tell their own stories. After all, hes vacating.

The coincident domestic military postings between the figurative terrorists in both incidents also is screamingly suspicious.

Imagine -- theyre calling that coincidence. Off the bat?

Why we should worry: Bidens Department of Defense is, by the numbers and for the length of this administration, in the business of military downsizing and DEI upsizing.

Has Bidens military not also been grooming its own recruits, e.g., via COVID hysteria and vaccine mandates; via transgender, gay, and female recruiting goals and over-the-top DEI benefits? Have they not introduced a propensity (and possibly support) for domestic, radical Islamic terrorism into their own ranks? Dont we know they already had, starting with Obama? (See: Fort Hood.)

The only people who really get New Orleans are its citizens and those in neighboring southeast Louisiana.

Here in St. Tammany Parish, across the Lake, we are multiracial/cultural and have been in harmony for generations.

Working families on the South and North shores of Lake Pontchartrain rely on City of New Orleans events for our annual household budgets and family business income.

Tourism is the lifeblood of NOLA. Terrorism kills tourism.

The outgoing Democrats weak if not treasonous posture towards radical Islamic terrorism is ripping, as well, at the red border states economies  you wont hear about that from the FBI, or from Homeland Securitys Alejandro Mayorkas when he shills about the fine borders -- south and north.

The Republican governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, had to pull the state police into NOLA during the past year because of NOLAs famously abject Democrat mayor.

Her anti-cop public stances and DEI hiring ideology had brought down the Citys police force, along with other basic civic and environmental services  think trash and water.

Because of its proximity to the Texas/Mexico border, NOLA has been and is an obvious target for ISIS.

It is laughable, as U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnon of Louisiana spoke out this week, to think that the Biden administration  pointedly its FBI, was/is unaware of ISIS activity in NOLA and coming across the border into Texas.

Louisianas U.S. Senator John Kennedy also spoke out this week of his incredulity at the current vetted statements on the NOLA terror rampage on New Years Day. Hes promised to get the facts to the American people.

He will have to wait a while on that, because Biden is still calling the shots on the terrorist reportage. Or someone for Biden is making the calls.

The outgoing  thank God! -- U.S. president has been coddling ISIS, and effectively giving the nod and wink to Islamic terrorism internationally.

We need look no further than Bidens scandalous, abrupt. and incompetent withdrawal from Afghanistan which along with his open border has thus empowered ISIS to send its terrorists here.

Bidens acute preferences for terrorism over democratic ideals is intimately and irrevocably confirmed by his own intentional, on-going and outrageously personal self-interest in a slew of matters, domestic and international. I wont list them again.

This is the real outrage about New Orleans this week: Biden knew ISIS was here.

They have known, for years, that ISIS was coming over the southern border and setting up shop in red states. Yes, for years. The New York Times, for Gods sake, interviewed one of the stipulated terrorists years ago. Who told the Times about him?

Do we trust them now?

This terror chaos began with Day One, Biden, and his stooges in the FBI (among a federal leadership cast of thousands)  who have also lied extravagantly about Jan. 6, 2021.

Joe Biden is pinning a medal on Liz Cheney, ringleader of the Jan. 6 lies within the week.

Where is the proof about, and source of, these sudden outbreaks of drones and terror acts, all pre-inauguration?

Four words: Do Not Trust Them. Seven words: We Still Have Seventeen Days To Go.

Finally, see here:

The Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans is hosting an interfaith prayer service at its St Louis Cathedral in new Orleans, in three days. The Service, fyi, will be livestreamed at https://nolacatholic.org/ :

Interfaith Prayer Service

Monday, January 6 at 6 PM at St. Louis Cathedral



We will come together as people of faith to pray for those who lost their lives, the survivors, and their families as well as for peace and unity in our community. Let us all join in prayer for our community today and every day as we work to build a culture that respects the life and dignity of all people.



Image: Denisbin, via Flickr // CC BY-ND 2.0 Deed


Although President-elect Trumps bombastic statements have made for good press and sound, superficially at least, like things that will make America great again, it is time for him to take a step back and be more diplomatic with the rest of the world, especially when it comes to illegal drugs. He clearly knows how to do this and is proud of his deal-making abilities, so this is not a strategy he should struggle with.

Much has been made of the possibility of actively going after drug cartels in Mexico. It clearly sounds exciting, and it would make things happen, but Im confident the results would not be what the MAGA crowd expects. The first thing to keep in mind is that it is Americans who are funding the cartels, just as we did when I worked counternarcotics in Latin America in the early 1990s. The cartels were not and are not forcing us to purchase these drugs.

If US forces attack the cartels on Mexican soil, that is an invasion of a sovereign nation and would be likely to result in an insurgent war across our border and in various locations throughout the US. Mexicans who do not normally support or even interact with cartels would likely be a part of this insurgency against us. After all, why should Mexicans suffer more than they already do because of cartels funded by foreign sources?

Image: Fentanyl users in Philadelphia. X screen grab.

We would destabilize Mexico even further while disrupting the greater economy and most likely angering many of our hemispheric neighbors. Needless to say, it would be expensive in terms of US lives and treasure to prosecute such an expedition, and this is especially so if Americans continue to fund the cartels.

If the US really wants to put the cartels out of business, we should aggressively attack the problem within our own borders. We should work to eliminate the demand for the drugs coming from Mexico by punishing traffickers and users here and treating the root cause of the problemaddiction. And we cannot ignore the cultural acceptance by a significant portion of our society that sees no problem with the use of these substances. This, too, must be addressed.

Legalizing drugs will not work. First, it will not eliminate the wide range of costs for individuals and across our society. The individual costs include physical and mental health issues and an increased risk of accidental injuries or even death. The financial strain on individuals includes spending significant amounts of money on drugs, lost income due to unemployment or the inability to maintain steady work, and legal costs resulting from arrests or convictions.

The social cost to our country is tremendous and includes things most people dont think of when they consider this issue. For example, strained or broken relationships with family and friends, the loss of custody of children in cases of neglect or abuse, and the cost of policing, adjudication, and incarceration of drug-related criminals. Dont forget the increased demand on our healthcare system dealing with overdoses and related injuries, managing the spread of infectious diseases, and caring for babies born with drug-related complications.

There are significant economic costs to the nation as well. With drug use comes reduced productivity and economic contributions, increased unemployment, and the loss of resources spent on combating drug trafficking and production, as mentioned above, rather than on other societal goods.

Legalization will lead the cartels to limit the supply of drugs to keep prices high, thereby countering our efforts to deal with the problem by making illicit drugs uneconomical for the cartels. Limiting the supply will likely lead to crime and violence as addicts and others fight to obtain the limited supply. Of course, US businesses or even the government could go into producing and supplying drugs to keep prices (and ostensibly crime) under control, but none of this will eliminate the addiction, social acceptance, and negative impacts that drug use brings to the individual user and our society.

President-elect Trump is fond of pointing out that he looks at the world from the perspective of a businessman. I hope he applies that thinking to his approach to illegal drugs in our country. It is a crime that takes advantage of capitalism and the concepts of supply and demand. In this case, we must eliminate the demand so that the supply will dwindle. Mexico would have less powerful cartels, and the Mexican people could have precious resources focused on their other needs rather than on an unwinnable war with American drug consumers.
My X feed suddenly started featuring posts about the infamous and utterly heinous story that Muslim rape gangs in Northern England had, for more than three decades (from the late 1970s to 2013), exploited hundreds of thousands of British children. Worse, they were enabled by British police and politicians afraid of inflaming tensions with the Muslim population.

Why the sudden interest in an 11-year-old story? It turns out that Elon Musk, who is unafraid of being imprisoned by Britains increasingly totalitarian government, learned about what happened and went on an X rampage, forcing the story into the daylight, including PM Keir Starmers apparent role in the cover-up.

Heres what I was able to piece together:

Beginning in the 1970s and accelerating hard and fast in the 1990s, Yorkshire, once the most English region in the UK, became the primary destination outside of London for Pakistani immigrants. In 2013, news broke that Muslim rape gangs had been sexually exploiting non-Muslim children in Rotherham, a town in Yorkshire. That was terrible, but what made the story a scandal was that the police and government had known about these gangs and had done nothing for fear of inflaming the Muslim population.

Image by Grok.

As time went by, it became clear that the grooming wasnt limited to Rotherham. In one town and city after another across Britain (although mostly in the North and the Midlands), the same pattern was revealed: Muslims were horrifically exploiting non-Muslim British children while the authorities deliberately turned a blind eye.

The past might have stayed in the past were it not for Elon Musk, who became aware of a debate on X about Muslim immigration to the UK. The debate started by talking about Muslim immigration generally, with a leftist saying it worked wonderfully and Sam Bidwell, a conservative, giving chapter and verse about its failures. In that tweet, he said, We still have dozens of towns which bear the scars of Pakistani grooming gangs, who targeted young girls because they were white.

Naturally, a leftist challenged him to name those dozens of towns. Bidwell obliged with a list of 20 towns (and commenters added more), and Elon Musk took notice:

!!  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 31, 2024

When Elon Musk notices something, the world notices. On January 1, while physical bombs went off in New Orleans and Las Vegas, Musk ignited a fact bomb on X when he retweeted a post by Ian Miles Cheong about the rape gangs:

British police turned a blind eye to grooming gangs and ignored the plight of their very young victims.



"Police had gone around to the house, they found this 13-year-old girl with another young girl, she was almost completely naked, she was blind drunk, and she was with 7 pic.twitter.com/JpPEAqxNyY  Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) January 1, 2025

The short video tells the story of just one exploited child and the police and judicial response (which was to victimize the victim). The moment Musk reposted that tweet, he must have started receiving a lot of information, not just about what happened in the past, but about PM Keir Starmer and his government.

Suddenly, Musk was on fire, retweeting to the tens of millions who read his tweets story after story about the horrors the Muslim gangs inflicted on British children and about institutional British complicity, with everyonethe government, the police, and the mediacovering up and downplaying what happened.

The grooming gangs trial summary transcripts are utterly grotesque. Its incredible we havent had mass civil unrest. Media reporting guidelines helped bottle it up. Some of these people are going to walk free soon. https://t.co/nz2O0OKPwS pic.twitter.com/e3TtyWkYsv  max tempers (@maxtempers) December 30, 2024 By the way, grooming gang leaders were allowed to stay in the UK when it was decided that deporting them would breach their human rights. https://t.co/pJ1WhffiG8 pic.twitter.com/YGJ8XkIEga  Sam Ashworth-Hayes (@SAshworthHayes) December 31, 2024 One of the most shocking events in my academic career was at Oxford Uni (Oxford actually had a grooming gang) where professors denied it was a serious scandal. It was about 2 years ago. One tried to blame the white British. I wrote about it herehttps://t.co/2XFSjqocdu https://t.co/ezshxBrXoA  Matt Goodwin (@GoodwinMJ) December 31, 2024

Musk also retweeted this thread (which I urge you to read), giving a detailed history about the rape gangs and the institutional cover-up.

After just a few of these retweets, Musk stated the obvious, which is that many in the British government need to go to jail and that Reform UK is Britains only hope:

So many people at all levels of power in the UK need to be in prison for this. https://t.co/PtM39RGrFi  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025

Vote Reform. Its the only hope. https://t.co/NfJQ7NHBnj  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025

There are now hundreds, perhaps thousands, of posts about the rape gangs flooding X, all because Musk got hold of a tweet thread about immigration. Tommy Robinson, whom the British government has persecuted relentlessly for speaking out about the Islamic gangs, got Musks attention, too:

Why is Tommy Robinson in a solitary confinement prison for telling the truth?



He should be freed and those who covered up this travesty should take his place in that cell. https://t.co/Dn48JLoJgR  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 1, 2025

Watch this to understand more https://t.co/OwHGnMcAgK  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 2, 2025

This revisiting of past events might have died there were it not for the fact that Musk discovered PM Starmers role in the grooming gang story. First, he retweeted a report that, back in October, Jess Phillips, the Labour Partys ironically named Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, blocked a nationwide inquiry into the gangs, saying that, while rape is bad and inquiries are good, all inquiries should be conducted at a purely local level, leaving the British government out of it:

UK LABOUR MINISTER FOR SAFEGUARDING BLOCKS NATIONAL INQUIRY INTO PAKISTANI RAPE GANGS



Labours Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, refused to back a public inquiry into child exploitation in Oldham, urging the council to handle it locally.



Her decision comes despite https://t.co/uf9DWZep7P pic.twitter.com/X0GZKFzryU  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 1, 2025

Musk was not pleased:

Jess Philips is a rape genocide apologist https://t.co/vmLKtIQ6YV  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 3, 2025

(Musk later discovered that the Tories were equally complicit in covering up what happened. The British government, left and right, is a club.)

And then Musk discovered that Starmer himself may have been part of the cover-up:

Who is the boss of Jess Phillips right now? Keir Stamer.



The real reason she's refusing to investigate the rape gangs is that it would obviously lead to the blaming of Keir Stamer (head of the CPS at the time).  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 2, 2025

With Elon Musk reminding people of what happened and exposing the fact that, even now, at least one of the gang leaders is still living comfortably in Britain despite a nine-year-old deportation order and another one received a peerage, the dam of cowed silence in Britain is beginning to break.

The British media has demonized almost everyone that spoke out against the mass rape gangs in the UK



Its incredibly significant that the seal has broken



This never would have happened without @X https://t.co/AmVmUTY0qn  Shaun Maguire (@shaunmmaguire) January 2, 2025

That Musk is forcing awareness on the British people matters because the British thought police are out there. If you make people (read: Muslims or so-called transgenders) uncomfortable (read: angry), you will be arrested. Freedom of speech and thought is dead in Britain, and thats true whether Labour or Tory leads the government. Their politicians are afraid of alienating Muslim voters, who now make up sizable, activist voting blocs. If youre in the government and try to speak, you will be silenced.

This has been a long post, and it could easily be ten times as long. Ill leave you with two tweets from this morning, both affirming that Musk wants to bring down the Labour government (and, as he said, get Reform UK in power):

Starmer was complicit in the RAPE OF BRITAIN when he was head of Crown Prosecution for 6 years.



Starmer must go and he must face charges for his complicity in the worst mass crime in the history of Britain.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 3, 2025 Yes https://t.co/dYpvgW57Gw  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 3, 2025

And as youll inevitably hear leftists shriek about Musks billions, please note that Musk isnt effecting this change by using his money to drive secret backroom dealings. Hes doing it solely by exposing people to the truthespecially the people of Britain, who can almost certainly handle the truth but who are forbidden to speak it.

(Reminder: Our editors e-newsletter goes out today. If you want to enjoy the latest edition, you need to subscribe. Subscribing will also get you an ad-free experience and the ability to comment on articles and posts. Plus, youll feel wonderfully virtuous, in a good, non-leftist way, a pleasure that is not to be overlooked.)
BTS' J-Hope has made a donation of 100 million won (about $68,000) to the families of the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash.

The contribution was delivered through the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association, of which the idol is a member.

"Upon hearing the news of the accident, I decided to make this donation to help the bereaved families as much as I can," J-Hope said in a statement on Thursday.

"I offer my deepest condolences and comfort to the bereaved families and everyone affected by this tragedy. My heart goes out to those enduring this unimaginable pain."

J-Hope completed his mandatory military service in October, following his enlistment in April 2023 to complete his compulsory service.

The BTS main dancer is expected to hold a solo concert to mark his return to the stage at the KSPO Dome in Seoul at the end of February.

BTS is expected to return in full force as a group in 2025, with J-Hope dropping hints that the group will make a comeback this year.

"When we are all back together as a group, it's going to have a huge impact," J-Hope said in an interview with Weverse Magazine on Christmas Eve.

"I want to come back in style and say, 'This is us; this is BTS. I can't speak for everyone, but I can tell you the other members feel the same way. What hasn't changed is that I really, really love to do it."
In January 2024, Fossil announced its retirement from the Wear OS-powered smartwatch market. The company tried for a while to become a big name in this field, but it never quite got there. Most of the firms latest stocks of smartwatches sold out last year, except for one in particular: the Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2. Now, this model has also sold out, marking the end of Fossils involvement in the segment.

Fossil is a brand primarily known for its traditional watches. It tried to make a name for itself among smartwatches as well, investing a lot of resources into it. However, the efforts did not pay off. Currently, smartphone companies seem to be the ones that do best with these wearables. The Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch devices are undoubtedly the main faces of the market, with other names seeking to stand out as well.

Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2, Fossils latest Wear OS smartwatch, is no longer available

Citizen, another traditional watch brand, partnered with Fossil in 2018 to launch smartwatches. The Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2, released in 2023, was one of the products of this collaboration. This smartwatch was the only one still available in Fossils catalog until recently. This is no coincidence, as the watch had a rather eventful launch. In fact, Citizen even had to withdraw it from the market temporarily.

Normally, products that come onto the market full of problems are tainted in the publics perception. That said, Fossil has been running huge discount campaigns on its smartwatches to get rid of the remaining stock. There were models available for as low as $80. The offers seemed to be enough to convince some people to give the wearable another chance.

Availability seems to have stopped very recently

The Citizen CZ Smart Gen 2 came in two styles: Sport and Casual Unisex. As seen by 9to5Ggoogle on the Wayback Machine platform of the Internet Archive, both were available until December 25. Now, their product pages have disappeared.

Interestingly, traditional watch brands have been moving away from the Wear OS market. However, the platform is growing at a rapid pace following updates over the past few years and the growing participation of phone brands.
NVIDIA has been rumored to announce its new 50-series GPUs at the upcoming CES event, and now it looks like there may be some more evidence to support that theory, thanks to a recent leak of a GeForce RTX 5080 GPU from MSI. Spotted by VideoCardz (via TechRadar), a couple of images showed up of the retail packaging of MSIs RTX 5080 GPU. The images surfaced on a forum called ChipHell but have since been removed.

Luckily, the removal of the post didnt stop some of the details about the graphics card from getting out, because information is displayed on the back of the box. The forum post didnt mention anything about pricing or release dates, but the information on the packaging offers up a handful of specs and features.

Leak showcases the MSI GeForce RTX 5080 will use a triple fan design

While the leak doesnt specify everything about this graphics card, it does reveal some details about the cards features, as well as the design. As VideoCardz notes, it will use three fans and its the OC edition.

Itll also come with 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM, as well as four ports for display connectivity. There will be three DisplayPort connections and one HDMI port. Its still unclear what versions these ports will be. But its not unlikely that the HDMI port will be HDMI 2.1. For DisplayPort, the RTX 40-series GPUs had support for DisplayPort 1.4, and not DisplayPort 2.1. So its possible the new 50-series GPUs could use this same version. It might all depend on whether or not DisplayPort 2.1 DP80 certified cables support a longer cable length now.

As shorter cable length may have been a big reason why NVIDIA chose not to support DisplayPort 2.1 when the RTX 40-series cards were launched.

The RTX 5080 may be the first model to launch

If youve been buying GPUs for your desktop gaming PC for the past few generations, then you know NVIDIA never releases all models at the same time. This is unlikely to change. That probably leaves consumers looking for an upgrade to wonder which card will launch first.

Based on the leak of this packaging, it might be the RTX 5080. Its toward the top end of NVIDIAs lineup. Not to mention it will probably be significantly more affordable than the RTX 5090 cards. Making it a good candidate for the first card to launch.

That being said, the RTX 5080 isnt going to be inexpensive. In fact, its quite possibly going to see a price increase over last years RTX 4080 GPUs. A recent leak from late December suggested that the new RTX 5080 GPUs will cost about $2,799 AUD. Thats about $1,500 USD. A solid $300 USD over the previous generation. A possible GPU shortage mentioned by NVIDIA last year could be the reason for these price increases.
Cheltenhams clash with League Two leaders Walsall has been postponed because of a frozen pitch as the UK braces itself for an icy blast over the weekend.

Saturdays scheduled game at the EV Charger Points Stadium was called off on Friday afternoon after an inspection with temperatures set to plummet overnight.

A statement on the clubs official website said: Tomorrows Sky Bet League Two fixture with Walsall at the EV Charger Points Stadium has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Tomorrow's @SkyBetLeagueTwo fixture with Walsall has been postponed due to a frozen pitch following a 1:30PM pitch inspection at the EV Charger Points Stadium #ctfc  Cheltenham Town (@CTFCofficial) January 3, 2025

A match official appointed by the EFL carried out a pitch inspection at 1.30pm this afternoon and the decision was made to postpone the fixture.

The frost covers have been on the playing surface since yesterday morning but with overnight temperatures due to drop below freezing once again, it was deemed the pitch will not be playable in time for tomorrows scheduled kick-off.

Meanwhile, Saturdays race meeting at Newcastle has been abandoned because the course is frozen.

A statement on the courses official X account said: Following an inspection today, we have had to abandon racing tomorrow due to the track being frozen in places with no improvement in the forecast.

 GAME OFF | Following todays pitch inspection, the pitch has been deemed unplayable due to the freezing temperatures. Our game against @afcfylde will now be rescheduled and information will follow in due course. #Shaymen | AL pic.twitter.com/BasRpYaNzS  FC Halifax Town (@FCHTOnline) January 3, 2025

Halifaxs National League home game against Fylde has been postponed for a second time.

The match was originally due to take place at The Shay Stadium on New Years Day. A waterlogged pitch, though, meant it was called off.

The game was rearranged for Saturday, but it has been postponed again following an inspection, this time due to freezing temperatures making the pitch unplayable, Halifax said.

Plummeting temperatures also claimed Friday nights Scottish Championship clash between Airdrie and leaders Falkirk.

Following a 5:30pm pitch inspection, tonights match against Falkirk has been postponed. Details of the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course, a statement on Airdries website read.


A drab December has capped a disappointing year for retailers and the second in a row of falling shopper numbers, figures show.

Even the Golden Quarter, typically the peak of shopping activity ahead of Christmas, provided little relief, with shopper visits down 2.5% over the period on 2023, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-Sensormatic Footfall Monitor.

Total UK footfall over the year was down 2.2% on the year before.

Northern Ireland experienced the biggest decline at 5.8%, followed by Wales, down 2.6%, England (2.1%) and Scotland (1.5%).

High streets and shopping centres were hit particularly hard throughout the year as people veered towards retail parks to take advantage of free parking and the variety of larger stores, the BRC said.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: A drab December which saw fewer shoppers in all locations capped a disappointing year for UK retail footfall.

Shopping habits have been changing fast and customers are increasingly looking for more experiential shopping, as well as a variety of cafes, services and things to do.

Unfortunately, investment in town centres and high streets is held back by our outdated business rates system, which penalises town and city centres.

The Governments proposals to reform business rates may ease the burden for some retailers, but it is vital that, ultimately, no shop ends up paying more in rates than before.

Last-minute shoppers on Londons Oxford Street on Christmas Eve (PA)

Andy Sumpter, from Sensormatic, said: As footfall limped towards the festive finish line, Decembers lacklustre performance compounds a disappointing end to 2024, marking the second consecutive year of declining store traffic.

Retailers will now need to look afresh to 2025 and chart a course to adopt innovative strategies to reverse this trend or maximise the sales potential of fewer visitors, finding new ways to make each store visit count.

MRI Softwares recent Consumer Pulse report found 51% of consumers were concerned about the rising cost of living over the next six months, driven by higher energy and housing costs during the winter.

Last week, separate figures from analysts Rendle Intelligence suggested this Christmas appeared to have been disastrous for retailers, with footfall down 11.4% on last year over the final full week before Christmas.

Even on Super Saturday  the final Saturday before Christmas Day, typically the peak shopping day of the year  footfall was just 4.1% higher than the previous Saturday, and only 0.9% higher than the same Saturday a year earlier.
Elon Musks attacks on the UK Governments handling of child grooming gangs are misjudged and certainly misinformed, Wes Streeting said.

The Health Secretary however offered an olive branch to tech billionaire Mr Musk, urging him to work with the UK Government to tackle online child abuse.

The Tesla owner has claimed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had failed to bring rape gangs to justice when he was director of public prosecutions.

Mr Musk, a key member of incoming US President Donald Trumps inner circle, also suggested safeguarding minister Jess Phillips deserves to be in prison after she denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham on Thursday.

The businessman, who owns X  formerly Twitter  has used the social media site to post or repost about child grooming in the UK more than 40 times over the last 24 hours.

Several are from UK MPs like Reforms Rupert Lowe and the Tories Robert Jenrick, while others include a video featuring right wing activist Tommy Robinson  who was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court in October.

Instead of the Government leading a probe, Oldham must follow in the footsteps of other towns like Rotherham and Telford and commission its own inquiry into historical abuse of children, Ms Phillips said in a letter to the local council.

A national inquiry by Professor Alexis Jay concluded in 2022, and probes into Greater Manchester Polices handling of historical child sex abuse cases in Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale have been carried out.

Mr Musk heavily criticised Jess Phillips (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Pressed if Mr Musks comments were unhelpful to the Government, Health Secretary Mr Streeting told ITV News that ministers took child sexual exploitation incredibly seriously.

He added: Some of the criticisms that Elon Musk has made, I think are misjudged and certainly misinformed, but were willing to work with Elon Musk, who I think has got a big role to play with his social media platform to help us and other countries to tackle this serious issue.

So if he wants to work with us and roll his sleeves up, wed welcome that.

The Health Secretary also told the PA news agency that ministers were supportive of an inquiry into the Oldham scandal, but signalled it had to be led locally.

There may well be, and we think there is a good case for further inquiries into specific places, Oldham being a good and latest example.

We would absolutely encourage and work with Oldham in establishing their own inquiries, he said.

Andrew Gwynne, a minister working in Mr Streetings health team, had earlier taken a stronger stance, suggesting Mr Musk should to stick to US politics, where he is set to act as an unelected adviser to the Trump presidency on cutting federal spending.

Mr Gwynne told LBC: Elon Musk is an American citizen and perhaps ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic.

After listing the host of investigations which had taken place, the minister added: There comes a point where we dont need more inquiries, and had Elon Musk really paid attention to whats been going on in this country, he might have recognised that there have already been inquiries.

The time is long overdue for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal. Trials have taken place all over the country in recent years but no one in authority has joined the dots. 2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice.  Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) January 2, 2025

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, which published its final report in 2022, described the sexual abuse of children as an epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake.

Led by Professor Jay, the inquiry looked into abuse by organised groups following multiple convictions of sexual offences against children across the UK between 2010-2014, including in Rotherham, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Rochdale and Bristol.

In November last year, Professor Jay said she felt frustrated that none of the probes 20 recommendations had been implemented more than two years after its conclusion.

Mr Streeting said the Government was committed to implementing the recommendations of Professor Jays report in full.

Sir Keir and his top team have so far sought to not get drawn into a war of words with Mr Musk.

But Mr Gwynnes response to the latest attacks from the Tesla billionaire represents a rare example of a robust response from a minister.

Nigel Farage and Party treasurer Nick Candy have met Mr Musk in the US (Stuart Mitchell/Reform UK)

The 53-year-old businessman is also reportedly considering a major donation to Nigel Farages Reform UK Party, after they were pictured together in the US in December.

Lord Peter Mandelson, the new UK ambassador to Washington, suggested before he was appointed to the role that Mr Farage could be used as a go-between, to quell the row between Mr Musk and the Government.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has meanwhile said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is long overdue.

Her shadow ministers have pressured Labour into backing an Oldham-specific investigation, despite the Conservatives having snubbed such an idea in Government.

Some Labour MPs have reportedly urged ministers and Government accounts to leave Mr Musks X platform as he continues his war of words.

But others who spoke with PA believe maintaining open communications on the platform is important for spreading Labours political messaging.
Elon Musk calls on King to dissolve Parliament over grooming gangs

Elon Musk has continued his criticism of the Government, calling on the King to step in and dissolve Parliament.

The worlds richest man, who purchased the social media site Twitter and renamed it X in 2022, has shared and reacted to tweets critical of the Government and the Prime Minister after Labour rejected a call for an inquiry into child grooming.

In his latest attacks on Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Musk shared a post asking whether Charles should dissolve parliament and order a General Election for the sake and security of Britain.

Mr Musk retweeted the X thread with a one-word comment: Yes.

The 53-year-old Starlink boss continued to wade into the debate overnight, hours after he posted that safeguarding minister Jess Phillips deserves to be in prison after she denied requests for the Home Office to lead a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Oldham on Thursday.

He also suggested the Prime Minister had failed to bring rape gangs to justice when he was director of public prosecutions.

Mr Musk reposted an article in The Daily Telegraph by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick in which he says the grooming gangs should be renamed torture rape gangs.

He wrote that Mr Musks comments had shamed the establishment by taking more interest in bringing these rape gangs to justice in one evening than most of the British establishment has for decades.

Mr Musk continued his criticism in a post alongside footage of The Times chief investigative reporter Andrew Norfolk as he detailed the scope of the case and police mishandling, calling it State-sponsored evil.

Mr Norfolk exposed the Rotherham child sexual exploitation ring in the UK press in 2011.

In another comment on the same post, Mr Musk branded the scandal and the child rapists involved as utterly shameful.

The Tesla owner also called a post asking why people were angrier at his comments than they were about mass rape of children as the perfect question.

Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said a full national inquiry into organised grooming gangs is long overdue.

Ms Phillips said she recognised the strength of feeling for a Home Office-led inquiry into Oldham, but she told the local council the Government will not intervene.

Minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, Jess Phillips (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

I believe it is for Oldham Council alone to decide to commission an inquiry into child sexual exploitation locally, rather than for the Government to intervene, she said.

In response, Mr Musk, a key member of US President-elect Donald Trumps inner circle, said: She deserves to be in prison.

He also appeared to place blame at the Prime Ministers door.

In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Service's approval for the police to charge suspects. Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008 -2013  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 2, 2025

Mr Musk said: In the UK, serious crimes such as rape require the Crown Prosecution Services approval for the police to charge suspects.

Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.

In a series of posts on his social media site, Mr Musk described the Prime Minister as two-tier Keir, claiming there was no justice for severe, violent crimes but prison for social media posts.

Mr Musk also expressed his support for activist Tommy Robinson  real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  who was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court in October.

Senior Tories also sought to put pressure on the Government over grooming gangs.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said that 2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice (Lucy North/PA)

Mrs Badenoch said: The time is long overdue for a full national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal.

Trials have taken place all over the country in recent years but no one in authority has joined the dots.

2025 must be the year that the victims start to get justice.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp and shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns pressed for a statutory inquiry in Oldham.

.@CPhilpOfficial and I have written to the Home Secretary & Jess Philips regarding grooming gangs. We call for planned Conservative measures to be enacted, to reverse the Oldham refusal and Statutory Inquiry into grooming & rape gangs. Ill do all I can to protect our children. https://t.co/LnmFByCbGz pic.twitter.com/C0brehwDPp  Alicia Kearns MP (@aliciakearns) January 2, 2025

They said that only a public inquiry can adequately encompass the national nature of these crimes and issues and consider whether reports were ignored by the police, CPS and local council or even covered up.

In 2022, the then-Conservative government also refused a request for a public inquiry into events in Oldham.

An Oldham Council spokesman said: Survivors sit at the heart of our work to end child sexual exploitation.

Whatever happens in terms of future inquiries, we have promised them that their wishes will be paramount, and we will not renege on that pledge.

Responding to Mrs Badenochs post, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: Talk is cheap. The Conservatives had 14 years in government to launch an inquiry.

The establishment has failed the victims of grooming gangs on every level.

Mr Musk, who is rumoured to be considering a major donation to Mr Farages party, responded: Exactly. Time for Reform.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, which published its final report in 2022, described the sexual abuse of children as an epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake.

Led by Professor Alexis Jay, the inquiry looked into abuse by organised groups following multiple convictions of sexual offences against children across the UK between 2010-2014, including in Rotherham, Cornwall, Derbyshire, Rochdale and Bristol.

In November last year, Professor Jay said she felt frustrated that none of the probes 20 recommendations had been implemented more than two years after its conclusion.

A Labour spokesman said the Government is working at pace to implement the recommendations in Professor Jays report.

The spokesman added: We have supported both the national overarching inquiry into child abuse which reported in 2022, and local independent inquiries and reviews including in Telford, Rotherham and Greater Manchester.

This Government is working urgently to strengthen the law so that these crimes are properly reported and investigated.

In Oldham the crimes committed by grooming gangs were horrific. Young girls were abused in the most cruel and sadistic way.

Victims and the community need to know that all steps are taken to deliver justice and protect children properly in the future.

We will welcome and support an independent investigation commissioned by Oldham Council which puts victims voices at its heart, following the examples of Telford and Rotherham.

We also continue to support wider work commissioned by mayor Andy Burnham into child protection issues across Greater Manchester, following the review into historic safeguarding issues in Oldham which was published in 2022.
aespa's Giselle and RIIZE's Wonbin were first caught up in dating rumors in July 2024 after former trainee Han Seo Hee, notorious for exposing the industry's secrets, released a photo of the two idols together.

In the picture, the back of a man and a woman said to be in their early 20s, were spotted strolling the streets late at night. Although it was hard to confirm their identity, Han made a controversial claim about it.

"Wonbin started dating aespa Giselle when they were a trainee, for her money. I have the photo captured by an anti," she wrote, as per a report from a media outlet.

READ ALSO: aespa Giselle & RIIZE Wonbin's Dating Rumors Fueled By Controversial Ex-Trainee Han Seo Hee's Photo + MYs, BRIIZEs Refute Claims

At the time, MYs (aespa's fans) and BRIIZEs (RIIZE's fans) dismissed the rumor and called it groundless given Han Seo Hee's infamy.

However, six months later, Giselle and Wonbin were once again speculated to be in a relationship due to their individual messages. In particular, in their recent texts, both idols replaced the word  (allgetji) with  (allgejji), which is the cute version of the slang phrase, "(You) got it?"

These are not formal wordings in South Korea and are barely used as it is considered incorrect.

In addition to this, Wonbin and Giselle also put the "ung" sound at the end of most of their sentences to make it cuter, but fans raised their suspicions as this is also uncommon to use in South Korea as it has no certain meaning.

This time, Korean netizens are considering that the dating rumor could be true. They expressed their sentiments through the online forum, Nate Pann.

"It's my first time seeing that kind of speech," one commenter said.

"When I'm next to someone I like, I start to resemble them in the way they talk. It's similar to that," agreed the user.

"I don't really believe in things like this, but this one seems really interesting," another fan wrote.

"Honestly, who would speak like that? I would understand if they are dating, but don't show it to your fans, these idols," said another.

RELATED ARTICLE: aespa Giselle and TREASURE Jihoon Embroiled in Dating Rumors  Find Out Why
Lily-Rose Depp has said she and her film star father are very different actors, while reflecting on her upbringing and career.

The actress and model, 25, is the daughter of US actor Johnny Depp and French movie star and singer Vanessa Paradis, who split in 2012 and share two children together.

Speaking to Harpers Bazaar UK, Lily-Rose discussed her latest movie, the gothic horror Nosferatu, and said she always hopes for meaty roles.

Lily-Rose Depp attends the photocall for The Idol, during the 76th Cannes Film Festival (Doug Peters/PA)

The star plays Ellen Hutter in the film, a reimagination of the 1922 German Expressionist film, which was hailed for setting the template for the horror films that followed.

Discussing the film, which is directed by Robert Eggers, she said: Its not just scary, its gross, its revolting. Its palpably effective.

Its the most technical set Ive ever been on. It was almost like going to film school.

It was intimidating and daunting, but an incredible privilege. Im very proud, very excited.

Nosferatu also stars Skins actor Nicholas Hoult, Swedish movie star Bill Skarsgard, Poor Things actor Willem Dafoe, and Kick-Ass star Aaron Taylor Johnson.

Lily-Roses father is known for starring in several gothic horror films, such as Sleepy Hollow, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street.

Lily-Rose Depp (Harpers Bazaar UK/Karim Sadli/PA)

She said she was traumatised after watching him in Edward Scissorhands, aged three, not because I thought he was scary, but because everyone was being so mean to him and I got really upset.

The hit film, released in 1990, was directed by Tim Burton and starred Winona Ryder.

Asked whether she and her father share an interest in the supernatural genre, she said: I guess you could say so.

Were very different actors but, of course, youre the product of your environment, and its a world Ive always been very interested in.

She added: Im interested in the darker underbelly of things. As an actor, you hope that your role will be as meaty as can be, so you have as much to dive into as possible.

The most exciting thing is getting to explore parts of myself.

You get to hide behind all these beautiful artifices, the costumes, the story, but the place Im drawing from is deeply personal.

February cover star Lil-Rose Depp (Harpers Bazaar UK/Karim Sadli

The actress, who previously dated Wonka star Timothee Chalamet, is currently in a relationship with American rapper 070 Shake, real name Danielle Balbuena, whom she described as amazing.

Honestly, the most kind-hearted person, she said.

Im super in love and Im super happy. Ive always been really private about my personal life, but its hard not to talk about her because Im so happy.

Its just when you know, you know.

Lily-Rose has also starred in HBO drama series The Idol and played Catherine of Valois in 2019 film The King.

The February issue of Harpers Bazaar UK is on sale from January 3.
Barcelona city council will also fine people for using e-scooters without a helmet. Photograph: Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Greoup/Getty

Anyone riding an electric scooter on the pavement or without a helmet in Barcelona faces a fine of up to 500 (415) from 1 February as part of a crackdown on antisocial behaviour linked to the rapid rise of e-scooter use in the Mediterranean city.

In an urban landscape that is mostly flat, with more than 250km (155 miles) of cycle lanes, 2,500 hours of sunshine and barely 55 rainy days a year, electric scooters are a perfect fit. According to the city councils figures, the number of people using e-scooters since the pandemic has risen four times faster than those choosing to travel by bicycle.

It now estimates that e-scooters account for about 44,000 journeys a day, a huge increase compared with close to zero five years ago. Women account for 31% of scooter riders, compared with 19% of cyclists.

The e-scooters have brought problems as well as benefits, however. With a top speed of about 25mph, e-scooters are much faster and in the event of an accident more dangerous than bicycles. They have also become the favoured getaway vehicle by Barcelonas numerous bag and mobile phone thieves.

Related: Its boorish: E-scooter firms threaten to leave Italy after highway code updated

Under the new regulation, e-scooter speeds are limited to 25km/h (15.5mph). Adria Gomila, who is responsible for mobility in Barcelona, says if e-scooter speeds go above 25km/h they should be classed as motorcycles and will require a licence.

He said: These measures are designed to bring about a change of behaviour on the part of some users, improve safety and be of collective benefit.

While Barcelonas bicycle rental scheme has been hugely successful, the city banned rental scooters in 2023, the same year that Paris brought in a ban. At their peak, there were 15,000 rental e-scooters in the French capital.

E-scooters have been banned from public transport since one caught fire on a train in 2023. The latest restrictions follow earlier attempts to crack down on Segway tours and rickshaws after complaints from residents. Rickshaws have now completely disappeared.

Barcelona also has more motorcycles per capita  270,000  than any other European city and for decades has failed to address the problem of parking motorbikes on pavements. The new bylaw shies away from the problem, saying parking on pavements is preferable to parking on the street.
Rachel Gladstone told her line manager that we we dont all belong to the same culture within the UK

An HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) boss was accused of sexism after saying she wanted to have a granddaughter so she could buy pink dresses, an employment tribunal has heard.

Rachel Gladstone demanded that her team leader Sandra Edwards keep her overt spoilt-pink-baby-girl-princess sexism for her private life after she made the remark in a team meeting.

Ms Gladstone, an employee in HMRCs debt management department, said her bosss comment was a triggering subject for her as she had spent time while raising her own daughter to counteract the pink is for girls culture.

The comments were heard at an employment tribunal after Ms Gladstone sued HMRC for unfair constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.

She resigned from HMRC after bosses launched disciplinary proceedings over comments she had made to Ms Edwards, as well as other claims about her behaviour.

The tribunal, held in Cardiff, heard that Ms Gladstone had joined HMRCs debt management department in 2016.

She had previously specialised in statistics, working for Unilever and the Department of Health, before suffering from a number of physical and mental health conditions.

HMRC bosses found her behaviour at work challenging, it was heard, and in June 2022 an incident occurred during one of her teams regular daily work group meetings (DWGMs).

Team leader Ms Edwards told the group that she was going to attend a scan with her daughter, where they would find out whether she was expecting a girl or a boy.

It would be nice to have a girl

A member of the team asked what her daughter would like, and Ms Edwards replied that, as she already had two boys, it would be nice to have a girl, commenting that it would be nice to be able to buy pink dresses for her, the tribunal heard.

Reacting, Ms Gladstone then said sexist under her breath and left the meeting.

She later emailed her boss, telling her she hoped Ms Edwards had a nice time with her daughter and that the baby would be healthy whatever sex but also said not everyone is entirely happy with the pink-means-baby-girl culture.

Three days later at the next daily work meeting, Ms Edwards was asked about the scan, and she confirmed that her daughter was having another boy. She said that they were destined to be the mother and granddaughter of boys.

After this, Ms Gladstone sent her an email with the subject heading Complaint about DWGM topic  please apologise, the tribunal heard.

We dont all share your beliefs

She told Ms Edwards the daily meeting was not the appropriate place for informal sexism and asked her to apologise, adding: Please keep the overt spoilt-pink-baby-girl-princess sexism for your private and family life. Please be aware we dont all share your beliefs and culture.

She continued: Please respect the fact we dont all belong to the same culture within the UK.

I spent a lot of time when [my daughter] was little trying hard to counteract the pink is for girls culture, which I personally regard as mildly damaging when taken to extremes.

Ms Edwards later reported the various messages, and it was later agreed that Ms Gladstone would write a conciliatory email to try to resolve the issue.

However, the tribunal heard she wrote in the conclusion of the conciliatory email to Ms Edwards: In some places, China particularly, theres been a very strong tendency to prefer boy babies to girl babies.

I take it we would both be dismayed to be in a Chinese workplace discussion, with colleagues expressing disgust at the birth of a useless girl baby.

The hearing was told that in September this email led Ms Gladstones bosses to launch disciplinary action against her and over a refusal to attend the daily work meetings.

There were a number of other issues included in the disciplinary process and the hearing was told that due to some confusion in the process, Ms Gladstone was not formally investigated over the pink dress row.

However, in November 2022 she was given a first written warning lasting 12 months regarding several of the other matters. She appealed unsuccessfully and then resigned in April 2023.

Ms Gladstone sued for unfair constructive dismissal, disability discrimination and whistleblowing detriments.

However, her claims were dismissed by the tribunal, which concluded that she had been treated fairly.
A section of Helen Saunders Untitled Drawing (1913). Ink and watercolour on paper. Photograph: The Courtauld Collection, London

Re the hunt for Britains first abstract artist (Letters, 29 December), how about a mention for Jacob Kramers Rite of Spring of 1920, or better still, Helen Saunders 1915 work Abstract Multicoloured Design?

Dr Michael Paraskos

Senior teaching fellow in art history, Imperial College London

 You again report on a yellow snow warning (1 January). The regular appearance of such guidance in your pages is sadly making Frank Zappa redundant.

Pete Lavender

Nottingham

 Our mum used to make what she called fluffy jelly in exactly the way Lillian Adams describes (Letters, 31 December). Our favourite version was made with lemon jelly and stewed apple added to the whipped milk. It was always a special treat.

Tracey Welch

Sunderland

 What Lillian Adams calls jelly whip was a Sunday tea-time staple when I was growing up in rural Essex. We knew it as cream alley (not sure how the second word was spelled).

Roy Smith

Great Sankey, Cheshire

 Just to put a lid on the recent flow of evaporated milk memories: my father once used condensed milk to secure loose tiles on our 60s fireplace hearth. As fast as he spread a layer, the cat sneaked up behind to lick it off.

Jeanette Hamilton

Buxton, Derbyshire

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Leaf, Lisa and Chaas Hillman look on as construction crews allow the Klamath River to run freely for the first time in nearly a century, near Hornbrook, California, in August. Photograph: San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images

Explosions roared through the canyons lining the Klamath River earlier this year, signaling a new chapter for the region that hugs the Oregon-California border.

In October, the removal of four hydroelectric dams built on the river was completed  the largest project of its kind in US history.

The blast of the final dam was just the beginning. The work to restore the river, which winds 263 miles (423km) from the volcanic Cascade mountain range in Oregon to the Pacific coast in northern California, is now under way.

Already its been among the most hopeful environmental stories of past years. It has been more successful than we ever imagined, said Ren Brownell, the spokesperson for the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, a non-profit created to oversee and implement the removal, adding: Theres an incredible amount of joy.

A drastic alteration

The Klamath River was once an ecological powerhouse  the third-largest salmon-producing river in the American west. Its basin covered more than 9.4m acres (3.8m hectares) and its network of wetlands was the largest in the region. The ecosystem was home to millions of migrating birds. Tribes, including the Hoopa, Karuk, Klamath, Modoc and Yurok, thrived in this bountiful and beautiful watershed for thousands of years, with the river providing both sustenance and ritual.

Over the last hundred years, these landscapes have been drastically altered.

After the first dam began operating in 1918  one of four that would eventually be forged in the lower Klamath to provide hydroelectric power to communities nearby  the course of the river was changed. The dams obstructed the migration of salmon and other native species, which help carry nutrients into the systems from the ocean, to cascading effects.

Related: A place to heal: Native tribes urge Biden to protect sacred lands before leaving White House

They also held on to huge stores of sediment that would otherwise have flowed downriver, and created shallow reservoirs that quickly heated when the weather warmed. Increased water temperatures in the river allowed toxic algal blooms to thrive.

In recent decades, the climate crisis has turned up the dial, deepening droughts and fueling a rise in catastrophic fire as the region grows ever hotter. The impacts only increased as more water was diverted to support the farming and ranching in the region, and more habitat was altered by mining and logging.

Twenty-eight types of salmon and steelhead trout, seen as indicator species that represent the health of the ecosystems they live in, have been listed as threatened or endangered.

As the Klamath ecosystem deteriorated, there was growing recognition that removing the dams would be a crucial first step in helping the region recover and build resilience in a warming world.

But, faced with a strong resistance to change in local communities tucked around the reservoirs and a long history of difficult battles over water in the parched landscapes in the west, dam removal seemed all but impossible. The land for the dams was taken from tribes during the throes of colonization and development and more recently supported energy corporations that had shareholders to answer to.

Then, in 2002, disaster struck. Algae flourished in the shallow warming waters that year, exacerbated by the dams and decisions from the US Bureau of Reclamation to divert vital flows to farms, leaving little for fish. The event killed 70,000 salmon and thousands of other species, resulting in one of the worst die-offs ever to occur in the US.

The layers of fish floating belly-up sent an important signal of the horrors that could continue into the future if the dams remained. Forming a coalition, tribes up and down the Klamath launched a fierce campaign to educate the public, inform the shareholders of the companies that owned and operated the dams, and petition their boards. They protested and attended public hearings, and engaged with state and federal officials.

A tremendous rollercoaster

It took decades of advocacy to convince PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, to let go of the ageing infrastructure straddling the Oregon-California border. But in the mid-aughts, assured by shifts in public opinion and incentivized by the steep costs to relicense the dams, the company agreed it was time to see them go.

In November 2020, nearly 20 years after the die-off, an agreement was forged between a long list of stakeholders that included tribal and state governments and federal agencies. The Klamath River Renewal Corporation was created to oversee and implement the removal.

The organization had to help bring residents near the reservoirs onboard, navigate dozens of species-management plans, and model how outdoor-recreation enthusiasts could continue to enjoy the river. Ranchers and fishers, environmentalists and farmers, and locals and visitors all had connections to the basin, and were eager to weigh in.

It has been a tremendous rollercoaster, said Brownell. Having the rivers health in your hands is an incredible burden to carry.

Brownell, who grew up along the riverbanks, was standing in the canyon as the blast of the first dam released flows and the river that had been held over the last hundred years found its way back to itself.

I got to watch the water come down through the canyon and reconnect with the river below. I watched the river re-establish itself there forevermore, she said. It was the most exciting moment of the year.

Moments of trauma

There were moments of trauma along the way. Over the 100 years the dams were standing, they had held back 15m cubic yards of sediment. When the dams were removed, the heavy dead organic matter had to run downriver, soaking up oxygen in the water. Extensive modeling had predicted a severe impact on aquatic life, but no one knew how bad it would get or how long it would take for the river to regain its health. Some models predicted the suffocating conditions could linger for up to a month.

I was braced and prepared but it was still tremendously hard, said Brownell, recalling how the water, rid of oxygen, looked like oil as it cascaded through its banks.

You can easily compare a rivers health to an individuals health, she said. Often when someone is sick, they are going to get worse before they get better. We essentially performed a quadruple bypass on the river this last year  we knew there would be short-term impacts.

The whole time everyone was so excited because it felt like the start of something  I just felt sick, she said.

Leaf Hillman, a Karuk tribal ceremonial leader who has dedicated decades to seeing this project come to fruition, helped keep hopes high with assurances that these were signs of healing.

For me it was beautiful, he said, recalling how he felt even when the rushing waters became clouded by silt. I could envision what it was going to look like  a restored river.

In the end, the river lacked oxygen for only two 24-hour periods, a far shorter time than scientists had feared.

The real work begins

As 2025 begins, so does the real work.

It is a new era for us  there are good things to come, Hillman said.

He is looking forward to the work ahead, especially the work to ensure fish can reach pristine habitat in tributaries above the Upper Klamath Lake.

With 400 miles (644km) of habitat for salmon and other native species restored, and 2,200 acres made available after spending a century submerged, stakeholders are envisioning a future for these lands and those who rely on them. Already, native seeds have been strewn along the banks and in the areas once vibrant with vegetation.

There have already been strong signs of their success.

In late November, threatened coho salmon were seen in the upper Klamath River basin for the first time in more than 60 years, according to the California department of fish and wildlife. Other animals are benefiting, too, including north-western pond turtles, freshwater mussels, beavers and river otters.

Strong winter rains have also helped the rebound. The river is doing what rivers do  redistributing sediments, Hillman said, calling the gift of wet weather the icing on the cake.

We have a lot more work to do, he added, but its a good omen.

The roughly 2,800 acres of land sacred to the Shasta Indian Nation that had been drowned and buried under a reservoir created by one of the dams has been returned to them. The Kikaceki and Kutarawaxu bands who once called the area home were decimated by colonists in the 1800s, after the lure of gold, mining, logging and ranching drew throngs of people to the region. The small tribe that remained was then pushed from their homes through eminent domain to make way for construction of the dams to begin.

The Guardian was unable to speak to representatives of Shasta Indian Nation on record, but they have recounted the painful history endured by their ancestors and what the next chapter means to them.

Today is a turning point in the history of the Shasta people, Janice Crowe, the Shasta Indian Nation chair, told AZCentral, . Now we can return home, return to culture, return to ceremony and begin to weave a new story for the next generation of Shasta, who will get to call our ancestral lands home once again.

With successes, though, there may still be setbacks. The water is still turbid as the river continues to cleanse itself of sediment. Theres a lot of data to wade through and challenges to overcome. The effects of the climate crisis will continue to unfold.

In the farther parts of the river, Klamath tribal leaders are still waiting to see the salmon that were lost to their homelands more than 100 years ago. Dams still stand in the northern stretches of the river.

Its a river again

But for advocates, the dams removal on its own serves as a strong reminder that change is possible.

Toz Soto, a fish biologist and manager of the Karuk Tribe fisheries program, said with a laugh that he was skeptical right up until the moment they blasted through the concrete. But, by convincing the public that removing the dams made sense, not just as a social justice issue for tribal health but also from an economic standpoint, he said, the wheels of change started to turn.

As the work continues, Soto is looking upon it with a smile.

There were moments, and those are behind me, he said. Hes hopeful for the future, and excited to start the reintroduction of spring-run chinook salmon that otherwise would never have had a chance. Water conditions will continue to improve with time, and they are already far better than they were a year ago.

It is quite impressive, he added. I am so programmed going up there to look at a funky nasty reservoir. Now its just like  wow. Its a river again.
Elderly man

Elderly people now face waiting nearly a decade to get government support with social care costs, industry figures have warned after Labour unveiled its new plans.

On Friday, Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, defended the decision to ask a newly created commission to report back with proposals for solving the long-term funding crisis in 2028.

The deadline, which is three years away, led to frustration being voiced by policy experts and social care providers who said that past commissions had already spelt out the challenges.

But some figures have now gone further, arguing that when the implementation of any proposals is factored in, including potential law changes, the benefits may not be felt until the 2030s.

Caroline Abrahams, the charity director for Age UK, said: The Government has said that the social care commission will not submit its final report until 2028 and with a general election looming in 2029 it is hard to see there being time to implement its findings until the following Parliament, even assuming the Government at that time agrees with what the commission recommends.

Transformational change of the kind to which the Government rightly aspires also typically requires legislation, which has to be drafted and then taken through Parliament, a process that can easily take more than a year.

Once you add in the extra time needed to turn theory into practice on the ground, on the current timescale its unlikely that the public will benefit from a significantly improved social care system before the early 2030s, which is why ministers need to look at how to start some reforms, for example to strengthen the care workforce, much more quickly.

Nadra Ahmed, the chairman of the National Care Association, told The Telegraph: People who need care and attention are potentially going to have to wait a whole decade before they see any benefits to the findings of this commission.

Baroness Casey to lead commission

The new independent commission announced by the Government on Friday, which will be headed up by Baroness Casey, will conduct its work in two stages.

First, it will look at short and medium-term fixes for improving social care provision. These proposals will be made in 2026 and are not expected to include fundamental funding reform.

The second phase will look at what model should be adopted to tackle the funding crisis in social care that sees families often crippled with vast bills for the care of elderly or disabled loved ones. The Government has said those proposals will be made by 2028.

Successive Tory prime ministers had promised to cap the lifetime care costs that one individual can accrue, with the state stepping in to pay bills above that amount, but the plans were never implemented.

Mr Streeting insisted that he will go faster and reform social care before 2028 if he can, in response to the backlash over the proposed timings.

Wes Streeting speaks to staff and residents during a care home visit - RICH MCCARTHY/PA

Care England has said a three-year wait was not an option while Sarah Woolnough, the chief executive at The Kings Fund, urged the Government to accelerate its plans.

Asked about the criticism by ITVs Good Morning Britain, Mr Streeting said: We need a commission and a national consensus. I think that is a good thing, and I think people will welcome that.

If people want to urge us to go faster, I welcome that, to be honest, and welcome the challenge to go faster.

And Louise Casey isnt known for being backwards in coming forwards. Thats one of the reasons why the Prime Minister and I were determined to land her doing this.

The Government has stressed that it wants to build a cross-party consensus around social care reforms after successive governments of different political stripes failed to act.

Mr Streeting said that cross-party talks will happen next month. The Casey Commission is expected to begin in April. Its terms of reference are yet to be published.
The architect Guy Hollaway has created a digital mock-up of his designs that showcase the doodle cladding created from rusted metal. Photograph: Holloway Studio

Dungeness, on the Kent coast, has long championed pioneering architecture, welcoming the distinctive black and yellow home of the artist and film-maker Derek Jarman. But a proposal for a house clad in the rusty scrawls of the millionaire artist Mr Doodle has tested the open-mindedness of those who live there  and failed to win over the parish council.

Mr Doodle, whose real name is Sam Cox, lives in Doodle House, a six-bedroom home in Tenterden, elsewhere in Kent, that is covered inside and out in his trademark monochrome squiggles. The design was described by the Guardian at the time as like stepping inside a migraine.

The proposals for his holiday home in Dungeness are significantly more discreet.

The award-winning architect Guy Hollaway is behind the Log Cabin, a proposal to replace an existing fairly unremarkable white boarded house with a metal clad structure that restores two railway carriages inside it.

Hollaway said the distinctive seaside home had been designed to be respectful of the surrounding buildings and nature. Mr Doodles drawings will be laser cut in rusting metal that will be overlaid on the structure.

The parish council has been vocal in its criticism and some residents are also said to have dismissed the design as a vanity project.

Lydd town council said the metal facade would not be in keeping with the historical value of Dungeness and could impact the environmental value of the area, which is a designated site of special scientific interest.

The decision will ultimately fall to a panel that will meet on 7 January, and the district council has recommended it for approval.

The parish council expressed concern about the risk of wildlife getting stuck in the doodles and said an increase in visitors to view the house could have a negative impact on traffic.

Hollaway has 10 Royal Institute of British Architects awards for his work, including for Pobble House, a home in Dungeness which uses a similar metal mesh that has caused no problems with wildlife. He said: If nature can get in, it can get out.

Hollaway said the cabin would be used by Cox as a place to come with his family at weekends and for inspiration. This is about Dungeness first. Sam wants to become part of the community. He doesnt want to alienate himself from the community, and that means being respectful.

He wouldnt have bought into Dungeness if he didnt understand Dungeness and he wouldnt have commissioned me. He just would have taken the white boarded house that hes got and just doodled it  This is not about that. This is about doing something really meaningful.

Describing his inspiration for the design, Hollaway said: The challenge is, how do you blend what is first and foremost, the character, the vernacular, and the essence of Dungeness, which has to come first, with the character of Mr Doodle? And that needs to be done in a really sensitive, subtle way.

What weve done is to replicate the forms so that the building is on exactly the same footprint of the building thats there already [and] weve replicated the forms that you would find on Dungeness  and then we take in the materiality from the place, which is rusting metal. And then weve just done a very subtle cutting of the metal with a doodle pattern, which will be very creative.

The existing property is clad in white boards and covers two historic railway carriages that are part of the structure. The new plans would have the carriages removed and restored before being incorporated into the building.

Hollaway said the design was in keeping with a creative community. Dungeness is a very unique place. It is quite bleak, and its attracted many creative people, because it feels very remote and it feels inspirational.
Fighting in the north-east state of Manipur began in May 2023 and has not yet been brought under control by authorities. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Elon Musks satellite-based Starlink  currently unlicensed for use in India  is being used by militant groups in the conflict-ridden state of Manipur to circumvent government internet shutdowns, fighters and security sources have said.

The satellite internet service provider, operated by Musks SpaceX company, is not permitted to legally operate in India amid security concerns but is allowed by Myanmar, which neighbours Manipur.

Related: Manipur: why is there conflict and how is the government responding?

The north-east Indian state has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since May 2023 between the majority Meitei population and the minority Kuki population. More than 250 people have been killed and armed groups have formed on both sides as the state has become divided along ethnic lines.

As the state and national governments have failed to bring the security situation under control, they have repeatedly shut down all internet access across Manipur, often for months or weeks at a time.

But multiple sources within armed groups and the police confirmed to the Guardian that Starlink satellite internet worked in several areas of Manipur and had been used by individuals and militants groups during those periods when the government shut down mobile and broadband internet.

One leader from the Meitei separatist militant group, the Peoples Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA), said that Starlink devices had been used by the group to access the internet inside Manipur when it had been cut by the authorities during flare-ups of violence.

The PLA source said the Starlink device had initially been used by the group in Myanmar but then members had realised it also functioned over the border in Manipur.

Musk has been vocal about his hopes to bring Starlink to India, a vast and growing market of 1.4 billion people, and in November the Indian government confirmed that Starlink was in the process of seeking necessary security permissions.

However, telecoms, including satellite internet, is one of the most strictly regulated industries in India and concerns have been raised by experts and thinktanks that Starlink could pose a security threat, or could be used to get around internet blackouts, which have become a regular mechanism of control by the Indian government and resulted in India having the highest number of internet shutdowns for the past seven years.

Officials from two different security agencies working in the state said it had recently been brought to their attention that Starlink devices had been used by civilians and armed groups to illegally access the internet in Manipur.

Our initial information suggests that Starlink indeed works in some areas of Manipur, particularly in some areas that are closer to the Myanmar border, said one senior police officer in Manipur, who said they believed the Starlink device they had recently uncovered had been smuggled in from Myanmar.

SpaceX, which operates Starlink, did not respond to a request for comment.

One person in Manipurs state capital of Imphal, speaking on conditions of anonymity for fear of police action, said he had witnessed someone using a Starlink device brought over from the US during a wedding.

The internet was working on it, he said. It was the period when the internet was turned off in our region. I was surprised to see the internet working when I connected my own phone.

There is no confirmation on how many armed groups in Manipur have access to this technology. Four other armed groups  two from the Kuki side and one from the Meitei side  denied that they had been using Starlink to access the internet.

This is not the first incident of police encountering Starlink being used within Indian territory. In December, the Indian Coast Guard said they had found a Starlink device onboard a boat they had seized close to the Indian archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar, which was being used to smuggle an estimated 3bn worth of methamphetamine.

Police said they believed the device was being used for navigation and internet access in Indian waters and said they had reached out to Starlink for their assistance in the investigation.
Giorgia Meloni and Keir Starmer in Rome in September 2024. Meloni said she and Starmer were in tune on the fight against mass illegal immigration. Photograph: Fotia/AGF/Rex/Shutterstock

Italys prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has said she is in tune on many issues with her British counterpart, Keir Starmer, especially the fight against mass illegal immigration and the need to explore innovative solutions when it comes to processing asylum claims, touting Italys controversial agreement with Albania.

Meloni told the weekly magazine of the Corriere della Sera newspaper that her relations with Starmer, who is from the opposite end of the political spectrum to her far-right Brothers of Italy party, were very good.

She added: We are in tune on many issues. I think, for example, about the governance of migratory flows and the fight against mass illegal immigration, because its a problem that effects the entire European continent, even beyond EU borders.

Meloni also spoke about her excellent relationship with Donald Trumps billionaire ally Elon Musk, who on Thursday launched a fresh attack on Starmers government.

Elon Musk is a brilliant man and its always interesting to debate with him, she said, adding that it made her smile to think that those who once praised Musk as a genius now depicted him as a monster because he chose the wrong side of the barricade.

She said she and Starmer agreed on the need to intensify the fight against traffickers, work towards greater cooperation between our police forces, strengthen the commitment on assisted voluntary repatriations and to not be afraid to also explore innovative solutions, such as the one that Italy initiated with the protocol with Albania to process asylum claims in a non-EU country, but under Italian and European jurisdiction.

Related: Refugee Council urges UK to introduce special visas in effort to stop deaths in the Channel

However, she did not mention that the 670m (556m) deal, which was intended to transport 3,000 people intercepted in Italian seas each month to Albania, has proved fruitless since getting under way in October because of legal problems.

The pact attracted great interest from Starmer during his meeting with Meloni in Rome in September, but to date the facilities that were supposed to accommodate the asylum seekers, including a detention camp in Gjader, are empty. A report by the daily newspaper Domani in late November revealed that the centre in Gjader was instead occupied by the stray dogs adopted by prison officers deployed there.

During a speech in December at Atreju, the annual festival of her party, Meloni insisted that the deal will work, even if I have to spend every night and day there from now until the end of the [term of the] Italian government.

Starmer, who in September also said the UK would send Italy 4m to support Melonis crackdown on irregular immigration, has faced criticism over his praise of her policies from Labour backbenchers and NGOs. The Refugee Council and Amnesty International urged him in September to avoid any more gimmicks after the failure of the previous government to implement the Rwanda scheme.

Since her coalition government came to power in October 2022, Meloni said she had never made a choice that Im ashamed of.
Agents from various law-enforcement agencies in New Orleans on Thursday. Photograph: Kyle Mazza/Rex/Shutterstock

US law enforcement and intelligence agencies are reportedly concerned about copycat vehicle-ramming attacks following the attack in New Orleans by a US military veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar.

According to a bulletin seen by Reuters, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the US National Counterterrorism Center are concerned about possible copycat or retaliatory attacks.

Such attacks are likely to remain attractive for aspiring assailants given vehicles ease of acquisition and the low skill threshold necessary to conduct an attack, the bulletin issued to US law-enforcement agencies said.

The bulletin was issued a day after the FBI said Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas native, was 100% inspired by the Islamic State militant group to drive a truck into New Years Day revelers in New Orleans, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens of others.

The warning advised law-enforcement personnel and private security firms to be aware that in many previous cases attackers who rammed vehicles into crowds were armed and continued their attacks with guns or edged weapons.

The New York Times reported that a confidential security report had warned in 2019 that Bourbon Street, where the New Years Day attack occurred, was vulnerable to a vehicular ramming.

The assessment warned that bollards designed to block vehicles from entering the narrow street did not appear to work and said the two modes of terror attack likely to be used are vehicular ramming and active shooting.

Police officials said the city had started work to replace the old barriers in November and said they did not anticipate an attacker would use the sidewalk to evade a police car blocking the street.

This should be no surprise to anyone whos ever been tasked with protecting an area dense with pedestrian traffic, said Don Aviv, chief executive of the security firm Interfor International, which performed the 2019 security assessment.

The French Quarter is the perfect target, Aviv added.

The intelligence assessment noted that the vehicle-ramming incident was the seventh such attack in the US since 2001 that was inspired by a foreign extremist organization.

The warnings of vehicular attacks, however, are not new. In 2010, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI wrote in a memo that car attacks offer terrorists with limited access to explosives or weapons an opportunity to conduct a homeland attack with minimal prior training or experience.

That memo also warned that attacks could occur in areas where people congregate, and that the method offers terrorists with limited access to explosives or weapons an opportunity to conduct a homeland attack with minimal prior training or experience.

Prior to the attack in New Orleans this week, the deadliest US vehicle attack came in 2017, when Sayfullo Saipov, 29, drove a pickup truck down a crowded bike path along the Hudson River in Manhattan, killing eight people and injuring 11. Investigators described the attack as inspired by IS.

In 2013, al-Qaida wrote about such attacks in its English-language magazine. It warned: The idea is to use a pickup truck as a mowing machine, not to mow grass but mow down the enemies of Allah.
The barely-regulated rise of AI is unarguably scary. Photograph: Andrzej Wojcicki/Science Photo Library

Prof Geoffrey Hinton, the godfather of artificial intelligence, states that he struggles to find examples of more intelligent thing[s] being controlled by  less intelligent thing[s]; the mother-baby relationship is the only example he can cite (Godfather of AI shortens odds of the technology wiping out humanity over next 30 years, 27 December). This seems a strange outbreak of aspect blindness, especially given Hintons specialism.

Many theorists (Graham Harman, Timothy Morton, Jane Bennett, Bruno Latour and others) offer persuasive arguments showing how (to borrow from Freud) man is not master in his own house: human behaviour is continually, at times conspicuously, regulated by non-human drivers, many of them seemingly pretty dumb. Coronaviruses offer a topical example. The present barely regulated rise of AI is unarguably scary, but dealing with it effectively will involve humans getting real about their non-mastery of all they survey and interrogating the ways that stuff (both smart and dumb) controls us, as well as vice-versa. The same goes for climate breakdown and ecological crisis.

Rachel Withers

London

 Prof Hinton says there are few examples of a less intelligent being controlling a more intelligent one. Leaving aside the difficulty of actually defining what intelligence is, can I suggest that the age-old and still-thriving institutions of slavery and political oppression fit the bill? Any differences in intelligence between the oppressors and those they oppress is irrelevant as to how successful these enterprises are. Of course, if we deliberately hand over the management of our affairs to these benighted AI machines, we deserve everything we get.

George Burt

Glasgow

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
School

A former primary school head teacher who called a pupil a fat slug has avoided a ban from teaching.

Nicola Brogan, who was head of Woodland Community Primary School in Heywood, Greater Manchester, made derogatory remarks about staff, pupils and a parent, a Teaching Regulation Agency disciplinary panel found.

Mrs Brogan, who led the school between September 2011 and December 2019, described one child as a fat slug and ridiculed their physical appearance, the hearing was told.

She also referred to one pupil as a wimp and another as having no personality in a group chat with the senior leadership team.

The panel said Mrs Brogans conduct, which was characterised by abusive and inappropriate comments about staff, pupils and a parent, was very serious.

There was significant evidence that the behaviour had a seriously negative impact on the working environment of the school, it found.

Unacceptable professional conduct

However, the panels report said although her actions amounted to unacceptable professional conduct, they said not recommending a prohibition order was a proportionate response.

They said she deserved considerable credit for helping steer the 470-pupil school out of special measures and to achieve a good rating with Ofsted.

She had also made a significant contribution to the teaching profession, had expressed regret about her behaviour and had an unblemished record and had worked for 22 years without any complaints.

Mrs Brogan, who gave evidence in person to the hearing, admitted making abusive and inappropriate comments about pupils, teachers and parents in a group WhatsApp chat set up for senior leaders at the school.

Other comments included calling a teaching assistant a fat cow and claiming another member of staff, who was late for a meeting, wouldnt need an inhaler if she wasnt so fat. She also described one pupil as a wimp and said another annoys the f--- out of me, he has no personality.

The panel also found she inappropriately joked with a teacher about whether they would have sex with an Ofsted inspector in return for an outstanding rating. She was also inconsistent and moody in her dealings with staff and shouted at them inappropriately in her office on at least two occasions.
Jon Sopels book on Donald Trumps United States is at the centre of a race-hate row investigated by Wiltshire Police

The title of Jon Sopels book on Donald Trumps United States is at the centre of a race-hate row investigated by police, The Telegraph can reveal.

A British man who quoted former BBC journalist Sopels book title If Only They Didnt Speak English: Notes from Trumps America, was investigated by Wiltshire Police for racial hatred towards an American.

The man, from Wiltshire, had a non-crime hate incident (NCHI) recorded against him after citing the title in what he claimed was a light-hearted discussion with a white American, saying he was seeking to use it as a way to make conversation.

He followed up the conversation with an email to the American in which he maintained the book was an affectionate portrait of the US and defended raising it as it seemed apposite.

However, like The Telegraph journalist Allison Pearson, he was visited at his home by a Wiltshire Police officer to be questioned as a suspect over the incident and given words of advice over his allegedly racist behaviour towards the victim.

He subsequently discovered that it had been recorded by Wiltshire Police as a non-crime racial hate incident, which, although not a criminal offence, can still appear on checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for jobs involving children or vulnerable people.

The man quoted former BBC journalist Jon Sopels book title If Only They Didnt Speak English: Notes from Trumps America

Sopels book is subtitled Notes from Trumps America and sets out to explore the fault lines between Britain and the US, beginning with the 2016 presidential election.

Explaining the title, Sopel said: If only they didnt speak English in America, then wed treat it as a foreign country  and possibly understand it a lot better.

The former North America editor for the BBC spent eight years in Washington DC covering US politics before leaving to launch The News Agents podcast with Emily Maitlis.

In the book, he describes North America in 2016 as feeling about as foreign a country as you could imagine. It was fearful, angry and impatient for change. Journeying across the continent to cover the most turbulent race in recent history lifted a lid on seething resentments and profound anxieties.

After hearing about the case, Sopel said: If this is true, it is utterly preposterous. The book is a very affectionate portrait looking at how different America is from the UK, based on the premise that British people think they know America well but in many ways they dont.

A lot of my American friends love what it says about America and find it funny.

Incredulous at complaint

The Free Speech Union (FSU), which has taken up his case, said the man, who is remaining anonymous, was incredulous that a complaint of a hate crime had been made, that any police time had been devoted to it and that a police officer had seen fit to attend his property to give him words of advice.

The disclosure will fuel demands for NCHIs to be scrapped in their present form amid concern that they are diverting police away from tackling mainstream crime to instead investigate petty spats.

Wiltshire Police was in special measures until May last year after damning criticism by the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary. A report by the inspectorate in August said the force was still not adequately investigating crime.

The national controversy over NCHIs came to a head this autumn after Ms Pearson, an award-winning Telegraph columnist, was questioned by police for allegedly inciting racial hatred in a tweet more than a year ago. Essex Police subsequently dropped the case with no further action against her.

The Wiltshire man also objected and the NCHI was re-classified last year as a non-crime anti-social behaviour incident but it will still remain on his police record and could jeopardise his chances of securing a voluntary job.

The FSU has now written to Wiltshire Police urging the force to wipe the incident from its records, on the basis that the mans personal data is being improperly held in breach of the Home Offices guidance on the recording of NCHIs.

Under new guidance issued in 2023, NCHIs should only be recorded if there is a real risk of significant harm to individuals or groups with a particular characteristic or characteristics or of a future criminal offence being committed against individuals or groups with a particular characteristic or characteristics.

At odds with Home Office guidance

In a letter to Wiltshire Police, Toby Young, the FSUs general secretary, said: It is implausible that discussing Jon Sopels book could cause harm or escalate into more serious harm [or] that it could trigger heightened community tensions with the American population of Wiltshire.

We are concerned that instead of simply being deleted, the NCHI recorded against [the man] was redefined as a Non-Crime Incident-Anti Social Behaviour [NCIASB] in what appears to be an attempt to circumvent the new guidance. His personal data is still being improperly held.

Recording an NCIASB against [him] is at odds with the Home Offices statutory guidance on anti-social behaviour which likewise stresses the need for proportionality.

The retention of [his] personal data for the purpose of keeping this record also breaches the polices general common law power to obtain and store information for policing purposes.

The NCHI was originally recorded in 2019 when the man had been in light-hearted conversation with the American and two other people when he mentioned Jon Sopels If Only They Didnt Speak English.

This was a light-hearted conversation and he referred to the book only in an attempt to make conversation, said the FSU.

On June 7 of that year, he sent an email to this American in which he said: This is the book I alluded to the other night. It is affectionate towards the USA and its citizens.

Now, however, he is concerned the non-crime incident will damage his job prospects. I am intending to apply for a voluntary position that requires an enhanced DBS check and will be very disappointed if this record should prevent a clearance, he said.

Wiltshire Police has been contacted for comment.
Tulip Siddiq is responsible for tackling corruption in the UKs financial sector - NICOLA TREE/GETTY

Tulip Siddiq was reportedly given a flat in central London by a businessman linked to a political party led by her aunt, the former dictator of Bangladesh.

The city minister, who is responsible for tackling corruption in the UKs financial sector, is said to have accepted the two-bedroom apartment near Kings Cross without making a payment in 2004.

According to the Financial Times, the third-floor flat was donated to Ms Siddiq by Abdul Motalif, a developer who the newspaper said is connected to the recently deposed Awami League party, which is headed up by Ms Siddiqs aunt, Sheikh Hasina.

Ms Hasina, 77, is the sister of Ms Siddiqs mother, Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, and was the longest-serving prime minister of Bangladesh. She is now in India, having been ousted after 15 years in power last year.

During her tenure, opponents were attacked, arrested and secretly imprisoned as the regime carried out extrajudicial killings.

Following the fall of Ms Hasina, Ms Siddiq, 42, has been facing questions over her ties to her aunt and the latest claims will raise questions over her position.

Sheikh Hasina was the longest-serving prime minister of Bangladesh - INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP

Last month it emerged that she and four family members were being investigated by Bangladeshs anti-corruption commission over allegations of embezzlement, although sources close to Ms Siddiq have dismissed the claims as false.

At the time, Sir Keir Starmer said he maintained full confidence in the minister. On Friday night, No 10 confirmed that this remained the case.

Ms Siddiq categorically denies any claim that the property has links to support for the Awami League.

The FT reported that the London flat was purchased in January 2001 for 195,000 and is still owned by Ms Siddiq.

A source said: Following financial support provided by Tulips parents to an acquaintance during a challenging time in his life, he subsequently transferred a property he then owned into Tulips ownership as an act of gratitude for her parents support.

Mr Motalif confirmed that he had bought the property but refused to comment further, according to the FT.

More recent Land Registry documents show that the lease on the property was extended in 2018 for 90,000. It is understood that the property is rented out and that it is within the rules and regulations.

Bangladeshs anti-corruption commission is investigating Ms Siddiq along with Ms Rehana, 69, and Ms Hasina over allegations that the family illegally siphoned off 4 billion that was intended for the building of a nuclear plant and eight other large-scale projects.

Spurious claims

Sources close to Ms Siddiq dismissed the claims as spurious but at the time, Joe Robertson, a Tory MP, asked how she could possibly continue in post whilst under such a serious investigation.

The investigation in Bangladesh was launched after Bobby Hajjaj, an opposition politician, filed a High Court petition in September.

The petition, seen by The Telegraph, notes that the 13th respondent is Ms Siddiq and that she was an MP and the niece of Ms Hasina.

It stated: She was instrumental in managing the affairs and coordinating meetings with Russian government officials regarding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project.

Ms Hasina was present in the House of Commons gallery as her niece made her maiden speech, and on social media Ms Siddiq later hailed her aunt as a strong female role model for her daughter.

Ms Siddiq also once said on her website that she managed a media campaign for her aunt while she was in exile in the UK.

A spokesman for Tulip Siddiq MP said: Any suggestion that Tulip Siddiqs ownership of this property, or any other property is in any way linked to support for the Awami League would be categorically wrong.
Matthew Livelsberger with former girlfriend Alicia Arritt. She said he changed after returning from the Middle East with a traumatic brain injury

The special forces sergeant who drove the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded outside Donald Trumps Las Vegas hotel left a note saying he wanted to relieve himself of the burden of the lives I took.

Matthew Livelsberger, 37, a highly decorated counter-terrorism Green Beret soldier, also called on servicemen and veterans to wake up to the countrys poor leadership.

He is thought to have shot himself in the head before blowing up the vehicle. Seven people suffered minor injuries from the explosion.

Authorities had been attempting to determine a motive for the New Years Day attack, which occurred hours after terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar killed 14 people by ramming a pick-up truck into a crowd in New Orleans.

It had been suggested that Livelsberger was attempting to make a political point by targeting a property belonging to Mr Trump, whose close ally Elon Musk is the chief executive of Tesla.

However, in notes found on his mobile phone by officers, Livelsberger suggested he was driven by his experiences in the US armed forces.

He wrote: This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wake-up call.

Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives.

He added: Why did I personally do it now? I need to cleanse my mind of the brothers Ive lost, and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took.

Via TMZ | Alcides Antunes

Livelsberger had served in the army since 2006 and was deployed twice to Afghanistan. He also served in Ukraine, Tajikistan, Georgia and Congo.

In another note, he wrote: Fellow service members, veterans and all Americans ... TIME TO WAKE UP! We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves ... right now we are terminally ill and headed toward collapse.

He also praised Mr Trump in a note, adding: Our soldiers are done fighting wars without end states or clear objectives.

Spencer Evans, the FBI special agent in charge of the case, said it ultimately appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a heavily decorated combat veteran who was struggling with PTSD and other issues.

Investigators inspect the burnt-out Tesla Cybertruck - Las Vegas Police/Reuters

The revelations came as soldiers based where Livelsberger had served spoke of the mental health risks of serving in the military and warned some servicemen felt the government was spitting on them.

Livelsberger had been on approved leave from the 10th Special Forces Group out of Fort Carson, Colorado, and had divided his time between there and Germany.

Speaking outside the base, which is also home to the 4th Infantry Division, Filomeno Scafuri, who said he had served with the 4th and was visiting the base to use its commissary, said it was upsetting that two US soldiers had been involved in the New Years Day attacks.

The 54-year-old said: If they had some mental problems, they should have shown up right away. Maybe they did have some issues, and we dont know about that yet. Maybe the FBI is holding something back.

He said that when soldiers returned from Vietnam, people spat on them. Mr Scafuri added that while the public now welcomed them, he said they may feel like the governments spitting on them.

Credit: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

A 24-year infantryman called Billy told The Telegraph: This could have been connected to PTSD. Many people have that.

He said it was often a struggle for people to accept they needed help. I think it can be the culture. I know when I am told I need to see someone I can resist it, he added.

A civilian employee at the base, who only gave his initials SE, said there was much more focus now within the military on issues such as mental health.

The 49-year-old said: All the bases have a clinic. They have got a lot better.

Some of 4th Infantry Divisions history can be seen on display at the entrance to Fort Carson, Colorado - RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post/ via Getty Images

The 4th Infantry Division has a celebrated record of service and has played a major role in numerous battles, including the storming of Normandys Utah Beach on D-Day.

Several tanks used by the 4th during its history are situated at the entrance of Fort Carson to welcome visitors.

The base is less than ten miles from the property in Colorado Springs where Livelsberger was most recently living with his second wife and child.

Reports suggest that Livelsbergers wife had recently broken up with him because of his alleged infidelity.

The New York Post said he left his home the day after Christmas following an argument and then travelled to Las Vegas.

Alicia Arritt, who dated Livelsberger between his two marriages, said his behaviour changed in 2019 after he returned from a tour in the Middle East with a traumatic brain injury and started to show depressive symptoms.

She told the Denver Gazette she believed they went untreated because its not acceptable to seek treatment when someone is in special forces.

The US army ID belonging to Matthew Livelsberger, found inside the Cybertruck - Las Vegas Police

A 19-year-old infantryman entering the base on Friday, who did not give his name, said it was shocking that Livelsberger  who had achieved so much in his career and served his country for almost two decades  should be involved in such an incident.

He said: I feel bad. If he got to be a Green Beret that makes you a hero.

Pentagon officials have not commented on suggestions that Livelsberger may have been suffering from mental health issues.
The scene of devastation at the secondhand clothing market at Kantamanto in Accra, Ghana, on 2 January 2025 after an overnight fire. Photograph: Nipah Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

A huge cleanup operation is taking place after a fire devastated one of the worlds biggest secondhand clothes markets.

Thousands of traders stalls were destroyed in the blaze that started at about 10pm on 1 January and consumed large sections of Kantamanto market in Accra, Ghanas capital.

The Ghana national fire service (GNFS) deployed 13 tenders to combat the flames. Goods worth millions of Ghanaian cedi have been destroyed, the GNFS said.

This is devastating, said Alex King Nartey, a GNFS spokesperson. Weve not recorded severe casualties, but the economic loss is enormous.

Preliminary investigations suggest faulty electrical connections might have sparked the blaze, although we are not ruling out arson, Nartey told AFP.

As much as two-thirds of the market has been destroyed and there are estimates that 8,000 people have been affected, though this number is expected to rise.

Alhassan Fatawu owned a stall where he used bits of material from secondhand clothes to make and sell his own designs, and was notified in the early hours of Thursday morning that the market was on fire.

The man who runs the neighbouring stall called me and said everything had burned. I started panicking, he said. He went to see the damage for himself at about 9am.

Related: Its like a death pit: how Ghana became fast fashions dumping ground

I found burnt stalls. There were still parts burning, he said. I couldnt salvage a thing [from my stall]. Everything has gone. Now my daily bread has been cut. I used my stall at Kantamanto to sustain myself.

Before the fire, Kantamanto was a sprawling complex of thousands of stalls crammed with clothes from brands including H&M, Levi Strauss, Tesco, Primark, New Look and more. About 30,000 people depend on the market for their livelihood.

According to the Or Foundation, which campaigns against textile waste in Ghana, 15m secondhand garments from countries in the global north such as the UK, the US and China arrive at the market every week. The Kantamanto community is responsible for recirculating 25m pieces of secondhand clothing every month through resale, reuse, repair and remanufacturing.

The market is a vibrant hub of creativity and a necessary alternative to fast fashion. The fire has left many families in distress after catastrophic losses for retailers, upcyclers and other market members, as merchandise, shops, tools and equipment have been destroyed.

Yayra Agbofah, founder of the Revival, a community-led organisation creating awareness, art and jobs with textile waste arriving in Ghana, lost storage space in the blaze. He was at the market on Friday morning along with hundreds of others, clearing the debris. All that remained of many stalls were blackened and charred piles of clothes and ash.

The goal is to rebuild in a week, he said. People have to return to work because they dont have anything.

He added: There has been no information about what the government is going to do. We have to take things into our own hands and rebuild our market.

The traders have lost everything. A lot are in debt. This is their livelihood. There are no other alternatives. We have to find ways to get our feet back and start work. The only option is to build back and start from scratch. Its a devastating situation.

The Or Foundation has committed $1m (800,000) to the clean-up effort and is calling on the global fashion industry to pledge support.

Or Foundation creative director, Daniel Mawuli Quist, said: While the industry often touts sustainability as a buzzword or marketing tactic for selling new products, Kantamanto proves that true sustainability is about more than just new sales. Its about creating a circular system that values every part of the value chain. This is a critical moment for the global fashion ecosystem to show solidarity.
By 2050, there will be four million more people over the age of 65 in England than there are now, Wes Streeting wrote in the Guardian. Photograph: Katharine Andriotis/Alamy

Ministers are to launch a historic independent commission to reform adult social care, as they warned older people could be left without vital help and the NHS overwhelmed unless a national consensus was reached on fixing a failing system.

The taskforce, to be led by the cross-bench peer Louise Casey, will be charged with developing plans for a new national care service, a Labour election manifesto pledge, in the biggest shake-up to social care in England in decades.

Related: Fixing UK social care will be biggest challenge yet for Louise Casey

Millions of pounds in funding for elderly and disabled people to make home improvements and stay out of hospital were also announced on Friday as part of a wider package of support for the sector.

But the proposed timeline for completion of the commissions work was criticised by health and care leaders, who accused ministers of kicking the adult social care crisis into the long grass. An interim report will be delivered in 2026. The final report is not expected until 2028.

Writing in the Guardian, Wes Streeting said: It will take time, but Caseys work will finally grasp this nettle and set our country on the path to building a national care service that meets the urgent need of our generation, guarantees quality care to all who need it, and lasts long into the future, no matter which government is in power.

Related: Britain has a social care crisis. Heres how Labour plans to fix it

The health secretary added: By 2050, there will be four million more people over the age of 65 in England than there are now. If we do nothing, real social care costs are expected to nearly double by 2038 compared to 2018 numbers.

Many more people will be left without the care they need, the burdens will fall on the health service, and our NHS will be overwhelmed.

Casey, a former civil servant and go-to troubleshooter for governments of all stripes and for four former prime ministers, will involve all political parties and the public to build a national consensus around what the country wants from social care, Streeting added.

The health secretary said Labour took a lot of flak during last years general election campaign for not spelling out in more detail its plans for a national care service.

I was honest about the reason why  general election campaigns are where plans for social care go to die, he wrote. In 2009, when Andy Burnham established cross-party talks on social care, David Cameron pulled out and leaked details of the talks to attack Labour in the election campaign.

In 2017, it was Labour who torpedoed Theresa Mays proposals. Then Rishi Sunak defunded Boris Johnsons cap on care costs.

Streeting said there had been plenty of good ideas for how to address the crisis in the last 15 years but a lack of good politics. The Labour government was committed to doing politics differently, he said.

However, the health secretary immediately came under fire from some health and care leaders over the proposed timeline for the taskforce.

The commission will be split over two phases. The first-phase report to the government is expected in the middle of 2026, examining issues facing social care and recommending medium-term reforms. The second phase report, not expected until 2028, will make recommendations for the longer term.

Nadra Ahmed, executive co-chair of the National Care Association, told the Guardian that she welcomed the launch of the commission, but she had serious concerns about the final report not being delivered for at least three years.

Calling for the interim and final report deadlines to be brought forward, she added: Weve got a sector that cant wait that long. There is a concern that waiting that long for the commission to report back is kicking the social care crisis into the long grass.

Prof Martin Green, the chief executive of Care England, said: This announcement acknowledges the decade-long crisis in social care, but it risks becoming yet another report that gathers dust while the sector crumbles.

This commission will simply confirm what we already know  how many more reports must we endure before action is taken?

Hugh Alderwick, director of policy at the Health Foundation, also warned the commission must move quickly or run the risk of history repeating itself.

The adult social care system in England desperately needs reform after decades of political neglect and underfunding, he said. So the governments promise of a plan for social care is welcome.

But we have been here before. The past three decades have seen a long line of reports and reviews making recommendations for social care reform, including from government commissions like the one announced today. The result has been delays and broken promises.

This new commission must move quickly and build on previous policy proposals.

Todays announcement suggests it may be three years before we see recommendations for longer term reform, including to the broken funding system for social care. This risks history repeating itself, with reforms not being implemented and people continuing to suffer.

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at the Kings Fund, welcomed the launch of the commission but urged the government to accelerate the timing.

The current timetable to report by 2028 is far too long to wait for people who need social care, and their families, she said.

Alongside the launch of the commission, ministers announced on Friday more investment had been committed to the Disabled Facilities Grant, allowing people to apply for funding to carry out work such as widening doors, improving access, installing ramps or stairlifts, or building an extension.

The 86m boost for 2024/25 on top of the 86m announced at the budget for 2025/26 brings the annual total to 711m. About 7,800 more elderly and disabled people could benefit, ministers said.

Care workers will be trained to perform further duties such as blood pressure checks, reducing the need for patients to travel to their doctor or clinics. A digital platform for medical information to be shared between the NHS and care staff will also be created.
Nick Clegg was criticised for taking the role of Facebooks vicepresident for global affairs and communications in 2018. Photograph: Dpa Picture Alliance/Alamy

Nick Clegg made almost $19m from the sale of shares in Meta during his six-year term at the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, filings show.

The former British deputy prime minister had sold $18.4m (14.8m) worth of shares in the group before announcing on Thursday that he was leaving his role as its president of global affairs and communications.

His total pay at Meta has not been disclosed but he still holds almost 39,000 of the companys shares, worth about $21m at their current price.

He will be replaced by his deputy, Joel Kaplan, who as a former deputy chief of staff for policy under the former president George W Bush is known to be the most prominent conservative voice at the company.

People close to Clegg said the decision to leave Meta was his own, though Kaplan had been long talked about as a possible successor should the Republicans win the White House.

Speculation is rife about what the 57-year-old may do next, and whether he may countenance a return to politics. The Liberal Democrats won a record number of seats for the party at the general election last year.

The former party leader has not decided where he will work next, though allies say he is looking to take on a job in the field of artificial intelligence. Clegg has argued against the regulation of AI, criticising the former prime minister Rishi Sunak last year for focusing on the dangers rather than the opportunities of the technology.

Clegg is understood to agree more with Tony Blair, another former prime minister, who has become one of the most prominent evangelists for the potential of AI to improve public services. In September, Clegg said: I think we wasted a huge amount of time going down blind alleys, assuming that this technology was going to eliminate humanity and were all going to be zapped by a robot with glowing red eyes.

Friends say Clegg is open to job opportunities in the public or private sector and wants to remain in Europe, having moved back to London in 2022. His wife, Miriam, is known to have political ambitions of her own and recently set up a thinktank in her home country of Spain.

Clegg, who was knighted in 2018 for political and public service, was heavily criticised when he took up the role later that year as Facebooks vicepresident for global affairs and communications.

At the time he was a leading supporter of the Peoples Vote campaign and part of a high-powered pro-remain group of former politicians lobbying to stop Brexit.

Explaining the reason for his abrupt exit from the fight, Clegg wrote in the Guardian that, once he had signed up to join the Silicon Valley company and decided to relocate to the US, he might as well leave as soon as possible.

Nonetheless, his decision to accept the high-profile role, at a time when Meta was struggling to cope with mounting political pressure over issues including fake news, data protection and government regulation, has proved to be hugely lucrative.

Filings at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) show that Cleggs most recent sale of shares was in November at a market value of just over $4m, although the exact gross proceeds of the latest transaction have yet to be made public.

He was promoted to president of global affairs at Meta in 2022  reporting directly to the founder and chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg. Clegg partly relocated to London that year, splitting time between the UK and California.

Clegg wrote in a post on Facebook on Thursday: It truly has been an adventure of a lifetime! I am proud of the work I have been able to do leading and supporting teams across the company to ensure innovation can go hand in hand with increased transparency and accountability, and with new forms of governance.

As Lib Dem leader he managed to get his party into power through a coalition with David Camerons Conservatives in 2010 but resigned as leader five years later after taking the blame for his partys 2015 election defeat, which he described as immeasurably more crushing and unkind than he had feared.

He lost his seat in the 2017 general election and subsequently said that he never had any desire to sit in an unreformed House of Lords.

Meta was approached for comment.
Speaking at Reform UKs East Midlands conference, Nigel Farage said his party would make Kemi Badenochs seat a target constituency. Photograph: Victoria Jones/REX/Shutterstock

Nigel Farage has hailed Elon Musk as a hero and said he was very pleased hes backing our party, but he called reports that the tech mogul was preparing to donate $100m (80m) to Reform UK somewhat overexaggerated.

Speaking at Reforms East Midlands conference on Friday night, the party leader said Musks efficiency plan for Donald Trumps government was the blueprint we need as he called for a complete change of culture in Britain.

I am very pleased hes backing our party, even if reports of his potential financial donations are somewhat overexaggerated, he said. Whether we like everything he says or not, hes a hero.

The tech billionaire has been weighing in on British politics in recent months, and told his social media followers on Thursday that Britain needs Reform now as rumours circulated he is preparing to give the party up to $100m.

He has also tweeted in support of Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court in October, and has been accused of politicising the rape of young girls with his comments about child grooming rings in the UK.

Farage told GB News that Robinson is not what we need. [Musk] sees Robinson as one of these people that fought against the grooming gangs. But of course the truth is Tommy Robinsons in prison not for that, but for contempt of court, he said. Were a political party aiming to win the next general election. [Robinson] is not what we need.

He also announced that Reform was going to make Kemi Badenochs seat a target constituency for the next general election, as he declared the gloves are off after she did not apologise for claiming his partys membership numbers had been faked.

The Conservative leader previously accused Farage of fakery after he said Reform membership had surpassed the 131,680 Conservative members recorded last year.

He claimed his party has nearly 400 members in Badenochs North West Essex seat, and would be rallying support there at a conference scheduled for the end of the month.

Not only are these not fake members, but were now going to make this a target constituency for the next general election, he said. You accused me of being dishonest. You had your chance to apologise. Well now the gloves are off.

Badenoch said the membership figure, displayed on the Reform UK website, was coded to tick up automatically and that this kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.

Earlier on Friday, Farage posted on X to say an apology had not been forthcoming from Badenoch regarding her crazy conspiracy theories, and said he planned to respond in a speech at the East Midlands conference, attended by about 1,000 members.

Former Conservative MP Marco Longhi made an appearance at the event, hours after announcing he had defected to Reform, saying: The betrayals we have seen in recent years have been so huge they eclipse any sense of loyalty I have.

He represented Dudley North in the West Midlands from 2019-24 and said the party I have been loyal to over decades is unrecognisable.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the venue on Friday evening, chanting refugees are welcome here as delegates filtered inside.

When the party chair, Zia Yusuf, took to the stage he told the crowd: According to Kemi, you are nothing more than a figment of Nigels imagination.

He said Badenoch had inexplicably made the unwise decision to accuse us of faking our membership, before thanking her and claiming her comments had led to a boost in sign ups.
Investigators inspect a Tesla Cybertruck after it exploded in front of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas on New Years Day. Photograph: LVMPD/Reuters

Police in the US were still investigating the possible motivations and background of Matthew Livelsberger, the decorated special forces soldier who died in an apparent suicide and vehicle bombing of a Trump hotel in Las Vegas on New Years Day.

Authorities said Livelsberger had written a note saying his actions were intended to serve as wakeup call. He apparently shot himself dead inside the Tesla seconds before the vehicle packed with fireworks, gas-filled tanks and camping fuel exploded outside the hotel lobby. Seven people suffered minor injuries, but little damage was done to the hotel.

The incident came hours after an Islamic State-inspired veteran killed 14 and wounded dozens in a truck attack, setting off speculation that the two incidents could be linked. However, no link has yet emerged and the two attacks are now widely seen as separate, though investigations continue.

On Friday, authorities investigating the Las Vegas bombing said Livelsberger had written a suicide note before orchestrating the explosion. This was not a terrorist attack, it was a wakeup call. Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives, Livelsberger wrote, according to authorities who released excerpts of the letter.

The note was sent to Shawn Ryan, a former navy Seal and CIA contractor, and has not been released in its entirety.

Earlier, playful texts to an ex-girlfriend sent by Livelsberger just two days before the incident showed that the Green Beret, who was on leave from his post in Europe, was excited to rent the Tesla Cybertruck used in the attack.

Related: Driver in Las Vegas Cybertruck blast was decorated US army soldier, officials say

I rented a Tesla Cybertruck. Its the shit, he wrote to Alicia Arritt on 29 December from Denver. I feel like Batman or halo. He said the vehicle was ungodly fast.

The texts, obtained by the Denver Gazette, showed that Livelsberger, 37, continued to communicate with Arritt, including on New Years Eve, when he sent photos and videos of the electric vehicle.

Arritt, who provided the texts to the outlet, said she had not heard from Livelsberger for three years after they broke up in 2021 and said she had no foresight that he was planning to blow up the hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

FBI investigators told her that she was not the only ex-girlfriend Livelsberger had recently contacted.

Livelsberger was a resident of Colorado Springs, 60 miles south of Denver. He had spent most of his 19-year military career at Fort Carson and was last stationed at Camp Panzer Kaserne, just south-west of Stuttgart, Germany, where he worked as a remote and autonomous systems manager for the army.

He told Arritt in one of his texts reported by the outlet that he was building drones in my new position, adding: You would love it.

Arritt told the Denver Gazette that Livelsberger was deeply patriotic and she knew him as politically conservative. But she said his behavior had changed in 2019 after he returned from a tour in the Middle East with a traumatic brain injury.

Arritt said he had become isolated and the depressive symptoms he showed went untreated because its not acceptable to seek treatment when someone is in special forces.

Separately, the New York Post reported that Livelsbergers wife had broken up with him six days before the explosion after an argument over apparent infidelity. The couple had recently welcomed a baby girl.

Investigators are now looking at whether Livelsbergers motive was personal and not political. The latter assumption had gained traction given the conjunction of the Elon Musk-developed vehicle and the location of the attack.

Its not lost on us that it happened in front of the Trump building and a Tesla vehicle was used, said Spencer Evans, the FBI special agent in charge, on Thursday.

Livelsbergers uncle Dean Livelsberger told reporters on Thursday that his nephew was a Rambo-type patriot who loved his nation and Donald Trump. He used to have all patriotic stuff on Facebook, he was 100% loving the country, he told the Independent.

He loved Trump, and he was always a very, very patriotic soldier, a patriotic American, the uncle told the news website. Its one of the reasons he was in special forces for so many years. It wasnt just one tour of duty.

Seven people suffered minor injuries from the blast, while Livelsbergers body was burned beyond recognition and he was identified from his passport and army ID found inside the vehicle.

Investigators are now looking into whether Livelsberger chose the steel-sided vehicle to limit civilian casualties. Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards, Musk, Teslas CEO, tweeted. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken.
River quality data gathered by volunteers is compiled into a public report to create a snapshot of freshwater across the UK. Photograph: John Insull/Alamy

Citizen science testing of river water quality will expand this year in an attempt to make the data part of official monitoring of waterways, the head of an independent environmental research group has said.

The use of ordinary people across the country to test river water quality for pollutants including phosphates, nitrates and other chemicals has captured the imagination of thousands of volunteers. In 2024 more than 7,000 people took part in river testing blitzes run over two weekends by the NGO Earthwatch Europe. The research, using standardised testing equipment provided by the NGO and Imperial College London, gathered data from almost 4,000 freshwater sites across the UK.

It provided an insight into the cocktail of pollutants from water companies and agricultural runoff, which are contributing to the crisis in river ecosystems.

Sasha Woods, the director of science and policy at Earthwatch, said it was critical to turn the noise around river pollution into meaningful action.

We are at a tipping point in terms of freshwater quality, where we all know how bad the situation is, and now there is a real sense that this is the year things are going to be moving in the right direction, said Woods.

I would like to see more citizen science data and for that data to begin featuring in official monitoring reports. We have collated a lot of information and will continue to use citizen science to collect data sets that demonstrate where the problems are and what solutions are needed.

Woods said citizen science was robust and increasingly accepted as a way to provide data on many thousands more sites than official regulators such as the Environment Agency (EA) were able to provide. By the end of March 2025 the EA has promised to put more people on the ground and provide 4,000 fresh water data points. We were able to do in two weekends what the EA is trying to do by the end of March this year, said Woods.

That has demonstrated the power of citizen science and I think the Environment Agency is recognising the usability of citizen science. What we do is never going to replace what the EA is doing in terms of monitoring, but I think it supports and enhances what they are doing.

The second river testing blitz last October partnered with Imperial College London to expand the testing to include many other chemical pollutants such as antibiotics and painkillers, agricultural chemicals and pesticides. Analysis by Imperial identified several chemicals at levels which exceed accepted safe limits for aquatic life.

Results from three days of testing by 4,531 volunteers revealed 61% of fresh waters in the UK were in a poor state because of high levels of the nutrients phosphate and nitrate, the main source of which is sewage effluent and agricultural runoff. England had the worst level of poor water quality in rivers, with 67% of freshwater samples showing high levels of nitrate and phosphate.

In lower-income countries where water testing capacity is lower than in developed nations, citizen science is being used increasingly as part of official monitoring. In Sierra Leone and Zambia, data gathered from citizen science is being used along with national regulatory monitoring to feed into UN sustainable development targets.

Woods said as well as providing robust data, citizen science was powerful because it educated and empowered individuals about the river and freshwater environment. The data gathered by the river blitzes is analysed and compiled into a public report to create a snapshot of freshwater across the UK. It allows the public and NGOs to challenge water companies and the agricultural sector, to provide the Environment Agency with information on rivers it does not monitor and to inform the Office for Environmental Protection of any activities that are suspicious or illegal.

The first of two UK water blitz testing weekends this year will take place on the weekend of 26 April. Woods said the aim was to make this the biggest data collection yet. Each time we run a blitz we double the number of participants, so we are aiming for 10,000 people to take part and to increase the sites tested to at least 5,000.
With Love, Meghan on Netflix

Ive always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it, the Duchess of Sussex declares, early in the trailer for her new Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan. Anybody hoping shes referring to marrying Prince Harry, and that this might be the series in which she finally lets off the handbrake, is soon left deflated. She just means putting olive oil on hummus, and stuff.

We have little choice but to respect the many endeavours of Meghan and Harry since they decided to exile themselves to Montecito, California, almost five years ago. Any other approach, especially genuine anger at what is essentially a celebrity couple behaving like a celebrity couple, leaves you prone to going insane  or at least looking insane on the internet.

They have tried their hands at various pursuits in that time, from taking Silicon Valley roles that are nonsense even by the standards of Silicon Valley roles, to hosting podcasts that are inane even by the standards of podcasts, but the only big hits have come when theyve done what they undeniably do best: wind up the critics, troll comment sections, draw out hate clicks, and turn up the annoying to 11.

Taken in this spirit, With Love, Meghan looks like an absolute triumph. Were all in the content mines, and Meghans struck gold with what might just be the most gloriously pointless-looking few hours of television of 2025. Its all there in the trailer, so lets break down the magnificence.

The basic conceit

Meghan

Like Brian Eno or Edouard Manet, the Duchess of Sussex has little regard for the strictures of genre and convention. Netflix even said so. With Love, Meghan would, the streaming behemoth announced, reimagine the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-tos and candid conversation with friends new and old. Though mostly it looks like her putting petals on doughnuts and challenging her friends to say Wooow.

So its a cookery and lifestyle show in which people are breezily interviewed while getting stuck in. A mind-expanding first of its kind, if you ignore Chefs Table, Saturday Kitchen, Netflixs own Salt Fat Acid Heat, The Martha Stewart Show, even the (golden) Ainsley Harriott years on Ready, Steady, Cook and, in fact, almost every cookery/talk/travel programme ever commissioned. Still, only a true maverick would deny the existence of an entire strand of television.

(While were at it, youd also be a little put out if you were the owner-operator of the lifestyle and interiors blog With Love, Abigail, which has a curiously similar name and logo)

OK, so who is Joy?

Meghan

Of all the many questions thrown up by this trailer, one stands out: when Meghan says, Were not in the pursuit of perfection  were in the pursuit of joy, is that an abstract noun, or is Joy one of her rich friends?

Thinking about it, a Hunted-style adventure show featuring glamorous Montecito housewives armed with expensive Japanese knives could be sensational. And in lieu of previews, we cant yet say this isnt that. Meghan does, after all, say in the trailer that she loves surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them  a worthy credo for any assassin.

And thats what a good trailer does: it invites you to find out whats really going on. Joy, Meghans coming for you. Hopefully.

The house is not her house

Meghan

Superb, just superb. If we were in any doubt that this is a project precision-engineered to enrage all the right people, heres the tell. An at-home show predicated on offering a softer, domestic side to the Duchess, far away from the inauthenticity of showbusiness turns out to have been filmed in a rented estate two miles down the road from where she really lives. That is not her kitchen. She has only just learnt which side the fridge door opens on. For all that dog knows, shes run away to start a new life.

We can well understand why Meghan has done this  her own house is too full of children, chickens and Prince Harry to reasonably fit a camera crew and three famous friend-guests in  but more than anything else, this is a naked lure for the hate-clickers. Oh, shes good. Shes very good.

Bees and Beatles

Meghan

After the success of Beckham, it is now written into all Netflix contracts that every new documentary series commissioned must contain a scene in which the protagonist goes beekeeping. Its visually striking, acts as a metaphor to conjure a sense of both entrapment and industriousness, and, lets face it, everybody loves bees.

Yet Meghan will not be outdone by her former wedding guest, so for reasons known only to her, shes brought along a special assistant for her own moment at the hives: Californias leading John Lennon-circa-1968 lookalike, who wordlessly supervises our star harvesting honey. Or is it Lennons ghost? Dont rule it out. This show does reimagine the genre, after all.

An earth-shattering floristry hack

With Love, Meghan

It has been 13 long years since Pippa Middleton released Celebrate: A Year of British Festivities for Family and Friends, which to many observers remains the greatest egg-sucking manual for grandmothers in modern history. (Lest we forget her guide to Easter egg hunts: An adult hides a selection of eggs. They should be low down within easy reach of children.)

Well, here comes Meghan with a piece of taste-making advice to rival even that of her brother-in-laws sister-in-law. Im gonna share some little tips and tricks, she says, rifling through a florist shop. I see what colour I gravitate to, and everything goes from there. Is this not how everybody chooses flowers? More as we get it.

A Harried cameo, never in doubt

Prince Harry and Meghan

You cant even spell Meghan without a lost H appearing in the middle, and true to form, there he is, 85 seconds into the trailer  late by some expectations, but his arrival never in doubt.

The fifth in-line to the British throne shows up, mimosa in hand, probably wondering what the hell hes filming now, whose house this is, whether the owners even know theyre here, why the dogs been missing all summer, and just hoping, desperately hoping, that this marks a return to form for Team Sussex on Netflix after the disappointment of Polo, his recent tribute to the deeply relatable hobby he shares with around 23 people worldwide.

Wait, is that Gregg Wallace making candles with her at 47 seconds in?

Meghan

A brief teaser within a teaser. An Easter egg, as it is known. An Easter Gregg, perhaps. But no, no it is not. Investigations reveal it is, in fact, Daniel Martin, Meghans long-time make-up artist and a close friend, which in hindsight was always more likely. But for a while there I was also fooled into thinking the disgraced former greengrocer and veteran menace of MasterChef had appeared.

How bold, I thought, for Meghan to honour one of her forebears in the chatting-to-people-at-a-kitchen-island game, and to refuse to cut the scene despite the latest allegations. In a way that would have been the most interesting creative decision in the whole project. Alas. Probably for the best.
Wall Pilates promises a toned, flattering physique - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

There are obvious advantages to home exercising over the gym. No membership fee, no travelling time, no annoying people. Or their sweat. Or verrucas in the showers. Provided you have the discipline to actually do it, youre free to do it in your pyjamas  or your birthday suit  and no one will know.

Of all the many home exercises, it was wall Pilates dominating 2024s social-media feeds, with tens of millions of views on TikTok alone. All those tight-buttocked, taut-stomached influencers promised similar results to reformer Pilates, without the price tag. Could such bodies  using only a wall as a prop!  really be that achievable?

Im sceptical of most fitness fads (my weighted hula hoop from 2022 gathers dust) but Pilates is actually the one form of exercise Ive stuck with  for two decades. This is because it works. It makes me look better, without taking up much time, or even breaking a sweat. Pilates is marketed as making one sculpted and long and lean. Achieving the physiques of the Lycra-clad Insta lot might be a push, but doing even modest amounts will improve your appearance.

One hundred years before it became a trend on TikTok, Pilates was created by a man named Joseph Pilates, a German national interned on the Isle of Man during the First World War. According to some accounts, while working in the camps hospitals, helping to rehabilitate bed-bound patients, Pilates experimented by attaching springs to the beds to enable strengthening exercises while lying down. The reformer beds you see in Pilates studios today  using springs for resistance  are based on those hospital beds.

While Pilates (the man) died in 1967, by then the method had developed and evolved into a movement, embraced by ballet dancers in particular; today, it is a phenomenon. But the principles of breath combined with whole-body commitment and health remain essentially unchanged since the 1920s.

Considering its origins, its not surprising that Pilates is so no-nonsense, the antithesis of woo-woo, and safe for beginners and older people. The emphasis is on discipline and controlling precise movements of our deeper muscles. You might look like youre simply leaning against a wall, or raising your ankles an inch, but my God you soon feel it.

It best suits those who like a straightforward, get-the-job-done approach. To newcomers it seems as though the exercises  whether taught in a class or followed at home  arent terribly active. Theres no leaping about, you might not even get out of breath. And while they are fairly simple (theres no tying yourself in knots like in advanced yoga), having a good natural sense of proprioception  awareness of the bodys movements in space  is helpful. (That sounds basic, but not everyone has it, and its not the same as the spatial awareness used in, say, parking a car.) But dont worry, even the most poorly coordinated beginner can quickly learn the good form needed to do wall Pilates moves effectively.

If youre not a confident exerciser, I would recommend a session or two with a trainer who can correct your form to ensure youre on the right path for reaping the longer term results. The guys whove trained me for the past decade are Chris Watson (Big Chris) and Chris Richardson (known as Little Chris, even at 6ft 1in), who founded Zero Gravity Pilates in 2011, from one tiny Hertfordshire studio, and have since expanded across London and the Home Counties. The wall adds resistance to workouts without the need for extra equipment in a controlled, safe form of exercise, explains Richardson, 38. Regular practice, he insists, improves stability, balance, strength and control; it builds muscle endurance, targeting the smaller muscles you never knew you had, the result being a toned, flattering physique.

Watson and Richardson employ a three-point system they call their isolate, fatigue, stretch method, which pinpoints muscles, then works them to exhaustion, before ending with a long, deep stretch. Who wouldnt want the longer lean muscles of a strong yet graceful ballerina?

The Chrises have devoted a combined 40-year career to Pilates, training all sorts of clients from elite sportspeople to pop stars, EastEnders actors, sprightly septuagenarians  and mid-life mums, like me. During lockdown, Zero Gravity adapted its routines for people at home, with no fancy reformer, and caught fire on social media. The aim is helping clients such as myself to carve out their best body shapes. Youll see quicker results (in a matter of weeks) if the programme is combined with cardio, advises Watson, 39. Its not just about improving fitness and helping weight loss  the body builds a solid foundation to increase your training with less chance of injury, he says.

If you work to fatigue in every exercise here [overleaf], says Richardson. I guarantee youll feel the burn and help to create strong arms and legs, a flat, toned tummy and perky, peachy bum.

How to do the seven exercises

Depending on your ability level, this entire routine should take 30 minutes. Only have 10 to spare? Still worth it, that old cliche success isnt what you do occasionally, its what you do consistently is particularly true with exercise. Three sessions a week are ideal.

Beginners: Start with spending 30 secs for each exercise and do 1 round (with 60 sec rest in between exercises).

Intermediate: Aim for 60 secs for each exercise and complete 2 rounds (with trying to reduce the rest in between to 30 secs).

Advanced: What the guys called Beast mode should be aiming for 90-plus secs for each exercise, attempting 3 rounds in total (and only resting for 15 secs between each exercise).

Looks easy because theres no complicated technique, but this isometric exercise (meaning it contracts muscles while not moving them) strengthens the quads, glutes, calves  and core.

Stand with your back flat against the wall. Lower your body into a sitting position where your knees and hips are at 90-degree angles. Keep your pelvis tucked under, lower back against the wall, and shoulders down and pressed against the wall. Hold this position. Push up through your heels and return to the start position.

A little more challenging, balance-wise, a wall split lunge that targets the glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Tip: use the wall for support until you get the right distance from the wall to be able to bend the leg youre working comfortably

From a standing position, stand 2 feet in front of a wall. Stretch one leg back until the sole of the foot is up against the wall. Hold this split stance and bend both knees, lowering your back knee toward the floor. Your front knee should be aligned over your ankle, and dont allow knee to fall inwards but direct it straight in front of foot. Focus on your balance as you hold this position. Push through the heel of the foot to the starting position. Remember to swap and do both sides.

The wall bridge is a modified version of the glute bridge fires up these buttock muscles to get them, ideally, feeling perky and looking peachy.

Lie on your back with your arms by your sides, plant the soles of your foot on a wall, with your opposite leg hugged in towards you, knee bent, leg at a 90-degree angle. Squeeze your glutes and raise your hips upwards. Return to the starting position by rolling your spine down towards the floor. Remember to swap and do both sides.

These beauties fire up your core muscles, specifically targeting the rectus abdominis (aka the six-pack abs, theyre in there somewhere) as well as your obliques.

Lay on your back and, lifting your legs, place your feet on the wall. Adjust your position till your knees are perpendicular to the ground. Place your fingertips to the side of your head with your elbows extended out wide. On an exhale, lift your head and shoulders off the ground into an abdominal curl. Hold this up position for three seconds. You should feel your core contracting. Slowly lower to the starting position.

Easier than doing one on the floor as you might do in a traditional gym class, this standing version helps strengthen your core overall, as well as shoulders, upper body, and abdominals.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands on the wall in front of you at shoulder width apart. Walk your feet back until you raise onto your tip-toes. Draw belly button to spine, making sure lower back is not arching (or your butt sticking out). Hold this position while really engaging your core (focusing in your mind on pulling your tummy in does seem to help me).

Similar to classic push-ups, this wall version engages muscles across your upper body, including the pectoral muscles, anterior deltoids (the muscles that help move your arm forward), and triceps (the muscles that give a nice toned look)

Stand facing the wall with arms stretched out and palms of your hands up against the wall. Hands should be 1 inch lower than shoulders and 1 inch wider than shoulder width. Feet at shoulder width apart and stand up onto tip-toes. Slowly bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the wall. Focus on keeping your body aligned as you pause in this position. Push through your hands and straighten your arms, returning to the starting position.

Another one that looks deceptively easy, but raising the heels feels challenging. This builds strength in the quads, increases flexibility, develops balance and coordination.

Stand up against the wall with feet shoulder width apart. Raise your heels and rest them up at the wall and press your tip toes into the floor.

Bend through your knees and lower down into a rep, going as deep as possible (your goal is to keep knees pointing forward, not let them flare out to the sides).

Raise your arms in front to shoulder height when the body lowers for balance, spine alignment and shoulder mobility.

Push up through the balls of your feet to return to the starting position.

Advanced bonus exercise

A core strengthening exercise to help improve your posture and balance (and is a good show off move if you feel like looking impressive)

Start on your hands and knees with your body far enough away from the wall so you can stretch the legs back for your feet to make contact with the wall. hands under shoulders at shoulder width apart. Stretch one leg back and place on the wall. Engage your core, and do the same with the opposite leg so both feet are now placed on the wall. keep alignment in neck, spine and pelvis. Legs should be no higher with shoulders and hips. Hold in this position. Once finished, bend one knee and lower it to the floor. Then repeat this with the opposite leg.

Videos by Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

Zero Gravity branches offer reformer Pilates, and anyone can access its online at-home exercises via the app, Zero Gravity TV (6.99 a month)
South Korean investigators and police officers prepare to storm Yoon Suk-yeols official residence in central Seoul - Yao Qilin/Xinhua News Agency / eyevine

South Koreas presidential guards and military troops prevented authorities from arresting Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president, on Friday in a tense six-hour stand-off inside his compound in the heart of Seoul.

Mr Yoon is under criminal investigation for insurrection over his Dec 3 martial law bid that stunned South Korea and led to the first arrest warrant to be issued for a sitting president.

It was judged that it was virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant due to the ongoing standoff, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said in a statement.

The CIO officials and police evaded hundreds of Yoon supporters who gathered in the pre-dawn hours near his residence on Friday, vowing to block the arrest with our lives.

Some chanted president Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people, and called for the head of the CIO to be arrested.

Officials from the CIO, which is leading a joint team of investigators into possible insurrection charges related to Mr Yoons brief declaration of martial law, arrived at the gates of the presidential compound shortly after 7am (10pm GMT on Thursday) and entered on foot.

Aerial pictures taken over the compound showed that the gates had been blocked by a coach parked across the road.

Once inside the compound, the CIO and police were outnumbered by cordons of Presidential Security Service (PSS) personnel, as well as military troops seconded to presidential security, a CIO official told reporters.

More than 200 PSS agents and soldiers formed several layers of human chains to block the CIO and police, the official added. While there were altercations and PSS agents appeared to be carrying firearms, no weapons were drawn in the stand-off, the official said.

Investigators arrive at Mr Yoons home in Seoul - GETTY IMAGES

Security personnel block the road with vehicles inside the compound of the presidential residence in Seoul - AFP

Mr Yoon, who has been isolated since he was impeached and suspended from power on Dec 14, was not seen during the stand-off, he said.

South Koreas ministry of national defence said the troops were under the control of the PSS.

The CIO called off the effort to arrest Mr Yoon around 1.30 pm because of concerns over the safety of its personnel because of obstruction and said it deeply regretted Mr Yoons attitude of non-compliance.

The CIO said it would consider its next steps. The police, who are part of the joint investigation team, have designated the PSS chief and the deputy as suspects in a criminal case for obstruction of official duty and issued summons for them to appear for questioning on Saturday, Yonhap news reported.

Insurrection is one of the few criminal charges from which a South Korean president does not have immunity.

Vehicles carrying CIO staff try to get through the congested streets outside Mr Yoons house - AP

Mr Yoons arrest warrant, approved by a court on Tuesday after he ignored multiple summons to appear for questioning, is viable until Jan 6.

In a statement after the arrest effort was suspended, Mr Yoons legal team said the CIO had no authority to investigate insurrection and it was regrettable that it had tried to forcibly execute an illegal and invalid arrest and search warrant in a sensitive security area.

The statement warned police against supporting the arrest effort.

The interim head of Mr Yoons People Power Party welcomed the suspension and said the investigation must be carried out without detaining Mr Yoon.

The current warrant gives investigators only 48 hours to hold Mr Yoon after he is arrested. Investigators must then decide whether to request a detention warrant or release him.

Mr Yoon sent shockwaves through Asias fourth-largest economy and one of the regions most vibrant democracies with his late-night announcement that he was imposing martial law to overcome political deadlock and root out anti-state forces.

Thousands of Mr Yoons supporters turn out - GETTY IMAGES

Anti-Yoon protesters clash with police - Kim Hong-Ji/REUTERS

Within hours, however, 190 lawmakers had defied the cordons of troops and police to vote against Mr Yoons order. About six hours after his initial decree, Mr Yoon rescinded it.

He later issued a defiant defence of his decision, saying domestic political opponents are sympathetic to North Korea and citing uncorroborated claims of election tampering.

Two South Korean military officials, including army chief Park An-su who was named martial law commander during the short-lived declaration, have been indicted after being detained by prosecutors investigating insurrection charges, Yonhap reported on Friday.

Protesters shout during a rally - Lee Jin-man/AP

Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned as Mr Yoons defence minister after playing a major role in the martial law decree, has been detained and was indicted last week on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

Separate from the criminal investigation, his impeachment case is currently before the Constitutional Court to decide whether to reinstate or permanently remove him. A second hearing in that case was held on Friday and the court set the first oral arguments for Jan 14.

Bae Jin-han, one of the lawyers for Mr Yoon, told reporters that Mr Yoon may not appear for the first arguments but will likely do so at a future hearing to argue his position.
Sir Keir Starmer was accused by Trump supporters of criminalising free speech - Jeff J Mitchell

Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for a major row with Donald Trump within days of the president-elect entering the White House after the Prime Minister was accused by Trump supporters of criminalising free speech.

Elon Musk, Mr Trumps most high-profile backer, has been using his social media platform X to campaign against restrictions on free speech in the UK imposed by courts and Parliament amid a perceived rise of Islamism in the UK.

Sir Keir has already come under attack in the US over plans under discussion to ban content from social media that is deemed harmful even if it is not illegal.

Matters are expected to come to a head at the end of January when the trial of the alleged Southport knife attacker Axel Rudakubana - whose arrest led to riots last summer - is due to begin on the same day as Mr Trumps inauguration.

Free Speech campaigners said the row would present a major diplomatic headache for Lord Mandelson, due to take over as ambassador to the US later this month, and could even endanger the chances of a US-UK trade deal.

Donald Trump is only a few weeks away from entering the White House - KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI

Toby Young, the founder of the Free Speech Union, who is soon to become a member of the House of Lords, said the issue would be a flashpoint between the White House and Number 10 and would colour Mr Trumps perception of Sir Keir and his regime.

Mr Musk is already gearing up for a fight with Ofcom, the regulator of social media in the UK, which will be granted new powers in the coming weeks to impose huge fines on platforms that publish material it deems harmful.

The arrest of Mr Rudakubana for the killings of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class led to riots in the UK amid claims the public was not being told the truth about the suspect. Sir Keir ordered a crackdown on those whose social media posts were deemed to have fuelled the riots, leading to several being jailed - a move that was heavily criticised by US commentators.

Nigel Farage, another supporter of Mr Trump, has said he was banned from talking about the Southport suspect in Parliament after he was warned that he was at risk of breaking contempt of court laws.

Police have never treated the killings as terror-related, even though the suspect was charged months later with possessing a military study of an al-Qaeda manual.

Free speech problems

While Mr Farage will abide by the law when the trial of Mr Rudakubana gets underway, a jury will be told there is no evidence the killings were an act of terrorism. Users of Mr Musks X platform (formerly Twitter) are unlikely to pay any attention to UK laws and could carry on debating the case while the trial is underway.

Mr Young said: I do think Trump, egged on by Musk, is aware of the free speech problems here and they will colour his perception of Keir Starmer and his regime and it may derail a trade deal.

The Southport case could be a flashpoint, especially if US citizens on X start speculating about the trial and Ofcom tries to remove content it considers irresponsible or even unlawful when it might not be unlawful in the US.

Lord Mandelson is going to have a difficult job as ambassador because he has got to both represent Starmer and distance himself from him. I think theres already a rift between the two camps and its only going to get greater politically if there are more assaults on free speech under Starmer.

Congress shall make no law

Britain has much stricter laws on free speech than the US, where the right to freedom of speech is enshrined in the Constitution.

The First Amendment states: Congress shall make no law...abridging freedom of speech.

There are some exceptions of types of speech which do not fall under First Amendment protections, but contempt of court is not among them.

Earlier this week Mr Musk called for the release of the far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who was jailed for contempt of court for repeating false claims about a Syrian refugee.

Mr Musk has said: Thank goodness Donald Trump will be President just in time, in response to the new powers that Ofcom will have when the Online Safety Act comes into force in March. His comment has been perceived as a statement that Mr Trump - who has hired Mr Musk as his government efficiency tsar - will block any attempt by Ofcom to take action against X.

Sanctions to be imposed on the UK

Melanie Dawes, the Ofcom chief executive, said last month that she was prepared to go after X, saying: Any service that doesnt follow our rules and doesnt have a plan to follow the rules and is not taking them seriously, they can expect to hear from us pretty early on.

Mr Musk has accused Sir Keir of failing to prosecute grooming gangs when he was Director of Public Prosecutions, while another major Trump backer, the hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, has called for sanctions to be imposed on the UK if it does not get tougher on grooming gangs.

Sir Keir has admitted that police forces and prosecutors often did not take action against gangs of British Asian men for fear of being accused of racism.

Several prominent right-wing politicians are reported to have warned Republican friends in the US not to follow Mr Musks endorsement of Robinson, saying he had gone too far.

Mr Farage, who quit UKIP after its then-leader appointed Robinson as an adviser, has not yet commented on Mr Musks campaign to release him.
The Mbano family gather at Nduna Songea Mbanos graveside in a scene in The Empty Grave. Photograph: Kijiweni Productions

The serene municipality of Songea is steeped in a history of violence. This remote corner of southern Tanzania was a centre of resistance to colonial rule during the early 20th century, when German colonialists executed local people and took the remains of many back to Europe.

For decades, descendants of some of those who took part in the revolt have fought a largely overlooked campaign for their ancestors atonement and for the repatriation of their remains. Now a documentary co-directed by the German film-maker Agnes Lisa Wegner and her Tanzanian counterpart Cece Mlay has shone a delicate light on two families search for answers.

The question of ancestral remains was not something that I had thought had happened here, said Mlay. It almost changes your worldview about how you perceive your familial relationships.

As people in Songea and other parts of German east Africa, which is made up of areas including present-day Burundi, Rwanda and mainland Tanzania, waged resistance against German rule, the colonial forces publicly hanged revolters.

They later stole the skulls and bones of some people and took them to Germany for experiments in the racist science of phrenology, which was used to support claims of European racial superiority.

The movement to repatriate the remains has begun to gain momentum. In the documentary, two families fight bureaucracy as they try to get information and bring back the body parts of their ancestors.

Wegner said she had conceived the film in 2015, after an encounter with the South African history professor, Ciraj Rassool, who with his colleague Martin Legassick discovered how the remains of the Khoisan couple Klaas and Trooi Pienaar were stolen in 1909 and taken to Vienna for scientific experiments before being kept in a museum. The remains were repatriated and buried in 2012. The story shook Wegner to her core.

Wegner knew immediately that she would have to make the documentary in close collaboration with Tanzanian film-makers, so in 2021 she reached out to Kijiweni Productions, an independent production house where Mlay works. We were very much aware of the issue of perspective, she said.

The Empty Grave follows two families in their complex quest to find and return the remains of their ancestors.

In Songea, John Mbano, a legal officer, and his wife Cesilia, a primary school history teacher, are looking for the remains of Mbanos great-great-grandfather, Nduna (sub-chief) Songea Mbano.

A leader of the Ngoni people, Songea was hanged by German colonialists in 1906 during the Maji Maji war. After his burial his head was stolen and taken to Germany.

John and Cesilias search takes them to Berlin, where they meet state minister Katja Keul and ask for the remains to be found and returned. They visit the archaeological centre of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, which holds thousands of stolen human remains.

Spiritually, the head of the person is everything, John Mbano tells Keul in the film. So, when his head was cut [off] and sent somewhere else, that means the whole community lost its ideas, rituals.

Mangi (Chief) Lobulu Kaaya of the Meru community of northern Tanzania was hanged by German colonialists in 1900 and his skeleton was taken to Berlin. Kaayas remains were found in 2022 in the US, where they had been sent from Berlin.

In the documentary, descendants Felix and Ernest Kaaya try to navigate the bureaucracy of repatriation and come to terms with their ancestors history. In one scene, Ernest breaks down when he visits for the first time the tree on which Lobulu was hanged. He suffered. He really suffered, if they did that to him, he says, touching the tree.

Mlay said this scene marked a moment when the reality of the work that youre doing meets the camera, and was the most challenging to shoot, as it showed the impact of intergenerational trauma on the descendants.

Tanganyika  as mainland Tanzania was known  was under brutal German rule from 1885 to 1918. During that period, the Germans faced dozens of resistance movements against their occupation, the deadliest being the Maji Maji war from 1905 to 1907, in which 300,000 people are believed to have died.

The legacy of German colonialism in Tanganyika hangs like a dark cloud over both countries. The Tanzanian and German governments have been hesitant to investigate and confront it, but as African people have learned more about colonialism and pushed for the return of stolen heritages, the narrative has been changing.

Last year Germanys president Frank-Walter Steinmeier travelled to Songea, where he met descendants of Songea Mbano, publicly apologised for colonial-era crimes, and said his country would seek to find and repatriate the remains of Songea Mbano and others.

The documentary premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February before being shown at German cinemas. It has also had public screenings in Dar es Salaam, Songea and Meru, and there are plans for more.

Our priority has been to make sure the film plays in the spaces where the families are from, said Amil Shivji, a co-producer and the founder of Kijiweni Productions. Not only to pay respect to the families alive and dead, but also to give confidence to more people to come forward and speak about potentially missing ancestors.

Wegner said that as a German and in the context of atrocities committed by Germans, she felt a sense of responsibility throughout the making of the film. [The story] had been shoved under the carpet for way too long, she said.

For Shivji, who like Mlay was not familiar with the story before the making of the film  learning about the sheer number of skulls and bones that are stored abroad was shocking. Colonialism had no parameters of justice, he said. Its hard to go to bed at night knowing this information.
Members of the US military walk towards Bourbon Street in New Orleans after the deadly New Years Day attack. Photograph: James Leyva/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock

Military records and media interviews are painting a clearer portrait of Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old Texas man accused of crashing a truck into New Years Day revelers in New Orleans, killing at least 14 people.

Jabbar served in the US army for 13 years, including a deployment to Afghanistan. On Thursday, the FBI said investigators believe Jabbar acted alone when he attacked the busy intersection of Bourbon and Canal streets. Officials had earlier said they believed Jabbar had accomplices.

The FBI has said Jabbar had a flag of Islamic State, the Sunni Muslim militant group, on his truck and the bureau is treating the attack as an act of terrorism.

The FBI also announced that it had found no definitive link between the New Orleans attack and the explosion that occurred later on Wednesday outside a hotel owned by Donald Trump in Las Vegas.

Jabbar appears to have been born and raised in Beaumont, Texas.

He served in the army as a human resource specialist and information technology specialist from 2007 until 2015, according to an army official, and deployed to Afghanistan from February 2009 to January 2010.

He joined the army reserve as an IT specialist until 2020, holding the rank of staff sergeant at the end of service, according to the army official.

In addition to serving in the army, Jabbar had previously enlisted in the navy in August 2004 under a delayed entry program but was discharged a month later, a navy official told Reuters.

Jabbar graduated with a computer information systems degree from Georgia State University after studying there from 2015 to 2017, school officials told Atlanta News First.

Corporate and other records show that he got involved in a series of real estate businesses in recent years.

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.

Ive 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 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 also worked for the consulting firm Deloitte, where he made as much as $10,000 a month doing business development and other work, according to the Associated Press.

But Jabbar also faced a series of personal and financial challenges. He had been married and divorced at least three times, according to the AP, and his divorce records reflect a deteriorating financial situation.

Online Texas criminal court records show Jabbar had relatively minor offenses in his past, including a misdemeanor theft and driving with an invalid license before his military service.

According to court documents reviewed by CBS, one of Jabbars ex-wives accused him of excessive cash withdrawals, unnecessary and unreasonable spending and the accumulation of debt, as well as giving gifts to romantic partners.

In January 2022, Jabbar said he was $27,000 behind on house payments, writing in an email to his now ex-wifes attorney: I have exhausted all means of bringing the loan current other than a loan modification, leaving us no alternative but to sell the house or allow it to go into foreclosure.

Dwayne Marsh, the new husband of Jabbars ex-wife, Nakedra Charrlle, told the New York Times that Jabbar had converted to Islam at some point. More recently, Jabbars behaviour had become erratic, he said, prompting the couple to stop allowing Jabbar to spend time with the daughters he shared with Charrlle.

Officials say Jabbar posted several videos to his Facebook account in the hours before the attack aligning himself with Islamic State. The videos included one in which he said he had originally planned to harm his family and friends, but was concerned that news headlines would not focus on the war between the believers and the disbelievers, officials said.

Relatives of Jabbar said on Thursday they were taken by surprise. Its completely contradictory to who he was and how his family and his friends know him, Abdur-Rahim Jabbar, his younger brother, told the Associated Press.

The 24-year-old said his older brother had increasingly isolated himself from family and friends. It had been few months since he had seen his brother in person, and a few weeks since they talked on the phone. But, the younger brother said, nothing about his demeanor seemed to be off. He didnt seem to be angry or anything like that. He was just his calm, well-mannered, well-tempered self.

A childhood friend of Jabbars, Chris Pousson  who last spoke to Jabbar some time in 2017 or 2018  told NBC: What happened today was a complete 180 of anything I ever knew about him.

He was very quiet, very reserved, smart, articulate, Pousson said.

According to Pousson, he initially met Jabbar in 1996 during middle school. Following their high school graduation, they lost contact when Jabbar joined the army and Pousson went into the air force, NBC reported.

Upon reconnecting with Jabbar several years later on Facebook, Pousson said, he noticed that Jabbars posts focused on his Muslim beliefs, saying: It was always positive  peace be with you, uplifting type of stuff  Nothing that he posted online that I saw was negative.

With the investigation under way, the FBI has set up a digital tip line and has directed anyone with information or video of the incident to submit it to the agency.
Marco Longhi is set to be unveiled as the partys newest member at a regional conference in Leicester on Friday - Jacob King/PA

A third former Tory MP has defected to Nigel Farages Reform UK party.

Marco Longhi said he had left because the party of Churchill and Thatcher had been captured by a Left-wing influence.

He follows Dame Andrea Jenkyns and Aidan Burley as new members of the party.

It comes just days after Reform claimed their membership had exceeded that of the Conservatives under Kemi Badenoch.

Mr Longhi is set to be unveiled as the partys newest member at a regional conference in Leicester on Friday night.

He said: As a long-standing member of the Conservative Party, I have always remained loyal to my principles and values, but above all, my dedication to you  the people  has always driven my political career.

I stand before you as a patriot, reaffirming that I am now truly at home with Reform UK. My loyalty to party leaders started to overshadow my loyalty to you, the people.

I had to put a stop to this. This decision is about restoring our national identity and prioritising the needs of our citizens over political correctness and elitist agendas.

Nigel Farage with Reform chairman Zia Yusuf and new party member Dame Andrea Jenkyns, a former Tory MP - Leon Neal/Getty

He added: The Conservative Party I once identified with  the party of Churchill and Thatcher  has transformed into something unrecognisable, captured by a Left-wing influence that masquerades as conservatism at election time while prioritising the wishes of an elite few when in power.

In recent years, it has repeatedly betrayed your trust and Labour have never earned that trust in the first place.

I refuse to be part of this uniparty drift towards an ever more Left-wing agenda.

If I am fortunate enough to represent people again, I will not shy away from the hard truths and necessary actions.

My commitment to the people was evident when I represented Dudley before and it will remain the same if re-elected.

I have joined the Peoples Army, and together, we can make a difference. Lets seize this opportunity for change. Thank you.

Mr Longhi, the son of an Italian airline pilot, served as Tory MP for Dudley North between 2019 and 2024.

In 2022, he backed Mrs Badenochs bid to be Conservative leader, but when she was knocked out of the running, he transferred his support to Liz Truss.

After her resignation, he backed Boris Johnsons brief bid to return to No 10.

Mr Longhi then went on to lose his seat in last Julys election.

In November, Dame Andrea joined Reform and said she will stand as the partys candidate to be mayor of Greater Lincolnshire in May.

She said she had fought to the bitter end but the Conservative Party was now beyond salvage.

She had been a Tory MP from 2015, but lost her seat in July.

Mr Burley was MP from 2010 to 2015 but was criticised for joining a stag party in France where the groom wore a fancy dress Nazi uniform.
Migrant queue graphic

Its Thursday evening, just before 10pm, and the A&E at University College Hospital in central London is heaving.

All the seats are taken, leaving dozens of patients standing or perched on a ledge next to the window, visible to passers-by. Theres already a queue of around 70 patients, and its only likely to get longer as the night goes on.

Its not an unusual sight in Britain. Official NHS figures reveal at least one in four people had to wait more than four hours to be seen in A&E in November. More than 45,000 patients were delayed longer than 12 hours.

Yet here at UCLH, there is one way you can get seen earlier. Indeed, for certain members of society, you can get assessed in just 15 minutes.

That privilege goes to undocumented migrants, as well as the homeless and drug addicts, according to its website. Under a scheme called 987 Inclusion Health, patients within those categories needing an urgent assessment can ask for an appointment at A&E and be bumped up the queue on arrival. After initial tests, they are taken directly to a consultant for a more thorough evaluation.

The initiative is aimed at patients who struggle to attend A&E due to the long delays waiting to be seen. And it is just one of several schemes set up across the UK focusing specifically on helping migrants arriving here to get better access to healthcare. Yet, at a time when the NHS is on its knees, dealing with underfunding and chronic staff shortages, critics have questioned whether it is fair that those without a right to live here have what appears to be a priority service in healthcare.

This sums up broken Britain, one said. Another accused the NHS of prioritising diversity over healthcare.

In south London, for example, special walk-in services at community day centres are on offer for refused asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Here, they can receive a full health assessment, treatment of minor illnesses, and referrals to specialist services. In contrast, 15 per cent of locals had to wait at least a week before seeing a doctor in November.

In Stoke-on-Trent, an NHS team is on hand to help failed asylum seekers, many of whom are homeless and destitute with no recourse to public funds, access a GP and dentist. A survey in 2022 found 73 per cent of people in the city struggled to see an NHS dentist.

It is outrageous that those here illegally are prioritised over British taxpayers, and it reinforces, once again, the concern that the NHS has become an international service, not a national health service, says Steve Barclay, the former health secretary. There should not be preferential treatment for those here illegally at our expense, and I think the public will be outraged to discover thats the case. NHS England should give clear answers as to why.

Former health secretary Steve Barclay feels illegal migrants should not receive preferential medical treatment - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

It comes as immigration numbers are soaring, with last year seeing the second-highest number of small boat arrivals on record.

Almost a third more migrants crossed the Channel in small boats after Sir Keir Starmer entered Downing Street in July than in the same period in 2023, Home Office statistics revealed this week.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said last month that the Government had a moral responsibility to tackle Channel crossings, but has failed to set a timetable for when a target for numbers to fall sharply would be met.

In the UK, refused asylum seekers can still register with a GP and receive primary care free of charge, regardless of their immigration status. In Scotland and Wales, they are also entitled to free hospital care on the same terms as any other ordinary resident. In England, any A&E visit is still free, and so too is any diagnosis and treatment of an infectious disease. Any further treatment, though, is charged at 150 per cent of the national NHS rate. However, patients can be exempt from this, too, if they can prove they are unable to return to their home country, or are receiving help from the local authority due to a disability or being made homeless.

The second-highest number of small boat arrivals on record arrived last year - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The NHS was founded on the principle that anyone who needs treatment can receive it free at the point of need, says Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council. He argues it not only benefits the individual involved but the wider public, too. Illnesses and diseases affect everyone and spread indiscriminately.

When one person loses access to healthcare, that clearly becomes a problem for us all, he said.

Thats why the NHS treats everyone, and we welcome the fact that Britains nurses and doctors  many of whom come from migrant and refugee backgrounds themselves  provide healthcare for those seeking asylum so they can access essential medical support when they need it.

Yet Dr Karol Sikora, the leading cancer specialist, questioned prioritising certain categories of people to the front of the queue on a misguided diversity agenda.

The only prioritisation in health care should be the urgency of medical need, especially in the Emergency Department, he said.

A patient thats not breathing properly and going blue needs immediate care whatever their colour, creed or country of origin.

Making reference to the man behind the original NHS, he added: I know the great socialist Aneurin Bevan would have shared my views.

Asylum seekers can register with a GP regardless of their immigration status - Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP via Getty Images

One of the reasons for setting up such medical initiatives is that many migrants dont, in fact, seek help for health problems. Surveys have found they often dont understand the system, struggle with language barriers, or are worried they could be charged thousands for treatment.

A study in 2017 found that among the key deterrents was the need to provide proof of identification, which discouraged many for fear of being deported. The situation worsened during the pandemic, with almost half of all migrants too scared to access healthcare if they became sick, according to a survey by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants.

Rather than providing treatment, several schemes are instead designed to educate migrants on how to navigate the health service. In October, residents in Nottingham were up in arms after the council ring-fenced 684,000 of funding for specialised healthcare access for asylum seekers and refugees over the next five years. That same month, a GP surgery in the city, the Forest Practice, had to close due to a lack of funding. A committee representing local doctors warned that the number of GP surgeries considering closure could reach double figures within the next three years.

However, a council spokesman said that, without the scheme, many migrants would simply not register with doctors or dentists due to difficulties understanding how the system works.

This results in people waiting until their health conditions become more severe, then accessing more acute services such as hospital emergency departments, the spokesman said. This leads to poorer health outcomes for this cohort, and additional strain placed on our over-stretched healthcare system.

NHS England says that the schemes form part of its plan to hit the Governments ambition to reduce health inequality and improve life expectancy across the board by 2035. To do so, it is focusing its efforts on the most deprived 20 per cent of the national population, as well as those who have worse-than-average access, experience and outcomes from NHS services. Making up a large part of these so-called inclusion health groups are vulnerable migrants and refugees. An NHS England spokesman added that the health service was legally required to provide healthcare services to asylum seekers and migrants which are free at the point of use and has a legal duty to address inequalities in access to NHS services.

The Telegraph asked NHS England whether the legal requirement it was referring to names failed migrants as being among the people it needs to ensure are treated within this inclusivity bracket. The organisation declined to respond.

Yet the point for critics is not that sick people are given healthcare, but that asylum seekers appear to be receiving preferential treatment over those with a right to live in the UK.

Guys and St Thomass Hospital, in south-east London, offers a dedicated refugees and asylum seekers service in Lambeth and Southwark. According to the trusts website, those who can benefit from the service include undocumented migrants and asylum seekers who have been refused the right to live here. Many of the services listed resemble those that ordinary Britons routinely wait days or even weeks to see their GP about, including treatment for minor illnesses and ailments medicines reviews, support and management long-term condition reviews, management and referrals.

Patients  who can either book ahead of time or walk in on the day  are seen by a nurse or specialist worker who will go through questions about their general health, before working out a care plan for them, helping them to register with a GP, and potentially carrying out further tests. Guys said it had delivered essential healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers in Lambeth and Southwark for more than 20 years. A source added that the service was set up to address unmet needs in particularly vulnerable people, who have complex health needs that are best managed in these settings. They are different from GP appointments, they added.

Planned care

The service at UCLH, where patients can be seen within 15 minutes, also appears similar to what ordinary Britons might expect at A&E. The hospital is keen to emphasise this is planned care and patients have to make an appointment first before arriving (a service that is still likely to be envied by other patients facing long queues at emergency departments).

A spokesman for the trust said: Our inclusion health service helps people needing support to access healthcare and 987 [Inclusion Health] identifies and treats infectious diseases and minor conditions before they become an emergency, meaning better outcomes for patients and reducing pressure on hospitals.

At Norfolk Street Surgery in Stoke-on-Trent, the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Team has been operating for 23 years. Patients can drop in at any time, according to the website, where they are helped to register with a GP, invited to a tuberculosis and mental health screening, and then referred to either primary or secondary care if needed. On average, the team deals with between 35 and 40 individuals every month, according to Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. In contrast, with 140 surgeries dealing with more than half a million appointments across Staffordshire in November, nearly one in 20 residents had to wait at least four weeks to see a doctor.

Quantifying the quality of service is almost impossible, says Dr Mike Jones, the executive director of Migration Watch UK, a campaign group that argues for clamping down on immigration. But the fact is, you dont really need to quantify anything  its simply giving preferential access. If, for example, a hospital opened a clinic for Welsh speakers like myself, that would rightfully cause outrage. Why should I be preferred over somebody that speaks English? But its precisely the same case here.

Broken Britain

Richard Tice, the Reform UK deputy leader, said: This sums up broken Britain. Whilst hard-working British people are waiting weeks for GP appointments and hours on end in A&E, illegals get to cut to the front of the queue.

The Tories started this and now Labour continue to make a mockery of those that pay into the system for these services.

Reform UK are clear, those that try to come over in boats will be turned back and those that have already come via boats will be deported and not get special treatment.

On Monday, the Prime Minister is set to announce major NHS reforms aimed at helping achieve his top priority target of reducing waiting times.

Patients will be able to get direct referrals from GPs for tests and scans over a range of basic medical conditions including ear, nose and throat, bowel, lung, gynaecological and urological conditions.

The move will mean that patients do not have to go to consultants before booking further checks, potentially shortening waiting times significantly.

More elective services, expected to include hip and knee operations, will also be ring-fenced during busy periods while same-day follow-up consultations will be offered after patients undergo tests.

Trusts that cut waiting times quickly are expected to be in line for an extra 40 million of capital spending.

It comes after Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, announced a 22 billion boost for the NHS in last Octobers Budget but suggested that more tax rises will be needed in future to help fix the health service.

Back at UCLH, one patient smoking outside said he had already been stuck in the queue for three hours to get his leg seen. A London local, he says he left it four days after he was put off by the likelihood of a long wait, but the pain had become too severe. A friend had told him a trick to get in quicker  call an ambulance as theyll take you straight through rather than registering at the front desk  but he decided against it. Its mad really, he says. Thats the only way someone like me could get seen any quicker.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) told The Telegraph: It is vital that all vulnerable members of society, including asylum seekers, are able to access the healthcare they need, and it has been a legal requirement under successive governments for local NHS commissioners to take the right steps through individual contracts to enable this.

Our 26 billion investment in the NHS and reforms to the health service will make sure that its there for everyone, once again.

The Telegraph asked DHSC whether it had mandated the NHS to extend the legal duty to provide care for asylum seekers to failed asylum seekers. The department was yet to respond at the time of publication.
Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gather as members of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and police officials wait to enter the presidential residence in Seoul Photograph: Jeon Heon-Kyun/EPA

As investigators attempted to arrest president Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday morning, his supporters gathered outside the presidential residence waving two national flags: the South Korean Taegukgi alongside the American Stars and Stripes.

To outsiders, the unexpected combination may seem baffling. But to Yoons supporters, America represents more than an ally: its a perceived ideal. The symbolism of the US flag is a declaration of a broader cultural and spiritual order they believe is under threat.

Holding both flags outside Yoons residence on Friday, 74-year-old Pyeong In-su said the police had to be stopped by patriotic citizens and he hoped US president-elect Donald Trump could come to Yoons aid.

I hope after Trumps inauguration he can use his influence to help our country get back on the right track, he said, as he waved both flags with the message: Lets go together in English and Korean.

While pro-Yoon groups criticise their opponents as being subservient to North Korea, they openly venerate the United States.

They frequently remind followers that the US liberated Korea from Japanese colonial rule and defended it during the Korean war of 1950-53, casting America as a divine protector of democracy embedded in Christian values.

Over recent years, these groups, which remain a fringe element of South Korean society, have increasingly adopted rhetoric from the American right, particularly around claims of election fraud.

This narrative has intensified since Yoons short-lived declaration of martial law this December, which he justified by claiming electoral manipulation and the presence of pro-North Korean, anti-state forces  actions that led to his impeachment and current arrest warrant.

With echoes of claims of election denial movements in the US, a Korea Research poll released this week showed that 65% of Yoons conservative People Power Party supporters believe last Aprils parliamentary elections were fraudulent, despite only 29% of the general public sharing this view.

The elections saw the opposition parties including the Democratic party win a decisive victory, securing 192 seats in the 300-seat parliament. No major election observers or court has raised concerns about the vote, with fraud claims debunked as unsubstantiated.

Regardless, the allegations have been amplified through a network of far-right YouTube channels, where conservative commentators livestream the rallies and promote a wide range of conspiracy theories.

These online echo chambers, which Yoon himself has been accused of relying on for information, have become key platforms for spreading unfounded claims and maintaining supporter morale.

In both South Korea and the US, similar tactics have been observed: questioning election integrity, claiming moral authority through religious values, and portraying political opponents as enemies of the state.

The unlikely links between the movements can be traced back to the rise in evangelical Protestant churches in South Korea, which form the backbone of Yoons most ardent support base. Many of these churches were founded by Christians who fled communist persecution in North Korea before the Korean war, embedding a fierce anti-communist ideology into their religious identity.

These churches, including the influential Sarang Jeil church led by populist pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, hold regular rallies in central Seouls Gwanghwamun Square to denounce any opposition as communist forces who deserve the death penalty.

Their weekly gatherings often feature simultaneous English translation on stage and livestreams targeting American audiences, with US bank account details displayed for international donations.

The impeached leader has also tapped into the messaging. On New Years Day, Yoon himself reinforced their narrative in a defiant message to supporters, warning of forces infringing on sovereignty while vowing to fight until the end. He admitted watching their YouTube broadcasts.

At Fridays rally outside his residence, protesters held banners in Korean claiming election fraud and in English, Stop The Steal. When asked for specific evidence of electoral manipulation, none could answer.
Recently, there has been an increase in awareness surrounding mental health issues. The emphasis on the need for top-notch care for those facing mental health challenges is becoming more widespread. Across the world, prominent facilities are paving the way for treatment and groundbreaking therapies. This piece delves into a selection of these leading health centres, discussing their methods and valuable contributions to mental healthcare.

Pioneering Facilities in North America

In North America, there are some of the best mental health facilities in the world. These facilities are recognised for their evidence-backed therapies and wide-ranging services offered to patients in need of support for their mental well-being. They often integrate therapy methods with innovative approaches to develop well-rounded treatment strategies tailored to meet the individual needs of each person seeking help.

Some treatment centres in North America provide group therapy and family counselling alongside conventional therapy sessions to create a sense of community support for individuals seeking lasting recovery assistance. Additionally, modern technologies like teletherapy and virtual support groups are being integrated into facilities to make treatment accessible for those who are unable to attend face-to-face sessions.

European Excellence in Mental Health Care

Europe's standing reputation for its stance towards mental health treatment is well known worldwide. Numerous institutions across Europe are celebrated for their studies and dedication to incorporating health support within the wider healthcare framework. Merging health services with healthcare systems ensures that individuals benefit from holistic care that caters to both their mental and physical well-being.

These facilities frequently emphasise the importance of action. They recognise that timely care can greatly influence one's recovery progress. Such European centres offer a variety of services tailored to needs, from assistance in crises to extended therapy programs. Moreover, they actively engage with communities to educate and combat the stigma associated with mental health problems.

Asia's Innovative Approaches to Mental Wellness

Asia has seen progress in the field of mental health treatment as various nations have developed top-tier facilities focused on mental well-being. These institutions typically combine healing methods with therapeutic approaches to offer a distinctive and culturally mindful form of care.

Nationwide, mental health institutions prioritise the role of family and community support in the recovery journey of individuals seeking help for their mental well-being concerns. Their initiatives commonly incorporate educating and engaging families to establish a support network beyond the facility's confines.

Trailblazing Centres in Australia and Oceania

Australia and Oceania have made progress in the field of mental health treatment by establishing facilities that prioritise patient well-being and employ cutting-edge therapies tailored to each individual's unique requirements.

In this area, the mental health care system stands out for its approach of combining healing methods with modern therapy techniques to provide culturally sensitive and respectful treatment options to individuals in need of assistance with their mental well-being concerns. Alongside this integrated approach is the emphasis on health education within facilities to empower patients and local communities with the information and resources to sustain mental wellness.

Latin America's Contribution to Mental Health Care

Recently, there has been a rising dedication in Latin America to improving mental health care services, and some institutions have emerged as frontrunners in this field. They are known for their comprehensive method of treatment, which considers mental health concerns in relation to societal and cultural elements.

Active participation from the community is vital in the realm of health care in Latin America; numerous facilities emphasize building relationships between patients and nearby resources to aid in recovery efforts by equipping individuals with the tools and motivation to tackle obstacles effectively. Additionally, American establishments deeply value accessibility as a priority when it comes to mental health services, ensuring that everyone has access to them irrespective of their financial status.

Summary

Across the globe, there are mental health institutions that are making remarkable progress in delivering top-notch care and groundbreaking therapies. These facilities, each with their methods and areas of expertise, bring optimism to those confronting health obstacles. By valuing diversity, raising awareness, and focusing on overall well-being, these establishments play a part in a push for better mental well-being. As knowledge expands, the combined endeavours of these organisations will surely pave the way for a future in mental healthcare around the world.
The first safe drug consumption room in the UK will open in Glasgow on January 13, the council has confirmed.

The facility will allow drug users to take illegal substances under medical supervision with the hopes they will seek further support to tackle their addiction.

It was hoped the facility could open last year, but final checks to the water and ventilation systems pushed its opening back.

Located on Hunter Street in the citys east end, the facility  known as the Thistle  will operate between 9am and 9pm, 365 days a year.

Councillor Allan Casey, convener for addiction services at Glasgow City Council, said: We are obviously delighted that the required tests have now concluded and the facility can open on Monday January 13.

We have been pushing for a safer drug consumption facility for some time.

Its a welcome relief to know we can finally have people in to access the service and support available within the Thistle.

We know from all the other safer drug consumption rooms in operation across the world that they do make a difference.

While the idea of a drugs consumption room was first proposed in 2016 following an HIV outbreak in the city, its development was embroiled in years of political wrangling between the Scottish and UK governments.

But in 2023, Scotlands Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC announced it would not be in the public interest to prosecute people using such a facility.

The pilot project is in the same building as a current drug treatment facility and was approved by the Glasgow City Integration Joint Board in September 2023.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: I welcome the opening of the UKs first Safer Drug Consumption facility which the Scottish Government is providing 2.3 million for, as evidence from over 100 facilities worldwide tells us it will save lives.

The facility forms part of our five-year, 250 million National Mission to address the drugs deaths emergency, which includes a range of other actions such as a target of 1,000 funded residential rehabilitation places, working towards the establishment of drug-checking facilities and widening access to life-saving naloxone.
This image taken from video, shows a small plane about to crash into a commercial building in Fullerton, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (RUCCI FORGED via AP)

FULLERTON, Calif. (AP)  Two people died and 19 were injured Thursday when a small plane crashed through the roof of a sprawling furniture manufacturing building in Southern California where at least 200 people were working, police said.

The people who died were believed to have been on the plane, while those injured were inside the building. The deceased victims will be identified after officials have contacted the next of kin, the Fullerton Police Department said in a statement.

Eleven people were taken to hospitals, while eight were treated and released at the scene, police said. The injuries ranged from minor to very serious, said Michael Meacham, Fullerton deputy chief of fire operations.

Eliott Simpson, a National Transportation Safety Board aviation accident investigator, said the pilot asked for an immediate return to the airport at about 900 feet (274 meters) and the tower confirmed it could immediately land. The pilot did not say why he needed to return.

The plane crashed less than two minutes after taking off from the Fullerton Municipal Airport in Orange County, located 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Disneyland, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware. The crash occurred about 1,000 feet (305 meters) short of Runway 24, Simpson said.

Security camera footage from Rucci Forged, a wheel manufacturer across the street, shows the plane was tilted on its side as it dove into the building, causing a fiery explosion and black plume of smoke.

Firefighters and police arrived on scene and battled the blaze and evacuated surrounding businesses, Fullerton police spokesperson Kristy Wells said.

Chris Villalobos, an airport operations worker, came to the warehouse to see what had happened after receiving a phone call about a plane going down nearby. He noted the airplane's owner was a regular at the airport and has frequently taken off from there.

He has a hangar here and everything, Villalobos said.

After taking off, the pilot told air traffic control he was going to turn around to make an emergency landing, but it was unclear what the issue with the plane was, Villalobos said.

The building struck by the plane was occupied by Michael Nicholas Designs, a furniture upholstery manufacturer, according to a sign on a door. There appeared to be sewing machines and textile stock inside.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the accident and identified the plane as a single-engine, four-seat Van's RV-10. Simpson of the NTSB said the aircraft was built in 2011 and is a popular "kit-built airplane.

The airport in Fullerton has one runway and a heliport. Metrolink, a regional train line, is nearby and flanks a residential neighborhood and commercial warehouse buildings.

The Fullerton City Council posted a statement on social media calling the crash a solemn tragedy.

The City of Fullerton is committed to providing support for all those affected and working with the agencies involved to uncover the details of this incident, Mayor Fred Jung said in the statement. We are grateful for the strength of our community and the compassion we show one another in times of crisis.

Another four-seat plane crashed into a tree a half-mile from the airport in November while making an emergency landing shortly after takeoff, The Orange County Register reported. Both people on board suffered moderate injuries.

Fullerton is a city of about 140,000 people about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles.

___

Associated Press writers Amy Taxin in Orange County, California, and Hallie Golden in Seattle and photographer Eugene Garcia in Fullerton, California, contributed.
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change.

Is "The Brutalist" building the foundation for a best picture run? Could "Anora" seduce everyone this awards season? Or might those "Wicked" witches defy gravity  and stiff competition  on the way to Oscar glory come March 2?

A new year means a whole new ballgame, and although no movie stands as a massive favorite so far, Sunday's 82nd Golden Globe Awards (CBS, 8 p.m. EST/5 PST, and streaming live on Paramount+ with Showtime) will begin to make the road to the 97th Academy Awards a little clearer. Heavyweights like "Brutalist" and "Conclave" will battle for best drama, while "Anora" and "Wicked" are tussling with "Emilia Perez" (which boasts a leading 10 nominations) in the best musical/comedy category. And we'll see if Globe-winning A-listers such as Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington have the golden touch again at this year's event, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser.

Watch the Golden Globes with a Fubo FREE trial

USA TODAY predicts who will win (and who should) in the top film categories:

Best drama

Hungarian-Jewish architect Laszlo Toth (Adrien Brody) shows off his plans for a grand new building in the historical drama "The Brutalist."

The Brutalist

A Complete Unknown

Conclave

Dune: Part Two

Nickel Boys

September 5

Will win/should win: "The Brutalist"

It's a strong contingent of dramas, from Bob Dylan biopic "Complete Unknown" to papal thriller "Conclave" to innovative coming-of-age film "Nickel Boys," most of which we'll see again when Oscar nominations arrive later this month. "The Brutalist" was the best movie of 2024 and Brady Corbet's monumental period epic is the head of this class as well, a riveting look at the immigrant experience and a dark take on the American dream.

Best comedy or musical

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo, left) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) are off to see the Wizard in "Wicked," directed by Jon M. Chu.

Anora

Challengers

Emilia Perez

A Real Pain

The Substance

Wicked

Will win: "Wicked'

Should win: "The Substance"

Bold and showy, the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical "Wicked" has won audience's hearts and likely has the edge over Cinderella stripper story "Anora," a critical darling, and the Spanish-language musical crime thriller "Emilia." But come on, there's only one real choice here: the brash, bonkers and bloody brilliant "Substance," a go-for-broke horror movie tackling aging and identity with a never-better Demi Moore.

Best actor in a drama

Colman Domingo stars as a talented convict who helps lead a theatrical troupe of fellow prisoners in "Sing Sing."

Adrien Brody, The Brutalist

Timothee Chalamet, A Complete Unknown

Daniel Craig, Queer

Colman Domingo, Sing Sing

Ralph Fiennes, Conclave

Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice

Will win: Brody

Should win: Domingo

Fun fact: Adrien Brody won a best actor Oscar for "The Pianist" in 2003 but didn't win the Globe, losing to Jack Nicholson. It's a safe bet that won't happen here for "The Brutalist," again playing a Holocaust survivor in the tale of a Hungarian-Jewish architect making a life in America. Yet there's no one in this lineup, even a mighty Brody, that matches the sheer emotion and gripping heart of Domingo's theater-loving convict in "Sing Sing."

Best actress in a drama

Angelina Jolie stars as the legendary soprano Maria Callas in the musical biopic "Maria."

Pamela Anderson, The Last Showgirl

Angelina Jolie, Maria

Nicole Kidman, Babygirl

Tilda Swinton, The Room Next Door

Fernanda Torres, Im Still Here

Kate Winslet, Lee

Will win: Jolie

Should win: Kidman

Like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Judy" before it, the music biopic "Maria" is a case of the performance being better than the movie  in this case, Jolie giving life to opera legend Maria Callas in her final days. The category is hers to lose, even though Kidman has a quietly powerful and quite visceral turn in "Babygirl" as a middle-aged CEO who gets involved with a younger employee and becomes caught up in his kinky games.

Best actor in a comedy or musical

Sebastian Stan plays an insecure man whose life spirals when he gets a life-changing operation in "A Different Man."

Jesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain

Hugh Grant, Heretic

Gabriel LaBelle, Saturday Night

Jesse Plemons, Kinds of Kindness

Glen Powell, Hit Man

Sebastian Stan, A Different Man

Will win/should win: Stan

There's something to love with all the actors in this group, from rom-com icon Grant as a cleverly crafted horror villain to new Hollywood favorite Powell's best all-around work to date. Then there's Stan, who is downright extraordinary in the meta dark comedy "Different Man" as an aspiring actor with a facial disfigurement who embarks on an experimental treatment that "fixes" him physically but doesn't cure his crippling insecurity.

Best actress in a comedy or musical

Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn) and Ani (Mikey Madison) elope in Vegas in the dramedy "Anora."

Amy Adams, Nightbitch

Cynthia Erivo, Wicked

Karla Sofia Gascon, Emilia Perez

Mikey Madison, Anora

Demi Moore, The Substance

Zendaya, Challengers

Will win: Madison

Should win: Gascon

This could be the first round of a two-woman best actress Oscar contest between Madison, the acclaimed breakout of "Anora," and Erivo, the impressive heart and soul of "Wicked." Madison has an edge at this point, given the indie love for her role as a feisty Brooklyn sex worker. Yet in this packed field where everyone's pretty fabulous, talented trans newcomer Gascon stands out as a former drug kingpin trying to make amends in her new life as a woman.

Best supporting actor

The mercurial Benji (Kieran Culkin) goes on an emotional and eye-opening trip to Poland with his cousin in the dramedy "A Real Pain."

Yura Borisov, Anora

Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain

Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown

Guy Pearce, The Brutalist

Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice

Denzel Washington, Gladiator II

Will win: Culkin

Should win: Borisov

At least one actor runs the awards-season table all the way to an Oscar win, and thus far the most likely to rule is Culkin, who bounces from his brash "Succession" role to that of a similarly mercurial rabble-rouser on an eye-opening trip in "A Real Pain." However, in this field with great outings also from Norton, Pearce and Washington, Burisov phenomenally takes what's essentially a background henchman role and makes his empathetic thug shine.

Best supporting actress

Zoe Saldana (center) plays a lawyer and confidante of a former drug lord (Karla Sofia Gascon) in the musical crime thriller "Emilia Perez."

Selena Gomez, Emilia Perez

Ariana Grande, Wicked

Felicity Jones, The Brutalist

Margaret Qualley, The Substance

Isabella Rossellini, Conclave

Zoe Saldana, Emilia Perez

Will win: Grande

Should win: Saldana

Barring some unforeseen surprise, expect the Oscar supporting actress race to come down to either Grande or Saldana, with whoever wins Sunday grabbing the pole position. As much fun as a Qualley upset would be, Grande should get the Globe with her comedically self-obsessed performance as popular girl Glinda. Just don't sleep on Saldana perhaps being the ultimate winner come March, given her complex role (and frequent singing) as a thoughtful lawyer.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesnt influence our coverage.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden Globe predictions 2025: Who from nominations list will win?
A 6-year-old boy was killed and multiple residents were taken to the hospital with injuries after a fire at an apartment complex in New Jersey Thursday afternoon, officials said.

Multiple people called authorities about the fire, which happened at a multiple-unit complex in Ewing Township, just north of Trenton.

The calls came in around 3 p.m. Thursday and callers reported seeing heavy smoke and flames coming from the front of the building, the Ewing Police Department said in a news release.

Both police and Ewing fire officials rushed to the scene. Once there, witnesses told officers about a child trapped on the fourth floor, where the fire started. Officers evacuated the building and tried to reach the main apartment on the fourth floor, running into heavy smoke and flames.

The fire department was able to reach the fourth floor apartment and find the 6-year-old boy, police said. The boy was rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, where he later died.

Police said altogether, 13 officers, 1 firefighter and 3 residents were taken to hospitals for minor burns, smoke inhalation and exhaustion.

Authorities do not know what caused the fire but said the Ewing Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutors Office are investigating.

The fire is not thought to be suspicious at this time, police wrote in the news release.

In a statement to USA TODAY Friday morning, the American Red Cross said its teams in New Jersey provided meals for impacted families, as well as guidance on next steps they can take.

As of Friday, the team is helping those displaced and assigning caseworkers to each family, said American Red Cross National Headquarters spokesperson Stephanie Fox.

"For those that remain hospitalized, we stand ready to support them as well upon their release," Fox wrote in the statement. "Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with those affected."

The nonprofit did not confirm the number of residents displaced but local television station WPVI reported 12 condos were damaged by the fire and 16 residents had been displaced.

Authorities ask that anyone with information call Ewing Police Detective David Hartmann at (609) 882-1313 ext. 7544.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Jersey apartment fire: 6-year-old killed after blaze in Ewing
By David Shepardson, Tim Kelly and Katya Golubkova

WASHINGTON/TOKYO (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden is poised to officially block Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9-billion purchase of U.S. Steel, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday, dealing a probably fatal blow to the contentious merger plan.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) spent months reviewing the deal for national security risks but referred the decision to Biden in December, after failing to reach consensus.

His decision could come as soon as Friday, despite the concerns of some of his senior advisers that it could hurt ties with key Asian ally Tokyo, according to the Washington Post, which first reported the news.

The newspaper cited two administration officials who were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

Shares of U.S. Steel were down 7.8% in pre-market trade following the reports. Japan's stock market was closed on Friday for a public holiday.

Spokespersons for the White House and Nippon Steel declined comment.

U.S. Steel directed Reuters to its Thursday statement that it hoped "Biden will do the right thing and adhere to the law by approving a transaction that so clearly enhances U.S. national and economic security."

Nippon paid a hefty premium to clinch the purchase of the No.2 U.S. steel producer in a December 2023 auction, but the deal faced opposition from the powerful United Steelworkers union (USW), as well as politicians.

Biden has previously said he wants U.S. Steel to stay domestically owned and run, while President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to block a foreign takeover of the storied American firm after he takes office on January 20.

RISKY BUSINESS

In a November letter, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged Biden to approve the merger so as to avoid marring recent efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries, Reuters has exclusively reported.

A spokesperson for Ishiba could not be reached for comment on Friday and Japan's trade ministry declined to comment, saying there had been no formal announcement of a decision.

Japan is a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific, where China's economic and military rise has raised concerns in Washington, along with threats from North Korea.

It is also the top investor in the United States and Keidanren, its biggest business lobby, has previously aired concerns that the review was facing political pressure.

Blocking the deal may dissuade international investors from bidding for politically sensitive U.S. companies with a unionized workforce in the short term, said Alistair Ramsey, vice president of steel research at consultancy Rystad Energy.

"Big bids are a risky idea less than 12 months from a presidential election, but big steel producers with traditional operating furnaces, such as Nippon Steel, see the U.S. as an excellent place to produce steel in the long term, despite the market depression there," he added.

Nippon has vowed to fight in the courts any decision to halt the deal, but lawyers including Nick Wall, M&A partner at Allen & Overy, have said mounting any such legal challenge against the U.S. government would be tough.

The two companies had sought to assuage concerns over the merger. Nippon offered to move its U.S. headquarters to Pittsburgh, where the U.S. steelmaker is based, and promised to honor all agreements in place between U.S. Steel and USW.

This week, a source familiar with the matter said Nippon Steel had also 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 Biden's approval.

"It is difficult to fully understand the risks involved in Nippon Steel's potential acquisition of U.S. Steel," said a Japanese government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as did the other sources.

"Nippon Steel has done everything to eliminate risks related to economic securities, including committing not to reduce production."

Nippon Steel faces a $565-million penalty payment to U.S. Steel following the deal's collapse, set to prompt a major rethink of its overseas-focused growth strategy.

With the acquisition of U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel aimed to raise its global output capacity to 85 million metric tons a year from 65 million now, nearing its long-term goal of taking capacity to 100 million tons.

U.S. Steel has previously said the deal's failure would put at risk thousands of jobs and it might be forced to close some steel mills, an assertion the USW union called baseless threats and intimidation.

But Atilla Widnell, managing director at Singapore-based trade consultancy Navigate Commodities, said any decision to block the deal was "misguided".

"Nippon Steel is a bona fide operator of overseas assets with a strong and successful track record," said Widnell.

"Even more so, U.S. Steel has acknowledged its assets are in dire need of new large-scale investment and it will not be able to sustain its operational capacity and production in its current state."

(Additional reporting by Devika Nair, Kanishka Singh, Alexandra Alper, Yuka Obayashi, Satoshi Sugiyama, Yoshifumi Takemoto, Sakura Murakami, Nobuhiro Kubo and Amy Lv; Writing by Lincoln Feast and John Geddie; Editing by Neil Fullick and Clarence Fernandez)
We may earn money from links on this page, but commission does not influence what we write or the products we recommend. AOL upholds a rigorous editorial process to ensure what we publish is fair, accurate and trustworthy.

Think that negotiating your auto insurance policy with your agent can lower your premium? Or that full coverage protects your car against ... well, everything? You might be surprised to learn these commonly held beliefs simply don't match reality  and might actually be costing you money.

Understanding how your auto insurance coverage works and what actually affects your policy rates can help you avoid paying too much for the exact coverage you need.

From minimum coverage requirements to whether age affects what you pay, we separate fact from fiction when it comes to your auto insurance, including tips for saving on your next policy.

In this article:

Myth #1: The legally required minimum coverage is all you need

Buying only your state's minimum required auto insurance might seem like a smart way to save money, but this approach could end up costing you significantly more down the road.

"Sure, it meets state requirements," says Ramzy Ladah, a personal injury attorney at Ladah Law Firm, "but when an accident happens, it's not always close to enough. Think about a bad crash, where there's a lot of damage or someone gets seriously hurt  minimum coverage might not even begin to cover the costs, and then youre stuck paying the rest out of pocket."

A commonly required liability insurance is $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. Here's how it breaks down:

$25,000/$50,000 for personal injury (PI) liability. The first two numbers mean that your insurance helps pay up to $25,000 in bodily injury per person and $50,000 in total bodily injury per accident to cover medical costs for others involved in an accident you caused.

$25,000 in property damage (PD) liability. The last number means that your policy helps pay up to $25,000 for property damage per accident to cover costs to repair or replace other vehicles or structures in an accident you caused.

On top of basic liability coverage, some states also require enhanced protections that include:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Covers medical expenses, lost wages and other costs for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury (UM/UIM BI). Protects you if you're hit by a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your medical costs.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage (UM/UIM PD). Covers damage to your vehicle caused by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Medical payments. Sometimes called MedPay, helps pay medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, working alongside your health insurance to cover deductibles and copays.

Lets say you carry the minimum coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. If you cause an accident that results in $75,000 in medical bills for the other driver and passengers as well as $30,000 in property damage, you could be personally responsible for:

$25,000 in excess medical costs (after your $50,000 limit)

$5,000 in excess property damage (after your $25,000 limit)

The medical and damage claims from this accident could leave you with $30,000 or more in out-of-pocket expenses.

 Legal risks: Facing insurance claims that exceed your liability coverage puts your assets  including your home, vehicle, savings and investments  at risk in the event of a lawsuit.

Thats why its important to have more than your states minimum liability insurance to protect your assets from potential legal consequences. Some people also carry umbrella insurance, a form of supplemental liability insurance that could kick in after your auto coverage is used up.

 Expert tip: Many in the insurance industry and consumer groups recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident, along with $100,000 of property damage protection per accident.

Dig deeper: Do you need full-coverage car insurance? When its necessary  and when you might skip it

Myth #2: Your red car will cost more to insure

One of the most persistent myths about auto insurance is that insurance companies charge more to insure red cars. Yet this common belief simply isn't true.

As John Beck, a founding partner at Beck & Beck Car Accident Lawyers, explains, "Insurance companies don't care about the color of your car. They're looking at things like your driving history, how much you drive and what kind of car you have. A red sedan and a blue one with the same specs are going to be treated exactly the same."

Insurance companies focus on factors that actually affect risk and repair costs:

Make and model of the vehicle

Safety features and crash test ratings

Engine size and performance capabilities

Overall repair costs and parts availability

Likelihood of theft for that particular model

"The color of a vehicle does not affect insurance rates at all," confirms Michael Orefice of SmartFinancial Insurance. "However, even though a car insurer will not rate a driver higher on the color of their car, black cars seem to be involved in the most accidents whereas white cars, which are more visible, tend to be involved in fewer accidents."

Most insurance companies don't ask about your cars color before offering you an auto policy. However, dark-colored vehicles may be harder to see in low-light conditions or bad weather, potentially leading to more accidents. And more accidents mean more claims, which could eventually increase your insurance premiums.

Another factor to keep in mind is the cost of your cars specific color. According to a report from car paint manufacturer Axalta, the most popular colors in North America are white, gray and black, while yellow, gold and green are among the least popular.

The availability and demand for a specific color can affect the car's market. A higher price tag matters for your insurance because it affects your full coverage, which helps cover damage from accidents with other vehicles or objects as well as from things like theft, vandalism or damage from falling trees.

If you're financing your car, you might also need gap coverage, which pays the difference between what you owe on your loan and what your car is worth if it's totaled. If your cars color comes at a higher price, it may indirectly have a small impact on the cost of these protections.

Dig deeper: Situations your standard car insurance won't cover (and how to stay protected)

Myth #3: Car insurance is more expensive for senior drivers

Contrary to popular belief, getting older doesn't automatically mean paying more for car insurance.

William J. Odom, CEO of Houston-based Deerfield Advisors, says, "Mature drivers who maintain a clean record can often avail of lower premiums due to their experience and lower-risk behavior."

What actually affects senior driver rates are the same factors for all drivers, starting with a clean driving record, low annual mileage and safety on the road.

Recent data from Progressive shows a clear pattern in how age affects car insurance rates, with rates typically decreasing from ages 19 to 34 and then stabilizing or declining moderately until age 75.

Age Average monthly rate Change Ages 17 and under $247.28 - Age 18 $271.92 +10% Ages 19 to 20 $242.40 -11% Ages 21 to 22 $215.04 -11% Ages 23 to 24 $189.78 -12% Ages 25 to 29 $168.86 -11% Ages 30 to 34 $159.72 -5% Ages 35 to 39 $156.13 -2% Ages 40 to 44 $151.81 -3% Ages 45 to 49 $151.61 0% Ages 50 to 54 $141.85 -6% Ages 55 to 64 $128.60 -9% Ages 65 to 74 $122.26 -5% Ages 75 and older $127.96 +5% Source: Progressive policies sold from September 2023 to August 2024

For senior drivers, rates hit their lowest point between ages 65 to 74, averaging $122.26 monthly. After 75, premiums begin climbing again, increasing about 5% to $127.96. This uptick reflects higher accident risks and potentially more severe injuries among older drivers, according to CDC data.

Here's how you can keep rates low, no matter your age:

Maintain a driving record that's free of violations

Keep your annual mileage low

Drive a car with vehicle safety features

Complete a defensive driving course

Enroll in a telematics program

Bundle your auto insurance with home or other policies

Shop around for quotes every 6 to 12 months

 Keep in mind: Telematics devices track your driving behavior, location and other personal data, which can present a privacy risk and may lead to higher premiums. Read the fine print to determine whether the savings are worth it for you.

Seniors and retirees may find ways to save on car insurance by looking for senior discounts or switching to insurers that serve specific groups, such as The Hartford for AARP members ages 50 or older and USAA for veterans and people with military connections.

 Expert tip: Modern vehicles with advanced safety features often qualify for insurance discounts. Look for cars with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control. These technologies not only make driving safer but can reduce your premium with many insurers.

Dig deeper: Whens the best time to shop for car insurance? (It could be right now)

Myth #4: You can negotiate your auto insurance rates

Although you take pride in your negotiation skills, you aren't likely to be able to haggle with your insurance company to lower your rates. What you can do is to ask your current insurer about bundling and other discounts you might qualify for money. Otherwise, your best way to save money is to shop around for a new insurer before your current policy expires.

"While there is very little wiggle room after being rated and applying all discounts and bundles, it's not true that every insurer will give you the same rate or offer the same discounts," says Michael Orefice of SmartFinancial Insurance in California. "There's great variance amongst them, and a car owner won't know which insurer will give them the best rate until they compare quotes and inquire about savings options."

Analyzing more than 2 billion car insurance quotes, Consumer Reports found the average annual premium people pay varies significantly from one insurer to another:

Average annual premium by insurer USAA $817 State Farm $1,147 GEICO $1,177 Progressive $1,414 Allstate $1,570 Source: Consumer Reports

This data reveals a $753 difference between the highest and lowest average premiums among major insurers. The study further found that new customers pay significantly different rates depending on their choice of insurer, even with identical driving profiles and coverage levels.

Your credit score is among a number of core factors that influence your insurance premium. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan are the only states that prohibit insurance companies from using credit scores to determine auto insurance rates.

In the remaining 46 states, the impact of your credit score on insurance costs varies dramatically, leaving poor-credit drivers paying $1,301 more in premiums each year on average compared to drivers with excellent credit. Even the difference between good credit and excellent credit can result in paying $68 to $526 more annually.

So while you can't directly negotiate your insurance rate, you can influence the factors that determine it. First, work on improving your credit score, since most insurers use it to calculate premiums.

And don't stay loyal to one insurer expecting better rates. Instead, shop around to compare new rates around every six months or about three to four weeks before your current policy expires to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Dig deeper: Beyond your driving record: Can your credit score affect your car insurance rates?

Myth #5: If a loved one crashes your car, that driver's insurance covers it

When sharing your car with family or friends, you should keep in mind how it may affect your insurance premium.

"Insurance follows the car, not the driver," says Ladah. "So even if it's not your fault, your policy might have to step in first. And if the other person doesn't have insurance or enough of it, you're the one left dealing with the aftermath."

Insurance companies consider your car's history when calculating premiums  and not just the driver's history. This means if a driver borrowing your car gets into an accident, even a minor fender bender could increase your rates at renewal time. This is true even if the person who borrowed your car wasnt at fault.

"After an accident, both drivers' rates increase, only more for the at-fault driver," adds Orefice. And these rate increases can last from three to five years.

The financial impact typically increases with more serious accidents. If a driver borrows your car and is in a major collision with injuries, your insurance rates could spike significantly. Even worse, if the damages exceed your policy limits, you may face personal liability for any remaining costs. It's why you should carefully consider who you allow to drive your vehicle, especially younger drivers or those you don't know well.

While sharing your car with family and friends is part of life, consider adding to your insurance policy anyone who uses your car more than 10 to 12 times a year. While most car insurance providers allow lending your car every now and then, being transparent about who regularly drives it can help you avoid denied claims and policy cancellation in the future.

Dig deeper: Does your auto insurance cover guests? What you should know before sharing your car

What to compare when shopping for car insurance

While everybody loves a deal, the price of your policy shouldn't be your only consideration. Weigh these key factors before switching to a new insurer or policy to make sure you're getting the best value for your budget, vehicle and driving habits:

Coverage types and limits. Compare the cost of basic coverage  liability, collision and comprehensive  and additional coverage that you might need to stay safe, like rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance and gap insurance. A cheaper policy might help you manage your budget easily right now but offer insufficient coverage when you need it most.

Deductible options. Weigh how different deductible levels affect your premium. While increasing your deductible from $1,000 to $500 can save you money, make sure your emergency savings is healthy enough to cover the higher amount after an accident or claim.

Stackable discounts. Ask about discounts you're eligible for, such as those for safe drivers, low-mileage drivers, bundling policies, defensive driving courses or payment discounts for autopay or paying in full  even affiliate discounts for members of AAA or specific credit unions. Most major insurers allow you to stack discounts, helping you to save more money.

Customer and claims support. Don't lose sight of your goal: getting help at your most vulnerable on the road. Read customer reviews and complaints on unbiased review sites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, Reddit forums and the Better Business Bureau.

Financial strength and reputation. Check that your insurer's earned strong ratings from agencies like A.M. Best, which indicates a company's financial strength to pay claims reliably. Check how long the insurer's been in business in your state and their track record with insurance regulators.

Dig deeper: How to switch car insurance companies: 5 simple steps  and why it pays to shop around

Learn more about car insurance and saving money

FAQs: What to know about car insurance and your savings

With many car insurance myths floating around, here are essential facts you should know when shopping for a new policy or understanding your current policy. And take a look at our growing library of personal finance guides that can help you save money, earn money and grow your wealth.

Is it better to have collision or comprehensive coverage?

Both coverages serve different but important purposes. Collision insurance pays to repair your car after accidents with other vehicles or objects, while comprehensive handles damage from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, weather and falling objects.

Combining both types allows for stronger protection of your vehicle and passengers. However, you might be able to drop one or both protections in specific circumstances. For example, if youll keep a car in your home garage for a while without driving it, you might not need collision insurance. Learn more in our guide to full-coverage car insurance.

Why are drivers under age 25 charged higher insurance rates?

Insurance companies typically charge higher rates for drivers under 25 based on statistical data showing a significantly higher risk of accidents and insurance claims for this age group. A lack of experience behind the wheel, combined with data that shows young adults more likely to engage in speeding, distracted driving and other risky behaviors results in insurers classifying these drivers as higher-risk clients that require higher premiums to offset potential claims.

Can a car insurer charge me different rates based on my gender?

Yes. In most states, it's legal for insurance companies to consider gender when setting rates, with only seven states prohibiting this practice:

California

Hawaii

Massachusetts

Michigan

Montana

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

In states where this practice is allowed, insurers can charge different rates based on statistical crash data showing certain gender and age groups have higher accident risks.

How much should I keep in an emergency fund?

Most advice suggests your starter fund should be at least $1,000, but you may consider a fund thats half of your monthly expenses to cover such unexpected situations as a car accident or needed vehicle repairs. If youre gainfully employed  especially if youre the main breadwinner for the family  the rule of thumb is three to six months worth of expenses in an emergency fund that can keep your finances afloat after a job loss. Learn more about how to maintain your rainy-day reserves in our guide to building an emergency fund on any budget.

Sources

About the writer

Yahia Barakah is a personal finance writer at AOL with over a decade of experience in finance and investing. As a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF), he combines his economics expertise with a passion for financial literacy to simplify complex retirement, banking and credit topics. He loves empowering people to make informed financial decisions that improve their everyday and long-term wellness. Yahia's expertise has been featured on FinanceBuzz, FX Empire and EarnForex. Based in Florida, he balances his love for finance with freediving, hiking and underwater photography.

Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner
Beijing is planning to curb the export of technology used to extract minerals critical for the growth of the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, as a tech rivalry with Washington escalates ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump later this month.

China also wants to add battery cathode technology to its list of controlled exports, according to a notice published Thursday by the Commerce Ministry soliciting public comment, on top of the proposed restrictions on technology related to producing lithium and gallium.

If approved, the new additions would form a future round of export controls imposed by China on a slew of critical materials and the technology needed to produce them, which are crucial to manufacturing semiconductors and EV batteries.

Asked about the proposal during a regular press conference on Friday, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, said: What we can tell you as a principle is that China implements fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory export control measures.

The plan was announced a month after China banned outright the sale of a number of materials crucial for the production of semiconductors and other tech  including gallium, germanium, antimony and other super hard materials  to the US. That was in response to fresh export controls on US-made semiconductors imposed by the outgoing Joe Biden administration.

The latest proposal could be a resource weaponization strategy to secure a bargaining chip ahead of Trumps second term, Liz Lee, an associate director at Counterpoint Research, told CNN.

If implemented, a ban or restriction could significantly strengthen (Chinas) dominance in the battery ecosystem, especially to boost its supply chain for EV batteries, she said. Depending on the level of export controls, it could be problematic for Western lithium producers who want to use Chinese technology to produce lithium, which is one of the core materials for battery cathodes.

China dominates the global industry for materials such as gallium, a soft metal commonly used to produce compounds that can make radio frequency chips for mobile phones and satellite communication, and lithium, which is ubiquitous in daily life because it is used to make batteries for everything from smartphones and laptops to EVs.

Adam Webb, head of battery raw materials at consultancy Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, told Reuters news agency that Chinas proposal would help it retain its 70% grip on the global processing of lithium.

These proposed measures would be a move to maintain this high market share and to secure lithium chemical production for Chinas domestic battery supply chains, he was quoted as saying.

A worker transports parts to the assembly line of electric cars at a Leap Motors plant in Jinhua in east China's Zhejiang province on November 26, 2024. - Larry Leung/Feature China/Future Publishing/Getty Images

While an iPhone needs only a small amount of lithium, an average EV battery needs about eight kilograms (18 pounds) of it. Thats why any new restriction on lithium extraction technology could be particularly important as global demand grows for electric cars. The International Energy Agency says the world is on track to meet only 50% of lithium demand by 2035.

Global demand for lithium-ion batteries is expected to soar over the next 10 years, McKinsey wrote in 2023, with the number of gigawatt hours required growing from about 700 in 2022 to around 4,700 by 2030.

Lee said Chinese policymakers will have to consider the global ambitions of Chinese EV and battery makers when they decide on any restrictions, which could trigger retaliation from the West. EV giant BYD makes its own batteries and is expanding aggressively overseas, while CATL, the worlds biggest battery manufacturer, accounts for 40% of the EV battery market.

Separately on Thursday, the Commerce Ministry added 28 US companies and entities, including major defense contractors Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, to its export control list for the first time.

The export control list, which regulates the sale of dual-use technology and is modeled on the US Commerce Departments Entity List, was introduced in November.

CNNs Fred He contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The debt ceiling returned on January 2, but Congress has several months to address it before the nation could default on its obligations. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

The nations debt ceiling was reinstated Thursday, giving congressional Republicans yet another divisive challenge to contend with in 2025.

President-elect Donald Trump is demanding that GOP lawmakers address the limit before he takes office on January 20, but lawmakers have some time since the US is likely months away from a potential first-ever default on its obligations.

The new ceiling is the amount of outstanding debt subject to the limit at the end of the previous day. That figure stood at just over $36.1 trillion on December 31, up from $31.4 trillion in June 2023, when the cap was suspended as part of the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act.

But in a technical quirk, the nation wont actually be at the limit on Thursday, allowing the Treasury Department to continue borrowing for a little longer to pay the federal governments bills in full and on time. The debt level is projected to dip by $54 billion that day due to the scheduled redemption of certain securities, according to a letter Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen sent to congressional leaders on Friday afternoon.

Therefore, the US isnt expected to reach the reinstated limit until sometime between January 14 and January 23, Yellen wrote in her letter. It will then be necessary for the Treasury Department to start taking so-called extraordinary measures to prevent a default. Thats because the nation spends more than it receives in revenue, and it has to borrow to cover the difference. But it cant once it hits the debt limit.

Yellen  or the acting agency leader if the limit is reached after Trumps inauguration on January 20  will inform Congress at that time and outline how the department will proceed. The letter also will likely provide lawmakers with an estimate of when these efforts could be exhausted, or the so-called X date.

Treasurys cash and extraordinary measures should last for at least several months after the first quarter of 2025, according to an early analysis by the Bipartisan Policy Center.

The federal government will begin 2025 with significantly more cash on hand compared to the start of the most recent debt limit debate in 2023, said Shai Akabas, executive director of the centers economic policy program. This cushion, followed by the buoy of extraordinary measures and April tax receipts, means that the debt limit will not be the first deadline Congress faces in the new year. Each bill they work on in the coming months offers an opportunity for a timely debt limit resolution.

Just how long Congress has to handle its debt ceiling dilemma depends heavily on the amount of federal tax revenue collected this spring, the pace at which supplemental disaster assistance funds are spent, additional federal spending legislation and the health of the economy, according to the center.

Just what would happen if the nation actually defaults on its debt is unknown because its never happened. The Treasury Department would have to decide what bills to pay  including Social Security benefits and federal workers salaries  based on the revenue it receives daily. A default could also roil the global economy and stock markets and likely prompt yields on US Treasuries to rise, increasing borrowing costs.

Congressional challenge

Although Republicans will control Capitol Hill this year, it wont be easy for the partys leaders to address the debt ceiling, especially if they opt to craft legislation without Democratic support. Since the GOP will hold a super-slim majority in the House, Speaker Mike Johnson wont be able to afford many defections, particularly among conservative lawmakers, who have demanded that any increase or suspension of the limit be accompanied by spending cuts.

Trump, however, is ramping up the pressure on congressional Republicans. He derailed a bipartisan temporary government spending agreement last month by demanding the GOP deal with the debt ceiling as part of the package. Ultimately, Congress passed a short-term funding bill without a debt ceiling provision.

The president-elect reiterated his demands on Sunday.

The Democrats must be forced to take a vote on this treacherous issue NOW, during the Biden Administration, and not in June, Trump posted on Truth Social. They should be blamed for this potential disaster, not the Republicans!

GOP leaders in the House last month floated an idea to raise the debt limit by $1.5 trillion in 2025 as part of a first reconciliation package, which may include border security and energy measures. The legislation would also include $2.5 trillion in cuts to net mandatory spending, aimed at satisfying conservative members who oppose increasing the debt ceiling without accompanying cuts.

Republicans are looking to use the reconciliation process to pass some of their top priorities because they would need only a simple majority of votes in the Senate. The party will have 53 Senate seats this year.

However, even if the GOP increases the debt limit by $1.5 trillion on its own, that would not buy the party much time, Akabas said. The US would hit the new ceiling in the second half of the year, with the potential of default coming in the first half of 2026, according to his back-of-the-envelope calculation.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
WASHINGTON  One soldier from North Carolina, shielding a wounded comrade he'd pulled from a downed helicopter in Vietnam, suffered 20 bullet wounds and died saving him. Another U.S. soldier from Los Angeles, whose government imprisoned him during World War II for being of Japanese descent, found himself alone on a battlefield in Korea with his rifle and bayonet. He rushed a machine-gun nest, destroyed it, and kept fighting until a grenade blast killed him.

Those soldiers, and five others, are scheduled to be honored Friday by President Joe Biden at a White House ceremony. Biden will award Medals of Honor decades after the soldiers' acts of valor and self-sacrifice in Korea and Vietnam.

Medals of Honor, the nations highest award for battlefield heroism, require extensive documentation and often years of advocacy by family members, comrades and members of Congress. The narratives that accompany the medals depict young men repeatedly exposing themselves to lethal gunfire and blasts, and, in the Armys words, distinguishing themselves by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty.

The delayed recognition, in the cases of some of the soldiers of color from the Korean War, could be due to racial discrimination at the time, said Dwight Mears, an Army combat veteran, former professor at West Point and expert on military commendations. Efforts in the 1990s to review such awards focused solely on those issued during World War II, Mears said.

Related: Where are the Black officers? US Army shows diversity in its ranks but few promotions to the top

"This is partly a product of the failure to conduct comprehensive reviews of awards tainted by discrimination," Mears said.

An Army official agreed, saying the effort to honor the men reflects an attempt to right wrongs of the past. The same thread has run through efforts in recent years to change the name of military bases that previously honored Confederate War heroes, and to review medals awarded to soldiers who may have been involved in killing non-combatants in the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, according to the official who was not authorized to speak publicly.

More: American 'heroes' nominated to replace Confederate officers' names on Army bases

It's no coincidence that some of the recipients are Black and Japanese-American. The records of all the seven soldiers honored speak for them and qualify them for the honor, the official said.

Korean War Medal of Honor recipient Private Bruno R. Orig

Private 1st Class Kenneth David was serving as a radio telephone operator in central Vietnam enemy troops launched an intense surprise attack on his outpost on May 7, 1970, according to an Army narrative of his actions. His company commander mortally wounded, David, from Girard, Ohio, handed his radio to his platoon sergeant and started fighting. He yelled to draw fire toward him and away from the wounded.

David, wounded by an explosion and running low ammunition, lobbed hand grenades at the attackers and refused medical care. He kept fighting, drawing fire away from medevac helicopters, until the battle was over.

"We got overrun. It was pitch black at night," David recalled to reporters. He helped save seven soldiers, while another seven were killed in the attack, David said.

"I give thanks to my foxhole buddies and honor the memory of the seven buddies that gave their all," David said. Their names are now on the same panel of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., he said.

Private Bruno Orig, from Honolulu, Hawaii, saw several fellow soldiers wounded by a fierce attack on Feb. 15, 1951 near Chipyong-ni, Korea.

Korean War Medal of Honor recipient First Lieutenant Richard E. Cavazos

Exposed to enemy fire, Orig administered first aid and helped evacuate the wounded to safety. Noticing that all but one member of a machine-gun crew had been wounded, Orig volunteered to fire the weapon.

Origs actions allowed a platoon to withdraw without a single casualty and he continued firing on the enemy before being overrun. Orig was found dead beside his weapon, and the area in front of his gun was littered with several dead enemy soldiers, according to the Army.

His sister Loretta Orig told reporters that she was grateful that her brother was being recognized for what he did in the war.

Korean War Medal of Honor recipient Private First Class Charles R. Johnson

Private First Class Wataru Nakamura, from Los Angeles had volunteered to check a communication line between his platoon and command outpost the morning of May 18, 1951 near Punghon-ni in Korea. He came under fire by enemy troops that had surrounded them. Without waiting for help, Nakamura rushed a machine-gun nest with his bayonet, singlehandedly" destroyed it and went on to clear other bunkers, according to the Army.

Korean War Medal of Honor recipient Private First Class Wataru Nakamura

He withdrew under fire after running out of ammunition. He returned to clear other bunkers and was mortally wounded by a grenade blast.

Gary Takashima, Nakamuras nephew, recalled that during World War II the government had detained his uncle at a camp in Arkansas. Nakamura enlisted in the Army as soon as he could, like many Japanese American men at the time, to show his loyalty and sense of duty to his country, Takashima said.

Nakamura fought in World War II and was called back to duty for the Korean War, Takashima said.

He lost his life volunteering for an assignment, helping out his unit, Takashima said. My uncle had a strong commitment to his service and to his fellow soldiers.

On June 16, 1952, Corporal Fred McGees unit assaulted fortified enemy positions near Tang-Wan-Ni Korea. McGee, from Steubenville, Ohio, fired his light machine gun while exposed to enemy mortar and gunfire. He took command of his squad after his leader was wounded.

McGee ordered his soldiers to withdraw while he stayed behind to evacuate the wounded and dead. Wounded in the face himself, he moved another man through a huge volume of enemy mortar and artillery fire, according to the Army.

Victoria Secrest, McGees daughter, said shed petitioned presidents, members of Congress and the Army for more than three decades to have her fathers heroism recognized. Her father died in 2020.

Korean War Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Fred B. McGee

The odds are against you, and I started to look like the crazy lady with the clipboard everywhere I went, she said. And then with the computer, the laptop everywhere I went. And then with the iPad everywhere I went.

Private First Class Charles Johnson of Sharon Connecticut, faced overwhelming odds while defending Outpost Harry in Korea during a fierce battle June 11 and 12, 1953.

Chinese troops had launched a massive nighttime assault on the outpost. Johnson, wounded when artillery fire struck his bunker and a hand grenade explosion, provided first aid to more seriously wounded soldiers. While dragging a wounded comrade to shelter, he killed several enemy troops in hand-to-hand combat.

He then collected weapons and ammunition and returned to his bunker. No longer able to hold the position, Johnson told his comrades he would cover their withdrawal and hold out as long as he could. Sacrificing his own life, Johnson saved as many as 10 others, according to the Army, noting his unyielding courage and bravery.

An accomplished athlete and musician, Johnson had safer options to choose from in the Army, his nephew, Trey Mendez said.

He could have applied for different roles in the military, but he said, No. If other people are going to the front, I need to go to the front, Mendez said.

On the night of June 14, 1953 near Sagimak Korea, 1st Lt. Richard Cavazos from Kingsville, Texas, led a raid through intense mortar and artillery fire on an entrenched enemy outpost, according to the Army. Cavazos and his soldiers destroyed the base and withdrew under a heavy counterattack.

Cavazos led two more assaults under heavy fire, remaining alone at the outpost to search for missing comrades. He found five wounded men and evacuated them, one by one, while being shot at. He returned to the battlefield, unassisted, to search for more missing men. He didnt accept medical treatment until he was satisfied the battlefield had been cleared.

He was a man of deep faith who loved his country, loved his family, loved his soldiers, his son, Tommy Cavazos told reporters.

Cavazos went on to become the Army's first Hispanic brigadier general in 1976. He was promoted to four-star general in 1982. Fort Cavazos, in his home state, bears his name.

Near Moc Hoa, in South Vietnam on June 5, 1966, Captain Hugh Nelson, a graduate of The Citadel in South Carolina, commanded a helicopter on a search-and-destroy mission when enemy fire rendered his aircraft uncontrollable. Nelson crash landed it and pulled wounded crew members from the wreckage.

While Nelson tried to free a trapped door gunner, insurgents fired on the helicopter from 30 feet away. He pushed the man to the ground and used his body to shield him from intense enemy fire, according to the army. Nelson saved the man who then used a smoke grenade that aided the survivors rescue.

Debbie McKnight remembered the two-minute-16-second call from President Biden. "I remember sitting down when he called because my knees had started shaking," she told reporters.

For McKnight, the call brought back the emotional memory of telling her father not to go to war because she was afraid she would never see him again when she was five years old. Six months later, the family learned he was killed.

Our father laid on top of the second soldier that he removed and used his body as a barrier and a shield, said Hugh Nelson III, McKnights brother. He was hit with more than 20 rounds of fire, Nelson said. But his sacrifice allowed his three fellow soldiers to escape with their lives.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Medals of Honor awarded decades after acts of heroism in Korea and Vietnam.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Governments must do more to address the root causes of mass migration, UN Childrens Fund UNICEFs Special Coordinator for the refugee and migrant response in Europe said on Thursday
By Essi Lehto

HELSINKI (Reuters) -A Finnish court on Friday denied a request for the release of an oil tanker suspected by police of damaging an undersea power line and four telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea last week.

Finland on Dec. 26 seized the Eagle S tanker carrying Russian oil on suspicion that it damaged the Finnish-Estonian Estlink 2 power line and the telecoms cables the previous day by dragging its anchor across the seabed.

Baltic Sea nations are on high alert after a string of outages of power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. NATO said last week it would boost its presence in the region.

A lawyer representing United Arab Emirates-based Caravella LLC FZ, which owns the tanker, had sought the release of the vessel and crew.

"This district court has rejected the claim of the defendant, which means that this seizure remains in force," Helsinki District Court Judge Tatu Koistinen said.

Finnish lawyer Herman Ljungberg, who represented Caravella, said the company now planned to file a new motion for the vessel's release.

Finland's National Bureau of Investigation has impounded the vessel and the Finnish customs office has seized its cargo of 35,000 tonnes of unleaded petrol while it investigates whether sanctions against Russia have been breached.

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

Ljungberg, who has accused Finland of capturing the Eagle S in international waters, said on Friday that his legal filing had sought transparency on where the seizure took place, but that this had been turned down by the court.

The owners of the cargo also plan to seek its release, the lawyer said.

He declined to name any owners but said none were Russian.

The Eagle S vessel, which is registered in the Cook Islands, was brought to a bay near Finland's port of Porvoo where police are currently collecting evidence and questioning the crew who are Georgian and Indian citizens.

Finnish police have said eight crew members are suspects in the investigation.

(Reporting by Essi Lehto, editing by Terje Solsvik and Tomasz Janowski)
In some high-stakes political drama, the House of Representatives on Friday voted to reelect House Speaker Mike Johnson to lead the 119th Congress by a razor-thin margin.

Johnson, a Louisiana Republican who ascended to the leadership post in 2023 after the historic ouster of Kevin McCarthy, had secured President-elect Donald Trump's support as he sought a second term.

But Johnson's handling of the government spending fight just before Christmas angered some of the GOP's right flank. Three Republicans initially defected from Johnson during the vote, but two ultimately changed their votes to hand him the gavel.





Latest Developments





Jan 3, 3:24 PM

Trump called GOP holdouts during vote, sources say

President-elect Trump started working the phones following the no votes from GOP Reps. Ralph Norman and Keith Self.



Trump spoke to both Norman and Self, according to sources familiar with the conversations, and shortly after those conversations occurred the two men changed their votes.



Self confirmed he spoke with Trump when he was meeting with Johnson off the floor as the vote was stalled. Self called it a "lively discussion," when asked if Trump was angry.



Self said his objections were over government spending. He said he changed his vote after the speaker "shored up" the negotiating team for upcoming negotiations on federal budget legislation, which is also expected to include a number of Trump's legislative priorities.



"And so that's all I wanted to do today, was to make this Congress successful."



-ABC News' Jay O'Brien and Katherine Faulders





Jan 3, 3:59 PM

Johnson handed speaker's gavel

After nearly 20 minutes of remarks, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries passed the gavel to Johnson.

"I'm grateful for this election, the confidence that this chamber has placed in me," Johnson said. "It is the great honor of my life to serve this body with all of you."

PHOTO: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries shakes hands with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson after presenting him with the gavel during the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: Rep. Mike Johnson holds the gavel after being presented it by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries after being re-elected as Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)





Jan 3, 3:41 PM

Jeffries says Democrats want bipartisanship but will fight 'far-right extremism'

Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, addressed the chamber just after Johnson's victory.



Jeffries began by urging bipartisanship in the new Congress to address issues top of mind for Americans like high prices on everything from groceries to childcare costs.



But Jeffries said at the same time, Democrats would "push back against far-right extremism whenever necessary."

PHOTO: Rep. Hakeem Jeffries speaks after Rep. Mike Johnson was re-elected as Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

Democrats frequently cheered during his remarks, though Republicans broke out in applause when he said the American people elected Trump as the 47th president.

"Thank you for that very generous applause," Jeffries said before taking a swipe at some of his GOP colleagues. "It's okay. There are no election deniers on our side of the aisle."





Jan 3, 2:55 PM

Johnson wins speakership on 1st round after last-minute vote changes

Johnson staved off a failure in the first round of voting to win a second term as speaker.



After nearly two hours, Johnson secured the 218 necessary votes.

PHOTO: Rep. Mike Johnson shakes hands with Representatives after he re-elected as the Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

At first, he appeared on track to lose with three Republicans voting for someone else.

But after leaving the chamber to huddle with defectors, two lawmakers changed their votes to hand him the gavel.

House Republicans stood and gave Johnson a standing ovation as his win was announced.

PHOTO: Rep. Mike Johnson is applauded after he was re-elected as the Speaker of the House on the first day of the 119th Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)





Jan 3, 2:33 PM

Two GOP defectors change their vote to Johnson

Reps. Ralph Norman and Keith Self changed their votes to Johnson, which would bring him to the 218 needed to be speaker.









Jan 3, 2:15 PM

Johnson exits chamber as vote remains open

As lawmakers waited for the final House vote to be called, Johnson was seen huddling with various lawmakers, including Reps. Dusty Johnson, Tim Burchett, and Nancy Mace.

PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson talks to Rep. Dusty Johnson during the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the Capitol Jan. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

He also was spotted talking with other GOP leaders like House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain, who nominated him for speaker.

He ultimately walked out of the chamber before the vote closed.

PHOTO: Rep. Mike Johnson leaves the floor after the House failed to elect a Speaker of the House in the first vote on the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the Capitol, Jan. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)





Jan 3, 2:23 PM

Johnson appears on track to lose 1st round

With three defections so far, Johnson appears on track to lose this first round of voting.

PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson sits on the House floor during the vote for the Speaker of the House at the start of the 119th Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 3, 2025. (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Rep. Keith Self, a Texas Republican, is the third Republican to vote for another candidate. He cast his ballot for Florida Rep. Byron Donalds.

However, members can still change their votes as the roll call is ongoing.





Jan 3, 1:28 PM

Another Republican defects from Johnson

South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman just voted for Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.



Norman is the second Republican to vote for someone else besides Johnson.





Jan 3, 1:23 PM

Rep. Thomas Massie is 1st Republican to not vote for Johnson

As expected, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky did not vote for Johnson.



Instead, Massie cast his ballot for Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer, who currently serves as the House majority whip.

PHOTO: Rep. Thomas Massie arrives for the first day of the 119th Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 3, 2025, in Washington. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
Houston Police Department Tracy Gonzales

Content warning: The following article contains disturbing descriptions of abuse.

A Texas foster mother is facing serious criminal charges after the teenaged girl in her care died weighing just 78 lbs. while the woman cashed the childs disability checks.

On Dec. 30, 2024, Tracy Gonzales, 48, was arrested and charged with injury to a disabled person with serious bodily injury in connection with the March 25, 2024 death of Nayeli Perez, 16, the Houston Police Department said in a release.

On March 25, 2024, officers responded to a home on E. 32nd St. in Houston about a report of a deceased person.

Inside the home, officers found an unresponsive girl, later identified as Perez, in her bedroom, suffering from unknown injuries, the department said in a release.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police began investigating her death after the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled Perezs death a homicide.

Following further investigation, Gonzales, who acted as Perez's caretaker, was arrested on December 30 and subsequently charged for her role in the victim's death, the HPD said in the release.

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.

Gonzales is being held on $200,000 bail at the Harris County Jail.

Perez had disabilities, and court documents obtained by PEOPLE show an allegedly disturbing picture of the girls life before she died.

According to the Personal Bond/Bail Order, Gonzales was granted custody of Perez and received disability payments for the girl, who had the math and reading level of a first grader.

It is unclear when Gonzales began caring for Perez.

According to the order, Gonzalez failed to contact authorities regarding Perezs declining status because she was afraid she would lose custody of her children.

Gonzales was allegedly abusive to the girl. According to the order, Gonzales allegedly admitted to disciplining Perez with a belt. The woman said she would close her eyes and didnt know where she struck (Perez), it alleges.

Gonzales said she would strike Perez because of her inability to use the bathroom and eat food, it alleges.

When officers found Perez, she was only wearing a diaper because all of her other clothes were soiled, the order claims.

The autopsy showed that Perez had suffered stab wounds to her genitals, as well as malnutrition and dehydration.

Gonzales said she was gone all day and returned home to the (foster child) being a little hard, it alleges.

Additionally, a criminal complaint against Gonzalez goes on to allege that on or about March 25, 2024, Gonzales did knowingly cause serious bodily injury to Perez by failing to provide adequate fluids, adequate food and nutrition, adequate medical care and adequate supervision to the teen.

Neighbors told ABC 13 Eyewitness News that they were shocked by Gonzaless arrest.

"She actually went to school with my daughter," Frank Rodriguez told ABC 13. He said he believed Perez had a learning disability and had been diagnosed with autism.

"She was just a normal girl. Going to school," Rodriguez told ABC 13.

Perez stopped attending school about a year ago, Rodriguez said, ABC 13 reports.

In February 2022, medical records show Perez weighed 40 lbs. more than what she weighed when she died, ABC 13 reports.

Gonzaless public defender did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

She is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 7.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



Read the original article on People
South Korean investigators have suspended efforts to enforce an arrest warrant for embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, hours into a standoff in which authorities tried to detain the leader following his short-lived martial law declaration.

Some 80 police and investigators had entered the presidential compound in Seoul in the early morning to take Yoon into custody for questioning, the CIO said  deepening what had already been a weeks-long showdown with the defiant and embattled leader.

Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) approached within a couple hundred meters of Yoons residence, but were blocked by a human wall of around 200 soldiers and members of the presidential security detail, CIO said Friday afternoon. There were also several altercations of varying intensity, the office said.

Investigators called off the arrest warrant enforcement Friday afternoon citing the safety of the people on the ground, according to a statement. The warrant, which is valid until January 6, remains in effect and could be extended.

The atmosphere in the streets around the compound was heavily charged, with police flanking streets near Yoons residence and hundreds gathering to support the leader, who plunged the nation into political chaos with his swiftly overturned declaration one month ago.

Yoon, who was stripped of presidential powers after lawmakers voted to impeach him last month, is wanted for questioning in multiple investigations, including accusations of leading an insurrection  a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

A court earlier this week approved the warrant to detain him  the first time such action has been taken against a sitting president. In response, the presidential security team said that security measures will be taken in accordance with due process.

Yoon, himself a former prosecutor, has refused to answer three summonses by investigators in recent weeks asking for his cooperation, according to the CIO.

After suspending efforts to detain Yoon, the CIO expressed deep regret at the suspects attitude of not following the process by law.

The CIO said it is virtually impossible to execute a warrant at Yoons residence while security there remains in place. It said it will strongly request that the acting President Choi Sang-mok orders his security comply with the arrest warrant.

Yoons declaration of marital law a month ago was met with widespread public backlash, with members of his own party turning on him to support the impeachment vote following his refusal to resign.

Supporters back a defiant Yoon

Crowds of diehard supporters were gathered near the presidential residence despite frigid temperatures, with some camping there overnight to express their opposition to the warrant.

Many of those backing the leader  widely seen as a conservative firebrand and staunch US ally tough on China and North Korea  held signs with the phrase Stop the steal printed in English, while others waved American flags.

Other supporters held placards describing his arrest as treason, while some shouted that they should push through the barricade set up by police and chanted: Arrest the CIO.

Supporters of suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered near his residence in Seoul on January 3. - Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images

Yoons backers have insisted that the actions being taken against him are contrary to South Korean law. His lawyer reiterated in a statement Friday the arrest warrant was an illegal, invalid warrant and vowed to take legal action against its execution.

Yoons defense team on Tuesday filed an injunction with the Constitutional Court to suspend the warrant, as well as a separate objection filed to a lower court over the order.

If taken into custody, Yoon can be held for up to 48 hours for questioning with the existing warrant issued by the court in relation to charges of abuse of authority and leading an insurrection. The CIO would need to apply for a secondary warrant within that period to detain him further.

The suspended president has remained defiant in the face of investigations and an impeachment trial underway by one of the countrys highest courts.

He vowed in a letter to supporters gathered outside his residence Thursday that he would fight to the end for the country. It was his first public comment in weeks after he largely stayed away from public view during the fallout from his widely condemned decree.

The main opposition party on Friday, meanwhile, released a statement urging the presidential security team to cooperate and firmly refuse any unlawful orders.

The Democratic Party called on Yoon to walk out of your residence, where you are cowardly hiding, and be obedient with the execution of your arrest warrant.

All members of the Republic of Korea need to abide by law and order, the statement said.

Investigations and trials

Yoon declared martial law in a surprise late-night address on December 3, claiming opposition lawmakers had paralyzed state affairs and that the move was necessary to safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by anti-state elements.

Members of the National Assembly, including some from Yoons own party, voted to reverse the declaration some six hours later. Yoons order faced fierce backlash from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the countrys authoritarian past.

In the weeks since, the country has been in political disarray with parliament also voting to impeach its prime minister and acting president Han Duck-soo, just weeks after it voted to impeach Yoon. The finance minister, Choi Sang-mok, is now acting president.

Police officers stand in front of suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence on January 3. - Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

The move to detain Yoon follows the emergence of new allegations about what exactly happened during those hours before the motion was rescinded.

As CNN has reported, Yoon ordered troops to South Koreas parliament as lawmakers scrambled to block the martial law order with a parliamentary vote. As soldiers attempted to enter the main hall of the National Assembly, lawmakers erected barricades using chairs and other furniture to stop them from entering.

In a 10-page summary from the former defense ministers prosecution indictment report on Friday, Yoon had allegedly instructed the military to use firearms to break the doors, if necessary, to remove lawmakers gathering inside the main chamber.

Former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun was arrested last month and was indicted for abuse of power and serving as a key figure in the insurrection operation, the statement said.

Yoons impeachment proceedings are being handled in a separate Constitutional Court trial, which will begin on January 14. That trial, which could take up to six months, will decide whether he will be formally removed from the presidency or reinstated to office.

The Constitutional Court has vowed to take the case as a top priority along with other impeachment cases the opposition has pushed for against members of Yoons administration, including the justice minister, prosecutors and other senior officials.

This is a developing story. CNNs Mitchell McCluskey and Alex Stambaugh contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
They were soldiers in the Army. They served on the same North Carolina military base and both did tours in Afghanistan. They both rented electric trucks from the same company.

Then they used the vehicles to commit shocking attacks on either side of the country.

But federal investigators say there is no known link between the two suspects in the deadly New Year's attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, nor a connection between the events, which occurred within hours of each other.

Authorities emphasized both investigations are ongoing.

"At this point, there is no definitive link between the attack here in New Orleans and the one in Las Vegas," Christopher Raia, deputy assistant director of the FBIs counterterrorism division, said Thursday.

In Nevada, Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said the parallels between the two events are "very strange similarities to have."

"We're not prepared to rule in or rule out anything at this point," McMahill said Thursday.

The remains of a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded at the entrance of Trump International Hotel are inspected in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 1, 2025.

In New Orleans, the FBI identified the driver of the Bourbon Street rampage that killed 14 people and injured 35 others as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar. Police fatally shot Jabbar after he allegedly shot at police.

In Las Vegas, authorities identified the driver of the Tesla cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump International Hotel as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger. He was the sole casualty of the explosion and is believed to have shot himself before the vehicle blew up, authorities said.

Both men served in the Army at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan when more than 100,000 U.S. troops had deployed to war zones.

Jabbar enlisted in 2007 and was deployed to Afghanistan from Feb. 2009 until Jan. 2015, according to the Army and a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Livelsberger was an active-duty Green Beret who had served in the Army for 19 years. He had been deployed to Afghanistan from September 2017 to April 2018.

Both men were posted to the military base formerly known as Fort Bragg in North Carolina, authorities said.

Both Jabbar and Livelsberger used Turo, a car-sharing app to rent the vehicles they allegedly used in the attacks early Wednesday.

More: Without evidence, Trump blames Biden 'open borders' for 'radical Islamic terrorism'

They both used explosives in their attacks, officials said. Jabbar first left two coolers holding home-made bombs on Bourbon Street, which didn't detonate, before plowing into revelers with his rented 2-ton F-150. Livelsberger's rented Tesla was loaded with gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters and large firework mortars, authorities said.

But there was no public indication the two ever met. And, while Jabbar made his intentions clear in a handful of videos published before his attack, stating he was inspired by the terror group ISIS, the FBI said Livelsbergers' motive remained a mystery Thursday afternoon.

President Joe Biden addressed the similarities between the two attacks.

"We're also continuing to investigate whether or not there's any connection between the New Orleans attack and the explosion in Las Vegas," he said Thursday. "As of now, as of now, I have just been briefed, they have not found any evidence of such a connection thus far.

"I've directed them to keep looking," he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Strange similarities' in New Orleans, Las Vegas attacks probed by FBI
FILE - Former President Donald Trump waits for the start of proceedings in Manhattan criminal court, April 23, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, Pool, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  In an extraordinary turn, a judge Friday set President-elect Donald Trump's sentencing in his hush money criminal case for Jan. 10  little over a week before he's due to return to the White House  but indicated he wouldn't be jailed.

The development nevertheless leaves Trump on course to be the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes.

Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over Trumps trial, signaled in a written decision that he'd sentence the former and future president to what's known as an unconditional discharge, in which a conviction stands but the case is closed without jail time, a fine or probation. Trump can appear virtually for sentencing, if he chooses.

Rejecting Trumps push to dismiss the verdict and throw out the case on presidential immunity grounds and because of his impending second term, Merchan wrote that only bringing finality to this matter would serve the interests of justice.

He said he sought to balance Trumps ability to govern, unencumbered by the case, against other interests: the U.S. Supreme Court's July ruling on presidential immunity and the publics expectation that all are equal and no one is above the law, and the importance of respecting a jury verdict.

This court is simply not persuaded that the first factor outweighs the others at this stage of the proceeding, Merchan wrote in an 18-page decision.

Trump lashed out at Merchan on his Truth Social platform Friday, writing that it would be the end of the Presidency as we know it if the judges ruling is allowed to stand.

He repeated his claims that the case was an illegitimate political attack and nothing but a Rigged Charade perpetuated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat. He didnt elaborate on potential next legal moves.

Braggs office declined to comment on Merchans ruling.

Former Manhattan Judge Diane Kiesel said the ruling cant be appealed under New York law, but Trump nonetheless might try to appeal it. In any event, he can appeal his conviction  a step that cant be taken until he is sentenced  but he won't be able to pardon himself. Trumps case was tried in state court, but presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes.

Trump takes office Jan. 20 as the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.

The Republican was found guilty in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records.

The charges involved an alleged scheme to hide a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels in the last weeks of Trumps first campaign in 2016. The payout was made to keep her from publicizing claims shed had sex with the married Trump years earlier. He says that her story is false and that he did nothing wrong.

The case centered on how Trump accounted for reimbursing his personal attorney at the time, Michael Cohen, for the Daniels payment. Cohen on Friday called Merchans decision to go ahead with the sentencing judicious and appropriate.

The conviction left Trump, 78, facing the possibility of punishment ranging from a fine or probation to up to four years in prison. His sentencing initially was set for last July 11, then postponed twice at the defenses request.

Then, after Trump's Nov. 5 election, Merchan delayed the sentencing again so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case.

Trumps lawyers urged Merchan to toss it. They said it would otherwise pose unconstitutional disruptions to the incoming presidents ability to run the country.

Prosecutors acknowledged there should be some accommodation for his upcoming presidency, but they insisted the conviction should stand.

They suggested various options, such as freezing the case during his term or guaranteeing him a no-jail sentence. They also proposed closing the case while formally noting both his conviction and his undecided appeal  a novel idea drawn from what some state courts do when criminal defendants die while appealing their cases.

Merchan ruled that Trumps current status as president-elect does not afford him the same immunity as a sitting president. Setting the verdict aside and dismissing the case would be a drastic step and would undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways, Merchan wrote.

Before Trumps November election, his lawyers sought to reverse his conviction for a different reason: the Supreme Court's immunity decision, which gave presidents broad protection from criminal prosecution.

Trump was a private citizen  campaigning for president, but neither elected nor sworn in  when Cohen paid Daniels in October 2016. He was president when Cohen was reimbursed, and Cohen testified that they discussed the repayment arrangement in the Oval Office.

The Trump hush money attorneys contended that the jury got some evidence that should have been shielded by presidential immunity. Merchan later rejected that argument, but in the meantime, the election raised new issues.

While urging Merchan to nix the conviction, Trump also sought to move the case to federal court, where he could also assert immunity. A federal judge repeatedly said no, but Trump appealed.

The hush money case was the only one of Trumps four criminal indictments to go to trial.

Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases. One pertained to Trumps efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss; the other alleged he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

A separate, state-level election interference case in Georgia is in limbo after an appeals court removed prosecutor Fani Willis from the case.

Trump's lawyers argued that Smiths decision to dismiss the federal indictments against Trump should propel a dismissal of the New York hush money case, as well. But Merchan said he found that argument unpersuasive, noting that the hush money case was in a vastly different stage.

___

Associated Press writer Larry Neumeister contributed.
Authorities investigating the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day said Thursday that evidence shows the driver shot himself in the head before the explosion.

Police also identified Matthew Alan Livelsberger, a 37-year-old active duty member of the Army Special Forces, as the driver of the Cybertruck. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said the county coroner had determined he died by suicide.

The Cybertruck had been rented in Denver by Livelsberger, the police department's Sheriff Kevin McMahill said during a briefing earlier Thursday.

Spencer Evans, the special agent in charge of the FBI's office in Las Vegas, said during the briefing that authorities weren't tracking any additional subjects in the investigation.

Livelsberger was the only person in the vehicle when it went up in flames. He is also the only person known by police to have been inside the 2024 model Cybertruck since it was rented, according to the sheriff. The condition of the body prevented law enforcement from making a definitive identification until they received dental records and DNA test results.

"His body is burnt beyond recognition," McMahill said. Investigators said Livelsberger's military ID, passport and credit cards were found in the vehicle, along with several firearms.

Flames rise from a Tesla Cybertruck after it exploded outside the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, on Jan. 1, 2025, in this screengrab taken from a social media video. / Credit: Alcides Antunes via Reuters

"Further complicating this identification of this individual, we also discovered through the coroner's office that the individual had sustained a gunshot wound to the head prior to the detonation of the vehicle," the sheriff continued. McMahill said one of the handguns discovered inside the vehicle after it exploded was found at the driver's feet.

The explosion early Wednesday morning is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, according to law enforcement, but investigators do not believe there are any lingering threats to the community, FBI agent Jeremy Schwartz said at a news conference Wednesday evening.

Seven others suffered minor injuries from the explosion.

Law enforcement sources said Livelsberger was stationed in Germany but was on leave in Colorado when the blast occurred. Two of Livelsberger's relatives told CBS News they were unaware of his involvement in the incident but confirmed he had rented a Cybertruck. One relative said his wife had not heard from him in several days.

Las Vegas Police released this file photo of Matthew Alan Livelsberger, identified as the driver of the Cybertruck that exploded outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas on Jan. 1, 2025. / Credit: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Federal agents probing the explosion have been at Livelsberger's townhome in Colorado Springs since Wednesday night, CBS Colorado reported. No one has been evacuated during the investigation there.

The Cybertruck was rented in Colorado, McMahill said. Investigators were able to trace its route from Denver to Las Vegas based on its stops at charging stations, and surveillance video shows the vehicle driving through the Las Vegas Strip shortly before the blast.

The Cybertruck pulled up to the glass entrance of the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas a little after 7:30 a.m., and exploded about 15 seconds later.

The sheriff told reporters that gasoline canisters, camp fuel canisters and large firework mortars were discovered in the back of the truck, although it was unclear exactly how the explosives were ignited.

McMahill called the explosion "an isolated incident" and said there was no indication it was connected to ISIS. The blast came just hours after a man intentionally drove a pickup truck flying a black ISIS flag into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 14 people before he was fatally shot by police.

The Las Vegas sheriff reiterated Thursday that the two incidents were unrelated, although he acknowledged some similarities between the cases and subjects. The drivers in both the Cybertruck explosion and the New Orleans rampage had rented their respective vehicles using the company Turo, and both were members of the U.S. military. Each served in Afghanistan in 2009 and at some point were stationed at the military base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Authorities are still investigating, but McMahill said there was no evidence indicating the men served in the same units or locations in Afghanistan, or served at Fort Bragg during the same years.

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
How Millie Bobby Brown has responded to criticism about her appearance. (Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images) (Variety via Getty Images)

Millie Bobby Brown isnt Eleven anymore. The actress, who has starred in Stranger Things since she was 12, had to remind followers that shes growing up. On Monday, Brown shared a series of mirror selfies to Instagram. She captioned the post me and my mini, referring to her tiny Louis Vuitton x Murakami tote. Trolls descended and blew up her comments section with body- and age-shaming remarks.

MILLIE WHAT HAPPENED, one person wrote on the post, while another commented, Millies google history : How to look 65 when you are 16, insinuating that Brown looks beyond her age. Others joined the chorus, saying Brown looks way older than she is. She skipped 20s & went straight to 40s, one wrote. Some accused the actress of wearing too much makeup, getting plastic surgery and even threw in accusations that she might be pregnant.

Her response was shared to Instagram Stories on Tuesday. It was a simple, direct message: women grow!! not sorry about it :). As a child star, now a married adult who is a successful author and business owner, its a sentiment shes repeated, time and time again, those whove watched her get older in front of the camera  and cant seem to accept who she is now.

Millie Bobby Brown responded to critics of her appearance with a simple message: "women grow!! not sorry about it :)"

'A lot of people have opinions'

Before Stranger Things, which debuted in 2016 and will air its final season at some point this year, Brown appeared on hit shows like Greys Anatomy and NCIS. As she revealed to Harpers Bazaar, even as she was featured in supporting roles, she was subjected to cyberbullying. Once Stranger Things became a blockbuster hit, and while Brown was just a teenager, appearance critiques became a near-constant companion as she navigated Hollywood. Its always difficult to dress for a red carpet event because a lot of people have opinions and unfortunately you say you wont listen to it, but you actually kind of have to, she told the publication.

By 16, she was using her voice to call out her abnormal experience and plead for people to do better. In an Instagram post on her birthday, she shared a video featuring nasty headlines about her, followed by clips showing her being followed by paparazzi and fans. Our world needs kindness and support in order for us children to grow and succeed, she captioned the post. The last few years haven't been easy, I'll admit that. There are moments I get frustrated from the inaccuracy, inappropriate comments, sexualization, and unnecessary insults that ultimately have resulted in pain and insecurity for me. But not ever will I be defeated. I'll continue doing what I love and spreading the message in order to make change.

'Who do they need me to be for them?'

Brown was still pleading with the public at 17 to see her as the woman she was becoming. So being a young girl, people watch you grow up, right? And they've almost become invested in your growth and your journey. But they aren't ready to accept the fact that you're growing up, she said during an interview with MTV News. So I wear a crop top and people are like, 'She's 10.' I'm like, 'NoI am 17.' That's a thing that girls do. Or I wear high heels. Or I wear an outfit to an award show and they're like, 'She looks 50.'

Becoming an adult was another moment that stands out, according to Brown. While people were long inappropriately commenting on her body  in one instance mentioning her cleavage on a red carpet when she was just 15  there was a marked influx of gross commentary once she turned 18 that was overwhelming. In a 2022 interview with Allure, Brown also shared how confusing it was to mature with online critics always weighing in on her every move. "It's really hard to be hated on when you dont know who you are yet," she said. "So it's like, 'What do they hate about me? 'Cause I dont know who I am.' It's almost like, 'OK, I'm going to try being this today.' [And then they say], 'Oh, no, I hate that.' 'OK. Forget that. I'm going to try being this today.' 'Oh, my God! I hate when you do that.' Then you just start shutting down because youre like, 'Who am I meant to be? Who do they need me to be for them?'"

'We are enough'

Ultimately, shes seemed to find purpose in these experiences. Young women are dragged down for many different things. If its our maturity, if its the way we dress, if its the things we say, if its the choices we make, we will never be enough, she told Netflix's online magazine Queue. Its for us to find camaraderie and sisterhood in that. And to stand together and say, We are enough. We have to stick together, breaking those stereotypes and standards.

Browns short response to trolls this week is an example of that  and already it has brought some people together in the comment section of her latest Instagram post: a video reflecting on her 2024.

Women do grow and you dont need to apologize to anyone for it! and You've grown into such a beautiful woman!! read a couple of the comments. Another: A celebrity to everyone, a regular young woman living her life with her husband and family. I love this.
New congestion pricing will lead to cars being charged up to $27 total to cross into Manhattan during the day with van and truck drivers facing even higher costs  and firefighters, teachers and ordinary workers say they simply cant afford it.

As The Posts map shows, the cost of entering the congestion zone, defined as entering Manhattan anywhere on 60th Street or below, in a car from Jan. 5 will be significantly higher between $9 and $20 with an E-ZPass and $13.50 to $27 without  when added to the fare for crossing by tunnel or some bridges.

Business owners warn the deeply unpopular charge  forced through by Gov. Kathy Hochul and not voted for by any New Yorker  will affect everyone in the city, as they will be forced to pass on their increased costs to customers.

Drivers are about to be slapped with higher costs to enter Manhattan below 60th Street, with the new congestion charge and fees for using bridges or tunnels.

Currently over 700,000 vehicles enter the congestion charge area in Manhattan daily, according to the Metropolitan Transport Authority, traveling at an average of just 7 mph. With the congestion charge, the authority thinks it can reduce that number by around 100,000 vehicles.

Small trucks such as delivery vehicles will pay a congestion toll around $5 higher during peak periods. Large trucks and tour buses will pay a congestion charge of $21.60 alongside any bridge or tunnel costs during peak periods, defined as 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

Those riding in the citys yellow taxis will also face increased charges, with $2.50 added to any trips which begin, end or pass through Manhattan south of 96th Street, for congestion pricing.

Its yet another major blow to those grappling with the high cost of living in New York  already the third-most expensive city in the world, according to a recent survey by the Economist.

Small business owner: Larry Zogby

Delivery service companies are facing an eye-watering increase in costs and expect to be among the hardest hit by the congestion prices, according to several sources who spoke to The Post.

While a cap of one charge per day applies to cars and motorbikes, trucks, vans and buses will be charged for every crossing into the congestion zone, according to the MTA.

Larry Zogby told The Post he is furious that authorities arent listening to his and other small business owners concerns about congestion pricing. Courtesy of Larry Zogby

RDS Delivery Service president and CEO Larry Zogby claimed congestion pricing will cost his business, run out of Long Island City in Queens to all New York boroughs, more than a million dollars annually.

Nobody I speak to in business can absorb this, so theyre going to take it and pass it right on, he told The Post.

Itll be my second-biggest cost behind payroll, at over $1 million pushed to the customer.

The companys drivers enter the congestion zone more than 40,000 times a year to deliver everything from medical specimens and pharmaceutical supplies to food for senior citizens, according to Zogby.

Congestion pricing is aimed at reducing traffic and encouraging people to use public transport, those in favor claim.

The money raised via the tolls will primarily be used to upgrade the citys decaying subway system and buses, according to the MTA.

But Zogby claims the entire plan is a sham and says everyone is swimming in the same st.

New York City sees over 700,000 vehicles enter the congestion zone below 60th Street in Manhattan on weekdays, and vehicles average under 10 mph. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

Its a money grab, he said.

They dont consider small commercial businesses with trucks and vans. More thought should have been put into this.

There are 10 lawsuits pending against the toll program in federal and state courts in New York and New Jersey.

People  need to brace themselves and be prepared for the impact, Zogby said, adding: Because its the customer who gets screwed.

Firefighters

An FDNY probationary firefighter, who spoke to The Post on the condition of anonymity, said the general consensus among his colleagues is that theyre being taxed to work in Manhattan.

I would normally drive into work but the expense is a lot more than I expected.

Very few people in my academy class wanted to get assigned downtown because of congestion pricing but we dont get to pick where we go.

Its a large portion of my pay and an unfair cost.

While the source said he will no longer drive his car into Manhattan to carry out his job, there are no reasonable alternatives, according to him.

FDNY union boss Andrew Ansbro told The Post that many firefighters use their own cars to move from one firehouse to another with all of their gear. fdny_ufa/Instagram

Traffic and congestion are a constant on NYC streets across Manhattan, often accompanied by the sound of car horns. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock

If I take the train into work from Long Island, I frequently get sent to another firehouse as thats part of the job, but I wont be bringing in my car anymore because of the expense, so Id have to walk with 40 to 60 pounds of gear or take an Uber, he said.

In your firehouse, you have your own locker, so its stored there, so if you get reassigned to another firehouse or sent across town, you have to take all of that with you. Every day a couple hundred FDNY firefighters are reassigned to another firehouse to fill in as needed.

Pants, jackets, boots and helmet are a minimum of 45 pounds for a small person. Then you have your own personal tools: screwdriver, wrench, hose wrench. You also have to be prepared to decontaminate after a fire, so have to bring your toiletries and a spare set of clothing, towel, soap and shampoo.

All of these things going to have to be carried from one point to another and when the weather is bad, like in a blizzard, or the city is jammed by traffic  how are we supposed to get from point A to point B?

The Big Apples firefighters union boss anticipates the pricing will have a catastrophic effect on the citys firefighters, who use their own cars to move themselves and their work equipment between their homes and various firehouses.

A huge portion of city fire are going to be lugging 80 pounds of gear on subways to get from one firehouse to another because they cant bring their own vehicles in anymore, FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York president Andrew Ansbro told The Post.

The equipment is covered in dangerous carcinogens that are unsafe to carry on public transit.

And the last thing any New Yorker wants is a firefighter who is worn out before they even get to work when you then need them to come and save your life.

New York City has struggled with traffic for decades and is one of the busiest and most congested cities in the US. ZUMAPRESS.com

The firefighters union has called on the MTA to exempt members from paying the $15 toll when driving their personal cars to firehouses within the zone below 60th Street.

But it has so far been unsuccessful, with the MTA putting the onus on the FDNY to provide company cars to employees who need them or reimburse their work expenses for required travel.

The law is clear, personal vehicles are not considered emergency vehicles, Ansbro continued.

If the FDNY were to designate emergency vehicles, that would solve the problem, or we would have to work something out with members to reimburse them for using their own vehicles, but for now it leaves New York firefighters at a great disadvantage.

Brooklyn plumber: Paul Belli

Paul Belli, a small business owner in Brooklyn, said hes also concerned about the ripple effect.

Everyone I know in the plumbing industry is planning on passing the cost along to the customers by increasing prices or adding a surcharge, which is what were going to have to do as well, he told The Post.

Belli, president of Franco Belli Plumbing, said he and his team are called to jobs all over the city.

Small business owner and plumber Paul Belli told The Post that most affected companies, including his, will have to add the toll onto the bills of people they service. Courtesy of Paul Bell

Traveling by car isnt easy in New York, but for many workers and businesses, it is essential. Michael Nagle

The companys plumbers use cars that are all fitted with E-ZPasses paid for by the employer. So its Bellis small, family business started by his late father in 1974, and others like it, that will ultimately feel the pinch of congestion pricing.

We go where people need plumbing work done. I get calls to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, Belli, who is also the companys licensed master plumber, explained.

The congestion pricing increase is going to cost the business hundreds of dollars extra a week and we need to be able to make that back somehow, so its going to be added to the bills of people we service in that part of Manhattan.

Paul Caminiti drives from Staten Island to work in the East Village and will be impacted by congestion pricing. Brian Zak/NY Post

School teacher: Paul Caminiti

Paul Caminiti regularly commutes from his home in Staten Island to the East Village, where he works as a teacher. He drives to and from the school each day because the trip is 40 minutes each way by car compared to 90 minutes on public transport, according to him.

[I pay] about $13 a day, sometimes $20 to get from Staten Island to the East Village with no real reliable buses or trains to get to, he told The Post.

Now well have to pay extra because of an idiot governor. She clearly cant read a room. Nine dollars is too much  I will not vote for her or any other idiot that goes for congestion pricing.

Congestion pricing exists in several other major cities worldwide, including London, Milan and Singapore.
Choosing the name of your newborn can feel like a big decision, especially as names stick for a lifetime. You can always fall back to classic names, beloved for their timelessness and unique charm.

Fortunately, vintage names are set to make a comeback this year, according to Express, citing baby name consultant Colleen Slagen. Here are the 15 classic baby names expected to become popular again in 2025.

1. Margot

Margot is a girl's name of French origin, meaning "pearl." It is derived from the French name Marguerite, which itself comes from the Greek word "margarites," also meaning "pearl."

The name Margot has a rich history and royal connections. Margaret, from which Margot is derived, was a popular name for queens and saints throughout medieval Europe. Margot has also been associated with other interpretations, including "jewel" and "child of light."

2. Eloise

The name Eloise is derived from the Old French name Heloise, which itself likely comes from the Germanic name Helewidis. The elements of this name can be broken down into "heil," meaning "healthy" or "whole," and "wit," meaning "wide."

Eloise has been associated with numerous notable figures, such as 12th-century French scholar Heloise. It is also famously attributed to a character in Kay Thompson's children's book series, specifically a mischievous young girl living at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

3. Vivian

Vivian is a name of Latin origin, meaning "lively" or "alive." Originally, Vivian was primarily used as a masculine name, but over time it has become more commonly used as a feminine name, especially in English-speaking countries.

There are two notable historical figures named Vivian---Saint Vivian, a 5th-century French bishop known for providing protection during the Visigoth invasion, and the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legend.

4. Drew

The name Drew has multiple origins, namely Irish, Greek, and Welsh. In Greek, Drew is derived from Andrew, which means "strong and manly" or "courageous." In Irish, it can be traced to the Irish surname O Draoi, which means "descendant of the druid." In Welsh, Drew means "wise."

5. Noah

Noah comes from the Hebrew name Noach, which primarily means "rest" or "repose." The name is famously attributed to "Noah" in the Old Testament, a figure known for building the Ark that saved his family and animals from the Great Flood.

Read Also: 5 Pregnant Celebrities Who Are Having Babies in 2025

6. Dylan

Dylan has rich origins in Welsh. The name itself means "son of the sea" or "born from the ocean." In Welsh mythology, Dylan was associated with a legendary sea god found in the waters of Britain and Ireland.

While traditionally a masculine name, Dylan has become increasingly popular as a unisex name in recent years. It is more commonly used for boys but has gained traction as a girl's name as well.

7. Louise

Louise is the feminine form of Louis, derived from the Germanic name Hluodowig. The name primarily means "famous warrior" or "renowned fighter."

The name has several variations across different languages and cultures, including Louisa (English), Luisa (Italian, Spanish), Luise (German), and Lovisa (Swedish).

8. Dorothy

Dorothy is derived from the Greek name Dorothea, which means "gift of God" or "God's gift." It gained significant popularity in the early 20th century, ranking in the top 10 names for girls in the United States from 1904 to 1939.

The name gained additional recognition through its association with the character Dorothy Gale from L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz," famously portrayed by Judy Garland in the 1939 film adaptation.

9. Mabel

Mabel is derived from the Latin name Amabilis, which means "lovable" or "dear." It was introduced to English-speaking regions through Norman influence and became commonly used during the Middle Ages. Over time, Mabel evolved as a shortened form of the original name.

10. Maisie

The name Maisie is of Scottish origin and means "pearl." It is a diminutive form of the names Mairead (Scottish Gaelic) or Mairead (Irish), which are equivalent to Margaret in English. While it originated as a nickname, it has become increasingly popular as an independent given name.
Police said emergency crews in Australia continued are scouring ocean waters for a surfer who disappeared beneath the surface after likely being attacked by a shark.

Just after 7 p.m. local time Thursday, the 28-year-old man from Port Lincoln, a city on the Eyre Peninsula, was surfing near Granites Beach, south of Streaky Bay, when witnesses reported seeing a shark attack him, South Australia Police wrote in a news release early Friday.

Officers responded and began a search along with state officials and local volunteers, the agency reported.

As of early Friday morning, police had not released the surfer's name, the mans body had yet to be found, and authorities were still searching by air, land and water.

A Great White Shark swimming here, was spotted in waters where a shark is suspected of attacking a surfer on Granites Beach in South Australia on Jan. 2, 2025, police said.

'Is he gonna bite the boat?' Video shows white shark circling Massachusetts boaters

'There was just no sign of this young man'

Senior Constable Rebecca Stokes told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation a surfboard had been recovered.

"I understand someone went out on a jet ski immediately after the attack, which is extremely brave of them, and were able to recover the surfboard," she told the local outlet. "But there was just no sign of this young man. There's just been no sign of him."

The species of shark that attacked the surfer was not immediately known, but according to the outlet, a fisherman spotted at least one "large great white shark" in the area before the reported attack.

Beach where surfer reportedly attacked by shark remains closed

The beach remained closed to the public Friday, and officials were asking any witnesses to contact police.

Because the surfer is presumed dead, officials said police were preparing a report for the coroner Friday.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missing surfer likely dead in Australia shark attack: Police
The warning signs and safety concerns were obvious  to New Orleans residents, tourists and experts alike.

Throngs of New Years Day revelers packed in the citys bustling French Quarter had no strong barriers to protect them from speeding vehicles like the 6,000-pound truck that plowed into the crowd and killed 14 people.

The tragedy came years after a private security consulting firm warned in a 2019 report that the risk of terrorism in the French Quarter  specifically mass shootings and vehicular attacks  remained highly possible while moderately probable.

And just last month, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI warned law enforcement of the threat of violence from lone offenders around the holidays and the potential use of vehicle ramming, according to two internal memos obtained by CNN.

The 2019 report strongly recommends safety structures known as bollards  vertical posts that can move up and down  be fixed and improved immediately.

But instead of sturdy bollards on New Years Eve, They had the flimsy orange ones that you could just push over with your finger, one witness said.

In addition to the missing sturdy bollards, which were under repair, the citys portable steel barriers were in the down position during New Years celebrations.

New Orleans owns temporary barriers that could have blocked access to Bourbon Street  but decided not to use them, a source familiar with the report told CNN.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said she did not know the city owned the safety devices, known as Archer barriers.

I didnt know about them, but we have them, Kirkpatrick told reporters Thursday. And so we have been able now to put them out.

Tourists walk past temporary barriers on Bourbon Street on January 2, one day after the attack. - George Walker IV/AP

The New Orleans City Council is still trying to determine why Bourbon Street lacked permanent security bollards on the morning of the deadly attack, Councilmember Jean-Paul Morrell said Friday.

We have had some contradictory messages internally as far as when the work was awarded and when it should have started, Morrell told CNN. I know from my perspective as the incoming Council president, we are going to do our own deep-dive investigation over the coming weeks to go into that.

On New Years Eve, the city did park a police vehicle at the entrance to the street where more than a dozen revelers would be run over.

This particular terrorist drove around, onto the sidewalk, and got around the hard target, the police superintendent said.

We did indeed have a plan, Kirkpatrick said. But the terrorist defeated it.

Those barricades were not up, period

The barricades in question  portable steel structures that can either lie flat or be raised depending on traffic  seemed to stand out in the memories of several witnesses to the attack.

Both longtime residents and tourists who spoke with CNN and affiliates noted those barriers were not raised while recounting the deadly truck-ramming in the hours that followed.

Indeed, surveillance footage on Bourbon Street showed the pickup truck driving over one such barrier, which was not erect at the time of the incident, and speeding away after, narrowly missing partygoers.

Those barricades were not up, period, Jimmy Cothran, a partys designated driver told CNNs Pamela Brown. They had the flimsy orange ones that you could just push over with your finger. We actually thought it was kind of odd.

Jose Lieras, a tourist from Los Angeles, told CNN affiliate WDSU that the metal barricades at Bourbon and Canal Street were not raised  instead, he saw just the standard plastic ones.

Lieras added that though there were a lot of police stationed at Bourbon Street, cars were still driving by while pedestrians walked all over the street.

I dont think they should let any vehicles at all. It should always be blocked off at nighttime because something like this could have happened.

Shortly before Bourbon Street reopened Thursday, the police chief said the city is hardening the target around the famous street so that any penetration would be almost next to impossible.

That involved raising the existing barricades, bringing in heavier equipment and placing barriers that block sidewalk access, Kirkpatrick told CNN.

The police chief said she is confident officers will be able to keep people safe, especially as New Orleans prepares to host the Super Bowl next month and the Mardi Gras carnival in March.

A police officer blocks a street in the French Quarter on January 2. - Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

The DHS and FBI had warned of possible vehicle attacks over the holidays

A joint DHS and FBI bulletin released December 6 and a follow up critical incident note about a vehicle attack on a German Christmas market came days before the massacre in New Orleans.

Joint bulletins are distributed to federal, state, and local law enforcement from DHS, FBI, and National Counterterrorism Center to inform them about the threat environment. They are shared among law enforcement when necessary, and generally ahead of the holiday season.

In the bulletin obtained by CNN, the federal agencies warned that lone offenders pose most likely threat of violence to soft targets in the Homeland during winter holidays, referring to individuals acting alone.

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 reads, listing other incidents in previous years.

The bulletin said foreign terrorist organizations and online supporters historically have disseminated holiday-themed media calling for violence against Western celebrations, prominent landmarks, and religious institutions.

This year, FTOs began releasing winter holiday-related messaging earlier than in prior years, possibly foreshadowing an increase in FTO media production calling for violence during the winter holidays, it said, referring to foreign terrorist organizations.

Another car-ramming incident inspired the city to install mechanical barricades

After 84 people were killed in the 2016 vehicle attack in Nice, France, the city of New Orleans installed several steel mechanical barricades in the French Quarter in 2017 that could move in and out of position, according to NOLA.com.

In addition to the mechanical barricades, police could also deploy portable wooden and steel barricades and use their vehicles to block roads at certain times.

Michael Guillory, who works at a hotel near the scene of the New Years crime, told CNN affiliate WDSU he had never seen those steel barricades up in seven years.

On Google Maps Streetview, images of Bourbon Street show that there are also bollard systems on the ground. But the bollards are in the process of being repaired, Morrell said Wednesday.

The city has been working on installing new, removable stainless-steel bollards along several blocks, from Canal Street to St. Ann Street. Those new barriers are only able to withstand vehicle impacts of 10 mph, according to a Reuters report.

Citing a city-contracted analysis in April by engineers and city bid documents, Reuters reported the assessment determined that a truck similar to the one used in the attack could plow through the area at speeds ranging from 12 to 70 mph.

CNN has contacted the city of New Orleans for copies of the documents and comment on the assessment.

Like the portable and mechanical barricades, the bollards could close the street to traffic when needed to protect pedestrians but be lowered when the street was open to vehicles.

This illustration shows what new bollards on Bourbon Street will look like when an area between Canal and St. Ann streets are closed to vehicular traffic. - City of New Orleans

This illustration shows what a stretch of Bourbon Street will look like when bollards are stored and the street is open to vehicles. - City of New Orleans

Construction on that project began in November and was expected to carry on through February.

In a city council meeting Monday, a Department of Public Works official mentioned construction crews had cleared equipment on Bourbon Street ahead of New Years celebrations after a councilmember mentioned local businesses being impacted by the construction.

The bollards were the subject of a 2019 report from a private security consulting firm that noted the risk of terrorism in New Orleans French Quarter, specifically mass shootings and vehicular attacks, remained highly possible while moderately probable.

The report by Interfor International, reviewed by CNN, strongly recommends bollard mobilization to be fixed and improved immediately.

The current bollard system on Bourbon Street does not appear to work, the report said.

But the current city council was not briefed on the report, Morrell said.

This new council came in, i n 2022, so we were not aware that there was a 2019 report, Morrell told CNN on Friday.

Morrell said the barriers were in the midst of being repaired and replaced this week, and police vehicles were used to block parts of the area.

But in this instance, the individual circumvented the barriers by going on the sidewalk and getting past the area where they had police vehicles, Morrell said.

He continued, So in this instance, even had the bollard barriers been up, the circumvention by riding on the sidewalk would have defeated them.

This person was dead set on attacking our great community, Lesli Harris, a Councilwoman for New Orleans District B said to CNN.

Whether or not it happened at that intersection or at another intersection along Bourbon Street, I think this person was aiming for New Orleans for whatever reason. And I dont know that anything could have prevented this from happening.

Harris added that law enforcement was stationed at the intersection of the attack and responded immediately  taking the suspect down and killing him  preventing what she said could have been a much larger scale attack.

Bourbon Street itself is not a pedestrian area, she said. There are pedestrians, but there are also cross streets and there arent stations at every cross street to prevent this.

Other New Orleans officials acknowledge that existing protocols are weak and in transition.

Council President Oliver Thomas has called a committee meeting for Monday to discuss the incident. An agenda states representatives from the police and public works department will be at the meeting.

City officials saw next months Super Bowl as an opportunity to make needed infrastructure improvements including the bollards.

Were going to fix it. It is going to be a top priority as we go into the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, and the solution that were going to come up with is going to be a permanent one, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Wednesday.

Experts weigh in

If you believe there is a threat that warrants blocking off the street to vehicles but allows pedestrians, then you need to do it and resource it properly, Rodger Shanahan, a Middle East analyst and author of Islamic State in Australia, told CNN on Friday.

Shanahan added that stationing a single police vehicle at the top of the street was obviously insufficient and authorities should have deployed a variety of security protocols, like mechanical barricades on main routes and vehicles on minor routes.

Ensuring a road like Bourbon Street is secure is a balancing act, CNN Senior Law Enforcement Analyst Charles Ramsey said Thursday. Blocking off the street could affect businesses that need deliveries or restrict people from leaving in case of an emergency.

Its complicated  you have to make sure threats cant get in, but you also have to make sure emergency responders can get out, he said.

Theyve got to come up with a plan that really allows for some flexibility. Youve got businesses there that need deliveries, its residential, youve got people that live in the area there. And so, to permanently shut it down is something that just doesnt make a lot of sense, but at the same time you have to very mindful that this is a target.

By Thursday afternoon, officials had cleared Bourbon Street for reopening after raising the barricades and placing new archer barriers.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story gave the incorrect name of the firm that did the 2019 report on security risks in the French Quarter. It is Interfor International.

CNNs Priscilla Alvarez, Evan Perez, Eric Levenson, Christina Macfarlane and Andy Rose contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox.

When Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at the Capitol on Friday to swear-in the new class of Senators, many of the smiling politicians handing her their family Bibles will be the same ones who for months have been telling crowds that she was a threat to the American way of life. At campaign rallies, on social media, and in interviews, some spent months falsely claiming she wanted to ban Christmas from the calendar, bring dog meat to immigrants stoves, or rig the election by inviting undocumented immigrants to flood polling places and cast illegal ballots.

Of the four Senators taking oaths on Friday who also spoke at the Republican convention in Milwaukee last year, three of them couldnt be bothered to pronounce her name correctly when they took a moment to ridicule her.

Its an inelegant reality that every Vice President faces in their role as the President of the Senate, one that is particularly raw for those like Harris, Al Gore, and Richard Nixon who lost their presidential bids but still had to return for a final few weeks of a grind at the Capitol. Former Senators all, they understood that the norms of the Upper Chamber could not be set aside to save their bruised ego, nor would these institutionalists ask to be spared. Standing there with folks who trashed them is just part of the gig. Or at least thats what they have to tell themselves.

That doesnt make itor presiding over a Senate on Jan. 6 as it certifies their opponents win in the Electoral Collegeany easier. Just ask former Vice Presidents Mike Pence, Joe Biden, and Dan Quayle how much they enjoyed helping set their political foes on the final glidepath toward replacing them.

For Harris, who inherited the Democratic nomination late in the calendar, the day cannot be one of ease. Although she has put forward a strong face in the wake of her convincing defeat and has told her supporters and aides that pity parties are not how they do things, the arrival in Washington this week of some of her fiercestand most creativecritics, now imbued with more power, provides an added sting to the meteoric rise and shocking shortfall she endured over the last six months.

Take Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno of Ohio, who was born in Bogata, Colombia and ran an auto empire in Cleveland before unseating Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown by tapping into voters anxieties over immigration in a former industrial powerhouse. Moreno not only helped spread the false allegations that residents of Springfield, Ohio, were eating dogs and cats, he claimed they were the byproduct of Harris role in giving temporary status to legal immigrants, and said Harris and fellow Democrats have put the welfare of illegals ahead of our own citizens. Meanwhile, his campaign inched very close to blaming Harris for a failed assassination attempt against Trump.

Sen.-elect Jim Banks of Indiana, campaigning for one of the safest seats in the country, stuck with the tried-and-true culture war fodder in saying Harris wanted her war of Christmas. Harris will swear in him too, along with Sen. Ted Cruz, who spent months saying Harris and her allies were coordinating asylum seekers to flood the country with future voters. (For the record: non-citizens cannot vote.) Cruz also said in September the Ukrainian president was using a trip to the United States to campaign as a Harris surrogate.

And Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who had eyed the top job in his chamber but did not get it, crassly assessed that Harris was ignoring his states post-hurricane recovery to chase photo-ops. She doesnt care enough about Florida to get her butt down here and say shes going to make sure the federal government is a partner in whats going on right now in our state, Scott said. He also accused her of picking the policies she touted based on racism.

And as these newcomers and alumni alike take the oath on Friday, theyll be repeating it from the woman who, at least until Election Day of last year, was considered the standard-bearer of a political party now looking for an identity and a future.

Political pros like Harris understand this is just the nature of the performative piece of doing the job. As a former career prosecutor, district attorney, state Attorney General, Senator, Vice President, and presidential nominee, she gets that the folks across the aisle will take every opportunity to amplify and even at times invent daylight between the two parties. She certainly has done it over her career, and theres no indication that the 60-year-old trailblazer is done.

That doesnt mean there is any of that joy heading from the Veeps residence at the Naval Observatory to Capitol Hill as this week ends. Harris and Biden alike are packing up offices that will soon be held by their polar opposites. Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vancewhose Senate seat from Ohio is still an open question that only Gov. Mike DeWine can answerare about as unlikely a pair of heirs as can be expected. The Senate, too, is about to pivot not just from a Democratic majority to a Republican one, but a GOP-led chamber without former Leader Mitch McConnells iron hold over his caucus. That potential chaos in a chamber requiring 60 votes for almost every piece of consequential legislation may be the lone reason Harris can summon comfort as she readies for photo-ops with figures who spent months trashing her, weeks misrepresenting her updated policies, and for years to come will be casting votes in Washington while she plans her next moves.

So Harris will grip, grin, and grit on Friday, and for the next 17 days. Just dont expect her to forget the litany of slights they hurled at her. Like all good pols at her level, Harris memory can be stubborn.

Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter.

Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com.
By Blake Brittain

(Reuters) -GlobalFoundries and IBM said on Thursday they have settled dueling lawsuits in which GlobalFoundries was accused of breaching a contract with IBM and the computer giant was alleged to have misused the chipmaker's trade secrets.

The companies said in a joint statement the terms of the settlement were confidential and would allow them to "explore new opportunities for collaboration."

GlobalFoundries bought IBM's semiconductor plants in 2015. IBM sued the Malta, N.Y.-based company in New York state court in 2021 for allegedly breaking a $1.5 billion contract to make high-performance chips for IBM.

GlobalFoundries, which is majority owned by Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, separately sued Armonk, New York-based IBM in New York federal court in 2023 for allegedly misappropriating its chipmaking trade secrets and sharing them with Intel and Japanese consortium Rapidus during partnerships with the two companies.

An Intel spokesperson declined to comment on the settlement. Spokespeople for Rapidus did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The U.S. Commerce Department awarded GlobalFoundries a $1.5 billion subsidy in November to expand its semiconductor production in New York and Vermont.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by David Bario, Mark Porter and Paul Simao)
By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The state of Oklahoma is violating federal law by unnecessarily committing people with mental illness and drug abuse disorders to psychiatric hospitals, the U.S. Justice Department concluded in a report released on Friday.

The report, from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, also found that Oklahoma City, the state's largest city, defaults to sending police officers to deal with mental health crises even when there is no public safety threat.

Police sometimes "fail to help, escalate crises or even unnecessarily resort to force," according to the report.

People with behavioral health disabilities in the Oklahoma County area are not receiving the support they need, Kristen Clarke, the head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said in a statement.

The report found that the state of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City violated a provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act and that police routinely discriminated against people with behavioral health disabilities.

The report marks the latest police oversight investigations completed by the Justice Department before the Trump administration takes charge on Jan. 20.

The department has now released findings in nine of the 12 police department probes that began under Democratic President Joe Biden's administration. It has wrapped up five such investigations since President-elect Donald Trump won the Nov. 5 election.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, a Republican, said he supported reform of the mental health system, but criticized the publication of the report in the final weeks of the Biden administration.

"We will closely review the findings, but the DOJ report appears to be an attempt to bully Oklahoma into compliance with ever-changing and undefined targets," Drummond said in a statement.

Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy said the department is examining the Justice Department's findings, adding that police "will continue to work with our community partners to provide the best available resources to our residents."

The Justice Department in Trump's first term curtailed the use of "pattern-or-practice" investigations that assess any patterns of misconduct in state and local police departments.

Also on Friday, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said it reached a court agreement with Georgia's Fulton County to enforce reforms to the county jail. The department in November found that the county, which includes the city of Atlanta, systematically violates the constitutional rights of the people it incarcerates.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
A 5-year-old boy inserts a swab stick into his nose for a Covid-19 self-test.

The Summary

A new paper describes a test that can differentiate between different types of asthma via a nasal swab.

Researchers hope the test can eventually be used to help match patients with better treatments.

The research focused on Black and Puerto Rican children, who have higher rates of asthma and asthma-related deaths than white children.

For many children diagnosed with asthma, pinpointing the particular nature of their case and finding appropriate treatment is far from simple.

The lung disease, which affects more than 4.6 million children in the U.S., is often broken down into two categories. The first, known as T2-high asthma, is caused by inflammation from a particular type of immune system cell called T helper 2. Until recent years, it was assumed to be the most common form.

The second category, T2-low asthma, is essentially a catchall for other forms. It encompasses two subtypes  one involving less inflammation, and another characterized by inflammation from a different kind of T cell.

In some moderate or severe cases, figuring out which type of asthma a child has can help doctors match patients with proper treatment. But testing options have long been limited: Typically, doctors either draw blood to measure levels of immune cells or antibodies, or have children breathe into a mouthpiece to measure the nitric oxide in their breath.

However, the tests arent always accurate, and they only detect T2-high asthma, and thus cant differentiate between other subtypes.

So researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a more precise way to diagnose different asthma subtypes: collecting nasal swabs, then sequencing the RNA they contain. In people with two of the asthma subtypes, certain genes associated with inflammation are more highly expressed, so the researchers looked for those hallmarks. The third subtype was identified through the absence of those genetic hallmarks.

They describe the novel test in a paper published Thursday in the journal JAMA. The researchers used the test on more than 450 children and teens across three studies: one in Puerto Rico, one in Pittsburgh and one in both locations. The study participants were predominantly Puerto Rican or non-Hispanic Black.

The analysis showed that the nasal swabs could accurately diagnose several asthma subtypes. It also found that T2-low asthma  which has been associated with air pollution  was most common among the participants.

Black and Puerto Rican children have higher rates of asthma and asthma-related deaths than white children in the U.S. and are more likely to be exposed to asthma triggers like air pollution, dust or mold.

The research builds on previous studies that have similarly detected asthma via nasal swabs.

The researchers hope the test can improve the process of matching kids to appropriate asthma treatments, said Dr. Juan Celedon, one of the papers authors and chief of pulmonary medicine at UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh.

To me, this is a necessary first step for better personalized medicine, he said.

The default treatment for any type of asthma is steroids, usually delivered through an inhaler. But in moderate or severe cases, that might not be enough. In the last decade, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several injectable or intravenous drugs for such patients. These counteract molecules that trigger inflammation in the airways, but they are largely geared toward T2-high asthma.

Celedon said the nasal swab test could help researchers identify people with T2-low asthma for the purpose of enrolling them in studies that test new treatments for that target.

Instead of treating most people the same, in a few years, we can treat you better according to the type of asthma you have, he said.

The new findings are also noteworthy because the research involved children of color, who are often underrepresented in asthma studies, said Dr. Gurjit Hershey, director of the asthma research division at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital, who was not involved in the new paper.

Many studies have been done traditionally in white, European populations.  To be able to have a study that really focuses on Puerto Rican and Black children is important, she said.

However, the technology isnt ready to go mainstream. Celedon said it would need FDA approval before doctors could use it.

Plus, Hershey said, more research is needed to determine if a childs asthma type is consistent throughout their youth, or if it changes in response to environmental exposures such as pollution or allergens.

The place to be cautious is, does it make sense to treat based on this? she said, referring to the nasal swab test results. We would have to do a study to figure that out.

Dr. Jessica Hui, a pediatric allergist at National Jewish Health, a respiratory hospital in Denver, also cautioned that genetic sequencing is expensive, and the results would need to be analyzed by someone proficient in studying RNA.

Its a very specialized type of analysis, she said. Its not like this is something we can implement immediately, but for sure its an exciting direction.
If Husted wants to serve this way, its there, a person familiar with the discussions said.

CLEVELAND  Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted has emerged as a late and leading contender to succeed Vice President-elect JD Vance in the Senate, three Republicans familiar with the process said Friday.

Gov. Mike DeWine will appoint a replacement once Vance resigns his Senate seat  something that must happen before Vance and President-elect Donald Trump take office Jan. 20.

Whats not yet clear is if Husted would accept an appointment, which would run through a special election in 2026 to fill the remaining two years of Vances term. But some GOP insiders believe the job is Husteds if he wants it.

If Husted wants to serve this way, its there, a person familiar with the discussions said.

Husted, 57, has long held ambitions of being governor and has passed on running for Senate in previous elections. He also has been aggressively preparing a campaign to succeed the term-limited DeWine in two years.

Nothing to share on the topic, Husted responded via text message to NBC News when asked specifically about the Senate seat and his conversations with Trump about his political future.

Two people briefed on those conversations said that DeWine and Husted met with Trump last month at the president-elects Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Husted, one of the sources said, was eager for Trumps endorsement in what is expected to be a crowded Republican primary for governor.

Such a development would serve as a preemptive strike against businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, the one-time GOP presidential candidate whom Trump has chosen to lead a government efficiency task force alongside billionaire Elon Musk.

Ramaswamy, who lives in Ohio, is widely regarded there as a future candidate for statewide office. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and state Treasurer Robert Sprague are among the other GOP prospects for governor in 2016, and neither has indicated that a Husted candidacy would affect their plans.

The two people briefed on the Mar-a-Lago meeting, which was first reported by WEWS Channel 5, the ABC affiliate in Cleveland, said that the Senate appointment was also discussed, but that Trump made no commitments to Husted. DeWine has said he wants his pick for Vances Senate seat to be someone who can win a competitive primary  a dynamic that makes Trumps blessing key.

Dan Tierney, a spokesperson for DeWines office, confirmed to NBC News that DeWine visited Mar-a-Lago last month but declined to share any details of the governors agenda while there. Tierney also did not comment on the chances of Husted being appointed to the Senate.

Aside from Husted, former state GOP chair Jane Timken and state Rep. Jay Edwards are among the Republicans whom DeWine is seriously considering for the Vance seat, two sources familiar with the discussions said. Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, who lost his seat last fall, has not ruled out running for the seat in next years special election.

DeWine and Husted have been close allies since they ran together in 2018. Husted had plans to seek the governorship that year, as well, but he agreed to join DeWines ticket as the candidate for lieutenant governor. Husted also has been close with Ramaswamy, who informally advised him during the pandemic and served on the board for the Husted-led InnovateOhio agency.

But DeWines political capital in Trump world amounts to little. Last year, the governor endorsed against Trump-backed Bernie Moreno in the primary for Ohios other Senate seat. Trump and his allies branded DeWine as a Republican in name only, or RINO.

Moreno easily won the primary and then unseated Brown. He took office Friday.
The New Orleans terrorists pledge of allegiance to ISIS came as a shock to many who felt the infamous terror group had long been defeated.

But Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old Army vet from Texas who mowed down dozens of New Years revelers, killing 15 and injuring many more on Bourbon Street on Jan. 1, was flying an ISIS flag on his rented truck.

Jabbar also posted five videos claiming to have been inspired by ISIS and expressing a desire to kill prior to his spree, which ended with him being gunned down by police after he exited the vehicle.

ISIS might have changed over the years but the way they work and influence people is similar, Kerry OBrien Smith, a research head with the American Leadership and Policy Foundation who specializes in protecting children from radicalization, told The Post of the group, who briefly imposed an evil and ultra-hardline Muslim regime in the Middle East ten years ago.

FBI photo of 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, identified as the deceased suspect of the New Orleans terrorist attack on New Years Day that killed 15 and injured dozens more. Jabbar said he was inspired by ISIS. Fbi/UPI/Shutterstock

A black ISIS flag with white lettering lies on the ground rolled up behind the pickup truck driven by Jabbar into the New Years Day crowds in New Orleans. AP

Were now seeing older individuals getting radicalized, Smith said. ISIS is using the same methods they always have of projecting great strength and trying to excite those excited by violence.

[Jabbar] fit the mold of the kind of person they go after. Hed had some personal and financial troubles so he was susceptible.

Jabbars younger brother, Abdur Jabbar, 24, said Shamsud converted to Islam at a young age after initially being raised Christian but described him as caring and smart. He told The New York Times what his brother did does not represent Islam. This is more some type of radicalization, not religion.

Jabbar  who had also planted improvised explosive devices around the area of his attack, non of which exploded  had been divorced twice and had financial troubles, court papers revealed.

Smith said ISIS mainly reach people in the US online. Even though most ISIS-promoting accounts have been kicked off all the major social media platforms, the group has grown more cunning as a result.

Videos showing purported ISIS members about to execute about 30 Ethiopian Christians in Libya in 2015 went viral at the time. CBS Evening News/YouTube

Viewers noticed how unusually tall the ISIS members who executed the Christians appeared to be. CBS Evening News/YouTube

Once they were interested in acquiring more territory, now its more looking to capture minds. They appeal to those who think they are joining a great community of freedom fighters. Theyre still out there, on videos, in chatrooms  you name it.

The Houston mosque where its rumored Jabbar was a member also has a fiery imam named Elad Soudan whos shown in online videos making antisemitic statements, and sources told The Post they believed Jabbar may have been radicalized there.

ISIS, also known as ISIL or Daesh, is an acronym for the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq. In the chaos following the end of Saddam Husseins reign over Iraq and initial uprisings in Syria, the group started seizing land in 2014 after breaking away from Al-Qaeda.

An Islamic State figher standing on a captured government fighter jet in Raqqa, Syria in 2015. Universal Images Group via Getty Images

They quickly established their own caliphate  a self-proclaimed Islamic holy state.

ISIS seized the city of Raqqa in Syria January 2014, and it was declared the capital of the caliphate and residents were forced to adhere to the groups harsh 7th-century style brand of Islamism.

Most sinister to terror analysts at the time was ISIS unusually polished and Western-style media operations that sprang up so soon after the groups formation, with videos showing fearsome-looking ISIS operatives beheading non-Muslims.

One video apparently showed the kidnap and beheading of as many as 30 Ethiopian Christians in Libya in 2015, which dominated the news and social media.

They also executed Western journalists who had been working in Iraq on camera, accompanied by screeds against the west.

ISIS Al-Hayat Media Center was up and running in 2014 and began publishing a magazine called Dabiq that summer. It was surprisingly successful and before long ordinary European and American Muslims were signing up en masse to go to Raqqa and join the caliphate.

Jean-Charles Brisard, president of the Paris-based Center for the Analysis of Terrorism, said ISIS has lost territory but still packs a punch with propaganda. @JcBrisard/X

ISIS more recent media creations include the Khurasan magazine. Khurasan is the name for an ancient area of Afghanistan where some ISIS members are now holed up. @SaladinAlDronni/X

A charismatic Senegales-born jihadist named Oscar Diaby from Nice, France was almost singlehandedly credited with recruiting dozens of teenage boys and young men in France to Syria from roughly 2013 to 2016.

Diaby disseminated slick videos showing kids brandishing Kalashnikovs and before long, many were showing up at local airports with suitcases and tickets to Turkey.

At its peak, ISIS controlled a huge swath of territory from western Syria to the outskirts of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

But by 2019, thanks to a coalition of Kurdish and Arab soldiers with backup from US, British and French special forces, ISIS lost its last stronghold in Syria, its leaders were assassinated and it was toppled from power, marking the end of the caliphate.

Or so it seemed.

A video stream made by one of ISIS more recent media agencies, War and Media. counterextremism.com

A photo taken from an ISIS propaganda video from 2015 showing young children being trained in sports, weapons and Quran recitation in an undisclosed area somewhere between Syria and Iraq. Balkis Press / ABACA

Nowadays ISIS has gone more underground, according to several experts interviewed by The Post.

They are focused more on Afghanistan and parts of Africa, particularly the dangerous and terrorist-ridden Sahel region, a large area in the north of the Continent, they said.

They use two media sites, usually publishing in Arabic. One is called the War and Media Agency and the other Voice of Khorasan, which disseminate ISIS propaganda as stealthily as possible on messaging apps like Telegram, Kick and the now-defunct Surespot.

About a year ago, ISIS created two fake video channels made to look like CNN and Al Jazeera networks and posted them on two Facebook pages, two YouTube channels, and two accounts on X, according to a report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. The content was made to look as if it were official network fare but in fact was pro-ISIS propaganda.

ISIS has lost territory and theyve lost power but their propaganda is still very powerful and effective online, Jean-Charles Brisard, president of the Paris-based Center for the Analysis of Terrorism, told The Post Thursday.

From what we can see (Jabbar) had no contact directly with ISIS leadership. Most of the perpetrators of ISIS-inspired terrorism in the West are the same way and we have had cases of French military officers being radicalized here as well.

They usually join based on watching or reading the propaganda.

Additional reporting by Isabel Vincent
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

When it comes to movie memorabilia, few film collections have the buying power of the Star Wars saga. With a diehard, dedicated fanbase, some folks spend more on rare collectibles from the movies than the cost of a house and car combined (thats dedication). We found the most expensive of such memorabilia, highlighting their insane prices that extend to a galaxy far, far away.

1979 Kenner Star Wars Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Action Figure

Super Duper Super Store / ebay

Sold for: $1.3 million

A rare 1979 Kenner Rocket-Firing Boba Fett action figure recently sold at auction for an eye-popping $1.3 million, becoming the most expensive toy ever sold. This wasnt just any old collectible; its one of only three known prototypes of the J-slot V2/Missile version, a toy that never made it to store shelves because its missile-launching feature was deemed too hazardous for kids (party poopers). Dubbed the Holy Grail of toy collecting by auction house Goldin, this pieces legendary status sent its value skyrocketing.

R2-D2 Unit Used in Several Star Wars Films

Araya Doheny/WireImage/Getty

Sold for: $2.76 million

A 43-inch R2-D2 unit, crafted from parts used during the original trilogy, recently sold at auction for an incredible $2.76 million  far surpassing its $2 million pre-sale estimate. This cinematic treasure, auctioned by Profiles in History, was the crown jewel of a memorabilia sale that featured iconic props like Luke Skywalkers lightsaber and Darth Vaders menacing helmet. For nearly $3 million, we sure hope this droid can still beep-bop, whirr, and whistle.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Action Figure with Double-Telescoping Lightsaber

tron1977 / Reddit

Sold for: $76,000

The late 70s Kenner Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure with a double-telescoping lightsaber is one of the rarest Star Wars toys ever made. The double-telescoping lightsaber, a two-piece design that extended further than later versions, was quickly scrapped early in production due to high costs. That change left only a small number of these figures in existence, and even fewer still sealed in their original packaging. In 2017, one of these rare finds, complete with an unpunched card and an AFA grade of 80, sold for $76,700 at Hakes Americana & Collectibles.

Han Solos BlasTech DL-44 Blaster Prop from Star Wars: A New Hope

HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images

Sold for: $1,057,000

Han Solos blaster from Star Wars: A New Hope was made from military surplus parts, and is believed to be the only surviving prop of the three created for the 1977 film. Once thought to be lost, the blaster resurfaced in the London-based prop house Bapty & Co. inventory before hitting the auction block. With a presale estimate of $300,000 to $500,000, its final price shattered expectations.

X-Wing Starfighter Model

MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

Sold for: $3.1 million

An original 20-inch X-wing starfighter model used in the climactic space battle of Star Wars: A New Hope set a record as the most expensive screen-used Star Wars prop ever sold at auction. Fetching $3.135 million at Heritage Auctions, this Red Leader hero model  crafted by Industrial Light & Magic  was one of only four built for close-up shots and featured servo-controlled wings and working lights. Long believed lost, the model was discovered in the late Oscar-nominated modelmaker Greg Jeins garage while cataloging his collection. VFX historian Gene Kozicki called it a mythical white whale for visual effects fans, comparing its significance to iconic relics like Dorothys ruby slippers.

The Empire Strikes Back Stormtrooper Helmet

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Sold for: $120,000

A rare original Stormtrooper helmet from The Empire Strikes Back sold for $120,000 at the Prop Stores London auction. This iconic helmet, recognized as one of the most defining designs in cinematic history, embodies the menacing presence of the Empires foot soldiers and George Lucass visionary world-building. Prop Store COO Brandon Alinger described owning an original helmet as the ultimate Star Wars collectible.

Luke Skywalkers Lightsaber from The Empire Strikes Back

MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images

Sold for: $450,000

An original Luke Skywalker lightsaber was purchased by Ripleys Believe it Or Not Museum for $450,000 at a 2017 auction, where it is now on display. The lightsaber was used in The Empire Strikes Back during the memorable scene where Luke retrieves his saber from the Wampa ice monster using the Force. Crafted from a 1930s Graflex camera flash handle, the saber still has the original logo etched on the hilt.

C-3PO Head

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Sold for: $844,000

A C-3PO head once owned by actor Anthony Daniels, who brought the iconic droid to life in the Star Wars films, sold as part of Daniels personal collection that went under the hammer at Propstore in Los Angeles. This light-up prop from Return of the Jedi was the highlight of the sale. Daniels, whos always been passionate about sharing his memorabilia with fans, hoped it would find a new home where itd be appreciated and displayed. The head, which appears in several key scenes of the 1983 film, was made of thin fiberglass and features illuminated eyes that light up with the flick of a switch.

Bib Fortuna Toy Prototype

Amazon

Sold for: $44,600

One of the most valuable Star Wars collectibles never even hit store shelves. The 1980s master model of Bib Fortuna, a character from Return of the Jedi, was one of several rare prototypes sold at Vectis Auctions. Initially estimated at 12,000, the models sale price stunned many. Alongside it, prototypes of Logray, an Ewok, and an Emperors royal guard sold for 12,000 and 28,800, respectively. Auctioneer Kathy Taylor remarked that these lesser-known characters far exceeded expectations. The models, originally created in the U.S. by Kenner for European toy production by Palitoy, were kept by Palitoys European tooling manager after the release of the toys. Taylor noted that its surprising these models survived, as many collectors and industry insiders wouldve discarded them long ago.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Lightsaber Prop from The Phantom Menace

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

Sold for: $125,000

A true Star Wars fan recently scored big at Propstores latest auction, snagging Obi-Wan Kenobis original lightsaber prop from The Phantom Menace for a whopping $125,000. The lightsaber, featuring the detailed hilt and green blade used in the film, likely got a boost from the recent success of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+, where Ewan McGregor reprised his role.

Vinyl Cape Jawa Action Figure

Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Sold for: $26,000

This super rare figure, which recently sold for $26,000 at auction, is an original Jawa from the first batch of 12 Star Wars figures made in 1978, complete with its vinyl cape. The cool part? Most of these Jawas had their capes swapped out for fabric ones, so the vinyl ones are crazy rare. This particular Jawa had been sitting on a Palitoy card in the UK, something collectors thought was a myth until a few years ago. The owner had no clue it was worth so much. He just brought it in with a couple of other figures and got a pleasant surprise when it went under the hammer.

Darth Vaders Helmet from The Empire Strikes Back

OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images

Sold for: $898,000

Why say, Luke, I am your father into a blowing-blade fan when you can spend nearly $900,000 to get Darth Vaders actual helmet? This iconic helmet, made of fiberglass and foam, was expected to go for about $400,000 but ended up fetching a staggering $898,420 at a Los Angeles auction. With added fees, the final price topped $1 million. Along with the helmet, the shoulder gear also sold for nearly $700,000, making it the most expensive item in the auction, which totaled nearly $8 million in sales.

The post Rare Star Wars Memorabilia Worth Galactic Gold appeared first on Wealth Gang.
Investigators abandoned an hours-long effort to detain South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence in Seoul on Friday, citing thousands of the president's supporters who rallied outside.

Police vehicles and crowds of the impeached president's backers were seen outside his home in the South Korean capital. Photos showed protesters lying down in front of police in an attempt to block authorities from the residence.

ABC News confirmed that anti-corruption authorities entered the gate on Yoon's property, after which a standoff ensued between his security team and police investigators. There were a total of 3,000 police officers on the scene.

Investigators abandoned their effort some five hours after arriving.

"We determined that executing the detention warrant would be practically impossible due to the continued confrontation and suspended the execution out of concern for the safety of on-site personnel caused by the resistance," the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials said in a statement quoted by South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

PHOTO: Police officers control the traffic in front of the impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence, as Yoon faces potential arrest after a court on Tuesday approved a warrant for his arrest, in Seoul, Jan. 3, 2025. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters)

"We plan to decide on the next steps following a review," the CIO added. "We express serious regret over the behavior of the suspect who refused to comply with legally set procedures," it added.

Yoon's side described the detention attempt as "an invalid and illegal warrant and strongly regrettable."

Kwon Young-Se, the interim leader of Yoons ruling conservative People Power Party, accused the CIO of unfair, under-the-table dealing with the judge that issued the warrant.

"This is an unfair transaction" secured "through judge shopping, Kwon told reporters Friday, referring to the fact that the CIO applied for the warrant not at the respective judicial department but rather at a non-related court and to a left-leaning judge, who noted in the warrant that the police could essentially raid a national security facility.

"I can't help but feel terrible about the disappearance of the rule of law in the Republic of Korea," Kwon added.

Over 1,000 Yoon supporters remained at the scene waving Korean and American flags after CIO investigators left. Many were holding "Stop the Steal" cardboard signs.

His supporters believe Yoon's assertion that that the opposition is attempting to steal the presidency, that the opposition leader -- who has already been charged in multiple criminal cases -- should be arrested first, that the previous election was rigged -- which Yoon also insisted when attempting to implement martial law -- and that North Korea-backed left-leaning forces in South Korean society are trying to topple the government.

MORE: Arrest warrant issued for South Korea's impeached President Yoon

Supporters of the opposition also remained in the area after CIO personnel departed, shouting: "Arrest, arrest, arrest!"

The move to detain Yoon came after a South Korean court issued an arrest and search warrant on Dec. 30 over his short-lived imposition of martial law, ABC News confirmed.

The warrant is valid until Jan. 6, Yonhap reported, meaning investigators hoping to serve it would have to attempt to detain the president again by Monday.

Under South Korea's constitution, if a sitting president is accused of insurrection, the police have the authority to arrest him while he is still in office.

A joint investigation team sought the warrant on insurrection and abuse of power charges after they said Yoon ignored three summonses to appear for questioning.

The court's decision to grant the warrant marks the first for a president in the country's history.

Immediately after the request, Yoon's attorneys asked the court to dismiss it, claiming that the headquarters "does not have the authority to investigate an insurrection" and that declaring martial law was constitutional.

PHOTO: Pro-Yoon Suk Yeol supporters gather outside the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Jan. 2, 2025, in Seoul. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Yoon declared martial law in a televised speech on Dec. 3. The president said the measure was necessary due to the actions of the country's liberal opposition, the Democratic Party, which he accused of controlling parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government.

The move sparked protests, and hours after the declaration, the National Assembly voted to demand that the president lift the martial law order. A majority of parliament -- all 190 members who were present, out of the 300-person body -- voted to lift the decree -- requiring that it then be lifted, under the South Korean constitution.

Following the National Assembly's vote, Yoon said he withdrew the troops that had been deployed to carry out martial law and "will lift martial law as soon as we have a quorum in the cabinet." The State Council then convened to vote to officially lift it.

The country's Democratic Party called on Yoon to resign following what it called the "fundamentally invalid" declaration of martial law. Without Yoon resigning, the opposition party worked to enact impeachment proceedings against the president.

Yoon has been suspended from his position since Dec. 14, when the National Assembly voted for his impeachment in a 204-85 vote.

PHOTO: South Korean investigators leave the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 3, 2025. (Lee Jin-man/AP)

ABC News' Kate Lee and Will Gretsky contributed to this report.

South Korean investigators abandon effort to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
As the 119th Congress begins on Friday, Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina is poised to make history as the longest-serving African American in the 235-year history of the U.S. Senate.

Scott, 59, the only Black Republican senator, was appointed in 2012 by then-Gov. Nikki Haley (R) after Sen. Jim DeMint abruptly resigned to run the conservative Heritage Foundation.

As we begin the 119th Congress, Senate Republicans have high enthusiasm and are focused on delivering for the American people! This Congress, I am thrilled to serve as the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Scott said in a statement. My goal is simple: make America work for Americans.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) speaks before Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) director Rohit Chopra testifies during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on December 11, 2024 in Washington, DC.

The title of longest-serving Black senator was previously held by Sen. Edward Brooke R-Mass., who served two full terms from 1967 to 1979.

So far, there have been 12 African-American elected or appointed senators, according to the Senate Historical Office.

Scott, who was a GOP presidential candidate in the 2024 election, endorsed President-elect Trump over Haley, who was also a presidential candidate, when he dropped out of the race after the third GOP primary debate.

On Friday, he said he was looking forward to working with Trump.

We will unlock opportunity, strengthen our nation, and make America the shining city on the Hill again, he said.

In 2025, the Senate will see its highest number of Black senators serving concurrently. Apart from Scott, the group includes Sens. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Scott, Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware.

Rochester and Alsobrooks will also become the first two Black women to serve in the Senate concurrently.

Born in North Charleston, South Carolina, Scott's parents divorced when he was seven and he, along with his mother and his older brother moved into his maternal grandparents' house.

After graduating from Charleston Southern University in 1988 with a degree in political science, Scott worked as an insurance agent and financial adviser.

He was first elected to Charleston County Council, to the South Carolina State House, and the U.S. House of Representatives.

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: Tim Scott celebrates becoming longest serving Black senator
The vehicles used in two separate incidents, the deadly New Orleans attack and the explosion in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, were rented via the same app, a peer-to-peer service called Turo, the company said.

Authorities are looking into several parallels between the incidents, including that both involved trucks  a Ford pickup in New Orleans and Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas  were rented from Turo and occurred on New Year's Day. Both also involved U.S.-born military servicemen who served in Afghanistan around the same timeframe, but don't appear to have any known connections.

But on Thursday, an FBI official, Christopher Raia, said that at this point, there's "no definitive link" between the two occurrences.

In an email to CBS News, a Turo spokesperson said the company is "actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents."

Turo CEO Andre Haddad released a statement on Friday detailing the company's ongoing cooperation with authorities. "We've spent these tense, mournful hours investigating, partnering with law enforcement, and working around the clock to figure out how our platform could be misused by the perpetrators of such atrocities," the CEO said.

According to the 12-year-old company, out of its entire history of rentals  which includes 27 million bookings spanning 8.6 billion miles driven  less than .10% have ended in a "serious incident, such as a vehicle theft."

"Despite this strong track record, and as an immediate next step while we wait for law enforcement to conclude their investigations, we're consulting with national security and counterterrorism experts to learn more about how we can get even better and play our part in helping prevent anything like this from happening ever again," Haddad said.

They added, "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."

Turo operates similarly to Airbnb, but with cars instead of houses or apartments. Car owners who aren't using their vehicles can rent them out to others via the app, which handles screening, billing and other services. In some cases, individuals have become "professional hosts" by renting out fleets of cars via Turo, according to a company filing.

In a separate email to CBS MoneyWatch, a Turo spokesperson said, "We are outraged by the misuse of our marketplace by the two individuals who perpetrated these acts."

Here's what to know about Turo.

How many people use Turo?

Turo, which started in 2009, had about 150,000 active hosts who rented out about 350,000 vehicles as of Sept. 30, according to the company's filing. About 3.5 million people rented those cars in the 12-month period through the end of September, it added.

The car rental service operates in 16,000 cities in the U.S., Australia, France, the U.K. and Canada.

How do you rent a car on Turo?

Turo says that in order to use its service, individuals need an email address, Google account or Apple ID, and a valid driver's license. Renters must also provide a home address and payment card.

Customers must be at least 18 years old to rent a car on Turo, or over 25 for more expensive vehicles. For instance, to rent a "deluxe" car  those valued between $45,000 to $85,000  drivers must be older than 25. "Super deluxe" cars, or those valued over $85,000, are limited to people over 30.

Does Turo screen people who rent cars?

On its website, Turo says "We may ask for additional photos and information and/or may check your personal and/or business credit report, auto insurance score, and criminal background to verify your account."

The man who drove the Ford truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, had pleaded guilty in 2015 to charges tied to driving under the influence (DUI), according to CNN.

In the state of Louisiana, a DUI offense is considered a felony on third and subsequent convictions, according to Louisiana Court Records, although first-time DUI offenders can face felony charges in instances where a death or violation of child endangerment laws is involved.

Turo also says it relies on its proprietary "risk score" to assess potential renters, which relies on "more than 50 data inputs," such as information submitted by customers as well as parameters set by the car owner.

"Every Turo renter is screened through a proprietary multilayer, data science-based trust and safety process," the Turo spokesperson wrote to CBS MoneyWatch.

"These individuals in question had valid driver's licenses, clean background checks, and were honorably discharged from the U.S. military," the spokesperson added. "They could have boarded any plane, checked into a hotel, or rented a car or truck from a traditional vehicle rental chain. We do not believe these two individuals would have been flagged by anyone  including Big Rental or law enforcement."

In a separate statement Thursday, Turo CEO Haddad also said the company is consulting with national security and counterterrorism experts to "learn more about how we can get even better and play our part in helping prevent anything like this from happening ever again."

Who are the men who rented the cars used in the attacks?

The driver in the New Orleans attack, Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S.-born citizen from Texas, was a U.S. Army veteran who lived in Houston. The FBI said he posted several videos before the attack proclaiming his support for ISIS.

Jabbar rented a Ford electric pickup truck from Turo in Houston on Dec. 30, 2024, and drove the vehicle to New Orleans on Dec. 31. On Jan. 1, he bypassed barriers put in place on Bourbon Street, which included patrol cars and law enforcement, before plowing onto the sidewalk, according to police officials. The attack killed at least 14 people and injured dozens.

In the second Jan. 1 occurrence, Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces intelligence sergeant who was serving in Germany but on leave in Colorado at the time of the incident, rented a Tesla Cybertruck from Turo in Denver.

That Cybertruck, a 2024 model, pulled up to the Trump hotel's glass entrance doors on Wednesday morning, officials said. Smoke began emerging from the vehicle, and then a large explosion occurred. Gasoline and camp fuel canisters and large firework mortars were found in the back of the vehicle after the explosion, which occurred about 15 seconds after the vehicle pulled in front of the building.

The Cybertruck explosion, which is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, killed the driver of the car and injured seven people outside of the vehicle.

The body was "burnt beyond recognition," Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a briefing Thursday, but the coroner's office later confirmed it was Livelsberger. Investigators said Livelsberger's military ID, passport and credit cards were found in the vehicle, along with several firearms.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote on X, his social media app, that the vehicle's structure helped limit the damage.

"The evil knuckleheads picked the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack," wrote Musk. "Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards. Not even the glass doors of the lobby were broken."

3 killed in Hawaii explosion caused by illegal fireworks display

Rep. Donalds on Mike Johnson's House speaker win

How Donald Trump reacted to Mike Johnson's House speaker win
On Dec. 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 from London to New York exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie. All 259 passengers and crew were killed, plus another 11 died when the wreckage fell over their homes. Scottish police and FBI agents found that a bomb was concealed in a Toshiba radio cassette player, which had been placed in a Samsonite suitcase. To this day, the Lockerbie bombing remains the deadliest terror attack on the U.K.

The Lockerbie bombingand the divisive legal proceedings that followedis the subject of a new miniseries on Peacock premiering Jan. 2 called Lockerbie: A Search For Truth. Adapted from the 2021 nonfiction book The Lockerbie Bombing: A Fathers Search for Justice by Jim Swire and Peter Biddulph, the five-episode miniseries stars Colin Firth as Swire, a physician who dedicates his life to uncovering the truth about the bombing that killed his daughter Flora (played by Rosanna Adams), who was flying to New York to spend Christmas with her boyfriend.

Perhaps the most unsettling aspect of the Lockerbie story and Swires ensuing detective work is how difficult it was for the victims families to obtain answers. Even once authorities in Britain and the US alleged the bombing had been an act of state-sponsored terrorism carried out by the Libyan Intelligence service and held a trial in 2001, Swire remained skeptical, telling anyone who would listen about the holes in the prosecutions case. Even today, there are numerous alternate theories around who was responsible and what their motives were.

Lets break down the true story behind Lockerbie: A Search For Truth and examine the storys many alternate theories.

What happened in the Lockerbie bombing?

Flight 103, a Boeing 747, was scheduled to fly from Frankfurt to Detroit with stopovers in London and New York. Shortly after 7pm while the plane was in flight over Scotland, it was destroyed. There were no survivors. A total of 270 people died, including the flights passengers, crew, and 11 townspeople.



How did the investigation proceed?

Scottish police and the FBI undertook a joint three-year investigation. In November 1991, they issued arrest warrants for two Libyan nationals, including Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who was tried by the Scottish court at Camp Zeist, a former US air force base, in the Netherlands. They were also accused of placing the suitcase containing the bomb into the luggage system in the Maltese town Luqa for a flight from Malta to Frankfurt, and then on to London.

Both men protested their innocence. Then-Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi refused to extradite al-Megrahi and fellow suspect Lamin Khalifa Fhimah to the authorities in Washington or Edinburgh, resulting in years of sanctions. Eventually, Nelson Mandela and the United Nations brokered a deal, leading to the Camp Zeist trial.

The main piece of evidence prosecutors used was a scrap of cloth found near the countryside 30 miles from Lockerbie after the crash. Within a burnt shirt neckband was a fragment of circuit board, which the CIA and FBI said matched a component of an MST-13 bomb timer. A similar timer had been seized in Togo and traced to a Swiss company called MEBO. The company revealed to investigators that it had sold MST-13 timers to Libya and one of the companys owners, Edwin Bollier, admitted he knew al-Megrahi, whom he stated had an office next to his in Zurich.

Meanwhile, investigators traced the scrap of clothing back to a small shop in Malta. The shop owner, Tony Gauci, told investigators he recalled selling a seemingly random selection of clothes to a man in the weeks leading up to the bombing. When shown a photo of al-Megrahi, Gauci said it looked like the man whod been in his shop. Al-Megrahi denied having been on Malta that day, though immigration records showed al-Megrahi had arrived on the island from Libya on Dec. 20, 1988, the day before the bombing, using a fake passport.

Nabil Al Raee as Colonel Gaddafi -- (Photo by: Graeme Hunter/SKY/Carnival) Courtesy of Graeme Hunter/SKY/Carnival

Allegedly, al-Megrahi traveled back to Libya on the 21st with fellow intelligence operative Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud, who was later accused of making the bomb used on Flight 103. (Mas'ud was charged by the U.S. in 2020 for the bombing and arrested in December 2022. He pled not guilty in February 2023 and a trial has been set for May 2025 in Washington.) Al-Megrahi declined to take the stand during his trial, so the public never heard his explanation why he was allegedly in Malta or his reason for using a fake ID.

In 2001, al-Megrahi was found guilty of 270 counts of murder in connection with the bombing and sentenced to life in prison. He was released by the Scottish government in 2009 on compassionate grounds after being diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. Al-Megrahi died in 2012 and was the only person convicted in connection with the attack. Al-Megrahis co-accused, Lamin Khalifah Fhimah, was found not guilty and acquitted.

Prior to his death, Megrahi regularly maintained his innocence; he unsuccessfully appealed his 2001 conviction. Ultimately, al-Megrahi dropped his appeal two days before his release.

On Aug. 29, 2011, the Wall Street Journal published a story about a private letter written by Megrahi at the intelligence headquarters in Tripoli, Libya. Addressed to the countrys intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, the letter stated: I am an innocent man.

Gaddafi, who was assassinated by rebel forces in 2011, never accepted personal blame for the attack, but in 2003 his government took responsibility for the actions of its officials and agreed to pay $2.7 billion in compensation to the bombing victims families.

Who is Jim Swire?

Following the death of his daughter Flora on Flight 103, Swire dedicated his life to uncovering the truth behind who perpetrated the Lockerbie bombing and what their motive(s) were. (Today, Swire is in his 80s and runs the website lockerbietruth.com with Peter Biddulph, co-author of Lockerbie: A Search for Truth.) A spokesman for the U.K. Families Flight 103, a group of family members of the deceased, Swire also advocated for the retrial and release of al-Megrahi (since deceased), whom he believed had been unfairly accused of the bombing.

In a controversial demonstration of lax airport security, in 1990 Swire carried a fake bomb onto a British Airways flight from London to New York, and then to Boston.

As he wrote in his book, Swire believes the bomb timer fragment was planted. In 2012 came the startling news that independent scientific tests conducted by two British scientists has proved that the timer fragment did not come from a timer board made by Swiss manufacturers This meant conclusively that the fragment could not have come from a timer board supplied to Libya, Swire writes in a book summary on his website.

Swire has also repeatedly said to reporters that he believes Iran was primarily responsible for the Lockerbie attack; the U.S. did not pursue this theory because officials wanted to blame somebody, anybody, rather than Iran.

What are some other theories and revelations around the Lockerbie bombing?

According to a 1991 fact sheet released by the US State Department, officials initially believed the attack had been a joint plan between the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine  General Command (PFLP-GC). The fact sheet described reliable intelligence indicating these groups were planning to attack a U.S. target in retaliation for an incident where the American warship USS Vincennes accidently shot down an Iranian Airbus in July 1988, just five months before Lockerbie.

Likewise, the bomb that exploded on Flight 103 bore a resemblance to one, also in a Toshiba radio, found in the car of a Palestinian militant during a raid in Frankfurt less than two months earlier. The PFLP-GC also reportedly was in possession of flight schedules.

Catherine McCormack as Jane Swire -- (Photo by: SKY/Carnival) Courtesy of SKY/Carnival

Investigators didnt pursue this theory, as the State Department said the Toshiba radios were different in appearance and used different bomb technology than the one on Flight 103. However, in 2014, an Iranian defector to Germany claimed the attack had been ordered by Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomheini to copy exactly what happened to the Iranian Airbus that was shot down by the U.S.

In 2013, Swire told the Telegraph he believed that pursuing the Iran theory would have caused diplomatic problems for America at a time when the government was negotiating hostage releases in Lebanon.

Experts have also theorized that Syria may have been involved, as Libya, Iran, and Palestinian extremists all had ties to Syria at the time. The State Departments fact sheet stated that Syria was the primary political sponsor of PFLP-GC and was at least broadly aware of the groups operations.

We cannot rule out a broader conspiracy between Libya and other governments or terrorist organizations, the fact sheet stated. Despite these links, we lack information indicating direct collaboration.

In addition to exploring the Iran-Palestinian theory, Lockerbie: A Search For Truth digs into the fact that there had been unheeded warnings about the coming attack. In the weeks prior to the explosion, the U.S. embassy in Finland received a call with a warning of a plot against a Pan American flight to the U.S. sometime in the next two weeks. This was passed to the US Federal Aviation Administration but was dismissed as a hoax.

Likewise, two days before the flight, the U.K. Department of Transport sent Pan Am a letter warning that a bomb had been placed in a cassette player. The warning was based on information sent out by the German intelligence services. Pan Am later stated that due to the Christmas rush, the letter was not received until Jan. 17.

Finally, during his first appeal in 2002, Megrahis defense pointed to evidence suggesting that the Samsonite suitcase did not originate from Malta, including reports of a security breach at Heathrow 18 hours prior to the attack. The appeal panel rejected the argument as grounds for a retrial.

Where is the status of the Lockerbie case today?

After more than 35 years, al-Megrahi remains the only person convicted of the bombing, while alleged co-conspirator Mas'uds trial date is currently set for May 12, 2025.

Still, numerous questions and theories continue to swirl around every aspect of the Lockerbie bombing. Lockerbie: A Search For Truth doesnt directly answer these questions as it does provide a step-by-step accounting of Swires investigation and introduce a new generation of audiences to a grim piece of geopolitical history.

How have families of victims responded to the show?

The series has received criticism from a group called the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103, which said in a statement that it is "incredibly frustrated and angry about the content in the series." The statement goes on to say that the show "amplifies falsehoods and unsupported theories, ignores the work of hundreds of family members by focusing on one, disregards the work of investigators and prosecutors, and brings to life, in grotesque detail, the events of December 21, 1988" and ultimately "dishonors the memories of our family members."

Contact us at letters@time.com.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a top oil and gas industry trade group are suing Vermont over its new law requiring that fossil fuel companies pay a share of the damage caused over several decades by climate change.

The federal lawsuit filed Monday asks a state court to prevent Vermont from enforcing the law, which was passed last year. Vermont became the first state in the country to enact the law after it suffered catastrophic summer flooding and damage from other extreme weather. The state is working to estimate the cost of climate change dating back to Jan. 1, 1995.

The lawsuit argues the U.S. Constitution precludes the act and that the state law is preempted by the federal Clean Air Act. It also argues that the law violates domestic and foreign commerce clauses by discriminating against the important interest of other states by targeting large energy companies located outside of Vermont.

The Chamber and the other plaintiff in the lawsuit, the American Petroleum Institute, argue that the federal government is already addressing climate change. And because greenhouse gases come from billions of individual sources, they argue it is impossible to measure accurately and fairly the impact of emissions from a particular entity in a particular location over decades.

Vermont wants to impose massive retroactive penalties going back 30 years for lawful, out-of-state conduct that was regulated by Congress under the Clean Air Act," said Tara Morrissey, senior vice president and deputy chief counsel of the Chambers litigation center. That is unlawful and violates the structure of the U.S. Constitution  one state cant try to regulate a global issue best left to the federal government. Vermonts penalties will ultimately raise costs for consumers in Vermont and across the country.

A spokesman for the state's Agency of Natural Resources said it had not been formally served with this lawsuit.

Anthony Iarrapino, a Vermont-based lobbyist with the Conservation Law Foundation, said the lawsuit was the fossil fuel industry's way of trying to avoid accountability for the damage their products have caused in Vermont and beyond.

More states are following Vermonts lead holding Big Oil accountable for the disaster recovery and cleanup costs from severe storms fueled by climate change, ensuring that families and businesses no longer have to foot the entire bill time and time again," Iarrapino added.

Under the law, the Vermont state treasurer, in consultation with the Agency of Natural Resources, is to issue a report by Jan. 15, 2026, on the total cost to Vermonters and the state from the emission of greenhouse gases from Jan. 1, 1995, to Dec. 31, 2024. The assessment would look at the effects on public health, natural resources, agriculture, economic development, housing and other areas. The state would use federal data to determine the amount of covered greenhouse gas emissions attributed to a fossil fuel company.

Its a polluter-pays model affecting companies engaged in the trade or business of extracting fossil fuel or refining crude oil attributable to more than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions during the time period. The funds could be used by the state for such things as improving stormwater drainage systems; upgrading roads, bridges and railroads; relocating, elevating or retrofitting sewage treatment plants; and making energy efficient weatherization upgrades to public and private buildings. Its modeled after the federal Superfund pollution cleanup program.

The approach taken by Vermont has drawn interest from other states, including New York, where Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a similar bill in December.

The New York law requires companies responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions to pay into a state fund for infrastructure projects meant to repair or avoid future damage from climate change. The biggest emitters of greenhouse gases between 2000 and 2018 would be subjected to the fines.
A woman is in custody, and a United States Postal Service worker is dead after a brazen daytime stabbing attack inside a New York City deli Thursday.

The New York Police Department told USA TODAY officers responded to the deli on Lenox Avenue between 118th and 119th streets about 2:30 p.m. for a report of an assault. Arriving officers said they found a man suffering from multiple stab wounds.

The man, identified by the NYPD as Ray Hodges, 36, of the Bronx, was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said they arrested Jaia Cruz, 24, of Manhattan, on a first-degree murder charge in connection to the killing.

Flight crew attacked: Virgin Australia Airline crew allegedly sexually assaulted, robbed in Fiji

US postal worker fatally stabbed inside Harlem deli

On Friday, the USPS told USA TODAY Hodges was a letter carrier assigned to Manhattan.

U.S. Inspection Postal spokesperson Michael Martel said Hodges began working for USPS in July 2022.

Martel released the following statement on behalf of USPS:

"The Postal Inspection Service takes matters involving the safety and wellbeing of postal service employees as a top priority. We are working diligently with the New York City Police Department on this investigation. To protect the integrity of this investigation, we cannot provide further details at this time."

An argument over 'who was first in line to order'

A deli worker told CBS News New York Hodges was ordering a sandwich when a person at the counter began arguing with him over "who was first in line to order." The woman, the outlet reported, pulled out a knife and stabbed Hodges in the torso.

It was not immediately known whether the suspect in the case knew the victim, had posted bond Friday, or had obtained an attorney in the case.

The federal agency is asking anyone with information about the case to call 1-877-876-2455.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Postal worker fatally stabbed inside Harlem deli; Jaia Cruz arrested
A former hospital worker was arrested in connection with a late 2024 incident that left three babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Virginia's Henrico Doctors Hospital with "unexplainable fractures," according to officials.

Henrico Police identified 26-year-old Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, of Chesterfield County, as a suspect during an investigation into the incident, per a news release published Friday.

Strotman was arrested and is facing malicious wounding and felony child abuse charges in connection with the incident, which the hospital said happened in late November, possibly December.

A spokesperson for HCA Virginia confirmed that Strotman is a former employee of Henrico Doctors Hospital. The spokesperson did not clarify what Strotman's role was.

"In late November/December, we discovered that three babies in our Henrico Doctors Hospital NICU had unexplainable fractures, similar to an incident involving four babies in the summer of 2023," the hospital said in a statement posted on their website Dec. 24. "We initiated a thorough internal investigation, informed the families and notified the proper authorities and regulatory agencies and worked collaboratively with them on their investigations."

The hospital said that they are not accepting any more babies to their NICU out of an abundance of caution, and have also taken steps to make the unit more secure, including installing live-streaming technology and requiring all caregivers to participate in safety training programs.

HCA Virginia said in a statement they are "shocked and saddened" by Strotman's arrest, and are focused on providing care to their patients and supporting employees.

"For more than 30 years, the NICU at Henrico Doctors Hospital NICU has provided necessary and life-saving care to babies in central Virginia and we remain focused on ensuring the availability of that care in our community," said Laura Petrosky, HCA Virginia's assistant vice president of strategic communications.

Police also said they are "re-examining the 2023 and 2024 cases as part of this broader investigation."

"We appreciate the families' and public's patience as we work as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible to investigate every piece of evidence in connection to these cases," Henrico Chief Eric D. English said in a statement.




House speaker elections on Friday are less about Mike Johnson and more about Donald Trump.

Johnsons frantic fight to hold onto his job was still a cliffhanger heading into a fateful day for Republicans.

But the president-elect has even more on the line  nothing less than his push for a fast start to his second presidency and promise to deliver massive change. If Trump fails to lift Johnson over the line, he will sow new doubts about his capacity to effectively lead the GOP trifecta of power in the House, Senate and White House.

The convening of the 119th Congress, therefore, represents the first day of Washingtons new Trump era with Republicans aiming to produce tangible results as soon as he steps back into the Oval Office on January 20.

Trump offered an unequivocal endorsement of Johnson in a Friday morning telephone interview with CNNs Kristen Holmes, implying that a failure to return him as speaker would be an affront to his own 2024 general election victory.

I think the speaker will do very well. Hes a fine man. Hes a very fine individual, hes religious, hes smart, hes strong. Everybody likes him. Everybody respects him, Trump said, while confirming CNNs reporting that hed been in touch with Republican holdouts, including Texas Rep. Chip Roy.

Im just saying, Look, we had the greatest presidential election. We won the popular vote by millions of votes  we had a great election, and it would be nice to cement the election with an election here. I mean, that would just be a big, beautiful exclamation point.

The nations new leaders plan sweeping overhauls of immigration policy and big tax cuts using complex maneuvers required to overcome Democratic filibusters in the Senate. Such moves will demand unity and political dexterity for which the House GOP is hardly renowned.

But before they can do anything, House Republicans must elect a speaker, an often routine task that is deeply perilous for Johnson because of the tiny majority that means he can lose only one vote in his fractious party if every lawmaker turns up.

The Louisiana Republican is leaning hard into the idea that the GOP could be about to squander a golden opportunity.

I genuinely believe  we could be the most consequential Congress of the modern era, because I believe President Trump will be the most consequential president, he told Fox Business on Thursday. We have to fix everything, and that has to begin on day one, so we dont have any time to waste.

New York Rep. Mike Lawler, likely one of the most vulnerable GOP members in the 2026 midterms, warned of the risks of a drawn-out vote. From my vantage point, that would be the height of stupidity to get into a protracted speaker battle, he told CNNs Kaitlan Collins last week.

President-elect Donald Trump speaks at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix on December 22. - Cheney Orr/Reuters/File

Trump needs a quick win

Even the endorsement from Trump, who has crushed most Republican resistance to his MAGA movement, cannot guarantee that Johnson will triumph as unified conservative rule takes hold. The president-elect has an extra incentive to secure Johnsons speakership after experiencing the limits of his power before Christmas when Republican defections in the House scuppered his demands to raise the debt ceiling.

Any repeat of the farce of two years ago, when Speaker Kevin McCarthy won after 15 rounds of voting, would be a debacle for Trump and show how his ambitions could plunge through a legislative trap door at any moment. It would also augur poorly for the tortuous process of uniting the governing party behind a budget, for the tough compromises needed in any tax reform bill, and for the president-elects hopes of quickly getting a massive boost in funding for his promised mass deportation plans and securing the southern border.

In a sign of the importance of the speaker vote, Trump has agreed to call potential holdouts, CNNs Kristen Holmes and Alayna Treene reported.

When asked by CNN Friday morning specifically about his conversations with GOP holdouts, Trump said he thought Roy will do whats right for the country. Trump added that theres no one else he is eyeing for speaker at this time should it not work out for Johnson.

If Republicans cant select a speaker by Monday, they wont even be able to initiate the congressional process to certify Trumps election victory  a spectacle that would be sure to infuriate and embarrass the president-elect. The certification comes on the fourth anniversary of his mob smashing its way into the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, and trying to overturn President Joe Bidens legitimate election win.

Republicans believe Trump has a mandate after sweeping all seven swing states and a plurality of the popular vote in November to gut a Washington establishment many voters believe ignored their problems. But before they can tear government down and slash its budget, Republicans have to prove they can govern with sufficient skill to enact their transformation.

This is no small task given the splits in the House GOP conference and the fact that a majority of one is hardly a functioning majority. And time is short. New presidents have limited time to enact their program with midterm elections always looming. The GOPs shaky unity and tough fights to come make Trumps window even smaller.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson walks to the House Chamber from his office at the US Capitol on December 20. - Kent Nishimura/Getty Images/File

Why some members dont like Johnson

Johnson, however, may not have the votes despite his bullish predictions on Thursday that hed surge to victory in a single round of voting.

Some members fault the Louisiana Republican for passing bills, including a multi-billion-dollar aid package for Ukraine, last year with Democratic help  although his options were severely limited considering Republicans did not control the Senate or the White House. Others doubt his acumen as speaker and wonder, after a year-end kerfuffle over a stop-gap spending bill that was torpedoed by Trump and Elon Musk, whether he has the skill to pilot the president-elects agenda.

Already, one lawmaker is pledged not to vote for Johnson, who emerged as a late compromise candidate when he won the speakership in October 2023 after a bruising search for a leader after McCarthys ouster.

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie told CNNs Manu Raju last month that nothing could sway him since theres nothing I want in exchange for my vote. Another frequent Johnson critic, Rep. Tim Burchett, said Thursday that hed think and pray on his decision overnight. The Tennessee Republican did allow that Trumps endorsement of Johnson was a factor. He also acknowledged that Johnson had engaged him on his call for a commitment to a return to single-issue spending bills. Thats new to me, Burchett told CNNs Lauren Fox in a phone call.

Massie and Burchett are examples of lawmakers who, either because of their own stands on principles or conservative records that resonate in their districts, may be immune from primary threats prompted by Trump or Musk.

In a normal governing situation  in a party with a workable majority  such lawmakers would probably be given a pass to oppose Johnson. But the minuscule House majority means that such fixes are beyond the reach of party leaders.

Johnson spent Thursday shuttling between meetings with lawmakers and the studios of conservative media outlets as he tried to shore up his position. He held talks with a group of GOP holdouts including Roy, Ralph Norman, Andy Harris, Andy Ogles, Michael Cloud and Eli Crane.

Norman emerged from the meeting saying, Mike is listening, he is a good listener, or he wouldnt be there for the last hour. The South Carolina Republican added that people trust Mike Johnson  a nod to the bitter tensions that boiled between McCarthy and some of his enemies in the party, including his chief antagonist, former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Johnson told reporters after the meetings that people are talking through process changes. But therein lies a possible trap. One reason why McCarthy was such a weak speaker was that he made so many concessions to hard-liners that he curtailed his own power and long-term prospects.

Still, several factors play in Johnsons favor and may help him squeeze through.

 News of Trumps willingness to cajole holdouts could be significant. It would be a brave lawmaker who defies a powerful new president who commands the base as Trump does. The prospect of obstructing a new era of conservative governance and risking the exposure to a right-wing media onslaught might also change some minds.

 Political dynamics have changed dramatically. When Republicans dueled over the speakership in bitter infighting in the last session of Congress, Democrats controlled the Senate and the White House so there was little prospect of them advancing significant legislation in any case. Now there is much more to lose.

 And the paucity of obvious alternatives who could unite the House Republican conference may mean that Johnson, who rose to power from obscurity on the backbenches, may prevail by default.

After all, if not Johnson, then who?

This story has been updated with additional developments.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Police have confirmed a woman has been arrested amid the ongoing investigation into multiple babies suffering "unexplainable fractures" in 2023 and 2024 at the Henrico Doctors Hospital in Virginia

Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, of Chesterfield County, has been named as a suspect in the case, relating to an incident that occurred in November of last year

Strotman is facing charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse, police said in a news release obtained by PEOPLE

Police have made an arrest after a Virginia hospital opened an investigation into multiple babies who suffered "unexplainable fractures" in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Henrico Doctors Hospital announced in a Dec. 24, 2024 news release that it would not be "admitting any additional babies into our NICU at this time" after three babies were found with the fractures in late November/December.

The injuries were "similar to an incident involving four babies in the summer of 2023," per the release.

On Friday, Jan. 3, Henrico County Police confirmed in a news release obtained by PEOPLE that Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, of Chesterfield County, had been named as a suspect in the case.

"Ms. Strotman faces charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse in connection to an incident that occurred in November 2024," police said, per the release.

The investigation continued to note that police are "reviewing dozens of videos from inside the NICU. As previously mentioned, detectives are re-examining the 2023 and 2024 cases as part of this broader investigation."

We appreciate the families and publics patience as we work as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible to investigate every piece of evidence in connection to these cases, Henrico Chief of Police, Eric D. English, said, per the release.

Google Maps A photo of Henrico Doctors' Hospital

I would also like to acknowledge the unwavering efforts of our detectives who continue to comb through hundreds of hours of footage and extend my sincere gratitude to Henricos Child Protective Services (Department of Social Services), the Henrico County Commonwealth Attorneys Office, Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Health and the Office of the Attorney General for their assistance in this matter, the officer added.

Henrico County Sheriff's Office Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman

HCA Virginia confirmed in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that the suspect arrested in connection with the investigation was a former employee of the hospital.

"We are both shocked and saddened by this development in the investigation and are focused on continuing to care for our patients and providing support to our colleagues who have been deeply and personally impacted by this investigation," the statement read.

"We are grateful to those colleagues, who have dedicated their professional lives to the care and safety of our patients, as well as to law enforcement and the other agencies who have worked aggressively and tirelessly with us on this investigation," it added.

HCA Virginia concluded, "For more than 30 years, the NICU at Henrico Doctors' Hospital has provided necessary and life-saving care to babies in central Virginia and we remain focused on ensuring the availability of that care in our community."

The hospital elaborated on the more recent fractures in a December news release, saying, "We initiated a thorough internal investigation, informed the families and notified the proper authorities and regulatory agencies and worked collaboratively with them on their investigations."

"While fractures occasionally happen with pre-term babies since they lack full fetal bone development, we are actively working to determine how these fractures occurred," the release stated.

The hospital insisted it had "taken immediate steps to enhance safety measures" in the NICU, including safety training programs, additional head-to-toe examinations of each NICU baby, installing new security systems, live-streaming technology and more.

"The safety of our NICU babies is our highest priority and we are actively working to pursue additional precautions to prevent any future incidents," the hospital said in the release.

Nenov/Getty A stock photo of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

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.

Noah Hackey was among the babies to suffer an injury in 2023, with his parents, Tori and Dominique, discovering he had a fractured tibia while in the hospital's NICU in September of that year.

The couple received a letter from Henricos Department of Social Services, which stated that "following a [thorough] CPS investigation this agency has determined the disposition of this report to be founded level 1 for physical abuse of Noah by an employee by the Henrico Doctors Hospital NICU," per local CBS-affiliated station WTVR.

However, the employee wasn't identified at the time.

Noahs father, Dominique, told the outlet, We are anxiously waiting to hear that they were able to find the person liable for this."



Read the original article on People